[center][h1][b][color=C17ECE]Ruby[/color] & [color=BBC7E1]Charlotte[/color] & [color=9354FF]Ryn “Fritz”[/color][/b][/h1]
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Count Damien’s sudden appearance in the tavern was not entirely unexpected, but two other things were. One was that he was accompanied by Dr. Williamson and the city guards. The other was the fact that they left almost as soon as they arrived. Ryn regarded the door the men exited with confusion. He couldn't tell what kind of game Count Damien was playing. Did he come to check if Ryn and Lady Vikena really went to the Tough Tavern? Why, then, did he need to bring Dr. Williamson and the guards? Ryn was missing an essential piece of information, that much was clear. What was unclear was whether this had anything to do with Duke Vikena's disappearance.

Another matter that had been bothering him was the bartender. Right before Count Damien busted open the door, the red-haired woman began vigorously mopping the floor leading to the stairs. It was a hasty job, as if her life depended on it, and she would have been more meticulous if she had more time. She then dove behind the bar, head first, as soon as she could. 

When the guards disappeared up the stairs, Ryn walked straight to Marceline. One look at the blood-stained mop and some pieces of the puzzle started to put themselves together. Some time during the alcohol showdown, Ryn heard someone run into the tavern and up the stairs. It happened so fast that he only managed to catch a glimpse of someone in black, but it would not be too farfetched to suspect that the blood came from the individual. However, he had not the foggiest idea if the blood was theirs or someone else’s. Could it be that Count Damien came to the tavern for a reason other than Lady Vikena?

Lady Vikena… Who followed the person in black upstairs. Where the guards headed.

Ryn bolted towards the stairs and skipped a couple of steps at a time to reach the second floor quicker.

[color=BBC7E1]“How dare you attempt to barge into a woman’s quarters! She was [i]changing![/i]!”[/color]

Ryn halted. The guards were standing in front of an open door, Lady Vikena glaring at them.

[color=C17ECE]“Is this how you boys plan to get a glimpse at a woman? Because the lord only knows that one would never choose to be in your presence otherwise!”[/color] Another person inside the room stomped their feet. [color=C17ECE]“Well? What are you looking at!? If you have nothing to say, then get out![/color] A woman with short platinum hair and not wearing black approached the door and slammed it in the guards’ faces. The guards exchanged dumbfounded looks at each other before deciding that it would be in their best interest to wait for the woman to change her clothes.

Seeing that Lady Vikena had everything under control, Ryn quietly retreated back to the bar. He stared at Marceline, [color=9354FF]“If there’s other evidence you want to hide, now’s your chance. The guards are distracted.”[/color] He leaned over the counter to look at the bloody mop, then looked at the items the bar had available. [color=9354FF]“Since it’s fresh, I think you can still remove the blood with just cold water.”[/color] Marceline stared quizzically back at him. [color=9354FF]“If that doesn’t work, you can try using baking soda... Although I personally prefer hydrogen peroxide.”[/color] His response only deepened the lines between her brows. Ryn raised his hand to wiggle his finger, [color=9354FF]“Tick-tock.”[/color]

Charlotte glanced at Ruby once the door was closed.  [color=BBC7E1]“I have a feeling they weren’t satisfied with that answer. They may return so you may want to change your clothing..”[/color] She commented lowly.  Charlotte nervously twirled a lock of hair around her finger as she started to pace around the room, deep in thought.

Ruby hesitated, then nodded at Charlotte. She searched around the room for something more appropriate to wear. [color=C17ECE]“I cannot stand knights!”[/color] She announced while sorting through her crates of clothing. A sudden burst of anger pulsed through her, and she grasped one of the crates and chucked it at the door. Charlotte blinked in surprise, simply staring at the door after the crate had hit it. 

[color=C17ECE]“I do not want them coming back here,”[/color]Ruby stated roughly, then sighing as her anger subsided. [color=C17ECE]“But if you don’t mind, I want to help you look for your father!”[/color] She proposed, not looking to take no for an answer. She then pulled out a dark purple, cotton dress from her trunk. It looked a bit dirty, but Ruby held it up to her body and threw Charlotte an inquisitive look.

