Roleplaying for P. 181

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Roleplaying for P. 181
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Jekyll1886
Jekyll1886 
@jekyll1886 5 months ago
The weekly roleplaying page!
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Wizardblizzard • 5 months ago
((Jekyll1886 Reposting the letters RP. Millie says skip her turn this time and you go next please.))
Wizardblizzard Jekyll1886 • 2 days ago
"Me too." Isabella nodded several times and gave Millie what was probably meant as an encouraging look. She'd never been very good at knowing what to say about this kind of thing.
She added suddenly, "I'll miss them."
MillieGriffin Wizardblizzard • 2 days ago
Millie didn't meet either of their gaze, instead looking at her feet.
A small bitter chuckle came out of her, "Wish I met them sooner..."
She then looked up at Weir,, "Thank you, Lewis."
Jekyll1886 MillieGriffin • 2 days ago
Lewis nodded in agreement with Isabella.
"So do I," he seconded Millie's sentiment.
"Anytime," he replied to her thanks.
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Wizardblizzard  Wizardblizzard • 5 months ago
"Thank you too. I'm sorry I was so paranoid. I was brought up on a lot of fairy stories," she says wryly. "Not all the sixpence-for-good-kiddies kind, more the seven-hundred-knights-from-under-the-hill kind."
"I never really understood what was going on," she said, looking rather guilty. "Until nearly the end, I didn't really understand what was going on, it all seemed like an adventure. If anything, I was annoyed with them for worrying her -the other me - by talking double-Dutch. And then after I found that letter, as I say, I was too worried about whether I'd done something dangerous to think much about anything else. As I say, paranoid. So I didn't really..." She looks at her boots. Then she looked up again, struck by an idea.
"I've just remembered. Can you by any chance shed any light on that cryptic script in my letter?"
She took the letter from her pocket, looked at it again, then folded it up again before offering it to Lewis.
((Jekyll1886))
((Middle part of letter concealed for the sake of Isabella's modesty. Top part concealed for the sake of Lewis's nerves. Feel free to unfold one or both anyway or not as you prefer...))
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Jekyll1886  Wizardblizzard • 5 months ago
Lewis carefully looked over the letter, searching for the script in question.
His expression turned from surprise to utter befuddlement as he found it.
He turned the letter this way and that as he peered at the odd markings, as if the motions would somehow render them more readily comprehensible.
"I'm sorry," he apologized at last with a shake of his head as he handed the piece of paper back to Isabella. "Whatever that is, 'tis wondrous strange. Please do let me know if you should happen to puzzle out what--if anything--it says."
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Jekyll1886  Wizardblizzard • 5 months ago
((According to this reposting, Wiz, I've just gone, meaning it's now your turn.))
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Wizardblizzard  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
((Oops, yes, I've reposted it wrongly. Missing part added.))
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MillieGriffin • 5 months ago
((I thought we could do the drinking RP with Lewis and Griffin here.))
In the late evening Griffin had been making his own drinking alcohol from the recipes he developed during his early gangster year's in his home dimension. Around the distiller he set up were crates of moonshine and beer of his creation. He was sat in his arm chair listening to some music on his mobile and measuring the proof of the fruits of his labor when he heard a knock on his door.
(Jekyll1886)
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago
(('Sounds good! ^_^ This'll need to take place before the Valentine's RP and the Big Plot Magnet has going, since those two happen so close together and I don't know how the latter resolves yet.))
"Griffin?" said Lewis through the door. "Have you a moment?"
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Upon hearing Lewis's voice he got up from his chair and answered the door.
"What is it Weir?" He asked flatly.
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago
"The last portion of the next batch of product is complete--a day early, no less," Lewis informed him.
The odd music and the smell of distilled booze were enough to pique Weir's curiosity.
"By the by, what is that?" he asked as he cocked his head at the small source of the sounds.
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago • edited
"Ah, good." He said to the report with satisfied air to him.
At Weir's question over his shoulder to where Weir was looking before answering.
"You've seen that thing before, that's my mobile." As he said that the A Cab Calloway song it was playing came to an end and a Louis Armstrong song started up. "I suppose you didn't get to hear jazz music in India after the war? I'm just having a little ambiance for something I'd do— from back in the day."
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago
"Ah, is that what that is? I see--er, hear," Lewis corrected himself with a little chuckle.
"Making hooch?" he surmised as he took in the sight of the stills. "I'm familiar with that aspect of the Jazz Age, at least. 'Didn't know what America was thinking when I read about it adopting Prohibition."
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago • edited
Griffin nodded to Weir's guess before letting out a chuckle.
"Aheheheh, Hell if I know. I wasn't complaining though, when I read about that I saw a great business opportunity jumped on it."he said in a laxed tone chuckled again, "I hope it comes to this America to be honest."
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago
"That would be quite the opportunity," Lewis agreed. "'Brushing up on making your product just in case, then?"
He took a moment to inhale the aromas.
"It smells decent enough, at least. How's the taste?"
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Griffin made a so-so gesture at Weir's first question. That was a good reason for taking up the practice again but it was also more for (though Griffin wouldn't admit it) the nostalgia of it.
At Weir's second question—
"It as smooth and crisp as spring water," Griffin bragged with the up most confidences. He took a moment to consider letting Weir in for a drink, but at this point he'd grown a bit more comfortable around him that he didn't see the harm in it.
"You don't have to take my word for it, if you want..."he said stepping aside for Weir.
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago
"'Don't mind if I do," accepted Lewis as he came in. He was honestly curious how Griffin's efforts had turned out.
"This must be beer," Weir remarked. "And is this other...some type of grain alcohol?"
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
"Yep." He said as he shut the door behind him.
"The beer's actually made with the ginger from that spice shop so it has a bit of a bite to it." He picked out a bottle that had an '87 proof' written on it from one of the crates and set it on the table "You want to try the beer first? Or do you want to go straight to the strong stuff?" As he asked that he pulled out another bottle that had a '199 proof' written on it and set it next to the other bottle.
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago • edited
"Ah, excellent!" enthused Lewis as he took a seat. "I've not had a good ginger-tinged beer since...well, it's been awhile," he laughed, having lost track of exactly how long ago it was. "I'll start with that."
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
He uncorked the first bottle and pored half of it into a fairly clean looking Glass and handed it to Weir.
He held up the bottle a moment as if to make a silent informal toast then took a swig.
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago • edited
Lewis did likewise with the glass of beer.
He swallowed.
Took another swig.
And a third.
"Damn, Griffin," he pronounced as he broke into a grin, "that's some bloody good beer!"
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago • edited
"Of course it is." He said confidently after he finished his swing which already nearly drained the bottle, "Wouldn't be good for business if it tastes like it came from Australia."
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Pyrogue  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago
(( Hey! There's nothing wrong with beer from Australia! We make it just as well as you folk do, thank you very much :D ))
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Jekyll1886  Pyrogue • 5 months ago
((I like Australian beer perfectly well, myself. I do think beer from Australia that had made it all the way to London in the late 1800s might not taste so great, though, given the long journey and the heat.))
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MillieGriffin  Pyrogue • 5 months ago
((sorry that's not really my opinion that's Griffin's! XDX
To be honest I don't like beer in general, I'm a cider person.))
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago • edited
"Fair enough," said Lewis with a chortle. Beer that tasted as if it'd come from the far side of the world on a long, hot voyage wouldn't sell well at all.
He took another pull at his beer, then looked at the other bottle Griffin had set out.
"Shall we try that rectified spirit now?" suggested Weir before finishing his glass. The beer--if one could call it that--was eighty-seven proof. The bottle of one hundred ninety-nine-proof liquid held promise--if the taste was neutral or decent.
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
After Griffin drank the last of his beer he uncorked the other bottle and poured Weir a glass.
