[Elsie] Dusk was on the horizon of the City that never seemed to sleep. The sun, though the fog and muck could be seen in the distance, settling upon the horizon and casting a strange orange hue to the skyline. One that picked out the clouds who would bring damage later, clouds rolling in over the Thames. On occasion the sensual buzz of airships, at loft over high would pass by those who hustled and bustled for an evening to come, though London on the whole was still quite .. Quiet, due to the fact that the season didn’t truly come to play until March. Footsteps moved with a functional gist of step, booted ankles carrying a black draped form toward the Rose Garden, headquarters for the Walpurgis Society. Though, outwardly it was simply two town houses, next to each other, formed into one on the inside. It wasn’t huge, but it was enough to house a many rooms for what needed to be dealt with by those above. The Management, as it were called. -- 16:44:35 [Elsie] Very few knew who they were or what they were. Very few questioned, for that was simply how things were. Yet, the woman who now entered, muff covering hands, coat that flowed over the bustle at the back of her skirt and edged sharply around the corseted waist and torso was one who knew all. An ancestor of the original, she was akin to most things that occurred within the realm of the Society. Though she preferred to work the field, she could, if wished simply be part of the management, hidden away for reasons that went beyond safety. Raven strands that were coiled into a loose bun were tight and fitted, atop her head was the hat she wore that fit perfectly in place. Dark colors graced her form as it was still with a year period of mourning, her husband having died within the Society on a job that had gone wrong. Yet, it hadn’t been a love match per se. Regardless, she moved with confidence as she entered the building, giving her hat, plus -- 16:44:46 [Elsie] pin, coat, along with muff toward the Butler “Henri” who met her at the door. “I shall have tea within the palor, Henri. Thank you.” She uttered before strolling through the mahogany toned hallway and into a room where most of the Society would meet and mingle. It was time to catch up on what had been happening. 16:53:50 WalterElric waited in the parlor patiently, the tea (a most guilty pleasure) an imported Chinese blend of leaves. He sported his usual midnight blue coat, high collared shirt and double-buttoned vest; it helped keep the bandages around his broken ribs nice and snug. It had been a matter of days since the train right and his nose was still swollen from when it had been broken, his lip split and left eye still a few lovely shades of maroon, ochre and navy blue. Still, Walter was no stranger to pain and maintained his rigid sense of straight-backed dignity as he sipped his tea, cane resting lightly against his leg and seat. 16:53:54 WalterElric hear her arriving before he saw her and was already standing up, albeit slowly and painfully; a gentleman would do no less in the presence of a lady, let alone his esteemed host. Upon spotting Elsie, he bowed slightly at the waist, his tea cup and saucer already deposited so he could leave one hand across his middle and the other swept outward. “Madame Buchanan, charmed, as always,” Walter said with a pained smile, though he tried not to show it over much. “Tea?” He waved to the tea set and biscuits he had layed out before him, next to his notebook.
17:06:03 [Reymund] The Rose Garden. Reymund had walked by this building a hundred times and had never given it a second glance, but now... it seemed grander somehow. The directions Professor Barnes had provided were perfectly clear and still, he found himself second-guessing. Grumbling, Rey hefted the heavy leather satchel up higher on his shoulder and adjusted his glasses, the lenses fogged and speckled from the damp. “Surely this is right,” he murmured, heading up the walk. It certainly wasn't what he'd been expecting: perhaps a dark, gloomy pub... or a tunnel, deep in the sewers. Rey suddenly felt under-dressed. He paused at the door, hastily straightening his cravat and cuffs, and cursed himself for leaving his overcoat at home. He felt like a newsboy. Steeling himself, the young man lifted his fist and knocked, then crossed his hands neatly behind his back. 17:06:03 [Reymund] The Rose Garden. Reymund had walked by this building a hundred times and had never given it a second glance, but now... it seemed grander somehow. The directions Professor Barnes had provided were perfectly clear and still, he found himself second-guessing. Grumbling, Rey hefted the heavy leather satchel up higher on his shoulder and adjusted his glasses, the lenses fogged and speckled from the damp. “Surely this is right,” he murmured, heading up the walk. It certainly wasn't what he'd been expecting: perhaps a dark, gloomy pub... or a tunnel, deep in the sewers. Rey suddenly felt under-dressed. He paused at the door, hastily straightening his cravat and cuffs, and cursed himself for leaving his overcoat at home. He felt like a newsboy. Steeling himself, the young man lifted his fist and knocked, then crossed his hands neatly behind his back.
