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March 11, 1999 |
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The image of Merlin says "Where are you?"
To the image of Merlin, Pestilence says "I'm at the Sun. Just outside of Elbridge."
The image of Merlin looks thoughtful, then nods. Merlin grasps her hand and she pulls him through.
Elbridge...
Pestilance stands on a pile of rubble and nods towards the north and then towards the cottage to the north east.
Merlin looks around. "Pleasant place."
"There was an explosion, obviously. I was away. The Club is gone, any residents in the woods. In time the radiation will effect the town to the east."
Merlin says "Kids shouldn't play with nukes, obviously."
Pestilence smirks and crosses her arms. "The favor."
Merlin says "And that is?"
"Stone has been arrested and is being held by the chaos ministry. Would you take me there to I might chat with him?"
Merlin says "That's it. You want me to take you to Chaos."
"Yes. Simple enough. I also would ask that you makes sure I get in to see him."
Merlin laughs. "Can't do that."
"Either?"
Merlin says "Taking you to Chaos, yes. Getting you into the Ministry of Justice? No. That's your own problem."
She studies him, "And you won't help me. Or you can't?"
Merlin says "I won't, because I don't trust you to not do something stupid like, say, break him out, and I can't because I have no more sway with the Ministry of Justice than you do."
Pestilence wrinkles her brow, "I have no reason to lie to you. Nor do I wish to 'break him out'. As far as I know he did what he is in prison for. He deserves whatever punishment... He needs to know what has happened. I need to know what he intends to do here. That is all."
Merlin says "And why are you doing this, not Yo? What's your angle?"
"We are the same now. And I don't deal in angles."
Merlin wrinkles his nose. "You and she are not the same. You are an invader in her body."
"Will you help or not."
Merlin says "I can get you to Chaos. The rest is up to you."
"Fair enough."
Merlin says "Oh, and whoever you gave my trump to? Get it back."
She nods, "It will be returned to me. You have my word, Corey"
Merlin says "Good. Make sure Yo knows to show it to me."
"I will makes sure you see it."
Merlin says "Anything else?"
Yosannah shakes her head once. "No."
Merlin says "Then you're on your way."
...passing through Shadow...
You find yourself in a warmish cell of stone, bars on the sole exit to the room. A comfortable mattress with blankets and numerous pillow sare set against one wall and the neccesary plumbing fixtures against another. Newspapers and cans of Diet Coke are scattered about as are several books and flower arrangements.
Yosannah enters the cell. The door is closed and locked behind her.
Stone is staring off a bit, eyes glazed as she enters. A Diet Coke is in his hand and the shades he is wearing are normal, not ice.
Pestilence runs a finger down the wall, "I imagine you must be going crazy here."
Stone then looks at you, "Hey. I have enough problems, so if you're here to try to kill me, the line forms on the right."
Yosannah laughs, "Killing you was never my intent."
Stone smirks, "I don't know if that makes me feel better or not! I was sick for two weeks!"
Her lips curl in a smirk, "Well, I was successful then. At least now I have your attention." She nods at the news paper at his feet, "Your little shadow. Do those papers come from 'home'?"
Stone glances down and nods, "Mm Hmm."
"Then you know that *you* have caused much destruction." She smirks "Even from your cell."
Stone smirks in return, "Some would say I haven't even started."
"I would know your plans?"
Stone says "Well, the short version is I hope that everyone will see the light and let me go. Then I start to track down people that thought they could mess around while I was gone."
"To that end, I would offer my assistance."
Stone raises an eyebrow, "In what fashion? And for what price? You gonna make me sick again"
Yosannah smiles wickedly, "You fashion yourself a joker. Well, that is a simplistic way of understanding me. I imagined you were more intelligent then that."
Stone smiles, "Dumb as a post, I am. So you want to go make people sick for me hey, feel free. Knock yourself out."
Yosannah laughs, "Hardly. I am not asking to serve you. I only serve one."
Stone says "So what do you want, then?"
"Your home is now my home. It's really as simple as that. I suggest a pairing of sorts."
Stone ahs, "See, I told you there was a price." He taps his head, "I know the score. So, what can I provide?"
"Nothing. I don't want anything from you. I don't want your help. I don't want your *interference* either."
Stone smiles, "That's a price as well. Your friends going to get into the fray too?"
"My *friends* have nothing to do with this."
Stone nods, "Fair enough. Well then, I'll tell my people to lay off you so long as you lay off the powers that be in the Sun."
