Shepards Vampires 1-8

Marynote#1: All instances of Sidney using vampires powers are retconned as of session two! So please pretend you never saw them!



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@@+START
+PASSWORD
+OPTIONS






XxX
Chapter One, Session One: Revival
XxX
July 26
[18:39]	<Shepard>	[18:32] <[GM]Mary> [Ahem!]
[18:39]	<Shepard>	[18:37] <[GM]Mary> Many years ago, the classic battle between good and evil raged on. The forces of doom were nigh-unconquerable, and the vestiges of good were slowly being torn asunder. However, evil had grown reckless, and good still had one ace up its sleeve. The forces of man struck a shattering blow to the devil's head, laying slaughter to his most trusted leiges and sending him into...
[18:39]	<Shepard>	...another world. Evil had not yet prevailed.
[18:39]	<Shepard>	[18:42] <[GM]Mary> Not yet. Now, those good men and women are long dead, and the clean hearts of mankind long since turned to stained class. The division between good and evil blurs, and monstrosities from ages and worlds begin to resurface. We witness now one more hatred reborn, and neither God nor Devil can tell who will emerge victorious.
[18:39]	<Shepard>	[18:47] <[GM]Mary> Leticia: You awaken within a deep forest, Shepard's tall, bony figure looming over you. He's normally quite charming, however his recent awakening has left him thirsted. He peers throughout the dark wood, paying your transdimensional mishap no heed.
[18:39]	<Shepard>	[18:48] <[huh]Leticia> Master...
[18:39]	<Shepard>	[18:48] <Shepard> Hmm.... Yes, what is it?
[18:39]	<Shepard>	[18:55] <[huh]Leticia> Are we back home?
[18:39]	<Shepard>	[18:55] * [huh]Leticia quickly rises to her feet.
[18:39]	<Shepard>	[18:57] <Shepard> Hmph.
[18:39]	<Shepard>	[18:57] * Shepard smirks, walking along the forest path at an even pace.
[18:39]	<Shepard>	[18:59] <Shepard> It appears we may not have our old home to return to, my dear raven... But yes, this is the Old World.
[18:39]	<Shepard>	[19:02] <[GM]Mary> [paused, due to player absence! please watch warmly until they return]
[18:45]	<Shepard>	[right]
[18:46]	<[huh]Leticia>	Master, perchance, didst something happen?
[18:47]	<Shepard>	Hmm? What do you mean?
[18:47]	<[huh]Leticia>	About our old home.
[18:49]	* Shepard	steps closer to Leticia. Ah, yes, my darling little girl, how I've missed your bright features and dark curves...
[18:49]	* Shepard	chuckles.
[18:50]	<Shepard>	I would be much surprised if they didn't destroy every last stone of that castle. I almost did myself...
[18:51]	<Shepard>	We shall see. Come along, now. Your companion awaits.
[18:52]	* [Pyg]Judith	swarms over the pair with a cloud of bats, the unified screeches sounding like a disembodied voice.
[18:52]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Ah, mAster THat's wheRe you werE...
[18:53]	<[huh]Leticia>	Good day, Judith. I trust you are well?
[18:53]	<Shepard>	...Or perhaps we await our companion. I see you're well, Jude. Has forty years not marred you a bit?
[18:53]	<[Pyg]Judith>	As weLL as I caN be, YEs...
[18:55]	<[Pyg]Judith>	It lOOks liKe I won'T Be abLe to reVert to my usuAL sElf fOr the momENT...
[18:56]	<Shepard>	I... See...
[18:58]	<[Pyg]Judith>	WhAT a pAin, whAT a Pain...
[18:59]	<Shepard>	Well, come along, now. We're off to see our old home... Or whatever may be left of it. Also, there's someone I have for you two to meet. Let's call he-... Let's call it an addition to our nice little coven.
[19:00]	<[huh]Leticia>	Twould be nice to have some fresh blood about.
[19:00]	* [huh]Leticia	chuckles.
[19:01]	* Shepard	grins, bearing a fang.
[19:01]	<Shepard>	Well, if you want it... you can have it.
[19:02]	* [Pyg]Judith	's swarm keeps flying about, its options of expression very limited.
[19:03]	<Shepard>	Well, come on. The night is wasting.
[19:03]	* Shepard	enters form of wolf, and dashes off...
[19:03]	* [huh]Leticia	splits, her body becoming a swarm of ravens which follow.
[19:05]	* [Pyg]Judith	's swarm follows.
[19:08]	<[GM]Mary>	You come upon the ancient castle near the forest's end, and as preluded, much of it has been destroyed. However, lights of torches and lanterns flicker from within, unseen presences shifting and turning.
[19:09]	<[Pyg]Judith>	HOw nosTalgiC...
[19:10]	* [Mys]Sidney	shouts from among the crowd of angry villagers! "Kill those pale faced, blood sucking monsters!"
[19:10]	<[Pyg]Judith>	GUEsts of YouRS, bOss?
[19:12]	* [Mys]Sidney	is told by the older villagers to go home. Apparently, angry mobs are no place for a child...
[19:18]	<[Mys]Sidney>	...awww~
[19:19]	* Shepard	stops, looking indifferent and indignant. Damn that child, what could she possibly have done?
[19:19]	<[huh]Leticia>	It seems some pests have arrived.
[19:19]	* Shepard	reforms, trying to make himself look as not-dead as possible.
[19:22]	* [Pyg]Judith	soars above the mob and circles the castle's spires.
[19:22]	* [Mys]Sidney	disappears from the crowd...
[19:23]	* [huh]Leticia	gathers in the nearby trees...
[19:23]	<[GM]Mary>	Judith: You catch the attention of an angry mob, as well as predators unseen.
[19:23]	* [Mys]Sidney	reappears near Shepard.
[19:23]	<[Mys]Sidney>	...Hi!...
[19:24]	<Shepard>	Grrgh, what the hell is she doing? I'm too weak right now to face off a bunch of mor- Oh. Sidney. Is this your doing?
[19:24]	* [Mys]Sidney	's hand darts up and down in a the quick burst of speed.
[19:25]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Nah~ they didn't even let me join them~
[19:25]	* [Mys]Sidney	is twirling in circles on one foot.~
[19:26]	<Shepard>	Incomprehensible. What is this throng doing here?
[19:27]	<[GM]Mary>	A shot rings out, striking one or more of Judith's swarm.
[19:28]	<[Mys]Sidney>	O! O! I know this one!
[19:29]	* [Mys]Sidney	raises her hand, mouth clamped closed.
[19:30]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Aah! THat waS my THumb, you FILthy caTTle!
[19:30]	* Shepard	twitches, and punches Sidney's clamped hand into her mouth. Well, not literally, but you know what I mean.
[19:30]	<Shepard>	Yes, Sidney?
[19:31]	<[Mys]Sidney>	They want to have a bonfire! And they need the castle for things to burn... Also I think they want to kill us~
[19:33]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Kinda sorta maybe just a little bit...
[19:33]	* Shepard	heaves a sigh, and grabs Sidney by the jaw.
[19:35]	<Shepard>	Tell me, my sweet, do you ever speak anything but garbage from your mouth? Yes, I can see what this is. The brain strainer would be, why. We're dead, are we not?
[19:37]	<Shepard>	Hmph. What has gone on here? You've arrived for longer than I, you should know this one.
[19:37]	* [Mys]Sidney	would say something, but her closed jaw just make for some garbled mumbling...
[19:39]	<Shepard>	Hmm? What's that? It's been a long slumber, my sweet, you'll have to speak up for these old ears of mine.
[19:39]	* [Pyg]Judith	retreats into the towers' windows and has the bats regroup in the castle's main hall.

XxXx
@@Scene One: Shepard, Sidney, Leticia
XxXx

[19:39]	* Shepard	crushes Sidney's jaw more tightly.
[19:40]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Yuther Yamyires yin ya yown!!
[19:40]	* Shepard	grins, and loosens his grip.
[19:40]	<Shepard>	One more time?
[19:42]	<[Mys]Sidney>	There were some other vampires in town... Where do you think the first place an angry mob would go to look for them?
[19:42]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Scary castle!
[19:45]	<Shepard>	Hmph. Fucking dogs.
[19:45]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Wan!
[19:45]	* [Mys]Sidney	shuts up...
[19:47]	<Shepard>	Oh well. I wasn't counting on occupying this place again. There may be some valuable things left in it, however... That must be what Judith's searching for.
[19:51]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Hmm...
[19:51]	* Shepard	looks to Leticia and Sidney, gesturing with an open hand towards the castle.
[19:51]	<Shepard>	Well, what say you?
[20:06]	<[huh]Leticia>	Shouldst I assist Judith, master?
[20:09]	* Shepard	snarls a grin, peering at Leticia suggestively.
[20:10]	<Shepard>	But of course. She's you're companion, is she not? Heh, I'd prefer if you saved the love-making for another night, however.
[20:10]	* [huh]Leticia	heaves a sigh.
[20:10]	<[huh]Leticia>	If you insist...
[20:14]	* [huh]Leticia	you can't tell if she's joking or not.
[20:16]	* [huh]Leticia	swarms up into the window Judith disappeared into.
[20:16]	* [Mys]Sidney	looks at nothing, just sort of spacing out where she stands...
[20:21]	<[GM]Mary>	The mob begins to invade the castle, searching throughout the lower levels. Half of the place is in ruins, but some spires still stand.
[20:23]	* [Mys]Sidney	feels ana-... antagem-... Angry at the villagers for not letting her play!
[20:24]	* [Mys]Sidney	mists into the lower levels of the castle to assault the townsfolk...
[20:24]	* Shepard	speaks to himself.
[20:25]	<Shepard>	Hehe, looks like things are starting to get a bit more complicated. Oh, well, perhaps it's not too soon for me to get in the middle of things.
[20:25]	* Shepard	leaps straight up, and disappears into the darkness.
[20:38]	* [Mys]Sidney	attacks a group of three villagers still standing outside but is kept at bay with a nasty club to the face...
[20:44]	<[GM]Mary>	Sidney: Mr. Club looks at your sudden attack as a bit of strange, and since anything strange is obviously a god-forsaken monster, he calls out to his cronies to assist in the beat down.
[20:55]	<[GM]Mary>	Sidney: they attempt to kill you to pieces with axe, blade and monster bane, but they just can't seem to hit you, your movements as elusive as a dream.
[20:58]	* [Mys]Sidney	panics in the heat of battle growing in size as her clothes rip and tear revealing a feral monster...
[21:03]	* [Mys]Sidney	can't move as the agony of her body transforming allows her villagers the keen opportunity to hit her with everything they have... Oddly it doesn't hurt as much as jaw still does from Shepard's anger...
[21:03]	<[GM]Mary>	Sidney: The villagers are impressed, and one's spear point makes an impression on your stomach. Fortunately, it totally misses anything you ever use, so it's almost like being a popsicle, except less tasty and more ouchy.
[21:11]	* [Mys]Sidney	recovers from the transformation much larger then most men. Her hands large, a single swipe takes off two of the villagers heads. With a pounce, she catches the other three, one in each hand and one in her mouth, and squeezes them all till the stop moving...
[21:13]	* [Mys]Sidney	howls from instinct as she tears the head off the corpse in her hand like a bottle and guzzles the fluid.
[21:16]	* [Mys]Sidney	, famished, eats the other corpses before reverting back to a blood soaked child...
[21:22]	* [Mys]Sidney	wanders around the castle. Blood trailing from her like she had been bathing in it...
[21:24]	* Shepard	stands in the shadows, and reveals himself to Sidney.
[21:24]	<Shepard>	Having fun?
[21:27]	* [Mys]Sidney	licks her arm, and nods.
[21:32]	* Shepard	looks towards the ceiling, hearing the ongoing battle.
[21:32]	<Shepard>	Seems that they are as well.
[21:35]	<Shepard>	Have you discovered any clues? I've searched the castle, but I've found little more than graverobbers and angered citizens. It's as if I've never went to sleep...
[21:37]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Clues? The villagers seem pretty spunky, but I haven't seen anything in reeeeeally out of sorts...
[21:43]	<Shepard>	I see. Well, I do not plan to stay here for long. Find your things and be ready to leave.
[21:43]	<[Mys]Sidney>	m'kay!
[21:43]	* Shepard	with a swoosh and fall of shadow, disappears into darkness.
[21:43]	* [Mys]Sidney	skips down the halls... into the darkness.
[21:57]	* [Mys]Sidney	finds her room perfectly intact and packs a suitcase of random valuables including a certain old outfit she had forgotten she owned.
[21:24]	* [huh]Leticia	sits, waiting...
[21:58]	<[huh]Leticia>	Judith is taking a while... has she run into trouble...?
[22:01]	* Shepard	appears beside Leticia, legs crossed and slouching in that way only vampire lords can manage. He looks at the wine glass reminiscently, remembering monologues of times past.
[22:01]	<Shepard>	A shame, is it not?
[22:08]	<[huh]Leticia>	A-ah, master?
[22:08]	* [Mys]Sidney	runs into Shepard and Leticia while wandering around aimlessly
[22:08]	* [huh]Leticia	looks up at Shepard.
[22:08]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Hello!
[22:09]	<[huh]Leticia>	And the new blood, too.
[22:09]	* [Mys]Sidney	raises and lowers arm in a quick motion...
[22:10]	<Shepard>	Hmph. Didn't you express interest in this one? Well, here she is. All yours.
[22:10]	* Shepard	gestures towards Sidney's blood-drenched figure.
[22:12]	<[huh]Leticia>	You're so kind, master.
[22:14]	* [huh]Leticia	walks up to the childlike figure, pressing a finger in one of her wounds, then taking the bloody finger up to her mouth and tasting it.
[22:15]	* [Mys]Sidney	sniffs, her nose runny.
[22:16]	<[huh]Leticia>	You have a good taste, childe.
[22:16]	* [Mys]Sidney	turns to mist and back, just long enough to let the blood covering her fall into a puddle where she stands...
[22:16]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Thank you!
[22:16]	<[Mys]Sidney>	I'm sure you taste good too.
[22:17]	* [huh]Leticia	chuckles.
[22:17]	<[huh]Leticia>	I'm afraid I taste rather bitter myself.
[22:20]	<Shepard>	Oh, don't tease her, my sweet. Your blood is as fine as what humans would call the morning rain. Your heat, as well, is extraordinary.
[22:20]	* Shepard	smiles bemusedly.
[22:21]	* [Mys]Sidney	stands right in front of Leticia and licks a portion of visible skin...
[22:23]	* [Mys]Sidney	...by ducking her head under her shirt.
[22:24]	* Shepard	raises an eyebrow. Hmm, perhaps I was wrong about this one... She's quite interesting.
[22:25]	<[huh]Leticia>	An eager one, aren't you?
[22:32]	* [Mys]Sidney	keeps licking in order to get an accurate gauge on the taste...
[22:34]	* [GM]Vampire	snatches a not-yet-dead human from the floor and draws blood, trying to compensate for her wounds while Judith's back is turned.
[22:35]	* [huh]Leticia	doesn't pull away, but simply holds Sidney.
[22:40]	* [Mys]Sidney	continues licking higher as the taste seems to have slight variation with location...
[22:41]	* [Mys]Sidney	's canine instincts start to kick in... Licking out of sense of needing to clean, the attempt to figure out taste forgotten.
[22:43]	* [huh]Leticia	breaks from Sidney.
[22:43]	<[huh]Leticia>	Not too much, childe. Not now.
[22:43]	* Shepard	laughs heartily.
[22:44]	<Shepard>	I admire your boldness, Sidney. Perhaps you won't be such a useless addition after all.
[22:47]	<Shepard>	But, I fear, Leticia only opens her legs to her dearest Judith. Such a shame, is it not?
[22:47]	* [huh]Leticia	casts Shepard a glance.
[22:47]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Opens her legs?
[22:48]	<[huh]Leticia>	Thou wouldst do well to keep your odd fantasies to yourself, my master.
[22:48]	* [Mys]Sidney	sniffs the air and does indeed catch a sweeter fragrance from the leg areas of Leticia...
[22:50]	<Shepard>	Hahaha ha... You can't fool me. Dear Jude has admitted many a things under duress, and I found all of it quite sweet. To think, my favored servants, like two little human lovers.
[22:51]	* Shepard	looks as though he may be teasing, but may and certainty are a long ways away.
[22:52]	* [huh]Leticia	would blush if her blood did not flow only through her own unholy force of will.
[22:52]	* [Mys]Sidney	is trying to duck under Leticia's dress...
[22:55]	* [huh]Leticia	tries to avoid Sidney, but not fast enough. She's quickly backed against a wall.
[22:56]	* [Mys]Sidney	finds the source of the sweet smell and can't resist the urge to taste what could possibly smell so infatuating...
[22:58]	* [Mys]Sidney	laps at the spot, heady with the fragrance and taste.
[22:59]	* [huh]Leticia	may be dead, but her senses aren't. She gasps at the sensation.
[23:02]	* [Mys]Sidney	begins to change. Her tongue getting longer and rougher as her senses grow sharper...
[23:05]	* [Mys]Sidney	's tongue invades Leticia as it grows...
[23:09]	* [huh]Leticia	's breath grows heavy, her hands grip the girl more tightly.
[23:09]	<[huh]Leticia>	Wha...
[23:12]	* [Mys]Sidney	sucks.
[23:13]	* [huh]Leticia	finds herself pressing into the girl rather than trying to escape.
[23:13]	* [Mys]Sidney	begins growing inches upon inches taller and having to crouch to keep her head at the same height.
[23:14]	<[huh]Leticia>	Nnn... yahn...
[23:16]	* Shepard	watches amusedly, head held from an elbowed hand. Ah, and here I said no fornications this night... Their lust must be as eternal as their bodies.
[23:17]	* [Mys]Sidney	's snout elongates as fangs grow in over supple flesh.
[23:18]	* [Mys]Sidney	hungers in a new way now...
[23:29]	* [Mys]Sidney	breaths in deep Leticia's heavy scent, tongue moving a waves, swirling inside of her.
[23:35]	<[huh]Leticia>	N... no...
[23:35]	* [huh]Leticia	attempts to escape the threatening beastly jaws.
[23:40]	* [Mys]Sidney	returns to a less threatening form as Leticia squirms, but continues nonetheless for a long time...
{a few rape minutes later!}
[23:42]	* [huh]Leticia	finally arches back as she comes, then leans against the wall.
[23:42]	<[huh]Leticia>	haa...aa...
[23:43]	* [Mys]Sidney	calms as drool and more flows from her lips and down her chin...
[23:43]	* Shepard	has long since grown bored, and left to see to other matters. I'm getting a might of thirst myself...
[23:53]	* [Mys]Sidney	swallows and leans up against Leticia leaning on the wall.
[23:53]	<[Mys]Sidney>	You taste great!~

