Chapter 3

Duty Calls

Arthur hadn't been this far into the woods on this side of town before. He just kept his eyes plastered on Gabriela, and moved as fast as his vampire speed would carry him. What would take a marathon runner a good half hour to cover, the trio made in mere minutes. Just outside the Nexus entrance, Gabriela stops to catch her breath.

"Ok, Arthur. This is your first meeting as a vampire. It will be different than when you were a human…"

Cas cuts Gabriela off.

"Yeah. You won't be under fire, and you will have a say in things. Voting power."

Gabriela, surprised at getting cut off, counters.

"Actually I was going to suggest he just sits in and watches how it works…"

Cas interjects once again.

"What is there to know about how it works? He's literally been in coven meetings, what? Four times now? I'm pretty sure he knows how it works."

Arthur silences them both.

"Alright. Both of you just stop before you start. Homeless vampire lives are on the line here. I am not going to have you guys sitting here bickering. I want to see what we're dealing with here and see what information they have and what we can do to help them."

Gabriela looks remorsefully at her shoes while Cas beams with a smile ear to ear.

"Sorry Arthur. Old habits are hard to break."

Cas has something else to say altogether.

"Normally I'd be mad, but I just can't at that show of power. Maybe you will make an outstanding Venanadi after all."

This earns Cas a shrewd look from Gabriela. Arthur smiles, shakes his head with a chuckle and heads into the Nexus, the girls in tow.

Arthur walks in to see six terribly beaten and worn vampires seated in the middle. He recognizes Remus and Fernanda from the cage fight, and four others he has never seen before. Remus and Fernanda look to be leaders of the tiny group. Arthur nods at them, with a faint, polite smile. The gesture is returned as Arthur approaches.

"I guess all that time in the ring paid off."

Remus smiles thinly. The sheer exhaustion is evident and not at all hidden.

"Well, evidently not enough. Our home is razed, and our ley line is gone."

Arthur gets a somber expression.

"We'll figure something out, Remus. We have to."

Remus just nods. Astoria is talking to a Venandi elder when she sees the trio walk in.

"Good. You're not late, like Lewyn…"

"Yeah, just like Lewyn to be fashionably late.."

Astoria grins at Arthur's cute little quip.

"Does this mean you've chosen your coven, Mr. Morgan?"

Arthur's face remains straight and emotionless.

"No, I haven't yet. I'm not sure who I represent…"

Astoria's face falls to a grimace as she cuts him off. Her words come out threateningly.

"Well time's a ticking. I'm sure little Ms Adalhard over there said something about giving you all the time you need, but…"

Arthur isn't playing Astoria's poker game anymore. He boldly interjects his call with equal force.

"Actually it was "little Ms." Harlow who said that for one, and two, or what? You banish me? And lose the two youngest, most pivotal members of these covens? Yeah, cause that would look good on your resume, Astoria."

All discussion halted and it became deathly quiet. All eyes were on Arthur and Astoria. Arthur wasn't sure that Gabriela and Cas would follow him out of Crimson Beech, it was a gamble based on what Cas had told him. He was playing no limit with Astoria in this hypothetical poker game. Astoria fumes as she starts in with her raise.

"How dare you…"

Arthur cuts her off again, calling her raise, voice booming in the chamber.

"How dare I what? Like it or not, I am one of you now. I'm a vampire. Living in Crimson Beech. You can't just "pop me like a Capri Sun" and deal with me quietly in the words of our late Clyde. Meaning you have three options, only one of which is in your favor. One. Banishment. But in lieu of that, you lose your two youngest members, not to mention whatever help I can provide you. Two. Death. You could kill me, but that option also leaves you missing your two youngest vampires. I am aware of the fight they put up for me."

Gabriela and most of the Nexus stares mouths agape at the heated exchange. Cas has a slight grin on her face, showing pride in Arthur as he continues.

"Three. You cut the attitude, and we all work together as we have for many years. I will make my decision on coven based on my views and beliefs. I'm the freshest vampire here as far as I know. You have some Like Cas, who strive to be on one side or another. And you have some like Gabriela who don't want to be a vampire at all. I'm somewhere in between. This is all new and its not something to take lightly. And I'm not going to sit here and put up with your shitty attitude on top of it. Your move."

Arthur just went all in in his hypothetical poker game. For a moment, Arthur and Astoria just stare at each other. Finally, Genevieve, a Clement elder speaks up.

