dragonoflight88

Melody Grove on the surface is a sleepy little town. A hospital, a gym, a library, restaurants, an antique shop, some apartments, a lake, a forest, some schools, . . . it seems pretty ordinary. It's up to the local Hunters Guild to keep it that way. Solving Mysteries, hunting cryptids, protecting innocent people, and even helping the dead rest in peace. They will put their skills to the test and will sacrifice it all to protect the town. 
Staring 
Chase Thorn-- Current head of the Guild, who is trying to find a balance between being a hunter, husband and father while filling his late older brother's shoes.
Violet Thorn-- A huntress who specializes in vampires and solving puzzles. With her Memory ability she can look into the past and uncover secrets.
Rose Thorn-- Retired Huntress and grandma. She's a natural survivor with a sense of humor.
Elizabeth Thorn-- Currently in charge of the Archive and Medium all while dealing with college classes. Her kind heart and curiosity sometimes get her into trouble.
Mike Payne-- Ex-Marine and Werewolf. He's loyal, brave and strong, but can get in over his head.
Celeste Payne-- Witch and Occult specialist. Sassy and always on the go, she runs her late mother's restaurant.
Henry Carpenter-- Mentor and Part time Hunter. He's wise and protective of his family.
Selphie Carpenter-- former Junior huntress. She's cheerful and still trying to find herself.
Terry Carpenter-- Wizard in training and Junior hunter. Smart and persistent, he's still trying to master his magic.
Jim Kanwanabe-- Demonologist and Medic. Often works with Elizabeth, he's a caring soul that believes in many types of healing.
Himiko Kanwanabe-- Medium and retired Huntress. She runs the local gym and spa, always ready to offer advice and a cup of tea.
Sam Robinson-- Huntress and weapons expert. She can repair almost anything and is very protective of her team.
Lin Robinson-- Kitsune and Junior Huntress. Still trying to master her fox form and discovering the powers it holds.
Alice Robinson-- Witch and potions expert. Cheerful and always trying to sell something. 
Aiden Doyle-- A Drifter with a mysterious past. He's traveled many place, seen many creatures, but his early years are a mystery even to him.

Melody Grove Mysteries

Celeste's stepfather, Henry was hanging up his dinghy white apron on one of the polished brass pegs outside alcove with the employee lockers of Andra's Cauldron when he heard the back door kicked opened. An annoyed Violet came grumbling into the restaurant with a wooden crate full of books thru the employee entrance in the back of the building. The old dark skinned man took the box from her and sat it down in the alcove with the supply crates and metal shelves. 


"Elizabeth's books?"He asked. He had rarely seen the red head so angry and Elizabeth was known to go overboard buying books, though why she didn'tjust have them delivered to Thorn Manor was beyond him.


"Elizabeth's books." Confirmed Violet. She let out an annoyed sigh as she sat down on the worn wooden bench next to a crate of fresh lemons. Her eyes burned like blue flames. " She said it was just one book, NOT her two dozen order wishlist! I know she's still hurt, but . . . How did she get one book out of all this?!"


"Better question, how are you going to get them home and make your appointment at the Blood Bank without your car?" The old man asked. His dark eyes knew her stubbornness well. He had seen it in her father, her uncle, and even her grandmother and little sister. 


"I'll manage, . . . some how." Reassured Violet, but old Henry looked at her skeptically. She glanced at the clock; her shift started in two minutes. Violet took out a black scruchy from her purse and pulled her long red hair back into a ponytail. "Oh, the good news is I got a call from the repair shop yesterday before Uncle Chase summoned us; Dave said the motor he ordered will be here soon. Not that I mind walking, as long as I don't have unexpectedly heavy cargo anyway."


"Okay, that's fine and dandy, but how does that help you now, with this box of books?" Henry glanced in the box while Violet traded her boots for a pair of black waitress shoes; he noticed more than books as he rummaged thru it. "How about getting Mike or Selphie to get you to the Blood Bank? The Cauldron can do without one of them for afew minutes. And I'm sure Chase could take you home, or do what your sister probably really wanted and go straight home."


"Well, you know us Thorns and asking for help." Violet answered. Not that she minded taking help offered . . . Once in a blue moon.  


Henry rolled his dark brown eyes and picked up the box from the terracotta tile floor. Even pushing fifty, he was still as strong as an young ox in his prime. "Well, I'm sure this has been an experience for our resident medium. Then again, I couldn't see Elizabeth picking up and dragging this box allover town with both legs, much less one in a cast." 


"Uh, where are you taking them?" Violet asked as she stretched the last of the kinks out from carrying the heavy box. Her arms were still sore, but at least they had regained their flexibility.


"I have to run back to the house anyway. Terry left his phone here, again." The old man answered. He pushed open the brown metal door with his back and smiled. "Besides, I have been meaning to check on Elizabeth anyway. I think I've only seen her maybe once since she came back home for the summer. Just let Celeste know I'll be back soon. Better yet: tell her the Carpenter Delivery service is running again!"


"Alright, if you insist it's no trouble." Violet knew she could drag that crate back home to her sister (and give Elizabeth an ear full beforemaking her appointment), but she couldn't deny Henry bringing back his old business for one more run. He had been a second father to her, even before her own had died. Half defeated and half relieved, she hung her purple umbrella back in her locker for another rainy day and pulled out her chocolate colored apron. She grabbed a pen from the terracotta holder and a couple of order pads on the old oak shelf. Violet gave him half a hug and kissed the old man's cheek. "Thank you."


A Sister's Burden