Romero

🦄 Machiavellian Masquerade - Chapter 1

Justice Cobalt

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Location: Unknown
Skills: N/A
Hit Points: 6
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The passage that Cobalt found himself in was disorientating, despite the regular torches along the walls. The girl seemed to vanish suddenly, and Cobalt started forwards, eyes straining for another hidden doorway, before realizing she had simply turned a corner. She turned another, and then seemed to rise up into the air! Cobalt almost tripped over the bottom of the stairs that the girl had started to ascend. Cobalt tried to shake his head clear. Maybe it was the sense of the unknown, or maybe it was something more sinister, but Cobalt still didn't feel quite like himself.

On the bright side, with every step he took, he could sense the air becoming clearer. They seemed to be moving away from the choking smell of earth that had filled the strange chapel, and going upwards could only be a good thing. Cobalt stopped himself. Should only be a good thing. From what he'd already seen in this house, assuming he was even still in the house at all, he knew that nothing should be assumed, and that nothing was what it seemed. Cobalt almost stumbled again, and he snapped out of his wandering daydreams. Lowering his eyes, Cobalt focused on his feet. One step at a time. That, at least, he could trust.

🦄 Soulless Regency - Merged With T.S.

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William Fraser

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Location: Kirkpatrick House
Skills: N/A

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William nodded himself. The man was right, perhaps William was too laid back about the scene of carnage they had stumbled across. So many of his songs and stories seemed to revolve around the creatures that stalked shadows and nightmares that they were never far from his mind. But to see so many of them in the flesh? Or as close to it as those monsters could be to 'flesh'. That was a rare sight. William had been driven to train by his father's... he hesitated to call it paranoia, but that seemed to be the label that fitted best. But even with his training, he could count the times he had used it on one hand. Well, that wasn't strictly true. He used Gislid regularly during his travels, and he'd even used Ingulf from time to time, although he didn't tend to enjoy it. Now he cast his mind back, he'd even dabbled in Hadd. He shuddered at the thought. He lived for stories, but some of the things he saw in those dreams? They were enough, even for him.

Realising he hadn't responded to the driver, William felt his curiosity pique.

"Have you trained? If you don't mind me asking."

William wouldn't be surprised if the man wasn't. He knew that not everyone trained anymore, and if they hadn't just stumbled across the bloodshed that they had, then William would struggle to argue why it was even necessary anymore. But looking at the man standing in front of him, with his worn face, and a life of travelling through the open spaces between places people actually wanted to spend time, William couldn't help but think that he at least knew how to handle himself. He hadn't looked, but he'd be suprsied if there wasn't a weapon resting somewhere within easy reach.

🦄 Machiavellian Masquerade - Chapter 1

Justice Cobalt

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Location: Unknown
Skills: Perception
Hit Points: 6
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The girl nodded, and for the first time, stepped out from behind the pillar fully. At the very least, she seemed just as keen to escape as Cobalt was, so he was hardly going to get in her way. As she crossed the room towards the corner, Cobalt frowned slightly. He'd half-opened his mouth to suggest that they might try and leave the room by a route that didn't involve walking through a seemingly solid wall when his doubt was abruptly cut short. The words died on his lips as he watched the girl push open the door that seemed to appear from nowhere. Another hidden door? Cobalt made a mental note, managing a smile of thanks towards the girl before he stepped through the doorway after her.

The corridor that led away before him seemed to be carved from the rock, just as the chapel had been, but the scent of earth seemed to be slightly less overpowering. He found himself instinctively staying close to the girl as she walked. She seemed to know where she was going, and considering Cobalt didn't have the slightest idea of where he was, he didn't want to risk losing her in the half-light. As he walked, he began routinely checking himself over. Everything seemed to be intact, but that only made Cobalt more curious. Why was he presumably drugged and then dragged to god knows where and simply left there? Hopefully wherever the girl was leading him held some clues at least. At this point, he'd settle for some fresh air.

🦄 Soulless Regency - Merged With T.S.

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William Fraser

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Location: Kirkpatrick House
Skills: Perception

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William had been half-expecting the answer, even before it came. He knew of Gretna Green well enough, the place was famous as a site for love struck English couples to wed, away from disapproving parents. Although the marriage between Rutherford and Millicent seemed to be for more nefarious reasons, he wasn't surprised that it was there that Rutherford intended for it to take place. Even so, he wasn't reassured by the carriage driver confirming his suspicions. One thing that the other man said did pique William's interest though. Trouble that could be following? Was there those who were against the marriage? Who would go so far as to pursue the engaged couple?

