Parker's Piece is a roughly quadrilateral shaped green space with: Emmanuel College to the North; The Bus Station (and behind it Christ's Pieces), the Police Station, and Newmarket Road to the East; Mill Road, Queen Anne's Place, Hills Road and the Catholic Church of St Mary and the English Martyr's to the South; and Regent's Street and beyond that Downing College to the West.

More importantly though is the Reality Checkpoint in the centre.  To mundane eyes it is an enormous cast-iron streetlight in the centre of the park with the words 'Reality Checkpoint' spray-painted or carved on it.

To those who can SEE however, it is a heavily guarded fortress meant to keep the Fae from entering into the reality bubble that is Cambridge University.  This means that the Fae consider any green spaces South or East of Parker's Piece to be fair game.

Of course, the checkpoint will not necessarily keep out vampires (that's the slayer's job) or demons.

It is one o'Clock in the morning and one by one the stars go out, soon enough the streetlights follow as fog arises from the ground and thickens around you.  Those who are awake feel a sudden cold, not a September cold but a December cold.  For those who remember, it's a December 1963 cold, an 1816 cold, a cold that sinks down through the bones and kisses the marrow.

Those who are sleeping dream, touched by malicious spirits, they find themselves struggling against a bitter wind that sings knives of a cold not seen before.  Behind them they hear the howling of wolves, ahead the raucous calls of hunters.  Neither seems a safe bet.

And then, though the fog remains, the frost begins to melt in the Northwestern half of Parker's piece and slowly, so agonisingly slowly, things return to what passes for normal in the University bubble.

The stone form of the golem made its way through the fog, the nature of the university's seeming safety prickled at his mind as he approached the divide between the north and south ends of Parker's Piece.  Sticking to the edges, and keeping an eye for any normal people that might be about.  Though given the night's chill, he felt that few who were not touched would be out at this hour.  Even fewer past the point of danger he could see through the fog.

A soldier comes to the lattice and salutes Goffery.  "Sir, we do not know you.  She has not come here for you." and then all formality fades and with a more natural stance and a human expression, he asks, "Why do you take the form of a golem?  Clearly you are not such.  You are a man."

First there was an owl and now there was this soldier saluting him.  Had he the ability to show expressions his eyes would have widened at the comment that there was a she here for others.  But the informal actions, that gave him an understanding this was not a hive mind at least.

"That is a story I am ill prepared to tell.  Suffice to say, the choice of spite over safety has left me with a most stiff upper lip."  He said, playing a bit on the saying.  "So if she hasn't come for me, which being unknown I understand, who is she here for?"  He asked still keeping some distance from the lattice.  "This seems like a lot of effort, has to be something big right?" He asked to see if he couldn't entice the creature to brag about what was going on.

The soldier giggles in a minimally martial manner (or not martial at all) and says, "This is nothing big, but in twenty four hours if Sir John fails to make his rounds, the walls will fall and the bubble will burst as it never has in several hundred years. That is not the reason for our presence though. We are Her Ducal guard. We are here because she is here, or as close as can be on this earth of yours and she is, at least metaphorically 'very big'".

There was again a moment where if he still had facial features, there would have been a widening of his eyes and reaction that just did not happen with stone.  So outwards was just the golem looking and silent for a few moments then he replies.

"Has something been done to make Sir John fail?"  He asks first but then considers for a moment, "And what might she be called to know how big she is?" he asks, not trying to get a name, those older stories leaving some general ideas of the rules to play by.

"She is the Duchess of course and no, the binder has not failed in his duty." said the soldier, "Yet".

[From Audley End]

From the depths of the fog, an echoing footstep oozed from it's misted depths. Certainly not feet clad in the more silent and popular sneakers of the day, nor where they the heavy impacts of boots meant to fight against the cold. They sounded sharper against the path than either of those, and somehow more...expensive? And it almost sounded as if there were three legs with each step, rather than two.

The light of the Reality Checkpoint eventually cut through the fog to reveal a tall, lanky form, almost entirely engulfed by a leather duster that looked like it belonged on the set of Gunsmoke, rather than on the campus of a modern-day English university. And the mystery of the third leg became apparent, as the lanky man was apparently using an old cane as he walked, despite his young age. As he came to a stop in the local glow of the Reality Checkpoint, two more facts were revealed about this individual. Thick rimmed glasses sat on their youthful face, and their feet were clan in rather expensive looking wingtips. Thus the mystery of the strange echo in the fog was revealed.

