The echoing sound of waves crashing onto a nearby shore was all that could be heard on the silent beach of the Everfree Forest. The waves of liquid that drenched the sand in its wetness slowly rushed back into the open sea that it floated with. The gentle ocean waters of the Everfree’s Aqua King Sea gleamed and shined in the moon’s cloudless pale light. Giving it a faint white glow despite a majority of the water being a deep blue. It swayed up and down under the wind’s gentle breeze, the water itself splashing into itself as the water collided onto the shore again.

Deep within the Everfree’s eastern perimeter, the clashing of weapons and steel clanging echoed about the trees and cutting through the air. It came in quick and loud, yet sharp bursts, with followed by grinding so loud it could’ve split anypony’s eardrums. Shockwaves were the next sound to follow with the clashing of blades, which could only be produced by that of hooves. Hooves that belonged to a trio of bat ponies currently combating in a random clearing in the forest. One an adult and the other two young foals, the adult a mare with the foals were mere colts. From the way they were swinging at one another, they were in a training, with the biggest thestral leading the task.

The biggest thestral charged towards the younger foals, sending a blast of phthalo purple magic from the large twilight staff she was holding. Said staff having a large gleaming white orb that was held by a large clawed bear paw. It soared towards the younger colts, who simultaneously leapt out of the way as it tore into the ground. As one, they charged at the mare, their horns ignited in preparation for a retaliating blast. The first one shot first, with the second one following soon after in a powerful burst.

While the attacks did not combine their sheer size was enough to put the thestral mare on the defensive. Flaring her wings, she flew towards them with her staff pointed toward her, letting it clash with the largest blast of magic. The orb within it took in the first blast, before the mare countered the second with a blast of her own. As they vanished, the claw on her staff extended outward, and she swing the claws at the largest of the colts. He ducked under it just as it was swiped at his face, leaping away from the end heading towards him.

While he was distracted, the mare spun around and kicked at the younger colt coming at her from behind. Her tails cornflower blue skirt suddenly lashed out and wrapped around him, throwing him towards the slightly larger colt, making them tumbled across the ground. Taking to the air, the mare dove towards the colts with her claws staff extended out, the claws glowing as she prepared to blast at them. The colts ignited their razor-tipped horns, and they teleported away just as the mare struck. She was quick to right herself though and spun around to let her horn clash with that of the young colts. They ignored the grinding coursing through their heads as they pushed their horns against one another, their slitted eyes gleaming.

They soon separated from one another, allowing the mare to try to strike at them with her staff, only for the colts to activate a shield. The spear bounced off, only to fall back into the mare’s magical grasp as the colts spread their own wings. The wing claws glinted as they swung and clashed it against the mare’s own, making sparks lit the night sky and the shadow of the titanic forest. Eventually, one of the colts managed to get the mare on her azure blue coat, but it was nothing more than a cut. Despite the viciousness behind it, the mare was able to brush it off before sending a slice of wind at the colts.

This time, the larger colt wasn’t able to dodge it, and was blown back by the wind slice before crashing to the ground. The smaller colt ran to him, but soon realized how foolish that was before a wave of magic went enveloped them both, sending them into a tree. At that moment, wooden vines erupted from the ground and wrapped around them like a rock python coiling around a gazelle. It gave the mare the opportunity to shoot a blast of magic from each of the claws of her staff, all of them fusing into one. The colts seeing what was about to happen, lit their own horns to counterblast the larger bat ponies own. As they did this, they ripped themselves out of the wood vines, before working together to fuse their blasts into one. It proved to have the effect they were going for, and after a brief power struggle, the magic exploded in midair.

The smoke obscuring both all three of the fanged equines soon dissipated after several moments, revealing the panting trio. They stared into each other’s cat-like eyes, neither looking like they were going to back down. A stare down went on between them that lasted for only a second, before the mare relaxed her posture.

“Alright, I think that’s enough for today boys.” The mare replied softly, setting her staff on the ground. “Good work. You two are definitely getting better~.”

“Thanks, big sis!” The largest of the colts squeaked as he helped the younger colt up. He brushed the dust off of his brilliant amber coat, before shaking his moderate turquoise mane. After he was done cleaning both those and his tails skirt, he looked over at the younger colt. “You okay there, Snips?”

