[hr][hr][center][img]https://s1.postimg.org/9tarlc36wv/dress_shoping.png[/img] [img]https://68.media.tumblr.com/0faf84b3d4f21ea24389bc53f8e6ed38/tumblr_of7eg3Hbnv1snu0flo1_500.gif[/img] [b][color=ff6600]Location:[/color][/b] Dressmakers', Annan[/center][hr][hr] As she entered the shop, Maeve couldn't help but think of how much her sister would adore this place. They had grown up in poverty and were still, arguably, poor. While the gang provided a roof over Maeve's head and work, it didn't elevate them to a high class status. It wasn't too strange, however. They were the sort of people that Clan Cummings would hire to come and spy on Clan Kirkpatrick. They weren't nobles--they were the muscle, the thieves, the schemers. The ones that got their hands dirty. It didn't show on Maeve's face, but she felt extremely out of place in the store. She wasn't even sure where to begin. Thankfully, one of the poor terrified attendants seemed to be trying their best to avoid any sort of negative reaction from Lady Kirkpatrick. That meant that after a terrified speech that could only be construed as word vomit, they were pretty much ready to begin. Maeve understood the following from the word vomit: "Guid efternuin, guid efternuin! Ah am glad tae see 'at ye ur daein' weel, quine kirkpatrick an' miss...? we hae th' proper materials oan hain fur anythin' 'at ye main need: dresses, sheen, undergarments, ridicules, robes, overcoats, stockings, nightwaur, an' sae much mair," the attendant rambled. The attendant's accent seemed particularly thick to Maeve, though to a Scot, it likely wasn't nearly so bad. Her mind exaggerated it to a degree. Maeve didn't even get a chance to give the man her name before he threw more information at her, sounding (to her) something like this: "We've got jist abit everythin' yoo'll be needin'. thaur ur some things we hae oan hain 'at ye can use fur day tae day wear. there's some fabric if yoo're inclined tae sew fur yerself. tak' a swatch aroond if yoo'd loch, but ance yoo're ready, we'll need tae start takin' measurements." Maeve had barely even nodded in acceptance before the man went into action. A few others in the shop came over to assist him and throughout what felt like a five hour process, Maeve was certain that she had been pricked with no less than five different needles in at least ten different places. It could have just been a half hour process, but to Maeve, it seemed to be far longer than that. It wasn't simply one outfit they were fitting her for -- [i]it was several.[/i] What seemed to be a million different pieces of fabric were shown to her, all in different combinations and styles, with even elegant formal dresses on the table. Lady Kirkpatrick had insisted that she was fitted for several of those. [color=ff6600]"Aye, de blue wan, a bit too loose, naw, aye, either's gran',"[/color] Maeve said throughout the hours, as she was asked a million questions and she began to forget what decisions she had already made. At one point, she must have offended an attendant by calling one piece of fabric [i]purple[/i] and not [i]lavender.[/i] The colors and the fabrics were beginning to blend together and as she caught occasional glances outside of the window, it was nearly dusk. When they asked if she wanted fabrics to sew, Maeve was so mentally exhausted that it took her a moment to remember if she even [i]could[/i] sew. Finally, what seemed like an eternity and fifty one little jabs with a needle later... "'at should about do it, Miss O'Connor," the attendant said. Throughout the hours, his accent seemed less and less obnoxious to Maeve. He was practically understandable now. She couldn't help but let out a sigh of relief. It probably wasn't the wisest choice in terms of winning Lady Kirkpatrick's favor, but she was entirely worn out from all of the fittings. She didn't understand how the wealthy did this so often. No wonder they tended to be a bit lazy. [hr][hr][center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/171105/1a25778b1c67db6643ac4ccc5ee9f6fb.png[/img] [img]https://media.giphy.com/media/xUOxfjZrpu63hw3QQg/giphy.gif[/img] [b][color=9999FF]Location:[/color][/b] Mournweald Estate (London) [img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/171105/35c82d091efcf9e02f1049e00e59ed96.png[/img] [/center][hr][hr] Virginia was impressed that Mosi's father appeared to have some strength to him, but it was strength that came too late. Mourning rituals may have been for the dead, yet they could not undo what had happened in life. They did not change the way Mosi's family treated her, how they forced her to hide her true self, or at least, they attempted to do so. She turned her head towards Ernest, knowing that the cremation process would take some time. She was not entirely sure as to what state Mosi's body would be in. [color=9999ff]"Very well. Lead the way, then,"[/color] Virginia said. "For the time, we've placed her in her room." Ernest explained as he led Virginia and co towards Mosi's room which was on the second floor. Also the reason why she often climbed out