[center][img]https://78.media.tumblr.com/24bbae758d292fe125e0b362f1933585/tumblr_pbwuuhhjOX1w6599so3_1280.png[/img][/center] [hider=boop]Upon Adhara and Grisaia’s farewell, Anubis took it upon himself to fulfill his task and perch himself right next to the large window in order to properly get a better look at anyone nearing the front door. It didn’t exactly help that the Mistress’ workplace was so far off to the right of the large house, but what could you do? His dark blonde hair masked his sharp eyes, but it was clear just based on his posture that he was focused and prepared to move once he saw sight of anyone suspicious. The mechanical muzzle covering his mouth twitched in anticipation as his fingers grabbed loosely onto the pale white curtains that framed the window itself. It was only when an unfamiliar, almost entirely inaudible jingle and a blinding amount of red caught his vision that Anubis perked up. This had to be the person right? They looked kinda small though...maybe it was just a little kid coming to steal some flowers from their garden; most wouldn’t believe how often it happened, especially when the Mistress was away. But her...their attire was the exact opposite of what someone would wear for that type of thing. Conflicting emotions swelled within Anubis, as without a logical head in the area to tell him what was going on, he was getting overwhelmed. A heavy growl escaped the Earth Spirit’s mouth as he stood up and rushed out of the Mistress’ workplace. He made his way quickly down the mint green and dark brown segmented hallways, entirely decorated with paintings, knick-knacks of varying shapes and sizes, and even a few throwing weapons mounted precariously on the walls. Most would think with so much, it would be a cluttered mess, but the Mistress’ ability to use space was impeccable. Anubis never really thought much of it as he soon reach the stairs lined with a hunter green carpet with gold trimming. Latching onto the dark brown banister, Anubis went down the steps the fun way, sliding down weightlessly to the first floor. There was another set of steps parallel to ones Anubis went down, but that lead to the bedrooms and more personal areas. Finally sliding down the first set of steps before the staircase splits into two separate staircases, Anubis landed without a sound, his black combat boots brushing up lightly against the steel gray tiled floor. There were several doors on the first floor that Anubis could have walked through, each lined with a similar colored pillars as the floor, but he opted for the door furthest to the left, the one that led out to the courtyard. Once he made his appearance known, most of the servants that had been sitting on the ground washing clothes, looked up before bringing their attention to Grisaia who quietly stood. [color=lemonchiffon][b]”I assume we have a visitor?”[/b][/color] He asked as he tiptoed across and over to the Earth Spirit, who nodded quickly. Motioning Adhara to follow along, the trio made their way into the main hall, stopping as they approached the front door. [color=lemonchiffon][b]”Please don’t scare them away, we need them.”[/b][/color] [color=paleturquoise][b]”Tell that to him, not me.”[/b][/color] Adhara quickly countered as the blonde servant opened the door. As the three of them stepped outside, they stopped immediately in front of the door, standing in line with two gargoyle pillars on either side of them. The cloaked woman's eyes moved over the Vertti household. It was a decent sized house, even dwarfing other houses in the Nobles district. It had glass windows that shimmered like diamonds, and lush gardens that overtook the property. Wherever Aer looked, there was a servant maintaining some part of the estate. Maids pruning bushes, butlers trimming hedges. It was hard for someone who lived modestly to fathom the cost of maintaining everything. Aer tightened her grip on her cloak as she passed them. As Aer got closer, more details came into view. They had a fountain with some exotic spotted fish swimming in it. It was not a species she had seen before, which was rare for someone who was raised in a fishing village. The fountain itself was made of white marble and depicted a goddess Aer was not familiar with. It was a beautiful home. She couldn’t understand why anyone would choose to be away from a home like this. Aer looked ahead. Grisaia wasn't more than a few feet away from her now. The adventurer stopped in front of the steps and looked between the servant and his spirits. [color=ffdead]“Well met.”