Irregular Occurrences(IC)

[Abserdia]

Forge

Forge got back to the others.
"I believe Red just got killed after saving a ballerina swordsman. Who knows?"
She took a seat on a sofa and sighed.
"Where's Quinn and Scarf? Are they kissing in the closet? I can hear faint noises from the closet-
Oh, there's Red! How's life? Is it treating you well?"

[Charlia]

"...thank you," she whispered. "For everything."

He knew all this time, and he didn't tell anyone, he didn't make fun of me or think I was less than human.

...I don't understand...

...but I don't think I really need to.

"You're welcome Quinn... Though, I was just doing what was right..." Scarf replied, smiling down at her.

Why am I still hugging her? ... It feels nice, so I won't question it. he thought to himself, and hugged her a little more tightly.

"Which is more than most people would have done. Don't undersell yourself."

"You can most definitely keep it," Charlotte said with a sigh. "I have too many dresses, and most of them I don't want. I don't need any of them. Everyone wants to be rich but it's not as fun as it looks... I am going to suffer tonight."That pain again, centralized now in her lower ribcage as if there were a knot of emotions throbbing inside her body.

"...He promised," she said brokenly. "He swore he'd never tell. Not a soul, he said. The House of Silk couldn't be kept a secret, not really... it was such a scandal... but they both promised no one would ever have to know that I worked there. No one except them and... my clients. They promised..."

Tears streamed down her face, and she shuddered violently.

"I never meant to work there," she sobbed. "I didn't want to be a... a whore... but by the time I found out what they wanted me for... it was too late... It hurt... it hurt so much..."

"If your biggest problem in life is that your bored far to often, I guarantee you've had a much better life then me. That's also taking into account that I got lucky in finding Mr.Holmes, unlike many others."

She twirled again. "So I get to keep this. Now I'll really live up to my nickname now."

"No, being bored is hardly my biggest problem," Charlotte said with a sigh. "I wish that were all."

Forge

Forge got back to the others.
"I believe Red just got killed after saving a ballerina swordsman. Who knows?"
She took a seat on a sofa and sighed.
"Where's Quinn and Scarf? Are they kissing in the closet? I can hear faint noises from the closet-
Oh, there's Red! How's life? Is it treating you well?"

"No, they are not kissing," Charlotte said, staring at Forge. "Quinn is having a very emotional time of it right now, and Scarf is basically being a human pillow. Luckily, I have something for you already picked out." She practically shoved a dress into Forge's arms, and did the same with a suit for Red.

"Unfortunately, I must now leave you all here to get yourselves ready, or my mother will never let me hear the end of it..."

She vanished into another room.

[Free Empire of the Low Isles]

"You're welcome Quinn... Though, I was just doing what was right..." Scarf replied, smiling down at her.

Why am I still hugging her? ... It feels nice, so I won't question it. he thought to himself, and hugged her a little more tightly.

"Which is more than most people would have done. Don't undersell yourself."

"If your biggest problem in life is that your bored far to often, I guarantee you've had a much better life then me. That's also taking into account that I got lucky in finding Mr.Holmes, unlike many others."

She twirled again. "So I get to keep this. Now I'll really live up to my nickname now."

"No, being bored is hardly my biggest problem," Charlotte said with a sigh. "I wish that were all."

Forge

Forge got back to the others.
"I believe Red just got killed after saving a ballerina swordsman. Who knows?"
She took a seat on a sofa and sighed.
"Where's Quinn and Scarf? Are they kissing in the closet? I can hear faint noises from the closet-
Oh, there's Red! How's life? Is it treating you well?"

"No, they are not kissing," Charlotte said, staring at Forge. "Quinn is having a very emotional time of it right now, and Scarf is basically being a human pillow. Luckily, I have something for you already picked out." She practically shoved a dress into Forge's arms, and did the same with a suit for Red.

"Unfortunately, I must now leave you all here to get yourselves ready, or my mother will never let me hear the end of it..."

She vanished into another room.

