Flight of Fancy: IC (Mature) {Currently Closed}

[justacritic]

Hobbies was driven to be a little cross, the service was slow even though he had put the order for chamomile tea only a few minutes ago. He looked around the bar and spotted Lord Jakob. The fennec walked over to the wolf. "Hello again, I hope you're not injured too badly? I saw the demoness that challenged you to a spar in the casino." The incubus looked at the bartender again with a touch of exasperation. "Seeing her again did nothing good to my nerves, and the bartender doesn't seem to getting to my order anytime soon." Hobbies steepled his fingers, and said. "I've also finally decided what to perform. I'm going to open with a fairy tale, then move into a romantic drama, and if there's enough time end the night with a few comedies."

[Aisha deCabre]

Aisha hummed thoughtfully upon skimming through the book, her tail twitching slowly as if on its own accord.  Listening to the moose, and looking between himself and Kafzeil, she began to wonder who the guy on the inside was.  The interesting lack of very specific information struck her as odd, as it seemed that he was purposely hiding a few things.  Still, she figured, all would be figured out in due time.  For now, it seemed the plan at hand was to occupy the bridge.

"To be honest," she began once she finished and handed the book back to the ungulate, "I have only been on this ship for a few hours or so...I don't know anyone yet who could probably help.  It would be a fair idea to ask around for more help if you need it...but if you only need us plus your inside guy, then that's fine too.  Heck...maybe we can make some friends around here and recruit more if need be."  She turned to the angel again.  "What do you think then, amigo?  This plan crazy enough to go through with?"

*     *     *

Back in the slave hold, Jake had other opinions.  On the one hand, it was easy to want to accept someone's crazy plan to help them out of their fate as enslaved fighters.  On the other, the young lion had a point.  It seemed that, even while casually mentioning so, the only reason this guy wanted to free the slaves was to just recruit them for the other side.  We're just weapons to these guys.

But he said nothing, for he didn't wish to squash the hope that was shown in the eyes of the others upon listening to the coati's plans intently.

Finally, Wallard turned to Kenyan and spoke up.  "Boy, yer lookin' a gift horse too far in th' mouth.  Or that's what I'd say, if'n I didn't have reservations of my own."  His arms crossed, and he peered hard at the coati.  "I've been trainin' and fightin' much of my life fer the ever-so-kind people who run this hunka scrap," he spat, "And been waitin' for my freedom for just as long.  But as for askin' us to join yer side...do we really have a choice in th' matter?  Many of these prisoners are just youngin's who jus' wanna go back home, back to their simple lives.  Much as I wanna be free, I won't lead a single one of 'em from one battlefield and into the next if'n I can help it."

The wingless gryphon's eyes narrowed.  "So answer us that, friend.  And by the way, yeah," he nodded toward Jake, "we got yer note.  Maybe the warrior kid over there might join yer team if'n he pleases."

"Oh, don't get me involved in politics, kinsman," the Knight muttered.

*     *     *

Having been relieved slightly that the wolf had stopped answering questions about their missing comrade, the ferret bartender set to work on getting the drinks for his clients.  Admittedly it had suddenly gotten rather busy, which would explain the lack of quick service at that point in time...but at least he was experienced with the impatient types.

"Sorry to keep you waiting," he said once he was in earshot of the wolf and, now, the fennec beside him.  "Your tea, sir.  Oh, and here, I had to dig up a menu.  Usually the high-society types all go into the restaurants and lounges for food.  Here, we serve things from the appetizer section," he chuckled.  A small, elegant menu, bound in velvet and bearing the fiery golden letters of the ship's name upon the front, was slid towards him.  "All types of sandwiches and sides, vegan dishes for those who want it...'course we can put in a request to the cooks if you want something more filling, s'no bother."

[Paladin Sheppard]

Eden nodded, grabbing her cards.

"I quite understand myself, actually. So what do you do for work, Sir?"

