Mission to Meowsa, (Or Is It Meowla?)

Meowsa, the First Purry, is lying in a large bed with a bandage wrapped around her head and the curtains drawn against too much light. By the time Vibrissa enters the room, the Protectors have already provided plates of catnip cookies and tea and cocoa are steaming on the side tables.

Meowsa gives everyone an apologetic look.

"I wish I knew more to tell you. I heard Alitrill yowl at someone to get out, and I started running to her room. As I reached the door, the easel crashed and someone snarled. She screamed 'Let me go!,' and I saw her being dragged toward the window by a black cloaked figure. He growled, 'This is for your own good!' I pushed forward over the sprawled body near the easel, but there must have been someone behind the door because someone hit me over the the head and everything went black."

The questions continue, but more gently, as the Protectors can tell Meowsa is in pain, even though she is bravely trying to help.

"They've always been so close, all three of the kitlets, even though Ali was fraternal, and, no, she doesn't have a long lost twin, just her two identical sisters. But they have always been so close, and so little trouble. That's why it was such a shock when Chiripine and Purrette just vanished! I think it much have had something to do with Major Tom. He's a special friend of Chiri's, sort of a foster uncle. He's down at the heliport. If you all don't mind, I'd like to rest a bit, if I could?"

She lays back against the pillows. "If I think of anything else, I will let you know..."

She's fading, so everyone tiptoes quietly away, heading to visit Major Tom.

Major Tom

Steam powered helispinners are a sight to see. Specifically made for shorter distances, and perfect for island hopping, they depend upon a canopy to trap hot puffs of steam below the blades. Skilled pilots direct the puffs to use wind currents and natural air lifts to create a smooth flight between destinations.

Major Tom is the commanding officer for this section, which is separate from the larger airfields of the zeppelins and the vessel arriving from other airports. He is a jovial older cat who chuckles when you ask about any videos that might lend a clue.

"Nah," he says. "Balihee's growing more and more modern, but we'd have to be as advanced as Wolfenhague for any equipment like that. Hear they're pretty much a wonder though, using steam and sound with a copper enhanced cellophane shell to create an image. I'd like to see it myself, but I'm too busy to the Wonderfaires and we wouldn't have the budget, or the use, to justify buying one of the experimental models.

"Now logs I can do you for, but the best log is right here in my brain. Chiri and Rette left for different islands four days ago. They came together, but Rette went straight to Lapua. It's the flower island, truly a beautiful place and the center for both the Botanical and Natural Alchemical Centers. Chiri, my special girl, was determined to go to Piazza. It broke my heart to have her in Hissman's territory, even for a few days, but I couldn't talk her out of it. You see, there's a lot of ordnance, which means extensive medical equipment and supplies for military training accidents, mot to mention biological experiments. Hissman wants power, and he's willing to use any means to get it."

The Protectors look confused, so Tom continues.

"Kidnapping? No such thing. They left at night without telling the Queen because she would have stopped them. Don't kow how much you know about our islands, but there's Meowlokai. It's not large, and it's the only one formed of not only volcanic room, but large sections of hardened lava. As a result, it seems to be a spawning place for all sorts of ailments. Right now, they've got some kind of epidemic going on. Very contagious and the numbers are piling up. All trade is confined to medical supply ships and it's placed under quarantine.

"Those two girls. They're the bravest kitlets I've ever seen, and they're convinced they can come up with some kind of alchemical and element based serum to combat it. In order to find them, I think you'll need to go to Meowlokai. It's their final destination. Can't think of how you'd get in, though. I'm worried sick myself.

"If you want to help, work on the real kidnapping, and find Alitrill. I'll help in any way I can, and I'm glad you folks are here. Good luck ride your shoulders."

Red Dog

Glad to be free of the palace (or any palace at any time) Grumpus proceeds to the harbour. It's obvious that the two younger kitlets have taken themselves off on some sort of mission, or simply to avoid their mother's ideas about arranged marriages and proper behavior of royal kitlets. The only real kidnapping victim here is the eldest, and getting to the bottom of it quickly is the best chance of returning her unharmed.

He knows what he's looking for, but no one loading vessels is sporting any kind of head wound. Well, it couldn't be that obvious.

However, Grumpus is an old hand at adventures. Besides the ones he's engaged in since becoming Vibrissa's consort, he had a few in his tomlet days, including one with a salty seadog, two pirates, and a very pretty barmaid. He pulls himself back to the present, and strides into the harbour tavern aptly named "Hair of the Cat", humming a rather lewd shanty. Hopping onto a bar stool, he orders a large flagon of beer.

"Well, now, ain't you something." The barkeep slams down the tankard with a grin. "Looking like some sort of winged noble, abut whistling one of Dirty Jack's ditties."

"Did a sail or two on the Flaming Puss when I was younger," Grumpus answers, taking a long drink of the surprisingly good brew. "Now I'm just a visiting Tommy looking for some answers to save a maiden in distress."

"Hmmm. Normally, I wouldn't say, but I did a turn on the Puss myself, so if it ain't too big a seek, I might answer a question or two."

"Just one. You seen a cat around with a wounded head? Like he's been smashed with an object?"

