Darkwood Tower Lounge and Bar

You stand within a large lounging area, every corner expressing some sort of comfort or luxury that the organzation can afford. Black leather easy-chairs and sofas adorn the smoky-grey carpeted chamber. Nearby stands a thematically-lighted bar, the glisten of glass and alcoholic beverages shimmering within the dim glow that the room provides overall. Framing the eastern side is a massive, wall-sized window that allows the natural light to flood through, as well as to give a glamorous view of the Relidian waters surrounding the tower island. You feel compelled to look...

Alfghar is, as per her norm, shimmering slightly. Damned if she doesn't like holography. Anyways...She is shimmering. And sitting at a booth. Or something along those lines.

Alfghar . o O ( I hope that the corporation does not notice that I disabled all the security features...I guess the downtime for a system upgrade excuse will have to work. ).

Alfghar mutters.

The subdued sounds of the lounge can be heard, glass clicking against glass, the soft hum of the airconditioning murmuring through the room.

Shiroi steps out as the elevator slides open, and takes a quick glance around.

Shiroi says: Well, how nice.

The counter is of black glass and marble, like much of the architecture seen throughout the Tower. Black-padded stools line the perimeter of the counter, and a variety of drinks can be seen against the far bar wall. Menu of what's available is on the bar.

Alfghar snickers.

Alfghar mutters, "Only the best for Darkwood..."

Alfghar takes a quick glance at the camera, making sure that it is off, and goes back to staring out the window...

Rhali becomes visible in a display of sparks. She gives a nod to Alfghar, and the other members who have arrived.

Alfghar nods back, and then motions Rhali to take the seat opposite to her.

Shiroi strolls over to the bar, and hooks the heels of her boots over the cross bars under the stools, looking in and around that bar, and quite happily in general.

Rhali walks over to the booth alfghar is seated at, and sits down herself.

Alfghar nods.

Tian steps out of the elevator with a smirk on her face. "Heavens, I never thought I'd come here again... And this time I'm not attacking the place." She remains near the elevator and glances at everyone present.

Alfghar says: Now...about the summons...

Shiroi orders a drink from the bar and drinks it down.

Alfghar says: I called you here. Not Kesnick, whom, I think, is taking care of something or another on Altasia.

Shiroi smiles radiantly. "Aah, the joy that is of consuming alcohol not laced crap that makes you pee after every two glasses..." she murmurs to herself.

Alfghar blinks.

Alfghar rolls her eyes, slightly, and goes back to what she was doing..."First things first, before you all get drunker than Aragon on free beer night..."

Shiroi coughs, bringing a fist over her mouth. "Oh, nothing at all. Last place I stayed at was very concerned about drunk students. Carry on."

Alfghar asks: Tian, Shiroi: Have you two been given any assignments by Kesnick or Velias?

Alfghar arcs an eyebrow.

Shiroi dangles the emptied glass between her fingers. "Not quite just yet... Miss...?" She looks pointedly at Alfghar.

Tian smirks. "I don't believe I've had the pleasure of meeting them face to face on the same side yet." She gives Shiroi a sideward glance and nods briefly.

Alfghar snickers.

Alfghar says: Indeed, I am a female. At least, last time I checked...

Shiroi says: I was referring to your name, actually. But I'm quite glad that the issue of your gender's cleared up too. One can never tell these days....

Alfghar coughs slightly, and continues..."Since we have been rather...lax on the security measures here at the tower, I am asking that one of you become my...subordinate. Security personal, so to speak.

Alfghar says: And, since our friend the necrophiliac necromancer has disappeared, we need a new head of intelligence.

Alfghar asks: Volunteers, or do I have to actually do something, and make you take a post?

Shiroi buys another drink for herself and sips it as Alfghar speaks. "Are those one or two separate posts?"

Tian grins. "I can tell Koden did a fine job... I'd be happy to take his place, however meager my skills are."

Alfghar says: They are two separate posts, currently being occupied by me.

Alfghar nods at Tian.

Shiroi says: I see.

Alfghar asks: After the meeting, I will show you the ropes. Now...I believe that Velias had some kind of plans for Shiroi, so I must ask you: Would you like to train under me?

Shiroi asks: What kind of training are you thinking of?

Alfghar says: Oh...show him how the security stuff works...boring as fuck, but very useful.

