Sal shrugs. "I dunno. I'm going to get something to eat now, though, if you want to help me raid the kitchen. Then I'll need to go into town. To church, if you care to come along."
Upstairs
Arjen looks ambivalent, torn between glad that his imprisonment wasn't Molly's direct intention and that she's in so much trouble. "There must be some way to find out whom and how best to help Molly. Her boss is gorgeous, but a tad... unsettling."
"I could speak to Molly, see if I could help?" he taps his chin; "Or stay out of the way, act as an ace in the hole?"
Downstairs
"You can order wings for your table and other tasty treats. ♥" Bunny replies cheerfully; "A girls night would be fun too! ♥" she smiles to Sal, before looking quizzical at Tangris take on Conans' 'What's best in life'.
Laverna goes to lean over a railing and look at the river. Lyceus keeps away from the Fey politics. In fact, as he says quietly, he came to the mortal realm to protect it from both the depredations of the supernatural and foolish mortals own greed. This has got him in some scrapes.
Laverna gestures for Danny to come over; "Well I thought I might have a quiet afternoon look at some of the shops, visit the cathedral. Hmmm maybe have Lyceus take me one a boat down-river, we can discuss what he owes me." she pouts gently, her finger bowing her lush lips. An affectation, entirely put on to make it seem as if she's just come up with an idea; "Oh I could even get a photographer to take some photo's - I'm sure you'd like them enough to nullify any debts."
Just then a suited man an a rougher gentleman enter the beer garden with pints of bitter in their hands; "'Scuse us." they sit down to one side and enter a low conversation.
"Yeah, you get a good view from here. Clients just want some lighting in the new atrium for close of play tomorrow. Sorry that I had to invite you over, but building control has to sign off before it's completed. Thought this is the best angle." they both chuckle and drink their pints.
"I will require paperwork." says the other man, before receiving a bundle of note shaped items in an envelope.
"Area's owned by that antique dealer down the Shambles, got his man to come down and check it out tomorrow." says the gruff electrician.
Downstairs
"Aggie, is everyone going to be fine? Nobody is, er... infected?" Sal asks with more cheer than the question seems to warrant, "How much do we owe you? I didn't know anyone even made house calls anymore. Would you like a bite to eat? Or some wine, maybe? It's after noon somewhere in Russia. Close enough."
Sal heads for the kitchen, whistling between speeches.
"C'mon, let's ransack the kitchen. Fothergill hates that..." Chatterbox Sal's monologue trails off as she exits.
Downstairs
Aggie smiles at Sal, so warmly that you cannot help but feel a sympathetic smile in response. The older lupine-lady seems to have a reassuring manner. "Don't worry about brass, I wouldn't feel proper taking owt. They'll all be grand - no infections or hungers."
"Yep, hunger! Could we have some wine!" Bunny bounces excitedly, with her seemingly boundless energy. "Aggie goes around the dales delivering little babies." she announces as they enter Fothergills' kitchen.
"No problem. There's a ton of wine here," Sal assures Bunny, "You guys rustle up some grub. I'll grab a bottle or two from the cellar." Descending into the cellar, Sal grabs a bottle near the stairs and returns, paying no attention to the type or vintage of wine. She flourishes the bottle at Bunny. "How's this?"
Kenneth shrugs, "I think it might be best tae keep ye out of play for a bit... I'd worry what might happen if Molly's behaviour changes around the sort ay people who'd lock ye up..."
Kenneth looks at the man, his expression showing a touch of vulnerability for the first time, despite the magically-enhanced confidence, "...or worse, what else they might try tae dae for leverage... after all, we do have four other sisters."
He suggests gently, "Sae rest up, here and let me gang out there tae arrange for a happy reunion with my sister....", and then starts to walk out of the room, stopping at the door to add, "Though I admit that a large part ay me would ower bade here and blether tae learn about a side ay her that I dinnae ken."
He steps away releases the Flame he'd been holding to keep his guard up, feeling doubt and questions about Molly starting to press in. Nae, lad, ye can worry about all ay that after, you're still on the clock. Besides, if ye've got more than enow tae worry about in Laura.
