<<OOC>> Maya says, "Okay. This involves Ledenyca, who has a Role as a minor noblewoman. Care to give me a Role-name?"
<<OOC>> Ledenyca says, "Hmmm... we'll go with Laura Samson. Does that work?"
<<OOC>> Maya says, "That'll do. You're a daughter of minor nobility (theoretically), not actually titled, but well-born enough to be one of the large entourage that is the Queen's maids."
<<OOC>> Ledenyca says, "Hee! Excellent. And a rather surly maid at that!"
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Generally speaking you stay out of sight and don't flirt with any of the handsome young men unless the Queen's not around, as she prefers to have their attention when she is."
<<OOC>> Ledenyca nods. And she'd only flirt if /told/ to flirt, anyways... it's so much trouble to play around like that.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Now. You have received a directive from Higher Up to cooperate with a local Malphan representative who will meet you in the knot garden behind your town house at dawn today."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "He will identify himself by singing Greensleeves."
<<OOC>> Ledenyca nods. Crafty one.
Dawn is breaking. Little birds tweedle. Early morning vendors outside the walls of Laura Samson's house begin to shout. Carts creak. Sunlight slants through the windows.
Ledenyca sighs as the sun rises, and stares idly at the motes of dust that dance through the light beams. She rises and sets about making herself look acceptale for the day; a task she loathes a little, if only because it takes such effort to always look good for everyone else. But a meeting is a meeting. Once finished, she chooses a conservative (for Lust) dress to put on, and sets out of the house for the knot garden.
A handsome man is seated on one of the stone benches by a patch of lavender, his beard and hair perfectly styled, his cape in the latest cut, his clothing in stylish black and silver. A lute lies on his lap, and he picks "Greensleeves" out melodiously as you approach. He is recognisable as Lord Terence Dashingham, one of the Queen's current favourites.
Ledenyca passes by once, and then slows once the man begins to play Greensleeves. She turns, and her expression melts into a mask of apathetic acknowledgement. She curtsies slowly, looking him in the eyes. "Lord Terence. Good morning to you." She closes in on him, close enough to hear him well in whisper if need be, but not /too/ close.
Lord Terence looks up with a dazzling smile. "My dear Laura! Favour me with your presence this bright morning, I pray you, and make my heart as joyful as the clamouring birds which surround us."
Ledenyca's face remains expresionless, and she only nods once. "As you wish, my lord. How may this lady make your heart joyful this day?"
Terence says, "Why, take a seat beside me, fair one, and I shall tell you."
Ledenyca inwardly grumbles, hating having to use such formal and flowery language. It's hard to remember how to phrase everything properly. Without a word, she seats herself beside Terence, in a proper and ladylike manner... barely.
Terence smiles. "Now, my pretty one, I have a mission for you, one which shall serve the cause of Hell, and thus both of our masters."
Ledenyca looks at Terence without smiling back. "I will serve as best I can."
Terence attempts to take possession of her hand and caress it. "I expect no less of you, my sweet chuck. 'Tis simple enough. Today the Queen attends the first performance of a new play by Master Shakespeare, and both you and I shall be in her entourage. Your task will be simple enough; devote yourself to her and be sure that she remains content and pleased throughout the play, for there is something in it which my Master desires that she should see."
Ledenyca very reluctantly lets her hand be taken by the fellow demon, and she doesn't betray her disgust in her face. She nods as he speaks, not moving. "Simply keep the Queen happy and occupied with the play? I will do this as best I can, my lord."
Terence smiles directly into her eyes. "That will be all that I can ask for. Believe me, you have my gratitude and my sincerest trust."
<
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Will roll?"
<<OOC>> Ledenyca says, "You are mean. :D"
<
<<OOC>> Ledenyca ;-;
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Gosh, you honestly believe that he sincerely trusts you and is grateful."
Ledenyca's cheeks flush, and she swallows hard, her expression becoming a little worried and apprehensive. "O-of course, my lord. Thank you. Your trust means much to me; I will do my best."
Terence laughs playfully. "And when this is all done, I shall commend your actions in the strongest terms."
Ledenyca stares at the ground, and says nothing. She only nods.
Terence gives her hand one more squeeze, and rises. "I must bid you farewell for now, to dance attendance on the Queen. Till later, my charmer! I shall see you at Court." He turns and strides towards the garden gate.
Ledenyca snaps her head up to look at him as he departs, and she watches him leave. When he is gone, she heaves another sigh and stares at her hand, before she wipes it on her side with a mixed expression of disgust and gratitude.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Ledenyca will be expected at Court soon. Is there anything she wants to do first?"
Ledenyca shakes her head and rises, and tries to think of what she has to do. Mission, right. Has to keep the Queen happy and occupied, make sure she sees the play. Easy. Maybe too easy, but so isn't laying back and staring at the ceiling. Huh.
<<OOC>> Ledenyca says, "She might just wander town for a while to mull over this, and then beeline for Court to arrive in a timely fashion."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "I'm afraid that as an upper-class young lady she can't wander round town on her own. (She could dress as a lower-class woman on some sort of errand, or even masquerade as a man if she wanted to.)"
<<OOC>> Ledenyca says, "Oh dear, you are right. In which case, she'll just bum around her house (same as town to her, really) and try to think of good ways to keep the queen happy and occupied. A part of her wants to run through this for any signs of suspicious double-crossing, but she doesn't really have the will or brainpower to do so right now. Besides, the guy is trusting her!"
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Well, the Queen has something of a temper, so there might not be too much competition for today's "running the Queen's little errands" position."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "From your experience of Court life, it might be best to get to Court early and get into position while the getting is good."
<<OOC>> Ledenyca says, "Ah, good plan. In which case, she'll hurry to the Court to make herself useful to the Queen as soon as she can. She's plenty perceptive enough to see that making the Queen happy requires her to trust and like you, if only for a while."
Ledenyca only spends a few minutes mulling over this, before she hurries off to Court, to be early enough to grab attention.
Ledenyca is one of the first of the Maids of Honour to be on duty that day. Within half an hour, it is clear that the Queen wishes to wear her ox blood and gold; no, her cloth of gold; no, you dolt, her silver and black; no, her blue and peacock; where is the tailor with her new ruby and silver, must she have the man de-eared; go fetch Walsingham that he may give the latest reports on the Spaniards; where is Essex, and will he be attending Court today; go tell that fool of a Lady Viola Waterborough that if she wishes to spend her time flirting with young Lord Terence, she would do better to spend her time at home and at her prayers; fetch the doctor, I have the headache.
<<OOC>> Sariel cackles! _Admires_.
Ledenyca works with much diligence and a perfectly bland expression the whole time; never does she look ungrateful or put upon, and her devotion to each task is absolute, no matter how quickly it gets cut off or yelled at.
At noon Ledenyca's efforts are rewarded. While choosing Maids of Honour to attend her at the performance of Master Shakespeare's new play, _A Midsummer Night's Dream_, "Laura Samson" is named as one of the two who will accompany the Queen to provide any necessary services.
Ledenyca accepts the honor with grace, though she doesn't look pleased (or unhappy). She does allow a small smile, though. Have to keep up appearances.
Ledenyca .oO(Guh. No different than Hell, sometimes. At least she isn't a Calabite. Then I'd be going to this play thing with a broken leg and burned hair.)
[Events for which the log has been temporarily misplaced: everyone meets up at the theatre. Jin charms the Queen and hands over the present, while Lan is introduced as Sir Allen Campbell, adventurer in Foreign Climes. The Queen is graciously pleased to let Jin sit next to her, while Lan is seated next to Ledenyca and Mikki is in the background. Deoradhan is still with the actors.]
<<OOC>> Maya says, "When we last left our gallant heroes and heroines..."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Jin (in cute boy vessel) had managed to charm the Queen and was being allowed to sit with her. Our NPC Malakite Lan-Chappan and Mikki were in the background. Lan-Chappan had been seated next to Laura. Deo was among the actors and scene-shifters."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Lord Terence was dancing attendance on the Queen and giving dirty looks to the cute little boy who had just stolen his attention."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Does anyone have any immediate plans/actions, while the actors run around getting ready for the play and so on?"
<<OOC>> Mikki is staying close to "her child." Eeeeee.
<<OOC>> Mikki amends: as close as is appropriate.
<<OOC>> Ledenyca is going to try to look as innocous as possible, while taking in as much detail about the new people and the Queen as she can. Basically, looking out for trouble or anything weird, and trying not to look too obvious to her sudden companion.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "Other than trying to discreetly keep an eye out for the rest of the party (especially if the rest of the party tries to grab her to talk) and trying to blend in, not particularly."
<<OOC>> Jin is sticking close to the Queen, for now.
Burbage escorts the Queen to her seat, making witty dialogue. During this period, it is possible for Deo to sneak up to the others, or vice versa, if they wish to exchange information.
Ledenyca takes to her seat with slow grace and a blank expression, which takes all of her weak will to make look convincing. She's a little freaked right now, and strangely anxious, but she'd rather not make herself look obvious. Just a dumb human servant at some play. Easy. She pointedly does /not/ look at her new companion, if possible.
Jin keeps one hand in Mikki's, and a sharp eye out for anything suspicious in the area while playing the part of the Adorable, Well-Behaved, Yet Curious young boy.
<<OOC>> arcangel thought that Jin was off with the Queen, and Mikki a few people back?
<<OOC>> Maya thinks so, yes.
Deoradhan frowns a little at the separation, but will sneak up if none of the others sneak off, yes.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "To Mikki, if Jin is over by the Queen. To Jin if Jin is grabbable without catching the Queen's or etc's attention."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "At the moment, the Queen is slightly distracted by Burbage being all charming and showing her to her seat, so there can be some rapid inter-party conversation."
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Oh, right, sorry."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan yay!
<<OOC>> Jin is, in any case, sticking close to the Queen.
Deoradhan attempts to get Jin's attention anyway, as well as Mikki's.
Mikki tries to keep an eye on, well, everything. Especially Jin. While not looking around too frantically. (And while cursing the loss of so many of her Forces.)
<<OOC>> Maya will assume that any attempts to get attention at the moment succeed, since you _are_ all trying to get to each other.
Jin offers a quick "I see you" nod to Deo, once he spots the Ofanite.
