Alek stands up straight. "One of my masks? What do you mean?"
A moment later he listens to Ru's comment, and quickly calls out, "Masked men? Oh, you mean Lug's men. Yes, well... perhaps they are my men. Please, let me explain. My dear brother, Templeton, and the watchmaker's daughter, Adalavas, have fallen in love. Just last night, just after midnight, he asked her to marry him. She said yes. Adalavas is family now. So, it is Temp's family's duty to come collect her, and bring her here to join the family, perform the wedding, and for her to come here to stay. However, she was taken by the police practically before the wedding vows' echoes faded. So, I sent a human I knew to collect her from the human part of town. A human with a history of making good on a number of procurement missions. This human, as you may guess, was Lug. My unfortunate choice. The first time he tried, he failed. Started some fight with you, Ru, was it? In any case, you had done half the task for me by returning Ada to the Tower District when Lug showed up a second time. He and his men ultimately forgot about his real task and let his petty emotions of vengeance get the better of him..."
Alek's voice wavers and gains in stern volume as he continues. "He flagrantly put a group of innocent gnomes, MY people, at risk by focusing on you. You have my thanks, Ru, for preventing disaster. He sends his... men... if that's indeed what they were, to attack you. NOT to collect family. What was supposed to be a joyous occasion is now--for the most part--a bloodbath. What has he allowed into the New Year? Carnage. Damage. Suffice to say, Lug is no longer in my employ!"
Alek's voice softens, becoming more confident... cocky. "I have new help now. And I prefer my servants... not to be men. Kitten? Marionette?"
The velvet curtain behind Alek parts, and his two lock-masked women, still covered in cloaks, come press by his sides, as he extends his arms around them. Indulgently, Alek adds, "Is there anything else I can help you with, officers?"
