Eep, where to begin.. Well, a huge thanks to everyone who reviewed my last chapter. I love you guys! Also, I am so very sorry that it took me so long to update. My computer died, and once I managed to get it working again I discovered that I had lost everything on my drive (!!). And then life kicked up again, and I couldn't find time to re-write the chapter... But, I finally got three minutes to breathe, so here is the chapter I promised you.. how long ago? :P. *sigh* I hope you arn't too mad...
See you at the bottom.

=^..^=


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Marguerite lay awake in her bed, listening to the sounds of the plateau. Something had woken her up, but she wasn't quite sure what it was. It had been two days since she had been trapped in the cave of gold. Miraculously, the explorers made it home with the gold without any major problems. There had been a minor skirmish with the hostile savages, but they had made it out alive, and without being struck by any of the darts. The sun was just starting to peek over the jungle horizon as Marguerite sat up. Something wasn't right, although she couldn't quite put her finger on it. She glanced around her room, making sure that nothing was out of place. But everything looked exactly as it had when she had gone to bed. Marguerite stood, pulling on her robe before exiting her room. Once she figured out what it was, perhaps she'd be able to get a few more hours of sleep. Although she doubted there was any chance Veronica would let her go back to bed now that she was up and moving around.

Marguerite barely made any noise as she moved through the treehouse and towards the main room. If the others were still sleeping, she didn't want to wake them up. She went to the balcony first. Convinced that everything below the treehouse was ok, she moved to the elevator. It was still locked, no one had used it yet. But Marguerite still couldn't get rid of the feeling that something was missing. That something was wrong.

It was only when she turned around, about to check the lab, when Marguerite noticed the single piece of paper on the table. It looked like it had been ripped out of one of Ned's journals, although the handwriting didn't look anything like Ned's from across the room. Once she got closer though, Marguerite didn't have any trouble recognizing the handwriting. It belonged to her sister. And Marguerite didn't have to check her bedroom to know that Avril was no longer in the treehouse. She didn't have to read the note to know it said goodbye.

~*~*~

Roxton found Marguerite sitting at the table, staring into a cup of coffee. He wondered briefly what she was doing up so early, although the thought was quickly replaced with worry when he saw how upset she was. It was obvious by the way she was sitting, how she gripped her cup so tightly, that dull look her eyes had...

"Marguerite?" He called her attention away from the dark liquid. "What's wrong?"

"Avril left." Marguerite said softly.

"What?" Roxton was shocked. He was surprised he hadn't heard the elevator, and that the younger girl hadn't even bothered to say goodbye.

Marguerite handed Roxton the note she had found just thirty minutes earlier. She was thankful Roxton had been the first to venture into the kitchen. Marguerite wasn't ready to face the others just yet.

Roxton took the note silently, reading the loose script quickly.


Sorry I did not say goodbye, but I never could say goodbye to you. I would have loved to say with you and your friends on this lost world, but I have a daughter to save. I cannot leave her in that madman's hands for even a moment longer. So, by the time you read this, I hope to be halfway off the plateau. For I know you will not sleep for more than four hours once I've gone. You always could tell when I wasn't there...
Thank you. For I know I would not have been able to gather so many gemstones and precious metals so quickly without your help. I know you were hoping that I'd show you the way off of the plateau in exchange for your help, but it's safer for you here. They are still looking for you. Besides, this is quite a life you have. What on earth would you want to go back for? I'll let them know that I never found you. I'll tell them you were killed by savages, or eaten by jungle creatures... I'll think of something. And as long as you stay on the plateau, you should be safe. I'll come back some day, when I've got my daughter, when things have settled down a little. Just take care of yourself. Tell the others I'm sorry for leaving so suddenly. I know it was rude, but you know how much I hate long goodbyes. I'm still looking for our parents, and if I hear anything, I'll be sure to send word. Goodbye, Marguerite.
I almost forgot. I never told you my daughter's name. It's Nicole.


The letter ended there. Roxton turned his attention back to the heiress. She seemed more composed than when he had first seen her, although her attention was back on her coffee.

"Are you alright?" He asked gently, concern clear in his voice.

Marguerite offered him a sad smile.
"She was right. I knew something was wrong. I knew she was missing..." The heiress sighed before standing up. "I suppose I had better get dressed."

Roxton pulled her into his embrace, running his fingers across her back lovingly. Marguerite closed her eyes, enjoying his touch for a few moments before pulling away and heading towards her room with her sister's note. She hesitated before leaving the room, glancing at Roxton over her shoulder.

"You know.." She said offhandedly. "Perhaps this Plateau isn't so bad after all."

Roxton smiled as his lady continued towards her bedroom. He knew she'd decided to take her sister's advice and remain on the plateau. For now, at least. Besides, he mused as he took a sip of Marguerite's untouched coffee, the plateau really wasn't so bad. Friends, the woman he loved, all the raptors he could shoot... No. It really wasn't so bad.


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I tried, but I had a lot of trouble writing an actual chapter where they got out of the cave, and made it home safely. I know, after such a long wait, the end is a little flat.. but to make up for it, I am already creating a sequal. Or, thinking one through anyway. I havn't started writing it yet. I want to get my other fics written first.

But I Hope you guys are satisfied with the ending. And I hope you arn't too mad at having to wait so long. I have no idea when I'll have time to update my other works, as life has been incrediably hectic lately, and I have a lot of fic reading to catch up on... but I'll try and get one of them updated asap. Anywho... review, yell at me for taking so long, and let me know what you think. ;) And for whoever asked, Dai stiho means 'Go well'.

Dai stiho
~C.Cat~