"A Quest Of Friends"

[Thundertail]

A QUEST OF FRIENDS

(Introduction…)

Lamplighters atop the heads of their Bracheosaur helpers doused the Sunstone lamps that illuminated the way for nocturnal travelers as the shimmering natural illumination that was the sun dappled it’s way across the uppermost windows along the streets of Sauropolis. Between their booming calls and their foot thuds, there was little chance for the citizens in the near by buildings to remain asleep! Instead they roused and fulfilled their usual morning rituals before going out to greet everyone as they passed in the street.

Flower venders prepared their carts while shop owners lowered their awnings and set up their sidewalk displays. Already the early morning phalanx of Postal Birds careened down the streets above the heads of the growing number of sauropods, delivering the first of the days hundreds of correspondance pieces as they darted to their assigned destinations - through now opening windows as was the case of many.

In one of these cases, one little creature lighted on the sill of an upstairs room of an inn and tapped her beak ceaselessly, for the message she bore for the one inside could forever alter fates!…
_

TAG: Any and all!

[dragonqeen1010]

The sound of crashing waves and the heat of the sun on my back and face wakes Kaitlyn from her unconsciousness. she flutters her eyes open.
were am i? a beach? how did i get here?
Kaitlyn pushes her self up with her arm grimacing at the sch in her arms. she sits on her knees looking around. a forest like place borders a sandy beach. a sting in her knee ketches her attention. looking down she see a rip in her right knee and looks at the blood
when did i do this?
reaching up she clutches the blood colored gem around her neck. standing she groans. every thing aches. she stumbles a bit as she stands but gains her balance. Kaitlyn wipes off her cheek that had been in the sand and wipes off as much wet sand as she can. hugging her shoulders she shivers and looks around like a scared puppy not knowing what or were to go.
what now? were do i go? were am i? is father alive?
(P.S. the blue is her thoughts)

[Thundertail]

IC: Tebo Lewis, Bentfeather Microraptor, Frik and all the rest. On the road to Sauropolis via Raptor Flats.

The forests and fields rolled by the wheels of both carts for many miles as the sun began to sink, and they had been traveling for hours without any sign of stopping; but this was only because Frik, disguised as lady Natasha wished to put as much distance between them and Waterfall City as she could. As Randy gradually began to slow his pace and start wheezing for breath, the Pachycephalosaur felt for him and called for him to stop on the road; and there was a small clearing where he stopped that she felt would be a perfect place to camp for the night. Randy pulled over gratefully, and Polongo did the same near by; then she jumped down and surveyed the area; which sported fence posts denoting the property lines of a crop field and a small farmstead in the distance through the trees.

As per practiced routine, Polongo’s Partner got down and started setting up their camp; gathering Hazen and Frak as volunteers for the task; and as Tebo saw what was going on, got down to unhitch his father’s Ankylosaur Partner so he could tend his own business. Before long firewood was gathered, tents and bedrolls were set up and some food was unpacked for cooking; and in the mean time Randy returned still licking the ferns he had found from his boxy snout. In all the activity in camp, Tebo had forgotten about Bentfeather in the Postal Bird basket; and rushed aboard the cart to see how he was doing, peering in and seeing both he and Postal Bird 76 sound asleep! After a light jostle, both creatures stiffly began to stir.

“Ohhhh…”, Bentfeather stretched stiffly. 76 got up immediately and flapped to the rim of the basket. “Where are we…?”

“We’re out of Waterfall City.”, Tebo told him as he massaged his Partner’s aching back. “I think Frik believes it’s safe to spend the night here.”

“Oh, that is wonderful!…”, Bentfeather accepted his Partner’s shoulder. “Never in my life have I had such an unpleasant experience!… No offense to my basket mate, but I never wish to travel that way again!”

“Us Postal Birds are never offended, my friend.”, 76 told him from the seatback of the driver’s seat. “We are used to any mode of transportation, if the need arises.”, he chortled as he straightened his orange striped scarf. “You should know that you may need to travel in there still, so I suggest you get used to it!”

“Oh… That’s wonderful news…”, Bentfeather said in an extremely unenthusiastic tone. “Are we having a meal soon? I’m starving!”, this he said as Tebo walked him over to the campfire.

Tebo noticed that their guards Artemis and April Manchester had made themselves scarce during the camp setup, but they were seen returning from up the road; and they reported that they saw no one on the road or near by for almost a mile ahead. At this time all had gathered around the campfire, mostly smelling the food that Seamus had prepared: a simple medley of various beans and tubers in a stew meant for nutrition and not exactly taste. As this concoction was being served in the various ramshackle bowls and wooden silverware they brought with them, Frik stepped up and got everyone’s attention.

“Now that we are relatively safe for now, I would like to tell you our real plan for leaving Waterfall City.”, Frik began as she accepted her bowl. “As you have probably gathered by the disguises and our demeanor while leaving the city, all of what transpired so far was a ruse.”, she took her first bite, then continued. “However, we will have to keep up this ruse while in other towns and cities, for this is an undercover mission devised by the mayor and the council.”

Several questions were voiced, and she halted them with a clawed hand. “In reality, we are to discover the reasons behind the murder of Frank Scratt, and find out why the artifact and the notebook is so important to those that want it.”, she took another bite of stew. “As I stressed at the moment of our departure, there will be dangers involved in this operation; but the only way I can keep you all safe - as well as the mentioned items - is to bring you all along; and maybe with our combined skills, we can unravel this mystery once and for all.”

“Well, if anyone tries to harm my Partner’s boy, they’ll get what-for!…”, Randy spoke out, pounding his club tail on the ground for emphasis.

“Hush, Randy!…”, Tebo scolded softly.

“Before we go to Sauropolis as I mentioned in town, I must go to Raptor Flats, where a liaison of mine has news concerning this mystery.”, she smiled. “And the reason why I chose to rest here is to wait for others of our group to arrive.”, after a few inquiries on who they were, Frik continued. “Rest assured, they are persons all of you may know.”, and then she fell silent for the rest of the meal.

As everyone else concluded their meals and got settled in for the night, many conversations occurred between a few in the group. Frik and Frak went aside to talk of personal matters while Polongo and Artemis went aside with Redcrest to talk of family matters, Hazen and Seamus made quiet discussion near the bedrolls while April Manchester just took it upon herself to post guard at the periphery of the camp. As Tebo inexpertly tried to get the interior of the sleeping cabin on the cart straightened out for Bentfeather and himself to sleep in, 76 and Bentfeather went over to finally get to know Randy, who was over in a gully beside the road trying to find someplace comfortable for him to sleep in.

“You know, old boy, I never really got the chance to meet you…”, Bentfeather said as he perched on a near by branch. 76 was on a log several yards away. “It was a social mistake and I’m sorry…”

“Aw, think nothing of it.”, Randy said. “You’re a busy bird, and I’m nobody, really…”

“Well, any Partner of my Partner’s father should be treated with more regard.”, Bentfeather’s goggles slipped down his muzzle, and he readjusted them. “I must say you pull the cart most smoothly indeed!”

“A body has to pull smooth or he’ll wreck a boat!”, Randy chuckled as he turned in the furrow. He scratched his side with a foot. “Darn ticks…”, he winced.

“A person your size must get a lot of vermin…”, Bentfeather stated with concern. “But vermin is food for a person my size!… Let’s take a look…”, he flapped to Randy’s tank like back and examined the armored hide, plucking a few of the pesky insects that he found. “Want some, 76?… There’s plenty here!”

“No, thank you.”, 76 said, watching. “Dimorphodons are plant eaters.”

Just then a shadowy form came running down the road behind the group, and April immediately sprung to her feet to engage this stranger. Artemis turned from her family and ran to her side. The shape was a bipedal dinosaur, slowing to a walk as he saw the firelight; and turned this way and that as he scanned the campsite in the dark and glare, which showed there was a human rider atop him. Before the pair could enter the light of the fire, April had her spear in hand, silently warning the intruder not to go any further. A hoot from the dinosaur and Frik came from where she was to meet them, she talking in the Corythosaur’s language; and within a moment the newcomers were allowed into camp.

“Hello everyone.”, said the human, some of his features were vaguely familiar. “We are wayfaring travelers, and ask that we share your campfire for the night…”

“You most certainly may share our campfire, mister Ajax!”, said Frik. “And sir Olu may join us as well!”

At that revelation, everyone in camp became much less agitated; and everyone came over to greet them, giving greetings from handshakes to mere nods. Olu winked at Hazen and folded back his tunic to show his guard badge, indicating they were undercover. Ajax got down, saw what Olu had brought with him and scolded him.

“Olu, you know we’re not supposed to bring anything that would show we’re guards!”, said he. “Why did you bring that?…”

Nodding sadly, Olu hunkered down beside Hazen and took off the badge; then handed it over to him. “He wants you to hang on to it for him.”, Ajax translated the gesture. Hazen nodded and accepted it, April saw the whole thing from where she stood, then spoke.

April saluted and apologized for not recognizing them as they were out of uniform, then Ajax told her that he was their commanding officer for this mission; but to treat them like common travelers, as was their cover story. He then looked hungrily at the campfire, and Olu followed him to where the cooking pots were to serve himself and his Partner.

“Mister Ajax,”, Frik walked up and stated. “What news do you bring from waterfall City?”

“You had made well your escape, for those that sought sir Bentfeather and the artifact are still searching the city.”, Ajax said as he blew on his stew. “Items that were withheld from you I have in my possession, and they seem to be an important key to this mystery.”

“What is it?”, she asked.

“It is the journal of Nicolai Sanders, and sir Bentfeather’s interpretations of it.”, said he, scooping more stew into his mouth. “Who made this stew?… It’s exceptional!…”

“And you had authorization to bring it?”, Frik asked him.

“Of course.”, Ajax finished his bowl and went for seconds. “The council feels that the expedition would need all pertinent material in order to find out what is going on.”

“On the subject of security.”, Frik went on. “Are there any rumors going around concerning us?”

“The library assistants are aware of Bentfeather and Tebo’s absence from the library.”, Ajax reported. “The mayor has told them that they are on a tour of the other libraries around Dinotopia to see if there are any volumes they need, and if there are volumes there that the Waterfall City library might need… I have indications that they believe that story.”, he looked at Olu as he finished his helping. “Olu reports that there are few rumors going on. Sir Ludwig wonders where Hazen Baker went off to, but we assured him that he is on another assignment and would not attend any music classes for a while. In many of their old haunts, there is speculation on where they all went; but none of the rumors mention anything to do with what is really going on.”

“Then all is well, and we can proceed!”, Frik smiled. “Good work, officer Ajax and Olu!”

Presently everything in camp began to settle down, and soon it was decided that everyone turn in for the night. Even though all of them had chosen their places to sleep for the night, Tebo and Bentfeather found themselves dispossessed from their spots in the sleeping cabin of their cart by Frik and Frak as they opened the door to see them already there. Tebo and Bentfeather had no choice but to sleep in one of the spare tents on the cold, hard ground…
_

TAG: Hazen and company, any and all!

[o8jedi]

IC: Hazen Baker, camp, on the road to Raptor Flats

Hazen made a mental note to himself: Get a small pouch of herbs and spices for personal use. He had adapted greatly to a vegetarian diet over the past few months, but he still preferred something else to cut down on the harshly bitter flavor of Seamus' stew. At least Redcrest seemed to like it; probably because of over 65 million years of herbivorous diets for Lambeosaurs. Still, he ate without complaint, taking swigs of water from a flask to try and wash the aftertaste away. When he finished his meal, he gave his dishes a quick rinse with some water before trying to see what needed to be done before they turned in for the night.

With the added presence of Olu and Ajax, Artemis was granted a temporary leave to be with her family. Satisfied that all was well in the camp, Hazen walked to the hadrosaur family, smiling at the sight he saw. Redcrest was scampering around, telling her mother about all that she had done, especially with Hazen. He quickened his pace after seeing his Partner pointing at him and excitedly burbling.

Once Redcrest finished, Artemis looked up. "It seems that I owe you a large debt of gratitude," she said. "It was one of the hardest decisions I ever made, leaving for training while she was still an egg. I'm thankful that you came when you did. Polongo and I are forever in your debt."

"Please," Hazen said, raising a hand. "It was no trouble at all. I'm just glad that you're here now. I may be an okay babysitter, but nothing compares to her parents." He smiled and it was reciprocated by Artemis. The mother and child again moved close together before they went near the tents. Given the hour, he figured it was time for bed.

The camp had emptied out as people retired. Hazen took one final scan before seeing April, purposefully striding with her weapon in her hands. A call came from the Hadrosaurs. "Hang on," he said, "I'll be there in a few minutes." He walked closer to the guard. When she heard approaching footfalls, she turned quickly and eased her posture after seeing who it was. Hazen held up his hands defensively. "It's only me," he said.

