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Southern Free Agents

Ch 2 - "The Tale of Maura's Eyes"

Elnorai was a strange and wondrous world; anyone who had lived in it for a few decades like Malik had knew as much. The Gecko also knew many other things, like how to feel vibrations in the water floating in the air to detect movement within a few dozen yards, the right way to combine acid and water without it exploding, or that Esfir didn't know as much about enhancing items with magic as she pretended to.

He was also willing to call her on it. "Just because you know how to channel magic and shape mana flows offered up by other casters doesn't make you an expert on enchanting. The kinds of empowering runes and channeling used to make her goggles is all but lost to modern manufacturists."

What had originally begun as a casual discussion about Maura's goggles had turned into a full blown debate, and it wasn't because of Malik; Esfir was difficult at the best of times, but when she got certain thoughts into her head she was nigh unbearable. The feathery lizard girl folded her talons over her sternum and shot him a withering glare. "Just because YOU don't know how to do it doesn't mean it can't be done."

Malik rubbed the spot on the bridge of his snout near the base of his eyes in frustration. "And just because you think it's possible doesn't mean it can be done. Djona is one of the best enchanters I know an she has to use other magic items in order to get it done... and even then she can only do basic effects."

Esfir got the kind of self-satisfied smirk that appeared on her snout when she figured she'd won an argument. "Yeah? Well maybe that's because she can't do any magic on her own. Give a real channeler time to figure out how they work and I can pretty much guarantee you that they can do something like those goggles."

One aspect of being inducted into a venerated group with as much history as the Sufa Union meant that there were many MANY things that came before Malik joined up; the same was true for Esfir. Speculation was a common pastime of theirs and, even though differing theories sometimes end up in heated arguments the usual outcome was a stronger group bond so such altercations were more 'character building' exercises... but that didn't mean Malik had to appreciate the Kobold's baseless sense of smug victory. "Those goggles are at least a century old, and I still think she got em from a noble house's treasury as payment for a complex contract."

The feathery Kobold scowled. "Not everything of interest comes from noble houses you know... I stand by my theory: Maura commissioned it from an enchanting guild with some rare ingredients she and the team looted... like how Archie's scepter works."

Almost, as if by magic himself, Archibald chose that moment to wander closer to the campfire. "Like how my what-now?"

The Sufa Union was used to sleeping on the road when they had to do so in the wilds that meant a quiet, out-of-the-way area that could be easily defensible and with clear approaches monitored by sentries. On that night, however, they had chosen to create their camp beside a main roadway in the middle of a city-state protectorate. Most people less familiar with 'how things really worked' just assumed that city states traded for their food rather than produce it themselves, but such an assessment was flawed with one major logical fallacy: if no city state produced food then nobody would have any to trade.

Protectorates were large regions outside of the walls that were heavily patrolled and carefully guarded. The vast majority of city states had them in order to keep their population fed, and, when possible, the Sufa Union liked to make camps within their boundaries since it kept them much safer from the numerous threats that lingered at the edge of civilization. Likewise, rather than be quiet and unobtrusive like they were in the wilds, the group always made a point to be loud and draw attention to themselves since that seemed to put the road wardens at ease; they tended to be much more wary of those seeking to hide.

Archibald, who had, until that point, been sharing tea with Djona, had elected to join Malik and Esfir by their small campfire. Taking a seat to create a nice triangle with each of them at a point, the Mink smiled to each of them in turn (Malik noticed that Esfir was the first to receive it) before repeating his inquiry. "Oh come come now... my ears are absolutely burning... my name was referenced, and now the polite thing to do would be to let me in on the secret."

Esfir quickly spoke up, presumably to try and get Archibald on her side. "Your scepter... Malik thinks that Maura's goggles were put together after she went hunting for parts."

It was an oversimplification of the Gecko's point, of course, but the Kobold was apparently more than willing to sell his point short. In return, however, Malik countered with a baseless version of her argument. "And Esfir here says that Maura's goggles were a gift from some nobleman."

She wasn't as willing to let the statement stand as he had been. "I think they were payment for a tough job."

Rubbing the end of his muzzle thoughtfully, Archibald nodded, glancing once again at them in turn, starting with Malik the second time. Ultimately, however, he looked back to the campfire and pulled a small stream of water out of his wine skin, held it over the flames until it started steaming, then raised his cup and guided the hot water into it. Only after he'd tended to his task did the Mink respond. "Well... lucky for the two of you, I happened to be there when she got her goggles, so I happen to know the actual story."

