Character Introduction-Louisa Carpenter

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Character Introduction-Louisa Carpenter

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London Sprite

London Sprite

@LondonSprite a year ago

Hello all. I'm new to this site, though I have role played many a time in the past. This character has infiltrated my mind and hasn't let go for months. Hopefully this group will help sate her. Let me know if anyone would be interested role playing with this character

1. What's your character's full name?

Louisa Marie Carpenter, Cryptobiologist with a specialization in The Fair Folk/Fae

2. What's your favorite quote from your character?

I actually haven't run any kind of story with this character, so she hasn't spoken much to me. I hope in time she'll come up with tons of neat slogans.

3. What do they look like and what's their personality like?

Louisa has a somewhat waifish look. She's small, yet crafty and cunning, much like the creatures she studies. She's a brunette with bright blue eyes, always searching for things that may usually go unseen. She has a slender build, very flat. If you dress her up in a pageboy style she could easily be mistaken as a boy.

Louisa is very passionate about what she does, but she knows that studying the Fair Folk has many dangers. She is diligent in warding her room with St John's Wort and rowan branches, while also keeping a fair bit of iron and an adder stone with her at all times. While many people laugh at her intense interest, she takes her work very seriously, studying faery glamour and if it has any relation to science, the functions of faery circles and the effects of the faeries nightly dances in the woods.

When not working, she can be very amiable, having a face made for smiling and laughing. While she does well in groups, she is mostly an introvert and prone to panic attacks and anxiety. Perhaps she has a fondness for things that can so easily make themselves unseen, wishing she could have the same skill.

4. What's their backstory before they came to the society?

Louisa is originally from America, though she traveled to the British Isles knowing that there are greater amounts of faeries there. Sure, if you were lucky you could find pixies in the woods, and a redcap or two, but Britain is where many of those old tales come from. Louisa grew up on tales of the Fae and she only wishes to know more, danger be damned.

Her backstory is still a work in progress and this is all I have, but I hope to expand upon it in the future.

5. Do you have any pictures of them that you drew or found?

None so far.

6. Do they have any nicknames?

Her father used to call her Lucy, though she will give a glare to anyone else who uses that name with her.

7. What do they study at the society?

Mainly Louisa does fieldwork in the London countryside, but comes back to the society to work on her findings and experiment. It's also a sort of haven for her.

8. Do they have any jobs?

Not at the moment

9. What is their age?

She is in her mid twenties, though could pass for younger.

10. Are they human? If not what are they?

Completely human.

11. Are they single, dating someone, or married?

Single and looking to stay that way. Her work keeps her busy enough.

12. What's their height?

5'5

13. What's their weight?

130 pounds

14. Anything else I should know about this character?

I have a funny idea that she has a hypothesis that Mr. Hyde has to be some sort of goblin or wicked sprite. Her notes include a penchant for mischief, curious unknown background, a fondness for the color green, frequent disappearances, though she still needs to conduct more research.

She tends to leave a piece of bread and a bowl of milk on her windowsill for any faeries that wish to stop by, though what faery chooses to visit 18th London who knows.

She may have a pixie or two in her room that she has made bargains with in order to study them, but the deals are mostly harmless. The pixies usually just want food or a song, or a story.

And I think that's it! Let me know if you want to strike up a story with Louisa and I'll let her loose!

***

It was one hell of a journey. Louisa had never traveled so far in her life, had never even been more than a few steps from her home, but she knew it would be worth it. Of course, people had her doubts that she would even summon up the courage to leave New York, but the opinions of others never mattered to her.

In order to further her research, Louisa had to leave home, it was the only way. So, she scrimped together what money she could and boarded a ship headed straight for London. Naturally, the passage had its ups and downs. Despite the thrill of an adventure on the open sea, the young cryptobiologist had to do it in disguise, due to sailors' wild superstitions about women on board, especially unattended women. Louisa could cite many reasons to ease their concerns, but knew it would fall on deaf ears. Besides, due to her slim figure, it was easy to slip in unnoticed.

There were other nuisances as well, such as almost having a panic attack every couple of minutes due to being packed in like a sardine among other passengers. But, somehow, she managed to survive.

And now here she was. The Society for Arcane Sciences. It was just as impressive as she had heard. Louisa looked upon it with wonder and curiosity, only imagining what could be inside.

Taking in a deep breath, Louisa took up her bags and made for the door, with equal amounts of excitement and anxiety. It's amazing how easily those two can coincide.

Still wearing her pageboy garb, she took another breath and knocked politely on the door. Waiting for the door to open seemed to take forever, as is what usually happens when great events are about to occur. As she stood there, the girl absent-mindedly rubbed at the adder stone round her neck for luck. It appeared that even she held onto a few superstitions.