The liquor that poured out was as clear as filtered water after stopped the surface was as still as a mirrored lake, not a bobble to be seen.
He repeated the same silent toast as last time and took a swing.
Like he said it was crisp and went down smoothly, as soon as it hits his stomach it started to grow warmer and warmer there like there was a growing flame in his belly.
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago • edited
Lewis sipped his.
For the proof that it was, the alcohol shouldn't have gone down nearly so smoothly, in his opinion. The beer, yes. The rectified spirit, no. The chemist in him wondered if it really were one-hundred-ninety-nine proof, given the limits of the distillation process, but the practical side decided to let the matter rest. The spirit was quite strong regardless, with a flavor at once crisp and neutral, which was definitely a desirable thing if it were to be used come Prohibition--it could be put into any type of drink and easily lend it strength without altering the flavor. He could see how Griffin had made a good living for himself during that era, between this and the positively wonderful beer.
"This is certainly potent stuff, Griffin. No wonder you made a killing back then--er, in the future," he corrected himself. Time and dimensional travel made for strange phrasings. "This has got to be the most efficiently concentrated booze the rum-runners could hope to run," he finished with a smile.
Good business sense, that one.
He wondered briefly how it and the beer would mix.
"Have you ever combined it with that ginger-infused beer?"
It'd give it quite the kick.
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Griffin soaked up the praise like a sponge, his ego only swelled more from it.
When Weir suggested mixing the drinks the grin on his face grew even wider.
"Not with this batch,yet."
He pulled out another bottle of beer and another tall glass.
He poured his rectified spirit up to the half way point and filled the rest of glass with the beer before handing the bottle to Weir.
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago
Lewis poured his glass of spirit into the beer bottle, achieving the same ratio as Griffin's glass.
"Bottoms up," he toasted, and tried the drink.
That'll do it.
He'd soon finished half the bottle, and had to make a conscious effort to keep himself from draining the entire thing at one go.
A burp followed, though he put a hand to his mouth to cover it.
"Pardon," he said with a laugh.
"I daresay you've a winner here," he declared as he shot Griffin a smile.
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Griffin didn't show nearly as much restraint with his drink, draining the whole thing to the bottom and letting out a satisfied sigh.
"Sure beats the hell out of going out and buying a drink."
He then pulled up a chair and started making another concoction.
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago
"Indeed," agreed Lewis.
Seeing Griffin's abandon, Weir wagered it wouldn't be too out of place to go on and finish the bottle, so he promptly did.
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
After Griffin finished making another concoction he put the two half empty bottle in the middle of the table. Suddenly a spark of competitiveness flickered in his brain.
"So how many of these do you think you can handle?" He asked with a wicked grin.
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago
Lewis chuckled.
"How many do you have?" he replied with a mischievous glint in his eyes, grin skewed to the left side of his face.
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
"Aheh, more than I will take I bet." 
Griffin said, now that competitive spark turned to a small flame, fanned by determination.
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago
"Well then," returned Lewis playfully, "I suppose I'll just have to help you drink up the excess."
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Now with a determined gleamed in his eyes, Griffin refilled Weir's glass with another concoction, same as his.
He took up his own glass, "And so we being." He said not really caring to think of a better way toast before knocking his drink back.
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago
"Aye," Weir heartily agreed with a brief, strong nod before doing the same to his own.
He set the glass down empty.
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Seeing both their tall glasses empty Griffin grabbed another two bottles with one hand and refilled both the glasses before setting the two bottles with the other five emptys.
He then knocked his back like the last.
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago
Lewis downed his at the same time, putting them at seven bottles gone already by the time he set his glass down.
He hadn't intended to drink this much tonight, but--by God!--he wasn't going to knock it.
He seemed quite a bit more relaxed.
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago • edited
Just then Benny Goodman's 'sing sing sing' started playing on Griffin's phone as another pair of bottles we're emptied by the two, then another pair was emptied, then another, and another, and another. As the drinking went on the pile of empty bottles grew more and more.
((Here's the song in reference
))
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago • edited
Lewis couldn't help but think at least one man ought to be singing, "Drink drink drink", given the occasion, and said as much.
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago • edited
"It's kind of ironic that a completely instrumental song like that is called 'sing sing sing', isn't it? There's no singing in the song, the title's a bloody lie." Griffin thought out loud drinking yet another concoction.
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago • edited
"Aye, 'tis," agreed Lewis, who'd read the title of the piece on Griffin's somehow-still-working phone. Weir chose not to ask about the latter--for all he knew, Griffin might've worked something out with Mr. Tweedy, and it really wasn't his business.
"Perhaps it's an early, impromptu form of kara-oke," Lewis half-joked with a chortle. The way he said the word sounded distinctly Japanese. "An invitation for the creative listener to supply his own words."
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago • edited
"Aheheh, what kinda lyrics could go with that?"he asked, amussedam the thought.
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago • edited
"Hmm..." Weir considered as he listened.
Building on his earlier thought of it being called "Drink, Drink, Drink," he spun out some rhyming lyrics about a young man going out on the town, trying to make some headway with the ladies, getting roaring drunk to the point of starting a row, and getting tossed out on his arse--only to repeat the experience at club after club, the pace growing increasingly frenetic along with the tempo of the song. At the final crescendo and ending note, Lewis related said man taking a step in the street to go to one last club, only to fall down, passed out.
"Something like that," said Weir with a shrug and a smile once the music was over.
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Griffin listened to Weir's impromptu lyrics while he drank. He chuckled a little at the part about the young man getting tossed out on his arse but other than that he wasn't too impressed.
"I wouldn't quit my job to be a song writer if I was you." He commented.
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago
"Good thing I'm not, then."
Weir polished off his glass.
"You're welcome to do better if you can."
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago • edited
"Well, let's see what comes on next."he said while refilling his drink.
The next song that started playing was the Charleston.
"Aww F#ck no!" He said before getting up and changing the song on his phone.
"Eh, I'm not much of a poet myself." He grumbled as he sat back down.
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago
Lewis filled his as well.
"Aye. We're scientists, both," he acknowledged as he raised his glass in a toast. "Long may we be."
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
"Aye!" Griffin agreed raising his glass with Weir before chugging it down. A small belch escaped him but he tried to hide it under a cough behind his hand.
"How're you holding up so far?" He asked quizzically.
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago
Lewis drained his glass.
"I certainly feel better than I did when I walked in!" he chortled with a relaxed smile that bordered on goofy.
"You?"
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Griffin laughed a bark of a laugh, "Not doing too bad over here either!"
He poured them both another drink.
"Certainly feel a lot more sociable than before you walked in, Heh!"
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago
"Heh. Likewise," returned Lewis.
"Cheers to social drinking," he said with a smile as he lifted his glass to clink it with Griffin's.
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
"Yeah!"
Their glasses clinked in unison, the fome of the drinks started to spill over a little and run down the sides of the glasses. Before chugging it down again,, Griffin scoop the falling fome up from the side of the glass with his finger and licked it off like it was iceing off a cake.
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago
Lewis took the opportunity to sip his, choosing to savor the flavor more now that he was satisfactorily buzzed.
"Thank you for being you," he put in, the thought spilling right out his mouth. "You're...sensible."
A chuckle.
"And you make a damn fine drink."
He took another swig.
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
"Aheh, of course I am— and do!" He arrogantly replied and poured another drink.
"You're pretty sensible too..." He only took a swig, "A hell of a lot more sensible then most people I've come across."
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago
"Tell me about it," said Lewis with a laugh that was part jolly, part rueful. "When did common sense become so rare?"
He shook his head, thinking of the utter senselessness of one man in particular.
Thank the stars this Griffin's such a far cry from Hawley!