Ledenyca takes a moment to warily peer at the child close to the Queen, trying to puzzle out, slowly, if they're up to anything, or just more weird humans.
Mikki blinks at Deo when she notices the angel, and nervously drops back a little.
Deoradhan makes 'come here?' gestures at both Jin and Mikki, and waits a second to see if the Elohite comes or not.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "Er, comes too. Since Mikki is already coming over."
Mikki fades back more, having been given a direct order from one of her angelic
Jin lets Mikki explain this, with a quick head-shake for Deo, as he's busy sticking close to the group.
Deoradhan buttonholes Mikki, then, and whispers quietly, "Zach is dead. Couldn't look around, but they had a guard on the cellars. You two doing okay?"
Mikki twitches. "So far. A guard... isn't good, is it?"
Lan is paying attention to Lord Terence, the young woman next to whom he's been seated, and the 1812 Overture playing quietly on his inner Victrola, all at once. This is perhaps overall less successful than he would like, especially as he's doing his best to avoid looking like he's nervous or mad in the process.
Deoradhan whispers, "Prob'ly not." She glances around to see if she can _see_ said guard (or someone in the same uniform) up here, and if so, points the person out to Mikki. "Not _sure_ he was there to guard explosives. But odds aren't good."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan cackles.
<<OOC>> Mikki would be very sympathetic if she knew, Lan!
<<OOC>> Jin heeee.
Mikki whispers, "It's crude, but... might just try to break in. If, er, you can do that. Or cause a scene."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Deo, you can see other people in the same uniform; they're the Royal Guard. Think of them as elites."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "Heeeeeh. [nods]"
Ledenyca continues to pointedly ignore the man seated next to her, but can't help but peer at him from time to time, when she thinks he isn't looking; thankfully, she's rather good at that.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Lan, the pretty (and stacked) Djinn sitting next to you is shooting glances at you from under her eyelashes when she thinks you aren't looking."
<<OOC>> Jin resists the urge to resonate everyone in sight.
<<OOC>> arcangel laughs.
<<OOC>> Ledenyca hehehe.
Deoradhan winces when she recognizes the uniform, but points appropriately still. She whispers back, "Could _try_, but no good in a fight. Fast, not tough. ...and already brought up a scene. Found Zach's body. Can you get Jin's attention, tell him the problem?" She also thinks, and, if possible, indicates about which area of this floor is over the cellars.
<<OOC>> Lan O_O Shooting? Where? I - oh. Never mind.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "(I.e., is the Queen sitting right above the cellars, is the stage right above...?)"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "(Wherever they're going to do the most damage to if there are actually explosives in the cellars and they set them off there. Because if the cellars aren't right under the Queen, it buys some time if they have to move them.)"
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Gosh, the Queen is indeed sitting right over that area of the cellars."
<<OOC>> Ledenyca hmphs! Is just being her brick curious self! Nevermind she doesn't realize she's eyeing a Malakite who has rezzed her.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan heeees at Maya, nods. _Thought_ so.
Deoradhan points this out to Mikki, and whispers, "Need her to _move_. Or go out. Or something."
Mikki whispers back, "I can try to get Jin... But, if there's a fuse." She bites her lip and looks around at all the humans who might be sitting ON TOP OF A BOMB.
Lan also keeps an eye on the Queen. Memo to self: next life, be a Kyriotate.
Deoradhan whispers, "If we can get her out, we can probably get the rest out _because_ she's leaving. With the right reason..."
Mikki says, "I... can try to charm..."
Ledenyca gets slightly bored after a few minutes, and begins her usual routine; observe the room and various people, like a good dumb guard Djinn. Wonders idly what the big thing Terence has planned /is/.
Mikki hisses, "Go celestial, check it out?"
Deoradhan twitches. It's probably an actual twitch, not a generic 'I am an Ofanite' twitch. "...talk to Jin? Would _rather_ not do that." She bites her lip, glancing at Lan. "Don't know if we can grab him without getting _her_" (the noblewoman's) "attention. Drat. ...hopefully he can pick up--" --she stares, and hisses, "..._can't_. Noise. And _dissonance_."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan .oO(I sound like a bomb going off when I go celestial! Also, Dreamer.)
Jin cheerfully looks around, and strains to catch what Mikki and Deo are whispering about, in case it's something he should know.
Mikki goes "oh," and frowns. "I'll try to get Jin."
<<OOC>> Mikki is less concerned about noise, and more about KEEP THE HUMANS SAFE.
Mikki, if she can catch Jin's eye, will point down, and open her hand violently. Hopefully this will be a universal sign for "it may blow up."
<<OOC>> Ledenyca snickers. Vapulans know that sign veeeeery well.
Deoradhan nods. "I'll keep an eye out. Wave if you need me." And dissolves back into the crowd, though she keeps an eye on the other two angels and Mikki while blending in.
<<OOC>> Lan | Sadly, this was in fact the universal sign for "Look, the tulips are blooming", which caused vast confusion in the Dutch in the audience for decades to come.
Jin does indeed recognize the universal sign for "things go boom". Okay, this is a problem. And turns back to resonate the Queen for a few ideas on how to deal with this.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan _laughs_!
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Roll away."
<
<<OOC>> Jin says, "...not that /that/ result is going to be very useful. Oh dear."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Well, on the positive side, that was a success."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Her mood is currently... anticipatory."
<<OOC>> Jin er. Tries to push fuzzy little brain into Elohite thought-patterns. Doesn't know what to do! Argh! (Note to self: remember to play /dumb/ characters.)
<<OOC>> Maya says, "She is looking forward to being entertained."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan .oO(Jin rolls a 111 on his resonance. The Queen is actually Eli.)
<<OOC>> Jin [to Deoradhan]: In /that/ case we wouldn't have to worry about the bomb...
<<OOC>> Lan . o O ( Jin rolls a 111 on his resonance. Eli is actually a queen. )
<<OOC>> Lan . o O ( The Queen rolls a 111 on her resonance. Eli is actually Jin... )
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "You can resonate again, if you want, and hope for a better CD. Don't roll a 666."
<<OOC>> Jin will, er, try again.
<
<<OOC>> Jin facepalms.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Oops."
<<OOC>> Jin says, "NEVER MIND."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Jin, hm."
<<OOC>> Jin cries little Elohite tears. Um.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Give me a Knowledge roll. I'll class this as "historical fact comes up which might be relevant" if you succeed."
<<OOC>> Maya will, in fact, make this a general rule.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan oooooh.
<
<<OOC>> Maya says, "If people make a Knowledge roll, I'll give you some sort of historical fact that might be useful in the current situation."
<<OOC>> Jin says, "...this is not my day."
<
<
<<OOC>> Maya blinks at Jin. You had Int 6 + Knowledge 3. That's a success, isn't it?
<<OOC>> Lan tries to figure out what Knowledge that would be.
<<OOC>> Mikki made a straight Int roll.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan .oO(However, I _knew_ there was a reason I bought Knowledge (History/1).)
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "...hee."
<<OOC>> Ledenyca eyes the dice. /Cruel/.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Straight Int if you haven't bought any Knowledge that seems relevant, Lan."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan [to Lan]: Probably History or England if you have it? --or Int if not.
<<OOC>> Lan says, "First Aid? No. Military Procedure? Not so much. Straight Int it is."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan _hee_.
<<OOC>> Lan pats his little Int sadly.
<
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "_Almost_!"
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Yeah, somehow, I didn't think Jin's Knowledge (Teaching) would be useful."
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "Jin, TEACHING."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Hammering basic history into little brats' heads."
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "Teachers KNOW THINGS."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "Teaching history?"
<<OOC>> Ledenyca rolls and gets a 116? >_>
<<OOC>> Ledenyca however is not of later time! And would more likely get a 665.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan .oO(Ledenyca rolls a 666. The Queen is actually Andre...)
<<OOC>> Jin tries with Teaching, then!
<
<<OOC>> Ledenyca says, "DO NOT ROLL A TEN."
<<OOC>> Jin says, "..."
<<OOC>> Ledenyca says, "YOU ROLLED A TEN."
<<OOC>> Ledenyca says, "YOU FAIL."
<<OOC>> Lan . o O ( Ledenyca rolls a 666. Andre is actually a queen. ... wait, how does that work? )
<<OOC>> Jin says, "We are all /so/ unprepared to handle this, apparently..."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "Hey, I succeeded! At a CD:1, but succeeded!"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "And Mikki made straight Int. And you made if your original roll counts! [shiftyeyes]"
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Okay. Deo: you have recalled that there were lots of plots against Elizabeth's life. It is quite possible that a suitably directed accusation or even yelling loudly _might_ be enough to clear the theatre. Possibly. But this is a somewhat paranoid time."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "...heeeeeeeeeeee."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Mikki: you recall that gunpowder/explosives at this time are very uncertain. It's probably going to take someone babysitting the fuse downstairs to make sure it goes off on schedule."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Jin; your wayward memory reminds you that the name Walsingham, which you heard addressed to one of the men in the Queen's entourage (big guy, in expensive white velvet) is that of the Queen's spymaster, a gentleman who might lend a receptive ear."
<<OOC>> Mikki can't decide if someone babysitting the fuse is worse or better.
<<OOC>> Jin hmms, and ponders potentially suspicious things a child might 'accidentally notice' and innocently enquire about.
<<OOC>> Maya thinks this is a reasonable "house rule".
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Okay. Things are beginning to settle down, actors to filter back towards the curtain, cheering audience being allowed to enter, etc. Do people have anything they want to do?"
<<OOC>> Ledenyca hmmms. Apart from looking around and mostly ignoring the play (boring and confusing!), not much. Just trying to be a good Djinn and look out for trouble to the Queen, or anything weird.
<<OOC>> Jin does! ...just as soon as she can think of something for Jin to say. "My brain is apparently slower than I thought, sorry. I keep hitting on anachronistic signs of suspicious behavior."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan ...hrm. "I have a very blatant idea now, but I'm not sure how good it is. Can I sneak back up and pass it on to Mikki for possible passing on to Jin/Lan, or is it too late?"
Mikki drifts back to as close a seat as she will be permitted, considering that her child has the queen's attention, and tries to kick her brain into action. It is a SHINING MARVEL OF TECHNOLOGY brain! What can she do about a horrible splosive thing?
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Sure, Deo, sneak away."
