Victorian Times RP [The RP Begins -- Applications Open] FREEFORM

[xJOFLx]

((I have no clue about Victorian times, and have no idea how to fit in, but i'm thinking of joining. :) ))

[littlesunshine123xx]

So I've been on my own since then. It's a nice enough life, better than a sweatshop." He reached over to pour more tea, and was slightly startled to find the pot empty and his hands shaking.

"Oh you are so brave. I could never be like you, one day in London and I am already fainting and arguing." Millie said laughing. "I dont no how I am going to cope if I'm honest. I am not meant to be here, it was all a mistake. God i've relaised how childish I have been running away from home. It wasnt even for a good reason, not like yours. But I cant go back, not now. Not with him coming next week!" Millie said slamming her teacup down. "You see there comes a time in your life when you fall in love. You put your trust and hopes all in one person and they mean everything to you. However sometimes the people that love us, are the ones to hurt us the most. I was in love with someone for most of my life and I found out yestersday he is to be wed. A dreadful shock to me, but what is worse is he is not marrying out of love, but only for her status. Do you see now why I hate status . I foolishly ran away from home when I heard the news. I couldnt bare the embrassement of my parents trying to console me. And what is worse is that he is to visit our house next week. I knew I couldnt stand to see him and so I guessed it would be better to leave. I guess all this shows how foolish i really have been." Millie said pulling a hankerchief to her eyes and dabbing them.

[FurryPanda]

Thomas swallowed. He really hoped she wouldn't start bawling; he'd be blamed for it. He reached for one of the crumpets that had jsut arrived, and buttered it slowly while he said carefully, "So, you left home, because of your lover, who you don't even see regularly? And you had a week, and you didn't even pack an overcoat or more money? No offense intended Miss, but that's not the best way to start."

He finished buttering the crumpet and ate it, a bit quicker than was polite, but then again he hadn't eaten yet that day. "What are you going to do now?"

[littlesunshine123xx]

He finished buttering the crumpet and ate it, a bit quicker than was polite, but then again he hadn't eaten yet that day. "What are you going to do now?"

"I dont know if i am honest, I really dont no. Prehaps i should go home. I just...I enjoy the freedom i've had today. The freedom to go where I want and talk to who I want. If my mother knew I was here with you...well I think she would faint. I havent felt like this since boarding school. Maybe its selfish of me I know my mother well prehaps not her, but my father shall be worrying about me, but i would like to stay a little longer. I would like to visit a friend, you said you would help me find her home. Look at the time" Millie said looking at the clock in the corner. "We should be heading of before nightfall."
Millie raised from her seat and walked over to the counter. A young pleasant looking girl was serving, she had a cheery smile and a kind face.
"How much do I owe you" Millie asked the girl on the counter.
"10 shillings mam" The girl said and with that Millie put down 12 shilling (she always tipped) and went on her way.

[FurryPanda]

((Atropa and littlesunshine123xx I don't think they were in the bakery, and I am going to act under the assumption that they aren't... because tea room =/= bakery, by any stretch of the imagination and nothing that was described could even introduce doubt.))

Millie got up to pay, and Thomas slid out of the booth to wait for her. A few people stared at him, so he smiled and waved cheekily, then went to wait outside- it had stopped raining.

[littlesunshine123xx]

((OOC: I thought that in erm one of Amanda post she was talking to Thomas (the one where she gave out the tea and corncakes) just got a tad confused.Tell you what to stop it getting confusing i shall just edit my post and then they can just be in a tearoom and maybe go the bakery afterwards)

[FurryPanda]

((OOC: Or we can jsuta ssume we weren't in the bakery as originally planned/seen, as it would (seem to me to) be really out of charachter both for Amanda to ignore Thomas and for Benjamin to have not noticed the oddness of people in different classes hanging out, and for the bakery to be crowded with upper class women and children. If you answer this, edit previous post plz))

[littlesunshine123xx]

((OOC: Well i sorted it now, so it alright :)

Millie stepped out on the cobbled street of London. On the other side of the street there was a bakery. There was a beautiful aroma of delicious cakes and bread waffling towards Millie from the bakery. "Thomas do you mind if we just step inside that bakery for a moment" Millie asked him, pointing to the other side of the street "We could pick up something nice for our journey to my friends." Millie added with a grin and quickly made her way inside the bakery. It had began to rain outside again and she was glad to enter into the warmth of the bakery. There was hundreds of delicious cakes of all kinds in front of her, even some chocolate and bread. Millie had learned had the art of bakery at her boarding school, she loved to bake but she hardly had the time at home. Or her mother wouldnt allow her. She would buy something delicious for Thomas, maybe a bag of something to last him a few days. He deserved it after all, having the hard life he did. Plus he had helped her today even when he hadnt need to. She was nothing to do with him, he could have simply walked away from her. However he hadnt and Millie admired him for that and would like to give something back for all his generiosity.

[FurryPanda]

"Thomas do you mind if we just step inside that bakery for a moment"

Thomas grinned, "Nope, I don't mind at all. That's the place I was telling you about earlier." He walked inside and waved at Amanda. There was a tallish fellow sitting at one of the tables eating a muffin, so Thomas indescively decided to wait for Millie to order before he sat down. He doubted that the other two tables would fill up too quickly.

[littlesunshine123xx]

Thomas grinned, "Nope, I don't mind at all. That's the place I was telling you about earlier." He walked inside and waved at Amanda. There was a tallish fellow sitting at one of the tables eating a muffin, so Thomas indescively decided to wait for Millie to order before he sat down. He doubted that the other two tables would fill up too quickly.

Millie found a place the nearest table, Thomas was still at the counter looking at all the delicious goods. Millie went to slip off her coat, but looked down at the bottom of her dress and thought different. Her dress was ruined for sure. She had been neat and tidy this morning and now must look a ruin. Her hair had came loose from her bun and was hanging losely down her back.
She busied herself thinking of the delicious food she could order. There was a small vase of flowers on the table. They where cheery colours of yellow and orange. Millie began to rearrange the flowers, smelling them as she did and smiling.


((OOC; edited it so allow others to rp. But others feel free to RP :) )))

[littlesunshine123xx]

((OOC: yeah I agree, i changed the post anyway so that now u are both doing whatever you want and Innocence character is still doing whatever she was doing before. You can slap me if u want rofl)) :handbag:

[FurryPanda]

((Lol at screen of deleted posts :). And I wouldn't slap you sunshine... *poke* *giggle* OK, im done.))

Thomas sat down next to Millie and waited patiently for Amanda to notice them. He noticed that she wouldn't take off her jacket. He didn't quite get what her problem was, the bakery was pleasantly warm and she wasn't dressed that badly. He didn't say anything, just sat and enjoyed the warmth and the sweet smells emnating form behind the counter.

((approachable))

[funheart00]

((ooc;; Sorry I was gone for those three days or so :( Our internet got cut off, trusting it *sigh* Anyhows, I've had a scan through, and there doesn't seem to be -many- problems, except all those deleted posts :P
Iilly: We'd love to have you. There aren't that many fixed rules, but it might help to go to Wiki to help or search Google :) anyhow it's fairly easy, and everyone here is ... nice :P))

24 hours until Night falls ...

[littlesunshine123xx]

((OOC: wasnt it afternoon anyway :blink: lol))

Thomas sat down next to Millie and waited patiently for Amanda to notice them. He noticed that she wouldn't take off her jacket. He didn't quite get what her problem was, the bakery was pleasantly warm and she wasn't dressed that badly. He didn't say anything, just sat and enjoyed the warmth and the sweet smells emnating form behind the counter.

"Oh hello" Millie said looking up at Thomas. "You decided what you want yet? Its all to delicious to choose, dont you think? Wonder why its so empty, not like the food or service isnt good. That man next to us hasnt moved in the last few minutes. Most be writing a letter to a love one I suppose." Millie laughed at looked at the man next to her (Benjamin).

[funheart00]

((ooc;; Edited. No sleep for three days over new year isn't a good idea :| ... I'm gonna leave afternoon there for another day anyhow to let people wrap things up :)))

[littlesunshine123xx]

((OOC: No the feeling i been sick for the past week and drinking to much on news year didnt help lol. ))

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: *jumps up and down* Please give me chance to reply to that, guys. :D I've had such trouble tapping into poor Benjamin, but sunshine's post just inspired me. And it doesn't seem innoscent will have a chance to respond, so I'll go with the 24 hour rule.... If you don't mind him overhearing Millie, of course? *s* Anyway, need to eat first.)))

[littlesunshine123xx]

((ooc:do watever u want i dont mind))

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: Sorry to GM, innoscent, but it's been almost 48 hours since my last RP post, so...)))


Concentrating had always come easily to Benjamin. When overcome by inspiration. He could sit in a room filled with people, buzzing conversations and music, and not hear one single sound beside the words of poetry forming in his mind. Sometimes it would take his friends several attempts of talking to him to get his attention.
However, lately, it seemed to him that fate would cruelly leave him completely drained of inspiration, with nothing to write. That in turn left him quite easily distracted. He failed to realize that what drained him of his inspiration was not fate, but he himself. His ever growing tendencies to surrender himself to his vices were getting increasingly powerful. At first, his use of opium and absinthe had merely been a way to become inspired, but lately it had all spiralled into an addiction that left him favouring the company of the dragon and the green fairy, over the simple company of his creativity.
The main problem was, that was not the way he saw it himself. To him, the problem was the solution, and not vice versa; his inspiration was draining, and opium and alcohol would bring it back, and allow him to write his greatest masterpiece yet.
He just had to sit down, and write. And since he didn't seem to be able to do it in his room, he would now try to do it here, in the warm and cozy bakery, where the sweet smell of freshly baked goods hung thick in the air.

With the young shop keeper returning to the counter to fetch the rest of the things he had asked her for, Benjamin tried to straighten the papers infront of him yet again, and then grabbed his pencil, ready for it to work it's magic. Determined to try and focus, he reached for one of the muffins and took a slow, contemplative bite to silence his grumbling stomach. He was so deep in thought that when the brittle tinkling of the bell at the door sounded once again, he barely heard it. It wasn't until he sensed someone looking at him that he glanced up ever so briefly, and only then did his eyes register the newcomers.
A most odd duo, they made. A young woman, perhaps a year or to younger than himself, had entered in the company of an even younger boy. With her dark golden although somewhat messy locks and her seemingly rather fancy coat, it was clear to Benjamin that she was of a completely different social status than the boy, who looked as though he was one of those that the oh-so-proper and pretentious city folk would refer to as "unfortunates".
And odd duo indeed. Which was why they earned a second glance from Benjamin. Had they just been any two similarly dressed people, he wouldn't bothered to give them even a second glance. Not even when registering the brief look the boy gave him before sitting down at one of the other tables. Benjamin was used to people looking at him. But as long as there wasn't something in their eyes or their manners that drew out his mischiveous side, he would often leave them alone.
And so after the vaguely amused tug at the corner of his mouth - the one concieved by the sight of yet another contrast - had faded, he returned to his so far non-existant writings.

Until...
As the young lady moved to take her seat next to the boy, Benjamin couldn't help but overhear her comment.

"That man next to us hasnt moved in the last few minutes. Most be writing a letter to a love one I suppose."

At those words, and the softly resounding laugh that followed, Benjamin looked up. And smiled. An open and charming smile on the outside, one filled with sarcasm on the inside.

"As a matter of fact, I am", he said, his lie laced with the sound of complete sincerity. "I am writing a letter to my most beloved Andrew. But alas, I find myself struggling with the words, for I fear I am not as much of a romantic as he is."

And with that, he returned to gazing at the empty paper infront of him, forcing yet another smile of amusement from his lips. It had only been a few years since homosexual 'relations' had ceased to be a crime punishable by death, and ever the provocateur, Benjamin was quite intrigued to see what reactions his statement would recieve.

[littlesunshine123xx]

As a matter of fact, I am", he said, his lie laced with the sound of complete sincerity. "I am writing a letter to my most beloved Andrew. But alas, I find myself struggling with the words, for I fear I am not as much of a romantic as he is."

"You speak so openly for something so serious. If it is indeed the truth, why would you bother telling two mere strangers your business. A business that could land you in serious trouble, No? Now if it is indeed the truth, I cannot speak on my friends half" Millie told the man archly and gestured towards Thomas. "But I am not the sort to make it my business, and you'll have no bother with me. But if I am right in guessing. Which I am almost certain I am, your lying to me! Are you not?" She smirked and raised her eyebrow. One thing that set Millie aside from the other girls of her class, was that she wasnt just a pretty face, but had sense and good judgement.

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: Might not make a different, as it's up to you what your character knows about laws and punishment, but you did note that I mentioned that homosexual relations is no longer a crime punishable by death (abolished in 1835 in England, according to my sources), right? And so he wouldn't recieve a death sentence. :) )))

[littlesunshine123xx]

((OOC: Rofl when i read u one i thought you said crime punishable by death, didnt see the ceased, i changed it anyway to getting in serious trouble lol : :trix: ))

[FurryPanda]

Thomas winced visibly. He had never interacted with any of the people who would pursue thier own gender, but he had heard about it. He hoped Millie's guess that the guy was lying was accurate, he would very much want to leave if it wasn't. Wealth or no wealth a bum was a bum, at least in Thomas's opinion. The hypocrisy of that did not occur to him for a moment as he scooted a bit closer to Millie and glared breifly at the guy at the other table.

[innoscenteyes]

((ooc: I am soo sorry guys. I justhave so much going on and I am trying to get a job, so this is all kinda frying my mind a the moment.))

Amanda went to the counter to get the rest of the stuff for the boy. She was just about to return to his table when the bell chimed. A smile appeared on her face as she saw it was Thomas, this time occompanied by a young women. She was happy to see he had some friends.

Gentally she set the tea pot and bread on the table.

"Here you go sir." Then she turned to Thomas and the young women.

"Hello Thomas. What may I get you two this evening?"

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: Alrighty. :) )))


Being a young man with a talent for drawing out the uglier sides of people, often by revealing his own, Benjamin rarely found himself to be surprised by them. He had come face to face with most reactions; hurt, amusement, confusion, sadness, bewilderment, interest, and most of all; anger and offense. The times when someone had managed to take him by surprise had been few, and far apart.
Now, while saying he was surprised by Millie's response would be an overstatement, it certainly wasn't one he had anticipated;

"You speak so openly for something so serious", she said. "If it is indeed the truth, why would you bother telling two mere strangers your business. A business that could land you in serious trouble, No? Now if it is indeed the truth, I cannot speak on my friends half. But I am not the sort to make it my business, and you'll have no bother with me. But if I am right in guessing. Which I am almost certain I am, your lying to me! Are you not?"

A fine young lady such as her... He would've expected her to be polite, and not show such an appalling lack of manners, calling him a liar and whatnot. Even if one thought someone to be a liar, few would go as far as to make the actual accusation, especially if this someone was a perfect stranger, a person whom you had never previously met. It was an insult like no other, and could only have been uttered for two reasons; either she did indeed belong with the boy, as manners was something that was hardly taught on the streets, and so she didn't know any better. Or, she was looking to anger him. However if that was the case, she would be very disappointed.

"My dear girl", Benjamin said, smiling vaguely, not failing to notice the way her friend had winced at his words, as it was more like the kind of reaction he had expected to see. "If I'm not mistaken, you already did make it your business. It was your assumption that lead me to comment, was it not? And what exactly is it that you suggest I'm revealing? I was merely telling you about the letter of sampled poetry that I'm sending to a dear friend and highly esteemed colleague of mine."

After all, despite having left an indication for his words to be percieved in a certain way, in doing so he had also been vague enough to leave things more than wide open to interpretation.

[littlesunshine123xx]

"My dear girl", Benjamin said, smiling vaguely. "If I'm not mistaken, you already did make it your business. It was your assumption that lead me to comment, was it not? And what exactly is it that you suggest I'm revealing? I was merely telling you about the letter of sampled poetry that I'm sending to a dear friend and highly esteemed colleague of mine."

"Sir do not be insulted by my comment. There was no real harm in it, I assure you. However my assumptions towards your letter wasnt for your ears. Prehaps you were also in the wrong for listening into conversation you ought not to. That said, I am deeply sorry if i have insulted or offended you in any possible way. But prehaps you should not joke about such serious matters sir. I did not find it offence but others may have done." Millie replied and looked at the man, her face still calm with the slight sign of smugness. Millie then looked up at the baker woman (dont no the name for it lol) who was talking to Thomas. She smiled at her and waited for Thomas to order.

[AtropaMandragora]

(((Okay, it's kind of hard to elaborate when the post I'm replying to is 90% conversation, so... this will be alot shorter than my usual posts. Sorry.)))


Benjamin simply revelled in the moment. Despite it's shortness, the conversation had already allowed him to toy with words in a way that he found most amusing. And now, the young lady was following the path he had laid out for her. However, he hid his amusement well, never once letting the mischief show in his eyes, nor in his smile.

"Sir do not be insulted by my comment", Millie said, yet there was a certain smugness still lingering on her fair features. "There was no real harm in it, I assure you. However my assumptions towards your letter wasnt for your ears. Prehaps you were also in the wrong for listening into conversation you ought not to. That said, I am deeply sorry if i have insulted or offended you in any possible way. But prehaps you should not joke about such serious matters sir. I did not find it offence but others may have done."

At that, Benjamin's eyebrows furrowed momentarily, in a look of slight confusion.

"Miss, I'm afraid your words make little sense to me. One moment you apologize for possibly offending me, yet in the next you suggest I was making a joke. I'm sorry, Miss, but how could I be offended by your response if I made a joke? And what joke exactly is it that you think I made? The nature of my words has been most serious."

[FurryPanda]

Thomas wasn't at all amused by the fellow talking to Millie, he looked like he had crawled out of an opium den and not bathed for days afterward. Or maybe Thomas was just being a little bit paranoid, he couldn't decide and didn't think it was worth the effort of figuring out.

Amanda had come over in the meantime to ask what he wanted that day. He glanced helplessly at Millie she was paying after all, but blurted out, "One of the pound cakes, and some bread and tea and chocolate, if you have any."

[littlesunshine123xx]

"I'm afraid your words make little sense to me. One moment you apologize for possibly offending me, yet in the next you suggest I was making a joke. I'm sorry, Miss, but how could I be offended by your response if I made a joke? And what joke exactly is it that you think I made? The nature of my words has been most serious."

"Sir your the one who is confusing the matter. You joked before if i am not mistaken you were writing a letter to your beloved boyfriend and then next you say it is your dear old friend. Sir I am sorry for offending you, but if you where honest in the first place in who you really where writing to then you wouldnt be getting upset as you are now." Millie replied and arched her eyebrows, her face haunty.
She disliked people who where not open and honest. She couldnt put her finger on it but something about this man anger her, but yet enthralled her. She wanted to be laugh and shout at the same time, but decided on neither and kept her smug grin.
She turned to Thomas and smiled. "Should keep us full for the rest of the journey, all that food. You look like you havent eaten for days."

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: Furry - *lmao* I love that description of Ben! :lol: )))

[FurryPanda]

((OOC: Thanx, I had fun writing it))

The fellow at the other table had in the mean time answered Millie "Miss, I'm afraid your words make little sense to me. One moment you apologize for possibly offending me, yet in the next you suggest I was making a joke. I'm sorry, Miss, but how could I be offended by your response if I made a joke? And what joke exactly is it that you think I made? The nature of my words has been most serious." Thomas turned away from Amanda for a second, this was getting him a bit worked up.

Millie had answered him in the mean time and Thomas merely slouched back in his chair, and instead of saying somethig nasty he nodded at Millie. "What she said." He said under his breath, but still clearly audible. Before either one of the other people in the bakery could respond to what even Thomas realized was a shockingly rude display, Millie said, "Should keep us full for the rest of the journey, all that food. You look like you havent eaten for days."

He smiled ruefully at that and responded blandly, "I get enough Miss." He had already been incredibly rude, it wouldn't happen again.

[AtropaMandragora]

"Sir your the one who is confusing the matter", the young lady replied, with a somewhat insistant tone in her voice. "You joked before if i am not mistaken you were writing a letter to your beloved boyfriend and then next you say it is your dear old friend."

At that, Benjamin's both eyebrows arched upward in a look of surprise, as if those were words that were completely unfamiliar to him.

"Sir I am sorry for offending you," the young lady continued, "but if you where honest in the first place in who you really where writing to then you would be getting upset as you are now."

Yet again Benjamin quirked a brow, though this time it was only one, giving him a look of silent inquiry. Though as always was the case with him, he could only be silent for so long.
However, the boy beside the young lady interjected just as he opened his mouth to speak.

"What she said", he muttered, nodding at his friend.

Benjamin offered him a glance, and had to surpress the smile that threatened to spread on his lips. This was turning out to be quite entertaining. He had manage to get to them both, only in different ways.

"Upset, am I?" he said, sounding just as calm as before, and turned his gaze back to the young lady despite the fact that she had turned hers away from him and was now speaking to the boy.

Another show of her lack of manners, turning away without giving the person to whom she was speaking a chance to reply before starting up another conversation with someone else.

"Again I'm afraid you're mistaken, Miss. I've simply been wondering what it is that you think I said. Now I know. And please, do allow me to correct you. I never spoke of a... 'boyfriend'. I spoke of a friend and a collegue who happens to be very dear to me. But not in the way you are suggesting."

He waved a hand aimlessly in the air, in a gesture saying that he was willing to accept part of the responsibility for this 'misunderstanding', even though it really had been created by him. With a little help from the knowledge of what assumptions would be made if he expressed himself in a certain way. Though it was hardly something he would confess here and now.

"Perhaps I was a bit careless with my choice of words", he added generously. "Though it never occured to me anyone might jump to such scandalous conclusions. If I did indeed give you and your friend the wrong impression, I am truely sorry. Do accept my humble apologies."

[FurryPanda]

Thomas had no intention of not eavesdropping, even if he was going to do his best not to snap again. He had conceived an irrational dislike of the guy and was a bit ashamed of it. He wondered if there was an entire other set of things being said that he wasn't picking up on. The fellow seemed to be at least five years older than Thomas, and if he was writing then he probably had a better education. Thomas toyed for a moment with his shirt collar. He was probably being harsh. He wasn't planning on doing anything about it though.

[spiderviveka_SC]

Name: Gretchen Richter
Age: 15
Class: working class
Occupation: thief
Bio: Gretchen was the only survivor of four children. One brother was lost to a factory accident, the other died of diphtheria. Her older sister hanged her self on christmas morning. Gretchen was orphaned at age eleven when her parents were killed in a robbery and has been living on the streets ever since. She has become a skilled thief, pickpocket, and scam artist. Though she really has a charming personality once you get to know her.
Picture:

http://i169.photobucket.com/albums/u226/spiderviveka/Screenshot-5.jpg

[littlesunshine123xx]

Upset, am I?" he said, sounding just as calm as before, and turned his gaze back to the young lady despite the fact that she had turned hers away from him and was now speaking to the boy.

"Again I'm afraid you're mistaken, Miss. I've simply been wondering what it is that you think I said. Now I know. And please, do allow me to correct you. I never spoke of a... 'boyfriend'. I spoke of a friend and a collegue who happens to be very dear to me. But not in the way you are suggesting."


"Yes i think you are upset. Why else would you want to take out your anger on my friend and I. I think you live a sad and lonely life, with only your creative words to make you happy. As for jumping to conclusions, well I thinks that you wanted us to assume that it was your boyfriend, did you not. Prehaps to cause trouble. I am only suggesting all this, not telling you so don't pretend as though it offends you. How could anything offened such a arrogant, cold and quite frankly exteremly rude." Millie told him harshly.

[funheart00]

Katriona left the bench that she had found herself sitting on for the whole morning, to her dismay, and now, the afternoon sun was slowly begining to fall. Her mistress would not be happy tonight she thought sadly, as she searched through the large wicker basket that she carried on her forearm. Thankfully, it was only the bread that she was yet to collect, and she changed her direction easily, allowing the light cloak to swing slightly behind her.

Gently pushing open the bakery door she headed quickly to the counter, and seeing that the bakery owner, Amanda, wasn't at it, sighed, and skimmed her eyes over the crowd that had gathered into the warmth, seeing Amanda serving another.

She lent back against the counter, waiting for Amanda, her eyes skimming once again over the crowd, offering a slight smile realising that she caught someone's eye.

((... approachable, or you can be the randomer who's eye she caught.

And, thanks for entering spiderviveka, she's added up to the front page :)))

[littlesunshine123xx]

((OOC: dont no if u want 2 funheart but i could approach u because u were my families old maid but you left. Cause u said u worked for a middle class family.
Oh also can u have more than one character. I been thinking about entering another character, but if 2 is to many i will understand :) ))

[Fayreview]

((I have godmodded Julia Into this situation... but i did have permission :)))

Ian smiled up at the sky, he was back in the park where he and Julia had met. She was thankfully only a few feet away from him. Recently he had longed for her to stay close. What it was about her he did not know but he loved spending time with her.

He placed a hand on her arm, feeling the warmth of her skin under the fabric of her sleeve. "It is a beautiful day is it not Julia dearest?"

[Anne_SC]

Julia smiled up at Ian. His touch... how she had longed for that.
"It certainly is now." she said shyly as she moved a finger over his arm.
Seeing his face had lightened up her day. She had so much fun when he took her out for dinner. She had been shining all that evening. She felt a littlebit sad that she had to leave after that beautiful night. And now he was there again, his hand on her arm.
"I had so much fun that night, and I missed you." she whispered in his ear as she moved a little closer, then stepping back a little and smiling at him. She did NOT just say that right?

[AtropaMandragora]

"Yes i think you are upset", the relentless girl insisted. "Why else would you want to take out your anger on my friend and I. I think you live a sad and lonely life, with only your creative words to make you happy."

With every word she uttered, Benjamin's eyes widened a little bit more in complete disbelief. What on earth was the silly girl on about? When described by her, Benjamin couldn't help but think that she had a very strange view of his behaviour. Upset, when he had been calm and soft-spoken all along? Taking his anger out on her and her friend, when all he had done was to simply question her words, and without even raising his voice? He had even apologized - although perhaps not sincerely, but she couldn't know that - and that, to her, seemed like he was making her and the boy victims of his anger?
What a most strange girl...

"As for jumping to conclusions", she continued. "Well I thinks that you wanted us to assume that it was your boyfriend, did you not. Prehaps to cause trouble. I am only suggesting all this, not telling you so don't pretend as though it offends you. How could anything offened such a arrogant, cold and quite frankly exteremly rude."

While she spoke, Benjamin had reached for his cup of tea, and as she finished he took a slow sip, almost as though he was choosing his words carefully before setting the cup down and turning his gaze back to her.

"You, Miss...", he started, his voice soft yet firm. "... would be most wise to take a look into the mirror before you speak so sanctimoniously about other people, for I assure you, you are no saint. In fact, while I have simply been asking questions, explained my choice of words, and apologized for possibly leading your young mind to jump to conclusions, you, my dear girl, have suggested that I commit lewd acts with someone of my own gender, that I've lied to you, that I have been rude and arrogant, and that I have acted out of anger towards you and your friend. None of these accusations I can even begin to fathom. They are completely beyond me."

