It was early in the morning when Briarius made his rounds. He first visited the RhyDin bulletin boards and posted the notice of closure. He made a formal announcement for The Oracle and any other news source. He then visited the families of the 10 missing students and offered his apologies. It was late in the morning when he returned to the Academy. He lowered the severity of the wards so that people without wicked intent could pass. He hoped his message got to his "friends".

He prepared a brunch for all attending the meeting. He had invited some of the more illustrious members of RhyDin's people. After he summoned the last bit of food, he sat. He wasn't looking well. He looked rather..."old" at this point. This matter seemed to weigh on him heavily.

He summoned his strength and waited for his guests.

Well, Lyndra did. She'd gotten a very covert message in her crystal. It was the oddest thing she'd ever seen. She'd never even heard of it happening to others before. But it was clearly a message from Cadence.

She had been up all night, too. Coffee if what she went for... more like cream and sugar with enough coffee to color it and a shot of espresso. She also grabbed two pieces of bacon, some cheese and fruits. Well, sOmeone had to eat all this food, no? She would.

"Good, I see ye both are here. I was hoping to catch one of ye before others arrived."

She definitley moved closer to them and used her senses to alert her of others before they arrived so that she could stop talking so as NOT to be overheard. Her tones were only loud enough for Bri and Sha'uri to hear her.

"I got a rather bizzare and strange message from Cadence while I was scrying. She's.. um... apparently jumping hoops through time. By the time what she found will occur, she's hoping we'll have caught up and she can come back here. She's been having visions... saw his death and knows he's alive again only younger looking.. or will be. something like that. She strongly suspects him, that is Travanix might've taken the children and even thinks the woman he will show up with at Club Babylon Opening seemed too familiar. She knows he's been trading slaves with Bonnie Corp. She has not seen any children, though. It's a touchy situation for her and she says she will try to work it out with her boss there. Mary or something? Says she's the most reasonable one there. But she will have to be very careful. She's scared and afraid of coming here, too. That's all I know. She wanted me to tell ye"

Sigh. She moved to sit down as well and eat her food.

"Aren't ye two gonna eat? Oh, by the way.... The Oracle is closed down. Doors were locked and I couldn't get in to it with this month's article. I have no idea why either... strange that."

Anastas walks in on his own damn time, clearly not exactly welcome there. He makes no attempts to blend in with the crowd or comfort Briarius, but prefers instead to stand by the table, eating nothing, drinking nothing, waiting for a suitable time to speak.

"Anastas Nikolaevich Iskandorj. I'm here on behalf of Mr. D'Mourir and the SPI. What is it we can do for you?"

The wards prickled against Alysia?s skin as she passed over the threshold of Ravensheart?s Academy. She ignored the tingling, feeling a little sullen due to the hour; even late morning had a tendency to be too early for the silver-maned priestess. Still, daytime could not keep her from this conference, particularly considering Briarius? public request for assistance.

How noble of him. For a moment, her elvish features darkened with a smirk. Alysia took a seat and glanced over those gathered, nodding at those she recognized: Briarius, who looked his age and not in a good way. Shauri, standing close to Briarius. And. . . gods and demons, was that Renna in the corner?

The others were unknowns. She waited.

"The... slave trade?" He frowned as he thought about it. "I didn't know it was commonplace..."

"Yeah, but we've not been on RhyDin for a very long time." Meaning the entire planet of RhyDin, not just the city. "There may have been a spike in such activity during our absence."

"Anyways... Who do you have in mind in terms of suspects?" Kidnappings... slave trade... Things were starting to come together in his mind. He was already looking for someone responsible for the kidnapping and torture of a friend of his, and he thought he'd heard earlier that the man responsible was a slaver. He already had a suspect of his own in mind. He didn't want to say who, but he did want to know if anyone else had the same person in mind.

"Agreed, the kidnapping of that many children let alone one, is indeed a quite a crime."

A bit later than the other, by his obvious comments, Brian made his way into the room, his beloved Jenai at his side as always. The later half of the conversation was caught, as they had waited for a break in the talks to make their way inside. Blue eyes panned the room and it's gathered, as he recognized Alysia right off the bat, granted it had been a long time indeed since the eldest Ravenlock had seen the Priestess.

A most respectful nod was offered to Alysia in turn, a smile for Renna followed. Looking to Lady Sha'uri, Brian offered a warm smile, and then a respectful bow to the headmaster in turn. A nod was offered to the remaining trio. Each he recognized but had never spoken with, it seemed that was about to change.

"Please for give our abrupt arrival Headmaster, and Lady Sha'uri, we were looking into a few things in relation to your request along the way, unfortunately they didn't exactly pan out, but Kerri is working as we speak."

