Loki held his head with a hand, elbow placed against his desk as his eyes were lowered to the book before him. It included the names and descriptions of the members of the senate in Vidalie. He had been researching for the past week...evaluating he should say on who was most likely next on the black list. Meaning business for them. It was simply amazing how much one would spend to have another dead. They never took jobs that would be considered 'disagreeable'. If a senator was good, then it was clear he would not be harmed. That was Loki's side job...to make sure the city didn't go into crumbles from all this power grabbing. Of course he did it under the table and had the influence of Sir Scarlatto.

Though the citizens in the city never breathed a word of it, they understood the power Scarlatto had to influence their wallets. It wasn't as bad than what it was like for those in the upper class. They had to be watched, and knowing Lord Scarlatto's background before inheriting his father's place, understood that no one should be enemies with a highly ranked assassin. The Scarlatto family had always been the ones to watch over Vidalie...like a Watchman. This was not to say that Scarlatto controlled anything. No, no...but influence was a similar and effective power.

Loki had, like his father and before, served the Scarlatto family with what seemed as a genetic love of information. The entire library behind him had been written by the Keel family and Loki was glad to continue the legacy. But it was strange how his grandfather had focused on the war and his father in politics. Nowadays, Loki had to use a little of both. He understood the troubles this war was causing normal townspeople, blames and riots breaking out elsewhere, mainly within towns with magicians or even gypsies. Vidalie had their own selection of wizards from upstanding families, and everyone in the city looked outside as though people had begun to lose their minds.

It seemed to be the only place untouched by the war. Loki wondered whether that was pure luck or careful management that did it. The people...well they certainly had a part in it either way.

Downstairs the bell rang, causing Miss Dollet to erect her head in attention. It was the call button that meant a visitor had come. She stood from the cabinet, having been dusting the china, and ruffled her burgundy dress before making her way into the main hall. Her shoes made no sound even on the marble flooring, carrying herself with an unnameable grace. Her hand unlocked one of the double doors before parting it, revealing a familiar face.

"Good afternoon, Chairman." she greeted with a pleasant smile, "How nice it is to see you."

The Chairman had removed his hat, behind him a black carriage with two horses was waiting at the street and a driver sitting with it. He was a stout man, older with large gray whiskers covering his maw in a long mustache. He had dark beige fur, what was once black stripes and hair were now gray with age.

He rose a handkerchief to his forehead, patting a few beads of sweat. "Quite, quite, Miss Dollet. The pleasure is all mine. May I ask if the master is home? I understand he may still be out on his hunting trip."

"I'm terribly sorry, Chairman, but he is still away from the house." She informed with a gentle crease of her brow in regret.

"Ah. As I thought. Perhaps I may speak with Mr. Keel?"

With a smile, Miss Dollet averted herself to the side of the door, allowing the Chairman to enter through. "Of course! I will call him immediately."

The large cat nodded in appreciation. "Wonderful!"

Miss Dollet led them through the main lobby and into the lounge where a calm fire was warming the room from the fireplace, large leather chairs positioned for a total of five guests, small tables set near each one with a tray for cigar ash positioned on them. Around the room were portraits and various decorations fit for a wealthy man. Many were gifts.

Led to a chair, the Chairman seated himself comfortably as he pulled a cigar from a case in his coat pocket.

"Would you like some tea, sir?"

"That sounds wonderful, Miss Dollet. Two sugars please."

With a smile, Miss Dollet made sure the Chairman was comfortable before walking to the entrance of the lounge, pulling open a box on the wall that revealed several small threads with a bead at the bottom. After pulling one twice, she closed the box and left the room to fetch the refreshments.

After a few minutes, Loki appeared, stepping into the lounge as he curiously peered inside to see who was residing there. Noticing it was the Chairman, he quickly smiled pleasantly as he made his way to sit down across from the large man who puffed on his cigar distantly until spotting Loki.

"Mr. Keel! Wonderful to see you, lad!" The Chairman greeted, setting his cigar onto the tray before reaching a hand to Loki. He took it, giving a good shake.

"To you as well, Lord Hobson! What can I do for you today?"

"Ah, getting down to business, are we? Just like Mr. Aetherius." Mr. Hobson smiled as he leaned back into his chair as though he were exhausted. Loki gave a shy smile. "I must admit, Mr. Keel, that this war is causing quite a stir all around us. I fear that the city will soon be affected by the epidemic." The Chairman informed, patting his forehead with his handkerchief once again, looking to the ceiling. "Think of the politics. With a land like Faholgal as the main hub, think of how that would spread to the rest of us."