the window whenever Mosi and her mother were having huge fights and didn't want to meet each other. There in the room, Mosi was placed upon her bed, dressed in the buckrobe, her hair was cleaned up and could be seen, but on her face was placed a piece of silk cloth to cover the currently destroyed visage that was once rather charming. The marks of the soulless were still there, no way to close them up. The rest of the room was rather ordinary when you take out the numberous bows and sets of axes laying around. Ernest moved over an pulled wooden case with a pipe on top of it, before returning to Virginia." This's the set of feathers and the pipe she stated to give to you, Lady Crypt." He explained." I will bring the axes in a little while as they were left downstairs when we brought her home." Virginia nodded. She smiled softly down at the feathers and pipe, accepting them from Ernest. She paused for a moment before handing them over to the care of Alfred. The cremation process was lengthy and would need to begin immediately if the burial were to finish on this day. She then glanced over at Ernest. [color=9999ff]"It'll be a gruesome sight. We will not be able to burn her remains completely. Large pieces of bone, I imagine, will still be present. Where would you like to begin the process?"[/color] Ernest made a rather confused expression for a brief moment, before he did some thinking and nodded." In the estate's back yard. We can use the firewood and coal stock in the storeroom there." He stated." I will go and take a few servants an father to make the pyre." He added." We've... already said our farewells." Ernest added, meaning that it would be a nice chance for Virginia to do so too alone without Mosi's family around in the room. With a polite bow he moved away from Mosi's room. "We'll take our leave as well, my lady," Alfred added, as he swept a whining James out of the room and shut the door softly. Virginia chuckled softly. Alfred knew her too well. Virginia approached the bed and knelt beside it, before gently removing the silk cloth from Mosi's face. She took in the now grotesque features, but she was still smiling. [color=9999ff]"In my family, we believe you only have one true love in your lifetime,"[/color] Virginia whispered. [color=9999ff]"We do not limit love to being only sexual--it can be romantic, it can be pure, it can be innocent, it can be for a friend or for a family member. You would be pleased to know, dear Mosi, that we do not limit it by gender as well."[/color] Virginia then took the cloth and placed it over the bottom half of Mosi's face, allowing the dead woman's eyes to be seen. [color=9999ff]"My one true love is my brother, James. I suspect that you knew that, that I would do anything for him...Yet I cannot deny that some affection could have developed between us. Let me complement the sweet kiss of death,"[/color] Virginia then finished, her voice inaudible to all. She placed a delicate kiss on Mosi's lips through the cloth before she rose to her feet, removing the cloth entirely. Mosi never was one to hide from the world. It was time to cremate her. While Virginia was taking her final moments with Mosi, Ernest, William and 2 servants were busy forming up a funeral Pyre in the back yard, to the most intensely huge disagreement from Mosi's mother and her other sister. "Stop this!" Mosi's mother called in panic." It's one thing to pull out the official funeral ceremonies I was organazing in the last moment, but this!" "Just keep quiet already." William growled." It's happening. If you don't want to see, just go inside." He added, gesturing to Ernest to follow as teh pyre was being finished." In addition, Ernest and Bridgitte will be leaving for the colonies as soon as the next arrangements are made." He added, addining another nail into the already hammered coffin that was his wife's dreams for normal funeral and future. "Lady Crypt?" William called as he knocked on the door of Mosi's room." We're ready outside." Virginia glanced over at the sound of the knock. William's timing was impeccable. She opened the door and joined the others outside, noticing the curious glance Alfred gave her. She imagined the pair of them would have words to exchange later. He had known her for her entire life and he knew her better than anyone else, better than even James did. [color=9999ff]"Excellent. The cremation process itself will take hours, so now would be an appropriate time for you to share words and speak of the dead."