The smaller colt nodded, looking at the other with a single dark phthalo blue eye, the other hidden by his long moderate orange mane. “Yeah Snails, I’m okay. Those woods vines nearly did end up squeezing the life out of me, but it’s nothing I’m not use to.” He shot a glare over at the thestral mare. “After all, somepony seems to like making us nearly go bug-eyed in nearly every single training session!”

The azure blue mare laughed merrily, twirling her staff and setting it on her back as she walked over to the colts. “Oh, come on Snips, you know you like it when I do that. It is essential anyway, since you do wanna figure out how to get out of traps like that as quickly as possible.” She said patting the grumbling colt on his head. “And you did just that, so good for you.”

“Tch whatever Trixie.” Snips muttered as he crossed his forehooves. “I still feel like you got carried away there. What were you trying to do, make our heads swell up to the size of balloons?”

“Now why would I do something like that, little brother?” Trixie cooed, her lower lip puckering out innocently. “I only have your best interests at heart. I never do any of this because I like you too seeing all panicky and frantic.” Her fangs glittered as she smiled all to sweetly at them. “No matter how adorable you two are doing it~.”

“Of course, because that’s only reason you even bother using vines made out of wood whenever your kicking our asses.” Snails snorted with a roll of his dark blue eyes. “I will never get used to you doing that.”

“Oh, now don’t say that Snails.” Trixie cooed, patting her brother on his head. “You and I both know this is essential for you getting out of any traps like this. Sooner or later, you’ll need to learn this should the time come that you fall for a trap like this. It’s also why I teach you to use your wings like they’re swords~.”

“What thestral’s wings aren’t like swords?” Snips asked as he flicked his tail skirt. “Still, I really hope that you’re gonna stop pulling that cheap trick on us Trixie. I don’t know how many times I’m gonna take feeling like I’m being ensnared by a multitude of snakes. I mean, seriously, it’s just…a really cheap trick to me.”

“Cheap trick or not, it’s an effective one nonetheless Snips.” Trixie shrugged, walking past her brothers. “Besides, we’re not the only ones that can make vines grow from the ground~.”

“Yeah Trixie, we know.” Snails sighed as he and Snips followed along after her. “It’s still a pain in the ass though.”

“It is, but it’s essential.” Trixie winked, batting her eyelashes at her brothers. “You’ll see it when you two get older.”

Snips and Snails both deadpanned hard, giving their sister looks that said they clearly didn’t believe her. That was the same thing she had said to them every single time she used a technique that they didn’t think was even remotely fair. Neither colt could possible comprehend how they were supposed to help them against any enemies in the future. Other than the animals who they shared their home with. They were still at the age where they believed things like what she had done weren’t needed, and they’d be able to handle themselves with their own moves. Like they weren’t expecting any of their foes to do something unexpected, like any rookie learning any type of fighting style. Trixie wasn’t really worried; she knew it was only a matter of time before the lesson she taught Snips and Snails finally sunk in. They’d see how important her teachings to them were and be very thankful that they were taught it. For now, Trixie would keep teaching them the way she always did, ensuring that they’d be strong enough to fend without her. Even though she’d still be there to help them if they really needed it.

“Yeah we highly doubt that sis.” They said in unison, but their sister only shook her head, taking humor in their naivety.

“Anyway,” Trixie continued in a lighter tone. “Are the two of you excited for the Full Lunar Moon Celebration that’s going to go on tonight?”

This question changed the colts’ grumpy attitudes immediately, which was all the more apparent by Snail’s response. “Uh-huh, we sure are! It’s the one time of year where this night of all nights is longer than any other! Where all of the villages and their guilds come together and host a big celebration over at the abandoned Castle of the Two Sisters!”

“Mhm.” Trixie nodded, smiling at her brother as if he had said something incredibly smart. “It’s also the same night where we bat ponies celebrate the night that Queen Luna raised the moon for the first time in her life. The night she earned her title as the Goddess of the Moon and the Queen of the Night. It’s a celebration unlike any other, except for maybe Queen Celestia’s own Summer Sun Celebration.”

“Oh, you mean the one that Queen Celestia has during the day?” Snips asked, glancing up at his sister. “Which is today?”

“That’s exactly the one sweetie.” Trixie replied, setting her staff into her back. “It similar to the one that we have. Except its, well during the day, and they bask in the warmth of Celestia’s sun, while we bask in the coolness of Luna’s moon. Oh, and they don’t have their celebrations in any place that is anything like this.”

