A/N~ Again sorry for the delayed update but still dealing with the aftermath of the fire. Clean up is a very time consuming and messy process. Plus this chapter was a bit challenging. Please read, enjoy and review.~A
Found and Lost Friends
After traveling through the warren of tunnels many less traveled if the dust and cobwebs were to be believed, the Blood King drew the Ashe out into the fresh air and fading sunlight. They were a few blocks from the light fae compound, but Trick kept Hale moving in the direction of the Dahl at a rather fast pace. He had Hale by the elbow and the Ashe was still clutching the brim of the new fedora in his hand delicately as he looked around a little dazed.
He wasn't dragging his feet, but he was obviously still getting his bearings. When suddenly he stopped as they turned down one of the side streets that led to the Dahl Riata. He stepped away from Trick and looked around more seriously. There were no trees around in this more industrial section of the city, but there was a crispness to the air and a certain woodsy tang that reminded people, Autumn was coming,
Hale recognized the scent, and knew it wasn't right. The last thing he remembered it had been the end of Spring, he looked over at Trick and asked, "Trick, what happened to Summer?"
The Blood King patted his friend on the shoulder. "I think we should wait for Ennoi to explain…" he started.
Hale usually amenable to almost anything said, "No Trick tell me now!" While the tone was mature and impatient, his eyes gave away the fear that Hale was feeling.
"Walk with me, my friend. I will tell you what I…what I suspect has happened. Keep in mind I have no proof, no evidence per say, only conjecture. Ennoi may be able to determine exactly what happened and perhaps the fae responsible." he said looking up at his friend as they continued down the side streets to the Dahl. Hale nodded his head as they walked indicating to Trick to continue his explanation.
"When the Ashe was suspected to be killed for his crimes during the Hunt, you were selected to be at least for the interim his replacement," Trick paused to glance up at Hale to ascertain how far his memory loss went. The Siren nodded his head for Trick to continue rather impatiently.
"You were supposed to go through the usual rituals involved in becoming the leader of the fae. It would have taken a fortnight and then you would have emerged the Ashe." Trick said, "You had made arrangements to come and meet all of us at the Dahl after you became the Ashe to celebrate, but you never showed up."
Hale's face was twisted in concentration, "I remember the, start of the process, the meditation with the priestess', I remember the fasting process and I remember the council coming to get me and my father was there. I thought it was a little strange that he was there." the Siren said as he looked over at Trick, "Family members of the new Ashe are supposed to…remove themselves when they are on the Counsel. After that I don't remember anything after that.
Trick nodded his head thoughtfully. "There are several potions, herbs, spells, even fae who can cause that effect. Your father has unfortunately already shown himself to be susceptible to the lure of power. To the exclusion of everything else, including the safety and security of any other fae, including his son. Fortunately," he said coaxing the younger fae to the threshold of the Dahl, "I know someone who is concerned with all fae, even if they're not her clan."
XXXXXXXXX
Kenzi was trying very hard not to laugh as Ennoi placed another plate of stew in front of her granddaughters boyfriend. Since they had initiated their bonding, Annie kept trying to fatten the wolf up.
Then Kenzi saw the table in front of the fireplace was once again taken up by several of the Avengers. Stark wasn't present and neither was the demigod Thor. The other three men however were sitting in front of the fire, enjoying their evening meal.
The man who Kenzi didn't really know with the dirty blond hair and intense gaze was having chicken pot pie The one who Kenzi suspected was Captain America, had ordered two of everything. While the man with salt and pepper hair, was enjoying the vegetarian special of eggplant parmesan, a salad and garlic bread. The first two men had also ordered another serving of the bread and butter.
While the younger two men were having an animated conversation, Kenzi noted the older looking man was just savoring his food, staring off into space with a dreamy expression. Then she noticed his gaze wasn't static in his reverie. No, his gaze was following Annie around the pub, with a small, dreamy little smile on his face.
Eric had convinced Fleur to take a few classes that interested her at the local community college. Surprisingly she had chosen to take accounting and business management courses. Her schedule had been more sporadic because of her school hours. Trick had promised to give her the time she needed. Impressed that the usually flighty fae was trying to better herself.
Ennoi had also been encouraging agreeing to help fill the void left by the two fae students. So when she came around with a carafe of coffee Kenzi wasn't surprised. When she stopped at the table the three men had claimed and started chatting with the man in the wire-rimmed glasses, Kenzi assumed that she was playing the Annie card and pumping the man for information.
