Roleplaying Page for Pg. 175!

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Roleplaying Page for Pg. 175!

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Mz.Hyde

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@disqus_NnFUI30kih 7 months ago

Yay! Jasper!

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The Fox • 7 months ago

( Jekyll1886 Dog! Dog? DOG DOg! DOOOOOOOOG!!! )

Through the morning crowd, a scruffy, sooty looking rogue stood, quiet and aloof, from the flat across the street. His teeth working on a sharp bit of bone like a toothpick while he contemplated what he would do. With his rough appearance, the more dapper walking by threw curious, suspicious glances his way, all of which were swiftly cut short by his own glance at them.

Callum was rather late on the draw to be coming back to Lewis's flat. It had been a easy, quick two years since he had his first Hogmanay, and with it the night at the Society. It was probably one of the best nights he's ever had in the whole of his Host life. It wasn't often that he had a good time with people that really didn't mind his being there and with someone he could genuinely call a friend. If he could, he would repeat that night over and over again.

As time went on though, a bitter aftertaste begun to develop over it. He couldn't imagine why, but for some reason, something sour had started to seep into its seams and he had started to play lone wolf. It was probably just the circumstances on what was happening now, with Orin on alert everyday now, but as Callum couldn't be of much help presently, he's been given freedom to do as he pleased.

To be so inactive was making him itch, and it was this itchiness that lead him here, stewing over whether to bother with being here or not.

Lewis had mentioned a cousin...someone that might not mind rough housing with him for awhile. He couldn't help but wonder if the promise was still viable after he had kept quiet so long. He had wanted to show Lewis his place...

He blinked as he spotted a shadowy form slide out from the kitchen window.

" Malemi... "

The cat's ears could be spotted as he slithered up onto the roof and glared down at the werewolf. He could practically be heard growling as his hackles bristled and his eyes glowed dimly.

Callum held his gaze for a beat, grumbled, and snapped the bone between his teeth.

" I suppose there ain't no avoiding it... "

With a light huff, he took to his feet, crossing the busy road to knock on the door under the hateful gaze of the scrappy flatmate.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago

Malemi had woken Lewis and appraised him of the situation. Weir'd been...rather less than pleased at having his sleep interrupted on a Saturday morning, but had thanked his flatmate and wandered groggily downstairs, where he'd put on the kettle for tea.

It was just whistling when Callum knocked upon the door.

"Coming," called Lewis as he poured the water into the waiting teapot. With any luck, the tea would be ready by the time he'd taken care of whatever business Callum had with him. He sincerely hoped it was nothing to do with Through.

He unbolted and opened the door to stand in his Indian-style pajamas before the Host.

"'Morning," he managed, visibly hungover.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

" Yikes. I really chose a bad day to do this huh? "

Callum leaned against the doorframe, one hand brush back a few stray hairs. Above him, a sharp, spitting hiss answered his question. Neither one had to look up to feel the shadow cat's stormy mood brewing, claws held back by only to keep from causing a scene.

The host shut his eyes, sucking a breath in.

" You know, nevemind. I won't bother you. Get your *ss back in bed. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago

"I'm up," said Weir with a shrug. "I got tea steepin'. 'May as well say or do whatever it is." Worse comes to worse, I'll re-form later, came the half-awake thought.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

" If you say so, but it ain't too important. I'm pretty sure I already know the answer to my question. "

He stood up and fiddled with his cap distractedly.

" So there's been nothing but shit going on in Through, so I'm on standby at the moment...And well...

I figured y'know... that thing you wanted to do, or rather you thought would be nice...

It's been awhile and I was thinking, since I've got the time now, if you're cousin was still up for keeping company? "

Callum took his cap off and brushed his hair down, a rare sign of embarrassment from the man.

" It ain't gotta be him you know, I'm happy enough seeing you every odd moment or so.

I suppose I've just came here to say that I'm lonely and I guess I'm just hoping to be shooed away, if it means making a fool of myself.

That's fair right? You don't mind throwing me that scrap ye?"

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago • edited

"I...huh. That's...hm," said Lewis, processing Callum's words.

"Tell ya what," he said after a moment. "Lemme get some tea an' some proper clothes on." He was aware Callum probably shouldn't come in, what with Malemi on edge as he was. "Then I can think proper."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

" Ah, alright.

Just know that 'no' is the easier answer. I'll be lurking around the back. "

Callum donned his hat again with a look to Malemi.

" Don't pull no sh*t, aight Cat? "

With an easy step back, he dodged a sharp cuff to the head, a daring move on Malemi's part but a move in a game he would lose ultimately.

The host winked at the Beast with a quick grin before lumbering off to the alleyway. Quick as a spark, Weir's flatmate hovered over him, keeping a bright, tense eye on him. When he reached the kitchen window, he slipped inside and locked it, A few threads of smoke building from him.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago

Lewis shut and bolted the door and found the teapot in the kitchen. He lifted it with his left hand.

"That was odd, eh?" he remarked to Malemi as he poured himself and his flatmate cups of tea. He sipped on his blearily.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

" It's more than odd! "

The words came steaming out of him.

" There's no reason for him to be here! He's treading on our territory! "

Malemi whipped around, but the sight of his tired flatmate dampened his passion. Growling under his breath, he forced himself to take a few deep breaths, and came down from the countertop, joining Lewis with his tea.

He lapped it up begrudgingly as he eyed the window, ears flat against his head. His gaze sat locked on Callum, who loitered outside patiently.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago

"He may be," acknowledged Lewis as he finished his first cup and poured himself another. "But he also wasn't lying, at least that I could tell. I daresay the poor sod's genuinely lonely, odd as it sounds." I don't fancy he socializes much, given...Orin.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

" And that's his problem. "

His claws scratched against the surface of the cup, etching little marks into the enamel.

" We shouldn't have to deal with his inadequacies if he's so weak. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago

"More to the point, I'd plans today--his timing's piss-poor," added Weir with a nod.

"Still," he whispered after another cup of tea, "it might be a good opportunity to see what he's about--perhaps gather some information on his Master."

He exhaled, thinking on the matter.

"I suppose I could let him see my 'cousin' this evening. At least I'd feel better equipped to deal with anything he might pull that way."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

" You mean... as your 'other'? "

The word 'other' carried a nervous, uncertain tone, matching that of the sudden worry rippled through his fur. Turning around, it was clear that neither did he like the idea, he didn't like thinking about 'it' in general.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago

"Aye," replied Weir, voice still a whisper.

"It'd still just be me, by the by," he was quick to reassure Malemi. "You've seen me wake like that before, among other forms.

"The reason I suggest that one is, I'd be faster, at least, if push came to shove with Callum. Better able to answer instinct with instinct. I hope it won't come to that, naturally--I'm perfectly capable of merely havin' a night on the town in that state--but I want every advantage I can get, should things turn physical."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

" Mmm... "

Malemi slowly ducked his head, reluctant but understanding.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago

"If it'd help you get used to it, I could spend the day like that as well, before I meet Callum," he volunteered. "I just get a bit frisky, is all. Which, frankly, I could use about now," he added, a hand to his head to help ease its ache. "Along with some water."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

" No, it's fine. "

Malemi backpedaled, taken aback.

" I'd rather you save you're energy for when you have to leave. "

He looked back at the window. Callum was still lurking around, though now he was just out of sight.

" Should you like to do it another day though...I won't stop you. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago

Lewis got himself a glass of water and drank it.

"Good point," he realized as Malemi spoke of saving energy.

He shook his head, realizing he'd need yet more caffeine in him if he was to think properly.

"I'm fair sure I may've come in like that last night, besotted as I was. Though, granted, drunk's not exactly me at my best in any case."

He fixed himself another cup of tea and downed it, followed by another glass of water.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

" ...I know... "

The feline twitched an ear.

" I watched you come in. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago

"Sorry..." said Weir with a sheepish grin. "'Hadn't really planned on it when I left, or I'd've given you some warning."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

" It's alright. I doubt that you have much control sometimes. "

Malemi returned his grin, though he wasn't as comfortable about it.

" There's little I would've done anyways. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago • edited

I remember what not having control feels like. This is far from it.

Of course, there's no way Malemi could know that... reflected Lewis.

"I have control; I just...have a tendency to give in to the moment at times--particularly when my inhibitions are down. As any drunk man does, I suppose," he confessed with a shrug.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

Malemi gave this some thought, looking back on some of the drunks he'd encountered before. The dual image of Lewis and of drunkards clashed sourly, but the beast wasn't going to indulge this openly. Plus, I wasn't to him to tell Lewis what to do. He was smart, he was Lewis. He wouldn't go without reason...

His introspection was interrupted by the edgy face of their guest outside. Catching the cat beast's glance, he pointed to his right with his thumb and walked out of view. His presence tracked out of view and seemed to vanish, but in truth, he merely stepped out of normal sight.

Given that he was Orin's host, he was given the ability slink out of sight when needed, and it was needed now as a man came walking down the alley, not so casually inspecting the area. Curious enough to look but cautious enough to tread lightly, he stopped just a little ways from the window, bobbing on his toes like a mouse sniffing out traps.

Malemi finished his tea and tucked away out of sight, not wanting to be spotted should they continue down the way.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago

As this was something Malemi had done on previous occasions, Lewis, for his part, pretended everything was perfectly normal. He even poured himself the last of the tea, drank it, and washed the teapot and cup--all perfectly mundane actions by a perfectly mundane fellow, it would appear.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

The stranger hovered there for a moment, daring only a step further before immediately turning back. They hurried out, meeting up a few others and related his experience to them. Seeing as there was nothing that seemed to be going on, They all decided to forget about what they saw should it turn out otherwise.

Malemi made his way to the door and listened closely, relaxing only they were out of range.

He sighed.

" That's our sign to get going I guess... "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago

"Indeed," agreed Lewis.

