Saving Those Precious to Us or Where the Heck Is That Third Key?

The last obstacle in the maze looms before the small and weary group. A huge rock pile blocks the path to the light shimmering above and beyond. Sounds of Bone Riders accelerating on the other side is loud enough to shake the loose rocks down.

"Here they come!" Kelian yells, readying his automatic crossbow, but Tanaka is nowhere to be seen.

Larianne pulls her bike to one side, and assembles a small stack of throwing knives from her pack and Grumpus stands alert on the seat of Tanaka's bike.

Over the pile stream the Riders, right into Kelian's quick repeating fire, which downs a number of them. However, more are sliding down already dead, the vehicles wildly careening into others descending.

From a ledge far above, Tanaka has vaulted onto the top of the pile, his twin swords moving almost faster than the eye can see. He whirls through the center of the Riders in a deadly windstorm. Kelian lets out a whoop and sends a reload of missles to pick off the ones coming through.

Larianne actually manages to send a Rider or two flying with blades tossed into the wheels. "I can't hit them yet, Grumpkins, but I can cripple a few bikes."

Grumpus nods grimly and waits for his own opening. It seems the battle is now going in their favor, as the Riders are down to few. However, what Larianne doesn't see is that one of the Riders has managed to make it past her and is charging toward her with sword raised.

"Lari, get down!" cries a frantic voice, and then Tanaka floats over and across two ledges to land on top of her, smash her flat, and leave himself open to the blow instead.

Knowing he has no time to strike out, he waits for the blow, but instead hears a gurgle and a curse from the opponent. The Rider staggers back, slices from fans across his face. Tanaka rolls up and impales the Rider with his sword.

As the body falls, Grumpus bows to Tanaka. "Thank you, Sensei."

Tanaka laughs. "No, thank you. You have true claws, little friend." Then he reaches out and pulls Larianne up. "Okay, Girlie, that's twice now."

Kelian takes out the last three Riders, and it's over. He runs over to make sure Larianne is all right, pulling her into a tight hug. She is still shaken, unsure of all that has happened, and more than a little confused.

All around, the maze is quiet. Then there is a soft rumbling, as if the spirit of the previously inert walls are crumbling, and the rocks slide down and away to reveal a passage inward to a shining portal of rosy light. They venture in in silence.

They reach a lovely clearing, with enough vegetation to make it a pleasant place to rest. Kelian takes a small horn from inside his coat pocket and blows. The portal begins pulsing.

He then begins to weave a wreath of branch and petal for Larianne.

"Color shades are off some," scoffs Grumpus.

"It's beautiful though," Larianne says, stripping off her torn jacket and placing the wreath on her hair. "Thank you, Kelian, and thank you too, Tanaka."

Kelian bows, but Tanaka just winks at her. He pulls the ring from his pack and hands it back to Kelian. "I believe this belongs to you."

Kelian takes it and nods slowly. "I thought I might not survive checking out this place, so I gave it to Sunny for safekeeping. If anything seemed suspicious, I told her to pass it on to you. She's always seen us on patrols when she was hidden and watching. I never thought it would cost her her life. Sunny was a valiant Sentinel. I plan to honor her by finding her killer."

"I'm with you on that," Tanaka agrees. "We'll make it right, I promise...Caniel."

"You're Caniel?" Larianne gasps.

"I am," Kelian explains. "I used the idea of becoming a rock star as a cover. I had some news from a spy in the Unseelie realm, and I wanted to find the truth, no matter what it cost. I really didn't have an idea how much the Unseelie would exploit my leaving, but, when I saw the light in the center of the Elder's maze, I knew we had to get through to it. It would take everyone, including all these brave adventurers, to do it."

Larianne stares at the light, which is now transforming into an open portal. Strains of music come from within, and then a figure steps out warily and sits gingerly on a nearby rock, eying his surroundings with suspicion, but also with relief.

Kelian rushes forward, and bows deeply. The figure rises and studies the other man's face, then touches Kelian's cheek in awed recognition. Both men hug each other tightly, tears streaming down both their faces.

Kelian turns back to his companions. "Allow me to introduce my older brother, his Highness Delgar, Crown Prince of the Seelie."

In the Gearloose Goose, the others are pacing restlessly.

"It's so hard just waiting," Jack laments.

"I could get my puzzle book," Ertrude suggests.

"We're good for our own puzzles," Thorson says. "For example:

"I've got a good one, too," exclaims Morrow. "Is very tricky, Goblin style, but still suitable for Reformed."

"You two riddlers are pikers," laughs Hayao. "How about this one?"

