Yulia makes another tiny sound when the fate of Ivan's soul is revealed. Stifling a sob she replies, "He told me he'd got something special, Tasha saw it a few months back but we couldn't afford it... As for work, I clean people's houses and their shops, we ... We get by."
She comes to a decision and calls out, "Tasha, come here darling the lady has something to show you."
It takes more encouragement from Yulia before she comes. Sensing something was up, Tasha had gone all shy and didn't want to look anyone apart from her mother in the eye.
Gently Yulia told her, "These people know Papa and he entrusted them with something he wanted to you to have..." Looking bewildered she raised her face and studied Yukarii.
Yukarii was a bit too pre-occupied to catch just what dire straits the woman and her daughter would be in without Ivan as she was trying to figure out what she should say to the child to explain what had happened. Yukaari, on the other hand, knew exactly what was going on here. They couldn't afford their creature comforts if they stayed here without Ivan's income. She whispered the truth in Yukarii's mind, They won't have the money to stay here, they will be on the street and they won't have a place to stay anymore. Yukarii's eyes widened as she looked around and realized that Yukaari was right. She would deal with that after this next part.
When Tasha came out at her mother's call Yukarii knelt down on the floor, her legs beneath her, and set her pack next to her. When Tasha She smiled at Tasha and said, "Hello Tasha-chan," she bowed much as she would have if she had been standing and then said, "I am Yukarii and I am happy to meet you." Yukarii took a deep breath and then asked the girl, "Would you like to see a magic trick Tasha-chan?" Yukarii opened her pack and stack her arm in it then she kept going, and going, and going, until her arm would have been through the floor. Then she started pulling something out and it was far too long to have fit in the bag. Her expression became one of surprise as she asked, "Well how did that fit in there, do you know Tasha-chan?"
The little girl was suspicious at first and made a sign to ward off the evil eye when Yukarii promised a magic trick, but she watched with wonder as a six foot pole was pulled out of the bag. She giggled when asked how it fit and excitedly demanded, "Again! Again!"
Behind Yulla smiled briefly although it seemed she couldn't she couldn't keep gloomy thoughs at bay for long.
Yukarii smiled and then lowered the staff back into her pack again with the same exaggerated flourish. Yukarii looked up at Yulia questioningly to see if she should say what happened to Ivan. There were no words spoken but she waited for a response before she looked back to Tasha to give the woman more time to think.
Yukarii smiled at Tasha and said, "How about this one trick Tasha-chan?" Yukarii focused her mind and after a few seconds a little tiny twister formed. It started zooming along the ground, buzzing by Tasha as it went to a spot with some dirt on the floor.Still spinning the mini-twister zipped right towards the door, which Yukarii used a second spell to open, and outside taking the dirt with it before she gestured and closed the door again.
"You see, Tasha-chan, magic can do many good things if used correctly," she leaned forward and winked, "and it is lot's of fun." She glanced back to Yulia to see if the woman had made a decision or not.
Tasha laughed with delight at Yukarii's antics and behind her mother nodded sadly before speaking, "Tasha how would you feel about going on a long holiday?"
"What sort of holiday Momma?" asked Tasha in return.
"The sort of holiday where we deice it lasts forever..."
"I'd like that Momma, the people round here aren't so nice. They call me names."
"Well then, I suppose I'd better pack. But first there's something they wanted to show you..."
Excitedly Tasha asked, "Another magic trick?" Wide eyed she gazed at Yukarii to see what she'd say.
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Yukarii gave a slight nod of understanding when Yulia made her decision and turned her gaze back to Tasha. Her smile became sad and she said, "Of a sort," Yukarii gestured for Tasha to come sit with her and shifted her bag around. "I was told that yesterday was your birthday Tasha, told by someone who loved you very much."
Yukarii conssidered just what to tell the girl and decided that honesty was for the best, she made sure to watch Yulia in case she indicated for Yukarii to stop or avoid something in what she was about to say. "I have someone I want you to meet, someone who is in this room, right now, and no one has seen her. She may seem scary but I give my word she will not harm you." Yukarii waited a moment for the little girl and her mother to ready themselves and then said, "Yukaari-san, would you come out please."
