She'd paused in her interview with a client to call JhaiNein and let her know that Luke was coming, well that was her intent at least, but the problem with making calls in the WestEnd is that you never knew what you were going to get.

"JhaiNein that you?"

"Hello?!"

"Hey, if yer gettin this I've got --- client on--way--- will be there in an hour and I think---great---drive---ass---- Private Investigator--- great --- Jin--- you'll--- him---THANKS!"

I took the time to read over the listing of others in the building, and wondered briefly what my astrological reading would be, when I didn't even know where in the hell I was. It wasn't Earth, nor Purgatory, but it was a damned oddity.

There was a Doctor's name listed as well, and I had only a few moments thought before I realized that it had to be a Shrink. Office set in a building like this, reminded me too much of the "Doctors" back home. I always called them Brain Pickers, and even though I didn't know this one, I wasn't planning on visiting him anytime soon.

I already know I have issues with my Father and Authority.

My Mother, died when I was young.

Yes, I have narcissistic tendencies at times.

No, I don't want your damn drugs.

I deal with my stress in...other ways.

So from my first impressions, this would be my new base of operations, and from here, I had to find a hovel to call my own.

Going Home, was the last thing on my mind.

The phone rang in his office, causing him to jump. The damn thing had been silent except for a couple of order confirmations for pizza delivery. He listened as the receptionist down stairs talked to him about a woman wishing to see him, and a smile grew across his lips.

"Shall I send her to your office?" She asked, and paused as if she was looking something over. "You did not leave a message that you were away."

"Sure, Jacknine, Hanein... I have no idea how to say your name, I am sorry. But send the woman up, I am sure that she's waited long enough." Luke said.

There was an excitement, possibility of a case, or nothing more than a solicitor. But still, he smoothed his trousers, and shirt. While waiting for the woman's arrival, and practicing his introduction.

"Hi, I'm Luke Boudreux, how can I help you?"

I couldn't help but to notice that mottled bruise on her delicate face. It looked the size of a fist...a man's fist. There are few things that rile me up in this world, and hurtin' a woman in that manner is one of those things.

Her hand was as soft as I imagined it, as I took it in a gentle shake. I didn't catch her name yet, and that look in her eyes said that gentle for her, was rare.

"How can I help you, Miss...?" I was going for a name so I could look her up after we discussed how to help her.

I made up my mind, if it was a spouse, or boyfriend that did that to her cheek, he was going to lock up in bad shape.

"Please, have a seat." I motioned for the chair in front of my desk as I walked around to my chair. Something new, and a first client. Things may be looking up.

The message had taken some deciphering but thankfully JhaiNein kept a ruthless system in check and the call was easily traceable.

The soft as molasses and just as warm tones of Dusky Beaumont would greet the caller on the other side, "Hello Misty, my name is Dusky Beaumont and I am Dr. Shilo's personal assistant. He would be delighted to keep his appointed date with you and looks forward to your planned activities. I have informed him of your call and have submitted several available dates to him for his approval. I shall contact you immediately upon his decision.

Thank you. And please, have a beautiful day."

The message arrived shortly before dawn, seeming to appear in a stack of mail that was to be opened.

It was written on heavy, dark blue paper with silver ink:

"Fiora,

I am in need of a realtor and since you are part of the RHL I figured I would ask you first.

I'm looking for a home, either in the WestEnd or New Haven, it can be a townhouse or a stand alone house. We prefer older buildings that are connected to the old tunnel system (I have enclosed a map for you), there must be a library, music room, ball room, a large kitchen (Or a floorplan that can be modified to create a large kitchen), and a large bedroom on an upper floor. We would like a garden and large yard with a high fence and a gate as we like our privacy.

While we don't wish to purchase a condemned property we are aware that we will have to make modifications to any house we purchase so it does not need to be in perfect condition. We're looking at the bones of the house rather than the dress.

If you could find something I would be very grateful.

Please feel free to ask any questions you have, if I am unable to answer them Lucien Mallorek should be consulted.

Thank you,

Kate"



Fiora's cerulean eyes could go very very wide when she was excited. Staring first from the letter to the map and then back to the letter and finally emitting a shriek: "TUNNELS! THERE ARE TUNNELS!"



