Cassies Palace 13

June 15
[19:01]	<[GM]Mary>	Last time, on Maids of Our Lives
[19:01]	<[GM]Mary>	Sex.
[19:01]	<[GM]Mary>	But before that
[19:10]	<[GM]Mary>	Tabitha had a crisis of futility, mixed with bittersweet memories and the meaning of life. Under the anxiety and settling depression, she walks out of the room, with Victoria quickly following after. Everyone else put their tears in their beers, and that led to something no one's gonna cry about. Yet.
[19:11]	<[GM]Mary>	Anyway, ACTION!
[19:12]	* [Pyg]Victoria	steps up her pace hoping to get to Tabitha before she's long gone.
[19:12]	* Tabitha	wanders down the dim halls of the mansion, trying desperately not to simply break down in tears.
[19:15]	* Tabitha	follows no actual path and aims for no real destination, not even her own room. She simply strolls around, whispering to herself.
[19:16]	<Tabitha>	"Mother...I don't, I don't know if I can find out..."
[19:16]	* [Pyg]Victoria	tries to concentrate on hearing anything wandering the mansion halls.
[19:17]	<Tabitha>	"Everyone's gone, they don't...no one knows a thing..."
[19:18]	<Tabitha>	"...so...alone...even when I'm with people..."
[19:20]	* Tabitha	slowly pulls out her knife, just to look at it...just to remember her mother.
[19:21]	* [Pyg]Victoria	turns her head to a very faint voice down the hall on her right, unable to understand what was being said though. She makes a turn and walks briskly toward where she thinks she heard it.
[19:25]	* Tabitha	thinks she can hear an approaching noise.
[19:26]	* Tabitha	pads off down the hallway, attempting to be quiet. She doesn't feel like meeting anyone-or anything-just now.
[19:26]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"Miss Tabithaaaa?"
[19:28]	* Tabitha	hears a voice calling her name. She ducks into a nearby open room, peeking out just a little to see her pursuer.
[19:31]	* [Pyg]Victoria	tries to look around for any signs that the girl had been around.
[19:35]	* Tabitha	can just barely see A wandering Victoria down the hallway. What's she doing here?
[19:37]	* [Pyg]Victoria	proceeds forward slowly while still trying to look around.
[19:39]	* Tabitha	decides to stalk Victoria from the shadows, just to see what happens. It could be...interesting.
[19:43]	* Tabitha	slips out of the room as Victoria's head is turned and begins to hide from shadow to shadow, observing...thinking...
[19:45]	* [Pyg]Victoria	turns down another hall lined with doors. Couldn't hurt to check in here.
[19:46]	* Tabitha	gets a rather creepy little idea. Well, creepy for normal people. It's just efficient for her.
[19:47]	* Tabitha	speaks out from the shadows, where she still cannot be seen.
[19:47]	* [Pyg]Victoria	walks over to the door, turning the knob gen--Oh, it's locked.
[19:47]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	Hmm...
[19:47]	<Tabitha>	"What do you want, Miss Victoria?"
[19:48]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	Hm?
[19:48]	* [Pyg]Victoria	turns to where she thinks she hears a voice.
[19:49]	* Tabitha	's knife and right-side ringlet are poking out from behind a bookshelf. Her position has been compromised!
[19:50]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"Haha, what a surprise. Looks like you ended up tailing me instead."
[19:52]	* Tabitha	realizes she's been spotted with her spooky little remark. She blushes slightly, unseen by Victoria just yet.
[19:52]	* [Pyg]Victoria	the amused look on her face changes to one of concern as she looks at nothing in particular, unable to pinpoint where her stalker is concealing herself.
[19:53]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"I...Just thought we could talk."
[19:54]	* Tabitha	steps out from the bookshelf, her face returning to its doll-like state.
[19:54]	<Tabitha>	"Concerning...?"
[19:54]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"Well...You."
[19:55]	* Tabitha	is still not satisfied with the topic. She presses further.
[19:56]	<Tabitha>	"Concerning?"
[20:00]	* Tabitha	grows tired of the extended silence.
[20:00]	<Tabitha>	"You may walk with me. I have no destination in mind."
[20:00]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"All right."
[20:02]	* Tabitha	pads down the hall with her fellow maid by her side. Despite their proximity, she doesn't put away the knife, and in fact keeps looking at it from time to time.
[20:02]	* [Pyg]Victoria	takes a moment to think before putting those thoughts in to words. Even with the pairs footsteps echoing in the halls, it still feels dead quiet.
[20:03]	<Tabitha>	"I must apologize for my...improper, performance in the leisure lounge."
[20:03]	<Tabitha>	"It was not right of me to burden you all with my troubles and speculations."
[20:04]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"It's quite all right. The mistress is correct though; sometimes it does you good to let these sorts of things out in the open."
[20:05]	<Tabitha>	"I...suppose."
[20:05]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"It's also a way to know a little about someone I'll be working with."
[20:09]	* Tabitha	mumbles in affirmation.
[20:09]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"I've never worked with such a odd group before."
