Main Page |
* Jewel stands over a pan of eggs as they cook, looking, in general, far more content with the world than she was yesterday. Her robe is loosely tied over her nightgown, and a discoloration is visible on the side of her neck. * Angel has finished his morning stretches and is sponging off in the bathing room. * Jewel puts a lid on the pan, setting it aside, and grabs the kettle as it starts to whistle, filling the teapot. <Jewel> ::calling:: You'd best be hungry. I was a little, er, enthusiastic with the eggs. <Angel> ::snorts, entering the kitchen, toweling at his wet hair:: I might be... a bit peckish. ::he drops a kiss on the back of Jewel's neck:: <Jewel> ::giggles:: I don't think *that* sort of peckish will help get rid of the eggs. <Angel> Perhaps not. ::he drops into a chair at the table:: I didn't say, last night, but I'd be more comfortable if you closed the shop for the nonce, my lady. We already know everything we can know, and I have no intention of risking you further. * Jewel retrieves a few plates from where she set them to warm and dishes breakfast onto them, getting down a couple of mugs and bringing the teapot over as well. * Jewel nods. "I was going to ask." She frowns thoughtfully. "Master Tower's other things are still there, but I would be deeply surprised, at this point, if he had the brass to retrieve them." <Jewel> ::sighs:: Although he had the brass to go to lunch... ::shakes her head and shivers a little:: I... please don't be mad at Geremi, love. It wasn't any of his doing, you know it wasn't. <Angel> ::glowers:: There's no Master to him... * Snowman knocks listlessly at the door, with no understandable or recognizable pattern. <Jewel> ::looks meek:: Force of habit, sorry. ::sipping her tea:: Although... perhaps his things-- ::glances at the door with a frown, and lowering her voice:: Expecting a stranger? <Angel> ::looks over:: No. ::he stands quickly and draws his knife, moving to stand near the door:: * Jewel follows him, her feet making noise where his did not. She glances at him and nods. "Who is it?" <Snowman> ::his voice almost inaudible:: Let me in. * Jewel frowns, her eyes losing focus as her mind reaches beyond the door for a quick, light contact to be certain it is who it *vaguely* sounded like. <Jewel> ::whispers:: That's Snowman, alright. ::checks the peephole carefully, and unlocks the door for him, staying carefully out of Angel's attack lines.:: * Snowman staggers in and nearly falls, looking more run-down and seedy than he has in quite some time. His clothes are filthy, his hair and beard wild and he looks as if he hasn't slept. <Jewel> Sweet gods... ::catches him before he falls down, staggering a little under his limp weight-- and smell:: Love? A little help, here? <Angel> ::relieves Jewel of her rather unwashed burden:: What the *hell* have you been up to now, you old sod? * Jewel sighs in relief and glances out quickly to check the street before relocking the door. * Snowman collapses bonelessly onto the floor, and with a helpless sort of sigh, Angel lets him. <Jewel> ::looks at Angel, nonplussed:: He hasn't been drinking. At least, not that I could smell. Gods, he's a mess... let me get him some tea. * Jewel heads into the kitchen and pours a fresh mug, adding enough sugar to make it more syrup than tea. After a moment's thought, she adds a healthy dollop of brandy. <Snowman> ::mutters:: Checked fuckin' everywhere... but no one saw anything, that. * Jewel returns with the mug, kneeling down next to Snowman and supporting him so he can sit. "Here, drink your fish juice. You'll feel better." * Snowman curls his fingers around the mug but doesn't drink. <Jewel> ::tone strained with worry:: Sno-- Geremi, please. ::helps him lift the mug:: You can't tell us what's wrong if you're ready to pass out at any moment. * Angel drops into a squat near Snowman. "I don't think I've ever seen you refuse a drink, old man." * Snowman drains the cup in a single swallow, crossing his eyes slightly. * Jewel raises an eyebrow at Angel, looking faintly impressed. * Jewel takes the mug back and sets it aside, out of the way. "Now... have you eaten? Do you want to lie down for awhile first?" <Snowman> ::shudders:: No time, no time for it. Already fuckin' wasted enough time, me. Stupid. Didn't fuckin' think... <Angel> ::with forced patience:: Well, think *now*, if you're going to for once in your life. What *happened*? * Jewel gives Angel another worried glance, and rubs Snowman's back reassuringly. "Shh, no help for it... what's *wrong*? What's happened, Geremi? Did-- did someone attack you?" <Snowman> ::grabs Jewel's shoulder roughly:: Not me, you stupid slut. Sylvie. She's... she's gone. <Jewel> ::eyes wide:: Sylvie? But... well, but maybe she-- ::face paling:: No... you would've checked. That's what you've been doing, haven't you? You've been out all night looking for her... oh gods of light... ::sits on the floor next to Snowman with a thump:: <Angel> ::swallows hard:: We'll find her. I promise. ::turns to Jewel:: Get Dawn here *now*. I don't care how badly you have to piss him off. * Jewel nods, looking away into the distance. * Jewel sends her thoughts to Bienca, seeking contact with a sort of urgent mental "ahem." <Bienca> ::her mental voice both shocked and annoyed:: {Jewel?! What *now*?