If anyone was suffering from a case of hysterics, Nora mused, it was herself. Twenty four hours ago, she had been spending her time delving into the realm of mathematics and dismissing anything extraordinary that reached beyond Euler's identity as fiction. She preferred to be grounded in reality and logic, leaving tales of fantasy for a guilty pleasure to be read and then set aside. Yet now, she had been branded by what was apparently an Egyptian goddess and had been instructed that she was meant to defend a Bastet. As far as she could tell, Lady Munn appeared to be the best candidate.
Yet had she informed anyone of her dreams and the events that had happened, she would most certainly be admitted for treatment. Her father would likely send her back to England to a facility in the countryside, away from the prying eyes of society. His youngest daughter was already enough of an oddity without mental instability. She had no such plans of discussing her theories quite yet - not until she had enough evidence to either disprove her thoughts or to make them arguable. She certainly was not going to inform Lady Munn that there may be some significance to the Egyptian astrology - not quite yet. She needed more data points.
"It was no trouble at all, Lady Munn," Nora replied softly. "I am more than certain that your mind has the strength to conquer any challenge that may arise throughout the course of these odd events. And yes, Peter was quite lovely. I must agree that he has a natural talent when it comes to interactions - and I did appreciate receiving the opportunity to speak with another mathematician."
Elizaveta Romanova, Sister Mary Ignatia Hale, and Virginia Crypt
Location: Russian Imperial Circus Tent City (Regent's Park) Skills: Tretiy Glaz (Elizaveta/Passive), English (Elizaveta), Diplomacy (Elizaveta), Crypt Family History (Virginia)
Elizaveta nodded slightly. The Grand Duchess was not exactly sure how to take the words but everything that Virginia said and did seemed to be done without cruelty or disdain, so she took it as a compliment instead of anything else. Thinking for a moment she turned back to Mary. "One vould think the Council vould have added us centuries ago. Unlike the other skills ve can teach our vays to vork vith your ovn. You for one could learn the Ostanavalivat'sya, you vitnessed it in the alcove of the church," she said to Mary before turning and looking back towards Virginia, a get smile with a hint of heritage crept into her eyes. "You and your brother could learn the bond between Mamushka and Tatushka, vorking together in harmony to be even more deadly." Taking a step around the room Elizaveta ran her fingers along the length of some of the silk that hung from the ceiling. "They reject that vhich could make them stronger for fear of losing their pover."
Mary nodded on ageeement with the Grand Duchess's assessment. She had seen some of the skills that the Rusyn people had to offer, and like the people of the Circus they were flashy, impressive, and quite effective. Though populated by Gypsies and musicians, and probably other assorted ne'er-do-wells she was told never to associate with, she foind there people to be dedicated to one another and generous with what they had. And skilled - both in Trained and mundane abilities with a high degree of proficiency. One word caught Mary's attention over the rest, though, "Ostanavlivat'sya..." she tried to fit the word out carefully, "That was the collection and cleansing of impure souls, correct? I would very much like to learn that discipline. And others. If the Graveolase could only witness what your people can do, they may understand their error."
The thought of learning more about her family's cultural dance was enticing to her. While they traditionally sang during its performance, Virginia had never heard of Tatushka. Whenever the song itself was referenced, it too was referred to as the Mamushka. In a less dire and urgent time, Virginia would have been enthralled by the possibility of learning that bond. The Cossack Crypts were the ones that originally introduced the dance - what better way to honor them? Of course, she was filled with curiosity as to how they had come to learn it. Were they friends of the Circus? Or perhaps with the Royal Family?
"I do hope so Mary, for they haven't in the past. Perhaps in light of recent events they vill be more open minded. At least I knov you vill be and in the end your vote if the only one my people need," Elizaveta said before looking back over towards Virginia. A strange lofty smile coming to her lips a she did.
