AgujaCabra (10:34 PM): The man offers a gruff smile to rejoin Chauncey's remarks, looking him over with a critical eye, before responding.. "Sorry. I don't own the tiger, and the boss would not appreciate carnival guests getting too close to her. You can chat while she's in the cage-- that's fine. " Chauncey nods in idle acceptance, and coaxes the cat over to his fingers in the cage.. he pets her nose softly with the ends of his fingertips.

Among the general hodge-podge of rides and booths, Ryan notices a girl-- perhaps in
AgujaCabra (10:35 PM): her mid 20s, watching the four of you from the side of an old fashioned funhouse. She has dark burgundy coloured hair, black corduroy pants, and an ACDC t-shirt, with a loose green jacket pulled about her shoulders. She seems slightly nervous.
NerwenGreen (10:37 PM): Ryan glances casually back at the rest of his group as he pulls out his tricorder again, and surreptitiously scans her while his eyes wander idly over whatever is in her general direction.
AgujaCabra (10:38 PM): The girl appears to be another vampire.
AgujaCabra (10:43 PM): [you still there? :p ]
NerwenGreen (10:45 PM): Ryan turns toward the blue man and Thomas as he puts the tricorder away again, and suggests "Well, I guess we should come back after the carnival closes tonight." He nudges Thomas slightly in the general direction of the girl as he adds "There's something interesting I want to see over there, want to come?"
AgujaCabra (10:46 PM): [are you typing something for Thomas, or should I go?]
NerwenGreen (10:47 PM): Thomas looks down sharply at Ryan as he makes contact.
NerwenGreen (10:47 PM): [depends on who's doing what when ]
AgujaCabra (10:49 PM): The girl has begun to wander towards the back of the circus tent [if Ryan is paying her any attention]. She has her hands tucked down into her pants pockets, trying to look less uncomfortable than she did at first glance.. The blue man glances over in her direction absently, before returning his attention to Chauncey and the cat.
AgujaCabra (10:50 PM): Chauncey gives Ryan a curious look as he addresses Thomas, and then stares at the tiger a long moment.. perhaps conversing.
NerwenGreen (10:51 PM): Thomas frowns slightly at Ryan for a moment, and then slowly turns to look in the direction that Ryan was hinting at.
NerwenGreen (10:51 PM): [is the girl approaching or going away?]
AgujaCabra (10:52 PM): [she is approaching]
NerwenGreen (10:52 PM): [hmm.. I have no idea what the frell I'm doing :p]
AgujaCabra (10:53 PM): [eek. I'm sorry? people will come and talk and it will be good? :p ]
NerwenGreen (10:53 PM): [okay ]
NerwenGreen (10:53 PM): Thomas sees the girl approaching and looks at her curiously.
AgujaCabra (10:55 PM): Lifting her eyes to Thomas as he looks in her direction, the girl hesitates a moment before lifting a hand to wave slightly, and step over to the back of the tent... "hi. Am I interrupting anything?," she asks politely, looking over the four of you curiously. Her gaze stops on Chauncey, and a touch of the former anxiety creeps into her expression.
NerwenGreen (10:57 PM): Thomas smiles slightly at her and replies "Not at all. We are visiting the tiger, if you would like to join us."
AgujaCabra (11:01 PM): The girl returns Thomas' smile, stepping into the group and casting an interested look at the tiger cage. "Oh. are you guys Gangrel? That's who speaks with animals a lot, right?" .. she seems just a little embarrassed, as she continues quickly, "I don't know many people outside my clan yet.. I did not mean to offend by what I said."
AgujaCabra (11:03 PM): Chauncey waves to the girl softly, with both hands.. smiling a little as she looks away from him pointedly, to regard the tiger instead.
NerwenGreen (11:05 PM): Thomas blinks at her, startled. He looks over at the blue man for a moment as he considers how to respond. Meanwhile, Ryan replies with a slight chuckle, "we're not all Gangrel here." He studies her curiously. "Are you a Gangrel then?"
AgujaCabra (11:09 PM): She smiles sheepishly, turning from the cat to look at Ryan, "No. I'm not Gangrel... " After a brief hesitation, she extends a hand to him tentatively ".. My name is Abbie. I am part of clan Toreador."
NerwenGreen (11:13 PM): Ryan smiles broadly and shakes her hand. "Nice to meet you, Abbie. I'm Ryan." Indicating each of the others in turn, he says "That's Chauncey, Thomas, and -" he looks over at the blue man, addressing him with a friendly smile as he continues "-I don't know who you are, actually?"
AgujaCabra (11:17 PM): The blue man gets up abruptly from the stool, approaching Abbie with a quick but unimposing step, and extending a hand to her, which she takes instinctively to shake. "The name is Antor," he directs the response to both Ryan and the girl, "and I am from clan Gangrel, at least. I don't know the other fellows too well yet." Abbie shakes his hand politely, "pleasure to meet you."
NerwenGreen (11:22 PM): Thomas looks up and appraises Antor with renewed interest after he introduces himself. Looking back over at Abbie, he offers his hand to her and says, "I am also of clan Gangrel." Meanwhile, Ryan smiles at Antor and extends a hand at him as well, saying "Nice meeting you, Antor."
AgujaCabra (11:27 PM): Having relaxed after Ryan's introductions, Abbie shakes Thomas' hand agreeably. "Good to meet you, also." Antor likewise shakes Ryan's hand firmly, before stepping back over to his stool and sitting down again with a casual look at everyone. Chauncey whispers to the Tiger through the cage, asking her to say 'hello' to the girl. The tiger huffs quietly, but makes no attempt to roar or in any way be loud about her greeting.
NerwenGreen (11:34 PM): Thomas moves to stand beside Antor after the round of introductions conclude. "Antor," he says as he offers his hand, "Pleasure meeting you as well." Ryan continues to stand companionably next to Abbie. "So, I take it you haven't been .. umm, around .. for very long?"
AgujaCabra (11:35 PM): [aah.. 3 people and a kitty :p ]
NerwenGreen (11:35 PM): [two kitties, technically ]
AgujaCabra (11:41 PM): Antor shakes Thomas' hand without hesitation, looking up at him from his seated position.. "You too, Thomas. I frankly don't see many Gangrel hanging out at the carnival." Abbie grins up at Ryan, playing with the tail of her jacket zipper a bit as she talks, "Nope. I haven't been around too long... I saw most of you guys were vampires though, and that you.. " she squints at Ryan slightly, ".. well, aren't human at least. . So I thought someone here could maybe help me with a couple things?"
NerwenGreen (11:45 PM): Thomas looks bemusedly back at Antor and comments quietly, "Ryan insisted that I come with him." At the same time, Ryan frowns slightly at Abbie and protests "Of course I'm human, what makes you think I'm not?" Thomas then looks at Abbie and inquires "What do you need help with?"
AgujaCabra (11:50 PM): Startled at Ryan's reaction, Abbie tucks both hands back in her pockets again.. looking quite uncomfortable, as she returns softly.. ".. your aura is glittery, and really bright... you're really a human?" Chauncey giggles slightly at this exchange, looking around quietly for something in the air, and smiling as a moth flies over to his hand-- perching on the tip of his finger.
AgujaCabra (11:51 PM): [she'll respond to Thomas also.. I wasn't sure if anyone would say anything at this point... since there is a pause :p ]
NerwenGreen (11:51 PM): [yeah, Ryan will]
AgujaCabra (11:52 PM): [she thinks she just broke the masquerade :p she's kind o scared]
NerwenGreen (11:54 PM): Ryan looks at her intently before saying "You'll have to tell me more about that aura thing later, it sounds interesting." He pauses for a beat before adding, "Do tell us what you need help with." Thomas glances at Ryan for an instant, then continues to look at her with polite interest.
AgujaCabra (11:58 PM): Abbie looks at the ground briefly, continuing quietly after a pause. "Well... first things first. I'm not really from this city... and I don't want to step on anybody's toes. Is there a Prince I'm supposed to talk to? "
NerwenGreen (12:00 AM): Thomas nods at her. "Yes, there is a Prince. I can try to arrange for you to speak with him at his earliest convenience, if you would like."
