Wilde West 38

[10/27/2013 7:58:52 PM] Felix: Okay! So. When last we left, Kate and Ebenezer were at the hotsprings. [10/27/2013 7:59:38 PM] Kate: Kate was being TERRIBLY FORWARD. With her husband. [10/27/2013 8:01:45 PM] Felix: Indeed! Scandalous. [10/27/2013 8:02:39 PM] Kate: Kate is not very forward, really. Only by the standards of the day. [10/27/2013 8:03:32 PM] Felix: Yep! Her mother has been alerted. [10/27/2013 8:06:01 PM] Kate: Kate hopes not. [10/27/2013 8:06:14 PM] Kate: Kate snuggles her werewolf a bit. Damply. "Think we better head back?" [10/27/2013 8:07:55 PM | Edited 8:08:02 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  We probably should. [10/27/2013 8:08:19 PM] Felix: Ebenezer makes no move, though. [10/27/2013 8:08:58 PM] Kate: Kate smiles at him. [10/27/2013 8:10:50 PM] Kate: Don't have to *just* yet. I mean, we got all day. [10/27/2013 8:11:34 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Good. This is pretty comfortable. They should put hotsprings in houses. Like bathtubs that stay hot. [10/27/2013 8:13:15 PM] Kate: M'sure they got things like that for rich folks. [10/27/2013 8:15:04 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Think so? Maybe we can get your friend Miss Crafter to work on something. [10/27/2013 8:17:48 PM] Kate: That's a real nice idea. [10/27/2013 8:20:52 PM] Kate: Could have the most modern house in the county. [10/27/2013 8:22:47 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Hmmm. Something to keep in mind. I do have a root cellar under the shop maybe we can put in in there. [10/27/2013 8:23:32 PM] Kate: Long's we still got a place to put the potatoes. [10/27/2013 8:24:24 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  That we do. [10/27/2013 8:24:55 PM] Felix: Ebenezer is gently rubbing the small of her back with his hand. Does Kate have any scars? [10/27/2013 8:26:10 PM] Kate: Kate has a boatload of 'em, all over the place. She was a scrapper as a kid, and has had a few hits in the line of duty, too. [10/27/2013 8:27:27 PM] Felix: EBenezer:  What's this scar? [10/27/2013 8:27:59 PM] Kate: Fell out of a tree when I was 12. [10/27/2013 8:29:51 PM] Kate: Got cut by a branch on the way down. [10/27/2013 8:30:30 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  How about this one? [10/27/2013 8:33:11 PM] Kate: Kate squirms. "Shoot, that tickles. Fistfight in a bar, broke out over a cheatin' gambler. Fella pulled a knife, but 'e got knocked out pretty quick afterward." [10/27/2013 8:33:30 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  On the job? [10/27/2013 8:34:48 PM] Kate: Yep. [10/27/2013 8:35:54 PM] Kate: Well. Didn't start out bein', but after you arrest 'em an' they don't come, then it's fightin' or nothin'. [10/27/2013 8:36:20 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Ahhh, I see. Why'd you decide you wanted to be a marshal? [10/27/2013 8:37:27 PM] Kate: To make things right. [10/27/2013 8:39:59 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  So there was no specific reason? [10/27/2013 8:40:25 PM] Kate: Well, I just reckon things ain't fair that ought to be, an' some of 'em that are, shouldn't be so. [10/27/2013 8:41:35 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Why a marshal, though? Lots of other law enforcement you could have chosen. [10/27/2013 8:42:51 PM] Kate: Got a wider authority that way. I wanted to travel some. [10/27/2013 8:44:11 PM] Felix: That makes sense. [10/27/2013 8:44:33 PM] Kate: Other folks get stuck where they are, law enforcement I mean. [10/27/2013 8:44:42 PM] Kate: Don't mind stayin' put but I don't like bein' *made* to. [10/27/2013 8:46:21 PM] Felix: Ebenezer nods! "I get that. [10/27/2013 8:46:28 PM] Felix: ((Brb.)) [10/27/2013 8:47:54 PM] Kate: Kate smiles. [10/27/2013 8:48:00 PM] Kate: Be real nice to have a home to come back to. [10/27/2013 8:53:27 PM] Felix: ((Back!)) [10/27/2013 8:54:03 PM] Felix: he smiles, and looks down at himself.  "I only have the one scar. I did plenty of stupid stuff when I was a child, but.... never got any scars. They always healed." [10/27/2013 8:56:28 PM] Kate: Well, sure, you're a werewolf. [10/27/2013 8:56:34 PM] Kate: ((Also back! I made a sammich.)) [10/27/2013 9:00:56 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  I took stupid risks when I was a child.  When I knew how fast I would heal. [10/27/2013 9:03:17 PM] Kate: Like what? [10/27/2013 9:07:05 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  There was a great big oak on our property, with hugh, massive branches.  I would shimmy out to the very edges of the branches to see how far I could get before they gave. [10/27/2013 9:08:11 PM] Kate: You fell outta trees on purpose? [10/27/2013 9:10:37 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Well, not really.  But you know how kids think they're immortal?  It might well have been true, as far as I was concerned. [10/27/2013 9:11:21 PM] Kate: Well, I knew you were crazy. [10/27/2013 9:13:44 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  All kids are crazy. [10/27/2013 9:15:13 PM] Kate: Was referrin' to how you married me. [10/27/2013 9:16:04 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  I think that was rather brilliant of me. [10/27/2013 9:16:11 PM] Kate: Looney. [10/27/2013 9:19:58 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  I am quite sane, I assure you. [10/27/2013 9:21:42 PM] Kate: Every crazy fella says so. I like you how you are. [10/27/2013 9:22:09 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  I don't plan on changing anytime soon. [10/27/2013 9:24:04 PM] Kate: 'cept shapes. [10/27/2013 9:26:46 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  ... that will be a relief to be able to do again. [10/27/2013 9:28:13 PM] Kate: Feels nice too. Like havin' a... hot water bottle, but furry. An' someone you love too. All rolled up in one. [10/27/2013 9:28:54 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  This is still the skin I'm mostly comfortable in. I guess that's normal, since it's the form I was born in. [10/27/2013 9:31:11 PM] Kate: Well you know I like this one too. [10/27/2013 9:31:57 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Good. [10/27/2013 9:32:07 PM] Kate: ... a lot. [10/27/2013 9:39:10 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  I should hope so. You're stuck with me now. [10/27/2013 9:39:18 PM] Kate: Kate hugs him. "For a real long time." [10/27/2013 9:40:26 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  ... a real long time. [10/27/2013 9:40:39 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  werewolves age slow. [10/27/2013 9:41:33 PM] Kate: That's good, 'cause I don't know as how I do. [10/27/2013 9:41:53 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Miss Merril is fifty. [10/27/2013 9:43:13 PM] Kate: She's real pretty. [10/27/2013 9:48:22 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Half-fae. They live longer. So you might have to put up with me for a very long time. [10/27/2013 9:49:59 PM] Kate: Suits me just fine. [10/27/2013 9:53:50 PM] Felix: He smiles and kisses you! [10/27/2013 9:55:08 PM] Kate: Kate kisses him back, and takes a deep breath and goes under the water. [10/27/2013 9:56:20 PM] Felix: He watches you! [10/27/2013 9:56:59 PM] Kate: Kate comes up after a few seconds, hair and feathers slicked back. [10/27/2013 9:57:05 PM] Kate: All right. We better go back. [10/27/2013 9:59:19 PM] Felix: He smiles. "Right." [10/27/2013 10:00:43 PM] Kate: Kate climbs out and tries to dry off a bit. [10/27/2013 10:03:50 PM] Felix: It doesn't take long to dry off it being rather dry and arid in the desert! [10/27/2013 10:04:20 PM] Kate: Kate gets dressed. [10/27/2013 10:09:42 PM] Felix: Ebenezer does as well. It's getting close to sunset at this point! [10/27/2013 10:09:51 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  I'm pretty hungry. [10/27/2013 10:11:05 PM] Kate: Me too. Shoulda brought somethin', I guess. [10/27/2013 10:11:14 PM] Kate: Let's keep an eye out for game while we're on our way back. [10/27/2013 10:11:22 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Good idea. [10/27/2013 10:11:38 PM] Felix: roll a d10! [10/27/2013 10:12:43 PM] Kate: ((9!)) [10/27/2013 10:16:18 PM] Felix: Woot! Her day has come at last! [10/27/2013 10:16:26 PM] Felix: You find some game pretty easily on the way back. [10/27/2013 10:17:35 PM] Kate: Kate shoots it. Or tries; but she's actually good with the rifle. [10/27/2013 10:17:55 PM] Felix: Yep! You hit it square and clean. [10/27/2013 10:19:36 PM] Kate: Kate heads back to get whatever it was she killed. [10/27/2013 10:21:27 PM] Felix: It's a normal, non-mutant animal! You load it up onto Delphine. [10/27/2013 10:22:05 PM] Kate: Kate does indeed. [10/27/2013 10:22:22 PM] Kate: Sorry, Eben. Folks here mostly eat meat, an' it's 'bout time I did my share. [10/27/2013 10:24:48 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Why are you sorry? [10/27/2013 10:25:00 PM] Kate: Huntin' an' all. [10/27/2013 10:26:19 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  I have no problems with normal hunting. Just sport hunting. In places where people don't need to hunt at all. I'm a wolf, after all. [10/27/2013 10:26:43 PM] Felix: ((brb)) [10/27/2013 10:27:07 PM] Kate: Well, I'd be 'bout as happy with a potato, but I ain't contributin'. [10/27/2013 10:29:41 PM] Kate: Got to contribute to them as is providin' for us. [10/27/2013 10:32:12 PM] Felix: He smiles. "THey'll appreciate it, I'm sure.  