Seeing the Ducal Guard in conversation with a statue that clearly did not belong so close to the Reality Checkpoint, Percival did not so much as slow his walk or change his expression. As soon as he was standing beside the two, he inclined his head respectfully to the two of them.

"Good cold evening to you gentlemen. Would you be so kind as to inform your mistress that I have arrived, Guardsman?" he said politely, if not exactly warmly.

"And you my good sir, I do not believe I have had the pleasure of your company before. My name is Percival Galois, and it is my good fortune to make your acquaintance," Percival said with a warm smile, extending a hand to Goffery.

The title didn't mean all that much to Goffery yet, but it was something he would keep in mind.  Though it was somewhat secondary to the possible threat to Sir John, as that seemed to be more an excited idea than a vague hope.  Which was sad as this was probably one of the better conversations he'd had in the past few months, and that wasn't saying much.

However, as he was about to say something the sound of someone putting far too much effort into their entrance broke the night.  The effort of sound in steps was more than needed, and when the offending source made itself known the lack of facial features was probably a good thing for Goffery.  Looking up and down the form of Percival, this was a new look for him.  They had met back when he had still been amongst the naturally living, fought a few times in fencing club.  He had had an impression of Percival to be a bit foppish, and this didn't take much away from that feeling.

The over seven foot tall statue turned its vaguely features stone face towards Percival, the indentations of eye sockets with no detailing of eyes focused towards him, only a basic protrusion between them giving the impression of a nose but with no nostril marks, and merely a cut line that would stand for a mouth was directed at him.  The creature was motionless for several seconds, creating an awkward moment there.  In truth there was the time taken for an eye roll that could not be done, and a slight vibration of the throat which was unheard as there was no throat to vibrate, so after that long pause the golem lifted its thick arm, and wrapped thumb and thick three digits around the wrist of Percival and gave one firm shake, only slightly moving his arm so as not to strain the human.

Releasing the wrist of the man he finally said from no source on his form, "Good sir?  An interesting assumption.  Fortune seems to be a mixed matter at this point."  He said a hand gesturing towards the cold around them past the lattice, then his other hand gestured towards the warmth on this side of the Reality Checkpoint.  "What makes you see this as such good fortune?"  The golem asked, it's tone quite level if not a bit melancholy.

Percival accepted the lengthy process of shaking hands with this stone creature with social grace, and was appreciative that his arm wasn't torn off in the simple act of greeting.

"We are not enemies as of now, are we? You are not companions with, nor aligned with these Guardsmen are you? That makes you good in these eyes," Percival said with a cheeky grin.

"Meeting new people is always a bit of good fortune. For it is an opportunity to make new friends. To share new stories. To learn things one had never considered before. To leave at least a legacy of your personality when gone to those you've touched in life. To make merriment with your fellows while you still can. You'll find that life is nothing but a series of these moments, and it would be best to enjoy all they have to offer, would it not?" he said, a theatrical edge coming into his voice, but his face showing that he was being deadly serious.

The area around the Reality Checkpoint is divided by the Iron Lattice with Percival and Goffery on one side and the guards on the other.  Soon the Duchess, Morgan Le Fey herself arrives she looks like a character from fairy tales, in particular, either Snow White or the Wicked Queen.  She is dressed in a snow white and voluminous dress that sparks when she walks and from the hem of which snowflakes fall to the ground even though on the University side of the lattice, the weather is slowly returning to normal for the time of year.

"Good morning Sir Percival, Sir Statue, thank you both for coming.  I know that I didn't invite you Sir Statue, but thank you all the same."

The statue was again silent and unmoving as it focused on Percival, several seconds lasted after Percival's theatrical endorsement of meeting people.  Eventually the golem said with a very flat tone, "Interesting view point, Cival."

Before more could be said the Duchess arrived and made her greetings.  Goffery took in her visage, noting the details that were in the visible spectrum, then noting her appearance beyond the human visible spectrum, and more beyond that.  He took her in, trying to memorize all the details he could because this seemed like a chance to meet someone quite dangerous to the continued safe existence of the humans in this area.

"Greetings Duchess.  Your arrival brought about a need to investigate."  Was all he said to explain his uninvited appearance.

Before Percival began speaking, he shot a warning glance at Goffery, and he hoped the Golem would understand it's meaning: this was a dangerous woman, and that he should take care with his words and actions.

"Hail Morgan le Fey, daughter of Igraine and Gorlois of Cornwall, apprentice of the great Wizard Merlin, mistress of the Seven Arts, and half-sister of King Arthur, Lord of the Britains. Well met," Percival said with a deep and respectful bow, giving the Old Greeting.

