Of Artefacts and Antiquities IC thread Open

[Shadowwell]

Of Artefacts and Antiquities IC Thread
WB Thread-IC-OOC

Magic has recently started to come back into the world, with it many of the fantastical and mythological beings that had all but died out. With the reemergence of magic came the monsters, as some call them, and unfortunately some fed on humans and those urges came back as the beings emerged. Fortunately with the rogue monsters came the more peaceful ones and the magical humans. The humans power had been waning for centuries but with magic their power came back as well. Both groups formed councils that have been keeping the peace, but as magic came back it has awoken lost tems of power that are causing havok among the normal populace.

---

Council Chambers, London

In one of the Back conference rooms used to hold unnofficial Council business stood a man in his late 20’s to early 30’s. He stood in what many would recognize as the at-ease position, he also ahd the air of a soldier. He was Curtis Stone, the Eldest child of the head of the Stine Family, many would also say his father was the head of the Council, but that wasn’t an official title. He was to be the head of the Task Force, code named The Inquisition, he was more so to be a guide of sorts, to whip the newly created team into shape. For now he would lead as strong presence would be needed to keep the team in check.

The Task Force itself was an experimental group, while the Supernatural and Magical human Communities have gotten along fine, for the most part under the guidance of the Two Councils, the Task force was going to be a step further in the same direction. Though that would be one of the major purposes for the Task force, it was not the public one. Publicly the Task Force while formed to encourage unity between Monsters and Humans was mainly to deal with the crimes and incidents that have gotten more numerous since the Return of Magic 2 years ago. Curtis stood like a rock not moving, it wouldn’t be long till the newer members of the Task force arrived. There would be people to guide them to this back room once they entered the Complex under the House of Parliament.

In another section of the underground Council complex was a man walking with one attendant following him. He was just as well built as Curtis, which is to be expected considering they were father and son. Craig glanced towards the attendant for a moment and asked “ Any news concerning what caused the Return, we have been investing in the search for 2 years, surely something should have been found by now.” The attendant, a thin man who while not shoter than average was easily dwarfed by his superior, answered nervously saying “ Uh, well, you see, we haven’t received anything definitive, yet. B, but we have received word on what it wasn’t, the Angelo’s have ruled out the Museum, as well as the revival of certain beings, other than that no new information. The Councilor sighed and said “ Very well, but relay the message that we expect results, especially from ones such as they.” The attendant nodded repeatedly and then went off to carry out the instructions.

Peckham, Northeast London
The Shoppe

The Shopkeeper, as that is all he is ever called, though once he was called something else long ago that held a similar meaning both the times and he have changed, was waiting for the guests they would be receiving soon. According to the Curator there would be many arriving which would be no problem, despite the seemingly small size of the Shoppe when viewed from outside, inside it was spacious enough due to certain magics cast on the place. The Shoppe served as a front of sorts for the Museum to keep the Councils and other beings form finding it. Long ago the Museum was sought by many throughout the ages, during the crusades as well as other periods of time throughout history. Many places of legend that were claimed to have held untold riches and treasure actually originated from tales about the Museum.

Not everyone that would be showing up this day would be newcomers to the Museum, though many would. A few have worked in the Museum since it has re-awoke, though one, the Curator had been reborn so to speak when it woke up but he was far more unique than most of the people showing up. Strangely enough of those expected a few were loosely associated with the Councils, loosely enough that the Curator chose to allow them in. There were a few countermeasures in place to guarantee the employees discretion. They would all sign a contract of sorts that virtually bound them to keep the place a secret as well as what it contained. There was also a barrier around the Shoppe that deterred visitors that have not been invited. There was also a mechanism that kept the Artifacts within the museums walls, it was a last resort of sorts for any of the truly dangerous things kept inside.

[Shadowwell]

Theo Carver

Theo walked warily down the London street leading to the destination in the message he was given. He hadn’t wanted to comply with the mysterious message he was given, but right now it was his last choice. Ever since the debacle in Southwark with his arrival here and the death of the Council Agents, he has been tracked and his pursuers have gotten closer and closer to him. He turned down the final alleyway and paused, he had felt a distinct ripple, a feeling similar to what he has associated with magic. For a moment he thought of turning back, but he disregarded it and moved forwards the last couple meters until he reached the storefront. Above it in large bright letters was "Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe", and below those faded was " Purveyor of Antiquities and Trinkets". Theo shook his head, shaggy hair going everywhere and snorted briefly before he moved to the door and entered.

As the bell chimed indicating his entrance into the Shoppe, Theo heard and elderly yet firm voice saying " Be with you in a minute, son." Moments later an elderly gentlemen, who could very well have once been a butler given his air, came from around a corner and said " Sorry for the wait, You must be Mister Carver, do not be alarmed, you will be safe here as long as you don't start any trouble. Head to the back, that way and the others should be showing up soon." The Shopkeeper pointed towards the back of the shop and left after speaking once more " Help yourself to the refreshments in the room if you wish." Theo nodded, but shivered a bit at the bizzareness of this whole thing. He shook his head once more before shaking his ehad and walking to the back.

As he went he passed by several tables, some with trinkets and good luck charm type things. Others had larger antique vases, others still had some antique flintlock weaponry, and in a corner there were some cutlasses and similar items. Soon enough he reached the back of the store, there was a bookcase shifted away from what appeared to be a solid wall, but behind it there was a corridor leading elsewhere. Theo entered it, it was obvious it was old from the feel of it, but that bothered him not. He reached the end of the corridor passing a few doors along the way, he opened the door at the end and went into the room inside. It was a barren room but for a few tables with drinks and snacks, as well as a circle of around a dozen chairs. Theo took one fartherst from the entrance and sat while waiting for the others the Shopkeeper spoke of.

