TIAMAT: * Tai and Kain's journey to Neenah lasts, as expected, about two weeks, perhaps a day or two longer. The trip is almost entirely uneventful, the peace only interrupted once when a group of bandits attempts to invite themselves to the pair's dinner one evening, though Kain deals with them almost as quickly as he did when he and Tai first met.

TIAMAT: * It's late morning, the twin suns burning brilliantly in a cloudless sky when the duo ride into the city. Aside from being the holy capitol of Nin -- churches and temples are much more abundant here than in Kamaria -- it is also a bustling port town, located on the northern coast of the ocean, and the streets are filled merchants hawking their wares as well as couriers dressed in their respective temples' uniforms.

JETMODE: * Kain, as he usually does at the end of these journeys, looks weary and relieved at once. "So," he says curiously, "where's the temple your family's at?" Then he scratches his head, frowning slightly. "Or I guess we ought to drop that package off first ..."

TIAMAT: * Tai looks around excitedly as they enter the city, barely hearing what Kain says about the package. "It's a larger temple near the center of the city, just keep riding, you can't miss it..."

JETMODE: * Kain looks somewhat surprised at this, but he nods, scratching the back of his head. "I.. guess we'll go there first, then ..." He shrugs, content to let Tai lead, as she appears to know the city much better than he does.

TIAMAT: * Having lived there for over 16 years, Tai does know the city quite well, and it doesn't take long for her to lead them right into the heart of town and up to one of the largest temples in the city. She slips quickly off the horse as they approach, trotting up to the stairs on foot. "Come on, you can meet Jostin and Becci -- I hope they're here..."

JETMODE: * Kain follows a little more slowly, looking for a place to tie up his horse before he ambles up the stairs after her. He doesn't appear particularly comfortable with the temple, but he doesn't say anything about it, trotting to catch up with Tai after they reach the top of the stairs.

TIAMAT: * Tai doesn't seem to notice Kain's uneasiness as she jogs up the steps, slowing only when she passes through the arching temple doors, which are propped wide open. She pauses just inside to glance around, noting a few people praying, before spotting a dark skinned, red-haired person near the altar, who she makes a beeline for immediately, biting down the impulse to call out.

JETMODE: * The person at the altar bows slightly to one of the worshippers, turning to look over the room with an air of serenity that seems to come from her very core. She blinks as she sees Tai coming toward her, then lifts her hands to her mouth as if to cover a smile. Kain merely follows, sticking his thumbs in the waistband of his trousers and looking around warily.

TIAMAT: * Tai, unable to hide her own grin of delight, starts to trot again as she approaches the red-haired girl, finally flinging her arms around her neck in a tight embrace. "Becci! I've missed you!" she practically squeals in an attempted whisper.

JETMODE: * Becci returns the embrace with no less enthusiasm, smiling down at her adoptive sister for a moment before releasing her. "Tai, you've been gone so long!" Her voice seems naturally low and sweet in tone, but it's clear she's pleased to see Tai. "Did you find them? Is that why you've come back?" It's then that she notices Kain, who is standing awkwardly a few feet behind them.

TIAMAT: * Tai's smile falters just slightly. "No...not yet." She pauses, then brightens again. "But I did find some information in Kamaria that they might be in Ocala! Lord Glenn is investigating it for me -- I've been working for him since I arrived at the city -- oh, there's so much I have to tell you!" She pauses again, then glances over her shoulder, noticing Kain as if for the first time and looking slightly embarrassed. "Oh Kain, I'm so sorry. This is my sister, Becci!" She grabs Kain's hand and pulls him closer. "Becci, this is Kain Dorgany. He helped me get to Kamaria after Jostin had to return here."

JETMODE: * Kain gives a slight wave, inclining his head politely as he stumbles forward, and Becci bows, folding her hands in front of her and smiling. "Well, perhaps we should retire somewhere less public.. we don't want to disturb the worshipers." She takes Tai by the arm, glancing at Kain and indicating he should follow as she leads them out of the sanctuary. "I'll make some tea," she adds with a smile.

TIAMAT: "I knew you would," Tai replies, returning the smile as she follows Becci through the corridors of the temple. "Is Jostin around?"

