The Twisted Tit Tavern was a whirl of activity. The smells from the kitchen proved Monty had been up from early on creating culinary treats in preperation for the influx of people, especially the children. He always made treats for Chloe and Teri, but now he had the rest coming, as soon as Stoney rose in the late afternoon.

He looks over the list of things he needs and speaks to the teen now helping him in the kitchen. As the kid disappears Patti swings through the door and grins at him. She boosts herself up on the island and swings her booted feet back and forth.

"So. This should be a documentary... the Marmurr in its natural habitat."

He gives he a raised brow and bows his head slightly. "No offense Mistress Patti, but..." He flips her off and returns to measuring out cocoa powder.

Patti points her nose in the air and sniffs. "I am hurt Monty." He watches her from the corner of his eye. "And to think I came in here to talk to you about a way of freeing yourself..." Monty nearly drops the measuring cup into the bowl of batter.

He carefully places everything on the counter and turns to face her. "Mistress, a Marmurr is bound to a family, a bloodline. We can't be freed." he frowns. "Unless you plan to kill...me..."

Patti laughs. "And have Ike out for my hide? Hell no! But don't you want to make choices for yourself without having to worry? I know I did. I hated being under someone else's control." She waves a hand at him, multi colored nails sparkling under the bright light. "No. I mean free you. I was thinking of asking Silk and Dr. M. if they have any ideas. Keon too." She hops off the countertop, snagging a sweetroll from where Monty wouldn't see. "And I ain't talking about tying you to someone else." She looks up and around the room, "Or somewhere. Think about it." She pushes open the kitchen door and sashays out to Monty's murrmurred. "I know you took one."

Alone, Monty opens the door to the far pantry and looks at the crawl space he used to call home. A blanket and several pillows are still tucked under the bottom shelf, along with the few treasures he had accumulated before Patti had claimed rightful ownership. He looks at his hands, large capable hands, and smiles, remembering the small childlike form he had for so many centuries. Patti had given him leave to take the form he wanted. He picks up the bowl and absently folds in the cocoa powder. A small smile curls his lips. Now she offered to find a way to free him, truly free him. He begins to whistle a lively tune, already forgiving the pilfered sweet.

Monty finished the special dishes he had prepared for the evening; Pandora had been too distraught to ask him to fix food for after the ceremony, but he knew the family would gather to talk and lighten the mood. Everything was on trays; as he was unsure if they would stay on the rooftop garden or ajourn to the tavern.

He had a special surprise for the children; a package had arrived from Traeger in Scotland...Pandora told him to hide it till after the ceremony. Knowing Traeger as he did, he was sure the children were in for great gifts that would lift their mood.

The Tavern is closed for the day, but the day's work is far from done.
There are tables and booths to be cleaned, floors to be swept and innumerable dishes and glasses to be washed. Even with the wait staff pitching in, the sun will be up before Monty can call it a day. Fortunately he doesn't require much sleep....

Patti gives him a smile as he passes, a bulging 30-gallon trash bag in either hand. He's deceptively strong, a fact that has stood him in good stead more than once. Carlos, one of Tori's "kids", turns the knob for him and Monty gives him a smile as he shoulders the heavy steel door open. He glances upwards, seeking the stars, even though they are not easily seen. Clouds overhead have blocked out their faint shine and he sighs. Two shadows drift across his sight, and he wishes momentarily for the night vision that blesses so many Shifters. It would have been nice to know who was watching Exton from above.

A putrid scent drifts on the slight breeze. Monty wrinkles his nose against the smell and tosses the bags, figuring trash pickup was late again. When the bags thump against the bottom, he takes a peek inside. Nearly empty, and not smelling THAT bad. It isn't until he steps away that the scent really catches his attention. It smells sour and fetid, like rotting meat. Looking up and down the alley, Monty spies one of the Hell Hounds sniffing at a bundle just down the alley. He approaches slowly and the Hound raises its head. It paws at the bundle and dances back as a wave of foul aroma drifts upwards. It isn't until Monty moves closer that he sees the bundle is blood soaked. The Hound paws again, and something rolls from the pile. Monty gags, turning away when he realizes it is a skull, a human shaped skull.

Carlos sticks his head out the back door. "Ewww! Dude, what the..."

Patti can be heard telling the kid to curb his language if he ever wants to help in the bar itself. "What is that smell?"