"You should be getting some rest," said April. "The road to Raptor Flats is still a long one."

"I know. Just wanted to say goodnight." Hazen removed his cloak and held it out. "And I thought you could use this for your shift. It may be a little cold tonight. I figure since I'm in a bed and all..."

April raised an eyebrow, not expecting an act of kindness like this. "Thank you," she said, quickly putting it on. She made a little grunt, noting its warmth due to a full day's use, before looking back at Hazen, who was heading back to the tents. "By the way," she said. Hazen paused and turned back to her. "Why did Officer Olu give you his badge?"

"Ajax and Olu took me on the beat one day, sort of job-shadowing. They say I did a good job, but . . ." he shrugged. "I dunno. Still, who'd expect me to carry a badge, eh?"

April nodded. "I suppose."

Hazen smiled slightly. "Good night, April," he said as he went back to the tents.

April put up the hood on the cloak. "Yes," she said quietly as she resumed her duty.

TAG: Tebo, Bentfeather, any and all!

[Thundertail]

IC: Bentfeather with Tebo and company, on the road to Raptor Flats.

Bentfeather dreamed of his childhood, going out on the road with his father and his Partner Andy to other towns; where they camped out on the road and stay in different places, where all of life was fun save for the ridicule of his sisters. Those days were grand indeed, and this was what Bentfeather was thinking when he woke up inside the tent near the road that led to Raptor Flats that morning; for at first he thought he was out on a fun adventure like before, but his still dreaming mind rushed back to the present when he finally recognized the darker face of his new Partner Tebo. Smiling at his mind’s foolishness, he tickled the boy awake with a finger feather, and they both exited the tent when they were ready to.

What met their eyes was the activity around camp by the few that were already up, and that activity included Olu, who was busy righting Randy in his hollow; who had rolled over in his sleep and couldn’t get to his feet. Seamus was up trying to restart the fire and gather the things needed for making their breakfast, and April was just coming back from patrolling the immediate area; but all the rest were just getting up or otherwise preparing for the day. As Redcrest scampered by with Hazen hot on her heels, Frik and Frak left the sleeping cabin on the cart and hopped down to observe what was going on for a moment before joining everyone.

“Good morning, all…”, Frik, dressed in her lady Natasha disguise, greeted. “If we eat and break camp quickly, we should be in Raptor Flats by Noonmeal…”

“I’m all for Noonmeal!…”, Randy said as he happily munched on his bale of alfalfa, which brought chuckles.

“Frik and I discussed this last night, and thought it best we continue using our disguises when we reach town.”, Frak said as he took his place near Hazen and Redcrest’s family. “Until then, or if we meet up with other travelers along this road, we can relent from them if we wish.”

“We should be safe from danger until then.”, Frik said as she ate the porridge. “I will continue to lead the way, and mister Ajax and Olu can take up the rear. April and Artemis can take the point.”, she paused her eating to look at the human girl. “And there was no need for you to post guard all by yourself last night, darling!… You could have woken someone else, and taken shifts!…”, at April’s proud comment, Frik shrugged and finished her meal.

“She is right, cadet.”, Ajax added. He was dressed in a tan vest over a blue shirt, brown denim pants and leather belt; and a wide Stetson hat hung by a strap around his neck, which made him look like any ordinary traveler prepared for days of riding the rough country. Olu was dressed in a similar way, made to look like just your ordinary freelance Overlander. “Now you will be too tired to be sharp in case of danger! I suggest instead that you have some sleep in one of the carts until we make town. Artemis is well rested from last night, and I think she would be able to warn us of any danger all by herself. Am I not right?…”, Artemis nodded, coddling her daughter.

“That is a fine suggestion!”, lady Natasha said in her regal tone. “Now I suggest we break camp and set out as soon as we’re done…”, she got up and placed her bowl with the other dirty dishes. She frowned as she saw the proud moue on April’s face as she made her way to one of the carts.

Within the hour the campsite was broken down, Polongo expertly hitched to his cart by Seamus and given help by Hazen and Frak; and Randy was hitched up by Tebo and assisted by lady Natasha and being coached by Bentfeather and 76. When all was in order they set out, lady Natasha flicked Randy’s reigns and they all started off down the road; Artemis ran ahead until she was nearly out of sight, her pace was much faster than the rest; made slow by Randy’s slowly lumbering gait, and Polongo’s was made slow because he was behind Randy. Mister Ajax and Olu lagged behind slightly, then slowly walked behind the convoy; always keeping them just in sight as they looked behind them every now and then.

The going was relatively uneventful for the group, and other than potholes and the usual roadside hazards; the rolling scenery seldom varied as they passed farmstead after farmstead. Bentfeather in the Postal Bird basket took the severe jostling like a trooper, even though he complained to Bird 76 at every errant wiggle. During part of the trip Tebo’s false mustache came half unglued; and Frik added more actor’s glue to it while the cart rolled onward. April Manchester chose to sleep in the back of their cart, and barely woke even though the cart pitched and yawed. In the other cart, Hazen took to playing his guitar for the increasingly cranky Redcrest; and as Randy heard the music coming from behind, happily began humming and grunting off key in tune with the music!

As the heat of the day became increasingly prominent, the sparse wooden buildings of Raptor Flats emerged in the distance when the path broke out of the trees and began to cross some rolling fields laced with swampy remnants. The group could see bustling activity between the buildings, where people did business and went about their daily lives; but these people and saurians appeared to have a more grubby caste than those of Waterfall City, and the traffic of these people were more sparse than what they all were used to. As they drove into the town proper, they saw it was set up more as a trading post and weigh station than a real farming community; shops for provisioning were intermingled with pubs and eateries, and many modes of passenger transportation were available featuring Brach bus gantries near the outskirts of town. Judging from the abundant warehouses and loading docks prevalent down one street, Tebo inexpertly surmised that trade for this town was very profitable.

Lady Natasha stopped their cart outside some paddocks, where Randy and Polongo could be tended to while the rest could be about other business; and by this time April Manchester woke up, and was tending to Artemis as was their Partnerly want to do. They as well as Olu decided to stay near the carts, and 76 decided to stay in the basket; but Bentfeather went along with the rest, awful fitting Postal Bird disguise and all. He perched on Tebo’s shoulder as lady Natasha escorted the rest toward the city proper. At a pub with batwing doors sporting an overhead sign proclaiming it was called the ‘Raptor’s Refuge’, she led the way inside; and all of them noticed the grade of riff-raff the place sported, so Hazen scooted Redcrest closer to him.

Lady Natasha chose a pair of empty tables from a group of six or more as it was rather early and not many patrons were there as of yet; and when all were seated or otherwise comfortable, the extremely portly barkeep sauntered over wiping her meaty hands on her apron. As all ordered drinks or what ever else they wanted, Frik scanned the room for her contact here; whom informed her a week ago they would meet here sometime around noon, but thus far he was nowhere to be found. As the behemoth of a human turned to take her order lady Natasha smiled and merely ordered a Jinka ale. As this was going on many more patrons entered the pub, but only a few had left; and as the fare was being served at their tables amid mild conversation between members of their group, Frik detected the odor of the person she had been waiting for.

He was an Ovaraptor, and she only knew him by the name of Mulligan; and as she glanced at him, she saw he was wearing a head bandanna and looked more like a pirate than anything. He looked around with his accusing stare before taking a seat at an adjoining table back to back from where she sat, then roughly placed the haversack that nearly matched the one before Frik onto his table. The barkeep took his order of Jinka ale - their signal telling that he had something for her in the haversack - and waited patiently for his drink to arrive. Frik smiled at Tebo, Bentfeather on his shoulder and winked at the others as the barkeep returned with his order. To make room on the table, Mulligan placed the sack on the floor beside him on his right, and a few moments later Frik placed her sack on the floor to her right. A loud argument erupted near the bar area, and this was their sign to make their switch; for both slid their sacks back with their foot so each was now beside the other. Mulligan quickly downed his Jinka, paid the tab, picked up Frik’s haversack and quickly left moments later.

As their group finished their orders, lady Natasha paid the bill for both tables and they presently got up to leave the pub. Back at their carts, and noticing that Randy and Polongo were well taken care of at the paddocks; they mounted the carts and started to make their way out of Raptor Flats by a southern road. Near the outskirts of town, Frik had Bentfeather enter the sleeping cabin of their cart; brandishing Mulligan’s haversack as she opened the curtain for him.

“Now let us see what my cohort has brought…”, she told him as she opened the sack. Inside was a large envelope that contained a key and a note. “The note is in a language I do not know…”

“It’s in Microraptor dialect…”, Bentfeather said as he scanned the note. “It says ‘It is in the desk’; what ever that means…”

“This key must open the desk…”, Frik concluded. “But what desk?…”

“Wait… Didn’t Frank Scratt own a curio shop, and had access to portage goods?”, Bentfeather asked, Frik shrugged. “Well, with any of those businesses, one would have to own a desk to facilitate the paperwork. Perhaps the desk it at mister Scratt’s place of business!”

“He worked out of Sauropolis.”, Frik said. “Good!… That’s just where we’re going.”

“Then I guess we will unravel this mystery when we get there…”, Bentfeather continued as he went back to the Postal Bird basket…
_

TAG: Hazen and company, any and all!

[o8jedi]

IC: Hazen Baker, Camp, en route to Raptor Flats

Low rumbles both sent Hazen to sleep and woke him up. The three Hadrosaurs had huddled together for the night with little Redcrest in the middle. He smiled, seeing this familial sight before getting up to have some breakfast and to prepare for the second leg of their journey. Evidently, Seamus had restarted the fire and was about to put some food on.

As Hazen yawned, taking in the cool morning air, a little voice yelled, "Boo!" Hazen jumped, not expecting it. He turned around and saw Redcrest who somehow filled up on energy instantaneously. Seeing a game opportunity, he rolled his eyes to the back of his head and began to do a zombie shuffle. "Unnh!" he grunted, "You make Morning Hazen mad!" Redcrest shrieked and ran away. Hazen quickened his pace to keep up with her, hoping that she would calm down a bit for the rest of the ride.

A short while later, Hazen was eating breakfast with the others. Ajax, Frik, and Frak were busy spelling out some sort of plan of action for the day and he didn't pay too much attention to it. If they needed him for something, they'd let him know. Hazen glanced around after taking another spoonful of porridge. Tebo, Bentfeather, and Randy were in their little party together. When he saw April, he could see she was running on fumes. She must have stayed up all night last night on watch; A fact that was evident to the others as well. No sooner had she been called out on it when she spoke.

"Sir," she said, "I was fully intent on switching shifts, however I thought it best for you and Frak would need the rest for any rendezvous that may occur. Furthermore, Ajax and Olu had to catch up with us and would surely need the rest and my Partner, well . . ." She glanced down slightly. "She needed personal leave while she could." Hazen raised an eyebrow, taking this in. More and more of this mysterious, beautiful woman was coming to light. He thought for a moment before returning to his meal.

Once they broke camp and loaded their carts again, they started rolling on their way again. It didn't take long for Redcrest to be upset with being cooped up in a cart again. "Haysa," she complained, "I'm bored!"

"We could play 'I Spy' again," he suggested.

"I don't wanna play that! I wanna be there!"

Hazen sighed. "We'll get there when we get there."

"And where's Mama?"

"Mama's checking on the rest of the group, making sure they're okay." Redcrest continued to air her complaints. He had an idea and started to rummage around the luggage. He pulled out his guitar and quickly tuned it. "I know just the thing to pass the time." He strummed a chord, which got Redcrest's attention and made her sit up with great interest. He began to sing a simple song about traveling when he heard a horrible, off-key bellowing from the cart ahead. Apparently, Randy was tone-deaf. He made the best of it and continued to play a few songs until signs of civilization drew near.

"Time for a pit-stop," Hazen announced as they pulled near a pub. It certainly looked like a dive of a place, judging by the ramshackle appearance and the interior didn't disappoint. While it wasn't particularly busy, being midday and all, it still gave him the impression of the Mos Eisley Cantina from Star Wars. Certainly not a place he'd want to bring children to. Still, Frik and Frak knew what they were doing so he pulled Redcrest closer to him as they went inside.

They placed their orders and once they were served, Hazen got up the gumption to lean closer to Seamus and ask, "Was it really a good idea to bring all of us here? I mean . . ." He paused to try and think of a way he could ask this without giving away too much to any eavesdroppers. "This place is a dump. I can't imagine too much good coming from here."

Seamus nodded. "I'd be lying if I said I wasn't uneasy about this either. Still, it could be worse; it could be the Eveningmeal Rush." Hazen nodded in agreement. A loud argument started in the far side of the room. Hazen swallowed and looked back at the others. Apparently this was around the time to leave since Frik -- or rather Lady Natasha -- paid the tab and everyone got up to leave. Once outside the establishment, Hazen did a quick head count, happy to see everyone was here in one piece.

