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Seven Fingers- Calon y M?r (Sara, Henri, Kir, John)
-Kir- ? ?? Kir listened as Sara and John talked. She was still amazed at how different this was compared to how things were when she was, well in her body. Colors seemed brighter yet others were more washed out. There was food and drink and the biggest difference was magic. They way she viewed it and the way it felt to her. She was very unsure what would happen if and when she had to use it. Would it work how she wanted it to. ?? Her attention turned to Bonnie when she came back with the soup. It smelled delicious. "Thank you Bonnie. It smells delightful, and the bread mmm. This looks really good." She picks up the spoon and takes a bite. "Bonnie, this is the best chowder I have ever had." ?? She looks to Sara as she eats. "Sara, what would you do to help an entity that might be trapped and forced to do a master's bidding for evil." ? ?Sara Sara looked to both Kir and John. ¡°Wait? What makes you think the entity is trapped here? And what makes you think it¡¯s doing evil? And what makes you think it has a master and why do you both think I know?¡± Sara nibbles on her bottom lip. Was the captain really trapped here to do the bidding of an evil master?Sara realized then she had to find him. She needed to talk to him alone. And she had to get away from Kir and John to do so. <John Merriweather> "Well," John began, "I would hardly think that an powerful entity would wish to remain bound here. As for evil, well, I do not believe the entity to be evil. I do, however, know from personal experience that whoever has power over the entity is using it for nefarious purposes." He glanced at Kir. "When I was rescuing Lady Kirshvasser I encountered said sinister magi and temporarily dispatched him with a rubber quarrel." He saw Bonnie looking at him and added, "it's a tale unto itself, and far too long for the telling here." Turning to Sara he continued, "and I do not think you know. You do, however, have a much greater familiarity with this realm than I and a much better chance of locating said entity so we can return to the ship quickly." Leaning back he added, " Anywise, in the interest of getting done quickly I believe it would behoove us to split into teams and meet back here." "Oooh! I'm goin' wi' Sara!" Bonnie sang out. "Her an' me's mates, we is!" She nudged Sara and added with a wink, "I'll bring us along some grog, aye?" TAG: Kir, Sara, any |
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Re: Raconteur City: There's Murder Afoot (Luke, Scarlett)
? [Luke with multiple NPC's] Jenny Lee, Bobby Lee¡¯s young daughter is very sick Charlie Talman? veteran cop killed in a strange car wreck Tad Jenny Lee, Bobby Lee¡¯s young daughter is very sick Charlie Talman? veteran cop killed in a strange car wreck Tad Bruster? young cop big like Jones Clive Baker - City chief of police Myer - A fireman ? young cop big like Jones Clive Baker - City chief of police Myer - A fireman ? Luke started his pickup and headed out of town headed west. Morgan City was the closest he could find an Air Boat to take him up into the Bayou. The call about Jenny was upsetting and it looked as if it were up to him. Bobby Lee lived deep in the Bayou far away from the highway and completely water-locked.? Luke had been there one time about ten years ago. It was a faint memory at best.? He could navigate well enough just using his phone. Granted that he could get a reception.? But if he got close enough he had other means to find the place.? The hardest part was getting a boat at this late hour. Bobby had called Luke just as he was getting back to the dock and now it was after 11.? He knew the boat rental guy well and he could rough over any doubts with some extra cash.? Luke hadn¡¯t gotten three miles before he came up on a bad accident. Two fire trucks, an ambulance and three Raconteur squad cars filled the night with flashing, strobing light.? He pulled over to see if there was anything he could do to help.? Tad Bruster, a young cop about the size of Jones loomed up ahead. ¡°What happened Tad?¡± ¡°A mess...ah...Charlie...he is dead.¡± ¡°What??¡± The only Charlie Luke knew was Charlie Talman. He was another cop. A fifteen year veteran. He¡¯d know Charlie forever.? ¡°Charlie?¡± Was all Luke could manage. He was stunned. He¡¯d spoken to Charlie just last week. His oldest daughter was having a baby and..? ¡°Oh man.¡± ¡°I know,¡± Tad said sadly. ¡°Clive here?¡± ¡°Yeah,¡± Tad pointed vaguely ahead. ¡°Mind if I...¡± ¡°Go ahead, Clive might need you.¡± Luke walked up the scene, his mind still reeling.? The squad car was sideways against a large Cypress.The car looked like it was folded around the tree.? He spotted Clive standing nearby with a couple of firemen.? Near the accident the EMT¡¯s were putting a body onto a stretcher.? ¡°Luke,¡± Clive said. He didn¡¯t reach out to offer his hand. Luke didn¡¯t even notice. ¡°What the hell Clive?¡± Luke started. ¡°Nothing you can do here Luke,¡± Myer said. He was a young fireman from town. Luke knew everyone in Raconteur.? ¡°Charlie.