[IC] 🦄 Deeper Than The Sands - Merged With T.S.

[FantasyChic]

Josephine Clark

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Location: Grand Continental Hotel

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Josephine eased down the hallway and paid no mind to the looks and whistles she heard from some of the staff (ok...she paid a little attention..). Haakon went forward and she followed closely. The man they were chasing seemed to have a particular goal in mind, but she wondered what. The woman he was looking for shouldn't be here, of all places. It was a hotel, meant for guests. There was more to this than met the eye.

As they drew closer, the distant ring of the bell sounded. Though she paid very little attention, she did remember the reason for the bell, only because of how peculiar it was. Haakon had the same idea as her. It must be the man they were chasing. That made it all the more dangerous. And thrilling!

They got near the stairs and she looked up them, hoping to glance at the man. "He's here for another reason. I believe he is looking for that woman we met, but it makes little sense she would be here in a hotel. Unless she was hiding out, which would explain her escort for the night, that soldier man. But then...why not target her in her job? Her home? Surely he knows of her. No, he is here for another reason. We should give chase, but we should alert the staff soon so they can prevent his escape, should he run."

[Sigil]

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Reginald Keystone

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Location: Qasr El Nil Barracks (Officer's Club)

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"Now now, Peter. Don't get ahead of things. Of course I shall tell you why I brought such things into a House of Ill Repute." The Lord Major was trying to hold down a smile, only partially successful in the halfhearted attempt. His nephew had seen this look before in the old man; generally it meant that he was partaking in alcohol-based joviality and his next words should be taken with a grain of salt.

"Of course, dear girl. Now where was I? Ah yes, into a brothel; jackass and honeycomb... He thought for a second or two, and continued, "The madame asked, "How can I help you?", and I reply that I would like to trade the Jackass for time with one of her temporary paramours, you see."

Reginald looked at his audience of two, trying to gauge whether this particular story was going to offend any sensibilities or embarrass his nephew or the young lady that he had just met. The Lord Major was a Peered individual, noble and raised in Gentlemanly behavior, but at his core he was a soldier, and had been so for almost the whole of his life. Some of his "stories" leaned toward more common entertainment than the height of British Refinery. The old man was ready at a second's notice to abandon the conversation, if he detected a hint of social discomfort from his guests. For now, he continued:

"I told her that I had grown tired of the jackass, and it had been quite a while since I had enjoyed a woman's touch. Graciously, the madame honored my request. Then, she asked me about the honeycomb. I responded that I would like to trade the honeycomb for some food, as it was a very long journey and I was quite hungry at that time."

"Well, the madame was confused at this, and asked me why, were I hungry, did I not eat the honeycomb. I looked at her and told her - The same reason I brought the jackass."

[Lady Absinthia]

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Peter Keystone

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Location: Qasr El Nil Barracks Officers Club

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"No, no Miss Ridgeway, you are perfectly alright. Nothing to worry about," Peter assured Lauren with a straight smile before taking another sip of the champagne. Relaxing a bit he glanced away from her and thought back to why he was there, focusing on the present instead of the past. He had something to do tomorrow, something big, and he just hoped that everything would pan out in his favor. If Vera turned him down he wouldn't hold it against her. She had thought him dead all these years, it was not exactly prudent to believe that she would hold to a promise she made so many years ago and after his supposed death. She had to have moved on with her life, and while the thought that she had worried him, he couldn't blame her. He wouldn't have wanted her pining away for a dead man all these years, it wouldn't have been fair to her.

Pulling him out of his thoughts he glanced over towards his uncle and cocked a brow as the man started to let his tale unfold. He was tired of the donkey? What in the world was the man going on about? Then as he continued Peter had to refrain from snorting up the champagne through his nose as he stifled a laugh. Lowering the glass as the man finished the tale he let the laugh come to full fruition now that he didn't have to worry about choking himself.

"Well my, that is one tale for the record books uncle. Dare I ask how she took it?" Peter inquired before releasing the double meaning of what he was asking and held his hand up quickly. Never mind, never mind, some things are best left to the imagination and well. I hope my imagination is lacking in that department when it comes to you Regi," Peter said between laughter.

"Okay, personal note. Watch the donkey's and the honeycombs while we are out on the dig," he teased his uncle before looking over towards Lauren. "What about you? Any tales to weave to two old war horses? I am afraid I only have a love story to tell, I doubt that would be very interesting."

