What is with Teenagers these days?

Techno-message recieved from Alwyn ----------- Galen my boy, Dragons you say? Oh I do love Dragons especially gold ones with red eyes. I should visit these places. So you have a familiar now, this is quit interesting. Do tell me how this adventure of yours ends... ------------ I suppose a Technomages job is never done. After I had dealt with the crisis with Shiara and the tainted trees. We traveled to Fellsworn City. I met some Wizards of ancient natural magic. We had a few debates and then I spoke with the Inn keeper. I am more comfortable in my ship so I informed him that I wouldn't need the room HS so generously paid for. I then returned to my ship for a shower and quiet evening. Only my evening wasn't quiet! I had an intruder. When I heard the stumbling around I thought it may be Shiara... "Shiara is that..." I stopped, this wasn't Shiara but a strange naked teenage girl. "Who are you and how did you get ...." "Galen, it's me. I... I," She looked down at herself and I realized that it was Justice, "Guess I should ask Shiara to show me how she does the clothes thing..." She shrugged, "I am used to having Norn and Ker carry my clothes, so I didn't think about it this time." "Justice? Damn Shapeshifters! So how long have you been practicing your new hobby?" I sneered. Damn Shapeshifters indeed. I will have to create a spell to identify them. "Hobby?" She asked "As a voyeur!" I snapped as I threw her some of Shiara's cloths. I grabbed a shirt, "we are going to have a talk, you and I!" I was trying to explain to her in the most delicate way that this crush of hers was inappropriate. However she had some sort of spell. Right before me she aged a year. I tended to her and in the morning she woke. Her aging is troublesome for her and I can understand. Growing quickly not really having time to enjoy her childhood not to mention to make friends only to have to leave them behind due to the age difference. She has a boy named Bart she was seeing, Although at breakfast she told me another boy named Inertia said Bart sent him to same it was over and that he didn't want to see her again. "You should speak with him, before you believe this other boy." I told her, "Why don't we find your brother." I left to see if I could find HS and tell him that Justice had not been well. First I went to Shiara's room and found she wasn't alone. Well I am not her father, She is merely my familiar so I will let his Parents worry. I cleared my throat, "Good Morning you two. HS your sister has had one of her spells." I then walked out... HS was stumbling to quickly get dress... "Was it bad?" He said stumbling out the door behind me... Justice waved, "It could have been worse." "Great my little sister is now the same age as me." He stated and then sighed, "You okay?" She nodded, "Galen took care of me." He looked at me, "Thanks." Shiara then walked out and looked at me with a worried look. I merely turned away, "So what is the plan now?" HS stated, "I have to find out where the Night-mares- are." As HS received a refund for my room and asked the Innkeeper Shiara used the time to ask me if I was mad. "Why would I be mad? Ah here the boy comes now.." I walked toward HS "The Innkeeper says we should speak with the Herders, they have a village near by." He stated... Well this gives me time to send a Techno-message to Alwyn

Dryad Doodle squat!