He got dressed, jotted a quick note, pocketed it and his journal, and met Callum round the back of the flat.

"Sorry that took so long--here," said Weir as he handed the Host the folded piece of paper. Lewis still looked hung over, but at least he was more awake now.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

The host stepped out of hiding, unfolding the note.

" This is where and when, yeah? "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago

Lewis nodded.

"Along with an explanation," he added.

Indeed, the note read in a crisp script:

I've plans today, but next Saturday's free, if you'd like to meet at the London Zoo in Regent's Park at noon.

Should you wish company today, my cousin, Ned Balfour, is free this evening. He'll be at the Ten Bells in East End, probably from six on. I can send word to him to expect you, should you decide to go.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago • edited

" Huh. Way to say no. "

Callum chuckled.

" I'll take what I can get though.

Go ahead and tell your cousin I'll meet up with him. Just let him know I'm not from the common lot and we ought to get along just fine. "

Doffing his hat, he pocketed the note and went to leave. Just before he vanished though, he stopped and cleared his voice.

" Thanks, by the way.

I don't think...Well I didn't think there would be much in store for me, outside of hosting y'know...

I don't know. I guess I'm just happy enough to have you tolerate me. It makes for a nice change of pace. "

He turned, eyes shifted from the ground to Lewis.

" Thanks for throwing me a bone. "

Something like sheepish grin half formed before he turned back and faded out of sight, his soul notably lighter than before.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago

"Will do," said Weir, as to giving his "cousin" the message.

The Host thanked him, and spoke further.

"You're welcome, Callum," replied Lewis. "'Hope you and Ned have a good time tonight."

Once Callum had vanished from view, Weir went back inside, shut the door, and breathed a sigh of relief.

"'Never know what to expect with that fella," he concluded. The irony wasn't lost on him. Hell, maybe it's karma.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

" So you're off then? "

Malemi slipped out of from a nearby corner worry patent on his face.

" He's going to meet you tonight? "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago

"Tonight, yes. I've the day to prepare, at least, aside from tending to my latest batch of product. The latter shouldn't take long, but the timing's important--I'll need to keep careful watch on it from about three o' clock till the reaction's complete. Certainly no more than a half-hour's time."

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

" I can help if you like. I can keep watch while you get ready. "

The cat's tail shifted restlessly from side to side. If there was anything he could do to be useful, he was willing to do it. So long as Lewis could gather himself for the coming encounter.

" I can let you know when it finishes. "

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago

"That would be most appreciated. Thank you, Malemi."

He described what to look for, and readied himself for the night to come. Part of his preparations included a good, long, nap.

True to his word, Malemi fetched him when the time was right.

Lewis saw to the rest of the process and set the batch aside to cool when it was done.

This left him more than enough time to change clothes, shift form, slip out the kitchen window, and get to the Ten Bells well before Callum's arrival.

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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

Callum himself was late to arrive. He came in at around seven, terribly tense and flustered, his sweat running down his brow no matter what he did.

He had little to no money to spend at a bar and so, he had to do a little work robbing whoever happened to cross his path. Poor woman had given it freely, but it still wasn't as much as he'd hoped. He ended up having to slink into a mortuary and pick pockets.

What he ended up with was only a few pence more and nearly ruining this whole night and killing the man.

This left him keyed up and aggravated and trying hard to put back the teeth and claws ready to cut loose.

Still, he intended to greet Ned with a smile and shake, even take him into a tight, friendly hug if he was willing. He had enough to at least buy a drink or two, and should his company be willing, help buy a couple more, which should dampen the feeling and put it to sleep for awhile.

He tried to dry himself with his shirt to no avail and stood to the side, breathing deep to calm himself.

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago • edited

The dark-haired man seated at the bar finished his drink and rose, likely to go find the loo.

"Oh--Callum, right?" he shout-spoke with a lopsided smile when he caught sight of the Host. Ned was clearly a bit sauced already.

"C'mere!" he motioned Callum over with a casual wave. "Have a drink with me."

Indeed, there was an empty seat at the bar, as if Weir's "cousin" had been saving it for him.

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Tairais • 7 months ago

(( Jekyll1886 Ding dong, it's a bird! :0 ))

The thing about grief was that it behaved much like fog. It was heavy and cloying in its dampness, but so too did it burn at the first hint of light.

Similarly, Charricthran found that some four days after he'd awoken in Lewis's office only to pour him and all his misery into The Other, he felt the fog within him break and burn. Not gone, and unlikely to ever truly vanish, but abated.

There was a heaviness to him still, but his ears no longer rang, his chest and throat no longer ached, and he could breathe without air scratching like nails on a chalkboard in his lungs.

Tairais and Keldra were gone, lain to rest. This was the new, uncomfortable truth of his life, replacing the certain uncertainty of searching for eternity.

The search was completed. They were gone, and he remained.

He had the rest of his own eternity to figure out what that meant.

For now, it meant thanking Lewis for knocking him out in his office, which started by knocking on the door to his flat just as the evening began to steal bruised fingers of light into the shadows of night.

Small steps. He really did have time, now. Such an odd thing to know, floating somewhere half-fuzzy in the rest of him. Despite the floating nature of his thoughts, he felt more centered than he had in...

Well, all his recent memory, really.

He knocked on the door he'd been standing outside for several minutes too long before he could forget to do it, a faint and wry smile on his face.

Taptapthunk.

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 7 months ago • edited

Barking issued from within, followed by a muffled, "Hush, Anniceris. Thank you."

"'Tis unlocked," called Weir. Charricthran had, after all, been standing there for a time, but Lewis hadn't wanted to surprise him, so, some minutes prior, Weir'd merely slid the bolt gradually and quietly back.

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

His smile grew wider at hearing Anniceris' familiar barking, and that small joy was enough to carry him over the threshold and into the flat. He nudged the door shut behind him and followed the sound of Lewis's voice, talking as he went.

"Wanted ta drop by an' say hi, check in, all tha'--I see you've still the moxtdaka barkin' about! He settlin' in nice-like?"

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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 7 months ago

"Ah, yes," replied Lewis with a chortle as he descended the stairs, preceded by the corgi. "He does bark, but listens well enough when I tell him to stop. He's even learned to lie down for his supper."

He reached the ground floor and clapped Charricthran about the shoulder supportively.

"How are you?"

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago • edited

"Tha's a clever lad, worthy o' bein' called moxtdaka now, eh?"

He said that more to Anniceris himself than Lewis, grinning at the latter's supportive gesture.

"Better for havin' slept for a day an' moped for several more, which is much what I came ta thank ya for. So, ah--" He spread out his arms in a half shrug, smile growing almost impossibly more lopsided with a bemused sort of sheepishness, "--Ta, ever so."

(( The Fox -- Tag, you're it methinks! ))

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The Fox  Tairais • 7 months ago

( *honks horn but instead it mewls* Nya, that's me! )

" Mrrm...? "

Above him, the long forgotten presence came back to mind, one he didn't think he'd really meet with again.

Within the last few months or so, Malemi had formed his own little spawn in the pantry just below the kitchen and had taken to staying in it every few nights or so to strengthen its power. It was nothing special, but should anything happen, he would be able to heal up here rather than go off somewhere else and leave the flat unguarded. That, and it could be made to great use should conflict come inside.

In the soft orange glow of the spirit hearth, he shook the sleep away from his fur and licked his lips.

He'd forgotten all about Charricthran in all honesty. Well, not completely. It was more so that he'd never found himself going back to the Society or traveling past it. All the chaos that seemed to be happening made home a much more beloved option, not mentioning the fact that a lazy streak was indeed manifesting.

But he'd never forgotten about the 'Ancient', and had thought much about his encounter when it was still fresh in his mind.

Given everything, he still felt a tad awkward about how the whole thing went down, but it wasn't in his ability to go and fix it, so it was no matter.

With a stretch, he wiped his eyes and slide up the stairs and into the kitchen, pooling out then taking his recognizable form.

His ears sat relaxed but interested as he itched his neck.

" Lewis...Charricthran... "

He bowed his head to Char, a touch more sure of himself this time round.

( Jekyll1886 )

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago • edited

"Anytime," returned Lewis as he pulled Char into a hug. "If you need anything else, do let me know, alright? It's the least I can do."

The Beast emerged from the cellar.

"Ah, hello, Malemi," replied Weir as he turned with a smile to his flatmate.

Wait, do they...know each other? he wondered.

((Tairais ))

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

Charricthran gently squeezed Lewis and nodded slightly, the hint of things left unsaid pressed in the weight of those simple gestures.

He turned his smile on Malemi next and put his hands on his hips, chuckling.

"Long time no see, an' with quite a bit o' change 'tween visits! How ya been, Malemi?"

(( The Fox ))

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The Fox  Tairais • 7 months ago

" I've been managing. It's far to say that I'm not quite the same as when we met. "

He cocked his head to the side, a faint smile forming.

" I find sausage more appealing than flesh now, if you're curious. "

Despite himself, he found himself chuckling.

" And I like blankets and nip. You know how it is. "

( Jekyll1886 )

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago

"Nothin' wrong with a bit o' sausage," agreed Weir with a smile.

"How do you know each other, by the by?" he asked, looking to each in turn.

((Tairais ))

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

"Don'tcha worry--I'm plenty my charmin' self, just less o' a waspish sort at the edges. Plenty tempered an' the like, so I do know how it is."

At Lewis' question, Charricthran rubbed the back of his neck and grinned broader.

"Malemi found me in the Society right after Richard hared off inta Italy after Hannibal an' Will. Was still a bit o' a prickly bastard then, but we got chummy enough ta go huntin'. 'Twere a right good time, if I recall. Those earlier days're a bit fuzzy, though."

(( The Fox ))

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The Fox  Tairais • 7 months ago

" I was...coming back after I had been banished. I wanted to see if I was completely cut off and what I could if I wasn't. "

The cat fidgeted, discomforted looking back on it.