That was a great shot." [10/27/2013 10:32:38 PM] Kate: Toldja I was better with a rifle. [10/27/2013 10:33:01 PM] Kate: Kate walks alongside Delphine now that she's carrying the deer. Or whatever she shot. [10/27/2013 10:34:20 PM] Felix: Probably a deer! And Delphine can in fact manage both the deer and you. [10/27/2013 10:34:56 PM] Kate: Kate rides, then. But only as long as her horse isn't stressed. [10/27/2013 10:37:24 PM] Felix: Nope! Delphine is pretty strong. She's not bothered at all. [10/27/2013 10:37:58 PM] Kate: ... gonna give you all the apples I can find. [10/27/2013 10:38:05 PM] Kate: Kate strokes her mane. [10/27/2013 10:38:28 PM] Felix: She neighs happily! [10/27/2013 10:40:46 PM] Kate: Kate beams. [10/27/2013 10:43:09 PM] Kate: Reckon if I didn't like Wilde so much I'd wanna stay on out here. [10/27/2013 10:43:29 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  With the tribe? [10/27/2013 10:44:07 PM] Kate: Well, they got good hearts, an' they don't mind feathers. [10/27/2013 10:44:45 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  I don't think anyone in Wilde minds feathers. [10/27/2013 10:46:30 PM] Kate: Reckon not. An' I like bein' in a house, too. [10/27/2013 10:46:59 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Me too. But I am going to put down some furs. That's pretty comfortable. [10/27/2013 10:49:25 PM] Kate: I like it too. ... but mostly, I reckon it's you bein' comfortable. [10/27/2013 10:52:52 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  How do you mean? [10/27/2013 10:54:50 PM] Kate: Well, layin' next to you was nice in the desert, an' it was nice in the tent, an' nice in a bed. [10/27/2013 10:55:25 PM | Edited 10:56:31 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Oh. Well, that makes sense. [10/27/2013 10:56:16 PM] Kate: Ain't the desert, nor the tent, nor the bed. [10/27/2013 10:56:46 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  I'm comfortable, then? [10/27/2013 10:57:18 PM] Kate: Sure. [10/27/2013 10:57:19 PM] Kate: Kate smiles. [10/27/2013 10:57:39 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Well, you're pretty comfortable, too. [10/27/2013 10:59:38 PM] Kate: Really? I figured I was real bony. [10/27/2013 11:00:53 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Nope. Warm. And soft. [10/27/2013 11:02:50 PM] Kate: Kate beams.

[10/28/2013 8:37:31 PM] Felix: It's getting dark at this point... Mary takes the deer off your hands and suggest you and Ebenezer  eat up and rest up for the ritual. [10/28/2013 8:38:25 PM] Kate: Kate nods. [10/28/2013 8:38:27 PM] Kate: All right. [10/28/2013 8:38:30 PM] Kate: Kate looks for foooood. [10/28/2013 8:38:51 PM] Felix: They're putting food out! They have some potatoes for you, and some greens. [10/28/2013 8:40:47 PM] Kate: Kate is *so* grateful about the potatoes. [10/28/2013 8:41:06 PM] Kate: Kate grabs some food and goes to find Eben. [10/28/2013 8:41:42 PM] Felix: He's right beside you, getting food. [10/28/2013 8:43:12 PM] Kate: Wanna eat in the tent, an' rest up some? [10/28/2013 8:43:23 PM] Felix: He nods. "Sounds good to me." [10/28/2013 8:45:00 PM] Kate: Kate smiles, and slips into their tent with her plate! [10/28/2013 8:45:11 PM] Felix: He follows you in, settling down. [10/28/2013 8:46:37 PM] Kate: Kate sits too, quite close, and devours her food. Savoring each  little bite of greenstuff and potatoes. [10/28/2013 8:47:24 PM] Felix: You can tell he's a bit anxious! [10/28/2013 8:47:55 PM] Kate: You all right? [10/28/2013 8:49:19 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Just... nervous. [10/28/2013 8:49:44 PM] Kate: 'bout me goin' into yer head? [10/28/2013 8:53:30 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  the whole thing. What if this doesn't cure me? [10/28/2013 8:55:29 PM] Kate: Then we'll find somethin' else that will. [10/28/2013 8:57:16 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  ... this was my last shot. [10/28/2013 8:58:06 PM] Kate: No it ain't. We still got a month. [10/28/2013 8:58:16 PM] Kate: Well. Three weeks, anyhow. [10/28/2013 9:01:32 PM] Felix: Ebenezer: ... maybe there's something else out there that I haven't read about yet. [10/28/2013 9:02:10 PM] Kate: This is gonna work, Eben. Trust me. [10/28/2013 9:02:22 PM] Kate: Kate sets her plate aside. [10/28/2013 9:04:38 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  ... okay. [10/28/2013 9:04:44 PM] Felix: He lets out an anxious sigh. [10/28/2013 9:06:06 PM] Kate: C'mere. [10/28/2013 9:09:13 PM] Felix: He sets his plate aside and inches closer to you. [10/28/2013 9:10:16 PM] Kate: Kate pounces him onto his back suddenly! [10/28/2013 9:12:21 PM] Felix: Ebenezer raises an eyebrow! "So what's gotten into you, then?" [10/28/2013 9:12:46 PM] Kate: Nothin'. [10/28/2013 9:12:54 PM] Kate: Kate kisses his nose and grins. [10/28/2013 9:14:27 PM] Felix: He grins back! [10/28/2013 9:17:11 PM] Kate: Y'know, after all that bathin', you smell awful nice too. [10/28/2013 9:19:00 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  You always smell nice. [10/28/2013 9:21:58 PM] Kate: Kate kisses him. [10/28/2013 9:23:23 PM] Felix: He kisses you back! [10/28/2013 9:23:43 PM] Kate: Kate endeavors to distract him! [10/28/2013 9:24:37 PM] Felix: It's super-effective! [10/28/2013 9:27:07 PM] Kate: Kate is naturally rather aggressive, and just lets herself be this time. [10/28/2013 9:29:31 PM] Felix: Again, super effective! He is very thoroughly distracted. [10/28/2013 9:30:55 PM] Kate: Kate keeps snuggling him afterward. Hey, at least he might be more relaxed. [10/28/2013 9:32:50 PM] Felix: He is! [10/28/2013 9:33:29 PM] Kate: Mmm. Reckon I could nap. [10/28/2013 9:35:47 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Me too. Let's do that. They'll come and get us when it's time. [10/28/2013 9:36:24 PM] Kate: All right. [10/28/2013 9:36:58 PM] Kate: Kate curls up with him and pulls some furs over them. She's going to stay awake til he's asleep, though. [10/28/2013 9:39:45 PM] Felix: He falls asleep after a short bit. [10/28/2013 9:40:02 PM] Kate: Kate then lets herself nap too! [10/28/2013 9:41:42 PM] Felix: You're woken up by Mary's voice through the tent! [10/28/2013 9:41:47 PM] Felix: Mary:  It's time. [10/28/2013 9:44:04 PM] Kate: Kate gently shakes Eben. [10/28/2013 9:44:35 PM] Felix: He's awake! [10/28/2013 9:45:52 PM] Kate: C'mon, darlin'. Get dressed. [10/28/2013 9:45:54 PM] Kate: Kate does too. [10/28/2013 9:47:16 PM] Felix: he nods, and gets dressed. He grabs his gun, too, as the Old Man said he needed it. [10/28/2013 9:49:16 PM] Felix: Mary leads you to the Old Man's cave, and then through a passage that winds up, so that you're in a secluded open area a short distance away from the tribe's camp. The moon is bright over you, and there's two pallets of rough bedding laid out side by side. [10/28/2013 9:49:40 PM] Kate: Kate looks around. [10/28/2013 9:49:55 PM] Kate: Kate feels good about this! She shouldn't, but she does! [10/28/2013 9:51:05 PM] Felix: Mary excuses herself, so it's just the three of you. The Old Man sits in front of a small fire. [10/28/2013 9:53:14 PM] Kate: Just tell us what to do, sir. [10/28/2013 9:53:40 PM] Felix: He nods. "First of all, I'll need the gun." [10/28/2013 9:53:47 PM] Felix: Ebenezer hands him his shotgun! [10/28/2013 9:56:27 PM] Kate: Kate watches. [10/28/2013 9:57:15 PM] Felix: Old Man:  Kate... this is the only object you'll be able to take with you into the dream. Everything else you will bring with you is already part of you, in your spirit. [10/28/2013 9:58:48 PM] Kate: Make sure it's loaded. [10/28/2013 9:59:26 PM] Felix: Old Man:  You can use your magic, though, if you find it helpful. And you can use what you find in the dream. The gun is not important. The idea of the gun is what you will use. [10/28/2013 9:59:42 PM] Felix: Old Man:  Ebenezer, lie down here. [10/28/2013 10:01:49 PM] Felix: Ebenezer does so, laying down on one of the beds. [10/28/2013 10:01:49 PM] Kate: Oh. Well, all right. [10/28/2013 10:04:10 PM] Felix: The Old Man hands EBenezer a cup with some steaming liquid in it. "Drink this down." [10/28/2013 10:04:21 PM] Felix: Ebenezer nods, and drinks it! [10/28/2013 10:04:39 PM] Felix: Then his eyes roll up into his head and he's out. [10/28/2013 10:05:48 PM] Kate: Kate strokes his hair. [10/28/2013 10:06:20 PM] Felix: Old Man:  Right now, he's creating the spirit world you'll be exploring. I don't know what you'll see. [10/28/2013 10:06:42 PM] Felix: He tosses something into the fire, which begins burning blue, then sets the shotgun into it. [10/28/2013 10:07:22 PM] Kate: What do I got to do? [10/28/2013 10:13:05 PM] Felix: Improbably, the shotgun burns! "Nothing, yet.  