Yukaari rose from Yukarii's form where she had been hiding, a barely visible presence, and sat down so she could see Tasha, "Hello Tasha-chan, I am Yukarii's other half, Yukaari." For once the lust spirit was not being lewed but rather seemed sympathetic with the child, "I help Yukarii-chan use her magic, I am a part of her mind that broke free when something bad happened to her long ago. Together we can see spirit, lost souls who need our help to cross over."
Yukarii nodded and reached out for the bag, delving her hand inside as she said, "This will not be easy Tasha-chan, but last night we came upon one such spirit who asked for our help, something bad happened to him and he could no longer come home to see you even though he really wanted to." She twisted the truth a little, the girl didn't need to hear all of the details of her father's end, but she needed to know he was gone and loved her and she was leaving it at that. "It was your papa. He had been trying his hardest to get home to you but he couldn't make it and he couldn't cross over because he had not given you your present yet."
Yukaari nodded and said, "Your daddy loved you so much he couldn't leave without you knowing how much. He told us where to find the present he wanted you to have so badly and asked we bring it to you and give you his love."
Yukarii pulled the doll out of her bag and said, "He knew you wanted this doll so much that he did everything he could to make your wish come true. This doll holds all of his love for you, that he had, and that he would have given you. He will always be here," Yukarii tapped Tasha's chest over her heart, "in your heart." Yukarii's eyes were full of tears as she held the doll out to Tasha.
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Tasha flinched in surprise when Yukaari separated from Yukarii's body, for a moment she didn't know what too do but curiosity won out and she stared in wonder. As the story was told, tears started to stream down her cheeks and when the doll was presented to her she gasped and hugged it tightly like it was the most important thing in the whole world.
After a little while she sniffed, "Momma is Papa really gone?!"
Yulia replied, "So they say and I believe them, remember last night when I dropped the frying pan? I had a feeling like somebody had walked over my grave, I think now I felt his passing. Whatever anyone says remember that Papa loved you very much Yulia."
"That's not what you said last night Momma..."
"I was angry and what I said was unfair. He did try to make it, he tried very very hard."
Weeping at the passing of her father, the little girl nodded and hugger her mother with the doll securely between them.
With a tear rolling down her cheek, Yulia nodded to the Yukarii's and said "Thank you. Perhaps we should meet this Dr Monroe..."
Yukarii was relieved that things went so well it was always hard to express this information to people. She got to her feet and slung her pack onto her back again then embraced Yukaari. The spirit returned the gesture and then turned, stepping back into Yukarii's form, to disguise her presence. "Yes, we should do that Yulia. Do you need help getting anything you want to take with you? I doutb we will have time to return and will be in a hurry to leave. I have a lot of space in my pack if you need it."
A thought crossed Yukarii's mind and she said, "If you have food that you would like to bring it would be helpful. We are getting a shipment of food for our trip but adding to it would be a good idea since you are joining us."
"Well I have some herbs and spices growing in planters on the roof, I suppose I could being those and the contents of the larder. That's heavy mind, would have to hire a carriage..." replied Yulia. She took you out of the flat onto the roof where there were a dozen terracotta pots containing a variety of well tended aromatic herbs and spices. You had a good view of the town from here which looked pretty if you ignored the dilapidated bits.
Edwin's carriage finally arrived at Clara's family estate. Some peculiarity of the island meant the inland low lying areas were oppressively hot and muggy. The vegetation apparently loved this for the plants were greener and more verdant than anywhere he'd ever seen. On the way the carriage had wound its way up narrow cobbled lanes between tall slate walls which partitioned the land into a patchwork quilt.
Some of the produce was familiar, with neat rows of wheat and corn with marks left by the wheels of the previous season's plowing. Others were exotic with a forest great shady green leaves larger than a man and strange looking fruit in all the shades of the rainbow. Unfamiliar insects as big as a man's hand fluttered from flowers to flower.
Edwin was early so nobody was waiting for him at the entrance to white gate farm. The gate itself which was indeed painted white wasn't locked and the path lead to a delightful rustic cottage. A thin steam of grey white smoke was rising from its chimney suggesting somebody was home. Surrounding the cottage were a number of fields filled to bursting with crops.