} <Jewel> {No time, sorry. Sylvie's gone. Get Dawn to our flat soonest, *please*.} <Bienca> {On it... } ::a slight hint of mental amusement:: {But your timing really, really sucks.} <Jewel> {::faint surprise, and then amusement:: I *am* sorry. Stay safe!} ::she breaks contact:: * Dawn growls and pushes Bienca's elbow off his stomach. "This had better be good..." <Bienca> ::takes a deep breath and climbs off, looking for Dawn's clothes:: Sylvie's missing. * Dawn is so startled that he fails to catch the shirt Bienca throws at him. It hits him in the face and falls into his lap. "She's WHA-" He shakes his head quickly, clearing it, and starts pulling on his clothes. "That's not what I meant when I said 'good.'" <Bienca> Jewel wants you at their flat. ::pushes a few braids out of her face:: I'll stay here and keep an eye on Calis... ::she bites her lip:: <Dawn> ::grunts as he pulls on his pants and reaches for his boots:: I don't like it. You're both too fucking vulnerable. ::he sighs:: No, I don't see any other options... Well, I think I've got a contact bead in the desk. I'll give you one before I go. If anything happens, break it, and I'll come straight back. <Bienca> ::shrugs:: What else can we do? You can't take everyone who's vulnerable with you. * Dawn snatches up his cloak and throws it carelessly over his shoulder. "I know. That doesn't mean I have to like it." He heads down the stairs, slipping silently past Calis' door, and returns a moment later. He puts a ceramic bead in Bienca's hand, then kisses her fiercely. "Stay safe." <Bienca> ::nods:: I'll do my best. If... if it's not too much trouble, have Jewel check in with me, so I know *you're* all right, too. <Dawn> I will. ::he hesitates, then squeezes her hand and leaves:: * Gar pads out of Calis's room as Dawn leaves, following him to the door. Just before the door closes, Gar starts to snarl. * Dawn looks back at Gar, then turns swiftly to examine the street. <Bienca> ::hurriedly:: It's fresh... she was here, not long ago. * Dawn looks around the alley again, and his eyes narrow as he spots a small wooden box resting on the ledge of a boarded-over window. He picks it up and opens it to confirm that it contains Violet's drug. <Bienca> ::shudders:: Damn. Damn, damn. <Dawn> ::closes the box and shows it to Bienca:: She left Violet a present. Talk to her when she wakes up. I don't want any of you leaving the house until I get back or Jewel calls in the all-clear. <Bienca> ::her eyes narrow:: My own judgement on this, Dawn. <Dawn> ::hesitates, then sighs and nods:: Aye. ::he hesitates again, then turns and heads down the street at a ground-eating clip, to outsider eyes a man late for an important appointment.:: * Bienca closes and locks the door behind him, her face grim. With Gar at her heel, she heads towards the living room to have a little chat with their 'guest.' <Snowman> ::meanwhile, back at Angel's flat, Snowman has not managed, even remotely, to pull himself together. He scrubs his face with both hands and intersperses seemingly random comments into their discussion:: * Dawn arrives at Angel and Jewel's flat in short order, knocking his code staccato-fast. <Angel> ::gets to his feet to answer the door, his knife still in his hand:: * Angel opens the door enough to let Dawn in, then closes it immediately. "He just came to us, less than an hour ago. She's been missing since at least yesterday evening." * Dawn barely notices the knife, nodding and brushing past Angel to stand in front of Snowman. "Tell me." * Jewel sits on the floor with Snowman, trying alternately to soothe him and get him to make sense. <Snowman> ::shrugs one shoulder:: Did yer fuckin' errands, me. Talked at that beshitted dealer, Fastian. Went back to our rooms, me. She weren't there. <Dawn> No sign of a struggle? * Snowman shakes his head. "Reckoned she were late, me. Checked... checked everywhere. No one saw fuckin' nothing." <Dawn> Fuck. ::glances at Jewel:: Oh. Let Bie know I'm here, aye? * Jewel blinks, a little surprised, and nods as her eyes lose focus for a moment. <Dawn> Well, someone has to be lying. Woman like Sylvie doesn't just disappear... ::sighs:: You got anything of hers on you? * Jewel blinks again. "She says she's getting ready to kill Violet. No, wait, wake *up* Violet. I'm to check back in a bit and make sure they haven't killed each other." <Dawn> ::snorts and nods at Jewel's report:: * Jewel looks curious, but doesn't press. * Snowman rubs his face again, then reaches into his shirt and pulls out a delicate laced handkerchief. Even over the smell of Snowman's sweat, there's a faint touch of her perfume in the air as he opens it. At the sight of the