"Okay," says Winton, still pacing, but we need something hands-on as well as just thinking. Honey, go get the book."

"Don't bother," Ms. Miranda smiles, whipping out a huge piece of paper and unrolling it onto the table. "I've got a fun activity right here:"

"This'll probably hold us for a little while added to the riddles," she adds as she passes out blank paper and pencils.

Lucien and Izzy appear at the swinging doors, smiling widely. "You have more to do than that, mes amis," he laughs. "Our friends have cleared the maze, and all is well. But we also saw a strange occurrence on our fly-over."

"Someone came out of the portal in the center of the maze," Izzy breaks in. "And unless we miss our guess, it's got to be that missing Seelie heir, Delgar! So we need proper gifts to welcome him!"

(OOC: This is a lot of puzzles, but relaxing and fun ones, plus a gift of the imagination. Prepare a "You're Not Dead, Welcome Back" gift for Delgar with seven (7) Subetan items that you think would be most appropriate. Give the reasons why you chose those items, and possibly even a theme/statement for your package. :D This gift PLUS all the puzzles is due by July 21st at 11:59 Subeta time. Kick back and enjoy these challenges. <3)

Once the adventurers arrive and a great fuss is made over new discoveries, the new Seelie Prince, and plans for the future, life goes on. Ertrude and all the other healers patch wounds while Winton and Morrow serve a quick meal.

Tomorrow, word will be sent to the Seelie Court, and all will celebrate Delgar's return, but tonight, everyone needs rest. Unharmed except for a few scrapes but tired to the bone, a small tomcat gives his sensei a final headbump and makes his way up to the chamber where Vibrissa is quietly sleeping. To his surprise, she is being guarded by one of the Feline Spirits, this one garbed in raiment of Renewal.

Grumpus bows again, and realizes it hurts a bit to move. Gently the Spirit raises him and soothes his sore muscles.

"You were brave today, Prince Consort," she says smiling, "and your loved one is healing and renewing even now. Rest near her, and do not fear."

She places Grumpus onto the wide bed near his mate. He curls in against her in protective mode, and drifts toward slumber. Later, he is not sure if he dreamed it or if it happened, but he feels Vibrissa purr, and her dear rough tongue flicks out to wash his scraped ear.

"Grumpkins, my hero," she croons softly, as the Feline Spirit sings both cats a healing lullaby.

:

There was no way we were going to do this seriously after such a horrific battle. Jocularity is a must in this situation.

Quietly passes by in the hall hearing the loud purring even from there before moving along while smiling and going to post the information in the usual places

1: Dead Beats: From the Grave

The hot new zombie band, Dead Beats, and their new single: From the Grave! (the gift of humour. One he's not dead and two he used the rock band theme himself, so it adds to the joke)

2: Shinwas Health Potion (Die's personal contribution, what better gift from an alchemist than a potion to help insure Delgar's continued health)

3: Purple Hand Knit Sweater (Purple for royality, Paddy's personal contribution, her best knitted sweater)

4: Enchanted Elven Bow Your aim will always be perfect when shooting with this bow! (Raven's personal gift, a weapon and means of survival--extremely important things to Raven)

5: Dragon Eye Mage Staff

No matter how far you journey, he will always be by your side. The bond you created when you took him away will never bend, never break. All the friends who come and go, all of the adventures you have, he's right there with you. (Reaper's personal gift: A gift of a staff, for a mage's powers are amplified from them.)

6: Blueberry Sparkling Celebration Champagne Flute (because we want to toast his health and celebrate his return)

7: Delightful Seven Layer Cookie

Three layers of almond cookie, two layers of apricot preserves, and two layers of chocolate to hold all that flavor together. (seven is long known to have magical powers, what better way to finish of the basket with the 7th item being a seven layer cake. Food to fill bellies and round off the celebration)

[spoiler=To prepare gifts for the King] Verrek returned with the others to the Gearloose Goose. Wounds were mended, bruises were tended, and bikes repaired outside.

The shade was relieved to hear that SilentOne had suffered no harm from his run-in with the maze's enchanted ceiling. He had obviously been well enough to sneak out of Verreks bag and fly off to judge the race!

Verrek sat in his favorite corner winding a knotted brown cord about the call stone shard. He planned to make it into a pendant so it'll be easier to use and keep track of. As he worked he listened in on the conversations around him.

Everyone was busy chatting about Delgar. The Seelic heir to the throne, alive! Verrek was more interested in the fact that Kelian had been Caniel all along!

