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Lauren stared bleary-eyed at the computer screen. She had spent the last two hours scouring the fae database, and human internet sites, for any scrap of information concerning a phoenix. Humans thought the creatures mythological and dedicated many stories to their fantastic abilities. The fae, of course, knew them to be real, but the database reported them as having disappeared a thousand years ago. There were plenty of rumors about existing caches of blood and tears, both believed to carry magical healing properties.

Lauren had already concluded that she would need to find one of these hidden treasures in order to save her patient. She had tried everything else she could think of to no avail. Crushing the heels of her hands into her aching eyeballs seemed to bring momentary relief to the burning dryness.

She had come down to her last resort: asking Trick for assistance. The way-station bartender was often able to procure things thought to no longer exist. If phoenix blood did exist, Lauren was fairly certain he would be able to locate it for her.

Setting her resolve, Lauren experienced a new-found burst of energy, her eighth wind. She slid off her chair and went in search of her jacket and car keys.

Lauren discovered that The Dal was not very busy when she climbed onto a bar stool at the far end of the bar. She sat quietly observing the bar's patrons as she waited patiently for Trick to finish up his current business.

He sidled over to her, a welcoming smile on his face. Aside from Bo, Trick had been one of the most accepting fae that Lauren had ever encountered. He never made her feel unwelcome and always treated her with the same respect he afforded the fae.

"Hello Lauren," he said, removing some empty glasses and mopping up left-over spills with his bar-cloth.

"Hi Trick."

"What can I get for you this evening?"

"I was hoping you could help me, actually. I've been trying to help a fae gentleman recover from an ailment that is beyond my skill. I was wondering if you would be able to help me find a rare item. I'd be willing to offer something in trade."

Trick considered her for a moment, his eyes bright with thought. "I heard what you did for Bo and Kenzi, Doctor," he said, chuckling at the incredulity that appeared on her face, "I will give you whatever assistance I can in repayment for your efforts tonight."

Lauren opened her mouth, thought, and closed it again. She regarded him carefully, searching for any indication of a trick. Finally she managed, "You don't even know what I need."

He smiled his bright, warm smile. "It doesn't matter what you need, I offered what assistance I can give. I will uphold my end of the bargain." He touched her hand, patting it affectionately. "What are you looking for?"

She made a here-goes-nothing face and told him what she needed.

"It just so happens I may know where to acquire some of that."

Lauren just about choked. If she had been drinking something at that moment she was sure it would have found its way out her nose. She stared in disbelief.

"Trick, you better not be having one over on me..."

"I wouldn't do that to you, my dear. But I will need about 24 hours to get my hands on such a rarity. Does your patient have that long?" The doctor nodded. "Leave it with me, then," Trick said.

Lauren felt such a huge release of pressure that she was almost buoyant. It seemed unfathomable that she had been struggling for days only to have the solution seem so simple. She couldn't help the dumbfounded grin that found its way across her features.

"There is one other thing I'll need, Doctor..."

Lauren felt the smile falter, but nodded, trying not to fear what he would ask of her.

"I want you to rest. You have been giving too much of yourself. You need a break."

Lauren let out a nervous laugh and nodded. "I think I can do that. Thank you so much, Trick, you have no idea what this means to me."

He nodded, patted her hand one more time as an affectionate dismissal and watched as she made her way toward the exit.

- x -