FSE

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| | | The next morning...

"Kitty?" Udaran asked innocently.

"Yes?" came the response from her belly.

"What are you doing?" Udaran asked.

"Listening to your stomach growl. You must be hungry!" answered Kitty.

"I am. And good morning. But... do you mind? I have other needs that I need to attend to first thing in the morning, and your weight isn't helping with that," Udaran warned.

"Oh!" Kitty sat up quickly. "Sorry. Good morning!" | | | Somewhat later, after her morning ritual was completed, Udaran greeted Muz-Ra. "Good morning Red. Where's Ubergard?"

"She said she was going scouting ahead a bit. She should be back soon," Answered Muz-Ra.

"Well, let's get some food. Anyone think to bring anything to cook?"

"Nope!" responded both Muz-Ra and Kitty. | | | "Well, then it's cold breakfast this morning. Did you two sleep well?" asked Udaran

Muz-Ra replied first, "Not bad, considering. This place may be safe, but it makes a damn hard bed!"

"I slept wonderfully, like I was sleeping on a pillow!" Kitty enthused.

"You were... Two of them," Udaran pointed out, "And you have a tendency to try and fluff your pillows at night."

"Oh! Sorry!" Kitty apologized.

Udaran smiled, "I didn't say I was complaining..." | | | "Oh! There's Ubergard. Looks like she's got someone with her too!" Kitty announced.

"She does," said Muz-Ra. Then on further consideration she added, "That's Atahbah. And she doesn't look well."

"Oh my god!" shouted Udaran, "She's hurt! Quick, Kitty, grab a health potion from my bag." | | | "Atahbah! What happened? Here, drink this," Udaran said, putting the red bottle to her lips.

"Udaran? Muz-Ra? What are you doing here?" asked Atahbah as the potion's effects quickly cleared her head.

"Same as you, looking for Sabhira's daughter," Udaran answered honestly.

Atahbah looked confused "But how did you know?"

"I have my own sources. But nevermind that." said Udaran, dismissing the subject and continuing, "What happened to you? Did you find her or Hasskir?" | | | "The daughter, no. But this one found Hasskir, and wishes she hadn't," Atahbah said, looking down.

"Oh my god. Did they hurt you?" Udaran asked in growing horror.

"Only Hasskir. The others watched. This one escaped this morning," Atahbah explained.

"I'm so sorry Atahbah. But I assure you he will pay for this," Udaran resolved. | | | "Thank you Udaran. And for the potion," Atahbah said, her strength returning, "This one will need it to make it back."

"Did he say anything about his daughter at all? Is she there too?" asked Udaran.

"He said only that he would give this one a daughter, but he wasn't referring to her," Atahbah shivered.

"Do you need help getting back to the caravan?" Muz-Ra asked in concern. | | | "Thank you, Red, no. Not now," Atahbah replied, holding the bottle. "But you must be careful Udaran... all of you. Those bandits are cowards, but they are also vicious. They may attack you, even with Ubergard."

"That would be welcomed," Ubergard smiled grimly, "Virgindrung has not drank for a long time."

"How many are there?" Udaran asked, considering.

"No more than 8. Maybe less. But they were too much for this one alone at night. This one was foolish to go alone."

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