<@Dreol> [TODAY I HAVE DECIDED THAT GM BRACKETS WILL CONTAIN ALL CAPS] <@Dreol> [Okay, not really.] <@Dreol> [London June 15th 1230, 9:40 PM] <@Dreol> [Last night, our fearless heroes(?) met with a Nosferatu called Thomas the Rat. He agreed to help them gather information on Renier, but only in exchange for them meeting with a crime lord Nosferatu named Ragged Jenny, who runs a school for footpads on the west end of the docks. They are to convince her (by whatever means necessary) to leave the area of Billingsgate alone for Thomas the Rat and his sire Lord Richard. They have agreed to meet again tonight at the bridge to prepare for this endeavor.] <@Dreol> [Begin.] 06* Moriel is there relatively early, standing to one side and staring down into the dark waters of the Thames. 06* Eliana walks up to the bridge. She's wearing a dark green dress made of fine fabric with matching shoes and a light gray girdle, and her hair - instead of a loose, controlled mess that it normally is - is done up with only a few curls getting away on the sides of her face. She's still wearing gloves despite the weather, at least: cloth ones now, and up to the elbow. 06* Eliana, in short, looks like a lady for once. She's carrying a few sealed letters. "Moriel MacRae," she says, imitating the other vampire's rolling R's and lilting accent quite well. 06* Moriel had been more or less ignoring the sound of footsteps, but he looks up at the sound of his name. And blinks for a moment. Then he smiles, and gives Eliana a shallow bow. "Good evening, my lady. What may I do for you?" 06* Eliana curtseys. "This is for you." She selects one of the letters and hands it to him. 06* Moriel blinks down at the letter in his hands, then pulls out a small knife and slits it open. 06* Rolf rolfs up, not dressed up at all. Why would he need to be? He's slouched as he walks out of the shadows. 06* Moriel "ah"s briefly at the contents, then folds them up again and tucks them away. "Many thanks, my lady." 01 It was my pleasure. Good evening. 06* Thalaba had been early the past two times they met up... and that seems to be her limit as she ends up being late this time, though when she walks up it doesn't seem she's rushed. She is dressed in a blue gown fashionable for human society, complete with lace gloves and a matching purse. She smiles as she approaches her companions. "So....do I look pick pocket worthy?" 01 Very much so, my lady. This is for you. 06* Moriel smiles and gives Thalaba a neat courtly bow as well. "Eminently, my lady." 06* Eliana selects one of the letters and hands it to Thalaba, then hands another to the guy who's rolfing up to the group. <@Dreol> [The Bridge, for those curious, has several small arches and a draw bridge with a gatehouse at the southern end. Along the bridge stand several shops built within the last fifty years or so. Tonight, though, it is empty.] 06* Thalaba takes the letter and looks it over curiously. "For me?" She slips into the purse she's carrying. "Thank you." 06* Eliana offers Thalaba a thin smile. "My pleasure." 06* Rolf snifts as he moves closer to the group, then he growls lowly, "Evening." A small pause, then, "We 'specting any Assamites tonight?" 06* Eliana gives Rolf a look. "What do you think," she says dryly. 06* Moriel is distracted from frowning at the crate he can't figure out. "Besides Master Castelletti, you mean?" 06* Rolf gestures over at the pile of crates. "The one on top just got placed there, and someone took coal to it to mark it Assamite." 06* Eliana looks at the pile of crates now, makes that 'hm' noise she does on occasion, and walks towards the pile. 06* Moriel 's expression clears, and he drifts over to the crate. He suddenly looks oddly vacant and says in a distant voice, "I don't suppose it's going to kill us, is it?" It's Assamite, so it might. 06* Rolf pauses, then chuckles. "Heh. Classic." 06* Moriel blinks at Rolf as if he has no idea how to respond to that. Instead he just turns back to the crate. He murmurs, "It appears in this case it will not." I wonder what it will do? 06* Eliana studies the box from all sides, then tries to lift it, gingerly. <@Dreol> [The crate is very light and Eliana can hear something sliding around inside.] <@Dreol> [Other than that, it feels empty.] 06* Thalaba followed behind a little slower, her eyes on the box, watching silently but eagerly. She liked surprises. 06* Eliana sets it back down and, well, goes about lifting the lid. <@Dreol> [The crate is made of wood and nailed shut.] 06* Eliana sighs. 