Shiroi's stool tilts back to stand on two legs.

A shimmer in the air, a sound like a loud tearing of fabric, and a black portal opens in the corner of the room. Kaze steps out, Ray right on his heels, and absently brushes off his cloak, a rather perturbed look on his face.

Alfghar says: As soon as this administrative crap is over with, we can get on to what I really called this meeting for.

Shiroi nods.

Alfghar nods at Kaze.

Shiroi raises a hand to greet Kaze.

Tian turns her attention to Kaze. "Mrf... You're still here?"

Alfghar says: I am glad to see that the almighty king decided to grace us with our presence.

Alfghar bows, sarcastically, and says "Greetings, m'lord."

Kaze glances up from the examination of his cloak, a rather unhappy look on his face. With a simple growl Ray steps in front of him, huddled low, his hands begining to shimmer as blades of energy begin to form from thin air. emote turns around in her seat, crosses her legs, tilts her stool back again, and leans against the counter with her back.

Shiroi turns around in her seat, crosses her legs, tilts her stool back again, and leans against the counter with her back.

Alfghar arcs an eyebrow.

Klaithe removes armored boots.

Klaithe equips pink bunny slippers.

Klaithe puts his feet on a table and glares around the room daring anyone to comment

Rhali bows to Kaze.

Shiroi gives Klaithe a thumb-up.

Kaze hisses something in a sibilant language and Ray backs down, the blades still visible in his hands as he takes his back back behind Kaze.

Alfghar asks: ...Rather nice kid. Anyways...Shiroi?

Klaithe hops around say.

Shiroi asks: Yes?

Alfghar asks: Do you want the post?

Shiroi asks: Of?

Shiroi says: Forgive my non-existent attention span.

Alfghar says: Well...I am training a replacement, so that I can concentrate fully on coneria. So think of it as...Head of security in training.

Alfghar says: And Kaze, do take a seat.

Tian looks at menu.

Shiroi dips the glass in her hand to her lips again, and sips, rolling the liquor in her mouth, pondering. "Yes, I think I shall," she replied, after having swallowed.

Alfghar nods.

Kaze clenches a fist, a rather unhappy look on his face, "So, the chairman isn't here." he spits out, "What a waste."

Alfghar says: Alrighty...now, to the reason I actually called you in here, besides the fact that the thought of a Darkwood get together sounded kind of nice.

Alfghar snickers.

Alfghar asks: You actually expected him to come here, for this administrative bullshit, which, I might add, you are suppose to be attending to?

Alfghar arcs an eyebrow.

Alfghar says: Excuse my bluntness, I have been dealing with fools all too often as of late.

Tian hrms. "Ah... Never could find wine of this caliber in bars and taverns..." She gets a glass and sits down near the bar, listening intently to the conversations around her.

Kaze snaps his fingers and Ray jumps to his side, the blades out in full force now, "I, unlike you fools from previous years, was able to succeed in my plans. Those plans take me away from this tower, and watching over you children."

Alfghar snickers.

Alfghar says: Do you really think I did not plan for violence, Kaze? Might I remind you that I have been around this corporation for longer than anyone else, save Tracha.

Kaze smirks and lays a hand on Ray's head, ruffling his hair, "He could take out every single guard darkwood has ever produced, without breaking a drop of sweat." he says without pride, as if stating the weather.

Alfghar snickers.

Tian looks away from her wine and glances up at Kaze, her full attention being focused on this single figure.

"Ah...such a fine thing, for my own senority and superiority to be acknowledged among the masses...indeed, I have been here...ever since those days upon the Earth..."

Shiroi . o O ( Guards.... Cannon fodder. Their sole-existance is to be taken out. ).

Alfghar points to her body, which is still shimmering, "Can he direct violence against an apparition?"

Alfghar blinks.

Alfghar says: This has degenerated into a pissing contest. Let us stop this mincing of words, and get to the point: I have been lax in my duties, so I am announcing my retirement now, which will be effective as soon as I finish training my replacement.

Tracha enters the lounge, fiddling with a little gold red dragon capped rod, garbed in his standard outfit of a grey business suit, black and white illfitting shoes, the red vest, the white shirt underneath it all and, of course, the necktie depicting two airplanes crashing into Tenarig and Zenema. He takes a seat and crosses his legs, taking on a smug expression.

