RP:Niawtu's plight - Planning to save the cub from Timelord Vuryal

Background

This is part of the Kidnapping of Joliette Thorne story arc.

The Timelord Vuryal, after condemning Gruz' soul to hell and proclaiming Vendetta on those who had liberated Rynvale, delivers an ultimatum. Those on his list are to be brought to him, or innocent lives would replace them each day: starting with the Lycan cub Niawtu

A small group of concerned citizens prepare to save the cub's life.

In the beginning was an end - Vuryal puts his gallows to use

Vuryal erupts into the tavern, his crimson gaze flowing upon the patrons with red hot malice and death. "Death has arrived, peasants," he bellows in his other-worldly voice, the tone rattling the very walls of the tavern as he slowly makes his way outside. His steps are light, if one could even call them that as he more floats across the room, taking strides more for show than for effort.

A hideous roar erupts as the Parasite of Lithyrdel calls forth the souls of those generals that failed him

Vuryal shouted, "For failing to defeat the pathetic forces of the Fold and their allies, you failures have been sentenced to hell!"

Veriun stepped out of the tavern, following the inevitable crowd beeing drawn to the constructed gallows. A hand on the top of his hat an eyes on the center of attention just like everyone else. Alltought he might have a diffrent attitude then others.

Awne follows out with the crowd, ears lowered against her head at what was to happen.

Cornelius slips out of an alleyway, and leans against a wall. Conflict and chaos always made for an intriguing afternoon.

Shalamar walking outside the tavern she sees the one shouting and eyes him curiously. Wondering who he was and whether he was evil, good, or nuetral.

Ranok strolls out of the tavern himself. A longcoat adorns his body, and he, too, has a snazzy hat kept low. Save for his height and as long as he keeps his mouth shut, he'd be hard to recognize. Save for the staff in his hand, which he props upon like a walking stick.

Amarkos follows the crowd of course, stepping out of the tavern and leaning his lithe frame against the exterior of the tavern before brushing a stray strand of hair from his face. The bells on both of his wrists and his belt jingle softly with every movement as they hang from their chains on his person. He is one of the few here with skin the color coal and hair like moonlight, and others of his kin are noticed but for the moment not given acknolwedgement simply to keep Amarkos from drawing too much attention to himself.

Vuryal pushes forth his staff, the dead soul of Gruz, former warchief of the Gamorgian tribes. His tortured soul appears upon the gallows, the fiend directly behind him. "To hell with you, Gruz, you incompetent bastard, not worthy enough to lick the horse manure from my boot!" The chronomancer pushes the ogre into the abyss below, no rope visible. Instead, the gallow's hole is a direct line to the depths of hell, the poor soul disappearing forever to be feasted on by worms and burnt upon the altars for all eternity.

Tysinni leans back against the side of the tavern, nodding her head in recognition of her fellow wall-leaner. Quickly, her attention is turned towards the figure who had commanded so much attention.

Vuryal peers out amongst the crowd, his eyes scanning the ones here, a cruel smirk coming upon his weathered, emotionless face as he catches sight of some of the "list" in attendance.

Rowen said to Cornelius "My loyal friend, do you feel worthy of acting as a perch for the supreme empress at this time?"

Niawtu wanders into Kelay Way, hiding more so in the shadows. Her large bright icy silver eyes look about the crowd in utter confusion. The ten year old child hides behind a tree with the hood of a black cloak over her head, hiding her features further.

Awne 's tail twitches, silent prayers offered for the soul sent below, maybe the goddess would take pity...though seeing the soul vanished it didn't seem likely.

Niawtu wanders into Kelay Way, hiding more so in the shadows. Her large bright icy silver eyes look about the crowd in utter confusion. The ten year old child hides behind a tree with the hood of a black cloak over her head, hiding her features further.

Vuryal said, "Those with the black rose will be next. I offer substantial wealth to those that bring me the head, limb, or remains of those that are enemies of Archmosia. Ten thousand gold per head. Five thousand per limb. Anyone may claim the prize."

Amarkos said to Vuryal, "And if we bring them in alive?"

Cornelius arches an elegant brow and murmurs "...I'm glad Leifong isn't here to get any damn ideas. What a way to go." He straightens his cravat, slightly paler than before "Come to think of ut, I'm rather glad Jolie isn't here either. She'd love that little party trick, wot" The gentleman, despite himself having witnessed and inflicted many forms of death on others, looks perturbed nonetheless.

Veriun tilted his head in reaction to the function of the gallows. His strange smile growing more visable as he hitches the brim of his hat up to gain a better view. Only breaking his analytic peer at the 'host' of the 'event' to confirm the presence of the white owl on his shoulder as it let out a low, seemingly disturbed hoot and looked the avian in the eyes before joining him in the resumed watching.

Vuryal grins at Amarkos words. "Twenty thousand."

Ranok grips his stave tightly. That was the only sign of his anger. He didn't have cause to act, however. These souls could have been illusion for all he knew, lacking the ability to simply pretend they didn't exist like some others. A hand reaches up to twist the brim of his hat slightly to adjust it. A flash of white metal, another subtle hint of who he truly was to those that knew the man in recent days, and then the hand drops.

Rowen wonders if it might be best to deliver all four limbs and then the haed or ....chop of a limb, get Cerinii to make them a prothesis, chop of the prothesis and sell it....repeat ad infinitum.

Veriun said, "Archmosia? I see... so that's it. Interesting indeed."

Cornelius notices Rowen, and nods, lowering himself to extend an arm. Assuming the diminutive Empress uses his arm as a gangplank, the dandy then stands up to once more witness the grotesque spectacle before him

Amarkos said to Vuryal, "Bounty accepted."

Shalamar looking around she notices the other drow when he speaks, liking the idea of the question he provided. Though torture sounded better to her.

Vuryal said, "There will be one execution a day until Hell has had its fill. If there are no traitors to Archmosia available, I will take it out on the populace of this land. I care not, for my vendetta will rape this land until I have my fill."

Rowen perches upon the shoulder of her loyal subject Cornelius, and cleans her whiskers, whispering. "I was at Vuryal's engagment party, Nigel was there too, and that nice Fermin fellow, Splag."

Alara likes Vuryal and will leave him to do his business. For now, she will leave and find something to do that is more her style and level of challenges.

Ryeanna mingles in with the crowd after sensing the opening of the portal and being drawn to its delightful wickedness.