JETMODE: "He should be back soon," Becci answers comfortably. "I think he had a short errand to run. He might already be back." Kain seems content to trail behind, staring vaguely at the temple as he goes.

TIAMAT: * Tai nods approvingly as she follows Becci into a smaller parlor-like room in the back of the temple. glancing around happily as she wanders over to a couch in the middle of the room. "It is good to be back. I missed the city, and the temple, and all of you. Has everyone been all right?"

JETMODE: "Oh yes, quite well ..." Becci smiles, seating herself nearby. "There was some furor when the senator returned, but it's passed." Almost as soon as she's seated herself, she remembers the tea and gets to her feet again, ambling away to make it. "Jostin has stayed out of trouble, which is a source of constant amazement." Kain slouches into a nearby chair, looking around the room, but otherwise staying quiet.

TIAMAT: * Tai watches Becci leave, then turns to Kain, opening her mouth to say something, but before she can get it out, another voice, this one male, issues from the hallway where the trio just came from. "Becci, are you in here? I got that book you wanted..." The door opens to admit a young man whose appearance is strikingly similar to Becci's, save that he's a bit taller and his hair is a bit shorter. "Had to run halfway across town to--" He pauses when he sees that it is not, in fact, Becci in the room, his eyes settling on Kain before he notices Tai. "Who are--" "Jostin!" Tai squeals happily, jumping up and running toward him, practically tackling him in a hug, under which is stumbles slightly. "T-Tai!?"

JETMODE: * Kain bristles slightly at the initial hail, then he relaxes boredly at Tai's reaction to the newcomer, arching a brow as he looks him over. "There he is," Becci's voice remarks from the other room, where there also issue the sounds of water and tea ware clanking.

TIAMAT: * After Jostin steadies himself, he hugs Tai back fondly, patting her back. "When did you get back? We were starting to get worried, we hadn't heard from you in so long!" Tai releases her step-brother, returning to the sofa, where they both sit. "I just got back a few moments ago. I'm sorry I haven't written more often, I've been so busy. Oh! Jostin, this is Kain Dorgany." She glances at the blond-haired elf with a smile.

JETMODE: * Kain gets to his feet and nods, offering his hand to Jostin. "Pleasure," he grunts unconvincingly, then steps back. Becci returns before the silence can become too extended, and she appears to have added a cup for Jostin to the tray, which she sets on a low table near the couch. "How do you take your tea?" she asks Kain lightly, and he gives her a very blank look. "Uh.. don't really.. I mean.. whatever's fine."

TIAMAT: * Jostin takes Kain's hand with a polite nod before taking his and Tai's cup, handing hers to her before sitting back down on the couch. "So Tai...what have you been doing that's kept you so busy that you can't even write?" Tai flushes slightly, but Jostin grins and ruffles her hair lightly before she responds. "Well...after Kain escorted me to Kamaria, he introduced me to Glenn Greenstone, the senator of Wynn. And I've pretty much been working for him ever since I arrived, aside from searching for my family. Running errands and helping him with his duties...actually, that's why Kain and I came. Lord Glenn sent us on an, er, extended errand here."

JETMODE: * A flicker of interest ripples across Becci's face, and she offers Kain a cup of tea, which he accepts reluctantly. "I wonder if it has something to do with the fuss," she says comfortably, and Kain shrugs, sipping his tea warily.

TIAMAT: * Jostin chuckles slightly, but Tai arches an eyebrow curiously. "You mentioned something...about the senator? Medina Reese?"

JETMODE: "Ah, yes, well." Becci shrugs her shoulders very slightly, taking a sip of her tea and smiling. "I don't know the details, but I did see a lot of messengers leaving her temple in a great hurry." Kain chuckles humorlessly. "Probably Adlai.."

TIAMAT: * Tai nods at Kain's comment as she takes a sip of her own tea, and Jostin glances at him, though he doesn't comment immediately. Instead he seems to study him for a moment. "So...just who are you, anyway? Been taking good care of our Tai? We don't want her running around with just anyone..."

JETMODE: * Kain straightens in his seat, arching an eyebrow, and shrugs. "My dad's a member of the council, friends with Senator Greenstone. She probably spends more time with Luke, to be honest, but he's an okay guy." Becci pauses for a moment, tapping her chin, then smiles. "Ah, that Dorgany."

