Benedick was furious. He had spent all day high on the dresser in room two-oh, hissing at that thing that had been brought into his room. Hopefully something would happen soon so that the poet could separate the puppy from his kitten, and remove that sinking, cold fear from the pit of his stomach.

For the time being, the dog needed to go out. Everett Ogden opened the door to his room, and the little dog bounded into the hall ahead of him, for the stairs. He called after it, to no avail.

With a sigh, he hastily locked his door and chased after it. The exhausted poet caught a break- the Dalmatian puppy's paws were too big for the rest of it, and it made him slow on the stairs. Ev caught up, the two of them bumbling into the common room.

"This way, Jinx, come come."

He whistled a little, wagging bacon at the dog to entice it to follow out to the trees where it may answer the call of nature. Dogs were entirely too much work.

The Dalmatian followed after him, the promise of bacon a siren song to the excitable creature. Ev opened the door and let them both out, headed to the trees for a minute.

Tasha blinked and she spun about, having thought she saw Viki's dog and took off after it. Wondering what was it doing out and on it's own like that, as that wasn't normal at all.

To the nearest little patch of trees they traveled, and the poet called his name all the while. He looked into the dark, as though he might see her if he looked for long enough. He absently gave the bacon to the pup, who then went and found an obliging tree.

Tasha headed out the door after Everett and Viki's new puppy, looking a bit surprised. ?Hey there.. Where's Viki and how come you got her dog Everett?? Blowing the silvery hair out of her eyes she peered around then headed for the trees where the writer was obviously letting the pup do his business.

?Oh Hi also,? she said, remembering she had manners at the last moment.

To... Tasha, though he could not recall her name. She was in his room that night he'd been rousted by the masses. Friend. That was all he needed to know. The tired poet had a brow furrowed with concern.

"I came home early this morning, and I found him here. He was sleeping by the hearth alone..." He bit on his lower lip, scratched that spot at the back of his head that did him no good.

That drew a sudden frown falling like a cloud of her usually bright features. ?Well that ain't right. Viki wouldn't just leave her puppy alone. She's rather attached to Jinx after all.? She held out a hand towards the romping pup calling it over to her.

"I found... I suspect that she was abducted." He did not think that he was overreacting. He had found a ribbon in the middle of the floor, one he knew had been hers. It did not look as though it had fallen off haphazardly. It looked like it had been torn.

"I went for help, but I do not know where to find the Lover, or anyone really." Help meaning the very scariest person for whom he had an address. She had just told him to go home, and to watch the dog. He and Benny had a dreadful day, but he had done what he had been told to do.

?Help? What do you mean went for help? Was Viki hurt or something?? Obviously, Tasha missed that first part. She scooped up the puppy into her arms, hoping she could hold it for a bit, as it wasn't small at all for one of her stature and peered curiously at Everett.

Everett repeated himself, perhaps impatiently, but he was very upset.
"I think she was taken. I do not think she would leave the dog. I saw... there were chairs knocked about, and a ribbon and..."

He closed his eyes and took a deep breath, pulling his spectacles from his face to clean them.

?WHAT?? Her voice raised in sudden alarm and made the puppy she was holding squirm in sudden nerves but she quickly made adjustments. ?You still have that um.. ribbon??

Everett nodded, a rapid movement.

Abducted! That wasn't good! Not good at all but Tasha was quick to try and muffle that panic not wanting to freak out Jinx any more then the poor thing was already. ?May I have that please? Anything else you know? I mean I am gonna have to tell the family and any bit of information will help.?

He was loathe to part with it. He worried that it was all he may have left of her. Everett had lost much, of late, and to lose this... it would be a terrible blow. "Er... I."

He sighed and reached into his pocket. There he kept a pocket book of Shakespeare?s sonnets, and he had fastened the little purple ribbon around it. A sad turn to the corners of his mouth as inky fingers untied the bow.

"A pin. There was a pin." The lapel pin was also drawn from his pocket with a great deal less reluctance, and he presented both to she who demanded them.

