Welcome to Gaia! ::

When he saw her come through, Hasheem sighed in relief, catching Lisana as she stumbled forwards. "Are you alright, Lady?"

"I'm fine, Hasheem." She glanced over at Sayd and the gardener. "Sayd. You are his new best friend. I think everyone has gone downstairs to the throneroom. We should too."

As she walked she began giving orders to those with her. "Hasheem, we will need a place to put everyone. I think.." A faint memory of an old inn across the street came to her. "I think directly across the street there is an inn. It should be large enough to find rooms for everyone. Take some guards and find out. Careful, I would think there will be demons outside also, but perhaps not so close to the Pantheon."

Sayd nodded, taking one of the bags from the old man who began to grumble and growl. But he soon glanced over at Lisana and murmurred, "Thank you, Lady. I wish I'd been able to save more. My lotuses are important."

"Very important. We will find a place for you to grow them. What's your name?" She asked stopping to watch him a moment.

"Rem, Lady." he bowed quickly, still clutching his bag of blossoms to his chest.

"Rem, when they have a suitable place, they can begin finding you the things you need to get these to grow for all of us. Hasheem, add it to the list."

"I'll add it to your orders, Lady." the guard nodded, handing the old fellow a pad and paper. "Write it down and I'll see that you have it, but after we see the god."

The old man nodded excitedly, scribbling as he began to walk towards the staircase. He would still be able to have his blossoms. And they would still fill the air with their fragrance. A smile planted on his face, he grinned knowing he'd be as able to garden in this world as he had been in the previous one.

All gave their lotuses and then stood about looking to Lisana for guidance on what to do next. After a short discussion with Hasheem, Fashad, and the other guards, she had settled on the nearby inn for the people to live in temporarily. She had no doubts that some would want to return to Baadris, but for now they were all stuck here. And room had to be made for them all. Including herself since she was quite certain that her loft had fallen to demons with only Joe, Jace, and a few animals there. She would have to go see about them also.

After reading the pantheon noticeboard which someone found, she added that Laughter would be residing across the street in the old inn with the people from Baadris. Those which she and Cosine had recruited for their return.

The guards gave a perceptible shiver as the condition of the world outside. It was colder and darker than their own world had been and it was very different. Buildings had glass but were made of wood and stone. Both rare commodities in Baadris.

Hasheem, Fashad, and several former guards were now consigned to Lisana and the people she tried to protect. The Sultan was of little importance to them now as they needed and wanted her. For a long moment they studied the streets around them, spreading out slightly to check corners.

"Just a moment." A voice called stopping them. Lisana stood at the bottom of the steps leading upwards and into the Pantheon building. "I'm coming along."

Hasheem watched her a moment, then nodded though his words were quite different than agreement. "Lady, I think there are enough of us to do this safely."

"I know there are, but I want to look a the rooms. Some of Isra's people will be with us, Hasheem."

"As you say, my Lady." he chuckled faintly nodding to the guards to move towards the building she had indicated. Leaving a few on patrol for the safety of the people who had followed them outside, Hasheem moved to walk beside her.

It rose upwards in front of them, two large doors looming like great dark sentries.Towering windows were placed to the sides barely revealing what was within. Hesitantly Fashad opened the door, it's voice creaking in protest as it begrudginly slid open. "We will need some light." He peered in but could only see a foot or three in front of them.

Lisana frowned thoughtfully a moment. Eftemie had been in the place once or twice in her lifetime dealing with customers with her uncle. There had been candles of some sort because there was the thought of sketching the glittering metal of the candlabras that held them. "I think there are some candles on a table to the right, Fashad."

The man and one of the guards slowly moved where she had indicated. The candles were there though dust covered. "I think I have something to light them with. Maybe a couple matches left from the last cheroot I smoked." Reaching into his pocket, he pulled out a small box. A faint sound of movement from inside as he shook it. Then pulling out a match he struck it lighting one candle and then the rest before putting it out.

Just as he lit the candles, Lisana murmurred, "Is that water I hear dripping?"

Hasheem nodded, moving forwards now that they could see. "It's coming from this fountain." He squinted slightly trying to see into its depths. The water was stagnant from lack of true flow and refreshment provided by such. Dead plants crept down the side and a few dead fish floated upside down.

"Spread out carefully and check rooms." He ordered those around him as he and Lisana looked around the room. A large staircase led upwards behind the fountain and a desk stood to the right. One man turned a switch to see if it worked and lights flickered several times before remaining on. Fashad put out the candles.

