Lion Head Mesa the jokes' worn thin, the king's stepped in

qiao pulled away, observing the grimace held on leshen's features. he looked to the collected wares, sniffing their contents. no doubt vestiges of their last encounter lingered in his mind.

he listened attentively. then he went for the clamshells, lapping each of them between his teeth. qiao allowed him this time to think --what she asked of was no small errand.


at last he nodded. qiao offered a smile without warmth. i will check here in a week's time. good luck.

she rose, gathering herself stiffly and making for akashingo.