Despite their preexisting relationship, she was a lady worthy of respect. Besides, she was the one who had called him here. It was only proper that he was respectful when under a banner of truce.

"Now that the niceties are out of the way, I received your letter and came as soon as I was able. Something vexes you that concerns both of our interests I gather?" he asked, rising back to his full height and cocking an intrigued brow.

Morgan nods to Goffery and then says to Percival, "Yes indeed, or rather Fae and Earth.  I am here because I have a foot in both of those realms and have seen what is happening.  Some years ago, as is their wont, someone from the Unseelie Court stole a human baby.  So far, so normal, as usual, they replaced the child with a goblin but, and here's the problem, the goblin survived puberty and returned to Tir na n'Og, helping the human child to return as a changeling, again, not all that unusual but here's the problem.  The goblin is insane, dangerously so, worse than my son in the days of our youths and plans to destroy both worlds.  Now it's possible that Fae can defend itself, but Fae is but a shadow of the earth and if Earth cannot defend itself, who knows what might happen."

Percival cocked his head and considered her words. Those in the court of the Queen of Air and Darkness could be a vicious lot, and their tricks were often cruel. Stealing a child away and replacing it was the standard diversion for a large number of them, that was true. Most people would be surprised just how man Changelings their were running around the world. So far the story checked out, but the particulars needed to be expanded upon a bit.

"This...insane Goblin...it has acquired some way to threaten both Earth and Faerie? Normally such creatures are no more than a nuisance. How is it that it can pose such a threat to both realms? And have you sent word of this to Queen Mab, Queen Titania, and the Erlking?" he asked, browns knitted in concern.

Could I ask you both to do perception rolls please?

OOC Mechanics
14:19, Today: Percival Galois rolled 17 using 1d10+7.  Notice.

There was a moment that Goffery was quite glad to have come from a somewhat middling family, never pulled towards high manners and courtly affairs, but just near enough to know how to stay to the background.  Being a form of statue now did help quiet a bit.  Seemed he was dealing with two rather high up and powerful individuals.  The matter at hand, while grave was not the invasion he was preparing for.

Quite glad he left iron behind as that would be quite an unfortunate transgression again Morgana Le Fay.  He always thought those were funny stories based off stolen Welsh mythology. Though much was changed after having been a watcher, and more since becoming a less than living breathing being.  So now was the time to look and listen, despite how distracting this change of matters has become.

OOC: Goffery Lemnin rolled 10 using 1d10+7.  Notice roll.

The temperature is becoming less cold, at least on this side of the iron.  It's not exactly warm for the time of the year, but it is no longer the biting cold of a Siberian Winter.

"It is from Queen Medb that I heard," said Morgan.  "And the goblin has more than a little power but for now is little more than an irritant, when the Changeling remembers, well then things may change, especially should they choose together.  The goblin has already launched a napalm attack within Tir na n'Og.  And this weather... well I'm not entirely sure who did it".

Well, that was...bad. If Queen Mab and Morgan Le Fey weren't responsible for the weather, and they couldn't stop it...and there had already been an attack on Tir na n'Og, then things were already more dire than he had first assumed. And the fact that Morgan Le Fey of all people was the one to inform him only gave him more pause.

"I see...Most unfortunate news. Well, if the other Fey monarchs already know, I suppose they are as secure as they can be on their end. What would you have of me? I will not cross over into Faerie as you well know. Unless this threat has an obvious presence in the mortal realm, I am unsure as to how I can be of assistance. I welcome your council on this matter..." Percival said thoughtfully, stroking his chin.

He was more acquainted with the demonic of threat, the fae were something that was covered only by a few, warnings and lightly covered as the watchers had their slayer to train and look after.  As long as there wasn't a slayer active in the area it wouldn't be too bad.  Though he could swear there was talks of a slayer near here, so this looked to be in the prophesied bad times.

Looking over at Percival and his confusion on events, the statue's head tilted for a few moments before looking to Morgana, then to Percival, then back to Morgana, then back to Percival.

"I may be ignorant of the covenants to which you follow, and what oaths you are sworn to.  But if they are kept at bay and have the goblin to worry about.  Would not seeking the changeling come back to mortals be a task to abate such misfortune?"  He asked with a still quite level and emotionless tone as he could keep.

Morgan nodded.  "Sir Statue has the right of it.  I could search were I alone but my boys could not, so I ask you to keep eyes and ears open and if you can find the Changeling, then....  Well, whatever that conscience of yours allows."

The young man in the oversized coat gave the Golem a small nod of acknowledgment and respect.

