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omg_fmaWho: OOC!Psiren, NPC!Jean, NPC!Beast, NPC!Echo
When: 8/8/07
Rating: PG (scary wolves!)
Category: Misc Happenings
Summary: Clara is abruptly sucked into another dimension, rather more populated with beauties and beasts than most.
OOC!Psiren: *in the middle of a Dark Scary Forest which she has been wandering through for some time, stumbles over a root* ...Ow! *sits on a log to rub at her ankle, checking her watch... it's afternoon still, but it's dark under the trees*
OOC!Psiren: *sets her ankle down, wrapping her arms around herself, shivering a little- it's chilly under the trees, too- and staring dejectedly at the trees all around her, wondering which way civilization is*
OOC!Psiren: *leaps to her feet as a faint, mournful howling sound rings through the trees, far in the distance* Wh-what is that?! *eyes wide, shivering with fear although she's never heard the sound before... glances around wildly before walking hurriedly in the direction away from the howling*
OOC!Psiren: *walks quickly for half an hour, not turning when she hears the howling again, a little closer than before* ...The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. *swallows when she hears the howling again*
OOC!Psiren: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table- *breaks off, coming through the trees and into view of a Large Scary Castle*
OOC!Psiren: *stares at said castle for several minutes, before more howling makes her mind up for her, almost runs to the front gate, closing her hands around the bars of the gate and peering towards the building for a few seconds before tentatively ringing the bell*
*after a few moments, the door to the castle inches open and thorny, mobile vines spill out the gap, snaking over the flagstones and curling around the gate, pulling it open for her*
OOC!Psiren: O.O ........Lord God preserve me. *stares at the vines, not moving an inch... until she hears the howling again* Um... um... please don't eat me. *steps cautiously into the courtyard, eyes wide and staring, clutching her arms to her chest as she inches towards the front door, trying to keep the greatest possible distance between herself and the vines*
*the vines close the gate just as the wolves catch up, throwing themselves against it in frustration and snarling; at this sound, someone bursts from between the doors - a blond boy in his late teens, wearing old-fashioned clothing*
OOC!Psiren: *screams a little, whirling and staring at the wolves, not noticing the boy in her fright*
Jean: *yelling at the wolves, not even noticing Clara yet* Go on, you foul hellhounds, GET! *picks up a rock and throws it at the wolves, who disperse, howling into the night*
OOC!Psiren: *staring wide-eyed and breathing heavily, turns to look at Jean, still attempting to make herself as small as possible* W-were... were those... were those wolves?
Jean: *jumps as the woman speaks, but tries to hide it, clearing his throat* Yes. They're a nuisance. *peers at her, expression suddenly guarded and suspicious ... she doesn't look like an assassin, but one can never know* ...who are you?
OOC!Psiren: *also appears rather alarmed and wary, glancing around at the vines, but prefers him to the wolves so far* Um... um... I'm... my name's Clara Smith, ah... wh-who are you?
OOC!Psiren: *stares at him wide-eyed... wow he's very pretty*
Jean: *believes her instantly, incapable of thinking badly of anyone for too long even if they HAVE done something wrong, which she clearly hasn't* I'm Jean Auvray ... here, just a moment...
Jean: *ducks his head inside and says something to someone out of sight before looking at Clara again* Come inside.
OOC!Psiren: *fidgets, turning towards the door but not moving, glancing around at the vines* Um... um... Mr. Auvray, these vine things, they're not... are they... what are they? *a bit hesitant to enter their squirmy, thorny, viney lair*
Jean: *blue eyes light up* Oh, those? You don't need to worry, that's just an enchantment on them, they won't hurt you. I agree, they're freakish and unnatural, aren't they? *dissolves into giggles and stumbles out the door a bit as though jostled by someone inside*
Jean: *under his breath* Stop it! Go on, go... *turning back to Clara* Sorry about - um. How did you find this place?
OOC!Psiren: ...Enchantment? Like... magic? *not sure what she thinks of this... is fairly sure God disapproves of magic* Um... I didn't. I mean, I did, obviously, but I... I wasn't looking... I was lost in the woods.... *cranes her neck to see who he's talking to, then hesitates, biting her lip, before walking cautiously toward the door... feels like she's fairly sure he's harmless... probably the giggling has something to do with that*
Jean: *sympathetic look, opens the door a bit wider and gestures inside* It's alright, calm down. Please come sit down for a while, would you like some tea? *fairly certain that will calm her down, and the early spring is still quite chilly*
OOC!Psiren: *...well, Praise the Lord... if he's offering tea, he must be a decent enough fellow* Oh, um, thank you... I would love some tea. *offers him a small smile, stepping inside and glancing around, eyes wide*
Jean: *leads her in - a door nearby is pulled shut by the vines a second later, a cloak perhaps just visible disappearing behind it* Where are you from? *asks as he's heading for the grand staircase*
OOC!Psiren: *jumps at the sound of the door closing, staring at it for several seconds as she follows him* Um... um... I'm from... err... Aquroya... do you know where that is? *hopes she's still in some version of Amestris... not that that helps her any, really, but it would make her feel better*
Jean: *quirked brow* Aquroya? That ... that must be awfully far away, I've never even heard it. Is that in Spain? *opens the door to a decadent banquet hall with large windows and a long table arrayed with every kind of pastry imagineable, flowers spilling fragrantly from vases, candles, and a steaming silver pot of tea*
OOC!Psiren: Spain? Err... no, it's in Amestris... oh dear. Um... this may sound like a very strange question, but... um... where am I? *gasps as they enter the banquet hall* Oh! ...Oh, that looks lovely!
