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People were shuffling about quietly. Weaving between tall bookshelves, either pulling out books or searching for what they wanted. Sitting at one of the tables looking out into the city through a large window were two individuals. One being a middle-aged human male about five and a half feet tall, dressed in a set of robes sporting a dark purple color, the long wide sleeves and trimming however were a bright yellow. And over his chest was a large circular crest fashioned to resemble a sun with eight points, the emblem of his order. Sitting on the table itself was a short feline woman no more than four feet tall. Black fur with white markings and strange white tattoos over her arms and legs. And dressed in a pointed wide brimmed hat, and a matching purple overcoat. With a darker snug top and layered skirt. Floating next to her was a long wooden staff, with an ornate sphere embedded into its head. A red translucent gem in its center with three metal rings spinning around said gem, a unique staff to be sure.

"So, let me get this straight lad. Yer hirin' me, a WITCH, to go to this isolated town and investigate some disappearances?" the short feline asked an Irish lilt to her voice, "Just to clarify this isolated town is full of likely Gods fearin', certainly magic hatin' people, right?"

The man sitting opposite the feline coughed nervously. He had a short beard that he stroked lightly. (What is it with human magic users and beards anyway?)

"Umm... well yes." He said getting a bit uncomfortable, "And must you sit on the table?"

"I thought as much, and yes I must 'sit on the table'. If ye hadn't noticed I wouldn't be able to look you in the eyes otherwise. And I think that would be much ruder don't ye think?" The feline purred softly, eyeing the human with soft glowing golden eyes.

The feline smirked a little as she looked the man over thinking to herself, 'These Clerics and their color-coded outfits.'

"Fair enough." The man relented with a soft sigh, "So does this mean you won't take the job?"

"Oh I can take the job. I just don't want to deal with an angry mob, assumin' I'm the cause of these disappearances." The feline said, "I just want some assurance that I can avoid having to harm innocent people."

"I can send advanced notice. We do have a Cleric from the Order living there." The man said with a nod, "I'm sure she could convince the locals."

"I hope so laddie." The feline said, stifling a yawn, "Any other details I should be made aware of before I accept the job?"

"Not that I would be aware of I'm afraid, I'm sure when you meet up with the Cleric there you'll be able to find out more though." The man said with uncertainty.

The feline cracked her back before hopping down from the table with a sigh, "...Alright, I guess I'll take the job then. This better be on the up and up. I don't want to deal with pitchforks and torches when I get there. So, make doubly sure to notify this Cleric of yers."

She landed on her paws as one would expect a feline to do. A soft jingling of bells rang out, from around her neck and the tip of her hat.

"I assure you this is exactly what the job board said." The man said as he stood up as well, "I will see to it personally, I can assure you she'll know about your arrival."

"Good, I don't like being screwed with, well... at least in this context." She purred and smiled wide.

"Ahem...yes I could imagine." The man coughed a bit growing more uncomfortable with the implication of the feline's words.

"Anyway, let's discuss the pay, shall we?" The feline purred and gave the Cleric a sultry look.

The Cleric gulped nervously...

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The feline smiled and walked along the road happily, she looked over the job flier again, double checking the details once more.

"Wildemore huh? Talk about the middle of nowhere." She sighed as she put the flier away and rifled through another pouch on her belt to pull out a map.

The map was very well detailed and showed the entire region, travel routes, towns, cities, and national borders, and even isolated Inns and Taverns were marked. The feline looked over it carefully, finding her destination. A minute of scrutiny later, and she found the town on said map.

"Damn, isolated isn't the word for this town. Smack between forest and swampland, greeeeeat." The feline sighed as she put the map away and continued to walk, "Going to be a long fun walk."

Not that the long walk would be a bother for her. She LIVED for the journey, the adventure. Added bonus that she enjoyed being on her paws. She purred some as she walked, enjoying the sunny day.

'Hmmm... I should probably pick up some potions before I leave town. Always good to be prepared.' She thought to herself, quickly changing direction towards a portion shop.

JINGLE JINGLE

The bell on the door rang softly as it was opened, the feline stepping inside and having a gander at all the assorted potions lining the tables and shelves. The place seemed devoid of customers at the moment. So, she headed right for the counter and looked up at the countertop with a sigh. Jumping up she reached out with a paw and smacked the bell on the counter with a loud DING!