Deoradhan sneaksneaksneak wave at Mikki to get her attention again.
Lord Terence seems to be somewhat preoccupied. He watches the actors with a critical eye, as though estimating their timing.
Mikki pauses, her eyes wide with the Need for the place not to splody.
Deoradhan makes "come here" gestures again.
Lan is paying quite a bit of attention, now, to the Queen and the Victrola in his head.
Jin glances over his shoulder and frowns slightly as if he saw something, and tries to work out a reasonably plausible suspicious act he can claim to have just seen.
Mikki heads back, probably not quite so subtly as she might once have been able to.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Lan, have a Military thought; this period does not have pocket watches or even clocks. (It has water-clocks and hour-candles.) This means that anyone about to blow up the theatre must be waiting for a specific signal of some sort, presumably."
<<OOC>> Lan nods. Hrm.
Ledenyca tries not to take too many glances at Lord Terence. If he gonna signal her? Should she be doin' something? This is annoying.
Deoradhan whispers, quickly, "Can run down, see who guard is. _Make_ him be suspicious, run and scream assassin if he attacks. Might be enough of a scene for the rest of you to get people out. Especially if he keeps after me. Might lose my vessel, but that's what my Heart's for. Any better ideas?"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan almost forgot she's an
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "YES!"
Lan turns to the fetching young lady beside him. "I have been out of the Old World for too long, my dear. Remind me, how do they let us know that we're to be looking at the stage?"
<<OOC>> Jin giggles. Yay for running and screaming!
A small orchestra -- flute and lutes -- moves to the back of the stage and begins to tune up.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan nods!
Mikki says, "No better ideas without a better resonance. Better to be embarassed than to have everyone here dead."
Ledenyca blinks, realizing she's being talked too. She doesn't hide the sudden surprise as well as she hopes.
One of the actors waves to Deo. "Come, lad! Time to make ready for thy work."
<<OOC>> Ledenyca peers at Maya! Anything she'd know?
Deoradhan nods. "Tell Jin and Lan to be ready, if you can. Need to get a--" She breaks off, twitches, and hisses, "Will try to do it." Then dissolves back into the crowd, with a call of, "Coming!" once she's close enough to the actor.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "Admittedly, twelve Body Hits and I'm in Trauma, but that's why my Heart is in the TARDIN! So."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Ledenyca: normally someone comes on stage to give the big opening speech, which signals to the groundlings that the play is about to start. Like with Romeo and Juliet, where you have the "Two households, both alike in dignity..." one."
Ledenyca composes herself and flatly says "Someone will start talking. Then you pay attention."
Mikki nods and heads back to seat. Will try to motion to Jin, and see if he's allowed to go back and forth between Mom, Queen, Uncle...
<
Deoradhan is helpful and useful and makes a point of trying to find a way to 'get lost' in the cellars again. Ideally without anyone else following her or collaring her until she's _out_ of the Tethers. No sense in getting some poor mundane human killed.
It's easy enough for Deo to sneak down to the cellars, what with everyone running around sorting out costumes, moving props, etcetera.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan fears that roll. But yays!
Burbage (now costumed as Theseus) steps out onto the stage, and makes a dramatic gesture. The crowd falls silent.
Ledenyca flicks a hand at the stage and whispers. "There you go."
<<OOC>> arcangel giggles.
Deoradhan makes her way down, and walks straight around the bend in the corridor instead of waiting this time, though she does try to appear like she's lost and wandering. (Unless she hears something that actually gives her pause before she gets there, like, swearing in Helltongue or what-have-you.)
Burbage intones, to the female-costumed young actor on his arm, "Now, fair Hippolyta, our nuptial hour draws on apace . . ."
Lan nods. "Thank you. I am most obliged."
As Deoradhan sneaks into the cellar area, she can hear the actors' words drifting down through cracks in the floorboards, nice and clearly.
The Queen whispers to Jin, "Is it not pretty, my child? Now hush while they speak their lines trippingly."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Deo, are you trying to sneak up on the guy who was guarding that door and poke your head round the corner of the corridor without him noticing, or are you just sauntering up to him casually?"
Jin sits quietly, and nods, keeping his head turned towards the stage. And meanwhile sends a ping towards the presumed spymaster, wondering if he's unaware or in on this.
<
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Roll."
<<OOC>> Jin says, "...okay, God just doesn't like Elohim today."
From Walsingham, the presumed spymaster, comes an air of general irritated attention; not particularly suspicious at the moment, but, as always, alert when the Queen is in public like this.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan isn't being subtle, no. "Just walking up, like I'm lost. (I'd walk up Purposefully, except I can't think of something that might be in the cellars and would need a runner to go grab.)"
Several more actors come onto the stage. One of them, Egeus, is complaining loudly that his daughter wants to marry someone other than the man he's chosen, and he's demanding that Theseus order that she do what she's told or be put to death. (There are hisses from the audience.)
Ledenyca rolls her eyes a little, and tries not to tap her foot with impatience.
The guard looks up as Deo approaches. He seems quite alert. "Now there, young master," he says quietly, so as not to make too much noise, "this area is off limits."
Mikki plots Ethereal Attraction.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Roll from all those currently not in the cellars, please."
<
<
<<OOC>> Ledenyca frowns at the mean jerk dice.
<
<
<<OOC>> Jin nervouses at all these double-1s.
Meanwhile, on stage, Theseus leads several characters off, and the two Young Lovers plot how to escape from Athens into the countryside.
<<OOC>> Ledenyca sometimes wonders if the dice aren't borked. >_>
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Lan, Jin; you both notice Lord Terence murmur something appeasing into the Queen's ear, and drift his way to the back of the box, with the clear intent of leaving."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Lan - the Music just started."
Deoradhan blinks at the guard, looking momentarily embarrassed. "Oh!" Her voice is...probably not quiet enough to go _entirely_ unheard. "My apologies, sir, I was looking for one of the costumes--it was left down here, we thought." She frowns, thoughtful, and peers at the cellar door. "Perhaps in there?"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan heeeeee.
<<OOC>> Lan attempts to ping Terence before he gets out of sight.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan (also, thinks of something! Though the 'subtle' will probably quickly go to 'anything but', yes.)
The guard says, roughly, "Certainly not. Off with you, lad!" He cocks his head towards the voices coming from above, and one hand moves to the keys hanging from his belt.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Lan, roll."
<
<<OOC>> Jin is pinging Terence too.
<
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "Nice, Jin!"
<<OOC>> Jin finally! ...now that she doesn't have an action to ask after in mind.
Deoradhan frowns. "Why not? What's in there?" She glances up too, then frowns at the keys.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan also, ponders attempting to snag the keys. (_No_ explosions are better than explody-but-evacuated...) What sort of roll would that be, Maya, Agility?
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Right, response if Jin asked loudly where Lord Terence was going."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Lan: three most noble things in last week: plotting to assassinate queen and thus serve Malphas by throwing London into chaos, plotting to seize Walsingham's spy network when he dies here in the explosion, plotting to do Ledenyca (the Djinn) a good turn by letting her die in the blast and then claiming she was heroically assisting in the plot."
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "How sweet of him."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Agility to make a grab for the keys, Deo."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan admires Terence.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Jin: Terence would attempt to excuse himself while leaving as rapidly as possible. He is highly nervous but also very anticipatory."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan nods, and decides to go for it. Resonating first to try and boost my TN, though, because I've only got Ag 6.
<
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "...WOO."
<
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "Nice!"
<<OOC>> Ledenyca rowr. Unhappy Djinn. 'Splosions bad, and Vapula doesn't even exist yet!
<<OOC>> Ledenyca wows! Luck at last!
<<OOC>> Deoradhan dances!
Deoradhan makes a snatch for the keys.
With a single swift movement, Deoradhan snatches the keys from the guard's belt. He blinks in shock, then grabs for her. "Hey! Give those back!"
A new "actress" comes on stage, and explains that there is actually a tormented love quadrangle going on while weeping artistically into a hanky.
Lan gets up. "Will you excuse me? There is a matter to which I must attend." He sketches a bow to Miss Samson and makes for Walsingham.
Jin turns in his seat to stare at Lord Terence as he goes, before sitting back down in his seat to continue watching the play. And checks to see what Lan's apparently doing.
<<OOC>> Jin says, "...oh, he's doing that. Okay, can work with /that/."
Walsingham looks up at Lan, and his eyes are alert and sharp and not easily fooled. "Sir?" he says quietly.
Ledenyca blinks suddenly, and peers at the man warily, and nods her head.
<<OOC>> Lan says, "...is Walsingham a lord? How have I heard him addressed?"
Ledenyca decides to keep an eye on the guy. Just in case.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "He's Sir Francis Walsingham, and you call him "my lord"."
<<OOC>> Lan nods.
Deoradhan dodges backwards, shoving the keys into somewhere it'd be tricky for him to grab -- a pocket if these clothes have pockets, down her shirt if not. (If they'd just fall out, she just holds them Very Tightly.) "Why? I don't think you're supposed to be down here. Not _alone_, anyway..." And resonates again, preparatory to bolting.
<
<<OOC>> Deoradhan whews. +4 to next Agility roll, yay!
<<OOC>> Jin admires the Ofanite of Speedy Speedy Ofaniting.
<<OOC>> arcangel <3 Ofanim!
The guard grabs his pike from where it's leaning against the wall, and snarls, bringing it round in a clobbering sort of way.
<
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Dodge, please, Deo."
<<OOC>> Ledenyca also admires!
<<OOC>> Deoradhan needs an extra Corporeal Force, for better base Agility, but--eek, Dodge! TN:7 +4.
<
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "HA."
<<OOC>> Ledenyca wows!
<<OOC>> Maya says, "You know, the dice were clearly saving the successes for when they were Needed."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "_Clearly_!"
Lan steps up close to Sir Walsingham, the Victrola blaring in his ears and destroying any sense of subtlety he might possess in his less Musical moments. "My lord, I have heard whispers of a plot against the Queen's life and yours. I know not whence the whispers came, but it seems urgent that you and she be removed from this place at once."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan makes a note. Play more Ofanim. The Agility glee is strong in me.
With incredible agility, Deoradhan skips out of the way of the large swinging piece of wood, and can choose whether to hold her ground, to retreat back and away, or to lunge past and try and get the door open.
Walsingham frowns.
