Shaw took her to small but nice flat, and began to put on some tea; by then, Kitty's shivers had subsided (with no small thanks to the strong drink in the flask!), and she set her things down and sat on the bed.  She decided against telling him that her experiences with coppers had been anything but pleasant, and that, under normal circumstances, she could take care of herself - but he seemed a decent enough chap thus far, and he had just assisted her, so she kept her comments to herself.

As to the question he asked of her...

"Vampires?  Nothing.  Is that what attacked my neighbor, and meant to attack me?"

A more important question hung on her lips unspoken: was it a vampire that murdered my sister?

Yes, exactly. he looks relieved that you are taking things so easily. Glad to hear you have an open mind. What with all the logical thinkers these days most folk think such things superstition but as you can see, that's not accurate. he shakes his head. The thing is, vampires are pretty low on the list of nasties that are roaming out there. This city is crawling with unsavory things, vamps, shape shifters, werewolves,witches, demons and more...obscure variations. Not to be blunt but I see you're not in the best finances. Women in your...position are at particular risk from these threats. Especially now. I don't feel right leaving you defenseless.

Kitty could feel the blood leaving her face as the man's words sank in: was he a mad man?  Did such things truly exist?  She had just seen something highly unusual with her own eyes, but...could it be true?  She was grateful to be sitting, and her head began to swim.

"I beg your pardon, Mr. Shaw, but please, what on earth are you talking about?  Until this very night I had never heard the word 'vampire' before, so I do not know what it is; but you seem to have lumped it in with witches and demons and other nasty things that I can only recall from childhood stories - and you are telling me these things are not figments from a book of fairy tales, but are real?  My dear Sir, I would think you insane, were it not for the incident I'd just witnessed at my now-ruined flat.  I am not so much open-minded as...flabbergasted."

Her heart beat wildly in her chest, and she instinctively reached for the hilt of her dagger, which she always did when she felt threatened, just to make herself feel better.  She did not know if it would work on such creatures, or her small Derringer for that matter, but she hoped she would never have to find out.

"Back home the Queen has called us 'Unfortunates"; well, I may have my share of misfortune, compared to some, but I am better off than some others.  I don't know what goes on in this country, but if I have to defend myself against these...things you speak of, I shall, to the best of my ability - although, to be honest, I hope to god I never see one again.  I should think this to be an American problem, except that I know London has had its own demon who prowled the street, searching for 'Unfortunates' to victimize, and that was one reason why I came here.  I fear I have been immensely foolish, and I am quite at a loss as to what I should do.  I cannot return home: even if I had the money to pay for my passage, which I do not, I do not have a home to go to; and yet, if I stay here, you say I am to be stalked, just as the Ripper's victims were, by a whole variety of creatures from the story books - is this what you are telling me, Mr. Shaw?"

I've upset you, I am sorry. he sighs tiredly. Not to make things worse, but such things exist everywhere, all around the world. They usually pose as humans and that's where things get tricky. I only put particular caution to you now because there are things afoot that you don't know about. There are...schemes for lack of a better word, that are currently going on by forces too dark for me to frighten you with. They have been at particular work in this city as of late, but I cannot promise you that you would be safer elsewhere. In fact, you may be safer here where at least you have a friend who can help you. he offers. I am a hunter of these types of creatures. I am not the only one, we have a large network here in the city, though we work as inconspicuously as we can so as not to cause panic. I can offer you this place to stay as long as you have need and I can send some men to keep watch on you periodically. Perhaps, this would make you feel better? He then removes his Japanese sword along with the scabbard and places it on the bed. You'll find that in most cases normal weapons won't work on these...monsters for lack of a better word. There is a technique we learned to augment weapons for that purpose, perhaps you had best keep this until I can get you a replacement for your firearm. he gestures.

"You...hunt these creatures, you say, and there are more of you?  And, I gather, you hunt them to dispose the world of them?  That seems like a worthy goal.  I would like to help, if I could, somehow.  My sister was one of the Ripper victims: perhaps he too was one of these creatures in mortal disguise, as you have suggested.  I could do nothing to help her, but, perhaps I can assist you in helping others, as you have helped me.  I want to thank you for your courage and kindness, and for saving my life.  but I must confess I feel the fool: I had no idea such was the world we live in.  Maybe that explains its cruelty and unkindness."

