Zell Chronicles
Forgotten
Chapter 2: Mission
The roar of the Ruby Dragon could be heard all around the four corners of the Island Closest to Hell. The adventurer Caladorei took out his trusty scythe while his partner, Kandi, took out her fan-knives. Caladorei stepped forward, calling out the name of his GF, Gansal, the ringmaster. Caladorei and Kandi became ethereal as a wise, old dwarf in a rough tunic popped out of the GF world, into theirs. He looked at his opponent, the fierce Ruby Dragon and gathered energy in a ball at the tip of the staff that he was carrying. He flung it upwards and jumped after it. Gansal paused in midair and slammed the small energy ball at the monster. The Ruby Dragon recoiled at the blast felt from the explosion as Gansal left in a fiery cloud. Then Kandi stepped up and threw her arms forward, calling out, "Ultima!" The spell rocked the Ruby Dragon as it spread its wings out and roared in pain and anguish. Caladorei brushed off some dust from his long, baggy, and blue shorts and fixed up the black vest- jacket that he was wearing. He then attempted to slash his scythe into the monster's thick skin, but was blocked by a breath of fire coming from the Dragon. He went right through the flames, but his hair was slightly singed. The Ruby Dragon roared once more and hovered towards Caladorei. The monster raised its claw and brung it down in fury, but only hit the soft ground with a THUMP. Caladorei raised his scythe and cut into the Dragon's neck, wounding it severely. Kandi charged up and got ready to perform her limit break, Wind Shadow. She leaped into the air and threw her fan-knives into the Ruby Dragon and called out, "Mashizuken!!" An explosion rocked the island and the Ruby Dragon died, blood still running from its neck. Kandi removed her weapons from the fallen monster's body. The two walked over to their ship, the Emperor, a small, light craft. They took off for Dollet.
Laguna was taking a stroll out in the Abadon Plains. Everybody said it was dangerous, as many of the monsters still roamed the area. But Laguna didn't really care. He was, after all, the President of Esthar and he DID still have his trusty old machine gun. He looked to his left, and turned, wanting to know what was there. This was an unexplored part of the continent. Suddenly, with out warning, he was thrown back, from a sort of force field. He got up and checked himself. Nope, no cuts, bruises, etc. He went forward again and was thrown back again, more persistently. He decided to contact the science and security forces and started heading back to the Presidential Palace. Five minutes later, he was on the phone, notifying the Science department about the incident. The Berth Esthar Science Team (B.E.S.T) was up and ready. A team of ten scientists, all specializing in different areas were coming in a trailer lugged by a heavy duty jeep with five escort jeeps along. The Esthar Marines were with their usual picks and guns. They carried extra equipment in another trailer. The heavy escort was because of an unknown case. The thing managed to fling Laguna back, why not them? They parked near the location where Laguna reported the "mysterious field". They edged closer, waiting for a response from the "object". Closer, closer. A little bit.. BOOOOM!!!!! The scientists were met with a large explosion coming from the "object". The escorts loaded their weapons and turned off safety. The explosion left a large crater, a quarter mile wide on each side. Suddenly, a large creature rose from the hole. It was like a ten-fold Chimera with enormous tentacles that were thrashing about. It spread bat-like wings and flew up into the sky. "I AM THE ROSE BEAST, KING OF THE MALBOROS, KING OF THE CHIMERAS, AND KING OF THE OCHUS!!" it boomed in a voice loud enough to be heard for miles around. The head Lieutenant of the escort unit stepped forward and shouted towards the Rose Beast, "What are your aims?!!" The Rose Beast looked down at this puny little human and shot a bolt of energy at the man. The Lieutenant disappeared. The Rose Beast said, "HE IS NOT DEAD, NAY, FAR FROM IT. HIS LIFE WILL BE FOREVER. FOREVER PAIN, ANGUISH AND TORTURE!!" With that he swooped down at the jeeps. Many of the men jumped out in time. Many, however, were killed instantly, their bodies left scorching in the Rose Beast's wake. The remaining soldiers opened fire at the monster, which shook off the damage like it was nothing. With a screech like a hawk's the Rose Beast swooped down on the remaining escorts, sending them all into oblivion.