<
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Poor Lan. Victrolas are so distracting."
Walsingham says, "What evidence have you of this, sir? What names can you name?" But he is already signalling to some of the guards.
<<OOC>> arcangel giggles.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "--quick question before I decide: if I shrieked loudly enough, people could probably hear me from above? I.e., do I _have_ to take off running if I want to get people's attention in the hopes of getting them out?"
<<OOC>> Ledenyca hmmms. Could she hear Lan speak?
On stage, the scene has changed, and several Rude Menials are making rustic jokes about a play that they are going to put on in honour of Theseus' wedding.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Yes, Ledenyca, you hear that."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan is inclined to try and open the door if she thinks that people would hear her shriek from down in the cellars, but will take off running if she thinks otherwise.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Deo, probably they will hear your shriek, yes."
<<OOC>> Mikki . o O (I could almost wish to see the rest of this thing, if not for the, well, gunpowder, treason, and plot aspect.)
<<OOC>> Mikki is _still_ mustering the thoughts of Eth-Attraction in her mind.
Ledenyca's eyes widen a little, and she takes a moment to stumble mentally through the meaning of that. Is this a part of the Malphan plot? Can't be! Terence said to watch the Queen! Hellfire, something's going awry.
Deoradhan hesitates a fraction of a second, then lunges past the guard, keys in hand and going for the door. Evidence is good, and at worst, she's _in there_ to keep them from breaking the door down and setting off the explosives anyway.
On stage, one actor declares, "Have you the lion's part written? pray you, if it be, give it me, for I am slow of study," and another answers, "You may do it extempore, for it is nothing but roaring."
Lan says "My lord, I have heard only whispers, but much as I were it not be so, they name Lord Terence. I swear to you on my honor as a Christian and a servant of the Queen that this is so! If it comes out that there is no plot then hang me at dawn, but my lord, you and our Majesty must go!"
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Deo, give me a roll."
<
Walsingham looks Lan in the eyes, and seems satisfied by his words. He gestures very sharply to the guards, then steps forward to murmur in the Queen's ear.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan [to Maya]: Agility? Would like to resonate again first if so, will just roll if not. [grins]
<<OOC>> Deoradhan admires the quote interjections. And Lan's intensity.
Ledenyca scans the area for Lord Terence, and swears to herself when she can't see him sitting where he was. Great. Now she has to /do/ something.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Just roll, Deo."
<
<<OOC>> Deoradhan ow.
Walsingham murmurs in the Queen's ear (and Jin is close enough to hear): "Madam, there is a scheme against you, and Lord Terence is involved; observe his absence. We must leave, and now."
<
<<OOC>> arcangel eyes that warily.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan _ow_. (Potentially.)
<<OOC>> Lan . o O ( Walsingham rolls a CD 6. The Queen is secretly Lord Terence! )
Deoradhan manages to get the key in the lock, and wrenches at the door, but she is a fraction too slow, and the guard brings his pike down across her back and shoulders, knocking her to the ground. The door swings open. Inside the room she can see ominous-looking barrels, and a fuse that twists across the floor.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan _snrk_!
Jin pretends he hasn't heard any such thing, his gaze fixed on the stage. Well. If the Queen's being removed from the area, the next priority will be other humans possibly affected.
Ledenyca grits her teeth, slides out of her seat, and tries to head towards where the Queen is for sign of Lord Terence. Is /so/ not gonna end up sittin' stupid if a horde of Malakim or the Game decide to run in and stab everyone to death.
<<OOC>> Mikki . o O (If they put a Calabite in charge of GUNPOWDER...)
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Ledenyca, it seems that Lord Terence Has Left The Theatre. There is no sign of him. He has gone."
<<OOC>> Jin says, "He has departed, he has shuffled out of this theater, he is an ex-*coughs* Never mind."
<<OOC>> Lan laughs.
The Queen purses her lips, then comes to a decision, and quietly rises in a rustle of skirts. She offers her hand to Jin. "Come, lambkin; we must do as my good servant says, and quit this theatre a moment."
Ledenyca curses in the aisle, and, patience letting up, she goes over to Lan and grabs his arm. She plainly demands "Hey. You. What is this about?"
Jin takes the Queen's hand, and slides off his seat. Much easier to protect her from right nearby.
Mikki has a moment of "oh thank ...somebody" and stands as well. Her kid's going somewhere, after all.
On stage, the Rude Menial scene draws to a close, with them all planning to go off and rehearse in the nearby woods.
In the cellars, the guard cocks his head to hear the voices from above, then curses, and heads into the room. One hand reaches into a pouch at his belt, drawing out flint and striker.
Deoradhan cries out at the strike, falling with distinctly inadequate grace, and tries to shove herself up as she glances inside -- and, on cue, _shrieks_. "BOMB!" Not bothering to try for a 'young male' pitch if it costs her volume; volume and terror are the important bits. And then would like to attempt to tackle the man to the ground, or at _least_ steal his flint, please.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "... and it strikes me that I have no clue if 'bomb' is anachronistic. Um. If so, swap for 'FIRE!', please? It's close enough, and more likely to get people to run away than 'HELP!'"
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Bomb is indeed anachronistic, so feel free to be yelling Fire instead."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan nods. Fire it is, then. ^^;
A shriek comes from below the stage, clearly audible through the timbers of the place, and recognisable to those who know her as Deo's voice: "FIRE!"
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Give me a roll, Deo. ;)"
<
<<OOC>> Deoradhan crosses fingers!
<
Ledenyca lets go of Lan's arm, and blinks several times, turning towards the yell.
The guard goes tumbling across the floor as Deo tackles him, the two of them rolling across the floor together. He is bigger and heavier, but she is more agile.
Mikki cries, in tones of horror, "Fire?!"
Lan turns to face Ledenyca and speaks in a very low voice, so as not to be overheard. "Miss Samson, her Majesty has a ... somewhat inflammatory matter of state to attend to." He hears the scream and takes her hand. "Or not attend to, as the case may be. Follow me if you want to live."
The whole theatre begins to dissolve in screams and yells. Walsingham says something inaudible but probably not virtuous, and grabs the Queen by one arm, tugging her down the stairs and towards the exit. The guards form up in a phalanx around her.
Ledenyca eeps, and, really lacking better knowledge or options, decides to tail after Lan in a most unlady-like manner.
Deoradhan gambles on not being able to pin him for long, and grabs for the flint and striker; will aim for just one if both doesn't work.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan dies. Gives Lan the point.
<<OOC>> arcangel gives Lan the point, too. Mmm!
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Lovely, Lan. :)"
<<OOC>> Ledenyca heee!
<<OOC>> Ledenyca is a convinced Djinn.
Jin follows the Queen, and Mikki, and--well, /everyone/ is heading for the exit at this point, so he'll stick close to the one whose life is most likely to be immediately in danger.
<<OOC>> Mikki would like to duck behind something opaque, and... is going to do something stupid.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "By all means, Mikki. ;)"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan fears!
<<OOC>> Jin hee. Everyone else is getting the good lines tonight. This is what comes of taking a child vessel.
<<OOC>> Lan thank you, thank you. ;)
Mikki wants to get to where Deo is, to help save all these humans. Is the fastest way running, or is it... blowing Essence and going celestial so that she can get down there?
<<OOC>> Deoradhan patpats Jin. There, there. David might reward you with a _better_ vessel after we're back to our time, if we do well enough! ... or he might give you a four-year-old's vessel and perpetual preschool Role-building duty if we do badly.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan cackles at Mikki. Awwww!
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Probably the second, Mikki, given that the theatre is now a Heaving Mob of Panicked People."
In the cellars, Deo manages to grab the flint and striker out of the guard's hands, but the struggle is not over, and he's trying to get a grip on her again.
Ledenyca mutters darkly to herself about Lord Terence as she rushes along with Lan. He's probably a /Gamester/, or a Renegade, or some insane Belialite who likes to play with people's heads. At least she won't burn to death now.
Mikki musters up a breath, and prepares to force her vessel off. This is going to take 6 units of Essence... Two simply to do it, and four more to aid her sadly wimpy willpower.
<
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "Woulda made it anyway. OF COURSE."
Lan eyes the theatre, which appears to be a heaving mob of panicked people. "The exits will be packed. To the stage - there's like to be a back entrance, and if not I'm guessing that one of us can make one."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Indeed, the dice have been saving their rolls for when they are needed."
<<OOC>> Jin cries at Deo. Not the Role-building!
With a *throom* that all celestials in the theatre (or running out of it) can hear, Mikki goes celestial.
Jin . o O ( ...oh, /heck/. )
Ledenyca says "So you say, si- uh oh. That can't be good."
Mikki -- a rather undersized Impudite, who appears to be _male_ for some reason -- dives down to where Deo had previously pointed.
Indeed, while Walsingham seems to have got the Queen (and Jin) safely outside, Lan and Ledenyca are stranded in the mob. However, it is indeed easier to muscle towards the stage than towards the main doors.
<<OOC>> Mikki was only an 8 + 6 disturbance! Really!
Jin debates following their friendly local Impudite, but decides that as long as Lan's back in the crowd, he'd better stick close to the Queen in case of a second attempt on her life outside.
Ledenyca decides to move her way towards the stage, heaving and shoving as gently as she can, using her considerable strength to clear a path, but taking care not to simply toss people aside and create /more/ of a problem.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan awwwwwww at Mikki! And thinks very quickly. On the one hand, TN:5 to hurt him (Fighting), on the other hand, running means he might find _some_ way to set it off anyway... oh, what the heck, Mikki's already been noisy and I have Essence. Deo would like to attempt to hurt the guard, please.
As Mikki arrives, the Impudite sees a guard locked in a hand-to-hand struggle with Deoradhan, in a room well stocked with barrels of gunpowder. Fortunately, the guard does not seem to have realised that he could try breaking the oil lantern on the wall rather than use the flint and striker he's struggling for.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "Incidentally, I love how it's the three tanks running away quickly and the two one-hit-Traumatized characters sticking around. ^_^"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "...YEAH, not running. Eek."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Go for it, Deo. :)"
<<OOC>> Lan says, "Well, if you'd shouted "HELP!"..."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "Spending, um... base TN:5, call it 3 Essence to boost TN, drops me down to 3."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan snickers at Lan!
<
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "WOO."
