Pursuit

A word to the wise is sufficient.  The foolish require a sermon.  The truly stupid require a lesson in pain.

Arasminna
These hands are reaching out for you
I saw their eyes
You let them fasten
All of their hopes on you
What a vicious thing to do...

Amara is gone for now.  He's worried, as am I.  It's natural.  Unlike him, though, I have no compunction about shedding responsibilities in the name of personal obligations.  We both have those that we promised to protect in our own way, and it is understandable and right that he is in Ulduar right now with the Scions.  I would not have it any differently.

Haven't you heard?
You're walking around and
You're falling in circles
And you're never gonna win this war

"Tell me what we've got, Cassie."  I slide daggers into their sheaths, poison reservoirs already filled.  "Who am I up against this time?"  My secretary clears her throat, opening the folder hastily compiled by Oracle division and leafing through it.

What wrongs are you righting?
And why are you fighting
If you don't know what you're fighting for?

"Patterns are consistent with a professional abduction.  We're probably dealing with a team here, working with cleaners and sweepers.  You'll be best off leaving the scene to the police and the other investigators and going straight to the underworld."  I nod to her, tightening the straps on my leathers, fingers slipping into old practiced habits as though I'd never been out of them.  "Also, I've got a trace on the letter you recieved.  Sabyne has a general sensor out for Anatole Avramidis, based on the oils he left on the parchment.  She'll have a location eventually, if you don't find him first, and she'll definitely be able to get you a warning if anyone closes in on you."

Arasminna
You've never seemed so far away
You think you're safe
You tell me that you've got all the answers
You've got all the answers now

Cassie stepped in closer to me, her eyes pinched.  If I didn't know better, I'd think she cared about my well-being.  "We've got the full resources of the Order backing you up, Minna.  Are you sure it's worth it?  Is the girl worth bringing all of it to bear?"

But some of these lines are blurred
Rest assured...

I can only nod curtly, sweeping a heavy cloak over my shoulders.  "Absolutely.  I will not allow harm to come to any of mine.  You know that."  I smiled as reassuringly as I could manage, changing the subject.  "Did you finish the modifications I asked for?"

Haven't you heard?
You're walking around and you're falling in circles
And you're never gonna win this war

"Lab division did, yes.  Your cloak has the Faraday weave in it now, to contain and ground magical energies, as well as a layer of spun titanium.  It should be sufficient to deflect most blows in close combat or street fighting."  Cassie ran her finger down the list, ticking off the completed changes.  "We've added a similar layer to your leathers, capable of stopping a dwarven longbow at 200 paces.  You'd best be cautious, though, it'll still hurt in your state.  The cuffs of your gloves have the intrusion kit sewn into them, complete with climbing wire.  Hidden pockets and sheaths, and a full range of explosives, as always..."  She stepped forward, raising a hand to my ear and nestling a little bud deep inside.  "And we should be able to keep in constant communication with you this way.  We'll be watching."

What wrongs are you righting?
And why are you fighting
If you don't know what you're fighting for?

"Good girl."  I raised my hood, settling the heavy leather in place.  "Open a portal to Old Town.  I'll work outward from there.  I want you to give full cooperation to any other investigators on the case, short of letting them inside Operations."  Cassie nodded, tapping the glyphs at the Gate to set it to the desired destination.

Haven't you heard?
You're walking around and you're falling in circles
And you're never gonna win this war

I hit the ground running, head down against the wind.  The portal had opened in a convenient location this time, behind the Pig and Whistle, with no observers but a stray dog...but that was still no reason to stick around.  I was on a timetable, and had none to spare.

What wrongs are you righting?
And why are you fighting?
You'll be dead before you hit the floor...

"Anatole Avramidis:

It is with great regret that I must decline your payment, as the goods you have taken it into your own hands to recover were not for sale.  Additionally, I regret to inform you that you have seven days to return said property to me, during which time no penalty will be levied against your household.

You are, sadly, a loss, and your services among the living will be no longer required.  Should the girl not be returned within seven days, your household will join you.

Look for me by moonlight.

~MM"