He shook his head, as though he had no idea how to explain how erratic she seemed to him.

"No, I do belive the rudeness is entirely on your part", he added. "I have apologized for possibly and most unintentionally leading your young mind down the wrong path, and yet here you are, suggesting one ludacrous thing after another. And is it not you, and not me, who turns from the conversation, as though you wish to rob me of my chances of answering your accusations? No matter how silly they are, I do believe I deserve such a chance. And so perhaps it is not me that leads a sad and lonely life, as it seems it is you who are socially inept, and if this is truely the way you intend to behave, I shall no longer bother with you. I have no time for such nonsense."

With that he turned his dark umber gaze back to the paper infront of him, while gently tearing off a small piece from his second muffin and bringing it to his lips. Frankly, he was now bored with the whole conversation, and the thought of introducing himself, after having offered an olive branch in the shape of the apology he had given, had shrivelled up and died in his mind.

[funheart00]

This list is just a reminder to you all who haven't posted an RP post for a bit. It's just a little poke, so don't panic too much as it can be quite hard to jump back in, just a little reminder for you all to try and RP a little bit more. The people with asterics next to their character's name are the people who I haven't heard in the thread for quite a while either, and some of you haven't posted at all. If you wish to drop out, send me a PM :)

Eugenie Alexandria Alabany (slytherin-girl)
*Catrina Clarke/Alyssa Cotton (GeeWayrocks)
Dr Gideon Coyle (Fluid)
Victor Stanbury (Shenanigans)
*Giselle Lather (msp_teen)
*Hannah Miller (Bexstar)
*Julia Crosby (pinkgirl4real)

Edit: slytherin-girl, I know that's the problem, but I'm on my way to attempt to organise an event so all characters can leap in ;)

[Slytherin-Girl]

OOC: I'm sorry! I'll try, but it's kinda hard for an upper class girl to just jump in anywhere *puts on thinking cap* Work dang you *shakes fist*

[innoscenteyes]

After Thomas ordered, she left thier side and went to get what he wanted. Once again the bell above the door had chimed. She looked at see a young women, she didnt get a good look to say of she knew her or not.

"I will be right with you Mam." She said hurrying behind the counter.

She quickly got Thomas' order together and went backto the tale and layed the order down.

"Here you are Thomas. Is there anything else you would like?" Still has happy as ever.

She had heard what theywere saying, but kept to herself about the matter. It was their conversation, and as long as they werent disturbing other consutemers, she wouldnt say anything. Though when she remembered what the boy had said he was writing, she almost chuckled.

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: Added an RP to my previous post)))

[littlesunshine123xx]

((OOC:Slytherin girl i shall be coming 2 ur house soon))

[littlesunshine123xx]

No, I do belive the rudeness is entirely on your part", he added. "I have apologized for possibly and most unintentionally leading your young mind down the wrong path, and yet here you are, suggesting one ludacrous thing after another. And is it not you, and not me, who turns from the conversation, as though you wish to rob me of my chances of answering your accusations? No matter how silly they are, I do believe I deserve such a chance. And so perhaps it is not me that leads a sad and lonely life, as it seems it is you who are socially inept, and if this is truely the way you intend to behave, I shall no longer bother with you. I have no time for such nonsense."


"You speak as though you are 10 years older than me. Do not think because I am young I do not know my mind and what is right. Prehaps i have been rude, but I have apologised more than enough times. But sir prehaps, this disagreement between us would never of happen if you hadnt been earsdropping in the first place. I forgive your faults and rudeness and I hope you forgive mine. But do not dare accuse me of having no manners, or describe me as nonsense.I do not care for your words or what you think of me, but you have judged me wrong sir. Never did i mean to insult or offened you, weither you choose to believe is up to you." Millie said softly and looked at the man trying to make him understand. It was probably all useless saying this to him, for he wouldnt listen but it was true. She was indeed sorry for her rudeness and felt hurt by the man's attitude towards her.

[Fayreview]

"I had so much fun that night, and I missed you." she whispered in his ear as she moved a little closer, then stepping back a little and smiling at him.

Ian gave an inward sigh of pleasure and smiled up at the sky as he bit his lip, it was all he could do to stop himself taking her by the arms and holding her to him. He looked her straight into the eyes and then down at the ground. He glanced up again but found himself smiling so much he had to turn away. This was inconvenient he couldn't even sustain a conversation with this girlthanks to the effect she had over him...

[AtropaMandragora]

Fate had always had a tendency to be quite ironic. And Benjamin had always appreciated it. Even when he himself was a target of the bizarre twists and turns of life, something within him would always appreciate the irony, and amuse him, when to others there would be nothing whatsoever to be amused about.
This was one such occasion, that was so completely filled with irony that he found it difficult not to laugh. He, who had made a habit of being rude to people, was now being accused of that very thing. The ironic part was, he had tried to be quite polite. Not for the sake of being polite, but because it had been a part of his strategy to provoke.

"You speak as though you are 10 years older than me", he heard the girl's soft voice from the other table, but didn't look up. "Do not think because I am young I do not know my mind and what is right. Prehaps i have been rude, but I have apologised more than enough times. But sir prehaps, this disagreement between us would never of happen if you hadnt been earsdropping in the first place. I forgive your faults and rudeness and I hope you forgive mine. But do not dare accuse me of having no manners, or describe me as nonsense. I do not care for your words or what you think of me, but you have judged me wrong sir. Never did i mean to insult or offened you, weither you choose to believe is up to you."

Listening to her many words, Benjamin still didn't make a move that indicated he was about to look at her. Even as he begun to reply he didn't lift his head, but simply kept looking at the paper infront of him while absent-mindedly drawing a few faint lines in one corner.

"This is a small place, Miss. And as yours was the only voice heard in here, it was hard to ignore. If you don't want people to overhear you talking about them, I suggest either whispering, or keeping that all too forward mouth shut altogether. But by all means, if you want to make that fact the cause of this rather unpleasant conversation, then please do."

He tore off yet another piece of muffin and put it in his mouth, and only then did he give her a brief glance, mostly just to make sure he still had her attention.

"However, if you do not care about my words and my opinion, why does it matter that I dare say you have no manners? For as far as I can see, you do not. But if I am indeed wrong, and you do have manners, I regret to inform you that I believe you have temporarily misplaced them."

[littlesunshine123xx]

"However, if you do not care about my words and my opinion, why does it matter that I dare say you have no manners? For as far as I can see, you do not. But if I am indeed wrong, and you do have manners, I regret to inform you that I believe you have temporarily misplaced them."

"I have manners for those who have manners for me. You are the most frustrating being i have ever meet. Even now as i speak to you, you do not look at me properly. Oh you vex me! I apologise and you shun it, I argue my case and you just argue back." Millie cried angrily. She hadnt got this angry in a while. But all the thoughts of her parents and then of her cousin came back to her. She looked at the cold face of the man and wanted to dearly to strangle him. However Millie showed none of this, she composed her anger after her outburst and keep her face calm and smiled. She gently poured out the tea for her and Thomas, doing her best to ignore the man opposite. But every now again she would sneak a peek or watch him in the corner of her eye. Wishing he would choke on his muffin.

[funheart00]

((ooc;; *lmao* I see Ben has made the best first impressions Atropa. "Wishing he would choke on his muffin" ... ah, only met him for five minutes and making death wishes :P))

[AtropaMandragora]

(((*lol* Yeah, that and Furry's description had me giggling. But indeed, he is a prick, so who can blame them? :D )))

[littlesunshine123xx]

((ooc: had me in stitches writing it lol.))

[FurryPanda]

Thomas was avidly watching the byplay, and attempting to at least try to be discrete, but he was failing at it. He had already decided not to get involved, even though he was tempted by then to go over and hit the fellow for being rude to Millie. Most of the time Thomas was very calm about things going on around him, especially if it wasn't specifically directed AT him, but he could hardly stand to sit and watch someone bother a lady.

He merely cut two generous slices of cake, one for him and one for Millie and waited. He decided right then that if circumstances permitted he would pick the man's pocket; rudeness to a lady was unforgivable, even if the guy looked like the sort of opium addled oddity that Thomas tried not to offend most of the time. They usually had braver freinds than he did.

[Anne_SC]

He didn't say anything, and she understood. She felt the same way, but didn't look at something else, to make the feeling stop. She wanted him to hold her. Even though that would be so strange. She had just met him, but all pieces just fell in it's place when she heard his voice, saw his face.
Then she gathered all her courage and spoke.
"I like you Ian. I know it's strange, because I've only met you, but I really like you. I feel so happy around you." And now comes the part where he tells me he doesn't feel the same way, that he has a wife and three kids. That his name isn't really Ian...

[AtropaMandragora]

"I have manners for those who have manners for me", the girl started, apparently refusing to let Benjamin have the final word.

And while it all did sound like the beginning of another tirade of accusations thrown at him - something which only moments ago he had shown himself quite unresponsive to - there was another game forming in his head already; one of seeing just how long he could keep her arguing with him. If she refused to let him have the last word, it was a game that could keep him amused for a few more minutes, until he grew bored of that too.
However, he would soon find no need for that game, as she was just about to give him the ultimate satisfaction by exclaiming;

"You are the most frustrating being i have ever meet. Even now as i speak to you, you do not look at me properly. Oh you vex me! I apologise and you shun it, I argue my case and you just argue back."

By the end of her last sentence, Benjamin was flashing her a smile as wide and bright as though she had just rewarded him. And as far as he was concerned, she had. Being called the most frustrating being she had ever met - 'being' signalling that she meant men, women, children and even animals alike - was quite the accomplishment, especially since it was said to his face. Many, many similar things had been said behind his back, but alot of people would hold their tounge when faced with him. Alot, but far from all, as he had a tendency to not stop until they let their frustration show, or be heard.

"Well then", he said, his gaze slowly shifting back and forth between Millie and the young boy whose dark expression he hadn't failed to notice, before settling on Millie once again. "Since it bothers you that much, I shall look at you properly. I shall even introduce myself properly."

However, 'properly' to Benjamin didn't exactly equal the meaning of the word to most people. Instead of getting up and offering a bow, he simply touched the the brim of his cap.

"Benjamin Penrose", he said, studying the face of the young woman to see if it was a name that would light a spark of recognition to her eyes, or if she was yet another one who wasn't familiar with his work.

[Fayreview]

((Well that made me laugh because of course my name isn't really Ian XD... however it's not taking the micky too much as it is my middle name.))

"I like you Ian. I know it's strange, because I've only met you, but I really like you. I feel so happy around you."

Ian smiled, "I know what you mean, I want nothing more than to hold you... Would you like to go with me to my sisters wedding? It is coming up soon." He had to change the subject, he couldn't stand to think about it because being members of polite society and in a public place it was not acceptable to do what he desired.

((Funheart i was thinking that later on if you want you could use the wedding as a situation for the charcters as it would probably be a grand affair with the upperclasses all invited... which would be a great opportunity for pick pockets etc. I'll even help write it if you want... otherwise Anne and I can just roleplay it... - If Julia wants to go that is!))

[littlesunshine123xx]

Benjamin Penrose", he said, studying the face of the young woman to see if it was a name that would light a spark of recognition to her eyes, or if she was yet another one who wasn't familiar with his work.

"As in the writer, hmm should have known. Only a person like you could write such poems. It pains me to say this but your poetry is good, more than good actually its very good. If only we hadnt argued then prehaps we could be discussing poetry instead now." Millie said letting out a laugh. "If my manners serve me correctly, which you have suggested they dont. Then I ought to introduce myself now, correct? Millie Robinson." She said holding out a delicate hand for him to shake. She didnt expect him to know who she was, she hadnt achieved anything yet. But she a long life ahead of her for achieving great things she hoped. However her fathers name who quite famous, however only with people of high status and power. Her father had made stories told about his famous vovages at sea and what a brave man he was. One of the greatest in the lands, most people said. Millie only wished he could be as great a father. She hoped one day she would achieve like her father had. But it would be unpossible for her to follow her dream of becoming a dancer. Her mother and father would not allow such nonsense. Neither would any husband and married was the most important thing to a girl in this day and age.

[FurryPanda]

Thomas blinked in surprise. He'd never heard of this guy, but Millie seemed quite excited. He was secretly pleased by the turn of events though, much as he was growing to dislike this Benjamin fellow, he realized it would be pretty futile to do anything about it. He wasn't the largest of people, a few years ont he streets did that, and Thomas reckoned that Benjamin easily had fifty pounds and six inches on him.

He went back to studiously eating his cake, it was delicious and he hadn't had anything else much since lunch the day before. Realizing after a long pause that it was probably only polite to acknowledge the man in some way he tapped an imaginary cap and said, "Nice to meet you." He hoped the sarcasm wasn't overly evident and did not volunteer his name.

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: Furry - When will we get to see a pic of dear little Thomas? *s*)))


The smile that had slowly faded into an amused curve on Benjamin's lips, instantly widened once again as the mention of his name did seem to bring a look of recognition to the girl's pretty face. Where before there had been disgruntlement, she now wore a smile of her own.

"As in the writer, hmm should have known", she said, and he couldn't help but quirk a brow as the words that followed sounded much like a compliment, despite his awareness of her less than warm feelings towards him. "Only a person like you could write such poems. It pains me to say this but your poetry is good, more than good actually its very good. If only we hadnt argued then prehaps we could be discussing poetry instead now."

She gave a soft laugh, which proved most efficent at almost wiping the slate clean and offer them a new start. Almost. There was no way Benjamin would erase his victory in this duel of the tounges from his memory. And adding to his satisfaction was her admission that she knew of him, and even enjoyed his work. While some times people complimenting his writing skills would bring about an arrogant reply from him - again for the sake of provocation - this was not one such occasion. With the way the two of them had been bickering a minute ago, the compliment Millie now paid him could hardly be the sucking up kind of comment that was usually the kind that generated a superior answer from him. And so instead he simply inclined his head in recognition and appreaciation of her compliment.

"If my manners serve me correctly", the woman continued, "which you have suggested they dont. Then I ought to introduce myself now, correct? Millie Robinson."

With that she extended a dainty little hand, as if expecting him to shake it.
At first, Benjamin simply looked at it, but eventually figured that since he had decided to be polite and civil, he may just as well follow through with it. In his own way. In this case, 'his own way' still didn't include getting up and giving a bow, but simply leaning across the table to give her hand a quick squeeze. Her name didn't ring a bell, but then again, she had introduced herself using what he suspected was an abbreviation of her real name, which along with her clothing and appearance in general told him that whoever she was, she was not upper class. No, she was most likely working class. Maybe middle, although the use of her nickname didn't quite fit that bill. Nor did the company she was keeping; the young boy.
Having been introduced to Millie, Benjamin's gaze had found it's way back to her friend, and he tilted his head ever so slightly, waiting for the boy to speak. However, he hardly seemed the verbal type, though he did eventually offer an almost-salute much like Benjamin's, and a quite polite yet unexpected (considering the circumstances) "Nice to meet you".
Judging by the dirty looks the boy had given him earlier, Benjamin could hardly take it to be an honest greeting.
Not that he minded.
But, as that was the only comment the boy offered - either forgetting to give his name, or intentionally withholding it - Benjamin decided to indulge him.

"And you, young Sir?" he inquired.



(((ooc: Normally in the victorian era, it wouldn't be proper for a man to shake a woman's hand, but for the sake of the RP, I figured it would be ok. If anyone has any objections, let me know.)))

[FurryPanda]

((OOC: I was planning on going in game this weekend, but I'm not sure if I can, OS issues. Once those get settled twill be high priority))

"And you, young Sir?"

Thomas smiled blandly. He wasn't exactly famous on the streets of London, but he knew full well that anyone with a bit of cash to spare and his name would be able to find him easily. Thus he really did not want to give this stranger, whom he didn't like, his name, as he couldn't help but realize that money for a tip would not be hard to find for Benjamin. He continued to smile vaguely and just said, "Young sir will do for the moment Benjamin, young sir will do just fine."

He delicately finished his cake and cut another peice, then sipped on his tea and leaned back. He was slightly curious as to how the man would react, Thomas had already decided that this fellow would be a few pounds poorer at the end of the day, so now it was simply a matter of keeping him off balance.

[AtropaMandragora]

After uttering his question, Benjamin watched as a rather vacant smile stole across the lips of the young boy, leading Benjamin to the conclusion that while he said nothing, his mind was quite busy at work. And when finally he did speak, it hardly came as a surprise that his words were simply;

"Young sir will do for the moment Benjamin, young sir will do just fine."

So, intentionally then, which meant he didn't want Benjamin to know his name. Which in turn meant he was most likely to be up to something.
But what exactly would remain to be seen.
And not only was he up to something yet to be revealed, it seemed he was also looking to provoke Benjamin, calling him by his first name and all, when Benjamin had chosen to address him using a polite and respectful title when he was clearly of lower class than Benjamin. Why, Benjamin could've chosen to call him 'boy', plain and simple, had he wanted to.
Was it the boy's revenge, perhaps, for what he thought Benjamin had done to him and Millie? Not that Benjamin was innocent - far from it - but as long as he didn't confess to intentionally upsetting the two of them, all they had were their suspicions.
Or perhaps the boy had simply thought Benjamin was mocking him by addressing him as 'Sir', and so was now retaliating?
Well, no matter.

"As you wish", Benjamin said with a slight nod, simply choosing to go along with it. "'Young Sir' it is then."


(((ooc: Ah, okay. :) *s* With the right timing, Thomas could probably rob Ben blind, and Ben wouldn't even know. *lol*)))

[FurryPanda]

Thomas wasn't expecting the man to simply agree, but he gave a curt nod in reply. Benjamin seemed to be a bit suspicious of Thomas's motives at the moment, which was fair enough. He decided to try and at least be pleasant a little, and after thinking for a moment realized that the only way to go about that without transparently lying was to say nothing.

"So, come here often?" he asked. He was secretly pleased with himself, jsut bland enough to be harmless, and Thomas knew full well that he was no good at small talk. Very little reason for him to use it, or to even speak at all most of the time.

((OOC: No idea where the heck to go from here... so go nuts. And lol, youre probably right, Thomas is good at what he does and Ben seems like a bit of a nut :)))

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: Will do my best. *s* Will have to get some sleep first though. Past 3 AM here. :blink: Now, while Ben isn't much like... well, normal people, he isn't a sucker. When his head is on straight, that is. Catch him on his way home from the pub, or an opium den, and you could steal the shirt off his back. He probably wouldn't even notice until a couple of blocks later. *lol* But you can have Thomas pick his pocket while he's sober as well if ya want. Either way is fine by me. He's not that attentive, so I'm sure Thomas will succeed no matter what state Ben is in. *s* Though he isn't very rich. His... uhh... 'hobbies' tend to get quite expensive, hence the dark and dreary room he rents.)))

[FurryPanda]

((OOC: NP, Atropa, but I will be gone until late afternoon tomorry. Just FYI. ))

[spiderviveka_SC]

(OOC: I got my picture up!)

The alley Gretchen walks down is dimly lit and the hollow clicking of her shoes against the cobblestone echos like some lonely spectre, following her. She see's a gentleman with a cane and a tall hat approaching her from around the bend. His clothes are far too expensive to live in such a retched area of the city, and he seems most nervous. She decides that he is perfect prey and swoops in for the kill.

"You lookin' for a good time, mister? I'll show you one for a duece hog!"

She hikes her skirt up as she asks, her voice is shrill and nasal as she speaks. She sounds much younger than her age and her accent has a Germanic quality mixed in with that of the lower class Londoner. The man merely nods and takes her arm as they walk to where he says his carriage is. In the dim light she can see his purse hanging from his belt. She carefully unsheathes her knife to cut it down and run. But just as she is about to, he grabs her wrist and pins her against the wall.

"Ya damned robbing whore! I'll teach you, ya little wench!"

She screams and fights as he rips at her clothes with her own knife. He presses the blade against her throat and tells her not to scream again, but she doesn't listen.

"This how ya get your entertainment, ol man? You gonna cut up me clothes and have your way with me before ya dice up me skin?"

"I said silence!"

He slashes her face with the blade and she knees him in the stomach and wrestles her knife back before planting it into her chest in a fit of sheer rage and terror.

"Ya tried to steal me chiv an dab it up with me, eh old man! I'll be seein ya in the firey depths of the afterlife! I ain't no damned whore!"

She grabs his money, pocket watch, glasses, and coat before running away from the bleeding body. He owed her that much after what he tried to do to her. She didn't feel any remorse, because men like him thought they owned everyone. As a girl she had been caught by several men like him and they did what they wanted with her. Well not anymore. He got what he deserved in her book, its payback time. Now she just needs to find someone to pawn off the stolen goods to so she can get a needle and some thread to fix her clothes.

[FurryPanda]

((OOC: Spiderviveka, may my charachter RP with yours? Like as if they know each other, seems like they would given that they are both urchins and all that. Or not, and jsut approach as a stranger. Either way.))

[spiderviveka_SC]

(OOC: Sounds good, panda.)

[FurryPanda]

((OOC: If any of this bothers you in the least, jsut say so and I'll change it))[/i]

Thomas happened to glance out the bakery window and saw a shadowy, but immediately recognizable figure pass by. he blinked rapidlya nd made a hasty excuse before slipping out the door and running after the figure calling, very quietly, "Gretchen, hold up a sec."

She stopped, but he wasn't surprised, he had met her immediately after he left the gang, and they had become freinds- to an extent- in the meantime. He looked at ehr askance, she was holding a jacket and stuff was obviously underneath it in her arms. He couldn't tell in the fading afternoon light but there might have been blood. "What'd you do this time?" He grinned at her, he didn't care truly what se did to the rich bastards in the city, but he worried that the older girl would get herself hung one day.

[spiderviveka_SC]

Gretchen smiles up at Thomas. He wasn't the most trustworthy person, but then again, neither was she.

"This ol bloke tried to rip off me chiv, so I took care of him and got his goods. How ya doin this evenin' Thomas? Drivin' the ladies wild as usual?"

[FurryPanda]

Thomas flushed, Gretchen repeatedly made fun of the fact that he didn't talk much. "Yeah, I guess so, I'm doing all right. I can't talk long actually, one of them ladies I'm supposedly driving wild is waiting for me in the bakery." He grinned a little, that ought to shut her up.

"Anything good?" he asked, tapping on the lumps under the coat. He didn't brush aside the coat entirely, he had no doubts that she could leave him bleeding on the alley if she wanted to. He didn't think she did, but he wasn't going to press his luck.

[spiderviveka_SC]

"Oh yeah? Say, you don't know no one who's interested in a gold watch and some spectacle, do ya? I sure ain't got no use for them!"

Gretchen grins as she shifts her weight and pulls out the watch.

"The damn thing doesn't even keep the right time!"

[FurryPanda]

"Sorry Gretchen, can't help ya today." Thomas smiled brightly at her but continued, "I should probably get back, I've got a mark, but I needn't alert either of the people in there that I'm some scummy lowlife like you Gretchen." He kept smiling to take the sting out of his words, but he doubted she would be offended. Both of them came from opulent enough backgrounds to know thier place.

He glanced around, and was relieved to find that they ahd inadvertently chosen an alley far from the bakery window, he could jsut lie when he got back with neither or [b]Millie the wiser. He waved to Gretchen and paused at the head of the alley to bow ironically at the waist.

((OOC: I'm going to bed very soon, so could you tie this off next post? Thanks.))

[spiderviveka_SC]

"Aye the, I better be goin', gotta shark this garbage off on someone! Take care of yerself, mister!"

She scampers down the alley way without so much as a sound. She knows a trader on north street and she needs to get there before dark.

[littlesunshine123xx]

Millie looked up at Thomas and Benjamin. Her head turned to both of them when each one of them spoke. In the end Millie gave up and returned to eating her food. Thomas had got up from his seat and Millie confused watched him walk out of the bakery, waving at a girl outside. Millie sighed and began to stack the empty tea cups and plates. She now felt afaird in the bakery. She was on her own, what if Thomas didnt come back. She be stranded in the middle of London, lost! She felt like her orginal self again. The girl that had been with Thomas, was confident and bold, she could stand up to anyone and anything while she was with Thomas. Millie stood up slowly and waited at the counter to pay.

[Anne_SC]

((I was talking about the character, I forgot to put it in italic. But awesome ^__^ ))

"Then hold me" Julia whispered as she stroked his cheek softly, moving closer as she could feel his warmth already. He asked her to go with him to his sisters wedding, ofcourse she wanted that.
As long as she could be with him.
"Ofcourse I want to go with you. I'd love to." she smiled up at him as she stood so close.
His touch, his face, his voice, his eyes. Everything seemed so perfect to her. Even though no one was perfect. To her... Ian was perfect in every way. Atleast that's what she thought. Maybe it would change soon. Things will become dark... ofcourse not. He's perfect.

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: Edited post #309 to have Benjamin reflect on Millie's compliment. I did intend to have him say something, but I forgot cuz I was so focused on involving FurryPanda. *lol*
Oh, and, spiderviveka, I take it she planted the knife in HIS chest, and not her own? It makes quite a difference. :D
Also, since no one else did, I decided to act on funheart's opening. Hope no one minds?)))


It had amused Benjamin to find that where Millie was open and straighforward, the boy was just a little bit more like himself, playing games to conceal ulterior motives. Although in his case the games played were a bit less refined than Benjamin's, and there was no doubt in the young writer's mind that he was a far more skilled and witty conversationalist - an expert at toying with words - than the boy. After all, it was his profession.
And true enough. Once the faint shadow of surprise had evaporated from the boy's features, there were a few moments of silence before he made a somewhat listless attempt at making generic smalltalk;

"So, come here often?" he asked.

There was a slight tug in the corner of Benjamin's mouth. Rude one moment, making an effort to make polite smalltalk the next. What was the boy's aim? To keep Benjamin guessing? To confuse him and leave him not knowing what to think?
Well, if that was the case, Benjamin knew exactly what to think.
But, it was entertaining nonetheless.

"It has happened before, and I'm sure it will happen again", he said, leaving the boy's questioned replied to, but not answered.

However, he didn't get a chance to discern the boy's reaction, as it seemed something else had caught his attention. With a quick and mumbled apology he shot up from the table and darted outside, apparently chasing after someone he knew and with whom he wanted to have a word.
Quite surprising. Judging by the dirty looks he had given Benjamin earlier, he had felt rather protective of Millie. And now he just left her stranded.
Though wasn't that the nature of a normal teenage boy? Fickle and thoughtless. Benjamin himself couldn't deny that he still possessed those traits, to a certain extent, and so perhaps it wasn't really all that surprising after all.
Millie, however, didn't seem to share the understanding of the behaviour of teenage boys. The look on her face was that of confusion, which then changed into discomfort and insecurity. Slowly she stood, and made her way over to the counter, where another customer was just waiting for the baker. Another girl, around the same age as Millie. A maid or servant of some sort, it seemed, judging by her clothing and the wicker basket in her hand.
The only reason why Benjamin paid any attention to her, was that she was quite pretty. Brown hair, a shade darker than his own, neatly pinned ontop of her head, a small mouth with plush lips and a cute, slightly upturned nose that gave her a certain look of innocence and naïveté. It even looked as though there were a couple of freckles on her face, adding to the impression.
The kind of young woman that attracted him, seemingly down to earth, and with a very nice smile, judging by the tiny one she shot him when she realized she had caught his attention. But hardly the kind of girl he'd made a habit of consorting with. The female company he was prone to keep, had recently consisted mostly of a couple of minutes in a dirty back alley, or a few hours spent with actual acquaintances; a voluptuous barmaid or a frivolous kitchen maid, neither of whom suffered the burden of chastity.
And this girl didn't seem to fit into that category of women. But nevertheless, Benjamin returned the slight smile, while trying to keep his somewhat indecent appreciation from shining through in his eyes.

