Chapter 3

Disclaimer: And here we go with the next all new exciting chapter! And boy I'll tell you what, some folks are freaking ignorant of the way the tagging system works on here. I am also a man by the way for a certain guest reviewer who thought I might be a chick. Which… Thanks for making me laugh by the way! Oh yeah, I own nothing but what you see here! And special thanks to Stand With Ward And Queen for a review of his as well over on 'Coming Clean With Susan'.


Argyll, Scotland

The portal deposited the foursome of Laurel Lance, John Diggle, Thea Queen, and John Constantine into a dimly lit room that seemed to be filled with all sorts of odds and ends. "Well, here's to hopin' we didn't give someone a heart attack just now." Remarked Thea sardonically.

"Mmm, quite the contrary my child. As I find it nice to receive visitors in such a manner every now and again. Unless of course they are arriving with ill intentions."

Her voice causing the four to whirl around in surprise to see a woman in a purple and gold long flowing dress and long dark hair. Constantine groaned at the sight of her. "Madame Xanadu, who'da known that Shhtk had a sense of humor to put me in your path again."

"And here I thought you loved our deep and meaningful conversations John."

"Ooh, sounds like a bad break up between you two." Spoke up Thea with a raised eyebrow.

"More like he broke the heart of someone very dear to me, my dear child."

Constantine just sighed in annoyance, not wanting to go back down that route where Zatanna was concerned again. "What is all this?" Wondered Laurel as she picked up a mason jar containing a strange looking object from a shelf.

Xanadu came forward and gently took it from Laurel's hands. "Merely a trinket from ages past. Brought to me after a quest was completed."

"Yeah, and it could very well wipe out a small village if in the wrong hands." Snorted Constantine derisively.

The eyes of Laurel, Thea, and Digg widened at that. "And thus, why its here. So that doesn't happen."

"Exactly how could it wipe out a small village? Its just a trinket like you said." Asked Digg curiously.

"Why because it has magical power inside of it of course. But no need to worry, an incantation must be spoken in order to use it. And very few in this day and age would even know it."

"If I hadn't seen what I just did and went through a portal while seein' it, I'd think you're smoking somethin' strong." Muttered Digg with a shake of the head.

This got him a chuckle and a smile from the woman. "So you collect things then?" Laurel asked as she continued to look around.

Thea doing the same as well. "Mmm, that I do. I also sell too as this is a shop. Along with tarot readings."

"Right, well, as fun as this all is, we'd best get goin' if we're gonna be gettin' Momma Shhtk her baby boy's staff back."

"Ah, so you lot are the next to try and find Chhtuk's infamous staff then. Perhaps I can assist in this manner by offering some items for your use in the journey ahead."

Thea looked at her with raised eyebrows. "There've been others who've looked for it?"

"That is correct. Unfortunately, many have failed to find and bring it back. But perhaps you four will be the ones to finally do what so many others could not."

"Well, that's reassuring." Muttered Thea dryly as she and the others followed the woman to a set of chests.

"With her, you can't expect any less."

The fact Xanadu didn't even so much as react to that cutting remark surprised our three favorite adventures. They know one another, so I guess her not reacting makes sense. Laurel thought to herself as she, Mr. Diggle, and Thea began to look through the chests.

For Thea, she found herself a red and yellow outfit that came with a yellow cloak that she instantly liked and rushed off to put it on. Digg found a set of Green Armor that Xanadu mentioned to be of Arthurian Legend and would protect the wearer from physical injuries. She also instructed him to take the sword known as Durandal despite the fact he had no prior experiences with swords. But all she would say is that it was better to be safer then sorry. Laurel was given a black and yellow armor set and the sword known as The Sword with the Red Hilt. Said to be used by Sir Balin and later, Sir Galahad. Her armor, unlike Digg's looked like it would be unable to deflect an attack due to it looking more like leather but that was far from the truth as it was very durable for her needs so that she wouldn't have to worry. She'd also be given the same words Xanadu said to Digg about how it was better to be safer then sorry when it came to the sword. And at least she would have more then just two Escrima Sticks to defend herself with.

Though their provider was a bit cryptic that Laurel would discover another weapon she would be able to use during their journey to find the Staff of Chhtuk. "We look like we're goin' to a Renaissance Fair or somethin'." Muttered Digg to himself once they were all in their new outfits.

Which with his, had taken a little experimenting when it came to finding places to put his clips and gun on. Constantine merely snorted in amused agreement but said nothing else. Hoping that this would finally be the last of it so that they could get the heck on outta there. Not even bothering to look in a chest for anything or himself since he feel the need too. "This outfit is seriously sweet." Declared a very enthusiastic Thea.

Her words getting grins from the others. "I'm glad you like it, young lady. Now, I wish you luck in your journey for the Staff of Chhtuk. Transportation will be available for you outside to take you to the Nant Woods."

"Thank you, Xanny, it is much appreciated."

"Don't call me that. But never the less, you and the trio are all very welcome."

And with that, the foursome made their way out to see a rather interesting form of travel waiting for them. Said form of travel being Horses! Along with what looked to be bags of supplies strapped to them as well. "Ohh bloody wonderful. I hate ridin' on Horses!"

"Aside from a broken arm once, I love riding on them." Thea said perkily.

"Then I guess this is your lucky day, Speedy. Because you get to teach me how to ride one!" Declared Laurel.

Mr. Diggle would put in he'd need a little coaching in that area too while Constantine just got on his with a sigh. There was a slight expectation that the young girl wouldn't be too happy about the prospect of having to teach someone how to ride a Horse. But both Digg and Laurel would be nicely surprised by her willingness to do so. And when Thea noticed their looks, she just shrugged at them. "Hey, I'm getting what will probably be a once in a life time opportunity to do something like this. So I'm gonna enjoy every bit of it. Which includes teaching you two how to ride a Horse!"

"Well, at least you're not pushin' to join your brother on his Crusade." Quipped her brother's bodyguard dryly.

Something that made the young girl make a face over. "Yeah, killing people isn't exactly something I have any interest in. And probably won't. EVER."

"Copy that. But you should know he only kills when its unavoidable. He's fighting a war against some of the city's worst and unfortunately, death happens in wars."

Both Thea and Laurel were rather perturbed by the man's words but left it alone for the time being to learn Horse Riding 101. And after that was taken care of, the four began their journey to the Nant Woods. Which with their appearances, would get them some looks from various folks in the area!


Author's Notes: And there we go yo! Since this is in the United Kingdom, I thought it was best if what they were given for the quest was something related to the UK rather then outside of it. Though for Laurel and Thea, I just chose to go with an armor of sorts style for the Black Canary look for Laurel. And with Thea, Mia 'Speedy' Dearden's costume since I figured it would make sense to go with. Wonder how many more ridiculous names I can come up with for this fic? R and R!