Re: Through The Mirror

[LadyRaven]

As the young mage offered his plea, Frae sat forward in shock.  It showed in her features as she lifted her brow and her eyes widened.  Did he think somehow that the punishment for killing was death?  After that, he began his tale and she sat back again to listen carefully.  From the start it was clearly connected with the Drow's case, she still had yet to learn his name.  This was most interesting indeed!  She sat back and waited for him to finish and then sat there for a few moments to consider the situation and her judgement on it.  And then, for the second time that day, a fairy interrupted her. 

Frae scowled slightly as not only did the little fairy interrupt, but then all but insulted her court law and in such a condescending way, Frae had to bite her tongue a little.  Slowly, she got to her feet and for the second time, she stepped down from her throne to give her judgement.  First, she regarded the fairy.  "I am well aware that the laws and judgements of Serin have flaws, young fae."  She said sternly, "But I would kindly remind you that these laws have existed longer than you or I and they have worked for the majority of this city and this land.  They are no fairer nor are they more flawed than the laws and methods of the fae, or the dragons, the centaurs or the elven.  I had already fathomed for myself that these happenings are connected before you so boldly opened your pretty mouth.  Perhaps were I given half a chance to pass my decision without outside interference, you may need not have done so!"  Her eyes then turned to the young mage.

"Marthur Mystic."  She said to him, "It is my understanding that you have taken it upon yourself to act in such a manner that has brought you to me.  It is also my understanding that you have acted in good faith and intention.  You have stated that you were attacked first and though the Regent's police did not see this first assault, I lean to believe you."  She cast her hand tot he still lingering image of the attackers and kidnappers that the Drow had already confirmed.  "I believe these men to be guilty of the first attack and I believe that you acted in self defence.  If these be the men that also attacked you in the course of your private investigation, be assured that the regent and his police are already hunting them down to face their charges here in my court."  She made her way back to the throne, "Your plea not withstanding, I find you guilty of manslaughter in defence of your life and property.  The sentence I pass down to you will reflect any damages caused to outside parties and nothing more.  You will pay compensation to any that have been injured or any damage caused to property therein.  This is my judgement, Marthur Mystic.  You are free to go, young mage with my thanks."

With a nod of her head, the guard came forward to escort the mage out should he wish to be and then her eyes fell on the fairy.  "As for you, young fairy, I have only two requests of you.  Firstly, the next time you feel the need to question my judgement, come to me privately.  Secondly, I request your name, so that I may seek you out another time.  The reason for this second request is simple.  Your talent with the crystals is a skill that I lack and will perhaps remove some of those flaws you speak of in the future.  Do we have a deal, young fae?"

Eventually, after all that, her eyes then fell on the Drow.  "And that request goes to you also, Sir."  She said, "You have some insight into the happenings of my city that I and my brother clearly lack.  Perhaps when this situation has been dealt with and is complete, you might consider a more permanent position in Serin?"

[Guest]

Anna was not scared of this queen and she would not apologize to her. Clearly things needed to change. People born into power always seem to forget that without the help of the common people they would not have any power at all. That is why she was kicked out of her homeland. Not only because she was different but she was not afraid to stand up for what was right. She calls to the crystal and it stops projecting images around the room. It came to her hand and she put it in her purse. She waited for the queen to stop speaking with everyone else before speaking again, "My name is Anna." She knew that this queen had her kind moments but if she walked amongst her people more maybe she would see that the people were not exactly under her rule anymore. Many nobles wanted power she had. Many plotted for it. Her people included. While Anna just wanted people of all races to be equal.

[questor]

The queen passed her judgement on him and it was an interesting one. She offered him a place in the palace to stay, time to prove that those he stole from were thieves or worse then theives. He needed to get proof of their dishonesty to have the charges against him dropped. He would need help so he walked up to the Genera who was now back in the throne room with the case of the Magi. As the Maji told his story, he said to the General "If possible I need four of your men, dressed in the shabiest clothes possible. They will be spying on those that I stole from and need to blend in where they will be."

As he waited for the men to be summoned he finished watching the hearing. He had to chuckle a bit as the Fairy again intervined and mad the Queen a bit angry. It seemed the two of them had tha knack. But their rantings as the queen would say they were, seemed to bring to light shortcommings of the kingdom. Perhaps her anger was more embarssment. After all she was trying to change things but one person could only do so much.

It seemed the Magi was trying to stop the noble that the fairy had help identify as the buyer. The three of them were all connected to the theft of the dragon egg now. That gave him an idea. The fairy could enchant gems or crystals to project images. The Magi could scry therefore could let others see what was going on. If the two could use their magic and abilities on a few crystals he would have the means for the queen to see first hand what those he claimed to be theives themselves, were doing.

Once the queen passed her judgement he smiled and approached the fairy and magi and explained his idea. "Also if this noble needs to be away from here then more then likely he will need the help of at least one of those that I have stolen from and claim to be worst thieves then I am." The four men the General would provide would be given a gem each and another would be placed in the throne room so the queen could watch. "You will be able to see for yourself." he told the queen

The main one he had stolen from dealt with the farmers and artisains on the surface of the world. He paid coppers for the products, keeping other merchants away by intimidation and fear, then selling the procducts at a profit that made him rich. Those he bought from were kept in poverty. The other three were no better but kept many in poverty and working for them, making it impossible for them to rise above it. Those that resisted were never heard from again.

"Think you two can create such gems?"


Down below, near the bottom of the mountain, the Noble and a couple guards hid waiting their chance to contact the meerchant. He would be well paid to get the noble out of the city and to the ground below.

[DragonMaster Pyro]

Marthur bowed and said. "I plan to set up a small shop in your city. If you will need my services just have me summened here and I will gladly offer my services at no charge. I must apologize for I have little coin to pay for damages, but I will give you a good percentage of my profits until my debts are paid off." He said holding his hand flat out infront of him. Marthur turn his hand and opened it over his staff, and suddenly the staff came off the ground into Marthur's hand.
As he stepped away he was aked about gems. "Hmm. I can't create gems myself. That's a little bit beyond my capability at the moment, but perhaps I could enchant them if I were handed such gems." He said stroking his chin. "Come find me when you know more. I will be settling here for a while." Marthur said excusing himself from the room.

[Guest]

Anna thinks about the gems that can be used for what he was asking for. "Only certain types of stones can be used for what you're asking for. I have some in my purse." She pulls out 5 light pink little stones out of her purse. " they are very little what they can do a lot of things. Including spy on people. I just don't know that type of magic. So the Magi will have to do it." she was not comfortable with spying on people but it needed to be done in order to catch the people who tried to cause so much trouble.