And that is how Fiora Shantalaine came to know about the Underground Secret Tunnels of Rhy'Din. (Be Afraid. Be Very Very Afraid).

Ooooh! Excitement was a bubbling brew of chipper effervescence as the realtor fairly hopped out of her seat. Public offices for a ranch! It opened up a whole realm of possibilities she hadn't thought about beforehand.

She put pen to paper and wrote back in her looping scrawl:

Dear Mr. Duncan,

I would be delighted to offer any assistance ye might be needing. I've got office suites available at the Plaza de Troyes of course but am also willing to show ye somethin a little more private if ye'd like that instead. I'd love to meet with ye over coffee and/or sandwiches. Please feel free to stop by the Plaza any time or call my secretary, Paige Lovelace, to set up a lunch business date.

Thank ye kindly,

Fiora Shantalaine.
Rhy'Din's Realtor
Plaza de Troyes

It was with great excitement that Jake stopped by Fiora's office on Thursday morning. It only pleased him more to see that Katt had on his behalf in fact delivered the assortment of turnovers for the office staff.

Waiting until he saw Fiora, he offered her the plain manilla envelope.

"I decided on the place near DeMuer. I took Mira by to see it last evening and...." He nodded. "We would like to make an offer."

Jake smiled brightly and offered Fiora a busniess card. "If there are any problems you can give me a call."

When the morning mail was delivered to Fiora Shantalaine?s office among it was a parchment scroll secured with the ConColor sea,l an amber oval with an emerald strip going down the center, when the seal was removed and the scroll opened a message to Fiora was revealed.

To Miss Fiora Shantalaine

I would like to meet with you to discuss renting space in the plaza. Please contact me with a date and time that is convenient.

Ander ConColor

Upon receiving her reply Ander quickly grabbed a scroll and penned a response.

To Miss Fiora Shantalaine

The space I?d need will be for a caf?, its attached kitchen and nearby office for the caf? and my other two business? the caf? I?m proposing will be a place occupants of the plaza can get a quick breakfast either on their way out of or into the plaza, and also a nearby place for personal or business lunches, the food will be a mixture of local and NuTerrain dishes. As for our meeting it would my pleasure to host it at ConColor Wednesday at noon.

Yours Ander ConColor

Finishing Ander rolled the scroll tight enough to place it into an ember scroll ring and sent it to be delivered.

rewriting story line

For their meeting, Ander had chosen to wear the closest thing he had to a suit, and was glad it still fit him (as he disliked wearing it and only wore it when he had to) in the AmTamir style barely pleated mahogany pants over leather moccasin boots of the same color but a slightly darker shade, an ember colored barely flared long sleeve shirt under an emerald green vest, his hair pulled back and held in place by an ember hair ring Under his right arm he carried several scrolls, drawing and business plans for ConColor on the Plaza, and business records from Magical Delights and ConColor to prove that he knew how to operate a successful business

Following the direction that had been given to him at the front desk Ander made his way to Fiora?s office, trying to calm himself taking several deep breaths as he went. Even though Ander appeared calm and collective on the outside there was more than a little nervousness on the inside, even though he has interacted with Fiora in the past, it had always been socially, this time it was business.

When he reached what he believed to be the correct door he knocked twice and waited for a reply.

She was busily chatting away on the phone as she let Ander in. A quick sweep of the door revealing the dapper dressed gentleman to her enthusiastically cheerful wave. She simultaneously welcomed him inside her spacious and well appointed office and gave him the I'll-be-right-with-you look.

"Oh Jon, I've got the perfect place for ye! Great security and ye'll actually be able to keep yer fancy car nearby if ye like. It's beautiful and stately and perfect for ye. In fact it was where I first thought ye'd fit but then ye settled on the Gardens and I can't argue about that because the Gardens are super spectacularly unique. Oh speakin of, does this mean ye're movin out?" Before he could answer the possibly awkward question she was full speed ahead answering it for him, "Oh I bet ye need TWO Places what with bein a big movie superstar!"

The idea of multiple homes just tickled her something fierce and she floated about the office on a lithe little spinning dance to demonstrate her exuberance. Pausing in her ushering of Ander to the couch to perform it.