AgujaCabra (12:04 AM): Antor raises an eyebrow at Thomas quizzically, but says nothing. Abbie smiles at him faintly, responding unhesitatingly, "That would be great, thank you. "
NerwenGreen (12:08 AM): Thomas glances at Antor with a slight smile, then turns back to Abbie and asks "Was there something else?"
AgujaCabra (12:12 AM): Frowning pensively, Abbie fixes her gaze on Thomas for a long moment.. "There is. I'm not sure who I should go to about it, and I don't want to bother the Prince ... especially if he'd be upset over it." Her frown deepens a little, as she considers this possibility. "Is there anybody who polices the city?"
AgujaCabra (12:14 AM): [okie. learning why I do not play neonate female toreadors. oh well. she was invented on the spot :p ]
NerwenGreen (12:18 AM): Thomas frowns slightly as he considers the question. "There is not an official Scourge that I am aware of," he answers slowly, glancing at Antor. "However, I do know of someone whom you might mean." He hesitates for a moment, then adds "Why do you ask?"
NerwenGreen (12:19 AM): [she was a brilliant plot device to get everyone talking, so I like it ]
AgujaCabra (12:24 AM): Piping up at Thomas' comment, Antor adds with an edge of disapproval.. "I assume a Gangrel still polices the city, actually." He stares at Thomas for a hard moment, before turning his attention to Abbie "If there's something wrong, it'd be good for everyone to be informed, though." ... Abbie looks at both Thomas and Antor, nodding in silent response, before adding tentatively "I don't know if it is anything important. Can I talk about city matters in front of everyone here?"
NerwenGreen (12:30 AM): Thomas looks over at Chauncey, considering for a long moment. "We have here a member of the Camarilla, a member of the Sabbat, and an Independent," he informs her quietly.
AgujaCabra (12:31 AM): [hm. do you have any idea what time it is game wise? :p ]
NerwenGreen (12:32 AM): [erm ... well, they got there at maybe 1:30?]
AgujaCabra (12:33 AM): [hm. okay ^^ ]
NerwenGreen (12:34 AM): [then they went thru one ride, the mirror house, the bumper cars, and staring at the tiger .. ]
AgujaCabra (12:39 AM): When Thomas looks at Chauncey, Abbie directs her gaze there as well.. averting her eyes uncomfortably after a moment. "I see.. " While she mulls this over, Chauncey pipes up quietly from the sidelines.. "yet, we are all having a conversation despite this... there is no reason to not speak freely among .." He glances to Ryan momentarily, ".. friends?"
AgujaCabra (12:39 AM): [whee.. I'll figure it out eventually :p ]
NerwenGreen (12:49 AM): Ryan nods reassuringly at Chauncey but says nothing. Thomas glances back over at Chauncey and smiles slightly. "Yes, we came to the carnival as individuals and friends," he acknowledges. "But sometimes the sides we choose do force roles upon us." He looks back over at Abbie again. "It is up to you to decide, based on your topic" he tells her gently.
NerwenGreen (12:49 AM): [umm ... I'm going to be begging to roll dice any sec now if this causes things to blow up :p]
NerwenGreen (12:49 AM): [hmm... not that he has any stats resembling diplomacy. So, never mind. :p]
AgujaCabra (12:50 AM): [haha.. :p I think what he said was okay.. maybe not around Shepard, but this group isn't ultra conservative ^^]
NerwenGreen (12:50 AM): [I was trying hard to make it sound okay for everyone in the current audience]
AgujaCabra (12:51 AM): [^.^ no worries. it sounded enough like a Thomas thing, I think]
NerwenGreen (12:51 AM): [okay good ]
AgujaCabra (1:02 AM): Antor blinks at Thomas' comments, fixing his gaze upon him with renewed interest... very little expression on his face, aside from a slight air of puzzlement. He puts his hands on the sides of the stool, waiting and listening patiently. Chauncey looks between Thomas and Abbie, adding in quietly after a pause.. "This is not a political trip... anything said in front of me is confidential, as I trust certain things are confidential in my recent conversations... " He frowns slightly,"Would you prefer I leave?"
AgujaCabra (1:03 AM): Abbie looks over everyone with a small frown, before responding tentatively to Thomas.. "I think I would prefer to talk to this Gangrel you and Antor mentioned.. or just to you? If that is okay."
NerwenGreen (1:13 AM): Thomas nods to her slightly, then turns toward Chauncey and Antor, looking slightly apologetic. "Excuse me for a moment," he says, then begins walking out of earshot of the rest of the group, motioning for Abbie to follow.
NerwenGreen (1:14 AM): Ryan blows out his breath in a heavy sigh. "Ah, politics," he comments. "I'm glad I'm not on any sides."
AgujaCabra (1:15 AM): Abbie waves politely to everyone, saying "it was nice to meet all of you. Nothing personal," before smiling slightly and hurring off after Thomas.
NerwenGreen (1:16 AM): Ryan finds a seat next to Antor and casually goes back to watching the tiger.
NerwenGreen (1:17 AM): Thomas goes around the corner of the tent and finds a quiet spot away from other people. He turns to Abbie and says "Tell me about the problem."
AgujaCabra (1:22 AM): Adjusting her jacket zipper again, she puts her hands back into her side pockets.. getting comfortable, before devoting her attention to Thomas. "I don't know if it is anything to be worried about-- maybe there's something wrong with me, or some punk on the street did it while I wasn't paying attention. . . But I don't remember anything about getting here. I normally live in Baton Rouge with my sire and another toreador ... but I just woke up earlier tonight outside this carnival... "
NerwenGreen (1:24 AM): Thomas considers her thoughtfully as she speaks. "Interesting. What is the last thing you remember before finding yourself here?"
AgujaCabra (1:27 AM): She shrugs slightly, thinking over Thomas' question.. "Nothing special. I was out looking for a nightclub to grab a bite.. and also to see if they'd display anything from my portfolio.. " Her brow furrows angrily as a realization dawns on her, "shit. my portfolio is gone."
NerwenGreen (1:27 AM): "Your portfolio is gone?"
AgujaCabra (1:28 AM): "I don't think I got to the nightclub. I'm not sure what happened... but I don't have my portfolio anymore. I must have dropped it.. "
NerwenGreen (1:28 AM): "This was in Baton Rouge?"
AgujaCabra (1:29 AM): "Yes." She thinks a moment, "On tuesday. What's today?"
NerwenGreen (1:30 AM): "Today is Sunday ... early Monday now," Thomas replies. He continues to look thoughtfully at her.
AgujaCabra (1:31 AM): Abbie begins to look rather worried, ".. I thought maybe it was Thursday at the latest... I really don't know what happened during the past week."
AgujaCabra (1:34 AM): [oops. meh. she should have said wednesday :p oh well ]
AgujaCabra (1:34 AM): [though, it would be early morning thursday had a day passed... so that's okay]
NerwenGreen (1:36 AM): "Interesting," Thomas muses. "It may be something the prince would like to hear about. We should mention it to him when I am able to contact him." He studies her quietly for a moment. "This does not sound like something to avoid mentioning to the others - they may even have more of an idea of what happened."
AgujaCabra (1:38 AM): Abbie nods slightly after a long hesitation.. "didn't you say that one was Sabbat? .. I don't know much about them, but I know that they're trouble."
NerwenGreen (1:39 AM): Thomas smiles slightly. "Chauncey is of little importance in the grand scheme of things, from what I know of him."
AgujaCabra (1:40 AM): Abbie gives Thomas a cool look.. "I was told not to speak to them. If you want to tell anyone what happened, that is fine. I'm not going to get in trouble. "
AgujaCabra (1:40 AM): [bleh :p ]
NerwenGreen (1:44 AM): Thomas raises an eyebrow at her. "That is a wise decision, most of the time," he says. "On the other hand, you were rather bold when you first began speaking to us, not knowing where any of us stood." He leans casually against the nearest large non-moving object.
AgujaCabra (1:49 AM): She defers her gaze to the ground for a heartbeat, slightly shaken by what Thomas has said.. After a bit of thought, she responds a little sheepishly.. "I've never met anyone but Camarilla before. I thought automatically that a kindred would be on my side... I won't assume that in the future."

