The steam rooms...well this was a spa after all and there was no harm in taking some moments to relax a bit. Phil had been over eager to show off the steam rooms, or maybe he was hoping Oriana could help him get a glimpse into the female steam room...bingo, that's what it was. Declan shook his head when Oriana closed that door on Phil, trying his hardest not to laugh at him. He was certain Oriana was beyond confused how Phil had trained everyone, but Declan's mere training from Phil was weapon based, some unarmed combat, and how to find creatures weaknesses. Declan was send to China-Korea-Japan to learn martial arts.

The men's steam room was more crowded when Declan and Phil entered, Phil with no towel, Declan with the shorts and the towel over his head like a hood, the bag Oriana had grabbed him being placed in the locker room area, this wasn't anything like he had back at the Arcana Cabana, Phil came strutting in and turned up the heat...before he noticed Declan's various bruises and the three scars.

"Geeze kid, what happened? Did you get put through the work out of your life?!"

He looked them over, there clearly was a story here that Declan wasn't telling nor was he going to press for, but something was on Declan's mind.

"So Phil, what are you doing here? It can't be for the nymphs..."

"Nah, I am actually here as a guest of Dionysus, you know kind of a peace keeper, Pan's protegee, you know Peter? Right well I'm here to make sure Pan behaves."

Declan wasn't going to bring up Oriana...Phil would try and press for details and could blow their cover, for now they just had idle chit chat about when Declan was a kid training with Phil, the typical how is the family and uncle questions came up.

The steam was helping Declan focus and relax about Oriana a bit, but still stay on his guard. That is until a couple of Greek gentlemen came in, he didn't know their names, nor did Phil.

"You know that the Big Olive is doing good business kid, you should pop in with Oriana...it'd be the genuine article."

The two Greeks that had walked in one looked as if he'd had something blow up in his face and the other was portly but they'd been looking at Phil...

"Say isn't that the same goat man that trained Achilles?"

Phil turned red...

"Watch it pal..."

"Yeah it sure is! Way to go pal great job on that heel!"

They laughed before Declan saw Phil shoot off and begin wailing on the portly Greek man.

"I got your heel right here!"

Declan had to pull Phil off of the other Greek, Phil had the portly man's thong hanging from his horns...

"You're crazy..."

Declan averted his gaze from the portly now in the buff Greek.

"Cover up, no one needs to see that"

The portly man couldn't see Declan's face, but the tone of the sorcerer's voice made it clean he was not to be messed with. The man complied while Declan turned his attention back to Phil.

"You want another assault charge?"

It was then he dropped Phil on one of the columns that served as a table, head first.

"That's it, next time I drive!"

The scream he heard was from the women's steam rooms, and he bolted up.

Phil shook it off...

"Kid that sounds like your classic DID...Damsel In Distress...now MOVE, moooo mooove!"
 
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Said damsel was unfortunately Oriana herself, who after her initial introduction finally understood what Phil had meant about the Nymphs.
They really couldn’t get enough of her…hair.

Their eyes had watched her move into the steam room before they had formed a six-nymph team mission to subdue her onto the ground…dragged her back to the changing room and started to decorate her red locks with various petals and branches that Oriana wasn’t sure where they had even got from.

After trying to laugh off the initial reaction. They seemed harmless enough! It was soon apparent that if she didn’t remove herself from this situation that they would try to indoctrinate her as one of them.

“I’m warning you –“She was cut off on her hundredth warning when one of them, the more curvaceous of the group was winding one of her strands of hair around her own wrist and humming a happy and melodious tune.

“Seriously – I’m sure you’ve met red heads befo-“ Oriana further protested but they all immediately launched into a story of some woman of the sun that had become a whispered legend of some sort.

According to them it was rather unusual.

She’d had enough. No child born of Gothel and Rumpelstiltskin would become or be from any story of legends. Most certainly not identified by being a ginger of all things.

“That’s it- I warned you!” She didn’t want to hurt them with fire. To her they seemed a little on the naïve side and perhaps too enthusiastic with the breaching of her personal space, but it wasn’t as if Morticia Addams hadn’t done the same. She couldn’t go around fire storming especially not here where Declan was trying to work.

They’d forced her towel off her and pulled her into a dress. Apparently, they had a traditional garment she simply had to wear. To her it just looked like a wedding dress and she narrowed her eyes at them.

Her scream rang out finally when a veil of some kind was being pushed over her head – seriously where were they getting these accessories and clothes from? The thin air?! Unfortunately despite the unnatural high pitch sound coming from her voice box it didn’t deter the group currently hounding her.

The door burst open with a more than happy Phil staring at her being held down by six of the nymphs, a garland being hung around her and various hands still in her hair.

“About bloody time – “ Oriana was shoved forward as if they were all looking to Phil as if they should be receiving compliments for their hard work. “You were right. They can’t keep their hands off or out of my damn hair.”

What she had brushed out earlier this morning was now covered in various flowers and twinkling ornaments plus the longest veil known to womankind.

Strangely it did make her hair seem different and fierier, but Oriana figured it was the effect of the steam. The whole set up had her absolutely boiling since even the changing room was too warm. “Get me out of here!”

As she spoke the whole room had transformed into some forest like area and the ground underneath rippled until she was stood on wet soil. “…I’m so done.” She truly was, what was supposed to be a relaxing experience of a typical spa had turned into an ordeal.

The nymphs around her still patting down her hair and white gown giggled mischievously.

“Okay – now what, I marry some kind of tree?” She threw her hands up and then pointed a finger to Phil. “Shorty. Explain this shit to me right now!”
The half-human half-goat just looked back at her with a strangled noise that she interpreted as ‘I don’t know.’
 
Phil was just as lost as she was as Declan was trailing behind Phil, making sure there was no additional interference, even waving off spa staff members that were approaching, damned water sprites...and even those nyads could be annoying. Of course Declan hearing Oriana's scream had failed to change clothes, sue the towel was on his head as if he was wearing a hood, but in still in his shorts and bare feet.

The sweating he'd endured in the steam room made his various bruises and past scars more visible, though he had taken the time to wrap a washcloth around his mark to avoid drawing attention.

"What in the world is going on--"

He was cut off quickly when he got a look at Oriana, now of course he realized what he looked like. His normally articulate manner failed him in his own embarrassment, of course she could see that he wanted to tell her she looked nice, but was avoiding it due to the situation and risk of her kicking his ass.