[littlesunshine123xx]

((I did actually ask Funheart yesterday if my character could rp and she said yes tomorow morning in a private message. I understand what you mean though. But at the moment your character isnt actually talking to Kat. I wont be talking to her long just a simple hello and then Millie is off. So you can rp with her as much as you like then.))

[Slytherin-Girl]

OOC: Sorry, was away all last night/morning today. You can show up at my house if you want now Sunshine :)

[littlesunshine123xx]

((OOC: Ok then it will leave atropa and Funheart to rp :) If thats better for you atropa, dont mean to cut into ur rp soz :) ))

[littlesunshine123xx]

Millie felt uneasy in the bakery. She wasnt sure what Thomas was doing but he had better come back soon. Millie desperate to get out and get to her friends before nightfall, left 1 pound on the counter (dont even no if that wud be the correct amount :S ) It was more than one usually paided for bakery goods but she was in such a hurry she didnt care. But now she only had 9 pounds left. That might have been a lot to the poor, but for someone from a rich background like her's 9 pounds was easily spent. She rushed out the shop not looking back and sighed as she got outside. She couldnt spot Thomas anywhere and so travelled a bit further down the street. She waited next to a jewellery shop. She wondered what she would do if Thomas had left her. She supposed that she could find help elsewhere if she had to. But she was worried about Thomas. He was still only a child and anything could have happened to him.

[funheart00]

((ooc;; Arg! Hassle, hassle... littlesunshine123xx; Katriona will be going out tomorrow aswell, thats why I asked if they could meet then. :) and Atropa, it's fine for you to have taken the spot ... evening should be coming pretty soon, just to let everyone know x]))

Katriona found herself watching the man for a little longer than she expected herself to. He looked slightly rough around the edges, as many did in this town, but as he returned the small smile that she had shot him, she found herself stupidly standing there, a glimmer of a smile playing on her lips as she lowered her eye contact, focusing her gaze onto the slightly weathered wicker basket that she was holding, running the fingers of her free hand over the weaved handle, before a voice shook her quickly out of her day dreams, her head snapping up to look at the man, before realising that it was a young woman from beside her speaking.

Instantly reconising her as the daughter of her old mistress, Katriona averted her gaze once again. Whatever was such a young Lady of such wealth doing out here. They used to live in a large manor house in the country, whatever she was doing, alone, in a bakery in Central London, was slightly concerning, but after being accused of stealing from the household she didn't make it her business to worry about the girl, even when she knew that Katriona didn't touch a thing she didn't say a word to her parents, not in front of Katriona anyway, and that would have counted. With a sigh, the girl dumped some money on the side and pratically ran out of the door. As the door swung shut though Katriona saw the darkening sky, and, with a quick glance to the money still sitting on the counter, Katriona walked slowly over to Amanda, who was currently standing by the table that the young girl, and a younger boy just vacated.

Katriona stood slightly to the side, waiting for the owner to turn, as it would be quite rude if she would have just barged in, demanding her order and so she lent on another table opposite it, her gaze landing for a moment on the man sitting at the table next to it, something about him caused her eyes to constantly land on him, even if it was completely impolite.

[AtropaMandragora]

Somehow, Benjamin must've succeeded to hide the less than pure thoughts that had briefly passed through his head, for as they kept looking at eachother, the pretty girl at the counter didn't seem the least bit offended, or even agitated. Or perhaps she really was as innocent as she seemed, and thus had not yet learned to read the various looks in a man's eyes as he gazed at a pretty lady. Not that Benjamin's imagination had travelled very far, but in these days of modesty and prudishness, it wouldn't have to in order to be considered most immoral and wanton.
Though, personally, Benjamin didn't care. In fact, he quite enjoyed such labels. It amused him how people would judge him for simply being open about what was inside of him, and everyone else, and not hiding behind a pious and chaste mask. Ever so often he would confront them with that very fact, just to watch them squirm, and deny the very traits that made them human.
However, whatever the reason for this girl's unawareness, it was still obvious that she could not read in Benjamin's eyes what was going through his mind. She simply allowed another faint smile to grace her lips as she modestly lowered her gaze from his.
Though not even two seconds later she seemed to have forgotten all about him, when Millie shattered the moment by approaching the girl, apparently knowing her from somewhere.
Slightly annoyed by young Millie's tendency to interrupt him in the middle of acquainting himself with a lady - first the baker, and now this girl - it was at this point that Benjamin returned his attention to the still very empty sheets of paper infront of him. He'd absent-mindedly scribbled a few words here and there over the past couple of hours, but nothing he found inspiring enough to elaborate on.
When the chatteing voice of Millie suddenly disappeared, Benjamin first thought he had managed to concentrate hard enough to successfully block out all sound from his mind, but as the small bell by the door chimed yet again, he realized that was not the case, but that Millie had simply left. Still standing by the counter was the other girl, and as she started making her way over to Amanda, Benjamin resumed watching her. Sometimes from out of the corner of his eye, and sometimes looking directly at her. And it seemed she was watching him as well, because every now and then, their eyes would meet.
However, since she was waiting for the young baker to finish with whatever it was she was doing, he decided to remain silent, for now. Besides, at the moment he couldn't really think of something to say that wouldn't either scare her off, or make him sound like he was making normal, boring smalltalk. He hated instigating smalltalk.
Though he did at one point tip his cap at her, as a way of greeting her without demanding that she talk to him, and a sign that she had sparked an interest in him.


(((ooc: *lol* I really can't think of anything for him to say.)))

[FurryPanda]

Thomas rounded the corner nearest the bakery, and he happened to glance into the window. HE was extremely startled to discover that Millie had up and left. He whirled about already cursing himself. He knew full well that Gretchen could take care of herself, now Millie was an entirely seperate story.

He darted down the street in the direction he hadn't come from, hoping to find Millie before the girl got herself robbed, or worse. He felt horribly guilty, he knew he shouldn't ahve left her alone, however he hadn't figured she would disappear. He was incredibly relieved to find her standing outside of, of all things, a jewlery shop. "Where did you go? Do you have any idea of how utterly idiotic that was? Are you ok?" He babbled, relieved that she seemed alright. He even slipped back into his old country accent, normally he spoke as a cockney to blend in, despite the fact that it was a rather difficult affectation for him.

((OOC: And sunshine, FYI, leetspeak is no more liked in OOC than in RP posts, and you can edit an RP in under an OOC, no need to double post.))

[littlesunshine123xx]

Just as Millie had given up hope, Thomas jumped out on her from around the corner. He looked stressed and worried "Where did you go? Do you have any idea of how utterly idiotic that was? Are you ok?" He blurted out to her. His accent had changed, Millie found this exteremly odd.
"Where did I go? WHERE DID YOU GO! YOU LEFT ME ON MY OWN IN THERE. I didnt know if you were to return or not. Besides I cannot bare the place. Especially with such scum eating in there. Now please I beg you end my long suffering day and take me to my friends." Millie cried, pouting angrily (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/odunican/0037E5.jpg) she handed Thomas the note. She hoped he could read she didnt want to him struggle or be embrassed. It was obvious he hadnt been at all educated. Such a shame Millie thought, everyone should have the right to a proper education.

((OOC: In the mood for pics :S ))

[FurryPanda]

Thomas blushed scarlet, she was absolutely right, he had no right to ask her. Both because he had quite obviously been wrong to go haring off after his freind, and she was higher class than him. If he thought about it she really had no reason to even speak politely with him, and he was forcibly reminded of that fact. "Too bad." he thought, "I was starting to like her."

He brusquely took the paper, he recognized the adress immediately and handed it back to Millie only to point down the street, "It's right this way, a couple of blocks." He was pleased that he didn't stutter,a nd that his usual accent had come back, he deserved to be slapped for leaving in the first place, he wasn't eager to annoy her by sounding stupid also. He waited very still for her to start walking before he started, and he stayed a pace or two behind her, as was only proper. In his slightly uneducated opinion.

[littlesunshine123xx]

It wasnt long before they found found her friend home. It was located in Fitzroy Square one of the upper classes places to live in London. Her friend happened to an upper class girl. Millie was merely Middle Class but high Middle Class at least. Her mother had been born into upper class status, so this also gave Millie status a higher ranking. Then what on earth was she doing, running around town with one of the poorest and lowest status boys. He was a friendly boy so prehaps this made up for it she thought. She cared only for his character not his title. When she came to her friends (Eugenie Alexandria Albany) house she relaised that her friend would not think the same. If she saw Millie keeping company with such lower ranking people ,she would think twice about her friendship with her. It wasnt a case of her friend being snobbish . But one status is lowered by the company they keep. If Eugenie was to been seen out with Millie, who keep such company as Thomas, then Eugenie reputation and status might be ruined.
Millie tried to smarten up her hair and brush down her coat before knocking at her friends home. She paused at the steps, looking at Thomas.
"Thank you Thomas, you have truely been a great help today to me. I shall not forget your generous nature towards me. Take this money as a token of my appreciation. Spend it wisely and keep safe" Millie said handing him a bag of money. The bag only continued 9 pounds or so, but this was all Millies money gone. But she didnt need it as much as Thomas did. She bent down slightly and kissed the top of his forehead. "I hope you have a good future and prehaps we shall meet again, in more pleasant circumstances."

[FurryPanda]

Thomas looked askance at the purse Millie offered him. He understood full well where she was coming form, the house they were in front of was a nice, center of the city, filthy rich domicile. And he felt that the only quality of that he could hope to mimic of that was "nice," which hardly mattered in the greater scheme of things.

He was sorely tempted to take the money, he knew he would be able to justify it to himself eventually as nothing more than an exorbitant tip. Just because he could though, didn't mean he should. In the several seconds since she had spoken and he had been lsot in thought she hadn't taken back the purse, so finally he took it and said genially, "Isn't this how today started? Ah well, I'll look you up at some point. Try not to be a sitting duck around here Millie" Then he vaulted over the railing on the house's porch and slipped into an alley, once more a completely invisible pickpocket like any other in London.

He paused int he alley to count the money and realized with what Dr. Stanbury had given him, he had ten pounds. This was much much more money than he had ever seen in his life. He decided that he should take advantage of his new wealth and get an actual place to live. There were plenty of low building on the Thames that he could rent, and if worst came to worst he could pay for it by becoming much more agressive as a pickpocket.

((OOC: He's still in calling distance if either of you want to interact with him))

[Slytherin-Girl]

Eugenie had been sitting in her room reading, when a faint knock was heard on her door. "Yes" she called, placing her book down on a table.

"Good afternoon M'lady Eugenie" said the maid who opened the door "I am sorry to interrupt your reading Miss, but there is a young lady at the door who claims to be an acquaintance of yours".

"Really Lynn" said Eugenie, rising from her chair carefully, as she hadbeen taught, so as not to trip over her skirts "Who did she say she was".

"Said her name was Millie Robinson. And..well if you'll pardon me for saying so Miss, she didn't quite look the same as your other friends".

"How exactly" questioned Eugenie, looking intrigued and trying to remember where she knew the name from.

"Well Miss, she didn't look quite so put together to be honest. I wasn't sure if you knew her, so I told Sebastien to ask her to wait in the front hall for a moment while I went to see if you were entertaining visitors at the moment".

"Oh my" said Eugenie, finally remembering the girl "I remember Millie now. We attended the same finishing school. She was younger than me, from a middle class merchant sort of family. I must go down and see how she's doing. Do tell her I'll be there momentarily Lynn. See if she would wait in the parlour for me And thank you for telling me".

"You're most welcome Miss. And of course I will. Right away" said Lynn, curtseying and exiting the room.


**********

OOC: Wooo for writing nice long posts LOL Sebasitien=Butler type servant, Lynn= Eugenie's maid

[littlesunshine123xx]

Millie had never felt so happy when the door of her friends house had finally opened. A maid answered. Looking confused as who Millie was.
"Im here to see Miss Eugenie Alexandria Albany, I'm an old friend of hers from school.] Mildred...Millie Robinson (Thanks for the correction Slytherin lol) [/B]." Millie told her and the Maid eyed her up and down, looking slightly confused. No doubt she was wondering how her Mistress could have ever been friends with Millie. Millie looked a dreadful mess at this moment. She felt embrassed in her apperance, she just hoped Eugenie wouldnt judge her on it. Millie was ushered into the Living Palour, she sat nervously on the couch, waiting for Eugiene to enter.
When she did she looked at Millie surprised. Millie jumped up from her seat and ran towards Eugenie, she was so glad to see her at the moment in time. She wrapped her arms around Eugiene and sobbed into her shoulder. "Oh Eugenie how glad I am to see you, I have had the most frightful day, I cant even began to explain, its just been so awful. I look a dreadful sight I know, do not be to alarmed." Millie said holding on to her shoulders and looking at Eugiene who seemed startled.

[Slytherin-Girl]

OOC: Sorry, did I get your last name wrong in mine? I thought her dad's last name was Robinson :confused: Should I change it?

[littlesunshine123xx]

((Yeah it was god its to late and im to tired it is robinson. I just have other characters in another rp with thompson surname lol))

[funheart00]

((ooc;; That's fine Atropa ... I'll reply in a little bit, gotta go out quickly first...))

Evening is now drawing in on London Town...

[littlesunshine123xx]

((OOC: If other ppl in the upper class section have dropped out or are not rp, then wud i be able to take their place. I have a great character, you see. But what ever is dandy with u, i dont mind))

[funheart00]

((ooc;; littlesunshine123xx, I want everyone who was on that previous list to be able to see it. If I get anyone in that class who contact me to drop out, I'll let you know :) .. still meant to be doing Homework, so it's a bit rubbish Atropa, sorry x.x))

Katriona sighed slightly as her gaze drifted slowly towards the owner of the comfortable bakery, who had already made herself busy with doing what she had to, tending to the other customers and tidying up generally. Placing her basket on a vacated table, Katriona allowed her eyes to trail around the compact bakery, finding herself being drawn back to the man sitting alone, a seemingly blank piece of paper lying on the small table in front of him. She wondered, if only for a moment whether it was simply her imagination that he was also catching her eye for the reason that he also stole the occasional glance towards her. As soon as this happened though, she immediately shot him a small smile and lowered her gaze before she found herself, once again being drawn towards him.

He wasn’t much older than she was, but there was something about him that caught her attention, whether it was the piece of paper, or something else that caused her attention to be pulled back to him. At first, Katriona once again thought that she had imagined his attention to her, but with a second glance, she noticed him gently touching the tip of his cap as greeting, to, it seemed, her.

Katriona allowed a small smile to appear on her lips for a moment, and with a glance towards the young baker, making sure that she wasn’t rushing over she lifted her wicker basket, and crossed the short distance that was separating them, holding the basket over the crook of her arm.

“Hello, sir” She said, feeling a little uncomfortable, unsure of how to begin a conversation, that and the fact that, by some it would be seen as completely out of place for her to speak unless spoken too, but where she was in the social hierarchy it hardly made a difference, she knew her accent may well give away where she was seen in the world, but it was likely that he would have already guessed, her poor quality clothing, and dark hair neatly pinned up sort of gave away the fact that she was merely a housemaid of some sort.

“I’m not interrupting you am I?” She asked, with an obvious glance towards the almost clean piece of paper sitting on the table. “Do you write?” She asked curiously. She was probably able to read most of the scrawled words on the paper if she were to put her mind to it, but could only write about her name and that was it. So anyone able to put words together so fluently gained her respect. Looking past over her past words, she realised how somewhat boldly that she had stepped forwards at simply a tip of his cap, perhaps simply a sign that he knew that she had been looking at him.

“Sorry sir.” She apologised, with a slight pause to dip her head, carrying on as she met his gaze again, “Katriona Locke, sir” She introduced herself politely wondering whether she had infact been much to bold to simply step forward to speak to him, adjusting her basket on her arm into a more comfortable position.

[Slytherin-Girl]

Eugenie had gone downstairs quickly, eager to see why her friend had decided to pay her a sudden visit.

What she did not expect was to be latched upon as soon as she stepped into the room. "My goodness Millie, you certainly do look quite a sight. Here, come upstairs with me and I'll find you something more suitable to wear. We are about the same size, I'm sure I have something that would fit you". Eugenie smiled and took her friend's hand, leading her upstairs. "Sebastien" she said to the butler as she reached the stairs "Please do tell mother and father my old school friend has come to pay me a visit and will be joining us for dinner". Sebastien nodded and said "Yes M'Lady", before bowing and going off to find her parents.

"You can tell me what's happened to you after we get you cleaned up" said Eugenie, smiling back at Millie "I mean no offence, but you look as though you've been dragged through the mud. Something dreadful must have happened to you".

[littlesunshine123xx]

You can tell me what's happened to you after we get you cleaned up" said Eugenie, smiling back at Millie "I mean no offence, but you look as though you've been dragged through the mud. Something dreadful must have happened to you.

"Oh thank you so much Eugenie. You are so kind, I dont know what i would if it werent for you. I've been going out of my mind." Millie said crying. "Do you remember me talking about my cousin William, we where meant to wed. Well thats what everyone said. It wasnt so much in writing but we were almost a match. Well can you imagine to my surprise this morning I discover the most frightful news. He is to wed another, a upper class woman and only for her status is he marrying her. As if having my heartbroken wasnt enough, my mother pleasure in it made it hundred times worse. I am embrassed about what happened next, for i have been so foolish Eugenie. I ran away from home, I wasnt thinking clearly obviously. I thought prehaps I could visit you, get my head clear for a few days. However I became lost in London town. A young boy helped me, find my way here. He was awfully good and asked for nothing in return. But on the way here, we stopped at a bakery. And to my displeasure I did meet the most arrogant, cold and rude man I have ever meet. And do you believe it Eugenie, he scolded, I who was of higher class than him. What a unpleasant day it has been to say the least." Millie cried to Eugenie.

[Fayreview]

"Julia, Darling much as I wish to, we are in public and it is not entirely acceptable." He smiled at her, "however were we to return to my home... then i feel no one would be there to judge us."

Ian wondered if he had spoken out of turn, he had not meant to sound quite so forthright, indeed he had not been suggesting anything at all sordid... just a little privacy for the two of them.

[Anne_SC]

"I'd like to see your home sometime." she said with a smile. As the sun started to fade. It was evening. She had no idea why she had told him this so soon. Or why she even felt it so soon. She smiled and took his arm.
"Let's go then." she gave him a wink and put on her hat.

(crappeeeh)

[AtropaMandragora]

(((*lol* Millie isn't of higher rank than Benjamin. Though he does come across as working class, so it's not far fetched for her to think she is. :) )))


It was as though a game of cat and mouse had developed between the two young people in the bakery. Everytime Benjamin would look up to try and lock gazes with the pretty girl, she would smile and look away. And yet whenever he wasn't looking, he felt her eyes on him. As though she wanted to watch him, but didn't want him to know.
It was a different kind of game than he usually played, but still one that entertained him. Very much. He was enticed by her modesty, and found himself wanting to know what it was about him that had gotten her attention. Was it simply the fact that he had been looking at her when she first happened to glance in his direction? Was she simply looking at him, wondering the same thing he was? Or was it something else? Something that appealed to her?
Benjamin was well aware that he had been blessed with fairly good looks, but he also knew that many had great difficulties seeing anything but his long unkempt hair and often wrinkled clothes. A middle class gentleman would never step outside looking anything but prim and proper.
Benjamin, however, although middle class, hardly had the money to spend on fancy clothing and whatever else a 'gentleman' would require to set foot outside his home. Though, in a way, it was by choice. He had what he himself considered more important things to spend his money on, and cared very little that they were the kind of things that had the exact opposite effect on his appearance than nice clothing and a neatly trimmed haircut did. He didn't care about the bloodshot eyes and the shadows under them, as long as he got to sink deep into the darkest corners of his own mind, and yet not have a care in the world at the time.
In fact, the time for such distractions was drawing near. In between the looks exchanged with the young beauty, Benjamin had happened to glance out the window, and found that the afternoon must've simply flown by. Though he figured the day must've appeared shorter to him than to everyone else, because... Well, it had been shorter to him. He had only dragged himself out of bed around noon, whereas everyone else had been up since dawn. Not that he mourned the loss of the morning hours, or even the afternoon ones. Evening and night, those were his allies. And they were approaching. The day was darkening, as the sky above the grey clouds started to take on a different hue, announcing that the sun was starting to set. It would soon be an opportune time for him to venture into the Limehouse district.

That thought in mind, he turned his gaze back to the young girl, wondering to himself what interest a young, sweet and clearly pure girl like her might have in him. With his rugged appearance, it was all a bit of a mystery, even to Benjamin himself. Which was why it surprised him to see the girl suddenly approaching, with a certain look of determination on her face.

"Hello, sir", she said as she came to a halt by his table, and hesitated for a moment, as though she wasn't really sure of what she wanted to say.

Perhaps before she approached her curiousity had gotten the better of her, and she was now changing her mind, wishing she hadn't walked up to him? It was, after all, not a common thing for a woman to do. Especially not one so young, and without being escorted by another gentleman, or at least a friend.
No. The look on her face was not that of someone who was having seconds thoughts, merely someone who was looking for something to say. And so in the meantime, and in order to encourage her, Benjamin gave a polite nod and offered a soft "Hello" of his own.

"I’m not interrupting you am I?" the young lady asked finally, and glanced down at the creased sheets of paper infront of him, hinting at what she thought she might be interrupting. "Do you write?"

Her voice was gentle and pleasant, with a slight accent that would've revealed that she was not of the highest status, had her clothes not already given it away. Though it still sounded nothing like the tacky accent common among the prostitutes and the peddlers, and so Benjamin decided that his first impression of her being a maid of some sort had been correct.
He looked down at the papers as well, following her gaze, and a vague, ironic smile made it's way onto his lips. He almost had to ask himself the same thing, for he had been sitting there for hours and produced nothing of value at all. But before he could answer, the girl spoke again, apparently realizing she hadn't shown the proper manners. She couldn't know that Benjamin rarely gave a hoot about such things, and when he did, it was only to make sure he did the exact opposite of what he was supposed to.

"Sorry sir", she said and bowed her head ever so slightly, before once again allowing her eyes to meet with his. "Katriona Locke, sir."

Katriona... A most unusual name. Not one he could recall ever hearing before. But for some reason it seemed an appropriate one for her, even though it did sound a bit... hard, and not as soft and flowing as he had pictured her name would've been.

"Pleased to meet you, Miss Locke", he said, and for once decided to do the polite thing and get up to offer a slight bow, but then sat right back down again, although not before introducing himself; "My name is Benjamin Penrose. And yes, I write."

However, with yet another glance at the embarrasingly empty paper, he gave a slight chuckle, and a small gesture toward it.

"Or perhaps I should say I'm not as much writing as trying to. My creativity and I are apparently having a disagreement."



(((ooc: Sorry it took so long. Benjamin isn't the only one struggling with words today. *LOL*)))

[FurryPanda]

Thomas was able to get to the Thames fairly quickly, the fog off the river was practically a landmark in and of itself. He was still in the center of the city and he knew just by looking at the outsides of the buildings that he would never be able to afford one. He wandered down the foggy bank occasionally nodding to people he knew on the docks.

Finally he came to a suitably dingy little building in what was undoubtedly a low part of the city. He knew that mainly from the fact that some people had tried to rob him, but he knew how to get people to follow him if he had to. Thomas had no interest in being one of the gang leaders in the city, but he knew that he could. He stepped into the building and was immediately accosted by a plump woman dressed in suspciously nice clothes.

"How much to rent a room?"
The woman looked at him oddly, Thomas reckoned she was trying to figure out exactly how much he could afford. He was glad he hadn't changed recently, the clothes he were in were nice enough to not get him immediately kicked out, but hardly enough to advertise that he was surprsingly wealthy. At the moment.

"For you little one? Two pounds a week, three if you want fire wood."
Thomas nodded at that, rather pleased, he'd been expecting five pounds a week, possibly more. He handed the woman the money. She looked a bit surprised that he had it- but he couldn't blame her, so was he. In fact she looked rather upset. He couldn't blame her, three pounds a week for a heated room was highway robbery for the land lord.

That was her problem though, and Thomas went up the stair case she indicated. He opened the door, which smelled musty and went inside. He wrinkled his nose, two pounds for this room was probably more robbing him than her. The place was fairly spacious but there was a clear hole in the roof and the only furnishing was a rusted cot. A woodstove sat in one corner, but the bottom grate was missing and the entire place had an oddly elusive, rather foul, scent. Thomas smiled broadly at it. It might be a tad gross and very primitve, but it was his.

Thrilled though he was with his new flat, he wasn't taking his chances on that cot, and kipped out on the floor that night, as far from the leaky roof as he could get. Tomorrow he would look into furnishing the place, he still had seven pounds left.

[Slytherin-Girl]

"My goodness Millie, that's absolutely terrible. I'm so sorry" said Eugenie, hugging her friend and closing the door behind them. She picked a handkerchief up off her dresser and handed it to Millie. 'Here, why don't you dry your eyes while I look for something that might fit you so you'll feel more comfortable".

Eugenie walked over to her closet and starting going through her clothing. "Now Millie, you know we'll have to send word to your parents right away that you're here. They must be sick with worry over whats happened to you. They'll be most relieved to know that you're all right".

She paused in her search for a moment to turn and look at Millie. "And don't you worry about that cousin of yours one bit longer. Who'd want to be married to a man that just married a woman for status anyway?". Eugenie laughed slightly. "Though that must sound quite silly coming from someone like me".

[littlesunshine123xx]

"My goodness Millie, that's absolutely terrible. I'm so sorry" her friend Eugenie said hugging her. She went to close the door and on her way picked up a hankerchief for Millie. 'Here, why don't you dry your eyes while I look for something that might fit you so you'll feel more comfortable". She said kindly. Millie dabbed at her eyes and watched Eugenie pick out some clothing for her.
"Now Millie, you know we'll have to send word to your parents right away that you're here. They must be sick with worry over whats happened to you. They'll be most relieved to know that you're all right". Eugenie told Millie. Millie gulped, she knew she would have to face her parents at some stage. Better now than never, she thought. She would have to write them a letter explanining. Her parents would indeed be cross with her, but Millie guessed it would be better than living on the streets.
"And don't you worry about that cousin of yours one bit longer. Who'd want to be married to a man that just married a woman for status anyway?". Eugenie laughed slightly. "Though that must sound quite silly coming from someone like me". She continued. Millie shook her head, as if to say no. "Eugenie I no you are right. But I have no hope of marrying now. William was my only chance of making a life for myself. Now i'm going to end up an old maid with no children or husband." Millie said miserably, and then started laughing.
"Mama say's she is to introduce me in a few weeks at my fathers celebration. He is to become a Admiral. He is very pleased, prehaps not as much as my mother. Being Admiral gives him much more status now. Almost nearly upperclass, so in turn my mother feels as though her old status has returned." Millie told Eugenie smiling.
"Prehaps then I shall find a match, if I am lucky".