[Nallore]

Location: Qasr El Nil Barracks

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Lauren was taking another sip of her champagne as Reginald went on with his story she couldn't help but laugh and started to choke on her drink and started coughing severely. Lauren finally sighed as she tried calming herself down and the coughing eventually stopped, she turned to look over at Peter as she thought for awhile there was a lot that she could think of seeing past patrons of her father's bar. "That is an interesting story." Lauren said with a slight laugh as she pushed her glass aside, she continued to think for awhile until she finally thought of something. "Though it probably isn't as interesting as Reginald's." Lauren said as she ran a hand through her hair and leaned back in her seat.

"Anyway back home I am married, my husband wanted to ask me to marry him of course my father overheard. Basically if he wanted to marry me, he would have to beat my father in a drinking contest. Whoever got drunk first or passed out I would be able to marry him, so I started getting them drinks. It was funny actually seeing the two of them slowly getting piss drunk, but they both ended up passing out on the table at the same time." Lauren said with a light laugh.

She looked out towards the window Lauren started to feel a bit tired as she turned to look at the two war dogs next to her. "I actually should go and call it a night, i'm starting to feel a bit tired myself." Lauren said softly.

[Morose]

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Nora Kingston

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Location: Egyptian Museum ---> Heading to Garden City

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The guard frowned, perhaps a bit uncomfortable with Nora's request. He explained to her that they didn't have any guards to spare, but his eyes fell upon a tall figure behind her. As Nora turned, her stomach already filled with dread, her suspicions were proved to be most correct. The rough form of Mr. Drake came into her line of sight, and as if he had forgotten the commotion that occurred with Vera, he flashed a grin at Nora.

"I'll take you home," Mr. Drake offered, with a bit of a wink. "If that's okay with you, Eleanor."

It took all of Nora's strength to not do more than grimace. While she did not enjoy being called Lady Kingston, and preferred Miss Kingston, Mr. Drake saying her given name caused her to become most uncomfortable. Rarely anyone called her by her Christian name. But at the prospect of practicality, Nora recognized the logic in having an escort to her rooms in Garden City. And truth be told, Nora did not feel like playing the damsel in distress that evening, especially after the most peculiar events at the Nile.

"Thank you, Mr. Drake," Nora said, her voice hardly above a whisper. "That is most kind of you." However, it was clear that her words were stated for appearances, without any true feeling behind them. William hardly seemed to care, cracking jokes and attempting to be the ladies' man he always assumed himself to be as he escorted Nora to Garden City.

Caused by his insolent behavior, Nora could not help but feel moved to slap the man. It seemed to be an American fixation, this gaudy and horrible set of mannerisms. Nora did not care for the overly complex rules of British society, but the nastiness of Americans appalled her even more. It was for that reason, perhaps, that Nora detested Fannie, her eldest brother's wife.

"Take a look at that one," Mr. Drake nudged, whistling lowly as they spotted Aziza and Harry on the streets. Nora recalled meeting them at the museum, yet she was conflicted as to whether or not to approach them. The bell continued to ring, and Nora abhorred social interaction. She much preferred to be alone, and with Mr. Drake's strong need for conversation and uncouth remarks, she could not focus her mind on the work ahead of her.

"Perhaps you would find a more eager conversation partner in them, Mr. Drake," Nora suggested, not looking at the man.

"I'll find some sort of partner, that's for sure," Mr. Drake agreed. Nora scoffed and rolled her eyes. She was beginning to regret not simply asking the escaped prisoner to escort her to her residence. It would have been much more preferable company.

[ONL]

Haakon J. Elvsgaard

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Location:Grand Continetal Hotel

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"Well we can't do it, we have to follow him." Haakon said quietly to Josephine as they began ascending the steps, trying to act as normal as possible, still with a loaded gun in his hand. The people passing them payed them no attention, thankfully. The last thing they needed was for their presence to be known by the escaped prisoner. But still, they had to alert the staff somehow.

Quickly holding out his hand in front of a passing guest to stop beside him, Haakon leaned over made sure nobody else would hear him whisper; "The escaped prisoner is here. Warn the reception and the police, no time to explain.". He gave the person he stopped a brief look, before venturing further up the stairs and leaving the stranger behind. At least he had tried now. Hopefully it would work. And if not, Josephine and him were alone.