Malik leaned a little closer. "Good! Then you can settle this argument and tell Esfir that she's wrong."

Esfir likewise inched closer. "Exactly... you can tell this smooth scale fast-talker that he doesn't know his tail from a--"

Archibald interrupted the statement. "Where'd be the fun in that?"

Malik saw Esfir raise an eye ridge even as one of his own ears stood up. "Beg pardon? We need help resolving a--"

Once again, the Mink had no trouble speaking over someone. "I mean, that's hardly a riveting, compelling arrangement, now is it?"

Esfir spoke to the point far better than Malik had a mind to. "What are you scheming, Archie? It's a simple request."

Archibald was all smiles when he revealed his plan-- the Mink was big on plans. "It's rather simple, you see. You both have a disagreement and yet there are no stakes... no drama... no interesting risk or gamble. You have yet to BET anything."

Malik saw the direction the discussion was headed, and apparently Esfir did too. The Kobold scowled. "You're saying you want us to make it interesting before you bother getting involved... is that it? Couldn't I just bribe you with--?"

The Mink would have none of it; holding out a paw he shook his head. "My dear, dear, sweet Esfir... perish the thought! I shall no be bribed, and I would not dare demand that one of my most cherished Union partners be forced to treat me like a common mercenary--"

Malik smirked. "Technically we ARE mercenaries-- we do stuff for people for pay."

Archibald continued despite the interruption. "This is purely for amusement, and to add some element of theatricality to the mix. Surely both of you believe you are in the right, so the least you could do would be to make a friendly wager."

Esfir rolled her eyes. "Okay... Mailk, if, for some STUPID reason you win, I'll do that thing you like tonight when we go back to the tents..."

Malik did indeed know EXACTLY what she was talking about and he wasn't about to object, especially since he knew he was right. Just about to provide his own meaningless bid (since he was going to win), the Gecko was interrupted by Archibald. "Oh come now... at least give us all a chance to benefit from your silly spat. Whomever is wrong must buy a full round of meals for the party at our destination... surely that is a better offer, and our entire Union benefits from it. Win/win, after all, is that not so?"

The Gecko nodded. "Yeah... win/win, I guess..."

The kobold snickered. "Win/win for the one who doesn't lose.... MALIK."

Archibald was all smiles. "Very well then... the two of you may shake on it. Whomever is incorrect will have to buy a meal for the entire Union at our next stop... go ahead-- YES, I expect you to actually shake!"

Malik rolled his eyes, getting up from his place by the fire to rotate around it and take a seat next to Esfir. They clasped wrists and, both looking to the Mink, made a show of giving one another a firm shake. Esfir stared across the flames at Archibald. "Alright... now out with it, Archie."

Archibald was something of a showman; he had a way of making everything into a production and Malik had every expectation that settling the disagreement would be exactly that; he wasn't wrong. The Mink settled in, taking a sip of his tea before setting the cup own and wriggling into place as if making himself comfortable. He cleared his throat (twice), and began his recitation as if he were telling a legendary epic. Letting out a sigh, Malik knew they were in it for the long haul, and so he snuggled up against Esfir who, having been with the group long enough to read Archibald's intentions, likewise leaned her head on Malik's shoulder as the Mink began his tale.

"It was a pawful of years ago-- I was still new to the Sufa Union, and only their second addition since they were founded. Back then it was Djona and Maura, along with a sexy little Mouse named Chuchi-- that's who you replaced, Esfir."

The Kobold scowled against Malik's shoulder; she hated being reminded of her predecessor, especially since she'd been recruited almost right after Chuchi died. "Yeah... I know. Thanks for the reminder."

Archibald paused in his storytelling, glancing to a trio of shapes approaching at the distance, illuminated by torchlight. Malik turned to regard them, watching carefully as the grew closer. Ultimately the three forms were much easier to identify: a set of hard-scale road wardens. As they passed by, eying the party, Malik held up a talon in greeting. "How's the highway tonight, gentlemen?"

The one closest to the party tipped the front of his basket helm. "Quiet... just the way we like it. No patrols have encountered any problems. We're on our last sortie but all's well since nightfall."

