Erin came down the stairs to the inn, about mid afternoon, suitcase in tow. A nod was made to Icer as she dropped the heavy suitcase by the door. Her eyes were red again, bags forming underneath them. She was pale as porcelain and cold as ice. Erin looked over the room, mainly faces she didn?t recognize, but Icer was comforting and Erin already regretted that she would be missing her birthday party. So, around the bar she went and through the break, tea kettle set on the burner. She turned to the room, another look at Icer,

?Yeah, I?m sorry Icer.. I?m going to have to miss your birthday party.? She kept her back to the room, not able to look the dragon in the face in case she asked why, or when she?d be back. Instead she just got a simple, ?It?s all right? as a reply. A long breath of relief escaped her, and she smiled at the dragon again.

?I hope your birthday is grand.? Erin poured the boiling water into her teacup and let it cool while she gathered leaves and placed them in the small metal tea ball.

Icer nodded again, ?I wouldn?t mind it being a peaceful day, though? Erin nodded with a smirk as she dropped the tea ball in her cup and took up leaning on the back of the bar.

?I don?t know if Jade is going to allow peaceful on the agenda? She sipped her tea, blowing into the cup cautiously after slightly burning her lips.

?Knowing Jade I don?t really think it?s going to be peaceful either.? Erin smiled at Icer. It was true, the place was going to be hopping and full of crazy things. Brian and Jade would not allow it otherwise. She was sad to be missing it, knowing Pepe and the slip and slide and pi?atas were all going to be present.

?At least you know you?re loved, right?? It was meant to be reassuring and upbeat, but the way it came out of Erin?s mouth it sounded more? bitter than she would have liked it. Perhaps it was residual hate for the word that Gideon had left in her the night before, or just an accidental slip of her mood.

Icer nodded, and added ?Yes I do, I know you are as well.? So she had picked up on the slip in tone. Erin pursed her lips before speaking.

?Oh, Brian makes sure I keep that in mind.? She sipped her tea, thinking over their talk the night before, that made her smile, if just a little bit. ?Well? him and Miles, I have my own brother brigade.? And though she was mad at Miles, she knew that what he had done was for her.. that it was a desperate attempt to make her happy. Both of the boys really did care about her, an it made her nervous to think about. Would Brian really come? Or would they all be too hurt at her abandonment? She didn?t hear Icer?s next comment, too busy lost in her thoughts and suddenly she just spoke. Eyes were staring at the window so out of her mouth.. ?It?s a nice morning. The weather has been unseasonably dry..?

It was clear Icer noticed her panicked change of subject. Anyone could have. ?Yes, it is.? Suddenly Erin felt that she had to get out of there. Having already made the decision, hanging around the Inn was only making her guilty. She finished off her tea and turned to put it in the sink. She checked her watch, though she knew it was a bit early for her carriage.

Erin came through the break in the bar and reached down to scritch Icer on the head. ?You take care of yourself?

?I will Erin, and safe travels, sister.? Erin winced at the use of the word sister. A final stake through her heart. She plastered a smile and a look of calm and went for the door. Lifting her suitcase, she called ?As always!? over her shoulder before flashing another smile and pushing out the door.

Had anyone gone upstairs, they would have seen that her room was empty. Every last item she owned had been sold, packed or given. There was no trace of Erin Dunbridge in the inn. Keys were taped to the door, along with a small note, thanking them for letting her stay. No return date provided.

Underneath was taped another letter. A white envelope from an expensive stationary set was attached to the door. On it was delicate script, made of large and loopy letters. It was clearly written with a fountain pen and had taken considerable time. It said ?Gideon Davidoff.?


((If you would like to post about Erin's dissapearance, this is the thread to do it. Whether it is discussed among friends, her room is noticed or anything else. I would like to keep it to this thread, and for now the Midnight Musings thread will end.))

Erin lugged her suitcase through the cave and out into the sunlight. It was late fall in London, birds chirping and the sun shining?an unusually clear day in Regents Park. Erin stopped, a bright smile on her face as she watched the joggers and dog walkers file past. Lifting her case, and sliding out the retractable wheels, Erin joined the strollers through the Park.

She fell in step, passing the Queen?s rose garden. She stopped to look, watching the late blooming roses sway in the soft breeze. The sun caught their colors perfectly, they shone and glimmered. God, how she had missed this place. Its refined silence, its complete possession of history? A piece of heaven in such a bustling and evolving world. She let out a long intake of breath and restarted her walk, moving slowly but surely towards the edge of the park.

Once she reached the street, Erin picked up her pace to match the walkers there. She turned the former and went straight to door 18. Leaving her suitcase at the edge of the stairs, she raised a hand to knock on the door. Three wraps. Erin rocked back and forth on her feet, again chewing on her bottom lip. This was risky, but she didn?t know where else to go. She probably should have investigated, found out what was told to people? who was told..

