Completed [Kenash Auction House] A New Nanny

[Inari Lorak]

Fall, Day 20, 513 AV It was a blessedly cool day after such a muggy and stifling Summer. Inari walked and talked by Fiora's side, their arms linked as they took in the sights and giggled whenever a handsome passerby would tip their hat to them. A few paces behind, Sypha followed with quiet alertness, his shrouded face and multiple arms a loud enough warning for anyone with a functioning set of eyes. The closer they got to the auction hall, however, the more grateful Inari was for the mercenary's presence. Although most of the stares they received were ones of a politely gentile or flirtatious nature, a handful were not. As a Lorak, she enjoyed the luxury of having few enemies and rivals, but the Radackes were a different matter entirely. Fiora held no blame for any poor relations between the other Dynasties; she would never do anything that put her children at risk. Bice, however, did, along with the rest of his brash and hot-tempered family. It would be a nasty blow to the Radacke reputation of ferocity and strength if something were to happen to Bice's foreign wife. Plus, such an incident would undoubtedly cause him to find out about their friendship, which was only slightly less devastating a thought than one of Fiora coming to any kind of harm. Hence, the employment of Sypha. Inari could be called a lot of things, but a fool was not one of them. They certainly made a conspicuous enough of a trio, even without the aid of reputation; an unusually tall Vantha, a colorfully dressed Benshiran, and a four-armed Eypharian walking together was not something a Kenashern simply overlooked. Inari was far from worried, though. Honestly, who would want to confront a volatile man like Bice anyway with such trivial gossip? They would more likely get a sound pummeling for wasting his time than coin for their troubles. No, being seen together was not the issue. It was what they sometimes did or will do that tended to make her fret. It was a good thing all the same for Fiora to get some pleasant attention. Inari had insisted they gussy up a little--but only a little, since it was a slave auction and all--to give her friend a chance to let loose a bit and feel like the lovely young woman that she was. Sypha was as intimidating a guard as one could possibly hope for, but that hardly seemed to prevent appreciative glances and more than a few "how do you do's" from both freeborn and elite men alike. Not that they could be blamed. The two companions were young, wealthy, and practically glowing with bliss. Such outings in each other's company were even rarer than Bice's good moods, and even a slave auction could not spoil it. They made a pretty sight as well, with their tasteful dresses and matching complexions. Both had dark hair and sun-kissed skin, though Fiora's eyes were a beautiful shade of light blue instead of midnight indigo. They often reminded Inari of a calm, clear pond, swimming with quiet but sparkling life. The Lorak marveled, as always, at how well matched they were, and not just in appearance. If only Fiora's full-blooded, Radacke husband wasn't the brute that he was; then the two talented women could push their friendship to the fullest, exploring the city and going on wild adventures and letting Fiora dance to her heart's content. Alas, that was not the reality they lived in. As if to further dampen her mood, the Auction House finally popped into view as they passed Glass Beach, looming ominously at the end of the street. She had been eager to accompany Fiora on this trip, certainly, but not for the sake of watching slaves being sold off like pieces of valuable furniture. She thought of Pina faithfully looking after Thia and Marco, and her spirits further diminished. "Well, time to get this over with."

[Fiora Radacke]