"He's right, Astoria. It is a serious matter and he should be sure of his choice, whatever it may be."

Margo pipes up immediately afterwards.

"And we don't need any half-assedness in our coven. And I know Arthur doesn't do things half-assed."

Arthur gives them both a nod, and smiles as he gets his last word in.

"That's right. I'm full-assed."

A few chuckles come from the crowd as Astoria backs down, defeated, but not without a grimace on her face. Genevieve gets the true last word, however.

"Don't waste any time, Arthur. From the sounds of it, we have some major work ahead of us, and if you are going to be in Crimson Beech, we need you helpful, not getting in the way."

Arthur stands tall, but not arrogant.

"Genevieve, I will do my best as an independent for now, and once my decision is made, you WILL know. That's a promise."

Genevieve smiles.

"See that you do, Arthur."

A slow clap resounds from the entrance of the chamber. All eyes turn to see Lewyn walking in clearly entertained by the exchange. He motions to Arthur and Astoria.

"Good to see you both got that out of the way. But Arthur you must remember. As rough as Astoria is, she is still a coven leader. And while I'm sure we all can agree that this matter is about personal life and not coven governance, order must still be followed. I urge you to pick your battles very wisely. I am not siding with either of you, nor am I saying either of you are wrong. I am only making sure our newest vampire here understands how things work around here."

Lewyn casts his authoritative gaze upon Arthur with his last statement. Arthur nods in return. He heads towards the seats to sit next to Cas and Gabriela. He shouts over his shoulder:

"Alright, people. Lets get this meeting in order. I think we've wasted enough time don't you say?"

Across the room the secretarial vampire shouts the call to order and the current time.

"Meeting called to order by Arthur Morgan at 2:32 PM."

Astoria, Lewyn and Genevieve look at each other in awe. Genevieve speaks.

"Did he just call our meeting to order?!"

Lewyn steps forward with Astoria.

"Arthur's right. Down to business. Here we have before us, six vampires from the Flagstone Cove community. They are the sole survivors of the Creator's attack and are seeking refuge with us. Remus, the floor is yours."

Remus stands feebly, and leans against his chair for support.

"The Creator has completely razed Flagstone Cove. Some bigger concrete structures remain, and the remaining human populace believes the damage was caused by a massive forest fire, as do your humans. However, absolutely nothing remains of our ley line, it is completely gone. The Creator seemingly absorbed all it's power. This past week we have been fighting to hide from the sun and traveling at night time alone. We are slowly running out of options to return to normal life. We will have to return to the ancient way of life if we don't find a ley line to protect us. We would like to seek refuge in Crimson Beech until a solution can be found."

Remus sits back down. Arthur turns to Cas, voice barely a whisper.

"Seems like a no brainer to me. Give them the refuge they ask for."

Lewyn catches the exchange. He has a shadow of a grin as he speaks.

"Opinions, Mr. Morgan?"

Arthur sits up straight, caught off guard. Cas looks at Astoria's glare and dismisses it.

"Tell him, Arthur."

Arthur addresses to a waiting Lewyn. He tries to be as diplomatic as possible while not coming off disrespectful.

"Well I was telling Harlow my opinion on the matter."

"And that is?"

"I think we should allow them the refuge they seek…"

As Arthur speaks, Astoria stands.

"And what exactly brings you to this conclusion? You don't even know them."

Her words were not directed in offense to Remus, more as a challenge to Arthur, namely his knowledge. Lewyn raises his hand, stopping Astoria.

"A motion of refuge is on the table, Mr. Morgan please state the grounds of your motion."

Arthur steals a glance at Cas and Gabriela. Gabriela is in pure shock, but Cas only nods Arthur on, face showing full support.

"My knowledge of the Flagstone Cove coven is very limited. But what I do know is from what Adalhard told me of Lewyn's diplomatic abilities to make them a great ally. And allies take care of each other. Furthermore, I know Remus and Fernanda personally from the Venandi fighting ring."

A wave of gasps sweeps the Clement vampires and some Venandi elders. At this, Arthur knew he slipped up. Remus and Fernanda weren't shocked, but they look up from the floor, eyes on the Nexus. Arthur looks back at Cas, who has pride in her eyes, but no facial expression other than her support. Astoria is furious as she moves to stand in front of Arthur.

"Remus is this true? Surely it is a lie."

"Actually Astoria it is true. Mr. Morgan was with Ms. Harlow some weeks ago. We fought two on two. They kicked our asses."