tiny thing, pathetic and limp in Snowman's calloused hand, he shudders and starts keening wordlessly. <Jewel> Oh... ::her face crumples, and tears fill her eyes:: <Angel> ::adds a new dent to the room's collection of them:: Fuck. <Dawn> ::leans over and takes the handkerchief from Snowman, examining it critically:: When'd she last carry it? I need something with *her* in it. Hair, skin, sweat... blood... <Jewel> I... ::swallows tears, rubbing her fingers over her eyes and taking a shuddery breath:: Give it to me, Dawn. ::holds out her hand:: <Dawn> ::shakes his head:: No. It's already got *him* all over it for me to sort out. If I can't find her, then you can take a try. ::he spreads the handkerchief on the nearest flat surface and starts mumbling arcanely:: * Jewel nods and bites her lip, watching. * Angel takes a few deep breaths, then with a determined air, he gets Snowman to his feet and then deposited in a chair. "Damnit, old man, don't you fucking fall apart on me now." <Dawn> ::growling under his breath:: Yes, I know where HE is. Get the OTHER one. <Snowman> ::a look of muddled cunning, and Snowman kicks out hard at Angel's knee, catching the younger man off guard and knocking him to the floor:: What would you fuckin' know about it, bastard! Let me alone. <Dawn> OW. You bastard, I am going to have your fucking... ::he shakes his head violently and hunches down over the handkerchief:: <Angel> ::swears and rolls to his feet:: Goddammit, Geremi. <Dawn> ::sits up straight, startled:: Where the fuck is that? <Angel> ::moves to Snowman again, his face cool and impassive, blocking several attempts on Snowman's part to do damage to him:: I *know*. Look at me. Look at me, damnit. I *know*. She needs you. Now come back to us and pay attention. <Jewel> Bastian-- Dawn? Did you find something? <Dawn> ::sighs:: North, mostly. A fucking long way north. Three or four days, moving hard. No place I've ever been, so I can't tell you what it resolves to. <Snowman> ::doesn't quite look at Angel:: I can't... <Dawn> And they're hiding her, so I can't drop us in her lap, but I can get us... close. Within a mile, maybe? <Angel> ::gently, far more gently than Jewel's heard him talk to anyone else but her:: I know. You can't live without her. Believe me, I know. But it doesn't have to come to that. We'll get her back. * Jewel bites her lip, holding back tears again. * Snowman covers his face and starts to sob, a breathless, hard, bitter sound. Angel puts one hand on the shoulder of the only father he's ever known and pulls the older man into a rough embrace. <Angel> We'll get her back. I *promise*. <Dawn> ::looks uncomfortably around the flat for a moment:: ...Whenever you're ready... * Jewel rubs Snowman's back, a little tentatively. <Angel> ::gets his coat:: This is not good. Can you take us all? <Dawn> ::nods:: Aye, this is- *OW*, oh... FUCK. Jewel! Talk to Bienca, *now*. <Jewel> ::startled, absently digging a finger into Snowman's discarded tea mug and eating a fingerful of sugar first:: {...Bie?} <Bienca> ::as if hoping that Jewel was listening, Bie is projecting over and over, at top mental volume:: {-N FIRE! THEY'RE OUTSIDE WAITING. HOUSE IS ON FIRE!} * Jewel puts a hand to her mouth with a gasp. "The house is on fire, there's lots of smoke, and they're outside." <Dawn> Fuckshit. ::looks at Angel:: I can send you, but I need to stay here. <Jewel> {Understood, Bie... hang on, honey, he's coming.} <Angel> ::nods:: Understood. ::takes Jewel's arm for a moment and kisses her:: I love you. ::turns back to Dawn:: If you have any favors the gods owe you, I'd start praying. Send me. <Dawn> By yourself? <Jewel> No, Bastian, dammit, I can help you find her! * Dawn kicks the leg of Snowman's chair. "What about you?" <Angel> If you've got a battalion in your pocket, I'll take them, too. ::to Jewel, his face strained:: Damnit, Cat... ::with obvious effort:: All right. Both of us. Geremi, go with Dawn, damnit. He's going to need some help. <Jewel> ::meeting his eyes:: I'm safer with you than without you. And how do you expect to find her? * Snowman takes a deep breath and pulls himself together. "Fuck head. Right. Hurry up, already." <Jewel> Dawn, I need that scarf. * Dawn raises his eyebrows, but simply scoops up the handkerchief and stuffs it into Jewel's hands. He pulls a small crystal knife from a hidden pocket in his coat and starts casting. <Dawn> ::A faint shower of sparks falls over Angel and Jewel, and they disappear with a faint whiff of inrushing air.:: * Dawn takes a quick breath, then turns to Snowman. "Right. Protection first." He snaps out a spell and lays his hands on Snowman's shoulders. For just an instant, Snowman can feel the spell closing over his skin, like plunging into icy-cold water.:: Be ready. <Snowman> ::nods:: Ready, me. ::he reaches into his vest and removes two bands of spikes that he fastens around his hands, so the spikes extend from his knuckles like claws:: * Dawn teleports himself and Snowman into the