The Tour: Chapter 18

Penho sat idly by the window, sipping her berdic tea. Her blue legs were crossed comfortably. The kilt was riding a little high on her thigh, but she didn't mind. No one was paying her much attention. That's why she liked this Inn. It was run by a matched pair, human and non. The food was good, the atmosphere sweet (because of the human wife's attention to detail) and the occupants civilized.

Izzy's hair was still wet when she slid into the chair on the opposite end of the table. She waved her hand to the waiter. "The usual!" The man nodded and made his way to the back. Izzy stretched languidly, then reached for the public papyrus. She scanned the opening page. She shook her head and tisked. "That boy is getting to be so much trouble."

The silver haired demoness took another sip, then grinned. "You can handle him Izzy."

"I don't want to handle him. I don't even want to be near him. I'd just kill him and that would be a waste of my time." The serving man arrived and set down a steaming plate and a couple of mugs. Izzy set the papyrus aside. She took a deep sniff, then grinned, "Ah. That smells marvelous. Thank you!" The waiter bowed, then moved on.

Penho sniffed lightly, "I still say you'll be dealing with him sooner or later. You might as well make it sooner." She nodded at Izzy, "Look at you. She got you already?"

Izzy shook her head, "Gods," she started as she lifted her first forkful, "I can't believe she even wants to touch me." Then she grinned, "I mean, aside from the normal impulse they get." Penho returned the smirk in knowing kind.

The blue demoness smiled. "Well, trust me, you're very touchable," she soothed. They grinned at each other.

Izzy pointed her fork at Penho, "You *know* what I mean." The blue Tartaran nodded, a little sadly. The red two horned demoness chewed lightly and swallowed while Penho looked on sympathetically, "She had no idea about it. Just happened. She's so smart Pen."

The blue Tartaran nodded, "So I've heard. She was, you know, the most successful Warlord of her time."

"I know. I know. But. . .Two days. Gods. How much did that come to?"

"150 Rets."

"Well, it's not like I don't have it to spend." Izzy stabbed at her food indifferently.

Penho grinned, "And such a good use of money, too. Fills my pocket right up." Penho patted her hip lightly with her free hand. She took another sip. "I talked to Melosa last night. She's very interesting."

"Yes, she is. Good woman." Izzy nodded as she quietly consumed another bite of dumbunny and eggs.

"You can see why she was Queen. .and is your "tribe" leader. How do you get involved in these things Iz?" Izzy rolled her eyes and took another bite. It was really good. Penho set the cup down and waved the server over. "I'd like some more please." The silver haired demoness settled herself more comfortably, "so, what are you going to do with them? I mean, now that she knows."

"It doesn't change anything Pen." The red demoness carefully wiped her lips with her cloth napkin, "They are still Elysians. That is still where they belong. I'm going to take them on their damn tour and then watch as their tokens disappear."

"Uh huh." Pen pointed rudely at Izzy with her tail, "You're just scared that she might actually accept you as you are. Besides, mates, they should stay. . .close."

"You're not helping Pen. I'm trying to be tough here."

"I know. Maybe you should try being honest."

Izzy looked up abruptly, "I have been honest." She set her fork down carefully, "I just. . .haven't told them. . everything."

Pen leaned forward, "I bet you haven't even told her about the horns yet, have you?"

Izzy looked startled. Then she shook her head, "Gods, am I so transparent?"

"Normally," Penho began, "No. You're more subtle than a fierzard. But we are talking your mate here. The person you went all Nine Frizzin' levels for. .TWICE." Izzy quirked her lips and Penho smiled softly. "It wouldn't hurt you to show your original face."

Izzy's mouth gaped, "And what good would that do? I'm not her anymore. I'm. . I'm" She picked up the first mug and waved it, "Me. Now." She set the mug down with a thump, "I like what I've become. I mean, it's not what I expected, but I've come to terms."

"Yes, but are they good terms? You need," The waiter filled Penho's cup, courteously ignoring the conversation, "balance." Penho brought her steaming cup to her lips and drank lightly, "You are one of the wise ones, Izzy, but, you can tell everyone accept the past, yet not accept your own. How can you do that?

Izzy picked her mug up, "I accept my past." She took a long drink of the cool sweet juice, "I just don't live there."

"Hmmph. There's a difference between living there and letting yourself visit once in awhile. Who knows, maybe you'll find something of worth out of it."

"Pen," Izzy began.

The blue Tartaran abruptly switched the subject, "So, tell me, how was she?" The Tataran grinned wickedly.

It was a good thing Izzy had swallowed her drink, "Gods Pen." Izzy grinned, then raised her hands and spread her fingers.

"EIGHT?!"

"Pen!!! Could you BE any louder?"

Pen leaned in to whisper, "eight?!" She sat back and shook her head in disbelief, "Gods," The demoness lifted her cup to her lips, then set it back down without drinking, "For a human that's. .that's. ." The demoness raised her fine silver eyebrows, "pretty damn remarkable. Eight. Geez I know some Tartarans who can't do that. How is she?"

"Very tired."

Pen laughed lightly, "I bet." She picked up her cup again, and waved it around, "so you gonna be in town awhile? You've still got a little gold left around your eyes."

"Oh. .it depends. Xena.. She'll probably be up and ready to go in a few hours. There's still plenty of travel time. We haven't really talked about where to go. I was, after all, the object of their search. Things are pretty open now. If they want to stay in town, see the sights, maybe take in one of Y'vetch's plays, I'll swing the cost and let them hang around."

Penho grinned, "First you can't wait to get rid of them, now you let them hang around."

Izzy smirked and took another swig from her mug, finishing the drink off, "Whatever. You know what I mean."

Pen set her cup down, "Melosa is trying to find her sister." Izzy raised her eyebrows, "You could do that for a bit, tour them through the levels visiting Amazon tribes. The gal's bound to be somewhere."

Izzy grinned, "Wouldn't happen to be you, would it?"

Penho looked startled then grinned, "Hell no. Boy, if it was, I'd admit in a heartbeat. That Melosa, She's tougher than my own sister. . .and better too. I'd take her down to fifth and have her beat up on Wetzel so fast. . "

Izzy laughed, "Gods, she may do that anyway. I guess I'll have to warn them about "Queen" Wetzel when we get down there."

"Ah, so. You're taking my advice?"

Izzy smiled lightly and started on her second mug. She waved the server over, "Seconds please." Her first plate was quietly, efficiently taken away, "Penho, when haven't I taken your advice?"

"Would you like me to start with the first year?"