Kitty stood, a bit unsteadily, and touched the sword with her hand.

"Would that I had the skill to use such a weapon; all I know is my simple dagger and my small pistol; and you say they are useless against these monsters."

She turned to face him.

"If I can help you and your cause, please let me know and I will do what I can.  I am no swordsman, but I am quick and I am quiet; I can hide well, and move about the shadows when I need to.  I am good with people and at finding things out.  My years have been in the pursuit of many...disreputable habits, I am afraid, but for the misery and horrors I have experienced because of them I also have been gifted many skills for survival in the dark streets.  Such skills your group may find useful, possibly.  I...I know not what else to do."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:00, Sat 22 Nov 2014.

It's all I have to offer you at the moment, but I can obtain better items for you, or even transform the ones you already own. he explains easily, gesturing to the sword. The ripper eh? I am sorry to hear that he looks sympathetic. I wish I could tell you that all the evil in the world is caused by these creatures but unfortunately man is evil enough on his own when he wants to be. he sighs. If you're so keen to help, I will ask my superiors and see if they have any problems with you joining. You'll need to be interviewed and tested first, make sure you're not some demon or somethin, but it would be a great deal safer than to leave you here.

In spite of everything that had happened that night, including a whole new world view to absorb, Kitty had to smile wryly a bit at Shaw's remark.

"Well, I don't think I am a demon, although I venture to guess there may be one or two blokes back home who may have a bit less of themselves after meeting me.  I have not been an angel, Mr. Shaw, but I can assure you that whatever I have done in my time I did so because I had no other choice at the time.  But I will gladly submit to whatever tests your employers require of me.  I would like to help - even if its just to take notes and serve tea, anything is better than floating out there, lost in the streets, just waiting to be some creature's next victim.  I need some structure in my life, some...purpose, something other than survival".

He smiles kindly at your words, nodding approvingly. Well, you'll be safe enough here for the night and I'll have an answer for you tomorrow. This place is warded against demons, he kicks up the carpet to reveal strange painted symbols on the hardwood floors. Demons can't set foot in here and everything else, well...I doubt you'll run across anything if you stay inside. he frowns. He turns to go but stops at the door. Nice to meet you miss Kitty. Get some sleep if you can.

ooc: Ok, I'm going to skip you ahead to the next afternoon but I wanted to make sure you didn't have anything you wanted to do in the meantime. If you search the room you discover some clothes of his, a few books and a bottle of scotch that's half gone. If you look closer at the symbols on the floor they are quite intricate and impressive.

Kitty nodded.

"I'm so tired, I think I could sleep inside a drum, with someone banging it.  My thanks once again, Mr. Shaw.  I don't know how I can ever repay your kindness."

She was tired, but curious enough to investigate the room she was in a little, after he'd gone.  The inscriptions underneath the carpet gave her a slight chill, though she knew not why; their intricacy alone meant the man had been serious about all that he had said.  She found the bottle of scotch, and she determined that he probably would not begrudge her one more swallow, just to help her sleep, and so she had one to help her nerves.

She then set the sword beside the table, feeling its comforting heft, then removed her outer garments, and changed into the same nightshirt she'd worn when he'd discovered her: it seemed fitting.

After a short time, Kitty blew out the candle and fell fast asleep,wondering what the new day would bring her.

(OOC: I presume this day is done)

Kitty:

Ooc: Dang straight it is! ;P

The next morning is uneventful though to your surprise a middle aged woman knocks on your door bearing a tray of breakfast. Mister Shaw told me you would be hungry she explains with a friendly smile. She doesn't bat an eye upon seeing a single young woman in his place of residence and you get the feeling you aren't the first woman the lady has taken care of. She tells you she'll be down the hall if you have need of anything and introduces herself as Joanna. Not long after you've finished your meal there is a knock at the door and you discover it is Ian again, looking relieved to find you still there. Alongside him is a beautiful black woman with proud eyes and a serious face. She holds her head high and there is a fierceness that is surprising for one of her color. This is Victoria Green Ian explains. She is going to do the...questioning. If she thinks you are a good fit then you will accompany us back to our headquarters if you are interested. Victoria strides in wordlessly and gives you a long hard stare. You feel as though she is looking into your very soul and her next words surprise you. Do you have any idea of who he is? she demands, a frown on her face. I see a man with black eyes. Who is he?