" I suppose in a way, I was looking to get back at Maijabi, in a sense. "

He shook his fur, laughing.

" Not exactly my best self. "

With a purr, he padded forward, nodding to Lewis.

" I happened to have the luck of meeting Lewis, and well, you see where I am. "

( Jekyll1886 )

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago

Weir chuckled.

"A lot's changed, hasn't it?" he reflected. That night with Maijabi seemed a lifetime ago. Hell, Hawley was still about, back then. Inwardly, he saddened as he recalled Artemis had been, too.

"I'm glad to have the two of ye in my life," he remarked to his present companions.

((Tairais ))

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago • edited

"Firstly, don' bloody well make me cry--I've not quite got a handle on the waterworks yet," Charricthran said with a wobbly chuckle.

"Secondly, dunno if I can speak for Malemi, but I'm right glad ta have ya in my life 's well. Ya seem ta have a right positive impact on most everyone, an' 's... admirable, for lack o' a better word."

He tugged on his ear and gave another sheepish chuckle as he looked away before forcing himself to drop his hand to his side again, half-shrugging on the way.

"Plenty's changed. Not the way I expected, but 'm... glad for it. I think."

He hoped he didn't sound as surprised as he felt.

(( The Fox ))

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The Fox  Tairais • 7 months ago

" That's...

I probably couldn't say it any better. "

Malemi ducked his own gaze, a touch relieved he didn't have to say it. Having been tamed, he still lacked some grace in putting his feelings to words.

With a snort, he trotted over to the kettle to fill it.

" Might as well make some tea while we're here. Wouldn't proper without it. "

( Jekyll1886 )

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago

Weir's smile went lopsided with fondness as he blushed with pride.

For a moment, he found himself at a loss for words.

"Tea'd be grand," he managed at last.

((Tairais ))

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

This time, Charricthran was the one to clasp Lewis on the shoulder. It was a hesitant sort of gesture simply because he wasn't entirely sure how solid he could be (among other reasons), but no less heartfelt for it.

"I could prob'ly swing some, sure. If ya don' mind me stayin' for it, tha' is--hadnae originally planned on it, but."

He shrugged, his hands coming to rest in his pockets after the gesture as he rocked on the balls of his feet.

(( The Fox ))

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The Fox  Tairais • 7 months ago

The cat broke into a content grin and went on to take some dishes down for the three of them. A great rolling purr made itself known, warming the mood like a hearth in winter.

( Jekyll1886 )

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago

"Stay an' have a cuppa," invited Lewis as he twined an arm round the small of Char's back, encouraged by how well everyone was getting on.

((Tairais ))

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago • edited

Charricthran mostly succeeded in not startling when Lewis's arm settled on his back and managed to relax into the touch some few heartbeats later.

"Sure, then. I've all the time in the world, me!"

A snicker bubbled his way out of his throat then, finding the sheer truth of the statement something hilarious in its enormity.

After a moment of consideration where uncertainty flickered in the pit of his stomach like a hoard of angry fireflies, he wrapped his arm around Lewis's back as well, mirroring the gesture.

His smile grew a strange sort of proud after that.

(( The Fox ))

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The Fox  Tairais • 7 months ago

Soon enough, the kettle came to a boil. It was rather quick to whistle, being the Malemi had set just a touch too high, but it made for a steamy, comforting tea, one he let Lewis go ahead and chose.

( Jekyll1886 )

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago

Lewis exchanged smiles with Charricthran, the look in Weir's eye at once fond with a hint of subtly pleased mischief.

"That we do."

The kettle boiled, and Lewis took his place beside Malemi at the counter, movement as easy as breathing.

"Masala chai alright? I've a nice, strong Assam for the base."

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

Several small expressions darted across his face, a school of fish that didn't quite settle until he spoke again: confusion, thoughtfulness, confusion again (naturally), then an understanding tinged by surprise, disbelief and hope alike.

He shuttered those flickers behind an amused smile as he shook his head.

"I still know bloody nothin' bout tea, so's I'll trust your impeccable tastin'."

(( The Fox ))

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The Fox  Tairais • 7 months ago

" Masala sounds fine to me. "

Malemi took out some crackers and set them on the kitchen table.

( Jekyll1886 )

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago

"Mm," Lewis smiled to himself.

He added cardamom, cloves, and small amounts of turmeric, ginger, and anise to the Assam--just enough to give it a kick without overwhelming the flavor of the tea itself. He poured the water over the mix and set it to steep.

"Ah, thank you, Malemi," he said at the sight of the crackers. "I'll slice up some cheese."

This he did, arranging the pieces in an artful manner on a plate which he put next to the crackers.

He got the teapot ready, pulling a cozy over it, and set it, three teacups and saucers, milk, and sugar on a tray, which he placed in the center of the table.

"There we are," he pronounced.

"Traditionally, chai is taken with sugar and milk," he offered before pouring Charricthran and Malemi their cups.

((Tairais ))

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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago • edited

Charricthran watched all of this with a curiously tilted head, following both Malemi and Lewis's movements with the look of a stranger in a strange land.

At Lewis's offer, he gave a half-helpless smile that further emphasized the look.

"I'll stick with tradition, then. Seems the safest bet."

At that, he turned his focus inwards, a small furrow appearing in his brow as he shifted... the 'essence' under his skin into the shadowy approximations of bone, sinew, and organ necessary to, well.

Pick up a teacup and drink it's contents. He supposed he could simply take the cup within himself, but that seemed off-putting at best and downright rude at worse. Neither were things he particularly felt like being at the moment.

(( The Fox ))

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The Fox  Tairais • 7 months ago

" To friends. "

Malemi held his cup out to cling them with the others.

( Jekyll1886 )

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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 7 months ago

Lewis prepared his cup in time to join them in the toast.

"To our present and future together, whatever life may bring." He clinked his teacup with theirs, took a sip, and seated himself with a smile.

The taste of this sensual brew brought back pleasant memories of sunny afternoons and the cool of night in India, another lifetime ago.

He sighed contentedly.

((Tairais ))

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Jekyll1886  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

((Tairais ))

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The Fox • 7 months ago • edited

( ( Link cause it's been a LOOOOONG TOIME http://disq.us/p/1yiy156 )

* Rob Sterling Voice*

After three years and six days, we finally cut back to Errack and his petty, over-the-top entrance as we fade into what will soon be the most embarrassing moment in any Hound-Beast's life.

Now, in a revolutionary text based means, we bring to you the collaborative efforts of Two Birds and One Prank, through the words of two dedicated writers and masterminds who labored day and night for this simple scene. )

Orin couldn't think of what to do with himself.

The dog lifted his head to sniff the air, walking unseen by the human eye.

Nothing had been right in Through, not since he had to become de facto leader to fill the void. Under Khoros, he was tolerated and understood, but never respected, and now more than ever, the vitriol between him and the populous of Through was coming to a boiling point. Beasts were unsettled and retaliating, turning his hunts into death patrols, and given their daily occurrence, he couldn't afford to expend Callum's strength with them. And Kei....Kei wasn't to be made involved. Orin was sure to make that clear.

And all this without mentioning Errack's absence in all this, Resham's distant lack of help, and no time to plan out an end to the conflict...

Orin sighed, pausing to investigate a road to his left, a hunger pain twisting in his stomach. He would have to sort something out eat, maybe visit a butcher's yard for an easy bite, then head back out. It was shameful for him, the Hunter, to be scraping at bones for a measly scrap, but it wasn't to be argued with, not when he had to keep a ticking bomb in check.

He went to trot through the street, track his way back around to where he started, when he froze. A sharp growl sprang from his throat and he fur stood on end.

Just above him, with the swiftest beat of a wing, the accursed crow glided into view. On an silent breeze, he flew above Orin, beak twisted in crooked delight.

His stomach dropped, a shiver ran down his back. Something wasn't right, something was not right. He could see Errack, feel him, but the bled in a terrible sense of dread. There some other beast here but he couldn't feel where they are. What was going on here? What the hell was the bird planning?

Orin bolted back, swiveling around with a panicked snarl. Ears turning all round, the hound stood ready to fight, ready to combat whatever creature was lurking about.

( Tairais )

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Tairais  The Fox • 7 months ago

(( Welcome back! Thank you both for the link and the EXCELLENT narration that had me giggling like a loon for a solid 5 minutes :P ))

Charricthran's grin was felt in the echos of The Other, far away from heart or sight, filled with too many teeth and too many eyes to ever fit comfortably into some living thing.

He reached out a single taloned hand to muddy the water above him, forcing the shadow he'd merged in his likeness to ripple and shatter like feathers caught in the wind as Errack passed over. Feathers turned to minnows, darting into the shadows of other nearby things before they caught up in a wry mimicry of his fur again.

Back and forth the cycle rose and fell again, solidity finding his humanoid form for only a handful of moments as he brought to mind the Shifting Paths.

That done, he sat back and folded his hands. There was hardly any sense in poking the poor wolf to death all at once, now was there?

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The Fox  Tairais • 7 months ago

Orin whipped around in whirl of flashing teeth, snapping and biting to fend off his unseen teaser. Something about it all hinted at a power greater than him leaning in over him, but Orin wasn't about to give in to any Beast, especially if they had anything to do with Errack and his schemes.

When it ended though, he wished he hadn't. Panting, dread still heavy in his chest, he could still feel the veiled gaze from beyond and errack's distant laughter. This whole exercise had been to humiliate him, hadn't it?

The thought spurred on a harsh, angry snarl, one that breached into the common world. People sprang back, frightened by the noise, catching Orin off guard by proxy.

The hound put down his temper for a few moments, minding himself and where he stood. He couldn't lose his cool. Not here, not now. If anything, this just meant that he and Errack were going to have to speak later, though it was bound to happen no matter how the bird wanted to pull at his strings.