Setting his pack down next to him, he looked around once more and nodded to himself, as he realized this was a most interesting gathering indeed, and gods help whoever is responsible, should this lot get their hands on that particular party. Looking to the headmaster, Brian went straight to work, so to speak.

"Headmaster, Lady Sha'uri? Do you have the files for the students in question available, also would we be able to go over employee files, as well as work schedules, and or sick leave requests the things of the such? I think that would be a decent way to start, while we talk of what other actions we can pursue."

She was newly returned and fouond she could not ignore a call for help. Especially not the kidnapping of young ones. The Healing Adept had arrived at the Academy at the appointed time and had made note of the wards against those of ill-intent. A good first layer, but she felt more could be done there.

She followed the intense feelings to the meeting room and listened for a moment. Of them all Alysia's words were the ones that rang closest to the point. However, there was another angle as well,

"Has anyone considered that these younglings were taken because of the fact that they were students here?" She spoke up softly, yet firmly. As one comfortable in her power, but no need to show off. "Ordinary younglings would not present as big a challenge to take as do the students here."

She looked at everyone here. She had heard of the attacks and missing people of months prior. "Considering that many citizens have been targeted in the past, perhaps these hunters grow bolder. This certainly does not fit the patterns of the more traditional slaving houses."

She once struggled against those more traditional slaving houses, now she had learned their methods in order to educate.

The flood of people coming in was almost overwhelming for her for some strange reason. She found herself shifting away from Briarius and moving to the side as people arrived and started talking. Brian and Jenai's arrival was a heartwarming welcome. It had been some time since she'd seen them. Brian's smile was of course returned warmly in kind. That is about where her warmness ended. There was business to take care of.

"The Slave trade has been common in RhyDin for many, many years... eons even. I know for a fact that the lines run to other worlds, other universes. Trust me, Slavers were involved. Which ones... we don't have enough evidence but there are susupicions. We need more evidence and preventions for others. Where's our so called beloved Governor? What's he doing besides eating Snake-Bite Potatoes from the Munro Deli... anyone know?"

Sarcasm tinged her last question as she glanced around gaining scents, feeling souls.. always searching for more evidence lurking between the lines...

It was with calm steps that Artemus made his way onto the Academy grounds. The steady thud of the ashwood staff in his hands next to the only sound emitted from him aside from the swish of his robes. He still ran over the message from Briarius in his mind. It was incidents like these that had caused him to pull back from the city's eyes, and so here he was to aid an ally. His steps slowly wove their way up the paths following the scent, literally, of those who had arrived before him.

"How many others have answered this call, I wonder..."

Upon finding where the others had gathered he smiled a bit at familiar faces and did a double take seeing Neo. "Wonders never cease..." a broad smile came to his face seeing his former student from the Isle.

"You as well, perhaps we can talk later as there are other matters to attend to." Another nod to his friend, Artemus turned towards Briarius and the others.

"From the snippets I have caught so far, the theories on the students is Slavers. Ransom, and what else?" the Arcanum's Headmaster looked at the others.

"I do believe rather than rushing off half cocked" a look was sent towards Renna. "It may be best to divide ourselves into smaller teams and investigate each angle. While it may spread us out, it guarantees each aspect will be looked into thoroughly. This city is full of slavers, and to go after the first few we each can think of can blow up in our faces like a poorly mixed potion.

I suggest one group looks into the backgrounds of the students involved. A second group puts together a list of known slavers capable of pulling this off. A third will work on the ransom angle. And the fourth will work amongst the other three in helping to gather evidence. If we all pull together on this, we may have better results than each of us running off on our own and risk stepping all over each others toes."

She glanced over to the ones offering opinions and then looked between Neo and Renna. "Chances are you are both right."

She looked over them all, "We are either dealing with a large organized group or several powerful individuals. Either way there had to have been more than one to pull this off effectively and get around the wards in place."

She glanced over to Artemus then to Briarius and waited for their host to speak and offer up his views.

As for Shauri's scans, she could get a sense of powerful magics and powerful wards about this one. Beyond that was a mystery...

The Count had received a private request for assistance from the Headmaster of the Ravensheart Academy. He remembered Briarius from a time long ago when they had a casual discussion in the Red Dragon Inn, and the Headmaster seemed a decent enough fellow to deserve a consideration of his request. Besides, Talomar Longden had already taken substantial steps to return some measure of civilization to the city, and the abduction of ten students was a concern that could not be allowed to go unaddressed . . .

. . . or unpunished.

He had been listening from the back of the room, delighted to see Alysia and Reena in attendance. There was someone else who seemed oddly familiar although he was certain he had never seen her before.

Interesting.

He slowly nodded in agreement with Reena?s words and his dark eyes watched as she moved to the corner.