[LadyRaven]

Frae watched and listened as the plans unfolded and she had to admit, she was impressed by how quickly and how easily they had come together to defeat the problem at hand.  It was clear these people, she needed in her court.  The magi would be a difficult inclusion with some of the older courtiers and the Drow would be even more so, but she could see the fae being an easy addition.  She had insights and a quality of nature about her that spoke of undiscovered talent and ability.  Though Frae was more than sure they would clash many times before all were settled in.  And in doing so, the young fae would also keep her on her toes and thinking up new ideas and better methods and it could indeed lead to the ridding of those flaws she so enjoyed pointing out before.

The General, happy that he hadn't lost his position and honour, quickly summoned four of his best men and they arrived quickly in their worst attire.  At this, Frae left her throne and came down to the general.  "I will join you."  She said quietly.
"Are you sure, My Lady?"  The Centaur asked cautiously.
"Yes."  Frae said with a nod, "What I've witnessed today is more than I need to remind myself I have been away from things too long.  It is time I ventured out again."
"Very well, My Lady."  The General said, "I shall inform the guard."
"No."  frae said quickly, but quietly, "Not this time.  The guard almost exposed me the last time.  I do not wish another debacle as before."
"As you wish, My Lady." 

After bowing lightly to Frae, the General made for the Drow and nodded his head, "Four of my best."  He said, presenting the chosen men.  "How will you be addressed?"  He was asking the Drow's name as it seemed he'd neglected to mention it at all during the proceedings.  The four men nodded their heads at the Drow and each stepped forward to give his name.  Decklan, Matthew, Forge and Thackery.

In the meantime, Frae slipped from the hall while the others made their plans and made her way into the labyrinth that was her home.  she would go into the city, but not with them.  She would follow and track them at a discrete distance, but she would also make her own enquiries and perhaps pass a few trusted contacts on the way.

[questor]

San Riel looked at the four men and smiled.  Yes they would do perfectly.  Their clothing was just the kind that would hide their true selves well.  He turned to the General and the men as they came forward and gave their names.  "I am San Reil."  he said and gave a bow to them.  He smiled at the General glad that he had retained his rank and honor.  

Taking the stones from the fae he turned to the young maji.  "I have heard in my lands of how stones or gems like these can send images back to another so one can see what is going on about the city or underdark.  The Matriarcs use them to spy on their people.  If you can enchant the one that was used to project the images of the thief and the buyer with a scrying spell I believe that it will beable to show and store the images the other stones will send to it."

He took the stones from Anna and gave one each to the four men.    After telling each where to go and the name of the person to be watched they departed.  He looked around for the Queen and saw that she was not there.  He looked at the General and asked.  "Where did the Queen go?"  An attempt had been made on her life and she needed extra guards to prevent any others.  

If she truly wanted to change things, he knew she had the power to do so, and therefore knew if something happened to her, all would revert back to her father's time.  He had misjudged her and now wished to help her fulfill her desire to end the hatred and bias against many races.  "She hasn't gone somewhere alone, has she? No. She didn't?"  He recalled their conversation about her not going into the city in disquise to see things for herself.  If she had then she was in danger.  Something again, she and others had forgotten or had not taken into consideration.  The assassin had gotten into the palace, into a position in the throne room with out anyone noticing.  That meant someone on the inside had gotten him in and into position.  That also meant that that person would be watching and waiting to find another way to have the Queen killed. These thoughts he told the General, before looking at his two new friends, "We must find her and protect her.  No overt use of magic or abilities, We must not bring attention to ourselves or the Queen.  Some one might be observing us." With that he headed out of the throne room and through the palace, pulling his hood up over his head to conceal his features.

[DragonMaster Pyro]

Marthur turned to San Riel and nodded, a big yawn escaping his mouth. "I can most certainly get to work on those stones, but as of right now my resources and my energy are quite low. I am off to buy an old abandoned shop in the lower district. Come buy tomorrow and see me, if you wish to discuss our investigation further." Marthur was a quite jolly young man, a trait they look for in his fellowship.
As the day turned to night Marthur found his new home. A dwelling in the poorer part of the kingdom. It had plenty of space for a small shop owner along with a bedroom and living quarters on the second floor.
Looking onto his shop he saw the foundation cracking and ready to collapse on itself. Marthur looked around to see very few people still on the street, he was ready to do some more magic.
Drawing a large intricate circle around the shop he made some patterns and then walked inside. Marthur reached into the satchel hanging from his body and grabbed a pointed stone and started to scratch the same symbols as he did outside.
Marthur took one more look at the shop. He noticed cobwebs, mold, and cracks. Along with broken windows and even furniture. Holding his staff against the middle of the floor he started to chant. Marthur couldn't just will this project, the spell was too big and he was far too tired. Finally, a bright light came from his staff and the etchings and outer circle started to glow. The bright lights danced around the building, crawling up it like fast growing ivy.
Soon what was an old broken wreck was a gorgeous new shop with a miraculous new sign "The Mystic's Shop." Everything inside and out looked brand new. He had fancy counters, beautiful candles, even his door looked artistically crafted.
Most of his neighbors were woken up by the lights, attracting well wanted attention from potential clients. Exhausted Marthur strolled upstairs and crashed onto his bed, getting a good nights rest.
The next morning there was a crowd of people at his door, unfortunately he was no help to the citizens that day; not right away at least. Marthur's spell couldn't make all his necessary tools. So he had to spend most of the day making them from scratch. He started with the two most important tools. An alchemy lab, and an enchanting table. So he was mingling with his new neighbors, offering service for raw materials such as a table, candles, script and ink, as well some other necessary items. Marthur was becoming somewhat popular, but not necessarily well liked.

[Guest]

Anna looked around for the queen and found the path she took. She looks at San and says, "She took a hidden path. She probably thought that she would have a easier time blending in if she did not have all the guards with her. I can probably lead you right to her. But if we are not careful, exposing her could get her in trouble." She slowly makes her way down the hidden path. That way he could keep up with her. If she went too fast, then he could get lost. When she came to the maze, she went into her smaller form to figure out a way through the maze.

[LadyRaven]

The labyrinth of passage ways that made up the palace were indeed to keep people from following from the main hall.  One wrong turn and one would end up in the lower levels.  Down there, only two things waited for any trespasser.  A dungeon and a dead end.  This had been something Frae had counted on as extra security over the years and many times, it had come to be a good thing.  However, knowing the fae's magic and the natural intuition of the Drow, San Riel, she figured they would figure it out soon enough and perhaps on the first go even.  Oh yes, she knew they had followed her into the palace and yes, she was angry about it.  This was her home, her sanctum.