[/color] She curtsied. [color=ffdead]“My name is Aer Pacifica. I am a member of the Gulendam Adventurer's guild. I was summoned to help locate Lady Vertti.”[/color] The blonde bunny stared down the petite lady who came to their aid, and although he was concerned that Adhara might have been right, the woman's voice was more than enough to reassure him that she was capable. Placing a hand on his chest, Grisaia bowed, his rabbit ears flopping slightly in the process. [color=lemonchiffon][b]"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Pacifica. Welcome to the Vertti household. I'm Grisaia, and these are my Spirits, Adhara and Anubis."[/b][/color] He motioned to the both of them as he straightened. [color=lemonchiffon][b]"I hope you don't mind their presence. It'll also be for the best if we talked a little bit more in depth about Mistress Vertti so that you can be on your way. Please come in."[/b][/color] Grisaia stepped aside and motioned to the open ornate brown door next to him. Aer smiled. [color=ffdead]“I have been in the presence of spirits in the past. They are welcome company.”[/color] She stepped closer. [color=ffdead]“Anything you have about Lady Vertti would be useful to hear.”[/color] As the cloaked woman grew closer to the trio, Grisaia couldn't help but note the small trinkets and accessories peeking out from under the woman’s bright cloak. It was an interesting fashion choice, if it wasn't for any other purpose. Although, the noise was a little bit rough on his sensitive ears. Another thing he noticed was, well to put it nicely, how tiny and precious she was; at least compared to him. Grisaia had to resist the urge to literally, and figuratively, look down at her, and instead closed his eyes as she passed. Glancing briefly over the gardens and other servants, the Spirit Arts user followed the woman inside and shut the door behind them. [color=lemonchiffon][b]"If you'd follow me to the Mistress' workplace. I've written up some notes you can take with you, but I'll give you the gist of what they entail."[/b][/color] The blonde hummed as he clasped his hands behind his back, taking the lead. [color=ffdead]“It sounds like you were ready to tackle finding her yourself.”[/color] Aer nodded. [color=ffdead]“Anything you have would be useful.”[/color] [color=lemonchiffon][b]"From what I've witnessed, this is the Mistress' thirteenth disappearance."[/b][/color] He started as he made his ways carefully up the steps. [color=lemonchiffon][b]"She normally returns within two to four days with some kind of excuse along the lines of 'meeting a friend', 'attending a party', and 'a boat trip that ended up being longer than she thought'. Oh, be careful. The weapons on the wall are real."[/b][/color] Upon reaching the second floor, Grisaia turned into the hallway lined with expensive decorations. Aer stepped away from the wall, if only to make sure the object on her back didn't catch on one of the weapons. [color=ffdead]“Those sound like legitimate reasons to leave, but I'm more concerned why she's leaving so suddenly, and without notice.”[/color] [color=lemonchiffon][b]"Whenever I ask her why she never tells anyone where she's gone off to, she claims to have forgotten. I've taken to account the possibility of mental illness, but I can't say for sure. However I did notice that her excuses line up with her physical appearance. For example, her shoes and the hem of her dress were drenched in water when she claimed to be on a boat. I honestly don't know what to make of it. It's been well over a week and I don't know what to make of her disappearances at this point, but I have faith that you can do something about this."[/b][/color] He concluded with a nod just as they arrive at the Mistress' workplace. Aer rubbed her chin. [color=ffdead]“That is unusual. Do you remember how the weather was during the day of her return? I can't imagine anyone getting wet [i]on[/i] a boat unless there was a storm.”[/color] [color=lemonchiffon][b]”If I recall correctly, it was sunny with few clouds in the sky. There were a lot of touch and go drizzles, but nothing too big. But you are correct, it doesn’t make much sense...”