Yash's eyes grew wide as the healing energy washed over him and sealed his wounds. Even his own magic would not have been enough to fully remedy him. He saw the smaller old woman in a new light.
As the man spoke of these skulks, one thought entered Yash's mind.
"Kill chief?" Yash asked.
One of the gnome's expressive eyebrows rises in curiosity. "What was that now?"
Yash looked down at Lady.
"Człowiek mówi, że podąża za silnym przywódcą. Zabijamy lidera?"
Lady interprets, The mam said these Skulks are mostly a problem only if they have a strong leader. Do we take the leader out?
Xing dips her head at the small spellcaster, thanking her for the powerful heals. She watches the exchange between her and Uller, but casts regular wary glances at the sewer entrance.
"These skulkers didn't hesitate to attack us. If they don't have the town's permission to be there, then I have no problems helping ... remove them." She looks at the older woman, "But we're here to help the people of Threshold. Is there a better way to handle this?"
"I appreciate the offers of help." She replies, looking from Yash to Lady (as translator) to Xing. She considers her words carefully. "You did well leaving when the situation turned dangerous. This isn't your mess to clean up, it's mine. I would have as much to answer for as Uller does if I endangered new potential citizens as he has done... You can help most by telling me more about the leader you think drives these creatures. Or do you think it is just a more dangerous Skulk?"
Xing frowns, "I'm not sure we can tell you much." She watches Uller and the old healer as she explains their sewer adventures, watching for any interesting reactions. "We entered the tunnels and were attacked by some kind of bugs. We fought them off, then cleared out what muck-piles we discovered. Then we proceeded forward, encountering a large circular chamber with a large drain in the bottom." She nods at Uller, "He said we should avoid that, so we did that ... also avoiding the creatures that seemed to be protective of that area. To my knowledge they're still there. We entered the first chamber branching off of that to the left, cleaning what muck we found on the way. We found remains of ... something that had some kind of burn damage on it."
"That's when the skulkers first attacked us. We fought them off, leaving as many alive as we safely could. The survivors we bound in that room as we continued forward. The next room had a shrieking mushroom thing. Senna destroyed it, but we were afraid that maybe we'd alerted some other close-by creatures ... which turned out to be more skulkers. This second group of them also didn't give us any chance to talk before they attacked. And this second group seemed more deadly than the first. Again, we fought them off, but one got away, shouting words into the darkness beyond. We thought it smarter to leave while we could ... we were in too poor a shape to take on a challenge of unknown strength. The skulkers used no magic that I could discern, but other than 'stronger than its minions', I have no idea what to expect from whatever leads these gray creatures."
Mama supports Xing's report with the occasional nod. The healing magic was still tingling in her veins and she took the opportunity to feel free of the aches and pains of ageing while the strong positive energy did its thing. They would return, of course. No amount of healing ever really cured Age, but this little break was nice.
"That sums it up well. After the fight started going against them one of them started yelling for someone. He seemed excited maybe about the possibility of who or whatever wading in on his side."
"We took that as our cue to get out."
Senna adds, ”I think the creatures by the drain are Muckdwellers – lizard creatures that blind prey with a spray of water. The remains we found after that, with the first group of skulks, were humanoid bones and Yash believes that whatever gnawed on the bones had a bite like fire because it melted the bones a fair amount.”
Odelai nods, her face set in a hard look as you recount your adventure. ”So, perhaps this bone-eating creature is the leader or possibly the pet of the leader that helped to keep these skulks in line and more afraid of him or her than of anyone stumbling on their lair, regardless of your numbers.”
The old woman thinks for a moment as her hair slowly uncoils from the gate as she formulates a plan. She gazes at Lady, ”Please translate all this for Yash. I want everyone on the same page.”
She looks to the three townsfolk. ”You three, take the prisoners to the Low Gate gaol, for full questioning. Keep an eye open for more of these shapeshifters, looking to free their compatriots. Give my regards to the Watch Commander. Have him raise the Watch and bring out the bloodhounds to find our missing skulk and send a couple more people here.” The three townsfolk nod and leave.
Odelai turns to Uller. Her eyes are anything but kind. ”Tell me if I’m wrong. You didn’t want to wade in filth or smell it, so you didn’t bother to check the sewer for dangers before sending in these newcomers. Despite their likely importance to Threshold, you sent them in blind because you didn’t want to get your feet dirty. Is that about the size of it?”
