ROLEPLAY HQ - mc-rp-town

It was another gloomy and early morning in Midnight Creek. The morning mist circulated the town as it often did. Children could be seen walking to the local schools, open to all occults. The paper boy would be on his bike, passing out the morning paper and waving hello to all the shopkeepers. It was peaceful, and yet quite eerie. The paper read that a town hall would be held today in front of the council’s office, discussing the issues of the town. All were welcome, though the most heard voices were most likely humane. And how will you enjoy this fine morning? What creatures will we see love out their days either in harmony or in anarchy?

With a million books and scrolls in her hands, 25 year old Althea Quartz would lead her students to the town hall in a frenzy, eager to have their voices heard along with their issues in funding

13:31

“Clementine, Belladonna—keep up, you two!” She would call behind her shoulder to the two teenagers who were dragging behind, their training witch hats almost falling off their heads

Juniper would reply “You’re going too fast, Mistress! And you’re dropping half your papers!” Belladonna would be frantically trying to pick them up while the other five warlocks in training tried to assist (edited)

Althea would finally stop as they had reached the town hall. “Quickly, children. Take your seats.” She would hustle her pupils to some of the chairs in the fifth row as the Council came out onto the staging platform and stood before the crowd

Alder and his family were at the town hall about two hours before the event started. His father was the current holder of the fae seat of the council. Alder and his two siblings along with his mother were outside the town hall taking photos for the fae press. Alder hated this attention. He just wanted to go back to his books and garden. His siblings, a brother and sister, were more interested in the affair and they paid attention as their father spoke about his stance and how h would protect the fae people. The children were dress in their best formal wear. Alder wore a dark blue and black suit. These two colors made his very fair skin almost looks ethereal. His bother was wearing a similar suit but with black and red. His sister was wearing a elegant black and white dress. His mother had picked these outfits to highlight the beauty and paleness of the fae. When the family made their way into the building they sat at the second row. Alder hated being in the public. He knew that he would be looked at as the youngest of a very harsh fae family. He plays with his fingers as he looks around and sees all of the residents of the town. Alder didn’t know why they all couldn’t get along and just life together in peace. (The suit picture included is what alder is wearing)

Amelia was sat on the far right, her head in a book - as always. She was only here to report back to her father who couldn't seem to travel to the town hall himself. He was still distraught from Amelia's mothers passing twenty two years ago. He couldn't seem to leave the house, living vicariously through Amelia, who would much rather stay in her small library and read!

A skinny middle-aged city worker would stand center at the stage as the Council members would take their seats. “Welcome everyone to our biweekly town hall. We will be opening inquiries to the public about issues in our community. May we welcome our Council chairs as they lend their ears to the public and continue to work for harmony.” (edited)

15:56

Before the man could even leave offstage and the Council could properly open it up to the public, a gloved hand would raise in the audience. The man would accidentally sigh into the mic, recognizing the hand immediately “Miss Quartz, may I remind you that you have a time cap on how many things you can bring before the Council before you start?”

Althea would stand, her witch’s hat making her height taller “Yes, I am fully aware, though most of my concerns last town hall were not addressed—.”

“And I am sure you will remind us of them today. The session is officially open. Miss Quartz, please give one or two other voices a chance today.”

Unphased, Althea would sit and reassure her students, while also sending a zap at Belladonna for showing off a particular finger to the man onstage

alder looks back and smiles at the women. He always love that these meetings were filled with this women’s words. This was the only reason alder didn’t die from these events. His mother smacks his hand and shakes her head. Alder looks down as he was scolded. Alder’s siblings sighs as they look toward their father. Alder looks around and bites his lip before he raises his hand. “I-I have a issue I would like to bring to the council..” his voice was soft as he stood. His father eyes widen and then turn mean.

“Ah, young Mr. Wood!” The man would look relieved that there was time before Althea stole the mic for the rest of the meeting “Please, do share your concerns with the Council.”

Heath had arrived a bit early as well. However he had kept to himself and stayed away from everyone. He was actually newly announced as Whitefang's new leader. He claimed his father's position a few months ago after he disspeared years earlier His ears perked up as his gaze landed onto Alder, a bit interested on what he had to say. Heath hasn't spoken at all yet today. But he had joined the meeting anyway even though he knew he wasn't a part of the council. Thanks to them not wanting to fully include the werewolves. He was mostly in the corner at the front row but still keeping away from everyone

alder steps to the front and clears his voice before he speaks “I am Alder Wood of fae…my concern is that currently there is no public function to promote..um..community with all of the races. We have no fairs, concerts, farmer markets or anything public for all of the races. In fae we have our own functions and humans have theirs but nothing that we do together..I was wondering if that would be something that all races could come too…” he bows his head. He knew that he would be yelled at by his father.”

Amelia's ears pricked up, like everybody else's. There were murmurs. Mutterings about races... mixing? The book was put aside and Amelia sat to listen intently. She was all for the other races enjoying the community. * *She was also interested in the fact it was Alder speaking to the council when his father was a key member!

Alder’s father, who’s name is theobald, clears his throat and says “please. The races mixing? Council member I am sorry for my son’s idiotic comments. He is young. He doesn’t know that the world isn’t as nice as the stories tells us..” he says this with venom towards his son.

He tilted his head a bit slightly, He certainly hasn't heard of that before. Heath couldn't see the races mixing or being around each other longer than needed. He knows his own kind were certainly very angry at the humans and vampires currently

“Now now, it is known that other races are well…welcome in a sense during holidays and public festivities—but are we speaking of a festivities that celebrate races mixing as a whole? It’s, well…certainly an idea” the man would speak, looking at the Council and obviously not sold on the matter himself (edited)

16:26

“I SECOND HIS NOTION!” A hand would shoot up from Valeria Coven girls—Belladonna would have raised her voice

Althea would look at Belladonna, half chastising her but also happy she wanted to be involved

alder looks down as he hears this from his father and the other male. He goes to walk away before he hears the women. He turns and his face lights up. He turns back to the council. “I know that the races are technically welcome. However I have never seen a werewolf in fae, or a fae in human, or vampires and werewolves having coffee.. I think that if we want harmony like this council promises, then we could have a event that bring everyone together…” alder looks at his father and says to him. “I don’t think that the current council is doing a very good job on promoting harmony…”

Now mutters would grow louder. This would be cut off as the prestigious vampire Councilman Straud would stand “So…we wish to do a bit of an experiment. Well, alright. At the founding of the Treaty, there was an annual Unity Festival. Dancing, food, games..they had be…discontinued due to animosity, but perhaps bringing this back to see if we have grown as a town would be an amusement of itself.”

16:34

The other vampires would look skeptical, snickering

He felt his tail slightly wag a bit. He was a bit hesitant to speak up and decided agasint it once the vampire spoke. His eyes narrowed as he slightly gave a small glare at Straud.

alder looks at the vampire and says “i say that is a great idea… the unity festival was a amazing show of the work of our founders. We should not hate each other over our differences but celebrate them…together…you, the council, show be making a place where us the younger generation can happy with the town we life in…”

Alder’s father shakes his head. “The unity festival was a horrible idea. I am going to ask that my son be removed from the record and that we do not talk about this any more..” he glared at his son. Alder makes himself smaller from his father. His wings push agaisnt his back and his suit.

"I'm afraid I would have to disagree with you," Heath stepped out from his little corner with his arms crossed. His tail was wagging slightly faster than earlier. "My pack have been tired of all the little freedom we are being promised or gaining, As their new leader it's my job to make sure that I change that," He glanced at Alder's father with raised eyebrow. "Is your son not correct? His could be a chance to have the future generation raised and protected from what is currently happening as well as a potential war." He bared his fangs and uncrossed his arms "I'll say give the man's idea a chance, Have this festival go on and if it succeeds then we go from there, If not the the point was proven and we resume as normal,"

“Should the Council vote?” The man onstage would ask?

alder looks at Heath and smiles. He looks at the council and says “I am not asking much, just a chance…please let me show that this can work…as a show of faith I ask the authority of the fae to hold it in fae.” His father is stunned as alder looks at the male that ask if they should vote

“All in favor of the festival!” Of the nine council members, 5 would be in favor. “The majority has it. The Unity Festival will be reintroduced this season.”

16:52

There would be some claps, but much more muttering

16:53

Belladonna would smile “YES! Finally, something fun again.”

alder breathes out as he bows. His wings catch sun. They throw colors all over the town hall. Alder sits back down by his family. They stand and move to another bench. Alder watches them and then looks down at his hands. His father growls as he looks away from his son. Alder bites his lip and covers his mouth to stop him from making any noises. He was alone

Some of the older student in the coven would whisper and giggle, looking at Alder. Althea would hold her finger up as a warning to zap. The girls would immediately settle down

Heath looked over at Aldre and give him a smile before heading over to him "May I sit besides you?" He tilted his head curiously

“Next in business—Oh, for Christ’s sake.”

The green glove would be up again

“Anyone else? I’m begging here, people.” He would say

Heath looked over at Aldre and give him a smile before heading over to him "May I sit besides you?" He tilted his head curiously

@Heath (@Kazatasy) - jump alder looks up. His eyes were on the brink of tears. He nods as he moves over and wipes his eyes. “I am sorry…I just belive that I have been disowned from my own family..” he says. He lowers his head. He takes a breath in and looks at heath. “Thank you for backing me up…even if you didn’t mean it..”

Since no one else was raising their hands, Althea would stand, taking the moment “Thank you for so generously handing me the mic, sir. This will only be of the most importance.”

17:02

Althea would take out a parchment paper and roll it out. As the parchment length fell longer, there were a few loud groans and the man onstage would throw his hands in the air and then rub his brow

He sat down next to Alder with his tail bumping agasint the bench with each wag. He lowers his voice in a whisper as the concil resumed "You have nothing to be sorry for, I quite think the idea could work if placed correctly," He sticks his tongue out with a smile. "I want to do what's best for my pack and your idea and seeing how much you wanted this could help, It honestly nice seeing someone caring about us and well of course the other species,"

“Well, if most of these problems were solved, the list would not be so long, now would it?” Althea would say, not skip a beat

The rest of the meeting went on with Althea arguing with the Council, as per usual, and most of her problems being pushed back to further dates. Politics

17:06

“Meeting adjourned” the man would finally say after a Councilman had to leave the room during a dispute between him and Althea, which ending with the Councilman looking as red as a tomato and Althea cool as a cucumber (edited)

“Honestly, not even a dent was made into my list. I’m sending another strongly worded letter tomorrow and I want all of us back here tomorrow at 9am to catch the Council before they enter the building.”

“Oh great. I love being kicked off public property.” Juniper would mutter (edited)

1

alder smiles and nods. He says “I just want ours races to be at peace. I don’t think hate is a good answer..” he says. As the meeting is closed. His father comes down from the stage and smacks his son. Alder falls down onto the ground and breathes heavy. He looks up at his father as he says “how dare you. You are a idiotic fae. You are not my son!” This happens while people are in the room still. Alder’s mother gasps as she hears this. Alder just lets the tears fall as he looks up at his father.

1

Many of the audience still dwindling out would be shocked by the public brutality, humans whispering about how barbaric Fae must be

Althea would turn at the sound and see Alder on the ground. She would immediately walk their way and help the boy up

His ears perked up as he stood and watched this man smack his own son. His tail stopped wagging as the leader growled and got in between the father and son "I think it's time you leave. Wouldn't want to fae to get a bad reputation huh?" He glanced over at Althea and Alder

“Councilman Wood, may I remind you that you are in public. Not only do you embarrass yourself but your whole community. Show some decorum if possible “ she would glare, venom behind her words

alder doesn’t take his eyes off his father as he is helped up. He doesn’t hold back his tears as he turns away and sobs. His mother moves to go towards him. His brother stops her. She sobs as she turns and hides her face into his brothers should. Alder bites his lip as he looks at his wings. One of them had been folded and is bent out of shape. He looks away from it.

Althea would place a hand on Alder’s shoulder “Don’t you fret, I’ve got a realignment serum that will fix that right up.”

alder nods as he bites his lip. He sighs before holding his head high and turning back to his father “I as a fae hold the right to hold the festival in fae. You are not going to stop this from happening mr. wood..” he turns away and slowly starts to walk towards the door.

Seeing as this has basically ended, Heath headed away from the others and out the door. Once he was outside he brushed his hair out of the way of his covered eye but it ended up falling back in place. He supposed he could go back to his pack. He honestly wanted to explore the town a bit more before heading home

Mia stood with the rest of the crowd, slightly... deflated. She was hoping something exciting would actually happen. She hurries when she sees Alder by the door and walks along side him, book wrapped in her arms. "I thought that was very brave." She murmured softly to him so as his family couldn't here.

Althea would lead the way, her student following her like ducklings following their mother. They would be a row of pointy black hats traveling back through town

“Wish I could have zapped Councilmen Wood for what he did to his son..” She would have been angry the whole way back “And no one really did anything! He still has to go back to his father!”

“If he lets him back.” Juniper would pipe in, reading her book as she walked, barely having to look up from the pages

“And the minute that bolt leaves your fingertips in broad daylight, you’re in the courthouse for your hearing. Trust me girls, I am just as upset but there aren’t any laws much less protecting us than him”

Heath ended up deciding to wander around town before fully heading back to his pack. Even alphas need breaks. His tail would wag faster as he looked at the little shops with his ears perking up. His eyes lit up with excitement as he saw all these differnt people pass

One of Althea’s youngest pupils, a boy of 7 years old would wave to the young Alpha from across the street

The leader noticed the boy and gave a wave back happily. He smiled at the boy.

Althea would see Heath waving and look behind her, seeing young Cassius smile. She would look back to Heath and give him a respectable nod, showing friendliness

He noticed Althea and tilted his head. He was a bit cautious seeing how she was human but remembered her words and actions during the meeting "You were at the meeting weren't you?" He spoke and went a bit closer to her with curiosity.