"Oi Potion Seller, ye in here? I'm here for some potions." She called out.

There was silence for a couple of minutes before an old elven man hobbled over from the back room, He peeked over the counter looking around.

"Hello? I heard the bell, is anyone there?" he asked in a raspy voice.

"Yeah that was me. Down here." The feline said as she looked up at the old man.

"Hmm? Oh, hello little girl, are you lost?" he asked in a kind manner.

"Yeeeeah....no don't let yer eyes deceive ye old codger. I'm not a little kid. I'm a fully grown Nekonitan. Which ye probably never heard of." She explained, her split tipped tail twitching with a hint of irritation at being called a child, "Not many do. Most of us don't really travel."

"Oh, oh! My apologies, my eyes are not quite what they used to be." The Potion Seller said apologetically, "What can I do for you little miss?"

"It's okay... I get that a lot more than ye'd think. Anyway, I'm here to buy a few potions, can never have too many y'know? I'd like five large Mana potions and three medium Health potions please. I'm too short to reach them." The Nekonitan asked.

"Oh certainly, please give me a few minutes." The seller said with a polite nod and warm smile.

"Of course, I'm in no hurry." She returned the nod and smile.

The old man turned and hobbled into the back room for a minute before coming around to the front. Scrutinizing the labels on the shelves carefully before gathering the necessary potions, setting them down on the counter and returning to the back room, then behind the counter.

"There you go little miss; will that be all?" He asked.

"Yes thanks, how much for everythin'?" The Nekonitan asked.

"This should be about 50 silver." The Potion Seller said.

"Alright, here you go." The small feline dug through her coin pouch and set down a single gold coin, "Here, ye can keep the change. For being a sweet old codger, ye deserve to treat yourself too."

"Oh, you are too kind little miss, thank you." The old elf smiled happily, "Please travel safe okay?"

"Of course, I shall! Gwen Espris is always safe!" The Nekonitan said proudly, "And think nothin' of it. Have a wonderful day sir."

"And you too little miss." The Potion Seller said with a smile.

Gwen as she called herself jumped up and grabbed up the potions one at a time. Stashing them away in another of her pouches. Then she left with a quick wave and continued on her way to Wildemore. Passing through the town gates and out on the road.

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It was a couple of days into her trip that Gwen stumbled upon a peculiar sight. A lone man was limping along the road, splotches of blood could be seen on his clothing. Panting with exertion, as he got closer the Nekonitan could identify him as a human male.

"Oh, thank Gods! Please, I need help! Bandits ambushed me! Th-they kidnapped my wife! Please, tell me there's a nearby town. I need help, kid!" He pleaded as he tripped and fell on his hands and knees.

Gwen approached and looked the man over unimpressed, "Kidnapped wife? That's the story yer going with laddie? I could recognize yer fake limp, and smell the feral blood on ye. What is that, sheep? Pig? Whatever, just drop the act, yer not very convincin'. And call me kid again and I'll turn ye into a frog."

The man's expression quickly changed and he glared at the small Nekonitan, "Alright kid, if you want to play it like that, then give me everything that you're carrying!"

He got up and drew a hidden short sword. Standing tall to look intimidating to the much shorter Gwen.

"Seriously ye eejit? I did warn ye! Claochlú Frog!" Gwen said with great annoyance as she pointed a finger at the man.

A bolt of purple energy shot out from her finger into the man, making his body glow with the same purple energy. He screamed out in pain as he rapidly shrank down and changed shape. Plopping onto the ground as a small green frog.

"Ye look a lot cuter like that." Gwen remarked as she walked up to the still disoriented frog, gently placing a paw on top of him, "I could just squish ye. But I'll be a bit nicer and let nature choose yer fate. If ye can survive like this for two hours ye'll return to normal."

She wiggled her toes over the now struggling frog, driving home the point that he was at her mercy. The frog croaked and flailed his limbs in a panic, trying to beg and hoping she understood.

"Well off ye go, better hope ye don't get stepped on, or eaten." Gwen purred as she removed her paw from atop the frog allowing him to croak and struggle with learning to hop, "Let this be a life lesson to change yer ways."