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Pyrogue • a year ago

(( This character seems awesome! I'm sure Ezekiel would love to meet her :D Want to roleplay? ))

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London Sprite  Pyrogue • a year ago

(Go for it! Can't wait)

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Pyrogue  London Sprite • a year ago

Ezekiel was on his way to his quarters when he heard a knock at the door. He smiled. Although he hadn't been at the Society long he knew what it entailed -- a new lodger!

He walked over and opened the door.

Louisa was greeted by a young man in his twenties his with grey hair tied back and his eyes wide with anticipation. He beheld the girl at the door and smiled again.

"Good afternoon," he said. "What brings you to the Society?"

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London Sprite  Pyrogue • a year ago

"Oh, hello," Louisa gasped, somewhat starting to fumble with her luggage in what was slowly becoming a losing battle. Eventually she gave up as one bag fell with a clatter to the floor. Hopefully that hadn't been the one with her equipment.

"I've come quite a long way to be here. Research here, I mean. I'm not sure how all this works. Do I just move in or is there any paperwork?" she asked, going at a somewhat babbling pace.

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Pyrogue  London Sprite • a year ago

“I’m not sure that I’m an expert on this subject since I only arrived here a number of weeks ago, but I’d say you can come in.”

He opened the door wider to let her into the Society.

“I presume you’re here for study purposes?”

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London Sprite  Pyrogue • a year ago

Louisa stepped inside slowly, looking around. It was....darker than she thought it would be. Perhaps that was how mad scientists worked?

"Yes, but I would be coming and going mostly. My research is done mainly in the field, but I'd like to have somewhere to look over my findings."

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Pyrogue  London Sprite • a year ago

Ezekiel switched on the lights of the entrance hall, revealing the display of the Lodgers' work. "I believe there are still rooms available, but--" He paused.

"Forgive me, but I don't think I asked your name?"

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London Sprite  Pyrogue • a year ago

The opening room was an absolute marvel. Lousia stared at it all, amazed. If this was just how it looked when one came in, she could only imagine what the other rooms looked like.

"Oh yes, right," she sputtered, dropping her bags.

Extending her arm, she gave him her hand. "I'm Louisa."

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Pyrogue  London Sprite • a year ago

He observed her reaction to the room's contents with an amused expression. "It's quite impressive, yes? I thought as such when I arrived here."

He shook her hand. "Ezekiel Hollis, cryptovirologist. I don't suppose I could inquire as to your area of study?" he asked as he began walking out of the hall and into the residential areas of the Society. "This way."

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London Sprite  Pyrogue • a year ago

"It's amazing how much can fit in here. It's breathtaking."

Lugging her bags behind, Louisa followed him down the hall. "Good to meet you, Mr. Hollis. I hope I'm getting the word right, but I think I'm a cryptobiologist. I study faeries."

"And I'm sorry to be rude, but a crypto-what?"

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Pyrogue  London Sprite • a year ago

"Cryptovirologist," he explained. "I study the more exotic diseases that affect humankind. Your field of work sounds quite exciting -- I spend most of my time locked in my quarters waiting for results to develop."

"Now, if you want to take up residence here, you'll need to speak to one of the Society's managers: Doctor Jekyll is here, I believe. Unless of course, you wish to rest after travelling here from... America?" He noted her accent.

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London Sprite  Pyrogue • a year ago

"That must be very dangerous. Aren't you afraid of catching something?"

Louisa gave a little shrug, not knowing how to explain her work. "It is exciting, but dangerous. Faeries are secretive creatures and like to remain that way."

At the reminder of her great voyage, she gave a great sigh and nodded. "Yes, America, New York, specifically. That does sound nice, but I fear that if I rest now I won't wake up for three days. It's so good to be on solid ground again."

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Pyrogue  London Sprite • a year ago • edited

Ezekiel laughed good-naturedly. "It has happened a few times, yes, and it's not pleasant," he confessed. "And I know the feeling. I arrived here from Ireland, so I'm making a mountain out of a molehill here, but I had a mighty stiff neck for the next few days."

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London Sprite  Pyrogue • a year ago

Louisa smiled at the idea of knowing another fish out of water and her eyes lit up at the sound of Ireland. "You know, I had such a hard time deciding between Ireland and England on where to go. Ireland you would probably see more of the sidhe, leprechauns, banshees. Though I suppose once I heard of the Society being in London my choice was made."

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Pyrogue  London Sprite • a year ago

"I came to England for... different reasons, and it was purely by chance that I found the Society here. As for faerie folk there, I can't say I've encountered many but I suppose I wasn't exactly looking for them."

