[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] There was a sly glint to Beowulf's dark eyes as he waited in impatient anticipation for the Lady Crypt's answer. There was an almost predatory like quality to him as his eyes were unflinchingly locked on her. The only outward signs that he had even heard Ernest was the tightening of his muscles and his jaw clenching. No one would stand in his way of getting what he wanted right then and right there. But, of course, life always liked to throw curve balls. His gaze suddenly snapped up when he felt the scorching heat and saw the blinding light out of the corner of his eye. He let out a growl as he was forced to retreat and right when the Lady Crypt was about to state her decision! Everything that happened was so sudden and had caught Mosi's family by complete surprise. Her family was also forced to pull away to the edges of the distance that the head was barely possible to stand. This was not something they had heard about and the moment the pyre's fire finally ended the confusion was complete." What the..." Mosi's father uttered, his gaze locked onto the now frost covered former blazing white inferno. "Are... those arrows?!" Ernest asked, noting the way the ashes had spread out, then took a look at the parchment at Virginia's feet." Did you drop that... Lady Crypt?" Virginia held up a finger to signal for a moment's pause. She first felt the heat still present in the air. While it was not as painful as it had been before, it was not the chill she expected to produce frost. At this temperature, the water should be in the liquid state. There should be no frost. She frowned deeply, wondering exactly what might have caused such an event. Then there was the matter of the arrows, formed from Mosi's ashes. She took note of each direction they pointed in. It would have been appropriate to have some device with her to measure the precise angle, as well as a sketch pad. Unfortunately, she lacked both at this moment. [color=9999ff]"No one is to disturb the ashes,"[/color] Virginia said. [color=9999ff]"To examine the paper itself...A mixture of alcohol and glycerin should do. Glycerin itself is found in fats and oils. What sorts do you have on hand?"[/color] Virginia asked. She slipped on a pair of gloves before bending and gently picking up the burned paper. She didn't dare risk having it disintegrate before her eyes. No one from the servants in the Mournweald estate dared to approach the ashes even without Virginia's warning. For all of them what had happened was both incredible, meaningful in ways they didn't really grasp and really fearful. "We have fish oils and animal fats for cooking and the like. Would those do?" Mosi's father asked. Unlike the others, Beowulf was not the least bit interested in figuring out what had just happened. No, he was always more focused on his own selfish interests. "Who cares about that peculiarity? Surely, the safety of the Viscount Wenwynith is more important at the moment. Now, what is your answer Lady Crypt?" he basically demanded. Virginia kept her finger held up, as if that was a suitable answer to Beowulf. For Alfred, however, it was anything but. He was holding the young Viscount at the moment, in an attempt to keep him away from being scorched by the flames. Yet even now with the fire extinguished, he still hadn't let go of the young boy. He frowned at Beowulf's remarks. He hadn't been in earshot initially when Beowulf gave his terms, but he realized that there was one thing the man likely wanted more than money. "You do not have to do this, Virginia," Alfred said sternly, calling her by her first name. Despite having practically raised her, he had always called her Lady Crypt or Lady Virginia. Master James was a staple, though when James was older, it was likely that his title would change in Alfred's mind as well. "Whatever danger Master James is in, it can be overcome without dealings with men like the Talinks." "Ginny? What's going on?" James asked, looking at his sister with confusion. He didn't understand the terms of the deal that his sister had been given. He was too young to grasp what motivated people and influenced the choices they made. Virginia looked at James with a sad smile. There had been no word yet from Dame Hale and with each minute, she felt the danger growing. [color=9999ff]"Sic Gorgiamus Allos Subjectatos Nunc,"[/color] Virginia said to her brother. As much as she wished to believe Alfred that they could surmount the danger without aid, she knew it was not the case. If she had to become a black widow for the sake of her brother, then so be it. She had long been fascinated with unnatural deaths and enjoyed studying them in the basement laboratory. She would be able to find a way out of the marriage with the Talink boy, one way or another. [color=9999ff]"Do not fret, dear James. Mr. Crane, those oils should do nicely. Please do fetch them."