Awne gulps faintly, more deaths? hadn't there been enough in the last war? The healer shudders and shifts back towards the building, peace never seemed to last long in this land.

Cornelius murmurs to Rowen "Lovely. Were corpses served as canapes? It seems this chap's style."

Niawtu pulls down her hood as she is listening, the child's eyes filled with fear and frost falling forth from her. Her pure white hair would glisten within the shadows as she looks upon Vuryal with fear, and then to the gallows, and back.

Vuryal scans the crowd before leveling his staff towards Niawtu. "Tomorrow, this child dies if she does not have someone to take her place." And with that, the fiend disappears in a black flame that envelopes his entire being.

Cornelius said to Vuryal, ""Will a list be published of those whose deaths are most immediately sought? Something to take out the guesswork, as it were?""

Niawtu freezes, her eyes opened wider than ever at those words. She then shakes lightly, but makes no sound. She looks like a statue with how still she is.

Vuryal said, his voice coming from places beyond "The list will be posted this eve..."

Tysinni decides to remain quiet and unobtrusive. Clearly, this was someone whom should not be messed with. The thief slouches further into the wall, a grim expression on her face. It was clear danger was afoot. Her gaze follows the direction of Vuryal's pointing, a small gasp leaving her as she realizes who he had singled out. "Nia..." Quickly, she starts to push her way through the crowd to the girl.

Shalamar wondering the same thing. "In order for the bounties to be fulfilled for you great lord those interested in doing your work like my fellow drow and myself will need a list."

Veriun had observed Vuryal to the very end of the display when the Chronomancer dissapeared. Unlike some others, His gaze had not faltered since the interruption of the bird. He had the general mannerism of a scholar or a writer who was making a detailed observance of a research subject or the subject of ones upcoming text or historical record. He showed neighter fear, approval or disgoust. Only interest.

Ryeanna 's eyebrow perks up upon hearing the disembodied voice of a former playmate as she mutters herself, "So that's who opened the portal..." a fiendish glint in her eyes as she melts into the crowd.

Aftermath of Vuryal's Proclamation

Rowen answers Cornelius in a low voice. Not sure what was in the canapes. I think I may still have one here though, have a taste see what you think. I wonder if he has finished with his speech about wanting to kill all the poor peasants. I don't want to interupt his flow, but Nigel wants to know if he is getting married again, and can Nigel be a bridesmaid. Leigh didn't like the idea of a hlaf decomposed dead shark bridesmaid but Vuryal gets married several times a year on average."

Roytoc , who was hidden in the crowd, just looked to Nia, his face stoic and his eyes hard. The child shouldn't have been here this eve', he didn't even know what was going on, what was transpiring, he was truly at a loss.

Niawtu notices nothing, her eyes are still staring at where Vuryal had been, his words ringing in her young ears. She hardly even appears to be breathing. Her icy body temperture plummeting until the grass and her bare feet whither and die.

Amarkos said, "People always want a list, too lazy to investigate on their own terms." he shakes his head and pushes off of the wall to head back inside the tavern and find a drink. Again, his movements were accompanied with the tinkling of bells. Children were defenseless and a lack of a struggle promised no amusement for Amarkos nor any concern since she had nothing to do with him. "Perhaps it is time I begin...."

Awne shakes her head and turns for the tavern again, the warm atmosphere would be far more welcoming at the moment than the words of a vengeful emperor

Cornelius nods gravely at Vuryal's words and murmurs to Rowen "Maybe you should marry him? Be a calming influence and all that." The dandy smooths his sleeves "Well, well, well. Looks like a bit of fun is happening, eh? A child's life, or the political expedience of one of those listed by that fiend? Oh my, this is like the Vailkrin of my youth on a grand scale."

Rowen said to Niawtu, "You need somewhere safe to hide my dear?"

Veriun chuckled and donned his coat before approaching the gallow structure with a slow pace in his steps, ignoring the proesting sounds from the bird on his shoulder. "And so the hunt begins, I see."

Ranok follows the point of the staff and...yes. Yes, of course, it would be Nia. It wasn't his problem. No. She made her choice. But then the man's face ripples. He sighs. He couldn't let it end like this without some sort of action. His head turns to the gallows and his mind replays the method in which the ogre had been damned. He considers.

Rowen looks a little shocked. "Can you imagine the consequences for the entire universe if the consort of the supreme empress were to be such an evil fellow? Doesn't bear thinking about."

Niawtu shakes her self out of it after a while and hears Rowen's words. She shakes her head, but says nothing. She had a feeling that there -was- no hiding from the stranger.

Roytoc looked from one person to the other, his face disgusted, he would rather be in Frostmaw at the moment, and he couldn't surmise why he wasn't actually, he needed to see his Queen soon anyway. Roytoc brushed a hand through his hand and quietly slipped away from the crowd, the voice of the being still ringing in his head, he headed towards the forest, though he didn't know why. He spit upon the ground, his face becoming more enraged with each second, though he quickly escaped the crowd, his stark-white ponytail being the only thing to give him partially away.

Tysinni finally pulls free of the crowd, swiftly making her way to Niawtu's side. "Oh, Nia..." Her expression is grim and determined as she moves to take the child in her arms.

Tysinni whispered something to Niawtu.

Veriun turned around, Hopped backwards, and sat down at the outer edge of the construct, close to where the parasite itself had been standing mere moments ago. Taking a hold of the rim of his hat as he peered around the crowd to survey the reactions with mild curiosity. Lingering on a few faces, passing some by.

Cornelius arches an elegant brow "It's all about balance, wot. Life would get rather dull if everything was easy. Besides, I'm sure you could bring him 'round. Piece of cake for the Empress of the Entire Universe, wot."

Niawtu begins to shake even more so as Tysinni comes near her, before Tysinni could take her into her arms Niawtu's legs give out and she falls to her knees upon the ground, holding her face in her hands, her breathing has increased tremendously.

Eric walked silently among the crowd, his long blue robe still, even the outline of his ears would not be seen twitching as he moved silently, coming upon Roytoc. "What hasa transpired here?" He whispered. He had seen the child condemmed, and only a serious expression was on his face, his eyes darting around, still calculating and watching.

Veriun said to Tysinni, "if you wish to save the child, the sulution is simple, is it not? Three options: a sacrifice, a deal or a battle. I would not recommend the last one, mind you.""

Rowen said to Cornelius "Oh, yes please a nice moist piece of carrot cake with cream."