[Faal Lot Himdah]

Merlin
About a week ago
Stonehenge

Here he was. Last time he was here was when it was built. Stonehenge. Modern science did have an explanation for how it was built, but it was a shame they were wrong. It was not constructed by hundreds of Neolithic humans, using engineering and many years to construct. It was in fact constructed in a matter of days, by a single being through the use of magic. The monolithic structure was built by a demonic being simply known as Void, once it was tricked into building it. Now Void remained bound by powerful magic to a single person's soul. That poor soul. Being bound to an immortal demonic being meant that they were a prison. They could not die of old age, and even their minor wounds heal faster than normal. But the curse of not being able to die of old age, and being forced to watch everyone else die wasn't it all. They were also cursed with having to hear the demons voice in their head. And that person was Merlin.

Merlin stood in the centre of the stone circle. His hands in his pockets as a slight breeze ruffled his white hair. It was currently night, the stars shown nicely. Merlin looked up at them, he remembered the positions of the stars from his youth, he had watched them move across the sky. Normal people would never notice such a change, but after 12000 years, Merlin was not really human anymore. He sighed as his attention turned to one of the stones. He placed his hand on it and took a breath. A small area lit up with strange runes, though it wasn't big enough to do anything. Merlin removed his hand and the light faded. It still works... Merlin thought, After all these years... It still works.

He turned on his heals and started to walk away from Stonehenge. He had a single place to be, London.

Merlin
In the Now
The National Gallery, London

If there was one place Merlin liked to spend time for himself in it would have been the National Gallery. He had been there when it was founded in 1824. He always liked how entry to the main collection was free to the public, and that it wasn't formed through the nationalization of some pre-existing Royal collection. Every piece was either bought by the British government or donated to the gallery. This meant it was a small collection, which was partly why Merlin liked it.

He came to room 31 and sat on a bench. The painting he was faced with was not one of the galleries most popular. The painting was known as The Brazen Serpent and was painted somewhere between 1635 and 1640 by Peter Paul Rubens. He sat there taking in the painting. Until a middle aged gentleman sat down beside him.

"Then the Lord sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. The people came to Moses and said, 'We sinned when we spoke against the Lord and against you. Pray that the Lord will take the snakes away from us.' So Moses prayed for the people." The gentleman said, "The Lord said to Moses, 'Make a snake and put it up on a pole;anyone who is bitten can look at it and live.' So Moses made a bronze snake and put it up on a pole. Then when anyone was bitten by a snake and looked at the bronze snake, they lived."

"Numbers 21: 6-9. I know. I was there." Merlin said, "It is what this painting depicts."

The gentleman smirked, "Are we being watched?"

"Constantly. But we can make this quick." Merlin said back, and pulled out a file from under his jacket, "A story for the common head."

The gentleman nodded and took the file before opening his suitcase, and slipping it in. The suitcase was locked and the gentleman handed Merlin a slip of paper. "I hope they enjoy it."

The gentleman stood up and walked away. Merlin sighed and continued to wander the gallery. He had arrived in London a week ago, and had been doing some work for a friend. That work involved the protection of the public from hostile supernatural elements. He had fought and bound the souls of a unsettling amount of hostile supernatural elements over the week. After an hour or so, he left the gallery and entered the busy city of London once more.

---

Arashihana Ai
Arashihana Family Home, Somewhere in Japan

---

The Arashihana family was an ancient and powerful, that had been around since the first era of magic. Most of their early history has been lost even to the book worm family, and what was known was kept a highly guarded secret. What was known to the other families and supernatural was that they claimed to have been mages who followed the Japanese Emperors and often offered council. Also, there ancestor. All magic families seemed to have a powerful ancestor that they came from. It just so happened that the Arashihana came from a being that was known throughout east Asian culture, and represented differently.

In China it was known as a Qilin, during the Jin Dynasty it was depicted to be wrapped in flame and smoke, with a dragon-like head, scales, and the body of a horse. During the Ming Dynasty it was depicted as an oxen-hoofed animal with a dragon-like head with a pair of horns and flame-like head ornaments. Finally, during the Qing Dynasty, it was depicted as having the head of a dragon, the antlers of a deer, the skin and scales of a fish, the hooves of an ox and tail of a lion. In Korea, they were called Girin, and was depicted as a maned creature with the torso of a deer, an ox tail with the hooves of a horse. In Thailand, they were known as Gilen. And finally, in Japan, it was known as a Kirin, which could be depict more deer-like, a dragon shaped like a deer with an ox's tail or unicorn-like in appearance. For cultural reasons, the Arashihana use the Kirin, but do recognize the other names and forms as the same being.

Anyways, when magic returned to the world, the Arashihana returned to their former power. They joined with other magic families and joined the Magical Council. But recently a series of unfortantate events struck the Arashihana, they where forced off the council due to many rumours that they were against and disobeying certain Mandates. They were weakened by that, but where still fairly strong. But then another tragity struck. The former head of the Arashihana family was killed along with a large number of the families forces a few weeks ago. Now, the family was much smaller, and was headed by a twelve year old child.

Arashihana Ai sat in the family library reading a fairly advanced book for a twelve year old. In the attack, she had been injured, and was still covered with bandages and medical wrap. Over one of her eyes was a medical patch. She had lost an eye in the attack. Her silver hair draped over the back of her chair, as a stuffed Kirin sat on her lap. She closed her book and looked to both her left and right. Standing on either side of her at a fair distance was her two elder sisters. The Arashihana twins, both had black hair and dark blue eyes. Arashihana Michiko was the one to her right. Michiko had shorter hair then her twin sister, and wore what she would call "a one piece, less girly dress". Michiko was an elemental mage, capable of manipulating electricity. On Ai's left was Arashihana Kimiko. She wore what Michiko would call, "the pinnacle of conservative girliness". Kimiko had no skill with magic, but was a crack shot and could take down people twice her size with ease. The twins made Ai's personal guards.