[20:10]	<Tabitha>	"I might say the same, if such a phrase held any meaning for one in my position."
[20:12]	<Tabitha>	"Perhaps...perhaps I should learn more of them myself."
[20:14]	* [Pyg]Victoria	nods.
[20:14]	<Tabitha>	"Two slaves, two sisters, a fairy...and you. An odd mansion indeed."
[20:14]	<Tabitha>	"I feel somewhat sorry that you appear to be the only normal one here."
[20:15]	* [Pyg]Victoria	laughs a little.
[20:16]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"Hmm...I suppose you could say my being normal is an oddity in itself in this kind of mansion."
[20:17]	* Tabitha	can't help the side of her mouth from rising a little at the comment.
[20:17]	<Tabitha>	"Quite."
[20:17]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"No doubt staying here will be much more lively than at Westmarch."
[20:18]	<Tabitha>	"Mmm? Westmarch was a common town to live in?"
[20:18]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"Very much indeed."
[20:30]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"Nothing ever happened. Nothing needed to happen."
[20:31]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"I suppose the Mistress found some kind of charm in that for her to stay there for as long as she did."
[20:34]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"I wasn't from there myself. I happened to be in town when she was looking for hired help."
[20:36]	<Tabitha>	"A fortuitous meeting, then."
[20:37]	<Tabitha>	"Why, may I ask, did Cassandra choose to holiday in a town where nothing ever happened?"
[20:38]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"An escape."
[20:41]	* Tabitha	contemplates the meanings behind that answer.
[20:42]	<Tabitha>	"...I understand."
[20:43]	<Tabitha>	"If only true escape was so easy. I can imagine it must be very difficult for a public figure like herself."
[20:45]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"Indeed."
[20:45]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"I was doubtful at first, but it looks like she's happier here."
[20:46]	* Tabitha	nods, looking at her reflection in her knife.
[20:47]	<Tabitha>	"I certainly hope so. Her happiness must become ours, if we are to live together in such seclusion."
[20:48]	* [Pyg]Victoria	shifts her gaze sideways to Tabitha looking at the knife.
[20:49]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"If you don't mind my indulging my curiosity, I must ask."
[20:49]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"Why a knife?"
[20:51]	* Tabitha	looks up, gloomily.
[20:51]	<Tabitha>	"...It was my mother's."
[20:52]	<Tabitha>	"I started my journey with many possessions. As I traveled, they disappeared one by one."
[20:53]	<Tabitha>	"Payment here, misplacements there, perhaps a thief or two."
[20:55]	<Tabitha>	"By the time I reached Teslov, I had only a few bank notes, my mother's ring, and her set of kitchen knives."
[20:55]	<Tabitha>	"The notes I lost to the wolves. Their lives they lost to the knives. Save this one."
[20:56]	<Tabitha>	"And here it is."
[20:56]	* Tabitha	spins the knife around in her hand.
[20:58]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"I see."
[20:59]	* [Pyg]Victoria	says, a little disappointed that she doesn't have anymore to say regarding that.
[21:01]	<Tabitha>	"If I may ask...why the book?"
[21:02]	* [Pyg]Victoria	withdraws the small book peeking out of her apron pocket.
[21:03]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"Hmm...I just like to read."
[21:05]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"It's, well, nice to have a place to retreat to once in a while."
[21:05]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"And sometimes I just like to know."
[21:06]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"I packed more books coming here than a change of clothes."
[21:06]	* [Pyg]Victoria	scratches her cheek, a little embarrassed at admitting that.
[21:07]	<Tabitha>	"Most interesting..."
[21:08]	<Tabitha>	"You must either care too little about clothing, or too much about literature."
[21:08]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"Perhaps."
[21:09]	<Tabitha>	"But yes, you are quite right. A retreat is a wonderful thing to have."
[21:10]	<Tabitha>	"A place to call your own...to be your own, yourself..."
[21:11]	* Tabitha	realizes exactly what she's saying a few seconds after she's said it.
[21:21]	* Tabitha	's mind begins to wander quickly, very quickly and very loudly.
[21:22]	* Tabitha	(...a place to retreat to...to call your own...)
[21:23]	* Tabitha	(...you're yourself when you're alone...you are who you really are...when no one can see...)
[21:24]	* Tabitha	(...you can hide...but for how long...?)
[21:26]	* Tabitha	(...no, you can't...you can't hide...I won't let you...Mother would let you, but...I won't...)
[21:26]	* Tabitha	(...Father...I'm going to find you...and I know where to look...)
[21:27]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"Miss Tabitha...?"
[21:27]	* Tabitha	stops walking immediately, and her grip on the knife tightens.
[21:28]	<Tabitha>	"Cassandra. I need Cassandra."
[21:28]	<Tabitha>	"I must ask her something. Immediately."
[21:30]	<Tabitha>	"She may say no. I...don't care."
[21:30]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	If they're still getting pissed they still might to be in the lounge.
[21:32]	<Tabitha>	"...getting...pissed?"
[21:32]	* Tabitha	is rather confused. Slang is not her forte.