[Slytherin-Girl]

"Don't you say such silly things Miss Millie" said Victoria, shaking a finger at her and pretending to be stern "I'm sure you'll find a perfect match. A pretty girl like you just out of finishing school? Why as soon as you have your presentation to the Queen after you're 18 you'll be married in the blink of an eye. You'll see. You'll have to fend off suitors with a stick".

Eugenie smiled and pulled a dress out of her closet. "Blue" she said, smiling and holding it out to her "Just the colour to set off your blue eyes".

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: Who's Victoria? I thought her name was Eugenie. *s*)))

[Slytherin-Girl]

OOC: Bleah, it was 3am when I wrote that, typo :P

[funheart00]

(((ooc;; Arg! It's not only Benjamin stuggling with words either... sorry it took so long Atropa, thanks for waiting!

Also, hopefully you don't mind that I moved Amanda about a bit innoscent... I just didn't want Katriona just leaving....

On another note, how would everyone feel if I skipped ahead to New Years Eve for the next RP day, and whether you'd be interested in me organising a Party at night? Input is great, as we still have a couple of days of night left.)))


-------


"Pleased to meet you, Miss Locke", the man said, and stood for a moment to bow, introducing himself, "My name is Benjamin Penrose. And yes, I write." A small smile flickered over her delicate features as she followed his gaze down towards the almost empty piece of paper.

"Or perhaps I should say I'm not as much writing as trying to. My creativity and I are apparently having a disagreement." The smile on Katriona’s lips widened slightly at his words. Creativity, even with only the couple of words that he had scribbled onto the paper was something he definitely had more of than her. She brought her mind back to his name. A writer … not that she would know his name off the top of her head, but she might have seen the name somewhere when cleaning in the Library rooms of the large house she works in.

“Much more inspiration than me at any cost.” She told him, her gaze moving towards the large loaf of bread that the owner, Amanda had placed on the counter. “I think that I had better go for that,” She told him, glancing quickly at the counter, before allowing her gaze to move back and land on Benjamin.

Why she had found herself unable to take her gaze away from him for more than five seconds in all this time she will never know. He isn’t the most groomed gentleman in the room, and Katriona knew that much at least. Yet, she had found herself curious about him, and with that thought gave a small smile, slightly embarrassed that he could see the thoughts on her face.

“It’s been lovely to meet you Mr Penrose, I hope we meet again.” She said happily, her smile widening for a moment as she hitched the basket up on her arm. “I hope you find some way to make-up with your creativity.” She said jokingly, sending one more glance towards the door as she began to worry slightly if she would want to walk back in the dark, it was never the most enjoyable experience, and before the town sunk into complete darkness she wished to be away.

[littlesunshine123xx]

Don't you say such silly things Miss Millie" said Eugenie, shaking a finger at her "I'm sure you'll find a perfect match. A pretty girl like you just out of finishing school? Why as soon as you have your presentation to the Queen after you're 18 you'll be married in the blink of an eye. You'll see. You'll have to fend off suitors with a stick".Eugenie smiled and pulled a dress out of her closet. "Blue" she said, smiling and holding it out to her "Just the colour to set off your blue eyes".
"Thank you very much Eugenie. For everything. I did hear that there was to be a ball, one of my mothers distant relations are holding it. We have been invited, though prehaps I wont be going. My mother and father will be awfully vexed when, or if i return back home. Though i dare say you have been invited. With family connections like yours" Millie said sighing. She had been looking forward to going to the ball. It was one event where she could meet other people and she did love to dance.

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: A party night would be interesting. How would we get all characters there though? :) )))


Smiling, Benjamin realized, seemed to be something that came natural to the young beauty beside him. They had only been eyeing eachother for a few minutes, and spoken for less than a single one, and still the number of smiles he had seen on her lips were many. As though she carried a genuine happiness within that tiny frame of hers, despite the almost-poverty evident in her clothes.
Benjamin was intrigued, to say the least. Such a person was a rare thing, even among the young. While most of them were simply blissfully ignorant, this one seemed naive and innocent, yet not completely unscathed by the cruelty of life. And any person that could suffer hardship, and still come out with a kind smile to offer to a perfect stranger, was worth at least some of Benjamin's attention, as yet again there was an element of pure contrast; such a person was so very different from the grey, grumpy mass that were the usual Londoners.
And while usually Benjamin would take pleasure in draining a kind smile from someone's face, and step on their good intentions, right now he wasn't in the mood. He had already gotten to blow off some steam and toy with people, not to mention words, and so his interest in the person he was currently talking to, was, for once, of a somewhat sincerely friendly nature.

"Much more inspiration than me at any cost", Katriona said, before her attention was dragged away as the young baker put of loaf of bread on the counter, apparently intended for Katriona. "I think that I had better go for that."

Yet she remained standing by the table, gazing down at Benjamin once again, and he could see the thoughts swirling behind those... eyes... What color were they? Light brown, with a tinge of green? With the sun sinking outside, the previously rather bright light in the bakery was dimming, and so made it difficult for him to decide.
The next moment, she must've noticed the was he was studying her, for she gave a slightly bashful smile, that then widened as she bettered her grip on her basket.

"It’s been lovely to meet you Mr Penrose, I hope we meet again", she said, preparing to leave, but stopped in order to add; "I hope you find some way to make-up with your creativity."

At that, Benjamin gave a slight chuckle and a polite nod, as if to say 'Likewise' to the first part of her statement, and was just about to turn back to the papers, and the now cold tea infront of him, when he noticed the somewhat hesitant and reluctant look in her eyes as she beheld the darkening street outside. It made him turn to give it another look himself. Indeed darkness was moving swiftly, as it always did this time of year. It would soon be far from safe for a young girl to be outside.

Now, Benjamin had hardly made a habit of being a gentleman, and considering the thoughts that had been going through his mind the last couple of minutes, his intentions couldn't exactly be described as pure exactly. But the day had put him in what to him was a very generous and friendly mood, and so for once, he decided to make an effort to offer someone else at least a little bit of comfort.

"Would you mind terribly if I accompanied you on your way?" he said, and started folding the papers infront of him in order to shove them back into his jacket pocket, along with the pencil. "I really should get going myself, and would be nothing less than a scoundrel if I was to allow a young lady such as yourself to venture the dark streets of London alone."

Though accompanying her or not, he was probably as much of a scoundrel anyway. Perhaps not in this particular case, but he had quite enough on his conscience to qualify already. But he felt no overwhelming need to tell her that.


(((funheart - Feel free to have her decline, or godmod him to follow her home and part from her there, if you want to.)))

[Fayreview]

((Sounds good to me fun heart!))

"Very well my dear Julia," He took her hand and gently biting his lip pulled her towards him, he kissed her on the left cheek before releasing her and beginning to gently walk to the other end of the park, to his home. He walked slowly as to allow her to catch up but he had started moving in order to get sometime to think before she followed, he was nervous about her, but in someways its felt so right.

[littlesunshine123xx]

((OOC: Oh yeah i wud like a night party. Should be invite only. Prehaps the person holding it wud invite Ben along because they are a fun of his. He could give a reading of one of his poems or something? and Funheart character could be hired to help out in kitchens since she is a maid and help serve food. And amanda can help in the kitchen cooking (because she owns a bakery) and Thomas and the others pickpocket.)

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: Well, I suppose Ben could be invited... Rich people do have a tendency to want famous people to attend their parties, to heighten their status even more, and... while Ben isn't a celebrity per se, he HAS made a name for himself. But a reading? *s* I doubt it.)))

[Anne_SC]

((oooOoooo A party :) ))

My dear Julia... that sounded so good. She felt all warm inside and almost skipped after him. He was walking a little faster than her. But she didn't mind, just keeping her own rhytm in walking. She smiled and danced around him, her dress moving in the wind. And then she stopped, just walking next to him with a bright smile on her lips.
"Tell me, what's your home like?"

[Fayreview]

"My home? It is the best example of my sisters tallent for shopping you are ever likely to see, she herself pieced the whole thing together a few years ago, I think she did a good job, but i do suffer from a little bias," he gave a half smile. "It is decorated in plain pale colours and dark wood, she said it suited my serious temprement. I never have been one for busy printed fabrics." Ian offered her his arm.

[Anne_SC]

"Your temprement?" she asked while taking his arm. "You seemed quite fun to me. I didn't make a mistake right?" she joked and laughed softly. And as they walked, a large house came in sight.
"Is that it?" she asked, it was almost the same size as her own house, but a prettier garden.
"What's your sister like?" she asked, moving a hand over to her head to put her hat back in place.

[Fayreview]

"Well she's my twin, so understandably we are rather similar, we have the samehair and eye colours, she is about your height. She loves to do artistic things, indeed even the plan of the Garden is her work." Ian sighed. "Whilst she can be rather forceful at times we get along famously."

Ian paused, "as for me Julia, she simply meant I like my world to stay simple and light, it stops me getting down, which it is quite easy to do in my job."

[Anne_SC]

"I saw the garden" Julia said. "It's beautiful." He told her about the temprement. She smiled. "Simple and Light, sounds good. I'd like to try that sometime. My life is just boring, simple, but boring. I need some excitement. It has always been me and my maid. She's nice, and I give her more than someone would give a maid. She deservers it. Her room is as large as mine." she laughed as they walked up the path to the house. She then stopped them both from walked and grabbed both his hands, looking up at him. She moved her lips to his ear and whispered.
"Tell me..." she began. "What is it what you long for?"

[littlesunshine123xx]

((OOC: Funheart would it be alright if i entered another character in the lower class section. Or are we only allowed one character each?))

[funheart00]

((ooc;; Yes, there is one spot avalible in the Lower Class section avalible littlesunshine123xx.

For the party, I imagined that those in Middle and Upper Class would be invited. Those in lower class would be either maids, and Amanda cooks, so they could waitress, or something like it. It's quite likely some of the other, unemployed lower classes would find an invite and come along anyway. Basically a dinner party until late :) It's a great way for the middle and upper classes to get new aquantinces etc...

.. it needs a little bit of planning, but of course, everyone would be able to come.))

[littlesunshine123xx]

Name: Igor Sarkisov (Goes under many other names as well)
Age: 28
Class: Lower class
Occupation: Master Con Artist
Bio: Igor was born in Russia 28 years ago. Coming from a poverty stricken family he moved to England to find work. There was not enough work even for the lower class English people, let alone Russians. The only work Igor could find was stealing from others and dirty work. This wasnt enough for Igor, he wanted more. Power hunger he climb his way up to the dirty career path of a Master Con Artist and also become known as the Master of disguse. His con's are a huge scale, not just robbing from someones pocket. He uses trickery like no other, and no one is quite sure how he manages to do it.
Picture:
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/odunican/untitledf.jpg

Click to see Igor in one of his disguise (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/odunican/aawrte.jpg)

[Shenanigans_SC]

((OOC: I like the idea funheart. I've been meaning to post in this RP, I just can't get a hold of my inner mad scientist right now. So some reason to force him out of his basement might do the trick.))

[Slytherin-Girl]

OOC: Wooohooo! My baker buddy is back *glomps Shenanigans* :P And I'm all for the party idea. Gives Miss Eugenie a chance to be all rich and impressive looking :P



Eugenie smiled and gestured to a small door on the side of the room. "That's my dressing room. You can change out of those clothes in there. I'll hand them to the maids when you're finished to see if they can be salvaged".

She then tapped a finger on her chin thoughtfully. "Oh yes, I remember that. Mother and father were talking about it at breakfast this morning. It will be oh so exciting to be able to do all that dancing now that I'm presented" she said, looking over at Millie "And father has high hopes of me finding a match there as well".

[Fayreview]

"Now what kind of question is that for a lady to ask?" Ian gave a light-hearted laugh, kissed her gently then released her hands before walking and opeing te door.

He could tell she had actually desired an answer to this question so he smiled and followed that with "well you'll never find out if you don't come inside," he sighed he was remarkably happy today, maybe his siter didn't have all the luck when it came to love... perhaps he too could be happy?

[Anne_SC]

Julia laughed and walked into the house. It was beautiful, and classy. She loved it.
"It's beautiful here" she said, smiling as she turned around to him. He closed the door. She smiled.
"So will you tell me now?" she let out a giggle, and stood closer to him, feeling his warm breath on her skin. She bit her lip and looked up at him, looking into his beautiful eyes, forgetting the surroundings.

[Fayreview]

Ian sighed, "right now, or the rest of the time? Because the rest of the time it is that people would treat each other with respect regardless of the stupid class boundaries put upon us at birth...." He frowned, he honestly did want to make a change, he did want to help people he did want to make the future a nice place to live...

[Anne_SC]

"Shhh" she said as she placed a finger on his lips. "I'm sure there will be a change sometime. It's all about patience. And I know we all have waited long enough, even though I was born in the upper class, and so were you, I want peace too." she took his hands and softly caressed them, giving him a small kiss and looking at him. She didn't know what she just did. But it felt so good.

[funheart00]

"Would you mind terribly if I accompanied you on your way?" Benjamin said, pausing for a moment to tuck away his paper and pencils into his pockets, "I really should get going myself, and would be nothing less than a scoundrel if I was to allow a young lady such as yourself to venture the dark streets of London alone." Katriona gave a small smile, and with a quick glance towards the door, she brought her gaze back to the young man.

“I’d like that very much Mr Penrose. It’s very kind of you to offer.” She said politely, walking the short distance towards the counter on which her bread had been placed, setting the money down in the place of the bread, tucking the bread carefully into her almost full basket over her arm before crossing back over the now almost empty bakery sending a small smile over to Benjamin.

“Mr Penrose?” She asked, indicating the door as the pair left the warm bakery, the cool air hitting Katriona hard, her arms wrapped around each other in an attempt to ward off the chill.
All too soon, they had arrived back at Katriona’s master’s house, most of the lights from the main house extinguished. Taking the couple of steps down towards the entry to the basement, and the servants quarters she turned to shoot a warm smile to Benjamin.

“Until we meet again then Mr Penrose.” She said happily, giving a slight bow of her head and a small curtsy before pushing open the door, and moving into the warm kitchen, quickly shutting the door behind her in an attempt to keep the warm air trapped inside, making sure to shoot Benjamin a wide smile before shutting it fully, the click of the door alerting the main housemaid, Violet, to her late entrance.

A while later, after a scolding from Violet she entered her small room, the air still cold as none from the kitchen had been able to move into the plainly decorated chamber, with a small shiver, Katriona sat down at her small vanity table.

Pulling the pins out of her hair, she pulled the soft brush through her long dark locks. Slowly watching her features in the small mirror before her.
A while later, after changing into her bedclothes she fell tiredly into her bed, pulling back the rough blanket that covered her bed and holding them tightly around her skinny body attempting to keep warm in the cold air.

Her thoughts quickly drifted back to Benjamin, the man that she had met in the bakery. She still couldn’t quite understand why he had drawn her eyes back to him so frequently. He wasn’t exactly the most refined gentleman that walked the streets of London; in fact, he was almost the exact opposite. He looked almost ragged, but something about him almost said that he didn’t come from the same background as the rest of the scum walking about London. It might have been his accent, but it was hardly a particularly recognisable accent but it wasn’t completely common.

She soon drifted into sleep, thinking of her encounter with Benjamin, her mind on everything but the things that she would have to do tomorrow extra as she hadn’t done them today.

----

((ooc;; If you want me to change anything Atropa, just let me know. Also, I’m writing up the details about the party right now, so I’ll try and get them up tonight in case there is a problem with it and stuff J

Great character sunshine… I’ll add him up to the first post in a moment :D))

[funheart00]

((ooc;; Sorry for the double post, but here's the invite to the Party. PM me if you have any problems :)))
--

http://i171.photobucket.com/albums/u294/funheart00/Inite.jpg

The date is now the 31st December 1840. Tomorrow will be welcoming in a brand new year, one full of promises and surprises. Although the day is still young, there is one event currently on the minds of everyone, and that is the Party that all those worth knowing in town are invited to.

Please see below the full list of Gentlemen and Ladies who have been personally invited to the Party.

Ian Venn
Eugenie Alexandria Albany
Catrina Clarke
Dr. Gideon Coyle
Victor Stanbury
Julia Axe

----

Giselle Lather
Julia Crosby
Amanda Wright
Benjamin Penrose
Mildred Robinson

All those just mentioned have received individual invitations to the Party. Yet those who attend need staff to help make the evening run just that little more smoothly, the following Londoner’s have been asked to attend the Party as Staff.

Katriona Locke
Alyssa Cotton

Unfortunately though, some of these Upper Class folk seem to be all too careless with their invitations, and many have been flying around the town. Those who find these stray invitations though are not always the trustworthiest of folk, and many will come – uninvited – to the Party. They will be seen around the Town Hall, and in it, as those running the event, an anonymous Mr and Mrs Raines, wish to be seen as the nicest couple in town. By kicking the underprivileged children of London out of this Party, they could fall out with many of their needed contacts and so, as long as the poor Lower Classes not employed do not annoy their guests they shall be as welcome as they could be, uninvited. Although, how likely this is to happen is not yet confirmed ;)

[littlesunshine123xx]

((OOC: You dont have to change the invitation now obviously. But for future reference could you put Millie full name because everyone else has surnames and she doesnt. And if you look on her application it says Millie Robinson. But she would be known as Mildred Robinson.))

[funheart00]

((ooc;; I'm sorry Sunshine. When you first posted the application, you only had 'Millie' under her name, and I didn't go through each application to check if anyone had changed anything each time. I'll edit it now...))

[Slytherin-Girl]

OOC: Party time WOOT WOOT *grins* I should get Eugenie's WHOLE family going. Older brothers included *cackles evilly*

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: So is it now morning again?)))

[Shenanigans_SC]

((OOC: Yeah, I'm a little confused as to what time of day it is and how that relates to the party. I'm planning on dragging Victor out of his lab, even if it is kicking an screaming. ))

[funheart00]

((ooc;; Sorry, wanted to give everyone a chance to RP while it was evening, but as there hasn't been much activity while I was away...

It is now Morning in London

Sorry for any confusion guys.. basically today will be the 31st December, and the Party will begin in this RP day's night. Just letting everyone know a bit earlier...

Edit: I know Atropa, I think I made everyone confused. Sorry... x.x ... ))

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: Well, I would've RPed, but since I didn't know what time it was, I didn't want to make an evening/night post if it was indeed morning...But ok.)))

[Shenanigans_SC]

((OOC: I will confess that there’s been like eight pages since my last reply, and I have not read through them all. But Victor has been holed up in his basement anyway and would be completely clueless as to the things going on, so I guess it works in my favor. ))

“Dammit!” Victor let out as his fists pounded the table rattling glass jars and beakers as he did. He had stayed up all night, confident he was on the edge of a breakthrough. Only now, as the rays of dawn began to filter into his laboratory did he find something had gone wrong. In a fit of frustration and rage he swept his arms across the table, bringing the items atop it to a crash on the floor. The momentum had carried his body in a full circle. He plopped onto three legged stool and held his head in his hands. Before his breathing had the chance to decline he heard the ever familiar squeak of the door.

“Sorry to bother you master,”

“What is it?” Victor interrupted his servant, irritation obvious in his voice.

“An invitation has come for you.”

Victor’s hands fell to his knees as he lifted his head and rolled his eyes. “You interrupt me for an invitation? Throw it in the fireplace, the room is a bit cold and the fire needs some kindle.”

Knowing better than to continue pursuing his master Charles walked to him and placed the note card on the table that now lay bare. “I shall fetch someone to clean up this mess.” He informed Victor, and then quietly left the room.

The adrenaline slowly leaving his veins Victor picked up the invitation. “Town Hall?” he spoke out loud. A little voice inside his head urged him to consider going. Perhaps there would be connections to be made. If another two theories failed to be proven, he soon would be bankrupt. “Especially now that I pay that little pick pocket thrice a week.” He wrestled within himself. The side of him he despised most, eventually won. “I must get some sleep if I am not to scare everyone half to death at this thing.”

With that he left his basement, leaving the door open for a servant to come clean the mess. Once in his room, he withdrew a small bottle from his pocket, undoing the cork the took a small swig of the concoction. After returning it to his pocket, he made his way to his bed, which had become a stranger to him. Without undoing a single button he lay on the bed and drifted off to sleep.

((OOC: What can I say, he's a night owl.))

[FurryPanda]

Thomas felt that he had moved up quite nicely in the world. It hardly seemed that less than a month ago he had been a homeless pickpocket, and now he was... a pickpocket with a leaky apartment. As far as he was concerned that was a fantastic improvement, especially since he didn't have to pay for firewood, the furnace the landlord used radiated enough heat through the entire building. Which was two rooms, but he did not deem it wise to inform her that the room was admirably heated.

He had worked for Dr. Stanbury three times a week for a while now and had accumulated three pounds of spending money. He had been living as he usually did, as a pickpocket, despite still having plenty of money from Millie and Doctor Stanbury. He was loth to spend it and so he continued being a pickpocket, leaving his legitimate earnings stuffed in the cot.

He woke up on the 31st and checked that the money was still securely stashed in the decaying matress of the cot, which he hadn't replaced. The floor was plenty comfortable since it was out of the wind and he had become quite content with sleeping there. He disentangled himself formt he blanket he had gotten originally form the doctor and slid downstairs with a few shillings to go get a small breakfast. He ahd been moderately successful in his stealings the day before and had enough to get food.

He got out of the dock area quickly, despite the fact that he was technically one of them, he avoided the place. The thought never occured to him that it was a bit hypocritical that a bit of fortune smiling on him made him oblivious to the social class he had so recently been a part of. He stayed in the same parts of the city as he usually had and the 31st was jsut like any other morning. He took some fruit off of a stand, today he paid for it, he didn't always. As he lounged under a tree in one of the london parks eating what passed for his breakfast he saw a piece of paper drifting by.

He grinned slightly, mayhaps it was some silly girl's love letter that he could amuse himself with for the day. He got up to fetch the paper and was startled to find it was heavy card stock. He only knew because he had been buying Dr. Stanbury art supplies for a while and one of the proprieters gave him a tour and some sweets one day.

He read the card as he finished up his food and contemplated the invitation he held. Some huge party, to be held tonight. He doubted that there would be any good pickings as far as being a pickpocket went, most Londoners were smart enough to not carry much money to a big function like this, but he was sure some would be stupid and come loaded. He figured chances were good for him to be able to get one. As he crumpled up the invitation and stuck it in his pocket he thought vaguely that maybe he would see Millie there, he had missed her a bit. He slowly walked towards his flat, much as he hated being seen in that part of town he fiugred if he wanted to have even the smallest chances of blending in he had better get some new clothes.

(( Approachable))

[littlesunshine123xx]

Igor Sarkisov

Igor Sarkisov sat at a wooden desk in the corner of a dark room. His face was almost in total blackness, expect for the shadow across his face from the small window on the far side of the room. He placed a bag of money on the table and began to count, putting each in neat piles. A gentle knock on the door, distracted him. "Come In" he said his voice drawling. The door slowly opened and a man came in. The man was middle aged and plump, with a few grey hairs and wrinkles by the looks of it. "She will be ready in a minute, take a seat" Igor told him pointing at an empty chair by the desk. "Have the agreements all been meet? is it the one that i wanted?" The other man said. "Yes, wasnt easy mind. Very tricky indeed. A lot of trouble i've gone through, and i dont like that." Igor said cooly and stirred at the man. The man became nervous "Im sure we could come to some arrangement, more money prehaps." The man said nervously.
"Prehaps we can" Igor said sounding bored, he went back to counting his money.
The door burst opened once more and in stepped a young female, she looked poor. She was wearing barely anything and had far to much rouge and lipstick on. "Havent I told you to knock" Igor shouted at her angrily. "Sorry..sir..forgot. Wont happen again. But sir its the girl she said she wont perform sir. I dont no what to do" The girl said desperatly.
"If you'd excuse me." Igor said to the man sitting opposite him and stepped outside the room with the girl. "What do you mean she isnt performing. I didnt go to all this trouble for nothing. Tell her she better do as she is told or she will be finding herself six feet under tomorrow." He said angrily punching the wall. "Sir she wont listen, she is refusing to do anything. She bit me before sir" The girl said showing him her arm. Igor pushed past the girl and into another room. A pretty young woman was sitting on the bed, crying.
"So you decided not to cooperate with us. Is it that your frightened pretty" He said softly walking over to her and stroking her face. She nodded "Well you should be, you dont perform then your pretty face wont stay that way. . Wouldn't it be tragic if you where just to go missing. Now this gentleman has payed good money for you, you better give him a good time, or else!" Igor said and had her pressed up against a wall, his hands clampsed around her neck. The woman nodded and tears spilled out her eyes.
Igor walked out of the room and said to the other girl "Its all sorted, go and fetch the gentleman now, she is ready. Ive got business to attend to" Igor said and picked up a ragged coat and hat. Entering onto the streets of grimy, dirty london, he smiled and pulled a coin from his pocket and flipped it in his fingers. ((Approachable))

(Hope the idea of like a brothel isnt to sexual for this thread. It doesnt mention sex just done in a subtle way and there no graphical details. And it was one of the biggest things that went on in victorian times, so it is kinda important, especially to my character)

[Fayreview]

Ian had enjoyed staying and talking late with Julia before sending her home in a hansom, in fact he had gone so far as taking the cab to her house with her in order to escort her inside. There was something amazing about her, he had reflected that morning whilst he had brushed his teeth, in fact his morning routine had been drowned out by thoughts of this new woman, everything. It was quite remarkable he smiled gently to himself as he returned to the office, whilst he was actually not working today he had managed to leave his reading glasses on his desk and he would be in need of them to go through the days post.

Whilst walking Ian stopped to talk to several police officers to get news of any recent troubles amongst the poor. With no new information he continued through town where he was caught quite suprise by a young lad (Thomas) who appeared seemingly out of nowhere, "I am sorry young man i did not mean to cause you any hastle, i seem not be loking where I am going, in deed come to think of... where am I?"

[FurryPanda]

Thomas had been making his way back home, avoiding the wors eparts of town as much as he could, when all of a sudden some man in rather nice clothes for gallivanting through London bumped into him. Thomas wasn't the least bit bothered, it wasn't as though the streets weren't packed, even on New Year's Eve. the man seemed much more concerned about the whole incident, going so far as to stop Thomas and say, "I am sorry young man i did not mean to cause you any hastle, i seem not be loking where I am going, in deed come to think of... where am I?"

Thomas smiled blandly and answered, "London, sir. You're in London. Near St. James Park. And no trouble at all sir, really." Inwardly he was fuming slightly, not only was the fellow keeping him from his shopping, but he had also probably just lost any chance of a good tip. He kept his face looking slightly cheerful and vaguely eyed the man's pockets, before deciding not even to bother trying. He was going to a party tonight, no reason for him to eat today.

