walking down the street
"Yeah Axe, The plan WAS to disguise Princess Personality and Conan as kids. But without them. I don't really want to involve anyone else. Especially someone who might not be able to defend themselves from Henri, Vamps or their ilk."
"THat's why I'm thinking we should just avoid Henri tonight. We go and watch his Gallery, and when we see him leave, we go in (suitably disguised) and grab this music box of doom. While we're in there we call the police, or just sic Becca on him. That should distract him away from us. No matter how the ensuing chaos turns out."
Gabriel
You ring your mobile phone; Detective Laura Roseby answers "Hello."
"Oh, Gabriel. What can I do for you?" her voice immediately sounds more enthusiastic.
that doesn't sound like much of a plan; do you know anything about security systems? I dont know much; am guessing the police will respond; we havent mapped out hte closest unit or police house to gauge their response time; at night; probably 5 to 10 minutes in that neighborhood; not much time to find something we dont know. But hey, these guys; they probably only alert the police for their mundane operations like not the basement where other stuff probably goes on, if indeed this is even the place for the ritual; are you certain it will happen here? Dont rituals usually have a lot of people, hence the name or does it just mean it is complex. If you can handle the security sytem; I can do the heavy lifting
are you sure it has to be this complicated? Just wack him and no more problem, simple solutions are sometimes best; its not like we are secret agents with all kinds of skills; well unless you are, I just cook and hit things, keep people civil hehe how are you at ghosts and like that; bet there are all kinds of spooks and fey and other little guys that got all kinds of grudges who might be able to help in one way or another; guys like that make enemies; not friends; we just need ta find em, maybe when we watch the gallery; we might see someone else watching too
Danny & Aximeus
Aximeus & Danny
Opposite the Gallery, is a 'greasy spoon' cafe. The neon lights glare harshly off the plastic table showing every scratch and cigarette burn. It's white surface become a pale yellow with age. The single person behind the counter, is sat reading a paper ignoring you whilst their cigarette slowly burns. The coffee is barely more than brown water and the whole place smells of old chip fat, surprising the scent of bacon in the air is actually tempting.
Across the street, the gallery frontage is light by a couple of deep red downlighters focussing on a womans portrait and a surrealist picture of the minster/cathedral. The only other light is is faint light in the upstairs window, a small window (bathroom).
Outside a gentle rain splatters upon the ground. The faint chime of the Minsters clock can be heard as it chimes 1 am.
"Where can we meet that is discreet? I have information regarding a missing person. She needs help and I can't exactly meet somewhere very public."
Gabriel & eavesdroppers
"I can get to the riverside, in 10 just by the old cinema?" Her voice seems hesitant but slightly happy.
"Sounds good meet you there." Gabriel hangs up the phone and looks to Duana. "Shall I meet her alone then, or are you willing to come as well?"
"She is your kind, not mine," Duana replies. "Although, I am adept at not being seen, if I wish. I and..." she pauses and looks to the hound. "If you wish, you can travel with Bunny. I will remain with Gabriel."
Danny sits sipping his bottled soda, (The one safe thing to drink that he could see), glancing out the window occasionally. He arranges the (previously) shiny steel napkin dispenser at an angle so he can see movement across the street in it's warped reflection. That way he doesn't have to stare out the window all the time.
"Hm. Hadn't thought of alarms, actually." He muses aloud to Axe.
"I've been dealing with the spooky side so much lately, I'm getting the bad habit of thinking like them. When you have magic, you tend to forget the little mundane things. Like guns and alarms." He smirks.
"The good news. If he's so all powerful as he's supposed to be, then he probably doesn't have any alarms. Wizards tend to fry electronic things just by being too close. So I'm told. So he'll probably have magic alarms. And I have an idea how to bypass most of those. I think."
"Yeah, the police showing up would be a bad idea." He thinks aloud.
"HM? Oh, yeah, I'm pretty sure his 'Frankenstein Lab' is here. Probably in the basement. It's always in the basement. He was pretty adamant that he didn't want attention attracted to his place of business. That makes me think this is the place."
"Aw man,..." Danny whines out of the blue.
"I just wondered,... He doesn't LIVE there, in the upstairs, does he?" Danny asks Axe, nodding at the gallery.