Zell ran down the hall, a cell phone in his hands. His face looked flushed, his legs were rubbery. His hairdo was starting to droop from all the sweat. Where is Squall? Only that question was on his mind at the moment. He looked left, then right, and then decided to go to the Quad. He saw Squall there in the SeeD standard uniform, giving a lesson on the basics of fighting with weapons. Squall jerked his head back and turned towards Zell. "What is it? You look like you've been running for hours," Squall commented. Zell heaved and gasped for air. A croak came out then, "Urgent message from your dad- I mean, General Kiros and President Laguna. Emergency code red, somethin' like that," Zell collapsed on the floor and lay there, panting. Squall took the phone from Zell's hands and spoke. "Hello?" "Kiros speaking. Last week, we dispatched a number of scientists and escort members and they have all disappeared, leaving no trace. However, we have gathered a number of clues and pieces of evidence. We need SeeD to help. This is an emergency, the suspected...Thing may have left. Going out." Squall closed the phone. He squatted down next to a still heaving Zell and helped him up. Zell swallowed down his dry throat and gasped for more air. "What'd he say?" Zell inquired. Squall turned to his class and dismissed them. He then motioned for Zell to follow him. Squall was silent as they walked out of the doorway to the Quad. He turned right, towards the elevator. Squall pressed the button for the bridge. The doors slid open, and they were facing the bridge. The room was rearranged to be a briefing/debriefing area. There were couches and attendants, as well as Xu and Nida. Zell sat down on one of the couches eagerly. Squall remained standing. He nodded to Nida, who went up the tiny elevator to the cockpit, followed by Xu. Then he looked at Zell, who was still sitting on the couch. Zell was whistling "Eyes on Me" while tapping his foot to the beat. The blond SeeD was obviously too tied up in his music to listen. The cockpit was actually more of an open deck, but would sometimes close up with sphere of glass. Nida was standing towards Squall with his hands crossed and so was Xu. The SeeD commander saluted and the salute was returned. Then Squall took up the microphone and cleared his throat. "This is your reluctant and taciturn Commander speaking." Xu laughed at this. "We have just received a notice from the Estharian Military. It seems as though SeeD is needed immediately. Would all SeeD members with level 25 ranks or higher assemble in the quad? Thank you." Squall put down the microphone and took up the cell phone. He dialed the number for the Presidential Palace. Zell, Quistis, Irvine, Rinoa, and Selphie came up the elevator and saluted. Zell started shadowboxing and Quistis crossed her arms. Selphie and Irvine were discussing something that could not be heard by their fellow SeeD members. Rinoa walked close to Squall and planted a light kiss on his cheek. Squall was still speaking on the phone. "What the hell, man. That thing's name is Rose Beast. Talk about your average Kindergarten naming."
Seifer was in sad shape. The only way he made money was splitting the cash with Fujin and Raijin. They always bought the cheapest foods and were always hungry. Raijin was upset at Seifer and Fujin for taking his hard- earned money. Fujin was enraged by the fact that Raijin didn't catch enough fish to support them all and upset at Seifer for taking the largest, unfair shares of food and cash. Seifer was frustrated at Raijin for his superiority in fishing and angry at Fujin for giving him "bad luck". The three stooges-I mean-the posse walked into the nearest, cheapest, and dirtiest restaurant in Balamb. Seifer walked up to the head waiter, who was smoking a joint and said, "The usual, Pli." Pli nodded and brought them to their seats. The chairs were uncomfortable and worn-out. The restaurant was empty except for them and the air was thick with cigarette smoke. Seifer scowled at Raijin, who was rubbing his shin, Fujin's favorite kicking target. The Disciplinary Committee placed their orders and waited silently. Then Raijin spoke, "I'm sick and tired of you two takin' my money, ya know? Not cool, ya know? Got it from hours of hard work, ya know?" Seifer slammed his gloved fist onto the table and shouted, "I DON'T GIVE A SHIT ABOUT YOUR FUCKING CASE. I NEVER GET ANY FISH AT ALL, BASTARD!!!!!" Fujin spoke up in the voice she used in the Lunatic Pandora. She said, "Stop arguing. Seifer, you should be thankful that Raijin is giving you money off of his shares. You're hogging all the cash just because you're the biggest SHITHEAD here! You...both....should...." She paused while their orders were being placed over the table. Seifer, as usual, got the most food. Fujin started again, "You need to learn how to fish. Soon. Remember, I make use in helping Raijin stun and pull in the fish. You just sulk and scowl all day, yelling so as to scare all the fish." Seifer shut up for the rest of the meal.