01 Rolf, if you wouldn't mind? "Was it heavy? Did you shake it to see if it make sounds?" 06* Rolf cracks his knuckles. "Sure, I'll give it a go." 01 No. It's nearly empty. There is something inside. I would guess it's a note or book of some kind. 06* Eliana gives Rolf some room. 06* Moriel 's eyes are bright with suppressed amusement. Only a faint smile plays around his lips. "A present. One doesn't usually find those nailed shut." 01 And it isn't even my birthday. 06* Moriel 's smile widens and he chuckles. 06* Rolf gets his hands around the box firmly, and then rips it into two pieces after a moment of strain, a 'top' half and a 'bottom' half. <@Dreol> [Inside the "bottom half" is a rolled piece of parchment tied with a ribbon.] 06* Moriel raises his eyebrows, looking coolly impressed. He waits for someone else to open the present, however. 06* Thalaba leans down to pick up the rolled up parchment and looks at the others before she pulls one of the ribbon ends. <@Dreol> [The parchment opens and unrolls. It reads "Greetings. My apologies for not attending our meeting tonight, for as the cat must sometimes hunt alone to get her prey, I have decided that my skills are best used apart from the group for this task. I have decided to infiltrate the Nosferatu's school as a footpad under her tutelage. I plan to rejoin you there after I have had the chance to gather some information about the organization. My appologies again. Yours etc, Cosimo Castelletti"] 06* Thalaba reads the letter to herself "Well that explains why he's not here with us." Then passes the letter to Eliana. 06* Eliana takes the letter and reads it aloud, her voice taking on more of Cosimo's Sicilian accent. 06* Moriel sidesteps to read - well, not over Eliana's shoulder, as he is a few inches shorter than her, but - ah, that makes it easier. 06* Moriel nods. "As you say." Apparently it's directed at Thalaba, even though he's still looking at Eliana and the parchment. 06* Rolf shrugs slightly, then lets out a growly, "Then let's get started. Nights are short." 01 I agree. 06* Moriel turns to the ladies to be pickpocketed. "It is time for you to take up your roles, then, I suppose." He cocks his head to one side. "You would hardly be out unescorted...I suppose we could split into two teams?" 06* Rolf chuckles lowly and says, "They ain't wiltin' flowers." No, they are not. But if they were human... No true lady of breeding walks the streets alone at night. "No but we want to be seen as wilting flowers... which in society a human woman unescorted at night wouldn't be a good thing. " 06* Eliana doesn't answer Moriel, at least not yet. Instead, she's walking over to the edge of the bridge. She looks at the note for a moment, and it catches fire in her hand. 06* Eliana tosses the still burning note into the river before turning to the others. 01 That is why I thought I would walk with Thalaba. We could be taking a short cut home. Ah. And we could trail you... 06* Moriel shakes his head. "Pity Master Castelletti declined to join us. I suspect he would be better at that than either Master Rolf or I." 06* Rolf chuckles grimly and says, "I can stalk somethin'." 06* Moriel looks up - waaaaay up - at Rolf. After a moment he says, "You must be better at making yourself inconspicuous than your stature would suggest." 06* Rolf replies, with a growl, "Darkness helps." 06* Moriel nods. "Perhaps...I can find a suitable place to wait in the shadows, where I will be in a position to see as much as possible." 06* Eliana nods to Moriel, then looks to Thalaba and gives her a small smile. "Well, my lady," she says. "Shall we be off home?" 06* Thalaba smiles "I believe we shall." She falls into step beside Eliana after giving Moriel and Rolf a gracious curtsey. "See you both on the other side." 06* Moriel nods to the rest of the group generally and ghosts off ahead to find a suitable vantage point. 06* Eliana concentrates, bringing color to her skin and lips, before lightly taking Thalaba's arm. Even though her fingers are gloved, they're like ice and spread a chill through the other woman. "Don't worry about being late. I know a shortcut; we'll be home before Father falls asleep." 06* Thalaba concentrates herself and soon has color as well. She takes to the role as Eliana did.. She hesitates a little at the though of taking a short cut but finally nods "oh.. ok.. we have to be home in time or he will be so very cross with us! I don't know why I ever let you talk me into trying to find that shop so late. " A cool breeze follows Thalaba as she begins walking with Eliana. 