"'Cause if so, my magic might not work as well as it usually does. Unless our visit earlier today counts as being invited in?" He wonders, rummaging through his memory for what happened earlier. Hoping that at some point the receptionist actually said some version of 'come in'!
Danny & Aximeus
From their view of the building the entire downstairs area is completely dark, excepting the lighting of the facade. Although in this neighbourhood, the hoodlums must know not to disturb the shop, or surely someone would have put the window through.
The small bathroom light is extinguished and the neighbouring light comes into place. As you await some more a chill goes down your spine and the rain smacks against the ground harder. Soon small puddles start to coalese.
Duana, Gabriel & Gelert(?)
Gabriel carries the young girl, he can feel her heart beat through her soft, small frame. As they leave the club and head into the night, Bunny takes them outside through the dancers exit. Gabriel notices a lack of cameras (as well as enough exposed flesh), the side entrance leads the group onto a small alleyway. A light sprinkling of rain hangs in the air.
A few streets traversed and a empty bridge, the lack of people is unsurprising given the inclement weather. Against the dull skies you can hear faint sounds of revelry. Gabriel and Duana find the place where they are to await the Detective.
When they near the bridge, Duana asks for Gabriel's cell phone and finds a dark corner in which to hide.
She uses the phone to call Danny.
"The vampire lord will be meeting your henri at five, and he is none too pleased with the man."
Duana, Gabriel & Gelert(?)
Duana watches as a black car pulls up on the bridge, in the drivers' seat is a man with black slicked back hair and dark calculating eyes. He seems to be in his early thirties, a young woman who you identify as the Detective Roseby you met last night gets out. She takes off her uniformed jacket and chucks it in the back, whilst retrieving a leather coat.
"I'll see you back at the station later, Clive. Thanks for covering for me." she calls as the car violently pulls away from the pavement (sidewalk).
She gets a small mirror out of her bag, checking her appearance before moving towards where the meet was arranged.
Turning a corner, she sees Gabriel with the young girl. Her smile quickly fades. Her eyes quickly search the Gabriels and the girls limp form; the detective's face nearly as pale as her shirt. "Is she alright, who is she?" Her questions trip off the tongue, despite knowing the potential futility.
Gabriel nods at Roseby's arrival and then says "I believe there was a missing persons report on a Lucy .....?"
Gabriel
"...Hubbard. Yeah, that's the twins' case." Laura moves forward placing her hand on the teenagers' pulse.
She looks up at Gabriel, her eye's sliding across his as the rain splatters down. "She'll live, I think, but how do you happen to have a injured kidnapped teenage girl, dressed like that?" Her voice holds a note of trepidation, anger and relief.
The rain breaks the silence with its' staccato rythmn.
Never heard of undead having a T hold or a place of business; you probably no more than I, but when I was fighting the Kong, the wiz bangs down there would never have a meeting in thier hootch; always outside and were very touchy about talking any business and such, I am have never sensed or noticed nothing myself, the Kong used a lot of weresnakes like pythons and were crocks; tuff bastages.
"Yeah. The undead don't worry so much about thresholds I hear. I've heard stories of even a powerful wizard's threshold, complete with strong wards that electrify or burn intruders, being torn down by just throwing enough undead bodies at it. I still don't want to believe in zombies,... I've never seen one. but the stories are there."
"ANyway, I don't think that undead can have a threshold. It has something to do with the energy gathered around people living in the structure. But even if Henri is a loner, and plays with undead, he's still human. (As far as I know.) If he's living in the apartment upstairs, then there will be a threshold. And he's probably enchanted it to boot. If so, My magic will be affected as soon as I cross the line. It will either be just a little less strong, or so watered down that my best illusion will look like a crayon drawing."
"Hm, I wonder if the threshold will be at the main door? I would think that the place being a business would also affect it? Or if it's at the line to his apartments?" Danny muses aloud, having to remind himself to turn away from the window, so he won't stare at the gallery.
"So, how wi,... wait a minute! Weresnakes? And Crocs?" Danny gapes at Axe, his voice just a little too loud. This draws an irritated glance from the worker behind the newspaper. Danny ducks his head and leans closer to Axe.
"Were SNAKES? That has got to be one of the creepiest things I have ever heard. That's right out of 'Conan the Barbarian'." He hisses hoarsely. When Danny's cell rings, he jumps, his eyes even wider than they were a moment ago.