"If you forgive my suggestion, Chairman, but the citizens of Vidalie are not that dense as to be swayed by an argument of whether the world would be better off without magicians or other such things of that nature." Loki said, adjusting his glasses a bit. "This city has lived rather peacefully, even after that debate some hundred years ago."

"Yes, yes, but there has been rumor that the Ministry doesn't care for all that. They'll go out of their way to wherever magicians are and 'dispose' of them, as they say. Very worrisome."

"I have heard that, sir."

"And if the city is raided by the Eye of Michael, then that blame on the magicians will surely begin here."

"Yes, sir."

"Then how can we stop that?!" The Chairman looked at Loki with the eyes of a genuine leader worried for his followers.

"Forgive me, but perhaps you have forgotten the wealth of the city, sir." Loki said with a worried smile. The old cat blinked at him before pressing back into his chair.

"Go on, Mr. Keel."

"Very well. You say there will be a war within the city. But as we all know, a city is no place for a war. Perhaps in the outskirts, that would be appropriate. However, Vidalie is rather large and has become quite modern in an ever growing civilization. You must consider the economics. The city does not stop, even with a war on either side. Butchers will need to deliver their meats for money. Farmers travel to the city to deliver vegetation and come for supplies. With the money from farmers, store owners will be paid for food, and so goes the cycle.

No, the city does not stop. Not unless anyone wouldn't mind an empty money purse. We have two banks and a postal service. The city is run in democracy (as you understand, Chairman) and not by a single ruler or their sons and daughters to come. Certainly if you make this clear to the people, they will find the foolishness of fighting against one another. It does not make sense to disrupt the cycle because of idiotic solutions based outside this democracy by a power hungry organization. Rather, we should make it clear that those people are the real enemy who discriminate against fine citizens. Why, we have two magic users in the Watch and one in the senate. And he is a fine man, indeed, Chairman, if you don't mind me saying.

There are magicians in the medical ward who have constantly aided those unfortunate enough with ailments. We have magic users in every sort of position and have never gone out of their way to hurt us "normal" citizens in any way. Why, they had done just the opposite! They are civil servants, Chairman. And you only need to remind those who ask of these things and perhaps common sense will settle in."

The Chairman sat, staring at the ceiling as he had listened to Loki, visualizing it all in his mind. That was who he was...a visionary. "Well said, Mr. Keel." was all he muttered distantly, never hearing these things said so clearly before even from all his advisers.

Loki smiled brightly, "Why thank you, sir!"

Miss Dollet came in with the tea on a silver push cart, stopping first to Mr. Hobson to pour his cup.

After taking his cup and saucer, the Chairman looked to the two of them with some interest. "Lord Scarlatto had done well in employing the two of you." he complimented before sipping the perfectly warmed tea.

Miss Dollet covered her mouth with a giggle after giving Loki his own tea. "Oh, please do behave your flattery, Chairman."

"I mean what I say, thank you! Before coming here, I was a hot mess, I assure you! But after Mr. Keel's suggestions and Miss Dollet's wonderful tea, why, I wonder what there was to worry about."

After tea, the Chairman excused him for official business he needed to attend to. Miss Dollet led him outside, taking his arm as they stepped down the stone steps and past the front gardens to the carriage that awaited Lord Hobson. Before entering, the old cat kissed Miss Dollet on the cheek, causing her to giggle under his hard whiskers tickling her.

"Have a wonderful day, Mr. Hobson." She said after the man settled himself in the carriage, the door held by the driver.

"To you as well, Miss Dollet. You will hear from me soon with an invitation for Lord Scarlatto."

"I will await it. Thank you, sir."

The driver closed the door, tipping his hat to Miss Dollet before picking himself up onto the carriage's seat. With a small whip of the reins, the two horses moved forward, trotting down the stone street.

Miss Dollet stood looking after the black carriage before turning her gaze to each side of the mansion. To her left, a long way from the upper class district was where the real city was. She knew the people were busy with their lives, tending to their errands normally as though the outside world were hundreds of miles away. And it could have been.

----

It was night and everyone had gone to sleep except Loki. A lamp lit his desk as he sorted through papers with tired eyes. The talk with the Chairman had bothered him for quite some time, filling his later readings with the city's financial and employment documents. Mainly for those in control. This would all be considered classified information, but the Chairman had great trust in him and the master. That and the two of them would learn things eventually. There really was no use in hiding.