With that thought, he realizes that he'd forgotten to start rallying the troops and pulls out his phone and presses a speed-dial button, then cursing slightly when it goes right to voicemail. "Aye, Danny, lad. Hope yet get this soon, so ye can make ready for whole new party 'round 4? Laura's hosting."
That should get me a return call back if nothing else...
He heads back down the stairs, looking for Sal to tell her about the upcoming fun as well, Hopefully she can keep the goat under control and herd him tae the meeting...
Trips Manor
After Arjen nodded to Kenneth, with the smile of a suitor talking to his girlfriends father and the strain of all the supernatural hokum. He watches the bard go with a sigh.
Bunny takes the bottle and with sharp fingernails and supernatural strength retrieves the cork from it's neck. The deep red of the burgundy fills the crystal glass with a swirl. ♥"Whee"♥
The overenthusiastic girl takes a sip of the drink, "♥ Oooh a 'La Gibryotte', good choice Sal." ♥ she says with unexpected knowledge, whilst pouring the military officer a glass.
By the River
Danny leans on the rail close to Laverna, nodding amiably at her suggestions. Although a swift sideways glance reveals that he is a little surprised by the,... tameness,... of some of her wishes.
"Shouldn't be surprised. A Lady ALWAYS wants to go shopping, especially in a new place she hasn't been before." Danny says cheerfully. "I may even know a couple of people who probably know the best shops to visit. Maybe in the historic district." He thinks out loud.
He grins unabashedly at Laverna's 'idea' for paying off the favor. He pauses silently for a moment, obviously considering it.
"Oh, I don't know about that my Lady. I'm quite capable of getting into trouble ALL by myself, I don't need help in that regard, thank you. Although I have NO doubt that I would appreciate such artistic photos immensely. Probably more than I'm willing to admit."
'Easy Danny boy. Don't start babbling now. She's just trying to throw you off balance. And your half-unbalanced to begin with!' And similar thoughts rush through his head, along with unbidden thoughts of possible poses such photos might contain.
His cell phone buzzes, Danny Blinks.
'Saved by the bell!' He thinks as he fumbles for his phone.
By the time he fishes it out of his pocket, it has stopped ringing. After a pause the 'new message' signal chirps.
"Ah, excuse me a moment my Lady, this won't take but a bit."
He pushes the 'return call' button as he steps a polite distance away. Not enough to prevent Laverna from listening in, (He's pretty sure her hearing is good enough to listen in from across the river) just enough to ensure the pretense of privacy. As the phone rings he overhears part of the conversation by the workers who just came in on break. He turns his back to them, to prevent accidentally looking at them, and listens to them as he waits for Ken to pick up.
"Hey Ken, you called? What's up?" He asks chipperly. He tries to focus on both Ken, and the workers behind him.
"It's all squished grapes to me," Sal replies cheerfully, setting out glasses for Aggie, Tangris, and one for Kenneth, figuring he'd need it when he finished upstairs. After a moment's thought, she places another one before Bunny. "I figure they'll all want some, Bunny. Fill 'em up! Fothergill, join us. You've been a godsend today." She waves at the last glass.
As Kenneth enters, she scrutinizes him carefully, uncertain as to what his mood might be. "Wine?" she offers carefully.
Kenneth considers the offer for a moment and then shakes his head, "Would that I could... but I need tae keep with the busy.... I've got some bartending ay my own tae dae -- ye see, Laura's invited us tae a party -- "
He stops as his phone rings, and pulls it out, and chuckles when he sees the caller ID. "Perfect timing..", he says and then presses the speaker button, and begins to tease the caller, "Danny! Nice tae see the fae havenae eaten ye up yet. Oh, wait, are we sure? Can ye still lie tae us, Danny-boy?"
He chuckles and winks at Sal, then sobers and says, "As ye can tell, ye're on speaker -- I was just about tae give Sal the news, but since ye called, I thought it might be more fun like this..... Now, tae answer your question... What's up? Well, first up, 'twould seem one ay the prisoners is the man in Molly's life, being held as a chip tae be played against her, I'd think... so know we dinnae ken what side she's on and why.... For that matter, we dinnae ken if he's meant tae be played against her, or taken out ay play to protect him and her. In any case, we've got him here and seems tae be onside with staying off the game board... for now, at least."