06* Moriel finds a spot with a good view down several streets and wraps himself in shadows, waiting. 06* Rolf is staying 'low' and to the shadows moving from place to place, following the girls and trying to stay out of sight... or at least out of sight of any pickpocket's concerns. 06* Eliana tsks. "You *know* that the cobbler's leaving to visit his daughter tomorrow. We're lucky he could see us when he did, or we'd be waiting half a month for a pair of wearable shoes!" 06* Eliana leads Thalaba along the docks. 06* Rolf is not humming a theme song. 06* Thalaba looks around, her expression a little fearful .." Still... " She says doubtfully "I don't like this... it's ... " and she actually has to force the word out "scary...." 06* Eliana glances, then says, "Not as scary as Father if we're late. Come along, it's just a short distance." 06* Thalaba sighs softly "you're right of course..lets just hurry please" 06* Eliana chuckles. "You should be used to it by now. I'm nearly always right." Nevertheless, she's glancing around. <@Dreol> [A moment later, a man moves out of the alley in front of the girls. He is tall, though not nearly as tall as Rolf. He has sandy blonde hair, and is dressed in a loose, dark-brown tunic and tan pants. He grins widely. "Evenin' ladies. Off for a stroll are we now?"] 06* Moriel tenses in preparation, but doesn't step out of the shadows just yet. 06* Eliana looks at the man coolly. "We are just on our way home," she says, her grip on Thalaba's arm tightening as she moves to pass the man. <@Dreol> [Meanwhile, only Rolf manages to notice the shadowy figure from before moving in behind the girls. He sticks to the shadows, and those shadows seem to bend to cover him. He reaches forward with a dagger to cut Eliana's purse.] <@Dreol> [The man nods. "Oh I see, then... Well You see I'm on my way home too, I am... But I'm going to need some money to get there. How's about you give me some of those pretty coins in that purse of yours, yeah? And we can both head on home."] 06* Thalaba shakes her head as she clings to Eliana's arm, walking forward with her. "We have nothing to give you Sir" 06* Rolf moves in to sneak up behind the guy in front, before he says, "Look behind you, ladies, it's a little shadowy out tonight," and then takes a bare- fisted swing at the guy threatening them. 06* Eliana spins to look behind, her eyes narrowing. 06* Moriel steps out of the shadows at this cue to break the charade He draws his sword with a hiss as he comes and moves to block the blond man's retreat. <@Dreol> [The man's grin widens and he shakes his head. "Now now, that can't be true, cannit? Fine dressed ladies like you out at this hour, must have had some shop-" He's cut off by Rolf and narrows his eyes. The shadowy figure leaps back and the shadows fall away revealing what appears to be a smaller young man wrapped in shrouds. All that is visible through the dark gray shroud are his eyes.] 06* Eliana keeps her eyes on the second pickpocket as she speaks, as though still carrying a conversation with the first thug: "You are right, of course. But you did forget that no true lady of breeding walks the streets alone at night." 06* Moriel grins from behind the blond man, eyes bright. 06* Thalaba sees that Rolf and Moriel are both there to have a conversation with the blond man, she turns to look at the shrouded figure with Eliana "But you did a marvelous job acting " Her words directed at Eliana. Indeed you did. I was quite impressed. <@Dreol> [The man takes a huge fist across his face and falls to his knees. "Now now... what's this then, is it?"] 06* Eliana inclines her head to Thalaba. "As did you, my lady." 06* Rolf says down at him, "We come to see a man 'bout a Ragged Jenny." 06* Thalaba smiles at the compliment, her attention still on the figure "Well thank you." <@Dreol> [The larger man struggles to his feet and looks like he is about to punch Rolf back and stops. "Yeah? Well ya shoulda said that in the first place. We can take ya to 'er" He takes a swing anyway.] 06* Rolf grunts as he brings up his shoulder to take the man's swing with a meaty thwack, and growls lowly, but doesn't come back at him. <@Dreol> [The swing simply rebounds off Rolf's tough exterior and the man shakes his hand. "Well... now I don't feel so bad about being slammed by ya, do I?" He motions towards the smaller man and starts walking. "Come on, then."] 06* Moriel 's eyes dim a little bit from their somewhat disturbing brightness. He sheathes his sword again and falls in behind the rest of the party. <@Dreol> [Both men head back through the alley that they came from. The smaller man definitely has the ability to shift the shadows around him and also moves very silently.] 