A question from the carriage driver tore William's attention back to the present, and he quickly regained his composure, smiling slightly as he replied.

"I haven't yet decided, but I may take you up on that offer. I'll pay of course."

As he spoke, William found himself properly looking at the man for the first time. He looked old, and worn out, and William didn't blame him. He hardly envied the life of a carriage driver, travelling from town to town, honouring whatever fare you could find. Both men were travelers, but William, William was free. He didn't see any scars on the man, but he didn't doubt that he had them. The world was hard and cruel, unless you were rich enough to lounge around in grand country houses all your life, you would have scars, one way or another. Only a moment had passed, and William glanced back towards the house before continuing.

"Certainly a strange thing, that Ryne attack. Can't be a common sight around these parts, not these days at least."

🦄 Machiavellian Masquerade - Chapter 1

Justice Cobalt

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Location: Unknown
Skills: Constitution
Hit Points: 6
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The answer from the girl wasn't what he wanted to hear, and the brief hope of a drink had only made his throat drier. Trying to ignore it as best he could, Cobalt managed a smile. Since he had woken up, his groggy senses had been straining for some clue, any slight sound, that could tell him where he was, but there was nothing. He didn't even know if he was even still in Shadowell Manor. His only companion seemed to be growing in confidence at least, and he watched as she stepped out from behind the pillar. The dress she wore was as pale as she was, and Cobalt saw her eyes still flickered around, never staying still, even when she looked straight at him.

Her voice was soft, and for that at least he was grateful, his head still throbbing slightly, and he certainly wasn't opposed to her suggestion. Someone had dragged him here, and from the sounds of it, it wasn't the girl. He didn't fancy hanging around to find out who it was, certainly not in the state he was in. He braced himself for the effort of rising to his feet, or at least attempting to.

Clambering to his feet, Cobalt managed a weak smile towards the girl again, as he gestured slightly. He was getting stronger with every passing moment, for that he was thankful at least.

"Please. Lead the way."

🦄 Soulless Regency - Merged With T.S.

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William Fraser

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Location: Kirkpatrick House
Skills: Country Knowledge (Scotland)

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William had found a kindred spirit at least. Although at times, he almost wished that the Lords did take no notice in him, rather than having to suffer through the ineptitude and slime of Egerton, and the foreboding darkness of Rutherford. When it came down to it, William and the carriage driver were cut from the same cloth. No title, and little wealth, merely using what talents they had to try and make their way in the world. As the driver moved across to tend to the horses, William followed.

The musician found himself wondering how his life could have been different. If his mother had survived, then William's childhood would have been rubbing shoulders with the wealthy, rather than roaming the wild roads and training in the frozen north. With his grandfather holding a title, he could have mingled with gentry not as an outsider, but as one of them. He wouldn't be looked down upon, only valued for his talents, and he wouldn't have to be a lonely traveler. He could be married by now, to the daughter of a wealthy merchant, or perhaps even of some member of the peerage. Probably even have children of his own...

William shook himself out of his daydream. There was no point living in 'what could have been', life was what it was. Turning back to the driver in time to catch his last remark, William nodded sagely in agreement.

"You're right again. They only care about what we can do for them. But as long as they keep paying, I don't mind too much!"

Pausing, William glanced back at the track that led away from the house, before turning back to the driver.

"Do you think we'll run into any trouble on the road between here and Gretna Green?"

🦄 Soulless Regency - Merged With T.S.

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William Fraser

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Location: Kirkpatrick House
Skills: N/A

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William nodded in thanks as he took the flask offered to him. He took a drink himself before he replied to the driver, smiling again as he handed the flask back. It was good to talk to someone who didn't have a string of titles attached to them. This was where William felt more at ease, away from all the rigidity of noble etiquette, just sharing a drink while they watch the world go by. Of course the world they were watching go by was the grand and imposing shape of Kirkpatrick House, but William would take what he could get.

"You're right there, friend. I'm just a wanderer in truth, a musician who follow those who will pay me for my craft. As it happens, Lord Rutherford has hired me to play at his wedding to Miss Wyndham, so here I am. For both of our sakes, I hope this diversion doesn't take too long."

The man looked over towards William and took the flask back from him. Taking a swig from it he hissed slightly at the burn as he swallowed before nodding. "I hope yer right. I don't exactly get paid by the hour but by the job. Longer they take less chance I have at getting another hire before nightfall. I really don't want to spend an evening Gretna Green if I ain't got'to."