17:33:36 WalterElric sat back down, gingerly, and leaned forward to pour her her own cup of tea. Once done so, he raised his own cup with hers and raised it in a silent salute before sipping. He narrowed his eyes, gazing off as though contemplating a list of chores. “Oh, nothing out of sorts; belated trains, uncomfortable seats, stale biscuits, batwinged monstrosities crashing through windows seeking our blood. I was rather terrified for a moment, there. I thought they were politicians, you see. I always get the two confused,” he responded primly, his expression perfectly flat. His deadpan sense of humour remained alive and well it seemed. “Lord Blackmore will live through his injuries, though he hardly seems pleased with me. Alas, I shall have to live with his disappointment and weep silently for my misbegotten fate.” After another sip of tea, he gave her a small smile as he slid the report over. 17:33:40 [WalterElric] “Recovering from a few transfusions I needed to deliver, but bones mend. Injuries heal. I thank you for your concern, Madame.” His gaze looked back towards the hall as he sipped his tea, allowing himself the opportunity to recline against the highbacked chair, if only for a moment. 17:46:53 [Reymund] “Ah, yes, good evening, I -” Henri didn't respond to Reymund's stammered attempt at an introduction, and instead silenced him by beckoning him indoors. He student had no coat for the butler to take, and thus was lead quickly into the parlour, where Elsie and Walter were resting. One would notice he had a tired, almost harried look about him – one sleeve of his shirt was rolled higher than the other, and although his tan slacks were ironed they looked ill-fitted. Straightening his tie again, Reymund gave a stiff, under-used bow to the two. “My Lady, and Good Sir,” he greeted, his voice low and very slightly raspy. “Professor Barnes from University College sent me. Reymund Sanders, 4th year biology and animal chemistry.” The young man looked up from his bow, almost expectantly. It wasn't as though they would know him. “I am working on my thesis... the chemical properties in animal metamorphosis. I was told you we may be able to help one another. Oh, my curriculum vitae, of course.” 17:47:04 [Reymund] A folded piece of paper was offered to the lady in black, held between two fingers with blunted, bitten nails. (e)
17:58:31 Elsie laughed lightly as the deadpan of Walter. It as simply him to a tea - perfect in some ways, always offering the right amount of comfort and humor to a conversation when it was needed. Despite his own hurt, pain and injury, there was always something greater beyond it that was more important. But in this, Elise begged to differ. Yet she held her tongue, despite the small smile that played upon her lips. Being a widow had opened much for Elsie in terms of society and beyond. No longer was she the debutant that had to act in a specific way just to find the “perfect” match. She wasn’t a child any long with hopes of marriage and a perfect life with children, husband and all the rest. Elsie had always known her destiny some how, based on her blood and the knowledge of her ancestors. Yet it had been a miracle to meet Charles. He had been a -- 17:58:35 [Elsie] light in her life A moment of time that had given her a chance to experience the norm. Even though they worked for the same group. His death had devastated her and she held an inner need for vengeance against the one who did it, but outwardly it had appeared she’d moved on. In some ways she had. What had happened, what she’d experienced with a man was something she’d never experience again. But at least she had the memories of such. Now, she was free. Ultimately in many ways. To follow what life laid out for her. Attention though was given to Reymund as paper was offered her way. Though she didn’t look to it in any fashion. She merely let her gaze, hypnotic in it’s motion land upon the man. For a moment she was silent. -- 17:58:46 [Elsie] Then she spoke. “I think perhaps we may do well together. I am Madame Buchanan. It is a pleasure to meet you.” As she rose from her chair and stood, letting the tea and cup nestle upon the table beside her before she outstretched her gloved hand his way. “Please, you will enjoy our company and tell us more?” Elsie was use to such interviews. Most new people were sent her way. She wasn’t the Leader, but, her reaction and her word held more power than most. “This is Elric…” As she introduced him to Walter.