Again, they started off, only this time they were bound for Sauropolis. Redcrest yawned slightly and Hazen thought it might be a good idea for her to take a nap. He got her to stretch out and draped his cloak over her for a blanket. "We'll wake you up when it's time for Eveningmeal." Redcrest blinked her eyes and nodded. "Pleasant dreams," Hazen wished her. With a hatchling Lambeosaur taking up most of the room in the cart, he carefully maneuvered around and hopped out, jogging alongside.

April, who had since been refreshed from her sleep, sat astride Artemis and saw this as it happened. "What on Earth are you doing?" she asked.

"Figured I'd get a little exercise," Hazen glibly remarked. "Besides, if I get tired I'll hop back on."

"Are all Dolphinbacks as strange as you are?" she asked.

"Not that I know of," Hazen said, "But then again, you're asking the wrong guy." He looked up at her and said, "Why don't you join me? It could be fun and it'll help you look better." He realized what came out of his mouth. "Uhh, not that you don't look great already, just that you'd be more fit. And I like fit girls. I mean I . . . heh, heh." He was starting to pant heavily, both from exertion and from embarrassment. "Okay," he said, "Time to get back on." He reached the tailgate and pulled himself over.

As Hazen laid splayed out over the trunks and things, panting, April shook her head. "Males," she said to herself before urging Artemis forward. Hazen sighed while looking at April as she rode ahead. He could tell she was a hard nut, but by hook or by crook, he was going to get her out of her cold, hard shell.

TAG: Bentfeather and company, any and all!

[Thundertail]

IC: Bentfeather with Tebo and company, Just leaving Raptor Flats.
Officer Ajax scratched his ribs as Olu propelled him down the road just within sight of the carts behind him, looking into the forests and meadows this way and that for any danger; but finding none in those directions, proceeded to stare straight where he was going. The human had thought that his new assignment was a refreshing change of pace from tending to the city and directing traffic and such, and he knew his Partner no doubt felt the same way; but this trip was bringing him much farther across Dinotopia than he had ever thought he would go. Miss Frik said that their mission was to get to the bottom of the murder of Frank Scratt, and indicated that it involved unknown persons in a plot to do some unknown harm to the island; and the fact that this actually involved high ranking persons told that it was a more complex plot then anyone had imagined, and thus it was his duty as a guard to help protect anyone it might ultimately effect.

Randy followed Artemis and April down the road south of Raptor Flats, neither of the three expecting trouble even though the Rainy Basin was a dozen miles away to their left; but the Prime Sunstone’s influences penetrated even this far away, and no sane carnivore would venture any closer than that. The thoughts of these three were as separate from each other as meat eaters, plant eaters and insect eaters were on their choice of food. The scenery seldom changed save for the occasional farmstead, meadow or marsh; and even though some rocky crags were seen through the forested terrain in places where there were trees, nothing particularly dangerous other than the stinging insect, some that Bentfeather would catch and eat, ever gave them problems.

Tebo, free of his older person disguise for the moment, enjoyed the feel of his equally disguise deficient Partner on his shoulder; but Frik stayed in her lady Natasha disguise just for the sake of appearances, and Frak in the drivers seat in the cart behind their cart simply stayed the way he was because that was the garb he usually wore. Postal Bird 76, tired of being cooped up in the basket all by himself, flew up and down the precession; and wondered what all these persons were thinking as he flew above them, then after half an hour or so he swooped around and did this again and again before landing on the giant runway of a back that belonged to Randy.

Polongo pulled his cart with his daughter perched atop the buckboard behind him, looking and pointing at the scenery her father was passing by; and Hazen sat beside Seamus on the seat where there was barely room enough for three, trying to restrain Redcrest as she perched in dangerous positions there in her excitement. Late morning turned into early afternoon, and after a brief pause for an early Eveningmeal, promptly hitched back up and continued down the road. As the sun dipped below the lines of trees they passed, it grew far too dark to see the road, and Randy made a bid for stopping and turning in for the night; and the vote for this action turned out to be nearly a unanimous election, so they pulled over in a small clearing in the Edax Feeding Grounds and set up their meager camp less than a day‘s travel to Amberclime.

As soon as everyone set the camp up and settled in around the campfire, Frik decided to tell them all what she thought was going on with their mission; but she hesitated for many moments trying to find the right way to tell them what she thought they should know, and before she finished they all ended up staring at her thoughtful look. She smiled at them all and began to speak. “Friends, I fear that there will be many perilous times in our journey.”, she began. “I will not lie to you, and will tell you that it is possible that one or all of you may become injured or killed.”, and heard this nearly all at once.

“Oh, dear!…”, screeched Bentfeather. Hazen held Redcrest near him at the news, and Artemis grasped for her hand.

“A fine turn of events…”, Seamus groused. 76 merely squawked and flapped.

“Not when I’m around!”, warned Randy. Frak nodded and pounded his palm with his fist. Tebo just glared at the fire at the thought of any of them coming to harm.

“You have my skill, and my life…”, Ajax said, and Olu burbled agreement.

“Mine too…”, April Manchester agreed.

“That is all well and good, for the skills you all possess as well as mine will be the only protection we may have, and that may not be enough.”, Frik told them. “Unless I call upon some of my resources… I have access to certain weapons and other materials that may help us if things get out of hand.”, she looked around. “I have access to such materials in Sauropolis.”

“And don’t forget thatthe key we now have opens a desk that has something that will help us.”, Bentfeather reminded. “That is also in Sauropolis.”

“We will get that too.”, Frik told them. “But for now we must rest, for it is still nearly two days until we get there.”

Presently they all began to take their sleeping places one at a time…
_

TAG: Hazen and company, any and all!

[o8jedi]

IC: Hazen Baker, camp, en route to Sauropolis

The thought of any harm coming to the party was clearly an unwelcome one as Hazen instinctively put a protective arm around his Partner. He heard so many stories of people getting involved with and subsequently angering the Mob back home that now that he was in a similar situation brought home how dangerous beings with a plan were. While Redcrest could sense something unwanted had just been uttered, she was too young to grasp the concept of mortality. Still, she looked up at Hazen, wondering why he seemed upset now.

As people were starting to go to bed, she asked, "Haysa, what does 'killed' mean?"

Hazen glanced over at Artemis, who was busy discussing something with April. Hazen sighed as he looked at the young one and decided that he wasn't going to dodge the question. "It means that . . . someone forced someone else to go to sleep . . . forever."

"Do they wake up?" came the reply from the hatchling.

Hazen shook his head. "Nothing can bring them back."

Redcrest leaned against the human. "Don't get killed," she said.

"I won't," Hazen said back quietly. "And I won't let anyone kill you or anyone else here. I promise."

Redcrest sniffed a bit. "I miss home," she said. "I know Papa and Seamus are here, but I liked home."

"I miss home, too," Hazen said. "Nothing like this should happen to someone, regardless of how big or little they are. I never wanted any of this to happen to you and I'm sure that neither did Mama or Papa." He then sighed before looking at the fire. "Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans," he quoted absentmindedly.

"What that mean?" asked Redcrest as she looked into the fire as well.

Hazen smiled a bit. "It's a saying," he said, "invented by a musician from the Outside World named John Lennon. It means that even though we try to do the things we want to, other things happen and we have to go with them. Good or bad."

Redcrest silently nodded. "Will this be over?" she asked.

"Yeah," Hazen said. "It will. In fact, I'll tell you a little story about a group of people not unlike us while you go to bed." He stood up and led her to the tent.

He told a tale about a small village that was terrorized by a roving band of marauders. Every year, the marauders would come and take their food, leaving the villagers hungry and scared. Finally, they resolved to get some help by finding guards known as samurai to help them. In total, seven agree to help these villagers. The samurai teach the villagers how to defend themselves and they plan an ambush for when the marauders would return. The ambush proved successful ". . . and the villagers never heard of the marauders again. And they all lived happily ever after."

Sleepily, Redcrest muttered, "What about the sah-moo-rye?"

Hazen bit his lip slightly. "They all went their separate ways, but still remaining good friends. But I won't leave you," he vowed. "Neither will your Mama or Papa." Redcrest had just fallen asleep. Hazen rubbed her head gently, bidding her goodnight. He knew he left out several major omissions from that story, namely how four of the seven samurai end up dying in the battle, but for Redcrest's sake, she needed a truly happy ending. He only wished that he didn't end up like the unfortunate four. With a light sigh, Hazen left the tent, nearly bumping into April as he did so.

"That was a nice story you told there," she commented. "And very clever of you to leave out the fact that the samurai were warriors and lived for battle."

"The samurai were also scholars and artists," he countered. "Being skilled at swordplay was a necessity in feudal Japan. Besides, I think you're just picking nits." April scoffed at that comment. "No, really," Hazen continued. "I know you've got a problem with me. Not sure about what, but you do. Frankly, I think you're using any little thing I do that goes against the grain as an excuse to assert yourself over me."

"Oh, you...!" April said before turning around in a huff, continuing her patrol.

"So I'm right," Hazen said.

"Right or wrong," April replied, stepping close so she was mere inches from Hazen's face, "I do not take kindly to males who think that they can just charm their way into my good graces. Respect is earned, not given. That is why we who wear the badge hold the honor that we do."

"You say that as if I can't gain respect from anyone. Haven't I earned respect? Not from your superiors? Not even from your own Partner?!"

"That's . . . different," replied April. "You have no idea how much Redcrest means to her."

"I've got a pretty good one," Hazen said, noting how April was grasping for straws. "Not having seen your only child since you laid her? That's bound to keep you up at night for a long time."

April gave him a cold stare. "Artemis used to have nightmares in the barracks about something dreadful happening to her. There were days when she would worry so much about how her daughter was faring back home with only her mate and his Partner to look after her that she wouldn't eat. Yet she still went through with her training. She inspired me to be as determined as she was. And it is through our hard work together that we were even given this assignment. You may be Redcrest's Partner, but don't you dare be so glib about their sacrifice."

Before she could turn away and resume her patrol, Hazen grasped a hold of her staff. Instinctively, she swept his legs from under him and pinned him with the staff pointed on his sternum. Hazen, still a bit surprised by what happened, looked up at her stern face and swallowed. "I know you love your family, and you may resent my . . . crashing the party, so to speak. But don't think for a second that I would treat Redcrest with any less love than Artemis would show her or that you show Artemis. Redcrest is the only real family I have now that I can't see my mother or father again. At least with Artemis, a reunion was inevitable. I'll never be able to say goodbye to them or tell them how much I love them, ever."

April applied more pressure to the sternum, just enough to make things uncomfortable for Hazen. "Go to bed," she ordered. "Now." She released him from the pin and stared at him with the fury of a woman scorned.

Hazen got up, dusting himself off. "Fine," he snapped. He began removing his cloak.

"What are you doing?" demanded April.

"What does it look like," Hazen said, "I'm giving you my cloak again."

"Why?"

"Because it's the right thing to do," Hazen said. "Even if you do hate my guts." He tossed the cloak at her as hard as he could. "Just throw it on me when you're done with your shift." He stormed to the tent and tried to get some sleep, but he was so wound up from that fight that he was still up for quite some time.

April donned the cloak and spent the remainder of her shift fuming at that impossible man. After waking Ajax up so she could go to bed, she threw the cloak at Hazen's head, causing a muffled cry of surprise. She laid down on her bedroll, still scowling. Just before falling asleep, though, she had to admit to herself that it was very Dinotopian of him to lend her the use of his cloak, even after their row. Perhaps she misjudged him. She shook her head trying to empty that thought from her mind and went to sleep.

TAG: Bentfeather and company, any and all!

[Thundertail]

IC: Bentfeather with Tebo and company, just outside of Amberclimbe.

Tebo Lewis did not know what was worse as he tried to go to sleep by their cart in the tent. Was it the huffing and rumbling of Randy as he slumbered in his harness near by, or was it his increasingly rank smell as the days wore on? Maybe it was because how Hazen conveyed himself to the new guard April Manchester, for they argued like a pair of Tyranosaurs vying for the same kill! He could not help but overhear their rather loud conversation by the other cart, how his devotion for little Redcrest was becoming almost as intense as her mother’s love for her, and her yearning for her during training made her worry herself sick. It was a good thing to see such devotion he was showing for the hatchling, but it was a little out of place by comparason to parental love; and maybe it was out of place for April to defend her Partner in that way, but he figured Hazen would heal sooner or later, he chuckled to himself. As he was now just getting to sleep, Bentfeather fluttered over and asked silently if he could join him in his bedroll.