She put the book down and looked at a letter that sat on the table. It was from an unknown sender. She took a breath and opened it. Ai slowly read it and then looked to her sisters. She didn't have to say anything for her sisters to get the point. They moved to sit down with her. She handed the letter to Kimiko.

"What do you think oneechan?" Ai asked.

Kimiko read the letter over and then handed it to Michiko. "I think it might be a good idea. The family needs allies, and you are the head. You make the decision."

"But what if oniisama and okaasan disagree?"

"Don't worry about those two." Michiko spoke, "Ai, you are going to have to get more independent. You can make this decision on your own. Don't worry, we are here and will support whatever you decide." She ruffled Ai's hair.

Ai smiled, "Thank you oneechan." She said and took out a blank piece of paper, and started to write the location of where they were being asked to go. She was just about to finish when she looked at her sisters, who put their hands on her shoulder just as she finished. She then whispered something and there was a bright light as they teleported.

When the light faded they found themselves standing in front of a shop in a strange alley in the city of London. Before Ai could say anything she felt her knees buckle and she fainted. Kimiko caught Ai before she could hit the ground and started to carry her.

"That's right. Go ahead and sleep." Kimiko whispered, and looked at Michiko.

"I'm surprised she could handle teleporting here. London, England." Michiko said, "She really is powerful. Anyways, shall we go in?"

Kimiko nodded, "Yes, lets."

With that the Arashihana trio entered the Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe. There was a bell that signaled their entrance. After a short conversation with the shopkeeper they were pointed to the back of the shop and told them to help themselves to the refreshments. When they approached the bookcase in the back, they watched as it moved and revealed a secret room. They entered the room.

Quickly they saw they were not alone, they looked at Theo Carver and bowed with respect. Well, Kimiko bowed as best she could while carrying the sleeping Ai.

"Hello. I am Arashihana Kimiko." Kimiko spoked quietly as they found some seats, "This is my twin sister Arashihana Michiko, and this little girl I am carrying is our younger sister Arashihana Ai, the current head of the Arashihana family."

Kimiko placed Ai softly down in a chair with her stuffed Kirin as Michiko grabbed a juice box for Ai for when she woke up. Kimiko sat down on Ai's left, and Michiko sat on her right with her feet up on the table.

[Nuridia]

Dr. Nicolas Delamare
The good doctor, depending on your definition of good anyway was packing for an important engagement at the Shoppe today and he most definitely didn't want to be late. After putting a black overcoat over his purple suit and made sure his hair and beard were tidy, he packed up his things into his black bag and was about to go out when he stepped into the living room of his Victorian home. Science was everything to the French man, especially magiscience but his family seemed to trump even that.
"Well, I'm going now." he called cheerfully, his French accent still apparent even after all these years. Three adults looked up at that, two of them looked to be in their early fifties and the third a little older than the ginger doctor. The middle aged man, whose hair was a graying coppery gold- a blend of both his parents' had been got up to hug him first. Nicolas hugged him tight and kissed his hair. "Goodbye my darling boy. Give Landi my love." Celandine was Percival's wife, and the mother of Nicolas' three grandsons.
"Dad, you're sure you don't want me to go with you?" Percival Delamare asked as his step sister Mary hugged his father. "Good luck Papa. Do be careful." the black haired woman said, clapping his shoulder. "Farewell lovely Mary." Nicolas turned hazel eyes to his only son. "I told you Perce, it's dangerous. I know you're a grown man but you are still my child." he said tightly before a black haired man, whose hair was going salt and pepper stood up and hugged Nicolas last, and the redhead hugged him back just as tightly. "Nicky, I don't like this." Alan said, ice blue eyes boring into his husband's hazel ones. Nicolas merely adjusted his glasses and smiled up at the taller man, tenderly brushing bangs from his eyes. "It's what I must do. Ne vous inquiétez pas, chéri . Je suis prudent et je promets que je vais le faire à vous. Don't worry, I will not get myself hurt. Or you, or our children. Relax mon amour, I'll be fine." Nicky said sincerely. Alan sighed. "Fine. I trust you, but I worry." he grumbled, Nicolas merely kissed him and pulled away after a few minutes, looking at him with warmth and love in his eyes. "Take care of them. I love you. I love all of you, be back later." he said before kissing his partner's cheek one last time and walking out of the door. After about a thirty minute walk he arrived at the front door of the Shoppe and walked in, surveying the place. "Shopkeeper, I'm here." he announced when the door was closed and went to go take a seat, setting his bag down with a heavy thump.


Arariel
On the streets of London, it looked like a typical day with typical people bustling around doing all manner of activities that day so no wonder that nobody would pay attention to the tall black haired woman making her way through the crowd in her flowing red sundress. She looked like any other woman in this form, but she was no ordinary woman. But at least the humans wouldn't know that.
She had come here to check out something that she had been sensing for a while, an aura quite similar to her own. But also, very very different. Tucking a lock of black hair under her hat, piercing, nearly glowing blue eyes were perfectly hidden behind sunglasses but they still surveyed the street with a hawk like stare.

When she first heard about it she couldn't believe it. Her own father, doing such a thing. How could that happen, it was forbidden. And the worst part, why hadn't he told HER? This was one thing that she couldn't let slide, she had to find out for herself which is why she was here today.