Just as she was about to walk away when the door opened. The woman standing there was about 5?8, blonde with long thin hair and had a long face with a long thin nose. Basically she was your stereotypical upper crust Brit. She was skinny, but the khaki pants and pastel pink sweater were just baggy enough to hide it without being too big. Erin?s heart leapt-just a little. She didn?t care that she would be yelled at or get in trouble? there stood Anna. The woman?s face lit up and her arms reached out to grab Erin in a huge embrace.

?Erinalle Dunbridge! Well, I?ll be?? Once released from the rib crushing hug, Erin found herself being lead into the entrance hall. ?Where *have* you been?? Erin looked back at her abandoned suitcase desperately. She took a step brack to slide out of her grasp.

?Anna! Where is Eleanor?? It was easy to fall back into the pattern of things. She could pretend she had never left, though she wasn?t even sure how much time had passed on Earth. Two months, perhaps? Maybe three? She stepped back through the hall and out to get her bag, starting to pull it up the stairs. Anna hurried after her, grabbing the other side, and the two women carried it easily into the hall.

?She?s at lunch? Now come sit down, I?ll make you a cuppa?? Anna took Erin?s arm and lead her into the drawing room. Her grip was perhaps just a little too strong, and Erin pursed her lips, worried that her friend wasn?t feeling particularly friendly. The house was a townhouse, converted flats, and wasn?t as large as Erin was used to, but was well furnished. It had hard wood floors in every room, and the walls had equally non-descript wallpapers in stripes and plaids and paisleys. The decor was typical upper crust- grandfather clocks, globes and first edition books.

Anna left Erin to go into the kitchen and make the tea. Erin settled into an antique loveseat (pale yellow) and unbuttoned her peacoat. She was wearing a Chanel women?s skit suit, pale pink, her shoes were heels, her hair was done, and she had even bothered with tasteful and pastel filled makeup. She placed her large black leather purse at her feet and setlled back against the chair to look around.

Anna returned with a tea tray: tea pot with quilted cozy, two cups and saucer, lemon wedges, a honey pot and a plate of chocolate dipped digestives. ?Nothing like PG Tipps to make your day.? Anna smiled down at Erin as she placed the tray on the coffee table. She reached for the pot, taking off its cozy and pouring about half a glass for each of the girls. The glass was handed to Erin before she took her seat. ?Now, tell me where you?ve been?? She took a sip of her tea, eyes studying the almost entirely still Erin.

Erin hated dinner dresses. They were uncomfortable, ugly, too long, too thin? really, she could go on forever. She just hated them. As she stood at the door, her front door, waiting for the maid to come and let her in, she adjusted her dinner coat. She licked a finger, bending down to rub a small scuff off her shoe. Just then, the door opened. There was the maid, and within seconds she was coat and purseless and sitting in the drawing room?a martini in her hand.

God, she hated martinis too. They were so rich. Her lips were curled in a sneer and there was not anything she liked about this place? It was a moment before Richard entered the room. He was already carrying a scotch and sat across from her, just staring. His eyes were burrowing into her like laser beams.

?How have you been, Lady Dunbridge.? That was his greeting? It sounded like something out of a Jane Austen novel. The tone of it was so formal, that she felt the need to curtsy, or bow, or call him Lord. Dunbridge. All of which did not seem a pleasant idea. Her mouth opened, just a little, her eyes were immediately the size of saucers. He suddenly realized perhaps he had said the wrong thing. ?Erinalle? ? Now his eyes were soft. She could see she pained him. Her very presence.

?Richard? I?? Her eyes were on her drink. Now she knew why rich people drank martinis?it was the only way to get drunk enough, fast enough, to get past the formality and get something done. She downed it. It was totally unladylike and completely shocking to her partner. The glass was placed on the coffee table(she didn?t even search for a coaster) and she was upon him. Her legs straightened and the pacing started, around and around the love seat she had just been sitting on. The circling continued as she spoke. ?I cant? do this. I don?t love you.. but you know that, and I hardly think you ever loved me. This is a bad match and a bad idea and? I can?t have children, so I am completely useless to you. I want to pack up my things, I want you to give me some parting money or an apartment, and I want us to never see each other again?? This is where she stopped to pour herself another martini from the pitcher left for her.

What else could the poor man do? He stared. He was clearly older than her, forty perhaps? His hair had stated to gray and his face wrinkle. He wasn?t thin, but he wasn?t jolly. His eyes were focused on her as if they were watching a tennis match?back and forth, back and forth. He did not move, or even breathe. Of course he had expected this.. I mean she had been gone almost fourth months. ?Erin.? All formality was gone now. ?I..completely understand where you are coming from, but it is not as easy as to have you come here, demand something and suddenly get it. We have a country to think about and our families? we have a commitment before god.?