"How is this possible? Only vampires are allowed on the premises, let alone fight."

"He was Harlow's guest."

"What? Did you guys wear boxing gloves? How could Morgan survive a vampire fight when he was just a human at the time?!"

Remus continues.

"He drank a shot of blood from the Venandi fighters. Cas, Margo, Val, Seth and Scott all contributed."

Astoria is furious. She turns to the fledglings.

"You all have a lot of explaining to do!"

Margo speaks up.

"He defended our honor. Arthur helped us!"

Lewyn interjects before it gets more out of control.

"None of this matters right now, Astoria. We have a motion on the table to accept these 6 vampires into refuge. Do I hear a second?"

Genevieve stands.

"I second."

"Alright, moved and seconded, Tribunal, your decision?"

Murmurs break out across the chamber, with many nods toward Arthur.

Remus stands.

"There's more. Before you decide, you must know that if we are allowed refuge, we will help you with the trouble that is to come."

Astoria turns toward Remus with an expression of shock.

"And what is this trouble you speak of?"

"Another Creator. His place of rest is just outside of Montreal, Canada. Based on our connections to the north, he was an ally to the destroyed creator. Much like the Crimson Beech situation, they planned to rule in peace with each other, thus having more territory, more sway. From what my connections have found out, he has not woken yet. But when he does it can only be assumed he will be out for control and vengeance when he hears of his partners demise."

Astoria presses Remus for further information, everyone in the Nexus listening intently.

"Just how much territory are we talking about here? Perhaps we could all relocate out of his grasp."

"Well, unless you want to cross the ocean and live with the Brits, or move to the west coast, you're out of luck. Their combined territory reaches from this coast all the way to the Mississippi River. So half of the U.S. and the same of Canada, just draw an imaginary line continuing the Mississippi up through Canada."

More murmurs break out across the chamber. Arthur looks over to Remus.

"So its not just our ley line. It's everyone's on this half of the continent…"

Astoria and Lewyn share a worried look. Lewyn speaks first, with Astoria finishing their combined thought.

"Well this certainly is a definite threat, but what can we do about it?"

"Especially since the sacrificial human that destroyed the last Creator is now a vampire himself."

Remus looks to Arthur.

"How did you do it before? And when did you become a vampire?"

Arthur's eyes shift to silvery blue to confirm it to Remus. When he speaks, Remus focuses on Arthur's fangs momentarily.

"I injected myself with a healthy dose of Harlow's blood and presented myself to challenge the Creator. I fooled him with my human appearance and he fed on me not knowing I had vampire blood coursing through me. Both Harlow and Adalhard turned me to keep me alive."

Remus and the Flagstone Cove vampires murmur in awe at Arthur's story. Remus finally speaks.

"You did that voluntarily? Yeah, good luck finding another human willing to make that sacrifice."

Val stands up and addresses the situation.

"Couldn't we capture a human on a hunt and use them as a sacrifice? Wait until the time is right and inject them with the blood?"

Astoria smiles slightly, but it short lived. Lewyn, Gabriela and most of the Clements harshly disagree. Gabriela shouts out, and Lewyn corrals it back in.

"That is terribly cruel! And who knows for how long we would keep them a prisoner! It could be months, and they would be locked up scared and who knows if it would drive them to suicide!"

"Adalhard is right. Our pact as Crimson Beech vampires is to respect the humans and not interfere with their existence, while keeping ours a secret. Such a plan is against that very creed."

Val chimes in with a rebuttal.

"One rando human life for millions of human and vampire lives? It would be for the greater good, especially if you truly want to save the humans."

Arthur had tuned out of the discussion. He stared blankly at the wall as he thought. He was focused on a solution to the problem far more advanced than his archaic vampire comrades. Cas notices and puts her hand on Arthur's.

"What's wrong? You feeling alright?"

Arthur breaks his thought to comfort her.

"No, just thinking of an idea to help, is all. It's risky, and I'm sure it will get shot down, but…"

"Speak up! Worst that can happen I they say no."

Arthur nods in determination and gives Cas' hand a squeeze.

"Thanks, babe. Here goes."

Arthur clears his throat and raises his voice.

"Maybe we don't have to do that at all. I have an idea."

A hush falls over the chamber. All eyes are on Arthur. A wave of nervousness washes over him until Cas steps up and puts her hand on the small of his back.