Paladin took a second look at his cards and shrugged his shoulders before adding a few more chips to the pot. "Ye could say I'm a Jack of All trades, Lass. Bit of Mercenary work here, Guard training there, with a little Bounty Hunting on the side.

"And Yeself?"

****************

The First Deck Bar

The ferret grinned back at Ephrael, taking the shot glasses and cleaning them with a soft cloth, although more out of a sense of image than that they truly needed them. He filled it up with dark red liquid, and smiled to himself "We never crash. This ship is the largest thing in the sky, and it's got a ton of defenses around the bag in case someone tried to shoot us down for some insane reason." He dropped the glass in front of the Tazmanian devil, "Here's one more, but be careful, you're a little lass and you've already had quite a bit. I'm afraid I will have to cut you off if you have trouble talking or walking. Sure I can't get you anything merely aqueous, to space it out?"

"Oh that's good to hear!" Ephrael said cheerfully at the information"I've never been up in the air before."

She downed the fresh drink almost as soon as it was placed in front of her. "Oh I always space my drinks! Third, Fifth and Eighth rounds are water or sodas" The Little Devil grinned with her oh so sharp teeth. "Speaking of which its the Third! What do you recommend? Water or Soda? And then I guess something to sip on for a while!"

[Tapewolf]

"Thanks, I'll remember that going forward," Jakob said to the bartender, and flicked through the menu.

"I'd like a baguette, I think," he said.  "Tuna and mayonnaise, if you have it, please."  He glanced back to see Hobbies turn up and gave him a brief wave of acknowledgement since he was still talking to the barman.

"Out of interest," he added, nodding at the incubus, "What does the damper field to do 'Cubi?  Do they need to eat?  Sleep?"

[Tipod]

"I wouldn't know, I'm quite new to this whole casino business and--" Terry stopped himself. Was he really having this conversation in the midst of a blackjack game? "Don't you think it's a little improper to be sharing our hands with each other?" For all he knew; he hadn't been in a card game with more than two players in years.

Those eyes kept shifting back and forth between his cards and Morden. This lapine's presence was bothering him for reasons unknown. "Hit me, dealer. With a card."

What else would he get hit with, a fish?

[Boog]

Jeremiah smirked and slid a card across the table. He liked this one, although it may just have been the novelty of a poker player with no face to show. That and frankly he didn't like players at his table getting too chummy; the less they liked each other the harder they worked to hide their hands, and thus the more people lose.
"Careful fella asks for one card, one card he gets, card for anyone else?" He nodded to the rabbit and the dragon both in turn, wondering what had happened to the snow leopard from before. A pair of wings answered the question neatly and he made a quick mental check of the cards in his sleeves. Alright the last one in the stack seems to have slipped from my cuff down to my elbow, think that was a seven... Otherwise I'm set. Rightyho then...

[justacritic]

Hobbies scratched a bit at his snout. "Well it's hard to tell, it was explained to me that the magic dampener is set to completely block divination, mind reading, and teleportation. Everything else is more or less cut by half. So I'm not sure if it forces Cubi to eat and sleep. Our clan keeps those habits mostly, though I don't think I would be getting much sleep on this trip." He paused and looked thoughtful "Well the stage is relatively free of the magic dampener to allow magic to be used in entertainment so I'm not sure if a cubi that's on the stage would freely emotion feed. I've felt emotional energy dimly in the casino but it might just be my imagination. If I really needed to I might try feeding only on emotion but I don't want to risk it."
     "I don't know if I've answered your question in the way that you wanted. But that's what I can remember so far from what I've been told." The fennec took a sip of his tea and felt much better. "Was there anything else you wanted to ask?" 

[Tapewolf]

"Well," Jakob said awkwardly, "I was really asking the staff, but thanks anyway.  How are the preparations going for your act?"

[Lisky]

The fiery furred demoness watched and bid her time.  She was hunting for a table that would either provide a challenge, or at the very least a little entertainment.  The card-sharks and professionals seemed to be taking varying degrees of subtlety while slowly raking in more and more money from the inexperienced, or out and out amateurs, while a few tables seemed to collect a group of pros, all of them seemed full. 

