From: jadeddeath@aol.com (JadedDeath)
Date: 02 Jul 2000 03:08:19 EDT
Warm candlelight flickered as Janella stepped her way past the running bath. The water rose gradually with a delicious smell of patchouli, sweet orange and ylang ylang oils, rarities which Janella saved for occasional treats such as this. Her boots forgotten by the door, her belt and weapons inside, she slipped off her clothes, one by one the pieces dropping to the tiles. Finally, she tugged her hood free, discarding it as well, and held the ring
which was suspended at her throat between her bare fingers, turning it. It was hard, even for she, not to admit that the ring wasn't beautiful, wasn't a magnificent, precious item. Despite what Janella always said, somewhere deep down she reserved a small sense of respect, pride, maybe even love, for the duel of swords and its Arena. This was the symbol, the keepsake, the prize so many challenged and fought for. Around her neck, worn on a fine
chain, was what Jesse had won two years ago and then again this past Rannmont (February). The fourth baronial ring.
She traced the delicate engravings for several moments more as if she might remember their intricate patterns by touch alone. Illuminated by candle glow, the ring seemed old, a burnished antique yet returned to jeweled youth each time it was passed to its latest champion. Janella gave the baron's token an admirable smile then stepped into her bath, easing a relaxed sigh as she smoothly slid down. The moist air kissed her face and her senses with
an almost sensual caress. Soon, the fighter wasn't thinking about duels or old baronial rings; she instead dreamed of her more basic desires, and the men who would fulfill them.
The Fourth Baron's Ring, Once Removed
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From: jadeddeath@aol.com (JadedDeath)
Date: 08 Jul 2000 20:03:03 EDT
If there was one thing that Janella couldn't abide by, it was a coward. Men who ran, men who turned tail, those who fled in the face of a challenge or a battle, were worthless. They were sickening to a warrioress like she, who prided herself on her strength, will, and ability to cut most men to ribbons - or pound them into unconsciousness.
Here was one such man, she growled, as she threw the smuggler into the closest tree. He smacked into it with a painful cry and slid down to the ground averting his eyes, shaking. Janella smirked and took one step towards him, bearing down at him, threatening him with her gloved fist. "I told you exactly what to do, where to go, and how to do it! Which part didn't you bloody understand!" She seemed beside herself with anger. The man tried
to hug the tree as he saw Janella lean forward.
"I-I-I-s-swear, Janella. I swear, I couldn't find him!" Siler raised his arm in defense, expecting another blow. For an instant, he felt relief when it didn't come. The female fighter glared at him instead. He shrunk in undeniable fear. This wasn't his first experience with Janella Vallonia, no. Jaded Death had found him almost one year ago, and back then, she nearly killed him. His life had been spared, but he was missing a toe.
Siler swallowed, tried to think of what else he could say to her.
Janella suddenly snapped, spat a curse and punched the tree Siler was pinned to. She didn't even flinch, her temper was so extreme. Seizing Siler by the hair, she yanked his head up and snarled at him. "If you can't find Bargos, then you will find at least one of his bloody friends! And if you can't do that, then I will find your last five buyers and I will tell them what sort of crap they really paid for! You'll never see another deal
again!"
Siler closed his eyes, barely managed a groan in acknowledgment. Janella kicked him away. "You're not the only one who plays on the Gods-damned black market. Now move!"
Date: 08 Jul 2000 20:03:03 EDT
If there was one thing that Janella couldn't abide by, it was a coward. Men who ran, men who turned tail, those who fled in the face of a challenge or a battle, were worthless. They were sickening to a warrioress like she, who prided herself on her strength, will, and ability to cut most men to ribbons - or pound them into unconsciousness.
Here was one such man, she growled, as she threw the smuggler into the closest tree. He smacked into it with a painful cry and slid down to the ground averting his eyes, shaking. Janella smirked and took one step towards him, bearing down at him, threatening him with her gloved fist. "I told you exactly what to do, where to go, and how to do it! Which part didn't you bloody understand!" She seemed beside herself with anger. The man tried
to hug the tree as he saw Janella lean forward.
"I-I-I-s-swear, Janella. I swear, I couldn't find him!" Siler raised his arm in defense, expecting another blow. For an instant, he felt relief when it didn't come. The female fighter glared at him instead. He shrunk in undeniable fear. This wasn't his first experience with Janella Vallonia, no. Jaded Death had found him almost one year ago, and back then, she nearly killed him. His life had been spared, but he was missing a toe.
Siler swallowed, tried to think of what else he could say to her.
Janella suddenly snapped, spat a curse and punched the tree Siler was pinned to. She didn't even flinch, her temper was so extreme. Seizing Siler by the hair, she yanked his head up and snarled at him. "If you can't find Bargos, then you will find at least one of his bloody friends! And if you can't do that, then I will find your last five buyers and I will tell them what sort of crap they really paid for! You'll never see another deal
again!"
Siler closed his eyes, barely managed a groan in acknowledgment. Janella kicked him away. "You're not the only one who plays on the Gods-damned black market. Now move!"
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From: jadeddeath@aol.com (JadedDeath)
Date: 15 Jul 2000 19:04:19 EDT
((Posted for BlkPanther))
He stormed out of the Inn, having just left the Arena... leaving her there. Turning from the staircase and heading out into the night, the back door slams closed behind him. "Damn it all!" he mutters to himself. He had gone down there looking for her, in a good mood... but now... cripes.
He stops in mid-stride, half way across the back courtyard. He takes a deep breath "damn." - it almost hisses out of him. He's not mad at her. He's mad at himself. He should know better, it's not her fault Jesse showed up... and what should he expect anyways? He was in the Arena, and he's a Baron. Gee, imagine him showing up there.
He had let himself get carried away... they'd been able to spend a lot of time together these last couple days as they we're working out the details of this latest scheme... this way of getting Bargos. And he had good news too, his poking around incognito was starting to show results. Inquiries were reaching back to him that there may be some interest in the ring. Hopefully the right parties were also getting the word.
Another deep breath as he glances around the court yard. A couple of bounds and a high leap put him on the roof of the stable, a quick scramble and he's on the roof just above his room. Turning and dropping he hooks the edge of the roof with one hand, his tail swishing to and fro, countering his swinging. Reaching out with his free hand he trips the outer latch, allowing the window to swing open. A quick kick against the wall pushes him out and away,
then as his body arcs back inward he lets good of the roof and floats in through the open window. Yes, returning through the Inn would have been much easier, but as the events of tonight are showing him, he doesn't seem to take the easy way out.