The barkeep lets out a guffaw. "I ain't even gonna charge you for that one. You want Unlucky Eddie. Every time he does a job for Red Dog, he gets beat up. He's in the back room right now nursing a nasty headache. Said something about being hit with a painting. I told him he were lucky it wasn't a statue." He laughs again.

"He's working for a dog?" Grumpus asks in surprise.

"Nah, Red Dog's a cat. It's Midnight Tom who's a dog. Lots of folks get confuzzled over that, though. Go on back and talk to Eddie if you want. I'll refill your tankard in the meanwhile. Any mate of the Puss is a mate of mine!"

And so Grumpus, slightly tipsy from a few two many tankards and hoarse from singing Dirty Jack ditties with a packed and loud tavern crew, sways up the dock to the carriage instructed to wait for him.

The coachman has fallen asleep, but Grumpus doesn't wake him right away. Instead, he sinks into the coach cushions and reviews what he learned from Eddie, who was more than willing to accept free tankards and some coins for a "headache cure."

Some of the information contradicts the nature of kidnappings, which is very interesting. Red Dog does have Alitrill, but she was taken as a "rescue mission." Eddie was simply hired as part of the crew because he had been to the palace before and had an idea where her room was. Red Dog had his own loyal crew, since he was one of the major Privateers on Corsair, the fortress island on the northernmost point of the Balihee islands.

"She were a real wildcat," Eddie told him. "Blast, that little spitfire could fight. My head's gonna hurt for a month, and Red Dog's got a lot of scratches. He finally had to put a rag with some sleeping stuff on it over her nose and then toss her over his shoulder. Her maid was knocked out and couldn't raise more alarm, so we made it out climbing down the brush outside the balcony. I was so dizzy I barely made it down, but the crew helped me, and Red Dog paid me well before they left for Corsair. If you're planning on going after her, though, think carefully. It ain't called the fortress island for nothing!"

Grumpus taps on the carriage, waking the coachman mid-snore. Rescuing Alitrill will take careful planning, but how much danger she's in seems debatable. Odd there hasn't been a ransom demand, though.

He continued his pondering as the carriage speeds through the twilight up the road to the palace.

Prince on a Pinnace

Adaysia, followed by a few retainers, and a horde of Protectors with rapid-fire questions, makes her way reluctantly to the main part of the airport, where a large and ostentatious zeppelin is landing.

The occupant's retinue descend first, quickly spreading a red carpet for the owner to descend in state. A slender cat of arrogant, if not completely aristocratic, bearing makes his way down the steps to the carpet, and strides toward the party.

"Here is is," murmurs Adaysia, "the answer to almost all the questions you've tossed my way. Approaching us is His Ignoble and Self-Possessed Highness, Prince Hissman of Piazza, a legend in his own mind and, unfortunately, my half-brother.

"If that's not enough for you, he also considers himself already betrothed to Alitrill, and 'sure bet' to the closest position to the throne of Balihee that any Tom can hold. He chooses to ignore the fact that all of the princesses despise him, especially Ali, and including me. In fact, everyone who knows Hissman tends to loathe him. I recommend you all start now."

"Saves time?" Vibrissa asks in her sweetest purr.

"Exactly replies Adaysia.

As she finishes, Hissman reaches her, and bestows the traditional kiss on both cheeks, which, since Adaysia has quick reflexes, involves no actual contact.

"Dear sister," he says, regarding the crowd around her. "You brought some of my fans."

"Not quite," she snaps back. "We might have picked up one in the slums, but he seems to have fallen down a hole into a sewer. These are friends of the Feline Faerie Queen, come to investigate the disappearances."

"Most distressing," Hissman regards the Protectors disdainfully, and misses Vibrissa entirely. "I trust you are all intent on returning my bride to me as soon as possible. I simply cannot tolerate disorder. I should hate to have to take steps myself, but I am prepared."

"I'll escort you the palace," Adaysia tells him.

"And I'll take your advice, Daisy," whispers Vibrissa. "It's excellent and accurate."

Daisy stifles a giggle.

"He's not the only one who can hiss," Vibrissa tells her.

Near the Harbour, another craft drops out of the sky, altering shape as it lands to become a sleek pinnace. This ship is part of the new Katsuhiro Shifting Dragon line, a collection of steam powered land and air vehicles.

Its feline captain, naturally observant, catches a man-of-war with a full complement of steam cannons pulling into the harbour. It looks so out of place that the captain activates the cloaking device around his own vessel and pulls into the docking slip farthest from the battle vessel.

"Looks like I'd better get to the palace fast," he murmurs to himself.

Tossing a sack of gold coins to his First Mate, he hops onto the deck even before the ship fully stops.

"Take the men and enjoy the tavern. Looks like it has suitable rooms upstairs. I'll contact you as soon as I can."

The mate nods and waves him off as he runs toward a plain buggy apparently waiting for an arrival. Pulling a medallion from his pocket, he displays it to the coachman, who recognizes it immediately.

"At your service, your Royal Highness."

"To the palace, please, and the garden entrance my father told you to use, I think."

The coachman signals the horses and they move out at a steady clip.

"He did indeed, milord, and we'll be there shortly. Let me add, if I may, that I;m glad you've arrived."

Sorn yawned from the corner where he had his legs cross and was playing with a random toy he found at the crime scene. "No one in their right mind would plan a kidnapping and stop to take a bag or pack essentials." The toy suddenly squeaked and the drow looked at it in surprise.

