Three Pillars: Second Chance
Session 22
The Flaming One
Sara: It is late. You have been preparing for your flight to the Vatican all day.
Matthew Hammer
*Yawn*
The Flaming One
You have exhasted your resources here in France. There are no more clues to the mentioned town or anything else you have found in the journal. You hope the Church records will be more forthcoming.
Matthew Hammer
At least a better chance there.
The Flaming One
George has regained some stability since the "accident." You have had him take over your friends duties of managing the day-to-day arrangements of your work so you can focus on the important things. The uniformity probably comforts him.
The Flaming One
Any last minute arrangements before retiring?
Matthew Hammer
Tickets, currency, visa, ?
The Flaming One
All arranged.
Matthew Hammer
Am I meeting anyone there?
The Flaming One
A contact the Order has arranged. A Domnican friar with some access to the records.
Matthew Hammer
Excellent. If George is all prepared, I think I'm ready to hit the hay.
The Flaming One
You sleep.
The Flaming One
You dreams are not refreshing. You recall the devestation of the fateful day at the dig. The spiritual storm all around. The madness and blood.
Matthew Hammer
Sara tosses and turns.
The Flaming One
Dina is there, dressed in funeral black. She is paler then you remember. There seem to be blotches under her skin that occasionally... move.
Matthew Hammer
What are they?
The Flaming One
Dream Dina: "I donnae what y'think y'll find. lass. The Twister comes already."
The Flaming One
You try to see what the marks are. Darks patches, the squirm if you try to examine them. They only seem to stay still when you do not look at them.
Matthew Hammer
"The Twister comes, but something might still be done."
The Flaming One
She looks down at her feet. "He thought so too, and it dinna help 'im."
Matthew Hammer
Sara follows her eyes downward.
The Flaming One
Szyminski is layed out before you, as if awaiting a funeral procession. In his hand is an old, worn text. You is similiar to the diary.
Matthew Hammer
Sara bends down an lays a hand on him.
The Flaming One
The body is cold to the touch. As you do so, its shudders a moment, and its left arm falls off at the shoulder.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]I always walk in at the worst moment...
Matthew Hammer
Sara flinched back. Then reaches tentitively forward and grasps the text.
The Flaming One
[private to Justin Robinson-Prickett] :)
The Flaming One
The book burns your hand as your grasp it.
Matthew Hammer
Sara immediatly tosses it away and clenched her hands to herself.
The Flaming One
The book lands, fliiped open to a random page. As the book burst into flames, you can read three names: Mateusz, Krzysztof, and Mikoji. This is is nothing but ashes.
The Flaming One
(Ahem: *Then it* is nothing but ashes)
Matthew Hammer
Sara looks back to Szminski, and then up at Dina. (donna worry lad, I knew)
The Flaming One
Dina is not there. Instead, it is the woman in black hair you say before. She wears the same clothes Dina did. She looks at you, darkness in her eyes.
Matthew Hammer
Sara steps back, "Who are you?"
The Flaming One
The woman says nothing. Instead, she bends down to the corpse and starts... eating it.
Matthew Hammer
Sara brings her hand to her mouth, and backs furthur away.
The Flaming One
As you do so, you trip. You start to fall, backwards into darkness when.... you wake up to the sound of the alarm.
Matthew Hammer
She jolts upright, and her hand comes down on the alarm.
The Flaming One
I assume you continue with your plans as usual?
Matthew Hammer
She checks on George, and then yes.
The Flaming One
George seems fine. When you ask, he says he slept well.
Matthew Hammer
At least that's good. Sara heads off for a shower and whatever last minute packing is needed.
The Flaming One
The flight is uneventful, except for the slight turbulance flying over the Alps. You are soon safe on the ground in the Rome airport. Customs takes some time, and there are some annoying questions stemming from your French incarceration, but everything is soon settled and you are free in the city.
Matthew Hammer
Excellent. I would like to take a somewhat scenic route on our way to meet my contact.
The Flaming One
The ruins of Rome are a constant reminder of the vast passage of time. George seems to bit interested in them, the first he has seemed since that fateful day. His recovery is progressing.
The Flaming One
Your designated meeting place is in a villa outside of the Vatican itself. It is owned by the Domnicans and used as offices or some such.
Matthew Hammer
Eventually we'll cut our sightseeing short and make our way to the villa.
The Flaming One
It is an unassuming place and well maintained. Father Antonio is waiting for you when you arrive.
Matthew Hammer
Sara approches and smiles, 'Father Antonio, it is good to see you. I can't thank you enough for agreeing to help me."
The Flaming One
Antonio. "It is of no consequence. I am always glad to assist a friend and collegue." He leads you to a table in the shade of a grove of olive trees. He looks at you expectantly. "Now, what research has brought you here on this occasion?"