Date: 15 Jul 2000 19:04:19 EDT
((Posted for BlkPanther))
He stormed out of the Inn, having just left the Arena... leaving her there. Turning from the staircase and heading out into the night, the back door slams closed behind him. "Damn it all!" he mutters to himself. He had gone down there looking for her, in a good mood... but now... cripes.
He stops in mid-stride, half way across the back courtyard. He takes a deep breath "damn." - it almost hisses out of him. He's not mad at her. He's mad at himself. He should know better, it's not her fault Jesse showed up... and what should he expect anyways? He was in the Arena, and he's a Baron. Gee, imagine him showing up there.
He had let himself get carried away... they'd been able to spend a lot of time together these last couple days as they we're working out the details of this latest scheme... this way of getting Bargos. And he had good news too, his poking around incognito was starting to show results. Inquiries were reaching back to him that there may be some interest in the ring. Hopefully the right parties were also getting the word.
Another deep breath as he glances around the court yard. A couple of bounds and a high leap put him on the roof of the stable, a quick scramble and he's on the roof just above his room. Turning and dropping he hooks the edge of the roof with one hand, his tail swishing to and fro, countering his swinging. Reaching out with his free hand he trips the outer latch, allowing the window to swing open. A quick kick against the wall pushes him out and away,
then as his body arcs back inward he lets good of the roof and floats in through the open window. Yes, returning through the Inn would have been much easier, but as the events of tonight are showing him, he doesn't seem to take the easy way out.
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From: jadeddeath@aol.com (JadedDeath)
Date: 15 Jul 2000 19:07:00 EDT
It was a silly wager, Janella thought, as she loosened the reins and Diamond found her own pace. The horse was happy to be out again, on the road with fresh air. Janella rode north, then east, taking the familiar path to her place in the woods. The way was quiet and offered considerable time to think, a chance to relax and re-examine her recent plans.
She expected what had happened between her and Jesse. It was assumed, no, required even; absolutely necessary. She teased him, reassured him, flirted with him, led him on, and endured his cocky mouth, the sarcasm, and his endless boasting (not to mention the comments and remarks from the others) both in the Outback, the Arena and elsewhere. He was insufferable! So immature. By her sword, how did she stomach it? But, though he bragged about his
strength, his stamina, his achievements and superiority, he had failed to discover her deception, this ruse. Unless all her senses were misleading and every instinct was wrong, her ploy had worked. She had slept with him, yes, more than once already. If need be, she'd do it again. But Janella doubted that she would have to, she had attained what was important, the object of her desire. The seduction was obviously completed.
Janella smiled, urged Diamond up the last remaining hill, as she considered the bet she and Jesse had made in the Arena a week ago. It was a duel she offered him in order to stall the night, but he had needed a wager, a reason of course. He wanted to see her in a tight skirt, for three nights, if he won. She couldn't very well ask him not to touch her in return, so she argued that he would stop his infernal smoke habit for the same amount of time.
Instead, he would puff on the delicate chocolate sticks they fashioned for children. They agreed, and fought a playful bout in the sand, and she won out. No skirt for her (or rather, for him) and candy, not cigarettes, for the baron.
She didn't go to the Arena to see him on the subsequent nights. She could only guess that he had upheld his word, but more likely he hadn't, she snickered, and succumbed to the temptation of a smoke. Janella didn't care, it mattered not in connection to her own aims. Let him do what he so chooses, she shrugged, as long as I get what I want.
Date: 15 Jul 2000 19:07:00 EDT
It was a silly wager, Janella thought, as she loosened the reins and Diamond found her own pace. The horse was happy to be out again, on the road with fresh air. Janella rode north, then east, taking the familiar path to her place in the woods. The way was quiet and offered considerable time to think, a chance to relax and re-examine her recent plans.
She expected what had happened between her and Jesse. It was assumed, no, required even; absolutely necessary. She teased him, reassured him, flirted with him, led him on, and endured his cocky mouth, the sarcasm, and his endless boasting (not to mention the comments and remarks from the others) both in the Outback, the Arena and elsewhere. He was insufferable! So immature. By her sword, how did she stomach it? But, though he bragged about his
strength, his stamina, his achievements and superiority, he had failed to discover her deception, this ruse. Unless all her senses were misleading and every instinct was wrong, her ploy had worked. She had slept with him, yes, more than once already. If need be, she'd do it again. But Janella doubted that she would have to, she had attained what was important, the object of her desire. The seduction was obviously completed.
Janella smiled, urged Diamond up the last remaining hill, as she considered the bet she and Jesse had made in the Arena a week ago. It was a duel she offered him in order to stall the night, but he had needed a wager, a reason of course. He wanted to see her in a tight skirt, for three nights, if he won. She couldn't very well ask him not to touch her in return, so she argued that he would stop his infernal smoke habit for the same amount of time.
Instead, he would puff on the delicate chocolate sticks they fashioned for children. They agreed, and fought a playful bout in the sand, and she won out. No skirt for her (or rather, for him) and candy, not cigarettes, for the baron.
She didn't go to the Arena to see him on the subsequent nights. She could only guess that he had upheld his word, but more likely he hadn't, she snickered, and succumbed to the temptation of a smoke. Janella didn't care, it mattered not in connection to her own aims. Let him do what he so chooses, she shrugged, as long as I get what I want.
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From: jadeddeath@aol.com (JadedDeath)
Date: 21 Jul 2000 02:10:09 EDT
((Posted for BargosMcConahueX))
It had been some time since his last encounter with Janella, and since that day the woman quite infrequently even entered his mind. He was more concerned with other business, an old acquaintance of his, so to speak, had recently returned to town. Come to think of it, it had been some time since he had even returned to the arena, or any of the other ridiculous dueling halls. He still couldn't find the
stronghold of dueling with a point system, and beyond that a ward. What a waste of time. It was only in the last day or so that information that actually caught some thought from the area had entered his mind. Rumor had it the fourth baron's ring was missing from it's supposed holder. Though that wasn't the rumor that caught his ear, no, as a collector of rare and 'favored' items, when he heard the newest holder of the ring was looking for a sale, it
was an opportunity that could not be surpassed. Tonight was the night he was to make the trade, or so the middle man thought. For some odd reason, it seemed, the holder himself wished not to meet Bargos in person, though he thought little of it.