Jean: *pulls out her chair for her, chivalrously* You mean, what country? France. *as though it's the most obvious thing, can't imagine someone not knowing what country they are in*
OOC!Psiren: Oh, thank you. *sits, looking wide-eyed at all the shinies... and the tasties, then gapes at him* ...I'm in France?! Seriously? *looks around at everything* ...Goodness! I guess it looks a little like I'd imagined... well, I suppose that's lucky, then....
Echo: *pours the nice lady a cup of tea*
OOC!Psiren: O.O
OOC!Psiren: *barely manages to not fall out of her chair*
Jean: *doesn't notice Clara's distress at first, reaching for an eclair, but looks over when she moves* Hm?
OOC!Psiren:.......Mr. Auvray, there's a hand in the table.
Jean: *smiles and bites his pretty bottom lip to keep from laughing, shaking his head* Oh, that's Echo. I'm sorry, I- don't mean to smile, it's just I went through all this. She's completely harmless, ma'am.
Echo: *waves, offers her hand for Clara to shake, if she's feeling up to it*
OOC!Psiren: *stares at the hand* It's a- *OH MY GOD I'M BEING RUDE!* -she's a she? Err.... *reaches out tentatively to shake*
Echo: Don't worry, child, we don't take offense and-- what a dear you are! *not reading her thoughts, really*
OOC!Psiren: O.O *instinctively replies without speaking* She talks! ...Oh! I mean, you talk! Err... oh dear, I'm dreadfully sorry, um, I don't mean to... um... hello, ah, I'm pleased to meet you, I'm Clara Smith... you're a talking hand! *flustered* ...She's a talking hand! *because stating the obvious more than once is always helpful*
Jean: *shaking with suppressed laughter, takes pity on Clara as Echo pats her wrist and leaves them be, sinking back into the table after pouring Jean's tea* She's the spirit of the castle. Sort of. I don't really understand any of this magic nonsense, I'm not a witch myself. I just live here.
OOC!Psiren:...Goodness! *still a bit wide-eyed, reaches for her tea and gulps some down... daintily* ...How did you end up living in a magic castle? *....wow, that's good tea!*
Jean: *laughs, blue eyes watering, is very cute as he does so* Oh, that's a long and terrible story, ma'am. And how did you find this magic castle? The enchantments hiding it really must be getting old, I'll need to nag him to redo them...
OOC!Psiren: *grins back a little... his laughter is infectious... and very cute, yes* I... I don't know, is it supposed to be unfindable? I was just... I was lost in the woods and I could hear the wolves howling and... and there it was. Um... "him"? *looks around at all the tasties, selecting a croissant*
Jean: *gulps his tea and gnaws at the eclair, licking the excess sugar from his fingertips absently* The ... master of the castle. It's just him and Echo and I here. Would you like to meet him? He's ... a bit shy.
OOC!Psiren: Oh! Well, of course, if he doesn't mind meeting me, I mean, I wouldn't want to make him uncomfortable, but if this is his castle I'd like to thank him for his hospitality... is that who you were talking to earlier, at the door?
Jean: Yes, that's him. I -uh - made him come to the door with me because the last time someone found the castle it was an assassin who almost killed me. *clears his throat awkwardly, standing up* I'll go get him, you can just stay here ma'am
OOC!Psiren: Um, ah... assassin? Oh dear.... *glances around as if afraid an assassin might leap out of a vase or something* Um, okay, ah... thank you. *tears off a small piece of croissant, eating it... wow, that's better than the ones I've made!*
Jean: *returns after a minute or two, hair rather more mussed and his eyes sparkling, practically dragging someone behind him* This is Clara. Clara, this is the master of the castle.
Beast: *steps into the room, overly conscious of his strange appearance, expression guarded and blank* I welcome you to my castle, lady. *formally*
OOC!Psiren: *turns to look... and stares, slack-jawed* ........................... *comes to herself with a start, standing up quickly and flushing bright red* Oh! Um, I'm sorry, I mean, thank you! Err, I'm Clara Smith, it's very nice to meet you, ah, Mister...? *curtsies... then wonders why she did that*
Beast: *clenches his jaw at her flustered response, eyes flashing, but relaxes slightly when Jean rests a hand on his forearm* Clara Smith, I pray you, how did you come to find this place?