Making her way upstairs, Frae shook her head, feeling that they were following her and they weren't far behind either.  She could use her magic to create a false wall and lead them back to the throne room, but that would leave a trace that she had no doubt, the little fairy would pick up on even stronger than her presence.  Fair enough, she had invited San Riel into the palace as a guest and into the more delicate areas of her home, but not like this.  Any polite guest would have used the main door and certainly, they would have asked first.  Neither had happened.

Taking the final turn, she began to climb a pivoting staircase and after some time, finally arrived in the royal wing of the palace.  At the secret door, one of her hand maidens was waiting and she bowed her head.  The girl was human, but her family had been in service to her since her childhood.  This particular maid was third generation.  "I have company following."  She said with irritation as she closed the panel in the wall.  "Make sure it is locked and guarded.  I want to know if and when they fathom the labyrinth."
"Yes, Milady."  The girl replied and ran off to find a guard and inform him.
Frae moved down the corridor and towards her private rooms.  At this point, she felt she should have been at ease now, but she wasn't.  The days events had taken a toll on her mental state and now with two of them following her, she was becoming more angry.  She entered her living room and shut the door heavily behind her.  For a moment, she reconsidered her trip into the city.  Besides, someone had just made an attempt on her life!  Frae shook her head.  "I will not be held prisoner in my own home."  She said firmly and moved away from the door.

After some time, Frae heard her door open and her handmaiden arrived from her task.  "The passageway has been guarded, Milady."  She said.
"Thank you Maire."  She replied, then looked to her windows.  The moons were high now and casting their glow uninterrupted across the entire upper city.  "I'm going into the city."  She continued after a moment or two staring at the moons.  "Are the clothes I used last time still here?"
"Yes, Milady."  Maire said and quickly retrieved them.  "Will you be taking any precautions, Milady?"  The girl kept her eyes firmly on her queen as she asked, showing a deep level of trust and friendship between them.
Frae shook her head, "Just my dagger."  She said, "I don't intend on picking a fight this time.  I just want to scout a few people and gather some information."
"Does it have anything to do with the Drow and the dragon egg?"  Maire asked, "I heard what happened."
Frae nodded, but only lightly, "Yes."  She confirmed, "But there is more to it.  One of the true villains has been in my court before as a guest and I believe he sent an assassin."  She then turned on her stool and faced her handmaiden.  "And he is not Drow, Maire.  He is a Dark Elf and his name is San Riel."
"Forgive me, Milady, I didn't mean any malice."  The girl said lightly, showing she really didn't mean anything by it.
"I know."  Frae told her friend, "Just don't say that word again, understand?"
Maire smiled and began braiding Frae's hair, "You like this one, don't you."  She said through her smile.  "I don't blame you.  From what I was told, this San Riel has the look of Nuri about him."
"More like Saff."  She said, putting her left thumb to her forehead in respect.
"Perhaps."  Maire said, "But either way, I can see the rumours have something to them."
Frae took a deep breath and sighed it out before looking to her handmaiden with a raised eyebrow.  "He's a thief, Maire."  She said, "And smells like wet butan and he lives like raffle.  What could there possibly be to like about any of that?"
Maire laughed as she tied off the braid and then went to collect the brace to hold her wings still.  Any magic could be felt.  Returning, she began strapping the wings in carefully, "Well."  Maire said, "Perhaps if he can fathom the passageways, I should have him taken to the kitchens for a bath and some new clothes?"
"He's still a thief."  Frae said as she checked the brace.  All was satisfactory.  She got to her feet and began to change her clothing, making herself look more like staff than royalty.  Worn long woollen skirts, stained shirt and an old woollen cloak.  Old hobnail boots and her dagger tucked away behind her back.  Frae checked her appearance and then nodded her head to Maire.  Frae left her private rooms and after checking the guard at the bottom of the corridor to find him waiting for San Riel and the little fairy, Frae pulled the hood up on her cloak and left. 

Leaving the palace again was much easier than gaining entry.  She went down the back stairs, the way the servants went, and then down into the kitchen.  Everyone knew what she was up to and they smiled at her.  She smiled at them as she took a small bread cob and tore it open.  "You might be having guests."  She said to the head cook, an old Elven female, Dicend.  "That is if the guard catches them.  A Dark Elf called San Riel and a little Fairy called Anna.  If they are brought down, make sure they are bathed and fed.  If not, I'll send them down myself later on."  Dicend nodded her agreement and then returned to her chores.  Frae left with her bread and slipped into the back courtyard.  A few minutes after that, she disappeared into the wandering crowds of the citadel.

Upstairs, the guarding Centaur waited patiently.  Maire had told him the intruders would be along, but they weren't to be harmed.  He too knew of what had happened, so he had problem with simply escorting them downstairs to the kitchens.  He stood easily with his spear leaning against his flank and listened carefully for any sounds on the other side of the panel......

[questor]

San Riel followed Anna through the maze of corridors.  When they came to the secret door he was able to find it with ease.  After all he was a thief and a Dark Elf.  They had a sense about finding secret doors.  but he didn't open it.  He also had a keen sense of hearing and smell.  He smelled the centaur and sighed.  He warned Anna of the guard and then back tracked a bit.  It took a bit but he found another way and another secret door, perhaps one the Queen didn't even know about.  It lead out into the upper part of the city.  

"Ok, we do this the hard way I guess."  he told Anna. I think she wants to see for herself if what he said was true or not. "She may be going to observe the Merchant Varga. He is the most vocal about being stolen from and the biggest thief. Well in the term thief and the way he does buisness. Moving with the grace of a cat he moved through the shadows of the streets and down through the levels of the city.

Some time later below, The noble paced as he waited for Vargas to get there. "What is taking so long?" he demanded when the man showed up. "I need to be away from the city immediately."

"Well now it will only be a short time. Got to wait for the transport to come back up. They are slow you know." the man grinned. "Now as to payment. The price has doubled. I have heard what happened in the throne room. That little Fae did a number on you. You are a very wanted man now."

The noble sneered at Vargas. "You thief!" he yelled out at the man. "We had a deal."

[Guest]

Anna follows San feeling uneasy. She was not very good at being sneaky. She was fairy or a fae to some. Fairies sparkled and glowed. She says to San, "The queen is going to get in a lot of trouble if the Lord finds her." The crystals started acting up, she takes one in her hand and they calm down again. "The man is going to be stuck in the city. The gates and water ways are sealed off."

[LadyRaven]

Frae made her way into the city and smiled at those that smiled at her.  In this place, they knew her as a maid in the castle.  She helped out in the kitchen and cleaned the odd fire grate.  They knew her name, but that was because they believed she was named after the queen.  Working her way through the market, she smiled and waved to the people that supposedly knew her and she made her way to them.