"Yeh kno' wha' the do, eh?"
His raspy voice easily distinguished, the murky pools flashing betwix the two hooded figures. A smile dawning upon his lips as they each gave a slow nod.
"Goo', deh askin' price for deh ring is't much too high, ah whill nae even consid'eh it whe' ah can jus' ast easil'eh take it. Hell, wha' aire they gonn'eh do the meh? No' eh god damn thin'."
With a wicked cackle he strapped up the scythe to his back, tucked the large hunting knife into his boot, and placed his lengthy robe over his massive figure. And off he headed, the 'trade' was to be made before the DQ in the outback, the two figures silently tracing his steps.
Date: 21 Jul 2000 02:10:09 EDT
((Posted for BargosMcConahueX))
It had been some time since his last encounter with Janella, and since that day the woman quite infrequently even entered his mind. He was more concerned with other business, an old acquaintance of his, so to speak, had recently returned to town. Come to think of it, it had been some time since he had even returned to the arena, or any of the other ridiculous dueling halls. He still couldn't find the
stronghold of dueling with a point system, and beyond that a ward. What a waste of time. It was only in the last day or so that information that actually caught some thought from the area had entered his mind. Rumor had it the fourth baron's ring was missing from it's supposed holder. Though that wasn't the rumor that caught his ear, no, as a collector of rare and 'favored' items, when he heard the newest holder of the ring was looking for a sale, it
was an opportunity that could not be surpassed. Tonight was the night he was to make the trade, or so the middle man thought. For some odd reason, it seemed, the holder himself wished not to meet Bargos in person, though he thought little of it.
"Yeh kno' wha' the do, eh?"
His raspy voice easily distinguished, the murky pools flashing betwix the two hooded figures. A smile dawning upon his lips as they each gave a slow nod.
"Goo', deh askin' price for deh ring is't much too high, ah whill nae even consid'eh it whe' ah can jus' ast easil'eh take it. Hell, wha' aire they gonn'eh do the meh? No' eh god damn thin'."
With a wicked cackle he strapped up the scythe to his back, tucked the large hunting knife into his boot, and placed his lengthy robe over his massive figure. And off he headed, the 'trade' was to be made before the DQ in the outback, the two figures silently tracing his steps.
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From: jadeddeath@aol.com (JadedDeath)
Date: 21 Jul 2000 02:14:20 EDT
It was the morning of the Diamond Quest, but Janella was disgusted; she stormed out of the third tavern she'd been to in the past hour and stalked back down the street. She hadn't seen nor heard from Siler in two days, and of those whom she had been in contact with, he was the one who promised to be the most useful to her. Siler had discovered at least four potential buyers for the ring, each of them
making tempting offers.
But Janella didn't want to sell to those buyers. No, she wanted another, one whom she hadn't even received an offer from, nor word nor letter. Then again, that made sense, because her orders to Siler had been explicit. Bargos McConahue was not to know that it was she who was pawning the ring. The man, she applied that gender very loosely to him, would likely shrink away from a deal like that with her. Bargos and Janella wanted each other dead;
Bargos had captured and tortured Christian, a poor, innocent boy who was one of Diamond's caretakers at the Red Dragon's stable; there was little room now for business ties in a relationship such as theirs. This was, however, what Janella intended. Draw Bargos out, lure him into this illicit transaction, take his payment, frame him as the ring's thief, and then kill him. If all went as planned, she'd end up with the famous ring again, and
depending, perhaps she'd ransom it to the Arena and leave Rhydin, return only in disguise. Once Bargos was dead, Janella knew she'd feel good. Maybe she would simply stop at that and let the ring pass back to Jesse and Swords without further incident.
As she came up around a corner, Janella paused, glanced over her shoulder. All she saw was the same street she had just walked, a few people going about their business. An old woman stuck her head out of a window above, then upturned a bucket down onto the sidewalk. A cart, led by a plain horse, drove up to the local butcher, a young man hopping out and waving as two more men came out from the shop to help him. Janella wrinkled her nose, frowned
as the raw meat was quickly unloaded. She thought of blood, the scene reminding her of death, and her eyes shifted. Her instincts had alerted her to some kind of danger, coming from behind, but she didn't see anything unordinary in this place. Chickens milled about in the doorways, a group of boys went running past, chasing a dog. The feeling she had of being watched or followed was dispelled and Janella snorted, started on her way again.
Clenching her fists, she silently counted the remaining number of possible holes Siler could be in at this hour and turned in the next one's direction. By the time she'd meet up with Panther in the evening, before the Diamond Quest was scheduled to begin, she'd have news, some fresh satisfaction.
Date: 21 Jul 2000 02:14:20 EDT
It was the morning of the Diamond Quest, but Janella was disgusted; she stormed out of the third tavern she'd been to in the past hour and stalked back down the street. She hadn't seen nor heard from Siler in two days, and of those whom she had been in contact with, he was the one who promised to be the most useful to her. Siler had discovered at least four potential buyers for the ring, each of them
making tempting offers.
But Janella didn't want to sell to those buyers. No, she wanted another, one whom she hadn't even received an offer from, nor word nor letter. Then again, that made sense, because her orders to Siler had been explicit. Bargos McConahue was not to know that it was she who was pawning the ring. The man, she applied that gender very loosely to him, would likely shrink away from a deal like that with her. Bargos and Janella wanted each other dead;
Bargos had captured and tortured Christian, a poor, innocent boy who was one of Diamond's caretakers at the Red Dragon's stable; there was little room now for business ties in a relationship such as theirs. This was, however, what Janella intended. Draw Bargos out, lure him into this illicit transaction, take his payment, frame him as the ring's thief, and then kill him. If all went as planned, she'd end up with the famous ring again, and
depending, perhaps she'd ransom it to the Arena and leave Rhydin, return only in disguise. Once Bargos was dead, Janella knew she'd feel good. Maybe she would simply stop at that and let the ring pass back to Jesse and Swords without further incident.