[Fayreview]

"Thank you young man, but I am well aware I am in London, I was looking more for a road name we have been having hastle with a man in this area and I felt if I knew which road this was I may be able to track him down and speak to him." Ian rolled his eyes inwardly, what an arrogant little near-do-well this guy seemed to be, he responded with a smile he was a sure was as fake as the one on the boys lips.

He vaguely wondered whether this boy was one of the new breed of excelling theives the police were having problems with, no he doubted it, the child didn't seem intelligent enough for that.

((Ian's thoughts not mine :)))

[FurryPanda]

Thomas raised his eyebrows slightly, the man seemed to have a rod up his butt and was being quite condescending. He revised the notion that the fellow was too flighty for him to consider picking his pocket, there was a difference between being as unhelpful as he was and being out and out rude, as this fellow was. Thomas was slightly offended, and had every intention of doing something about it.

So he allowed his smile, which he felt was much less transparent than the one ont he man's face, to slip off and say, "Aright sir, no need to get pushy, this is Newcastle Upon Tyne." Thomas felt that that was safe enough for getting the fellow lost, it was on the other side of the park from where they actually were, Horse Guards Road.

((OOC: Do you mind if Thomas picks your guys pocket? I don't mind if he gets caught and gets in trouble over it, btw. Oha nd the lot of that is his musings not mine :)))

[AtropaMandragora]

Morning. Again, bright, cheerful, dreaded, blasted, accursed morning. Would there ever be an end to the wretched things? Benjamin simply could not stand them. Which was why he mostly tried to spend them in his bed. Or any bed for that matter, with the blanket pulled over his head to block out any shred of sunlight, and the intention to sleep until noon.
Today, however, would turn out to be one of those days when he did not wake up in his bed, with the morning hours long gone. When he awoke, it was to a constant jabbing of his shoulder and an incessant "Mister? Mister? Hey, Mister? You go now." in his ear.
Groaning he waved a hand at whoever was the owner of the annoying voice with the foreign accent, as if trying to shove them away from him, and for a couple of blissfull seconds, the chatter stopped. Even the jabbing ceased.
But considering what was coming, he might've just preferred it, as seconds later harsh reality hit him right in the face, in the shape of a bucket of ice cold water being emptied over his head.
It proved most efficent, as not two seconds later, Benjamin was sitting straight up on the worn mattress on the dirt floor, gasping, coughing and sputtering, while glaring at the culprit, the owner of the establishment where he had spent most of the night; a tiny Asian man standing a few feet from him with a wooden bucket in his hand. Apparently he had tired of trying to wake Benjamin in a somewhat polite way.

"Fine", Benjamin muttered as he staggered to his feet, clumsily wiping away dark, dripping tresses from his face. "I'm going."

He stood for a moment and looked around him on the floor, in obvious search of something, muttering various curses under his breath as he did. He was a frequent customer, d*mmit. Considering the money they had made on him alone, one would think they'd treat him with a little more respect. But nooooo. Throw him out at the crack of dawn, dripping wet in the winter cold.

"Here, Mister."

A tiny arm appeared next to him, holding out the very item he had been looking for; his cap.

"Gimme that!" Benjamin snapped and snatched it away from the flinching, blinking girl; one of the owners many offsprings, for sure.

With that he plunked the cap down on his head, and started making his way out into fresh, but dangerously cold air, hoping the opium clouds in his head had dissipated enough to allow him a swift return home.



(((ooc: Approachable.)))

[Fayreview]

"Some how young man i doubt that, my gardener lives along Newcastle upon tyne and having been to his home I highly doubt you are being sincere." Ian gritted his teeth, if this is what his commission was making of children under the poor law they were seriously mucking up. His eyes narrowed, "but thank you for your attempt to.... help... me" he gave a twitch of his muth that was probably a very plastic smile. "I however should get a move on, some of us have work to do."

Ian began to walk off, but in doing so felt guilty. Even if the boy was being obstructive... surely he wasn't actually a bad person, and Ian should try harder to be accepting.

((Go ahead... not sure how Ian will react but feel free :)))

[FurryPanda]

Thomas was startled by the man's abrupt change from very typically condescending to forced politeness. Very transparent forced politenss, but nonetheless. The man said something about his gardener living in newcastle upon tyne, and Thomas was even more firmly convinced that the guy had no need of whatever monies he was carrying. In his admittedly uninformed opinion, newcastle upon tyne was a pretty nice area, and anyone with a garden and staff to maintain it certaintly could spare a few shillings. Or if Thomas was lucky, pounds.

The man commented vaguely that he had work to be doing, once more condescindly polite. Thomas nodded to himself, the guy was asking for it. The fellow had much longer legs than Thomas and in the moment it had taken him to decide, he had already created a good gap between them. As Thomas fairly quickly closed that gap a tiny voice inside him cautioned him against robbing someone who was probably faster than him as he was planning to get away into the park. There was a culvert near a tiny irrigation canal that he used to sleep in, and that he had used as a place to hide. That tiny voice was overurled however, by the time that Thomas got close enough to the man. he reached, silently, into the man's pocket, pulling out a compact wallet with ease and then stopping dead to let traffic seperate the two of them. Once a few seconds had passed he walked oh so slowly towards the park, ready to dart away if the fellow noticed the lightness in hsi jacket sooner than could be wished.

[Fayreview]

A sickening feeling ran through Ian and he came to a hault instinctively he knew what had happened, it had happened before. But quite sure that he had taken reasonable precautions and that he would not be able to catch the idle young lad he continued. He had frequently been asked why he carried three wallets, and his answer was the same, "when people find what they are looking for they generally stop looking for it." and as long as you keep what is most dear in a more concealed area you will no doubt lose what is less important. Stamps and a few silver coins were a lose, but thankfully not a great one in comparrison to the pocket watch or the amulet which had belonged to his Grandmother.

However Ian would make sure to remain on the look out for such a boy in the future. The boy would have to pay for his bad habits one day, and in order to do that. It was better to make him think he had gotten away with it.

[Anne_SC]

Julia opened her eyes and rolled over in the bed. She put a hand over her head as the sun shone through the large window right into her eyes. The evening with Ian had been great. She smiled at herself. She was in a remarkable happy mood. As she stood up she spotted herself in the mirror. Her hair was all messed up, so she walked to the mirror and did her hair.

[FurryPanda]

Thomas safely got to the culvert and when he had glanced back on the way had seen the fellow look behind him. Thomas had still been in eyeshot then, and probably an easy run away for the tall man, but he merely paused and continued on his way. Thomas decided he must be insipid.

The wallet had a few silver coins, enough to adequately pay for new clothing in Thomas's opinion. there were a few stamps and the wallet itself, neither of which seemed to have much value. He pocketed the coins in the same clothes he had been wearing since he had gotten his job, and counted to five hundred to give the fellow plenty of time to leave. He didn't know why but he had the willies from him. Normally he would jump right back into the streets after seeing what he'd gotten, but he had a bad feeling. Thomas trusted his instincts implicitly, there was a reason that he had been moderately successful as a pickpocket.

Once he had finished counting he darted back to his apartment as fast as his feet would take him, the mornign was almsot goneand he hadn't the slightest idea how long it would take in the fancy tailor's shop he wanted to go to.
((Approachable))

[littlesunshine123xx]

((Do you think Thomas and igor could rp, Igor is kinda in the same job as Thomas, but obviously higher))

[FurryPanda]

((OOC: Actually I was just thinking the exact same thing. Could you write the first post int hat litle bit? And I don't care if they know each other in the first place or not. So go nuts! To a reasonable extent))

[littlesunshine123xx]

(rofl ok will do, wont be writing it till abut 15 mins gotta do hoovering up))

[littlesunshine123xx]

Igor continued to walk down the busy london street. He had business in a small area of town. It was nothing that imporant, just a local job, to earn a bit of money. His gaze became fixed on a young boy and a gentleman walking the street together. This was a suprising sight. He watched carefully as the boy skillfully pick-pocket the gentleman without him getting a wiff on what had just happened. Igor smiled wickedly. He needed someone like, some one to train up and help him in his dirty crimes. The boy fitted the bill perfectly. The boy left the gentleman and Igor carefully followed to his next destination. He waited until the boy was alone enough to speak to him. "You! boy, come here, what is your name?" Igor shouted to him, hoping he would answer back.

[FurryPanda]

Thomas heard some man shout "You! boy, come here, what is your name?" he looked around and seeing, no one else that could be consdiered a boy in the vicinity turned to look at an imposing looking man, he looked about as wealthy as Thomas himself was, which was to say, not.

"Who, me? Name's Thomas." He didn't volunteer the rest of his name. Just because there was no class difference didn't mean that the fellow meant him no harm. Thomas was slightly relieved to note that he was close enough to his apartment to get there quickly if he had too, far enough away that he could lose pursuit, also quickly.

[littlesunshine123xx]

"Who, me? Name's Thomas." The boy said turning around to face Igor. Igor stepped forward looking at the boy, judging him. "I just watched you pickpocket that man. quite good at an all. But you could be better. I could do with someone like you working for me. You would do fine indeed, very fine" Igor said eyeing the boy up and smiling a cold evil smile. "That is of course if you know whats good for you, a boy like you out on the streets, times can be tough. Pickpocketing aint enough, i know it. But work with me and i'll give you a roof over your head and a good pay. What you say a Thomas?" Igor asked stirring at him. He had changed his accent to a london one, he didnt want to give to much away. You could never trust no one, especially not strangers. That was the key to Igor success his fantastic tricky and the face he was always cautious.

[FurryPanda]

Thomas stepped backwards smartly, the guy was creepy, and Thomas was not at all comfortable with the cold way the man was smiling. His accnet seemed fake too, but Thomas didn't mind that overmuch, his was too, and he suspected many poeple of doing the same to blend in.

However, bothered though Thomas was, he knew full wel he could use whatever monies he could get, and if the man there was at all like the boy who had led the thief gang he used to be in, that would not be an issue. Very carefully, picking each word one at a time, he replied, "Depends on the work, pickpocketing is a comfortable enough living. And I have no need of a roof, there's plenty of room under the bridges."

There wasn't actually, people who had been on the streets far longer than he had had constructed a shanty town underneath, and Thomas had not been there since he first came to London, and had no intentions of changing that. However, he had no intentions of revealing that he had a comfortable enough apartment even if- given the hole in the ceiling- it couldn't be considered a roof over his head.

[Shenanigans_SC]

((OOC: Oooo... I watch eagerly. Is Victor going to loose his errand boy?))

[littlesunshine123xx]

"Depends on the work, pickpocketing is a comfortable enough living. And I have no need of a roof, there's plenty of room under the bridges." Thomas replied to him. Igor raised his eyebrows. "Ahh you see I thought you where going to be different. Thought you would be one of them with goals and ambitions. Out to make not just a bit of money, but lots. Move on to bigger and better things. Earn respect, rather than just being a pickpocket. Ahh prehaps i was wrong, dont matter anyway, your not the person i thought you were. Wanted someone with guts and skill" Igor said and began to turn away from him. The boy was crafty, Igor knew that. He could tell he would need persuasding, but of what sort he wasnt sure just yet. Or prehaps the boy was truely stupid enough to not take up Igor's once in a lifetime offer. If the boy had knew his real name, then he wouldnt have thought twice about it. Igor was one of the notiriously well known names in the crime scene of London. And highly respected by others. But this Thomas, as he called himself. He had something different about him, Igor saw a little bit of his boyhood in him. He knew alot of great things could come from the boy, if only he would take the offer and chance.

[FurryPanda]

"Ahh you see I thought you where going to be different. Thought you would be one of them with goals and ambitions. Out to make not just a bit of money, but lots. Move on to bigger and better things. Earn respect, rather than just being a pickpocket. Ahh prehaps i was wrong, dont matter anyway, your not the person i thought you were. Wanted someone with guts and skill"

Thomas blinked. Just how stupid did the man think he was? He sighed to himself, so much for sublety. The man ahd turned away and was striding off briskly,a nd Thomas once more stuck bemoaning being a bit short, had to run undignifiedly after the man to ask, "Maybe I didn't make myself clear. If, I took you up on what you said, what would I be doing?" Thomas rocked back on his heels, if the guy couldn't, or wouldn't, answer a perfectly reasonable question, he was welcome to keep whatever money and roof his stupid self had gathered. "Proabably lives in a brothel," he thought uncharitably to himself.

[littlesunshine123xx]

It wasnt long before Igors plan had worked. Thomas had come running to him just as he had planned.
"Maybe I didn't make myself clear. If, I took you up on what you said, what would I be doing?" Thomas said to him. Igor smiled "Ahh your right I didnt did I, if you must no I have a few business around London city. I wouldnt expect you to have to deal with them all. But I need someone to take the load off. someone I can trust and train up, to take over when, sadly I am gone. Few dodgy shops here and there, basically made for conning people. Or if you prefer pickpocketing, well I could offer you something on a large scale. Not just feeble street pickpocketing for a few coins. No i'm talking about hundreds sometimes thousands of pounds. As I said though prehaps your not the right lad for the job." Igor said casually watching Thomas carefully for every single reaction.

[littlesunshine123xx]

((OOC: He's just trying to persuade poor Thomas. Think the most Igor going to get out his schemes is hundred or so. Been thinking of a bit of a con that him and thomas can do in the ball. But wont say to much, but they probably could get about 100 or so out of it, which is a lot. Igor wud be well off, but never be middle class because his name is dirt.Yeah, yeah i imagined the probably wud have meet Atropa. And middle and higher class man where the ones that visited the brothels quite often actually.))

[FurryPanda]

Thomas made his face go thoroughly blank. He had a gloomy feeling that he was talking to some high up in crime. Or an opium addict out for a buck. If he was a hugh up, he probably not the sort that could make his life a living hell if he chose to, but proabably the sort that would not be easy to deal with. There were one or two boys that ran gangs that were undoubtedly lords, and they usually had lackeys that seemed to have life made, he wondered vaguely if this fellow was the sort of adult equivalent to those boys. If he was would that make him a lackey? Or one of the poor kids who did all of the grunt work? He hoped for the latter but suspected the former. Of course, even more so, he suspected that the guy was just an opium addict who had wandered out of the district. He doubted that even the queen had a thousand pounds cash lying around.

He still kept his face studiously expressionless, and he was still mulling things over in his head and just to buy time, as he figured he'd been standing blankly for a minute or more he asked, "What's your name?"

[littlesunshine123xx]

What's your name?" Thomas asked after a few minutes of looks and thoughts. "Igor, and thats all you need to know for now." Igor replied honestly. He wasnt going to lie to much to the boy, he could jeopardise his chances with Thomas if he did. He was a smart kid, to smart prehaps. But Igor liked he for that.
"What you say then for working for me. You'll get high respect and more than your earning now. I've got to admit i like you kid, dont disappoint me. I dont like to be disappointed." Igor said friendly but his gaze on Thomas was stern and cold.

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: But he's claiming thounsands. Not just hundred, or even ONE thousand. He said thousandS, which in those days would mean the income of a middle class man over the course of ten years. So yeah, unrealistic, to say the least. But like I said, it's your character. Was just trying to help keep things fairly realistic.

*edit to answer post below*
One would have to be a complete dolt to believe Igor. And since you say he's a skilled con artist, I thought he would know better than to say something so amazingly unbelivable. I mean, he might just as well promise Thomas a palace in every continent and expect him to believe it...)))

[littlesunshine123xx]

((Yeah i no you are, i agree should be kept like that. But i did say he isnt going to rob thousands he's just trying to impress Thomas. But thomas isnt obviously fooled easily, and Igor is realising that. But thanks for your advice anyway :D ))

((Well first he was going to lie to Thomas, but he thought that prehaps he was just a normal stupid street boy and would be impressed by that. But as i said he changed his tune now and isnt lying to tom)

[FurryPanda]

Thomas winced, and most of the blood drained out of his face. Igor... that was uncomfortably close to what he had come up with with the fellow being a lower class lordling. He had heard of a Igor Sarsikov (sp?) and he realized that it was a bit possible that he was talking to that august personage. So to speak. He did not allow his expression to waver but he gave a short nod. Even if he could get at a few hundred pounds of his own he could leave London forever and set himself up as a surprisingly young eccentric in the middle of nowhere.

He might ahve been more motivated by the fact that Igor looked terrifying glaring at him, than by any thoughts of self aggrandizement though. He stared directly at him waiting to see what his reaction would be. He also distantly hoped that he had been right in the first place and it was just an opium addict.

((OOC: Happy medium you two?))

[littlesunshine123xx]

The boy still didnt say anything, and gave no answer to Igor. Igor was becoming frustrated, he wasnt usually kept waiting like this. As much as he liked the boy, he wasnt one to be made the fool of. "Boy I dont like time wasters, yes or no simple enough question. So what will it be?" Igor said angrily to him.

[FurryPanda]

Thomas rolled his eyes. So much for a thief lord. "Yes. On a condition." He backed up a pace or two, the man's voice had gotten lower and angrier, and the nasty expression on his face had not wavered. Thomas was acutely reminded of the fact that Igor probably had a foot and a half on him, and that he (thomas) was unarmed. He didn't dart off though, unlikely though it seemed that the man was who Thomas thought he was, they probably could come to a mutual accord.

[littlesunshine123xx]

Thomas rolled his eyes. "Yes. On a condition." He backed up a pace or two, Igor raised his eyebrows once again. "What is that condition?" He said looking at the boy, almost stirring him out.

((OOC: Going to bed have school tomorrow))

[Shenanigans_SC]

((OOC: I'm shaking my head at this moment. I can just see it. Poor Victor kind of trusts this kid... now he's in Igor's employment. Poor, poor Victor. I'm sending that man to figure out a new poison!))

[FurryPanda]

"What is that condition?"
Thomas relaxed the muscles on his face visibly, he didn't do much more than give a bland look, but hopefully that would seem less forced than the statue like countenance he had had on.

"I get out, no questions asked, if I want to. No reprecussions, no crap of any kind."
Thomas had convinced himself that this Igor and the thief lord Igor were one and the same, and if that was right, then he wanted to be able to leave if he had to. He did nto want to be famous, he wanted to be respectable. And rich of course.

((OOC: Shenanigans... nowhere was it said that thomas is leaving Victors employment. I hadn't planned on it actually... but if you wanna figure that out, go right ahead, but whats wrong with a kid ahving two jobs?))

[Shenanigans_SC]

((OOC: Oh no Panda... by no means. I was thinking more along the lines of something else. Because little sunshine mentioned something about a con going on at the party. And Victor is one of the upperclass at that party. And he trusts Thomas. So I was going down the thought line that Victor was a prime candidate for whatever con. That's all. I fully expect Thomas to show up Monday morning ready for duty! ))

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: Meh. Guess I'll just have to send Ben on home. :/ )))

[littlesunshine123xx]

"I get out, no questions asked, if I want to. No reprecussions, no crap of any kind." Thomas answered. Igor scratched his chin for a second, thinking. He had always had the choice of making people that left him mysteriously disappear. Was it to big a risk. What if the boy was a snitch, it could risk Igor's reputation. He thought about how he could get around the boys request. "Hmm I will accept your condition boy, if you accept mine. If you do want out, you are to be silenced in anything you have heard of done for me. Tell no one, I want you to swear that you wont. You breath a word and I shall have the right to see fit to punish you, in whatever way I wish. Agreeded? Can we come to some kind of arrangement on that or not?." Igor said looking at the boy in the eyes.

[FurryPanda]

"Can we come to some kind of arrangement on that or not?"
Thomas had to force himself to look away from Igor, creepy or not, the man seemed very able to hold a person's gaze. Thomas was reluctant to agree, but he figured that in the long run it wouldn't matter. Anything too terrible and he could disappear on his own, and he was a street urchin. Very little would be too terrible.
"Fair enough, that's a deal."
Thomas held out his hand to be shaken, once more looking at Igor, and he wondered vaguely to himself if he was making a colossal mistake, if he should ahve run off when he had first been called after.

[littlesunshine123xx]

"Fair enough, that's a deal."Thomas replied and held out his hand to be shaken. Igor pondered for a moment. Could he really trust this boy, he was taking on a big risk. His gut told him to go for and he reached forward and shook the boys hand rather roughly. Before letting out a wicked cackle. "I got a job for you already, isnt much. Just got a bit of business needs intending too. Could do with your help. Aint nothing to dirty. Just meeting with an associate that needs persuading." Igor told Thomas. He wasnt going to give to much away, Thomas didnt need to no all the details. He was a bright enough lad to work them out for himself.

[FurryPanda]

Aint nothing to dirty. Just meeting with an associate that needs persuading."
Thomas raised his eyebrows at that. The fact that Igor had felt the need to offer a reassurance from the outset was not a good sign in his opinion. He had agreed though, and merely waited for him to continue. When no further commentary seemed to come he said simply, "And?"

Thomas wondered vaguely to himself if he was the only person in London that seemed to understand that a silence in conversation was ususally a question. He wouldn't have been surprised if it was true, especially if this guy was anything to go by.

[littlesunshine123xx]

"And?" Thomas voice asked questioning Igor. Igor was hardly ever questioned. His eyes opened wide at boy. "And that is all you need to no." Igor said looking at Thomas sternly "For now anyway" he added.
"Aha were almost there. Just a few streets away. Just be on alert Thomas when we get here. Anyone says anything to you, dont answer back. Stay silent unless spoken to. Understand?" Igor said seriously as he lead him up a back street street.

[FurryPanda]

"Stay silent unless spoken to. Understand?"
Thomas was growing more paranoid by the minute, especially since they were going down some alley, and they were getting into the parts of town that Thomas avoided. He nodded, silently, but his hands disappeared into his pockets, where the rich man from earlier's money was, and, much to Thomas's well concealed delight, a few nasty splinters from the floor of his apartment. He was realistic enough to know they wouldn't do him any good if things went truly downhill, but there was a nice psychological effect in being armed, however poorly. He was momentarily startled by a rat running past, and he laughed to himself. A month ago he'd have never noticed.

[funheart00]

((ooc;; Sorry for the delay in hopping in here guys *s* By the looks of it, you seem to have sorted everything out, but for future reference, Fluid put up a *really* useful money thing that I linked to in the first post... so just make sure to have a look at the links cause things can get quite confusing dealing with olden-time money etc...))

[Fluid_SC]

((It seems I've been missing some drama, eh?))

As the morning sunlight filtered through the windows of his library on Greene Street, Dr. Coyle sat at his escritoire, composing a draft of his ideas on the application of modern medicine to urban problems for Mr. Venn. His elegant copperplate handwriting filled many sheets of foolscap.

He had solved the problem of the insufficient maidservant the night before, in a very satisfactory way. By fortunate chance, the employment offices had found a candidate for the position of housekeeper to replace her, and he expected the woman very shortly.

The Doctor had finished several more pages of medical considerations when the bell rang. He set aside his pen and blotted the page before standing. He was wearing over his clothing a voluminous black brocade dressing gown which shuffled about in the air as he greeted the woman and invited her into the parlor.

She was an older, kinetic woman who radiated a potential energy just waiting to let her cogs and gears spring into life. Her silver hair, gathered fiercely into a bun, bespoke her iron sense of purpose, while her round ruddy face, impressed with crow's feet and deep age lines told of her passion. Dr. Coyle's judgment of character, an inherent, genetic acumen coupled with studiously keen psychology, rarely proposed a false intution, and he at once liked this woman. A brief interview would seal the deal.

"I am," she began, "Mrs. Rebecca Hadley, and the agency told me you needed someone straight away. My bona fides." She handed Dr. Coyle a paper. He scanned her curriculum vitae before depositing in the breast pocket of his robe.

"You served a family in Aberdeen," he said. "I am, myself, from Edinburgh. Only slight differences between keeping households in Scotland and here in London, but the minor differences make the home, in my opinion."

"In mine as well, Dr. Coyle."

Dr. Coyle clasped his hands in front of him. "Well, I see no reason why you shouldn't start at once--assuming you have no personal business to secure? None? Fine, fine." The Doctor took from his other pocket a list of his own. "My suggestions for budget, as well as particular habits of mine I'd like you to take into account during your duties. These are based upon my last housekeeper's budget, in Edinburgh, and so we can alter it according to London as you see fit. As well, if you need any assistance in keeping my house, you may at your discretion hire help, and we can adjust the budget accordingly."

"This seems," said Mrs. Hadley, "a very accurate estimate. Your suggestion for my salary is, I must point out, rather more generous than I am accustomed to."

Dr. Coyle knew from past experience that paying his servants well engendered loyalty, as well as a willingness to overlook their master's eccentricities; but he kept quiet upon this count. "Your honesty is refreshing, Mrs. Hadley, but it is, I think, appropriate, considering the high opinion which the agent at the employment offices holds you ." Mrs. Hadly was obviously pleased, but betrayed her emotion with only the briefest of smiles.

"There is one point upon which I must insist with the utmost seriousness," said Dr. Coyle. "The spare room, which can be entered via the library or the back staircase, I have converted into a private laboratory and workshop. You are under no circumstances to enter, or to attempt to enter that room. I have the only keys. Is that clear, Mrs. Hadley?"

"Why, of course it is, Doctor."

"Excellent!" He took from a third pocket, this one on the outside of the dark robes, a group of keys on a chain. "Here are the rest of the keys. Can you start your duties soon? As you can see, the former maidservant was a total disappointment." He did not tell his new housekeeper the details of the maidservant's "departure" from her duties.

"At once, Doctor Coyle. In fact, I have already begun." She left the parlor and brought back a silver tray which supported a card. Doctor Coyle took it, and read the contents. "An invitation," he murmured. "And for this evening. Mr. and Mrs. Raines...." He contemplated. He knew the names vaguely--Mr. Venn had mentioned them, perhaps--and something about their reputation, but nothing else.

"I shall draft a little respondez for you to post."

"Very good, Doctor Coyle."

----------

After giving his note to the housekeeper and taking care of his ablutions, Dr. Coyle set off in a hansom for the University, to undertake the first of his lectures in forensic surgery. The hansom set off, mostly smoothly upon the cobblestones; but after a while, ceased moving. There was some commotion, and Dr. Coyle stuck his head out of the window: a great traffic jam. Two cabs lay upturned at the intersection, clogging the flow of traffic in four directions. Several horses needed special attention; a slew of apples had apparently exploded from a rather destroyed market stall; and the police were exasperatingly tooting their shrill whistles in an attempt to keep order.

"What is the chance that we will move again in this century?" the Doctor asked the driver.

He responded, "In this century? None, sir."

"Damn! I can't be late for my inaugural lecture." He paid the driver, returned his billfold to his breast pocket and exited the cab. The school was, if not exactly nearby, within walking distance. He navigated carefully the accident--which appeared likely to erupt into total chaos--and made his way to the University.

((Approachable, either on the street or at the school.))

[funheart00]

Katriona woke late. Something that she hadn’t done in a long while, woken simply by the late morning light filtering through the flimsy curtains that hung uselessly over the windows. She rolled onto her side, waiting for her eyes to adjust to the loud sound of the kitchen and the bright light. Finally, she threw her legs over the side of her bed and sat for a moment before rubbing the back of her pale hand over her eyes and slowly standing, sighing slightly that no one in the house had seen fit to wake her, she pulled the blanket, thrown haphazardly across the bed, back to its original place allowed a small yawn to escape her lips.

