It should surprise no one to learn that Niers Astoragon did not cook his own meals. Oh, he dabbled on occasion, but generally he let other people take over that task. He was a busy man. Or rather, Fraerling man. And that was the point, wasn\u2019t it? Living among the tall folk meant that even cooking could be a challenge.<\/p>\n
Who wanted to have to risk needing a bath every time you cracked an egg? Let alone cooking<\/em> the darned thing and not wasting food or wrestling with a pan many times heavier than you were? You\u2019d need a dedicated team. And that wasn\u2019t even taking into account shopping!<\/em> No, cooking was out of the question. So Niers Astoragon did what anyone with a surplus of money and a deficit of time did.<\/p>\n He\u2019d hired a [Cook]. Or rather, a [Chef]. Or rather, a [Pictorial Chef de Entremetier]<\/em>, for this specific chef who prepared his breakfasts. As one of the leaders of the Forgotten Wing Company, Niers obviously had any number of [Chefs] he could call upon. But this particular [Chef] was amiable, willing to improvise despite his class, and cooked his dishes himself despite his senior rank and level.<\/p>\n In fact, he was first to bustle up towards Niers as the Fraerling strode down the Fraerling-ways into the dining room he shared with Foliana. The enthusiastic Garuda, who, in his youth, had picked the very ingredients he needed himself from Baleros\u2019 jungles, bowed as he took the serving platter which Niers hopped on and escorted him to the table.<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning, Lord Astoragon! You are the picture of health again!\u201d<\/p>\n The [Chef] beamed, the picture of good nature in the morning. Niers was not smiling. He looked irked<\/em>. His hair was also a mess, unusual for the Fraerling who paid attention to his own particular style. Still, Selentierre made no comment. The Garuda had been breakfast-chef for nearly two years now and he had learned to weather the moods of the rich and powerful long before that. He strode towards the apparently empty table already set with dishes, but no food.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd what is your preference today, Lord Astoragon? I can bring you your usual in moments\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSquirrel.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Garuda paused. He stared at Niers\u2019 expression, and then glanced around the room.<\/p>\n The dining room was actually attached to a small kitchen, so as to hasten any actual cooking for Niers and whatever guests he chose to bring in. There was a dumbwaiter attached as well, which ran down to the larger kitchens in the citadel in case more ingredients were needed.<\/p>\n Today, Selentierre was doing attendance with his apprentice, a [Sous Chef]. Which technically meant she outranked him, but only where classes were concerned. Her name was Mixasa; she was a Dullahan and poked her head out anxiously through the kitchen\u2019s entryway.<\/p>\n Squirrel?<\/em> To his credit, Selentierre only wavered a second. Then he bowed effusively as he set the tray down on the dining table. One did not gainsay the Titan of Baleros in any way.<\/p>\n \u201cWould that be, ah, braised? Or perhaps in a stew? Mixasa, go check the stocks and see if we have a common tree squirrel. If not, we may have to delay breakfast by, oh, fifteen minutes? I shall have a [Hunter]\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Niers ignored the [Chef]. He strode off the serving platter as Selentierre whisked it away and looked around, scowling. The dining table was empty. The plates were waiting to be filled\u2014and Selentierre could fill them within minutes even cooking from scratch\u2014and no one was there.<\/p>\n \u201cFoliana!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n No one at all. Except for the Squirrel-woman, of course, sitting in her chair, hunched over the table and poking holes in the delicate tablecloth with a fork. But even Niers Astoragon couldn\u2019t see Foliana, Three-Color Stalker and head of the Forgotten Wing Company. Even he needed a ring, or enchantment when the [Rogue] wanted to hide.<\/p>\n But he knew she was there. Niers\u2019 eyes narrowed as he focused on the pulled-out chair. He pointed at it.<\/p>\n \u201cFoliana! I know you\u2019re here! Stop hiding or I\u2019ll burn down your rooms!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n With effort, Selentierre and Mixasa focused on the chair. If they tried, really tried<\/em>, they could notice it was pulled out. And that, combined with their experience with Lady Foliana, told them she might be there. But they still jumped<\/em> when she reappeared.<\/p>\n Suddenly, Foliana was there. The Squirrel-woman, her bushy tail sticking out the open-ended back of the chair, her knees drawn up on the padded seat, looked up with fork in hand. Her fur was greying, the stripes of color running down her sides dark, her fur brown where it was not faded. Nondescript. Even now, she seemed unobtrusive, her clothes as unremarkable as she was despite her station.<\/p>\n But her eyes stood out. Three colors, not one, made up her irises. A clear, calm green. Dreamy and deep yellow, and piercing red-pink. They made up a single iris out of three parts. And they fixed on Niers as he strode towards her.<\/p>\n The Fraerling [Strategist], considered to be one of, if not the best in the world, stomped towards Foliana across the table. He pointed at her.<\/p>\n \u201cI know you have it! Give it back, you damn thief! This is the eighth<\/em> time! I have a class in thirty minutes!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo what?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t play games,<\/em> Foliana. Or I\u2019ll have Selentierre roast one of your ancestors and eat it in front of you!\u201d<\/p>\n Roast.<\/em> The Garuda [Chef] mouthed at his apprentice, and she hurried into the kitchen, already writing an order down. The threat didn\u2019t seem to faze Foliana. She poked another hole in the tablecloth.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd stop that! That\u2019s expensive!<\/em> Hand-sewn!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s my tablecloth. I own this company.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t pull that card on me, you nut-hoarding furball! It\u2019s a waste of\u2014dead gods! You\u2019ve poked hundreds of holes in it! We\u2019ll have to repair it before it\u2019s fit for use among company!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou and I eat here every day. I like it.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers pulled at his untidy hair. He gave up on the tablecloth, stomped on the lip of Foliana\u2019s teaspoon, and caught the handle as it flipped into the air. He threw<\/em> the huge spoon at her with commendable speed and accuracy. Foliana blocked it with her fork.<\/p>\n \u201cFood fight?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo! Give me back my comb!\u201d<\/p>\n From the kitchen, Selentierre mouthed an \u2018oh\u2019<\/em> at his apprentice. He hesitated, then signaled that squirrel was off<\/em> the menu. They hurried into the kitchen as the two leaders of one of the Four Great Companies of Baleros argued. In many respects, this was a typical breakfast. And this was Foliana\u2019s day. She\u2019d sat in the dining room after waking up. Niers had been the first person who\u2019d addressed her directly; of course, the staff had cautiously entered the room and asked if she was there.<\/p>\n They had a tendency to do that if they noticed ajar doors or pulled-out chairs. A fun fact about employment in the Forgotten Wing company was that those personally assigned to wait on Niers and Foliana, were screened for phobias and heart defects. They had to have sturdy nerves to deal with Foliana. Three previous members of staff had died of heart attacks.<\/p>\n Foliana had a habit of vanishing, and since she was an exceptionally high-level [Rogue], she could be invisible at will. She didn\u2019t appear around most people and she only appeared for people she liked, generally speaking. And even then, she was difficult. The Squirrel-woman watched as Niers stomped over her plate to stand right in front of her.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat if you lost it? Your comb.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers glared. He stared up at Foliana\u2019s blank, unreadable face.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s missing. I know exactly<\/em> where I put it yesterday and it\u2019s not there. Did you take my comb?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAre the Fraerling-ways full of rat poop still?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t evade the question, damn it! This isn\u2019t funny! You can\u2019t collect everything you want! Remember when you stole Peclir\u2019s seal? If you want something, ask<\/em>. We can make duplicates! Now, did you steal it or not?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou kept complaining about rat poo the other day. Is it on your boots? You\u2019re on my plate. That\u2019s\u2026mm. Unhygienic. Shame on you.\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana poked at Niers with her fork, inspecting his tiny boots. The Fraerling snarled and grabbed the tines of the fork as she pushed him off the plate. He was a lot stronger than he looked for his size, but Foliana was<\/em> eleven times his height and many times more his weight. He slid off the plate.<\/p>\n \u201cI cleared those damn rats out months back! And I\u2019ve had it cleaned much more often these days! The worst was a colony of black ants. We had to kick those damn things out of the Fraerling-ways. Happy?\u201d<\/p>\n Even ants were dangerous to Fraerlings. Some were only the size of dogs, or large rats, but others could be huge.<\/em> Foliana nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cMm. Yes. Maybe. But it\u2019s very nice.\u201d<\/p>\n She was talking about the comb this time. She tended to do that. Niers was used to it. He shoved the fork aside and glared up at her, pointing a tiny finger.<\/p>\n \u201cGive it back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGive. It. Back.<\/em> I don\u2019t have time for this! I\u2019ll buy you a new one!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBuy it for yourself. I like it.\u201d<\/p>\n So saying, Foliana produced a tiny<\/em> comb, wood and gold decorated with a Drathian ornamentation and made by a Fraerling artisan. It was so tiny that she had to hold it delicately between two furry fingers on her paw. Niers\u2019 eyes bulged.<\/p>\n \u201cGive it back!<\/em> You can\u2019t even use it!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Make me.\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana held it over his head, teasingly. The Titan made an unintelligible sound. From the kitchen as he slaved over a tiny<\/em> pan of food, Selentierre the Garuda winced.<\/p>\n \u201cChef Selentierre? What should we do about Lady Foliana?\u201d<\/p>\n Mixasa whispered at him as they listened to Niers swearing. The Garuda paused, adjusting his hat.<\/p>\n \u201cShe hasn\u2019t asked for a specific meal. So we\u2019ll go with Breakfast Course #8. I\u2019ll arrange the salad. You handle the saut\u00e9. I want it out in four minutes!\u201d<\/p>\n She nodded. The [Chefs] turned into a blur of motion. They were professionals, after all, and their Skills meant that they could put together a meal ten times as fast as other [Cooks]. Some [Chefs] took their time, but one of the reasons Selentierre had been hired was because he could do fancy and speed.<\/p>\n The hardest part was arranging a tiny plate meant for a Fraerling. The Garuda used delicate tines attached to claw-hooks to manipulate the food into place. A nice, filling breakfast of quail egg\u2014still far too large\u2014rendered into an omelette, a few artfully fried and added vegetables, and a tiny<\/em> bit of fresh bread, having literally just been baked. A Terandrian style today. Selentierre sighed, but carefully so as not to blow the tiny meal off the plate and put it on a platter. Then he turned his attention to Foliana\u2019s meal.<\/p>\n Outside, Niers was throwing silverware and Foliana was blocking them. She refused to give up the comb\u2014until Niers pointed one of his rings at her.<\/p>\n \u201cLast chance. Give me the comb or I\u2019ll singe your fur off.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll dodge. You\u2019ll damage the walls.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFoliana\u2014<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Squirrel-woman hesitated. She eyed the charging spell in Niers\u2019 ring and realized he was about to fire it at her. After a long pause, Foliana grudgingly placed the comb on the table. Three feet away from Niers. He stared at her and stomped over to it, swearing. He reached for the comb\u2014<\/p>\n Foliana snatched it. Niers swore. From his kitchen, Selentierre winced <\/em>as he heard something explode. He turned to Mixasa.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll finish the saut\u00e9. Tell the guards Lord Astoragon is\u2026discussing an issue with Lady Foliana.