"Okay..." Scarf replied, smiling at her. He quickly looked down at his blazer for any makeup stains or the like, before looking back at her. "Do you want to sit down? Talk about it a little more? I won't tell anyone what you say of course, but... I want to help you move on Quinn... Because you're my best friend..."

He smiled and wiped her eyes once again with his scarf, the dark maroon matching her green dress somehow and providing her eyes with another set of colors from which to pop from.

[Abserdia]

Forge

"... I'm going to wait until they get out of the closet."
Forge sat near the closet and waited patiently.

Vinge

Vinge, however, was being patched up by the doctor.
"What caused this wound?"
"A crossbow."
"Why do you have a sword?"
"Self defense."
"Who shot the crossbow?"
"A schizophrenic man with a crossbow."
"Yes, we established the crossbow part. But he was schizophrenic?"
"Yes, and thank you, Doctor... who?"
"Just call me Tennant."
"Thank you, Dr. Tennant. Can I go now?"

[Kuhlfros]

Forge

Forge got back to the others.
"I believe Red just got killed after saving a ballerina swordsman. Who knows?"
She took a seat on a sofa and sighed.
"Where's Quinn and Scarf? Are they kissing in the closet? I can hear faint noises from the closet-
Oh, there's Red! How's life? Is it treating you well?"

"Oh it's absolutely peachy Forge!" Red replied a little too enthusiastically and with a little too friendly of a smile which looked more menacing than anything.

He unraveled his bloodied rag that was once his sleeve and threw it at the Forge before saying
"By the way, how is it I still arrived so close to when you did, I don't think you even beat me here to bring back-up"

He then took a seat next to the suit Charlotte gave him, but not before yelling "WATSON, I NEED SOME ASSISTANCE IF YOU ARE HERE" He shook his head "I think I'm getting delirious, sorry I threw that bloody rag Forge...it's ironic I was the one against going off on a goose chase after the killer and I'm the one that nearly dies."

[Abserdia]

Forge

Forge caught the rag and threw it at the floor.
"You should be sorry. Asking a poor, tiny little girl to help you against a serial killer! You should be ashamed of yourself!"

Vinge

Vinge walked away with a slight limp, confused by the doctor's strange attire. Strange shoes, uniform, and hairstyle to boot.
Very strange indeed.

Her next location was the ball, where she would simply sneak her way throw and voila! Home free!
Well, the hostess would be a problem. She likely wouldn't recognize Kaldwin, which would be a problem. But she would be wearing a mask, so hopefully it won't be much of a problem.

[MightyQuinn]

"My dear Count," The Starling replied in a pleasant and business like tone, "as a professional, my services are certainly available for your command."

The Count seemed less than pleased with her response, but she continued. "We might literally set London ablaze, clear out the rabble and buy up the empty land, at least then there would be profit to be had. The Irregulars would be scattered to the four winds."

This argument did not seem to sway the Count's designs at all, so The Starling tried a different appeal. "Ask yourself, 'if Sherlock Holmes had not become aware of Professor Moriarty's existence, would the Professor have been bothered at all?' I doubt it. Until, you meet a nemesis that truly threatens to unravel your plans, you ought to be building your strength and creating your network of operatives."
"You cannot expect to command the loyalties of the Professor's organization by making decisions that offer no rewards to the rank and file. You might threaten to kill the ones that decide not to follow you, but their friends are not without their own connections."

The Starling believed that she saw the young Count earnestly considering her words. However, she had no idea if he would accept her arguments or reject them.

"... You make good points, Starlet..." Damian said quietly, looking out the window. Why didn't I think of that? This situation has obviously gotten me emotional... I need to take a step back.

Perhaps that party tonight will help with that. Good social interaction always kills me on the inside. And, I get to met my almost-certainly air-headed fiancée.

"First, we'll do some things for the rank and file. Pressure a few businesses, spread the trade of our illegal services, make more money... maybe press a few gangs into service. You wouldn't happen to know anything about rival gangs or any real threats to London, would you?" the Count von Anhalt asked, looking over at the beautiful woman in his carriage.