"I most certainly can keep an eye out for the Changeling in question. It is the very least I can do. However, there are thousands of Changelings in the world, and they can be anywhere on the planet. Unless you have intelligence that the Changeling in question is in my area of influence? In which case, I would have any information that you have on this person to aid in my search," Percival said seriously, turning back to the dark lady.

"We believe", says Morgan, "That this particular Changeling is sixteen or seventeen years old, eighteen at the outside, still unaware of its nature and is living in Cambridge"

"Ah, then it really does fall under my sphere of influence. Do your sources know the sex of the Changeling? That will greatly cut down on the number of young people I have to investigate, when combined with their general age. Is this Changeling aware of their status as such? More than one of the creatures has grown up so long amongst humans that their nature is a mystery to themselves as well as others. I would prepare for either eventuality." the young man said, already thinking of the myriad ways of detecting a creature of Faerie.

"Percival, Percival, Percival, how long have you known me?" asked Morgan, "No, don't answer that.  I was saying that to say this.  I'm human enough to use the proper human pronouns if I name them, which sadly I don't in this case.  I'm also fairly sure the Changeling has forgotten that it is a Changeling."

"Wonderful. I suppose it would be too much to expect too much detail when beginning an investigation that could avoid calamity for two worlds. And explaining to a poor confused soul that they may be instrumental in the aforementioned catastrophic event will be a fun conversation...But such is my duty. So be it. I thank you for your warning and council my lady. Do we have any further business, or shall we adjourn to undertake the tasks required of us?" he asked, being polite, but not wanting to spend any ore time around this woman that was necessary.

"Have a pleasant rest of the morning Sir Percival, Sir Statue," said Morgan, "Blessed be and good luck".  With that Morgan Le Fey and her Ducal Guard faded into the fog and the iron lattice ceased to be visible.

Fair thee well Morgan le Fey, daughter of Igraine and Gorlois of Cornwall, apprentice of the great Wizard Merlin, mistress of the Seven Arts, and half-sister of King Arthur, Lord of the Britains. 'Til we meet again!" Percival called into the fog, giving a deep bow and the ancient words for departing.

While she had not done the same for him, it would not do for him to stoop to her level. Besides, being petty with Morgan Le Fey was sure way to swiftly meet death. And they were already enemies. No need to add fuel to the fire. He waited until the Fey troop had fully vanished, and the land was fully mortal again before he turned to Goffery.

"Well my Earthen friend, what say you to joining me in stopping an apocalypse?" the young man asked asked with a playful twinkle in his eyes.

"I feel this meeting was no mere chance, and you seem a decent enough sort so far. Forgive me for not asking your name earlier, but you do not want that woman paying any more attention to you , or knowing any more information than necessary. And names have power to Demons and Fey alike. Let no one tell you otherwise..." he said with deadly seriousness.

There was a slight motion of the golem's shoulders lifting a little then lowering slowly as he watched the two of them talk.  The unknowns of this were a dangerous situation without counting in the other dangers that are happening.  And he couldn't tell if this could be what brought a slayer about, or if there was something else to make this even more dangerous a place.

When the Duchess and her Ducal Guard left, he was focus on something that stood out to him for a few moments before looking back at Percival.  "Wow.  Looks like you have a most arduous task ahead of you.  Good luck with that Cival."  He said with a small bit of jest in his voice as he starts to walk slowly towards the Emmanuel Library.

However, when Percival asked him about helping, he gave a controlled pivot on one foot, walking backwards now to address the man.  "Just one apocalypse?  That is rather hopeful."  He said before slowing to a stop and giving a slight bow to the man.  "You may call me Go Lem."  He said with a bit more personality in his voice than when the Duchess or Percival had been around.

"Well, one must take the apocalypses as they come. Life would be ever so dull if there was only ever one, am I right? And I am sure at the very least you aren't the Changeling I need to find," he chuckled, taking out a cloth and cleaning his glasses before putting them back on.

"Go Lem you say? Well yes, I put that together for myself. Well...We are all allowed our secrets. There is something...familiar about you. Forgive me if this is a sensitive topic, but are you the creation of a local Mekubal? No offense intended, but a battalion of seven foot tall animated statues might be a difficult thing to hide from the uninitiated civilians. Your company is pleasant enough, of course," Percival asked evenly.

Goffery stopped in mid step, the stone form balanced on on foot mid stride as it's static semi-featured face was directed at Percival.  Lowering the foot to stand proper, while his head tilted to the right for a few moments before moving upright again.  "If only it was something as orthodox as Mekubal.  Sadly I came across what I knew of as a coven making this shell.  And in actions to stop them, I am the result."  He said, not lying directly, but there was obviously more to the story than that.