¡± Luke said again. ¡°I know,¡± Clive replied. ¡°This is some shit. What do I tell Cindy and...¡± ¡°How did it happen?¡± ¡°Unclear. The tire tracks show he was dragging on two wheels when headed off the road. Left tire tracks for thirty feet.? There was no other vehicle involved as far as we can tell.¡± ¡°That doesn¡¯t add up Clive.¡± Luke was suddenly fired up and angry as hell. He marched off towards the accident. The squad car had been manipulated. As simple as that. Someone had murdered Charlie. He stood staring as if somehow this was just a nightmare and he¡¯d wake up. He wouldn't cry for Charlie but he did for his daughter.? He stood there, eyes stinging for a long time.? Luke couldn¡¯t sulk over it for long. Jenny was sick and waiting on him. He marched back to the Chief.? ¡°I¡¯m going to look into this Clive. Someone is going to pay for this!¡± ¡°Calm down Luke. Keep your distance. Let me handle the investigation.¡± Clive put a hand on Luke¡¯s arm. Luke pulled away angrily. ¡°I¡¯ve got to run. Jenny Lee is sick.¡± ¡°°Â³ó´Ç?¡± ¡°They live deep in the swamp. I¡¯ll talk to you tomorrow.¡± Luck stormed off.? He got back in his pickup and pulled through the scene carefully then floored it for Morgan City. ? ? Tag - Scarlett, any |
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Re: Delta Blues Fresh off the Boat (Nathan)
¿ªÔÆÌåÓý[Nate] The band broke up sometime after 1 in the morning. Nate shook all players' hands and pledged he¡¯d be back each evening they were scheduled to play. Turned out the only night they didn¡¯t play was Sunday. He was fine with that. No one was left in the room he¡¯d met earlier that day. The FBI agent named Gloria had taken off at some point. The exotic named Mary had also fled the bar. That was fine with Nathan. He wasn¡¯t nearly alone, not yet. Several women approached him as he tried to leave the bar. He greeted each one with equal aplomb and as equal a rejection. It was easy enough, he¡¯d had an exhausting day. Had just arrived in town and was not ready to party into the early morning. His answers were all true. He wasn¡¯t ready. Outside on the street the party wasn¡¯t over. It wasn¡¯t Mardi Gra yet but the tourists were in full regalia and mood. He shrugged past all the typical marks and headed for his new home, guitar case in hand. It was named ¡®Cranberry House¡¯ and it was right off Orleans Drive. He¡¯d heard about on his last visit and had made arrangements months ago for a room. The house was huge and well lit. He pushed through the wrought iron gate and looked up at the place. Two stories tall panel house painted a light blue with black ornate shutters. The porch was fifteen feet wide with three iron chairs and an expensive looking chandelier fixture over the front door. There was a passcode number on the lock. He entered his number and pushed inside. Inside was a cozy hallway dimly lit with a fake flickering candle on a long low table. The foyer included wide stairs that were lit by another flickering candle on the wall and another at the top landing. His room was upstairs. Beyond the foyer the floors were carpeted in a deep pile colored a dingy purple. The walls were white and covered with antique paintings of landscapes and portraits of people who lived long ago. Before he could climb the stairs he heard a rustle of footsteps from down the hall. An elderly looking lady in a nightgown appeared out of the gloom. She carried an old-fashioned lantern that was lit by an LED. Despite her age the lady had obviously been a beauty in an earlier life. Her hair was long and white that fell over shoulders that didn¡¯t droop with age. Her eyes shone with a clear and intelligent gleam. Her smile was genuine and inviting. ¡°You must be Nathan. Welcome to Cranberry House. I am the house mum, call me Betty.¡± ¡°Thank you, Betty,¡± Nate smiled back. ¡°You still have my number?¡± ¡°³Û±ð²õ.¡± ¡°Great, just call if you need anything. Breakfast is at 7 and dinner at 6. It would be excellent if you let me know if and when you will attend. You can simply text me. A day in advance would be excellent.¡± ¡°No problem,¡± Nathan replied. She climbed the stairs and showed him his room. It was very large with a full closet and bath. Two windows looked out over the street. A huge bed, which had to be king sized, filled a large space in the middle of the room. A desk, TV and sofa completed the arrangement. All the colors were soft and dark. The room lit by two wall mounted sconces that flipped off by the door and by the bathroom. A fancy billiard light sat on the desk. ¡°You are still planning on staying indefinitely?¡± ¡°I have no plans to go for the time being. I¡¯ll front you another month in a couple of days.¡± ¡°Perfect, happy to have you.¡± Betty wished him a goodnight and left him as graciously as she had greeted him. Nathan sat down at the desk. On the left side was a nicely tucked phone charger. He laughed at the pleasure it gave him. The Bed and Bath had everything he could possibly want or need. He opened up his phone, leaned back in the comfortable desk chair and began reading the latest book from Tochi Onyebuchi.?