TIAMAT: * Jostin arches an eyebrow, looking mildly surprised. "Ah. Well. Seems she's in good hands, then..." Tai rolls her eyes slightly. "You worry too much, Jostin. I've been getting along perfectly fine with Lord Glenn and everyone else at his estate. Though I do miss you all here...but Lord Glenn said we could stay a couple of extra days so I could visit!" She looks immensely pleased, then falters slightly. "Er, Becci, would it be okay if we stayed at the temple while we're in the city? Do you have a couple of spare beds?"

JETMODE: * Becci blinks, then smiles again,. "Of course, Tai. We always have room for you here. How cruel would we have to be to turn you away to an inn?" Kain utters a faint snort of amusement, but he doesn't comment, instead keeping an eye generally on Jostin.

TIAMAT: * Tai beams at her step-sister, ignoring Kain. "I knew you wouldn't. Oh! Where are Mom and Dad? They should meet Kain, too..." Jostin glances at Kain with a small frown when he notices the elf staring at him.

JETMODE: "Ah," Becci says, looking thoughtful for a moment. "There was a meeting among some of the temple heads this morning, and Father hasn't come back yet ... Mother was seeing to the finances, last I recall." Kain, noting Jostin's frown, lets his attention drift and proceeds to ignore him for the time being.

TIAMAT: * Jostin watches Kain for a few moments longer, then turns back to Tai. "So what kind of mission are you on for this Senator Greenstone?" "Oh, it's not much," Tai replies, sipping her tea again. "We just have to pick up a message from one of his local informants. Actually, we should probably do that soon..." She glances at Kain for confirmation.

JETMODE: * Kain nods, expression becoming somewhat dry. "Yeah, we should probably head over there pretty soon." He shifts in his seat, shrugging. "I guess it's not a big rush, but I'd rather just get it out of the way, you know?" Becci nods agreeably, taking a long sip of her tea.

TIAMAT: * Tai finishes her tea and sets it back on the table where Becci left the tea tray, then stands with a slight stretch. "Guess we should go, then. It won't take long, we'll be back before tonight!"

JETMODE: * Becci looks slightly disappointed, but she nods and smiles. "It's best to tend to business before pleasure, right?" Kain grunts and gets to his feet, scratching his head. "Besides.. my horse is still right out front.. we probably need to get it in a stable before long."

TIAMAT: * Tai glances at Jostin, who stands slowly, setting his own tea aside and eyeing Kain a little warily. "The temple has a small stable...we probably have room for your horse for a few nights...if you'd like."

JETMODE: "That'd be great!" Kain says cheerfully. "Beats paying an inn, for sure." Becci brings her hands together with a cheerful slap. "Well, that's settled, isn't it? We are always glad to be of service." Kain looks at her oddly for a moment, but she only smiles, and he shrugs, starting for the door.

TIAMAT: * Tai smiles happily at Jostin, who gives her a slightly doubtful look, then returns the smile a little wanly as they both follow Kain toward the door. "I can just take care of the horse...if you two don't mind walking around town." "Of course not," Tai replies. "I walked all over this town long before I ever rode any horse. We'll be fine!"

JETMODE: * Kain looks momentarily doubtful about this suggestion, but he shrugs and relaxes, cheer returning. "Sure, if you've got the time. We'll just get started walking." Becci, in the meantime, is gathering up their cups to return them to the kitchen, looking as serene as ever.

TIAMAT: * Jostin sees them back outside the temple, where he studies Kain's mount for a moment before untying it and leading it around to the back. He glances over his shoulder as he goes. "We'll see you later tonight then, right?" "Of course!" Tai calls back cheerfully as she starts to lead Kain into the streets, waving over her shoulder at the dark-skinned elf.

JETMODE: * Kain looks warily at Jostin as he leads the horse away, then he trots hurriedly after Tai, not wanting to lose her in the streets. "They seem.. nice," he offers, catching up with her, despite his personal doubts about Jostin. "So how far's this temple we're supposed to go to?"

TIAMAT: "Not far," Tai chirps happily, pausing briefly to allow him to catch up. "Neenah isn't as big as Kamaria, anyway, it shouldn't take us long to get there." She goes silent for a moment, then asks abruptly, "So...you like them?"