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London Sprite  Pyrogue • a year ago

"And they aren't exactly looking to be seen," Louisa said and then sighed. "You don't think it's silly, do you? Everyone back home couldn't have enough of the girl who went around chasing faeries. It was a laugh riot to them."

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Pyrogue  London Sprite • a year ago

"Of course not!" he said. "It's as respectable as any other area of scientific study, and interesting too!"

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London Sprite  Pyrogue • a year ago

"I suppose you're right. It's just...it's always seemed as more of a hobby than anything scientific," Louisa admitted.

Of course, she was giving herself very little credit. Louisa had done what any scientist would do: formulate a hypothesis, gather evidence, research, keep asking new questions and hold onto an open mind.

And yet, somehow, that didn't make her a scientist in her own eyes.

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Pyrogue  London Sprite • a year ago

Ezekiel sensed discomfort in her eyes, so he left it at that.

"If you like, we could see Dr Jekyll now so you can have a room organised for you?" he asked.

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London Sprite  Pyrogue • a year ago

"That sounds wonderful. I hope my dropping in unexpectedly doesn't cause a fuss or anything."

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Pyrogue  London Sprite • a year ago

"No, it's fine. Most of the lodgers here arrived without notice, so you're not the first to do so. Dr Jekyll's office is just down there," he said, pointing to the end of the hall. "He'll ask a couple of questions about your field of work and what brought you here and he should assign you a room. I'm sure you'll be fine -- he seems a bit irritable lately but I'm sure he'll be happy to see another scientific mind arrive here."

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London Sprite  Pyrogue • a year ago

"That's quite a relief. Thank you so much for all your help, Mr Tollis," Louisa said, putting down her bags once again to shake his hand.

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Pyrogue  London Sprite • a year ago

He shook her hand again. “Good luck.”

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London Sprite  Pyrogue • a year ago

Giving a warm smile, she squeezed his hand. "Thank you," she said, before climbing the stairs to Jekyll's office.

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Pyrogue  London Sprite • a year ago

((We don't rp as TGS Henry Jekyll because he's OP in terms of controlling the Society. So assume Jekyll asks a couple of questions and assigns you a room :D ))

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London Sprite  Pyrogue • a year ago

(Righto)

Louisa couldn't believe it. She was now an official lodger of the Society, with her own room and everything. That was...surprisingly easy, given her lack of credentials or any tangible proof she was a scientist. But who was she to question it?

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Pyrogue  London Sprite • a year ago

"How did it go?" asked Ezekiel as she stepped out from Dr Jekyll's office. Judging from the smile on her face, he guess it had gone well.

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London Sprite  Pyrogue • a year ago

"Very well apparently," Louisa sighed. "I'm now a resident, though I'm not sure exactly what to do next. I didn't think it would be this easy."

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Pyrogue  London Sprite • a year ago

"Well, the first thing to do would be to put your belongings in your room," he said, looking at Louisa's many suitcases.

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Helen Jekyll • a year ago

((Ah, hello there London Sprite, and welcome to the forum! :D

I'm Helen Jekyll, one of the older rpers from around here, and one of the few who enjoy greeting the new folk, like you. ^-^

I'm quite impressed you managed to find the question sheet to fill out, usually it takes a bit of digging! And Louisa sounds like a fascinating character, I look forward to meeting her!

There is still one thing you're needing for your introductory discussion, and that's a brief paragraph or more describing your character approaching the doors of the Society so that other characters can let them in and help them get settled! For this rp, you're allowed to have multiple timelines, which are all considered technically canon (long story), and it's supposed to be a good way for people to get to know one another!

Other than that, everything looks good! If you have any questions, do feel free to ask me.))

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London Sprite  Helen Jekyll • a year ago

(Hello Helen, good to meet ya.

Actually I just copied and pasted the questions from the last person who posted a character creation by going through the roleplay tag. Ingenuity!

Thanks so much for letting me know! I'm new to Disqus so this is a new format for me, but I'm ready to learn more

Can't wait for our characters to meet!)

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London Sprite  London Sprite • a year ago

Also, should I just post the intro paragraph here?

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Helen Jekyll  London Sprite • a year ago

If you scroll of to the top of your discussion, you will find a button that says "Edit" which you can use to add the paragraph to your discussion. That way it'll be easier for more than one person to reply!

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London Sprite  Helen Jekyll • a year ago

And done! Thanks.

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Helen Jekyll  London Sprite • a year ago

No problem! I'll reply as soon as I can! :D

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Helen Jekyll  London Sprite • a year ago

((Hey well, it worked! XD

I look forward to it as well! ^-^

And I'm than happy to help--it's a bit tricky getting settled in and figuring everything out.))