[color=BBC7E1]”Oh. That’s lovely. The two of us are both in shades of purple. We’re a pair of grapes, aren’t we?”[/color] Charlotte first commented, giggling a little at her only little quip. She turned on her heels to give Ruby privacy as she changed, continuing on to address her proposal, [color=BBC7E1] “You really want to help me? You don’t have to but… I suppose maybe it’s not so much an intelligent idea for you to stay here right now anyway..”[/color]

[color=C17ECE]”Yes!”[/color] She bellowed, turning around, [color=C17ECE]“If I am going to be dragged into this, then something of some excitement must happen.”[/color] Ruby sounded a bit insensitive, eager to be a part of something inconsistent with her everyday doldrum life. [color=C17ECE]“Besides, two heads are better than one. I can be your lookout!”[/color] Ruby finished changing into her purple day dress, doing a thrilled little jump at the thought of going on a perilous adventure. Starting to steer off course, questions began coming to her mind. [color=C17ECE]“What is your father like?”[/color] she asked.

Charlotte gave the girl a small smile, [color=BBC7E1] “ An adventure it is then.”[/color] She then moved to slowly open the door, peering outside. The guards had moved down the stairs; it seemed as if the way was clear before them. Though, she did recall that Marcy had stated that the people of the bar were not supposed to let them leave. She wondered if they could perhaps hang their heads and quickly make their way out with Fritz. She glanced back over her shoulder at Ruby, dimly aware of her question as she had been considering her thoughts, [color=BBC7E1] “ He’s only slighter taller than I with a mustache and scars on his face. His clothing is very expensive-looking… His facial expression… He probably would look sad if you saw him.”[/color]  After preparing herself with a low inhale, she took a step down the stairs. [color=BBC7E1] “Well. Down we go.”[/color] 

Ruby did not reply as she thoughtfully pictured the man in Charlotte’s description. A sad man with nice attire and scars on his face. [color=C17ECE][i]That should be easy enough,[/i][/color]Ruby thought to herself. She glanced down the stairs and promptly followed after her.

Ryn was sitting at the counter when the two came down the stairs. He smiled at them, “Good evening.” He said to the platinum-blonde he saw upstairs, before turning to Lady Vikena, [color=9354FF]“Any luck?”[/color]

Seeing the short version of the answer on her face, Ryn said, [color=9354FF]“I should inform you that Count Damien and Dr. Williamson dropped by.”[/color] He pointed at the entrance.

Charlotte had also smiled upon noticing Ryn, moving closer to address him,[color=BBC7E1] “Hello again! … This is Ruby, she wants to help us search... Ruby, meet Count Fritz. ”[/color] She gestured to Ruby, then to him as she spoke. Her lips parted to speak in regard to his second statement when the red-haired girl from before suddenly launched herself over the bar. She threw her arms around their shoulders and began to talk lowly in their ears. Ruby had waved to Count Fritz enthusiastically.

[color=lightgreen] “We’re going to talk about what just happened. Outside.”[/color] Marcy abruptly ordered.  Her gaze slid to Ruby and a smile lit up her freckled face, [color=lightgreen] “Ruby Booby. Guess you finally met Persephone…If you guys tell me what’s going on with Seph, I will help you all get out of here without issue from Olga.”[/color] 

[color=C17ECE] “Yeah I met her; why didn’t you tell me about her living up there?”[/color] Ruby asked but Marcy had mouthed later, waving her question off.

Charlotte pursed her lips but had braced herself ahead of time she’d have to tell Fritz and Ruby what she had been told for the sake of their safety. [color=BBC7E1] “Alright. Is that okay with you two?”[/color]

[color=C17ECE] “Sure.”[/color] Ruby said with a shrug.