Loki heard the door close in the main lobby, perking a long ear up in curiosity. Perhaps it was a servant attending something outside. But that couldn't be...they were supposed to use the backdoor. An intruder? Loki paused, his ears twitching as he listened hard. He didn't hear anything else. Maybe it wasn't the door and something else. Loki scratched his cheek, looking at his own closed door, wondering whether he should check or not.

If it really was an intruder, Miss Dollet would have already handled them. That or the traps. There were many traps in the mansion. Loki would have called it the master's hobby. Whoever tried assassinating Mr. Scarlatto must have been, as they say, not from around here. If one wasn't a guest, they came in but never left. Or so the rumor went. Loki was very fond of rumors.

After a few failed attempts to go back to work, Loki's curiosity got the better of him. He took his jacket from the shoulder of his chair and wrapped it on himself, walking to the door. Carefully, he parted it gently, peering both ways in the darkened halls before deeming it safe to exit. Making his way down the hall and to the main lobby, he kept alert especially near the staircase, holding the rail as he looked up to the ceiling and stared at shadows. When you lived with an assassin, you start learning how they move about.

Not spotting anything, Loki went down the steps, looking at the double doors of the entrance before taking a left. The Lounge a large room and easy to hide in. Might as well check there first. On the wall, he took hold of one of two crossed fencers, arming himself just in case. Loki stepped through the opening until a something made him stop dead.

There was someone on the floor between two of the chairs! Not something an assassin would do, but the idea of someone actually here caused Loki's hand to tense around his weapon. Carefully, he came in further until another sight made his tail puff out wide behind him (something he hated catching himself doing). Sitting in a leather chair Loki saw his master, dirtied, sleeping soundly. His head was tilted in the direction of the one on the floor, which Loki got a better look of as he quietly stepped around a chair. Lying on his stomach, a mouse with black hair was in as deep a sleep as Master Scarlatto.

Loki stood there in confusion until something touched his shoulder, causing him to whip around with the fencer. The blade hit something soft and as Loki came to his bearings, realized it was blankets. From behind, a very angry Miss Dollet was glaring at him.

"Loki!" she hissed under her breath, staying quiet for the two sleeping gentlemen. "These are very expensive blankets!"

Loki withdrew hastily, reminding himself to be quiet. "Wh--Who is that?!" He asked in the same way Miss Dollet was speaking.

"I don't know! But if he came with his Grace, then we'll wait till morning for answers!"

"M-Morning?! I can't wait that long! Why is he on the floor for god sakes?! "

"Be quiet!" She finalized as she walked around a puzzled Loki, laying a blanket over Aeth and then over the stranger. She would have wanted to move him to at least a chair, but he seemed quite comfortable where he was. So went the power of exhaustion, it seemed.

After she was finished, she literally pushed Loki out of the lounge, sending him to bed, making him swear he wouldn't disturb them. One of the vital rules within the mansion: Never wake the Master. He wasn't responsible for what he would do. Miss Dollet knew that Loki would make an attempt to disturb the stranger, and with the master so close...well it all seemed a bad idea.

------

Vincent woke up to find himself lying on the floor, a blanket covering him and the morning light peering through the large window across the room. He rose himself, looking to his right to find the chair empty from where he placed Aeth last night. He hadn't had time to look around, and now that he did, found himself in what he would call an extravagantly decorated room. As his eyes moved, they settled on a figure waiting patiently at the door, a female cat with cream fur and auburn hair, wearing a blue and white maid dress.

She smiled. "His Lordship requested you be seen to the bath."

Vincent stared at her, confused beyond all reason of who this 'lordship' was and where he was. Dragging themselves inside, the only thoughts running through his mind was where to collapse. But instead of asking any questions, Vincent stood up tiredly, following the maid out.

-----

The bath was very refreshing. His fur actually looked white now and there was a mirror where he could see himself for the first time in days. And he looked...just as he did in his twenties. It was unnerving.

He was shown clothes by a servant, black pants and boots, double belt and (guessing upon request) a long sleeved red shirt. After putting them on, he ate a small breakfast before escorted back to the lounge room where he was found in. There he saw Aeth sitting in a leather chair near the fireplace, clothed in expensive looking attire and completely groomed.

The dog smiled at him. "I appreciate you placing me in the chair."

Vincent smirked as he walked closer, glancing around the room with interest. "Seemed like miles from the door. Threw you on there and I guess I blacked out."

Aeth chuckled, turning his head away from Vincent as the mouse sat in a chair next to him. "Exhaustion could do that to you. By the way..." he began, tilting his head towards Vincent, a few strands of black hair following. "I have an...assistant that has this habit of overreacting..."