"In my experience, nothing is more persuasive than a Mamushka," Virginia said with a smile. If the Grand Mamushka that the Great Bazhooli described could not give the Graveolase a change of opinion, little else would - especially after the events at Almack's.
"The dance of my people, from a single source. One vhich all the vonders of our skills stems. Ve are unlike the others in many vays, one being ve knov our origin. Ve knov vhere ve began. 1Yкрытие мертвых паслен." Elizaveta never let her eyes leave Virginias as she spoke. "You knov these vords even though you are not avare. In your tongue it has tvo meanings. Directly it means shelter of the deadly nightshade. Yet words sometimes hold a more true meaning..." she added as she let her words fall into the air and knelt down before Virginia, resting her hand over the pale womans. "These vords have meaning to you do they not?"
While Mary was thoroughly interested in the direction the conversation was going, she felt a little like she was intruding. She had heard mention of this "Mamushka" before, but had never seen it personally. Now Mary had finally put two and two together; there might be a connection between the Crypts and the Circus. It was odd to her, though. The people of the Circus seemed to embrace every facet of raw, vital life with emotion and drama, if the strange man in charge set the example, while the Crypts (what few of them she knew) had unnatural affection for the macabre. Perhaps the competing philosophies were supposed to fit together like puzzle pieces, or come together like a key and a lock. Or maybe they were incomplete parts of a greater wisdom. Or just maybe, she was totally misreading the situation. So for the meantime, she sat quietly, politely listening without offering comment.
Virginia had become rather still, focusing on the Grand Duchess' each and every word. Just as Elizaveta maintained eye contact with Virginia, so did the eldest daughter of the British Crypts stare fixedly back at Elizaveta. She anticipated that Elizaveta would hold some information about her family and how they had learned the Mamushka - how wrong she was. It was more than simply that. Atropa belladonna, the deadly nightshade - she had last seen it traced on the note her father sent through the flames, along with a message of immense importance. Seek Life Elsewhere. The Carpathian Mountains were where the raven haired Crypt had appeared, according to the stories.
"Of course - the atropa belladonna," Virginia replied, a tear sliding down her face as she understood. "The protection of the deadly nightshade - my ancestor who sold her soul to the dark forces...who sought life elsewhere." Virginia said. It was partially for Mary's benefit. Although her friend had done some investigation into her family, she doubted that Mary was aware of this tale. "Some Crypts claim to have seen her throughout the centuries, as she still draws breath, the Crypt with ebony hair...I take it that she is your source, Grand Duchess...the source of your ways, of the ways of the Circus." She had more family than she had previously known. The people of the Circus may not have the surname Crypt, yet the spiritual kinship was present. With this revelation, she felt more secure than ever with James' safety and future. He would have the Crypt childhood that she wanted him to have - the childhood that he deserved.
"Ve are cousin, there is much to explain and for you to learn of your family. Of 1Yкрытие мертвых паслен." Elizavetas voice was calm and kind as she spoke. Rising she pulled a small silk handkerchief from the folds of her gown and held it out to Virginia. "Now, let us go speak with Baron Alexandrov and arrange for James to remain vith the Circus to train with his people. And for Adam to stay so he can remain safe for now," Elizaveta said as she glanced over towards Mary.
A sense of realization came over Mary. She had spent a fair amount of time in the company of The Baron Alexandrov earlier in the day. He had been an interesting and straightforward source of conversation, inquiring into Mary's background and giving knowledge of his own, to the point of offering the benefit of his advice and experience. The young Apostolic was not a tried leader, but was polite and attentive to the words that the elder Baron had to say to her, now that the was the Arch Graveolase on the interim. Being that he had insinuated himself into her circle of counsel (likely for his own ends, at least in part), he would be a fine counterpoint to nay-sayers claiming that she was lacking in experience. If he could be convinced to lend his support and counsel publicly. "...yes," she said absently lost in thought.