"Do you think Chiripine and Purrette left of their own volition, then?" Jean asks Sorn. "If that's the case, we should probably check the two main ways off the island -- the heliport, and the docks. First, though, we should talk to Meowsa. She might have information for us."

"I do." The drow sighed. Then his eyes lit up. "If I go, does that mean I can torture people for information?" He looked very excited at the prospect.

"We are not going to torture people!" Jean quickly puts the kibosh on that idea. "However, you might be able to intimidate one or two, if they're not being helpful. We'll see."

Alfred was currently missing. Where exactly he was, was another mystery entirely. Maybe Ven and Galena went to look for the wayward werewolf... Or perhaps it was the other way around? Sorn tossed the bone shaped toy out the open window and watched it hit some poor staff member on the head. Sorn sighed. "Why not, it's fun?"

Jean just shook her head. "Let's talk to Meowsa."

Meowsa did her best to be helpful, detailing what she heard of the struggle between Alitrill and what was apparently multiple assailants. Jean adds a few treats to the pile on the bedside table as the First Purry speaks. It's obvious that this was not the work of the Purries. Meowsa points them to the docks, and Jean waves the rest of her team out of the room, as the poor Purry needs her rest.

"Sounds like a team abducted Alitrill," Jean says, once they're out of earshot. "Definitely a planned job, not opportunistic. Sorn, are you ready to hit the docks?"

The dark elf looked at Jean curiously. "Hit the docks?" Then his eyes lit up. "You mean I can destroy them?"

"We are not destroying the docks," Jean said, pinching the bridge of her nose. "In this case, 'hit' means 'go to'."

"Come on, Jean, give me something here," Sorn whined. "Why the hell would you say hit instead of go? That makes no sense..."

"It's a colloquialism," Jean explained. "C'mon, let's go."

"A what? Is that some kind of food?" Sorn asked as they headed out.

Major Tom too proved happy to help them in their quest for information. While he didn't have any video surveillance, he knew the goings-on of the harbor like the back of his paw, and knew precisely where two of the missing princesses had gone.

Jean took notes as he spoke -- Chiripine to Piazza (Hissman's lands), and Purrette to Lapua, then they would meet up in Meowlokai to combat a local epidemic.

"It sounds like Chiripine and Purrette are not in need of rescuing -- and in fact are doing some rescuing of their own," she said to Sorn, as they headed to the harbor. "That means Alitrill is the one we should focus on."

"It makes since," the sorcerer said, "I mean why would those supplies be missing along with a bag and the dog. No one would plan a kidnapping and stop to take clothing." He knew all about those kinds of deeds. "I do wonder why she would be taken. I wonder if it was a kidnapping as well... it does feel a bit coincidental that they would chose the day or days after the first two disappear."

Searching the harbor turned up no sign of a cat that had been brained with a painting. Fortunately for the team, Grumpus had better luck, and when they returned to the palace he filled them in on what he had discovered. They were just in time to join Adaysia on her trip to the airport, to greet Prince Hissman. Jean could see why nearly everyone despised him -- he was narcissistic beyond belief.

Once the Prince was safely out of earshot, she turned to Sorn and the others. "It looks like we have a potential suspect," she says. "If Hissman and Alitrill had a falling out, he might have hired Red Dog to kidnap her...but then why take her to Corsair, instead of Piazza, and why would the kidnappers say it was for her own good?" She sighed. Things weren't lining up -- they really needed more information.

Sorn was getting increasingly aggravated. Nothing to blow up, no one to torture—nothing fun at all. “The nerve of that prince guy,” Sorn muttered. “He acts like he’s the world’s gift or something. You’d think he would have realised upon seeing me his mistake, but I suppose he cannot see the errors of his ways.”

“Perhaps she was kidnapped to protect her,” postulated Sorn.

"From Hissman?" Jean asked. "Y'know, that's an idea. But then who's behind it? Someone had to have put Red Dog and his crew on the task." She frowned, flicking through her pages of notes. "I feel like the answers lie in Corsair, but the island is apparently a fortress. I wonder whose territory it is."

“It wouldn’t be the first time someone kidnapped a noble person simply to keep them out of the way. The princess could be getting close to something or someone and it was time to act. Put her in a tower or something where she can’t get into trouble.” Sorn shrugged. “Bit pacifist for my taste. But still it does make you wonder since as of now there have been no ransom demands. Why else take her? Either someone wants her for a reason or to keep her out of the way. I’d sure like to go. Sounds like more fun than you are currently allowing me.” He grinned cutely.

"Well. If fighting does break out on our trip there, I'll be glad to have you on my side." Jean knew how good Sorn was in a fight -- if a little overenthusiastic about it.

Sorn nodded pleased. At least she knew he was good with his skills and she wouldn't want to be captured by him--at least that's how he took her comment anyway.

Organized Chaos escorted Adaysia, Meowla and Vibrissa to the airport, pelting them with more questions, which were promptly answered with never a hint of impatience or disdain. It’s had been a busy day interviewing witnesses all over the island, but there was much more to come...

Travelers Tales

Chook was pacing up and down, swinging her sword from side to side and thinking deeply.

