Welcome to Gaia! ::

None of the children mentioned what happened when they returned to their parents for the evening. Their spirits were high with the miracle they thought they had received. Parents noted it but said nothing. It was nice to see the children laughing for a change.

Tai and Zahra glanced at each other as they went to bed. Neither said anything at first, but then turned at the same time.

"We should tell them, Zah." Tai said quietly.

"We can't. What happens if it won't again? Think how disappointed everyone would be." his sister replied, shaking her head vehemently. "I think it's best if we just wait."

"I still think we should, but whatever." He crawled into his bed, still feeling guilty about all he had eaten.

The next morning Miliani's mother sent her to breakfast. It was a meager meal but all were thankful for that much. Ta and Zahra sat nearby as Milani and the other children ate. They played with their food a bit, not really hungry.

"Are we going to go play today, Zahreeee?" Mili asked excitedly.

The older girl glanced over nodding. "If you want to, Mili." She knew they would all want to try again. But she was unsure if they should. Was it something the gods were giving them or was it from a source that would lead to their downfall? She did not know, but the weighty thoughts were heavy for her shoulders.

Tai gazed over at his sister saying nothing. But it was in his eyes that he wanted to tell the adults. He still thought they should say something, but she knew he would not without her.

When the children found a place out of sight, Mili and the others waited expectantly. The twins watched them silently.

"Can we do it again?" Mili asked. "I want an apple."

Zahra shook her head. "Let's play tag for awhile. Besides we just ate."

The child looked disappointed as did the rest, but she replied, "Alright." rather sulkily.

Mili's mother shook out the blankets as she made the beds. Something hit the ground and she frowned slightly picking it up. An apple core. She frowned slightly. It looked freshly eaten. Where in the world would Mili get an apple? Especially one good enough to eat.

She tucked the core into a piece of fabric. The seeds could perhaps be used. But more than that she wanted to know where the child could have gotten it. The only apples were in the storeroom and they were using them as sweetener for the cooking a few at a time. They did not have many.

The more she thought about it, the more it bothered her. Perhaps talking to the child would reveal where she got it. Had the children found a secret store of apples nearby?

Moving quickly from the room and down the hallway where she knew the children played, the woman looked for her daughter. "Mili, where did you get this?" she asked, holding out the core in her hand.

Her teeth slipped down over her lip. "Um... I don't know." she said after glancing at Tai and Zahra who were shaking their heads.

"Of course you know. Where did you get an apple?"

"I don't know." she repeated.

"Did you take it?" the woman asked, taking her daughter's hand. "If you did, you can remain in your room the rest of the day. We only have so many apples and we need them all."

"But I didn't..." the child began.

"Until you remember you can stay put and think about it." the mother stated as she tugged her daughter down the hallway.

"But.."

"No buts."

Milani gave a tearful glance to Tai and Zahra who both winced as she was pulled away by her mother. All the children gazed at one another rather guiltily.

"We should have told." Tai muttered.

"We cannot." his sister replied with certainty.

"But Mili is getting in trouble for an apple we let her take with her. Her mother thinks she stole it."

"But we don't know, Tai. If it came from the gods, but if not what then? They will think we are all crazy." She was afraid. Of course she was. Who would not be? Zahra felt bad that Mili was being punished for something that should not be, but what were they to do?

The sound of Milani crying and protesting could still be heard echoing down the hallway. Zahra flinched but turned and ran down the hallway. Breathlessly, she stopped just behind the woman.

"Wait! I gave Mili the apple." she said grabbing the woman's arm.

"You did?" she stopped turning to the older girl. "And where did you get it?"

"I... well..."

"Zahree and us made them." Mili replied, wiping away the tears as she grabbed the elder girl's hand.

"Made them? What do you mean?"

"We wished for them and made them." Mili sniffed staring at her mother.

"Zahra, what does she mean?" the woman asked, folding her arms. "Tell me now."

"I'm not sure. We were hungry so all of us sat in a circle and talked about what we wanted to eat. We had our eyes closed but when we opened them, the food was there." the girl replied nervously. "I don't understand it, but it was there."