Mary's attention focused on Elizaveta and her voice picked back up with strength and confidence, "Of course, Grand Duchess. Speaking with the Baron is an excellent idea, if he would see us. I have a related matter I wish to discuss with him." She stood with a feeling of renewed vigor and threw on her robe. Mary smoothed it out but kept the front of it open, displaying her knightly and Catholic attire, but pulled her hood up over her head and took up her Swiss halberd as a woman on a mission. "Grand Duchess, Lady Crypt, I thank you unreservedly for your friendship and advice. It is my wish that we may always be as we are now, regardless of what the future holds for us individually, and if I may ever be further service to either of you you have but to ask. At this moment, we each have grand tasks which require our unwavering attention. I suggest we get started, and together."
Virginia accepted the handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes, yet she was smiling all the same. She adored her family and would do just about anything for them, no matter how distantly related. The same blood was in all of their veins. They danced the same Mamushkas. They played the same rousing games of Wake the Dead. They were different from the normals in this world and they were different from the soulless. They were Crypts - and now, Virginia had found more cousins. Any qualms she may have had about the ability of the Circus to protect James had vanished. She had no reason to doubt any member of the Crypt family, no matter how distant.
She had no doubt that Elizaveta and the others present would have more information about the ebony haired Crypt. She was certain that it was her father's intention to seek her out, in order to protect her family from those who would seek to subdue them. It was the Crypt way - destroy those gladly who attempted to destroy them. They danced with Lady Death. "Yes, time is of the essence this evening. For Millicent and for the Graveolase...For us all," Virginia said, acknowledging Mary with a nod. She rose to her feet, uncertain as to where exactly the baron would be. It'd be best to defer to Elizaveta and Mary.
1 - Shelter Of The Deadly Nightshade (Direct Translation, not full meaning)
The Caribbean: April 9th, 1719 - 4:46 PM Local Time
Harlianne James
Location: Port of Tortuga Docks
The Captain of the Styx was not usually one to become easily distracted. Yet he could not be anything but baffled in this moment, to the extent that he didn't even hear the harsh and impatient words of Alisanne Riviere. As he peered over the deck, he couldn't be certain if he was looking at the best pirate in the Caribbean or the worst one. "Is he...is he swimming for it?" the Captain asked, looking uncertainly at his first mate.
"Aye...But that's no he," the first mate corrected him. There was no mistaking the long and flowing ginger locks as Captain Harlianne James, more affectionally known as Mad Eyes, had jumped off the deck of the Bellona and into the waters. Her hat had been left behind, along with her coat and pistol, and could no longer mask her gender. And while the flames and the wreckage of the Octobris were enough to prevent the Styx from approaching, it didn't deter Mad Eyes. She dove underneath them whenever she could, weaving in and out as best as she could.
"CAPTAIN!" Alisanne huffed. Her eyes were narrowed, appearing almost snakelike. "Why have we not prepared a landing party to shore as I asked?" Alisanne added quickly. She marched over towards the man and a few of the other crew members, attempting to see what could possibly be so fascinating on the side of the ship.
"Miss, there's - she's," the Captain stuttered, only for Alisanne to raise a hand to silence him.
"May I remind you, Captain, that although you may lack eyes in the near future, I currently do not," Alisanne threatened. "Now, one pirate should be a simple enough task for you to handle."
"But miss, we can't fire on her," the Captain tried to explain.
"Are you a man or are you a piece of furniture?" Alisanne asked in exasperation. She dropped back slightly into a fighting stance, one traditional for martial arts, before kicking the Captain straight in the stomach. He flew backwards, hitting his back against the railing, before tumbling over it and dropping down to the ocean. "I want that pirate dead," Alisanne then said calmly. She then turned to the first mate. "You are now the Captain of the Styx."