But when you go in, you'll be looking for something that doesn't belong.  It will probably be obvious, in some way... a great dark beast, a black and rotting tree, a sinister man, something like that.  That will be the manifestation of this spiritual poison." [10/28/2013 10:13:58 PM] Kate: An' I got to kill it? [10/28/2013 10:15:23 PM] Felix: Old Man:  You must vanquish it in some way, yes [10/28/2013 10:15:54 PM] Kate: Right. I'm ready. [10/28/2013 10:18:58 PM] Felix: The Old Man reaches into the fire and pulls out the burning shotgun. He crushes it to ash in one hand and catches the ash in a small mortar. He mixes the ashes  with some other powders from a small pouch and walks over to you. "Sit down beside him." [10/28/2013 10:19:45 PM] Kate: Kate sits obediently. [10/28/2013 10:21:10 PM] Felix: Old Man:  In the dream, never let go over the shotgun, or whatever shape it takes. It's what binds you to his dream. [10/28/2013 10:22:47 PM] Kate: Like Tam Lin. Only I ain't pregnant an' he ain't fae. [10/28/2013 10:23:58 PM] Felix: Old Man:  Right. Are you ready? [10/28/2013 10:23:59 PM] Kate: ((That SHE knows of.)) [10/28/2013 10:24:02 PM] Kate: Ready. [10/28/2013 10:25:43 PM] Felix: He blows powder into your face! "Breathe in, breathe deeply." [10/28/2013 10:26:07 PM] Kate: Kate takes a deep, deep breath! [10/28/2013 10:27:32 PM] Felix: Almost immediately, your head gets all floaty and you start to black out! [10/28/2013 10:28:06 PM] Kate: Kate tries to curl up against Eben before she passes out! [10/28/2013 10:28:30 PM] Felix: you manage to get your head on his chest before it all goes black. [10/28/2013 10:31:04 PM] Kate: Kate is out! [10/28/2013 10:31:25 PM] Felix: ((Brb a sec!)) [10/28/2013 10:34:41 PM] Felix: You come to. Everything's still black. Also, you gots no clothes on. And you're holding what feels like a shotgun in your hand! [10/28/2013 10:36:05 PM] Kate: Shit! [10/28/2013 10:36:15 PM] Kate: Kate turns bright red! *Everywhere.* [10/28/2013 10:37:25 PM] Felix: Luckily you're in a pitch black void and no one else is around! You're pretty sure your eyes are wide open. Then everything *bumps*. Like you're in a coach of some kind. Then you're dressed again! In a DRESS. [10/28/2013 10:38:13 PM] Kate: ... [10/28/2013 10:38:14 PM] Kate: Shit! [10/28/2013 10:38:23 PM] Kate: Eben! [10/28/2013 10:40:19 PM] Felix: You are in fact in a coach. A very nice, fancy coach. You're in very nice, fancy clothes. Your hair is all done up fancily, too. You have an expensive looking broach at your neck, that, under inspection, has the profile of a shotgun etched on it. The windowshades of the coach are closed. And you are alone in there. [10/28/2013 10:40:59 PM] Kate: Kate tries opening a windowshade. [10/28/2013 10:41:30 PM] Felix: London! You think it's London, from Ebenezer and others' descriptions. [10/28/2013 10:42:46 PM] Kate: Kate taps the ceiling. "Hey, where we goin'?" [10/28/2013 10:44:01 PM] Felix: Your accent is different, too. Still American, but probably closer to your actual New York accent rather than your cowgirl drawl. [10/28/2013 10:44:49 PM] Felix: Voice, probably the driver:  ... wot? Ambrose Manor, Miss Candlemas. That were where you wanted, right? [10/28/2013 10:45:13 PM] Kate: ... yes. Thanks, just... just making sure. [10/28/2013 10:45:46 PM] Felix: Roll a d10! [10/28/2013 10:47:46 PM] Kate: ((3. Back to Kateluck!)) [10/28/2013 10:49:13 PM] Felix: Okay! You're moving through a more affluent section of London, through a market district of some kind. [10/28/2013 10:50:17 PM] Kate: Kate keeps watching, fingering her brooch. [10/28/2013 10:53:18 PM] Felix: There is a suitcase beside you, probably yours! It's a very nice coach, probably the nicest you've ever been in. [10/28/2013 10:54:04 PM] Kate: Kate knows something is not right! They are not rich. She doesn't try to murder the suitcase, though. [10/28/2013 10:55:01 PM] Felix: Actually, all of her clothes are very nice, too. Along the lines of what she was given to wear to the festival. [10/28/2013 10:55:24 PM] Kate: Kate hopes Eben's there and not his mean ole' dad. [10/28/2013 10:57:55 PM] Felix: She realizes another think that's off... she's unarmed. Except for the broach that might or might not be a shotgun. [10/28/2013 10:58:40 PM] Kate: Kate keeps that brooch! [10/28/2013 11:00:17 PM] Felix: Whatever role she's been cast in, it's definitely not as a marshal. [10/28/2013 11:01:18 PM] Kate: Kate waits to get where she's going, fretting a bit. [10/28/2013 11:04:18 PM] Felix: Okay! It takes awhile. The marketplace gives way to large houses, than a row of manors, than a row of estates that get further and further apart. [10/28/2013 11:05:45 PM] Kate: Kate stares, fascinated. She's never been abroad. [10/28/2013 11:06:44 PM] Felix: A lot of it doesn't look terribly different than, say, Boston or Philadelphia. Just... older. [10/28/2013 11:09:43 PM] Kate: Kate takes it all in, wide-eyed, wondering what's up ahead. [10/28/2013 11:11:15 PM] Felix: Driver:  First time in London, Miss? [10/28/2013 11:13:37 PM] Kate: Yes. [10/28/2013 11:15:16 PM] Felix: Driver:  What do you think of our fine city? [10/28/2013 11:16:50 PM] Kate: Looks nice to me. Do you think you can drive any faster? [10/28/2013 11:18:07 PM] Felix: Driver:  I'll do what I can. In a hurry, then? [10/28/2013 11:20:30 PM] Kate: Yes. [10/28/2013 11:20:38 PM] Kate: Thank you. [10/28/2013 11:21:35 PM] Felix: ((Roll a d10!)) [10/28/2013 11:22:06 PM] Kate: ((7!)) [10/28/2013 11:24:37 PM] Felix: You spot a familiar face in the crowd as you pass! There was a guy who looked just like Fennick. Even had an eyepatch. [10/28/2013 11:25:49 PM] Kate: Kate clutches her brooch! [10/28/2013 11:27:02 PM] Kate: Kate doesn't do anything though! She wants to get to the manor! [10/28/2013 11:27:16 PM] Felix: Okay! You lose him in the crowd. [10/28/2013 11:30:33 PM] Kate: Kate waits patiently! [10/28/2013 11:31:25 PM] Felix: Eventually, you pull up to the gate of a stately manor! [10/28/2013 11:31:51 PM] Felix: Driver:  here we are then. Got told to leave you off here, I suppose someone will meet you here, then? [10/28/2013 11:32:09 PM] Kate: ... I don't know. I hope so. [10/28/2013 11:32:15 PM] Kate: Kate picks up her suitcase and hops out. [10/28/2013 11:32:20 PM] Kate: Kate pays the man. [10/28/2013 11:34:26 PM] Felix: He doesn't take the money. "Been taken care of by Mr. Ambrose, Miss.  Though I wouldn't say no to some gratuity, if it ain't ungallant of me to ask." [10/28/2013 11:34:37 PM] Felix: It's just after sunset. [10/28/2013 11:35:41 PM] Kate: Kate tips him. [10/28/2013 11:35:44 PM] Kate: Thanks. [10/28/2013 11:37:33 PM] Felix: Driver:  ... well. Good luck with your performance, Miss Candlemas. I'm sure you got a right nice singing voice, having such a nice talkin' voice. [10/28/2013 11:37:47 PM] Kate: ... performance. [10/28/2013 11:38:48 PM] Felix: Driver:  Well, yeah. Mr. Ambrose brought you over from the states to entertain at some shindig he's throwin', what? [10/28/2013 11:39:01 PM] Felix: Driver:  In't the story? [10/28/2013 11:39:48 PM] Kate: ... oh. Right. Right. [10/28/2013 11:39:57 PM] Kate: Kate 's throat tightens right up! [10/28/2013 11:42:30 PM] Felix: Driver:  Well! You awright here? You want me to wait around some? [10/28/2013 11:43:27 PM] Kate: No, I'm fine. Thanks. [10/28/2013 11:43:40 PM] Kate: Kate takes her suitcase, and starts walking for the house!

