The discussion was taking far longer than anyone expected. All the messengers and spies had been summoned to attend, and several of them bought valuable information.

Purrette had indeed arrived in Lapua, and was doing her best to charm the Senators there into releasing access to the Alchemical Labs in order to make the medicines needed to cure the virus on Meowlokai and to vaccinate those who weren't infected.

However, she had hit a snag. Lapua was infamous for social and political intrigues and saying its factions were contentious was a vast understatement. So far, they had been polite to the visiting Kitlet, but had been unable to reach agreement on well, anything.

"We could send a supportive delegation," offered Viriidia, "but each delegate would need an uncanny sense of fashion, and unerring diplomacy, A talent for music wouldn't hurt either, since original songs had the ability to charm some of the recalcitrant 'Toms in charge.' They are a crusty old bunch who think they know everything about everyone."

Despite the panic that had ensued, there was no news of any harm coming to Alitrill. There was also very little knowledge to be had. Corsair was a twist of puzzle and maze, and the Kitlet has vanished into Red Dog's private fortress, There was also the problem of getting in to Corsair itself.

The so-called pirates maintained the highest level of security, so anyone traveling by airship would be spotted a long way away, and the seas were constantly patrolled by pirate ships.

"So," said Vibrissa, "you would need the best puzzle solvers as well as those with a talent for stealth. As tough as that sounds I actually think it's very doable."

"The real problem is sitting on my lap," put in Adaysia, petting Scout gently.

The little dog had been smuggled by a Piazzan maid out of the castle to a trustworthy captain of a trade airship. Chiripine had tucked a note into the medallion on Scout's collar for Adaysia.

"We sent messages like this to each other when we were kids," Daisy explained, displaying the coded scrap of paper. "Chiri's being held by Hissteria, that dreadful gorgon of a cat known simply as Miss Hiss while Hissman secures his future here. Evidently he's aware that Ali won't marry him, and since Chiri is next on line..."

"Gee," put in Barty, "that's just too much hiss for any cat. We need to rescue her as soon as possible. Piazza's on the way to Corsair, and I can slip a small group of warriors in. Remember, I have a Shifting Dragon. and no security is ready for that. But we'd need really capable combatants."

"We have everything we need right here," Grumpus annouced proudly. "Our Protectors can handle all these challenges and have our Kitlets back in no time!"

"Yes, they can!" agreed Vibrissa. "They've done all this and more! They just need to split up and do what each is best at doing, and we'll have all our Kitlets back in no time!"

"Oh, that would be wonderful!" Viridia exclaimed.

Barty smiled at Daisy. "We're on it, then," he said proudly. "Let's tell the heroes!"

(OOC) For these challenges, you will need to split up your teams with different tasks. You may even combine with ONE other team to cover all bases, but, if you combine, you will both share the same score.

Right now, you have on week to decide who's going where and doing what. I would recommend your puzzle aces head for Corsair, your HA fashionistas and diplomats to Lapua, and your battle gurus to Piazza. Naturally, you may plot and plan together with your team(s) for all challenges. Just compose a SHORT role-play where you decide who is going where and post it on this thread.

The chapter OOC post will detail your specific challenges as soon as I know who's going where! Good luck!

Jean listened as the various felines discussed what lay ahead, and then turned to her team. "Well, Sorn, it sounds like you're going to get your wish. The Piazza mission needs fighters, and you've been dying for a fight. I'm going to hit the puzzles in Corsair. Venom, do you want to come with me, or with Sorn?"