[color=9354FF][i]Outside?[/i][/color] Ryn looked to see where Olga was before whispering to Marceline, [color=9354FF]“Are you allowed to do that, Ms. Marceline? I was under the impression that you were ordered not to… for ‘safety’ reasons.”[/color] 

Marcy’s arms moved out from around them, [color=lightgreen] “I am definitely not supposed to, but….”[/color] She nodded toward the other side of the room, where Olga could be seen now speaking quietly at a table with the two guards from before. [color=lightgreen] “Now or never.”[/color]

[color=9354FF][i]Tick-tock.[/i][/color]
 
Once the group had made their way outside, Charlotte came to stand before them and took a deep breath. [color=BBC7E1] “Alright, well, Seph was quite upset when I approached her… She said that she stumbled upon a corpse with an ax embedded in her head. Mind you, I had to push for this information, so I do believe she was truthful with her words. The poor girl was traumatized.”[/color]

[color=C17ECE][i]“Oh.”[/i][/color] Ruby was taken aback.

Marcy’s expression broke. [color=lightgreen] “...That explains the blood. Ugh… Poor Seph. Poor dead person.”[/color] She jumped practically with wide eyes as the reality dawned on her,  [color=lightgreen]“Oh God. The guards think she did it because she tracked the blood here. Persephone would [i]never[/i] do that to anybody!”[/color]

 [color=BBC7E1]“Yes, I do believe that is the case. Normally, I’d suggest she aid the investigation with what she knows… But King Edin is sometimes a little hasty with his executions. I don’t blame her for laying low for now.”[/color]Charlotte explained sadly. 

The ginger groaned audibly and threw her head back to glare at the sky as if it was the cause of all their problems.

Charlotte rubbed her arm as she spoke again. [color=BBC7E1] “Um, so given that there’s a potential ax-wielding murderer about, I think we should be cautious and...“[/color] Her gaze moved to Fritz.  [color=BBC7E1]” It goes without saying that I am very concerned for my father’s wellbeing currently.”[/color] He nodded in agreement.

[color=9354FF][i]Murder?[/i][/color] Ryn rubbed his chin thoughtfully. Murder would explain the presence of the guards, but what of the count or good doctor? It was possible that they were witnesses to the murder, however, considering the time span and last location they saw him at, Ryn doubted Count Damien was one. If he was a witness, then it was odd that both Ryn and Lady Vikena did not notice such an event happening. They came straight from the Damien estate to the Tough Tavern then were promptly trapped in by Count Damien’s orders. If the murder happened before they arrived to the estate, then the count’s demeanor was as much out of place as his order to keep them in the tavern was. Why did he want them to stay at the tavern? Did he think they were involved in some way? Then they should have captured them when he spotted Ryn. Could it be, as Olga said, that it was for their own— no… Lady Vikena’s safety?  

Assuming he wasn’t a witness, then the question was why he was so interested in this particular murder. Murder was, from what Ryn could gather, not uncommon in Sorian. What was uncommon was when the murder victim was a person of some import. [color=9354FF]“Does Count Damien normally involve himself in murder cases?”[/color] Lady Vikena had shrugged at Ryn, indicating this was news to her as well. If Lady Vikena did not know Count Damien as a man who would investigate murders, then it was more likely that he personally knew the victim so took it upon himself to take part in the investigation. [color=9354FF][i]Not the best idea… too much emotion and assumptions involved to not be biased.[/i][/color] Then again, maybe the count wanted to be part of the investigation so that he could frame someone he wanted to get rid of.

Ruby was trying to absorb the details of what was being said. [color=C17ECE]”M-murder case..MURDER!?”[/color] She had agreed to look for Charlotte’s father–but this– it was more than Ruby knew how to handle. As her panic grew, she began biting her nails and pacing back and forth at the thought of an ax embedded in a girl’s head. At this point, Ruby desired to bolt from the situation. She looked over at Charlotte and said with great distress in her voice, [color=C17ECE]”You know, I don’t know if I can be of much help here… with a m-m-murderer on the loose. You see,”[/color] Ruby started laughing hysterically out of nervousness. [color=C17ECE]”My brother Jack will be worried sick if I do not show tonight. I totally forgot! For his sake, I should probably stay back.”[/color] The adventure that Ruby had been excited about was now of no interest to her. She liked the idea of a dangerous escapade, but once she realized the real danger that was present, her mind changed.