"I'd love to meet ye at Luks Condos this afternoon if ye got a minute dodgin the paparazzi. I just bet ye have to wear sunglasses at night now!"

Yup. Cue Song.
Just a few bars thankfully.

And as she came to a quivering stop at the beverage bar in her office she arched a look at Ander as to inquire about which drink he preferred. Finally giving Jonathan a moment to get a word in.

In response to her inquiry Ander replied in just a whisper, loud enough for her to hear and understand him but low enough as not to interrupt her conversation, ?Thank you strong coffee if you have it, or just water if you don?t.?

As he waited for her, Ander separated the scrolls he was carrying, putting the facts and figure ones to one side on the couch beside him placing two on the coffee table in front of him, he unrolled them he gently passing his hand over the drawings and smiled thinking to himself

?Soon the dream that is represented by these drawing could be a reality?,

Then weighting down the corners with small but heavy crystal clusters he waited for Fiora to finish her phone conversation. As he mentally reviewed the points of his presentation to Fiora

One had conception drawings of the front * and inside of the proposed space he would need** the other scroll a set of detailed floor plans showing the caf? its attached kitchen and the detached offices space***

*an arch that serves as an entrance, took up the center third of the front wall and came perhaps a foot below the ceiling the words ConColor on the Plaza across the top in loose script, the rest of the wall is a naturally decorated aquarium housing large fish with the general shape of butterfly koi.

**the majority of the floor space is taken up by a checkerboard pattern of tables and four chairs but not your average tables or chairs for none had any legs or other means of solid support, the chairs have thick cushions before each chair on the table is a formal place setting and a centerpieces on each table is an orchid in full bloom potted in an orchid box. Along the back wall were several curtained booths Another drawing shows in the center of the room a water feature almost reaching the ceiling, water cascading down from the top of a rock cluster, passing through several various size natural ?bowls? as it traveled to a surrounding pond at the base, with water orchid growing in its multiple levels

***in a roughly 50 by 50 foot square the right 30x 50 space being the caf? the left front 20 x20 foot space being the office and the left back 20 x30 foot space being the cafes kitchen and storage

?Yes lets,? Ander replied an almost smile on his face, taking the coffee from her outstretched hand, the hot coffee nearly spilling over from the cup as her hands went into non-contact clapping ?And please call me Ander. If it is possible could the front of the caf? open into a central location perhaps the main lobby of the plaza? First would I be buying the space or renting it and if renting would the rent be a set amount or a percentage of what was taken in. Before you answer let me show you what you?ll be getting,?

Taking a drink of coffee and setting down the cup before pointing to the drawing of the exterior of the caf?, as he explained ?As you can see most of the front wall is an aquarium, constructed of unbreakable crystal and there is a large water feature in the center of the eating area, the rocks will be hollow to keep weight down and hide any needed pumps filters and tubing. Both of which I will take responsibility for the care and maintenance of. I have my own construction crew who can install both of them as well as wall coverings and installation of the kitchen appliances.
All deliveries both before and after opening will be made by secured portal, so as not to disrupt normal business activities of the plaza, to which you or your representative will have access? A look of questioning hope crossing his face, ?That is, if there is no problem with me sitting up portals in the office and kitchen areas??

Then pointing to the drawing of the interior ?The interior will be decorated similarly to the eating level of ConColor?s in the Market Place but with slightly less formal place setting and dinning ware, as you can see the majority of the tables are in the open area but along the back wall are curtained booths for when more privacy is wanted or needed, the curtains are made of crystal fibers that from the inside of the booth are transparent but from the outside appear to be silk,?

Another drink of his coffee and Ander continued, ?As I said in my letter whereas ConColor nightclub in the market place is geared to dinner and beyond ConColor on the plaza will serve breakfast and lunch as well as what I call nibbles if you like I have a scroll with the menus of each, he paused before adding with a slightly larger smile, ?And I can tell you that acorn tarts are definitely there.

Ander then took a drink of his coffee and waited for the information he had giving to settle in and then a response.