house, in a spot in the basement office prepared and attuned for his use. The office is already full of smoke, smelling foul as if it carries poison. "Fuckdon'tbreatheit!" Dawn sprints for the stairs, then backs down as he sees the blaze upstairs. "Out!" He draws his daggers and slams out the door into the alley. * Snowman looks around quickly, then follows Dawn, swiveling his head to catch any sounds. * Polly is outside, screaming her head off for Dawn, anyone. Somewhere or other, she's gotten hold of a leaky bucket, and is trying to form a one-girl bucket brigade to the nearest water source. * Polly splashes water on the smoldering fire outside the back door, just missing Snowman. * Dawn looks around frantically, trying to find Bienca or Calis or the bad guys. He sees Polly. "What the fuck are you doing here?" <Polly> ::eyes wide:: Dawn! ::sees Snowman and tries to hide behind her bucket:: <Polly> ::small voice:: I just got here to report. But when I went to knock I saw the door was burning and went to put it out. <Bienca> ::has herded all the occupants of the house into one room, furthest from the fire as possible. She stuffs a blanket in the crack of the door to keep the smoke out. She's set Violet to tying knots in regular intervals in a few blankets. With the help of a heavy kitchen mallet, she's working on breaking the narrow window and pulling enough boards free to make an escape route. She'll worry about bad guys later.:: <Dawn> ::growls:: You haven't seen- ::he looks up as the sounds of Bienca's hammering finally register.:: Shit. Get out of the way, Polly. Snow, it's that window up there, I think. Can you get up there and help? * Violet works anxiously at the task set to her, her fingers fumbling clumsily with the knots. She sways a little as she works, and at one point looks about to pitch forward onto the blankets. <Snowman> ::nods, spinning the spiked blades on his hands:: Give me a fuckin' hand up. * Polly backs up, clutching her wet bucket protectively. <Bienca> ::kicks Violet sharply in the back:: Calis, damnit. Keep her awake! * Violet startles and almost pitches *off* the bed, but struggles back upright dizzily and goes to work on the blankets again. <Calis> Um... huhn...? ::he sways on his feet:: Miss Bienca, I don't feel so... so good... <Bienca> ::gritting her teeth:: I... know. Just a bit more, and you and Gar are going out this bloody window. <Polly> ::there's a faint tinkle of popping glass as something downstairs gets a little too warm:: * Dawn turns back to face the house, and brings his hands together. His eyes close, and his arms slowly open as he chants. Despite the wind, licks of flame seem to be reaching toward him. After a moment, they begin to detach from the building, hovering in a swarm in front of Dawn. By the time his arms are at their fullest extension, a ten-foot-tall column of fire is burning in front of him. He opens his eyes and looks up at it - and it opens eyes as well. * Bienca pounds another board out of place, just enough to stuff a scrawny boy through. "Violet! Give me that blanket." She secures the blanket on the rail of the bed, then tosses it out the window. "Come on, Calis." * Snowman manages to scale the wall up to the window, just in time to get hit in the head with Bie's make-shift rope. "Need a fuckin' hand, darlin'?" * Calis struggles to his feet and toward the window. He gasps and jumps back as Snowman's head appears in the gap. * Violet slumps onto the bed. <Bienca> ::nods:: 'Bout time. Here, help the boy. There's something in this bloody smoke. ::hands Calis out the window to Snowman:: <Bienca> Violet! <Dawn> ::gestures toward the house, commanding the fire elemental in some unknown tongue. It hisses, and flows into the house. * Violet is unresponsive, her chest rising and falling slowly. * Snowman takes Calis, one handed, the other hand keeping him attached to the wall with the small row of spikes. "C'mon, boy... down we go." <Calis> ::sleepily:: But- I... ::he gives up and hangs onto Snowman's shoulder:: <Bienca> ::shakes the girl a few more times:: C'mon, woman... wake up. ::her eyes are streaming tears from the smoke and frustration:: Gar, atchite! ::she points at the hole in the wall:: <Gar> ::with a lazy yawn, the giant cat bunches himself up and makes a negligent leap out the window, landing on the street just behind Snowman.:: <Narrator> ::the fire upstairs flickers and dies quickly into a sullen smoulder as if a giant vacuum had just sucked the life from it. Downstairs, however, there is a fresh, angry flare:: * Dawn takes a deep breath, then looks over at the rescue attempt. He runs over to help Snowman with Calis, who is no longer able to stand on his own. * Snowman nods quickly and heads back up, using the rope for help. <Dawn> ::The fire elemental, having collected all the fire upstairs, crawls downstairs.:: * Polly goes to help, and screams a little in surprise as Gar nearly lands on her head. <Bienca> ::lifts Violet with a grunt:: Here, take her