She would wait until this matter was over to offer her services. She was not a hunter, but she had other talents she would offer. "All I can offer is to rule out the traditional slaver houses. There are rules in place even within them about this. What with the bevy of willing beauties that throw themselves at them often, they do not need to do something this brazen. Is there not 1 or 2 slaving houses that have the confidence or lack of a sense of self preservation to do something so bold and attract this much attention?"

Indeed, not much has changed about Rhydin since she had been gone. Was that a hint of disgust in her voice as she talked or experience? However, she did not know who was the power players any more and could offer no names, only to point those did know in a direction that might help.

Her eyes traveled over to the one standing in the back of the room. She could feel the faint traces of power.

Her power... Interesting.

Time to explore that later though. This was more important.

She asked one more important question, "Did anyone manage to catch a glimpse of these attackers?"

That was if she chose to look, which she did not. She was not one for prying or ostentatious shows of power. Anything else would have been seen as rude by their host and she chose not to offend him.

There was one thing she wasn't and that was a bully. She was comfortable in her power and not appearing to be anything more that what she was. Yes, people got hints of the power, but they really could not see what was beneath her shielding.

In fact a great deal of her power lay not in what she held personally, but being able to draw from the world around her. Something fewer still would know.

She was not a threat to anyone here. That much was clear.

The second group will be our security group. I want our security measures looked at to avoid this sort of thing happening again. Mistress...I'm afraid that I am at a disadvantage. *he looks at Shariane* You seem more of a defender, so I will have you coordinate this effort.

"uth Dravon, Shariane uth Dravon." She nodded and regarded Briarius as he continued detailing a course of action. The power she did detect was another reason she found not to offend her host. Still, defenses were something the people that raised her specialized in. Given the seriousness of the matter, she also considered guardians to aid in alerts, as it were.

Ideas were forming as Briarius handed out the rubies. She listened to his words and tucked the ruby within a pouch close to hand.

"When you have a moment, sir, I wish to discuss what you have in place so far." A wise person looks at all sides, after all.

A brief nod at the plan and structure, Artemus listened intently; and waited his turn to accept a ruby with a small smile. "Given the talent in this room, finding your students shouldn't be too much of a chore."

Glowing emerald eyes turned then to the others rather curious on who would help with the motive angle. Given this task wasn't exactly field work it would be genuinely curious. With next to infinite patience he waited on the others to take take their roles in this endeavor.

All the while he went over the other possible combinations in his head. Ravenlock and Longden have been asked to work a diplomacy aspect. Sha'uri and Renna were to go after Travanix, given the security around that man, use the word loosely, they had the hardest task of all. And this Shariane is going to help the Academy's security assessment. Artemus went over the names and faces in his mind without giving much external reaction and figured that meant half of them were out on the streets and half would be here on the Academy grounds which was more or less getting turned into a base of operations.

The Headmaster's attention went back to Briarius then as his hands clasped around the ashwood staff he held, a thumb idly sliding over the garnet and jade ring on his left hand.

"While there are one or two slavers capable of this, one thing to consider if it is say Travanix, or Anubis, or some other remnant of the.." a pause then as he looked to the others. "SA? Slavers Association, or was it Union that was so prevalent in Rhydin so many years ago? Is..." He chose that moment to take a seat and let his staff rest casually across his knees and steeple his hands in thought.

"What would they hope to gain from taking students from this school? Anubis may be arrogant, but he isn't exactly stupid and neither is Travanix. If either was behind this, then by now they've burrowed deeply into the underground. Something like this would seem more the work of a new element, wanting to make a name for itself, however that is just my thoughts..."

Artemus faded then to let the others offer their own opinions or considerations on the matter at hand.

She shook her head a bit as well. "In the time I struggled against the SA they did not have the reputation for taking children."

She looked over to regard Artemus, "I used to be vehemently, even violently against slaving and the Slaver's Association. It was something that had gotten me in trouble, even collared in the past. So I know something of their methods."

"It may well be even someone who thinks they are unstoppable." She considered for a moment, "Do some of Lord Brutin's former associates reside within the walls of city still? Perhaps they may be able to shed light on motive or even power players currently active."

In many ways, knowledge equated defense. Know thy enemy.

Travanix, huh? Is that who she thought it was? He thought to himself as he heard Briarius split up the groups. Curse my naivete. That's who I think it is too. But I'm not sure I want to go with... her... He looked over to Renna, not liking the malicious intent he could feel pouring off of her. It didn't scare him; no, you couldn't scare Neo very easily. He just didn't like it.