[/b][/color] Letting Aer in as he did before, Grisaia walked in afterwards, pointing to the small stack of papers in on the coffee table. [color=lemonchiffon][b]"Everything else you need to know is in here, from what she looks like to the disappearances I managed to jot down. You will be given full access to the estate as I'm well aware there are probably clues and other things that point to where she has gone that I'm unaware of."[/b][/color] He concluded before giving another slight bow. Of course, if this had been any other situation, Grisaia probably would have sat Aer down and thoroughly explained the entire situation, but every second counted for him. The cloaked woman approached the notes and started to skim through them. [color=ffdead]“I appreciate your cooperation. I have no doubt that we will find your mistress in a timely fashion.”[/color] She glanced over at Grisaia with a grave expression. [color=ffdead]“But if you wouldn't mind, I’d like you to answer a few more questions. You might not feel comfortable answering some of them because of how... personal they can be. But do know that everything I'm about to ask goes no further than this room. My contract puts me under oath to protect any sensitive information you give me.”[/color] She turned to face Grisaia, who nodded ever so slowly in understanding as to what was being asked of him. [color=ffdead]“You have two spirits, which is a sign that you must have tremendous magical power. What about your mistress? Does she have any such powers?”[/color] [color=lemonchiffon][b]”I’ve been told that in her very prime she use to utilize magic on a regular basis, but...”[/b][/color] Grisaia let out a sigh. [color=lemonchiffon][b]”An unforeseeable accident had lead to her vowing to never do such ever again.”[/b][/color] He explained. Aer shuffled the notes in her hands. [color=ffdead]“Does your mistress have any favorite places to reside in her home? Maybe a place where she isn't to be bothered by her servants? I would assume her bedroom and this workspace might be such places, but it's critical I know of any such area.”[/color] The bunny Demi-Human furrowed his brows slightly, tilted his head to the side then up as if he was thinking. [color=lemonchiffon][b]"That's correct, she normally spends her time in here or her bedroom, both of which didn't seem to hold any clues as to where she might have gone. In the mornings and afternoons, she's normally seen either out in the courtyard or helping out some of the servants in the kitchen."[/b][/color] He answered as truthfully as possible, looking back at Aer soon after. [color=ffdead]“Fair enough.”[/color] the cloaked woman looked up from the papers she was holding. [color=ffdead]“I'm sorry, but since she's been missing for so long I need to know if she had any enemies. Someone who might be jealous of her, or she possibly owed a large some of money?”[/color] Grisaia furrowed his brows once again, although this time it was more out of annoyance then thinking. This woman couldn't be serious, right? His Mistress, the kindest person probably in the whole world, having enemies? Impossible. Despite this voice in his head telling him that no one would want to hurt the Mistress, Grisaia knew he couldn't disregard the possibility.[color=lemonchiffon][b]"From what I can recall and what she's been open to telling me, no, she doesn't have any enemies nor has she garnered any kind of attention or profit that would make people jealous of her. Well, other than what you see."[/b][/color] He resisted the urge to mumble, his voice clear and concise despite how the questions were starting to bother him. Aer placed the notes off to the side. She inhaled deeply before looking at Grisaia again. [color=ffdead]“Does she have any vices? A love for drink or gambling? Does she get lonely?”[/color] Aer remained unflinching with her delivery. [color=lemonchiffon][b]"She normally spends her time drinking in the courtyard, but..."[/b][/color] Hesitation. [color=lemonchiffon][b]"But she would never risk going out to drink. As for the possibility of her being lonely, uhm..."[/b][/color] Grisaia paused, picking gently on the cuffs of his sleeves. [color=lemonchiffon][b]"I-I don't know."[/b][/color] [color=ffdead]“Of course.”[/color] Aer placed the notes off to the side. She inhaled deeply before looking at Grisaia again.[color=ffdead]“Grisaia Vertti? It is unusual for a servant to share the surname of their mistress, but not entirely unheard of. Nobles adopt servants all the time.”[/color] She walked closer to the demi-human. [color=ffdead]“What was your relationship with your mistress?”