Brian had arranged a meeting with the same contractors who previously worked on the Den of Shadows. His purpose was to go ahead and have the Den renovated and converted for full time use as a school, and after a bit of time managed to get them to agree to his request.
After everything that had happened after Renna's death this was the easiest to deal with so far. The workers were more than happy with the parameters of the agreement, and even offered a small group to accompany Brian straight away so that they may re-survey the structure and surrounding area and see to preparing and pulling the proper permits required for the additional work. Brian didn't want any surprises this time around and wanted the work to be completed by the time he and Charlotte returned home from their honey moon.
Brian gave the workers directions once more and advised them he would meet them shortly at the Den. With that done, Brian made his way to meet Jes near the office and have a few words concerning the wedding and a possible date. Charlotte had been pushing for one, as were other friends of theirs, and even family members. Brian however was passive to the idea and truly didn't care about the date, so long as they we married, then again that was just Brian. He knew it wasn't fair to Charlotte, especially since unlike others in Rhy'din who have been down this road many times before, this was the first time for each of them. So off Brian went.
Brian met with the self proclaimed "Taru Terror" at their favourite cake shoppe at the Milbury Square. They talked a bit and Jes relayed his side of events during the "Great Hair Dye Battle of the Villa" and told Brian just how much trouble it was to get some spots out of his short fur. They laughed a bit and talked more of a date and the possibility of heading back to Vana'diel for the honey moon. Jes also reminded Brian of the fact that Brian still had not returned to Aht Urghan for his pilgrimage and he needed to do so soon. Brian promised to get everything in order as soon as he could, but given what had transpired the last few weeks, thatwould be harder than it sounded. They laughed a bit more and ate some cake, after all Brian loved a good cake, and the "Taru Terror" was a master in the art of stuffinghis face full of sweets. However, it all came to an abrupt end when a charm on Brian's necklace began to virbrate.
"Someone has breached a ward." Brian said softly, as he pulled the necklace from his shirt and eyed the charm a bit closer. It was a gold charm in the shape of a small pad lock, and gently vibrated in his hand.
Jes took a close look as well and replied with his mouth full of sweets.
"Mpho whesph i comphin prm??"
Brian sighed softly, and shook his head. "It's the Den, look I need to go. It could be the workers, but they'd need a rocket up their butt to get their that fast. Plus they said they were waiting for someone else to go with them. Anyways, I'll head over there. You head to the house, tell Charlotte I'll be home soon. Do NOT tell her what I am doing, I don't care if she bribes you with sweets. This is a surprise. Anyways, you know the drill. If I need anything I'll holler at you via the Linkshell." The Taru Nodded and scrambled out the door quickly, and Brian left as well and headed for the stable nearby.
Soon Brian was on his way out of town, and headed towards the villa. A quick stop was made on the side of the road, as Brian tried to determine the quickest route. After a brief moment, Brian pulled out his warp cudgel (a small club, enchanted with a limited number of "Warp" spells), and used it on himself and the horse, and in moments was in front of the Fortess. Sliding off the horse and securing it in some Brush, Brian made his way inside. Brian saw the damage and what looked to the point of entry, whatever it was it was decent in size and made Brian wonder if it was safe to go farther or send word to Jes. Tossing that idea aside, Brian went deeper into the keep.
Brian could see where the wards had been broken, and pondered what anyone would gain by taking that particular path. It lead to nowhere save the graves. Brian paused as he slowly took in that last thought. Breaking into a run, Brian made down the corridor and came to the greened area, and stopped dead in his tracks as he saw what had occured. "Aw, sonuva &*^%$, you gotta be *&#@ing me..." As he slowly approached the now open grave, kneeling a moment, Brian took a closer look at the ground, and noticed talon marks and a very familiar feeling. The same feeling he and Dwyn felt in the Inn a few days past and back when he was cooking for Misty and the others and Li Li had her incident as well. "Boots..." Brian said the name slowly and understood who had broken in, but he wondered why in the hell Shadow would need Renna's body.. Brian severed her Pentram, and believed after what had occured with Lucy, there was no way Renna was coming back. "You stupid lizard..."
Brian recalled what Dwyn had said yet again, when one door closed another would open. Brian hated it when Dwyn was right, well he didn't truly hate it, but the big man wouldn't let Brian forget it none the less. Brian stood slowly, and once more warded the area around the graves, and made for the entrance. Via the older wards, Brian determined Shadow had been gone a short time before his arrival. Brian was pissed in general, just when things were getting settled, they go right back to being as chaotic as ever. Brian decided he needed some help on this, he would send a summon to Dwyn and would them head home and speak to Charlotte. Since Charlotte had a direct dealing with Renna and would know if there a reason someone might want her body, if they couldnt come up with something, Brian would toss around the idea of letting this be. Brian didnt want to upset Charlotte any further, by running head long into a situation dealing with Renna. At this point Char had more than enough of that, and Brian didnt want to stress her any further.
On his way out Brian met the workers and allowed them access, and then headed home. It was time to see what they would do.
