[hr][hr][center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/6db984d3-4c29-457c-84f7-fd720c6f3470.png[/img][/center]
[center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/3068ada6-2525-4e47-b1a8-14d98dfb6177.jpg[/img][/center][hr][center][color=firebrick][b]Passive Skills:[/b][/color] [list][*] [u]Fal'shbort[/u] - You are tougher, stronger, more Russian! [*] [u]Tretiy Glaz[/u] - An ability that gives a person a sixth sense into the future. Unpredictable and random.[/list][/center][hr][hr][center][color=firebrick][b]Location:[/b][/color] Russian Imperial Circus Tent City (Regent's Park) [/center][hr][hr]

	The mood of the flamboyant Gentleman of the Russian Circus known as "The Great Bazhooli" could barely contain his absolute jubilation at the news that Elizaveta was not just awake and well, but also hungry. Hungry was usually a good sign, which he grasped with both hands in the classic tradition of his people: With [b]flaming overkill[/b]. 

	A sense of sudden energy came about the man as he threw his hat back upon his head, covering over the filigreed, red bandanna holding his prominent, lightly oiled mane of chestnut hair down. Vladimir's face brightened, the first warning as the level of animation his limbs were about to achieve. The explosion of happy was palpable from three tents away. [color=firebrick]"Yes. Yes! Ve can have the dinner. All of us! A thing for celebration!"[/color] He moved in closer to the Grand Duchess and the boy, Adam, who remained in bed, voice gathering as a snowball tumbling down a powdered mountainside. [color=firebrick]"Grand, [i]massive[/i] feast of Russian succulents and savories! Ve show everyvon..."[/color] he crept nearer to the Grand Duchess, spasmodically flexing his hands in front of himself to emphasize the fervent nature of his speech, [color=firebrick]"...Da, [i]everyvon[/i] see that spirit of Russian Circus vill not be step-ed flat by attack in dark!"[/color] 

	He raised to his full height, eyes maniacally bright and twitchy. His voice grew powerful, and the light in the room seemed to darken slightly in response to choke hold on the dramatic. [color=firebrick]"All of the peoples and beasts of the Londons vill see the [i]strength[/i] and [i]grace[/i] of the Grand Duchess Elizaveta Petrovna Romanova! Feasting! Holding court vith Baron Alexandrov, Great Bazhooli, Roman Catholics, [i]and Arch Graveolase![/i] There vill be music! Dancing! Fires to light up sky, [i]beacon[/i] of hope and defiance versus Soulless and monsters alike! Da! VE DO THIS THING TONIGHT!"[/color] Vladimir dropped his histrionic mannerisms for just a second or two, just long enough to politely address Elizaveta in quieter, doting tones, [color=firebrick]"You have good idea, Veta. Excellent plan. You do nothing but sit and enjoy. For before dinner, I send back fresh bread and honey for you and boy. Maybe beet or two. Beet good for him. Good for you, too. You eat. You rest."[/color] A smile began to slowly creep across his features as the gleam of utter [i]Bazhooliness[/i] returned. 

	[color=firebrick]"THEN VE FEAST!"[/color] 

	Vladimir burst out of the tent with such force of personality that people nearby shirked back in unexpected awe. He cleared his throat, prepared to address the Sem'ya, when a realization smacked him. He quickly poked his head back into the tent, intoning hastily, [color=firebrick]"прости, little Veta. Vill be back in short time."[/color] The second explosion from the tent was not as impressive as the first, but his words were taken with the fullness of respect due The Great Bazhooli in his own home. He drew two of his larger knives from among the many on his person, twirling them around himself as he spoke. [color=firebrick]"Circus closing! Bring music, lights, acts back to Bazhooli Sem'ya Tent City! Tonight, ve celebrate! Grand Duchess is safe and vell! Tonight, circus perform for [i]Circus[/i]."[/color] From among the people who had gathered, Vladimir pointed to select members of the Sem'ya and called them forward for special instruction. 