“It’s chilly tonight…”, the Microraptor explained softly as he slid inside. “I see Hazen is making friends…”

“I think miss April is going to kill him before long!”, Tebo whispered. “Guards are supposed to protect the ones they are protecting, not the other way around!”

“They’ll get used to each other.”, Bentfeather stretched. “Now let’s get some sleep…”, he yawned widely. “I may have officer Ajax have a word with her if this keeps up… Can’t have folks at each other’s throats now…”, this he said dreamily and eventually fell asleep.

Up in the sleeping cabin of the cart near by, low hisses and rumblings could be softly heard; and these were the whispered speech of Frik and Frak as they quietly whispered to each other in their own tongue, even though the low infrasound of the voices could barely be heard. They had performed their evening greeting in silence, and were just beginning conversation before bedding down for the night.

“What troubles you?”, Frak asked as they snuggled. “You are tense.”

“I fear that I have taken these people out of danger, but have drawn them into even more intense danger.”, Frik told him softly. “I feel I have made a mistake.”

“Was it a mistake to remove the very objects the nefarious ones are seeking?”, Frak soothed. “Worry not your dome on matters out of the realm of remedy.”

“My mate, you are kind…”, she suddenly opened her eyes. “However, this mission may soon not be a covert one with all those making noise!”

“Oh dear…!”, he rubbed her dome, chuckling. “We are safe for now, and they are new at stealth. They will silence themselves before the moon is full…”, he nuzzled. “Now time for sleep…”

As Olu and Ajax slept, officer Manchester took the first turn at watch. It was good that April Manchester decided to sleep this morning, for she knew she would be needed on first shift; and she would wake Ajax for the second shift. As she left the campsite, she brandished her staff and stalked back down the road in a catlike way; trying to get out of the firelight so her eyes could adjust to the almost total darkness. The only things she saw was the darker shadows of trees amid the ambient darkness all around her. The only sounds she heard was the usual nocturnal insects and the susurrus of the louder sleepers many hundreds of yards behind her. She walked on until the campfire was an orange pin prick in the disatnce, and then quietly made her way back. Officer Manchester quietly creeped her way through camp, making sure not to wake anyone; and crept out and up the road they would no doubt go in the morning. She stepped further down the road, many hundreds of yards until the campfire was but a red spot in the extreme distance; and then slowly made her way back as he listened to the night and peered into the gloom.

For many times during his shift April made her rounds, and near the end she was just walking past Olu and Ajax. As it was now his shift, she walked over to where he lay sleeping and roused him with a foot; and he snapped awake instantly at the touch, rising mere seconds later.

“You are relieving me…”, officer Masteson said officially.

“I am relieving you.”, Ajax said back just as officially.

“Before I start my shift, could you follow me for a moment?”, he asked, and since he outranked her, she complied.

As soon as they were out of the immediate firelight, officer Ajax stopped and turned toward her. “I have just been informed of a slight altercation between you and Hazen Baker.”, he began softly as her lip formed a line. “Now I don’t know what is going on between you two, and I don’t really want to; but this mission depends on everyone acting in a professional manner…”, he paused because she started defending her actions!

“I am sure you are well aware that Hazen is a Dolphinback, and our ways seem foreign to him.”, Ajax told her. “I’m also sure you’re aware that his whole life before he came here has been stripped from him. He is discovering things in himself that were suppressed in his previous life, and the love he is showing for Redcrest is as fragile as it is new. I know you were trying to defend your Partner’s position and her motherly love, but hitting him with your staff was uncalled for.”, she indicated that he was taking her weapon, then her silent anger told more than her words.

“Your dossier states that you have presupposed notions about men.”, as Ajax stated this, it silenced her. “You think their intentions are fake, or can be easily predicted; and they only want one thing from you, something that you are perhaps not ready to give…?”, he saw that he overstepped things a bit, so he recanted. “Look, as far as men are concerned, they think you are pretty - and any man can see that. He probably thinks you’re pretty, and I guess you think that gets in the way of him acting honest toward you…”

Ajax saw that this wasn’t doing any good, either. “See, I have a wife, or at least had one.”, he said honestly. “She’s still alive, but she gave me a choice. Either I stay home and be a father to my children and have a normal profession, or to pursue being a guard and she would move out. At that time in my life, there were a lot of things going on. Have you heard of the Great Carnivore Uprising of 25 years ago?”, she nodded. “I was called upon many times to help during those times, keeping me away from her all the time…”, he sighed. “So she left me… Emily took back her maiden name of Freedom, and now she is the mayor of Irenic… But I am now still a guard, and lonely besides.”

“I guess the thing I’m trying to get at is this.”, Ajax said after a pause. “You can be the best in any profession you want to, but it pales in comparason to being truly happy in life.”, he then smirked slightly. “Look. I’m not telling you to like Hazen, or hate him, for that matter. All I’m suggesting is you give him the benefit of the doubt. He shows more potential than even he knows!”

“I‘m sure you are aware that he went with Olu and I on a patrol of the city one day, and did exceptionally well.”, Ajax continued. “That day there was a fire, and he was the one to call the fire department, and helped out in crowd control while it was going on. Without his effort, the hotel would have burned down instead of only sustaining mild damage. My superiors were so impressed by his actions that he was given a special invitation to join the guards, and be enrolled in the academy if he so chooses”, April nodded after she digested the conversation, then turned.

“Oh, and one more thing….”, Ajax halted her. “We might need as many people that are able to fight if what miss Natasha fears comes true. If you have time, you might want to help train him… Only don’t let him know you are training him!”, this made April smile too, for a plan was formulating on just how she was going to do it!

Ajax’s shift came and went, and then it was Olu’s turn to make his rounds; and when the morning light shone through the trees they were in, everyone in camp began to rouse one by one. Morning breakfast became leftovers of the meal last night, and pretty soon it was time to break camp; and this was done with the speed of the growing routine it was becoming. As everything was loaded back aboard both carts, but before anyone was hitched or climbed aboard the carts, lady Natasha in her disguise came over and addressed them all.

“This morning we enter Amberclimbe.”, she told them. “We are just passing through, so we will not be staying long. If what my informant in Raptor Flats holds true, I fear we must reach Sauropolis with all due haste. Our adversaries would no doubt have found out we are not in Waterfall City any more, and give chase; so we must conduct our business quickly and be on our way.”

At Seamus’s announcement that he had to resupply with some fresh foodstuffs, officer Ajax cut in. “Amberclimbe can be a little dangerous to newcomers in town, so please keep a mind of your money purses; and do not wear or carry anything of value, for there are pickpockets everywhere. I suggest we keep all valuables at the cart while we are there, and post guards to guard them.”

“Also a fine suggestion!”, lady Natasha said. “Now we may still be recognized there, so I suggest everyone use their disguises.”, she looked around. “So if there are no further questions, I suggest we get under way…”
_

TAG: Hazen, any and all!

[o8jedi]

IC: Hazen Baker, en route to Amberclimbe

--

The carts were loaded up once again and, after the briefing, the carts began to roll along. Redcrest sat in between Frak and Hazen while Seamus sat in the back, figuring that it may help Redcrest's demeanor if she wasn't cooped up like she had been. Ajax and Olu had taken point, heading ahead to ensure that the way to Amberclimbe was secure, while Artemis and April stayed behind with the rest of the party. As Hazen looked over to see April, he thought about their fight they had last night. Sleep and breakfast gave him some time to think and he needed some time to talk to her again. One of the last things he needed was an angry bodyguard with no incentive to protect him from this shadowy group. Now, she was whispering something to Redcrest's mother. What about, he'd sorely like to know.

Much to his surprise, April quickly dismounted from her Partner and started jogging. Hazen raised an eyebrow. "So you do take my advice to heart!" he called to the female guard.

"Whereas you were bored," she replied, "I needed the conditioning. Don't read too much into it."

Hazen stifled a chuckle. "Right," he said back. He turned back to see the trail ahead.

"We still have a good few miles to go," said April, "and you said you needed the exercise. Why don't you join me?"

Hazen glanced back, eyebrows raised in surprise. She was up to something and he wasn't sure what. Still, this could be the opportunity he was looking for to try and have a more civil conversation with her. "Okay," he agreed. He carefully hopped off and started to jog in time with her. After a little while, he turned and said, "Listen, about last night. I just wanted to say..." As soon as he started speaking, April quickened her pace, soon beginning to overtake the carts. "Hey!" Hazen protested, "I just wanted to talk to you about something!"

"It's part of my regimen," April called back after turning around and running backwards. "You'll have to catch up if you want to talk." Just as quickly as before, she turned around again and continued running.

Hazen sighed to himself and began to sprint. "Couldn't you slow down some?" he asked as he was going almost as fast as he could. Seeing no response, Hazen grunted and ran hard. He was closing in on her and, in between labored breaths, started again. "About . . . last night. I just wanted . . . to say that . . . I acted like . . ." Again, April changed her pace, slowing down after that hard sprint. Hazen kept going by before collapsing from the exertion.

As he laid there in the road, looking up at the canopy gasping for breath, April's silhouette came into view. "You were right when you said you needed to get into shape."

Hazen heard footsteps go off the way they came. With another groan, he somehow pulled himself up to his feet and started after her. "This isn't fun, you know! Makes things really hard to have a nice, civil conversation."

"Who said I wanted to talk?!" came the reply from the distance. Had Hazen been closer, he might have heard the chuckles coming from the guard.

Hazen groaned. "That would have been nice to know right from the start!" he said. "But you can't run from me forever!"

"From the looks of things, I can!" called April.

Hazen then stopped, hands on knees and stooped over. She really knew how to push his buttons. He gasped and panted for breath, feeling the familiar pre-vomit pit in his stomach forming. Despite feeling exhausted, he smiled to himself. She was having fun. There was still hope for her after all.

To his surprise, April returned, grasping his elbow and tugging him along. "Come on, you can finish this. You'll have plenty of time to purge when we get back to the carts."

Reluctantly, Hazen stumbled along, getting into a more comfortable pace. "Who are you . . . and what have you done with April?" he joked. "She's never this fun."

April rolled her eyes. "You've only known me for a few days. There's a lot to learn."

"Figures," Hazen said. He sighed a few more times before trying his initial statement again. "Listen, about last night. I realize that I acted a bit . . . out of line. Just wanted to say that I'm sorry."

"We both did," April said back plainly. "Right now, there's a lot that needs to be done."

Hazen started spitting, a sign of things to come. "So are we cool?" he asked. April looked over at him, puzzled by the phrase. "Cool," Hazen explained, "Is everything good between us?"

"For now," April said. "But I still don't like you."

"Right now, I'm not sure I like you either," he said jokingly, but April's quick scowl seemed to indicate that she took it personally. Hazen then slowed down, heading to the side of the road to succumb to his body's urges.

April shook her head at the sounds of Hazen's vomiting. This man had a lot of work ahead of him if he was going to be in any shape to defend the party if need be. Then again, it was around this part of the jog that she passed out on her first day, so she couldn't blame him too much. Once he was done, they walked back to the carts. Hazen was then advised to rest in the cart while they were at Amberclimbe. April returned to Artemis to resume their charade as the settlement grew in the distance.

--

TAG: Lady Natasha, any and all!

[Thundertail]

IC: Bentfeather with Tebo Lewis and company. In Amberclimbe.

After several hours on the road with no appreciable trouble, the two carts, their dinosaur pullers and the various passengers climbed a crest and gazed for the first time on the town of Amberclimbe. The air of disappointment was almost palpable as they stared down on the ramshackle buildings that were once painted in their long looking lifetimes; but that event looked like it happened a long, long time ago. Even though some people and saurians walking by were dressed in fairly stylish attire, almost all the rest had the air of well worn poverty; and by the look of the convoys entering and leaving the rather small town, they were the ones that were doing well in this town.

The town started out as a spot where gold was found in the myriad of streams that criss-crossed the shallow wooded valley; and was given it’s name for the amber that could be found in the low hills surrounding it. As prospectors came and went, people came to provide services to these miners; and from there it grew to a very large community until the veins of said minerals began to peter out. These days the town claims to be a trading post for re-supplying caravans going through the Rainy Basin, even though the place holds a more run-down condition. As more caravans passed through, other trades and ventures had sprung up, and only the most useful or hardiest of endeavors survived until this day. Amberclimbe has no schools, nor does it have a hatchery; and their only doctor uses techniques that are most barbaric, even for Dinotopian standards. The constabulatory institution is similarly nearly nonexistent, , and crime both organized and petty runs just beneath the veneer of normalcy; and even though the town had a tiny two-perch Postal Bird aerie right next to the classiest tavern in town, only a scant few had contacts outside town to send a message to.