"Consarn,... Grrr. Stupid electronic leashes." Danny grumbles in embarrassment as he fumbles his cell from his pocket.
"Hello? Duana? Hi. So how was the,... Right to business then, Oh, he is? And he's not? Cool. I mean, that's perfect. No actually that IS perfect! Great! Good job." Danny says, giving Axe a thumbs up.
"So, with that little detail out of the way, we still need to pick up your package. Care to meet us?" Danny asks politely.
===
After hanging up with Duana, Danny looks at Axe.
"OK, one little loose end to tie up." He takes a deep breath, lets it out, and calmly pushes redial of an received number on his phone. As it rings he gets up and walks to the other side of the diner, out of direct sight of the employee. (And not coincidentally out of earshot as well. As long as he's human,...)
Danny arches an eyebrow at the now-expected answering message. He speaks clearly and calmly, a cultured, rich baritone rolling with unidentifiable accents.
"I have decided to grant your request. I have acquired proof that the necromancer has played Your Lord for a fool. I regret that I cannot provide proof that your compatriot is in collusion with him. However I am certain that once you explain to your Lord how, acting independently, you discovered the necromancer's duplicity for yourself, He will be more pleasantly disposed towards you than your colleague. Yes?"
"He orchestrated the ghoul uprising and it's consequent aggression towards your Lord for the sole purpose of obtaining an item for his own use. Now, my sources tell me that your Lord is now also aware of this. If you wish to impress him, I shall tell you where the necromancer can be found at 5 this morning. Might I suggest you provide him with a proper welcome?"
====
Duana's Conversation with Danny
"I would," she answers simply. "If only to transport our parcel as promptly as possible to avoid further mishaps. Unfortunately, Gabriel is pandering to law enforcement at the moment. The good Lord nearly destroyed a human child in his mighty rage, and apparently it would have insulted him to call the authorities to his place of business," there is a slight purr in Duana's voice at the last.
"When we have finished here," Duana peers at the pair, "which... may be some time, apparently you modern gentlemen prefer to gab, we will meet you. Might I confirm the address?"
After getting the location from Danny, Duana hangs up.
As the meet between the two mortals continues, Duana's fingertips seek out the numbers on the cell phone that Andrew had given her to contact him in the morning. She waits for an answer , then speaks without need or care to introduce herself.
"G mentioned that he had not heard from you. I dealt the vampire lord's power base a large blow. It is not safe to meet me."
Danny
Becca picks up her strong accent lyrically harsh, "Whats' that pet. I gan what youse saying, aye we can make sure I'm the Lords favourite. Thanks, show traitor and the coloured lad what's what. I may have t' owe ya, if it's true. Otherwise..."
Duana
"Thank you, well done. He is full of bluster, however..." Andrews' voice holds a note of concern but is otherwise light.
"Bunny is safe, if that is your concern. My..." Duana pauses and sighs. "She is not alone. I did not believe that G required my protection."
Duana
He virtually interrupts; "Bunny, no, it's no for her. She can run faster than anyone. It's...you Yeah, I know you can look after yourself, it's just..." Andrew seems a bit lost for the right words.
Duana is silent for some moments, so still as she watches the interaction between Gabriel and the police woman that she scarcely draws breath. "Your concern for my well being is noted," she says softly, "and... sweet," she admits, "but as a rule I do not traffic with demons. Especially ephebophiles. I find the practice morally repugnant." The jest, like good British humor, is especially dry.
"Do you remember my talk of other powers at work? Take her as a gift of goodwill. Right now I can't say where I found her because it would only mean a loss of life for you to go there and start asking the wrong kind of questions." Gabriel says quietly before looking back over his shoulder towards Duana.
Gabriel
She looks at you dubiously for a moment. "Alright, but at some point I will require answers."
She moves in close her slighter frame touching yours, her arms brush yours as she takes the weight of the girl. Although the thin teens' weight is borne admirably under DC Laura's strength. "Right, now however I only require one. Do you dance?" You notice a flier tightly packed in your back pocket; how did Laura get it there? It's for the York Uni - Valentines' Dance, in couple of days.
"You will attend? With me?" her voice soft, yielding but firm. She stands back carrying the injured girl from your arms.
