Surprises in Haven (Closed)

[Asa]

Audrey stood there shaking her head as yet again Nathan and Duke were starting to verbally lock horns in their usual showing off for Audrey. Their words cut short as they both noted that Vince and Dave had quickly ex used themselves and took off down the road as if running from the devil himself. Then they saw why... a face and eyes unmistakable as they both fell silent looking from this person and back to each other with a fairly worried puzzled look.

Audrey chirped up...

Isn't that...

Nathan and Duke both nodded and as if one person said... yeah. Then they snapped out of the stunned state... she seems to be very determined in her mood chief I will leave this to you Duke said as he moved in the opposite direction from the woman they saw. He would confront her later at the Grey Gull.

Nathan almost tensed when Duke tossed the task to him but since the previous chief passed if she was in town it usually meant something big. Audrey reached over patting his shoulder...

I will go with you lets talk to her.

She saw her head into one of the little markets. Lets go Nathan.

~~~~~

Maryia did not like being in the town proper since the former chief passed and the hold he had on the town as a whole was broken. She sensed way too much now around the town... that was part of her curse her trouble but that was just the beginning. Her trouble attacked her senses but not as much her physical senses as other senses. She was what some called feral though far more human than animal the spirit of the wild was woven into her very soul. If she did not want to be seen even standing right in front of someone in the.woods around Haven... no one would we her... except the outsider... Audrey... she could see her the wild did not shield her from her. Maryia was not sure how she felt about that but through two prior incarnations the one now known as Audrey was friend to so many of the town.

Something was going on... the forest and its residents were on edge and the extra sense of the city was buzzing... that infernal sense and knowing that chaos and strife was again going to plague her homeland forced her into the town as she had a set path she stalked checking on normal and troubled alike. She was sitting in the little cafe when Nathan and Audrey caught up to her. The old woman who ran the cafe was sitting there with her straightening her hair up a little while Maryia ate a little. The old woman mothered everyone and Maryia was no exception though she did not seem to mind.

Well Nathan Audrey... welcome let her eat whatever you seem to want to talk to her about.

Nathan just nodded and just sat down with her along with Audrey as Maryia just watched them for a moment.

Before you ask... yes... something is wrong. The area is... active. I do not know why... yet

Nathan just nodded when you know or think you know you can get in touch with us.

He motioned for Audrey to not press things he had seen the look in her eyes before when talking with her with his dad she needed to finish her usual path and check on those she would always check on. Maryia nodded watching Audrey for a moment and nodding to her as well as Audrey stood up.

Its good to see you again Maryia

Audrey smiled as they turned to go.

Maryia quickly finished her food and finished her rounds seeing Vince and Dave and then making her way to the Grey Gull

Hello Duke...

She stood in the doorway of the bar as it was still not quite filled up yet and those few patrons were outside enjoying the sunshine.

 

[A_Man_For_You]

Maryia wa sin town again. And that usual meant problems. big problems. Duke has known her for long enough to be sure about that. Their whole childhood had been a story of a gang of children really close to each other, along with Nathan. And one of the origins of the anger between Natahn and Duke was the fact that Duke and Maryia became closer... very close in fact over the time. When he left Haven, he lost contact with her, but he never forget her. Seeing her today, suddenly, had been kind of a shock. He was thinking she was lost in the woods forever. And now she was in town. But he couldn't make to go and talk with her directly. he had to think about that before, so he let Nathan and Audrey handle this. As usual, they would call him if they needed some help. But Duke didn't think that Nathan would call him for anything related to Maryia.

So Duke went back to the Grey Gull and began with a tequilla shot in order to calm his mind about Maryia's return. He was standing behind his bar, elbows on it, lost in his thoughts, almost alone wuith just a table of more or less drunk sailors, when she entered the inn. Beautiful as ever, with her mix of refine and perfect womanish appearance and her wild and almost animal attitude. She greeted him. He lifted his gaze to meet hers, and it was like a flashback years before to the beginning of their story.