Kate had picked up her suitcase and started walking toward the Ambrose mansion! [10/29/2013 8:48:48 PM] Felix: Yep! And she's a singer of some kind. [10/29/2013 8:50:14 PM] Felix: An unarmed singer! [10/29/2013 8:51:24 PM] Kate: Kate is armed with a brooch, dammit. And her fists. [10/29/2013 8:51:28 PM] Kate: Kate heads for the mansion! [10/29/2013 8:53:08 PM] Felix: The estate is quite large, and most of the land is wooded, so you can't actually see the house. You do see a small cart riding up toward you. Not a big fancy coach like you road in here, but the type that is, say, used for short jaunts around a huge estate. [10/29/2013 8:55:08 PM] Kate: Kate waves. [10/29/2013 8:56:52 PM] Felix: The driver pulls up beside you! "Miss Candlemas?  I'll take you up to the house." [10/29/2013 8:57:14 PM] Felix: It's an older man in work clothes. Probably the stablekeeper. [10/29/2013 8:57:17 PM] Kate: Great. Who am I singing for, anyway? [10/29/2013 8:58:16 PM] Felix: He looks at you oddly. "Mr. Ambrose and his guests, of course.  Didn't you know?" [10/29/2013 8:59:03 PM] Kate: ... which Mr. Ambrose? [10/29/2013 9:01:15 PM] Felix: Driver:  Mr. Milton Ambrose, of course. Owner and proprieter of Ambrose Arms. [10/29/2013 9:01:31 PM] Felix: ((I don't remember Eben's father's name.)) [10/29/2013 9:01:43 PM] Kate: ... oh. What about his son? [10/29/2013 9:03:15 PM] Felix: Driver:  Young Master Ebenezer? What about him? [10/29/2013 9:03:59 PM] Kate: Will he be there too? [10/29/2013 9:09:30 PM] Felix: Driver:  I believe so. Why? [10/29/2013 9:09:51 PM] Kate: Kate smiles. [10/29/2013 9:10:08 PM] Kate: I was just wondering. I've heard about him. [10/29/2013 9:10:37 PM] Felix: He gets down off the cart to help you up! [10/29/2013 9:15:05 PM] Kate: Kate hops up, bringing her suitcase. [10/29/2013 9:15:10 PM] Kate: How long have you been with the family? [10/29/2013 9:17:20 PM] Felix: Driver:  Oh, since I was a young man. Mr. Ambrose first hired me as a stable boy. That's Mr. Ambrose, the senior, Milton's father. [10/29/2013 9:18:54 PM] Kate: Kate smiles. [10/29/2013 9:18:59 PM] Kate: Tell me about them. [10/29/2013 9:25:06 PM] Felix: Driver:  Well, Mr. Ambrose is a good man, if a bit severe. Always straight with us help. His father left him the company when he was twenty. He had a good head for numbers, much better than his father. [10/29/2013 9:26:17 PM] Kate: Kate nods. [10/29/2013 9:26:30 PM] Kate: That's Mr. Milton. And his son? [10/29/2013 9:27:12 PM] Felix: Driver:  Master Ebenezer, he's a good lad. Spends a lot of time in the stable, actually. Think he takes after his grandad more than his dad. [10/29/2013 9:29:23 PM] Kate: Kate smiles. [10/29/2013 9:29:38 PM] Kate: ... how old is he? [10/29/2013 9:31:03 PM] Felix: Driver:  Oh. Ten, I believe. [10/29/2013 9:34:52 PM] Kate: ... *oh.* [10/29/2013 9:35:07 PM] Kate: Well. I see. I suppose he won't be at the party? [10/29/2013 9:35:44 PM] Felix: Driver:  Oh, I believe he will. [10/29/2013 9:40:28 PM] Felix: He drives you down the path to the large house! And it is a pretty big manor. [10/29/2013 9:40:40 PM] Kate: Oh, all right. [10/29/2013 9:40:44 PM] Kate: ... big place. [10/29/2013 9:41:35 PM] Felix: Driver:  ...not met a lot of Americans in my day. [10/29/2013 9:42:47 PM] Kate: Kate smiles. [10/29/2013 9:42:58 PM] Kate: I know we don't have a great reputation. [10/29/2013 9:43:27 PM] Felix: Driver:  Ach, neither do scots, Miss. [10/29/2013 9:43:36 PM] Felix: He slides into a very strong scottish accent. [10/29/2013 9:44:15 PM] Kate: Are you Scottish? You seem nice to me. [10/29/2013 9:44:45 PM] Felix: Driver:  oh, I am. But one shouldn't be judged just one where one comes from. [10/29/2013 9:46:44 PM] Kate: Well, if I'm rude at all I don't mean to be. Our etiquette's a little different, is all. If I do something wrong just tell me and I'll try to do it right. [10/29/2013 9:48:35 PM] Felix: Driver:  Ah, no worries. C'mon, I'll show you to your room. [10/29/2013 9:50:27 PM] Kate: Kate nods. [10/29/2013 9:52:12 PM] Felix: He walks you through the large, stately manor! Not as many people around as you'd expect to see in a house this big. "Now, Mr. Ambrose wasn't sure when you'd be in, so he and young Master Ebenezer are not here at the moment." He takes you upstairs, to a guest suite! It's HUGE. HUGEMONGOUS. [10/29/2013 9:52:34 PM] Felix: It's bigger than Ebenezer's apartment in Wilde. [10/29/2013 9:53:12 PM] Kate: ... wow, it's beautiful. [10/29/2013 9:55:21 PM] Felix: Driver:  So then. I think Miss Annie is around somewhere in this wing if you need anything, just give a yell. [10/29/2013 9:56:40 PM] Kate: Miss Annie? [10/29/2013 9:57:02 PM] Felix: Driver:  Oh, she's the maid for this wing. [10/29/2013 9:58:38 PM] Kate: Oh! Where can I find her? [10/29/2013 9:59:06 PM] Felix: Driver:  I'm not right sure at the moment. She's around. [10/29/2013 9:59:58 PM] Kate: Kate nods. [10/29/2013 10:00:01 PM] Kate: I'll look for her. [10/29/2013 10:00:25 PM] Felix: Driver:  What do you need? I can help you out. [10/29/2013 10:03:05 PM] Kate: Oh, it's just a... a girl thing, that's all. [10/29/2013 10:05:23 PM] Felix: Driver:  Well, tell you what, on my way out, I'll track her down and send her to you. [10/29/2013 10:07:59 PM] Kate: Thank you so much, that'd be wonderful. [10/29/2013 10:08:09 PM] Kate: Kate looks appropriately grateful! [10/29/2013 10:08:20 PM] Felix: He leaves you alone in your large room! [10/29/2013 10:09:37 PM] Kate: Kate opens her suitcase. [10/29/2013 10:09:53 PM] Felix: It's filled with girly clothes! [10/29/2013 10:11:00 PM] Kate: Kate goes through it, just in case there's anything helpful/harmful in there. [10/29/2013 10:11:49 PM] Felix: nope! Just girly clothes. [10/29/2013 10:11:59 PM] Kate: (( http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/sideshow/pope-francis-meets-biggest--cutest-fan-220139364.html ... awww. This is a good pope.)) [10/29/2013 10:12:02 PM] Felix: A voice behind you:  So. Alone at last. [10/29/2013 10:12:28 PM] Kate: Kate jumps. [10/29/2013 10:12:38 PM] Kate: Kate turns around. [10/29/2013 10:13:06 PM] Felix: It's