The Dynamic Duo

Zeton continues to poke around on the networks, but nothing of any value shows itself.

Bina and Mey'Luskar try to get Pru to try the monacta herself, but the stocky Tembo is as stubborn as she is outgoing.

The rain soon eases off as abruptly as it started. The middle-aged Besteeng woman immediately leaves without a word (except to Uskua when she pays).

The Ibitonian, Zentryl, and Endihec(?) continue to chat in very low tones, leaning rather closely together over their table. Both the Zentryl and the Endihec steal occasional suspicious glances at the party, but the Ibitonian seems utterly unconcerned.

After a little while, the door opens, and in comes a couple of new customers. It's a pair of women. One of them is obviously Ehrlathagi. The other is a white-skinned Sark-type human who is most likely Besteeng. Their dress suggests at least middle class. They are chatting with each other in Yangae (with noticeable accents).

Spying the party on the way in, both women say a quiet yet attractive greeting and then suddenly halt.

The Ehrlathagi woman puts her hands on her hips, cocks her head, and says, "Nekshi! How are you doing?"

"You weren't hoping to interview us again, were you?" asks the Besteeng, crossing her arms and throwing out a hip.

"You interviewed them?" asks Lirassa, jerking a thumb in the pair's direction.

"Hi, Lirassa!" says the Besteeng a little too sweetly.

They exchange a few quick lines in Brekka while the Ehrlathagi smiles and glances around the party. Then the Ehrlathagi's smile vanishes, and with a gasp she turns toward the table where Bina, Mey'Luskar, and Pru are sitting.

"Bina?" she says, taking a step forward with surprise in her eyes. "It is you, isn't it?"

Bina grins solemnly. "It's me." Then she bows Hergoth style and says in Her-Galad, "May She smile on you, Vliana!"

Vliana echoes the gesture and adds in Her-Galad, "Why are you here...dressed like that?"

Bina taps her chest. "I got kicked out!"

Vliana gasps and says something in Ehrkiss. Then she extends her hands. Bina hesitates before touching them. Then she sighs (with a noticable sob) and closes her eyes.

"Someone you know?" asks the Besteeng woman, moving closer with a puzzled look.

"Yes," says Vliana. "Bina! She's...she was...a priestess at Erweina. She's the best!"

At the mention of the word "priestess", the Besteeng woman stiffens and moves behind Vliana.

"Now I'm...just Bina," she says with a solemn grin.

Switching back to Yangae, Vliana asks, "So what's going on? It looks like you're geared up for a camping trip or something! Anything exciting?"

"That's what I'm hoping to find out!" retorts Pru, resting her chin on her elbow.