(continued here and here) How did I get into this mess? "I have abilities well like a Dryad, I can interface, connect with trees.. These trees are evil they are trying to feed of my ..." I was becoming weak. These tainted trees were having the opposite effect on me... Normally trees are a source of strength, my allies but not these. HS stepped forward and tried to remove the vines but they started to grow up his legs and began digging into his skin.. He and I were almost completely paralyzed... Our movements limited and almost none existent. This thing was feeding off our energy, our KI as HS put it. Our cloths had been dissolved and our skin was changing, we were turning a tree, becoming one of these Tainted Trees. I gasped, "Galen is coming." He heard what was happening from my amulet. I had already told him these trees were attempting to attack me. This was so terrible, I was the familiar yet Galen was having to rescue me... I started to cry and HS pulled me close. I could tell he was struggling. Movement was becoming more and more difficult. I wrapped my arms around HS and began to sob into his chest as he held me. "Shiara are you okay?" HS pulled me tight to him as the vines swallowed our bodies. I nodded and he choked a bit. As I looked up I could see he was having problems breathing. Even I could barely breathe, The vines had completely covered us up to our heads. Galen wouldn't know where we were if the vines completely covered us. I could see in his eyes that HS had the same idea. He couldn't use his powers of fire neither could I. He leaned down as if to kiss me when I could hear Galen and Justice approaching... We forced our heads to move. "OH my GOD!" Justice gasp... "HS! SHIARA! Are you okay?" Galen said nothing just examine the tree and roots. HS tried to say something... "Don't speak," Galen commanded, "Its like a Boa Constrictor." "Don't touch us.." I gasp with breaths... "I said don't speak or struggle." Galen repeated... "Can't you bun it? I had used my flute and turned some into Crystal that moved in my way. Then I shattered them" Justice inquired and then as if to realize, "Blink once for yes twice for no." Galen was busy studying the situation while I and HS blinked to try to answer her questions... No we couldn't use our powers and no there wasn't anything we could do... Galen stood up straight, "Can you use your flute now?" Justice frowned, "No not without turning HS and Shiara into Crystal." "Then it is up to me!" He clapped his hand together... "HS you're resistant to fire yes?" He blinked yes.... Wait! I am not fire resistant Yes I have Pyrokenesis but I can be burn, somewhat why our eyes can heal small burns. "No no no" I gasped desperately. "Galen Something is wrong with Shiara," Justice observed... Galen shook his head, "I know Shiara, you can be burn I will localize my fireballs on HS." Galen summoned a fireball... "Let's see if we can burn enough of them away to free you." He hit the tree on HS side... Anything that wasn't HS burnt away and HS skin returned to Normal. "Ah! I think I have it!" He hit it again this time the vines withered away from HS and me... He prepared to hit the tree again... As the vine withered down to my waist I realized Our cloths were not returning.. I covered my breast with my arms. Before I could say anything he hit the tree and the vines crawled away into the shadows of the woods around us.. "EWWW HS what happened to your cloths," Justice said turning to look away and tossing him her knapsack.. "Those damn trees ate it!" He cussed and then realizing I was standing there naked turned away... I was attempting to use my Technopathy to summon my cloths.. HS used Justice's knapsack to cover himself and walked around some rocks... I could see him moving in the corner of my eye but it wasn't until Galen cleared his throat did I look at him and see him dart his eyes quickly. I felt Galen's heavy cloak... "I don't need it I can summon me cloths, my nanites have to replenish..." I told Galen... "Well until they do," He tossed a stern look at HS, "Let's cover you up." Justice was looking for HS knapsack, "HS I can't find it." I summoned armor and then pulled from my cloths a glyph and tossed over to HS, it turned to some armor for him. "Try that until we find yours." I gave Galen his cloak back and joined Justice. Justice was standing petrified... She looked at me, "The vines." My eyes followed where she was pointing... The vines was being drawn back to a Twisted Corrupted tree... It looked at us and hissed... I summoned two swords, "Justice go warn Galen!" My breath began heating up until I was breathing small bursts of flame... More shadows moved and the trees moved toward after forming legs... This wasn't good... I follow Justice back, "Galen!" "I see them!" he stated as a fire ball formed in his hand... They were swarming around us... Galen fired one fireball after another and So did I. Just was using her Flute to crystallize them. The forest was thick and full of these trees..... "I don't they are happy with you Galen." Justice teased trying to conceal the worry in her voice. "Trees have never been so aggressive!" I yell between long fire breaths "I wasn't aware trees could walk!" Justice replied... "Well I have read about these ones, called Ents." Galen added in between fireballs. 3 rows of trees then went up in flame and then more as fire rained from the sky... "Take that!" HS says and walks over, "Cool clothes, Shiara." He patted his armor. "Your welcome," I said noticing how handsome he was... "Well it looks as if HS as took out the forest. Perhaps we should go?" Galen stated...

Something to write home about...