'Is Princess Adaysia, Duchess of Portico as open and caring as she seems or is it all an act? Think she should be questioned.' 'Who else stand to profit by the 3 princesses going missing or even worse killed? Kidnapping rarely has a happy ending' 'If Alitrill escaped the first kidnappings why didn't they notify someone of the first and why then weren't they more alert and aware and protective?'

'If only there was an enemy I could fight! I am not very good at thinking things through, only thrusting things through.'

Lypsyl thinks aloud ... 'Did Chiripine and Purrette leave voluntarily? Were they (or someone they love) threatened to get them to leave quietly? Their (medicine?) bags are gone - were they told of an emergency? A fake one, or a real one? Their favorites are gone too - Scout (and perhaps a toy or two) and the science equipment...

A couple of things were unclear in the story description. There was mention of bags - certain one was specified as a medicine bag, belonging to Chiri, I think. Maybe I'm confusing the context - that there is only one bag (the medicine bag) and the other thing they were talking about missing was the science equipment? But then there's also the missing dog (Scout, belonging to Chiri).

So missing items: medicine bag (Chiripine), science equipment (Purrette) and Scout (Chirpine). Riffled through: pile of dog toys, clothing. Can anyone indicate missing items? Does anyone know the dog toys or clothing that should be there but aren't?'

Willow, or SW as some call her looked around the rooms with the rest of her team happy she had brought her loving dog with her. They followed Chook but stopped abruptly at the room their dog disappeared from and Ninger, SW's dog immediately tried to follow the trail if SW hadn't stopped her.

... Should I follow this Chook?... SW appears quite unsure it being so much time since she had made an attempt to solve this with the team. What are their steps? Well, first look for clues, second try to see if the clues will tell them something and third, attempt to keep Ninger from getting scratched by the cats which she had heard didn't have the best reputation.

Chook was considering the questions asked. 'I think before we proceed and do anything we should wait to get the answers, then we may have some concrete ideas about what direction we should take'.

Violet sat on the brick wall pondering what was seen by the dutchess the first night. Perhaps concerned about the noisy band may start late as the three abductions will happen in the noise to cover up.

Taking my yarn out and starting to furiously knit with very shimmery colors each colored section having one thing they can help with when called upon. Ali stayed out of her room that night and thus had an alibi. The next night her room was trashed in many ways. A fight may have well taken place or perhaps she staged her own abduction thus causing more confusion and putting BAD light in the dutchess direction. Whom i think noticed the suspition that would be hanging on her.

Hmmm Placing a bit of my yarn on each of the princesses beds they seemed to indicate that they probaby left in a nonthreatening fashion but gathered up some favorite item to bring along..Chiri forgetting her magic bag as she fumbled around Scouts favorite toys and brought him along in haste.

Chook is still plucking and clucking, mucking and ducking, lucking and sucking, tucking and yucking ... not doing the 'f' .... NO NO NO!!! Takes all the warriors strengths away. Considers the points V has raised and think they are relevant.

Poor SW still has no independent direction, her dog finding no more clues with brief sniffs around. “”Any ideas for me to continue?”

'OK team,' says Chook, 'lt looks as though we have some direction at last. We should

*Mob poor Meowsa (bring cookies) *Visit the harbor *Visit the heliport *Attempt to get Daisy to talk about scandal

Do you think we should split up or stay together?

Another thought ... there are rangers, mages, warriors, bards etc, but I do not have any recollection of seeing a cook. Any member of the team able to bake cookies or is someone capable of magicking up a tray?'

Gator wandered into the room, weary from travel. Shocked to hear of the kidnapping and to see the chaos. How could this happen she wondered. Looking around at her friends she wondered where they should start. As she rubbed her tired, weary eyes and tried to clear the cobwebs from her head she hoped she could help. She had a few potions in mind but needed a few minutes to think. Certainly there were clues to find.

She pulled her satchel to the front, luckily she traveled everywhere with her bag and had it readily available. Reaching in, moving glass vials, packets of powder, and other oddments to the side, she grabbed a pencil and pulled her leather bound notebook out. She started taking notes hoping to make sense of this unfortunate situation.

Chook calls the team together. 'I have some bad news to tell you. Willow had a fall and has received 6 stitches under 1 eye. Consequently she will be out of action for a bit. We will have to pull up our sleeves and try to manage without her.'

Finding Adaysia by herself in the gardens Violet approaches her from affront so she would not be startled of feel accosted by the many questions she in her mind.

“Hello Dutchess I am Violet a small curtsey is given i come with the travelers to partake in some festivities herepurposely not including the part where the Bohemian Travelers are here to solve this dilemma and find them wonderful thus far. Are they quite agreeable with you as well?” “ Glad to make your acquaintance Violet” said Adysia “ yes they are very plentiful in all ways. I daresay Viridia has outdone herself once again.”

They chat about the many things going on about the gardens and all around the grounds.

“Am I to understand that you are related then to the Princesses that have tragically gone missing? You must be out of your mind with worry!” said Violet. “Yes indeed I am..were it not for Hissman, Prince of Piazza, ..he being my half brother.. I would be finding it hard to keep my calm about the tragedy.”