next... ::as Snowman handles the unconscious girl out the window, Bie falls to her knees, feeling sick and weak:: <Dawn> ::glares at Polly:: Didn't I tell you to get back? Never mind. Here, take care of him. ::he hands Calis over to the girl, then begins to scale the building himself, on the opposite side of the rope from Snowman.:: <Narrator> ::a glowing red cockerel is strutting about downstairs, looking agitated. Its claws leave flame tracks wherever it steps:: * Dawn's fire elemental grabs for the red cockerel, intent on wringing its neck (or possibly swallowing it whole). * Polly takes Calis, shifting his weight a little to get her shoulder under his arm and half-carrying, half-dragging him over to the wall on the other side of the alley. She sets him down, using a handkerchief to clean off his face. <Narrator> ::the burning cockerel jabs its beak at the other elemental's hand, screaming defiance and trying to run away. Its flapping wings leave trails of fire in the air, and a few more bottles blow up:: * Bienca faints. <Snowman> ::manages to get most of the way down the building with the unconscious woman draped over his shoulder before he slips and spills both of them onto the ground:: * Dawn reaches the window just in time to see Bienca collapse. "Bienca!" He climbs through the window and gathers her into his arms. Out of patience, he teleports them both to the alley outside, shivering into existence not far from Polly and Calis. <Snowman> ::swears even more creatively than usual and pulls his handspikes gently out of Violet's lower back:: * Violet wakes with a weak cry, her eyes unfocused. * Calis starts to cough, and looks around blearily. He focuses on Polly. "Who- who're you?" <Bienca> ::mutters something, turning her head:: ... okechuku ... <Polly> ::blinks, studying him:: I'm Polly. ::she smiles shyly:: Who-- who're you? <Dawn> ::The fire elemental swipes at its smaller counterpart, nearly engulfing it completely.:: * Snowman tears off part of his shirt, working on a binding for Violet's wound. "Fuckin' sorry as hell, me. Slipped there." <Narrator> ::the red cockerel squawks and vanishes in a muffled *boom* of flame. Something small and hard clinks to the floor in its place.:: * Dawn kisses Bienca in relief. "Wake up, love..." <Violet> P-please... hurts... make it... stop hurting... <Calis> Um. Calis. I'm... ::he focuses on Dawn and Bienca:: Oh, no! Miss Bienca! ::he tries to stand up, and drops back to his knees, coughing:: <Snowman> ::nods:: Don't I fuckin' know it? ::from the remains of his vest, he hands the girl a battered and somewhat warm flask:: Take a fuckin' nip of that an' roll over, you. <Dawn> ::The fire elemental ignores the metal, and concentrates on sucking up the remaining fires in the room. When its task is done, it shrinks, and then disappears, like a candle burning out.:: * Polly presses down on Calis's shoulders with her hands, pushing him back to a sitting position. "You're sick, silly. Stay still." Her voice takes on a gruff edge, deeper, sounding awfully like Dawn. "I'm fuckin' handling it, kid, stay back. Tymora's tits..." * Bienca opens her eyes slowly, fluttering. She sits up and looks around, talking in her own language. When she sees Dawn, she doesn't seem to recognize him. * Calis gives Polly a surprised look, and then laughs. <Narrator> ::the fires die out with the elemental, leaving a stinking, smoking mess in their wake:: * Dawn frowns. "Bienca? Love?" * Violet takes Snowman's flask, sniffing it hesitantly before sipping and nearly coughing it all back up. "Who... who are you?" * Snowman takes a look at the wound and snarls a few harsh curses. "Call me Snowman." He takes the flask back from her. "Lift up that shirt a bit, you. This ain't gonna be fuckin' pleasant." * Polly smiles shyly at Calis. "You're cute. Can I take you home with me?" * Gar finds a relatively shady spot and curls up to sleep. * Violet trembles. "P-please... don't..." She rolled over at Snowman's order, but now tries to roll back, clutching her shirt to her chest. <Snowman> ::makes a face:: Shit, child, you're young enough to be m'fuckin' granddaughter you. I ain't gonna mess with you, just need t'get this cleaned out. * Violet relaxes, trembling, wincing as the muscles around the wound tighten. She eases her shirt up a little, revealing part of a web of old scars on her back. * Dawn looks worried at Bienca's babbling. He frowns, trying to recall what little Munga-Din he picked up on their trip there. {N'kosazanna... Friend, me. You... sick. Hurt? You need rest.} <Snowman> ::grimaces:: Ain't you a one... ::he dumps about half the alcohol over Violet's wound, then presses hard with the bandage:: Fuckin' hold still. ::he twists a few strips around her middle, securing the pad.:: * Violet cries out at the sting of the alcohol but obeys, stuffing a fist into her mouth as she whimpers. <Bienca> ::her eyes narrow slightly at Dawn's words, then she reaches out a tentative hand to flicker at the ends of Dawn's short hair:: {I have died? The Shiranzadii have come for me?