Ryeanna discretely removes a glove, placing it within her cape. The Lich Queen then attempts to make sure nobody is watching before waving her bare palm near the gallows and whispering a spell of scrying.

Cornelius gave 1 wedding cake to Rowen.

Rowen nibbles happily away at the cake. "Adequate, but needs more carrots."

Tysinni drops to her knees beside the girl, reaching out for her again. She only peripherally registers the voice of someone speaking to her, all of her attention focused on Nia. Her mind races with possible choices as she tries to offer the young wolf-girl comfort.

Cornelius murmurs "Needs more wedding ring. You should propose to the gallowsman. Ask him to make your wedding gift the non-slaying of your subjects"

Rowen said to Cornelius "Your idea has merit. I shall consult with my learn ed advisers on the matter."

Tysinni said to Veriun, "Which would you recommend? None of them are good choices, but it appears I will have to do one."

Veriun said to Cornelius "a very flawed plan, Cornelius. He does not seem the type to submit to a wife, now does he? especially if he, as the empress said, marries several times a year."

Tiphareth hears half conversations and appears to be assessing the situation based on the commotion and crowd, but unsuccessfully so.

Ranok sidles up to Cornelius. It'd be clear who he was when he got close. Underneath the hat his face would be visible. "Hy need information. On de man dere at de gallows. Known as Vuryal."

Tiphareth nods toward Ryeanna before mysteriously sinking into the ground.

Niawtu can be heard, just barely saying the word "Death." over and over again and again in a breathy tone. After a while she removes her hands from her face and wraps them around herself, digging her claw-like nails into each arm. Her eyes have more fear within them then any other child could hold, but her face is stone still as the word Death continues to slide forth from her lips. She hadn't even noticed Tysinni or heard her words, and her pale skin was now even more pale as her pure whit long hair began to curtain past her face slightly.

Veriun stood up on the spot as the owl took off and flew away. Turning to look at Tysinni as she asked her question. he sighed as if he'd prefered not to answer. Yet he did. "It is a choice for you to make. All depends on your values. Which could you live with? ..or die with, potentially."

Rowen said to Veriun, "Yeah, he's not divorced em all though, He one of them poly things a polygymist or polygon or something."

Ryeanna slinks away from the gallows slowly,before quickly placing the glove back over her bare hand as she walks away briskly.

Cornelius said to Veriun, ""Balderdash. There's a difference between regular women and the Empress of the Entire Universe, you know.""

Veriun said to Cornelius "and he is the 'lord of time' as they say. It would be quite the domestic contest."

Rowen said to Ranok, "Vuryal is a chronomancer He can stop time and stuff, and he's the leader of the Archmosian Empire, and his last wife wouldn't even let Nigel be a bridesmaid at their wedding!"

Cornelius murmurs to Ranok "The histories in the black library of Vailkrin, and in the Libraries of Rynvale, hint at the being known as Vuryal containing immense mystical power, including that over time itself. One cannot, of course, be sure of the accuracy of these accounts, but the display just now proves that accounts of his mystical power are in no way exaggerated."

Rowen said to Veriun, "Yeah! Have a little confidence in your supreme empress!"

Tysinni shoots the speaker a look, not sure what his angle was, but having more than enough to deal with at the moment. Giving the girl her full attention, she grabs her gently by the arms, attempting to break through her shock. "Nia! Look at me. Listen to my voice. I'm not going to let anyone kill you."

Cornelius comments to Rowen "Of course, My liegelady, if -you- were the bride, of course Nigel could be a bridesmaid"

Veriun said to Rowen, "I did not say there was no chance of your succes. Only that it was a risky plan. Large risks are quite the flaw when aiming to prevent massive death and destruction. Unless ofcourse a gamble is the best bet, as such."

Ranok grumbles, "Dey never are, are dey? Right. Options are limited. Looks like dere's only tvo choices here. Hide her. Or find zumone else. Fancy a hunt, Kornelius? Take a look at dat list und see if dere's zumone ve kan' vrangle instead. Hyu kan take de entire bounty. Hy don' kare. Guaranteed to be an adventure."

Cornelius nods to Ranok "I fight Kuzial on Saturday night. That gives me time to work with. Killing puppies was never my style, I have to admit"

Niawtu feels Tysinni's touch and hears her words, but it doesn't seem to register with her at first. But then her eyes flick from where she was mindlessly staring to the gallows to where everyone was and finally to Tysinni. She just barely eeks out from her mouth "He was in my nightmares... Since I first night in Kelay...." but that's all she can say. Even though it was said quietly it would be audible enough by more sensitive ears. She, indeed, had nightmares for weeks on end. Yet, she would never speak of what they were for she didn't understand. The child then looks a bit faint.

Cornelius said to Ranok, ""Who do we know is on the list?""

Ranok tilts his head ever so slightly towards Nia. The casual onlooker would have little idea of just what he was talking about, though Cornelius would hopefully know, "Hef henny kontacts dat hendle precious kargo viddout openink it? Hy've suddenly found a great need for vun."

Cornelius ponders "By land or sea? I've got business interests in Cenril which could assist."

Tysinni is relieved to see Nia finally register something besides her own fear. A frown touches her face at the girl's words, worry about the entire situation starting to overwhelm her. A deep breath and she pushes it back to manageable levels. It was time for plans, not for panic. "Nia, I know you're scared right now. But do you understand me when I say that I won't let anything happen to you?" Ty looks into the child's eyes, forcing her to believe.

Rowen gave 1 cup cake to Veriun.

Niawtu looks at Tysinni and nods. "We... Were s... sisters... Must... Help... Eachother...." she says shakily. Suddenly her ears register the other voices about, picking a familiar voice out of the crowd. Though she doesn't look at him, she felt like she deserved this for how she acted the day previously. "Wha... What... we do... sister?" she says drawing her eyes to Tysinni.

Ranok looks grim, "Vatever iz de fastest vay dat makes sure de kargo gets dere intact. Price hain't an issue. Nor iz der repute." Meaning that he didn't care if they were slavers normally. As long as his conditions were filled, he would deal with them. Ranok has never claimed to be a lawful good man, after all.

Tysinni strokes the child's hair softly, trying to offer her a bit of comfort. "Sisters." She sighs softly, looking up and around at the other people as well. "I'll figure out something. Don't worry. No matter what, I won't let him kill you." The thief felt the heat of anger starting to burn within her chest. Innocent children were supposed to be off limits. She wouldn't let anything happen to Nia. "You'll be safe, Nia. I swear it."