XxXx
@@Scene Two: Judith, Leticia, Enemy Vampire, Young Woman
XxXx

[19:41]	* [Pyg]Judith	's bats begin flying in circles faster, almost forming a small tornado of bats. The magic is strong within these walls, she can finally be whole again.
[19:43]	<[GM]Mary>	Judith: No immediate presence is detected in the entered room, however there are obvious signs of intrusion. Recalling the castle's layout, your room is not far from
here, merely a short trip down a decadent hallway.
[19:44]	* [Pyg]Judith	's circle of bats tighten with every revolution as the figure of a young woman slowly takes shape from the black mass.
[19:50]	* [Pyg]Judith	stands in the center of the room in place of the tiny bat tornado and stretches.
[19:51]	* [Pyg]Judith	stifles a yawn with her arm stump...
[19:51]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Hmm...
[19:51]	* [Pyg]Judith	looks around the room and spots a bat stuck in a corner of the room.
[19:52]	* [Pyg]Judith	lifts a leg up to take her shoe off and tosses it at the rogue bat.
[19:55]	* [Pyg]Judith	misses the bat entirely, the shoe's flight course sending it straight out an open window.
[20:00]	* [Pyg]Judith	groans at her failure. It really has been too long.
[20:02]	* [Pyg]Judith	walks toward the corner with what looks like a limp and whistles for the bat. It finally responds and descends. She grabs it quickly before it can escape, absorbing
it into her only hand.
[20:04]	<[GM]Mary>	Judith: You notice a shadow cast from around the corner.
[20:05]	* [Pyg]Judith	's arm stump bubbles as her hand grows out of the stump. She flexes her hand after it finally regains its shape, but...
[20:06]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Who's there?
[20:06]	* [Pyg]Judith	walks toward the corner where she thinks she saw something.
[20:16]	<[GM]Mary>	Judith: No sooner do you close the distance than is a sword thrusted at you!
[20:20]	* [Pyg]Judith	slaps the rude sword aside before it got any closer to her face.
[20:21]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Hey! I finally took this form after such a long time. No way am I going to let you ruin it so soon.
[20:23]	* [GM]Vampire	leaps back, yellow eyes peering from beneath a black cloak suspiciously.
[20:27]	<[GM]Vampire>	Who are you? Do you demons still haunt this place?
[20:29]	* [GM]Vampire	holds a longsword straight, tip pointed towards Judith. Judging by the figure's slim body and length of dark hair, you can deduce that it may be female.
[20:30]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Barging into someone's home and asking them who they are. You have some nerve, child.
[20:35]	<[GM]Vampire>	Child?! I'll make this place your grave, hellspawn!
[20:36]	* [Pyg]Judith	shuts her eyes as she sighs.
[20:37]	<[Pyg]Judith>	I would have been willing to let you go, but it seems you're one of the stubborn kind.
[20:37]	* [GM]Vampire	closes the distance with another thrust!
[20:38]	* [Pyg]Judith	slaps the thrusting sword away again.
[20:39]	* [huh]Leticia	reforms in the room, and sees Judith in the middle of a fight.
[20:40]	<[GM]Vampire>	Ergh! What?!
[20:40]	<[GM]Vampire>	Damn!
[20:40]	<[huh]Leticia>	Judith!
[20:40]	* [GM]Vampire	catches sight of Leticia, and, figuring two on one sucks and she's hardly making any progress to begin, flees!
[20:40]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Hi, Letty. I'll be with you in just a-- Oh damn.
[20:41]	* [Pyg]Judith	thinks about pursuing, but decides against it.
[20:42]	<[huh]Leticia>	Who was that? Have you a guess?
[20:42]	* [Pyg]Judith	turns to Leticia, shrugging her shoulders.
[20:45]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Doesn't seem like one of the guests outside though.
[20:47]	<[Pyg]Judith>	What's going on anyway, Letty?
[20:48]	<[huh]Leticia>	Some villagers decided this castle would be a fine place for a vampire hunt. It also seems someone other than us riled them up.
[20:50]	* [Pyg]Judith	heaves another sigh, making her way to the grand staircase and sitting down on the second step.
[20:56]	* [huh]Leticia	sits beside Judith.
[20:57]	<[GM]Mary>	Leticia & Judith: There you find a shattered wine glass, mirroring the shattered walls and shattered halls. No sign of the intruder.
[20:59]	* [Pyg]Judith	peers down on the pieces of glass on the floor.
[21:00]	<[Pyg]Judith>	We just got here, and we have to act like proper maids of the household already.
[21:00]	<[huh]Leticia>	Tis a problem for you?
[21:02]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Normally, no. But we just woke up. I'd prefer to regain my bearings.
[21:03]	* [Pyg]Judith	reluctantly gets back up on her feet.
[21:03]	<[Pyg]Judith>	I'll go get a dust pan.
[21:17]	<[GM]Mary>	Judith: in your search for cleaning tool, you happen upon the mysterious female again, now being chased by villagers with torches, picks, spears, etcetera. She's
running back your way, but catching sight of you, ends up in a pickle. There's no way out for her... her teeth bear in the panic, revealing her true nature to you.
[21:26]	* [Pyg]Judith	doesn't move, intending to let the girl run past her.
[21:31]	<[GM]Mary>	The invading vampire tries to stop the attackers by throwing an object to the floor, which bursts into a great flame, though not great enough to stop their attack.
The flame lands too close, and a peon jumps it daringly, smashing the vampire with a morningstar.
[21:31]	<[GM]Mary>	She's sent reeling, and lands before Judith's feet.
[21:35]	* [Pyg]Judith	attempts to grab the daring human by the throat.
[21:38]	* [Pyg]Judith	moves quickly in front of the girl's attacker, snatching him by the throat.
[21:38]	<[GM]Mary>	Judith clutches the attacking marauder by the throat. He desperately attempts to escape, as his fellow marauders are held back by the flame.
[21:39]	* [Pyg]Judith	choke slams the human right onto the flames.
[21:42]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Tsk tsk tsk, you let a puny human like this hit you in the face, child?
[21:42]	<[GM]Mary>	The human man shrieks and burns, but that only seems to piss off the remaining villagers more. The vampire behind you stands herself on her sword, not sure what to
think.
[21:42]	* [Pyg]Judith	kicks the burning corpse into the crowd behind the flames.
[21:54]	<[GM]Vampire>	Grrgh! I'll show you, devil!
[21:55]	* [Pyg]Judith	manages to kick hard enough to propel the burning corpse into the mob.
[21:57]	* [GM]Vampire	throws her sword like a javelin, speeding narrowly over Judith's head, impaling the burning corpse mid-air, and carrying him into another villager. They're sent
back, tumbling down the spiral staircase from whence they came.
[21:58]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Ooh! Nicely done, child.
[21:59]	* [GM]Vampire	's cheeks puff angrily. She pouts:
[21:59]	<[GM]Vampire>	Stop calling me child!
[22:00]	<[Pyg]Judith>	You know, only saying that will make me want to say that more.
[22:01]	* [Pyg]Judith	turns to look at the girl, giving a quick, soft smile.
[22:02]	* [Pyg]Judith	returns her attention to the villagers left behind the flames.
[22:03]	* [Pyg]Judith	spreads her arms out in a grandiose manner, as if in a gesture of invitation.
[22:03]	<[GM]Vampire>	Grrrrr!
[22:04]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Well, cattle, you still have some fight in you?
[22:04]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Come! Dance with me in the Hellfire!
[22:04]	* [GM]Vampire	stamps her feet, and faces the remaining humans.
[22:09]	<[GM]Mary>	The two remaining humans attack, fear and hate in their eyes.
[22:11]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Gutsy cattle until the end. I'm impressed.
[22:26]	* [Pyg]Judith	scatters into a swarm of bats descending on one of the humans.
[22:27]	* [Pyg]Judith	's numerous small mouths dig into the human and begin sucking him dry of blood.
[22:28]	* [Pyg]Judith	with one human finished off, she regains her shape once more staring down the last human left.
[22:28]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Still feel like fighting?
[22:29]	<[GM]Mary>	the human does not, and attempts to flee!
[22:31]	* [Pyg]Judith	grips the fleeing woman by the shoulders before she can escape any further.
[22:32]	* [Pyg]Judith	holds her close as if hugging her from behind.
[22:32]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Say, are you scared of dying?
[22:34]	* [GM]Vampire	snatches a not-yet-dead human from the floor and draws blood, trying to compensate for her wounds while Judith's back is turned.
[22:37]	<[Pyg]Judith>	You're not answering my question, Miss.
[22:39]	* [Pyg]Judith	leans her head on her prey's shoulder.
[22:43]	* [GM]YoungWoman	squirms in Judith's grip, fear mixing with the vampire's natural sensuality.
[22:43]	<[GM]YoungWoman>	Let me go! Let me go!!
[22:46]	* [Pyg]Judith	runs one hand up the girl's body, passing a breast on the way to the neck to caress it.
[22:46]	<[Pyg]Judith>	I can't. You smell nice, you know.
[22:47]	<[Pyg]Judith>	I've been in a cold sleep for so long until tonight, you know. I forgot how pleasant a human's warmth is.
[22:52]	<[GM]YoungWoman>	Nngh! Wha-, what are you g- going to do?!
[22:53]	* [GM]YoungWoman	quivers under Judith's touch, muscle control lost to excited fear.
[22:53]	<[Pyg]Judith>	You don't want to die, riiiight?
[22:55]	* [GM]YoungWoman	shakes even more, trying to grab the little metal cross around her neck.
[22:56]	<[GM]YoungWoman>	A-anything's better than becoming one of you devils! Release me!... P-please...
[22:56]	* [Pyg]Judith	presses her lips onto the woman's neck, ignoring her pleas.
[22:57]	<[Pyg]Judith>	This excites you, doesn't it? Teetering on the edge of life and death?
[22:57]	* [GM]YoungWoman	gasps, and freezes.
[22:57]	<[GM]YoungWoman>	I-...I-...I-...
[22:58]	* [Pyg]Judith	doesn't bite just yet, opting to suckle on the woman's neck for now.
[22:59]	* [GM]YoungWoman	weakens, body still taut but no longer able to find the will to struggle. The only continuous change is her shivered breaths.
[23:18]	* [Pyg]Judith	maneuvers her own arm so that it is within reach of her mouth and bites into it, sucking some blood up and holding it in her mouth.
[23:19]	* [Pyg]Judith	turns the young woman's head toward her and kisses her on the lips, pushing the blood into her mouth.
[23:32]	* [GM]YoungWoman	snaps out of her daze and quickly turns her head, forcing her lips shut.
[23:40]	* [Pyg]Judith	pulls away, a little pout on her face. Looks like it didn't work. She grudgingly swallows her own blood. Ah, what an unpleasant taste.
[23:40]	<[Pyg]Judith>	A fighter, huh?
[23:41]	* [GM]YoungWoman	forms drops of tears in her eyes, returning to her prior struggle.
[23:41]	<[GM]YoungWoman>	P-please! Please let me go, I beg of you!
[23:50]	* [Pyg]Judith	is stirred by something in the girl's face. Reluctantly, she relinquishes her grip, taking a step back.
[23:54]	* [GM]YoungWoman	falls to the floor, looking back in shock. Running away as soon as possible occurs to her, but disbelief in her release holds her still.
[00:01]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Tell me, little lamb. What is your name?
[00:05]	* [GM]YoungWoman	pushes her legs together, trying to reclaim her dignity after that terrible and exciting experience. Oh, I called it exciting! Is the mark of the devil upon me already?!
[00:06]	<[GM]YoungWoman>	W-why should I tell you that?
[00:07]	* [Pyg]Judith	frowns a little. A rare expression.
[00:07]	* [Pyg]Judith	sighs a little, disappointed.
[00:08]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Fine. Have it your way.
[00:08]	* [Pyg]Judith	turns her back on the girl.
[00:08]	<[Pyg]Judith>	You'd better go now.
[00:08]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Unless you want my master to find you.
[00:08]	<[Pyg]Judith>	He won't let you off as easily as I did.
[00:09]	* [GM]YoungWoman	looks dumbly at Judith, before her survival instinct kicks back in and she flees down the stairwell.
* [Pyg]Judith sighs, a little sad that she had been denied pleasure on this night.
* [GM]Vampire stands in watch near the entrance, a contemptuous smile plastered across her face.
<[GM]Vampire> Ha! You can't even seduce a single mortal woman! You've no place to call me a child, you faker!
* [Pyg]Judith finally remembers she had company here other than her would-be-victim.
<[Pyg]Judith> Truly a child, you are.
<[Pyg]Judith> You must be the type that will devour any meal tossed out in front of you.
<[Pyg]Judith> I don't like taking the blood of the fearful...
<[Pyg]Judith> It makes the blood sour.
<[Pyg]Judith> If you have lived as long as I have, you would have known this.
<[GM]Vampire> Hmph! I take what's mine. If they've not the power to stop me, then of course, it is right for me to take control! Fear is human respect for us creatures, you should learn to savor it!
[00:21]	* [GM]Vampire	throws a sack around her shoulder and retrieves her blade. Her body's still covered by a black cloak, but you can make out that her figure is a young one.
[00:21]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Oh, so getting bashed in the face is what they call respect for vampires these days? My my, I have been asleep for quite a while then.
[00:23]	* [GM]Vampire	reddens with anger and shame, gritting her teeth.
[00:24]	* [Pyg]Judith	stamps out a little ember as she walks past the young vampire girl.
[00:24]	<[GM]Vampire>	Make your jokes if you want! You should have killed me when you had the chance. I'll tell you one thing, fool, your sensitivity will be the end of you!
[00:24]	<[Pyg]Judith>	You ought to get out of here too. The boss doesn't like vampires that aren't his in his territory.
[00:25]	<[GM]Vampire>	Hmph! One day, I'll smote your pathetic coven. Just you wait!
[00:26]	* [GM]Vampire	, despite its words, hastily turns the corner.
[00:26]	<[Pyg]Judith>	I look forward to it. You'll certainly keep things interesting, child.
[00:28]	* [GM]Vampire	sidles out of view, biting her lip at Judith's final comment. Damn that woman! How dare she help me! I didn't need it in the first place, it was just a slip-up and she happened to be there!
[00:29]	* [Pyg]Judith	hums to herself, returning to the entrance hall, completely forgetting why she had gone this way in the first place.
[00:30]	* [GM]Vampire	peers back, watching Jude as she walks out of view. She sits, blood boiling and thoughts turning on each other, becoming misconstrued. After a long while, she decides it's best to get out of Dodge while she still can.
[00:34]	<[GM]Mary>	[until next time!]









@@XxX
@@Chapter One, Session Two: Trespasser
@@XxX
August 1
[20:36]	* [Mys]Sidney	is adorable playing with dolls...
[20:38]	<[GM]Mary>	last time, on Shepard's Vampires!
[20:39]	<[GM]Mary>	Sex, fighting, vampires, and sorts of other awesome stuff.
[20:40]	<[GM]Mary>	Sidney just finished tasting Letty, Letty just finished being traumatized, and Judith just finished eating people / teaching / molesting.
[20:40]	<[GM]Mary>	Scene begin!
[20:41]	* [PYG]Judith	returns to the main hall where she left Leticia, forgetting why she left in the first place.
[20:43]	* [huh]Letty	is waiting for Judith.
[20:44]	<[PYG]Judith>	"I'm back, Leticia."
[20:44]	<[huh]Letty>	Oh, Judith. You took your time. Did you find the dustbin?
[20:45]	<[PYG]Judith>	"...Damn it!"
[20:46]	* [PYG]Judith	realizing her carelessness turns back around and heads down the same hallway she was just in to fetch a dustpan for the broken glass.
[20:46]	* [huh]Letty	hurries after her, not wishing for a repeat of the previous affair.
[20:50]	* [PYG]Judith	manages to find a broom closet and goes inside, checking the shelves for a dust pan.
[20:53]	* [PYG]Judith	only now realizes that Leticia had followed her.
[20:54]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Something wrong, Letty?"
[20:55]	<[huh]Letty>	N-no, nothing.
[20:57]	* [PYG]Judith	finds the dust pan and grabs it, along with a brush.
[20:57]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Sure doesn't sound like nothing's wrong."
[20:59]	* [huh]Letty	slaps her cheeks to focus.
[20:59]	<[huh]Letty>	It is nothing. Couldst thou hand me a dustpan as well?
[21:01]	* [PYG]Judith	stares at Leticia a moment before her mouth curls downward in disappointment.
[21:01]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Suit yourself."
[21:01]	* [PYG]Judith	feels around the top shelf for another dust pan and finds one, handing it over to Leticia.
[21:03]	<[huh]Letty>	Thankee.
[21:05]	* [PYG]Judith	gets out of the broom closet and once again makes her way back to the main hall to clean up the glass.
[21:07]	* Shepard	appears in the hallway, watching the two from afar. His paleness has lessened since you've last seen.
[21:09]	<[huh]Letty>	Master, you look more well.
[21:09]	* [PYG]Judith	gives her master a little bow in greeting.
[21:10]	* Shepard	nods.
[21:12]	<Shepard>	I've taken care of a few things. I don't think this castle will be as busy, for now. Soon, hunters will seek us out, and we'll need to relocate. But the dawn draws near... we'll have to rest in the castle today.
[21:14]	<Shepard>	However, we have a few things to discuss. Mainly, what we intend to do, now that we're together once again.
[21:15]	* Shepard	looks around, then to Leticia.
[21:15]	<Shepard>	Where's Sidney?
[Mary*] <[GM]Mary>      In the distance, a sneeze can be heard.
[21:16]	<[huh]Letty>	That dog? I have not seen her around.
[21:16]	* [huh]Letty	scowls at the mention of that name.
[21:17]	<Shepard>	"That dog"? Seemed to me you were quite taken with her.
[21:17]	<Shepard>	Or rather, she took you.
[21:19]	<[huh]Letty>	Do not speak of that. Never again.
[21:19]	* [huh]Letty	darkens.
[21:22]	<Shepard>	Ha! It appears my dear little Letty has grown rebellious in my leave. You'll pay for your tone with me, you can count on that.
[21:23]	* [PYG]Judith	merely sighs at all this.
[21:23]	* [huh]Letty	kneels.
[21:24]	<[huh]Letty>	My most sincere apologies, master. I await my punishment.
[21:24]	<Shepard>	We'll deal with that some other time. For now, go find your lover.
[21:25]	* Shepard	hides a grin while scratching his cheek.
[21:25]	<[PYG]Judith>	You need anything from me, Boss? If you don't, I've got some glass to pick up.
[21:26]	* [huh]Letty	suppresses a scathing retort, and takes wing to search for the wayward childe.
[21:29]	<Shepard>	Ah, Judith...
[21:32]	* Shepard	runs his fingers through her hair, getting it out of her face and best complimenting her features.
[21:34]	<[PYG]Judith>	That kind of need, huh?
[21:38]	<Shepard>	Can't I just be happy to see you? It's been a long, tiresome journey. Did you fare well in my absence?
[21:42]	<[PYG]Judith>	It was a long sleep. I almost didn't think I'd get to wake up again.
[21:48]	<[PYG]Judith>	Damn boring living like a bat for decades, you know?
---
@@Sidney~ (yeah, just pretend she turned into a dog or something)
---
[20:44]	* [Mys]Sidney	licks her lips then wanders around...
[20:55]	* [Mys]Sidney	rolls in the dirt
[21:01]	* [Mys]Sidney	rolls off a cliff
[21:01]	<[Mys]Sidney>	"Wheeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee~
[21:10]	* [Mys]Sidney	falls into the center of a graveyard, into an open grave...
[21:10]	<[Mys]Sidney>	*Whoom*
[21:12]	* [Mys]Sidney	has busied herself making a tombstone-fort...
[21:14]	<[Mys]Sidney>	HEAVE... HEAVE...
[21:15]	* [Mys]Sidney	tosses the last tombstone on top of the rest, but the ceiling of the fort immediately collapses into the rest of it...
[21:15]	* [Mys]Sidney	*Achoo*
[21:15]	<[Mys]Sidney>	*sniff*
[21:22]	* [Mys]Sidney	praises her fort as she finishes placing the last stone. Pyramid shaped for simplicity, the graveyard is wrecked.
[21:26]	* [Mys]Sidney	fires the port side lasers. "PEW! PEW!" Take that Space Men!
[21:27]	* [Mys]Sidney	The incredible flying fort has no boundaries! No Mars People will keep her from traveling the UNIVERSE!
[21:28]	* [Mys]Sidney	imagines as she lies on top of the fort gazing at the stars.
[21:30]	* [huh]Letty	interrupts Sidney's view of the stars, obscuring the sky above her with a swarm of sable wings.
[21:33]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Awwww...
[21:34]	<[huh]Letty>	Sidney, the master calls.
[21:36]	* [Mys]Sidney	nods and vaporizes into fog.
[21:36]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Ooookay~
[21:39]	* [huh]Letty	flies back to the castle, au Sidney.
[21:39]	* [Mys]Sidney	races Letty
[21:41]	* [Mys]Sidney	leaves Letty behind in her metaphorical dust...
---
@@Return~
---
[21:49]	* [Mys]Sidney	rolls into the room as the fog condenses into a small dark fluffy child shaped thunder cloud. With a small rumble and some sparks, Sidney appears where the indoor cloud was.
[21:50]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Master Shepard!
[21:51]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Master Shepard! Letty says you wanted me~!
[21:51]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Master Shepard~!
[21:51]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Anyway, you seem busy. I'll get back to work."
[21:51]	* [Mys]Sidney	is moving like a condor in circles Shepard's feet.
[21:52]	* [PYG]Judith	walks past her master on her way back to her current chore.
[21:55]	* Shepard	sighs, and drops a burning weapon upon the condor, setting it aflame.
[21:57]	* [huh]Letty	reforms as well and follows after Judith with her dustpan.
[21:58]	<Shepard>	Where's... ah, there you are. Judith, Leticia. Come with me.
[21:59]	<[huh]Letty>	oh?
[21:59]	* [huh]Letty	stops, turning back to her master.
[21:59]	<[PYG]Judith>	Wha- But, the glass. Bah, to hell with it!
[22:05]	* [Mys]Sidney	STOP. DROP. ROLL.
[22:05]	<[Mys]Sidney>	eeeeeeeeaaaaaaaahhhhhh~
[22:06]	* [Mys]Sidney	extinguishes the fire quickly thanks to age old fire prevention methods.
[22:06]	<[Mys]Sidney>	ah~
[22:08]	<Shepard>	...and Sidney. Come on, we're heading to the bottom of the castle.
[22:08]	* [Mys]Sidney	continues rolling for awhile even after the fire is out... Just to be sure. Then stands up as curious as ever.
[22:08]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Okay~
[22:10]	<[PYG]Judith>	"The basement? What for?"
[22:10]	<[Mys]Sidney>	"Us four, duh~!"
[22:10]	* Shepard	begins walking towards the stairwell, maintaining a steady pace.
[22:10]	* [Mys]Sidney	whispers at Judith
[22:11]	* [Mys]Sidney	follows on Shepard's heals.
[22:11]	* [huh]Letty	follows, making sure to place Judith between her and Sidney.
[22:12]	<Shepard>	To sleep. Remaining here is dangerous, but relocating so quickly is even more so. Also, there's a matter to discuss. Our future.
[22:13]	* Shepard	continues to speak as he goes on, leading on deeper into the castle's underbelly.
[22:17]	<Shepard>	What do you to want to do, now?
[22:17]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Wait! Dangerous?
[22:18]	<[Mys]Sidney>	What could threaten us, Master Sir?
[22:20]	<[PYG]Judith>	Vampire hunters.
[22:20]	<Shepard>	I am not as strong as I once was, so I cannot protect you from sacred weapons. I'm sure vampire-hunting organizations have a big, red X on this castle, and this disturbance is certain to draw their attention. Though they're not unconquerable, the daylight hours give them a great advantage, and I'd rather avoid such a confrontation, or we'll simply repeat history.
[22:21]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Oh...
[22:21]	* [Mys]Sidney	is sobered with the news.
[22:26]	<Shepard>	But back to my earlier question. Do either of you have ambitions?
[22:27]	* Shepard	puts out candlelights as he passes them by, silencing them with a pinch of the fingers.
[22:34]	<[huh]Letty>	I have none, but for to serve you, master.
[22:36]	<[Mys]Sidney>	I would like to read every story ever!
[22:36]	* [Mys]Sidney	likes story books
[22:36]	* [huh]Letty	chuckles at the childe.
[22:36]	<Shepard>	Every story? Hmhmhm... Well, I'll think about that.
[22:39]	<Shepard>	Judith, do you have anything to say?
[22:42]	<[PYG]Judith>	Haha, I might have when I was mortal...It's been a while since then though.
[22:43]	* Shepard	stops.
[22:43]	<Shepard>	...What do you mean, "when I was mortal"? Is something wrong?
[22:43]	* [Mys]Sidney	bounces of the stopped Sheppard
[22:44]	* [Mys]Sidney	rubs her forehead and looks between Shepard and Judith...
[22:44]	<[PYG]Judith>	Nothing wrong, Boss. Take it easy.
[22:46]	<Shepard>	Are you sure? You sound troubled. If there's something the matter, that's what I'm here for.
[22:48]	<[PYG]Judith>	You're imagining things. Come on, aren't we trying to get to safety here?
[22:50]	* Shepard	gives Letty a look that says "look out for her, for me", and continues on.
[22:53]	* [huh]Letty	gives him a "I'll do more than that" look in return.
[22:58]	<[GM]Mary>	You are led into the catacombs, where many dead and undead creatures rest and tremble in their graves. An animated skeleton servant waves as you pass, and resumes searching for his lower jaw amidst a collection of bones.
[23:00]	* [Mys]Sidney	takes a bone and gnaws at it idly while walking...
[23:01]	* Shepard	stops for a moment, then grins.
[23:01]	<Shepard>	Ah, I know what will appease my Jude.
[23:02]	* [PYG]Judith	raises her eyebrows, curious.
[23:02]	<Shepard>	The three of you, go on ahead. There's someone I must find. I'll catch up to you later.
[23:02]	* [huh]Letty	bows to the master.
[23:02]	<[Mys]Sidney>	uhn'kay~
[23:02]	<[huh]Letty>	As you wish.
[23:03]	* [Mys]Sidney	scampers ahead of the others...
[23:04]	* Shepard	takes a torch, grabs an old door's handle, and exits. The foundation shakes as it slams, a mysterious quality all doors within the castle possess.
[23:07]	* [PYG]Judith	continues walking right behind Leticia.
[23:09]	* [Mys]Sidney	manages to snap the bone in her mouth and licks at the dried marrow.
[23:12]	<[GM]Mary>	As you continue ahead, you become aware of sounds of fighting.
[23:13]	* [Mys]Sidney	rushes toward the sounds.
[23:14]	* [huh]Letty	glances at Judith.
[23:14]	* [PYG]Judith	catches Leticia's glance, nodding back at her.
[23:15]	<Trespasser>	...ha! yeea-ah! Who's your daddy!? Take somma this! And a little bit 'o that! Izzat all ya got?
[23:16]	* [Mys]Sidney	sneaks around the trespasser to see what he is doing...
[23:16]	* [huh]Letty	runs after Sidney.
[23:16]	* [PYG]Judith	quickly follows after the others. So much for the element of surprise.
[23:17]	<[GM]Mary>	Around the corner, you see a blonde female fighting an entourage of animated skeletons, using a spiked club in addition to two small option-sized monsters.
[23:18]	<[GM]Mary>	Her back is to you, and as such, she doesn't notice your presence.
[23:18]	* [Mys]Sidney	drops the bone and circles to the opposite side of her. Putting her between Sidney and the others.
[23:18]	<Trespasser>	hiiii....ya!
[23:19]	* [Mys]Sidney	screams like the little girl she is.
[23:19]	<[Mys]Sidney>	"HELP! HELP!"
[23:19]	* Trespasser	splits a skeleton in half, before spinning around a few times over the scream.
[23:20]	<Trespasser>	Yikes! What the hell's this shit?
[23:21]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Stop right there, stranger!"
[23:22]	<Trespasser>	Straaannger? Stranger than what?
[23:22]	<[huh]Letty>	Thou hast some guts to trespass in the master's domain.
[23:22]	* [Mys]Sidney	sees her simplest of plans fold as the others don't wait for an opportune moment... Oh well...
[23:26]	<[GM]Mary>	The trespasser turns to you, most of the skeletons now defeated. The female could be the pinnacle of pure, maidenly, innocent women if her manner and attire weren't so rough. She's dressed in peasant's clothes, but her sleeves and pant-legs have been ripped off, and she also adorns spiked bracelets and a dog's collar.
[23:27]	* Trespasser	changes her stance and voice to a mockingly royal one, trying to act more "vampiric"
[23:28]	<Trespasser>	So, she says he's the lord of this castle...
[23:29]	<Trespasser>	Wait... how did it go...
[23:29]	* [Mys]Sidney	can smell the vampire scent off the girl...
[23:30]	* [PYG]Judith	catches a hint of a fang as the intruder speaks.
[23:30]	* Trespasser	scratches her head, the regal air about her long past.
[23:30]	<Trespasser>	Well, anyway! I'm looking for the Spike Armor. Do any of you know where it is?
[23:31]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Who the hell are you anyway?"
[23:32]	<Trespasser>	Aluca-... um. nah, that's dumb...
[23:32]	<[Mys]Sidney>	"And what's Spike Armour?"
[23:32]	* Trespasser	thinks a moment for a good name of herself.
[23:34]	<Trespasser>	Well, it's armor, with spikes. Sort of like the Spike Breaker, except it has spikes on it. Get it?
[23:34]	<[huh]Letty>	And where is this armor?
[23:34]	<[Mys]Sidney>	No. Why not just make it yourself then?
[23:35]	<Trespasser>	...
[23:35]	* [Mys]Sidney	thinks putting spikes on armor shouldn't be too hard.
[23:35]	* Trespasser	jaw drops a little, then superimposes into a smile.
[23:35]	<Trespasser>	Holy shit, that's a great idea! I already got the Spike Breaker, so all I need is spikes!
[23:36]	* [Mys]Sidney	claps.
[23:36]	* [Mys]Sidney	feels useful~
[23:36]	<Trespasser>	Thanks! I'm gonna go find some spikes, so see ya later!
[23:37]	* [Mys]Sidney	steps in her way...
[23:37]	* Trespasser	skips over her...
[23:37]	* [Mys]Sidney	grabs for an ankle
[23:38]	<[huh]Letty>	You're not leaving just like that, sorry.
[23:38]	* Trespasser	has, in fact, already left, and doesn't respond. She seems to know where she's going, and doesn't pay any of you any mind.
[23:39]	<[PYG]Judith>	"The hell was that all about?"
[23:40]	* [Mys]Sidney	follows the trespasser.
[23:41]	* [huh]Letty	gives chase.
[23:43]	* [PYG]Judith	scatters into a cloud of bats and follows the two.
[23:45]	<[GM]Mary>	The intruder keeps a good distance between you, but she's close enough that you can tell which direction she went last. She runs into the deepest part of the catacombs, just before the room where Shepard used to keep a large, terrifying monster.
[23:46]	<[GM]Mary>	She slips into a side-room, and its door slams shut behind her.
[23:46]	* [Mys]Sidney	sneezes
[23:47]	* [Mys]Sidney	sniffs before slowing to a stop before the door...
[23:47]	* [huh]Letty	tries the door.
[23:48]	<[GM]Mary>	it opens. Therein stands the proud intruder, her body now adorned with a variety of spikes.
[23:49]	* [Mys]Sidney	waves at her...
[23:49]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Hi again...
[23:49]	* Trespasser	spins around to face Sidney stylishly.
[23:50]	<Trespasser>	What's up!
[23:50]	<Trespasser>	So, how's it look? I had to use this old dress to keep it from stabbin' me in the arms, but it's a pretty sweet Spike Armor, isn't it?
[23:51]	<[Mys]Sidney>	I guess, but wanna see something cooler?!
[23:51]	<[huh]Letty>	Your fashion sense is abominable.
[23:51]	* [huh]Letty	flicks her hair back.
[23:51]	* [PYG]Judith	reassembles right behind the group.
[23:51]	* Trespasser	frowns.
[23:52]	<Trespasser>	Your face is abonimibidl-...sucks!
[23:52]	* [Mys]Sidney	picks up some bones and tosses them in the air.
[23:52]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Again, who the hell are you?"
[23:52]	* [Mys]Sidney	is juggling with some style...
[23:53]	* Trespasser	admires Sidney's display, then turns to Judith, frowning and pushing her fingers together.
[23:54]	<Trespasser>	I'm an orphaned vampire.
[23:54]	<[PYG]Judith>	"And what business do you have trespassing in our castle?"
[23:55]	<Trespasser>	I told you that already! I was looking for my Spike Armor. Since I can't find it, I'll just take some spikes instead. Do you need them or something?
[23:56]	* [Mys]Sidney	continues juggling while softly humming some circus chorus...
[23:56]	<[Mys]Sidney>	They do keep the hedgehogs at bay...
[23:56]	<Trespasser>	Also... you seem familiar. Are you someone's aunt?
[23:56]	* [Mys]Sidney	mumbles idly
[23:57]	<[PYG]Judith>	"I've never had any nieces or nephews, no.
[23:57]	* Trespasser	leans far forward, balancing on her toes.
[23:58]	<Trespasser>	are you sure? bah, must be deja-vu or something.
[23:59]	<Trespasser>	Well, anyway... brown girl!
[00:00]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Huh?
[00:00]	* [Mys]Sidney	continues juggling.
[00:00]	* [Mys]Sidney	.oO(Almost dropped one...)
[00:02]	<[Mys]Sidney>	What? What?
[00:02]	* [Mys]Sidney	grabs two bones from the air and catches the third in her teeth.
[00:03]	<Trespasser>	Since you helped me get my spikes back faster, that means I owe you approximately one favor! But I gotta go do somethin' else, so if you ever need someone's help, just yell out "Claudia" and I'll show up out of thin air! That sound cool to you?
[00:04]	<Trespasser>	Word of warning, though. I don't do dance parties. Got two left feet.
[00:04]	<[Mys]Sidney>	"ons' 'ool~"
[00:04]	* [Mys]Sidney	says "Sounds Cool" with a mouth full of bone.
[00:04]	<Trespasser>	Sweet. Well, see you later!
[00:06]	* Trespasser	snaps her fingers, clearing away the option-monsters, and jumps straight up. When she falls back, a hole filled full of eyes opens beneath her, and she Trespasses out of the scene.
[00:07]	* [PYG]Judith	scratches her head at what just happened.
[00:08]	* [Mys]Sidney	isn't phased by much...
[00:10]	* [huh]Letty	just shakes her head...
[00:14]	* [Mys]Sidney	sneezes before yawning wide.
[00:16]	* [Mys]Sidney	digs into the center of a small hill of bones and nods off to sleep...
[00:17]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Night Letty~ *sniff* Night Judith~...
[00:18]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Wait, what did the Boss what us to do again?"
[00:22]	<[huh]Letty>	But before that, Judith...
[00:22]	<[PYG]Judith>	Hmm?
[00:22]	* [huh]Letty	wraps her arms around the other vampire.
[00:23]	<[huh]Letty>	It's been lonely without you, these past decades...
[00:24]	<[PYG]Judith>	"You could have looked me up you know?"
[00:27]	<[huh]Letty>	I had some business to attend to. But you're all mine now... and I'm all yours.
[00:28]	* [huh]Letty	draws Judith into a kiss.
[00:37]	<[GM]Mary>	And with that, we reach the end of session two!