The carriage driver, a young lad with a deep tan and sandy hair by the name of Adrian offered to wait for a few silver.
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Edwin paid the carriage driver five silver pieces to stand by and wait. He opened the gate and walked up the path to the cottage. What was the best way to make his request to take delivery of the food stores early? Standing on the porch, he mopped his brow with a handkerchief before knocking on the door.
Yukarii nodded and said, "We can store some of this in my bag Yulia-san especially the herbs and spices." Yukarii looked to Zendara and asked, "Zendara-san, could you get a carriage while I help them pack please?"
Sure, but perhaps we should get two carriages? They can pack and get to the ship. We need to go.
"Pa somebody's at the door!"
"Aye I heard, we're not expecting anyone are we?"
"Not till much later. D'ya think it could be trouble?"
"Probably one of Gurez's men or worse one of those Red Hand. So yes trouble, I'll stall whoever it is while you rouse the men."
You hear the sound of feet receding.
A minute later, the door opens and a powerfully built older man with piercing blue eyes, craggy eyebrows and a salt and pepper beard opens the door. He's casually holding a garden fork with the tines resting on the floor as if he was about to do a spot of gardening. The tines look sharp so this could make a nasty weapon in a pinch.
Towering over Edwin he frowned grumpily, "You don't look like you're from town, what do you want?"
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Realizing the time they had left Yukarii nodded and said, "I apologize Yulia-san but we do need to go. There is something very important we must take care of." She looked to Yulia and asked, "Do you have something I can write on Yulia-san? I want you to have something to give to the captain and Professor in case there are problems when you arrive."
Once she had a chance to scribble out a note Yukarii gave it to Yulia and said, "This should explain what has happened when you arrive. I doubt there will be a problem since you come with a contribution to the larder. I left a short explanation for the Professor and Captain about your situation and what I offered you."
Yukarii looked seriously at Yulia for a moment before she said, "We will be leaving in a hurry when we go and it will be before noon and I do not know the exact time. If you are not already there we will not be able to wait for you. I would assume you have no more than two hours, possibly only one hour. I realize this is a rush but it is for a very good cause."
With that Yukarii hurriedly changed back to her shoes and stepped out the door, "I will see you both soon Yulia-san, Tasha-chan."
Edwin greeted the man politely, "Good Morning Sir, my name is Edwin J. Whiskers. I met with Clara and her cousin yesterday about buying food stores from you farm. I apologize for arriving earlier than our agreed-upon time today. Our ship may have to depart earlier than expected, so I'd like to arrange an expedited delivery. We're willing to pay a premium for the inconvenience."
He tried to read the man's demeaner, so he could up his offer if required.
Zendara gives the mom enough money to pay for a carriage ride to the ship and then the group that went with Yukarii heads out to scout the possibilities for rescuing the Harris boy.
Tasha marvelled at the trick of placing plant pots inside Yukarii's bag, she kept on trying to see where they had gone. When it dawned upon her that they really where inside she exclaimed, "Wow!" and clapped with delight. Meanwhile Yulia was busily packing and accepted the note and the carriage faire with nearly as much wonder as her daughter "Thank you and I er hope whatever it is you're going to do is not too dangerous... No don't tell me, I'd rather not know!"
The farmer harrumphed, "I see, well Clara did mention something. She'll be along presently to confirm your story. On the off chance you're who you say you are, you'll have forgive me for the cold welcome however things are rather tense in town."
A few minutes later a dozen armed men and woman some in full harness appeared lead by Clara. She recognised him at once and said, "I remember you, Edwin isn't it? Wanted to buy six month supplies for an airship, you're a bit early aren't you?"
She suddenly sighed as she shook her head, "Father I have a horrible feeling his friends are about to do something as foolish as it is noble. They where asking a lot of questions about Eliott Harris last night... If they do anything the Cappa will be furious!"
Her father stroked his beard, "Oh aye? And you're worried about Gurez hearing we helped them. Mmm a legitimate concern..."