The Starling was quite happy that she had been able to reason with the Count von Anhalt. She knew that he had great potential, otherwise The Professor would likely have dismissed him. That alone however did not mean that he was Moriarty's legitimate successor. It helped her that she did not expect an experienced head on a young body.
The next questions were what was he willing to do for her help and how much of a genius was he?

"Why, my dear Count, I am very honored to be invited to attend your party this evening. Of course, I will be there, and I am certain that if I don't know those persons that you are inquiring about that some enterprising young courriers can help us," said The Starling, with a Mona Lisa smile... and then added the non sequitur, "Queen's Pawn to Queen's four."

[Chicago Heights]

Carvo sat on a roof, one of the closest to the palace. He had managed to steal a wine from someone and was drinking it.
"So many party goers are leaving..." Mevington said.
"Many are drunk... Charles added.
"So many opportunities, so many easy kills..." Carvo began to scan the street.

"Maybe we should try to get in?" Frederick suggested, "It wouldnt be too hard, would it?"
Carvo thought about it, it would be easy if he had a disguise...
He continued to scan the street.

[Kuhlfros]

Forge

Forge caught the rag and threw it at the floor.
"You should be sorry. Asking a poor, tiny little girl to help you against a serial killer! You should be ashamed of yourself!"

Vinge

Vinge walked away with a slight limp, confused by the doctor's strange attire. Strange shoes, uniform, and hairstyle to boot.
Very strange indeed.

Her next location was the ball, where she would simply sneak her way throw and voila! Home free!
Well, the hostess would be a problem. She likely wouldn't recognize Kaldwin, which would be a problem. But she would be wearing a mask, so hopefully it won't be much of a problem.

He sighed and rubbed his head, his serious demeanor returning

"All I needed was you to find the police or anyone that could help me fight him off...or help me escape with both our lives, what good would a little girl without a weapon do me?"

He ripped off the other sleeve of his ripped up outfit and used it as fresh bandages to prevent any blood from getting to the floor

"So Scarf and Quin eh? I'll be sure to taunt Scarf then from here on out."

[Abserdia]

Forge

"Oh, speaking of, what happened to him? Injured, dead, or unscratched?" Forge asked.
"And I'll taunt him with you."

Vinge

Vinge had a nice outfit. Her typical moidering outfit, along with... a plague doctor mask.
Yep. Yep. Perfect.
The mansion was in sight, just a couple of minutes away. Then she would convince somebody to vouch for her.

[Free Empire of the Low Isles]

"... You make good points, Starlet..." Damian said quietly, looking out the window. Why didn't I think of that? This situation has obviously gotten me emotional... I need to take a step back.

Perhaps that party tonight will help with that. Good social interaction always kills me on the inside. And, I get to met my almost-certainly air-headed fiancée.

"First, we'll do some things for the rank and file. Pressure a few businesses, spread the trade of our illegal services, make more money... maybe press a few gangs into service. You wouldn't happen to know anything about rival gangs or any real threats to London, would you?" the Count von Anhalt asked, looking over at the beautiful woman in his carriage.

The Starling was quite happy that she had been able to reason with the Count von Anhalt. She knew that he had great potential, otherwise The Professor would likely have dismissed him. That alone however did not mean that he was Moriarty's legitimate successor. It helped her that she did not expect an experienced head on a young body.
The next questions were what was he willing to do for her help and how much of a genius was he?

"Why, my dear Count, I am very honored to be invited to attend your party this evening. Of course, I will be there, and I am certain that if I don't know those persons that you are inquiring about that some enterprising young courriers can help us," said The Starling, with a Mona Lisa smile... and then added the non sequitur, "Queen's Pawn to Queen's four."

"Queen's pawn to Queen's six." Damian responded automatically, looking out the window. "You'll be at the party then? I should have expected, you being a 'Starlet' and all. You do realize the actual purpose behind it?"

The Count von Anhalt raised an eyebrow at her, his cane tapping lightly against the carpeted floor of the carriage.