Kendall was an old elf and currently on his tenth human wife.  She was getting on as well, but she would be fading soon and Kendall would be looking for another replacement.  "How goes life, Kendall?"  She asked him politely.
"Same old, same old."  The old elf replied, "Trade is going slow at the minute.  Everyone's het up about this dragon's egg thing."
"I know."  Frae replied, "The palace is rife with it.  Everyone's talking about it."
"What's the latest?"  Kendall asked.
Frae picked up a sweet scented pear and dropped a few copper coins into his hand.  "Rumour has it, one of the queen's own courtiers was in on it.  He sent an assassin to try and kill her before she figured it out.  She isn't best pleased, I can tell you."
"So she hasn't charged the Dark Elf?"  Kendall asked.
"Nope."  Frae replied, "Set him the task of finding the noble instead."
"Wow!"  Kendall exclaimed, "He must have made a really good case."
Frae nodded, "So I heard."  She said, then leaned in, "So what's the whisper on the street about it?"
Kendall leaned in also, "The whispers say there's a noble desperate to drop to the mainland near the base of Serin."  He said quietly, "They say he's taking the butterflies down."
Frae lifted an eyebrow, "Really?"  She asked, "Won't that be hard?  Surely the guard will have locked down the city by now."
Kendall nodded, "Oh absolutely."  He said, "The Regent's ordered all borders closed until he's found and brought back up to the palace.  Apparently, he's in a real rage about the whole thing."  He shrugged, "It must be that Dark Elf that has done it."
Frae laughed and shook her head.  If he only knew, she thought, then decided to move the subject on should he become suspicious.  "Well, let's hope they get caught soon."  She mused, "Anyway, how is Marla?  I hear she's starting to fade."
Kendall looked down sadly, "I know."  He said.  "I should really consider a more long lived companion, but you know me, I do love my humans."
Frae nodded, "well, give her my best, would you?"  She told him and then smiled again, "I have some errands to run.  Old Cookie wants some poison for the raffle.  She's not sure where they're coming in, but it's starting to annoy her."  She laughed and backed away.
"You be on your way then, Frae."  He said and waved her away before carrying on with his trade.

Frae made her way through the city, stopping a few times as would be expected from her supposed friends.  She made it about half way down the city before she was stopped again.  "Frae!"  The person called and she turned around to find a young centaur coming at her quickly.
"Woah there, Grace, you'll hit someone!"  Frae called out, stepping to the side quickly so she wasn't hit by the young, but still quite large female.
"Sorry, Frae."  Grace said, "I just wanted to thank you for whatever you said to the queen."
"Huh?"  Frae asked, feigning her confusion.  A few months before, her father had fallen ill and couldn't work.  Knowing that the old centaur was too proud to ask for help and he'd always been loyal to the court and to her.  She had donated the money to him for his medical care and he was now fighting fit and back working his anvil.
"I just wanted to thank you."  Grace said happily, "Father is so much better than he was.  Whatever you said to the queen, we're both so grateful."
Frae laughed it off and shook her head, "It's ok, grace."  She said, "But I didn't speak to her about you, or your father."  technically, she hadn't.  "The queen already knew, I think.  Doesn't the general of her guard come to you to be shod?"
"Well, he does, but I thought it was you."  Grace said.
Frae shrugged, "Well, I'm glad he's better."  She said happily.
"Would you like to come by in the morning?"  Grace asked, "Father hasn't seen you for a while and...."
Frae laughed and shook her head, "I'll check with old cookie."  She said, "But tell your father to keep his match-making to himself.  I don't have time to be flirting with suitors.  Besides, who would want to marry a lesser elf that lives and works at the heels of that old grouch, hmm?"
"Oh well, I told him I'd try."  Grace said, then turned around and left.  Frae laughed again and shook her head before carrying on further down the city.

On the lower levels, the butterflies were always hard at work fetching and carrying people from the prairies below, but today, it was extra hard.  Frae spotted several of her brother's police stopping and checking everyone that came and went and it was holding things up badly.  They all had images of the wanted noble and they had another too by the name of Vargas.  Frae knew of this man and it wasn't good.  He was a blackmailer and all round villain.  Mikal had been after him for a while, but had never found the evidence he needed to bring him before the court.  Vargas was an all round despicable creature and it would be fitting to have him up before the throne along with the noble to face the charges that would certainly warrant his death by the dragons.

Placing herself nearby in a small café owned by yet another of her long term supposed friends, Frae watched and waited for things to happen.  There was no hope for the noble to get out of Serin now and any butterfly that wasn't on the rosta to come and go would be brought back by Mikal's dragonflies.  They were like the flying guards of Serin, but they could also be vicious, fatal if they bit you.  As she watched, she noticed that San Riel had not arrived yet.  She thought this odd for just a moment, but then, she did have a head start on him and she did have the whispers of the streets thanks to her friends.  The owner of the café, a fairy called Mina, came to her with a warm smile and sat down a warm ale for her friend.  "Are you hiding this time, or are you waiting for someone?"  She asked.
"A little of both."  Frae said honestly.
Mina sat down and folded her wings in with a giggle, "Ahh, Grace found you then."  She chortled.
"Is it that obvious?"  Frae asked.
"Frae, my darling girl."  She said warmly, "Did you honestly think that Haverly would allow you to remain single for so long after the luck you've brought?"
"I can but hope."  She replied.
"Oh now, come, come."  The fairy told her, "It's only natural that he would want to repay your luck."  She smiled and cupped Frae's cheek.  "Just go once for him and be polite."
Frae groaned and slumped her shoulders, "Ok, I'll go."  She said dejectedly, "But not for breakfast.  I have to clear the rota with Cookie first and the raffle problem in the lower kitchen is getting worse."  She turned to look out of the window again as she drank her ale.......