"You do?"

"Yes. Terribly funny. Would you like to see?"

Vincent blinked, honestly trying to visualize Aeth having an assistant. Not only that, but what kind of person would work under Aeth. He imagined some stoic person or another...but overreacting?

"Uh, sure." he agreed, smiling a little.

"Wonderful. Now. Lean closer. That's right. Closer." Aeth instructed while Vincent leaned his upper body towards Aeth. With a curious brow upturned, Vincent looked up at Aeth expectantly, who was looking past him towards the door. After a moment, a smile signifying something Aeth lowered his head to Vincent's level.

"Ready?" he asked.

Vincent nodded a little, still confused about what he was ready for.

"Good."

First Vincent felt Aeth's nose press against his before the dog tilted his head just slightly, feeling their lips touch. Vincent felt the fur on his neck stand on end as he stared shocked at Aeth. And just on time, Loki walked around the corner into the Lounge happily.

"Master! I got th--AHHH!!!" Loki threw the silver tray he was holding up into the air as his arms followed as he cried out in surprise. Vincent turned around quickly with a mad blush as he looked back at the long eared cat in equal shock, having one thought in mind.

Oh god. Aeth set me up.

Suddenly Loki's features became angered, rushing towards them after he picked up the nearest thing to himself to use as a weapon. A pillow.

Vincent moved a hand in front of him as Loki drew nearer. "Wh-Wait! It's no--OOF" He was struck on the side of the head by the pillow (harder than it seemed) before he felt another blow near the same spot. Vincent, with his unbalanced position, fell onto the ground where Loki moved on top of him, assaulting him with the pillow repeatedly.

"Ow! Stop! Ow!" Vincent cried, moving his arms to try and get a hold of Loki.

"I'll-teach-you!! I knew it! You were some damn gigolo trying to get at my master!" Loki hissed through grit teeth, aiming for Vincent's face.

"Gig--What--?!" Vincent tried before he felt the pillow just press against his face, flailing his arms as the air began to cut off.

"Loki..."

The cat pulled the pillow up as he turned to look at Aeth, who was sitting back in the chair with a leg over the other, leaning against his hand with an amused smile. As opposed to Loki, who sat on Vincent's stomach. The mouse was trying to catch his breath at the moment.

"Oh, master!" He pleaded, his features saddening as though he were betrayed, gripping the pillow with both hands tightly. "Please tell me you weren't seduced by this vile thing!!"

Aeth's smile thinned as a brow rose, turning his glance away as though he were in thought. "Hmm..." His yellow eyes went back to Loki. "...No, I'm quite sure I was seduced." he replied in a matter-of-fact manner.

Loki smacked Vincent's head with the pillow. "I'll kill you!!" he shouted, rubbing the pillow against Vincent's face.

"Mmmph!!!" they heard Vincent shout, muffled out from the pillow.

Loki stopped, out of habitual courtesy, and rose the pillow from Vincent. "I'm sorry, what was that?"

Vincent glared up at Loki, finally able to push the cat off. "Get off! You!" he shouted, pointing at Aeth, who was grinning down at him. "I'll....I'll..!" he started, clutching his fist.

The dog only tilted his head, running a hand through his hair. "I've changed my mind. We'll consider that as payment for rescuing you."

Loki looked back and forth between the two curiously. His eyes settled on Aeth. "So...Neither of you are male lovers?"

Vincent grabbed the pillow out of Loki's hands and whacked him hard with it.

Soon the three sat near each other in the leather chairs. Loki, of course, had made it a point to sit between his master and Vincent, occasionally giving the mouse a distrustful glare. He sat perfectly erect making an example of himself to the stranger, thinking distasteful remarks about the mouse as he noticed every slight flaw of his posture.

Vincent kept his eyes on Loki, and by gods, he could feel a jolt coursing through his body every time their eyes locked. After a few times of this, Vincent only returned the glare, intensifying the static between them.

Aetherius was sipping his morning coffee.

"Loki." he called calmly, eyes lowered to his cup.

The cat turned right around, beaming a smile so brightly, Vincent could feel the intentions of it. Vincent crossed his arms with a frown as he watched Loki.

"Yes, your Grace?" Loki asked happily. Vincent controlled himself from biting his lip.

"Had there been any changes while I was "out"? I left rather promptly before being informed." Aeth said, taking another sip from his cup afterward.