[Charlia]

"Which is more than most people would have done. Don't undersell yourself.""No, being bored is hardly my biggest problem," Charlotte said with a sigh. "I wish that were all.""No, they are not kissing," Charlotte said, staring at Forge. "Quinn is having a very emotional time of it right now, and Scarf is basically being a human pillow. Luckily, I have something for you already picked out." She practically shoved a dress into Forge's arms, and did the same with a suit for Red.

"Unfortunately, I must now leave you all here to get yourselves ready, or my mother will never let me hear the end of it..."

She vanished into another room.

"Okay..." Scarf replied, smiling at her. He quickly looked down at his blazer for any makeup stains or the like, before looking back at her. "Do you want to sit down? Talk about it a little more? I won't tell anyone what you say of course, but... I want to help you move on Quinn... Because you're my best friend..."

He smiled and wiped her eyes once again with his scarf, the dark maroon matching her green dress somehow and providing her eyes with another set of colors from which to pop from.

"...That would be nice," she said, "but we should probably do it later. I think there are others waiting for us..."

---

Watson was not there. Charlotte had left him to get his own suit.

---

Speaking of Charlotte, she was in a bit of a tight squeeze at the moment... quite literally.

"Stop that!" she yelled, or she would have if she hadn't been currently squished into a corset that her ever-watchful mother insisted be tighter--and tighter--and tighter--

"No, no, still too big. Tighter."

"No, don't--" she started to protest, but the maid obliged her mother's orders and Charlotte's remaining air was forced from her lungs in a cry of pain.

"Stop complaining," her mother ordered.

"Stop me," she panted, "if I start sounding a little too old-fashioned... but forcing women to compact their innards in a tube isn't remotely elegant or attractive!"

"Charlotte, I will have no complaints from you. I need you to look no less than exquisite! I wouldn't normally ask this of you so politely, so the least you could do is be silent!"

"I'll try," Charlotte muttered, "but I think my kidneys are touching."

"What neckline do you think would be best suited for her, Miss Queens?" the maid asked respectfully.

"Something low-cut and flattering... no high necks."

"I'll see what I can do, mum... How about this dress? It's very elegant and mature."

"Oh, that is nice..."

"We could tie her hair up like this," the maid's hands swept Charlotte's dark hair up into a bun of sorts and fastened a rose clip in it before the girl could protest. Another maid, meanwhile, helped her into the dress. Made of dark red silk, the dress was hemmed with black lace on the collar and along the short, puffy sleeves. A black design covered the bodice and swept down half of the skirt, while black fingerless gloves, a lacy black necklace, and a black lace half-face mask completed the outfit. It was quite beautiful, and obviously quite expensive...

And Charlotte was not impressed by any of this.

"What makes this any more special than all the others? I'm getting agitated," she complained.

"You'll find out soon enough," her mother said, brushing at her lips with dark red.

Charlotte just brooded quietly.

[Chicago Heights]

Carvo sat on a roof, one of the closest to the palace. He had managed to steal a wine from someone and was drinking it.
"So many party goers are leaving..." Mevington said.
"Many are drunk... Charles added.
"So many opportunities, so many easy kills..." Carvo began to scan the street.

"Maybe we should try to get in?" Frederick suggested, "It wouldnt be too hard, would it?"
Carvo thought about it, it would be easy if he had a disguise...
He continued to scan the street.

He finally spotted a good victim, another man, about Carvo's size and age, he was alone and no one else is coming. Carvo jumped down, "Excuse me, sir?" When the man turned around Carvo hit him with the hilt of his dagger, knocking him unconscious. Carvo stripped the man of his clothing, put it on, and after that slit the man's throat. He was wearing a fine suit and a rabbit mask with a giant green hat.
"I'm sorry, but I'm afraid I left something inside." He told the guard.
"Ah, Mister Havelock, allow me..." he opened the gate for him and entered.

[Kuhlfros]

Forge

"Oh, speaking of, what happened to him? Injured, dead, or unscratched?" Forge asked.
"And I'll taunt him with you."