He takes another breath and then says, "Haeever, the main reason I called -- and the reason I've got ye on speaker so Sal can hear the new tae -- is that Laura's arranged for us tae go and pick up the 'big package' up in Whitby that our friend from the station last night was on about. 'Tis supposed tae be a legal serving ay a warrant, but I dinnae think that the bobbies are necessarily up tae the task, considering the deep vein ay vamps we seem tae be mining -- so I offered tae provide better backup -- assuming we can find a vehicle with sufficient storage for the package."
He then looks up at Sal and smiles, then says, "The good news is that she's pulled some strings tae get tactical shotguns for tae help out..... Oh, and 'tis possibly a double-header, in that she's a warrant for a drug-house, tae... Though now that I think on it, I wonder if that particular warrant's target isnae a mite charred today... In any case, that's the good news."
He waits a beat for Danny to ask about the bad news, and then says, "Well, as tae that, I still havenae had a chance tae go and make with the mixing, and I'm worried about needing tae stay here and babysit. I really need tae build a shrine on the grounds. Oh, and the other bit ay bad news is that we'll need tae have a wee chat with the goat about keeping it in his pants, or at least in his own species. Let's just say that we may find some of our pack-minded friends tae be far less forthcoming with their help for a while."
Kenneth sighs, "In any case, we're tae meet at the Guy Fawkes Inn for 4pm for a pre-party pint, and then on tae business. I was rather hoping, considering the need for a vehicle, ye might be able tae talk your fellow security officer tae tag along... and bring her wheels?"
He looks back up to Sal again, adding, "And, I'm thinking we may want tae bring one of Trip's cars as well, just tae be safe.", finishing with a raised eyebrow to make it clear that his statement was more of a question.
Danny snorts a chuckle at Ken's opening comments. He snickers outright at the 'can he still lie' part. "If I told you, would you believe me?" His smirk can be plainly heard over the line.
He keeps his responses to 'Yep', 'Ok', and 'Uh-huh's' as Ken talks.
"Well, that sounds, fun. So what's the catch?" He asks gamely. He smiles at Laverna and holds up a finger to indicate 'just one more minute'.
Then Danny listens. And listens. And listens. There is a long, silent pause after Ken finishes speaking, enough for the bard to wonder whether the connection dropped. Just before the hero of Brigid can decide whether or not to press redial, he hears Danny clearing his throat.
"Well. It never rains but it pours, right?" He sounds almost like his usual, chipper, self.
Danny pinches the bridge of his nose. "I am gonna kill 'Billy'." He mutters. "Yeah, yeah, I don't think the ride will be a problem. I'll ask and make sure of course. Um,... I just need to take care of a few hosting duties. And THEN I wanted to talk to you guys about that other party, but that can wait. I think. Hoo boy. Um, I don't suppose that your making more of that 'special coffee'? I missed out last time, and it sounds like I might not be getting my afternoon beauty nap."
"That should be alright though. I'm always good to squeeze in one more gig." He adds cheerfully enough. Give me a little bit, I'll call you later. If I don't just plan to see us at the 4pm meet n greet. Cool? Cool. Great, thanks. Bye."
Danny snaps his pay-go phone closed. He looks thoughtful. Then seems to remember where he is.
'First things first!' He thinks as he casually rejoins Laverna.
"Hey my Lady, sorry about that. Um, did you happen to hear those guys over there? I think they're working on the set up at the meeting place. It sounded like they're setting up something, unusual, for the big finale. They didn't talk details, but it sounds like it takes power. I think it's safe to say that the 'hosts' are planning a surprise for the guests. I'll bet you a Coke it's not a pleasant one." He grins.
Fothergill coughs politely; "I believe I can take care of any minor inconveniences here at the Manor." he says with the proprietorial air of a proper butler, there's a hint of steel to his voice and glint to his eye that states that he'd relish the change to protect any charges.
Bunny is oblivious to all of the longer words enjoying her red wine.