JETMODE: * Kain looks at her doubtfully for a moment. "I mean, I've only known them for five minutes.." He shrugs slightly. "They seem all right." He looks a little annoyed, wondering why it matters anyway. "I hope this goes quick.. I'd like to sleep in a bed tonight, for sure."

TIAMAT: "The temple's not far..." Tai repeats, trailing off and going silent again. She leads them through the streets for about 20 minutes, when she steps off the main road through the city and onto a smaller, quiet side street. From here it's only a few more minutes before they arrive and yet another temple, this one considerably smaller than the one the Zedekiahs head.

JETMODE: * Outside the small temple, a woman is sitting on the steps, looking as if she's half asleep. She's wearing robes of a religious order, also hooded, and she stirs at their approach, blinking before she gets to her feet. Kain looks at her skeptically, but she smiles. "Welcome -- are you here to worship?"

TIAMAT: * Tai returns the smile, giving a slight bow. "Not exactly. We're looking for Jarna Sommes -- I understand this is her temple?"

JETMODE: "Ah -- I'm Jarna." She dips into a low bow. "Did Meshia send you, from our sister temple?" Kain's look of skepticism deepens, and Jarna's expression becomes puzzled. "Then ..."

TIAMAT: * Tai glances at Kain, hesitating very briefly. "Actually, we're...from Kamaria."

JETMODE: * Jarna looks very puzzled for a moment, then her eyes widen in recognition. "Oh -- oh!" She bobs again, starting up the steps. "Please, come inside -- we can speak there. I'm terribly sorry, I'd forgotten --" She breaks off, hurrying up the steps to pull the door open. Kain utters a low sigh. "Awfully cloak and dagger," he mutters, but he does follow her.

TIAMAT: * Tai glances at him again as she follows the priestess inside. "Well, I figured we'd better make sure it's really her before we go handing over the message..."

JETMODE: "I mean her," Kain grunts, but he falls silent as they step into the temple. It's empty and a little dusty, and the seats and decorations look worn. "I'm sorry.. but it is a delicate matter," Jarna says, smiling wanly at Kain. "You're from Senator Greenstone, correct?"

TIAMAT: * Tai nods, glancing around the temple. "Yes -- I'm Tai Zedekiah. This is Kain Dorgany. Lord Greenstone said you had something for him -- and we're to deliver this for you." She slips her pack off her back and flips it open, rummaging momentarily before pulling out the scroll that Glenn gave to them right before they left.

JETMODE: * Jarna takes it, face tensing slightly, and she nods. "Yes. yes, I do. I'll be back shortly. Please -- wait here." She hurries away, disappearing behind a heavy curtain. Kain scratches the back of his head, watching her go. "For all the running around we do, I wish they'd tell us more."

TIAMAT: * Tai grins faintly, taking a seat on one of the benches in the back of the church. "You probably would know more, if you went to the meetings more often. I'm not lecturing," she adds quickly, before Kain can retort.

JETMODE: * Kain scowls slightly, in spite of her claim. "Dad drags me out there every chance he gets." He glances up as Jarna returns, clasping a paper-wrapped package in her hands. Her expression is now even more strained, and it's with some relief that she offers it to Tai. "This should be everything."

TIAMAT: * Tai stands again to accept the package. "Thank you." She pauses before turning back toward the door, looking a little concerned. "Are you all right?"

JETMODE: "What?" Jarna says blankly, then she shakes her head, waving a hand. "Yes, I'm fine. Please, go." Kain nudges Tai, shaking his head as he starts out the door. "We probably don't want to know anyway," he says once they're outside.

TIAMAT: * Tai follows Kain a little reluctantly, glancing over her shoulder at Jarna as they walk down the steps, then gives a sigh as she starts to lead them back to the Zedekiahs' temple. "Yeah, you're probably right. Well, at least we got what we came for." She slips the package into her bag, then slings it back over her shoulder."

JETMODE: "So, er, how long are we going to stay?" he asks idly, looking skyward as they make their way back through the streets. "I don't really care.. just curious." He scratches his head, then shrugs boredly. He admittedly hasn't got much to occupy himself in the time they'll spend here.

TIAMAT: "Just a day or two..." She pauses, watching him for a moment. "I hope you don't mind...I know you don't know anyone here very well or anything..."