After a restful sleep, and a good breakfast, Kitty changed into new clothes and received several visitors, including Shaw and a young black woman: it would seem this Victoria Green had the eyes of some kind of mystic seer, because she looked right into her and saw her dreams, the ones that had haunted her back in London.  Kitty could not help but shiver at feeling so exposed, but perhaps here was someone who might help explain it.

"I do not know", Kitty says plainly, and truthfully, "but this face has come to me in dreams before - worst the night before my sister was killed in London.  I think...I think somehow it has something to do with my family.  There were always questions....rumors, about how my father came from being a simple coal miner in Wales to an administrator in Caernarfon.  He always said it was a reward for helping the company with some business, but that's all he would ever say.  After my sister left home no one would speak of it, and...and it felt cold in the house after that, always cold, even in the summer.  I couldn't wait to get away myself, even without a penny in my purse.  But those eyes...white hot and yet cold at the same time.  I hope I never see their like in waking life."
This message was last edited by the player at 23:03, Tue 02 Dec 2014.

Victoria listens with concern. How long ago did this change of status occur? Is he still alive? she turns to Ian thoughtfully, It could be he made a deal. he nods in agreement. It is possible that your father made a deal with a demon. Such things are not as uncommon as you would think and it would certainly explain his rise in position. Usually the family is not directly affected by this though, but perhaps it has designs for you in particular. Did he say anything to you? Is there a precursor to seeing him? Anything that seems to trigger it? she sits with a frown, deep in thought. Listen, I know Ian has told you a small part about what we do, but you must realize you go into dangerous work if you join us. I cannot promise your safety but I can promise you answers, one way or another. And I can promise you will be prepared against what is out there at the very least. As she talks Ian hands you a silver flask and tells you to drink. It appears to be simple water but the pair of them look satisfied for some reason after you partake of it.

Kitty could not help but shudder.

"I remember...I had bad dreams as a child, but nothing I could recall the next day, just...an overall feeling of dread.  As I got older, the dreams got worse, and I began to remember them.  The face I could not see, but a pair of eyes, boring into me; words that sent chills into my blood, even though they usually made no sense to me; pictures, symbols...things I did not understand.  By the time my sister left home it had become bad - she never talked about them, but I knew she had them sometimes too, I know it was part of why she ran away.  For a time after Blackbird left the dreams subsided, and it was just the house that was bad.  I tried to live life at home and be a good girl, but by then my parents were arguing, and my father'd gotten into drink.  Things at home got worse without the dreams, and finally I couldn't take it anymore and ran away."

She was surprised how all this came out so matter-of-factly to these strangers, when even with her own sister she could not speak of such things, but she supposed life was different now.

"After I ran away, life became very...difficult.  I didn't have any nightmares, perhaps because my waking life had plenty of hardships.  Mr. Shaw has possibly told you some of my background; I have no wish to discuss any of the details here, but...suffice to say I had enough on my plate that even if I did have bad dreams during the time between when I ran away and when I got to London, I have no memory of them.  No, the first time in a long time that the dreams came back is when I went to London to see my sister: straight away I knew something was going to be wrong, I just didn't know what.  How could I possibly know?  I know now that the Ripper murders were in the newspapers, but...at the time, when I was in Edinburgh,  let's just say reading the newspapers was not something that occupied my mind."

She did not want to think on those days; Cardiff had not been pleasant, but Edinburgh had been Hell, or so she thought at the time.  Caught between vicious street gangs and crooked police, it was all she could do to survive from day to day.  When word came that someone had seen her sister in London, it seemed to hold such promise.  But the promise had turned out to be a lie, just as New York had been so far.  Or perhaps she was still just as stupid and ignorant of the real world as she had been when she first left home, as if the past 8 years had taught her absolutely nothing at all, had all been for nought.

"In London, in my dream the face said something like 'now was when past bills got paid', or something like that.  I thought it was just nonsense then; now I don't know.  Until yesterday, I did not even know such things as demons really could exist.  It was the first I'd had in a long time, and I don't know why it happened, only that after it, and after finding out my sister was dead, I needed to get out of London as soon as I could.  So, I did."

She looked at the African woman's eyes as steadily as she could.