"Uh...are you okay Ori?"

Sure he stepped forward while Phil was ogling the nymphs, actually bumping Phil, who was by now making goat noises, Declan kicked him aside a bit.

"Whoa! Butt out buddy!"

This was enough to get the nymphs attention on Phil and they scattered quickly, Declan at the mean time was going to help Oriana out of this situation, while Phil got in his fun.

"Girls! Girls!"

Was chasing them about to which the nymphs avoided the satyr Declan could move quickly, lesson VII was when rescuing your classic DID (Damsel In Distress) always handle with care...this was one rule Declan had on Hercules and the other heroes, where they failed he excelled, not that Declan would dare call Oriana a damsel in distress.

As Declan got to Oriana and to save her embarrassment (aside from the looks he gave her) and helped her get back to where her bag was, he thought about telling her she looked nice, but again he wasn't interested in an ass kicking on her behalf.

Meanwhile Phil had grabbed one of the nymphs, she vanished...leaving Phil covered in flowers to include a Hawaiian lei. Though Phil did manage to grab another of them, but she turned into a tree and of course he grunted. Still not to be deterred he took a heroic pose and made some crude remark, which earned him a slap...he was send rolling into the hallway where Declan had taken Oriana and sat her down on some of the seats they had close to the lockers for the steam room, Declan was attempting to offer Oriana a drink, when Phil came rolling out and hit the wall, landing upside down.

"I told you, nymphs...they can't keep their hands off me!"

Declan just rolled his eyes, as he put his attention back on Oriana.

"That certainly was in distress...what happened?"
 
“I wasn’t that much in distress…you coulda put some clothes on.” She was pretty sure why it irritated her, but she wouldn’t dare voice it. “And I-I don’t know.” Oriana nearly knocking the drink out of Declan’s hand as she waved her own about in exasperation.

“I thought I’d be sociable for once and I asked them where they all were from and next thing I knew they’d pounced on me-“She paused to take a long sip of her drink, some pineapple an coconut concoction. “-and they were going on about some woman of the sun legend and how it was wonderful I’d returned. They’d prosper and grow more in Avalon and-” She looked around at the spa and whispered to Declan, “I’ve never been here before in my life!”

She put her drink down on the floor and cast a curious look to the spa room which was now reverting to its old setting only to worry that her dress hadn’t changed back to the towel she previously wore. Those nymphs better not leave her in this getup. Even Declan was staring at her as if she had grown two heads. She must look a joke.

Suspiciously, Oriana tried to unbutton some of front only for her fingers to keep slipping of the tiny pearls. Next, she tried to yank the little petals and branches out of her hair, but they’d reappear somewhere else in her strands. “Dec. Get me out of this damn catastrophe otherwise so help me Circe I will blow up this building – I’m so- oh do stop laughing Phil!”

The satyr had gotten over the rejection of the nymphs and was silently guffawing against the wall and slapping his knees at her predicament.
Curiously, she sent a lick of flame at her veil and breathed a sigh of relief when it went up in smoke. Looked like the nymph magic could be counter acted with her good old fire power.

Noting that Declan was unusually quiet she snapped her fingers in front of his face, shaking his shoulder. “Dec…you’re usually more articulate than this. Come on, is there an incantation to get this thing off?” As much as getting rid of her veil was a success it was risky to throw flame bells at herself even if she was immune to the heat, there was a still a slim chance she could loose control and wreck the whole building.

Despite her threats that wasn’t exactly what she wanted.

Oriana pulled out her previous dress that she had worn that morning from her bag and looked at it forlornly. "I don't wanna marry some tree."
 
Declan snapped back at Oriana's commentary, and just kind of rolled his eyes at her comment about wearing clothes.

"Well you do realize I was more concerned about you than putting clothes back on..."

He stopped there. Kicking himself mentally, he knew she had trust issues and he went and said something stupid. All he could do at this point was let her go on and try and get her settled. Most of all he didn't comment about her clothes, nor did he even try to assist her in removing what she was wearing, out of fear it'd be taken wrong, but there was still the matter of their cover...well to hell with that now.

"Come on, let's go back to the room, you don't want to attempt to change here, but ask Draconus...something tells me the ring might have the answer."

He had the foresight to go back and get his own bag and changing before walking Oriana back to the room. Of course the other guests had to whistle or make commentary, even congrats were thrown their way. It was then Phil caught on, Declan and Oriana weren't married, it was an act. Poor kid thought Phil.

Declan opened the door for Oriana to their room, Phil's butting of him was getting on his last nerves.

"Ori, I'll meet you at the craps table okay? Take all the time you need."

As she'd done before, he returned it with a quick kiss on the cheek and flower, specifically a tigerlily flower.

"Move it kid...mooo mooo mooove! Come on! Keep your goo-goo eyes on your business!"

Declan tossed his duffel bag behind the door, he'd forgotten to put his shoes on, but didn't care he preferred no shoes anyways, not like the place wouldn't notice anyways, there was that person wearing nothing but a sandwich board proclaiming Ragnarok was coming...clearly he'd not been clued in on one of Declan's labors to prevent that...but he wasn't about to say anything.

Not sure where to start in the casino, Declan figured just to play about the various games to see what he could pick up on finding the Graeae sisters. Oriana said she wanted to do the slots, so he'd not do that without her, instead made his way to roulette wheel. Phil had gotten a drink and was going to break his observation to Declan about Oriana.

"Kid, listen to me! She's..."

"My apprentice? $20 on 16 black"

"Not exactly."

"More beautiful than Aphrodite?"

Declan was being sincere but sarcastic at the same time.

"Aside from that."

"She's made astounding progress in training?"

Declan was being elusive, he didn't want to give in to what he was feeling yet, he wasn't sure Oriana felt the same way, but that vision had been telling and he had questions...

"SHE'S A FRAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUD!!!!!!! SHE'S BEEN PLAYIN' YOU FOR A SAP!!"

"Stop kidding around, Phil. She's not Tinkerbell..."

"I'm not kiddin' around!"

16 black, Declan wins $75 and now puts it on 19 red.

"I know you're upset about what you saw today, but that's no reason to-- "

"Kid, you're missin' the point!"

19 red, Declan wins $150 and decides it's time to walk away...he sees the video poker games, the black jack tables, but hasn't heard anything on the Graeae sisters.

"What point am I missing Phil? That I love her?!"

Neither of them could believe that just came out...Declan quickly turned his back and made his way to the three card Monte area.