Uller deflates. "That's fair."
Her question being largely rhetorical, Odelai continues. ”Since I now have to clean up this sewer, I was inclined to drag you along… by your scruff.” A thick tendril of her hair comes to rest on his shoulder and swipes at the dust on his shirt. You’re fairly certain that isn’t an idle threat. ”However, with at least one of these backstabbing skulks on the loose, plans need to change.”
”Congratulations, Resident Uller. I am temporarily deputizing you as a member of the Dockside Watch. Your assignment is to ensure the safety of these newcomers – with your life, if necessary – and watch this gate. When other members of the Watch arrive, you will have them find me in sewer and then escort your charges back to their place of residence, where you will stand guard until sunrise. Don’t disappoint me.”
Odelai casts a spell and rises off the ground as her hair snakes to open the gate. She looks to the newcomers. ”On behalf of Threshold and the Council, please accept my apologies for the poor treatment you have received and the inexcusable risks placed on your lives. Do you have any questions before I go?”
Yash watched the older woman as she spoke. His head shifted down to Lady when she began to translate for him. He really didn't understand much of what was going on, at least from the political side, but when the older woman seemed set on entering the sewers alone, he had to speak up.
"Why go alone? Yash go" he said, motioning towards the sewer gate.
Odelai, hovering at nearly eye level with the half-orc, smiles at Yash's first statement. "My duty is to protect this city and her inhabitants, which includes you folks. Taking you into harm's way isn't the safest option for you."
And if you don't take us but we choose to join you? Mama asks. She looks completely reinvigorated by the healing. I agreed to clear the sewers, and clear them I will. Evidently this will require a bit of help, but our agreement didn't rule that out. I say let Mr. Uller fulfill his charge and protect us. After all, us old ladies have to stick together. My only concern in this is that my own connection to the ancestors is waning nearly to it's low point. If we planned an expedition for tomorrow I would be much more useful.
Lady seems quite pleased with herself as translator. The ever present, mischievous grin she wears is doubled by having such an important role.
"I agree with my companions," Xing says quietly. "Helping solve this problem for Threshold actually seems like an interesting challenge. I'm even willing to entertain the idea that Mr. Uller didn't realize what we were walking into." She shrugs, "Either way, I would help, if it is not overstepping."
”Let me be clear, this is a Watch mission. Anyone following me into the sewer is under my authority and I am in charge. If I give an order, it better be obeyed. Second, I’m going in to clean the sewer out, not clean it up. Anything working for or with these skulks is going to get thumped.”
She nods to Cookie, ”I appreciate you wanting to be at your best for this mission, but it can’t wait. These skulkers are skilled at evading us, clearly. We need to root them out now while we hopefully have them on their heels.”
Her eyes slide over the party. ”You each have a choice. Anyone who wishes can stay here with Uller and guard the entrance until we return. Anyone who wants to face this threat and will follow orders, come with me.”
She gives you each a minute to decide and then floats slowly into the dark and stinking tunnel entrance…
Xing looks around at her companions, then casts her eyes across what she can see of Threshold, then sweeps them over to Uller ... where she lets her unblinking gaze linger for a long few moments.
Then, without comment, she follows the old, strange woman into the darkness.
Senna casts a defensive spell, knocks an arrow, and shrugs. "I slept through most of that last fight." She follows Xing and Odelai into the sewer.
Her voice echoes out of the darkness, "Yep... smells just as bad."
Mama looks to Yash. Whatcha say, big guy? Once more unto the stench?
Yash hefted his greataxe and let it come to a rest on his shoulder. He looked at Mama Cookie, smiled, and nodded.
"Yash go."
Her voice echoes out of the darkness, "Yep... smells just as bad."
Xing chuckles, "You could at least wait until I'm gone to insult my smell, Senna."
As they stalk further into the darkness, Xing seems to get restless. "I do not plan to die ... or to fail." She looks at the group, then over at Odelai. "I am going to show you all something, but please remember it is still me."
After a long moment, where she seems to be gauging the situation, Xing closes her golden eyes. After a heartbeat, she begins to change ... and shift. White fur with black markings sprouts along her exposed skin, and her size increases. Claws break forth from her fingertips, and a feline snout emerges from her face.
A few moments later, a 7 foot white tiger creature stands in Xing's place. Wearing her clothes, its black fur markings resembling the tattoos she wore moments ago. After a few deep breaths, she slowly opens her eyes .... which remain the same as before.