[Aghrabia]

Alex Grey

The youngest son of the Grey's was restless (not a surprise for anybody who ever knew him), and had been for most of the night; it was to be expected- an almost certainty, in fact- given he hardly liked meeting new people and those new people themselves were a disruption to the, relative, normality of Museum life. He had been staring at the dark ceiling- familiar shadows fading in and out of view as his eyes adjusted and readjusted to the darkness- just visible in the dark of the early AM, for a few hours before giving up and just listened to a strange mix of thrash metal and 90s British Indie music for the next 5 hours- browsing the internet for memes and talking to his friends on this weird browser-based geopolitical simulation game.

Sighing, tiring of these activities, he checked his watch- 8AM. 'Shit,' he thought to himself, rubbing his eyes. 'It'll take at least an hour to get to the Museum and I won't be fucking late again.' This having been a problem before.

He heaved himself out of the too comfortable bed and dragged himself into the living room of his modest Stratford apartment, he made himself some tea and a bagel covered with cream cheese and salmon and threw himself onto the sofa, switching on BBC One as he fell. BBC Breakfast was on and he let himself be talked through the news items of the day as he finished his breakfast, got dressed and brushed his teeth. Finally he was ready to go and, dressed in a tracksuit and an orange jumper- with black trainers on, then left the apartment building for work. He certainly didn't look like he was going to work dressed like he was, but passersby showed him little concern as he made his minute long walk to the bus station. The bus station was itself a small, clear plastic shelter, with red plastic seats (of the stupid variety that you had to stand up just to support yourself on them); he didn't have to wait long for the bus, which itself didn't take long for him to reach his destination: Stratford Bus Station. From here it was a short walk to the tube station, then the journey would really begin.

The tube station was drab and dull as usual, and made little effort to cheer up the bored-looking and sluggish, but large, group of commuters- mostly in suits- on their way to their undoubtedly drab and dull office jobs. The train didn't take long to arrive and was already packed to the brim with commuters. The crowd gave way slightly as the people previously populating the platform made their way onto the train. The journey continued thus for the next few stops, with Alex's head shoved into the head of a larger man- who was grabbing onto the overhead hand-grip. Soon he had to get off again and walk to the following station- then repeating the process a few more times, then some more; it grew rather tiresome after that point and he started to phase out, losing all concentration- before the intercom called put the name of his station, jolting him back to the library: '<bzzzt> Next stop: Peckham Library <bzzzt>' He yawned, resolving to not fall asleep until after he got off the busy train.

The greyish clouds above the streets and avenues of Peckham didn't concern him much- having brought a raincoat with him, as he usually did. He whistled an eerie tune as he sauntered down the street, springs in his legs and elastic on his feet. Eventually coming to a continual labyrinth of alleyways, he stepped carefully down them- given that he knew where to go and had known where to go ever since he had first got to the Museum. The shadows weren't too bad given the time of day and in no time he was at his destination.

The shop facade hadn't changed in the whole two years he had been there; it still looked like something out of an old Charles Dickens novel, not strange considering the name. The shade of the alley fell across the sign and the old, faded letters almost glistened in the morning light. Chuckling at the irony of the subtitle to its main name 'Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe'- 'Purveyor of Antiquities and Trinkets', knowing that the Curator was about as likely to give away any Artefacts as he was to try and burn his own arm off. He gently pushed the door open and poked his head, the rest of his body gradually following.

He waved to the Shopkeeper. 'Good morning,' he shouted, making an effort to seem jolly. 'How are you doing this fine day?'

The Shopkeeper smiled and nodded. 'Very well, thank you Alex- those who have already arrived are through the entrance,' he responded, indicating the back of the shop. 'I hope you continue having a nice day.'

Alex returned a smile, thanking the elderly man, before making his way through the bookcase at the back- here he was greeted to a large, rather desolate room. He neglected the refreshments, having just eaten and instead turned to those who had previously arrived. He recognised the Doctor, but none of the others- one sat away from them all and the other three huddled into a group.

He waved to Nicolas, but turned to the other four quickly. 'Hello, and may I be the second, or maybe the third, person to welcome you to this fine establishment. I trust you're having a nice morning,' he smiled, hiding a niggling anxiety deep within him, his voice betraying over a decade of speech training. 'May I be so rude to ask you what your names are?'

[Mundeo]

London Gatwick Airport

Among the many commercial airlines that made their daily routines on and off the runway that day, there was a single private plane that landed on the airstrip. As it neared the ground, the landing gear lowered to ensure a smooth landing onto the foreign soil. After all, was the first time of what was going to be a plethora of times where Lucian was going to have to come to England, all for a sole reason.

Lucian exited the plain with butler, Andrei, a man who didn't appear much older than he did, behind him. In truth, he wasn't much of a butler, since Lucian preffered to take care his own affairs. If it weren't for the fact that he was a close friend, he would have preferred to have gone alone, but his father also didn't want to leave the heir to one of the most powerful magical families on his own in an unfamiliar country, especially at the mercy of the Council.

The two took the railway to their destination; the Parliament Building. If the Magical Council was trying to keep themselves hidden from the rest of society, perhaps the center of the British government wasn't the most suitable location for a headquarters. Nonetheless, the two made their way underground until they encountered the guides that would lead them deeper into the chambers.

[Faal Lot Himdah]

The Arashihana Twins
Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe

---

The Arashihana twins watched those who entered with vigiliant eyes. They were never to let down their guard. They had a job. Protect their little sister, at all times. They watched as an older looking man entered the room and sat down. Michiko estimated his height to be about five foot ten to maybe six feet, it was hard to tell without being closer. They noted everything they could about him, from his slowly greying red hair to his short mustache and his greying beard. His physique threw them off with guessing the age. They looked at each other.