When her grandmother began giggling and blushing like a school girl, Kenzi felt a huge grin begin to spread across her face.
When the door to the Dahl opened and she and Dyson both turned to the door to see who the new customer was as they came in. Kenzi smiled as she saw Trick enter the pub and then her face froze for a moment as they saw who followed him through the door. Neither could move for a moment and then she saw what Hale was holding in his hand and the grin that had started when she had realized her grandmother was flirting grew in relief.
She bounded out of the booth leaving her book on the table. She did manage to slow down and not leap into her friends arms, and spoke to Trick first as Hale looked around the pub curiously. "So it worked?"
"Went off without a hitch, although I did have to leave a very, very expensive bottle of wine behind which I'm quite certain that Sturgis Santiago will claim." Trick said with a wry grin.
"Well, worth the expense I'd say to get my partner back," Dyson said with a grin as he gave his friend a warriors handshake and pulled him into a one armed hug.
"So what did you get so caught up in being the Ashe, you forgot about your friends?" Kenzi asked waiting for her turn to hug her friend. Then at her words, the Siren got a panicked expression on his face and glanced over at the Blood King imploringly.
"No quite something so simple as that I'm afraid," said Trick comfortingly and added, "We were hoping to seek your grandmothers advice."
Kenzi looked over in Ennoi's direction and froze as she saw the older man kissing the back of the goddess'' hand reverently as the three men rose from the table as one. The grey eyed one speaking into his cell phone tersely. The Captain left a small wad of cash on the table as the trio headed for the door.
They excused themselves as they moved past Kenzi's group. Kenzi waited till they were out the door before turning to Dyson and saying, "Follow them, but keep your distance, and stay safe."
"At your command, my Queen." the wolf said with a sweeping bow and a cheeky grin before disappearing out the door.
XXXXXXXXX
Lauren was at work, a young fae had accidentally been poisoned by a sports drink. The caffeine was toxic to her particular variety of fae. She was barely breathing when her friends had practically carried her into the clinic at the light fae compound..
It had been a rather long night trying to bring the girl back from the brink of death. The patient was finally out of danger and was resting comfortably. Lauren was finally relaxing at her desk completing her notes and enjoying a cup of herbal tea. The tea had been a gift from Vex, he knew she didn't like to drink coffee after a long night shift, because the caffeine would keep her awake once she got home.
While Vex and Bo enjoyed a wide awake Lauren, the doctor was exhausted by the time she finally did fall asleep, and her rest was fitful at best. The rich tea was complex enough to be interesting and still able to keep the doctor alert enough to make it home in one piece.
Lauren was just finishing her paperwork when Sturgis Santiago charged into the clinic. The arrogant man was shouting for the human filth. Lauren concerned about the fae Council member potentially disturbing her other patients., came out of her office to be confronted by the imposing fae.
Sturgis demanded, "Where is my son, you traitorous female?"
Lauren furiously whispered, "Lower your voice, there are fae here who do not need your shouting. I have not seen the Ashe today, he does not usually come down here."
"You lie, you betrayed the last Ashe, and now you have betrayed my son." Santiago shouted.
"I have done neither." Lauren denied calmly, counteracting Sturgis obvious lack of control with her coolness. "Your son is a mature, male fae. Did it ever occur to you he may have chosen to leave the compound to find some companionship for the evening? Hale is an attractive fae, and knows his own mind, he could have left the compound of his own free will."
"Impossible," the elder fae said, and Lauren saw something flicker in his eyes. Something she recognized from the old Ashe, Sturgis was concealing something.
"How dare you question me, human?" said the elder fae defensively. "Take her to the dungeon, for aiding and abetting in the kidnapping of the Ashe."
A shiver of cold fear ran down the doctors spine as she said, "You can't imprison me only the Ashe can do that," Lauren said
Sturgis gave a shark like smile and said, "Thank you for reminding me doctor with my son, the current Ashe missing, I declare myself interim Ashe until his return."
Lauren is dragged away by two of Santiago's security detail, proclaiming her innocence. Remembering that she shared at least a partial connection with Vex, Lauren still struggling tried to make contact with the Mesmer as the guards took her into the dungeon. They tossed her into a cell and slammed the door behind her. Lauren managed a strangled scream before the guards slammed the outer door, leaving her in total darkness.