Welcome to Gaia! ::

Charm looked at the food being dished up. "How many are we?" She had located glasses and started flying a few over to the table. After her accidental spin in the air, she was feeling more awake, and decided to be helpful as a small imp could be only handling one glass at a time. "I don't exactly know how many people there are in this place. Which" she then noted aloud, "this place, I really don't know much about."

Amidst dishing up the food, Cae caught Charm's questions.

Hmm? Oh, well assuming Aylin will not be back down until morning, I believe we will be needing nine settings at least, but probably not everyone will all come in at once. Just for practical purpose's sake, I'm expecting Chef who is the President of BFAA, Kagura who is right next to me here, Celestine who you met when you first arrived, Prim of course, Lunette Argent who is sitting across from Prim, and possibly the two other young girls upstairs who I am afraid are unconscious at the moment. Of course, you'll need a place as well.

Caelen purposely left out Alice since he wasn't sure whether he should mention her or not because of the strange circumstances surrounding her. He would just let Charm assume the final place was for Caelen himself, though he did not actually intend to eat. Caelen continued to answer Charm's questions as he served up dinner.

This estate is known as Barton Manor. It has been around for centuries. For the past 50 years, the place was left to wither away after a previous town mayor who owned it ran into very unfortunate circumstances. BFAA, Barton's Fort of Athlete and Artists, is the elite social association that collectively owns this manor. The group started in the final days of a special summer event known as the Rejected Olympics back in 2012. I did not enter the picture until after Don Kuro, the head of the dark elf Mafia, caused major trouble during Halloween of 2012. I must say, the Bartobs hadn't set out to acquire a demon butler when they began looking for some means to protect Barton from further dangers incited by the Don.

Caelen chuckled at the memory of the early days when everyone, including BFAA, was still trying to get their heads around the idea of a demon protecting the town instead of adding to the inevitable chaos.

You can read all about the BFAA and their adventures, including the story of how I came to be here. It's in the Barton Chronicles. I am the official Lore Master for BFAA, and it is my duty to collect and maintain the records of everything that happens to BFAA, Barton, and Gaia. I can show you the historical archive in the morning if you wish.

Prim's naivete was almost nauseating. She had no clue about how the world really worked. It was a dog-eat-dog place where only those who took their own initiative survived. A person had to fight like hell to stay alive and not get dragged down into an endless pit of darkness by those who saw themselves as being on a superior level to all the rest of the little peons beneath them. These were lessons Lunette had to learn the hard way, without the support of anyone else. She had always been completely alone.

Lunette crossed her arms said icily to Prim, You ramble on about love and family, but you keep missing one critical point. There are some people who know nothing about that and never will. I don't have a family. I hardly consider the other parent-less brats I was raised with to be my family. How easy do you think it was growing up in some group home for the cast out? I've had to fight to maintain my share all my life. I can't even remember who I was before the day I came stumbling out of that abandoned warehouse. There is a huge blank where the beginning of my life should be. And yet for some reason I'm being expected to put myself on the line for a town full of people who never bothered to give me the time of day. I don't see how that is fair or even reasonable. Just like my past, I don't seem to get a choice in the matter. I am so sick of the universe playing with me like some broken marionette that can only helplessly dangle on it's strings. For once I'd like to be the one calling the shots in my own life.

Lunette stared down at the top of the wooden table as is she could burn a hole into it.

All the while, Caelen had been moving like an unseen shadow around the kitchen, setting plates of food at the table. He heard the exchange between Prim and Lunette. He couldn't help but make his own mental observations about both girls.

It's ironic in some ways. Light and darkness sitting across from each other, each trying so hard to make the other see their perspective. They both have valid points though. On the one hand, Prim is right about fighting for those you love. No matter how much we may get on each other's nerves, I will fight to protect the people here, even Aylin, because they are precious to me. On the flip side, it is difficult to bring one's self to defend those who have tossed aside and ignored those they deemed unworthy of acceptance. Prim has so much innocent hope, where Lunette has the deep drive to stay alive and not let the world drag her down. They fight, but for opposite reasons. I wonder just how far back this rivalry goes? Clearly, they do have a history.

Caelen decided he would have to find out more. Lunette had come to the Manor specifically to speak with Caelen about something in the first place, so perhaps that would be the opportunity he needed to understand this odd rivalry between Prim and Lunette. He brushed the matter aside for the moment and addressed the room at large.

If you will all pardon the interruption, I do believe dinner is served. Please take your seats at your leisure. If there is anything else any of you requires, just ask.

Caelen bowed and extended his arm off toward the table all set with plates of food, indicating that guests could now begin their dinner.