"Are you telling me that the food just appeared? What nonsense! Where did you take the apple from? The storeroom?"

Tai and the other children ran up, listening as they moved. "Zahra is right. We were just pretending and it happened." the boy growled defending his sister.

"Let's go. All of you. Everyone needs to discuss this. Now." She pointed them in the direction of the rooms and where everyone was working.

The children stood to one side as Mili's mother revealed what she knew to the other people. Several glanced in their direction with scowls but only the priest moved towards them to see what they said.

"Zahra, tell me everything that happened." he asked softly. "Everything you can remember, child."

The girl swallowed hard, but then began to tell how she had thought it would distract the younger ones. In a few moments, she had told him everything. The man simply watched, his eyes studying her expression. The girl was telling the truth. She had not stolen the fruit, but had it simply appeared? How?

The others were listening gathered around by the time she was finished. The man in charge of the storeroom moved forwards. Drindel did not believe her. And if she had stolen it, he wanted to know how so that it did not happen again. Grabbing her arm tightly he jerked her forwards. "Tell me the truth! You stole that apple, girl. I want to know how you did it."

"I did not!" she protested, trying to get her wrist free.

"I said tell me!" he growled as the priest frowned at his actions.

Her father moved forwards, stopping the man as he would have slapped her. "Get your hands off my daughter, Drindel. Now." Pushing his daughter behind him, he stood between she and the man's anger. "Leave her be." he warned.

Angry and hurt that none believed her, Zahra clenched her hands tightly, staring at the fellow. Like a light it burst into sight. The though of apples hitting him as hard as they could appeared to her. Even as she thought such, apples appeared, flying across the space pelting Drindel. Her hand opened and then closed around the apple that appeared in her hand.

"There's some apples for you! Here!" She yelled throwing the apple directly at Drindel hitting him in the chest with it. It splattered across his shirt and face. The girl ran for her room, bursting into tears as she went.

Tai stared as infuriated as his sister. "I'd have hit you with a big rotten strawberry!" As he stated such, one appeared in his fingers and he suddenly grinned hitting the man in the face with it. Running to his sister he wrapped his arms around her tightly. "It will be alright, Zah. He's just a mean person."

The priest and others had stepped back staring in wonder at the apples and the children. Their eyes had glowed faintly but how? Picking up an apple, he gazed at it for a long moment, then he bit into it. The juicy sweetness dribbled down his chin and he suddenly sighed. Looking around at the others, he began.

"I remember my mother once telling me of those who have true magic and the ability to conjure from the very air the things they need. Food. Water. Even weapons and clothing. These things would only last days but they were no less than those crafted by hands. Mages they were once called amongst other things." He glanced towards the room the twins had run to and then to their father. "Jorgis, the twins are gifted. Perhaps by the very gods who had appeared here. A link left behind to protect those found worthy. Their laughter has always shone for the hearts of those around them. Take very good care of them. Let them settle down some and then we will speak to them later when they are calmer." He patted the man's shoulder a moment.

Then he looked to Drindel. "I suggest you get these fruits gathered. They will not last more than a few days, but they are no less than other apples. I will see what else they can do. But later." He chuckled as he walked away. "Tai and Zahra. Blessed of the Gods. Perhaps there is still hope for us yet." Taking another bite of the apple in his hand, he sighed. He had missed the taste of such sweetness.

Hasheem moved quickly down the hallway. When he found Fashad, he said, "Come with me. We need to find Abdul and Yafir. I've something for them to do."

He glanced over at his friend, nodding in surprise. "Something up?"

"Yes." he replied but then shrugged when Fashad stared expectantly at him. "I'll explain when we find them."

Both men were with their families in the common room outside their bedrooms. They were playing a game with their children but stopped upon noticing the Captain and his lieutenant.

"Abdul, Yafir, I have something I need you to do. Well, Lady Lisana, Lord Tajnevaki, and Lord Eid do."

Both men glanced at each other and then back, but nodded. If three gods were in this then it was important in some way. Indicating that they take a seat, they sent the children down the hall to play together.