TAG Romy, Kaomin, any |
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Re: No Bottom
¿ªÔÆÌåÓýNo Bottom Cat and Scott
Desired pt 2
After what seemed like an incalculable amount of time the van came to a stop. She could hear him exit. There was a few minutes of silence then she heard something at the back door. It opened and Reggie stood looking down at her with a grim smile on his face.?? ???Hey Angel. I???ll get you all set up.??? He undid something that had her legs locked down. Then he pulled her out of the van and settled her into a wheelchair.?? ???Home sweet home,??? he said cheerfully. She couldn???t answer with the gag in place. There were lots of trees everywhere she looked. A two-story house was close by. He began to wheel her in that direction. He guided her inside the lower portion of the house through a door that looked like it was made out of steel.?? Reggie flipped on an overhead light, and she could see it was made up as a large bedroom. A large bed, a bedside table, a few lamps and a large TV that sat on a long low chest of drawers. ???I know this is going to take some time but be a good girl for me today, okay???? He lifted her onto the bed. He then attached a heavy looking clasp onto her right ankle. It was tight but lined in a velvet-like cloth that didn???t feel too bad against her skin. A cable was linked to the clasp. It ran to a center support post that went from floor to ceiling and looked to be made of iron. The cable was covered in plastic. It looked like the kind one might use to tie down a dog in the backyard.?? ???I???m going to take off the gag. Please don???t scream. We are out in the country with no one for miles.??? He cut off the gag then cut off the plastic ties on her wrists and on her ankles. She was free, not counting the long leash attached to the load bearing post. As soon as the gag was removed Valerie didn???t in fact start screaming. Perhaps it didn???t help, but honestly, she didn???t care. None of this made sense. Reggie was her husband???s friend. He was one of the good guys. What had he taken her here? It didn???t make sense. None of it.?? She kept on screaming, physically crawling away from him as far as she possibly could. ???Why are you doing this? I don???t get it. Get away from me,??? The words came out all jumbled. Tears running down her face.?? What was this place? It seemed so calculated. Almost as if he had it all planned out. This room, this house. No, right? This was a mistake? Had to be. Some misplaced joke.?? ???This isn???t funny Reggie. I don???t know what the hell is wrong with you, but you need to let me go. If Brian finds out about this, he???ll kill you.??? God what if ??? what if he had hurt ???. No, she couldn???t think like that. All he had to do was let her go.?? ???Let me go, I can???t stay here. The kids will be worried. You know them Reggie, you know me. I don???t know what is going on but please just let me go.?? Reggie rushed to her, took a handful of her hair and brutally slapped her hard across her cheek.?? ???Shut up! You are mine. I don???t want to hear about kids or Brian ever again. You will regret it and so will they.??? He let the implied threat hang in the air. ???Now you have no choice but to love the only man who has loved you. We will be happy together.??? He was delusional??? had to be. What was all this talk about loving her. Deep down Val had suspected that perhaps there had been more at play than mere friendly interest. Women usually could tell. Reggie had always been a bit overly polite and charming when it came to their interactions. But that had been it. Brian was his friend. They had known each other for years and now all of this??? The slap caught her off guard. The brutality of that simple act, shocking her. It was a wake up call without a doubt. He wasn???t fooling around. This was not some sick game. He would hurt her if need be, would hurt her family, her children.?? That simple realisation made her come down. There was no playing around, no room for games now. She needed to get out of here, as soon as possible.?? A comfortable chair sat in a far corner. He went and sat down. Remotes lay on a side table. He grabbed one and turned on the TV. After flipping through the channels he settled on one that was showing some current news broadcast. ???...Thank you Mayor,??? said Brian???s Captain. ???If you have any questions my two Detectives Sam Enos and Brian Perry are on the case would be happy to answer.?? Brian and Sam stepped up to the podium. A reporter from the local TV station got the first question. ???When do you think the killer will strike again???? Reggie started to laugh. ???That is not your husband. If you defy me I will kill everyone you love, everyone you have ever known.??? He chuckled to himself.?? Eventually he left the room through another solid looking door. She thought she could hear him going up some stairs. The sound was muted. Then it was very quiet. On the TV Brian looked right into the camera and spoke. ???Be alert, we will get this perpetrator. We will need your help.??? Several other questions came for the two Detectives but they declined to give anymore details. The new conference finished up and the image reverted to a commercial for facial cream. Seeing Brian???s face on the screen nearly unhinged her. It was just so hard, seeing him right there. This was the man she loved, the man she would trust with her life. He would come. He would help her. There was no doubt in her mind about that. But seeing him like that. Over there on that screen. It made tears dwell in her eyes. Val just loved him so much. She would do whatever she needed to do in order to get out of here. Get back to him.?? He came back too soon though. Not giving her time to figure out a plan of attack. Find some sort of weapon to protect herself with. Val you need to be smart here girl. You can do this. Stay calm. Not think