Pyxis was a city far larger than any Adam had ever seen before, and he gawked openly at the granite sheathed multi-storeyed buildings. The people here were far more diverse - Araawans were a common sight, shouldering their way through the thronged Star Gate that Feather, Tynan, Adam and Arum had rode in from. It was market day and it seemed all the city were out inthe streets.

The smells rose from the unusual spices, cattle pens and open air eateries. "It is so crowded." Adam said, gaping at the crowd that flowed around their horses.

"It's a city." Tynan murmured absently. He was looking around, scanning the faces of the people, searching for something as their horses walked sedately on down the straight Gate Street. The beasts turned in unison, still walking at their idle pace.

"Where are we going?" Arum asked Tynan.

"I have no idea."

"Wha...?"

Tynan was frowning. "I'm not doing this," he replied. "Someone else is leading the horses."

"What?" Arum exclaimed. He was definitely excitable.

"Lets go see what they want, shall we?" Tynan said, strangely calm. Feather frowned suspiciously.

Eventually, the horses led them to a well lavish house in a richer part of town, it's white columns flanking a gravel path and well tended garden. They dismounted in the inn's courtyard, where a groom bustled forth. "M'lady is waiting for you, M'Lord." he said, taking the reins.

"Yes." Tynan said plainly, a distant look on his face, the kind he got when he was troubled. "I'll bet she has."

"Tynan," camed a honeyed voice from the door of the mansion. Without any sign of surprise, Tynan turned to the Araawan woman who stood there, her large violet eyes, silvey hair and fine silks made radiant by the afternoon sunlight. Her lips were sensual and her curves accentuated by the flowing fabric.

"Hello, Kiraha." Tynan replied formally, placing a hand on his chest and bowing. A hand lifted his head by his chin and he looked into the beautiful face of his teacher. "It is a pleasure to see you again." he managed to choke out as memories flowed past.

"I'll make sure of that," she smiled flirtaciously. "Come inside, all of you, there is much we need to talk about." She slipped her hand into the crook of Tynan's arm as she led them into the mansion, her manner seeming far too familiar than teacher and student.