Sorn grinned with glee. His body vibrating with happiness. "Aside from the fact that it would give me great pleasure to kill and destroy anything in my path, it goes without saying that I am indeed the most logical choice. I have trained for battle in both melee and magic for nearly all of my 400 some odd years of life. Though, I could go on the diplomatic mission as well. I have plenty of experience with placating those who think they are better than my beautiful self and if for some inconceivable reason, that doesn't work I could simply kill them." His red eyes sparkled with delight at the thought of dispatching the "whiners" as he saw fit. "Yet, I shouldn't take all the fun so I suppose I could let someone else handle the diplomacy and stick with the expressionistic art of dealing death. Ven, what would you wish to do?" He was genuinely curious. Ven was still a little of a mystery to the sorcerer. "I assume Alfred, would perhaps wish to assist Jean or I? I know you are particularly good with puzzles and battle alike." The werewolf had proven himself in the last battle. Though Galena hadn't been idle of late and had undergone Sorn's little mosaicist battle training program and had become much better than her last battle. There was indeed room for improvement in Sorn's eyes, but then again she had not been training all that long. "Galena, what of you? Where would you wish to go?" He was relatively sure Galena would choose to come with him but then again she did surprise him every so often and therefore he would let her decide without his influence.

Venom sat with arms crossed while listening to the plan develop. His years of gleeful murder were behind him, but far be it for the mercenary to deny anyone else the pleasure. “I’ve spent enough time in court to know my way around. Lapua sounds like a reasonable destination for me. If things go horribly sideways I can aid in evacuation and the like.” The only perceived downside at this point was an outfit that was possibly too stuffy and of course shoes. Fancy people always insisted on shoes.

With a raised eyebrow and skeptical look, Galena scoffed at the idea of Sorn ever being diplomatic. She shook her head ruefully at the throught of him being a fashion expert as well, though she did delight in seeing his otherworldly outfits (or lack thereof, since he sometimes preferred to go with as few bits of 'clothing' as possible). "You know, I think it would be better for everyone involved if I stuck by you and went into battle." She was really worried that Sorn might decimate someone who only needed to be subdued for further questioning or use. "So perhaps I may be of use as bait or maybe even some unique footwork on the battlefield?" She looked over to Sorn with a hopeful expression filling her pale lavender eyes. "You did put me through some rather intense training, and I have improved" her voice trailed off. She knew quite well that she was seriously lacking in battle experience or expertise but she decided it might be worth a try. 'Plus Sorn might just enjoy seeing you flail about helplessly,' Coda interjected sarcastically in her mind voice. "Yes, sure... um hmm... " Galena said outload to her companion with an eye roll.

Alfred considered his options a while before replying. If truth be told, he wasn't really feeling that he'd been much help so far, having been so sidetracked with mulling over his latest alchemy experiments that he'd missed most of what had been happening and had just kind of been following everyone in a bit of a daydream. "As much as I love a good puzzle, I think a good fight would suit me best," he replied. Noticing Sorn's expression, he hastily added "I mean fighting the bad guys of course - I don't want to get in a fight with you, Sorn... I know I'd lose!" He glanced over at Jean, hoping she wouldn't mind potentially puzzling alone.

Sorn's glee vanished instantaneously. Replacing his mirth was a cold, cruel stare. Indeed, his eyes were like glaciers filled with icy anger. His fists were clenched as he deliberately held back his outrage. He stared into those lavender counterparts. The sorcerer stepped closer to Galena, putting very little distance between the two of them. His voice was dangerously calm when he next spoke. "I suppose my survival has been some sort of mistake. That I, clumsy fool that I am, have no skills in walking above a gorge on the dangerous tightrope that is that of the drow matriarch society. Clearly I am a toddler, clumsily bumbling into furniture in my blissfully ignorant infancy. I have no wit to pacify an angry female drow who is bent on killing me. And surely I have never assayed a female into doing what I wished instead of her plan. No, I must be watched, cared for and babysat as I suckle on a teat whilst others go to parlay, puzzle or battle." He stepped back and shifted his gaze to Alfred. "Very well, Alfred, so long as you do not mind an addled and deluded male drow coming along. I do so hope you have some protective armour, lest I do harm to you as I blunder around the battle arena, wielding my blade about unable to tell who is friend or foe in my stupidity." He grunted at Galena, without turning to look at her. "Indeed I did train you some, though now you must be reconsidering that, since I am such a menace. Perhaps you should place me in a blanket and tie me to your bosom like humans do with their infants. This way I shall not be such a burden to you. Do as you will Galena, I care not."