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Helen Jekyll • a year ago

There was only a short wait before the door swung open to reveal a woman with warm brown hair and eyes to match, a friendly smile lighting up her expression.

"Good day, ma'am, how may I help you?"

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London Sprite  Helen Jekyll • a year ago

"Oh hello, yes, you can help me," Louisa blurted out as she set down her luggage. First introductions always leave her a bit startled, not exactly sure how to carry herself when facing someone new. Of course, being in an entirely new country where everyone was a stranger didn't help her with her nervous attitude.

"I hear this is the place to be for, um, mad scientists? I'm not crazy or anything, I promise! Frankly, mad seems a bit extreme."

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Helen Jekyll  London Sprite • a year ago

The woman gave a soft laugh of delight, the edges of her lips twitching higher.

"I'm sure you're not," She replied gently, amusement still bright in her eyes, "And yes, I thought so too-- We tend to use the term rogue scientist in place of such a negatively connotated phrase."

She opened the door wider and moved to make room for the guest to enter. "Please, do step inside."

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London Sprite  Helen Jekyll • a year ago

"That does sound a lot better. It really takes the edge off of it," Louisa said with a small smile. it calmed her somewhat to be greeted by a woman at the door. She hadn't considered if the Society was one that embraced every mind that knocked at its door, but this woman's presence was definitely a relief.

Shuffling her bags, Louisa stepped inside. "Thank you, miss."

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Helen Jekyll  London Sprite • a year ago

"You're more than welcome," She returned, closing the doors behind her.

"My name is Dr. Helen Jekyll, by the way. I'm the day manager here at the Society, and I usually tend to those who need lodgings," introduced Helen, offering her hand to shake, "It would be my pleasure to help you get settled in, Miss...?"

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London Sprite  Helen Jekyll • a year ago

"I'm Louisa," the young scientist said, placing down her luggage in order to shake the woman's hand.

"Jekyll? Are you of any relation to the co-founder?"

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Helen Jekyll  London Sprite • a year ago

“Well, I’m not entirely certain about that, as there is a bit of time travel involved,” She answered with a sheepish look, “It’s... a bit complicated, and it doesn’t help that there are about... half a dozen other Jekylls here as well? Usually all unrelated, too.”

“Nonetheless, it is a pleasure to meet you, Louisa. I don't suppose you’ve a set field of study, have you?”

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London Sprite  Helen Jekyll • a year ago

"Time travel?" Louisa asked, a tad bit confused. She couldn't possibly have meant TIME travel. As far as Louisa knew it was theoretically impossible. Then again, rogue scientists were always ready to dash away with the theoretical.

"I suppose I'm a cryptobiologist, though I mainly study faeries."

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Helen Jekyll  London Sprite • a year ago

Seeing her confusion, Helen made a sound that was half laugh, half sigh.

"Yes, though I'm afraid I can't explain how it works, as it's not my area of expertise."

She gave Louisa a warm smile.

"Your field sounds sounds quite fascinating! I'm sure our co-founder would be more than happy to have someone with such unique research on board."

A beat, seemingly realizing something. "Oh dear, I really ought to take you to meet him, shouldn't I?"

"My apologies, I didn't intend to keep you long."

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London Sprite  Helen Jekyll • a year ago

As usual, Louisa cast off the praise of her area with a shrug. "I'm sure I'm not the only one who studies them. It's a big area after all," Louisa admitted.

"Oh it's no trouble at all. It was very nice meeting you Ms. Jekyll," she said.

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Helen Jekyll  London Sprite • a year ago

"The pleasure is all mine, Louisa," She returned sincerely, deciding to allow the use of the wrong prefix to slip by, "If you'll follow me, I will show you to his office."

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Jekyll1886 • a year ago

The door opened to reveal a tall, brunette man wearing a green waistcoat and no tie. Given Louisa's field of study, it was worth noting that the fellow had eyes which appeared moss green at first glance, but upon closer examination were kelly green at the rims of the irises, transitioning to mossier green and into brown toward the center. This last hue, too, deepened in shade the further in it went, such that it was nearly impossible to tell where iris ended and pupil began.

For all that, the man seemed perfectly mundane by other measures. His hair was neatly done, his expression quizzical yet genial.

"May I help you?" he asked.

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London Sprite  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

Louisa went slightly rigid at the opening of the door. Well, here she went, trying to prove herself worthy to stay here. She briefly thought of what would happen should she be denied access to this place, but it wasn't long before the opener of the door interrupted her negative train of thought.

Those eyes gave her some pause, impossibly green and brown at once. It wasn't the only thing green about him, and she at to smile at the thought of a green man opening the door.

It was a moment before she realized an awkward moment of silence had passed and tried not to appear flustered.