All this the group noticed as they cautiously paced down the main thouroughfare through town, raising dust on the dry dirt street; and they were on their way to a place where they could stop and rest without paying such outlandish berthing fees. When they finally found a spot to stop, it was near the town’s only grainery; half run down with outer clapboards missing, sporting a myriad of broken pieces of carts. The locals that walked by gave them extremely unfriendly glares, smaller saurians of irreputable backgrounds hissing softly to themselves as they stared; and the proprieter of the establishment shuffled out, halfheartedly trying to wave them off. Lady Natasha merely nodded to him and eventually he went back inside; and after Ajax dismounted Olu did any of them feel it prudent to get down off their carts.

“I will go to the town Postal Bird aerie to see if there is word from Waterfall City…”, 76 said all of a sudden as he wriggled out of the basket. He flapped off, dipping and weaving through the pedestrians; and evading those that would swat at him.

Seamus reminded them that he needed more supplies and food for the group, and nuzzled Polongo before starting off to find the groceries. Remembering his desire for less bland food, Hazen decided to go along with him. Redcrest was restless and needed to stretch her legs, so she begged Artemis if she could go along too; and she eventually gave in, figuring Hazen would protect her. Frak decided to go along as well, just in case something bad happened to the trio. The rest decided to stay by the carts, as their presence was beginning to attract some unsavory attention; and April Manchester gave any that would pause an acid stare, sending these people and saurians suddenly deciding to be someplace else.

“I have a bad feeling here…”, lady Natasha said absently as Randy scratched. “We should move soon.”

“Patience, friend.”, Ajax said, spying a little beggar trying to gain access to Polongo’s cart. “These people will not harm us if we’re careful.”, he silently moved to the back of that cart and grabbed the little human. “NOW GET!…”, the boy ran off.

“Oh… what a trip…”, Bentfeather said as he struggled with the Postal Bird basket lid. “Can I come out now?…”, a lady carrying her own basket stopped, and Tebo cradled his Partner.

“Now 75. You know you can’t come out, being sick like you are!…”, he smoothed down some feathers. “Why don’t you go back and rest some more. 76 will be back with more medicine soon…”, the lady went by showing mild concern.

Ajax had returned to where he was and saw the whole thing. “Nice diversion…”, he whispered, Tebo smiled.

“Why aren’t they back yet…?”, lady Natasha worried.

“Have no fear!…”, Ajax said. “Your mate can no doubt protect them, and they only been away for a hand full of moments!”

“It takes time to shop.”, Randy told them. “When Tebo’s mom shops, it takes hours!…”

Just then 76 came barreling throiugh the crowd on the wing, he slipped through two Iguanodons making a turn with their cart and landed on the seat of the front cart. “I have spoken with my kin at the aerie.”, he said, catching his breath.

“Postal Bird 742 said that she has been to Waterfall City as recently as yesterday.', 76 reported. "She says that there are rumors that the chief librarian has gone missing, and his subordinates have taken his responsibility. Though rumors say that no one knows where Bentfeather has gone, they say that it must have been something ground shaking for him to go so suddenly…”

“Thank you, 76, for your service.”, lady Natasha told him. “This is news indeed.”

“We’re in the soup now!”, Bentfeather said, head poking out of the basket. “Those ruffians will no doubt know we have left town!”

“But they will not know where we have gone.”, Ajax told them. “Your idea to go to Raptor Flats, and make a roundabout journey to Sauropolis was a master stroke, lady Natasha.”

“But if those thugs know about what we think they know, they will no doubt be on our trail very soon.”, lady Natasha said. “We must make haste!”

As Hazen and company got back nearly a half hour later, it was unanimousely decided that they leave Amberclimbe and get to Sauropolis with all due haste…
_

TAG: Haxen, any and all!

[o8jedi]

IC: Hazen Baker and company, Amberclimbe

"Take my hand," Hazen told Redcrest. "And stay close. I don't want you to get lost or hurt." Redcrest did as Hazen said as Seamus led the way into the market, if one could all it that. The carts were run-down and in dire need of maintenance. Some looked like they had been in the same place for years. A few shady characters approached them as they walked deeper into the market. One sneered at the hatchling, causing her to whimper and tighten her grip on Hazen's hand.

Seamus found a produce stand and immediately the merchant began to peddle his wares. As Seamus examined some scrawny, overpriced potatoes and began to haggle heatedly over them, Hazen looked around for any herbs or spices. He turned down to Redcrest and asked, "Do you smell anything spicy? Sort of like flowers, but with a little burn?"

Redcrest sniffed a few times and waved her free hand in front of her snout. "All I smell is stinky."

Hazen sighed. "Yeah," he said, "the sanitation department leaves something to be desired." He glanced around the produce stand, hoping to find any semblence of seasonings. Sadly, none were to be found. As he was resigned to enjoying the less-than-tantalizing flavor of beets and sprouts for the rest of the journey, Seamus's bargaining got more heated.

"Twenty-five drachs for five of these potatoes? You must be mad!"

The Deinonychus behind the merchandise replied, "These are good quality potatoes, I grew them myself. It is not my fault that other customers got their picks before you arrived."

"How can that be true? Your crates are still full. And the rest of your produce isn't much better. How do you expect my family to eat off of these?" Seamus threw the potato he had in his hand in disgust.

Hazen wondered if the emotion Seamus was putting behind the haggling was sincere or a very convincing hoax. Evidently, it was enough to convince the Deinonychus to reach for something on his belt. Hazen had the feeling that it probably wasn't a good idea for whatever that was to see the light of day. "Excuse me!" Hazen said, trying to dissolve the situation. "Do got any mangoes?"

The Deinonychus' hand moved from the belt to greet the new customer. "Certainly, sir," he said with an impish smile. Seamus glanced back at Hazen, wondering what was going on. "You said you wanted a mango?"

"Yes," Hazen replied. "I figured my charge here could . . ." He looked around for Redcrest. By the time he saw her, she was reaching for one of a few ripe, juicy-looking melons that she hadn't seen before. "Wait, look with your eyes!" Much like back at Waterfall City, it was too late. She grabbed a melon and it caused an avalanche of melons, all of them smashing on the ground. Sheepishly, she put the melon back, hoping it would be all better.

"My melons!" cried the merchant as he rounded his stand to assess the lost goods. "You need to pay me for that! Sixty Drachs!"

"Sixty?!" Hazen cried incredulously, "You think I'm made of money?"

The merchant swiftly grabbed Redcrest's hand, who was braying loudly at this point. "One way or another, I will get reimbursement. Perhaps we could teach this child a lesson as well. Perhaps a finger?" He reached for his belt and pulled out a paring knife. Seeing the blade, Redcrest shrieked loudly.

"Wait!" Hazen said, "Don't do it. She's just a hatchling. She doesn't know any better."

"All the more reason to teach her not to touch things that are not hers."

"Look, buddy, let's be reasonable." Hazen said as he stepped closer. With a fast right cross, he caught the Deinonychus full on the cheek. Stunned by the blow, he let go of Redcrest and the knife as well. Thinking fast, Hazen kicked the knife away and stepped back, remembering the claws on the merchant's feet. Seamus, all the while, shook his head, pinching his temples at the scene the Dolphinback was creating.

"So you want to ruin me, do you? Perhaps it is you who deserves the lesson!"

"Let's dance," Hazen challenged back.

Suddenly, a figure behind stepped between them and said, "Break it up!" Hazen recognized Frak, but maintained his character. The Deinonychus was a bit surprised to see this large Saurian before him and stepped back as well. "Human, is there any way you can pay this being back?"

Hazen swallowed. "Well, I could give him forty drachs. It's the best I can do."

The Deinonychus was about to protest, but a quick snort from Frak gave him a bit of fear. "Forty, it is."

Hazen reached into his money bag and pulled out the amount, handing it to the merchant. "You can rest assured I'm never coming to this stand again." He took a still frightened Redcrest by the hand and led her off to wait for Seamus as he finished his shopping.

A few minutes later, Frak appeared and hissed. "Idiot! This was exactly the thing we didn't want to have happen!"

Redcrest, who was still wimpering clung on to Hazen as he did his best to calm her down. "He was going to cut off one of Redcrest's fingers. What was I supposed to do?!"

"Pay him," replied Frak succinctly. "Rest assured that the others will be informed of your behavior."

Frak then departed to see that Seamus was still alright. Hazen shook his head, regretting his loss of temper. "There, there," Hazen said to Redcrest. "It's gonna be okay. It's over now."

When they returned to the others, Hazen took the initiative to tell Artemis what happened. After being informed, Artemis gave an angry rumble, clearly disappointed in Hazen's ability to keep her daughter safe. "I'm so sorry," Hazen said, "I tried my best." He looked up at April, who gave him an exceptionally icy stare. He opted to sit in the front of the cart as they rolled off, getting the sense that Artemis couldn't quite trust him with her daughter anymore.

TAG: Bentfeather and company, any and all!

[Thundertail]

IC: Bentfeather with Tebo Lewis and company, between Amberclimbe and Sauropolis.

They made great haste as they left Amberclimbe, wishing to leave all trouble that inadvertently happened there far behind them; and it was only until they were miles away from the shanty town’s outskirts did any of them have comment on whet transpired there. Even though it was necessary to reload some supplies, and they could understand Hazen’s desire to procure spices; his method of dealing with the ruffian merchant who might have done Redcrest harm was still within the realm of the Dolphinback he was. A troubled Artemis had her child near her for a few miles to protect her - whether April was on her back as they guarded or not - until the little one was too tired to go further and had to be placed back on the cart. By this time everyone in the convoy had heard what went on, and reserved their comments on the matter to their closest friends and cohorts.

“Hazen could have blown our cover.”, Frik was telling Tebo as he sat next to her in the cart. Bentfeather stood on his shoulder now that they were away from prying eyes. “I should have never let them go along with Seamus. Seamus can take care of himself…”

“Please don’t fret, lady Natasha. Nothing really bad came of it.”, Tebo tried to soothe.

“But he should have known better!”, she said. “I have tried to keep this expedition a secret, and it could have been exposed just like that!…”, she was ill-equipped to snap her fingers, though she tried.

“Well, we’re in the clear for now, thank the fates…”, Bentfeather told her. “You know the saying: ‘You can take the Dolphinback out of the outside world, but you can’t take the outside world out of the Dolphinback.’!”

“You should have sent me along with them.”, Randy said, swinging his club tail slightly. “I would’ve pulverized that sneaky merchant!…”

“Silly!… You’d wreck the whole market!”, Tebo said as they all chuckled slightly.

Ajax, atop Olu, both sporting their disguises, sauntered up to the head of the cart without their noticing. “Hazen seems to have some fighting skill after all…”, when no one knew what he was talking about, he explained. “I was figuring we would need as many persons that are able to fight ready in case needed. I am having April teach him so.”, he looked at Frik a second before continuing. “I think there is something going on with them as well, and keeping them together might help them sort things out.”

“This is all well and good.”, Frik said. “But I hope he is taught when to fight and when NOT to!”

“Have no fear. He will learn that.”, Ajax told her, and at Olu’s grunt continued. “I think Hazen is romantically attracted to her; and the way he protected Artemis’s daughter has proven something to her, though I can’t say what.”

“Well, that girl has a lot to learn, too”, Frik said.

“Ah!… Young love!…”, Randy said dreamily, which got them laughing once again! “Over there looks like a good spot to spend the night…”, he suggested as soon as they were done.

No one could disagree as it was getting so late, so the carts were parked close together, everyone was unhitched and everything was set up. Pretty soon a roaring fire was cheering the group and the smells of their meals cooking wafted around the campsite were whetting their appetites. Having heard of Hazen’s desire, Seamus showed him his small collection of herbs and spices he used when cooking; explaining that they were too expensive or rare to use more than scant amounts at a time, and the only abundant spices available were salt and what passed for pepper here - an herb resembling the taste of nutmeg and saffron, but botanically related to neither.
_

OCC: Tried many combinations of spices I had on hand in the spice cabinet to come up with this concoction!
_

Soon the food was doled out and they ate in relative silence until the meal was through. As an apology to the group for his behavior in Amberclimbe, Hazen played some tunes he had learned in Dinotopia; ones that were familiar and some in the group sang along to, which brightened their moods a little bit. Presently they all grew tired from their long day, separating in small groups for private conversations here and there; discussing and planning the days ahead. The nightly guard shifts were planned as everyone fell asleep: Olu had first watch, Artemis had second and Frik roused everyone at first light in the morning…
_

IC: Tebo Lewis with Bentfeather and company, just arriving at Sauropolis.

Even though the group started out for Sauropolis by packing up and leaving at first light, it still took almost all day for them to arrive at the outskirts of town. The shining vision of the Sunstone streetlights just winking on made them all pause in awe as they crested a rise in the road. These lights accentuated the grand stone buildings in various designs, sizes and functions. Many of these buildings were festooned with red or blue terra-cotta roof tiles, and many were bedecked in festive flags or ornate banners. There seemed to be as many fountains here as there was in Waterfall City; and there were many obelisks, colonnades and triumphal arches as any city fashioned on the Roman and Greek designs.