“If i may be so bold my Dutchess. your half brother Prince Hissman..which side of the familydo you share? I just ask because I am wondering if all your families are coming to the glorious wedding should he marry one of the princesses? Perhaps there are Aunts or Uncles that are shared making this quite a swaray then? I would think that Viridias celebration. should it happen soon..as well you are both very handsome in your countenance and i do see some similarities in you both and the princesses. I dare say it is perhaps difficult at times but it makes for an extended family does it not? As Alitrill perhaps is of a like parent being fraternal to the triplets.” Violet nods asking these questions looking for signs of agreement or surprise.

As they are speaking Viridia walks by..”Oh it was very pleasant to make your acquaintance Dutchess. I do hope we get to talk more during these festivities” ends Violet as she hurries a few steps to keep up with Viridia. Touching her hand to Viridias elbow Violet introduces herself as one of the Bohemian Travelers that is here to help solve the princesses apparent abductions. “Oh yes how very hiccup kind of you all to come to solve this as soon as possible As I have many bits of celebrations planned hiccup ahead…SO much to do and keep aligned as you can well imagine! I find them missing just dreadful! My husband Grumpus ..as you already know being a Traveler then..he has been very tired..more than usual especially the day way find Alitrill missing as well. I think he stresses out quite a bit more than he lets on. He tries to be strong for me.” mutters Viridia.

Noticing her hiccups along with slightly stronger than faint smell of hard spirits about her as if she were tasting her drinks overly so. Violet asks her to share with me the happenings that she and Grumpus shared these last several days. To this she stiffened up as best she could and tells of Alitrills second day abductions with her room is quite a messy scene whereas the other Princesses came..she meant..seemed.. to go quietly along taking some beloved possessions along and it seems the dog as well.

As they strolled only a few moments before they saw Grumpus coming their way in a weary fashion. “Hello I am Violet here with the Bohemian Travelers to help find these Princesses that have it seems gone on a mission or were abducted in the nights.” Grumpus yawns several times as his eyelids were heavy from lack of sleep.

“Do you have an idea about whom the Kitts may have had troubles with in the past? Adaysia had said her half brother Prince Hissman has had quite some mystery about him this last day as Alitrill went missing in what seemed a stressed way to say the least.” “Well now” he started then yawned once more “ there may be several involved in these three missing. I DO know that there may be misunderstandings between Daisy and Her half brother Prince Hissman” “Oh? A surprised Violet says”who is Daisy then?” Grumpus tells her that he was asked to call the Dutchess that and it would be fine.

Violet now makes her way back to the Dutchess in the Gardens to find slyly her talking with her half brother with more affection than she would think normal and without a look of urgency or concern in their demeanors

OOC..only posted HERE>So far she can only deduce that perhaps the two princesses left f or another purpose all on their own and Alitrill hmmmmm..perhaps Grumpus was so taken with “Daisy” that he had been unknowingly thought he was helping when the Dutchess simply didn’t want Prince Hissman marrying Alitrill and combining their fortunes that she thought she would have a right to it being half hers by right should SHE become a princess. ADirill staged her own abduction not wanting to get closer in family to either the Dutchess or Prince.

Chook is so pleased that Willow is OK and will return as soon as she can, but she is perplexed with the complexity of the kidnappings ... if indeed they were that ... and the missing Chiripine and Purrette were not abducted ... so ... does that mean the only true kidnapping was that of Alitrill?

Maybe the other 2 had run away with their lovers as they were coming into adult hood and did not wish to have an arranged marriage. And that they were happy to relinquish the crown ... if it ever became theirs ... for their lovers and happiness. Abandoning duty. Or maybe just running away from arranged marriages.

And Alitrill was taken so that someone down the line for the crown would inherit.

"All these questions and answers and no fighting!!! What is a warrior to do?" wondered Chook. "Guess I'll have to get Gator to weave me a spell so that I can think with my head and not want to fight with my hands."

After Gator had weaved her magic Chook found her head clearing and that she began thinking, theorizing, contemplating other things rather than fighting. Was Princess Adaysia, Duchess of Portico, open, caring, and downright sensible as Grumpus believed her to be, or was it a wonderful pretense. "Yuck, a pubing kitten," Daisy grimaced as the marching band were assembling. Now the 3 triplets were also pubing. Did she dislike them as well? "Hissman - half brother to Adaysia, and a leading suitor for Alitrill's paw in marriage ... now is that arranged or a love thing?" A good reason for Daisy to have her kidnapped."

Gator sat down on a stool next to Chook, she rested her chin on her fist and leaned her elbows on her knees, staring into empty space and mumbling under her breath, "what are we missing?" She re-read the clues she had scribbled in her notebook, she had gone over them, what seemed to be, hundreds of times. Contemplating the comments from Chook, "Hissman, half brother to Daisy, and a leading suitor for Ali's paw in marriage", would he have any reason to kidnap Ali? Would he become the most powerful cat in the land if he he got his paws on the serum for to cure the epidemic?

Gator's thought bounced between Hissman and Daisy. Why was Grumpus so quick to dismiss her? ... she seemed to have the most to gain after all.

As her head began to ache, she asked Chook to join her for a pint of ale and some snacks, "let's gather the other travelers and compare notes. Maybe if we put our heads together we can solve this mystery."

Hmmm thinking out loud Violet recalls  of all the information with her bohemian # travelers that which she gathered over the last 2 days and sat down with Gator and Chook ordering 2 Ales knowing  she would be very thirsty! So lets start with what i am thinking about and the facts know who ever was behind the door wasn’t dragging Alitrill and had to run n hide quickly behind the door very fast knowing there was someone coming in the door and hid there.