Fiora Her spirit soaring, Fiora basked in the breeze that swept through her long dress and short hair and made her earrings rock against her neck. It seemed odd to be in a pleasant mood, heading to such an unsavory destination as they were, but she hadn't felt so liberated in years. After spending the afternoon with Inari and Pina yesterday and receiving a surprising invitation, she had bunked with her children in the small bedroom at the rear of her new shop instead of making the long journey back to the plantation. Spending a night away from Bice was doing wonders for her and the little ones and she promised herself to do it more frequently. Fiora only hoped that the word she'd sent with Jahk had gotten to Bice and that he wasn't angry about sleeping alone last night. Inari looked especially pretty today, striding beside her, elbows locked with Fiora's. Her cheeks were flushed slightly and that mischievous twinkle that was always in her eyes seemed more noticeable than ever. Fiora couldn't help but think how Pina was developing a similar sparkle in her young expressions. How lucky for both of them that they had found each other. Glancing behind her, Fiora gave Sypha a subtle smile. The Eypharian's deep brown eyes were at once fixed and focused on the women, while still darting quickly in all directions for any sign of trouble. His trio of gloved hands were poised and ready for action and his last bare, branded hand was just as rigid. Although Fiora had never before met the swordsman, she was already convinced of his prowess and athleticism. Some part of her longed to see his skill with a blade, though she knew it was foolish to even think of such a thing for then it would make danger necessary. The multi-armed man reminded her of the step-mother she had only gotten to know for a few years before her life took a completely different course. His intimidating stature was not the only reason she felt comfortable in his presence. Sypha Kai, the man with a slippery name, was from near her own homeland of Yahebah, no matter how much tension there still was between the Benshira and the Eypharians. He made her feel nostalgic for what she would never see again. Inari snickered at a group of freeborn men that stared at them and joshed with each other and Fiora's grip on her friend's arm tightened just a little. They were approaching the Auction Hall, a place she had only been to with Bice twice before, even after she had begged him not to take her back again. Yet here she was, examining the stone and brick building from which various volumes of voices radiated out in a cacophonous assault. "Well, time to get this over with," Inari said and Fiora stopped at the base of the steps that led up to the roof. She turned to look the Vantha woman in the eyes. "Thank you so much for coming with me, Ari," she said, with all of the sincerity she felt inside her. "You are a true and loyal friend. I shudder to think what type of slave Bice would have brought home for me if I asked him. As distasteful as this may be, I have to keep reminding myself that I'm doing it for the children." Fiora peeked over her shoulder at Sypha Kai, unsure whether he should lead the way up the stairs or not. Questioning him with her eyes, she unhooked her arm from Inari's and stood at the bottom of the steps, letting the noises of the gathering crowd getting settled for the auction drift through her ears.

[Sypha Kai]

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-The chubby doctor that assisted the Lorak family had come through on her promise, setting the
Eypharian up with an actual member of the Lorak Dynasty. Her name was Inari, a tall Vantha female
that seemed to carry a highly spirited aura about her. She had offered him a job, a relatively simple one,
that he had gladly accepted just to get his foot in the door. If he was able to perform on the level she
required, then more jobs may be available to him in the future. If he could spin just a thread of trust
with her, it could lead to significant information about his enslaved Mother.

-Another attractive woman, in an equally beautiful dress, had joined them before the small group
had begun their travels. Once they were organized and on their way toward the Auction House, Sypha
purposely slowed his sandaled steps and fell a few footfalls behind the two ladies. Caliginous voids
drank their surroundings in like a patient predator in search of a meal, carefully scanning each
citizen that lingered in their proximity. Everyone in this Human plagued city was a potential risk, so
the alert Mercenary kept his shaded stare on multiple possibilities. It was possible, though unlikely,
that an assassination attempt or kidnapping could occur by rival Dynasties. Kenash could be
cruel, and when you wanted to keep cruel at bay, you hired wicked.

-Numerous men of differing classes would lose themselves in the awesomeness of the finely dressed
beauties, only to meet the narrowed stare of a turban shrouded Eypharian. Many would immediately
advert their gaze instead of locking stares with him, these men were not to be feared. It was the few that
did match his intense stare that had the swordsman on edge. Those men were also predators, like
himself, and appropriate attention was given to their movements about the crowded street. Sypha's
black stained cloak was open, deeply parted to either side of his slender frame, nonchalantly
displaying the sheathed short swords swinging softly at his sides. By law they were tied with tiny
cords that formed peace knots, though Sypha's seemed loosened a little more than they should have
been.

-There was a brief moment where the hired guard's shifting gaze had gotten distracted, allowing
those calm brown pools to drift over the backsides of the entangled couple. They seemed to be
enjoying each other's company immensly, almost as if they had not a care in the world. Fiora
then turned her head in time to capture Sypha's momentary studying, the light curve of her lips
offering the smallest of smiles in his direction. His charcoal surrounded eyes blinked a couple
times and quickly moved over to the nearest passerby, playing it off as smooth as possible. A
relieved expression was hidden behind the coiling folds of his scarlet turban as she turned her
head back around, giving Inari her attention once again.

-Once they reached the steps leading to the Auction House, Fiora thanked Inari for accompanying
her to this degrading location. She peeked over the curve of her shoulder at Sypha Kai, who had
already closed the distance between himself and the two Dynasty women with a rather quiet method.