"What do you think?" Michiko whispered, "I'm willing to say late fifties, early sixties."

Kimiko nodded, "I would have to agree... Doesn't seem like much of a threat."

Michiko nodded and they fell silent as another person entered. The twins watched him silently. He had black hair and strange purple eyes underneath his simple looking glasses. Kimiko noted the wave to the older man and looked at Michiko, who seemed to understand exactly what Kimiko was thinking. They knew each other. Then the young man spoke. The twins estimated his age to be in his late teens, much like them. They looked at each other and nodded before they stood up, both twins stood at about five five, above the average hieght for females in their home land. They bowed in unison towards the young man. When they returned to their standing position they spoke.

"Hello. I am Arashihana Kimiko." Kimiko said, "And my twin sister here is..."

"Arashihana Michiko. Sup." Michiko said, "And this little girl here, who is asleep so please, keep it down, is the current head of the Arashihana family... If you wake her, I will make you suffer..."

"That's enough Michiko." Kimiko said as Michiko sat down and put her feet back on the table, "Anyways, as my sister was saying, the little girl here is the head of our family, Arashihana Ai."

"Now that we told you who we are, how about you do the same." Michiko said.

[Charlia]

Two girls walked into the back room of the Shoppe, hands clasped as if they were family. That was because they were.

"Little sister," the taller one said, brushing a lock of reddish-brown hair behind her ear, "I think we'll have company on this fine day." She lifted her chin slightly as she looked over the inhabitants of the room, wondering who would be susceptible to her unique talents if they were so required. Her white-haired sister nodded, her eyes wide as she, too, examined the room.

"That was rather obvious, wasn't it, Hemlock?" she queried. "After all, we clearly aren't alone."

Hemlock just laughed with almost-condescending amusement. "Ah, little Carytha, you should learn to understand me better. Why isn't my brother here? He and I get along so well."

"I didn't want to be him right now," Carytha responded coolly. "Now, who are we to meet?"

---

She wasn't among the crowds in London at the time. No, she was alone, sitting on a rooftop and watching those mingling below. She couldn't be among them, not without taking certain precautions. It was here that her height came in handy--she had, as she put it, a deformity on her back, one that could be hidden with a backpack as long as it was specially modified. Since she was so short, she could easily pass for a younger child, and thus was rarely questioned when she did join the people she now saw from so far away.

She didn't join them often.

She wouldn't admit it to anyone, but she was lonely. Worse than loneliness, however, was the touch of another person, and even the most casual brush against someone else left her shivering with fear and revulsion.

So instead of being among the crowds, she sat alone, watching.

There was little else she could do.

[Faal Lot Himdah]

Merlin
The streets of London

---

Merlin wandered, what else could he do? He had spent all these years alive, and learned that it was best for him not to have a specific destination in mind. It was best for him to see where the wind would take him so to say. Such wandering had lead him to see many things. That said, he was never lost. That was thing with wandering. People assume that when you wander you are lost. But that is not always the case. Merlin knew that those who wander are not always lost, but are always seeking something. What was Merlin seeking? He would say he was seeking out hostile supernatural elements that needed to be subdued.

So he walked, blending perfectly into the crowd. If anyone was looking for him, which was nearly impossible as his identity was unknown, they would not be able to find him. After a bit of walking, he came to a stop and looked to the roof of a building. There he saw a red headed girl, he couldn't pick out many details. As of now, he was unseen, but he didn't think he would remain unseen for long.

[Charlia]

Merlin
The streets of London

---

Merlin wandered, what else could he do? He had spent all these years alive, and learned that it was best for him not to have a specific destination in mind. It was best for him to see where the wind would take him so to say. Such wandering had lead him to see many things. That said, he was never lost. That was thing with wandering. People assume that when you wander you are lost. But that is not always the case. Merlin knew that those who wander are not always lost, but are always seeking something. What was Merlin seeking? He would say he was seeking out hostile supernatural elements that needed to be subdued.

So he walked, blending perfectly into the crowd. If anyone was looking for him, which was nearly impossible as his identity was unknown, they would not be able to find him. After a bit of walking, he came to a stop and looked to the roof of a building. There he saw a red headed girl, he couldn't pick out many details. As of now, he was unseen, but he didn't think he would remain unseen for long.

Eyes. Someone was watching her.

She could always tell when someone was staring at her. It was a feeling she'd grown uncomfortably used to, in a way, over the past few years.

She started looking around. No one else on the roof, so someone on the ground below? Keeping her wings tightly folded to her back, she looked over the edge, scanning the crowd to find the source of the watcher. Depending on what she saw, she would react accordingly.

She didn't expect the person she did see looking back up at her. White hair, from what she could tell, which was unusual because he didn't appear to be very old. Why is he staring at me? Hopefully once he realized she had seen him, he'd leave. She didn't like being watched.

Not in the slightest.

[Faal Lot Himdah]

Merlin
The streets of London

---

She saw him. Merlin knew she saw him. The distance prevented him from making observations on her eyes or really her facial features but he did know that she was looking at him. Something was strange, he could tell she wasn't exactly human. But distance was not kind to him, and he could not get anymore information from his current location. He did know this though, she wasn't a threat.

After a moment or two he smirked and looked away before continuing down the street, while staying in view up until he found an alley to duck into. He paused in front of it for a moment so he could look back at the roof girl before he entered the alley.