Tsu walked over to Neo from his safe haven near the door, speaking with him quietly. "Who do you plan on going with?"
"I want to go with her... Because I think it's Travanix. And I have something personal against him, too. But I don't want to go with her." The last part was said more quietly: "Because she'll probably be a huge pain in the neck to work with."
"Don't be a wuss."
"Huh?" Neo was taken aback a bit by that.
"I'm the one who's definitely not going that way. But they need another powerful fighter with them."
Neo thought about it a bit. I do suppose they will need someone to keep her from flying off the handle. "Okay, then. So how about you?"
"I'll probably go with Artemus."

The whistle then caught their attention. They turned their heads and listened attentively. It is indeed true that the two of us especially still lack information.


((If Neo and Tsu actually do split up, I'll probably use Tsu's username for his parts. If you object, speak now or forever hold your peace.))

Listening intently, Brian's hand gently squeezed his beloved's, as he nodded in careful thought in regards to the assigned measures... Still in his mind there were far too many variables as it stood.. Motive for the number of children taken, more so was there anything about said children that might have made them something more valuable than the others that were possible at equal risk of beign taken. Coordination of the effort involved.. And if they were spirited away as they were, there was also the chance they may not even be in this area, let along the city itself.. Other ponderings came to mind, as he listened to the others go back and forth. Then it hit him...

"Diplomacy!?"

Blue eyes blinked to the realization, as he pondered what was asked of he and his Jenai.. While he could play the diplomacy card, he honestly felt his talents could be best used elsewhere, but this was the not time for bravado, and the Headmaster had made the request. Brian knew the part of the soldier and would do what was needed to help see the children to safety in whatever way he could, if they were to be a face for this endeavor and appeal to the masses en large, he would do that, and then some..

That also meant Kerrithra would be working her 'Lostest Boys' to the limit, as they would hit the streets in turn. Thoughts to public outcries came to mind, as Brian could see concerned parents all over taking to the streets in protection of their own loved ones.. It could work.. And every lead would help. Yes, he could do it and would do it.

Realizing his outburst, Brian nodded to the Headmaster and Lady Sha'uri in turn..

"Forgive my outburst, I was a bit concerned.. Rest assured we will do our part, and whatever else is required. Diplomacy it is. Please, however.. I would like all files available on the students, including class schedules. I believe that would assist more than you may know."

Yes, each had their part.. All would do what was needed for the greater good. Well, that is Brian kept telling himself.. A glance noted from the Priestess, as the elder Ravenlock nodded sagely to her.. As if to say..

'I know what you mean.. Every moment counts.. And is being lost, as we speak.'

He felt it.. The tension.. This was more than who got to do what, or who knew what, or who thought what. A coordinated effort was required, and far more than 100%, from each of these gathered and every second counted. Looking to Jenai, Brian nodded, as his hand lifted to his azure 'Linkpearl earring'.

"Kerri is already preparing, and has her people on the move, street teams are forming, as we speak. I'll ready a statement, and we'll speak in front of the Watch Headquarters, then we go to work, love."

"There were at least three people involved. Their movements were too swift for anyone to catch a good description that I'm aware of, but that they were one woman and two men at least. Renna was able to get a scent on the woman. I wasn't here at the time of the incident, but I was not far away.. well for me. I was down near the market area attending business. I sensed something wrong and came. By the time I flew in, they were headed for separate directions carrying the children. I would have followed the trail sooner, but we had to get the children inside the grounds."

"They used knock out pellets on their victims, which are notorious in slave abductions. These were verified in my Citadel's labs. We have had our slave issues with these kinds of knock out pellets on Exodii. The pellets are linked to RhyDin in some fashion, either they are made here or else they are shipped through here, as are slaves themselves. I found the pellets on the paths just outside the grounds where some of the students were abducted from."

"These people were organized and knew just where to hit and how.. which was outside of the grounds. That tells me they weren't bold enough or capable enough to attempt this on the grounds. It also means they were watching us for a while and knew that at certain times, the children were allowed to leave the grounds and go a short distance to the local coffee shop down the street for donuts and whatnot. They do have to be a certain age to leave and must sign out and back in so we can keep track of the activity. Usually it ends up that one or more teachers go with them. There were some who went and most of them were captured. All the students and teachers that were captured did sign out to leave. So no one was taken from the Academy grounds."

"I later followed the trails, after about a half hour of gathering students to the auditorium. I found bits and pieces of items that had been dropped along the way. The trails were purposefully meandering in many directions, twisting and crossing each other, trying to confuse. I suspect four to seven people actually involved in the whole abduction just by the tracks. However, I wouldn't rule out more. Eventually they led to a clearing in the woods just north of the school. There were six backpacks at the southern end... they belonged to the students taken. There was a set of wagon or large cart tracks but not enough to know from what direction they came or left. I"m sure some other transporting or gating method was used, magical or otherwise I couldn't confirm. The victims were loaded to the cart, evident by the way the tracks I'd been following suddenly lightened as if weight had been lifted from them. Even part of the wagon tracks confirmed the weight gain."

