Author's Note: roxfox62 won! Yay! Good job! Thanks to everyone who participated and to everyone who has reviewed. We heart you!

Moving on. WIIIINTER MOOONTAAAGE!

Disclaimer: We own nothing and nothing owns us! We think. O.o

!)&_#+$_!#&($^+!_%U!Y#$^(&!#%(!+_*(#$^#$+_%)!#$^(&!#$_(%*)!#$^((((

Chapter 8: Dashing Through the Sand

The van crested over the hill and the girls both heaved sighs of relief at the sight of the strange fortress on the mound in front of them. They drove down into the valley, towards the man-made monster of a hill, coming to stop at the first of three fortress walls. Marie leaned out and pushed a com button, speaking towards it. "Hey, Marv! Evie and I are here. Open up!"

A nasally voice came back at them. "How do I KNOW it's you? You could be held hostage. Trying to get other bad people in. YOU'RE LATE."

Marie tried not to burst out laughing, but one look at Evie and they both gave in to their giggles. This was an old game. Marie leaned back to the com. "Marvin. Darling. You have cameras. You can see us. We're fine. Wave for the cameras, Evie!"

The two leaned out the side windows, waving both arms. Marv responded once more. "They could be in the back! You people are tricky like that. I can't trust you! Go away!"

Marie reached back and grabbed a bag of cookies. Evie looked at her and quirked an eyebrow. "So THAT'S what you were saving them for."

Marie nodded. "Extra insurance."

Leaning out the van once more, Marie waved the bag of cookies out the window, in clear view of several cameras. There was a pause, before Marv's tentative voice rang out. "Are those COOKIES?"

Marie pulled the treats back into the vehicle, hiding them from sight. "I dunno, Marv. Why don't you let us in and you can find out?"

"I dunno…"

Marie smiled, crinkling the wrapping. "I could always open this up and eat them myself…"

There was a creaking noise as the gate opened just enough for the van to slip by. Marie giggled and went in. The door slammed shut behind them and they were in a wide courtyard, another wall in front of them. This area was covered in buildings, as it was used as shelter and a trading hub by most caravans in the summer.

They drove up to the next door and called through the com. The door opened with little trouble and they sped through, finally relaxing as they hit their domain. The second ring belonged to fewer buildings, including warehouses, a car garage, and the place Evie and Marie stayed in for the winter.

Marie took Goners to the door of a warehouse and the doors slid open. Marie leaned out the window once more. "Thanks, Marv! We'll get stuff sorted down here. We've got a GREAT haul this year!"

"That's nice. Leave the cookies on my special table."

"Will do. Catch ya later."

The van went to the center of the warehouse, the lights having come on automatically. The girls hopped out and began unfastening the bungee cords holding things on the roof. They worked with practiced ease and efficiency, moving on to what was stored inside the van quickly.

Once everything was sorted out, the girls took a few things for themselves. New blankets, some of the medicine, a couple of books and other extra luxuries. Marie slammed the rear doors shut and waved to Evie. "I'm going to take Goners over to the shop, see what I can do for him without Marv."

Evie waved back, heading for the door. "I'll be in my room, getting settled. I'll put your pack in your room."

Marie smiled, then took off towards a building on the other side of the small complex. Evie walked to a small, two story building and pushed the front door open. She walked into a small, comfortably furnished living room and added the books to the shelves already there.

She passed some other doors, leading to a kitchen, den, and a bathroom. Going upstairs, she took the second door on the left, leaving Marie's well worn pack on her purple bed spread. Giggling at the purple everywhere, she went to her room across the hall.

She sighed and flopped onto her own green bed spread, and realized her "green" themed room was no better than Marie's purple. Eyeing the green, brown and gold covering her room, she settled back into the softness of her bed. "This beats camping out and Goners ANY day."

She heard feet clomping about downstairs and knew Marie would be in the kitchen. Sitting up, Evie decided to take a shower while Marie munched. She felt disgusting. Hopping off the bed, she kicked off her shoes and drug off her socks, padding out the bedroom door and further down the hall.