Mikki shrieks in Helltongue. "{The plot is awry! Flee, before you're caught!}
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "(Didn't _need_ it, but woo!)"
Burbage is trying to impose some order on the crowd, aided by a couple of the other actors; he's shouting and grabbing people and pointing them towards the doors.
Deoradhan aims for punching the man _very hard_ in someplace vital, to the chime of Essence.
<<OOC>> Jin admires! And, hee. Jin's off in the Safe Area, with his decent hits and fighting...
<<OOC>> Deoradhan nods! [snickering]
<<OOC>> Lan says, "Do I have any idea how thick the walls are, down by the stage?"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "Clearly Jin needs the Brotherhood attunement to use on us all."
<<OOC>> Ledenyca hehehe.
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "Indeed!"
The guard looks up, aghast, at Mikki's yell, jaw dropping; this leaves him fully open for Deoradhan to punch him very hard indeed in the stomach, sending him flying against the wall to crack his head against it.
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Well, if he ever catches up with his Archangel again /in his own time period/..."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan heeheehee.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Lan: fairly thick. You can't just rip a hole in them."
Mikki mutters, in accented angelic, "That works too, I suppose."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan | David shows up. "Zachariel told me of your assistance, brave ang--" Eyes Jin. "..."
<<OOC>> Lan nodnod.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Lan, Ledenyca: you can reach one of the offstage exits that opens onto the courtyard outside, and you can start marshalling people through there if you want."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Or at least make sure that women and children don't get trampled underfoot too much."
<<OOC>> Ledenyca shall do so!
<<OOC>> Deoradhan eyes her PC. Eyes the situation. "...did I make disturbance when I hit him, besides the Essence? (I.e., is he human or Other?)"
Lan muscles down to the stage with Ledenyca, and indeed rushes for one of the offstage exits and begins ushering people through into the courtyard.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "(Deo is, apparently, strongly inclined to kill him if he's not human. Just To Be Sure.)"
Mikki hovers in the room, looking around, aghast, at the gunpowder and the _oil lamp._ He moves to be nearby said lamp, so that it can be taken away from this whole mess, if need be.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "You did make disturbance when you hit him. You would suspect he is a Soldier."
Ledenyca does the same, knocking the exit open wide so there's no problem, and forcibly getting people though in an ordered fashion. Albeit with a calm and bored expression.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan nods.
Elsewhere, the Queen is in a carriage and has been removed several streets away by a distinctly annoyed Walsingham.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Jin is still with her."
<<OOC>> Jin says, "...well, no doubt Uncle Lan or Mama Mikki will come collect him eventually..."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Jin, give me a Per roll."
<
<
Deoradhan winces at the disturbance, pushing herself to her feet. She glances around wildly, and pauses a moment to boggle at the Impudite. "... Mikki? --I've got his flint, is there anything else we need to do so he can't set this off when we run?"
<<OOC>> Jin shakes a fist at her CD 1s tonight.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan apologizes to Jin for stealing all the good CDs.
From the Queen's carriage, Jin catches sight of Lord Terence turning the corner of the road. He pauses to say something pleasant-looking to one of the orbiting guards, who smiles and waves him by.
Mikki says, "Yes, me. Well, since we don't want all the humans dead, we should get him out of here. And the lamp." (He is still speaking accented angelic, and still in celestial form.)
Jin leans towards the window. "Oh, look," he says, all innocence. "It's Lord Terence."
<<OOC>> Mikki loves Jin. Maybe Elohim aren't so bad after all.
<<OOC>> Jin smugs.
The Queen says, "What!" very sharply, and leans to look out of the window. Walsingham also seems to have observed Terence's arrival, and is advancing rapidly towards him, one hand on the hilt of his sword, flanked by two guards.
Deoradhan nods, and scowls at the lamp. Is it low enough to be easily grabbable? "Can you--go vessel again, grab him? Not sure I'm strong enough to _carry_, but I can probably get the lamp and flint out faster."
<<OOC>> Jin is an /awesome/ Elohite. Who is now glad he didn't go down to help Mikki and Deo...
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Okay, all pause for a brief update:"
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Lan and Ledenyca, mostly thanks to you (it helps to have someone with authority taking charge) the theatre has been mostly evacuated by now, and it's happened without any major injuries."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Deo and Mikki: the guard is thoroughly unconscious. One of you can drag him while the other carries the lamp and flint, if so desired."
<<OOC>> Ledenyca yays! Tether work amounted to a useful skill!
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Jin: as stated above, Terence is approaching, with Walsingham moving to intercept."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Okay. Go."
Mikki goes corporeal. Female again. "I can try to drag him. I've only a teneous grasp on my vessel and corporeality, though. I'm not strong." She goes over to check the man's pulse and vital signs.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "It's amazing how you can pull someone by their ankles if you don't mind their head bouncing on the stairs, Mikki. :)"
<<OOC>> Jin says, "...Deo and Mikki, trying to do something requiring strength? Oh /dear/."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan _giggles_.
Ledenyca rubs her head a little, and adjusts her dress. Gotta look decent, right. She regards Lan with a lazy hand on her hip. "So. Tell me what madness this is?"
<<OOC>> Mikki is an Impudite, not a Mercurian. Killey human bad. Bouncy human, hey, whatever.
Deoradhan heads over to the lamp and tries to pull it down, carefully. "Try? If it doesn't work, we can swap. I'm not that strong myself here -- had to spend Essence on that punch."
<
<
Mikki says, "I'll do my best." She starts dragging.
Jin leans a little closer to the window. "He looks like he means to do something, your Majesty. Is he coming to ride with us?"
From the Queen's carriage, Jin (and the Queen) can observe Terence say something to Walsingham. Walsingham looks vaguely confused, but nods and waves Terence on by towards the Queen's carriage.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Walsingham just blew his Will roll."
Deoradhan nods, and juggles lamp and flint/striker carefully as they go.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan dies.
<<OOC>> arcangel oops.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "Terry's resonance is an evil, evil thing."
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "Balseraphs ARE."
Lan cocks an eyebrow. "A fire, as I'm sure you heard. Or, judging by the lack of smoke, burning, and general death and dismemberment, a well-prevented almost-fire."
<<OOC>> Ledenyca agrees. ;.;
<<OOC>> Deoradhan hee!
<<OOC>> Jin says, "...you know, the Stone dissonance condition is going to be /awfully inconvenient/ shortly if Terry doesn't decide to get the kid out of the way first. But, hey. Jin's /good/ at being In The Way."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan _heeee_.
<<OOC>> Jin says, "(Comes from all that child-wrestling.)"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan giggles!
<<OOC>> arcangel cheers Jin!
The Queen says, "I believe I am suspicious of Lord Terence, child, but if Walsingham trusts him, and Walsingham is the least trusting of men -- well, perhaps he can explain himself. I shall permit him to try."
<<OOC>> Lan hm. Is the Music still playing?
Ledenyca uh-huhs. She looks about the place, satisfied she did something that wasn't stupid, and thinks vague thoughts of violence about Lord Terence. "Mind taking me with you? I risk enough danger just standing here, and there's a man I want to have words with, if I can find him. You seem to want to find him too."
Jin wiggles a little on the seat, as a child confined to one spot tends to do. "Did he leave first to get people out of the theater too?"
Lan nods. "Of course. I shouldn't think you would care that much about the subject, but then, I suppose that's a good sign." He looks around for Mikki and Deo.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Lan: you aren't getting any directly involving you. However, you wouldn't necessarily register it if one of your friends was in a fight."
<<OOC>> Lan nods.
Lord Terence puts his hand on the carriage door, and smiles a dashing smile at the Queen. "Your Majesty. May I have the honour of a moment in your presence?"
At this moment, Mikki and Deo emerge from the cellars, hauling the unconscious guard.
Ledenyca heaves a big sigh, and nods once, trying to look calm.
The Queen dimples, and gestures towards the carriage door. "Of course, my dear Lord Terence. Do enter."
Jin frowns up at Lord Terence, with his best stubborn-child look.
Lan waves to the pair. "All clear, my friends?"
Terence chuckles as he steps into the carriage and closes the door.
<<OOC>> arcangel wonders if trying to resonate someone counts as "first blow." If it's a Balseraph...
Mikki says, "Please don't kill him. He's only a minion."
<<OOC>> Jin tries to remember that all God's creatures, even the Fallen, may have a place in the final plan, and through time and grace be reconciled to Heaven, and thus must not be attacked first. No matter how satisfying it would be to kick this guy in the knee right now.
Lan says "I... wasn't planning on it."
Mikki looks relieved.
Ledenyca eyes the guard and the people. So they /are/ together. But what are they doing exactly? Might as well look dumb and pretty, and hope she hears something.
Deoradhan glances around as they exit, looking relieved at the lack of people. Looks more relieved when she notices Lan, but startles when she sees the noblewoman too. ... "Er. Hopefully!" she calls back. ...then nods to Mikki and Lan.
Terence says, "Your Majesty, I must apologise for my disappearance earlier. On seeing an old enemy I knew to be a Catholic sympathiser in the crowd, I naturally moved to confront him. Imagine my horror in learning that he had gone so far as to place gunpowder beneath the theatre! Of course I am at your service, now and always."
<
<
<<OOC>> Deoradhan cackles.
<<OOC>> Lan oh dear.
<<OOC>> arcangel ows.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Jin, Will roll?"
<
<<OOC>> Deoradhan cheers Jin!
<<OOC>> arcangel WHEW
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Jin, not only do you see through this Balseraph's lies as the scum they are, you realise that so far nobody else except your crew and the presumed villain could know about the gunpowder under the theatre, given that Deo was screaming Fire."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan _admires_.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan .oO(Yay, my choice of lies is useful!)
Lan considers. "Now that the Queen's out of danger, we should probably meet up with our fourth and make our way home."
"There was gunpowder?" Jin chirps, with wide eyes and an awed voice, no matter that it's perhaps a bit rude to speak without being directly addressed. "Did that make the fire?"
<<OOC>> Mikki says, "It wasn't a lie. It was a future tense warning in the shortest amount of syllables possible."
<<OOC>> Jin giggles.
In front of the theatre, some of the remaining guards close in to listen to Deo and Mikki's explanation about why they're hauling an unconscious guard around. Lan, being a Presumed Nobleman, can help with this one.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan cackles.