Ellone felt something. She couldn't explain, just something...an ominous feeling. The children outside were just fine, there wasn't a spot of trouble in sight. Then it hit her. It was too uneventful, to boring and perfect. It was easier for her to concentrate, so the troubles she felt were far away. She started to pack her bags for Dollet.
The Ragnorak was sleek, shiny, blood-red, and the smoothest ship in all of Esthar. This was a sight to behold. Selphie boarded first, being the pilot. Then came Irvine, the co-pilot. Then came Squall and Rinoa, one the Commander, one a sorceress. Then came Quistis, who was the leading instructor. Then came Zell, a nobody. Zell took his lack in importance in stride and tried his best anyhow. Selphie sat in the bridge with Irvine and the rest of the crew went to the barracks, a structure in the Ragnorak for resting crew containing medicine, bunks, food, and other necessities. Selphie was given the signal to take off and so she did. They sped off to the eastern side of the world and came across Balamb. Remember now, the Garden was in Galbadia. They took a rest stop there to refill on fuel and buy some extra tanks. It was here when they encountered Seifer. Selphie and Irvine went to the hotel, since they were going to stay a night. Zell and Quistis were sleeping at the Dinchts' house. Squall and Rinoa were sleeping in the Ragnorak. They all had their place. Irvine paid the necessary 100 Gil for one night. Quistis returned one night of sleep with an hour's worth of chores. Rinoa and Squall didn't have to do anything.... Irvine had ordered the room with the largest bed. He only needed one, since he and Selphie would be sleeping together. When they entered their room, the first thing Selphie noticed was the issue of Timber Maniacs Magazine. She squealed in excitement and set to hastily reading it, so as to post another bit of info on her Balamb Garden public study panel. When she was done, she started to bounce around, humming and singing. Irvine leaned at the doorway just observing her. Wow, she can go on FOREVER, Irvine thought to himself. He walked over to Selphie and said, "C'mon, Sefie!" Squall and Rinoa were checking all the equipment on the ship. Squall had his nose buried in the Ragnorak owner's manual while Rinoa was breezing through the electronics using her sorceress powers. Squall grunted and said, "That's unfair. You get to use that hocus-pocus while I have to set to memorizing this stuff." Rinoa frowned at this and replied, "Well maybe you should just rest. I'll do all the work." Squall shut his mouth and stood, watching while Rinoa was going over all the gizmos and gadgets like she was a skilled electrician. Squall threw up his arms in resignation and set to their bunks so it would be more *ahem* comfortable. Meanwhile, Zell was washing the dishes while Quistis was sweeping the floors with Ma Dincht keeping a watchful eye. Zell finished the last dish only to find it faulty on the side. So he went back to scrubbing it until it went. Quistis managed to sweep everything in the trash can. Ma Dincht nodded in satisfaction and Zell ran up the stairs to his room. Quistis lingered behind, striking up a conversation with the mother of the house. "So you say you're an instructor in the Garden?" "That's correct, ma'am." "Well, I heard you gave my boy a high mark in his latest test," Ma Dincht smiled. "That's correct, ma'am." Ma Dincht sat on the couch and Quistis did likewise. Ma leaned over and said, "You wouldn't have a deck of TT cards, would you?" Quistis took out a fat deck of cards and drew five. Ma did like wise and they rolled to see who went first. Quistis won that minor competition and asked, "What rules are we using?" Ma took out a board with a list. Plus, Same, Same wall, and Open. They would trade one card. Quistis started by placing a Marlboro at the bottom left corner. Ma countered this with Zell's card. Quistis drew a deep breath and laid down her card, in effect flipping Zell. Ma flipped the Marlboro from the other side, but Quistis placed down an Angelo card, turning all cards in her favor with Plus. Ma Dincht whistled and said, "You have some mighty fine cards." Quistis smiled in return and noticed that Ma Dincht flipped over all of her cards with another Zell. Quistis flinched. She regained her composure and took her Diablos card, flipping Zell. Ma Dincht had no choice but to place down her last Zell and Quistis implicated the Plus rule, in effect winning all the cards on the board. Ma Dincht placed her hand on the table and Quistis drew a Zell to add to her pile and then retreated to Zell's room for a good night's rest.