?Yes that will work.? He said a friendly smile on his face, leisurely taking a sip of his coffee, thinking to himself ?yes that would work very well it might even work into some catering events.?
He could see her poker face and being a business man himself understood its use and he hoped his was just as good, ?Certainly food could be sent to any office, not only sandwiches but salads, soups, even a light meal as well, almost anything from the lunch menu.?

A sip of coffee ?But I?m afraid only lunch could be delivered, breakfast would have to be either eaten at the caf? or picked up to go, and snacks what I call nibbles would be grab and go.?

Another sip of his coffee as he appeared to pondered the lease agreement period, getting a very thoughtful look on his face then replying ?yes Two years will be agreeable.? His face reverting to it friendliness

?As far as once a weekly feature from Bon Bon Boutique,? his cup again going to his lips before adding do you think that they might be interested in having a few items on our breakfast and nibbles menu as well as a weekly special?? A final sip before empting his cup ?Or perhaps even a treat exchange program??

Putting his empty cup on a clear section of table he lifted the corner weight and rolled up the scrolls putting them with the others, freeing the table for the papers Fiona was working on

A crate was delivered to Fiora?s office inside were a large number of highly polished wooden boxes inside each was what looked to be six inch x 1 inch clear raw crystals mounted on 6inch across circular bases of ember crystal trimmed in emerald and two scrolls one larger than the other, and the following message on a scroll on tom of them.

Please could you do me the following favor, as I do not know the residence of the plaza as well as you do could you please give one to everyone you believe would be interested in having deliveries.

When a box was open inside was what looked to be six inch x 1 inch clear raw crystals mounted on 6inch across circular bases of ember crystal trimmed in emerald and two scrolls one larger than the other, and the unrolled the smaller one was a lunch menu* for ConColor on the Plaza, and the larger the following explanation

Inside you will find a part of the food delivery system of ConColor on the Plaza the crystal and its base are multi-functional holding the crystal tightly for 30 seconds will allow it to read your bio-energy so that it can act as bacons for deliveries and a notice when they arrive.
To make an order touch the base wait for it to glow and say order for your name then give your order break contact with the base it will stop glowing when your order is recorded.

A lidded plate holding the requested items will be released from ConColor on the Plaza, taking the shortest route, silently traveling inches from the ceiling, so as not interfere with traffic in the communal areas, to the door outside the delivery location

Upon arrive the clear crystal will begin to blink inside the location to notify that the meal has arrived when someone open the door and puts their hands out to accept the delivery the plate will lower itself into their hands
After you are finished place the lid over the plate, and bring both back into the hall it will then rises to its traveling high and returns to ConColor on the plaza delivery door

{The following currency reference equivalency will only apply at Magical Delights, ConColor (in the Market Place) and ConColor at the Plaza

US currency========= RhyDin currency
$00.1===============copper disc
$00.5===============copper arch (quarter circle, 5disc)
$00.10==============copper half circle
$00.25==============copper circle
$00.50==============copper shield (fill in a circle and you have a shield)
$2.50===============1/2 bronze crown
$5.00===============bronze crown
$10.00==============1/2 silver crown
$20.00==============silver crown
$50.00==============1/2 gold crown
$100.00============= gold crown
$500.00=============1/2 jeweled crown
$1,000.00===========jeweled crown}

*PAYMENT FOR deliveries can be made one of two ways
1 pay as you go
2 pay a running tab at prearranged intervals

Lunch (served between 11am and 2pm local time)

Coffee= hot or iced regular, decaf, spiced --------------- ? a bronze crown
Tea= black, green, spiced, herbal------------------------- ? a bronze crown
Chai= plain, vanilla, spiced---------------------------------? a bronze crown
Spring water= -----------------------------------------------? a bronze crown
Soda= cola, ginger ale, root beer----------------------- 1/2 a bronze crown
Non-alcoholic wines------------------------------bronze crown and a half
Ales--------------------------------bronze crown
Fruit juices= Orange, apple, pomegranate, cranberry------? bronze crown
Salads= Fern fiddlehead salad; different shades of green and reddish bronze fiddleheads (with the salad is offered an assortment of sliced apples, pears, and nut shavings) ------------------------------- bronze crown
Lettuce leaf salad (with the salad is offered an assortment of sliced apples, pears, and nut shavings Shredded chicken or ham, crumbled bacon, whole grape tomato, thin sliced small portabella or cucumbers mushrooms) -------------------------------------------------- ---- bronze crown
Served with The house dressing on the side, joining of sweet dragon honey and tangy fruit vinegar