"She don't love you! That dress tells you all you need to know kid...she's reserved for one of the divine!"

"Then why is my ring on her finger?! I cannot summon it back!"

"You know she's Gothel's daughter! That means she's nothing but a two-timin'...

"Stop it Phil!"

"... no-good, lyin', schemin'..."

The bloody tears that have been seen in the visions Oriana had have appeared, a flip of Declan's hand sends Phil flying backwards.

"She's my apprentice Phil...nothing changes that."

"Kid...you're going to get hurt...and we cannot help like we did with Tinkerbell."

Declan now has his head bowed, as he walks off in the direction of the Three Card Monte table. Phil meanwhile pulled himself up and decided to go confront Oriana.
 
The tiger Lilly had stumped her. Surely, he didn’t know? He’d passed her the flower, leaving her standing there with a hand on a cheek and left without looking back.

Was it a coincidence? Had he seen the little girl too?

With a confused sigh she headed into the shower, making sure to shut the cubicle door on herself so that it would be more difficult for the fire to escape. That was if she lacked control. Breathing in deeply she tried to connect with Draconus and after a few minutes felt that oh-so very smug energy.

What’s got you so pleased huh? Always laughing at my misery – Oriana mentally chided her ring and then as if there was a ripple underneath her, a thin sheet of fire passed back and forth over her until the dress and hair ornaments were no more.

“Oh, thank you! Don’t go getting a big head though!” She kissed the ring with a smack of her lips and turned the shower on – a quick spritz under the water to get rid of the forest scent that clung to her skin.

Once she’d donned her dress from the morning again, she was ready to go find Declan.

The tiger lily she’d placed on the nightstand within a glass of water. Maybe she could convince Declan to find a way to preserve it – no, but that would raise questions…heck she’d read some tomes herself. A little self-research didn’t harm anyone.

Whistling a cheered tune, one that she tried not to attribute to Declans behavior earlier Oriana left their room and finger combed her hair as she walked down the hallway. Well, she thought it was a walk, but it was more of a springy step to each hum and tune.

At the lift she bumped into a familiar face and smiled warmly. “Hades! What are you doing here – where’s Persephone?” The last question was asked worriedly, that woman was nice but tended to chat a bit too much. “How are things in the er…Hades household.” Well that was a polite way to ask about his funeral home business. Personally, Oriana found it a tad creepy. The only nice part was Persephone’s Peonies which worked rather well considering she made some beautiful wreaths for the graves of Blackhavens lost loved ones.

Once again, Hades was in a smart black suit despite the casual ambiance of the casino/spa and he looked at Oriana as if he expected to see her here. “I had a meeting with someone…the er, Mrs. is with her mother, just her annual get together of course, the ball was an exception.” At Oriana’s confused expression he waved a hand, “Never mind. Long story. And home is – well, You know, a little dark, a little gloomy. And, as always, hey, full of dead people. What are you gonna do?”

Oriana gave a nervous laugh, checking the clock on the nearby wall. “Well, pass my regards to Persephone…Declan is around somewhere. I should go see him.”

“So…” Hades looked around in a conspiratorial manner before leaning forward, although he didn’t dare step into her personal space. “Perse’ was wondering how it was going with you two.”

Oriana shrugged, hoping her cheeks remained their usual pale self. “I don’t know what you’re on about. With who two?”

“Oh come on.” Hades raised his eyes to the ceiling as if asking for strength from the Fates themselves, “-we all noticed the vibe, he’s way too polite and you’ll have to be the one to-“ He took a step forward in example, “-take the first step. Make the move.”

“Still…have no idea what you’re on about.” Oriana insisted, suddenly feeling like the neckline of her dress was choking her. “I should go.” She was stopped by a hand to her forearm.

Her thoughts were wondering to the tiger lilly she’d left in the glass of water back in their room and she wondered if that was Declan’s way of telling her something. Oh gosh, what’s the matter with me. Probably being nice. As usual! You’d think a girl would learn – especially after Lancelot – but he’s not like him -Oh I could kill Hades right now. I should flame ball his head.

Despite her inner thoughts she simply gave a nervous laugh and tried to peel off the hand on her arm. “Trust me, if there was a prize for rotten judgement, I’d have already won it. I’m not about to make a fool of myself. Again.” She wasn’t sure why, but they were both whispering furiously at each other. “Trust me, rocking the boat, bad idea. Been there, done that!”

“Who’d you think you’re kidding?!” Hades rolled his eyes, “I can't believe this girl! I throw everything I've got, and it doesn't even...okay let me spell it out. Why were you just practically skipping down this hall?” He was met with a complete stone face. “Trying to keep it hidden huh? Everyone can see right through both of you.”

Oriana shook her head furiously, “No chance in hell! No way, I won’t be saying a thing, it’s too cliché. I’ve only known the guy a short t-“

“Won’t say what?”

“Nothing.”

“That you’re in love. Right?” Hades expression was way too gleeful for her liking. Great, Blackhaven was being entertained by her lack of a love life. “Give up, give in and just say it!”

“I won’t say it.” Oriana folded her arms stubbornly. The battle to keep her cheeks from turning red had been lost minutes ago.

“Gonna ruin the big plan-“ Hades threw up his hands in exasperation, “Why can’t Persephone do these jobs herself-“

“Wai-what plan…job?” Oriana watched the black suited man walk down the hallway, pulling out his room card key and grumbling to himself. “Hey-come back! Hades!” She rushed after him, what plan? What is it with people giving her half the information and leaving her blind?
 
By this time Declan had wiped the bloody tears away and had focused on getting information about the Graeae sisters, even going up to the bar and ordering a vodka and cranberry with extra lime, like Oriana had seen the first time they'd briefly met. What wasn't known is that alcohol had no effect on him, unless it was laced with pixie dust...still he acted like he'd had too many, drunkenly speaking to random patrons who basically were disgusted with him being "drunk", however one person of interest had entered, the famed Icarus, bragging about how he'd won $15,000 on the sun slots. Drinks were on him, and he was bragging about how the Graeae sisters would be hosting a blackjack tournament that night. Declan stood up and walked out without an issue, much to to the bar's surprise.

Phil by this time had seen Oriana go up to Hades room, and went back down to get Declan. As the sorcerer had told Phil, Achilles was still very much alive and now had entered the casino-resort with his minions Pain and Panic, demonic beings that were opposites, one being portly and red the other being skinny and a spazzo. Achilles was as Phil had described him, a tall muscular man standing at 6'3", his hair of brown coloration and hazel eyes. The one thing though that could be seen was the arrogance, and crossing Phil's path only alerted him to Declan's presence.