"I have already lived my life in danger, though not perhaps the kind of danger you both speak of, or perhaps I did but never knew.  I have not felt safe since I was a child, and rarely even then.  All I know is I am tired, tired of running, tired of being afraid, tired of having nothing to live for, but not the courage to end it all, and just...just tired.  I feel dead inside, like a famine, and I feel like I need to fill my life with something before I burn down to nothing."

She said no more, and simply drank the liquid given to her - she was surprised it was water, she'd expected it to be gin, or something stronger, but she did not care.  It was worth it just to be able to speak about these things and get them off her chest: bad enough to live the life she'd had, but to do so alone, and with no one to confide in or share with, that had made her burden far worse.  As much as these people had turned out to be nothing she'd anticipated, she felt the reverse was probably true for her in their eyes.  And maybe they did not wish to endure such complications.

Even so, just to speak as she did already made her feel better.

They both listen mutely, nodding in places and both deep in thought. I am sorry you've been through so much. I cannot promise that a life with us will be any less dangerous or any easier, but it will have a purpose and you would make a difference. If that is enough you are welcome to join us. In the meantime I will find out what is going on, though it will take some time. We have factions everywhere and I mean to do some digging on your family. I have no idea why you should be targeted like this. It doesn't fit with what I know. she frowns. But clearly you are no demon or shifter, and my senses say I can trust you. Would you like to accompany us now or do you need time to think on it?

Kitty looked up with surprise.

"You mean...you'll have me?  Even after all that?  I'm very grateful; to have meaning, to have purpose, that's all I want now, no matter how dangerous it is.  It is such an empty feeling to not matter.  Thank you both."

She was especially hopeful that the group could help her figure out what was going on with her family.  If her father had made some sort of deal with a demon, what did it mean for them?  Could it be reversed?  How was she even involved in the first place?  Being able to reverse her situation would be a blessing in itself, if possible.

"I am ready right now, if you both don't mind."

She gave them a wide smile, feeling hopeful for the first time in ages.

Ian looks amused at your enthusiasm. Of course we'll have you girl! None of us are without some kind of past we'd like to forget and with all that's been going on we're not going to turn away anyone who wants to help. Victoria nods in agreement and starts to help you gather your things. It is we who should be thanking you Miss Kelly. Though should you wish to leave at any time you of course are welcome to. Now, not to overwhelm you but I was wondering if you would be interested in delving right in? I have a couple of agents who are going to be meeting with a crossroads demon this very night in order to question him. If anyone can tell us about your father's possible deal it is him. she gives you a questioning look. But it will be dangerous and it is a lot to handle for someone so new. You may decline if you wish, no one will judge you.

ooc: I'm going to be posting a new thread for you and Father Simon soon. Finish up here, let her know if you are interested and then I will make a new thread.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:29, Thu 04 Dec 2014.

"A crossroads demon" , Kitty asked, puzzled and chilled, but also feeling an unmistakable thrill of excitement, "how interesting.  I'm not sure what kind of help I can provide, but you may rely upon me.  I may need some instruction as to what I should do, but I will be careful and will do whatever you ask of me".

If this creature could tell her something about whatever was going on with her family, then it was worth the risk.  Kitty felt as if she'd now crossed over some new threshold in her life, and while it made her feel anxious and concerned she also felt a new sense of purpose and a renewed vigor for action.

"I expect I have a lot to learn, but I am ready to do so now."

Perfect! The timing couldn't be better, though I warn you it will not be pleasant and you may hear things about your father that will upset you. You should be safe enough with Lily and Father Simon though. she adds.

Soon all of your things are loaded into a hansom cab and you ride with the pair to the other side of town until you stop on a street with dilapidated buildings that have clearly not seen use for some time. One of these is a warehouse and they lead you inside to your surprise. The building is full of crates and boxes, dusty and grimy from time spent motionless. There is a telephone though on the wall, quite an update for such a place, and Ian goes over and talks quietly into it, hanging up seconds later. You can leave your things, I just sent someone for them. he explains. They then lead you to a rocking chair next to several crates and push it back, moving the carpet to reveal a trap door. As they open the trap door you see the same symbol from the inn displayed on the inside of the door. Another ward it seems. a ladder goes down and Ian helps you traverse it. Soon you are in a tunnel though it is surprisingly well furnished. Electric lights don the brick walls and neat cobblestone floors make for easy enough walking. Victoria explains that this place was built specifically for the men of letters and that it is important you not tell a soul about it. It's warded against just about everything there is, but unfortunately the enemy is powerful. He's slipped a few past us I'm afraid. she looks stressed. Your quarters will be ready soon and we have meals and clothing to spare so you shall not want for that. Is there anything else you need before I show you the rest of the place? A bath or something to eat?