Alfghar says: Which, to some, is music to their ears.

Tian takes a sip from her wine before continuing to look at the others. "Such a trivial matter. May I ask why you're retiring...?"

Alfghar says: Let us say that it is a conflict of interests, and leave it at that.

Tian nods slowly.

Alfghar says: Now...

Tracha nods assertively at that, "Oh, yes...as it has been for quite awhile, but now, some of the rifraff of a year ago is gone...and good riddance."

Alfghar turns to Kaze, "Now..."

Kaze whispers something to Ray whom takes a step back, and seems to shimmer away into nothingness, the sound like a tear echoing through the air as ceases to be.

Alfghar waves her hand, and 10 shimmering caplets appear in front of her on the table. "You asked me a while back to take these things, and fill them. For what purpose, I have no clue, but here they are."

Alfghar says: Cute kid. I will have to get the story behind the procreation of him some other time.

Kaze smirks slightly, shaking his head, "Maybe you aren't as worthless as all of those reports said you were."

Tracha peers at the caplets and grins, "My, planning on poisoning an entire dinner?"

Alfghar says: If only I wish. And now...how am I completely worthless? I thought it was no secret that I have always worked towards my own goals, and if they happened to be the same as Darkwoods', so be it.

Alfghar shrugs casually.

Rhali grins at Tracha, she rises from her seat nodding to Tracha. She takes a couple of steps towards him. She brings her hand down to her belt and pulls out two small orbs and hands em to Tracha. "Enjoy", she says with a grin. She returns to her seat across from Alf

Kaze glances over at Shiroi, something not quite right in the way he does it, "Shiroi, get me a drink."

Tracha takes the balls into his hands and caresses them, looking a little puzzled... "My, Rhali...what are these that you have cooked up?"

Shiroi looks over at Kaze. "You didn't say please," she said quite seriously.

Tian glances over at Shiroi and smirks before returning to her wine.

Alfghar says: Ah, the beauty of subordinates...

Alfghar sighs sarcastically.

Rhali takes a sip of her drink, turning her head back to Tracha. "Those.. my newest gadget.. Francium explosives."

Ray appeared behind Shiroi, one of the blades held behind the curve of her neck, the other at the middle of her spine, both tips barely pressed into her skin as Kaze repeated his comment, "Get me a drink."

Tracha nods at that... "...Francium explosives...an excellent concoction...why don't we try testing one of these out right here and now? It could be fun!"

Alfghar snickers.

Shiroi looks straight at Kaze in the eyes. "Say please," she stated, without moving an inch.

Alfghar finally stops shimmering, and takes on a more solid appearance.

Rhali sets her drink down, chuckling at Tracha. "Sure.. why not.. just press that little button there.. and toss it.." Rhali turns, and moves herself further into the booth.

Alfghar says: How cute.

Kaze snaps his fingers and Ray releases the hold of his left blade, wrapping his arm around Shiroi's neck and heaving her off of the stool and across the room.

Alfghar snickers.

Tracha stuffs the balls into his business pants pockets and peers at Shiroi as if he forgot what he was just talking about, "Come on, do it! Do it! We can revive that old necrophilia action yet! This will be our first! Or else, virgin sacrifice."

Shiroi spins in mid-air and lands quite gracefully on the floor, and straightens. "Well, then, get your own drink."

Alfghar says: ...I doubt that she is a virgin, and please, the carpets where just steam cleaned. Do not get blood on them.

Shiroi looks mournfully at her glass, what little drink that was left of it had spilled.

Kaze steps over and sits on the stool Shiroi had been sitting in, "Ray, if she moves even a step toward me, kill her. However you want." she moves even a step toward me, kill her. However you want." he says before reaching over and grabbing a bottle from behind the counter, and taking the top off.

Alfghar snaps a finger, and the bottle disintegrates, and glass flies everywhere.

Shiroi snrks. "Can't imagine why I'd want to go anywhere near you. People these days, so egotistic."

Shiroi shrugs.

Tian smirks, but makes no move away from her wine. "Heavens. I must agree with the girl."

Without blinking Kaze stands up, the demon gun formed and loaded, the barrel pointed directly at Alfghar's head, "Be it an illusion, the beasts will find you wherever you are."

Alfghar waves her hand dismissively. "Is that gun to make up for other...inadequacies, sir? Please, have a care where you point that thing."