As she came up around a corner, Janella paused, glanced over her shoulder. All she saw was the same street she had just walked, a few people going about their business. An old woman stuck her head out of a window above, then upturned a bucket down onto the sidewalk. A cart, led by a plain horse, drove up to the local butcher, a young man hopping out and waving as two more men came out from the shop to help him. Janella wrinkled her nose, frowned
as the raw meat was quickly unloaded. She thought of blood, the scene reminding her of death, and her eyes shifted. Her instincts had alerted her to some kind of danger, coming from behind, but she didn't see anything unordinary in this place. Chickens milled about in the doorways, a group of boys went running past, chasing a dog. The feeling she had of being watched or followed was dispelled and Janella snorted, started on her way again.
Clenching her fists, she silently counted the remaining number of possible holes Siler could be in at this hour and turned in the next one's direction. By the time she'd meet up with Panther in the evening, before the Diamond Quest was scheduled to begin, she'd have news, some fresh satisfaction.
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From: jadeddeath@aol.com (JadedDeath)
Date: 26 Jul 2000 01:35:27 EDT
The night hid her cuts, the bruises and some of the blood she had missed. Janella stalked past doorways of closed shops, darkened windows, and the people, though few on this particular way, who wisely avoided her glare. If she didn't hurry, she'd be late for the Diamond Quest, and she'd miss her first opportunity at what she saw as a worthy prize. Janella had no time to get to the Red Dragon to change
clothes or sponge herself off. If she won the fight for the Diamond, she'd be accepting the title in ripped, bloodied garb with black and blue marks showing. So be it. With those thoughts, Janella held her chin a little higher and continued her rapid pace to the park. The events of the preceding hour played over and over in her head as she strode.
For whatever reason, Panther had not met up with her at the appointed time. She didn't have the luxury of waiting, the Quest would go on without her if she didn't show. Annoyed, Janella had left the agreed-upon area and hurried off, opting for a short-cut through a succession of alleys and back, narrowed streets, knowing that eventually she'd arrive near the park. With high expectations, focused on that destination and the night's goal, and a
determined if not anxious tenseness inside, she was distracted from the shadows surrounding her. When they moved, lunged even, the shadows suddenly more than dull, simple shapes, Janella wasn't ready for the fight.
Date: 26 Jul 2000 01:35:27 EDT
The night hid her cuts, the bruises and some of the blood she had missed. Janella stalked past doorways of closed shops, darkened windows, and the people, though few on this particular way, who wisely avoided her glare. If she didn't hurry, she'd be late for the Diamond Quest, and she'd miss her first opportunity at what she saw as a worthy prize. Janella had no time to get to the Red Dragon to change
clothes or sponge herself off. If she won the fight for the Diamond, she'd be accepting the title in ripped, bloodied garb with black and blue marks showing. So be it. With those thoughts, Janella held her chin a little higher and continued her rapid pace to the park. The events of the preceding hour played over and over in her head as she strode.
For whatever reason, Panther had not met up with her at the appointed time. She didn't have the luxury of waiting, the Quest would go on without her if she didn't show. Annoyed, Janella had left the agreed-upon area and hurried off, opting for a short-cut through a succession of alleys and back, narrowed streets, knowing that eventually she'd arrive near the park. With high expectations, focused on that destination and the night's goal, and a
determined if not anxious tenseness inside, she was distracted from the shadows surrounding her. When they moved, lunged even, the shadows suddenly more than dull, simple shapes, Janella wasn't ready for the fight.
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From: jadeddeath@aol.com (JadedDeath)
Date: 26 Jul 2000 01:41:36 EDT
Three figures, not shadows but two women and a man, took the fighter by surprise. Janella did not entirely realize who or what they were until afterwards, when she pieced the moments back together into the whole. Right then, at the instant of the attack, Janella only knew their force, the shock, her instinct to fight back and to kill. The dark, uncertain scene made the need for that great. She
saw and felt she was outnumbered, if she didn't act to end them first, she feared it'd be her own body left for dead.
"Get the ring!"
The damn ring! A knife slashed across her shoulder, then her ribs. Her mind screamed, "Draw!" But the blades weren't with her - she didn't need steel for the DQ, not for Fists, no. Missing with a furious grab, she instead threw a kick, felt one of them crumple back from the blow, and then another - from behind - seized her hood, tore the chain from her very neck. Her skin burned, a hot pain, and she backhanded in retaliation. Already the two
were backing away, both hooded, covered from head to toe, nearly faceless in the poor light. Nearly. Janella sneered at them and rushed forward, feeling and already seeing her own gloved fists crashing into their heads before she was even off the ground.
But the third had robbed her of the chance.
Janella growled, blinked away the unexpectedly intense recall of the blow that knocked her out. The world had gone black, she stealed herself, cursing. The park was just ahead now, no time to think more, no time to do anything else but fight for the Outback's prize title. She could already hear the audience, she spotted Jake, Tareth, Maetel, all of them.
Janella caught herself, clamped her mouth shut and silenced her angry thoughts, quelling her rage. Later, she told herself. There'd be time for all of that after, she'd get her steel from the Inn, she'd go back, she would find them. Later. For now, right now, she had a Diamond to win.
Date: 26 Jul 2000 01:41:36 EDT
Three figures, not shadows but two women and a man, took the fighter by surprise. Janella did not entirely realize who or what they were until afterwards, when she pieced the moments back together into the whole. Right then, at the instant of the attack, Janella only knew their force, the shock, her instinct to fight back and to kill. The dark, uncertain scene made the need for that great. She
saw and felt she was outnumbered, if she didn't act to end them first, she feared it'd be her own body left for dead.
"Get the ring!"
The damn ring! A knife slashed across her shoulder, then her ribs. Her mind screamed, "Draw!" But the blades weren't with her - she didn't need steel for the DQ, not for Fists, no. Missing with a furious grab, she instead threw a kick, felt one of them crumple back from the blow, and then another - from behind - seized her hood, tore the chain from her very neck. Her skin burned, a hot pain, and she backhanded in retaliation. Already the two
were backing away, both hooded, covered from head to toe, nearly faceless in the poor light. Nearly. Janella sneered at them and rushed forward, feeling and already seeing her own gloved fists crashing into their heads before she was even off the ground.
But the third had robbed her of the chance.
Janella growled, blinked away the unexpectedly intense recall of the blow that knocked her out. The world had gone black, she stealed herself, cursing. The park was just ahead now, no time to think more, no time to do anything else but fight for the Outback's prize title. She could already hear the audience, she spotted Jake, Tareth, Maetel, all of them.