[color=lightgreen] “Wow. Ruby…[i]You’re a chicken.[/i]”[/color] Marcy was struggling not to laugh at her. She started to mock her with chicken noises and waved her arms about,  despite being scared herself. The night was awfully silent and dark. Knowing there was an ax-wielding maniac made Marcy slowly step back into the tavern, clucking the whole way, [color=lightgreen]” Anyways. I gotta, uh, bartend. Good luck! Bye!”[/color] She shut the door rather hastily.

Ryn stared wide-eyed at the closed door. [color=9354FF][i]Well, at least this saves us the trouble of getting past the guards.[/i][/color] He hoped the red-haired barkeep did not get into serious trouble for letting them out like this.

Charlotte could not quite blame Ruby. It was not like she had a weapon nor had she herself ever encountered anything of this nature. They were in very much the same boat. As for Fritz, she had no idea what he could handle. Her own hands were a little trembly at the moment. She was surprised she wasn’t acting more like Ruby at the moment but it might have been because she was more afraid for Lorenzo than herself currently. [color=BBC7E1]“Ruby, if this is too much for you, you don’t have to come.”[/color]  She assured her.

Ryn looked at Lady Vikena, confused as to why they were taking Ruby along. It was one thing if the girl knew this Persephone, but it was clear from her exchange with Marceline that she was not even aware that they lived in the same place. He then reminded himself that technically the same could be applied to him. He also did not have to follow Lady Vikena, but he was going to do so anyway. So why not take Ruby along? She may even have some insights into things that only the locals were privy to. 

[color=C17ECE]”Chicken!?”[/color]  Ruby raised her fist and shook it toward Marcy, who had already entered the bar. As terrified as Ruby was, her ego stood strongly in the way. [color=C17ECE]”No, no. It is not [b]too much[/b]. Do you know how many potential murderers I have encountered in my time on the streets? I could have easily had a..an ax thrown at my head.”[/color] She trembled, attempting to sound unphased. [color=C17ECE]” You’re right..you need me. I will just quickly let Jack know that I have business to attend to.”[/color] She shot Charlotte an awkward wink, letting her know that she could keep a secret. 

[color=BBC7E1] “Okay, but let me know if you are afraid. We’ll take you back home any time... If we stay close and be careful, I’m sure we will be okay. There’s three of us.”[/color] Charlotte said with a smile, though perhaps a nervous one. After Ruby had alerted her brother, the three had made their way down the road toward the library.  She paused suddenly as she caught sight of red footprints in the dirt. She frowned, kneeling down to get a better look. [color=BBC7E1] “I-I think that’s....”[/color] Her gaze followed the trail footprints forward. They led up to an alleyway across from the library. She glanced up at the others with a worried expression. 

Ryn sighed at the amateurish work the guards were doing at preserving evidence. The red footprints may not be vital in the grand scheme of things, but they were evidence nonetheless. Ryn expected a little more surveillance. If the guards’ only link between Persephone and the murder were bloody footprints that could be easily tampered with then their charges wouldn’t hold up in any decent court. On the flip side, it could mean that the Caesonian judiciary did not require solid evidence to convict someone in practice.

[color=9354FF]“Would you like to see the scene, just in case? We may not find anything related to your father, but it won’t hurt to check.”[/color] Ryn turned to Ruby, [color=9354FF]“I can go alone, of course, I wouldn’t want either of you to be scarred from… well, let’s just say that it might still be gruesome over there depending on how far along the forensic team is.”[/color] 

Charlotte had initially grimaced before she rose up to her feet. After a moment she looked at him and said,[color=BBC7E1] “It is best we stay together.”[/color] In every novel she had ever read, splitting up always went dreadfully wrong. As much as she was not excited to see anything that could be in that alleyway, she did not want to see Fritz go in, only to be never seen again.