  First Purr which would be Meowsa or you know Meowla.the fact that 4 days ago they each went to a different island Rhett the the alchemy kunda  one and Chiri into Prince Hissmans territory..he would do anything for power and makess it hard to get into his territory and was surely unliked by all.  He was a vain one indeed!

Meowlokia is their final destination..Major Tom doesnt know know how they got in there.

 NOWWWW  Red  Dog is Grumpus as the best i can say.hates palaces.  Thinks kittss were trying to get away from assigned marriages.    Noone at the loading dock appears  with a head laceration.   

   He whistles a song of salty song.. says unucky Eddie has a headache  and gets hurt every time he workis for Red Dog..says he got hit with a painting. And he is a dog(could be growling and snarling in the kitts  room.

 Eddie says Red Dog has Altrill. He says she put up quite a fight  and his head will be sore for months.

He gpes to the palace(which he knows well that is why he got hired).what do you all think..have i got it right so far?? * i start to write it all down on our huge board to track out thought dowm**.

Prince on a Pinnae Hissman again is vain and let remember that he is Adaysias half brother feels sure he is a shoe in to mary Alitrill But she hated him as all did. Cant tolerate disorder((perhaps like the kitts kitts room as he hurriedly tried to perhaps clean up a bit?

Harbour… That craft that came in had a feline captain and a clever cloaking device. Npw this coach was out there already waiting for someone but akes first mate right away. He says my father told me to use the garden exit. Coachman says he is GLAD the prince has arrived

That is all i have till now and i talked to as many of them as i could leading me to this information that some were not eager to share. We;;?? What really happened is up in the ait still. I thought that Chiris dog Scout i think it was would come to her at the sound of her voice..maybe he is in the mic of the growing too..hmmmm. What do you all think of this??

Well now there were lots of dog noises heard during the capture of Alitrills right..and Midnight Tom is a dog!? Unlucky Eddie said he was hit by a painting and hea a bad headache..."Violet said talking with Gator and Chook" "drinking down the first ale very quickly..SO mmm ...this is just thee best around...ahhh! OK and now we know Red Dog,,who is a cat has Alitrill! Eddie talked of subduing her during her taking. He is part of Red Dogs "crew" as he told me.

Red Dog had his own loyal crew, since he was one of the major Privateers on Corsair, the fortress island on the northernmost point of the Balihee islands. Chiri and Rette left for different islands four days ago. They came together, but Rette went straight to Lapua. It's the flower island, truly a beautiful place and the center for both the Botanical and Natural Alchemical Centers. Chiri, my special girl, was determined to go to Piazza. It broke my heart to have her in Hissman's territory, even for a few days, but I couldn't talk her out of it. You see, there's a lot of ordnance, which means extensive medical equipment and supplies for military training accidents, not to mention biological experiments.

Chook quickly took up Gator's offer of a pint of ale and some snacks, asking Violet to join them. Then she mentioned something that had been puzzling her. "GR seems to be reluctant to answer any questions regarding Adaysia (Daisy). I would have thought with so many questions concerning her that a section of the four sections in story sections would have been about her. Also no mention has been made about Scout except for saying he is not dead'. "It's all very puzzling, that is for sure. I am inclined to think that Daisy is at the bottom of all this. She has a motive that is certain."

Chook ponders ... some of the information contradicts the nature of kidnappings, which is very interesting. Red Dog does have Alitrill, but she was taken as a "rescue mission." Does that mean she was rescued from Hissman, whom she despises?" Then she ponders some more. "- Hissman, Prince of Piazza, wants power, and he's willing to use any means to get it- Chiri went direct to Piazza. Was she going for the ordnance there or for another reason."

There was a remarkable amount of various parties venturing hither and yon in their various directions for investigating purposes. Altogether far too much social interaction for the otherwise almost hermit-like mage. Zenul had his own ways about him, and like the stone gargoyles of his kind, it suited him vastly more to be silently observant, speaking little but listening much. It of course helped to have given everyone little magical gems that acted as his eyes and ears, the equivalent to a bug or wire tap, to help him gather what information he could alongside the others without actually having to make his presence known and be in the way.

It had been days that he'd been simply going over the intel and investigation, and after seemingly melting from the shadows the beastly figure approached with a couple of thoughts. "Pardon the intrusion, if I may. While there have been many questions seemingly answered, there is still something that has been vexing me the most. Collective research and testimony tells us that two of the kidnappers were allegedly Eddie," he held up one paw, "who was the one to be hit with the painting canvas and who's blood is most likely on it," he then held up his other paw, "And then there was Red Dog, who was supposedly the cloaked one that said this was for her own good."

Splaying his held up paws with a little puzzled shrug of his shoulders, the beast added, "The third accomplice remains something of a mystery. Meowsa, the First Purry, mentioned seeing those two, and then a third that she said 'must have been behind the door', and is the one that hit her over the head. Was this mystery person actually behind the door, or did they follow from outside the bedroom and come up from behind once she'd opened the door and was inside? Who could this have been? Eddie mentioned himself and Red Dog specifically, but when mentioning Meowsa, he only said 'the maid was knocked out' but not by who, and that allowed him and Red Dog to escape down the balcony. While he did say there was also some crew that helped him outside since he was dizzy, was this third accomplice that knocked the maid out part of this crew, or was it someone who is part of the Palace?..."