Achilles however was checking in, waiting on his bags for the valet to take them up to the room he'd gotten himself. Realizing Pain and Panic hadn't caught up to him yet, but still not taking his eyes off Declan and Phil who was trying to talk to the sorcerer.

"Pain!"

"Coming, your most lugubriousness."

Pain was dragging a heavy bag, and realized his shoe laces were united. He bent over to tie them.

"Panic! My bags!"

"Oh, sorry. I can handle it!"

Panic came running in with one of Achilles' bags, however he failed to see Pain bending over tying his shoes cannot slow down in time, and rams his horns into Pain's backside.

"Pain - Ow!"

"And Panic - eechk"

"...reporting for duty"

Achilles could only roll his eyes, given the two of them the room key, the would be in one of those overdone suites that the high and might paid for, with all the extravagance.

Still, like any good Greek, Achilles needed to pay tribute to the gods...and getting Declan and Phil's attention, motioned them to go to the temple area. Where the statue of Zeus resided. Declan not interested in doing so, but at Phil's behest relented.

"Oh what's the matter sorcerer? Someone hurt your feelings? Those tears of yours are a bit much...even though you're masking them. I must say I was impressed with that display in the bar. You and that red-headed apprentice not getting along?"

Achilles was met with a glare from Declan that would have set him ablaze, but said nothing, simply motioning for Achilles to take the lead to the temple. Phil was trying to keep Declan calm...to no avail, the goat man had put doubts in Declan's head that he was now on the path to destruction, even if Oriana didn't return the feelings, he'd still do his duties to her as he'd promised, but he couldn't understand how the fates and muses had been wrong.

He wasn't even listening when Achilles revealed his true intention of taking them to the temple.

"All might Zeus! I demand the right to challenge two of the sorcerer's self imposed labors! You cannot sit there and tell me that killing the Ripper and saving Blackhaven from meeting Altantis' fate count! He had had assistance from that apprentice of his with the Ripper and Poseidon is god! He cannot in good concise be cleared of that it's biased judgement!'

The statue of Zeus, came to life and demanded silence from Achilles, this was not the way to behave in the temple.

"You demand Achilles will be brought to the council, you will have to wait---"

"No you will decide now!"

"Silence mortal!"

After about 10 minutes of the decision was passed.

"Declan Emrys, we'll be tacking on two more labors to your sentence. And you Achilles, will not make matters worse."

Declan and Phil left, Declan un-phased by turn of events.

"You were right Phil, dreams are for rookies..."

"No kid I was wrong, giving up is for rookies. I can go go the distance, can you?"

As Oriana had seen countless times in her vision of Declan's labors, battles, and all around being an obstacle in the way of all that was wrong with the city, he lifted his head and walked out with Phil, heading up the lift to Oriana.

Meanwhile Achilles, pleased with himself and strutting out of Zeus' temple like he was cock of the walk, headed for his room to settle in before the evening shows, the poker tournament, and above all the dinner!

Still Achilles was pissed that his plan failed. As he sat in a bath robe, with a glass of Ouzo pondering and speaking to Pain and Panic.

"I can't believe that sorcerer! Everything they've got is thrown at him, and it doesn't even..."

Pain is now wearing similar shoes to the ones Declan had been wearing earlier, the loafers. Achilles isn't amused in the slightest.

"What...are...those?!"

Pain sheepishly looked at Achilles.

"Um, I don't know, I thought they'd make me look like Declan.."

Achilles is slowly losing his temper and stood up he was read to clobber Pain.

"I just got that bozo two additional labors to buy time for Horvath's scheme he's been setting up for 10 years before it goes up in smoke and YOU ARE DRESSING LIKE HIM?!"

Achilles stops, he hears Panic drinking a vodka and cranberry with extra lime as Declan was earlier. Panic has now noticed the attention is on him and chuckles nervously.

"Thirsty?"

Achilles explodes in rage ripping the room to shreds and pinning Pain and Panic to the wall with various objects around the room, before he storms off to get ready for all the gambling and shows the night will bring.

Pain and Panic were left to try and unpin themselves from the wall.
 
“Tell me!” Oriana had Hades by the throat, “I’ve had it up to here!” She threw one hand over her own head as if to demonstrate said limit. “Big plans huh? Spill.”

“You’re not going to hurt me. I’m Declan’s friend.” Hades could have fought back, had he wished but he was rather amused by the enraged redhead. He was well aware of her moral compass being the same as his sorcerer friend and Persephone had warned him this situation may occur. “I can’t, I’m under Oath-“

“From whom!?”

“Can’t say.” Hades choked as two pale hands tightened around his neck, but it still wasn’t enough force to do any real damage. Honestly the woman in front of him was too soft hearted. It was as if she had heard his thoughts and that had her clambering over him, his knees buckled, and she was over him adding more pressure to his voice box. Still, he knew that had she truly wanted to do some damage he would be burning instead of being throttled. And if that didn’t make you scratch your head then nothing would.

“Then you won’t be able to say anything again in the future.” Oriana threatened, but at his tight lips she released him but still sat over his chest and growled at him in exasperation. “Do you know what the last few days have been like?!”

“All you have to do is admit what you already know.” Hades was trying to placate her now, voice low and calm.

“I won’t say it! And, oh first it’s the Ripper, there goes my home that I worked so hard to make and then Merida goes and obliterates the lovely room Dec did up for me.” She paused in that memory, clearly still upset by that. “Then the muses think that my head is some type of football field! Visions, dreams and as much as I’m glad to understand him better do you realize HOW AWKWARD IT HAS BEEN? How lost I feel?! Then last night apparently he sees everything and no one thought to ask me if I was comfortable with that-“

“-I think you need to see a therapist-“Hades coughed when Oriana’s hands tightened around his neck once more. “You clearly have issue-“

“Then the flower!” Oriana cursed under her breath, “It’s like he wants to drive me around the bend. You know what, I don’t want to know what this plan is. Thanks for everything Hades…It’s been a real sli-“ Her words were cut off as the door banged open with an angry Phil standing in the doorway. “-Slice.”

Oriana blinked at the satyr and raised her eyebrows as if to say, ‘what’s the problem.’ This was the second time today that Phil had hurtled into the middle of her ‘distresses.’