It was a good thing Tasha was holding Jinx, else she would likely have her fists at Everett's collar trying to shake every bit of information out of him but instead she just looked at him, well aware he was reluctant to hand it over.

?That might be the only thing we have to find her Ev-er-ett,? she said, using Viki's pronunciation for his name.

It made him cold, and he responded to the sound of his name like that without delay, without so much as a hint of kindness.

"Please do not say my name that way." It belonged to her. It felt profane.

Tasha accepted the two items and at the sight of that Pin she about had a fit, a string of rather fluid and flowery Elven curse words unleashed a string and just blinked at the writer fellow. ?Thank you really Ev-er-ett. This might be the only way we can locate her.? She was already backing up, heading for the Inn where Chaos was about to be unleashed in major spades to put it rather mildly.

Furious.

She had not bothered to listen, and she had taken it all. He would not repeat himself again, the poet was far too flummoxed and upset. Nobody would want his opinion, that much he knew. He was no fighter, and so without another word, he turned and stalked off into the night, to find a place to hunker down and quell this unproductive anger.

This impending doom is left deep inside
And it's haunting you each and every night
Like starving wolves counting sheep
We close our eyes, pretending to sleep
Descending...
Intending to burn, pretending to fight it
Everyone learns faster on fire
Things took a turn, lost all desire

Burn - Alkaline Trio

Tasha looked over at Raye, still struggling with panic, fearing that those nasty lawyers had snatched Viki and if so that couldn't be good at all.

Taneth Mercer opened her arms to Tasha, if she wanted a hug. She moved quickly to accept the hug from Tanie, needing that at the moment as she gave a muffled sniffle, forcing that urge to cry away.

DCH was the first thought in the Ancient's head, as well. ?Bel...? Her voice held power behind the anger and building storm. The hint of the roiling skies in that magic-hued gaze.

Bel lets Scottie and Sid take the lead here... they had recently names Viki as their own... Yes, Viki is Blood... and that means Bel will see this through... But right now? She focuses on the pair most likely to be effected the most... Not that everyone else who knows Viki won't be... But there is a deep bond between the three: Sid, Scottie and Viki which Bel will respect.

"Do you need a drink? A real drink?" Raye asked Tasha. She was already moving through the break. Sid seemed overwhelmed.

?No.. No drinks..? Tasha replied. That would most certainly become mean and her powers unstable at this point and was pretty sure that would do little good for this present situation and just hugged Tanie tight. ?Someone took her!?

Rising then, the ice dragon waddled for the door, giving Tasha an I'm going hunting look, nostrils flared, as talons dug into the floor.

Hawk, the ranger, listened carefully, a furrow in his brow. ?Someone has been taken?? He looked to Raye confused.

?Its going to be alright Tasha sweets...? Bel ensured her.

Taneth just continued to hug Tasha and give her little pets here and there.

Raye too, had stepped in, and would take care of Tasha then. She went to the elf and put an arm around her. "Sit. How about some water?" That maternal instinct was kicking back in.

Tasha sniffled again and gave Taneth another hug before letting Raye guide her to sit and just took deep even breaths, the sight of that pin still rattling her though the ribbon and the puppy made it all even worse.

Raye went for water next, bringing the bottle back to her, the cap twisted off. "Take some deep breaths, hun." A small smile. She was trying not to break things with her bare hands. "It'll be fine."

?I hope so Raye,? but she wasn't to sure, as she knew Viki would have never have willingly left any of those items behind, then lifted her head to peer at Daniel.

"Viki has been in trouble before, she always bounces back." Who was she talking into this? "And look at all the concern." A gesture to the mayhem at the bar.

Tahsa just lifted dark purple eyes to Raye then and just couldn't actually voice what she thought might happen to Viki, not if that nasty Snake Skin Howe got his vile mits on the Seer.

Having traveled as quickly as he could to Gharnholme and the portal to Rhy?Din, Lucius DeAuster had slipped into the Weave, stepping from the shadows in the familiar spot near the alley doorway.