	[color=firebrick]"[i]You[/i]: Am needing extra security peoples on perimeter. Everyvon celebrates, so you are keeping shifts short, rotate often. Guards on Veta's tent, all times. No von drinks until after turn at shift. [i]You[/i]: Get cooks moving food for selling into Tent City kitchen instead. Use good stuff. And [i]you[/i]: Places of honor at big table in front of assembly. Veta, Baron, Great Bazhooli, eh... Sister-Knight Mary, and usual places. I think Scary Catholic Girl has Nun friend vith her now. All ov you, go now!"[/color] He sent them away with a mighty flourish of tailored linens and bright steel. 

	Among the crowd, he located his son, calling out to him, [color=firebrick]"Konstantin! Ah, good son, there you are. Veta is awake now, and [i]passionately[/i] hungry. For please, get her and boy some of the bread from today, vith pot of honey and jam, da? Oh! And smoked beets. Is good for boy. Thank you, thank you."[/color] He was aware that he had been heaping a lot of responsibility on Konstantin as of late, mostly in the form of tasks generally suited to menial laborers or servants. In a way, they all were. In the Circus, everyone who was able to worked, everyone served everyone else. It was a matter of survival in an unsure world. But Konstantin was, potentially, the next Great Bazhooli. He needed to maintain a sense of humble service to his people, and proud standing with everyone else. So far, he was doing very well with both. If only he would start showing the unbridled panache necessary for the job. All in good time, hopefully. [color=firebrick]"Am proud of you, boy. You do good."[/color] 

	His own sense of pride in his people rising, Vladimir leapt atop a nearby table, arms outstretched (and still holding blades), calling to uplift his people. [color=firebrick]"Ladies and Gentlemans! Gypsies, Nobles, and all between! Tonight, ve raise voices! Tonight, ve light lights! Dance! Sing! Celebrate! Tonight, ve show all of London-town that ve are [i]strong[/i]! That ve are [i]unafraid[/i]! That ve are bright light in time of darkness! Ve are Rusyn! Circus! Ve are [i]Sem'ya[/i]!"[/color] Resulting cheers from the circus folk gathered could likely be heard for miles off. Vladimir was proud of his people, indeed. And since his father, The Baron, hadn't roared various obscenities from inside of his tent, he could only assume that the elder Alexandrov approved. 

	


[hr][hr][center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/b4c8d8bb-ce6c-4f28-ae48-5db57c8bd072.png[/img][/center]
[center][img]https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/82/54/0d/82540d6136ce1f6f809735b7e793127b--redhead-makeup-molly-quinn.jpg[/img]
[sub][color=c0c0c0]"I will defend those who cannot defend themselves. I will be faithful in love and loyal in friendship."[/color][/sub]
[hr][color=c0c0c0][b]Location:[/b][/color] Russian Imperial Circus Tent City (Regent's Park) [/center][hr][hr]

	Meanwhile, Sister Mary carefully cracked open the letters, one with the seal of the House Crypt and the other bearing the mark of the Graveolase. She thanked Sister Lazarus again and selected the letter from Virginia first. It was fitting, considering that they had some discussion to get back to, previously interrupted by the carnage at Almack's. The idea had been brought up about meeting sometime that day, although no solid plans had been confirmed. Yesterday afternoon seemed so far away, what with all that had happened. If Mary had forgotten something or missed her somewhere in the shuffle, then she was due a personal apology as soon as possible. Nothing the Graveolase had to say, with few possible exceptions, would be as important to her at that moment. Not far behind her, The Great Bazhooli was in the process of rallying his people together. 

	Reading the letter from Virginia revealed a far worse circumstance than she had feared. The life of little James Crypt, the Viscount Wenwynith, was being threatened by forces unknown. Mary was touched that Virginia had enough faith in her to request aid in the endeavor to protect her family. Lord knows that with their reputation, there was always the possibility that someone in the British military would be less inclined to put forth their best effort to ensure his safety. 