of everything that can go wrong. Just focus on getting out.?? Reggie suddenly appeared in the doorframe. Beer in hand he glared at Val. Then he took a seat and changed the channel.?? ???I guess you are not yet news worthy,??? he said. Then he put on a movie and opened his beer. ???You are delusional. Do you really think you can get away with this???? Valerie couldn???t help but throw out. Her face was hurting, she was scared and cold, but most of all she was just angry. Furious even.?? ???Who the fuck do you think you are anyway? You don???t think he is going to find me Reggie? He???s your friend. You know him. Brian won???t stop at anything to find me and when he does he will fucking end you.??? Her husband was a lot of things but most of all he was determined.?? ???Look I don???t what you are playing at but we are not playing happy house here. I???m not going to give in to whatever sick fantasy you might have. So just let me go,??? Valerie demanded again as she was pulling and pushing to get the chain off ???Let me go right now.????? Reggie sighed. ???I thought you would understand what a mistake you made. I don???t think you know what I???m willing to do.????? He left for a couple minutes then came back in. He wore a pair of surgical gloves and carried a syringe with a long wicked looking needle. ???I wanted this to be amicable.??? He pulled out a taser and held it up so she could see it.?? ???We can have some fun or I can have some fun. Which way do you want it Valerie???? He rushed her like a bull. The taser caught her on the lower leg. Like the last time she could do little but experience the pain of a thousand needles shooting through her body. As she slowly came out of the paralyzation effect another pain came from an injection on her arm. The Ketamine injection worked quickly. Val felt suddenly woozy. Her body felt light and she could barely move her arms or legs. She watched detached as Reggie began undressing her. ???This could have been mutual. I don???t mind doing it this way,??? he said. She struggled as he tore away her underwear. Suddenly his hands were around her neck and squeezing hard.???? ???Don???t make me,??? he whispered. ???I love you Valerie. Don???t make me kill you too.??? This wasn???t happening. It couldn???t be. She tried to fight, tried to resist, but he was fast. Knocking her out. The taser, then the injection??? drugs, had to be. No matter how hard Val tried to resist, tried to get away, it was useless. There wasn???t anything she could do. Just lie there as he started to undress her.?? ???No please, Reggie, you don???t have to do this, please don???t.??? Even though there wasn???t anything she could. Valerie still felt it all. His hands on her body, his mouth against her skin. His breath. It made her sick to her stomach, made her want to throw up.?? ???You can still let me go. I won???t say anything.??? Desperate plea. He wouldn???t just let her go but if he did this Val knew that there was no more going back. Then he???d eventually kill her. If he wouldn???t already ????? His hands around her throat??? suffocating her ???. Squeezing the life out of her. No, she had to live, for the kids, for Brian, for ???.?? ???Regg??? ple..ase ??? do.. Please.. . I???m ??? baby??? I???m pregnant??? ??? |
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Runaway Queen
Ana saw the sign and felt tears fill her eyes. So this is what the Solarian¡¯s did...they disgraced and made fun of her father and her people. Using the nobility of her family and ancestors as props for a tavern of all places.
Everything in her wanted to slap this man. Then stalk away with her head held high. But she didn¡¯t. At least not yet. His answer to the question meant that although he was disgraceful enough to use her lineage, he was unaware of the mark of her ancestors based on her eyes and coloring. So maybe she would be safe here for a time. ¡°Thank you for your hospitality sir. Will I be allowed to wash and freshen up before I start my chores and duties?¡± ¡°I see by the look in your eyes,¡± Davius offered with a raised eyebrow, ¡°that you haven¡¯t heard the tale of Arbalest the Second of Ranuvia.¡± He sat down on the long bench that ran along the wall of the tavern, and patted the seat beside him. ¡°Have a seat, Quinn, before you go to wash up, and I¡¯ll tell you how my inn got its name.¡± ¡°Hogs Head,¡± he began, ¡°is the southern cape of Solaria. The weather is very fickle, we have shipwrecks all the time and hence more than our share of scavengers, the mudlarks. About a century and a score of years ago old Arbalest there was on a trading and diplomatic mission to his friend,¡± the innkeeper chuckled, ¡°yes friend, Rastivan, King of Solaria.¡± ¡°Hard to believe in these times, right?¡± he asked. ¡°Anyway, the Ranuvian fleet ran into bad weather off the cape and put in here, as the king was incredibly seasick. I would think his ¡®last supper¡¯ was probably a bowl of broth instead of that feast on the sign, but I wasn¡¯t there.¡± Davius sighed. ¡°Anyway, Arbalest decided to finish his journey over land, and so he took a coach and a small detachment of men northward along the highway.¡± ¡°He ran afoul of bandits dressed as Solarian soldiers, or perhaps renegade Solarian soldiers, or perhaps even a detachment on patrol. Nobody really knows. In the fighting Arbalest was mortally wounded. Meanwhile Rastivan heard of his friend's change of travel plans and sent his own son, Crown Prince Aorik, southward with an escort of soldiers.¡± ¡°Well, when Aorik arrived the surviving Ranuvians thought the bandits were returning, and defended themselves. Aorik was killed. The Ranuvians accused Solaria of Regicide, the Solarians claimed that Prince Aorik was murdered in cold blood, and a blood feud ensued. It has lasted from that day until this.¡± Davius looked at the sign swinging slowly in the breeze. ¡°And that sign depicts the last time our kingdom was at peace, a foreign king enjoying our hospitality.