[/color] William nodded and moments later Ernest also appeared to carry Mosi's body all the way to the pyre outside. It was the final bit of honor her father could give her. He regretted few things in life, but she was not one of them. What he hated was his inability to protect her. Now placed so peacefully on the big pyre, it made him feel a grim pain he never felt before. "Hmmm..." William made a sound, throwing a look at Virginia." I'm in a way suspecting she's actually not the type to want us to let ourselves grieve. I remember she once told me that when she dies, she'd be finally free to join the spirits. I have no idea what spirits she was talking about though." He added trying to keep calmer, while his sister by the side was openly sobbing and his father was just siletnly watching the pyre that had yet to be lit. How he regretted not speaking with her more now. "Do you wish the right to start the pyre, Lady Crypt?" Ernest finally asked, after taking silently his last moments and thoughts with his daugther's mortal vessel. One of the servants had brought a rather quickly made torch of sorts that was already lit. [color=9999ff]"I believe it should be her family to perform that rite,"[/color] Virginia said, after a moment of hesitation. [hr][hr][center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/171023/fc5e418faf49e9500dc043935102b55e.png[/img] [img]http://images6.fanpop.com/image/photos/32300000/vicky-victoria-winters-josette-du-pres-32310810-500-300.gif[/img] [b][color=9999FF]Location:[/color][/b] Talink Estate --> Crypt Manor (London) [img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/171023/253d3d23d1cca7bcc35f097fa2e34174.png[/img] [/center][hr][hr] One cannot deny that life has a sense of irony, and this tale is certainly not devoid of such. While Thalken is attempting to redeem himself by doing something for the greater good, his father is in the trenches of depravity digging a grave for his son's hopes and dreams. If Thalken knew of his father's scheme, perhaps he could have put a stop to it, or perhaps it was just a hopeless case. There are so many possibilities in life but often not enough time to truly entertain them. For now is the time for the present, and we can only pray that the future will be more pleasant than one's current hell. At the Talink Estate, [url=https://31.media.tumblr.com/2699922cc76c36a00c15c8ff2b7f78a4/tumblr_nizhuw8RC71u2cd4io1_500.gif]Thalcona[/url] entered the carriage in behind her father [url=http://www.eloyagency.com/wp-content/uploads/Theo-Thodoridis-1.jpg]Beowulf[/url]. They were off to the Crypt Manor post haste to negotiate the terms of a business transaction regarding the immediate protection of the Viscount Wenwynith. Beowulf's letter announcing their arrival was already several leagues ahead of them, and it would seem that it would arrive at its destination well before they did. They had barely made it pass the nearby docks when the carriage came to a abrupt halt. "Why the hell are we stopping?!" Beowulf proclaimed his utter annoyance. Thalcona peeked her head out the carriage window to see what was going on. After a few moments, she pulled her head back in and turned slowly to face her father. The look on her face was indiscernible. "It's the constables. What did you do?" she stated with an edge to her grim voice. "Nothing. [I]Yet.[/I]" Beowulf growled through gritted teeth. A look of exasperation crossed Thalcona's features, and she held her temple between her two fingers. This was great, just great. At least Thalken wasn't here to make this experience even more unbearable. Beowulf and Thalken in a confined space was never fun. It was more testosterone and gruffness than Thalcona could hardly take. She let out a sigh, and her gaze went to the window as one of the constables came over. They were immediately told to step out of the carriage. She could practically taste the tension in the air as they did what was required of them. It was well known that the Talinks were not friends of the law, and as far as she saw it, it was only a matter of time before one of them was either imprisoned or shot dead. Maybe even shot dead while in prison. "What is the meaning of this?!" Beowulf exclaimed. Thalcona inwardly cringed at his harsh tone. He was never one for making a good first impression, and it only made matters worse that he was pissed about having a business transaction put on hold. "Where were you--" and so the seemingly endless barrage of questions began. It took some time before they even knew what they were being accused of. Go figure it was for murder. Apparently several bodies had been found at the docks this morning. Thalcona vaguely wondered if Thalken ran across them, as he often liked to walk down the pier in the early hours of the morning. She was glad that he wasn't wrapped up in this mess, hopefully. The questioning went on and on with little to no positive progress on either side. They certainly weren't buying anything Beowulf said. They had a decent alibi given they were at Almack's last night and stayed in all morning. However, it wasn't lost on the law enforcement that they had enough connections in the criminal world to easily hire people to commit the murders. Needless to say, Beowulf was getting them nowhere. Thalcona eventually shot him a look that said stop talking and then she took a crack at it. He grudgingly obliged, and soon enough she was working some minor miracles. No, the constables did not believe that they had nothing to do with the murders, but she was at least able to appease them enough to let the two of them go. That was miracle in and of itself. After being