} * Snowman looks Violet over carefully, then hands her the rest of the flask. "You've live, you will. Drink it." He points to the flask. <Dawn> ::winces, running his hand through his hair:: {No. Hair is... not cut, is...} He gropes after the word. {Fire, accident. Yes?} ::more firmly:: {You need rest.} * Violet takes the flask and drinks, obediently, choking a little on the strong alcohol. <Bienca> ::clearly confused:: {As you will it, spirit.} ::she appears frightened, but folds her hands in her lap and readily obeys any order Dawn gives:: * Dawn looks pained, but nods. {Harm not, from me to you. On oath.} He touches Bienca's face very gently, then forces himself to get up and go check on Calis. * Polly looks up at Dawn, wide-eyed. "He's cute. C'n I keep 'im?" <Dawn> ::crouching beside his apprentice:: No, but if you're good, I'll let you visit. What did you come to report? * Snowman looks up as Dawn approaches. "This one'll live, her. Most hurt from m'fuckin' claws. Sorry 'bout that, me." * Dawn nods to Snowman, then looks carefully at Calis. "Are you all right?" <Polly> ::blinks:: Oh. ::thinks a moment, and then answers in Skip's voice:: Bastard... he went and dug up a body! Dawn's gotta be told. * Calis is a little shocky, but he nods. "I'm a little dizzy. I think that's from the smoke.... And, um, is Miss Bienca okay?" <Dawn> ::gives Polly a sharp glance:: Did he, now? Well. Any more, or is that all of it? Description? * Dawn glances quickly at Bienca, and nods. "She's a little... confused. Let her rest for a while." <Polly> Man was prowling around the house. ::stands up and beetles her brow, jutting out her chin a little, giving the impression of a hulking brute attempting to be sneaky:: We watched him and watched him. Like he'd dropped a copper an' was lookin' for it in the dark, all around the outside of the big house. * Snowman raises an eyebrow, but doesn't interfere. He checks the knots on Violet's bandage and tucks the empty flask back into his vest pocket. With little left of urgency, he settles for looking blank and sort of lost. <Polly> An' we took turns, watchin' him... it was after bedtime, but we took turns. <Polly> And then near on morning, Smudge said she thought she heard something. ::sighs a little:: Nip woulda heard sooner, I bet... <Polly> An' then we saw another man leaving with a bunch of other men, carrying things. Thin, kinda tall, loooooong white hair. <Polly> And Skip said ::puts on Skip's voice again:: "Bane's dead eyes... they were in the crypt! Let's go!" <Polly> And we did, and there was a hole dug up, and a big dirty coffin by the hole, with a black cloth over it. <Dawn> ::eyes narrowing:: All right. Hold on- ::he turns to Snowman:: They came in 'round front. Want to go see if they left any traces? * Snowman nods and gets to his feet wearily. "Aye." He steals around the front of the building to have a look-see. <Dawn> ::looks back at Polly:: They left it open? Not being very careful, are they? <Polly> ::eyes wide:: It was closed. *I* wasn't gonna open it. They put ::whispers:: *dead bodies* in there! <Dawn> I meant the hole. <Polly> Oh. ::nods vigorously:: Jacob wanted to go in, but I wouldn't let 'im. <Dawn> Good. Is someone watching to see if they come back? <Polly> ::nods:: Jacob an' Smudge an' Skip're there. <Dawn> All right. Good work. Keep an eye out. ::he eyes the half-destroyed house:: I'll send a messenger to let you know how to get in touch with me, later. * Snowman winces and moves around the inside of the shell of house, poking things over with the edge of his knife. He drops into the downstairs through the trapdoor, shaking his head. <Polly> ::nods, and hesitates, looking up at Dawn with wide eyes and taking his hand:: You gonna be okay? And Bie? <Polly> Should... should I go get Nip? <Dawn> ::half-smiles, unable to hide his worry, and pats her hand:: I think we'll be okay. Don't worry Nip with this just yet. If she's not better by tomorrow, I'll come and get him myself. * Polly nods. She looks at Calis, watching him as she walks backwards slowly, away from them. When she reaches the end of the alley she waves shyly at him, then turns and disappears. <Snowman> ::mutters to himself:: Fuckin' mess, this. * Calis shyly returns Polly's wave. "She was funny. I like her. Whose grave got dug up?" * Snowman's boot scrapes against a protuberance on the floor and he kneels down to look at a piece of iron slightly melted to the floor. He eyes it carefully. <Dawn> It's a complicated story. Be quiet for a bit. ::he turns to Violet:: How's your back? * Snowman uses his knife to pry the thing up and pockets it, then heads back up the ruined stairs. He finds someone's footprints from the front of the building to an alley where they disappear. "Whoreslime." He heads around to Dawn again. * Calis pouts, then shrugs and crawls over to Bienca. "Miss Bienca? Are you okay?" * Violet hics and covers her mouth with surprise. "Notzo..." She