Jean: *glances between his lover and the strange woman, grateful that he's taking it so well but nervous that this is going to go downhill quickly, pulls the Beast over and makes him have a seat*
OOC!Psiren: *fidgets, knows she's been terribly rude but thinks, irritably, that Mr. Auvray could've warned her* Um... I'm sorry, I... am I intruding? That's the third time I've been asked that, and I promise I didn't mean anything by it, I was just lost in the woods, as I told Mr. Auvray, and I came upon the castle by accident, I didn't know it was supposed to be hidden.... *chews on her lip, frowning worriedly, hesitantly sitting again with her hands clasped in her lap*
Beast: *manages not to roll his eyes, hating hesitant people, but she's not being blatantly rude and Jean seems to like her, so he lets it slide* No, truly, you are a guest here. I pray you, feel at ease. You are from a place called Amestris. Yes? Never have I heard of such a country. It is very new. Yes? *he had been a prince after all, he knew a thing or two about geography...*
Jean: *taking this opportunity to eat more pastries, is an eighteen-year-old boy after all*
OOC!Psiren: *relaxes slightly, still feels rather awful for staring so rudely* Thank you. You're very kind to be so accomodating. Ah... yes, I'm from Amestris... and, um... it's not new, it's several centuries old, um... it's just... very far way. Sort of. Err. *wonders how on the Lord's good earth she's going to explain this*
Beast: *placated by the comment about him being kind, relaxes more, his expression less tense* And you are lost. Yes?
OOC!Psiren: Yes, I can honestly say I haven't the slightest idea of where I am. Other than in France. ...That's near Germany, isn't it?
Jean: Yes, that's the country just to the north-east *eager to answer, since he knows these kinds of things now he's been shut up in a castle with BOOKS!*
Beast: How came you to be so far from your home? *less forcefully, honestly just curious now*
OOC!Psiren: Um... magic? Sort of? ...Don't suppose you've heard of the problem with broken dimensions, or lots of doubles everywhere, or the Gate....
Jean: Wha...? Are you a witch too, then? *doesn't mean it as an insult, clearly, looking between the Beast and Clara* Honestly, can everyone do magic but me?
Beast: *talking over Jean at the end* I have never heard of this. If it is a question of magic, I will endeavor to lend you my aid. You ... wish to return to your home. Yes? *guessing from her general manner*
OOC!Psiren: *to Jean* Wha-? A wi- no! No, no no no no no, certainly not! I can't do any magic myself.... *glances between the two of them* Um... I'm not sure "magic" is the right word... as far as I know, we don't even have magic where I'm from, at least, not like here.... *tries to think how to explain* The worlds are broken. Splintered. And I've fallen through one of the cracks. ...I would like to go home, though.
Beast: *nodding to himself, his eyes already far away - gets up abruptly and storms out without a word, the shushing vines meeting him at the door as he stalks off towards the library*
OOC!Psiren:...Err....
Jean: *not too surprised by this, smiles at Clara in a way that makes his blue eyes crinkle* Oh, no need to worry. He'll be off to his books to look up an enchantment to take you back. It shouldn't take him too long, he's amazing. *sounds just a bit love-struck*
OOC!Psiren: *blinks* ...Oh. Well. That's very kind of him. *finds herself staring at Jean again, partly because he's, well, very pretty, and partly because of the adoration in his voice... blushes and turns her attention to her tea, picking up her cup and sipping from it*
Jean: *oblivious to the look, plays with the key around his neck and asks* What's it like where you're from, ma'am?
OOC!Psiren: Oh, um, well, I suppose it's rather a bit like this... um, not that I've ever spent any time outside of the cities... we haven't got magic, but we've got alchemy... have you got alchemy? From what my friends have told me, you shouldn't, unless this is a different France.... *picks at her croissant*
Jean: I... there was something about alchemy in a book I read but it was a fairy tale. I'm not the person to ask for that sort of thing, though. Didn't even know there was magic until I came here. *sitting back in his chair more comfortably* Never been to the city, myself.
Jean: *realizes he said that out loud and flushes very slightly, knowing he's just given away what an unsophisticated peasant he is*
OOC!Psiren: *nods* My friends have told me that people used to experiment with alchemy, but gave up pursuing it a long time ago.... *blinks* ...Goodness, I've only just thought... what year is it?
Jean: *tilts his head to the side* 1801.
OOC!Psiren:...1801! Really? ...Goodness!
Jean: *laughs softly* What were you expecting?
OOC!Psiren:...1917.
Jean: *glowing smile, getting to his feet* Well, that's ... exciting! Are you done with your tea? I might as well show you around the place, no need to just sit here. *full of energy*
Jean: It's so gorgeous here, I can never get used to it... *runs his fingertips over the table*
OOC!Psiren: *blinks, then laughs a little* "Exciting"? That's all? I mean, I'm glad you don't think I'm crazy, but... well, I guess you're used to strange things here. *finishes her tea, dabbing her lips with a napkin, daintily* Thank you, Mr. Auvray, I would love a tour... it is gorgeous here, although I suppose that's to be expected of castles.... Have you not been here long, then?