Fennick! Just as he looked as he was dying. He's still got blood all over his shirt. [10/29/2013 10:14:26 PM] Kate: Kate blinks. [10/29/2013 10:14:42 PM] Kate: You can't be here, I've still got Excalibur on me in the real world. [10/29/2013 10:14:59 PM] Felix: Fennick:  but not here. [10/29/2013 10:15:25 PM] Felix: Fennick:  The only thing you brought with you from the real world that wasn't part of you was that gun. [10/29/2013 10:15:40 PM] Kate: And you, apparently. [10/29/2013 10:16:16 PM] Felix: Fennick:  Well, this is the bit of me that that I spent at the end to put my hex on you. I might as well be part of you. [10/29/2013 10:17:11 PM] Kate: Fennick, you're part of me exactly like the turd somebody steps on is part of their shoe. Which is to say, you're not. [10/29/2013 10:17:38 PM] Felix: Fennick:  Well, I'm here, ain't I? [10/29/2013 10:18:11 PM] Kate: Nope. You just look like you're here. [10/29/2013 10:18:26 PM] Felix: Fennick:  What's the difference, here? [10/29/2013 10:18:47 PM] Kate: If you're smart, you'll go away and let me do what I came here to do. After all, it suits *your* purpose, as Eben's going to help me go after the men you want dead. [10/29/2013 10:23:56 PM] Felix: Fennick:  Not necessarily. If one of them surrendered to you, you wouldn't kill them. Skel's a stubborn idiot, no way he was gonna give in to a girl. But Winnow and Spira are much smarter. They'll surrender if cornered. [10/29/2013 10:24:20 PM] Kate: Then pester me when they're cornered. It won't help hurry things up any now. Go away. [10/29/2013 10:24:50 PM] Felix: Fennick:  Because of that damn gun, I can't pester you any other time than this. [10/29/2013 10:25:35 PM] Kate: And pestering me slows me down, meaning it slows down your own objective. So you probably better not pester me at all, right? You were a son of a bitch, but you did have brains, Fennick. Use 'em. [10/29/2013 10:27:42 PM] Felix: Fennick:  You're wasting time doing all this... werewolf nonsense when you could be going after Spira or Winnow. [10/29/2013 10:28:33 PM] Kate: No, I'm getting help from them, idiot. If I go alone when Winnow has a troop, I'll get killed. [10/29/2013 10:28:54 PM] Felix: Fennick:  ...how's Marta? [10/29/2013 10:29:08 PM] Kate: Fine. Why? She yours? [10/29/2013 10:29:23 PM] Felix: Fennick:  Just askin'. [10/29/2013 10:30:38 PM] Kate: She's a friend of mine, and she'd like me alive too. Another reason for you to stop pestering me. Look, I can take off the gun at some point so you can talk to me *if* you don't pester me when I do it. [10/29/2013 10:30:57 PM] Felix: There's a knock on the door, and he vanishes! [10/29/2013 10:31:17 PM] Felix: Maid:  Miss? Miss Candlemas? Angus said you needed me. [10/29/2013 10:31:20 PM] Kate: Come in. [10/29/2013 10:32:19 PM] Felix: She does! She is a plain looking girl in a maid's uniform. "What can I help you with?" [10/29/2013 10:32:52 PM] Kate: You're Annie, right? [10/29/2013 10:33:11 PM] Felix: Annie:  Yes, miss.. [10/29/2013 10:33:16 PM] Kate: How long have you been working here? [10/29/2013 10:33:30 PM] Felix: Annie:  Oh... two years now? Why? [10/29/2013 10:33:58 PM] Kate: Oh, I just... knew one of the maids who worked here about ... well, she'd've left about 9, 10 years ago or so. [10/29/2013 10:36:06 PM] Felix: Annie:  Oh. That'd be the time poor Mrs. Ambrose passed. Who was it? [10/29/2013 10:36:23 PM] Kate: Kate nods. [10/29/2013 10:36:35 PM] Kate: I can't remember. It was a long time ago. [10/29/2013 10:36:44 PM] Kate: I just wondered if anyone knew what'd become of her, that's all. [10/29/2013 10:36:53 PM] Kate: (( http://awkwardfamilyphotos.com/2013/10/29/our-little-pumpkin-3/  The baby is like "WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!")) [10/29/2013 10:38:08 PM] Felix: Annie is thoughtful. "Well, old Bess down in the kitchen might know, she's been here the longest, as far as I know." [10/29/2013 10:38:56 PM] Kate: ... do I have time to go down there before the party and see? I know there's certain things you don't do, but I'm American. So I don't know if this is one of them. [10/29/2013 10:39:40 PM] Felix: Annie:  Oh, we still have a couple of hours. She'll likely be busy, but you're a guest. I'll take you down there. [10/29/2013 10:40:14 PM] Kate: Kate smiles. [10/29/2013 10:40:18 PM] Kate: Thank you, I really appreciate it. [10/29/2013 10:41:12 PM] Felix: Annie:  Of course! I'll take you now. [10/29/2013 10:43:06 PM] Kate: Kate smiles, and follows her. [10/29/2013 10:43:14 PM] Kate: Are the Ambroses good to work for? [10/29/2013 10:44:27 PM] Felix: Annie:  Oh yes, very good. I have my own room here, the last place I worked I had to share with four other girls. [10/29/2013 10:45:12 PM] Kate: And all... respectable? I know servants aren't always treated well, and... well, I'm working for them now too, albeit temporarily. [10/29/2013 10:46:44 PM] Felix: Annie:  Oh, very respectable. [10/29/2013 10:46:48 PM] Felix: Roll a d10! [10/29/2013 10:47:00 PM] Kate: ((8!)) [10/29/2013 10:54:17 PM] Felix: You pass by a large painted portrait! There's a man that looks like an older version of Ebenezer, standing beside a seated, pretty woman, with red hair, and a child of six or so. [10/29/2013 10:54:57 PM] Kate: Is that Mr. Milton? [10/29/2013 10:56:27 PM] Felix: Annie:  Oh, yes Miss, and poor Mrs. Ambrose, and young Master Ebenezer. She died in childbirth, of course. But he had this painted later. [10/29/2013 10:56:52 PM] Kate: Well, it's a handsome family. [10/29/2013 10:58:30 PM] Felix: Annie leads you through the house to the bustling kitchen! [10/29/2013 11:00:29 PM] Kate: Kate looks around avidly. [10/29/2013 11:03:08 PM] Felix: Annie leads you to an old woman ruliing the kitchen with an iron ladle! [10/29/2013 11:03:19 PM] Kate: Good evening, ma'am. [10/29/2013 11:04:15 PM] Kate: I was wondering if you could help me track down a friend of mine--she worked as a maid here about 10 years ago, around the time Mrs. Ambrose passed. [10/29/2013 11:04:17 PM] Felix: Bess:  Hmm? Oh, hello, you must be that Miss Candlemas that Mr. Ambrose hired. [10/29/2013 11:04:44 PM] Kate: Kate nodnods. [10/29/2013 11:04:47 PM] Kate: To sing. [10/29/2013 11:05:28 PM] Felix: She eyes you suspciously. "What was her name, then?  