Shaking his fur, Orin straightened up and stiffly took his leave as calmly and swiftly, daring only to turn one ear back to listened for the other beast.

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Tairais  The Fox • 7 months ago

Charricthan watched Orin's shadow as it traipsed along the surface of this watery world of his. He kept an eye and ear of his own out for Errack, should his feathered friend (of a sort) decide to give him any more instruction.

He had smiled at seeing Errack's laughter, satisfied with a job well done, small though it was.

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The Fox  Tairais • 7 months ago

From the distance, the crow leaned in on the hound's discomfort, sending a mocking breeze to chill his hide and cut deeper his glee.

This too, was a signal for char to keep up the harassment.

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Tairais  The Fox • 7 months ago

Charrcithran formed a pebble from his pocket and threw it into Orin's shadow at Errack's urging. The pebble vanished before it fell into the physical world, but it broke into the sensation of hands tugging on the wolf's tail and fingers dancing down his spine.

Y'know. Little things he knew all too well to be unsettling nuisances.

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The Fox  Tairais • 7 months ago

This garnered a harsh reaction, Orin lunging around with a great roaring snarl. His eyes went from an icy blue to a hot uneven color bordering on a fiery rouge, and his form flared out.

The smell of moist, earthy mold took over the air, his chest flashed with something like an old sore scar.

His teeth snapped shut, taking an old woman's hand and crushing it.

The sheer anarchy that sprang forth was deafening. People screamed and shouted. Blood spilled on the ground.

Orin stood, teeth bared, against the crowd before bolting out of sight, leaving them their panic and puzzle over what just happened. Already, a few were hissing the Sociey's name, blaming rampant science, while others tried to find a doctor among them.

This didn't drown out the absolute crowing of the three-legged corvid though. He fell on his back practically howling with ugly euphoria, his air of of toxic superiority.

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Tairais  The Fox • 7 months ago

Charricthran sat back with narrow eyes at those who hissed the Society's name as if it were poison.

Now what did that have to do with anything, hm?

He cast about for the Whisper of those with medical knowledge, poking the few most promising towards the scene of the accident. Orin was away, so there could be no fault in the action to follow.

Naturally he made sure those he sent knew that it was one of the Society who had alerted them to the scene--he did tend to try and clean up his own messes as he could, and well... All of those he would call dear happened to reside in that building. He needed it to remain afloat for their sakes.

Spectral hands tweaked Orin's ear as he ran from the crowd, Charricthran hoping to drive him towards a place that Whispered less and hopefully had fewer people. He'd have his fun, but he'd not harm terribly innocent folk in the process, thank you very much.

He made sure the barest flicker of his snake-like pupils danced at the edge of Errack's peripheral, his amused irritation and its cause evident as they flickered towards the scene below.

Be nice, they seemed to say without any particular threat. It wasn't worth the effort to be threatening in this instance.

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The Fox  Tairais • 7 months ago

" Aha! Ah! AHhhhhhhhhhh really? Ahhhh Dammit. "

The crow rolled over with a sniff, a little put off by the scolding look he got but unwilling to catch the wrath of an all powerful being.

Spreading his wings, he flew over to Charricthran, or at least where he felt he was, and bowed.

" My apologies! I probably should've specified what I wanted.

I can fix this though! Just give me a day and this'll all be remedied. "

He snapped to emphasize his point, and the play of a marionette, their fears seemed to shift back. A faint, but bitter calm edged its way through the people, one by one, taking root but not yet replacing their fear.

Errack dared to catch his gaze.

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Tairais  The Fox • 7 months ago

The glimpse of a shark-toothed smile that could perhaps have been kind flickered like sunlight off the scales of a fish.

The sound of teeth snapping at Orin's heels and near his neck illustrated that Errack was spared whatever repercussions came with irritating Charricthran for the time being.

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The Fox  Tairais • 7 months ago

( Errack: Hi! This Is Jack*ss! Today we'll be torturing our rival, hopefully not pissing off a demigod! Tune in now folks! Cause We Might Not Come Back!! XDDDX )

A chill ran down the bird's spine.

" I-I suppose that day starts now then!

I'll come back to report later! Along with any secrets I find, alright? "

He smiled, trying not to look too disconcerted.

" Actually, lemme just fix this first. "

The crow was quick to take off and make his exit, his mind burning, berating himself and how stupid he was being. He could feel the creep of regret already slithering in but he put it aside. He couldn't give up. Not yet! Today was just a bad day. If he could just gather enough secrets to appease the being, he would be in the clear...

He hoped.

Swallowing, Errack made himself focus. He sighed.

This WAS going to take all day...

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Tairais  The Fox • 7 months ago • edited

"Secrets can wait, or be traded out for makin' sure none o' the blighters can cause problems for the Society. I happen ta live there, see, an' I bloody well hate relocatin' when the attic's so cozy-like."

The whispers came like feathers over rotting leaves, carrying no Secrets, only his voice.

"Anythin' else needin' doin'? I'd hate ta skip out on my part o' the deal."

(( Edit: Local Raven Is Greatly Amused By (Almost) Everything :P

Don't worry Errack, neither Char nor Wer'Vemud are hungry for birb, particularly such a fun new friend :> ))

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The Fox  Tairais • 7 months ago

" I don't think so. Not unless you want to follow old boy and see if he has any new tricks I don't know yet. "

The crow contemplated. He could have Char follow Orin, but would he be able to follow him into his inner sanctum? Probably not. And if he could, it probably wouldn't be all that helpful. More than likely, it would reveal both him and kill Errack's plan then and there.

Could he have him peer into Through? No, too many beasts, Resham would interfere, trouble ensues.

Errack croaked, unsure what to suggest.

" Well....Hmmm

Yeah, no, I think that's just about it today. It may be for the better. Wouldn't want to run your grace thin first day we shook claws. "

A chuckle.

" That said though, that does remind me...

I do have a couple secrets to tell you. They might help you understand why Orin and I aren't partners in crime, or just keep you happy for the meantime.

Your choice. "

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Tairais  The Fox • 7 months ago • edited

Charricthran slipped out of Errack's shadow like the brush of fingertips over clenched knuckles.

"Feel free ta chat. I've nowhere ta be nowabouts."

Ruby-red eyes glittered like stars in a dark sky.

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The Fox  Tairais • 7 months ago

" Ah so...

You didn't hear this from me, but Orin is not the hard working dog he'd want you to think he is.

Once upon a time, he was a completely different Beast. He was what we call Bloodsick... Don't know if you had that where you spawned from, but suffice to say that it's an condition not entirely conducive to being great with others. I remember when I had come to be, he was just fresh off it...

Hound had a nasty bite for sure.

It's part of the reason why most don't like him. He would often go hunting other Beasts down, often with little to no warning. He still does from time to time, but it's not the same. He thinks about it now.

Then, it was all free range for him, and that's where got his title. The Hunter.

The only reason he plays guard now is cause, when he first took Callum as his host, he decided to be a little cruel. Callum wasn't so willing to do his bidding, so in turn, for a laugh, he put his heart in him and took his inside him. "

Errack snickered.

" As you can see, it ended up working both ways. Callum got a nasty streak and is the obedient Host he is now, while Orin found some sense, and that made it clear to him that he just about made a bigger mess.

Now he actually had a moral, but at the cost of not only himself but his host.

And, when you've got an image as fierce as his, you have to protect it. "

The crow beat his wings, an in-flight shrug.

" So, since then, he's been trying real hard to play the law. He was a means of control for Khoros and acted as his eyes and ears, enforcing his law...killing if he needed to. Now he's probably pretending to play packleader in Through and, as usual, everyone's up snarling about it. "

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Tairais  The Fox • 7 months ago

Charricthran grinned and gave his own little snicker, a burbling sort of sound on the tail end of having poked about in The Other.

"What interestin' thoughts I'm havin' here by my lonesome on this charmin' flight! I appreciate the gift, oh formless voice I most certainly didn't hear these from."

He coasted along with a merry lightness to his wings, rarely beating his wings as he soared through their journey. He could feel Wer'Vemud shifting at the back of his mind, slipping like silk through various possible futures to be found with the careful application of this new knowledge.

With any luck, it would be unlikely that he'd ever see need to use it. But, if the time came, he knew all too well the power of Whispers in the right ears.

He was pleased. If Errack was being truthful (which, given the bird's earlier reticence to please him and the unease that had rippled like smoke in his wake, was very likely), he might have found himself a somewhat promising diversion for the next few weeks.

And if he wasn't, and Charricthran happened to find out about it, well.

Wer'Vemud was always hungry these days.

He chose to focus on the more promising of the two possibilities for the heck of it.

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The Fox  Tairais • 7 months ago

Errack shook with a quiet snicker.

" A nice formless voice indeed!

And since we're talking Orin, did you know that he's hiding a fellow Beast? "

His eyes finally spotted who he was looking for, a straggler from the scene behind them. They were booking it, cutting through crowds and racing through streets. Taking an easy incline, Errack kept his prey in sight.

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Tairais  The Fox • 7 months ago

Charricthran followed in Errack's wake, intrigue written in the crook of his wings.

"Tha' I did no'. Wha's he doin' tha' for, hm?"

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The Fox  Tairais • 7 months ago

" Simple.

They aren't a Beast. Or so I think. I have come to the thought that, he's hiding someone from someone else and he crafts an image so that no one asks questions. "

The crow smiled at Char.

" If someone could track them down and find them, I'm sure that my thoughts would be confirmed. Oh? But what am I but a voice on the wind. "

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Tairais  The Fox • 7 months ago

"Ooohoho, well. The wind is known for its good points, eh? I'll see if I can't listen ta it when I've the time."

He nodded down to the man they'd been following, a question on his mind.

"What's up with him?"

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The Fox  Tairais • 7 months ago

" He's a reporter. I think he's trying to get the story in before someone else does.