- Hi Maryia...

Once in his life, Duke seemed speechless and unable to find the right thing to say.

 

[Asa]

As children they had been close closer still as teens till the Reverend and Dukes father had done everything in their power short of killing her to keep them apart. The Reverend found it harder to manipulate her when she thought people cared making her more human. The old chief had done all he could to stop them but if one thing could always scare the town back then and that was the threat of the troubles. His silence almost made her fink he still was following his father orders. She turned to go till that infernal overpowering sense that troubles were coming to light some Troubled had gone active and the town was headed for something bad. She dropped to the ground holding her temples wincing from the pain. She hated the sensing it had been nothing but a curse. Whatever and whoever was "waking up" was powerful and she hoped the town was ready.

I... I... need... to go. Sorry to... bother.

 

[A_Man_For_You]

As Maryia dropped the gorund in visible pain, Duke didn't think more about it, he jumped over the bar and was besides her, holding her ot stand up, trying to comfort her. He sat her at a table.

- God damn it Maryia, what's going on? Headache? YOu need something? I never thought that seeing me again could cause that. I'm more used to people either drinking with me or trying to kill me. But I've never seen people in pain for meeting me till now.

He was patting on her hsoulder, trying to find something useful to do.

- No you shouldn't go. not in that state.

 

[Asa]

There he was helping her. So she crumpled close to him till the pain passed. Looking into his eyes yeah being close to him hurt deep down losing that closeness they had but this was her trouble launching into full force for a moment. It passed the pain always did and she slowly was returning to normal.

You know its not that Duke... liking to think about them or not... wanting to remember I can sense them or not aside. A troubled has come into their problem and without Garland to keep the town balanced I can sense it overtime. I... I'll be fine.

 

[A_Man_For_You]

- Anything we can do about it?

Duke sat down in front of her, putting a glass of fresh water in her hand.

- I'd really like to help, I don't like seeing you suffer. YOu know, Audrey she has developped quite a thing about helping Troubled. I can call her and we can discuss about it.

Duke took Maryia's hand, and look into her eyes.

- Or we could do it together, just you and me. Let me help you Maryia.

 

[Asa]

Audrey... yeah she and Nathan should know. Something big...

She was growing used to the overwhelming mental bombardment as she took a sip of the water.

She knew there was something left between them but they had fallen apart due to his father and the Reverend. She looked into his eyes still finding it strange that he could calm her and help her keep the overpowering senses contained.

They would flip if they could see even this.

 

[A_Man_For_You]

Seated across from her at the table, Duke was holding both of Maryia's ghands in his, gently. Keeping a soft eye contact and a gentle smile on his lips. Their story had been kinda complicated. When the Trobles and families and some personalities take part in such a relationship, it's always complicated. And Duke's heart was beating faster at the memories of their abruptly ended story.

- Do you want me to investigate this with you, maryia?

 

[Asa]

Yeah... you and me... We need to let Audrey and Nathan know too.

The more time around him the calmer she became... Nothing calmed the infernal sense but him and she never understood why... was that why the Rev and Duke's dad always tried to keep them apart? Drawn from that thought as Vince and Dave walked in and moved to sit with them. Vince in that fatherly manner was the first to speak as Dave just nodded to Duke.

Maryia... are you alright? Do you need help with anything is something wrong?

Well Clearly something is wrong Vince... Dave finally spoke... Either there is something wrong in town or we are interrupting a long overdue moment between firends. What are you sensing Maryia? Can you tell us anything specific about it?

Now it was Vince turn to snipe back. Its not that GPS thing Dave the sense doesn't give directions to the problem thats why we have to help her look. Have you talked to Audrey yet... she handles the Troubles pretty well in Garland's absence.

Maryia listened to them but slowly her eyes moved to stare out over the water as her hand gripped Dukes hand a little tighter.

 

[A_Man_For_You]

- Hey dudes, do you think we really need you to help? You're always keeping secrets and handle things your way. I think we'll do well without you... We'll call you if we need something from you.