"Oh Zenul ' said Viole as she passed around of ale to all.."thank you for the gem i will keep it in the small leather pouch here on my hip and hope it may help lead you to the why kidnapper took Alirtill.." i come around to thinking perhaps Rette went straight to Lapua. It is called the flower island, truly a beautiful place and the center for both the Botanical and Natural Alchemical Centers. A perfect place for a wedding wouldnt you say??" "perhaps she went there innocently to help set up a wedding venue."..letting out a big sigh not knowing what we are looking for exactly Violet throws out other thoughts as well. "I just cant see past the dog noises and Scout trying to keep chiri safe..hmm..BUT she did go into Hissman territory and maybe got help there in which case we would need chook to go investigate and help save her from there being careful not to get knocked in the head as well."

Remembering that acraft that came into the harbour that  had a feline captain  and a clever cloaking device.
 Now this coach was out there already waiting for someone but akes first mate right away. He says **my father told me to use the garden exit. Coachman says he is GLAD the prince has arrived...Violet mummbles to herself trying to think of everal points to put something logical together..or NOT so logical.  "Who here has a child? as the first mate had said his FATHER told him to take the garden exit.

 "Zenul..what think you of this cloaking device over the vessel..so noone could see it right..and was it there to take the kitts each to their own desired island? Then back again for abduct Alitrill?"

 "Chook perhaps we find our way into Hissman territory where you can find Chiri and Scout and retrieve them if need be.  I will talk to the gatekeeper there at his palace."  "Do you think she created the cloaking device for the vessel while there?? But the fact lingers who is first mates FATHER?"  Getting a headache from all this thinking and not being able to DO any one thing ...Violet orders some chips to go with the ale we have all been having.

Now we have a cloaked vessel perhaps at the harbour containing someones (a male) son..then was told to leave by the garden section..for what reason..was it hissmans son? DAMN she keeps timing all the happenings as best she can.

Adaisyias would be the aunt of Hissmans himself and they never married finding out very late jthey were to have a son in common after finding out they were half siblinged? Then Adaisia wanting so much to marry Hissman has another good reason in that case..their son. Such things are known to have happened. She was the one nervously watching as that band of kitts fussed about who went where in line..the timing was to be set for Alitrills abduction knowing there would be noise at the exact time this was to take place. She was in on her abduction as she had great to gain with her being wed to him. "BAAAHHH what a convuluted mess eh??..mess...mess hmm Hissman HATED messes..."violets mind whirls with thoughts going here n there all at once.

Thinking about the questions raised, Chook once again had thoughts and ideas.

"I'll escort you the palace," Adaysia tells him. Him being Hissman so it was not his palace.

Grumpus taps on the carriage, waking the coachman mid-snore. Rescuing Alitrill will take careful planning, but how much danger she's in seems debatable. Odd there hasn't been a ransom demand, though. He continued his pondering as the carriage speeds through the twilight up the road to the palace. So he is heading to the palace as well. Is he the father that is mentioned?

Pulling a medallion from his pocket , he displays it to the coachman, who recognizes it immediately. "At your service, your Royal Highness." (Is this Grumpus?)

Again Grumpus ... coachman and palace.

Grumpus went for a stroll through the island gardens. Rette went straight to Lapua. It's the flower island. So did Grumpus go to Lapua?

Red Dog has Alitrill but she was taken as a "rescue mission." Red Dog had his own loyal crew, since he was one of the major Privateers on Corsair, the fortress island on the northernmost point of the Balihee islands. Red Dog paid me (Eddie ) well before they left for Corsair. Princess Adaysia, Duchess of Portico, the second largest island in the Balihee chain ... she cannot be a Princess and a Dutchess ...A princess can inherit a duchess title when she gets married, but it's not a guaranteed promotion. And there is no mention of her being married.

Maybe Grumpus is Daisy's father or maybe grandfather. Not that much is mentioned of him ... where he came from, what he does etc. And Grumpus should have been inclined to suspicion. He was very likely to do so normally, but something about the open, caring, and downright sensible nature of the duchess, [Daisy] made it hard for him to do so. He liked her quite a bit and was inclined to trust her intentions.

Now that makes my head hurt. A dutchess is a wife or widow of a duke, or a woman who holds the rank of duke in her own right. A duke is a noble who resides over a duchy (or dukedom) and holds the highest hereditary title of nobility.

Think gator's spell worked too well and I am over thinking things or else it is wearing off.