Édouard Riviere & Aravis Zacharia
Location: the Misty Mire - Port of Tortuga
Aravis nodded, closing her eyes as she recalled the details. She was a storyteller in her soul and fortunately, the details came back to her with not too much trouble. "This tale is called giratee devee - the fallen goddess. Long ago, when the Earth was new and humanity was in its infancy, the gods walked the world. They quarreled and fought; they loved and they lost. They lived much as we did now. Yet while these gods lived in a golden age, each age has its dawn and its sunset. The days grew cold and ice began to cover the world. At first, they thought it was the work of chaalabaaj, the trickster, but it was not. It was the work of new beings - the roshanee."
"These beings were not peaceful. They did not act as the gods did - they were not human. They cast one another out of the stars, sending them to earth as punishment. And their anger had turned to the gods. They sought to destroy them. So the gods found the strongest among them, heketee, and named her their champion. They gave her some of their powers, so that way she might defeat the the roshanee."
"She held the roshanee at bay for years, yet she became vain. She wanted to rule above all the other gods. She was too powerful to be stopped, so the gods tricked her. They honored her with gifts and presented her with a cursed flask, one that would seal and consume her soul. She became imprisoned inside of it and Sin hid it. According to legend, it is in a place where only the devil may tread...A place where you can find the one called Hecate."
Édouard's eyes widened with amazement at the aura surrounding Millicent. He didn't understand what was going on, but he knew pure power when it was present. And then, a dark streak shot upwards, hitting the sky. It fell down from the sky, striking an area not too far from the Tortuga Docks. It was the curse, seeking a soul to drain for the power that Millicent had used. And in the same instant, the bodies appeared - all of the ones that had been on Tortuga. Hecate wasn't sloppy in her work - yet even if Millicent did not expressly want a given body, it appeared.
For those of you who have survived chapter three, here are your rewards. Since not all of your characters lived, I rolled to see if you would get either a skill reward or a connection. The default was a connection for those without characters that survived chapter three. Please edit these into the CS of the character indicated as is appropriate:
@BlueSky44: Thalia - General Skills: Poker Face @Nallore: Jessica - What Is On Your Person: Business card of Sayuki Chikashi @FantasyChic: Lilith - What Is On Your Person: Intangible A favor from Marley-Mae Christie. It can be used at any time. @Witch Cat: Rita - What Is On Your Person: Sticky note with Anthony Ryder's contact information
Location: Ville au Camp: Main House (Room 202) Skills: the Cards, History (General Human History)
Had the last reading not appeared so grim, Nancy would have gone out of her way to make a show of using her toes to pick out the cards. It was a bit hypocritical of her. As much as she hated it when others touched her cards, she didn't mind the thought of using her feet to handle them. Her protectiveness over the cards wasn't necessarily out of a fear that would someone else would ruin them. Instead, it felt more like an invasion of privacy. The cards felt like an extension of herself at times, hence her nickname. "It's always All Hallow's Eve," Nancy pointed out, but she didn't disagree with Gio. And perhaps if the mood was lighter, she would have reminded him that it was technically her birthday.
However, she also didn't move from her position on the floor. The urge to conduct a reading swept over her and she reshuffled the cards, moving onto the next glimpse into what was to come to pass. "All the new Paradoxes...They might be setting off all these readings," Nancy muttered, pulling out the three cards. "If I get a feeling for a third one, you might want to go get Eve and Gil and bring them here. I want to do another reading anyways, a specific one, just to confirm. After what happened to Drem..." She let the sentence hang.
Turning over the cards, Nancy drew the Knight of Pentacles, the Moon, and the Ace of Swords. She felt relieved as she realized the meaning behind this one. While it impacted them, it wasn't harrowing to her. It impacted them in the way that all events in history impacted them. Yet to one of the Paradoxes, it perhaps hit home a little more. "A coroner from Justice is going to have a realization about a case - about Alicia's." She didn't feel a need to explain the cards beyond that. If she wanted to, she could have gone over the meanings of each card, but she simply didn't feel like it. That was how Nancy was - chaotic, a bit inconsistent, all over the place.