@@XxX
@@Chapter One, Session Three: Third Lamb
@@XxX
August 2
[21:41]	<[GM]Mary>	Last time, on Sexual Encounters of a Third Kind!
[21:41]	<[GM]Mary>	[oh, darn. wrong game. how embarrassing!]
[21:43]	<[GM]Mary>	Last time on Shepard's Vampires, Shepard went to find a long-dead maid while his other long-dead maids played with a long-gone trespasser.
[21:46]	* Shepard	carries a torch through hallowed halls, less for need of sight and more for need of mystique. That, and there's cobwebs everywhere.
[21:52]	* Shepard	reaches a room with a single stone-cast tomb in the center. Various pieces of undead junk litter the room, though the stone tomb remains undisturbed, even from dust, for almost a yard around its perimeter.
[21:56]	* Shepard	sets the torch down by the grave, wondering how exactly he's going to get this huge slab off.
[21:56]	* Shepard	budges it...
[21:58]	* Shepard	... and after a moment, tears it off, sending the top to smash against the adjacent wall with a thunderous crash.
[22:02]	* [Owen]Phrine	rests in the coffin, unmoving. A slender girl with oddly pink hair and brown rags for clothes, she sure doesn't look very imposing like vampires should.
[22:02]	* [Owen]Phrine	seems to stir just the slightest bit as Shepard approaches, but does little else.
[22:03]	<Shepard>	Good mourning, young Phrine. Rise, as it's time for your wake.
[22:06]	* [Owen]Phrine	makes no real movement. She's still dead asleep.
[22:08]	* Shepard	grins, slices his finger almost in half with one of his cainers, and sticks it in Phrine's mouth.
[22:10]	* [Owen]Phrine	makes no immediate action...at first. Then slowly, her mouth moves, sucking on Shepard's finger like a baby's pacifier.
[22:12]	* Shepard	leans over and pets through Phrine's hair, finding the transaction to be a little... cute. It's a shame, really.
[22:13]	* [Owen]Phrine	's drinking becomes less mechanical and more realistic as Shepard's blood gives her new "life". Her eyes wiggle underneath closed lids.
[22:15]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"........."
[22:16]	* Shepard	pulls up on his finger a little bit.
[22:16]	* [Owen]Phrine	takes a slight breath of air into her nostrils. Her skin, once grey and pasty, takes a slightly better shade.
[22:17]	* [Owen]Phrine	's head cranes upwards just a little, trying to follow the retreating finger.
[22:18]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...no......want...."
[22:18]	* Shepard	relinquishes his finger, teasingly holding it over her head.
[22:20]	* [Owen]Phrine	open her eyes slowly. Like her absurd hair, her eyes are an otherworldly orange.
[22:21]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...nnnhh...nummy...come baaaccckk......"
[22:21]	<Shepard>	Good evening, little love. Did you enjoy your rest?
[22:22]	* [Owen]Phrine	tries to focus her eyes, which are glassy and full of 40 years worth of daze.
[22:23]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...sleepy...good sleepy..."
[22:23]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...Is this..'nother...dream?"
[22:24]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Good dream...tastes gooood~..."
[22:24]	<Shepard>	I'm sorry to to tell you, but no, you're back in the old world.
[22:26]	* [Owen]Phrine	flexes her thin hand, and gives her nose a painful poke. Nope; she's still here.
[22:26]	* Shepard	puts an elbow on the side of the stone coffin, holding his hand under his head while still messing with Phrine and his bloody hand.
[22:26]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Ohhhh.....I like dreeeaamms..."
[22:27]	<Shepard>	Is that so? How disappointing. I suppose you'll have to stay here until the monsters come to get you.
[22:28]	* [Owen]Phrine	seems to focus her eyes with the thought of monsters.
[22:29]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Ohh...monsters...they're silllyyy~..."
[22:29]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...never want to plaaaay..."
[22:30]	<Shepard>	I'm not sure, you're a pretty silly monster, and you always want to play, do you not?
[22:30]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Mayyybeee~...Mayyybeee nooot~"
[22:30]	<Shepard>	Besides, Judith is back. Why don't you come and play with her?
[22:31]	* [Owen]Phrine	tries to worm her way out of the coffin, but she's like a marionette with half her strings cut off. It's rather pathetic.
[22:32]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Unnngh...Judyyyy~..."
[22:32]	* Shepard	uses the bleeding hand as a lure.
[22:33]	* [Owen]Phrine	is thus allured. The smell and memory of blood help her focus.
[22:34]	* [Owen]Phrine	drifts out of the coffin, almost ghost-like, towards Shepard's finger.
[22:34]	* Shepard	steps back a foot or two, trying to get Phrine out without dragging her out.
[22:36]	* [Owen]Phrine	leans over the side of the coffin and follows Shepard backwards, until neither coffin no floor supports her in any way. She's forgotten that "gravity" exists in the real world, but fortunately for her, that's not a problem for vampires, really.
[22:38]	* [Mys]Sidney	sneezes in her sleep, her leg kicking as she drools. Dreaming of bones the size of trees...
[22:40]	* [Mys]Sidney	*sniff*
[22:41]	* [Owen]Phrine	bobs around in the air, her form slowly turning into mist to help her stay afloat. By the time she reaches Shepard's finger, she's nothing but whispy smoke.
[22:42]	* [Owen]Phrine	unsuccessfully wraps her non-existent lips around the bleeding hand.
[22:43]	* Shepard	chuckles, holding his hand high to drip over her. The blood taints the misty form somewhat.
[22:45]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"....mMm...Fe-EeEeels tINglYyyYy..."
[22:47]	* [Owen]Phrine	twirls her mist into a slow-moving vortex. Blood gives her warm fuzzies~
[22:47]	<Shepard>	Alright, enough play. There will be plenty of time for that later.
[22:48]	* [Owen]Phrine	slowly reforms herself back to human form. Seems she's forgotten "humans" don't have little horns on their head, or little wings. Oh well.
[22:48]	* Shepard	snaps his fingers, the bloody one sealing after a flick of blood.
[22:50]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Where'd you go, Sheppy? It's been so looong...My brain hurtsss..."
[22:50]	* Shepard	frowns.
[22:51]	<Shepard>	I'd recommend that you keep your nicknames to yourself, unless you wish for much more than just your brain to hurt.
[22:52]	* [Owen]Phrine	bobs her head.
[22:52]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...mmmmmmmmmmmmmmm'kay~"
[22:53]	* Shepard	sighs. . o ( I'm surrounded by children, and of my own make. )
[22:53]	<Shepard>	Good. Come along, now. The others await our return.
[22:53]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Ooo, others~..."
[22:54]	* [Mys]Sidney	sneezes
[22:54]	* [Mys]Sidney	*sniff*
[22:54]	* [PYG]Judith	almost says "bless you" out of reflex, but manages to fight it off.
[22:54]	* [Owen]Phrine	snaps her fingers; she almost forgot something! She stumbles back over to her coffin and searches around the folds of bedding for something...
[22:55]	* Shepard	peers curiously, snuffing out the torchlight to better aid Phrine's recently awakened eyes.
[22:57]	* [Owen]Phrine	eventually finds a little leather pouch tucked safe away. It contains a polished white egg and a small length of cord. She rubs the soft surface of the egg against her cheek.
[22:57]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Little lucky egg~..."
[22:58]	<Shepard>	...
[22:58]	<Shepard>	I believe the years have made you stranger, dear...
[22:58]	* [Owen]Phrine	slips the egg into the pouch, then the pouch on to her belt.
[22:59]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Mayyybeee~...Mayyybeee nooot~"
[22:59]	* Shepard	says, as he begins to exit, leading Phrine back from whence he departed.
[22:59]	* [Owen]Phrine	drifts behind him, content to look at the walls and ceilings around her. So interesting...
[23:03]	* Shepard	takes Phrine in the direction the others left him before, noticing a curious number of un-animated skeletons that he swore were once... animate. Perhaps Sidney had a snack or something.
[23:04]	* [Mys]Sidney	limbs flail at something happening in her dream...
[23:05]	<[Mys]Sidney>	....er...pa...uh...
[23:06]	* [PYG]Judith	tucks Leticia under a blanket she found.
[23:06]	* [Mys]Sidney	is being jabbed in the side by a particularly sharp rib bone, and rolls out of the pile of bones...
[23:07]	* Shepard	enters.
[23:07]	<Shepard>	I'm back.
[23:07]	* [Mys]Sidney	smacks her lips as she yawns and stretches her back while on all fours.
[23:07]	<[Mys]Sidney>	...!
[23:07]	<[PYG]Judith>	Huh? Oh, hey, Boss.
[23:07]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Mister Shepard Sir!
[23:07]	* [Mys]Sidney	salutes
[23:08]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...oohh? I remember thisss~..."
[23:08]	* Shepard	nods.
[23:08]	* [Owen]Phrine	gives a little wave to Judith from afar.
[23:09]	<Shepard>	Judith, I've found one of your children. If she no longer satisfies you, she'll at least make a good breakfast once the night returns.
[23:09]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Mmm...good breakfast~...I already had some~"
[23:09]	* [PYG]Judith	shoots Shepard a frightening glance. Joke or not, that's not funny.
[23:11]	* Shepard	wasn't joking, and raises an eyebrow at Judith's look. Shrugging it off, he sits atop a throne of bones, employing the vampire lord slouch.
[23:09]	* [Mys]Sidney	licks her lips... If she tastes half as good as Leticia...
[23:10]	* [Owen]Phrine	tilts her head at Sidney. This one's new, right?
[23:10]	* [PYG]Judith	turns her attention back to Phrine, giving her a smile as she walks up to her.
[23:11]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Mmm...Hi Mom~"
[23:11]	* [Owen]Phrine	leans against Judith's shoulder lovingly.
[23:12]	* [PYG]Judith	ruffles Phrine's hair before pulling her into a hug.
[23:12]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Oh, I'm sorry I've been gone so long..."
[23:14]	* [Mys]Sidney	tries to do a handstand
[23:14]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...Yeah...Me too..."
[23:14]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Heeey, Mom? Who's that funny one? I...I don't remember her...do I?"
[23:15]	* [Mys]Sidney	inverts the world as she becomes Atlas! Now she supports this globe and all its weight.
[23:15]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Yes, she's a new one."
[23:15]	* Shepard	listens, and feels a little guilt, knowing that it was his own weakness that wrought this forty-year departure between his clan.
[23:16]	* [PYG]Judith	wipes some of the blood dribbling from Phrine's mouth with her finger.
[23:16]	* [Mys]Sidney	spins the world in her hands so the others are visible.
[23:17]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Hi-ie~, new ooone~..."
[23:17]	* [Owen]Phrine	waves to Sidney.
[23:17]	* [Mys]Sidney	arms quake a little...
[23:18]	* [Mys]Sidney	lifts the world onto one arm in order to wave at the upside down lady
[23:18]	<[Mys]Sidney>	"...Hi..."
[23:18]	* [Mys]Sidney	says with a quick grunt...
[23:20]	* [Mys]Sidney	's dress finally gives in to gravity, flying up over her face.
[23:21]	<[PYG]Judith>	So, all that's left is to wait for dawn, Boss?
[23:21]	* [Mys]Sidney	sneezes and... DROPS THE WORLD.
[23:21]	<[Mys]Sidney>	ow~
[23:22]	* [Owen]Phrine	drifts over to the strange little girl.
[23:22]	<[Mys]Sidney>	*sniff*
[23:23]	* [Owen]Phrine	sits down next to Sidney, studying her with spacey eyes and a tilted head.
[23:23]	* [Mys]Sidney	sniffs the new lady
[23:23]	<Shepard>	Indeed. Once the night comes, we'll leave this place. From there, we'll find a temporary residence, and start to rebuild.
[23:23]	* [PYG]Judith	lets out a yawn and leans back on a wall, taking a seat. Hell of a night.
[23:24]	* [Owen]Phrine	is confused. She sniffs Sidney back. Is this a new custom she missed out on forty years ago?
[23:24]	* [Owen]Phrine	doesn't smell much. Her nose isn't really awake yet.
[23:26]	* [Mys]Sidney	licks the Lady's nose as is customary after sharing scents.
[23:27]	* [Owen]Phrine	wrinkles her nose at the lick. That didn't feel very good at all. Cute, though, coming from the little girl...
[23:28]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...You're funny, you know? You're like me, except...well, you're not like me..."
[23:29]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...yeah...no, no, I don't think you're like me..."
[23:30]	* [Owen]Phrine	wonders. The little girl doesn't feel like the others. Not a vampire? Then what...?
[23:35]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Well I'm not as old as you, lady.
[23:35]	<[Mys]Sidney>	and I don't have horns~
[23:36]	* [Mys]Sidney	puts both her index fingers next to forehead to demonstrate
[23:36]	* [Owen]Phrine	follows suit...oh! Horns!
[23:36]	* [Mys]Sidney	is now a bull!
[23:36]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Rah!
[23:36]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Hmm~? When did they get here...?"
[23:36]	<[Mys]Sidney>	*snort
[23:37]	* [Owen]Phrine	is surprised! The little girl is now even more not like her!
[23:37]	* [Mys]Sidney	kicks with a foot into the dirt.
[23:37]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...uuuuuuummmmm...?"
[23:39]	* [Mys]Sidney	charges a tattered, red tapestry on the wall, bouncing off and landing on her tush...
[23:40]	* [Mys]Sidney	sneezes where she falls.
[23:41]	<[Mys]Sidney>	*sniiiff*
[23:41]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"That seemed...silly. Maybe you're one of those silly monsters...?"
[23:41]	* Shepard	leaves his bony throne and sits down next to Judith, watching the other two play.
[23:42]	* [Owen]Phrine	walks over to the red tapestry. What secrets could the little girl have seen in it to cause such odd actions? It's a mystery...
[23:42]	<[Mys]Sidney>	I'm not silly! I'm a vampire! Ra!
[23:43]	<[PYG]Judith>	Rare sight, isn't it? Not something that our kind gets to see often after living in the night.
[23:43]	* [Mys]Sidney	bears fangs and hisses
[23:43]	* [Mys]Sidney	sneezes multiple times
[23:43]	* [Owen]Phrine	is intrigued!
[23:43]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"I'm silly! But I'm also a vampire! Ra...?"
[23:43]	<[Mys]Sidney>	No~
[23:43]	<[Mys]Sidney>	RA!
[23:43]	<Shepard>	Indeed. Do you think them insane, or perhaps bound forever as children? heh, maybe they're just pulling our legs...
[23:44]	* [Mys]Sidney	demonstrates louder.
[23:44]	* [Owen]Phrine	"bears" her fangs with a weird smirky smile. It's been a while since she's done this...
[23:44]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Ra?!"
[23:45]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...No, that can't be riiiiight..."
[23:45]	<[PYG]Judith>	We're already insane to be living the way we are now.
[23:47]	<[Mys]Sidney>	How long till dusk?
[23:47]	* Shepard	spins a yorick round on the tip of his finger, stopping and tossing it up and down infrequently.
[23:47]	* [Mys]Sidney	directs toward no one in particular
[23:47]	<[Mys]Sidney>	I wanna play outside~
[23:48]	* [Owen]Phrine	counts the number of ways to say "RA!" on her fingers.
[23:48]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Oh, wait...I remember...RAAH!!"
[23:48]	* [Owen]Phrine	's faces fills with energy, bearing her fangs for real as she lunges for the girl!
[23:49]	* [Mys]Sidney	begins running in circles.
[23:49]	<Shepard>	...fifteen, perhaps sixteen hours.
[23:51]	* [PYG]Judith	lets out another yawn, leaning her head on her master's shoulder. It's getting harder to stay awake.
[23:51]	* [Mys]Sidney	continues running in circles, in an attempt to speed up time.
[23:51]	* [Owen]Phrine	can't keep up with the running girl and collapses into a pile of bones. What a failure...
[23:51]	* [Mys]Sidney	jumps the new Lady's bones!
[23:52]	* Shepard	smiles, cradling Judith's head in an uncharacteristic show of affection. He drops the skull in her favor.
[23:54]	* [Mys]Sidney	lands squarely on the Lady's head and settles on top of it, taking a nearby bone in her mouth, and getting drowsy as she chews on it.
[23:55]	<Shepard>	What you said before... I don't think it's insane.
[23:55]	<Shepard>	What's really insane is that I once lived without it.
[23:55]	<[PYG]Judith>	"I see..."
[23:56]	* Shepard	eases his arm from her head, lying it around her shoulders.
[23:57]	* [Owen]Phrine	seems to have gotten a bone stuck in her own mouth as well. Blech, tastes horrible. No blood.
[23:57]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Unnff...did I lose...?"
[23:57]	* [Owen]Phrine	says, spitting out the bone.
[23:58]	* [Mys]Sidney	growls a little as she lays triumph across the lady's back and head.
[23:58]	<Shepard>	...This time, I won't fail you. I've been humbled by my defeat. This time... we'll conquer the world together.
[23:58]	* Shepard	speaks as he watches the other two go on.
[00:01]	* [Owen]Phrine	vaguely hears important conversation going on. But it's not about her, so it can't be THAT important.
[00:03]	* [Mys]Sidney	sleeps waiting for a new day... and new adventure!~
[00:03]	<[Mys]Sidney>	*sneezes*
[00:03]	* [Mys]Sidney	wipes her nose in Lady's hair.
[00:03]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Of course..."
[00:03]	* [PYG]Judith	stifles another yawn.
[00:04]	<Shepard>	Hhm. You don't really care about that, do you?
[00:04]	* Shepard	looks to Judith.
[00:04]	* [Owen]Phrine	's pink hair is far too silly to care about snot-nosed little kids!
[00:04]	<[PYG]Judith>	"I just don't want us all separated again..."
[00:04]	* [PYG]Judith	shuts her eyes.
[00:04]	* Shepard	commits that to memory.
[00:05]	<Shepard>	As you wish...
[00:05]	* [Owen]Phrine	tries to worm her way out from under this lump sitting on her.
[00:05]	<[Mys]Sidney>	...zzzzzzzzzzzz....
[00:05]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Even as a swarm of bats, it doesn't really help ease the isolation."
[00:07]	* Shepard	feels a tad of a sting, remembering Leticia's little affair and Judith's ignorance towards it. . o ( I'll have to speak with her later on that... I don't like lying to her, even if the sin's not mine. )
[00:08]	* [Owen]Phrine	gives up halfway; she's still weak from getting woken up. She ends up with Sidney on her lap.
[00:08]	<Shepard>	Right... Well, I've brought you your friends of old. It's up to you to make new companions from here on out.
[00:10]	* [Owen]Phrine	pats the girl on her head. Weird one, but she's weird too, so it's okay. Probably. Right...?
[00:15]	* [Owen]Phrine	rummages around for her lucky magic egg. Snapping open a few of her collar buttons, she wedges the egg inside her vest and activates it, letting out a small hum as it vibrates against her skin. Soothing~...
[00:22]	<[PYG]Judith>	Phrine.
[00:22]	* [Owen]Phrine	lets the massaging of the egg whittle away her troubles, replacing the cares of the word with a scatterbrained bliss...
[00:22]	* [PYG]Judith	holds her arms open.
[00:23]	* [Owen]Phrine	is blissfully ignorant of someone calling her name.
[00:23]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Guess she can't hear me."
[00:23]	* [PYG]Judith	frowns a little, but gets over it.
[00:24]	* Shepard	looks at Judith.
[00:24]	<Shepard>	You're just going to let that be the end of it?
[00:24]	<[Mys]Sidney>	...zzzzzzzzzzzz....
[00:25]	<[PYG]Judith>	"I don't know...It just doesn't sit right with me to force around so much."
[00:27]	<Shepard>	You don't have to force her. Just go and embrace her. Really, Judith, you need to be more assertive. You can't have something for nothing, you know.
[00:28]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Too tired to get up."
[00:28]	* Shepard	smacks Judith in the back of the head.
[00:29]	<Shepard>	Stupid.
[00:29]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Ah! What the hell!"
[00:29]	* [PYG]Judith	is wide awake again. Thanks a lot, bastard.
[00:31]	* [Mys]Sidney	hands stretch in front of her and paw at nothing...
[00:32]	* [Mys]Sidney	.oO( Climbing a ladder~ )
[00:33]	* [Owen]Phrine	watches the girl paw in her sleep. Heh...funny~...She tries to grab her hand with similar pawing, but she's a little disoriented right now, and likewise only grasps air.
[00:36]	* [Owen]Phrine	's eyes wander around...Oh look, there's Mom...Oh look, there's a cobweb...
[00:37]	* [PYG]Judith	now feels like doing it even less due to her now sour mood. She sits straight back up, scooting away from her master and toward the sleeping Leticia up only to recline into the wall to shut her eyes.
[00:41]	* [Owen]Phrine	breaks out of her reverie to notice a slightly sad Mom sitting by the wall. Sad...
[00:42]	* [Owen]Phrine	uses the best of her willpower to concentrate on something besides this egg...this egg...this egg...no! Focus!
[00:43]	* Shepard	looks bored, faking a sullen face at Phrine, as if to illustrate his discontent.
[00:44]	* [Owen]Phrine	slides her way out from under Sidney and crawls towards Judith. It's a difficult process; she groans and pants the whole way.
[00:45]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...Mom...nnn...egg~...aanngh..."
[00:45]	* [PYG]Judith	opens her eyes to the sound of shuffling getting closer to her and a voice calling her.
[00:46]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Oh, what are you up to now, you silly girl?"
[00:47]	* [PYG]Judith	stretches her arms out, pulling Phrine closer once she's within reach.
[00:47]	* [Owen]Phrine	tries her best to focus her words. The egg makes the world so fuzzy...but egg feels so good...
[00:47]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Annn...Sad Mom is sad~..."
[00:48]	* [PYG]Judith	lets Phrine lean back onto her has she hugs her from behind.
[00:49]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Oh, no, I'm fine. Really."
[00:49]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Playing with your lucky egg again, are you?"
[00:50]	* [Owen]Phrine	feels the dual embrace of the egg and Judith's arms...so nice...warm and fuzzy~...
[00:50]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Mmmm..."
[00:52]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"I...I missed yoouuu...so many dreams without you..."
[00:53]	* [Owen]Phrine	looks into Judith's eyes.
[00:54]	* [PYG]Judith	holds her closer, feeling bad for leaving Phrine all by herself in this castle.
[00:54]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"What happened...? Why'd we fall asleep...?"
[00:54]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...So much sleeeep~..."
[00:56]	<[PYG]Judith>	"The Master made a mistake."
[00:57]	<[PYG]Judith>	"A silly mistake that made it hard for us to stay awake without him."
[00:58]	* [Owen]Phrine	frowns a little. Even the magic egg can't protect from ALL the bad thoughts.
[00:59]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"......Oh...Mmmnn. Was...Was it...my fault...?"
[00:59]	* Shepard	pretends not to hear, but is well aware of his own shortcomings.
[01:00]	* [PYG]Judith	runs her hand through Phrine's hair lovingly.
[01:00]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Oh, no, no, of course not."
[01:02]	* [Owen]Phrine	leans into Judith's chest more comfortably.
[01:02]	* [huh]Letty	opens her eyes, to find a sheet obscuring them.
[01:03]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Mmm...that's good. I'm glad it wasn't my fault..."
[01:04]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"So, mmmnn...What'll we do now? What we did before~?"
[01:05]	<[PYG]Judith>	"We'll have to leave this place."
[01:06]	* [huh]Letty	sits up, the sheet still over her.
[01:07]	* Shepard	's eyes send Leticia a glance.
[01:07]	<Shepard>	Restless?
[01:08]	<[huh]Letty>	Not really, no.
[01:09]	* [Owen]Phrine	nods lazily, her previous willpower floating away.
[01:09]	* [huh]Letty	moves to take the sheet off, then realizes she has nothing under it.
[01:09]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...mmmmm'kay~"
[01:10]	<[huh]Letty>	Who is this?
[01:10]	* [huh]Letty	manages to take the sheet off her head, at least.
[01:12]	<Shepard>	Oh, Phrine? That's Judith's from a few years since my exile. Don't you remember her?
[01:14]	<[huh]Letty>	Was there a childe like that?
[01:14]	* [huh]Letty	thinks back...
[01:14]	<[huh]Letty>	I believe I remember now, yes.
[01:17]	<[huh]Letty>	Good even, childe. Hast ye been well?
[01:19]	* [Owen]Phrine	's gaze drifts towards the new voice. A lackluster wave is all she can manage right now. She's used a bit too much energy all at once, it seems.
[01:19]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...mmm...'ey..."
[01:20]	* [Owen]Phrine	runs her dry tongue through her mouth. So thirsty...sleepy...
[01:21]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Mo-om~...Mo-om...I'm thirsty...Do we have anything to drink?"
[01:22]	<[PYG]Judith>	"Hmm? Ah, right. Hold on.
[01:25]	* [PYG]Judith	lets go of Phrine for a moment to roll up the sleeve on her left arm. With her arm forearm exposed, she gives it a bite, piercing the skin with her canines and drawing blood. Judith wraps an arm around Phrine again while she holds the other one up to her mouth.
[01:27]	* [Owen]Phrine	laps and sucks at the blood happily, fractions of her strength returning bit by bit. Tastes so goooood~...
[01:29]	* [huh]Letty	narrows her gaze slightly.
[01:32]	* [Owen]Phrine	gets a little carried away, and starts nibbling at Judith's arm with her own fangs.
[01:33]	<[PYG]Judith>	Sorry, Letty, her mind doesn't tend to linger on things very much� Ahh!
[01:34]	<[huh]Letty>	It is... fine.
[01:35]	* [Owen]Phrine	would normally be smart enough to stop now, but it's been a long sleep, and she's really thirsty.
[01:35]	* Shepard	sighs, and stands tiredly.
[01:36]	<Shepard>	I'm... going for a walk. Leticia, would you mind accompanying me for a moment?
[01:36]	<[huh]Letty>	Of course, master.
[01:37]	* [PYG]Judith	bears with it. Seems it's the least she could do for leaving Phrine along for four decades.
[01:37]	<[PYG]Judith>	Be careful out there, you two.
[01:39]	* Shepard	nods, and awaits at the bone room's exit.
[01:40]	* [huh]Letty	joins Shepard, standing slightly behind him.
[01:41]	* [huh]Letty	makes sure the sheet isn't revealing anything she wouldn't want. Even then, it's embarrassing...
[01:41]	* Shepard	admires Leticia's form in the sheet, then goes on, walking a slow pace.
[01:45]	* Shepard	speaks up, once he's sure they're out of earshot from the others.
[01:46]	<Shepard>	What are you going to do about your little affair?
[01:47]	<[huh]Letty>	My little affair?
[01:47]	* [huh]Letty	questions.
[01:50]	<Shepard>	Don't act stupid. The sex you had with the dog I got you. I've seen that you've not mentioned this to Judith, and it does bother me.
[02:00]	<[huh]Letty>	Th-that was nothing!
[02:03]	<Shepard>	Are you sure you're okay with that? I'd hate to see such a long kinship ruined over silly lusts.
[02:04]	<[huh]Letty>	Don't be... I'd never give up Judith...
[02:07]	<Shepard>	Hmph. Loyal to the bone, aren't you? I thought that perhaps she might cheer you up, after hearing of your girlfriend's passing. It seems I was wrong...
[02:08]	<[huh]Letty>	I have said, she was not my girlfriend but merely a shadow of the past.
[02:08]	* Shepard	continues on, making not a sound other than the echoes of voice throughout the halls of the dead
[02:09]	<[huh]Letty>	And I did not mean any disrespect to your kindness, master. I have, for the most part... enjoyed your gift.
[02:10]	<Shepard>	I think the gift enjoyed you, too. But I digress.
[02:11]	<Shepard>	I'll let you handle this matter yourself, but if you handle it poorly, then I will do what's best for you. Understood?
[02:12]	<[huh]Letty>	I would not expect anything less from you, master.
[02:12]	* [huh]Letty	bows.
[02:14]	* Shepard	contemplates calling her out on mockery, but lets it go.
[02:15]	<Shepard>	Well, that's all I wanted to talk to you about. Do you have any questions?
[02:18]	* [huh]Letty	shakes her head.
[02:19]	<Shepard>	You better get back to your partner, then. Before Phrine sucks away what we left of her. I'm going to keep watch, so rest well while you can.
[02:21]	* [huh]Letty	bows, and erupts into a stream of ravens heading back the way she came.
[02:22]	* Shepard	shakes his head, a little disappointed... ah, well. they're all children after all.
[02:23]	<[GM]Mary>	[Night Zero End!]