"This is the place for the mad scientists, correct?" she asked, being more direct due to slight awkward panic.

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Jekyll1886  London Sprite • a year ago • edited

This elicited a chuckle from the man, the laugh threading the fine line between embarrassment and amusement.

"I'm no psychologist, so I'm afraid I can't speak as to the Society members' mental states," he said with a chortle, his words in perfectly crisp, respectable London English. "But 'rogue' scientists, you'll find aplenty," he assured. "Are you looking to become a lodger?" he asked, his tone pleasant as he steepled his hands in her direction.

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London Sprite  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

Louisa gave a sigh of relief. "Good. I thought mad scientist sounded a little too dramatic anyway," she admitted with a smile.

His accent fascinated her. The New Yorker hadn't met very many people from "across the pond," but she expected Londoners to be like any kind of people who live in a city.

"Well, yes, hopefully. I don't know exactly what to do to become one, if there's paperwork, or a test or credentials..."

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Jekyll1886  London Sprite • a year ago • edited

"Just an appropriate field of study and the approval of one of the Society's co-founders," he replied. "That'd be Dr. Henry Jekyll or Dr. Lanyon, by the by. Jekyll's in today. He's also a bit busy with paperwork, or I'm certain he'd have come to the door to welcome you himself, Miss or Doctor..." he trailed off, unsure which title to use and unaware of her name.

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London Sprite  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

"Oh, no, I'm no doctor, as amazing as that would be," Louisa blurted.

On some days she wouldn't even dare to call herself a scientist. Yes, she recorded her findings, made some small discovers, sketched some anatomical diagrams, but did that make her a scientist? God above, she felt like a fraud already.

Trying not to let her thoughts get the better of her, the young woman held out her hand. "I'm Louisa."

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Jekyll1886  London Sprite • a year ago

Having noticed that her accent was distinctly American, he shook her hand in greeting.

"Dr. Lewis Weir," he introduced himself, "though do feel free to call me 'Lewis' if you like, Miss Louisa..." he faltered.

"'Sorry, I'm afraid I didn't catch your surname," he apologized with a hint of sheepishness.

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London Sprite  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

"It's good to meet you, Lewis. I haven't met too many doctors myself," she admitted shyly.

At the mention of giving her surname, Louisa went a little stiff. Immediately, she tried to shake off the feeling, an irritating, but necessary, force of habit.

Putting her hand to the adder stone around her neck, she picked it up and stared through the hole in the stone right at Lewis.

"I'm sorry about this. But you can't be too careful."

(Essentially she's seeing if he's any kind of faerie being or cloaking himself with glamour.)

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Jekyll1886  London Sprite • a year ago • edited

((Ah, cool. Thanks for the explanation.))

Lewis looked precisely the same through the stone as he had when he opened the door.

He couldn't help but chuckle...then sigh.

"'Tis the eyes, I take it?" he surmised with equal amounts of amusement and chagrin--she wasn't the first person to suspect him a faerie.

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London Sprite  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

Louisa couldn't help but laugh softly as she lowered the stone back to her chest. "Perhaps a bit, but I do it to everyone who asks me more than my first name. When you work with faeries you have to be careful with your name. It's the most precious thing you have."

That was another area that fascinated Louisa: names. What made them so powerful? How were faeries able to turn ones very name against them, using it as leverage and as a means to control someone? It stumped her so much she had to figure it out.

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Jekyll1886  London Sprite • a year ago

"That's fair," conceded Lewis. "'Can't be too careful, as you say. That's one reason I don't give my middle name," he admitted.

He quirked a smile.

"Have I passed the test, Louisa?"

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London Sprite  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

"A practice we both share," she smiled. It was good to actually have something in common with someone already. Back home, there were a decent amount of folk who merely stared at her as if she were loony for saying such a thing. Maybe she had found her people after all.

"I say you've passed with flying colors, Lewis."

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Jekyll1886  London Sprite • a year ago • edited

"Excellent," he remarked with a nod. "Would it be safe to hazard a guess you've an interest in crytozoology?" he asked as he stepped back and held the door open for her to enter.

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London Sprite  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

Louisa nodded and stepped inside. "I believe that is the correct term, though I do only focus on faeries."

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Jekyll1886  London Sprite • a year ago

"Ah, I see," said Lewis, brows and voice rising slightly in enthusiasm.

He closed the door behind them.

"I daresay you'll find fertile ground this side of the pond, then."

Before them lay the main hall, its skylight open to bathe the myriad exhibits in hazy sunlight.

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London Sprite  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

Nodding eagerly, Louisa stepped by his side. "That's the main reason why I came to England. This is where all the stories come from, most of them anyway. It's a motherland of sorts."