?What in Feth's name is going on?? The niceties of civilization were forgotten as Lucius moved to the group. A glance sent to his son, expecting an answer to the cryptic summons.

Even as Luc slips inside Bel knows he's here... She reaches out to speak to him with her mind.

?We have an issue... seems Viki is MIA... we have her pin, Luc...?

?Um, we got a problem, dad.? Daniel said next, a twitch of the head toward Bel, Tasha, Scot, Chy, Raye, Taneth and Sid close by.

Bel's mental explanation was answered by a soft growl, rumbling deep in his chest. ?Daniel, I need you to head back to Cisroe. Your sister is in Javvik's camp outside Torrence.?

Daniel knew that tone, and just nodded once. ?Right.? A quick nod to the rest, and a hug for Tasha, leaning down and whispering to her for a moment.

?Any thoughts on who has done this?? For Belial, as he looked to the small gathering.

Daniel offered Tasha a smile to comfort, then stepped over to his dad, tapping his shoulder to get his attention, again speaking low.

Lucius? crimson-specked eyes moved to Sid, a brow rising at the mirror cracking, before his attention returned to Daniel, the two dropping into a soft conversation.

Stepping back, Daniel nodded to Lucius, and moved back over to Tasha, stepping behind her and wrapping arms around her waist.

?Alright. I'll have word sent to Karenthesis. He can be taken to Cieara.? Lucius said. Daniel had a point, and as his son stepped away he looked back to Belial. ?Was it them?? She'd know exactly who he was referring to.

Belial?s energy is growing too chaotic... She will need to leave soon or face the consequences of her inability to control it... The wonder of being a hybrid... Bel frowns as she begins to pace in small tight circles. She has to remind herself, they don't yet know what's happened... jumping to conclusions will do nothing.

Seeing the pacing, knowing the look, a leather-clad hand came down on Bel's shoulders. ?Focus...? He could feel the coiling energies, and the Beast within supped. And simmered beneath the surface. Dragon, Hybrid and Daemon...a peculating explosion...

?Has anyone thought to seek out Viki's mate?? It was Chryrie this time, looking to the group curiously.

Pale lensed eyes from behind the black fringe of bangs like dancing blades. Ann Wii fashions a full sixty inches of flounce up to bar. Her voice singsong, attitude poured on it like arsenic on blueberries. ?Wha? Sumbuddy die or sumpin'??

Bel looks to Ann shaking her head. ?We don't know, sweets..? No Bel doesn't know Ann, but she asked... ?One of ours had gone MIA... We need to find Kai...?

?I don't know where he is... just shadows mostly.? Tasha pointed out at Bel?s mention of Kai. Then, she threw glance over at the Puppy now, wondering if it might remember something.. anything, but her powers didn't run that way.

?Who's Kai?? Daniel?s innocent question, looking to Tasha, and following her gaze to the dog. ?Is that him??

?No, Kai is Viki's lover her puppy is Jinx.? Tasha was recovering slowly and glanced up at Molly with dark feverish bright eyes.

Overhearing the name Vicki, Ann?s black-rouged lips twist into a scowl, ice-chip eyes on Bel. ?I know ya mean well, hun, but jist cuz I'm lil don mean I'm sweet. An' are ya talkin' bout the seer chickie??

Lucius threw glance toward the curious one, then the look held a moment longer.

?Oh!? Hand to heart as she shakes her head to Ann. ?I didn't mean to insult you... ah?? Bel would have used sweet yet again, but it had offended once already. ?It's an endearment, like 'hon'. And yes, I am sorry to say we are speaking about the Seer....?

Half-glove to her chin. ?Dunno the chicklet rilly, but I thought I saw her like 'round sunrise, figgered she was drunk 'er sumpin...?

Looking to Ann Belial asks ?Where did you see her, if I might ask??

Murmured eyes flickering behind the cavemouth of her bangs. ?She looked pretty poorly, like to puke er sumpin, this dude was with her, well, actually he was pretty much carrying her.? With a quick glance around, Ann continued. ?Hey, not the first time I saw sumpin like that at the end of a night here...?