[I'm not exactly certain where Thomas has stood. The nearest large, non moving object would either be one of the empty animal cages, or a wooden sideshow trailer I believe.. ]
NerwenGreen (1:54 AM): Thomas nods at her, smiling gently. "Midsomer has a relatively powerful Sabbat population, and the political dynamics are very different here." He pauses, glancing around the emptying carnival a little. "It is fortunate that you found us first."
AgujaCabra (1:58 AM): Abbie nods as well, a pensive crease denting her brow slightly.. "What was the other man? I really don't think he's human like he claims to be... "
NerwenGreen (2:00 AM): Thomas smiles a little more. "He is human," he answers, "but he has some additional abilities not normally found in most others." He pauses to look at her. "The Masquerade need not be observed with him."
AgujaCabra (2:04 AM): She smiles with relief, looking directly at Thomas again, rather than the ground or his feet... "Good. I'm usually not so liable to trip over my feet like that... I was looking for Kindred to talk to, and you guys seemed like a good group. . Thanks for being so nice about everything."
NerwenGreen (2:05 AM): Thomas nods in response, still smiling at her. "Do you have somewhere to stay tonight?"
AgujaCabra (2:08 AM): There is a slightly uncomfortable pause, as a vague frown returns to her expression.. "I don't have my wallet. I could find a youth hospice tonight, probably."
AgujaCabra (2:08 AM): [oy oy]
NerwenGreen (2:11 AM): "All right," Thomas answers. He pulls out a pen and finds a scrap piece of paper from one of his pockets, and writes down his phone number. "If you need anything before I am able to contact the prince, let me know," he says, offering her the paper. "You are also welcome to come enjoy the rest of the evening with us if you'd like."
AgujaCabra (2:16 AM): Offering a smile of genuine gratitude, Abbie takes the paper from Thomas and tucks it into a jacket pocket after looking at the number. "Thank you," she returns softly, "... Actually, I wouldn't mind staying with you guys for a while." There is a short pause, as she continues a little uncertainly " Maybe after the carnival, you could go with me to the hospice, to make sure nothing happens.. ? "
NerwenGreen (2:17 AM): "By all means," Thomas replies. He begins walking slowly back toward the rest of the group.