Around half an hour later, Katriona had washed and dressed, emerging into the warm kitchen to an assault on her senses. The breakfast was almost ready, the smell almost teasing her that all she would be eating this morning would be the leftover bread that the Mistress hadn’t needed yesterday. The light stung her eyes as they began to adjust to the bright room, and the noise had simply intensified. This is why she hated waking late, it simply made it harder to get back into the swing of life and she did have to go to the seamstress today on top of her other market chores to pick up her Mistress’ gown that she wanted made for some reason or other. Violet soon made her way over, rubbing her hands on an already soiled cloth.

”Katriona! You are late rising this morning child!” She scolded, her eyes narrowed slightly.

“Yes Violet,” She replied simply, hurrying over to the servants table to grab a chunk of bread that had been cut off, Violet running behind her, telling her the importance of time and that she would never find a good man if she was always running behind. Katriona silently sighed. She simply nodded at Violet’s statements and didn’t dare mention that she was hardly ever late anyway. At a pause in Violet’s motherly ranting, Katriona made her way quickly to the door, picking up her – now empty – wicker basket on the way past her hand was already touching the door when Violet called over.
“Before you go, there is an invitation of work of some sort on the side there for you. Pick it up.” Katriona did as she was told, lifting the invitation on her way out of the door.

The cold air hit her slightly, but her skin gradually got used to it, the cheap shawl she wore around her shoulders keeping some of the chill away from her. She raised the invitation to her eye level while walking. If only she could read a little better. She knew that it was a bad idea to try and do something like read at the same time as walking, either were hard enough to do on their own without the other distracting her. Soon she gave up on reading, and tucked it into her wicker basket, moving into another street to lead her into the Market, she would ask another of the Maid’s in the house to read it for her later.

Her eyes coming up from where they had settled on her basket, she recognised the figure in front of her easily, and when they reached close enough to be heard, she sent a warm smile his way and bowed her head slightly.

“Mr Penrose!” She said happily, her eyes meeting with his for a moment before she realised that the something that she had thought was different about him was that the upper half of his body was almost dripping with water. She sent a half smile, towards him, obviously confused at his state before allowing it to disappear. “Are you alrigh’ Mr Penrose?” She asked, her slight accent coming through the question. She furrowed her eyebrows together for a moment, slightly worried about him in the biting cold wind.

“Your sure to get a chill like that sir.” She told him, a small smile playing on her lips.



((ooc;; Hope it was okay for her to but in there Atropa x.x … Don’t want a sopping wet Ben to go unnoticed now, do we? :P

Fluid, I think you have there! Glad to see the doctor back though :)))

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: funheart - Yup, that was the one I was referring to in one of my (now deleted) posts on the matter. :) Useful indeed. And THANK YOU for approaching Ben! I was dying of boredom over here. :P )))

Stumbling through the doors of the opium den, out into the street and the cold winter air, Benjamin darned near stumbled right back in again. Were they really expecting him to venture out into that? The frost on the ground was glistening in the rising morning sun, and there was steam coming from the mouth and nose of everyone that had been stupid enough to set foot out there. It was freezing, for God's sake! Benjamin's teeth were clattering like crazy already! And he was soaking wet! Why, he could catch pneumonia and die.
Although... For all he knew, that just might be an improvement.

Those were his bitter thoughts as he turned his head to shoot a glare at the owner over his shoulder, but the only target he found was the pretty little girl that had handed... tried to hand himhis cap. She had followed him up the narrow, rickety stairs from the basement, and was now giving him a shy and timid wave goodbye.

"Oh, sod off!"

Needless to say, Benjamin was hardly in one of his friendlier moods.

Realizing he had little choice but to step outside, he pulled the coat tighter around him, clasping the collar with one hand to protect his throat and neck to the best of his ability. Though little good it did, for the coat too was wet. But it was the only thing he had. Reluctant was the only word to describe him as slowly he set one foot outside the door, follwed just as slowly by the other. There. He had passed the doorstep. He was outside. Just a couple of hundred more yards to go.

He willed his body into motion, and started muttering various bad words and racial slurs to himself once more as he was picking up a bit of pace. It never turned into the kind of hurried, determined stride significant of those who were just looking to get from one place to another as swiftly as possible - which this chilly morning would include just about everyone - but he did manage a sort of rigid staggering, much reminiscent of an icicle on legs.
However, his stiffening body was not the only thing that kept his movements from resembling those of someone who was not about to freeze to death. Despite the sobering crispness of the air, his head still felt clouded, and it cost him a bit of effort to stay focused on the path he was walking. Though despite his attempt not to, he couldn't help but be occasionally seduced by the sweet remnants of the drug that he had come to label his best friend. Which was why when he suddenly found himself nearing the market, he had no idea how he had gotten there.
But no sooner had he stopped to try and figure it out, momentarily forgetting the cold that was nipping at what seemed like every inch of his body, than a soft, flowing and impudently cheerful voice demanded his attention.

"Mr Penrose!"

Somewhat disoriented, Benjamin started looking around, confusion etched on his young but currently rather haggard features. Who was calling him? The only ones to call him "Mr Penrose" were generally people he didn't like. But this was not the sickly sweet voice of some pompous git, or the annoyingly nasal bleating of his female landlord. This sounded like someone far more pleasant.
Just then, his gaze landed on the approaching form of a pretty young girl. Didn't he know her from somewhere?
Ah, yes. That pretty young thing he had escorted home from the bakery. Now he remembered. Katriona, her name was. See, all that time in the opium den hadn't put him in the poor shape that some his friends insisted he was in.

"Are you alrigh’ Mr Penrose?"

Katriona had now stopped infront of him, and was looking at his with the same confusion that had just vaporized from his face and been replaced by a faint smile in recognition. Though he barely noticed. What he did notice, however, was her accent. Most endearing.

"Your sure to get a chill like that sir."

Although still seeming rather confused, a smile now graced her lips as well. And it was only then that the realization, and the cold, hit him once again, full force. Within moments, he was shivering.

"Well, yes...", he started. "Yes, I do suppose my weekly dip in the fountain was a poor idea."

There it was. The eccentricity he had so successfully kept on a tight leash when last, and first, they met. Or rather, the craziness. Apparently, he was too young to be eccentric.

[Shenanigans_SC]

The elixir he drank before laying in bed proved most useful in helping him get to sleep, something that had proved harder and harder to accomplish lately. However, it also proved beneficial in bringing on dreams, of the nightmarish sort.

He had tossed about before waking suddenly. He was startled half to death, and definitely looked the part. He brought himself to his feet and made his way to a small mirror, not quite large enough to hold the whole reflection of his face. He stared into his own pupils, running over the visions that had been in his mind just a minute ago. What he saw bothered him, though he’d hate to admit it. But perhaps there was something more, something his subconscious was trying to tell him.

He made his way to his bathroom, splashing cold water upon his face. While drying his face with a towel, one word came to him. University. He hated the institution. The very one who had denied him his degree, and the title he should have properly received. He was far more brilliant than many of the “Doctors” it churned out. Yet they spurned him for his forward thoughts. Why should he go to the University? It made no sense to him.

Perhaps he had lost his mind, but he figured there was no harm in allowing his mind to be indulged in it's fancy. He left his room, trudging down the stairs, Charles had noticed and stood at full attention. “I will be at the University shall anyone come calling.” Victor’s words were short, as they always were. He grabbed his top hat and long coat off of the rack that stood by his heavy front door. He had no idea why, but the name of Coyle repeated itself through his mind.

Upon wrapping his scarf around his neck, he found a cab rather easily, upon entering it he hoped he’d recall where he had heard that name before. It was one thing to think you’ve lost your mind, it was quite another to have others thinking such things.

((OOC: Fluid... I have NO idea what my character has in mind. I have NO idea for anything... I just know since this RP started I wanted my mad scientist to meet your mad doctor. Thought it could be fun. :) ))

[littlesunshine123xx]

Igor led Thomas into a dark, grimy street. The houses here where close together and built tall. There was a few people standing outside their doors, most of them where women, cleaning their steps. Or old men smoking. A few young women spotted Igor and hung out one of the windows. "Ohh it's him Izzie, knew he would come. Are you coming up Igor, we all being missing you dreadfully. We've been in want of satisfaction for days" One of the girls said seductively and Igor smiled. "Not today girls, got business to attend to." He replied back to them and they all sulked and went inside.
"Dont mind them Thomas, there just filthy whores" Igor said nastily and looked up at the window. He could tell Thomas was uncomfortable, he hoped it would be a bad idea to take him on. He would have to deal with much worse things than this is if he was to work for Igor. They finally reached their destination at the end house. Igor knocked on the door and waited. "Remember what I said" Igor said turning to Thomas. The door opened and on the step stood a tall, thin man. His hair was balding and he had sharp hollow features. "Your late Igor, where have you been?" The man asked angrily.
"It isnt a good idea to question me at the moment Gregory, if you no what is good for you." Igor replied and looked at him coldy. Gregory swallowed and stood aside "Suppose you matter come in then" Igor walked into the dark hallway and gestured for Thomas to follow. "Whose the runt?" Gregory asked. "That is no runt, I'll have you know i've just employed one of the sharpess kids this side of London. You speak out of line like that again and you know what will happen" Igor said putting his face close to Gregor's threating him.
"Ok, ok I understand. So lad, you going to speak. Or you a mute" Gregory asked Thomas and Igor frowned.

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: Okay, edited my previous post with an RP. :) )))

[FurryPanda]

Thomas had been very bothered passing by the brothels, he knew from a few of the boys from the gang what happened in those buildings and he didn't condone it. He was extremely relieved when they didn't go into one of those buildings.

That relief was short lived when they went into a narrow building with some tall thin fellow whom Igor had identified as Gregory. The entire thing was giving him the creeps and he slouched as much as he could, hoping not to be noticed. It didn't work, the man turned to him after a brief exchange with Igor and asked, "So lad, you going to speak. Or you a mute"

Thomas did his best to smile amiably, though he suspected it was more of a grimace, and shrugged. If he wasn't supposed to talk, then he wouldn't talk. Probably would make things easier anyway, Thomas doubted he could get out much more than a squeak at this point.

[littlesunshine123xx]

"His names Thomas alright and he speak perfectly. But he's got nothing to do with you Gregory. This is between you and me. That girl the other day you got for me. She ain't performing. I cant keep having no performers. These are wealthy gentlemen ive got to turn away. The last girl had to be dumped in the docks. I dont want other like it, understand?" Igor said grabbing Gregory by his shirt collar and pinning against the wall. Gregory nodded frightened and Igor let him go. "While i'm here, whats this i hear about your new plans for the local ball, thats coming up. If you blow the cover, you'll be meeting some new sailors just like your girls you get it. This is to important to screw up." Igor told him angrily.
"I aint got no other plans but what we dicussed. The plan hasnt gone as to plan thats all. It seems that the security is going to be higher than what I had predicted." Gregory said and glumped.
"That what you predicited. IF THIS GOES WRONG...JESUS I'VE GOT TO DO EVERYTHING MYSELF. Stay out of this plan Gregory, your no use to me. I'll do it on my own, it can be a test for Thomas here too. He'll do a better job than you thats for sure." Igor said and swung open the front door and gave one last stern glance at Gregory. "I'll be back in a few weeks. Your attitude had better improved by then" And with that Igor swept out the door and took Thomas with him. Thomas seemed unable to say or do anything.

[littlesunshine123xx]

((OOC: im off to bed now, feel free to let Thomas do what he wants. I wont be on till tomorrow evening))

[FurryPanda]

Thomas watched the conversation between the two men silently and he kept his face expressionless. He was trying to hide some revulsion, but more importantly he was hiding that he was rapidly figuring out much more than Igor probably wanted him to know. That the man owned a brothel, several if rumors were to be believed. That he was definitely the crime lord Thomas had pegged him as. That he was thoroughly wanted by the police. And that he was quite probably ruthless. He glumly realized that he had to be exceedingly careful, promise or no promise, he did not want to "meet some new sailors." Or worse, entertain the lower classes of those.

They had walked in silence out of the alley, Thomas following a pace or two behind Igor. Finally he said quietly, "Don't suppose you'll tell me what that was all about, sir?"

((Bit late there sunshine. Mind if GM your charachter jsut a bit so Thomas can leave?))

[Slytherin-Girl]

OOC: Sunshine, am I right in assuming that Millie is staying at my house for the time being? Just wanted to check.

[Fluid_SC]

His lecture had yet to begin, but some students and teachers were already starting to find seats in the lecture hall. The students carried notebooks while the faculty members came unarmed; they all sported the stern black robes and mortarboards which comprised the uniform of their profession. Dr. Coyle, however, had put aside his professorial garments, removing his normal black suitcoat and handing it to his assistant. Wearing just his vest over his white shirt, he rolled up his sleeves to his elbows. The assistant (a student named Ackerman, hand-picked by one of his friends in the faculty) helped Coyle don a heavy black leather apron, the kind a butcher would wear; but when the assistant offered him a pair of leather gloves, Coyle waved them away.

The observation hall was designed like a Greek odeon in miniature with a stage where Dr. Coyle would perform the forensic autopsy, then several rows of seating blossoming out and upward in a 90 degree arc. He double-checked his tools, an array of knives, scalpels, forceps, saws, chisels, scissors, hammers, probes, needles, as well as other exotic intruments of specialized manufacture. Just like a chef, any physician worth his salt accumulated his own private set of tools--he had accumulated a fine set over the years, using them in hundreds of surgeries and autopsies (as well as his private "projects").

He saw, waiting in the wings, a covered cart guarded by two men: the one in the uniform of a police constable, the other in plain-clothes but to Coyle's experienced eye a detective. He waved them into the arena.

The lecture hall was almost completely full by now. Dr. Coyle clapped his hands. "Students and colleagues, we are just about ready to begin the demonstration!"

[littlesunshine123xx]

((OOC: Yeah she staying at urs. Will rp in a bit. but kinda just waiting for the ball))

[Anne_SC]

Julia walked down the large stairs of the huge mansion in her new dress. Hoping she would impress Ian with it.
She laughed and almost skipped outside. She was in a great mood, and almost nothing could ruin it now. She walked across the street to the park. No one was there so she walked to the center of the city, where the streets were full of people, with each their own lifes and beings. As she walked across the street she stopped at a stand and bought some bread, immediately walking further to find a large town-square with people yelling and calling out prizes, offers and much much more. She smiled.
It was important that she understood how life could be if she was born in a lower class. And she wanted to help those people in some way. She broke the bread in half and gave some to a little boy.
"There you go" she said sweetly, and walked further.

((approachable))

[FurryPanda]

((OOC: littlesunshine, since thomas hasnt gone anywhere yet if youd like to RP with him again, go right ahead...))

[littlesunshine123xx]

They had walked in silence out of the alley, Thomas following a pace or two behind Igor. "Don't suppose you'll tell me what that was all about, sir?" Thomas asked out of the blue. Igor startled looked at him. He frowned. "No not now Thomas, cannot be careful who is listening. Plans get ruined that way." Igor said and led them down a long chain of dirty london streets. Igor stopped at a halt. "This is my place, we could find you a room I guess. Unless you prefer sleeping on the streets" Igor said with a evil snort, pushing open the front door. His house was the same as Gregory's. However it was not as tall and not as narrow. However it matched in the lack of lightness and the poor ventalition. The windows where boarded up, or some had heavy red curtains draped across them sheilding out light.
"Put your stuff down. I'll get one on the lads to get it" Igor instructed Thomas. "Oi you lazy bloody buggers. Get down here now we got a new lad 'ere." Igor shouted up the stairs. Two boys around Thomas's age or more rushed to the bottom of the stairs. "Where yah been master, ain't seen yah for years. Me and the lads been thinking you aint comin back." The oldest boy said.
"I've been busy with business. This is Thomas, he be working along side you now. This ones special to me. So none of your usual tricks." Igor said laughing.
"Alright Thomas, 'ere give us yah bag . We just put in the room for yah." The boy said and snatched Thomas bag off him before he had a chance to reply. The rushed upstairs and began to laugh.
"Dont mind them lot, there alright when you get to no them." Igor said reassuring Thomas, while he opened the living room door. "Inside" He told Thomas pointing to the living room. He and Thomas walked in. The living room looked just as bad as the rest of the house. In the corner there was three chairs. Igor gestured for Thomas to sit down, while he made himself a strong drink. "So Thomas, you wanna know my plan right? Guessing I should let you in since your going to be in the plan. You see there is a ball in a few weeks. Some upper class fella is holding it, all the richest and highest people going to be there. Great opporunity for us right! We sneak in their, prehaps you could pickpocket a few of them, like you did today. While they are holding the ball, the rest of the house is going to be empty. Once again perfect Opp for us. Now im guessing that this high and mighty gentleman who holding this ball aint going to short of money. So im sure he got a few valuable objects lying about in the house. You follow where I'm going?" Igor asked smirking.

[funheart00]

Katriona gave him another rather confused smile, but it disappeared quickly as her eyebrows furrowed. He was shivering now, as anyone would be in this cold weather but walking in these freezing streets half soaked was never something that Katriona herself would want to try.

"Well, yes...", he started, as he paused for a second, Katriona’s face a mirror of worry for him. "Yes, I do suppose my weekly dip in the fountain was a poor idea." The unexpected comment took Katriona a second to take in until she caught onto the humour behind his voice and her mouth broke out in a wide smile, a light laugh following it quickly.

She hadn’t seen this side of him yesterday, and after realising that he was joking she could see the funny side of it. It didn’t squash Katriona’s curiosity as to why he was walking the streets of London looking as if he had indeed taken a swim in the fountain.

“I personally wouldn’ have recommended it, Mr Penrose.” She smiled, going along for a moment with his sarcastic comment until she realised that he was still shivering quite badly. It was quite easy for many of the disadvantaged people of London; those with no warm home to escape back to out of the streets were likely not to survive if they didn’t eat right, and it would be easy for him if he spent any length of time out here to catch pneumonia.

“I do hope you’ll be alrigh’ though Mr Penrose,” She said, an edge of worry in her voice, for a reason unbeknown to her. It wasn’t as if they were great friends, and arriving in the freezing streets of London, with only a soaking coat to keep you warm is something that hardly screamed out that he would be a respectable man yet there was something about him that didn’t just tell her that he was the scum that was so often found scrounging around the streets.

Katriona found herself speaking before thinking about it. Something she rarely did, but then again she rarely spoke to ‘strangers’ in a bakery either.

“Mr Penrose, I do hope you have somewhere to go to warm up, but your welcome to come back to the Kitchens …”, she said quickly. She didn’t think that he would probably want to get back to his own home, where he could warm himself up and get a change of clothes.

“It’s warm there, and fairly close too,” She said, attempting for a moment to back up her un-thought through comment. “P’raps then I shall get out of doing some work too.” She said lightly, a warm smile flickering across her features as she hitched her light basket back into the crook of her arm.

--

((ooc;; No problem Atropa, didn’t want him freezing out there by himself :P

Afternoon is drawing in over the town of London …

))

[FurryPanda]

Thomas was thoroughly affronted when a pair of boys a bit older than him took his things and disappeared up stairs. Before he could get a word in edgewise Igor led him into another room and proceeded to explain what even Thomas had to admit was an audacious plan. Not nescessarily one that he would attempt on his own, but certaintly feasible.

Finally the man seemd done talking and Thomas said in extremely clipped tones, his annoyance superceding his good sense, "Yes, I get it sir, and that party you spoke of is tonight. And more importantly, I said before that I have my own accomadations, I will be staying on the street. So before we discuss anything else, get me my stuff back." He leaned back in the chair that Igor had indicated and then sprang up to stand, mostly casually, away form the chair which had moved underneath of him.

((OOC: And btw, he wasn't carrying anything, he jsut had Ian's wallet which he would ahve kept in his pocket. But whatev. And also could you put an enter in between sets of dialogue? Gets hard to read. Thanks!))

[littlesunshine123xx]

((OOC: Yeah soz just trying to do rp and English revision for an Alevel exam tomorrow so rushing a bit))


"Yes, I get it sir, and that party you spoke of is tonight. And more importantly, I said before that I have my own accomadations, I will be staying on the street. So before we discuss anything else, get me my stuff back." Thomas replied leaning back in the chair that Igor had indicated and then sprang up to stand. Igor studied him for a moment. "I dont remember telling you to stand up. Seems you want to act bold. But there is the time and place to act like that Thomas. This isnt one. I will call the boys later to fetch your belongings. (Belongings could be his coat or something).

"You say the party is tonight, One again that fool Gregory has got he plans wrong. But he shall be punished." Igor said angrily thumping his fist on the wall.

"But enough of him. Now about tonight. It's not going to be easy, very tricky indeed. But I believe we can pull it off. However we cant get in without an invitation .Once we have that our plan can come to action. I'm guessing you no nothing about the invites. Still there is time to find someone who does." Igor said frowning and stroking his chin while he thought.

[FurryPanda]

Thomas, with great reluctance sat back down, barely touching the infested seat cushion. It was only an ingrained habit from years of living on the street that made him apologize, the sarcasm in it came from the fact that he sensed things rapidly spiralling out of his control. He didn't like that one bit, but he saw no reason to back out, he could use the money.

He blandly reached into his pocket and after a moment of digging through splinters and small change found the crumpled paper from that morning. "These invitations you mean?" Thomas gave a small grin, urchin or no, he was still d**n lucky most of the time.

[Shenanigans_SC]

Upon arriving at the University Victor pulled the brim of his top hat down a bit, to avoid eye contact with most. He had determined in the cab that he would avoid the self righteous faculty and instead find someone who was an obvious student to gleam information from. All he had to go on was a name, but it would have to do.

Spotting a rather ripe candidate Victor approached a young lad. “Where is Coyle?” he said rather simply.

“You mean Dr. Coyle sir?” the young man asked rather surprised.

“Of course you dimwit, is there any other? What do they teach you around here?” Victor had not intended his question to be answered.

“Why, he’s giving a lecture at the observation hall. If you ask me the man’s damned to hell for cutting up those poor bodies.”

“Yes, yes.” Victor waived the lad off. Obviously one of those fools who still held on to the notion that a man’s soul was so closely tied to his body, that if any harm was done to it despite desisting to function there would be hell to pay. Literally. Probably a drama major. Victor thought to himself.

He quickly made his way to the hall that the student had pointed him to, carefully taking in his surroundings as he arrived. He eyed the crowd, noting those who were obviously colleagues of the Dr.s, and most who were students. He quietly took one of the few empty seats that were left in the back.

[Fluid_SC]

The lecture hall was almost completely full by now. Dr. Coyle clapped his hands. "Students and colleagues, we are just about ready to begin the demonstration!"

As the constable wheeled the covered cart out onto the middle of the lecture hall, Dr. Coyle scanned the audience. He was pleased to note that the lecture hall was at full capacity, with several members of the faculty seated near the front, and far more students than would have signed up for the class. The Doctor did admit to himself that he enjoyed inserting a bit of drama into his lectures from time to time, especially when confronted by his antagonists in the scientific community or by smugly confident students; and while his reputation at the university in Edinburgh had translated to some degree here to London, it was due for a bit of polish.

There was a fellow who had just taken up a seat in the back who seemed neither student nor professor, but had trained his eyes upon the stage more keenly than either. Though upon occasion the university would open up its lectures to the public, the man didn't appear to Dr. Coyle to be either a reporter or policeman--he would have to ask one of his colleagues.

The constable had taken a position standing beside the Doctor, as if it were a place of privilege. Coyle could smell the starch which overwhelmingly stiffened the uniform. The constable sported a handlebar mustache of such solid immensity that if one could, in fact, pry it off and attach it to the front of a bicycle, one could ride from London to Leeds and back again without incident.

Dr. Coyle stepped forward and grabbed the edge of the oilcloth tarp which covered the cart and, like a magician, swept the cloth away and over his head, letting it waft to the back of the arena. Everyone knew what was coming, but a few murmurs of shock still echoed.

Upon the cart was a corpse, dressed in filthy near-rags, but slashes of dried blood covered his chest, and a circle of blood and bone indented his temple. "May I present to you," said the Doctor, "the object of our examination today. Will you," he indicated the puffed-up constable, "present us with our subject?"

"Hhum! Ahem, yes indeed, Doctor," said the constable. "This fellow was fished from the Thames in the wee hours of this morning, and when you, my good Doctor,"--here the constable smiled and nodded amicably--"requested from our morgue something for you to work on, why, this seemed ready made! Not much of a puzzler, though, and I hope your students aren't disappointed."

Dr. Coyle gave to the constable an avuncular smile. "Of course, constable. Will you give us the facts, then?"

"Ah-HUM. As you can plainly see, this fellow was a local indigent. Here on his left temple, there is a deep depression caused by a blunt object, undoubtedly left there in a struggle."

"Undoubtedly!"

"But of course the wounds here on the chest are more remarkable. There are six deep slash wounds, from a dagger or sword or other blade. The victim was no doubt attacked by a maniac--for who else could inflict such vicious wounds? My official opinion: murder at the hands of a person or persons unknown!" The constable gave a little bow.

"Why, my good man, you've put your finger upon it," said Dr. Coyle. "I predict you have a notable career in law enforcement in your future. However, constable, there are one or two points which--if I may?--might be of some interest."

Doctor Coyle walked around the corpse slowly, examining it both from afar and with his shiny brass magnifying glass. "Well then. This is the body of a man of approximately thirty-five to forty years of age. He is a widower who loved his wife with some passion. He was a God-fearing man. He was prone over the course of his life to bouts of depression, perhaps exacerbated by his addiction to opium, which was a recently acquired habit, picked up during the time he lived in China and from which place he only recently returned to London. He was a career soldier in Her Majesty's army, eventually serving in Afghanistan where he was discharged following an injury. It was after this point that he lived in Hong Kong, working there as a laborer while at the same time recruited as a petty thief by one of the 'Triads,' or underground Chinese criminal societies. He experienced from a young age periods of prosperity, followed by poverty, of various lengths and throughout his entire life."

Doctor Coyle paused for a moment to catch his breath. The constable stood dumbfounded, with his mouth agape and his posture slumped. The Doctor actually felt some pity for the man.

"Our autopsy will undoubtedly reveal many other points of interest. At the conclusion of the demonstration, I invite you to offer your own conclusions. But a cursory examination of the corpse indicates that this poor fellow committed suicide."

[AtropaMandragora]

By the end of his last sentence, Benjamin was shivering so bad that he could hardly make out the look on Katriona's face. His tendency to sprinkle any conversation he had with either provocative statements or sarcasms and venemous insults, or just plain oddities, had a different effect on different people. Some would think he was just joking, until he went too far, others would consider him a shockingly offensive scoundrel with a sharp tounge, and others yet would simply think he belonged in an asylum. Exceptions were few and far apart, and mostly consisted of people who while sharing his fondness of leaving an impression, found it better to silence their inner voice, rather than indulge it.
Benjamin had yet to figure out what category Katriona would fit into, and her facial expression at this moment was of little help, as all he saw was a blur of lips and eyes and rosey cheeks. It was only when a soft laugh penetrated the sound of his clattering teeth, that he was given an indication. As it sounded rather genuine, he decided that she had taken his words to be a joke, and not sarcasm meant to tell her to mind her own business.
Good. The previous day he had found himself enjoying her company while escorting her home from the bakery. It would be most unfortunate if he was to rob himself of the chance of getting to knew her a little better.