She opened the door at the end and smiled at the sight of a fully furnished bathroom. She opened the taps on the bathtub and sent the water rushing. Humming happily, she threw in bubble bath. "Ah. Marv, you make surviving the apocalypse totally bearable."

!_#)(%&#+$~(#%$(!%&!_%!^&+!_%&!+_(%*^!_(0/o!_#$&)(%+#%&(!^+)#_(!%*

Marie and Evie were snuggled up in Marie's bed, tucked under the covers. The lamps were on and it was snowing heavily outside. Evie clutched a mug of tea in her hands, listening raptly as Marie read to her.

"This head, the Khan stated, had been taken by his grandfather, Genghis, when he returned from his conquests in the West. Polo wrote that the head was aware of their presence. It even watched them with nearly decomposed eyes. When he reached out to touch it, the head snapped at his fingers. The Khan chastised him for this foolish act, recounting the tale of a low ranking court official who had tried the same thing and had been bitten by the severed head."

Marv's voice crackled over a hidden intercom. "Read that paragraph again. I like it."

Marie nodded, turning the page back. "You want me to hold up the picture?"

"Yes."

Marie and Evie were used to Marv randomly commenting on their activities. He had cameras and coms in every room, save the bathrooms. Marie read the paragraph, turning the book to face the room, though she had no idea where the camera was, before continuing on.

She reached the end of that particular anecdote and Evie sighed, pouting as she snuggled closer to her friend. "I HATE not being able to read anymore… I'm sorry to have to have you read for me."

Marie just smiled. "It's no big deal. I like reading with you. It reminds me of when I was little! Besides, books are funnier with both of us reading them together."

Evie nodded, still annoyed. "I just wish I had had some glasses before the Xenos came… I mean, yeah, I'm not as bad as you and I can shoot just fine, but the little details are lost on me. And there aren't any contacts left."

Marie just patted Evie's head. "No worries. Now, come on. Let's try and get this finished tonight."

Evie nodded and settled back, letting Marie's warm, soothing voice wash over her. "1523 A.D., Oaxaca, Mexico. The natives tell of a sickness that darkens the soul, causing a thirst for the blood of their brothers…"

!_%&(!+#_(&#_^)+(#_%$!#$%^)*+!$(&_#!%(+#&^128671+$_($^&!)%+!^#%^(!#$_

Marie stomped down the stairs into the kitchen, looking distinctly rumpled and sleepy. She plopped down at the table, and let her head thud down. Evie didn't look up from where she was making breakfast. The more awake of the two turned and smiled over her shoulder. "Good morning, duckie. Did you sleep well?"

"Mrrph."

Evie couldn't help but giggle. "Oh, cheer up! I'm making you bacon! Marv gave it to us for my birthday. I think he got our likes mixed up, but oh well. I would have preferred our own chicken, but alas. Maybe for your birthday."

Marie finally sat up, blinking slowly. "Bacon?"

Evie scooped the last of the sizzling meat onto a plate and put it on the table with the rest of their breakfast. "Yes. Bacon. Make sure you have some other food, too. Marv let us have some nice fruit from his green house. Eat some. And I made sure to put everything you like in your omelet. Even the onion. And plenty of cheese."

Marie reached out and grabbed a thick slice of bacon, munching on it happily. Evie sighed and put other food on her plate. After another strip of bacon or two, Marie would be awake. Evie settled down herself and began digging into a bowl of strawberries.

Suddenly, with a small whoosh, two envelopes dropped onto the small side table in the hall. Evie blinked, curious. She looked over at Marie, but her friend was far too engrossed in nomming on another piece of bacon.

Standing, Evie went to the small table and picked up the two small envelopes. One card had her name and the other Marie's, both done in very nicely done calligraphy. On the back it was sealed with wax, stamped with what she assumed was Marv's seal. She went back to the table, still ogling the letters. "How terribly fancy. I didn't get anything this nice even before everything went to pot."