OOC!Psiren: *stands*
Jean: *shakes his head, leading her out into the hall* It feels like a long time, but it's only been a few months... *draws in a careful breath, wondering how he should put it best* I lived in the village down in the valley all my life but I - uh. *rubs his ear absently* I was exiled.
OOC!Psiren: ...Exiled? ...Oh. *frowns, following silently for a few seconds* Would it... would it be terribly rude of me if I asked... why?
Jean: *shrugs casually, looking away and gesturing vaguely towards a sculpture of an angel* I - uh. *gnaws bottom lip, but doesn't want to lie* I'm a sodomite.
OOC!Psiren: You're a- oh. ...And they exiled you for that? I mean... I suppose that's not particularly surprising, but... *frowns* ...that's terrible. *shakes her head* I cannot believe how awful people can be sometimes... it isn't right. May the Lord forgive them. I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Auvray. I'm glad... the master of the castle was kind enough to take you in. ...Has he got a name?
Jean: *gazing out the window in the direction of the village, though a mist has begun to settle as it approaches evening* May He forgive me, as well. *silent for a moment, crosses himself and swallows, smiling at Clara once more* He does, he just doesn't remember it. It's a part of the curse.
OOC!Psiren: Part of the... curse? He's cursed? Is that why... *frowns a little* ...Mr. Auvray, you ought to have warned me, I didn't mean to offend him, it's just that I was so surprised, and now I feel just awful about it, especially if the poor man's got a curse on him, he must be sensitive about it.... *sighs* .................Are you Catholic?
Jean: *ashamed, flushes a little* I - I should have. Sorry. I'm just so used to how he looks that it didn't occur to me. And yes, he's cursed. *eyes narrow in rage, his beautiful face angry for the first time* It's a cruel evilcurse, if only I knew how to-- *breaks off, realizing that Clara probably doesn't care* Yes, I am.
OOC!Psiren: No, it's alright, I just feel terrible, is all.... *beams* Wonderful! I know Germany's mostly Catholic, but Catholics in France, too! ...I'm sorry, that probably sounds odd to you... where I'm from, Catholicism's a bit rare....
Jean: *blue eyes widen, leading her down a stairway to the chapel, taking direction from their conversation* Really? I've never... I don't think I've ever met someone who wasn't...
OOC!Psiren:...Really? That's wonderful! I can't quite get over how common it seems to be, everywhere except where I live.... *gasps as they enter the chapel* ...Oh! Oh, it's beautiful!
Jean: *gentle smile, running his hand along the wall and commenting silently to Echo about how much he likes having company* I love it here.
Jean: You are welcome to stay here as long as you need until he finds a way to take you back. There are more than enough rooms, and ... well, it's nice having someone new to talk to.
OOC!Psiren: *in awe* ...I've heard about chapels in cathedrals, hundreds of years ago, that must've looked like this.... *smiles* Thank you, Mr. Auvray. You and the master... and Echo... are very kind... I think I'll have to take you up on that, since the alternative is... out there. With the wolves. *smiles* I'm perfectly happy to keep you company. ...You remind me of a friend of mine. Sort of.
Jean: Please - call me Jean. I'm too young to be a mister. *scowls at the wolves comment* They're a menace, they nearly killed me about two weeks ago... *realizes his life must sound very dramatic to an outside observer* Anyway, you don't want to sleep here, I'll show you somewhere you can stay - I remind you of someone? How? *delighted*
OOC!Psiren: Alright then. Jean. ...It's a lovely name. *blinks* ...Goodness! I'm glad you're alright.... And thank you, I suppose I am rather tired, I was wandering around for several hours before I found this place. *thinks* Um... well, I suppose it's mostly very superficial... he's about your age, and blond and blue-eyed... and Catholic, which is rare enough for me to stand out. And he's one of the nicest people I've ever met....And he likes men, too.
Jean: *giggles, hadn't been expecting that* Well, we're practically the same person! *opening the door for her as Echo lights the candles and fire, showing an enormous guest room* I won't keep you, go ahead and get some rest. Just ask Echo if you get hungry or need anything. My - er - our room is just up those stairs and down the hall.
OOC!Psiren: *laughs a little* Well, you seem to be more out-going than he is. He's a bit reserved until you get to know him. *gazes around the room, impressed* ...I think this might be bigger than my room at Edward's castle! Um... how do I ask Echo...? *nods, blushing only slightly* ...Ah. Thank you.
Jean: Just touch the wall or the furniture and she'll be able to hear you, and you'll be able to hear her. *glancing over his shoulder towards the way to the library, a giddy, adoring grin spreading on his face* Well, I better get going ... make sure he isn't too buried in the books ... I'll see you in the morning, Clara.