¡± He looked at Ana then. ¡°Best get cleaned up,¡± the innkeeper advised, ¡°¡®tis slow now but when supper comes we¡¯ll be busy.¡± Ana kept her face serene as Darvius explained the Solarian version of the blood feud. It was an interesting tale.? ¡°I see¡± Considering she had to live through the blood feud and she was the only one left of her family from its wake and the fact that it had killed Stefan¡¯s sisters and mother and younger brother she knew the blood feud was way deeper than and interesting tale from moreover a century ago. She had lived in twofold...at the hands of the Solarians when she was a child and at the hands of her husband only a few short days ago. She looked at him and nodded. ¡°Based on that story, the blood feud between Ranuvia and Solaria was just one major misunderstanding.? I know for a fact the rest of Solaria do not look at it that way.? Are you saying that Hogs End is neutral ground? That the people here do not see Ranuvia as the enemy? And it is this thought that allows you to use that image for your Alehouse? Unless of course they see it as you mocking the enemy then I guess no one would care. What do you think? For the people of Hogs End is Ranuvia the enemy?¡± Davius laughed. ¡°For the people of Hogs End everyone is an outsider. You might find that common people and kings have quite different thoughts about war as well. The ¡®misunderstanding¡¯ was just the start of course. Once the nobles found out it¡¯s easier to control a populace in war, well, nobody really wanted to stop it. At least, at first. Now, a century or so later, nobody knows how to stop it, the hatred has festered too long.¡± He sighed. ¡°T¡¯won¡¯t end till they¡¯re all dead.¡± ¡°But it has stopped. Crown Prince Stefan of Solaria has married Ranuvia¡¯s only heir Princess Anastaseah. Together they will unite the two counties and build a new tomorrow. Do you not believe this is what will happen? Do you not believe this can happen?¡± Davius just smiled then. ¡°I will only believe it when my own eyes gaze upon it. Right now my eyes have gazed upon the time, and if you¡¯re going to get washed up in time to fix supper then we¡¯d best get you settled.¡± He led Ana to a small, sparse, but clean room. ¡°There¡¯s a dress or two in the armoire, and an apron. The pitcher and bowl are for washing up, and the garderobe is down the hall on the left. I¡¯ll send Bess, our serving wench, up with some ointments and clean bandages for your scrapes. ¡°Of course,¡± she said standing. She quickly moved upstairs to where her room was. She saw the cuts and bruises on her face and arms. Sighing she washed. Then she dressed in the simple grey skirt and white shirt tying the apron. Pulling her long dark hair into a messy bun, she came down stairs. Ready to help in anyway she could. The huge fireplace in the kitchen was already going, the hearth was full of pots. A huge cauldron hung over the fire. Loaves of bread sat rising beside the warm bricks. Davius stood in the middle of a score of kitchen help like a maestro with an orchestra. Seeing Ana he admitted, ¡°my Elise does this so much better than I. Have ye ever commanded an army, Quinn? This is much harder.¡± Turning to the staff Davius pronounced, ¡°this is Madam Quinn, she¡¯s t¡¯ be fillin¡¯ in for Madam Elise. She¡¯s in charge, see? Give her any of yer blarney an¡¯ ye¡¯ll have me t¡¯ deal with. Now get back t¡¯ work.¡± As he took Quinn aside he asked, ¡°I know ye said you can cook, Quinn, but are ye comfortable commanding servants? Do ye think you can run the kitchen?? If not sing out now and I¡¯ll stay back here, only relying on your culinary skill an¡¯ taste buds.¡± ¡°I can do both. And command an army.¡± She said with a wink. ¡°Go. Tend to your guests. And when I have a moment I¡¯ll take Madame Elise something to eat. Now off wit¡¯cha.¡± She said then turned back to the kitchen. ¡°Shall we?¡± And then she jumped right in. Taking charge and giving orders and helping where she could. |
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Runaway Queen
At first Pug was dumbfounded, nobody had ever cared if he was ¡®alright¡¯ and he had no response. Quinn¡¯s eyes were stunning, the way they caught the dim light entering the nock and threw it back. Finally he offered, ¡°s¡¯good. Brinkt you some two-day bread an¡¯ beer. Needs the bottle back or the baker beats me,¡± he added as he handed the woman both.
Glancing towards the cave entrance he said, ¡°s¡¯gotta go finds things now so¡¯s we can have coppers for t¡¯ buy supper.¡± He turned towards the entrance, then turned back. ¡°S¡¯ a mudlark, y¡¯know? Finting things on the beach t¡¯ sells.¡± He grinned then, displaying broken, rotten teeth. ¡°I fount you.¡± She smiled taking the items. ¡°Thank you for sharing with me. That is very sweet of you.¡± When he mentioned he found her, she nodded. ¡°Yes, you did. And I am very appreciative.¡± When he turned to leave suddenly she didn¡¯t want him to leave. She didn¡¯t want to be alone. She had been alone so much lately. ¡°Can I... help¡± she said. ¡°I do not want you to get beat. You have been so kind to me. I want to repay you. Would you allow me to assist you today?¡± Pug looked at her. ¡°S¡¯you ain¡¯t no mudlark, Quinn, somebody sees you with us, somebody asks why. Somebody takes you away. Maybe somebody bad, ain¡¯t much goodness in Hogs End. Lucie¡¯s smart, she¡¯ll findt you a place-place to be, you¡¯ll see.¡± He winked, ¡°you¡¯ll see. I¡¯ll checks on you later, after middays.