Marie looked up as the envelope landed next to her. Evie already had hers open and was reading the small card out loud.

My Dearest Genevieve,

You are cordially invited to a small Christmas gathering this evening. Food will be provided. Gifts are not necessary. Please arrive promptly at 7pm to the gate of the Keep. This is a formal, black tie affair. A dress has been provided, as well as other accoutrements.

Sincerely,

Sir Marvin Michael Geraldo Reynolds V, PhD.

Evie glanced over at Marie, who had been reading the card silently. Looking at each other, they burst into hysterical laughter. Wiping the tears from their eyes, Marie looked up, talking to the ceiling. "You know, you COULD have just asked us over the com system."

"That would be highly improper and lacking in proper manners. I am a GENTLEMAN."

The girls just shook their heads. Evie set the card down and returned to her breakfast. "We accept your generous invitation, Marvin. We'll be by promptly at seven. Have a good day."

"Thank you. Farewell."

!$^#$^*%^*)^(_+*&(^&&^#$%#^#$*&%&(^&_((_^&)^#%^^%#!#^#^#%&$^*%&(%^(%*

That evening the girls showered and prepared for dinner. They went to their separate rooms to get their dressed. Marie rolled her eyes. "I just bet he found some random dresses he thought would fit."

Evie nodded. "Probably, but smile and nod. He was nice enough to go this extra length for us, so we should be grateful."

Marie pouted, but nodded. Going their separate ways, Evie went to her closet. There, amongst the mostly ragged and worn clothing, was a brand new dress. She took it off the hanger and grabbed the shoes that were resting underneath it.

She held it up against her in the mirror and was, quite frankly, amazed. It was a piece of art and flowed beautifully. The dress had two straps and a graceful cowl neck. The entire thing was patterned, the base a lovely brown, with turquoise and gold designs spiraling all over it. The hem was asymmetrical and trimmed in gold.

Stepping into it, she realized that it fit almost perfectly. She pulled the side zipper up and looked at herself. Even scarred and lacking any form of makeup, she had to admit that she looked FINE. She tugged on the gold heels with a frown of distaste. "Gold is SO not my thing."

She busied herself with putting on the long earrings that had been left and fussing with her hair and makeup, when a shriek of dismay came from across the hall. Starting, Evie hurried as best she could to Marie's room.

She stopped, knocking on the door. "Marie? Honey, you all right?"

The door was pulled open violently. Evie just stared, trying to contain her laughter. Marie's dress was a vibrant red and looked lovely on her. It looked almost like a corset dress, it cinched in just right. The skirt was, to put it mildly, enormously puffy. But, what clearly had stoked Marie's ire, was the enormous puff of tulle on the one shoulder strap.

Marie was glaring viciously. "It looks like I have a SECOND HEAD."

Evie giggled at her enraged friend. "But it's poofy! And so cute!"

Marie's response was to pull a knife out and hack off the offending monstrosity. As it fell to the floor, Marv's voice came alive. "NO! What are you DOING? Do you have any idea how long that tulle took?"

Marie simply ignored him and lifted the skirt, hacking out a few of the layers of tulle underneath. The dress hung much more smoothly after Marie's redesign. Marvin kept wailing. "My masterpiece! What have you DONE?"

Marie stomped over to her dressing mirror, pulling on her own pair of gold shoes. "I don't. Do. PUFFY."

!+#($&&_(#$%^!#%)+!_($+_#(%!+#_%!+%!_%)))*#+$^(#&_$%(!#+_$!%)(#*$^(

The girls walked carefully over the snow covered ground to the doors of the third wall surrounding the Keep where Marvin stayed. They rang in and the doors opened wide. Scurrying forward, they sighed in relief as Marvin opened the door and welcomed them into his secret lair.

The girls shed their ugly, but warm, jackets and Marvin took them graciously, but with a disgusted look on his face. He clearly did not approve of their outerwear. He hung them up carefully and the girls took a look at one of the only people they cared about.