18:08:46 WalterElric stood as the man entered the room, wincing lightly as he did so. “Ah, one of Rufus' students! Excellent,” Walter said with equal measure surprise and pleasure, smiling as well as he could despite his injuries. He offered a hand to the young man, taking in his appearance and noting a few things with a critical eye. He would give him a firm handshake. “Walter. Walter Elric, at your service. I was a student of Professor Barnes before I shipped out,” he explained, eying the curriculum vitae before picking up his cane and consulting his pockewatch. “Speaking of shipping out, I understand I've been here all too shortly, but time waits for no man and I must depart. Please, I ask, as one gentleman to another, not to let the tea or Madame Buchanan's company go to waste. I will leave you both to it. No rest for the wicked after all.” Walter adjusted his coat stiffly, wincing at his aching ribs before fixing Elsie with a curt little bow and a nod to Reymund. 18:08:50 WalterElric took his leave of them both with a 'Good evening,' his wounded leg and cane giving a particular cadence as he departed from the Garden. Reports to write, agents to consult and a good night's rest were in order; he'd have to give more blood in the morning to the bloodbank, no doubt.
18:19:29 [Reymund] “Charmed, Madame Buchanan,” Rey replied, taking her hand gently in his own. “Yes, if what Professor Barnes told me is true, I believe we may indeed have a very fortuitous working relationship.” A warm but businesslike smile broke across his pale face, not quite reaching his eyes. He seemed sincere, but perhaps rather out of his element. Elric's strong handshake set the reedy biology student a bit off-balance. “Yes, yes. Walter Elric. the Professor spoke highly of you. It's an honour, sir. Truly.” He returned the man's nod and turned his attention back to Madame Buchanan once they were alone. The silence hung somewhat awkwardly between them until Rey suddenly clapped his hands together. “So! Educate me. How much of what I've heard his true, and how much is just gossip?” There was a rather skeptical to his remark, almost smug. 18:20:42 [Reymund] Whoops. *skeptical tone
18:33:44 [Elsie] Never felt awkward. For certes, there were many situations where she could, but in the end, it wasn’t such a big situation. Walter rose and took his leave to which she bid him a farewell, watching him momentarily as he left the room before turning her elusive gaze upon the male before her. Reymund was ever ready and jumping in head first as most wee want to do. It brought a smile to her lips as she reached toward the teapot and offered him a drink. “Yes? You would like?” It was done in a need to settle things down and ease the peace between them. If he agreed, she’d pour the tea into a fine china cup, nestled upon a saucer. Which was then handed to him before she sank back down into the high chair before the fire. In the far distance the grandfather clock chimed in at the hour. It wasn’t late - but early evening. Social events still stood ahead of time, and there was many to be chosen from. “Rushing in and wanting to know.” She chimed as she stirred -- 18:33:54 [Elsie] her tea with the silver spoon held between her finger and thumb. “Why don’t we do it this way ?” She offered while above and below the hustle and bustle of the Rose Garden continued on it’s flow, always dealing with something. Somewhere. “Why do you ask me of something in particular and I shall do my best to answer you. What is it you truly wish to know, Master Sanders? I am sure you have a starting place for your curiosity?” 18:45:46 [Reymund] He took the cup and saucer graciously, and sat down in the overstuffed armchair with the fine china balanced carefully in his lap. Several lumps of sugar were stirred into the tea, thoughtlessly, like someone with no care or understanding of how expensive white sugar is. Reymund didn't like tea, hence the sugar... but he was from a good, well-to-do family and no good, well-to-do Englishman should ever refuse a cup of tea from his host. At Madame Buchanan's urging, he chuckled. “If I may be so bold,” he began, scraping the side of the spoon against the lip of the cup before setting it aside on the platter. “My understanding is that you and your group here might have experience with certain non-human individuals. Vampires, werewolves and the like. I would like to offer my knowledge and experience as a man of science to help you with such pests. And