Ryn studied the two women’s faces before he started towards the alleyway. 

Ruby was at the point of trying to stay agreeable; besides, she felt more comfortable going as a group rather than straying off by herself. She gazed at Ryn with apprehension as he walked toward the alleyway. Then, she stiffened up and said shakily to Charlotte, [color=C17ECE] “After you, new friend!” [/color]

Charlotte paused to pick up a rather large stick.  With a tight grip, she raised her body. She glanced at Ruby and nodded, bracing herself as she moved forward toward the alley. 

That was when the sound of something moving made her halt. [color=BBC7E1]”Count Fritz. Oh God. Wait.”[/color]She whispered as loudly as she could to him.

Her eyes widened as a shadow began to grow on the ground, the silhouette of someone approaching down the alleyway growing with every moment. The tension was palpable and Charlotte was starting to lose the cool she had been holding on to.  With rising panic, she suddenly grabbed Ruby’s arm and held the stick outward as if she was going to threaten the person with it.  As it became clear the approaching person was about to emerge, Charlotte had squealed a little, flinching. 

When Ruby felt Charlotte jolt against her arm that she had grabbed onto, she could feel her panic. This uncertainty caused Ruby to panic as well, and as she heard the rustling of leaves in front of them, she let out a loud screech–[color=C17ECE] “aaaAHHHHHHH!!”[/color]

That was when a ferocious, furry being revealed itself! It was a black kitten with small legs and big eyes. He was perhaps a little cross-eyed at that. The fur stood up on the cat as he hissed and arched his back. Though absolutely tiny, the feline was absolutely ready to take on all three of them. 

If hearts could appear in Charlotte’s eyes, they would have. She dropped her stick and immediately moved forward. Then she put her hands on her knees as she bent down. [color=BBC7E1] “Oh my goodness, [i]look at you.[/i]“[/color] The kitten charged at her. She watched with a huge smile as he scampered toward her with a loud, angry meow. Once in front of her, the black furball got up on its hind legs in a strange attempt to look menacing. However, it fell onto its back and then started frantically trying to roll over. [color=BBC7E1]“Oooh brave warrior..”[/color] She cooed.  Kneeling down, she offered a hand to the kitten. His face scrunched up. With laid-back ears, he sniffed Charlotte’s hand, still growling. [color=BBC7E1]“Come now, you need to settle down. You are misbehaving.”[/color]

Ruby came bounding up to it and immediately scooped up the kitten to give it a kiss on its head. It screeched and jumped out of her hands. Charlotte was quick to gather it in her arms and held it close to her, petting him gently yet stubbornly. The cat did indeed begin to submit to the gentle pets but he still hissed.

As Lady Vikena and Ruby had been engaging with the cat, Ryn took a moment to move into the alleyway… To find… nothing. Absolutely nothing. Not a single guard, forensics team, or pool of blood. The crime scene was practically spotless. Ryn narrowed his eyes. The Caesonian law enforcers apparently were more adept at making evidence disappear than preserving them. [color=9354FF][i]Not the least bit surprising, I suppose…[/i][/color] His mind was about to wander to a time long past before he forced himself to remain in the present. Stay focused. 

He swept through the alley, confirming that it was the cleanest it had ever been in a long time. They even picked up a lot of the litter commonly seen in these types of places. Unfortunate that it had to take a murder to make that happen in this part of town.

As Ryn returned, he stopped in the middle of the alleyway and then lowered himself close enough to the ground to sniff. Whoever cleaned up the mess must have decided that splashing water was enough to hide evidence of murder since he could still smell the blood. There was also a hint of alcohol, though he wasn’t sure where it came from. He picked himself up and turned his attention higher, to the walls of the neighboring buildings and their rooftops. 

The clouds above parted, allowing for the moonlight to illuminate the dark alleyway just enough for Ryn to notice the twinkle of a small glass vial. He picked up the vial. It could have been random trash, but the purplish red drops of liquid piqued his curiosity.  He brought the vial closer to his nose. It was the same smell from the ground. Then it clicked. It was wine. … Wine? Who would put wine in a vial?