"A generator, I think." the man stated watching Hasheem. "It's most likely in the basement. If there is a supply of fuel, we could have lighting for awhile."

"Take two with you and check specifically for that. Careful though. If there are demons they will be in the basement." He wanted them to protect themselves because he suspected they would need every person they had.

By late afternoon, the guards had combed the entire building. A few minor demons had been found within and quickly dealt with. Lisana's grouping took the rooms to the right, a total of four floors of rooms. For Isra's people and various others, she indicated that the left side of the building was for Cosine's people. They would all help each other but this way the families could remain together with enough space to accommodate others should it be necessary.

In all each side had a total of forty rooms as well as a suite at the top for both goddesses. There was even an adjoining hallway between the two suites though Lisana knew that the numbers goddess had desired to remain in the Pantheon with her friends.

The names Nergal and Echo brought back a faint memory of a carnival in which Eftemie had met both and enjoyed their company for a time. Strangely her host had more memories of gods than she herself had. Byrne, Beryl, and others were placed amongst those things she remembered from her.

With a supply of fuel, the generator would run for a time, giving them a chance to gather more or even lamps and candles that could be lit. The guard became the one in charge of such things, relishing the challenge that this presented.

Rejali and her parents were given rooms on the third floor with Hasheem and Fashad. She began to set up the suite for Lisana's comfort as Mian and others checked bedding and supplies. The seamstress was given rooms on the third floor also with an extra for storing fabrics and weaving. Her trade would still continue.

Rem spazzed out when he saw the fountain. He began to give orders for cleaning it, grabbing two young boys to do the work. A list soon found its way into Sayd's hands for supplies that were needed for the lotuses. By nightfall the fountain was clean, but the water coming out of the pipe was dirty and brown. But as it continued to flow forth, the water was clean as it if had simply needed time to clean the pipes that carried it. The old gardener was nearly in tears as he looked at the sparkling water to grow the blossoms he so dearly loved.

As the night crept down over the grouping, the flicker of lights could be seen from the building. Some continued to work while others rested. It would take time to settle in, but it was one light of hope for all those within that the world would be righted soon enough.

Lisana glanced outwards from her window. There were things to do on the next day and she would begin early. As she would have turned away, she noted a glimmer of light in the building next to the Pantheon. Perhaps another god lived there. She would have to visit and see who it was. If Eftemie was so willing to meet so many, then perhaps it was time for her to do so. Other than at parties. She laughed suddenly. The girl had changed her more than she had suspected and for the better. Tomorrow was a new day and she planned to use it well.

A chill wind swept over the entire area as thick black smoke churned, choking the air over Baadris. But it was not entirely a physical icyness, but on based on the atmosphere of the happenings in the area. A coldness rose from the buildings scattered around as the echo of screams and howls rent the air, slicing as if it were a solid thing to be rent. The fear and evil was palpable if one walked those streets. Some did, but not all were human. The demons owned this place slowly picking off the survivors that had been left behind.

Many had.

The buildings were broken, shattered glass lay sparkling or the sound of it was heard crunching beneath inhuman feet. They reveled in its destruction, the scattering of something that had once been sparkling and beautiful beneath the hot sun of the world. No longer was it a place where gods walked. No flowers of rarity grew in perfection. The few that remained had been gathered and held closely to them. Protected as they tried to protect themselves.

The gods were gone, having appeared amidst the disbelief and scorn to simply present themselves. Blossoms should have been spread beneath their feet to walk upon, but instead many had rejected them only calling when the demon plane had been shifted into the mortal realm. Blossoms lay scattered on the ground but it was demon feet the crushed them instead of godly.

The people of Baadris left behind trembled, praying constantly and crying for salvation from those they now knew existed. They banded together trying to protect the few children and elderly they could. The soldiers took the brunt of it, driving them off, but even the small corner of the city they clung to would not last long if no help returned. And they all prayed fervently on their knees to the statue they could barely glimpse from the few small windows in their sanctuary.

They shivered and quaked as the demons ran rampant through their once beautiful city, lavish and glittering. Children cried almost unceasingly though there were those who tried to distract having heard that even the goddess of laughter had used it to help a child. Perhaps she would answer them. The rich were no different than the poor now and all fought to survive as their world altered around them so very quickly.

The statues remained looming over the broken landscape of glass that lay shining at their feet. But the portal did not open. And it was watched constantly, as those few priests left behind seldom left their knees trying to pull hope back for all. The names of those lost were etched in the memories of those praying silently. A tally of names written on the stone walls they used to survive within. Each was remembered and they prayed for forgiveness for their foolishness and awaited the return. Surely the gods would come back for them.