if in the process I should take advantage of these pests to further my learning, it could be quite beneficial for all of us.” 18:48:26 [Reymund] Rey quirked an eyebrow at the lady in black, nodding. “So I suppose my question is as follows: am I correct in assuming that there is some truth to these stories? Or has Professor Barnes finally gone over the deep end, so to speak?” (e) 19:03:02 [Elsie] She knew from the start this was going to be a conversation that involved far from mundane topics and the like. The male before her was a greedy mind. Curious and wanting to know. She could see it in the eyes as he peered to her. The excitement as he sat near on the edge of his chair in anticipation of her answer. As it was, she took several more sips and was content to watch the fire, while gathering her thoughts. She wasn’t old. Or decrepit in any ideals, but she had experienced much in her short life. Turning from the warmth of the fire, she allowed her gaze to settle upon the bioligist within her midst. The smile on her face was legitimate for she remembered when she first joined. But beyond that she remembered learning her history, her ancestory and what they all had to do with the Walpurgis society. She was the daughter of the founding blood. Cup placed upon saucer, hands held upon the arms of the wing back chair, she allowed the man to --- 19:03:12 [Elsie] truly see her. For what she was. “It is all true. Everything. “ there was a tentative pause, go give him a moment to take it in. “There is a world beyond what we see. What the World sees. A world that it hidden in darkness. That, on times, we may succumb to, by it’s invitation and way of life that is far different from our own. “ Elsie took another moment as she inhaled. “Vampires, Werewolves, Ghosts, Demons.. And more. They are all real. Here. We try to stop them. Try to disintegrate them before they can cause harm upon our race. The battles are not always simple or decisive. Every day, Master Sanders, we put our lives in danger so others, the norms. The classes, regardless of which. Can live another day.” There was nothing demeaning in her words. It was simple facts spoken as a simple truth. “Magic. It all exists. As much as you may with to debunk it with your scientific views, it is all there. Every day.. Before you. “ 19:14:31 [Reymund] “Fascinating,” Reymund replied, in that low, rasping tone. It wasn't an unpleasant voice, but there was certainly a coldness to it. Her blunt answer hadn't surprised him much, or if it had he wasn't showing it. “The roots of science are built squarely in the unknown, Madame Buchanan. Three-hundred years ago, the idea of movement and power from heated coal was 'magic'. Three-thousand years ago, the changing seasons were the same... 'magic'. Unexplained and our of our control.” The young man took a sip and set the cup and saucer aside to knit his long fingers together in his lap. “That's the great demystifying piece to the puzzle... control. These creatures – these forces – may be able to be harnessed and used for the betterment of Humankind. Imagine the potential.” Rey spread his hands in a grand gesture. “I'm eager to get started, Madame. Professor Barnes informed me that there would be quarters – a lab, perhaps – that I may have access to.” 19:15:28 [Reymund] *out
19:25:32 Happy stepped down from his personal carriage and onto the curb outside the siamese townhouses with a muffled click of bootheels, a lean cigar hissing between dry lips as a long inhale filled dead lungs and the glow of the cherry cast his ever smiling features in a hellish glow beneath the brim of a low driver’s cap. “Bit down th’street, yeah? Keep’i keen.” The words came out dripping with an accented dialect that sounded like it had been bastardized from some manner of pikeys, but the ears they fell on seemed to understand them well enough; a lump of a man beneath a coachman’s black wool greatcoat was perched atop the seat, a nod of his bullish head revealing his nigh permanent sneer as his assistant went to valet as it were. Jack strolled to the door and gave a knock, waiting patiently with that ever so subtle smile- the smile of a gambler, or a vulture. A few moments would pass before he tried the knob and was allowed entrance, stepping inside and clicking the heavy portal closed gently and so - 19:25:37 Happy - completing the usual ritual he must undertake before being permitted into the Rose Garden establishment. Ambling into the parlor with hands