Shake that; wait, it's carbonated! *pwissshh*

After a long travel with Cilla, and Carrie out of the Domain, through Lab, through the sewer, and up to the Arena, I'm left feeling a tad faint; panting as I set down the local Piggyback-Ride-Champion onto a seat, having just arrived back at the barracks. Cilla goes to gather the others, leaving me to keep Carrie company at a small table.

"You are very heavy." I say, rustling the pink hair of my dear daughter.

"Auntie Eve says my insides are made of metal." Carrie replies, poking herself in the tummy. "Is that what your funny sleeves are made of, Papa?"

I look at the Chains; I hold my arms out so she can get a closer look. "Well, according to Auntie Ashes, they're made of really special metal, called Soul-Steel."

The crystallized blood of the primordial Light and Dark; used for the weapons of Champions...

"Ooo... so shiny." Says Carrie, with her eyes full of wonder.

We're interrupted, as Cilla had finished gathering up everyone. Ashes, and Zana were practically dragging Un-Oz (Anaz?) with them to the meeting. Scott, fresh from one of the private rooms, was quickly getting dressed; having just pulled up his pants (backwards, I might add) as he hobbles into view. Sammy was being hurried along by Eve; who seemed to be hiding herself behind the Human-Slime as she approached. Trixie was nowhere to be seen, until I spotted her on top of a hat; one with a pumpkin broach, attached to a hat-buckle.

Citrinas, Chosen of Machae, had finally awoken from her shock-induced slumber, and had seemingly gotten interested in our Fae's Earth Stories.

"...then the vampire-looking lasses start their song, and it's the best thing ever! ~We're the Hex Girls, and we're gonna cast a spell on you!~" Trixie dances dramtically, playing an invisible guitar as she dances about on the wide-brimmed hat.

Citrinas seems puzzled, asking plainly. "Why would you announce your spell beforehand?"

I look around for Gabbie; finding her dawdling as she slowly approaches. She has her staff in hand, but her grip is weak; the beat of her heart, confused, and angry. Ariel, manifested in his usual illusory form, is behind her; head down, and with a face stricken with overwhelming guilt.

That... seems bad. I'll talk with Gabbie later.

The Weirdo-Witch looks at her old friend turned God as he passes with mild felicity. "Oh, hello Ariel. Your message was lacking in information."

"Missed you too, Trina." Says Ariel, holding up a fist to bump.

Citrinas presses a palm against it; making it both a failed fist-bump, and a failed high-five. She seemed to not even notice the embarrassing nature of her faux-pas, putting on a fake smile before removing her hand from Ariel's fist. Going off the knowing look on his face, Ariel was used to this response.

Clearing my throat, I speak to the walking Weapon of Mass Destruction in our midst. "Hey, Citrinas. I was going to have a talk with my party about something..."

"Ok." She replies; standing still.

...

"I meant... with just them." I add.

...

"Oh! I see. Well, I will be waiting outside of the barracks, then." Says Citrinas, then speaking an Utterance.

"Edict: Blink."

*blip*

With the Chosen vanishing in an instant, Trix suddenly falls down; No longer held up by the pointed hat. Just barely slowing her fall with her wings, she lands bum first on the ground. Thankfully, no real damage was done, besides that done to her pride.

"Owch! That hasty hag!"

Stifling a chuckle, I collect my thoughts; speaking to my party. "So, I see you're all doing ok; give or take... I wanted to talk to all of you about something that's popped up just now; or, someone."

"We already voted!" Says Ashes, putting an arm around a certain Mangled-Magician. "Anaz is coming with us!"

"!seeehsA" Whines Anaz in embarrassment, as she trys to escape the Mohun's grasp.

"Not who I was talking about..." I add, clearing my throat. "There was a guest, in the Domain... the Chef from Urgog's fake tavern; Oro."

"What!?" Says Scott. "How did they know about the Sewer!?"

".reh rof doog ;yawa tog yllanif ehs ,hO" Anaz adds, smiling.

"The Yummy-Maker!?" Sammy shouts, bouncing up in excitement.

I motion everyone to quiet down. "She's requested to join our group. She told me that she wasn't aligned with Urgog for long, and was mostly looking for a good time to escape. I wanted to give you all a heads up that she is in the Domain; you can all go speak with her when we head back, and then we'll have a vote."

The gang seems hesitant, especially Gabbie, Zana, and Eve. Anaz pokes Ashes in the shoulder; signing to her.

Ashes translates; seeming a bit confused at the end. "Anaz says Oro is trustworthy; she helped her remember Zana after our first encounter using her... 'Food-Magic?'"

Cilla speaks up, saying. "Personally? I think our group is reaching its limit. We're going to have to start hiring banner-holders at this rate. Just think about the amount of food we'd have to buy for a walk between most towns. Unless we can get some sort of long-term, fast transportation, having any more people seems unsustainable."

*blip*

Appearing as suddenly as she had vanished, Citrinas was now looming over Trixie; who's face grew a new blush as she looked up in confusion, getting a good look at what was under that skirt. As the Tricksie-Pixie flutters away in embarrassment, I'm tossed an odd key by the Chosen.

"I have been listening to your entire conversation." She says; as if that were as plain of a fact as water being wet. "Seeing as you saved my life, I will now do the customary action of rewarding you with something of seemingly-high value to you. One of my personal Airships..."

I look down to the key I've been given. Silver, with a sapphire heart inlaid in the head-grip.

"...The Lamb-Chop; the Airship me and the other Chosen used for our first few adventures. I will have it brought down to the Arena by tonight. That is all."

*blip*