Vinge

Vinge had a nice outfit. Her typical moidering outfit, along with... a plague doctor mask.
Yep. Yep. Perfect.
The mansion was in sight, just a couple of minutes away. Then she would convince somebody to vouch for her.

He scratched the back of his head and looked to the floor dejectedly
"He has a bruise on his head...that's about it, I've been out of the brawls for too long, and I think I forgot how to fight dirty. I'll have to retrain myself when I can. Maybe see if Shiro can show me how to use a gun...that'd be useful when I run into him again."

He stood up and grabbed his suit Charlotte had given him
"I'm gonna see if I can find some other room to change in...see ya at the ball."

[Free Empire of the Low Isles]

"Okay..." Scarf replied, smiling at her. He quickly looked down at his blazer for any makeup stains or the like, before looking back at her. "Do you want to sit down? Talk about it a little more? I won't tell anyone what you say of course, but... I want to help you move on Quinn... Because you're my best friend..."

He smiled and wiped her eyes once again with his scarf, the dark maroon matching her green dress somehow and providing her eyes with another set of colors from which to pop from.

"...That would be nice," she said, "but we should probably do it later. I think there are others waiting for us..."

---

Watson was not there. Charlotte had left him to get his own suit.

---

Speaking of Charlotte, she was in a bit of a tight squeeze at the moment... quite literally.

"Stop that!" she yelled, or she would have if she hadn't been currently squished into a corset that her ever-watchful mother insisted be tighter--and tighter--and tighter--

"No, no, still too big. Tighter."

"No, don't--" she started to protest, but the maid obliged her mother's orders and Charlotte's remaining air was forced from her lungs in a cry of pain.

"Stop complaining," her mother ordered.

"Stop me," she panted, "if I start sounding a little too old-fashioned... but forcing women to compact their innards in a tube isn't remotely elegant or attractive!"

"Charlotte, I will have no complaints from you. I need you to look no less than exquisite! I wouldn't normally ask this of you so politely, so the least you could do is be silent!"

"I'll try," Charlotte muttered, "but I think my kidneys are touching."

"What neckline do you think would be best suited for her, Miss Queens?" the maid asked respectfully.

"Something low-cut and flattering... no high necks."

"I'll see what I can do, mum... How about this dress? It's very elegant and mature."

"Oh, that is nice..."

"We could tie her hair up like this," the maid's hands swept Charlotte's dark hair up into a bun of sorts and fastened a rose clip in it before the girl could protest. Another maid, meanwhile, helped her into the dress. Made of dark red silk, the dress was hemmed with black lace on the collar and along the short, puffy sleeves. A black design covered the bodice and swept down half of the skirt, while black fingerless gloves, a lacy black necklace, and a black lace half-face mask completed the outfit. It was quite beautiful, and obviously quite expensive...

And Charlotte was not impressed by any of this.

"What makes this any more special than all the others? I'm getting agitated," she complained.

"You'll find out soon enough," her mother said, brushing at her lips with dark red.

Charlotte just brooded quietly.

"Okay..." Scarf said, nodding. "Do you want to keep my scarf? It kind of clashes with my clothes, but it looks really good on you..."

He smiled, and then frowned again, wiping away the last remnants of her tears. He smiled again once that was done, thinking There we go... Now her eyes don't look so sad. They're... Kinda pretty.

[Charlia]

"...That would be nice," she said, "but we should probably do it later. I think there are others waiting for us..."

---

Watson was not there. Charlotte had left him to get his own suit.

---

Speaking of Charlotte, she was in a bit of a tight squeeze at the moment... quite literally.

"Stop that!" she yelled, or she would have if she hadn't been currently squished into a corset that her ever-watchful mother insisted be tighter--and tighter--and tighter--

"No, no, still too big. Tighter."

"No, don't--" she started to protest, but the maid obliged her mother's orders and Charlotte's remaining air was forced from her lungs in a cry of pain.

"Stop complaining," her mother ordered.

"Stop me," she panted, "if I start sounding a little too old-fashioned... but forcing women to compact their innards in a tube isn't remotely elegant or attractive!"