Were they worthy? Many could not answer the question, but all took time to reflect upon their lives and the way they had lived. Would they be found blameless in this? Many doubted they would or even should be held unaccountable. They had not believed until it had been shoved beneath their noses and even then they had scoffed and laughed, and been unbelieving.

Their faith had been poor, a watery substitute for what it should have been. Had they been found so wanting that they were left behind? Many thought of those that had been taken away. Had they lived their lives worse than those that had gone? What was it that had been their greatest sin? How could they know? Who would tell them now so that they could learn from their mistakes?

All these questions and more ran through the minds of the survivors in Baadris. Now they believed, but at what cost and was it too late? But as that very thought came to many of them, a gleam of thought sparkled free amongst them. Was that not the very core of faith? To believe in something that was not seen? It was then the attitude changed. Instead of lamenting their fate, they repented and believed.

Never had so few had such great faith that the gods would not abandon them entirely. The elderly who survived told the old stories that they remembered being told and passed on that knowledge to the younger ones. They repeated the words over and over ensuring that the tales of the old gods and those they had seen was passed on with passion and understanding. They gave to each other with smiles and laughter. Effigies of those they had seen were placed upon an altar and images representing the statues and the god linked to it were worshipped and presented with flowers and love.

Even with the outside in such terrible state, they prayed each morning upon rising and each night before resting. They believed. Finally they believed.

They would be waiting.

Just sitting on her balcony felt good to Lisana. It was a small break but she needed it. Nothing was as it should be and everyone was busier than expected. It was no less than before. Just different. She liked the people of Baadris around her. A gread deal of delight was taken in watching them and getting to know each individual. Some portion of Eftemie was still there happily as she learned their mannerisms and what they liked.

She was truly beginning to love all of them. Each person was so different from those that lived here. Hasheem took charge of the guards using what he knew to protect them all. Fashad supported him as did Sayd. Rem had the lotus starting to thrive in the fountain after only a few days. Mian and Treshali were making clothing for all who needed it and Rejali was trying to keep the children happily playing games and dancing with them.

To see all of them busy and safe made her happy. She regretted leaving so many behind though and she was already planning to return at some point to help those left there rebuild. If any were left there. But she smiled more and more as she interacted with those surrounding she and Cosine. Without really understanding that she was, Lisana was happier than she had been in a long time.

But the one she found the least time for was the one she had known the longest and loved the most. Yeti. He drifted around the edges, moping, and watching her with the others constantly. Most shooed him away because he was always causing some sort of chaos which led to distraction from what they were doing. Few understood that was the very reason the goddess loved him so greatly.

When he understood she had disappeared, Yeti called, "Sana? Arle, where Sana?" His great eye roved to the sides looking for her as the aoide turned to watch him in slight exasperation.

"Upstairs in her room, Yeti. She was tired and went to rest. Leave her alone." Turning back to what she was doing, she muttered, "I don't know what she sees in him."

Yeti blinked then drifted away. At first he glanced towards the staircase, but then moved towards the doorway. Maybe he could see her without her seeing him. Flying upwards, he moved awkwardly towards the balcony he knew was hers. Furtively he moved along the railing to see where she was.

Her feet were propped up as she sipped the cup of hot tea. It was a very relaxing moment and she sighed, leaning back in the chair. At the moment that was all she wanted to do.

Yeti simply watched. He adored her and she loved him. Didn't she? Turning away he frowned hurt that she had not played with him lately. In fact she had not even said anything to him in a few days.

Glancing over, she frowned as she watched him. He drooped. That was all she could think to describe him at that moment. Something was bothering him. "Yeti?" Her eyes watched him closely for a long moment. "Come here. Are you alright?" He looked upset or sad or something.

"Not bother, Sana." he mumbled moving away.

"Yeti. Come here." Lisana repeated herself, blinking in surprise at his actions.

He stopped, then ever so slowly he turned to watch her, his raspberry eye rolling slightly to focus on her. However he did not approach closer like he normally would have. Arle would be angry when she found out he was there. She would yell at him.

"Yeti, what is wrong with you?" she frowned as she gazed at him in sudden concern. He was her dearest friend and she loved him unconditionally, but something was very off in his attitude.

"Not bother Sana." he muttered, repeating.