The sharp cough underneath her had her moving very fast to clamber off the man and straighten her clothes out.

“Hey Phil!” Hades seemed unaffected by the angry stare being directed at him but then behind him was Declan. “This an audience or a mosaic?” He asked with a soft chortle and nervous glance at Oriana.
 
Phil looked back at Declan then to Hades then back again. Oriana could see that the expression on Declan's face had been the same one she and Hades had seen, Hades more so, but that look the same one when he'd received his original labors. He'd not cleaned the blood off his face as well as thought...Achilles had noticed it and Phil couldn't clean it up.

"Dec, buddy, pal, look your squeeze here she's got quite the grip! I mean I haven't been that choked up since I got a hunk of moussaka caught in my throat!"

"Now kid I am sure this isn't what it looks like...you and Hades go way back."

"Phil, you know, you're really not helping matters here, c'mon Ori talk to him schmooze--"

Declan by this point had walked up to Oriana and picked her up as if he was cradling her, he didn't care what Phil was saying, he even threw a bout of dragon fire to Hades face as he walked by silently.

"Okay well I suppose I deserved that, but Dec come on you need to break it to her---"

Declan was despondent, he didn't hear a word Hades was saying simply slamming the door on both Phil and Hades.

His tone was that of the kid she saw overlooking the lake with the desire...to belong.

"Ori...is what Phil was implying accurate? Are you going down the road Tink--she did?"

He couldn't bring himself to say Tinkerbell's name, but the thought of betrayal was hard, he had to know the confusion was just too great thanks to the goat man, while his intentions were good...he caused this misunderstanding.

Still carrying Oriana it was a safe carry, not one that radiated anger off Declan, more like an insecure one. He also had to break the other news to her and he didn't know how...

"Achilles is here, the divine counsel---they put two more on me."

Hades had emerged again, hearing that Achilles showed up but keeping to Phil.

"Look here mutton man, I think this damage is repairable..."

"Yeah but the kid has no weaknesses for Achilles to exploit Hades..."

"I think he does Phil, I truly think he does. But the boy has had quite the stirring performance here, I give it two thumbs way up, I mean I couldn't carry Persephone off like that, she'd slap me!"
 
Apart from a strangled gurgle, which was hardly attractive but non the less Oriana wasn’t sure how else to react. Declan was talking in a dejected tone that blew all the anger out of her lungs against him. There was no way she could rebuff him when he looked as if she had somehow firebombed through his chest.

When he mentioned Phil comparing her to Tinkerbell, well that is when the rage manifested, and she sent a scathing look over Declans shoulder. She knew exactly what to do.

“Stop, Dec- please.” She was clambering out of his hold even as she spoke and landed with a spin on her heels. “You! Pinhead with hooves! What nonsense did you fill his head with?”

Both Hades and Phil froze in the middle of the hallway where they had been lightly squabbling with each other about whose fault it was and the implications of two additional labors. At Oriana’s fuming expression they both reeled back.

“From what angle did I come across as druggie? A back stabbing chit? I’ve been nothing but nice to you so far!” She didn’t give them a chance to reply, “Listen you nanny goat, yes you may have trained some heroes in the past but that doesn’t give you any right to pass judgement and talk crap about me. And you, this is all your fault. I didn’t ask you to come here and you knew I would want to find out more information! Stay away from me instead of causing more hassle!” Hades winced at her and tried to raise placating her with raised hands.

“No! I’m not going down Tinkerbells path. Because guess what. It might shock you to know that I am my own damn person. With my own thoughts. Ideas. It might shock you to know that I have a bloody moral code not to hurt the people who are helping me! I’m not ungrateful.” She cast an upset look at Declan. “And part of you believed him right?”

“She was just tryna get some information outta me.” Hades admitted, fixing his suit jacket and wiping some soot off his cheek from where the dragon fire had singed him. “Persephone put me up to it- but na, no nothing like that…Don’t get me wrong playing hookey with her would be more than a good time-“ The words slipped out and he hoped Persephone never found out.

“Quit. Digging. A grave.” Oriana snapped, breathing in to reel in her ire. “And you know what. Even if I was. Who among you can demand any justification from me about anything?! I’m just an apprentice, right?” With that retort she was taking the few extra steps to open the room which was booked for her and Declan, slamming it in their faces.

There was a long pause to which Hades cast a half amused and half awkward look to both Phil and Declan. “You seem to be constantly getting in the way of it, huh?”

The door opened once more for Oriana to step out, striking a strong slap to Phil’s cheek so he landed on his behind with a goat like squeal before she was gone in a flash of red hair again.

“Baboom.” Hades coughed to himself and turned to walk away from the reddening satyr.
 
Declan didn't say anything to Oriana's response about him or part of him believing Phil. He had needed to hear it from Oriana directly, he was still confused, but not as full of doubt as he had been, though he knew he needed to calm her down. Hades intentions as always had been good and knew he actually deserved the dragon fire, but Phil was the catalyst in all this, Declan would never cut the satyr out...but playing on one's emotions after having to go through the memories that the apprentice had endured, that wasn't cool.

"Phil...do me a favor...go keep your ears open at the casino, see if you can find out what the buy in is for the poker or black jack is."

Now opening the door to their room, Declan was hoping not to get clobbered by Oriana, but was instead shocked and disgusted to see Achilles in there, smoking a cigar and having a glass of wine.

"Oh nice of you to join us Declan, I was just getting ready to tell your lovely apprentice here about your new labors, she can't help you this time around. That was a nice touch about the apartment building a little more theatrical for my tastes but I don't wield the magics, so I give it a 6 out of 10."

Declan knew Oriana was her own woman and could make her own choices, however he was still the master and she was the apprentice, though he never ever say that to her, sure she knew she was the apprentice, she was reaching the 350th circle...but he had the right to defend her. Achilles was no slouch...he was everything Phil had said, but was now taking efforts to protect his heels. The outfit he was wearing now in their room...was a button down shirt which could show off his muscles, slacks, and specialty shoes that protected his heels, the sweater was a nice touch too...

Declan slid himself in such a way as to shield Oriana, sure she could be mad at him, but he wasn't going to let her come to harm. This wasn't lost on Achilles.

"Oh Declan if I wanted to squash you and your lovely red-head there, I could've done so easily. Don't insult me."

"What do you want Achilles?"

