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Post by silent15 on Jan 30, 2017 11:16:06 GMT
By the will of Her Enduring Majesty and at the advice of London's Mayor, Her Enduring Majesty's Foreign Office shall dispatch a delegation to barbaric foreigners of the New Khanate. Furthermore, all gentlemen and ladies of good breeding and talent, who believe themselves capable of aiding H.E.M's delegation, be it by skills maritime, diplomatic or any other skills of note, are formally requested to present themselves at the Foreign Office's headquarters at Wilmot's End by 9:00 sharp tomorrow.
This announcement is carried across the front page of every copy of The Unexpurgated London Gazette, including the copy that has just being dropped outside the front door of your lodgings. Of course you know about the situation already as it has been all Londoners have talked about these past few days, you couldn't escape knowledge of the situation if you tried. A zee-captain of some note was publicly accused by the White-And-Golds of maintaining a spy network in the New Khanate. And after the execution of a senior advisor, revealed to be a spy, the Khan has publicly demanded recompense from London. Tensions are high between the two cities.
Needless to say, the rumours have flown thick and fast. Speculation places the Khan's demands anywhere between a massive tribute of Darkdrop coffee, the Captivating Princesses' hand in marriage or the surrendering of the Bazaar itself. As for the zee-captain responsible, rumours has it that they are hiding out in the Iron Republic. Other rumours say they are (will be?) hiding in Irem or even at the Avid Horizon itself. Others deny that there ever was a captain and that the New Khanate simply manufactured this incident to have an excuse to make demands of her betters.
Turning the newspaper over, you spy a simple substitutional cipher in the shroom racing reports. When translated it calls on all agents of the Great Game loyal to London to make their way to the New Khanate, whether by means of the Foreign Office's request, or by independent means, should they be capable.
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Post by DodoDestroyer on Jan 30, 2017 17:19:16 GMT
Red Jessica brings the gazette into her lodgings and has a read through in her study. Although the mask is absent and she is not in one of her usual beautiful red dresses, her blazing red hair is still immaculately wavy and altogether and wearing some comfortable clothes that are worth at a rough guess of eighty echoes. She always did take pride in her appearance even at home, some say to the point where she is in love with herself, which is 100% accurate. This opportunity of diplomacy with a foreign land fascinates Red. She could learn many of their secrets and learn their deeds, it will make her position more stable in the Empress' Court as well as a boost to her reputation with the tales she could write into one of her latest books.
She then spots the Great Game's orders hidden within the words. She suddenly becomes aware of the tattoo etched into the skin of her upper thigh. She joined the game only a few weeks into her first steps into the Neath. She has done many tasks and errands for it, some most people would be ashamed of ever experiencing. That is, if Red was ever familiar with shame. It made her a perfect spy combined with a tongue of silver, she could make the most tight lipped gentleman or lady loosen up with a few well placed words and compliments here and there. This was something she was going to do, even if she originally disinterested in it.
The old creak of the large door of the study open. Turning her head, Red spots the tattooed courier which she ahem... Got better aqquiented with last night... Originally, Red was going to draw her portrait to collect the secrets in her tattoos and later sell them to the highest bidder as this courier was something of a mystery people were dying to know... She succeeded but... Something about her made Red's blackened heart soften ever so slightly enough to care for her. It wasn't just her beauty but the unstained soul within her, the way she smiles and how well they could talk without bringing up the subject of the dreadful socialites of the Court. Although Red is one, she feels her brain cells die one after the other whenever she has to endure their words. The courier was a breath of fresh air, and she couldn't betray this trust they had for one another and confessed, burning the portrait. Soon, the two began an affair but it was beginning to fleet. Red's high status was too demanding for this courier who usually sticks to the shadows and out of public eye..
"So you heard then?" The courier says, which Red learnt her name to be Emily. "About the whole business with the foreign lands?" Red nods her head and turns to face her. "One cannot really ignore such an event." She responds while pouring herself a glass of Greyfield Wine. She takes a sip before continuing. "It is my calling to go there. The opportunity for adventure and culture is too much to pass!" She adds a sense of drama to her words to emphasise the point. Emily frowns a little, as if she expected this answer. "Meaning you'll leave tomorrow?" it was less of a question and more of stating a fact. Red sighs and stands up, taking Emily's hands into her own. "And you believe I will forget you? My dear, I would never be capable of it." The words are sweet, as if dipped into a jar of honey and her soft smile just makes it that much sweeter. It is true that Red Jessica has never forgotten any of her lovers, from those she had memorable times with to them that dared to betray her. Emily smiles at these words, completely endeared at every sound that the Red headed lady makes. "I will be gone for some time, which means that our affair must come to an end. This, by no means, suggests that our time together has passed. You are always welcome here." She says lovingly while stroking the courier's cheek with the back of her hand. They share a moment as a farewell... Longer than they both expected...
After an hour and Emily's leave, Red changes into her favourite dress that matches the colour of her hair and places the half mask over her left eye. She is ready to face another day at Court and the discussions about this little event. Hopefully she won't feel herself become more stupid after talking to the brain dead socialites there. Perhaps she will see the Empress' cats again, they seem to tolerate Red more than the other guests and share their secrets. Today will be an eventful day, that is for sure.
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Post by projectekertest33 on Jan 30, 2017 23:12:52 GMT
The Broken Zubmariner tips hir hat on hir way out of Mr Veil's establishment the young devil at the door giving hir a wicked grin in return. The Zubmariner came here once a week regular as clockwork before returning to hir lodgings above the Medusa's Head where ze spent hir time drinking hirself to oblivion off the hush money the admiralty still gave hir every month to keep hir mouth shut about what ze'd seen beneath... Tentacles, claws, towers of spines a sunken city of drownies, a gaping mouth where the strong took from the weak... the Eye, THE EYE!
The Zubamriner blinked hir eyes focusing again on the paving slabs as ze realised ze'd been bent over against a railing looking like ze was about to throw up. The memories came to hir often and only the alcohol and tender attentions of Mr Veils employees kept it them at bay. Ze still remembered the look hir first-mate's face as the creatures had penetrated the zubmarine's shell...