Matthew Hammer
"Actually it involves something that I found in Southern France. There was a Polish monk who was buried at an Abbey there. I'm trying to tracer him back to his origin Poland, and was hoping there might be records here that might give me a lead. Some of the records at the Abbey had been destroyed so they didn't lead me as far as I might have hoped."
The Flaming One
"Can you give me some dates that can narrow down the record search?"
Matthew Hammer
He seems to have arrived at the Abbey sometime in the fifteenth century, after his home village was destroyed in some unspecified disaster. I have the monk's name, Mateusz, as well as his travelling companion and village. I'm hoping that might be enough to get started."
The Flaming One
Antonio takes the information from you. "I can consult our records. However, they have not been converted to such new age tools are you are used to. You may have to wait for some time: a day, or two."
Matthew Hammer
"Of course. Is there anything I can do to help?"
The Flaming One
Antonio stands. "If we have any questions, we shall contact you Dr. Brin. No, enjoy your stay in the city. Please."
Matthew Hammer
Sara stands as well, "Well, thank you again."
The Flaming One
The friar leads you out.
The Flaming One
What do you plan to do w/ your time?
Matthew Hammer
I think it's time for George and I to go find our hotel. Then perhaps catch some local culture for the rest of the day. After that Sara is going to get antsy without doing some research herself, so she will try to find some archives that would be open to the public, and see what she can do.
The Flaming One
You manage to get a hotel in the business section. Noticing George's interest later, you pay for one of those walking tour things, though you are familiar w/ all the stops. When you return to your hotel later that night, there is no message waiting for you.
The Flaming One
By the morning, there is still no news. You decide to poke around and one of the collections at a University you know nearby. It has some Church records, perhaps they could be useful.
Matthew Hammer
Perfect.
The Flaming One
What are you looking for (so I can determine diff)?
Matthew Hammer
Actually I'm going to look after some names in association with the Polish church at arounf 1500, Krzysztof, and Mikoji. and of course Mateusz.
The Flaming One
Int+Research, diff 8. You can roll up to three times, but if you fail a roll, diff increases by one and if botch, no dice. Tell me how many successes.
Matthew Hammer
Acedemics good, seeing as research is no longer a skill?
The Flaming One
Ahah, you got me. Roll, baby.
Matthew Hammer
Would this fall under the purview of History?
The Flaming One
No, cause you are looking stuff up as apposed to understanding it.
Matthew Hammer
Cool.
1 10;
4 8's & a 9;
and 8,9,1
seven total?
The Flaming One
Thats enough...
The Flaming One
These records seem to be various logs of unresolved issues. A Vatican X-Files if you will. You find one note about a young priest names Nicholaus sent into the hinterland to a village called Netskovo on reports of the previous priest dying of the plauge. This priest never returned.
The Flaming One
What is interesting, is that this is about the time of the Twisted Monk's reports, and the Polish version of those names are Mikoji and Nitkowo respectively.
Matthew Hammer
Mikoji is whom now?
The Flaming One
Nicholaus (latin) is Mikoji (Polish)
Matthew Hammer
that's what I said. Mikowhy. Gotcha.
Matthew Hammer
Does it go into anything about the town?
The Flaming One
It only hints that is was north of Parga (Prauge) in the northern Carpatians, but not much more. The only unsual note was that they sent a mercanary guard that has been assigned to the church. Not to unusual, but this one has been part of various Inquisitions and supposed witch-huntings. An odd escort for a priest.
Matthew Hammer
Does it give the name of the old priest who died of the plauge? Does it give any names of the escort? I also have the name Lech floating about.
The Flaming One
The priest's name was not metioned; it was probably not given. The name Lech is associated with the claimant. The escort's name seems to have been lost to time.
The Flaming One
Matt?
Matthew Hammer
Well, I do at least have the date now. The town name and Lech together makes it seem likely. Interesting that they were actually here at the Vatican. And the fact that my dream seems to also be linked here is disturbing.
Matthew Hammer
<writing>
The Flaming One
What now, kemosabe?
Matthew Hammer
Just from a cursory search, do these files have anything else about that region that stands out?
Matthew Hammer
<was still writing>
Matthew Hammer
<done now for the moment>
The Flaming One
Nothing known about the region except that it was not too far north of Prague, so it was probably mountainous.
The Flaming One
(Anyone hearing random music coming out of there speakers besides me?)
Penny Gronbeck
(I'm getting random house sounds, from other people's houses.)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Mexican music
The Flaming One
(You have a mic attached to your machine, Penny?)
Penny Gronbeck
(no.)
The Flaming One
(Well, it doesn't last long enough for me to id it. Its lousy reception, whatever it is). Back to Matt...