“I can’t say that I really blame them.” Snails shrugged. “Other than bat ponies, I can’t think of anypony who’d want to be in the Everfree Forest. I mean, seriously, we’re the only ones who’re equipped to live here. Unless they’re from the Clans of Equestria, I can’t see any other pony trying to survive here, least they shit themselves.”

“Very true Snails, which is why I am all the more clan to be part of an equine tribe that is supernatural in every sense.” Trixie nodded. “I can’t ever see myself living outside of here, or any wilderness. I wouldn’t feel at home in any civilization if there weren’t some wild places for me to confine myself in.”

“Neither would we, and that’s why we will never ever truly call anywhere other than the Everfree our home!” Snips declared proudly like he was giving an epic speech. “Along with anyplace else that was created by Mother Natura herself!”

Snails chuckled, wrapping one of his wings around his slightly younger brother. “Isn’t that the truth Snips!”

All three siblings’ ears suddenly perked when they heard the sound of laughing and voices just feet ahead of them, letting them know they had reached their village. As they got closer the sounds got louder, until they saw bits of their village from behind the bushes and trees. When they got past them, they were greeted with a flock of buildings and towers looking to be made from the very trees surrounding them. Going around those buildings were bat ponies, either on the ground or in the air, a few even waving at the trio as they came. While they took a moment to walk around their village, their eyes took in the decorations dotting the numerous buildings.

“It looks like everypony’s really getting down tonight before they leave.” Trixie said, mainly to herself. “They look to be a lot more excited than usual.”

“They sure do! The rest of the colts and fillies are goin crazy!” Snips said, watching as some of the colts and fillies flew about the air. He felt himself blush along with his brother when a few of them waved at him, one even blowing a kiss to Snips and Snails in the process. “I guess I shouldn’t be surprised, since for some of them, this could be their first Lunar Moon Celebration.”

“You’re not entirely wrong there, Snails.” Trixie said, tossing her pony-tailed mane. “Some of the foals here were a bit too young to go with their parents or siblings to the Castle of the Two Sisters and had to stay in the villages. I know they were more than disappointed at not being able to, so it’s to be expected that their more jovial than any usual foal.”

“Yeah, that does make sense.” Snails nodded, grinning excitedly. “I can’t wait to play with them again, just like we did the last couple of years. I wonder if Wind Sprint, Sapphire Gem and Mango Tree are going to be there again too…”

“I’m sure they will be sweetie. They were at the last couple of celebrations when you two were only five. I am one hundred percent positive they’ll be there again.” Trixie replied, smirking slyly down at both her brothers. “Why do you ask? Do you have something planned that you want to do or…say to them?”

Snips and Snails both blushed at the same time, sensing the tone in their only sister’s voice. It was the same tone Trixie used whenever she felt the urge to or tease her brothers if they said or did anything that gave her the opportunity. She especially loved in when they brought the subject of fillies into the matter, no matter how accidental it was. Even the mention of certain fillies’ names was more than enough for Trixie to try to make them go redder than apples. That was just how their sister was. Other than being playful, sensual, motherly and nurturing, she loved to make her brother’s explode with embarrassment. It was the one thing that irked Snips and Snails more than anything about Trixie. Even more so than her ensnaring them in wooden vines as if they were like the animals that roamed through the Everfree. It was the first time that Trixie had done this; using their mentioning of fillies as way of teasing them about a potential crush. And as long as they were together, within her care, it would not be the last.

“N-no, we don’t! Why would you think that?!” Snips asked, the slightest of stammers coating his voice. “We were just wondering if they were going to be there! Nothing else like what you were thinking!”

“Oh?” Trixie raised a brow. “And just what was I that I was thinking little brother?”

“Exactly what the fuck you were always thinking Trixie!” Snails shouted, his forehead gaining a tick mark. “That we’re just gonna go up to Wind Sprint, Sapphire Gem and Mango Tree and tell them that we like them! Or that were going to take them to some secluded area of the Everfree and confess our love to them! Or that we’re going to take them to some super private area and…a-and…” A deep blush made its way to his face. “I’m not gonna say it, but you know what I mean…!”

“Now why would I think that?” Trixie asked, feigning confusion. “Oh, I know! Because you two are so handsome and attractive that any filly that isn’t a thestral would fight each other trying to court you two?”