Janella caught herself, clamped her mouth shut and silenced her angry thoughts, quelling her rage. Later, she told herself. There'd be time for all of that after, she'd get her steel from the Inn, she'd go back, she would find them. Later. For now, right now, she had a Diamond to win.
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From: cptellisamorgan@aol.com (Cpt EllisaMorgan)
Date: 26 Jul 2000 20:34:24 EDT
A Ring and its Shadow
Ellisa Morgan
There were rumors, any day or time the scuttlebutt on the docks held the secrets of rogues and royalty and sold them without remorse or thoughts to consequences. Ellisa had heard rumors about her ship, her crew and even herself, some of which had been frighteningly close to the truth.
She had little time to herself these days, between her business in port and out, and her recently claimed position in the Duel of Swords she barely had time to think, let alone lounge in a bar to listen. But she had learned long ago that ignoring the mood and information in a town -- more often than not -- lead to disaster.
The latest rumor she was listening too seemed a bit far-fetched, even more so than most. The man that sat next to her at the bar wreaked of bad ale and a desperate need for a bath house. Every word spoke was accompanied by a wave of nauseating aroma, and yet she felt that it was something important.
"That woman, a bear of a woman at that," as he spoke he rubbed his arm, "she took a bit to take down, but we got what we were paid for."
"And that would be a ring like this one?" Her hand stretched forward until the Baron's ring caught the flickering lamplight, she tilted it so that the man could examine it.
"More like the one around your neck."
The man took on the look of a greedy rat, his thoughts transparent to her as a dog begging for a strip of meat. But if he thought he could get a reward by stealing the ring that hung upon a silver chain around her neck he would be in for a rude awakening ... if she allowed him to survive to wake.
"I see." With that she rose from her chair, a nod of her head and the two men that accompanied her down to this pit of a place fell in behind her as she strode out and into the evening.
"Did he confirm the rumor?" Lynx's English accent coloured the words in a manner that always relaxed her, but she couldn't fully release the tension in her shoulders.
"Yes, but it makes no sense. Who would steal a Baron's ring? To what end?" She was more speaking aloud than asking the gentlemen with her for an answer, but Lynx answered anyway.
"Who would risk so much by taking it from an accomplished bladesman? Or woman?"
That was the rub, the rumors suggested that it was a woman that the ring was taken from, more than suggested. But she saw the only other Baroness last night and she still had the ring in her possession.
"I need more information. Dig it up."
With the words, Lynx broke away, a soft affirmation before he disappeared into the shadows.
"Dig it up quickly." The words might have been heard by the man, but she spoke them out of need -- something was on the horizon and she did not want it--nor would she allow it -- to blind side her.
((Author's Note: Posted with permission from Bargos and Jaded's players :) ))
Date: 26 Jul 2000 20:34:24 EDT
A Ring and its Shadow
Ellisa Morgan
There were rumors, any day or time the scuttlebutt on the docks held the secrets of rogues and royalty and sold them without remorse or thoughts to consequences. Ellisa had heard rumors about her ship, her crew and even herself, some of which had been frighteningly close to the truth.
She had little time to herself these days, between her business in port and out, and her recently claimed position in the Duel of Swords she barely had time to think, let alone lounge in a bar to listen. But she had learned long ago that ignoring the mood and information in a town -- more often than not -- lead to disaster.
The latest rumor she was listening too seemed a bit far-fetched, even more so than most. The man that sat next to her at the bar wreaked of bad ale and a desperate need for a bath house. Every word spoke was accompanied by a wave of nauseating aroma, and yet she felt that it was something important.
"That woman, a bear of a woman at that," as he spoke he rubbed his arm, "she took a bit to take down, but we got what we were paid for."
"And that would be a ring like this one?" Her hand stretched forward until the Baron's ring caught the flickering lamplight, she tilted it so that the man could examine it.
"More like the one around your neck."
The man took on the look of a greedy rat, his thoughts transparent to her as a dog begging for a strip of meat. But if he thought he could get a reward by stealing the ring that hung upon a silver chain around her neck he would be in for a rude awakening ... if she allowed him to survive to wake.
"I see." With that she rose from her chair, a nod of her head and the two men that accompanied her down to this pit of a place fell in behind her as she strode out and into the evening.
"Did he confirm the rumor?" Lynx's English accent coloured the words in a manner that always relaxed her, but she couldn't fully release the tension in her shoulders.
"Yes, but it makes no sense. Who would steal a Baron's ring? To what end?" She was more speaking aloud than asking the gentlemen with her for an answer, but Lynx answered anyway.
"Who would risk so much by taking it from an accomplished bladesman? Or woman?"
That was the rub, the rumors suggested that it was a woman that the ring was taken from, more than suggested. But she saw the only other Baroness last night and she still had the ring in her possession.
"I need more information. Dig it up."
With the words, Lynx broke away, a soft affirmation before he disappeared into the shadows.
"Dig it up quickly." The words might have been heard by the man, but she spoke them out of need -- something was on the horizon and she did not want it--nor would she allow it -- to blind side her.
((Author's Note: Posted with permission from Bargos and Jaded's players :) ))
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From: bargosmcconahuex@aol.com (BargosMcConahueX)
Date: 27 Jul 2000 22:49:47 EDT
Once more he had proven his patience, allowing the flame to soften to a low roar, though never allowing the eternal darkness to burn out. The ring was a magnificant piece, indeed, extraordinary craftsmanship. Though to him it was still just a piece of metal, upping the anti in the game that was continuously being played. The ball was back on his court now, and he was not about to let the opposing players regain
possession. He sat there, the fourth baron's ring dressed on a silver chain about his neck, dangling loosely under his garments. Like a ghost he had vanished, not a chance in hell could he be traced to his new settings, at least for the time being. Under the dim light he waisted no time in his efforts, a wry grin plastured upon his features as he penned the letter.