Edwin replied to Clara, "Yes, there's a possibility we may be departing earlier than planned. Best to be prepared; can we arrange to start loading this morning?"
He told her father, "I don't think we'll need to advertise where we procured our supplies. I'm willing to hear your suggestions about how to undertake the delivery as discreetly as possible. And I understand if an appropriate premium for the expedited schedule is warranted."
What they were planning to attempt was most likely very foolish, even if it was noble.
Rubbing the bridge of his nose Clara's father considered Edwin's words, "A premium you say? Clara how much did they want to buy?"
She replied, "Four cart loads mostly dried or preserved produce with a fifth with fresh and some chickens."
"A substantial order. We'd be foolish to turn away your custom Mr Whiskers. What do think Clara, if say five carts just happened to be abandoned near their airship a few hours before they departed. Perhaps bandits scared the drivers away... Hardly our fault."
Grudgingly she replied, "It could work, but if they ever found out..."
"We point out that the transaction occurred before whatever foolish scheme they have in mind transpired and because they weren’t silly enough to tell us their plans, we couldn't possibly have known."
Sounding unhappy she replied, "I'm the one that's got to lie to them father. If we cut out the bandit thing but otherwise leave the details the same I think I can swing that, for a price." Turning to Edwin she asked, "You mentioned a premium, what do you propose?"
Zendara attempts to stay in cover and approach the windmill stealthily, trying to see what the situation is so they can make a plan.
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Xindyra likewise tries to be inconspicuous in her approach.
Edit: Xindyra drinks an alchemist extract of shield.
As they approached the Windmill Yukarii did her best to be unobserved while watching for signs that someone had spotted them.
Unfortunately she was nowhere near as stealthy as Zendara or Xindyra. While she didn't quite step on every twig or kick every rock, she wasn't off by too terribly much.
Known locally as the old grinder, the windmill where Eliott was being held was just out of Carina on the far side from where the airship had landed. The surrounding area was run down and largely abandoned and had a forlorn feel to it. The road leading up to the windmill was not in the best of repair but still serviceable and outside there where a couple of bored looking men, armed with heavy crossbows and sabres. They notice Yukarii watching from a distance but seem indifferent.
The windmill itself has been neglected and seems in poor condition although its construction is massive enough that it'd take decades before it eventually falls down. After a few minutes observation you notice movement from within through the tiny windows so there'd definitely someone inside but apart from that nothing much is going on and isn't due to for a few hours.
Zendara whispers to her friends
I see four guards, but not sure if there are more. Probably can't be more than six considering the size. What do you guys think? A distraction and we go in and get him out, or distraction and pick them off, or ... well, we could try diplomacy, but not sure it will work. Everyone seems really afraid of the boss guy. Any ideas about possible distractions?
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Edwin carefully considered Clara's question. It was something he'd been turning over in his head during the carriage ride: how much to offer for the food supplies. Dr. Munroe had given him 300 gp to buy supplies. Edwin could tell that he was hoping for some change back, but that the key concern was getting the supplies. He replied to Clara, "I think 275 gp should give you a good profit for your crop."
He wanted to give himself some room to increase the offer if the family objected. He was fully prepared to pay the whole 300 gp, and to add some money out of his own pocket if he had to. He didn't fancy running out of food and going hungry.
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"Yes, diplomacy probably won't work. A strong bluff might, but picking them off one or two at a time might well work best. Even if we distracted them, there is still a chance they come back at the wrong, for us, moment, and we'd meet all six of them."
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Yukarii realzied the guards noticed her but they didn't seem that concerned about her presence. She considered the question and said, "They have already seen me and I am not very sneaky. I could try to distract the ones out here so you have less to deal with."
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Clara sucked her teeth and remarked, "Before all this I was going to quote a price of 252 gp so that's about a 10% premium, what do you think father?"
He scratch his beard and thought for a long moment before releasing the breath he'd inadvertently been holding and then he replied, "Yeah okay then, I'd feel bad about asking for much more than that. You got yourself a deal Mr Whiskers... Just let us know where you want the wagons left and we'll start loading, that'll take an hour and then it's whatever travel time to the destination and our side of this is done. Of course loading will take a while, I hope your folks are ready, would be a shame for the fresh stuff to be out in the sun for long."
