Blake looked hopeful, seeming, in that instant, as young as he had been when Midona had first met him.*

Midona, however, shook her head, her mind stuck on Orin's story, "There are...political problems...among the fae in your time. But nonetheless, it seems our best option."

"Blake!"

Blake sighed at the sound of the older male's voice. The court's chief enforcer didn't think too highly of him, that was no secret.

Anna grinned lightly. Then she looked at the man who had called Blake's name. She didn't like the look of him.

Vetis glared at them, "Who are these people, Blake?"

"Y-you remember Midona...these are her friends...mortals..."

"Mortals, huh? Mayhap they wish to join the party?"

"No! I mean...no. I won't let you."

"You and what army?" Vetis laughed, "Look at them. That one's pretty far one already." He gestured to Seth, "I am sure the demon harlot would not mind sharing. It seems a shame to waste such lovely, broken toys."

"I am not a harlot, Vetis!" Midona yelled. She had always had a grudge against him, for various reasons, not the least of which was how he had one treated Blake. Some things couldn't -and shouldn't be forgiven. Hurting her friend, like her brother, was one of those things. "And my friends are not toys. Any of them." She added, that last bit having more meaning than the mortals knew.

Anna glared fiercely. Vetis was a pig, that much she could see. She was determined now to save Seth, and help Blake if she could.

Blake went to step away, but Vetis grabbed him, holding the smaller man's body aainst his own.

"Someday I'll have a chance to give you another scar on the other side of your pretty face..." he murmered, stroking Blake's cheek in a perverse mockery of a caress.

That was enough! Midona kneed Vetis where it hurts, grabbed Blake's arm, and ran towards the portal, trusting the others to follow.