I put quotes around everything spoken and <> over expressions
I have no idea what a bb code is. the spoiler is for anyone who asks what plan b is, forgot to label it
That said Gabriel goes back to listening to the others. Except when the suggestion of Duana going alone he speaks anger coming back into his words. "No you are not going to speak to this vampire alone. I can remain silent but any dealings with an official body must be seen by another witness....namely me as I am the only other represenative of our court as you rightly know."
"Curious, you seem to have forgotten that Danny is our emissary," Duana replies coolly. "I do believe that is an insult to his person," she hums and taps her lips. "And I would never dream of excluding you from negotiations with, if I am in possession of all the facts, a white court vampire of the family Raith?" Duana chuckles softly.
"In either case, I had no intention of going alone. It is simply a matter of considering how best to include the other..."
looking around the table at each person
<chafing at not much planning per Code: Lead, Follow, or get out of the Way>
"Raight...as we dont know each others, perhaps we should say a bit where are skills are so we may work tagether better.
I am good with various weapons or fists; but am better with melee weapons. I been a soldier and whatnot; so you aint off much if you think of me as a Cammando or Special Forces type trainin, i have trained all my life so I be fit and able. I aint good at riddles or puzzles and high society aint me. I been around a while; been a few places so I aint cherry. I tend to use force or threat of force unless their be a paizo round with da gift of gab. Mostly I wait for action to start, so my style bit like a counter puncher.
so that is about what youse can ah'spect from me"
<looks around to see if anyone joins in>
"I am of the Winter Court."
Danny rubs his chin forcefully. Whether from weariness or frustration is hard to tell. He can't hide a small smile everytime Axe speaks though.
"Right. Clear as Crystal Duana. Although in this case, I think we can ALL agree that whatever is in the box, it does NOT belong in a vamps hands!" He looks around the table, and while there are many different faces at the thought, none disagree aloud with that particular statement.
"Also, as you pointed out, we have the advantage in information at the moment. Right now the 'Lord Vamp' doesn't even know that anything is amiss, and his hench-fangs isn't going to tell him because He's convinced that he will be blamed for the trouble!" Danny also can't help but smile at that one.
"So please, let's let sleeping vampires lay. I say we go straight for the box, and IF that doesn't work and the Vamps end up with it,... well, negotiation is better than open war. With Vamps." Danny shudders at the thought. Surely NO one is stupid enough to start a war with the vampires?!?
"So, we think that 'Henri' still has the box. I say we pay him a visit at his gallery. We play Becca against him if we have too. But your right, simpler is always better. I'll go in as as the newest 'representative' in negotiations, (which is technically true!) And we'll see what he wants in exchange. If it's another kid,... well,... I have an idea on that too."
"So, basic agreement? Talk to Henri and try to negotiate the box back ;friendly' like? And of course, if that doesn't work there's always 'intense negotiations'. Which both Axe and Gabriel are very good at." He grins.
"Idiot," Duana hisses in the language of the court and rises. "I see now why Summer's plots continually fail," she snarls at Danny in heavily accented English. "It appears the lot of you have not a single wit to spare among you."
Duana leans forward and taps Danny's forehead. "Stop grinning like an ass at your lover and use. your. head," she insists.
Xandria, the young barista behind the counter comes over with a tray. She starts to place them on the table seemingly oblivious to the conversation. Out she puts a plate containg sandwiches, all triangular and without crusts, looking at them for a moment you realise they are all exactly the same size. A small plate with a couple of pork pies, a cheese platter and a small bowl of salad. To wash it down she produces a pot of tea and coffee, along with the proper utensils for all off this.
All of her actions take moments, you have not enough time to protest and she seemingly ignores dissent. Though you strangely feel slightly hungry at the sight of the food.
The Grand-mother did offer some help if you need it.
From looking at the journal you have got a few addresses and numbers for most of the players in town; Vamps, Were-wolves, Witches, A Craftsman, Henri, Order of St John.