clasped behind his back he peered over the level until he found a destination in an exchange between Elsie and Reymund, a face he had not seen before. Perhaps no sooner than Reymund finished his line of inquiry on the lab, a body had slithered into a seat adjacent to his- the one farthest from the flames of the hearth. The gaze leveled on the man was truly intense, bordering on electric in their pale hue but disturbed by something…unsettling would be an appropriate term, though it did not translate into intimidation. “’Demystifying’ ittn’ a verrah fun word, issit?” Happy Jack’s sly smile spread a bit, exaggerated by the jagged, permant grin running back to greet his ears as he let the question hang before flitting his attention over to Elsie. “’Ello, Elz.” A wink, that wicked grin growing again. 19:38:30 [Elsie] A part of her hated the enthusiastic response that Reymund had. That he was so into the situation yet, he wasn’t as jaded as she was. He was new . He was here with open eyes. He was young in more ways than one. She wanted to tell him the truth. The darkness that existed out there. The pain. The loss. And beyond. The creatures that didn’t care for humanity. They were in it for themselves. Not to help humanity. She expelled a breath of air through pursed lips, while her tea remained ignored. “You will find as you go forth that we are not the species people want to survive. That others find themselves and see themselves as superior.” Elsie took a moment as she fought away old ghosts. Memories of ancestors that had engrained into her mind over time. “You have a modern preclusion to studying such things. And it’s wonderful that -- 19:38:39 [Elsie] you do. I hope you find your way, Master Sanders. For if that were the way it truly was, we should all be happy, yes?” Elsie was more than distracted by a number of things. It was always hard interviewing the new. They had such ideals. Such dreams. It was then her attention turned to the new comer into the room, her gaze lingering on the Ghoul, Happy. She didn’t’ look away. Not with fear or any manifestation of a type, but accepted him for who, for what he was. A smile deemed to play across her lips as she motioned toward the introduction between them all. Words and names given. She let others meet, expression themselves while she took another sip of tea. 19:44:34 [Reymund] Whatever suave veneer Rey had been wearing vanished at the sight of a desiccated corpse of a man sat down nearby and spoke to him. His mouth dropped open, worked on a reply, but managed only a weak clicking sound. “I...” The china cup chattered softly against the saucer in his hands. His eyes darted left and right, as if he were trying to decide if this was some kind of joke. “I...” The noise in his throat turned into a strangled sort of laugh. “I beg your pardon?” Reymund finally managed, looking to Madame Buchanan for some kind of explanation or perhaps even just proof that he wasn't losing his mind. Her nonplussed response to the ghoul's entrance set his heart jack-hammering against his narrow ribcage. “Are you... not... alive?” Such eloquence. At the same time, his hands were working of their own volition and withdrawing a battered notebook and pencil from his bag. “Forgive me. Notes. This is incredible.” 19:58:09 Happy was radiating the sort of confidence normally only found in those who choose to play poker in the dark. As the cup and saucer began to clatter out a jaunty tune of fear, the ghoul simply watched and held what passed as composure for a shark. The man seemed to be rethinking his somewhat flippant position taken only moments before now, faced with what was certainly a face only a mother could love. Reymund finally spat out a question that lacked in his earlier eloquence and Happy indicated a flourish of his hand to indicate the man take notes at his leisure when he began to take notes. Squinting and rubbing his chin with a hand cased in leather he gave the illusion of a philosophical slant. “Well, ah’s’pose it’d all depen’ on whachye call ‘life’, assi’were, aye? Y’have t’either broaden yer definition o’th’word, ‘else specify if y’desire ah’biological approach or one’ah philosophy, in m’own opinion.” Unfiltered smoke leaked from his nostrils and mouth as he spoke, the sort of tongue it was easy to get - 19:58:11 Happy - lost in. Here he paused, eyes flitting to Elsie for a moment as the slyness returned to his features, and his gaze returned to Reymund. “An’ y’self? Are y’alive?”