Schmoozing her way through the crowd, Analise felt in her element.  The
band was taking a short break, and Analise was very thirsty.  She smiled
winingly at the young nobleman's son, "A drink would be lovely dear,"
turning her attention back to the father.  Lord Gingle was impressed by
her *charms* and was enjoying the attention.

"I must say, though I know the dragon riders do perform an usefull task,
the whole warren comune has me completely disgusted!"  Lord Gingle
spouted.

"Oh, I quite agree, Lord Gingle!  I am appalled everytime I walk through
this den of iniquity!"  Analise commiserated charmingly.

"Did you know that they were harboring a common sneak thief?  AND when I
tried to have him punished, they let him escape!?"  Lord Gingle continued.

"That is awful.  How did you know he was here?" asked Analise.

"AH!  I knew it was he, as he had his mangy mongrel and lice bitten monkey
with him!"  Lord Gingle exclaimed.  "He stole my purse!  I know he did!"

"That is absolutely terrible"  Purred Analise.

"He deserved to be punished, and if it weren't for that stuck up junior
queen rider, he would have been!  I just know she tipped him off!"  Lord
Gingle spat.

Analise fell silent.  Then spoke one word questioningly, "Merissa?"

"Yes ..... witch.....would have had him....."  Lord Gingle's words were
then lost to her, as Analise's mind raced.  Her heart pounded.  Certainly
not her daughter....

"Well, yes, ... the band is starting another set, I really should be
getting back... lovely chatting with you Lord Gingle...  Lovely" she
smiled a tight smile, grabbed her drink from the puzzled young son, who
had just returned, and made her way back to the band.

*******
Merissa stared at the bubbling stew.  What could have happened to Thorin?
she wondered.  "Just going to get salt,"  she said outloud to no one in
particular, well, there wasn't anyone there.  She reached her mind to
Chrysthal, but the queen was contentedly asleep. Afterall, it had been a
very stressful day for her.

Perhaps he'd been persuaded to join the party.  She sighed.  Though not
feeling much like partying, Merissa decided to put on one of the beautiful
dresses that Shawnee had made for her.  She spun around, admiring herself
in the mirror -- and sqealed in amazement -- there was a streak of
red-auburn hair!  "How in the world?"  Merissa wondered, aproaching the
mirror carefully.  Her hands examined the spot where the hair was growing.
It was her hair, or at least it was attached, and it did not look colored!

"Who has done this?"  Merissa exclaimed!  Forgetting the stew, Merissa
left her apartments in search of an answer.

*******
NRPG:  Analise will be around "insulting" dragon riders and schmoozing the
guests for the whole party, so anyone can interact with her if you'd like.
Merissa is out -- probably heading to the party....  Sorry so short.  I'll
try for more later.

*******
Submitted by
Arlene