[Dec. 18, 2002]

AgujaCabra (9:25 PM): As Thomas and Abbie pass around the corner of the tent and out of sight, Antor turns his narrow, luminous -yellow eyes to Ryan; fixing a critical, but not entirely intrusive, look upon him. "That is an interesting party you keep, if you are, as stated... both human, and without sides." He gestures roughly with his chin to Chauncey, "What are you doing with a man like that, and a Camarilla loyal?"
NerwenGreen (9:28 PM): Ryan grins easily. "They're both friends. I met each of them as individuals, and so I think of them that way." He shrugs a little. "I don't really know all that much about the internal politics of you people since I'm not one of you."
AgujaCabra (9:36 PM): "Apparently your friends don't either, if they are so comfortable being seen together.. " Antor's gaze remains steadily trained upon Ryan, although he appears to keep Chauncey and the tiger; who continue to quietly enjoy one another's company, within his peripheral view.. "Personally, I don't give a rat's ass. There are people who would, however. . I'm surprised ol' Shepard lets his Gangrel run around with Sabbat ..."Antor chuckles slightly,continuing sardonically, "must be getting senile at his age.."
AgujaCabra (9:37 PM): [ack... hey. I suck tonight!]
NerwenGreen (9:37 PM): [:p]
AgujaCabra (9:38 PM): ['guess it wouldn't have been as bad if I'd added in the couple of words I'd wanted to... :p I cut stuff to make it fit in a single block]
NerwenGreen (9:39 PM): Ryan shrugs again with a small chuckle. "If there's something wrong with Thomas and Chauncey being seen together, Thomas hasn't told me about it."
NerwenGreen (9:39 PM): [what words would those have been ]
AgujaCabra (9:39 PM): [doesn't matter :p ]
AgujaCabra (9:43 PM): Raising a dubious eyebrow, Antor braces his hands thoughtfully on either side of the stool again.. "Well, that's his affair.. " Mulling this over a moment, he sits silent for a few short beats, before looking back at Ryan with a short smile. ".. Are you the guy Nightshade hired earlier this week?"
NerwenGreen (9:45 PM): "Yeah, I am actually," Ryan replies with a smile.
AgujaCabra (9:48 PM): "Well then, welcome to the entourage," he returns with a stiff nod of acknowledgment, as the smile broadens slightly. ".. I hope you have something interesting to build for us."
AgujaCabra (9:49 PM): [ummm... ::poke:: I suck I suck I suck! We can have Abbie and Thomas come back about now, if you like :p ]
NerwenGreen (9:52 PM): "Thank you," Ryan says, his smile becoming a bit bigger as he looks at Antor with a friendly expression. "I hope so too. I've been getting a few ideas while I've been here tonight. Maybe I'll be able to drag Thomas out here again in a few days so we can see the rest of it."
NerwenGreen (9:52 PM): [up to you ... their conversation was a lot longer than this one has been so far though ]
AgujaCabra (9:59 PM): Chuckling good-naturedly, Antor addresses Ryan with a mock seriousness.. ".. If you can pass it off as work, you could drag Thomas in here for free I'll wager... " His smile lingers a few moments, until he looks over directly at Chauncey; who has begun to toy with the lock to Diamond's cage. "Hey. Didn't I say to leave her in there?" he calls over, with an edge of harshness to his tone. Chauncey reluctantly steps away from the cage, waving to the tiger lightly and casting a disappointed look to Antor.
NerwenGreen (10:01 PM): Ryan looks over at Chauncey sympathetically. "So how is the tiger doing?" he calls over.
AgujaCabra (10:05 PM): A flitting smile crosses Chauncey's face, as he looks over to Ryan optimistically.. "I believe we are almost done visiting. She would like me to walk with her later on tonight, if this is acceptable with the colourful man.. " Chauncey offers a bit of the smile to Antor as well, turning one eye to look in his direction. After a pause, Antor nods reluctantly "If you guys are still here, I guess it wouldn't hurt anything."
NerwenGreen (10:10 PM): Ryan grins happily for Chauncey. After a moment, he turns back to Antor. "Actually I don't think I'll be able to get Thomas to come with me again," he remarks regretfully. "He's not really a carnival-liking type." He glances at Chauncey and a small smile begins to return. "Chauncey would probably come though."
AgujaCabra (10:15 PM): Antor snorts in mock disgust, watching Chauncey carefully out of the corner of his eye.. "Great. Looks like Diamond and I can look forward to his company again.. " Chauncey smiles broadly at this thought, giggling a tiny bit at Antor's mood as Miyu comes daintily trotting about the corner .. freezing when she sees the tiger, and crawling over to hide behind Chauncey's ankles.
AgujaCabra (10:16 PM): Miyu has a lizard. ^^
NerwenGreen (10:17 PM): Ryan chuckles at Antor's reaction. He looks over at Miyu and her lizard.
AgujaCabra (10:21 PM): Miyu flips the limp lizard in the air with an adroit motion, catching it again in her paws and teeth, as she gnaws on the hapless animal. Antor glances at the cat with a vaguely puzzled expression, addressing Chauncey with interest for the first time.. "Who did that to the cat? " Antor continues sharply, fixing a warning glare upon Chauncey.. "I don't want anything like that done to Diamond." Chauncey merely smiles, looking down at Miyu who has lodged herself between his feet.. "Oh no. That is not my work--
AgujaCabra (10:22 PM): I told you before that I would not alter Diamond.. "
NerwenGreen (10:23 PM): Ryan listens with polite interest at this exchange but says nothing. He continues to watch the cat idly.
AgujaCabra (10:24 PM): Chauncey scratches behind Miyu's ear with his toe lightly, pulling it back with a short giggle as she attempts to bite his foot. [I believe Thomas and Abbie could be returning at this point. (?) realistically :p ]
NerwenGreen (10:25 PM): [okay ]
AgujaCabra (10:27 PM): Abbie hesitates as she catches a glimpse of Chauncey and the cat, hovering at the side of the tent rather than coming over to join the group.
NerwenGreen (10:30 PM): Thomas pauses for a moment to note where everyone is and what they are doing, then goes to stand next to Ryan. "It was not a city matter," he tells the others. He looks over at Abbie encouragingly.
AgujaCabra (10:35 PM): Still uncertain, Abbie steps forward into the area behind the tent.. smiling a little shyly at Miyu, and commenting to Chauncey with noted stiffness "cute cat," to which he smiles and bends down to scoop the animal into his arms; stepping over to Abbie a moment later, and offering to let her pet Miyu. She very cautiously reaches out to let the cat sniff her hand, turning the rest of her attention to everyone else.. [should she go on? ;p ]
NerwenGreen (10:35 PM): [sure ]
AgujaCabra (10:39 PM): ".. Oh. Thomas thought that one of you might have some insight into what happened to me.." She pulls her hand back from Miyu, as the cat begins to struggle in Chauncey's grip... He puts her down gently, offering an apologetic look to Abbie. "..I was in Baton Rouge on Tuesday, and I woke up outside the carnival here in Midsomer tonight. I don't remember anything that happened on the nights in between.," repeating the story, she frowns a bit, and looks around for the cat.. who is staying near Chauncey.
NerwenGreen (10:40 PM): Ryan gives her a puzzled frown. "That's a long time to not remember. Are you all right?" Thomas glances at Antor and Chauncey for their reactions.
AgujaCabra (10:42 PM): She smiles vibrantly at Ryan, attempting to look confident "I think I'm fine. I just would like to know what happened ... or if anything did happen to me." Her smile fades at the last comment, although she continues to look self-assure.
AgujaCabra (10:42 PM): [oops!]
NerwenGreen (10:43 PM): [oops?]
AgujaCabra (10:43 PM): [I was going to include Chauncey and Antor also.. the 'enter' key usually does not send the message on my end.. weird :p ]
NerwenGreen (10:43 PM): [ah okay ]
NerwenGreen (10:43 PM): [keep going ]
AgujaCabra (10:46 PM): Antor lowers his brow at the girl in puzzlement, listening to her response to Ryan's question, and allowing others to control the conversation for now... Chauncey, looking down at the cat who has returned to sit between his feet, asks idly after a moment, ".. did you dream anything between then and now? do you have any bits of memory that we might puzzle back together for you... ? "
NerwenGreen (10:47 PM): Ryan casually digs out his tricorder and scans her again for any abnormalities he might've missed the first time.
AgujaCabra (10:51 PM): She frowns slightly at him, shaking her head slowly "No. I don't think so. . " Abbie hesitates a moment, "No. nothing." Chauncey shrugs lightly, putting his foot on Miyu's side and petting her that way again. "Perhaps someone could find them for you.. if they are so important." [umm.. hm. can it pick up chemicals? Or damage from old wounds? I guess vampires don't really have that.. ]
NerwenGreen (10:51 PM): [chemicals yes .. damage from old wounds if she hasn't healed them]
AgujaCabra (10:52 PM): [There is a small amount of residual bleach in her bloodstream]
AgujaCabra (10:52 PM): [tiny amount.. I think that would hurt a lot if it was more than a little?]
NerwenGreen (10:53 PM): [beats me what bleach would do in a vampire ]
AgujaCabra (10:53 PM): [seems like it'd hurt :p ]
NerwenGreen (10:53 PM): [bleach evaporates pretty fast ... so can I assume that the bleach was introduced very recently?]
AgujaCabra (10:53 PM): [sure]
NerwenGreen (10:53 PM): [ok]
NerwenGreen (10:55 PM): Ryan looks very confused as he scans her again to confirm his first readings. He looks up at the others. "Umm..." he begins uncertainly. "...what does bleach do to vampires?"