"I am ready to proceed," she growls quietly, watching each of you ... and the Threshold local ... tentatively.
Mama does a good job of restraining her shock. The feeling passes quickly, however and she whistles low. Well, I am impressed, dearie! I wish I could do that! Would have saved me so much time making shawls for the winter!
Lady goes slack-jawed at the transformation. She's off Yash in a leap and sniffing around Big Cat Xing in no time. You still smell like you! How do you do that! I would love to be a two-legger some times! It would make so many things so much easier!
On one hand Sabelina thinks things are starting to sound exciting, and therefore worthwhile. One the other hand, going would mean more time in the sewer, which is terrible. One the other other hand, She is also wondering where exactly she'll be able to afford sleeping tonight....
"I'll certainly go back in! But, this does mean our old contract should be revised to account for the extra and previously unforeseen hazards, yes?"
Xing's transformation is pure gold to Sabelina.
"How flamboyant! Captivating! Can you teach me to do that?"
Xing chuckles, "You could at least wait until I'm gone to insult my smell, Senna."
Senna is mid-quip, "So, it's my fault I'm downwind when..." Then Xing transforms, and the archer covers her surprise with a non-sequitur, "If it never rained, I'd never need a hat." She looks around, half expecting Cookie to have grown butterfly wings.
No kitty jokes. NO kitty jokes...
The old woman only smiles at Xing’s transformation before returning her attention to the potential threats ahead. ”Nicely done.”
In the first large room, Odelai floats toward the ceiling then quickly flies to the center of the room. With her back to you, you can only tell that she has cast some of sort spell before announcing loudly and imperiously. ”This is the Watch Commander for Dockside in Threshold. You are suspected of crimes against the citizenry or visitors of Threshold. You will present yourselves for questioning and possible arrest. Any attempts at evasion, escape, or attack will result in your swift deaths.”
After the echo of her voice fades, and hearing nothing in response, the gnome woman swoops into the narrow side corridor before quickly returning to the main room. Her eyes glow, limned in cold blue. She looks to you and says in a more personable tone. “Nothing there. Let’s continue… but please stay behind me. ”
As you move into the next room, Odelai inspects every corner thoroughly, even scanning the ceiling. She asks conversationally, ”What were the terms of your contract, with Nine-Toes?”
The tall tiger-woman stands in stunned silence for a few seconds before shaking her head, her sharp teeth revealed by a disbelieving half-grin.
”I don’t know that I can show you how to do this. I’m to understand I … just .. was born this way.” Awkwardly fiddling with the end of her muck-cleaning stick, she’s saved from the need to explain further by Odelai’s question.
”Uller’s job offer was for us to bring his tools down here, clean out the upper level of the sewer, and make sure the water runs like it’s supposed to. He said it should take about a half-day, and that we’d earn 200 gold plus whatever we find down here.” An angry, low growl rolls forth between her teeth, ”We did not realize what we’d find was an attack.”
She points ahead of herself into the gloom, ”He did warn us of a drain that we should avoid going down.”
The old gnome nods at Xing's directions and flies forward now that she is satisfied the current room hides no lurking threats. ”At least he told you about the drain. I suppose I should be thankful for that. Normally, it is the only true hazard in here. But, you deserve better recompense than 200 pieces given what has happened. I’ll see that you get it.”
Warned of the Muckdwellers, Odelai enters the drain room with flourishes to intimidate the creatures. She flies in, tentacles of hair extended and writhing in multiple directions. She hovers near the ceiling and begins speaking with the creatures in a strange hissing and croaking tongue. The quartet of Muckdwellers sink low into the water and move to the far side of the pool when they see they are well outnumbered by the humanoid creatures. Odelai slowly descends and hovers to continue the conversation with the strange lizard-like creatures. The conversation becomes animated and lasts for several minutes with Odelai pointing to the team a couple of times and making a series of different gestures as she questions the Muckdwellers exhaustively.
In the end, Odelai turns to the heroes, ”It appears you may have finished off nearly all of this nest of vipers. The ‘dwellers believe there were no more than eight or nine skulks. They didn’t see the ‘pack-leader’ often but they say she is a dark-skinned old woman of roughly Senna’s height. And she hasn’t passed by them since they last saw you. More concerning, is talk of corpses and some captives being brought in by the skulks… and never leaving. I think we are dealing with a Hag of some stripe. I’d like to see the bones you mentioned. They were this way, correct?” She motions toward the diagonal passage leading to the room where the team was jumped by skulks initially.