Seafood platter (steamed, fried) silverfin, shrimp, clams, mussels, and scallop---- ? silver crown
Vegetables= Choice of asparagus, carrots, corn, green beans, or green or yellow squash (boiled or grilled) ----------------------- copper shield each

Stuffed mushroom ; 2 Large mushroom cap (portabella like) stuffed high with fine slices of sweet peppers, onions, and black olives and topped with a drizzle of light ember wine sauce ----------------------------- bronze crown

Lunch rolls= =(app. 6in x 3in) a light roll like crust cut on a moderate diagonal to reveal an oval spiral of crust and filling (filling possibilities beef or Yameer steak cut thin, silverfin, chicken, roast beef)--------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------bronze crown
Silverfin chowder; white chowder base thick with curled slivers of silverfin tail and claw meat and thin sliced potatoes chopped onion celery sharp Cheddar cheese and an assortment of complementing herbs and spices-------------------------------------------- -----------------------------bronze crown



Crystain stew; a vegetable broth full of bite size pieces of a medley of in season vegetables with just a hint of ginger------------------- bronze crown

Beef stew; beef broth with bite size pieces of grilled lean beef thin sliced of carrots, potatoes, onions, peppers, tomatoes, portabella mushrooms, peas, with an assortment of complementing herbs and spices -------------------------------------------------- -----------------------------------bronze crown

Visiting treat--------------------------------------------- --------------- as priced

A Candied Commerce
Part 1

She arrived early that morning. On foot. Dressed rather snazzily for all that she was skipping along like a demented schoolgirl. Her expensive purse swinging alongside her thigh as she sang, "Up in his treetop all day long, hoppin and a boppin and a singin his song, what a silly little jaybird that rockin robin was..."

At the sight of the Plaza she took a moment to sigh in appreciation.: A beautiful edifice of state of the art techno mixed with magic arts, the building somehow managed to maintain some of the simplicity of design that spoke to the medieval influences of the area. Dancing up the steps toward the main doors she noted that she was the first to arrive. She paused to remove her key, a shimmering marvel of magitek that hummed a pretty tone of recognition.

Fiora remained oblivious to the motorcycle that sat in front of the Plaza and the rider leaned against the wall. For every bit of snazz Fiora had, Candy Hart was the opposite. Firstly, she was covered in dried mud. From choppy hair, black shirt, jeans and down to her boots. Her leather jacket had been spared the treatment, draped over her messenger bag that sat at her feet. Ash flicked to the ground from her cigarette as she spoke up, "You the realtor?"

Naivete or a refusal to let the world tarnish her innocence, had Fiora spinning about to greet the stranger with not a hint of bother at being called out by a perfect stranger on the street corner in the barely risen light of the dawn. Dimples flashed, her smile gamine and encouraging as she spun about and chimed, "I am! That's me! Fiora Shantalaine, Making your Realty Dreams a Reality!" Yup, she was as bubbly as a puppy and as frenetic as a toddler on pixie sticks.

Fiora noticed the mild grimace that came her way and watched as a hand lifted to run through the muddy strands of hair, "Good. Cause I'm lookin for a place... " Killing the smoke on the heel of her boot, she bent over to pick up her jacket and bag.

"I can totally help with that." No hesitation at the mud or the smokes, or the attitude. In fact, she might as well be greeting a sprite for all of her good cheer. "What kinda place did ye have in mind? Ye'll need somewhere to keep yer bike obviously, and ye'll probably want somethin closer to town, ye don't strike me as the rustic type? Unless that's what yer after, cuz I've got the cutest little cottage in the Southern Glen that just came available after the gal who owned it ran off with a unicorn." The doors had parted to admit them into the marbled glorious foyer of the Plaza de Troyes. The balcony mezzanine high above their head, hosting the offices of the plazamates. The outrageous desk that operated at the center was unmanned presently, though the newly created ConColor Cafe was starting to bustle just through the doors on the right. Two double doors behind the desk led to the Ballroom, while yet another barely noticeable slender door led down to the vault. But it was to the elevator banks between the sweeping staircases that she led Candy if she were willing.