"Only to see this apprentice up close and give her what knowing you...probably haven't told her have you? No, I thought not. My dear your master there is nothing more than a cold blooded killer, poor Excalibur, how can you live with yourself Declan? Killing someone who cared so much about you."

Declan stood there, no emotion, no reaction, no use of his powers, still his arm instinctively up to keep Oriana away from Achilles. Achilles suddenly moved, the same dagger that Tinkerbell had stabbed Declan with in hand and drove it into the same spot.

"Hadn't told you about the faerie's betrayal? Fool, you really thought she cared about you...you should know by now that all faeries are betrayers. She was using you...this dagger you probably know all too well yes?"

Pulling it out of Declan's side...Achilles noted there was no blood on the blade. That was odd. Though Declan's scar bled, this particular scar Oriana had noted stood out from the others. It was one he never allowed to heal, the blade was a gaeas blade, meaning that there was a task someone needed to complete before the it would heal or they died.

He was right Tinkerbell had been using Declan, playing on his teenage crush on Wendy, and actually making him think she could be his redemption with Excalibur and going the distance. In reality she wanted something she never got, much to her disappointment and to that of Peter Pan...Declan's grimoire.

"Well I am sure red there hasn't seen your ever elusive grimoire has she? I thought not. I am still far a greater hero than you ever could be...so childish you thought you could be one, all because of your demonic bloodline, even your own father won't have you around. Haven't you learned sorcerer? You are nothing! Maybe the next time someone asks you if you're a god, you should say yes."

It didn't phase Declan, sure the bleeding again wasn't nice...but he opened the door to show Achilles out, who gleefully left the room, heading down for the tables and the five star dinner.

Declan looked at Oriana, he didn't say much. He couldn't...still unable to forgive himself for Excalibur and a bit humiliated that the full story with Tinkerbell had come out.

"Sorry about all that."

It was all he could manage. He too needed to get down to the dinner and tables, it was now covered in his blood, but he showed Oriana a tournament flier he'd picked up and what his intent was to get their information from the Graeae sisters.
 
When she had initially stepped into the room, her anger at Phil had blinded her from seeing Achilles sitting casually at the table in their room. It had been at her second entry she had fallen silent in shock with him sitting there so casually twirling the blade in his hand.

Unfortunately, Draconus could only help so much and although before she might have lit the room up in flames now, she could only stand there in fear. A stranger being in her room was a trigger memory of what the Ripper had done to her.

Declan had entered the room before she could tell the man to leave, and from then it had gone from bad to worse.

All her anger fell away as the filth dropped from Achilles and she ended up simply putting a hand on Declan’s shoulder as they had their heated exchange. A silent reassurance to stay calm and not do anything to create more problems.

The shock of Achilles moving so fast and driving that blade forward had her lurching forward to stop it but Declan’s arm steadfastly held her at bay.
It was a relieved sigh that past her lips when there was no blood on the blade but as soon as Achilles left, she was looking through the nightstand for a bandage pad and placing it over Declan’s bleeding mark. “Forget the damn flier…I don’t care about that right now.” She frowned at the expression on his face, “Forget that damned Pinhead and-and Heel-Brain…if Lancelot wasn’t my fault then Tinkerbell wasn’t yours. If the ripper wasn’t my fault, then Excalibur wasn’t yours. If you want to continue down that line of thought, then you’ll have to hold me to account for those two people as well.” She was sick of talking between the lines and perhaps Hades was right to an extent. “You need to learn to take a leaf out your own book.”

Oriana forced Declan to sit down so she could wrap another cleaner bandage around his still bleeding mark. “…I don’t need some grimoire to tell me you’re a decent person. Nor did I need the muses getting involved…I never thought less of you in the beginning anyway. Even when I got hints and clues of what had happened. Are we clear yet? Do I need to slap your nanny again?” The last line was to draw a laugh from him, to release the tension that had built in the room.
 
Damn gaeas blade, he'd thought those things had been destroyed, he'd thought wrong...one remained and it was bound to Tinkerbell...maybe that was why Achilles failed in his attempt...he had no way of knowing for sure, but the concern Oriana was now showing despite being clearly angry at the situation was endearing. He wasn't sure if he should say something, lest he get her anger to flare again, but he did need to say something.

"Gaeas blade...to remove it's affects...the owner must die and it's not Achilles' blade."

He tried to laugh, it was a humorous thing for her to say. He had to try and respond.

"I would have thought you'd want to hit him with a lightning bolt instead of slapping him."

Declan had to stand up, sure the flier was bloody, but it indicated they were near endgame here at the casino-spa, there was the other thing too at Saint Paul's...they'd go there after this was resolved, he made it a point to tell her that. Looking for his bag...he changed his shirt, to one of his black Hawaiian ones for dinner, but pulled a small phoenix feather out as well and put it in Oriana's hands, his actions as Hades told him weren't going to get the point across, Phil knew as well but Hades had told him not to interfere.

"Ori, you need to know a few things, they'll be answered at Saint Paul's, but for now we need to stop this threat that is the hydra and the gorgon sisters, I have the lead we need, but there's something else..."

It was still that pained kid to some degree, still that determination to prove himself, and the desire to see it all through...he was near the end of the labors, only to have two of them nullified and two more tacked on in their place. He was heading to the door to go down for dinner and gambling, he'd only do what was needed at this point, and he wasn't going to force her to follow. Leaving the bloodied clothing in his bag, and actually putting his loafers back on, despite the hatred of wearing shoes, in a low tone that was devoid of emotions, it was his attempt to make the situation right.

"Ori...I've searched the world and faced it's harms...I'm still trying to find my hero's welcome..."

He couldn't finish, it was draining, and he needed to use several tricks to get this right, they'd have a time to talk further about it. He couldn't express how sorry he was about it all, and he'd make Achilles pay one way or another.
 
She’d been turning the feather back and forth, feeling some type of odd affinity with the slender crimson item. It was soft to the touch and made all her previous anger and doubt slip away.

Smiling lightly, she, perhaps a little inspired by the nymphs themselves earlier on that day slipped it into of her thicker curls and stood up. “Maybe you already did.” She replied, picking up her phone and following Declan out.

They seemed to be in some kind of circled game, where their words where going around and round but neither of them had the courage to step into the circle or to step out. Perhaps Hades was right but at the moment so was Declan.

They needed to complete the task they’d come here. To deal with the hydra and the gorgon sisters. So far she hadn’t taken the problem seriously and had been happy to just ‘tag’ along with Declan and do the bits and bobs he requested.

