#darkgatefortress

TXT: Sweetie, ggot news for you... we got another hunter after Lane

Sylvi frowns at her phone, then texts back. TXT: Is she safe?

TXT: Sam's with her, along with her mom and Connor. Big news for you is that we got this map.. A picture of the map with the marks, closed up nearest Dark Gate and Silverwolf The Hunter had it

After a pause, she replies. TXT: I'm going to tell Colton right now. Can I share the pic with Nadeen?

TXT: This was the hunter's?

TXT: Yeah. Given the goal is Sagitaurus types, and as far as I know neither has one, it should be okay but figured you needed to know they might come LOOKING for one there

TXT: Got it. Everybody okay?

TXT: Bit of a scrape, but we're gettingg the patch job we need. Your dad may have a new motorcyle to play with

TXT: Spoils of war, huh? I want pics.

TXT: You got it. Look. It's going to be crazy here, but if you stumble onto hunters there or ♐ there let me know

A pause.

TXT: Need me there?

TXT: Not as much as DG needs you. But if the Boss lady says otherwise I'll call. Promise

TXT: K

TXT: Love you, Dad.

tXT : Love you rugmonster

TXT: I'll text Mom later.

A rolled-eyes icon at the pet name.

And at this point, she's probably found Colton.

...unless he's hiding? "Colton?"

"If this is about your face cream I didn't know that it wasn't supposed to be left open and.."

"No, I...wait, what? Why are you touching my face cream? That stuff's expensive, and...." She stops and shakes her head. "Later. Right now, I need to show you this. Dad just sent it up...." And she explains what she knows about the hunters and the map.

Colton grows serious, "I'll exend patrols near that gas station"

"It might lead to nothing, but just in case...." She frowns. "Do you have the people to do that? I can take patrol," she offers.

"I.. mmm" he stops "Wow. I almost waved that idea off," A frown "I'm sorry. You're so good with diplomacy I forget you are no less a warrior than any Rivervaler. Yes, I'll put you in the rotation"

Her brow furrows a little, but she just nods. "Okay."

"Dad says he expects it to get kind of crazy down there."

"Oh, I already alerted Nadeen. She's getting the info to Baron Aiden."

He nods , "Okay. Any suggestions on HOW to make first contact with a cenaur if we do find one? "

"Um...carefully?"

"right" A blush

"I mean...they're fae, not chimera, so no treating them like feral beasts. But if they've already been hunted, it's going to be hard to win their trust."

"I guess I'll have to follow examples I've seen from you and Sparrow. Lead with Empathy"

"Well, that's usually a fair bet in most situations, right? I mean, even if you're trying to hurt somebody, you're not going to be able to do it unless you try to understand them first."

"True," A blink "Oh wow. I wonder if I should tell Sparrow about this. I mean, she's actually got a family of centaurs"

Sylvi frows. "I think Dad only sent me part of the map..." She checks it again...does it show anything beyond the northeast?

"I mean, yes, you should totally tell her. But if this map indicates someplace close to Brightwinds, that makes it worse."

She pauses. "Wait. These spots are all near holds...but are they also near trods? Like, the one near the gas station is almost right on top of one, isn't it?"

Nope.

And .."Yeah"

A sigh. "Okay, yeah, contact Sparrow. There's nothing on here that looks like it's near her...but who knows if this is only part of a larger map."

"We'll find out" he kisses her, "Come on, let's get some food and fill in the chief"

And off they go (End Scene)