Yosannah nods, "Your people should include all members of your ex-club."
Stone chuckles, "It's not quite ex yet. I'll let them all know, though Damen might not listen to me. Scratch that, Damen never listens to me."
Yosannah hmphs and stands, "Well, then, there is no agreement." She smiles thoughtfully.
Stone shrugs, "Sorry to hear that."
"I imagine you will be." Pestilence departs without word.
Felsham Hall: Banished Sun...
Here one finds the large, open entry of Felsham Hall. The double stairs that wind up each side of the room, up to the next floor, are richly carpeted in red, the bannisters clad in gold. A chandelier hangs above the center of the room, the candle-light casting twilit shadows in a warm embrace.
Marissa smiles warmly. "Hello... welcome to the Hall."
Pestilence peers inside as she slowly opens the door. She returns your smile and feigns concern, "I was concerned... that horrible explosion. Are you well?"
Marissa nods... "Come in, come in. Please."
Pestilence closes the door behind her. She glances about the room casually. "You are well then, that is good."
Marissa nods, "I'm fine... I've spent enough time in the Courts that I can easily adapt to such problems."
Pestilence studies the woman, silently for a moment, "Not everyone has been so lucky."
Marissa nods... "So I've gathered... are you well?"
"Yes." But she seems more interested in her surroundings then in her own well being. Eventually, she holds out her hand, "Yosannah."
Marissa places her hand in hers, and squeezes gently as the fingers wrap around.
"Marissa. Please... come to the sitting room?"
She nods and waits to follow.
Marissa smiles warmly. "Can I offer you a drink?"
"Water. Please." Marissa nods, stepping behind the bar, and pouring a glass. "Certainly."
"Marissa," She watches as the woman pours, "Are you the owner of this place."
Marissa nods... "Yes, I am," she says, pouring a glass of cola for herself. "It's... comfortable."
"You're alone?"
Marissa nods. "I have a few servants... the occasional guest... but yes."
Pestilence nods but then offers, "I came here for a reason."
Marissa nods... "Sit, be comfortable, we can discuss it."
Pestilence smiles casually and does so. "I have lived in this town for many years." She takes the water and nods in thanks, "And the occurrence at the Club has given me cause to worry."
Marissa nods... "It was indeed centered around the club, then?"
"Most definitely. In fact, I spoke with Stone but a few hours ago and he admitted it!" She says this as if shocked by her own words.
Marissa blinks... "He did? Whatever /for/????"
Pestilence shakes her head, "He did not do it. But he admits that he is the cause."
Marissa says "Did he say why?"
Pestilence seems surprised at the question, "Why?" She shakes her head, "Believe me, Marissa. Stone has been a dear friend for many many years... but he has more enemies then the crowns of both Amber and Chaos combined. Such violence. At whose expense?" She asks of Marissa, "At our expense."
Marissa nods. "Indeed... at ours, and that of our neighbors..."
Yosannah sips her water and sits back "You see my point. It's all so disturbing..."
Marissa nods... "Indeed..."
"I have not been to see Dr. Greenmoon, but I'd imagine that she will have the same concern for our community that 'we' seem to have. It is something to consider. Something that we as a town might wish to discuss together."
Marissa nods... "I agree... but I do not see that there is much we can do. It has already happened."
"But there is much we can do to insure our futures are protected." She sits forward again. "Many close friends have died because of Stone's personal qualms. Past and present... and that poor girl that lived in that cottage." She sighs.
Marissa nods... "Yeah... but what can we do about it? Make him leave the country?"
Yosannah shrugs, "I don't know. He is my friend, but a business man first. And who knows if he will even be released at this point. That is why I think the town needs to discuss this together.It can't hurt to talk, can it?"
Marissa nods. "You're right. Something has to be done."
Pestilence exhales and considers for a moment. She finishes her water and sets the glass aside. "Marissa. I should be going. I don't want to be away from the Inn for too long. I'd hate for something to happen while I'm gone.. riots and the like..." She moves to stand, "I will chat with Dr. Greenmoon. Maybe gather some insight from her." She smiles.
Marissa mmms softly. "It's been a pleasure to meet with you, at least... even if the circumstances aren't quite the best..."
Petilence reaches out for her hand, "Likewise."
Marissa accepts it, smiling, and squeezes warmly. "Come and visit again sometime."
"I will. I'll show myself out. Thank you again for the conversation."
Marissa nods. "Thank /you/."