"If you lose sight of me within the crowd... know that I am closer than you think...," his heavily
accented voice slipped forth from the warmth of his mouth and thru the soft material of his facial
shroud. With those words the Mercenary slid gently between them, his lower pair of leather encased
hands taking hold of his cloak's inner fabric handles as he did. Once his grip was initiated he firmly
tugged on either end of the expensive piece of clothing, forcing the maelstrom of sable folds to conform
around the front of his six foot frame. The triangular blades that resided upon the hem of his weaponized
cloak bounced lightly against the back of his snake-skin sandals, creating soft metallic chimes as he
climbed each step.
______________ _____ __ __ _____________ __ _

[Inari Lorak]

Clink, clink, clink. They followed Sypha up the marble stairs, the blades on his cloak creating the only sounds of movement they had heard from him all day. White columns passed by their peripheral one after another until the trio reached the open stadium, where people of all classes and races were slowly filing in, taking their seats on the rows of marble benches. A raised dais big enough for about ten or so slaves overlooked the seats, while off to the side stood a podium for the auctioneer. Inari had only attended a slave auction once, and if it weren't for the subdued, hopeless expressions of each unfortunate soul being sold, the whole affair was no different from any other type of auction: crowded, drawn-out, and terribly boring if you weren't personally seeking something to buy. Well, at least this time she had reason to be interested. They would have to pick out the right slave, one who would be good with the children and loyal to Fiora. Inari hoped it would be one her friend could rely on and talk to whenever she felt lonely; the Lorak knew that despite their closeness, she couldn't always be there for the unhappy Radacke captive. As Sypha led them down the rows--presumably to a spot he felt was most safe--Inari pondered as she stared at his shrouded back. Was it just her imagination, or had she caught some kind of reaction when he noticed Fiora's kind smile? He may be an Epharian and a mercenary, Inari thought to herself, but certainly he has a heart, just like the rest of us. Besides, Fiora produced one of the loveliest smiles in all of Kenash; he would have to be heartless not to feel its effects. Such thoughts made her reconsider her attitude towards Sypha. Up until then, she had treated the entire situation as a business transaction; she hadn't considered getting to know him, nor even seeking any potential friendship. Now, perhaps there was a chance to cultivate some kind alliance. Well, maybe not right this very moment, Inari mentally sighed, tucking in her dress as she took her seat. They had a goal to complete, and an unsavory one at that. As they waited for the auction to begin, she drummed her fingers absently on her knees, grateful for the cool shade sheltering their area. The sheer number of people arriving was starting to make the air hotter than it was a few chimes ago, and the slightly humid air was an eternal nuisance.

[Fiora Radacke]

Fiora With each step, the atmosphere seemed to constrict around her and Fiora glanced back at the road plaintively. Although she was here for a specific reason, she actually thought about fleeing back down the stairs. She would never do that to Inari, though, who had so valiantly volunteered to accompany her here. Fiora dodged some waving arms and jabbing elbows of Dynasty brats and freeborns as she tried to keep up with the much taller and longer-legged Vantha and Eypharian. Some of those that were attending today's auction already had a slave or two in tow. Sidestepping a running toddler, she marveled at the audacity of a parent to bring their children to such an event. She would never bring Lenthia and Marco here, nor would she let Bice do so, though she was sure that even with his limited intelligence, he wouldn't dare either. Her short cropped hair was sticking to the back of her neck and Fiora had a sudden urge to pull her shawl up over her head. That would just draw more attention to her, however, and Fiora did not want to be sought out in this place. As it was, she was sure Jahk Radacke was here, trying to pawn off the slaves that were too old, too injured, or too maimed from their time in the Breaking Grounds to do the family much good anymore. She would be mortified if he recognized her in the crowd. Finally, the trio stopped and Fiora fairly sunk down next to her friend, who fidgeted nervously. Normally, she would peer around with her insatiable curiosity, but right now all she did was fold her hands in her lap and fix her eyes straight ahead. She'd leave the scouting to Sypha.

[Quinn Stormcloud]

The morning air held the slightest bit of chill in it. Heralding forth the coming colder seasons of the year. Not that Quinn minded. He in fact preferred this time of year. Letting out a soft sigh. Quinn mounted up and began to head in toward Kenash, his morning efforts thus far having been fruitless, he wasn't going to waste anymore time.