	Uncertainty gripped Mary. Even with her elevated position, what could she do? Putting her into the protection of the Church at St. Etheldreda's was only useful if people didn't know that he was there. Even then, it would be a temporary measure. Calling for right of Sanctuary wasn't as absolute as it used to be in this country. Her communications with the Grand Cross of her Order were adamant that no additional Knights nor men-at-arms could be made available, considering the widespread simultaneous series of attacks that had taken place last evening. The other Knights of St. Sylvester had their hands full, seemingly worldwide. Even the Vatican must be tightening their ranks... 

	The Vatican. Of course. 

	Realization slammed into Mary like a wave crashing against a rocky shore. Maybe there was something she could do. As the wheels began to turn in her mind, plotting the best method of using whatever resource was at her disposal, a light smile crossed her face. Yes, she could help. Without doubt she could help; and she intended to do just that. The Oath she took to become a Dame demanded this of her, to the best of her ability. Mary took a half step away from her location before she remembered that there was another letter for her, which she opened and read quickly. 

	When she skimmed the letter, the surprise of it forced her to slow down and read it more slowly, enunciating every word in the fore of her brain. [color=c0c0c0]"They are coming here, Sister Lazarus. The Graveolase is coming here to meet with me. Excuse me, but would you please come with me, Sister?"[/color] Mary turned and walked through the crowd of people dispersing to busy themselves with the grand party that Vladimir was screaming about moments ago. [color=c0c0c0]"Master Alexandrov! Master Alexan..."[/color] 

	Her presence was noted by the flashy performer, responding with a stalwart laugh and good tidings. [color=firebrick]"Ah!  Страшная католическая девушка!"[/color] Mary noted with the slightest annoyance that he referred to her as "Scary Catholic Girl" again, but was willing to overlook it for the greater good. [color=firebrick]"You stay for supper, yes? Big time to have! You, Veta, your friend maybe, guests of honor, da? Music, dancing, food. Good time for talking. Your boy stays too?"[/color] 

	[color=c0c0c0]"Yes, of course. I am honored to accept the hospitality of the Russian Imperial Circus, Master Alexandrov. With your leave, please, I have just received word that the Graveolase is planning to meet me [i]here[/i], sir. I know not how many they will number, and it is too late to send word otherwise. I am sorry to inconvenience your people in this way, Master Alexandrov."[/color] 

		[color=firebrick]"HA!"[/color] he roared in a single laugh. [color=firebrick]"Ve have prepared for evening to expect most of London. Ve have food, ve have wine, ve have vodka. Abundance of all, Sister-Knight. They vill be as welcome as yourself."[/color] 

	[color=c0c0c0]"You have my gratitude. If I may call upon you for another favor, please?"[/color] she inquired with humility.

		[color=firebrick]"For certain!"[/color] Vladimir replied with a flourish, [color=firebrick]"Your gracious presence breathe life into air around us; The Great Bazhooli is in your debt for mere attendance at Circus, Sister-Knight Mary! You ask, ve vill do vhat ve can."[/color] 

	It seemed a greater compliment than was necessary, given the circumstance, but Mary smiled politely back at him before making her request. [color=c0c0c0]"I desperately need to pen a letter to a friend in trouble, and have it delivered as quickly as possible this evening. Someone important to me is in danger."[/color] 

	This revelation seemed to throw a hiccup in Vladimir's overly positive attitude. Just for a moment, however, as if it was covered over immediately by the sheer force of the man's charisma. [color=firebrick]"You go to my tent. Red and black, over there..."[/color] He pointed nearby, across the commons. [color=firebrick]"You go there, vhat you need is on my desk. Vhen done, ve have best horses and riders [i]in vorld[/i], take message for you. You go now. Tell friend to come here, if vant. Ve make party!"[/color] 

	Mary was already running to the tent as Vlad was finishing his sentence. She shouted a quick [color=c0c0c0]"Thank you!"[/color] behind her as she left, not stopping until she got into the man's tent. There was an oil lamp lit inside, which Mary turned brighter in her search for the desk in the dim light. Settling behind Vlad's desk, she penned a letter with practiced but flowing script, fully legible despite the haste with which it was written. 