"Besides, as you said Cival, my appearance is not something the normal person can take in too well.  How could I be of aid?  Muscle when you find a target?  A shock trooper when you need to deal with someone else's monster?"  He asked.  "Standing as a new art installment at the local school to monitor every child between the age of 15 to 18 in case I can spot the changeling amongst the vandalism likely to happen?"  He said the last part as a joke and then raised a hand pointing at Percival in an almost threatening and defensive way.  "Do not even consider that last one.  I have enough issues holding on to my mind as it is.  I do not need to pretend to be a statue for that long."

There was a pause again as the statue was without sound, then it said, "Come on then.  Best not stand out here.  Unless you want someone to thing you mad for talking at a statue in public.  I think I know where some instant coffee is stashed away since the only other thing they have is tea."  He said casually as he returned to his march to the library.

"I see...Well, there is always a price to pay for facing the darkness. Well done, sir. Full soul transferal, or simply body transfiguration? I only ask, because the latter could easily be undone by any competent witch or wizard. The former is rather more...difficult. I can aid you with both, should you wish to return to your original form," the medical student said, eyes full of genuine sympathy.

He fell in step with the stone giant as he made his way to the library. He considered his next words carefully, as they were still technically strangers with each other. But still, if the Golem's story was true...

"Fear not, Mr. Lem. This would be a partnership, not servitude. As for how you would contribute, I am not sure yet. I do not know your physical or intellectual capabilities yet. You could be useful in any number of ways. The desire to do good for humanity was the main thing I was looking for. Will always comes before action, of course. But if you do wish to avoid disaster in two realms, I would welcome whatever aid you could provide," he said earnestly.

"Do you reside in the library? Because I have a place where you would have room to stretch your legs as it were, and walk around freely without worry about the eyes of non-magical civilians," Percival offered, imagining how difficult simply moving around as a Golem must be.

There was an extended silence from the golem, his silence could be taken as processing and thinking, perceived slowness.  Reality was just that he was sighing or groaning but lacked a way to make those noises so silence was all that came before he responded. "There is debate upon the level of the former.  Though given the... Penetrated abdominal trauma, and the posthumous cranial blunt force trauma that was inflicted.  Well, returning to my old form is now something that is not a consideration."  He said with little concern over the matter.

When offered a place to stay he was silent again for a while, walking still towards the library.  "I stay in parts of the library during the day.  It is a place of comfort for now.  Besides there are others whom have my concern and just leaving them would put a panic to their nature.  And I would not want them to have thoughts of danger or betrayal to fill their minds."  He said.  "So I will take that under consideration.  However, we hardly know each other, and traveling to a safe spot you have puts me in your debt.  Perhaps when we know each other better we can talk about that.  Besides my legs are solid stone, so stretching them does little at all."  He added with jest, but couldn't get a laughing sound to be produced, leaving him silent as he walked.

The Library Goffery mentions is, I believe the one in Emmanuel College so when you're both ready, I suggest moving to that thread.

Inoue was going for a morning jog! The early fog felt cool and refreshing on her face, and she was dressed in a blue athletic shirt and a white knee-length flare skirt, both of which she had picked up in a big box of mixed secondhand clothes for a great deal. These jogs take her all over the area, helping her familiarize herself with the locations and layout. Hard to believe it has already been a week since she had arrived in this strange town!

There had not been a lot of developments on her sacred duty, however. After meeting miss Winters and her overzealous bodyguard Inoue had resolved to keep a safe distance from the Slayer. They had their classes together of course, and Inoue worked dutifully with Ann on a team assignment when the instructor put them together without her input, but aside from that she did not go out of her way to initiate any further contact. Inoue had stealthily followed the duo once or twice on their late night graveyard patrols, but it was abundantly clear that the two of them could handle themselves. That left her in a weird position where she wasn't sure how to advance her sacred assignment other than to keep an eye and ear out for anything unusual.

That wasn't hard. This place was some kind of metaphysical hotspot. Something unusual seemed to happen every single night. It was a little frustrating, actually. But at least nothing interrupted her jogs.

At least, not until...!
This message was last edited by the player at 01:44, Sun 13 Feb 2022.

As Ann and Elissa jogged around Parker's Piece, she continuously chatted.

"I'm not saying that I don't want to see the film. I've heard it's nifty, with really groovy songs. All I'm saying is that it's going to be weird seeing Olivia Newton-John play a seventeen-year-old when she's twenty-nine in real life."