Matthew Hammer
I'm wondering if I could find some city chronicles of the time, or even the sort that powerful people would have done for their posterity. I'd like to see if I could find out anything that ties in to this mercenary, the claimant, or the priest. Might be able to find something that might indicate why the guard was sent so far away.
Matthew Hammer
<and I don't get any sound. I feel left out or something>
The Flaming One
YOu can look for that in the general archives.
The Flaming One
Int+Aca, diff 8 again, but only one roll this time, its getting late your time.
The Flaming One
(The music has a female singer.. Doesn't sound Mexican)
Penny Gronbeck
(I'm playing Lamb...)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Boingo
The Flaming One
(Means nothing to me, Penny)
Penny Gronbeck
(well, it's a female singer, and she's not mexican....)
Matthew Hammer
10,10,10,9,9,8,2,1,1,1
Matthew Hammer
They were even separated in position on the table here..
The Flaming One
Sara: You look for records that may tie to the escort. You however do not find anything of use. THere are some metions of a person taht might fit the description, but they are always unnamed for some reason. Bizzare.
The Flaming One
Sara: It is getting late, however. You should probably return to your hotel.
Matthew Hammer
She does that.
The Flaming One
When you return, you find a stack of papers waiting. It is from Father Antionio.
Matthew Hammer
Magnificent.
Matthew Hammer
Sara starts looking at them immediately. What are they?
The Flaming One
When you go through them, you discover that they do not have any records matching exactly what you are looking for. But there is a mention of a Matthew (latinized version of the name Mateusz) and a Nitkowo, but a few centuries ealier. Antonio finds this guite strange, but forwarded it anyway. Apparantly, this Matthew was staying in the northern section of the Holy Roman Empire (parts of Germany) and was called away from there. Antonio points that there may be more information in records up there.
Matthew Hammer
Well, it's a lead. Does it say where in the Empire? A city or monastery?
The Flaming One
A monastery near what is now Frankfurt.
Matthew Hammer
Well, despite what I told Antonio that might be the right time period. And even if not, it might be a lead towards Nitkowo.
Was there anything else that he found in the archives.
The Flaming One
There are several other Matthews and Nicholaus' mentioned, but only that one seems to match. Apparently, he did not have access to or overlooked the lead you found today.
The Flaming One
(Now the music sounds a bit techno/industrial)
Penny Gronbeck
(it might be me. i dunno.)
Matthew Hammer
He also wasn't looking for all the same names.
Matthew Hammer
I take it that it is late by now?
The Flaming One
Yup.
The Flaming One
And, unless you have anything quick, I think I'll segue for now (no cliffhanger :)
Matthew Hammer
Well, Sara is going to retire for the night. Tomorrow she'll head back to Antonio.
Matthew Hammer
That's fine.
The Flaming One
Summer slowly rolls to a close in Portland. And with it, the immanent threat of the return to school.
Penny Gronbeck
nooooo!
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Curses.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Must master Mind.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
No school then.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy is not thinking about school.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]Oh, btw, Damon has purchased a scarecrow, complete with faux-pumpkin head.
The Flaming One
Ivy has spent her days ecclectically: TV, movies, and comic books in various successions. And dealing with this new addiction to cloves she is developing.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Barbaric focus...
Penny Gronbeck
at least her lungs heal fast....
Penny Gronbeck
shut up and talk to dead people, weirdo.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
blow me
Penny Gronbeck
ask nice.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
*blush*
The Flaming One
Damon has been persuing... different arts. He was begin to have a distant look at all times. The air is a bit cooler whenever his he is near.
The Flaming One
Sam... Sam has been Sam. He's been taking up cloves too, or has tried to anyway. Strange look on a bird. He got himself a small hat somewhere. Very rakish.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy teases him about the hat.
The Flaming One
Sebastian... when Sebastian returned one day two weeks after the accident, he seemed less of himself. More withdrawn. More angry. He refuses to talk about his absence; it must have been harrowing.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon lets him be. He will accept an apology for attacking him, however.
The Flaming One
Damon's talks with the Strormcrow are always tests: mental mind games and word play. Damon is sure the bird never lets him win, that he earns it.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Of course. *Letting* Damon win is pointless. He will win regardless.
The Flaming One
Damon, with the assistance of Precario and Ivy, performs some research unto vodoo and such similar things that Ms. Routterage performed, attempting to duplicate what she attempted to perform on Ivy. The dark mark, ever present on her forehead, is a reminder of what he sets out to do.
The Flaming One
Finally, one day in late August, the boy thinks he is ready. The patterns are set. Today, he will finally finish what he has left unfinished.
The Flaming One
So, what are your plans on this big day, Mr. Man?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
When I will cleanse the shame of my only failure!