Shiroi settles down into a nice, stuffy couch, abadoning her glass on the table beside it. "Now, now, is there any need to pms like that, Mr. President?"

Rhali tsks. She takes out a silver pen and twirls it between her fingers watching Alf and Kaze bicker.

Tracha gestures towards Shiroi, beckoning her as a twisted grin forms on his face, "Come over here, miss...I'll gladly accept any woman in my warm, protective lap."

Shiroi smiles radiantly at Tracha. "I will do so for a large fee, sir. Can't have people calling me 'cheap', now, can I?"

Kaze smirks and reaches up with his free hand, pushing his hair out of the way to expose the right side of his face, which is now been scaled over, his eye a dark crimson compared to the crystal blue of the other, "This gun was a gift and a curse." is all he says as he takes a step forward, "if you'd like to make jokes, I assure you, I will kill everyone in this room if I must."

Alfghar shrugs.

At the sound of the word 'kill' Ray hops happily from foot to foot, a little giggle coming from his lips.

Alfghar says: I am all for population reduction, but that will have to wait.

Alfghar says: Speaking of population reduction....

Alfghar asks: What would you say if I had Eikigou killed, or at least, heavily maimed, Kaze?

Tian grins. "I must say, even if you are the most powerful being in this multiverse, killing is not that simple." She downs her wine and turns to Alfghar.

Tracha nods enthusiatically, "Yes, yes...I'd like to see massive death and destruction, even at the risk of having to see another of my revival schemes failing, but, first.......oh, yes....yes....kill him. Kill that assmongering ingrateful little shit!"

Kaze shrugs as he lets the demon gun drop, the barrel slowly reforming into the flawless cylinder, "I saved him before when you tried that. This time I could care less." he mutters as he turns around and grabs another bottle.

Alfghar nods.

Alfghar says: That settles that.

Alfghar says: Now, since we are not at each other's throats...

Alfghar says: Or other appendages, as the case may be.

Alfghar glances sidelong at Tracha.

Alfghar asks: What is the general feeling towards Velias?

Tian says: Perhaps if I knew of this Velias you speak of.

Alfghar says: Kesnicks 'son'.

Tian raises an eyebrow.

Tracha mutters a few curses and sinks into his chair dejectedly, cradling his rod as he mumbles onward about daughters and crystals and killing and needing love.

Kaze shrugs, whispering something to Ray whom promptly vanishes again in the same manner, "He is an annoyance. Like his father, except he gets in the way."

Alfghar nods.

Alfghar asks: So, opposition on having him...delayed?

Tian hrms. "Choose what you must."

Kaze chuckles as he takes a sip from his glass, "I'd rather him explode. That's besides the point."

Alfghar asks: Why not ask Ray to do it?

Kaze shrugs and points over at Shiroi, "That's his lapdog, though. So I'm sure Velias will be hearing all about this in a matter of moments upon us leaving."

Alfghar glances over towards Tian and Shiroi, "Sorry if I am ignoring you. This needs to be settled whilst they are both away."

Alfghar says: I have a few...precautions set in place to deter that, Kaze.

Tracha shrugs, "I don't care about him one way or another. Vaspleck has treated me with the utmost of respect and hospitality ever since joining him, and the last thing I need to do is be involved in any sort of assassination on his bastard."

Shiroi says: I should resent that comment.

Tian nods and yawns. "No problem at all."

Kaze smirks, "You should resent it, if it weren't true. Velias should know I have this building just as wired as he does."

Alfghar says: Indeed, so do I. Of course...that is part of my job...

Shiroi settles more comfortably onto the couch. "You, Mr President, assumes quite a lot as well."

Alfghar says: But currently, all systems, security and otherwise, have been...disabled, so to speak.

Kaze grins a little, "I should just blow the tower up right now. That'd solve a lot of problems in a general kind of way."

Alfghar says: More like deliberately sabotaged, so that what is said in this room, stays in this room.

Alfghar shrugs at Kaze.

Alfghar says: I do not want to openly piss off Kesnick, just...perturb them.

Tracha taps his rod against his right hand, pondering...then speaks up, "Enough of this. I say that we just set killing Eikigou and assigning a much more usable sap to the position of Captain of the Guard for Coneria. Then, we may move onto the next phase, building up Coneria's technology and, finally, offering that technology to all other nations, just as we've always done it."