She stopped short as she saw Inoue heading towards them. They hadn't spoken much since the night at the ABC the week before and Ann still worried about the girl and wanted to patch things up between the three of them.

"Hi Inoue," she said with a wave.

She cast a sideways glance at Elissa. Would these two be able to get on this time? She hoped so.

"We were just out for a run too. Would you like to join us?"

"But it's about John Travolta" laughed Elissa. Like Ann she never really got out of breath when running at the speeds that wouldn't get her into trouble "And he is seriously seriously hot. I mean I'm not saying Oliva Neutron Bomb isn't a little old for the role, but she carries... " she stopped what she was going to say"Ah... you did ... have that talk right?" .

There probably wasn't enough time for Ann to properly respond, so Elissa just decided to play it by ear. "Inuoe" she said pleasantly enough. She'd seen Inuoe run, so knew the girl was pretty fast. Certainly as fast as they would be able to do "Come join us"

There's the dynamic duo... Inoue was internally debating the appropriateness of diverting her path to avoid unnecessary contact when they called out to her. It's been a week, maybe it's time to check in with them. By now they've surely uncovered all that Ann's watcher was going to. Yeah. She'd talk to them. Feels like the right time.

Inoue paused her jog near them and leans against a fence post. "Ohayo gozaimasu," she greets them with a nod of her head. She produces a rag from her pocket which she wipes her forehead with and has a swig from a water bottle. She has a look at the other girls, the slightest bit jealous of their apparently superhuman stamina.

"I would love to join you," she replies to the both of them. Probably best to let them set the pace of the discussion.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:44, Mon 14 Feb 2022.

Ann set a slower pace initially, not sure if Inoue could keep up with the supernatural stamina of a Slayer and a part-Fae.

"We were going to go out on patrol tonight, looking for vampires. And hopefully a friendly Fae. Maybe afterwards we'll catch a showing of Grease at the ABC. Would you be interested in coming along? Try your hand against the undead?"

She added, as if by way of explanation, "I spoke to my Watcher. She explained that your sisterhood was once part of the Watchers, but split from it. So it seems we're all on the same side. I was wondering though - you mentioned that you barter your body. Is that where you pick up your scars and burns?"

Inoue almost certainly did not have supernatural stamina, although she did seem admirably fit for a teenage girl.

"Sounds like an exciting evening," Inoue says. She squirms nervously at the prospect of fighting the undead, but puts on a brave face. "Like, in the wild? I do not think my combat training is complete enough for that... by myself. But with you by my side I am sure we can handle anything." She tries for a confident smile.

Inoue fidgets uncomfortably. "I am glad your Watcher gave her approval," she says neutrally. She then swiftly moves on, turning excited. "Oh!"

"Well, you see," Inoue starts, gesticulating wildly. "There's a lot of spirits and ghosts and fae and kami out there who want to influence the mortal world, right? But a lot of them don't have the power to cross the boundary between the material plane and theirs. I give them that power, and they give us information and strength and abilities we would never be able to access otherwise. It's an incredible rush!" She looks down at her arms. "Oh, no, these are- well, this is from someone knocking a brazier over on me, and this is from an accident in weapons practice, and this... uh... nevermind that one!" She laughs awkwardly.

"I saw you following us a couple of times" Elissa said "Which was pretty fucking brave of you actually. It's much safer if we are together I think. The vampires... they are not messing around dangerous... I think when they rise from the dead they must get a free injection of kung fu training. You'd be safer with us"

Elissa looked distinctly uncomfortable at the direction the conversation had gone. She didn't want to have that whole 'deceit' conversation again, but even a moron would know that Inuoe hadn't got all those wounds in the way she'd described. Still now was absolutely not the time to get into a discussion on the value of honest in relationships. She'd tried that before and bombed out. She was just as uncomfortable with the discussion of how Inuoe 'did' her magic.

So the best thing was a change of topic

"We should tell you what we've found" she proferred. "We found that there is a 'boss vampire' or 'bossess' called Drusilla. We met a faerie who charms people into making them dance for her... and that dancing is adictive. We're thinking for going to the 'Talon' tonight to see if we find any vampires there ... assuming we can spot them ... and after that going back to the cemetary where we found the faerie and we killed two minion vampires. To see what is happening... does the faeire come back? Does Drusilla send some more minions to find out what happened"

"Do you want to come along?"

"Do you know anything about those things: Drusilla and the Fae? At least the Fae might make a difference from all of the hanging around in cemeteries that Elissa and I've been doing. Though it sounds like you've not been up against one of the fanged ones mano a mano. I'm more worried about the mosh pit at the Hurricane that Elissa keeps threatening to take me to. From what she's said, it sounds more dangerous then a pit of vipers."