Now there was talk of putting together a gift package of sorts for the rescued Seelic heir. Verrek nodded, it was a good idea. Poor chap, lost to an enchanted maze with bone riders hunting you. Had to have been a rough time!

The shade looked sidelong to his team. What would they decide? It looked like they were busy discussing the fact that Kir had stayed behind from the mission in the maze...

Myra sighed. She missed Kir. They had shared a bond since they headed out for kidnapping some clothes for the Elven reception back then. She hoped she would see her again, perhaps together with Aldora and her sweet koala dragon. However, deep in her heart, she knew the girls were all right, only busy. Now to cope with the new situation, Myra thought. It was wonderful Delgar was alive and united with his brother Kelian again! Kelian, who had given us the run around, the alchemist thought chuckling. Shouldn´t there be some kind of celebration for this? Some feasting, music, singing and dancing? And the gift package, naturally. The presents had to be chosen with care, though, to show their happiness, trust, hope and devotion. What could she give the Elven prince? Certainly some kind of powerful healing elixir. Elven had a lot of magic themselves yet there was a battle waiting at their doorstep, that was for sure, and probably another fierce one. Elven could receive an injury, too, perhaps they don´t die at the spot yet suffer, they would do also. I could use one of Shimmershadow´s tears for this, Myra thought, mix it with some powerful herbs. And I think I have a beautiful vial somewhere among my things......

Krios saw Verrek sitting in a corner, working with his piece of call stone. He was tired of all the talk about Delgar. The prince, the savior, the long-lost brother, the heir to the throne. Blah blah blah. Good that they had freed him yet would he be an asset in the next battle, too? We´ll see, Krios thought. According to popular belief, Delgar was described as a mighty warrior. Hopefully, he´ll live up to this expectations! The young mage sat down beside Verrek and jogged his elbow. "What do you think of our prince here, my friend?" he asked the shade inquiringly.

Verrek gave Krios a smile in greeting then leaned forward to put his elbows on his knees while he pondered the question.

"Hard to say, I don't know much about the Seelic culture, all the Seelies living in the colonies of the far border regions from whence I hail didn't travel so far because they wanted to keep to the traditions of their people. News from these territories is rare anyway, so I can't say much for how Delgar's return will affect the politics of these lands."

The shade leaned back to sprawl in his chair, allowing his body to relax it's aching muscles.

"I will say this though; Having Delgar here only gives the Unseelie all the more reason to redouble their efforts to attack."

Visions of war and battle swirled through the shade's mind, and like rising black waters deeper memories of the horrors of the realm of souls began to seep through. Verrek quickly shut his mind to such thoughts, his body shook it's head in reaction.

"Ah, but these are things we cannot help until they come to pass. So tell me Krios, what is all this talk of a gift package?"

I don´t know what to make of this, Dude!" Krios answered. "It´s boring women talk. Gifting is women work, cut and dried! Keeping the social standards up is their duty, history told us that!" the mage said, scowling a little bit at it.

Myra had approached the two of them, listening to Krios last statement and rolling her eyes. "It´s only sensible and friendly to put together a welcome gift package! Think about how long the old chap, ahem his highness, was all alone in the maze, not knowing if and when he would be freed! We should show him how relieved we are that he is back and welcome him into our midst! I thought about mixing a potent healing elixir for Delgar. What items have you boys in mind?" the alchemist asked serenely. "And what about our other friends, we really should decide on this together!" And with a wave, she beckoned Valera, Lilith, Elia and Matthew over to the trio in the corner.

The shade wasn't given a chance to react to the fact that Krios had just said the word 'Dude' because Myra had caught sight of the two men and came over. The alchemist then proceeded to call all of the Chimeriad over to Verrek's favorite shadowy corner.

"Alas," thought Verrek dejectedly.

"T'was a good sanctuary while it lasted- hey!" He called out mentally as SilentOne took flight from the corner at the sight of the approaching Chimeriad. It was indeed getting too crowded here.

"You cowardly carrion, abandoning me in my peril, I hope your feathers fall out."

Verrek let none of his thoughts show through his mortal shell as he rose to greet his new companions.

"Well if gift giving is what we must do then let them be gifts as to never be forgotten!"

His outward cheer a complete opposite to his secret exhaustion. Verrek always found it curious that when he used his puppet body to keep up the spirits of those around him often his own spirit would be lifted as well.

What else was new, Valera was drinking. One would think she would have needed a new liver by now but the alcohol didn't seem to phase her one bit, must be something to do with her being a viera. Feng followed his master closely as she joined the others in case she had indeed had to much to drink.