Gabriel blinks and looks down at the flier before looking up at the detective, "Yes actually I was taught by several tutors in the more classical dances but...." He trails off slightly flustered now that he finds himself in this predicament.
"If I find myself still in town and available Detective I shall attend and I promise I shall answer your other questions if they are withen my power to do so." He bows elaborately then and gives her a tight smile before stepping away to make his way towards Duana scowling slightly.
"Indeed. I shall keep that in mind. Good evening." Danny finishes dryly, (Obliquely referring to both the expected favor, and the implied threat), and hangs up before he can entertain his usual predilection for talking too much. He slides back into the booth with Axe.
"Alright. Duana's going to join us. The knight too, maybe. All in all, not too bad a setup." Danny says, smirking just a little, obviously pleased with himself.
"Seems Duana took my idea and ran with it. She's got the big boss mad at him too." He nods towards the Gallery across the street. "And I've got The lady vamp mad at him. Their going to throw him a welcoming party. And she's already willing to suspect the dark vamp of anything. AND the big boss seems the type to not trust his underlings overly anyway. Everyone is going to be suspecting everyone else for things that don't even exist. I'd say that we put back any big plans of the vamps at least few months while they work through their new found suspicious-ness." Danny grins and takes a big swig of his cola. He makes a face at it.
"I cannot get used to how they don't ice sodas here." He grumbles halfheartedly.
"So. We wait for the others to join us. And then for him to leave for the meeting. And then,... we go shopping." HE grins at the large warrior.
"WHY do I get the feeling that it just isn't going to be that easy? It SHOULD be, but it won't." He mutters to himself.
[b] I hate to break it to you; but WWII had tens of thousands of undead like zombies and ghouls fighting in it ;was a total gore fest right out of the comic like Strange Tales; where do you think they got their info; yeah; lot of creepy pretators of all kinds in this world; worse is spiders; i hit this one guy in malasia with a car; he just burst into a million spiders; total creep fest; and the ocean is even worse; freaks of all kinds, nations that prey on humans; we aint @1 in the pecking order; but we got it going when we have to; we showed um that in the War. Funny thing about WWII; we are all ordered to burn every book we came accross; strange eh; Intelligence would round them up; sort em; and big bonefires; yeah and they said it was just to keep warm; but them I=2 guys were scared of something. Zombies are tuff; real tuff; some lot tuffer than others; like strong as me or stronger; some even faster, you gotta blow em or chop em apart. This sword; it hits everything; spirits; whatnot; my aunt says it was made my Lord Vulcan himself, I could never tell if she was joking or not...about anything; the stuff she used to tell me [\b]
"Yeah. The undead don't worry so much about thresholds I hear. I've heard stories of even a powerful wizard's threshold, complete with strong wards that electrify or burn intruders, being torn down by just throwing enough undead bodies at it. I still don't want to believe in zombies,... I've never seen one. but the stories are there."
"ANyway, I don't think that undead can have a threshold. It has something to do with the energy gathered around people living in the structure. But even if Henri is a loner, and plays with undead, he's still human. (As far as I know.) If he's living in the apartment upstairs, then there will be a threshold. And he's probably enchanted it to boot. If so, My magic will be affected as soon as I cross the line. It will either be just a little less strong, or so watered down that my best illusion will look like a crayon drawing."
"Hm, I wonder if the threshold will be at the main door? I would think that the place being a business would also affect it? Or if it's at the line to his apartments?" Danny muses aloud, having to remind himself to turn away from the window, so he won't stare at the gallery.
"So, how wi,... wait a minute! Weresnakes? And Crocs?" Danny gapes at Axe, his voice just a little too loud. This draws an irritated glance from the worker behind the newspaper. Danny ducks his head and leans closer to Axe.
"Were SNAKES? That has got to be one of the creepiest things I have ever heard. That's right out of 'Conan the Barbarian'." He hisses hoarsely. When Danny's cell rings, he jumps, his eyes even wider than they were a moment ago.
"Consarn,... Grrr. Stupid electronic leashes." Danny grumbles in embarrassment as he fumbles his cell from his pocket.
"Hello? Duana? Hi. So how was the,... Right to business then, Oh, he is? And he's not? Cool. I mean, that's perfect. No actually that IS perfect! Great! Good job." Danny says, giving Axe a thumbs up.
"So, with that little detail out of the way, we still need to pick...