“Yes, as always. Althea Quartz. Mistress at the Valeria Coven.” she would lower her head a bit as a greeting

17:21

“Of course, my words hardly ever get through to the thick heads and even thicker egos of the Council.”

"As do anyone's these days," Heath gave a small smile to Althea. "I'll admit I admire your bravery to speak up to them, Heath Lament is my name,"

Althea’s eyes would light up in recognition “You’re the Alpha! I knew you looked familiar. I remember seeing you much younger.”

Heath ears flattened a bit in embarrassment "Haha yeah, I only recently claimed my father's place as Alpha," His tail wagged at lighting speed as this point at the thought of someone recognizing him "It's been months now,"

Althea’s face would fall a bit “Indeed. I’m sorry for you loss…”

"It's quite alright, None of the pack knew where he disspeared to but I still find myself searching for anything that could help me," He gave a small frown "The pack thinks he has passed away but who knows,"

“I wouldn’t lose hope so quickly. Your kind are resilient.” She would smile kindly

His smile was brought back to his face "Thank you Ms. Quartz," He tilted his head once again. "Where are you heading to?"

“Back to the coven. These are my students. I often bring them to the Town Hall to understand the politics of our town and the importance of us fighting for our place at the table. The struggle won’t end with me so I’m making sure the generation after me picks up where I left off.”

“You’re five years older than me.” Juniper would mention, not looking up from her book once more

Althea would send a sisterly glare at Juniper but wouldn’t debunk it

He let out a small laugh "You should still listen to her in my opinion!"

“Thank you. You see?”

“That’s fine. She acts like she’s in her 60s anyways.” Belladonna would smirk

“What you meant to say was I have an old soul.” Althea would remark, rustling Belladonna’s hair

“What about you, Alpha? Where are you off to?” Belladonna would smile

"I was taking a look around town before heading back to my pack," Heath crossed his arms with a smile "I enjoy seeing all the buildings and such,"

“Oh, how nice! I bet the town today is buzzing after the Council passed the Unity Festival.”

"I bet it is, I'm looking to see where it leads," He admitted

“If you’re the Council, you’re hoping it leads to failure. It’s quite obviously a test, unfortunately… No matter. We will enjoy what little of the festivities that we can. Now come along, children. We have your morning studies.”

Some would groan while others would simply say their goodbyes to the young Alpha, including the little boy who waved from before

"It was a pleasure meeting you," He waved to Althea and said his goodbyes to the students

“Likewise, Alpha Heath.” She would smile and wave as she lead her students back to the Coven

It would be another energetic afternoon in the Valeria Coven. Witches and warlocks would be practicing spells, mixing potions, and chasing after their animal familiars.

“Has anyone seen Hecate? I’ve been calling her all morning!” Belladonna would enter the livingroom, checking under the couches where Juniper would reading yet another book

“Did you check the greenhouse? She might be chewing at some of the plants again.” Juniper would respond

Just as Juniper was speaking, Althea would enter the room “Bella, that cat better not be in that greenhouse again. I don’t want her eating something poisonous.”

“I don’t let her in there purposefully! She’s sneaky and persistent. Besides, she may not even be in there.”

A voice from the other room would echo “Belladonna! Hecate is in the greenhouse again! I can’t get her out!”

“Oh stars…” Belladonna would run off, her reprimands for Hecate being heard as she walked back down the hallway and onto the screen porch

Althea would look to Juniper as she read “I’m off to town to collect some silks and fabrics for new robes. Are you still joining me?”

Juniper would now finally look up, disappointed “That’s what today’s errand is? I thought we were going to the apothecary…”

“I’ll take that as a no.” she would smirk as she grabbed her signature green robe out of the closet “These are for the Unity Festival. The Festival used to host friendly duels and magic shows for entertainment. I’m going to see if the Council will support such events this time around.”

“Oh, perfect. I always wanted to be a circus animal.”

Althea would give Juniper a pointed look “It’s not ideal that we cannot practice magic in public, but these events could be a first step to removing that law.”

“Fine, but I’m gonna pass on picking out fabrics. I’d rather stay here and read.”

Althea would chuckle and walk out of the livingroom and leave the Coven, heading towards downtown

Althea would be walking down the street of the town’s marketplace, her large green witch’s hat shading her from what little bit of the sun could escape the clouds. She would wave to some townspeople that she knew, as Midnight Creek was a fairly small and quaint town

Alder walks down the Main Street. He didn’t know where he would go. He didn’t have any human money. He sighs as he finds the main park. He sits on a branch and bites his lip. Rubbing his face where his father hit him, alder takes in the park and the human world. He hasn’t really been in the human world. Alder thinks about how he will put together the festival. He would need help. He closes his eyes and jut listens to nature.his wings flutter with the wind as alder tries to calm down.

From a few feet away, Alder could hear two girls arguing about something near a large oak tree “Well, how did she get up there in the first place?” “I don’t know. It’s your cat!”

alder opens his eyes and look over at the girls. He stands and flutters his wings. He takes off to the skies and flies over to the girls. “Hello, can I help?” He asks as he points to his wings.

The two girls would turn to the source of the voice, surprised to see Alder. Belladonna, the taller of the two, would have been pathetically swinging a cat toy to try to catch the cat’s attention. The smaller girl, Juniper, would still be holding her book and mostly watching Belladonna out of pity

“Hey, I know you. You’re the boy who got the Unity Festival passed today!”

“ yeah that is me..” he says as he floats up. He flies to the cat and clicks his tongue. “What’s the cats name?”

“Hecate. She’s my familiar. I’ve been practicing taking her out for walks on a harness. I tried take her around the gardens, but she started chasing a bug and vanished. Now…” Belladonna would look up, seeing the little black cat simply staring down at them, looking quite comfortable where she was

“We’d use magic to get her down, except we aren’t really supposed to do that in public. The law and all..”

alder sits on the branch next to the cat. “Well I think I would want to be up here too..but we do need to get her down..” alder waves his arm and makes a cooked fish apear in his hand. He smiles at the cat and holds his hand out. “Come on hecate..”

The werewolf was walking down a street scratching his arm. He recently got a new tattoo a week ago on his arm. Of course it was a wolf and a moon. The artist was a bit nervous on tattooing a alpha but he did it anyway. His tail wagged like it always does as he muched on a snack he got earlier

Hecate would fixate on the fish now as the girls looked up at Hecate, watching her next move. Hecate would easily and almost mockingly descend the tree and stop at Alder’s feet, looking up expectingly

Alder bends down and lets the cat as he feeds her the fish. He picks the cat up and smiles “ how is this? I think she likes fish..”

Belladonna would shake her head with a smile, frustrated at her lovable cat “Yes, she’s very food driven so it seems.” Belladonna would scratch under Hecate’s chin till she purred

alder slips the cat back to her owner. “How come you can’t use magic? I can..” he says as he taps a flower. More grow right away. Vines spread and flowers and plants pop up as if out of nowhere.

“Warlocks aren’t allowed to practice magic outside Covens or witch owned properties. It’s one of the mandates they have on Warlocks. Faes have their own world, so I guess it’s harder to mandate your kind. Especially since you have representation on the Council…” She would hesitate bringing up the Council, as the scene of Alder being smacked down by his own father was still fresh in her mind

alder nods as he flies up alittle and sighs. He crosses his legs and bites his lip as he floats “yeah…I guess that is right…but I doubt that anyone will like fae once this festival goes down in flames..”

His ears perked up at the mention of a representation in the council. He looked over and saw the group and recognized the students and Alder. He throw the now empty bag he had into the a near by street trash can. Not really wanting to interpret the group or talk about the council. He started to make his way past the group without giving them a glance

Heath

His ears perked up at the mention of a representation in the council. He looked over and saw the group and recognized the students and Alder. He throw the now empty bag he had into the a near by street trash can. Not really wanting to interpret the group or talk about the council. He started to make his way past the group without giving them a glance

(Me too, Heath)

“I don’t think it will be a problem. From what I’ve learned, the Unity Festival seems like it was a lot of fun! Very educational in the different cultures.”

“Isn’t that Alpha Heath?”

Alder looks over and see heath. He waves and smiles “hi!” He says. Alder turns to belladonna and nods “yeah I have to just plan it…I don’t have help from my family so I am freaking out…”

“So I’ve heard. I’m sorry about what happened today…”

Juniper would wave to Heath as well, wondering if he would end up joining the conversation

Heath stopped in his tracks at the mention of his name and Alder's greeting. He gave a smile and stuck out his tongue. His eyes were brighten up full of cheer. He gave a wave to them both and ended up joining the group

“it is ok…we might have look all out together but we had so many cracks…I haven’t even heard from my brother or sister…I don’t even have any human money..fae doesn’t have a currency.”

“So where are you staying?” Juniper’s usual tone would turn more concerned now

“I don’t know…” he says as he settles down onto the grass. His wings drop and so does his head. “Fae is so complicated..” he says as he hides his face. He tries to hide the tears coming out of his face.

Belladonna would look very concerned now, looking to Heath

He gave a small frown at Alder and gazed at him for a while. He returned Belladonna's look and clears his throat "Well I uh may have a idea but I'm not sure it' s a good idea or if you will agree," His ears flattened

alder looks up and looks at the alpha. “I will take anything..I just am so done with everything today..” he wipes his face

He glanced at the others and then spoke up "How about you stay with one of us for a bit until you are able to get your own place?"

“Well…our place may be tricky.” Belladonna would look to Juniper, conflicted

“Covens historically only host other warlocks and witches, though granted you are still magic and our people are basically cousins. There’s no granite rule against us hosting you, but I’m sure your kind wouldn’t like you residing with…halflings.”

He gave a short nod "I could always have you stay with my pack seeing as I'm the alpha but I'm not sure you would get used to our traditions," He rubbed the back of his neck. "We are mostly angry at the humans and vampires so being a fae I wouldn't see that many problems,"

Juniper would look to Alder “It’s entirely up to you, though keep in mind, half the girls and a guys in the Coven are practically in love with you. They see you at every meeting so I’m really not sure if that’s a plus or a minus for you. May be some undesired attention if you’re looking for a more quiet home.” Juniper would shrug

"The young one has a point, and a plus would be you will be under my protection so no harm would get through very easier. However the other pack may notice having a fae in my home and may be a bit surprised,"

Juniper would look to Heath “I—We’re a year apart. I’m nineteen.” she’d say monotonously. She had to correct people a lot due to her height

(Poor Juniper)

He turned his head towards her and flatten his ears "I apologize for my mistake,"

“She’s used to it.” Belladonna would grin. She was always smug when people thought she was the older of them two.

He let out a nervous laugh "I should assume one's age based on height, Epically when I'm so young for being a Alpha and tall for my age,"

“It’s fine. Seems that there are bigger problems then being mistaken Ed for the wrong age” she would say, looking back at Alder still on the ground

alder looks at everyone and smiles. “Thank you..I appreciate it!” He stands and bows. He leans up and smiles at the group. “Thank you. Really…this is the nicest thing anyone has done for me.” He says as he smiles. He looks so happy. “Do you guys want to help with the festival? I could use it!”

“Yeah! How hard can it truly be?”

Juniper would snort before looking at Belladonna’s face “Oh….you were serious.”

Belladonna would nudge Juniper in the ribs

“Oww!” she would glare at Bella…but she understood the reasoning. “What I meant to say is we’ve got your back.”

Heath gave a smile "Sure, I can help," He sticks his tongue out as his tail wags

“In fact, Im sure Mistress Quartz can help, too! She was hoping the Unity festival will change the mind of the public on Warlock rights. And we happen to know the Sheriff pretty well, too!”

“He’s had to officially escort us off Council property a few times, but a connection is a connection I suppose.”

“So, who do you wanna stay with?” Bella would ask Alder, helping him get back into his feet

It started out as a good day; I woke up feeling pretty good about unlife, picked up a dozen Redonuts like usual, and made my way to the station for a day of playing the stereotypical town Sheriff; counting paperclips and playing games on my phone while nothing ever happened. I hadn't even made it to my desk, when Leo stops me... "Rich, perfect timing! We've got a call; it's big." Leo says, looking worried. "Is this something that can wait 'til I've had coffee?" Rich asked. "No sir." Leo replied, "Somebody's been murdered." _ Rich arrived on the scene, where a few other Deputies were already cordoning off the area. It was an area of the forest near the outskirts of town, not far from Valeria Coven's campus. The victim was an older-looking man...a Fae, Rich decided, judging from certain anatomical features, like the crumpled insect-like wings on his back. His was the only body there, though initial scans of the area around indicate a struggle...and use of magic. Then it hit Rich who this was. "Ah, shit...is this who I think it is?" "Theobald Wood, sir." A Deputy nearby spoke. "Rich sighed heavily. "Fuuuuuck."

(OH SHIT)

15:53

(Fuuuuuuuuuuuck this is DRAMA, OH NO)

(INDEED)

(AFTER THE FIGHT ABOUT THE UNITY FESTIVAL??? Bye)

(Law and Order, Magical Victims Unit)

1

(I’m screaming)

15:58

(Wait are these the same outskirts of town that the Valeria Coven would be?)

15:58

" It was an area of the forest near the outskirts of town, not far from Valeria Coven's campus."

(I—WE’VE BEEN FRAMED)

15:59

(I am speechless)

(mayhap you was, mayhap you weren't)

1

Young Althea Quartz would be on her way back to the Coven, a bag full of silks and fabrics in her knitted cloth bag

He sighed. "Time to earn the paycheck..." He looked to one of the Deputies. "M.E. en route?" "Yes sir!" Deputy Harry responded. "Good. I'm gonna need every Deputy we can spare down here, maybe even a few firemen. This is top priority, high profile, so we're gonna need CSI from Denver, too." Rich continued to study the body and the area around it without disturbing the crime scene. All hell was gonna break loose when the public caught wind of this. He noticed someone walking towards the Coven, then, and moved towards her. "Miss? May I have a word with you, please?"