As Cae announced dinner, a thought occurred to Charm. "Mr. Caelen." She remember the doppels out side and how there were three and only two of them she had accounted for with Alyin and Prim. A third would make sense with the girl who had just entered, but she felt as though it was worth checking. In a hurried whisper before the butler sat down...did demons usually eat, she was the one who needed better informing...she said in a hurried whisper. "How many were outside, of those things? I only counted three but I have to think your eyes are better than me."

Charm was getting an extremely sickening feeling inside of her. With this person that was called Lunette, she was starting to put together that only certain persons had a magical copy of themselves outside the gate.

Aylin stood in the front hall by the large window watching the rain as it fell down the individual panes of glass. All the diminutive pixie wanted since waking up that morning was the pasta she had planned for her supper that night. If she had not opened her mouth and stuck her foot in it yet again she would not be in the mess she was in. Physically Aylin looked fine. Emotionally she was a wreck. Aylin hated when she let her emotions get the better of her and that night the flood gates had been opened. Sooner or later she was eventually going to have the confrontation she had with Caelen moments before. He had laid so much guilt upon her that all Aylin could focus on was Orrin's death and how it still tore at her eight years later.

Letting out a heavy sigh Aylin wished she had not yet returned to Barton from Porta Denia and was sitting at the Red Lion Tavern with steins two five six eight and two five six nine in front of her. For the briefest of moments Aylin entertained the thought of drinking away her problems until she passed out. Drinking would not solve anything and if anything it would bring about different type of Aylin in front of Prim. While a drunk Aylin was not any danger to people or herself, she was rather chatty and prone to speaking without thinking at all. A drunk Aylin was known to give away secrets and turn into the equivalent of a town gossip. With a shake of her head Aylin put the thought out of her head but the idea of a good brown ale with the dinner she had been looking forward to all day sounded very good to the pixie. And it was at that moment Aylin's stomach decided to chime in and let her know she was in desperate need of food.

Letting out a small calming breath to center herself Aylin walked into the Kitchen and made her way straight to the cook top noticing the dinner she had cooked was still in the pots. This was no way for the food to be served. The linguine had to bathe in the butter, oil, garlic, herbs, sausage, and veggies not sit separately from one another. With a slight shake of her head Aylin went over to a small floor to ceiling cabinet containing platters, bowls, and serving dishes of all shapes and sizes and pulled out a stoneware platter and an extra plate. Stopping at the beverage refrigerator Aylin pulled out a bottle brown ale and placed it and the plate next to Kai before returning to the cook top to properly plate the dish she had made. A dinner like hers could only be served one way, family style. Marrying sauce to pasta resulted in the secret ingredient to her dinner, the love.

"This isn't right, someone forgot to add the love to this dinner. I never make this without the love," Aylin commented in a happier tone of voice loud enough for the others to hear as she placed the platter of properly mixed sauce and pasta in the middle of the large table before grabbing her bottle of brown ale next to Kai on the island.

Despite the trials of the day, Caelen laughed at the way the imp addressed him so formally. With a hearty laugh, Caelen turned to the small imp.

My dear little one, you don't need to stand on ceremony. Just plain old Caelen will do. I only address people in that way out of habit.

Focusing, Cae did his best to recall the events from earlier, as to better answer the imp's question.

To my immediate knowledge there are three doppelgangers currently hovering outside the Manor walls. The two that followed Miss Aylin and Miss Prim, and the one that nearly killed Miss Lunette upon her arrival. Admittedly, if I had not intervened, she may very well have ended up like the two unconscious girls upstairs at the moment. You do bring a good point though. I should check later to see if any more of those things are ambling about outside the grounds.

It was a worrying thought. If more of the duplicates had show up, then that very well could mean that the other two girls upstairs were being targeted as well. Caelen hoped it wasn't the case, but he was getting the sneaking suspicion that all was not as it seemed that night. Things were happening for a reason. None of it was a coincidence in his mind.

Pushing his misgivings aside, Cae turned his attention to Kagura.

Yes, there are quite a lot of place settings, but as I said, Chef and Celest are here, and we do have those two unconscious girls upstairs. In fact, I really should go see if I can get Celest to help with one of them. Hmm, Miss Lunette, I know you are not a regular here, but I was wondering if I might employ your assistance as well in dealing with this small matter. As a butler, and a male at that, it would not be appropriate for me to aide the girls in changing out of their wet clothing. I was hoping you would not object to this one small task.

Lunette looked up from the table and shrugged nonchalantly.

Fine, I guess. I'm not really hungry at the moment anyhow.

That was a total lie, but she wanted to see someone human eat the pixie's concoction first before she'd risk it. Besides, one thing had been gnawing away at her ever since the square. What had happened to Seren? She had been running with the girl one moment, and lost her the next. Anything could have happened to her between the time the pillar began shooting out of the square and now. It really made no sense, but Lune was half hoping one of the girls the butler had mentioned might be her. At least then she would know the girl was safe.