Marvin looked a tad bit ridiculous in his black tux and red cummerbund. He was of average build, close to the height of the girls, but gaining a bit of fat around the middle. He was balding and what orange-red hair was left was shot through with gray.

He gave a formal bow to the both of them, before offering each of them an arm. "Ladies. May I escort you to the dining hall?"

Evie giggled and Marie made a face, but they each took the arm offered and they were led away, up the stairs. The girls oohed and aahed as they passed elegant rooms. A fully furnished library, a den, a piano room, every glimpse a flash into a decadent past.

Finally, they reached a set of double doors that were open wide and the girls couldn't contain their gasps of delight as they took in the grand room. A large, circular, dark mahogany table stood at the center of the room, a stunning chandelier of Victorian era loveliness hanging above it. A thick Persian rug lay over the hardwood flooring, and a fire roared in a grand fire place.

He led them to their seats, carefully seating them, before offering to get them drinks. They both just asked for water, but Marvin poured them some wine, just in case. He sat down between them and pulled a controller from his jacket. His hands danced across it and suddenly a robot came bustling through another open door, carrying a platter.

The bot set the plate down in front of Marvin before retreating to whence it came. Marv lifted the lid of the platter and delicate appetizers littered the fine silver. Evie and Marie both stared, drooling. They hadn't seen such fine food for years. Marv made a gentle shooing gesture. "Well, go on. I didn't make this all for me."

The girls didn't need a second hint. They went through the appetizers and the soup and the salad dishes that Marv had the robot bring in. Using the mechanical butler took more time, but it added a certain flair to the proceedings and neither of the women minded in the slightest.

Finally, the main course came. The robot set down the tray and the humans all set their dirty dishes in its arms. Marvin dismissed it with some quick control handling and then whipped the lid off of the tray. There, sizzling before them, was an entire roasted turkey. Evie gasped. "Marvin! How did you get a turkey?"

Marv looked incredibly smug as he began carving the meat. "I have my ways, my dear."

Evie quirked her head at him as he called the robot again to bring some side dishes. "Marv. I've been meaning to ask you. How did you know our dress sizes? I thought you were a gentleman?"

Marv sniffed as he scooped a dollop of mashed potatoes onto her plate. "I must take care of the women I've taken in and to do so required certain personal information. I did nothing untoward, I assure you. I think of you both as honored guests in my home."

Evie smiled at the strange man that had saved her and Marie those few years back. He was an odd duck indeed, but a good one. She dug in and was amused to find Marie already going for seconds. Marvin scowled at her. "Marie. A lady should eat more daintily. I think you've had plenty of rolls, too. I want the last one."

Marie gave him a look that spoke volumes of contempt for what she thought about how a lady should eat. Before he could do anything, she snatched up the roll, licked it, then plopped it onto his plate. She smiled sweetly as he stared in horror. "There! It's all yours."

Marvin paled, looking distinctly faint. Evie frowned, reaching over to remove the now "contaminated" plate from in front of their sickly host. "Marie! That was a terrible thing to do! Marv was nice enough to invite us in for Christmas and all you're being is a brat! Apologize at once!"

Marie slumped down, lower lip trembling, looking like she was going to cry. She looked at the recovering germophobe and mumbled an apology, slipping into sulky silence. Evie stood, going for a new plate, careful not to touch it with her bare hands.

She set it in front of Marv and gently placed more food on it. "Here, Marv. I'm sorry about that. Ever since our incident with getting split up, she's been acting just like a child. I wish I could say she'll get over it, but I'm not sure she will."

Marvin nodded, recovering himself. "Quite all right. I know of Marie's… Delicate state. All is well. Don't worry about it Marie. Thank you for trying to defend my sensibilities, Genevieve."

Evie gave a gracious nod before settling back down. Dinner progressed and they were eventually able to pull Marie out of her funk by offering her dessert. In came three lovely fruit tarts that were quickly devoured.