@@XxX
@@Chapter One, Session Four: Vampire "Hunters"
@@XxX
August 5
[21:52]	<[GM]Mary>	Alright!
[21:53]	<[GM]Mary>	Last time on Shepard's, no one important joined and nothing important happened.
[21:54]	<[huh]Letty>	Yay~!
[21:54]	<[Owen]Phrine>	Yeah, that sounds about right...
[21:56]	<[GM]Mary>	As day turns to dusk, meidos begin to rise from their grave and slumber. It's the final night in the vampire's castle.
[21:57]	<[GM]Mary>	Shepard returns from wherever he went, clutching a sheathed saber beneath his cloak. Sidney has disappeared again.
[21:58]	<Shepard>	Hmph. It appears someone's stolen the Mormegil. Are you ready, ladies?
[21:58]	* [Pyg]Judith	lets out a yawn, realizing the feeling of the weight of another leaning on her.
[21:59]	<[huh]Letty>	Ready for what, master?
[22:00]	* [Owen]Phrine	just kind of sits there weirdly, disoriented, as she leans against Judith. Seems she forgot to turn off her lucky egg before she went to bed. It feels like she's still dreaming...
[22:00]	<Shepard>	To leave. Are all of you so forgetful?
[22:01]	<[huh]Letty>	In the mornings, yes.
[22:01]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Leaf...I...I am the leaf of the red tree~..."
[22:01]	<[huh]Letty>	Would it be tactless to call it low blood pressure?
[22:02]	* [Pyg]Judith	leans forward so her mouth is next to Phrine's ear.
[22:02]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"You awake now, little one?"
[22:02]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Nyyaah!"
[22:03]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Waahh!"
[22:03]	* [Owen]Phrine	falls over on her side. It's like the voice was a literal push! Wow, what power!
[22:03]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...I feel alive~..."
[22:03]	* [Pyg]Judith	moves to help her right up.
[22:03]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Sorry, did I scare you?"
[22:04]	* [Owen]Phrine	begins humming some lullaby-like tune as she is helped up.
[22:04]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Mmm, mhmhmm~, and the night comes again~..."
[22:05]	<Shepard>	...Tactless or not, it's idiocy. Quickly, get yourselves ready and depart north. I'll go on ahead and check for dangers. Try not to keep me waiting for too long.
[22:05]	* [Owen]Phrine	whispers into Judith's ear.
[22:06]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Did he say something about me~?"
[22:07]	* Shepard	leaves the way he came.
[22:10]	* [Owen]Phrine	shrugs and tries to stand up. Woo, dizzy~...
[22:11]	* [Owen]Phrine	gets too her feet, breathing much heavier than such a simple action should require. That lucky egg sure takes one's breath away...
[22:11]	* [Owen]Phrine	[*to]
[22:12]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Hmm...Ahhmm...Hhhannn...Woo, sleepy~..."
[22:12]	* [huh]Letty	rises drowsily.
[22:13]	* [Owen]Phrine	begins to count the people in the room with a loopy finger. One...Two...umm...just two? Weren't there more...?
[22:13]	* [Owen]Phrine	looks t her two fingers. Maybe the missing people are hiding in her palm somewhere...
[22:13]	* [Owen]Phrine	[*looks at]
[22:14]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...hee-hee, I can't count~..."
[22:18]	* [Pyg]Judith	finally gets up on her feet, straightening out the wrinkles on her clothes as best she can.
[22:18]	<[huh]Letty>	I guess we should get going, huh. Are you two ready?
[22:18]	* [Owen]Phrine	gives up counting missing people. They'll turn up eventually, right? She moves to follow the direction Shepard left.
[22:18]	* [Pyg]Judith	leaves following the rests.
[22:19]	* [huh]Letty	follows Judith.
[22:21]	* [Owen]Phrine	rolls her head around, looking for both something in particular, and nothing in particular. She doesn't seem to find whatever it was she was looking for.
[22:21]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Hmmm~...wheee-re aaare yooouu~?"
[22:21]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Something wrong, Phrine?
[22:22]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Emmm...I dunno, jus'...looking?"
[22:25]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Hmm.
[22:25]	* [Owen]Phrine	really has no idea where she's going. This castle is like a maze to her. Fun maze~...
[22:25]	<[GM]Mary>	You make your way through the castle. From here, you can either travel through the castle and use a northern exit or turn to the main gate, which lies eastward. There's obvious signs that people have been here, most notably a few more dead bodies lying than the night before.
[22:27]	* [Owen]Phrine	ambles over to a dead body. She feels bad about drinking Mom's blood last night. She needs to take care of herself!
[22:29]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Oh, good, a breakfast before the trip.
[22:29]	* [Owen]Phrine	latches on to some pour soul's arm and sips a taste. Bleeech! Awful awful rotten dead blood!
[22:30]	<[Pyg]Judith>	No good, huh?
[22:30]	* [Owen]Phrine	spits out the putrid red liquid and "thhbtt's" her tongue.
[22:30]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Bleeehh..."
[22:30]	* [Owen]Phrine	makes a funny face.
[22:33]	* [Owen]Phrine	feels even hungrier after this awful drink. Mom-blood just isn't the same as stuff she finds herself.
[22:35]	* [Owen]Phrine	feels like she should be going somewhere that's not here. Because here is boring...
[22:35]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Can we go somewhe-ere that's not here, now...?"
[22:35]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...'cause I'm lost~..."
[22:36]	<[huh]Letty>	We were supposed to go north...
[22:36]	* [Pyg]Judith	frowns at the dry, dead bodies strewn all over. Damn, she's starting to get thirsty too.
[22:37]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Ooo, yay..................what's north, again?"
[22:37]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"That would be going up when you look at a map."
[22:38]	* [huh]Letty	points north.
[22:38]	* [Owen]Phrine	looks up. What a nice ceiling...
[22:38]	<[huh]Letty>	This way.
[22:38]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"I said when I look at a map! Don't confuse her, Letty."
[22:38]	<[Pyg]Judith>	[*when you]
[22:39]	* [huh]Letty	sighs.
[22:39]	<[huh]Letty>	Relating it to a map won't help us here, though.
[22:40]	* [Owen]Phrine	is hopelessly confused by now. Nice egg, though...fuzzy warm in her chest...mmm~....
[22:41]	<[huh]Letty>	...Just follow me.
[22:41]	* [huh]Letty	sets off North.
[22:41]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm'kay."
[22:41]	<[GM]Mary>	You continue on, heading by the library and towards the castle's chapel. Though laden with impressive stone sculptures and stained glass windows, the chapel serves as a mockery of Christian faith, with depictions of demons and sinful horrors all about. The moonlight peers in well through the windows, creating a surreal spectrum of colors across the pews and stone floor.
[22:43]	* [Owen]Phrine	, for reasons that may or may not be related to egg-euphoria, has a bad feeling about this...
[22:43]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Uuunn...just like a dream~..."
[22:45]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	stands on a tree branch, and inhales deeply. Ah, what a fine night for slaying the ravening hideous hordes of undead! He cracks his knuckles, and takes ahold of the rope.
[22:46]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	All right. Chums up; let's do this.
[22:47]	* MariaLenardeTheFourth	sucks her chest up, putting on her best soldier face, also standing atop a strangely tall tree.
[22:47]	<MariaLenardeTheFourth>	Right!
[22:47]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	swings into the chapel, smashing through the glass windows, screaming some sort of battle cry.
[22:47]	* [Owen]Phrine	sees pretty lights in the sky. Oh wait...that's glass.
[22:48]	* [huh]Letty	looks at the Chapel. Despite being a vampire, she's still... oh goddamn.
[22:48]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	CAST YE NOT IN THE NAME OF JESUS CHRIST IS IN HEAVEN AND-- how does the rest of that go, again...? ...Never mind, there's bigger fish to fry!
[22:49]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	sdkates to a halt on the glas, and whips out his sword, pointing it accusingly at the vampires.
[22:49]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Oooh...funny people~...?"
[22:49]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Undead fish.
[22:49]	* [Owen]Phrine	waves listlessly at the newcomers.
[22:50]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"It's okay, I forget stuff too..."
[22:50]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	...
[22:50]	* [Mys]Sidney	rolls in her sleep...
[22:50]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	...You don't look like the guy on the poster.
[22:50]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	pauses.
[22:50]	* MariaLenardeTheFourth	screams, as she also swings her way in, albeit very badly. She hooks herself on the window's roof and goes tumbling off, landing right on top of Ricardo.
[22:51]	<MariaLenardeTheFourth>	uuuaaaaaaaaaAAAAAAH! Oof!
[22:51]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Any of y--OOF!
[22:51]	<[huh]Letty>	Why can't we just have normal adversaries?
[22:51]	* [huh]Letty	sighs.
[22:51]	* [Owen]Phrine	thinks to herself. "But I'm not a guy...am I...? What's a guy again?"
[22:51]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	looks up at the scream, and manages to catch Maria in a sort of half- fumbled way.
[22:52]	* [Owen]Phrine	thinks maybe those two will know!
[22:52]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Hey, umm...what is a guy~?"
[22:52]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	...Maria, dear, we're going to need to practice proper dramatic entry after this.
[22:53]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	But we'll worry about it later. Are you all right?
[22:53]	<MariaLenardeTheFourth>	I'm sorry, Ricardo... yeah...
[22:53]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Excellent!
[22:53]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	sets her on her feet, and brushes glass off if the both of them.
[22:54]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	It appears we have the wrong address.
[22:54]	* MariaLenardeTheFourth	rubs her head and dusts Ricardo off as well.
[22:54]	* [Owen]Phrine	wonders if she should help brush off the glass...don't maids do that sometimes?
[22:54]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	...a though occurs to him, and he whips out his sword again. Even more dramatically, this time.
[22:55]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	...or... a trap!
[22:55]	<MariaLenardeTheFourth>	Huh? This is the wrong place? Oh!
[22:55]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Who are you ...people?
[22:55]	* MariaLenardeTheFourth	whips out her... wait, she doesn't have anything.
[22:55]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	utters the last word with suspicion.
[22:55]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Thralls?
[22:55]	* [Owen]Phrine	wanders closer to the sword. Looks pretty~...
[22:55]	* MariaLenardeTheFourth	whispers:
[22:55]	<MariaLenardeTheFourth>	Ricky, I lost my saber!
[22:55]	<[huh]Letty>	Shouldn't the guest introduce himself first?
[22:55]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Vampires?
[22:55]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Phrine!
[22:55]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Confused and misguided young women?
[22:56]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"What? It's pretty~..."
[22:56]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Because let me tell you folks, you wouldn't BELIEVE how m-- eh?
[22:56]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	looks at his partner.
[22:56]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Think of it like a rose, Phrine. What happens when you touch them?"
[22:57]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	...You're sure?
[22:57]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	looks her over. ....nope, no saber. Damn.
[22:57]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Ummmmmmmm...blood? But I like blo-ood~..."
[22:57]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Well, we can j--
[22:58]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	pauses, a little chill going down his neck.
[22:58]	<MariaLenardeTheFourth>	Huh?
[22:58]	* MariaLenardeTheFourth	follows Ricardo's chill, then his gaze.
[22:59]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Sounds like door number two, then...
[22:59]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	whispers back to Maria:
[22:59]	* [Pyg]Judith	furrows her brows.
[22:59]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Okay, what DO you have?
[22:59]	* [Owen]Phrine	looks endearingly at the two new people. Hey, they have blood, don't they?
[22:59]	<MariaLenardeTheFourth>	I got, I got, um...
[23:00]	* MariaLenardeTheFourth	fumbles about in her red-vampire hunting dress. She made it herself!
[23:00]	* [Owen]Phrine	raises her hand. It's always polite to ask, right?
[23:00]	* MariaLenardeTheFourth	pulls out some smalls bottles.
[23:00]	<MariaLenardeTheFourth>	Holy water!
[23:01]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	...Yes, young lady?
[23:01]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	...Really? That just might come in handy.
[23:03]	<MariaLenardeTheFourth>	Mhm! It really works! I got some in my eyes the other day and it wouldn't stop stinging!
[23:03]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Uhhh, well....I'm really thirsty, y'see~...Can I have some of yours blood, I guees~?"
[23:03]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	...I don't think that's ho--
[23:05]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	...There's that damned chill again. He turns and looks at this little girl. Fairly normal, well, maybe not the hair, and the gun's a bit dangerous, but other thWHOA HOLD ON A MINUTE THERE WINGS AND HORNS, FUCK.
[23:05]	* [Owen]Phrine	twists her foot bashfully. This is always so awkward for her...
[23:05]	<MariaLenardeTheFourth>	...huh?
[23:06]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	[retcon the gun]
[23:06]	* MariaLenardeTheFourth	has forgotten about their audience, and turns to them meekly.
[23:06]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	addresses the little girl.
[23:07]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	We don't have any. We're big ol' bloodless squares from Squaresville.
[23:08]	* [Mys]Sidney	wakes up at the smell of breakfast. She walks in a half daze down the Castle halls eating the fine treats that people have passed up.
[23:08]	* [Owen]Phrine	frowns. What a shame...she had hoped for some dinner tonight...
[23:08]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Mmmmmm...all right. Soo-ooryy~."
[23:08]	* [Pyg]Judith	walks up behind Phrine ready to grab her in case these strangers make any sudden moves.
[23:09]	<MariaLenardeTheFourth>	What are you talking about? I bled all over the place when I cut my thumb on those coathangers I used to make th-
[23:10]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	facepalms, inside.
[23:10]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Maria, I do believe we're looking at a happy little vampire family. Not the best thing to tell them, maybe?
[23:10]	* [Mys]Sidney	bumps her head on a ceiling beam after her tenth or eleventh treat... She feels full enough and being so tall isn't fun at all. Sidney reverts to her child height and wanders the halls wondering, if not for long, where everyone went too. Sidney sneezes.
[23:10]	<[huh]Letty>	Judith, these people are beginning to get a bit boring. Should we just kill them?
[23:11]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Maybe we can walk past them.
[23:11]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"
[23:11]	* MariaLenardeTheFourth	, having just realized her error, develops teary eyes and bows her head to Ricardo.
[23:11]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	smirks at the vampire women.
[23:11]	* [Owen]Phrine	fails to pick up on Maria's slip of the tongue; she's sitting down in a pew and enjoying her egg~..."
[23:11]	<MariaLenardeTheFourth>	I'm sorry, Ricardo! And now they're going to kill us! What're we going to do!?
[23:12]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Sorry, ladies, but you're only going one place, tonight.
[23:12]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	Dramatic zoom-in!
[23:12]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	--To HELL.
[23:13]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Not so dense after all, are you?"
[23:13]	* [huh]Letty	laughs.
[23:13]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Oh, I wouldn't say that.
[23:13]	* [Pyg]Judith	shakes Phrine's shoulder, trying to get her attention.
[23:13]	<[huh]Letty>	The funny one might make a fun toy.
[23:13]	* MariaLenardeTheFourth	stops her whining and does her best to match Ricardo's enthusiasm.
[23:13]	<[Mys]Sidney>	*sniffs*
[23:14]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Mornin'...
[23:14]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Maria, dear? Kindly grab a torch or two from nearby, would you?
[23:14]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	freezes.
[23:14]	* [Mys]Sidney	says to no one particular in the room...
[23:14]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	ssssssshit.
[23:15]	* MariaLenardeTheFourth	nods, running off before he freezes in his tracks.
[23:16]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	By Belmont's blood! Do we have another one?
[23:17]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	Ah, fuck it.
[23:17]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	raises his voice a little, calling out to his companion.
[23:18]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Maria, dear? assume that anyone in here is a vampire, and proceed accordingly.
[23:18]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	...
[23:18]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	pauses.
[23:18]	* MariaLenardeTheFourth	returns with two torches, like an olympic runner twice over.
[23:18]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Except for me.
[23:18]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	thinks on this a moment more.
[23:18]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	And you, too. Nobody bit you yet, did they?
[23:19]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	...Ah, thank you.
[23:19]	* [Pyg]Judith	shakes Phrine a little harder.
[23:19]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Phrine, get up.
[23:19]	* [Owen]Phrine	is broken from her reverie! Whuzzat, now...?
[23:19]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"....Mmmreeh?"
[23:20]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"What'd I miss~..."
[23:20]	* [Owen]Phrine	yawns.
[23:20]	* [huh]Letty	attempts to walk past the would-be hunters.
[23:20]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Get behind me, these people aren't going to be very nice to us."
[23:20]	* [Mys]Sidney	half yawns and half mumbles"Kill those pale faced, blood sucking monsters!"
[23:20]	* [Owen]Phrine	picks up on a little of the subtext.
[23:20]	* [Mys]Sidney	sneezes
[23:21]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Oohhh...Are we fighting or something now?"
[23:21]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Raaah~
[23:21]	<MariaLenardeTheFourth>	Oh? oh... Right!
[23:21]	<[Mys]Sidney>	*sniff
[23:21]	<MariaLenardeTheFourth>	So... they're the vampires?
[23:21]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"If they insist."
[23:21]	* MariaLenardeTheFourth	waves her lit stick towards the group.
[23:21]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	I'm pretty sure.
[23:21]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Mmmmmm'kay~."
[23:22]	* [Owen]Phrine	reaches into her vest...and removes her lucky egg! Gasp! She puts it back into her side pocket. It's time for SERIOUS BUSINESS!
[23:22]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	notices one of them strolling forward. Oh, I don't think so, buddy.
[23:23]	* [Owen]Phrine	bows respectfully to the two hunters.
[23:23]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Maria, would you kindly lend me one of the ....holy water.... vials?
[23:24]	<MariaLenardeTheFourth>	Huh? Oh, sure!
[23:24]	* MariaLenardeTheFourth	lends not one, but two
[23:25]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Hello people-who-are-probably-bad-guys. I'm Phrine. I'm also hungry. So, umm...have at you~, I guess...?"
[23:25]	* [Pyg]Judith	cracks her knuckles.
[23:26]	* [Mys]Sidney	begins hording bibles from the pews...
[23:26]	* MariaLenardeTheFourth	feels awfully alone, with Ricardo gone to face Leticia, she's no one to protect her but herself! She trembles weakly.
[23:27]	* [Owen]Phrine	forgets what to do after this. It's been a while since she's fought anyone, after all...
[23:27]	<[huh]Letty>	Oh, we're fighting now?
[23:27]	<[huh]Letty>	Excellent.
[23:28]	* [Mys]Sidney	is walking up and down pews, marked as a shark with its fin, only by a large stack of bibles...
[23:28]	<MariaLenardeTheFourth>	Um... well, we don't have to...
[23:28]	* [Owen]Phrine	strolls over to Maria and attempts to give her a half-hearted kick in the shins.
[23:28]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	realizes that his hands are rather full at this point. err... fuck. He passes the sword off two one hand, and takes a vial, and slings it in Letty's direction, slipping the other in a pouch.
[23:28]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Have a drink!
[23:31]	* [Mys]Sidney	has her ammo prepared and lets loose the hell of large literature...
[23:32]	* [huh]Letty	deftly dodges the bottle. Whatever's in it can't be good. At the same time she pierces her palm with her fingernails, letting her abnormally dark blood seep down to her fingers.
[23:34]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Damn!
[23:34]	<[Mys]Sidney>	BIBLE FIGHT~
[23:35]	* [Mys]Sidney	throws bibles willy-nilly
[23:35]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	goes to throw the second vial, but is distracted in mid-throw by the nonsensical battlecry.
[23:35]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	wha--?
[23:35]	* MariaLenardeTheFourth	sees the incoming bibles, and stumbles back, falling on her ass.
[23:35]	<MariaLenardeTheFourth>	ow-!
[23:36]	<[GM]Mary>	Phrine: one of those bibles were made of stone, and falls directly on your head.
[23:36]	* [Owen]Phrine	collapses to the floor. What the...?
[23:37]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Aah!"
[23:37]	* [Owen]Phrine	has no idea what just happened, but it hurts! It really, really, really hurts!
[23:39]	* [Owen]Phrine	curls up into a little ball, oblivious to the world around her. Too much...too much...
[23:39]	* [Pyg]Judith	rushes over to the fallen Phrine.
[23:40]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Hey, wolf, watch your damn aim!"
[23:42]	* [Mys]Sidney	Silly Jude doesn't understand how to play Bible Fight~
[23:42]	* [Pyg]Judith	gets a face full of biblical passages and falls over.
[23:42]	* [huh]Letty	gets hit by the glass, and... shiit, it burns, the glass shards hurt... wait, wasn't holy water supposed to melt faces? This stuff... not so much
[23:43]	* [Owen]Phrine	is shivering madly, now. Too much, too much...so weak and dizzy and hungry and thirsty...thirsty...
[23:44]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	is momentarily surprised. Hey, it hit! .... Well. Of course it hit. These creatures of the night don't stand a chance against your awesome aim.
[23:44]	<[GM]Mary>	Letty: The water burns your eyes, but it's obviously not holy. It's more like... rubbing alcohol?
[23:44]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	grins, and lobs the torch at the soaked Letty.
[23:44]	* [huh]Letty	is still irritated at getting her nice dress all wet.
[23:45]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Here, lady! Let me warm you up!
[23:45]	* [huh]Letty	charges at Ricardo, fangs beared.
[23:45]	<[Mys]Sidney>	Hey~ BIBLES ONLY!
[00:14]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	lobs the torch, which twirls end over end before landing on the charging vampire maid, and igniting her.
[00:14]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	RICARDO used TORCH!
[00:14]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	It's super effective!
[00:15]	* [Mys]Sidney	's body grows massive as her anger flares, a bible in hand. She throws it with such force that the floor buckles beneath the person not using bibles and his friend...
[00:15]	* [huh]Letty	hisses in pain as fire envelops her...
[00:15]	* MariaLenardeTheFourth	runs around in a panic, throwing more vials at the burning person
[00:19]	<[GM]Mary>	A hole erupts from the floor just before Ricardo, and just as he steps out of the way, Maria smashes into him from her frantic racing, sending them both plummeting below.
[00:20]	<[GM]Mary>	Phrine, still weary from her head truama, falls to the ground, still mumbling inane things to herself.
[00:21]	* [Pyg]Judith	, concerned more for Phrine's well-being, rushes to her side trying to comfort her.
[00:21]	* [huh]Letty	is trying to pat out he fire...
[00:23]	* [huh]Letty	finally gets it out and just lays there on the floor, smoldering.
[00:24]	* [Mys]Sidney	tosses a bible at Letty. Using no strength whatsoever.
[00:30]	<[GM]Mary>	Judith: there's no response other than strange mumblings. The hit on her head seems to have made her a bit less comprehensible than she was before, but at least she's quiete now.
[00:30]	* [huh]Letty	feels the bible impact, but doesn't really respont.
[00:33]	* [Mys]Sidney	jumps down the hole in the floor...
[00:36]	* [huh]Letty	picks herself up once the pain numbs.
[00:37]	* [Mys]Sidney|hunting	follows the scent of the mean, rule breaking, interl-, inte-, Break In-ny people...