William nodded again. He didn't envy the man looking for customers with the night drawing in, least of all in Gretna Green. Now that he thought of it, what was William intending to do? Once the Rutherford and Millicent were wed, then William's contract would have reached it's end, and he doubted that the happy couple would want to keep William as a companion, and in truth, he wasn't sure he could stand Egerton for longer than he absolutely had to. But that was in the future, for now, William would live in the moment.

"That makes two of us."

William glanced over his shoulder, making sure that the rest of the party had moved on before he turned back to the driver.

"So, what do you make of their Lordships?"

🦄 Machiavellian Masquerade - Chapter 1

Justice Cobalt

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Location: Unknown
Skills: N/A
Hit Points: 6
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Even the voice of the strange girl caused lances of pain through Cobalt's aching head, and he closed his eyes, enjoying the slight respite of the sweet darkness for a moment, before summoning the strength to open his eyes again. He saw that the girl had moved out from behind the pillar, only by a little, but enough for him to see her better. Her eyes never seemed to settle on one thing, constantly darting around, always seeming to avoid looking at the candles that burnt around the room. Struggling, he sat upright, although the effort made his head throb. Pressing one hand to the side of the head, he had to ask himself the same question that had just left her lips.

In truth, his head was starting to ache a little less, and he could feel the room spinning slower than it had when he had first woken up. He'd recover, but that was the extent of his self-diagnosis. He still didn't know what had caused him to suddenly pass out, and he certainly didn't know where he was, or how he had come to be waking up in this strange chapel. His throat was still painfully dry, and he glanced across at the girl, managing a weak smile, ignoring how rough his voice sounded when he spoke.

"I've been worse. I could use a drink though. Some water perhaps? Please."

🦄 Soulless Regency - Merged With T.S.

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William Fraser

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Location: Kirkpatrick House
Skills: N/A

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William couldn't help but feel he'd slipped through the cracks. But he wasn't complaining. Lady Kirkpatrick had already dissapeared inside the house, Lord Egerton confidently following after her. Millicent eventually took Rutherford's hand, and the engaged couple moved towards the house as well. No-one was particularly paying William any attention, but if anything, he preferred it this way. He'd entertained at enough parties to be used to just being part of the furniture. Humming slightly, William turned back to the carriage in time to see that the driver was beginning the task of unloading the two bodies strapped to the roof. Still humming some half-forgotten tune, William decided that he may as well make himself useful.

Half clambering onto the carriage itself, William began to help the driver with his task. As he worked, he looked at the two bodies properly for the first time. The first man that they lowered from the carriage roof had an ugly gunshot wound in his chest, and William hardly needed to be a doctor to know that was what had killed him. The blood that stained the man's mouth was enough to show that his lungs had been torn open, even if the gaping wound wasn't. At least it looked quick, he probably never even knew what hit him.

The second body they unloaded was a different story. He recognized the body as the one that had caused Rutherford such issues, but looking at it properly, he could see that he was a bloody mess. He'd clearly been torn at by one of the Ryne's, and William could only hope that he'd managed to take the creature down with him. Laying the two bodies down on the ground, and seeing that the rest of the party had already moved on, William found himself turning to the carriage driver himself for the first time.

"So, how did you come into the employ of their Lordships?"

🦄 Machiavellian Masquerade - Chapter 1

Justice Cobalt

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Location: Unknown
Skills: N/A
Hit Points: 6
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Cobalt woke with a start. In an instant, the swirling dancers and lively music of the ballroom was gone, darkness came rushing back. His head ached, and for a moment, he couldn't bring himself to open his eyes. The dank smell of earth and stagnant air filled his nostrils, and his ears strained for any noise, but there was nothing but the low crackle of candles. His head was still sore, and his throat was dry. He felt like death, but thankfully, at least from what he could tell, he wasn't yet. And he intended to keep it that way.

Finally, Cobalt opened his eyes. He regretted it almost immediately, even the dim light in the strange room made his head ache even worse, but he pushed through the pain, gritting his teeth. His eyes took a moment to focus, and he could tell he was still feeling the effects of whatever had hit him so suddenly in the Billiards Room. That felt like an age ago now.

Looking around the room he was in, he saw that he seemed to be in some kind of chapel, all cold stone. An alter dominated the center of the room, and beyond it a stained glass window was framed with pillars, and statues he didn't recognise. A handful of candles offered the only light, and they cast long, flickering shadows across the room. Movement out of the corner of his eye caught his attention, and he turned in time to see a pale figure, watching him from behind a pillar. He was not alone then.

Cobalt tried to speak, but he found his throat was still too dry, and he could barely croak. Swallowing, although the effort only made his head spin more, he tried again, his voice still hoarse and rough.

"Where am I?