Chapter 2: Mission
The roar of the Ruby Dragon could be heard all around the four corners of the Island Closest to Hell. The adventurer Caladorei took out his trusty scythe while his partner, Kandi, took out her fan-knives. Caladorei stepped forward, calling out the name of his GF, Gansal, the ringmaster. Caladorei and Kandi became ethereal as a wise, old dwarf in a rough tunic popped out of the GF world, into theirs. He looked at his opponent, the fierce Ruby Dragon and gathered energy in a ball at the tip of the staff that he was carrying. He flung it upwards and jumped after it. Gansal paused in midair and slammed the small energy ball at the monster. The Ruby Dragon recoiled at the blast felt from the explosion as Gansal left in a fiery cloud. Then Kandi stepped up and threw her arms forward, calling out, "Ultima!" The spell rocked the Ruby Dragon as it spread its wings out and roared in pain and anguish. Caladorei brushed off some dust from his long, baggy, and blue shorts and fixed up the black vest- jacket that he was wearing. He then attempted to slash his scythe into the monster's thick skin, but was blocked by a breath of fire coming from the Dragon. He went right through the flames, but his hair was slightly singed. The Ruby Dragon roared once more and hovered towards Caladorei. The monster raised its claw and brung it down in fury, but only hit the soft ground with a THUMP. Caladorei raised his scythe and cut into the Dragon's neck, wounding it severely. Kandi charged up and got ready to perform her limit break, Wind Shadow. She leaped into the air and threw her fan-knives into the Ruby Dragon and called out, "Mashizuken!!" An explosion rocked the island and the Ruby Dragon died, blood still running from its neck. Kandi removed her weapons from the fallen monster's body. The two walked over to their ship, the Emperor, a small, light craft. They took off for Dollet.
Laguna was taking a stroll out in the Abadon Plains. Everybody said it was dangerous, as many of the monsters still roamed the area. But Laguna didn't really care. He was, after all, the President of Esthar and he DID still have his trusty old machine gun. He looked to his left, and turned, wanting to know what was there. This was an unexplored part of the continent. Suddenly, with out warning, he was thrown back, from a sort of force field. He got up and checked himself. Nope, no cuts, bruises, etc. He went forward again and was thrown back again, more persistently. He decided to contact the science and security forces and started heading back to the Presidential Palace. Five minutes later, he was on the phone, notifying the Science department about the incident. The Berth Esthar Science Team (B.E.S.T) was up and ready. A team of ten scientists, all specializing in different areas were coming in a trailer lugged by a heavy duty jeep with five escort jeeps along. The Esthar Marines were with their usual picks and guns. They carried extra equipment in another trailer. The heavy escort was because of an unknown case. The thing managed to fling Laguna back, why not them? They parked near the location where Laguna reported the "mysterious field". They edged closer, waiting for a response from the "object". Closer, closer. A little bit.. BOOOOM!!!!! The scientists were met with a large explosion coming from the "object". The escorts loaded their weapons and turned off safety. The explosion left a large crater, a quarter mile wide on each side. Suddenly, a large creature rose from the hole. It was like a ten-fold Chimera with enormous tentacles that were thrashing about. It spread bat-like wings and flew up into the sky. "I AM THE ROSE BEAST, KING OF THE MALBOROS, KING OF THE CHIMERAS, AND KING OF THE OCHUS!!" it boomed in a voice loud enough to be heard for miles around. The head Lieutenant of the escort unit stepped forward and shouted towards the Rose Beast, "What are your aims?!!" The Rose Beast looked down at this puny little human and shot a bolt of energy at the man. The Lieutenant disappeared. The Rose Beast said, "HE IS NOT DEAD, NAY, FAR FROM IT. HIS LIFE WILL BE FOREVER. FOREVER PAIN, ANGUISH AND TORTURE!!" With that he swooped down at the jeeps. Many of the men jumped out in time. Many, however, were killed instantly, their bodies left scorching in the Rose Beast's wake. The remaining soldiers opened fire at the monster, which shook off the damage like it was nothing. With a screech like a hawk's the Rose Beast swooped down on the remaining escorts, sending them all into oblivion.