"Anyway... There was a shadowy figure there when I arrived. At first I thought it was conjured to distract me but then I wondered if it was trying to help me... almost seemed comical, encouraging me to look closely. I have to wonder why. I'm sure it was conjured by some fashion. It had no soul to it and no magic about it. I suspect the use of the Force for there is no other explanation that I'm aware of, not even holographic. On the assumption that this whole thing was for attention, it could be that the one responsible for the kidnappings also put the shadowy figure in the clearing simply just to make sure they were being followed.. perhaps to later set a trap for others. We must be careful of where these investigations lead. The children could be bait. The way of the Force is hard to explain and something that I don't have expert knowledge of. Yet I'm sure that the Force was used. How many slavers use the Force?"

"Travanix does. We have history. Perhaps that is a reason that he might attack children from here, specifically. Lyndra could very well be right... he's just getting started. You see, it is a known fact that Travanix used to do this kind of thing quite often. For example, an incident occurred many years ago to a member of the Brotherhood of Light. She was abducted by Travanix and drugged with the substance known as Spice, which is very addicting. If you wish to confirm or find out more, you may seek those at the Brotherhood of Light. The guild is regrouping. Speak with Vargus, Pyriathin, Thara... perhaps any of them. Thara was the one abducted by Travanix and drugged with Spice. This happened many years ago. Vargus is their leader now with Pyriathin, my father, as his second. Any questions about the Force may also be answered by them. They know much more about it and perhaps can help further anyone's part of the investigations."

She'd been looking around at the people but now her gaze rested on the faithful secretary. Her tones calmed exceptionally.

"And Melody? Would you please go get the lists for Brian? Thank you."



((oops, had to fix something. I left out a note on Thara's previous experience with Travanix. And Shariane... Nothing personal. Sha'uri is a hot head sometimes and this is definitley one of those times for her... not to mention, she is very suspicious. :roll: As for me, I'm very grateful everyone showed up to play! Thanks all! ;-) ))

There was not retailation, she simply turned an left, holding herself as if slapped.

The ruby had been left on a nearby table along with a stone of recall. If anyone wanted the help, they could use the stone to find her. The last gently spoken thing had been slapped at as she had been offering an olive branch and had it shoved down her throat.

So far she was tired of getting verbally slapped at. So much for returning to Rhydin...

(There is only so many times she will be slapped at before she leaves. I apologize if I stepped on toes in my eagerness to play...)

"Uh..." Renna turned her head to follow the woman out. She stood quite bemused, and turned to look at Shauri with singlular arched brow, "Did I say something wrong?" The question was honest, she hadn't a clue what had just occured. Perhaps her comment had been taken the wrong way, after all.

The Betrayer should just learn to simply shut her mouth.

"Anyway," as if she was trying to move on at the task at hand, and spoke to Shauri, "How is it exactly, do we do this carefully? I'm not widely known for my subtle methods."

Count Longden had seen and heard enough to understand the situation and what needed to be done. He was a busy man and had others who handle the dirty details, for he had no patience for the uncivilized and indiscreet - whether they be slavers, murderers, or vampires.

He gave a nod to Brian, then slipped back against the wall and disappeared.

Brian listened a bit more, and decided he had heard enough. Noting Lord Longden's departure, Brian offered a respectful nod in return, and then about the room his eyes went once more. A gentle squeeze of his beloved's hand, as he collected their genstone. Then quietly, the Lord and Lady Ravenlock excused themselves, and prepared for what was to come.

it is with an explosive burst of apple blossoms that Kaiee appears, fashionably late and seated upon Briarus's Desk (or table where he is standing or sitting.) The flowers seems to shimmer away like so much glitter before they alight upon any surface.

Crossing her long, very splendiferous legs, she smiled Briarius, "What's shakin', sweet-cheeks?"

A teasing wink is given to the others in the room.

::A slight rip in the space/time/contium opened as a door appeared in mid air near the cieling and the spiffy legged one popped out, closing the door behind her as her wings fluttered and brought her down to the table where she sat down with legs crossed and dangling down over the side. She, of course, picked a spot where there was no food or something to break or anything there. She sensed confusion, tension, anger, annoyance, blankness, mutteryness and remnants of patheticness ... if that was even a word, but it was in her vocabulary.... lingering in the air of emotions. She blinked and then blinked again. Smile. She wiggled her fingers hello to Kairee but her question was for anyone::

What did I miss?