What a headline that would make.

The man made his way down through a corrider, past the commons baths and sitting here, finally going up another set of stair. "Forth floor. Okay, suppose he's not after her but indeed after something else, what would that be? Money? This isn't the easiest place to steal something, unless he's bold or stupid. That, or desperate. He did murder that poor man just outside, after all. Besides, I have not seen her here before, and I don't easily forget faces. But let us try to think; What could the clerk have told him?

[FantasyChic]

Josephine Clark

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Location: Grand Continental Hotel

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Josephine had to wonder about the country itself when they ran past many people who didn't bat an eye at them carrying guns. However, time was of the essence. Whatever this man was doing, it was obvious it wasn't good. He killed a man outside so violence wasn't out of the question. That made him dangerous to everyone in the hotel.

Haakon stopped someone on the stairs and told them to call the authorities. She had to admit, seeing him take charge like this was very attractive. It also gave them time to find the man themselves.

"Well, I don't know, darling. I doubt he is robbing the place too, but he is desperately searching for something. I don't believe the lady is staying here, nor is her escort for the night, otherwise, he would be here too. It involves that woman though, it must. She may have more information, but until then we need to catch him, and soon." She continued up the stairs to the fourth floor, hoping to keep as quiet as she could. The man didn't seem to be armed, but one never knew.

[Sigil]

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Reginald Keystone

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Location: Qasr El Nil Barracks (Officer's Club)

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The Lord Major scoffed at his nephew's sudden lack of interest in the results of his tale of hooves and ribaldry. "Ho ho there, boy. I shall have you know there are many such minor epics that litter the landscape of my history, the vast of majority of which a man possessing the breeding and refinement worthy of the Keystone name should never take even the most modicum of pride. Nonetheless, I find myself looking back upon them with some level of fondness. There must be more to life than that which is expected of us, I find."

Reginald gave the concept a few seconds of actual thought, as if coming to full realization that he was indeed living a coded philosophy slightly against the grain of his upbringing. "It is freeing, I think, coming from a point of disgrace." His eyes darted to his guests, fearful that he may have given more about himself away than he intended at this juncture. Peter likely knew most of the story, but the American woman... well, he was pretty sure that his actions would have been looked upon with fairer eyes across the Pond. "Not that my actions are without honor, mind, just that it forces a perspective differing from the Peerage's overt guidelines of conduct. One could say that honor brought me to my current standing."

He had said too much. Too much and too fast about himself. Again, his relaxed circumstances and liberal attitude to alcohol probably didn't help. He endeavored to change the subject back to the present. "But never you mind the Honeycomb and the Jackass, sir. I shall attempt to provision us with comfort and practicality in mind. Perhaps I should inquire into the local labor pool concerning the hire of a houseman or two to tend to our more mundane domestic needs whilst traveling, what?"

"Ah, and Missus Ridgeway! My apologies, I did not notice the rings before you mentioned something just now; otherwise I would have been using the revered title in reference. So, Missus Ridgeway, if the festivities of the evening are becoming weighty, I would like to restate my offer: You may find rooms for visiting dignitaries on the Barracks, else I would extend the use of my private car and driver here for your continued safety."

"Otherwise, feel free to continue to eat, drink, and recline with your fellow celebrators, perhaps until such time as one of our upholstered benches claims your consciousness. It would not be the first instance for Yours Truly, nor key members of our senior staff here at Qasr El Nil."

[Lady Absinthia]

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Peter Keystone

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Location: Qasr El Nil Barracks Officers Club

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Peter chuckled at his uncle before looking over at Lauren and giving her a charming smile. "Well if I ever find myself in a moment of disgrace I do hope that I can look back on it as favorably as my uncle here. Now, yes, I must say with the bells tolling it would not be wise to set out alone on this evening."

Setting his glass down he stood up and straightened in his jacket, a thought crossing his mind as he looked at the various images painted in frames and few photographs. It brought back memories that he wished to push down. Not that his entire time in the service was horrible but there were moments he did not want to remember. In fact after the war there were many many moments he prayed would never cross his mind again yet there they were, creeping up when least expected. Perhaps those few drinks he had had lowered his mental defenses and made it easier for those thoughts he did not want to have to come creepy to the forefront of his mind.