Now it was Snip’s turn to have a tick mark appear on his head. “Oh, I don’t know sis…is it?!”

“Maybe it is, maybe it isn’t, we may never know.” Trixie shrugged, despite both her and her brothers knowing the answer. “Either way it is true. You’re both quite the handsome little colts, and I know any filly would want somepony as wonderful as you two. I’ve seen more than a few examples of it, all of which were so adorable~!”

“Only you would love to see that happen Trixie…only you.” Snails snorted as Snips grumbled under his breath. “You are a real ass you know that.”

“Yeah, I am.” Trixie chirped, before bringing both colts in a hug. “At least I’m your sweet, loving and nurturingass though~.”

Snips and Snails both flushed red, both looking anywhere but into the kind purple eyes of their big sister. Whatever retort that were possibly thinking in their heads was kept from leaving their mouths when Trixie kissed them both on their foreheads. “Well, why don’t we head over to the guild and relax for a little bit before we set sail for the abandoned castle?” With a pat on both their heads, she walked ahead of them, letting her tail skirt flick them in their faces. “I think you guys have earned a nice big meal for your quick advancement in your training, wouldn’t you agree? You’ll need your energy for the fun that we’re going to be having tonight~.”

Both foals’ eyes lit up at the prospect of food, and they raced ahead of their sister towards the village, their mouths watering. Trixie watched them go from where she stood, shaking her head before flying after them. Unaware of the news that she was soon about to receive and the mission she was about to be sent on.

Just like how it was with the whole village, its guild of Everfree Jungle was very much like a place that could be found in actual jungle. Unlike the Forbidden Jungle though, the western section of Everfree wilderness surrounding Evergreen Valley was denser and had thicker vegetation. Those very same plants were what decorated the large guild, having the symbol of a draconic tiger above the double door’s entrance. These were the doors that Trixie was trotting towards, both of her brothers having already gone inside long before her. Entering inside, she was greeted with a wonderful aroma that made her smile. The smell of the forest that she had grown to live since she had first stepped in it with her brothers. It filled her with a sense of warmth that she never felt anywhere else. One that she wasn’t planning on giving up anytime soon, due to her heritage.

Walking in, her slitted eyes sliced into the ones of the other bat ponies dotted around the guild interior. One stallion was sharpening his blades, while a mare was chatting it with a timid looking young stud. A few foals were even chasing each other about the air, one of them nearly flying into Trixie as she walked past. The foal quickly apologized, but Trixie just smiled and said nothing, waving to her before going about her way. Some of the mares and stallions greeted her as she passed by them. Some even getting a feel of her as Trixie made her way to the front where the bars and stands were, not that she really minded.

It didn’t take her long to fin Snips and Snails where she believed them to be, which was at one of the bars currently stuffing their faces. The scent of blood washed within Trixie’s nostrils and she fought the instinctual urge inside of her to join her brother’s in their feeding frenzy. While she loved her brothers, there was no way she was going to act with the amount of savagery they were displaying. Trixie was more poise than that, wanting to be a good influence on her brothers, no matter how much she wanted to just let loose.

With a sigh, she plopped down in the chair in between the ones her brothers were sitting in, using her magic to pull their faces out of their plates. “Now boys, how many times have I told you to eat with a bit more manners? You don’t to make yourselves come off as pigs to the rest of the guild and the village, do you?”

“We’re not being pigs, sis! We’re just really hungry after the ass whipping you gave us back in the forest.” Snips said, licking the red stains off his lips. “Seriously, do you have any idea how much of an appetite you gave us?”

“Yeah, we feel like our stomachs are going to coil around themselves.” Snails grumbled, ripping at a chunk of meat on his plate. “I’m going to need at least several more of these plates just to keep my stomach from gnawing at my insides!”

“Yes, because that’s the amount that it’s going to take for both of you to look like cute little pot-bellied pigs.” Trixie smirked, bringing both colts into another hug. “Just be glad that you two don’t have stomachs as bottomless as Master Luffyko’s own. Only Luna and Faust know the amount of hunting and cooking that would be needed to sate somepony like her.”

“Truer words have never been spoken, my little Beatrix~.”