"We need you to gather volunteers and start searching for the materials we need to build a forge. The gods want us to craft weapons and armors to defend ourselves. Joe will be giving you a list of the things necessary. Find those who can gather as well as smith. Anyone with such knowledge will be useful." He tried to explain quickly as well as clearly what they needed to do.

"We can do that. Metal forge or glass?" Abdul asked in curiosity.

"Both. I'm going to talk to my father about enchantments next. Gather as many as you can and start looking for supplies. Be careful. Keep watch. It is still not safe except under the protection of the Pantheon, but we must go outside to look for things. We have no choice."

"We will be careful."

"You might need to craft a cart of some sort first. And find a horse or two to pull it. Just do not attempt to use Rorie or Aridai or Jaspar. Lady Lisana would be very upset."

As both men walked away to talk to others they knew were now living in the community of rooms, Hasheem turned to Fashad.
"I'm not certain what my father can still do, but he may know of enchantments at least to strengthen the glass as he used to."

"So it's certain that there will be an attack?" Fashad frowned intensely wondering what they could possibly do when the gods themselves might be in danger.

"No. But we need to prepare. Tajnevaki is the God of Mystery. Perhaps he feels something that he cannot see coming. I got the impression that he wanted everyone to move on this as soon as they possibly could. We have been through alot. So have the gods. And there is much ahead of us not only rebuilding this world but all those others out there including our own. I do not doubt them as I once did." Hasheem ran a hand through his hair. "We have seen too much that can be explained no other way than them. But anyhow, Joe will let us know where the forge will be and what needs done. He is a builder, a mason. I need you to relay messages to Abdul for me. And we will need to work in the forge also. Many of us will need to do more than before."

Fashad nodded, "I understand. I'll go speak to Joe and see what he wants me to do to help. Then I'll check on Abdul and Yafir. Someone will need to watch out for trouble."

Nodding, Hasheem wandered away. His father was in his bedroom reading some books he had found. He was learning the language of those who lived on this world. The door was open and he was relaxed on the bed. The Captain smiled watching him, thankful that he was safely here with them. Perhaps not so safe though.

"Father, I need to speak to you a few moments. It's important." He sat down in the chair beside the bed. Removing his blade, he leaned it against the wall to the side so that he'd be more comfortable.

"Hasheem, what is it? I was just practicing my reading." Closing the book, the elder watched his son closely for a long moment. Something was bothering him.

"How much can you still do in the way of enchantments?" he asked, eyes meeting his father's.

The man frowned. Whatever this was, it was serious if he were being asked to do enchantments at his age. Much of his strength for magic was gone. "I'm not sure. It has been a long while since I plied those skills. Why?"

Hasheem frowned intensely. "I see. Lord Mystery and Lord Eid came to Lady Lisana today wanting to find help for some things that need to be done." He quickly explained to his father just what was asked and said in the meeting they had.

"I see. So that is the real reason we were moved inside here. It fits the rumors I had heard." the elder man stated as he tried to estimate how much skill he still might retain.

"Father, we do not want to panic anyone. But I think we do need to prepare. Even if it is not these grigori that attack, we will be reclaiming this world and others. These gods are young in their rebirths. Their powers are still fragile. They need protection as much as we do. Just because we have the Creator back does not mean that he is not in danger also."

"What is this Lord Tajnevaki like? And the other Lord Eid? What did you see in them?" he asked wanting to know what his son's gut instincts were. It would give him a better understanding of those he had yet to meet.

Hasheem nodded, describing both gods and the things he had felt about both. He trusted them and saw the honesty in their eyes. "I trust them. Taj may be silent, but there is an intelligence in his eyes as if he sees things others do not. I don't know how to describe it any other way. And Lord Eid and his host, both seem more... knightly than anything."

"And he is the god of?"

"Oath. He is the God of Oath." the son replied. "They believe that everyone needs to put forth some effort for this. Taj is looking for other magic users. I think if you are not capable of doing the enchantments that he plans to give you some to teach."

"Very well. I will try something this afternoon and see what I can do. Where will I find this Lord Tajnevaki?"