Marie accidentally dropped a grape on the floor and she reached over to scoop it back up. Popping the fruit in her mouth, she came face to face with not one, but TWO horrified stares. Swallowing, she looked about nervously. "What? What did I do?"

Shuddering, Evie responded. "You ATE it off the FLOOR!"

"There's the 5 second rule! It was safe! Besides, this floor is very clean!"

Evie flailed and Marvin looked faint again. "That's not the point!"

Marie had had enough and began snuffling softly, patting at her eyes with her napkin. Evie calmed down and felt guilty for snapping. Even before everything bad Marie had had a tendency to pick up dropped food. Marie wasn't NEARLY as picky or as germaphobic as she was. "Marie… I'm sorry. You're right, the floor is perfectly clean. It's all right. Don't cry. It's Christmas! If you cry, you don't get presents!"

Marie stopped most of her sniffling, looking up, pathetically hopeful. "Presents?"

Marvin had been fanning himself, head between his knees, but he had recovered enough to sit back up and nod. "Yes, presents. I, myself, have some for you two. In thanks for your fine service to me and for your… Companionship."

Evie gaped. "Marv! You didn't have to do that! We have nothing ready for you!"

Marv waved her protests off. "You two do plenty. Take the gifts."

Marie was bouncing up and down in her seat, giggling happily. "Presents! Presents! Presents!"

Marvin stood and walked over to a side table, plucking some finely wrapped boxes from a drawer. Coming over, he presented two boxes to Marie and two to Evie. He waved to Evie first. "Please, dear Genevieve. Open yours first. It took me some time to manufacture your first gift."

Evie looked at him quizzically, then began tearing the wrapping paper as Marie pouted. Opening the small box, she pulled out what appeared to be a very ugly pair of glasses. The wire frames seemed very fragile and the glass lenses were not the same size. She held them up, confused. "Um… Thank you?"

"They're new reading glasses for you. I know you've missed doing your own reading. As much as we both enjoy hearing Marie read, I thought this would make a fine gift. I think I guessed the prescription right. I can, of course, adjust them as need be."

"They're very… functional looking. How did you get a pair of reading glasses?"

"I made them."

"You MADE them?"

"Yes. It's one of my recent hobbies."

Evie just blinked. "Well. All right then. You are a man of many talents, I see."

Marvin nodded. "Now, the other one, if you please. Marie is getting antsy."

Evie returned her attention to the last present and opened it up quickly. Resting on a bed of red satin lay a small, diamond shaped silver pendant. Lifting it up, she realized that what was etched on it were the access codes to all of the doors to complex, minus Marvin's Keep.

Eyes watering, she held it close. "Thank you, Marv. This is wonderful."

He nodded again, a slight smile showing up on his lips. "Let's move on to Marie, shall we?"

Marie had been eagerly awaiting her turn and she tore rabidly at her first present. Opening her box, she was filled with glee at what lay within. Lifting the item out of the box, Marie held up a bayonet. Marv smiled again at her glee. "It's folded steal. Should hold up well, provided no acid gets on it."

"Thank you, Marv! This is great! I've always wanted one!"

Marie easily took down the next present and found her own set of access codes etched into a large triangular pendant. Unable to express her glee in words, she stood and threw her arms about the aloof man, startling him. He gently patted her shoulder, then pushed her away carefully. "I'm glad you're so enthused."

Marie and Evie sat back, admiring the fine and useful gifts Marvin had bestowed upon them. Marie suddenly frowned. "It doesn't feel right. Marvin should get a present. He gave us a nice place to stay, food, clothing, pretty things, useful stuff, now awesome stuff!"

"I have everything I need. Your companionship is all the gift I need."

Marie looked unconvinced, as did Evie. Then, Marie perked up. "Hey! Evie! Come with me to the bathroom quick."