"I'm behind you 100%. You did it once, I'm sure you can do it again."

Arthur smiles at Cas and addresses the Nexus with a renewed vigor.

"I have some friends from my hometown up north that could help."

Astoria levels with Arthur, not scowling, but truly curious as to what Arthur has up his sleeve.

"And do these friends of yours have a death wish or something?"

Arthur can't help but chuckle.

"No but they are an ex-Green Beret special forces team with access to special weapons and tactics. They were responsible for countless victories in the Iraq war and retired with high decoration."

"Human victories, sure. But even us vampires can't take a Creator down without an overwhelming advantage or numbers. So how am I supposed to believe a small human team is supposed to help us?"

Lewyn raises his hand quieting Astoria.

"Arthur, are you talking about The A-Team?"

Arthur is shocked.

"Yes, The A-Team. How do you know of them?"

"A veteran patient at the hospital told me about them, says he even met them once. But they are your friends?"

"Before my mom and I moved here, we lived in northern Maine. We lived in the big city and close to the hospital where she worked. Not far from our old house is a shop where the team does their business out of. Their leader, Colonel John "Hannibal" Smith is a small time B movie actor, Sargent B.A. Baracus does auto repair, Lieutenant Templeton "Faceman" Peck is an accountant for a few local businesses, and Captain H.M. Murdock, well he's a wild card. He fills in where its needed. He was the team's chopper pilot over Iraq. B.A. helped me with some bullies once when I was held up for my lunch money. After that, they became like father figures to me. They took me in and taught me to defend and stand up for myself. It was awesome, since I've never met my real father. He died about a year after I was born."

Lewyn is mesmerized by Arthur's story. When he speaks, though, its matter of fact.

"That is incredible. But in the end, Astoria's got a point. How can they help us?"

"Well, I know Hannibal has automatic weapons from the service, and if we could make some silver bullets, it could help against any creations we meet, giving us an advantage. Plus, their van is a good mode of transport since there are no windows in it, so we can hide from the sun in between ley lines. They won't solve the problem for us per se, but they can offer cover fire and a distraction so we can focus on thinning the numbers and taking the Creator out. "

Astoria interjects.

"First of all, NO Absolutely NOT. We don't need any more dealings with knowing humans. Arthur, you were an exception to that rule, being as you have shown support to us vampires and made the ultimate sacrifice for us. I doubt your friends would do the same. But even if we entertained this notion, what about the Creator himself? How can they help with that?"

Arthur thinks for a moment and answers.

"Hannibal always has a plan. I'm sure they could use their contacts to gather a couple tranquilizer rounds and we could replace the tranquilizer with vampire blood. A couple of those well placed shots should do it. Honestly this is all conjecture, but its 2022. I'm sure the technology exists. But I'd have to talk to Hannibal."

Astoria looks impressed.

"Well it sure is a well thought plan. And I give you credit. The Creator wouldn't see it coming. But my answer is still no. We would have to erase their memories after it was all said and done."

Remus butts in.

"We could help with that."

Lewyn steps up to Arthur and puts a hand on his shoulder.

"I make a motion that Arthur reaches out to this A-Team for help. Is there a second?"

A Venandi elder with jet black hair and a crimson suit coat stands.

"Second!"

Astoria turns to her coven mate.

"Insanity!"

The elder finishes his statement.

"I second on the grounds that Mr. Morgan is responsible for recruiting this team and any and all repercussions that derive from it are solely Morgan's to carry. Good or bad. It's his idea, after all."

Arthur's heart drops. He hadn't thought about that part through.

Lewyn addresses the elders.

"Tribunal?"

All members of both covens, with the exception three older elders on the Venandi side and of course Astoria, raise their hand in agreement. The secretary chimes in after the motion is carried.

"We still need a tribunal decision on refuge for our Flagstone Cove friends."

Lewyn turns once again to the elders.

"Ah, yes and on this matter, what is the decision?"

This time, every hand is up.

"Then it is decided. The Flagstone Cove vampires can take refuge in Crimson Beech and aid in the downfall of our newest adversary. And Arthur Morgan is to recruit The A-Team to aid with same said adversary. Tribunal dismissed!"

Remus and his followers rise and shake hands with Astoria and Lewyn Remus also addresses Arthur.

"Many thanks for your generosity. It will be repaid tenfold! Arthur, thank you for standing up for me. Your idea of The A-Team is in my opinion the only viable one I've heard thus far. I see leadership in you someday."