"Charlotte, I will have no complaints from you. I need you to look no less than exquisite! I wouldn't normally ask this of you so politely, so the least you could do is be silent!"

"I'll try," Charlotte muttered, "but I think my kidneys are touching."

"What neckline do you think would be best suited for her, Miss Queens?" the maid asked respectfully.

"Something low-cut and flattering... no high necks."

"I'll see what I can do, mum... How about this dress? It's very elegant and mature."

"Oh, that is nice..."

"We could tie her hair up like this," the maid's hands swept Charlotte's dark hair up into a bun of sorts and fastened a rose clip in it before the girl could protest. Another maid, meanwhile, helped her into the dress. Made of dark red silk, the dress was hemmed with black lace on the collar and along the short, puffy sleeves. A black design covered the bodice and swept down half of the skirt, while black fingerless gloves, a lacy black necklace, and a black lace half-face mask completed the outfit. It was quite beautiful, and obviously quite expensive...

And Charlotte was not impressed by any of this.

"What makes this any more special than all the others? I'm getting agitated," she complained.

"You'll find out soon enough," her mother said, brushing at her lips with dark red.

Charlotte just brooded quietly.

"Okay..." Scarf said, nodding. "Do you want to keep my scarf? It kind of clashes with my clothes, but it looks really good on you..."

He smiled, and then frowned again, wiping away the last remnants of her tears. He smiled again once that was done, thinking There we go... Now her eyes don't look so sad. They're... Kinda pretty.

"...all right," she said softly, and managed to smile. "Thank you. But I will be giving it back once it's over. I wouldn't keep your scarf forever..." She managed a laugh, now. "...thanks again. For everything."

She hugged him and then left the closet, staring at Forge with a Don't even think about it look in her eyes.

[Free Empire of the Low Isles]

"Okay..." Scarf said, nodding. "Do you want to keep my scarf? It kind of clashes with my clothes, but it looks really good on you..."

He smiled, and then frowned again, wiping away the last remnants of her tears. He smiled again once that was done, thinking There we go... Now her eyes don't look so sad. They're... Kinda pretty.

"...all right," she said softly, and managed to smile. "Thank you. But I will be giving it back once it's over. I wouldn't keep your scarf forever..." She managed a laugh, now. "...thanks again. For everything."

She hugged him and then left the closet, staring at Forge with a Don't even think about it look in her eyes.

Niko smiled as she kept his scarf, the exquisite yet worn piece of clothing standing out a little against the expensive and new dress. The young man then messed with the tie a little in the mirror, smiling, and grabbed his hat and overcoat.

He walked out of the closet, his suit fitting perfectly and showing off his thinner figure. "Well... How do I look? I bet I look like some old hat someone pulled out of a Buckingham closet..."

[Chicago Heights]

Forge

"Oh, speaking of, what happened to him? Injured, dead, or unscratched?" Forge asked.
"And I'll taunt him with you."

Vinge

Vinge had a nice outfit. Her typical moidering outfit, along with... a plague doctor mask.
Yep. Yep. Perfect.
The mansion was in sight, just a couple of minutes away. Then she would convince somebody to vouch for her.

When he saw her, he knew it was Vinge, just based on her outfit.
"Oh, guard, she is with me." He pointed to Vinge.
The guard left the gate open, "Right on in, ma'am."

[Charlia]

"...all right," she said softly, and managed to smile. "Thank you. But I will be giving it back once it's over. I wouldn't keep your scarf forever..." She managed a laugh, now. "...thanks again. For everything."

She hugged him and then left the closet, staring at Forge with a Don't even think about it look in her eyes.

Niko smiled as she kept his scarf, the exquisite yet worn piece of clothing standing out a little against the expensive and new dress. The young man then messed with the tie a little in the mirror, smiling, and grabbed his hat and overcoat.

He walked out of the closet, his suit fitting perfectly and showing off his thinner figure. "Well... How do I look? I bet I look like some old hat someone pulled out of a Buckingham closet..."

"You look," Quinn said sweetly, "like you're going to a wedding."