"What? What the heck is wrong with enjoying life from time to time?" Tangris grabs a glass of wine and downs it.
Before Danny hangs up, Sal tries to get a word in edgewise.
"We're going to have to rely on Fothergill to look after this place, unless Bunny is willing to stay and captive-sit. I've got a two o'clock at York Minster to try to rustle us up some allies. It's why I'm all respectable-looking," Sal adds a little red-faced, "I'll have to go in one of the cars, so as not to give the whole of Yorkshire a show from the back of Kenneth's bike. There will be room for a kit for the 'party' and for everyone to go with me who needs a ride. And there's..."
Sal snaps her mouth shut in frustrated excitement. "... well, let's just say there are a few things to discuss when we're all together. BIG things. I... augh! More later. Anyone who wants can come to the Minster around two. Maybe we can buy a bit of holy water there, as well."
Once the phone is snapped shut, Sal gives Fothergill big puppy eyes. "Please, Dad, can I take the Range Rover tonight? Please?" She grins. "We'll park it well away from any gunplay, promise."
"I agree Tanny♥ I think we're going to teach Sal that." Bunny says with an enthusiastic refilling of her glass. "But I'd love to stay here, at least until work starts this evening. ♥"
Forthergill nods subtly, showing that Sal doesn't need his approval to take out the vehicle - however it's appreciated that she asked for it.
Sal grins and winks at Fothergill, then gets more serious. "I don't know, Kenneth. Bunny looks all grown up to me, and she keeps trying to set me up with her friend Andrew. I don't think they're a couple. At least not a committed one. So besides the obvious extramarital issue, I don't think Tangris did anything wrong." She shakes a warning finger at Bunny. "And as I keep telling Tangris, there are more ways to have fun than hopping in the sack with the first person who catches your eye, young lady."
"♥ I know dancing, running, drinking, swimming, singing, skating, kissing, hopping, picnicking... ♥" Bunny runs out of steam and has to quench her thirst; "But not sack-races, it's been ages since I've hopping in any sacks." Aggies lets out an exasperated sigh.
Sal gives poor Aggie a what can you do? eyeroll, then sets aside her empty wine glass and rises. "I'm going to go pack for tonight's party. Kenneth, do you need somebody to keep watch while you do whatever voodoo you do? Tangris could go with you, or Bunny if you don't think she should stay here to help guard the place. With both Arjen and Doc Mengele here, it might be a good idea for her to stay and give Fothergill a hand. I'm sure he wouldn't object to that," she finishes with a mischievous grin at Fothergill.
"That's right, once again I am innocent!" Tangris does his best innocence face, but spoils it with his goatish grin. "I'll back up sourpuss if you want. Maybe I can share of my tales of the good life with him while we do?"
"So, Ladies," Danny says with a conspiratorial grin. He nods politely to Lycius as well, not knowing exactly where he stands on this whole Fae/Vampire/Drug Ring thing.
"So, I think that the party hosts are planning a little surprise for the attendees. Dollars to doughnuts that it's not the kind of a surprise that they'll like. Since the meeting is tomorrow night, I say we let them finish setting up whatever it is, and then we sneak in there and make sure it DOESN'T go off. Plan our own surprise ending. What do you say?"
"Ahm Morien, That other party that we were hearing about? It's on, and we're invited. There's a pre-planning party at 4pm."
"I say that we grab a nice lunch, and take our guest shopping! There's plenty of time." He suggests cheerily.
"Tell me Lady Laverna, Your comments earlier made me think the Court would be interested in arranging a major set back for the vamps? If so, I think I can get an extra invite for the party,... If your interested." He offers carefully, and politely.
"So,... Lunch? I'm starving. And then shopping! If Morien here doesn't know the best places to go, I can call a couple of, friends, who most definitely will know! Oh, I wonder if any of the museums or art galleries are having any shindigs this week? Those are always, fun." He says straight-faced, recalling exactly how 'fun' the last TWO of those events turned out for him.
Yes, just about.
Today:
2 p.m.: Sal (et al) meeting at York Minster
4 p.m.: All: Meet at Guy Fawkes Inn for raid in Whitby with Laura
8 p.m.: Molly may be in Whitby as she needs a boat, for a big package to be smuggled into the country.