All ze had ever wanted was to serve hir city with distinction and honour but now ze was a wreck useless to no one. Out of habit ze paid for a newspaper from a passing urchin. Reading the front page ze was struck by inspiration! Ze could still be of use to her Imperial Majesty! It would also mean a chance to go to Zee again (above of course not beneath never again beneath). Ze hurried back to hir lodgings quickly packing a trunk with all hir necessities, few though they were. Finally almost reverentially ze pulled out hir sword a cutlass inscribed with a prayer to Storm by a priest of the House of Questions in Whither, sheathing at and and strapping it to hir belt the Zubmariner set off for Wilmot's End.
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Post by Hunter on Jan 30, 2017 23:31:01 GMT
Another day at the Hills, it also mean another day at the Medusa's. Elisa sits in her usual corner of the building, almost safe from the frequent bar fights. The gazette is about politic, as always, Hawkwing wonders if her dear red friend will jump oon the occasion. Heh, of course she is going to, that woman will do anything to be on top, even spending times with idiots socialites.
"I wonder how she can manage to bear with that crap and not smash their heads in right away..." Elisa mutters on her own. "What is it Lady Hawkwing ?" Juliet, the urchin girl always called her as "lady", not that Elisa was of some offcial statut but it not bothered her and sounded quite right, and it also helped when she had to deal with some gullible ... Ahem clients. "Nothing dear, why don't you go feed Hope some crackers ? Poor bird is probably famished by now, and take some money to buy you something to eat for you too girl, come on, go along." The kid rushed away to her protector's bird, she loved to spend time with it.
"Maxim, i'm going to Veilgarden for some business, take care of any clients for me while i'm away" Of course the clients were not what you could think about, Miss Hawkwing was not a model citizen but the same thing applied for most of the Medusa's patrons. And as for her business in Veilgarden she had to meet with THE Red Jessica, if she didn't forgot about her appointment during this time...
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Post by Envy on Jan 30, 2017 23:49:24 GMT
........ Nothing makes a sound waiting in the dark dump basement of the Shuttered Palace Mike waits for his pery to make a move. The reason for why a man like himself is even in the Shuttered Palace was for like always a job but this joke was unlike the others jobs he has taken on. This job well was unique because it seems like A cave- snake has made it's way into the Palace and Mike here was on the hunt for the beast. Gripping his Bone harpoon tightly he waits for the beast his Monkey Harambee on his shoulders scanning the area of the basement. *Sssss* The sounds of the beast fill Mike ears as if that was supposed to threaten him but yet it had the opposite effect it taunted Mike to move closer to the beast.
The snake reacts to this by lunging out at Mike for him to sidestep to the right and jab his harpoon in the snake's side the snake moves around the room. Holding onto the harpoon Mike is taken for a ride around the basement by the snake along the way he see so many sights of the Shuttered Palace "I didn't know they had that!" Says Mike till *whomp* he collides into a brick pillar. Falling off the snake with harpoon hand he take a couple of seconds to gain his surrounding again who know getting hit with a pillar of bricks could hurt this bad. The snake takes this opportunity try and kill Mike only for it to become a feeble attempt when Harambee climbs onto the snake and begains to begains a brick down onto the beast's right eye. Turning left to shake the monkey off of it's head Mike finally back to normal changes at the beast and repeatedly stabs the upper half of the cave-snake. Blood begains to paint Mike like a fresh canvas for an artisan in Veilgarden yet again he has slay a beast and lives to tell the tales to others grabbing Harambee and placing her on his shoulders they both walk towards to what seems to look like Bottles of Broken Giant 1844. Picking one of the bottles up Mike begains to drink so does the Monkey they both deserve this since they both just killed a fucking snake the size of 9 uriches. Oh get that reminds Mike when he gets back to his lodging to go bring Little One some food the poor kid was starving to death but for now Mike and Harambee drink.
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Post by DodoDestroyer on Jan 31, 2017 11:29:08 GMT
After an hour within the Court, Red has had her share of mingling with the high society. To be honest, it was mentally exhausting. All they wished to talk about was the latest gossip with art and poetry and occasionally the diplomacy issue. Of course, everybody want Red's opinion on the matter since she has a lot of weight behind her words. She did not answer, remaining aloof. Of course she had an opinion but she wasn't simply going to say it right away! It keeps people interested and all the attention is on her, it's the best outcome! Then again, she feels very bored when they talk. She's only seen one or two people of interest during her time in her position, one caused such a scandal that he and two others were exiled. It was entertaining! So much so that she wrote a successful poem about it, mostly adding the sense of foolish comedy. Sometimes, she only goes there for the exquisite wine they offer.
No matter how many times she goes, the Veilgarden will always hold a special place in Red's heart. The bohemians always have a story to tell, the wine is always flowing and the Prisoner's Honey is always available at a moment's notice. She always spends some time there during the week to feel the wonderful feeling of nostalgia. But she has a more important reason to go there today. To meet her best friend, Elisa Hawkwing. Her friend should arrive at... OH BLAST! Red is late! By two hours! She forgot about their meet this morning and spent it blissfully unaware. She curses the absinthe she indulged in last night! She hurries her way to The Singing Mandrake.
Upon arrival, Red is already out of breath. She straightens out her dress and places a loose strand of hair back into place. Upon a quick scan, she sees the large woman. It is rather comical when the two stand next to each other. Elisa is a tall, strong force of nature while Red is a short, fragile creature of beauty. Their strengths cancel out each other's weaknesses. Plus, Red counts Elisa as her only true friend in Fallen London. She never uses her for her own benefit, nor as a pawn to get what she desires, she hasn't even flirted with her! Red feels a true companionship with Miss Hawkwing and enjoys every moment of her company, even if Red is the only one talking. She does enjoy the sound of her own voice.
"Elisa!" She calls out over the crowd of poets and musicians, swimming through gracefully and with a huge smile on her face. "I am ever so sorry, my dearest! I completely forgot about our get together! Emily is quite distracting you see... But who cares about that? It is so good to see you again! It's been too long!" She gushes out with a delighted voice that Zailors and ruffians would find increasingly irritating, but quite normal here in the Veilgarden. Plus, it's not often Red gets so excited to see an old friend again. As she speaks, she waves her hand at a passing maiden. They have grown accustomed to Red's visits and always supply her usual: a glass of their strongest drink they can get ahold of, then mixing it with their second Strongest.