Galena stared back in shock with wide eyes. "Sorn, you know I was only kidding," she said to him. She looked a bit wounded that he was so fiercely upset at her joke. Coda mind-voiced to her saying, "you know you aren't that funny." Galena side glanced at her and murmured 'thanks,' in her mind.

Sorn shook his head and turned to face her once more. "No I did not know you were joking." His eyes held the hurt in them just briefly as he gazed at her. He sighed deeply. "I suppose it was more that you, of all people did not understand what I've had to do to stay alive. Which you well know because my mother and her army are still after me as is my ex-goddess." He shrugged. And smiled even though that wasn't exactly smile worthy. Still now everyone knew he was being hunted--and was merely pausing his evasive manoeuvres to help the protectors.

Alfred stared at Sorn, perplexed by the Drow's sudden change in attitude. Trying hard to not take an involuntary step backwards away from Sorn, Alfred wondered just what he'd missed when he'd been walking around in a daze for the last however long, or was it just that Sorn still hadn't really got to grips with humour in the way Galena clearly had.

Alfred opened his mouth to say something, then stopped as Sorn mentioned the Drows that were hunting him. He wanted to offer Sown some help, but was wary the Drow might take it the wrong way.

Jean frowned. Sorn was being hunted? "I had no idea," she said quietly. "But you know, you can always come to us if you're in trouble, okay?"

“It is a recent development. My mother captured me. She was attempting to wield me like a weapon and if she cannot make me her devoted slave she plans to kill me. She fell out of favour with the spider goddess and brought me before her as a gift. Since I was her only male high priest, Lolth indeed had fun playing with me. Galena happened to stumble upon the prison I was temporarily being held in and she freed me. So the short of it is both my mother and my ex-goddess wish to recapture me and either enslave me or bring about my death.” Sorn spoke as if it was nothing more then talking about the weather. “I am quite popular at the moment. But fear not, I am covering my trail with magic.” Sorn gave a slight bow of his head to Jean acknowledging her statement.

Ven felt a chill run down his spine and gave a short nod to Sorn. “Jean’s right. You don’t have to face any adversary alone.” Glancing around the room he felt confident that Alfred and Galena felt the same.

Galena looked at the other drow with a sad expression. “I am sorry I'm just not funny, apparently. Coda reminded me of that. Next time I'll try to add in some maniacal giggling.” She looked at him and watched as the information of him being hunted settled across the group. Galena placed a hand on Sorn’s shoulder and squeezes it gently, while looking into his eyes she nodded and supported Jean and Ven’s statement silently. Meanwhile, Coda was walking in a circle around Sorn while gently Purring and rubbing against him leaving sparks of magic floating in the air. She sat down in between his legs and laying against him as if she thoroughly enjoying the contact. Her face was a picture of peace and joy actually kneading Sorn. Galena groaned and watched this display of affection, one that she never received.

Alfred realised he was still standing with his mouth open looking like a goldfish. Hoping nobody had noticed, he glanced over at Sorn, "that sounds even more complex than what we're dealing with here. But if you ever need a paw from an alchemist... or a werewolf if it happens to be a full moon, then I'm more than willing to help." Alfred hoped Sorn wouldn't take that the wrong way, especially as they were both heading to Piazza - he didn't want to be on the wrong side of an angry Drow during a battle.

Sorn was silent for several moments. It was rather beautiful, to be honest, this show of support and solidarity. Yet, he wondered if any of them really understood what they were offering--what a formidable foe a drow army was. Venom might have an inkling; he wasn't entirely sure what that silent mercenary was, let alone his experiences with the creatures that lurk in the underdark. Even if none of them knew what peril they were signing up for, Sorn never had anyone offer such support, such--friendship. It was very touching, albeit potentially suicidal. He stood there, cautiously calculating the best response. His mind whirled with the various implications of his words and actions. Yet he saw only one possible outcome, one possible true path for him. He had collected each one of them. They were his. He had marked each one silently. He had placed them one by one into his protection without saying a single word or expecting the same in return. Yes, there was only one course of action.