Shaking off the thoughts he looked back over towards his glass and pondered for a moment if he should just down as much as he could until he passed out and couldn't remember anything. Thought after a moments contemplation he pushed that thought as well out of his mind. It would mean that he would be in any condition to speak with Vera come the following morning and he was not about to stack the odds against himself. That would just be plain... moronic.

Coughing slightly he looked back over to his uncle and Lauren. "Yes, I second the escort invitation, as well as remaining here. I am sure we can get you set up for the evening if you wish. Granted you would not have any of your own clothing but I am sure there are some uniforms we could find that would fit come morning," he teased. "The choice is up to you mi'lady I would say that we couldn't let you leave without at least an escort considering the bells."

[Nallore]

Location: Qasr El Nil Barracks

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Lauren smiled softly and shook her head slightly. "No need to apologize I didn't mention it before, not that I don't mind being married he is living in the States still with my daughter." Lauren said as she grabbed her glass once more and quickly finished it setting the glass down onto the counter. "As much as i'd like to stay here the night Aziza is still waiting for me most likely she has made it back to Grand Continental Hotel by now." Lauren wanted to be sure that her friend Aziza and Harry both made it back to their hotel room that they had rented out for the evening. She didn't mind the escort or drive from the barracks to the hotel, she looked over at the two of them for a moment and gave both Peter and Reginald a smile.

"If either one of you wouldn't mind giving me an escort I haven't been here long and still not sure if someone would just come out and rob me blind or something like that." Lauren was more scared of just getting mugged or hurt by someone while she was walking along the streets at night. She then started to turn around and made her way out of the officers lounge as she gave the few military personnel a friendly nod and smile as she headed out towards the gates she leaned towards the side as she waited patiently for either of them that were willing to take her back to the hotel. Lauren started to dig through her pockets and pulled out the key that she was given by Aziza hoping that her friend had made it back safely.

[Morose]

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Nora Kingston

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Location: Heading to Garden City

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At the sounding of further bells, Mr. Drake's future partner dashed off into the Grand Continental Hotel. A heavy police presence surrounded the area, with officers searching up and down the streets, going in and out of the hotel. The escaped prisoner must have been near, Nora reasoned--or someone with enough wealth to afford such protection by means of bribery was staying in the hotel. Both possibilities seemed to be quite likely. And while Nora knew she could hail a cab for her convenience at this point, she truthfully did enjoy to walk the streets of Cairo.

Though, her present company was not the most desirable. Whenever Mr. Drake spotted a girl he fancied, he straightened up slightly, as if she would turn and spot him, and fall prey to his advances. The American way was rather strange, that much Nora was certain of. Why, it was all the more surprising that the Lord Captain did not assume Mr. Drake to be a male escort as well as Josephine!

"Thank you for accompanying me, but I do believe I can manage from here," Nora nodded, and set out on her own. But not a minute later did Mr. Drake hurry to her side, a cocky grin smeared on his face. "A man's word is his word, Eleanor. I said I'd take you home--and we aren't there just yet." He chuckled slightly, before continuing on, Nora rolling her eyes ever so slightly at his mannerisms.

How the Lady Munn restrained herself from smacking this man on a daily basis was more of a mystery to Nora than the mysterious brand on her finger.

[FantasyChic]

Josephine Clark

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Location: Grand Continental Hotel

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Josephine watched the man creep along and finally get to his destination. The man pulled out a key and unlocked the door and stepped inside. She was about to give chase immediately until she saw him pull out a knife. Things got even more serious. "Seems our man is now armed and ready. I suggest we don't give him the satisfaction of just walking in through the front door. Perhaps there is a side entrance or maybe even a window to get through?"

As she talked, she heard the laughter of a woman coming from the main stairs. She stopped talking and looked to see a military uniform and a long haired woman together. It didn't take much for Josephine to put two and two together. As quickly as they came, the pair left, seemingly looking for something. She breathed a sigh of relief. They wouldn't be going into the room with a murderer. Her and Haakon on the other hand, seemed to be all for it.

"I do believe we have our answer as to what that man is looking for. Seems the lady in question does, in fact, reside here. Quickly now, darling. We need to take care of this man before they return. I am sure the dashing military man could take care of himself, but not if that brute has the upper hand."

[ONL]

Haakon J. Elvsgaard

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Location:Grand Continetal Hotel

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"If there's a balcony on either side of the room, we simply have to gain access to either room..."