It also helps you find out about the items you picked up.
22 caliber Pistol - This was bought from Ms. A. Bainsmith, It contains a fixed chamber with a Holy bullet in it. Only the 'pure' can use it to fire a holy bullet of light and Gods' Wrath.
Wooden Spoon - Taken from the Hearth of a wise woman and oracle. This spoon provides sustenance when it stirs any liquid, Ie turns it into stew.
A Pair of Pale Necklace - These glint with a green internal light with thin vines wrapped amongst the chain. These bellonged to a woman of Summer called Roxanna. When worn they make the wearer immune to even the harshest heat or cold. The also give off an enchanting scent continually, no need to every wear aftershave or perfume again.
"Your plan consists of threatening to tattle on agents for which we have no information other than hearsay," Duana continues. "Know you to whom this Becca owes allegiance, or who her enemies are? Have you a single reputable source that can verify that Henri is so silly that he would not be informed of Becca's movements? He is a wizard! They are rarely ignorant."
"Danny, this is getting us nowhere. Are these really your friends? Lets go over to the gallery"
"Very well then, go. And when you ignite a war in ignorance, recall that it was the b*tch princess who advised you otherwise."
" Some wars are necessary; I have fought in many; doesnt matter if it is Hitler and his Nazi's or Mao and his Viet Cong or this or that warlord from here or there; its all the same and there are always some supernatural predator thinking humans should be thier cattle. I believe Danny can pull off his scheme; if not; it just gets less complicated.
You got a better plan; spill it. I dont know much about Winter; dueled a few of its champions to their peril; kicked this and that out from under a bridge or back alley, but really, to me there are just Gias will for stolen Persephone; so Winter is ok in my book as they seem like agents of rightous anger. On the other hand; Summer seems like Gias fruition when Persephone is back with her mother.
your calling people names just tells us your worthless posturing is not worth listening to; if you have something to say that is useful; spill it or we go with Danny's plan; or at least he and I do. My patience wears thin then children are getting kidnapped as blood sacrifices and we have Black Court and Ghouls doing their grisly work. People are to stupid and unware as a society to get involved, that is why the Gods create guys like us."
"Watch yourself human when Duana speaks it is usually for a good reason and her plans tend to work. I care nothing for ghouls and vampires so long as we get the box back." Gabriel glares at the other warrior his ire with Duana temporarily forgotten.
Duana throws her head back and laughs at Axemius. "A simple soldier. It is not in the least strange then that you have heard only Danny and completely ignored me each time I have spoken. Or have you problems with women?" she inquires.
Duana looks to Gabriel, and speaks to him in the language of the court.
"I believe that you wished to speak to me? I saw no indication that my flat was disturbed earlier. I assume you wish for privacy?"
Inhaling sharply, Duana spares Danny a ghost of a salute. "Emissary."
Gabriel flicks his eyes over to Duana and back towards Danny perhaps hinting they should refrain from talking until a more private time.
"Oh how I burn when you make love to me with your eyes," Duana jests and fixes the strap of the messenger bag over her shoulder. "As I have witnessed that my hound has come to no harm in his absence, he can choose his quarry," she states concerning Gelert, and begins striding towards the exit.
thanks...ooh; I forgot I had to delete some of his powers like communicate in languages. how will I know what language your speaking? I had thought he would speak several languages like Greek, Latin; Italian, French, Gernan, Arabic (Farsi), Korean and Japanese as he has fought with or against these people over the years in various campaigns, the first three spoken at home, the others only spoken like a person with a couple years of training; dialogue; but not and extesive vocabulary. I didnt really respond to anything said by your court language.