Loki leaned just enough so Vincent's view of Aeth was blocked. "Just yesterday the Chairman stepped in for a word, sir."

"Oh?"

"He was concerned about the state of Vidalie. With this war, many are afraid the Ministry may--"

"The Ministry?!" Vincent interrupted, eyes widening in alert. Loki looked behind his shoulder, seeing the mouse try to lean closer to the conversation and adjusted himself, blocking Vincent's view of Aeth once again. He turned back to Aeth as though he hadn't heard anything.

"Ahem. They may come here and, though these concerns may not be from common citizens, but from the senate."

Aeth leaned back in his chair having set his cup down, taking his jaw with three fingers. "Mr. Hobson knows I do not concern myself with senatorial concerns. What business would I have in that?"

The cat blushed a bit at his master's rejection of the subject, but forced himself to continue. "Y-yes, but..."

"But?" Aeth repeated, cold yellow eyes glancing smoothly to Loki. It made the cat's fur prickle. That certain look told him he had better say something interesting.

"Er...I believe a few members of the Senate will bustle with...activity over this matter. Especially to..." Loki glanced back at Vincent before leaning closer to Aeth to retain secrecy. "...have a few members checked out, if you would forgive my blunt words, sir."

"Is that so?" Aeth smiled gently, causing Loki to feel relieved. "I suppose that makes you a very busy assistant, doesn't it?"

Loki kept from making his tail twitch in glee to the subtle praise, "Oh yes, your Grace!"

"What would the Senate have to do with the Ministry?" Vincent's voice came from behind, causing Loki to nearly jump as he twirled around, that glare piercing the mouse.

Before Loki could respond (or talk down) Vincent, Aeth replied first. "In this city, the senate members come from different districts of Vidalie as a sort of representative. A new one comes every now and then. But these members are rich men and control land outside the city. With the Ministry and Faholgal at war, it spreads disaster like a disease and many of their owned lands may be devastated, making it worthless. I understand five members own a town somewhere. And with magic users scattered all over the place, well...you can imagine the rest."

As Aetherius finished, Loki was biting his lip in worry, leaning closer to his master in a hushed voice. "Master! Don't you think that sort of information is...well...delicate for someone like him?!" he asked, a tone loud enough for Vincent to hear and grip the chair's arms tightly with an irritated expression.

Aeth glanced towards Loki with a gentle raise of the brow. "Come now, Loki. Haven't you figured out who our guest is, yet?"

Loki turned around to look at Vincent, exchanging another tense glare between themselves. "I figured he is a genuine hussy, my lord." he growled with grit teeth, glaring distastefully.

All Vincent could do was bite his teeth, keeping a sneer controlled as he took the insult. He only gave himself condolence in his thoughts. Nasty things. Envisioning himself knocking Loki one or two ways about. Hands around the cat's neck. Hearing the gagging sounds. Ah, his hands were loosening their grip. That was better.

"I will let you figure it out yourself then, Loki. But for now, this is Vincent. He will be our extended guest." Aeth said as he stood up, fixing his jacket on his shoulders, preparing himself for routine errands. As he began walking out of the Lounge, he held his hands behind his back as he passed between them. "Do try to get along."

After Aeth left, Loki and Vincent were silent as they looked at each other. It was not the familiar glare, but this time it was the two sizing each other up. And slowly, as though they had the same thought, the two began to smile to one another. It was one of those smiles, so polite and forthcoming it was to be despised by all.

"How nice to meet you, Vincent." Loki's voice seeped of venom as his smile was stuck.

"Pleasure's all mine, Lo-ki." Vincent replied. The extended 'ooo' had been a nice touch, seeing the cat squirm in irritation.

"I hope you have a pleasant stay with us. I understand you are the Master's friend."

"Have been for quite some time."

Loki's blood began to boil. "He suddenly stood up, keeping a dignified air about him as his lips thinned. "Well then I shall go onto my duties as his Lordship's personal assistant!" He began walking out of the Lounge.

Vincent leaned back into his chair and before could get completely settled heard a voice call from behind him.

"Do mind the traps though."

Vincent's eyes widened slightly. Traps?!

Loki heard a scream outside his window and he began to smile, slowly lowering his pen into the inkwell and stood from his desk. He brought himself to the window, parting it open before leaning over it, peering down from the second story to what looked like a square hole in the ground near the side of the mansion. In it was a man holding for dear life with his arms and legs pressing against any side of the hole's walls, staring straight into the abyss, back facing the sky.

"It looks like you found the first one." Loki grinned, leaning his arms on the window sill as he watched Vincent.