"Let's seh how deh punks whill handle dis one"
He read over the letter one last time, just to make sure it was how he wanted.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Pitiful Evermeadow,
Mind your tongue and say not a word of what I write, for now. I now hold the 4th Baron's ring in my possession. A pitiful piece of metal if I may say so myself. To make this short and to the point, I hope your worthlessness will serve you well here. If ever you wish the arena to hold this 4th Baron's ring in tact again, I would like to institute a gambling ring within the arena. Run by my own men, as well as the profits to my own men. As well I
would like a statue of myself placed just on the outskirts of the center ring in the annex. Refusal to comply will result in the loss of the 4th baron's ring forever, the histories tarnished. I will send further notice in short time. Oh, and should you pull out that arrogant side I have seen of yours, any form of insult, or ignorance, you will hear not from myself again, nor see the ring again.
Bargos McConahue
Date: 27 Jul 2000 22:49:47 EDT
Once more he had proven his patience, allowing the flame to soften to a low roar, though never allowing the eternal darkness to burn out. The ring was a magnificant piece, indeed, extraordinary craftsmanship. Though to him it was still just a piece of metal, upping the anti in the game that was continuously being played. The ball was back on his court now, and he was not about to let the opposing players regain
possession. He sat there, the fourth baron's ring dressed on a silver chain about his neck, dangling loosely under his garments. Like a ghost he had vanished, not a chance in hell could he be traced to his new settings, at least for the time being. Under the dim light he waisted no time in his efforts, a wry grin plastured upon his features as he penned the letter.
"Let's seh how deh punks whill handle dis one"
He read over the letter one last time, just to make sure it was how he wanted.
------------------------------------------------------------------
Pitiful Evermeadow,
Mind your tongue and say not a word of what I write, for now. I now hold the 4th Baron's ring in my possession. A pitiful piece of metal if I may say so myself. To make this short and to the point, I hope your worthlessness will serve you well here. If ever you wish the arena to hold this 4th Baron's ring in tact again, I would like to institute a gambling ring within the arena. Run by my own men, as well as the profits to my own men. As well I
would like a statue of myself placed just on the outskirts of the center ring in the annex. Refusal to comply will result in the loss of the 4th baron's ring forever, the histories tarnished. I will send further notice in short time. Oh, and should you pull out that arrogant side I have seen of yours, any form of insult, or ignorance, you will hear not from myself again, nor see the ring again.
Bargos McConahue
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From: jadeddeath@aol.com (JadedDeath)
Date: 29 Jul 2000 17:46:17 EDT
She fought well that night, defeating Ria, Dustin, and Kheldar. By the time she faced Jesse in the semi-finals, she was tired. But Janella wasn't giving up there. It was Dizzy she fought next, and that win meant that it was Jesse, only him then, who stood between her and the Diamond.
Those who watched may've been hard-pressed to say which was more intense, the physical or the verbal abuse. Inspired, Janella told Jesse that his baronial ring was lost, she wasn't wearing it because it was gone, she taunted. Jesse seemed unaffected by the news, he pretended not to care.
Commonly called Sudden Death, the eighth round's result was disastrous for her. Janella had somehow wasted a three-one lead, the score four-four was announced. Time did not slow. The ninth round began immediately, and Janella would carry its final moment with her for weeks to come.
The Quest ended, it was over when she jabbed into her own favorite trap - the expert armblock victoriously sprung by Jesse Troyan.
Stung by the loss, Janella, stoic, watched as the Diamond was awarded to Jesse. "Later, skaters." He threw his jacket on and pointed at her. "The ring or your eager body had better be at my house in an hour, " Jesse said, then waved to the others, and left the park humming a tune.
Her gaze impassive, Janella flushed, though the night hid her cheeks. Jen was looking at her, but Janella was silent. Rooted to the spot for long moments, unmoving, a small, forgiving breeze blew past her, ruffled her hair and stirred her thoughts. Janella turned finally and walked off. She would find Panther, resolve the attack from earlier, and get the troublesome ring back. She was not going to suffer losing the Diamond AND a baron's ring all
on the same day.
Date: 29 Jul 2000 17:46:17 EDT
She fought well that night, defeating Ria, Dustin, and Kheldar. By the time she faced Jesse in the semi-finals, she was tired. But Janella wasn't giving up there. It was Dizzy she fought next, and that win meant that it was Jesse, only him then, who stood between her and the Diamond.
Those who watched may've been hard-pressed to say which was more intense, the physical or the verbal abuse. Inspired, Janella told Jesse that his baronial ring was lost, she wasn't wearing it because it was gone, she taunted. Jesse seemed unaffected by the news, he pretended not to care.
Commonly called Sudden Death, the eighth round's result was disastrous for her. Janella had somehow wasted a three-one lead, the score four-four was announced. Time did not slow. The ninth round began immediately, and Janella would carry its final moment with her for weeks to come.
The Quest ended, it was over when she jabbed into her own favorite trap - the expert armblock victoriously sprung by Jesse Troyan.
Stung by the loss, Janella, stoic, watched as the Diamond was awarded to Jesse. "Later, skaters." He threw his jacket on and pointed at her. "The ring or your eager body had better be at my house in an hour, " Jesse said, then waved to the others, and left the park humming a tune.
Her gaze impassive, Janella flushed, though the night hid her cheeks. Jen was looking at her, but Janella was silent. Rooted to the spot for long moments, unmoving, a small, forgiving breeze blew past her, ruffled her hair and stirred her thoughts. Janella turned finally and walked off. She would find Panther, resolve the attack from earlier, and get the troublesome ring back. She was not going to suffer losing the Diamond AND a baron's ring all
on the same day.
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From: jadeddeath@aol.com (JadedDeath)
Date: 30 Jul 2000 01:24:19 EDT
((Written by BlkPanther.))
On the Trail - night of the Diamond Quest
He can't help but smirk a bit as he slips backwards into the shadows, then turning and moving quickly back towards town. There must have been a bit more willow than he thought in the paste he had given Janella to help the cut lip. It was only meant to soothe the pain as the plantain helped stop the bleeding and speed the healing. But, she'd gotten it all over her tongue and it had numbed it, making it difficult for her to speak.
It may have been for the best, she was trying to keep him form leaving, going back to the scene of the crime. She wanted him to wait for her to finish the tourney, but had finally, if not reluctantly agreed that he should go and try to pick up the scents of her attackers while there was still scent to find.
There was three of them ... and they jumped her in the alley behind the Marketplace ... in mid-stride he shifts, four paws hitting the ground as he comes into full panther form. It will be easier to track this way, hard to keep a nose to the ground when yer standing six foot tall. He easily picks her scent up as he hits the Marketplace. Even though it's faint, it's one he knows nearly as well as his own, having spent so much time, so close to it...
to her.