The sister and two brothers jumped in their seats, nearly falling out of them as they turned to face the feminine speaker behind them. They immediately felt themselves shrinking back upon seeing the leader of the Everfree Jungle Guild herself. The mare’s presence alone signified that she belonged nowhere but within the presence of Mother Natura herself, horn wings and all. She had a very pale reddish-brown coat, having darker runes and swirls around various parts of her body, from her legs, to her wings and her face.

Grass green colors adorned her silky and wavy man, tail skirt and feathered bat wings, a single streak going across the left side of her face. The teal blue of her eyes seemed to glow from inside of her irises. As bright as the gems adorning the wood-like regalia on her crown, chest armor, and horseshoes. Jungle vines wrapped around her front legs, while leaves adorned her mane and tails skirt, all as green as her luscious mane. With all of them currently matching the leaf cutie marks on her flank, having vampiric yellow fangs on either side of the leaves.

“M-M-Master Gaia!” Trixie shouted, instinctively bowing in front of the mare, both her brothers following suit. “Forgive me and my brothers, we didn’t see you standing behind us!”

“Now why would you be apologizing to me about that?” Gaia asked smoothly, her calm and relaxed expression not changing. “I just got here after making my nightly patrol around the village and the jungled section that it’s in. I was only standing here for about ten seconds, so that wouldn’t count as you not really noticing me.”

Trixie blushed deeply, looking off to the side as she bit her lip. “O-oh, so you’re not mad at me?”

“Of course not my dear.” Gaia replied as she walked over to the trio. “I could never be mad at you for deciding to come and visit my village and guild. You and your brothers are always welcome to stay here as long as you’d like.” Her eyes slowly traveled down to Snips and Snails, a gentle smile dotting her exotic features. “And you know how much I love the presence of foals~.”

“H-hello, Master Gaia.” Snails said, forcing himself to speak least he anger the winged and horned thestral mare. “It’s very nice to see you tonight.”

“It’s nice to see you too my dear Snails, you too Snips.” Gaia said gently, reaching out and caressing the colt’s mane. “I take it that you two are here for the Lunar Moon Celebration that will be taking place later on tonight at the Castle of the Royal Sisters?”

“Uh-huh, this will be our third time going there Master Gaia.” Snips replied as he gave her his best smile. Although it was warm and genuine, it didn’t really seem so due to his fangs poking out from is upper lips. Luckily for him, Gaia didn’t really seem to care or even notice. “Are you gonna be joining the rest of us in the celebration too?”

Gaia paused as she took a second to think over the opal blue colt’s question. “I…may join you all in the celebration. I was able to get to it the last several times, though there were a couple of times that I needed to stay to watch the village. If I’m lucky, I might be able to go with you all on one of the boats docked underneath the village and sail there in time for it to start.”

Trixie, Snips and Snails all nodded quietly, not looking to be pleased or disappointed by the Everfree Jungle Guild Master’s response. It wasn’t the first time that Gaia had to decline going with her residents across the Everfree Forest. None of the guild masters in any of the five villages really have much free time on their hooves. Unless it’s one special occasions, or they really don’t have any treaty’s, trades, or missions they themselves need to do. It was quite the rarity that leaders of the Five Everfree Alliances had time off to spend time with each other, let alone themselves. So it made it all the more precious to Trixie, Snips, Snails and every other guild member of the alliances that they would get to spend some quality time with their leaders and protectors. As much as they understood that Gaia may not be able to join them, they hoped she would, since she was quite the life of the party. After all, as was said between all members of the Everfree, it’s the quiet ones that need to be watched out for the most.

“I see, we understand Master Gaia. You have a lot on your plat with trying to keep things going with the other villages and guilds.” Trixie said with an understanding smile. “It’s okay with us if you can’t make it. We were just saying that it would make the celebration better if at least one of the guild masters came along with us.”

“I know you would my dear Trixie.” Gaia nodded, wrapping a foreleg around the mare as she nuzzled her forehead. “I never said I wouldn’t able to make it though, I’m just implying that I’m not entirely sure yet. Hopefully if my schedule isn’t too packed, I could squeeze in a couple or so hours of some fun together~.”

Trixie grinned sultrily. “I really hope you do master. I know a lot of the other bat ponies would love to see you there, along with Master Venture Vine, Master Luffyko, and especially Master Moon Blade. With all four of you going where we are, I know this Lunar Moon Celebration will be one of many to remember.”