And with that Gwen promptly forgot about the bandit turned frog and continued on her way as if nothing had happened. The frog finally learning to hop around, and tried to get away and find shelter. Lucky for him, soon as he was out of sight of the Nekonitan, he suddenly glowed and returned to normal! Confused but not questioning his luck he ran in a panic for the nearest town.

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It was almost a full week since Gwen had left the last town that she had finally reached Wildemore. The town was a mess. The wooden walls protecting the town were a mess, half rotted, covered in moss (no doubt due to the swampy conditions of the area), a few of gaps here and there as well. A light fog was also rolling in as well, further adding to the rather ominous atmosphere.

"Yeesh, isolated me arse, this place looks abandoned entirely! When I get back, I'm going to wring his neck for not telling me about this!" Gwen growled with agitation as she approached the gates.

THUNK

A sturdy looking arrow hit the ground at Gwen's paws. She paused and looked up at the walls.

"Oi! Who the fuck thinks it's okay to shoot at travelers!?" She shouted angrily as she looked around, "I was given a job here, open up the gates and let me in!"

"Strangers ain't welcome here." A voice called out from the fog up on the walls.

"Turn back or we'll make a pin cushion out of ya!" Another voice called out as well.

"Just shove that shite up yer arses. I'm expected, Gwendolyn Espris is me name. Ask yer resident Cleric. She's supposed to be expecting my arrival." Gwen called back, "Why not go get her and confirm it. I'll wait here. Just be lively about it."

She could faintly hear whispers, but not clearly enough to make out what was said. Once the whispering ceased there was nothing but silence. Gwen stood there waiting for a few minutes, growing impatient with this rather rude behavior.

"Hello!? Still waiting for an answer!" She demanded with a growl, her tail twitching rather frequently now.

Silence was her only response, the fog growing a bit thicker as time passed, until finally.

"'Ow do we know you ain't the source of our woes eh?" That first voice called out, "Your word ain't gonna be enough here."

"For f-... Grrrrrr... just get the damned Cleric out here! She'll vouch for me. Make it quick, I got half a mind to blow ye all to bits at this point." Gwen huffed and started pacing about, "The nerve of these gobshites. 'Yer word ain't gonna be enough here.' I mean really? Is it so hard to just ask the fucking person that's expectin' me?"

The magical feline continued to pace as she waited, then at last the gates started to creak open slowly.

CREEEEEEEEAK

An ominous sound to be sure, but this was lost on the irritated Nekonitan. Ahead just inside the gates were a trio of guards. Or what passed for guards in this town. Their weapons and armor were incredibly worn and ramshackle, and even rusty in places. Standing with them was a mixed breed canine woman dressed in a similar purple and gold robe to the Cleric Gwen had been hired by wore.

"So, yer the Cleric I was to meet then?" Gwen asked as she walked up to the woman.

The guards nearby were quick to stand weapons at the ready, were they not in such a sorry state they may have looked threatening.

"Gwendolyn Espris, I take it?" The canine said with a bow of her head, "I am Iris Equill. I hope your journey was a pleasant one."

"That's me. But please lass Gwen is just fine. Journey was just fine thanks, not too thrilled with the reception though." Gwen said as she returned the bow, "I understand the locals don't take very kindly to strangers, especially magic users, but this is a bit excessive. Ye did tell them I was comin' right?"

"Yes of course, but clearly they decided to ignore me." Iris said as she shot a glance at the guards, who didn't flinch under her gaze (points for bravery).

"No matter I'm here now, so we can discuss the details of what's been going on here whenever yer ready." Gwen said.

"Yes of course, and thank you for coming. Come with me to the church and I'll explain everything we know there." Iris said with a quick nod before turning around and walking into the town.

Gwen was quick to follow the canine, and the guards followed as well. They were watching her very closely, just waiting for an excuse to attack. The Nekonitan paid them no mind as she looked around the town. It was a mess; a layer of moss was growing on almost everything. Buildings were in various stages of disrepair, rotting wood all around, even a few collapsed buildings! How was anyone still living here? This town should have been long abandoned. The residents also seemed to be rather disheveled, worn clothing and a bit mussed up, but otherwise surprisingly healthy. And all were elves, the short brown-haired woodsy kind. They were all staring at her, some in anger, but mostly in fear. The lingering residents started to make sense to Gwen. Especially as she sensed a faint magical aura in the air. Quite subtle and easy enough to miss if one wasn't paying close attention, if she hadn't been on alert and observing everything closely, she'd have missed it entirely. What could be the source of this aura?