[Nuridia]

"Young Master Grey." Nicolas greeted the young man Alex when he walked into the Shoppe. He must've been one of their youngest members, but he was strong and that was important. More important was having the head to keep your head on those strong shoulders, but he had those too.
"Ah, we have company." he said when two black haired girls came in with a younger silver haired girl, he adjusted his glasses and turned his attention back to the book he was reading. He turned the wedding ring glinting on his finger, he gave the one from his previous marriage to his son. He'd want to have it.


Meanwhile Arariel turned around and froze in place when she felt it. That magical signature, it wasn't quite divine and it wasn't quite human. Then she....or he...or they must be close by. Looking up, she realized she was by a tall building and she could sense supernatural activity close by. Very close by and one of the signatures made her skin crawl.....a demon. She had to go and see what was up, so she went inside the place and going to climb to the top. This required investigation. She felt the demon signature again and looked to the alley where it seemed to move. Turning back she made her way to the roof again, a tall young man following her who hadn't been there before. His hair was white and curly with a streak of black, behind his shades he had the same glowing eyes she did.

[Charlia]

Merlin
The streets of London

---

She saw him. Merlin knew she saw him. The distance prevented him from making observations on her eyes or really her facial features but he did know that she was looking at him. Something was strange, he could tell she wasn't exactly human. But distance was not kind to him, and he could not get anymore information from his current location. He did know this though, she wasn't a threat.

After a moment or two he smirked and looked away before continuing down the street, while staying in view up until he found an alley to duck into. He paused in front of it for a moment so he could look back at the roof girl before he entered the alley.

Okay, he's not looking at me--oh, come on, is--yeah, he's looking back at me. What does he want?

...Maybe I could waste a little energy...

Looking down to see if anyone else was watching her, she judged that they were not, and promptly started jumping rooftops to get closer to the alley the stranger had entered. Honestly, she looked like she was doing parkour.

She kind of was.

Once she'd made it to the alley, she dropped down between buildings and frowned, staring at him while keeping her wings tightly folded to her back so they'd be harder to spot.

He was young-looking, all right. But the white hair seemed to actually be white. That wasn't normal. Nor were the eyes that looked far too much like her own.

Like they'd seen more than they should have.

"What do you want?" she asked in as threatening a tone as she could produce.

Meanwhile Arariel turned around and froze in place when she felt it. That magical signature, it wasn't quite divine and it wasn't quite human. Then she....or he...or they must be close by. Looking up, she realized she was by a tall building and she could sense supernatural activity close by. Very close by and one of the signatures made her skin crawl.....a demon. She had to go and see what was up, so she went inside the place and going to climb to the top. This required investigation. She felt the demon signature again and looked to the alley where it seemed to move. Turning back she made her way to the roof again, a tall young man following her who hadn't been there before. His hair was white and curly with a streak of black, behind his shades he had the same glowing eyes she did.

Pity for Arariel, she was already too late. The roof was empty.

The only sign that anyone had ever been there was a single white feather.

[Shadowwell]

Theo Carver

As the others started to arrive Theo started to pay more attention, First to join him were three girls, one was younger than the rest, looked to be a pre-teen. The others with her looked to be twins, their scents and appearances supported that, one had magic the other didn't. They were wary, he could see that from the way they stood and carried the sleeping girl. Upon their entrance he did not say much merely nodding at their self introductions. After those three came two men, one older one younger, they came separately but seemed familiar with this strange place. When the girls introduced themselves a second time that is when he chose to answer " Theo Carver, I was recently introduced, you could say to this world by a vampire killed by the Council."

He then laid back in his seat and waited for any others to speak or to arrive. He had settled down just as two others entered. They appeared to be twins, but they were strange, not just in manners but in scent as well. It was almost as if their genders were not fixed, though they appeared to both be female, that may not have been the case. Their physical scents carried that of their gender, which was the case with many people, while usually the magical scent matched it this was not the case with these two strange twins. He looked at them and frowned slightly as his nostrils flared. Their scents had a hint of female, but also that of a male, it was their own scent, not that of another they were in close proximity with, It was extremely bizzare.

[Taigawa]

Sylvia Xi Engawa
Ruins of an Inari Shrine
Outside Kyoto, Japan

---

She paced about in her feral, half wolven and vulpine form. Around her, a picture of ruined beauty. Stonework lay exposed as it's covering of plaster and paint had weathered away in time. Wooden beams had failed and their supported elements had collapsed in many places. Stout pillars, made from tree trunks and plastered over before being painted red stood in various states of ruin, some still supporting parts of the collapsed roof and floor. Statues of foxes, sorrounded in fallen and ruined trappings of worship lay scattered about. Very few rooms in the buildings had survived completely intact, and the garden had by now all but reverted to forest. This was her lair...it was from here that she hunted and it was here that she slept and generally lived her life. She had kept this form for over two centuries, surviving by living like a beast.

[Aghrabia]

Alex Grey

Alex smiled, leaning against one of the tables. 'Hello Kimiko, Michiko- and don't worry, I wouldn't dream of waking her, I'm not a complete asshole,' he grinned. 'Anyway, I myself am Alex Grey. I work here.'

He turned towards Theo as he was speaking. 'Welcome Theo. You have a grudge against the Council?' he grimaced as he said the word. 'I have one too, of sorts- though that's more directed towards a few of their members...' He grew silent for a few seconds, but quickly snapped out of it, smiling again. 'Anyway, nice to meet you.'

It was at this moment two more people came into the room- a pair of girls. Alex turned his head and waved. 'Hi, may I ask your names?'

[Faal Lot Himdah]

Merlin
The streets of London

---

Merlin wasn't really expecting the roof girl to follow him, so when he heard something jumping roof to roof, he stopped and leaned against the wall. His eyes were closed as she approached. He only opened his eyes once she asked her question.