Neither she nor Charlotte had any inkling of how ironic that statement would shortly become.

[Sindrya]

A lone Irish Flame gang member came running out of the foundry with a bag of correspondence, being sent rapidly to a rival gang member. He crossed through the main heart of Irish turf, before reaching the border of Hoxton land. He stopped for a second, adjusting the bag and making sure he had the weapon given to him by the flamboyant man on him. A slight, stuttered breath and he crossed the line and tried to avoid the eyes of angry Hoxton Batters, who may be bitter from the initial confrontation at the muesum. The young boy, only around the age of 16, managed to duck into one of the markets, as he saw a patrolling group of Batters. He was afraid; deep in enemy territory. He took a breath and walked out infront of the patrol.

"E-e-excuse me." The boy stuttered, he was not Irish but Scottish from his accent. "I he an i-i-important letter tae ye boss. Thay Irish Flames wad tae talk."

The lone messenger was quickly sized up by the patrolling Batters. They'd just crossed the Irish Flames' land the other day, and now an Irish Flame walked over to their territory. They weren't going to give up this opportunity.

"Ta 'ell d'you wan', eh, lad?!", one of shouted at the messenger, crackling his knuckles. Another one followed. "Y' wan'a sta't figh'in' already, is tha' i'? Wan'a 'ave a go?!"

The commotion drew other nearby Batters, slowly crowding up the messenger. Until one shout stopped them.

"'Ey, you bloody gits! Move!"

Crowley, surrounded by the usual trio - Pigface, Meat, and Skellington - appeared to be the one who shouted. Apparently, he had just - by chance - patrolling over the Batters patrol. He strode over, through the almost-automatically parting crowd of Batters. He stopped right in front of the messenger, cane held in one hand, while the other remained free and ready to whack the lad.

"Wha' is i'?", he asked.

[MightyQuinn]

The Starling was quite happy that she had been able to reason with the Count von Anhalt. She knew that he had great potential, otherwise The Professor would likely have dismissed him. That alone however did not mean that he was Moriarty's legitimate successor. It helped her that she did not expect an experienced head on a young body.
The next questions were what was he willing to do for her help and how much of a genius was he?

"Why, my dear Count, I am very honored to be invited to attend your party this evening. Of course, I will be there, and I am certain that if I don't know those persons that you are inquiring about that some enterprising young courriers can help us," said The Starling, with a Mona Lisa smile... and then added the non sequitur, "Queen's Pawn to Queen's four."

"Queen's pawn to Queen's six." Damian responded automatically, looking out the window. "You'll be at the party then? I should have expected, you being a 'Starlet' and all. You do realize the actual purpose behind it?"

The Count von Anhalt raised an eyebrow at her, his cane tapping lightly against the carpeted floor of the carriage.

Game first or conversation, she wondered. Best not let him think that she was unprepared, game then. "Queen's Bishop's Pawn to Bishop's four."

Then to conversation, "But of course I know why there's a party. I hear that your fiancee' is a lovely young woman...."

"But do you see my name on theatre maquees in London, my dear Count? Being a member of a family of actors does not make one a 'star,'" she countered. "Secondly, while your English is certainly better than my German, I am beginning to think that you are intentionally mocking me or you..." her voice then became a duplicate of the Count's own voice, "haven't yet learned why The Professor called me, 'The Starling'".

They were nearing their destination. In her normal speaking voice she continued, "I believe that we are having a good start on this relationship. What do you think of it?"

[Free Empire of the Low Isles]

"Queen's pawn to Queen's six." Damian responded automatically, looking out the window. "You'll be at the party then? I should have expected, you being a 'Starlet' and all. You do realize the actual purpose behind it?"

The Count von Anhalt raised an eyebrow at her, his cane tapping lightly against the carpeted floor of the carriage.

Game first or conversation, she wondered. Best not let him think that she was unprepared, game then. "Queen's Bishop's Pawn to Bishop's four."

Then to conversation, "But of course I know why there's a party. I hear that your fiancee' is a lovely young woman...."