Monty glances at the pile. "A problem. Tell Ob and Jeb I need help." As the door begins to close, he adds, "Don't let any of the ladies know there is trouble."

Carlos nods and disappears. Moments later, Jeb saunters down the alley from the street. Ob slips silently out the back door. The look in his pale eyes is the one he has when connected with his Kin.

"Merde! What died out here!" The gargoyle closes the door behind him.

Monty stares at the pile, breathing shallowly to keep his stomach from rebelling. "Not what... who."

Jeb stands over the bundle, staring down. He clears his throat. His voice is deep, rumbling as the werewolf in him scents the air. "Um, guys... I recognize this dress. Tori kicked her ass... last night."

Ob and Monty stare at each other. Monty begins to curse in Spanish as Ob clicks open his phone. His voice is quiet as someone answers the other end.

"Mortuis? This is Ob, We have a situation." He listens carefully. "Back alley. The Tavern"

Monty watches the crowd leave... he also catches Gunnar's lovelorn look toward the office; he has got it bad for Tori... yeah, he tosses the ladies around, but Tori is the one he wants... at least till he's sampled the spitfire, then he may back off forever.

Monty sees that the women have things well in hand; and he slips upstairs to the unused suite with the hot tub outside... he has a bottle of sparkling cider and glasses and a tray of chocolate covered strawberries and soft Gouda cheese. He tests the water... perfect!

He dims the lights in the room and lights the candles outside around the hot tub; looking around in satisfaction he races back down the stairs before he is missed.

The girls are finishing up and Ike has just wiped her hands and looks tired, but elated at how well they've been doing. Monty grabs her hand and draws her to him; "Come with me, you've earned a treat."  He draws her up the stairs... watching her face, her curiosity vying with a flickering look of lust as she realizes they are going to be alone... she hesitates at the suite door; and he draws her through.

Monty kisses her in the dim room, his hands exploring her lush body... and he begins to strip her clothes from her body...Ike is helping now, anxious to be next to Monty with nothing between them but skin. He scoops her in his arms and carries her to the terrace door, stepping out into the night and the beautiful candlelit scene. Ike gasps as she takes it in... and Monty deposits her in the tub, watching her face as the warm water surrounds her. He spends little time ridding himself of his clothes, face locked on Ike as he does... lust apparent as his cock springs from his pants. Sinking into the water he takes her in his arms and they kiss, tongues twining and hands exploring... Monty trails kisses down her neck and sucks on Ike's breast, her sigh tells him all....

Monty stood leaning on the bar listening intently to the young woman in front of him on a bar stool. She was one of the shifters that had become a regular and she was telling him about her attacker the night before and how she had escaped his clutches... Monty hadn't known any vampires frequented the area... especially after Nick took up residence with Raina. The creatures seemed quite territorial and usually didn't invade the area another frequented.

The girl was quite calm as she related the incident, the shifters seemed well able to control their emotional responses in order to be ready if they were called upon to change under duress. She sported a rather nasty injury to her neck... but it was well on the way to healing, the shifters shared that supernatural ability with many of the others... they could take a licking and keep on ticking... Monty chuckled to himself about his little joke... but returned his attention to the girl. He would spread word to the others among his friends... and asked her to relate her story to her friends that they might also watch out for any signs of the vampire. Monty really doubted the creature was still about... after the girl escaping it had to know she'd spread the word.

Monty went looking for Ike and Tori... he knew they were both independent and walked the streets alone on many occasions... he wanted a promise from them that they would use caution... saying don't do it would never work with them, so he settled on advising them to avoid alleys and other dimly lit and solitary places. Neither of them seemed about... so he returned to the bar for now... people were starting to drift in and he felt guilty leaving Patti to fend for herself.

Monty heard the movement upstairs and being as tuned to Pandora as he was to Patti he turned and told Patti... "Pandora is up with Ob... better start thinking about some fiery concoction for her and that child of hers"... Patti laughed and nodded, wandering toward the kitchen, while Monty turned his attention to the stage and Ike. She would be stirring any minute; he had something to discuss with her tonight... she had a shared room with Tori for dressing and such... but he had talked with Pandora about them sharing the room and creating a dressing room/computer space out of his small room for Tori; she spent most of her time near the bar when she wasn't on stage.

