When I arrived at my house, breathing hard, I fumbled through my pockets, desperately hoping I didn't drop my keys when I ran into Sage. I didn't, and I slipped the key into the lock and threw the door open.

"Julia, explain this," demanded Sage breathlessly, "I don't run marathons unless its for a good reason!"

She plopped down on the couch, breathing heavily, and looked at me with expectant eyes.

"I can't talk without a cup of tea in my hands, you know that," I said, and hurried off to the kitchen. Even with this mess underfoot, I always had discussions while sipping lemon tea with cream.

"Can I get you anything?" I shouted from the kitchen.

"Just water thanks. No ice!" Sage yelled back. Yelling is a comfortable mode of communication for her.

Balancing a cup of tea in one hand and the water in the other, I reentered the living room. I took a seat in a cushioned chair. It was a very comfortable chair, and I sighed as I sank into it.

"Now. What's going on?" Sage asked, taking the glass from my hand.

"I have to start from the beginning-"

"A very good place to start," Sage interrupted sarcastically, and gulped the water down. I glowered at her.

"Ahem," I said, gathering my bearings once again. "It all started this morning, as I was preparing for the convention. I had just carried all my books to Saone Hall, and I had left the room for only a few moments to go find YOU because you had my posters. By the way, where did they end up?" I took a sip of tea.

"Err..." Sage stammered.

"Oh never mind! And when I came back after failing to find you, all my books were gone!"

"What? All gone!?" Sage cried, her voice rising. "Where could they have gone?"

"It's my suspicion," I said, lowering my voice and leaning in closer to Sage, "that someone stole them." I nodded with satisfaction and accidentally sloshed tea onto my skirt.