So... it looked like playing for a challenge was gone.  Entertainment was the next choice.  She continued her slow, measured walk.  She made sure to give her movements enough of a predatory edge to let the normally handsy and lecherous individuals know that she would not hesitate to bite back, hard if necessary.  She knew a few of the drunks would have a hard time resisting, and so she oh so slightly opened her wings to block their reach.  The saunter continued as she'd stay near the back, and observe for a few moments before moving on.  She finally settled on a table with a fellow demoness, along with a brown wolf.  She slid up next to the younger girl, and gave her a polite, almost purring tone, "You wouldn't mind someone joining a little late, would you?"  leaning over the table to give the incubus a well practiced, tantalizing, though only slightly more revealing view. 


*************************

Baseel watched the fight with much amusement.  The being wasn't a terrible combatant, but he was a bit too aggressive... and suddenly, in the blink of an eye, it had gone from a series of light probes, to the captain standing over Vlad's winded form.  The larger demon couldn't help but clap, as it was a well placed shot. 

He let the two of them have their moment of review and respect, and left the gym.  He returned in time to see Aleyna joining a table of her own.  those poor sods have no idea what's in store for them.  Flashing a knowing smirk he headed to a table further down the gaming hall.  There was an odd looking construct, with a single additional player, along with the dealer.  He couldn't help it... it was just too odd a grouping not to join in on.

With a pleasant smile and the flash of a small collection of coins he slid next to the construct, and gave the dealer a deadpan stare.  Letting them finish this hand, while giving a subtle nod.  Hopefully the dealer picked up on the "deal me in next hand" gesture.

Slowly craning his neck over, he went to observe Terry mostly.  Eyeing the odd features of the strange thing in their midst. 

[Tipod]

The golem had an uncomfortable feeling of being watched.

"It's impolite to st--" His peevish, slanted gaze softened into something more timid upon staring up, and up, and up into the face of the demon beside him.

Without another word, he went back to his cards, shuffling them about nervously in his hands.

[SquirrelWizard]

"Sod this." Evan stood up from the wall after watching the captain "school" another person. This was getting old, very fast. He left the gym, picking his way to the bar again.

Pulling himself up to the bar, Evan signaled the barkeep, "Hey, Boss, domestic beer if you have one." While the barkeep went about getting his drink, Evan gloomily glanced about the room. This trip was beginning to stink, this whole mess that got him onto the ship seemed fishy enough, and if he decided to jump ship they would just need to fill in the hole he'd leave upon landing.

"Hell is in the making when Fortune holds all the cards." He probably said that a bit loud to himself, but it fit. It was a saying he had picked up from a demon actually, though it spoke of the plight of the unprepared he was pretty sure the demon were talking more about his luck at cards.

[VAE]

Although for now, the pain was somewhat dulled by endorphin release, the impact still knocked his breath out for a few seconds. Regaining his composure, Vladim bowed slightly at Captain Hrolgh's salute while his tentacles retreated into their slots, but not before one of them grabbed his cape from the benches nearby.
"Either way, your timing was rather nice there, as was your-" For a moment, the feline bowed over, coughing. "-technique. Blows coming from low down are a bit tricky to block with these. All in all, if the rest of the crew are half as good, anyone trying to stir shit up better have life insurance." He grinned and adjusted the cape's fastener to sit flush in the middle. "Either way, I guess I'm off to lunch. Any recommendations?"


OOC: fixed a bit of the formatting and put some of the sentences into shape.

[Kafzeil]

Eden grinned back at the wolf. "Oh, I work in Loss Prevention. Travelling Loss Prevention. Cave in thieving skulls and all that."

Another demon, a vixen sauntered up, slipping right beside Eden, and asking to join.

"Sure!"  Eden smiled back."Hell you can join this hand."