Awne exited the tavern once more, looking over those that had remained after the display. Her gaze lingures to search out the child and the woman she had met once, moving towards the child and woman "Ty?" she calls softly "How is she?"

Tysinni said to Awne, "She's been better. I think she's calmed down a bit now."

Awne nods and looks to the child "I don't know what help I can be, but I offerr it, if you'd like." She smiles to the elf before turning her gaze back to the girl "Hello little one."

Niawtu leans softly against Tysinni, her breath still shallow and fast. She hardly reacts to seeing Awne, but then says "I want to be safe... In a house with you, Brina, Gwen, and Daddy..." she said so as though it were her deepest wish. In other words, she just wanted to be 'home'.

Cornelius nods "Cost will depend on destination and what kind of nuisances could be expected. But you didn't answer my earlier question, Ranok. Who do we know that is on the list? Do we at this stage?"

Ranok exhales. He glances at the tavern, "Hy don' tink so. Zumddink about black roses. Or dead vuns. Und a list. Hy don' know henny tink more den dat. It seems ve'll be ridink blind. At least hyu're goot at it." He shakes his head, "Ve need to move. Now." He had twenty four hours. And he wasn't going to waste them.

Tysinni looks up at the woman briefly, offering her a strained smile. "We appreciate it. Anything you can do will be welcome." Ty continues to stroke the girl's head, her eyes searching the crowd as she whispers soothing words. "I know you do. I'm gonna do everything I can."

Niawtu suddenly sits up, her eyes realising something "Leoxander!" she says quietly. Turning to Tysinni she says quietly and quickly "He was in Nia nightmare! You see him? He ok? I not understand nightmare, but I scared for all... More than me...." she was once again shaking. Leoxander, though not many knew, was actually very kind to Niawtu. She secretly thought of him as a big brother. And she worried for all her friends and family, and even the whole wolf pack. "Ooooh... Great Mother protect us all...." she groans, once again looking faint.

Awne watches the pair and sighs "until I can get my childrren to my motherrs carre I can't offerr my home...but I think the old clan house is still prresent in Larrket..." Her tail flicks at her side "If you need a place." she offers, it wasn't much, but when the clan had been disbanded the house had been left without tenents, it might still be there and ready for occupents.

Rowen waves cheerfully to her crayon gifting frog friend."Nothing is certain, but I might be getting married."

Uchawiman looked at rowen like you look at that girl who doesn't say hi but shoves a weasel down your pants. Ever had that happen? It sucks. Seriously. "Kudos."

Cornelius thinks "The forces of the Timelord and the Archmosian Empire were expelled from Rynvale. Gruz was from Gamorg, I recall Jolie mentioning once. Rynvale is where the majority of them would be based I imagine"

Ranok looks a little relieved when he sees Uchawiman. That might smooth matters, "Voodoo Man. Hy hef anodder job for hyu. Kome here. Ty, hyu kome too. Ve schould moff from here."

Rowen said to Uchawiman, "Please excuse me there are many preparations that need to be made fore such a great state occasion "

Cornelius will follow Ranok to wherever he chooses to hold the meeting

Uchawiman walked over, or waddled more like, to Ranok. Nodding froggisly to rowen. Yes. Froggisly. it's a word! Look it up! Okay. Fine, it's not a word. But it should be! It'd make a nice one!

Tysinni listens to Niawtu intently, her attention caught by the urgency in the girl's tone. "I don't understand..." Her brow furrows in concentration as she tries to keep her thoughts in a linear progression. "I didn't see him here, Nia..." She was confused as to what the girl wanted and she was too busy trying to come up with a plan to think it through at the moment. Ty turns her attention to the woman who was offering them help, grateful for the near-stranger's generosity. "Thank you. We just may take you up on that offer. I don't know how to thank you properly." Again her attention is caught by someone speaking to her, this time a very familiar face. "Alright..." She turns to Nia, tilting her head in the direction of the house. "Let's go. Now isn't the time for anger."

Niawtu shakily decides to stand up. Though she is able to get upon her feet she is shaking like a leaf and has the appearance of fainting at any moment, though she more than likely wouldn't. She looks between all the remaining crowd and tries to maintain a more brave appearance, though it doesn't ever seem to reach her silver eyes.

Awne smiles gently "head east at the main rroad..should see it south along the strreet if I rrememberr rright. I live in easterrn sage if everr you need something orr jsut a safe place."

Tysinni said to Awne, "I will keep that in mind. Thank you so much."

Niawtu said to Tysinni, "The... The house... right...... right."

Awne said to Tysinni, "of courrse Ty, please be well...look afterr the little one."

Tysinni said to Awne, "I promise."

Tysinni holds her hand out to Nia, giving her a reassuring smile. "Come on, let's go to your home."

Preparations begin at Ranok's House in Kelay

Ranok opens the door to let them all in. Now wasn't the time for precautions. Time was on the clock, and it trickled down like to much sand. He goes to his study, to grab a bunch of maps. Some made by others, a few by his own hand, "As dat avian saeed. Ve hef but a fev options. Vuryal iz powerful. To take him on head to head iz tantamount to suicide. So ve hef to get tricky. Dat nev form uf his seemed semi korporeal. Poison vasn' likely to vork. Und Hy hef no idea vere ve'd get enough holy magic to overvelm iz sure-to-eksist defenses in such a schort time." The maps are tossed on the center table. He was all business. This was Ranok at his most efficient. One map is seized and unscrolled. Rynvale. It looked old. "Kornelius mentioned his empire layink on Rynvale. Hy've been dere. De ruins are schtill dere to see. Hy hed vondered vere hall dat scorched turf kame from. Originally tought it vas dragons. Might hef been remains from a var. Rynvale iz out. Hidink in de enemy's territory iz as bold as bold kan be, but dat only vorks in schtories. Ve'd never get her out in time." The scroll is tossed aside with nary another thought. There were still options.

Cornelius doesn't beat around the bush "A sacrifice is the easiest way to extend Niawtu's time. We'd need someone in the meanwhile to get her to some kind of fortified safehaven." The dandy assassin muses "Perhaps the Champions of Kanos or the Temple may be able to shield her for a while."

Tysinni had followed the rest of them into the room, tugging NIa after her. Settling herself in a seat, she listens to the others speak, her mind whirling for suggestions. At Cornelius' words, she nods, agreeing with him. "Though I hate to say it, the best way to get her safe is to turn over someone else. As much as that goes against my personal beliefs." She seemed sickened at the thought, but determined to protect the girl.