The girls stood and demanded directions to the nearest rest room. Marv gave them directions and they vanished, Evie looking confused and Marie giggling. He sat back and continued enjoying his after dinner scotch.

The girls returned some time later, after he'd poured himself a second shot. He watched them come in the doors and was very glad that the dresses he'd made suited them so well. The two stood, looked at each other, then looked at him. Marie took the lead. "Marvin! Since you have everything you could want and all that jazz, we've got the perfect present for you!"

"How so?"

The women smiled sweetly and said in tandem. "We're going to sing for you!"

Marv's eyebrows went up, then he relaxed. Waving a hand, he smiled. "Well, go on then. This should be interesting."

Marie hummed a note and Evie matched it. Stopping, they took deep breaths, then began to sing.

Marvin hadn't expected much from the women in his keeping. He hadn't actually thought they'd be good singers. Decent enough, perhaps, but nothing fabulous. But, the thought was what counted. Now, hearing their voices twining together, he felt tears come to his eyes. Hearing them sing was, truly, a gift. Good thing he was recording all of it.

And the rich, sweet voices carried on into the wintery, cold night.

"Have yourself a merry little Christmas. Let your heart be light! From now on our troubles will be out of sight…"

!_$^*_%^+#^%_!#$^*!#_%#%_+!#^_(%$^*%_&+_&^+&#$&(#_$*&%_^)#+$^)#_(+^#+^

The spring would come soon. Another winter was slipping to a close. Marie felt a bit sad about this. Winters were her favorite time now. She got to kill the Spiders from the fortress walls, take care of Goners, read, had plenty to eat, lots of hot showers, all sorts of wonderful things. It could almost be called home.

The girl frowned, firing a shot at a lone spider. "No place can be home anymore. My only home is gone."

Suddenly depressed, Marie left the outer wall, returning to her room. Flopping on the bed, she sighed, letting her eyes fall shut. Memories would come back to haunt her, images from years ago. Her father reading to her and her siblings before bed. Shopping with her mother. Playing games with her brother and sister. Sweet kisses and long talks with the man she had loved.

It all hurt too much. As much as she loved winter, she hated it at the same time. On the road she had no time to remember such things. It was remembering that killed her, chipped away at her sanity, to leave her a shell. She knew something was wrong with her, but couldn't stop it anymore. Sometimes she wondered if Evie remembered things. It was unlikely. Evie had always pushed things aside. It wouldn't be different now.

Sitting up, she heard squawking and shrieks from outside. Going to her window, she threw it wide, letting the memories vanish once more into her shattered psyche. Smiling, she watched Evie battling the chicken that Marie had gotten for her birthday as a gift from Marv.

Evie was screeching and flailing wildly, attempting to flee from it. " AWAY, DEVIL BIRD! AWAAAAY!"

Marie leaned further out. "Evie! His name is BINFORD. Not Devil Bird. I've told you that before!"

Evie said nothing and simply sprinted into their house, slamming the door shut in the face of the demonic chicken. Marie padded downstairs and Evie was slumped in a chair panting. Evie glared at her friend viciously. "I. HATE. CHICKENS."

Marie nodded. "Yes, so you've said. But, we get eggs! You like eggs! And baking! And stuff! Besides, she's not THAT bad."

Evie sniffed disdainfully. "Try saying that when she's trying to peck YOUR face off, THEN talk to me."

Quirking her head, Marie smiled. "What? Binford would NEVER do that! She's such a nice chicken!"

Evie said nothing and stood, going to the kitchen and depositing the eggs in a cooler. Turning about, she caught a glimpse of Marie heading outside. Evie shrieked and slammed the door shut before the chicken could make a run for the house.

Outside, Marie jumped as the door slammed and looked curiously behind her. Evie was crouching by a window, glaring out and watching the chicken. Trying not to giggle, Marie went over and sat down on the ground.

Binford strolled up and hopped into Marie's lap, clucking softly. Marie began petting the little creature and Evie watched, dumb founded.