OOC!Psiren: *smiles* Thank you again, Jean. Good night.
When: 8/8/07
Rating: PG (scary wolves!)
Category: Misc Happenings
Summary: Clara is abruptly sucked into another dimension, rather more populated with beauties and beasts than most.
OOC!Psiren: *in the middle of a Dark Scary Forest which she has been wandering through for some time, stumbles over a root* ...Ow! *sits on a log to rub at her ankle, checking her watch... it's afternoon still, but it's dark under the trees*
OOC!Psiren: *sets her ankle down, wrapping her arms around herself, shivering a little- it's chilly under the trees, too- and staring dejectedly at the trees all around her, wondering which way civilization is*
OOC!Psiren: *leaps to her feet as a faint, mournful howling sound rings through the trees, far in the distance* Wh-what is that?! *eyes wide, shivering with fear although she's never heard the sound before... glances around wildly before walking hurriedly in the direction away from the howling*
OOC!Psiren: *walks quickly for half an hour, not turning when she hears the howling again, a little closer than before* ...The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name's sake. *swallows when she hears the howling again*
OOC!Psiren: Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table- *breaks off, coming through the trees and into view of a Large Scary Castle*
OOC!Psiren: *stares at said castle for several minutes, before more howling makes her mind up for her, almost runs to the front gate, closing her hands around the bars of the gate and peering towards the building for a few seconds before tentatively ringing the bell*
*after a few moments, the door to the castle inches open and thorny, mobile vines spill out the gap, snaking over the flagstones and curling around the gate, pulling it open for her*
OOC!Psiren: O.O ........Lord God preserve me. *stares at the vines, not moving an inch... until she hears the howling again* Um... um... please don't eat me. *steps cautiously into the courtyard, eyes wide and staring, clutching her arms to her chest as she inches towards the front door, trying to keep the greatest possible distance between herself and the vines*
*the vines close the gate just as the wolves catch up, throwing themselves against it in frustration and snarling; at this sound, someone bursts from between the doors - a blond boy in his late teens, wearing old-fashioned clothing*
OOC!Psiren: *screams a little, whirling and staring at the wolves, not noticing the boy in her fright*
Jean: *yelling at the wolves, not even noticing Clara yet* Go on, you foul hellhounds, GET! *picks up a rock and throws it at the wolves, who disperse, howling into the night*
OOC!Psiren: *staring wide-eyed and breathing heavily, turns to look at Jean, still attempting to make herself as small as possible* W-were... were those... were those wolves?
Jean: *jumps as the woman speaks, but tries to hide it, clearing his throat* Yes. They're a nuisance. *peers at her, expression suddenly guarded and suspicious ... she doesn't look like an assassin, but one can never know* ...who are you?
OOC!Psiren: *also appears rather alarmed and wary, glancing around at the vines, but prefers him to the wolves so far* Um... um... I'm... my name's Clara Smith, ah... wh-who are you?
OOC!Psiren: *stares at him wide-eyed... wow he's very pretty*
Jean: *believes her instantly, incapable of thinking badly of anyone for too long even if they HAVE done something wrong, which she clearly hasn't* I'm Jean Auvray ... here, just a moment...
Jean: *ducks his head inside and says something to someone out of sight before looking at Clara again* Come inside.
OOC!Psiren: *fidgets, turning towards the door but not moving, glancing around at the vines* Um... um... Mr. Auvray, these vine things, they're not... are they... what are they? *a bit hesitant to enter their squirmy, thorny, viney lair*
Jean: *blue eyes light up* Oh, those? You don't need to worry, that's just an enchantment on them, they won't hurt you. I agree, they're freakish and unnatural, aren't they? *dissolves into giggles and stumbles out the door a bit as though jostled by someone inside*
Jean: *under his breath* Stop it! Go on, go... *turning back to Clara* Sorry about - um. How did you find this place?
OOC!Psiren: ...Enchantment? Like... magic? *not sure what she thinks of this... is fairly sure God disapproves of magic* Um... I didn't. I mean, I did, obviously, but I... I wasn't looking... I was lost in the woods.... *cranes her neck to see who he's talking to, then hesitates, biting her lip, before walking cautiously toward the door... feels like she's fairly sure he's harmless... probably the giggling has something to do with that*
Jean: *sympathetic look, opens the door a bit wider and gestures inside* It's alright, calm down. Please come sit down for a while, would you like some tea? *fairly certain that will calm her down, and the early spring is still quite chilly*
OOC!Psiren: *...well, Praise the Lord... if he's offering tea, he must be a decent enough fellow* Oh, um, thank you... I would love some tea. *offers him a small smile, stepping inside and glancing around, eyes wide*
Jean: *leads her in - a door nearby is pulled shut by the vines a second later, a cloak perhaps just visible disappearing behind it* Where are you from? *asks as he's heading for the grand staircase*
OOC!Psiren: *jumps at the sound of the door closing, staring at it for several seconds as she follows him* Um... um... I'm from... err... Aquroya... do you know where that is? *hopes she's still in some version of Amestris... not that that helps her any, really, but it would make her feel better*
Jean: *quirked brow* Aquroya? That ... that must be awfully far away, I've never even heard it. Is that in Spain? *opens the door to a decadent banquet hall with large windows and a long table arrayed with every kind of pastry imagineable, flowers spilling fragrantly from vases, candles, and a steaming silver pot of tea*
OOC!Psiren: Spain? Err... no, it's in Amestris... oh dear. Um... this may sound like a very strange question, but... um... where am I? *gasps as they enter the banquet hall* Oh! ...Oh, that looks lovely!