Having a sensible business partner was nothing to sneeze at.
Given time, Weir wagered, he and Millie's uncle might just wind up true comrades--perhaps even friends, if he was the type to make them.
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MillieGriffin  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
"I'll be honest, I don't think common people had it to begin with," he took another swig, "I used to think that it was like livestock, the more people become more stupid an' docile but no, just dumb from the start! And gitten' dumber with time I swear."
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Jekyll1886  MillieGriffin • 5 months ago
"Indeed!" agreed Lewis after another swig. "Take dumb stock and further domesticate it, and it's bound to happen, I suppose. Right irritating to deal with, but at least it makes them easier to manipulate."
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Mz.Hyde Mod • 5 months ago
OH MY GODDD last week's page was so gay that it broke Disqus!! XDDD
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Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
((The Fox Continuation of Callum's and Weir's trip to the Regent's Park zoo.))
The Fox Jekyll1886 • 4 days ago
" Aye, and there isn't anything I can do but act right. "
Callum paused before bumping up against Weir.
" But don't think you and I won't get on cause of it.
I promise you, if you ever want to hang round Through, I'll be there to keep the sh*theads off you. "
He laughed.
" Hell! You, me, Ned, maybe even your cat!
We'll go kick up dust and fur and cruise round with blood rain. "
Jekyll1886 The Fox • 4 days ago
"I appreciate that, Callum," returned Lewis, not having expected it, the look on his face more open as he broke into a smile that seemed grateful and fond.
His gaze unfocused and brow furrowed as he ran the logistics through his mind. From his expression, it could easily be conjectured he was considering what gathering such a motley group together would entail, how its members might interact and get along--or fail to--as well as how they might be received in Through, and what might happen there.
"I think...I may have to decline on Malemi's behalf, given his...status, as it were," he concluded reluctantly.
"As for myself..." he continued with a hint of embarrassment, "I've people who'll worry themselves sick if I go." A sigh.
"Still," he said, meeting the Host's gaze, "I really do appreciate the offer. I'm sorry the lot of us can't go, but I do believe Ned would get a kick out of it, if you'd be alright with that."
Weir glanced down as he thought a moment.
"Hm. Might lend him my walking stick," he seemed to reflect aloud.
He looked to Callum.
"If you think that would be fine to carry through Through."
see more
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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Callum shook his head when Lewis said he wouldn't go, disappointed.
" It ain't like your the one's that's banished... "
He perked up though at the mention of Ned joining in.
" Many don't take kindly to weapons or human things. That's one of the things I'm tasked with looking out for. I've taken a few blades to the ribs sniffing people over."
A laugh.
" I suppose what I'm saying is that it's better he not. Don't want to start sh*t, especially with things being so f*cked down there. "
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 5 months ago
"Ah, thanks for the warning, then," said Lewis, eyebrows lifting in surprise. "I had no idea.
He turned thoughtful.
"Will they object to his being...'human', I suppose you could say? What I mean is, he's no Beast in the proper sense, nor Host--he's more...just...Ned." He really didn't know how to phrase it.
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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago • edited
" 'Beast in a proper sense...' "
Callum couldn't help but chuckle.
" Ned sure has some f*cking nerve saying that.
Yeah, they pitch a damn fit if a human manages to find their way into Through, though it's just as much a fit as it is a competition.
He's going to be with me though, and they know me well enough. "
He stuck his thumb to his chest.
" Besides, I wouldn't invite him if I didn't think he could manage. I can rough him up a bit though, if you want me too. If he can't deal with me then it's off somewhere else...
That sound good? "
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 5 months ago • edited
As if you lot were so very special, came the momentary thought, there and then gone.
"I don't think that will be necessary, though I appreciate the offer," returned Lewis with a genial smile. "I trust you with him, and him with you."
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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago • edited
" Alright then, next night's on me! "
He showed off some fang in a wide grin and he went to say something but his attention was suddenly taken by something far off. The Host stood ready for action, turning his head, listening to a silent command.
" Ah, duty calls. "
Breaking his attention for a moment, he nodded at Lewis.
" Thanks for the day off. It was fun.
You know when I might see Ned again? "
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 5 months ago
"'Glad you enjoyed it," returned Lewis.
Callum inquired about "Ned".
"Not in particular," replied Weir, "but he frequents the pub where you met him often enough. Drop by some night, and he might be there."
He waved goodbye to the Host.
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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago • edited
" Right. Figured. "
He shrugged then stretched his arms.
" I'll take my leave then, since I don't need to escort you home. "
Callum turned and gave a playful wink.
" Keep Malemi from getting worked up.
See you later Doctor. "
With that, he took his leave, waving back and trotting out of sight to his Master's call.
When he was out of sight, his trot went into a speeding run. Without a thought, he faded into his Orin's domain and raced on into the distance with fur already breaking out like dark fires.
This was big, really big, Callum could feel it, but it wasn't something he was ill-equipped for. If anything, he was itching for this.
Eager to serve, he tore through the soft earth with ready claws and buzzing mind and hurled himself forward into darkness.
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Jekyll1886  The Fox • 5 months ago
Lewis chuckled.
"Fair enough. Goodbye, Callum."
He watched the Host go, resolved to find some way to free him...someday.
In the meantime, Weir headed home to discuss all he'd learned with Malemi.
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The Fox  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
( And cut! We've done it! We've got Ned and Callum hanging out and went to the zoo! With a little exposition and plot to boot! :DDD )
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Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago • edited
((Helen Jekyll Continuation of the Other Dimension/Other Hela RP. Your turn.))
Helen Jekyll Jekyll1886 • 3 hours ago
Hela was silent for a moment, smile long since faded.
"...I'm glad that the red-head stumbled her way into death," she said, lips briefly curling back to reveal her teeth.
"There are very few things in this world that I would consider wrong. The invasion of someone's thoughts and mind... that is most definitely one of them."
Jekyll1886 Helen Jekyll • 3 hours ago
"She didn't seem to be doing it on purpose--but, as for invading one's thoughts, I must agree.
"I once had the misfortune of encountering a vampire who could do that--and kept choosing to do so, even when I expressed my distress. Not even counting down cards in my head worked against it, whereas that tactic did work with Alicia.
"'Ran into a godling in a certain dimension who could do it, too. 'Hated that--likely as much as you hate the demons and devils in this one."
He shook his head.
"I suppose every realm has its bastards, no matter their form."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Hela exhaled in a huff at hearing of yet more horrid creatures like the ones that had tormented her.
"It's a right shame we can't kill the lot of them, eh?"
She glanced to where her knife lay on the floor, but made no move to pick it up, figuring it would be best to appear as nonthreatening as possible until Lewis left.
"They're always the ones nearly entirely immune to death."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
"Aye," he agreed. "'Tis."
He checked to see if the waistcoat was dry.
Satisfied that it was, he slipped it on and buttoned it.
"That's better," he pronounced.
"I'll just say my goodbyes and leave, then, shall I?" he asked rhetorically as he headed up the stairs to find the twins.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
"Nothing would give me greater pleasure," returned Hela with a grin wide with relief, eager to see him go.
The twins' energy was coming from their shared room, but from an odd position--both were pressed into the corner furthest and to the right of the door, which would place them beneath one of the beds, if none of the furniture had been moved.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
He rapped lightly upon the door.
"Des? Maxi?" he said rather than called, aware their hearing was better than average.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
There was hushed whispering, then the sound of Des shushing her brother before the room was silent again.
Neither made any move to leave the corner and open the door.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
Oh, dear. I do hope they're not afraid, but...given what happened...
"Sorry to disturb you," Weir said through the door.
"I've eaten now--apologies about the ruckus earlier," he added in a sheepish tone.
"I've come to ask you something."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
The silence continued for several moments, then...