¡± With that the scrawny mudlark was gone, slipping out like a shadow. Ana sighed. She appreciated what Pug was saying. But she could not stay in a cold damp cave all day and night in a damp filthy chemise. She needed real clothing. She needed shoes. She needed to get home. So dispute the thumping of her head, Ana stood. ¡°Pug,¡± she called moving out of the cave, climbing down on shaky legs until she made it to the beach. She stopped, looking up to feel the warm sun shining on her dark features. Heating her skin. It was shortly after midday when Pug returned with an equally scrawny woman dressed in similar rags and also barefoot. She smiled at Ana with broken teeth. ¡°Ahm Lucie. S¡¯broughts summon to checks you out, Quinn,¡± she offered. With that a largish man with ruddy red hair and beard, going grey, stepped into the cave, turning sideways to navigate the narrow opening. He took in a breath, stifling a gasp, when he saw Ana. He then looked at the two mudlarks, who shied away from him. Turning back to Ana he asked, ¡°can ye cook, girl? I can¡¯t put someone with your looks out wi¡¯ the customers. The wife¡¯s down ill, probably for a fortnight or so, and I need summon to cook.¡± He glared at Pug and Lucie as he added, ¡°after that, if you wants to stay on, sup to you.¡± The warm friendly glow of a smile crossed his face and his light brown eyes twinkled. ¡°Unless you wish to stay hidden away in this cave?¡± Ana had moved back into the cave and had fallen asleep when she heard Pug¡¯s voice. Ana smiled at Lucie. ¡°Hi, you must be Lucie. Pug has said so much about...¡± Ana¡¯s voice trailed off when she saw the large man enter the cave. Her eyes narrowed and she quickly stood and she moved back. She looked to Pug for answers. However the man spoke. At his words she frowned...her looks? Did he know who she was? Was she still in Solaria? Pug never did answer the question. ¡°Yes, I cook.¡± When he smiled she was put a little at ease. ¡°And I can care for your wife as well if you like as well. I require nothing but room and board, but Do you at least promise to pay Lucie and Pug a fair wage. He chuckled softly at that. ¡°They¡¯ll get a finders fee,¡± he glared at the couple, ¡°not a purchase price. Ye can¡¯t just sell people, even if ye fount ¡®em fair an¡¯ square like.¡± He pulled a pair of coins from his worn apron and passed them to the mudlarks, whose eyes nearly popped out of their heads. ? ¡°Now you two don¡¯t go spending that all in one go, here? People¡¯ll think ye stolt ¡®em an lock ye both up.¡± Lucie and Pug were gone in a wink and a whistle. ¡°Name¡¯s Davius,¡± the big man said, turning to Ana. ¡°I run the ¡®King¡¯s Last Supper¡¯, it¡¯s an alehouse in town. I¡¯ll not ask why you came here, or where you¡¯re from. This is Hogs End, the arsehole of Solaria where everyone who¡¯s at the end of their rope winds up.¡± He looked her up and down. ¡°Come along then, let's get you cleaned up and mend those scrapes and bumps.¡± Ana blinked as the two that ran away. ¡°They tried to sell me?¡± She said with a sigh. ¡°I meant that little to them.¡± That made her sad a little. She had meant nothing more than a means to an end for them.? She supposed she couldn¡¯t blame them. They were poor and she had come to learn that the poor could be desperate when they were trying to survive. His sudden announcement about asking nothing about her was suspicious. Only certain people made those kinds of announcements. It made her wonder what kind of those people he was. Hogs End was still in Solaria. She needed to know how close to the northern border and the Capital she was. But that would have to wait. She nodded. ¡°How did they approach you about purchasing me?¡±? Ana said as she stood. Walking closer to the man in her dirty ratty silk chemise ¡°do you happen to have a cloak.¡± ¡°Of course, my dear,¡± Davius said, removing his own cloak and placing it over Ana¡¯s shoulders. He led her out of the narrow entrance, once again turning sideways himself, and down the narrow strip of coarse sand. ¡°It was known in town that I¡¯m in need of help,¡± he explained, ¡°and sos Lucie approached my scullery maid askin¡¯ if I wanted to buy summon what was found on the beach t¡¯ help.¡± He huffed, ¡°well I didn¡¯t know what to think, never heard of mudlarks finding summon alive, let alone sellin¡¯ em!¡± He stopped and looked at her then. ¡°I¡¯ll not ask your business, tis yours for the tellin¡¯, but I¡¯ll not carry a tale either. Can¡¯t say the same for other folk, town is full of gossip.¡± He winked, ¡°just so¡¯s ye know.¡± ¡°Thank you,¡± she said of the cloak. As she moved out into the sun with him she smirked when he explained the situation with Pug and Lucie. ¡°I do not suppose I blame them. Pug mentioned twice getting beat. It alarmed me. But I suppose selling me is the only way to insure that doesn¡¯t happen. I do not blame them at all.¡± Ana was not one to beat around the bush, so she said ¡°then would you advise me to stay out of sight once we arrive in Hogs End?¡± She asked hoping he understood her meaning. ¡°Not knowin¡¯ your situation,¡± Davius replied, ¡°I can not tell ye yay or nay. I can only say that tongues wag.¡± They came to a wide wooden stair that led to the quay where fishing boats would tie up later in the day. Right now the dockside area was nearly deserted, and the few people about paid them no mind at all as they passed. It was a short walk to the ¡®Kings Last Supper¡¯, a ramshackle but clean alehouse not far from the docks. The sign over the door betrayed a King seated before a great feast, but the King¡¯s features, garb, and crown were Ranuvian, not Solarian. As a matter of fact, the crown was obviously the one that had been worn by Ranuvian monarchs for centuries. ¡°Welcome to the best alehouse in Hogs End,¡± Davius proclaimed, ¡°and I¡¯m not just sayin¡¯ that because it¡¯s mine.¡± |
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Delta Blues (Romy Livingstom, Kaomin MacDonald)
¡°You call it crazy, I call it interesting,¡± Romy merely shrugged. ¡°We all have our little quirks I suppose. I¡¯m just a tad bit more appealing to look at.¡± There was no denying that the werecat was partial for a good challenge to sink her teeth in and the harder it? got, the more tenacious she became.