"Well...I guess we won't be---" Quinn began saying to his horse and presently only companion, when something caught his attention. Wheeling around to see what was happening behind him, his eyes caught sight of a man running...on foot, toward him. He seemed to be in some kind of trouble, what with his flailing his arms around trying to get Quinn's attention. A treacherous smirk soon flashed across his face. "Well, perhaps this won't be such a pointless waste of a morning after all eh boy?" He said almost in a sinister like fashion before prodding his horse to gallop toward the man.

The poor soul whoever he was, looked exhausted. Gods only know how long he had been running. When they closed the gap, the man doubled over breathing heavily. Quinn quickly dismounted and approached.

"Please!" The stranger pleaded. "You have to help me! The caravan I was with was just attacked. We have a few injured people but also several broken carts. Can you assist me to get more help to return the caravan?"

Quinn raised an eyebrow at the man's pleading and explanation of his current situation. Just attacked eh? Yet they send only one man to go get help? Either this was a small caravan. Or they really couldn't spare much to get aid. In any event, the matter was of no concern to him. This random single person on his own in the wild though...could be useful. And being a traveller, he wasn't a citizen of Kenash. Perfect! A friendly smiled flashed across his face. "I can help you get back to the city more quickly yes!"

"Oh thank the gods! Thank you sir! I can't tell you how---"

The man words word cut off as Quinn who had moved closer to seemingly help him up, actually tore his sleeve to reveal his bare skin. Not even a tick later, his fist slammed into the strangers bare shoulder. Quinn's finger razor easily puncturing the skin and releasing a dose of Pillowsap which had been laced on the blade.

Crying out in pain, the man fell back. Covering the injury with his hand he snapped back toward Quinn. "Wha...what are you doing?"

Quinn's face had drained of emotion and simply stared back at the man with as much feeling as a stone statue. With a light shrug, he said simply, "I'm getting you back to Kenash."

The man gawked at Quinn trying to figure out what he meant. When realization began to dawn on him, he stumbled backwards and began to run away. He only managed a few paces when the effects of the poison began to take hold. About a chime after being hit, the man collapsed to the floor unconscious.

Meanwhile, Quinn had casually gone back for his trusty strider and followed him to where he fell. Soon after tying him up and throwing him over his horse.

A couple bells later...

Quinn trotted along the streets of Kenash toward the Auction House. Normally he was bringing some poor souls foolish enough to have been captured and subdued to this place to be sold. Today however, was something different, sort of. Quinn still had a bit of "merchandise" with him to offload to the Auction House. But it was not his only objective. He was looking to try a new tactic in his quest to find more desirable beings that would make excellent slaves to the upper echelon of Kenash. A way that was also less risky than his current somewhat desperate way of capturing new slaves. To that end, the slaver meant to be the one is the seats actually purchasing a slave today instead of just selling them.

Not just any slave would do though. He had in mind someone who would need to have a good physical appearance, but also posses a bit of spunk in their personality. He couldn't have his slave breaking under a bit of pressure and falling all to pieces now. His hopes were not overly high on the latter requirement as he knew full well of the Auction House "breaking in" routines, usually meant to squelch such behaviour. Still. Every now and again, you still could find a spirited slave who managed to hold on to that. And THAT was exactly what he was looking for.

After dropping off the "merchandise" he had with him. Quinn tied up his horse and entered the main hall to view what stock was coming up for auction today. His eyes drifted about at the various people of wealth and privilege who had already arrived and taken their seats. Must be nice. He thought to himself. Some day Quinn. Some day, you'll be more like them...though hopefully without the airs many of them seem to develop when they acquire or are born into their rank.

Focusing on the task at hand he began to move through the crowd to find himself a decent seat. As he did so, he passed by a couple young ladies dressed very fine indeed. One even going so far though as to cover her face with a shaw. Curious, he thought to himself. I wonder were she hails from. A warm smile graced his face as he gave them a slight, but respectful nod. "Good mornin' ladies." Quinn finished as he slowly turned away from them, finding a seat nearby. Settling in his chair, he let out a small sigh wondering how long it was going to take for the Auction House to get the "festivities" under way.