Techno-message to Alwyn ----------- Since we have a long walk a head I thought I would type this. I am join with my familiar Shiara, a teenage boy named HS and a teen girl name Justice. We have had quite an interesting journey. I have seen Hades, a river of fire and, of course the reason for this Techno-message, dragons. Yes real life, honest to god Dragons. No before you ask they are not gold. They are guardians to a tower called the tower of fire. However I seem to make a slight error, I had cast Shadow Skin to cloak myself from the teen girl who has developed an obvious crush on me. Appearing as if I had disappeared and then when we were in the tower and seeing the black dragons I dispelled my spell. It startled the Dragon and it attacked. Fortunately we were able to get things under control. After traveling up and over to a floating land, we entered a vile and corrupted Swamp. It didn't take us long to be separated and this has ceased to be entertaining. I didn't sense any technology so Technomancy wasn't used, but here they use a lot of natural magic. Shiara had activated her amulet before and through it I had a connection to her but the swamp caused a lot of interference. As I was searching another dragon attacked me, although I am more incline to say this was some kind of Serpent or Giant snake. I fired a Electric plasma beam at it... like the ones of fire but this uses electricity. I felt with it being in water that would have a better effect and it did. I told her to search for the boy and I would search for the girl. She let out a yelp and I could see through her eyes she had fallen, not long the boy followed... Then the trees here began swallowing Shiara and then HS for trying to help. I rushed to get to her, running into Justice. She was wielding two swords. "Come with me. Shiara and HS is in trouble.." I couldn't believe my eyes when I got there....

Dragons VS Dragon-Elf....

I traveled with Justice and HS into Hades, HS had a quest but the quest was a bit of a mystery. While in the center of Hades Galen joined us. We continued to travel out of Hades beyond to a place between Hades and earth. I had a lot of opportunity to learn more on my friends. Like I discovered HS had a girlfriend that has just done him wrong. That Justice has a Destiny but no one is sure what that Destiny is. While Galen has had to vanish from time to time to get away from Justice and her flirtatiousness I took in the scenery. I saw winged creatures and asked if they were Dragons. I thought "Seeing dragons would be cool." I mean I am always mistaken as a Dragon. In my reality there is always the question if they existed. However HS said still being in Hades that they weren't. Soon we were out of Hades standing underneath a the Tower of Fire.. From it Dragons took flight like a flock of birds that had just been disturbed.. HS was looking over the map... "We have to go up.. Yes and those are Dragons... Small ones, guards." I glowed, "WOW Dragons.." When we entered it was great at first, HS pointed out the Guardian Dragons and put his arm around my waist. Then Galen appeared and HS removed his arm. One of the Dragons attacked.. At one point I and HS went over the side. I realized that Galen must be in danger and as his familiar I have a duty to him so I let go and transformed into my true form. I didn't want to fight a dragon but I couldn't let him hurt my friends or especially Galen. So I prepared to fight this Dragon. HS warned that we couldn't harm them so I tried not to.. Justice used her powers and the Dragon calmed down after seeing her. It seems the Dragons know her and a little of her destiny. The Guardian dragon told HS he was going to get a special horse. I shyed away, "Don't Look at me.." "Why?" HS asked "Because I am in my true form... I am... " Ugly is the word.. Freak is another HS didn't say either, no he said, "Exotically beautiful!" With a sigh Galen stated, "So Romeo now that we know what your quest is shall we go get your Stallion?" HS went to check on Justice and Galen chuckled at me as I changed into my normal humanoid form, "Come on my little Ugly duckling we have no time to waste." tbc....

An interesting journey indeed...

