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[sub][color=c0c0c0]"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine."[/color][/sub]
[hr][color=c0c0c0][b]Location:[/b][/color] Carriage (front of Almack's) [/center][hr][hr]

	They had finally arrived. Elizaveta's ringing endorsement of Mary's knightly title still ringing with a sense of grateful elation, the young Apostolic peered from the carriage window. Almack's Assembly Rooms loomed back at her, the solid social monolith of the age, gateway to high society in the London scene. Not that any of that particularly appealed to Mary, at least not for herself. Being seen there, however, would give additional legitimacy to the Catholic Church with London society. Maybe even make her job easier in the future. No, she wasn't there to be socialize - but it wouldn't hurt to be seen. 

	It was hoped that she would have arrived early to inspect Soulless defenses and review the staff. Sadly, circumstances did not allow for a preliminary examination of staff and grounds. It looked like her work was cut out for her. Instead of taking the initiative, her work would mostly involve reactionary measures. It was rather like playing at tavern bouncing, if the bouncer came in mid-shift and had to watch for ravenous but subtle creatures passing themselves off as regular patrons. 

	The moment that Elizaveta's personal guard opened the carriage door and the Grand Duchess stepped out, Mary followed. She retrieved her halberd and a wrapped package from her saddlebags, still within the carriage. [color=c0c0c0]"Your Grace?"[/color] started Mary cautiously. They were close to public company now, and she was unsure as to who could hear them speaking. She reached into her bundle and offered Elizaveta a flask of holy water. [color=c0c0c0]"I do not know the extent of your training, nor the abilities of your people (except for the impressive display in the Undercroft), but every bit helps."[/color] 

	Sister Mary opened her cloak and stashed a few ampules and another flask in her sporran. A quick weapon check necessitated Mary leaning her halberd against the carriage for a moment. She ensured the accessibility of her howdah pistol, quickly drew her shortswords and replaced them after a twirl, and wrapped one of her chain rosaries around her left forearm, the crucifix dangling slightly from the underside of her wrist. [color=c0c0c0]"At your pleasure, Your Imperial Majesty."[/color] she intoned formally, taking back up her polearm and motioning toward the entrance of the Assembly Rooms. She had much work to do.