"Nice...uhhh town ye folks have here. Never seen it's like before." Gwen said in a sweet tone, trying to make conversation with her armed 'escort'.

"Keep quiet Sorcerer." One of the guards said in an angry tone.

"I'm a WITCH thank ye. But fine I'll keep quiet." Gwen shrugged and kept quiet after that.

The trip was quiet after that, just hushed talking from the locals as they were passed. Ahead was a simple wooden church with an attached house and a cobblestone foundation. Out of everything else in town it was the one structure that was in the least amount of disrepair. The locals seemed to care for it more than the rest of the town. Interesting.

The Cleric walked up to the church entrance and pushed open the doors, "Come inside Gwen, and we can speak in private."

"Thank ye." Gwen said with a smile as she walked inside.

Iris held up a paw keeping the guards from following the Nekonitan inside, "You've done enough thank you. I suggest going about your business."

The Cleric entered the church and shut the doors before the guards could get a word in. She sighed and locked the doors as well before turning around.

"I apologize for their behavior. It took them months to warm up to me. I had hoped they would have trusted my judgement about another magic user coming here to help." Iris sighed and bowed her head.

The canine Cleric walked between the numerous worn, but well-maintained pews up to the altar. The interior of the church was surprisingly clean if barren, and in better shape than the outside. Quite unusual compared to the exterior and town overall.

"Is it because yer a magic user? Or because yer not a Wood Elf? If they even are Wood Elves. The glamour around this town is very impressive, if I hadn't stepped in here, I never would have figured it out." Gwen looked at the Cleric carefully, "I could just barely sense the magical aura outside in town. Was that yer doing? Or the Townsfolk's?"

"I believe it's my magical prowess that troubled them so much. The fact that I'm Beast-Folk seemed secondary in their fears." Iris said as she took a seat on in the front row, "The glamour is being maintained by the Townsfolk. It is quite impressive. But I think irrelevant to why you're here."

"With all due respect Cleric Equill, I'll be the judge of what's irrelevant or not. So why are these people so afraid of magic users, yet employ magic themselves?" Gwen asked as she hopped up on the pew, sitting next to Iris.

"The people here are extremely gifted with glamour and illusionary spells. And very wary of others stealing and abusing their gifts, so they live here isolated and avoid outsiders as much as possible." Iris explained, "They reluctantly let me in as they needed a proper healer, still they don't let up the glamour around me. It doesn't interfere with my duties but I do wish they'd feel more comfortable around me."

"Hmmmm...this is interestin'. Then they're likely not Wood Elves at all if that's the case. And quite the feat to maintain such a powerful glamour at all times." Gwen rubbed her chin in thought, "So what's with the disappearances, tell me everything ye know."

"About a month ago one of the locals disappeared, no trace aside from them having prepared a meal but never touching it. He lived alone, there was no sign of forced entry, physical or magical that we could detect. We all searched for several days and found nothing. Then someone else went missing, same thing. Lived alone, seemed to have been taken before sitting down for an evening meal. No signs of struggle in either case." Iris explained, "Then it happened again a week later this time a couple was taken. And a few days ago, two families were taken. Currently there's a dozen people missing. Everyone is even more on edge than usual."

"Do ye think I can examine the homes of those taken?" Gwen said, nodding to the information she was receiving, "This isn't much to go on, so maybe I'll see somethin' ye missed. Goin' by what ye told me I have a possible theory, as to why this is happenin'."

"Already?" Iris raised a brow, "That was rather quick."

"As I said it's only a theory." Gwen said, "But going by what ye said it makes plenty of sense. I don't see why the people would be abducted otherwise. If they have such a gift for glamour and illusions it could be possible, they're being taken for study. Learn how their gifts work, possibly replicate them. Just as they feared would happen. So, their fears certainly weren't unfounded."

"I see. That...that's disturbing, but it does make significant sense." Iris frowned greatly concerned now, "But who and how? There's been no strange activity near the town since this started. No visitors, no monsters magical or not. If anyone came around, we'd have noticed."