"I have n' idea! Why not get ye young lad a giant cask of the finest whiskey?!" Valera held up a small metal flask filled with whiskey, she seemed quite fond of the notion. The scent of alcohol from her breath was extremely strong. The group looked at her and sighed while shaking their heads. "Fine then, HA! I'll keep it all t'myself then!" Down the hatch it went.

Valera turned to Verrek with a big drunken smug grin on her face, "So when are ye going to pay up for losing yer bet?" Glancing over at Feng then back at Verrek she smiled some more and started to laugh. "I'd hate to have to feed ya t'Feng!"

Unfazed by Valera's tipsiness, Verrek smiled at her antics. When she brought up their bet he reached for his belt but paused when he thought he saw something behind the Valera's eyes while she looked at Feng.

The brow of Verrek's mortal shell furrowed for a split second. He quickly wiped all expression from his face as he reexamined the lantern on the beast's neck for a clue as to the viera's gaze.

The magic aura of the device was just as repellant as before, whisping tendrils calling him back to the realm of souls that had been his prison for millennia. He forced himself to put aside his repulsion and look for a pattern. The shade noticed one tendril that did not move.

Valera was laughing now about feeding him to Feng, a corner of Verrek's mind wondered if she knew how that would be a fate worse than death for him.

The shade followed the tendril until to his amazement it connected with the viera's own soul. She was bound to that wicked lantern! The shade recoiled back into himself. His body blinked.

"Ha, no need for drastic measures there, Val. I don't make a bet lest I already have enough to pay in the event of a loss. Here." He unfastened his belt and opened the inner lining to reveal his stash, double what he owed the viera. Verrek pulled the money from the belt's lining and handed what he owed to Val. Verrek noticed the looks from the others. "What?" He asked, re-buckling his belt. "As a pickpocket myself I know how to keep my money safe."

Verrek was careful not to look at Valera, he wondered if she had noticed his examination of the lantern.

Valera's eyes grew wide as Verrek paid up for losing the bet and race. She opened her jacket and put it away in a coin purse hidden within the lining.

"HAHA! PERFECT! Withis I cans drink all night!" Valera took a big swig from a freshly filled tankard of ale and raised the glass, it also seemed as if her words were starting to slurr together.

Valera may not have noticed Verrek eyeing up Feng's lantern, but the giant stone beast sure seemed to notice. As the pirate danced around with her drink in hand quite carefree and joyous, Feng sat there staring directly at Verrek. There wasn't much expression to the beast ever so it was hard to tell what it was thinking about.

A dark steely voice entered Verrek's mind, "I hunger... IT hungers..."

Valera suddenly crashed into Feng and ended up pouring half her stein of ale on him. The voice dissipated from Verrek's mind as Feng turned his attention to Valera and growled from being covered in ale. This was the first time ever someone other than Valera heard the creature's voice. "Haha sorry Feng! Ok! Ok! I just maaaaaaaaaay have had a weeeeeee bit too much. Can't blame me though y'big lout! Well... Maybe ye can. AH WELL!" Valera laughed on as she got on Feng's back. "Maybe it's best ye be m'legs fer now. I'm sure ye don't mind! Waz that? Hungry? Right now?" A one way conversation had started between her and Feng as the beast started to make its way out of the room with Valera on its back.

Since 'everyone' knew Feng never spoke they just believed that Valera was just having a drunk conversation to herself and was most likely retiring to her room.

"I hunger... IT hungers..."

At the sound of the metallic voice Verrek froze. A report cane to him that all the hair on his body was on end, but the shade was too dumbstruck to do anything about it.

Truth be told the shade had a bit of a cowardly streak to him. This came from the fact that he observed the world through a body, much like someone playing a holo-vid-game. However, when caught by surprise the shade would often backpedal or flee until he could see the whole of the situation and find a way to deal with it.

As it was, Verrek's whole being, shade and body alike, were now steeled to flee. He turned his head slowly toward the direction the mental voice had originated. His eyes met those of the stone beast, Feng.

Their eye contact was broken when Valera crashed into the beast and spilled ale all over it.

Verrek's body swayed a bit where he stood as within, the shade shuddered in relief. Thankfully the others were too distracted by the pirate and the Stone beast to notice Verrek's moment of weakness.

SilentOne glided down from the rafters and alighted on the Shade's shoulder like a shadow. Verrek unconsciously stroked the side of the bird's head with a long finger. The crow let it's pleasure waft through their telepathic connection, and Verrek felt himself calm.

He blinked, and brought himself back.

"Ahem, right. So Gift ideas then?"