We had a lot of help coming and going at that time." [10/29/2013 11:06:40 PM] Kate: I don't know. ... she seemed healthy, but her... women's troubles always hit her hard, every month. [10/29/2013 11:06:42 PM] Felix: You do, however, have the feeling that she knows exactly who you're asking after. [10/29/2013 11:07:43 PM] Kate: It was always hard with her. [10/29/2013 11:08:55 PM] Felix: Bess:  Hmm. You mean Laurel? [10/29/2013 11:09:01 PM] Felix: She eyes you. [10/29/2013 11:11:53 PM] Kate: I don't remember what her name was. [10/29/2013 11:12:01 PM] Kate: ... I think she might've gotten into ... trouble. [10/29/2013 11:12:14 PM] Kate: Kate uses the euphemism for "pregnant out of wedlock." [10/29/2013 11:13:50 PM] Felix: Bess:  How'd you know her? [10/29/2013 11:14:06 PM] Felix: Bess:  Far as I know, she never went to the states. [10/29/2013 11:15:35 PM] Kate: Through friends. I just want to know if she's all right, and where she went after she left here. [10/29/2013 11:16:18 PM] Felix: Bess:  Well, I don't rightly know where she ended up. She wasn't really close with anyone here, and she only worked here for a year. [10/29/2013 11:17:33 PM] Kate: Did she say where she was going? Anything? [10/29/2013 11:19:35 PM] Felix: Bess:  No, it was all rather sudden, one day she was here, one day she was gone. [10/29/2013 11:19:48 PM] Felix: Roll a d10! [10/29/2013 11:22:36 PM] Kate: ((7! For Kate that's like a 10!)) [10/29/2013 11:24:17 PM] Felix: BEss *definitely* has more to say on this, but she's holding it back. [10/29/2013 11:25:42 PM] Kate: ... please. I just want to help her. [10/29/2013 11:30:48 PM] Felix: Bess:  all right, come with me. [10/29/2013 11:33:50 PM] Kate: Kate nods, and follows her. [10/29/2013 11:35:15 PM] Felix: She leaves the kitchen under the charge of one of the other cooks and leads you back to a small pantry. "Can't leave that lot for long, they'll burn the place down." [10/29/2013 11:40:29 PM] Kate: Kate follows obediently. [10/29/2013 11:40:58 PM] Felix: Bess:  So, how'd you know Laurel? [10/29/2013 11:41:22 PM] Kate: I didn't, honestly. I heard about her from someone else. [10/29/2013 11:41:32 PM | Edited 11:41:38 PM] Kate: Someone who wants to make sure she's all right. That's all. [10/29/2013 11:47:36 PM] Felix: Bess:  ... well. I'll tell ye this, the one person in the house she spent the most time with before she left was young Master Ebenezer, while he was still newborn. [10/29/2013 11:48:06 PM] Kate: Kate smiles. [10/29/2013 11:48:12 PM] Kate: That sounds about right. [10/29/2013 11:51:04 PM] Kate: But where did she go? Please, if you know... tell me. [10/29/2013 11:51:48 PM] Felix: Bess:  I don't rightly know. I *do* know that Mr. Ambrose gave her a generous severance. [10/29/2013 11:52:39 PM] Kate: Bribe. [10/29/2013 11:53:04 PM] Kate: What was she like? Clever? Kind? Did she have red hair? [10/29/2013 11:54:48 PM] Felix: Bess goes over to her dresser and opens up one of the drawers, and pulls out a wooden box. "She was... strange.  Always stood apart.  She wasn't cruel.  She was always very polite.  She seemed cunning, but hid it most of the time.  A lot of households don't want cunning maids, or clever maids.  Her hair was black." [10/29/2013 11:55:40 PM] Felix: Bess:  I suspected she might have had some gypsy in her, maybe. Or Chinese. Or even Indian. Not red indian from America, but... INdian. From India. [10/29/2013 11:56:30 PM] Kate: Kate looks at the box. [10/29/2013 11:57:03 PM] Kate: Oh, I see. ... I bet she was beautiful. [10/29/2013 11:57:34 PM] Felix: Bess:  Oh, she was, real pretty. [10/30/2013 12:00:53 AM] Kate: Tell me anything you can about her, please. [10/30/2013 12:01:03 AM] Kate: What she liked, what she didn't like. If she had any friends. [10/30/2013 12:02:38 AM] Felix: Bess:  Well, like I said, when she wasn't working, she kept to herself. Didn't really haev any friends. Never talked much. She read a lot, though. Spent a lot of time in the library. [10/30/2013 12:04:03 AM] Kate: ... I'd do just about anything to meet her, ma'am. [10/30/2013 12:05:08 AM] Felix: Bess opens the box. It's filled with little knicknacks. She pulls out a necklace, a simple one, a wolf's fang on a braided leather cord. "She left this behind." [10/30/2013 12:05:50 AM] Kate: For him? [10/30/2013 12:06:40 AM] Felix: Bess:  She never said, but I'll give it to him eventually. He's a smart boy, he'll figure it out. [10/30/2013 12:07:22 AM] Kate: Kate smiles. [10/30/2013 12:07:40 AM] Kate: I know he will. I just wish I could find her. [10/30/2013 12:08:42 AM] Felix: Bess:  I'm sorry, I don't know where she is. You'd need a witch or something to read some bones. [10/30/2013 12:09:03 AM] Kate: ... a witch. Yes. All right. [10/30/2013 12:09:14 AM] Kate: ... she liked to read. [10/30/2013 12:09:15 AM] Kate: Kate beams. [10/30/2013 12:10:14 AM] Felix: Bess:  Yes. She spent as much time in the library as she could. [10/30/2013 12:10:29 AM] Felix: Bess puts the necklace back in the box, and the box back in the drawer. [10/30/2013 12:12:16 AM] Kate: I bet young Ebenezer spends a lot of time in there too. I'd like to see it some time. If it wouldn't be invasive to the family. [10/30/2013 12:14:41 AM] Felix: Bess:  You're a guest. And besides, the library is open to all. [10/30/2013 12:15:36 AM] Kate: ... I'd like to meet the boy too. If it's all right. [10/30/2013 12:16:00 AM] Felix: Bess:  Oh, I'm sure you will. [10/30/2013 12:18:38 AM] Kate: I mean alone. Or with you. Not his father. [10/30/2013 12:19:43 AM] Felix: Bess:  I'm sure you'll run into him. You're staying with use for the next couple of weeks, last I heard. [10/30/2013 12:23:31 AM] Kate: I am? [10/30/2013 12:25:00 AM] Felix: Bess:  Aren't you? [10/30/2013 12:25:49 AM] Kate: I guess so. [10/30/2013 12:25:52 AM] Kate: Kate smiles. [10/30/2013 12:26:04 AM] Kate: Would you show me the library? [10/30/2013 12:26:23 AM] Felix: Bess:  Sorry, lass, I got too much to do. I'll have Annie do that.