Dano, what is the deal with those two? What is your connection with em; they treat you like last weeks newspaper
Gelert is against leaving his mistress' side but the oppertunity to see how it was to run with another Hunter was far too inticing. He snuggles his nose into Duana's arms for a bit then jumps up and trots after Bunny, tail wagging. Will we be gone long? I wish to return to the Mistress' side after a while. Where shall we run? he asks Bunny in Dog speech as they walk together.
Duana clicks the button on the cell phone to end the call, enraged by the dull light that suddenly kicks on as a result. Some fletch she was, glowing like Bunny under the lights in the club. Bunny...
"What?" she demands of Gabriel's scowling face. "I remind you that it was you who required that I stay. You cannot be angry with me for fulfilling my end of the bargain when it does not suit you."
Danny's eyes go wide. Er. At Axe's story.
"Holy Moley. That's,.., That,... explains quite a bit my history classes didn't, actually." He finishes thoughtfully.
"Oh don't worry. When it comes time to start hitting things, I'll be behind you all the way. About ten feet behind you!" He smirks.
:)
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Duana & Gabriel
Andrew, thanks you and the line becomes the bland monotone of the disconnection. Gabriel moves over towards her.
Detective Laura stands carrying Lucy, after a brief conversation on her phone, a car pulls up. Two similar looking men with simple buzz cuts and moustashes drive up in a car and take the ladies in. A flashing blue light is placed upon the roof as they drive away.
Danny & Aximeus
The range of soda's (or fizzy pop!) are limited and strange, Danny tries a 'Dandelion and Burdock' drink with a tangy aniseed taste. Across the road the Gallery is still.
Behind the counter-top separating the kitchen area from the tables; a young man stands. He is the 'chef' his appearance it that of a fairly gangly young man. Although it seems that he may be starting to reach his mid-twenties and still stuck in a dead end job, in a quiet cafe, in the bad neighbourhood of the city. As he cooks you notice although he occassionally tries hard he is quite clumsy.
All of a sudden, a white sporty car pulls up in front of the gallery and beeps its horn once. The light upstairs is immediately extinguished, and within 30 seconds the tall dark form of Henri, wide-brimmed black hat and all leave the main entrance of the gallery. He gets into the white vehicle, driving there is a red-haired woman of middle years. The car pulls away with the squeal of tyre smoke, looking at the vehicle the license plate says "5ar 1ya".
Gelert
Dog: 'No it shouldn't be too long, we'll get you back in time to protect her.' Bunny huffs at Gelert as they trot away from Gabriel & Duana. 'We could go down by the riverside, there are some run rabbits in fields to catch.'
She sets off at a steady bouncing jog away from the bright lights of the city. Crossing a couple of roads she arrives at the flowing river on the boundary of the park. The jacket she drops on a statue of a tall regal man 'John Harper'. Looking back at Gelert she sets off at a sprint down the tow-path, her enthusiasm to run with a new friend obvious.
Soon Gelert catches and nearly passes her; seeing the challenge she rips off her remaining white garments and runs sky-clad along the lightly gravelled path. Smiling at Gelert she leaps and the form of a grey husky lands next to him; her warm body vibrating with life.
'I like to run, you good at running. Field to right soon that has many rabbits. Unless you want a challenging hunt?'
Gabriel sakes his head, "No milady I wasnt unhappy with you merely with...a situation at hand now...Shall we then depart to meet with our other contacts? What did they say?"
Duana hands the cellphone back to Gabriel. "They are at an eatery across the street from his business, and tell us meet them there," she says, and rambles off the location.
...
Duana, feeling entitled remains looking after the exit of the car for a few moments before pulling the door of the eatery open and entering. She quickly determines Danny's location, looking ridiculous even among mortals, the slides into the stall beside him, placing a hand on his leg and a chaste kiss on his cheek.
"Thank you for the invitation," she says, her smile broad and as human as she can imagine herself being. She looks at the drinks on the table. "Started without us, eh? We'll get some proper drinks soon enough!"
Everyone bar Gelert
As everyone joins up once again, this time at the cafe, the man behind the counter looks up from his newspaper at the newcomers. Then his eyes return to page 3 as he puffs away on his cigarette.
Heavy and rich, the air smells of old grease and burnt fat. The neon lights buzz and occasionally flicker, giving the whole scene a harsh lighting. Outside the rain falls heavily and hard, washing away the grime on the streets.