"You can find a faerie or two in America, but very far and few between, oddly enough. "

As they walked into the main hall, Louisa looked at the exhibits in wonder, her eyes widening. Never before had she seen anything like it.

"Wow."

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Jekyll1886  London Sprite • a year ago • edited

"Aye," agreed Lewis.

He allowed for some moments of silence, letting Louisa simply take it all in.

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London Sprite  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

It really did take a moment for Louisa to check out every bauble, every shiny object that caught her eye. The Leviathan that hung from the ceiling was impressive, though those glowing eyes did give her some case of the willies.

She perused every shelf like a child picking out a new toy.

"There really are no words for all this."

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Jekyll1886  London Sprite • a year ago

"Mm," agreed Lewis. "Everything you see here was found or made by members of the Society for Arcane Sciences--including Jekyll himself," he explained.

"By the by, his office is just up there," he indicated a half-staircase leading to double doors topped by an arc of wood and glass. With a chortle, he added, "Though I do believe he'll want your last name--for record-keeping purposes, if nothing else."

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London Sprite  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

"Fascinating," Louisa muttered as she finished her look over. She glanced over to where Lewis motioned, slightly nervous at the thought of presenting herself to the main man already.

"Of course, but I trust he'll do nothing horrible with it. Even in America we know of Dr. Jekyll's outstanding reputation."

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Jekyll1886  London Sprite • a year ago

"Do you? That's excellent," opined Lewis happily. "I'd no idea his reputation had spread that far, though I suppose it's not surprising, given his philanthropy and his good standing in all the proper social circles.

"Are you from New York, by chance?" he ventured. She did have a distinctive accent.

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London Sprite  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

Louisa motioned her head from one side to the other. "Yes, some people do hold him in high regard, though there are those who think he may be a bit loony, but I think the wider the distance, the stranger the rumors," she admitted.

Naturally, there were those back home who didn't think highly of Dr. Jekyll's band of rogue scientists. She always heard grumblings of how it couldn't be a good influence on the city and how they better not start to expand their reach to the States. From the way they went on, one would think such a thing would be the case of another Revolutionary War.

"Yes, I am. I've lived there my entire life."

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Jekyll1886  London Sprite • a year ago

"Well," said Lewis with a shrug, "I suppose there will always be people who mistake open-mindedness for madness, or find new discoveries suspect. There are even some in London like that--more's the pity."

Louisa confirmed her origin.

"Ah, a Yankee," he said, breaking into a smile. "Vibrant city, New York--'spent some time there, years ago." The tail end of his sentence took on the hint of a lilt, the words seeming somehow softer.

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London Sprite  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

Louisa sighed and nodded. She couldn't possibly tell him off all the times people whispered about her behind her back. It was always the same thing: amusement at such a fanciful "hobby" or disbelief that someone could waste their time with such a triviality.

"I didn't exactly live in the city, more in the countryside really."

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Jekyll1886  London Sprite • a year ago

"Oh," said Lewis, brows raising. "Sorry, my misunderstanding," he apologized.

"You mentioned there weren't many faeries in America," he remembered, that same slight lilt creeping in. "Why is that? I must admit I'm curious."

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London Sprite  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

"Oh, there's no need to apologize. A lot of people think the entire state is a giant city," Louisa laughed good-naturedly. It really didn't bother her. Many visitors' ideas of New York were of the grandness of the always expanding city and she didn't blame them. It was rather exciting to be there.

"I'm not exactly sure. I left before I could get any clear answer. It rather depends. Perhaps it's territorial disputes, due to America's indigenous species. Perhaps the fae are starting to develop better glamour in order to hide themselves. Or perhaps they didn't feel the need to cross over into a new land, depending or not if there were faeries already living there. It's all very hypothetical."

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Jekyll1886  London Sprite • a year ago

Lewis was relieved he'd not caused offense regarding New York City versus New York state.

"Ah, I see," he replied to Louisa's hypotheses. "Interesting. Do you have the same kind of fae there as may be found here, or...?"

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London Sprite  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

"Possibly. I was only able to find some pixies and a red cap or two, but I'm expecting to find much more when I get into the field." she said.

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Jekyll1886  London Sprite • a year ago • edited

"Ah, excellent."

It occurred to Weir it couldn't hurt to ask her some of the questions Jekyll might, given it might help her have ready answers for him when he did.

"Will you require a room or merely an office, by the by? We do have both varieties of Society members here, thought the vast majority are the former."

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London Sprite  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

"Definitely a room. When I'm not working in the field I'll need someplace to go over my findings. Besides, I, ah, don't have anywhere else to go," Louisa admitted sheepishly.