Kate had intended to see the library with Annie. [10/30/2013 8:14:38 PM] Felix: Yep! Roll a d10. [10/30/2013 8:17:30 PM] Kate: ((2!)) [10/30/2013 8:18:32 PM] Felix: Again, you're struck by how big this place is for the relatively small number of staff working the place. This is reinforced when you get to the library.... it's HUUUUUUUUGE. Vaulted ceilings packed with stacks and stacks of books. [10/30/2013 8:19:31 PM] Kate: ... how many people're on staff here? [10/30/2013 8:22:24 PM] Felix: Annie:  Hmmm. Maybe twenty? There's the kitchen staff, and the grounds staff, and us maids... yes, twenty sounds about right. [10/30/2013 8:23:14 PM] Kate: ... for two people who live here? Why don't they close off a wing or something? [10/30/2013 8:25:58 PM] Felix: Annie:  Mr. Ambrose has guests staying quite frequently. In fact, the head maid thinks we need *More* help. A place of this size needs at least thirty, between the house, and the grounds. When Mr. Ambrose isn't entertaining, like during the winter, he keeps a lot less of us on hand. [10/30/2013 8:27:02 PM] Kate: Oh, I see. ... guests. [10/30/2013 8:27:11 PM] Kate: Kate suddenly realizes she's going to have to sing. In front of people. [10/30/2013 8:27:53 PM] Kate: Kate tries to calculate how  many people she can punch instead. [10/30/2013 8:29:29 PM] Felix: Annie:  Well, here we are. Can I get you anything, Miss Candlemas? [10/30/2013 8:30:24 PM] Kate: ... well, I'm used to getting things, and things, for myself. It seems everyone drinks tea here instead of coffee, so... a pot of tea? [10/30/2013 8:31:58 PM] Felix: Annie smiles. "We can make you coffee, too, if you'd like.  Mr. Ambrose quite likes it himself." [10/30/2013 8:34:01 PM] Kate: In the morning. It's too late for coffee now, I think... [10/30/2013 8:35:05 PM] Felix: Annie:  I'll get you some tea, then. Make yourself at home. [10/30/2013 8:38:26 PM] Kate: Thanks. [10/30/2013 8:38:33 PM] Kate: Kate starts looking at the books on the shelves. [10/30/2013 8:39:42 PM] Felix: Lots of books on pretty much every imaginable subject! [10/30/2013 8:40:12 PM] Kate: Kate ogles them shamelessly, and looks for one on magic, fae, or werewolves. [10/30/2013 8:41:00 PM] Felix: There's actually not a lot. Lot's of stuff on animals, but not a lot on supernatural stuff. Roll a d10! [10/30/2013 8:41:45 PM] Kate: ((5!)) [10/30/2013 8:42:55 PM] Felix: The library was apparently organized by a madman, but they are sectioned off so you can kinda make sense of it. YOu find a shelf with a bunch of books missing, though. [10/30/2013 8:43:31 PM] Kate: Kate peers at it curiously! [10/30/2013 8:45:20 PM] Felix: The surrounding shelves contain books of fiction and the wildlife books. [10/30/2013 8:49:08 PM] Kate: ... [10/30/2013 8:49:10 PM] Kate: Kate frowns. [10/30/2013 8:49:21 PM] Felix: You hear a growl behind you! [10/30/2013 8:49:23 PM] Kate: Kate wonders if Eben has them, or if his dad took them out and burned them. [10/30/2013 8:49:25 PM] Kate: Kate turns around. [10/30/2013 8:50:00 PM] Felix: There's a big black wolf there. Not just with black fur, but just... so black, like it's a hole in the world. [10/30/2013 8:50:57 PM] Kate: ... hi? [10/30/2013 8:53:10 PM] Felix: It growls at you and lunges, snarling! It's big, about the size that Ebenezer is when he shifts. [10/30/2013 8:54:07 PM] Kate: Kate skips back, hands out. [10/30/2013 8:54:35 PM] Kate: Wait, wait, wait! Who are you? Is something wrong? I'm a guest, I'm supposed to be here. [10/30/2013 8:56:20 PM] Felix: It flips its tail up, and the tail takes on the shape of a scorpion's tail. It growls, and its eyes are a baleful red as it stalks toward you. [10/30/2013 8:59:23 PM] Kate: Kate pulls off her brooch and runs at the wolf, pin first, while avoiding tail, claws and teeth! [10/30/2013 8:59:52 PM] Felix: Roll a d10! [10/30/2013 9:01:51 PM] Kate: ((6. Still remarkably good for Kate!)) [10/30/2013 9:04:32 PM] Felix: You avoid its jaws and its tail, but it leaps at you, pushing you back, *through* the empty bookcase and into a weird black nonspace where you go into freefall for a bit before landing in cold water of some kind! [10/30/2013 9:05:10 PM] Kate: Kate gasps, and scrambles up, brandishing her pin! [10/30/2013 9:06:04 PM] Felix: The wolf is gone. As is the library. You're in a fountain, and passersby are staring at you. Roll a d10! [10/30/2013 9:07:19 PM] Kate: ((8!)) [10/30/2013 9:07:41 PM] Felix: You're not in London anymore. You're in New York City. [10/30/2013 9:11:36 PM] Kate: Kate clambers out of the fountain hastily and looks around! [10/30/2013 9:13:47 PM] Felix: Your clothes (unchanged from what you were just wearing in London) are totally dry. No sign of the wolf-monster. [10/30/2013 9:14:06 PM] Kate: Kate puts her brooch back on! [10/30/2013 9:19:07 PM] Felix: You recognize this... you're in Central Park. You're not sure why! [10/30/2013 9:19:26 PM] Kate: ... huh. [10/30/2013 9:19:31 PM] Kate: Kate finds a bench and sits on it! [10/30/2013 9:20:55 PM] Felix: You find a bench. It doesn't try to attack you. [10/30/2013 9:23:07 PM] Kate: Kate looks around for anything familiar! [10/30/2013 9:23:39 PM] Felix: roll a d10! [10/30/2013 9:24:26 PM] Kate: ((8!)) [10/30/2013 9:26:13 PM] Felix: You sit there and you notice a guy. He's dressed rather shabbily for Central Park. Smells even worse. He's muttering to himself and he has a very worn Bible under his arm. [10/30/2013 9:26:40 PM] Felix: You can't tell how old he is, really, because most of his face is covered by his ratty hat or his overgrown beard. [10/30/2013 9:29:44 PM] Kate: Kate stands up and goes up to him. "Sir?" [10/30/2013 9:30:57 PM] Felix: He looks at you. "You!  Have you seen them?" [10/30/2013 9:32:43 PM] Kate: Seen who? [10/30/2013 9:33:29 PM] Felix: Old Man:  *Them.*  The devil's children. [10/30/2013 9:34:59 PM] Kate: Devils Children? [10/30/2013 9:35:29 PM] Felix: Old Man:  Yes! They look *just* like us. But they're not on the inside. [10/30/2013 9:36:07 PM] Kate: And? [10/30/2013 9:38:38 PM] Felix: Old Man:  They're *evil*. [10/30/2013 9:40:06 PM] Kate: Kate shrugs. [10/30/2013 9:40:36 PM] Felix: Old Man:  The complanceny of good men! Or women! Leads to something. [10/30/2013 9:40:41 PM] Felix: He starts to wander off again. [10/30/2013 9:42:16 PM] Kate: Kate shakes her head, and looks for something *really* out of place. [10/30/2013 9:45:18 PM] Felix: Roll a d10! [10/30/2013 9:45:32 PM] Kate: ((1! Go Kate!)) [10/30/2013 9:45:43 PM] Felix: Nope, nothing here. [10/30/2013 9:48:21 PM] Kate: Hm. [10/30/2013 9:48:33 PM] Kate: Kate starts walking in a random direction! [10/30/2013 9:50:18 PM] Felix: Roll again! [10/30/2013 9:51:06 PM] Kate: ((9!)) [10/30/2013 9:52:32 PM] Felix: Much better! Well, crazy relgious guy wandered in the direction of the docks.... [10/30/2013 9:52:56 PM] Kate: Kate thinks crazies in the park is normal! [10/30/2013 9:55:26 PM] Felix: Well... kinda. But something about him stood out to you. On a nearby corner, a paperboy sells newspapers! [10/30/2013 9:56:17 PM] Kate: Kate buys one, and then follows Mr. Crazy. [10/30/2013 9:57:09 PM] Felix: The year on the paper is 1895. [10/30/2013 9:57:41 PM] Felix: Which is only a year before the date in the real world! [10/30/2013 9:58:17 PM] Kate: ... huh. [10/30/2013 9:58:21 PM] Kate: Kate heads after the crazy guy! [10/30/2013 9:58:39 PM] Felix: He's not hard to find. How far away are you staying from him? [10/30/2013 9:58:53 PM] Kate: Kate far! [10/30/2013 10:00:01 PM] Felix: Okay! you follow him. He's meandering, and muttering, but is generally headed toward the docks. His muttering is getting louder. "I know!  I'm going there now!" He says to no one you can see. [10/30/2013 10:01:08 PM] Kate: Kate keeps following, quietly. [10/30/2013 10:02:16 PM] Felix: You follow him. About halfway to the docks, he starts running! [10/30/2013 10:03:22 PM] Felix: Well... jogging. He doesn't seem terribly spry. [10/30/2013 10:04:20 PM] Kate: Kate hurries to catch up! [10/30/2013 10:06:13 PM] Felix: Your finely honed law-senses notices that he's got a weapon on under his coat that he's awkwardly holding under his arm. [10/30/2013 10:08:26 PM] Kate: Kate goes to tackle him! [10/30/2013 10:08:45 PM] Felix: Roll! [10/30/2013 10:11:05 PM] Kate: ((4!)) [10/30/2013 10:13:27 PM] Felix: He starts going faster, and your dress is impeding your efforts to tackle him. He's running to a crowd of folks that apparently just got off a big ocean liner and are filing from the docks onto the street. [10/30/2013 10:13:56 PM] Kate: STOP IN THE NAME OF THE LAW OR I'LL SHOOT. [10/30/2013 10:15:41 PM] Felix: He doesn't acknowledge you! He pulls out the weapon, which is a knife. The knife seems to be covered with something black and gross. [10/30/2013 10:16:00 PM] Kate: Kate hitches up her skirts and RUNS. [10/30/2013 10:18:52 PM] Felix: You spot Ebenezer! Like, your Ebenezer. Well, a year earlier, carrying a suitcase, and looking at this bedraggled man who's yelling mangled scripture at him and brandishing a knife. [10/30/2013 10:19:14 PM] Kate: RUN EBEN! [10/30/2013 10:19:34 PM] Kate: Kate runs as hard