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Post by Hunter on Jan 31, 2017 13:18:10 GMT
And of course Red is late, she is always late, well most of the time. At least the blind pianist is here to procure some entertainment and some conversation when she is not playing. "Well at least the Mandrake is a change of sight compared to the Medusa's" Elisa talked to herself, unlike here it's at the Hills where she feels at home, Veilgarden is too fancy for her taste, she prefers to spend some time here on short periods or in compagny of friends, well with who she could call friends, except Jessica she wasn't really acquinted with a lot of people outside business.
Speaking of the devil, not that she is one, "it's been two hours since she said we will meet." Elisa frowns, checking her pocket watch for the hundred time, even if Red is almost if it's ot always late; it's the sixth time she is this month, out of eight meeting. Elisa never grow used to that, she can't knowing the nature of her friend, she could be anywhere, tracking some lead on one of her crazy cases or even back at the asylum...
"Elisa!" She turns her head toward the hihg pitched vocie and sights with relief, at least she is not somewhere doing some crazy if not stupid things on her own. "I am ever so sorry, my dearest! I completely forgot about our get together! Emily is quite distracting you see... But who cares about that? It is so good to see you again! It's been too long!" She signals the maiden to bring her some drinks and sits at Elisa's table. Well my dear it's been three days since we saw each other, do i missed you that much ?" she drinks her glass of Morelways before pouring another one. "So i take it your morning was quite filled with some adventures with said Emily and then boring at the court ? I'm sure you read the gazette. And i'm sure you learned some things boring as they are." If Jessica was good at something it was sure from having a keen ear and a sharp tongue, that woman was respected for these qualities after all.
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Post by silent15 on Jan 31, 2017 13:26:48 GMT
Walls of ice. False stars fading. A flash of viric light. Seven serpents. A burning sigil behind black glass.
Cambyses' eyes jerked open. He was still here, still in his own bed. Ever since he had started researching the Correspondence, it had dominated his dreams. He still dreamt of the Thunder occasionally, but now the Correspondence dominated his nightly hours as well as his waking ones. Still, even in dreams there could come understanding.
Shifting carefully, so as not to wake the figure sleeping next to him, Cambyses gently eased out of bed and padded softly over to his study. This wasn't the first time this had happened and he knew what to do. Reaching into a draw he produced a small piece of lead and an acid etching kit and set to work. Paper could not hold Correspondence sigils, unless they were written in patterns of six. (Except for names. Names were always seven sigils.) So instead he held each new sigil he learned in lead, which could withstand the heat. For a while at least. Cambyses worked quickly, aware that his memory of the dreamt sigil would fade soon. Once he had finished, he inscribed below it a translation in English, "The Traveller Returning", before placing the inscription in a safe along with others of its kind. Later he would commit it to memory but right now, in the early hours of what was generally accepted to be morning down in the Neath, he was more concerned with chasing the cobwebs from his brain.
A few hours later found him downstairs in the parlour, nursing a mug of Darkdrop coffee and pouring over a recently delivered copy of The Unexpurgated London Gazette. The cipher at the back had been easy to crack, in fact it wouldn't surprise him if a few overly enthusiastic crossword players had found this message. Clearly whoever had sent this message was casting the net wide. Thinking over both the overt and covert messages in the Gazette he leaned back in his chair. He genuinely wanted to put the Great Game behind him and focus on his research. There were deeper secrets in the Neath than the petty squabbling of nations and these were the secrets that called to him now. But despite this, he still felt some loyalty to London if not its rulers, its enigmatic Masters and scandal obsessed court. Still, a chance to see the inner workings of the Khanate was not something to dismiss lightly. The Khanate was notoriously suspicious of foreigners and a diplomatic mission would be a rare glimpse into the heart of this strange culture.
His musing were interrupted by a hand being gently laid on his shoulder. Barely suppressing the urge to jump he turned to see his wife, the Devout Intriguer, standing over him. He was not surprised that she had managed to sneak up on him like that. As a member of The Teeth, London's intelligence service, sneaking up on someone not paying attention was child's play to her. And doubtlessly she and her colleagues would have their hands full with this delegation, making sure that only spies loyal to London found their way into the delegation.
"Considering joining them?" she asked, gesturing to newspaper laid out on the table in front of them.
"Maybe." Cambyses answered, "I'm not quite certain yet."
"We can hardly leave such a delicate matter to The Face now can we?" During his time in the Foreign Office, Cambyses quickly learnt that the rivalry between The Face, London's diplomatic corps, and The Teeth was nearly as fierce as the rivalry between Benthic and Summerset Colleges.
"I know, I just... This delegation is going to be a mess of spies and schemes and I had honestly planned to walk away from the Great Game. Going there is sure to drag me back in.” Cambyses said, fidgeting with his now empty mug.
“My dear, for someone who knows some much about the secrets of the Neath, you can be quite naïve sometimes. One cannot simply “walk away” from the Great Game. At best you will simply be seen as a dormant asset, to be reactivated whenever you are needed. Better to remain immersed so that people react to your actions, rather than the other way around. Besides you are hardly the only person involved in the Great Game chasing the deeper secrets of the Neath. You might learn more than you expected during this mission.”
Cambyses smiled, “Perhaps you’re right. And even if you’re not, this trip is sure to be interesting at the least. Yes, I think I shall go.” He paused, “Will I see you there in an official capacity?”
The Devout Intriguer frowned, “I am not sure. I suppose that depends on the whims of those higher up in the department.” She pushed aside the frown and smiled, “Off with you now. I need to fix my appearance before leaving so you may as well go on ahead.”
Cambyses took the hint, standing up and kissing his wife, before picking up his cane and stepping out into the streets of London. He had been present for one of his wife’s grooming sessions before, and it was an experience he was eager to avoid repeating.
Walking briskly through the misty streets, he soon arrived at Wilmot’s End. He was familiar with this part of London from his brief stint as governor of Port Carnelian. That was not job he wished to return to. Negotiating with tigers on daily basis was rather too nerve-wracking. Still there was that one tiger with remarkable taste in melancholic poetry. That wasn’t too bad.