Althea would have not been paying attention before she heard a voice call out to her. She would turn to see Sheriff Caruso. She was actually quite familiar with him, as she was often called to escort her and her students off Council property for peaceful protests and petitioning. She would sigh “Officer Caruso. I wasn’t expecting to see you here today.” she would say, biting back some of her disdain “Did the Council send you to finally have my Coven ripped from my hands?”

alder looks at the girls and says “I can stay at the coven. I think that would be nice! I would like tos we what magic you guys have!” He says as he smiles. He didn’t know what was going on in the part of town where the coven was.

2

He rolled his eyes. She was always like this. Where the hell was his coffee? "I'm not in the mood for this, Thea. I have a dead body over there, and questions for you."

2

Althea’s sass would drop and now would be full of concern “Dead body? …Gods, is it one of my student??” she would start looking over Rich’s shoulder, ready to go see for herself with dread in her heart

alder looks at the girls and says “I can stay at the coven. I think that would be nice! I would like tos we what magic you guys have!” He says as he smiles. He didn’t know what was going on in the part of town where the coven was.

@Alder Wood (@🌊BlueBell🌊) - jump “Great! Come on, Hecate! We got ourselves a new housemate!”

"Then he will stay with the coven," He spoke. "Hopefully everything goes well,"

“Sure. The Coven is chill. Come on.” Juniper would lead the way

He held up a hand, speaking more calmly. "No, no, it's not...but it is somebody very important, and the fact that they were found here, near your Coven, is not a good thing."

alder smiles and says “heath you can come too! I was thinking maybe we can have some werewolf safe games and stuff! It would be great to have your input!” He says with a great big smile

Althea would now be eyeing Rich with new suspicion “….Officer Caruso, what exactly are you asking me right now?” she would keep a leveled tone but she knew what he was thinking

Heath perked up and started wagging his tail faster and faster "I would enjoy that very much," He smiles

(Them walking blindly into a shit show rn

)

3

“great! Let’s head to the coven!” He says as he flies up into the air and then lands and starts to walk.

He followed with the group happily. Heath seemed to enjoy being with his new friends. If he can call them that

(I’m have them all arrive JUST when the timing is right

)

"All I'm asking right now will be about facts pertinent to the case; nobody's accused of anything yet. In fact, I'm actually hoping to make use of your expert knowledge." He motioned towards where the body lay. "For starters, I'm seeing singed earth and divots all over the place...unless somebody's figured out how to make guns that shoot fireballs, somebody's been using magic. Furthermore, magic is NOT the cause of death...he has two bullets in his chest, and I'll bet ya dollars to donuts they're cold iron shells. What I also don't understand is what the hell the damn King of the Fae is doing out here alone." He huffed a breath. That coffee better come with a redonut as long as it's taking to get here. "ANYway, my first question is simple: Did you leave this same way that you're returning now? If so, do you notice anything strange?"

Althea would take a moment to remember “No, I didn’t witness anything odd today as I left. I was out of the house and down the pathway by the stroke of noon. Not many of my student have been home but— fireballs, you said? I can’t imagine that no one at least her the blasts if they were truly that powerful.”

16:47

For the first time, Althea would look at the body— she would let out a gasp despite herself. She knew that Faeic heirloom ring from anywhere

16:48

Immediate dread flushed over her. She knew how this was going to look. The whole town knew that she constantly battled the Council. And now a Council member was dead near the Coven and surrounded by magic

(Should the crew enter now? I thought Althea was getting taken in

)

(go for it!)

@🌊BlueBell🌊 @Kazatasy

Juniper would be leading the way until she saw cop cars “….What’s going on?*

He could tell she was shocked to see the body, and sighed empathically. "Yeah...this is big...real big, and real bad...I've got half the department on their way here, and CSI Denver, too...and even that may not be enough." "Okay, so nothing here at noon, makes sense, the body is...recent."

16:53

"You mentioned fireballs aren't easy for your students?"

As they walked closer the alpha's ears twitched as he heard chatting. The fae's scent filled his nose and he scrunched it up "Something went wrong,"

alder walks with he group and see the cop. He uses magic and sees that there is fae magic in the area. He gasp as he stops moving. He bites his lips as he takes off flying. He flies past he cops and see his father. His eyes grow wide as he screams. It is so high pitch that glass cracks. He falls and his magic surreges. Plants grow from him in all directions. They are vines with thick thorns.

“Well it’s not exactly easy.—“ Althea would turn and spot Juniper and Belladonna and worse of all— Theobald’s son

Belladonna would pull Juniper out of the way of one particular big thorn

He yelped and jumped out of the way of the thorns "Alder," He attempted to call out to him.

"SHIT!" Rich cursed, covering his ears against the banshee-like scream that might have debilitated humans (and actually did, as a few of his deputies fell over in pain). He dashed to where Alder went near the body, leaping impossibly high, vaulting himself over the vines to where Alder was, gripping his shoulders. "Hey! Whatever you're doing, stop! Please! You're gonna hurt somebody!"

Althea would quickly run towards Alder and touch his forehead, sending a calming aura to counteract the strong emotions

17:05

“Just breathe, sweetheart…”

alder doesn’t move. His magic fully takes over. His eyes glow with white magic as he screams. Tears fall from his eyes and he loses control. He cries and even his cries are high pitch. He might have hated his dad but he never what this to happen. Thorns grow around him and protect the small fae boy. His wings flutter as he lands to the ground. A vine wraps around the body and starts to move it towards alder. When Althea touches alder his eyes widen. The vines stop and quickly retract. He sobs as his magic comes back to his control. His eyes turn back to his normal color. He sobs and hides himself away.

Fully in mother mode, Althea would tuck Alder’s face into her neck, hugging and soothing him

Belladonna and Juniper would be shaken

Rich sighed in relief as the vines retracted back into the Earth. The crime scene was tore up, and he had four Deputies on the ground clutching their ears, two more limping from thorn punctures in their legs and cradling punctured arms. "Thea, please get him out of here." He said to Althea as calmly as he could. "And if you have healers, send them out here ASAP." Not waiting for a response, he rushed over to his car, radioing for EMS.

He watched as Althea calmed Alder down. He didn't know what to do but knew how it felt to loose a father. Heath let out a small whimper trying to think of what to do

Althea would nod, looking to her girl: “Bella, Juniper! Go get Eryn and Pierce then come heal these injured Deputies.”

alder hugs back and sobs. His body shakes as he sobs. His wings were limp as he clings onto the women. He is producing a great amount of magic but it has calmed down. He whimpers as he speaks his native language. It is a soft prayer that is to protect the dead in the afterlife.

Althea would now look to Heath “Darling, can you come help me with Alder?”

17:14

Althea would stop and recognize the prayer, her eyes threatening to shed tears of their own. She would help Alder up and even recite some of the prayer with him

He gave a nod and headed over to the two in silence. He placed a hand on Alder's arm and flattened his ears

Belladonna and Juniper would be in the Coven and out in an instant, Eryn and Pierce following them as they ran to go heal the injured

alder doesn’t move and just hired his face. He mumbles some of the final words to the prayer and sobs at the end. He does look up as he stands and just climbs into heath arms. He is weak and his legs are shaking

Althea would lead Heath and Alder into the Coven— the first none warlocks to enter in a century

17:17

Althea would lead them to the livingroom for Heath to set Alder down on the couch

The werewolf was cautious of entering the coven seeing as they were not humans or warlocks. But he kept quiet and helped Alder down on the couch. Heath would take a seat next to Alder himself and placed a hand onto his shoulder

“Stay with Alder, I’m going to go help out there.”

17:19

Althea would run out of the coven towards the injured as healing spells were being casted around her

Three squad cars arrived; Deputy Lou would exit one of the cars, along with five more Deputies. "EMS is on the way, sir." He reported, then saw the crime scene. "Christ, is anything left?" "Yeah..." Rich replied, "Yeah, we can salvage this, I think...Alder found his father and literally exploded...can't say I blame the kid, either. What's the word on CSI?" "Tomorrow, 3pm" Lou replied. Rich nodded, "Good. After the injured are taken care of, I need the M.E. to prepare the body for autopsy, then reinforce the blockade here, set up some wards to prevent any more magic incidents." "Yes, Sir." Lou nodded, before moving to do his duty.

Juniper would spot Althea and give her a run down “Lots of bursted ear drums, some scrapes and punctures.”

He nodded and glanced at the fae. He started to take his leather jacket off "Do you want to wear it? It usually brings me comfort," He muttered.

“Good girl. Go heal the ear drums with the others. I’ve got the nastier ones.”

He approached Althea, "Is everybody okay?"

Juniper would nod and run off

alder curls as he pulls his legs into his chest. He cries as he thinks about his family. Some small harmless vines curl around his leg

He frowned and reached his arm out to Alder before bringing him into a hug

“Yeah, for the most part. Scrapes and bruises for the most part. A lot of bursted eardrums though…No one was punctured by the thorns, right?”

"So far that seems to be the case...please don't tell me those thorns were poisonous? Bad enough I gotta worry if my people are gonna go deaf."

“I doubt it. I already checked the buds. They’re rose thorns. Harmless, just on a grander scale.”

"Thank God for small favors." He drinks his coffee, two sugar, cream, and O-positive; now wishing he had something stronger. More sirens are heard in the distance, a trio of ambulances arriving on the scene. EMS paramedics leave the vehicles, equipment at the ready to assist the healers.

alder hugs the wolf and sobs. “I hated him but I loved him..” he says as he sobs. Snow drops bloom around alder and out to where the body is. Alder bites his lip as he thinks about his mother.

"Thank you for helping out, Thea, I appreciate it. If it's any consolation, we can at least rule out Alder as a suspect, unless he's one hell of an actor."

Althea would now look to Rich, jaw clenched with worry “…And the Coven?”

*He held him close and just listened to him. "It's never easy but I'm here when you need me to listen,"

alder nods as he hides himself with the arms of the male. He cries and sobs as he think about his family and his home. They didn’t even know. How was he going to tell his mother.

(Oh damn, someone should call the family

)

2

He shook his head, silent for a moment. "I can't ignore how close this happened to the Coven's campus...I'll still need to interview you, your students, faculty, if only to rule you out, maybe even get lucky and find a witness. Also, I'm serious about needing your help; I was hoping you could help us figure out the magic used here, and who used it. For all we know at the moment, Theobald put up a fight and this was the aftermath."

The wolf didn't let go almost like in a protective way. He would slightly glare at any warlock who was stare or even glance their way

He rubbed the bridge of his nose. "Then there's the rest of the family. I have a phone call to make."

Althea felt conflicted but would nod “Whatever it takes to clear my students. We’ll cooperate.”

He let out a few growls here and there. The fae was already in pain but didn't need any more people bothering him

alder wipes his eyes as he slowly calms down. He looks up at the wolf and says “I am sorry if I hurt you…I didn’t mean to hurt anyone..”

"Thank you, Thea." With that, he walked to his car, pulling out his cell phone.

He looked down and shook his head. "I am alright, I managed to be able to get out of the way, You were in pain and the others are being tend to right now,"

Althea would sigh, worry almost choking her by the throat before she called her students back into the Coven

“Where’s Alder?”

“In the living room. Go.”

Juniper and Belladonna would nod and run inside to where Heath and Alder were

alder nods as he takes out a small ring that his father had given him when he was smaller. He holds it close and stands. He bends down on his knees and puts the ring infront of him. He lowers his head and starts to say a small prayer.

Hearing the prayer, Belladonna and Juniper would respectfully bow their heads. Their customs were quite similar to Fae religion

He looked at the other two "Try not to cowrd around him," He mentioned and watched Alder do his then. He didn't understand fae religion seeing has his traditional traditions were much different with the worhsips of the moon*

Althea would still be outside, thinking over and over the same thing: how the hell did we get into this situation and how are we going to survive it?

alder looks up at the girls and says “do you have fae plants or sand or anything? I would like to do a safe passage for the pasted ritual”

Rich sighed heavily, putting away his phone. Decades in law enforcement, and it never got easier, having to break the news to friends family, and loved ones. He walked to the doors of the Coven, satisfied that Lou and the others had the situation in hand for the moment. He knocked on the door.

Juniper would quickly nod and run into the hallway. The back screen door would open and close as she ran to the greenhouse. She returned with a glowing pink flower with purple and teal accents

Althea would turn and show herself, still outside the Coven “Here, I’ll let you in.” she’d say. The third non warlock to enter the Coven in a century. What a day

alder takes the plant and nods. He lays some of the petals in a small circle around the ring. He bites his lip as he lowers his head and his eyes glows. He starts saying a prayer in his native fae language. The petals float alittle and tears fall as he says this prayer. This prayer is what the fae do to help protect the dead from anything evil in the after world. His wings flutter Ashe says the prayer.

Althea would open the door for Rich, stepping into the old Victorian house with warlock artifacts going back centuries

"Oh, thank you. I didn't know you were still out here." He stepped inside, feeling...something wash over him. He was a bit dizzy, but quickly recovered. "What just hit me? Do you have security measures against Vampires?"

“It’s called a Fae circle. Faes use plant life while ours is more enforced through the sealing of salt. You need to be invited by the owner in order to pass through. You simply broke your seal.”

Alder finishes the prayer and his eyes turn back to normal. He doesn’t touch the ring as a vine takes it and takes it under the house into the ground. A small snowdrop flower blooms where the ring was. Alder stands and quickly falls from his legs being weak. He looks over to the officer and he bites his lip. A vines curls around his arm. He didn’t like vampires. They didn’t like faes

Another student would walk by and awkwardly take down the garlic hangings “I’m sure this didn’t help.”

2

17:53

Althea would nod, lightly shooing her student away with the garlic

He glares at the vampire and growled a bit. Ready to protect his friends

Rich blinked. "Okay, then. Thanks for actually telling me you'd let me in, earlier, then." He noticed the garlic. "Ah...that explains why it smelled like an Olive Garden in here...God I miss eating." As he followed Althea further in, he looked around, following his natural curiosity and his instincts as a lawman. "Wow...beautiful place you have here."