Arthur is astounded. It takes a moment for him to respond.

"Well, I think these two would have something to say about that."

Arthur looks over at Lewyn and Astoria. Astoria has her head held high with a look of "That's right, fall in line" on her face. But Lewyn is calm and cool, a ghost of a smile on his face as he responds.

"You're far younger than I. Your time may come. I can't do this forever."

A laugh rings out among the small group remaining in the chamber. He continues.

"Remus, fellow Flagstone Cove vampires, please make yourselves comfortable at the hotel in town til we can find a suitable living space. I will call ahead and make arrangements. Rest well, but don't make trouble. We don't want to have to send you back out on your own."

"We would never treat such hospitality so recklessly. You have my word." Remus replies with another hand shake.

All that remain in the chamber are Arthur, Cas, Lewyn and Astoria. Lewyn puts a hand on Arthur's shoulder.

"I have one more thing to discuss with you, Arthur."

Arthur turns to face Lewyn and Astoria.

"What is it?"

"I laid your mother off today with full pay. The FBI wants her out of the way. You see, the FBI knows about our existence and has been quite helpful for many years in keeping it under wraps. However with your mothers' prying, I brought them in to take over the investigation and clean it up as to keep our secret. But when I went into her office today to give her the notice, I saw three books on her desk related to vampire lore."

Arthur's face falls, then twists in anger.

"So you want me to babysit her again, and try to throw her off the trail? Just so I can get set up for failure? Hell. NO! I shouldn't have been tasked with that last time! I don't even know how to proceed with that, Lewyn, so you're on your own."

Astoria chimes in.

"That sounds like an invitation to kill her to me."

Arthur is enraged. His eyes change and he bears his fangs.

"You do that, and I will rip your throat out myself!"

Lewyn bears his fangs at Astoria, then squeezes Arthur's shoulder, pleading with him.

" That's quite enough, Astoria. Please Arthur hear me out."

Arthur crosses his arms

"I'm listening…"

"I'm not asking you to do anything yet. Just go home and figure out what your mother's motives are and what she knows. Then we can try to figure out what to do. Can you do that please?"

Arthur looks over at Cas.

"You got me on this?"

Cas throws her arm around Arthur's waist. The action doesn't go unnoticed by a silent Astoria.

"100%, Arthur."

"Alright, Lewyn. I'll see what I can figure out. Gimme your number. I'll text with any info."

"Thank you, Arthur. Your mother is very good at her job, I'd hate to lose a great mind like that."

Arthur smirks and shakes his head as he puts the number in his phone, and he and Cas begin to walk out.

"Yeah I'm sure. More like CYA, to me."

Lewyn gets a dumbfounded look.

"CYA? What's that?"

Cas shouts over her shoulder:

"CYA. Covering Your Ass, Lewyn."

Lewyn stands still, a guilty expression on his face, seen by no one. Astoria follows Arthur and Cas out. In the Nexus entrance, Astoria steps in front of them.

"So, Cas. I see you've gone and started courting."

Astoria points to Arthur's charm bracelet, with Cas's confession talisman in front and center. Cas only grins

"Oh, that's old news, Astoria."

"Well you'd better make sure you don't throw your emotions around carelessly. You are a Venandi, and as such, you need to show discipline and control over your emotions."

Arthur butts in.

"Excuse me?! What the hell does that have to with her personal life?!"

Astoria holds her hand up in defense.

"Arthur, please. I am speaking with my niece."

Arthur's mouth falls open.

"Niece? Astoria's your aunt?"

Cas is scowling at Astoria when she answers.

"Yes, Astoria is my great aunt. And as my great aunt, she thinks its her job to make sure I handle myself "just so…"

Astoria returns the scowl.

"The Venandi have been a strict coven for decades. We must not lose sight of our foundings. Hunger isn't the only thing that clouds judgement. Loose emotions can lead to delayed action."

"I never will lose sight, Astoria. Courting Arthur doesn't change that!"

Astoria is silent for a moment, but she eyes Arthur with slight disdain and disgust.

"He's not a Venandi. He comes off as a Clement at times. Weaker. Less capable."

Arthur huffs out a response just before Cas berates Astoria.

"I took down a Creator for you. And yet, I'm "weaker?"

"Well he's not a Clement! What's it going to take for you to show him some respect, Astoria?!"

Astoria eyes Arthur like a piece of meat.