"What about scryin'? Or other forms of remote viewin' magic?" Gwen asked.

"Ummm... I'm not sure. I hadn't considered that either. It might be a good idea to speak with the Captain of the Guard." The Cleric said, rubbing her paws together nervously, "Won't be easy speaking to him. Like pulling teeth to get information out of him."

"I'm sure we can persuade him lass. We do want to find these missin' people after all." Gwen said as she hopped off the pew and headed for the doors, "Sooner we ask the sooner these people can be found. If you could unlock the doors please. I can't reach."

Iris followed her to the door a small smile on her face, "A locked door can stop you?"

"Hahaha, no. I just don't like wastin' my Mana on such mundane things as unlockin' doors." The Nekonitan said as she peeked through the window next to the doors, "Well...shite. When I mentioned pitchforks and torches to yer fellow Cleric when I took the job, I meant it as a joke. But here it is! A literal Witch Mob!"

Gwen frowned as she looked outside at a growing crowd of people, armed with whatever they had on hand (or paw if they actually had paws), including the aforementioned torches and pitchforks. And was that a bonfire being set up behind the crowd?

"Today sure took a turn." Gwen shook her head, "How do we diffuse this situation? I'm not interested in being burned at the stake today or any other day."

"Oh dear. This is quite unexpected. Hopefully I can talk them down." The canine said nervously as she unlocked the door.

"And if that fails?" Gwen asked, looking up at Iris.

"I'm not sure..." Iris frowned.

"Then I'll deal with them. Just a show of force so they know who they're trying to fuck with." Gwen said with a growl, "Nothin' harmful of course. Or lethal at least. I've no intentions of killin' anyone here."

"Well I just hope it doesn't come to that." The Cleric gulped nervously as she pulled open the doors.

Right away the mob started shouting angrily as they marched up to the front of the church. Spouting insults and threats as angry mobs tend to do.

"Please stop this nonsense! Why are you rallying like this?" Iris exclaimed.

"Silence, Cleric, or join the Witch in the fire!" One of the Townsfolk shouted.

" YEAAAAAA!" Cheered the rest of the mob.

"All I did was walk into town. I haven't cast or thought of castin' a single spell since I arrived. So, what's the issue?" Gwen said as she stepped up to the doorway.

"She's here to help us find the missing people. I know how you all feel about outsiders but trust me, she's only here to help, after that she'll leave. Right?" Iris looked down at the Nekonitan.

"That's right I was hired to find missin' people, and once I've done that I'll leave. And likely never come back unless I'm hired for a job in the area again." Gwen said with a nod, "So put down the torches and pitchforks please. It's quite rude."

"Shut up, Witch! When you showed up another family was taken, that ain't a coincidence!" A guard shouted, "Tell us where you took our people!"

"More people were taken?" Iris asked in shock.

"That rather quick. Sounds to me like someone is trying to set me up. Or it's just a really poorly timed coincidence." Gwen said just as surprised by the news, "Look I have no reason to take yer people, none at all. And don't say it's a ransom, if that were true ye'd of been given demands by now!" Gwen exclaimed, "I've no need for yer money or yer amazin' talents. Use those brains of yers and think about it. Besides if ye killed me, ye'd be no closer to finding the missin'."

The mob went silent for a few minutes, Gwen's words seeming to sink in. Both Iris and Gwen feeling hopeful that it worked.

One of the guards then stepped up, "I say we burn them both, and take our chances!"

" YEAAAAA!" The mob cheered and started to push forward Gwen and Iris.

"PLEASE STOP THIS NONSENSE!" Iris yelped in fright.

"They're not going to listen. Fine then, force it is!" Gwen cracked her neck and pointed her staff up into the sky, "TINTREACH!"

THOOOOOM

A huge bolt of lightning came shooting down from the sky striking the now completed bonfire, igniting the whole thing into a bright burning blaze. The following thunder caused the mob to fall back in shock and fear.

"See that? That's Fourth Tier magic right there." Gwen said as she lowered her staff, "That was a warnin', I can cast up to Sixth Tier. Now if any of ye want to test my claim, be my guest. I won't be so generous with the next one. Now I suggest ye all calm down and listen to the kind Cleric."