Drawing up outside the Foreign Office’s building, Cambyses spied an unusual individual waiting outside. It was not the bandages of a tomb-colonist nor the tattered captain’s uniform on top of it that drew Cambyses’ eye. Rather it was the way they stood. It was the stance of someone weighed down by knowledge they couldn’t handle. He’d seen that before, sometimes in other people, sometimes in his mirror late at night. Some of those people had learned how to deal with the knowledge they held. Others… less so. Still at the least, he might be able to take their mind off it for a moment or two.
“Good day.” He smiled, tipping his hat to them, “I suppose you are here to offer your services to London and the delegation? Or does something else bring you here?”
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Post by DodoDestroyer on Jan 31, 2017 14:08:49 GMT
The maiden comes back with Red's drink. She takes a generous sip of it before speaking. The liquid burns like the hellfires of the infernal embassy, but her tolerance is so powerful over her time living here, and doesn't even so much as stifle a choke. She can already feel the lovely warm feeling she always gets when she reaches her usual level of intoxication. No surprise that she acts completely normal when drunk, her charm can't even be whittled down by alcohol, in rare days, it actually improves it!
Red lets out a disgusted sigh at the mention of the court. "My word they are intolerable today. Always talking about joining this expedition. I will do this! Then I will say that! Utter nonsense, not a single one of them will bring themselves to do it, coming up with a poor excuse not to board the ship. I, however, will be good on my word and go to these lands! I shall bring Fredrick with me. He will want to eavesdrop too!" Fredrick is Red's pet cat. A coat of fur as white as snow and large, golden eyes. The cat is every bit of charming as any man or woman when it comes to appearance. His personality however, is something else. Even for a cat. Intolerable towards humans and sneaking around to steal Secrets as any average cat would be, but he's also boisterous, slick out the mouth and has the thickest hockney accent Red has ever heard, thicker than an Urchin or Zailor. Red adopted the cat after her daughter, Morgan, caught him snooping around their lodgings, he trashed wildly underneath the bucket she trapped him under, cursing up a storm so fierce it would make the Empress faint. Instead of placing him in a box and sending it to somebody else like Morgan suggested, Red was impressed by his stealth and decided to keep him around. He eavesdrops and shares the juicy details with Red, she gives him shelter, rats to eat and the minor Secrets she collects. It's a mutual companionship.
"I wished for Morgan to come but she declined, saying she has business in the Filt. She always says that. Sometimes I wonder if she deliberately stays as far away from me as possible..." Red ponders for a moment before taking another sip of her drink. "But this is what I wanted to ask you today... Elisa will you do me the honor of being my companion on this journey? It will be like old times when I take you on my investigations and discoveries!... I promise you, this one won't give you nightmares. I can guarantee it this time." She continues her pitch. "Your skills would be useful as well! Sometimes persuasion is not sufficient amd need a more physical approach. Plus, you are a monumental woman, they will adore the way you can handle yourself in any situation! Oh! You should show them how you can kill a human sized rat with a single fist!!" She tries to sell the story to her friend, a hopeful gleam in her eyes. If she wanted to share this with anybody, she would choose her closest friend everytime, without fail.
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Post by Envy on Jan 31, 2017 16:00:45 GMT
The pair finish up there bottles and stagger as they get to there own feet. Harambee looks like he about to play poker with the Empress herself he even got a top hat and monocle on his face. "Where ze hell did you get that you crazed ape!" Drunkenly asked by Mike when he is met with Harambee putting up his dukes to which Mike did the same zhis furry schmuck things he can just pull a fucking top hat out of nowhere. Now I'll fix this right now Harambee swing a punches Mike across his face, his face jerking violently towards the side "So it's going to be like that Monkey!" Mike kicks Harambee which launches the monkey towards a wall. Hitting the wall Harambee climbs around the walls like a fucking spider and jumps onto Mike's back and repeatedly starting to hit him. Running around in circles with a literal monkey on his back Mike and Harambee fight till they find end up finding two bottles of wine of to the side.
Putting aside their differences the two drink yet again then this time decide to go back upstairs so they can get their payment and leave.
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Post by Deaths on Jan 31, 2017 17:34:46 GMT
On a dirty little street sits a dirty little hovel. In this dirty little hovel sits a dirty little room. In this dirty little room stands a well groomed young man staring at his wall. On this wall is the writings of a drunken mad man, a rambling loon, or a genius depending on who you ask. Codes, passwords, connections, and people of interest plastered is all connected by strings of varying color representing different levels of importance. Words scribbled all over the walls, in multiple languages in a strange combination of words that only make sense to the writer. A small crinkling can be heard as a tan weasel rolls in a pile of papers that have been deemed unimportant. He sleeps soundly after a long day of weaseling, or was it a long night? Ed had lost all track of time, plans of heist filled his mind. Steal from one and plant it on the other, then return the stolen object with evidence of proving the guilt of the falsely accused. A wall of interesting people sits in front of him, most of these people would call him an enemy if they ever found out who he was.
They never will unless he lets them, always cautious extremely so in this case. He always takes several hours to get home, even if he was in a hurry. It was important to know every backstreet, in a worst case scenario he had multiple escape routes, and insured his hovel will burn to the ground on his way out. The more darker thoughts are pushed from his mind as the paper was delivered perfectly on time like always. The paper down here was the same back home, this time though New Khanate seems to be throwing a fit about spies. "How can one get mad about spies? They are everywhere, that's the point." He says out loud to no one in particular, Discovery yawns but stays in his bed of paper. "Besides how many spies did they have here? I know of...." He pauses looking over his wall "Three? Of them." truth be told only one was confirmed the other two were suspected, but they had no use to Edward so he paid them no mind. Flipping through the paper he finds today's secret message, he's gotten so good as the cipher he reads it as if it were his native tongue, a moment of pride swells within him. Then a crushing boredom stole his pride. Was he getting too good or were the powers that be just getting worse. Perhaps it was time to spread his wings and find a new game to play. This situation in Khanate looked interesting, perhaps a change of scenery is what he needs to refresh his mind.