Eden took a tally of the Demon. Her body language and a hint in her tone of voice suggested she was..."examining" herself and the wolf.

Well, Eden had come on board to have some fun, after all.
**********
Kafzeil looked at Aisha. There had been a noticeable lack of information, sure, but it'd be wise to look into this moose later. Just in case this guy had an ulterior motive and would betray them.

The Adventurer suggested allies. The ferret smiled and nodded. "That is a wise move, we have no idea how much of the crew is, or would be, in on this. "

"In any case, yes, this plan is crazy, so maybe a backup one is in order. I suggest we investigate clues and find ourselves some allies."

He grabbed Aisha's shoulder and looked her in the eye serious."I can bolster our numbers to four but, are you comfortable with possibly working with a demon?"

[Tapewolf]

"Hmm," Jakob said as he waited for his sandwich.  "They do seem busy tonight."

He glanced around briefly, trying to make sure he wasn't overheard.

"I have been wondering about the damping field," he said to Hobbies quietly.  "It must take a lot of energy to maintain.  I wonder why, then, it extends around so much of the ship if it's supposed to be there to protect the casino?"

He chuckled.  "Perhaps I'm just being paranoid."

[Inumo]

Freedom? That was something Xyrtia could get behind, but people were suddenly asking more questions than she could follow and they sounded angry and important. With a couple steps, she made sure she was apparently out of the conversation, but able to come back in without it seeming too awkward.

[justacritic]

Hobbies scratched at the side of his head "Well I did mention that divination, teleportation, and mental scanning spells have been completely blocked. They were blocked not only for the casino to keep an advantage but also for the security and piece of mind of the beings." The incubus looked to one side. "You yourself have probably experienced the fear beings have of us, other creatures, and magic. Many of those beings just want to relax without worrying about pirates suddenly warping onto the ship, having their personal secrets revealed by others and other things." The fennec wrinkled his nose. "Though given the attitudes of some on this ship, frankly I'm not surprised if they deserved all this security." He sipped at his tea.   

[Mel Dragonkitty]

Staring at the dampening field was boring and exhausting at the same time. Mel even started to think she was hearing everyone around her talking about it. She glanced at the two winged canines whispering together nearby before telling herself to stop being paranoid. Everyone on the ship couldn't be trying to cheat the casino.

Noticing the armadillo who had served her the drink was still polishing the bar nearby Mel smiled and asked, "That frog been a dealer long? That creepy smile of his must kill business. Scared me right back to the bar."

[Corgatha Taldorthar]

The Slavehold

The coatimundi turns to the lion, almost quivering in excitement. "Not my cause. The cause of all of us. Yes, you're not alone; the small, the downtrodden, the people who can be snatched in the night at a moment's notice and hauled away for torture or death. If we free you from this ship and take you into a world of horrors, we have simply enlarged your cell. No! That is not enough, and I do not understand how you can be so satisfied, when with one great convulsion, you can cast this system of oppression crashing down."

He breaks eye-contact, pacing up and down the hold with an energy that's almost radiating from him. "But I can't speak for you, I can't give you freedom; I am but the way and the door, and you must find the strength to step through. And not merely strength in battle. It is the apathy and the ignorance of the people of the towns and the fields that let these posh silk-wearers and luxury lapdogs enjoy their twisted privileges. To get into the town square, to shout from the heights that it has happened to ME and it can happen to YOU will wake them from their torpor! And when the revolution comes, we'll be safe, we'll be free."



The First Story Bar

The bartender wipes an already impeccably clean glass with a rag, more as a habit, it seems, something to do while talking. "Well, there's that Islander drink, the Berhglhen, or something like that. They mix a secret powder into the soda, makes it burn a raw path down your throat; it's liquor like, at least for a short while, but doesn't get you drunk. If you're the sort that'll have eight rounds, I think you'd like it.