Shiara asked if she could go with Justice and Justice's brother HS on a quest. The quest sounded like an interesting journey. They would follow the river Acheron to the center of Hades and then take another river in Hades out of the Hell Dimensions in a place that is between Hell and Earth. I observed their Journey to the Marsh of Hades. The river of fire, Phlegethon should to take them this place Fellsworn, but they were camping for the night. From the mild flirting between HS and Shiara I decided I should perhaps come along. It has been a while since I went camping. I appeared in the tent with the young man, he turned to me. "Mind if we share a tent? I have the distinct feeling Shiara should be chaperoned on this trip." I smiled He frowned, "You must be Galen." "Guilty as charged. You must be, let me see it was... Hot Stu..." I began to say and he held up a hand "HS, please." He looked around. "very well." I smiled again "You don't have a sleeping bag." He observed I nodded, "I prefer hammocks." He looked, "There is no Hammock." I put on my best surprised face, "Really? Oh my I thought," I set my hand in the hammock and put on my best smile, "Well there it is see. " I hopped into my magical invisible hammock. Which is merely a platform spell modified. In the morning I was woken by giggling. I turned and saw HS turn toward it too... We left the tent and I noticed that Justice was giggling with another girl, someone called her Vella. Shiara was with them... They were talking over a very interesting ring... HS moved around me... "Hey Vella, is everything okay?" He asked her.. "Galen!" Justice squealed grabbing Vella and shaking her. I sighed as Shiara muffled a laugh. Vella first addressed HS, "Yeah all is okay," and then turn to me, "Hi, I am Vella. Your Galen I know Justice can't stop talking about you." Justice elbowed her and I just tried to ignore the whole thing. "Interesting ring. Any chance I could borrow it ? I would like to study it." She withdrew the ring. "No." I nodded respectful "Very well." I withdrew to a shadow. HS sat on a rock, "Vella, Vincent? he.. you know." She rolled her eyes and then two others appeared... "Girl! We are going back home! " The father orders. Vella then disappears, but not before he glanced at me. How did he see pass my illusion? Of course, he can sense a person's spirit. He calls it KI... I can cloak my scent and other things from animals but it will take some modification to shield my ... KI.... HS tells everyone to get some breakfast because we would be moving soon. He seems upset and Shiara asks me to speak with him. I walk over to him. "Why the long face?" He glances at me, "Nothing you would understand." "Try me." I say, "My order prides itself on knowing all that can be known and most of the rest." He slumps against a tree, "Vincent is my uncle but about my age... Well at least in his body," he wave his hand, "hard to explain and it doesn't matter. See the problem is he went to the future and... Well I become Evil and ..." His words trailed off... "I see... The mistake you have made is in thinking your future is set." He turned to me and I continued, "The Universe is made up of a tapestry of energy string and realities. Possibilities are as vast as the Universe itself. The Universe has no boundaries. It is like an Ouroboros. Infinitive. " I paused for effect and then attempted to continue but was interrupted. "This is the Balance in motion which Shiara is always talking about." The boy said. I titled my head, "Hm, yes in a way. See just as the Universe is endless so is possibilities. You see boy, for every decision that can be made, every choice that can be chose, there is an alternate realities for it. " I walk and wave my hand producing my small globe, "Should mother nature decided that you should be male or female? Whether you should exist or not? Well there is four alternate realities there. So I go or should I stay?" In the globe I should different realities, showing different choices that had been made... I wave my hand and my globe disappears, "There is no such thing as Impossible. In the Universe all things are possible and to exist we are part of this balance in motion. We have both good and bad, light and darkness... Each choice, each decision sends us down a different path. So even those these alternate realities exist and we can visit the so called future. Our future is yet to have been written because we have yet to make those choices." He looks as if he is pondering what I have said. I sighed, "Name someone you think would be impossible to ever be evil." "Son GOKU!" he was quick with his answer. "Awww but in some alternate reality he is evil. He chose to be." I answer. "We can not allow what our alternate selves do effect us. We can only make the choices and decisions we are to make here in this reality. " I say. "So you think I can escape becoming evil?" He asks. I sigh again, "HS I think that if becoming Evil upsets you then you have already made a choice against it." "thanks." he said with a deep breath I turn toward the shadows, "well you were wrong.... I do understand, more than you realize." I then left leaving him to think about what I said. When he returned he smiled at Shiara and patted Justice on the head. "Shall we. " We then begin our long trek down this river of fire to reach the border of Hades and the tunnels that will lead us to Fellsworn... TBC

Very interesting indeed...