He grabs his gear taking special care to make sure his rapier was clean and sharpened. Fathers whip was well maintained, his satchel strung over his back wearing a clean white cotton shirt with his brown slacks, and his lucky boots. He looks over his home one last time, all good things must come to an end. A quick whistle awakens Discovery who scurries up Edwards back and rest on his shoulder while stretching and letting out a yawn. Setting off his emergency trigger as he leaves his lodging goes up in flames in a near instant all his works were gone just as it should be, no evidence shall remain. A scorched earth may seem extreme to some, but it makes life more fun to start from nothing. As he walks down the streets headed for Wilmot's End, he straightens his sable fedora. Giving himself the aura of a child lost in wonder he intentionally wanders around with an act of nervousness. He spots an older man chatting, with a bandaged something. He approaches sheepishly taking his hat off and holding it close to his chest he speaks up, in the voice of lost child. "Excuse me sir, I'm sorry for interrupting, but is this where we sign up to go to New Khanate?"
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Post by Hunter on Jan 31, 2017 17:52:31 GMT
Of course Red will ask Elisa something like that, she always does. It's Miss Hawkwing's turn to down her drink before speaking, somewhat uneasy. "Yes, i knew you where going on that journey, and i'm not that surprised that you ask me to join you in it. But the truth is..." She fiddles wih her glass for a few moments. "The truth is that i can't really embark on a journey to who know where on board of a ship in the middle of the Sunless Sea so suddenly, and beside i got some business here to attend, i can't really let Maxim do everything on his own. And poor Juliet, and Hope, i can't let that poor bird alone..." she almost spill her drink. "And most of all what i will get from it ? I mean what does the Empress could offer me beside a pat on the back by one of her subordinates and some echoes ?" She try to be unaffected by it but deep down she is scared, no frightened of what could happen on that journey, she can't stand the fact thatsuch a woman as her can't handle unplanned event and especially the one that bring bad omen. Last time she what taken by surprise was when a revengeful man offered her documents about an ungarded shipping of alcohol, turned out the said document were false and cursed. She didn't slept for 4 days by fears of more nightmares, in the end she found the man and stuffed the damn papers down his throat, but this is a different story.
She let out a sight before drinking her next glass. "Fine... I know that nothing good will happen to you without my help and that even if i tried to persuade you from going you will still embark on that damn ship... But no stories about rats, that's my condition."
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Post by DodoDestroyer on Jan 31, 2017 18:17:12 GMT
Red Jessica smiles widely at her acceptance. "Splendid! And do not worry about leaving everything unprepared. I called in a few favours and everything will be taken care of during your absence. Morgan has even offered to watch over your pickpockets! I made sure she won't take any profits until you return, do not worry." Red explains. She planned everything ahead, knowing Elisa would accept. If she didn't well... This would have all been awkward...
"No time to waste then!" She says and downs the rest of her glass. "Let us be on our way to the meet." She gets up from her seat and leads Elisa back to her lodgings, retrieves a very hungover and very pissed off Fredrick, who begrudgingly climbs and sits over her shoulders like a fluffy white scarf. She left a letter for Morgan and her and Elisa were on their way.
The two arrive at Wilmot's End, Red made sure she looks beautifully exquisite. All the attention must be on her and Elisa, as they are clearly the most important people here. She is a hard working socialite who is in tune with everybody with her equally hard working friend within the Hills, how much more important could you get? So a professor, Tomb Colonist, Mysterious Gentleman, A mob boss and a hedonist. All on one ship. Sounds like the start of an intriguing book... She makes a mental note to write all of this down. "Good morning, Gentleman! I assume we are all here for the same thing, yes?" She speaks pleasantly, every word warm as the sun kissing your skin within your memories of the surface.
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Post by silent15 on Jan 31, 2017 18:36:00 GMT
Cambyses smiled at the new arrivals, "Well unless there is some other vitally important matter of politics occupying London that no one saw fit to tell me about, I believe so yes." He pasued, looking more closely at the redhead, "Unless I am much mistaken, you must be the famous Red Jessica. I haven't been back to court since a unfortunate misunderstanding led to my exile, but you were something of a star back then, and from what I hear your star has only risen further. I did enjoy your poetry. Even if I felt you sometimes... took artistic liberties"
He smacked a hand to his head, "Where are my manners? My name is Cambyses, professor of the Correspondence at Benthic College and very pleased make all of your acquaintances." He briefly removed his hat and gave a small bow to the assembled group.
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Post by projectekertest33 on Jan 31, 2017 19:24:18 GMT
The Broken Zubmariner nods to the slightly charred gentleman. With an oddly monotone voice ze replies "I am." Ze turns to the rest of the group and gives a rigid salute "Former Captain of her Majesty's Royal Navy, honourably discharged." They don't need to know the rest the admiralty pays hir for hir silence and besides ze would not wish to burden others with the weight on hir soul. Hir eyes flickered over the others, a bohemian, a court-lady, some kind of adventuring type and a gentleman who was probably a spy. The Broken Zubmariner knew a fair bit about spies the admiralty had often charged hir with discreetly dropping them off on foreign shores using hir zubmarine to evade patrols, though there was that one time they ran across a Khanate zubmarine... hir cutlass flashing in the dark zee, broken air hoses leaking bubbles, the zee turned red around hir. No! Now was not the time for memories.
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Post by DodoDestroyer on Jan 31, 2017 20:06:00 GMT
Jessica's eyes widened in recognition. "Of course! You're the fabled Cambyses! The one who was exiled for causing the scandal of the lifetime and shunned from every high society for eternity?" Red asked this with a genuine smile on her face, indicating no malice in her words. She isn't saying it to be snidey, she just has no filter... "I must thank you. Your actions helped create one of my more popular poems! 'Courtroom Romping.' Quite a delight it became, no?"
Fredrick raises his head into view, showing that Red has in fact, not got a scarf draped over her shoulders but her pet cat is relaxing there. He eyes up the bandaged man. "'ey. This one looks like he's a few sandwiches short of a picnic! And everything else!" He says with a laugh, louder than he should. "Maybe one of yer mates when you went to the asylum?"