Elizabeth frowns.
<
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "Woo!"
<<OOC>> Lan says, "Ethereal Intervention! ... >_>"
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "If she's a Lilim, then clearly that should do something."
Ledenyca keeps to the side, hands folded, not speaking.
<<OOC>> arcangel hides.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan yay,
<<OOC>> Ledenyca giggles!
Elizabeth says, in much colder tones, as Terence suddenly twitches, "Indeed, my Lord Terence. How knew you that there was gunpowder." She raises her voice. "GUARDS!"
Mikki will look frail and faint.
<<OOC>> Jin yay Queen!
<<OOC>> arcangel cheers!
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Well, only because Jin exposed the lie. ;)"
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "Still!"
With a whisper of steel, Terence draws his rapier and points it at the Queen.
Jin leaps up to stand in front of it. Blocking blows doesn't count as hitting first! ...and it's the sort of thing a well-bred young boy raised on stories of chivalry would do, right?
Lan eyes the guards, then turns to Deo. "Is this... the Catholic you mentioned overhearing earlier?"
Terence says, "A pox on the both of you, then," and thrusts, even as guards come running and the Queen cries out in horror.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Okay, Jin. What are you attempting to do."
<<OOC>> Ledenyca oh no. Terence is screwed.
<<OOC>> arcangel eeeeeee
<<OOC>> Jin says, "...can I try to parry bare-handed? I'll simply /take/ the blow if that's what's available."
<<OOC>> Lan kind of hopes that a) Terence has decent Corporeal Forces, and b) that he can hear a scream from several streets away. >_>
<<OOC>> Jin is rather hoping Terence is /low/ on the CorpForces right now...
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "Take and twist so that it doesn't go through the vessel into the Queen."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "You can either (a) try to parry it, (b) try and redirect it into a non-fatal part of your body, and get it away from Terence, (c) just plain take the hit, which is aimed at your chest."
At this moment, everyone standing in front of the theatre hears a scream from a couple of streets away, running feet, and shouting guards.
<<OOC>> Jin says, "I'll go for B."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Roll."
Deoradhan nods to Lan, and erms at the guards. Opens her mouth, then closes it and nods to Lan, all wide-eyed earnestness. "It was, milord! I wasn't sure of what I'd heard, though--after all, he's a _Royal Guard_--so I, um," she looks embarrassed, "followed him downstairs, and I saw him try to start a _fire_, and--well, Her Majesty, milord, I was worried..." -- she breaks off and twists in the direction of the scream, wide-eyed.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan attempts Semi-Truthful Babble.
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Fighting?"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan mmm, screaming. And mmm, Stonies.
Lan fires a Look at Ledenyca and takes off running.
<
<<OOC>> Maya nods to Jin.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan cheers!
Mikki says, "There's gunpowder down there. Don't take open flames." She gives Deo a push after Lan, and stays there herself.
Ledenyca blinks. Well. Seems as good a notice as any. She blandly runs off full-keel in the direction of the scream, dress fluttering wildly.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "The Dice Love You."
<
<<OOC>> Ledenyca wow!
<<OOC>> Jin hugs the dice! And, er, Jin's TN 14 Fighting.
Deoradhan takes off at the push!
Deoradhan also drops the lamp and flint/striker along the way, if she can drop them without promptly starting a fire herself.
While Terence's blow strikes, it goes into Jin's shoulder, and Jin himself goes down on one knee, clutching at the blade. It scrapes bone, it goes deep, and dear god, it hurts, but Terence can't immediately pull the blade out to thrust again at the Queen.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan admires. o.o
<<OOC>> Maya says, "You can do that easily, Deo; the streets are mud and stone and will not burn."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "Woo! Dropping both, then."
Jin wails, and punches at Terence's knees, now that they're so conveniently close by.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Want to try another Fighting roll for that?"
<
<
<<OOC>> Jin says, "...the dice only kinda like me."
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "But do they hate Terry?"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "But they don't like Terry! We hope!"
There is a painful-sounding crack as Jin's punch does something nasty to Lord Terence's right kneecap. He yells in pain.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan yay!
<<OOC>> Jin yes! Take /that/, you Bal.
<<OOC>> Ledenyca yays!
<<OOC>> Jin ...is allowed to be pleased when he does damage to enemies so long as it doesn't affect his decisions!
Guards are now swarming outside the coach, hauling the door open and trying to get a grip on Terence, who is struggling and yelling, and has drawn a dagger with his other hand.
<<OOC>> Ledenyca hopes she gets to pop the jerk a hard one. Bam! >_>
The pursuers -- Lan, Ledenyca, and Deoradhan -- turn the corner in time to see Lord Terence, struggling and holding a bloody sword, being dragged out of the Royal Carriage.
Mikki, meanwhile, figures that someone needs to be around to keep people from chasing after the good guys. Also, not very fast.
Ledenyca stops short, and blinks. Oh. Well, that's good to see.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan awwwwww at Mikki!
In front of the theatre, Mikki manages to direct the rather demoralised guards into investigating the Gunpowder Cellar. Without waving naked flames around.
Jin stops trying to stand up once Lord Terence is well in hand by the guards. Ow. He sits down heavily on the floor, sniffling with a "boys don't cry" expression firmly on his face as he clutches at his shoulder.
In the coach, the Queen kneels next to the wounded Jin, ripping part of her sleeve away to press it against the wound in his shoulder. "Hush now, my brave warrior. You have saved my life."
Walsingham comes striding up with a face like thunder.
Deoradhan boggles, and glances at Lan. "--what do we do?"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan _awwwwwwwww_!
Jin rubs at his nose, and puts on a brave smile for the Queen. "Like a real knight would?"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan aww!
Lan bleeds off speed on the cobblestones and slows to a fast walk, still striding for Terence.
<<OOC>> arcangel awwws lots!
The Queen pats Jin's head. Her perfumes almost overpower her body odour. "Indeed, my hero. Like a real knight would."
<<OOC>> Jin heehee. Alas, for modern bathing...
Ledenyca smiles. Just a tiny, tiny bit, and walks behind Lan, peering over his shoulder at Terence.
<<OOC>> arcangel snickers. Now, wasn't she reputed to be extra-clean? She took a bath once a month, whether needed or not!
Walsingham moves to intercept Lan. "Sir, I must thank you for your warning. This villain has just attempted to strike down the Queen. Had it not been for your words . . ."
Deoradhan glances at Ledenyca, glances at Lan, and follows, worriedly.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan _laughs_.
<<OOC>> Ledenyca ewwwwww. XD
Terence seems to be limping from an injury to his knee. Also, the guards are not being particularly gentle with him.
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "Even in WINTER!"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan hee!
Lan nods. "I live to serve, my lord. That her Majesty is safe is thanks enough."
Lan keeps an eye on Terence, waiting for him to try something.
Jin waits with his brave face on in the carriage for a relative to come get him.
Ledenyca also keeps an eye on Terence, peering down at him with cool bemusement. Serves him right, the scoundrel. Confusing and playing with her like that, and trying to get so many people killed.
Terence snarls. His eyes fix on Lan. And Ledenyca. "You'll pay for this! I'll see you writhe! You fools! You have no idea what you have just done!"
Walsingham gestures. A guard clubs Terence unconscious.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan cackles.
<<OOC>> Mikki cheers!
<<OOC>> Jin woo!
At the theatre, things seem to be under control. Mikki can walk sedately in the direction of all the shouting and fighting.
Ledenyca purses her lips at Terence, and shrugs very lightly, with a "Awwwww. So sorry." look on her face as he gets clubbed silly.
Mikki does so, after making sure the unconscious guard-traitor-Hellsworn isn't going to get away.
Two guards, at the Queen's direction, carry the wounded Jin out of the carriage. A hastily summoned educated-looking gentleman in robes begins to bandage the sword wound in his shoulder.
By now, a crowd has gathered. The guards are keeping them back.
Lan very carefully doesn't let his disappointment at Terence's clubbing show.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Those of you who remember details about Elizabethan medicine may wish to remove Jin before he gets the full treatment."
Lan does, however, make haste to Jin's side.
Mikki works on the polite but firm tactic of, "Excuse me, my son was with the Queen." Repeated as needed.
Deoradhan fidgets in the background (read: behind the more eyecatching 'nobles'), rocking on her heels and watching people. She looks simultaneously worried and relieved when Jin comes into eyesight: on the minus side, he's hurt, on the plus side, he's alive and so is the Queen. Whew. ...follows Lan!
Jin is a very brave little boy! Who sniffles a little as the bandaging happens, but does not burst into tears, really. (While perhaps casting about for help to get out of this...)
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Oh thank /God/ I'm being saved..."
Ledenyca walks over to Jin with Lan, and peers down at the boy.
<<OOC>> Maya | Ledenyca cries, "My god, my long-lost son!"
<<OOC>> Ledenyca XD
<<OOC>> Deoradhan cackles!
Jin looks up at the not-his-mother, and resonates.
<
<<OOC>> Mikki . o O (Hey! Not unless I get my male vessel back!)
<<OOC>> Jin heehee!
<<OOC>> Deoradhan hee!
<<OOC>> Lan tries desperately to remember how Jin was introduced.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Okay. Ledenyca, current emotional state, two strongest emotions, and their current motivations."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "As Mikki's son and your nephew, Lan."
<<OOC>> Lan nods.
<<OOC>> Jin says, "What name were we using for Lan? I'm thinking it /was/ 'Lan'..."
<<OOC>> Ledenyca says, "Her current emotion is a sort of bemused relief. Her two strongest emotions are vindication, and disappointment. Vindicated, because Terence got his, and she's being helpful somehow. Disappointed, because she didn't get to kick Terence so hard his jaw snapped off and his eyes popped out for having tried to set her up."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan _snrk_ at Lede.
The Queen addresses Lan. "Sir, your nephew has today been of great service to the State, as have you yourself. I shall hope to award due recognition of this fact later and more publicly. For the moment, Walsingham here demands that I return to the castle; I shall later require your presence, and that of your friends, for proper reward."
<<OOC>> Jin says, "...okay, Jin /likes/ Lede."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan hee!
<<OOC>> arcangel giggles.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Sir Allen Campbell."
Jin looks distinctly relieved at the approach of his Uncle Allen, and turns beseeching "dear God don't let them use this era's medical practices on me" eyes towards the Malakite.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan cackles.