"Watch yourself human when Duana speaks it is usually for a good reason and her plans tend to work. I care nothing for ghouls and vampires so long as we get the box back." Gabriel glares at the other warrior his ire with Duana temporarily forgotten.
my pardon lady, I meant no insult, perhaps I am too thick headed but I understood no other presentation of a plan, only derisive remarks from others.... I am a man of action and detest endless debate like some sycophonic politician; people are in danger and action of requires. Show me a plan that either releases my friend or reduces the threat these vampires an ghouls pose to we lowely humans and I will show attentive interest. <chuckles> True, I just hit things or blow them up as needed, but I am a wiz in the kitchen. Lets choose a course of action; consider its merits and risks and put it into action. Sorry if my comments were like poking some bamboo under your fingernails, I gets edgy when bad guys are out eating kids and kicking around the working man. Let em take on some of them 1% ers and I will sit around drinking coffee and chatting all day; well, more or less.
Duana throws her head back and laughs at Axemius. "A simple soldier. It is not in the least strange then that you have heard only Danny and completely ignored me each time I have spoken. Or have you problems with women?" she inquires.
Duana looks to Gabriel, and speaks to him in the language of the court.
** spoiler omitted **
Inhaling sharply, Duana spares Danny a ghost of a salute. "Emissary."
your hound doesnt happen to look x give a description of the Scion of Cerberus I saw that chased down the vampire/ghoul lady
"Oh how I burn when you make love to me with your eyes," Duana jests and fixes the strap of the messenger bag over her shoulder. "As I have witnessed that my hound has come to no harm in his absence, he can choose his quarry," she states concerning Gelert, and begins striding towards the exit.
As if to respond to Aximeus' question, the great black dog emerges from where he had been laying behind Duana's feet and gave a short small bark as if to say I am actually right here then he scratches behind his ear, licks his nose, and then trots after Duana on his powerful paws, passing by the others with twitches of his ears and the wagging of his thick tail, doggy grin in place as he moves to follow Duana out.
Danny looks momentarily taken aback by Duana's outburst, then genuinely confused.
"Hey, If you wanna call the shots, go ahead. That's fine by me. My ego's not all that large, Really." He shrugs, picking up a small sandwich piece from the tray so kindly provided and nibbling at it. He raises an eyebrow in appreciation and pops the entire morsel into his mouth.
"But I AM confused. I figured that this sort of entangled plot and subterfuge would appeal to you. Heck, I was worried that you were going to think it was too simple a plan!"
"As you so cleverly pointed out, our one advantage at the moment is information. If I understand you correctly, your plan involves walking up to the head honcho and giving that advantage away. If I misunderstood you, sorry."
"And yes, I really DO expect Henri to fall for anything I tell him about Becca. Because our info says they don't know each other. She was simply the messenger sent to pick up the package. What we know that he doesn't is that she and the vamp I spoke with are rivals for power in the 'Lord's' organization. This means that we can play them all against each other."
Danny nods a silent thanks to Axe's final comments, internally relieved that the big guy chose to be so conciliatory. He takes a breath he hadn't realized he was holding when the warrior spoke the first time. After all, by Axe's own admission he was far better at hitting things than talking to them. (And he Reeely didn't want to try calculating odds if Axe and Gabriel went at it!) But he was also big enough to avoid a fight if he could. The least Danny could do was to follow his example. He holds up his hands in a universal gesture of peace.
"Look, maybe we're all just on edge here. Let's just all take a breath,... and have a sandwich, they are really good!" Danny immediately puts words to action and pops another of the delicious tiny triangles into his mouth. He manages not to roll his eyes at how good they are, but it's an uphill battle.
The explosive part of the tension passes at his actions, and Danny quickly continues before it can rebuild.
"I think we're still just hitting the tip of the iceburg on what's really going on in this town. There is a LOT we don't know. But the point is we have enough info to work with and get the box OUT of vamp hands. Tonight, If we hurry. So, I know I can make this work. If they let me talk enough I can sell ice cream to Eskimos! If you absolutely hate the plan, then tell us what you want to do. Otherwise, give me a chance. I can do this. WE can all do this!"