"What?" said Desdemona warily, only just loud enough to hear clearly from her hiding spot.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
"Would you like to leave this place?" he whispered. "I'm going home now. Nyx is there. So is a friend of mine, Charricthran, who knows quite a bit about vampires and, I think, would be able to look after you if Nyx were ever busy. You're welcome to come with me."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
"Auntie Nyx?" came a hopeful voice as Maxi found his way out from under the bed to open the door, despite his sister's protests.
"I want to go see Auntie!" he said in what was closer to a stage whisper than any semblance of real quiet, grinning up at Lewis.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
Lewis extended his hand down for Maxi to take if he so desired.
Weir couldn't help but chuckle at the lad's enthusiasm.
"Well," said Lewis with an adoring smile, "I'd be happy to take you to her."
He looked to Des.
"May I come in?" he more asked her than her brother.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Nodding eagerly, Maximus took his hand and tugged for him to enter.
His sister, however, wasn't as enthusiastic, scowling as she hugged her knees to her chest and rested her chin atop them.
"Yeah," she relented begrudgingly at last, and Maxi practically squealed in delight.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
"Thank you."
With her permission, Lewis entered.
After shutting the door behind him, he took a seat on the other bed, opposite Des.
"As I mentioned, I'd be happy to take you both to Nyx, who currently resides in my dimension. I do have one condition if we do go there, though: Don't tell anyone I'm...well, that I have a Hyde and can take on other forms. Most people there don't know, and I'd prefer to keep it that way. I've built a life for myself, and don't wish to ruin it. People might think very bad things of me if they knew. I have a reliable schedule there, so I eat regular meals and can avoid losing control the, er...the way I did downstairs--again, apologies for that.
"What do you say?"
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Maximus came to sit beside Weir and looked up to him, a slight tilt to his head.
"I'm good with promises!" he said, clearly keen on the idea.
He climbed onto his knees, then held out his pinkie finger, still smiling.
Desdemona slowly came out from under the bed and said nothing as she stood in the space between furniture.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
With a laugh, Lewis hooked his little finger with Maxi's.
"That's wonderful," Weir said with a nod and a smile. "I'm certain I can count on you."
Once they'd broken contact, he addressed Desdemona.
"I...can understand if you're hesitant," admitted Lewis. "You are welcome to stay here if you prefer, naturally. But I don't think it would be wise to separate the two of you from each other, in either case."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
The boy giggled and appeared rather pleased at Lewis' response, sitting back to watch his sister.
Des took a moment to look around their shared room, gaze lingering on a crack in the wall here or an unidentifiable stain there.
"I want to go," she mumbled at last, stepping towards Weir with her eyes downcast.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
"Very well," replied Lewis.
"Oh," he said as the thought struck him, "there is one last thing you should know so that you aren't shocked, should you see her: There is a Helen as well as a Hela in the dimension where we're going, but, please, don't be alarmed--they're reasonable people who will not harm you. Things are very different there than they are here. Helen and Hela even live among many other people and get along with them. Helen is the day manager at the Society for Arcane Sciences, where they live, and Hela takes good care of her pet animals, whom she loves.
"Alright?"
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
The twins both looked at him with a rather curious expression on their faces, as if what he was describing sounded more fantasy than reality.
However, once he'd finished, they each nodded their understanding, Maxi giving a hopeful smile while Des was more inclined to avoid eye contact.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
"Very good," said Lewis with a smile.
"Come along, then."
He opened the door, fully intending to lead them downstairs and out of the house.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Maximus slid off the bed and, after taking his sisters hand, led the way out of their cramped bedroom--there was no need to stop and grab anything, as they had nothing but the clothes they wore and one another from their time living there.
Once in the hallway, Maxi stopped and held up his free hand for Lewis to hold, eager to get going, while Des simply seemed to be reluctantly following her brother's lead.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
Lewis took Maxi's hand and, together, the three descended the steps.
"Goodbye, Hela," Weir bade her as they made their way toward the front door. "Fare well, for what it's worth."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Hela couldn't help but raise an eyebrow at his leaving with the twins both in hand, wondering if he'd forgotten her request for him not to take them or simply didn't care.
No matter what it was, she wasn't going to stop him now that he was finally leaving, and raised a hand in a lazy wave.
"It's been an interesting time, Lewis--get home to your own dimension soon for me, and stay out of any of the boring sort of trouble."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
He guffawed at that.
"Enjoy a night's rest without having to move furniture," he said with a slyish--almost conspiratorial--glance over his shoulder as he opened the door for the twins.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
With a snort, Hela shot him a playful and vexed look that seemed to say 'Oh, shut up', snatching one of the seat cushions from a dining chair as if to throw it at him.
"Goodbye," she called loudly, holding her stuffed weapon at the ready.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
"Ta-ta," he called back, then shut the door behind them.
He went down the steps with the twins, walked down the street with them, and led them into a deserted alley.
"We're going to go to the Society's dimension now," he pronounced. "You'll need to hold on tight to me and close your eyes," he advised, offering his free hand to Desdemona. "I'll try to put us near Nyx."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Desdemona shied away from Weir before reluctantly taking his hand and glancing to Maxi who simply couldn't stop grinning with excitement.
The two siblings exchanged looks, then, at the same time, squeezed their eyes tightly shut.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
The next thing they knew, the two children and Lewis suddenly popped out of Nyx's shadow.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Nyx had set up in her bedroom with a light behind her, wings spread through a pair of openings she'd cut into the back of her shirt, and was in the process of preening her feathers when a flash of motion caught her eye.
She turned her head with a jerk, expression hard as she snapped her wings into a folded position against her back, only to blink in surprise as the sight of them registered.
"....Maxi? Des?" she asked softly, as if they may just vanish as quickly as they came if she was too loud.
Maximus had been scrunching up his entire face in order to keep his eyes closed but, at the sound of a familiar voice, he couldn't help but peek
"Auntie Nyx!" he exclaimed at the sight of her, beaming as he rushed forward for a hug.
Desdemona seemed suddenly terribly shy after seeing their soon to be caretaker, doing what she could to stay at least partially out of sight.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
Lewis found himself standing on Nyx's bed, twins in hand.
He let go of Maxi's as the boy rushed over to his guardian, but gave Desdemona's a small, reassuring squeeze, as if to say things were alright.
"Hello, Nyx," Weir greeted her, seeming a bit apologetic at their sudden appearance. "'Brought you someones."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Nyx wrapped arms and wings both around the first of the twins, squeezing him tightly before reaching in invitation for his sister to join with a tender, encouraging smile.
Des remained uncertain, but soon found herself joining the feathery embrace regardless, snuggling in alongside her brother.
Only once both children were nested safely against her did the woman look up from her new charges to give Lewis a watery smile, absolutely overjoyed.
"I...thank you, so much for bringing them here, I... I don't know how I can ever repay you."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago • edited
Lewis took the embrace as an opportunity to step off the bed, giving the trio some space.
Nyx spoke.
He returned her smile with a fond one.
"I'd settle for seein' 'em from time to time," he said with a shrug. "A friend o' mine, too, if that's alright."
A stray thought occurred, a worrisome "just in case" scenario.
"And..." he added quietly, looking a little embarrassed, "if they should ever...happen to tell you a certain secret," he locked eyes with her, his gaze quietly pleading, "...don't let it spread to anyone else. That's all I ask."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago • edited
Nyx held his gaze for several moments, then nodded once.
"Even if they share it, it will remain between you, me, and the children," she vowed with utter sincerity, a bit of fellowship in her slight smile.
"As for visitors, I'd be happy to let you come by when the kids are willing, though I..."
Her tone shifted to something a little more practical.
"...will have to meet this friend of yours before then."
