Splitting Hairs

[Iolo and Shamino turn the corner that leads to the docks with a
spring in their step.  Actually, it's more of a jog.  Well, okay, in
reality the two are running like madmen, trying to escape the throngs
of citizens crying out for the bard to "lay on bolts" and remove their
medical conditions.  Weaving in and out of the traffic that strangles
the main road, both Iolo and Shamino navigate with the same goal in
mind; reaching the Sailor's Delight before the crowd reaches them.
Breaking behind a large wagon, the two pause.]

Iolo?

[Iolo looks up to Shamino, trying to draw a breath in.]

Yes?  

[Shamino motions back toward the crowd.]

I think ...  ... they're not going to let us get there.

[Iolo, still out of breath, shivers.]

We have to get to the Avatar.  We have to reach him and figure out how
to stop this world from going ... well, nuts.

[Shamino coughs.]

You mean ... absolutely chaotic?

[Iolo sucks in more air.]

No ... I mean something worse.

[Shamino winces, clutching his side as he slumps against the wagon.]

My point is ... we've got to reach the dock, and the Sailor's Delight
... and we have to get this crowd off our backs.

[Iolo ponders.]

So how do we do that?

[Shamino sighs, leans over, and pushes Iolo in view of the crowd.]

Sorry ...  ... I'll come back for you ... later ...

[Iolo yelps silently as the crowd seeks him out; Shamino rolls away
from the ensuing madness and resumes ducking down the street.  Iolo's
faint calls for help concern Shamino, but his resolve does not falter.
Running left and toward the lower end of the wharf, the ranger pauses
just long enough to make out a sign on the nearest building.]

Sailor's ... Sailor's Delight!  Wonderful!

[Rushing inside, Shamino slides to a screeching halt.  He turns his
gaze left and right, just long enough to realize that the Sailor's
Delight really is one of those truth in advertising places you only
hear about in myths and mail order catalogues.  He had hoped for at
least a waitress, or some manner of woman to speak to before the
sailors and their ilk.  But it is a bar without a female to be seen.]

Hello, there.

[A man waves to him from the left, pats him on the shoulder.]

Hey there, mister ranger.  My name's Ringo.  How are you doing today?

[Shamino jerks back.]

I'm ... I'm okay, I think.  Listen, I was wondering if-

[Ringo smiles, places his hand back on Shamino's shoulder.]

Look, friend, I'm not interested in what you're wondering.

[Shamino sighs, jerks his shoulder back again.]

Listen, I really need help finding someone

[Ringo grins.]

We can help you find anyone you want, mister ranger.

[The crowd bursts out laughing, even applauds Ringo as he steps around
Shamino.  Several hoots break out of the general chatter, which drives
Shamino a few steps away from his new 'friend.']

No, really, I'm looking for someone special.

[Ringo purrs.]

How special?  Six foot six special?

[Shamino gapes.]

What?  NO!  Not that kind of special!

[The purring grows louder as Ringo circles Shamino.]

Well, what sort of special do you need, mister ranger?

[Throwing his cloak back, Shamino touches lightly on the hilt of his
rapier.]

I must find the Avatar.

[A second round of laughter erupts from the patrons of the Sailor's
Delight, breaking through Shamino's temporary aura of confidence.  He
drops his cloak back down, looks into the crowd.]

Has no one seen him?  Anyone?  Anyone at all?

[One of the nearby men cackles, waves a mug as he stands.]

There ain't a man alive in here who hasn't seen him.  Cute one, he is.

[Jumping up and down, Shamino points to the crowd.]

Look, I know at least one of you has *got* to have a crush on the
Avatar!  And I *know* one of you has *got* to have a severe mental
disorder involving crushes!  So which one of you stalks the Avatar?
Huh?  Where are you?

[Ringo sighs, his attempts roundly thwarted, and jacks a thumb toward
the far corner.]

Go talk to Spivey.  He's our local expert on the Avatar.

[Shamino bows slightly, then goes wide-eyed as Ringo smacks him on the
butt.]

And next time, try not to waste my time, mister ranger.

[Glaring, Shamino dusts himself off and heads in the direction Ringo
pointed.  He passes several tables, and finds himself face to face
with a rather jovial sailor drinking from an oversized jug.  The
sailor waves, motions for Shamino to come closer.]

So, you're after the Avatar, are you?

<drink>

Can't blame you.  He's a cutie.  But if you want to find him, it'll
cost you a little bit of gold, mate.

[Shamino rolls his eyes, tosses a small stack of coins on the table.]

There, thirty gold.  Is that enough?

[Spivey rakes the coins into a pouch, nodding as he tips his mug back
a second time.]

Yeah, that'll do.  It's about seven in the evening now ... hmm ... I
think you'll want to try the Spectre of Silence.  The Avatar always
helps the local children with their magic lessons.  Spends about two
hours there, stops by Sydney's bakery next to the Academy, tosses a
coin in for good luck, and goes home.

[Shamino nods slowly, taking the information in.]

Thanks.

[Spivey shrugs, gives a smug grin as he bounces the pouch in his
hand.]

No, thank you.

[Shamino stands, turns, and then looks back at Spivey.]

But if you know where he is ... then ... why aren't you ... out ...

[Spivey's grin grows wider as he pockets his pouch.]

I'm just an expert on his habits.  

[Shamino stares blankly; Spivey leans over.]

I just work here, lad.  

<wink>

[Shamino sniffs, puzzles through the explanation, and then "ahs."
Bowing again, he heads directly for the exit.  There was little time
left, and now that he knew where to go, he'd have to get the others
and move before time ran out.]


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