Ranok says to the Jersher, "Hokay. Hy need hyu to vip up you most powerful enchantment hyu kan. Nia here needs to remain onspotted by perheps vun uf de most powerful mages ever. It doesn' hef to hold forever. But chust long enough to buy time. Or make him find zumddink else to kill. Kan hyu do dis? Hyu hef precious liddle time." The man looks grim, "Hy know you particular brund uf magic iz...onconventional. Hy'm hopink it's zumddink dat he hain't familiar vith. Not druidic, not mancy, but zumddink different." His left hand flexes as he looks at it, "Right. Hy know hyu kan vork vith blood. Vat if zumone gaff hyu blood und tissue villinkly? Vould dat schpeed up de process? Make a more powerful enchantment?"

Uchawiman raised his staff at Ranok as if reprimanding the man. "To hide somethin' yu put it away, Maan. Da man wants yu girl? Dere be naa girl, Ja? Mi could store da soul away an yu put da body awai. Or maek 'er be sumthin else fer da day. Or both. Much betta den hidin' 'er from magic, maan. Magic naa find dat dat naa is." he...speeched. Even the frog can be serious when the situation calls for it, huh? I'd be darned.

Niawtu looks at the ground as she listens to the adults speak. She felt horrible. She always seemed to cause problems, even unintentionally. She keeps quiet for a very long time, feeling that she had no right to speak after all the trouble she's caused. But after a while when the adults had hit a more quiet part of their conversations Niawtu says "Ranok, this all my fault… Why you protect me when I such a bad thing? Maybe I supposed to die…" she certainly does look condemned by a god at the moment. She had been wearing a pure white dress and pure white pants, yet she wore a raven black cloak as well. Her white hair is flowing and trailing down past her back and her tail is hanging limply. Her silver eyes are narrowed a bit and looking towards the floor. "I… I not want anyone to get in any trouble for helping….. You do too much for me…. And he probably find me, no matter what… I not want others to die over little skeleton me…" she didn't mean to add to the drama or anything, and was serious. She didn't understand why anyone would be helping her after all the trouble she's caused in the past, and she felt like her life was worthless, despite that she was one of the purest children this world could ever hope to have. Yes, pure was a better word than innocent for her. Everything about her was pure. Her hair, her eyes, her voice, her music that she played, and her soul…. But within 24 hours, all of it would possibly disappear… Forever…

Ranok considers the frog's words, "Polymorphink von' vork, surely. He must be betta den dat to be dumped by zumddink so simple..." He muses this. Another map is selected. Larket. Too close to Kelay. It was discarded. "If Hy tought he vould be taken in by so simple a ruse, den Hy vould suggest polymorphink a goat into Nia und den sendink dat in. Ve hef to be klever. Separatink soul from body...it hes merit. But dat sounds chust as dangerous as takink her life. Souls don' tend to schtay in vun place hall dat much. In my eksperience." Another map. The Xalious mountains. Wide. Large. Much of the map was blank, or filled in. It could work. But it was still damn close, and in a wasteland like that it was easy to spot a camp. He keeps the map on the table, however. Better then the other two, "Vatever ve do, saff tradink zumone else, iz gunna piss him uff. Viddout a list hendy, ve kan' eksactly hunt zumone down to fulfill dat side. So, ve take every odder route possible in de mean time. It's been promised 'tonight', accordink to dat note on de gallows, but dat's really not much time. Ve'll use vat ve've got now."

Cornelius turns eyes which seem at once distant, but still contain a hint of compassion, towards Niawtu "Child, people die all the time. But it is the responsibility of right-minded adults to see that children survive long enough to likewise reach adulthood. Your protestations are noble, but misguided. We shall endeavour to ensure your survival whether you like it or not. And that's the end of the matter." He turnks to Ranok "A risky gambit, this, but worthwhile nonetheless. A safety net in case we fail by other means" The dandy muses. "Shame Kuzial isn't likely to be on the list. Ah well. I'd better start scouting soon for word on who is marked for death, and hunt them down as a backup option."

Tysinni reaches out towards Nia, drawing her into the shelter of her arms. She tried to offer what comfort she could while being quiet and unobtrusive to the others. "Nia, don't say that. Its not your fault, whatever that thing was is just using you as a pawn. We're going to help you because we care about you. None of this is your fault." Ty falls silent for a while, listening to the talking and just trying to be there for the girl. Her mind flitted over possibilities, settling on a couple that had a glimmer of hope of succeeding. The others seemed convinced that hiding Nia was the best possibility and she hoped it would work. But having a back up plan was always a good idea. The thief's attention is dragged back by Cornelius' words, his thoughts aligning closely with hers. "I can find out who is on the list. I've heard today...about tokens of death. I think that it might be our best assurance that she will be safe."

Uchawiman looked at ranok and shook it's head. "Mi kan handle soul-movement for a day, maan. Mi keep ma motha's soul right here. Talk ta 'er sometimes." the frog digs inside his jacket and takes out a small skeleton doll that was quite obvious dead... or asleep. Yet it seemed to be... more then just a doll. You know how you have theese almost-a-sixth-sense impression? Like that. You can just tell.

Ranok dropped 1 dead rose.

Ranok said, "Yah. Tokens. A dead rose. Hy advise against touchink dat. Hy'll klear it out later. "

Niawtu nods, with a sigh, at Cornelius's words. What use was there in fighting against them right now? She'd just become worse off. When her new sister pulls her in to the shelter of her arms she does feel a bit relaxed, yet keeps quiet. It wasn't her place to speak. No, she certainly wouldn't do so unless spoken to. Whatever their discissions were was final. She knew this. As she's is in Ty's arms a few icy tears slide down her cold pale skin, but freeze to her before they can fall off. She hadn't felt fear like this since the Preklek's had enslaved her as a child. And, speaking of, one would notice that the Chekari earrings were no longer in her wolf ears, but there were small slits in her ears, evidently she had cut them out.