Tomorrow:
7 p.m.: Danny: Big vamp/fae/other meeting
Kenneth laughs at Danny's response, saying, "Aye, well, avoiding the question certainly convinces me ye havenae gone o'er. Thanks, lad."
Kenneth shakes his head, at Sal, "Nae, I dinnae need backup, especially nae the sort that will distract me while I'm working. Besides which, my workspace is warded well enow that I dinnae need tae fear much while I'm there.... I dinnae ken if ye might want tae bring Scruffy with ye at your meeting, mayhap?"
He sighs and says, "As for the rest ay it, let's just say that there are a few members of the pack that hae shown themselves tae be most... protective... as ye'd expect from a group with pack instincts... and that we've enjoyed a close working relationship with them -- the sort that would be painful tae lose."
He turns to Tangris and adds, "It wasn't the wisest ay moves, lad, that's all I'm saying. It's certainly not like I dinnae ken how tae have fun... after all, I got Laetitia tae hex all the electronics in an mansion at the same time.."
He chuckles and then shakes his head, adding, "And ye know it's bad when I'm the one who's thinking someone should show better judgement." ...especially not with the trail of broken hearts I tend tae leave in my wake.
Bunny looks coyly around; "Distractions can be good." she winks at Tangris obviously. Aggie taps the top of her head, like you would a naughty pup.
"Aye, young Andrew is young with all the recklessness and idealism that goes along with that." Agatha shakes her head ruefully; "Whilst G, well who knows what he's thinking." Aggie then covers her mouth with her hand at Kenneth's admittance of wildness.
Laverna smiles; "Certainly, if there could be a slight set-back for the local populace - then I'd be happy. I might be able to help, but first shall I ask those men 'what they are doing across the river?'"
"Or shopping?" she smiles wickedly.
Sal nods in acknowledgement of Kenneth's point. "We need all the friends we can get right now, what with the invasion and a possible demonic portal, stuff like that. So I'm going to pack a change of clothes for the party tonight, then head into town with Tangris. We'll see you at the Inn at four, Kenneth, along with everyone else. I don't know where it is, but I'll ask for directions like every other stupid tourist," Sal laughs, heading upstairs once she departs from the kitchen.
"So do you two sirs, require anything further? Some pork pies for the ride." Fothergill asks, ensuring everything is tickety-boo.
By the river
Danny grins at Laverna. "Why not both? I'll bet if you asked them, 'nicely', it wouldn't take two minutes for you find out what kind of 'fireworks' they're setting up." Danny grins mischievously, then puts his hands to his face, flutters his eyelashes, and says in a high-pitched voice, and a slight southern/Georgia accent, (very much Vaudvillian damsel in distress style),
"Oh my, I just simply ADORE fireworks! What kind did you say you were setting up? Can I come to the display?! Will there be a big finish?!?" He gasps girlishly.
Danny drops his hands, and the terrible accent.
"And THEN we go shopping! Easy-Squeezy!" He grins.
"Um, granted, that would probably sound much better coming from you. Yeah." He raises a self-depreciating eyebrow.
Sal nods at Arjen as she enters her room and chatters at him as she pulls a backpack from the armoire and jams a pair of combat boots into the bottom. She digs through her dresser, pulling out a set of deep green and brown patterned clothing and folding it neatly into the pack. "If you want to return to the others, or go downstairs, or whatever... feel free. You have the run of the house except for the doctor's room. We need to keep him on ice for a while. See if he can do some good for a change."
Her thin Kevlar vest is packed next and she fondles a frayed area rather thoughtfully before working the vest into the backpack and zipping the pack closed. She slings the still-light pack onto her back and pauses a moment. "Most of us are heading out now. There's more work to do before those vamps are stopped. I think Bunny is staying here to help secure the place, and Fothergill can get you whatever you or the others need. You don't have to stay, but I hope you do. There aren't many safer places around that I know of." With a final nod, she hustles from the room and down the stairs.