The look in her eyes said that, though she was grateful for what he'd done, it would not change her stance on ensuring the twins would be safe.
"I hope that isn't offensive to either of you."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
Lewis let out a breath in relief at her agreement to keep the secret, smiling in turn.
She spoke further.
"Not at all," he readily assented. "You may have seen him round the Society on occasion--about yea high," he held out his hand parallel to the ground, at the appropriate height, "raven hair, red eyes. His name's Charricthran."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Recognition flickered in her eyes and her expression softened again.
"Oh, I know Charricthran--he's a friend of mine as well."
She shifted her grip on the twins to ruffle both Maxi's and Des' hair, letting out a fond exhale.
"He's perfectly welcome to come meet the kids sometime."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
"Oh," remarked Lewis in surprise. "I didn't know you knew each other. That's dandy," he said with a relieved smile.
He wagered he ought to go on and make his presence known to Helen--or Hela, as the case might be.
"By the by," he asked, "do you have the time? I'm afraid I'm a wee bit disoriented, what with the dimensional travel and all," he admitted.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
"Nearly dinner, I think--" she answered, glancing to a small timepiece on the nightstand. "It's a little past four o'clock."
There was a moment of quiet as the full weight of the situation seemed to finally dawn on her.
"I'm.... going to need to figure out how I'm going to care for these two, I don't have anything for them to drink."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
"Well," mentioned Lewis, "it may not be the most palatable option, but there are several abattoirs in London.
"Barring that," he broached the idea with a trace of hesitation, "I...fancy some of the city's working poor might choose to make a...voluntary donation in exchange for...well, proper compensation, whatever that may be."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
At his first suggestion, Nyx shook her head.
"They can't have too much animal blood, it can make them sick."
She considered the second for awhile longer.
"I don't have any money, but maybe if I found a job somewhere, I'd be able to pay them..."
She exhaled heavily to relieve the stress beginning to creep in, then smiled at Lewis.
"I'm sure I'll be able to find some way to handle it--thank you again for bringing them to me."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
"If nothing else, you or I might ask Charricthran about it," suggested Lewis. "He tends to have connections of a more...unusual nature than most."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
"That he does," she agreed softly, recalling the time she'd spent with him in another dimension.
"I'll probably see if I can find him, then, to ask if he can help us get through the next few days, at least...or if you catch him first, I'd appreciate you sending him my way."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
"Will do," replied Lewis. "I'm confident the three of us can resolve the situation somehow."
Remembering the time she'd given, he silently wondered how many days had passed, and how worried Helen and Hela might be.
"That said, I probably should be going now. The sooner I do, the sooner I can find him."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
"Right, of course."
Slowly, she pulled back her wings to unwrap the twins.
"Do you two want to say goodbye?" she asked, looking down at the pair.
After a quick nod, Maxi climbed down and ran to hug Lewis' leg, smiling up at him. "Bye!"
Meanwhile, Des simply waved quietly from her spot in Nyx's lap.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
Lewis stroked the lad's hair and gave he a brief squeeze round the shoulders.
"'Bye, Maxi."
He waved back to Desdemona.
"Goodbye, Des.
"You two be good for your Auntie Nyx," he encouraged with a smile.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
"I will!" Maximus promised, somewhat reluctantly releasing Weir to rejoin Nyx and Des on the bed.
Desdemona nodded and, for a moment, there was the barest flicker of a smile in return when her brother clambered back up beside her.
"I'll see you around, Dr. Weir," Nyx said with a smile of her own, her gratitude yet to fade.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
Weir's smile broadened a little further at that.
"Likewise," he replied to Nyx with a nod of his head.
He let himself out, and closed the door behind.
Charricthran, he thought-spoke to his friend, have you a moment?
((Tairais ))
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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago • edited
He gave a friendly wave to the new Seneschal of the Winter Court as he left their office, slipping between the overlapping shadows of a bookcase and a stand of ornate leather armor that hadn't seen practical use since before he'd arrived in this world.
Better to be in The Other for things like this--there were bound to be others drawing him into meetings if word got around he'd been visiting Alder.
For you? Always. What's shakin', Weirmrith?
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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 5 months ago • edited
I've just come from speaking with Nyx--she mentioned you're friends. There's a wee little problem involving two half-vampiric twins and the fact they'll need human blood for sustenance. She has no job and no money, but they really are rather darling children, and I wondered if perhaps you might have a suggestion or a connection that might help. At any rate, she's eager to speak with you.
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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago • edited
Charricthran blinked once and owlishly, as if he'd just witnessed several bookshelves falling like dominoes and was left to figure out what to do next.
Well, tha's a familiar problem. I do happen ta know o' a particularly clanking solution tha's fairly local... an' failin' him for one reason or another, I've a few other favors I could call on, for sure.
A beat.
She fancy a chatter sooner, or later? Jus' so I know how much time ta give her a'fore I pop over.
(Memory swam after memory in dizzying circles, the face of every child he'd ever cared for as a guardian and sibling both flashing through his mind like a kaleidoscope.)
(Richard. Benediktas. Wes. Rune. Shrio. Gaius. Violet. Calliope. Countless others, such precious and beloved souls.
And of course, his own danthe-kornari, whose motherly nature had made him an uncle by association. He and Keldra had never been able to fault her for it.)
(Yes, he would help. It was as inevitable as darkness.)
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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 5 months ago
If, by that, you mean Richard, would he be willing? I don't wish to put anything on him that would be detrimental to his mental health, yet the children are in need--or soon will be.
I suggested Nyx simply pay some denizens of the East End for voluntary donations of the hematic variety, but--alas!--as I've said, she's no money.
I told her I'd tell you of the twins' situation when next I spoke with you, but didn't specify when that would be. She and they are in her room at present.
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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
He still hunts. Think it's as much comfort as it is strife for him while he's tryin' ta figure himself out again. Doesnt eat much of anythin' now, though, an' I'd jus' gotten him ta do so regularly...
Concern filled his silence as he trailed off, followed by a quick chuckle as he realized it.
Point bein', he's plenty o' leftovers ta spare, seein' as he went out yesterday. Think it might do him some good ta give meals for someone else, too. I'll chat with her after I chirp at him or figure somethin' else out if he's no' willin'. Sound good?
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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 5 months ago
'Sounds excellent, replied Lewis, relieved.
Thank you, Charricthran.
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Tairais  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago • edited
Never a problem, Weirmrith. Take care!
With that done, Charricthran turned his thoughts to Richard. Richard was surprised at the proposition, but ultimately agreed, with the stipulation that Charricthran ask the children to have good manners while in his company.
Easy enough to ask, and Lewis had called them darling, so.
He listened for the sound of Nyx's shadow, then strolled through The Other until he slipped out of a shadow in the nearby hallway on silent feet.
An almost cheerful knock came on the door to Nyx's room, followed by Charricthran's harsh voice speaking softly.
"Nyx? 'S Charricthran. Lewis said ya wanted ta chat about a thing or two, an' I think I can fair help."
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Helen Jekyll  Tairais • 5 months ago
"Oh, yeah, one minute," she called, muffled shuffling noises coming from within as she had the twins sit together on her bed before opening to door wide for her guest to enter.
"Hey Char, come on in--I wasn't expecting you so soon."
From the way she said it, it was clear she was both relieved and pleasantly surprised that she'd been proven wrong.
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Tairais  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
Habit kept him only a couple of footsteps away from the door, but he entered with a soft sharp-toothed smile towards everyone in the room.
"Live ta pleasantly surprise, me."
He nudged the door shut behind him, knowing full well the walls had ears in this mad building.
That done, he stepped to the side so that he wasn't blocking the door and nodded towards the two kids sitting on the bed.
"Pleasure ta meetcha both. I'm called Charricthran, but you're welcome ta call me Char--I've been told 's a bit o' a mouthful."