"I personally wouldn’ have recommended it, Mr Penrose", she said, and a small flash of pearly white teeth told him she was smiling.

Even her voice carried hints of a gentle sense of humor, and made Benjamin's lips begin to form a smile of their own. Though it probably looked more like a grimace than a smile, especially judging by how when next she spoke, the humor was gone from her tone. In it's place, was a tinge of worry lacing her words.

"I do hope you’ll be alrigh’ though Mr Penrose", she said, pausing abruptly as though she had caught herself saying something she shouldn't, but soon continued in the same concerned voice. "Mr Penrose, I do hope you have somewhere to go to warm up, but your welcome to come back to the Kitchens… It’s warm there, and fairly close too. P’raps then I shall get out of doing some work too."

That last part was spoken with a lightheartedness that made it all sound like a sincere offer rather than a polite one, and there was no way he could've missed the warmth of that smile, no matter how bad he was shaking. It was a smile that by itself seemed to breathe life into his frozen limbs.

Silence filled the space between them for a moment as he pondered his options. With his head slowly clearing, he had the distinct feeling that he had something on his agenda today, except writing. Writing was always on his agenda, simply because he never seemed to get any done.
Didn't he have somewhere he was supposed to be today?
His eyebrows furrowed as he tried to think, but after a couple of moments he ended up shrugging to himself. If he couldn't think of it, it probably wasn't important. Besides, being late or not showing up at all had rarely been a concern of his.
And Katriona's offer did appeal to him. By the sounds of if, they were closer to her home than to his, and the thought of a warm kitchen was far more pleasant than the one of his dreary apartment. As was her company, as opposed his solitude.

"When you put it like that, Miss Locke," he said, and found that even his voice shivered in the cold, "I would not only be a fool to refuse such a kind offer, but a knave as well for not freeing you from at least a few of the many duties I see weighing heavily on your shoulders. I'm afraid my home during winter is no more hospitable than a coal mine, and so if it really isn't too much trouble, I will gladly accept your most generous offer."

As for where all the polite words came from all of a sudden, he had no idea. There seemed to be something about her that made him alomst civil. Perhaps it was the fact that she was lower class. They weren't exactly his most favored targets. In fact, his targets rarely included them at all. They already had their fair share of troubles and sorrows. He needn't add to them.
Or perhaps it was simply that as long as he stood something pleasant to gain from being cordial - for instance an offer to defrost in a warm kitchen, like now, or perhaps eventually the pleasure of her company somewhere quite different - his subconscious wouldn't let him be anything else.

[funheart00]

((ooc;; Quick, slightly useless post that I shall delete in a moment because it's not letting me onto page 19 x.x))

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: It does for me. Didn't 5 minutes ago, but now it does. Don't delete.)))

[littlesunshine123xx]

"These invitations you mean?" Thomas said pulling out invites from his pocket, and gave a small grin.
"How did you? Well i must say you have impressed me Thomas. Prehaps i did make the right choice taking you on. I shall reward in due time. But now we must complete the plan. I have a map of the place, it where tell you where your stations are and we you are to move to next. I shall not be able to communicate much with during the next. I shall pretend to be a guest, try and keep the host in the ballroom at all times. Leaving you free to complete are plan." Igor said excitedly.

He pulled out a large drawing from a nearby dusty cupboard. It was the floor plan for the ball and the estate it was to be held in. "See here, it tells you where the objects you shall take are placed. You have got to be quick there is a almost certain chance there will be someone in the house the same time as you. If your caught we are done for. You understand." Igor asked Thomas, looking at him, his face shallow and serious.

[FurryPanda]

thomas looked blankly at the blueprint of the house that Igor had, seemingly effortlessly, procured. He looked back up and said firmly, "I don't burgle people, and I need that invitation to get in myself." His misgivings had returned full force and he sat up all the straighter, sensing that that bit of intelligent thought would get him in trouble. He had still been raised properly on a farm, and in his opinion, it was impossibly improbably scummy to go into someone's house to wreak minor havoc. He stared right into Igor's eyes, as though daring him to argue Thomas's countrified convictions.

[littlesunshine123xx]

"I don't burgle people, and I need that invitation to get in myself." Thomas said to him and stirred at him daring Igor to argue back. Igor couldnt believe it, here he was trusting this boy giving him the opporunity to gain money and he was throwing back in his face. "You are not needed then, I took you on to work for me. Now if you dont like my plan get out and dont bother coming back. But you must keep your side of the deal" Igor said furious, but his voice still remained cool.

[FurryPanda]

Thomas bit back a retort with a visible effort of will. He breathed in deeply for a moment and wondered why he was being so thoroughly argumentative. Igor was scum, but Thomas knew full well that in the eyes of anyone whose opinion mattered he was too. What was one more level?

He gave a brief nod and said, "Hm, apologies sir. So what exactly will I be getting?" He went back to his usual comfortable slouch and waited. He was still glaring, but he was not trying very ahrd to keep that down, he figured that being excruciatingly polite would handle that.

[littlesunshine123xx]

Hm, apologies sir. So what exactly will I be getting?" Thomas replied. Igor had meant what he had said if he didnt perform the task, then he would be out of the deal.
"You will be getting a cut in the profit we make through selling the objects. A good cut if you do as you are told. Prehaps 30 or 40% percent. But I need you to steal the objects. Your young and quick on your feet. If your caught you could get away quicker than myself. I shall be in the ballroom, trying to distract the owner. Somehow I do not think that the owner will be distracted by a young boy trying to talk to him. If you dont think your up to the job, then you no what you can do" Igor said nastily and poured out another drink.

[FurryPanda]

Thomas nodded. "That I do. Shouldn't be a problem sir. May I go now?"
resigned though he was to following through on this "employment" he still had every intention of going to the party even if he had to sneak in afterwards. He was hoping to steal an excellent meal of hors deourves and he wanted to see Millie and get some money off his own targets in what he was good at- pickpocketing. He didn't get up yet, given how angrily Igor had reacted last time and sat, waiting.

[littlesunshine123xx]

Thomas nodded. "That I do. Shouldn't be a problem sir. May I go now?"He asked. "Yes you may go. Oh and Thomas, I will need that invitation. I shall try and make a copy for myself. Then you shall be able to join the ball to begin with and once i have the Host distracted sneak off into the house. Its the best plan. Now go" Igor said shooing Thomas out of the house.


((OOC: I didnt think it was fair that Thomas wouldnt be able to go to the ball, now he can for a bit :) )))

[Shenanigans_SC]

((OOC: I hate to be a thorn in the side. But this party is at Town Hall, not someone’s house. Are you seriously going to steal things from Town hall a public building?
Also, funheart, can I bother you for clarification? As some are discussing the party as a Ball. I just want to know if it is or not, because if it is Victor shall be dressed different, and in a particularly worse mood. (He doesn’t enjoy parties, he despises balls. lol) ))


Victor sat in the uppermost row, soon removing his glasses in a vain attempt to see things a bit clearer. Dr. Coyle seemed to not only be a doctor but also somewhat of a shows man. As the constable rambled his most official deductions, Victor had to hold back his laughter, allowing only an amused smile when Dr. Coyle was obviously poking fun at the man. “Undoubtedly!” he declared. It was obvious to Victor that the poor fool of a public official had an ego whipping of a life time in for him. Only the man didn’t seem any the wiser.

A handful of minutes later had proved Victor’s assumption as correct. Doctor Coyle made his way around the deceased, looking closely, and shot off a list of particulars seemingly missed by the constable. Victor did indeed enjoy the show of sorts, and the whole spectacle esteemed the Dr. to him.

Victor sat and watched the lecture which ran over two hours. Other than the occasional whisper from an onlooker who had a weak stomach it seemed to be pretty normal. Well, as normal as it could be given there was a human body now completely emptied out, it’s prior contents now evenly distributed into glass jars and plates of assorted sizes.

As Dr. Coyle brought the examination to an end, many began to flood out of the stadium, a small percentage actually went down to speak with the doctor. Victor was in no hurry and sat quietly as he watched the people. It was a natural knack that he had, to watch people and their movements. You could ascertain a great amount of information by simply watching people's mannerisms. A keen and patient eye was a must for a man in his profession.

Once the crowd had thinned out for the most part Victor strolled non-chalantly down to the operating area. Dr. Coyle was still speaking with someone else so Victor took his time to look over the corpse his self. Well, what was left of it anyway, as the Dr. proved to be most through with his technique. Victor was curious, as some of the Dr.s observation were relatively easy to follow. He had been inspecting the eyes before declaring the man had an opium habit. Obviously the eyes had been dilated peculiarly. Having been high on the drug, would explain why the man was able to cut himself in the chest six times before feeling some pain.

Victor shook his head as certainly the constable should have ascertained that with the depth and the angle of the cuts, they were most certainly self inflected. But there were a few of the Dr.s observation which left Victor a little puzzled, so he wished to look over the now empty vessel. Just as he noticed a tiny etched symbol of sorts on the man’s forearm answering his question as to how the Dr. knew of the man’s time with the Chinese Triad, Dr. Coyle seemed to notice him.

Upon hearing the Dr.s voice, Victor looked up, neither rushed or slowed, as he now knew the Dr.s senses could perhaps surpass his own. Victor offered his right hand for a greeting. “The name’s Victor, Victor Stanbury.”

The Doctor soon inquired as to Victor’s thought on the whole thing. He politely rattled off a list of some of his own observations, nearly congratulating on the Doctors keen senses. It was amazing the little things that officers ignored. Often too consumed with their own pride and political agenda, they didn’t want to be bothered with actually finding the truth behind such matters. The most blatant over sight being of the fact that the ring on the man’s finger was most obviously a woman’s ring, which he wore on his pinky. The interior of the band had two initials carved in it with a date of nearly twenty years ago. Giving the obvious information away freely, even enabling officials to find the poor man’s name if they cared to look hard enough.

As Victor shared his comments with Doctor Coyle, there was one thing he just couldn’t figure out. “While I understand, and agree, with most of your findings, there’s one bit of information, I must admit, I cannot fathom as to how you attained it. I’m sure it’s something so simple, I must certainly be over looking it.” Victor paused, taking a moment to clear his throat. “How do you know that it was his wife he loved with some passion? Perhaps he had a mistress or two and carries his wife’s ring out of guilt?”

Victor’s brow was gently raised. He would not be offended if the good Doctor took his question as a humorous one. The love life of the dead man made no difference to Victor. It simply provided a way to have further conversations with Doctor Coyle.

[littlesunshine123xx]

((ohh thanks for that Shenanigans, i just assumed be in a house. Well that changes things but im sure Igor can get around it.))

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: If I could throw my 2 cents in there, with all the wealthy people attending that party, their own houses will be pretty much empty, except for their staff. Though that would mean Igor (LOVE the image of Paul Bettany btw. I adore him. :lovestruc ) and Thomas wouldn't be at the party, so I guess that would pose another problem... Ok, so I'm no help at all. Sorry. :D )))

[funheart00]

((ooc;; It's *supposed* to just be a New Years' Party, Shenanigans. I didn't want it to be such a ball, as it would be much more strictly monitored, and you'd probably have to have a date and such, but it's more a party...

Also, Atropa's right guys, the party is meant to be held in the town hall. Obviously that means that you'd probably not rob it, but there is always a chance for Pickpockets.

Editing now with a reply RP Atropa :)))

--


Soon after the invitation had spilled out of Katriona’s mouth, she found herself wondering if she really was quite out of place, and although there was a small silence reaching out between the two Katriona couldn’t keep the small smile off her lips. Benjamin was shaking like mad, and as long as he really didn’t have anywhere else to go, she hoped he would say that he would come back, as at least that way she wouldn’t be completely embarrassed.

"When you put it like that, Miss Locke," he said finally, his voice shaking slightly as his breath was ragged, "I would not only be a fool to refuse such a kind offer, but a knave as well for not freeing you from at least a few of the many duties I see weighing heavily on your shoulders. I'm afraid my home during winter is no more hospitable than a coal mine, and so if it really isn't too much trouble, I will gladly accept your most generous offer."

Katriona smiled slightly and dithered for a moment before deciding that they’d better get a move on if Benjamin had any chance of warming up today. With a small gesture back towards the way that she had come she turned and began back down the narrow alleyway.

A short time later, and Katriona and Benjamin were approaching the large house. They had walked fairly quickly but the house was close enough. They hadn’t talked of much, but Katriona had found her mind wandering to Ben. He was a writer, she had remembered from yesterday, and she wondered if he had anything in the works at the moment. Perhaps she could ask the Mistress whether she had heard of a writer called Benjamin Penrose, she was always reading something or other in the evening, and it was likely that she would’ve heard of him.

She half skipped down the steps that lead straight into the kitchen, turning as she reached the door, shooting Benjamin a warm smile before returning her attention to the door, and pushing it open called her entrance to nobody in particular but Violet, her grey hair springing slightly out of the cap she wore on the crown of her head, came bounding into the Kitchen at the sound of Katriona's voice.

“Kat! Your actually back on …” Violet started but trailed off as she came into the large room, that had been seemingly deserted, only a couple of pots on the hob, bubbling lightly. “… Who is this?” She asked finally, after – in Katriona’s opinion – rudely looking Benjamin up and down.

“Um.” Katriona said, her gaze flickering to the soaking Ben, a small smile twitching at her lips, “This is Mr Penrose. He has had an unfortunate encounter with a large amount of cold water, Violet.” She said, struggling to contain the wide smile threatening to appear over her lips. “Could you get him something warm to put on Vie?”

With a small smile, Violet disappeared, and Katriona turned towards Benjamin.

“You can sit over there by the fire until Violet comes back. It’s nice and warm…”

[littlesunshine123xx]

((Maybe should just pickpocket?? ahh i dunno. aha i have an idea, I shall get Igor to go in a disguse to ball ,pretend to be all posh and rich and then get well in with the upper class and pretend he needs money and stuff cause in debt. I mean some people are generous, they may help him with a bit of his 'debts' if he pretends he will pay them back. and Thomas could still go and pickpocket. :) ))

[Fluid_SC]

As Victor shared his comments with Doctor Coyle, there was one thing he just couldn’t figure out. “While I understand, and agree, with most of your findings, there’s one bit of information, I must admit, I cannot fathom as to how you attained it. I’m sure it’s something so simple, I must certainly be over looking it.” Victor paused, taking a moment to clear his throat. “How do you know that it was his wife he loved with some passion? Perhaps he had a mistress or two and carries his wife’s ring out of guilt?”

Dr. Coyle listened to Victor's comments with some pleasure, both enjoying and appreciating his precise observations. Although he did have several friends from the ivory tower, and respected their intellectual well-being, by and large Dr. Coyle found that most academics were unable, or simple refused, to put aside their quaintly encrusted beliefs in order to interpret evidence with impartial clarity. This Stanbury was obviously not part of the academic establishment; perhaps he was some sort of pariah, or self-taught, or both.

"You are quite right, Mr. Stanbury, that the ring reveals aspects of this man's life along those lines. Here, see...."

Dr. Coyle lifted the corpse's gray fingers to bring the ring closer to the light. It consisted of an opal, set upon a filigreed silver band. "It is a woman's wedding band, somewhat out of fashion today, but not uncommon and hardly an antique." (The Doctor neglected to say that he had several similar rings, which he kept in a tin box in his workroom.) "You see this dark line here, around the stone?"

He took a small scalpel from the table and popped the stone out, revealing that the dark line wound in a spiral underneath. "It is hair, woven into the setting. Obviously a mark of strong affection. You can see the skin of his finger is deeply tanned, but the skin under the ring is pale, meaning he wore it for a very long time. This man was at one time muscular and healthy, but as his circumstances and his health declined, he lost much weight and muscle mass--including on his fingers." Dr. Coyle showed how he was able to slide the ring on and off the corpse's pinky finger easily. "Yet, even though he obviously desperately needed money, he never sold the ring. It could have brought him several pounds easily. Therefore he must have had a passionate attachment to the ring, and to its giver. If it were a family heirloom, he wouldn't have worn it so conspicuously--what man would wear such an intimate artifact, if not the object of said affection? If it were, perhaps, his mother's band, wearing it on a chain around his neck would be more likely.

"There is one more point to consider." The Doctor took a magnifying lens from the tray, then picked up the opal with tweezers so that the two men could see the gemstone in detail. "Those marks around the stone, there--they are so deep and irregular that no reputable jeweler would have made them. No, the original stone was removed, and this put in its place, and not by a trained hand. The stone is too large for the original setting, and needed to be crammed in to fit. It is from a man's ring. It suggests that the woman had died, and our man here wanted to combine the two symbols of their union into one."

He replaced the glass and the stone on the tray. "If one were prone to flights of fancy, one could imagine the man doing the transfusion--so to speak--himself, the deep and jagged gouges the result of the tremors of grief. He probably left for Afghanistan and India after that, not to return here to London except to end his life."

Dr. Coyle smiled, and waved for his assistant--who was listening, head tilted intently, nearby--to take the body and the cart away. "I expect that the location of the suicide has some emotional significance for the man and his wife--the place of her death, their first meeting, what-have-you. Looking through past police reports for crimes involving victims with one or both sets of initials engraved on the ring would be the next place to start; but that's a job for the police, and not me. I'll say one thing for our constable, he's an honest man. In my experience with law enforcement, a ring like that has a tendency to 'lose itself' in the chain of custody."

[littlesunshine123xx]

((OOC: When is the party?))

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: In the evening. We just progressed to the afternoon.)))


There were few people, Benjamin had learned over the years, that were able to be in the company of a stranger, and not feel the need to babble incessantly to fill the void that threatened to open up and devour them both in case, God forbid, there was a silence. People like that annoyed the living daylights out of Benjamin. While in their company, he would often stay silent, perhaps give them a nod or an "Mmm" at the most, just to see how long they could keep up their monologue, and throw themself into one lenghty report of their everyday life after another, usually ending up desperately resorting to the most ridiculous topics and comments. All out of fear of something so perfectly harmless as silence.

In Katriona's case, however, he had been willing to make an exception, only to find that he wouldn't have to. Like him, she seemed to have no problem remaining silent, except for the odd directions here and there, to keep him from going the wrong way. He couldn't help but be fascinated by her.
She, a nice, clean young lady, had spoken to him, a rugged stranger, without an escort and after only a few minutes of occasional eye contact. She had offered him several warm and kind smiles, when in return she had always gotten what Benjamin himself assumed were a bit more impish ones. She had allowed him to escort her home at the brink of dusk, through the streets of London, after only just having met him. She had offered him a place to warm himself - and not just any place, but the kitchen of her employer's house - when he must be looking more haggard than ever. She hadn't been offended by his comment about bathing in the fountain, even though most would've interpreted it as a roundabout way for him to tell them to keep their noses out of his business.
And now, she wasn't trying to force him into having a conversation simply to keep silence at bay. She allowed him to say nothing, and didn't seem to mind saying nothing herself. Thus, it turned out to be the kind of relaxed silence that Benjamin would thoroughly enjoy, the kind that allowed him to draw inspiration from the other person or the encounter itself, and to toy with words and impressions in his mind. He liked company. He just didn't like most people, especially not the rambling, chattering ones. Just because he'd wanted to avoid his usual solitude for a while, it didn't necessarily mean he wanted his ear talked off.

After a couple of minutes of walking, the surroundings started looking fairly familiar to Benjamin, and he realized they were now approaching the house where he had left Katriona the previous evening. Leading him through the gates, the young woman headed towards the very same basement door she had entered less than a day ago, while he had stood watching on the street, just to make sure she got inside safely. This time, however, he followed, tilting his head back a bit to study the building as he did. It was a rather large house, which would mean the owners were either wealthy middle-class, or upper class a bit more modest than usual. Not that it mattered, as by entering the kitchen door, Benjamin doubted he'd meet them. And quite frankly, he didn't want to. He hadn't made a habit of watching his tounge around posh people, and it would be most unfortunate if the only thanks Katriona got for her kindness, was getting into trouble with her employer for bringing bad-mannered 'riffraff' into their home.

It appeared that keeping himself from giving what he assumed to be the head maid a reason to scold the girl, would be difficult enough. That he learned as soon as he sat foot in the kitchen, having followed the warmth of Katriona's smile down the stoney steps and through the door. The sound of her cheerful greeting had immediately attracted an older woman, who had begun talking to the girl before she had even walked into the kitchen from an adjoining room, thus having made it halway through a full sentence when she registered Benjamin, and interrupted herself. Now she was looking him up and down, and judging by her expression, she was far from impressed.
Though Benjamin didn't mind. He was used to that look.

"Who is this?" she asked, her voice now somewhat more firm than before.

At that, it seemed like Katriona tried to suppress a smile, as though it amused her to take the older woman surprise, with something as unexpected as a shivering and soaking wet young man, in the middle of winter no less.

"Um", she started and gave Benjamin a quick glance, just as he managed a faint smile, a mere curving of the lips, in Violet's direction. "This is Mr Penrose. He has had an unfortunate encounter with a large amount of cold water, Violet."

At that comment, Benjamin lowered his head to conceal a smile of his own. That was an explanation right up his alley.
Out of the corner of his eye he saw Violet disappear through the same doorway that she had first appeared from, leaving him and Katriona alone, for the time being.

"You can sit over there by the fire until Violet comes back", Katriona said, and turned to face him. "It’s nice and warm…"

With a still faint but sincerely grateful smile, Benjamin nodded his silent 'Thank you', and slowly made his way over to the fireplace, while removing his cap and tucking it under his arm. Holding out his hands infront of the fire, to be thawed first so that he would then be able to undo the buttons of his coat, he carefully started bending and flexing his fingers, looking at them with something almost resembling astonishment, as though he'd expected them to break, since it was just minutes ago they had seemed as rigid as icicles.
Once they were warm enough, he took off the soaked coat, and put it over the back of a wooden chair nearby, along with the cap. Then he turned to look at Katriona.

"You are a peculiar young lady", he said, with a thoughtful look in his brown eyes. "You have humbled a man many have deemed incapable of humility".

Though it didn't seem like he intended for her to answer, or even ask, as he soon moved on to look around him in the warm, cozy kitchen.

"So...", he said, and his gaze found it's way back to her. "Is there anything I can do to help, as a 'thank you' for the kindness you've shown? Perhaps a bit of work that I could take off your shoulders?'



(((ooc: This post is dedicated to Psyche. :D (Don't ask).)))

[littlesunshine123xx]

Millie woke up the next morning in Eugenie home. She slowly crept out of bed and dressed into the clothes that Eugenie had borrowed to her yesterday. She hadnt had much sleep, she kept thinking about how worried her father would be. It was no good she had to go back home, to make her peace atleast. She walked around the room smiling. (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/odunican/war3.jpg) She had such a wonderful night here. She felt accepted and appreciated by Eugenie and her family. Something she rarely felt at home. She had entertained them by her wonderful piano playing skills and Millie delighted in the wonderful company.

She grabbed her belongings and placed them into a basket, Eugenie had said she could borrow. She slowly walked over to Eugenie who was sleeping in the opposite bed. "Eugenie, I am going home now, dont worry about me. I shall take a coach home. I have enough money for one trip. Thank you for your kindness, I shall be return mid afternoon. We can get ready for the ball together then. Dont' worryyou sleep now" Millie said softly to Eugenie, who was still half asleep. Millie patted her gently on her head and smoothed her bedcovers.

She quiety left the bedroom and thanked Eugenie parents as she left the house. Back out on the London street, Millie remembered the awful day she had yesterday. How she hoped that such a thing would never happen again. Walking a mile or so to the nearest Coach Inn, Millie sat comfortably in one of the Couches. She was joined by a middle class couple. She had no choice but to share, she didnt have much money left.

The journey home was long and Millie worried about what she would say to her parents. When she finally arrived at her home village Coach Inn, she took a deep breath before setting off home.
She walked slowly to her front door. It took her 5 times to try and knock. When she did it was her father that answered.

[funheart00]

((ooc;; lol Okay then Atropa. I don’t think I will … :P Sorry it's a bit short x.x))



Happily, as Benjamin began to thaw out his frozen limbs by the warm fire, Katriona watched the pots bubbling vigorously on the stove. Really, when she thought of it, she didn’t have that much to do today. On a normal day she would’ve gotten up at the crack of dawn and arrived back with all her shopping by now. Yesterday Benjamin had sidetracked her, and again today she had been distracted, again by him.

She wondered, as she grabbed a nearby spoon if Benjamin had wanted to talk on the way here. She hadn’t found anything hidden in her subconscious that she had thought that she had needed to say, or that he might have wanted to hear. She wasn’t like many; she didn’t enjoy talking simply for the sake of it. Otherwise, she would have gone on a rant about her day. She thought of Natasha, another one of the maids that lived here. What would she have said? Katriona thought with a smile. ‘Well, my day started when I woke up. Late! And then I had some bread, and then I got this invite and then!...’ Katriona carefully put the spoon back on the side at the sound of Benjamin’s voice, turning round so that she could face him.

"You are a peculiar young lady", he said, his dark eyes shimmering slightly in thought. "You have humbled a man many have deemed incapable of humility". Katriona smiled slightly at his words, but her cheeks glowed a light red. What did he expect her to say to that? Or was the point that she shouldn’t answer. Finally, she crossed the room, to pick up his damp coat and throw it over a chair closer to the fire after shaking it out.

She turned back to him to realise that his gaze had wandered over the rest of the small but cosy kitchen. If anything it was much to hot for her in here, but it would be easier for him to dry off this way at least. She watched him for a moment, her eyes skimming over him, watching his eyes flicker about the room until she realised that his gaze had returned back to her and she dropped her eyes quickly.

"So...", he said, and his gaze found it's way back to her. "Is there anything I can do to help, as a 'thank you' for the kindness you've shown? Perhaps a bit of work that I could take off your shoulders?” Even the thought of Benjamin going to the seamstress to attempt to pick up the gown that Katriona’s Mistress had asked her to pick up. Her eyes lifted quickly, shimmering slightly, at the thought of it, before she bit back a wide smile, so that when she spoke it was as serious as she could possibly make it, which wasn’t very well.

“Well, you could always pick up my Mistress’ evening gown from the seamstress, Mr Penrose.” She said, still attempting to stifle a smile at Violet’s face if she told her that he had gone to pick it up.

“But, I don’t think that I could trust you with tha'.” She paused for a moment, thinking of the things she had to do, “Or to cook the meal.” She added with a smile,

“You’re welcome to pick up some bread for me though, if you’re sure you’d be alrigh' with that.” She said finally, wondering if he was being completely serious, and if he was if it would upset him if she told him to forget it.

“Wait until you’re dry though.” She said quickly, a warm smile flickering across her features, running her hand down the wet coat that she was standing next to.