Haakon had fallen just behind Josephine on their truly nerve-wrecking hunt of this dirty-looking ruffian. They had reached the top floor and followed the man - from a distance, of course - until they witnessed him enter one of the rooms. At the sight of him being armed with a knife, Haakon reconsidered his initial plan of holding him at gun-point. Sure a revolver was more powerful than a simple knife, but only as long as the knife wasn't a meter away from you. And inside the suite, that would be enough for someone to get stabbed.

But before he could comment further on the subject, he heard laughter, a familar laughter or just a recognizable voice coming from what he guessed was the main stair-case. Sure enough, two jovial people, a lady with long hair and a man in uniform, came into view heading straight for the door, before turning around and heading downstairs again. Hadn't Haakon known better, he would have called out a certain pair of names, but he knew stealth was of the essence right now.

"So he's here to either rob her of something very, very special, or to simply murder her. How intruging, though that's a story I'd rather not write. You're quite right, and we need to make sure said upper hand is ours. Let me suggest a plan..."

The revolver in Haakon's hand he still clung tightly around, as he gave two quick looks at the doors on either side of their headed destination. Walking quietly over to the door on the right, he gently grabbed the door-handle and turned it, checking to see if it was open. "Stay here, make sure he doesn't leave this floor, at least without a bullet in his leg. Be careful, Jo."

[Sigil]

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Reginald Keystone

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Location: Qasr El Nil Barracks (Officer's Club)

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"Yes of course!" blurted the most nobly Peered officer, verbally succumbing to the effects of the copious amounts of alcohol he had been consuming over the course of the past couple of hours. His desire to remain a competent and gracious host would not be dulled by his potential for chronic problem drinking. No, his slur aside (which if one knew the man, was quite minor at this point), Reginald would still see to the needs of his guests in a grand and sociable manner, one befitting a man of his rank and station. "If you would excuse me but a moment... I shall have a car brought around. But first, my dearest Missus Ridgeway, I'm afraid I must abscond to my, ah, secondary office. Pardon me, madame."

Reginald darted around chairs and stationary tables in the mostly unpatroned Officer's Club, to and fro, with growing sense of personal urgency in his movements. He located and darted into a smallish, unsuspecting door toward a back corner of the establishment and let the horizontally swinging interior portal slowly swing back shut behind him. A man listening closely may have even heard a sound, not unlike a wooden slat rebounding off of porcelain followed by a grumbled "Blast it all..." and an immediately following sigh of immense satisfaction.

White noise. White noise in a hollow space. White noise echoing lightly, punctuated by the inexpert humming of a mildly inebriated Officer and Gentleman of the British Aristocracy. The hum persisted, taking on varying notes that, were one particularly inclined to puzzle out any deeper meaning from the abstract sounds emanating from beyond the unassuming doorway, began to take the form of a song; one that couldn't quite be placed.

"La da da dum, dum dum,
la la la laaaaaa dum dum,
la lalala laaaaa la dum..."
...wait for it...
"Lala la la laaaaaa..."

It went on for a span of time heretofore unaccounted by the annals of human history - the inarticulate musical interlude, and that oddly unplaced white noise - the sort that could be explained by, oh I don't know, the forceful expulsion liquid ringing onto a concave, fired earthenware surface, perforated by the more resonating sound of contact with a deeper source of standing water. The humming threatened to overtake the ambient sounds of the mysterious back room, brought back up with stronger, steadier voice. The tune was still just out of reach of recognition, and seemed to be fated to remain that way.

That is, until he began to sing the words.

"Send him victorious
Happy and glorious
Long to reign over us..."
...
"God save the King... GAHHH! Blast it all again!"

Muttering of a sort coupled with the sound of a sudden rush of water met the ears of those in the Officer's Club proper. Reginald himself returned to his guests, muttering, "Never salute when you're indecently indisposed, Reggie old boy; even IF the King is mentioned." He returned to the bar, leaning in close to their bartender. Pausing just a little between words, he spoke in flawless Arabic to the slender man, who immediately left the premises as if on a mission.

"Come along then, Missus Ridgeway! Your chariot awaits outside; one of a comparative few of its kind in this part of the world, and our privilege to keep a few of in the motor pool."