tries again. "Not so bad. It-- it aches a bit. What... happened? I remember smelling smoke, and Bie ripping blankets..." * Snowman tosses a half-melted coin to land spinning near Dawn. "That yours? And fuckin' teleported out, they did. Not that this ain't the garden spot, but ought to do the same, us. Before the fire crew thinks about thinking about showin' the fuck up." * Dawn catches up the coin and looks at it. "Aye. I need to get a few things from inside, and then we'll disappear." * Dawn stands and walks back into the still-smoking house. <Snowman> ::shakes his head:: Hope there weren't nothin' in there that's fuckin' important. Nothing left, that. <Violet> ::choked sob:: Blossom... Blossom was here, Bienca said. This is because of m-me, isn't it? Because I didn't... * Snowman shrugs and plops down onto the ground near her. "This ain't nothin' but fuckin' war, sweet. If it helps, in the fuckin' end, it's my fault. Killed the man's da, who's after us, me." * Snowman stares morosely at the tips of his boots, smeared with ash and grime. <Violet> I'm sorry. ::whispers:: H-he... wanted me to... to kill, too. <Snowman> ::glances over at Violet:: C'mere, sweet. I fuckin' promise, I don't bite. Took my wife, he did. Sent the boy after her, but I ain't... ::coughs and his eyes water slightly, probably from the ash:: * Violet edges a little closer to Snowman, warily. "You... you look like you bite." <Snowman> ::barks a harsh laugh:: Fuckin' know it, me. Ain't half a prize t'all. Not s'many women could... and I already fuckin' lost one t'guild war. I ain't... I can't... can't lose her. <Violet> ::swallows:: What's... what's her name? <Snowman> ::gently:: Sylvie. My Sylvie... she's a fuckin' peach, she is. <Violet> ::bites her lip:: I could... :timidly:: I still have my cards.... * Snowman looks around to see if Dawn's found anything remotely salvageable and doesn't see him. "Go on, then." * Dawn emerges from the building carrying two blanket-wrapped bundles. He hands one to Calis. "Hold on to this." He glances at VIolet and Snowman, and determinedly turns his back on them to kneel beside Bienca. * Violet draws out her little purple-wrapped bundle and unwraps it with care, spreading the thin silk open on the ground:: She hesitates a moment, and then hands Snowman the deck. "Find a card that makes you think of her." <Bienca> ::blinks at him again, her fingers twitching up to examine his short hair again:: {Spirit... what fate is mine?} * Snowman runs one finger along the back of the deck, then selects a card. <Dawn> ::smiling a little sadly:: {No spirit. Life, you. Sick, hurt, you.} * Violet accepts the card from his fingers, setting it gently in the center of the silk. It depicts a naked woman pouring water from a jug into a river. A large white star shines over her head. <Bienca> ::her eyes widen:: {A Dream?} * Violet whispers a spell as she sets the card down, shuffling the deck with suddenly graceful fingers and laying out cards around the first in a Fate Cross. * Gar yawns lazily and gets up to stalk over near Bienca and Dawn, laying back down again. <Violet> ::Certain cards catch the attention-- a lone woman, blindfolded and surrounded by swords; a group of rough-looking men holding clubs; a knight in armor on horseback, shouting as he rides at full gallop, brandishing a sword; a woman staring into a cup. The Devil appears in this spread as well. The last card is a blindfolded woman again, this time holding up a sword and a set of scales.:: <Dawn> ::considers, irritably rubbing at his face as he tries to make his woefully inadequate Munga Din vocabulary stretch:: {Dream no, dream yes. Awake no, awake yes...} He growls at himself, frustrated. {No harm. My oath.} * Bienca swallows and nods, staring into his face. She leans forward slightly, her eyes even wider. She hooks a finger inside Dawn's shirt, pulling out the loops of her braid. She trembles slightly. {I... gifted you this? I?} * Violet frowns over her cards, touching them lightly with her fingertips. "She's... threatened. Confined somewhere, or forced to do something. Her... her will is embattled." <Violet> There is a struggle coming, for her, or around her, I can't see, but two people move to help her. <Dawn> ::closes his eyes briefly, then nods:: {Friend died.} <Violet> ::her fingers caress the last card:: But... there will be a reckoning. She will have justice. <Violet> ::bites her lip and sighs, sitting back:: I'm sorry, it's... it's very confused. <Bienca> ::her eyes full of wonder, she touches his face:: {I believe you.} <Snowman> ::hoarsely:: Will she die? * Dawn turns his face into Bienca's hand, his eyes on hers, unable to summon any words. <Violet> I... ::shakes her head:: I can't see that far. I don't see it here, though. <Snowman> ::takes a deep breath, then cocks his head:: Best t' be gettin' the fuck outta here, us. Squads incoming. * Violet blinks, and starts to gather up her cards, her hands a little clumsy again. She bites her lip, turning them right-side-up and putting the deck back together. <Dawn> ::looks around at Snowman's words with a grimace:: {Stand, yes? To leave?