[00:43]	* [Mys]Sidney	lumbers through the shadows. Her massive form moving with an odd grace.
[00:46]	<[GM]Mary>	You find yourself in the catacombs once again, as familiar skulls and tombs come to light from the hole above.
[00:46]	* [Mys]Sidney	lumbers through the shadows. Her massive form moving with an odd grace.
[00:46]	<MariaLenarde>	Ow! ow ow ow ow ow ow ow....
[00:47]	* MariaLenarde	is laid out over Ricardo, once again falling directly on top of him.
[00:48]	* [Mys]Sidney	watches the strange spectacle from the cover of darkness...
[00:49]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Belmont's burning balls, my HEAD... I'll never talk loud in a library again, I promise...
[00:49]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	rubs his head. Did they just fall through the floor...?
[00:50]	<MariaLenarde>	Rick-eeey~! I think we're in a cave or something... What do we do?
[00:50]	* MariaLenarde	whines pathetically.
[00:50]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	...Yep. Yep, they did. Where's Mar-- oh, right there.
[00:51]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	I think we get the hell out of this foul and wretched place
[00:51]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	And then we set this place on fire.
[00:52]	* [Mys]Sidney	.oO(Yeah, you should get out of this place...)
[00:52]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	I hope the marshmallows are still okay.
[00:52]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	sits up.
[00:52]	<MariaLenarde>	Mmmmph... This isn't fun anymore...
[00:53]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	It's all fun and games until someone loses an eye, dear.
[00:53]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	gets to his feet and helps Maria up.
[00:54]	<MariaLenarde>	but I still have both of my eyes and this isn't fun at all... We should rob museums or something instead.
[00:54]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Then it's just games: Hunt the eye!
[00:54]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Hmm.
[00:54]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	It would pay better.
[00:54]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Or we could rob from vampires.
[00:54]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	God knows they've got tons of old famous junk lying around.
[00:55]	* MariaLenarde	has an "o" of ding
[00:55]	<MariaLenarde>	Oooh, that's a great idea!
[00:55]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	They must love it, or else they wouldn't hoard it.
[00:55]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	And if they try to stop us, then we can kill them!
[00:55]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	Two bats with one stake!
[00:55]	<MariaLenarde>	That way, we don't have to fight anymore, either! We just come during the day and talk all their stuff~
[00:55]	* MariaLenarde	puts her index fingers together
[00:56]	<MariaLenarde>	or that...
[00:57]	* [Mys]Sidney	has approached rather quickly and swats a claw twice the size of Maria's head into her side.
[01:01]	* [Mys]Sidney	flings the girl to the side with surprising ease... The rule breaker still standing there in a conversational pose.
[01:01]	* MariaLenarde	flies into a stone wall face first, peeling of it slowly and landing on her back.
[01:13]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	[so, retcon?]
[01:14]	<[GM]Mary>	[no, go on and hit Sid. Might want to grab Maria too before she bleeds to death]
[01:14]	* [Mys]Sidney	raises her other claw ready to attack once more but...
[01:15]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	flips the fuck out.
[01:16]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	...Maria...?!
[01:19]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	looks at the still form, face draining of any color, then lunges at Sidney in a psychotic rage, stabbing and slashing, before kicking in a kneecap, and springing away. he leaps over to Maria, and picks her up, and turns to Sidney, hate etched in his manly,awesome-even-in- the-face-of-per-il-and-potential-but-we-hope-not-tragedy features.
[01:20]	<[Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean>	You haven't seen the last of us, monster. Not nearly!
[01:20]	* [Atai]RicardoMcDeVonStJean	hightails it the fuck out of there.
[01:27]	* [Mys]Sidney	is left standing there stunned before giving quick chase, but soon giving up.


[01:13]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Letty, should we get out of here? They might come back.
[01:31]	<[huh]Letty>	I guess so...
[01:41]	* [huh]Letty	looks down on Phrine.
[01:41]	<[huh]Letty>	Is the childe alright?
[01:44]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"I hope so. Shh, shh, it's okay, those punks are gone now..."
[01:50]	<[huh]Letty>	I think you mave have to carry her. We cannot keep the master waiting.
[01:51]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Right..."
[01:53]	<[GM]Mary>	You make your way out of the castle, and head northward along a winding dirt path. At the head of the path, Shepard sits in wait atop a horse-drawn carriage.
[01:54]	* [Pyg]Judith	walks up to the cart, a cloud of bats behind her carrying Phrine.
[01:54]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"A long trip, Boss?"
[01:56]	<Shepard>	Indeed. What took you so long? Leticia... What happened to your face?
[01:56]	<[huh]Letty>	I'm just that hot, you know?
[01:57]	* [huh]Letty	gives a wry smile.
[01:57]	* Shepard	hops down, inquiring Letty more closely.
[01:58]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"At least it won't be permanent. I'd hate for your pretty face taken from me by some lowlife bastard."
[01:58]	<Shepard>	...hmph. So long as you finished off whoever may have done it. Where's Sidney?
[01:59]	<[huh]Letty>	That... is a very good question.
[01:59]	* [huh]Letty	thinks...
[01:59]	<[huh]Letty>	She certainly...
[01:59]	<[huh]Letty>	Oh, oh dear...
[02:00]	* Shepard	shrugs nonchalantly.
[02:01]	* [Pyg]Judith	directs the bats to carefully lay Phrine onto the cart. They swarm around her again reforming her left arm. She flexes it when it is fully formed again.
[02:01]	<[huh]Letty>	She is my responsibility. Should I go for her?
[02:01]	<Shepard>	No matter. If she's still with us, she'll catch up. And finally, what happened to her? I don't think these occurrences are coincidental. Did you run into hunters or something?
[02:03]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Yeah. They got the drop on us."
[02:03]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"And they ran off before we could pay 'em back.
[02:03]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"
[02:04]	<Shepard>	Hmm... I see. Explains the burns, anyhow. Well, I'm glad you got out of there safely. You're not strong enough to face holy warriors yet. Remember what did you in last time.
[02:05]	<[huh]Letty>	They certainly did not seem like such competent foes. Please, forgive my brashness that almost cost you your servants.
[02:06]	* [huh]Letty	kneels.
[02:06]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Letty..."
[02:08]	* Shepard	scratches his chin, and refers to Judith:
[02:09]	<Shepard>	Hm. This is simply what she knows.
[02:10]	<Shepard>	Arise, Leticia. With the heal of your scar, the last memories of that castle will be behind you. Now's the time for finding a new place to call our own, and we have the world to chose from.
[*Mary] <[GM]Mary>      End.









@@XXX
@@Chapter Two, Session Five: People's Helmet
@@XXX
August 8
[20:58]	<[GM]Mary>	Last time, on Shepard's!
[20:58]	<[GM]Mary>	a bunch of shit happened.
[20:59]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"It's all pretty hazy, really..."
[21:00]	* [Pyg]Judith	is sitting at the back of the cart, idly kicking her legs as the cart travels the bumpy dirt road.
[21:01]	* [Owen]Phrine	[That last phrase from me wasn't canon, by the way]
[21:02]	<[GM]Mary>	Our anti-heroes were last seen riding toward town (I was getting to that, mister Pyg! >:|) on their horse-drawn carriage, taking a longer way through the forest rather than the direct path.
[21:04]	* [Owen]Phrine	has been drifting in and out of a coherent state for a while now. She seems to finally be coming back to reality.
[21:06]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...mmrrrghhnn...boo-ook~..."
[21:07]	* Shepard	looks back into the carriage.
[21:07]	* [Owen]Phrine	rolls over and moves to all fours, rubbing her face sleepily.
[21:07]	<Shepard>	Are you alright, Judith? You've said not a word since we have departed. Is something on your mind?
[21:10]	* [Owen]Phrine	crawls to a sitting position against the side of the cart, relatively close to Judith. She massages her head. That book...she can still feel that book's lump.
[21:11]	* [Pyg]Judith	gives Phrine a brief glance, a little disappointed in herself before returning her gaze to the outside view of trees lazily passing by.
[21:12]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Just a little tired, that's all, Boss.
[21:13]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Nnngh... I never...ever wanna get into a fight again...Not if this's gonna happen..."
[21:13]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"I thought humans were supposed to be fu-un~...?"
[21:13]	<Shepard>	I see. Well, we'll be heading into town soon, so you can revitalize yourself when we arrive. Listen closely, however.
[21:14]	* [Owen]Phrine	pouts.
[21:14]	* [Pyg]Judith	listens to Shepard as she rubs Phrine's shoulder. She'd pat her on the head, but, you know...
[21:15]	<Shepard>	I want you all to be very careful about revealing your identities. If you drink, do so with utmost subtlety, and make certain no one notices you. Word of what has happened has most likely reached most of the country, and the people are likely very paranoid.
[21:16]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Right...
[21:16]	* [Owen]Phrine	's mouth twitches a little when she hears about "subtlety"...she's not too good with that...
[21:17]	* [Owen]Phrine	reaches a hand out and rubs the tiny horns on her head. It'll be hard to be "subtle" with those...or her wings for that matter...
[21:18]	<Shepard>	This is a crucial moment for us. If we fail here, it will take a long time for us to obtain a foothold in human society.
[21:19]	* [Pyg]Judith	catches on to Phrine's trouble with subtlety, eying her horns.
[21:20]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"You have any cloaks on something in here, Boss?"
[21:21]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...A hat is fine, too..."
[21:21]	* Shepard	looks back once more, and, following Judith's gaze, nods and rummages into his own cloak.
[21:21]	<Shepard>	Indeed. I know, why don't you wear this one... Leticia used to wear it all the time...
[21:23]	* Shepard	pulls out a black beret-like hat, with an unusual brim that flips up on the side. He tosses it back to Phrine.
[21:24]	* [Owen]Phrine	fiddles with the pouch containing her lucky egg. No, no...Sheppy never liked it when you played with the egg near him. She reluctantly restrains herself.
[21:27]	* [Owen]Phrine	fumbles with the funny hat. Ooo~, hat! She flops it onto her head and snuggles into it.
[21:27]	<Shepard>	Ch-heh...
[21:28]	<Shepard>	Would you like something for your back as well, little miss Phrine?
[21:28]	* [Owen]Phrine	puts a finger to her chin and looks up pensively.
[21:28]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Hey, that looks pretty cute on you!
[21:28]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...ummmmmmmmmmm....?"
[21:29]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Ooo, you think~?"
[21:29]	* Shepard	shakes his head, and returns his attention to the road.
[21:30]	* [Owen]Phrine	tips the hat a little the side and poses with a gentle closed-eye smile, trying to look cute.
[21:30]	<Shepard>	Judith, keep an eye on her. She's your responsibility until you teach her to be capable on her own.
[21:31]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"He-ey! I can be capable too! When, umm...when I waaant tooo~..."
[21:32]	* [Owen]Phrine	flashes a faux angry pout before fussing with her hat again.
[21:32]	* [Pyg]Judith	feels something snap in her mind. She lunges forward capturing Phrine in a tight embrace and rubbing Phrine's cheeks with her own.
[21:32]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Oooh! Of course you can~!!
[21:33]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Nnnmmm~!"
[21:34]	* [Owen]Phrine	rubs back, and blushes. Aww, Mom, not in front of Sheppy...
[21:35]	* Shepard	pretends not to notice, but lets a grin sneak by on one cheek. He slows his horses, giving Phrine and Judith time to play before reaching town. Only about a quarter-mile away, now...
[21:37]	* [Pyg]Judith	begins rocking back and forth with Phrine still in her arms, still enraptured by Phrine's cuteness.
[21:41]	* [Owen]Phrine	lets her "mother's" arms rock the worries out of her; almost like her lucky egg might do. Isn't this silly, two grown women acting like this? Oh well, who really cares?
[21:43]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Ammm...hey, Mo-om? Do you ever wonder about the before time? You know, like...before we had to drink blood and all that...?"
[21:47]	* [Pyg]Judith	slows down her rocking as she ponders the question. Then she takes a glance at her master, looking a little worried. Maybe I should be a little careful with my words...
[21:48]	<[Pyg]Judith>	That's...Wow, a really long time ago.
[21:52]	<[Pyg]Judith>	I'm surprised that I can still remember a few things.
[21:52]	<[Pyg]Judith>	I didn't think human memory could last this long.
[21:53]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Well...good thing we're not humans, then, right?"
[21:53]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Right.
[21:56]	* [Owen]Phrine	still has trouble getting used to that fact. Not human...sometimes it still doesn't feel quite real...
[22:03]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"I do wonder things from time to time, like if I would have become anyone worthwhile."
[22:04]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...Yeah...I know I wouldn't have...no one ever did from that place..."
[22:04]	* Shepard	overhears, and darts Judith and angered look. He doesn't speak, however, and turns back to send his horses.
[22:05]	* [Owen]Phrine	won't let the sadness get to her; she's got someone to chase the bad thoughts away for her~
[22:06]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"I guess it's luck, isn't it? That you all came to get me...I must be a real lucky girl..."
[22:07]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Hmhmhm, yeah, real lucky."
[22:07]	* [Pyg]Judith	gives Phrine a squeeze.
[22:09]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"You know, this way, I won't have to watch the people I care about grow old and die. We get to be a family forever!"
[22:10]	* [Owen]Phrine	tousles Judith's hair affectionately.
[22:10]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"And that's just the best luck in the world~"
[22:15]	* [Owen]Phrine	sighs with contentment.
[22:16]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"You know...well, yeah, o'course you know. I never had a family before all this...not a one. It was just me, me the orphan, in that old house, for so long..."
[22:16]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"So booooring...nothing to do...no one to care abooout..."
[22:17]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"But then all you...well, you know. You came. Came and rescued-ed me."
[22:17]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Mmhmm, I remember..."
[22:19]	* [Owen]Phrine	is still young, and hasn't yet forgotten those first days with Shepard and Judith. First as a "snack", then a "toy", then a vampire...
[22:21]	* [Pyg]Judith	recalls that abandoned old house and the young woman in rags whose eyes reflected that glint of a childish dreamer.
[22:23]	* [Pyg]Judith	feels her heart grow a little heavy, and tightens her embrace on Phrine for a moment.
[22:24]	* [Owen]Phrine	feels like a plush toy for comforting her dear friend and kin. Except she's all thin and bony...not squishy at all...
[22:26]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"mmm...hey, Mom? Why do they all call it a curse? The curse of the vampire..."
[22:26]	* [Owen]Phrine	looks up at Judith with innocent eyes.
[22:26]	* Shepard	almost answers by reflex, but decides he'd rather hear Judith's answer.
[22:27]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Because, well...if it gives you a family and a new life and you never have to say goodbye...isn't that like...a blessing...?"
[22:27]	* [Pyg]Judith	meets Phrine's eyes, carefully thinking about how she should word this, especially with her master within earshot.
[22:28]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Hmm...Let me put it this way. Do you remember being afraid of the dark when you were a little girl?"
[22:30]	* [Owen]Phrine	tries to remember way back and sticks her tongue out the side of her mouth in thought.
[22:31]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...I...think, so? The dark was kinda...fun, 'cause you never know what adventure is there~...But, sometimes...I guess sometimes it...wasn't so fun..."
[22:31]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Most people wouldn't think the dark is so fun. You know why?"
[22:32]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Because...there's, umm...monsters~?"
[22:34]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Yes, the monsters, but people couldn't see in the dark. They wouldn't know if there was or wasn't a monster hiding in the dark."
[22:35]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"That's why they try to stay away from it entirely."
[22:36]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"That's why they fear our so-called 'curse.' They don't know what they can get from it and they'd rather not take a chance."
[22:39]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Are you following so far?"
[22:40]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Ehhhm...."
[22:41]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Yeah, I'm just messing around. I'm not a kid, you know~?"
[22:41]	* [Owen]Phrine	cracks a smile.
[22:41]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"I just get swirled around in my head sometimes..."
[22:42]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...Are we there yet?"
[22:43]	* Shepard	sighs.
[22:44]	<Shepard>	Listen to your "mother" and give her your kiss when she's finished. By the time you're done with that, we'll be there.
[22:49]	* [Owen]Phrine	nods, and ruminates on Judith's words. It's so nice to have someone to talk to that doesn't think you're mad...
[22:50]	* [Owen]Phrine	listens for a while, but it seems like Judith is done. Should she kiss her now, then? Umm...but where?
[22:53]	* [Owen]Phrine	shrugs, and leans over to give Judith a kiss...on the lips. That's okay...right?
[22:54]	<[Pyg]Judith>	Oh.
[22:54]	* [huh]Letty	watches, eyes narrowed. That child...
[22:55]	* [Pyg]Judith	is caught a little off guard by a kiss there, but smiles at Phrine after receiving it.
[22:56]	* [Owen]Phrine	smiles too. Yay, Mom's happy!
[22:57]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...sooooooooooooo...Arewetherenow~?"
[22:58]	<Shepard>	Hmm. Indeed.
[22:58]	<[GM]Mary>	Twenty seconds later, the carriage arrives in the town of Diethelm. Two guardsmen stop the group, asking a variety of questions, where you're from, where you're going, why you're here, etc. Shepard smoothes over everything in perfect German, joking about seeing werewolves about. The guardsmen take him very seriously, warning him not to be away from town at night.
[23:00]	* [Owen]Phrine	shifts around her ragged shirt a bit, stuffing her wings out of sight. "Subtle", right?
[23:01]	* [Pyg]Judith	gets the cloak on straight, leaving the hood down. No need for it when there's no sun, after all.
[23:08]	<[GM]Guardsmen>	You ought be very careful, sir! Strange things go through the night around here. Some say wolves and bandits, others speak of demons and monsters... I-I don't really believe any of that, but it'd do you well to stay in town tonight.
[23:09]	* [Owen]Phrine	thinks to herself... (Just because you don't believe it don't mean it's not true~...)
[23:10]	<[GM]Guardsmen>	May we see what's inside your carriage? I apologize for the inconvenience, but it's required of us to examine travelers.
[23:11]	<Shepard>	Certainly. 'Tis only my nieces, I carry no goods other than what we need to travel.
[23:14]	* [GM]Guardsmen	walks behind the carriage and shines a dim lantern inside of it, meeting the eyes of each of the passengers. The orange glow across his face shows you he's a young, freckled man who's perhaps only recently acquired his position.
[23:14]	* [Pyg]Judith	gives the young man a girlish wave with her hand.
[23:15]	<[GM]Guardsmen>	"ah... good evening, missus. Would you mind parting your names?"
[23:16]	* [Owen]Phrine	stares into space, like usual.
[23:21]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Oh my, it's evening, good sir. How bold of you to approach us when we've only just arrived in town."
[23:23]	* [GM]Guardsmen	flusters, breaking eye contact to favor the cart's bottom.
[23:26]	<[GM]Guardsmen>	"ah, pardon me, miss! It's just, uh, orders, yeah, to take names of visitors..."
[23:27]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Well, if you must know, I am Abigail, and these, my sisters, Hilda and Gertrude.
[23:29]	<[GM]Guardsmen>	"ah, uh, I see... well, yes, carry on!"
[23:30]	* [GM]Guardsmen	returns to the entrance, but not before sneaking another glance at Judith.
[23:34]	* [Owen]Phrine	grows bored. If this takes any longer, she's liable to put the egg back on for fun, Sheppy or no Sheppy...
[23:34]	* [Pyg]Judith	makes sure the guard is finally out of sight before she lets out shudder.
[23:35]	* Shepard	shakes the reigns and heads into town. Not far in, he brings the carriage to a halt under a stable, disembarking and speaking to its owner before returning to the group.
[23:35]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Damn, I hate talking like that..."
[23:35]	* [Mys]Sidney	[Meanwhile somewhere far back down the trail, Sidney carries her suitcase of possessions in her hands as she trots to catch up...]
[23:36]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...Was I Hilda, or Gertrude?"
[23:36]	<Shepard>	Hilda, of course.
[23:36]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Aww...I wanted to be Gertrude..."
[23:37]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Hahaha, maybe next time we get stopped by some guards."
[23:37]	* [Owen]Phrine	rolls her eyes.
[23:37]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Ooookkaaayy~"
[23:39]	<Shepard>	All right, now. Phrine, Judith, listen up. I'm charging you to check out the town, taking careful note of anything unusual. You should also take this time to replenish yourselves, as I am unsure when we'll next have stable living conditions. Leticia and I will do the same, and we'll contact you once we've found a suitable home to spend the day in. Also, if you happen upon Sidney, warn her of...
[23:39]	<Shepard>	...the things I have you. Are there any questions?
[23:41]	<[GM]Mary>	At a glance of the town's streets, there's a rather large number of people about at this time of night.
[23:41]	* [Owen]Phrine	raises her hand.
[23:42]	* Shepard	looks unimpressed.
[23:42]	<Shepard>	Yes, Phrine...?
[23:42]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...Am I still Hilda?"
[23:42]	* [Pyg]Judith	can't help but chuckle at this a bit.
[23:46]	<Shepard>	Hmhm. If you wish. Take care, now. The people here are restless, perhaps a bit wary of strangers.
[23:47]	<Shepard>	It was fortunate that our inspector was so easily distracted by our lovely Judith, but I expect no less of her, do you?
[23:49]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Nope, 'cause Mom's bea-you-tifulll~..."
[23:49]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Haha, well, thank you, both of you. Really, that wasn't such a big deal."
[23:53]	<Shepard>	Hmm. Right. Phrine, could you give Jude and I a moment alone?
[23:54]	* [Owen]Phrine	does not respond, but wanders off away, thinking to herself. How best to find a drink. Will the same way work now that did forty years ago...?
[23:55]	* Shepard	sees Phrine off, and beckons Judith behind the carriage in the cover of darkness.
[23:55]	* [Pyg]Judith	lets a bat out of her hair to keep an eye on Phrine, worried that girl might wander too far.
[23:55]	* [Pyg]Judith	follows the master to the back of the carriage.
[23:56]	<Shepard>	Hmm... you adore Phrine, don't you?
[23:56]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Need something, Boss?"
[23:57]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Of course, she's part of the family after all."
[23:58]	<Shepard>	Let me ask you something. Do you not find the life you lead now "worthwhile"?
[23:59]	* [Pyg]Judith	looks at him for a moment. Shit, he really heard that then.
[00:00]	* Shepard	looms over Judith impassively, taking note of every emotional display her body and her voice produces.
[00:00]	<[Pyg]Judith>	W-well, yeah. I do. I've stay with all of you all this time, haven't I?
[00:02]	<Shepard>	That's not what I want to hear, Judith. I was right before, something is wrong. And every moment you hesitate to tell me is another moment my blood is sullied in poison.
[00:06]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Nothing's wrong, Boss. Besides, I've been a sleep a while. You expect me to be right in the head again after not using it for decades?"
[00:09]	<Shepard>	Don't joke with me!
[00:10]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Trust me, I'm not expecting you to laugh."
[00:10]	* Shepard	slams Judith against the carriage, forcing it back a foot or two.
[00:12]	* [Pyg]Judith	merely lets out a grunt as her back hits the carriage. Here he goes again.
[00:13]	<Shepard>	I... do my best, for you two. All that I ask is for your allegiance and cooperation. I can do without your god damn selfishness.
[*Mary] <[GM]Mary       Meanwhile!
[00:16]	* [Mys]Sidney	sneezes
[00:16]	<[Mys]Sidney>	*sniff*
[00:16]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"And you have it, no question. No way am I taking your hospitality for granted. If you never came back I'd be asleep for a while longer. I might as well have become dead."
[00:17]	* [Owen]Phrine	wanders about the town's main street, still thinking about how best to find a meal...
[00:19]	* Shepard	steps in closer to Judith, the anger melting from his face.
[00:19]	<Shepard>	Listen to me, Judith. You're my companion. Everything I put forth, I do it so you may enjoy your eternal life most greatly. I am certain, now, that something disturbs you, and perhaps it always has. I want you to share this with me, so that I may take action or council.
[00:21]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Mrrreh...I have to be subtle, he said...have to be careful, he said...Being sneaky can be fun too, ri-ight?"
[00:24]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Expect I used that trick so many times...it's getting boring...but I'm hu-ungry..."
[00:24]	* [Pyg]Judith	sighs, lifting a hand up and laying in on her master's cheek.
[00:24]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"It's sweet that you care, really, but this...I think I have to sort it out on my own. You, Letty, Phrine, and even that new girl, you're all my highest priority. No matter what strange thoughts get in my head, I won't forget that. If...I can't handle it on my own, trust me, I'll let you know."
[00:25]	* [Pyg]Judith	allows her words to hopefully sink in to the master's ears. Otherwise, she's bracing herself for another dose of punishment.
[00:27]	* Shepard	peers closely at Judith, eyes level with her own, then steps away.
[00:29]	<Shepard>	So, you still won't tell me... I'll trust your words, for now. However, if you do not resolve this yourself, I will find out about it, one way or another. And it won't be you that I will punish. Is that understood?
[00:31]	* [Owen]Phrine	shrugs. After all, she's got to start somewhere, right?
[00:32]	* [Pyg]Judith	is fully aware of what he is implying, nevertheless returns a nearly defying stare at him. Oh, I'll get it sorted out, don't you worry.
[00:33]	<Shepard>	Understood?
[00:34]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Understood, Boss."
[00:34]	<Shepard>	Good. Run along, now, Phrine is waiting for you.
[00:36]	* [Pyg]Judith	walks past the master, toward where Phrine went off to with help from her bat.
[00:42]	<[GM]Mary>	WRYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY! I mean, cut!