Lucky us we're here to help him out. "

Diving down, Errack flexed his claws, pulling at his memories. He smiled as they yielded, churning at his command. The man stumbled below, catching a nearby fence and clutching his head.

Circling round and swooping in, the crow pulled hard at them and dislodged them. In a stage whisper, he spoke to Char.

" Now what sort of memory shall we make... "

He tapped a claw against his beak then smirked.

" I think I know the trick. "

Like the shake of a horse's reins, he set the nebulous thought into motion and soon enough a new scene was settling. It incorporated all of the same feelings and sights but with a twist. Orin had no longer been some spawn of hell maiming a woman's hand, but someone's lost dog whose muzzle was lost, letting them lash out around them.

Pushing the memory back into place, Errack preened at his feathers, proud of his work.

" There. All better. "

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Tairais  The Fox • 7 months ago

"Now there's right charmin' o' ya--I've never much been good at the memory stuff. Too many things ta poke at."

He glanced at the reporter with the look of a scientist over a microscope, the temptation to dissect clearly evident before it was replaced by the ever-present cheerful mischief that he usually wore.

"So's this where we should say our farewells an' part ways til later, or is there somethin' I'm clean forgettin'?"

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The Fox  Tairais • 7 months ago

" Yes it is. I've got some work ahead of myself and I hate to bore you with it. "

The feathered beast offered his third foot for one last handshake.

" Bird to bird, i'd say that this made for a good first day! Wouldn't you agree? "

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Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago • edited

Jekyll1886 Mz. Hyde

14 days ago

"Well, there's no danger of that with me," remarked Lewis, partially to himself. "We've already been to a French restaurant, Hyde Park, a music Hall, a comedy, and now the Underworld--all in a little under two months," he summed up with a smile.

Mz.Hyde Jekyll1886

13 days ago

"All that?! Wow! Hydey I think you got a keeper here!"

* Mz. Hyde blushes.*

Jekyll1886

I should hope so, thought Lewis.

"Ah, Velma," he recalled, "I understand you helped Val here acquire opium for a patient of mine. Thank you for your assistance."

((Mz.Hyde ))

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Irina Leví • 7 months ago

((Continuation for Good Girls at the Cabaret))

Tairais Irina Leví

12 hours ago

Richard gave Irina a fainter version of her own grin, though it was by no means less warm.

"But of course. I am truly fascinated by this all."

Then he paused, the light in his eye turning to something almost sharp in its understanding and consideration.

"And.. for what it is worth, I find that most who would call magic or your witchcraft the work of some Devil to be of poor kindness. It is a tool, the same as any forged by human hands. The only part of a tool to matter for judgement is its use and wielder, and you have been nothing but kind."

The curious gleam was gone in a moment, replaced by his usual gentlemanly charm.

"Shall we, then? I am much interested by the greenhouse."

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Irina Leví Tairais

6 hours ago

Irina smiled showing her gratitude towards the understanding of the man.

"Follow me" she said, holding the half empty jar and the violin. Irina led Richard in a narrow corridor that descended to 2 doors, one facing and one to the right. The first was simple, while the second was decorated with dream catchers and symbols of gypsy origin. The woman opened unlocked the simple door, giving entrance to an "enchanted garden", so to speak. The glass amplified or decreased the sunlight, according to the habitat and type of plants: coniferus forest, jungle, meadow and steppe, swamp...

There was a violin sign pointing to the left and Irina followed it, arriving to a sort of garden dining table, hidden and accompanied by a small waterfall as a decorative fountain, designated as "Heaven's Rain".

"Please, hold the beauty", she asked gently, giving the violin to Richard, before filling the jar with a waterjet of the fountine.

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Tairais  Irina Leví • 7 months ago

Richard did as he was bid, taking in the scenery around him with a careful eye.

A room made of glass was not his favorite thing to be in anymore, but he couldn't help but admire the craftsmanship and technical skill of the building around him.

Not wishing to interrupt Irina if she felt her work to be of the secretive sort, he idly traced patterns into his mother's violin as he took notes on the architecture and, using what limited ability he had to understand such things thanks to Charricthran's tutelage, the plants within the garden.

"This garden is truly a remarkable place," came the murmur a few moments later.

He wondered if the people who built it were not equally as remarkable.

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Irina Leví  Tairais • 7 months ago

"This is what the virtue of patience could do, I would say," she replied timidly. "I think that, in some way, it is one of the roots of all discipline, but," Irina continued in a somber tone, "the most important discipline of all is being lost: to have humanity, to be human."

She left the jar on the table and, sitting on a bench, looked at the waterfall that began to reflect golden tones of the sky, as if she expected something from it. She could swear she have seen her memories on the reflect of the water. Irina was glad to have someone to talk.

"Excuse me, sir, I forgot my work," she answered in a while and, straightening up, grabbed the violin gently from Richard's hands, took a large brush from one of her coat's bags and began to varnish the instrument, leaving a kind of pattern of petals and leaves.

"This mixture is slightly lower quality than the pure varnish, but it was not going to be enough with what we had," she said as she finished with the work, letting the violin hang together with others on a wooden pole, which functioned as a lantern at night.

"I think that's it, I'll give him a bow, resin and new strings," she said with a chuckle. "What will I need for the excursion?"

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Tairais  Irina Leví • 7 months ago • edited

"If one seeks to covet humanity, we must ask then what defines humanity as such."

He said this faintly, with a distant look in his eye until he grabbed a hold of his mind and brought it back to the present, smiling broadly. He trusted the violin was in safe hands.

(And even if it weren't... well.)

"Bring nothing except your charming self, signora, and perhaps a comfortable pair of shoes for your feet, if they are not already. The best way to see London, after all, is by foot."

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Irina Leví  Tairais • 7 months ago

"I'll follow you, sir."

Once again, she tried to stay calm, taking Richard to the entrance of the workshop, finding a sky that was beginning to be dyed with golden, orange and pink tones. It was a sight that Irina liked.

Taking a deep breath, she felt the thrill of adventure invade her. Although she knew that there could not be enough time to explore the whole city, she thought that at this time it would not be wrong to discover what was allowed. Irina admired the sunset always from the window, but it would not be the same as being there.

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Tairais  Irina Leví • 7 months ago

Richard took a moment to admire the sunset without all the sticky fingers of London's smoke and fog clutching to it.

Pushing out the door, he began to walk in a seemingly random direction after a moment of deliberation, beckoning Irina follow with a half-mischievous and vaguely sphinx-like smile--the sort of smile that would be unsettling, were it not for the sheer warmth and excitement in his eyes.

"Is there anything in particular you would be finding intriguing, Signora? I should prefer to show you things that may intrigue beyond my usual haunts."

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Irina Leví  Tairais • 7 months ago • edited

"Well, I have noticed a jubilee a few streets away from the Society, at a specific point, it seems to be near a kiosk, and there are awnings of many colors"

She said this with a thoughtful tone, looking at the man, then paused for a moment.

"If my ears do not deceive me," Irina commented stopping looking around, "it's happening now"

Despite what she had said, the most scandalous thing at that moment was the song of silence, which was pleasant and welcoming. However, Irina knew that it was a Jubilee, and not her messed up thoughts with varied melodies that demanded to be written and that sounded like an orchestra with each instrument playing something different from another.

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Tairais  Irina Leví • 7 months ago

Richard nodded and gave a sweeping hand gesture.

"I will confess my ears are no longer as good as they were once, so you will have to guide us towards your... 'jubilee'. It sounds marvelous, though--I cannot confess to having heard of it before, though perhaps my timing is poor."

His mouth fit oddly around the unfamiliar word, but it had a sort of bounce to it that he didn't much mind.

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Irina Leví  Tairais • 7 months ago • edited

Irina remained silent for a few seconds to locate the source of the sound, and led Richard through several streets, and after a few turns, they were facing a plaza with a crowd watching stalls of an open-air market, along with local shops: fruits, vegetables, flowers, jewelry, books, breads, dresses and suits...

Irina was fascinated with the environment, which brought back memories of her homeland.

"It's like in Mexico!" She exclaimed excitedly, looking at every corner, trying not to miss any details.

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Tairais  Irina Leví • 7 months ago

Richard took in the storm of color and sound before him with a broad grin, following Irina's gaze wherever it landed. He, too, was eager to see everything this plaza had to offer--it wasn't a place he'd ever been to before.

"Truly?" He asked with an almost child-like fascination, "I do not believe I have ever been to that part of the world before. If it pleases you, could you tell me more as we walk?"

He could hear a certain amount of nostalgia in her voice and supposed that she would know more of how to navigate this half-familiar sort of place than he. His only frame of reference were the shops of Italy, and even they didn't have the same sort of feel that this did.

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Irina Leví  Tairais • 7 months ago

((Sorry there was the text in Spanish!))

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Tairais  Irina Leví • 7 months ago

(( No worries! It gave me a chance to practice a language I haven't spoken in years ^^ ))

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Irina Leví  Tairais • 7 months ago

((I'll put the reply on the new RP page!))

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Tairais  Irina Leví • 7 months ago

(( All right, cool! ))

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A Passerby • 7 months ago

[I am eager still to see where this dance may lead.]

Mz. Hyde:

Glad to hear that!

* She puts the batter in the oven.*

Helen Jekyll:

Helen finished up preparing the tea and carried it to the table.

"If anyone would like a cup, the tea is ready," She said, setting down the pot. "The biscuits may be a bit."

Jekyll1886:

"Ah, thank you. I'd like one," put in Lewis as he placed the supplies back in their cupboards. "Just as soon as I'm done with this."

Passerby:

"I-If you don't mind, I would care for some as well," George added just after Weir, raising a hand with a timid smile.