06* Thalaba watches them and sighs "Well that was rather easy...." 06* Rolf doesn't let them make any distance on them and growls a low, "Keep up, or it won't be." 06* Eliana offers a severe frown, herself, but she follows them a few steps behind. Made easier since she let go of Thalaba's arm. 06* Thalaba sighs "fine fine.." She picks up her skirts to follow them down the alley. 06* Moriel studies their two escorts from behind as they go. <@Dreol> [The pair lead you through several alleys before coming to what appears to be the entrance to a storage cellar with its doors shut. The larger man walks up and pulls open the wooden cellar door, revealing a staircase and heads down into the cellar.] <@Dreol> [The stairs lead down to another door, when the man opens that door, it opens to a large, open room. Several young men and women are present. Some practicing combat techniques on stuffed dummies, others practicing pickpocketing on a dummy set up with a purse and a bell. Still others seem to be heading out any number of other various exits to the room. In the center of the back of the room is <@Dreol> a stone throne on a raised platform. Sitting on the throne is, presumably, Ragged Jenny and it now becomes obvious how she got her name. Her hair almost appears made of straw and is a dingy blonde color. It falls all over her head, including in her face, but really that can only be beneficial, because what you can see of her face beneath the hair is a twisted visage, her eyes bulge and appear <@Dreol> to always be staring and her lips are pealed back in a permanent wicked grin. She wears an elaborately adorned red dress which appears to be stained with blood and her fingers end in nails, not unlike Thomas' except hers actually curl inward, giving them the appearance of talons.] <@Dreol> [The larger man nods his head "Oi, Mistress Jenny... these folks 'ere wanted to see you, they did."] <@Dreol> [Jenny turns her unblinking gaze over to you and cackles "Did you now? It is not every day we have voluntary visitors. To what do we owe the pleasure?"] 06* Eliana studies the woman for a moment, then sweeps her gaze over the room slowly, taking note of every detail she can. She doesn't seem interested in answering Jenny just yet. 06* Moriel glances at Eliana. Seeing as she's not answering, he steps forward and bows, putting on his best charming smile. "Good evening, my lady." 06* Thalaba looks around the room idlely, not taking in information like Eliana. When Moriel speaks, her attention returns to Jenny. 06* Moriel says smoothly, "I do not wish to disappoint your hospitality, but I am afraid we merely have a small business matter we wished to discuss with you." <@Dreol> [Eliana sees that there are about 30 people in the room apart from the group and Ragged Jenny. There are exits all over the room which all seem to lead up to staircases and the room is large enough to probably encompass about 1/3 of the docks as far north as just beyond the first road north of the docks.] <@Dreol> [Ragged Jenny raises her nail to her mouth, biting down on it. "Oh dear... Business, you say? What kind of business?" She stands up off her throne and her motions are jerky and almost marrionette-like as she walks towards the group, and Moriel specifically."] 06* Moriel 's charming smile doesn't waver. His eyes even twinkle. "I know, it's terribly dull, is it not? I do apologize. But...well...perhaps you have heard of our recent misfortunes? We were forced to enter a business arrangement with a colleague of yours, and he wished us to speak to you." <@Dreol> [Ragged Jenny can't actually frown, but it looks like she is trying. "Ah... yes... the poor unfortunate souls who got blamed for poor poor Renier's untimely demise... well... second demise, I suppose..." She chuckles slightly and then pauses "A colleage of mine? I have many colleagues, dear. You must be more specific."] 06* Eliana speaks up, abruptly: "Thomas the Rat." She gives Ragged Jenny a cold stare. "He wants you to back out from Billingsgate." 