"And if your worried about the wizard,... I know where we can get help with that too. An entire coven full of help actually. They've already offered. Turns out your murdered courier was a friend of theirs. Can I tell you more?" Knowing it would only perturb Duana more, Danny manages NOT to smile this time. But it takes almost every once of self-control he has.
Duana pauses just within hearing, but does not even give the courtesy of looking over her shoulder when she speaks. "And you have overlooked a critical detail: that the vampire, too, desires the box," she says simply and follows Gelert out of the shop.
After exiting the bookshop, Duana kneels beside Gelert, smiles and scratches behind his ears. "This is like to be exceedingly dull," she warns him, "but I met someone who knows a path that we can run in the city. No more treadmills and cupboards," she says, her excitement plain.
"And who might this person be then?" Gabriel says in their language as he exits the cafe' just after her.
"A were who would be alpha," Duana answers in the same, and pets Gelert's crown. "He informed me that the vampires were at war, which made the map the map that we possess quite valuable," she says and rises, and offers him a smile. "Even if Danny succeeds and obtains the box, he and the soldier are two men. I am certain the vampire lording has far more at his disposal."
Duana looks down the street. "And the police officer?"
"I managed to distract her with rumors of higher powers out of her jurisdiction which is true in the human world as well as pertaining to ours." Gabriel shrugged looking about and then back to Duana.
"Why did you feel the need to run away? I wouldn't have allowed to officer to get close to our goal."
"This may come as a surprise to you, Gabriel, but humans have little to restrain them from lying," she places harsh emphasis on the last word. "That you continued speaking to her at all gave her the signal that you were comfortable with having her invading your life, and by extension, mine.
"She did not know my name because I have no identity here. Now, you invite her into our lives, she will continue to needle her way into your confidence with her human charms and you will be telling her everything about yourself, including the name of your employer and the nature of our relationship. And she will ask, because it is her job to investigate persons of interest with secrets to hide," Duana says.
"For all we know she and her curiously well informed partner could be working for a third party that is interested in seeing us both suffer. Did you not find it curious that the unnamed partner did not accompany her? I certainly did."
Duana looks up the street again and frowns. "We should not be having this conversation in the open. I require more information about the lording, and I should think that he would not meet me in such shabby attire."
Still in the cafe with Danny after the others step out.
"coven and a wizard, this city has more underworld -or whatever we should calls this - players in layers than anything we are used to as Americans I suppose, if this is gonna shift unknown forces, maybe we should find someone who knows the lay of the land, some information broker type.
Who were those two? interesting that the scion is a companion to one. Up to you Danno; but from what I know about the faeries - which aint much - is that its all checks and balances with one side countering the others. I think including them would just obscure everythings; but is your call as their your allies. Seems a little wierd as they just listen to your plan, insult you, say no and just walk out. OOH, I get it; they must be Royals! to good to talk to us commoners; HAHAHA, with our "no more Kings" in America; I had forgotten that others take the royal con game very seriously.
So who ordered the food; you or them, I aint gonna be beholded to no fairie. I think I will order my own food."
<get some food and come back and set next to Danny with my back against the wall>.
"I would rather not swat the wasp hive or blow on the ant hill just to see what appears, I still think your plan is a good one, lets start it and see what happens. In America, I could russle up a heavily armed platoon of joe's in a few hours; here in Britain, I dont know to much; aint been here in half a century or so and its all different. I still keep waiting for air raid sirens and the whistle of Stuka dive bombers or whatnot falling from the sky and distant anti aircraft fire. I been on edge, not sure why; wonder if just the past. Weird to see the city all full of lights. Sounds and the smells are the same. Hard people these; love their spirit and quite reserve. I'd hate seein em sucked to death by...well, you know."
"so, do you think they stepped out for some air and are coming back or taking a walk.....or worse"
Duana pauses just within hearing, but does not even give the courtesy of looking over her shoulder when she speaks. "And you have overlooked a critical detail: that the vampire, too, desires the box," she says simply and follows Gelert out of the shop.
