Coulda used more action, but ultimately this could end up being a pretty significant piece in AIL history.

We kick off with Fahari. She was created for a Live RP and until now, I don't think she's been seen outside of one. Since Live RP's aren't really going down, this mission sets out to change that a bit.

 
Todd Blackpaws leaned jauntily against one of the columns outside the Council building. He was currently taking time for his usual hobby of ‘bird- watching' but his mind was only half on the local chicks- and more on the door that led inside.

"C'mon mate... I got a reputation to uphold here and you're ruinin' it!"

It wasn't long before the object of the wait burst through the door, clearly annoyed about.. something. He still carried the longsword he'd been using in place of his trademark broadsword, Bad Beats. Sebastian Dash grumbled, almost brushing past Todd before the foxbard reached out and nicked his purse in a manner so obvious as to make it known he was doing it just to get his friend's attention.

"Wha?!" Dash turned, surprised, then frowning, holding out his hand. "Todd.. why weren't you in there for the meeting? My flashpaper bag back, if you please."

Todd frowned as he looked in the purse and handed it back to Dash with a huff. "Who keeps paper in their purse? I mean sheesh." He smirked - a look quickly wiped away. "I was busy taking a friend to get medical treatment after that last fiasco. .Dash.. buddy- you need to talk to this bird soonest. She's been dyin' to speak with you since she got here a few weeks back- and now she needs that talk more'n ever."

Dash let out a slow sigh, not his usual agreeable self. "Actually anything important? I've got a lot on my mind.. between that self righteous big cat, and.. oh get this, since you missed it. The Council of Loathing and the princesses suddenly decided there's three more of them, apparently in Honorburg City.. And if that wasn't bad enough.. so, anyway.. is this some cute dancer that just caught your opinion?"

Dash smiled in a friendly way at Todd, familiar with his tastes.

Todd smirked. "Oh, She's a dancer alright- but the deadly kind. Monk from back home you've run into her once or twice but you really need to stop and actually talk to her, man!"

Dash tilted his head. "Let's go see what she has to say then."

Todd nodded and led the way. "They wanted her to stay in the infirmary a few days- but she wouldn't hear it. Said the bed was better used by someone needin their help and left, back to her campsite."

After a short trip the pair entered one of the areas used for camping by any travelers too poor (or stingy) to use their meat on better accommodations in the Town. There, sitting before a campfire dressing some wounds- was a tall, black Feline. The robes she normally wore were folded neatly on the ground next to her- and all that stood between Dash and Todd and a look at- well at a naked pussy was a long strip of white cloth that wound about her body- strategically covering everything. She looked up on hearing the pair and stood, nodding. "I see you have brought him. Thank you, Mister Blackpaws."

"Honey- call me Todd. ‘Mister Blackpaws' sounds like my dad- who I never knew anyway."

Dash nodded in appreciation of the Feline, but otherwise gave no indication of a reaction to her near nudity.. "Ma'am.. Fahari, isn't it? How're you faring? Todd mentioned you'd been unconscious most of the trip to town."

Fahari looked sour for a moment but her face cleared. "I was. My injuries were such that I had to shut my body down in order to concentrate on healing. Which is a shame because Mister Blackpaws is a wonderful conversationalist." Todd winced at the name again. Dash, however, smiled.

"Just don't let him sucker you into one of those schemes of his," Dash said with a playful nudge of the bard.

Todd looked- bewildered- at the idea. "Man.. she's a monk- you don't con monks!"

Fahari smiled at them both. then turned that smile more to Dash. "Mister Dash. I have been meaning to speak with you since my arrival here- especially when it became known that you had had... close contact with my kind."

"If this's about Catrina," Dash said. "Don't worry.. cooperation or not, I'm aware of the need to be careful around her these days."

Fahari nodded. "I understand there has been a change in her mood. This intrigues me. But, unfortunately a discussion of my kindred will have to be postponed- except to give you a warning."

Dash's ears perked slightly. "A warning? Do tell.."

Fahari smiled. "The one who attacked me is known to me- as are the people he has also worked for. Tell me- has Miss Whiteclaw ever mentioned the slaver trade in Aldara?"

Dash frowned heavily. "Yes.. only recently. They're bad news. Obviously. Why?"

"It seems that a particular band of slavers were quite upset at the escapades of some of their slaves- especially since it cost the lives of several well paying customers. They have been trying to get the slaves returned."

Dash frowned. "Not good.. I'm guessing this involves more than Catrina and her brother?"

She smiled, almost prideful. "It seems many of the slaves from this particular village were bad news for their masters. And one large beast of a Feline as well. Many were recaptured and punished- some killed. These three are the only ones who completely escaped the grasp of their former situation."

Dash shook his head. "Tragic. But if you haven't noticed, I'm not even on the same side as them anymore. Why not go to the Feline Empire with this information?"

Fahari looked troubled. "Because... I have been lying to the government here- I have no connection with the Aldaran government. I came here because of... a dream."

Dash paused.. reflective for a minute. "Okay. Tell me more."

Fahari smiled, perhaps seeing more in that pause that Dash would have liked to give away. "I do not know what you know about Felines and their goddess. So I do not know what I can say to make you believe that this was truly a vision of her.

"I found myself on a wide plain- a savannah. As I explored I drew close to a watering hole. There the goddess reclined- nursing a white kitten back to health.

"As I neared she smiled at me- and with a wave of her paw the waters of the watering hole showed a picture- a map of the northern seas- and this land.

"‘You will go, my dearest Fahari. You will go to this land and deliver a message to the Champion. You will tell him not to despair- for the trial has only just begun- and his battle has not yet been lost.'"

Dash nodded. "Sounds like the visions I've had of her.. I'm not sure what to make of it."

Fahari shook her head. "Neither do I, but if you are indeed her Champion in some way then..." She shrugged. "Then your battle is not over- even if you may think it is."

Dash considered it. "I'll keep that in mind. Are you going to travel with us on the mission to Honorberg?"

She bowed her head. "I would be honored if you would have me, Champion."

Todd rolled his eyes. "Oh brother, dude's gonna get a swelled head before we get there!"

"I appreciate the flattery, but I'm no champion," Dash said, frowning. "Maybe that's what got us into this mess in the first place."

Fahari nodded again. "If you desire- what shall I call you then?"

"Dash'll do," he said with a shrug. "And where can I meet you? I need to head back to my campsite and prepare."

Todd spoke up. "Tell you what. How about the lady and I meet you back at the Tree, Dash? That'll give you plenty of time to primp and make yourself look all pretty."

Dash nodded. "That works for me. Keep him in line til we meet up, ma'am."

Fahari smiled. "I will do my best, Dash. However one must remember he is a Vulpine."

"This from the popsi-kitty." Todd said with a grumble.

"Be nice to her," Dash said, before saying his goodbyes and taking his leave.

Todd snorted watching Dash leave. "'Nice,' he says- like I gotta choice." He then spoke a little louder. "As soon as you're ready, hon we'll head off to the Weeping Tree bar and inn and wait for him." He pretty much ignored anything Fahari might have said after that as he thought of more strange lands he was about to get the chance to visit.

"Yippee skippy." He growled.

Now that Fahari's delivered the "Champion" message to Dash, it's time for him and Aleena to bond. Spicy story up next!