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Helen Jekyll  Tairais • 5 months ago
Nyx returned to the twins, coming to sit at the edge of the bed.
"This is a friend of mine," she explained to them with a nod to Charricthran.
"And, these two are Desdemona and Maximus, though most call them Des and Maxi," she introduced, indicating each of them for Char in turn.
Both of the children stared at him with some mixture of curiosity and mild shock.
Maximus seemed to recover from the latter faster than his sister and soon his mind was pressing in on that of their guest's in a searching manner.
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Tairais  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
A raised brow was all that flickered over his outward expression as he turned his thoughts inward, to where he knew the gentle weights on his mind were hearing his Song at rest, as Sung by Wer'Vemud, who typically slumbered close to consciousness when the two of them weren't dreaming.
If he recalled correctly, the sound wasn't terribly unlike someone harmonizing a glass armonica with wind rushing through pipes, with the occasional sound of crystal and glass ringing thanks to Torke's influence.
His smile turned gentler at the edges, an explanation pulled from his lips without his intending it to.
"Tha's my magic, an' it's sleepin'. Have ta keep my thoughts elsewhere cos' I'm old enough the two o' em cannae fit in me proper-like."
A pause, consideration written into the tilt of his head.
"Would ya prefer I think closer at hand? I'll no' make ya uncomfortable if I can help it."
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Helen Jekyll  Tairais • 5 months ago
Maximus copied the tilt of Char's head with one of his own, blinking several times as he withdrew, then shook his head.
"I like the music," he said, giving a shy smile.
Des regarded Maxi carefully, gaze briefly flicking to Char before returning to her sibling, clearly wondering what he was doing talking to this stranger and hesitant to do the same.
Nyx surreptitiously wrapped one wing around them both in encouragement, giving Charricthran a nod of approval in his demeanor with the kids.
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Tairais  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
"I'm glad!"
Charricthran's smile quickly turned conspiratorial. Glancing from side to side as if he expected someone to be watching over his shoulders, he dropped his voice to a stage whisper to speak to the children next, gaze catching Nyx's for a moment in gratitude.
"Wanna see what it can do when it's Singin' like tha'? I can make somethin' small-like an' fair nifty if you or Des fancy givin' me an idea ta work off of."
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Jekyll1886  Tairais • 5 months ago
Likewise, Charricthran.
Confident his friend had the matter well in hand, Lewis made his way to the edge of the hallway wherein the dimensional anomaly had occurred.
((Helen Jekyll ))
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Only a few feet away from the outer range of the anomaly lay a sleeping Hela, her head resting on her half-folded arm as she dozed on the ground.
Just next to her was a notebook opened to a sketch of an odd, swirly portal along with a pen.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
He squatted down beside her and regarded the sketch curiously.
"Hela," he said gently. "I'm back."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Hela stirred faintly, opened her eyes with a frown, and blinked as the sight of him registered.
"Oh. Hey, Lewis."
A yawn escaped her, then she broke into an easy, if rather sleepy, grin.
"What's the time?" she asked, sitting up with a stretch of her arms over her head.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
Weir returned the smile and checked his pocket watch.
"Four-thirty," he pronounced.
"How long was I gone?" he asked her in turn, unsure how many days had passed.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
She tipped her head in thought.
"'Dunno, when'd you leave this morning?"
Hela gathered up her things, tucking the pen in her pocket.
"Helen just said you weren't around and might have gotten caught in the anomaly thing, so I figured I'd wait."
She rolled her neck.
"'Was awfully boring, no wonder I dozed off."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
"This morning?" he echoed, straightening as he stood.
"Has it been only--?
"You're certain it was this morning."
He seemed incredulous yet also a bit relieved.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Hela gave him a peculiar look.
"I think I'd know if you'd been gone for longer than a day, since you always visit me at least once."
A beat, then she glanced him over warily.
"Don't tell me you've gone and gotten involved in some time traveling-type mess or something..."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago • edited
"No--er, rather, I don't think so," he was quick to say.
"'Tis only...I suppose time must pass differently where I was," he conjectured, distantly recalling Harry Jekyll--the one with the jaunting machine--had once mentioned different realms sometimes moved at different paces. "I was afraid I'd been gone far longer than that."
He shook his head...then went still as he did the math.
Can it really be? he wondered silently, lips slightly parted.
"I think...if I'm not mistaken...that an hour in this dimension," he pointed to the floor as to emphasize their locale, "is an entire day in the one I just escaped from."
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Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
((Helen Jekyll Reposted the previous two posts in Big Plot! Your go!))
Helen Jekyll Jekyll1886 • 2 hours ago
"In that case, I think you should have a lie down while I use the doctor's irresistible charms to get the staff to allow me to bring something here--worst case, I threaten to go to the media with the story of how they nearly allowed a kind gentleman to die on their train because of a silly policy."
She gave a grin both conspiratorial and amused, though it didn't take away from the almost instinctive drive to ensure he was cared for that shone in her gaze.
Jekyll1886 Helen Jekyll • 2 hours ago
"Mm," he agreed with an infinitesimal nod, blinking as he did so.
He returned the smile, proud of her--it really was a good plan, not only clever but believable.
And he was so very tired...
He shifted slightly to one side. That was all it took for gravity to do the rest of the work as he slid into a semi-horizontal position on the adjacent seats, the toes of his shoes still touching the floor.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Noticing his legs seemed to be bent at a rather odd angle that couldn't possibly be comfortable for him, she took each of them by the ankle and eased them up onto the seat so he'd be laying with his body forming a straight line from his head to his feet.
"There, nice and comfy?" she asked, straightening again. "I'll have to see if anyone around has a blanket and pillow to spare while I'm fetching the food--you're not cold, are you?"
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
"Mm. Thnkyou." The words lacked proper enunciation and ran together, but he was grateful nonetheless.
"'M fine," he replied as to the temperature.
An audible swallow.
"Water," he requested, eyes unfocused yet pleading, his weariness bordering on desperation.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
An efficient nod.
"I'll be right back with something for you to drink, along with some food."
After that, she'd soon vanished from sight, moving swiftly to the dining cart in what appeared to be a state of worried distress, causing as much of a fuss as Helen would conceivably be willing to make on the behalf of another.
Within five minutes, she reappeared with a tray in hand and came beside him again, setting the platter aside to pick up a glass of water from it.
"Hello again," she said gently, moving closer, "I'm going to help you sit up a little, so you can have some water."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
While she was gone, he stifled a dry heave, his stomach displeased at being empty and his body in a general state of distress.
He was exceedingly glad to see her return.
"Mm," he assented to her words, all too aware he'd need the help.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Carefully easing him into a more upright position, she supported his body with her own, using one arm to hold him steady.
With the other, she raised the glass to his lips, slowly tilting it so as not to overwhelm him.
"There you are," she said softly. "Try to take your time--I'm not going anywhere."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
He did as she bade him, careful not to drink too much at once, despite his thirst.
Over time, he was able to get half the water down.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
"Very good."
She pulled back the glass to give him a break and offered a tender, but worried smile, trying to gauge if he was doing any better.
"Would you like to try something a little more filling now?"
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
He was doing marginally better--the water seemed to have helped. Though he was still visibly exhausted, the light in his eyes wasn't so dim as before.
He gave her a nod. Famished as he was, he knew he'd have to take it slowly with the food as he had with the liquid.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
"Right, in that case..."
She kept her hand on his shoulder to keep him upright even as she bent down and picked up both the plate of food and some silverware.
"We'll see just how good this stuff really is--anything less than perfect, and they're morally obligated to get you a lovely slice of free cake."
As she spoke, she maneuvered them both into a position where he'd be supported by her form while she still retained the use of both hands, which she then used to begin cutting his food into rather minuscule bites.