Duke felt her hands tighten on his as she was looking through the window.

- Hey Maryia, what's going on? Tell me what you're feeling...

He catched Mariya's gaze and turned his head to follow it.

- There?

He turned again to face her.

- His this the way we're supposed to go to? My boat's ready if needed.

 

[Asa]

A fire truck flew past the Grey Gull sirens blazing with Nathan's SUV in tow Heading towards the campgrounds. Vince genuinely seemed fatherly over her as he placed a hand on her shoulder after brushing her hair back form her eyes.

Maryia... Should we go follow them?

Maryia relaxed her grip looking to Duke trying to smile

Its... all around us... whatever it is I can't tell if its moving or if its just that connected to the town it feels like we are in some box... like the whole town is trapped.

She looked to Vince and Dave then back to Duke.

We need to go find Audrey.

 

[A_Man_For_You]

Duke grabbed MAriya's hand and stood up, pulling her behind. He yelled at his employee to hold the Grey GUll for a moment and ran to his pickup, pushing Mariya's in the passenger seat. Duke took the wheel and began driving after the fire truck and Nathan.
Driving, he pulled his cell form his pocket and handed it to Mariya.

- Nathan and Audrey are on the memory. Call one of them to explain that you may have a hint.

 

[Asa]

Taking the phone she called Audrey talking with her for a moment trying to explain. Finally ending the call with a growl.

We are following you the only thing out that way is camp grounds and old homestead which one?

Terminating the call Maryia looked to Duke.

Camp ground... she growled a little staring out at the trees as they drove by. She could see the agitation and worry in the animals they passed unseen to most.

 

[A_Man_For_You]

The drive was leading them towards more secluded places, towards wilder places. Woods were around. And knowing what Mariya's trouble was more or less about, Duke wasn't feeling fine. It all seemed to combine into something that could become nasty.
Driving, Duke, leaned sideways, an arm behind his seat, and when he brought it back, his hand was holding a gun.

- Might need it...

The woods were closing around the road, and Duke began feeling opressed.

- Anything to tell me about these woods, Mariya?

 

[Asa]

They feel threatened... don't give them a target they don't need Duke... you won't need that.

She pointed to the fire truck and Nathan getting out of his suv. Waiting till Duke parked the truck she hopped out and began tracking. Watching the others around her as she moved closer to the site. The scent of burning grew stronger quickly as she growled a little tensing.

One of the construction crew working on the campground looked over seeing her while he was talking to Audrey and glared

Whats She doing here? She has no business here no one is stomping on the flowers or kicking the squirrels... Sheriff...

Nathan just stared at him not quite the same look his father could give to back the anti troubled down but still the man. Audrey simply looked at him placed her hand near her badge and gun.

She is helping ME you and your people will leave her alone or I will run you in for obstruction of justice is that clear?

The guy just grumbled and stormed off as Audrey motioned Maryia over.

What are you getting from this Maryia... there was no storm no lightening no chemicals... just...

Not a normal fire... the scent is not char or burnt anything... just... blood.

Maryia crouched over the body growling at the coroner who simply nodded to her and sat back and spoke calmly to her.

So I will begin figuring out my official report since that is not quite something I can put in there. How long do you think the body has been here?

She studied it then moved a little ways from the body and continued to study the area. Something left the body... going this way. I have to go... Make sure home is... safe.

She stood and began to bolt into the treeline with Audrey trying to keep up with her.

 

[A_Man_For_You]

Duke hesitated. Mariya said there was no need of the gun, but he would feel more at ease. of course, there was always the possibility he would have to kill someone ; he disliked the inheritage of his father, he disliked what he was supposed to be. After a few thoughts, he put the gun down in its hiding place and checked that his knife was in place.

he went out of the car just in time to feel the tension growing and to see Mariya running thorugh the woods. He jumped after her, not far from Audrey. Nathan kept behind, trying to keep the people calm and to settle the things there. Duke knew that probabaly Mariya's and Audrey's abilities would be enought o solve the problem. but he couldn't let Mariya. He had already let her down and he couldn't do it again: Something inside him made a sort of bond between them. And if she was back, it was for a good reason. There were no coincidences. Duke knew that the bond linking them together was really important. Besides, he couldn't think of something bad happening to her and he preffered to be with her at any time, just in case.