While Shiara was out with her friend finding more about Sky. I was thinking about what happened and about our Dark Past. Something back Sky off, and I think I know what. Our technology is handed down to the ancients, a race called the Taratimude from the shadows. This has been our leaders dark secret skeleton for centuries... The truth is now out among my order but no further. As I was ponder this Shiara returned. "that was a short visit?" "She had school. Galen, are you married?" my familiar moves over and sits across from me "Married?" I was shocked... "what preempted that question.?" "Justice asked. I told her I can say unless you tell me I can but, well it got me thinking. I don't see anything which suggests you are. However Durena..." She just continued to speak with out a pause or break "Durena, " I paused a moment, "is a friend nothing more. No I am not married we do not have relationships like ," I hesitated, "that. It is difficult to explain. I did however have a lover, my true love, my only true love. She .. is ... gone." I hadn't realize that my voice had trailed off "oh, I will not ask anymore." She looked at me with concerned eyes. I sighed, "There is no reason to be concerned. You can tell Justice she should find someone her age. The last thing I need is a 16 year old girl with a crush." "She won't be 16 for long and anyone she date won't mature as fast as her. She hasn't had any growth spurts, so it seems the closer she gets to an adult the slower this maturing process but .." again speaking like a head on collision "Shiara," I paused, "you are my familiar not a dating service. I am fine. End of discussion." She nodded,"What was her name?" I sighed, "Isabel." Later Shiara left again, soon she contacted me through the amulet. The amulet interfaced with nano fibers which run in her eyes and ears allowing me to literally see and hear what she does.. So she has gotten help from Justice to access Mirai's computer into SHIELD HQ. She has the files on Sky. I begin immediately copying all known info. I just finish when I hear Agent Briefs... I use my connection with Shiara to coach her and tell her what to say to the young Sayian. Shiara stays for dinner and later returns.. "Galen I am sorry I have failed you." she hung her head I was in the cockpit listening to some soothing techno bells and crystals... "Fail me? Shiara what is this nonsense you are saying..." I smiled and then reclined... After a few days of studying the data on Sky, I realized why I must learn more. Perhaps through this Cyberdyne. I decided it was time for me to meet Agent Briefs. He was not in his office but our dealing with family matters and the SHIELD director was looking for a spider. he had been yelling at some Agents that looked like they still had acne. I conjured wind and mist and with the help of a few well placed illusion spells magically appeared in a dark corner have my reasons, "Hello." "Who the hell are you?" He growled. "A friend." I said "A friend?" he scoffed "Yes a friend... " I paused for effect, "A friend in need of a favor" He slammed his fist down on his desk, "I don't have time for some magician, Black Widow is missing." "I am not to found of bug or especially arachnids so I am afraid I can not help you, but I do hope you find the Latrodectus mactans or was it one of the other Latrodectus ." I walked into the light, "Your help will benefit us both I think." "You must be Galen." He sneered "Guilty as charged. I need more info on Cyberdyne specifically on the TX model that calls herself Sky." I say He laughs, "Are you a glutton for punishment? I can give you what we have but.." "I already know what you know, I need what you don't know." I walked around and folded my arms "If we could get more info don't you think we would have it?" He folded his arms and we stood face to face in almost a challenging posture "I have faith in you and your team." I smiled "Why?" he asked placing a cigar in his mouth and searching for a match. I used a quick spell to produce a flame from my hand, "Why do I have faith in you and your team?" "No," He took a puff, "Why are you so interested in the mega-mutant-bitch-bot from hell?" "I have my reasons though I can not share them at this time. I will be back when you have something for me." before he could respond I disappeared