"Privacy. Security." Candy's eyes trailed over the interior of the building, taking note of the layout and other businesses. She followed behind Fiora at a comfortable distance, the woman looked and acted like she might be the touchy type. "I'd like to limit the paperwork involved." Something in her tone made it seem like what she was really asking for was to be a ghost as far as records were concerned. "is that an issue?" Stopping by the elevators, her eyes focused behind them.

The dialogue had frozen Fiora momentarily as she considered that. No one had ever asked such a thing and she was rather proud of her bureaucratic sense of record keeping. It kind of kept her flighty sense of personality well-grounded. The elevator sang its arrival in a pretty charming little tone and seemed to reanimate her. Cerulean eyes swept over Candy in consideration as she stepped inside the Box on a Cable as she liked to call it. "No records." Considering-ly. "Are ye payin' for the place outright or would ye be considerin a payment plan, rental, lease kinda thing?"

"Out right. With cash." Candy replied and moved toward the elevator, her hand placed against the door to keep it from closing. She waited for Fiora's response before stepping in. No sense going up if she might not go any further than this.

A basket of scrolls, tied with ember and emerald ribbons, sat outside Fiora Shantalaine office with a larger scroll attached to a 6inch square box, on top of them when Fiora opened it, it read as followed

Could you please do me another favor, inside this baskets are invitations to a celebration I am hosting at the ConColor night club at the market place could you see to it that everyone who either works or lives at the plaza receives one. Inside you will find a little thank you for your time.

Thank You Ander ConColor

(inside the box was a single acorn tart and a freezing crystal to keep it cold)

When one of the smaller scrolls was open the message inside was.

You are invited to a night of 3 floors of the merriment of autumn at ConColor Nightclub in the Marketplace on October 29
Starting at 9pm (est.) and ending at midnight
There will be food, drinks, dancing, games, and contest
It will be a costume event and I ask that you please dress as autumn.

Your host for the evening, Ander and Veronica ConColor



see ConColor in the Marketplace for coming information(live play in the great hall)

Poor Paige didn't even get a chance to respond as Fiora was bebopping through the doors at that exact moment and trilled an excited, "CIAN!" And then she erupted into a series of hooting hollers best saved for hockey matches, "OOT-OOT! OOT-OOT! GRANGER!"

"It is so totally awesome to see ye!" And she was a hugger. Oh damn.

"Whaddya in for? Is it about the hockey team?" And she winced because with everything else she felt like she'd let the puck slide on that one....hahahahaha...she was giggling even as she had the punny thought. The whirlwind of emotions visible across her expressive face.

Paige barely had time to register the man's face, let alone his name, before Fiora came cheering out of her office. The woman had ears that rivaled elven if not better! A kind smile was offered to Cian.

"I do believe Ms. Shantalaine has time for you, Mr. Granger." Paige stated with amusement.

He was family, one she did not know of, but work was current and besides his hands were full. Such a statement couldn't be any truer when it came to Fiora and her hugs.

Since it seemed they were going to have their meeting in front of her desk she did her best not to listen in and straighten up her desk in order to look busy. "Can I get you anything to drink Mr. Granger? Ms. Shantalaine? And Ms. Shantalaine? I am not sure you seen but I think Mr. Ander left you a basket at your door." Hopefully Fiora didn't trip over that on her way out of her office.

Cian looked between the two women, whose exuberant enthusiasm was almost infectious, and smiled warmly. He couldn't remember when the last time was that he'd had a cup of hot cocoa. Probably the last time he'd visited home and spent some time with his sister, Gabriella. It had been a while, to say the least.

Cian turned to Fiora's receptionist, still having no idea they were at all related. Somewhat estranged from the family, he'd never been too close to most of them and had lost track of names and faces long ago. He extended a friendly hand to the girl and a smile to go along with it. He'd already introduced himself, but it seemed like the polite and proper thing to do, not that he knew much about manners.

"Nice to meet you, Miss Lovelace. I'm Cian. I play left wing for the Wargs."

Fiora did trip.