"I grabbed vegetables, chicken, bread--do any of those in particular sound good to you?"
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
Chicken! he thought, already salivating.
"Bread," he said, knowing the milder option to be the wiser one.
She's being so kind.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago • edited
"I don't blame you, these rolls are fresh out of the oven and they smell--" She drew in an exaggerated inhale, flashing him a smile. "--absolutely Heavenly."
The next moment, she'd a small morsel of bread at the ready on the fork, holding the utensil just so in offering--with it in this position, he could accept or deny at his leisure with minimal movement.
"I know you must be starving, but I'm afraid I have to ask you to take it easy on eating as well--otherwise, you may get sick, and we'll have to start over again from the beginning."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
Had he had more of his wits about him, he might have noted how much like Helen she seemed in this moment and--whether due to acting or genuine bleedover--how much progress she'd made.
As it was, he focused his concentration on navigating his mouth to the bread on the end of the fork and slipping the morsel off the tines.
It didn't taste off-putting to him, which he took as a good sign.
Careful not to do so too quickly, he chewed it, every motion of the jaw an effort.
At last, he swallowed.
They repeated the process until he was ready for some more water, then a bit of chicken.
By the time they got to the vegetables, he felt well enough to sit on his own, though he still leaned against the seat.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Hela was very relieved that he was recovering, even if it was a rather gradual process--her voice had lost some of its undercurrent of urgency as it became apparent he'd likely be alright, given enough time.
"I think that, unless you're in the mood for dessert, a bit of a nap may be in order," she said as he finished off the last bite of the food and she set the empty plate aside, "Rest is the best medicine for most anything, I've found, and there's still time enough until we reach the station."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
I'd love one.
"You're right," he agreed--just as a yawn stole across his face.
"Pardon. Case in point," he said with a little chortle. He blinked, trying to keep his eyes open now the prospect of sleep had hold of his mind.
"So long as you wake me at the station, I'd love to."
He caught her gaze, the look in his eyes beseeching as if asking a favor.
"And...if you could cover my face," he said quietly. "Lest I...you know...I'd be grateful."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
"It is awfully bright in here, isn't it?" she said as she shed her jacket, laying it over one arm, "I'm afraid I don't have a sleeping mask, but you're welcome to use this--" She gestured with the garment. "--to block out some of the light."
A gentle smile.
"I should be nearby, if you require anything more, and when we reach the station, I shall wake and escort you off myself."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
"Thank you," he replied, gratitude shining in his eyes as he regarded her fondly.
He took the jacket.
"You're very kind."
He lay down and placed the garment over his face and torso.
Thus secured against the threat of exposure, he soon fell into a deep, much-needed slumber.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago • edited
With him taken care of, she was able to return to Elaina and eat a meal of her own in the dining cart. Then, once she'd finished, the both of them went back to converse at their seat where 'Helen' would be closer to her charge.
As promised, when the train had stopped and it came time to disembark, Hela returned to the seat where Lewis lay.
"Excuse me, sir, we're here," she said before placing a gentle, but firm hand on his shoulder to prevent him from sitting up too quickly as she positioned herself to block the view of those passing through the aisles.
"It's time to get up."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago • edited
There was a slight flinch and a low growl--the latter abruptly cut off. The way the shoulder felt beneath the jacket under her hand changed, tension leaving the muscles of the upper arm even as the latter felt less firm.
Finally, there came a relieved, if somewhat sleepy, sigh.
The middle-aged gentleman pulled off the garment, folded it, and handed it to her.
He stifled a yawn and blinked the sleep from his eyes.
"Good...afternoon, I suppose it is," he greeted, looking up at her with a fond smile. "Thank you for waking me."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
A smile appeared in return as she took her hand from him and accepted the jacket, but it did little to hide the effect his waking had on her.
For several brief heartbeats, her mask slipped, obliging care giving way to a fatigue both emotional and physical, along with traces of uneasy panic turned to relief.
Even after she'd recovered her composure, the strain made her appear just a touch less steady than she had been before.
"Of course," she said cheerily to his thanks, offering him her arm, "I had promised, had I not?"
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
He took her arm and rose with a sympathetic look.
My God, the Hell she's been through...
"Do let me know if I can do anything for you or your companion," he offered. "You've been so very kind."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago • edited
After nodding for an awkwardly hovering Elaina to follow along, she cast a curious glance towards him as she guided the pair of them down the aisle.
"Well, that is quite kind of you to offer," returned Hela warmly, patting him on the arm, "But her and I are headed out for an evening on the sea, so I think it'd be best to simply get you safely on your way--where are you headed, if you don't mind my asking?"
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
"Eventually, to Calais," he lied as he walked along with her. "Though I've not yet booked passage, so I may spend the night in Dover, just in case I should have a relapse."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
"That would be wise, I think--preferably somewhere with a doctor at hand," she approved, assisting him down the outer stairs of the train and out into the busy station.
"My friend and I will be taking a carriage to the docks, so you're more than welcome to accompany us there and ask the driver if there are any hotels in the area," suggested 'Helen', "Or, if you'd prefer, I can simply hail you your own ride."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
"I'd prefer the first option," he replied. "That way, I've only to get from the carriage to a hotel or inn on my own. 'Can't be too careful."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
"Oh, you're quite right! Thank goodness you've your head on straight, the thought hadn't even crossed my mind."
She exhaled in audible relief, then broke into a somewhat sheepish smile.
"This way, then--I believe the loading area is somewhere over here."
In short time, the three of them had found an available carriage and were soon on their way to the coast. After helping their gentlemanly companion into his seat, "Helen" had taken to chatting quite pleasantly with Elaina once more, hoping to keep her entertained during their journey.
Barely ten minutes later, they'd arrived at the docs and she helped Elaina out before paying their driver handsomely for the brief trip.
Then, with a kind expression, she half stepped into the carriage again to say goodbye, her body blocking most of the view in.
"Well, it was a pleasure meeting you, sir," she said, holding out her hand, "I wish you good health and the best of luck on your travels."
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
He, meanwhile, had taken the opportunity while Elaina was distracted with conversation to write something in the journal he carried with him, tear out the page on which it was written, and fold the latter, and place the former back in his waistcoat pocket.
Had Elaina been the observant sort, she might've recognized the waistcoat and journal both.
Thankfully, she wasn't.
"Likewise," he said to "Helen" as he shook her hand. He passed the piece of paper to her with the verbal explanation, "My contact information, should you ever need anything. I'll be back in London in two weeks' time." The way he looked her in the eye, however, told her the message was more urgent than that.
"Have a pleasant cruise."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
"Thank you very much," she returned, unfolding the paper as she dipped her head in gratitude to disguise her glancing down to read it.
Elaina merely lingered on the side of the street behind her, impatient to leave the uninvited guest behind and board their ship.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago • edited
The note read:
You may want to let Helen have her little date with Elaina--you'd not have to suffer her company that way. It would do you and your counterpart some good, I think. Just let her know you've made the arrangements, I can explain things to her later, and I hope she enjoys herself. You would naturally be welcome to reassert yourself when it's over.
This is merely a thought or suggestion, by the by, not a request by any means--you're the best judge of what you need right now. 'Just thought you might like a break.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago • edited
Without moving her head or torso, Hela looked quickly up to him, folding the note as she did so.
"Can I really?" she mouthed, her gaze full of weary and nearly desperate hope.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
"Yes," he mouthed back.
In the barest of whispers, he added, "She can even make the train journey back if you like. I'll wait at the docks, out of sight."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Nodding slowly as if in thought, she tucked the note into an inner pocket of her jacket and stepped down from the vehicle.
"Thank you again, sir, and good afternoon to you."