“Hopefully Violet gets you something okay to put on or you’ll look a little silly walking about in something that doesn’t match a' all…”

[Shenanigans_SC]

((OOC: Okay Fluid… I’m waving the White Flag here. How on earth did you come up with all that??? It just boggles my mind.))

Victor listened and followed right along with Dr. Coyle as he spoke. Pointing out the smallest of detail… all wrapped up in a ring. “Why, Dr. Coyle, I must say, well done. Well done indeed.” Victor wondered if the man was also a jeweler of sorts. But really, he had to just admit that the man had one hell of an eye for detail.

Now that the corpse had been hauled away, Victor found himself standing alone with Dr. Coyle in a rather large space. With no further mysteries to solve Victor was slightly at a loss as what to say. While definitely not a rude or harsh man, Victor just simply wasn’t accustomed to being one to initiate conversations. He held his hand out to the Dr. to give him one more handshake. “It has been a pleasure to make your acquaintance Dr. Coyle.”

((OOC: Up to you Fluid if you want to say goodbye or can come up with something to keep Victor there. I thought if they went their separate ways, it would be kind of cool to have them bump into each other at the Party.
Speaking off… funheart, can you give us a rough idea how long we have till night fall?))

[AtropaMandragora]

"Well, you could always pick up my Mistress’ evening gown from the seamstress, Mr Penrose."

After what had seemed like a moment of initial and pure surprise, Katriona replied to Benjamin's - in his own eyes - unusual offer. He could hear the laughter that she struggled to suppress in her tone, her voice quivering ever so slightly with restraint. Apparently, it seemed an unusual offer to her as well.
Though it seemed that something quite different had occured to her, than what he himself had imagined when he'd made his offer. He'd had men's work in mind, such as fixing, lifting or moving things, that were too hard or heavy for a woman to manage. But, what did he expect when he offered a kitchen maid to take some responsibility off of her shoulders? Her chores consisted of maid duties, such as cooking, cleaning, and doing errands. Not chopping wood or fixing doors or whatever else a man was good for around a household. Indeed, he had been clumsy when speaking. He'd been so focused on being polite, that his words had slipped out without first being scrutinized.
Damn this sudden desire to be courteous!
Still, he couldn't help but smile, as the mental image she conjured with her words - of him walking into a seamstress' shop and ask to pick up an evening gown - was indeed quite funny.

"But, I don’t think that I could trust you with tha'", Katriona added, coming to quite the correct conclusion, be it by her own good judgement, or by the amused look on his face.

Though it seemed she couldn't resist the opportunity to have some more fun with it, so after a short pause, she continued.

"Or to cook the meal", she smiled, to which Benjamin gave a soft chuckle.

Cook was something he hadn't done in years. If he had a hot meal, it would be in a pub or a resturant, at the house of a friend, collegue or publisher, or at one of the occasional events he got invited to.
And that's when he remembered. He did have somewhere he was supposed to be today. Or rather, tonight. Some posh, fancy New Years party, held by a man that had apparently appreciated Benjamin's poetry. 'Innovative, dark and daring', he had called it in the letter that had arrived along with the invitation.
Benjamin had decided to attend. It wasn't as though he had anything better to do. Food and more importantly drinks would be free, and perhaps he'd have the opportunity to find himself a new benefactor, that would sponsor him with a bit of money while he wrote his next masterpiece, which he had just recently almost started.
But that wasn't until a couple of hours. There was plenty of time for him to play kitchen maid.

"You’re welcome to pick up some bread for me though, if you’re sure you’d be alrigh' with that", Katriona said finally, apparently deciding to be good, at last, and offer him one of the less feminine duties. "Wait until you’re dry though."

The last words were added quickly, as though she thought he might get up and head out right away. Not that he could blame her, he hadn't exactly come across as the most sensible of men.

"Hopefully Violet gets you something okay to put on", she finished, "or you’ll look a little silly walking about in something that doesn’t match a' all…"

At that, Benjamin grinned, as his mood had started warming up right along with his limbs.

"No more silly than walking about looking like a wet dog, I'm sure", he said, and sat down on a nearby stool, with his back towards the pleasant fire.

There he gave a single firm nod, as if accepting the task she had presented him with, and then ran a hand through his hair twice, to brush all the damp tresses out of his face.

"Bread it is", he confirmed, and then leaned forward a bit, with his elbows on his knees, and hands clasped together loosely, taking a moment to look at her before he continued; "Evening gown, you say? Is your Mistress to hold a party?"

Small talk. Not something he usually resorted to, as most of the time he quite despised it. But, a little bit of it couldn't hurt, and he already had made Katriona uncomfortable with his usual antics.

[littlesunshine123xx]

((OOC:going to scream 3rd time i tried to post and my computer keeps going off grrr))

Millie flung her arms around her father and became to sob "Oh father im so sorry, please forgive me, dont be angry" Millie cried sobbing into her fathers shoulder.
"Angry? of course not my dear, we have been so worried, but your home now home now safe. Your mother will want to see you. She has been so worried" Millie's father replied guideing Millie into her mother's bedroom. Her mother was sitting in the middle of the room pretending to sob into a hankerchief (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/odunican/normal_00079zfz.jpg).
"Oh you selfish girl, do you no the upset you have caused to me and your father. I havent slept, and I am sure I am coming down with one of my headsores. Now what do you have to say for yourself?" Her mother asked angrily. "Mama I am sorry, I regret deeply what I have done. I was foolish and upset. Please forgive me" Millie replied sadly.

Her mother sighed and pretened to cough "There is a dress on my bed. It for you to wear tonight to the dance. Not that you deserve it" Her mother cried pointing to the dress on the bed. Millie smiled and went over to it. She picked it up and held it against herself. It was a beautiful pink lace dress. "Mama I told my dear friend Eugenie I shall go the dance with her. If you call for the carriage now then I shall get to her home before nightfall" Millie told her mother who nodded. Her mother pointed to one of the maids "You, go and see that the carriage is ready" Her mother demanded and the maid hurried away. Millie put her dress and everything else she needed for the dance into a large leather suitcase.

Millie said a brief goodbye to her mother and her father escorted her to the carriage awaiting. With a gently kiss goodbye her father helped her into the carriage. The carriage carried her swiftly out of her home estate and into London city. Millie smiled to herself, thinking about all the wonders the dance would bring. It wasnt long before they reached Eugenies home and Miillie stepped out of the carriage. She found herself once again knocking on the London home of Eugenie's waiting for someone to answer. However this time her apperance was a lot more pleasant.

[FurryPanda]

Thomas was unceremoniously shoved out of Igor's door, and it slammed in his face before he could do more than shout, "HEY! What about my stuff?" No answer was forthcoming and Thomas hadn't really been expecting one. With a mumbeld rude comment he stepped back out into the street. He consoled himself that at least the building wasn't any warmer than it was outside, and it paled in comparison to his crummy little aprtment.

He, after having attempted to do so all day, went back to said apartment and after relaxing a moment in the heat the poured off of the oblivious landlord's furniture he took all of his wordly wealth- twelve pounds, and slid it into his pocket. With a last critical eye at his home he stepped back outside to seek out a tailor. He didn't find one until the nicer half of the city and he selected the dingiest one he could find. Unfortuantley the dingiest tailor was far nicer than any store he had been in when he wasn't working for Dr. Stanbury.

The proprieter, a little rat like man, wrinkled his nose and made a fairly universal gesture to get out before Thomas chased away his paying customers. He merely pulled one of the pound notes out of his pocket to show the man and was suddenly treated with infinitely more courtesy, much to his private amusement. "I need a suit, something for a formal function, and I need it today." he said, attempting to mimic some of the airs he had seen actually wealthy people use.

The tailor didn't seem to notice either way, and instead ushered him into a back room to begin babbling about how it was so nice to see a young person who wasn't riff raff as he poked and prodded Thomas about to take measurements with a tape. "Very good, very good, come back in a few hours and it will be all ready, a perfect attire for a gentleman of fortune like yourself, young sir." Thomas's eyebrows raised, that was pathetically blatant buttkissing.

He stepped outside into the cool air and spent the last of his pickpocketed earnings on a modest lunch of a wormy apple back in the poor part of town. He didn't have much to do with himself until his outfit was done and he was starting to get paranoid from carrying his (very) small fortune on his person. Finally he put it back, happily untouched, in his apartment and went to the park he had spent his morning in.
((Approachable))

[Slytherin-Girl]

Sebastien opened the door of the Albany Mansion (http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/hikari-schezar-bloom/187314138_0987a2e32a.jpg) , and found the young lady that had spent the night at the house there, looking much better than she had when she arrived.

"Miss Robinson, come in" he said, holding the door open and allowing Millie to step inside. He shut the door behind her and turned back around.

"I expect you are here to see the young mistress, correct? She informed me that you would be attending the party with her and her family. However now is not the most opportune moment as she is quite occupied with getting ready for the upcoming festivities. If you like I can show you to one of the parlours where you may wait until she has finished getting ready".


((OOC: Sebastien is the Butler in case you forgot :P))

[funheart00]

It is now Evening in the town of London ...

((ooc;; Feel free to have your characters moving onto the Town Hall now guys.

Atropa: I'm so so sorry, but I won't have time to get a RP up tonight :( Feel free to move Ben on, and GM Katriona as much as you need to get him out of there ;) ... sorry.))

[littlesunshine123xx]

The Butler Sebastien opened the door of the Albany Mansion.
"Miss Robinson, come in" he said, holding the door open and allowing Millie to step inside. He shut the door behind her and turned back around.
"I expect you are here to see the young mistress, correct? She informed me that you would be attending the party with her and her family. However now is not the most opportune moment as she is quite occupied with getting ready for the upcoming festivities. If you like I can show you to one of the parlours where you may wait until she has finished getting ready". He asked.
"Oh well I had been hoping to change myself. I hardly think what I am wearing is suitable for a ball. If it not to bold, do you think I would be able to join Miss Eugenie in her bedchamber. I am sure she would like some assisant from a dear old friend." Millie asked and smiled at the butler.

[Slytherin-Girl]

((OOC: It's just a party, not a ball :) ))

[littlesunshine123xx]

((I no rofl i just cant stop saying ball, i shall call it a dance because i dont think they called it party in those days. Well they never do in my victorian books))

(Would Millie be able to come up to Eugenies bedroom to get ready))

[Fluid_SC]

((Shenanigans--apparently the autopsy lasted until the early evening ;). I agree that having them bump into each other at the party would be more interesting.))

“It has been a pleasure to make your acquaintance Dr. Coyle.”

The Doctor gripped Stanbury's hand, and the two men exchanged handshakes. Stanbury seemed to have a sharper mind than most of his colleagues and students, but his manner and appearance suggested his intellect was coupled with no small degree of eccentricity. Of course, the Doctor himself often followed his own way, both in his public as well as private practice; he knew that while such a trait was often worth nurturing, it could sometimes consume a man.

"As I am pleased to make yours, sir. I should like, in the future, to exchange ideas with you further, but I am afraid my lecture was somewhat overlong, and I have an engagement this evening." He started to remove his leather apron. "This work uniform is quite utilitarian, but most people find that death and formaldehyde an unpleasant perfume. It doesn't," Doctor Coyle chuckled, "doesn't exactly enhance the bouquet of a fine sherry."

He rolled his sleeves back down, and his assistant helped him into his suit jacket. He reached into his breast pocket. "Here is my card, Stanbury. I look forward to our next meeting." The two men nodded to each other and made their way to separate exits.

His assistant returned with him to Greene Street, helping the Doctor return his various and sundry medical tools to his examination room; Doctor Coyle dismissed him, considering for a moment the young man's qualities, and deciding that he showed some promise.

He washed thoroughly--it was one thing to dismiss from one's mind the habitual decay of the workplace, but quite another to endure socially--and donned his fine formal suit, silk vest and tie, deep black coat and trousers, smart gloves and pristine top hat. He checked his pocket watch--plenty of time.

The housekeeper was already apprised of the Doctor's evening engagement--indeed, she with a most satisfactory alacrity had apprised herself of all of the aspects of the household's upkeep--and had hailed him a hansom. He tipped his hat to her.

The ride to the Town Hall was, thankfully, far less demanding than his aborted travel into the university that morning. Dismissing the driver, Doctor Coyle went up the steps to the Hall and entered the wide, solid double doors.

[FurryPanda]

After several hours spent doing pleasanlty little Thomas fetched his money again and went back to the tailor's. The man was sitting at the counter but jumped up to smile and say warmly, "Ah the rich little thief?"

Thomas blinked and said, untruthfully, "I'm no thief."

The tailor shrugged expansively and took Thomas into the same room as before, only this time there was, to Thomas's eyes, an incredibly nice, incredibly fancy suit there, displayed smartly on a table. He barely even noticed the large wad of fabric underneath the table or the fact that there was a nice jacket and shined, though worn, shoes. He blinked very slowly several times and squeaked through his throat, "How much?"

The tailor gave an oily little smile and said, "For you kid? Three pounds for the lot,a nd there's plenty of fabric under the table I have no use for, so it's yours. Now now kid, don't look at me all funny like that, I know full well you didn;t get that money honestly, tis a right shame, but you can ahve a bit of charity if you need it kid. The shoes are free, my boy wore them." Thomas was slightly overcome but he gave the tailor the money and left without a word. The suit was made of nicer fabric than he'd ever worn, he could feel that even carrying it bundled against his stomach, and the fabric, which seemed to already be sewn into pants and a shirt was about what he was used to.

He put the rest of his money back in his apartment and changed into his suit, marveling at how very very fine it was. In actuality it was probably more the day wear of a wealthy person than something to wear to a party, but it was far more suitable than anything Thomas had.

He put the other clothes down and slid into the shined shoes, which were a bit big, but again, nicer than what he had. He stayed in the darkest shadows he could find, dressed like a rich boy like this he was just as apt to be robbed as any actually rich person, especially in this part of town. He was able to get to town hall without incident and walked in, looking down his nose at the man at the door, who thankfully asked for no invitation.

As soon as he got in he beamed at the mostly empty room and went to look into getting some hors deouvres.
((Approachable))

[littlesunshine123xx]

Igor left his house mid afternoon. Travelling back to his Brothel, he was greeted by a number of girls. "Evening master" They said greeting him. "Do you have the clothes I asked for ready" Igor asked the oldest one of them all. "yeah they are upstairs sir" She answered and Igor nodded and made his way upstairs. On the bed was a suit for the town hall party. He would have to dress as a gentleman for the evening, if his plan was to go in order. He had to find Thomas and tell him the change of plan. He quickly dressed in his disguise (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/odunican/_39755405_masterandcommander.jpg) and walked outside the brothel, a coach was waiting for him there to be taken to the party. Prehaps he would see Thomas on the way, if not then he would have to try and spot him at the party.

[Slytherin-Girl]

"I'm sorry Miss Robinson but that would be entirely improper. M'Lady Eugenie has not yet finished dressing. You will have to wait until she has finished. I will inform her that you are here and ask her to send word when she is".

Sebastien bowed and ushered Millie into the parlour, where a maid brought her some tea to drink while she waited.

Several moments later a young maid entered the room and curtseyed. "Miss Robinson" she said, looking over at Millie "Please follow me". The young girl lead Millie upstairs to Eugenie's room.

Eugenie was sitting at her vanity, having her hair done by another maid. Her dress was already on and her hair ornaments were on the table. "Millie" she said, smoothing the skirt of her dress (http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a286/hikari-schezar-bloom/bea2.jpg) slightly, "I'm so glad you're here. Do forgive me for not getting up but I'm afraid Lizzy here might pull my hair clean out if i do".

[littlesunshine123xx]

"I'm sorry Miss Robinson but that would be entirely improper. M'Lady Eugenie has not yet finished dressing. You will have to wait until she has finished. I will inform her that you are here and ask her to send word when she is". Millie nodded. In the boarding school the girls all helped one another get dressed. They use to have so much fun choosing dresses and doing each others hair. Millie missed these things while she was at home.

Millie sat on a chair in the corner. She was brought tea by the Butler, Millie smiled poliety. Once he left, Millie got up from her chair and browsed the bookselves. Most of the books she had already read. Picking up an old book dusty Millie sat back down and began to read. Just as she had became interested in the book she was interuppted by a young maid.
"Miss Robinson" she said, looking over at Millie "Please follow me". The young girl lead Millie upstairs to Eugenie's room.

Eugenie was sitting at her vanity, having her hair done by another maid. Her dress was already on and her hair ornaments were on the table. "Millie" she said, smoothing the skirt of her dress slightly, "I'm so glad you're here. Do forgive me for not getting up but I'm afraid Lizzy here might pull my hair clean out if i do".
"No, no it is fine. Here let me finish that" Millie said to the maid. The maid left and Millie walked over to Eugenie.She gently placed the hair ornaments into Eugenies hair and smiled (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/odunican/victoria%20rp/normal_cap162.jpg) "There all finished. You look beautiful. I must say I will be most surprised if you do not have every gentleman in the dance tonight deep in love with you. But remember do save one for me" Millie laughed. When she had finished Eugenie's hair she stripped down into her petticoat and corset. Checking herself in the mirror (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/odunican/victoria%20rp/2005_pride_and_prejudice_004.jpg) she spun around and laughed. Picking up her dress from her suitcase she asked Eugenie to assisant her into it. Now dressed (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/odunican/victoria%20rp/normal_04.jpg) in her beautiful pink dress, she began on her hair, she wore it up with loose curls and decorated with hair ornaments. (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/odunican/victoria%20rp/untitled-5.jpg) She was finally ready and she turned to Eugenie smiling. "Shall we be leaving now?" she asked and looked out of Eugenie window into the London street.

[FurryPanda]

Thomas had been enjoying himself thoroughly taking little culinary creations off of a table set up in back, and listening to the musicians tune up for the party. Once he had gotten a rather large quantity of food he stayed in the back to watch for anyone he knew. He was slightly disconcerted to discover that the first face he recognized was Igor's the crook from earlier that morning, but he finished his crepe and made his way with all due haste to the man's side. "Well?" he said.

((OOC: gah, sorry for the lame post))

[Fayreview]

Ian grimaced a party at the Town hall? How dull. And at such late notice as well he had not even had time to enquire as to whether Julia would be present or if she would like to accompany him. Oh well if they were inviting the whole of the Cities social elite she would be there, so he would just have to seek her out and apologise, he removed his wallets and left them in his bedroom, the hall was only a five minute walk away. He had dressed finely but not excessively and was carrying nothing to ruin the cut of his suit, not even a pocket watch just a key placed in a small pocket within his waistcoat.

Upon arriving he accept a small glass of red wine, he preferred white, but int he circumstances he chose not to be fussy and began to mingle with important people he had met int he course of his work.

[littlesunshine123xx]

Igor got out of his coach, looking around to see if Thomas was in the crowd. He gave his ticket to the doorman, he wasnt questioned, but he had prepared himself if he had been. Walked around the main room, Igor eyed up the people who where in the room with him. Most of them where upper classes. Good news for Thomas, Igor thought. Speaking of Thomas, Igor spotted Thomas, he didnt acknowledge him until Thomas slid over to his side.
"Well?" Thomas whispered to Igor. " Walk the room with me" Igor ordered Thomas, so they would blend in.

They began to walk the room once again. "Change of plan. We cannot perform our plan of the house robbery tonight. There will be staff still at his home and it is unwise and to ruthless. However that is not to say we never shall put our plan to action. The point of tonight is for me to become acquainted with the riches of rich. How could they resist the charm of poor, widower Admiral Jenkins" Igor said winking.

"As for you, I want you to listen to any conversation you may hear, any comments that are made about me and conversations in general that may help our future plan. Whilst doing that I expect you could pickpocket a dozen pockets or so, as long as you are not caught. If you are caught, I shall pretend not to no you or are plan will be ruined, you understand." Igor said looking at Thomas seriously.

[Shenanigans_SC]

When Dr. Coyle mentioned he had an engagement to go to this evening Victor’s own mind was reminded of the invitation he had ordered thrown into the fire. During his travels back to his house his thoughts lingered on the events of the day. The afternoon had proved… interesting. He still was not sure why he had been sent to see Dr. Coyle, but if nothing else, it proved to be a day out of the house, out of his basement.

He was eager to return to his lab. The fresh air of the day had cleared his mind, renewing his will to stick with his hypothesis, figuring out the solution. As he entered his house Charles came quickly. “Master, you are late. If you are to go to Town Hall…” That was all Victor heard. Sure the man had kept talking, but the mention of Town Hall was enough to stop Victor from listening.

He despised large social gatherings. Mingling with others, being forced to participate in their meaningless drivel. “Master… your suit?” Charles voice which was ever so slightly tinged with annoyance cut through his thoughts.
Victor let out a sigh, his annoyance not as hidden as Charles’ has been. “Yes, yes, if I must.”

Once he had finely been dressed in his black formal suit Victor donned his long overcoat and top hat before being on his way. The ride to Town Hall was excruciating in length, or so it seemed. Once there he exited the cab, and began to ascend the steps towards the doors, all the while doing his best, which was not rather good, to hide his displeasure and low expectations of the event.

[FurryPanda]

""As for you, I want you to listen to any conversation you may hear, any comments that are made about me and conversations in general that may help our future plan. Whilst doing that I expect you could pickpocket a dozen pockets or so, as long as you are not caught. If you are caught, I shall pretend not to no you or are plan will be ruined, you understand."

Thomas made a face at that. "Sir, give the people some credit, there are plenty more pickpockets than me here and I'd be shocked if a dozen people brought money at all. I'll get what there is though." Thomas gave a uninterpretable grin and slid off, catlike, into the crowd taht ahd formed in the short time since he had been talking to Igor. He wasn't completely sure just how many pickpockets there actually were, but he knew full well most of themw ould be smart enough to blend in, as he had. Eavesdropping was an entirely new thing for him but he was a poor boy and thus invisible to msot people. Suit or no suit he could make sure that wouldn't change.

[Slytherin-Girl]

"Shall we be leaving now?" she asked and looked out of Eugenie's window into the London street.

"Yes indeed, we most likely should" said Eugenie, smiling and taking her friend's arm. She and Millie walked downstairs to the front entrance of the house, and walked outside. They then climbed into the carriage with Eugenie's waiting family and headed to the party.

((OOC: Assume we're at the party now :) Or at least arriving.))

[littlesunshine123xx]

((OOC: Yes we are at the party))

Millie stepped out of the carriage, helped by a Eugenie father. She and Eugenie both gave there tickets to the doorman and entered into the Town Hall. The main room was full of people of importance who where dressed elegantly and either dancing or socialising. Millie linked Eugenie and smiled. "Eugenie you shall have to introduce me to people, I have no idea who half the people in this room are" Millie laughed. "I am sure though that half of them do not know one another either. But obviously if they have a name and title then they must of course be aquainted with them one way or another, or so they like to think" Millie continued eyeing up the people in the room.

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: funheart - Well, since you didn't respond, I have no clue if Benjamin knows that Kat will be at the party or not, so... I'll just assume she never told him.)))


What had started as an awful, awful day, had by noon turned into quite a decent one, and come nightfall, Benjamin was actually in a fairly good mood. Having spent a great while warming up in the kitchen of Katriona's mistress' house, talking to the young girl who seemed rather oblivious to how pretty she was - a quality that Benjamin liked very much - and biting his tounge ever so often to not insult anyone, he had eventually proved that his offer to take some of the burden off of her shoulders had been a genuine one. Once warm and dry, he had made his way out into the cold once again, and this time, for obvious reasons, it didn't seem as freezing as it had when in the morning he had tumbled out of the opium den.
He'd retrieved the bread from the bakery, that Katriona had asked of him, and upon returning he had spent a few more minutes talking to her before he had headed back to his own humble abode.

Now, he had just arrived at the party at the Town Hall that he had remembered earlier, and stood silent, watching the crowd. Only for a moment, to take in who was there and where the food and drinks were.
As soon as he had located a waitor with a tray filled with glasses of champagne, he headed in that direction and soon found himself plopping down on a chair, taking a large sip while he put his feet up on another nearby chair, completely ignoring the badly hidden disapproving looks his appareance and behaviour seemed to attract from the wealthy and oh-so-proper Londoners.


(((ooc: Short and rushed, but he's approachable.)))

[littlesunshine123xx]

((Millie is heading over to say hello to Thomas, prehaps her and Ben can bump into each other. Dont think they will have kind words to say seeing how much they dont like one another lol ))

Millie spotted Thomas in the corner of the room. Her mouthed dropped in shock, what on earth was he doing here. And why was he dressed like that, she thought to himself. Something was right. "Eugenie I have seen an old friend, I had best go say hello, I shalt be long" Millie said to Eugenie and hurried away to go and talk to Thomas, and to find out what he was doing here.

[AtropaMandragora]

(((ooc: Works for me)))

[funheart00]

((ooc;; It's fine Atropa, I'm really sorry about that x.x - going out for an hour, then I'll have a post welcoming the guests...))

[FurryPanda]

Thomas was vaguely scanning the room looking for a potential target, and feeling quite pleased that Igor hadn't made any fuss over what any fool could see was basic pragmatism.

He had retreated to the back corner, it seemed the only part of the room where everything was visible and was extremely startled to find a beautiful girl walking towards him. He nearly choked on his pastry when he realized it was Millie and he swallowed and put down his plate to go up to her. He really hoped that he wouldn't do something stupid. "H-h-hi Millie" he stuttered, "F-f-fancy seeing you here."

[littlesunshine123xx]

When Millie caught his attention, she waved and walked over (http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y44/odunican/victoria%20rp/normal_cap089.jpg) to where he was standing in the corner. "H-h-hi Millie" Thomas greeted her and stuttered, "F-f-fancy seeing you here."
Millie looked at him oddly.. "I could say the same for you. Whatever are you doing here Thomas? Not that it isnt a pleasure to see you, and looking so wel groomed an all, but however did you come to recieve an invitation?" Millie asked suprised.

[FurryPanda]

"-but however did you come to recieve an invitation?"
Thomas smiled blankly at that, he had actually given away his invitation and entered quite uninvited. "I have my ways," he replied still smiling nervously. Casting about for some change of subject he glanced at the buffet table and said, a bit loudly, "Have you tried the crepes? They're very good."

[Slytherin-Girl]

((OOC: Eugenie is approachable too, I suppose she's just standing in the corner drinking punch :P))

[littlesunshine123xx]

Millie
Thomas smiled blankly at that "I have my ways," he replied still smiling nervously. "Have you tried the crepes? They're very good." He said loudy tryin to change the subject. Millie looked at him in 'oh i see what your up to' way. "Thomas...you havent done nothing your ought not have you" Millie asked concerned. She was stupid, she knew he wasnt just here for the dance. But what else would he be doing here. She didnt no, but she just hoped it wasnt nothing that would get him into trouble.

Igor
Igor spotted a pretty looking woman standing in the corner of the room (Eugenie). She was drinking a glass of punch. He could tell she was a woman of high status, by the way she held herself and the clothes she wore. Slowly approaching her as not to startle her, he said a gentle "Hello" giving a quick bow and a flash of a smile. "Admiral Jenkins and may I inquire into what your name is, It must be beautiful to fit the person who it belongs to" Igor said charmingly. He didnt over do it, but enough to seem pleasant and friendly.