Niawtu said to Tysinni, "*looks towards the rose* ..... no.... "

Ranok walks around the table, crushing the rose in the process. A sign of his feelings or simple carelessness? That was for the others to decide, "A soul jar. Maybe. Dat's more drastic den Hy'd like. But options are fev." He exhales, "Kuzial beink on dat list vould simplify so mhenny tinks. Hy've already sent out a message to a fev odders. Maybe dey'll help vrangle voever ve seleck. Hopefully ve kan do dis but vunce und den keep out uf de vay. Hy hef a feelink dat ve'll hef to keep doink dis ontil ve kan get zum odder options eksplored." He had ideas. Options, methods, weapons. But they all took time he didn't have. The man was careful, and prone to plodding along when nothing spurred him. A bad habit in his long life. "Is separatink soul from body de only idea hyu hef, Voodoo Man? Dere iz no schpell hyu kan vork dat vould hide her first ontil it vears avay? Use odder options before de drastic." Another map. Frostmaw. Huge. Cold. Fitting the definition of 'no man's land'. And it carried residue magic...Nia would be happy as a lark there, to boot. He puts that map over the one of the mountains. A very good option for hiding her. He even knew the man that could arrange it.

Cornelius glances at the rose "Stylish, I'll give him that." He comments to Tysinni "Please do investigate. I'd prefer targets which have an element of the villain to them, but then, if push comes to shove very few can be considered truly innocent." Turning to Ranok, Cornelius arches an elegant brow "And how did you manage to annoy a chronomancer, Ranok old bean? He's been here barely a day or two, and you're on his list?"

Uchawiman shrugged, the frog was bored now. A awesome idea and the smith had to come and wuss out. But allright, I guess. I mean, you get the option to make something you don't want found basicly dissapear of the face of the world, and you ask for a camoflague jacket... that's what you get. (as well as a good toilet-paper-toss on your house. Not that the frog has toilet paper. Just... figuratively.) "Mi could sell yu a Chamelion Mask, maan. Maeks yu meld wit da world. To eyes, an to spells. Naa as powafull or potent, maan. But Mi could maek un on da spot."

Tysinni hugs Niawtu close for a moment, watching as Ranok dropped the dead rose to the ground. The sight of it made her anger grow deeper into her belly. Who was this person to show up and demand lives of so many? Including that of an innocent child. Her teeth clenched tight as the words around her floated around the room. Cornelius draws her attention and she looks up, meeting his gaze. "I'll find out all I can." The thief had a few tricks up her sleeve, favors she could call in from a few that she had met in this realm. The stranger that Ranok had brought in with them was interesting. He had ideas that she had never imagined.

Ranok shakes his head, "Dat vasn'...no. Hy vant to hide her from scryink. Und teleportation. De like. Hyu know? Hy vas tinkink dat perheps hyu hed zumddink similar to dat dirt." To mention the fact that he didn't really trust the voodoo man to not mishandle the soul. Or that it could even be done. Souls were tricky things and the powers that were didn't like people poking them. "It's an option to hold onto. If noddink else pans out...ve'll kome back to hyu. Ontil den...de best hyu hef iz zumddink dat only physically hides her. Dat hain't vat ve need."

Niawtu releases herself from Tysinni's arms and stands there, still as stone, as she looks upon the crushed rose. Not him too. When she does begin to move it is only to pull the frozen tears from her face, only to be replaced by more. She then continues to stand stone still once more. What a taxing day for a child, but she wasn't exhausted.

Uchawiman said to Ranok, "...eyes AND spells, maan. Yu hearin' bad?"

Ranok pulls out a very, very hefty bag of gold, "Right. It vill hold for now, hopefully. Den distance und isolation kan fill in de gaps. Ve'll hef to figure out vere den. Keep dat soul tink hendy. Make preparations. Hy vant hyu to be ready to implement dat at a moment's notice. Hyu'll be paeed hendzumly for you time." Ranok gave 5000 gold to Uchawiman.

Uchawiman nodded and Whipped out a wooden mask with intricate carvings from nowhere. Then he, without asking, really quickly pricked Niawtu's hand with his ritual dagger, taking just a drop of her blood and placing it in a small spot on the mask. The blood then filled out the carvings that got all shiny and stayed that way when the frog handed the mask over to Ranok "It'll work pon 'er. An 'er only. If he be as powafull as yu say, 'e would find a way around it wit time. But it be yu choice. Mi'll get ta makin' da ritual tools."

Ranok accepts the mask, "As long as it holds for tventy four hours. Dat iz hall ve kan hope for. Odder plans vill hopefully pick up de schlack. Hyu say hyu'll prepare for de odder idea? Goot. Hy hef a feelink...it vill become necessary. Vun vay or anodder. Dat's hall ve need for now. Ucha." Time was a pressing concern. But working under pressure was something he was fairly sure that both Ty and Cornelius were good at. He preferred plans, contingencies, and what have you, but this might just prove to be the happy medium for them all.

Niawtu flinches out of her stone stillness when her finger is pricked, taking a quick breath of shock at that. That's when she sees the mask and she keeps her eyes upon it with intrigue within her eyes.

Uchawiman grins his froggy-grin-thing. The one he does. Often. Sometimes. Kinda. You know what I mean. "Yu keep mom. Tell 'er if yu need mi." said the frog and pointed at the doll he had tottaly placed on the floor and I had not forgotten to mention. Honest. and then he poofed. Literally. Poof! Bang! flowers! smoke! ringing noise in the ears of everyone! Gone.

Tysinni watches Uchawiman work his bit of magic curiously. It was vastly different from any she had witnessed first hand before. When Ranok had the mask in hand she felt herself relax a bit, at least having some small measure of protection for the girl. Silently, she began going over who she would contact when she got a chance. She had an idea who would know more about the goings on, but it would take her away from Nia, which she disliked doing at the moment.

Cornelius offers a slight bow to all present "Well, while this has been very productive, I've got a limited timeframe to work with vis-a-vis cutting down some poor bastard on the Timelord's list." The dandy lets out a piercing whistle "Tysinni, in a moment my... ah... courier shall arrive. If you find something out, tell it to Percy. And feel free to slap his beak if he is anything less than a gentleman" The words are accompanied by a distant stream of hoarse, high-pitched curses, made manifest in the form of Cornelius' thrice-accursed parrot, Percy who flutters in to say "Aaark, Cap'n! Drown at sea!"

Tysinni looks rather disbelieving as Cornelius' courier turns out to be a bird. She disinclines to question him, instead just giving a curt nod. "I will let you know immediately. Through...Percy."