However it was not due to Ander's gift basket, which she'd stopped to scoop up and spin about excitedly to show off. No, it was the backpedal from there that found the 2 foot...rooster?

Flashy heels kicked high, skirts flounced, a startled squeak, and she was upended. Though a hint of the acrobat remained as she turned it into a roll and found her feet with a breathless laugh. "Whoa nelly! I found a cock in my office!"

Sweeping her russet curls back from her face she dropped to her knees to read about her prize:

To Whom It May Concern:

Our records indicate that your name was enrolled in our Color Your City raffle. Congratulations! You have won the following prize:

Found Item Mosaic Sculpture.

The item up for bid is described as a 'Found Item Mosaic Sculpture.' It is a rooster, approximately two feet tall, constructed of tile, glass and metal mosaic pieces over a foam, concrete and wire frame. This colorful, three-dimensional sculpture will make a whimsical addition to any garden. The one-of-a-kind piece comes with a certificate of authenticity, signed by the artist, Fionna Helston al-Amat.

Thank you for your support.
The RhyDin Post


"I won a cock!" She beamed in thrilled glee, dimples deep and blinding as she wrapped her arms about the thing and brandished it at Cian and Paige quite happily. "How auspicious is that?!"

Yes, she just dropped the word auspicious in the middle of her gleeful tirade. Up! She hopped and looked for the perfect place for her prized possession to maintain its position of honor.

"I'm gonna take it as a sign! I was hemming and hawing about entering into my own commercial property place but this is a SIGN people! A SIGN!"

She practically quivered with excitement: "How would ye like to be the first tenant of the CHATEAUS de TROYES!?"




...Of course it was near impossible for all of this racket not to carry down to the new arrival.

Cian seemed a little shell shocked at first by Fiora's exuberance, then there was the suggestion of hot cocoa, and the final straw was the rooster sculpture. "C*ckadoodle-do?" he remarked quietly, with a small smirk.

And then she was moving on to something else again, as changeable as Rhydin's weather. He could hardly keep up with her, and he was not exactly know for being laid back.

He arched a brow in reply. First tenant? "The Chateaus de Troyes? I've never heard of it. Is it part of the Plaza?"

Surprised to be addressed directly by one of the three who had seemed to be disappearing into the realtor's office - although not so surprised by the exclamation from inside the office, Mataya's warning having been quite thorough - Vicki looked up from her book into the smiling face of the young receptionist.

Rising to her feet, she stuffed the battered paperback into her pocket once again, offering Paige her hand by way of greeting. "Hello," she grinned, not even trying to hide her amusement at the overheard snatch of conversation from the psychiatrist and his patient as they passed by. "I'm Vicki Marshall, I was told that this is the best place to find a halfway decent flat to rent?"

She shrugged lightly, flicking copper hair over her shoulder and out of the way as she lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. "Is everything on offer as expensive as it looks?"

Cian watched Fiora quickly flit about her office, like a hummingbird, buzzing from one thing to another, never staying on one topic very long. He eyed the fireplace and the lime green flames wondering how she managed that, but nothing was impossible or out of the question in RhyDin.

He followed her to the couch, unzipping his black hoodie on which was emblazoned an emblem of the Wargs, as he lowered himself onto a chair.

A chateau sounded different. A place of his own that would afford him a little bit of luxury and privacy and wasn't too horribly expensive. Despite that, he frowned a little.

"I just have two questions..." Because the price of rent wasn't really an issue. "When can I see them and how soon can I move in?"

Paige knew her compatriots well, Fiora was just seconds from exclaiming "field trip!" and dragging Cian off to see the Chateaus.

She exclaimed in excitement over the delicious hot chocolate and settled down momentarily to lick a dollop of the cream from the top. The tip of her tongue hitting the heated liquid and stealing a squeak from her.

"Mmmmmm....." Heavenly rolled eyes and a contented sigh as she let the flavors dissolve.

"Oh well, if Cian doesn't mind we'll combine the two? Aye?" She asked in that way that people had that didn't really imply much in the way of an answer was needed. She was a bit of a steamroller, but a pleasant steamroller.