With nobody in sight, she performed a forwards flip, landing effortlessly and continuing to jog.

"I love that I can do that shit now."
This message was last edited by the player at 22:40, Fri 18 Feb 2022.

I saw you following us a couple of times. "Oh, drat. I was trying to be unintrusive; I hope I did not make you uncomfortable." ... must get a free injection of kung fu training. "Well yeah! They are demons, violence comes as naturally to them as breathing does to us."

Inoue listens patently as Elissa lays out what is known, humming thoughtfully to herself in places. Ann immediately follows up, picking up with the questioning where Elissa leaves off. Inoue hums once more. "Drusilla... Dru~sil~la... ah, I would have to check my books to be sure, but I vaguely recall a mad vampire seeress by that name. My sisters are intensely interested in all things oracular."

Inoue laughs softly and claps for Ann as she shows off her physical Slayer prowess. So cool! Inoue would need the help of a possessing spirit to do that half as cleanly and she'd still be nursing some pulled muscles the morning after.

"As for fae..." Inoue continues, "best as I know, fae are responsible in their own esoteric manner for keeping the magic of the physical universe charged. They embody natural or philosophical concepts from whence they literally derive sustenance. They don't really think like humans because of that... or demons, or spirits, or anything else for that matter. So we cannot just walk up and punch your dancing fae in the face; we need to figure out why she is doing what she is doing and help her stop. Something could be making her sick, manifesting as a... eating disorder, metaphorically speaking!" She hums uncertainly. "Well... usually, at least. There's exceptions."

"Talon... Is that the club I occasionally hear about in the halls?" She winces a little. "Loud music, carousing... sounds like a difficult place to center myself. What is a mosh? Whatever it is, I am sure it has more to fear from you than the other way around!"

"Actually it was pretty impressive" Elissa replied "It said you were serious about helping, and were willing to take risks. Really quite serious risks." there were other interpretations too ... like maybe Inuoe was a bad girl... but Elissa didn't read Inuoe that way.

"A seeress... that's scary. I guess that means 'has visions' or is it more 'can see the future'. And if she can see the future can we change it? I've heard the Watchers" Elissa didn't mention Alice by name "talk about Prophecy in some sort of awed tones"

It was interesting Inoue's reading of the Fae. Elissa had only the tales of Shakespeare to draw on, and they didn't talk about those sort of topics. "Are you up for coming to see her then? After the Taboo. Oh.. a Mosh pit is ... it has to be seen and experienced. It's more scary than going to see the Fae I think. You can come if you want.. What about it Ann? There's a Mosh this weekend. Fancy getting your Bother Boots on doing some stomping?"

... and were willing to take risks. "I would lay down my life for my sacred duties!" Inoue declares without a moment's hesitation, brimming with pride. Any Deenelmaite sister would do the same!

"Visionaries, prophets, seers, oracles... it is a muddled mess," Inoue says breezily, "and they're not all made equal. I am sometimes bestowed with visions by the spirits with which I commune, but they cannot tell me anything they themselves do not know."

Inoue frowns a little at all this talk of clubbing and moshing and- "Bother Boots?" she mutters. "Ah- yes! Yes, I would love to meet this fae dancer that has been giving you trouble. As for the Taboo- wait, is it Taboo or Talon?- I suppose I could... try it... once?" She winces, feeling like she should not have agreed to this. But she must learn the enemy and their habitats.
This message was last edited by the player at 20:03, Fri 25 Feb 2022.

Ann was happy to see that Inoue and Elissa seemed to be getting along this time. Though talk of a mad vampire seeress wasn't exactly comforting.

"I've not heard of a club called the Talon. Maybe you two are thinking of the Taboo? Perhaps you should try it Inoue; I've had many a fun night there. Let the loud music and carousing take you over. Perhaps being centred all the time isn't good for you."

As to Elissa's comment, she replied, "I'm not going to wear Bovver Boots. There are some fashions I refuse as a conscientious objector. But I am up for giving the Hurricane a try this weekend. Assuming the Fae or vampires don't kill us in the meantime."

"But let's worry about tonight first. Slaying and a movie. Sounds like a fun night."

"It's proper name is Taboo, but I've taken to calling it the Talen just as a poorly translating pun. Partly because I miscalled it the first time I mentioned it: I'm new to the area you see" Elissa explained. "Which doesn't help with making things clear... sorry. Don't worry the music isn't totally terrible. At least it's loud enough and we get to dance. There's even some nice eye candy: buff guys and hot girls"

This message was last edited by the player at 19:36, Fri 25 Feb 2022.