JETMODE: * He shrugs. "I'll get by. I'm bored at my house all the time." He glances over at her and grins. "I can always train. Or find a tavern." He pauses. "They do have taverns here, right?'

TIAMAT: "Yes..." she replies hesitantly, then decides to change that train of thought before it can go any further. "I'm sure Jostin would train with you -- I'm not sure which of you would be the better fighter, but he's had a lot of training to become a holy knight of the church."

JETMODE: * Kain seems momentarily interested by this -- if only because it would mean a spar against Jostin, who annoys him a bit -- he isn't sure why. "Well, maybe." Not that it's going to stop him from visiting a tavern if he wants to.

TIAMAT: * Tai looks like she wants to say more, though she refrains, and remains silent until they arrive back at the temple. "Well...if you want to go take a look around the city, go ahead. I would like to catch up with Becci and Jostin a bit more, if you don't mind..."

JETMODE: "Sure!" Kain says cheerfully. "I think I remember the way back. I won't stay out too late." He seems oddly cheery at this thought, almost as if he's baiting her. He glances at her and grins, then shrugs. "I won't get in trouble."

TIAMAT: * Tai gives him a slightly imploring look. "Oh, do try not to. Your father would be angry, and Lord Glenn would be disappointed..." She trails off, then gives him a small smile. "Well, if you can't find the way back, just stop and ask at any of the temples, they should be able to give you directions."

JETMODE: * Kain nods comfortably. "Will do!" He pauses, glancing at her once again, then starts away. "See ya later!" It isn't long before he disappears in the crowd, apparently relying on his unerring instinct to find a bar in the city.

TIAMAT: * Tai watches him go a little worriedly, then sighs and turns to enter the temple quietly.

JETMODE: * In the time they were gone, Becci has returned to her post with the parishioners, though there are fewer of them with the day drawing to a close. She starts toward Tai when the younger girl enters, looking around curiously when she sees Kain isn't present.

TIAMAT: * Tai grins happily when she sees Becci, trotting up to meet her. "Am I interrupting?"

JETMODE: * Becci shakes her head. "No, most of the people here have come to pray on their own." She takes Tai's arm again, apparently habitually, and leads her toward the room they went to earlier. "Did your friend have some other errands to attend to?"

TIAMAT: "Ah..." Tai looks slightly embarrassed as she allows Becci to lead her into the back of the temple again, giving her step sister's arm an unconscious pat. "He, er, just wanted to take a look around the city some. He hasn't been here much, so.."

JETMODE: "Oh, I see. Understandable." She glances at Tai with an amused smile. "It is a beautiful city." When they approach the room, she pauses, tilting her head. "Do you think he'll be back in time for dinner? I didn't think to ask ..."

TIAMAT: "Er...I...wouldn't worry about it...I'm sure Kain can find his own food." She laughs, a little nervously. "We did at least finish our mission, and now we have a few days to relax in the city before we should be returning back to Kamaria." She smiles fondly at Becci as she takes a seat on the couch again.

JETMODE: "My," Becci remarks, but she seats herself next to Tai without argument, smiling. "You said you met him on the way to Kamaria?" she says inquisitively, expression clearly interested. "Was he on an errand for his father then, too?"

TIAMAT: *Er, well," Tai starts, looking a little flustered. "I sort of...got in a bit of trouble with some bandits." She blushes faintly. "Kain, er, heard us and came to help." She pauses then, smiling suddenly.

JETMODE: "Bandits?" Becci sounds momentarily horrified. "Oh, I told Jostin he should have gone with you farther, but ..." She falls silent, tucking a lock of hair behind one ear. "Though I suppose you were rescued in the end, hm?" An amused smile curves her lips.

TIAMAT: * Tai's smile turns into more of a grin. "Well, yes, I did." She gives a little sigh, looking, for lack of a better word, mildly dreamy for a moment.

JETMODE: * Becci arches a brow, stifling a small laugh. "I thought you seemed quite taken with him -- it's good to know my instincts aren't far off ..."

TIAMAT: "What? I'm not--" Tai startles out of her reverie, blushing suddenly. "I mean...he's just...awfully gentlemanly. After the incident with the bandits, he insisted on escorting me all the way to Kamaria, when eh was going in the opposite direction."