Not waiting for further prompting, he bustles around the bar for some soda and a faintly limming orange powder, which he measures into a small spoon and dumps in the drink, which almost immediately begins to fizzle in the glass, and odd popping sounds are clearly audible. "Pardon me manners miss, but what's a pretty lass like you doing up here all alone? You'd probably have better luck downstairs, in the more trafficked bar by the games."


The Meditation room
The moose smiles, and then quickly says that he needs to work on recruiting one more member for their conspiracy before heading out of the room at a quick but steady pace, leaving the angel and the adventurer to further plot. As he heads out the door, he calls back "Don't worry about keeping in touch, the ship isn't that big".


The Main Bar
The bartender, puffing a bit, finally comes back with slices of a baguette on a bread tray, four in total, with a mash of tuna fish wedged in the thin horizontal slices, and a tiny dish of mayonnaise with an equally tiny spreader sticking out the open top. He sets it before Jakob, crumbs gently settling onto the bar.  "Begging your pardon sir. I normally work at the smaller bar down below, and everything here is at a different spot; what with our regular suddenly vanishing,... I'm babbling sir, I'm sorry. As far as I know sir, 'cubi do not need to eat, and more than one of the other bartenders have said that they've seen four-winged-folk staying at the casino for days and days on end. Might just be stim potions though, and quite a lot want meals at some point or another, we do pride ourselves on the food, and most want a sample. Not really sure sir, and it's not my part to go harassing the customers about it."


He seems like he'd say more, before Evan's call brings him scurrying back to the drinks, pouring up a stein full of amber liquid and sliding it over to the new patron with a slight smile, before turning to the returning dragoness. "I do believe it's his first trip, but this is only my second myself, I don't know people too good yet."  As he finished his short speech, a lean, middle aged wingless moose sits down next to the squirrel.

The Gymnasium

The captain dusts himself off, and with quick, careful movements, brings the practice weapons back on their previous positions in the weapon racks. "Well, I'm partial to fish, but they often serve it with this white wine that's little better than piss. Honestly, it's all pretty good. But I'm sorry, I need to do the rounds, make sure that my crew isn't slacking. It was a pleasure sparring with you good sir, and I hope to see more of you during the trip."

He heads out of the room, eerily quiet for the pace he walks at.

The Casino

The bunny gives the frog a hard look, before declaring in a decisive tone "hit." Turning a more casual stare towards his new companion, he gives another sip of his drink. "Nah, we can talk the game all we like. One of the things I love about blackjack. Dealer's hands are tied, he has to stay on a seventeen and up and hit on anything less. And all of us are playing against him. House still has the advantage because we can bust first, and then it doesn't matter if he busts. A few of the other players name their declarations, but the dealer pauses to shuffle in the newcomer, a large canid demon, dealing him a Jack and a Five.

Terry receives a three.

Morden receives a four.

[Aisha deCabre]

Aisha had smiled as she received confirmation on the plans.  Kafzeil was with her, and the moose had excused himself...hopefully they could find more allies, and then she'd get to figuring out the exact deal with the slaves on the ship.

And then, he had given her a serious look and mentioned working with a demon.

A demon.

At first, the panthress didn't respond for a moment.  But her pupils seemed to shrink, and the angel could feel her shaking in rage as he had a hold of her shoulder.  Her claws flexed, tail twitched.  But, being in a meditation room, at least they were in the right kind of place for willing out inner peace.  She closed her eyes and evened out her breathing.  When she spoke, her tone was even, if a little dark.

"No, I am not comfortable with the idea," she said, being honest as she shrugged out of his grip.  "I have a very, very bad history with demons.  Without going into details, I was orphaned because of them.  And in my dreams I can still smell the smoke from the fires, see one of them holding my father's heart in their claws."

The panthress shook her head and sighed.  "But, in my travels I have also known...amiable demons, and my views have been fixed some.  Now I only hold true hatred for one specific family, but, if I am to work with one, may they--and you--be warned that I will not drop my guard, or act very friendly toward them for a while.  I won't be comfortable, but I can adjust, for the greater cause."