Yet now after Achilles – and honestly what was it with every baddie just calling her a redhead, did these people not want to learn her name? Ever heard of homework.

Oriana slipped her hand into Declans, lacing their fingers together and squeezing lightly. “In fact I’m pretty sure you already did.” She gave him a friendly bump as they walked back down to the main tables.

Phil and Hades expression was ignored, perhaps they’d thought it would take a mountain moving before she’d forgive the sorcerer but there had always been that element of understanding between them.

She’d be a hypocrite to hold Declan to account. Oriana still struggled with Lancelot’s memories and he was having issues with Tinkerbell still not removing her stench off his thoughts.

Tinkerbell…that was a problem she promised inwardly to deal with herself. If what the hint Declan threw at her was true, the gaees blade belonging to that junkie then she’d find a way to get rid of it. Perhaps even melt it down – it would mean that she’d have to concentrate further on excelling her skills.

“What’s the lead?” She asked, eyeing the slot machines but being unsure as to whether Declan was in the mood for them anymore.
 
Before they sat down at table he let Oriana choose, he didn't use his whisper in the ear trick he'd been doing since the ball, this time he didn't care who heard if anyone was even paying attention...most seemed more interested in the spread and what the extravagant dessert would be. They were not under dressed thankfully, in fact the only one that seemed to be over dressed was Hades, he was still wearing his suit and Persephone had selected them a table close to the kitchens as to not freak out those that were serving.

"Ori, I don't want you thinking Phil destroyed my trust in you, maybe I questioned it, but you're the only person I trust with everything..."

He squeezed her hand as they sat down, and were given the menus for the evening. It looked as if they changed this every night, but that wasn't really a concern, there appeared to be enough choices to make anyone happy, the vegans, vegetarians, the lotus eaters, the carnivores...and whatever else was dining tonight.

There seemed to be a commotion about an omelet and indecision about some potatoes, before the shrill voice decided for the potato salad. It was Cuzco...that famed South America house designer, he liked to buy up lands and put up summer homes in their places. There was a wild rumor that he'd been turned into a llama at one point, but no one could prove it...aside from that Pinocchio picture spread in the tabloids, but that could have been just a normal llama. The good news was Pinocchio was barred from this particular place, in fact photograph wasn't allowed at all.

Declan ordered them drinks...in English, before finally answering Oriana's question about the lead...he'd been a little tense since the stand off with Achilles, and was refocusing on her and the task at hand.

"This bout of blackjack, winner gets an audience with the Graeae sisters...I'm going to enter it and we'll be able to question them afterwards."

He lowered his tone so only she could hear him, no need to whisper in her ear.

"Don't hold it against me, but there's some tricks I am going to use, ones you've seen before. If I change our clothes or appearance, play along, I'll look normal to you and you to me, the rest will see what I want them to."

He leaned back again to resume normal talk...still realizing he was holding her hand...while he didn't want to let go, they did need to eat dinner before the gambling tables and this blackjack and poker tournament began.

"Are you ready to order? Oh...here's the $200 I won earlier, hit the slots and see what you can find out about the items the Graeae sisters are hiding for use against the gorgon sisters."

He felt he needed to say more, about her progress...the reassurance she never got from her mother...

"I wouldn't trust anyone else, not even Hades or Persephone, with this. You have made astounding progress in your training, you can do this, and I won't be far."

He put down his menu, he knew what he wanted to eat and what his tricks would have to be in the tournament, even if Achilles did screw things up, no one here would cross the god of the underworld, who at this point was checking his phone, and shaking his head...Charon was busy tonight...
 
She could do nothing but smile at him, registering his words and nodding. Perhaps unsure as what to respond to or thinking that there weren’t enough words that would explain how much she needed to hear that he didn’t fault her.

Deciding to put their personal issues aside she did as he asked, glancing around warily at the various personalities and what she would describe as ‘oddities’

Phil had been the first satyr she’d met but it was clear that her base of knowledge was still limited. All manners of beings hovered over the slot machines and she put in her first coin with a glance to her left and right.

She’d never played before but it seemed pretty simple. Drop a coin in. Push down the lever. Make a lot of noise if you got nothing. Make a lot of noise if you got something.

Oriana tried to play it casual, this was something she’d done before – according to her body language and she tossed her hair back confidently.
A group of centaurs were not far off, muttering about the stars and a change of astrological design. It went over her head, but one hit the slot machine in frustration and muttered he’s popping out to make a call to ol’ Pemph’.

That caught her attention.

From the tomes she’d read the sisters Declan needed to interrogate were Deino, Enyo and Pemphredo...

“Geddit now Agriu!” One of them chortled, saying there was being caught by a cougar, but this was another joke entirely. The rest of the group laughed as the centaur ducked his head and trotted out back towards the garden, flicking some pure fae out of the way so they didn’t get into his long hair and mane.

Going with her instinct, Oriana pocketed the rest of the 190 dollars she still had and took the winnings she’d acquired. Placing them into the pockets of her dress she followed the centaur out. Phil saw her and nodded, indicating he’d let Declan know but Oriana simply shot him another glare that had him bleating out of her way.

Agriu was on his hunches, a phone clutched in his too big hand and an almost ‘gone’ look on his face. It reminded Oriana of Alice’s girls, servicing their clients after a good bout of pixie dust and she almost felt sorry for the half-man half horse.

“S-sure I geddit for ya and I bring it to – why there, not a good place to be…alright if you insist. It’s just some sandals though I can buy you prettier ones.” He paused, listening to the voice on the other side and then chortled. “Alright-alrigh, I won’t be arguing. I get it for you tonight.” His voice was sugary sweet, and it made Oriana feel ill. There was even a strange aura around him, shimmery gold and she recognized it as some enchantment but couldn’t pin point how heavy it was.

Ideally Declan needed to look at him and then question him.
 
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Blackjack, Declan couldn't understand the appeal to this, but was playing smartly, not betting large amounts and losing some hands, not enough to keep him out of the tournament, but just enough to make it look good. To pass the first round $100 was needed, Declan got that in several hands, hitting an 18, a 19, and 20 to advance.

It was then the table moved to the next six, which included a couple of Peter's Lost Boys: Curly and Nibs; in addition to Porthos of the famed Three Musketeers restaurant chain, that strange fellow that worked for the Burns corporation Waylon Smithers, Mowgli who was quite good at this card game, and someone Declan knew of sorts...the famed "Mad" Madam Mim. He dealt with her when he was younger still under Merlin's wing, to say she liked to cheat...was a huge understatement.