[DragonMaster Pyro]

Marthur's business was busier then he had predicted. The poor were coming in and out, but buying very little. That day Marthur was using his magic to entertain and give himself a more homely image. He was creating food and drink from nothing more then sand and air. Everyone who entered his shop left with a full belly and a smile.
He did do some business, making potions and enchanting tools for the blacksmiths and farmers. Every item would feel lighter, swing faster, and last much longer. With his earning he just gave most of his coin to the poor, having children gather herbs and find him material. Soon the lower district was a buzz of the new mage.
Marthur had also enlarged a beetle to be the size of a small pony. He charmed it and gave it some intelligence too. The beetle would fly children around to help in his herb gathering and help carry things around the shop.
After a while, a strange man entered his shop. The shop was still occupied with people, but that didn't stop Marthur from greeting the man.
"Good day stranger, welcome to the Mystic's Shop. What can I do you for today?" Marthur greeted, studying the man. He didn't quite fit the crowd, nor did he fit the city. This man seemed very shady.
"I would like this enchanted please." He said unsheathing a knife and handing it to Marthur.
Marthur pretended not to seem spooked by the odd knife, doing a poor job. "Hmm..." He hummed studying the knife. "What exactly are you looking to improve on this knife?" The mage said not knowing much about blades.
"I've seen the work you did on the tools. I was wondering if could make this knife lighter, maybe even stronger. You see this is my father's knife and I wouldn't want it to fade on me." The stranger lied.
Marthur wasn't naive, he could see this man was up to no good. The knife looked forged and recently used, so he wasn't trying to save it. "I'm sorry..." Marthur started.
"But..."
"I won't be enchanting weapons today. There has been too much going on, I don't wish to upset any guards or even royalty." Marthur said handing the knife back. "Please help yourself to some sweet bread..."
"I'll pay you in gold!!" The man protested sounding angry, his customers looking scared.
"You should go now." Marthur said looking the man in the eyes.
The stranger stabbed his knife in the sweet bread and was ready to threaten Marthur. "Listen!... I'm not leaving without....."
Marthur lifted his arm and his staff flew across the room to him. The young mage pointed the staff at the shady man, the staff lit up with sparks. "I will not ask you again..." He bravely said.
Finally the man stepped away and grabbed his knife, leaving in a hurry. Marthur sighed in relief.

After the man left the rest of his customers finished up and finally left, but not too soon after Marthur would learn his day would be even less fun.
Marthur was starting to settle down and go enjoy the rest of his day when two older men carrying and younger man busted through his door.
"Mage can you help us?" One man pleaded. "My son was injured by a rusty scythe in the fields, we think he went into the bone."
Marthur didn't hesitate, he cleared a table and had the men lay him on it. He handed the young man a vile, "drink," he ordered. The young man drank it back in a few gulps.
"Will this heal him?" His father asked.
Marthur snickered. "I'm not a miracle worker." He snickered. That will just..."
Soon enough the boy smiled as he passed out. "Delicious," he said before collapsing.
"What was that?" His father asked.
"Mostly fermented mage royal. They use to call it Wizard's Whiskey in my circle." He said mixing up another potions and heating it up. Marthur reached under a glowing silver dome and plucked a petal from a pretty blue flower.
"What are you doing now?"
"This is a blue mountain flower from my region. Rare around these parts, but it will stop the bleeding and eventually mend the boys bone. I'd still get him to someone more qualified for healing, they may have better resources then I." Marthur said boiling the flower in his solution. He looked at the boys leg, still bleeding quite bad. "You came to me at the right time. If he had continued to bleed..." Marthur stopped and painted the wound with the scolding hot solution.
Soon the men could carry the boy out and get him to safety. "Thank you..."
"Marthur... Marthur Mystic."
"Marthur I have no coin to pay you."
Marthur motioned him not to. "No, I am happy to help."
"I owe you a dept, as well as my gratitude. They were wrong about you... Thank you."
As they left Marthur smiled, then sat back and sipped a little Wizard's Whiskey to celebrate his successful day.

[questor]

San Riel moved through the city with ease. He stopped a couple times to reaply a bit of stain to his face and hands, just in case. "I have a feeling the queen will be checking on the foremost of the ones I stole from. We will begin looking in that area first. I wish that young magi would have stayed. I think we could have used his talents. But oh well, we will find her and make sure we keep her out of trouble."

His stomach rumbled something terrible. He had not eaten for some time now and it was complaining. "Care for some food?" he asked Anna. He was about to step into a small cafe which served some delicious delicacies. It was run by a Fairie, but he was not sure what kind she was. "I think you will like this place." he said before a large familar man hurried past him and entered the shop.

"My usual!" he demanded of the Fairy. "And be quick about it if you know what is good for you!" He stood there at the counter drumming his fingers on it. "Don't forget this weeks donation either." The Fairy had gone pale on his entrance and she looked quite frightened of the man. San Riel knew it was the merchant he had stolen from. It looked as if he had branched out into the protection racket.

Inside he saw someone looking out the window. A careful glance showed that it was the queen. He leaned over and whispered his findings to Anna. She wanted to find out if he was right and telling the truth, well it seemed she was getting a good earful.

Another man entered, one that had a weasel looking face. He came up on the right side of the Merchant and said. The ship is back sir. Your guest seems anxious to get aboard and leave."

The merchant laughed. "Let him stew a little more. He will be safe enough. Go make sure there are no guards wandering about the area, and tell my guest that he will be on the ground with in an hour."

[Guest]

Anna looks at the situation of the other fairy and her shop. She felt bad for her but she did not interfere. The Queen needed to see this for herself. People always seem to look for a shortcut through life. Stealing from those who work hard for it just so they don't have to work. Of course even fairies did that from time to time. She says, "The Fae could easily defend herself if she really wanted to. We may be small and delicate to others but we are known for our trickery. The small and weak can't always depend on someone else to save them. If people don't learn to stand on their own two feet, they will not get any thing in life and be able to keep it."

[LadyRaven]

Mina scowled at Fargas as he barged into her café and made his demands.  He'd been doing this for months and every time she had gone to the police, even the guard itself, her café had been destroyed and all evidence of Fargas removed.  She slid a large mug of ale across the counter and then went to her cash drawer.  She threw two silver coins at him.  "One day, Fargas."  She said icily, "One day, you'll pay for this."
Fargas laughed and drank his ale down, "I doubt that."  He said with mirth, "Do you really think the precious Regent and his police will ever find a connection?"  He leaned over the counter, "And even if they did, I have more than enough on you to smear any hearing before that mindless Ariel you call Queen!"  Mina turned her head away and went into the back room.