Lune nodded her ascent to Caelen's request and stood up. At that precise moment the pixie decided to make a reappearance. Lunette scowled and began making her way toward the kitchen door.

Caelen was rather surprised by Aylin's reappearance. He had been under the impression that Aylin had gone upstairs for some quite self-reflection time. But hunger is a powerful force all on its own. Caelen had personal experience in that department. Even now, he could feel the need to refuel his energy reserves with the soul essence he so desperately needed. He would just have to see to it later.

Nodding to Aylin in acknowledgement of her presence, Caelen headed toward the kitchen door, Lunette following behind him.

Cae smiled a bit at the sound of the happy reunion going on in the kitchen. If he were to be honest with himself, he wanted desperately for Aylin to be that happy to see him some day. Maybe with time, it would. An idea was taking form in his mid though that had the potential to make that wish come true sooner rather than later. It was not an idea taken lightly and would need absolute conviction in order to work.

Cae brushed aside his thoughts and lead Lunette through the foyer and up the stairs to the second floor where the guests were staying. Most of the regular attendees had private rooms on the third floor, but a few stayed down on second just to keep the occasional guest company. For this reason, Caelen was surprised when Cel came walking down the hall from the opposite direction. Cae stopped suddenly, causing Lunette to bump into him.

Celest, I though you were just going to change clothes. What are you doing here? He asked, puzzled.

Celestine smiled and walked gracefully up to Caelen. She reached out a delicate hand toward Caelen and brushed a stray lock of hair out of the demon's face. Smiling she said Obviously I did change, silly. But Kagura told me earlier that some of the crystal lamps in the guest rooms seemed to be getting dim, so I decided to check on them. What's brought you away from the kitchen? Something definitely smells good. Is dinner ready?

So, this is his girl. Hmm, she has daring style, I'll admit. It's not unlike those MMO mages. I could never pull off the look, but she really does. No wonder he doesn't want to lose her. Lunette mused to herself as Celest spoke to Caelen.

Celestine noticed the young woman standing behind Caelen and smiled.

Hello. Are you new here? I'm Celestine.

Cel extended her hand in greeting. Lunette shook her hand and replied.

Yeah, I uh, I guess I got caught up in all the nonsense going on in town. I'm Lunette. I suppose I came here looking or some answers. Then again, I've got a feeling that before the night is over, we'll all have a lot more questions and very few answers.

Lunette stared down at the ground fora moment, her brow wrinkled in mild frustration. She had said a mouthful with her one simple statement. There were a lot of questions, and that pile was only going to get bigger.

Cae interrupted the introduction at that moment, pulling Lune out of her thoughts.

Well, I'm sure you two can talk over dinner. Right now I have a task for both of you. Chef and I brought in two girls that have had a very trying day. Cel, wold you be wiling to go check on one of them for me. I believe there should be some spare clothing in the dresser. The girl's name is Terra, if I recall correctly. She's down the hall in room 12. And Miss Lunette, the girl I'd like you to attend to is just down from Terra, in room 14. Unfortunately, I do not know her name yet. I'm sorry it isn't much to go on. I'd help, but as I have stated before, it would not be appropriate. Besides, I really need to go put these muddied clothes into wash.

Of course, Caelen. I'm always happy to help. You don't need to worry about me so much, you know. Celestine said and left Cae and Lune to go attend to Terra.

Caelen smiled sadly. Cel knew he hadn't wanted to put any unnecessary work on her for fear of making her weaker. But Cel was a very strong person, and she knew that Cae knew that she would rather keeping going that to waste away. Caelen let the matter go and turned to Lunette.

Thank you, for being willing to help. I'm afraid I must leave you to it now.

And with that Caelen took off for his personal quarters.

Lunette stood in the hall for a moment, staring off into the distance. So many thought raced through her mind. Not least of all was the hopeful wish that she would find Seren soon. She had no clue why she felt so close to someone she had only met the day before, but she did.

Shrugging, Lunette headed down the hall, searching for room 14. The room was about mid way down the long hall. Lune paused in front of the door, her hand hovering just above the door knob. She wanted so desperately for it to be Seren on the other side of the door, but the odds were not likely.

Don't be ridiculous, Lune. she chided herself in annoyance.

Turning the knob, Lunette opened the door and entered the room. While the light from the crystals in the glass dish by the bedside table was dim, it was enough to allow Lune to see the prone figure of a girl. Becoming curious, Lunette inched closer to get a better look at the girl's face. Lune frowned. The light was still not enough to clearly make out who the girl was. Lunette went over to the bedside table and picked up the crystal lamp in its glass bowl. She took it over to the bed and raised it to cast more light on the unconscious girl.

She just about dropped the bowl in shock and disbelief.

Seren! Lunette cried out, unable to believe her eyes.