"Ahh" My kind of woman!" Stridex piped up! Turn around Random, and gaze upon the feast before you!" Randi looked at a table lain with fruits, breads, cheeses and both white and red wines. There were two tureens steaming with rich soups and bowls brimming over with fresh garden salads. She blinked her eyes approaching the table ..not waiting to ask the others to join her ...she pulled out a chair..then as she sat down she looked up..."Oh Do join me gentlemen!" Her smile was beaming, and Eric found it the most beautiful sight he'd seen in a very long time. This wasn't the forced stressed smile he'd found her famous for of late, but this for a change was the real deal. Why Random McGuire, I do declare you've got teeth! Rather pearly white teeth too! *he teased*. She cut a wedge of orange and placed it in her mouth..and smiled again..doing that orange rind kid grin children have all done at one time or another. Stridex rolled his eyes and fluttered his wings, and genuine laughter broke out..much needed levity, a respite from weeks of what seemed a nightmare. Random's appetite seemed voracious as she finished off a bowl of soup, ladling out another...she quickly broke off a chunk of bread and dipped it..into the bowl. Then when she finished that she polished off a large bowl of garden salad , then for her dessert, she ate a golden delicious apple and a large bunch of concord grapes, seeds and all. The wine was flowing continually, as they all ate their fill. The conversation was light, and cheery, no business, no murder, nothing to complicate or dim the bit of sunshine that this little party of three were privy to. Eric, Stridex, and Random...were having a very good time, and the wine still flowed. Who poured the wine? No one remembers, but...still a glass was never empty for very long, but never stood full for very long either. Evening came quick..and quicker came morning, where each of the three had awakened in a nice comfortable bed, fully pajama clad, and tucked in. As if a nursemaid or mother had taken care of them. Random found it strange, and wondered which one of the two took it upon himself to undress her and put her into her bedclothes..and the other two were having the same ideas. The scent of hot cinnamon rolls and coffee aroused the three, each of course wondering who had the fortitude to get up and cook a breakfast. All of them felt wonderful and well rested. "Ahh M'lady", Stridex piped up. I see you slept well. She rubbed her eyes and groaned following the aromatic scent of freshly brewed coffee. umm Who made breakfast? She asked. I don't know really.. Eric said he didn't. I sure didn't.. Oh! By the way! Eric had to eat and run, but he said he'd either see you tonight for dinner or he'll be by early in the morning. He also said that you are not confined to the cabin..and you may check out your grounds.. since this is your place now. He also said that you should make a list of things you want form the Outworld. Outworld? Yes, you know...New York. *she sipped her coffee and smiled..nodding* She was going to ask who put her to bed..but that would entail who had undressed her and she decided she didn't really want to know..and that it didn't really matter anyway. Stridex..what's on our agenda for today? Aren't there things you want to ask me? Oh to be sure M'lady! But, first I think you should venture out and get to know some of your neighbors. You've only a few, but the reason I suggest you meet them, is that they are very knowledgeable of your sister, and the history of each gate into the Outworld. You'd be surprised of what you'll learn..and then maybe some of the pieces to this little mystery will come together for you. I have some theories about Brent's murder, but I can't voice them. When I'm ready to ask questions, you'll be sorry I'm sure, for I'm very thorough. I'm compiling a list and as soon as I have everything I need..I'll be around. Oh, and Randi, I'm sorry about your starpass..that was unfortunate..and surprisingly cruel of your sister. The Oakensoul is a dimming light these days..and it sorrows us all. She used to be such a treasure.. Much beloved by all. Random sat and had breakfast with the fairy Lawyer, and listened to his smallish voice.. She thought that the murder trial was going to be quite interesting if anything. After all, normally, under the law...Stridex was a pure Fairy, and would not be allowed to cross the nexus. His appearance would definitely make all the papers. Stridex is well known in both worlds, both internationally and locally. Her confidence increased as she listened to him speak of just ordinary, every day.. occurrences. He was very intelligent, but not arrogant about it. She poured an other cup of coffee out for each of them..and continued to listen. When it came time for the Fairy male to leave she felt close enough to him to gently hug him in a farewell greeting. Stridex blushed a bit..but mentioned that now his quota of hugs for the day would be seven more. Thank you Stridex.. and, don't feel bad about the Starpass, it wasn't your fault, and I hope they didn't hurt you when they inserted it. Don't worry about me M'lady, Stridex piped up! I may be small in stature, but I'm able to look down upon giants! Random smiled widely at that statement and hugged him once more. Stridex quickly mentioned that his quota was now down to six more hugs. Random giggled, "Well, as sweet as you are, I'm sure you'll have no trouble acquiring those six hugs plus more. She planted a kiss on his tiny cheek and he simply vanished in a tiny shower of Glimmering mist. By: Robin Minick