Tallia's eyes were frozen in terror at the display. She frantically looked around for the children, but it seemed that they had gone along with the mysterious witch. She didn't think this was a part of the festival... Not sure of what to do, she grabbed at Margrett.
"C-C-Captain..."
She quivered uncontrollably, her voice heavy with fear.
Margrett had been distracted by Celephai's story, and then the witch's interruption. When the children disappeared and Tallia suddenly latched onto her, she was shocked, a little speechless. After a moment she patted Tallia on the back, holding her to herself.
It's okay, kitten...we'll figure this out. One hand on Tallia and the other in the air, Margrett raised her voice.
Alright, alright, listen up! No one panic! We are going to find out what just happened. I need to all to stay calm.
No one panic? It was too late for that. The children were gone and Venom could not find a single hint as to where they were taken to or who that witch and her master were. He desperately searched for clues. He checked where the witch had stood. Answers he seeked. He didn't know the children until that day, but they were innocent and defenseless little beings. Thoughts appeared in his head of them crying out for help, being tortured which only pumped his blood even more.
Kiga remained where he leaned against the wall and looked about without a reaction. His eyes closed for a moment before he pressed away from the wall and headed for the door in silence.
Celephai blinked a few times in mild confusion. What had just happened? Who was the overly thin, weird-looking lady, and, more importantly, what did she do with all of Cel's future worshipers?
"...His realm? His people? No..."
She stood abruptly, knocking over the chair she sat on.
"No, those were my sacrifices! The dark gods will not be denied their prize. We must do something about this!"
Cel turned to Margrett and the cathian whom had attached herself to the captain, expecting a call to action from the fearless shade.
Everyone was just as clueless as Margrett was. Terrified on top of that. Most of the townsfolk wanted to run out and cling to their families, but were terrified to go outside into the fog.
A black emaciated cat entered the tavern, with a peculiar shiny object in its mouth. It instantly ran straight to Tallia, rubbing against her leg and purring before spitting the object in front of Margrett. At closer inspection, the cat was strange, not exuding an evil aura as he was friendly enough, but his eyes had numbers for irises. A Three in the left eye, and a One in the right.
If Margrett looked down, she would see a silver star.
Celephai strolled around the tavern where the witch had been, examining the area for any clues.
"...She said her name was 'Nuala', and she had two sisters: Rayne and Lea'na. They were a 'coven' so this would imply witchcraft of a kind. As for her master, I know nothing about such a creature."
She spoke to no one in particular, but talked loudly enough for those present and attentive to hear her.
Kiga reentered the door in a breeze of motion and then looked about. His eyes were searching, looking for something... but nothing. He said nothing but instead walked to stand beside anyone who looked like they had a clue and were not panicking which - was Celephai at this time.
Venom headed out the tavern trying to see if he could see anything or anyone outside. He kept thinking to himself that there'd be tracks of some sort leading towards where the children were taken. They couldn't just disappear like that. Once outside he places his hands around his mouth so that his voice can be heard louder.
Rue had remained silent, staring at where the ghostly woman had disappeared in shock. After a few moments, she shook herself back into reality to hear Venom calling out into the night. She followed Venom outside the Tavern and gently put a hand on his shoulder.
"Venom, there's no use. We'll find them, but they can't hear you right now."
She of course didn't know where the children were either, but she doubted they were nearby. She removed her hand from Venom's shoulder, motioned for him to come back inside, and enetered the Tavern herself. She looked to the blue-skinned captain whom she had never met before, waiting for instructions or suggestions.
Margrett picked up the star. Obviously it was the one she'd given to Sasha. She cocked her head at the cat, having a hunch. She kneeled in front of it.
You're...not a normal cat, are you? She realized that talking to a random cat in the middle of all this chaos seemed insane, but it was the only lead they had.
Kiga only looked on. He didn't know this people well enough to simply step in and assume he had any idea what was going on. Rather, he would simply allow them to see to their own hunches and act when needed.
He knew little of the occult - well this occult at any rate.
The black cat assumed a sitting position facing Margrett. He lifted his right paw, briefly licking it and rubbing his head. There was a choking sound he started to make, as if coughing up a hair ball.
"Excuse me. Haven't spoken common for a long long time."
The cat's ears perked and his tail swished along back and forth on the floor.
"You are correct. Call me Thirteen.
He raised his paw, as if gesturing to shake her hand.