"I have to admit, I'm growing increasingly frustrated. I know in my gut that Terica is behind this, but I can't figure out why, or how to prove it."
"We must figure out our next course of action, before someone else is hurt." Renwa leaned his mouth against his threaded fingers. "We can't figure out where or who she'll strike next and this bothers me."
"I've cleared it with Jenny, Zelinnia. If you still wish to go speak to her."
Zelinnia nodded. "I will."
Elunara closed her eyes and sighed. "I hate to pull the bait card, but I'm starting to think, that unless we catch her in the act, we won't get the proof we need."
"I used to be really good at the bait card." Zelinnia sighed. "I'd sit around like an idiot, and wait for a greedy Alliance to try and make a kill, and then a rogue or two would pop out of hiding while I ran around like a twit getting healed. Was kind of fun."
"You are a surprise." Renwa laughed. "I guess we should start making the rounds, see and be seen."
"I can't stay nearby, because she might think you too protected."
"Understood."
"Thank you for the use of the stroller, it's been very helpful." Zelinnia sighed.
"No problem. With any luck, I won't need it again."
She sat on the platform by the training yard, carefully documenting everything. Hoping that Terica would make an appearance, she scanned the edges of town.
"How's it coming?"
Elunara looked up at Renwa. "I haven't seen Terica all week." She shook her head.
"Hm."
"I'd search her house, but there's Lucy to consider."
"And then people will get paranoid that you'll search any house that bugs you..."
"Also that."
Zelinnia sighed. "I just wish this could be over."
John headed to the training yard, his latest pack of papers tucked up under his arm. Being with Tippy was the most amazing thing to happen to him, ever. Elunara's faith in him was a close second. Sometimes he regretted that the project she had given him was taking away time from Tippy, but he wouldn't let her down. He hesitated when he saw her hanging out with Admiral Renwa and Zelinnia.
He crept a little bit closer, and just watched. If Zelinnia was in a foul mood, he wouldn't go near her. Angering Zelinnia was certain to piss Elunara off. His eyes went wide, and he took off running.
"Zelinnia!"
Everyone looked up as John body slammed Zelinnia into Renwa. He yelled out in pain as he hit the ground.
Elunara was up in an instant. "Hold still. Don't move." She put her hands on his back and concentrated. "This will take out some of the pain, but I need a healer."
Keeping one hand on John's shoulders, she tugged the shirt back. A massive chunk of his back was gone.
Zelinnia gasped and knelt down. "You took that hit for me..." She whispered.
"You're lucky as shit." Elunara shook her head. "Half an inch lower and you might not have been saved."
"It hurts." He groaned.
"I'm taking the worst of it off, but when the healer gets here..."
"Saw the blade behind you. Couldn't..." He blacked out.
"Zelinnia get the blade; trace anything you can off of it."
"Right."
Grogek reached out, and Elunara slid John off of the platform and into Grogek's waiting arms. She climbed down and kept her hands on him the whole way.
"Well, he made a mess of himself." Ina sighed. "You've gone a long way towards healing the damage, but he'll need extra help."
"I leave him in the best hands."
Elunara stepped out of the healer building, to be plowed down by Tippy.
"Where is he? How is he?" Tears streamed down her face.
"He's as well as can be expected. Go on in."
Tippy scrabbled up and dove into the building.
"Would you look at that?" Grogek laughed.
"I know, right?" She shook her head and dusted herself off.
Zelinnia jogged up. "Elunara! She screwed up!"
"How?"
"She didn't... break..." Zelinnia gasped for air.