"His rooms are here in the Pantheon." Hasheem's lips twitched. "From what I understand. Directly on the opposite side of the outer door here. Lisana's is on one side and his on the other. Or so I've heard."

"There is only a plain door there, Hasheem. I've already looked. It leads into a closet."

"Does it?" His lips twitched. "Look more than once I think. Mystery would have a mystery there, no?"

The elder man blinked and then chuckled. "I suppose he would. I will see what I can do. Don't worry. I'll either help by enchanting if I can or I will teach someone who can. Don't worry, son. We will be fine. We've not come this far to be stopped now."

Touran moved past his son and down the hallway. He needed to see this god of Mystery for a few moments. Perhaps there was something he could do to help but he wanted to see for himself what this being represented. One could tell alot about a person in the first few moments of meeting. And this was something he needed to know.

He opened the door once to see an attic. Last time it had been a closet. A smile crossed his face as he shut the door. Reopening it, Touran laughed. Hasheem was right. There was a mystery here.

Sitting down at the table, Joe stared at the blank sheet of paper in front of him. Paper was scarce but there was a bit to work with. He had not been to an actual forge in some time and the thought of what he needed eluded him. It took him several minutes to recall what was included in one. He began by listing the things that a forge needed- area to receive and hold stock, racks for the finished product, and all the equipment between beginning and end.

Each piece he sketched out, adding dimensions as needed. His mind calculated the size of the forge and the distance needed around it. The requirements of the smelter, kiln- dome-shaped since that would be the easiest to use- more than one anvil, a large bellows and everything else that was necessary. As he drew, he placed them in various order so that he could see where to place each one so that the flow of work entering did not hinder the process or the outflow of final product. He left no options out as he carefully created what was needed.

As he finished it, Joe leaned back into the chair, studying it once more. Each would have to be focused on and finshed because once placed, they could not be moved. A roof overhead to protect from the weather and sun. If they ever got the sky returned. It was rumored that there were others working on a solution to that very problem.

Joe sighed heavily. Now for the list of things that would be needed to build all this. Each item, he broke down into the basics. The number of screws, bolts, bricks, and anything else that would be used to hold this all together. Nearly everything would have to be scavenged. A makeshift cart would have to be used for the larger things, but hopefully everything they needed could be gained from the ruined buildings outside the green of the Pantheon.

Finished, Joe tiredly glanced at the next sheet of blank paper. Carefully thinking, he sketched out a map to Eftemie's loft. How much of it remained, he was unsure. But the toolbox, iron bars, and a few other things that had come to mind were needed. It would save them some time. Making up the list, he put it to the side to wait for morning. It would not be long that he would sleep, but he did need some.

Rubbing his eyes, Joe started to move towards his bed. Hasheem would have the list the next day.

Waking early, the excitement of a new project sliding through him. He used to get this feeling, but it had been a long time since he had felt such. A very long time. Building for Eftemie had made him feel that way. He missed her, but he still saw bits of her in Lisana.

Glancing in the mirror as he began to shave, a bit of amusement slipped into his expression. So much had changed and yet much was improving. And he still had a chance to be who he was. A builder.

With a grin, as he wiped his face off, Joe added a few items to his list. A gift for Lisana. Perhaps she would use them. Perhaps not. But he suspected that with Eftemie inside her, she would want the paints, brushes, and canvases he had added. But even if she did not, he did.

By the time he found Hasheem and Fashad, they were looking for him. With a grin, he handed over the list and map to them. "There is a map here. And the list of things needed from the loft. If they are still there. The toolbox was upstairs in the closet. She also had a box of brushes, paints, paper and canvases on the table in the main room. See if any of it still exists. Who knows what the demons did there. And the iron bars should be there with the toolbox. I know there were other metal things in the basement. It used to be a warehouse. You might simply look around and see what there is."

"Alright, Joe. We will see what is there, but we should have no problems." the Captain replied glancing over the map. It was really not that far away.

"The building may be collapsing as so much is. Just don't take chances and get anyone injured. And the iron bars, we need for an anvil and other things. I'm not sure how many are there, but there should be several." The elder man nodded then moved away. He had the plans to deliver to Eid.