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon spends the day in preparation, gathering strength, focussing on the necessary patterns.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]Idle curiosity... can Damon purchase a Totem?
The Flaming One
Ivy: That same day, you feel... strange. Off, almost. You have fits of aggression without and particular cause.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
PMS
The Flaming One
[private to Justin Robinson-Prickett] Probably not. Not yet anyway.
Penny Gronbeck
I go skating.
Penny Gronbeck
life mages don't get PMS.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]Which fetishes are complete?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Verbena do.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
They wouldn't ignore feminity like that!
Penny Gronbeck
I bet they'd want to.
The Flaming One
As you skate, disturbing thoughts enter your head. Thoughts of aggression. And ... evil. You look at a bird, and you imagine biting its head off. You see a couple, and think of what their blood would look like. It is distracting.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Not with their respect for lunar cycles... barbarians...
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Oh dear. Here's the Bane.
The Flaming One
[private to Justin Robinson-Prickett] Air and water. Earth is almost done.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy skates home.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
[private]Score! I spend a lot of time on them... getting them as right as I can.
Penny Gronbeck
if Sam is with her, she'll talk to him about it.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
What Time is it!?!
The Flaming One
As you do so, a bike cuts you off. There is a flash of red anger, and suddenly, the biker is on the ground, sprawled. You feel a growl coming on before you snap out of it. Sam, on your shoulder, is screaming "SNAP OUT OF IT! *SQUAK*?"
Penny Gronbeck
can I snap out of it?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Oh, man...
The Flaming One
Damon: Exactly? ;) 5:03pm.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
HAHAHAHAHA!!! He who controls Greenwich mean time controls the world!!!
The Flaming One
Ivy: YOu do snap out of it. The biker is pissed, but scared pissed, and quickly bikes away.
The Flaming One
Sam: "What the *squak* is wrong with you, short stuff?"
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy's eyes widen. She shivers.
Penny Gronbeck
She shakes her head. "I don't know.... "
The Flaming One
Sam eyes you a bit, before perching on your shoulder again.
The Flaming One
Damon: You feel that the Time for the ritual approaches. Ivy should be back soon. She better be.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
And I cannot yet see if she will be! Curses!
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon calmly waits.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy starts back, trying not to look at people too closely.
The Flaming One
The skate back is uneventful, except for the occasionaly desire to set fire to everything in sight and then piss on the remains.
Penny Gronbeck
"Sam? I wanna burn stuff."
The Flaming One
Sam: "Its the cigs. Do it to me every time."
Penny Gronbeck
She lets him placate her and keeps skating.
The Flaming One
You get to the condo. As you ride the elevator, your agitation grows. When you open the door to the suite, your agitation is very strong. When you see Damon, it is there, burning in your skull. But with it, a corrupted lust. A lust for all the things you have not had, and the things you probably *should* not have. Its makes you shudder and sweat.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Ivy. Good. We should probably get started soon."
The Flaming One
Ivy, roll willpower.
Penny Gronbeck
7, 3, 3, 2, 2, 9, 9.
The Flaming One
BTW: Willpower if full and all non-permanent paradox has burned off by now.
The Flaming One
Ivy: Thank you. Continue.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
And Quintessence?
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy sits down deliberately and takes her skates off.
Penny Gronbeck
[private]was that so I wouldn't have to attack Damon?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon rises and walks to her. He rubs her shoulders. "Are you okay?"
The Flaming One
Normal Avatar levels (not Damon though, his spent from the last pinding)
The Flaming One
(binding--Damon is 2 down)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
k
The Flaming One
[private to Penny Gronbeck] :)
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy shakes her head. "I.... feel funny."
The Flaming One
[private to Penny Gronbeck] Attack him or jump on him?
Penny Gronbeck
[private]either.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"I'm not surprised. Let me look."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Mind 1, Prime 1, Spirit 1
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy is not looking at him, and not touching him.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
2 successes
The Flaming One
Ivy's emotions are a jumble. You can tell she is sweating just by looking at her, very unusual. There is anger and hunger all mixed together. The dark spot in her head is flaring underneath your vision, in time to the dance of the emotions.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy sits on her hands, so she'll have to make two motions to move.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"It's consuming you. Lay down."
The Flaming One
Ivy roll willpower
Penny Gronbeck
7, 5, 5, 4, 3, 7, 9.
The Flaming One
K
Penny Gronbeck
[private]what happens if I fail these?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon begins the exorcism with Entropy 1. Find the bastard's weak spot.
The Flaming One
[private to Penny Gronbeck] You want to make some statement to distract him: either piss him off or seduce him. (YOu just failed one)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
2 successes
Penny Gronbeck
"It's not, it's just the heat. Maybe I should have a shower."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Shh. Trust me."