¡°Nice to meet you too. My partner seems to think that I¡¯ll be seeing a lot more of you in the months to come? so better start on some friendly terms here I¡¯m guessing.¡± Romy was a team player. If the team was willing. She wasn¡¯t one to back down and wasn¡¯t always the easiest to work with, but she always tried to make an effort regardless. ¡°So what can you give us? Have you worked your magic yet?¡± ¡°Magic? Heavens no, this is science,¡± Barney responded. ¡°So, his prints have been run with no hits, so he¡¯s never been arrested for anything. I've sent his DNA off to Codis. Exsanguination was performed through puncture wounds in the neck, typical, but there was some minor pooling in the skull suggesting that he was hanging by his feet.¡± He looked over his round reading glasses, ¡°that¡¯s not something the average vampire would do. Not saying that they would not, it¡¯s just odd.¡± Barney went back to the report. ¡°The, um, ¡®amputation¡¯ was performed post mortem, and was rather expertly done. It wasn¡¯t just hacked off in haste, there was some planning involved. Again, odd, but if the subject was already deceased there would be no reason to hurry.¡± ¡°Anyway,¡± the coroner finished up, ¡°I sent what little blood he had left off to toxicology and the few fibers and such to trace. There were a few long blond hairs that didn¡¯t appear to be vampiric.¡± Barney looked at the detectives, passing MacDonald a copy of the report. ¡°Any questions? Would you like to see the body?¡± There were a lot of things that struck Romy as odd but making educated guesses would help no one. The amputation but told her that it had to be personal. But whether it had something to do with the victim or the person doing the killing that still remained to be seen. A vampire had to be involved, but then why would they just hang him like that? It just didn¡¯t add up. ¡°Clearly not an impulse killing. So not a crime that was done in the heat of the moment. Curious.¡± Very curious indeed. ¡°Yes, I¡¯d like to see the body please.¡± As Barney led them to one of the drawers Kaomin asked, ¡°was there any vampiric saliva around the neck wounds?¡± ¡°As a matter of fact there was,¡± Barney replied, ¡°it¡¯s a strong anti-coagulant you know. There was no live vampire bacteria though. Not unusual as the body was cold a while before it was found.¡± The coroner pulled out one of the long drawers in the chiller, and then pulled back the sheet over the body. ¡°Mister Doe,¡± he said, ¡°May I introduce you to detectives Livingston and MacDonald.¡± He leaned down and whispered, ¡°MacDonald is the ugly one.¡± ¡°I heard that,¡± Kaomin snipped as he leaned over the body. ¡°I¡¯ve seen vampire kills before,¡± he observed, ¡°this one¡¯s off somehow.¡± He pulled back the sheet a little more, revealing the missing pieces, and winced. ¡°Glad that was post mortem,¡± he added. ¡°What do you mean with something? off?¡± Romy questioned, genuinely interested. She had the knowledge but not the experience and she was here to learn after all. It would make sense that vampire saliva would be found, considering this was a vampire killing. ¡°What are you thinking?¡± ¡°I¡¯m thinking,¡± Kaomin replied, ¡°that it¡¯s too, well, clean. When a vampire feeds it¡¯s almost like a junkie shooting up, or an orgasm. They get lost in the moment. If they get too lost then sometimes it results in the death of the donor, like this poor fellow.¡± His lips tightened, ¡°the thing is, it¡¯s usually messy. Scratches, extra bites, bruises, broken fingernails if the donor is fighting for their life to get away.¡± He pointed to the corpse¡¯s manicured hands. ¡°He didn¡¯t fight.¡± Kaomin turned to Barney. ¡°How long before toxicology comes back?¡± ¡°Two days,¡± Barney responded, ¡°they¡¯re backlogged again. Codis could take a week or more, prints were sent out to other agencies and military.¡± Kaomin¡¯s cell phone rang. ¡°Hello, Another one? Really? Same M.O? Damn, don¡¯t move the body, we¡¯re on the way.¡± ¡°C¡¯mon, Livingston, looks like you get to hit the ground running. We got another John Doe with no junk.¡± TAG Romy, Nate, any |
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Re: Raconteur City: The Summoning (Pyp, Kutsuki)
[Kutsuki] "Duly noted," was all that Kutsuki said to Pyp's answer to his second question.? It was disappointing though since it didn't really seem all that different from any other generic, cliched answer that a demon could give.? He was hoping for something a little more interesting, more substantial than the imp's seemingly inherent hate for the place of his birth.? He heavily sighed, crossing his arms again, glaring back at the demon's toothy smile.? "I would've expected a less boring answer from someone as flashy as you, but I guess not all of us can have what we want."? As much as he hated to admit, that especially held true for him, having expected the ruiner of wealth and not this...K-pop idol. "Very well.? I suppose I can't keep you locked up in there forever, not if I want to make _some_ use of you," Kutsuki said, yawning as he unhooked one hand and lazily waved in the air.? As if a small breeze swept through the room, the candle flames suddenly and violently were pulled to the left and then became extinguished, the only remnant of them ever being lit were the thin, tall columns of smoke that remained.? The invisible barrier that previously held the imp within its confines was now gone, letting the demon roam free should he wished to do so.? At the same time, the room was thrown into total darkness, with the exception of two pairs of glowing eyes - Pyp's and Kutsuki's.? He turned and walked up to the edge of room, stepping over things without a single stumble, using the same hand to flip a switch as a few different lamps came to life.? He wondered if the demon was going to say anything about that.? "You'll have to excuse this lack of propriety here.? Not all of us can snap their fingers and make shit happen." "Okay, _Pyp_."