She crossed her arms and nodded amicably.  "I'll work with the demon, amigo.  Tell me about them, if you will."

*     *     *

Jake rolled his eyes at the coatimundi's speech, answering the questions given to him about fighting for another cause.  He seemed proficient at the art of convincing, for he there was hardly a waver in his declaration and promises of freedom and safety and revolution.  It certainly seemed a pretty promise.  And many of the slaves listening around them seemed to think so too, for they were hanging on his every word, wide-eyed and smiling, full of more hope than he'd seen yet.

I wonder if this is the only chance we'll get at escape, really, the gryphon thought.  In any normal circumstances, I wouldn't want to have to fight for a cause that I have no personal qualms for, just to leave this place.  But...

As if reading his mind, Wallard expressed the same sentiment out loud.  "Yer pretty excited 'bout this, boy.  Are you th' only door we got here, though?  'Cause it's hard for me to know what some of us still think of it..." He turned to the others listening around him...the lion-lynx, the scared young student, the avian...everyone else, and even a passing glance over Jake himself as he sat still near the back.  "Whats th' word, y'all?  May be our only shot outta this place."

Jake hummed.  At least I can always quit THAT cause after I'm free of my bonds, at least I hope.  Hate to make false promises, but the Mistress would understand, as would Aisha, were she in my place.  Hell, I can imagine her causing an uprising herself.

"Guess I'm in," the Knight shrugged.

[Tapewolf]

Well, that's a relief, Jakob thought to himself as he thanked the barman and set to work on the baguette.

"So," he said to Hobbies, "How's the preparations for your act coming along?  And can I get you anything?"  Jakob still felt a little conspicuous about being thought of as stupidly rich... the idea of flaunting wealth didn't make him feel comfortable.  Maybe I should switch to something more casual, he thought.

[Paladin Sheppard]

Paladin grinned as the Demon Vixen asked if she could add herself to the small gathering at the table. "By all means Lass feel free, it's not exactly a high stakes mach by any means." The wolf punctuated this by adding a small amount of chips to the pot and indicating he was going to sit on his current cards. "And this hand is almost over."



**********************


"Oh I'm kinda getting to know my surroundings a little, I used to be a Ranger back home and it sorta becomes instinct ya know?" She took a sip of the fizzing drink while smiling at the Barman "Mmm not bad."  She smirked impishly "Also its been while since I've been able to let my hair down some and relax." 
 

[Angel]

Kenyan waited until the coati was done with his raving about the downtrodden and the mistreated. Unlike many of the victims in the slave hold, he wasn't happy to hear that this group was the one about to rescue them. The tuft on his tail twitched with annoyance, and a low growl was building in his throat. Amid all the grandiose political talk, all he could hear was his earlier question being answered "yes". Of all the misguided, arrogant, naive creatures in the world, Beings were undoubtedly -

Kenyan stopped his inner tirade before he could get so racist, Kray-Zee would have been proud of him. This wasn't something to blame on beings when only moments before, he had acknowledged that animals did the same. And it wasn't the coati's fault that he was a starry-eyed, stupid extremist. He was young, he likely didn't know any better than...than Mateo. Or Xyrtia.

The lion looked back at them, at the hope and wary confusion in their eyes. Xyrtia was just as displaced as him, if Kenyan was right in his guess about how she had been brought here. And Mateo was just a cub, who had been ripped away from a home that loved him. This was the first hope they'd received of getting out of this awful situation, and as much as he hated to admit it, it was the best chance any of them had. His tail thumped to the floor in defeat, and his ears tilted back. His own personal feelings on war aside, he had to do what was best. But they had to remember that they had a choice, that they didn't have to die for another leader just to escape this one. He would make sure of that, at the very least.

"I shall join you too, then," he told the coati. His words said he was surrendering, but his voice and eyes burned.  "But know this: I fight for no being, if their cause is violence and death. I am joining you so that I can protect them," he nodded at the jay-woman and the student, "from harm. And any other whose death you may wish to wrap in pretty words for your goal."