\u201d<\/p>\n Wide-eyed, the Dullahan grabbed her head and scurried out a side-door. Selentierre finished Foliana\u2019s breakfast, arranged it onto the platter, and hurried out of the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cBreakfast is served! Apologies for the delay!\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana and Niers looked up from a war that had set a corner of the table ablaze. Silently, they both returned to their places. Niers had a chair on the table. Foliana blew on the blue fire engulfing part of the table and seemed miffed when the fire didn\u2019t go out.<\/p>\n \u201cAh, Lord Astoragon, should I change the tables\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo need. It won\u2019t burn more than the wood and tablecloth where it\u2019s stuck to. The table\u2019s gone anyways.\u201d<\/p>\n Glumly, Niers watched the blue fire slowly eating away at the part of the table he\u2019d hit with his ring. Foliana silently passed him his comb. Niers stared at her. The [Rogue] nodded at him.<\/p>\n \u201cYour hair is awful. Mm. Disgraceful. You\u2019re a professor. Use my comb.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers twitched<\/em>. Selentierre hurriedly placed his breakfast down on the tiny dining table on top of the larger dining table.<\/p>\n \u201cYour breakfast, Lord Astoragon.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh, thank you, Selentierre. Although I would have eaten a squirrel. Today. Wonderfully arranged, as always.\u201d<\/p>\n The Fraerling smiled a bit as he combed his hair at last. Selentierre brightened; he was a master of presentation and few [Chefs] in the world could arrange food on a miniature scale. He\u2019d won an award in Fraerling-circles for that. Delighted, he swept across the table and bowed low.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd for you, Lady Foliana.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm. Thanks. Niers, give my comb back.\u201d<\/p>\n She held out a paw. Niers stared as she crooked a finger, demanding the comb back. He stared at Selentierre, resigned, as he threw the comb back and Foliana took it. The Garuda gave his employer a sympathetic nod as Niers picked up a fork and shook his head, sighing loudly. They were both used to her unique personality.<\/p>\n Foliana. What people forgot was that she was a [Rogue]. More than Three-Color Stalker, more than the leader of the Forgotten Wing Company and one of the most feared assassins in the world. Foliana was a [Rogue]. She hid, she stole things, and she had no sense of personal privacy.<\/p>\n \u201cI hate you so much. You\u2019ve cost me my morning\u2019s prep time. I have a full day, you know!\u201d<\/p>\n Niers addressed Foliana as he dug into his breakfast. He dined efficiently, savoring bites, but aware that time was running out before he had to get to classwork. And then the business of running one of the Four Great Companies. Even if you delegated, there was work to do. Well, if you were anyone but Foliana.<\/p>\n She was in charge, but she didn\u2019t manage the company. That was Niers\u2019 job. Foliana eyed her breakfast and poked at it with one paw. Selentierre, retreating to the kitchen, held his breath.<\/p>\n If Niers was hard to cook for on a technical level, Foliana was a nightmare. She had unique demands if she was on the job. If she wasn\u2019t\u2026<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s this?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBreakfast. You\u2019re not on contract. Which reminds me, I do have something for you. Here.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers growled and produced a huge piece of parchment from his bag of holding. He kicked it across the table and Foliana picked it up. It was only a small roll for her, with neat, small handwriting. She read it.<\/p>\n \u201cMm. I see. Mm.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI need it done today, Foliana. This one\u2019s serious.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSounds like an amateur.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAn amateur with a dangerous artifact. And they\u2019re \u2018apparently\u2019 from Magnolia Reinhart. I haven\u2019t figured out who he\u2019s really from, but it\u2019s definitely some idiot in Izril who wants to stir things up. Deal with it.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers and Selentierre watched as she read. Foliana sighed, but grudgingly nodded. Then she popped the parchment into her mouth and chewed it. Niers paused as he cut up his omelette. He took a tiny sliver of fried tomato and bit into it.<\/p>\n \u201cThat wasn\u2019t necessary.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI know.\u201d<\/p>\n They turned to food. For breakfast, Foliana had a lightly saut\u00e9ed plate of cashew-like nuts and a bowl of yoghurt filled with six types of fruit in miniature. To finish it, there was a small salad gently sprinkled with a piquant dressing that did what all salad dressing was supposed to do: make the salad not taste like leaves.<\/p>\n It was a fine repast in that sense, designed for a Squirrel Beastkin\u2019s diet. Of course, that was without mentioning the difference in the quality of [Chef] that the Forgotten Wing Company employed and lesser mortals of cuisine. And there was<\/em> a difference, oh my, yes.<\/p>\n For instance, each berry in the yoghurt Foliana had been served was at the peak of freshness and exploded with taste with each bite. After eating a pawful of nuts, she could feel energy surging through her while more banked itself away, leaving her with reserves to last her all day. And taste was only half of it. The presentation was exquisite, art in itself! The salad\u2019s arrangement\u2014<\/p>\n Foliana dumped the salad out of the bowl onto her plate, poured her yoghurt on top, and dropped the cashews on the rest of the mix. She looked at the mess of ruined cuisine, and stirred it together with one paw. Then she grabbed a pawful\u2014still forgoing utensils\u2014and took a huge bite.<\/p>\n There was a sob<\/em> from the kitchens. Niers stared as Foliana\u2019s cheeks bulged and she chewed. She took another huge bite, packing it into her mouth, and proceeded to chew throughout the rest of the meal. He finished his omelette. Foliana eventually swallowed and pushed her plate back. She was done with breakfast! It hadn\u2019t been an important meal. Not like\u2026a meal.<\/em><\/p>\n When Foliana nibbled on a snack or filched food, she did it for sustenance, or enjoyment. When she ate food\u2014when she ate<\/em> the same kind of food for days on end, Baleros took notice. Three-Color Stalker marked her prey by food. She would eat their favorite foods until the contract was finished.<\/p>\n Sometimes it could be a single meal, other times weeks or months of consuming the same variety of meals that her target enjoyed. Muffins, spaghetti, oysters\u2026but she did not insist on such specific diets often. This meal was just a meal and Foliana had gnoshed it.<\/p>\n \u201cYou know, Sir Selentierre was given an honorary title for his ability with cuisine. He\u2019s served the Forgotten Wing Company for nearly a decade and hosted some of our best events.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers stared at Foliana and the mess she\u2019d left on the plate. The Squirrel-woman shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cMm. I probably knew that.\u201d<\/p>\n The Fraerling looked towards the kitchen. Mixasa was back, comforting the heartbroken [Chef]. It wasn\u2019t exactly a unique scene.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you decided to destroy the arrangement he\u2019s so proud of why?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWanted to know if it would taste good all together.\u201d<\/p>\n The Fraerling waited for a moment.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd?\u201d<\/p>\n She smacked her lips.<\/p>\n \u201cMm.\u201d<\/p>\n It wasn\u2019t a yes or a no. After a while, Niers sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cSelentierre? Foliana needs a jam biscuit. Izrilian-style. Foliana, what kind of jam?\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana looked up. The gentle sobbing from the kitchen stopped. And the atmosphere in the room sharpened just a hair. Slowly, the absent look in the Squirrel-woman\u2019s eyes turned to one of concentration. She frowned. And then she looked towards the kitchen.<\/p>\n \u201cBlackberry.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will have it to you directly, Lady Foliana.\u201d<\/p>\n The Garuda sniffed<\/em>. And indeed, by the time Niers had finished breakfast and cleaned his plate, Selentierre hurried out with two perfect jam biscuits. Just\u2026jam. On a biscuit. The Garuda nervously presented them to Foliana. Niers waited. Mixasa, her head poking out of the kitchen, turned it to stare.<\/p>\n Everyone watched as Foliana inspected the hot snacks. The jam was just below the point where it would sear the mouth, and the biscuits were fresh. This was a different meal. When it was consumed, it would matter.<\/p>\n But not just yet. After a moment, Foliana tucked them into her bag of holding. Selentierre relaxed and backed away, bowing. Niers sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cToday, Foliana. Now, I have to run. Do you mind?\u201d<\/p>\n Obligingly, Foliana picked him up and hopped out of her chair. She carried Niers over to the entrance to the Fraerling-ways and he marched up the ramp, disappearing into the small tunnels that led all over the citadel. Foliana watched him slam the tiny door, then turned. From the kitchen, Selentierre and Mixasa watched.<\/p>\n The Squirrel-woman vanished<\/em>. They hesitated, and stared around the room. They looked at the door, but Mixasa had forgotten to close it when she\u2019d gone outside. After a minute, Selentierre walked out of the kitchen and looked around the table. He tried to see if any of the dishes were moving. Gingerly, he reached for a fork and hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Foliana, will there be anything else?\u201d<\/p>\n He waited for a response. Warily, he motioned and Mixasa came out. They began to tidy the room; the table would have to be replaced, and the chairs. That wasn\u2019t their job, so the [Chefs] just collected the utensils and dishes. But every few seconds one would look up and call out warily.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Foliana, if you would like anything else. More biscuits? We can prepare them for lunch if you will be eating them all day.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLady Foliana, is that you there? I\u2019m picking up this fork\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026Lady Foliana?\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Foliana had left the dining room almost as soon as Niers had. Now, she descended through the citadel. Unnoticed. Few people in the world could catch Foliana when she wanted. Of course, that only went for them. Foliana\u2019s world was helpfully open.<\/p>\n She hopped around a pair of [Servants] who\u2019d been told they needed to replace the furniture in the dining room, walked past a pair of Selphid [Guards] on patrol, and shadowed Peclir Im as he walked down the corridor. When he got to the stairs, Foliana hopped down them, avoiding a Dullahan coming up with a replacement tablecloth.<\/p>\n No one noticed. And indeed, the only trouble Foliana had was navigating through the increasingly-busy citadel that housed the students coming to learn strategy, the servants, teachers, staff, members of the Forgotten Wing Company, and so on. Because no one stopped for her. No one tried to avoid her; they didn\u2019t know she was there. So the [Rogue] slipped from spot to spot, deftly avoiding people, watching them stop and greet each other. Listening. Watching.<\/p>\n She was a ghost. So much so that she could lean<\/em> on a shoulder and someone might not notice until she was gone. She could use an object and only someone with keen awareness would notice it was moving. It wasn\u2019t just [Invisibility]. It was why Foliana was so feared. If she ate your favorite food, she was coming for you. And you\u2019d never see her before she got you.<\/p>\n But she didn\u2019t kill that often. Indeed, Foliana\u2019s day looked more like this. After breakfast, she descended the citadel, following the students. She lined up as they did in front of a classroom, staring up at the big Minotaur, idly poking the Human [Lord] chatting to him. When the door opened, she followed them inside.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Wil Kallinad\u2019s back was itching<\/em> today for some reason. He kept scratching at it as he talked to Venaz, and then filed into the classroom where he and a large number of advanced students were reporting today.<\/p>\n Niers Astoragon\u2019s classes were always different and exciting. They were seldom easy<\/em>, but that was the point. You could get to Level 30 <\/em>just by taking his classes and learning from the master of strategy himself. That was why he was so popular. It wasn\u2019t as fast as fighting, but it was far safer. So [Lieutenants], [Generals], [Strategists], [Commanders], and any class that owed anything to the art of strategy came here to learn how to improve.