"But do you see my name on theatre maquees in London, my dear Count? Being a member of a family of actors does not make one a 'star,'" she countered. "Secondly, while your English is certainly better than my German, I am beginning to think that you are intentionally mocking me or you..." her voice then became a duplicate of the Count's own voice, "haven't yet learned why The Professor called me, 'The Starling'".

They were nearing their destination. In her normal speaking voice she continued, "I believe that we are having a good start on this relationship. What do you think of it?"

"King's Bishop's Pawn, Bishop's five." Damian countered, smiling.

"Ah, it is good to know that my first ally is well informed. Sadly, I cannot say the same about myself. No, James never did mention you or your name in any of his letters. To be truthful, he mentioned you once to me at Reichenbach, and that was only by your alias. Now, though... I do see the meaning behind it..."

The Count, after matching eyes with his companion for a while, looked back outside. It was raining.

"The weather here in London is so... Dreary and dismal. I do hope your women do not take after it."

I could learn to... Like, be entertained by, or possibly even love a fiery woman... But if she's dull and lame then the marriage won't last a week...

He chuckled quietly.

And I'm not thinking of a divorce.

[Altito Asmoro]

Robert McAllister

Quite a lovely evening. Being an upstart has its advantages and disadvantages, apparently. Getting in to the party is an easy feat, but to blending within the party when you are just an upstart is hard, so hard that he missed his lovely jewelries in his house. So much, that, when he took a rest to the bathroom he saw what looked like to be one of the golden jewelries.

"Ooh, I want it." said Robert to himself.

[MightyQuinn]

Game first or conversation, she wondered. Best not let him think that she was unprepared, game then. "Queen's Bishop's Pawn to Bishop's four."

Then to conversation, "But of course I know why there's a party. I hear that your fiancee' is a lovely young woman...."

"But do you see my name on theatre maquees in London, my dear Count? Being a member of a family of actors does not make one a 'star,'" she countered. "Secondly, while your English is certainly better than my German, I am beginning to think that you are intentionally mocking me or you..." her voice then became a duplicate of the Count's own voice, "haven't yet learned why The Professor called me, 'The Starling'".

They were nearing their destination. In her normal speaking voice she continued, "I believe that we are having a good start on this relationship. What do you think of it?"

"King's Bishop's Pawn, Bishop's five." Damian countered, smiling.

"Ah, it is good to know that my first ally is well informed. Sadly, I cannot say the same about myself. No, James never did mention you or your name in any of his letters. To be truthful, he mentioned you once to me at Reichenbach, and that was only by your alias. Now, though... I do see the meaning behind it..."

The Count, after matching eyes with his companion for a while, looked back outside. It was raining.

"The weather here in London is so... Dreary and dismal. I do hope your women do not take after it."

I could learn to... Like, be entertained by, or possibly even love a fiery woman... But if she's dull and lame then the marriage won't last a week...

He chuckled quietly.

And I'm not thinking of a divorce.

"Diffult to say, my Lord," said the woman sharing his carriage. "Some women blossom into beauty and grace despite the weather."

The carriage was slowing. "Queen's Pawn takes King's Pawn at five." Did he understand? She would see.

Then as the carriage stopped, The Starling said, "You will be a dear and add my name the the guest list, won't you?" She punctuated the demand as if it were a question.

[Chicago Heights]

Robert McAllister

Quite a lovely evening. Being an upstart has its advantages and disadvantages, apparently. Getting in to the party is an easy feat, but to blending within the party when you are just an upstart is hard, so hard that he missed his lovely jewelries in his house. So much, that, when he took a rest to the bathroom he saw what looked like to be one of the golden jewelries.

"Ooh, I want it." said Robert to himself.

Carvo entered the palace, and was stunned immediately. He had always lived in the slums, always on the rooftops, and never had he seen this. He stole from a few richer houses, but never as nice as this. He looked around, and excitement either rushed into him or seeped out of him, whether or not he does not know, when he saw the Irregulars. He ignored him and moved on. He eventually spotted Robert, rather heard him. "Why don't you then?" Carvo chuckled.