Ranok grimaces at the screeching doll that Uchawiman had given him. He didn't really listen to the natter. Something about being disappointed in her son and that sort of thing. Fairly typical affair, if you ask him. He sticks the doll into the first drawer he could. That didn't really work. The man yanks the drawer open and tosses things in there to muffle the noise, then closes it. Better. He turns to the rest of the group, "Now, den. Vhere vere ve?"

Niawtu allows a soft smile upon her features to these oddities, given the dire circumstances, and then says "You were looking for place to hide me." in a reminding voice.

Percy turns a beady black eye on Tysinni in what can only be described as a leer "Aark! Cap'n's new doxie?" and is rewarded by a swift rap on the beak which the parrot, and possibly those not trained heavily in combat, would not have seen until it after it had struck "Percy, this woman is going to obtain information. I will need you to relay the information to me once obtained. And behave yourself." Percy snaps at Cornelius' finger, and is rewarded with another rap on the beak "Now go back outside." Percy flies off, grumbling "Pieces o'bloody eight." Cornelius strolls out into Kelay.

Tysinni watches the odd scene between Ranok and doll rather woodenly. She's still mostly in her head, contemplating various things. However, being insulted by a bird gains her immediate attention. She goggles at the parrot for a moment, unable to even answer that 'no' she wasn't the 'Cap'n's doxie'. "That bird better behave itself or I'll see how much like chicken he tastes."

Ranok returns to the maps, "Yah. Vere to go. Options. Hm. Not populated. Isolated. Herd to get to. Hy schtill hef dat dirt, so teleportink in vill be very herd. De mask vill make scryink herd. Hopefully he'll decide on a betta target. De options are fev. Frostmav...or de desert. Roy kan get Nia in vun. Und Hy kan hendle de odder. Hy prefer de desert, but dat's simply me. It kan' kill hyu faster den Frostmav kan."

Niawtu looks at Ranok like he's crazy, and actually objects "The desert???" she squeaks, "The dessert kill Nia -very- fast!" as a complement to this answer she touches her arm, causing ice and frost to cling to it, as a reminder that she's as heat risistent as new fallen snow.

Tysinni is shaking her head even as the girl objects to the location. "She can't go to the desert. If she needs to go to Frostmaw, I can take her if it would be better for you."

Ranok doesn't budge that easily, "She kan go to de desert. Vere de hell vould hyu tink to look for her? A frost lycan child. De heat only dampens her powers und iz psychological. She hain't actually made uf schnow. But it's an option. Only durink de day iz de heat onbearable. Und zum enchantments kan beat de heat uff for her if ve need to moff. Hyu kan' be tracked in de desert. De schiftink sunds erase hall tinks. Und dere's...zumddink. In dere. Dat iz highly anti magical, if Hy kan find it again. It's an option Hy'm not veighink out."

Niawtu sighs, and groans a bit, but she already gives up on trying to fight it and says "Yes, sir... I go to dessert if absolutly necissary." she didn't sound happy, but she wasn't looking for a fight either.

Tysinni doesn't back down from her stance either. "Logically, it will do more harm than good. Especially since we don't know what kinds of weaknesses Vuryal has. But we do know that he has no problem with heat. He's come out of the fire in Kelay tavern twice in as many days. So far I haven't seen him do anything around the cold. I'm not saying it is a weakness, but it can't hurt to think about it. Besides, do you really think he knows that much about her? He picked her at random from the crowd. He probably doesn't even know what she is."

Ranok studies the map of the desert. What was there was basically empty. His own hand scrawled on most of the information there. In his own language, typically. But the path he's marked out on the map seems strange. It heads only one way, in a more or less straight line. Almost as if he were dropped there and made his way out, rather then venture in, "Maybe at rundom, maybe not. He likes to dick around vith time und hall. Might hef seen zumddink in de future he didn' like. Maybe he deed do it at rundom. Eidder vay. De desert kan' be done. Hy hef to remain here. Und Hy kan' guide und help Kornelius at de same time."

Tysinni sighs and brings a hand up to her head, massaging her temple. "I have to talk to my contacts. I can accompany her to Frostmaw, but I won't be able to stay. I'll do more good here. So, she needs a place that she is more comfortable in by herself, just in case." She looks up at Nia, apology and guilt in her expression. She hated not being able to be in two places at once.

Niawtu sighs, and sits down upon the floor when she realises her legs could no longer hold her up. "Ranok... Remember nightmares I used to get? When the orc give me potion, an' you watched me in cove? I saw him... but he more of shadow... But... I saw near everyone in Leoxander pack... and Ganji... I think they in trouble... What they do, tha' make monster so mad?" she looked up at Ranok with sincere and truthful eyes, that were filled with terror for all.

Ranok sighs. He writes down on a note and tosses it out the window. The thing gets caught by a passing bird, taken to where it needed to go. He turns to address a runner that came to the door, as well, "Ancient history, Nia. Hy do not know. It vas before my time in dese lunds. But tinks are about to turn upside down very, very soon. If he hedn' treatened hyu, Hy'd arrange for hyu to be taken zumvere else regardless. Hy don' kare dat hyu've left me und Brina. Hy don' giff up investments so easily."

Niawtu thinks of what he says and then speaks quietly to him "I... regret... yelling and leaving... You two my parents.... Me should 'ave been better... An' listen more... Monster gonna hurt everyone 'til world full of ash an' blood...." those were the most serious words that a child could have said, but they were perhaps true. She then remains silent as ever once more.

Tysinni glanced out the window as Ranok threw the paper out it. It was then she noticed how much time had passes. A frown comes to her face as she contemplates where her contact might be. She grumbled to herself, mostly nonsensical words, but every now and then an elvish word would appear. It wasn't a language she used lightly, but there were some words in there that just fit the occasion. A sad smile touched her lips as the two seemed to make up. Always, danger and tragedy could do the miraculous. "Whatever plans we are going to put into effect need to start happening quickly. It will take us time to move her and get her set up. And I need time to talk to my contacts. If we're going to offer up a suitable replacement, we'll need to be able to track them down as well."

Niawtu quickly stands up, practically ripping the cloak off of her as she turns and runs towards her room. When she returns she is carrying her white cloak, the lock picking tools, and her old dagger from when she first came to Kelay. "What happen to pets?" she asks as she straps the cloak about her neck and hides the pick lock tools in a pocket on her cloak. As for her dagger, she never had anything to put it in, so it just hangs awkwardly in her hand. As for the child's sword she once had, the orc that kidnapped her bent it into a circular shape to prove it's weakness to orcs... So that was not an available weapon. Another thing one would have noticed is that she had her lyre strapped to her back and it was now under her cloak.