Seeing a patrol of road wardens was always a comforting site inside a protectorate; most city states kept the road safe with constant surveillance and a lack of patrols usually suggested that a dangerous threat was looming. With everyone more at ease, Archibald continued on as if he hadn't been interrupted. "Oh... and this was all a ways before we got Durnok so we had a massive-- and I mean MASSIVE Rhino named Jeb. Big guy... big heart too. Not much in the manners department, but he cared."

Djona, who had been wandering near the edge of the light cast by the campfire to keep watch took the passage of the road wardens as a good sign and came over to take a seat beside Archie. "He was a cutie... never quite realized just how gentle and coordinated he was... took so much care too... always tip-toed around anyone smaller than he was--"

The Mink grabbed the Fennec and pulled her against him, kissing her cheek. "EVERYONE was smaller than he was, Dee."

She squealed, giving him a jab in the gut with her elbow to get him to release her as she shoved him gently. "I know!"

Archibald's smile slowly faded and they sighed in unison. "Anyway... he was a founding member too, if I recall."

Djona shook her head. "Nope... Jeb WASN'T a founding member. He took over for Maura's husband, actually... remember?"

THAT was a story Malik hadn't heard and, apparently, neither had Esfir, since they both had the same question, speaking at the same time. "Maura was married?!?"

A low-toned, grumbling growl spoke up from the darkness, clearly identifying that they'd commented too loudly; Maura was obviously not interested in the topic, and she said all that needed to be spoken to change the direction of the discussion. "There are enough trees here that I can push you each through one trunk and leave you there 'til morning."

Djona lowered her voice and murmured. "He's the only member of the Union who left rather than died in the field."

The statement was sobering for Malik. Of course he was aware of the various dangers of being on the road and working as an adventurer; even the best of groups had losses and, had the Sufa Union not faced them the he wouldn't have been serving alongside his companions, but it was still scary to know that the group had taken several years to 'get it right', and he was overjoyed that they hadn't lost a member since Esfir joined, and before that it had been three years; they were one of the most successful teams on the northern islands.

Archibald quickly reigned in the discussion. "So, like I was saying, it was Maura, Jeb--"

Esfir interjected. "What kind of name is Jeb, exactly? That couldn't possibly be a real name... is it?"

The Mink just smiled, obviously not minding the interruption one bit. "Short for Jebidalian... not an uncommon name in the South Atolls, but not that common either. Really I believe it was more of a Rhino thing, or so I'm told."

Djona added "And 'Jeb' was a lot easier to call out in the field."

Malik couldn't argue with that; brevity was imperative anywhere danger reared its head-- up to the point that most members of the Union had shorter versions of their names-- Nok, Mar, Arch, Dee, Essy; Malik himself responded to pretty much anything, though 'Mal' was one of the most popular choices for his companions. Despite how 'nice' it was to hear about the prior members of the Union, however, Archibald's story wasn't really getting anywhere. "And Maura's goggles? What about those?"

As if Archibald hadn't heard the questions (Malik SAW his ears swivel his way, so Archie DEFINITELY had heard him), the Mink continued right on with a muted exclamation. "Oh! And Lankin... he was the one for whom Faley stepped in."

Faley, Malik remembered, was the tunnel-runner and alchemist whose position he took when he joined. Based on what the Gecko had heard about the Wallaby, Faley was nowhere near his own talent level, but Malik had no intention to speak poorly of the dead. "Ah... and how long was Faley in the group before I joined up?"

Djona answered that. "About a year. He fit in alright, but never really meshed."

Archie shot the Fennec a wry grin. "And by 'fit in' meant that he was really good at sex... just not all that great at his job."

Malik had been with the Union long enough to know that physical, mental and emotional intimacy was all part and parcel to membership; there wasn't a single member of the group he hadn't been with in some respect so Archie's candor was hardly a surprise. What WAS a surprise was Esfir's follow-up question. "You mean even better than Malik?"

Despite how much time the'd spent together since she joined, and the fact that she was the newest member, Esfir had never provided much feedback as to Malik's 'talents'; he couldn't keep from smirking at that reaffirmation, especially since he prided himself on his ability to serve. Archibald was quick to put him in his place. "Oh, Malik is good with his tongue, I'll grant you that, but Faley could move his hips like a dancer and was more flexible than an acrobat."