"I see I have not lost my affect on you all," Sorn said with a cocky smile, "It is only natural to gaze upon my beautiful body and bask in its splendour. And with my witty tongue and winning personality it proves how clever you all are that you should wish to be in my presence. There is indeed plenty of yours truly to go around. But for now let us focus on the task at hand." He stepped away from Coda and headed towards the transports...or at least the direction he hoped the transports were in.

Alfred was pleased that Sorn's usual nature had shone through, although he did wonder if there was more to the Drow's initial silence. Nodding his agreement at focussing on the task in hand, Alfred turned to follow Sorn. A sudden pain in his right ear made him stop - his mouse Boris was sitting on his shoulder, nibbling away at his ear. "What's up with you? Don't tell me you're jealous of Coda going to comfort Sorn?" The mouse shook his head and pointed in the opposite direction. "I knew there was a reason why you needed to come along," Alfred replied, "I guess it'd help if we told Sorn then?"

"Er Sorn, I think you'll find the transports are this way," he called, gesturing in the opposite direction, while Boris was giving Sorn a very cheesy grin.

Sorn quickly turned around whilst muttering. Galena watched as Alfred pointed the correct direction out to Sorn and stifled a giggle. After the two men walked by, she fell in line behind them with Coda and headed towards the transport.

THe Decisions

Didi and Spring were resting in a pair of hammocks, reading and occasionally wondering about the case and what the next steps would be. It was a peaceful afternoon, but as the legends have said, calm and peace are not synonymous with The Peppers, and whatever spell allowed those few hours of rest was broken with a dramatic CRASH as Tea tumbled around the side of the house with Name Pending chasing dragonflies and Terrena grumbling behind her.

"IT'S TERRENA'S FAULT!" Tea yelled and snagged a sandwich off the table. "WHAT? What is my fault?" Terrena said. "I'm lost!" "Well you look found now, so there's that, at least," Adoh said with a smirk, settling into another hammock and polishing his flute. "SEE! I knew Adoh was wise. He agrees with me!" Moments later, Cream arrived, much more calmly than the others, and set an envelope down on the table. "Looks like it's time to move." She said. "Two of us to each island. How are we going to do this?"

"TO BATTLE!" Tea had not yet turned her volume down and was yelling everything, probably just to get a rise out of Terrena and because it made Name Pending fly even more excitedly every time. "It's finally my time to show that I don't have to fill Gerty's boots, I've got better ones on my own!" She crowed. "And I guess that means that I'm with you, then," Adoh said. "I have some particularly enchanting battle song magic that we just may need if we're to get this done."

"Didi and I can take on the fashion challenge, then." Cream said. "I may not make the fanciest outfits," Didi added, "But I do think that we have a shot."

"Then that leaves Terrena and me to solve the puzzle", Spring and Terrena did a funny fistbump and Spring sighed. "Wish us luck...and thank goodness you are all back! Didi and I were getting worried that we would be doing this on our own from here on out!"

With that, it was settled. There was nothing left to do except eat and sleep and wait for the missions to begin.

Willow volunteered for anything but puzzles knowing she would fumble that for sure. Worried about her ability to attempt any of the others yet hoping her effort would be good enough for the team, she bites her lip and waits for the assignment.

Would a diplomat be good if she smiled enough? Perhaps her clothes aren’t suitable to wear! How long can she fight before falling down… perhaps her dog would help? Willow simply gulps and waits.

Lypsyl immediately jumped in to volunteer for the Corsair Assignment. She felt both her interests and skills would favor that adventure. Glancing at her backpack, she conceded that she might be able to throw together an outfit that wouldn't insult the Lapuas, but she might make some other diplomatic faux pas. And while she would do her utmost best, she didn't think she was up for a combat mission at Piazza.