::shift shift of her gaze one way and the other::

Alysia remained seated, calmly watching those who still remained, those who had lately appeared. She had savored the heady and chaotic raw emotions roiling across the room until Briarus clamped that off with some sort of non-verbal spell -- which was a wise action.

She leaned back in her seat, crimson eyes drifting over the Headmaster, then Renna and Shauri. With a wry smile, she said, "I place myself under your direction, if you will. I will assist in any way I can." Alysia paused. "Even if it means staying out of your way."

Sigh. How could she miss the friction between Renna and Neo? She didn't. She also didn't seem to be immune to the calming effect of Briari's spell either. Of course, she was allowing it and secretely wondered if he zapped her twice with two of them.

"All right then. Whatever differences we have, they must be put aside. And if they can't... let's hope a child doesn't suffer for it."

That was more or less for Renna and Neo, even though it was good advice for herself. She noticed, though, how Renna was staring at the Headmaster....

"Ahem.. Renna.. stop drooling dear. Wipe your chin."

Grin. There was no drool. She nudged Renna slightly with her finger to her arm poking just a tad. Then her gaze shifted lazily to Alysia.

"Alysia, thank you for coming. I seriously doubt you'll be in anyone's way. Even if you do, I'm sure it would be for a good reason."

She glanced to Neo again.

"So, who are you?"

Renna smirked, "He's not my type... I only drool for one man. And he's quite dead."

The Betrayer side glanced Alysia, "You are an exception to my comment, I have no right to try and boss you about. Shauri's more of a leader than I, she can do that for me." A rather sloppy and sinister grin sent Shauri's way.

She sighs, and shuts up. Allowing the effects of Bri's magicks to take ahold of her. Either that or she didn't reply to the question about her name.

?Vigilantes,? drawled Alysia, her fiery eyes resting upon this Neo. ?How very charming.? Had she known the direction of his thoughts, that he thought she seemed level-headed, she would have laughed outright. Appearances were so often deceiving. She merely offered a quirky little smile and nodded at Neo before looking back to Renna and Shauri.

?If slavers were involved, by reputation alone Lord Travanix will have some information on the situation - whether or not he was directly involved. My gut instinct is to move fast, now, and try to grab some of Travanix?s people. Squeeze them until something useful or interesting comes bubbling to the surface.?

The tall, silver-haired priestess entertained that idea, looking momentarily delighted at the prospect. Then, she paused, brows raised. ?However ? if you?re worried about possibly offending important people, perhaps it would be best to allow the Ravenlocks and Lord Longden to seek a diplomatic solution before indulging in, ah, more direct means.?

"Well, it seems this room has gotten rather emotional of late, hasn't it?" this was said to Tsu as he approached. Offering a subtle nod to the Edge, the Arcanum's Headmaster adjusted his focus to Briarius and Sha'uri.

"Given that my group has been charged with the task of divining motive, and a majorum, combined with your revelation, points towards Travanix, then our search begins with you Lady Sha'uri. You said you've a history with this fellow, then him targeting ths students as revenge can be said to be motive enough.

However, I won't go with "enough". As I said in my earlier remarks, this man isn't stupid. The kidnapping is more than likely a ruse as you suspect. One could follow that line of thought, as a ruse to lure you, personally, after them. But we all should tread softly in case it is not him and another who can use the Force as he isn't the only one in this city who uses it. We have a prime suspect but everything is susceptable to variable change.

To that end, I think it best that any involved with this endeavor who have a personal...attatchment...shall we say, to the students, not go after this group directly. Though slavers are involved, the students could just be the bait. Squeeze the farmer, the crop shows the damage." His words were gentle and calming, much like the aura surrounding him in that moment. It wasn't often his aura actually showed itself, but when it did his mind and focus were honed to a surgeon's scalpel.

As Artemus looked between the two, his emerald eyes held a faint otherworldly glow; as the runes tattooed onto his skin, that curved up along his neck and jaw, flickered for a moment then fanished back under their concealing enchantment.

"I don't like people being mad at me. Neo can go get himself chewed out as much as he wants. I'd much rather investigate than get yelled at for being ignorant; which the two of us very much are. And besides, Neo can handle himself, and them. Shadow's there too. She's Alex's friend, so I trust her." This was his quiet and timid response to Artemus before he started on his little speech about Sha'uri and Travanix's history.

Yes, his gears were turning now. You could tell he was the smart one in the Edges of Life. Neo and Jin were both smart themselves, but Tsu was more so, and in a different way. He thought in complex and strange ways. Sometimes the result was genius, and sometimes the result was a "No sh!t sherlock" kind of deal.