[/color] [color=paleturquoise][b]"Okay, alright, what hell does that have anything to do with finding her?"[/b][/color] Adhara decided to step in, her voice harsh and her eyes sharp. Even Anubis stepped forward at this point, defensively standing in between the petite woman and the rabbit Demi-Human. [color=paleturquoise][b]"How about you stick to questions that [i]only[/i] involve the Mistress, and leave it at that?"[/b][/color] Aer didn't step back, but her pupils expanded noticeably. [color=ffdead]“E-excuse me?”[/color] the cloaked woman pulled her head back. [color=lemonchiffon][b]"Guys, come on. It's fine."[/b][/color] Grisaia sighed, patting Anubis' shoulder lightly to get him to calm down. [color=paleturquoise][b]"B-But Saia! What purpose would this chick knowi--"[/b][/color] [color=lemonchiffon][b]"It's fine. It's fine."[/b][/color] He repeated, quickly quelling the Water Spirit's annoyance as she stood down, folding her arms and accepting defeat. [color=paleturquoise][b]"...Nubis."[/b][/color] She grumbled, calming the Earth Spirit almost entirely as he backed off as well. Turning back to Aer, Grisaia gave an apologetic smile, his rabbit ears drooping ever so slightly in the process. [color=lemonchiffon][b]"Sorry about that. In regards to my relationship with the Mistress, I'm legally her adopted son. She took me in when I didn't have a name or anywhere else to go."[/b][/color] He answered. [color=paleturquoise][b]"There, you happy now, ya little bitc--"[/b][/color] [color=lemonchiffon][b]"Anyways."[/b][/color] The blonde quickly cut in. [color=lemonchiffon][b]"Is there...is there anything else I can help you with?"[/b][/color] Despite his desire and want to assist Aer with anymore information, his voice held a certain heaviness to it. Aer sighed and lightly dusted off her cloak. [color=ffdead]“Thank you, that was very helpful. I know it's not easy to talk intimately about someone you care about, especially to a stranger.”[/color] She ran her hand over her face before locking eyes with everyone present. Grisaia nodded shamelessly, Adhara refused to look at her, while Anubis kept his defensive stance next to his contractor. [color=ffdead]“I just wish to find mistress Vertti as soon as possible. It's not often I'm called in to reunite family, and you must believe I want to do that more than anything.”[/color] She took one of Grisaia's hands and clasped it between her own. [color=ffdead]“If it's possible, I'll find her. You have my word.”[/color] Aer released the servant's hand. [color=ffdead]“I will look around here and at her bedroom closely, and talk with some of the other servants. But I suspect it is going to take some field work to locate your mother's whereabouts. I will report back to you every evening to let you know what I've discovered.”[/color] She closed her eyes, sighing again. [color=ffdead]“So.”[/color] She opened her eyes. [color=ffdead]“Do any of you have questions before I begin?”[/color] Grisaia’s eyes remained focused on the hand Aer clasped in her own even after she pulled away, his blinks slow and deliberate. It felt nice to know that his suspicions wouldn't be much of a problem. Aer was capable, much like he assumed, and just seemed to know what to say to make things better. He had faith the Mistress would return back to them safely. When asked if any of them had any questions, the servant eyed his two Spirits curiously. They both looked like they wanted to say something, well at least Adhara wanted to, but were waiting on him to speak up. Knowing how his allies must be feeling, Grisaia decided not to give them the chance to possibly anger their help. [color=lemonchiffon][b]”While I would like to ask you a few questions myself, it would probably be for the best that you got started. It’s nothing too important, so it can definitely wait until a later date.”[/b][/color] He explained before bowing once again. [color=lemonchiffon][b]”However, I would like to thank you again for taking on this request to find the Mistress. Although this is a paid job, I’ll forever be in your debt.”[/b][/color] He concluded, standing straight with the smallest smile. [color=ffdead]“Then I will see you in time.”