Red responds by batting Fredrick on the head lightly, careful not to upset his hangover too much. "Hush, you! Be polite, these will be our companions for the trip!" Fredrick grumbles something before lowering his head again, face disappearing in the white fur. Red turns to Elisa. "This here is Miss Hawkwing, a very successful business woman in the Hills and a good friend of mine who will be joining us. She is most resourceful in many ways, you shall soon know." She sells Elisa's qualities wonderfully, as she always does.
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Post by Envy on Jan 31, 2017 20:16:08 GMT
Getting up to the first floor Mike receives a payment of 25 echos and then begins to walk out of the Shuttered Palace. Harambee pulls out a piece of paper and flashes it in front of Mike's face reading the paper, Oh gods below I forget yet again running as fast as he can Mike stops by his house and grabs a couple of things for the journey ahead of him he grabs old Ratting Piece and his Brass ring. *Knock, Knock* knocking comes from his front door ah it’s little the little bastard themself Mike didn’t know if little was a boy or girl because he never asked. Picking the small urchin Mike says “So did you want to come out to the zea with me on the job little while you're out there you’ll be able to see more that’s out there like you want to see. “So what do you say?” Little shakes there head no “Okay then you can stay here and stay at my lodgings while I’m out so watch this old place. Also if a female devil comes here asking for me tell her I’m dead never again am I spending a night alone with a devil.” Then Mike throws the keys to little and runs towards Wilmot's End with Harambee.
Looking for the ship that Mike needs Harambee jumps off and starts to run towards the nearest ship then jumps onto a well dressed man. Looking at the man he looks like one of those fancy lads from the college grabbing Harambee off the man Mike says to the man “Real sorry about this monkey here him tends to fight well dressed fellows like yourself sir. I really don’t know why those I think since he lossed a card game with a devil from the Brass Embassy he’s been like this.” Says Mike looking around the ship he begins to recognizes the looks of the ship it matches the same details of the ship he needed to get upon. Looking around he sees to well dressed lasses there probably because of same jazz dealing with the great game Mike never got the great game what the hell was it a dice game or a card game. “So I’m here to make sure we all have a safe voyage!” Mike’s voice booming with pride Harambee hits Mike again then fixes his top hat and molecule.
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Post by silent15 on Jan 31, 2017 21:04:10 GMT
Cambyses raised an eyebrow in surprise, "Fabled? I admit that being caught in flagrante delicto with two other courtiers on the Empress's throne is quite the scandal and I'm not surprised that it got us very, very exiled, but I would hardly say fabled. Though perhaps I have being immortalised in your poetry to thank for that."
Turning to the quiet zee-captain he continued, "A pleasure to make your acquaintance captain. I've done some zee travel myself, although only even really as means to travel to and from places that could aid my research."
It was at this point where he was jumped on by an unexpected ape. Cambyses barely had time to reach for the sword hidden in his cane before the ape was hauled off him by a newcomer to their little group. As the newcomer offered apologies, Cambyses returned the sword to it sheath in the cane. He'd only drawn it a few inches, but that was enough to show a couple of the Correspondence sigils etched on the blade. Brushing off the incident he turned to the group "Perhpas we should head inside to speak to our new employer? Unless anyone else wishes to introduce themselves. Or for that matter unleash their pets on me as well." he finished, eyeing Fredrick warily.
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Post by DodoDestroyer on Jan 31, 2017 21:15:48 GMT
Fredrick raises his head again to give the professor the stink eye. "Oi! I'll have ye know I'm quite the tamed little bugger when I ain't pissed off!" He says sounding utterly offended. His wander to look over to the newcomer and his monkey. He bursts into a bellowing laughter. "PAHAHAHAHAAAA look at these geezers! It's an ape, with a hairless ape!" He laughs even more, looking at man. "Bloody 'ell mate! Ye look like yer fell out of the ugly tree, hit every branch on the way down, and then the tree fell on yer!" if it were possible that cats could cry with laughter, Fredrick would be on his way to it.
Red doesn't stop Fredrick's torrent of insults this time, her eyes are glued to the symbols on the blade that Cambyses drew with a powerful interest. That's the correspondence, something that Red has looking into for many months. She went so far at one point that they dragged her into her third trip to the asylum, because she went too deep too soon. She has been taking her time since, learning whatever she can from her studies. Oh how she wished she could write the letters down... She must know, and this man is the key to achieving that. She makes a plan to speak to him about them alone when they have set sailed.
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Post by Hunter on Jan 31, 2017 22:08:06 GMT
Here goes her cover, Elisa hoped to pass as Red's bodyguard or something like that, it happenned some times and frankly it never bothered her, especially in cases like that but well... That's Jessica after all, at least she presented her as her best. Elisa just nods her head lightly to the man. Red doesn't stop from watching that hidden sword since the ape incident, either she is wary of that weapon or the symbols on it are her center of attention, knowing her nature it's the later. Even Fredrick banter doesn't seems to take her from her observation.
"Perhaps we should head inside to speak to our new employer? Unless anyone else wishes to introduce themselves. Or for that matter unleash their pets on me as well." Poor Mister Cambyses, Elisa wonders if he will loose his mind when he will see Hope, not that the bird is like Fredrick or that ruffian monkey oe his bragging master, poor guy described himself as this group's protector, he seems way over his head by being bullied by his familiar.
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Post by Deaths on Feb 1, 2017 5:31:27 GMT
Ed allows the others to talk not in the mood to draw too much attention to himself, he scans the group focusing on each and everyone of their names, some he's heard of before he had them written down somewhere. It would be useful for him to...."Oh my gosh is that a monkey?!" He screams in his head as he runs full speed to the monkey, there was a man also standing there, but Edward didn't care. "Hello Mr. Monkey I'm Maxwell Edison, but call me Max. This is Discovery, he's laziness personified...well weasel-ified I guess." Edward is talking faster he loves primates in general, but monkeys are his favorite, luckily in his excitement he remembered to call himself by the fake name he came up with. "Monkeys are the best, when my dad would go on explorations we got to spend time with primates. Monkeys are the best, I'm sorry I don't have a snack for you. Would..." His words are cut off mid sentence at the sight and sound of a talking cat.