Kitty nodded as the woman explained that she might hear bad things about her father - in her heart she already knew some bad things, but the specifics might prove shocking.  She determined to steel herself against whatever the creature said.

It was amusing for her to take a cab ride in the city - she had not experienced one since her first year in Edinburgh, before things had gotten out of hand.  She looked at the disused, dirty building dubiously: she had used such buildings before to rest, of course, but she'd hope she'd progressed past that now.  But once she saw the trap door and ladder, not to mention the tunnel, she saw that it was much bigger, safer, and nondescript, than she expected, and while it was probably not the Crystal Palace she expected she'd get on just fine here.

"I won't tell a soul about this place, I promise", she replied to Victoria.  In response to her question, she added: "I would simply love a bath, if possible, but whether it comes at the beginning or the end of the tour is entirely at your discretion, Ms. Green; I would be happy enough simply to have one drawn so I might wash."

Then a bath you shall have! I'll have one readied for you immediately. I will show you the more pressing places at least so that you won't get too lost. A more thorough excursion can wait. She finds a maid and gives her some quick orders before the woman scurries off to obey. It is quite an odd sight, seeing a black woman in charge like this, though considering the downtrodden female sex it is refreshing to find such a contradiction. She shows you a few of the larger areas such as the infirmary, the library, mess hall, study room and her office, finally ending with your own quarters. The room is generous sized and very fine. Far finer than most of the lodgings you are used to. The double bed has rose colored satin sheets and a canopy to match. The desk is polished mahogany and even the stationary is very fine. You have a wardrobe, a wash basin, vanity complete with mirror, everything a woman could need. Ian gives a small smile as you see the room for the first time. Not bad eh? Risking your life to fight the forces of evil does have its perks. he grins. You are also pleased to see a private bathroom adjoining where your bath has been drawn for you. Whoever built this place must be incredibly wealthy.

Kitty's mouth practically hung open during the tour: she had not expected such opulence, especially down here in the darkness.  It was as if a dream had come true.  When she saw the room they meant to give her, she nearly broke down and wept.

"There...there must be some kind of mistake", she began, choking on her words, "this room is for some fine lady, someone who...I'm not even a lady, nowhere close, I'm just...the things I've done...there must be some mistake..."
This message was last edited by the player at 19:36, Mon 08 Dec 2014.

Ian looks suddenly uncomfortable, perhaps he is worried you are going to cry and Victoria gives you a warm smile. There is no mistake my friend. This is a fresh start. Though you must earn the opportunities you are given. Look at me. My mother was a slave and now I am second in command here. If anyone knows about feeling unworthy it is me. But you must realize, your background, your past does not define you. I can tell there are great things in store for you and I would help you obtain that. Besides, you will be earning your keep. With all of the horrors you will undoubtedly face, satin sheets will seem like small compensation.

She smiled and nodded, wiping away the tear which had formed at the corner of her left eye.

"I understand, and I will do my very best to live up to your expectations."

It was hard to believe all this would be for her; she wondered just what sort of dangerous situations she would have to get into to earn such finery, but decided that whatever it was it would be worth it.

"What is next?"

Victoria smiles. Well, with your permission I am going to take your weapons so we can modify them. Right now they are useless against most of the evils we face but when we are through they will be deadly against all but the more powerful things out there. I've had something of a warddrobe prepared for you, though I'm sure your old clothes will do just as well. When you're done with your bath I will have you meet with Lily. She's going to do the summoning tonight and you will need to be prepared. She will leave within an hour or so but don't rush too much. she adds kindly. With that she prepares to leave and you see that indeed the wardrobe has been filled with just about everything a young woman could want. Generous indeed!

ooc: Lily will be ready for you by the next post so let me know if you have any finishing thoughts first.

"Thank you so much Victoria, and Mr. Shaw as well, of course."

She turned over her dagger and two-shot Derringer over to Ms. Green.

For the moment, Kitty could not believe her luck.  She took a luxurious bath, then changed into some of her new clothes, preferring pants, in case there was some physical action necessary later on.