Ryn walked back to Lady Vikena and Ruby who were acquainting themselves with a black cat. [color=9354FF]“I’m sorry ladies for making you wait. It seems the authorities have cleaned up most of the evidence,”[/color] He showed them the vial in his hand, [color=9354FF]“except for this.”[/color] 

Ruby took the vial in her hand with a quick snatch and peered at it closely. She opened it up and took a big sniff. [color=C17ECE]“Wooooowee! That is wine. I suppose it won’t matter if I take a drink?”[/color] She said with a big smile, holding the vile open near her mouth.  But she hesitated to continue until there was reassurance from the others. 

[color=BBC7E1]“Uhhh maybe you should refrain.”[/color] Charlotte suggested nervously, coming closer as she hugged the hissing kitten in her arms. [color=BBC7E1] “We don’t know what’s in there, Ruby.”[/color]

Ruby’s boldness to drink from a random vial that was laying around in a dark alley made Ryn smile just as broadly as she was. [color=9354FF]“You most certainly have a more daring spirit than I, Ms. Ruby. Buuut… please do keep in mind that it’s a mysterious vial that was left at a crime scene. A murder scene I might add, so I’d be… cautious. You never know.”[/color] As Ryn spoke, he slowly lifted his fingers towards the kitten, but stopped short from actually touching the frightened creature. He left his fingers hovering within sniffing range of the cat and avoided making direct eye contact with it. Ryn would have felt a random lick against his finger. Then came another hiss. [color=9354FF]“Do you think it’s expensive wine?”[/color] 

Looking disappointed, Ruby slowly moved the vial away from her mouth. [color=C17ECE] “Looks expensive! I mean, why else would it be in a vile?”[/color]  She held it out for the others to reach. [color=C17ECE] “I will refrain.. for now.”[/color] Her face held an uptight expression before she started scanning the room for other souvenirs. 

Charlotte moved to put the kitten down, only for it to scramble up to her shoulder and cling onto it. She glanced towards it and he met her eyes, giving her another hiss but his body language was fearful. She smiled to herself then reached over to take the vial from Ruby, both for her own good and to inspect it. The only way to answer such a question was to taste it. She imagined that even if it was poisoned, then a little dab on the tongue wouldn’t have been potent enough to do much. And if the person had been killed by ax, poisoned wine was unlikely. However, she was apprehensive. She paused for a while as if bracing herself, then tapped her finger in the wine ever so lightly and tapped it on her tongue. It wasn’t enough to tell its quality, but… [color=BBC7E1]” I think this is the wine that was served at the ball…Peculiar.”[/color] Her eyes rose to meet the others, [color=BBC7E1]“To the library?”[/color] Once they had agreed, the trio was back on their original route, now with a furry friend still rooted to Charlotte’s shoulder.

Ruby watched with surprise as she dabbed a little on her tongue. [color=C17ECE][i]How come I couldn’t any…[/i][/color]

When Lady Vikena tasted the wine, it left Ryn stupefied. Since the murder was committed using an axe, he thought a poisoned vial of wine would be overdoing things —leaning on the theatrical even—, but it still never hurt to be careful. There were plenty of poisons in the world that required very little of it to be lethal. Yet Lady Vikena decided to take the risk. Even Ruby would have done it had he not asked her to err on the side of caution. Ryn was not sure if he should be impressed by their courage or be deeply concerned for their safety and the lack of venturesomeness on his part. Should he not be just as daring as they, more so if he wanted to be the kind of effective leader that brought about change?

He stared at Lady Vikena, waiting to see the signs of poison taking effect. When it did not, Ryn told himself that he should check again later. In the meantime…

[color=9354FF][i]The same wine served at the ball, huh? Peculiar indeed…[/i][/color] The wines served at the party were of the variety that the average person would find difficult to obtain. Though not entirely impossible, especially tonight.