3

“Thank you. It’s been passed down for generations.” she lead Rich to the kitchen, heading the prayers in the livingroom

*hearing

"Well, I won't be long, I just need to let Alder know that I called his family. They'll be coming around to pick him up."

“I’d give him a moment. I think he’s praying. When he’s done, I’ll have you go in and talk to him…”

(Oh he’s done

)

Alder moves to the couch and bites his lip. He curls up and vines wrap around him. They are protecting him as he kinda goes into himself. His eyes turn mean as he looks at the vampire. “Belladonna…I don’t want to go with him..”

“I understand, but he’s going to take you to your family. I’m sure you all need each other now more than ever….”

Hearing that the prayer was done, Althea would nod to Rich that he could enter

He kept glaring at the other and giving a low growl. Making sure he was away from the man.

He nodded. "Of course." He walked in, his lips tight. He didn't expect to welcomed warmly, and Alder just lost his father, so he simply said, "It's okay, I'm not taking you anywhere. Your parents, on the other hand, will be coming around later to take you home."

*parent

2

18:02

*MOTHER, sorry, lol

2

18:02

(this is a mother, alright...)

alder looks down and sighs “my brother is going to hate me…he blames me for everything.” Alder looks up to the vampire and growls “you should have even been near the body… you should have called the fae. We have rituals!” He says as his eyes glow white. Vines wraps around the male’s legs.

3

Althea would watch from the doorway sympathetically

18:05

Althea would stand up “Alder…”

Rich noticed the vines wrapping around his legs, but he either wasn't fazed, or hid it well. "I'm truly sorry this happened. I apologize if we were...insensitive to your rituals and practices. However, I also need you to know that we will do everything we can to find your father's murderer...but in order to do this, we have to gather any evidence that can help us. That said, we'll work with you, your family, and your people moving forward...your Majesty." He gave a bow of his head in respect.

alder blinks as he lets the vines down from Rich. His eyes goes back to normal and he sighs. “Sorry…we just don’t touch the bodies till we have done purity rituals…” he says as he curls up. Vines twist around him tighter and even dig into his skin.

Althea would see the vine tighten and make a face at Belladonna. Belladonna would place a hand on Alder, trying to calm him down

He stood by not really knowing what to say. He had a frown on his face and felt very uncomfortable right now

alder looks up at belladonna and then up to heath. “Sorry…I just…who will take his place? On the council? Who is going to be king?” He asks with tears in his eyes. Soon his mother and brother is outside the coven house and a knock comes. They are in all black. His brother has a stone face while his mother is crying.

Althea would quickly get the door and invite them inside

Compelled to say something more, He continued, "I was 17 when my father died. We didn't see eye-to-eye on a lot of things...but when he died, one of the last things he said to me was that he loved me. For waht it's worth, I think...I know your father loved you too, whatever disagreements you might have had."

alder looks up and sees his mother. He stands and runs to her. He hugs and she hugs back. His brother looks over to Rich and gives him a blank look. He doesn’t touch or hug alder. His brother is very distant to the whole ordeal.

With the family having arrived, Rich decided to leave.

18:18

"Thea, I'll see you tomorrow, yeah?"

Althea would look at him and nod. Some worry in her eyes but also an understanding of what needed to be done

He was about to respond to the fae but stopped himself when his family came. Heath was always very loyal to his friends and seeing how much pain Alder was hurt him

There would be a bunch of students on the steps, very confused as to what was going on and why so many non-warlocks were being invited into the Coven

alders mother looks at her child and smiles sadly. “It is going to be ok hunny…” she looks up at the group and nods “thank you taking care of my child…you are all invited to fae..please visit anytime..” she says and turns to lead the two boys to fae. Once they were outside the coven, the mother or queen waves her hand and creates a small portal. It opens to fae and the older brother steps through and then the queen steps though. Alder looks back and gulps as he steps into the protal and looks back.

Belladonna and Juniper would smile kindly, sending their love before the portal closed

He gave a wave to Alder with a sad smile before looking at the other with his ear flattened

Althea would now sigh, slumping onto the couch as Belladonna and Juniper remained outside with Heath

“…Well, we’re screwed.”

Belladonna would look to Juniper “You’re really thinking about the Unity Festival now?”

“Wha—not that! Hello? Magic plus dead body, plus Coven only a few feet away. Seem suspicious to you?”

“…You don’t think… You think they think a warlock did this?”

“The way we’re always arguing with the Council and now a Councilman is dead practically in our front yard? ….I’m more shocked that Althea wasn’t arrested on the spot…”

“But she didn’t do anything—!”

“Oh, like that matters. The town hates us. We’re halflings. Freaks. Too human for the supernatural, too dangerous for the humans, and not to mention a dwindling population with no representation. Don’t hold your breath for a fair trial….” she would leave, entering the house, visibly upset

Rich sat back in his chair back at the station, having temporarily unhooked his phone to take a break from call flooding in; everyone from reporters to relatives to reverends (He STILL did get that one) who wanted to know what was currently happening and what he was going to do about it. His answers, of course, were as diplomatic and reassuring as possible...but the truth was, things were a mess. Between the King having made enemies from here to hell and back, combined with most of their evidence having been churned into the dirt by his distraught son, anyone's guess was as good as his in regards to whodunit and whydunit.

"Are you...smoking, sir?" Lou asked suddenly.

"Yes." Rich replied, unfazed.

"You haven't smoked since 1956."

"I've decided to re-addict for the duration of this case. Anything back from the autopsy?"

"Yes, sir." Lou resonded, "You were right about cause of death: Two bullets to the chest, Ballistics confirm both made of cold-wrought iron."

"So that leaves the magic to explain. I'm thinking self-defense; after all, he was alone...for some reason."

"It WAS near the Coven, maybe he had business with them there? He wouldn't have had reason to bring protection?"

"Maybe..." He shook his head. "It doesn't make sense; if Althea had anything to do with this, the LAST thing she would do is go back to he scene of the crime."

"Throwing us off the trail?"

"Too big a gamble; she's a risk taker, but she's not stupid."

10:24

"Nah, it doesn't add up, it feels like she has nothing to do with this."

"One of her students?"

"Impossible...unless she's VERY lenient about guns in her Coven. Remember we're looking for somebody carrying."

"Not necessarily impossible; maybe they kept the gun off-campus?"

Rich sighed. "Let's stick a pin in this for now, I feel like it's the wrong tree. I still want to use her help anyway in identifying any magic residue." He stubbed out the cigarette. "Hold down the fort."

"I always do."

(the plot thickens…)

The Coven would be practically on lockdown. The news of Theobald Wood’s death and circumstances have been echoing the town and everyone’s eyes would be on Althea Quartz…

Rowan sat at a table inside his bustling cafe, filling out paperwork as per usual. Two of his younger members of staff were diligently working behind the counter. There were dozens of people coming in and out, as was usual for a Monday. However, there was also the comfortable crowd of individuals who would sit around and do their work while enjoying the atmosphere. Today, it was a bit louder than usual, as many people were gossiping about the council meeting and the councilman’s death. Every once in a while Rowan heard a snippet or a rumor, but he tried to ignore it as he worked.

Heath had taken a bit of a break from the town after the death of the councilman. He stayed mostly around his pack as they suggested him not to stray too far just in case. Heath decided to go into town just for a little bit. He headed into the Cafe with two members of his pack behind him. There in case anything happens to their alpha. The scent of all the differnt people filled Heath's nose and he glanced around. Poele gave some glances every now and then to the werewolves.

Rowan looked up from his papers as voices seemed to change in the cafe. They got slighter quieter for a moment before the volume built up again. Although other groups weren’t banned from the cafe, werewolves seldom ever came in. And even if they did it was only when the cafe wasn’t so busy. Early morning, mostly. He had never seen a werewolf, let alone a group, come in mid day. People seemed to already be gossiping about it.

Heath's ears flattened as he heard the gossip people were whispering. Apparently humans already forgotten how good werewolves hearing and other scents were. His tail started to thump when one of his pack members offered to order Heath something so he can sit and relax. The pack leader nodded and chose a seat by the window. He ended up sneezing due to the many smells filling his nose. His tail thumped agasint the chair as he tilted his head and looked at Rowan with curiosity

The line seemed long, but it was going quite fast. The two workers behind the counter seemed to have a good system going in order to help people quickly. The gossip in the shop seemed to still float around the werewolves, but discussions of the councilman seemed to grow. There were all sorts of opinions, but it seemed to lean negatively towards the council if one were to listen closely.

Rowan quickly looked back down to his paperwork. He learned well enough to mind his business in this town.

Belladonna and Juniper had been in the house since Theobald was found dead. Althea’s rules due to the increased anger towards the Coven.

Althea would walk into the livingroom, putting on her olive gloves, cape and hat

Belladonna and Juniper would look at her, confused “Where are you going?”

“The Sheriff’s office.”

Belladonna would jump up, scared “They’re taking you in??”

As soon as he heard the gossip of the death. Heath let out a small whine. He didn't like being reminded of what had happen. He looked back at Rowan and spoke." "Is this cafe always busy?" *He perked up thinking to start a conversation. He smiled with that loud wagging tail of his

Althea would sigh “No, not yet” she would half joke despite her worries “They want intel about the type of magic used on Theobald’s body. Sheriff Caruso asked me the day of the incident.”

“Why would they ask you if—…so they don’t suspect you…?” Juniper would ask hesitantly

Rowan looked up, looking a little confused at first that someone spoke to him, “At this time of day, yes. You should see it this time on a Friday or Saturday. It gets even worse.”

After a moment of silence, Althea would respond. “They have no reason to book me yet and I’ll do anything for this case to prove this Coven’s innocence in the matter.”

11:13

Belladonna and Juniper would have nothing more to say as they watched Althea leave out the door and head towards town

"I usually come to the town often but I dont enter a lot of the buildings myself," He admitted. "It must be a good cafe,"

”I just think it has a good location. It’s very convenient compared to some of the other quick places around town.” He played with his pen in his hand as he spoke, “You’ll find out for yourself soon enough though, depending on if your friends are kind enough to bring you anything.”

As she got more into town, it was as if someone was turn up the knob on a radio. The gossip simply elevated as she turned each street. She received dirty looks, stares, even some people downright moving to the other side of the street. Despite all this, Althea kept her head held high. She was innocent. The days of rumors sending witches to the gallows or the stakes was over. Right?

"They will!" He grinned at Rowan. "They are quite loyal to me seeing as I'm the alpha of our pack," *He leaned back in his chair. "They didn't want me coming out by myself so they offered to come along,"

“I heard that she killed him for voting against the Unity Festival..” “…I heard that she sent her students to kidnap the prince. The prince! They were just on their way to the Coven when the police showed up…” “…Thank the stars for that! The boy could have been next…” “…Evil..” “Cunning…!” “Untrustworthy witch!” (edited)

Rowan let a soft, slightly tense smile stay on his face. “That’s very considerate of them. Especially with everything going on. I’m impressed you wanted to get out at all.”

"It's a nice change of pace," He replied proudly. "What about you?" The male tilted his head. "Are you here quite often?"

”Admittedly, I’m here a little too often.” Rowan gave a short laugh. “I should maybe get out a bit more, but it’s very easy to work in here and the employees are always very considerate.”

"Oh! Maybe I should come here again then?" Heath was obviously getting exicted and a bit hyper like he was most of the time. He had joy in his eye as he listened.

He paused for a moment, “If you enjoy it here, there’s no reason why not. Just be warned that the patrons rather do like to gossip.”

"I'll be used to it," He huffed and gave a sigh. "Seeing as it's all humans, I can handle it," He admitted. He then perked back up. "Oh! I'm Heath!"

”I’m Rowan. It’s nice to meet you. I usually don’t get to meet too many new faces anymore.” He seemed a little tense at the humans comment, but it was hard to tell through that persistent soft smile.

"It's nice nice meet you as well Rowan!" Heath was happy to be able to meet a new person. It took his mind off what happened with Alder. Still he was worried about his friend and about the coven.

He checked his watch. She'd be here any minute; Thea was nothing if not the picture of punctuality and poise... "Afternoon, Thea." Rich spoke in a slightly louder tone of voice to make sure the nearby gawking rubbernecks heard it, shaking her hand in a friendly manner, "I want to thank you again for agreeing to help me in this matter, Thea. Your full cooperation is appreciated." He then looked at the aforementioned gawkers. With a red flash of his eyes, Rich compelled, "ɎØɄ Ⱨ₳VɆ ₴Ø₥Ɇ₮Ⱨł₦₲ ฿Ɇ₮₮ɆⱤ ₮Ø ĐØ." The crowd suddenly dispersed.

“Sheriff Caruso.” Althea greet him back. She would follow his gaze to the townspeople and saw the glint in his eyes as they left. Compulsion. Though she didn’t approve of the use, she hide her smirk despite herself, thankful eyes and ears finally stopped following her

(Woooow, that was a grammatical mess)

16:16

@Indigo Cobalt

Rich opened the door of his car to allow Althea inside. "Our first stop is going to be the Morgue; The autopsy's been completed, and I'd like you to take a look at it before we return the body to the family." As they drove, he asked, "Theobald was alone when we found him; have you EVER needed to have dealings with him, and when you interacted with him, was he EVER alone?"

@Talousie

Althea would scoff “Hardly. He’s was the King of the Fae. He paraded around with guards as flawless-skinned as he was.”

16:35

“As for meetings with him, I may have called upon his office at Town Hall but was very rarely let in. Witches are Fae imposters to him. Humans doing magic tricks.”

Rich was silent in thought a moment. "So always you would come to him, not the other way around? So what could possibly compel him to do the opposite..."

“Well…” she would think for a moment “….We do have a… rough history, I’d I’m being honest. Our families, anyways.”