Ranok says to Tysinni, "Arrangements are beink made. Vord hes been sent out to multiple pipple. Roy vill be along as fast as he kan, Hy tink." He sighs went asked about the pets. They were still around. But they couldn't go with...he makes a face. They would comfort the girl. Their transport would ease the workings of things, no doubt. He goes back to his workroom to grab some things. Weapons for Nia. They would do absolutely nothing, but he needed them less then she did, "Hy'll gadder dem up so dey kan go vith hyu, Nia. Hy kan' kome vith hyu. Hy hef odder tinks to do. Ve need to do dis as fast as possible, so hyu kan' tell hennyone else. No vun vill know. Leo, Mahri, henny uf you pack kan' know ontil hyu're safe. Dey hef odder tinks to vorry about, demselves." He picks up object after object, discarding them as he does.

Niawtu perks up as a voice resounds in her head "Gwen?.... Gwen! Ranok! Gwen asked where i am... I tell her. We wait for sister, or no time?" Her words practically tumble out of her mouth.

Gwenilyn hurries to the door of the safe house and knocks as she calls out, 'It's Gwen! Let me in!!

Ranok curses. Gwen finding out...that is bad. Her heart was bigger then her body. Losing Nia if it all failed would be hard enough. Gwen would insist on going, and if the mage broke through their defenses...and then it was too late. Gwen was coming in. He holds another pocketwatch/throwing device in his hands as the fae appears. The door is opened, "Gven. No doubt hyu've heard de news."

Gwenilyn laughs shakily. The palenss of her cheeks should have been a good indication of that! 'Aye. I have heard. What do I do? Tell me. And do NOT tell me to never mind!' The fae's eyes are blazing and fists are clenched. It would not be wise to try and dissuade Gwen of anything. Not now.....

Tysinni watches rather awkwardly as the two run around grabbing things in preparation. She noticed that the girl seemed to have more than could easily be secreted on her body. A sudden idea and she reaches for her bag she had dropped next to the chair. It takes only a second before she brings out what appears to be a hunk of leather. Ty unfolds it, giving it a little shake, watching as it takes on the shape of a small leather satchel. It would be the perfect size for Nia. Standing, she walks over to her 'little sister' and hands her the bag. She wasn't really good at the emotional stuff, but she tried. "Here." Its a rather brusque statement, but she knew Nia wouldn't mind. Before she could say anything else to Ranok, the arrival of Gwen kept her silent. She would wait to see what role she would be playing in a few moments.

Niawtu looks at Gwen with a smile that doesn't reach anywhere near her eyes. She is wearing all white and looks fairly pure and beautiful, despite the situation. Gwen would also notice she had a growth spurt and was now 8 inches taller than before... Ha! Great! Taller... And now there was a possibility of her never growing again if she wasn't safe. But she was trying to act her bravest, as brave as a child can be.

Tysinni gave 1 black leather-satchel to Niawtu.

Niawtu takes the satchel from Ty, understanding perfectly well. She then places any of her necessities within it. She then looks up at Tysinni and says "Tysinni, this Gwen. She my first sister.... Gwen, *she looks at Gwen acting as nonchalant as possible* This Tysinni... She an' I decide to be sisters too... That ok?"

Gwenilyn notes a strange woman nearby and offers her a tight smile and a nod. Normally Gwen would have been far more curteous but not at the moment. When her eyes take in her brave sister, Gwen falls to her knees and holds out her arms, smiling as best she can. 'Come here, sweeting and let me have a look at you. Good grief! When did yu get so tall?' She winks, hoping that her jest will lighten things even just a bit.

Ranok makes a grim face, "Hy vouldn' do dat, Gven. Hyu know me. Dere's already a plan. Ve're gunna hide her in Frostmav. Ve've got zum measures to prevent detection...und hopefully ve kan push him uff vantink to kill her. Dere are odders dat deserff it more." He slips the pocketwatch into the bag for Nia. If nothing else, it could be sold for a sum of money. It turned into a rotating disc of whirling blades when it was wound, however, "Dere iz liddle henny sinkle person kan do. Now. Gven. Hyu kan' go und do zumddink fooleesh. Every measure iz beink taken. Do hyu onderstund?"

Gwenilyn nods quickly. 'Of course, Nia! Sisters are good. THe more the merrier, I always say!' To Ty, she offers now a more warm smile. 'hello. Thank you for taking such good care of Nia.'

Niawtu quickly moves over to Gwen and embraces her, she hadn't seen her sister in so long... And now? What conditions to be under... And Brina... She hadn't seen Brina in what seemed like forever... And now her daughter was possibly going to be killed by a monster.... What a world....

Gwenilyn looks over to Ranok, glaring at the man. 'Something foolish? I know~ there is nothing a single person can do, Ranok. But a group~ of like-minded friends can~. Tell me what i can do to help. Please.'

Tysinni took a few steps back, leaving Nia to be with her sister. She meets the other woman's gaze briefly, giving her a small nod of acknowledgement. Now wasn't the time for pleasantries. Ranok was giving more orders and explanations, she listened with half a mind. She had already heard most of it before and she had preparations of her own to think about. She's brought out of her thoughts by Gwen's voice, offering a sad sort of smile to the lady. "Its nice to meet you." Perhaps there was time for pleasantries after all.

Ranok sighs. He takes a good, strong knife and packs that too, into the bag, "Right now, Gven? Get ready for var. It's komink. Vuryal may be a tough bastard to put down, even for avile, but his followers hain't. Pipple vill be hurt. Killed. Hyu'll need you schtrength, und you luv for life soon. Ve hall vill. Zumddink to look at in de komink dark."

Gwenilyn wraps her sister in a big hug, murmuring in her ear. 'Do not worry, little one. WE will see that no harm comes ot you.' Gwen looks nce again to Ranok. 'Cornelius has taken Jolie captive and is taking her to Vuryal.....' The revulsion on her features is clear. But the underlying message should also be clear.

Niawtu pulls back slightly and looks at Gwen saying in barely a whisper "Jolie?" her eyes go foggy as a flashback hits of Sofie's boy, Kassy, recounting a 'tale' including Jolie. As she thinks of how beautiful life was just days before a cold tear runs down her cheek and freezes.

Ranok halts, "Uh. Vat? He deed vat?"

From outside is a knocking and a familiar voice: "Open up old chap. And put on a kettle. We have company."