Ledenyca peers at Jin, blinks, and motions for him to come closer.
<<OOC>> Mikki has a little Medicine skill! She can probably repair it.
Jin would be happy to oblige the strange woman of similar opinions to his own, but is a bit doctor-surrounded at the moment.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan has some Medicine too! And Healing, if we get back into the TARDIS and possibly if people donate Essence.
Lan kneels next to Jin, and then looks up at the Queen, careful not to meet her gaze. "Of course, your Majesty. I live to serve." He looks back down at Jin. "If you will allow me to escort the boy home - I am afraid that he is accustomed at this point to New World remedies, and it will take some time to get him used to England's medicine again. I would not want the two to come into conflict when the wound is already so deep.'
<<OOC>> Jin
<<OOC>> Deoradhan admires Lan!
<<OOC>> Ledenyca hehs!
<<OOC>> Lan has somehow acquired Fast-Talk. >_>
The Queen says, "Of course. I will allow you and your sister to tend to him. Pray give Walsingham your direction, that he may know where to find you when the time comes to summon you to Court." She smiles a sharp smile. "And to discuss certain monopolies of trade and exploration, maybe."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan _hee_.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "(Period note: "direction" = "address"."
<<OOC>> arcangel admires the Queen.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan mmmm.
Lan nods. "As you require, your Majesty. I shall speak with my lord Walsingham immediately, by your leave."
Idly, Mikki hopes that the Queen still has the gifts. She worked hard on those!
<<OOC>> Lan has also somehow acquired Savoir-Faire. Memo to self: spend CP.
Jin clings to Lan once given the opportunity.
<<OOC>> Jin heehee.
The Queen gestures. "Indeed." She turns away to reenter the (bloodstained) carriage. Guards surround her. It moves off.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan cackles.
Walsingham approaches. He says to Lan, "Sir, we must speak more of this. I shall require a full account of events from you."
<<OOC>> Lan says, "The funny thing is, the original incarnation of the character had both."
Ledenyca sighs and adjusts her hair a little. Well, at least it wasn't a boring day.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Ledenyca, give me an Int roll."
<<OOC>> Ledenyca says, "Why do you hate me. ;-;"
<
<<OOC>> Deoradhan _snrk_.
<<OOC>> arcangel laughs.
Jin holds tightly to his 'uncle', since Mikki isn't about to take him yet, and keeps a watch on that interesting lady in waiting who had wanted to slug Lord Terence.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan hee!
<<OOC>> Ledenyca sniffs. If that 6 was a 1... nope. Brain goes *ffffffffzzzzzzzzt!!*
Lan stands, Jin in his arms, and nods. "At any time you like, my lord, but would you allow me the privilege of returning home with my nephew before we speak further? He does require treatment, and I hesitate to delay it longer than I must."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Even to your non-political brain, Ledenyca, it strikes you that fun as the day was, it may result in some eventual awkwardness for you."
Mikki will at least manage to push her way through -- if she has to poke people in the ribs -- once the guards are gone. Then she can go and be a strained mother to... ack! He's wounded?
Ledenyca considers for a moment. Oh. Wait.
Deoradhan fidgets in the background, and tries to look like Unobtrusive Servant Of The Nobleman.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan awww! (..._Hee_. Yay awkward!)
Walsingham says, "Of course." He extracts a (false) address before turning away to go and discuss things with Lord Terence.
<<OOC>> Lan "discuss".
The guards melt away, allowing the original group to rejoin.
Ledenyca has made an enemy out of a Malphasian mastermind. That... that might not be very good at all.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan _giggles_.
Mikki fusses over Jin, making sure that they haven't stuck leeches in or anything. (She _does_ have a bit of medical skill.)
<<OOC>> arcangel hee!
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "...Oh god, we have a Recurring Party Enemy who we may make enemies of several times in his history."
Ledenyca looks somewhat troubled. And she can't hide behind Lust, or just hit her way out of this. Oh no.
<<OOC>> Mikki . . . oh dears.
Jin hugs his mama! And is glad he was rescued before they brought out the leeches.
<<OOC>> Jin says, "...bwah!"
<<OOC>> Maya grins at Deo. "Really," she says innocently.
Deoradhan helps Mikki fuss, once people are out of the way and less likely to eye her funny for it, and whispers to Jin, "Are you all right?"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan giggles so much.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan also gives Maya Impuslaves. Essence cookies are inadequate amounts of Essence!
Jin murmurs back to Deo, "It hurts, but I can function. Do you have any idea who that lady in waiting who's been lingering about might be?"
Mikki looks around, belatedly remembering that no, she can't fill up on Essence from random passers-by at the moment.
Ledenyca stares intently at the ground, and forces herself to actually think hard for once in her existence. This is going to be very, /very/ not good. Maybe it wasn't smart to run up and look so stupidly smug. And he isn't dead, either. He could summon Malphas. Or send Tongues. Or...
Ledenyca swallows. Get the Game.
<<OOC>> Jin hees at Mikki. You wouldn't want to make Jin cry, after all!
Deoradhan shakes her head quietly. "I can try to fix it when we're back inside. She was with Lan when we came out of the cellar. All I know."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan giggles!
<<OOC>> Mikki would like to avoid the Game, too, please. (Yeah, well, that and she has Will 5. She is not going to be draining humans.)
<<OOC>> Deoradhan _snickers_.
Jin hmms quietly. "She has reason to want to see that Lord Terence hurt. Might be worth looking into, if we have the time."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "She doesn't _quite_ need a 666 to drain _most_ humans!"
Mikki murmurs, "What _is_ Lord Terence?"
<<OOC>> Lan | <1856> Black Terry snarls. "You'll pay for this! I'll see you writhe! You fools! You have no idea what you've just done!"
<<OOC>> Lan | <1742> Terence snarls. "You'll pay for this! I'll see you writhe! You fools! You have no idea what you've just done!"
<<OOC>> Lan | <1976> Terry Davis snarls. "You'll pay for this! I'll see you -- wait, haven't we done this before?"
<<OOC>> Maya giggles.
<<OOC>> arcangel cackles.
<<OOC>> Jin dies laughing.
Deoradhan raises eyebrows, and glances over at Lan and Lede briefly, before glancing back. "_In_terestiny. I take it he's the one behind this?"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan dies. Yes!
Lan eyes Ledenyca.
"Balseraph, I think, by the way he got past the spy-master," Jin replies, keeping his head tucked into Mikki's shoulder. "I wouldn't know who he serves."
Ledenyca looks slightly more worried as she stares at the ground, and tries to piece two and one together. Made enemy of powerful Malphasian demon... did something really not that demonic... is with celestials who may be, uh, /angels/, and was seen with them...
Ledenyca sighs. Yeah. The Game is going to come and murder her a lot.
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Awww, poor Lede."
Mikki hms. "Then, since she doesn't look pleased, we should probably kidnap her before she's Balbait. Or tells too much about _us._"
Lan leans very close to Ledenyca. "Do you have a name, Miss Laura Samson, that you prefer?"
Deoradhan winces. And nods to Jin -- then blinks at Mikki, hesitates, and nods. "If she's kidnappable. Lan can probably gage that better than we three?"
Ledenyca kicks at the ground a little. Great. How is she gonna get out of this? Getting stabbed is not what she wanted. She looks up when Lan comes near, and leans back a little from him, staring back blandly. She sighs a tiny bit. "Lede."
Mikki murmurs, "Well, we do outnumber her. She'd probably come along quietly, and then... Well, we could present her to... _Him._"
<<OOC>> Mikki . o O (You know, HIM. He who Bestows the Toys.)
<<OOC>> Jin heehee.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan cackles.
Lan nods, then smiles. "It's a nice name." He extends an arm. "Would it be too much trouble to join us for a while?"
Jin says, brightly, "It's not like there isn't space."
<<OOC>> Lan neatly sidesteps the debate.
<<OOC>> Maya chuckles.
<<OOC>> Mikki is hardly going to tell the Malakite OF WAR what to do.
<<OOC>> Lan says, "You can tell me what to do!"
Deoradhan murmurs back, "Do we know she's not human? He might object to humans being 'displaced'..." She glances over in their direction again, and blinks. "...apparently Lan agrees with you two. Okay."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan _giggles_.
<<OOC>> Lan says, "I just, uh, might not do it."
<<OOC>> Mikki being, apparently, an Impudite of Destiny. er.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan heehee.
<<OOC>> Jin snickers.
Ledenyca pouts and looks at the ground, and then slowly takes Lan's arm. In a slightly flat voice she says "Very well. As you say. I'm likely to be knifed red very soon as it is."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "Could be worse! ...could be a Balseraph of Destiny. ... with Divine Logic already."
<<OOC>> Mikki meeps!
<<OOC>> Ledenyca eep!
<<OOC>> Deoradhan ^_^
Lan Spocks an eyebrow. "Oh, not in my company, I assure you. I'm very good at hearing danger coming. And you're in no danger from us."
Ledenyca ponders. Maybe, if they're angels, they'll kill her mercifully. Maybe. She knows angels would do that. Better than the Game taking her away.
As the mid-afternoon crowd resumes its usual noisy nature, it is a pleasant enough stroll back towards the TARDIN.
Ledenyca says "As you say." and quiets, letting herself be led along.
Mikki will carry Jin, at least as much as her rather pathetic strength will allow.
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Well, let's see. Deo needs Essence to hit hard, Mikki too, Jin doesn't hit first... Yeah, Lede's safe so long as she doesn't torque off the Malakite!"
Ledenyca eyes Mikki. "One moment."
Deoradhan keeps an eye out for random stabbity doom. Just in case. And wishes briefly that she could send an apology to Zach for not getting to him in time, but... well, time. Oh well.
Deoradhan offers to trade off with Mikki, if it'd help any.
Ledenyca takes Jin easily into her arms, and carries him.
Mikki pauses. "Mm?"
Deoradhan ...blinks.
Mikki ditheries a bit, and then says, "Oh. Um. Thank you."
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "Deo, you can send a note to Zach when we get back to the future..."
Jin wraps his arms around Lede's neck, and settles comfortably into that grip. Right. Working on...demon and Hellsworn? Two demons? He can do this. Really.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "Deo at least _has_ Fighting! ...at /1. ...for a net TN:5 corporeally. ...but if you get her into the Marches or celestial combat, she's scarier!"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan nods to Beth!