<\/p>\n Today\u2019s was a joint lecture class. Which meant that the Titan\u2019s special [Strategist] class was combined with the officer classes and other classes. Wil sat down next to Venaz and Yerranola, sighing. He was not having a good day.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you have fleas or something?\u201d<\/p>\n Venaz grumbled warily. Wil shrugged as he scratched at his back.<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know! I feel like something\u2019s biting me, or tickling. You ever have that feeling?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n Yerranola looked at her classmates.<\/p>\n \u201cNope.\u201d<\/p>\n Venaz rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cPhantom feelings, Yerranola. You wouldn\u2019t know because you\u2019re a Selphid.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHey! My nerves are connected. This body\u2019s fresh.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Selphid poked her Human body. Wil and Venaz didn\u2019t look convinced. Yerranola folded her arms.<\/p>\n \u201cI can feel things. It\u2019s great! Although I do disconnect my nerves if I think there\u2019s something funky going on. So yeah, maybe you have poor nerves.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s just a feeling. It\u2019s gone now.\u201d<\/p>\n Wil sighed. Foliana stopped poking his back and watched with interest as Venaz edged sideways, closer to Kissilt.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you have fleas\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t have fleas. I don\u2019t have that much hair!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFleas can get everywhere. Kissilt, switch places with me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShut up, Venaz. I\u2019m having a bad day.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake raised his head, looking annoyed. He rummaged in his bag, growling.<\/p>\n \u201cAncestors\u2014my inkpot\u2019s gone! I swore I had it\u2014will one of you lend me yours?\u201d<\/p>\n Venaz checked his bag. Foliana sniffed the inkpot she\u2019d opened and tasted the ink. She paused, then corked it and put it back in Kissilt\u2019s bag.<\/p>\n \u201cI only have mine.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLet me use it then.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou\u2019ve been rude to me, Kissilt. I won\u2019t do you favors for unpleasantness in return. Amend your ways and we\u2019ll talk.\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake half-rose, furious, as the last students hurried into the room.<\/p>\n \u201cYou damn\u2014oh, wait. Here it is.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAlways in the last place you look, huh?\u201d<\/p>\n Yerranola grinned from the side. Kissilt glared at her. Foliana sat down on top of the desk next to Yerranola, watching.<\/p>\n Class was starting. And the students looked up as the Fraerling of the hour, Niers Astoragon, marched down towards his podium. His vexation of the morning was gone, and he smiled as some of the students called out greetings. The Titan, or perhaps the Professor in this room, nodded, and took a small wand out. He tapped it on the lectern and the room fell silent.<\/p>\n \u201cGood morning, class! Well, the summer is almost upon us and some of you will be heading home. But that sad day isn\u2019t upon us yet, and I have one last torment\u2014er, project for us to undertake! A [Strategist] learns from variety after all!\u201d<\/p>\n A good-natured groan filled the room, but a lot of students sat up. They thrived on adversity, after all, and many would level if they did their homework right. A few were even [Students], having made learning their vocation. The rest simply wanted to advance in their class.<\/p>\n Foliana edged past Merrik and Peki, taking a feather as a souvenir. Alarmed, the [Martial Artist] whipped around, feeling at her back. She stared blankly at Foliana and the Squirrel-woman inspected the feather. She put it behind Merrik\u2019s ear. Peki, staring behind her, looked around, mystified, then saw Merrik\u2019s ear. She punched the Dwarf.<\/p>\n \u201cOne last project! No complaints! And Peki, stop punching Merrik!\u201d<\/p>\n Niers frowned slightly at Peki and the Dwarf. Merrik swore at Peki.<\/p>\n \u201cWhy\u2019d you do that, you bird-brain!? What<\/em> feather? I don\u2019t know how it got there\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA project or a competition<\/em>, Professor?\u201d<\/p>\n Marian raised her hand from her seat next to Umina and Feshi. Niers laughed, but he absently twisted a ring on his finger. Few people could have seen the motion as Foliana edged past them, peering at Kesla\u2019s notes as the Centauress absently doodled in the side margins. Niers paused, then turned to the Centauress and smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, everything is a competition, Marian. However, this particular one will be a small test. Only four days long! You will all form teams and write<\/em> up a plan of engagement for one of our practice battles. The trick is that none of you will be allowed to use Skills or even witness the battle. We will assemble two, or even three or four practice armies on the field and have our Selphid-volunteers happily hack each other to bits following your directives! When it is over, we will have each team evaluated on the number of opponents \u2018killed\u2019, surviving forces, and efficacy of their orders! We\u2019ll do\u2014three battles for each team, and you\u2019ll be allowed to prepare three sets of orders and choose one for each scenario.\u201d<\/p>\n The students sat up, murmuring. That did<\/em> sound interesting. Foliana hopped down a row and listened as Marian whispered to Umina and Feshi.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s like when the Professor sends orders to a [Commander] on the field.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe can prepare three different battles? So each one will be different. And our opponents will select their best strategy to deal with us. Like sword-scroll-catapult.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean, knife-rock-paper, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n Feshi blinked at Umina. The Lizardgirl hesitated.<\/p>\n \u201cIs that what Gnolls call it? Sort of! Except that we\u2019ll be preparing each strategy, so there\u2019s a lot more variety.\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana saw Feshi and Marian nod. The Squirrel-woman peered at Umina\u2019s side. There was something magical about her belt<\/em>. Foliana vaguely recognized it. The Lizardgirl hadn\u2019t owned it last week. Foliana vaguely remembered something about a prize that Umina had won. She inspected the belt, nudging Umina over in her seat. The Lizardgirl realized she was about to fall over and corrected herself. Foliana had seen what she wanted, though.<\/p>\n Belt of Acrobats.<\/em> Umina seemed nimbler on her feet. She\u2019d even been turning cartwheels this morning. Feshi looked enviously at Umina as the Lizardgirl adjusted her belt; it had come a bit loose for some reason.<\/p>\n Merrik was speaking now, rubbing his jaw and glaring at Peki.<\/p>\n \u201cProfessor! Can we give items to our army? Do we know what we\u2019ll get?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAbsolutely no aiding your armies! But I will let you customize your practice armies. Not the terrain or other variables! Remember our point-buy system for the practice-battles? We\u2019re using that. Let\u2019s call it twelve thousand points per team! Now, with that said, you\u2019re not choosing teams. I\u2019ll select them and you\u2019re all working together! Together<\/em>, meaning that no one\u2019s taking charge and doing all the work, Venaz, Kissilt.<\/em> And no one\u2019s slacking off! I\u2019ll just fail teams outright if I hear of that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy does he always single us out?\u201d<\/p>\n Kissilt grumbled. Venaz nodded. Wil and Yerranola rolled their eyes and Cameral turned his head all the way around to stare incredulously at the Drake and Minotaur. From his podium, Niers waited as the buzz of anticipation grew louder. Foliana was searching through Feshi\u2019s bag. She\u2019d found a snack and began nibbling some grapes.<\/p>\n \u201cNow\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Niers kicked a small bell on the podium, and the ding<\/em> of noise made all his students look up. The Titan smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cTake note. Here are my teams. Sillk! You, Peki, and Yerranola will be our first group.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Professor!\u201d<\/p>\n A Lizardboy, still too young to be fully grown, sat up in his seat. He looked across the room, and his face fell as Peki stared at him. Yerranola groaned, but good-naturedly.<\/p>\n \u201cAw. I wanted to team up with Wil! Peki? Well, she\u2019s cool.\u201d<\/p>\n She waved at the Garuda. Niers went on.<\/p>\n \u201cSillk, Peki, Yerranola. I know, you\u2019ve been assigned to this team before, but no complaints! This is about advanced teamwork, not managing personalities. I also want Kissilt as our resident Drake to partner with\u2026yes, Illial. And Leondir; two Humans in one team, but different continents. And\u2014put Laiz in your team as well.\u201d<\/p>\n Yerranola blinked. Venaz opened his mouth, but Wil and Kissilt both nudged him. The Drake growled.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be an ass, Venaz. And don\u2019t interrupt or we\u2019ll waste time! Ancestors, I\u2019m stuck with two Humans?\u201d<\/p>\n Wil was writing down the names, frowning up at Sillk. Venaz growled back, distractedly looking at Wil.<\/p>\n \u201cIf he\u2019s wrong, he\u2019s wrong. Wil, why are you writing names down?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTactical advantage. We\u2019re competing, remember?\u201d<\/p>\n The Drake and Minotaur paused, then scrambled for their quills. Kissilt muttered as he frantically wrote down the teams Niers was listing out. He hissed sideways.<\/p>\n \u201cGood point. Damn. Yerranola, you\u2019re in trouble. You have two [Commanders].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBetter than two junior [Tacticians] and a [Strategist]! Peki and Sillk actually know their way around a battlefield! You think your written orders will translate into a victory?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHah! Want to put money on it?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will. I\u2019ll win.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t even know your team, Venaz!\u201d<\/p>\n Behind him, Foliana nodded and stuck a grape on the end of Venaz\u2019s left horn. The Minotaur snorted.<\/p>\n \u201cI know we\u2019ll win.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAttention! Stop chattering up there!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Niers roared. The students jumped. Foliana wandered off, investigating Kissilt\u2019s bags next. The Drake raised one claw.<\/p>\n \u201cProfessor, why is one team made up of four students and one made up of three? Isn\u2019t that unfair?\u201d<\/p>\n Niers sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course, Kissilt! I\u2019m not making up the teams to be fair. <\/em>Take notes of your opponents, students! This is a game about triumph by any means necessary. It\u2019s not meant to be fair. Everything goes. Romin, Umina, you two partner up with Nishelt. Two officers and one [Strategist] sounds balanced. But for our fourth team\u2014how about we create an unfair advantage?\u201d<\/p>\n In her seat, Umina looked up sharply. She glanced at Marian and nudged her. The Centauress blinked as Umina showed her something. Romin, three rows up, was smiling good-naturedly.<\/p>\n \u201cLooks like we get the practice-battle champion on our team. Tough luck, you all!\u201d<\/p>\n Merrik paused as he stared down at his notes. Slowly, he nudged Peki and underlined something. She blinked down at his papers.<\/p>\n \u201cAw, Professor!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Some of the students were calling out. At their seats, Wil, Venaz, and Yerranola were intent, staring down at Niers. The Minotaur\u2019s eyes flicked to his two friends, and then to Kissilt\u2014the Drake was still grumbling about Humans. Yerranola nodded and Wil kicked Venaz once under the table. The Minotaur kicked him back. Not hard. Wil repeated the process with Yerranola.<\/p>\n \u201cUnfair is fair! And we\u2019ll even change the points-buy system. Team four will have fifteen thousand<\/em> points! And they\u2019ll be made up of five members! Stop screaming at me! Now, who shall they be made up of? Let\u2019s try\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Niers looked amused as he waved his arms. He looked around, and his eyes narrowed.<\/p>\n \u201cHm. Angelica from Terandria, Lishelle of Chandrar\u2014I want no infighting, you two! Miss Angelica, your stated issues with other species do not carry you far here.