The mouse had sweat beading his brow, struggling to move his head up to the familiar voice. "What the hell is this?!"

"Oh...Well you see, His Grace is a powerful man and so many would like to have him dead for whatever reason. So these traps were set all around the mansion to catch any assassins sent on him." Loki informed humorously.

"So they're everywhere?!" Vincent shouted, struggling to keep a hold of himself. He couldn't see the bottom.

"That's right. Well...Good luck!" Loki smiled cheerfully, adding a little wave before walking away from the window, shutting it afterward.

Vincent sneered as he stared into the darkness. Of course that cat wouldn't get help. He had just barely caught himself from falling deeper than he already was in the beginning. His arms were burning after holding himself in this horizontal position for so long, moving his eyes upward to see how far he was from ground level.

This was certainly going to take effort.

***

An hour passed before Vincent managed to haul himself out of the trap hole. He spent time figuring out what had triggered it and mentally noted to himself never to "fall" for it again. His arms and legs were aching as he staggered across the gardens, hoping to get back inside and lie down somewhere.

He found the backdoor of the mansion, presumably where the kitchen area was, and took hold of the doorknob. As he breathed a sigh and gave the knob a gentle twist, something suddenly wrapped around his left ankle. Before his eyes widened, he felt his body hurtling away from the door backwards into the trees.

***

Vincent was shaking with anxiety, eyes looking all around him as he walked . This was ridiculous! He couldn't even get inside and it was nearly dusk! By that time, he had fallen into three traps around the mansion excluding one he had avoided. Thank god. That one had leeches in the pool. His fur was mud covered and he knew there was a branch somewhere on his person. How did the people inside avoid these things?!

The good thing was that his old assassin training was coming back to him...swiftly...after racking his mind for ways of escaping said traps without dangling half the time like an idiot. Also, his old habits of detecting were settling in, finding himself stopping his walk as he felt something just under his boot. Vincent stepped aside and picked up a rock, tossing it onto the certain point he wanted to avert. Something clicked and a bear trap crunched the invisible leg with a loud snap out of the leaves covering it. He let out a brief sigh before moving on to the front of the mansion.

All those traps were on just the left side of the mansion. Vincent couldn't imagine what it was like on the other corners.

A few more careful steps and Vincent finally set foot on the stone cobbles of the front lawn, leading to the main doors of the mansion. It felt as though all his anxiety was flushed away as he applied weight onto the stones, knowing that there weren't any traps here. He wondered who took the time to set all these things up. Had Aeth done it himself?

Reaching the front door, Vincent rang the bell and waited until the door propped open by the cream furred female in the blue dress. He saw a smile creasing her lips before her eyes raised and saw what mess stood before her.

"My word! What happened?!" She exclaimed, putting her fingers to her lips in innocent curiosity. Vincent couldn't help but feel that she knew exactly what happened and was only putting up a front, but in the short time he had known Miss Dollet, understood that one could not be upset at her.

"There seems to be, what I would presumably call traps, set everywhere outside the mansion." Vincent informed with a sarcastic air in innocent formality, clearly his anger didn't dwindle as much as reside within him. He thought of ways of ridding it by finding Loki and settling business between them. Vincent didn't like to take a bath only to get filthy the same day. "While on a stroll, I just happened to be flung by the ankle into two trees, almost fell within a dark abyss one sees before death, averted three bear traps and was nearly mauled by a wild badger when I landed on it's den. Now, if it isn't much trouble, may I see Loki so I may ask him a few questions?"

Miss Dollet stared up at Vincent, noticing his disturbingly calm features in such control, covered with mud spots and she could have sworn there was a branch somewhere on him. His clothes were ripped too and little scratches on his face...possibly done by the badger.

He looked like a lunatic.

Ever so slowly, Miss Dollet removed herself from the door, making way for Vincent to enter into the house. "Of...course, sir. Er...Would you like to wash before seeing Mr. Keel?" She asked with a little wince, looking at the dirt Vincent's boots trailed in.

"That would be nice, Miss."


Miss Dollet searched the mansion for Vincent. She had left him alone in the washroom and when she returned with fresh clothes, he had disappeared. And that called for very bad business when she described it as 'disappeared'. No one disappeared under her watch. She knew everything that happened in the mansion, and people regarded this as either telepathy or from magical means. This was not the case, of course, but as the Head Maid of the house, she felt it was her responsibility to oversee everything for the comfort of His Grace.

Until now...