<<OOC>> Deoradhan heehee at Jin.
Ledenyca blands at Mikki, and walks along slowly with the small boy, supporting him effortlessly. May as well be nice. They did stop her from dying in fire in a horrible and grotesque fashion.
After fifteen to twenty minutes strolling, the party arrives at a small wooden shack in a back street.
Jin whispers in Lede's ear, "I'm glad you're coming along."
Ledenyca says "...what's this?"
Ledenyca blands at Jin, and grunts.
Mikki forces herself not to run and cling to the shack, but to carefully step in and unlock the door, so she can slip inside.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Ledenyca -- perhaps this is some sort of new angelic porta-Tether?"
Deoradhan suspiciouses a little, but goes with it. Although she's still using 'watching out for stabbity doom' as a way to keep her from fidgeting too much. ...although she _does_ follow Mikki quickly toward the shack, asiding over her shoulder to Ledenyca, "You'll see."
<<OOC>> Leti cackles. Does someone have to shovel those out every few weeks? >_>
<<OOC>> Mikki, once inside, will run over to the controls, hug the monitor, and be crooning "Oh my baby, did you miss me? I missed you so much!" in Helltongue.
Ledenyca sighs. Execution by the Light? At least it'll be a unique way to go. She ducks in, holding Jin gently still.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan SNRK.
<<OOC>> Ledenyca giggles.
Lan makes sure everyone else is in safely, then enters and closes the door behind him.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Okay. Ledenyca, have you oocly seen any pictures of the TARDIS interior?"
<<OOC>> Ledenyca HAS. XD
Deoradhan goes "..." at the Techpudite, then shakes her head and sets into a proper orbit around the console, waiting for the others to come in. Or at least Jin -- ah, there's Jin! She pounces, once they're inside, and asks, "Want me to try Healing?"
Mikki croons sweet nothings to the monitor. In Helltongue.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Then you can suitably play Ledenyca's current state of shock, methinks."
Jin slips down out of Lede's arms, if permitted. "If you would? I can donate Essence, if you're low. It sounded like quite the commotion downstairs."
Ledenyca does not drop Jin. By sheer will, of which she has little, she sets him down stiffly. Blinks one, slowly. Flatly, /flatly/ states "What is this."
(Mikki rubs her cheek on a flat bit of console. "{Who's a precious device, hmmm?}")
<<OOC>> Maya giggles.
Ledenyca's eye twitches a little bit. She's never seen such complex torture artifacts. And did that woman talk in /Helltongue/?
Lan eyes Lede thoughtfully, then goes to put some honest to God REAL CLOTHES on. "I'll be right back."
Ledenyca stamps a foot down suddenly, and frowns. She barks at Mikki "What in the bloody Nine Hells and the scented loins of the Prince Andrealphus IS THIS?!"
<<OOC>> Ledenyca says, "In Helltongue!"
Deoradhan coughs, cheeks turning slightly pink. "It wasn't _that_ much. But I had to spend a little to help knock the guard out, and there was the Song earlier -- um, Zach's dead again, by the way -- and...I could use another couple? Down to three, and I'd like to save two in case I have to go celestial next ti--" She chokes at Ledenyca.
Deoradhan looks like she understood that, yes.
Mikki looks up. "EW! This has NOTHING to do with LUST!" she says back. In Helltongue.
Lan stops and twitches at Lede's outburst. But doesn't respond.
<<OOC>> Lan says, "...do angels actually understand Helltongue?"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "You don't. I do."
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "Only redeemed ones!"
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Only if they have reason to."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "I'm redeemed."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Lan wouldn't."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Jin doesn't."
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "(Well, or ones who took the dissonance hit to learn it.)"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan [to arcangel]: Or that!
Jin rubs at his shoulder, and says, politely, "Would you two mind switching to English for the benefit of the rest of us?"
<<OOC>> Maya nods. If Lan and Jin want to learn, they probably could . . . but there would be dissonance.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan learned it sans dissonance. From Fate. Nyah.
<<OOC>> Lan nods.
Mikki twitches at Jin. "Sorry."
Ledenyca says back in Helltongue "Where am I?! What is this? Are you Game? Renegades? Angels? If I'm going to die, I want to know, by my bed, what this is!"
Jin smiles back at Mikki. "Old habits die hard, I'm sure. No offense taken. It's simply a bit inconvenient." And turns to Deo to pass over, oh, three Essence for Healing.
Ledenyca looks slightly unsettled and very bewildered. This does not sit well with her small and set-on-dying mind.
Mikki nods to Jin, and says to Lede, in English, "This is a _great gift_ by the Lord of Destiny, and you should be respectful!"
Ledenyca says "..."
Ledenyca says "What?"
Ledenyca looks very confused and upset.
Mikki says, "You should be respectful!"
Deoradhan twitches at Ledenyca. And takes the Essence with relief, and starts to sing a long version of Healing.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan checks the bonuses.
Ledenyca frowns. "...this is a giant demon-killing artifact used by Destiny? And he gave it to a demon? Or maybe you're an angel."
Mikki says, somewhat less arrogantly, "I'm an Impudite."
<<OOC>> Lan wonders if Lede and Mikki have, in fact, switched to English.
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "Mikki has."
<<OOC>> Ledenyca has.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "Taking 5 extra minutes for a +3, and spending two of Jin's donated Essence to boost that to +5, plus one of the donated Essence to power the Song period, gives me a TN:9."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan hees.
Ledenyca blinks. "...Destiny has Impudites who use giant artifacts?"
<<OOC>> Mikki is a Vapudite and uses the hair product to make something Man Was Not Meant To Know Till 2410.
Ledenyca puts a hand to her head. Okay. It makes sense now. She's a victim of Nightmares.
Mikki says, in a smaller voice, "I broke my Heart. His people found me."
Deoradhan would interject, but is busy singing as she crouches in front of Jin.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan ...has no sense of IC time. Ping me when 5min are up? [laughs]
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Roll, Deo."
Jin looks over his shoulder at the two demons. "It's a bit complicated," he says. "But it seems to be working so far."
<
Ledenyca shakes her head, and then sits down with a flop. "I'm confused, upset, and I thought I was supposed to die. Can someone tell me why I'm in a big Destiny artifact with a shrilling Impudite?"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "Woo! ...well, not _great_, but okay!"
MIkki shrills, "I am NOT--!" She frowns and starts setting dials and consulting the manual.
Ledenyca blinks, and looks at Jin. "Um. I'll heal that if you want. I'm pretty good at healing. Oh, or not. Nevermind."
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "You get CD bonuses if you have more than one version of the Song."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "...oh wait, right! I have a base TN:5 at that, plus CelHealing."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "So that's 3x(2+1), 9 Hits healed."
Lan turns. "Lede, my name is Lan-Chappan; you may call me Lan." He goes over to Lede. "I promised that you weren't in any danger from us, and it's still true. I swear by my pretty floral ruffles that I won't end you, and I'm the one here most likely to want to. You are in no danger."
Slowly the wound in Jin's shoulder seams itself shut.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan dies at Lan.
<<OOC>> Jin says, "Lan definitely gets to be in charge of the group. He has all the good lines."
Mikki looks up. "Uh-huh!" she says, sounding startled. She goes back to the settings.
Ledenyca says "Oh. Alright. Hello, Lan-Chappan. Thank you for not killing me. I think the Game will come and find me, though."
Ledenyca sighs.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Mikki, do you want to do the Hop into the Time Vortex and float there?"
Jin turns back to Lede once the wound's as shut as it means to get. "They're likely to have a hard time finding you if you stick with us."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Thus at least removing yourself from current time and space?"
Mikki would like to do so, yes. "Jin, are you ready?"
Lan meets Lede's gaze. "They'll have to get through me first. You're my guest, after all."
Ledenyca says "Why? Is this a Tether? Am I going to be cooked in Heaven? That might be better than the Game."
Jin quickly goes over anything he's eaten lately, which isn't much, thank God. "As ready as I'm going to get."
Deoradhan smiles as the Song goes off, satisfied, and ends her singing...to blink several times at 'pretty floral ruffles'. She pushes herself upright, tugging the hat off to let her braid down again. "Not in here they won't. And if he vouches for you, yes, you're safe from us." She smiles at Ledenyca. And blinks at Lan. "...It's not a Tether, no."
Deoradhan suggests to Jin, "Bathroom?"
Mikki prods at a few gizmos and pulls the lever. "The Game? Where we're going, we don't fear the Game," she intones.
Lan eeps at Mikki. "Okay, when I said you were in no danger? That's still true, but this might hurt a little."
Ledenyca says "Oh. As you say."
Ledenyca perks up a little bit at that, and sits up more, picking at her dress.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Mikki. Roll."
<
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "..."
<<OOC>> Maya says, "Oh holy God."
<<OOC>> Lan DOOOOOM
<<OOC>> Deoradhan DEAD.
<<OOC>> Leti says, "...Oh, dear..."
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "The dice. Hate. Me."
<<OOC>> Ledenyca blinks. Well.
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "PAYBACK."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "...So. _About_ those Gamesters..."
<<OOC>> Leti says, "...At least it's a demon rolling it?"
<<OOC>> Deoradhan says, "...point!"
<<OOC>> arcangel | Mikki . o O (Dammit. I shoulda sprayed for Princes.)
<<OOC>> Deoradhan cackles.
<<OOC>> Lan notes idly that +in seems to like people tonight...
<<OOC>> Leti says, "A Selfless demon, maybe, but, demon!"
The lights flash. The central column begins to rise and fall. And with a shattering *thoom* noise, the whole room shakes like a dicecup and everyone passes out.
<<OOC>> arcangel says, "Mikki is a demon with Selfless/3."
<<OOC>> Deoradhan dead.
<<OOC>> Deoradhan ...hopefully not literally dead.
<<OOC>> arcangel waits for Maya to declare that a cliffhanger.
<<OOC>> Maya says, "And I am closing it on that cliffhanger, because I cannot for love or money think what should happen next at this precise moment."
<<OOC>>Maya thinks everyone gets an xp after that session, anyhow. ;)
---masters companions.Everquest bard Ofanite. Running and screaming is what she does!Lilithian Ethereal Elizabethan Intervention!