He runs at a full sprint to the red woman, but more importantly the cat. "You can talk....can all cats talk? Discovery doesn't speak, he just sleeps all day." His face gets closer and closer to the cat completely ignoring the woman who wears him. "I'm Ed...Edison, Maxwell Edison." A small slip up caused by his new excitement. "I've only been in the Neath for two months, and you Mister Kitty are the greatest thing I've ever seen." He scratches behind the cat's left ear as he continues talking, his excitement pouring from his mouth. "I've even seen an Aztec temple with a giant gold egg covered in jewels, me and my father had to get through all these puzzles and traps...but you are the most special thing ever." He continues to scratch the cat gently, not paying any attention to it's reaction. "Do you have a name Mister Kitty? Would you mind I examine your vocal chords if you die? I have to understand how you are capable of speech, while surface cats aren't." He ask a rather morbid question, with the voice of a child begging for sweets before dinner. "Who's a good kitty, you are yes you are, who's the best kitty in the world? That's right you are." Discovery hangs uselessly from Edward's neck, if one didn't know better they would assume he was dead.
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Post by DodoDestroyer on Feb 1, 2017 6:09:18 GMT
Red Jessica snaps out of her trance and recoils back a little as the man approaches her at full speed, a moment of surprise appears on her face for a half second. Fredrick looks like he's ready to bat this man on the nose. Normally, he wouldn't turn down a good scratch behind the ears, only if it were from people he deemed worth his time. But he's hungover and grumpy. He's not having any of this invasion. "Oi! D'ye mind!? Ever 'eard of personal space, mate?" He bellows as he wriggles away from his hand. "And I'm no kitty! I'm Freddy! The White Terror! If ye knew my name boy, ye would know that only redhead and macho woman can touch me coat! I'll thump yer right in the gobber if yer carry on. Swear on me mum!" He rants, trying to make himself sound as threatening as possible, Red sighs slightly. It was just like Fredrick to make him sound like this unstoppable force of furry nature....
Red takes a few steps back and gives Fredrick a few strokes on the back of his neck to calm him down. She smiles brightly at the gentleman, but she's just as irritated about her personal space being invaded as her Feline is, the only difference is she's a master at hiding her true feelings. And he's been here at the Neath for two months and never knew about cat's speech? Was he living under a rock? Or in a dirty old shack made of cardboard? She has to suppress a shiver, being this close to somebody with the possibility of such a low social status. "Did you not know? Fredrick and all other cats are capable of speech. They are carriers of many Secrets. Not many like being pets, but he's something special to me... You must forgive him too, the fluffy little ruffian drank a fair amount of my brandy yesterday and his hangover is pretty strong." She adds a small laugh at the end, rehearsed millions of times but still sounding as real as the first time. "I am Red Jessica." She announces to him and holds her hand out.
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Post by Envy on Feb 1, 2017 18:21:34 GMT
Harambee looks at the man he isn't well dressed but that cat through that cat can talk climbing down Mike Harambee looks at the Fredrick. Then slams the cat then ran away from the group then climbs up a light post. That'll teach that little fuzzball to talk bad about him and Mike like that watching this Mike chuckles "Looks like he doesn't like you "The White Fuzzball" also I'm a monster hunter not an ape. Ah I forgot to introduce I myself am Broken-Nose Mike or Broken Mike for short as I've said earlier I'm a monster hunter and as strong as a clay man." Says Mike as refelcts off his brass ring. To back this up he turns around to show off his bone harpoon to everyone blood still on the tip of the harpoon "Sorry about the blood on this old thing I just got done finishing up a cave-snake in the basement of the Shuttered Palace." Harambee comes off of the lightpost "And this Malevolent thing is Harambee I picked him up on my travels as a rat hunter." Says Mike petting Harambee.
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Post by Deaths on Feb 1, 2017 21:33:33 GMT
"Oh I'm so sorry, Mr. Fredrick it won't happen again." He pretends to be sorrowful, when in actuality he is more embarrassed by the way he acted. He could never keep his urges in check, whenever something fascinated him he had to interact with it. He needed to learn everything about it, and he cherished it until something new came along. He takes a step back, and offers a slight bow of apology. Red Jessica began to speak he pretended not to listen but he heard every word. She talks down to him, though her tone isn't condescending the words felt it. She reminds him of all the rich socialites back on the surface, every word is carefully crafted, every breath planned for the best possible outcome. That fake laugh, oh that fake laugh. It was good don't get him wrong, if he wasn't already wary of her he might even have believed it.
She presents her had after introducing herself. Edward knows the correct procedure for this, but he stalls for a few seconds. Intentionally looking at her in the eyes, to her hand and back to her eyes changing his expression from his standard happy go lucky smile to a confused smile. Hopefully he makes her uncomfortable, she is boring there's a lot of people in the world like her. Edward decides to feign ignorance with her, to pretend he is some classless boy who was raised by savages. He raises his right hand and scratches the back of his head for a second trying to see how long she will stand with her hand extended. He acts like he just had an epiphany, his face brightens and his everlasting smile deepens. He raises his hand in a perfect mirror of Red Jessica. "I am Maxwell Edison." Giggling on the inside he keeps the joke going. "You lot sure do have some interesting greetings down here." The joke is only funny to him most likely, but of well you need to make your own fun.
Everything was going well until Harambee attacked Freddy, the monkey ran up a poll, and while taunting the cat. In a flash Ed chased after the monkey he slipped behind a crate on the street near the poll. The owner of the monkey apologized again, and started talking about something while showing off his weapon. Harambee slides down the lamp, and Edward springs his ambush. Pouncing on the monkey one hand grabbing the base of it's tail the other the back of it's neck. He falls to the ground the monkey is clearly not happy swinging wildly, Harambee gets a few scratches in, but Ed has him subdued. A child like laugh breaks free, as Ed stands up presenting Harambee to Mike. "You aren't the first monkey I've wrestled, and you won't be the last Mr. Harambee." Proud of his catch he stands with his back straightened, only to realized Discovery was missing. The weasel was laying uselessly on the ground near Jessica's feet, he must of sensed what was going to happen and climbed off before being pulled into a scuffle. His smile melts away, "Wait a what snake?" He fearfully thinks to himself. "Excuse me sir." He speaks with a real nervousness this time, with a small gulp he continues. "Did you really need a weapon that big for a snake? Do they get that big down here." He releases Harambee from his grip so he can steady his hands, "Snakes...why did there have to be snakes." He silently thinks to himself, trying his best to compose himself.