Feng brought Valera back to her room where she proceeded to go through her things. Feng's voice never stopped repeating itself in her mind. "ALL RIGHT FENG! I HEAR YOU! YES YOU'RE HUNGRY! Give me a darn minute... While you're at it git out o'me head!"

She pulled out the book she received from Feng much earlier from her belongings and sighed dejectedly. Looking up at the beast from the pages of the book she questioned him, "How can ye be so hungry when there were so many things dying in the maze, did you not gather those to eat as we went?"

The lantern around his neck flickered as the giant stone beast lifted its paw and turned the pages in her book uncovering a new section.Scratching her head, the viera read on.

"Well I guess we better git going then..."

Grabbing a few things she got back atop Feng due to her legs still being a bit wobbly. "Pass by the others on our way out, have a thing or two t'give em for ideas."

With a low grunt from Feng he started a quick stride back towards the other members. On her way past the room where the remainder of The Chimeriad were still going over ideas, Valera threw 2 books at them. The books barely missed Elia's head as she nimbly dodged the books and went on to hit Krios. The pirates' voice could be heard trailing off as Feng continued to run down the hall, "Go ahead n' use those books fer a gift! Haha!" Followed by a brief "I'll be back sooooooooon!"

Looking down at the books that were now at Krios' feet, they were definitely something fitting coming from Valera:

[item=Drunk and Drunker: An Alcohol Safety Guide]

Krios shook his head. What a strange creature this Viera was! Yet charming, somehow, that has to be said! He looked around and riveted on Myra who beckoned to him.

"Krios, are you going to help me with the potion enchantment?" Myra asked, fiddling with her long silvery hair. The young maiden shifted from one foot to another, simultaneously wiping off the dust from her robe. Shimmershadow tossed his mane and nudged her hand for reassurance.

"Sure thing, yet why are you that nervous, segotia?" Krios inquired, looking bored. "We have done this before quite splendid, if I may say so. No great deal for an inspired mage like me and regarding your work - okay, you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear yet you have done nice work lately, too!" he praised and kicked some pebbles on the ground to an exasperated outcry from Myra.

The extravagance! Krios deliberated. Back then in my world, I was a spoiled and highly esteemed personage, too, the young mage mused. All the humdrum rituals to implement, the bland courtly encounters, the social restraints and superficialities. He was so fed up with all that nonsense! Because of all the flummadiddle, he left in the first place. Later, he found that this flouting means he finally got space to outgrow himself and so everything went well in the end. Perhaps Delgar felt the same? What did His Highness really think about all that fuss and hero worship? Maybe they were kindred spirits!

With newfound energy, Krios spread a wide grin and swished his cloak. "Sunshine! Let´s make something very special for this homeboy! Something which is really useful and not another piece of jewelry or clothing he already has a kistful of back home!". With that, Rhea and Kronos began to chirp in chime, a sound never heard before. Were they... kind of happy?

Myra was hooked immediately. She knew Krios didn´t understand how she felt, having to met so many new beings in such a short time and now also such an important king-to-be. The alchemist had no problems with animals and dealt with all kind of situations concerning them quiet easily, yet dealing with so many new people was a whole new ball game. Myra knew she looked always relaxed and it was said she had a soothing effect on all kind of patients even humans, elves and dwarves yet inside, she wasn´t that composed all the time.

Carpe diem, she thought, step by step, I´ll find my own way in my own time. Now, however, up to taking the opportunity! Whenever Krios was on fire, he had brilliant ideas - which needed kind of guiding sometimes, yet be that as it may! She dropped her musings and began to swap ideas with Krios for a potent healing potion, perhaps hidden in some kind of secret receptacle nobody would expect an important remedy in. Since she had thought about it a lot, the potion was made quickly and covertly. The most potent ingredient was a tear from Shimmershadow which was mixed ana partes aequales with moon-kissed water. In there also went precious grounded white Moonstone and Rainbow Jasper and an ounce of rare turquoise Larimar. Moonstone was the stone of Selene, the moon goddess, and as ancient as the moon itself, moonstone held a lot of healing power and provided psychic protection. The Jaspe

Back in the reassuring familiarity of the Wayward Squirrel the Fallen Angels gathered around their usual table. Mulling over the last puzzle they had been challenged to figure out, Laurie absent mindedly gnawed on the end of her trusty No.2 and pointing at the rebus said "This one's domino but if we change DOM to DEL do you think we could get some answers about the portal out there?" "No kidding," Jeice replied, pointing to another picture she said "That one's broken promise. Even though we suspected Prince Delgar wasn't dead and Kelian could be Caniel, that re-appearing act was impressive." "True said from the very beginning he was too pretty to be human," Calie said as she pointed at the puzzle, "and that's cry-in-shame, crying shame." Talli chimed in saying, "If we hadn't just been in the fight of our lives I would call the whole thing 'too funny for words'." and pointed to the picture she was answering. The others giggled. Webby's eyes lit up as she figured out another answer and while pointing to the image said "Hole in one, and you got that right, Jeice, but.. now what do we do?"