She sighed, getting to her feet. Walking to the very edge, she motioned him to her. "Tell me what you are talking about, Yeti. You can always come to me."

Shaking himself off, he turned away from her. He was not supposed to bother her. Arle would be angry.

"Yeti!" Lisana's voice was sharp this time and he immediately stopped as she had known he would. "Tell me now."

Turning back around, sulking much as a child would, Yeti blurted out. "Arle said not to bother Sana. Yeti wanted to see Sana. Arle said Yeti bother. Trouble. Arle be mad Yeti now."

For a long moment she scowled. So that was it. Her hand reached out, caressing the top of his head near the base of his horn. "Yeti, you are no bother to me. You can see me anytime. Arlecchino's wrong. I want to see you anytime you want to see me. Do you understand?"

"Sana not angry at Yeti?" His wings nearly stopped in surprise and he dropped about a foot in the air before catching himself. His mouth opened wide.

"Of course. I'm not angry with you. I love Yeti." Lisana laughed, hugging him suddenly. "I have some purple tasties waiting for you too. Just like always."

Moving towards the table, she ignored the drool on her dress. It was just who Yeti was. Clothing could be washed later. Picking up one of the very purple cookies, she wiggled it in the air as he hovered there now excitedly.

He bobbed up and down as if he were being dribbled by some great unseen hand. Catching it in midair as she tossed it to him, he grinned as he crunched the cookie. "Purple tasties good, Sana."

Having eased things over, Lisana decide a talk with Arle was in order. She had to understand that Yeti was important to her though she knew that it was her own best interest that had made the aoide order him in such a way. But where Yeti was concerned, Lisana was protective. He would always be a creature with a child's mind and he had to be be treated as such or it would hurt him whether unintentional or not.

Dat was still gone and until she returned to play with Yeti, Lisana was not allowing any harm to him. Arle would have to understand that Yeti was special to her. His chaos was necessary to make laughter come easily to all.

She tossed him another purple cookie with a smile and he happily caught it and began munching. Lisana was his friend and would always be.

"Mm... good, Sana. Purple tasties...." he murmurred almost purring. "Love Sana." He added, crumbs dropping to the floor.

"I love you too, Yeti." she whispered, kissing him on top of the head. "Another tasty?"

When she heard the bell tolling strangely, Lisana frowned for several moments. The sound was surreal and sad but it called to her in some way. Moving towards the direction it came from she smiled when she saw the strings of lights and the other things scattered about. She remembered reading the note on the pantheon board and it was Nergal who was hosting this.

A faint memory of Nergal and Echo slipped down over her and she blinked in surprise. Eftemie had met them the night of her birthday. The night she had gained her stone. She frowned slightly. The girl had a great deal of fun that night. All due to Tempest. She thought about the man as she moved slowly towards the activity. She would have to think on this. Maybe there was something she could do.

Some portion of this pained her and she knew that it was those feelings that Eftemie had held close to her heart for the man. It was obvious that Tempest would avoid her as much as possible. That stung. But should it? Afterall, it was Eftemie he had loved. Not her.

He was not her lover. He had not held her hand or kissed her. Yet it was all there. His touch. His laughter. His comfort. The things said and done together. It was intact and she remembered.

It was something real but they were memories of things she had not done. Shaking her head in confusion, she tried to shove the emotions aside. On one hand she felt an intruder privy to their secrets as if a voyuer. Eftemie was a permanent part of who she was and would be. These were as much her as her host.

Maybe the reason she was so nostalgic suddenly was because he was back and all was resurfacing because he had meant so much to Efte. Maybe it was simply walking around the festival alone while couples held hands nearby and had fun. Uncertain why, she simply moved forwards watching and trying to avoid what was within her.

She did not love Tempest. But love was there. She could not imagine need the man. Yet need was there. She could not possibly want the man. Though desire was there.

What was she entitled to? What did she need? At this point she was simply unsure. Maybe this was why she had been drawn to this event. Past and present met here just as the living and dead did. It was not about the lights or the booths or even the fun to be had. It was about seeing who she had been, was now, and would become.

Who was she really? It would not be an easy question to answer. And it was not going to be answered anytime soon. She wondered briefly if this was why he brought them back this way. Was it to make them think this time? And had he given them more by doing it this way. She was unsure but she was going to find out. Maybe not today. Or even tomorrow. But she would.

After spending some time with Cosine, Lisana moved away as it was turning late evening. The flames caught her attention as they slowly turned a surreal and luminous blue. Every brazier, candle, or torch flickered casting a bluish glow upon everything their light touched.