As the library came into view, Ryn spoke up, [color=9354FF]“Lady Vikena, in the tavern, I heard from the owner that it was Count Damien who ordered her to keep us in the tavern.”[/color] Lady Vikena’s gaze shot to Ryn. [color=9354FF]“She said she was told it was for our own safety… it may have to do with this murder, or maybe it doesn’t, but… I just thought Count Damien’s actions felt out of place. Especially considering—...”[/color] Ryn stole a glance at Ruby’s direction then returned his eyes to Lady Vikena. He was not sure how much detail he should divulge to their new acquaintance. [color=9354FF]“What you’ve told me about him.”[/color]

[color=BBC7E1]” When my mother died, Count Damien made no move to involve himself in the investigation. I don’t think he did when my blood-father did either…”[/color] If one was paying attention, they would have noticed a flash of anger briefly cross her expression. [color=BBC7E1]”...I agree it’s out of place. He involves himself in many affairs he should not, but only when it benefits him…  I don’t have a good feeling in my tummy. “[/color] With a frown, she looked at Ryn,  [color=BBC7E1]” I have quite a bit of investigating to do…. Though most likely, this will occur after I finally get some sleep tonight.”[/color]

Ryn nodded before turning to Ruby, [color=9354FF]“Does Ms. Olga work for Count Damien?”[/color]

[color=C17ECE]”Nah. Think she owes him or something though. “[/color] Ruby had answered.  

And there it was, the wiggle room. 

Once inside the library, they discovered it was grand inside with more books than one could imagine with a high-glass ceiling that allowed them to see the stars above. It was dim and quiet, with barely anyone inside at the late hour. Charlotte moved forward as the moonlight glimmered down on them, [color=BBC7E1]”Lorenzo!”[/color] She called, enticing somebody curled up in a chair to shh her, but she could not be bothered to pay them any mind other than to apologize quickly. It only took a few minutes of searching from then on to figure out Lorenzo wasn’t here either. With distress, she sat down in a chair and buried her face in her hands. The cat was now seated on her lap and nibbling on the fabric of her dress.

[color=BBC7E1][i]… Will I ever see him again? … I don’t want to lose my family a third time.[/i][/color]

A hand reached over to touch her shoulder. When she looked up, she saw Fritz sitting next to her. He was smiling at her reassuringly, [color=9354FF]“You will, Charlotte.”[/color] 

[color=9354FF][i]One way or another.[/i][/color] [color=9354FF]“You will see him again.”[/color] Ryn’s hand moved to the kitten and scratched its chin long enough to make it purr. A soothing rumble that never failed to make him feel better when he felt down. [color=9354FF]“We only searched two places… both which [i]Count Damien[/i] suggested and it’s only been a few hours since Mr. Benjamin last saw your father. It’s too early to give up. Lorenzo [i]is[/i] out there.”[/color] Dark eyes held Lady Vikena’s blue eyes. He nodded slowly, [color=9354FF]“yes?”[/color] Lady Vikena smiled faintly and nodded, though there was some residual fear in her expression. [color=9354FF]“Yes,”[/color] he reaffirmed.

Ryn stood up from his chair and bowed. [color=9354FF]“Forgive me if I have offended you for being overly familiar, Lady Vikena.”[/color] He straightened himself up, [color=9354FF]“There were not that many people left in the library, but Ruby and I asked around to see if anyone might know something. Apparently, there’s a secret party being held tonight. Very exclusive, invite- only, by the sounds of it.”[/color] Ryn wondered if it was the one and the same invitation the Danrose children had.

[color=BBC7E1]“Thank you Fritz.”[/color] Charlotte reached out to take his hand and squeeze t gently. [color=BBC7E1]”I appreciate you being so nice to me tonight… You’re right I shouldn’t give up. I’m just a little overwhelmed.”[/color] She sighed, composing herself as she straightened as well. After a pause, she lifted a nearby novel from a side table called ‘The Great Hero of Avalia,’ Charlotte managed a playful smile, tapping the book with her finger. [color=BBC7E1]” If the brave Darius did not give up when the odds were against him, then neither shall I…. As for that party… I have no idea where that could be. ”[/color]