She recalled Vincent having a substantial interest in seeing Loki. By the time she reached the assistant's office, she noticed the door cracked and a persistent ringing of a bell. Then the grunting noises. Parting the door wider, she saw Vincent hunched over Loki with both hands wrapped around the cats neck, shaking him up and down vigorously. Loki, clothes roughed up and a look of panic in his face, was ringing his desk bell in his hand, used usually to call for assistance.

"Help.....Me....!" Loki breathed at the first sign of Miss Dollet standing at the doorway.

"You could have turned them off!! I was nearly killed by a damn badger and my foot dislodged from it's socket!! We'll see how you feel after that! And leeches! Haha! That was a nice touch! What do you think about a swim, huh? See if you can get out of that one!" Vincent hissed through grit teeth with a mad look in his eyes.

Miss Dollet supposed that happened a lot. She was more surprised by how much energy the young mouse still had to be roughhousing with Loki after all that. She let it continue for a little longer until she parted them. Loki did ruin her good blankets last night with that fencer.

But Vincent showed grant improvement by Aeth's plan. To be able to live after those traps, avert Miss Dollet's eyes and getting to the goal of nearly killing Loki seemed worth a good pat on the back. Of course none of them would tell Vincent it was all set up. Oh no, then they'd have put Loki in a cell just to keep Vincent out of reach. Putting Loki in a cell...it was only fair. He did try to kill Vincent with a pillow...

***

A week passed rather "peacefully" in the Scarlatto house. The traps were still switched on for proper training, testing Vincent every hour whether he could dodge darts spitted out of one wall by air pressure or narrowly avert automated swords slashing down at random through the halls of the mansion. Aeth's office proved the hardest to get to. Vincent, by some miracle, managed to fall into the Lord's office through a window, out of breath, asking whether he wanted two sugars in his coffee. Vincent also found he would do any favor Miss Dollet asks of him. He knew this because he had barely gotten past that blow torch. Aeth had come over, licked his fingers, and set out the tiny flame on Vincent's tail.

Loki and Vincent held some sort of rivalry with one another due to first impressions. Like children, they both set some booby trap for the other. Loki put poison in Vincent's tea (which Loki suffered for after by the rage of Miss Dollet). Vincent scribbled nasty doodles in a book on Loki's desk. Loki called Vincent names in front of Aeth while Vincent got back by being a very "good boy" with Miss Dollet, winning her heart and setting her (most of the time) in a dragon-like rage against Loki whenever Vincent complained about him.

It was bliss, Vincent thought many times, especially after some prank done to Loki. It was all good fun, and Vincent was sure Loki would have agreed. But his old agile skills were improving every day after intensive "training", and he felt good about that. Vincent had offered to spar with Aeth (finding himself in better spirits after successfully managing through climbing over barbed wire nearly unscathed).

Vincent said it would be like the old days, come on, you old dog, let's see how you fare after all these years. Haha! I bet you don't do this sort of thing anymore--Where did you--OW OW! Stop!! What do you want me to-- Uncle..? OW! OK! Uncle! Not so hard! It's bending the wrong way! UNCLE, for godssakes!! UNCLE!

Vincent resolved that he shouldn't openly "spar" with Aeth after that.

However, the little family abruptly stopped when a letter came to the mansion.

--------

"It's a summons." Aeth stated as he held the letter in hand, reading the script carefully as Loki and Miss Dollet hung close to him in curiosity. Vincent was seated in a chair, one hand holding a few small daggers while the other was aiming one for a target. His posture was slouched, seeming very comfortable where he was.

"Summons for what?" Vincent interrupted, cutting Loki off knowingly.

Aeth lowered the letter, handing it towards Loki absentmindedly. "It seems as though Loki is being called to a Faholgal camp in regards of a Sir General Draco Valcian of the Faholgal Army."

" 'Concerning the affairs of Vidalie' it says. This is strange! Why would a General want to know how Vidalie is managing? Isn't that a job more suitable for the politicians?" Loki fumed, waving the letter about. "Why should I waste my time telling this Valcian 'Hello, yes, everything's fine over here. Yes...and how about you?' Simply irrational!"

Vincent craned his head, noticing the furrowed brow on Loki's features, knowing the cat was worried under all the bickering. He was right to feel so. Even Aeth seemed discontent by the summons. But the General was from Faholgal...perhaps in the years gone by, Debalora may have gone back to live there. It was worth trying to find her than not, even though he found himself comfortable here.

"Well I suppose you have to go, Loki. Sir Valcian is the very face of the Faholgal Army. Certainly it's a privilege to see him." Miss Dollet supported, trying to find some optimism to cheer Loki up.