interrogated for more than enough time, Beowulf and Thalcona were once more on the road to the Crypt Manor. Fortunately, they faced no additional hiccups along the way, and soon enough their carriage pulled to a stop in front of the manor. Beowulf quickly exited the carriage as irritable as ever with Thalcona close behind him. Within Crypt Manor, most of the servants were attending to their duties. Rumors had quickly flown across the manor as to what had occurred, with a fair deal of the staff looking towards Peter and Miss Evers for information. Of course, Alfred had left specific instructions--he would inform them all once it was pertinent. He ran the household staff and had left Miss Evers in a position of authority in his absence. "Is that a carriage?" Miss Evers mused as she moved towards the door. She was still wearing her maid's dress, but it was heavily stained with blood at this point. She had Virginia's gown draped over her shoulder, as she had been attempting to remove the stains. And knowing the situation of this household, Miss Evers carried a knife in her left hand, just in case it might be of use. Opening the door, Miss Evers peered out and smiled cheerfully as she spotted the Talinks. Of course Miss Evers wasn't met with the same level of cheerfulness she bestowed. No, the woman was more or less met with the dark intensity that was characteristic of a Talink. One could say Thalcona was less standoffish and a bit more open than her male counterparts, but depending on the situation, it likely was not by much. "We are here to do business with the Lady Virginia Crypt," Beowulf bit out gruffly. As far as he saw it, there was no need for formalities, particularly towards a mere servant. Meanwhile, Thalcona eyed the woman, immediately taking note of the knife, blood stains, and gown. If Beowulf had noticed the same peculiarities that she did, he certainly did not show it. "She's out," Miss Evers said simply. She tapped the knife against the door gently, as if it was a signal for Beowulf and Thalcona to be on their way. "Funeral for her friend. Lovely girl. Lots of blood," Miss Evers explained. Mosi's funeral had been announced in the papers. Given how few people were trained in this day and age, perhaps Mr. Talink knew of Virginia's connection to Mosi. That in itself would be enough to let him know to -- "Try the Mournweald Estate," Miss Evers then added, before shutting the door. Beowulf's visage darkened dangerously. This was supposed to be a relatively simple negotiation, which he had been given the impression was of the utmost importance to the Lady Crypt. And yet, he was hitting roadblock after roadblock. Granted, being stopped by the police had not been the Crypts' fault, but it certainly did little to help his already unsavory mood. He let out what was a mixture of a huff and a growl before spinning on his heels and trudging back to the carriage. Thalcona let out a sigh and followed her father. They then quickly set off to the Mournweald Estate as directed, and fortunately for them no further problems arose. [center][img]https://fontmeme.com/permalink/171105/28155985cd22377d0452b3cbdd69d94d.png[/img][/center] The Talink's carriage came to a stop in front of the Mournweald Estate. Beowulf and Thalcona wasted little time before stepping out of the carriage out into the smoke filled air. Beowulf's nose scrunched up slightly at the smell, and his dark eyed gaze took in the place with a look of clear distaste. Unlike her father's, it was harder to read Thalcona's expression. One could say she was more or less indifferent. One thing was certain, the two were an interesting and unfortunately rather intimidating sight to behold. It's been some time since the pyre was set ablaze at the Mournweald estate. In the end William did it himself when Virginia expressed the opinion it was the duty of the family to do it. Afterwards he had stood outside, looking at the pyre for a good while before finally leaving to attend to other duties. Mosi's siblings who were on the closer side of things stood outside without leaving though. Her sister quietly weeping on the side while Ernest standing there before jumping in the building quick, returning with a bundle of soft cloth that revealed quite hte weight to it." Those are her exes, Lady Crypt. As per her will, they are now yours too." Virginia took the cloth and nodded. Gently undoing the bundle, she looked at the axes that Mosi had used to defend her. Had she not been injured, perhaps she could have defended her friend as well. Yet Mosi had died an honorable death, a warrior's death. Not everyone was as lucky as to die in the defense of those they cared deeply for. Virginia ran her hand along the blade, her index finger opening and weeping blood. She let the blood fall onto the axes before bundling them up with the cloth once more. James was surprisingly well behaved. Alfred had taken him a fair distance away from the others, in an effort to rein in his hyper nature. James' eyes were wide with excitement as he saw the fire, always begging and begging Alfred