At her table, Frae had heard and seen more than enough and she rose from her seat.  As she turned, she saw two very familiar faces and felt her gut hit her feet.  "How can someone's timing be that bad?!"  She said quietly to herself.  Keeping her hood up over her head, she moved to the counter and to Fargas.  "I know you."  She said politely, keeping her features covered for the moment.  "I've seen you in the palace."
Fargas turned, full of his usual arrogance, "That you have, kitchen raffle."  He said, thinking her little more than the servant she looked.  "What's it to you anyway?"
Frae shrugged her shoulders, "Nothing."  She said warmly, "Was just curious, is all."
"Curiosity is dangerous, little girl."  Fargas said, eyeing up the slender neckline under the cloak.  "But for such a pretty raffle, I'll let you keep it."
Frae narrowed her eyes under the hood and carefully reached back to draw her dagger.  "So can I ask you something then?"  She said.
Fargas emptied his ale and turned to face her.  "What do you want to know?"
Frae took a deep breath, keeping her temper in check.  "I heard you say something about the fairy.  What you got on her?"
"Why?"
Frae shrugged, "Something I could maybe use later myself."  She said with mirth, "Everyone has secrets.  It could be lucrative in the palace."
Fargas laughed, "It'll cost you."  Frae pulled out a large silver coin and dropped it on the counter.  "Hmmm."  He said, picking it up to bite.  It was real.  "That little fairy there has not always been so honest."  he said, slipping it into his pocket.  "She was well known for smuggling Drow in and out of Serin.  Rumour has it that she still does."  Frae's face paled, though she said nothing.  "Don't know if it's true or not, but the threat of it is plenty to keep wenches like her in line.  Smugglers last time I checked, lost their hands.  Well, those dumb enough to get caught."
Frae nodded under the hood, "True."  She said, "But doesn't the queen like Drow?"
Fargas laughed, "Yup.  Stupid wench don't know what's good for her."  He leaned over and looked under her hood.  "Now then, pretty little elf."  He saw her ears, "What's in it for me for all this juicy gossip?"

All this happened within view and earshot of San Riel and Anna, but Frae no longer cared.  He threatened her friend and called her a wench, though he didn't know just whom he was talking to.  Did they know?  If they did, would they dare reveal her?  "Let me buy you another drink."  She said to Fargas, "And maybe later, you could meet me?  You'd be happy to see what your gossip has bought."  Then, while Fargas enjoyed his arrogance, Frae slipped into the back room and went to her friend.

Mina was distraught and understandably so.  Frae removed her hood and hugged her friend, "Don't worry about it."  She cooed, "That butan will be dead before day's end.  I promise."
"How?"  Mina asked through her tears.  "I've been to the police.  I've been to the guard.  He destroyed my café just for speaking out.  If I do it again, he'll kill me, or worse."  She shook her head, "Not even the queen herself can help me, Frae."
Frae hugged her friend again, "I know she can."  She said with a smile, "I'll tell her myself."
Mina shook her head, terrified, "But...."  She stammered.
"I know about the smuggling."  Frae told her, "You help Dark Elven out of Underdark.  The queen won't judge you for that.  Hell, she'll praise you for it."
Mina shook her head again, "The law stands."  She said, "I'll lose my hands and then Fargas will....."  She sucked her breath in, unable to put words to his depravity.
"Trust me, Mina."  Frae said, "You trust me, don't you?"  Mina nodded and Frae smiled, "Fargas will be dead before dusk.  I'll see to it myself and nobody need ever know about your involvement with him, ok?"
Mina nodded and hugged Frae, "Thank you Frae."  She said quietly, "You've always been such a dear friend to me.  I owe you everything."
Frae smiled and kissed her friend's cheek.  "I'll call on that one day."  She said warmly, "And I just pray that you keep your word to it."  Mina nodded and the pair hugged again before Frae covered her head again made her exit back into the café.

Turning slightly, she faced San Riel and Anna, though very discretely.  "I was expecting you two sooner."  She said quietly to them as she passed, following Fargas out of the café.  "The noble is awaiting a butterfly at the dock.  You'd best inform my brother to get his men there quickly.  I'll meet you down there."......

[questor]

San Riel watched what was going on and smiled. Fargas was digging his own grave and he could tell just by the way the queen's body tensed and and shook just a bit, how angry she was. She had her proof now and he had finally found the one that had helped him escape the underdark. The stains, false papers and guidance had been given to him by another, who made it clear he was not the one that made it possible. San Riel would make sure nothing every happened to the Fairy.

Fargas finished his drink and looked around a bit then headed out the door. The queen followed after she had gone into the back room. She had whispered to him and Anna to go get the guard, but that had already been taken care of. A gold coin taken from the lining of his clothes, to a young boy was all it took. The guard had took his weapons but had not found the lock pit nor the gold he had hidden on him

"They are already being informed. Where you go is not a very safe place. Allow us to go with you." He told her in a very low whisper. He fell in behind her a smile on his lips. On the way he passed a vendor selling daggers. A silver coin bought him one that would do if necessary.

As he moved he kept to the shadows as much as possible. Fargas would not know he was there. On their way to the hidden dock he noticed a couple of Fargas' men move in to cover his back. He hoped the guard would hurry up and get there. He knew Fargas a bit better then the queen, he would have a number of henchmen willing to do his dirty work.

It was not long before Fargas desended down a flight of stairs to a dimly lit area of the floating city. It lead to a shaby looking building. When the door opened one could see the secret docking area. It was one that only Fargas and his people knew about.

[Guest]

Anna thought a moment as they needed to be sneaky. She would need to apply something to hide her Fae traits. She gets in her purse and pulls out some special dust. She sprinkles the dust over her head and her glow goes away. Her sparkle was taken away and even her wings were gone. Or at least that is how it seemed. Now she could track Fargas without putting the three of them in danger.

[DragonMaster Pyro]

Marthur, after a busy day at his shop, finally got to those crystals he promised the others. Between examining it and using divination magic to better understand it, he was able to finally scry on the noble. He was the same noble Marthur had chased in the market.
Marthur was able to enchant the crystal to be able to show where the noble was and his surroundings. No matter what magic the noble was using to protect himself, Marthur's magic was greater and he had the proof now.
The young mage quickly called his staff and darted down to the docks, bringing the crystal with him.
Marthur was young and quite arrogant, especially after becoming a small hero to the lower class citizens. He ran fast making lots of noise, he was also quite unaware of anyone around him. The drow could have been right next to him in a dim shadow and Marthur would have never had taken a second glance.
The cocky young mage quickly entered through the secret doors and met the crowd face on, sure of his skills that he could match them in combat. Thankfully his help was right next to him this whole time.
"You won't escape me this time Noble!!" Marthur stupidly shouted.

[LadyRaven]

Frae kept a close watch on her new friends as the trio made their way down the city to the lesser docking areas.  At first, Frae had thought Fargas would go to one of the main docks where she knew the butterflies transported folk back and forth several times and hour, but then again, the noble responsible needed to get out unseen.  That meant a private dock and a private butterfly.  She smiled slyly, hoping the rider of the butterfly had been paid already.  Such an expense for that would surely have put the man out of business if not paid up front.  Thoughts of the rider and butterfly aside, Frae concentrated on tracking Fargas.  At the time, she was completely unaware of a certain young mage making noise further up the city.