AgujaCabra (10:56 PM): [Just say it would produce a burning, painful sensation.. it'd eat through vampire flesh eventually, like it does human skin or plastic. ]
AgujaCabra (10:57 PM): [however he wants to phrase/think of that :p ]
NerwenGreen (10:57 PM): [aggravated damage?]
AgujaCabra (10:57 PM): [hmm.. I'll say it's lethal, but it'll continue to fester if the chemical isn't cleaned up]
NerwenGreen (10:58 PM): [is there enough in her now for it to still be festering? .. I guess not if she thinks she's fine..]
AgujaCabra (10:58 PM): [no.. it's not enough to hurt her. It's kind of watered down, not real thick in any one spot]
AgujaCabra (10:58 PM): [tiny amount :p ]
NerwenGreen (10:59 PM): [ok]
AgujaCabra (10:59 PM): [maybe they missed a drop in cleanup :p ]
AgujaCabra (11:01 PM): [brb.. you go ahead and write, unless you are waiting for Antor/Chauncey/etc :p I figured I'd wait for Thomas]
NerwenGreen (11:01 PM): "Bleach?" Thomas looks at Ryan, then looks back at Abbie with interest. "It damages our flesh and causes some pain, though it heals normally," he says thoughtfully. "Where do you see bleach?"
NerwenGreen (11:02 PM): "She has a trace amount of it in her veins," Ryan replies.
NerwenGreen (11:02 PM): [ready for any input from Antor or Chauncey or Abbie if they'd say anything ]
AgujaCabra (11:07 PM): Abbie frowns at this, and rubs the side of her arm disconsolately as she considers what has been said. "I sure didn't put it there," she comments after a moment, "unless it was in something I had to drink.. but I don't remember any pain." Chauncey gives her a curious look, concluding her comment with a soft, idle humming as he wanders back towards the tiger cage. Antor is quiet; listening intently, but without anything to add of his own.
NerwenGreen (11:08 PM): [great ... neither of them have anything brilliant to add either]
AgujaCabra (11:08 PM): [erk... ]
NerwenGreen (11:10 PM): Thomas studies Abbie thoughtfully. "It seems you may have been tortured," he speculates tentatively.
AgujaCabra (11:13 PM): She stiffens at the suggestion, pulling her jacket a little tighter about her shoulders. ".. I don't know anything that would be helpful, though.. " After a pause, Antor looks over at Thomas and Abbie, adding to Thomas' thought in a pensive tone.. "If someone tortured her, they might have just removed whatever it is they wanted from her mind.. It would explain the memory loss."
NerwenGreen (11:18 PM): Thomas looks over at Antor. "Domination alone could account for the memory loss," he comments. "The bleach must have had some other purpose."