Siera had once asked him what she smelled like to him, and was amused when he answered "salty leather." There was much more to it than that, but it was the simplest way to relate it to her. He's not sure if he could pinpoint for someone else what Janella's scent was. At times, it was almost a feeling as much as a scent... like that moment in time, just before a storm, when the air is full of the impending rain and lightening and thunder. Everything
feels alive, charged, about to burst, yet there's a sense of calm at the same time.
Date: 30 Jul 2000 01:24:19 EDT
((Written by BlkPanther.))
On the Trail - night of the Diamond Quest
He can't help but smirk a bit as he slips backwards into the shadows, then turning and moving quickly back towards town. There must have been a bit more willow than he thought in the paste he had given Janella to help the cut lip. It was only meant to soothe the pain as the plantain helped stop the bleeding and speed the healing. But, she'd gotten it all over her tongue and it had numbed it, making it difficult for her to speak.
It may have been for the best, she was trying to keep him form leaving, going back to the scene of the crime. She wanted him to wait for her to finish the tourney, but had finally, if not reluctantly agreed that he should go and try to pick up the scents of her attackers while there was still scent to find.
There was three of them ... and they jumped her in the alley behind the Marketplace ... in mid-stride he shifts, four paws hitting the ground as he comes into full panther form. It will be easier to track this way, hard to keep a nose to the ground when yer standing six foot tall. He easily picks her scent up as he hits the Marketplace. Even though it's faint, it's one he knows nearly as well as his own, having spent so much time, so close to it...
to her.
Siera had once asked him what she smelled like to him, and was amused when he answered "salty leather." There was much more to it than that, but it was the simplest way to relate it to her. He's not sure if he could pinpoint for someone else what Janella's scent was. At times, it was almost a feeling as much as a scent... like that moment in time, just before a storm, when the air is full of the impending rain and lightening and thunder. Everything
feels alive, charged, about to burst, yet there's a sense of calm at the same time.
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From: jadeddeath@aol.com (JadedDeath)
Date: 30 Jul 2000 01:28:26 EDT
((Written by BlkPanther.))
On The Trail continued.
He slows down a bit as he approaches the alleyway. It's just past dusk, there are no shoppers in the Market, just some shop keepers cleaning up, a few stragglers wandering through the street on the way to the Dragon or some other local pub. The alleyway is, thankfully, pretty absent of any sort of activity. Nonetheless, he keeps to the shadows, which is easy since her scent seems to hug the walls.
He winces to himself as he realizes it wasn't probably from any plan that this happened, it was most likely a result of the beating she took, she may have needed to hug the wall to keep from falling over. Her wounds weren't overly grave, but the hits she took to the face would have been enough to daze her, at least for a short while.
Towards the far end of the alley the scent does move to the center of the path and becomes stronger, as if she had lingered here for a few moments. He stands in the middle of where her scent is strongest, facing the direction she would have been traveling. Lowering his nose right to the ground he inhales deeply, drinking in the various scents. Three, four, turning his head about to the left, then the right, seven... eight... at least eight distinct
scents that he can pick out. Probably more.
He curses himself slightly, he should have gotten more details from Janella, where did the approach her from, how did they take her down? Her face... Most of the damage was from her face ... think... OK, they would have to be in front of her to do so. Did they come from behind, get her to turn, then strike? No...just tapping her on the shoulder would have been nearly impossible without alerting her. At the least she would have had a hand on Vendetta,
as she calls her dagger, before she even turned. There were three of them, he pauses to think, two could restrain her as the third strikes? They wouldn't have needed to get her to turn... There! Just behind him and to the left, that back entry of that shop, the perfect place to hide as someone passed. To the right... the wagon... the one sitting on broken wheels. That could have provided cover. If she were rushing to make it to the tourney, and
distracted wondering why he hadn't met up with her as promised...
Date: 30 Jul 2000 01:28:26 EDT
((Written by BlkPanther.))
On The Trail continued.
He slows down a bit as he approaches the alleyway. It's just past dusk, there are no shoppers in the Market, just some shop keepers cleaning up, a few stragglers wandering through the street on the way to the Dragon or some other local pub. The alleyway is, thankfully, pretty absent of any sort of activity. Nonetheless, he keeps to the shadows, which is easy since her scent seems to hug the walls.
He winces to himself as he realizes it wasn't probably from any plan that this happened, it was most likely a result of the beating she took, she may have needed to hug the wall to keep from falling over. Her wounds weren't overly grave, but the hits she took to the face would have been enough to daze her, at least for a short while.
Towards the far end of the alley the scent does move to the center of the path and becomes stronger, as if she had lingered here for a few moments. He stands in the middle of where her scent is strongest, facing the direction she would have been traveling. Lowering his nose right to the ground he inhales deeply, drinking in the various scents. Three, four, turning his head about to the left, then the right, seven... eight... at least eight distinct
scents that he can pick out. Probably more.
He curses himself slightly, he should have gotten more details from Janella, where did the approach her from, how did they take her down? Her face... Most of the damage was from her face ... think... OK, they would have to be in front of her to do so. Did they come from behind, get her to turn, then strike? No...just tapping her on the shoulder would have been nearly impossible without alerting her. At the least she would have had a hand on Vendetta,
as she calls her dagger, before she even turned. There were three of them, he pauses to think, two could restrain her as the third strikes? They wouldn't have needed to get her to turn... There! Just behind him and to the left, that back entry of that shop, the perfect place to hide as someone passed. To the right... the wagon... the one sitting on broken wheels. That could have provided cover. If she were rushing to make it to the tourney, and
distracted wondering why he hadn't met up with her as promised...
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From: jadeddeath@aol.com (JadedDeath)
Date: 30 Jul 2000 01:32:33 EDT
((Written by BlkPanther.))
On The Trail continued.
That last thought tugs at his gut. If he had been along, she wouldn't have been jumped. It was daylight, they had to make it quick, smash her down and grab it. With two of them it would have easily become a brawl that would have attracted unwanted attention from the Market shoppers. He sighed as he resigned to the fact he couldn't do anything about that now and had to concentrate on the duty at hand.