((Mz.Hyde))

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Jekyll1886  A Passerby • 7 months ago

((Mz.Hyde ))

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MillieGriffin • 7 months ago • edited

Wizardblizzard

"Charricthran. That makes sense - you'd expect unearthly beings if it was to do with Charricthran. I wonder who they are? Or possibly were?" She sighed. "Come in here? I feel a bit awkward discussing it out in the corridor like this." She led the way into the nearest empty room.

"I'll tell you all I know about it - for a few weeks now, I've been having peculiar dreams. About snow, and monsters, and coded messages from a sad being who was somehow also a star? And I had to help someone draw a portrait of them, because they kept getting frightened and not knowing whether they were drawing it right, but - no, I must've got muddled - I think the someone who was drawing was also me?"

She frowned uncomfortably. "Dreams do this on you, they never make any sense. And the star said it was dying. Thousands, millions of years old. And it had once been somebody else, before it was a star, and there was somebody or somebodies that it wanted to say goodbye to and somehow it needed the portrait "so it would have hands"? I remember that part.

Anyway, I've been thinking they were just dreams, but then today I found this letter."

Dipping into her pocket, she half expected the letter to have vanished, like fairy gold, but it was still there. Hesitating a moment as she saw the contents again, her hand went halfway back towards her pocket, then she made up her mind and showed it to Millie. "And that's really all I know about it."

to the one who gave us this body in partnership with her other half:

thank you. perhaps we will each be lucky and find you before we fade. if not, it was a pleasure knowing your work. put your cleverness onto new sights, o’ wizard of the highest order, and may they be as glorious as your efforts

nomag wer suaco lleisgar vhir dout altiuiri

vur nomag wer siksta qe malrak sva dout spical

tairais vur keldra

_

MillieGriffin

Millie listened to Isabella, when she showed Millie the letter she read it carefully. She squinted at the writing at the bottom.

see more

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Tairais • 7 months ago

(( Continuation of Shooting Stars for chatterghosts !

chatterghosts:

“You’ve no argument on my part, love.” Elias held onto the moment for as long as he could, leaning into Richard for a handful of seconds before following him along, out of the foyer and into the London evening.

Tairais:

Richard filled the journey to the countryside with a great deal of commentary regarding the composition and metallurgical properties that meteor samples he'd found in the past had, doing his best to encourage Elias to contribute whenever possible, as he'd missed the sound of his voice.

They arrived at a hilltop he'd scouted out earlier in the week as the evening bled color into night and the stars came out to sing light into the dark.

"I believe that this bill affords us an excellent view, in addition to being close to where I projected the likeliest range of recovery would be. I am by no means a mathematician, nor have I experience in these sorts of things, so that must be taken with a handful of salt." ))

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Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

(Continuation of the Magic Rp!

Wizardblizzard:

Taking this in, Isabella came back to earth, rather too late.

"Listen, if I taught these things to the wrong person, I'd be in big trouble with my family," she said in pleading tones. "It's not a game. You do see, don't you? To them, it's almost... 'defence of the realm', kind of thing, you might say."

After a moment, she added hopefully: "On the other hand, that almost seems like a good reason why you should learn at least something...")

For a moment, Hela was silent, her gaze thoughtful.

"I think that... if your family is going to be potentially upset with you telling me anything, it would be best for you not to," She said at last, pushing herself away from the table so she could stand from her chair, "I don't want any trouble."

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Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago • edited

(Continuation of the Other Rp!

Jekyll1886:

"From women I've lived with over the years," he revealed, "as well as a bit of experimentation on my part along the way. 'Tis true what they say: Necessity is the mother of invention.")

"Well, I must say, I am quite impressed--it's not everyday you find a gentleman not only willing, but perfectly skilled in cooking such meals."

The praise fell as easily from Helen as breathing, genuine despite all its lack of effort.

Now finished with their food, the children ran off to play with an exuberance that had been absent until Weir and the regular meals he provided. The sounds of their merriment could be heard even as they ran upstairs.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

"Well," confessed Weir, "I did spend some time in Samoa, among the natives. There, the men do the cooking--it's simply what's expected."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

"How fascinating! It is not often one gets the privilege to experience an entirely new culture."

"I had once considered studying abroad, to do a bit of travel myself, but--" She seemed to catch herself, giving a sheepish smile. "Well, it wouldn't do to bore you to death with my story, particularly with work to be done."

Helen rose from the table, picking up her plate as she did so, then held out a hand, offering to take his as well.

"Have you finished eating?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

"I have," he replied, and handed her the plate.

"I can help you wash the dishes," he offered as he rose from the table.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

Helen stacked his plate over her own, unable to help a twinge of surprise when Lewis stood and spoke.

"That would be quite kind, thank you," She said, stepping towards the sink and setting the dishes inside, "Was that something the native males were expected to do as well?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

"Aye," he replied with a smile that crinkled the outside corners of his eyes. "The men do the cooking and cleaning," he elaborated as he joined her at the sink, "while the women do the child-rearing and mat-weaving."

He took the first dish and set to washing it.

"Where did you want to study abroad, by the by?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago • edited

"Oh, nowhere in particular."

Helen went to fetch the children's dishes as well, picking up a towel from a drawer on her trip back for when they needed to dry.

"I thought it might be interesting to simply... wander about, picking up what knowledge I could along the way. Although," She admitted after a beat of reflection, "I suppose Italy always had more of a draw for me, with the richness of their arts."

"But, that was a very long time ago," She finished with a wistful smile.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

"Ah, Italy," said Lewis with a fond smile as he thought back to it. "A land of sunshine, wine, and winsome people, as well as magnificent art," he opined as he washed the dish.

"What stopped you going, if you don't mind my asking?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago • edited

"I was rather young back then, as well as yet to be engaged. It wasn't considered wise for a lady to travel from country to country without an escort, so I remained at home for the entirety of my education."

Helen set aside the additional plates before joining Weir at the sink and preparing to dry as he washed.

"By the time I had managed to earn my doctors degree, it simply wasn't practical to head off on any whimsical adventures anymore." Not when the entirety of the city eagerly watched on, hoping to see me falter and fall.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

"Ah," said Lewis as he finished with the first dish and handed it to her to dry. His eyebrows came together in the middle and lifted in an expression of sympathy; he risked a glance to her as he picked up the next plate.

"For what it's worth," he said as he wetted and soaped it, "I'm sorry you never got to go."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

Though she dared not look up, Helen could feel his gaze on her as she dried the first of the plates.

"Your heart is in the right place, but there's no need to use up any of your precious time feeling sorry for me," She said with a gentle laugh, the sound full of humorless mirth, "I do quite enough of that on my own."

A soft exhale, weighted with resignation.

"It would be in your best interest to forget a sad story like myself... Good will not triumph here, and nobody cares for an unhappy ending."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago • edited

He shrugged as he returned his gaze to the sink.

"I feel what I feel." So I'll do what I can.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago • edited

"Well, thank you, I suppose, for caring," despite my being a lost cause. Even if it is pointless, useless, a waste, "It is...pleasant to hear someone does."

Again, Helen had to resist the urge to look at him, and though questions and concerns rose to mind, she fell silent.

Perhaps in another time, another life, she would have gotten to know Lewis as a colleague, if nothing else, but here and now...it was simply unwise.

Careful to keep her wandering thoughts hidden under a mask of quiet absorption, she finished drying the plate and set it aside to put away later.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

"Mm," he affirmed with a small nod as he rinsed the second plate and handed it to her.

He took the first of the twins' plates and washed it.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

The pair of them soon finished with the dishes and, after putting them away in their proper places, returned to the table bearing all of the scientific equipment and materials.

Helen began arranging the necessary items for the next phase of their experiment, speaking to Weir as she did so.

"Now, this last part is tedious and not a little dangerous, so I would not think any less of you if you simply decided to take the children out for, say--" She ran a quick mental calculation. "Three or so hours while I complete the mixture. Alternatively, you may stay and assist, but know you'll have to take care of any urgent business beforehand, as any distraction here may prove deadly."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

"Right, then," replied Lewis, a trip to the loo it is.

"Pardon--I'll return shortly."

He climbed the stairs, explained the situation to the children, and took care of his business.

Now free of distraction, he joined Helen downstairs.

"'Ready when you are," he informed her.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

She stifled her pleasant surprise at his willingness to help yet again, nodding with a ghost of a smile.

Thank you.

"Let's begin, then."

With the finesse and air of a surgeon, Helen instructed Weir regularly throughout the procedure, her tone reflecting the gravity of the situation even through all its cordial patience. There was a level of difficulty and risk that simply hadn't been present in the experiment before as the ingredients grew steadily more volatile.

However, despite this, they managed to finally manipulate the mixture into something much more stable just past the three hour mark, and, with the greatest care, Helen set it aside to cool.

She exhaled, releasing the tension in her shoulders as she did so.

"That should be all."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago • edited

Lewis, too, let out a sigh of relief.

"Excellent.

"I must say, it's been a pleasure, Helen." A fond smile. "Your expertise and affability will be sorely missed," he risked adding, well aware Hela was due any moment now.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

Helen bowed her head in embarrassed acknowledgement of his compliments.

"You flatter me, Dr. Weir. I could hardly have had such a lovely time without your being equally as amicable, if not more so."

"Do you know how to take the elixir?" She asked, looking from the vial to him as she shifted subjects.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

"Aside from hazarding a guess one ingests it, no," he admitted. "Is there more to the process?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

“Ah, well,” She answered with a somewhat nervous chuckle, “Not quite that, more...”

An apologetic smile found its way to her lips as she trailed off, searching for the best way to phrase things.

“If this is to be your first time, it would be best for you to lie down immediately after taking it, just to be safe. I’m afraid it’s got quite the kick.”

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

"Oh," said Lewis with a lift of his eyebrows. "I see. What...should I expect, would you say?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

"I am not entirely certain how to describe the sensation," admitted Helen, brows creased in thought.