"I'm not overlooking it. I'm COUNTING on it!" Danny declares after her, then looks around sheepishly. Fortunately it is now past lunchtime, and the curious looks are few. Danny grumbles under his breath and facepalms himself, dragging his hand down his face in a long pull.
"Frikkin', frakkin', flippin' fairies!" He grumbles aloud.
"They think upside down and backwards from normal people! No Axe, I don't think they're coming back. I think she's gonna walk into the big boss vamp's office and give the entire thing away!"
He sighs and relaxes, shaking his head in amusement at Axe's reminiscing.
"No, the food's good. And GOOD! I think it's courtesy of our 'friends' I was talking about."
Danny buries his face in his hands for a moment, feeling drained.
"Thanks Axe. I think we could have done it. Probably still can. But it wold have been a LOT easier if they had worked with us! Now,... I don't know,..."
"I will back whatever you think is a good thing to do; if it degenerated down to a melee; well, then were are my plan; strategic withdrawl and covert options; when fighting a enemy with superior numbers, position and strengths you do not fight like the Redcoats, you adopt the style of the colonists. Ever read Mao or Prince M; thing is is your plan goes south; we gotta either totally leave the feild or find their nests and kill them or they will kill us. Now; in every land there are groups that fight the forces of darkness; we just gotta find them and see what resources they can give us; should we go see your coven first or the gallery; lets talk as we walk or drive."
"Hopefully I'll talk fast enough we can avoid a fight." Danny tells Axe, still looking out the door, as hoping that he's wrong and that Duana and the others will come back. After a moment he shrugs, and turns his full attention back to Axe. The table suddenly looks a lot bigger with just the two of them at it.
"No worries big guy! You just stand there looking like your normal, indomitable self, and I'll do the talking. Just like old times!" He grins.
Danny sits back down and takes another sandwich triangle. He nibbles on it blissfully, the wheels in his head turning so fast he's amazed that Axe can't hear them.
"As for the coven, they're already here. Turns out that the owner of the bookstore is an associate of the late Mr Tybalt. Say hello to the lady Axe." Danny says, smiling in a friendly manner as he waves to the woman who is standing next to the barista behind the tiny coffee counter. Apparently she has been there the entire time, hiding in plain sight.
Danny holds up another piece of sandwich, and silently mouths 'thank you' with a smile. He stands, and gestures to the now empty chair next to him, inviting her join them with a raised eyebrow.
Danny pulls the chair out for her as she slowly and elegantly crosses the small bookstore. He slides an empty cup in front of her, and pours her a cup of tea, as if HE were the host.
"Thank you very much for the refreshments. That was very kind of you," Danny makes casual chat as he offers her both sugar and cream.
"This is my friend, Aximeus. He's probably the most honest person I've ever met. Axe, this is the lady I was telling you about. I presume that you heard everything?/ Even the parts where I wasn't shouting?" Danny asks the woman as she sips her tea. He looks sheepish again for a moment. "Sorry 'bout that."
"So, before the others actually go and do something I'M going to regret, I'm going to try and talk to Henri. Is there anything that you can tell us about him before we go? Anything at all? And,... how likely is it that he's going to be willing to talk. You know, friendly like?"
"Aximeus at your service"
<blushes at Danny's comments, sheepishly>
"I am just a working class stiff who works in the gutter enough to look up once in a while and see something needs doing. They always find guys like me for things like this I guess"
after a pause
"can you tell us the lay of the land so to speak; movers and shakers, territories and dealers; give us a general rundown by your reconning of their strengths?"
Aximeus & Danny
The elderly lady producing a cane from behind the counter, moves slowly across the floor. She waves off assistance from the two gallant gentlemen, around her shoulder is a carpet bag filled with knitting, crochette-work and darning.