Yash slid the scorched bone free from his bandolier and held it out.
"Bone."
Odelai examines the bite and corrosion marks carefully. ”A ‘bite like fire’ indeed.” She hands the bone back to Yash and sighs. ”Based on the evidence, I think we’re looking for a Flue Hag. They aren’t the worst sort of Hag but they’re dangerous and vicious with a taste for the flesh of sentient creatures - the more innocent, the better. They live to spread misery, and misfortune surrounds them - generally to the woe of anyone they cross. The bad news is they are slippery. They can climb like you walk and their limbs and joints give, letting them squeeze through tight spaces no regular body could. They can also change their appearance… so we might see a little girl, or an old man, or something other than the hag’s true form. Be ready for that. In our favor, they are creatures of darkness, hating sunlight. We may have her pinned in here until evening. Any questions?”
Sabelina is a little disappointed that it seems she won't be learning to do her own shape shifting anytime soon. But, Xing has proven to be more literarily interesting than Sabelina had initially assumed, so she's still excited by the revelation.
"I'll ask you for the details later over drinks Xing. Right now focus is required."
Odelai's information and instructions also perk Sabelina up. The whole sewer thing might turn out to be noteworthy and memorable after all. She keeps her weapon at the ready and her eyes peeled for... well, anything could be a hag, so anything.
"I assume the plan is to meet the hag with full prejudice and maximum violence?" she asks Odelai
Odelai nods, "Anyone we encounter gets one chance to surrender immediately; no discussion. If they hesitate, they've chosen to meet Pharasma or whoever awaits."
She looks at the crew, "If you have any qualms about that, I'm sorry. When the fight comes, you can stand aside or just defend yourself, whatever suits your conscience. I won’t think poorly of any of you regardless."
With that, she floats up the corridor into the room where you encountered the first skulks. She scans the room carefully and then begins digging through the trash piles and meticulously probing in the pooled water with her hair.
She finds nothing more than you did while searching the piles but does uncover additional smaller bone fragments in the more stagnant corners of the pool. She places all the fragments in a single pile, in the corner where you recently had your prisoners. Noting the dead skulk in the water, she mutters, ”Here is where her defenses began.”
Nothing more to see in this room, the old gnome pushes into the northern corridor leading to the large chamber. She moves more cautiously now, scanning everything and using her hair to probe refuse piles and the waterway. She uncovers a couple more bones and lays them aside.
The group rounds the corner and stands in the entrance to the cavernous room. The scattered bodies and smell of blood (much of it yours) stains the hillocks of filth and leaves crimson streamers in the stagnant water. Odelai scans to the range of her enhanced vision for a long moment then gives you a nod, indicating she perceives no obvious threats. She flies up the center of the room and hovers over one of the skulk bodies strangling it with her hair to make sure it isn’t playing possum, announcing herself. ”This is the Watch! Announce your presence, drop your weapons, and surrender. Failure to do so immediately will be considered an act of aggression and will be met with a deadly response.”
She waits patiently for a span of six heartbeats. Then looks to the heroes, ”We’re doing this the hard way, it seems.”
As the group follows along their temporary leader, White-tiger Xing explains.
"I don't know that I could explain how I do this any more than you could explain your breathing." She shrugs, "I have always been this way." She looks at the group members, who mostly seem intrigued by her nature. "Most people don't respond so ... positively."
As they pause in the second room, she shrugs, "I have spent years learning to master it, though. I guess I'm afraid on some level that people are right about me ... that if I lose control of this side of me, then I'll cause harm."
She grins, a feral thing, "Though I have to admit, it can be handy sometimes."
"I'm afraid on some level that people are right about me ... that if I lose control of this side of me, then I'll cause harm."
She grins, a feral thing, "Though I have to admit, it can be handy sometimes."
The archer shrugs, ”I don’t lose control and I still do harm, regardless. Maybe being feral is more a matter of choice than biology.”
The gnome moves a little further down the length of the room then starts making a strange set of rumbling and cracking noises. You think her voice is echoing until you realise the timbre and pattern of the sounds are different. The stones in the room are vibrating in response. Odelai continues speaking with various stones, flying quickly to the far end of the room and then up to the ceiling some 30’ above. After a few more minutes of this strange conversation, she returns to ground level as you gather near the far end of the room, at a rough-hewn and narrowing passage.