Deciding to risk the outside, Evie opened the door and stepped outside. She inched close to Marie and chicken seemed to be ignoring her. Suddenly, when she was inches away, Binford hopped up, cawing loudly, and began charging Evie.

Evie screamed and ran for the house once more, Binford following close behind. Marie stood, confused. "Binford! Bad chicken! Evie is not a worm! Bad, BAD chicken! No biscuit for you!"

!_%&(!+#$^%)!+_#$(%^!#%+*)#%&+!#(%!#%!+#%$!($^%!+#%(&!%!+#(%*!_#(^%+

The sun was finally setting in the hot, arid desert. Dho'mago'te shouldered his hammer, surveying the mountainous landscape. Tvrtko strode up behind him and they watched the sun dip below the horizon. Turning, they both left for their ship, to shelter against the cold nights.

Sighing, Dho'mago'te fell into his bunk, staring at the ceiling. Tvrtko busied himself with removing his mask, preparing to eat. Looking at his companion, Tvrtko frowned. "Dho'mago'te. What is wrong with you?"

"I simply wish to return to my studies. That's all. Think of how much information I have missed!"

Tvrtko snorted, returning to his meal. "Studies. Of COURSE. You just want to go play with the females again."

Dho'mago'te sat up, distinctly annoyed. "I have been studying, so that I may communicate with them better! See here? This is Ooman writing. I have discovered that the area we are in is called A're'zoonah! I'm certain Dai'za'te will know of this place and can tell me much!"

Tvrtko quirked his head. "And WHY should Dai'za'te know of this place?"

Dho'mago'te held up the paper he had found. It was brightly colored and scrawled in funny marks. "These on the front? It says something like this is the greatest place to be in this land! She MUST know of it if it is the best!"

Tvrtko simply rolled his eyes, choosing to ignore his friend. "Just eat your dinner."

!_#)(%&+!_#%(&^+%)!#$(%^!&_#%(!+_(#$^!+#_%!#%_+!%!_#%()!$^&+!#(%!+(#%

Early the next morning, just before sunrise, the two Yautja observed a strange sight. Several hundred Kainde Amedha were heading up into the cold zone, most likely on orders from their queen.

They watched on, then Dho'mago'te spoke first. "Tvrtko… Perhaps we should return to the cold zone."

"Why would you say that? We are in our hunting lands now and we should stay here."

Dho'mago'te waved his hand. "Do you not see our prey leaving these hunting lands? We MUST follow them. They are OURS to hunt!"

Tvrtko frowned behind his mask. "They are leaving this territory and are therefore someone else's to hunt. We have much glory to our names, we need not go and seek more and risk angering our leaders."

Dho'mago'te chittered angrily. "Fine. You stay here then. I will return to the cold zone and gain far more kills than you could ever dream of!"

Tvrtko shook his head, exasperated. "We both know the truth! You just wish to go and follow those females around more! That is NOT an acceptable reason for disobeying orders!"

But Dho'mago'te ignored his partner, heading for the ship. Turning at the door, Dho'mago'te looked back. "You should come. I'm sure Faru'qi has missed you. And don't you have more trophies to present her?"

Tvrtko scowled, touching a small pouch on his hip, where he stored many small skulls from creatures he'd hunted in the desert. He went forward reluctantly.

Settling into his seat, Tvrtko began working the controls. He was irate and shot a glare at Dho'mago'te. "For the record, these are NOT for Faru'qi. They are MY trophies. I'm just allowing her to borrow them, since she has so few."

Dho'mago'te nodded, hiding a smile. "Of course. How noble of you."

!)(#%&!+#%(!&+%!(%*!+#%&!+#B%(&!(^!+%(!&%+!%(+!_%+!#$^*!+#_%(+!+#(

A'no'kur watched the ship of the strange ones rise and cloak, but he could still see its faint outline. The ship shot off in the direction of the cold zone and he smiled. Leaving their hunting grounds could get the other two in very serious trouble. So'zilr would be pleased with this turn of events.