?What did this dude look like?? Bel presses Ann... Maybe she should introduce herself to the lady? She is after all practically grilling the girl...

Fingertip stained black by her lipstick as she bites. ?Geez. it was still kinda dark, and so was he, clothes, hair, mebbe skin. I'd had a few vermouths myself ya see. He had a goofy kinda eye, tho...?

?Luc, this lady saw Viki early this morning...? Filling him in should he be confused, Bel nods her head towards Ann. ?She saw someone carrying her off...?

Lucius stood quietly, for the moment, behind Bel, listening and already plotting. That description sounded much like Domikai...but that made no sense, unless that one had gone off the deep end.

Ann elaborated. ?One eye was dead like, all milky, an' he had them elfie ears...?

Bel is too rattled to think straight... not a good place to be when one needs their wits about them... She nods to Ann. ?Do you think you could help create an image from what you saw??

Luc was listening, and nodded slowly to Bel and Ann. ?And you saw this out front of the Inn??

Ann frowns, her rounded little face contorts, to Luc and Bel. ?Out on the street, pretty close to here I think, but dunno how much more I can remember...got any mindrobbers here?" She mutters. "I'd let ya poke around in there if you don' scare easy...?

?Mindrobbers?? Bel isn't sure she heard the girl right. Looking to Luc to see if he understands what she's asking.

?Psions..? Chryrie explained.

Half-turning, Luc held up his hand, and a first one, then a second centipede appeared from the folds of his cloak, scuttling up his arm to perch on the outstretched fingertips. A moment, then he set his hand to the support beam beside him, the two quickly crawling up and toward the rafters, disappearing into the crawlways heading outside.

?Prolly more in there thin I'm draggin out?? Ann said, aside.

?There are some who can steal a person's memories. Psionic rape, as it were,? Luc said as he turned back to the two ladies.

?It doesn't have to be so violent,? Chryrie cut in. ?If she's agreeing, then they can slip in and extract only what they seek.?

Chin up at Lucius, ravenwing hair on powdered cheeks. ?I guess I'd let one of them rapers in if it'd help is all.?

Bel is shaking her head. ?Oh, no, we aren't going to do that to the girl!? A girl she doesn't even know... What's with this sudden consideration and concern?! Especially for those who aren't family? Bel needs to get a grip and soon!

Ann?s bitter little laugh. ?Hey, a girl with my looks and my height, ya think it'd be the first time.?

Chryrie looked to Ann. ?Would you mind if I tried something with you? It's not very invasive at all. Something akin to hypnotism, really.?

?S'like they say, mine ain't a sheathe, its a'quiver...? Ann muttered.

?Belial? May I try something?? Chryrie turned to Bel.

Then Sid?s voice suddenly shot across the room ?Bel!?

To Bel again, Ann spoke: ?The main thing I remember is that milky eye, like onna fish been dead too long. kinda creepy.? She paused, thinking. ?An tatoosy thingees on the eyes, too, like they was burned there by tears er sumpin...?

Hearing Ann, Sid looks over as she still holds to Scottie and moves to grab a whiskey bottle, filling an order.

?A dead eye...what kind of freak has DCH found this time. Bad enough the Northman is working for them.? Lucius was muttering to himself more than anything, as the murky plot takes focus.

Bel smiles to Ann, finding the girl somewhat charming, if a little odd, but then... Bel likes odd. ?Thank you, ah?? Still has no idea how to address the girl. ?My name is Belial, most call me Bel, and you are?? Hand held out to Ann.

Tiny hand in fingerless crochet glove offered. ?Belle, like belle a' th' ball er sumpin? I'm Ann, Ann Wii, pleased.?

Sid?s fingers curl hard on Scottie's side as Ann's description rolls about her swiss-cheesed brain. ?Wha' be she sayin'?? Pouring the whiskey and settling it before Raye she releases her hold on Scottie, but slides her hand down his arm to hold his own as she leans in to Ann. ?A fish eye.?

