#elsewhere

She takes a moment to talk with the waitress....thanks for the great meal, and also to keep an eye out for anybody who might still want to be part of The Music Man. "We still have a few roles that need to be filled. Also, I'll be coming by next week with some posters, if I can hang some near the front door?"

"Sure, we're happy to help the community" The waitress beams

"Great! Thanks again!" She waves to the family members she can see in the pass-through window to the kitchen before they head to the car.

"Somethingg odd about those folks" Zane says "And it's not just that i think the food was a work of art. I'd swear a bogggan was musing them" this said as they get to the car

"I try not to be impatient, but.. " A BROW on the sidhe "I feel like I've been handed ONE chapter out of a novel at a book club"

"It's possible," Sylvi says to Zane. "But I'm not sure who."

They drive towards Dark Gate... and Nadeen WAITS.. visibly

"Oh...um." Sylvi glances at Nadeen as they drive. "Well...our schedules haven't really been overlapping a lot the last couple of days...and I was mostly concerned about telling Colton...." She gives him an apologetic look again, and then takes a deep breath. "Nadeen, I'm going to be going back to Rivervale for senior year. I've still got most of my oath here to finish, but Chieftain Hewitt has agreed that I can do this as long as I transition in a good candidate as an apprentice. And that's what I've been talking about with Zane."

"I'll still be here, but more like part-time. So, you know, thank goodness for the trod."

"Ah, yes" Nadeenn says pushing a smile on her face "Thank goodness for the trod. I hope I'll stil be able to see you from time to time, but give my love to the squad at the old high school"

Sylvi glances at her, notes the smile, and cringes slightly. She falls silent as they drive.

After a few moments, she says, "So...Zane...what's this idea you have?"

Zane says "I don't want to get too cocky, but I have this cane" he lifts his magic item

Sylvi can't help it. "The jokes just kind of write themselves there, don't they?"

Zane smirks "Only if I get to joke back... starting with rigidity and size comments"

"No" Colton declares "I think we're ending this skit before it starts"

Nadeen actually does laugh a bit at that

Sylvi gives Colton a wink. "Fine with me. So...jokes aside...what have you got in mind, Zane?"

As they pull up to the Fortress and park.

"This cane belonged to a bad guy, a dream rapist... it was broken, then salvaged, and.. I changed it's purpose. It no longer fills with false emotions, it... draws away negative energgies"

Colton looks at him "Say what again?"

"It. Draws. Away. Negative. Energies. " He repeats

"Wait...draws them away? And...does what with them?" she asks as they get out of the car.

"It purifies them, it ... I need to talk to your mountain I guess" He admits "This is a lodge right?"

Colton nods "I'm texting her now. Zane, if this works..."

"Yeah, the Mountain's name is Wildheart. She's pretty cool."

Adn in they go

(To Be Continnued in Dark Gate)

(BUM BUM BUM)