Jean: *pulls out her chair for her, chivalrously* You mean, what country? France. *as though it's the most obvious thing, can't imagine someone not knowing what country they are in*
OOC!Psiren: Oh, thank you. *sits, looking wide-eyed at all the shinies... and the tasties, then gapes at him* ...I'm in France?! Seriously? *looks around at everything* ...Goodness! I guess it looks a little like I'd imagined... well, I suppose that's lucky, then....
Echo: *pours the nice lady a cup of tea*
OOC!Psiren: O.O
OOC!Psiren: *barely manages to not fall out of her chair*
Jean: *doesn't notice Clara's distress at first, reaching for an eclair, but looks over when she moves* Hm?
OOC!Psiren:.......Mr. Auvray, there's a hand in the table.
Jean: *smiles and bites his pretty bottom lip to keep from laughing, shaking his head* Oh, that's Echo. I'm sorry, I- don't mean to smile, it's just I went through all this. She's completely harmless, ma'am.
Echo: *waves, offers her hand for Clara to shake, if she's feeling up to it*
OOC!Psiren: *stares at the hand* It's a- *OH MY GOD I'M BEING RUDE!* -she's a she? Err.... *reaches out tentatively to shake*
Echo: Don't worry, child, we don't take offense and-- what a dear you are! *not reading her thoughts, really*
OOC!Psiren: O.O *instinctively replies without speaking* She talks! ...Oh! I mean, you talk! Err... oh dear, I'm dreadfully sorry, um, I don't mean to... um... hello, ah, I'm pleased to meet you, I'm Clara Smith... you're a talking hand! *flustered* ...She's a talking hand! *because stating the obvious more than once is always helpful*
Jean: *shaking with suppressed laughter, takes pity on Clara as Echo pats her wrist and leaves them be, sinking back into the table after pouring Jean's tea* She's the spirit of the castle. Sort of. I don't really understand any of this magic nonsense, I'm not a witch myself. I just live here.
OOC!Psiren:...Goodness! *still a bit wide-eyed, reaches for her tea and gulps some down... daintily* ...How did you end up living in a magic castle? *....wow, that's good tea!*
Jean: *laughs, blue eyes watering, is very cute as he does so* Oh, that's a long and terrible story, ma'am. And how did you find this magic castle? The enchantments hiding it really must be getting old, I'll need to nag him to redo them...
OOC!Psiren: *grins back a little... his laughter is infectious... and very cute, yes* I... I don't know, is it supposed to be unfindable? I was just... I was lost in the woods and I could hear the wolves howling and... and there it was. Um... "him"? *looks around at all the tasties, selecting a croissant*
Jean: *gulps his tea and gnaws at the eclair, licking the excess sugar from his fingertips absently* The ... master of the castle. It's just him and Echo and I here. Would you like to meet him? He's ... a bit shy.
OOC!Psiren: Oh! Well, of course, if he doesn't mind meeting me, I mean, I wouldn't want to make him uncomfortable, but if this is his castle I'd like to thank him for his hospitality... is that who you were talking to earlier, at the door?
Jean: Yes, that's him. I -uh - made him come to the door with me because the last time someone found the castle it was an assassin who almost killed me. *clears his throat awkwardly, standing up* I'll go get him, you can just stay here ma'am
OOC!Psiren: Um, ah... assassin? Oh dear.... *glances around as if afraid an assassin might leap out of a vase or something* Um, okay, ah... thank you. *tears off a small piece of croissant, eating it... wow, that's better than the ones I've made!*
Jean: *returns after a minute or two, hair rather more mussed and his eyes sparkling, practically dragging someone behind him* This is Clara. Clara, this is the master of the castle.
Beast: *steps into the room, overly conscious of his strange appearance, expression guarded and blank* I welcome you to my castle, lady. *formally*
OOC!Psiren: *turns to look... and stares, slack-jawed* ........................... *comes to herself with a start, standing up quickly and flushing bright red* Oh! Um, I'm sorry, I mean, thank you! Err, I'm Clara Smith, it's very nice to meet you, ah, Mister...? *curtsies... then wonders why she did that*
Beast: *clenches his jaw at her flustered response, eyes flashing, but relaxes slightly when Jean rests a hand on his forearm* Clara Smith, I pray you, how did you come to find this place?