"Go for it." The five of them stared at Atrueheart in shock as she returned to the table with a fresh round of coffees and teas for everyone. Atrueheart smirked and pointed to the rebus. "That one is go for it." Her smirk caused a giggle that caused laughing that spread through the entire group. Pulling themselves together, their hearts feeling the relief a good laugh brings they finished the rebus so they could get down to the real puzzle at hand. What do you give a back from the dead Crown Prince of the Seelie, a realm and royal you literally know nothing about?

While suggestions ranging from cookies and cake to a mythril plated tie clip with matching cuff links echoed around her it soon became obvious to Atrueheart that this was not going to be as easy as she'd hoped. The only thing her team could agree on was a fruit basket. Catching the attention of her lost in thought warrior she motioned for Laurie to join her as she drifted a little further from the rest of the group. "Do you have anything in your closet library that can help narrow things down Laurie? Anything at all?" As her mind raced through everything she had upstairs Laurie shook her head. "The things we know about the Seelie Court we learned together. We are six unique Angels that form one amazing team. Something I think is perfect Webby would be bored to tears with, Jeice would try using as fire tinder, Talli and Calie would understand but consider a little irrelevant and you would already know." Atrueheart gave Laurie an odd look, "Say that again." "Um... what I think is...” "No, before that" she quipped, cutting Laurie off mid-sentence. "We're six different people?"

"Yes, that! THATS IT!" Atrueheart exclaimed. The others stopped arguing and looked in her direction, surprised to see Laurie with a questioning look on her face and True beaming triumphantly. "The Fallen Angels. Six unique individuals that form one amazing team. Anyone care to take a guess at what six plus one equals?" Webby started to speak but was cut off mid-breath by Jeice proclaiming "The perfect gift, that's what it equals!" "Precisely." Atrueheart replied. "Time to start at the beginning Angels. The Faerie Glider slated to deliver our package isn't leaving until morning. Plenty of time for y'all to find what you think is a gift fit for a prince. We'll meet back in my suite in .. lets say two hours." With renewed excitement in their voices the Fallen Angels eagerly agreed and vanished to their quarters in search of their perfect gift.

[spoiler=The Fallen Angels with gifts fit for a (future) king]

Atrueheart quickly located Jayne, her male dress form and put it together beside her desk. After placing a wig atop it's head she couldn't help but laugh. I suppose for modesty's sake some trousers are in order she mused, and dug out a pair of rreign trainers.

Before searching her closet she fished a tiny key out from a place we wont mention. Taking a lock box from the back of the closet and unlocking it, she became misty-eyed as she removed it's contents - a package wrapped in wafer-thin rice paper slightly yellow with age. Her fingers deftly unfolding the brittle wrappings she murmured softly, "You're as breath-taking now as the day you were placed in my care", and waited for her team to arrive.

The Fallen Angels gathered in Atruehearts suite, each holding a fetching gift box. "Who wants to go first?" Atrueheart asked. "I nominate you," Calie said with a smile. "You knew exactly what you're giving him, and I would love to see what item in all of your travels is behind such a quick decision." As the others chimed in Atrueheart laughed and said "Looks like I'll start then!"

Her team watching closely True reminded them once more it was ok to look but don't touch before placing a Golden Feathered Cloak Piece on the dress form. In a fluid like motion the delicate fabric cascaded downward, slowly unfurling as if it were swaying in a warm summer breeze, the tiny bits of gold woven throughout its exquisite design capturing rays of the sun and reflecting them all around the room in soft glimmering streaks creating the illusion of tiny sprites dancing across the ceiling and down the wall.

Webby swooned. Laurie, Talli and Calie stared in amazement and Jeice gave a low whistle. Speaking in a reverent tone, Atrueheart's words broke the silence, her tale unfolding as gracefully as the shimmering cloak. "This is called a Golden Feathered Cloak Piece. It's made from the finest silk in all of Saherimos, soft marabou puffs shaped into it's feathery collar and a secret measure of pure gold said to be able to capture the strength of the sun. The threads are woven by the hands of two weavers chosen by the most noble men in the village."