A couple of minutes later and group of 4 youths come into the cafe, soaked to the skin with their flimsy clothes, by their attitudes and volume of speech they are obviously drunk. As they slur their way through and order and sit at a table talking loudly, it masks any noise you make.
Across the road at the Gallery you see that there are no cars parked directly outside. The frontage leading onto the road, and protected by a folding metal grille. There isn't any box indicating a burglar alarm, as you would expect if one was present. All lights bar the red one illuminating a couple of pictures are off at the premises. There is a side door that is accessible by an alleyway, filled with dustbins and refuse. The building is 2 storey; with the upper one's lights being off & probably used as either an office, store or living area. Or some mix of it.
Gelert bounds after Bunny, running, jumping and almost dancing in a wolf-like fashion with the female across the grass, tail wagging and tongue hanging out. He had never before run with another of the Hunter-Breed and it felt good to share that form of companionship, as good as it felt when he ran with Duana. It was the same joy, the same pleasure.
Hunt-blood is strong tonight, let us hunt something more challenging than the quick-bound long-ear rabbits. Something to chase and feel the thrill of the Hunt in the blood and mind and flesh.
Gelert
She simply woofs 'Deer! The run is long, but the hunt good.' She pelts at full tilt down beside the River Nidd, the bounding leaps of her movement stretching her body into a beautiful form. Her lithe dancing movements being as natural in this form as that of a human.
The rain falls around you but slides off your warm coat, Bunny runs beside you panting heavily, but happily at the run. The air smells so fresh after the cloying city air, the fields bounding the river are just preparing to be sowed.
After what seems only moments but is surely longer, you come upon the grassland. A few meadows with small copses of trees around, to one side you see a slight movement. 'Deer! Good eating, better than rabbit or fighting dogs.' Bunny says sliding to a halt, her rear crouching down upon the grass.
Gelert's dark pelt shines in the rain and he lowers his body to the grass, panting and lupine eyes almost glowing in anticipation of the hunt and the chase. This would be a good hunt, the meal mattered not to him, only the thrill of chasing after his prey and feeling the wind on his fur, the earth beneath his paws and his jaws finally closing on the partner of their savage and age-old dance.
Many a year since I ran so, hunted so. T'will be good indeed... He says in Dog speech and then begins creeping forwards toward the deer.
Stealth:
Gelert is a shadow in the darkness, unseen by any but those with the ability to see in complete darkness, and certainly not some deer grazing and trotting along. Theirs was an ancient and timeless duet, the dance of prey and Hunter.
Gelert
The icy blue eyes of Bunnys' meet your own and she lays low upon the damp grass. She creeps slowly forward moving from Gelerts flank, taking her cue from him and 'coming by' thus circling in a clockwise manner. Bunny, a silent pale ghostly form in the wane moon-light. So dark is the sky after the brightness of the city; but the duo require not illumination to perform their graceful hunt.
The deer snickers slightly as slowly the pair creep forward, Bunny mirroring the fae hound. A small breeze comes with a slight flurry of rain and the deers head suddenly rises having caught the scent of the hunters. It springs away, the graceful legs moving with a survival instinct.
Gelert's eyes brighten as the prey begins the foretold retreat and in a single bound he is after it, chasing after the deer with near perfect silence. He bares his teeth in preperation to drag the deer down, cutting its hamstrings and then going for the throat. It was an orchestrated cycle, one that repeated itself throughout time with only one outcome.
Athletics:
Gabriel merely nods coming in after Duana and says "Summer."
Gelert
The pair runs through a light ground fog, rolling away as they chase their quarry. A sprinkle of dew splashes at their paws with the panting of their exertions. Hearts thumping against the chest, the hounds see the deers flight start to falter. The unexpected hunt taking it by surprise, the chase lasting too long. The young buck turns to face it's pursers; Gelert takes it high in the leg with a crimson spray of blood. From a different angle Bunny arrives, her jaws taking a front leg. The deer falters a hobbling to one leg, Gelert pounces his jaws clamping down upon the creatures throat.
Gelert muzzle slick with the preys life-blood, Bunny moves beside him her head butting into his in a friendly gesture. 'Well..done...good...hunt.' she huffs barely able to speak.