He looked at her. Red hair, pale skin, and empty eyes. He smirked and shook his head at her attempt to sound threatening. "I don't want anything. You were the one who followed me." He said, "So, I should be the one asking that question."

---

The Arashihana Twins
Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe

---

Kimiko nodded, "Thank you Grey-san." Kimiko said and sat down. They then looked at Theo. Then another pair of twins came in. The Arashihana twins couldn't help but watch the other twins. Were they a threat? They couldn't tell until they introduced themself.

[Charlia]

Alex Grey

Alex smiled, leaning against one of the tables. 'Hello Kimiko, Michiko- and don't worry, I wouldn't dream of waking her, I'm not a complete asshole,' he grinned. 'Anyway, I myself am Alex Grey. I work here.'

He turned towards Theo as he was speaking. 'Welcome Theo. You have a grudge against the Council?' he grimaced as he said the word. 'I have one too, of sorts- though that's more directed towards a few of their members...' He grew silent for a few seconds, but quickly snapped out of it, smiling again. 'Anyway, nice to meet you.'

It was at this moment two more people came into the room- a pair of girls. Alex turned his head and waved. 'Hi, may I ask your names?'

Hemlock turned and swept her long, robe-like dress into a curtsy, a thin smile crossing her pale face. "My name," she said in her slightly-alluring voice, "is Hemlock Katelya. And this," she gestured to her companion, "is my sister Carytha. And you are?"

Merlin
The streets of London

---

Merlin wasn't really expecting the roof girl to follow him, so when he heard something jumping roof to roof, he stopped and leaned against the wall. His eyes were closed as she approached. He only opened his eyes once she asked her question.

He looked at her. Red hair, pale skin, and empty eyes. He smirked and shook his head at her attempt to sound threatening. "I don't want anything. You were the one who followed me." He said, "So, I should be the one asking that question."

"You kept staring at me," she said menacingly. Or at least... with attempted menace.

"I want to know why. Who are you? Why were you watching me like that?"

[Nuridia]

"Well that was a bust." the young man muttered when they reached the top of the roof. The woman in the red dress followed behind him.
"No, she was here. Whoever she was, she was here. Look. This is way too big to be a bird feather." she said, picking the white feather up and examining it. Arariel knew that girl was just here, she knew it.
"Let it go, imah. She's not here." the young man with her said, putting an arm around her shoulder. "Tamiel, I'm not going to give up. Not today, now let's go." Turning away from the crowds, they were high enough up so Arariel turned into an eagle and flew away, Tamiel behind her. Angels had the ability to take whatever shape they chose, it sure helped to blend in.

Lauliekkhelmet
A redheaded woman in a dark business suit walked down the streets of London, the headquarters of the Clockwork Council should be coming into sight here any minute. At least she hoped it would be, because this sun was not good for her skin. Normally she's not out of the water this long and her pale skin showed that, so that's why she was walking with a parasol over her head.
Sighing, she fingered the strand of pearls around her neck and adjusted her sunglasses, continuing her trek.

Soon however, she arrived at the door to the familiar building. "Finally, we're here." her strange accent lilted as she spoke. The bluish tint to her lips and nails didn't draw any eyes with modern makeup and that was a good thing. Straightening her back, she strode inside the lobby and prepared to get this started.

[Faal Lot Himdah]

Merlin
The streets of London

---

Merlin chuckled and looked away, "How bout you stop? Trying to be menacing that is. It may work for others, but it won't work on me. I've seen much scarier beings than you. Giants, Dragons, demons, quote on quote gods, just to name a few." He said and then looked back at her, "You want to know why I was watching you? You aren't human are you? At least not fully human. I'm trying to figure out what you are and if you are a threat to the people of Britannia, the Commonwealth and really the world. So what are you?"

[Charlia]

Merlin
The streets of London

---

Merlin chuckled and looked away, "How bout you stop? Trying to be menacing that is. It may work for others, but it won't work on me. I've seen much scarier beings than you. Giants, Dragons, demons, quote on quote gods, just to name a few." He said and then looked back at her, "You want to know why I was watching you? You aren't human are you? At least not fully human. I'm trying to figure out what you are and if you are a threat to the people of Britannia, the Commonwealth and really the world. So what are you?"

The girl stopped cold, and looked stricken, before staring at the ground to hide the pain on her face.

"...I... Well... I'm not... I mean, I don't..." She started stammering awkwardly, until she finally just closed her eyes, and unfolded her wings, allowing them to spread out until they nearly touched the walls on either side of her.

"...I don't think I'm human," she said softly. "Not a real human, anyway. Not like everyone else. But I... I don't know... I don't know what I am..."

Oh, that's a lie. You know what you are. You just don't want to admit it.

That's not what he's asking about!

You're so pathetic.

[Aghrabia]

Alex Grey

He nodded as the twins gave introduced themselves. 'I myself am Alex Grey, as I have said before to your fellows,' he gestured towards Theo and the sisters. 'It's nice to meet you guys.' There was something strange about them, but he chose to ignore it. 'Better that, than any hassle that could result thereby.'

Reversing his earlier decision, he grabbed an apple from one of the tables and bit into it. He was hoping they didn't have to wait much longer before the meeting started, all this extroverted-ness was getting rather tiresome; all he wanted to do was get back to his work.

Constantin Grey

Inner London was hardly his favourite place to be- given the tourists especially, who acted rather obnoxiously, in general- but Constantin had urgent business there. This business was specifically inside the Houses of Parliament, again, hardly his favourite place, but he needed to be there. The entrance to the Council Chambers beneath the building was his ultimate destination and, as he made his way there, he failed to arouse any suspicion. Eventually, he reached the room which was his destination: a small back chamber that once held a variety of clandestine meetings. He saw Curtis Stone in the middle of the room.