Even in the darkening streets there were throngs of people and saurians, for this was a town that seldom seemed to sleep. As per the town’s namesake, the crowds consisted mostly of saurians, proper creatures that were bedecked in their species finery. As the working crowd of the daytime began to retreat into their homes for the night, those that throve on the city’s night life emerged to enjoy the culture Sauropolis was well known for. All of the travelers that accompanied sir Bentfeather went by in awe at all the music and entertainment that was seen all along the streets.

“Well, this is wonderful!…”, Bentfeather said as he poked his head out of the basket, 76 pressing him back down.

“Still we must be wary.”, lady Natasha said. “No doubt that have heard of your absence from Waterfall City…”, she smiled as a troop of tumbling saurian clowns pranced by.

“It is late.”, Tebo in his older man costume said. “We may wish accommodations for the night.”

“True, but let’s see to some food first…”, lady Natasha replied.

“I’m all for that!, Randy said. Licking his chops.

In this city hotels and hostleries were abundant, and the group had no trouble finding places near each other to spend the night. First they found paddocks for Randy, Polongo and his family; whose inexpensive fees concealed the fabulous service they heard the pullers and the other saurians received during their stay.

“Where can we park the carts?…”, Tebo wanted to know.

“Why right this way, in my barns!”, said the hostler, leading the way.

“One of us should guard them.”, said Ajax. “That stuff is pretty valuable.”

“Have no fear, my fine sir!”, the hostler said. “My barn is most secure. And besides, no one would think of taking things by night.”, this did little to convince Ajax.

“Are there any rooms near by for the rest of us?”, lady Natasha wondered.

“Have no fear, miss. My wife rents rooms in the floors above!”, the hostler said. “These are our first class accomodations!”, he turned back from entering the paddock. “At a very low rate as you are renting the paddocks…”

The several rooms they got were as spacious as they were elegant, done up in fine and stylish décor; truly not worthy of the travel-worn bunch they were becoming. They unpacked their few things brought from the carts and lounged there for a few moments until they regrouped back down on the street.

“We did well to come here.”, Frik in her lady Natasha disguise said, Frik on her arm. “Now let us go see about Eveningmeal.”

None of them could disagree, so they slowly made their way down the street; nodding at the vastly more well mannered citizens here, until they came upon a district in the city where many cooking smells led them to the fronts of pubs, restaraunts and taverns vying for the many customers that walked by their establishments. The many eateries they encountered as they strolled down the streets were unsurmounted even by Waterfall City standards, Bentfeather in his Postal Bird disguise, reported. The establishments they passed featured fare from the extreme gourmet to family style and everything in between, but no eateries they found served just plain and simple fare.

“Let’s try this one…”, Ajax suggested as they paused in front of a tavern like restaurant sporting large tables out front with a few patrons already enjoying the starlit night as they ate. “This one looks real cozy…”

Their group took two of the tables, and a Stenoychosaur waitor came over as soon as all were seated, bobbing nervously as he prepared to take their orders. They all ordered the house specials or a few other things on the menu, plus a variety of their drink specials for good measure. The waitor scurried away after he finished penning their order and arrived moments later with their drinks plus large pichers of water with glasses all around, then scurried away as fast as he came. There was very little conversation as they waited for their food, but Frik, Frak and all four disguised guards looked every which way for trouble. Their meals arrived and they all were served; and the waitor returned a couple of times early in their eating to see if all was all right before leaving thrm be for the remainder.

“Tomorrow we will begin to do the thing we have come here for.”, lady Natasha announced as soon as it was safe from prying ears. “I will retrieve my special cargo while the rest of you locate Frank Scratt’s places of business. I believe it is safe to be out in public for now, but we must still use our personas.”, another waitor came near, so she chuckled like someone made a joke.

“After our business here is complete, we must make great haste in leaving.”, she continued. “Speak to no one of our business here, and only let officer Ajax, my mate or myself make any official inquirys.”, she turned to Bentfeather and 76. “You two will continue your apparent duty, and remain in your current garb until the situation calls for anything different. Of course both of your suggestions will be seriously considered!”, this she said more for those who would overhear them than these two.

“Now, I suggest we all finish our Eveningmeal and retire to our domiciles for the night.”, lady Natasha told them all. “Tomorrow will no dou\bt a busy day.”, as the meal wore on, it was decided to do what she said after all; and one by one they all drifted off to sleep in beds they would be missing as the journey wore on…
_

TAG: Hazen and company, any and all!

[o8jedi]

IC: Hazen Baker, the hotel, Sauropolis

--

Hazen returned to his room after they spent Eveningmeal at the tavern. He had kept to himself for most of the time during the rest of the trip, speaking only when spoken to. Even during the meal, he kept to himself. Redcrest did wave at Hazen from her table, which Artemis chose specifically to keep her away from his bad influence, but Hazen could do little but wave back. It broke his heart to see that the one great thing that happened to him get taken away because of a split-second decision. Hazen opened the door and laid down on the bed, staring at the ceiling. "You screwed up big time, buddy," he muttered to himself.

The door had no automatic closing device and April Manchester peeked in, seeing the male moping. She noticed the turn in his behavior since they set off from Amberclimbe. The last thing she needed was to have him not on his toes. She stepped inside and said, "Are you all right?"

Not altering his gaze, Hazen said. "Oh, I'm fine. Being a pariah is the most fun thing in the world. You should try it sometime."

April rolled her eyes. "It's always jokes with you. Sometimes, I wish you were more serious."

Hazen turned his head to face her. "What makes you think I'm not?" With a sigh, he looked back up at the ceiling again. "I take a lot of things seriously. My music, the situation I'm in, Redcrest." He bit his lip. "I just wish more people would look past my faults." He sat up. "I mean, I work hard to try and fit in. I really do. But . . . it seems like I take one step forward and two steps back. It's getting to the point where I hardly see any reason for me to keep trying anymore to prove to you that I belong."

April had closed the door to prevent any sensitive information from leaking out into the corridor. "Well, who are you trying to convince, me or Dinotopia in general?"

Hazen mulled this over a bit. "To be honest, a bit of both. But more for Dinotopia. I mean, I've learned from so many accounts from other Dolphinbacks that they were selected to come here for a reason. I just want to prove that yes, they were right. That I was, well, destined to be Redcrest's Partner and guardian."

"You do know she already has a guardian, right? Two of them." said April.

"Don't patronize me," Hazen said back, "I know that." Seeing the offended look he got back made him regret his quick reaction. April got up to leave and Hazen stood up. "Wait, please," he said. "I didn't mean to be rude."

"It's too late for that now, isn't it?" said April as she opened the door and was about to shut it.

Hazen put a hand out to prevent her from doing so. "Just hear me out." To his surprise, April stood at the threshold, wondering what he had to say. "I know we're not exactly good friends, but I don't want to lose any more of what I've got. I hope you realize that I'm a good man at heart, though I haven't really assimilated that well. I don't want one mistake to be my defining moment for the rest of my life here."

"Could you get to the point?" said April.

"I want help," he said, blinking a few times. "For the first time since I came here, I had a sense of purpose. I can't blame Artemis for what she has done since the incident, but I having a hard time reconciling doing what I thought was right at the moment with what I've received from her and everyone else. I just want things back the way it was."

April could see in his eyes the deep sincerity he was showing, which she had to admit caught her off guard. Gone were the attempts at charm, the air of overconfidence. Somehow, despite all their fighting and antagonizing each other, he trusted her with this personal matter. April sighed. "I know you have a kind heart. The fact that the dolphins brought you here proves it. I think, though, that you underestimate your own ability to take care of this matter yourself. So, no. I won't help you." Judging by his expression, he was just as stunned by her candor as she was by his. She silently started to close the door, before pausing. "However, to be honest, if I were in your position, I think I might have done the same. Have a good night." She closed the door and went to her room.

Did that really just happen? he thought to himself. For once, she treated him as a fellow human being, not some lower-class worthy of her respect or sympathy. Once that fact managed to sink into his brain, the rest followed. Heeding April's advice, he walked out of his room and went to the paddocks.

After making sure that there was activity inside and he wasn't disturbing their sleep, Hazen knocked on the human-sized door, followed by a Saurian "Come in." Once he peeked his head through the door, Redcrest got up and scampered closer to him. Artemis called, "Redcrest, it is bedtime." The hatchling stopped in her place and looked back at her mother, somewhat disappointed that she had to go to bed now. Hazen walked closer, smiling. "Well," said Artemis to the human, trying to mask her disdain. "How can we help you?"

Hazen sighed when he reached the adults, contemplating how he'd phrase his statments. "I had done a lot of thinking lately, about . . . well, you know." Artemis nodded. "I just wanted to let you know that I don't blame you for your reaction. If I were in your position, I'm sure I'd do something similar to protect my daughter." Hazen swallowed a bit and rubbed his chin, trying to reassure himself that this was the way to go. "I do ask, though, that you don't judge me too harshly for what I did. I'm still learning your ways and, as you can see, there is still much more. I never intended for her to get into trouble or to have any harm come to her."

"I love Redcrest," he confessed. "I'm blessed to even know her. I hope that has come across in the short time that you've known me. How you raise your child is your own affair, but please allow me to be a part of it again." He swallowed and gave a slight bow, showing his respect and the finality of his statement.

Artemis snorted a bit and her eyes darted around slightly, mulling over this man's statements. "Perhaps I have been a bit cautionary. I certainly hope you understand."

Hazen smiled. "Trust me, I do. More than you may expect."

Artemis shifted so she could put a webbed hand on his shoulder. "You are clearly a very kind young mammal, and I do appreciate that you told me first what happened at that market. Had you not shown me that courtesy, my opinion of you may be very different, indeed."

Hazen tented his hands together, holding them before him, showing his utmost respect for the Lambeosaur family. "Thank you so much," was all he said. He bid the family goodnight, in particular little Redcrest, and retired to his room. Having settled this matter was more than a huge weight off his shoulders; it helped restore his belief that maybe, just maybe, everything would turn out perfectly here.

--

TAG: Tebo, Bentfeather, and company, any and all!

[Thundertail]

IC: Bentfeather and company, the next morning in Sauropolis.

Bentfeather hadn’t spent the night in a decent bed since leaving Waterfall City, and thought he was in his old place at home as he woke up next to Tabo Lewis the next morning. He looked at the boy before rubbing his eyes and wriggling out of his sleep embrace, then proceeded with the small task of waking him. Tebo yawned before donning his spectacles and smiled at his Partner, then finally roused and sat on the bed for a moment. As soon as the import of the day donned on the boy, he got up and got ready to venture out. Bentfeather put on his Postal Bird disguise, and they both went down near the paddocks to wait for the rest of them to arrive.

At the same time, both Randy and one of the hostler’s saurian assistants noticed their arrival; and as the latter prepared to tend to his just waking customers, the former hungrily waited to be fed breakfast. Tebo with Bentfeather on his shoulder went to Randy as he waited, human patting the boxy snout as Microraptor hopped aboard the beast and inspected for vermin. While they were doing this, Polongo’s family was just waking up; and Olu poked his head up to see what was going on. Officer Ajax and April Manchester arrived next, quickly followed by Hazen and Seamus. The last ones to arrive were Frik and Frak, she in her lady Natasha outfit and he in one befitting a Sultan. Before any smalltalk could ensue, lady Natasha began speaking.

“Good morning, all.”, she began. “My mate and I have business elsewhere; but so we may spend as little time here as possible, we will divide our tasks.”

“We must see a contact, and acquire our other cargo.”, said Frak. “And the rest of you will seek the object we are looking for.”

“I have located mister Scratt’s place of business, through reconnesence last night.”, lady Natasha told them. “It is called ‘Scratt’s Acquisitions and Provisions’, 287 Kentrosaur Boulavard; which is seven blocks west of here. My observations show that the place hasn’t been used for many months…”, she handed Ajax the key procured at raptor Flats, and gave the note to Tebo.

“We do not require assistance in our task, but mister Ajax and miss April and their Partners should be sufficient to assist you.”, Frak told them. “I suggest you converge on that location as soon as possible, but it is permissible to leave the carts here… Provided it is all right with the proprieter…”

“I’m sure it will be.”, the stable tender said as he worked. “I will let him know…”

“Please do not tell anyone what you heard, dear…”, lady Natasha said sweetly, slipping him a saurian handful of Drachs. “That’s a good boy!…”

“Mum’s the word!”, the stable dino’s mood turned from dutiful to happy in seconds!