to allow him to get a closer look. Alfred had to take a cloth to cover his mouth and nose with, just in order to breathe. James, despite coughing a bit from the smoke, didn't mind. He was enthralled with it. Out in front of the estate, middle aged man in butler attire noticed the new arrivals and quickly proceeded to go greet them an inquire about their purpose. After all the whole Estate was currently in a little bit of a chaos frankly and whatever semblence of ordinarity existed was currently absend." Welcome to the Mournweald Estate, honored guests. May I inquire about the purpose of your visit?" James Crypt appeared in a flash out in front of the estate, giggling all the while. A few paces back, a tired and exhausted Alfred chased after him. James loved the fire, but he was a young boy and had a bit too much energy. He had broken off into a run and by coincidence, he found his way to where the Talinks were. Alfred caught up to James a second later, his lips pursed a bit with displeasure. He didn't approve of the Talinks by any means. "Are you here to see the body burn too?" James asked. Beowulf's dark eyed gaze held such an intensity and predatory like quality to it as he took in the people who trickled out to meet him. The man was much like his son Thalken in both appearance and mannerisms. The only difference was that there was a good and decent man below Thalken's cold exterior, but there was only an endless chasm of darkness inside Beowulf. He would ultimately devour everything and everyone he came into contact with, and yet it would never be enough for him. One would do well to fear the Talink name because of him. "We are here to negotiate with the Lady Virginia Crypt, per her request," he stated gruffly as a sly smirk came to his features. "I understand, please follow me. Lady Crypt's in the back yard." The butler from the estate replied politely gesturing for them to follow. The house was already in chaos and Ernest had warned him to send away any and all funeral visitors from other families. That said these people were visiting Virginia and the butler didn't like the sight of the man too much, not that he would let it show on his face. "Lady Crypt, these have come to meet you. It appeared important so, I took the liberty to guide them." The butler explained when they reached the back yard. Then he quickly moved over to Ernest's side whispering something to him before excusing himself. He had to report to William as well. Virginia was not confused nor surprised to see a Talink here so quickly. If anything, she was a bit surprised if had taken them this long to come. There was blood in the water, so to speak, and those who made their living off of blood hardly hesitated to run to it. Yet she also found it tacky to go to a funeral for a business conversation. It was not often that one got to enjoy all that mourning had to offer, to dance a mamushka and to remember fondly those who went on to the next sweet adventure this world had to offer. [color=9999ff]"Very well,"[/color] Virginia said curtly. [color=9999ff]"To business then, it appears,"[/color] Virginia said, not moving. She did not leave the side of the funeral pyre. Mosi's body was almost at the point where no more cremation would be possible. Darkness threatened to fall, yet the flames and embers provided decent light. [color=9999ff]"What is your price, then?"[/color] Virginia asked. There was no reason to beat around the bush. Beowulf's smirk grew a bit at Virginia's quickness to get straight to business. Finally, the right circumstances had come about that would allow him to enact his master scheme and to see to fruition what was possibly his greatest ambition. Ultimately she couldn't refuse his terms as to do so would likely mean the death of her brother James, the Viscount Wenwynith. He had backed her up into a corner, and she didn't even realize it. One could say the wickedly evil man felt like a kid in a candy store right now, but of course that didn't show outwardly. "I am afraid that gold will not suffice this time, Lady Crypt. No, I have a greater, more personal, price in mind. I will see to the protection of the Viscount Wenwynith on one condition. You must marry my son, Thalken," he replied. William had arrived just moments later after being informed by their butler about Virginia's guests and their meeting. He did manage to hear about their demand for price though. Ernest by the side looked rather not pleased with the situation." Please excuse my lack of manners and my innability to welcome you earlier. My name's William Crane. We weren't expecting guests right now, but I do see you've got important discussion to make." He stated." Should I requests of the servants to prepare a room where you could talk in private?" Though despite saying that he was having some reservations. Maybe his innability to protect Mosi was making him want to help Virginia instead now. He was halfway through asking if she'd wish for her brother to accompany his children to the colonies, but managed to stop himself from butting in their problems.