"C'mon, Tangris, we have things to see and people to do." She punches the weregoat's arm lightly in passing as she trots through to the back door of the big house, opening it to reveal the cobbled courtyard and the garage opposite. "Rover's leaving in two minutes. Let's go, people! We're burning daylight! Kenneth, if you want a lift, your bike will fit in the back. I think."
"People to do? Aw shucks, Sal, you take me to all the nicest places..."
At the River
Morien decides to take a small nap in the car whilst Laverna, Danny and Lyceus head out to do a bit of shopping.
"Oh, I must see if there's any nice jewellery and trinkets." Laverna says as they head into town, flashing a pale white credit card. The walk is a short one and soon the trio are amongst the hullabaloo of the shops.
Kenneth
Riding back to his apartment, brewing the potions and crafting the unguents. This seems to be substantially more efficient after the previous craftings, however there is only limited doses and the raw materials are starting to slowly deplete*.
Sal & Tangris
Taking the Land-rover to York, Sal is able to find a nearby car-park to stable the vehicle. From there it's a short walk into the city proper, compact and filled with history. The architecture is breath-taking most being centuries old, the pale stone buildings lie low in comparison to the towering bulk of the religious edifice of the cathedral. Thus since the buildings cannot out-due each scale, they rely on intricate carvings and ornamentation to their façades.
Though the streets are not as crowded as most cities, their narrow demeanour enhances the bustle making it feel just as busy. Amidst the ancient buildings new shop-fronts shine with a veritable host of commercial promise.
Sal is able to find whatever clothes and other items she wishes amongst the market-place and the menagerie of shops.
The Guy Fawkes Inn is situated upon a parallel street to the first meeting spot, with only the ancient building of St. Michael le Belfrey separating the pub from the cathedral.
After finishing there preparation the couple easily find the Statue of Constantine Caesar before the steps of York Minster. Next to it stands a fine figure of a lady, at first she appears in her mid-30's but it could be a strict beauty regime and knowing what best to wear.
Hazel hair seems to be tinted with blonde as the afternoons light catches it, whilst the form fitting suit does flatter. A leather satchel over one shoulder is complimented for the business woman look with a ipad in her hand. Seemingly engrossed in it, she doesn't notice Tangris or Sal.
Sal and Tangris
Scouting the crowds and the stores carefully, Sal picks up several outfits, among them ones appropriate for wait or store clerk staffs, outdoors work or hiking, formal dress, pub casual, and business wear. She makes Tangris carry the bags and buys him a white hat. "It goes with your shirt." She rescues whatever store clerks need rescuing from his attention. "Be a gentleman."
When they stash the bags in the Rover, Sal extracts a small journal and slips it into her messenger-type handbag. She double-checks her outfit to ensure she looks respectable and strolls with her goaty friend to Caesar's statue, nudging Tangris and pointing out the lady in the white suit and sapphire-colored blouse. "Look, that's her, I think. Her name's Sophie. Be nice! We can't afford to antagonize these people."
"I look like the old guy from Magnum PI..." Tangris complains, but then wears the hat anyway, looking somewhat pleased with himself.
"Do I look like a dude who antagonizes? Does the old dude from Magnum PI antagonize? No, I look like the man, baby!" Still, Tangris stays quiet and lets Sal do the talking.
"You mean Tom Sellek? Naw, you look a lot better than him." Sal approaches the busy woman, waving Tangris with her, and clears her throat when they draw within a few feet. "Hi, Sophie? I'm Sal and this is Tangris." Though she's sure it's the right person, she says no more until there's some sort of confirmation of identity.
Cathedral
"Pleased to meet you, I'm Soph." she says closing the electronica with a snap and a sharp incline of her head, though not offering a hand to shake. The subtle make-up enhances her appearance whilst still giving her a professional look.
"If you'd care to step this way?" she sweeps her arms to the wide visitors' entrance of the cathedral. Ancient double doors that once impressed parishioners and visiting dignitaries but now seem reserved for tourists. Hordes of spectators come to view the grandiose monument over 1000 years old, in their own way making a pilgrimage once reserved for only the rich or very devout.
As she takes the pair past the cues and through the ticket area, with a mere wave of her hand, a serene atmosphere descends.