A single glance and smile made her intentions quite clear--she'd be readily enjoying any chance at a break she could take.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
"Good afternoon," he returned the smile as he bade them adieu.
For the sake of appearances, he headed in a direction perpendicular to their route.
However, he soon doubled back, keeping just out of sight of the two as they made their way to the port.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago • edited
"Come along, Elaina--let's see if we can find our ride," she said, taking her companion by the arm and starting towards the boats.
It wasn't long before they'd found the correct vessel and, after some introductions and general safety instructions from the crew, set sail into the open waters for their two-hour or so excursion.
However, it had only been half that time when the boat pulled back into the port.
At first, the crew could be seen moving about, preparing to stop as usual, then Hela was led back onto deck, still in the guise of Helen and a blanket wrapped around her shoulders.
She appeared absolutely miserable and stumbled badly from exhaustion, remaining upright only through the support of one of the sailors who, judging by their uniform, was likely the captain of the ship.
There was no sign of Elaina as the pair made their way down to the dock.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
Lewis knew at the sight that something was terribly wrong.
Still looking the same as he had when they'd parted ways, he threw caution to the wind and approached the dock to receive her.
"What is it? What's happened?" he asked, both tone and look concerned and searching.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago • edited
"Is this him?" asked the captain, looking him over before glancing back to "Helen".
She only just managed to lift her gaze and nod at the sight of Lewis.
"Your lady here is in a real shock," he explained once Hela had confirmed, "Her friend was straying too close to the side of the ship and a rogue wave knocked her off--my best swimmer went after the lass, but couldn't manage to bring her back, with how much thrashing she'd been doing."
A shake of his head.
"She drowned, I'm sorry to say."
At the words, Hela shuddered and braced against a wave of agony, though her expression hardly altered, the only sign of her struggle a sudden weakness in her legs.
"Woah, easy there," the sailor said, catching her as she half sagged and hoisting her up again.
"You should get her home and in bed," he told Weir seriously, offering "Helen" to him.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
He went still at the news, the color draining from him.
For a moment, he wasn't on a Dover dock with Hela and an English captain, but down at a Leith pier, the Firth of Forth churning behind him as he staggered off the boat.
But when he saw "Helen" nearly slip, his focus sped back to the present.
"Yes. Yes. Naturally," he returned as he wound his arm round her shoulder and waist to brace and support her.
They made their way from the docks in stunned silence.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
A dim spark of gratitude flickered in her gaze at his help, but Hela wasn't able to manage anymore than that.
As they walked, she did her best to ignore the growing weakness in her limbs, focusing instead on placing one foot after the next.
"'Needa stop," she mumbled when at last the strain neared too much, a remote part of her fearing she'd not be able to stay conscious for much longer if they kept moving.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago • edited
"Of course," he agreed immediately, halting mid-step to stand with her.
"I...could carry you, if like," he offered.
'Poor thing probably needs to lie down.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Hela leaned heavily against him, allowing her eyes to shut for just a moment before forcing herself to look to him again.
"'Can'h, 'll fall asleep," she said with a weary shake of her head, hardly able to enunciate well enough to be understood, "An' can'h sleep."
Her breathing was deep but ragged, as if her body wanted nothing more than to simply curl up on the ground and shut down for awhile.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago • edited
"All right," he nodded his understanding, brows still raised together in the middle as he worried over her.
"In that case, why don't we find a tea room? 'Tis the right time of day for it. You could rest your body, yet have some caffeine to keep you awake."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
She dipped her head and muttered a rather muddled "Okay", lacking the energy to even try and consider alternatives.
With a wince, she mustered what strength she had to stand a little straighter, glancing to him with a look that said "Which way?".
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
"This," he indicated with an upward motion of his head--particularly the chin--in the proper direction. "At the corner, there. 'Passed it on my way earlier."
He supported her as they walked to the establishment in question. It was a little cafe just on the corner, a place for travelers to sit down for a bit of relaxation and renewal over a hot cuppa. It served tea as well as coffee--the place got enough French business it was worth stocking the latter--along with scones, quartered sandwiches, and sundry little tarts and pastries.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
At the pleasant sights and smells of the cafe, Hela began to tremble, hunger and nausea both overwhelming her.
She tasted bile in the back of her throat as she covered her nose with her sleeve and swallowed audibly, shutting her eyes.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
He noticed she looked less than well as they entered the cafe.
"Here," he said quietly as he settled her into a chair. "Wait just a moment."
He spoke with someone on staff, who fetched something for him.
This done, he returned to the table with a small, oval tin of peppermint pastilles, which he opened and offered to her as he took a seat himself, pulling the chair round to sit beside her in case she should need support.
"These should help."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago • edited
"Thanks," she murmured, taking three with exaggerated care as she sought to control her tired muscles.
Bracing, she popped them into her mouth and forced herself to swallow them as one would pills, wishing to avoid actually tasting any of it.
After managing to get each of them down, she exhaled in relief and rested her head against Lewis, debating whether or not to ask for some water to wash away the chalkiness.
She had begun to straighten again when her body jerked suddenly at a pain that shot through her whole being, a low whine in the back of her throat.
Lacking the energy to tense anymore, she only trembled with fatigue as she curled forward in her chair, her breathing unsteadier than it already had been.
Cut. It. Out.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
His momentary alarm at her sudden distress gave way to a sinking feeling as he witnessed her forced forward.
Sure enough, he detected Helen's presence, her distinctive energy active.
Oh, no. The two of them warring for control or expressing their displeasure in visceral ways wouldn't do at all.
"Helen," he whispered, tone at once fond yet sorrowful and eyes pleading. "Please don't."
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Hela raised her gaze to meet his with some difficulty, holding it there for several seconds.
There was a few moments delay, but... Helen eventually stood down at his request, her intent faded even if the grief-stricken rage was not.
Hela sighed in relief, though it sounded more a shuddered wheeze.
Even with weariness draped over her like a lead blanket, the irony of the situation didn't go unnoticed.
"'an I hav' 'offee?"
It was getting dreadfully difficult to keep her eyes open, and the realization came with no small amount of fear.
"'old, noh 'ot," she clarified after a moment,
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
He nodded.
"Certainly."
He waved over the staff member he'd spoken with earlier and put in the request.
For himself, he ordered hot tea.
On general principle, he decided to get some quartered cucumber sandwiches as well.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
Using one hand to brace herself, she gradually lowered herself to the side so that her head rested in Weir's lap once he'd ordered, unable to resist the urge to lie down.
"'No sleep, jus' res'," she reiterated, blinking slow enough it seemed for a moment she'd simply keep her eyes shut.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
"I understand," he affirmed.
He stroked her hair and the side of her head, and let out a breath he hadn't realized he'd been holding.
If she wanted to speak further, she would, but he'd not tax her.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago • edited
Though she'd initially relaxed, Hela soon whined at the gentle touch as she realized she would fall asleep if the soothing motions continued.
"No. Please. Don'."
Her quiet pleas were just that: desperate yet subdued almost to half-heartedness by exhaustion.
She may have craved sleep, but--for the moment, at least--fear overruled slumber.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
"Ah!" he jerked his hand back, having been only half-conscious he was doing the motion in the first place.
"Terribly sorry," he said with a look at once sheepish and embarrassed. "I've smelling salts on me, should worse come to worse," he added to the apology.
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Helen Jekyll  Jekyll1886 • 5 months ago
"Now? Please?" she asked of the smelling salts, turning her head to stare up at him beseechingly.
Hela was attempting to sit back up now, afraid she wouldn't be able to stay awake in such a comfortable position through willpower alone.
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Jekyll1886  Helen Jekyll • 5 months ago
He helped prop her up even as he dipped into his pocket for the salts.
"Here you are," he said, holding them just far enough away from her nose she could lean forward to sniff them as she liked.
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