"Breathtaking." she murmurred in appreciation. Several people walked by her. She stared at them for a moment. Some were dressed strangely and others seemed to be injured but as they walked past her, she was unsure what to do. They did not seem to be in pain, but how could they not be?

Nergal was said to be God of the Underworld and dealt with the souls of those who died. Died? Were these people all dead? She blinked in surprise. They must be. The festival had been called The Day of the Dead on the notice. She'd not really thought about it until now.

Lisana had slipped out but she knew Hasheem, Fashad, and Rejali were not far away enjoying the festival. She was glad that so many had returned with them, but she was also wondering about the others in Baadris. The ones left behind. The demons seemed to have settled down, but she would need to return there soon. Maybe some others would go and help also. Find those who had survived and give them back some of themselves.

The shops were much the same as what she remembered from Eftemie's carnival memories. With a faint smile she looked over the things nearby. Some of the bags reminded her of the strange one that Eftemie had received. Suddenly she wondered where it was. Perhaps Joe would know. Making a mental note to ask him, she turned down the side walking into the ruined cathedral itself.

Looking up at the empty windows, she imagined that there were once brightly colored bits of glass in glorious patterns shining down. The walls were crumbling and cracked, but still retained the beauty they had once had. She was not entirely certain why she was brooding suddenly. Perhaps it was the thought of it all ending. Maybe it was that she had taken the life of her host from her. At least from one point of view. It might also have simply been that the carnival dropped all the baggage onto her reminding her that she had failed the first time around.

All the memories she carried were of parties and the few who truly meant something to her. Yeti. Dat. Monkieboy. Frowning she moved to the side, glancing down at the candle flames flickering, and the markings reflecting from the stones behind them.

"Eftemie?" a voice called shaking her from her reverie.

Lisana turned around quickly, staring in surprise. She knew the man. He looked nearly like Joe standing there but she knew he was not. Eftemie's father. "I'm not... Eftemie. Not... but am..." Her teeth tugged her lower lip a moment.

"Ah... I see. You are not exactly my Efte." He sat down frowning as he watched her silently. "I was she would be happy."

Lisana stood hesitantly watching him. "She was, but..." A bit of guilt slipped through her expression. Then she sighed sitting down beside him on the bench nearby. "She was until I came along. I am sorry but she fit me better than anyone else could have. It was her laughter that drew me."

"I see. Then who are you?" His eyes were a bit unhappy as he listened, but he was polite if nothing else. As always.

"Lisana, the Goddess of Laughter. This world needed us back to fix things. We failed once which is what has led to our return. Although it is far from fixed, we have managed to gather and protect some of what this world and others had to offer."

"Not an easy path to follow."

"No. And she had no choice. I gave her none. Perhaps... Nevermind."

His eyes took in her expression silently. "You feel guilty about what you did?"

"A bit. Some days more than others. Like now." She laughed sadly, glancing away from him.

"Not much laughter then.." he stated. He was practical if nothing else.

She turned to watch his face. "No. There isn't. Laughter is important, but so few recognize that. If a child can smile, they can forget the hurt caused to them even if only for a short time. Everything is brighter and the strength to go on comes more easily to them." She shrugged, "Maybe I'm just babbling again. I don't know." Her nose wrinkled in frustration.

He suddenly laughed at her expression. "You looked just like she always did whenever frustrated by something just out of her reach. She always had to do things her way."

Lisana smiled faintly as he patted her hand and then held it. "She's still part of me. I could not do that to her. I made promises that I will keep."

"I see. Joe?" He watched her closely, seeing his daughter looking from behind her eyes.

"He's still with me. I'll protect him no matter what it takes."

"Good. He always did her when I could not. Did she ever... find love?"

Lisana winced. "Yes. A man named Tempest. He's still around. He hates met though for taking her from him. He is with the God of Mystery."

"Perhaps time will..."

"No. I do not believe so. He truly loved only her. What you see now will change and I will be more myself. The changes are slow but they are steady and cannot be stopped."

"Well, that is too bad. A part of her still resides within you. I can see it. He would probably see it if he looked."

Not knowing what to say Lisana simply squeezed his hand.

"I must go. I just needed to know. I wish you well, Lisana."

"I am sorry there was nothing more I could do for you."

"You have done more than you know. I saw her for a moment. Her smile shining there. Take care and remember what you promised."

Hugging her tightly, he turned to walk away. "I always loved my Efte even if there were times I missed her mother and let sadness rule. I always wanted her."