[/color] She paused, yet she did not turn to face Beowulf. [color=9999ff]"I accept those terms."[/color] "Of course, Lady Crypt." Ernest replied and witheld his frowns at the Talinks. Frankly he was sure his daugther would have already jumped them if she had heard this demand. She was probably going to be throwing her axes or firing arrows at the man until he's gone from her sight. It just made him feel bad about Mosi again. He regretted not being able to do his fatherly duty and protect her. A devilish smirk of satisfaction and ill intent came to Beowulf's features. Finally, his evil scheme was set into motion, and the rewards of this marriage between the Talinks and the Crypts would be fruitful. Or would it? He was too pleased with himself right now for any form of doubt to cross his mind. As far as he saw it, no one would dare try to undermine his plan, and even if they did, he would easily take them down with a bullet to the head or a knife to the gut. But what if the person who saw to his demise was his own flesh and blood? There were so many questions, but he had no desire to entertain them. No, he wanted to relish in this moment of victory. "Excellent choice, m'lady," Beowulf replied smugly. He then spun on his heels and began to walk away without another word in typical Talink fashion. Unbeknownst to him, Thalcona didn't budge. She was uncharacteristically quiet throughout the "negotiations." Truth be told, she was in shock, but as the shock wore off, it was replaced by a gnawing feeling of guilt. She should have put a stop to this, but what was she to say? Her father wouldn't have listened. She didn't like any of this. She felt bad for both parties, the Crypts and Thalken. Oh god, Thalken was going to lose it. Thalcona let out a shuttering breath, glancing over at the young viscount and then at her father who was departing. "Father, I can take first shift to protect the viscount until Thalken can come and take over," she exclaimed. Her voice was oddly monotone as she restrained her emotions. Beowulf stopped and looked over his shoulder at her. He pursed his lips then gave a curt nod in agreement before leaving. "Have fun with Thalken!" Thalcona called out, disdain leaking into her voice. She then promptly faced the Crypts. Her eyes were dark and brooding but not entirely uninviting. Some minutes later Ernest returned with the oils. He could have asked the servants, but he felt like doing it himself. He couldn't do anything else anymore for Mosi beside gather her ashes which he was going to do personally again. It was his little girl after all." I brought the oils." He said as he returned to Virginia.[hr][hr][center][img]https://s8.postimg.org/nvq4ksl7p/maeve.png[/img] [img]https://68.media.tumblr.com/0faf84b3d4f21ea24389bc53f8e6ed38/tumblr_of7eg3Hbnv1snu0flo1_500.gif[/img][hr][color=ff6600][b]Location[/b][/color]: Dressmakers' ---> Tavern, Annan[/center][hr][hr] Once outside of the shop, Maeve took Lady Kirkpatrick's arm. She was beginning to see less and less why Lady Kirkpatrick needed anyone to help her. She was as stubborn and tough as they came. She noted the look Lady Kirkpatrick gave Rory and felt even more confident in her assumption. This job was mostly for show. As soon as she could, Maeve figured, Lady Kirkpatrick would be rid of her. Why have help if you didn't need it, after all? She couldn't help but wonder how long it would be until that happened - hopefully, it'd be enough time to get her job done to the Cummings satisfaction. [color=ff6600]"I can 'andle them quite well,"[/color] Maeve said. She had trained in the usage of a shillelagh and had one among her belongings. She never left home without it. She didn't elaborate much on it, figuring that if Lady Kirkpatrick wanted to know the details of her fake past, then she'd ask. Only lies had details anyways. She held back a sigh as she saw Calum getting chased by one of the cooks, all of her irritation with him coming back. She might have been poked and prodded for hours, but that didn't mean she still wasn't bothered by the earlier situation.