Nancy shuffled the cards once more, pausing for a second to see if the feeling for a reading would return rapidly. She wanted more clarity on the painful end that she had foreseen. She couldn't change what the cards meant, yet she could attempt to gather more information if there was indeed a grim future looming over them. Or if Giouse really was going to throw out his back - she hoped that was the meaning (and not just because it would be a bit amusing).
Andromeda Aldrich
Location: Ville au Camp: Main House (Room 109 --> Receiving) Skills: None
Did she stay inside the room and wallow in self pity? The bed did look especially inviting and comforting, but she didn't want to be alone with her thoughts. No, the white haired ex-museum curator had always been able to lose herself in a healthy dose of exploration. If she moved around, she could keep herself from considering the harrowing possibilities. Had the others died in that tent? From what she could understand, not everyone went to this place. Otherwise, she was certain she would have seen Emmie - or that Alicia would have mentioned her. And while she could have, she supposed, left this place and made her way to Massachusetts, what's to say Fairfax would be there? He could have died with the others and never returned to 1929.
"You'll drive yourself insane like that," Andromeda admonished herself. "And look, you're already talking to yourself. You know who does that? Crazy people and Lewis Carroll." She paced back and forth a bit, pausing to tap her feet. Her first conclusion seemed to be the best - she needed to get out of this room, away from her thoughts and the potentially tragic fate of her friends, and go explore. The animated fish said it best - just keep swimming.
Andromeda looked down at the key in her hand. She didn't especially feel like putting it inside the purse. She set the purse down on the bed and then slipped off her locket, unhooking the chain. She then fed the key through the chain, the key now resting against the locket and secured, before she refastened the locket-necklace combo around her neck. It felt much more practical this way. Taking a deep breath, Andromeda opened the door, expecting to see some of the others Alicia had mentioned -
But there was no one there. "Alright, Andy, which way to go which way to go..." She really needed to put an end to this talking to herself. She glanced up and down the passageway, trying to remember which direction she had come with Alicia from. Looking down at her current attire, a bit of realization sank in. She probably would get some major sunburns dressed like this. Maybe that's something she'd ask Alicia about later - if they could find her some clothing that offered her skin a bit more protection from the sun's rays. While she had already died, Andromeda didn't quite feel like getting skin cancer - could she get skin cancer?
In the interest of potentially avoiding skin cancer, Andromeda decided to go straight. Leaving the passageway, she entered the receiving hallway, taking a moment to look around. "Erm...Hello?" she called out, just in case someone else was around. There had to be others somewhere - right?
Their surroundings were ominous and dismal. From what Nine could tell, no one had been in this facility in a long time, as the dust slowly drifted down and hit the ground as they disturbed it. Looking upwards, she noted the wires hanging, sending the occasional sparks. No one had maintained this lab in a long time. Those chambers that they had emerged from - they were probably the only thing that still worked. She couldn't imagine anything else was still receiving power. And in the flickering darkness, she saw opportunity. The guard closest to Nine wasn't paying attention. She could grab his gun. And somehow, she felt that she knew how to use it as well.
She heard the various whispers throughout the group, as a self appointed leader instructed everyone to react rather than act. It didn't sit well by her. If they were simply reacting, then it could be too late. With the state of disarray and the military police types here, it didn't bode well. They said it would be easier if they didn't remember anything - then there was something important to remember, beyond their identities. Every fiber in Nine's being was telling her to be afraid - to be very afraid.
Did she wait to find out what they'd meet on the other end of that tunnel? Did she allow their escorts to take them without protest? Her window of opportunity was closing. She needed to act - quickly. Nine quickly grabbed the gun from the guard, attempting to kick the guard into one of the doors as to knock him unconscious. She then turned and aimed the gun at the leader of the military police, pulling the trigger as she went for a head shot.
"Everyone put your guns down now!" Nine instructed. "Or I'll kill you next. Don't try me."
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