Liz stood at the edge of the woods. She had to admit that she was alittle nervous with the idea of going into the woods. She had heard terrible things about the family that lived deep in the woods. But she wasn't going to let fear stop her. She thought that she could help the boys. She had been studying healing. She might be able to atleast do something for them. She gathered her courage and headed into the woods.

"Ladies and Gentlemen, has everyone been served?" Val stopped near the head of the table with a pitcher still in hand and assessed the situation for a moment before nodding. "Good. Now, I have a few announcements to make." "I'm sure that by now, you are all aware of the reason why you are here. In case there is anyone who is not, I shall summarize: You are all here because of a rumor. Merely a few words floating around before finding a home in this, our current present. Of course, that sounds the same as an incantation, doesn't it?" The butler handed off the pitcher to another servant and took a moment to muse over the statement, the same oddly cheery grin he had worn for most of the morning on his face. "Yes, well, I'm certain you know where this is going: Ladies and Gentlemen, I'd like to announce that those rumors were all true." "...Except for a few certain details." The cheery man held up one finger to draw attention to the fact. "However, if you know the rumors, then surely you know that we can't just tell you what parts to believe. So, it's important that the truth be found for yourselves. Unfortunately," He turned both hands up and gave a shrug, "It would appear that I have misplaced a few important things that are necessary for the house functions. I must apologize; I will have to leave you to your own devices for a short time, Young Masters, Young Madam." "While I am out, however," he flicked his wrist to reveal a slip of paper and rested it on the table near Marlix, "I took the liberty of having a few things prepared so as to keep you out of trouble until I can return. Do what you wish with it, but I recommend that you keep messes to a minimum if possible. The staff is already quite busy today." Sliding the slip of paper next to the eldest brother, the butler stepped away from the table and bowed. "Young Master Marlix has the key in case of the worst, but I'm sure you can manage. I will be taking my leave now, but I shall return before supper for certain. I hope to see the establishment still standing by then." With the announcement complete, Val turned to leave the room while the other continued their meal. Yes...this would hopefully go very well. If not, though...oh well. He had seen enough to be prepared.

Marlix sighed "This is going to go so well" he muttered sarcastically, reaching his hand into his pocket to feel for the key.

Ruko looked over toward the door that Val had left through before turning back to Marlix, looking a bit confused. "Um... That was a bit different. I didn't really expect that he'd just go like that right now." Hesitating for a moment, he considered the odd instructions a bit nervously. "Marlix? May I see the paper?"

Marlix sighed and handed it to him. he rested his head on his fist, seemingly annoyed

Inigo chuckles, hoping to clear the tension with a bit of laughter. "Well, isn't that lovely? Bringing up the rumors out of the blue only to take leave...he never ceases to amaze." he states. He then simply watches the exchange of a note between his brothers. Inigo can't help but be curious as to what it says either, but he decides to hold off and play the role of the listener instead in hope that Ruko might reveal to everyone present just what Val had jotted down.

Zack looked around confused. Well that wasn't very helpful. But he supposed Val had a reason for what he had done. Although he couldn't imagine what that it could be. He shrugged they would find out eventually.

Receiving the note from Marlix, Ruko took a moment to open it up and look it over briefly. "He...wants us to go on a treasure hunt?" He looked up at the others with a hint of confusion on his face. Val had done some strange things before, but this was still pretty unexpected, he thought. Reading over the paper again in detail, his face paled slightly. You all need to get to know each other properly, and I know that at least one of you is going to attempt to get out of it by some means. While I'm certain that you already know the long-term consequences of not trying, I thought that it would be best to give you a little more short-term motivation to keep you focused. In each of seven rooms in the household, along with a clue on the next location to search, there are two things hidden that have to do with one of you. One of them is something good, and the other is something that you'd rather keep hidden. I did not necessarily place them so that both present in one room would necessarily match up to one person, so what happens with the information will likely be left up to whoever finds it. I'm sure that there will be no foul play here~ Our young guest is also encouraged to play, as this would end up quite pointless otherwise. Any information found by the young madam does not necessarily need to be revealed, and is to be used by her however is seen fit. I will accept no acts of intimidation, blackmail, or violence to keep her from the information in this case. This is for your own good. Happy hunting! Your first location is the Library. As he read out the message, he couldn't help but already fear what kinds of things Val had decided to use for this event. How far would he have gone? What exactly would they be searching for? Why was this the method of choice?

Marlix sighed deeply at this "I occasionally want to take him by the neck and dangle him over the side of the roof" He grunted. "But lets get this over with"

Allie's faced warmed as she awkwardly looked at the boys. She felt uncomfortable hunting for their private belongings. She stood up though, figuring she should play anyway. She was definitely going to try her best to refrain from embarrassing them.

This sounds like fun!" Zack stood to his feet excitedly. He loved games. He and his brothers didn't play nearly enough of them in his opinion. This was the perfect was to help everyone related in his opinion.

"Well, consider me interested. This sounds like a good way of getting to know one another." Inigo states, although on the inside, he feels slightly worried that someone will discover whatever Val had planned for his things. "Let's just hope that what he chose isn't too drastic.." Inigo mutters as he stands up, preparing to already head for the library.