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Professor\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The young [Princess] from Terandria turned pale. She was new to the academy, having come too late in spring to be a regular student. Instead, she was slated for a summer course of personal instruction to catch her up to the fall classes. She might have protested more, but she bit her lip on the reply. Niers looked at her sternly.<\/p>\n \u201cI will brook no objections, Princess Angelica. Now, since your team is full of two first-year students, how about a senior student? Alvaik, you are a second-year student, but your [Mage] classes provide interesting synergy. But we want this to be an unfairly advantaged team! So let\u2019s make them a team of five<\/em>. Who should I add? Who indeed\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Marian looked down at her friends. Feshi was writing on a scroll, her quill urgently flicking down the parchment as she sniffed a few times. Foliana was across the room, but she turned her head at the flare of magic. She chewed on another grape. Marian hesitated, then raised her hand.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat about Reniz and I, Professor?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cExcellent suggestion, Marian. I\u2019ll allow it.\u201d<\/p>\n The Titan smiled at her and Marian smiled back tightly. One student, a Dullahan sitting next to Cameral, couldn\u2019t bear it any longer. She raised her head and hand in protest.<\/p>\n \u201cProfessor, I must object. Two advanced students and<\/em> three juniors and a three-thousand point buy lead? How are the other teams supposed to compete?\u201d<\/p>\n Niers pointed at her, smiling cheerfully.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s the exact question [Strategists] must be asking themselves when they face the King of Destruction, Elicia. And the answer is: you have to be better, luckier, or more cunning. We\u2019re here to level, not to be balanced! So why don\u2019t we give your team eight thousand points and four members?\u201d<\/p>\n The Dullahan girl paled as some of the other students looked sympathetic or laughed. Venaz stood up abruptly.<\/p>\n \u201cProfessor, please excuse me. I have to use the restroom.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIf you want to, Venaz. Now, for Elicia\u2019s team\u2014Feshi first, then Lellint. From Professor Perorn\u2019s class, why not? Then Elicia and\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Niers waved a hand absently. Venaz got up, and Foliana followed him down the rows as he walked down the amphitheater towards the door. She was nearing the door, looking at Venaz\u2019s tense back and preparing to poke,<\/em> when Niers called out. He pointed at Venaz and raised his voice.<\/p>\n \u201cAlright, that\u2019s enough. Venaz, back to your seat.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cProfessor?\u201d<\/p>\n The Minotaur turned. The rest of the class glanced up. Wil, Marian, Yerranola, and Umina tensed, as did half the officer classes. Feshi just looked up, saw Niers\u2019 smile, and groaned into her paws.<\/p>\n Niers Astoragon was smiling. As Foliana eyed Venaz and put another grape on his second horn, the Titan spoke.<\/p>\n \u201cVenaz, while I admire your straightforward approach, I would have left raising the alarm to a more covert classmate. Some points deducted since no one asks<\/em> to use the toilet.\u201d<\/p>\n The Minotaur\u2019s jaw dropped. He stared at Niers and relaxed suddenly. Wil sat back, exhaling hard. Kissilt looked blank.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat is he talking about? The Professor? Will? Yerranola?\u201d<\/p>\n The Selphid shook her head, pointing down as Niers went on.<\/p>\n \u201cPoints to Marian for adding to my warning! Points off<\/em> to Umina, sadly. And you too, Merrik! Our invisible spy could have been standing behind you. Unless you wrote the warning in code? And congratulations to Miss Feshi! An excellent<\/em> use of a [Message] scroll. But we\u2019ll need to cancel the alarm. One moment, class\u2014Foliana, stop putting grapes on Venaz\u2019 horns!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He roared at the Squirrel-woman. She looked up. Venaz jumped, leapt<\/em> backwards when she appeared, and felt at his horns with an oath. The class of students all jerked backwards as Foliana suddenly became visible. She stared up at Niers. He glared at her.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you have<\/em> to bother my class too? Give back Kissilt\u2019s lunch. And Feshi\u2019s grapes, and in the name of reason, stop stealing my students\u2019 inkpots!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana blinked up at Niers. She looked around at the room full of students staring wide-eyed at the infamous [Rogue] and grudgingly pulled out an inkpot. Kissilt, at his desk, swore as he realized his was missing again.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n It took Niers ten full minutes to return to the classroom. He had to step outside to quell the alarm Feshi had raised, and she had well and truly done so. Prompted by her [Message] spell, the entire citadel was now convinced there was an [Assassin] or other intruders in the Titan\u2019s classroom and converging on the spot.<\/p>\n And not with one or two [Guards] either. The Forgotten Wing Company did not<\/em> play games. Perorn herself was leading a squad of the company\u2019s elite Selphids down the corridor and Peclir Im was waiting on the other side with a group of [Mages]. They stared and cursed when Niers, carried by Venaz, informed them it was Foliana.<\/p>\n The Squirrel-woman was eating the rest of Feshi\u2019s grapes as Perorn, Niers and Peclir all converged around her. She didn\u2019t look concerned at the fuss. She stared at Venaz as the Minotaur eyed her, wide-eyed. He tried to return her stare, but after three minutes he had to blink and glance away. Niers was growling.<\/p>\n \u201cYou can\u2019t just bother my students all the time! First the comb, now this\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSo we may cancel the alarm, Lord Astoragon?\u201d<\/p>\n Peclir Im, the [Chamberlain] to the citadel, looked resigned. Perorn, also known as Perorn Sadiluc, Fleethoof, and one of the best [Strategists] in the company outside of Niers himself, was furious. She glared at both leaders of the company, but her ire was reserved for one of them alone.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Foliana\u2014no, Niers<\/em>. Why did you decide to make Lady Foliana\u2019s presence an issue? Much less call in a full alarm? There are dozens of alerts spreading at this moment! Peclir\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI will issue an immediate explanation. However, some of the officers may insist on personally ensuring the all-clear is not a ruse\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Why is it my fault? Foliana has been harassing my students all throughout my lesson\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Niers blinked as Perorn poked a finger at him. The Centauress bent and glared<\/em> at the Titan balanced on Venaz\u2019s palm.<\/p>\n \u201cYou knew full well that Lady Foliana would remain hidden. Instead, you decided to alarm your students and issue a full alert!\u201d<\/p>\n The Titan spluttered indignantly.<\/p>\n \u201cThat was Feshi! Which, let\u2019s be fair, was excellent work from her! I decided to turn Foliana into an exercise! And we can observe how fast our company reacts to alarms\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t make excuses! I don\u2019t care what silly issues you have with Lady Foliana. This is unacceptable, Niers.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe stole my comb! Which\u2014I grant you isn\u2019t proportional to this\u2014er\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Titan wore a rare look of chagrin as Perorn chewed him out for five minutes. Foliana had vanished again. Venaz kept feeling at his horns with his other hand warily and looking around. Both Perorn and Niers were watching Foliana, though, as she nibbled on some grapes in more or less the same spot. At last, Perorn turned to her.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Foliana.\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana appeared next to Perorn. The Squirrel-woman paused and waved slightly at the Centauress.<\/p>\n \u201cPerorn. Mm. Hello.\u201d<\/p>\n The Centauress smiled slightly. She inclined her head to Foliana.<\/p>\n \u201cI apologize on behalf of Lord Astoragon\u2019s behavior.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMe? But she\u2019s the one lurking around in my class!\u201d<\/p>\n Perorn shot Niers a look. Then she hesitated and turned to Foliana.<\/p>\n \u201cWhich she\u2019s done before now. Although\u2014Lady Foliana, may I request that our students study uninterrupted?\u201d<\/p>\n The Squirrel-woman hesitated. Foliana grudgingly nibbled on a grape.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe. How\u2019d they know I was there?\u201d<\/p>\n She blinked at Venaz. Niers rolled his eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cI alerted them, of course.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSecretly.\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana paused.<\/p>\n \u201cMakes sense. How?\u201d<\/p>\n Perorn sighed. She rubbed at her forehead and turned around.<\/p>\n \u201cEnough. I\u2019m going to reassure half our [Commanders] that we\u2019re not under attack. Lady Foliana, a good morning to you. Lord Astoragon.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n She trotted off. Niers glowered after Perorn. Foliana smiled and addressed Venaz, who was watching her warily.<\/p>\n \u201cShe likes me more than him. Mm. Grape?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo thank you, er, Lady Stalker.\u201d<\/p>\n The Minotaur bowed stiffly. He was very ill-at-ease around Foliana. Most people were. Niers sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, back inside. Let\u2019s explain what happened, shall we? Foliana, please don\u2019t vanish until after I finish my explanation. Then stay out of my classroom and you can keep the comb. Deal?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDeal.\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana followed Niers and Venaz back inside the classroom. The students stared at her with wide-eyes. And not like they looked at Niers. He was famous, but he was also a renowned figure, known, celebrated. But Foliana was the shadow of the Titan\u2019s legend. Few of them had seen her, even after years of staying at the academy.<\/p>\n And they knew what she did. Every eye focused on the grapes Foliana was holding. Niers sighed as he took his place on the lectern.<\/p>\n \u201cMy apologies, class! I had intended this only to be a short lesson, but it has become something of an incident. May I present Foliana of the Squirrel Beastkin tribes? Also known as Three-Color Stalker, our company\u2019s illustrious leader. She was indeed lurking around the classroom, hence our little exercise.\u201d<\/p>\n The students stared at Foliana. She waved absently. Feshi stood up, looking deeply embarrassed.<\/p>\n \u201cProfessor, I apologize for sending the [Message].\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot at all, Feshi. It was my fault for prompting the lesson.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers\u2019 cheeks were a bit flushed. He looked around and shook his head. Some of the students still didn\u2019t understand what was happening. Niers rapped the podium, cutting short the whispers.<\/p>\n \u201cI am certain some of my new students are confused at what just happened. Well, to be brief, I noticed Foliana\u2019s presence in my classroom and decided to covertly warn you all there was someone lurking amongst us. That was how they raised the alarm, Foliana. I began to use a code and some of my students figured it out. May I have a show of hands as to who picked up on the clues?\u201d<\/p>\n About half the class raised their hands obediently. Foliana blinked around. She turned transparent, then reappeared as Niers glared at her. She looked blankly at him.<\/p>\n \u201cMm. I don\u2019t get it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cIt was quite simple. I used a code as I assigned team names. And I referenced events that hadn\u2019t ever happened, like Miss Yerranola partnering with Peki and Sillk. And accused other students of transgressions, like Miss Angelica. I do apologize.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Princess] nodded, her eyes wide. Niers picked up his wand and began writing in the air, spelling out the four teams he\u2019d listed.<\/p>\n Sillk, Peki, and Yerranola.<\/em><\/p>\n Kissilt, Illial, Leondir, and Laiz.<\/em><\/p>\n Romin, Umina, and Nishelt.<\/em><\/p>\n Angelica, Lishelle, Alvaik, Reniz, and Marian.<\/em><\/p>\n Foliana watched, chewing the last grapes. She tiled her head, confused. The students in the lecture hall were nodding, and now the students who hadn\u2019t gotten the coded message were groaning. Kissilt covered his face.