Alfghar says: Or, should I say, the Vasplecks.

Alfghar shrugs at Tracha.

Kaze chuckles, "What do I care... If you have need of me, state it. Maybe if it's interesting I'll take part in it. I have other business I assure you, but a bit of entertainment is always hard to find."

Alfghar says: How about this: We go about our usual undermining of each other's plans, with the following exception: We will work towards the destruction, and or, death of, Eikigou.

Alfghar arcs an eyebrow.

Alfghar says: Whilst I train my replacement, Kaze slaughters innocents, and Tracha rambles.

Alfghar asks: Agreed?

Kaze tosses back another drink, before glancing over his shoulder, "I don't undermine anyones plans. I just destroy those whom get in my way. That makes them no longer innocent, but an obstacle."

Tracha nods approvingly, "Excellent plan, Alfghar. You, there..." He gestures towards Shiroi. "Why don't we see a real test of your abilities? Go seduce and/or kill Eikigou. A pay raise is almost assured."

Shiroi has a deadly serious look on her face and responds with a "HA!".

Alfghar asks: ...Not that we get paid, but...how about this: A post in the conerian government?

Shiroi rolls her eyes. "I don't see anything particularly wonderful holding a post in a kingdom where anyone can become king."

Alfghar smirks in amusement.

Kaze smirks, "I don't even know if I'd want her to be the guards communal slut. I'm afraid of what kinds of STDs would get around."

Alfghar says: The same ones that get around from Kesnicks hookers.

Tian coughs.

Shiroi grins, "Heh heh heh!"

Alfghar asks: And Tian...would you like to...help us, in our quest?

Tian says, "Killing is such a pain..." She stops for a brief moment before adding, "For the one one the wrong side of a blade."

Alfghar hmms.

Alfghar says: Indeed.

Alfghar asks: Now...Kaze...would you like to enlighten us as to your friend Ray, or will I have to resort to my usual evesdropping?

Alfghar arcs an eyebrow.

Tracha clasps his hands together and says, "My, what a cooperative young woman we have here...much better than that OTHER one...why did we hire that one in the first place? Let's shoo her out. Useless, she is, says I."

Ray pops into the middle of the room, as if he'd been there the entire time, "Enlighten? What is there to say, he is my son." he says offhand as Ray walks over to sit on the stool beside him, handing him a file full of notes, maps and pictures..

Shiroi says: You're just mad because I refuse to give you any freebies, old man.

Alfghar snickers.

Tian grins at Tracha. "A man with some real guts. It's not common that men these days actually have balls."

Alfghar says: Don't feel that special, Shiroi. It is his standard greeting towards anyone with a vagina.

Tian smirks in amusement.

Shiroi says: Oh, I wouldn't dream of having any significance, don't worry.

Tracha bolts to a standing position and points his rod towards Shiroi, suddenly looking quite furious, "Perhaps I shall fry you to a golden brown and fuck your charred corpse in every orifice that hasn't been congealed into carbon."

Shiroi shakes her head and tsks. "Promises, promises...."

Alfghar says: If Koden does not magically appear and get to her first.

Tracha whispers a little something to the rod, then points it towards Shiroi again, this time a long double helix of flame shooting out towards the defiant young woman. "DIE. DIE. And DIE SOME MORE. And maybe die when you reincarnate, die when you..you get the picture."

Rhali looks up, "Heh, Tracha, still not going to try the orbs.. ?"

Rhali glances over at Shiroi.

Alfghar says: You seem to like pointing your rod at people. I am sure the hookers are quite happy, Tracha.

Tian smirks. "Well, I never said I wouldn't help you out, you know." She stands up and starts strolling around the lounge. "Oppurtunities may arise. If not, then nothing will be done on my behalf..."

Shiroi seems to have take refuge on the other side of the couch. "PYROMANIAC, no wonder you can't get any."

Alfghar says: Please, children. Settle this dispute like we do: Take it to the lounge's bedroom.

Rhali gives a wink to Alfghar.

Kaze just chuckles, filling up a second cup and sliding it over to Ray, whom quickly downs it in a single gulp.

Alfghar nods at Rhali.

Tracha keeps up the pressure with the fire helixes...then stops and thinks... "The lounge bedroom..why, yes! Let us go there at once...whatever your name was!"