Mowgli quickly took the first $200 with three straight 21's. Curly was out after two hands, while Nibs broke even. Mr. Smithers was more interested in the bar and some of the rather young strapping men that were serving drinks and small appetizers. While Madam Mim secured her place in the final four by not using magic but flipping cards when she distracted the deal and other players.

Declan still played his hands and lost a few to avoid attention and to see if there was anything more to the rumor mill. Nothing yet, he had to remember a couple of things, if one got an invite to the house table...the house always won. He wasn't trying to play there, that would dangerous and could be deadly. No it was easier to play that up here.

It was down to him, Nibs, and Porthos to secure the final spot in the tournament. Declan was to turn over his cards last, however he'd been dealt a 5 and a 6, not going to cut it. Nibs flipped, 18. Next was Porthos, 16. Declan flipped over his cards, however his 5 and 6 and been changed into two Jacks...20. He was moving on to the finals, by securing the $500.

The final four of Madam Mim, Mowgli, Smithers, and Declan was hard fought. Smithers had barely escaped Mim's trickery and won his round, Declan and Mowgli had a stand off, until Declan played his trick again to secure a higher hand, much to Mowgli's dismay. It was now down to Smithers and Declan.

It looked as if Smithers was going to win easily, with his own 20. However, again Declan had been dealt some lousy cards, took one hit, and flipped the bad hand again...this time 21. The $5,000 and the visit to the Graeae sisters was theirs...

He was leaving the tables, making sure to tip the dealer with $1000, surely Oriana would be happy with just the $4000 he came back with. But he secured their audience, that was the goal...he was going to meet up with her shortly, after he cashed out. However a drunken Cuzco had watched the tournament, he was in Blackhaven looking to build some summer homes and pools.

"Hey...you played good cards there, you didn't cheat did you?"

Declan rolled his eyes and excused himself, but it was enough for the security to investigate, they didn't find evidence of cheating but were now watching Declan. That wouldn't be helpful...he strode off to where he said he'd meet Oriana, the crap tables.
 
Honestly, she’d done her best not to look out of place. The crap tables had some wild personalities hollering at each dice throw and she tried not to feel completely intimidated, plus waiting for Declan had her impatient because she had information damnit.

Oriana had tried to garner more at the slots machine but apart from winning about five grand – which she planned to put to good use, first by paying Declan off for all the furniture he’d brought her and also forcing Winston to take some rent.

Declan would never but maybe she could find something to coerce that Butler into holding it.

Still, she didn’t want to get involved in the games without Declan to run his illusions and since she hadn’t fully mastered them…or seemingly just couldn’t that left her not much choice but to stand there with a drink in hand.

And ponder about that centaur.

He was certainly enchanted. That glow had been very telling. The problem was that she didn’t know those sisters personally and nor was there much written of them. So it wasn’t as if she could help him break the enchantment there and then. She’d left the poor guy snoozing away his booze on his hunches.

What was known was word of mouth and that they owned specific items that could help with the gorgons.

“Stop it.” She batted away a fairy that had snuck into her red locks for a nap and felt mildly cruel for doing so but you let one in and then suddenly you’d have a whole infestation.

I mean if you thought nits were a problem think again.

“Hey batman.” She said with a relieved grin when Declan finally turned up. “I’ve been waiting ages.”
 
"Surely it wasn't that long was it?"

He had the golden ticket with an eye on it, aside from that he'd put the four grand he'd won in the finals in her pocket, showing her he'd won the tournament, albeit using the tricks he'd told her he was going to use. As far as he'd known no one was the wiser, but due to Cuzco's drunken ranting, security was now keeping an eye on him.

"Did you find anything Ori?"

Without saying it, he indicated that security was watching him...now that he was with her...well that extended to her now as well. Playing craps would be massively foolhardy at this point, winning there would be more detrimental that it should it should be giving the circumstances. Still they couldn't just stand around especially when they weren't gambling or watching the tables. He didn't dare take Oriana back to the bar, Cuzco's drunken antics...well that could make matters worse, nor could he see anything from Achilles...well aside from Pain and Panic trying to figure out how to play the roulette wheel and video poker.

There were no signs of Achilles, that was plus, they needed no more trouble from him, they'd be leaving the next day thankfully. Though one of the TV's that wasn't on the sports channels or sitcoms, had the local news, Mayor White called for the investigation into Oriana's apartment building to cease, concluding it'd been a gas leak, and they were not able to identify the body they'd found. The other candidate Aurora Rose, was making promises restoring Blackhaven's beauty as it had been sleeping. Again Declan could not believe people had been paid to write these speeches.

To throw off the security, he ordered a drink and acted as if he and Oriana were still deciding where to put their money down and on which game. Pretending to be playing plinko...was enough to get security to back off for a few precious moments, Declan figuring they'd back off when they'd return to their room, all because of some stupid comment...he couldn't believe it, but he had another trick up his sleeve...
 
“You mean you weren’t gone a thousand years?” Oriana joked back, she eyed the security above his shoulder and gave them a mock smile. She watched a few more rolls of the dice as if just standing there for the entertainment factor. Her pockets felt heavier what with her winnings and his but her dress could take it.

Oriana made a mental note that she could do with a handbag…she didn’t usually carry them but if Declan kept offloading items on her it would be useful.

She wondered if it was too materialistic to want to own something designer for once.

Although it was tempting she knew it was a bad idea to get addicted to the thrill of gambling and the rush of gaining so much money in a few hours – heck, she’d never earned this much even working a month at The Tea Party but it wasn’t right. Sure it was fun, as an occasional thing but most certainly not something a responsible person would do.

“Come with me.” She tugged him by the hand, pretending they were just a couple looking for a stroll in the garden but considering the group of centaurs from earlier had already seen her hovering perhaps they could do with being less ambiguous.

“Dec…I think we could do with looking a lot less…well, us.” She stood by the doors leading to the gardens and pointed out the window pane.
In a hushed voice she explained what she’d seen and heard. “Agriu. That’s his name. He left the slot machines to speak to…I think one of the sisters and they spoke of some item he needed to deliver to her tonight.” She paused and shook her head in sympathy, “He’s under some enchantment because…well the sisters are old and the other centaurs were laughing at him. As if it was all a big prank or joke.”
 
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