Jean: *glances between his lover and the strange woman, grateful that he's taking it so well but nervous that this is going to go downhill quickly, pulls the Beast over and makes him have a seat*
OOC!Psiren: *fidgets, knows she's been terribly rude but thinks, irritably, that Mr. Auvray could've warned her* Um... I'm sorry, I... am I intruding? That's the third time I've been asked that, and I promise I didn't mean anything by it, I was just lost in the woods, as I told Mr. Auvray, and I came upon the castle by accident, I didn't know it was supposed to be hidden.... *chews on her lip, frowning worriedly, hesitantly sitting again with her hands clasped in her lap*
Beast: *manages not to roll his eyes, hating hesitant people, but she's not being blatantly rude and Jean seems to like her, so he lets it slide* No, truly, you are a guest here. I pray you, feel at ease. You are from a place called Amestris. Yes? Never have I heard of such a country. It is very new. Yes? *he had been a prince after all, he knew a thing or two about geography...*
Jean: *taking this opportunity to eat more pastries, is an eighteen-year-old boy after all*
OOC!Psiren: *relaxes slightly, still feels rather awful for staring so rudely* Thank you. You're very kind to be so accomodating. Ah... yes, I'm from Amestris... and, um... it's not new, it's several centuries old, um... it's just... very far way. Sort of. Err. *wonders how on the Lord's good earth she's going to explain this*
Beast: *placated by the comment about him being kind, relaxes more, his expression less tense* And you are lost. Yes?
OOC!Psiren: Yes, I can honestly say I haven't the slightest idea of where I am. Other than in France. ...That's near Germany, isn't it?
Jean: Yes, that's the country just to the north-east *eager to answer, since he knows these kinds of things now he's been shut up in a castle with BOOKS!*
Beast: How came you to be so far from your home? *less forcefully, honestly just curious now*
OOC!Psiren: Um... magic? Sort of? ...Don't suppose you've heard of the problem with broken dimensions, or lots of doubles everywhere, or the Gate....
Jean: Wha...? Are you a witch too, then? *doesn't mean it as an insult, clearly, looking between the Beast and Clara* Honestly, can everyone do magic but me?
Beast: *talking over Jean at the end* I have never heard of this. If it is a question of magic, I will endeavor to lend you my aid. You ... wish to return to your home. Yes? *guessing from her general manner*
OOC!Psiren: *to Jean* Wha-? A wi- no! No, no no no no no, certainly not! I can't do any magic myself.... *glances between the two of them* Um... I'm not sure "magic" is the right word... as far as I know, we don't even have magic where I'm from, at least, not like here.... *tries to think how to explain* The worlds are broken. Splintered. And I've fallen through one of the cracks. ...I would like to go home, though.
Beast: *nodding to himself, his eyes already far away - gets up abruptly and storms out without a word, the shushing vines meeting him at the door as he stalks off towards the library*
OOC!Psiren:...Err....
Jean: *not too surprised by this, smiles at Clara in a way that makes his blue eyes crinkle* Oh, no need to worry. He'll be off to his books to look up an enchantment to take you back. It shouldn't take him too long, he's amazing. *sounds just a bit love-struck*
OOC!Psiren: *blinks* ...Oh. Well. That's very kind of him. *finds herself staring at Jean again, partly because he's, well, very pretty, and partly because of the adoration in his voice... blushes and turns her attention to her tea, picking up her cup and sipping from it*
Jean: *oblivious to the look, plays with the key around his neck and asks* What's it like where you're from, ma'am?
OOC!Psiren: Oh, um, well, I suppose it's rather a bit like this... um, not that I've ever spent any time outside of the cities... we haven't got magic, but we've got alchemy... have you got alchemy? From what my friends have told me, you shouldn't, unless this is a different France.... *picks at her croissant*
Jean: I... there was something about alchemy in a book I read but it was a fairy tale. I'm not the person to ask for that sort of thing, though. Didn't even know there was magic until I came here. *sitting back in his chair more comfortably* Never been to the city, myself.
Jean: *realizes he said that out loud and flushes very slightly, knowing he's just given away what an unsophisticated peasant he is*
OOC!Psiren: *nods* My friends have told me that people used to experiment with alchemy, but gave up pursuing it a long time ago.... *blinks* ...Goodness, I've only just thought... what year is it?
Jean: *tilts his head to the side* 1801.
OOC!Psiren:...1801! Really? ...Goodness!
Jean: *laughs softly* What were you expecting?
OOC!Psiren:...1917.
Jean: *glowing smile, getting to his feet* Well, that's ... exciting! Are you done with your tea? I might as well show you around the place, no need to just sit here. *full of energy*
Jean: It's so gorgeous here, I can never get used to it... *runs his fingertips over the table*
OOC!Psiren: *blinks, then laughs a little* "Exciting"? That's all? I mean, I'm glad you don't think I'm crazy, but... well, I guess you're used to strange things here. *finishes her tea, dabbing her lips with a napkin, daintily* Thank you, Mr. Auvray, I would love a tour... it is gorgeous here, although I suppose that's to be expected of castles.... Have you not been here long, then?