Turning to Fashad, Hasheem said, "Get them ready and let's see if we can make a quick cart. We have enough to pull it I think if we don't make it too heavy."

"Will do, Hasheem. Meet you at the corner." He had quickly glanced at the map. Enough to know where to meet them at the edge of the Pantheon. Fashad walked away quickly. There was much work to be done and he was sure this would lift everyone's spirits. Plans set into motion often accomplished such, and they all needed to be active. Even if it was in preparation of a fight for their lives. At least they were trying.

Pulling the men from Baadris together, Hasheem studied them silently for a moment judging their abilities. Some he knew. Others he knew names for. Some would be suited for guarding and others fro gathering in pairs. Weapons were needed and so too were many other things. Leading the group to the edge of the town, the Captain gave each a duty. Fashad and two other guards were to remain watchful looking for danger in the area. Abdul, Yafir, and the rest were to work in pairs for safety, and gather any metals they could find.

A couple packhorses served to pull the cart that had been crudely made for such a purpose. Two wheels moved it but things needed to be placed properly to keep it balanced. It was nothing fancy but it served its purpose.

The remains of the town appeared before them as the men moved away from the green space and into the debris looking around for what they could find. Each day they foraged further and further from the safety of the Pantheon, but it was a necessary thing. Carefully they gleaned the iron and other metals placed each article carefully in the cart.

Even though there had been little to attack them, Hasheem and his men remained ever watchful, and keeping a close eye on the men under their care. It would help noone for them to be injured. Whether guard or gatherer.

By late afternoon, the cart was full, and he glanced upwards to see Saljin flying overhead. He knew it was the man when he swooped low towards them then circled back upwards. It was a signal that nothing was awry. Beginning the slow trip back to the smithy, Hasheem was unsure how many actually knew of the place. There seemed to be few around except for those of Mystery, Laughter, Fire, and Oath.

But even then a count had been approximated for the number of weapons needing forged. His father and Tempest were meant to enchant for strength unless other magical enhancements could be found. But all were doing the best they could with what they had at this moment.

It was amazing that they had survived at all. Glancing around Hasheem stopped them. "Unload the wagon here. Keep it to the side so that it can be reached easily without getting in the way."

His eyes gave a cursory glance over the stacks as the men moved the raw metals to the separate piles based on type of metal. Their supplies were growing and soon they would begin melting all of it down into bars to be forged into blades. It was not much in comparison to what was needed, but it was a start. Every little bit helped, didn't it?

He thought it did and for the first time in a long time, everything was looking up. The gods seemed to feel it as much as the mortals. And that was all many of them cared about.

It was getting better.

They were headed back to the forge area when the corner of a metal cabinet was seen. Hasheem looked it over and the stack of debris on top of it. They could find something useful.

"I think we can get it, Fashad. But the problem is getting the other garbage off it." A frown crossed his face as ideas flickered but then rejected. They would simply have to spend the time moving the things off to get to it. If metal were not so scarce, Hasheem would have bypassed it entirely as a safety measure. But with necessity came conservation and reuse of things one would have trashed before. They needed the metal.

The men began slowly moving and shifting debris to get to the metal cabinet and whatever lay near it that could be used. Hasheem watched over them as the stack of garbage became more and more precarious. A frown crossed his face as he turned to watch Abdul.

"Careful!" he yelled out but then jumped forwards to shove the man out of hte way just as the pile of garbage collaped, falling their direction. Both men hit the ground hardl, missed for the most part. The Captain's legs were covered causing him to wince in pain as something slammed into his ankle. Wooden planks and several pieces of stone wall lay there.

"Hasheem!" Fashad growled moving towards the man as did the others. "Abdul are you alright?" he asked as the man got to his feet.

"I'm fine." he stated, "but if not for Hasheem, I'd have been buried."

"My leg is pinned, Fashad." the Captain stated wincing in pain. He tried to shift his position to get more leverage but flinched laying back down.

"I'm sorry. I guess I shouldn't have pulled that last board out." Abdul said softly, rubbing his arm. There was a bruise forming on it already, but nothing serious.