? Kutsuki stood again in front of the demon.? "I suppose I must satisfy my own curiosity, because who knows when next I will get a straight answer out of you.? What's got your panties into such a twist about Hell?? You'd think your kind would revel in the powers they get from there.? I mean you've got what, the usual powers of immortality, Hellfire, possession...so what gives?? Daddy issues?" [tag Pyp] |
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Re: Port Vega: Finding Gen. (aka the Russians Strike Back)
[Harrison]
[Kites] When Kites noticed Gen looking up at him, his face lit up and his mouth involuntarily smiled.? It seemed like she was trying to look at him, so he brushed her tousled hair out of her face and cupped her cheek, giving it a little rub with his thumb as he turned her towards him.? Her voice still sounded very labored, so when she tried to speak, he listened and without hesitation nodded at her request. "Okay, hang on...let me see if I can find something," he said, withdrawing his wing.? He was gently extricated himself, pulling the other out from under her, lifting her up and then tucked her back in.? Jumping up to his feet, he scratched his head as he started searching for something food related.? He has checked downstairs but it seemed to be quite bare and the bottom most floor had some visitors of the rodent variety, scattering to the shadows as they disappeared beneath the floor boards.? A few minutes later, he returned with some opened bags of chips and a bottle of water, not having found anything else.? "Here, I found some chips and a bottle of water.? If you'd like, I can prop you up on my knees so you're more elevated or you can lean against me if you feel like you can sit up?? I can feed you a few chips at a time so that you can take it easy..." "Or...if you can't chew, I can also..um...I can chew it up for you..." he said, turning beet red at the mere idea.? "You know, like how a...um..like how a mother bird feeds her chicks?? Oh God, that probably sounds so unappetizing."? He suddenly regretted saying that, looking away.? Who the hell would want someone to vomit out chewed up food into their mouth?? Ugh, how embarrassing... [tag Gen, open] |
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Re: Port Vega: Benders of Light (Keira, Mara, Devi, open)
(Devi)
[Mara] "Sounds good," Mara responded, having listened to the conversation.? Sounds like it was a potential recruit to the team, though she was sure that Keira would tell her more later.? "I'll actually take you up on that offer for rest, but I think I will still peek at those blueprints, at least to get a feel for it at first and will study it more later.? I shall see you later then."? She proceeded to give Keira a hug, not having done so in a very long time and then stalked off into the mansion, shutting the doors behind her.? She visibly relaxed but was still on her guard.? An assassin caught unawares made for one dead loser later.? Concentrating, she closed her eyes and then opened them, this time changing her vision to one of the infrared spectrum.? Should there be anyone hiding, they'd stand out like a bonfire in the darkness. The mansion was dimly lit from the inside, having seemingly no other occupants.? That are yet to be seen anyway.? Taking a note of her surroundings, Mara proceed further into the rooms, making sure to taste the air as she walked through them.? Stepping inside of Keira's office, she walked around the desk and sat down into the cushy, leather chair, letting her arms rest on the handles just for a moment.? A small hum left her lips as she sank into the pillowy material.? She forgot the last time she sat on something so soft, having spent most of her travels sleeping in caves or in the rafters of her targets, so as to better stay close to them.? As much she loved to just sit there, she scooted forward and placed her elbows on the table as she clicked the PC mouse a couple of times as the screen flickered to life.? When the monitor demanded a password, Mara swiped her finger across the scanner and having accepted that form of entry, the screen changed to one that already h ad the blueprints on screen.? Mara smiled. After having studied them enough, Mara locked the computer and then stretched.? Dinner should be still a ways off, which meant she'd have at bit of time to relax before Keira was back.? Leaving the office, she moved towards the bedrooms and having picked one, went inside and shut the door.? Examining the room, she found no such rafters.? That was a bummer, but still doable.? Shifting into her mamba form, she slithered behind the night stand, into a little hidden alcove and curled up.? Should anyone attempt to enter the room, she wouldn't know what hit 'em. [Exit Mara until Keira is back or dinner starts] |
dano9672
Scott
Luukasama