JETMODE: "Well, that was kind of him," Becci says. "He does seem a little restless, though." She looks at Tai again with a smile. "Well, it's nice to see you have your eye on someone."

TIAMAT: "Yes, well," Tai flusters again. "That's not to say...I mean...nothing...well." She clears her throat. "So...how about Jostin? Have his eye on anyone besides dear Kristy?"

JETMODE: * Becci sighs and rolls her eyes heavenward. "And he seems to think none of us notice ... Kristy is .. well, she tries to be patient." She folds her hands in her lap, frowning thoughtfully. "Actually, he's supposed to run out there tomorrow, but .." She glances at Tai, smiling. "I don't suppose you and your friend would go instead? We have such a hard time getting him home when he goes."

TIAMAT: * Tai giggles, grinning a little mischievously. "Oh, I don't doubt that. I would love to go see Kristy, and it will keep Kain out of trouble...what do you need, does she have a delivery for you?"

JETMODE: "Oh, no.. we have an ... unusual patient for her to see to -- we only found out about him this afternoon, and she's out on her rounds, so the earliest we can have her come is, obviously, tomorrow. She should be back then." Becci smiles briefly. "Thank you so much, Tai ... I wasn't sure what we were going to do."

TIAMAT: "Of course, Becci, don't mention it!" Tai smiles happily. "You know Kristy is like a sister to me as well -- I was hoping we'd get to see her while we were visiting. How has she been, by the way? Holding up just as well as ever, I imagine?"

JETMODE: "Oh yes, quite well. She seems to have picked up a new client a little farther out, so she's taking longer to get back." Becci's smile becomes suddenly amused. "Jostin was terribly worried the first time ..."

TIAMAT: "Of course he was," Tai remarks with an amused grin. "I suppose he was worried she was seeing someone else, hm? Not that she's seeing anyone to begin with..." She gives a little cough to hide a giggle.

JETMODE: "He moped for weeks," Becci says with a sigh, resting her cheek momentarily in her hand. "Even Kristy couldn't do anything with him at first. But I suppose he's recovered."

TIAMAT: "Who moped for weeks?" comes a familiar male voice from the hallway, and a moment later, Jostin appears, closing the door behind him. "Oh, welcome back, Tai." He crosses the room to sit by her -- she's looking both amused and mildly alarmed, though he doesn't seem to notice -- and he glances between her and Becci. "Did you say you were talking about Kristy?"

JETMODE: "Oh, hello Jostin, back already?" Becci responds serenely, without missing a beat. "Yes, we were. I thought perhaps Tai and her friend could make the trip out there tomorrow -- after all, Tai hasn't seen her in quite a while." She smiles winningly, as though she has no ulterior motive whatsoever.

TIAMAT: "Oh...but..." Jostin suddenly looks slightly disappointed. "But...Tai, are you sure you remember how to get there? We wouldn't want you to lose your way..." Tai laughs. "Don't be silly, Jostin, of course I haven't forgotten how to get there. How many times did we travel to Kristy's house for tea or lunch or just to say hello?" "Ah...well...yes, then, I suppose...that would be best," Jostin replies after a moment, smiling a little wanly.

JETMODE: * Becci hides a smile behind her hand and sighs. "Well, perhaps I should go start dinner. Mother and Father should be home soon, at least." She gets to her feet, smiling down at Tai. "Would you like to join me? I'm sure the kitchen is the first place they'll come."

TIAMAT: "Of course!" Tai replies enthusiastically, hopping to her feet to follow after Becci, though she pauses when Jostin hails her. "Where's your little friend, Tai? Didn't scare him off, did we?" The older elf grins, and Tai gives him a slightly exasperated look. "No, but I thought you might have, Jost -- he's just out exploring the city." She hesitates. "He did mention he may want to train with you sometime while we're in the city, if you're available..." Jostin arches an eyebrow in amusement. "Why, certainly. Who am I to say no to a senator's son?"

JETMODE: * Becci glances back over her shoulder, arching an eyebrow warily, then she shrugs and walks on. "Try not to be too rough, Jostin ..." she calls over her shoulder as she goes.

TIAMAT: "Rough? Me? Becci, when have I ever been rough?" Jostin replies, sounding mildly hurt. Tai utters a small sigh as she follows Becci out of the room. "Oh please, Jostin."