[hr][hr][center][h2][img]https://s23.postimg.org/h6shths5n/virginia.png[/img]&[img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/b4c8d8bb-ce6c-4f28-ae48-5db57c8bd072.png[/img][/h2][hr][color=c0c0c0][b]Location:[/b][/color] Almack's [/center][hr][hr]

	Sparrows continued circling overhead, a gift from the Grand Duchess to Mary. Luckily, the cover that they provided did not appear to be necessary to reach the object of her search: Virginia Crypt. When she began this search, it was with the intent of enlisting her help to provide a more balanced defense against the Soulless attacking Almack's. But upon seeing her there, weeping upon the floor by the fallen body of her friend, she realized that God put her upon this path to help, not to request it for herself. 

	The fire in her eyes dimmed, replaced by concern. Virginia was a friend of hers, as close as any she had in London. While she did not know this unique woman, Mosi, she could sense the utter sorrow in the eyes of the surviving Lady Crypt. This was not like her, not from what she had seen. She rushed to Virginia and took a knee, setting her halberd down and offering her arms in embrace. [color=c0c0c0]"I'm sorry, my Lady. I'm so very sorry. Are you hurt? Can you stand? Please, let me help you."[/color] She had to raise her voice somewhat, the flapping of the birds overhead was a constant source of white noise. 

	[color=9999ff]"This was not her place,"[/color] Virginia whispered, gazing at Mosi a moment more. She had never seen the woman any happier than when the pair of them had been in the colonies together to train. She lived the most out of that life, never needing to conceal trousers under a dress or to appease a mother who simply sought marriage for her daughter. Tears continued to slide down her face, as she felt a thousand regrets for her dearest friend. She could not help but feel strongly that this was not the way Mosi's story was supposed to end, and her grief increased as she realized Mosi would likely be laid to rest as Jeanette Crane and not as the woman who was one with the trees. 

	Virginia could hardly tear her gaze away from Mosi, her heart shattered into more pieces than there were stars in the sky. She knew instinctively the advice that her mother would have given, although her family was never much into religion--[i]you have a black dress, Virginia. Wear it.[/i] She took a shuddering breath as she faced Mary, allowing the woman's welcoming embrace. The white noise of the birds was welcome to the Lady Crypt's mind. [color=9999ff]"She is dead...the Hraew, it..."[/color] Virginia finally said, hardly emotionally capable to explain all of the events that had passed. [color=9999ff]"Do not worry about myself, Dame Hale...It is dear Mosi who merits attention,"[/color] Virginia finished, her voice catching on her deceased friend's name. 

	Sorrow was evident in Virginia's voice. Mary was not unaffected. Tears formed in her eyes, threatening to spill down her pale cheeks but somehow staying put. It was not Mosi for whom she almost wept, but the pain of her friend before her. There would always be casualties in the war against the Soulless, and this was now open war. No more skulking about, keeping numbers low and picking off society's forgotten. This was a blatant and coordinated attack, in full open view, against London's societal elite. 

	[color=c0c0c0]"I did not know your friend, Mosi."[/color] started Mary, carefully picking her words with Virginia. [color=c0c0c0]"She was a warrior, correct? It was an honorable passing. We have time to ensure her final rest - I will help you to get her out of this place, Lady Crypt. But we need to make sure Almack's is clear. I need your help, Virginia."[/color] 

	Virginia nodded, finding comfort in Mary's words. She would very much like to bury Mosi back in the forests of the colonies, for no other rest felt proper for Mosi. Yet even thinking about laying Mosi to rest brought tears to Virginia's eyes. It was painful to see someone so full of life deprived of it. But of course, Dame Hale was correct, a not uncommon event in Virginia's opinion. The number of those trained in London were low--she did not have time to grieve for her friend, if she wished to ensure the safety of her other dear friends. Mary and Millicent, as far as she knew, still drew breath. They could still be protected from whatever threat remained. 

	[color=9999ff]"Of course. Shall I perform Chankoowashtay?"[/color] Virginia inquired, uncertain as to whether or not she would have the mental focus, but knowing that she must try. As far as she was aware, the soulless could still remain in Almack's. She had witnessed two herself in the flesh, and then she had spotted another earlier that day, heading towards the general area. It struck her as almost reminiscent of the reports of the events at Flitwick manor. 