'Stone,' he gave his traditionally curt style of greeting. 'I've arrived, so what next?'

Jonathan Grey

The patriarch of the Grey's smiled and gestured towards a seat as his eldest son, Albert, came in. At 23, he was well-built, not un-intelligent and a rather suitable successor to his legacy- not that he was planning to relinquish his title and lands any time soon. His son glanced at the chair, but refused it, remaining standing.

'Unfortunately we have been unable to locate Alex still- we suspect that unknown entities are at work here- given the amount of time and resources we have poured into this operation. I consider it a waste of time to continue looking.' He looked uncomfortable, as if he had more to say.

'Thank you, Albert. Your efforts have been exemplary... but,' he looked slyly at his son, who stiffened at the word. 'I will say whether we continue or end this operation, your opinions are valued, but wasted. Either way, what else have you to say? You look like you're dying to say something...'

'Well, sir- with the greatest admiration for your decision- do you really consider it wise to let Constantin join the Inquisition? He's been continually blocking or bogging down our efforts in every single operation we have ever conducted since he came back from the Armed Forces and it's just going to get worse when he joins the group.'

'Speak of your Uncle with more respect, Al- I trust him to not work unduly against us. He's hated us ever since he was a child, he considers himself passed by, worthy of more respect and admiration that this family already gives him- the fool; but no, putting him in the Inquisition just puts a leash on him. And if he ever steps to far out of line? Well, you know what happens to those who overly displeases me...' His smile was almost sinister.

Al gulped, he looked stressed out. 'Yes sir.'

'That will be all,' was his father's only response. 'Besides, there's a meeting I need to attend.' Still smiling, he stood up and moved towards the door, Albert following him. Soon enough he would be making his way towards a very singular place- the Council Chambers, underneath the Houses of Parliament.

[Faal Lot Himdah]

Merlin
The streets of London

---

Merlin remained in the neutral as the roof girl lowered her face. He had seen it enough times. She was either ashamed, or in pain. Then she started speaking and all evidence of any form of intimitation dispeared completely. He then saw the wings.

So of the angelic branch... he thought.

A Naphil or whatever they call themselves now to be precise... and a short, good looking one at that... another voice spoke in Merlin's head.

Just shut up.

Fine... but you know she's hiding something...

I know. But I don't see any threat with her, so it's not worth it.

"You're one of the Nephilim aren't you?" Merlin said, "It would explain the feeling of supernatural and normal you give. And the wings."

---

The Arashihana Twins
Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe

---

The twins looked at the other twins. They then looked at each other. Michiko shook her head no, but Kimiko shook her head yes. There was no stopping Kimiko once she stood up.

"Hello Katelya-san and Katelya-san." Kimiko said, "I am Arashihana Kimiko, that is my twin sister Arashihana Michiko and this...." She motioned to Ai, who was still asleep and cuddling up to the stuffed Kirin, "Is Arashihana Ai. Nice to meet you two."

[Charlia]

The Arashihana Twins
Ye Olde Curiosity Shoppe

---

The twins looked at the other twins. They then looked at each other. Michiko shook her head no, but Kimiko shook her head yes. There was no stopping Kimiko once she stood up.

"Hello Katelya-san and Katelya-san." Kimiko said, "I am Arashihana Kimiko, that is my twin sister Arashihana Michiko and this...." She motioned to Ai, who was still asleep and cuddling up to the stuffed Kirin, "Is Arashihana Ai. Nice to meet you two."

"Nice to meet you," Hemlock and Carytha said at exactly the same time, and then both laughed in synchronization as well. Realizing this might make them seem odd, Carytha explained, "We're twins as well. We've lived alone together for such a long time that we've started synchronizing, I guess it's something that just... happens. I suppose that's weird, though."

Merlin
The streets of London

---

Merlin remained in the neutral as the roof girl lowered her face. He had seen it enough times. She was either ashamed, or in pain. Then she started speaking and all evidence of any form of intimitation dispeared completely. He then saw the wings.

So of the angelic branch... he thought.

A Naphil or whatever they call themselves now to be precise... and a short, good looking one at that... another voice spoke in Merlin's head.

Just shut up.

Fine... but you know she's hiding something...

I know. But I don't see any threat with her, so it's not worth it.

"You're one of the Nephilim aren't you?" Merlin said, "It would explain the feeling of supernatural and normal you give. And the wings."

"...I don't know," she said quietly. "I suppose it's possible--I've read about the Nephilim before. Half human, half angel? But... that's a bit far-fetched, isn't it? I mean... aren't they supposed to all be evil giants? Not that it wouldn't be rather nice to be half angel, but..." She laughed ruefully. "All I know for sure about myself is that I'm some freak of nature, whether it's because of genetics or some weird, unheard-of birth defect. Honestly, I'm surprised you didn't scream and run the moment you saw my... ah, deformity, but you do seem to know more about this sort of thing than most people..."

[Faal Lot Himdah]

Merlin
The streets of London

---

"Don't trust everything you read. All stories have a base in truth, though through time details change. Be it for the good or not. Humans have a tendency to alter the written truth to suit their needs." Merlin said, "Naphil's were rare to put it simply... though most would have disappeared when magic disappeared... and it only reappeared two years ago..." He said in thought before shaking his head, "Anyways, it's not a deformity. It's part of who you are. Anyways, I should be get going. Don't really have a place to go, but I have a job that I have to do."