"I have been showing him respect. But if allegiance is what you want, then it's going to take a little more convincing."

Arthur holds his hand up

"Astoria. I love Cassie. More than anything in the world. I can't imagine my life without her in it. I have gotten so close to her. I want nothing more than to live out my days with her. But if you want me to prove that to you, then you need to back down and drop the attitude and allow me to show you that I can. It does neither of us any good if you're not paying attention."

Astoria stands tall, smirking slightly.

"That's what I want to see. You fighting for her. I'll back off my aggression as long as you keep showing that tenacity towards Cas. You have my word."

With that, Astoria holds out her hand. Arthur shakes it.

"Now that's a promise I can keep for you, Astoria."

"Good. Now please go see what you troublesome mother is up to. And get your friends on board with this offensive. Don't disappoint, Arthur."

Then, Astoria is gone in an instant. Cas looks at Arthur as they start walking out.

"Why did you just do that?"

"Because I love you, that's why."

"Are you sure? I think its just to get her off your back."

"That is an added benefit…"

Arthur trails off seeing Gabriela standing near the entrance. She looks up from the ground at Arthur. She was looking sad, but the sight of Arthur puts a scowl on her face.

"Gabriela, what's wrong?"

As Gabriela stands silent with her hands balled up at her sides, Cas grins.

"It's because she hates seeing me with you."

Gabriela completely ignores Cas.

"I don't know. Maybe it's the fact that you're jumping right into harms way only moments after escaping it. Or maybe it's the fact that you couldn't keep your mouth shut in that meeting?! OR, maybe the fact that you never told me you went to a Venandi fight and participated! Arthur are you crazy?"

Arthur still feels a little rage in him from Astoria's confrontation, and it unintentionally spills out.

"Well I'm sorry, Golden Girl, but when everyone else in that meeting was all worried and running around like chickens with their heads cut off, I came up with a plan! Is that so wrong of me?! And what I do on my own personal time with my girlfriend isn't for you to punish me about!"

Gabriela's face twists in horror, A tear instantly comes to her eye.

"Thanks, Cas! I see you've been corrupting my best friend!"

Gabriela turns and runs. Cas shouts in answer.

"What? I am not!"

Arthur starts in Gabriela's direction. Cas grabs his shoulder, spinning him around.

"Don't. Let her go. She's being over dramatic and selfish, but a word of warning, you may not want to call her "Golden Girl" ever again."

"What? Don't like me taking your lines?"

"No, really, Arthur. I'm not one for apologies, but you might want to give her one. There is a story behind that name, and its not very nice. Its actually an insult."

"Oh, Shit…"

Cas runs her hand up and down Arthur's back as they walk towards his house.

"You didn't know. It's ok. But the story behind it is a few years ago after I was freshly turned, Adalhard was still human. It was right around the time her grandmother was snooping into their family history."

Arthur nods.

"She told me about that."

Cas continues.

"Well right around the time her grandmother found out about the vampires, vampire hunters, and the silver talismans they used, that's when she was captured. And since Gabriela wanted to take her grandma's place in death, her grandma called her a "Golden Child". Lewyn convinced Astoria to turn Adalhard into a vampire instead of killing her. Her grandma died a few days later due to the injuries she received from Astoria's torture. So since Adalhard never really took to the vampire life well, the Venandi's have always called her "Golden Girl" as a taunt and sort of mocking of her grandmother."

Arthur's jaw drops. Cas looks at the ground, not making eye contact with Arthur. He stops. Arthur looks to Cas.

"What have I done?!"

"You might want to leave her be for now. Let her calm down."

"Cas, you have to stop calling her that. You have to apologize too."

"I've done it for so long now, I'm not sure how much good it would do."

"Damn it, we are a team now! You have to make amends. Break old habits. Work Together. Please. Do it for me."

Cas turns to Arthur.

"I'll try. But she may not even listen."

"Just try. That's what counts. We will do it together."

With that, Arthur and Cas find themselves at Arthur's door step. Arthur is startled when Cas stops at the door.

"You're not coming in? I don't want to spend the night alone."

"I'll go get my car. I'm also gonna look around for Adalhard. I have a couple ideas of places where she goes to mope. Tell your mom to expect me a little later."

Arthur kisses Cas and she turns away down the walkway as Arthur enters his house. Terri was at the table, books spread out. Vampire books.

"Hey Arthur. Got time to have that chat?"