“Don’t worry, ma’am…”, Randy said. “I’ll protect the carts!…”, his club tail swayed.

“And I shall watch over them as well!…”, 76 volunteered, giving a salute.

“Thank you, the both of you!”, lady Natasha smiled. “And with that, I suggest we all tend to our tasks…”, She turned and exited the stables through the side doors, Frak following her mere seconds later.

“I suggest we get going…”, Ajax said a few moments later when nobody seemed to move.

Presently Polongo, Artemis and Redcrest left their paddock; and Olu was led out of his by Ajax right after that. Tebo Lewis followed them, Bentfeather on his shoulder; and April came up to Hazen’s side as it was their turn to leave the paddocks. The group looked around the street as they emerged, seeing some people pace by on their way to their places of work; noticing that the just waking city held a more somber air than the festivities of last night. The group walked down the street, loosely grouping with the others as they located the right groups of streets that led to Scratt’s Acquisitions and Provisions…
_

IC: Frik and Frak, on an errand in Sauropolis.

The pair of Pachycephalosaurs paced up the street, looking this way and that and silently nodding greetings to humans and saurians that passed by. They were playing a well-to-do couple on their way to an important appointment, strolling down the street without a care in the world; and this ruse was working for the most part, for even the Safety Officers at the two intersections they crossed paid them little notice other than the respect their proposed position allowed. They were so intent on this ruse that their hands found each other without their notice, but this affection did nothing but reinforce their clever disguise.

The flower vendors were just getting set up and the lamplighters were just extinguishing the Sunstone street lamps when they turned down an alley that led to some out of the way warehouses. Looking a little worried for the sake of those that might be watching, lady Natasha clung to Frik’s hand tighter; even though both knew this was exactly the way they should be going. They walked another block up in this seemy looking neighborhood to a nondescript shop selling more than used items, they knocked on a door half off it’s hinges and soon an Ovaraptor sauntered up to it and flung it open, tilting the door ajar in it’s frame.

“What you want…?”, he said.

“Excuse me, sir.”, Frak said. “Is this ‘Mulligan’s Mix-and-match’?”

“That it is…”, the creature cackled. “And I’m Mulligan. What you want?”

“We heard that you have some extra special supplies.”, lady Natasha said. “Some outer wear, and some island spice…”

“Yes, I think I got just what you want!”, Mulligan knew the code-words. “If you follow me, we can set you right up!”, they did.

Mulligan led them through the front of his establishment, which contained mostly broken junk for sale; but it was fortunate he sold everything cheap. Near the back they went through a door, down a short corridor and through another door; which led into a much larger space filled with much better items. Here the contents were more of the contriband genre than goods legitimate for Dinotopians. This space also contained the rescources the two personal guards needed while in Sauropolis, and Mulligan led them to the back of the space where he kept their things.

Frik and Frak went through the crates of things they stored here, Mulligan looking on intently; and gathered the things they would need. Lady Natasha gathered several other disguises, mostly of human design as she was thinking of giving both Hazen and April a makeover; and looked over the various trappings to see if she could do anything with Artemis’s guard uniform, picking out little jewelry pieces for Redcrest. Frak went to other crates and selected a pair of crossbows acquired before they were converted into mountain climbing apperatus, four quivers of bolts and a toolkit each for field repairs. A small crate contained many small knives and daggers, of which he selected three; and in a larger crate he chose four broadswords, selecting one of their steamer trunks to pack them all in.

Lady Natasha was just packing another steamer trunk with her things, and they both got done with their tasks at approximately the same time. From elsewhere in the warehouse they got a hand truck and loaded both trunks onto it; and Frik was the first one to haul it out of the warehouse, for their kind was incredibly strong enough to lift even this heavy load. Mulligan followed them out front and into the street, acting as Frik’s spotter as they traveled up the lane. As they entered the more classy parts of town, lady Natasha took over the hauling; and Mulligan retrieved his hand truck as they loaded these trunks into both carts. By the time they had finished their task, the rest of their group was just getting back, looks of extreme excitement on their faces…
_

IC: Bentfeather, Tebo and their group, at Scratt’s establishments.

Through Olu’s sense of smell and his uncanny attention to detail, the group took little time in finding ‘Scratt’s Acquisitions and Provisions’; finding that in all the crowded streets, the street in front of the place seemed abandoned. They slowly approached the doors, and found them open a crack; and many of the antique curios here were broken or toppled in someone’s haste. Ajax took the lead as they filed out through the rows of shelves that made up the curio shop, converging at a whispered call by Ajax at the office door in back. Silently he edged the door open, and found the place quite devoid of people; and most disappointing of all, found the office quite worked over!

“Someone got to the place first.”, Ajax said, righting the office chair.

“Look at the desk.”, Tebo pointed at the tilted wreckage that was missing two legs, all the drawers were ripped out, and their contents strewn everywhere.

“I’ll check the files…”, April went to the overturned and smashed file cabinet in the corner. “Or try to…”

“It looks like what we came to get is not here.”, Ajax said.

“Maybe who ever did this has it…”, April guessed.

“This was doine months ago.”, Ajax said. “The note was given more recently, so it must be still here.”, he thought. “April, get the others and search the place. There must be a warehouse or store room somewhere around here. Maybe it’s in there…”

April Manchester did as was told, gathering Hazen, Redcrest, Polongo and Olu; and Tebo went along after he helped Ajax finish in the office. They went through all the aisles until they found a double door that led in back. From there she told them to fan out and see what was there, and each went in different directions amid the rows of crates and other uncrated things. Collectively they went past hiking gear, camping gear, mountain climbing gear, crates of dried foods and provisions and all sorts of curios that would never see the space in the front of the building. Hazen soon came around the back wall of the building and could not believe what he saw, for there was row upon row of desks, some stacked three high, and in all states of repair ans style. He quickly yelled for everyone to gather, and they all did…
_

TAG: Hazen, any and all!

[o8jedi]

IC: Hazen Baker and April Manchester, Hotel Paddocks, Sauropolis

--

To better aid in their collective disguises, the parties left in separate groups. Hazen and April exited last, both of them keeping an eye out for the group ahead to see which streets they would head down. A couple turns later, Hazen glanced over at his traveling companion. "Thanks for the advice," he said simply. April turned to him with a questioning look. "Last night," Hazen said. "How I should resolve this myself."

"Oh," said April matter-of-factly, "that. It was nothing." She continued on with as determined a pace as ever.

"It's more than that," Hazen said, a bit annoyed at how she was sluffing this off. "It was how you told me that. It really meant a lot to me."

The two of them stopped as April turned to him again. "I'm sure it did, but we have business to attend to, so let's go." She then started to walk off and Hazen started to see more than a certain grace in her movements. Either he didn't pay attention to it before or something, but he was finding her to be more attractive than usual. Unfortunately for him, April noticed that he was hanging back, studying her walk and she quickly turned around, giving him a glare that could freeze lava in its tracks.

"Uhh, sorry!" Hazen said as he regrouped with her. He made a conscious effort to keep his eyes to himself as they reached the establishment.

Ajax led them all inside and Hazen looked around the shop. All the artifacts and antiques made him somewhat nervous. It was as if he unwittingly stepped into some Indiana Jones movie, one that was dangerously too real for his comfort. The office didn't look any better. "Great," Hazen muttered to himself as he stepped out the office. A few moments later, April gave a quick order to scan the aisles for the storeroom.

Once located, they all went inside. The boarded-up windows gave an even more eerie atmosphere to the space. Polongo brought Redcrest along with him as he split off. Hazen carefully stepped along, afraid of banging his foot or leg against some artifact or piece of shelving. It seemed like this Frank Scratt, whoever he was, was clearly the outfitter of choice for many an expedition. After moving by some large piece of statuary, he glanced at a corner and saw a shadow coming from the far wall. "Wait a minute," he said to himself. Walls weren't supposed to give shadows. He rounded a corner and saw desks. Loads of desks. The sheer variety and number of him was nearly overwhelming. "Hey, guys!" he called. "I think I found it."

In short order, everyone had assembled behind him, taking in the scene. "Well done, Hazen," said April with a smile. The others offered Hazen their congratulations as well, which lightened his spirits a bit. April started to move down an aisle. "Now the real fun begins."

"Wait," Hazen said, "you can't be serious. We can't possibly examine them all; there's gotta be at least fifty of them!"

"Well, what would you have us do?" said April, turning around.

"Think," Hazen said. "What sort of clues do we have to knowing if something's the right desk or not?" He turned to the others to for insight.

--

TAG: Tebo, any and all!

[Thundertail]

IC: Bentfeather and company, at Scratt’s curios.

At Hazen’s yell, Tebo and Ajax turned and ran out of the office, Bentfeather flapping close behind. When they came into the warehouse area and located the converging group, they could not believe the amount of old desks in storage. It would take a long time to search them all, but Ajax came up with the plan of action.

“The key must open one of them…”, he concluded. “Find one that is locked, and we’ll try it there…”

All of them got busy testing drawers and rattling any unseen compartment on the desks, and after about twenty minutes of searching, Hazen made another discovery. It was a large roll top desk, newer seeming than the rest, nestled in a remote corner by a locked and bolted door, locked with an obvious keyhole at the top center. He called to the rest, and Ajax came over with his key. The mechanism clicked, and he scrolled the door up to reveal the inside. Though there were no papers or any other clues visible amid the writing surfaces, pigeon holes and drawers inside that they could see; there was another keyhole in the middle of a small nest of drawers to the upper right. The key fit, but the drawer pulls did not react like expected; for all three fronts pulled aside like a door to reveal three verticle niches.

Inside one of these niches there was a small parcel wrapped in brown paper, and when Ajax pulled out he saw it had sir Bentfeather’s name on it in Footprint script! They did not dare open it there, but he grabbed it and closed up the desk hurriedly. All there knew they had to beat a hasty exit of the establishment, so they filed out of the warehouse and the shop; converging on the street.

“We must make haste back to the paddocks.”, Ajax told them all. “Speak of this to no one on your way.”

“What do you suppose it is?”, Tebo asked.

“It looks like a wrapped book to me…”, Bentfeather comented as he landed on the boy’s shoulder.

“Hush!”, Ajax commanded. “Let us be off…”

With very little word, the group left ‘Scratt’s Acquisitions and Provisions’ and began to file down the street, all wondered what the parcel contained. The mood going back to the paddocks seemed more tense than it did going there; and Trebo thought it was because of the possible import of what they had just found at the shop. It was great that hazen found it for them, for he really needed to participate more in this quest to feel that he really fit in; Tebo thought to himself. Bentfeather was having similar thoughts as they rounded a corner to the street that the paddocks were on, and filed inside to see Frik and Frak loading a couple of trunks onto their carts; and these two looked up from their labor to see them, smiling in the knowledge that their mission here was drawing to a close…
_

TAG: Hazan, any and all!

[o8jedi]

IC: Hazen Baker, Scratt's Acquisitions and Provisions, Sauropolis
_

No sooner had he given his suggestion that they think about what desk to open than it had been promptly ignored. They were on a limited amount of time to be sure, but things could have been made much easier if they did a simple process of elimination. "Okay, Hazen, think," he said to himself. "It's in a locked desk, hence the key." As he searched along the rows of desks, hearing the occasional rattling as not only the key was tested but drawers were being opened, he thought a bit more. How could this guy also made it clear that one desk would be The One?

Redcrest stood in the middle of the fray, not entirely certain with what the grown-ups were looking for. She walked over to Hazen and tugged on his pant leg. He looked down and smiled at her. "Not exactly the most fun thing, is it?" he said. She shook her head. Hazen sighed, looking along the rows of desks. "If you wanted to hide a desk among other desks, but wanted it to be easy to remember in case you needed it, what would you do?" he said aloud to no one in particular.

"Make it different," Redcrest said simply.

Hazen looked back down at his Partner. "You know, that's not a bad idea," he said. He patted her head. "Good work." Redcrest beamed at the praise she got. He then started to change his search. Which one of these desks didn't fit in? He hummed to himself "One Of These Things Is Not Like The Other" from Sesame Street as he strolled along, the hatchling following close by.

After a few passes, he spied a rolltop desk. It looked like it had been here for a while, but not as long as some of the other desks. Furthermore, its aesthetics didn't seem like they were in place for this area. "Hey, guys!" he called again. "Why don't we give this one a try?" As soon as the lock clicked with Ajax's key, Hazen smiled to himself. It was slightly disheartening to see nothing in it, but another keyhole proved to contain the real treasure. Ajax and Hazen were operating on the same wavelength because as soon as he was going to suggest it, Ajax relocked the desk up, hoping to buy some time in case their pursuers would come here. With the item safely in hand, they all left the shop.

He was beaming the entire way back to the paddocks. Once inside, he stuck around, curious to find out what was so important about that parcel.
_

TAG: Bentfeather, any and all!