Atrueheart took a moment to drink in the otherworldly display before continuing:

"Each cloak is unique. No one knows what it will look like until the gold is completely absorbed by the threads as the weavers create designs only they can see. The most intriguing part of such a splendid piece comes once it is completed. No one, not even the weavers who created it know what it looks like because when the gold is gone, it's wrapped in a rice paper where it remains until someone is deemed worthy of such an exquisite creation."

"There's no way to know for certain if this was meant to be gifted to Prince Delgar. When it was shown to me the words to describe it's creation without revealing how it was created were all that was said. When presented to me it was made clear that it was not a gift, it was a delivery to be given to an unknown being in an unknown place at an unknown time." Atrueheart's voice began to fade. "I had given up hope that day would ever come, I have no words that can express how it feels to know it's finally here."

Consumed by curiosity, Laurie wanted a closer look at Atruehearts gift so badly she felt as if she was going to burst. Thinking quickly her hand shot up in the air as she called for a vote. Jeice elbowed her playfully in the ribs "Nice diversion" and raised her hand along with the rest of the Fallen Angels. "If we promise to leave it alone, can it stay on the mannequin while we vote on the rest?" Webby pleaded giving Laurie an idea..

"I'll go next," Laurie volunteered, removing a thick weathered journal from her pack. "HA! I knew it!" Jeice exclaimed, "Pay up Webby!" The room erupted in laughter, Laurie included. "Whatever Jeice!" she replied with a grin, tucking her trusty No.2 behind her ear "At least I can read!" "Touché" Jeice replied with a mock bow and the room fell silent as Laurie stood in front of her friends, her shy demeanor melting away as she began to speak.

"Yes, I chose a book as my gift, shocker I know. Why this particular book? I'll tell you.." Showing the group a few pages she had bookmarked earlier, Laurie continued. "While we can rest assured as future heir to the throne, Prince Delgar's council of advisors will inform and educate him in detail about their beliefs and their ways. Sadly that's where it ends. But what about what lies beyond the realm of Fae? The other worlds, realms and galaxies, some beyond the wildest of imaginations? Why should his knowledge and understanding of the what lies beyond his kingdom be an empty slate? Other worlds exist and my gift will introduce them to his Highness in minute detail."

Laurie handed the journal to Atrueheart for the team to inspect while she elaborated on that statement.

"If 'Knowledge is power' and 'History has a way of repeating itself' are ideals to be taken seriously, and I believe they are, the same can be said about one of my own. A good leader is one who's knowledge and understanding encompass all that surround him but a great leader is one who's knowledge is submerged in understanding that what lies beyond the castle walls is just as important as what lies within."

"Give a great leader a way to expand his knowledge and help him understand these other realms, these other worlds, an archive if you will, containing sketches and detailed information about various customs, beliefs, traditions and legends.. you're giving him the opportunity to explore information and details gathered over lifetimes, to reflect on them, improve on them, perhaps even make them his own."

Realizing she was about two seconds away from full blown book-worm hysteria Laurie's cheeks began to redden.

"My gift to Prince Delgar, the Wildman Photo Album is a journal containing all this and more. Why I believe there's even a chapter dedicated to the adventures of a group of protectors of the Wayward Squirrel," she said with a smile, "To remind his Highness that one such group residing far beyond the Seelie realm were willing to risk it all to help complete strangers and bring the Crown Prince of the Seelie home."

"Wait, there's what?" Webbie asked, "That's not possible, it just happened!" "Oh, it's possible, alright," Laurie replied. "I never said it was a published journal." True laughed and called for a vote, and Laurie, seeing all hands raised took the opportunity to attempt to add another interesting discover to the pages of her back-up copy she kept just in case. She reached for the journal and Atrueheart winked and shook her head. "Nice try, but I'll take care of it." and placed the Wildman Photo Album in its gift box on the table.

A sheepish look crosses her face as Laurie shrugged. "Cant blame a girl for trying," she joked and made herself comfortable next to Talli. "So.. who's next?" "That would be me," Jeice called out, retrieving her gift from it's box behind her and strolling to the front of the group. Intrigued, Jeice had their undivided attention without saying a word.

Twirling the odd looking bow, she smiled as the cloak rippled ever so slightly, it's shimmering reflections dancing across the room. Bewildered by the display, Webby asked "You don't invoke magic, Rangers can't invoke magic, how are you doing that!?"

"It's not me, Webby. It's the bow." A look of shock crossed the faces of every Fallen Angel in the room. Laurie opened her mouth and closed it just as fast. She and Jeice were the best of friends and she knew that whatever Jeice said, no matter how off the wall it seemed, it was the truth.