OOC!Psiren: *stands*
Jean: *shakes his head, leading her out into the hall* It feels like a long time, but it's only been a few months... *draws in a careful breath, wondering how he should put it best* I lived in the village down in the valley all my life but I - uh. *rubs his ear absently* I was exiled.
OOC!Psiren: ...Exiled? ...Oh. *frowns, following silently for a few seconds* Would it... would it be terribly rude of me if I asked... why?
Jean: *shrugs casually, looking away and gesturing vaguely towards a sculpture of an angel* I - uh. *gnaws bottom lip, but doesn't want to lie* I'm a sodomite.
OOC!Psiren: You're a- oh. ...And they exiled you for that? I mean... I suppose that's not particularly surprising, but... *frowns* ...that's terrible. *shakes her head* I cannot believe how awful people can be sometimes... it isn't right. May the Lord forgive them. I'm terribly sorry, Mr. Auvray. I'm glad... the master of the castle was kind enough to take you in. ...Has he got a name?
Jean: *gazing out the window in the direction of the village, though a mist has begun to settle as it approaches evening* May He forgive me, as well. *silent for a moment, crosses himself and swallows, smiling at Clara once more* He does, he just doesn't remember it. It's a part of the curse.
OOC!Psiren: Part of the... curse? He's cursed? Is that why... *frowns a little* ...Mr. Auvray, you ought to have warned me, I didn't mean to offend him, it's just that I was so surprised, and now I feel just awful about it, especially if the poor man's got a curse on him, he must be sensitive about it.... *sighs* .................Are you Catholic?
Jean: *ashamed, flushes a little* I - I should have. Sorry. I'm just so used to how he looks that it didn't occur to me. And yes, he's cursed. *eyes narrow in rage, his beautiful face angry for the first time* It's a cruel evilcurse, if only I knew how to-- *breaks off, realizing that Clara probably doesn't care* Yes, I am.
OOC!Psiren: No, it's alright, I just feel terrible, is all.... *beams* Wonderful! I know Germany's mostly Catholic, but Catholics in France, too! ...I'm sorry, that probably sounds odd to you... where I'm from, Catholicism's a bit rare....
Jean: *blue eyes widen, leading her down a stairway to the chapel, taking direction from their conversation* Really? I've never... I don't think I've ever met someone who wasn't...
OOC!Psiren:...Really? That's wonderful! I can't quite get over how common it seems to be, everywhere except where I live.... *gasps as they enter the chapel* ...Oh! Oh, it's beautiful!
Jean: *gentle smile, running his hand along the wall and commenting silently to Echo about how much he likes having company* I love it here.
Jean: You are welcome to stay here as long as you need until he finds a way to take you back. There are more than enough rooms, and ... well, it's nice having someone new to talk to.
OOC!Psiren: *in awe* ...I've heard about chapels in cathedrals, hundreds of years ago, that must've looked like this.... *smiles* Thank you, Mr. Auvray. You and the master... and Echo... are very kind... I think I'll have to take you up on that, since the alternative is... out there. With the wolves. *smiles* I'm perfectly happy to keep you company. ...You remind me of a friend of mine. Sort of.
Jean: Please - call me Jean. I'm too young to be a mister. *scowls at the wolves comment* They're a menace, they nearly killed me about two weeks ago... *realizes his life must sound very dramatic to an outside observer* Anyway, you don't want to sleep here, I'll show you somewhere you can stay - I remind you of someone? How? *delighted*
OOC!Psiren: Alright then. Jean. ...It's a lovely name. *blinks* ...Goodness! I'm glad you're alright.... And thank you, I suppose I am rather tired, I was wandering around for several hours before I found this place. *thinks* Um... well, I suppose it's mostly very superficial... he's about your age, and blond and blue-eyed... and Catholic, which is rare enough for me to stand out. And he's one of the nicest people I've ever met.
Jean: *giggles, hadn't been expecting that* Well, we're practically the same person! *opening the door for her as Echo lights the candles and fire, showing an enormous guest room* I won't keep you, go ahead and get some rest. Just ask Echo if you get hungry or need anything. My - er - our room is just up those stairs and down the hall.
OOC!Psiren: *laughs a little* Well, you seem to be more out-going than he is. He's a bit reserved until you get to know him. *gazes around the room, impressed* ...I think this might be bigger than my room at Edward's castle! Um... how do I ask Echo...? *nods, blushing only slightly* ...Ah. Thank you.
Jean: Just touch the wall or the furniture and she'll be able to hear you, and you'll be able to hear her. *glancing over his shoulder towards the way to the library, a giddy, adoring grin spreading on his face* Well, I better get going ... make sure he isn't too buried in the books ... I'll see you in the morning, Clara.
OOC!Psiren: *smiles* Thank you again, Jean. Good night.
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