The Flaming One
Damon: You place your hands on the box, turning it slowly in your hands without manipulating it. Just looking at Ivy and the dark spot that coils about her soul. You are getting a feel for it.
The Flaming One
Damon: Make another Entropy roll.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
diff?
The Flaming One
4 (normal Entroy 1 roll)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
3 successes
The Flaming One
You think you have an understanding of its weakness.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"It's time. Sebastian?"
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Be ready. She may lash out."
The Flaming One
You feel his pressence beside you.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Now. Exorcism, as per the rote.
The Flaming One
Roll.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Contested Willpower rolls.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Who my bitch?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
diff 7?
The Flaming One
Sounds about right.
The Flaming One
Ivy, roll willpower for me again, please.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
4 successes
Penny Gronbeck
10, 7, 6, 6, 5, 7, 7.
The Flaming One
Ivy: You manage to contain the mixed feelings you have inside. You feel your insides boiling within you.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy bites her lip.
The Flaming One
Damon: The mark beens to throb, casting a black shadow over the room. It is fighting you, but you feel it slowly loosing its grip. Roll again.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Get out, creature," Damon snarls.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
5 successes.
Penny Gronbeck
Justin's computer just crashed.
The Flaming One
Ivy: The pain is making your toes curl. You feel like clawing your eyes out. Roll Stamina, diff 7.
Penny Gronbeck
1 success.
The Flaming One
Well, Ivy was just beginining to claw her self bleeding.
Dina O'Shire
is it goth to be thin on tv with a shotgun at your ex's wedding?
The Flaming One
Ivy: Take two levels of bashing damage.
Penny Gronbeck
at the eyes, or just wherever?
The Flaming One
YOu didn't get your eyes (that would have been a worse roll).
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Oh good God.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Sam, talk to her. Calm her."
Penny Gronbeck
face, arms...?
The Flaming One
Ivy: Face. (You're beautiful face!)
The Flaming One
Sam tries to cluck comfort, the incoherent Ivy bats him away with a vengence.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Sebastian, hold her!"
The Flaming One
Roll Strength, Ivy. And willpower
Penny Gronbeck
I'd like to bite through my lip.
Penny Gronbeck
strength: 1, 5.
Penny Gronbeck
wp: 10, 8, 2, 5, 5, 3, 7.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Come on, you bastard. Cme out where I can see you."
The Flaming One
Ivy struggles against nothingness as something begins to pry her arms apart. SHe kicks and screams, spitting blood from her destroyed lower lip.
The Flaming One
Damon: Another willpower roll: You feel this struggle means it is weakening.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
6 successes
The Flaming One
Success! Ivy makes an unholy screem as a dark, bloody mist pours from her head and mouth, forming a vile cloud above her head. She collapses to the floor.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon pulses the Gauntlet, trying to imprison the cloud between this world and the next,
Penny Gronbeck
can I move?
The Flaming One
Ivy: Nope, your out like a light bulb.
Penny Gronbeck
k.
The Flaming One
Damon: You fight to contain this ... thing. Diff 8.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
3 successes.
The Flaming One
You feel a stiffening of space, and the cloud freezes in its place. It then begins to beat at the transparent walls of its jail. You can tell this thing is pissed.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Bad move, beast. You should not tamper with what is mine."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Rip the spirit body. I'd like to make it extra painful.
The Flaming One
Roll. Diff 7.
The Flaming One
(All rolls before mods, of course)
Justin Robinson-Prickett
2 successes
The Flaming One
A part of the mist shreds. It howls a voiceless scream, but continues beating against the wall unabaited.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Again.
The Flaming One
Same roll.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Touch her, will you? She will be the last."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
3 successes
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"You will not harm her! You will suffer for your crime!"
The Flaming One
The mist disperses into vapor, then nothing, its howl echoing on its way to hell. Soon there is nothing but a feeling of dirt all over your skin. It is gone.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Die, you bastard," Damon whispers.
The Flaming One
Take a dot of Spirit Paradox for your combined efforts, my friend.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
He kneels next to Ivy and tries to pick her up.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
I like lemons.
The Flaming One
[private to Penny Gronbeck] Ivy: You will be at half physicals for the next two days.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Q: Where are Damon's enemies?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
A: Dead, dead, dead
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Q: Isn't that dangerous? The dead can harm the living!
Justin Robinson-Prickett
A: That is where they are most vulnerable.
Penny Gronbeck
[private]cool... remind me, if I forget... that's strength 1, dex 2 (great, she's going to run into things) stamina 1.5.
The Flaming One
Damon: Ivy feels very frail. You manage to lift her.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon wants to carry Ivy to the bed. He will spend willpower if he has to.