A quick look into the passage alerts you to the fact that is perhaps 30’ long and the room at the far end is lit by some feeble flickering light, probably the dying remains of a fire judging by the smell of smoke. But even the distance from the room and the oppressive smell of smoke cannot hide the stink of decay, rotting flesh, and death that wafts from the passage.
Grim, the gnome pulls out a placard and jots several notes. She says quietly, ”The stones say this is her lair. They also say, the hag is gone… crawled through that drain up there soon after you left.” She points to a small outlet in the ceiling that a child would have difficulty crawling through. ”Their perception range is limited, so it’s possible she returned by some other drain. We need to be careful while checking her lair, just in case. But, it seems likely that she fled and has gone to ground at some other bolthole until night falls.” She puts the placard away and then the entire team moves into the tunnel and then into the hag’s lair…
At the center of the circular room are the glowing embers of a dying fire. Against one wall is a pile of filthy rags you imagine serves as a bed. The air is thick with rot. Chunks of rotted and half-eaten meat litter the floor and decorate the walls. Scores of bones and humanoid skulls are set in incomprehensible patterns on the floor. All are gnawed, some are burned, and many are only partially denuded of flesh. It’s more of an abattoir than a lair. The hag is gone.
Moving slowly about the room, Yash quietly nudged things with his foot. Occasionally he stopped to pick up a bone, wipe and it off, and slip it into his bandolier. Others he simply tossed back to the sewer floor as if they failed to pass some sort of inspection.
Sabelina also checks the place, not yet ready to let her guard down.
Mama stays on alert, but doesn't look around much. Her magic is nearly spent for the day and she doesn't want to be caught in a vulnerable position. Her best bet right now is to be ready to assist the others as much as she can.
Our heroes rifle through the hag’s wares and uncover a poorly hidden cache. From the messy spray of coins and gems surrounding it, it seems the hag quickly grabbed what she could before fleeing… leaving nearly 900 GP in coins and gems.
Odelai nods, ”You earned it.” Anything else she might have said is forestalled by the sounds of approaching feet and calls of “This is the Watch!”
The next few hours go by in a bit of a blur as the analytical and investigative sources of the Watch swarm the sewer… Being at Odelai’s hip, you are privy to some of the Watch’s methods: the necromancers and clerics they employ to identify and speak with the dead (via the bones), the ‘bloodhounds’ (strange creatures with more than five senses from another world) that they believe will have few problems tracking down any other skulks and the hag, rogue spotters, roving patrols deployed to the streets across the city, as well as the coordinated teams of spellslingers and rangers with overwatch duty of those patrols from strategic high points.
When you finally exit the sewer again, it is late afternoon. The light strikes you as odd, casting a diffuse pinkish glow over the city. Close as you are to the periphery of the city, you see the cause of the strange lighting. Surrounding the ring wall is a second wall. It rises some 60’ into the air with walls that gently curve inward, forming a very subtle open dome. The wall is semi-translucent, seems to be made of mineral, and ranges in color from pearlescent to light pink.
The old gnome enjoys the clean air for a moment before motioning Nine-Toes over and speaking. ”Thank you for your help. Uller, I’ve considered this matter and consulted with the Council. You'll pay these folks 200 gold pieces per person. Further, as they have not been given quarters yet and their safety is a priority, you will get rooms for them on the top floor of the Slattern for the night, at your personal expense. The guards at the Slattern can help you ensure their continued safety. You may wait over there for your charges. I need to speak with them for a moment privately.” Dismissed, Uller leaves with muttered imprecations.
She waits for Uller to step away before speaking to the party, ”I hope those terms are acceptable. Nine-Toes hates parting with money, so it is good punishment for him. And the guards at the Slattern will keep him on his toes tonight.” A small smile creeps across her face.
”I suspect you folks aren’t inclined to sit out the manhunt for the hag, even if I ask nicely. So, I’ll make this deal with you… the Watch, we’re still getting a handle on this situation with interrogating those skulks, deploying forces, as well as the earliest stages of tracking the quarry. If they panic and bolt, our forces may catch them tonight. But, realistically, our goal is to narrow down their possible hidey-holes tonight and bring them to ground tomorrow. So, IF you agree to stand down this evening, I’ll meet with you for breakfast tomorrow, update you on what we’ve uncovered, and get you into the hunt – with one of my folks as escort – when we have good target locations. How does that sound?”