<\/p>\n \u201cAncestors. How\u2019d I miss\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana just scratched her side.<\/p>\n \u201cStill don\u2019t get it. Is it clever?\u201d<\/p>\n Niers sighed. He underlined the first letter of each name. It took Foliana another minute, then she blinked.<\/p>\n \u201cOh. \u2018Spy\u2019. \u2018Kill.\u2019 Mm. Good idea. Or bad. Smart [Assassins] would probably figure it out. Mm. Risky. Probably a stupid idea for the Titan of Baleros.\u201d<\/p>\n Niers paused and turned to her, an aggrieved look on his face. There was a strangled giggle<\/em> from the students. The Titan nearly threw his pointer at her head, but decided against. He turned to address the class, ignoring Foliana.<\/p>\n \u201cIf this was <\/em>an emergency, I\u2019d have just activated one of my warning spells. This exercise was to see how the class would react, knowing there was some kind of danger among us. And we did see a number of approaches, from trying to spread word, raising the alarm themselves, and trying to locate Foliana! Miss Feshi, I noticed you sniffing before you sent the [Message]. It was quite covert, but I take it you were unable to locate her?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes, Professor.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, that\u2019s quite common. When a high-level infiltrator threatens a command group, it can be exceptionally difficult to root them out. I\u2019d like to thank Foliana for her demonstration. And apologize for her interference. It will not happen again. I\u2019m sure she has work to do.<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Niers glared at Foliana. The Squirrel-woman shrugged. She disappeared and Niers turned with a sigh. He massaged his temples for a moment and then looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, let\u2019s continue. We might as well keep the teams for the assignment\u2014and yes, we will be doing exactly what I said, imbalanced teams and all. Let\u2019s sort out the rest of the teams, and then we\u2019ll go through some examples of how to thwart unseen attacks in this very scenario, including how to alert your comrades through less-obvious methods. As I\u2019ve taught you all, establishing code-phrases and a system of command is essential\u2026now, for team five. Thirteen thousand points. Venaz, team up with\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The classroom slowly returned back to normalcy. The students stared at where Foliana had been, but she never reappeared. They got out their notes, began listening again. But they still looked around, some, like the Gnolls, sniffing the air now and then.<\/p>\n Foliana watched as the students looked around furtively every few seconds, some going as far as to wave their arms behind them to make sure she wasn\u2019t standing there. But she hadn\u2019t really moved. She watched the class with interest, seeing Niers glance irritably at her from time to time. At last, she left the room and stood outside in the corridor.<\/p>\n \u201cMm.\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana made a soft noise as she reached into her bag of holding. She felt quite contented. Her bushy tail was raised as she sat on the ground, pulling out a small, now-cooled object and sniffing it a few times. She\u2019d enjoyed herself. She often did. But now, she studied the jam-coated biscuit in her paws. She sniffed it a few times, studied it, licked the sauce and smacked her lips. But this was a different sort of food. A different kind of experience.<\/p>\n Three-Color Stalker lifted the jam biscuit to her mouth. She paused for a moment.<\/p>\n Then Foliana ate the biscuit.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Later that day, three students left the academy. Umina, Feshi, and Marian were chatting about today\u2019s lessons. The appearance of Three-Color Stalker herself had been the exciting part; the rest had been preparing for the skirmishes in their teams, learning about how to counter invisible spies and the basics of creating casual code-phrases\u2014<\/p>\n \u201cEverything and anything is a weapon. You could prepare for hundreds of eventualities, yes? Do you really think the Professor has a way to communicate that he believes there is an invisible spy in the room in casual conversation?\u201d<\/p>\n Feshi was complaining and massaging her head as they walked down the streets of Elvallian. Marian shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cI believe it. But as he said, we don\u2019t need to go that far all the time. But I\u2019m definitely going to buy a ring or amulet that lets me see invisible people when I have enough coin. You should have gotten that instead of your Belt of Acrobats, Umina.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHah! I\u2019d rather be able to dodge arrows and an [Assassin] than see it all coming. And it looks beautiful, doesn\u2019t it?\u201d<\/p>\n Umina pointed at her new belt rather proudly. As the complete victor of the Titan\u2019s Games, she\u2019d been allowed to take an artifact as well from the armory, and after much thought she\u2019d taken this. She\u2019d been tempted to ask for an artifact just to see if the Titan would give it to her, but that was probably a good way to get her throat slit in the night.<\/p>\n Feshi and Marian both looked enviously at Umina\u2019s belt. It was indeed fine, and the Lizardgirl, who\u2019d never been exactly agile<\/em>, could now do backflips.<\/p>\n \u201cI would\u2019ve asked for a bow myself.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I\u2019m not a [Fighter], Marian.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe\u2019s a [Lover], yes? I always knew it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFeshi!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll [Strategist] grinned as Umina turned red under her scales. Marian and Feshi both laughed. They were walking down Ellavian\u2019s streets. The city was large, built up around the front of the citadel, one of Baleros\u2019 trading hubs. It was bustling, and the three students took in the sights as they chattered about the day\u2019s events. They paused by a parked wagon.<\/p>\n And Foliana. She was staring at an anthill, but she glanced up as the students stopped near her. They didn\u2019t notice the Beastkin as she crouched by the side of the street. They were chatting about classwork, but they paused to watch a little Centaur foal stumble past them, clutching at her mother\u2019s hand.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s adorable.\u201d<\/p>\n Umina watched the foal stare wide-eyed at them, then hurry to stay by her mother\u2019s side. Marian looked fond as well; Centaurs were extremely protective of their young.<\/p>\n \u201cHow old is she?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe might only be a week old.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cA week? <\/em>But she looks like a year, at least! She can walk, yes? And upright! Gnoll children, they prefer all fours for a long time!\u201d<\/p>\n Feshi looked astonished. Umina and Marian just shook their heads. Unlike Human babies, which were incapable of doing much, Centaur foals were capable of walking within an hour of being born. They were also far more capable than their Human counterparts, despite being half-Human.<\/p>\n \u201cCentaur babies\u2014foals, Feshi\u2014come out really developed. They can walk the same day as they\u2019re born. The same hour, right, Marian? And they learn to speak really fast. Some within eight months! It\u2019s got to be convenient not having to carry them around.\u201d<\/p>\n Umina nodded down the street. There was another baby, a Lizardfolk boy, squalling as his mother hurried past them. The Lizardboy was in a sling. Foliana looked up from the anthill she\u2019d been staring at and followed the little baby with her head. The piercing shriek made Umina wince. Marian just pursed her lips, nodding after the Centaur foal.<\/p>\n \u201cYou think it\u2019s fun, Umina? Try carrying one of them around in your stomach for twelve months or more! Centaurs have the longest<\/em> pregnancies in the world. Humans and Lizardfolk have it easy. Dullahans\u2026well, I honestly have no idea.\u201d<\/p>\n Umina seemed a bit indignant at the comparison.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not fair, Marian. We have shorter pregnancies, it\u2019s true, but then we lay eggs, and we take care of them. Which is inconvenient because then you\u2019re up all night with a rolling pin looking for rats and snakes! And insects! And\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The two friends began arguing as Feshi watched. Foliana drifted over, brushing ants out of her fur. The Gnoll growled, grinning with all her teeth.<\/p>\n \u201cNeither of you have ever been pregnant, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n Umina and Marian turned and shook their heads. Feshi shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cThen how would you know, yes? Besides, pregnancy is one thing, but newborns are worse. At least Centaur children learn to speak within the first year! My tribe\u2019s cubs, they made my life a misery when I was applying to come to the academy. They whine<\/em>, steal things, get under your paws\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLizardfolk babies do the same! All babies do that, Feshi.\u201d<\/p>\n Marian grimaced.<\/p>\n \u201cI hear Drake children are the worst. They go through hoarding phases, apparently. Steal everything in sight. Some never grow up. Imagine an army of little Kissilts\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cPerish the thought.\u201d<\/p>\n The three students laughed. Foliana smiled. She sat on Marian\u2019s back, listening to the students as they trotted further into the city. Marian didn\u2019t notice. Umina was grousing, having been brought up in a family of six.<\/p>\n \u201cHah! Lizardbabies bite<\/em>. They get mad, or scared, or hungry? They\u2019ll take a chunk out of your arm! They have sharp teeth!\u201d<\/p>\n Feshi was appalled.<\/p>\n \u201cThat sharp at birth? But how do you breastfeed?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe don\u2019t.<\/em> We\u2019re lizards, not Drakes! Which is a considerable relief, let me tell you. I don\u2019t know how you two\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Umina trailed off, eying Feshi and Marian. They stared right back. Foliana stared too. It was true. Umina wore clothes much like a Human did, but under her tunic, the strip of cloth tied around her chest was only there to make other species feel less uncomfortable. In fact, Umina was only too willing to take it off along with her top to prove the point to her friends. This provoked a fierce debate among the three.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m telling you two, it\u2019s unnatural. <\/em>Why do you produce\u2026milk<\/em> and give it to babies? And you have to deal with those things your entire life? Eugh! It\u2019s your bodies, but it must interfere so much with running, swimming\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n Umina shook her head. Feshi and Marian looked affronted.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s weirder not to have any, Umina. And isn\u2019t it a bit unfair for you to criticize us? I\u2019ve seen<\/em> other types of Lizardfolk. Nagas have breasts!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, but Nagas are more like\u2026Centaurs. They just have a tail instead of legs.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s not true!\u201d<\/p>\n Marian stamped a hoof. Foliana nodded absently and patted her shoulder. Marian blinked, turning her head, and then glared at Umina.<\/p>\n \u201cNagas aren\u2019t like Centaurs. Take that back.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey\u2019re sort of like Centaurs, yes? Both are fairly arrogant. And they are half-Human.\u201d<\/p>\n Feshi grinned. Marian gave her a side-eye.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re not half of anything. We\u2019re Centaurs!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd Nagas are different than regular Lizardfolk. Normal Lizardfolk are lizards.<\/em> We have cold blood. When we turn into Quexals, Gorgons, Medusae, Lamia, Nagas, and so on\u2014we take on different aspects. Some of us even gain warm blood! Imagine that!\u201d<\/p>\n Umina shuddered. Feshi and Marian exchanged glances. The Gnoll nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cSeems smart to me, yes? Lizardfolk would not live well on Izril, Umina. If the room is even slightly cold, you curl up and refuse to move out of a pile of blankets.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBecause it\u2019s cold.<\/em> We don\u2019t have fur! And we don\u2019t need to! Baleros is hot and it never snows. Well, except in the far north.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd that\u2019s why you don\u2019t see many Lizardfolk up there. Face it, Umina. It just makes sense to be warm-blooded like Feshi and me. Drakes, Humans, Centaurs, Minotaurs\u2014more species than not have warm blood. And breasts.\u201d<\/p>\n Marian nodded. Foliana nodded too. They were heading back to the apartments the three females lived in. Umina grumbled under her breath, her neck-frills inflating slightly with vexation.