"Wonderul..so many thought and ideas to work out still but you have synapsed it perfecly thus far Chook.I wonder if the guy who took the cloaked vessel in and told to leave through the garden gate (not escape mind you jut instructed to LEAVE)" said Violet eyeing the fresh fish n chips set out for the Bohemoan Travelers with their everfull pints of ale." NOW(she said as she mumched on some chips..pointing one at the group around the round table they all gathered at.."A thought i had was the cloaked abducter was the son of Hissman himself wanting to wed Alitrill as she did him..she did NOT want to marry the Prince and HE (the son of whomever that loved Altril and she him) loved her and two hearts cannot be divided!" "I say she did NOT want to marry the prince Hissman and i believe the cloaked son was trying to get his beloved." grabbing some chips n sips here trying to hold the attention long enough befpre Violet looses her thoughts altogether( which she so easily does) Now the fight may have been Hissmans wishes to keep her there and the "Son" trying safetly to remove her before the arranged marraige takes place..the Hissam who hired is it Red Dog the one with the crew?((again bad memory Violet asks) So altogether the kidnapping was to HOLD her till such a time as the wedding..And the cloaked vessel Captain had asso a cloak himself both of which disappear what is beneath them ...the vessel and/or the SON. "Alitrills room was a mess because the two forces together was a calamity to yet be resolved. But she was OUT of the way for the time being ONLY benefiting DAISY!!! SO both the Kitts had gone off thinking they were going to help the situations and they did just that ." and Violet pressed on with her ponderings to her mayytes at the table..."Remember Daisy had a very nervousness about her as that ruckus loud band was a bit late to start...aha..she had the abduction timed just so..to not be overheard zbove the loud band about to play that nght... But it did work in the end as Alitrill AND the two princesses were out of the way and SHE gets to marry her Prince Hissman(olden days for olden ways you see){{{about half sibling marraiges}}}.

Deap breath out..looking around at all the faces of her friends..what say you all...i need more answers to go any further with the colamity of my thinking!!" with this said Vioet got up to go PEE..it had been to long for this one!!

Chook sighs and tells her team that it is all too much and her final words on the subject are "The perpertrator was the perky purring piper in the purple jumper with the purloined paper and the perfect purpose.

After they offered her some of Kestra's cookies, the Angels gently questioned poor Meowsa. Once she finished talking, they tiptoed outside of her room. "What did she mean the medical and alchemical potions were and are needed?" asked Calie? Jeice shrugged. "Maybe they had to create potions to destroy Hissman's castle?" Jinx frowned. "I don't think so, that just sounds too violent for a kitten!" Anna nodded. "Maybe the alchemical potions were to help build something." "What about the medical ones, though?" Asked Kestra. "Perhaps someone is ill and they had to nurse them back to health?" Suggested Juana. It was obvious that they needed to find out more so they headed to find Major Tom.

Major Tom was an interesting character, and very helpful too. The Angels were relieved that Chiri and Rette weren't catnapped, but were now worried for their safety for other reasons. "It seemed like Rette was trying to do more research at the Botanical and Natural Alchemical Centers. But why would Chiri go to Piazza?" asked Jinx. "She must be on a mission of mercy," suggested Kestra. Jeice scowled. "But to place herself into danger like that is pretty reckless. Calie laughed a little too hard at that observation. "YOU? Calling someone else reckless? Are you jealous or something?" "Hardly!" Huffed Jeice. "I just don't think royalty should be meddling around dangerous situations like that!" "That Prince Hissman doesn't seem like a very good choice as a suitor for Alitrill." Observed Anna. "He sounds like a creep to me." Jinx turned to her apprentice and nodded, "The talk of ordinance and Hissman willing to do anything for power is certainly worrisome." Juana gritted her teeth and gripped her sonic screwdriver tightly. "I'm sure he will get what's coming to him in due time." "You got that right!" Grinned Jeice. Kestra turns and begins walking away. "Let's head back to the palace! We need more answers!"

When Grumpus came back and told them about finding one of the catnappers, the Angels flocked around him to hear his story. Calie had a small laugh about Red Dog and Midnight Tom's names. "Hmm... Chiri likes dogs, doesn't she?" "Pet dogs," pointed out Kestra. "Her room had dog toys in it." "Yes, but maybe she's acquaintances with Midnight Tom and hired him to 'save' Alitrill from Hissman?" Suggested Calie. The Angels pondered this for a short time. "But why not tell Ali this?" Jinx asked. "I mean why go through the trouble of catnapping her to save her from him? We suspect she's not fond of him, so she would've run away willingly." "Maybe they thought if she had run away, Hissman would be more apt to start a war or something? This way they made it intentionally a catnapping so that he wouldn't suspect anything otherwise." Jeice sighed, "Let's find Daisy and see if she can add anything to this puzzle."

They find Adaysia and Vibrissa at the airport and ask their questions. Once Hissman was escorted towards the palace, the Angels huddled together once more. "Ugh, did you smell the arrogance on that tom?" sniffed Juana. Calie coughed, "It's not hard to dislike him, that's for sure!" "Well, it's pretty obvious that Ali would be miserable hooking up with that!" Anna rolled her eyes. Kestra sighed, "So it still doesn't answer why they catnapped Ali. If they wanted to save her from Hissman, which I'm sure she would, she would've gone willingly." "I think there's a connection with the other two princesses that we are missing." Pointed out Jeice. "I'm wondering if those that are sick on the volcanic island have been poisoned. And Chiri is trying to find the antidote in case this mysterious disease spreads 'accidentally'." "What about Rhette's alchemy skills? Where would that fit in?" asked Calie. "I dunno. It's all just hypothetical at this point. We should probably head back to the castle and see if anything else has happened." Jeice suggested. The Angels nodded and made one last trip for the night. They were all tired and hungry by now and looking forward to a hot meal and a soft bed.

wrong thread, sorry