"Yes, but..." Loki tried, looking downcast. Army men scared him. He was a scholar, not a fighter.

Vincent rose his brows, saddened that his new play thing was so distraught over this ordeal. "Why don't I go with you?" he offered, not really thinking of it much.

Suddenly Aeth smirked as though he had been waiting for Vincent to suggest just that, "Yes. Why don't we all go?" He said, lifting a brow as he glanced between his fellow workers.

Loki seemed immediately picked up by this, "Oh, really, Your Grace?! You would come just to help support me?" Tears almost welled up in Loki's eyes by the benevolence his master showed just for him. He clutched the letter tightly, trying not to rub his eyes in joy. "I'm so pleased that you wou--"

"It's due time I bought Miss Dollet a new dress for her outstanding work within the mansion." Aeth interrupted with a smile as he turned towards a blushing Miss Dollet. He took her hand with gentlemanly care with a similar grin. "My poor dear, working your hands to the bone handling every little thing and guest with such care. I don't deserve you at all."

"Oh no, your Grace. It's always a pleasure!"

Loki's jaw nearly dropped to the ground.

"Nonsense! I've heard you speaking with the other maids of a certain shop in Faholgal." Aeth said knowingly.

"The Seamstress Sisters?! But they're so expensive, sir!"

"You've all gone mad!" Loki shouted, waving his arms in the air. The other three turned to him. "There's a war going on and here you are speaking of dresses as though we're going for a joy ride!"

Aeth straightened himself, giving Loki a testing gaze.

"....Your Grace." Loki finished with some embarrassment.

"Now, now. What's the use of getting over concerned of a war? Sometimes the simple things are important to keep in mind." Aeth resolved smoothly, twirling Miss Dollet in a little dance by the hand, much to her delight.

Vincent had watched them until then, lowering his gaze to the little knifes he had in hand thoughtfully. The simple things...

"Are you saying that Miss Dollet should not be treated as a well regarded young lady who spends most of her day preparing your refreshments with such love and care only a mother would give? That, suppose, she does not deserve to be spoiled?" Aeth tested with a smile, looking at Loki while Miss Dollet was held by his side. The feline gave Loki a narrowed gaze, as though to say 'Don't you dare say anything foolish or else.'. At least that was the impression Vincent got, causing him to press back into the chair in fear that anger may be directed towards himself somehow.

Loki seemed crumbled. "N-No! Of course not! I was just...concerned over the...er...events that may..." He stuttered, trying to find the words under the harsh looks of the two of them. "Oh, fine!" Loki grumbled, glancing away.

Miss Dollet grinned happily, patting Aeth on the arm. "I'll prepare for the trip immediately!" she informed before making her way out of the Lounge, holding her dress up a bit, making sure she wouldn't trip in her hastened jog out.

"It seems I always get the blunt of Miss Dollet's anger." Loki muttered, a little glare passing towards Vincent as the mouse had found that this was a weakness.

"Haha. All in all, you have no choice, Loki." Vincent grinned, tossing a dagger at the target. It hit the outer line of the red circle.

"If I'm not mistaken, you have some information to prepare for the good Faholgal General, Mr. Keel." Aeth reminded patiently, his hands held behind his back.

Loki nearly jumped at the tone his master used, as though if he didn't run now, he wouldn't be able to for the next few days. "Of course, your Grace! I'll get right on it!" Loki bucked up, holding himself from saluting.

"And be sure not to include anything on the Eye of Michael. There's a good boy. Don't want information trailing back here, now do we?"

"Certainly not, master! If you'll excuse me, your Grace." Loki fumbled, finding himself needing to rush out and fulfill the things set out for him. Once Loki left, Aeth turned smoothly to step nearer to Vincent, whose attention was turned back to the target on the wall.

Aeth watched as Vincent threw a dagger or two at the board before he spoke silently. "Were you hoping to find your family in Faholgal?"

Vincent threw the knife a little harder than normal, striking another outer rim of the red circle. "A chance. It doesn't seem right not to try."

"No, I suppose it doesn't." Aeth said, briskly taking the last dagger from Vincent's hand.

"Was that why you suggested going into the city with Miss Dollet? So I could look?" Vincent said, glancing up at Aeth.

The dog's fine features showed no other emotion than mild interest. "Who knows?" he said before his wrist flickered, the dagger piercing the very center of the red circle. The other daggers were circled around it purposefully, a circle on the circle.

It was time to go.