She threw her glass at the mention of country. It shattered against the mantelpiece(this was becoming a habit with her, wasn?t it?). Her eyes were bore down on him, a green fire. She just shook her head as she advanced back across the room and around the couch. ?I will not be the sacrificial lamb for a country that sees it fit to call me names on their papers, to snicker at me in the street? I will no longer be a pawn in this stupid game. No? I am leaving this house for good tomorrow, and it will be with your blessing or the next time I see you will be with an army of lawyers.?


?Fine. Tomorrow I will have your things packed. You?ll take them, and I?ll see you in court.? Well, the meal Erin had been looking forward to apparently was not to come. She barely remembers having her coat put back on, her arm taken, the maid wishing her a good night, and the cab being called. In fact, she only tuned back in to reality when she got to the front steps of the Ritz.

And there she stood, eyes drinking in the expensive and opulent hotel. Well? if she had to put up a fight, she?d put up a fight, but she?d be damned if she wasn?t going to embarrass him the entire way down. Oh, yes, if he wouldn?t save her embarrassment, she would create his.

"Making Ready.."

It seemed like Deja vu all over again, save it wasn't. Brian was once more in the Inn, checking Erin's old room. Recalling her words, and once more headed to her new home, to find her not there, also. Her words remained however. Her instructions were clear. She said if she hadn't returned and people asked, to just lie and say she was on her way. A blind man could see how unsure she was, and it was made more evident by the conversation he and Erin had shared in the alley. Brian said she would be missed and he would in fact go back for her, should she want. To his surprise she agreed, if she did not return within seven days, he was to in fact follow her directions and recover her, and assure she reaches Rhy'din once more.

So day after day Brian repeated this routine, he checked her rooms, the registry, her old haunts and home. And each time, nothing. Upon day four, Brian began to have doubts and began to ponder what to do next. Then day five came and still no Erin, and there was no more pondering. He decided it was time to make ready to recover Erin, or to at least find out what was going on. This was something he knew he could not do alone however, and quickly thought to himself in regards of who to take along. Heading to the Villa, Brian gave more thought to the matter and quickly came up with Jenai. He knew she would watch his back side no matter what happened, and he hers. Sides, she was always thinking a step ahead and normally was on the same page, especially in regards to their patrols so it made sense. The next came from his own sister's mouth.

"I am glad Icer is going with you, I know she will watch your back, till you get home."

Those words the day he left for Appleburg rang true, as Icer and he did watch out for one another, so Icer was also set in to his plans. This of course was contingent on if the ladies even agreed to go. Still, he felt good about it. It all seemed to piece together well, I mean who would expect Brian to tromp on into some place with Jenai in tow, lay waste and then have Icer come outta nowhere to boot? Exactly.. They never would see it coming, and it was perfect for the element of surprise. Brian also needed logistical support, since his only true time on earth was spent in the far east and truth be told was years ago. This was a hard one, but he recalled 'Level 5' the group Jade and Casidy were a part of, and knew they had to have connections. So Jade was added to the prospective line up, so as it stood he had it settled to an extent. The real question is would they accept?

<<Adapted from Live Play, apologies to Erin-mun for the delay, it's been a long couple of weeks, thank you all!">>

Brian recieved his answer a short time later, and now we are on day five itself inside the the loft Brian and Jenai share above Yotsuba's Cake Shoppe, nestled in the main square of the Market Place. Jenai, Icer and Tyranacus are already present, and Brian is just joining them.

"I know a roof over our heads will be a good thing."

"Hopefully we can get some rest while we're there as well."

"That is the plan."

"We should. I think we'll be exhausted after our first day even if it's just from the trip and being there."

Up the stairs, Brian came as he looked to each of them with an affirmed nod and continued.

"First day, we rest and recon."

Icer offered a smile to her brother, and then looked to Jen once more.

Jen looked around, and let her eyes settle on Bri a moment as he moved towards the group. "Sneaky."

Tyranacus stood, and picked up his sword Saibaryuu, then held it to his back, and poof! it was sheathed on his back, in a perfect position where he could still use his wings, and draw the blade...and smiled seeing Brian.
"Hello~"

"Ohaiyo, Ty." said Bri, as he tossed the final linkpearl choker to Ty.

"Ty... how are you going to use the sword if your in hatchling form?

"Ty, understands."

Jenai chuckled, watching, TY. "At least he's eager?"

"It's afternoon Brian, no morning..." as he caught the chocker with his tail, then smiled to Icer. "I have my ways."