"That's better." she says, the sounds of the outside not able to penetrate the walls much as the weapons of the unfaithful weren't. "So are you and the dapper gentleman students?"
The sounds of the visitors inside are lost amongst the vaulted ceilings making most conversations have an artificially muted feel.
Tangris smiles his crooked grin. "Engineering, actually. Though after seeing the beautiful sights around here, I might need to change to biology."
Sophie looks up at the vaulted ceiling and magnificent arches of the cathedral; "Oh, so what do you think of the buttressing? It is a little ornate." she says with a straight face, unsure if she's being serious or lightly joking.
Sal relaxes as she follows Sophie into the magnificent edifice. The crowds of tourists are unable to quash its sacred function, and Sal feels the pressure of the last day fall away inside its confines. The magnificent architecture and ornamentation distract her from her companions for a moment. As the tones of Tangris's voice work into her consciousness, one foot lashes out in a casual, automatic fashion to connect with the weregoat's shin.
"We're students of a sort, I guess," she replies to their hostess, with a whispered See? Dapper! I told you that hat is you to her goaty friend.
"This place is amazing. It's not Catholic though, is it? I didn't think Protestants went in for this much ornamentation." Her gaze takes in the high arches and magnificent stained glass window.
"I'm quite fond of the butt..OW!...ressing. As well as everything else I've seen so far." Tangris recovers quickly from the shinning.
Her words hold a serene tone, whilst being the crisp clear tones of an educator: "It's pre-Catholic/Protestant separation, although during the reformation and the Tudor period it became Protestant and even survived the civil war due to the Heroic efforts of Sir Thomas Fairfax."
There's some awe and respect in her voice as she continues; "It has survived attack - natural disaster and terrorism, sometimes not whole. But it's been rebuilt learning from past woes and troubles, to become something more." she adds leaning on a pew and looking to the magnificent rose window; "Much like our spirit."
Pushing from the bench, she motions to the pair; "There's much strife in the world, sometimes you cannot keep aloof from this. Although the politics of the situation often necessitates subtle means, thus there is good communication between us and the Vatican. I take it you are Catholic?" she asks the pair.
"I am," Sal responds slowly, with a wry smile, "Born and bred. My grandmother was from Mexico City. Our Lady of Guadalupe watched every move in our household. It saved my life once, I think. I'm not sure. But I took a vow and... " She pauses, realizing she's rambling. "Anyway, I know religion has real power against the bloodsuckers we're fighting. That's why Trip put us in touch with you."
Sal halts, finding herself wanting to get to the point yet oddly reluctant to discuss the unholy creatures in this place.
"They hold no power in this place, it is anathema to them." her voice is reassuring and warm; "Take a seat, or we could go to my office? Whichever you feel more comfortable with."
Tangris smiles at the question. "I was raised Lutheran. I guess I'm somewhat agnostic on the point of God. Or gods."
Sal hmmmms oddly at Tangris, then turns to their hostess. "Whatever goes on out there in whatever heavens may be, down here we have a vamp problem. And more. Since Trip vouches for you, I'll tell you what I know. Did you hear about the incident at the art gallery yesterday evening, Sophie? A woman destroyed a painting there. That painting... somehow it was linked to the artist who made it. The woman who destroyed it said it was going to be a portal. Or rather, it was connected to the artist, who was going to be the portal for some sort of devil or demon or something." She pauses, considering, and ticks off one finger.
"Next, we have some vampires from Afghanistan - the Poppy Court - bringing in heroin through the Netherlands. Only it's not regular heroin. It's doctored with something and makes people grow fangs for a few minutes. They may be working with the Red Court here to get the stuff into Britain." She ticks off a second finger.
"Third, there's a scientist working in the same lab where the heroin is made. He's trying to find a cure for a wasting disease in the vamps." Another finger goes up.
"Last... I think... we have a meeting tomorrow between both courts and the fae... fairies... whatever they are." She holds up finger four and turns to her friend with a wry grin. "Tangris, did I forget anything?"
"Only that we have a devastatingly handsome gentlemen on our side: me."