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s speciesist! Cold blood is fine! Besides, if we\u2019re talking about weird features\u2014I still don\u2019t get why Centaurs have fur on their horse-halves and not their upper half. How does that<\/em> make sense? Isn\u2019t it, like, the worst of both worlds?\u201d<\/p>\n This time, Feshi nodded. Marian looked affronted and drew up. Foliana stroked the fur on Marian\u2019s side, eying it.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s not! Centaurs have the best<\/em> of both worlds. We can gallop, and we have hands. We can wear clothing or survive in warm weather! And\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She yelped<\/em> as Foliana plucked a hair. Instantly, Marian swatted at the spot, and Foliana avoided her hand. Umina and Feshi looked back, startled.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat\u2019s the matter?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cFly. I think.\u201d<\/p>\n Marian scowled at the spot. Foliana inspected the hair she\u2019d yanked. She saw the young Gnoll woman look at Marian\u2019s back. Feshi began to sniff<\/em> the air. She paused and then walked over to Marian.<\/p>\n \u201cHold still, Marian. For a moment, please.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Is it a bug? If it is, swat it!\u201d<\/p>\n Marian looked alarmed. She nearly trotted around, turning her head, but then she held still. Feshi eyed Marian\u2019s back, looking straight through Foliana. The Squirrel-woman held still. Feshi slowly reached out\u2014and Foliana leaned back<\/em>. Feshi waved a paw, and Foliana rolled across Marian\u2019s back.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat are you doing? That tickles!\u201d<\/p>\n Marian giggled, then scowled at Feshi. The Gnoll blinked. She stared around, patting Marian\u2019s back, then she finally noticed the flattened fur near Marian\u2019s rear. She pointed at it to Umina. The Lizardgirl\u2019s eyes went wide.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Foliana?\u201d<\/p>\n The Squirrel-woman reappeared grudgingly. Feshi jumped<\/em>, her brown-eyes going wide with surprise. Marian yelped and immediately began to buck.<\/p>\n \u201cGet off! Get off!<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Her reaction was instinctual, but the Squirrel-woman held on, like a tick, easily riding Marian around. Umina was shouting.<\/p>\n \u201cMarian, stop! It\u2019s Lady Foliana! It\u2019s\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Marian caught herself and froze. She stared at Foliana with the other two students. The [Rogue] blinked up at her. Then she patted Marian\u2019s back.<\/p>\n \u201cSquirrels are born deaf and blind. Mm. It\u2019s not easy to take care of them. Probably. I\u2019d be a poor mother.\u201d<\/p>\n Umina, Marian, and Feshi exchanged a long glance. After a moment, Umina bowed.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Foliana, good day to you. Can we\u2014help you in any way?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm. No? I\u2019m just listening.\u201d<\/p>\n The Squirrel Beastkin idly swung her legs. Marian stared at Feshi, her eyes wide with nerves. She mouthed silently. She\u2019s on my back. <\/em>The Gnoll girl nodded. Marian spoke in a high-pitched voice.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Foliana, are you tired? If so, I can transport you wherever you wish to go.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. I want to be here. Babies are funny. I saw a foal once. It was lost. Mm. It grew up after a while.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh. Um. That\u2019s\u2014they do grow up.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n The Centauress paused. It was Feshi who broke the silence. She bared her teeth in a wary grin.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Stalker. Have we offended you in any way?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana was staring idly down the street. Pedestrians were staring at her. Marian hesitated. She looked at Umina and Feshi, but none of them could quite suggest the obvious. At last, Umina opened her mouth.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Foliana. Do you\u2014what do you want from us?\u201d<\/p>\n She flinched as the three-colored gaze found her. Foliana stared at Umina unblinking, and all three students held their breath. They were sure, intellectually, that they were safe. They were the students of Niers Astoragon!<\/p>\n Three-Color Stalker might be a mysterious person, but she wasn\u2019t some random killer. They knew that\u2014but they weren\u2019t sure.<\/em> If Foliana had been eating shrimp, Umina would have been running for the gates already.<\/p>\n Absently, Foliana spoke. She looked around blankly, and then pointed in the direction the foal and Lizardbaby had been.<\/p>\n \u201cBabies. Mm. Let\u2019s go find babies.\u201d<\/p>\n The students stared at her. Umina\u2019s jaw worked.<\/p>\n \u201cYou mean\u2014find some babies, Lady Foliana? We\u2014we can do that.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYes. Let\u2019s go. Find babies.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWe can do that. I know a mother down Spicesel Street that\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Marian babbled, turning around. But then Foliana\u2019s paw pointed.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. That way.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat way?\u201d<\/p>\n The three female students blinked. Foliana was pointing away from the citadel, into the heart of the city. The Squirrel-woman nodded sagely.<\/p>\n \u201cI know where to find babies. Go that way.\u201d<\/p>\n Marian looked at her friends. But then she began trotting forwards, obediently turning as Foliana instructed her. It wasn\u2019t what she\u2019d had in mind for her day. But she was far too nervous to say no.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cHere we are.\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana gestured up at the fancy frontage of the\u2026shop they\u2019d come to. Umina\u2019s mouth opened. Feshi blinked up at the sign. Marian just stared.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is a brothel.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMhm. Babies come from here. Sometimes.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUh\u2014but they won\u2019t be here<\/em> right now, Lady Foliana. And this\u2014this is a rather\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n Umina trailed off. She was staring around. It wasn\u2019t that this was a seedy part of Elvallian. Far from it. It was rather upscale. And this brothel\u2014because it most certainly was not <\/em>a daycare\u2014was elaborately decorated. Umina stared up at the frontage. By her side, Wil mouthed the name of the establishment.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Scaleless Sight. What does that mean?\u201d<\/p>\n He looked around. Venaz blinked at the sign. Cameral\u2019s face was bright-red, and he kept looking around to see if anyone he knew was in sight. Yerranola was just grinning, and so was Kissilt. The Selphid leaned over.<\/p>\n \u201cIt means, Wil\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n She whispered in his ear. Venaz bent to listen and jerked back, grunting. Wil turned bright red.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? Reall\u2014Yerranola!\u201d<\/p>\n He jerked backwards, flushing. Yerranola just laughed in delight.<\/p>\n \u201cWil, you\u2019re a treasure! Haven\u2019t you ever been to a proper brothel?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo! They\u2019re banned in my kingdom!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAnd you\u2019ve never visited one before?\u201d<\/p>\n Even Marian looked incredulous. But Umina, Cameral, and Wil were all turning various shades of red. Venaz glanced over at Marian and Feshi. The Gnoll shook her head too.<\/p>\n \u201cI never wanted to, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m surprised. Not at you, Feshi, but certainly at Cameral and Umina. You\u2019re all of Baleros.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy does that mean we should be familiar with brothels?<\/em> Marian, you\u2019ve been to one?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNot so loud, Umina. And it\u2019s not strange! Dullahans are the ones who\u2019re strange about sex. It\u2019s perfectly natural! Don\u2019t look at me like that!\u201d<\/p>\n The Centauress turned red. Yerranola nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s right. Everyone else has been there. Right, Venaz?\u201d<\/p>\n She nudged the Minotaur. He paused.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, I\u2019ve never needed to myself. Minos doesn\u2019t have them either.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhat? You hypocrite! Is it just Marian, Kissilt, and me? Then this is a great opportunity!\u201d<\/p>\n The Centauress looked very uncomfortable as Yerranola slung an arm around her shoulder. Venaz tried to clarify as the others looked uncomfortably at each other.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s simply that I haven\u2019t had the need to. I find ample company on my own. Paying for it is demeaning. If you can\u2019t find<\/em> a suitable partner, then what are you?\u201d<\/p>\n Wil turned even redder, and Yerranola smacked Venaz\u2019s arm.<\/p>\n \u201cDon\u2019t be a lout.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWait, you mean\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Minotaur looked incredulous. He opened his mouth, and Foliana poked him. She was still riding Marian.<\/p>\n \u201cHe\u2019s never had sex. [Lords] don\u2019t. Mm. Dullahans wait too. And that one.\u201d<\/p>\n She pointed at Umina. Cameral and Wil both looked like they wanted to sink into the ground. There was an explosive laugh from the side. Kissilt clutched at his sides, guffawing loudly.<\/p>\n \u201cHah! Really?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDamn it, Kissilt! Don\u2019t be a Drake!\u201d<\/p>\n Marian scowled at him. Venaz opened his mouth to retort as well, glanced at Foliana, and hesitated. After a moment, with all the tact he had, he turned away from his classmates and bowed to her.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Foliana. This is\u2014not a place where babies will be found.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey come from here. Sometimes.\u201d<\/p>\n The students looked at each other. Cameral scratched his head. None of them could quite follow Foliana\u2019s logic, but she\u2019d dragged Umina, Marian, and Feshi there. And Yerranola, Venaz, Kissilt, and Cameral had all been walking down the street when Foliana\u2019s group had come across them. They\u2019d followed her and she\u2019d led them here.<\/p>\n To a brothel. It was\u2026very inviting. There was the smell of strawberries in the air, and but for the name, Umina could have imagined this was some high-class bar or other establishment. But\u2026she knew it was a brothel. Feshi kept sniffing the air, and she looked almost as embarrassed.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is not exactly where babies may be found, Lady Stalker.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThere might be. Go in. Mm.\u201d<\/p>\n The Squirrel-woman was insistent. The students looked at each other. At this point, Marian felt compelled to put her hoof down. She turned her torso to address Foliana politely.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Foliana, not to disagree, but there won\u2019t be any babies inside this\u2026brothel. It\u2019s not a place for that. As I\u2019m sure you\u2019re aware?\u201d<\/p>\n That last was a question. It was impossible to read Foliana\u2019s face. She stared at Marian, and the tri-colored gaze made the Centauress shiver.<\/p>\n \u201cOdds of babies being within are low. True. But go in anyways. Mm.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWhy not? If you three haven\u2019t ever gotten your scales wet, it\u2019s beyond time!\u201d<\/p>\n Kissilt was enjoying the moment. He put an arm around Wil and Cameral, and both Dullahan and Human edged away. Venaz frowned.<\/p>\n \u201cSurely it would be better for them to find their own company, Kissilt. After all, what can one expect from a\u2026place like this?\u201d<\/p>\n Yerranola rolled her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cQuality,<\/em> Venaz? Don\u2019t be so dismissive! What we have here are experts<\/em> in the field of sex. With levels! And Skills! Dead gods, you\u2019ve never heard [Sailors] sing about going to brothels?\u201d<\/p>\n Venaz folded his arms.<\/p>\n \u201cMinotaur crews don\u2019t sing bawdy songs. But I suppose we could go inside.\u201d<\/p>\n He looked around. Marian shifted her hooves, but Foliana was urging her forwards. Umina\u2019s mouth was dry.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I don\u2019t know. This is sudden! Why are we here? And Wil and Cameral shouldn\u2019t go in if they don\u2019t want to! Dullahans wait until they\u2019re married. Right, Cameral?