AgujaCabra (11:27 PM): Antor nods stiffly to Thomas' assessment, looking over the girl from head to toe with obvious curiosity. "Why torture someone for information, if you can dominate them? " As the conversation continues, Chauncey begins to wander idly around the opposite corner of the tent, still humming softly. Miyu follows a few steps behind.
NerwenGreen (11:30 PM): Thomas nods. "Perhaps not torture then. Some other reason." He pauses to think for a minute. "I should probably find someone who can restore her memories."

AgujaCabra (11:37 PM): Antor nods as well, continuing to look Abbie over with curiosity.. Thinking something over, he then turns his attention to Ryan instead "How did you know she had bleach in her? That's an interesting skill that I wouldn't mind learning... " Meanwhile, Chauncey and Miyu have slipped completely behind the tent.
NerwenGreen (11:42 PM): Ryan looks over at Antor and smiles uncertainly. "It's not something I can teach you, I'm afraid," he responds. "Kindred are .. well, not really built for my kind of sciences." Thomas meanwhile walks casually over to a spot where he can watch where Chauncey is going.
AgujaCabra (11:45 PM): Antor frowns at this, and then cracks another wry smile.. "That's all right. Nightshade's group can do things I can't also.. I'm used to being out-staged." Chauncey has taken Miyu over to the petting zoo for a moment.
NerwenGreen (11:47 PM): "Oh? What sorts of things can Nightshade's group do?" Ryan asks curiously. Thomas continues to watch Chauncey and Miyu.
AgujaCabra (11:51 PM): Antor flashes a sly smile, "go check out the sideshows sometime.. I don't direct most employees to be curious, but you might get a kick out of it," He also leans over a bit to try and see where Chauncey was headed. Chauncey and Miyu pause only briefly at the petting zoo, and then begin to wander off together away from the big tent.
AgujaCabra (11:51 PM): Abbie stands quietly, kicking her shoe in the dirt while listening to everyone else.
NerwenGreen (11:54 PM): "Okay," Ryan responds with a grin, "I'll have to go do that sometime." He looks for Chauncey as well. "Looks like Chauncey got bored and wandered off." He gets up, checking the time. "I'll go see if he's planning to come back to walk the tiger after all."
AgujaCabra (11:56 PM): [so.. is Ryan trekking after Chauncey? :p ]
NerwenGreen (11:56 PM): yeah, if nobody stops him
NerwenGreen (11:56 PM): and what time is it?
AgujaCabra (11:57 PM): I have no idea on the time.. I'm bad about that... 2-ish? I don't even remember what time the darn park closed.
NerwenGreen (11:58 PM): hehe .. it's way past 2. The park closes at 3. They got there at 1:30ish.
AgujaCabra (11:59 PM): [oh. 2:35 ?]
NerwenGreen (11:59 PM): It's probably 3 by now
NerwenGreen (11:59 PM): okay
AgujaCabra (11:59 PM): [3 is fine :p ]
NerwenGreen (11:59 PM): heheh
AgujaCabra (11:59 PM): [a little before.. 3. people are starting to clear out of the park for the night.]
NerwenGreen (11:59 PM): ok
NerwenGreen (12:00 AM): Ryan goes after Chauncey. Thomas, after a moment, takes Ryan's former seat next to Antor.
AgujaCabra (12:03 AM): Antor casts a sidelong glance at Thomas as he sits down, before returning his gaze to Abbie. "Why don't you sit down somewhere?," he suggests to her; attempting to sound accommodating, although there is still a brusqueness to his tone. She nods to the suggestion, and sits down after a moment on a seat near the back of the tent and the tiger's cage.
AgujaCabra (12:03 AM): Chauncey does not appear to notice Ryan as he approaches, and wanders on towards the front of the park with the cat primly perched on his shoulder.
NerwenGreen (12:04 AM): Ryan catches up to Chauncey and falls into step beside him. He smiles sociably and asks, "Where are you going?"
AgujaCabra (12:08 AM): Chauncey pauses, looking up at Ryan with a faint smile of surprise.. "I was only walking with Miyu. She has not enjoyed the rides as much as I have.. " He softly butts the side of his head into her flank, smiling again as she swats at him with a paw, and scurries to readjust herself.
NerwenGreen (12:10 AM): "Oh, okay," Ryan replies. "We were just wondering where you went. Didn't mean to bore you with Abbie's problems," he grins. He looks curiously around at the parts of the carnival that he hasn't been in before.
AgujaCabra (12:16 AM): A series of mostly abandoned game booths stretch out to Ryan's right; vendors lazily pack up the prizes, and prepare to close down for the night. To the left, some food stands remain open despite the hour, and the stale, sugary smell of popcorn and cotton candy hangs thickly upon the night air. Chauncey shyly looks up at Ryan again, after playing with the cat "There was nothing that I could say to assist.. I was not bored with her problem, but being there served no purpose.., " he peers at Ryan steadily,
AgujaCabra (12:16 AM): before turning his face away and standing rather still for a long moment.
AgujaCabra (12:18 AM): [muff. I can't find my dice]
NerwenGreen (12:18 AM): Ryan shrugs casually. "I don't think there's much any of us can really do to help her," he remarks. "None of us know enough about what might've happened to her right now."
AgujaCabra (12:20 AM): "I have to go," Chauncey cuts in softly after a pause. Glancing back at Ryan distractedly, he begins to walk towards the front of the carnival again.
NerwenGreen (12:20 AM): Ryan follows him. "So .. you dont' want to walk the tiger?" he asks, looking a little confused.
AgujaCabra (12:24 AM): Chauncey's eyes light up briefly at the mention of Diamond, but that glimmer hardens almost immediately, as he stops to look at Ryan again. "I will walk with her another night.. There will be many other occasions-- tonight is not so important. "
NerwenGreen (12:26 AM): Ryan hesitates slightly. "Okay," he agrees after a brief pause. "Guess I'll see you around then."
AgujaCabra (12:28 AM): Chauncey smiles at him weakly, and waves as he moves to walk off again.. "Yes. We will meet again, in the park.. or here, or elsewhere. .." He trails off after a moment, looking at the ground as he takes another step towards the gate.
NerwenGreen (12:28 AM): Ryan nods and waves back, then turns to go back to the rest of the group.