Within the next two minutes, outside of the Officer's Club, there would pull up an older model of automobile. A classic example of British engineering, this car was reliable and stylish, if a little outdated. "It's a 1914 model. Commonly used to chauffeur about dignitaries and the like. It's a Rolls-Royce, of course. Silver Ghost line; give anything the Americans put together today a run for their money."

True, the Americans were doing excellent things with automobiles, and the Silver Ghost was an amazing machine, but Reginald had quite forgotten the nationality of his non-relation guest. "Ah. I meant no offense, madame. I am merely positively disposed to this line of vehicle over others. Why, I used to work on these chassis for military conversion, an age and a day ago. But I digress! The Ghost is at your disposal for the evening, as well as its driver. If you should require further escort, I am certain we can handle this as well, either personally or by proxy."

[Lady Absinthia]

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Peter Keystone

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Location: Qasr El Nil Barracks Officers Club

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"Of course, wouldn't want you to run into any trouble this evening or any other," Peter said graciously before glancing over towards his uncle and chuckling a bit. Nodding as he left before turning his attention back towards their guest. He knew his uncle had been drinking a fair amount that evening but he also knew just how much the man could hold. Granted it was some time ago since the last time that he had witnessed his uncle get drunk but he figured the ma had not let his vice go to waste over the years. In fact he was rather sure that the man could hold a fair amount more now a days than he had before the last war.

"I truly believe it would take drinking the entire river Nile to get him fully intoxicated at this point," he said with a charming smile as they waited. Taking his cane and walking over towards Lauren as they waited before taking her arm as his uncle returned and following him outside with her.

"I dare say there is not a finer craft for a jaunt to ensure she is well taken care of dear Uncle," he said as he reached over and opened the door for her, allowing her to climb in with whatever aide she might require. "Now, where shall we tell the driver to take you and would you care for us to accompany you this evening? Your wish is our command for the time being," Peter added, wanting her to feel safe. He was not sure just how well she knew Vera but she was in her office when he arrived, so for all he knew they were either old friends or just met. Either way, he wasn't about to let a woman feel alone in a city as the bell tolled.

[Nallore]

Location: Qasr El Nil Barracks

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Lauren smiled and gave Reginald a slight nod as she watched the Lord Major turned around to head into one of the bathrooms, she leaned forward on the bar top as she waited patiently she slowly ran a hand through her hair letting out a slight yawn as she adjusted her hair tucking a stray strand of her hair behind her ear. She waited until finally Reginald came out of the bathroom and made his way towards the bar tender, Lauren wished that she could understand what Reginald spoke to the man she hadn't picked up Arabic yet but she wasn't in Cairo for that long. "I'm sure your uncle and my father would have gotten along very well." Lauren said jokingly as Peter walked over towards her mind started to wonder about what Aziza was doing and if she had made it back to the hotel yet or not.

When Reginald was finished Lauren turned around to face him and gave the man a smile as she started to follow him and Peter out of the Officer's Club and out towards the front of the barracks when she looked there was already a car waiting there for them she didn't have a car back home, everywhere she went was mostly on foot however. "None taken, actually never owned a car back home since everything I needed was mostly in walking distance." Lauren said with a soft smile looking at the two men for a moment then towards The Ghost it was an amazing looking car. "If you wouldn't mind escorting me back that would be nice."

Lauren then moved forward and climbed into the back seat of the Ghost looking at the driver for a moment and then waited for Peter or Reginald to come in. "You are welcome to come as well Lord Major." She said before turning her attention back to the driver who was waiting for the directions to take her. "The Grand Continental Hotel." Lauren said with a smile.

[Morose]

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Nora Kingston

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Location: Garden City - Apartment 301 Maratos Building at No.6 Walda Pasha

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As the sight of her charming rooms grew ever closer, Nora found herself with an almost slight skip in her step. She bid adieu to the man of questionable morals and withdrew to the safety of the complex. Once inside, she attempted to withdraw quickly to her own suite of rooms, only to be met with the curious eye of the night clerk. She found it to hardly be his business what she did with her time, but she was the daughter of a peer, as much as she attempted to shun the peerage and exist as an individual, rather than some mere title.

The clerk opened his mouth to speak, but Nora silenced him with a simple glare. After the high class escort of Mr. Drake, she simply did not care for any further company that evening. She ascended the stairs, and once she arrived at her rooms, she heard her beloved Scottish terrier barking in excitement. As much as she adored Spot, Nora could not help but frown. He usually did not startle quite so easily.