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cTraditionally. But if everyone else is going\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n The Dullahan shifted his feet. He wasn\u2019t saying \u2018no\u2019. Umina looked at Wil.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you have to\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWell, it\u2019s not like there\u2019s an actual rule. And I\u2019m not going to run away.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Lord] turned his head, coughing as he flushed further. Umina realized both he and Cameral were waiting. Kissilt grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cSee? We should have gone here ages ago! They need someone to take them in first. You too, Venaz. We\u2019ll all go in\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWith Lady Foliana?\u201d<\/p>\n Marian glared at Kissilt. The Drake paused. Everyone stared at the Squirrel-woman. She hadn\u2019t gotten off Marian\u2019s back.<\/p>\n \u201cYou want to go in here, Lady Foliana?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm. Yup.\u201d<\/p>\n The students hesitated. Then, carefully, Venaz cleared his throat.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Professor always has us expanding our worldview. Very well. It\u2019s not as if we have to do anything. After me.\u201d<\/p>\n He marched up to the doors and swung them open. Umina groaned, jumping from foot to foot as Kissilt dragged Wil and Cameral forwards, chortling. Yerranola looked at her.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t have to come, Umina.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2014I\u2014I want to take a look, I guess. But I\u2019m not a Lizardboy!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThey have services for females too, Umina.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cYeah, but\u2014well, are they good?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n Yerranola and Marian exchanged a glance. Feshi sneezed and grinned.<\/p>\n \u201cProbably very good, yes? Let\u2019s go inside at least.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cGo.\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana patted Marian\u2019s back. The Centauress sighed.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Foliana wants us to go. Is everyone\u2026? Alright, then.\u201d<\/p>\n The party entered the brothel. It was not, as Umina expected, a covert place with all kinds of veils and drapes and secrets. A [Receptionist] was at the desk, a Lizardman dressed in a very smart suit.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m afraid this is reservation-only, sirs. Unless you have a prior one, I can only schedule you for\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He was speaking to Venaz, but he dropped his quill when he saw Foliana.<\/p>\n \u201cIs\u2014ah\u2014Three-Color\u2014Lady Foliana?\u201d<\/p>\n He stuttered, backing up. Foliana put a paw to her lips as she hopped off Marian\u2019s back.<\/p>\n \u201cSecret. Mm. No one knows I\u2019m here.\u201d<\/p>\n She glanced up at the corridor behind the [Receptionist]. They led into a number of side corridors. There was also a second floor. Umina heard nothing, which meant the walls were soundproof. Everyone watched as Foliana pulled something out of her bag of holding.<\/p>\n A jam biscuit. She nibbled it, paused, and nodded. She looked at the Lizardman at the desk.<\/p>\n \u201cNo one knows I\u2019m here. So. Shh.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cY\u2014of course! Lady Stalker, it is an honor<\/em> to have you here. I\u2019ll inform the manager at once\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The [Receptionist] stuttered. He froze as Foliana held up another paw.<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. We want a room. So they can all have sex. Or something. Mm. Maybe have sex. Witness professionals.\u201d<\/p>\n The Lizardman\u2019s mouth moved. He opened his neck-frills slightly, glancing at Venaz. The Minotaur shrugged.<\/p>\n \u201cAs Lady Stalker says.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cW-well, we can open a room. For Lady Stalker, anything! A\u2026private setting? With males and females for\u2026\u201d<\/p>\n He counted.<\/p>\n \u201cEight? I\u2019ll see to it.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm. Good.\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana nodded. She was fishing in Wil\u2019s bag of holding. The young [Lord] jerked back when he realized, but Foliana already had a few salted crackers. She began munching on them as the [Receptionist] consulted his ledger.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014I\u2019ll see to it at once. It won\u2019t be a moment! If the illustrious company will wait?\u201d<\/p>\n He looked around. The students stared back; Kissilt was nodding, grinning, and Yerranola was chortling with amusement. Foliana stopped the Lizardman as he tried to back away towards one of the rooms. He froze as she fixed him with a stare, reappearing next to him.<\/p>\n \u201cShh. No telling. Just guests. Seven students. And no female Nagas. Mm. Jiggle too much.\u201d<\/p>\n The Lizardman\u2019s mouth worked. Marian\u2019s jaw dropped. The [Receptionist] actually looked relieved, though.<\/p>\n \u201cOf course. We have all manner of employees, if Lady Stalker had any other preferences in gender, species\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Female. Nagas.\u201d<\/p>\n She poked him, emphasizing each word. The [Receptionist] nodded and hurried off. The students stared as Foliana sat down on the rich hardwood floor and kept nibbling her crackers. At last, Marian snapped her fingers. She leaned down to Umina and Feshi and whispered.<\/p>\n \u201cDo you think Lady Foliana just wants to visit a brothel and dragged us along?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI don\u2019t know why I\u2019m here.\u201d<\/p>\n Umina groaned. Feshi shrugged. She was watching Foliana.<\/p>\n \u201cMerrik, he would love this, yes? Let\u2019s just go along, Umina. It will be a story to tell.\u201d<\/p>\n The other students agreed. They looked at each other, most apprehensively. Yerranola was rubbing her hands together.<\/p>\n \u201cThis is going to be hilarious.\u201d<\/p>\n Kissilt clearly agreed. But then he nodded at the [Receptionist], who was hurrying back and gesturing towards them.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m just glad there aren\u2019t female Nagas. I\u2019m not interested, thanks.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Receptionist] and Umina glared at Kissilt. He smirked at them and tripped on Foliana\u2019s extended foot.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Another thing Umina learned in her time in the brothel was that there were all kinds of\u2026brothels. Some were simple and to the point. You went in, you paid for sex, and you went out. There were all kinds of reasons why you\u2019d do that\u2014and why you wouldn\u2019t. Venaz was listing them off as the party waited in a very pleasant room for their escorts to arrive.<\/p>\n \u201cIt can spread diseases. It promotes crime. It\u2019s not an honorable profession\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh, get stuffed, Venaz. Don\u2019t be a prude.\u201d<\/p>\n Yerranola threw a pillow at him. Half the group was reclining on couches. The room was\u2026plush<\/em>. Kissilt was investigating a set of alcohol, snacks\u2014anything one might want set upon the tables. There were curtains too, to cordon off the area, but Umina had noticed the doors that led to private rooms. She felt flushed, uncertain\u2014but Marian was next to her and kept patting her on the shoulders.<\/p>\n \u201cYou don\u2019t have to do anything, Umina. You can just\u2026look.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWill there be anything to see?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDefinitely. It\u2019s, uh\u2014well, I\u2019ve never been anywhere as nice as this, but I know we\u2019re getting a show.\u201d<\/p>\n Yerranola grinned at Umina. And she was right. The magical lighting in the room dimmed, and Umina caught a whiff of perfume. She froze, and the other students looked up. And then? Well, the first person to walk in was a Gnoll. He was bare-chested. Bare-legged. And an earthy smell hung about him. But he was far from unkempt. In fact, he looked like the most attractive Gnoll Umina had ever met. He grinned, his eyes alighting on the company.<\/p>\n He was professional,<\/em> too. Unlike the [Receptionist], the Gnoll took no notice of Foliana individually. He just bowed.<\/p>\n \u201cLadies. Gentlemen. I\u2019m delighted to make your acquaintance. My companions and I were told we had some significant guests. And beautiful ones too. My name is Herrsk. I\u2019d like to get to know you, yes?\u201d<\/p>\n He looked around. The Squirrel-woman was sitting up on a couch. She blinked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cMm. Hello.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWould you care for a drink, Lady Foliana? Or may we address you more\u2026casually?\u201d<\/p>\n The word casually<\/em> rolled off his tongue, suggesting all kinds of things. Foliana blinked at him.<\/p>\n \u201cMm. No drinks. Casual is good.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll nodded. He turned and smiled her way. A second person entered the room from behind the drapes. A female Lizardwoman. She had fiery red scales and tossed her head.<\/p>\n \u201cAnd me?\u201d<\/p>\n She presented herself to Foliana. The Squirrel-woman gave her a long look. So long that the Lizardwoman\u2019s fiery fa\u00e7ade wavered under the stare.<\/p>\n \u201cMm. No.\u201d<\/p>\n Meanwhile, the Gnoll, Herrsk, was approaching the other females in the group. He bent, growling a greeting towards Feshi.<\/p>\n \u201cGreetings, sister. It\u2019s rare to see another Gnoll so far from home. What tribe are you from?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWeatherfur. I\u2019m not interested, thank you.\u201d<\/p>\n Feshi grinned warily at Herrsk. He nodded. Umina realized this was a choice<\/em> being made. She jumped; her heart thudding even louder. Kissilt was fending off the female Lizardwoman, but with difficulty.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not interested in lizards.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh? And here I thought Drakes were more than talk. But I suppose if I scare<\/em> you, I can find another friend.\u201d<\/p>\n The Lizardwoman poked Kissilt in the chest. He flushed with outrage as Venaz laughed.<\/p>\n \u201cI never said\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cLadies. Would you mind me keeping you company?\u201d<\/p>\n Herrsk slid into a seat next to Umina and Marian. The two students looked at each other. Marian, clearly embarrassed, shook her head. Herrsk chuckled.<\/p>\n \u201cWe may have to split up the group setting. I think our [Receptionist], Seik, made a mistake. It\u2019s not for everyone, yes? And you, Miss? Would you like to share a drink?\u201d<\/p>\n He looked right at Umina. She stared at him and stammered.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014no\u2014we\u2014we\u2019re just with her.<\/em> And I\u2019m not here to do anything else!\u201d<\/p>\n She flushed violently. Herrsk looked at Foliana. The Squirrel-woman was staring at another one of the escorts and absently shaking her head.<\/p>\n \u201cOh, yes. Lady Stalker herself. But don\u2019t worry, Miss\u2026?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cUmina.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAh, a good name! We\u2019re not to do anything you don\u2019t care for. If you\u2019d like conversation, we provide that. Anything else is fine too. But I prefer to talk. Are you one of the Titan\u2019s students? Do you play chess?\u201d<\/p>\n Umina\u2019s jaw dropped. Feshi and Marian both looked up.<\/p>\n \u201cYou play chess?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI play chess, I keep up with politics\u2014I dance too. I take interests. And I can talk. If you\u2019d like to make this a conversation, we can by all means sit together. I\u2019d like to imagine I can hold my own, even with a student of the Titan of Baleros. But I don\u2019t think all of your classmates will do that. So, a drink? Or would you like to meet my coworkers?\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll grinned at Umina. She stammered.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2014uh\u2014well, I wouldn\u2019t mind<\/em>. But I\u2019m definitely staying here! With Marian!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh? Well, that\u2019s fine too.\u201d<\/p>\n The Gnoll arched an eyebrow, and Umina was so flustered she took the first drink he poured for her and downed half of it. Which turned out to be interesting indeed.<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n An hour later. Foliana sat on the couch, munching on Wil\u2019s crackers. She was alone. Everyone else in the group of students had either gone off with one of the very charming, very beautiful people alone or in smaller groups. Umina had been clinging to a very embarrassed Marian, insisting they go with Herrsk together, a proposition only the Centauress seemed bothered by. Kissilt was long gone with the Lizardwoman, and that was the least scandalous pairing.