Gator stepped up and offered up her skills at puzzle making, she pulled her satchel around, holding it tight. She peaked inside where she saw her usual trusty items, her confidence level increasing ... she looked at each of her friends, a little concerned about splitting up but also confident in each of their abilities. Wishing each of them luck she said "let's go Travelers, we've got this!"

Piazza, Chook rolled the word around on her tongue. The thought of a fight always stirred her blood and got her itching for a battle. She would fight to the death to rescue Chiri from the dreadful gorgon of a cat and return her to her home. Smiling and humming to herself she took her swords out of the storage locker, wiped them down with a rag and began to sharpen them with a metal file.

Here then we are on our way to the island of Lapua the flower island Straywillow and I. We are sure to wear just the right outfit for our travels once we arrive...It is the island of flowers, botanical and naturalistic. Straywillw..this is also the island that Princess Chirette went to get an antivirus . Now Diplomacy GOT IT....whips out my handguide to diploacy to brush up on its origin and protocalls for these island. Aha oh i see.. They are not too formal in their diplomacy unless it is of formal event involving the prince or princess. They DO address Princess and Princess with an honorable head bowing down snd honorable prince..or honerable Princess if spoken i see. They seem to wear their clothes kinda like us! Bohemian style colorful layers with a breezy colorful wear mixed in. aaaaaaa I see the males wear ascots with their vests and the the females scarves often many at a time with firm corsets or none and flowery wear also. Both appear to have trinkets in their outfits as well. This is the kind i shall honor when i try to fit in and win their trust in Strywillow and I, What she observes and tries to fit in may be oserved in quite differnet fashion. As we peruse our Lapau diplomacy book together Willow and I have some inside on them new. After that we go off to find out the apothacary Chirette ha already been trying ti find her ingredience for her antivirus!!

Willow whispers to her companion “This corset has to go!”

Everyone seems happy with their destinations and challenges thinks Chook. Maybe we should all head to Squirrely's for a pint or two before we must leave. There are a few days left and a bit of R & R, a good meal and some intriguing gossip as well as a drink or 3 would be good for the soul and well as fun. Be nice to relax with good companions before the pressure is on.

Gathered around a table with drinks and a quantity of nibbles, sit the friends. Chook looks at each one carefully, then asks the group, "Are you sure that what you have chosen is right for you all? No one has had any second thoughts?" They all look astounded as if what she had said was a silly joke that they did not get.

"OK then. Gator and Lypsyl to Corsair, Violet and Willow to Lapau and I take on Piazza. Good luck all, let us enjoy what time we have left together."

Raising her glass she toasts them all.

While down at the Squirrel with all the Bohemian Travelers Violet and Willow share drinks with the other team members. "Well now I have some time before we leave so i will wait to change clothes for the special trip to the islands! So i think i will......oooohhh...you all listen up!!" Lively music and a live band starts to play some oldies that sounds like good dancing tunes! "Hey lets all get up n dance a few to shake off our nerves about this new avdenture we are all going on..WHOOTS." Violet leads the way by taking Willow in one hand and Chookie Baby by the other and laughing alot they go out to boogie as they see all their friends joning in the good dancing!

The Organized Chaos met in one of the parlors to discuss the latest developments in the case. Frieda held onto a big mug of coffee as if it were about to escape, evidence that she was clearly serious about the topic of conversation. "Those pirates on Corsair sound devious and I'm sure they've booby-trapped every possible point of entry with devious puzzles." Her fluffy tail doubled in volume as she pondered some of the traps she had set in days past during her time as a pirate aboard The Midnight Lamp, "I've got some experience as a pirate, though I was very young. Still, I'll have a go at it. If I can't figure out how to get in there, I can always blow something up!!" She took a perfunctory sip of rapidly cooling coffee and made a face, "I'll lead a team to Corsair, if anybody wants to join me."