At the risk of getting yelled at... Something he hated so much... he proposed his plan. "Since Travanix is trying to lure us, we should lure him back. An unusually large amount of people have taken interest to that angle anyways, and I don't believe he'll be expecting it. We can take advantage of that. I propose that we split the group further... but not evenly. A group of three or four people containing Sha'uri will advance headstrong. Whoever is left will travel more covertly, at a distance. Far enough to not be detected, but close enough to react once the group gets caught in whatever trap he's got for us. Yes, we will intentionally walk into his trap. The remaining person or duo will thwart the trap and the situation will be turned around. If it so happens that Travanix intends to see it through personally, then it will be five on one, and we can squeeze him for the best bits of info. That's doubtful, though. Regardless of what the trap is and who's involved, turning it around will be an advantage for us."

"Of course, that's assuming he actually has a trap for us." He scratches his head and turns a little red, his shyness showing. He hopes that he didn't overlook something or say something stupid.

..

The Headmaster of Ravensheart Academy approached the 3 from the shadows to the side of the crowd.

"May I, Lord Ravenlock?"

Smirk, she gave a quick sidelong glance at Renna and probably would've commented more, but now wasn't the time.

Indeed, there was more then just one head with wheels turning in the room and not all were noticed. She nodded to Alysia, listening to her while her gaze shifted around the room. Strange.. the pupils of her eyes became like flame, dark sapphire pools of flame.

"I agree. Squeezing info out of one or more of them would be a good idea... after Brian and Jen have a chance to be diplomatic."

Her gaze shifted to Shad. She could well understand the annoyance Shad was feeling from the forced calming spell that Headmaster Ravensheart just put on everyone. If Sha'uri wasn't feeling so calmed, she would've been annoyed, too. She was used to it, though. She'd been suspecting something with Vanyel or was it Icer being pregnant again? The dragoness had so many clutches that Sha'uri was convinced Icer was in a constant state of pregnancy anymore these days. She really needed to visit her friend.

"When an opportunity arises... Unless said family member is in a life or death situation."

Her gaze still seemed to be shifting slowly about the room as people talked, yet when Artemus spoke up, it drew her gaze steadily.

"Ignorances or no, there isn't a fool in this room. Though I'm the only to voice them, you can guess that the others here... have also considered this into whatever plans they devise from here on out"

Here her eyes flickered a spectrum of blues.

"Indeed, Headmaster Kurgen. Speaking of... ."

There was something draconic in the way she shifted her head to look at Kairee.. somewhat pointedly with that delicate right brow raised. Well, it wasn't ill intended or evil or harmful if someone came in to listen, gather information. The ill intent, evil and harmful thing would come later during the sale of it. She would not put it past this one to sell it. She was calm, though.. oh yes, deadly calm.

"Now that I think about it, I'm surprised to see you here, Kairee. Last time I saw you, you were in the Red Dragon Inn making deals with particular slavers already mentioned this day.... How's that workin out for you, hmm?"

In addition, Sha'uri took her academy pin off and set it on the table beside Briari along with the ruby. There was a reason for it and it was more for safe keeping then anything.

"I don't think I should have these. You should keep them safe."

She stepped away from the table and resumed her position with the others. Silently, she cast a spell to open a portal next to her that lead to another place. The otherside was guarded in mist and veiled from recognition. Even if they saw, it was not something anyone there would recognize.

"All those currently a part of this brigade ... I suggest we speak elsewhere. Headmaster Kurgen, I thank you for your input and you may accompany us if you wish to discuss this more. However, we are going somewhere else, now."

{During the morning meeting before it's conclusion}

His calming gaze shifted between Kairee and Sha'uri once or twice taking in the words spoken from Lady Sha'uri. Finally Artemus lifted the ashwood staff from it's place across his lap and rose calmly, with a slow shake of his head at the spell Briarius had cast.

"If you so desire Lady Sha'uri, I can accompany your group." his sandaled steps carried him in that direction with a motion for Tsu to follow. It would be good to the lad to observe some of the interactions that would take place from here on out.

In passing he focused on Briarius a moment and smiled softly. "Given how late it is in the year, if any of your students wish to continue their studies while the school is closed, they are more than welcome to sit in on the continuing classes at Arcanum. Our doors are open to the students and faculty of Ravensheart as you well known Headmaster."

Smirk, she gave a quick sidelong glance at Renna and probably would've commented more, but now wasn't the time.

Indeed, there was more then just one head with wheels turning in the room and not all were noticed. She nodded to Alysia, listening to her while her gaze shifted around the room. Strange.. the pupils of her eyes became like flame, dark sapphire pools of flame.

"I agree. Squeezing info out of one or more of them would be a good idea... after Brian and Jen have a chance to be diplomatic."