Getting the 3rd Degree

I think I have failed Galen as his familiar. I guess it would be easier if we carried all of our past experiences from our previous life cycles. Sadly only few memories are past, most end up being filed in the Akashic Records. Some say with focus and medication those memories can be accessed. Those that are past as I have explained before are mere feelings of Deja Vu or manifest themselves with very vivid dreams. So how have I failed? We had a run in with the Cyborg that we have learned calls herself Sky. She put me to Sleep and had perfect opportunity to destroy Galen. It would seem Galen prevailed over her though it has bothered him... I understand that it has something to do with his past, well all Technomages past. He sent me to visit Justice and perhaps see if I could learn more about Sky. When I arrived Vampirella, Justice's mother directed me upstairs. My new friend was in with her brother discussing Calculus... "Perhaps i can help?" I said... "Shiara! You know calculus?" Justice asked bouncing over to me... I nodded it really wasn't a hard question but with my Technopathy I know the sunject pretty well. I heard HS whispered in his dog's ear, "Hoser boy, you know that almost cat like thing Justice has." He barked. "SHhhh boy, go chase him..." I guess I should tell him at some point that Firewalker's hearing is as good as a dog's Justice ran after the dog screaming, "Call that dumb dog of yours HS." He whistled for his dog and walked over to me. While Justice was getting Norn He opened a dialogue with me.. "So Justice says you are a shape-shifter like her." He brushed his hair back "Yes, and you?" I smiled looking at him. He was so cute "No, I can turn into stronger Devil's but I am not what you would call a shapeshifter." He stated... I just smiled. He continued, "She says you look like a dragon sometimes. do you breath fire?" He raised his eye brows and then extended a hand forward to show he could produce fire... I stepped close to him and spoke as I spoke the air I breath began to heat until it caught with a flash of a flame, " I ( invisible Breathe) don't know (air becomes slightly heated and slightly visible as I breathe) We have (the air is so much hotter than the room you can really see my breath) been known (breathe fire) too." He dropped the book he was holding and stood there staring... Justice came in, "Shiara come on we will go to the Grave yard pond.." I walked out... I told her I needed to find out more about Sky and she suggested we tap into SHIELD HQ. We went into the Study and Justice opened up and started her father's laptop. "I had Ker hack in before but.." "I can." I said using my Technopathy to access his computer. "Wow your eyes..." Justice said... "yes they glow with the glyphs of my mother's people when I use my Techno abilities." I stated She smiled, "It is cool." I was using my ability to locate and pull all available files on Sky. I has touched my medallion on my collar to activate it so Galen could see through my eyes and copy these files. Just then Justice and I heard a voice. It was her Dad. He caught us and he wasn't happy. Apparently someone from his office called. It was because I was sloppy. Justice took the blame though I tried to get Mr Briefs to understand she only did it at my request for information. "Justice go help your mother set the table I wish to speak with your friend." he said... My amulet was still active, So Galen could see through my eyes and hear through my ears. I could hear his voice in my head. "Remain calm Shiara." "Okay, I am waiting. " Agent Briefs stated... "I am sorry I am bond by the oath of a familiar. I can't disclose any information too..." I stopped as I heard Galen instruct me to tell the Sayian of our encounter with Sky. "I am a familiar, my master and I had a close call with the one that call herself Sky." I stated. "Who is your Master?" He asked "Galen, he isn't from this time or Universe. Where we are from things are different. Our Past your present is different. The only Sayian is like one I met earlier, your father I believe. However Vegeta isn't from our Universe or time. No one knows how he got there, he keeps to himself. He is known as the silent warrior. He lives on a moon and stands looking into the valley. He hold a locket of blue hair and doesn't speak but will fight any who come to challenge him." I said word from word what Galen told me I could say. He was hoping that the mention of Vegeta would distract Mirai from us... "Galen and You." He was putting us right back on point "Galen felt a power a dangerous one past through our time and Universe. He followed Sky here. The woman is more dangerous than we anticipated. We haven't determined what kind of threat she is but she is capable of being a threat to this time and Universe as well as our own." Galen was actually speaking through me, but Mr Briefs didn't know, "We have enough problems in our Universe, there is no Superman, no batman, no super heroes of any kind. Just the humans who have rose to become heroes because they had no choice. When Galen chooses to appear and speak to you or whoever, he will." The purple hair sayian shook his head, "Fine. Will you be staying for dinner?" When he looked at me I think he realized I was about to decline and he spoke, "My son is in there singing some sappy love song. He would be disappointed if you didn't." Since Galen said for me to stayed I did. Mr Briefs had me sit between Justice and Hotstuff. Across was Son Gohan and Videl and Vampirella and Mirai sat across from each other on the sides of us. I listened as the family began discussing Justice going to school. I could see neither Vampirella or Mirai were happy but Gohan must have felt it was better for her socially. "We do not know Justice's destiny, we think she is just a symbol but what if her destiny requires to one day lead. She will need social skills. I am delighted to tutor her, she is my finest student but there are things I can't teach." It was agreed that Justice would begin attending school with HS as he asked me to call him. As we sat Vampi and Mirai left clearing the table to bring out desert. I overheard Vampirella ask her husband what he was doing, "Are you encouraging HS?" "I don't know what you are talking about." he said to her "Oh so you deny trying to help HS with Shiara by sitting them together." She laughed "Who me?" from the giggling it was getting private... I tried to focus on something else... I really need to tell them my hearing is really good... In the middle of dessert HS's cell went off. "Isn't the rule no cells at the table!" Justice's dad yelled... HS answered, "Kon can't talk we are...... WHAT!" "Hot Stuff don't yell at the table" his mother scolded... After a while he said he needed to be excuse and go to see Kon... "Your grounded..." both parents said at the same time HS then explained that Kon got beaten by someone named Vincent... Just then my amulet glowed, "Shiara return." I bowed at the Sayians and Drakulonian and hugged Justice good-bye... Then I steeped back in a warm glow I then shifted and found myself back on Galen's ship... "Galen I am sorry I have failed you." i said as I entered the cockpit where he sat back listening to some soothing techno bells and crystals... "Fail me? Shiara what is this nonsense you are saying..." He looked at me with hat mysterious smile and then reclined...