QUINN

[Malkhazni]

Today was an auction day. She could hear people bustling about, voices and laughter. No particular conversations, though. Just a lot of discussions, blended together. Occasionally a slave will be led out, just another broken soul to be gawked at and given a number that only rose as the desire for power over a living being went with it.

Mal lounged in her wooden stall. Not sat, not slumped, lounged. The cocky lioness leaned against the furthest wall, fingers laced together and placed on the back of her head. Her ankles were crossed over each other as well, feet void of any coverings. No, she left her slippers on the hay beside her. The slave's brown eyes scanned any and all who passed by. No doubt it'd be her turn soon.

It was merely a few chimes before she was correct. Muscles contracted and extended, pushing her across the straw to the front of her stall. The chain around her ankle clinked, restricting her movement to halfway. The Kelvic rested on her stomach, peering out at passers-by. Her chin was placed on her arms, and the leg that wasn't manacled was kicked up.

"Oi, Marshal! How long's this going to take! I knows you've got an appointment at The Den later on. Rumor has it that you've stopped usin' slaves to get yer fix."

A dark, feral grin crossed her face, the beast-like woman attempting to look totally innocent. Whether or not it pushed the man's buttons, or even if it was true, it still made her feel better about her position. Mal tilted her head, the tawny hair falling to the side. Marshal was an arse, and he'd probably be happy to get rid of her and her incessant chattering. On and on, seemingly without end until she slept. Silence was a blessing from the gods when it came to being around Mal. A rare blessing.

Who was to buy her, on this day? Possibly no-one would want an annoying slave, as she had a tendency to slack off as well. Previous auctions were fruitless. If Marshal managed to sell her, she was sure he'd be thanking his lucky stars. It was either her imposing height and musculature or the constant flow of speech that turned buyers away. They always wanted a silent, strong field slave that was obedient, like the shattered remnants of those before her, or a smaller house slave that could clean and take care of children without complaint.

"Mal's Speech"

[Sypha Kai]

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-The swollen crowd was alive with conversation, filling the expansive stadium with a rolling
wave of continueous sound. This put the Mercenary at a disadvantage, but he had already counted
on this happening . His evershifting stare profiled each and every citizen that sat within a twenty foot
radius of his Lorak employer and her Radacke associated friend. He choose to stand rather than sit,
at least for the time being, at the dismay of those sitting behind the two Dynasty ladies. Sypha Kai
did not mind in the least if he was blocking the view of a few unlucky spectators, for the Eypharian's
guardian services outweighed their discontent.

-Whether it was because the swordsman was standing diligently in an unconvienent spot or because
opposing Dynasties regarded the two lovely women with distaste, the three recieved more than a few
lingering glances. Sypha welcomed the stares, invited them, for it was within their eyes that he could
anticipate their thoughts and actions. If a stranger was giving you their attention, it was for a reason.
The blade toting gaurd had to rely heavily on his vision in this type of senario, since the drowning
mixture of voices eliminated his chances to hear approaching danger. Perhaps it would get easier to
hear once they began auctioning off the slaves.

-Inari and Fiora where then greeted. The voice was that of a man and it had come from the opposite
direction from where he was currently watching. His crimson shrouded head tilted at the necessary
angle to view the passing gentleman, who moved ahead to the row of benches infront of them. Sypha
Kai began to examine the backside of the new arrival when he was then interupted by a lavishly
dressed couple who seemed to be seeking a shaded seat. The Eypharian's right leg rose and settled
to the right of the petite Benshiran woman, showing the intruding couple that the empty space
beside them was not to be aquired. When they didn't move right away, Sypha shook his concealed
visage from side to side in a very slow manner, staring intensly.

-Taking his silent advice, the pair of disgusted slavers decided it was best to find another seat
elsewhere. The hired guardian would remain in this position, his single snake-skin sandal
gracing the flat surface of the marble bench. Sypha's upper pair of arms folded gently over his
chest while his lower pair remained hidden, crossed beneath his concealing cloak, leather bound
hands lightly touching sword hilts. The multi-armed sentry returned his divided attention
back toward Quinn, refocusing on the only person to have verbally acknowledged the two women.
Why was interested in them? Why did he choose to sit so close? Was he armed?