"He knows anything can happen. "

Brian adjusted his previous greeting to Ty, and bowed in turn. After all one could not greet the wrong way before a rescue mission, it was just unheard of. "Konnochiwa"

Icer smirked, as she concentrated, and Ty ended up with a poofy pink ribbon around his tail.

Ty put the chocker on, then notices a ribbon on his tail."
Mom..." as he pointed to her. "Don't make me make you yellow." and a threatening talon wiggle quickly followed to affirm Ty-chan's point.

Icer arched an eyeridge and grinned. "You wouldn't dare.."

Brian moved to the dinner table, and sorted some items, the twin holsters strapped on and this time secured, a glance and check of the spare clips, and once more more he sifted through packs of gear that had already been checked a few times before. Still, he wanted to be sure.

"Oh I would." an evil grin spread across Ty's muzzle.

"Hollow, Nitrate, jacket piercing, and gospels. All set with these, I hope."

Brian cleared his throat a moment, and spoke to them once more.

"Honestly, guys. I have NO idea what we are getting into."

Icer looked back to her brother, and nodded.

"I managed to track the coach driver who took Erin to a cave, he claims she just gathered her things and walked inside. I painfully convinced him to take us, and not tell a soul. Since we do not have Jade, basically this is the best way."

"Walked inside.. She then tilted her head and asked softly. "I hope you didn't hurt him too much brother.."

Ty crossed his arms over his chest, listening to Brian's answer.

"I paid him."

Icer smiled to Jen, then carefully slipped into the backpack, ducking out of sight. Then the coach came to a stop as the same driver that had taken Erin, slipped from the driver's chair and nodded, a nice sized pouch that jingled was handed off from Brian, as he then loaded up the bags and gear. Poof! poof! and Ty was in his designated backpack, in hatchling form, of course, Eeh.

It took a bit of work, but Brian had felt he had the bases covered, it had been a long time since he had something like this, let alone head to Earth with a pair of Dragons and his ass kicking and name taking lover along. Jen was careful with the backpacks and set them all inside... making sure no one would get squished or stuffy. Brian spoke with the driver a moment, and then the man took his position and awaited them.

"Load up, peeps."

Jenai got in as the last bit of cargo and wrapped her jacket about her shoulders, and then checked Icer and Ty's backpacks. "Yes." and she was. well as much as she would be... "How long till we get .. where ever?"

Brian his trench off, and folding it in his arm, not really concerned about the pair of pistols and multiple clips strapped to his torso. A glance around the market, as he closed the door and moved up with the driver and showed him a map, the driver nodded and rang the bell announcing departure, and in moments, they were on their way. Ty offered no movement, or sound and just remained as a statue. Just then, Lady Shauri could be seen just down the way, leaned lazily against a bench glancing about. Brian then called back to the others.

"You guys can relax, we wont be there for a bit. We will have to pass through."

Icer, blinked, then poked her head out of the backpack, and smiled to Jen. Just then, Brian caught sight of something that made him smirk. Noting one of his auction posters Elly set up, the flattering picture of him cooking for Jenai one morning, made him laugh a bit. Jen then pulled back the flaps to the packs that carried, Ty and Icer. In case the Dragons wanted some air, and then whispered to each in turn.

"Just let me know if you guys get hungry...."

Shauri's eyes widened at the coach and a quick blessing was uttered, blowing a kiss that direction to sending the magical blessing their way....
"Keep them safe."as she then waved.

Jenai saw the Lady Shauri and gave her a warm smile before the coach pulled her from sight.

"I will, though I'm fine for now."

Brian offered a raised brow a moment as they passed the Lady Shauri, and turned, offering a warm smile and bow of respect, as the kiss was caught and one returned to her with a wave.

Ty poked his head out and looked around. "I'm good for now Jen."

"God save the Queen, the Ravenlocks are coming."

"Good..." settling back and waiting.. maybe a nap
would make the trip go faster. Icer blinked, watched the scenery go by, and pulled her neck back into her pack, so that only the tip of her snout was visable.

Lady Shauri laughed and kept waving. Icer then concentrated, keeping her thought's shielded, she spoke a moment to Shauri.

Jenai found them both so cute in the bags and chuckled, she moved the pyro bag under something softer and got comfy. Ty then faded from view, becoming completely invisible, and going back inside the backpack, remaining still and silent once more. Out front with the driver Brian reached into the pocket of his coat he produced a small case, and opened it. A new pair of spectacles were donned, as he smiled to himself letting the refracting shades darken with the sun.

And they were off, and soon headed out of town, each of them having no true idea what may come, or when they would return. Only time, and Erin's situation would answer that question.