Djona let out a little giggle, leaning closer to Archibald as her paw worked up beneath his shirt. "I can still remember the time when you had him from behind and he was inside me, but still somehow managed to get the tip of his tail up under yours... I can't think of the last time I heard you make such--"

In most circumstances Malik would have been happy to listen in on past conquests but, in that moment, he felt a little outdone and besides, he reasoned, there was supposed to be a purpose to the story. "Can you get back to Maura's eyes? Isn't that story before this Faley guy even joined?"

Archibald nodded. "Quite right... about... two years, give or take... we were on Gea Island and... ah... Djona dear, do you recall which of the cities were patroning us?"

Although Malik had never actually traveled as far south as Gea Island he did know it was one of the larger ones and, unlike most islands, had two city states. His thoughts were interrupted when Archie let out a surprised squeak; Djona's paw had found its way down into his trousers as she hummed, eyes gazing skyward as if thinking, and, as her fingers began moving beneath the linen of the Mink's garments she murmured out "Highrock."

To Archibald's credit, he managed to continue his story though, judging from the damp spot appearing on the cloth between his legs, Djona's touch was having some effect. "Yes.... Highrock it was. Thank you, my dear."

Djona smiled like the vixen she was. "My pleasure."

Judging from the way Archie gave a faint jump, she'd probably squeezed him; Malik knew from experience how good she was at that. He was feeling a little aroused himself, but was still adamant about proving to Esfir that he was right. "And? What about the gogg--?"

His question was left unsaid as Esfir, who was leaning against him, slid her own talon down between his legs, caressing his groin through the fabric. He smiled at her, realizing that she already knew he would prove to be the victor in Archie's tale; the Mink had said that they were working for a city, and that pointed toward a reward from a noble family. Archibald, however, had taken a slight break from telling his story to wriggle his way out of his trousers.

Malik was about to frown, thinking the story had come to an end, when the Mink continued right back up, even as his erection disappeared into Djona's eager muzzle. "Anyway, let's see... yes... we were completing a task for the Lord Mayor's brother, I believe it was, an the six of us had one hell of a time getting up the long winding path from the beach to Highrock... I heard that they have the road cobbled these days but back then it was still pressed dirt, which had a tendency to-- oh yes... just like that, my dear-- a tendency turn to mud when the water came down hard enough."

If Djona's soft sucking sounds weren't enough of a distraction, Archibald interrupted his tale to commend her on her skills-- Malik didn't need the reminder since he knew just how good Djona was with her muzzle. That thought didn't stick in his mind too long since Esfir had the cord on his trousers loosened and, before long, she had worked them open enough that she could have free access to his turgid flesh and, like the Fennec, she wasted no time applying her own talents to good use. Malik tensed up the moment he felt the warmth of her maw engulf him, but he gripped the log upon which he sat and pursued his victory with ardent will. "And when you got back to your employer he awarded the Union with a pair of magic goggles?"

Archibald had a paw resting against the back of Djona's head, eyes half lidded and a goofy smile on his muzzle, but his attention focused on Malik as he shook his head. "No... actually we received a small manor home-- the Oligarchs there thought that owning property would convince us to stick around and help, but we sold it for a small ransom and moved on."

Malik was both dejected by the fact that the story didn't end with him as the victor AND the fact that Esfir pulled herself off of him so she could face Archie and ask "So the party went to an enchanting guild and commissioned her goggles?"

The Mink let out a pleased groan, rubbing Djona behind an ear. "Nope."

Archie reached over and put a paw on Djona's rump, pulling it closer to him so he could slide his digits down the back of the Fennec woman's shapely rear; the sound she made against the Mink's shaft told Malik that Archie found the right spot rather quickly. Unfortunately, that playful action got them no closer to getting the answer the Gecko sought. "So HOW did Maura get her goggles while you were on Gea?"

The Mink looked up at the Gecko quizzically. "On Gea? Oh, no... Maura didn't get her goggles on Gea-- that came later."

Despite not having lips, Esfir still managed to pull herself off of Malik with an audible pop before turning around to shoot a withering gaze toward Archibald. "Then what was that whole damn story about?"

Smiling amiably through a half-lidded gaze, Archie responded "I just wanted to spend some quality time with my union brother and sisters... what's wrong with telling a story to pass the time? Just enjoy the tale..." he continued caressing Djona's ear, even adding a thrust of his hips to the motion. "...and other things."