"Just get me out of this mess." the man growled as he tried to shove the pain off. His ankle and foot ached badly.

The men quickly began working together getting the debris off. When he was finally clear, Fashad looked his foot over. "It's swollen but not broken, I think. I doubt that you'll be walking on it for a day or so. And definitely won't be walking back to the pantheon."

"Great..." the Captain muttered, "Well, let's get back. Fashad, you are in charge until I'm back on my feet then. Lady Lisana will need to be informed and so will the others at the forge. Hopefully I will be up tomorrow."

"Don't count on it." Fashad replied in some amusement. "I'd give it more like three days."

"Three days?! I can't afford that much off."

"You will not have a choice. We can't afford for you to end up entirely down for longer. It's already black and blue and just in case something is broken, we need to wait until the swelling goes down entirely."

"We'll see." he muttered. Lisana depended on him an dhe had to be on his feet. There was no time for him to be down.

"Yes. We will." Fashad said, amusement crossing his face as he helped seat the man on the cart. He would send Rejali to sit on her brother whether Hasheem liked it or not.

By the time they returned to the Pantheon to drop Hasheem off, the man was in a great deal of pain. They had removed his boot to prevent the tightness from injuring it more. Carrying him up to his room within Lisana's, Fashad and Abdul left him to the care of Arle and Jhyett. Both fussed over him much to his annoyance. Then even worse, Jhyett went directly to Lisana who came immediately and fussed over him for a short time. As soon as the goddess left, Rejali came into the room.

"I'm fine." he muttered, arm over his eyes. "Just tired."

"You are not, brother of mine. I know you far too well. It hurts and I can see it." she stated, moving towards the bowl of icey water that Tempest had conjured for her. Shoving her hair back, she watched him a few moments, then stood there with her hands on her hips. "You are going to be down at least a day or two until we can see exactly how much damage there is."

Hasheem sighed, leaning back into the pillow. It was best just to let her have her way. Or he would never hear the end of it.

Rejali sat with her brother ensuring he remained. But once he went to sleep, she spoke quietly to Arlecchino about what to do.

"Did you know there is a man who makes potions and things? I think he's pretty good and staying with Lord Taj. Saljin might know." It was no surprise to her that more people were being found. She had hoped so all along and considering that there were so few many were pulling together and making it known what they could and could not do. Tempest was conjuring food and water now. Not in great quantities, but more than they had previously had. An elf named Shad'era was staying with Taj also and she could conjure fruits, nuts, and berries it seemed. Each was trying to help the others. Gods included.

"An herbalist or an alchemist, Arle?" Rejali's brow scrunched up as she thought about the implications of such. He could be very useful.

"Well, all I know is that he mixes things. she shrugged, smiling as she thought about how little she knew most of the time. The bells on her collar jingled lightly as she moved excitedly.

"Possibly. See if you can find him for me. He might have some sort of linament or painkiller for Hasheem. That foot is going to hurt alot when he wakes. Even if not broken." She silently watched her brother. Even in his sleep he moved uncomfortably.

"Will do. You did mean now, right?" the aoide replied, getting to her feet and moving towards the door.

Rejali sighed. "Of course now." The aoide was scatterbrained sometimes.

The shifter was speaking to Fashad about the accident when Arle spotted him. Taj may have some of that ointment Jaster used on me. If he does, there won't be much of it. Although.. Graey is a thought."

"Graey? Your alchemist?" Fashad asked, folding his arms.

"Yes. He's good..."

Arlecchino interrupted suddenly. "Saljin, I've been looking for you."

"Better you than me..." Fashad whispered softly under his breath.

"Arlecchino, what do you need?" the shifter asked, his lips twitching at Fashad's words.

"I need to know about this fellow.. umm.. I mean the guy who makes potions. Rejali..."

"You mean Graey?" Saljin asked. The man had simply showed up one day with Puck. And now the fairies were using a bit of their power to enhance plants he used to make the potions stronger.

"He's most likely in his room, Arle. If he's not gathering ingredients somewhere. Shall I get him? And what does Rejali need?"