"It is rather difficult to get down in the first place, in my experience. The consistency of the liquid as well as the taste simply don't... feel right." She shook her head. "I would suggest mixing it with another drink, in order to mask the unpleasantness, but it can be quite dangerous if not ingested all at once, and I've yet to find anything that can mask the concoction adequately without the risk of turning it lethal."

"If you can manage to get down the appropriate dosage, you have... roughly thirty seconds to a minute, depending on one's metabolism and blood pressure, to support yourself in some manner before a bit of fatigue sets in."

"Now," She continued, appearing more than a little concerned that she may have frightened him off with her description,"This is simply the body's natural reaction to the various substances within the elixir, as they could be harmful in an uncontrolled setting, and is no cause for alarm. After resting for awhile and having something to eat and drink, you'll recover all of your former vigor within a half-hour."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago • edited

"Thank you," replied Lewis. "I'll bear that well in mind and do my utmost to get the dose down in one go. I take it your counterpart should imbibe hers at the same time, so we'll be on equal footing."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

Helen blinked at him a moment as he spoke, unable to help a brief fit of laughter, though she attempted to stifle the sound.

"Oh dear, please forgive me," She said, lowering her hand from her mouth, "I simply had never thought of that before."

"I was actually planning on tending to you while you recovered before taking it myself once I'd made certain there weren't any complications on your part, but," She smiled warmly, "If you would prefer your plan, then I can adjust accordingly."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

"I like yours better, if I'm honest," he admitted with a chortle.

"Bottoms up, then?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

"Not until you're safely tucked in bed, Dr. Weir," came Helen's response at once as she raised an eyebrow in concern, her tone practical with an undercurrent of worry, "It would be quite unpleasant to collapse to the floor."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

"Whose do you suggest, then?" he asked with a laugh. "I doubt your counterpart wants me in hers, and I'd be exposing the twins to this stuff if I casually imbibed it in their bedroom." He glanced at the ground, then back to Helen. "I can do it here without inconveniencing anyone." He took off his waistcoat and set it aside. "And there's nowhere to fall if I begin on the floor."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

"I suppose you're right," Helen admitted and, though reluctant to allow her patient to rest on the ground rather than a mattress, began gathering up seat cushions to fashion a pallet of sorts.

"If you don't mind my asking, approximately how much do you weigh?"

A lighthearted smile.

"I will have to determine how much of 'this stuff' you'll be needing to drink."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

"Somewhere between a hundred and sixty-five and a hundred and seventy pounds," he answered. "I've not weighed myself lately, but it's generally within that range.

"By the by," he asked with a playful smile, "what do you call 'this stuff'?"

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

"It is the thirty-sixth variation on a toxin based treatment designed to boost the immunity, endurance, and regenerative ability of the human body," She answered as she arranged the cushions on the ground, "And, unfortunately, it lacks a name."

Helen gave an apologetic smile as she straightened with a flicker of a wince and gestured for him to sit.

"For now, I suppose, you could call it your medicine."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

Though he noticed the wince, he thought it best not to draw attention to it.

"Fair enough," he answered with a smile, and seated himself on the cushions, legs sprawled before him. "In that case, I suppose it's time to take my medicine."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

"Of course. I will prepare it at once."

Helen went briefly into the kitchen, returning with a glass in which she gingerly poured only a third of one of the two doses of elixir they had produced. The liquid was a muddied golden color and completely opaque, almost resembling paint in its consistency.

"Here you are," She said, handing him the glass, "This should be plenty, for now."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

"Thank you," he said as he accepted it.

He stared at the glass a moment, readying himself.

"Right, then," he said, and forced it down. It was a disgustingly thick consistency, neither liquid nor gel, its cloying taste both bitter and foul.

He couldn't help but make a face, even as he quickly handed the empty glass back to Helen.

Remembering time was of the essence, he reclined upon the cushions, the awful taste of the medicine still on his tongue.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

"Just try and relax," Helen instructed as she set the now emptied glass aside, a touch of worry shining through her smile, "It may be a frightening sensation, but it's completely harmless, and I shall be here throughout it all."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago • edited

"'Tis more of a frightening taste, for now," he managed as he waited for the concoction to kick in.

Still, he did take her advice and relax as much as he could.

The seconds ticked by--ten, twenty...

At a half-minute after taking the stuff, he felt a mild flush. Putting a hand to his chest just beneath where the collarbones met, he braced himself for the worst.

The flush faded, followed by...nothing.

The seconds ticked by.

A minute.

Two.

Three.

"When exactly is this supposed to take effect?" he asked, looking to Helen. He supposed the medicine might be the kind that lulled one into a false sense of security only to hit like a freighter.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

Weir's question was met with a flicker of confusion, then fear as the color drained from her face.

"You haven't felt it yet?" She asked, expression taut with alarm.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

"I did feel a little flush for a bit there," he offered.

"I suppose this is probably a bad time to mention I tend to need higher doses of things like sedatives and whatnot than most people do," he said as the thought crossed his mind. "I'm afraid I've been so focused on thinking about this from an alchemical perspective that the medical clean escaped me," he confessed with a sheepish smile. "'Sorry."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

"How much higher do you need?"

Though his explanation seemed to take a little of the edge off of Helen's apprehension, her movements still reflected a quiet urgency as she rapidly prepared to pour him another dose.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago • edited

He looked at the empty glass and did a quick mental calculation.

"The rest of it, probably," he gauged with chagrin. I am not looking forward to downing that.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago • edited

Her brow furrowed deeply. Surely that would be too much...

Still, the man likely knows himself far better than I do. He is a doctor as well, after all.

"Very well," She said, reluctantly pouring the remainder of the test tube's contents into the glass and passing the latter back to him.

"Drink it a touch slower this time--if you feel even the slightest bit tired before you've drained all of it, you need to stop at once."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

"A touch...slower"... he echoed in his mind.

Eugh.

"Very well," he agreed with an affable reluctance as he accepted the glass.

He did as instructed, hoping he'd feel tired before he reached the bottom of the glass.

No such luck, he reflected with chagrin when he'd finished.

He handed the empty glass to Helen and lay down once more.

No sooner had he done so than the effects hit him.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

It began as a very gradual drain of energy, spreading a peculiar sensation of tingling cold as the strength left each limb. However, this measured pace didn't last long, as only a handful of moments had passed before the process accelerated, seeming to find extra speed in the stolen vigor.

By the time it had fully run its course, there was little left to even lift his head or wiggle his fingers, the effort it took to breathe almost too taxing to continue. A deathly chill had set in and, despite the near paralyzing exhaustion, it was impossible to fall asleep.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

Even blinking seemed an effort.

Aw, shite, he thought with a familiar detachment. 'Been here before.

The first time he'd experienced the like was as a boy, running an extremely high fever. His body wouldn't respond. The world seemed at a distance, as if he were watching the proceedings from a few feet above the bed.

He'd nearly died then, too.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

"Can you hear me, Dr. Weir?" came Helen's voice as she leaned over to check on him, genuine concern in her gaze, "Try and blink for me, if you can."

Though uncertain if he'd oppose the touch, she placed a hand gently on his shoulder, hoping it may help ground him and thus prevent any sort of panic. She knew all too well how poorly people often responded to the medication.

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

It took a moment for Helen's words to register, and still longer to respond to them. Her touch did help him to focus, though.

With a great effort of will, he managed to blink. He tried to speak as well, but all that came out was a faint, unintelligible sound between a grunt and a moan.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago • edited

"It's alright, you needn't say anything yet." She pat his arm softly. "It will be a little while longer before everything will be working properly again. Just relax and save your energy for now."

A pause as she continued to maintain contact with him, silently counting the time.

"When you feel you can, try and wiggle your fingers, but only when you've the strength. There's no need to rush anything; I will still be here with you."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

He blinked in reply, though it felt as if his eyelids moved like molasses on an autumn day.

For a time, he simply rested, glad for Helen's presence.

When time enough had passed that he'd gathered the strength, he wiggled the little finger of his right hand...once.

Then, later, twice, along with the ring finger.

Eventually, breathing became easier, too. He thought he might manage a word.

"Th...tha..." was all he got out.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

"Hush, it's okay," Helen bid him with all the warmth of a concerned mother, her voice dulcet as she squeezed his arm lightly, "Wait just a few minutes longer, then you may speak. You'll recover faster if you do."

"You're doing very well," She continued after a moment, offering a gentle smile, "Would you mind if I checked your vitals?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

"Nno," he answered, now able to clench and relax his hands. His blinking and breathing were becoming more regular, too. "Go 'head."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

"I shall check your pulse, then."

Moving slowly so as not to startle him, she pressed her first and second fingertips against the skin of his neck, just beside his windpipe. She lingered there for fifteen seconds or so, then pulled her hand away with a nod, satisfied he seemed to be recovering steadily enough.

"Your heart is taking it quite well. I don't think you'll have any trouble."

Another few pats to his arm.

"How are you feeling? Is there any pain?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

"A bih, buh...'s blurred wi' fatigue," he replied. He blinked hard, trying to focus, aware he'd failed to enunciate the "t" sounds in "bit" and "but".

Still, he was feeling better by the moment. The injection Millie'd given him all that time ago was truly a force to be reckoned with.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

Her lips formed a sort of grimacing smile at his response, guilt mingling with the care she'd shown for him.

"My apologies, I know how unpleasant the experience is. It shouldn't be much longer now until you're through, though, and then I can see about getting you something nice from the kitchen."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

"Soun's good," he said with a weak smile.

Time passed, and Lewis eventually felt better enough that he tried to sit up.

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

"Oh, here, allow me to assist you," Helen said as she caught sight of the movement and placed an arm around his shoulders, gently raising him up. "Careful now--take a moment, so you don't get dizzy."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

"Thanks," he said, grateful for the help.

"You've been a blessing through all of this."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

"It's only right, considering I'm the creator and provider of your current curse," returned Helen with a small, self-deprecating smile.