Malik watched the Fennec woman's paws side around to grip Archiband by his rump but her right wrist bent inward and, judging from the sudden, startled gasp from the Mink, Djona had done something the Gecko himself wished he could have to torture the fast-talking muselid. Regardless, he looked down at Esfir. "Figures he'd just string us along..."

The feathery Kobold woman scowled, but she forestalled any argument, standing up so she could step between the Gecko's legs; he saw that her she'd escaped her panties, and the insides of her thighs were slick. Pressing her muzzle to his, Esfir began kissing him, tongue included as her digits sought out what lay between his legs; he had no trouble letting her take it into her palm and she broke the kiss as she turned away from him, sliding her thin tail up and down his thigh after moving it out of the way. Maura's goggles all but forgotten, he focused instead on the sensations of Esfir's little form engulfing his turgid member in her tight warmth.

Archiband was all smiles. "See? It's so much better when the team can get along rather than argu--OOOoh-- ooh... you little vixen you."

The Mink's chiding thoroughly interrupted by Djona's continued toying with his tail hole, Archie's focus left the Gecko and Kobold, turning instead to the Fennec before him. Pulling himself free of her muzzle, he drew her up in an embrace so he could press his lips to hers and the two mammals began exploring one another with their paws; Malik was turned on all the more by the display, even as Esfir settled down into his lap, taking his flesh to the hilt. Being both roughly the same body size, it was a far greater feat for her than a larger partner such as Djona or, when in the mood: Archibald.

At that point, story all but forgotten, he moved closer to the fire, laying Esfir across a log so he could mount her properly. The Kobold dug her claws into the bark as he bent her over, thrusting in earnest as his body reminded him it'd been days since he'd last had the chance to relieve some of the building pressure in his loins. Gripping Esfir by the hips with his left digits and her shoulder with his right, Malik planned on correcting that issue.

The Gecko was so caught up in his joint pleasures with the Kobold that he didn't notice Archibald's approach until Djona was set down on the opposite side of the log and the Mink bent over her. Offering a rakish grin, Archie stated only "Mind if I join you?"

Malik couldn't help but smirk even as he scoffed. Removing his hold of Esfir's shoulder, he reached across the short distance between himself and the Mink, running his fingers through Archibald's immaculate, silky chest fur before gripping it tightly in his fingers and pulling his fellow union member closer so he could press his smooth, broad lips against the muselid's fuzzy muzzle. Archie didn't so much as hesitate, pushing back as he slid his textured tongue into the Gecko's mouth. Beneath them, Malik could hear the girls similarly engaged.

Archibald had always been a good kisser but, to the Mink's detriment, his tongue was hardly as dexterous as the Gecko's and, despite their size difference, Malik never failed to get the better of him when it came to mouth-play; it wasn't long before Archie was moaning into his maw though, likely, it was as much from Djona's eager nether lips as anything the Gecko himself was accomplishing... not that a well-timed twist of the Mink's nipple wasn't good for extra stimulation; Archibald had a thing for nipple play. Not having any himself, Malik just presumed it was a 'mammal thing'.

Any such considerations left his mind the moment he felt a sandpapery tongue slip along the underside of his shaft mid-thrust into Esfir. Breaking his kiss with Archibald, Malik pulled away and looked down. Esfir was half-atop Djona, nursing one of the Fenenc's perky breasts while Donja, beneath her, had her muzzle in just the right spot to address the Gecko and Kobald's joined sexes... and she put her tongue to incredible use. Fighting back an urge to moan, Malik, realizing he was rapidly approaching the point of no return, picked up the pace; neither of the girls seemed to mind.

Off to the side, Maura appeared within the aura cast by the campfire. "Looks like you started without us, mmm?"

Archibald, ever the diplomat, licked his muzzle, letting out a tight breath amidst his rhythmic thrusting, and composed himself, looking to the bear woman even as he flashed a smile. "Just warming up, sweet lady... there's more than enough of us to go around, and if you like, I'd be happy to join you and Durnot later when you get a chance to--"

Timing his strike perfectly, Malik waited for just the right moment when the Mink's muzzle was opening up to enunciate his next word, and the Gecko shot his tongue out, striking Archibald's perfectly before yanking the Mink's head back in his directly so he could offer some very specific signals with his fingers: us first.