Zell ran down the hall, a cell phone in his hands. His face looked flushed, his legs were rubbery. His hairdo was starting to droop from all the sweat. Where is Squall? Only that question was on his mind at the moment. He looked left, then right, and then decided to go to the Quad. He saw Squall there in the SeeD standard uniform, giving a lesson on the basics of fighting with weapons. Squall jerked his head back and turned towards Zell. "What is it? You look like you've been running for hours," Squall commented. Zell heaved and gasped for air. A croak came out then, "Urgent message from your dad- I mean, General Kiros and President Laguna. Emergency code red, somethin' like that," Zell collapsed on the floor and lay there, panting. Squall took the phone from Zell's hands and spoke. "Hello?" "Kiros speaking. Last week, we dispatched a number of scientists and escort members and they have all disappeared, leaving no trace. However, we have gathered a number of clues and pieces of evidence. We need SeeD to help. This is an emergency, the suspected...Thing may have left. Going out." Squall closed the phone. He squatted down next to a still heaving Zell and helped him up. Zell swallowed down his dry throat and gasped for more air. "What'd he say?" Zell inquired. Squall turned to his class and dismissed them. He then motioned for Zell to follow him. Squall was silent as they walked out of the doorway to the Quad. He turned right, towards the elevator. Squall pressed the button for the bridge. The doors slid open, and they were facing the bridge. The room was rearranged to be a briefing/debriefing area. There were couches and attendants, as well as Xu and Nida. Zell sat down on one of the couches eagerly. Squall remained standing. He nodded to Nida, who went up the tiny elevator to the cockpit, followed by Xu. Then he looked at Zell, who was still sitting on the couch. Zell was whistling "Eyes on Me" while tapping his foot to the beat. The blond SeeD was obviously too tied up in his music to listen. The cockpit was actually more of an open deck, but would sometimes close up with sphere of glass. Nida was standing towards Squall with his hands crossed and so was Xu. The SeeD commander saluted and the salute was returned. Then Squall took up the microphone and cleared his throat. "This is your reluctant and taciturn Commander speaking." Xu laughed at this. "We have just received a notice from the Estharian Military. It seems as though SeeD is needed immediately. Would all SeeD members with level 25 ranks or higher assemble in the quad? Thank you." Squall put down the microphone and took up the cell phone. He dialed the number for the Presidential Palace. Zell, Quistis, Irvine, Rinoa, and Selphie came up the elevator and saluted. Zell started shadowboxing and Quistis crossed her arms. Selphie and Irvine were discussing something that could not be heard by their fellow SeeD members. Rinoa walked close to Squall and planted a light kiss on his cheek. Squall was still speaking on the phone. "What the hell, man. That thing's name is Rose Beast. Talk about your average Kindergarten naming."
Seifer was in sad shape. The only way he made money was splitting the cash with Fujin and Raijin. They always bought the cheapest foods and were always hungry. Raijin was upset at Seifer and Fujin for taking his hard- earned money. Fujin was enraged by the fact that Raijin didn't catch enough fish to support them all and upset at Seifer for taking the largest, unfair shares of food and cash. Seifer was frustrated at Raijin for his superiority in fishing and angry at Fujin for giving him "bad luck". The three stooges-I mean-the posse walked into the nearest, cheapest, and dirtiest restaurant in Balamb. Seifer walked up to the head waiter, who was smoking a joint and said, "The usual, Pli." Pli nodded and brought them to their seats. The chairs were uncomfortable and worn-out. The restaurant was empty except for them and the air was thick with cigarette smoke. Seifer scowled at Raijin, who was rubbing his shin, Fujin's favorite kicking target. The Disciplinary Committee placed their orders and waited silently. Then Raijin spoke, "I'm sick and tired of you two takin' my money, ya know? Not cool, ya know? Got it from hours of hard work, ya know?" Seifer slammed his gloved fist onto the table and shouted, "I DON'T GIVE A SHIT ABOUT YOUR FUCKING CASE. I NEVER GET ANY FISH AT ALL, BASTARD!!!!!" Fujin spoke up in the voice she used in the Lunatic Pandora. She said, "Stop arguing. Seifer, you should be thankful that Raijin is giving you money off of his shares. You're hogging all the cash just because you're the biggest SHITHEAD here! You...both....should...." She paused while their orders were being placed over the table. Seifer, as usual, got the most food. Fujin started again, "You need to learn how to fish. Soon. Remember, I make use in helping Raijin stun and pull in the fish. You just sulk and scowl all day, yelling so as to scare all the fish." Seifer shut up for the rest of the meal.