Reaching the dock, Frae stopped and hid herself in a shadowed doorway.  The noble was there, waiting very impatiently for his transport and Fargas seemed utterly full of himself with it all.  She listened as he began to brag at the noble, reminding him that such a favour would incur great cost later on.  Frae shook her head and turned slightly to get a better view and sound.  Soon enough, that better sound and vision was again disturbed as Mikal arrived with his entire guard and several police in tow.  They took up positions around the docking house and when they saw the butterfly coming up towards the city, they backed off somewhat so as not to be seen.  At this, Frae saw her chance and entered the building.

"Hey there."  She said openly as she leaned against the wall.  The shock on Fargas' face, not to mention the utter terror in the noble's face was almost sublime.  "I thought you might like that favour back."  She said quite alluringly.
"What the hell?!"  Fargas snarled, "Did you follow me here?"
"Of course!"  Frae chimed and she shimmied down the stairs.  At her back, she motioned with her hands to San Riel and Anna to keep back for the moment.  She could handle this.  "How could I not?  You made such a good offer in the Fae's café."
"Look Elf."  Fargas said, moving to hide the noble somewhat, "You really shouldn't be here.  Pretty thing like you.  This part of the city can be dangerous."  He drew a dagger and pointed it at her. 
Frae cocked her head to one side, spying the noble, but then cast her eyes back to Fargas.  "I know how dangerous it is."  She said back with a smirk before looking around a little, "This used to be my old stomping grounds."  Although what she had stomped, she kept to herself for now.  She smiled coyly and opened her cloak somewhat to reveal her bustline.  That had Fargas distracted almost instantly.  "Besides, I'd hate to waste good gossip and silver on an empty promise, Fargas."
Fargas licked his lips and moved forward.  "I guess I can spare ten minutes or so."
This move left the noble in a total panic, "Hey!"  He yelled, "What about my bloody butterfly?"
"I wouldn't worry about that."  Fargas said as he moved up to Frae.  "She is on a promise and she works at the palace, so she's valuable."
"Indeed I am valuable."  frae said, lifting her head to look at Fargas fully.  This exposed her face to the noble.
"Gods!"  The noble shouted, "It's the queen!"  In that instant, the mage raced in and blew the whole thing.

The noble bolted for the dock door and Fargas backed up sharply, his blade pointed at Frae.  Frae drew her dagger and stared at Fargas icily.  "You're going nowhere, Lord Lampard."  She said firmly and right as the mage began his shouting, Mikal moved around to the docking door and opened it wide.  He came in quickly with his guard close at heel.  Frae stepped forward and removed her cloak entirely.  "You picked on the wrong path, gentlemen."  She said coldly, "I judge you both guilty for the crimes of kidnap, extortion, attempted murder and high treason to the crown of Serin.  Regent, take these men into custody."

In response, the noble flew at Mikal in a feeble attempt to escape and quite stupidly, ran right into his drawn blade.  Mikal stepped back with the force and stared at the noble with wide eyes.  Fargas looked back and forth and growled with anger and held his dagger out at Frae.  "Only if the crown lives."  He scorned.
Frae narrowed her eyes, "You think you can best me?"  She asked, then looked to Mikal as he pushed the noble from his sword and stared back at his sister.
"Feeble bitch, you ain't nothing with a dagger."  Fargas snapped.
Frae laughed and shook her head as she turned to San Riel and Anna and the very loud, very indiscrete mage, Marthur.  She then slowly turned back to Fargas and turned her dagger in her hand.  She then flicked it out.

To blink, one would miss the act, the queen was that quick.  Almost the instant the dagger left her hand, it struck Fargas in the throat.  He grabbed at it when he realised what had happened, but by then, it was already too late.  "For the crimes of kidnap, extortion and treason, I hereby sentence you to death."  She said as she stepped forward.  Fargas gargled and dropped to his knees, her dagger still stuck firm in his throat.  She showed no fear, no trepidation in what she did and stood over him with something very close to pride.  As that happened, some of the royal guard moved around to keep San Riel, Anna and Marthur back.  Frae stood over Fargas and watched him die before turning away to face her new friends and her brother.  Without hesitation, she made for the Regent and lifted her head.  "Have their bodies brought back to the palace."  She said firmly, "And make sure every last citizen sees them."
"Yes, Highness."  Mikal said with a bow of his head, but then leaned forward, "But just so you know, that was really stupid, Frae.  You could have been killed."
"Oh please."  Frae replied, "Not even you can get me with a blade, Mikal and you're the best in Serin."
"That's not the point."  Mikal said quietly, "The next time you feel the need to go undercover again, don't.  You're too valuable to be lost to some lowlife."
Frae turned her eyes to her brother and narrowed them, "Tell that to the people that suffered because of Lampard and Fargas, and your inability to catch them quick enough."  She said coldly.  Mikal had no answer to that and turned his head away in both shame and respect as Frae moved past him.

Holding her head high, she regarded her new friends carefully.  "Not quite what I had in mind."  She said to them, the mage mostly, "But with your grace, a fitting punishment."  Her eyes turned to San Riel alone and she did something she rarely did with anyone but family.  She bowed her head to him.  "My deepest apologies for the charges brought against you, San Riel."  She said, "Please consider all charges dropped and your honour restored.  Serin and the crown owe you a great debt of service and I would be honoured if you would join me back at the palace."  Her eyes then turned to Anna and the mage, "All of you."  She continued, "I would be honoured by your presence.".......

[Guest]

Anna watched as the queen dealt with the traitor herself. That was an unusual sight to see. However she did have to admit that it was effective and it would teach the citizens lesson. She was clearly someone you didn't want to fuck with. She then looked at the Queen with a little bit of respect. She was glad that the Queen finally could see the mistake that she made. She wasn't sure if she liked mage yet or not. He was a good guy that's for sure but he did need to learn a few things.

When the Queen turned her and the mage, she says with a smile, "You could have let us have some fun. But sure I will join you at the castle if you like."

[questor]

San Riel watched as the Queen entered the docking area and began to talk to Fargas. He could see how the noble was so nervious and anxious to be gone. As The Queen talked, San Riel could not help but chuckle lowly. She played the part of a Palace Servent well and when she opened her cloak to show her bust line he almost lost it. He was ready to laugh out loud.

Oh she was doing good, he could not have done any better getting the two worked up. When the noble saw that it was the queen, all hell broke loose. The Magi burst in crying out that the noble would not get away this time. Shortly after that the Regent and his troops entered. That is when he helped Anna up and entered himself looking down at Fargas.