NerwenGreen (12:42 AM): Thomas continues to watch the tiger while Abbie sits down. After a moment, he asks casually of Antor, "What has Shepard done to make all of the other Gangrel dislike him so?"
AgujaCabra (12:47 AM): Tensing automatically at Thomas' unanticipated question, Antor turns to him with an easy smile after a short pause; "It isn't Shepard," he responds thoughtfully, glancing at the tiger cage as Diamond restlessly paces. Antor continues seriously, "Many Gangrel were killed to protect the city-- we were used, and Shepard wanted us to stay in an organization that did not care if we survived. We left the Camarilla-- Shepard should have done the same."
NerwenGreen (12:52 AM): "I see," Thomas answer quietly, nodding thoughtfully. "When was this? Were you fighting the Sabbat?"
AgujaCabra (12:57 AM): "Yes," he responds simply, looking at Thomas critically for a pause, "We were.. stronger than the Brujah at that time. Shepard's men kept the city intact, until the Sabbat could not be stopped any longer. " Antor frowns slightly, glancing to Abbie who is only partially listening to the conversation.
NerwenGreen (12:58 AM): Thomas nods again. "Then what happened?"
AgujaCabra (1:01 AM): After a sharp, caustic chuckle, Antor comments simply, "Then? The Gangrel were not rewarded, or congratulated... We were expected to fight as hard as we had when there were more of us. Shepard should have been Prince. . "
NerwenGreen (1:03 AM): Thomas raises an eyebrow at that. "Why is Shepard not the prince?"
AgujaCabra (1:08 AM): Antor grins thinly at that, "Probably because Shepard didn't come out of his house for a year. That, and Gracian had already been sent in, of course." He falls quiet after this, scowling a bit to himself, and watching the tiger pace.
NerwenGreen (1:10 AM): Thomas looks a little startled by that answer. He nods quietly after a moment. "So was it the previous prince that the Gangrel dislike? Or Gracian?"
AgujaCabra (1:14 AM): Antor frowns slightly, "We have been used for decades-- it isn't one Prince, it is the Camarilla... " Hesitating briefly, he admits ".. It is the Camarilla that I have seen in Midsomer. I am not willing to trust my people to it again-- Gracian might be okay. There will be someone after him."
AgujaCabra (1:16 AM): [ack. this sounds very similar to something that was said earlier.. doesn't it?]
AgujaCabra (1:16 AM): [was it Vannes? bleh..]
NerwenGreen (1:19 AM): Thomas considers this for a moment. "The Gangrel are not mistreated where I came from," he muses. "And Gracian does not seem like he would, either, but I do not know him well."
NerwenGreen (1:19 AM): [Antor has thus far not sounded like Vannes to me]

AgujaCabra (1:24 AM): Antor nods woodenly, "Like I said, Gracian might be a good guy. I'm not going to ask the other Gangrel to go back to the Camarilla under his authority, just to wait for another dictator-- " He adds diplomatically, " Shepard can do what he wants. I don't have a quarrel with him, as long as he lets us alone."

NerwenGreen (1:44 AM): Thomas is quiet for a long moment. "The Camarilla here must be much different than what I am used to," he finally says. "I cannot imagine an entire clan being mistreated to the point where they would wish to leave completely. Not without having committed some grave offense to the city." He pauses to study the pacing tiger, and to glance distractedly at Abbie for a second. "I cannot actually imagine an entire clan being allowed to leave completely, without consequences."

Jan. 2, 2003

AgujaCabra (10:47 PM): Fixing his acidic, yellow eyes upon Thomas for a long moment, Antor regards him steadily. Looking down briefly, he then turns to regard Diamond again with a thoughtful expression. "The Camarilla here was better when it began-- We were never respected, but we were not always sent out to die either," he responds evenly, "As for being permitted to leave.. We got out between Princes, for the most part." Antor cracks a wry smile,
AgujaCabra (10:47 PM): and is silent after that, listening intently to the surrounding environment, and slightly distracted by Abbie; who he keeps within the corner of his eye.
AgujaCabra (10:53 PM): [oh. my roomate is back.. ]
NerwenGreen (10:55 PM): Thomas turns to regard Antor seriously as he speaks, with a quiet, thoughtful expression. He nods softly afterwards, looking down at the ground as he considers the words. The silence stretches for a few minutes. Finally, he looks up and comments "I would like to know more about the history of the Gangrel in Midsomer."

AgujaCabra (11:01 PM): Antor laughs shortly, pushing himself up from the low stool and pacing over to place a hand restlessly against the side of Diamond's mesh cage... his brow furrowing with an unknown discomfort, as he responds crisply "Maybe a history lesson some other time.. or find somebody who keeps the books tidy. "
AgujaCabra (11:01 PM): [meh. did I give him the merit I think he has.. :p ? If not, he gets it now. ]
NerwenGreen (11:01 PM): Ryan wanders casually back into the group from around the tent. He pauses, hesitating for an instant as he notices Antor and Thomas engaged in a serious-sounding discussion, then moves to take a seat companionably near Abbie. He nods a greeting at her, then toward the other two, without speaking.
NerwenGreen (11:02 PM): [merit?]
AgujaCabra (11:03 PM): Abbie raises a hand to Ryan in a half-wave, smiling at him slightly in relief.. as she too has been careful not to interrupt the serious discussion between Antor and Thomas.
NerwenGreen (11:03 PM): Thomas shrugs slightly after a moment. "Perhaps another time, then." He stands as well and looks toward Ryan, an unspoken question in his expression.