@@XXX
@@Chapter Two, Session Six: Josephine
@@XXX
August 11
[22:17]	<[GM]Mary>	Last time, on Vampires!
[22:24]	<[GM]Mary>	<[GM]Mary> The coven arrived in the town of Diethelm, and after a short conference, parted ways. Shepard and Leticia left to find lodging, Phrine and Judith set out to examine the night's activity and refill themselves. Sidney is still trying to hitchhike from the castle.
[22:26]	* [Owen]Phrine	wanders around the main street of town, observing inns and pubs randomly, whispering to herself.
[22:27]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...eeney, meeny, mieney, moe...?"
[22:28]	* [Pyg]Judith	finally catches up to Phrine, her mood still a bit sour. She tries to relax her expression before approaching Phrine and snagging the tracker bat out of the air.
[22:31]	* [Owen]Phrine	observes the bat-snatch from the corner of her eye.
[22:31]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Oooo...That's neat, Mom. How'd you do that~?"
[22:32]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"I'll teach you later."
[22:32]	* [Pyg]Judith	smiles as the bat melts into the skin of her hand.
[22:35]	* [Owen]Phrine	watches intently. There's so much about herself she still doesn't know...or maybe she just forget after 40 years. Same difference, really.
[22:36]	<[GM]Mary>	Jude & Phrine: You make your way through town. Upon reaching the central hub, you become aware of a large crowd formed around a wooden platform. There a man speaks to the people, and at your distance you can only catch references to people you've never heard of, however the words "witch" and "devil" make their way to your ears with great frequency.
[22:37]	* [Pyg]Judith	's attention is caught by the rather large gathering and moves closer to have a listen.
[22:37]	* [Owen]Phrine	follows her, hopping up and down to try and see the shouting man.
[22:39]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Unffhh...can't see good...what's that about witches...?"
[22:39]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Mom, can you see anything?"
[22:40]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"...Barely."
[22:40]	* [Pyg]Judith	also tries looking above the wall of people on her tiptoes.
[22:41]	<[GM]Mary>	Judith & Phrine: Listening more closely, you discover that the topic is on the recent failed invasion of the castle, and that the man suspects certain townspeople to be involved in the peasant's deaths, claiming one young woman to be a witch. From your perspective, she's obscured from view.
[22:41]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Uuu-uun, that doesn't sound very happy..."
[22:42]	* [Owen]Phrine	thinks to herself... (I wonder if that's our castle they're talking about...?)
[22:44]	* [Owen]Phrine	looks around for a ladder or a balcony somewhere nearby so she can see the scene better. This seems awful interesting, now. Beats wandering around town, at least.
[22:44]	* [Pyg]Judith	hears something about a young woman...Wait a minute...Aww, crap!
[22:47]	* [Pyg]Judith	sharpens her hearing so she can hear some more.
[22:48]	<[GM]Mary>	Phrine: going around the crowd, you find a small stone bridge that's raised about four feet above the crowd. There's a few people watching from there, but it's sparse enough to give a good point of view, although it shows you the speaker's back.
[22:52]	<[GM]Mary>	Judith: "...ean to tell me that the sole survivor of the invading militia is a seventeen-year-old girl? Preposterous! I Say she's in league with the monsters, and her presence here is poison to our society and an abomination against God!"
[22:53]	* [Pyg]Judith	is now 100% sure of who the speaker is referring to. She can't help but feel responsible for whatever trouble had fallen on the young woman from that night.
[22:55]	<[GM]Mary>	Phrine: You can see a young woman tied and held behind the platform. She has short, brown hair, a dirtied white dress, and emerald green eyes. She's struggling against her two captors, but she's too weak to break free.
[22:56]	* [Owen]Phrine	mutters to herself as she twirls around a lock of hair... (Hmm...is she familiar, or not...?)
[22:58]	* [Pyg]Judith	finds her way to Phrine on the bridge.
[23:00]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Oh, Mom. Hi. Do we know her?"
[23:00]	* [Owen]Phrine	asks innocently.
[23:00]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"...I do."
[23:00]	* [Pyg]Judith	grips the side of the bridge thinking up of what to do.
[23:02]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Oohh...does that mean we gots to save her or something...? She looks in trouble, I guess..."
[23:02]	<[GM]Mary>	Judith & Phrine: The man becomes more frightening in his accusations, using examples of what might happen to people he knows in the crowd. Their xenophobia is beginning to pick up, as testimonies of strangeness and wickedness are called out from the crowd. The speaker uses this to his advantage, instilling fear into the horde. Some remain unconvinced and return to their homes.
[23:02]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"We could, but..."
[23:03]	* [Pyg]Judith	turns to Phrine with a serious expression.
[23:04]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"...You have to promise that the Boss doesn't know about this."
[23:05]	* [Owen]Phrine	leans against the stone railing, looking at the scene below, thinking...
[23:07]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...but I'm huu-ungry, Mom. Aren't you? It'd be real hard-like, hard like this bridge."
[23:07]	* [Owen]Phrine	taps the stones for emphasis.
[23:08]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Can't we just...I dunno, save her later? She'll still be there, right~?"
[23:09]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"I don't think so. It looks like they're getting ready to get rid off her anytime now."
[23:11]	* [Owen]Phrine	stares blankly for a while, as she often does. She comprehends perfectly, she's just...a little slow.
[23:11]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...............oh."
[23:11]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"...Damn."
[23:12]	<[GM]Mary>	P&J: One of the men tie a cloth over her head, not minding her neck much.
[23:12]	* [Pyg]Judith	still can't think of a solution that would ensure success. Alerting this town to a paranormal presence would only make it harder for the coven to blend in and hide.
[23:13]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Awww, and Sheppy said we're supposed to be all subtle and stuff..."
[23:13]	<[GM]Mary>	Judith: from your point of view, the only eyes on her are are those of her two captors. It seems whatever defense she has given the townsfolk is already over.
[23:15]	* [Pyg]Judith	sees the young woman now out of sight from the rest of the mob, and the gears in her head start turning.
[23:15]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Phrine..."
[23:16]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"......Mom."
[23:16]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"You see those two men behind the platform?"
[23:16]	* [Pyg]Judith	tries to point it out for Phrine.
[23:17]	* [Owen]Phrine	bobs her head twice, trying to be all serious.
[23:19]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Do you think you can get back there somehow and keep them busy while I take another way?"
[23:19]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Like...talk to 'em and stuff...?"
[23:20]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"There's that, but you can also lead one of them away from there somehow and make them a meal."
[23:21]	* [Owen]Phrine	thinks about that proposition for a while.
[23:21]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Ooo, maybe I could do BOTH~..."
[23:22]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"But I still gotta be sub-tell, like Sheppy said, right?"
[23:23]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Right, right."
[23:26]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Should I, ummm....say anything important? It's been a while since I've had to be all sneaky, I guess..."
[23:26]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"What did you have in mind?"
[23:28]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Well, umm...maybe if I told them I was, like, a vampire or something, they'd go after me and not her?"
[23:28]	* [Owen]Phrine	has not considered the complications that may cause, but at least she's trying!
[23:29]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Hmm, they might not believe you."
[23:29]	* [Owen]Phrine	points to her hat.
[23:30]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"What about these~?"
[23:30]	* [Pyg]Judith	quickly checks the area behind the platform to make sure the young woman and the two men are still there then returns her attention back to Phrine.
[23:30]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"They'll think you came back from a costume ball."
[23:32]	* [Owen]Phrine	sighs. It seems silly, but Mom is pretty smart most of the time.
[23:33]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Well, I guess I'll do...somethin', then. Maybe we should hurry, right?"
[23:33]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Yeah, you're right."
[23:36]	* [Owen]Phrine	gives Judith a little hug for good luck.
[23:37]	* [Pyg]Judith	quickly returns the hug and smiles at her.
[23:37]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Don't forget, stay subtle, all right?"
[23:39]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Don't worry, Mo-om...I'm not gonna be that stupid. Well, I won't try to be..."
[23:41]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"I know you won't, don't worry."
[23:45]	* [Owen]Phrine	breaks off from the hug, and wanders off in a roundabout way away from the bridge and towards the prisoner, trying to figure out things to say...
[23:46]	* [Pyg]Judith	heads toward the other direction, trying to find a way to get around the crowd and get behind the platform without being seen.
[23:52]	<[GM]Mary>	Judith: The bank lowers at the creek the bridge crosses, so if you stay within range of the shrubbery you can lower your profile while keeping eyes off your back from the other side of the bridge. Most of the attention rests on the speaker, so it's quite simple.
[23:52]	* [Owen]Phrine	experiences no amazing epiphanies in her wispy head, and decides to just play it cool, like usual. She silently glides up to the three humans from the side, tilting her head as if watching an interesting play.
[23:56]	* [Pyg]Judith	spots the area by the creek and quickly moves to the shrubs to conceal herself.
[23:57]	* [Owen]Phrine	starts nibbling on her fingernail as she moves a few steps to the side, getting a better view of the situation. To an outside observer, she seems to be trying to understand just what's going on.
[23:59]	<[GM]Mary>	Phrine: One of the men shoo you away, telling you to go back to your home.
[00:00]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Ummm...hi. I'm Hilda. Whatchya doin'?"
[00:00]	* [Owen]Phrine	is unperturbed.
[00:02]	<[GM]Mary>	Man1: "I told you to get back home, kid. Can't you see we're about to have a hanging? P-hah, such things are no good for your eyes in the first place."
[00:04]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Hey, I'm pretty old, mister, you know? And I see dead people all the time; this isn't scary. But...I think you're doing it wrong. Actually, no...yeah, you're totally doing it wrong..."
[00:05]	<[GM]Mary>	The woman shakes again, saying something inaudibly through the sack over her head. The second man silences her.
[00:05]	* [Pyg]Judith	moves out of the shrubbery, toward the young woman, her body somewhat crouched.
[00:06]	* [Owen]Phrine	tries to console the woman in her odd way.
[00:06]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Don't worry, Miss Witch. You're not gonna die. See, these people? They're doing it all wrong."
[00:07]	* [Pyg]Judith	stops herself before going out any further and retreats to her cover.
[00:08]	<[GM]Mary>	Man1: "What're you rambling about? You best not let Reudi here you say such things, or else you'll be in the same predicament! Now out with you!
[00:09]	* [Owen]Phrine	holds out her hands passively, trying to be polite.
[00:10]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Hey, I'm jus' sayin', you can't hang a witch. It wouldn't work."
[00:10]	<[GM]Mary>	The first man takes Phrine by the shoulders and begins pushing her out of the staging area. Sort of like, walking her like a cart.
[00:10]	<[GM]Mary>	Man1: "Well, perhaps we'll burn her in time. Now out you go!"
[00:10]	* [Pyg]Judith	moves in now to sneak up to the second man left behind.
[00:12]	* [Owen]Phrine	worms around in the man's grasp, but to little avail.
[00:12]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Bu-ut I'm not done yet...Burning doesn't work either these days, don't you know?"
[00:14]	<[GM]Mary>	The man with Phrine discusses it playfully.
[00:15]	* [Pyg]Judith	reaches the two undetected. Once close enough, strikes the man in the back of the head.
[00:17]	* [Owen]Phrine	is oblivious to the situation behind her.
[00:17]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Witches use demons, ri-ight? And demons are from hell, ri-ight? And hell is made of fire, ri-ight? So that means witches won't burn..."
[00:18]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"It's...ohhh...isn't is called, like, logic, or something? I forget..."
[00:18]	<[GM]Mary>	The one holding the young woman didn't even see it coming, and quickly falls over.
[00:20]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"So anyways, yeah, burning is right out. Witches are pretty hard to kill these days. Do it wrong and they'll just get mad and curse you~"
[00:22]	<[GM]Mary>	Man1: That's why we drop 'em in the lake tied to rocking chairs! Even if they live, they're stuck at the bottom of the water. Burning 'em's just for fun. Hangin' is just cheaper.
[00:22]	* YoungWoman	enngh...
[00:22]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Oh, drowning? I think that only works for vampires, mister. Not that I would know~..."
[00:22]	* YoungWoman	shakes herself, after falling to the ground on her knees. She still has a bag tied around her head, and her arms are constricted behind her back.
[00:23]	* [Owen]Phrine	deftly skirts the border of subtlety and conspicuousness with such a vampiric remark! What skill!
[00:24]	<[GM]Mary>	Man1: "I'm telling you, girlie, keep sayin' those things and they'll call witchcraft on you as well. It's a sorry thing we're doing right now, but stranger things are on the rise..."
[00:24]	<[GM]Mary>	Phrine: He inspects you more closely.
[00:25]	<[GM]Mary>	Man1: "...Who's daughter are you, anyway? I've not seen the likes of you about here."
[00:25]	* [Owen]Phrine	shrugs.
[00:26]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Dunno. I grew up in an orphanage. So I guess I'm no one's daughter, right?"
[00:27]	* [Pyg]Judith	crouches by the young woman, laying a hand on her shoulder. She whispers...
[00:27]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Shh, don't panic. You'll be fine. Just stay still for a minute, all right?"
[00:28]	<YoungWoman>	?...
[00:29]	* YoungWoman	stops for a moment, then quickly springs back, running herself into part of the platform. She seems to recognize the voice.
[00:33]	<[GM]Mary>	No one notices the sound she made.
[00:34]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"What did I just tell you about not panicking?"
[00:34]	<[GM]Mary>	However, she keeps trying to shake herself up from the ground, though to little avail due to clumsiness and lack of coordination.
[00:35]	* [Owen]Phrine	catches sight of Judith and the woman from the corner of her eye. Oh! Must keep man occupied!
[00:37]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Hey, mister-sir? Since I'm got nowhere to stay tonight...m-maybe, I could stay with you~?"
[00:38]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"I mean, I don't got no money, but...well, I'm a good helper, and I could teach you how to kill witches and stuff..."
[00:38]	<[GM]Mary>	The man, easily twice your (apparent) age, looks at you a little sideways and blushes.
[00:38]	* [Pyg]Judith	grabs the girl's shoulders.
[00:39]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"You calm down right now or I'll leave you to a witch's death."
[00:39]	* YoungWoman	struggles anyway.
[00:40]	* [Owen]Phrine	nods meekly and hushes up, looking pitiably obedient to the man.
[00:40]	<[GM]Mary>	Man1: "Wh-aat? You be of a crazy sort, girlie. Do ya truly haven't a place to stay?"
[00:40]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"I was hoping I'd let you loose, but I think I can thank the cattle for making this easier for me."
[00:40]	* [Pyg]Judith	grabs the young woman and slings her over her shoulder.
[00:41]	* [Owen]Phrine	shakes her head.
[00:41]	<[GM]Mary>	Man1: "You certainly don't look homeless, though I can see you're... lacking in winter clothes. You'll catch a death of cold, like that!"
[00:41]	* [Owen]Phrine	blushes. She's forgotten how odd her clothes look to normal people. Tatty indecent brown things...
[00:42]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Yeah, it's...it's been a weird last few days for me. Loo~ong story..."
[00:45]	* [Pyg]Judith	looks over at the unconscious second man she knocked out. Hmm, we could make a meal out of him, she thinks.
[00:45]	<[GM]Mary>	Man1: "Hmm. Well, I hate to tell ya, but I gotta stay here until this... punk is done with his little charade. She's gonna get her hand branded, at least, for stealin' from the governor's office."
[00:46]	<[GM]Mary>	Man1: "Hopefully none more of it than that will happen. It's a sorry thing to see these young ladies wasted over superstitions."
[00:48]	* [Owen]Phrine	stumbles upon an idea! Maybe it'll work...
[00:49]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Well, maybe we could play it safe and brand her with a cross or something. If she's a witch, I bet she wouldn't like thaa-aat..."
[00:52]	<[GM]Mary>	Phrine: The man shakes his head, and pats yours with the hat on top, narrowly missing a touch of your horns.
[00:52]	* [Owen]Phrine	squirms at first, but...hey, that feels pretty good.
[00:52]	<[GM]Mary>	Man1: "Don't believe such things, sweetheart."
[00:54]	* [Owen]Phrine	nods politely.
[00:54]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"I, I'll try not to. It's just...you can never tell when there's monsters in the dark or not, can you?"
[00:55]	<[GM]Mary>	Man1: "Any-way, Art is probably wantin' my help, that little girl has a bit of fight in her. I better get back to m' job. What did you say your name was again?"
[00:57]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Oh, Hilda, I guess. I never really liked it much myself. What's yours?"
[00:57]	* [Pyg]Judith	crouches down to grab the unconscious man and drags him away with the young woman still slung across her shoulder. Come on, Phrine, keep him busy a little more for Mom...
[00:58]	<[GM]Mary>	Man1: "Gunther. If you're really out on the streets, come to that grey house over there by the grocer's and I'll see what I can do for ya."
[00:59]	* [Owen]Phrine	notices the vague crowd nearby and gets an idea. Come on Mom, don't take too long...
[01:00]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"A-A-actually, could we...go there right now? It's just...I think some of those men over there are looking at me funny. I'm getting a little scared."
[01:00]	<[GM]Mary>	Gunther: "What? Who?"
[01:01]	<[GM]Mary>	Gunther doesn't look pleased at this fact, with his eyes darting to certain people in the crowd.
[01:01]	* [Owen]Phrine	points to the vague crowd of people nearby. She's taking a guess that at least a few men might find her state of dress...intriguing.
[01:04]	<[GM]Mary>	Gunther hmmms silently.
[01:05]	<[GM]Mary>	Gunther: "...Well, my first and foremost duty is to protect the people..."
[01:09]	* [Pyg]Judith	brings her two captives along with her back to the shrubberies taking turn to go follow along the stream.
[01:11]	<[GM]Mary>	Gunther: "...but, unfortunately, I'm assigned to this character for now. Just stay where I can see you, sweetheart, and we should be done in an hour or so."
[01:12]	* [Owen]Phrine	inwardly snaps her fingers. Drat, didn't work! Time for plan B!
[01:13]	<[GM]Mary>	Gunther turns around to return to his station, but stops for a second when he notices the two are gone. He curses something about Art under his breath, and briskly walks behind the platform, checking its surroundings.
[01:13]	* YoungWoman	struggles some more, but to no avail. She's having a hard time breathing with the sackcloth over her head.
[01:14]	* [Owen]Phrine	remains close to Gunther, helping him search for the "two" disappeared people.
[01:15]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"B-B-But...they were just here...and now...poof..."
[01:16]	* [Owen]Phrine	acts more vaguely surprised rather than afraid of "witchcraft".
[01:16]	<[GM]Mary>	Gunther: "argh! Arthur is such a pig! I know what he's done with her, and I am going to beat some good into him when I catch him!"
[01:17]	* [Pyg]Judith	stops a moment while she's under the bridge with her load. She can't stay here long, but there's a problem that needs to be addressed.
[01:17]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Hey, girl, can you breathe in that thing?"
[01:17]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"But what.......oooohh..."
[01:18]	* [Owen]Phrine	takes a while to realize what Arthur would have "done" with her.
[01:18]	<[GM]Mary>	Gunther: "Arthur! Where the hell are you, you bastard?"
[01:20]	* YoungWoman	still shakes, but shakes in a no-ish fashion.
[01:24]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Will you settle down if I take it off your head?"
[01:25]	* YoungWoman	stops struggling, but still breathes heavily.
[01:25]	<[GM]Mary>	Gunther looks behind the bushes and around the bank, but still no sign of Arthur.
[01:27]	* [Pyg]Judith	sets the young woman down.
[01:28]	* [Owen]Phrine	makes an innocent suggestion to Gunther.
[01:29]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Umm, wouldn't Mr. Art have gone somewhere else if he wanted to 'have done' with the one lady? I'd think he wouldn't want to get found out, right?"
[01:30]	* [Pyg]Judith	lets a bat out of her hair sending it to keep an eye out on Phrine from a distance.
[01:30]	<[GM]Mary>	Gunther: "Hmm? Why? Would you have any idea as to where?"
[01:32]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"It...it's just an idea, is all. I mean, when you're being sneaky, you'd want to hide somewhere good and secret, is all..."
[01:33]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"There's not many good and secret places around here that I can see...what do you think?"
[01:33]	* [Pyg]Judith	returns her attention to the young woman she just set down after sending the bat on its way. She undoes the rope on the sack and pulls it off the young woman's head.
[01:34]	<[GM]Mary>	Gunther: "Hmm... What about under the bridge?"
[01:34]	<[GM]Mary>	Gunther returns to the bank, peering over at it.
[01:37]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Hmm...maybe. But...what if he is? I mean...he'd get mad at you, right?"
[01:38]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Maybe I could check first. I mean...I'm just that girl who's curious to him, aren't I~?"
[01:39]	<[GM]Mary>	Phrine: Gunther looks at you disdainfully.
[01:40]	<[GM]Mary>	Gunther: "This wouldn't have been a problem if I weren't a listenin' to your chattering! Now leave me alone, I've got to go find him."
[01:41]	* [Owen]Phrine	feels scorned. Oh well, so much for that. She unobtrusively makes herself scarce from him.
[01:42]	* [Pyg]Judith	noticing someone's presence thanks to her bat brings a finger to the young woman's lips.
[01:43]	* YoungWoman	gasps for a breath of air after her release, then she looks up at Judith with a strange look in her eyes, one that's somewhere between fear and fascination.
[01:43]	<YoungWoman>	It's... you...
[01:44]	* [Pyg]Judith	gives the girl a quick smile and nod before returning to their current predicament.
[01:45]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"I won't have time to cut your ropes, so you'll just have to trust me and stay close, unless you'd prefer a one way trip to the gallows.
[01:45]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"
[01:45]	<YoungWoman>	W-why are you helping me...?
[01:47]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Let's just say I'm feeling a little responsible. Anyway, come on, on your feet. We have to get going."
[01:49]	* YoungWoman	slowly nods, making it to her feet.
[01:51]	<[GM]Mary>	Judith: Gunther's footsteps begin to become audible. Phrine has left to some unknown location, as there are none accompanying his.
[01:53]	* [Pyg]Judith	picks up knocked out man and starts moving down the stream trying to keep quiet but also picking up the pace.
[02:00]	<[GM]Mary>	Gunther manages to slip somehow and drop himself into the stream. He curses, something about his night vision.
[02:02]	* YoungWoman	follows Judith.
[02:02]	<YoungWoman>	W-...what are you going to do with that man...?
[02:02]	* YoungWoman	asks, fearing what she may tell her.
[02:03]	* [Pyg]Judith	heaves a sigh at the opportunity they had been giving. She hotfoots it down the stream toward an alley.
[02:04]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"I just needed some insurance so the suspicion would fall on a mere human."
[02:05]	* YoungWoman	doesn't seem to understand.
[02:07]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Okay, how about like this? Who would be blamed for your disappearance if one of the two men assigned to keep an eye on your was also gone?"
[02:08]	* YoungWoman	slowly nods.
[02:09]	<[GM]Mary>	Judith: after traveling the stream for a few dozen yards, you reach a stone base that leads up to some of the town's buildings. There's a shoddy section of steps leading up between two of them, an empty alleyway.
[02:11]	* [Pyg]Judith	lays the man by the wall, realizing she still has the sack in her hand. She's struck with an idea and puts the sack over the man's head.
[02:12]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Hey, come here so I can take those ropes off."
[02:13]	* YoungWoman	looks at Judith inquisitively, but does as she's told, showing her back.
[02:16]	* [Pyg]Judith	unties the rope, releasing the young woman's hands and gets to work binding the unconscious man's hands.
[02:17]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"You seem to have gotten into a lot of trouble with the townsfolk..."
[02:17]	<YoungWoman>	y-Yeah...
[02:17]	* YoungWoman	grasps at her wrists, rubbed a little raw from the rope.
[02:18]	<YoungWoman>	They think... I'm one of you. Because I'm the only one who came back.
[02:19]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"I heard, and I apologize for bringing their anger down on you."
[02:19]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Would you have rather I bit you back then?"
[02:20]	* [Pyg]Judith	secures the rope on the man's hands as she speaks.
[02:20]	* YoungWoman	's gaze goes distant.
[02:21]	<YoungWoman>	...What difference does it make? You've cursed me, all the same. That's why you're here, aren't you? To take me back?
[02:21]	* YoungWoman	speaks quietly, carefully.
[02:24]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"I just thought I'd help...I did put you in this situation after all."
[02:25]	<YoungWoman>	You're a strange creature... First, you seize me...
[02:26]	* YoungWoman	's hand goes to her chest, touching the breast she recalls Judith rubbing over that night.
[02:26]	<YoungWoman>	...and now, you save me... why?
[02:28]	* [Pyg]Judith	smiles bitterly at herself.
[02:28]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Strange... Yeah, strange sounds about right."
[02:29]	<[GM]Mary>	Judith: You become aware of shadows making their way from the other end of the alleyway, followed by the shadowmakers. The area you're in is too dark to notice from this distance, but if they continue to close, they'll surely see you.
[02:30]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Damn it, where'd they come from?"
[02:30]	* [Pyg]Judith	snaps out of her introspection and gets up, picking up the still-unconscious man.
[02:31]	* YoungWoman	blinks at Judith's answer, before turning to see the people coming their way. Knowingly, she maneuvers to the corner, towards the backdoor of a small shop.
[02:31]	* YoungWoman	tries the handle, but it's locked.
[02:32]	<YoungWoman>	...damn... Hey, do you have any pins or something like that?
[02:33]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Huh? Oh...uh..."
[02:34]	* [Pyg]Judith	is caught off guard by the young woman's question. Couldn't she have run away? Bah, no use thinking that now! Judith takes one of the pins that hold her headband in place, holding it out to the young woman.
[02:35]	* YoungWoman	takes it, and with great speed, picks the door's lock and slips inside, holding it open to Judith.
[02:36]	* [Pyg]Judith	's has a brief look of confusion on her face but realizes that escape is top priority and enters the doorway.
[02:37]	* YoungWoman	shuts it behind her, locking it again and crouching down to lower her profile from window's view.
[02:38]	* [Pyg]Judith	also stays down when she sets the man down on the floor.
[02:40]	<[GM]Mary>	The building seems to be a craftsman's shop of some sorts, with a variety of wood works and tools about. You find yourself sitting behind a counter, the wall across from yours bearing the main entrance and a staircase leading up to living quarters to the east of that.
[02:47]	<YoungWoman>	whew...
[02:51]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Looks like it's my turn to be surprised. You could have fled and left me behind."
[02:52]	<YoungWoman>	Well, it's obvious that you won't kill me. I don't know about the rest, so...
[02:54]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"True."
[02:54]	* YoungWoman	's mind wanders back to that night.
[02:55]	* [Pyg]Judith	finally takes a seat, catching her breath.
[02:55]	<YoungWoman>	...what did you do to me when you had me in the castle? Was that some sort of spell? it felt so...
[02:56]	* YoungWoman	trails off again.
[02:58]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"You know, I don't remember anymore. I've been doing it for so many years that I don't think I'm conscious of it anymore."
[02:59]	* YoungWoman	peers at Judith, inspecting her more closely.
[02:59]	<YoungWoman>	Are you really a... "vampire"?
[03:02]	* [Pyg]Judith	looks as if she is seriously pondering the question.
[03:05]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"I suppose I am."
[03:05]	<YoungWoman>	You 'suppose'? Give me a break...
[03:07]	* YoungWoman	sighs sadly, pulling up her knees and lying her face across them.
[03:10]	* [Pyg]Judith	realizes she's sitting against a china cabinet and gets up on her feet, looking at the glass that doesn't reflect her image. She reaches out, touching the surface of the glass as if it might even reflect her hand for even an instant.
[03:10]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"...Yes, I am a 'vampire.'"
[03:12]	* YoungWoman	looks up.
[03:12]	<YoungWoman>	Why?
[03:14]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Why am I a vampire?"
[03:14]	* YoungWoman	nods.
[03:17]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"I'm over two centuries old, little one, you think I'd still remember something like that?"
[03:17]	* YoungWoman	nods.
[03:23]	* [Pyg]Judith	shrugs.
[03:23]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Then I'm afraid you're mistaken."
[03:25]	<YoungWoman>	Just a devil's child, huh...
[03:26]	<YoungWoman>	...why didn't turn me back there? You could have killed me, but you let me live...
[03:27]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Back to that, eh?"
[03:27]	* [Pyg]Judith	sits back down, leaning her back onto the cabinet.
[03:28]	<YoungWoman>	I haven't slept in two days... That's all I've been able to think about.
[03:29]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Oh? My charms have affected you so much that you're lacking sleep?"
[03:30]	* [Pyg]Judith	chuckles softly to herself before her mind returns to thinking about the question she managed to temporarily avoid.
[03:33]	* YoungWoman	blushes a little, looking down.
[03:34]	<YoungWoman>	I guess you could say that... But I've been in trouble before I met you. I..sorta...got...caught... stealing stuff... and I had to accompany the group to the castle as punishment. They wanted me to open some of the doors for them, I guess...
[03:37]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Ah, so they're just looking for any old excuse to put you down."
[03:38]	<YoungWoman>	Well... They're justified, aren't they? A lot of people were killed that night... and now you're here.
[03:38]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"They haven't seen me yet, you know."
[03:40]	<YoungWoman>	I could go out the door and shout... but you'd probably just turn into moondust or something like that.
[03:41]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"And that would certainly look bad for you. Hmhmhm, I suppose being a vampire is not without some conveniences."
[03:43]	<YoungWoman>	What're you going to do now?
[03:44]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"I'm waiting for my child."
[03:45]	<YoungWoman>	Your... child?
[03:45]	* [Pyg]Judith	nods.
[03:46]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"I was worried she had wandered off, but it looks like she's on her way toward us now."
[03:47]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"...She's taking the long way 'round though. Aah, I suppose it can't be helped."
[03:52]	<YoungWoman>	How can you have a child? You hardly look that much older than me... and aren't you a centuries-old demon or something? You'd outlive all your children, unless... oh.
[03:52]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Hmm?"
[03:53]	* [Pyg]Judith	seems a little curious of what else the young woman was going to say.
[03:53]	* YoungWoman	looks uneasy.
[03:53]	<YoungWoman>	Did... you turn your child into a vampire too?
[03:54]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Oh no, I met her a few decades ago."
[03:57]	<YoungWoman>	...huh... must be something, to live so long...
[03:57]	* YoungWoman	seems to numb more and more, becoming less responsive.
[03:58]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"I'm still a woman after all. My maternal instincts had to kick in sometime."
[03:59]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"And as the one responsible for turning her, of course I'd think of her as sort of my own child."
[04:02]	<YoungWoman>	I see... I guess...
[04:04]	<[GM]Mary>	shadowy figures pass by the store's windows, sending the woman silent. Once they disappear, she resumes.
[04:06]	<YoungWoman>	Well... I could spend all night asking you questions, but I guess it won't do me any good. I don't know what I'm gonna do now, though...
[04:07]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Hmm, that's right, I have to find a place for us to stay as well..."
[04:10]	* YoungWoman	shuffles around, putting herself under the counter.
[04:11]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Does anyone own this shop?"
[04:12]	<YoungWoman>	Yeah... They're probably sleeping upstairs.
[04:12]	<YoungWoman>	I'm going to stay here for a little while longer... then I guess I'll try to get out of town. What're you going to do?
[04:14]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"We should be gone before sun rises."
[04:16]	<YoungWoman>	Really...
[04:16]	* YoungWoman	looks ready to fall asleep, but she does perk up a bit one final time.
[04:17]	<YoungWoman>	You asked me my name before...
[04:17]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"I did."
[04:18]	<YoungWoman>	It's Josephine.
[04:19]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Josephine..."
[04:19]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Well, a pleasure to meet you, Josephine."
[04:19]	* Josephine	closes her eyes, cradling her knees once more.
[04:21]	<Josephine>	Yeah...
[04:22]	<Josephine>	It's so... unreal...
[04:22]	* [Pyg]Judith	remains vigil keeping an eye out on the window, for the residents upstairs and for Phrine to finally arrive.
[04:24]	<[GM]Mary>	Fade out!