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Post by DodoDestroyer on Feb 1, 2017 21:57:05 GMT
Jessica studies the Edison as he refuses her hand. Socially inept indeed, does he not know that kissing a lady's hand is the common greeting from man to woman here? But then she sees it. Her expression betrays nothing, but his whole oblivious nature is an act. Well rehearsed she must admit, but he played it too long. Not even the socially retarded would prolong it for that long, and he isn't the tad bit flustered after the realisation. He probably fooled the rest here, but Red has mastered every fakery and exaggeration known. It couldn't have possibly escaped her. She is now doubting who this man is, even his name... She's suspicious, and she will find out.
She does not feel uncomfortable, only slightly irritated at his childish display. To think that he would address somebody of her stature like that, he would have been permanently shunned in the Court for it. However, she must remain polite. She smiles softly and lowers her hand slowly, giving indication that he may have just messed up his impression with her. She doubts he cares, wondering what his true motives are.
Before talking with him further, The monkey snatches Fredrick from her shoulders and slams him into the ground. The Feline lets out a powerful 'oof!'. Red is in shock by such a disgusting display, but her face twists into restrained rage. Clenched jaw, a glare of death towards the monkey's owner and malicious in her eyes. She doesn't usually get angry, but when she does she certainly becomes the scariest creature in the room. Nobody hurts her Fredrick!
"YOU FOOKIN' TOSSER!!" Yells Fredrick as he scrambles to his feet, hissing at the monkey. "Ye made the biggest mistake of yer life, wanka! Christmas 'as come early, redhead! Am about to give yer a new monkey skin rug!!" He lunges for the monkey being restrained, swiping his claws like a feline possessed. "Freddy's gonna knock yer block into next Tuesday, boy!" He bellows in anger as he continues his assault.
"FREDRICK!!" Red screeches. Causing everybody to fall hush. Not even the beetles dare make a sound. Fredrick halts his swipes, glances over to Red and slinks back over to her, he looks embarrassed to say the least. "Sorry luv..." He mumbles as he climbs back on her shoulders. Her glare returns to Mike. "If your fleabag of a creature dare lays a finger near me or my companion again, I will not be responsible for what happens." She says very calmly. She isn't dangerous in the slightest. A wet napkin could knock her unconscious, but her connections within Neath can ruin his reputation to make sure he never gets work again, monster hunters rely on word of the mouth for customers. Those who do employ him will face complete shun.
Her smile returns and back to her usual, happy self. "Right now we got that little event out of the way, I am ready to meet our employer!" She announces.
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Post by silent15 on Feb 1, 2017 21:58:57 GMT
Cambyses shrugged at the kid's reaction, ignoring Jessica's raised voice, "Better caves-snakes than the Fingerkings." Seeing the blank look being directed his way he elaborated. "Serpent-like being that inhabit Parabola, the land on the other side of mirrors and dreams. It's where people go when they take prisoner's honey. Sorry, studying the weirder aspects of the Neath is something of a calling for me."
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Post by projectekertest33 on Feb 1, 2017 22:48:39 GMT
The Broken Zubmariner watches the animal antics impassively waiting for them to finish before walking up to the entrance and opening the door with a slight bow for the lady introduced as Rad Jessica hir father had always taught hir to be respectful to nobility and ze was a creature of habit.
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Post by Hunter on Feb 1, 2017 23:20:31 GMT
Alright now that situation was getting pretty irritating, Elisa turns her attention to the hunter and his damn ape. "You heard the lady, if your creature here can't behave itself during the cruise i will personally throw it overboard and you too at the same occasion. I will not allow any kind of harm toward Miss Jessica and her companion, even if he is a ruffian." She dusts herself and turns to Cambyses. "I'm sure you like talking about honey induced dreams anytime but now is not really the time Mister, like miss Jessica said i think it's the time we meet our employer." They already lost so much time and the situation will only grow worse if the group stay idle, beside fredrick already spotted Hope at the window and after what happened he will sure be unbearable if she says anything about it; that monkey is going to be bothersome...
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Post by silent15 on Feb 2, 2017 15:47:15 GMT
Checking his pocket-watch, the Enthusiastic Diplomat was about to check to see if anyone had arrived in response to the Foreign Office's request, when the door creaked open. Smiling and bounding forward, he snatched the gentleman's hand up in a vigorous shake, "Ah captain, a pleasure to make your acquaintance at last. I've read your file and I must say, the navy is lesser for your retirement." Moving on like a hurricane he bowed swiftly to Red Jessica, "And one of the true flowers of the court blesses us with her presence. A privilege Lady Jessica, truly a privilege." His rapid-fire speech and motion halted almost inperceptibly, and his smile became ever so slightly forced when he turned to Cambyses however, "Ah Professor, a pleasure to see you again."
Turning to the rest of group, he allowed his smile to fade into a look of uncertainty, "I'm afraid I'm not familiar with the rest of you unfortunately." He clapped his hands, bringing the smile back twice as bright, "But not to worry! I'm sure it will be a pleasure to get to know all of you."
Bounding up the steps to the door he gesutered to them, "Come in, come in! My office is the third on the left, we'll talk there."
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Post by DodoDestroyer on Feb 2, 2017 18:03:46 GMT
Red bows a little herself when the man addresses her, feeling much better now that somebody has officially addressed her with honour. "It is an honour to be here at your aid in this troubling scenario, Diplomat." She says respectfully. Fredrick leans his furry head to her ear. "Oi. How did yer pick that up? Bloke is speakin' so fast all I 'eard was gibberish." Red responds with a disapproving look to Fredrick, who does the cat's equilivant to a shrug.
She lets him address everybody else, no point in getting a word in as his words go a mile a minute, for too rushed for her liking... She then follows graciously to his office, hoping that will calm him down a little once there.
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