NerwenGreen (11:07 PM): Ryan smiles easily back at Abbie and looks up when Antor, then Thomas, get up. "Chauncey changed his mind about walking with Diamond tonight. I think something came up," he says in response to Thomas's questioning look.

AgujaCabra (11:12 PM): A faint, whirring noise begins to emanate from one of Ryan's many pockets. It sounds as though one of the devices has begun functioning without command. Antor turns slightly to glance at Ryan as this begins, a crease deepening upon his brow as he shifts his gaze to scour the surrounding area.
NerwenGreen (11:15 PM): Ryan looks somewhat startled. He begins digging through his pocket to locate the gadget making the noise, eventually pulling it out and looking at it closely with a puzzled frown. Thomas watches for a moment, raising an eyebrow, then scans the surroundings as well as he notices Antor doing so.
AgujaCabra (11:18 PM): The device in question is Ryan's talisman box. It seems to have located and retrieved an object on its own merit, and awaits opening.

Noticing the sudden shift in mood, Abbie gathers her light jacket around her arms protectively, and stands up also. She kicks quietly at the ground, watching Ryan and his box with a casual interest.

[It was a run-of-the-mill smaller box, not the talisman box.]

NerwenGreen (11:21 PM): Glancing up momentarily at the others, Ryan cautiously sets the box on the ground in front of him and opens it.

AgujaCabra (11:25 PM): Enclosed within the small box, a tiny glittering, translucent light shines for an instant; as would moonlight upon a pane of polished gold. The shine dims rapidly, however, and left within the box is a small piece of jewelry, carved out of a milky wax. It is a cameo necklace, with the profile of a young woman engraved in the smooth, oval center.
NerwenGreen (11:27 PM): Ryan looks at the necklace without moving for a long moment before slowly, cautiously reaching over to pull the necklace from the box. He turns it over in his hand, peering at it closely.
NerwenGreen (11:27 PM): [what's a cameo necklace?]
AgujaCabra (11:28 PM): [a cameo is a portrait necklace. . it's ... oh geez. I'll get a picture :P]
AgujaCabra (11:29 PM): http://www.jewelryweb.com/main/46752.jpg

AgujaCabra (11:31 PM): Ryan might recognize the image on the cameo as being very similar to the one from Nicola's library book.
NerwenGreen (11:31 PM): Which image?
AgujaCabra (11:32 PM): I think she showed him that page. . It was a picture of a shadowy figure assaulting another, and there was a broken necklace on the ground.
AgujaCabra (11:35 PM): [another page contained a detailed drawing of the same necklace. ]
NerwenGreen (11:35 PM): [is it the same necklace as the one he's holding? or does it just look similar]
AgujaCabra (11:36 PM): [well.. I don't know how he would know that. It is almost identical, if he remembers that much detail about the book itself. This necklace is a soft wax in his hand, however, whereas the one in the book was presumably metal and stone]
NerwenGreen (11:40 PM): Ryan squints at the necklace for a long moment, with an uncertain, confused expression overlying one of faint shock. He blinks a few times. "Umm, hey Thomas," he begins uncertainly, without looking up from the necklace.
NerwenGreen (11:41 PM): Thomas looks over at Ryan as he calls. With a final glance around the carnival, he crosses smoothly over to him and crouches down to examine the necklace as well.
AgujaCabra (11:42 PM): Antor looks back at Ryan sharply, noticing the hesitation in his voice. Taking a few quick steps towards him, he peers at the necklace also with a critical expression... that slowly gives way to puzzlement. He falls silent, staring down steadily upon the bit of jewelry.
NerwenGreen (11:46 PM): Thomas studies the necklace for a moment, trying to remember where he might have seen it before. His eyes light up as he remembers Nicola's book, and he raises an eyebrow. Thomas looks up to find Ryan watching him closely for his reaction. Tentatively, he offers "This looks very similar to one in Nicola's picture book." Ryan nods in agreement, confirming to Thomas that this was his suspicion as well.
AgujaCabra (11:47 PM): Antor's expression sours into a stiff frown, listening to Ryan and Thomas speculate on the necklace. "Where did that come from," he questions gruffly; his tone laced with confusion more than irritation, as he continues to look at it with open curiosity.
NerwenGreen (11:53 PM): Ryan glances up at Antor distractedly, allowing Thomas to take the necklace into his own hand. "Oh, well, odd things happen to me sometimes. I'm not really sure why. I guess one of my devices decided to make a necklace by itself tonight." He shrugs slightly as his voice regains some confidence. "Most of the time it's just random unimportant stuff though."
AgujaCabra (11:59 PM): Stepping back uneasily, Antor shakes his head slowly once, and continues to scowl stiffly at the necklace. After looking at the ground in silent contemplation for a pause, he remarks with an air of nostalgia, "I knew the owner of that necklace. "
NerwenGreen (12:01 AM): Thomas looks up at Antor, intrigued. "Who was the owner?" he asks.
AgujaCabra (12:04 AM): Antor returns his look sternly, hesitating a moment before admitting.. "That's Foster's jewelry. He was the Prince here before Ondriasova and Gracian."
NerwenGreen (12:05 AM): "Ah," Thomas responds quietly. He looks back at the necklace. "What happened to Foster?"
AgujaCabra (12:10 AM): Antor shrugs slightly, the furrow deepening upon his brow as he tilts his head to listen to the air again. "He went missing some years ago... Everyone thinks he's dead, and that's probably the case. . " Casting a troubled look to the piece of jewelry again, he adds coldly ".. what his necklace is doing in your friend's pocket, I'd like to know."
NerwenGreen (12:12 AM): Ryan blinks in surprise. "What - I don't know!" he protests. "I didn't have it until just now. I don't even know who Foster is."
AgujaCabra (12:16 AM): Cracking a sharp smile, Antor chuckles at Ryan's indignation, and raises a hand to wave the comment lightly aside. "All right. You didn't put it there-- I'm not accusing you of murder. Regardless, I wish that I knew how it got into your pocket like that."
NerwenGreen (12:18 AM): Ryan lowers his brows and glares at Antor, but relaxes slightly at the same time. Less defensively, he replies, "Sometimes I wish I knew these things too. It's some kind of weird side effect of what I do." He shrugs.