"Ummm... thank you Gwen. I understand that you're all scared and angry, but doing this isn't going to help, or bring back the missing. Let us help you." Iris pleaded.

"Ye have two options right now. Either let us help you, OR I put ye all to sleep and look for them on my own. Because I'm not leavin' until those people are found whether ye like it or not." Gwen said, she had a dead serious look on her face, "I don't have to be nice to do my job. But it makes it a lot easier."

The mob stared at Gwen, trying to gauge if she could or would make good on her threat. The Nekonitan crossed her arms as she stared at the mob, her staff was floating in place at her side. She seemed to be daring them to test her. After a tense few minutes the mob backed down, lowering their weapons and backing away. The people slowly dispersed, hiding away in their homes while the guards remained.

"Smart choice." Gwen nodded as she relaxed her stance and took hold of her staff, "Sféar Hidreafa."

She pointed her staff at the burning bonfire and shot an orb of water at it extinguishing the flames into a smoldering pile, "If ye lads don't mind, I'd very much like to speak with yer Captain, we have much to discuss."

The guards looked at each other for a minute before dispersing as well, leaving a single man alone. Out of all the guards he was the least ramshackle, and armed with a proper sword. At least in appearance. Now alone he stepped forward, looking down at Gwen with restraint evident in his face. Whatever his feelings at the moment he was putting a great deal of effort into hiding it.

"I imagine you have much to ask, hmm?" he said bluntly.

"Right to the point eh? Good, I like a competent lad who doesn't skirt around things." Gwen smiled, "I need to know how ye secure the perimeter of yer town."

The Captain opened his mouth as if to protest before Gwen cut him off.

"I need to know everythin', so I can figure out any blind spots or work arounds to yer security." Gwen explained, "That way I can figure out how this bastard got in and took yer people without ye knowin'. Might even give me a clue as to who is doing this."

The Captain was quiet for a good minute, "...Very well. Follow me the both of you."

He quickly turned around and walked off. Gwen and Iris looked at each other briefly before following him to wherever he was going. His destination seemed to be one of the nearly collapsed buildings close to the center of town. The rotten wood creaked eerily under its own weight. Given what Gwen now knew about the town and its people it was a very impressive glamour.

"I have to admit, ye guys get all the details juuuussssst right. The sight, sound, even the smell, and just imperfect enough to be subconsciously believable." Gwen said as she admired the building, "I can see why ye prefer the isolation. Not even Sixth Tier illusions are this good. It's actually rather scary, the possible applications for such talents."

"Are vast and terrifying." The Captain said as he stepped through the doorway and vanished.

Iris was shocked and glanced at Gwen, the Nekonitan seemed surprised but not nearly as much as the canine was.

"Well let's not keep him waitin' lassie." Gwen said with a grin and a wink as she stepped through the doorway and vanished as well.

The Cleric was then left alone outside, she looked around for a minute or so before hesitantly going inside as well. Once she crossed the threshold she also vanished.

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The inside the building was clean and in immaculate shape. Simple furnishings and decorations all around. Overall the interior looked like someone's home, rather than a rotted-out structure. It was also warmer and dryer than the foggy outside. Gwen and the Captain were waiting in the foyer when Iris finally stepped through.

"There ye are. Took ye a while, were ye that scared?" Gwen asked with a teasing smirk.

"I was a bit nervous; I didn't expect this at all." Iris said in denial.

"Sure." Gwen purred and stifled a giggle, "Anyway the good Captain wants to show us somethin' in the basement. And swear to secrecy what we see."

"It's very important that no one know about what I am going to show you." The Captain said with a stern expression on his face.

"I swear on the Order of the Eight not to reveal anything about what I see her." Iris bowed her head low as she spoke.

"I already swore while we waited for ye to come in." Gwen said, "I'm here to find people not secrets."

"Good, come with me downstairs." The Captain said as he walked down the hallway and stopped at a heavily locked and sturdy door.

Both Gwen and Iris we're quick to follow him over.

"Quite a few locks on that door, and wards, very complex ones too. I can teach ye a few more potent ones if you want." Gwen said as she looked at the door.

"We may consider it." The Captain said as he approached the door.

"I've never seen so many overlapping like this." Iris said in awe.