[justacritic]

"I did mention the program I've decided upon earlier." Hobbies said "and I'm now prepared for tonight's acts." The fennec wondered how much time had passed, he didn't have a watch. "As for getting me anything, I would like your opinion on my work if you ever attend. You seem to be the only nice sort of rich person I've met on this ship. Then again, I've haven't met a lot of rich people. If you do wish to attend, just say your name to the ushers. I've made arrangements and have let the ushers know. If they give you any trouble just ask for me by name." Hobbies took another sip of tea. "Though now that I'm prepared for tonight, I'm not really sure what to do now. I don't have the budget or the guts to gamble, and the last thing I need is to stuff myself and vomit due to stress."

[Tapewolf]

"Thanks," Jakob said.  "I will do that."  He smiled.  "Maybe it's because I try not to let the money go to my head," he added.  "I've always felt that gambling is a fool's game, though.  Expect the whole system to be rigged and don't waste your money.
"Did you know that it was a gambling debt that killed Daryil's previous love?  Understandably, my lord has taken a dim view of gambling since then.  A restriction against it nearly got put into the Book of Tenets."

Jakob looked at his watch, trying to figure out how long he had until the theatre.

[Mel Dragonkitty]

Mel rubbed her eyes and decided it was time to think up a new plan. Watching the dampening field wasn't going to get her anywhere any faster than watching the individual tables. This had to be the stupidest assignment she had ever been on. She took herself off the clock for the evening with a decision to go to check what was up next in the theater. Perhaps if she relaxed a new idea would show itself.

Mel turned to place her empty glass on the bar when she caught a shimmer of color out of the corner of her eye. She jerked her head back around but there was nothing there. The dragon had just convinced herself her eyes were tired when it happened again. The heavy layer of magic that was the damper shivered, producing a faint rainbow effect for a fraction of a second. Mel was shocked she had been able to catch the moment, it had been too quick to even feel a spike in the available magic.  She quickly looked at the people near her to see if anyone else noticed the effect, despite the fact that it was pretty unlikely that anyone powerful enough to spot it was looking in the right spot at the right time. After all, how likely was it that the dampening field could be tampered with? Probably she just had the start of a migraine from all her useless staring.

[Tezkat]

Mateo had to pinch himself. They were really going to escape this nightmare. He fidgeted as the leonine warrior singled him and Xyrtia out. The offer or protection was comforting, even if it did underscore how pathetic and helpless he was on his own.

"Thanks." He looked up at Kenyan and then back to the coati. "I just wanna get out of this horrible place."

Everyone was rallying behind the coati--some eagerly, some reluctantly. Mateo moved closer and held up his manacled wrists. "Do you know how to get these irons off? I know a little magic, but I think these things are blocking it."

He sighed. "I'm not sure how else I'd be able to help. I don't really know much about fighting."

[Inumo]

Xyrtia was... hesitant, to say the least, to fall in line with the coatimundi. Caution was always advised when there were beasts bigger than you afoot, and the bluejay had no idea where those big beasts were. Still, between clipped wings and an overwhelming press to join, there was no real other choice. So, she joined the mass and went where she was pushed. If only she had her rope dart and machete...

[justacritic]

"No not really" Hobbies said "Then again many in our clan are thankful that Daryil is rather lenient to our clan leader's debt." Hobbies sipped at his tea again. "Hopefully the way the payments are going, our leader should be able to pay back the loan and the interest before the heat death of this universe." The fennec felt a craving for something to snack on. "Is that  baguette any good? I'm feeling a bit peckish"

[Tapewolf]

"If you like tuna, yes," Jakob said, and began ordering a second baguette for Hobbies.

[Mel Dragonkitty]

Mel just couldn't leave the idea that she had actually seen the magic barrier flux alone. It was a long shot but she leaned towards the winged wolf seated a bit further down the bar and asked, "Did you just notice anything... weird?"