Mama nods. In truth, that sounds pretty good. I'm used to being on my feet, but today has been a bit much even for me. My old bones could use a good night's sleep.
Sabelina bows to Odelai with a flourish of her hat in her hand.
"Both the terms and your request are completely satisfactory. I will be there at breakfast."
Before she turns to go though, she can't help but ask about what seems to be a different city environment.
"Have we moved, the city I mean, since yesterday?"
The old gnome gives a hearty chuckle. "You'll know when we transit. You can't miss it and it's far more of a show than that." She gestures towards the high, crystalline wall surrounding the city.
Odelai babbles something to one of the strange 'bloodhounds'. Hearing its burbled reply, she nods and continues a little more quietly, "Had to make sure we weren't being eavesdropped. Anne's wall is part of our lockdown protocol. The hag isn't going anywhere unless she can fly and that would likely reveal her to our spotters and snipers."
Yash stood stoically silent while in Odelai's presence. She reminded him a lot of his grandfather, the air of authority, the power that just seemed to hum around her, even the hair, although it was more the simple amount than what she could do with it. At his best, grandfather could only make his hair stand up straight, not open doors or move rubble around.
As they slowly made their way back through the sewer, Yash held his greataxe tightly. He didn't doubt the gnome's power, but anyone could be surprised. And he still felt protective when it came to the woman around him. They were all quite capable. It seemed more like a trait he picked up from his grandfather.
Once back outside, Yash looked up in awe at the translucent shield that now surrounded the city. It was spectacular.
"Breakfast good."
"So there is something different. At least I know I'm not crazy."
Xing is snapped out of her reverie as they move back into the open. She gives the strange gray woman's tablet one last look, her feline features showing conflicting emotions.
"Breakfast it is," she says through sharp teeth. She points to Odelai's tablet, "and I suppose there is no reason for me to hide my true nature here anymore? I sort of assume this detail is now revealed to all resident of Threshold."
The old woman seems in a lighter mood now that you’ve agreed to not go rogue looking for the hag.
"So there is something different. At least I know I'm not crazy."
She quips, ”Decidely not. That will take at least two weeks.”
"Breakfast it is," she says through sharp teeth. She points to Odelai's tablet, "and I suppose there is no reason for me to hide my true nature here anymore? I sort of assume this detail is now revealed to all residents of Threshold."
”Not at all. We make efforts to respect every resident’s privacy, where possible. Your secret has gone no further than the Council and some of the Watch. Both groups are tight-lipped. Your secret is still yours to share, or not. If you’d like an insider’s opinion… I think you’ll see that most of us don’t judge tomes by their bindings. We’ve got some residents who stay out of sight when newcomers are around… wait til you meet them. You’ll feel commonplace. That said, you may want to change back now before we head up to the street, if you want to keep that particular cat – no offense meant - in the bag.”
Odelai looks you all over and claps her hands briskly, calling Uller over. ”Time to return these folks to the Slattern, watchman! As I said… rooms on the top floor and you are personally responsible for their safety until tomorrow morning. Also, it would be good of you to handle the selling of any goods they found in the sewer but don’t want. I expect you should be able to get them three-quarters of the standard sales price.” She gives Cookie a nod, ”And see about swapping out one of those oversized backpacks for one appropriately sized for a woman of petite stature.” With that, Uller escorts you away…
Xing is quiet for a few moments. ”I appreciate the respect of my privacy. I have to admit, though, that if I am considering a longer stay here, I do not wish to have to hide my nature from the locals.” She shrugs, ”It will be a test, you might say.” She grins again, ”Let us un-bag this cat and see what happens.”
She follows along, her tail alternating between calm and agitated swishing, a sign of her nervousness walking so openly in her true form. As they do so, she looks over at the group, ”I do appreciate that you all find …” she makes a vague gesture that takes in her tiger features, ”… all of this intriguing instead of frightening or repulsive. When we get to the Slattern, the first round is on me.”
”I was actually going to see if the Slattern’s owner might need an extra pair of hands .... er ... claws.” She grins over at Senna and Mama Cookie, ”I hear they might need a new bartender soon, so I need to learn how to start mixing drinks.”