Rich looked at her briefly, before putting his eyes back on the road. THAT got his attention. "What kind of history? Violent?"

Althea would suck her teeth in annoyance “It’s over the land in which the Coven sits. It’s a mana sector. A part of the Earth with increased amount of natural energy running through its veins. Before witches, Faes owned all these parts and, well when humans colonized, they gained control. Once humans harvested the mana and it changed their DNA, it birthed warlocks and the land is now considered a sacred warlock region. Faes still resent their land being taken, which is why they hate warlocks all the more. We are quite literally a by product of their political downfall.”

16:56

“Do I resent my ancestors for taking land? But of course. But we’re fighting both sides now. The land is all we’ve got….”

16:57

Althea would look out her car window to hide how upset and frustrated she was

Rich was blown away. He heard rumors that the Fae were interested in the Coven's land but nothing substantial came of it. Another possible piece to the puzzle; a big one. As much as he wanted to ask more, he noticed Althea didn't seem in the mood... "So...would you like some coffee before we do this?" He asked.

Althea would look back at Rich and raise a brow at him “Coffee?” she would think for a moment and then sigh, looking forward “Eh…what the hell.” she’d shrug. She quite honestly needed a moment to breathe. Coffee sounded nice. She was sure he would ask her more questions over a cup, but it was better than no cup at all

Rich smiled. He liked Althea when she wasn't trying to behave like a pine board. "Okay; I know a good place. Ever been to Lone Harvest? Their coffee's great and they even accomodate..." He motioned to himself, "Y'know...different tastes."

“I didn’t know you had a lactose problem.” she’d joke dryly with a faint smile. She was far to tired and stressed to not have jokes anymore.

Rich laughed at her joke. he looked at her with a smile. "Thanks Thea, I needed that." Yes, he MUCH preferred her this way. He remembered that she did seem more like this when she was younger...then again, he was different too, once upon a time. People change; some for better, some for worse Once they arrived at the cafe, Rich made it a point to open the door for Althea, ever the proper gentleman for a refined lady. The cafe, as usual, was well-kept, with all manner of interesting smells that made Rich miss eating once again. I think I'll attempt to eat a steak again this year. He considered, really little bites, or maybe just suck the blood?

He walked up to the counter to make his order. "I'd like two coffees, please...one with two sugar, cream, and O-Positive; The other one with..." He looked to Anthea

“Just one sugar, thank you.”

One of the members of staff was quick at the register, and the other seemed to already be making the orders. “That will be $4.80.” The first worker smiled as they spoke.

Rowan looked up from their spot in the corner as the two entered, although he could hear the chatting in the shop already start to change he turned back to Heath, “Have you and your friends been doing well? With recent events and all considering. The people here seem a little worried about it.”

Rich paid and gave Althea her coffee, pulling out a chair for her to sit down. "There's more I need to ask." He said, with an apologetic tone. "Before I ask this, I want you to know that I'm only asking this because I need to look at this case from all angles, it's my job: Do you know if any of your students had a prejudice or personal grudge against Theobald or Fae in general?"

His ears flattened and he frowned "One of my friends took it very hard, I worry about him and I hope he is doing alright,"

Althea would sigh, knowing that this was coming “They don’t have any more irritation towards the Council than I do. They know the system is built in such a way to see our kind fail. I take them to all political outings to have them understand the power in activism. All our protests have been peaceful and none of my students have demonstrated any fixation or aggression towards any Council member. In fact, I’m sure most of them would rather spend time thinking about anything else…” Althea would sip her coffee, deep in though

”I’m sorry to hear that. I hope this all gets resolved soon. Especially for your friend’s sake. This is all a tricky thing for a town like our’s.” He still persistently fiddled with the pen in his hand.

The wolf nodded. "Thank you Rowan," His thudding tail has slowed down a bit. "I hope things are well for you,"

Rich nodded, satisfied with the answer. Thea was as honest and true as they came; the kind of woman who made one wonder what exactly it was about Witches and Warlocks that made them so feared and hated? How much of history was fabricated to put them in the worst possible light? He sipped his own coffee, the rich, warm flavor awakening him and the blood within nourishing him at the same time. It was the same with Vampires, when he thought about it...although in their case, they actually earned their bad rep...hunting humans for food before the age of blood preservation would do that. Then there were the rich assholes who reveled in their unlife and saw it as an excuse to be even bigger assholes. Fucking aristocrats...grabbing whatever they could until... He stopped mid sip, setting his coffee down. "Thea..." He asked, "Have any other parties expressed interest in the Coven besides the Fae?"

Althea would think for a moment “Well, I’d say no one else really favors the Coven. There’s a reason that Warlocks don’t have a seat on the Council.” “We’re a small part of the town’s population, so small that we fit in one small neighborhood. Half of the others are in hiding, acting human and rebuking their witchcraft. Therefore, we aren’t organized enough in our community to warrant a seat on the Council.” “The argument remained, however, that the last standing Coven could play as a pinnacle of the warlock community to warrant a chair. Anyone against our kind is against the Coven still standing….”

Rowan looked around the cafe for a moment before looking back to Heath, “Thank you. Everything has been pretty nice in my personal life lately. Besides the town issues, everything is quite normal for me.” He almost seemed guilty about it as he was talking, “How have activities in the clan been? I haven’t heard much as of late.”

Heath gave a small growl "We are obviously still angry at the vampires. Both packs are. Not only them but most human as well, We deserve a full seat on the council but instead of one of us alphas, Some half werewolf gets put up there with nothing to do with our traditions or worship to our moon," Heath sighed. "I only became the leader of pack whitefang a few months ago, I'm quite young for it,"

Rich considered Althea's words. Could someone be trying to manipulate the Coven or the Warlock community? Or perhaps just incriminate them on purpose? Damnit...more questions, not enough answers... Once they finished their coffee, Rich sighed and stood up. "Well, back to it." He smiled, "I wouldn't say no to doing this again sometime, under...lighter circumstances."

Althea would let out a soft laugh “Depends on how well this goes for me, I suppose. I’m no idiot. I know the town wants me to burn.”

His smile diminished into a sympathetic one. "Not everyone wants that, Thea." He spoke, "For what it's worth, I'm pretty much convinced you had nothing to do with this. The questions are, of course, who would do this and why? Both you and Theobald have opposition for days, so my list of potential suspects is a mile long. Thanks to you, though, I should be able to narrow it down." Then he heard someone mention Vampires. He looked over to see...oh joy, the Alpha of the Whitefang pack! Here! He remembered seeing him last night at the Coven, as well...growling at him like he was about to take his head off. And here he was, a Vampire and an authority figure. Wonderful. "Thea..." Rich said, "Mind if we leave out the back?"

Althea would raise a brow, curious at the sudden change. But these were weird time. She didn’t want to question it further “S-sure…?”

18:31

Althea would stand, grabbing her cloak and gloves and follow Rich out

"Thanks..." Rich explained, opening the door for Althea, "Heath and a small posse chose this place for breakfast, and the last thing I want is trouble, let alone being on the menu."

“Ahh. Tale as old as time, your kinds fighting like you do.”

"Yeah, guess we just don't have it in us to live and let undie. I hear Heath's one of the nicer ones, though, so...progress?" Final Mercy Hospital was the location of the town's morgue; sterile and clean, as a hospital should be, both Althea and Rich made their way to the elevator. as they went down, Rich fished around in his pocket for a tube, handing it to Althea, "Menthol rub. The morgue isn't the sweetest smelling place in the world; a little bit of this on your upper lip will help."

Althea would nod, opening the tube and smearing the rub on her upper lip. The numbing sensation plus the smell was a surprisingly nice relaxer. * *She would toss the container back to Rich “I’ve dealt in dead frogs and newts…but this is definitely going to be a first.”

"You get used to it eventually." Rich replied, catching the container, "Or take full advantage of breathing being optional, depending on your species." The morgue was well lit, but everything else was pretty much stereotypical to movies and television: Drawers for cadavers, surgical equipment for autopsies, and the occasional spot of tough grime on the walls. Upon one of the tables lay the late Theobald Wood, his body stitched up and ready to be sent out to his family for funeral practices. The Medical Examiner, a chubby human with curly blond hair and glasses, greeted the pair. "Good morning Sheriff...Miss Quartz." He walked around to the other side of the body. "All right..." Rich spoke, "My working theory is that all the magic used at the crime scene is Fae in origin...self defense on the victim's part."

Alder walks into the coffee shop and sighs. He needed to get out of that house that he has been in. His mother is suffocating with her wanting to be close. Alder rubs his hands through his hair. He is dressed in a black suit with a black undershirt. He walks up and orders a simple herbal tea before sitting in the back corner. He just needed space to breath.

@Kazatasy

The scent of a fae filled his nose and Heath turned his head. His eyes lit up as he saw his friend and his tail started to wag once again "Alder!!"

20:18

@🌊BlueBell🌊

alder looks up and sees his friend. He smiles softly as he waves softly. He stands and walks to his friend. “Hi. How are you?” He says as he sits next to the wolf.

He smiles greatly and sticks his tongue out "I'm doing good! Are you doing better?" He tilted his head.

Rowan tensed up seeing the fae in his shop. There were so many supernaturals coming and going today, it was unusual. He quickly went back to doing his paperwork from earlier. He was a bit slower as he was also trying to watch the people in the cafe.

he nods as he is handed his tea. He takes a sip and sighs “my mother is kinda driving me insane..she wants to be together like a family but we were never that…” he says as he rubs his face

He gave a small frown and placed a hand on his shoulder "I hope you are able to find peace,"

he nods and smiles “thank you…the court members want to hurry and find someone to put on the council and they want to put my brother on as the main person for now..”

He tilted his head "I see.." He sighs and sticks his tongue out "Why don't we focus on things you like?" He didn't want Alder to be uoest again.

alder looks at the wolf and smiles. He nods and sighs. “I have a small garden..I have a lot of herbs and stuff…it is fun..I also was starting to plan the festival… you know?”

"Whats your favorite flower?" He gave a nod to what Alder said. "Plants and herbs can be very beautiful,"

“I love snowbells…they are so cute and small but so beautiful.” He says and nods. “I use herbs to help the sick in my population…I want to be able to share it with all of the races. We have some helpful herbs that maybe some races don’t have.”

"Maybe you can share some with my pack?" He tilted his head. "I would appreciate that,"

alder looks at heath and smiles big. “I would love that! I can drop some off tomorrow if you want! I have so burn and cut herbs that have just popped up!”

His ears perked up "I would love that Alder," He had a bright look on his face as he looked down at the fae

alder smiles and takes a sip of herbal tea. The young boy seems to be doing better. Alder yawns and rubs his eyes. “I better get back to my mother…” he says. He smiles and says “I will stop by tomorrow with those herbs!”

His ears flattened at the mention of him having to go "Alright! I'll see you tomrrow then!"

"You get used to it eventually." Rich replied, catching the container, "Or take full advantage of breathing being optional, depending on your species." The morgue was well lit, but everything else was pretty much stereotypical to movies and television: Drawers for cadavers, surgical equipment for autopsies, and the occasional spot of tough grime on the walls. Upon one of the tables lay the late Theobald Wood, his body stitched up and ready to be sent out to his family for funeral practices. The Medical Examiner, a chubby human with curly blond hair and glasses, greeted the pair. "Good morning Sheriff...Miss Quartz." He walked around to the other side of the body. "All right..." Rich spoke, "My working theory is that all the magic used at the crime scene is Fae in origin...self defense on the victim's part."

@Rich Caruso (@Indigo Cobalt) - jump “That checks out with the complexity of the magic residue. I noticed from the marks on the ground that the spell would have been distinctly powerful..” she would say, looking down at Theobald. Her stomach would turn just thinking about his final moments..

He noticed that Rowan became quiet and decided to speak up "Sorry about that, He's a friend of mine and I got exicted,"

Rowan looked back up from his work, “He looked like a nice young man. I didn’t want to interrupt.”

He smiled "He is, He's really nice and amazing," His tail wagged harder each time he talked about Alder "I'm sure you will like him,"

”You should introduce him to me sometime. What’s so amazing about him anyway?” Rowan seemed rather entertained.

Walking through the town after staying cooped up so long Riley felt like getting a drink. Probably not the most fitting choice but, none the less he made his way to the Café anyway walking through the front doors and walking over to a group that was sitting around. "Good Evening all. I assume you're doing well?"

"I will!" Heath was obviously happy to tell someone about his friends. "He knows quite a lot about plants and herbs! He offered to help my pack by brining some which I thought was really sweet," He chuckled a bit. "His wings are beautiful as well and he always seems to enjoy helping and caring about the other species,"

His wagging came to a stop when he smelled a scent he didn't like. He turned his head at saw the vampire come over "Ah.." His ears pulled back and he let out a low growl

The smell hits him late but, if there was one thing that he shouldn't do it was pick a fight so soon after coming out of his home for social reasons in almost 40 years "Please, I am not here to pick a fight. I was just looking for some company surely you can indulge me for a moment without growling at me."

Rowan looked over the man, “So sorry for my friend here, we’re just having a lovely chat. You’re welcome to join us if you need the company.” He kept a weary eye on Heath, but he also couldn’t just be rude to customers.

His ears perked up at the word friend and he looked over at Rowan with a smile and his tongue sticking out "I suppose I can put aside some issues for now,"

Smiling he takes a seat and looks at the Fae "I sincerely appreciate it. It's been some time since I was here and had the chance to relax. Unfortunately a side job has kept me rather occupied so it's nice to come back to a little bit of kindness."

”Theres been a lot going on as of late. It might not be the best opportunity to relax, but I hope you enjoy it here.” Rowan kept his same soft smile on his face all the while.

"Thank you for the advice. May I ask a few questions that are on my mind? If not I understand"

He glanced at the vampire but kept his mouth shut the whole time. Now really wasn't the time to fight to be honest

”Of course! Ask away. I’ll let you know if I can’t answer something.” Rowan glanced over at his workers, who were still working away getting orders done quickly. He would go join them if a rush came through.