} ::he stands, hoisting his remaining blanket-bundle, and offers her a hand up:: * Bienca takes his hand without hesitation and Gar rubs her hip with his head as the big cat also gets up. She looks startled, but drums the big cat's ears. * Violet rewraps her deck and tucks it away, scrambling awkwardly to her feet, wincing at the pull in her back. * Dawn puts Bienca's hand on his shoulder, and pats it gently to indicate she should leave it there. "Everyone come over here. This is easier if we're all touching." He starts casting. * Snowman offers Violet his hand. "C'mon sweet. I ain't fuckin' leaving anyone behind for the damn lizards." * Violet hesitates, and takes Snowman's hand a little gingerly, moving over to Dawn. <Snowman> ::turns to Calis:: Boy? * Calis stands, his bundle clutched to his chest, and puts his hand on Dawn's arm. * Snowman looks around. "Regular little cluster-fuck, ain't we?" * Snowman puts his free hand on Calis's shoulder. * Violet winces at Snowman's words. * Dawn glances quickly around to make sure no evidence is left behind, then finishes the spell. The group finds themselves in what appears to be a hotel room. The windows are curtained, but with what little light leaks through, it appears to be a fairly posh hotel room. * Dawn takes a deep, slow breath, and sits on the edge of the bed, panting slightly. <Violet> W-where are we? <Bienca> ::reels and staggers, nearly falling over:: {Stars above!} <Dawn> ::still panting:: The Velvet Pillow. It's a hotel. Snowman, light the lamp, would you? <Snowman> ::nods:: Aye. ::he releases both of Dawn's refugees and attends to getting the room lit:: * Violet holds herself for a moment, shivering, and then moves to help. * Dawn flops back on the bed, exhausted. "Bienca, love, that fucking housecat of yours weighs about twice what he looks." * Calis looks utterly delighted, and begins exploring the room's nooks and crannies. * Gar sniffs at Dawn, looking vaguely offended. * Dawn absently scratches Gar's ears. <Snowman> ::once again, now that there's nothing particularly pressing to do, Snowman finds someplace to sit and absently studies his hands. On one finger, there's a simple steel and gold band, the two metals twisted together:: * Bienca looks around and with a glance at Dawn for permission, she sits on the floor near his feet. She closes her eyes and rubs at her temples for a long moment. * Violet finishes lighting the lamps and sits in a chair in the corner, hugging herself and rocking a little. <Calis> Oh, neat! Books! And... money? <Dawn> ::without looking up:: That's supposed to be a *hidden* stash, Calis. <Calis> Oh. Um. Sorry? ::he swiftly closes the panel in the wall:: * Violet looks up and looks away again, biting her lip. * Dawn sits up after recovering his breath. "No more 'ports in me today. I've moved more than a dozen man-weights this morning already. Wherever else we go, we're walking." <Bienca> ::faintly:: {My head... feels funny.} <Dawn> ::gives her a concerned look:: {You need rest?} * Bienca starts to get up, her face growing ash-grey. She nearly gets to her feet before falling again, nearly knocking Dawn off the bed. * Dawn curses and tries to catch her and stabilize himself at the same time. <Calis> Miss Bienca! <Bienca> ::groggily:: Dawn... wha... ::she opens one eye cautiously:: * Violet looks alarmed, pressing herself back into the corner. <Dawn> ::lets out a shuddering breath of relief:: Bienca? You're all right. ::he hugs her tightly:: <Bienca> I am? ::does a quick self-inventory:: No, I'm not. I feel sick as hell. What... where are we? Did... ::she looks around hastily:: <Dawn> ::laughs, releasing her:: Fine, you're not. But at least I don't have to keep trying to explain everything in my fucking pathetic Munga-Din. You don't remember anything? <Bienca> ::her face tight:: There was a fire... I. I thought we were all going to die. ::she looks aside:: I saw... I thought I saw a demon. Someone with blazing eyes. ::she shudders:: And heard my brother, calling for me. <Dawn> Not a demon. Just an elemental. ::he takes her hand:: It's over. But the house is more or less destroyed. <Bienca> ::coughs a few times:: I'm going to lay down for a while, if it's all right. I don't... I really don't feel well. <Dawn> ::stands up to let Bienca arrange herself on the bed:: All right, love. * Bienca curls up on the bed, her knees pulled way up, as the bed is about two feet shorter than she is. After a moment, Gar jumps onto the bed - which creaks alarmingly under 250 pounds of panther - and curls up around Bie's legs. <Snowman> ::listlessly:: Is it fucking safe, here? <Dawn> ::automatically:: Nothing's safe until you're dead. ::looks up:: But it's as safe here as anywhere, aye. <Violet> ::quietly:: What... what do we do now? <Dawn> We rest a bit. And then *I'm* going to go peering into fucking coffins. |
|
|