06* Moriel bows smoothly again, though more shallowly this time. "Ah, yes, my apologies. His name is Thomas - ah. Yes." And he steps back to let Eliana take over. <@Dreol> [By now, Ragged Jenny has reached Moriel. Her hair completely covers all of her face except her mouth and she stands a wee bit too close and then her head jerks up almost suddenly, revealing her eyes again just as they stare the mere inch or so to Moriel's eyes. "Does he?"] 06* Moriel stands his ground. His back is a bit stiff, but he's still smiling. "So he said." 06* Moriel manages to do a fairly good job looking charmingly regretful. <@Dreol> [Jenny pauses for a moment and then her head snaps back in a peal of laughter and she turns around taking a few more steps towards her throne. "I see. Ah Thomas... Well if that is what he wants, you will have to do something for me." She whips back around and her hair flies out of her face in the turn revealing her bulging, ever staring eyes which seem to look at you all. "Of course."] 06* Eliana murmurs, "Of course." And raises her voice: "What do you have in mind." But of course. That is the way of the world... <@Dreol> [Jenny nods and returns to her throne and plops down on it. "You see... there is this item I require and it has eluded me thus far... But you are going to steal it for me."] 06* Eliana glances at Moriel, giving him the floor if he wants it. 06* Moriel raises his eyebrows. "Your pardon, my lady. But...if the queen of theft *gestures around at the room* cannot steal an item - is it within our grasp?" <@Dreol> [Jenny laughs uproariously. "Well that is not my issue, now is it Mr. MacRae?" She then continues as if he asked nothing. "The item is a crystal dagger. It is currently housed in the possession of a baron who is staying within the Tower. The blade is a green crystal and the hilt is gold inlaid with rubies and sapphires. It will be hard to miss. The Baron who possesses it is named Baron William de Aubert"] 06* Moriel smiles faintly, appreciation sparking in his eyes. "Indeed it is not." And if we bring you this dagger, you will leave Billingsgate to Thomas and his sire? <@Dreol> [Jenny shrugs. "Of course. I am a woman of my word..." She cackles. "Well this time I am. The Rat can have Billingsgate if that is the price."] 06* Moriel bows again. "Then we have an agreement. Many thanks, my lady. We shall bring you your desire soon." <@Dreol> [Jenny motions towards one of the doors with her index talon. "Feel free to stay here for the day... It is getting late, surely you could not make it back to the safety of your havens at this hour. You can be our guests. I only ask that you do not feed on my students." Her tongue slithers out and moves along her jagged fangs. "Though they do look delicious at times."] 06* Rolf nods his head just slightly. 06* Moriel glances at Eliana with a neutrally polite expression, not letting his discomfort show. 06* Eliana glances back at Moriel, then says to Jenny, "We appreciate your hospitality. If I may confer with my companions?" And she moves away, for the stairs. <@Dreol> [Jenny shrugs and then looks away from the group, paying attention instead to some footpads training.] 06* Thalaba waits until Jenny turns away before making a face of distaste at the idea of staying here the night as she follows Eliana. 06* Moriel steps aside after Eliana, his expression still carefully closed. 06* Rolf lopes along with Eliana's movement. 06* Eliana switches to Latin once they hit the stairwell: "" 06* Moriel controls his frown, but it does show. He responds in the same language. "" 06* Eliana nods. "" 06* Rolf growls lowly and nods. 06* Thalaba lets out a soft sigh "" 06* Moriel spreads his hands. "" He frowns again suddenly, this time in thought. "" 06* Eliana glances around briefly and murmurs, "" Pause. "" 06* Eliana looks at Moriel for a moment, then says, abruptly, "" And she turns, walking briskly back to the throne. <@Dreol> [Jenny turns her attention to Eliana as she approaches. "Yes, dear? Has your chattiness been fruitful?"] 06* Moriel blinks after Eliana momentarily, but then shrugs mentally and trails a bit behind her. 01 As ever, Madam. We would be pleased to accept your hospitality. <@Dreol> [Jenny nods. "Delightful. There are several rooms down that way." She points at the same door. "Do not worry, none of my students will steal any of your possessions. That is one of the rules here."] 06* Thalaba follows after them, standing with the group, hiding her distaste. 01 Thank you. So long as you are not surprised if we enforce that particular rule, I am sure we shall all get along splendidly. <@Dreol> [Ragged Jenny cackles "Of course. We shall see you tomorrow evening, then."] <@Dreol> [Session End.]