Feeling the werewolf's glace on him he kept a calm look on his face but, kept himself ready to defend if needed "Thank you again for your kindness. First, are the other Vampire families still active here? And second since I have been gone so long has the council made any major changes I should be aware of?"

His ears twitched at the mention of the conucil "One of the members has been murdered recently,"

Well that explain why the man who had been talking to him had warned him not to relax. Riley spent a moment pondering who could have been so hated on the council to have warranted death. "Is that so. May I ask who it was?"

Rowan looked a bit surprised that Heath decided to start with that, “Theobald Wood, the fae representative. It’s a shame what happened, especially since they’ve been fighting for better council representation and he was the only fae.” He quickly resolved back into his same soft smile.

Something about what he had said unsettled Riley and he immediately addressed it. "Better Council representation? What do you mean? I thought all races were given 2 members. Has something happened since I was gone?"

Heath let out a growl "Wrong, Werewolves aren't on the council, Instead the humans and vampires placed a half werewolf who grew up human in our place to hold more power over us," He was clearly still upest over that like his whole pack was

That threw Riley for a moment. True he wasn't a fan of werewolf just like the rest of his kind, but he never hated them so much that he went out of his way to torture them. If this was true then talking to the other vampires now took priority for Riley. "I apologize for bringing this up. As for the first question then what vampires are active here? Do you mind telling me?"

(I thought that said he threw Riley and I almost lost it

)

2

((TAL

1

(Yo can you imagine though....

2

”Almost the entire council is humans. There isn’t even a single warlock representative.” He seemed rather upset by the notion, “All of the vampire families are active, if you mean Straud, Tolman and Beaumont. Each family even has a representative on the council.”

Having gotten information that worried him he stood up and left a large payment on the table "Thank you for that it helped greatly. Please use this for a drink for everyone here as payment for me so rudely interrupting. I hope you all have a fine evening. As well if you wouldn't mind telling any of the major vampires that I would like to re-introduce myself if they have the time I will be back at home. Thank you again."

He raised a eyebrow at him and looked down at the money he left, a bit confused "Very well," He muttered

Walking out of the Café he moves towards his home and sits in front of the fireplace closing his eyes to think

He looked back to Heath after the other gentleman left, “I appreciate that you didn’t decide to start something in a building full of people.” Rowan laughed, picking up his teacup to take a sip. “I was worried for a minute.”

He let out a sigh and placed his chin on his hand "It's true that I am not fond of their species at the moment but it wouldn't make the wolves be any better if I started a fight,"

MEANWHILE Back at the Coven, Belladonna and Juniper were still banned from going out. Belladonna would be bouncing a ball of the wall in the living room as Juniper was trying to read peacefully

….Bonk! ….Bonk! …Bonk!

Juniper would send a glare above her book “….Do you mind?”

“……..” Bonk!

“THAT’S IT!” Juniper and Bella would lunge for their Wanda at the same time

Running through the house, Belladonna and Juniper would be throwing hexes at one another

Rowan swirled the cup in his hand, “Talking to him did bring up a concern. Vampires get triple the representation of wolves, but I always thought they had similar numbers in town. It is interesting to think about.”

Other students would be yelling complaints at them as Juniper and Belladonna maneuvered around the traffic “Hey, slow down!” “You almost hit me!” “Watch it!” “Where is Althea???”

"Yes that is true, Vampires gave original families like how we have just the two original packs," He tilted his head. "We both have traditions I guess,"

The elf was watering the flowers that were surrounding the whole indoor of his shop. He had some people come in of all types of species but mostly witches and warlocks. He had many herbs and such that some use in their magic or such. He gave a hum to a song that was playing at a party he was at late last night

“That’s it. I’m going out.” Bella would suddenly announce this a few hours after the battle with Juniper

“You can’t. Althea’s orders.”

“Althea gets to go play Benson and Stabler with a 100 year old hot vampire and we are stuck indoors??”

1

1

Juniper would facepalm

“I’m getting more herbs. Can I atleast do that?”

“No!”

“…..I’m going.” she would sprint for the door

“Althea!!” Juniped would run after Bella, headed to town

(✨Juniped✨)

2

Once all the flowers and such were watered. Bloom looked out the window towards the Cafe. "Hm, Seems like he's doing good in business," He muttered to himself. "Maybe I'll pay him a visit to annoy him,"

Belladonna would reach the flower shop with Juniper not far behind her, then both short of breath. People would already be staring and whispering

14:44

Belladonna would be heaving “Two…! ….two— huff. Two pounds of wolfsbane and a dozen of the Sage!”

Juniper would be to tired to punch Belladonna so she would simply hit her head on Bella’s shoulder

"There was a lot of scorched ground around the body. He was throwing a LOT of spells. I don't remember seeing any ashes of disintegrated victims...so either it was one attacker moving really fast...or many at once. Given he only had two shots to the chest, it might be the former." Rich sighed, rubbing his temples. "I'm really hoping CSI can salvage something from the crime scene. Given how it was contaminated by Alder's...understandably temperamental reaction, I have low hopes. I was hoping to get some evidence that points to potential assailants."

His thoughts were interrupted as two women entered the shop like they had just ran from a whole pack of wolves "Well this is new," He gave a small laugh. "Comming right up," He headed towards the back where he grew his herbs and starting getting the packages ready for the two. He came back with the neatly wrapped herbs in time to see Juniper hitting Bella shoulder "What may you two lovely ladies have been running from may I ask?"

Althea would think, observing him “But that’s an interesting combo. Magic with the assistance of a firearm? Why were the, let’s assume, two assailants so different in their tactics. Maybe one person who can perform magic and one who can’t?”

“Her” she would point and a very tired, very angry little Juniper

"Aren't you two a bit too old to be playing tag?" He teased and went over to the counter to ring up the herbs.

Juniper would glare up at him “We’re here to purchase but if a woman in all green with a pointy hat asks, we were never here”

"Ah, Getting yourselves into trouble I see," He chuckled and placed a elbow on the counter with his chin in his hand, gazing at the two "Dont worry, I won't snitch,"

Belladonna would smile, always the friendly one of the two “Thank you! I’m Belladonna and this is Juniper.”

Rich nodded at Althea's suggestion. "Possible. Could also mean one person skilled in both...Deputy Resden, for example, graduate of the Coven and trained in firearms." He pointed to body, continuing, "Also, the fact that you can only detect Fae magic says that the murderer didn't use magic, at least in this case."

Althea would be shocked by that realization. A wave of relief would roll over her. It was another little beam of hope to clear her name

He returned the smile at Bella. "It's a pleasure to meet you," He pushed up his glasses. "Christofern, But you may call me Chris or Bloom if that makes it easier," He gave a small laugh. "Heck, Even Fern will work,"

“So, if this is Theobald’s magic, how do we track the killer? The bullets?” Althea would be a bit out of her element now

Belladonna would raise her brows in recognition “Christofern! That’s a traditional Faeic name! Are you Fae?”

“Belladonna. Not exactly the political climate for those types of questions”

"No worries Juni, I don't mind," He tucked a stand of his hair behind his ear to show the slight ponitness* "Yes Indeed I am, An elf to be more specific,"

“I sensed some magic before, but your face gave it away. Stars, your kind are always so attractive! It’s almost infuriating.” She would chat along friendly, as if the town wasn’t giving them dirty looks

“Hey” a random man would call out to Bloom “Be careful, Fae. Those girls’ mistress might have you killed next!”

Juniper would start at the stranger “That’s a lie—!”

"Well thank you, I can say you're beautiful yourself," He teased. However he looked in the direction of the man and gave a sigh. "Now that is no way to treat these nice ladies, I don't care whatever is going on out there but in here I demand respect," He lowered his glasses at the man and gave him a glare. "Understood?"

The man would just scoff “Your funeral.” and would storm off

Rich rubbed his chin. "Ballistics manged to figure out that the bullets are cold iron, and what kind of gun they came from; that helps us narrow it down, so that's a bit of good news. The bad news there is that making guns untraceable is Crime 101. Here's hoping we get lucky, though."

Bloom scoffed as well and pushed his glasses back up "Can't believe how rude people are these days, Always jumping to conclusions about things they don't know,"

Althea would think to herself “….The crime scene. Sometimes when a magic user dies suddenly, the mana expelled will make some sort of an imprint of the last few seconds. Maybe we can find traces of the assailant in the mana residue!” Althea would start to pace a bit, trying to remember the state of the crime scene “Alder may have tampered it but hopefully the imprints are intact.”

Juniper’s guard would fall a bit, truly grateful for Bloom’s aid “Thank you…”

Rich grinned. "Thea, you're a genius!" He moved quickly to the door, holding it Open for Althea

"Of course, I know things are just crazy out there right now," He gave her a warm smile.

(Silverstead's cellphone rings...) (edited)

Althea would smirk and confidently out the door “I am aware.”

Bella would snort “You have nooo idea…”

Bloom gave a dramatic and heavy sigh. "How dare they, We can't we all just hold hands and eat cupcakes and sing cheerful songs into the night?"

Within minutes, Rich had pulled up to the crime scene, currently barricaded by tape and wooden stands with flashing lights. Multiple small markers dotted the area, and a few personnel in jackets labeled CSI were doing the painstaking job of finding and gathering evidence. "Do they need to clear out before you can work your magic?" Rich asked.

“Welcome to Midnight Creek.”

"Ah yes, Midnight Creek is truly the happiest little town ever,"

“That would be preferable. I’ll be able to tell their markings from whoever the assailant’s is. Theirs will be sort of stale, if that makes any sense.” Althea would start to slip off her olive gloves, her wrists inked with traditional witch symbols like an arm band

Belladonna would fish in her bag for her coins and pay Bloom for the herbs. “Thank you again for your kindness. You don’t know how much it means to us.”

He gave a smile to her and a welcoming nod. "Of course, The fact that you were here is a secret safe with me,"

Belladonna would grin as Juniper would give him a faint smile “Have a wonderful day! Bella would say as she grabbed her purchases and waved goodbye

He gave a wave goodbye to the two and chuckled "Same goes for you two,"

"Right." Rich said, walking over and requesting that the CSI's clear the area temporarily. "Okay, do that voodoo you do." He said with a wink.

Althea would give him a playfully scolding look before she handed him her gloves and walked down into the center of the crime scene. Right to the exact spot Theobald’s soul had left his body

15:39

Althea would kneel to the ground and scoop up a bit of the dirt as she closed her eyes a spoke an incantation. The dirt would rest in the palm of her hands and after a moment, the first would start to slightly shimmer

15:44

As Althea’s incantation became more and more intense, the shimmering dirt would now be glowing and with a final word, she would open her eyes and blow the dirt from the palm of her hands What was a little bit of dirt would now be a wave of glimmering dust engulfing the scene. With each speck that hit the ground once more, there would be imprints. Life sources. Mana. The police would be in awe as the dust sketched out each life source who had ever stepped foot on the crime scene since Theobald’s last breath, the newest being brightest and the oldest being the dullest

15:45

Althea would let out a sigh of relief. The mana had stayed unscathed for the most part, though Alder’s damage was very apparent to her eyes

"Peace, tranquility, understanding...such lovely ideas." Spoke a man in a yellow longboat and hat, admiring a particularly lovely sunflower. "Much like flowers, really. Sadly, also like flowers, such things are fragile...and really, don't serve much practical purpose, either. Peace is ultimately stagnation, and stagnation is death." The man picked up the sunflower, walking over to the counter. "To prevent this stagnation, life must be...motivated. Traditions must be reevaluated, lessons must be reconsidered, perceptions must be reviewed." He smiled at Christofern. "You look like someone who believes this wholeheartedly. Am I right?"

2

*Longcoat and hat

Bloom was wiping down his counter until he looked up at the person speaking. He raised a eyebrow and crossed his arms with a smile "I must admit that's a odd and sepfic way to say that, But I guess you could say that,"

Althea would dust her cloak up as she got back up on her feet, assessing the scene. There would be a dull clump of dust formed just in front out her— Theobald’s death place. Everything else was more vibrant: the vine and thorns that still remained, the policemen who had ran for cover— but there was someone just as dull as Theobald. Just a few feet away “There.” Althea would point.* “there’s your killer.” The dust would rise to the exact height or the murderer and show the footprints of the murderer leaving the scene

"I thought as much." Mr. King spoke with a smile. "Odd, perhaps...specific, most definitely; because It is you specifically I wish to speak to. As a fellow...well I hesitate to use the term 'anarchist,' but if the shoe fits...I'd like to extend to you an opportunity to, as the humans say, shake things up."

2

He glanced around the shop and brought his voice to a low tone. "Anarchist huh? Let's hear this opportunity shall we?"

Rich was absolutely awestruck by what he saw; he had seen magic and strange stuff, but this was definitely a new one on him. Finally, Althea indicated the silhouette of the killer, to which Rich quickly took out his cellphone, and got as close as he could before taking a few pictures from whatever angles he could before the spell finally dissipated. He brought up the photos and looked them over: Paydirt! "Thea, I could kiss you!" He chuckled as he walked over to her. "This is gonna go a long way to finding the killer. Thank you. Can I call you if I need you again? You make a damn good sleuth."