Edwin thought about where the wagons could be left near the Dawntreader: somewhere not overly conspicuous, but within easy distance for loading. He gave the directions and said, "I'll make sure that the crew is ready to start loading when the wagons arrive."
After paying for the delivery, he returned to the waiting carriage, and directed Adrian to make haste for the ship.
I've been waiting on the others to respond to my last post so I'm good with it either way.
"What did you have in mind? You can't risk yourself solely for us to sneak about."
Yukarii shrugged and said, "I had figured I would go and tell them I was a gift from their boss for their loyal service." She smiled naughtily, "That should keep them suitably distracted."
I like that idea, but maybe we should wait for the whole party to be together first... I mean, if there are six of them? If you want to start now, I'm with you... just making sure we're going into it with eyes open.
Also, I'm more than willing to trade the evil ruler's life for this young man's, but I have no idea if he is worth six soldiers. They might be evil as well, but they might not. If we can deceive them instead, and tie them up or something, I would greatly prefer that.
As the party discuss tactics a coach clatters down the far end of the road and stops a good distance short of the windmill. Fresh from his good work at the farm (and later the airship where he informed a relieved Dr Munroe about the incoming supplies) Edwin bids goodbye to Adrian, hops off and starts walking towards the windmill. One of party spots him, waved him over and a huddled discussion is had about tactics.
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Edwin paid Adrian another 5 sp to stand by and joined his comrades. He told them, "I've asked the driver to wait. We'll likely need the extra carriage.
"The supplies are on their way to the Dawntreader. The crew will begin loading as soon as the wagons arrive, which should be very soon, if they're not there already.
"What's the situation? How many guards are there?"
When he heard of Yukarii's idea he responded, "That could work. I'll prepare for a fight; I'm sure it'll come to that."
He cast a spell to surround himself with a shield of force, and recited an incantation so he could communicate with his allies. Then he crept into position where he could get a good look of the approaches to the windmill.
Okay, Yukarii, you're on. I'll go after and try to do some fast talking... happy to have anyone along or ideas about a good story, but Edwin is right. We'll do our best, but we need to be ready for this to turn into a fight.
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With everyone seeming in agreement, or at least not outright objecting, to her plan, Yukarii nodded and said, "Yes, I understand what I am going into or rather..." Yukarii's eyes closed and after a moment opened again. Something seemed different about her this time, something other than her usual self.
Yukarii;s stance shifted, becoming more provocative, and she reached up with one hand to undo a little of her blouse, loosening it enough to let her cleavage peak through a great deal more. Her gaze had become almost wicked and hungry and Yukarii said, "Or rather I will."
Her mannerisms weren't what one expected from Yukarii and she turned and moved away with a seductive swish to her hips. Whereas Yukarii normally came across as the sexy librarian type most of the time now she came across like a predator as she stalked her way towards thee prey that were the guards ahead. Yukaari was no in full control.
When Yukaari reached the nearest of the guards she smiled seductively, "Well hello there boys. Your boss hired me to come," she drew the word out suggestively, "and reward you for your good work." She looked at those gathered and said, "Why don't we go over that way," she gestured towards a place where they would be out of earshot and sight of where the man was being held captive, "a ways and you can collect your reward."
Two bored looking heavily armed guards of middling age where leaning with their backs on the windmill either side of the door. Their eyes near popped out of their skulls as Yukaari sauntered towawrds them in a most provocative way.
"Err Ma'am this area is off limits..." said one she mentally labelled as slim. Fatso next to him simply leered at her busom as if he'd never seen something quite so pert before.
"Well hello there boys. Your boss hired me to come, and reward you for your good work."
<--- FAIL
Slim seemed surprised by this but slowly a smile crept onto his features, turning to Fatso he spoke as if carrying on from an earlier argument, "See, I told you Gurez ain't such a bad boss. Damnit though he must hate that Elliot lad something fierce. Imagine sending us a happy ending ending to rub it into the lad's face as he prepares to have a most unhappy ending!"