The Flaming One
[private to Penny Gronbeck] Round down: 1 2 1
Penny Gronbeck
let me know when I'm conscious.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
He lays her down and kisses her forehead.
The Flaming One
Where ar eyou taking her, Damon?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Oh, Ivy. Oh, God, Ivy..."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
The bedroom.
The Flaming One
As you lie her down, she begins to awaken.
Penny Gronbeck
[private]okay... ouch.
The Flaming One
Ivy: You, of course, feel like shit.
Penny Gronbeck
how much do I remember? does it hurt?
Justin Robinson-Prickett
When she begins to wake up, Damon hugs her roughly, trying not to cry.
The Flaming One
Not much. ANd a lot. You lips, your face especially. You remember what your felt, though.
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy starts crying.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Comforted that he can be the strong one, Damon strokes her hair.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"Shhh... it's okay. It's over now. It's gone."
Penny Gronbeck
"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"You didn't do anything to be sorry about, Ivy. I'm sorry I couldn't help you before now."
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy holds onto him, sniffling.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
"You're probably tired. A new sensation, I know. Get some sleep, my love. You''ve earned it."
Penny Gronbeck
"Don't leave me alone."
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon smiles. "I couldn't leave you if I wanted to. I'll be right here all night."
Penny Gronbeck
Ivy nods, tears still leaking out.
Justin Robinson-Prickett
Damon kisses her gently.
The Flaming One
And segue........
The Flaming One
Teddy, you get the lo down from Matt?
Dina O'Shire
actually, tj- no... i was busy arguing the merits of 'gilmore girls' with marc...
The Flaming One
I see. A very important conversation, if I do say so myself. Nope, I lied.
Matthew Hammer
He got most of the lo down.
Matthew Hammer
And the rest was in the email you sent.
Dina O'Shire
yeah, but i haven't read it yet... ;)
Matthew Hammer
He's just stalling so he gets better treatment than he deserves.
Matthew Hammer
}:^)
Dina O'Shire
yeah... dina's fucked... damn me... ;)
The Flaming One
The main points: Dina in jail. Dina get extradited to London. Dina in max. security prision for long, long time. Cold, miserable, and she's fucked all right. In both meanings of the word (though she'd probably fight off the latter meaning)
Dina O'Shire
go ahead tj.. i submit myself to your... ummmm... mercy?
Penny Gronbeck
(mmmm, vagina dentata.....)
Dina O'Shire
is she able to read the newspaper in jail?
The Flaming One
Dina: You wake up with a headache. The familiar walls of the infirmary greet you as you awaken. They beat you again. Its almost becoming routine (you have three levels bashing damage)
The Flaming One
Dina: Are you kidding?
Dina O'Shire
<well, no... but... ummmmmmm... okay... why is she in the infirmary again?>
The Flaming One
What part of beating did you not understand? Officially, you had an "accident" on the stairs. Guards should be more careful.
Dina O'Shire
<guess that's what she gets for killing nearly a thousand innocent englishmen... dina takes it all like she deserves it... pitifully and with head bowed like one in purgatory>
The Flaming One
You sit up and notice a guard standing above you. He looks disgusted at having to talk to you. "Visitor." He adds "Irish bitch" under his breath.
Dina O'Shire
[private]on a side note, tj- everyone seems REALLY interested in how you're gonna fuck dina over... don't let us down... ;)
Dina O'Shire
<barely able to open her eyes, dina breathes:> yes... <sigh>
The Flaming One
He grabs you roughly by the wrist. "Come on, you pasty get."
Dina O'Shire
<dina wraps herself around him, as she's become accustomed to of late, and her eyes look through a million miles of tears towards the heavens she fears she'll never reach...>
The Flaming One
He needs to get a new 'puter.
Dina O'Shire
ahhhh... is justin gonna miss this? whasssup with that?
The Flaming One
He just not interested in your obvious pain and such.
Dina O'Shire
mmmmmmmmmm... pain... (oh wait- that's me, not dina... ;) )
The Flaming One
The guard shoves you roughly in front of him. You are lead to the visitors quaters.
Dina O'Shire
<ooc: g'night mat!!!>
Penny Gronbeck
Justin says he got booted from netmeeting
Dina O'Shire
<dina clings to him as many times before, but she is being led to somewhere she hasn't been yet and starts to move her mind and soul back towards her body...>
The Flaming One
Dina: You get to the visitors room. Its a cold, steril place, filled with muted green, green-yellows and green-browns.
The Flaming One
Dina: You are lead to a dirty and smuged plexiglass window. The chair is cold.
Dina O'Shire
<eyes rolling back, dina thinks of the forests she used to frolic in... long before this hell...>
The Flaming One
Across from you are two people you have never seen before.