While in invisible to the naked untrained eye, the door was in fact covered in heavily intricate arcane circles, scripts and symbols of various color and complexity. It was quite beautiful in a way, at least for those who could see them. The Captain waved his hand over the door in a slow manner. The wards and locks quickly opened and unsealed, allowing the door to be opened. He then took hold of the doorknob and opened the door to the basement before climbing down the stairs. Gwen followed him down, hopping down the steps carefully. Iris followed along at the rear. The door closing behind her and locking itself back up once again, making the canine jump a little.

"Easy there Cleric, yer fine." Gwen giggled some as they reached the bottom of the stairs.

They could feel it before they even saw it. A powerful, almost oppressive weight in the air, a sort of charged energy flowing outward. It was almost crippling, hard to breathe. Iris clutched her chest as she gasped and tried to breathe properly. Gwen's fur stood on end, her split tipped tail fluffed out and stood up straight. Both Gwen and Iris tensed up some as they were hit by the powerful magical energies. The Captain was clearly used to it however as he seemed unbothered entirely.

"In here is part of the source of our glamour." He explained as he walked into the room.

Inside was a huge crystal, roughly the size of an average person and shaped like a finely cut diamond resting on a metal framework. It held a bright glow that slowly transitioned through all colors of the rainbow. Now that they were close to it, both Witch and Cleric could hear a faint humming coming from the crystal.

"What is this?" Iris asked confused.

"A siphonin' gem and a massive one too!" Gwen said as she looked at the Captain, "Ye syphon the Mana from the Townsfolk?"

"A small amount from everyone yes, these gems were purposely crafted to serve as vessels for the glamour. Taking small amounts of Mana from all residents to power it without the need for constant casting. It works very well for our needs." The Captain explained as he glanced at Gwen and Iris, "This is the largest, with four half this size at the four points of the town."

"This is incredible! I've never seen a set up like this before. I need to know how this works. Not this specifically, just the overall concept. For a deeply personal project of mine." Gwen said as she looked at the Captain, "Please! I will get on my knees and beg if I have to."

Both Iris and the Captain looked at Gwen confused, in the short time they knew the Nekonitan she never looked or sounded desperate. Gwen's face screamed desperation, a pleading look in her eyes.

"Why?" The Captain looked down at her still confused.

It took the Witch a few seconds to recompose herself and clear her throat, "Ahem...like I said it's for a very personal project. Somethin' like this would give me more time to find a solution to a problem I have."

Gwen was being quite honest with her answer, but not very specific or detailed. She was putting a great deal of effort into how personal it was however.

"Just how personal is this 'project' of yours?" Iris asked.

"Family personal, and very important to me." Gwen said firmly.

"I...will consider your request." The Captain said after a few minutes lost in thought, "If you can find the missing people, I will consider it."

"Fair enough, thank ye." Gwen nodded and smiled a little, "Now then, this is how ye maintain the glamour right? So, what about magical security? Any means of detectin' scryin' or remote viewin' magics?"

"Yes, we do, we have such spells linked to the gems as well." The Captain explained, "They haven't been triggered at any point since this started."

"Up to what Tier are yer counter detection spells?" Gwen asked, "It's possible the abductor or abductors are usin' spells of a higher Tier. Keepin' them from being detected."

"I believe we have Third Tier counter spells in place." The Captain said.

"Hmmm...I figured that was the case. Here." Gwen reached into a pouch on her belt and pulled out a handful of scrolls, offering them to the Captain, "These are Sixth Tier scrolls, crafted them myself. Ye can replace the spells ye have with these."

"You can just craft Sixth Tier spell scrolls and give them away?" Iris asked, shocked and confused by the Nekonitan's actions.

"Ha! Lass I can cast Sixth Tier magic like ye would First or Second Tier. Craftin' scrolls of that level are pretty easy for me." Gwen purred and giggled, "As for just givin' them away, no I don't just give them away. These people could clearly use them more than I do. So, I'm being nice. This isn't a bribe either."

"I can't just accept the scrolls. I would need the Mayor's approval." The Captain said.

"Fine, at least hold on to them." Gwen held out the scrolls to him until he took them, "If ye could show us to the house of the most recently taken, I might be able to find somethin' ye missed. Then to the first home. So, I can compare my findings."

"Very well. Come with me." The Captain said with a curt nod.