[hider=For the eyes of Lady Virginia Crypt]

	[i]Lady Crypt, 

	I shall be succinct, please forgive the terse nature of my writing as I believe that every second shall matter in this endeavor. Indeed I am willing to assist you and your family in this time of need. Working toward this, I am able to extend the full protection of Rome to your dear brother, with but one caveat: The Vatican prefers to take in those of relation to clergy or their auxiliary. Were you to appoint me as his Godmother, it would satisfy the requirement of the Church and provide an outside party to legally give him shelter (by the laws of England). 

	I do not wish to delude you in any way; this means that you would have to entrust him to the Vatican for his proper Training. There is no safer place in God's Creation for him. He will not necessarily have to convert to Catholicism, though it is preferred by the Trainers there. Nonetheless, he would be cared for, highly educated, and have access to a wealth of knowledge of which most souls may only dream. All they require is funding from the family in question, and proper respect from the student. James will receive Training from the most disciplined private army in the world, and if he were to find faith, he may be granted access to divine abilities similar to my own.

	Regardless of your decision concerning Rome, I invite you and James into St. Etheldreda's Cathedral and the Ely Palace, for what secrecy and protection it can provide. Additionally, on this evening you have been invited to the living area of the Russian Imperial Circus in Regent's Park, where there are numerous Trained people loyal to their Baron and Grand Duchess to protect you and James. There is a celebration in the making, surrounding the meeting of the Graveolase. I invite you to sit at my table and advise me during this event, as you must know more of politic than I, certainly, and you have my trust.  

	Simply arrive here, and what protection I can offer is yours. 

	Yours in love and friendship,
 

	Sister Mary Ignatia Hale 
	Dame Commander of the Order of St. Sylvester
	Arch Graveolase (Interim)[/i] 
[/hider]

	Mary sealed the letter in wax and pressed her crucifix into it, giving it as much of an official seal as she could just then. Further, she wrote down the address of the Crypt Townhouse on another, along with easy directions. Considering the nature of the family, it was very possible that they could not miss it. Mary stepped outside and passed the letter off to Vladimir, who was still in the area barking orders. He accepted the paper with a determined smile, flagged down two of his people, and handed it off. 

	A brief conversation ensued involving the directions, the riders trying to memorize the instructions as much as possible so as not to need to refer to the paper constantly. Vlad reassured Mary, [color=firebrick]"Everything is right. They are good vith English. Many are that chose to come here for Season. Others come to learn. They are good."[/color] He seemed fairly certain about his people. 

	Mary added, [color=c0c0c0]"Thank you. If you need directions, a member of the local Constabulary is duty bound to assist. Otherwise, the Crypts are well known. Further, she might be attending a funeral. I know not where it is being held, however. Please try to locate her as best you can, it is urgently important. Thank you both so much."[/color] 

	[color=firebrick]"Good!"[/color] exclaimed Vladimir, wrapping things up. [color=firebrick]"You deliver message - put in hand, da? You go. Fast as you can. I go to Veta."[/color] 

	Vlad looked to Mary. Mary looked to Vlad. [color=c0c0c0]"Thank you again, Master Alexandrov. I am in your debt now, it seems."[/color] she said quietly. 

	[color=firebrick]"Nonsense! Come, ve go see Veta now."[/color]

		[color=c0c0c0]"Indeed."[/color] Walking alongside the apparently generous Russian, Mary returned to Elizaveta's tent, excited and relieved that she was back in the land of the conscious.