Imprints in Stone [AU]

[Tethras Clan]

Merrill tilts her head to the side. "...dead people can read mail?" she asks curiously.

[GamesMaster]

"No, no. It's for her secretary. They all have secretaries that read their mail," he explains. "Her secretary is bound to pick up her mail today."

[Tethras Clan]

"Oooooh, that makes sense," the elf says with a series of nods. "Where's her mailbox? Dad said I shouldn't send Chirples into people's houses. It's rude and sometimes they have cats."

[GamesMaster]

"Well, this is an exception, because it's very important. Actually, if you could put it right on her desk, that would be best." He gives her the address, handing over the letter. 

[Tethras Clan]

"Well... as long as you promise she doesn't have any cats..."

That night, when Beth heads home after helping Don prepare his people as best they can for the upcoming storm, she sees a sight that makes her heart near to stop. Her dad, unchained but clearly being escorted, stepping up into a guard wagon. She freezes, a scream vibrating through her head, until long after the wagon is out of sight. It's not until Merrill arrives from helping set up the clinic that she's able to move again. Not bothering to explain or go inside, Bethany reacts on instinct and follows Carver's lead once again.

Minutes later, they're at the Red Bandanas hideout.

[GamesMaster]

The Bandanna hideout ought to be empty at this time of the evening, especially with a raid coming. Everyone's hunkering down, playing it safe, staying with their families. There shouldn't be anyone here to talk to, and yet...

When they enter, Ari lowers a crossbow, relieved to see them. "Ah. It's just you. Good." Seeing Beth's face, she adds, "What's up?"

[Tethras Clan]

Beth lets out a soft whine, then moves to hug Ari tightly, body shaking. "I'm not sure, she was a block from home and just staring and shaking and she hasn't said a thing and I'm really, really worried because she just won't explain what's wrong," Merrill babbles worriedly, fingers  digging nervously into Hunter's fur. The mabari is tense, posture aggressive, as the poor canine tries to figure out what's causing his person's most important person so much distress.

[GamesMaster]

Ari folds her arms around Beth, letting the crossbow clatter to the floor. "H-hey, what's-- Beth?" she asks, her voice small. "Beth, please talk to me?" Tell me it's not Don. Tell me my brother's not dead.

[Bethany]

Beth sobs a bit into Ari's shoulder. "The g-guard," she stutters out before breaking down and sobbing again. "I- they- I saw-"

[GamesMaster]

Ari stiffens, holding her breath, afraid to move, to breathe. Don. 

[Bethany]

Beth takes in a ragged breath, slipping into catfolk for some reason. "D-dad. They t-took dad again. I can't- I can't do that- I can't-"

[GamesMaster]

Dad. For a moment she thinks of her own father before things click into place. She relaxes, then, hugging Beth tighter. "It's okay. You'll be okay. You're safe here, I can keep you safe."

[Bethany]

"I don't c-care about m-me, I w-want my d-d-dad," Beth wails, her trembling increasing even as her body temperature creeps downward. 

[Tethras Clan]

Strangely, this is helps Merrill. Seeing the signs of a panic attack, the healer side of the elf activates and she acts. Pulling both ladies to a nearby sofa, she sandwiches Bethany between her and Ari, rubbing her arms and speaking soothingly until Beth's panic eases back a little. Hunter, not having enough room available on the couch, positions himself at their feet protectively.

[GamesMaster]

"Where did they take him?" asks Ari softly, as Beth starts to come around. "I can get him out. I'm as good as Niko at b-and-e's."