[Thundertail]

IC: Bentfeather, Tebo and company, discovering more mysteries.

Once everyone was in the paddock area, officer Ajax gave the parcel to lady Natasha, and Bentfeather flapped to her shoulder for a look; and everyone drew near in an effort to see what the parcel contained. Before opening it, Frak spoke to the hostler and his saurian assistants.

“Would you mind terribly to leave the area?”, said he. “It is a private matter…”

“Certainly, sir.”, said the hostler. “We don’t mean to pry… Um, not to be rude; but about our fee…”

“We shall pay it before we go.”, Frak said simply, which satisfied him, and he ushered his helpers out into the office.

Once the minor disturbance ebbed, lady Natasha went back to the task at hand. “Now, let us see what is here…”, she began to unwrap the parcel.

What came out of the wrapper was nothing that any of them expected, for it appeared to Bentfeather that it was another copy of Nicolai Sanders’s journal! It was the same size and shape, written on the same amount of pages; but the script seemed different somehow, and the words scratched out in it seemed to be in different places. Other than that it was a perfect copy, or so everyone who got a glance supposed; but Frik had Frak go and get the original journal, which was hidden inside the crate with the artifact, which was hidden under the sleeping cabin of the cart.

“Two journals?!…”, Bentfeather exclaimed. “What gives?”

“The only thing to do is study it, and see what differences are there.”, lady Natasha told him. “I suggest you get busy on it as soon as we are under way. In the mean time, we have brought some items that may be useful to us in the near future.”

“Since we do not know the nature of the persons that might be after us, we have procured some weapons.”, Frak said, opening one of the trunks. “There is a small variety of knives and swords, and all those able to wield them should be trained to do so.”, he took out several varieties. “And to those who are adept in such weapons, we have two crossbows.”, he handed one to Ajax and one to April. “They come complete with quivers and maintenance kits, but should remain stowed until needed.”, they gingerly placed them back in the trunk.

“We may as yet be detected, even with our present disguises.”, Frik said. “I have brought more disguises that can be mixed and matched with the ones we currently have to make new looks for all of us.”, she looked at April. “We can not be seen being accompanied by guards, and your uniform might give us away. I have many stylish female attire that might fit you… And Artemis might need some of the civilian garb I have brought for her.”, she looked down on Redcrest and smiled. “And I did not forget about you, sweetie!… How would you like to wear some pretty jewelry?…”, the hatchling nodded.

As the rest chuckled slightly, Ajax stepped over. “For the sake of security, I suggest we depart from Sauropolis.”

“Where will we go?”, asked Randy.

“I suggest we continue traveling an evasive course.”, Frak said. “Perhaps a southerly or an easterly course.”

“Keep those ruffians off the right trail.”, Bentfeather said, lifting his eyes from both journals. “Brilliant!”

“We should prepare the carts and leave, then…”, lady Natasha said, using her persona. “But I must conclude business here first!”, she sauntered into the hostler’s office…
_

IC: Bentfeather and company, discreetly leaving Sauropolis.

The rest of the group helped out to hitch Randy and Polongo to their carts, and the hostler’s saurian assistants opened the doors to the barn to let them out once everyone was aboard. Through many intersections and being halted briefly by the safety Officers stationed there, they slowly made their way out of Sauropolis; the citizens there thinking nothing more of the group than the small caravan of merchants they appeared to be.

By noontime they were reaching the outskirts of Sauropolis, and by early evening they were many miles away to the east; and at a glade they decided to set up camp for the night. There they discussed the way to go from there while bent feather and lady Natasha went to the sleeping cabin to begin deciphering the new journal. April coerced Hazen into sparring a little bit with some of the newly acquired weapons; and as Tebo took an interest in some of them, Ajax began showing him the proper ways to hold them. Olu came barreling back from behind the camped group, telling them that they were not followed; and Artemis came back a while later stating the way ahead seemed clear as well.

As Eveningmeal was served and shortly after, Bentfeather came out of the cart and made an announcement. “Hello all…”, said he as he took some leftovers. “I have been studying the journals, and have come up with a few discoveries.”, said he as he ate. “For one thing, the new journal is written solely in the hand of Frank Scratt; and the other thing is that, even though the wording is identical to the first, there are many words in the first that are not corrected or scratched out in the second.”

At Hazen’s question on just who Frank Scratt was, lady Natasha explained. “Frank Scratt was the curator of the curio shop you visited.”, said she. “He had met his demise at Waterfall City, and disposed of in the cargo chutes under the city.”

“The coroner indicated that he was murdered.”, Ajax cut in. “He was possibly gored by some one, or stabbed with some object.”

“It was his ultimate sacrifice that allowed my former Partner’s journal to come into my hands…”, said Bentfeather. “And it seems that it was his foresight that has kept it out of the wrong hands all this time…”, he bowed for the man’s honor. “He should be commended.”, Hazen bowed too, more for the understanding he now had than in memory of Frank Scratt.

“What else does the journal say?”, asked Tebo.

“That’s all I got so far, but I think there might be some kind of code there somewhere…”, he shook his head, which was already weary from study. “I’ll figure it out over time.”

Further conversations wafted around their campfire as this one died of it’s own accord. Lady Natasha pulled April Manchester away from the rest, talking to her and finally convincing her to step into the sleeping cabin of the cart; where she had her try on some of the civilian clothing she had for her, and came out a half hour later looking like a complete stranger. Redcrest paused her playing with Hazen to first inspect April and then to go over for the jewelry she was promised, and came back to Hazen wearing a springy silver crest tiara and some beady bangles around her neck and wrists, smiling and posing like a star or a model! Such things continued all night until it was time to organize guard shifts and get some rest for the long quest ahead…
_

TAG: Hazen, any and all!

[o8jedi]

OOC: Nothing worse than having to retype a post from memory because your session timed out...

IC: Hazen Baker and company, Sauropolis
_

"But I'm tired of riding in the cart!" whined Redcrest as she was helped into the back.

"I know," Hazen said back, "To be honest, I am, too. But I promise when we get to wherever we're going, we'll stay there longer." Redcrest crossed her arms as she sat down. Hazen rubbed her head. "You're a real trooper. Thanks." He then got into the cart and they were soon on their way.

Hazen had to admit that he felt a bit nervous when they left Sauropolis. Not as nervous as when they left Waterfall City, but still nervous. At least no one was looking for them in Sauropolis, to his knowledge, which gave the party an advantage. To pass the time through the day, Hazen got out his guitar to play some tunes. He interspersed several Dinotopian pieces with some songs from the Outside World, most of which dealt with the themes of travel.

The day wore on and they found a clearing to set up camp for the night. Once the tents were pitch, Redcrest convinced Hazen to play a game of Hide-and-Seek. It was Hazen's turn to seek and after he counted to ten, he said, "Ready or not, here I come!" He started to search for Redcrest, hamming up his performance in case Redcrest was peeking to see him searching.

As he turned around a cart, he nearly ran into April, who stood there with a no-nonsense expression and her arms behind her back in an at-ease pose. "I need a sparring partner. You're it," she said in an equally no-nonsense tone.

Hazen chuckled slightly. "I'm a bit busy at the moment," he replied. "Besides, I'm sure Officer Ajax is a better partner than me."

"He is currently indisposed, discussing plans on where to go from here," came the authoritative reply.

Hazen smiled sheepishly. "I'm sorry, but I'm playing a game with Redcrest at the moment. And I can't seem to find her!" he said in a playful manner as he went to a tent. "Maybe she's in here!" He threw open the flap and found her asleep on the ground. "Poor thing," he mused. "The travel must have wore her out."

"Now you have no excuse," April said with an impish smile.

Hazen sighed as he relented. "No, I don't."

He followed April to their small weapons cache as she grabbed two quarterstaves, tossing one to Hazen. "Catch!"

Hazen grabbed the staff in midair and followed April to a clearing far from camp. "Whatever happened to weapons being enemies, even to their masters?"

April gave her staff the occasional swing to test its mass and flexibility. "I don't think our pursuers will show the same deference as most Dinotopians would. Besides, you saw yourself how a simple tool can become a weapon. Sometimes, all that matters is intent. In that sense, that particular Code could be interpreted as, 'One shouldn't harbor violent thoughts themselves.'"

Hazen nodded. "Still, there's a reason why I don't see any swords around. Not even ceremonially."

April turned around. "Of course. Now get ready," she said as she assumed an en-guarde stance. Hazen did his best to mimic her stance, but she immediately relaxed her guard and said, "No, no, no. If you're going to be my sparring partner, you need to do this properly." She walked over and with a few taps of her staff, improved his posture. Already, he was looking more like a warrior.

As she walked back to her original position, Hazen said, "This isn't exactly comfortable."

"You'll get used to it," said April. "It'll also help you move around easier." She took a ready stance again and then did a slow attack to see how Hazen's instincts would react. Once he blocked, she said, "No. If you block like that, I'll merely bounce off and hit you on the side. You need to block squarely so my attack is stopped." She repeated the attack with Hazen doing as she instructed. "Much better."

"Anything to help keep us safe," Hazen said as she did another gentle attack.

"How long did you know that I was training you?" April asked once the block was made.

"Right around the time I puked during that jog. You were telling me I could go further."

As Hazen got more comfortable with the staff and moving around, April sped up the pace a bit. Hazen, was feeling more bold and decided that he should try to reposte if there was an opening. April appeared to go for an overhead strike and Hazen took his opportunity, moving his staff so it came near her head. April instead swung her staff so it was about to hit Hazen's side. "You're getting bold," she said. "Had this been an actual battle, I would have sidestepped your attack."

Hazen conceded the point. "I guess I still have a lot to learn. But at least you're teaching me." He smiled at her. April merely shook her head.

The sun was beginning to set and the smells of Eveningmeal had wafted to them. April said, "Come on, it's time to head back." The two of them walked side-by-side back to the camp. Hazen kept his eyes ahead, least he invoke her wrath again.

After Eveningmeal, Hazen was sitting with Redcrest, teaching her a hand-clapping game. After teaching her the pattern, he slowly ran through it while saying a short little rhyme. After a couple run-throughs, he sped up the pace. He looked up in the middle of the rhyme and saw a woman approaching. He soon realized that it was April, wearing a costume that made his jaw go slightly slack and stop playing the game. Redcrest said, "You ruined it!" and then turned to see what he was looking at. She smiled and said, "You look pretty."

"Why thank you," said April back. "I'm sure Miss Frik has some nice jewelry for you to wear." Redcrest lit up and quickly scampered off to go get that promised jewelry.

Hazen studied April's outfit, finally getting the courage to say, "You wear those well."

April turned to him and reflexively gave him an icy glare, but surprisingly she relaxed a bit. "Thank you," she said. "I don't wear nice clothes very often. Duty and all."

"Of course," Hazen said back. "You know, I wish that we stayed in Sauropolis a bit longer. You'd been training there for some time, I'm sure you know the city well. Probably a few good places to hang out in the evening."

April sat down near Hazen to watch the fire die out. "Actually, I didn't go out evenings that often. There were a group of cadets that went out several times a week. Invariably, they did poorly during examinations. We're supposed to represent the best of Dinotopia; I didn't want to be associated with that rabble."

"I guess you take your job too seriously to allow . . . significant others to get in the way, eh?" Hazen said, also looking at the embers.

April shook her head. "I wouldn't rule out the possibility," she said, "but I'm not exactly one to attract nice men. I've had plenty of suitors come to me thinking that I'm easily swayed by what little charm they had. And when I resist, they try harder. I want the man I nest with to love me for who I am as a person, not because I look like some goddess."

Hazen turned to look at her. It was surprising to hear her open up like this to him, especially after all the mutual dislike of each other over the past few days. He knew he found her attractive, but seeing this side of her made him want more. He wanted to know what makes her tick. Her likes and dislikes. Her favorite color. The whole nine yards. And he wanted her to know the same thing about him. Realization hit him like a bucket of ice water. He was falling in love with her. Given what he knew about her previous courters, he was going to be in some deep trouble.

Redcrest returned, sporting her new bangles and accessories. Hazen smiled and said, "Why hello, little princess. What are you doing here?" She ran closer to him and he gave her a hug. "Just be careful with those, okay? They're very precious."

"Miss Frik told me that," said Redcrest.

Hazen took her hand and led her to the tent to get ready for bed. April looked at the pair and smiled. The way Hazen acted around Redcrest showed that he was more than capable of being a fine citizen here. He would also make someone a very lucky spouse one day. Ajax informed her that she would take second shift tonight. While on duty, she focused herself on the task at hand. Emotional attachments had to be put aside for her to be an effective guard. Of course, that statement presupposes that she has emotional attachments to members of the party.
_

TAG: Bentfeather, any and all!