[21:34]	* [Pyg]Victoria	walks a few steps ahead, ignoring the confused Tabitha.
[21:34]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	You coming?
[21:34]	<Tabitha>	"Of course."
[21:36]	* Tabitha	jogs back up to the woman and, finally, sheathes her knife.
[21:38]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"I know you've only started today, but how is working here doing for you?"
[21:39]	* Tabitha	, fueled by her little epiphany, answers more openly.
[21:40]	<Tabitha>	"It's an adjustment. But one I'm prepared to work with."
[21:41]	<Tabitha>	"I will not lie; the staff is disorganized. I have done little to help that."
[21:42]	<Tabitha>	"But I'm beginning to see that, perhaps, disorganization is not a horrible thing."
[21:42]	<Tabitha>	"Living with my mother for so long...I lose sight of people."
[21:45]	* Tabitha	hangs her head.
[21:46]	<Tabitha>	"Perhaps...they lose sight of me, as well."
[21:48]	<Tabitha>	"It's not their fault. I am easy to ignore. Few can stand my presence for very long."
[21:48]	* [Pyg]Victoria	hesitates at first, but lays a hand on Tabitha's shoulder.
[22:02]	* Tabitha	looks towards Victoria, then looks away, ashamed.
[22:05]	* Tabitha	tries to pick up the pace. She's eager to meet with her sister.
[22:09]	* [Pyg]Victoria	gets to the door, pressing her ear up to eat to hear if anyone on the other side is still awake.
[22:11]	* Tabitha	likewise does the same.
[22:14]	<[GM]Mary>	you hear some stumbling, followed by a Cassandra trying to open the door.
[22:15]	* [Pyg]Victoria	backs up from the door, pulling Tabitha along with her.
[22:16]	* Tabitha	reaches for the knob like a child, but can't resist being pulled back.
[22:17]	<Tabitha>	"Unnggh...the door..."
[22:17]	* Cassandra	shoves the door open a little too hard nearly falling out into the hall. She stops for a moment, apparently listening, but then walks right on past you. She looks like a mess, but not particularly unhappy.
[22:18]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	M-Mistress, are you all right?
[22:18]	<Cassandra>	...?! -wha?
[22:18]	* Cassandra	whirls around, and falls on her ass.
[22:19]	* Tabitha	is thrown off balance by the opening door, and nearly falls herself, latching onto the door handle.
[22:19]	<Tabitha>	"Sister! I, I need to ask you for something!"
[22:19]	<Cassandra>	ugh... Oh, hey Vicky... I'mmm just goin' to the bathroom... huh?
[22:20]	* Tabitha	gets back on her feet and holds her hands in front of her.
[22:20]	* Cassandra	stands herself up and shakes her head, but this doesn't do anything but make her dizzy and give a headache.
[22:21]	* Tabitha	notices her sister's distress, and puts out a hand to steady her.
[22:21]	<Tabitha>	"Are you quite all right, miss?"
[22:21]	<Cassandra>	ah, sister... thanks. yeah, I'm fine.
[22:22]	<Cassandra>	Is somethin' the matter?
[22:23]	<Tabitha>	"Ca-Cassie, I would like...like to clean up some particular rooms."
[22:23]	* Cassandra	dot dot dots
[22:23]	<Tabitha>	"Our father's rooms. Bedroom, study...any place he might have spent time."
[22:24]	<Tabitha>	"Please. It is important. To both of us."
[22:24]	<Cassandra>	...oh. I understand... Sure. In fact... there's something I have to show you, but it will have to wait until tomorrow.
[22:26]	<Tabitha>	"I...thank you. But is it...important?"
[22:26]	<Tabitha>	"This thing?"
[22:27]	<Cassandra>	It's not going anywhere. And from what I understand, neither are you. It's unnecessary at this hour.
[22:30]	* Cassandra	in other words, it's too damn late and cold. Actually it's just too damn cold.
[22:31]	* Cassandra	add a thought bubble to that would you? thanks
[22:31]	<Tabitha>	"But, I...no, yes, I suppose you're right. It is late."
[22:32]	<Tabitha>	"It's...not going anywhere."
[22:32]	* Tabitha	muses to herself. (No...no he's not. He can hide...but he can't run.)
[22:33]	* Cassandra	. o ( not too sure about that, the dead travel fast. )
[22:34]	<Cassandra>	...anyway, do you need anything else? I'm gonna use the bathroom and go to sleep, so if you need me, I'll be under the table...
[22:34]	<Tabitha>	"No, no, that's...fine...?"
[22:35]	* Tabitha	looks past her sister to the kotatsu.
[22:35]	<Cassandra>	Uh huh... Good night...
[22:36]	<Tabitha>	"Yes, good night, sister."
[22:36]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"Good night, Mistress."
[22:37]	* Cassandra	drifts away, stumbling and using the wall a little more than she usually does. Hmm... sister... ack, mistress... but sister... sister, sister... I'm gonna have to do something about that...
[22:43]	<[Pyg]Victoria>	"It's getting late. We should call it a night as well."
[22:44]	* [Pyg]Victoria	lets out a yawn behind her hand.