“When is it not sweetie?” Gaia asked, gently stroking Trixie’s mane. “We’ll just have to wait and see how the night goes for the two of us. Unless maybe we get a little bat brining me a letter telling me something of great importance that needs either of our help.”

At that moment, Snips and Snails both spoke up. “You mean like the bat right behind you?”

Gaia’s ears perked and she blinked down at the colts a couple of times as they both pointed behind up her. With a perplexed frown, she turned around and saw black messenger bat hovering in front of them, its deep red eyes peering down at them.

“Wow…” Trixie muttered, blinking a few times. “It looks like you were right about the part where a bat comes and sends you a message.”

“Not exaclty…I was only joking on that manner.” Gaia said, turning away from the trio and walking up to the bat. “I wasn’t really expecting it to happen, but I wonder what letter this little one could have sent me.”

“Beats me.” Snips shrugged. “Maybe you got a message from Master Hiyori saying that both you and the other three masters might join us in the celebration tonight.”

“Oh, please let it be that!” Snips begged, jumping up and down in his seat like he was on a sugar rush. “It’s good enough if one of you were there, but all five guild masters?! Ooooh that would complete this celebration one hundred percent!”

“Well, we’ll find out soon, shall we not?” Gaia asked, unfurling the strap wrapped around the scroll as the bat nestled itself within her mane. Unfurling the letter, she let her gleaming eyes dot left and right across the letter as they slowly went down. One minute later, the pupils in those eyes slowly dilated as her jaw slowly dropped, her forehooves beginning to shake. Those closest to Gaia noticed the change in her body language immediately, but Trixie spoke up before any of the other bat ponies could.

“Master Gaia?” Trixie asked nervously, putting a tentative hoof on the mare’s shoulder. “Is there something the matter?”

The reddish-brown mare slowly turned to look at Trixie, doing her best to keep herself composed despite the fear radiating in her eyes. With a deep inhale that failed to hide the shakiness behind it, she looked Trixie right in her eyes and asked, “Trixie, my dear…do you remember when I just said that you and me may be called to an important matter. Something so great that it could hinder what is to be the best night of our lives?”

An uncomfortable feeling coursed its way through Trixie’s gut like a worm crawling through soil, making her expression all more uncomfortable. “Y-yes, I did. I-is there something the matter?”

“Yes, there is something the matter…there is something very much the matter.” Gaia said, setting the letter down as she put her hooves on Trixie's shoulders. “And from what I read, it may require each and every thestral in this entire forest to unite together as one. And work together in a fight against what I believe will be our toughest and most brutal enemy yet.”

I'm betting you guys weren't expecting me to have Trixie be living in a place that is chaotic as the Everfree Forest, were you huh? Well, it had come into my mind after I had her appear in Ponyville, but could really come up with an explanation as to how she got there, especially since she was a thestral and not just a unicorn like in the canon series of the show. Though I don't think that surprise is anywhere near as big as the one of me not only making Snips and Snails thestrals, but also making them the younger brothers of Trixie Lunamoon herself! I am pretty sure that I am the first person on this entire fic that has come up with the idea of Snips, Snails, and Trixie all being siblings, but if not, I guess it would still come off as somewhat of a shock to you guys. Still, it went well enough with me, and after flushing it out in this chapter, I feel like I drove that point home loud and clear with those three!

Now, as for Master Gaia...I got the idea for her being in this fic, simply from watching the Equestria Girls Movie of Gaia Everfree, and the powers she possess, along with what type of wilderness that she lived in. It was also from a little fan art that I saw online that gave me more inspiration for writing this chapter. I thought about adding her in the last chapter, but then I felt that it wouldn't feel quite right, so I decided to present Gaia in a separate chapter instead. The more I went through, the more I saw how much of a better choice that was, especially since I believe that the chapter would go on to be a bit too long for my tastes. While I'm not entirely sure how I'll be able to present the rest of the guilds and villages, I'll see if I can at at least one of them in the incoming battle ahead of them all, and not just the Element Bearers. Although not all of them will be heading to the newly reconstructed castle of the two sisters...especially since Nightmare Moon's army won't be entirely resigning there. While I don't give any hints, I will say that things will certainly get bloody indeed.

Next time: Zephyr and the girls take some time to recover from the chase and nearly getting skewered by thunderous he talons of death. Before getting another surprise visit from an assassin of the Everfree!!! Oh, and I may be adding that chapter later on today...maybe not...we'll see.