@@XXX
@@Chapter Two, Session Seven: Phrine's Deal
@@XXX
August 13
[21:54]	<[GM]Mary>	Last time on Shepard's!
[21:58]	<[GM]Mary>	Judith and Phrine rescued a girl Judith met in the castle. Judith is waiting in a craftman's shop for Phrine, while Phrine is... somewhere. I'll sure we'll find out in this session!
[22:02]	<[GM]Mary>	Phrine: You get lost. Pretty badly at that. You wander into an empty alleyway, empty to all but two thug-looking young men talking at its apex.
[22:04]	* [Owen]Phrine	tries to remember what she was doing. Mom was there, and some funny girl, and there was a "Gun There" or something...?
[22:05]	* [Owen]Phrine	is too hungry to think straight right now. Everything should work out in the end, right?
[22:08]	<[GM]Mary>	Phrine: a bat flaps around you rapidly, circling around a few times to gain your attention and stopping, staying afloat in mid-air in a sloppy way. You recognize this as a bat familiar of Judith, and it appears to be trying to lead you.
[22:10]	* [Owen]Phrine	watches the bat flitter around. She whispers to it happily.
[22:10]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Oh, hi, part-Mom~"
[22:11]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Where'd the rest of you go?"
[22:12]	* [Owen]Phrine	shifts her gaze between the bat and the nearby thugs. Mom could be waiting...but, huu-ungry...
[22:15]	<[GM]Mary>	The bat flutters off in the direction of the main body, stopping every ten feet or so to make certain Phrine still follows. She goes down the alleyway, pass the two ruffians.
[22:17]	* [Owen]Phrine	nods. Hey, this way she can do both! She walks listlessly towards the bat, intentionally not caring that she'll probably run into those guys over there.
[22:22]	* [Owen]Phrine	meanders through the alleyway, humming a little tune to herself. As she passes by the loiterers, she "accidentally" bumps into one of them. If they don't care, clearly they aren't fun people to be around!
[22:23]	<[GM]Mary>	Phrine: One of the men snicker as you approach, saying something to his buddy. When you bump into him, the dark-skinned one shoves you into his buddy, who catches you softly.
[22:24]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Ooohhff~!"
[22:24]	<[GM]Mary>	Thug1: "Why, hello there, gorgeous! What's a night like you doin' in a babe like this?"
[22:25]	<[GM]Mary>	Phrine: The man who caught you gives your ass a firm squeeze.
[22:26]	<[GM]Mary>	Thug2: "Haven't seen you around here before. I suppose you're givin' out freebies tonight, eh?"
[22:27]	* [Owen]Phrine	squirms a little at the assgrab. Even though she knows what to expect, she still doesn't know what to expect...
[22:28]	<[GM]Mary>	The dark-skinned man looms over you. The other guy continues to bother your bothers, touching your bare legs and holding one of your wrists.
[22:28]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Oh, wha~? No, I was just, you know, walking around. I don't have any free bees, though. Sorry..."
[22:31]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Abigail might, though. Or Gertrude. They have more stuff that me. All I got is this..."
[22:31]	* [Owen]Phrine	pulls out her lucky egg and shows it quickly, but cradles it in her chest afterwards.
[22:31]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...but you don't get this. My egg..."
[22:32]	<[GM]Mary>	The men look at each other numbly.
[22:32]	<[GM]Mary>	Thug2: "Man, what's up with all the stupid bitches lately?"
[22:33]	<[GM]Mary>	Thug1: "It's because they've got their brains fucked out. You want your brains fucked out, sweetie-pie~~?"
[22:34]	<[GM]Mary>	The man says, in a very girly manner, at which the other laughs.
[22:34]	* [Owen]Phrine	contemplates the proposition, quite aware of his intentions.
[22:37]	<[GM]Mary>	The thug holding your wrist still noogies you roughly, messing your hair and sending your hat to the ground.
[22:38]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Nnnghh...no, ha-at!"
[22:39]	* [Owen]Phrine	deftly snatches the hat out of the air and jams it on her horned head. Crisis averted!
[22:39]	* [Owen]Phrine	backs away just a step or two and points to het hat, then to the thugs.
[22:40]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"This...is a hat. A good hat. You don't touch this hat. I like this hat."
[22:40]	<[GM]Mary>	Then men look at each other dumbly once more. Then, they break into laughter.
[22:41]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"If you want my brains and all that, you won't-hey, what's funny?"
[22:41]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"I want to laugh too~..."
[22:42]	* [Owen]Phrine	shrugs and laughs despite not knowing why she should.
[22:44]	<[GM]Mary>	One of them finally stops, taking a few steps behind you and grabbing you by the shoulders.
[22:45]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Hee hee, okay, okay, how 'bout I make you a deal? It's a good deal, I promise~..."
[22:46]	<[GM]Mary>	Thug1: "I think I like you, sweet-cheeks!"
[22:46]	<[GM]Mary>	Thug2: "A deal? Ch-huh, listen to this shit..."
[22:46]	* [Owen]Phrine	is serious! Deals make everyone happy!
[22:47]	<[GM]Mary>	Thug1: "What's the occasion, honey?" He sits his chin atop your shoulder, leaning in on you.
[22:48]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Oh, no occasion, really...Unless you count me waking up yesterday. That's special enough for meee..."
[22:48]	<[GM]Mary>	The second thug yells at some passerby at the end of the alleyway, who quickly makes himself scarce.
[22:49]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"But no, I'm ser-eee-ous~...A deal will make eeeeveryone happy, won't it? I bet you both want to be happy, ri-ight...?"
[22:50]	<[GM]Mary>	Thug1: "Oh, I want to be a happy man, alright... And I think you'll do just fine, tonight..." He reaches up into your shirt, touching your chest.
[22:58]	* [Owen]Phrine	doesn't mind that little bit of stimulation much~...but she's got SERIOUS BUSINESS to attend to tonight! With unpredictable motions she squirms away from the thug and stands in front of both of them, waving a finger at them coyly.
[22:59]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Ah-ah-ah, not ye-et~...Otherwise you won't get the deal. It's a really good deal, I mean it~"
[22:59]	<[GM]Mary>	The thug looks at his empty hands, now groping an non-existent Phrine.
[23:00]	<[GM]Mary>	He shrugs, and casts his dark partner a glance.
[23:00]	<[GM]Mary>	Thug1: "Alright. What's the 'deal', hotstuff?"
[23:01]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Look, there's only one of me, but there's two of you. That won't be much fun, I wouldn't think...Fun is always more fun with more people..."
[23:01]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"But what if there were TWO of me?"
[23:02]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"I've got a great friend girlfriend. Abigail~. She's like the most beautiful ever, you know, and she's not silly like me, neither..."
[23:03]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"I bet you'd like to meet her, wouldn't you? She gives out free stuff all the time, tooooo..."
[23:06]	<[GM]Mary>	Thug2: "I dunno, I'm feelin' a little listless tonight. I think one oughta do, don't you?"
[23:06]	<[GM]Mary>	Thug1: "Screw you, man. I'm not getting sloppy seconds again."
[23:08]	<[GM]Mary>	Thug2: "You and you're fuckin' whores. Fine."
[23:08]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...is that a yes, then...?"
[23:08]	<[GM]Mary>	Thug2: "Any funny business and we'll split your fuckin' lip. Got it, bitch?"
[23:09]	<[GM]Mary>	Thug1: "Hehe, yeah, both of 'em at that. At the same time, too."
[23:09]	* [Owen]Phrine	claps her hands together. Hooray, it worked! She's a genius!
[23:09]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Good good, follow the le~eader, then..."
[23:13]	<[GM]Mary>	They follow, quite closely at that. The bat is still waiting for you, and continues on as you approach.
[23:13]	<[GM]Mary>	Thug2: "Man, are you sure about this?"
[23:15]	<[GM]Mary>	Thug1: "I bet this is just Helga's ole' whore or somethin'. We ain't got nothin' to worry about."
[23:16]	<[GM]Mary>	Phrine: A minute later, you lead the two to the back of the shop in which Judith resides. The door's locked.
[23:17]	<[GM]Mary>	Thug2: "What're you doin', bitch? This ain't no whorehouse, it's a fuckin' shitshop!"
[23:17]	* [Owen]Phrine	knocks on the door. What else would you do with a door in front of you?
[23:18]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Abigail? Aaaabigail, it's me. Hilda's back. I brought people this time..."
[23:18]	* Josephine	snores quietly beneath the counter.
[23:19]	* [Pyg]Judith	gets up, her face trying its best to maintain a calm expression as she picks up the still-unconscious man.
[23:20]	* [Pyg]Judith	goes over to the door and begins unlocking it with her free hand.
[23:27]	* [Owen]Phrine	sure hopes this all works out with "everyone" happy...well, at least everyone who matters...
[23:28]	<[GM]Mary>	The first thug stands deftly in front of the door, moving Phrine aside.
[23:28]	<[GM]Mary>	Thug1: "Hey bitches, open up!"
[23:29]	* [Pyg]Judith	waits a moment and suddenly opens the door, swinging her man-sized club at the one in front of the door.
[23:32]	<[GM]Mary>	Thug1 has a very suprised look on his face, at least until he was batted into the wall by a human being.
[23:33]	* [Owen]Phrine	jumps a little. She certainly didn't expect that! Wait...the other guy, he's still here! He could scream or something. Noooo!
[23:34]	<[GM]Mary>	Thug2: "What the he-"
[23:34]	* [Owen]Phrine	quickly sidesteps behind the other thug and lashes her hands around his mouth and face. Must be subtle, must be subtle!
[23:36]	* [Owen]Phrine	silences him...perhaps a bit too hard, maybe? Seems she twisted her arms around accidentally while holding him, in exactly the same way an assassin would snap a neck. Oops...
[23:36]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Shhh! We hafta be subtle! Sheppy said so!"
[23:37]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Hmph! Bastards."
[23:37]	* [Pyg]Judith	slings the unconscious guard over her shoulder again and turns to Phrine.
[23:39]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Well, eat up, Phrine, before it all rots."
[23:39]	* [Owen]Phrine	looks at her captive. Oh, wait, he's all sluggish and limp...
[23:39]	* Josephine	awakens with a start, crawling out from beneath the counter to examine the situation.
[23:39]	<Josephine>	...
[23:41]	* Josephine	looks at the three dead men, then stares to Judith.
[23:41]	* [Owen]Phrine	drags the random dead guy no one cares about into the building and shuts the door. Subtlety subtle!
[23:41]	<Josephine>	...I was wrong. You are a monster.
[23:41]	* [Pyg]Judith	's bat flies back into her hair, becoming part of her again.
[23:42]	* Josephine	opens the door and slams it shut behind her, running off into the night.
[23:42]	* [Pyg]Judith	looks a little hurt at that as she stares at the door Josephine ran out of.
[23:43]	* [Owen]Phrine	doesn't really know what just happened there.
[23:43]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"I...guess I am..."
[23:43]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Ummm...what...who...now?"
[23:44]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Don't mind it, Phrine, just eat up. You're hungry, right?"
[23:45]	* [Owen]Phrine	looks at the "canteen of blood", then back at Judith. She is...conflicted.
[23:46]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"But...you...umm..."
[23:46]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"Sad mom...is sad?"
[23:46]	* [Pyg]Judith	sets down the body of the guard in front of her, staring hesitantly at the recently deceased.
[23:47]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"...A little bit, but it's all right. Come on, eat up, we still have to find a place to stay for the day."
[23:49]	* [Owen]Phrine	feels like there's a secret in those words, but Mom knows best, right? Finding an old chair cushion she finds a comfortable position on the wall and sits down, the dead man's head in her lap.
[23:52]	* [Pyg]Judith	bares her fangs and bites the body. She's not satisfied with the taste but deals with it, it's not like she has a choice in this town filled with witchhunt-crazed townspeople.
[23:54]	* [Owen]Phrine	almost forgot something! Blood is good, and egg is good, so blood AND egg is double good! She inserts the lucky ovum once again between her vest and breast.
[23:54]	* [Owen]Phrine	latches on to the man�s neck and starts sucking blissfully. Ahhnn�heaven~�
[23:57]	<[GM]Mary>	Phrine & Judith: You notice a ghostly substance travel between the cracks of the door, quickly filling into a man-sized... man that materializes into your master, Shepard. He greets you with nod.
[23:58]	<Shepard>	Good evening, ladies. I see you've found your own snacks... good.
[23:59]	* [Owen]Phrine	is blissfully unaware of pretty much anything right now.
[23:59]	* Shepard	walks over, casting the dead men a glance before sitting atop the counter, crossing his legs.
[00:00]	<Shepard>	Remember to take care of the bodies, now.
[00:00]	<Shepard>	Also, have the two of you seen anything... unusual, in this town?
[00:04]	* [Owen]Phrine	goes suck-suck-suck...
[00:05]	* Shepard	asks, to Judith.
[00:11]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"People seem to be having a witch hunt, Boss."
[00:12]	<Shepard>	Yes, I saw. They're currently having a little fiasco because the "witch" escaped. Heh, I wonder if it really were a witch...
[00:14]	<Shepard>	There was something strange in town, however. Something not human, and not one of ours. Have you seen anything like that?
[00:19]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Not at all. Mostly been busy trying to stay hidden and get some food."
[00:20]	<Shepard>	I see. Well, take caution. Your next meal may make a meal of you.
[00:21]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Have you found a place yet, Boss?"
[00:22]	<Shepard>	Indeed, Leticia and I have found a place for us to stay. I don't intend to stay here but a few nights, perhaps we'll even leave next dusk.
[00:28]	<Shepard>	When you're ready, I shall lead you there.
[00:29]	* [Pyg]Judith	finishes up draining the body of blood.
[00:40]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Let's get going then."
[00:40]	<[GM]Mary>	The group leaves the shop and disposes of the bodies. Shepard leads everyone back to a two-story house halfway up a hill, a rather comfortable looking stone structure. Shepard makes sure no one is paying attention when he enters.
[00:40]	<[huh]Leticia>	Welcome home, master.
[00:40]	* [huh]Leticia	kneels as Shepard enters.
[00:41]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Heya, Letty!"
[00:41]	* Shepard	nods to Letty, setting something down on the room's table and taking a seat.
[00:42]	* [huh]Leticia	rises and smiles.
[00:42]	<[huh]Leticia>	Judith... did you enjoy the town?
[00:43]	<Shepard>	Be careful how you leave and enter this place. If someone sees you come in here who knows those that once lived here, it will quickly draw suspicion. Keep the windows shut and the door locked, don't answer it for anyone.
[00:43]	* [Owen]Phrine	wanders around the room for a while, finding life to be much, much better now.
[00:44]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Kinda hard to enjoy town when I'm trying to stay hidden."
[00:46]	<Shepard>	I take it the two of you had no trouble?
[00:50]	<[Owen]Phrine>	"...blood feels so good..."
[00:51]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Just a few thugs. Nothing out of our league."
[00:51]	<Shepard>	I see. Any sign of Sidney?
[00:52]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"I guess she hasn't found you guys either then."
[00:53]	* Shepard	shrugs.
[00:53]	<[huh]Leticia>	Would you like me to look for him, after all?
[00:54]	<[huh]Leticia>	You did give him to me as my charge...
[00:55]	<Shepard>	It is up to you. I'm going off to examine the townsfolk more closely, something's been bothering me ever since we arrived.
[00:55]	<Shepard>	I've laid out a mattress in the basement for you to rest at the coming dawn, though there was only one. I hope it's big enough for the three of you.
[00:56]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Oh, that'll be no problem at all."
[00:57]	<Shepard>	There's also a human child down there, should any of you feel hungry. I take it everyone's filled themselves for the night, so she can make a fine breakfast tomorrow.
[00:58]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"A human child?"
[00:58]	<[huh]Leticia>	Indeed.
[00:59]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"Eh, I'm actually kind of full already."
[00:59]	<Shepard>	Not much of a breakfast for the three of you, but it should curb your evening's thirst. Is there anything else you need before I part?
[01:01]	<[Pyg]Judith>	"None that come to mind."
[01:04]	* [Owen]Phrine	catches hardly any of Shepard's pointless words, but "mattress" comes to mind. Always best to sleep on a full stomach, right?
[01:05]	<Shepard>	I will return before dawn, then. Try to stay out of trouble.
[01:06]	* [Owen]Phrine	wanders down to the basement and finds the mattress easily. She's pretty much unconscious of the world around her already, but now she certainly is.
[01:06]	* Shepard	turns into a single, large bat and flies up and out the chimney.