Now he laughed out loud and as things played out, the noble running himself on the Regent's sword and the Queen's dagger finding it's mark in Fargas' neck, he nodded. Justice was done. The two had paid for their crimes. But some how San Riel did not think the Noble was the actual power behind everything. He was to cowardly, to weak and did not seem like one that could plan an overthrow. There was more to this.

When the queen approached he bowed low and smiled. "I accept your offer your highness. But first there is something I need to do and I hope you do not mind." he went to Fargas and searched the body, removing a very large bag. It weighted quite a bit and he knew there would be plenty of gold coins in it. "With your permission, your highness, I would like to give this to some one."

He retraced their route to the cafe. He entered and went up to the counter. He placed the bag on the counter infront of Mina and smiled. "You helped me escape a world of darkness and evil. This I wish you to have and for you to know you have a friend that if you need help at any time, all you need do is get word to me and I will be here."

[DragonMaster Pyro]

Marthur had rushed in and seen all the action was already over. Taking a deep breath, mostly because he was winded, he relaxed and held back his disappointment. Marthur was well disciplined, though that moment it didn't really show. Feeling embarrassed he stepped back to lean up against a post nearby.
"I... uh... I was on my way to help you your majesty, but it appears I was mistaken to think you needed my help handling this." He said, not being a very good liar.
After he heard the invitation to the palace, he figured he needed to get his feet wet. He needed work to help occupy his mind, and maybe help to better discipline his young adventurous heart.
"I would be honored to be at your presence my liege. You will find me there in a few moments." Marthur said staying back for a bit to gather himself before making his way to the palace.

[LadyRaven]

Frae bowed her head to San Riel again as he said he had to do something before returning to the palace and she watched as he collected a rather large bag of gold from the dead villain Fargas.  As San Riel left, she returned her attention to the still somewhat breathless mage and the little fairy that had so far vastly surprised her.  "I'm glad to hear it."  She said to them both and then laughed as Anna's comment over having some fun.  "Oh."  She said to her new friend, "I'm sure there will be plenty of that to be had."  She moved to her and pulled the fairy's hands into her own.  "But more importantly, if it weren't for you, I may have taken a very long time to convict the noble and his villainous friend.  In fact, we may well have lost them to the prairies below all together and for that, I owe you all the fun and frivolity you can handle."

Letting go of Anna's hands, Frae turned her attention to Marthur.  "And you."  She said with a laugh, unable for the moment to shake his grand entrance loose from her thoughts, "Were it not for your scrying, this young fairy's magic would have been dumbed down."  She then leaned in, taking his hands in hers, "And your help will always be welcome, Marthur Mystic, whether I need it or not."  She laughed then, "Especially when it comes in such a loud and rather spectacular fashion."  She let his hands go and then turned briefly to see her brother and his guard collecting up the dead bodies and the evidence needed to keep her judgement secure.  "Come, let us go home."  She said to Anna and Marthur, "And leave such villainy forgotten for a while.  I will hold a feast in your honour and that of San Riel when he decides to join us."  And she made for the door.

At the café, Mina smiled as she watched San Riel come into the place, expecting him to be a customer.  "What can I get you?"  She asked politely.  What she got was nothing short of a miracle in her eyes.  The Dark Elf dropped a huge bag of gold onto her counter and then proceeded to say why he was giving it to her.  "I.."  She stammered and then smiled with knowing and pride.  This Elf was friends with Frae, he had to be to know.  She must have told him and also, she recognised him from an incident before, so he'd been in front of the queen and might know her too.

Taking the gold, Mina poured San Riel a large mug of warm ale and handed it over free of charge.  "Let's hope the queen will agree with you."  She said.  "I hope that when I am charged with smuggling, you will defend me in her court.  What I have done for the Dark Elven, I have done of my own conscience.  Long ago, when I had barely sprouted my wings, my mother was killed.  Being where we were, it was close to the entrance of the Underdark.  A young Dark Elf found me and took me in.  She saved me.  I felt it my duty to help those that wanted to leave, do so.  The woman that helped me was the first.  I don't keep track of all those that make it out and manage to live free and they don't generally know about me as I prefer my privacy, but knowing that you are one of them, brings me great comfort.  Perhaps one day, you might grace me with another visit and your name."  She then smiled knowingly and reached over to touch his hand.

"When you next see Frae, tell her thank you from me, would you?"  She asked, "I saw you leaving together and talking, so I imagine she told you who I was.  You have a good, loyal......"  Her eyes turned to the window as she watched the procession of guard make their way up the street, "....Uh, friend?"  Her brow furrowed as she watched the Regent, who was clearly recognizable from his tunic and followed by his centaur guard.  "Frae?"  Mina's eyes went wide as she watched her friend walk up the street, her high with pride and flanked by a young fairy and a mage.  "Frae?"  Her friend wasn't walking behind with the guard as most would expect.  She was up front, ahead of the Regent.  She then spotted the bodies being carried by the guard and felt her heart suddenly drop into the pit of her gut.  One of the bodies was Fargas.  "Oh, dear Gods!"  She breathed.

On the street, Frae kept her head high as she walked through the streets.  Most stopped to stare at her and the procession, realising just what was going on and who was walking past them.  The streets cleared in a wave as they made their way up and when Frae came to the street which held Mina's café, she turned her head to the window and the staring Fae with a warm smile.  "Time to call in that favour."  She said quietly and then smiled again as she spotted San Riel there also.  She knew he'd overheard her conversation with her friend in the back room.  It was good to reunite people like that, gave her a warm fuzzy feeling inside.  She bowed her head to the stunned Mina and then turned her head half to Mikal.  "Brother."  She said.
"Frae?"  Mikal replied.
"You see that fairy staring at us from the café?"
"I see her."  Mikal said, looking at the stunned Fairy.
"Make sure she has an invite to the palace along with all Fargas' victims."  She said warmly, "I'm sure they will enjoy seeing his body and knowing they are free of him."
"As you wish, Sister."  Mikal said and quickly called one of his police forward.  "The Fae's café."  He said to the human officer, "Her Highness has invited the Fairy to the palace.  Go and tell her please and then seek out all of the victims of Fargas and invite them also to take leave of their troubles over the villain."  The officer nodded and quickly went into the café.

Mina continued to stare in shock and disbelief as she watched one of the Regent's police come to her shop and enter with a bow.  "Her Highness, Queen Darkheart has invited you to the palace."  He said formerly and then smiled at San Riel, "Shall I tell Her Highness you will be along shortly, Sir?" 
Mina could do little but stand there and laugh quietly to herself.  "That scheming little Elf!"  She chuckled.  "That lying little Butan!"  She turned from the window and nodded to the officer before sitting down to laugh heartily.  "I should have known!"......

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