The Flaming One
The first is a child, probably about 8. His hair is mussed, and he is dressed is clothes that obviously don't fit him. He looks a bit ill.
The Flaming One
The second is an older woman, probably 30 or 40. She is dressed as if this was her church best, but it is worn and old. Her teeth are croocked and she is missing a few. Her hair is a stringy, dirty brown
Dina O'Shire
<continues to stare off into space- at times smiling at ethereal dreams, at times cringing when those dreams become nightmares...>
The Flaming One
They both stare at you. There eyes are a washed out sort of blue.
Dina O'Shire
<eyes flashing brilliant green for but a moment, she levels her distant gaze at them...>
The Flaming One
The boys just gawks at you.
The Flaming One
The woman, in a hesitant voice. "O'Shire? Ms. Dina O'Shire?" YOu can barely hear her.
Dina O'Shire
<dina stares THRU him...>
Dina O'Shire
<at her, dina turns quickly... > >>>
Dina O'Shire
<abruptly, as if looking for a fight but unable to summon the will for it... > >>>
Dina O'Shire
<she stares, dejected at the older woman...>
The Flaming One
She looks at you questionly. "Ma'am, are you Dina O'Shire?"
Dina O'Shire
<quicker than any mortal could have thought, dina presses her hands against the plexiglass window, wrists bare... > DOES THIS LOOK LIKE THE DAUGHTER OF MY MOTHER!!!???!!!
The Flaming One
The woman cringes. You feel the truncheon smack you on the shoulder, forcing you back to your chair.
Dina O'Shire
<another brilliant flash of green is in her eyes, before they are cast down and she rplies, as if in rote...> aye... i am called such...
The Flaming One
The woman is figiting with something in her hands. You cannot tell what it is. "Please, Ma'am. I've come all the way from North Windershire. It took us three days by bus and two to walk. James has caught the flu. I..uh... I just have a question for you, ma'am."
Dina O'Shire
<eyes distant as before...> aye... i did it... i did it all... do what ye will... tha' worm's food o' satan am i now...
The Flaming One
The woman swallows and looks down at the object in her hand. She lifts it shyly, and presses it against the plexiglass.
Dina O'Shire
<stares intently at it, silently glad for the distraction from her life>
The Flaming One
It is an old photograph, obviously aged. One of the corners is a bit curled. It is a photo of a man in a military uniform. The colors are faded, but you can see the man's strong brow and winning smile.
The Flaming One
Woman. "Have... have you seen him, Ms. O'Shire?"
Dina O'Shire
<ooc: sorry tj, gotta answer mother nature's call... brb...>
Penny Gronbeck
(I swear, he has the smallest bladder ever....)
The Flaming One
It sounds like a ripe mellon being crushed. That is the sound of Dina's head exploding.
The Flaming One
The red bits slowly fall, clinging to the plexiglass.
The Flaming One
The woman screams, a blood curdling scream. The boy stars, sickly facinated.
The Flaming One
The cropse twists, its hands grasping at its throat, at the head that is not there.
The Flaming One
There, that's taken care of.
Dina O'Shire
<ooc: i'm back... sorry...>
Penny Gronbeck
wow, thanks for the visual.
The Flaming One
I try to please.
The Flaming One
Now, where was I.
Dina O'Shire
<ooc: so dina's head didn't REALLY explode???>
The Flaming One
I only wish it were so.
Penny Gronbeck
oh, come on... it's not like she uses it....
The Flaming One
Anyway, you looking at the picture?
Dina O'Shire
<ooc- penny: HEY!!!!>
The Flaming One
(the truth hurts)
Penny Gronbeck
<correct me if I'm wrong....>
Dina O'Shire
<dina stares 'intently' at the picture>
The Flaming One
You bore the picture into your mind, trying to find the passages therein where the image might reside. As you do the woman prattles on, wringing her hands.
Dina O'Shire
<continues to force all her will on the picture... a happy escape from her current existence>
The Flaming One
"John. Johnathan. Johnny. That's what we called him. I met him just outside of the R.A.F. training, I did. He'd gotten a job with computers, he said. He'd make me a fine wife, he said."
The Flaming One
The brows are very close together. An odd feature.
Dina O'Shire
<ooc: the brows on the picture? dina is not able to focus on anything else...>
The Flaming One
"He always loved the water. Father took him fishing as a boy. Couldn't join the Navy though. He never said awhy."
The Flaming One
The hat is titled slightly to the side. Some hairs are misplaced underneath it.
Dina O'Shire
<continues to focus on the picture, almost looking through it... in time she mumbles:> percy? mr. shelley? aye? be that ye?
The Flaming One
"When the call came from the Company, he jumped at the chance. He could be near the water again."