"Spot, it's only me," Nora whispered, entering her apartment. Her hand tingled slightly, and the bell continued to peal throughout the night air. As she shut the door behind her, Nora then noticed a calling card left on the table, her name written in cursive script. She recognized her father's handwriting. As soon as she took the note, Spot calmed down as well.

The note was as short as it was filled with disappointment. It would seem that her father had come by unannounced, as was irritatingly normal for him, and noticed that his youngest daughter was not at home at such a late hour. Accusations of besmirching the family name, as well as the threat of confinement for female hysteria, were hardly even left to subtext. Vexed with her father, she quickly ripped up the note, letting the pieces fall to the table. Spot then proceeded to lick at them, winning a small laugh from Nora.

Her father could wait for his explanation. For now, Nora wished simply to bandage her wound if possible, and fetch a pair of gloves from her wardrobe. She had an inclination they would become needed now for any respectable company, as much as she found the social niceties to be exhausting, they did provide a certain comfort for the outcasted woman.

[FantasyChic]

Josephine Clark

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Location: Grand Continental Hotel

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Did he really expect her to just stand there and do nothing? Surely he hasn't been paying attention. She doesn't listen well.

When he tried to open the door, with no luck, she smiled a bit. A maid came out of another room and eyed Haakon uneasily. Before continuing her work. That was their ticket in.

"Tell you what, darling, since your last attempt didn't go to plan, let me have a go at it. You stand guard out here. In fact, pretend to fumble with the door a bit to make it look like your about to enter. The man inside may reveal himself if he is hiding and I'll be able to get the jump on him."

She barely waited for his response before she was inside the room, bypassing the maid, and on to the balcony. It was time to make the leap.

[ONL]

Haakon J. Elvsgaard

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Location:Grand Continetal Hotel

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The knob turned ever so slightly, following Haakon's tight grip around the door knob as he quietly turned it around. While he slowly turned it, his mind was already in the phase of planning his next moves; quietly making his way through the suite he was - either surprisingly or unsurprisingly, depending on who you'd ask - about to break in. If and when he got to the balcony, he already pictured himself climbing over the hopefully fairly narrow gap in between that suite and the next one. And that...

The sound of the lock hindering the knob in fully opening, weighed down on his already high shoulders as a sign of defeat. It didn't help at all that a maid just beside him exited the neighbouring room, eyeing him with a suspecious look. He faked an innocent smile. "Sorry, wrong room...."

Before he knew word of it, he caught Josephine quickly - and elegantly - walking quickly past the maid and into the room; of course with a witty comment, just the way it suited her. "But...well, fine then Jo. Just be careful." Haakon's words were quick and quiet, and at the same time sincere as he watched his friend disappear into the room. Now it was up to her. He gave the maid another look, hoping she would soon leave so that his fumbling-with-the-door act could continue.

[Sigil]

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Reginald Keystone

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Location: Qasr El Nil Barracks (Officer's Club)

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The Lord Major shook his head slightly, considering the ramifications of assisting in the escort of the young American woman. The more gentlemanly duty was handled at base level by the driver, but Reginald could not simply leave it at basic point of etiquette. Not when there was another option available. As it turned out, his nephew Peter handled just exactly that, offering his services alongside that of the chauffeur. "Regretfully no, Missus Ridgeway. There were others at the Museum that mentioned their intent to come by the Barracks when their own efforts had concluded for the evening. I would be a poor host, to be vacant were they choose to accept the hospitality of the Qasr El Nil."

Looking Peter over, Reginald reached down to the holster for his revolver on his belt. Unfastening the flap, he spoke to his nephew. "I wonder if you should feel the need for it, Peter, considering the particularly uncommon occurrences of the evening thusfar. It's a Webley, you see. Like the ones we were issued for the War, but the action is a skosh smoother. I shall be well enough here, consuming my scotch and looking up requisition paperwork, pouring through my collection of personal and business cards for what promises to be an interestingly tedious bit of horse trading on the morrow."

He waved the two of them toward the car. "And I shall expect to see you before the evening concludes, my boy - I shall have guest accommodations waiting upon your return."

"Missus Ridgeway, it has been a genuine pleasure keeping your company, and I hope to see you safe and well as we continue planning our Fellowship. Good evening, madame."