1

2

She would be taken aback by his comment, though she tried to play it off as best she could. He always knew how throw her off like that, without even trying. She would clear her throat, averting her eyes towards the scene “Yes, well it wasn’t too hard. Honestly I’m not sure why the Council didn’t do this in the first place…but um,” She would look at him again, her composure regained though her cheeks her just a smidge more pink “You’re welcome. And yes, call me if anything comes up. The more we learn about this case, the looser I feel the noose around my neck getting.” she would hold out her hand for Rich to give her back her gloves

"It's really quite simple..." With a flick of his wrist, a business card was suddenly in his yellow-gloved hand; subtle coloring, tasteful thickness, gold leaf print, it even had a watermark. "Some people of influence, as usual, are attempting to stack the proverbial deck in their favor. We can't have that...so we're going to take certain steps that I cannot discuss out in public. Come to the location on the back of the card, and you'll know more." He produced a few crisp new bills, placing them on the counter. "For the sunflower. Good day to you." He tipped his yellow fedora and strode out, plant in arm. Upon reading the card, it would say on the opposite side in perfect calligraphy, Titan Towers apartment complex lobby, Friday 9pm, don't be late, fellow anarchist.

2

Bloom lowered his glasses as he listened to the man speak. He won't lie, He was interested in what this whole opportunity was. What it had to do with him and what he gets out of it "Very well," He slid the bills into his reisgter and flipped over the card. "Hm," He raised a eyebrow a the fancy words of the card. "We will see about rhat shall we?" He smirked and placed the card into his pocket.

Rich returned Althea's gloves. "It is a nice neck..." His eyes suddenly went wide. "I didn't mean it like that, I swear! I meant that you look...uh, good night, Thea!" He walked to his car in record time. "You have a lovely neck, I vant to bite it! Ze blood is life!" Dumbass.

2

1

1

(AHA)

1

Althea would blink, bright red in the face and more confused as ever. Was that a compliment or was he just hungry? And why the hell was her face so hot?? Hoping that no other officer had heard their conversation, Althea would head back to the Coven with almost the same speed as Rich

Completely underestimating how long Althea would be playing detective today, Belladonna would have been able to convince Juniper to grab lunch before heading home

“I feel like we’re pushing it.” she’d state, looking at her watch

“Really? All I can feel is my stomach growling.” she’d smile as she opened the door to the Cafe

Two scents hit Heath and he perked up. He almost jumped out of his seat seeing the two students.

“See? It’s not too busy!”

"Bella! Juniper!" He called out grinning with a wave

Belladonna and Juniper would turn and spot Heath “Heath! What a nice surprise!” she would grab Juniper’s hand and pull her to Heath’s table

His tail would wag so much it looked like it would fly off. "It's good seeing you two!" He was at the edge of his seat and might fall off

“How has everything been? Have you seen Alder?”

Heath jumped up from his seat for real his time. "Yes! He stopped by earlier, I believe he is doing a bit better,"

“Thank the stars… I‘ve had a pain in my stomach ever since we walked up to the scene.” Bella would now sit, sighing

“We’ve been stuck in the Coven since. Althea is afraid the town will blame her and start targeting her students in retaliation.”

He gave a frown as he sat back down. "How come you are out here then?" He glanced at Rowan "Oh! I made a new friend,"

“Because of this one.” Juniper would point to Bella

“Oh, hello! I’m Belladonna.” Bella would greet Rowan kindly

“Juniper. Nice to meet you.”

Rowan finally looked up from his work, he wasn’t quite expecting to be acknowledged. “Hello, I’m Rowan. It’s nice to meet you.”

“Oh, do you work here?” Belladonna would realize

”Yeah I do, what made you guess that?” Rowan looked a little confused. Usually he could hide it for a good long while.

Belladonna would glance at his work “Well I saw you tidying up and sorta put two and two together”

"You been working on that for a while Row," He mentioned. "Are you stuck on something?"

”Oh, I just don’t like to work on it while I’m chatting.” He stacked up the papers quickly and put them to the side.

"What if I eat the papers? Then you won't have to worry about it anymore and they would be gone!" He grinned brightly

Rowan kept his hand firmly over the stack, “It’s okay, I rather do need them. Please don’t eat my papers.”

"Oh okay, Just let me know if you change your mind!" He chuckled.

The two wolves finally came back with drinks for thier alpha and themselves "Ah! Here they are, I should head back to my pack before they worry!" He stood up and gave a wave to his friends. "It was nice seeing you all!" The two wolves glanced at the human with narrowed eyes before escorting their leader out of the cafe Once they made it back to their pack home. Heath started enjoying his drink right away in his own little area watching over his pack members as they walked around the place and talked

alder opens a small portal just outside of the packs territory. He knew that they would be able to smell him. He takes breathe before walking into the territory. He was in a green with flowers shirt and some plaid brown pants. He held a basket full of bundles of herbs and flowers from his garden. His wings were relaxed and down. He looks around as he walks further into the wolves territory.

1

There was a small pack of wolves, around three of them who were doing some portals around their territory. They of course smelled Alder right away The taller one of the three leads their group towards the scent and stopped when they saw the fae "You Fae, You're in Whitefang territory," He growled. "What's your business here?"

alder stops and squeaks. He holds up the basket and says “I-I- I know the alpha..heath…um..I have some herbs from my garden…he wanted to see some..” he didn’t like the taller wolves. Alder stood short and so anyone normal male height was tall.

1

They all looked each other before the taller spoke "Follow us," Without waiting for Alder to speak the wolves all went further into the area towards their camp

The male was just sipping on his drink sitting down in a nice shady spot. He did wonder what was taking some of his members a while to return.

alder follows them. He has to start to fly slowly just to keep up with the males. Alder looks around at the woods and smiles. He loves that the wolves seem to be treating the woods with kindness. A lot of humans don’t do that. Alder flies just behind the three men

Once the wolves reached the camp, some of the pack noticed and looked up straight at Alder and the three. "Heath!" The taller one called out to his leader. "Some fae is saying he knows yo-"

"Alder!!" Heath jumped to his feet and set the drink down before heading up with his fast wagging tail "You came!!"

alder smiles and flies over to the alpha. He lands and holds out the herbs “I brought these! Also these men are scary..” He says pointing to the wolves behind him.

The shorter one of the wolves gasped and placed his hand on his chest offended Heath grinned as he looked over the herbs "Thank you! These will surely help our young and injured," He looked over at his members and frowned. "I don't like that you sacred my friend, Next time I expect you to welcome him fully and give him respect," He narrowed his eyes "Understood?" They all nodded quickly "Great!" The young leader sticks out his tongue

alder smiles and nods. He points to one. “This is for cuts. It cools it and numbs the pain. I have put a lot of those in there. I know younger kids always get hurt!” He smiles as he flutter up off the ground alittle then back down. “I have never been here before..” he says as he looks around

"Aha yeah, They always play rough," He chuckled. "Never? Well that would make sense. I can show you around if you like! We can take a walk around around territory,"

he nods as he flies alittle up. “I would love that! I can show you around fae if you want! Alittle trade you know!” He says as he zips up then back down to the ground

He laughed seeing Alder flying around a bit. It was good seeing seeing fae in high spirits. "I would love that as well! I don't think I been in fae before too!"

Alder smiles as he jumps around ready to see the packs territory. “Show me around!” He says as he pulls heath with his hand.

"Alright Alright!" He chuckled and headed out of the camp with Alder. "We have serval locations in the territory for different things! Not just the camp! I want to show you the river frist!"

alder smiles are he follows heath. He has to fly to keep up. As he flies and walks he looks around and takes everything in.

As they walked, Heath's ears perked up as he started hearing the sound of rushing water. Excited, He sped a bit more once he reached the river. There were small plants starting to grow by the edge.

alder looks around and then flies straight towards the small pants. He lands on his knees and looks at the plants. He waves his hand over a smaller less heathy plant. The plant blooms up and grows alittle but higher.

Startled out of his thoughts as his phone rings Riley lets out a sigh and picks the phone out of his pocket "Help this is Riley Tolman who do I have the pleasure of speaking with?"

Heath's eyes lit up with joy at he watched the plant grow. He crouched down next to Alder and tilted his head looking at the plant. "You helped it," He smiled softly. "You are amazing,"

A distorted voice came through on Riley's phone "Good day, Mr. Tolman. I'm calling today to offer you employment for your distinct skillset. Does this interest you?"

2

Riley didn't recognize the voice so he kept his voice calm and smooth. Perhaps they knew were he had been and it was an offer for a contract. "Depends on the kind of work. I have some time to myself for the first time in many years. If it is too much I must respectfully decline."

Undaunted, the voice continued, "I'm indeed aware of your current sabbatical, Mr. Tolman, and I wouldn't dream of disturbing you unless it was truly important...and this is also why I'm prepared to offer you five times your usual price."

As he had been around long enough that his skills were highly praised meaning a kill never came cheap. Sometimes even into the hundreds of thousands so, for this stranger to make an offer like this spoke to the power they held. "Truly? This must be very important to you then. Who is the mystery target then?"

"Nothing a man of your skills can't handle, for certain." The voice explained, "Tomorrow at 3:30pm, your target will be meeting with one Ian Straud regarding some sort of business negotiation...A charming older Fae woman who very recently lost her husband. Please...pay her a condolence call...and grant her wish to see her husband again."

3

Riley takes a moment to consider. As an outsider with his background it was likely he would take the blame if this was found out. Therefore he had to be very careful in his thoughts of taking the job. Knowing all the effects was absolutely crucial "After granting her wish, other then the Fae, would this anger the Straud, Beaumount or my family. To add would the werewolf's join in the hostility?"

"No need to worry about the fallout; I'll be handling that personally. Nothing will be traced back to you." The voice assured. "Do we have a contract, Mr. Tolman?"

"I apologize if I am coming out as overly cautious but, I do need to know the effects this will have and who is allowed to know. After all I have killed those in power before but, In a town like this information is a must. Consider it a curtsey that I haven't asked for your information. So who would this anger is my question."

MEANWHILE... One of the werewolves suddenly sniffed the air...their eyes widening before they suddenly took a bullet to the head! Instantly, the other wolves sprung into action to surround Heath and Alder. "RUN!" One of them shouted!

The voice on Riley's phone replied, "Very well. This will most assuredly anger the Fae, of course. Vampires...not so much. The Werewolves? Perhaps the Whitefangs, but no others. As for Humans..." He chuckled, "Of course not." (edited)

Of course the Fae would be angered but, with how few held what seemed like actual political power in this town it didn't concern him to any degree. Angering a pack would certainty have consequences. As for the other Vampires they took the most precedent and as long as he didn't anger them no true concern was felt. "Very well I will accept your contract provided I have 2 things. The first is that I be allowed to deal with it however I see fit. The second is some kind of name for my employer."

"Of course..." The voice responded, "I agree to your terms. You may refer to me henceforth as Mr. Reaper. It's a pleasure doing business with you, Mr. Tolman. Good hunting." With that, the phone cut off.

Alder looks up and his wings opens and he starts to float up. “Let’s go..we can go to fae but I have to get out of your territory to do so..my portals don’t open in other people lands..” he says as he starts to pull on heath’s arm leading him away.

08:37

@Kazatasy

Heath jumped up at the sound of the shot and looked at the others. "Alright.." He whined. He didn't want to leave his pack behind but it seems he didn't didn't a choice. He followed Alder.

alder flies through the forest leading the wolf out of his territory. Alder flies and weaves in and out of trees and rocks. Once they were out of the territory, alder opens up a portal using his magic and steps though. “Come on…” he motions for heath to follow.

08:44

@Kazatasy

Heath was about to step through but he paused and looked back at the forest. "Alder..They are my pack.." @🌊BlueBell🌊

Two more wolves fall from bullets to the head. "Snipers! They got silver!" One of them shouted, "Sniff 'em out! Protect the Alpha!" Two other wolves lurched forward, moving incredibly swiftly in a serpentine pattern, using whatever they could for cover or obscuring their approach. The other two remaining wolves fell back to keep their bodies in front of Heath to protect him. "GO, DAMNIT!" one of them shouted to Heath, "PLEASE!" A new bullet tore into one of Alder's wings

alder looks back at the safe fae world and sighs. “Ok..I will help you..” he says as he steps back through and closes the portal. Alder looks at heath and smiles softly. Alder eyes grows as the bullet hits him. He falls back and screams at the pain. “AHHHH” his wings twitches and alder holds his body. Turns come up around him as he looks around. @Kazatasy

Almost as soon as the thorns sprout up around Alder, they suddenly burst into flames as a fireball hits them!

Belladonna would be splitting a sandwich with Juniper as they both drank their individual coffees

3

alder looks around and he is afraid. He reaches out for heath before opening a portal to fae. Alder stands quickly and moves back towards the portal. “Heath! Lets go!” He says as he steps through the portal.

He jumped up as the sight of the wolves and whined. "ILL COME BACK FOR YOU," He yelped to his wolf and grabbed Alder's hans and stepped through the portal. He noticed his wing and frowned.* "Your wing.."

09:00

@🌊BlueBell🌊

Rowan looked over to the two witches, “Does Heath have a habit of running off like that? He seems a bit strung out for such a young man.”

1

alder closes the portal. They were now in fae. Alder holds his back and whines. “What is happening? What did I do?” He says as he looks around. They were in the castles garden and they were safe. A guard sees them and runs over to the prince. “Sir! Your hurt! Is this man at fault?” He points a spear at Heath. Alder holds up his hand and shakes his hand. “No he saved me..”

His ears flattened as he let out a whine. "You didn't do anything Alder," He looked up at the guard and stayed behind Alder. "I..He is a friend of mine, My pack was under attacked and he got hurt in the middle of it," @🌊BlueBell🌊

the guard looks at the prince and nods. “Let’s get you to the nurse..” he says as the guard helps up the prince and leads the two to the nurse area. “Welcome to fae…sorry it isn’t on better situation..” he says. Fae has many different levels and the building all seem to have trees and plants growing with them. Fairies fly around and elves walk in the squares.

He took this time to look around at all the trees and plants. It was truly beautiful to him. His gaze gaze back to Alder's wing and he stayed near him. "I'm sorry I got you hurt.." He muttered. Heath felt tears building up in him as he started shaking. His pack was in danger and under attacked. They lost a few members and now Alder was hurt.

alder turns to Heath and touches his hand. “Hey..it is ok…it isn’t your fault..” he smiles as they walk into a medical area of the palace. Alder sits on a bed and a nurse comes running to alder. She starts to put bandages on his wing. There was no cure or herb to heal wings. They just have to heal by themselves.