She sits heavily in the chair nodding appreciatively at the pairs manners. Her brown skin the same color as the tea Danny gives her. "Thank you, young Danny. I am not the proprietor, that's young Xandria over there." she points a needle towards the young lady who is fixing a coffee for a young couple. "She has the most amazing gift to know exactly what anyone wants. Yet she has used it to carve out a safe haven, a peaceful place where all may relax and converse, remarkable isn't it?" she says with a raspy voice, obviously assured that you must agree with her.
She takes a sip of the tea; "Don't worry this shop conceals private conversations and I am discrete. The shelves deaden the sound."
The old lady starts knitting with a rythmical clicking; "Interesting, you are already asking me for questions. Well the other matter will be dealt with soon, I will find out more about Roxanna the Wyld, for you Danny."
She sniffs lightly; "I smell you have dined with my poor Grand-daughter Sara."
"Anyway, Henri, he is mixed up in your dealings. I knew he would come to a bad end! Poor soul, ever since he lost Beatrice in the wars in the Middle-East he has pined. You can see it in his eyes. Though it has been....." she pauses her knitting needles clicking away, like a death-watch beetle, making you aware of every second that passes and your own mortality. "... more years than I would care to mention since I last saw him." she smiles revealing a mouth bereft of teeth, but still reminding the observer of their favourite Gran.
"Talking, yes Henri liked to talk, a right chatterbox that one. Though he did like to think himself tricky. His shop has wards and the unwary would be advised that direct assault is dangerous, but that is not his home. That is, who knows?" she says enigmatically.
"About the powers in town, well the ones you need to know for now." Her treacle voice says curiously
"The vampires; Lord Lawrence- an arrogant sod, that coloured fellow he brought back on his travels a centuary ago; Mr Agoggo. The dead woman Becca the Blue. They each have coteries, thralls."
"You met my daughter - the witch-mother of the Evil Eye. We work in a similar manner to the Fae Ladies. But of cause we are of and for the Land." she says with a hint of pride.
"Your Princess and her Knight, although there are numerous wyld fae around, in the hills, the river and the circles."
"The werewolves are a small but proud group, powerful in that they have the strength to be pivotal."
"The ghouls, well, they live in the old mines. Scavenging, roused by Henri as he has agitated the vampires. Black magic controlling the dead is too powerful for most mortals and immortals alike. The ghouls spreading to the field displacing the weres and their King too prideful to negotiate with the vampires. Of course, they should be they guard an old item." she stops abruptly as if she has said something she didn't mean to...or did she?
"The humans, the Order of St. John the sit in their Cathedral laughing and researching. Petty mortals, their time is too fleeting even I feel the pull of my years." she lets out a low rattling breath.
Duana, Gabriel & Gelert
As you walk around the city centre on a foggy Sunday morning you see a couple of bright beacons in the wane mist. Shops open in the spring sales, some cheap, some with fine clothes and some with 'massive savings'.
Duana, Gabriel & Gelert
Duana's sight lingers on the window displays of the shop for what appears to be a long time, pondering the mortal convention of sales to mortals. So many things had changed since she had been away, she scarcely recognized the modern world, save for the very hints of the old.
Of course, her perusal has more than one intent. Duana is not simply looking at the displays, but checking the reflections in the glass for any persons who might be following the pair.
"There was a girl last night, dim, like... like an animal. We were speaking of the vampire lord, and she mentioned that she had to be at the club soon." Duana recalls and spares a glance for Gabriel. "As much as I enjoy spending coin I have not earned I should like to contact this vampire and secure a meet before I plan my wardrobe. Also, I am debating washing... If he is of house Raith, the scent of another man may influence his attitude towards me."
Duana clears her throat. "In either case, I will report to my mother, and considering the... activities she were likely engaged in last, I should like to do that in private."