There really was no Plan B for her should she be denied entry to the Society. A lot was riding on her right now and it was amazing she wasn't going into one of her fits now. Still, she was starting to take deeper breaths now to call herself.

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Jekyll1886  London Sprite • a year ago

"No to worry," Lewis reassured, "it should be no trouble, and you're not alone. Easily half the Society's members arrived here in similar circumstances."

A gentle smile.

"Would you like to meet our co-founder now? He'll be able to set you up with a room and official membership."

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London Sprite  Jekyll1886 • a year ago

"That would be wonderful, thank you," she replied with a polite smile. "Do you think I could possibly qualify for that?"

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Jekyll1886  London Sprite • a year ago

"I don't see why not," Lewis posited. "Just show him some of your research and observations to let him know you're genuine. Jekyll dabbles in cryptobiology--though he's a bit more partial to werewolves himself. I think he'd be very interested to meet someone whose specialty is the fae. He's very much a proponent of looking at other beings with a more objective, less prejudiced eye."

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Tairais • a year ago

The man who answered the door was... odd, to say the least. His attire was, perhaps, the least curious thing about him: He wore a short top hat with two feathers, a crimson waistcoat and pair of gray slacks, and a long coat of a somewhat iridescent purple-black. The collar and cuffs of this coat were trimmed with what appeared to be raven feathers, shifting through a rainbow of purple, black, and blue hues.

His hair looked to be made of feathers as well, catching the light of day as he tilted his head to look at Louisa. He stood just a bit taller than five and a half feet and had a slim but powerful build.

Easily the strangest feature of his physical appearance were his slanted eyes: the sclera were a bright sanguine, the irises crimson, and the cat-like pupils a deep sort of garnet.

Always the windows to the soul, those.

The man smiled, and though he was careful to keep the expression soft, there was no mistaking the flash of many shark-like teeth.

"Hiya, an' welcome ta the Society for Arcane Sciences an' all tha'. Can I help ya, or are you one o' the lot prone ta throwin' rocks an' the lot about?"

His accent was another strange thing that seemed as if it shouldn't be able to exist, and yet, the reality was there. It meandered somewhere between a Brooklyn accent and some sort of Scottish brogue. He leaned against the door, projecting an air of lazy awareness as his sharp eyes gave her a once-over.

They snagged on the adder stone around her neck, causing the corners of his mouth to twitch in a half-repressed smirk.

(( Enter the birdman, who is neither bird, nor man, nor Fae, though they both know of it :0 I couldn't resist when I saw Louisa's field of study ^^" ))

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London Sprite  Tairais • a year ago

The man that greeted Louisa gave her a start for multiple reasons. He was definitely what one would imagine when the word "mad scientist" slipped into conversation. His attire was very eccentric, though she did admire his use of feathers.

What really caught her off guard were those eyes, the one feature that was the most difficult to hide. The teeth didn't exactly put her at ease either and only added to her slight suspicion of what exactly this man was.

Faeries have always had some connection with birds, sometimes taking birdlike features in their human forms or even appearing as crows, ravens, or robins. Louisa had even heard of some of the smaller Folk using birds as their mounts. All of these facts raced through the young scientists' mind as the man greeted himself in a somewhat odd accent.

As he finished his introduction and his eyes wandered to her stone round her neck, Louisa went slightly rigid. "Oh, um, yes, but not to the rock thing. You can help me, I mean," she sputtered.

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Tairais  London Sprite • a year ago

He nodded.

"Ya got somethin' I can call ya? I'm called Charricthran- only reason I'm askin' is cos the good Doctor might be expectin' ya already."

He tilted his head in consideration and grinned.

"An' stop lookin' like I'm aboutta eatcha. Deal with the Fae plenty enough on my own ta know someone takin' precautions an' all. Ain't the Fae so much as someone wanderin' outta their time an' space, ain't gonna try an' make a deal unless ya like."

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London Sprite  Tairais • a year ago

"Oh, no, he wouldn't be expecting me. I just jumped on a ship and came here. If I need to make an appointment, I will," Louisa said, trying so hard not to stare and evaluate. Those feathers on his head fascinated her, wondering if it grew like hair.

At his latter statrment, she blinked suddenly. "Time and space? Like...traveling to other worlds?"

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Tairais  London Sprite • a year ago

Charricthran snickered.

"Ya wouldnae be the first ta do tha', an' I daresay ya ain't gonna be the last o' that lot. The good Doctor's prob'ly still in, so we can go see if he's up for talkin'. Worse ta worst, ya can spend the night in a guest room 'til he can chat with you proper-like. "

At her question, his eyes twinkled as if with starlight.

"There are more things in heaven an' earth than are dreamed, an' all that." It wasn't quite a yes, but it certainly wasn't a no.