She was hard to follow in the woods, amongs the trees and bushes. She was running fast, leaving almost no trail. A chance that Audrey could still see her and follow her more easily. Duke just had to get along with the blond woman.

 

[Asa]

In the woods Maryia could hide better track easier and calm on her own. Part of her ties to the wilderness around Haven was that even standing right in front of someone they could not see her unless she wanted them to... except for Audrey... her hiding ability did not work on her and Maryia was not sure how she felt about that.

She stopped holding her hand up knowing Audrey was behind her and pointed out anther body.

Whoever is doing this is scared and does not understand what they are doing. But they are no longer out here maybe looking for any vehicles driving erratic or bikes or whatever. Whoever it is they are scared.

 

[A_Man_For_You]

Duke stopped when he saw Audrey freeze. He came behind her and saw the body, frowning.

- Damn, I don't like this Audrey. What's going on? Do you still see Maryia?

 

[Asa]

Realizing that she was falling into her hidden nature she took a deep breath willing herself to be seen.

Whoever is doing this is scared. I don't think they understand what is going on. Need to keep an eye out for someone driving panicked or someone acting stressed.

She paused sniffing the air again just in time to hear a rifle shot and see a wolf go running past them from where Nathan and the first body was. Maryia quickly whipped around and ran back in time to see Nathan knocking one of the construction workers down with his own while his buddies stood back not wanting to get in trouble.

Maryia lunged with a growl Nathan barely catching her in time to prevent her from attacking the idiot.

Maryia... Nathan spoke low... he is not with it. We will fine him I know he is not registered with this. Help Audrey and do not start a war here.

Maryia snarled but halted her assault.

The worker laughed wow didn't know you could train feral dogs Nathan.

Audrey looked to Nathan. Let her go I didn't see a thing did you? Make it a three body case instead of two.

 

[A_Man_For_You]

Duke followed and put himself between them also. He faced Maryia and looked into her eyes, trying to keep his voice calm and reassuring, althouth the fact that not knowing what was going on wasn't reassuring at all.

- Maryia, listen to me, you have to calm down. Don't overreact. We have to find the origin of all this, and it's not here it seems. Further. We'll follow the trail of it.

 

[Asa]

Nathan nodded.

Go with Duke Maryia... Audrey and I have this. They are not going to be that stupid again.

Maryia snarled but nodding and relaxed enough so Nathan felt comfortable letting go of her that she was not going to lunge and kill someone.

Duke we need to go to the road again and follow the road there on the other side of the camp that leads back towards town.

Maryia turned and began walking towards the truck. Audrey looked to Nathan and then to the others around who was dragging the big mouthed idiot away from the situaiton.

Another one of the people still loyal to the Rev's beliefs about the troubled... I thought they have all given up that mind set.

 

[A_Man_For_You]

Duke had his arm aorund Maryia's shoulders and went with her to the truck. he opened the door to let her move to the passenger seat then get around the truc to his driver's place.
He turned the motor on and drove towards the road, following Maryia's directions.

- maryia, I need to know more about this. What could you tell me? What are we facing?

 

[Asa]

Whoever it is... they are scared and possibly bleeding. The "burnt" bodies does not smell burnt they smell like blood. There is fear flooding the air which caused that wolf to investigate... she has guided lost scared kids back to the campground before... before those idiots tried shooting at her.

Maryia was still irate about the non troubled acting as if she were some wild animal Luckily there are people like the brothers and Nathan Audrey and Nathan's late father who accepted the troubled and tried to help them.

 

[A_Man_For_You]

- You mean... the wolf guided lost children? Wow, That is strange.

Duke chuckled....

- Well, in fact not stranger than some other things I've seen before. And there's someone guiding the wolf? Or changing of form to become a wolf?

 

[Asa]

The wolf has nothing to do with the troubled just telling you why I got so angry with those workers.

She stared out the windows looking for any other signs of their troubled target.

She was investigating as well is all till they shot at her.

Wreck up ahead maybe that is our next stop.