"The Tablon," Inoue tries as a compromise between the two, "dancing, buff girls and hot guys, and a hunt this evening it is! I can hardly wait. Thank you for having me."

The trio jog, and skip, and flip for a while until they happen upon the Piece. Inoue had not yet been in this part of town so it was the first time she had seen the enormous cast-iron street light. It was... significant, in a way she could not adequately place. "Hey... what's that?" Inoue questions her exercise partners, unwittingly gravitating towards it like a moth.
This message was last edited by the player at 21:00, Tue 08 Mar 2022.

"It's a lamp post..." Elissa said stating the obvious. But also indicating that she was listeing to whatever Inuoe said about it. She looked at it herself, but it looked remarkably just like a lamp post. If a little ugly

Ann looked at the lamppost. It had always been there, and she'd never paid it any attention.

"Just an ordinary lamppost, if a bit funny looking. What does that say on it? Reality Checkpoint."

She tapped it.

"Iron. That's interesting. Iron is a weapon against the Fae. I wonder if it is more than it seems."

"Do you know about the Iron Ward Inuoe?" Elissa asked thinking on what Ann had said. "A few nights ago Ann and I were on patrol and we saw our first vampire. At that time a fey on a flying horse tried to get into Cambridge. He was stopped by an iron gate that appeared in front of him. Ann's watcher implied it might be some sort of long lasting spell maintained by the watchers. This is Iron... and you are feeling funny about it... Could it be related?"

It's a lamp post... "Then why does it feel so... so... jindai?"

"Iron ward..." Inoue hums. "I am more of an expert in letting things in (under controlled circumstances of course!) than keeping them out, but, hmmm..." She strokes her chin thoughtfully. "Elissa, remember the night we met? Afterward, I channeled a local spirit into myself. We danced throughout the city, and made a point to touch some kind of iron ward to prove that we were not fae. Let me think..." She tries to recall anything she could from her romp with Herne; it was difficult, as she was trying to remember things from a conjoined memory that she was now only half of, but maybe she had been left with something...

As she racks her brain Inoue puts her hand on the self-titled Reality Checkpoint, intently focusing.

As Inoue puts her hand on the Reality Checkpoint...

Elissa watched Inoue carefully. She was doing the same kind of checking that Elissa would do if she was seeing what was in a carefully wrapped Christmas present. Perhaps using 'mystical senses'... something the Elissa would have sneered at a little while ago: before she saw a man on a flying horse.

"Anything?" she asked after waiting a while

Inoue's eyelids flutter. "Eeee-to..." She looks around, eyes unfocused, looking much like the day they had first met but perhaps a little less giggly. "It is... hard to describe. It is as if two realities intersect at this point..."

She shuts her eyes tight and takes a deep breath, and when they open again she seems to be firmly back in reality. She smiles to Elissa. "I want to come back later with my gohei," she says. "Would you like to see what I saw? It is weird and cool!"

"Ahh..." Elissa looked panicked for a moment "Is that a magic thing? Like a spell casting. I think... I think I'm not yet set up to look at that. Like what if what is there looks back at me? I think... I think I have more respect for you Inoue that you will do this, but I don't really want to see it. Colour me old fashioned... What about you Ann? Are you up for it?"

The fog is beginning to dissipate somewhat as the sun comes out.

Ann ran her hand over the lamp post again, drawing comfort from how solid it felt.

"I should really check with my Watcher."

She looked guiltily over her shoulder as though making sure that Alice wasn't keeping an eye on her.

"But I suppose it can't hurt to check it out. Especially if it looks trippy."

Inoue cocks her head at Elissa, grinning. "Are you nervous~?!" she teases. "I never thought I would see you nervous about anything. I am glad you respect me though!"

"Okay, Ann!" Inoue says, clapping her hands excitedly. "How about tonight, just after we visit the Tal- the Tab...lon. The Tablon! Hehehe."

"Let Ann see" Elissa suggested. "I have to admit it feels a little funny. Almost like two places in one. Not really sure how to describe it." she held two fists and bumped them together "Sort of bumping into each other like this."

"OK, let's have a look after the Taboo. I imagine that doing it at night will make it scarier."

She stood back, eyeing the lamp post.

"For now, one more lap of Parker's Piece at a fast pace?"

Inoue nods. "Yeah, sure!"

(OOC: I'm tapped for scene content now! Ready to call it finished if ya'll are, though we'll probably be returning to this shortly!)

If you're all agreed, I think Inoue's right

Yes, Ann is done in this thread for now.