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Just before it was James' turn to talk, Zell's mind had turned randomly to a burning question of his own.  The mystery of Fenna's accent.  The way the Ranger had pronounced his name was kinda unique, yet familiar all the same.  His mind unearthed a memory of last year's weekend trip with the boys to Amsterdam.

[i]Bingo.[/i]

Finally, he realised that she was Dutch.  He might've gotten it sooner but of all the group, he'd probably heard her talk the least.  Well, now he had to thank her for her country's service in inventing his favourite beers!  But before he could do that, James started telling the gang's tale of the last 36 hours, hoping Lucy would have some answers.  And it seemed as though she didn't, but there [i]was[/i] a light at the end of the tunnel.  This mystery message in their magical email inbox that could not have possibly gotten there unless someone [i]knew[/i] they were coming.

"I have a funny feeling whatever's on that message in the Source Comm has some kind of answer for you," Lucy said.

"You and me both," Zell chimed in, in agreement, getting goosebumps just anticipating what he was about to hear next.  He was about to eagerly tell her to click on it, or whatever, 'magic' it open, but she continued on.

"I'd like to know myself, to be honest.  But to open the message, you'll need to rank up to Silver Tier, as a party.  The fastest way to do that would be to complete contracts with the guild."

"Goddammit, [i]more[/i] hoops," the swordsman muttered, rolling his eyes.  When she gave them the options to rank up, Zell looked at the others, waiting to see if anyone spoke first.  Inside he was frustrated.  He felt so close to answers right now, stood but a few feet away from a screen that had a message for them that would likely blow this mystery wide open.  When Adam started talking about the cube, Zell lost interest.  The Academy was already their next stop.  While the Druid waited for his answer, Zell addressed the others.  "I'd bet my last monkey- err... 100 silver - that our answers are in that message.  Let's just cut through the bullshit and get this gold contract outta the way.  We're a lot stronger than we were before that last fight."

Once Lucy had finished with Adam, Zell turned to her.  "Gold is lower than Platinum right? If we take a gold contract, you won't be sending us anywhere like The Mazy Hillocks?"  When she confirmed, he turned back to the group.  "Good.  I say take the gold, but I'll leave you guys to make a more thought-out decision.  I need a beer."  And with that, he made for the bar, not before cracking a joke at Fenna.  "Shame they won't have Heineken or Amstel in this neck of the woods, huh."

Back at the hospital, after they'd paid the bill, everyone had split the remaining the money so Zell actually had his share on him.  When he got to the bar, he took a stool.  "Will a hundred silver get me a beer?" he asked the bartender, who obliged.  If anyone joined him, he'd pay for their drink too.  The bartender gave the swordsman a medieval tankard full of ale with a nice head on it.  Zell took big gulp and smacked his lips satisfactorily.  It was suprisingly good.  "Now, that is not bad at all."