Archie smirked and pushed his muzzle forward until both tongues ended up back in Malik's mouth. If there was one thing the Gecko could appreciate about his Mink companion it was that Archibald was always willing to please. It didn't take much longer either, especially with Esfir's slit stimulating him with her eagerness and Djona's skilled tongue adding even more sensation to the act. Ultimately, the Fennec woman's paws ended up on his rump and added force to his thrusts; shortly thereafter he could take no more and he unloaded into Esfir, who squeaked with glee, her insides spasming against his pulsing member, milking him for all he was worth.

Still tonguing the Mink in front of him, Malik's head swam as he pumped his seed into Esfir, hips shaking while Djona gripped his rump tightly, pulling him into the Kobold even as Archie slammed into her. The Mink bit down lightly on their joined tongues and moaned into the Gecko's maw; Malik's nose wasn't as astute as his mammalian comrades, but there was a heady, musky, almost lanolin-scent that accompanied Archibald's ejaculations and that aroma was impossible to miss-- that, and Archie always giggled when he came... or cried... or both. It was both on that occasion.

The four of them finally fell into a heap atop and adjacent to the log, all breathing heavily in their post coital bliss. Maura, off to the side, already had her leather breeches off and was focusing on herself, paw already at work as she watched the four of them. "Well... it's good to see all of you getting along after that argument earlier..."

Malik looked up lazily from where his head lay on Djona's abdomen-- at least, he was pretty sure it was Djona's abdomen... or perhaps Archie's back? He didn't care. Smiling at the Bear woman, he finally realized he'd be able to bypass Archibald's bullshit. "Maura... how did you get your goggles?'

Smiling, the big Bear woman stretched out, loosening her leather chest armor as she laid down on the ground, paw between her legs still moving with the skill of a woman who knew what she liked. Staring skyward, Maura said only "They were made for me."

Esfir bolted up immediately and Djona hissed as the Kobold's tail pushed her own to an odd angle. "So you commissioned them? I knew it!"

Malik frowned. "She didn't say that-- she said--"

Archibald cut in, and, judging by the torso moving beneath him, Malik confirmed that he was indeed resting his head on the Mink's back. "Esfir, unless I'm mistaken, you said an enchanting guild made them."

The Kobold stuck her tongue out at Archie. "Exactly... she JUST said she--"

Maura glanced between Archibald and Esfir. "We didn't go to a guild. Two members of the Union made them for me."

Archie nodded, gesturing to the Bear woman with the arm that wasn't pinned beneath himself in the pile. "And there you have it... made for her by group mates from the Sufa Union."

Malik's frown deepend. "So... neither of us were right?"

The Mink nodded. "Neither of you were right."

The Gecko's frown turned into an outright scowl. "And you knew that from the beginning?"

Archibald only grinned in reply. Esfir interjected. "So neither of us won the bet! Why bother having us make it at all then?"

Djona, limber and lithe as she was, managed to squirm her way out of the pile. Her tail flicked one way then the other as she approached Maura, kneeling down to rest her head on the big Bear woman's thigh. "Well... based on what I heard, it sounds like you both lost."

Maura's small, rounded ears rose. "Did Archibald get both of you to bet on something?"

Malik was ready to respond to the inquiry but the Bear's attention was already off of them as Djona's muzzle dove down between two thick ursine thighs. Archibald, on the other hand, was focused entirely on the Gecko and Kobold. "The way I figure it, since neither of you were right you both lost the best."

Proving just how astute she could be when she tried, Esfir piped up in response before Malik could get over being stunned. "So... now we BOTH have to buy a meal for the Union when we get back to the city?"

Archibald winked at them both. "And here you were saying that no one won the best... the way I see it, we all benefited and you each learned two important things!"

Malik wasn't going to give the Mink the satisfaction of asking what those two important lessons were. Esfir, however, had no such reservations. "And what did we learn, exactly?"

Smirking, Archie gestured over to Maura, who was on her back, hips arched forward, with both meaty paws on Djona's back as she writhed beneath the Fenenc's attention. "First... how our lovely Maura got her goggles..."

Esfir threw a discarded piece of clothing at the Mink's face in response, but she followed up with insisting on more information. "And what else then?"

Malik provided the answer. "Never listen to Archibald when he suggests you make a wager."

The Mink's wink told the Gecko that he had indeed learned the right lesson.