Jeice flashed a wry grin her direction and began to speak. "A few weeks before I received Laurie's letter, Torchy and I headed into the woods like we always do. I had restrung my bow the day before and was looking forward to testing it's draw. A few hours in to it I felt a tingle graze the back of my neck and I climbed into the trees so I could feel what the forest was trying to tell me." Her brow furrowed, Jeice continued her story. "It didn't say anything. That's never happened before, I am one with the trees, I didn't know what to make of it."

"Making my way back down I noticed antlers at the base of the tree. They weren't there earlier, it wasn't rutting season so I dropped to the ground and there he was, one of the swiftest bucks in the forest. He bowed my direction. I bowed in return and quickly headed for home, antlers and dragon in tow."

Gazing at the bow in her hands, Jeice smiled. "I hate to admit it but I had no idea what to do with the antlers he had left for me. It was Torchy who pushed them on top of each other. Looking back, I don't know how I missed it. They were for a bow. That doesn't happen overnight," Jeice stated matter-of-factly. "The antlers are submerged in coconut milk where they soak for 10 days, every morning and night they're coated in coconut oil for flexibility then you bind them loosely and let them dry in the sun. When they're completely dry they're bound together with sinew for added strength and it's not until then that you can say out loud you've got yourself a bow." With a snort Jeice grinned, "A bow that clearly was not meant for me. I've never used it. Oh I tried a few times but it didn't feel right. It wasn't until we were told we needed to find something worthy of the return of the Prince that I understood what happened that day. My job to craft them into something strong and swift," nodding as the final confirmations came together inside her mind, she continued, handing her bow to True, "your job is to gift it to the man they were intended for all along."

Looking at her fellow team mates she made it official, "My gift to Prince Delgar is the Antlered Bow, handcrafted from the majestic antlers of the swiftest buck in the forest into a gift to he who will wield them with the same air of pride and nobility."

Webby and Calie burst into a round of applause and Talli said with a smile, "Do we even need to vote?" The clapping ceased as everyone's hand shot into the air. "Not really," Atrueheart said, "but we do like to appear diplomatic." Jeice tossed her hair aside with a laugh, eyeing the remaining three Fallen Angels who hadn't had their turn in the middle of the ring and said "Webby you ready?"

Webby looked around at the other gifts and bit her lip. "My turn?" she asked hesitantly, "I'm not sure I can talk as much as you guys can." Suppressing the urge to laugh out loud, Atrueheart nods at her with an encouraging smile. Taking a deep breath Webby pulls a pair of sandals out of her pack. Jeice whistled in admiration and came closer to inspect the sandals. "Nice workmanship there Webby! Sturdy yet elegant." she exclaimed.

"Exactly Jeice! As a Prince of the Seelie Realm, Delgar will be leading the Seelie warriors and will need some sturdy footwear for those long marches!" She proposed. "And because he is a Prince he would also need it to be elegant for as we all know the Seelie are nothing but elegant! Besides... I wanted him to have something pretty to pick up his spirits. Shiny things always lift my spirits!"

Looking around for approval, Webby chewed on her lip nervously. Atrueheart reached over to give Webby a hug of encouragement, whispering "Just make it official hon." "Oh! Right! I almost forgot. My gift to Prince Delgar are Sorcerer Sandals.." hesitating Webby looked pleadingly at True who quickly got her off the hook. "Those are perfect Webby! Leave it to you to make sure that the Prince would be walking around in style!"

Laurie called for a vote and joined the other Fallen Angels as they stepped closer to Webby and murmured their agreement. Luthien picked up a sandal and whispered something over it. "They are truly Sorcerer Sandals now!"

Webby scrambles to get back to her seat and Atruehear

[Quote=Mal]The Prince wasn't quite what Mal expected. He had more of a demure presence but still radiated confidence.

"Your highness, my name is Mal. I'm an aeronaut and ship captain. In my line of work I've had to deal with many stressful situations. I've learned how important it is to stay grounded and find a place for yourself somewhere where you can be calm, alone, and find yourself again."

Mal hands the prince .

"This token is of an anchor. Anchors keep our ships steady and in one place, no matter how hard the ocean or winds pull and tug and try to lead you astray. I hope that one day you find your anchor.. Or maybe you already have. Either way, I hope that when you look at this that you remember that place or person that keeps you anchored, and that you find time to be calm and peaceful no matter how frantic the storms may rage around you." [/quote]

Damn subeta...