"Perhaps if we were to go to your flat we would be able to be slightly private as the police never caught your name or your affiliation, most certainly my place is being watched and we need to go there at sometime if only to collect the files and then be gone again to give a show of living there so as not to alarm the authorities and send them out searching for us in other places. it would be....unfortunate to have them walk in on us when we are bargaining between our worlds and the vampire court. Your clothes you just bought are also back at my place as well miss." He reminds her.
Duana, Gabriel & Gelert
Gabriel Alertness
As the trio walk down the old roads, Gelert sniffs the air. Letting out a small huff, telling Duana's practiced ear that there is no-one following them from the small book-shop. A circulous route takes the group through the streets and ensures their privacy, although they eventually end up at Duana's place. Once inside and the doors locked, Duana readies herself before rubbing a hand over a mirror.
The image of Maeve appears her youthfully sensuality evident as she reclines on a chais lounge. A gauze robe covering as much as revealing her beauty, she smiles a lazy smile' "Ah, how goes the hunt?" she purrs.
EDIT: Cross-post, ninja-ed ;p
"The emissary of Summer has devised a juvenile plot to confound the players that believe that they can hold that which you desire, my Lady," Duana answers, "but there are more flaws in his reasoning than exist in Titania's judgment," she jests coldly.
"It has occurred to me in my study of the courier's recent business that your primary opponent for ownership of the... item was a vampire by the name of Lord Lawrence. I have in my possession a piece of information which I believe I am more than capable of presenting as invaluable to his current plight with the ghouls, and trade for his interest in the object."
Duana pauses and licks her lips. "If it is my Lady's will that I should not make the offer, however, I will consider another tactic that will end with the box securely in our hands, and not simply for the moment."
Winter Trio
Maeve shifts slightly "Ah, Summer's Young Man, I remember seeing him at the last party."
A cold smile crosses her face; "Good, things are progressing. All I want is the contents of that box, but do not open it." she warns.
A manicutred hand grazes her outer thigh; "Achieve this by any means, provided you do not harm yourself or the Winter Knight unto death. And such that you do not give away my favours or name lightly."
With a satisfied look she promises, in words too plan and candid that you are surprised. "Do this and I will give you a boon."
Aximeaus repectfuly stands until the elderly woman has seated; then reseats and listens carefully.
"We thank you for your insight, I know little of werecreatures other than their savage nature. There were a few on either side in the jungles of Viet Nam; bad business that....What say you Danny; what is the best of outcomes we could desire and how to do we get there from here."
Winter Trio
A manicutred hand grazes her outer thigh; "Achieve this by any means, provided you do not harm yourself or the Winter Knight unto death. And such that you do not give away my favours or name lightly."
Duana inclines her head in a bow at this. As though any save for a great fool would, she marvels, but does not speak a word.
With a satisfied look she promises, in words too plan and candid that you are surprised. "Do this and I will give you a boon."
"Your very image is a joy, my Lady," Duana demurs. "I would ask nothing more of you."
Winter Group
She smiles at Duana's compliment uncaring of the sincerity, just happy to receive it; as words have power. The image faintly glows; "Is there anything else, my beautiful girl?" the words roll from her youthful lips.
"I have taken a werewolf to my bed. He desires my aide to change the position of his pack," Duana admits, fully conscious that given that she and Andrew met in the night, it is highly likely that Mab observed and her mother was already well aware. "Also, the courier kept a file on the origins of the box which I have in my possession. Would you prefer that I destroy it, my Lady?"
Winter
The young Queen addresses the issue she feels most pressing first; "Good, keep the file. We may need it later, any contacts about how the courier found the item would be useful."
She rolls off the couch, all legs and grace; "Good to hear, my darling child. I always said you should get out more. I hope he was an animal." she looks past Duana to the Winter Knight with a slight nod of her head.
Winter Trio
"Anyway's must be moving. I hope you have a good plan, don't worry I don't care what it is." The Fae queen stretches and the mirror slowly turns as misty and frosty as the noon-day sun outside.
The room hums slightly as the heater kicks in.
"Daylight burning; do we have more to consider or do we head out?"