Zalia looked at Frieda and said, "Blow things up? That sounds pretty harsh, but Teislyn did say that there were a lot of explosions during one of your past missions." She thought for awhile before she decided on what course of action she would take with the group. She looked around at the others to seem them lost in their own thoughts too. "Well, I've decided that I would help with the fighting. I can make gadgets quickly imbued with magic to cause commotion and chaos if needed. I've also been working on a small homunculus that would come in handy when we need to be discreet. The homunculus could go ahead and be a distraction if needed...um...maybe bring a little present that goes boom." At this she laughed a little and looked at Frieda, hoping she would catch on the words Zalia had said. She took a sip of her drink and waited to see how the rest would respond. This will be very interesting, she thought to herself, here I am new to the group and Teislyn helped me train and learn for this. I hope I can prove myself useful. She set her drink down with resolve, "I pass on Corsair, Lady Frieda, with all due respect and I'll lead a team to Piazza."

Webby leaned in, "Hey you guys, I started working for a fashion company before I became an adventurer full time. I'll head to the fashioning place where I can use my strongest skills." She flipped her hair, "Lapua sounds exotic, and I could use some exotic right now."

Dace had never been much of a fancy dresser but years of living on the rivers of the world had taught her diplomacy in waves. She could also play a few instruments like the flute and mandolin. She smiled at Frieda. "Well, I'll try my best to dress up appropriately for this mission, but I know for sure I can handle the finer points of diplomacy here. I might even be able to soothe the savage beast as it were with my musical skills. Send me to Lapua too, I'm ready to help out! Webby and I'll make a great team--her exotic-ness and my diplomatic-ness."

Kat knew how to dress fancy or at least she thought she did. She put a hat on top of Kitten's head and he jumped onto her shoulder proudly ready to show off their best attire. They hoped they were dressed for the correct occasion. "I could do battle too, if there was a need, I'm just not the best with the puzzles." She finally made up her mind, "I'll go with Zalia to Piazza. That way we can have each other's backs incase things get dicy."

"Alright then, it's settled. I'm going to Corsair, Zalia and Kat are going to Piazza and Webby and Dace are going to Lapua." She set her mug down and stood up, the meeting over. "Good luck on your missions and I pray you will have great success, will return safe and you will be full of great stories to tell when we meet again." Frieda always said things like this and always with tears in her eyes. She missed her old companions, but the new teammates had become very dear to her already. As an empath she wore her feelings of love and friendship on her sleeve. She wasn't sad or worried, just full of emotions.