Three scents, more than likely coming in from different directions to this spot, and by all reasoning leaving together. He started with the few scents he could pick up "in front" of where she was. Then circling slightly, he found it... this one split off two different directions. It wasn't someone just walking by. A bit of moving out, back tracking, moving out again, wait... here... it came from the doorway, the one on the left, just as he had
supposed. It came from there, moved up to where he believed was where Janella was attacked, then moved out again, between these two shops.
More importantly, there was a second scent in the doorway, that also moved out, stopped short of the first one, but it moved off down the alleyway. Argh. It couldn't be that easy, could it? Of course, they probably didn't both go rushing off the same direction at once, he knew from his younger days it was always best to split up when you made your get away. 'OK, let's see if we can find the third and make the dots connect,' he thinks to himself.
Concentrating on the scents to 'her' right now, three, maybe four distinct ones come right through here. Two are strong... either from being fresh, or from having lingered. They both seem to have come from along the same general path Janella had taken. Hmm... maybe one of them was following her into the trap? But which one? Wait... a few paces out, the first one is noticeably fainter than the second. That means the second was fresh, so the first one
of the attackers, it had to be. Following it back to the attack point, it follow along the main alley a bit longer, also getting fainter again, then turns between two shops. Wait, number two, he went this way as well. OK, gamble time, these trails won't last much longer, he'll follow them and hope it's the right ones.
Date: 30 Jul 2000 01:32:33 EDT
((Written by BlkPanther.))
On The Trail continued.
That last thought tugs at his gut. If he had been along, she wouldn't have been jumped. It was daylight, they had to make it quick, smash her down and grab it. With two of them it would have easily become a brawl that would have attracted unwanted attention from the Market shoppers. He sighed as he resigned to the fact he couldn't do anything about that now and had to concentrate on the duty at hand.
Three scents, more than likely coming in from different directions to this spot, and by all reasoning leaving together. He started with the few scents he could pick up "in front" of where she was. Then circling slightly, he found it... this one split off two different directions. It wasn't someone just walking by. A bit of moving out, back tracking, moving out again, wait... here... it came from the doorway, the one on the left, just as he had
supposed. It came from there, moved up to where he believed was where Janella was attacked, then moved out again, between these two shops.
More importantly, there was a second scent in the doorway, that also moved out, stopped short of the first one, but it moved off down the alleyway. Argh. It couldn't be that easy, could it? Of course, they probably didn't both go rushing off the same direction at once, he knew from his younger days it was always best to split up when you made your get away. 'OK, let's see if we can find the third and make the dots connect,' he thinks to himself.
Concentrating on the scents to 'her' right now, three, maybe four distinct ones come right through here. Two are strong... either from being fresh, or from having lingered. They both seem to have come from along the same general path Janella had taken. Hmm... maybe one of them was following her into the trap? But which one? Wait... a few paces out, the first one is noticeably fainter than the second. That means the second was fresh, so the first one
of the attackers, it had to be. Following it back to the attack point, it follow along the main alley a bit longer, also getting fainter again, then turns between two shops. Wait, number two, he went this way as well. OK, gamble time, these trails won't last much longer, he'll follow them and hope it's the right ones.
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From: jadeddeath@aol.com (JadedDeath)
Date: 30 Jul 2000 01:36:04 EDT
((Written by BlkPanther.))
On The Trail conclusion.
There's a few shouts as he moves from between the shops out into the main road of the Market, but he ignores them. Most have seen much worse than a large feline dashing through anyways. The trail leads him down the market place a bit, then between some shops on the opposite side of the road. They follow the small path here up to the end of the market before turning towards one of the cross roads, then
turning down another back alleyway. It's easier to follow the trail here, even as it's fading, and the sun has long since set, there are fewer scents to dilute the ones he's locked to. They run along this trail for a ways, deeper into an area of town he doesn't get too much. Definitely not the high-rent side of town.
The scents lead up to the back door of a building, a tavern, or inn from the sounds, and smells of it. Cheap ales, smoke, sweat and blood all seem to be exuding from the building. This must be the door to the store room, or kitchen in the back of the inn. Then he notices it... the third scent... darting about a bit to pinpoint it, yes! It's here too. The third scent, also leading up to the back door. Shifting back to were form has he climbs the
stairs, he reaches for the door and then stops.
No. He said he wouldn't do anything without Janella, so he won't. It's going to take some convincing, but they're going to have to resist just barging in here. They need to find out who these guys are, why they took the ring, and most importantly, who they took it for. He moves around to the front of the building, his black fur keeping him hidden in the shadows.
He comes to the front of the buildings, taking a look around the corner, 'Well, well, well. I think that's answered one question.', he nearly speaks aloud. The sign above the front door, the one that read "Jack Pot Inn", creaks slightly in the breeze as he turns and moves quickly back to the alley, heading back to get Janella.
Date: 30 Jul 2000 01:36:04 EDT
((Written by BlkPanther.))
On The Trail conclusion.
There's a few shouts as he moves from between the shops out into the main road of the Market, but he ignores them. Most have seen much worse than a large feline dashing through anyways. The trail leads him down the market place a bit, then between some shops on the opposite side of the road. They follow the small path here up to the end of the market before turning towards one of the cross roads, then
turning down another back alleyway. It's easier to follow the trail here, even as it's fading, and the sun has long since set, there are fewer scents to dilute the ones he's locked to. They run along this trail for a ways, deeper into an area of town he doesn't get too much. Definitely not the high-rent side of town.
The scents lead up to the back door of a building, a tavern, or inn from the sounds, and smells of it. Cheap ales, smoke, sweat and blood all seem to be exuding from the building. This must be the door to the store room, or kitchen in the back of the inn. Then he notices it... the third scent... darting about a bit to pinpoint it, yes! It's here too. The third scent, also leading up to the back door. Shifting back to were form has he climbs the
stairs, he reaches for the door and then stops.
No. He said he wouldn't do anything without Janella, so he won't. It's going to take some convincing, but they're going to have to resist just barging in here. They need to find out who these guys are, why they took the ring, and most importantly, who they took it for. He moves around to the front of the building, his black fur keeping him hidden in the shadows.
He comes to the front of the buildings, taking a look around the corner, 'Well, well, well. I think that's answered one question.', he nearly speaks aloud. The sign above the front door, the one that read "Jack Pot Inn", creaks slightly in the breeze as he turns and moves quickly back to the alley, heading back to get Janella.