"It's for Hasheem. We thought he might have something for pain and some sort of linament to help." the aoide frowned a bit. "Rejali is with him right now, but she'd like something before he wakes up."

Saljin nodded. "Fashad and I will go see Graey and bring whatever to her."

Turning away with a nod, she moved merrily down the hallway and back to Lisana's rooms. She was sure they would take care of it now.

Saljin glanced over at Fashad, "You might as well meet him. He's not a bad fellow. Just very focused most of the time. Not entirely sure where he came from, but don't touch anything."

"Picky is what I would call that. How am I not supposed to be curious?" Fashad smirked as his eyes gleamed in amusement.

"Deal with it." Saljin replied then laughed as Fashad fell into step with him.

When they found Graey after getting the salve from Taj, he was in the room he used to process potions. A small wood burning stove allowed him to heat the things he needed and the table beside was filled with glass bottles, bowls and cups all meant to be used for mixing his complicated or even simply concoctions. Graey delighted in creating things of this fashion and whenever he discovered something new he was ecstatic over it. But it had been some time since he had found anything new.

"Graey, you in here?" Saljin asked as he both knocked on and opened the door.

"Yup. In here." he called from the second room, his bedroom being the first and the one they were in.

"This is Fashad. He's one of Lady Lisana's. Can you make some more of this? I need this for Hasheem. He got injured today, but Taj only has one jar left. Take a sample and.."

Fashad looked the fellow over. He wore nearly all black and his black hair, though long and straight was pulled back neatly and his goatee was trimmed up well. He was tanned and it was not hard to tell that he was outside alot. A sword and pair of daggers lay sheathed on a table near the bedside. Fashad would have to remember that the man could defend himself if he ever had to help him with anything. It made it easier when someone along for the ride knew at least that much.

"Fashad. No need. I've seen that linament before." It had only taken him one glance to identify it. He had been in the Labyrinth once or twice looking for rare plants. They were few and far between but he knew that when he saw it. "I'll see what I can do. You know what it is, right? It's an animal linament, stronger than the human version, but both work well enough."

"Animal linament?" Saljin sputtered. "That's what Jaster used on... That brat. No wonder he would not tell me what it was and Taj seemed amused when I asked for it for Hasheem." If Jaster had told him, Saljin did not remember, but he was sure that he'd not have forgotten such a thing.

Fashad and Graey broke into laughter. "Used it on you, did he? I'm not surprised. In a pinch it's better than the other anyhow. I've got enough to make another jar but nothing after that unless I find some more of the plant. The few seeds..." he hesitated. "Is there a grower here?"

"Grower? Oh, you mean a gardener. Yes. Arabel and Rem." Fashad nodded, as Saljin had gone silent.

"I'll check in with them. Maybe they can grow some from the few seeds I have. At least a start or something. Puck can enhance them afterwards so that leaves have more potency. I should have some from this batch though by tomorrow. Anything else?"

"Yes. Anything already made up for pain?"

Graey thought for a moment, his pale blue eyes almost luminous like moonlight. "Perhaps." He moved over to a grouping of tiny bottles. "This should do the trick. It's pretty strong. Just one or two drops in a cup of tea should work about every five to six hours or so." He tossed the bottle to Saljin with a grin. "Make sure that's understood. We don't want him forgetting who he is or wandering around in his underwear."

Fashad and Saljin turned to stare at one another, but suddenly burst into laughter. "Can you imagine that? Somehow I do not think that Hasheem would be as amused by it as we are."

"Behave yourselves." Graey smirked.

"There's no fun in that." Saljin replied as he and Fashad left. Now to get this back to Rejali for when Hasheem woke. The gathering tomorrow would be done without him.

His ankle had healed fine but Arle, Rejali, and Delphine were constantly fussing over him. In some ways it frustrated him. They were not the ones he wanted to fuss.

It was Lisana.

His feelings for her had grown but she seemed unaware of them. Or at least she pretended to be. Something had stirred in him from the moment he had seen the goddess. She was much changed from that but what he had seen in her was still shining through. He had folllowed her because of circumstances, but then again, it was not entirely that.

The things Hasheem felt while watching her were the reasons he had urged his family to follow wherever she led. It had been the right choice at the right time for all of them. And it had been especially right for him.