Ellone felt something. She couldn't explain, just something...an ominous feeling. The children outside were just fine, there wasn't a spot of trouble in sight. Then it hit her. It was too uneventful, to boring and perfect. It was easier for her to concentrate, so the troubles she felt were far away. She started to pack her bags for Dollet.
The Ragnorak was sleek, shiny, blood-red, and the smoothest ship in all of Esthar. This was a sight to behold. Selphie boarded first, being the pilot. Then came Irvine, the co-pilot. Then came Squall and Rinoa, one the Commander, one a sorceress. Then came Quistis, who was the leading instructor. Then came Zell, a nobody. Zell took his lack in importance in stride and tried his best anyhow. Selphie sat in the bridge with Irvine and the rest of the crew went to the barracks, a structure in the Ragnorak for resting crew containing medicine, bunks, food, and other necessities. Selphie was given the signal to take off and so she did. They sped off to the eastern side of the world and came across Balamb. Remember now, the Garden was in Galbadia. They took a rest stop there to refill on fuel and buy some extra tanks. It was here when they encountered Seifer. Selphie and Irvine went to the hotel, since they were going to stay a night. Zell and Quistis were sleeping at the Dinchts' house. Squall and Rinoa were sleeping in the Ragnorak. They all had their place. Irvine paid the necessary 100 Gil for one night. Quistis returned one night of sleep with an hour's worth of chores. Rinoa and Squall didn't have to do anything.... Irvine had ordered the room with the largest bed. He only needed one, since he and Selphie would be sleeping together. When they entered their room, the first thing Selphie noticed was the issue of Timber Maniacs Magazine. She squealed in excitement and set to hastily reading it, so as to post another bit of info on her Balamb Garden public study panel. When she was done, she started to bounce around, humming and singing. Irvine leaned at the doorway just observing her. Wow, she can go on FOREVER, Irvine thought to himself. He walked over to Selphie and said, "C'mon, Sefie!" Squall and Rinoa were checking all the equipment on the ship. Squall had his nose buried in the Ragnorak owner's manual while Rinoa was breezing through the electronics using her sorceress powers. Squall grunted and said, "That's unfair. You get to use that hocus-pocus while I have to set to memorizing this stuff." Rinoa frowned at this and replied, "Well maybe you should just rest. I'll do all the work." Squall shut his mouth and stood, watching while Rinoa was going over all the gizmos and gadgets like she was a skilled electrician. Squall threw up his arms in resignation and set to their bunks so it would be more *ahem* comfortable. Meanwhile, Zell was washing the dishes while Quistis was sweeping the floors with Ma Dincht keeping a watchful eye. Zell finished the last dish only to find it faulty on the side. So he went back to scrubbing it until it went. Quistis managed to sweep everything in the trash can. Ma Dincht nodded in satisfaction and Zell ran up the stairs to his room. Quistis lingered behind, striking up a conversation with the mother of the house. "So you say you're an instructor in the Garden?" "That's correct, ma'am." "Well, I heard you gave my boy a high mark in his latest test," Ma Dincht smiled. "That's correct, ma'am." Ma Dincht sat on the couch and Quistis did likewise. Ma leaned over and said, "You wouldn't have a deck of TT cards, would you?" Quistis took out a fat deck of cards and drew five. Ma did like wise and they rolled to see who went first. Quistis won that minor competition and asked, "What rules are we using?" Ma took out a board with a list. Plus, Same, Same wall, and Open. They would trade one card. Quistis started by placing a Marlboro at the bottom left corner. Ma countered this with Zell's card. Quistis drew a deep breath and laid down her card, in effect flipping Zell. Ma flipped the Marlboro from the other side, but Quistis placed down an Angelo card, turning all cards in her favor with Plus. Ma Dincht whistled and said, "You have some mighty fine cards." Quistis smiled in return and noticed that Ma Dincht flipped over all of her cards with another Zell. Quistis flinched. She regained her composure and took her Diablos card, flipping Zell. Ma Dincht had no choice but to place down her last Zell and Quistis implicated the Plus rule, in effect winning all the cards on the board. Ma Dincht placed her hand on the table and Quistis drew a Zell to add to her pile and then retreated to Zell's room for a good night's rest.