“How do you think Quispi got grabbed?” Sierra asked, trudging through the underbrush with Asema, “Isn’t someone watching that area?”

“He came from the south end of the Sonora mountain ridge, there aren’t many people who live out there” Asema said, “Mostly harpies, lama-kin and some satyr from what I’ve had time to gather. It’s just some small craftsman towns”

“And that means no protection?”

“No, just...Not checked on often unless it’s asked for” Asema said, tapping his nails along the handle of his parasol. The sun was beginning to go down, the dimming light blanketing the forest in radiant yellows and reds. Sierra stepped carefully through the bramble as Asema turned, the thick hide of his legs protecting him from the thorns, “This time of year the entire forest is sharp, he’s going to get hurt”

“Tear what apart? Finch, your uncle loves you, whoever it was, he needs to know. He needs to make sure it doesn't happen to someone else.”

“Why is it his problem? You’re Echo why don’t you deal with it?”

“Asema is a member of my court, and it’s his decision what to do with whoever it is” Echo said, “I don’t like meddling in family affairs if I can help it, some things need me to leave them alone”

“Your court” Quispi spat, looking away from the woman, “I knew I didn’t like him”

“Like him?” Echo said, “Why would that not make you like him? He hasn't done anything”

“Being part of your Court is enough” Quispi grumbled

“I don’t know why he’s so angry about it” Finch said apologetically

“That’s because it doesn’t concern you kid”

“We’re in the same damn body I’m pretty sure that means it concerns me” Finch grumbled, crossing his arms in frustration. Asema stopped Sierra before they were noticed, ushering him behind a tree with a whisper to hush himself.

“You still have thorns in you” Echo huffed, picking them out of the boy’s legs and pants, “We should get you two back to the manor now that it’s safe, these need to be cleaned before they get infected”

“Can…vampires get infections?”

“yes…?” Finch said confused, taking Echo’s hand and pulling himself up with a wince. “ow.”

I can walk us back… Quispi said apologetically. Asema and Sierra watched as they moved on through the trees, back towards the safety of the house. The two stepping out from behind the tree

“ok…we follow or?” Sierra asked, looking at Asema

“…No…Echo’s with them, send her a message. We need to go see just how this happened” Asema said, turning in the opposite direction, Sierra following. Asema left his parasol sitting against a tree, “Give them some room to breathe seems like she’s getting somewhere”