He had approached Tori and while she mumbled some cracks about lovebirds, she wasn't opposed to the idea... and Ike was the last step in his plan. He felt that with their own private space she could rest when she went to stone next to their bed, in privacy... so that if she tumbled from bed naked as a jaybird she could waken that way without prying eyes. He admitted to himself as he neared the stage that he was selfish, for he wanted to be there each evening as those granite breasts and thighs became flesh again; that he be there to stroke her into wakefulness,and fold her in his arms as she moaned beneath his touch.

Monty slips in the room and walks up to Alise to admire the tiny bundle she holds.... "Wow, those are some knockout eyes that little lady has"... Tara stares at him unrelentingly, as if she already understands about the nature of people.  Monty looks into Alise's exhausted face and murmurs... "She will be as beautiful as her mother."... bringing a faint smile to Alise.

He wanders over to see Tomas and then tells Ob... "Now that you are here to see after Pandora I'll take my leave; why don't I ride your bike and you can take Pandy in my car. I'm anxious to tell Ike the news and tell her what the wee ones look like."

Monty saw the little fae enter and gestured to her to come... "Rachal, we must help my mistress... your magick has grown long hair all over her body; and she only desired long hair upon the crown of her head."  Rachal replied.. "I only did what she asked"... Monty shook his head,"I know, but these humans and others do not always think a thing all the way through before they wish for it... I have written up a contract between the two of you"... it read as follows....

"The fae known as Rachal shall grant Pandora the wish of having long hair that grows at a near human rate (not to exceed  1/4" per night) from this point forward upon her head only. The other bodily hair shall return to normal upon cutting and will no longer be held under the magical spell.

In addition she shall receive a token from Pandora upon completion of the contract."

Rachal read the parchment Monty had so carefully written in his old world script and she sat upon the paper as she signed her signature.

Pandora descended the stairs just after she had written her name and she came and signed the contract herself.... "I'll be right back" she told Rachal.. .she went to the bar and bent to open the safe and extracted a small blue stone from the cachet in the box. Returning to Rachal she handed her the stone... "to remind you of my wish,and the beauty of the sky above." The little fae seemed overwhelmed that she was receiving a gift, no strings attached... and she flew up and planted a tiny kiss upon Pandora's stomach...."for the child, she will have her mother's beauty; inside as well as out."... and she flew off to show her treasure.

Pandora let out a sigh..."Wheew,that taught me a lesson... now to see if Patti can help me rid myself of this other hair." She strolled to the bar and explained to Patti that she needed her to go up and cut the excess hair from her other bodily sites so she could get a razor close enough to shave... They laughed together over Pandora's plight while they walked to her room. Pandora mused that this would be a day she would never forget... and she hoped Ob would never know about.

Monty found the sprites buzzing about the tavern amusing... they sensed he was of their world and respected his authority... a small female named Rachal said that Pandora had granted her anything she wanted for giving her the long hair she desired last night.

Monty said to the fae.."'I am sorry little chica, I cannot give favors until my employer tells me personally... I have a 'contract' with her"... he knew the fae would understand this... she nodded sagely as he spoke. Rachal replied..."I will return shortly, I'm going out to gather some dew... there are still shady spots in the garden right now."... and she was off in a flash.

Monty looked up as he heard someone on the stairs, and could not help but admire Pandora's lustrous dark locks; the sheen of it threw off a bluish tint and it waved gently as it cascaded on her shoulders."Your hair is beautiful... the little fae told me she granted you a wish."

Pandora gave him a wry smile as she said... "Have you seen the wee thing?... I have a problem with her gift." Monty replied... "She's gone out to your garden to sip dew... what's up?"

Pan smiled with a touch of humor as she said.."Well,her "Gift" has grown long hair everywhere... if you know what I mean"... She blushed furiously as it dawned on Monty what she implied. He let out a laugh such as she had never heard from him before.... "Have you not heard the phrase "Be careful what you wish for"...? I believe it was created with faes in mind... most of their magick has more than one consequence... as you've discovered"...He grinned again and she scowled at him... "its not funny... what can I do?"

Monty fought to control himself and said..." Why don't you go back upstairs and I'll send Patti up with breakfast... the fae will return soon and we'll negotiate a contract for you... they understand the parchment as being what is."