<\/p>\n But Foliana just sat there. Staring. The thirty-third of the brothel\u2019s [Prostitutes]\u2014although that was a lower-level class than whatever this Naga had\u2014came forwards without a word. His scales shone, and his smile was wicked and enticing.<\/p>\n He gyrated, his snake-like abdomen and tail moving in slow, hypnotic trails.<\/p>\n \u201cDo I meet with any approval, Miss?<\/em>\u201d<\/p>\n He looked at Foliana, grinning around sharp teeth. This Naga had on a vest. And little else. There was also a veil. The veil inched downwards, revealing, enticing. Foliana\u2019s expression never changed.<\/p>\n \u201cHmm. No.\u201d<\/p>\n The Naga\u2019s face fell. He un-gyrated and backed away. Foliana kept staring. Then she hopped off the couch and picked up a pillow. She lounged on it. Peeking in on her from a one-way mirror, the [Receptionist] turned to the Naga as he slithered back in.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat do we do? She\u2019s refused everyone! Male, female\u2014we\u2019ve put every species in front of her!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cAll but female Nagas. I did my best, but my [Seduction Dance] doesn\u2019t work on her. Which is good, frankly. I don\u2019t think I\u2019d perform well without a tonic. She scares me.\u201d<\/p>\n The male Naga grumbled. The Lizardman groaned.<\/p>\n \u201cBut she\u2019s Three-Color Stalker!<\/em> We can\u2019t turn her away! Are her companions happy, at least?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cHappy as can be. Three of them are still around here. The rest are occupied.\u201d<\/p>\n The Lizardman nodded distractedly. He stared at Foliana. She was ignoring a female Dullahan who\u2019d placed her head on the table, and a male Human who was trying to slide in next to her. The [Rogue] appeared to be trying to count how many dates were within a bowl.<\/p>\n \u201cIs\u2014maybe it\u2019s a test? We have three female Nagas.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cShe said she doesn\u2019t want any Nagas. Policy is we don\u2019t give them to her. Who\u2019ve we got?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMiss Slendasia, Eshilx, and the new one.\u201d<\/p>\n The male Naga grimaced.<\/p>\n \u201cEugh. The new girl\u2019s charming, but Slendasia will get herself knifed if she goes out. Besides, I think she means it when she says no Nagas. We have a history with Squirrel Beastkin. Snakes and rodents, you know?\u201d<\/p>\n The Lizardman [Receptionist] nodded, eyeing the Naga. He gestured hopelessly at the Squirrel-woman.<\/p>\n \u201cWell\u2014what do we do? She doesn\u2019t want<\/em> any of our best.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cSend out for help?\u201d<\/p>\n The Lizardman [Receptionist] hesitated. Then he shook his head.<\/p>\n \u201cNo\u2014no, this is private.<\/em> That\u2019s our watchword. Just get everyone who\u2019s not working and find out who has the best [Host] Skills. If she\u2019s not interested, entertain her!\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u201cWould you like me to comb your fur, Miss Foliana?\u201d<\/p>\n Fifteen minutes later, a Centauress sat next to Foliana. She lifted a comb. Foliana peered at a mirror as another [Harpist] played a lilting melody. She paused, then shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n The Centauress\u2019 smile wavered, and she looked to her left. A Drake with azure-emerald scales in a skyburst pattern leaned forwards. His tail snaked along the couch.<\/p>\n \u201cThen, may I feed you some dates? Or shall we play chess?\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana slapped the tail before it could curl around her side. The Drake yelped,<\/em> and the Squirrel-woman stared at him. And her stare made even the seasoned [Consort] falter. She swept her gaze left, and the Centauress shuddered.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Naughty.\u201d<\/p>\n She leaned back and kept tossing dates into the air and trying to catch them with her mouth. The Centauress looked hopelessly at the Drake. They were two of the best escorts in The Scaleless Sight, probably all of Elvallian. But the Squirrel-woman wasn\u2019t reacting to any gender or species. At last, the Centauress threw caution to the wind.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Foliana, may I ask if you\u2019re here for your\u2026companions? Because the students are well in hand. We\u2019d hate to think we were boring you. Or wasting your time.\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana looked up. The Squirrel Beastkin focused on the Centauress, and a date bounced off her forehead. The [Rogue] paused. She took a nibble from her jam biscuit that she\u2019d been eating along with the other snacks\u2014none of the [Escorts] had dared point out it wasn\u2019t exactly fitting with the rich, sumptuous setting\u2014and paused.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m not bored. See?\u201d<\/p>\n She threw a date up and absently opened her mouth. It bounced off the couch cushion instead. The Centauress hesitated, and the Drake leaned over.<\/p>\n \u201cBut can we do anything for you, Lady Foliana? It is an honor to be in the presence of\u2026of Three-Color Stalker herself.\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana stopped, a date in her furry paw. She looked at the Drake. And again, her gaze cut through his charm-Skills, his ability to act. She stared at him, and the Drake shivered. Because he thought he saw his death in her eyes.<\/p>\n \u201cIs it really? You seem afraid to me.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo, of course not! We\u2019re just\u2014\u201d<\/p>\n The Centauress fell silent as Foliana stared at her. Slowly, the Squirrel-woman put down the bowl of dates. She glanced around. Then she stared at one of the one-way mirrors.<\/p>\n \u201cPeople are afraid of me. Mm. It\u2019s not bad to tell the truth. Because of what I do. Fair. It\u2019s fine. I do what I like. I like what I like. And I like this.\u201d<\/p>\n She gestured around vaguely. The two [Escorts] looked at each other.<\/p>\n \u201cWhat, Lady Stalker?\u201d<\/p>\n The Squirrel-woman smiled.<\/p>\n \u201cWatching. Peace. This is mine. And this is mine. And this.\u201d<\/p>\n She poked the Drake, the cushion, and then pointed around the room. Uncertainly, the Drake looked at her, but the [Rogue] wasn\u2019t finished.<\/p>\n \u201cNot as a [Slave]. Mm. And not my cushion. But this is mine.<\/em> Peace. My city. My company. It is good to see.\u201d<\/p>\n She paused, and they waited. But that was it. Foliana nibbled at another date. And she had grey in her fur. In fact\u2014the Centauress stared at her. Foliana was older than her two companions, as old as Niers. She sat, pleasantly nibbling, looking around the room. Watching the Centauress and the Drake.<\/p>\n And it occurred to the Centauress, at last, that she was doing this the entirely wrong way. She was a [Seductress]. An expert in her class. But sometimes there wasn\u2019t much to seduce. So she sat up out of her languorous sprawl. And gestured for her companion to do the same. The Centauress smiled and took a breath.<\/p>\n \u201cWell, Miss Foliana. May I call you Foliana? I think we have nothing to offer you.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm. Not right now.\u201d<\/p>\n The Squirrel-woman smiled. The Centauress nodded.<\/p>\n \u201cThen if we can oblige you, let us know. But what can <\/em>we do for you? Anything at all?\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana paused. She looked at the Centauress, and for once her gaze didn\u2019t provoke that moment of fear, that flutter of uncertainty as it did in so many people. The Squirrel-woman smiled slightly.<\/p>\n \u201cMaybe. Do you have a bucket of water?\u201d<\/p>\n The Centauress eyed Foliana. Then she listened to the Squirrel-woman speak. The Drake was aghast.<\/p>\n \u201cWe can\u2019t do that!\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cOh yes we can. For Lady Stalker? Anything at all.\u201d<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n Later, the The Scaleless Sight was filled with screams. It came from various rooms as Foliana, aided by the Centauress and Drake, opened the door catching people in flagrante delicto.<\/em> No, wait\u2014just having sex. They then tossed the buckets inside, and ran for it.<\/p>\n Foliana was smiling as outraged and dripping duos\u2014trios\u2014and in one case a group of eight charged out into the hallways. She hopped out of the brothel as the angry guests milled about\u2014realized that their anonymity was being threatened\u2014and instantly fled back into their rooms. She laughed, a soft chuckle. The Centauress smiled down at her.<\/p>\n \u201cLady Foliana, was that at least worth the visit?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm.\u201d<\/p>\n The Squirrel-woman smiled. She turned as the [Manager], finally aware of the situation, charged down the corridor, apologizing profusely to the naked guests still in the hallway.<\/p>\n \u201cYes. I think so. Now, I have to go. Mm. Thank you. This was fun.\u201d<\/p>\n She pulled out the jam biscuit, mostly-eaten, and inspected it. Then she lifted it to her mouth and ate it.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n \u2014\u2014<\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n That evening, Foliana dined with Niers. He eyed her over the table as she consumed her regular dinner. It wasn\u2019t a jam biscuit, at least. He cleared his throat.<\/p>\n \u201cI hear you\u2019ve been causing trouble. First my class, then my students. At a brothel.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cMm. They had fun. Probably. You should visit one.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m a Fraerling.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cDo something about that first. They\u2019re very nice. They cooked me an egg later. Mm. I probably owe them money. For the mess.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019ll handle it.\u201d<\/p>\n The Titan sighed. He rested his head on one hand and looked at Foliana. She glanced up at him.<\/p>\n \u201cDid you enjoy yourself today?\u201d<\/p>\n Foliana paused. She chewed on her plate of muffins, spaghetti, piled on top of one another and shrugged. It was not a classy meal. It had been made by a master, but Foliana insisted on mixing the two together. She shrugged, and slurped up a noodle.<\/p>\n \u201cI enjoyed myself. Watching. Saw a baby. Did what you wanted. Had an egg.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cBothered my students. Do you ever want to quit?\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cThat\u2019s your job.\u201d<\/p>\n The [Rogue] smiled at the [Strategist]. He smiled back ruefully.<\/p>\n \u201cBut do you ever dream about it? Having children? A different life? You\u2019re unnoticed by so many. Which is how you prefer it, I suppose. But do<\/em> you want something else?\u201d<\/p>\n It was a question he\u2019d asked her in different ways over the years. Foliana paused. And she looked around speculatively. But at last, she shook her head.<\/p>\n \u201cNo. Because this is mine. This. And this. And this.\u201d<\/p>\n She poked the new tablecloth, her food, and at Niers. He knew what she meant. Few people saw Three-Color Stalker. She was a myth, a dark shadow cast by the Titan. But that was fine. Foliana didn\u2019t want any of it. Because she wanted all of it. This citadel, this city\u2014the Forgotten Wing Company\u2014it was all hers. In a way, the Squirrel Beastkin was far greedier than Niers could ever be. She had claimed this, her world. And that was what made her happy.<\/p>\n He smiled to think about it. And then his eyes narrowed. He looked down at his plate, checked both sides of it. Then he scowled up at Foliana.<\/p>\n \u201cGive me my fork.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cNo.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \u00a0<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Previous Chapter<\/a> Next Chapter<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" It should surprise no one to learn that Niers Astoragon did not cook his own meals. Oh, he dabbled on occasion, but generally he let other people take over that task. He was a busy man. Or rather, Fraerling man. And that was the point, wasn\u2019t it? Living among the tall folk meant that even […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":52856846,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_searchwp_excluded":"","_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false,"patreon-level":0,"patreon_level":0,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":false,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[11693086,349],"tags":[],"twi_volume":[11693135],"twi_collection":[],"class_list":["post-7237","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-volume-6","category-writing"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n
\n