He gave a small smile when Alder touched his hand. Once they got to the area Heath stood by the bed and watched as they applied bandaged. All that was running through his head was his pack member's death and their howls and yelps of pain. Tears started coming down his face as he whined and shook.

09:19

@🌊BlueBell🌊

alder turns and touches the males face “hey..it is ok…” he wipes the tears and hugs Heath. “I will send troops to your territory..they will help..” he says as he looks at the gaurd. The guard nods and turns to send off troops.

Rowan looked over to the two witches, “Does Heath have a habit of running off like that? He seems a bit strung out for such a young man.”

@Rowan Whitlock (@book59213) - jump “We just assumed it was a wolf thing, but I’m sure being an Alpha would stress you out.”

He leaned into Alder's hand and looked sadly at him. "My pack they.." He whined again and hugged Alder back. He shoved his face into his shoulder. "I care about them very much, They are family to me and now they are in danger and risked their lives to get me out of here.."

09:24

@🌊BlueBell🌊

Belladonna would choke at the sight of the time “June!”

Look would look and see “Shit!”

Belladonna would quickly scarf down her food as Juniper would get rid of their trash

The portal opens, as Fae troops in full armor exit; some on foot, some in flight. The scene they find is nothing short of appalling... Werewolf corpses, piled up and burning, while the landscape itself is likewise charred and burnt. "Sweet Spirits Above..." One of the fliers spoke. An elf soldier would vomit. (edited)

“It was nice meeting you, Rowan! We hope to see you again!”

“Yeah, it we aren’t grounded for life!”

”It was nice meeting you too. Make sure to come back sometime if you enjoyed it.” He laughed, “I hope you don’t get into too much trouble for going out to eat.”

The girls would wave as they ran out, booking it to the Valeria Coven

Riley rises and puts on a dark but lavish traveling cloak and proceeds to head to the Café were that tender was. Information was of the utmost importance and as he enters he immediately looks for Rowan "Is anyone available?"

alder nods as he hugs Heath. “I know..but they are going to be ok. They are strong!” He says as the nurse finishes up. Alder jumps down from the bed and takes heaths hand. “Come on..let me show you my garden..” he says as he starts to lead Heath to the garden. @Kazatasy

Rowan waved with a smile over to Riley, “Hello again!”

"They are strong," He gave a sniff and a nod. "Werewovles are tough," He held Alder's hand with a smile after wiping some of his tears. "I would love to see your garden," He followed Alder and tried to take his mind off everything.

Sitting at an open table he smiles at the man warmly "Hello, It's good to see you again. I have a few more questions for you if you would be so kind. I would also like to order a coffee if you could?"

alder leads the male to the garden. They walk to the garden. As they walk they pass through a lot of arches and squares. The palace is made of white stone and has many gardens. They move into a small private garden. It has a small black gate and fence that just has a sign on it saying ‘alder’s private garden don’t enter please.’ Alder moves into the garden and smiles at Heath. @Kazatasy

”Of course. I would love to chat again. Let me go get you something. Anything specific you would like?” Rowan stood up from the table, grabbing his various papers and stacking them up neatly.

As they entered, Heath's ears perked up as the scent of many different plants hit his nose. He looked in awe on how beautiful everything looked. "It's beautiful Alder," His tail slowly started to wag. @🌊BlueBell🌊

Placing a 50 on the table he takes his coat off and places it over the back of his chair. "Anything strong. if you have any items that cater to Vampires that would also be strongly appreciated."

Alder smiles as he leads the male into the garden more. “I have a area for herbs and then one for flowers then one for plants..” he says as he explains everything. He bends down and picks a herb. He chews on it as he winced in pain due to his wing.

30 minutes later, Belladonna and Juniper would be at a side window of the Coven. Belladonna would be pushing Juniper up the wall to sneak in without Althea knowing

“Higher!” she would urgently whisper to Bella

“I’m trying!” she would bite back, struggling

He tilted his head in curiosity. "What herb is that?" The alpha crouched down next to Alder and scrunched his nose up due to the new scent. He saw him wince and placed a hand on his arm.

”I’ll be right back then. We have a few things that cater to vampires. Want any baked goods while I’m over there?” Rowan tucked the papers under his arm.

Suddenly, she would feel Nuniper lighten. “Oh, I’ve got it!” Belladonna would look up to see Juniper hand grabbed by Althea. She would death glare the both of them

alder looks up and smiles. “It is a pain reliever..helps promote healing as well..” he says as he rolls his shoulder to work out the pain. “I am sorry about your pack..if I had known that would happen I wouldn’t have come over..I didn’t mean to put anyone in danger..” he says looking down and playing with a stem of a flower.

“…….”

“….It was Bella’s idea.”

“Snitch!”

“GET IN THE HOUSE.”

"Anything sweet that you have on hand works for me I am not picky."

"Hey, It's not your fault," Heath stared at the ground. "We don't know why my pack was attacked yet. It could have been for a different reason," He whined and poked poked dirt. "I know not all my pack is gone, There are those who survived for sure, We weren't all in the camp or aera," @🌊BlueBell🌊

Juniper and Belladonna would now be sitting on the sofa in the livingroom as Althea yelled at them

alder nods as he leans his head agaisnt the male. He sighs and wipes his eyes. Some tears had fallen. “I don’t know what you do to honor the dead..but if you wanted we could do a fae ritual to honor them..”

”Got it.” Rowan nodded and headed behind the counter. His workers were doing well, especially as the crowd was dying down from earlier. They seemed to make a few jokes and snide remarks as they laughed behind the counter. He disappeared into a back room for a moment and emerged without the papers and with a small plate covered in a few danishes. Rowan worked around his employees and eventually emerged from behind the counter with a coffee cup and the danishes. He set them in front of Riley, sliding into the booth across from him. “What all did you want to chat about?”

He leaned his head on top of Alder's and reached out his hand to the fae's. "I would appreciate that but I'm not sure the other wolves would, We are very traditional with our ways and our worship to moon. Our fallen members are now with the moon," He muttered. @🌊BlueBell🌊

alder nods and plays with Heath hands. “I will help you with all that I can…” he says as he looks up at the sky. The fae didn’t really follow the moon and stars but he understood that the wolves do. He smiles as he looks over the small garden. @Kazatasy

Taking a bite of the Danish a sip of coffee the flavors were balanced very well and he smiled. "This is very well made. I was wondering about Theobald Wood and his family. I am not trying to be a detective I just want to know what happened so If I his family so I can offer my condolences. As a member of the Original families I fell it only right to see how they are doing at a time like this. I apologize if this is asking too much."

”I don’t personally know them, but I know they are struggling at the moment. One of his sons, Alder I think, seems to frequent town the most if you want to try and reach out to them.”

He gazed at their hands as he listened. "Thank you, It means a lot to know that you care about my pack.." He looked at the sky as well. He will be sure to gather the remaining of his pack so they may howl to their moon and remmber the ones they lost. @🌊BlueBell🌊

alder smiles as he watch the sky. The wind blows softly around them as the herbs give off a calm and safe scent. Small birds sing as the two sit and just watch everything around them.

As Heath and Alder sit amongst tranquil surroundings, they are suddenly approached by a Fae soldier. "Your Excellency..." She spoke, face solemn and voice sullen.

So to get to the how the mother works he would have to go through the son. An inconvenience to say the least and one he didn't have time for. He still had to prepare plus, after all he had been given a time and Riley always finished his jobs on time. "Well that does seem appropriate. Thank you for that. Then I have to wonder as well what do you know of the other Elder Vampires I don't believe I know anyone outside of my family."

Heath stood up quickly as the guard came. "My pack, Are they alright? Is our home secured?" He started to ask the gaurd question after question about his home and family. @🌊BlueBell🌊

alder looks up and sees the guard “we found just the few that were near you..they are dead…the rest are at the main part of your territory…they are alive just some who are injured. We have some healers with them right now.” Alder sighs in relief. He covers his face as he just thanks the gods above.

Heath felt relief go through him. That would mean the pups and elder were and should be alright "Thank you for helping them, I'll be sure to gather up the fallen with my members so we may do our ritual," He sniffed as he started to cry again silently. Even in danger his pack put him frist before them.

alder hugs Heath and tries to call him. “It is ok..see they are ok…they are strong and they will be ok..” he rubs heaths back and tries not to cry as well.

”The Straud family is the most prominent, followed by the Beaumonts and then finally the Tolmans. The Straud family is very involved in local politics and the local economy, while the Beaumonts seem more involved economically. I haven’t heard much of the Tolmans in a while.” Rowan nodded, “Is there anything specific you would like to know?”

He hugs Alder back and took a shaky breath. "Who would attack us? Why?" He growled quietly and gave a sigh.

"Would that make me the only Tolman here and is there any way to reliably contact the other family heads? For my last question I would ask about the humans and why they seem so prominent here."

alder shakes his head “I don’t know…I don’t know..” he says as he hold Heath.

”There are plenty of other Tolmans. There’s one on the council too since each family has representation. Orpheus Tolman. I personally don’t know how to contact family heads. I’ve never had a need. If you get desperate enough you can always wait for the next council meeting.” He paused for a moment, thinking about the last question. “I would assume humans are so prominent because of their huge population and the legislation. Humans have a lot of laws restricting other groups in town, especially werewolves and warlocks.”

That's when Heath started to fully break down. He buried his face into Alder's shoulder and shaking with each sob he let out. He wanted to find whoever did this. Have them get what they deserved.

Bloom had a pretty alright day at the shop. He checked the time and gave a stretch. "Guess it's time for shop to close," He did his daily closing routine and headed out of the shop. He smiled a bit as he headed inside the Cafe next door. He felt like seeing his good old neighbor.

He watched as Chris entered and looked back to Riley, “Excuse me for a moment.” Rowan stood up and headed over towards Bloom. “Chris! It’s nice to see you again. It’s been so busy as of late.”

He turned his head and smiled seeing Rowan. "Rowan my friend! Business is blooming as a flower I see" He chuckled and he lowered his glasses giving him a wink "You look handsome as ever,"

"Sir? We just got a call...from a Fae soldier in Werewolf territory. There's been a multiple homicide."

3

Rich's eyes widened, shocked. "Mother of God."

Rowan paused for a moment. Chris had always caught him off guard. “Ah, my shop could never compare to the success of your’s. You are too humble to compliment me and my shop so much.”

He pushed a loose strand of his hair away from his face with a smirk. "I just sell normal old flowers, Your drinks and bakery here are like heaven,"

Rowan lightly laughed, “Your flowers are breathtaking, some pastries could never compare to the beauty in your store. You even take that beauty with you when you visit me.”

( #mc-rp-flowers-and-cafe )

Beginning to walk down the path to the Fae kingdom he takes a stock of what he had on him. The .44 magnum he received for a contract was safety tucked away in the front coat pocket loaded with normal ammunition. He had the hemlock coated dagger he always carried with him and the chloroform bottle for difficult targets. "Should be more then enough. Now where was the road to the Fae?"

Riley would receive another call, this one a voicemail from Mr. Reaper: "Good afternoon, Mr. Tolman. While I understand that you wish to remove the target on your own terms, I would like to suggest that they will be at their most vulnerable on the way to the meeting with Mr. Straud. They will be driving a rather ornate Rolls-Royce in champagne with gold trim, arriving from the woods just outside of town. Good luck once again, Mr. Tolman."

Walking back to his house he retrieves a large case that contains parts for a MK13 Mod 1 Remington 700. A gun he had used before and was very familiar with. If nothing else it would get the job done with almost no noise and since the rounds weren't handled by him even a forensics expert wouldn't trace it back to him. He hesitated though. He had a chance to talk to this women before he made the choice, an opportunity he didn't want to pass up.

Living in one of the most exquisite Victorian houses in town was Élodie Beaumont, also known Mademoiselle Blanche. Her old mansion would be filled some Original Beaumonts as well as loyal fledgling to the family. Élodie would be in her gardens, sporting a back corseted dress with a large black sun hat and a bold red lip. It looked like a gothic pinup model as she enjoyed nature

Elodie would receive a call on her cellphone. "Elodie, dear, it's been ages. How have you been?" Spoke a smooth, even toned voice tinged with pleasantry; the voice of Ian Straud.

@Ian Straud (@Indigo Cobalt) - jump Élodie would smirk as she heard his voice. “Straud, darling. To what do I owe the pleasure? You haven’t rang me up so casually since the 70s.”

Thinking on his options he considers who to have on his side if this goes wrong Riley's mind immediately goes to the Vampires and Humans. The Humans would have no problems with this so he needed to talk to the vampire's. "Perhaps a direct approach is best anyway." Putting away the rifle parts Riley sighs and begins walking towards the Beaumont residence.

Richard grinned. He'd hit the nail on the head in choosing the right place for dinner. They were in the car and on their way within minutes. Luther's was a small, but well-decorated and tastefully fancy establishment. the tables had pristine red tablecloths and flower arrangements, the color scheme a black and red aesthetic, with soft lights throughout and paintings by local artists; if one looked at these art pieces, one would notice that they actually moved from time to time. Being Sheriff and a friend of Luther had it's perks; he had a guaranteed table whenever he chose to go there, and tonight was no exception. Upon learning that Althea Quartz would be joining him, the tan-skinned Warlock himself would greet them, wearing a white suit and a dazzling smile. "Rich! Always a pleasure!" He greeted, then took Althea's hand gently with a softer smile. "Althea, it's been a long time. I hope you and the Coven are doing alright, especially in light of...recent events."

"Indeed, and how I wish this were a mere social call! Alas, I come bearing bad news; as if there hasn't been enough of it this week, what with all these dreadful murders. Are you perchance familiar with the Cult of The Yellow Sign?"

Making it up the steps of the residence he knocks on the door twice with quick taps and waits.