Pandora nodded and turned to go... glancing back to find Monty still covering his mouth as he laughed... and knew he would share it with Ike tonight. She hoped it would not find its way to Obsidian's ears, but that was unlikely with her long hair begging explanation.

Monty was very uneasy about the fiery redhead and her companion; from their first visit he had known they were up to no good. She seemed overtly interested in the women... and especially watched Alise and Pandora.  He knew he could pick up on her thoughts if he could chance getting close enough.

He saw his chance when a table next to hers was empty, he hurried over to clean up and wipe the table down... he heard her talking to her companion about fetching someone; it was definitely threatening, he felt sympathy for the man, he was no part of her... he was a pawn she used by keeping someone close to him prisoner. He carried off his tray of dirty dishes before she realized he was groping for information.

Monty mixed an iced water for Ike... and carried it to the stage where they were prepping for the next set. He gave her the water along with a soulful kiss; then stopped at Ob's drums to whisper softly..."The fiery fae is up to no good, has something to do with women, the man with her is coerced, she holds someone prisoner he holds dear." Monty says to Tori "Could you check the net about women? after this set?"... At her nod he hurries off... noting Pandora is still on her couch... and he saw the now missing Stoney take Alise upstairs. Where was Rowan?... she might be needed tonight....

Monty slipped into the room with a tray just as Ike turned,looking for him... he set the tray on his bedside table, turning the light on as he turned to Ike. She was an absolutely radiant vision... she was naked and her skin was soft and luminous and although she had regained her human look, her eyes still held the feline glow of the cat... it was moments while he was caught up in her beauty before he realized she had no wings... "your wings,they're gone... you've learned to hide them like the other gars."

Monty swept her into his arms, kissing her passionately,her body molding itself to him as if they had been lovers of long acquaintance... he broke the kiss briefly to murmur... "I've brought you sustenance; cold icy water and some snack foods I know are your favorites, sardines and cheese and crackers..." Ike turned and saw the tray laden with a vase bearing a red long stemmed rose; and she smiled as she turned to twine her hands in his hair... as she placed her lips against his and they again lost themselves in a kiss....

Monty could communicate with Patti without being near her, it was a gift between marmur and master... and Patti was closing up without him.

Monty grabbed Ike's hand and led her around the building to the outside kitchen door; already the lights were low, the staff gone from there and he led her through the door to his room.  Turning on his small lamp he smiled at her and waved his hand at the room... "Its quite small, but cozy for our interests"... wasting no time he drew her into his arms and again they shared a soul searing kiss as he lowered her onto his bed.

He lifted himself up and began slowly unbuttoning the blouse on Ike... laying back the front to expose the twin globes of perfection he had tasted so briefly earlier. Ike followed his example and soon his shirt was open and her hands explored the muscled planes of his chest... he drew his shirt off, along with Ike's and she worked at the button on his jeans as he slipped the skirt off her hips. He left her panties in place, slipping down to kiss her thighs and then he moved closer to her mound... taking the fabric of the panties in his teeth as he raked over her clit in the process of pulling the waistband down... she moaned and it spurred him on... he pulled them off with his hands and then stepped out of his jeans. Ike was watching him with panting breaths as he stood back up... naked and proud, his erection most definitely telling Ike he desired her.

She reached for him and he dropped to the bed, trying to take it slow... just holding her tight against him for moments... their bodies touching, breast to chest, his manhood pressing against the triangle between her legs... he took her mouth with his... tongues again twining in passion as they embraced.  Monty was trying to let Ike lead him in what she desired... she was a virgin and he had not been sexual in a very long time, there was no rush... he wanted it to be perfect to her....

He bent to her breasts and laid soft kisses around the nipples of first one, then the other... Ike's fingers gripped his head and she pulled him closer as he took one of the nipples in his mouth, rolling it with his tongue... circling and then sucking deep... her sharp intake of breath telling him she found pleasure in it. Monty released his grip on the other as he turned his attention to that nipple, the other breast he kneaded gently with his  hand. Ike was thrusting her pelvis against him in the answer women had given men since time began... and his hand touched lightly as he drew it down her leg to the juncture of her thighs, the first soft drift of fingers through the down to the nether lips eliciting a moan from Ike... Monty paused; he stroked repeatedly around the lips, feeling the juices flow as her hips began a slow rotation of their own from his touch. He slipped a finger into the mouth of her womb as he sucked strongly on one of her breasts... her intake  of breath seemed to suck his finger farther in, and he began to move it slowly in and out of her vagina... his thumb rubbing across her clit as he began a rhythmic thrusting, adding a second finger to stretch her and give her more sensation..