?A what?? Scottie asked.

Bel thinks. The milky eye is important... And familiar... But... Bel can't place it... She shakes the girl's hand gentle yet firmly. ?Well met, Lady Ann....?

?Ann, I be Sid. Viki's mum.? A nod back to Jack. ?Tha' be her Da, Scottie. Tell me o' this fish eyed one.?

The power surrounding Sid still enough to raise the hairs at the back of the short girl's neck, but Ann does not flinch as she looks into the glamoured eyes. ?Ya', a dead eye, all sour milk and glazy, like a carp when they rots on the bank. Just the one eye tho. ?

?The evil eye,? said Daniel, remembering old wives tales from his youth.

Bel can recognize the wheels turning in Sid's head by the expression she gives. ?An' the rest o' him? Wha' be he lookin' like??

?Like I said, her was like dark all over, hair, clothes, mebbe skin, elfie ears an' a fish eye, an' like tribe things, tatoosey, under his eyes.?

It can't be, can it? Why would his brother... The Ancient tamps down that line of questioning quick as it is starts the storm roiling again.

Gazing at Manon, Scottie asks softy, ?You know him??

?Lots taller 'en me, but most is.? Muttering, Ann continued. ?#$%^&* ng vermouth, I prolly should?ve stomped his ass, huh??

?Domikai?? Thoughts breaking free, Lucius? voice rising now above the usual soft timbre. Of course, he had never seen that once face fully, but the tattoo reference certainly fit. Sid wasn't the only one nearing a boiling point now, and a crimson glance was made toward Tasha and his son before moving back to the conversation at hand.

Tasha threw a glance over at Luc, even as she cuddled into Daniel, knowing he was safe and comforting. ?Domi doesn't have a funny eye or anything.?

Sid pressed Ann for more information. She needed a confirmation. ?Dressed sort o'... nattily? Like a dandy?? She asked, squeezing to Scottie's hand.

Ann?s icechip eyes glitter behind the fringe of midnight bangs. ?Natty? Mebbe like a butler er an' undertaker er sumpin??

As they spoke, Chryrie drew up an illusion of the man Ann was describing, altering him as she gave more details.

?Aye, like... fancy.? Sid continued, still trying to tamp down the broiling storm, and holding tight to her Crow's hand for his roots and strength.

Ann nods into the storm of Sid's eyes, fearless. ?Ya, fancy, I figger he fancied hisself plenty, sumpin about him??

Chryrie idly scritched the puppy's ears as she focused on the small translucent man, frowning as she tried to place the right details in the right places.

?Silver!? A shout, Sid?s free hand pounding on the bar top for emphasis. ?Did he... jingle? Be there chains about him? On his...? clinching her eyes to get the picture. ?Face??

Reaching back, Luc stroked the haft of the soft-growling great axe, sharing Drachmel's bloodlust at the moment. His attention moved to Sid now.

?You do know him.? Scottie said, frowning.

Chryrie glances to Sid, then to Ann, waiting for an answer as she paused her altering of the illusionary man.

Ann continued to mutter. ?Mebbe if I weren't so shit-faced at the time I might have jumped him then and there...yeah, yeah, he had a chain thing from his lip too.?

Sid was excited now, in a bad way. Tugging at Scottie's hand as she held it and bounced. ?An' his ears... Furry an' pointed?? She was leaning in to Ann ever closer.

Ann nods back. ?Elfie ears, ya, en fuzzy too.?

?Who, Manon??

This time her fist came down on the bar so hard the wood groaned. ?Irrykin!!?

Bel snaps out of her daze, turning to look around her as if she's just woken up.

?I need... I...? A shake of her head. ?I need air...? And with that she's heading towards the back door exit.

Lucius looked to Bel as she passed. ?Fiona and I will look for you.?

Ann muttered in Bel's wake. ?None of you guys are even close ta human, are ya??

Very quietly, Bel slips outside.