He held the door open and nodded toward the interior of the building with another smile.

"C'mon then, o' stranger who has yet ta give me somethin' ta call 'em by! The Society awaits."

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London Sprite  Tairais • a year ago

"That will be quite all right. I'm fine waiting if he has something more important to do," Louisa said as she went inside with her luggage in tow. "I'm Louisa."

She visibly perked up at the possibility of other worlds. It was a concept she was fascinated by, knowing that, while faeries tend to inhabit the earthly realm, they are originally from some other place entirely. Arcadia, Tir Na Nog, the Seelie and Unseelie Courts. They were places that people had only heard stories about. She could only imagine what they could be like.

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Tairais  London Sprite • a year ago

"Pleasure ta meetcha, Louisa. What brings ya here anyhow? Most folks don' just up an' leave for a buildin' full'a rogue scientists."

Charricthran started to lead her through the twisting halls of the building, a slight bounce to his step.

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London Sprite  Tairais • a year ago

Louisa followed him with eager, yet hesitant steps. Even though she had just arrived, she knew she wouldn't come to any harm in this place. Still, she had never been this close to anyone so inhuman, at least appearance wise.

"Well, I've come here mainly for study and research. Faeries are much more active here than they are in the States."

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Tairais  London Sprite • a year ago

"Aye, that they are- didnae run inta them the time I was over in the States in this world, come over ta Europe an' they're bleedin' everywhere. Still, for all the buggers among 'em, there's a few I'd call friendly, if not quite friend."

He glanced over his shoulder with a somewhat mischievous look in his eye.

"Dunno how similar my Fae are ta your Fae, but if you're wantin' an in ta those particular Courts, you're welcome ta tag along with me as I deal with politics an' the like. Best kind o' research is that on the fields, yeah?"

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London Sprite  Tairais • a year ago

Louisa nodded. "I've met a pixie or two as well. They can be finicky, but, given the right incentive, very cooperative."

The young woman couldn't count the amount of times she had left a bowl of milk out on the windowsill for any of the Fair Folk to partake in. Every night she would leave some out and by morning it would be drained. It had taken years for her to build up any trust, but now and again she would see a flitter of pixie wings out of the corner of her eye. It was quite a while more until she saw the whole pixie.

At the idea of tagging along with the birdman to one of the Courts, her jaw dropped. "Are you serious?"

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Tairais  London Sprite • a year ago

Charricthran beamed, jagged teeth on display at her surprise.

"Sure, why not? Could do with company, an' the fact ya know certain Rules makes it a sight less stressful ta bring ya along."

He glanced up at the doors to Doctor Jekyll's office with a mildly startled blink and thought, not for the first time, that the layout of the building really did feel as if it were constantly changing.

"First things first, though, gotta get a room. Here, somewhere else, I don' particularly care, but'cha always want a Home ta return ta, yeah?"

He tilted his head as if listening to far-off music and grinned.

"Think the good Doctor's in, likely working on paperwork or sommat. Daresay he'd welcome a distraction, but then, what do I know 'bout the minds o' men, yeah?"

He shrugged, never quite losing his bird-like movement.

"You'll see me about here regardless o' whether you chat with him or not, up t'ya. Whenever ya get the home situation figured out, jus' call for me, I'll hear ya."

This was said with a wink and an encouraging tilt of the head towards the door.

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London Sprite  Tairais • a year ago

"Well, I know a fair few, but I wouldn't say I'm a complete expert yet," she admitted. Of course, Louisa knew the basics. Always be careful when making deals with faeries, never give them your full name, never say "thank you," be wary of gifts as they usually mean a faery wants something in return.

She nodded again at him before looking up at the office door. It was now or nothing. "Thank you again, Mr. Charricthran."

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Tairais  London Sprite • a year ago

"Never a problem, kiddo. Like I said, call me if ya need anythin', an' I'll hear- Fae aside, if ya get lost jus' want someone ta chat to, or someone's tailin' ya an' ya wanna bump 'em off, I'll be a whisper away."

He offered her a small bow and a grin, then turned on his heel and strode down the hallway.

He turned the corner, and he was gone.

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London Sprite  Tairais • a year ago

"Thank you, sir," Louisa nodded politely and let the odd man be on his way. It certainly was a strange new encounter, but definitely one with benefits. She couldn't believe she might actually have an in on the Fae Courts. After considering it, the scientist made a mental note to watch out for this particular lodger.

Taking in a deep breath, she continued on her journey and went to Jekyll's office.

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Tairais  London Sprite • a year ago

(( Looks like we're done! I promise Char's not gonna do anything shady, but I daresay it'll take some time to convince Louisa of that XD It's been fun! I look forward to future interaction ^^ ))

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