The Mischievous Angels gathered together to discuss what was to happen next. They hadn’t heard anything for a few days now and were getting a little restless. “Any news yet?” Asked Jinx. Calie shook her head. “No. I snuck around last night in the shadows, but there was hardly a whisper.” “Well, Torchy and I are getting a little hungry for battle.” Jeice stated. Then her stomach rumbled loudly. Anna giggled. “Sounds like your belly is hungry too!” Everyone laughed at this as Jeice turned a bit red in the face. But then as the clock struck noon, staff from the castle started to come into the room with trays of food for the adventurers. It seemed as if it was more food than provided before. Kestra nudged Juana. “That’s quite a bit of food for all of us adventurers. Do you think something is about to happen?” Juana shrugged, “Maybe. It’s like they want us fueled up.” She eyed the turkey legs that were set on one of the tables. Jinx huffed. “Well either way, let’s tuck in. Might as well be prepared!” They all made themselves at home at a table with enough food to feed a small army. Juana grabbed the turkey leg and some taters. Jinx tucked a napkin under her chin and carefully chose a nice filet of fish to share with her cat, Salem. Calie found some pot pies that were piping hot. Anna filled her plate with a few tasty morsels, while Kestra found a big piece of pork to share with Kwixis. Torchy was eagerly tearing into what looked like some kind of roast that someone had clearly overcooked, but the dragon seemed quite happy with his prize regardless. Jeice was picking at a fruit and veggie plate between wolfing down small, delicate looking sandwiches. They all paused and looked up as someone approached with news, quite a comical sight really, both ranger and dragon looking like chipmunks with their cheeks stuffed full of food, the others tried to quickly swallow as they listened intently to what was asked of them. When they got wind of the impending challenges, said food flew everywhere as Jeice let out a whoop, before nearly being knocked over by her dragon as Torchy reared up on his hind legs, spread his wings and let out a screech that made some unfortunate souls nearby wince. “Hey! Careful! You’re gonna spill my drink!” Cried Juana. The table wobbled as food and drinks dangerously came close to ending up on the floor. They managed to calm themselves a bit, just long enough to right the table, and stuff a few more morsels into their mouths. “Hmm, that sounds like fun. I love puzzles and riddles!” Calie exclaimed. “Me too!” Said Jinx. “We should grab our supplies and meet back at the docks.” The two of them headed off to pack their bags. Calie entered her room alone. She dug through her bag and came up with a surprisingly interesting disguise. When traveling with pirates, one must look and act the part after all. At the last moment, she slipped her lock picks into the hidden slit at the back of her belt. Just in case. Jinx also gathered a few things for her trip with Calie. She knew she needed some magical items, in case she had to get them out of a tricky puzzle. Salem nuzzled up to her leg. “Don’t worry, old friend, we’ve done this before!” Kestra looked at Juana. “Would you like to join me in trying to persuade those old farts in Lapua? I know you’ve got a decent sense of fashion” “Count me in!” Said Juana. Let’s see what we can wear!” They both head off to pack a couple of outfits. "Come on Torchy!" Jeice exclaimed, hiking up her skirts and dashing back toward the room. "We've got to get ready for battle!" Torchy was hot on her heels, and the dragon barely made it through the halls without causing damage as his wings twitched and his tail thrashed in excitement. Once inside their room, Jeice threw off the cumbersome dress she'd had to wear and replaced it with leather and metal armor. "This is going to be so exciting!" She squealed, then laughed as Torchy began to prance around. "Now hold still you, we need to get you ready too!" She carefully strapped on Torchy's armor as well, then got the fussy dragon into his helmet. "Almost there..." She fumbled around in their bags for a few moments and set out the weapons and gear she figured would serve them best for a castle raid. "All right, we're all set! Let's report for duty!" She exclaimed, then ranger and dragon sprinted down the hall, eager to board a ship. They ran into Anna, who had gone to her room as well. She had a bundle on her back and a dagger on her hip. “I’d like to go with you two, if that’s okay.” Anna looked at them with hopeful eyes. Jeice looked at Torchy, who wouldn’t make eye contact and just scuffed his claws on the floor. “Um, I thought maybe you’d be going with Jinx since you’re her apprentice.” Anna frowned. “Well, Calie is going with her and I feel like I’ve got a lot to prove.” She then shook her bundle and Jeice could hear faint clinking inside. “Besides, I’ve brought some really fun potions that I’ve been wanting to try out. They could really pack a punch. And I’ve also got a couple of healing ones. You know, just in case something happens.” Torchy squinted his eyes at the sound of ‘fun potions’ as if he was worried they would fizzle. But Jeice perked up at this. “Oh cool! Do any of them make really loud noises? Like a BIG BOMB??” Anna smiled big. “Sure! I’ve got one of those in here!” “Then let’s go! We’re going to have one hell of an adventure!” Squealed Jeice.

decisions

Mini, Sophie and Ilaera where sitting in a parlor to discuss the latest developments in the case and the next steps that would have to take place. They had heard the news about all of the places actions were needed.

Mini being great at one type of puzzles said she could go to Corsair, but she didn’t know which type of puzzles or maze she would encounter there. She doubted going to Corsair would be best for her. For years she had been interested in fashion, changing her appearances to fit in with the humans and their style. She was very interested to go to Lapua. Ilaera and Sophie believed Lapua would be a great choice for Mini as well.

Sophie was all ready to use her bow, being a ranger she was in for a battle. It had been a while she was able to use her skills. Of course she had been practicing every night, but that was not the same as a battle. “Battling it will be for me of course” she told the others. “I’m definitely going to Piazza”.

“Well, then it’s decided” Ilaera said. “I love puzzles, so it’s Corsair for me. Let’s go!”.