The men beckoned her inside, outside the windmill looked pretty normal but inside was a surprise. Most of the milling machinery had been ripped out leaving a large circular area wrapped around which a metal staircase snaked its way upstairs. Backing up onto the stone walls was the clutter of cobweb covered boxes and barrels looking as ancient as the mill. In stark contrast to this the central area was empty bar a ring of glowing red sigils carved in the floor surrounding a dubious brown stain. Various iron rings where sunk into the central area making this look like a place for ritual sacrifices. Chined to a pair of these rungs was a miserable looking lad with sandy hair, covered head to toe in bruises and sporting a number of livid whip marks.
A pair of heavyset men lounged on boxesm glaring at the lad. One which Yukaari labeled as Bully had a bullwhip with which he was tormenting the lad. The other one which she labelled a Thug was resting and seemed to be half asleep although he roused himself when the door opened, spluttering "Eh? What's this, surely it's not time yet?"
Slim grinned, "Nah we got hours yet. Gurrez has sent us a treat!" Turning to Bully he growled, "Oi stop that! Wouldn't do if he turns up half dead, where'd the sport be in that? No we want this one live enough to give the crowd a good show when the stones start flying!"
"Why don't we go over that way, a ways and you can
collect your reward."
Fatso's bulging eyes followed the direction she was pointing up the stairs and he enthused, "C'mon lads lets go! We got us a #*$&in show!". Leering at the prisoner, Fatso taunted him, saying "And you, you little #*$&! can cool yer #*$& heels and listen to real men doing what you ain't never done! Haha! HAHAHA!"
Bully and Thug leered at Yukaari and eagerly followed her, Fatso and Slim upstairs into a smaller room with a rough table and chairs and the old millwheel propped up against the wall. The table would do for her display, and she noted a rickety looking ladder leading up the level above where the main gear box once was.
"Do we know exactly where the boy is being held?", Edwin asked.
He had never fully understood the whole Yukarii/Yukaari thing. It was unsettling to see a different personality manifest: one that he didn't really know. Still, a young Elliot was scheduled to be unjustly executed, and Yukarii seemed to think this was the best way to save him, so he was willing to go along with it.
As Yukarii/Yukaari neared the guards he whispered, "Let us know when we should move in."
Zendara watches Yukarii in awe. Under her breath she says
Wow, she's good.
As soon as the guards are out of sight, she runs forward lightly to assess the situation.
If she doesn't see any other guards, she motions the others forward, warns the boy to stay silent, and moves forward to examine the chains.
Before trying to pick the lock, she looks around to see if the keys are in the room somewhere, since she isn't all that great at picking locks, and hopes there is an easier answer.
If she spots keys, she sighs with relief and goes to unlock the boy as quietly as possible.
If she sees no keys, she tries to pick the lock (again, as quietly as possible).
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Watching this new version of Yukarii walking away, she pauses briefly.
"...does that count as possession, if you're doing it to yourself?"
Xindyra would also drink a longarm extract when we're going in, as well as her mutagen.
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Edwin drew upon the power of his boots and moved swiftly forward, as quietly as he could.
He tried to quickly locate where the boy was being held.
As soon as he located Elliot, he helped Zendara free him.
Zendara marched over to the windmill's door and glanced inside, the way seemed clear so she mentioned the others onwards. She heard rowdy laughter echoing down from upstairs.
In the centre of the ground floor is a lone figure, a dejected looking youth chained to a pair of iron rings and surrounded by weird glowing sigils which lend the area a demonic appearance. His eyes are closed and he doesn't react to Zendara's presence, his body is a mass of bruises and whip marks. In better circumstances you would have rated him as good looking, but here he mostly looked crushed.
Looking around Zendara can't spot any keys but the lock on the manacles was a simple one and she quickly sprung them open. Groggily the lad roused himself and thanked Zendara in a broken voice, warning "Thank you stranger, but I hope you have a better plan than Eloise did. The cappa's going to hit the roof when he hears about this. I do hope she's going to be OK, no doubt he'll blame this on her."
From above the unmistakable sound of a spanking is heard followed by rawkus laughter.