After making certain he could remain sitting up on his own, she released Lewis and stood, briefly dusting herself off.

"Is there anything in particular you'd like from the kitchen? Even if you don't feel hungry now, it's usually best to get something in your stomach before it begins demanding food."

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

'Beats Hela all to Hell.

"Toast and water," he answered. Then, with a chuckle, "And maybe a stiff drink after that."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

Helen laughed lightly at that.

"I will see what I can find."

She stepped into the other room, returning a few minutes later with a silver tray and the smell of freshly buttered bread.

"Here you are," She said, setting it down beside him. There were four slices of toast resting on a plate, one noticeably darker than the others, along with a glass and pitcher of water. "I wasn't sure which spirits you'd prefer--" nor which ones have been claimed already by Hela "--so I figured it might be best to save those for when you can select a drink yourself."

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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

((Mind if I time skip to when they're finished with the dishes?))

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

((That's fine.))

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MillieGriffin • 7 months ago

Jekyll1886

Weir walked hand-in-hand with her to the seating area, where he once again settled himself on the wicker sofa. This time, however, he sat to one side of it, leaving space for Millie to sit beside him.

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MillieGriffin

Millie sat next to him, her small frame gave a comfortable amount of room for both of them. She glanced back to Helen a few times, swallowed, and took a deep breath.

"Alright then... I'm ready to continue..."

((Helen Jekyll))

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Helen Jekyll  MillieGriffin • 7 months ago • edited

Helen nodded to indicate she understood, briefly touching a hand to the bracelet she wore on her wrist with a relieved smile.

"I am happy to hear that," She said, looking to each of them in turn.

She took a moment, then, seeming to be searching for the right words, her brow creased slightly.

"If you won't mind me being so brash...may I ask why you don't care for me, Millie?"

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago • edited

Lewis couldn't help but smile fondly himself at Helen's subtle gesture.

It was with a smile of encouragement and a dip of his head that he turned to Millie.

"'Tis alright. Go ahead."

((MillieGriffin ))

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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

Millie was still hesitant despite the encouragement from Weir.

"I... I'm still not sure I really want to though. Since the day before yesterday was the catalyst of why I'm not happy with you, I have a feeling that you'll have plenty of exusses to explain everything away, one of the biggest ones that you've already said is 'everyone was stressed and on edge that day', and so on and so forth, and I don't need someone to invalidate my reasons for being angry. I can do that myself." Millie finally said letting her fourhead rest on her fingers tips as she stared down at the table rather than either of them.

(Helen Jekyll)

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Helen Jekyll  MillieGriffin • 7 months ago

"I...never said that," returned Helen, sounding rather surprised and a touch hurt by the insinuation, "But if that is what you think of me and how you think I'd respond, then I understand why you're not fond of me."

Her shoulders had sunken forward slightly as she'd spoken and she swallowed now, taking a breath as she straightened again.

"Even if... you don't wish to hear my response to your thoughts, it... would be very helpful for you to share them. I won't be able to make any adjustments on my part if I don't know what bothers you."

She sought to meet and hold Millie's gaze, still yet to completely shake the emotion that had overcome her.

"Would you be alright with doing that much, for the sake of working through this?"

((Jekyll1886 ))

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

"I may actually have said people were stressed--though without any aim to invalidate anyone," Weir was quick to relate, a note of apology--to Millie and Helen both--in his tone. "If anything, I was simply saying we're all human--myself included," he revealed with a sheepish shrug, palms upturned. "Still, I'm sorry it came across in a way other than I meant it to," he owned.

"You mentioned it was what happened the day before yesterday that didn't set well with you, Millie--the 'catalyst', I think you said," he remembered.

"What...was it, by the by?" he asked gently.

((MillieGriffin ))

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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago

"Alright..." Millie said with a heavy sigh, "I'll tell you what it is. If you think you can handle it." She added looking at Helen before she turned back and continued, "It was two instances that day, one by Hela and the other by Helen." She turned to look at her again, "so just to clarify, it's not just one side or the other I'm not happy with— it's the whole package."

((Helen Jekyll))

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Helen Jekyll  MillieGriffin • 7 months ago • edited

"I understand," replied Helen with a dip of her head, appearing thoughtful.

"You may proceed as you'd like--I don't believe I will have any trouble digesting what you have to say."

((Jekyll1886))

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

"Go ahead," Weir encouraged.

((MillieGriffin ))

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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago • edited

Millie gave a stiff nod before continuing now looking at Helen.

"The first instance was when I was creating the anti-virus for the red death— you know, to save you from dying? Only to find out at the last minute that you, as Hela, had a heart condition... And you weren't even the one that told me, it had to come from Lewis!" Millie's hand that was resting on the armrest of the loveseat started to cling tenaciously to the edge as she spoke.

"You probably don't know what the proper shortest amount of time is to make a proper virus or anything from my field...Fourteen hours. Fourteen hours is the shortest amount of time to safely make a stable micro-organisms, and I had to do it in under One— just to find out at the very least minute you had a heart condition... And when I asked what kind of condition it was so I'd know whether it would be safe to proceed anyway or if I had to...somehow... find another solution in the last few seconds, what do I get? A toddler tantrum!," She then adopted a whiney mocking tone to exaggerate the reenactment Hela's fit, " 'You don't need to know, just answer the d*mned question before you waste time and I die because of you!'

"Riiiight!", she said sarcastically, "my wanting to know what kind of condition you have to make sure my serum, (which by the way was a genetically altered version of Cobra venom the thickens the blood without damaging the vessels and is harmless in small amounts to people with healthy hearts and was the only solution I had to prolonging you from bleeding out from the red death), and in further extent the rest of my treatment doesn't cause any cardiac arrest and, you know, kill you faster is wasting time and not your hemming and hawing! And it'd be my fault you'd have died, because I somehow made you pick up that mouse and not your stupidity in picking up strange, random animals on a whim!" Millie had to pause to get some breath back.

She then continued but this time looking at Weir, "And you weren't much help either! As much as I don't mind doctor/patient but when I'm the one making the treatment to save her life it is most important that I know in advance if the person I'm treating has any kind of conditions or allergies so I may work around it. I mean that's just basic medical procedure for God sakes! You said, 'Let us know if we can be of any further assistance, no matter how small the task or unusual the request', I presume to relieve stress and make things easier for me? Well between the both of you, not only did you not do that, you made my job twice as hard and ten times as stressful!" Finally she had to stop to catch her breath again

((Helen Jekyll))

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Helen Jekyll  MillieGriffin • 7 months ago • edited

Helen was silent throughout Millie's description of prior events, her expression a simple, unreadable mask of attentiveness.

Then, as Millie paused again for breath, the day-manager spoke very quietly, gaze resting on the Lodger.

"I would appreciate it if you lowered your voice."

((Jekyll1886))

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

"Unaware as I was how the cure worked, I hadn't wished to reveal private medical information unless it were absolutely necessary," stated Lewis. "It was a delicate balancing act.

"Still," he continued, "for whatever stress I've caused either of you, I apologize. Thank you for making me aware of my part in it. Now that I know, I can seek to avoid doing so again in future.

"I do feel it meet to point out there was more than one person throwing a tantrum that day, and that Hela couldn't have known the mouse was infected--Ez simply should have taken better precautions. I do appreciate all you've done, Millie. Just as I appreciate Ez and your uncle's help in tracking down the source of the virus. Just as I hope the co-founders appreciate all our efforts in this endeavor--the ways of science can be rather difficult going, sometimes.

"My only regret is that we weren't all of us kind to each other in the heat of the moment. Understandable, as I've said, though I seek to make no excuses.

"This, now, is our chance to treat each other better while calmly voicing our concerns." A sagacious dip of his head. "Let's do so."

((MillieGriffin ))

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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 7 months ago • edited

Millie's eye twitched and her hands curled into fists when Helen said that and she spoke just as quickly.

"You're the ones pushing for emotional openness or whatever the smeg, and that's what you're getting. So excuse me if I'm getting a little loud to your liking, as I rant to you on how you're p*ssing me off."

Then weir spoke.

"I don't deny my own fit then, but it was only after hers and— oh my God..."

((Helen Jekyll))

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Helen Jekyll  MillieGriffin • 7 months ago

"One can voice their thoughts and emotions honestly without raising their voice," Helen replied, her volume and pace of speech remaining steady and calm as she held Millie's gaze, "And I would be very grateful if you made an effort to do so."

"This is meant to be a civil conversation, after all," She continued with a nod to Millie. "There's no need to exacerbate matters further."

((Jekyll1886))

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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 7 months ago

"I do appreciate your candor, Millie," replied Lewis. "'Tis good to get these matters out in the open, that we might remedy them.

"What I'm hearing is that both the way Hela spoke to you and the withholding of information were not things you cared for. Just as, for my part, I didn't care for either you or Hela to address each other in such an unkind manner--even as I bear well in mind that it was a most extenuating situation. Please understand this is no criticism, merely an objective assessment of how such actions affected me internally. Now that we know of these things, we can seek to avoid repeating them in future. One thing Helen would appreciate your avoiding in future is a raised voice. So, now we know that as well.

"Please know I care immensely for each of you," he emphasized in earnest. "It wounds me deeply to know I've hurt either of you, or to know you've hurt each other. That's why I'm glad we're all addressing these issues now."

"So..." he went on, "that makes three things we should all of us endeavor to remember." He ticked them off on his fingers as he spoke. "Not to withhold medically necessary information, not to speak to each other with disrespect, and not to raise our voices. I understand there is something Helen did as well that you didn't care for, Millie, so that will likely make a fourth thing.

"I, for one, will seek to bear these matters well in mind and alter my behavior accordingly, out of care for you both as well as the continued well-being of the Society.

"Please, Millie, Helen...and Hela...will you do likewise?" he asked, looking like nothing so much as a pleading puppy with love in its heart.

((MillieGriffin ))

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