@@XXX
@@Chapter Two, Session Eight: Fourth Lamb
@@XXX
August 14
[21:34]	<[GM]Mary>	Joule: You find yourself in Diethelm, known for little more than being the closest mark of civilization to the countryside's castle. Such proximity has left generations of its citizens restless, particularly so on this night. You are frequently stopped and questioned by a number of people and militiamen, looking for an escaped convict and supposed witch. If that were not enough, every time you turn your head, you swear you glance at a figure watching you, but never do you catch it in full view. It's been going on since first dark, and the feeling is not easily shook.
[21:38]	* [Tess]Joule	walks along the main road of the town, looking down at the cobblestones out of boredom.
[21:40]	<[Tess]Joule>	. o (I wonder what they actually saw? These people...)
[21:42]	* [Tess]Joule	kicks a pebble down onto the street.
[21:43]	<[GM]Mary>	Thinking of people, you realize that a lot more populate the streets at this time than normally should. A church bell tolls, telling you it is 3AM.
[21:43]	* [Tess]Joule	lifts her head up, taking a look around.
[21:44]	<[Tess]Joule>	. o (And shouldn't they be asleep? Something might be happening.)
[21:45]	* [Tess]Joule	stops for a second. Doing an about face. Was something just there?
[21:46]	<[Tess]Joule>	Must be my nerves. Probably nothing there, either.
[21:46]	<[GM]Mary>	Joule: You catch a glance of red eyes peering at you from the darkness of an alley. For the first time, it does not disappear at the turn of your head, staying until you blink, and then it vanishes once more.
[21:48]	<[GM]Mary>	Ahead on the road, there is a rally of soldiers lined up. They appear to be mostly townsmen militia, though they are recieving orders from a well-equipped man, and, most strangely, a woman.
[21:49]	* [Tess]Joule	takes a closer look, but shrugs and turns. She starts to walk off, but then pauses to take a look at the men and woman.
[21:49]	<[Tess]Joule>	Hopefully it isn't those again...
[21:49]	* [Tess]Joule	leans against a wall, debating what to do.
[21:51]	<[GM]Mary>	Looking closer at the duo, you see that their weapons emit a faint glow, as if they were made of glass and there's a small light inside of them.
[21:53]	* [Tess]Joule	sighs, backing into the alley a little. She's had enough of these people for a while.
[21:58]	* [Tess]Joule	adjusts her bowtie, thinking.
[21:59]	<[GM]Mary>	The glare returns, futher on in the alleyway. As you enter, sounds from the street vanish, and the night's darkness really shows, in the way that nothing shows at all.
[21:59]	<[Tess]Joule>	. o (But if they're still around, they might have found something. Is it the same thing the locals are running around about- huh?)
[22:04]	* [Tess]Joule	widens her stance a bit, raising her guard. Cautiously, she walks further down.
[22:07]	<[Tess]Joule>	...Hello?
[22:10]	<[GM]Mary>	The eyes never appear closer, but the feeling of tension continues to rise. Your voice echoes thoughout the dark corridor, reaching the unseen enemy, who darts deeper into the town's stone maze.
[22:11]	* [Tess]Joule	follows, moving a little faster.
[22:12]	<[Tess]Joule>	. o (Something's obviously there... is this the same observer from before?)
[22:17]	<[GM]Mary>	Joule: at the turn of the alley, your watcher finally confronts you, more closely than you thought you could detect. It's a pale, dark-clothed woman with deep, red eyes, though they no longer reflect with such ferocity. She smiles at you, beckoning you closer.
[22:20]	* [Tess]Joule	studies the woman closely, then walks forward slowly. She adjusts her glasses, assuming a neutral expression.
[22:35]	*NickServ*	This nickname is registered and protected. If it is your
[22:35]	*NickServ*	nick, type /msg NickServ IDENTIFY password. Otherwise,
[22:35]	*NickServ*	please choose a different nick.
[22:37]	<[GM]Mary>	As you step closer, the figure lunges out its arms to grab you!
[22:44]	<[GM]Mary>	She doesn't waste any time in grasping you, gripping your wrists and shoulders with extraordinary strength. At this close a proximity, you can feel its breath, chilling you down to your phantasmal bones. Its grin sports numerous needle-pointed teeth, and its eyes beaming full crimson. This is not the mark of a vampire or beast of the earth. This is what humans call "demon".
[22:45]	<[Tess]Joule>	Tch!
[22:45]	* [Tess]Joule	tries to escape, but keeps her attention fixed on the woman.
[22:51]	<[GM]Mary>	it speaks. "Your soul has escaped us for long enough, odious one. It is time for you to travel the path."
[22:56]	* [Tess]Joule	becomes far more serious, beginning to charge power for an attack.\
[23:00]	<[Tess]Joule>	Is it? It seems you forget...
[23:00]	* [Tess]Joule	smiles.
[23:01]	<[Tess]Joule>	I am a scientist. You should know my kind are propense to exert their influence on natural forces as they please.
[23:09]	* [Tess]Joule	releases bolts of electricity from her hands, striking the demon; she leaps away from the demonic presence and turns to face it after landing.
[23:11]	* Shepard	watches with curiosity from above. So, that was the feeling on the back of my neck... Interesting.
[23:14]	<[GM]Mary>	The demon jolts back, but your retreat has led you into another's grip... You feel yourself thud against something heavy, then sharpened hands grasp your neck and breast.
[23:16]	<[Tess]Joule>	. o (Well, just wonderful, isn't it? Perhaps I should pay closer attention.)
[23:21]	<[GM]Mary>	Demon2: "You're not going anywhere, precious."
[23:26]	* [Tess]Joule	runs an electrical current over herself, breaking out of the demon's grip. She moves forward and glances at each side, adjusting her bowtie.
[23:31]	<[GM]Mary>	The monster is surprised by your attack, but otherwise, does not seem effected. It gargles a vicious laugh, and soon, several more shadowy figures appear, blocking your way. The female stands against the wall, looking at you impassively.
[23:32]	<[Tess]Joule>	. o (First the questions and suspicions, now this? Maybe this was the wrong town to lay low in.)
[23:32]	* Shepard	is also surprised, both by the girl's ferocity and the increasing number of monsters that follow her. What crime could she commit to summon hell's legion in such strength? Hmm...
[23:33]	<[Tess]Joule>	If I may... just what is your intention?
[23:34]	<[GM]Mary>	the voices speak simultaneously. "To take you to where you belong, spectral. The living world is not for the likes of you."
[23:37]	<[Tess]Joule>	. o (No openings. Might have to break through them, unless... up maybe? Hrrm.)
[23:37]	<[Tess]Joule>	'Spectral'? Can you not at least refer to me as 'Doctor'?
[23:49]	<[GM]Mary>	The monsters do not answer, but rather swarm upon you in unfathomable numbers. Though you try to defend yourself, their combined strengths bind you tightly, and their mouths open to suck away your very soul. At the last moment, everything stops, the monsters disappear, and the town turns into a strange, glistening silver. There is no sound at all but your own, and the temperature immediately fades into a frigid cold. You are alone, except for one c
[23:49]	<[GM]Mary>	reature...
[23:50]	<[GM]Mary>	[stop going over 450 lines, dad]
[23:52]	* Shepard	sits atop a sloped roof, legs crossed and dangling over the edge.
[23:52]	<[Tess]Joule>	...Eh?
[23:52]	* [Tess]Joule	takes a look around, seeing no one, but eventually looks up.
[23:53]	<Shepard>	I do believe, "Doctor", that you've earned hell's fury. Quite impressive. Are you also the witch that stalks this night?
[23:55]	<[Tess]Joule>	I would think not; I do my best to keep a low profile and haven't done anything to invite the title.
[23:57]	<Shepard>	Well, you're obviously more than qualified...
[23:58]	* Shepard	checks something from his pocket, presumably a watch.
[23:58]	<Shepard>	You have four more minutes. What are you going to do, in that time?
[23:59]	<[Tess]Joule>	Well, with such parameters... relocate, I believe. Up there would be a start, perhaps.
[00:00]	* Shepard	chuckles under his breath.
[00:01]	<Shepard>	I don't think that will do you much good, but it would give me some company.
[00:02]	<[Tess]Joule>	Then it may only be a start. If it is ultimately useless, however, what would you suggest?
[00:02]	* [Tess]Joule	begins to climb the wall up towards Shepard.
[00:04]	<Shepard>	Hmm... Honestly, I believe you to be damned. You should take the next three and half minutes to reflect, before your wandering soul is dragged down, to the inferno.
[00:05]	* Shepard	speaks solidly, but casts a grin that tells he may have other motives.
[00:08]	<[Tess]Joule>	Ah, how problematic...
[00:08]	* Shepard	reaches for your hand, intending to pull you across the threshold between the wall and the roof.
[00:09]	* [Tess]Joule	grasps his hand, allowing herself to be pulled but remaining cautious.
[00:11]	* Shepard	seats Joule next to him, but does not release his hand. With a smile, he presses his thumb through your palm, awaiting the ghostly sign of bloodlessness.
[00:15]	* [Tess]Joule	's hand puts up some resistance, but releases small dancing bolts of electricity at the break.
[00:16]	* Shepard	releases the hand, and looks over the town.
[00:17]	<[Tess]Joule>	So just what motivates you to delay the demise of someone like myself?
[00:17]	<Shepard>	Ah, so it true. You're a sort of spectre, are you not? Or perhaps a demon that wields blue fire, like a spawn of Zeus...
[00:18]	* Shepard	shrugs lightly.
[00:18]	<Shepard>	Curiosity. I like strange things.
[00:20]	<Shepard>	You've three minutes. Tell me, damned one, what would you do if you were to survive this night?
[00:24]	<[Tess]Joule>	What a question... I've dedicated myself to the study of the universe and the use of that knowledge, even in this form. I would continue that, but... since certain events I've had thoughts and quandaries... perhaps I would pursue some of them.
[00:25]	<Shepard>	Oh, I see. A specialist in human magic, hmm? Quite unusual, given your inhuman state. Perhaps inhuman isn't quite the right term... "Less than" human, I suppose.
[00:27]	* Shepard	studies Joule closely, examining her features.
[00:27]	<[Tess]Joule>	Something less than human... perhaps also something more. To think that the strangest phenomenon I would ever encounter would be myself.
[00:28]	<Shepard>	Quite a shame, as well. Were you so beautiful during your life?
[00:29]	<Shepard>	Strange encounters... perhaps you are as mistaken as I.
[00:29]	* [Tess]Joule	chuckles.
[00:32]	<[Tess]Joule>	I haven't changed at all from how I looked the last day of my physical life. But what is, then, the error in our perception?
[00:33]	<Shepard>	Mine, that you're less than human, and yours... that you're the strangest thing you've encountered.
[00:33]	<Shepard>	Two more minutes.
[00:35]	<Shepard>	Strange things go through every night, unseen and unheard, to all but you, I, and those as strange as us.
[00:36]	<Shepard>	I believe unusual creatures have an uncanny ability to attract each other. It doesn't look like such a feature does you very well.
[00:37]	<[Tess]Joule>	You're not what you appear either, are you? Well... to face damnation for my actions is something that's difficult to grasp. I conducted an experiment, got my results and now I'm doomed for it. Perhaps those who warned me that I could go too far were right... in the end, however, I still don't care. Perhaps that's also strange of me.
[00:38]	<Shepard>	You should. Hell is a poor home, even for the careless.
[00:41]	<[Tess]Joule>	Oh, I have no doubt of that. But ultimately I still learned what I hoped I would; as a woman of science I could not ask more. Maybe I seek comfort in these beliefs... if it is as you say there is little else for me to do.
[00:43]	<Shepard>	Oh? Do my words turn you so hopeless? As for beliefs... haha, even devils need something they can believe in.
[00:43]	<Shepard>	I believe, in particular, that your time is running short.
[00:44]	* [Tess]Joule	laughs.
[00:49]	<[Tess]Joule>	Hopeless... not really, nothing is for certain. Of course, you do make things seem bleak; damned for Hell, which may be what it's reputed or my own personal one. Absolutism has its faults, however; perhaps it would be just as wretched to be always free of pain as to be chained to it forever.
[00:51]	<Shepard>	Hmm...
[00:53]	<Shepard>	What would you do, given the chance to live? Insofar that you "live", that is. Continue your efforts toward science, I assume?
[00:58]	<[Tess]Joule>	Yes, but that is not all. I have arising conundrums, ones of philosophy and morality, that come from my experience in metaphysical life. The benefit of people, of other sentient creatures, the human spirit... I might search for answers in all of these. And then... well, maybe achieve some truths that aren't quite as intellectual or scientific.
[00:59]	<[Tess]Joule>	It's difficult to decide what one's time is for... the limit is looming by the time one realizes it's there. I suppose that those in a situation like mine know that best.
[01:00]	<[Tess]Joule>	But now that I look back... maybe I'd make some friends again.
[01:01]	* Shepard	grins, bearing a fang.
[01:03]	<Shepard>	Hmm... You've a lot on your mind, for one experiencing their last moments. I've been in a... similar situation, and someone asked me something akin to what I've quested of you. I could only think of one word to utter... A hateful one.
[01:04]	<Shepard>	Regardless...
[01:04]	<Shepard>	Your final answer satisfies me.
[01:04]	<Shepard>	Come with me, if you want to live.
[01:06]	* [Tess]Joule	turns to look at Shepard, inquisitively.
[01:08]	<[Tess]Joule>	An analysis or a test? That's almost as encouraging as the prospect of living itself.
[01:09]	* [Tess]Joule	gives a soft, warm smile.
[01:17]	<Shepard>	'Tis not as boring as a pass of judgment. Rather, I just wanted to hear it from your lips, and the smile it shows me makes it quite worthwhile.
[01:18]	* Shepard	returns it, though it's less "warm" and more "pure fucking evil". Still quite charming, however.
[01:19]	* [Tess]Joule	nods, blinking slowly.
[01:19]	<Shepard>	Hmph. It looks like time is almost up. Care to accompany me in a walk?
[01:20]	<[Tess]Joule>	Might as well. Not much of a choice, is it?
[01:23]	* Shepard	nods, takes Joule's hand gingerly, and brings them both down into the alley below, both of them landing with a cat-like grace.
[01:26]	<Shepard>	Hmm... you were over there, before, weren't you?
[01:27]	<[Tess]Joule>	Yes, but there was no real reason for it.
[01:31]	<[GM]Mary>	A moment later, the sheen of moonsilver across the town's surface turns dull, and the world begins to come back to normal. The heat in the air returns, the sound of the night rushes to your ears, and the monsters threatening to destroy you make their hideousness apparent for all to see.
[01:34]	* Shepard	makes no regard of them, making his way to the slum's exit, a single step at a time. He keeps hold of Joule's hand, making certain that she keeps close.
[01:36]	<[GM]Mary>	Joule: The devils turn to attack you, but quickly cease their advance.
[01:38]	<Shepard>	So, you're a human's magician... pity, that you put your time towards human powers. Do you not transcend them?
[01:39]	* [Tess]Joule	turns her attention from the demons, a little surprised at Shepard's calmness.
[01:42]	<[Tess]Joule>	Well, yes. But to say that my abilities and a logical understanding of their nature don't complement each other is a gross miscalculation. It allows me to have an understanding of just what I am, just what I can accomplish and how to do so. With no one to draw an example from and limited inherent knowledge at best, I'd say it may have been the most important factor in learning to control my power.
[01:44]	<[Tess]Joule>	And even in this form, I have an interest in understanding what I observe. It's expanded my perspective, but wanting to know just how things occur and not just that they do has stayed the same.
[01:52]	<Shepard>	Hm. Perhaps you should research simple answers. And I mean you no offense, doctor, but I don't believe you do understand. I admire your conviction, however.
[01:55]	<[GM]Mary>	Joule: As you continue on, you're confronted by the female demon once again. But she does not stop you, stepping aside and casting you a look that can only be described as utter pity. The others do not give chase either, they merely stare as you leave their vision.
[01:55]	<[Tess]Joule>	...Huh?
[01:56]	<Shepard>	Something wrong, dearest?
[01:59]	<[Tess]Joule>	You're right, there are things I don't understand. Just now I'm wondering, mostly, what made them desist so... easily, I guess.
[02:01]	* Shepard	bears a sickening smile, once again.
[02:03]	<Shepard>	Demons are intelligent creatures... they're more ancient than record, and their cunning is far beyond that of any mortal man.
[02:04]	<[Tess]Joule>	Well, what's the point you're building to?
[02:04]	<Shepard>	Though, perhaps that speaks too highly of these... These aren't truly demons, but rather hellborn creatures... but I digress, yes.
[02:05]	<Shepard>	The earth I turn beneath my feet... is dared not treaded upon.
[02:06]	* Shepard	grins again, looking back at Joule.
[02:07]	* [Tess]Joule	giggles, leaning in a little.
[02:07]	<[Tess]Joule>	So what is it you are, that makes you so scary?
[02:07]	<Shepard>	I'm a shepherd.
[02:08]	* [Tess]Joule	half-closes her eyes.
[02:10]	<[Tess]Joule>	...Really? Who knew that could be so terrifying.
[02:10]	<Shepard>	Perhaps you should research it sometime.
[02:11]	<[Tess]Joule>	Wait... I think I misunderstood you.
[02:11]	* Shepard	reaches the town streets, keeping his pacing away from any sorts of commotion.
[02:11]	<[Tess]Joule>	But what do you expect of a physicist? All booksmart, no common sense.
[02:14]	<Shepard>	Common sense isn't quite as common as you think.
[02:16]	<[Tess]Joule>	Don't I know it. But what do you mean by that? I have no doubt it's not the same as me telling you I'm a physicist, for instance.
[02:18]	<Shepard>	Hm...
[02:18]	* Shepard	thinks about it.
[02:21]	<Shepard>	Nothing, really. I just value uncommon sense more highly. Which is, for you and I, increasingly less so.
[02:22]	<Shepard>	As we spoke before, strangeness has a way of attracting one another. That's why you're here rather than there.
[02:22]	* Shepard	gestures back to the alley.
[02:24]	<[Tess]Joule>	Hm. Seems that saved me, in itself. From what you've said, however, I take it you have associates?
[02:25]	<Shepard>	I have a few little lambs, yes.
[02:28]	* [Tess]Joule	giggles, with her free hand over her mouth.
[02:28]	<[Tess]Joule>	Sounds like fun.
[02:30]	<[Tess]Joule>	What's left is for a formal introduction. We've learned a bit, perhaps you more than I, but names and such are still missing. Would you prefer I go first, you, or just leave it for now?
[02:32]	<Shepard>	Doesn't matter. Names are merely a convenience. As for me... Shepard will do.
[02:33]	<Shepard>	I would rather introduce myself to that body of yours...
[02:34]	<[Tess]Joule>	Dr. Q.T. Boltzmann. Most people call me Joule, and that's probably easier anyway- eh?
[02:34]	* Shepard	sends a finger traveling down Joule's neck, shoulder, and back down to her hand.
[02:35]	<Shepard>	It's unfortunate that I could not meet you while you still had flesh. Nevertheless, it's quite rare for me to meet a woman with whom I can speak eye-to-eye.
[02:35]	* Shepard	looks into said eyes, perfectly level with his own.
[02:37]	<[Tess]Joule>	...I don't think I've met someone like that before now myself. But you underestimate me...
[02:37]	<[Tess]Joule>	I'm not as intangible as you think. I won't explain why now, there will be better times, I'm sure.
[02:38]	* Shepard	hmphs under his breath, returning to a grin.
[02:40]	<Shepard>	I'm not as perverse as you think. When I lust for your flesh, it is not in the same way a mortal man would... though not entirely different. I won't explain why now, but you will learn soon, I'm sure.
[02:46]	<[Tess]Joule>	Well, curiosity may then become rather important in our case. Maybe it's part of the attraction you mention.
[02:55]	<Shepard>	More curiosities for the curious, hmm? I bid you to be careful around mine, as they may bite, regardless of what you're made of.
[02:57]	<[Tess]Joule>	They'll learn, I'm sure.
[02:59]	<Shepard>	Hah! Best hope they don't learn too much.
[03:00]	<Shepard>	But yet again, I digress with small talk.
[03:00]	* [Tess]Joule	becomes a bit more attentive. This could be important.
[03:10]	<Shepard>	You seek answers, yes? You will find them, but not nearly as quickly as mysteries will arise. The best ones, you will never answer. I will ask you to uncover some of the more mundane ones for me. What your time is for, I cannot say, as it should be something you determine yourself. As for friends... Perhaps you should put that first and foremost, as you will discover the bleakness of time without companionship.
[03:12]	<Shepard>	That is merely my opinion, though I doubt hobbies in human magic will keep you for the coming centuries.
[03:15]	<[Tess]Joule>	I've spent much time wandering alone and know firsthand what it can be. As for my studies, they are up to time itself, and perhaps up also to the factors I for now seek to understand. Long ago I came to realize that ultimately scientists were observers, and that we are all caged within the confines of our environment. We seek to understand it and are no less prisoners of it.
[03:17]	<[Tess]Joule>	I wonder if there is a different feeling for those who are contented with merely observing, powerful as they may be. Maybe I myself will come to know... the possibilities.
[03:17]	<Shepard>	Of observing? Hmph.
[03:17]	<Shepard>	Sounds boring.
[03:19]	<[Tess]Joule>	I didn't think you would empathize so easily, Shepard.
[03:20]	* [Tess]Joule	smiles, with a hint of mischeviousness.
[03:25]	<Shepard>	I'm not content with simply watching things happen. I would rather move things in a direction of my choice, then enjoy what comes after. Perhaps this is not so different to you, but it is to me.
[03:26]	<[Tess]Joule>	If you believe it is not so different, you've misunderstood. For me it makes all the difference. I've described science as an attempt to understand things, but that is truly only half the picture.
[03:28]	<[Tess]Joule>	The other is that the knowledge obtained is the potential for power. The knowledge on its own... it is but information, and an understanding of something with no application is useless in all respects. This knowledge, when applied, allows someone to move things in a direction of their choosing both through their own power and by setting things in the right direction.
[03:29]	<Shepard>	Hmm. And you intend to do this by observing?
[03:31]	<[Tess]Joule>	No. The observation on its own is even more worthless than the understanding, by itself observation is paramount to nothing at all. Logic, experience, one's own power... these are all elemental and without each there is no science at all.
[03:32]	<[Tess]Joule>	Perhaps its allowance to move things much greater than oneself is what has driven humans to it, but those lessons, in my understanding, give greater power to any being that has the ability to utilize it. I maintain that belief even in these days, with my humanity forgotten.
[03:37]	<Shepard>	I see.
[03:42]	<Shepard>	Then, these things you will do for me. In essence, you will aid in solving mysteries, and find companionship where you may seek it. In return, I will guide you to them, and give you everything you need to accomplish your goals. Do you understand?
[03:45]	<[Tess]Joule>	Yes, I understand. The terms, as you place them, are quite acceptable. I seem to be moving headlong into a new setting for myself...
[03:48]	<[Tess]Joule>	But, well, that's alright. With the close brush today it may be a good time to turn a new leaf. Not that my studies will be going anytime soon, however, but that's a different matter altogether... possibilities. I might lose interest, maybe you or your lambs may be intrigued by them instead- hm?
[03:51]	<[Tess]Joule>	Well, my mind is propense to get ahead of itself. I'll take my actions and see what comes of them.
[03:54]	<Shepard>	Good.
[03:54]	<Shepard>	Do you reside here?
[03:57]	<[Tess]Joule>	In this town? No, I don't settle anywhere permanently. Closest thing to that is that I usually send the papers I write to the same place. Since I took on this form, of course, I've had to take precautions and pick up certain habits.
[04:00]	<Shepard>	Hmm. Well, things may not be entirely different for you, then. You may have to shift to a more nocturnal lifestyle, however, if you are to spend any time with my "associates".
[04:01]	<[Tess]Joule>	That'll be alright, I always had an easy time making adjustments.
[04:06]	* Shepard	leads you into another alley, although a much shorter and less gruesome one. He stops at a home's backdoor, and turns to you.
[04:08]	<Shepard>	It looks like I finished the night's mystery more quickly than I had thought I would. Unfortunately, dawn will soon be upon us, and I will not be around to see it. You may make your own way from here, but... perhaps it's not a good idea.
[04:13]	<[Tess]Joule>	Then how do you intend to go about things?
[04:15]	<Shepard>	I don't know about you, but I'm going to rest. You should not be troubled by monsters when light reaches the Earth, so if you've other business to attend to, do so during that time. Be sure to return here by next dusk, however.
[04:17]	<Shepard>	Your decision?
[04:19]	<[Tess]Joule>	Well, I might spend some time kicking back here. Before the day is through I'll fetch my papers and trinkets, maybe drink a goblet of sekt, but overall my business should be finished by midday. I'll come back here when it's done.
[04:20]	<Shepard>	Hm. Well, then.
[04:21]	* Shepard	dissipates into a cloud of mist, sucking itself between the cracks of the door until it vanishes completely.
[04:22]	* Shepard	, moments later, opens the door, and beckons you in.
[04:22]	* [Tess]Joule	walks in, adjusting her glasses and clearly unsure what to expect.
[04:23]	<[GM]Mary>	Joule: It's just a normal house, really. Empty and dark, as no light shines from within.
[04:23]	* Shepard	shuts the door behind her.
[04:25]	<Shepard>	Mine are downstairs, asleep. I will accompany them soon. For now, sit with me and we'll make talk...
[04:26]	<[Tess]Joule>	Very well. It should do nicely to continue our practical introduction.
[04:27]	<[GM]Mary>	Night One End!