<blockquote class="uncited"><div>Then...will be time to hit the road! Travel and adventure! Woo!!! Can't get much better than that!" It was surprizing to hear, but there was a faint 'break' in his enthusiasm towards the end of his little speech.</div></blockquote><br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Hmm, what's this?</span>Xali thought to herself. There was a noticeable ebb in Kahimori's usually unflappable enthusiasm. Not alarmed or upset, per se, but something beneath the surface was troubling him. Xali's mind was constructed a little strangely; she was excellent at interpreting but poor at empathizing. She was constantly making observations about those around her and seeking a correlation between outward signs and inward intent. Indeed, in matters of<span style="font-style: italic">intent</span>she was superbly skilled, learning someone's immediate goals and predicting their approach. But in matters of<span style="font-style: italic">motivation</span>, she had always failed to grasp that in others which lay beneath the surface. For many years now, Xali had given simple answers to the "why" of life: pride and pleasure. The "how" was all that bore real consideration.<br/><br/><span style="font-style: italic">Perhaps his time with Sura was not spent in mere flirtation? Did she warn him about something? Clearly she didn't reject his advances... hmm... Could she have said something about [i]me?</span>A chill ran down her spine.<span style="font-style: italic">Or Alexei? Or the new girl, even?</span>Well, it would certainly be improper to ask Kahimori about it now. Xali did her best to put the matter out of her mind.<br/><br/>"My most gracious thanks for your generous assistance, Sura." Xali said, looking over the contents of the pack with approval. "I, and my companions no doubt, will rejoice when we are priveleged once again by your radiant..." Xali's eyes ran up and down the wolf's shapely body. "...presence."<br/><br/>With that, she turns and exits with the others. She nods in reply to Kahimori's mention of the inn; "Oh yes, I'm in great need of a good hot bath myself. I hardly had time to work up a sweat in the actual battle, but afterwards... well, you know." she said with a teasing little laugh.<br/><br/>As they traveled in the direction of the Inn, Xali withdrew the unusual scroll that Sura had given her. "I wonder if I shall be able to make use of this little gift of hers... I certainly don't relish the idea of walking that entire distance." She focused her eyes intently on the calligraphic mystical language. "Yes, I believe this is within my power." With that, she rolls the enchanted parchment back up and returns it to the pack, glancing at the other scrolls as she does. "Ahh, and the fire spell. I must admit I don't have much experience with fire balls; a bit clumsy and indiscriminate for my liking, but it has its place. Say, Kahimori, is it true that kitsune are resistant to magic? Certainly I shall try to aim as carefully as possible, but even so, it might be useful."