Rhali looks for someone to fondle.

Rhali fondles Ray.

Tian raises an eyebrow.

Rhali returns to her seat

Alfghar snickers.

Shiroi peeks up over the rather badly scorched couch. "Nice try, but you'll need something more distracting than a fiery rod to get me in a bedroom with you without paying."

Tracha considers, then states further, "Ah, yes...these balls shall definitely come in handy for eliminating Eik...my, Alfghar, I never thought you were that way! Why not come over here and let me show you how an experienced man does it?"

Alfghar says: ...How about not. I prefer people who do not depend on viagra, thank you very much.

Tracha feigns shock at that, then points his fingers inward at himself, "Me? Requiring viagra? I am eternally young, and you insult me by saying that I'm impotent? Why, I'd never! Just don't be surprised when a tentacle beast assaults you during the night, rapes you, and turns you into an eye covered mess. Now, you there..." He beckons for Tian. "C'mere."

Alfghar . o O ( Thank god for the fact that I am not really here... ).

Tian looks at Tracha and shrugs, heading toward him at a rather idle pace. "What do you want, eh?"

Kaze and Ray finish off the bottle with two last cups, before both fluidly slide from their stools and make a quick 180, turning to face the room, "As this has no longer even become mildly entertaining, I'll depart. Alfghar, I'd prefer we discuss anything intelligent later, when the phallis and the lapdog aren't about." he then gives a simple salute, walking towards the wall and taking a black box of sort form his cloak which he points at the solid surface, which quickly twists and collapses into an empty black void.

Tracha sighs, "Another failure. However!" He pulls out the two balls and places them up against the base of the rod. "The lucky assassin gets to take these two balls with them. We shall test them on Eikigou; if we are fortunate, nothing of him will remain once one or both are used."

Alfghar snickers.

Alfghar . o O ( Indeed. ).

Kaze stops for a moment as Ray steps through the portal, casting a rather disturbed glance over his shoulder at Tracha, before glancing over at Alfghar, "...You sure Eikigou's the person we should be assassinating?"

Shiroi grins. "Heh heh heh!"

Alfghar shrugs.

Alfghar says: A few other people are about to make the list.

Tian yawns.

Kaze shrugs in return, stepping through the portal which closes behind him.

Tracha puts the rod and balls down and slams his fist against any table nearby, "By all means, YES. He is a traitor to my cause, and this cause as well. And he has taken Ikioi from this organization. I would like nothing more than to see his body steaked out, charred, dripping vital fluids and raped by Conerian necroph--...I hate that man. I really do."

Alfghar says: Apparently so.

Shiroi says: Or you're just a very sick man.

Shiroi says: In desperate need of sex and psychatric help.

Alfghar says: Either way. I do believe that this meeting has degenerated into...well, into something that I care not to think of. So I bid my farewells. Tian, Shiroi, I will be contacting you both shortly.

Alfghar shimmers slightly, then disappears altogether.

Shiroi says: Joyful.

Tian . o O ( Probably would kill his psychiatrists anyway ).

Tian blinks suddenly and nods. "Well this was rather interesting I suppose."

Shiroi seems to ponder for a moment, then heads over to the bar again, to pour herself another drink.

Tracha nods to Alfghar, "Very well. Shiroi, kill Eikigou. Tian, kill Eikigou. Rhali, kill Eikigou. That is all." He then proceeds to walk out with a swank to his gait.

Shiroi exclaims: Ah!

Shiroi says: Now I remember who Eikigou is! ... and that I didn't like him. Good.

Shiroi orders a drink from the bar and drinks it down.

Shiroi stumbles over the words for wine, and then down it quickly.

Almost passed out, Shiroi orders a wine and drinks it down.

Almost passed out, Shiroi orders a wine and drinks it down.

Almost passed out, Shiroi orders a wine and drinks it down.

Almost passed out, Shiroi orders a wine and drinks it down.

Almost passed out, Shiroi orders a wine and drinks it down.

Shiroi chuckles "hehehehe"

Shiroi giggles madly, then plants her face down on the counter.

Tian peers at Shiroi and shakes her head before heading for the elevator.

Rhali glances at Tian and Shiroi.. She turns and heads to the elevator, leaving.

Shiroi says: Meeeeoowwww~~~

Shiroi giggles again, somewhat muffled.