But as he watched her adn Lord Water get closer and closer, the captain understood she was not his. She would never be except as his goddess to protect. It stung a bit as the thought took shape with even a bit of jealousy filtering down and flickering through his expression. But in the end, Hasheem sighed. He had never seen her so happy as when she was with Kaelin. But that in itself caused another worry. What if Water injured her? He had heard the rumors of the god. Did she know? Should she be told?

A frown appeared as he walked away. There was nothing he could do to stop it. In the end all he could do was hope that such an event did not happen. The god was spoiling her with poetry, gifts, and himself. Even his daughters loved Lisana and considered her as a mother figure as her laughter drew them closer and closer with each passing day.

Perhaps his worry was for naught. Perhaps it was simply his own wants and needs spilling over as the impossibility of it all dropped on him. He could only fulfill protecting her with his life. But for now he would remain attentive and protective. It was what she needed and his own needs did not matter.

Someone jolted into him as he rounded the corner, driving him from those thoughts forcefully. He blinked upon seeing Arabel carrying a rather large basket of seedlings.

"Oops! Sorry, Hasheem! I didn't see you there!" the girl blinked in surprise. "I guess I should have been paying more attention to what I was doing. And going." A giggle slipped free as she watched him closely.

"It is fine, Arabel. I was not watching where I was going either." A grin crossed his face as he gazed down at her. She was nearly a foot shorter than he was. "Where are you going with such a large basket of seedlings?"

"Rem asked for them. I've two more to carry to him yet." she said indicating those sitting nearby.

The man frowned a moment. It would take her two more trips yet to get this done. "Graey should be helping you. Or Sayd. They are both assigned to Rem right now."

"Oh, Graey's off doing something with his potions for Rem and Sayd has been digging the spot we are putting these. Noone else to carry them but me." she shrugged it off agreeably. "It will be fine."

"I see." the Captain replied, moving towards the baskets. "Then I'll help since I've nothing else to do at the moment. I can spare the time."

"Really?" she smiled widely. "Thank you. Rem gets demanding sometimes, but I love the plants so much that I can put up with him."

Hasheem laughed, shaking his head. "Don't let Rem hear you say that."

The girl adjusted her basket so she could use one hand to shove the hair from her eyes. They had been slowly expanding the area around the Pantheon trying to help Forest and Creation by doing what they could. Her gift of growing things had come in handy while Graey concocted potions, Sayed dug, and Rem ordered them all about.

"How is your ankle? I'm not going to get into trouble from Rejali for your helping, am I?" she teased as they began walking again.

"It's fine. Little pain now." His eyes watched her thoughtfully a moment before turning back to the path ahead of them. "I think that there are a few of the older children who might be able to help you. I noticed the other day that some seemed at a loss on what to do. And it would be better to give them something rather than let them find trouble to get into."

She suddenly giggled stopping to stare at him. "Is it always work with you? I mean.. it's a beautiful day. You ignored my teasing and are instead walking around rather gloomy and trying to find jobs for people." Her words were both a tease and the truth.

Hasheem turned to stare at her. Her eyes said she was laughing at him. The man felt a slow flush climb upwards as he gaze at her. Her eyes dared him and he blinked a second time, causing her to break into outright laughter.

"I think you are trouble, Arabel." he finally stated, his lips curving upwards.

She giggled again, replying, "I could be I suppose, but you just had such a serious expression on your face that I had to interrupt it. Much better now. But I suppose we should get these to Rem before we are both in trouble."

Hasheem nodded, but watched her as she walked. She had the same... joy? within her that had drawn him to Lisana. Why had he not seen it before? Perhaps it was not the goddess at all that pulled at him so much as what she represented. Joy and Laughter were the things that allowed people to live - truly live their lives no matter their circumstances.

Arabel continued to chatter as they moved, drawing Hasheem's eyes back to her. In a few moments they were laughing as Rem directed them to planting. As he watched her, his jealousy faded away, forgetten as he began to find some of the lightness he had formerly carried within. Perhaps this was what he was looking for after all.