Ike was beginning to thrash on the bed below him... her hand seeking his cock, she gripped him and then slipped her hand down to his balls, rolling the sac in her hand... feeling the build of semen in the sacs.She began a rhythmic motion of her own, gripping his member and sliding up and down its length with her hand... Monty was the one moaning now... the sensation crying out for action by him...

He drew himself up and gave Ike another kiss,capturing her bottom lip with his teeth as he lowered himself down into the cavern of her womanhood... he pushed gently at first,the thrusts light... wanting to spare her as much pain as he could when he broke her hymen... but Ike had other ideas... she opened herself wide and grabbed his buttocks and pulled him as deep as she could... forcing him back against her vagina wall... and began meeting his thrusts in earnest with her own. Monty was undone by her actions, and he began to fuck her deep and hard in the manner she was encouraging... her lust strong for one who had never had intercourse before... perhaps this was the way of gargoyles.... Monty only knew there would never be another woman that could take him to the places Ike did tonight... their mouths locked together, tongues fucking each other as they began to climb... Ike screamed first as she climaxed, Monty thrusting deep right after as his seed spewed... and they relaxed in an intertwined heap in the bed... neither wanting to let contact with the other go....

Monty looks at Ike, her lips moist and parted... the tip of her tongue just peeking from between her lips and he gives in to the emotions churning in him whenever they touch. He holds the back of her head with his one hand while he kisses her deeply, tongues entwined... breath panting as they revel in the sensations it raises in them. He brushes her breast lightly with his other hand, the nipple taut and he gently squeezes... her moan telling him the pleasure it brings her. He is emboldened by her response and his fingers slide beneath her top... her skin is like velvet,and he cups her breast and squeezes gently... rolling the nipple between his fingertips.

Monty breaks their kiss and gently kisses his way down her neck and follows the line of her breast to where he had drawn one from its resting place, his breath on her skin elicits another moan from Ike... and he bends to suckle at her generous breast, the taste like honey as he draws the tip into his mouth. He is lost for moments in her bounty; but realizes they are in a place where any can walk up... reluctantly breaking away he whispers close to her ear as he kisses the nape of her neck... "We need to find somewhere more private to continue this... can we go now?... or must you wait till the others leave?" He lifts his head to stare at her in the moonlight and he sees the passion blazing just as bright in her eyes as it is in his....

Monty watches Ike up on stage, she is recovering fast....the group and the music are healing her as he watches, he can sense it. She smiles lovingly at him and he returns the smile,happy she is feeling herself again.

His thoughts are drawn to Pandora; her emotion is so intense he looks at her...the pain in her countenance pierces his heart , yet he knows to leave it be...Obsidian and Pandora must resolve this together.

Looking again at Ike he conjures a rose and with his hand holds it up before her and blows her a kiss with the other .

Monty was trying to keep his cool with the big Swedish oaf caressing Ike's shoulder.  Rider or not, he was ready to deck him... being a supernatural and a marmur... he could understand all languages, his owners could speak any number of tongues... and he understood the bearded man's comment.

Looking at the Viking giant he murmured low.... "I understood your comment, and our business is none of yours... and my woman is not in need of your hands on her, Keon will care for her if more is needed." He stood possessively at Ike's side and put his arm around her shoulder,cautious of the area of injury. He was no way a match for the viking's stature,but if intent counted he could be vicious... he continued to glare at the giant till he took his hand from Ike.

Monty swallowed hard...she was absolutely stunning,the tight top showed off her bountiful breasts in a manner that was definitely sexy...but the distress on her face told him this was not what she wanted. "Ike ,you are beautiful, although you are not used to such clothing...it definitely suits you".. she seemed pouty and he decided he had spoken the wrong words.

"Perhaps we should see about going to your room and finding you some of your own clothes..." and he took her in his arms and kissed her t hen taking her hand he led her out into the room. It seemed to Monty that every man in the room stopped and looked at them as they came from behind the bar, the admiring glances reassuring Ike that what she had on was attractive in their eyes... Monty groaned inwardly as he waited for Ike's reaction.