Still carrying the hot chocolate in her greedy little hands she poked her head out of her office to look over the mezzanine and at the patiently waiting Victoria Marshall. "We were just gettin' ready to pay a visit to my newest property. The Chateaus de Troyes! Want to join us?"

There was something about the way that she asked: A delighted air of pleasure and the promise of personally thrilling her with the agreement.

The mug of cocoa stood idle for a long moment, seemingly ignored, the light haze slithering from its delicious facade dwindling with the lengthening of time unnoticed. Finally the door opened and Euriya emerged, trusted blackberry secured in a right hand that fell to his side. A curious glance around presented obvious inquiry as to the reason for his interruption, though when his eyes found the cup sitting nearby he fully understood. Pushing his glasses higher up the bridge of his nose, he took the mug and brought it to his lips, pausing there to indulge in the delightful aroma.

"Thank you." He offered politely into the bustle of people at the far end of the hall, hoping to find the ears of the Plaza's gentle admin.

Ander's party had gone off smashingly well the previous evening and Fiora had looked cute as a button in her little pirate costume - Euriya had joined her in a similar outfit, satisfying her requirement of him to indulge in the festivities of All Hallow's eve. They'd gotten back to his condo late and stayed up even later, which made for a rather lethargic following day. Still, that hadn't deterred him from a thousand crunches to start off his morning, not to mention a round on the weight machine.

He intended to pay Tasha a visit later on that day, wanting to make sure she was handling the influx of spiritual activity this time of year presented without much trouble. He knew that there were certain aspects of her profession that were bothersome, and could almost guarantee that the last day of October was one of them. He also had to have a quick conversation with Lei, along with Rufus, about the proper conduct of dealing with people on Halloween. The last thing he wanted was the deadly Slayer extracting her form of justice on some unsuspecting mortal dressed like a nosferatu. While he was certain the astute combination of her and her Watcher could discern the difference between real and imitation, magic within Rhy'din cold make such a diagnosis rather murky.

The vibration of his phone caught his attention and he checked the crystalline light of the screen, a grin slowly forming.

Seemed the owner of Rhy'din's newest Hockey Franchise was about to sign his first player.

Over the rim of his glasses eyes inclined, catching sight of the flittering Realtor as she whipped about amongst the crowd.

Game time.

Fiora had had to think about that one for a little bit, as far as euphemisms went it was a good one.

She probably referred to it about a dozen times while leading Cian and Victoria around the grounds of the Chateaus. Still under construction quite a few of them were already completed and the designs were randomly differentiated based upon the structure of the land around them. Some built into the trees themselves, one tucked into a hillside, another on stilts and still others completely stand alone units. Most were easily accessible from paths from the Great Lodge, others required a more determined visitor to reach.

Jeeps were available at the Great Lodge for tenants and prospective clients to explore the land. Giving Cian and Victoria space to get acquainted with the place, Fiora left them in the capable hands of the Hobbit Staff. A visit with Fabian had sealed the security aspect and by the time she ventured back to the Lodge it looked like she had a definite in Cian, though she was rather surprised to discover he seemed quite interested in a tree house.

Questioning cerulean eyes took in Victoria as she sought her response, "So is this yer style or were ye thinkin' somethin' more urban?"

There was no denying it - the prospective Chateau De Troyes was a beautiful sight, ready to be further beautified by the residents as they came flooding in to snatch up the prepared homes on display. It was really Victoria's cup of tea, though, and frankly, the prospect of having little people running around and greeting her with that amount of cheerful nonchalance every morning was ever so slightly nauseating.

She smiled back at the merry realtor as she answered. "To be honest, I am looking for something a bit more urban," she confessed, fumbling her phone out of her pocket. "That little house we passed on the way up here, the one built over the stream? I don't suppose you have it on your books, but I took a picture as we passed anyway."

Scanning quickly through the pictures on her phone, she found the right one and showed it to Fiora. "Something like that would suit me down to the ground, if it's possible on my budget."

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/17/Bridge_House,_Ambleside_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1028521.jpg

Click of suede boots sung in the Plaza as the blond entered. Sweeping quickly to the front desk she called out. "Excuse me! Need an appointment with Fiora Shantalaine about renting out or buying an office here at the Plaza. Is she in?"