"She knew." Lisana replied softly as he began to fade. "It's why she laughed so much. She loved you also no matter what she was feeling."

For some time she stared at the place he had vanished from. He had been unexpected but it had put some thoughts to rest for her. Some. A few.

Sighing, she moved back towards the main area. A few more moments looking around and she was going to rest for the night. All she could really do was make sure that she did not fail to make this life- this second chance worth something. She refused to fail this time around. She simply refused.

Frantically she flew upwards into the branches. Several demon hounds still stalked around below her. Even though the attacks had slowed, the demons were still around, and Aphoni did not want to be eaten. She would barely be a mouthful, but still she knew they must be avoided.

She was alone, but she had not started that way. Mi`shala, Li`ena, and Alystrya had all been with her. The strange winged creatures that had gone after them caused them to scatter. And she was worried as she carefully made her way from the now decaying meadow.

Many humans seemed to think there would be safety at the large black building in the distance. So the four of them had decided to go there. But now she was alone and scared. Should she still go there or look for the others? All by herself? If she did not, she might end up dying. She did not want to die. She knew that much and there would be noone to hear her. She had no voice, so she studied the black place from where she sat, deciding that it was her best option. She hoped her friends made it there.

Lisana, Hasheem, and a few guards were out looking for others. They needed to gather as many as they could for the ritual. The more who believed in him, the better it was. And perhaps the stronger he would be. The men were well armed with their enchanted blades as well as the metal ones they carried. The demons would still fall if necessary to either.

Aphoni pushed her hair from her face as she was suddenly overshadowed by something. She would have yelped if she could as a winged imp came towards here, but instead she darted between the branches trying to avoid him. Darting through the trees and bushes as quickly as she could, she barely understood there were people in front of her before she slammed into one of them.

The men immediately pulled their blades out as Lisana yelped in pain as something hit her shoulder. Hasheem moved in front of her as the imp swooped downwards. His sword sliced through it before it knew what hit it.

"Lady, are you alright?" he asked turning to stare at her.

"Yes. Something hit me." she replied, rubbing her shoulder.

Aphoni was barely clinging to her shirttail as the goddess moved. She was exhausted from trying to avoid the imp. She'd not expected the humans.

It was then Hasheem noticed the tiny creature holding on. He had never seen a fairy before and reached out for her. Aphoni noticed and darted upwards avoiding him. "I believe that is what he was chasing, Goddess. A fairy?"

She blinked as Yeti moved forwards. "Mmm... Tastie." he stated as she darted behind Lisana's head.

"Yeti, stop it. She's probably frightened enough." Lisana growled as she glanced his way.

A large bubble suddenly hit her from below, causing her to cough and sneeze as it popped. Lisana turned, scooping her out of the air with a giggle. Holding her gently, she stared at the small creature sprawled in the palm of her hand.

"What's your name, little one?"

Aphoni simply stared at her as if judging how much to trust this strange woman. The man had called her Goddess. Was that her name? Getting to her feet, she simply watched Lisana for another long moment. Then she drew a finger across her neck indicating that she had no voice.

"Ah. So you cannot speak. Well, where are you going? It's dangerous out here." Lisana replied as she studied the tiny fairy. Her dress and gloves were a silvery white and the front had small peacock feathers on the front. Her hair was short and a faint golden with strawberry highlights. Her wings were a faint teal and black and Lisana smiled noting the hazel eyes. She was a very pretty little creature.

She indicated the black building in the distance and Lisana nodded. "The Pantheon. Most are safe there. We live across from it. I think you should remain with us. We will be going back there. For now slip down into the pocket on my shirt. It will keep you safe. We can worry about finding out your name later, but I am Lisana and that is Hasheem."

Aphoni nodded, then began to spell her name out on the center of Lisana's palm. The goddess watched carefully. "A P H O N I... Aphoni? Ah, that is your name then."

She nodded vigourously with a smile but then glanced at Yeti as he watched her. A shiver slipped through her which Hasheem noted.

"Don't worry. Yeti won't eat you. We'll make sure." he smiled faintly. "You are safe enough with the Lady Lisana. We should get moving to see if there is anyone else, Lady." He indicated that the men begin moving down the path again. There might be more demons scattered about.

Lisana nodded as the fairy slipped down into the loose pocket on the front of her shirt. She'd be safer there than anywhere else for now. Briefly she wondered if there were others out here. If so perhaps they'd find them also. But for now, even one safe helped.