Journal 6 - Day 2 & 3 in Beaumont

Never underestimate the healing powers of a warm, beautiful home and a comfy leather reclining chair. The bad luck and icy weather almost chilled me into a crotchety old elf. And Silas thought I was going to be the problem! It's been two full days since I last wrote. A lot and not a lot happened. One thing that didn't happen was another attack! Thank the gods! We travelled the cold/hot (so weird) desert coastline, only breaking to allow Gidget a chance to work on Cindy and to eat. Entertainment was offered by Gidget and Silas as they tried to fish, needless to say fish was not on our menu. The meal we did have was provided by Xhoya and oddly tasty, juicy bugs made special by our little enigma. Another first for this girl. Daddy would be appalled if he knew his spawn had eaten bugs. Just another nail in the coffin of our dead relationship I suppose. The young Xhoya must have an affinity for bugs with her joy and thanks in the meal she made and of course the love she showed Payatier. Perhaps when we become closer I can call her my little bug.
 
We walked by day and traveled on Payatier by night. I cant help but be fascinated by Xhoya. She delighted in the stars and spoke a little of reading them. She said they told her we were on the right track. I believed her then and was not disappointed. She wasn't wrong. We found ourselves in what I assume is the old abandoned side of Ellisbeth. The eerie, lonely feeling that accompanied the trees, the roads, the homes; it felt like an unwanted hug. We came to one dilapidated house that had no windows or doors left. It looked as if it was only standing to spite Nepitha herself. We gave all of these homes a wide birth after we heard the haunting ghostly lullaby trying to seduce us to dance down its hallways of the past. It goes without saying, it was a hard pass for all of us; and, as if we needed more of a reason to leave the dead in peace the doorless house slammed its doors in tantrum. We high tailed through the rest of the forgotten town to find the thriving and full of life city, Ellisbeth. Spunky Gidget got great ideas feeling renewed after seeing lights and the paved roads. She pulled us into an ice cream shoppe, stating, "After the shit we've been through, the least we deserve is a late night sweet treat." Or something like that. She is full of life and spunk. I know I said that before but, it's the word for her. It fits. I can't say I didn't agree; and maybe the poor snarky teenaged elf would have agreed too if he knew. That certainly wasn't the vibe he gave though. Oh well, he was getting paid, if he was so unhappy more motivation to move up and on. Or, that's what dad would say. We left Raskin Bobins with our ice cream, I got some called Blue Ribbon something or other, it could easily match Ruth's. Which has impressed me! I will gladly partake again. Mr. Kitty Man seemed to tolerate our side quest, but was quickly back on his little mapping device ushering us quickly to a secluded upper class neighborhood.
 
The homes stood tall with pride, each beautiful and unique with manicured yards that gave plenty of privacy and respect for the people who inhabited there. To set the desired scene, they were placed against a pristine, picturesque lake. Tall full grown whispering trees graced the shore line that is so clear it was like a mirror reflecting the beauty that surrounded. When Silas told us our destination was one of these gorgeous homes I couldn't have been happier! It was a small, similar taste to the comforts of home I missed. We came to the front door, holding up behind Silas. A sharp looking blue skinned tiefling was playing the piano and sipping my favored beverage. Whiskey. I know a good whiskey from a mile away. Mr. Kitty Man Spoke all sorts of goofy spy nonsense to the man, Agent Dodson, who gave us outsiders a good once over before inviting us in graciously. Thanks for vouching Mr. Kitty Man! The home isn't as luxurious as some of the others we passed but it wasn't anything to snub your nose at. Just as unique as any of the others, it stands two stories tall, with an underground pool, and did a great job of matching the natural decor it was built within. Subtle wood designs, with large windows to let Kaida shine threw. Vacation lake home, it screamed in your face. After we entered, Agent Dodson gave us free range of the house, which isn't your normal vacation home at all! The amount of gadgets and doodads that came out of the weirdest places, everywhere. Hidden cupboards split the walls, the wallpaper folded up and away like ancient scrolls, the piano sang precise notes that created a light show for Mr. Kitty Man to dance. (still unconvinced that he doesn't have little domestic cat in him). But, as impressive as the transformation was from cozy summer cabin to teched out safe house; what Agent Dodson was able to do was by far the most awesome. He pulled up Silas' wanted poster from one of the odd invisible screens and changed it to some, I assume, random made-up giant, gruesome looking fellow. I think I felt everyone's relief knowing we'd no longer have to worry about being hunted like warmongers. However Mr. Kitty Man explained the truth, I'm thankful his colleague trusted him. Now, after Silas shook his tail around chasing lights, adorable, we are relaxing. Xhoya and I anyhow. I think the other two said they were going to feed Mat his juice in the garage. I think I'll take the time to get to know this young little bug a little better. I find her fascinating.
 
 
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Before I sleep, I had time to talk with Xhoya for a private moment before the other two came in. I have serenaded both Xhoya and Gidget now into their trances using the old black and white sticks but I can't get what Xhoya said out of my head. I accidentally scared her awake and she came at me with heaving breaths and a knife... a teenaged girl shouldn't be this on edge. She explained she was on a sort of a pilgrimage and was once with more people and I asked her, is someone after you and she said, "I don't know." I think she has a lot more on her plate than any young lady should have. I will have to see how I can gently help her way, we have a lot more in common than I thought we could and it may be nice to have kindred friend. Perhaps the gods have brought us together for a reason.