She nods. Yes. I don't know where he is right now. Traditionally they rest in their graves during the daylight, but we already looked and it is empty. It would seem that there is somewhere else it rests during the day. The best course is to draw it back to its grave. There is a summoning ritual that must be followed. I tried to get help, but no one believes me. She shakes her head. Do you know of anyone who would be capable of such a thing?

Kimi smiles broadly, "Oh yes Wise One, I do, and I believe you grandmother.  As if you were true Christian Scripture."  She smiled at the woman. "I must find my way to the people that know of these things.  They will face this creature, AND I also think, face those that have summoned it."

She looks relieved at the news, but her face quickly grows worried again. But surely you do not go now? It is not safe at night! She protests, gently pulling your arm.

Kimi knew that Mr Westbrook would be worried, and maybe a few of the team.  She also knew that time was of the essence, "Do you possess a telephone?"

The Russian woman blinks in surprise at the question and then smiles in amusement. Not in this side of town I'm afraid. There is a telegraph office, but it's likely closed this time of night. You may be able to wake the operator though. He lives above his shop and it is not far from here. She offers helpfully.

Kimi thought about that, then discarded it.  "How did this man die? and what type of man was he grandmother?"  Kimi sat on the floor.  Best to while away the time with questions.

He was rumored to be into dark magic and he certainly seemed cruel enough to be. She shook her head. No one is sure how he ended up such a person. He started off so kind and -what is the word? Regular? She shakes her head, trying to think of the best term. Then one day he was visited by a man, an Englishman. No one knew who he was but after that things were never the same for him. His parents fell ill and died shortly after and he became a different person. She says sadly.

Possession?  It could be.  Kimi nodded.  "Does he wear anything that is strange? Perhaps extremely special to him?"  She thought again. "Perhaps a mark? upon his skin?"

The woman shakes her head. Not that I could see. The Englishman though, had white eyes. Completely white, I saw it when he didn't realize I could see him. She shakes her head. It was the most frightening thing I've ever seen.

Kimi returned a thoughtful look.  "Can you please, most noble one, tell me how this English Man looked? Paint for me a picture of him?"

She proceeds to describe a man in his forties with dark blond hair and blue eyes when they weren't white of course. He was about 5'10 and well dressed. What do you plan to do? She demands curiously.

Kimi listened carefully to the description.  She wasn't sure if she knew this man but every detail was important.  She nodded, noted things that were strange or odd.  "Thank you great wise one for your safety, information and willingness to help a stranger." She bowed slightly. "Tell me wise one, does this creature move across the roofs of the city?"

She looks puzzled at the question but answers nonetheless. Not that I know of. He seems to go around in disguise from what I've heard. I think the rooftops are of little interest to him. Are you going to risk it? She demands.

Kimi was tempted. "Do you have access to the roof most noble one?"

She smiles a bit, as though impressed by your determination. Yes. There is a fire escape on the west side of this building. Do you need anything from me? I'd like to help you if I can. She offers, already accepting the fact that you are likely going to leave.

"Is this creature weakened by anything grandmother?" She readied herself for leaving.

Anything made of aspen I can imagine. I'm sorry if that's not much help to you right now though. She shakes her head. You must use the stake to kill it though, and then burn the body remember, so it cannot be brought back. She finishes firmly.

Kimi nodded. "Is there anywhere nearby that one might find this miraculous species?"

She frowns in thought. There is a cafe a few blocks over. They keep late hours. I believe they have some chairs and such made out of aspen. I'm sure a beautiful woman such as yourself could convince them to sell one. She offers helpfully. I could give you directions. It is not far. Clearly she is too frightened to go with you.

Kimi nods and thanks woman, she will remember where this house is and make sure they are rewarded for their kindness to her.  She takes the woman's directions and then heads for the fire escape.  She will find the cafe.

The Russian woman bids you good luck, looking fearful for you, but hopeful nonetheless. She informs you that you are welcome there anytime should you need shelter, which is really saying something considering the woman has very little herself.

You step out into the night, using the fire escape to get to higher ground. From the rooftop you can see the streets easily and though it is dark you at least have some semblance of how occupied the areas are and how best to avoid detection. Fortunately the cafe is as close as she states, and you can see it clearly, well lit and still bustling despite the late hour. It is a beacon of safety in this uncertain area. You make it there easily and see the patrons are drinking and laughing inside, apparently in the throws of some good-natured argument over politics. You are also a bit shocked to see what you are certain is a prostitute with them, heavily painted and under dressed, looking more than a bit tipsy. It looks like a young Frenchman is the operator of this establishment and he has a rather handsome and friendly face. This may not be too hard....

Kimi is wary, as she approaches the Owner.  "Noble sir.  I have a strange question, but would you have within your establishment, any broken of your chairs?"

The Frenchman smiles warmly at the sight of you. He seems to be a bit surprised at seeing someone like you in his establishment at this hour, and says as much, but he does give a friendly nod. Believe it or not I do. These louts can get a bit careless at times. He laughs, winking at the boisterous patrons. I have some in the back I haven't disposed of yet. But what would you want them for? He asks curiously.

Kimi is not sure how forthright to be. "I am walking alone at night, and have heard of an entity.  I have heard this creature does not like the type of wood you're chairs are constructed from.  I would, most noble shopkeeper, pay for the broken chairs....of course."

The Frenchman listens with amusement. Well, I have heard of a lot of disappearances from this area, but I don't exactly think it was an 'entity.' He laughs. Of course your culture is quite different from my own and no doubt there are many things that differ between them. He says politely. If it's that important to you I will gladly give you all the broken chairs you wish. No charge. They're really just garbage anyway you know. As for walking alone at night, that will never do. I insist that I walk you home. He says firmly.