Making A Comeback

"Yea," Gabe said, "That was the plan." She pulled out her card and made a little tongue of fire with the snap of her other hand, "I even have the card."

Mortal knew what Gabe was doing and chuckled a bit, "She pulls the card out, and does the fire thing with the same hand."

"I know, but I didn't feel like trying to recreate the trick exactly," Gabe said with a smile, "I just thought it was funny."

Hector and Eduj walked in, Eduj bringing the door closed behind him. After inviting them to sit down and have tea, Astarte braced the door with the chair again. Astarte served tea, and was offered the condolences of Hector and Eduj, both being entirely sincere. After Astarte offered what she knew about the attack, and how Tenzin was the real target, Hector's tone darkened.
"You know the business we're in," Hector said. Eduj checked the room for anybody eavesdropping. "We are members of the Triple Thread Triad. And our current goal is bringing down the Purist Leader. But this event makes it even more important to me that I kill that woman. I want you to know that I won't rest until she is dead, for Sidon."
"...I didn't expect you to feel so deeply," Astarte said quietly.
"Why not? We didn't get along, but what does that mean?" He said. "He was a good man, a good father, and a good uncle. He deserves revenge, and I'll be damned if I don't execute it. Even more so, you deserve to know that she won't get away with it."

*Tirea quietly walks along side*

*At the apartment complex, Euryale opens her door.*

E"Feel free to come in. Phone's on the kitchen wall, you can't miss it."

R"Ehhh...this is more of a 'you guys' thing, so I'm just going to go out for a bit until it's time for the game. Later."

*Roatha waves & takes off.*

*Tirea walks inside, looking around*

After some further hushed discussion regarding the Purists, an invitation to the funeral and an exchange of contact numbers/addresses, Hector and Eduj took their leave. Finally alone, Astarte only had the energy to prop the chair against the door and collapse onto the couch, then fall asleep.

"Next stop, Stefan's place," Hector said. "Then we gotta' see what's up with the boss."
They set off towards Stefan's place.

Mortal and Gabe waved to Roatha, then Gabe walked to the phone and dialed Keter's number.

Mortal kicked off her shoes, and laid down on her sofa.

*The apartment opens up to a living room separated from the kitchen by a ruby-red sofa. The living room also features a table & some matching chairs, a fan overhead, & a radio on the far end. Behind it is a long painting of the Republic City skyline at twilight. On the walls are paintings of; Toph Beifong posing in her armor in front of police HQ, a red dragon breathing rainbows of flame onto a clutch of eggs, the mountains outside of the city, & a forested village, the huts with Fire Nation architecture. Off of this is a hallway leading to the bedrooms, & bathroom. Not by Keter, but by a man with a quiet, high-pitched voice.*

<Hello, Aurora Estate, might I ask who's calling?>

*Tirea examines the pictures with interest*

The duo arrived at Stefan's apartment to find him downing some hard liquor on the couch. Hector told him they just visited his cousin to give their condolences for a death, then walked over and picked up his phone. He called for Zolt.

"Hello, this is Gabriel, uh, the Pro-Bender," Gabe said, not expecting to hear a someone else, though she realized it would have been weird if Keter didn't have an assistant, "Um, Miss Aurora wanted me to get in touch."

<One moment please.>

*Euryale notices Tirea, & walks over.*

"Most of the dragon stuff is Mortal's. Not that I'm complaining, of course."

*Eventually, there is a shuffling on the other end of the line.*

Keter<Hello, Gabriel. I'm glad you've decided to reach out to me. How are you? Is everything going well?>
===================================
Kane<Who is it?>

"Hector," He replied. "Is Zolt available to talk? It's about a job."

"Hm, oh, yes, everything is going fine," Gabe said, standing straighter and smiling, "Uh, you said something about helping you before, right."

Mortal raised her head and looked over the back of the sofa at Tirea and Euryale, "You complainin' about my dragons?"

<I'm afraid I've been given strict orders from the hospital staff not to interrupt his rest. But feel free to tell me.>
=====================================
"No, of course not. I like dragons. In fact, this is one of my favorite pieces."

*She points to the dragon painting.*

"It really captures that fire is the essence of life itself."

<Yes, I believe I said...something like that. It does seem to be a little late today. Perhaps you are calling about tomorrow?>

"Oh, uh, yea, whatever works for you," Gabe said, "I've got Mortal and Euryale to agree as well."

"Oh," Mortal smiled, "Yea, thanks. Dragons are pretty awesome." With that she went back to laying down.

"...Just let him know that our mission was unsuccessful and we are continuing our pursuit," Hector said. "Is there anything I should know about what has been going on in the last few days?"

Kane<Well...I suppose that depends on what you already know.>
==================================
Keter<Excellent! You've done very well, Gabriel. Perhaps you could come by my estate early in the morning, so we can get ready?>

*Euryale turns back to Tirea.*

"Maybe I can show you around before the game."

"Great!" Gabe said, "That would be perfect."

"I know about the bombings, but not much else."

*Tirea nods*

<Sure!>

Kane<Chief Beifong is missing. We're going to try to use the opportunity to find her, & make sure she's finished. Other than that, I have nothing to say. There are no suspects, but it was obviously someone with the Purists.>
========================================
Keter<Good. Is there anything else you need from me?>

"Hm, uh, no I suppose not," Gabe smiled, "Well, have a good day."

*Tirea wanders over to Gabe*

*Euryale waits until Gabe hangs up.*

"So, what's the plan?"