	[color=c0c0c0]"I do not... ah, I cannot pretend to be very familiar with that technique, my Lady."[/color] responded Mary. She had the basest idea of the more common practices of other schools of Training, but her education in the matter was limited to Vatican training and casual conversations with a precious few not of Rome. And of course, the almost miraculous demonstration she received earlier that day from Elizaveta, with promises of more unknown abilities from the Russian Empire. [color=c0c0c0]"I am to keep the Grand Duchess of Russia safe, and I have ineffective defense against the incorporeal. I can defend you both in the physical sense. Between you and I, we can determine if Almack's is sound. But we must get back to the front corridor."[/color] 

	Mary glanced back to the fallen form of Mosi. It was a waste and a shame. [color=c0c0c0]"We have three days to tend to her."[/color] Ever logical, but a twinge of understanding shot across her face. [color=c0c0c0]"If you wish to do something quick and dirty, though, I will help. We must leave Mosi for now, or make haste with her, Lady Crypt."[/color] 

	Virginia blushed slightly in embarrassment. She often was lost in her thoughts and that was no great surprise to her, and was quite evident with her mixing up of the date earlier at Millicent's residence. Perhaps she had been clouded by grief and forgot that Mary likely would not know the various techniques by name. As it stood, however, Virginia realized that perhaps a different technique may be most suited to their purposes. 

	But the majority of the Lady Crypt's mind was on Mosi. She shook her head slightly at Mary's suggestion of quick and dirty. While it would suffice for strangers, and although she had not kept in as much contact with Mosi as she would have liked, it would feel cheap to do that for her friend. [color=9999ff]"Let us leave her,"[/color] Virginia finally said, a bit of reluctance in her voice. [color=9999ff]"I shall do my best to assist with the incorporeal."[/color] 

	It occurred to Mary that these Crypts appeared to deal with hardship well. Perhaps it was something in their upbringing, or the bloodlines with which they paired. Were their ways not quite so eccentric, she could see them pursuing the unyielding and painfully conditioning training of the Pontifical Swiss Guard. But it was not within her to shape others into something they were not. Their uniqueness was part of their strength. All Mary could do was try to lend her friend what support she could, and trust that Virginia would pull through, as her people always seemed to. 

	The young Dame recovered her polearm and rose to her full height. She extended a hand to her friend, silently offering to help her to her feet. Mary understood her hesitation. It was leaving a fallen comrade behind. Not truly abandoning her, but she could fathom how it might seem that way, like a tiny betrayal. [color=c0c0c0]"Come, My Lady. Let us get back to the front corridor. I'm sure the rest of the Ton is busy congratulating themselves, and require a reminder of those who fought on their behalf."[/color] She was not happy with what she had witnessed from these people. Not a bit. 

	Virginia took Mary's hand and rose to her feet. Her quick and rough fix to her knee from earlier did not result in further damage, for which she had been lucky. The only wounds that she felt a need to concern herself with were emotional ones, but once more, it was neither the time nor the place. She sighed slightly at the thought of the Ton. In her mind, their ignorant, selfish, and childish behavior had cost dear Mosi her life. The Crypt woman may have enjoyed a good deal of combat, but not at the expense of her loved ones. 

	[color=9999ff]"I fancy they will not listen to our remarks regardless,"[/color] Virginia replied softly, taking on a bit of a cynical attitude. The Ton appeared to be capable of nothing meaningful and worthwhile, instead subsiding on shallow things, such as appearances and pastels. It was disgusting, and she perhaps would have made her disgust clearer, if her mind was not still filled with sorrow. [color=9999ff]"Has anyone else we care for fallen?"[/color] Virginia then asked, awaiting Mary's lead to return to the first corridor. 

    	The young Apostolic shook her head solemnly at Virginia. [color=c0c0c0]"Others have perished, but none as I am aware that we hold close to our hearts."[/color] said Mary, quickly but cautiously leading them back through the Gallery the way that she entered. It would have been a very straight shot from their present location down to the corridor the other way, but with the casualty from the furniture incident and the mob of Peers congratulating themselves, she suspected it would actually take less time this way. 

	[color=c0c0c0]"There was another passing of note, Lady Crypt. And I fear that it does change our situation greatly. When we are done here this evening, I shall need your help and guidance all the more."[/color] Weapon in hand, Mary rounded the last turn to get them into the main corridor. Though people were starting to take note, she led Virginia over to where Elizaveta held her vigil over the fallen Arch Graveolase, her own knightly cloak still over him. [color=c0c0c0]"It seems an honor has been passed to me."[/color] she said quietly, though her tone hinted that she did not consider it an honor. [color=c0c0c0]"But for now, we must ensure their safety."[/color]