Chapter 2: Improptu Slumber Party

[Bailey || Lan Mei || Pauline]

Pauline looked impressed at the tactful politics Lorne had deployed in feeding Wil-BURRRRRH (gnh...) and the tactful polititcs Wil-BURRRRRH (gnh...) had deployed in eating. She was already finished her sandwich. Hyenas didn't chew so much as rabidly attack their food in a frenzied battle to be the firast to swallow, and the charming habit had never really left her. With nothing to do until the two others finished, she patted her tail absentmindedly. "Who do you think did it?" she asked offhandedly.

Lan Mei jumped. Where had Shou-sama's sister come from?! "M-ma'am! What are you doing here, please?!" Stuttering as she was scolded and pushed off towards Master Shou's room, her protests of confusion petered out as the more dominant personality shoved her over and ordered her not to leave Shou-sama's side. "I don't have to sleep in the same room, do I?!" she called out after the door was closed. "Ma'am?!" Looking around, she sank to the ground and buried her head in her hands. It was too much for her. Presently, though, she forced herself up. "Master Shou?" she said softly. "Are you feeling well?"

[calixthefallen]

Jack moved like the shadows back to the room, his smile reaching ear to ear, his eyes glowing devilishly blue, he flowed through the door, to Mean Bird Guy, and placed the pack of cigarettes on his waiting hand. "Thanks Jack! You did so very well, now to figure out what happens next.." Mean Bird Guy finished cryptically. He deftly pulled a cigarette out of the pack withone hand, simultaneously draggin' a a match across his cheek the math flaring into life and meeting with his cigarette at his mouth. "perfect," he smiled glibly.

[Elu || Lorne || Shanta || Liss]

She lay there, but didn't close her eyes. "I can't forget that, Rill. The blood was everywhere..." She shut her eyes tightly to banish the image. She held his hand tightly, trying unsuccessfully to hold back her tears.

[Rill]

He held her close, wanting to do something to make the smile return, but was helpless. He squeezed her hand quickly and gave her another kiss on the forehead. "Just sleep now, little angel, I will be here for you always..." He sat by her, vigilantly awake, as if to protect her from the dark that had turned suddenly sinister...

[Elu || Lorne || Shanta || Liss]

She nodded quietly, somberly, but clung to the eagle's hand tightly as she closed her eyes. She murmured a soft prayer for protection as she sunk into sleep, her grip unyielding.

[Elu || Lorne || Shanta || Liss]

"I'm not sure, I 'm afraid," Lorne admitted to Pauline. "Mean Bird Guy seemed suspicious at first, but I think it's just his...coarse way with the ladies. The phoenix...what's his name? Shanta. He was my choice at first, but he risked his life for that dragon, Shou. I thinking it must be Shouwrlktjor that sister of his. Have you seen the way they've thrown their power about?" Lorne shook his head. "But I can't say anything for sure."