'Roxanna the Wyld' Danny mouths silently. Finally. Finally, after all this bloody time.
He has a name. His mother's name. Supposedly.
He is so engrossed in dealing with the revelation that the woman has so casually given him, (Or was it on purpose? she's tricky, this one!) that he almost misses the rest of what she's trying to tell him!
Danny sips his tea after she has finished talking. It is almost cold, but still good. He watches her work her knitting needles as he sips. It is mesmerizing. But after a moment Danny shakes his head a little, and puts down his cup.
"Thank you. Very much. That explains,... a LOT. Also raises few more questions. Hmmm,..."
"Ah, yes, we did indeed meet Sarah. Very nice. And her beau seems nice too. And I saw your daughter, although I didn't realize it at the time." Danny makes small talk as he thinks, trying to find where the puzzle pieces fit.
"Yes, I had the 'pleasure' of meeting with Agoggo. And I thought he was pushing the boundary of egotistical. I can't say I'm in a hurry to meet 'Lord Lawrence'. Hopefully it won't come to that."
"Werewolves? Pivotal? Yeah, I can see that. They might be who Duana was talking about, when she hinted that I wasn't the only one who had met people? But if she negotiates a truce between the weres and the vamps,... they'll be pivotal alright! They might give Lawrence the means to actually make himself the 'Lord of the City' that he already thinks he is! Oooh, I hope Duana thinks she knows what she's doing!" Danny mutters worriedly.
"It sounds to me,... Like maybe this Henri is more than just involved? Your keep saying that he's stirred up the vamps, AND the ghouls? And Agoggo blurted out that he was afraid that Henri's power had grown enough to control all undead? What was all that about? What exactly is he doing? And what does it have to do with kidnapping young children?"
Danny looks at the dregs of his cold cup of tea. He looks to the woman.
"Ma'am, DO you know what Henri is doing?"
"Well. To start with. Henri still has our box. ANd if still likes to talk as much as you remember, we're going to get along famously. I LOVE to talk! Put on a clean shirt Axe, we're going to the gallery!" Danny grins. "And don't worry. He'll see us." Danny adds mischievously, holding up the fancy monogrammed lighter he found in the car.
"Let's go and ask Mr Henri,... what it is that HE wants."
Danny & Aximeus
The needles keep on clacking together, the elderly woman smiles. "Yes, you have many questions young man. Henri, he is just like you but has a burning one; Why? Thus he seeks to restore his wife to life. But the balance must be maintained, thus a sacrifice of unique property is needed. More would be telling" she cackles slightly. "The world has gotten so much smaller over the decades, Mr American & Mr Traveller. I remember..." she goes into an Abe Simpson story and after a few polite minutes you leave the book-shop.
Hopping on a bendy-bus as it glides through the heavy fog that has decended you get off in Acomb, near Henris' shop. A ease is the only display in a white elitist window. As you enter the shop a lady with half-moon glasses on a string and a cardigan comes up to you. "How may I help you gentleman?"
Danny & Aximeus
Looking around the gallery/ shop. It is a large pale cream area with pictures hung at irregular intervals around the space. There are movable partitions that house some pictures and give the area a feel of energy and vibrancy that an large white room would not accomplish.
For this gallery to be located here it must either be quite old, dating from the 60's when Acomb was a thriving new suburb and not the decaying area it currently is. Alternatively it could be a symbol of hope and rejuvenation. Or just very private.
The scenes depicted in the painting are generally pretty landscapes of average quality, a few older pieces (although nothing particularly ancient or famous). One piece does catch your eye on the alternate side of a screen so that it is not visible from the door, painting of dark reds and browns that would make Bosch blush. A vista of bruatlity and suffering that has a surprising amount of heart and beauty.
The woman in the cardie pushes up the glasses and folds her arms under her busom; "The Isis Gallery welcomes you. Can I interest you in a coffee?" she asks politely.
Winter