Her gaze shifted to Shad. She could well understand the annoyance Shad was feeling from the forced calming spell that Headmaster Ravensheart just put on everyone. If Sha'uri wasn't feeling so calmed, she would've been annoyed, too. She was used to it, though. She'd been suspecting something with Vanyel or was it Icer being pregnant again? The dragoness had so many clutches that Sha'uri was convinced Icer was in a constant state of pregnancy anymore these days. She really needed to visit her friend.

"When an opportunity arises... Unless said family member is in a life or death situation."

Her gaze still seemed to be shifting slowly about the room as people talked, yet when Artemus spoke up, it drew her gaze steadily.

"Ignorances or no, there isn't a fool in this room. Though I'm the only to voice them, you can guess that the others here... have also considered this into whatever plans they devise from here on out"

Here her eyes flickered a spectrum of blues.

"Indeed, Headmaster Kurgen. Speaking of... ."

There was something draconic in the way she shifted her head to look at Kairee.. somewhat pointedly with that delicate right brow raised. Well, it wasn't ill intended or evil or harmful if someone came in to listen, gather information. The ill intent, evil and harmful thing would come later during the sale of it. She would not put it past this one to sell it. She was calm, though.. oh yes, deadly calm.

"Now that I think about it, I'm surprised to see you here, Kairee. Last time I saw you, you were in the Red Dragon Inn making deals with particular slavers already mentioned this day.... How's that workin out for you, hmm?"

In addition, Sha'uri took her academy pin off and set it on the table beside Briari along with the ruby. There was a reason for it and it was more for safe keeping then anything.

"I don't think I should have these. You should keep them safe."

She stepped away from the table and resumed her position with the others. Silently, she cast a spell to open a portal next to her that lead to another place. The otherside was guarded in mist and veiled from recognition. Even if they saw, it was not something anyone there would recognize.

"All those currently a part of this brigade ... I suggest we speak elsewhere. Headmaster Kurgen, I thank you for your input and you may accompany us if you wish to discuss this more. However, we are going somewhere else, now."

A dazzling smile for Sha'uri, "I see you are still speaking out of your ass about things you know nothing about. So fortunate for Bri-babes to have such a ernest, sweet, and warm hearted companion...his own Little Miss Sunshine." Dismissing the magette with a blown kiss, Kairee turns her gaze back to Briarus, "You asked for me, babes. Is there something going on other than rabble rousing? It seems your ......gathering of heroes have everything sorted out including the casting of aspersions and gathering of suspicions and are ready for action....of one sort or another.....regardless of facts."

Uncrossing and re-crossing her long, Splendiferous legs; a brush of a bit of lint off her lap before re-crossing her legs again, "Since your colleagues are intent on casting blame on Slavers, why don't you just go meet with Travie. Ask him if he's heard of magical persons captured and up for sale. Offer that you will buy them back should they be your students, regardless of who took them to begin with. IF it's Not Travie, and I have heard no evidence that it is or that you even have a clue aboutwhat happened, he can help by being another source of information. Slavers are motivated by profit. Make it profitable, and they will work with you....for the most part...just be careful to the terms you accept... they are almost as untrustworthy as Demons.

"Beyond that, babes, this is a Magical Academy...I'm sure you have some arcane methods of search and scrying available to you. I would task some of your idle, gossip mongering staff to employ their alledged skills to endeavors they are may be be more suited ..." An idle shrug.

Arching a perfect brow at Cadence, "Sweetums. I wasn't talking to you or about you. As for my comment to Sha'uri, it's so hard to tell what orifice she's spewing from at any given time however, she was speaking about things that she knows nothing about . Her jealousy causes her to make false claims and to spread untrue innuendo.

"Now to your point as to how I "knows theys all magical, thems that got taken"...this is an academy for those magicaly adept. The odds are in favor that the students would conform to that requirement. It's elementary, Babes."

...

Briarius approaches the front and turns to the crowd.

"It has been a few years now that I have returned to RhyDin. Some of you have parents or grandparents who remember me from my earlier days as Primarch of the Restorers of Light. My journey was long and when I returned, no longer did I have the blazing fire of righteousness burning within me to avenge the wrongs and cast down the darkness. That blazing fire had cooled to the light of knowledge and wisdom. I wanted to touch the people of RhyDin with this light. Knowledge is power and with the wisdom of the proper use of this power, a new generation will lead RhyDin into a glorious new future. However, some have disagreed with some of my choices. I respect your opinions and always have listened to the people's will. I have offered the compassion of wisdom and seen what I feel to be the true heart of several. I have not once since my return used my powers for evil nor have I used them for selfish intent. I will warn those who chose to try and snuff out the light of knowledge. My pwoers are great and I will exhaust every last one of them to restore what was taken from these families. That fire of righteousness has been stoked and I assure you I will not rest until this matter is resolved."

With that, the Headmaster left...back to his work.