[hr][hr][center][h1][b][i][color=B22222]Vladimir Alexandrov[/color][/i][/b][/h1][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/3068ada6-2525-4e47-b1a8-14d98dfb6177.jpg[/img][h3][color=firebrick][b][i]"[u]The Great Bazhooli[/u]"[/i][/b][/color][/h3][/center][hr][hr][center][color=B22222][b]Location:[/b][/color] Bristol, Harbor
[color=B22222][b]Skills:[/b][/color] [i]Fal'shbort[/i] (Passive), [i]Tretiy Glaz[/i] (Passive), English [/center][hr]

	A smile crossed Vladimir's face. One that was marred by Fish and Chips for only a half-second before he remembered his manners. He had never heard of these people before, La Canela, and considered himself a more than reasonably well traveled man. Potential allies, perhaps? Another organization that The Graveolase had passed over, that they might enlist to their alliance? Even if they wanted to be left alone, making the Circus's existence known to them would be an excellent first step. 

	The sketch of the woman most certainly caught his attention. [color=B22222]"Is pretty lady. Very pretty. Vould much like to meet this ocean Am to understand, this lady is leader of all LaCanela? Hmm..."[/color] He thought for a moment, raising his hands in front of himself as to use them to somehow assist in his explanation, [color=B22222]"Grand Duchess is not leader of Circus. Is strange, I think, to people of outside. Hmm... Yes! For yes. [i]Baron[/i] is running Circus. But Baron Alexandrov is Russian Aristocracy. Grand Duchess is big noble, daughter ov Emperor. Can tell anyvone who is Russian vhat to do. Circus is citizens of Empire, Baron is subject ov Emperor. And ov course, ve have taking, eh, how to say... Economic Subsidy from Imperial Treasury, for care of our Veta."[/color] Vlad shrugged, giving consideration to another possible interpretation of Ludwig's question, [color=firebrick]"Grand Duchess [i]vould[/i] have represented Rusyn in Graveolase."[/color] 

	Vladimir ate another portion of yummy fried potatoes, and opted to clarify his statement. [color=B22222]"Understand, ve love our Veta. Love. Grand Duchess is my light. The making of shiny in heart of Bazhooli Sem'ya. Is my [i]Tatushka[/i] half. Ve help her, ve protect, ve take up her qvest not because [i]having[/i] to, because [i]vanting[/i] to."[/color] Nonchalantly, he concluded, [color=B22222]"And she can order our deaths."[/color] His words were spoken around a growing, toothy smile. He turned to Constantin, [color=B22222]"Good find. Am liking the fishes."[/color] 

	The group's belongings were stowed in the single, smallish cabin reserved by English silver for their use. It was not furnished for the extremes of hospitality, naturally. The craft was a merchant vessel, not a cruise ship. While it would afford much more in the way of comfort and luxury than a fishing vessel or a garbage scow, it was built to move light cargo from Point A to Point B with speed and reliability. A tight fit for three people, perhaps. Vladimir reserved the right to string up a hammock someplace below decks, should the desire for privacy appear. But just for now, as they were settled in enough to launch, Vladimir would be much more satisfied with the boat moving out to open water. 

	

[hr][hr][center][h1][color=c0c0c0][i][b]Sister Mary Ignatia Hale[/b][/i][/color][/h1][/center]
[center][img]https://img.roleplayerguild.com/prod/users/cb6f1c76-96bf-4a15-a29a-81b1d7bcbb56.jpg[/img]
[sub][color=silver]“Blessed be the Lord, my strength, who teaches my hands to war and my fingers to fight.” -Psalm 144:1[/color][/sub]
[hr][color=c0c0c0][b]Location:[/b][/color] Carlisle 
[color=c0c0c0][b]Skills:[/b][/color] Horseback Riding [/center][hr][hr]

	Dame Hale looked to Virginia and smiled. This is one of the reasons, she figured, that she liked the woman. Despite the obvious differences in personal taste, the way they celebrated their respective events, and naturally, the glaring religious differences that otherwise would have made their ever being friends possible. This. The differing perspective of an allied Crypt lady was a boon in many circumstances. Mary was taught strictly, perhaps even inflexibly, by her family as a child and then by the Vatican until her adulthood. She hunted, she killed, she praised God and all of his many splendors. She followed orders. She was a Knight, and lived by a Code. But even she knew that if one is told what [i]not[/i] to do long enough, it stunted one's imagination. Whatever her Church thought about the Crypts, Mary was glad to have Virginia's influence.  

	[color=c0c0c0]"That is an excellent observation, Virginia. This could be a hastening to our intended demise that just happens to bring us closer to Gretna."[/color] The thought was pessimistic, but not outside the realm of logic. They had all witnessed previously unseen Soulless with likewise unseen powers, and very recently. The dynamic had changed for some reason. This could all be a trap. The screams ahead of them seemed to agree with Virginia's assessment. [color=c0c0c0]"Ryne..."[/color] The very word sent her mind back to her childhood, and the losses incurred. Mary slid from her horse and looped the reins over the nearest hitching point. If Cassius was not up to vigorous travel, he was not in ideal condition to fight, either. One of her chain rosaries, wrapped around her hand and wrist as usual, made a soft clicking sound as Mary readied her halberd. [color=c0c0c0]"And you will know my name is The LORD; when I lay my vengeance upon thee."[/color]     

	The look of cold serenity upon Mary's face was almost palpable, as reinforced by frigid, detached words in response to Virginia's query. [color=c0c0c0]"Yes. Let's."[/color] Eyes directed forward were followed by footfalls as she swiftly (but not stupidly) advanced on the scene.