as she can, *willing* herself to catch the bastard before he knifes her husband! [10/30/2013 10:20:15 PM] Felix: Roll! [10/30/2013 10:20:49 PM] Kate: ((8!)) [10/30/2013 10:22:52 PM] Felix: You manage to move very quickly! The raggedy man grows about a foot taller, becomes black, like the wolf.... just a man shaped splotch of black paint, who turns toward you, holding up his knife, which is now much longer and wicked and still dripping with poison. [10/30/2013 10:23:23 PM] Kate: Kate pulls off her brooch and tries to stab him with the pin! [10/30/2013 10:26:36 PM] Felix: You stab him! When the pin touches him, you hear a sound like a shotgun going off, and he screeches. Black goo runs out of him, over the broach and your arm, which is getting really cold, by the way. Roll a d10. [10/30/2013 10:27:32 PM] Kate: ((10, MOTHERFUCKER, YEAH!!!)) [10/30/2013 10:30:47 PM] Felix: You pull your hand out!! And hold onto the broach, barely. He lunges at you with the knife again, but misses. [10/30/2013 10:31:05 PM] Kate: Kate stabs repeatedly!! [10/30/2013 10:35:21 PM] Felix: Bang! Bang! Bang! The flat black goop kinda flows off him and starts sliding away in a puddle, down a nearby stormdrain. And the old man... is just an old man again, and dead in the street! [10/30/2013 10:36:02 PM] Felix: A couple of policeman are coming over to you. [10/30/2013 10:36:23 PM] Kate: Kate shudders. [10/30/2013 10:36:51 PM] Kate: Kate tells them what happened! A derelict from the park told her he was going to stab that man over there (Eben)! [10/30/2013 10:37:47 PM] Felix: The injuries on the old man don't look like pinpricks, they look like shotgun wounds. And the policemen are looking at each other like they think you're crazy. [10/30/2013 10:37:57 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  She's right, he ran up to me with a knife. [10/30/2013 10:40:19 PM] Kate: Kate smiles at him, slightly. Very slightly. [10/30/2013 10:41:10 PM] Felix: Policeman:  ...where's the gun? [10/30/2013 10:42:00 PM] Kate: I don't have a gun, sir. [10/30/2013 10:42:42 PM] Felix: Policeman:  ...this man was shot three times, it looks like. [10/30/2013 10:44:41 PM] Kate: I don't have a gun. [10/30/2013 10:44:49 PM] Kate: Kate lifts her arms and turns around. No guns. [10/30/2013 10:45:21 PM] Felix: Both of them look at each other! "Well... maybe you should come with us, both of you." [10/30/2013 10:45:52 PM] Kate: All right. [10/30/2013 10:46:34 PM] Felix: They take you to the nearest station and leave you sitting there with Ebenezer while they go and explain the situation to a hire-up. [10/30/2013 10:47:58 PM] Kate: Kate looks at Ebenezer. [10/30/2013 10:51:25 PM] Kate: You know me at all? [10/30/2013 10:53:54 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  I should hope so, you're my wife. [10/30/2013 10:54:29 PM] Kate: Kate beams, and hugs him. [10/30/2013 10:54:50 PM] Felix: Ebenezer: ... we're still here. So i guess you're not done rescuing me? [10/30/2013 10:56:51 PM] Kate: ... [10/30/2013 10:56:54 PM] Kate: ... shoot, you're right. [10/30/2013 10:56:57 PM] Kate: Kate is crestfallen. [10/30/2013 10:57:37 PM] Kate: There's usually three challenges. So what's the third one? [10/30/2013 10:58:22 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  I don't know. What was the first one? [10/30/2013 10:58:50 PM] Kate: I went to your house. You were 10. I found out some things about your ma. [10/30/2013 10:59:13 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Did you kill...whatever you had to kill there? [10/30/2013 10:59:28 PM] Kate: Tried to. [10/30/2013 10:59:52 PM] Kate: Not too sure one way or another. That mighta not been the challenge, either. Fennick was there, or it looked like. *And* I found out about your mother. [10/30/2013 11:00:04 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  What did you find out? [10/30/2013 11:00:25 PM] Kate: She might've been part Indian. [10/30/2013 11:00:41 PM] Kate: From India. [10/30/2013 11:01:03 PM] Kate: She's beautiful, she mostly keeps to herself. And she's really smart--spent all her time in the library. [10/30/2013 11:01:26 PM] Kate: Polite. Kind to people. Black hair. Her name's Laurel. [10/30/2013 11:01:40 PM] Kate: She spent a lot of time with you when you were a baby. Before she left. [10/30/2013 11:03:55 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Bess told me that. Wish I could remember her. Wish I could find her. [10/30/2013 11:04:21 PM] Kate: ... I got some money saved up. [10/30/2013 11:05:51 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Me too. It's okay. Thank you for looking, though. [10/30/2013 11:06:07 PM] Kate: It'd be enough to hire somebody. And I got connections in Europe. [10/30/2013 11:06:57 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  What kind of connections? [10/30/2013 11:07:20 PM] Kate: Law enforcement, mainly. Folks who find people. [10/30/2013 11:09:45 PM] Kate: I'm not local law, remember? I've worked with folks from France, England, Mexico, lots of places. [10/30/2013 11:11:17 PM] Felix: Ebenezer smiles. "Right.  Well.  Thank you for asking after her.  I was ten, you say?" [10/30/2013 11:11:57 PM] Kate: Ten. I was a singer your father hired. [10/30/2013 11:12:36 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Hmm. I wonder why you were a singer? [10/30/2013 11:13:10 PM] Kate: I was going to ask you that. [10/30/2013 11:13:21 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Well, you do have a fine voice. [10/30/2013 11:13:28 PM] Kate: Kate reddens a bit. [10/30/2013 11:13:35 PM] Kate: Thanks. [10/30/2013 11:21:26 PM] Felix: He looks around. "...we've been here for awhile." [10/30/2013 11:22:03 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  ... I think you'll eventually go back to when I was ten. Now's the time to ask me any questions, I think. [10/30/2013 11:22:21 PM] Kate: There was a black wolf in the library that attacked me. [10/30/2013 11:22:34 PM] Kate: You're not black when you turn, so I'm guessin' that's what's out of place, what I need to kill. [10/30/2013 11:23:04 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Sounds about right. [10/30/2013 11:23:19 PM] Kate: I don't want to sing. [10/30/2013 11:23:56 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  ... but you're not singing in front of anyone, not really. [10/30/2013 11:24:32 PM] Kate: I don't know the *words.* [10/30/2013 11:25:47 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Words to what? [10/30/2013 11:26:10 PM] Kate: *Anything.* [10/30/2013 11:26:15 PM] Kate: I'm supposed to be some kind of opera singer. [10/30/2013 11:28:39 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Hmm. Well. There's a bunch of music books in the library. [10/30/2013 11:29:44 PM] Kate: I don't read *notes.* [10/30/2013 11:29:46 PM] Kate: I got to *hear* it. [10/30/2013 11:30:40 PM] Kate: ... when did you start music lessons? [10/30/2013 11:30:54 PM] Felix: When I was seven or so, I think. [10/30/2013 11:31:14 PM] Kate: Then we can go to the piano and you can play it for me. [10/30/2013 11:31:28 PM] Kate: ... what about languages, what time did you learn all that? [10/30/2013 11:32:54 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  ... since I started schooling, really. [10/30/2013 11:33:08 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  My father made sure I was taught latin first. [10/30/2013 11:33:25 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Think I learned Latin and French around the same time. [10/30/2013 11:34:05 PM] Kate: Latin and French. You can teach me how to say Latin an' French, and I can sing it after you play it for me on the piano. [10/30/2013 11:34:06 PM] Kate: If I have to. [10/30/2013 11:34:16 PM] Kate: I'm still hoping to kill it and get out. [10/30/2013 11:35:16 PM] Kate: ... I need to hurry, Eben. [10/30/2013 11:36:12 PM] Felix: Ebenezer nods. "I know.  How did you end up here?" [10/30/2013 11:37:29 PM] Kate: I fell when I attacked the black wolf in your library. [10/30/2013 11:38:42 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  ... and then you ended up here? Maybe if you go back to where you ended up here you can go back to the library? [10/30/2013 11:39:26 PM] Kate: ... and stand in the fountain? [10/30/2013 11:39:56 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Fountain? [10/30/2013 11:42:15 PM] Kate: In the park, where I met the madman tried to stab you. [10/30/2013 11:43:11 PM] Felix: Ebenezer:  Oh. Well, yeah, you can try that. I don't know what else you can do. I feel like I'm just kind of an observer here, you're the only one that can change things. Maybe you can just will yourself back. [10/30/2013 11:44:57 PM] Kate: ... one thing first. [10/30/2013 11:45:00 PM] Kate: Kate kisses him. [10/30/2013 11:45:09 PM] Felix: He kisses you back! [10/30/2013 11:46:56 PM] Kate: Kate finishes kissing him and *wills* herself back to the mansion. [10/30/2013 11:47:02 PM] Felix: Roll a d10! [10/30/2013 11:49:13 PM] Kate: ((6!)) [10/30/2013 11:50:19 PM] Felix: Okay! you end up back at the mansion! And we're gonna leave it there.