Exton

The streets are clear, the sidewalks dusted with the flurries that fell throughout the day. Street lights were coming on in some of the areas where the buildings overshadowed the roadway. Tori had walked this way every afternoon, tonight she took the time to look around.

So many of the warehouses had been renovated into shops. A few held apartments, still more were empty and up for sale. The Twisted Tit was only a block away, but Tori took her time. The band wasn't playing. There was so much going on in their lives right now. She smiles to herself. Twins for Stoney and Alise, Ob found someone who stole his heart and is now carrying his child. Then there was her own sister. Monty and she were now sharing a room, a couple in so many ways.

The small statue in the window caught Tori's eye. She was pushing open the door when she noticed the business for sale sign. The bell chimed her arrival, and a small woman emerged from a back room.

"Is there something I can show you, Miss?"

The voice was quavery, seeming as frail as the woman herself. Tori smiled. A full human... she wondered how many knew of the "others" in this town.  Tori asked her about the statue in the window.

"Aaah... That is done by a local artist. So many of my fantasy pieces are by him. They are all gargoyles. The guitarists are Chimera Gargoyles. The Drummer a Dragon, The Keyboardist is a Canine. He calls it "Rock" Band. Lovely isn't it?"

The old woman picks up the piece and hands it to Tori. The likenesses are incredible. Tori figures it has to be someone who frequents the Tavern and has seen them all in their true forms.

"This is amazing! Would you be able to wrap this for me? I live only a few blocks away."

The woman moves to the counter and places it gently in a box, padding it and then tying the box shut.

"Is business that bad that you are selling?"

The woman shakes her head. Tori can smell the illness on her. The woman shrugs.

"I'm sick. I can't put in the hours the way I used to. I try to close up early now, but a lot of my customers are nightowls. Know anyone who might be interested?"

Picking up the box, Tori heads for the door.

"Let me do a little checking. I might know someone."

She hands the woman her business card, Gar Enterprises, and waves as the door closes behind her. Tori whistles to herself and strolls along the sidewalk toward the Tavern.