-The auction would begin soon, for the handlers were attending to the first wave of slaves that
were being led up the raised dias. Most cooperated, as their spirits had already been broken, but
there were always one or two in a group that gave their handlers hell. It was rather embaressing
when this happened and it did not bode well for their money pouches. The announcer that stood
beside the podium was patiently waiting for the multiple situations to get under control so that
he could begin. The swarm of Human buyers that attended the auction would begin to get
restless if they had to wait for the unruly slaves to settle down.
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[Inari Lorak]

Sypha managed to turn away a garishly dressed couple, denying them seats beside Fiora with naught but a sandaled foot and silent glare. Inari's mouth twitched. The two self-important, egomaniancs scowled in disdain for a few ticks before they finally stepped down a row with a huff, peeved beyond words. The Lorak decided she quite liked having the mercenary as their guard; not only was he effective and efficient, he also managed to do the very things Inari herself wished she could without so much as an audible fuss. "Nicely done," she murmured, half-covering her grin with a gloved hand. The couple must have heard, their backs suddenly rigid with alarm, but Inari was prepared. By the time they snapped their heads back in disbelief, she was already wearing an expression of perfect innocence, her chin propped idly on one hand as she gazed down at the stage. Scanning the crowd in vain, the pair stuck up their chins as they plopped down onto the seats, right beside the tall, blonde fellow who had just passed by. Inari tapped her chin. Hmm, yes, definitely interesting. His smile was warm and greeting polite, but there was something distinctly rugged about him that suggested freeborn and not Dynasty. He was slightly tanned, athletic, and filled out his shirt like someone used to constant physical activity, not high living and carriage rides. That, and the momentary interest he showed in Fiora suggested genuine curiosity, not "how big of a scandal would I cause if I slept with this one?" Inari's eyes slid towards her friend, and she was once again smirking with devilish glee. Goodness, someone was getting quite bit of attention today. She nudged Fiora lightly with a laced elbow, keeping her voice low. "So, what did you think of that one, mm? Handsome, or plain petching hunky?" She blinked guilessly at Fiora, struggling to keep a straight face.

[Fiora Radacke]

Fiora So intent was she on examining the first group of slaves to come up on the dais, Fiora barely noticed Sypha stepping to the side of her. She was running through traits in her head that she might want to focus on when it came to picking a nanny for her children. Perhaps a grandmotherly type who would dote on them as much as she did herself, or a young girl, like Pina but a little older, who would play with them until they were exhausted. Somebody with friendly eyes, for sure, and a gentle countenance. "Hmmm?" she mumbled, turning to Inari, whose broad grin made her look ten years younger than she was. "Hunky?" Fiora followed her friend's eyes where they landed on the back of the stranger that had the audacity to greet them earlier. She hadn't gotten a good look at the man then because she was so preoccupied, but the dark blonde hair resting on the broad shoulders in front of her promised a good-looking front. She stared at his back for a moment, willing him to turn around with her mind, but her wishes were not granted. "Ari, you're such a tease!" Fiora finally whispered, bumping her upper arm into the Lorak's. "Is he handsome? I didn't really notice." She tried to look sincere, but Inari's body was trembling with held-in laughter and Fiora's face began to grow hot, partly because she was so unaware what the joke was about. "Really!" Fiora huffed. "I'm a married woman!" Pretending to be flustered, she whipped her head back so she could gaze straight ahead again at the slaves lining up to be auctioned off individually. Then, the Benshira saw her. The slave woman was as tall as a man and even taller than some. Her long blonde hair fell in tousled waves and her limbs were long but sinewy and strong. Most likely the slave could do a lot of damage to someone with just her bare hands. She stood with the confidence that Fiora sometimes wished she possessed, defiant and proud. Even though she was too far away to read her eyes, Fiora could tell there was something wild in the woman's expression. None of the Radacke slaves had a similar undaunted air about them, they were too broken down by the brutes that owned them. Perhaps it was this unique quality which attracted Fiora to the young woman. She tried to tell herself that this fierce looking slave would not be adequate for her children, but the courage radiating from the woman was just so intriguing. Sypha shuffled beside her and the movement prodded Fiora back to her immediate surroundings. The broad-shouldered man in front of them had turned his head to the right. He did indeed have a striking profile. Fiora glanced back at Inari, who still wore an impish smirk. The two of them burst into giggles as if they were adolescent girls.