[/color] The group split apart to continue their duties. [/hider] [hr] [center][img]https://78.media.tumblr.com/a5d2ab2e5ef664e9dd7540fcfb3c8ec5/tumblr_pbwuuhhjOX1w6599so1_1280.png[/img] location: Vertti Household tag(s): Mie [@Rune_Alchemist] mention(s): Aer, Anubis, Adhara [/center] After his meeting with Aer and sending her off to start her own investigating, Grisaia called back Adhara and Anubis before immediately making his way to the bathroom. It was a normal thing for him to do when someone or something caused blemishes of emotion to appear on his face. Fortunately it was someone he didn't actually mind that made him feel this way. Aer Pacifica...an interesting person indeed. She was definitely someone he could trust. She wouldn't back stab him, not after that whole conversation. And while the other servants were somewhat helping out with the investigation, it was reassuring to know that it wasn't all on him to figure this mess out; definitely lifted a few tons of weight off his shoulders. But now the most important question still remained. [color=lemonchiffon][b]"...Where are you?"[/b][/color] He mumbled as he stared at the bathroom mirror. He honestly had no clue how long he'd been standing there until he heard a rather loud knocking coming from what he would assume was the front door. Fully opening the bathroom door he left slightly closed earlier for privacy reasons, the bunny Demi-Human made his way over to said front door, already calling out that he would get it. Could it have been Aer with new information already? The crystal eyed boy wanted to believe so, but it was highly unlikely. Maybe it was the Mistress herself? If only... Hm... he didn't really have many friends, and if the company was meant for any of the other servants he would have known about it earlier, so what was going on? Grisaia's face immediately hardened, refusing to show any signs of the prior, emotionally draining, conversation as he placed his hand on the handle. He was prepared for whatever was planning to show itself in front of him...well, he thought he was prepared for whatever was planning to show itself in front of him. Too bad he was far from it... [color=lemonchiffon][b]"Lady Mie?"[/b][/color] He questioned, ears perking up as he was now looking down at the equally [s]rude[/s] small and equally [s]satanic[/s] precious merchant in front of him. Wow, two smol people in one day, and without even having to leave the house? Not bad Grisaia, not bad at all... He wanted to ask what the ash purple fox was doing here, but thinking back to their past times together, he could make an educated guess. Still, with that knowledge, Grisaia opened the door fully so that she could let herself in, and asked anyways. [color=lemonchiffon][b]"Might I ask what business you have here? I would have thought you would be busy selling your products to the public around this time..."[/b][/color] He said, looking up at the sky, before gazing back down at Mie with a curious look, pushing out a breath he didn't know he was holding in silently out of his nose. [hr] [center][img]https://i.imgur.com/1WCyWqw.png[/img] location: The Golden Quarter tag(s): Elque [@Seirei No Hai], Hilda [@catchamber], Aaron [@Guy0fV4lor], Ashton [@Letter Bee], [@BrokenPromise] mention(s): (Od Laguna lowkey)[/center] Okay, so apparently the gods [i]weren't[/i] on her side. Or anyone's It happened so fast that she didn't have time to really react to what just happened. Eiko was frozen for a second to take in the issue at hand. Some...man with the strangest mask covering his face just attacked some innocent boy, from what she could tell, for no reason. That alone was more than enough to make the girl want to intervene, even if she would ultimately be outnumbered, and at worst, if both sides decided to go and attack her for butting in. Luckily, another girl had also came to the defenseless humans' aid, inclining Eiko to go in an help even more. And that she did, positioning herself right next to the wolf Demi-Human, her pink staff clutched behind her in case she really really needed to use it. With her posture straight, and expression sour, Eiko nodded wholeheartedly in agreement. [color=#B5876F][b]"She's right! You guys are taking this way too far! This all could have been settled without the need for violence."[/b][/color] She spoke up, her sharp gaze contrasting her overall friendly exterior. Taking a quick glance at rest of the unarmed, and probably scared, Humans, Eiko smiled politely before her attention was immediately brought back to the situation at hand. There were so many of them...could only two people handle this?