Monty reached over for the blanket Pandora had brought him a couple of nights before when he wouldn't leave her side..."Ike,don't cry,you are beautiful...and I don't think anyone noticed your change, the only one to see all of you was me, and I think you are a goddess." As he talked he wrapped the blanket around her and being careful of her  wings he picked her up and walked round the edges of the room to avoid prying eyes and put her in his small room behind the bar. "Patti,"..he whispered,getting her attention..."please fetch some of Ike's clothes for her, loose fitting,for her wing..." Patti went to Tori to find out where Ike's clothes would be.

Monty sat next to her on his bed and tried to comfort her..."Baby,why are you so frightened? Its going to be ok"..and he gathered her in his arms and just held her close,her hair tumbling over his shoulder as her sobs slowed and finally stopped. He drew back to look in her eyes...the green so soft tonight,like new spring leaves...her lips parted and still trembling from her sobbing....and he kissed her gently on the mouth,not a lustful kiss...but one that said "I love you,and I will take care of you"..he could feel her relax in his arms and she kissed him back...they parted the kiss just as Patti came in carrying clothing....

Monty thanked Patti and laid them next to Ike.."Here baby,get dressed and you'll feel better".."I'll just slip outside," and Monty stood just outside the door...his mind filled with the vision of Ike when she sat up naked,her breasts firm globes with rosy nippled tips,her skin a burnished golden hue,her hair surrounding her in stunning disarray. Gods,he was a lucky man to have such a beauty wanting him.....

Monty is distressed at Ike's pain, he feels so helpless.

"My beautiful feline, I don't care what form you bear right now,I just want you to heal and be well.. and that means you must take the form most useful to the healing process.".

"As for tears that turn to precious gems; what need do I have of them?.. I have you, and my mistress and the tavern... I think I am a wealthy man already."

Again he stroked her,"Don't cry any more,love...I have the night off to spend with you. I have thought of a way to make you more comfortable"... He stood up beside her and muttering an incantation in old Castilian Spanish ... he turned around once completely clockwise... and he slipped down and in his place lay a handsome black male panther, a fitting mate for Ike's present form. She looked at him and tears again slipped from her eyes... but they were happy ones,and he gently lapped them away with his tongue......

"Rest little cat"..he purred to her and they lay with heads together upon the stage floor.

"Ike, it will be okay... please hold on, you are everything to me." I whispered in her ear, not wanting to speak loud enough to distract the riders striving to help her. I was having issues with what seemed rough treatment... but realized that any touch was causing her pain. I knew I could help her with some of my magick, but not being familiar with a gargoyle's make-up I thought it better to have them exhaust their resources before I stepped in. I concentrated on Ike, expressing my love in the look that held her eyes right now, and her answering look was pained, but loving.

Monty heard them announce Ike's name and he swallowed hard. Patti nodded for him to go down front and watch... as she was drenched in water she appeared naked on top for all the room to see. He moaned inwardly as he saw her erect rosy nipples through the material she had tied so tightly under her breasts.

Ike started a down home shit-kickin' dance with a sensuous twist,her long hair flying round her face... doing bumps and grinds with those shorts; teasing him and the other men with glimpses of her buttocks every time she swooped round... her breasts bouncing, but still pert... she runs her hands up and cups them and you can hear the intake of breath around the room, from there her hands slide down to her shorts, hitching her thumbs in them and dragging them even lower on her hips.The boots had just enough heel to really emphasize the firm muscles of her legs as she kicked up during her dance..

Monty is paralyzed, he stares in awe at the picture before him. He wanted her before, but now he has such desire inside he is afraid if he but touches her he will explode... the swelling in his pants as obvious as the throng of others in the room... but he smiles at her, seeing the promise in her eyes... knowing she dances for him, and that the others are just there for fun.

She ends her dance as she swoops down and  picks up a lariat and swirling it in the air she ropes Monty and drags him forward to the edge of the stage... she bends gracefully and removes the rope and slides her butt to the ground, twining her legs round his waist as she encourages him to support her back as they turn... making it appear she is riding her wild mustang man, one hand flung up in the air... Monty grins hugely as there is thunderous applause and together they turn round the room... Monty gently sits in a chair, never letting her go... and twining his hands in her hair gives her a kiss that tells her all the dance meant to him... and the audience gives another cheer... both Ike and Monty blushing beneath her hair as it encircles them.