The Flaming One
The boy traces the outline of the head from the other side of the photo with his little fingers. It appears he cut himself on the hand the other day; the infection looks ugly.
Dina O'Shire
i fear yer daughter's turn'd ta frankenstein... aye... an' yer 'opes be drown'd wit' 'im... <dina mumbles off, transfixed with the picture>
The Flaming One
The woman is absently picking lint off of the boy's clothes. "The rig was his life. The men loved him. The looked up to him. They did everything he said."
The Flaming One
She stays out into space for a moment, then turns back to you. "Ms. O'Shire? Did you remember John McAdams?"
Dina O'Shire
<her eyes turn piercing towards the old woman, flashing green, almost looking through her- into the past, but with the lids turnt fearful, afraid of what she might she...> >>>
The Flaming One
...
Dina O'Shire
<then she shrugs, and looks at the old woman with all the callousness (and ignorance) she has ever shown...> nay... i know 'im nay... >>>
Dina O'Shire
buh i bet me best shilling 'e drown'd in tha sea ye call 'tha company'...
Dina O'Shire
...
The Flaming One
She picks up the picture gingerly, the starts to pet the boy's head. She does it harder and harder again, until he squirms. All the while she speaks. "John McAdams. Senior manager for operations of the Isle of Man offshore Rig. Lead of a team of 250 men and womand. 38 years old. My *husband*. And they Never Found HIS BLEEDING BODY, YOU FUCKING CUNT!!!"
Dina O'Shire
<at this, dina almost *leaps* from her chair to claw through this old woman's eyes> >>>
Dina O'Shire
<this memory stirs a pain she had long since *thought* forgotten> >>>
Dina O'Shire
<she almost throws herself against the plexiglass in a futile attempt to destroy the boy... > >>>
Dina O'Shire
<... the progeny of all she had come to despise... > >>>
Dina O'Shire
<but then she stops, just short of hitting the invisible barrier... >>>
Dina O'Shire
<<that *thing* that separates her from the rest of humanity... > >>>
Dina O'Shire
<and she realises... painfully and regretfully... just what a tool she has become... > >>>
Dina O'Shire
<she slumps down into the the sterile chair and begins mumbling, again- almost in rote: > i'm sorry... i'm sorry... i'm bad... i'm bad...
The Flaming One
The woman, oblivious, continues her mad ranting. She starts clawing at the window and spitting on it. "The Company cannot even give us recompense because they have to wait until this fucking trail is over! They have to wait until your smoking, bloated corpse is thrown into the river where it belongs before they can give us a red cent to pay for our medical and food expenses. And why, because some fucking Irish WHORE decided she liked to play with their lives!!!!"
The Flaming One
The guards have to restrain her. They start taking her away, screaming and kicking.
Dina O'Shire
<if a guard even begins to touch dina... > >>>
Dina O'Shire
<she lashes at him with all her strength, eyes glowing more brightly green than ever before...>
The Flaming One
The boy is almost lost in the moment. He just continues to stare at you.
The Flaming One
Then, softly. "Why did you kill Papa?"
The Flaming One
"Was he bad?"
Dina O'Shire
<otherwise, dina continues to weep softly, looking past the ground at the hell she sees herself going to...>
The Flaming One
"Is it because I broke his glasses?"
Dina O'Shire
>>>
The Flaming One
"I didn't mean to."
The Flaming One
"Did God hate him?"
Dina O'Shire
<gathering strength she didn't even know she had, dina looks straight and seriously at the young lad:> >>>
Dina O'Shire
yer father lent 'is strength ta' an evil cause, lad... >>>
Dina O'Shire
aye, mayhap 'e didn't know it at tha time buh 'e did nonetheless... >>>
Dina O'Shire
we, all us chil'ren o' tha good lord above make mistakes... >>>
Dina O'Shire
buh good fer ye 'e 'ad tha strength an' will ta' lay wit' ye mum an' make ye... >>>
Dina O'Shire
yer tha 'un tha's ta make good all 'is mistakes... >>>
Dina O'Shire
nah an'na cause ye broke 'is glasses, luv... >>>
Dina O'Shire
'is glasses broke because 'e saw in ye wha' 'e could ne'er have tha strength ta' be... >>>
Dina O'Shire
<continues to stare at the child>
The Flaming One
The boy stares for a moment, then walks away. Before he is almost gone, he turns for a moment. "Was my sister Suzie working for the evil too?" Then he is gone.
The Flaming One
And CUT.
The Flaming One
:)
Dina O'Shire
damn suzie and all her kin!!!
Penny Gronbeck
wow, messed up.
Dina O'Shire
give me a sec to transcribe this, aye, tj?
The Flaming One
Aye, laddie.
The Flaming One
Messed up in
Even Death must die.