Her pale muzzle clamps onto a thigh as she bites down hard. Gelert notices a small fur-less patch upon the crown of he head. The hunt was good, a strong run and the prey fought hard.
Gelert stands aside and sits down on his haunches panting and heart pounding and he cocks his head at her smiling in a doggy fashion. You eat first, I eat later. Good hunt, chase is the best part for me. Not too hungry. You are good hunter, good runner. Gelert has not run so in a long time. He lays down slowly in front of Bunny and watches as she eats.
Gelert
She quick devours small chunks of the beast, she rips some choice parts of the deer and drops it in front of her companion. 'Here, best part. You big and strong, need best parts. Thank you. I enjoy to run.'
She takes more of the meat, as the fog rolls back in over you. 'You are great. We take food back to Pretty Mistress? Or to my friends? You're good protecting pretty Mistress. Andrew, Allison or the others protect me. They are nice, like you.' her low barks are dampened by the atmosphere.
Cafe Crew
There are few vehicles moving down the street, apart from the occasional taxi that flashes past. No-one else is observing the Gallery or any other shop. The dark skies and rain fell incessantly.
Danny gives the Winter pair a smile of greeting as they walk over. He blinks in silent surprise at Duana's chaste kiss of greeting, but smiles in return.
'Well. Someone's in a good mood.' Danny thinks as he scoots over to make room for the pair.
"Yes, we have time for a drink I think." He replies with a grin.
"We don't want to get started TOO early. Probably has a mystic version of a silent alarm. We don't want to tip him off until he's,... otherwise occupied."
Danny purses his lips thoughtfully at the beer selection, then tosses a quick frown at the group of drunken kids just arriving. After his initial perusal he decides the safest bet is to ignore them.
"You just missed him. He drove off in a hurry with some red-head in a fancy car. Personalized plates too. '5ar 1ya'. ? I don't recognize it. Could be 'Sar Lya' I guess?" Danny says, making small talk as they get settled and decide if they want to risk the cuisine. Or be careful and stick to the bottled drinks.
Everyone but Gelert
Gelert
Bunny grabs another haunch of meat in her mouth, she spits it out. 'So shall we go back now? You are probably worrying about your Pretty Mistress.' She picks up the side of deer and runs back towards the city leading the way. Despite her usual air-headedness she seems good on the hunt and with directions.
The run back is as exhilarating as on the way there, but all too soon your see the lights of the city near and can hear and smell the humans living within. The rivers tow-path is found under your feet. Bunny slows her run; 'Can we drop me off where I'll crash tonight then you can go on to find your friends. It's probably better this way.' She drops the side of meat and stands up regaining her two-legged form.
She picks up the meat; 'See I still talk to you, but passers-by will just think we are going out for a run.' Bunny woofs her naked body glistening in the moon-light.
Everyone but Gelert
Gelert
Walking through the streets the rain still falling although it starts to turn to sleet and snow. Hanging in small patches upon the black hounds side. Bunny enters a building beckoning you to follow. 'Dry off then find Pretty Mistress' she woofs.
Pushing a upper-storey door it opens out into a loft apartment. Inside is a tall handsome man at an easel painting, he looks towards the door unsurprised by the naked woman standing in it. "Hello, Andy." Bunny says bouncing into the room and dropping the haunch of meat upon a table with a wet thud.
"Bunny, you're wet. Get a shower to warm up. And what have you been doing with that dog?" He moves towards the Gelert his nostrils flaring, as if sensing the others disposition. A low growl emits from his throat. "You are not natural, what are you?" he says in English. Gelert can smell a distinct odour of wolf upon the man.
Alertness
Gelert sniffs at the male and growls back, his ears going flat and baring the tips of his white fangs. His dark coat ripples despite the cold wetness on it and he says in Dog Speech:
What Gelert is, is Hunter. Runner. Stalker. I am predator and one of the runners of the Hunt. I am no mere hound, I am a Wyld Hound of the Hunt. Curb your animosity Wolf-blood unless you wish to show me your four-legs and dance the moon-dance of fur and tail, paw and fang. I have no wish to fight, but call me not a dog. Leave Gelert be. Gelert ran with Bunny, and Gelert hunted with Bunny. Was good. Then he chuffs out a loud breath, hiding his fangs again and then shaking himself clean of the snow and water.