Jack nodded and took the scope in hand. “Well… I guess this thing is better than getting eaten out there or running into something I know nothing about. I’m reluctant to say it, but thank you Snow. Really… when you found me, Harry, Becky and I were on hard times in a hard place. I really do appreciate what you’ve done. I’ll pack my things and get ready.” He spoke with a nod and a smile on his face.

The drunkenness was starting to wear off closer to the end of their small meeting, but his head still pounded. Before he left the table, he looked to the French woman now known as Briar Rose, and flashed an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry to have offended you, we’re mates in the guild and now team members, and maybe we’ll get a chance to take down some big baddies together… It’d be nice.” Jack knew he could be an ass, but he really at heart wasn’t, he was only arrogant when it came to his schemes and plans, outside of his own work, he was really a sweet person until the whiskey hit him.

“Oh and Dev- I mean Huntsman, I’ll be looking to you to watch my back… Harry was always there for me when I needed him, and you’re just as capable as any man I’ve met. I’ve watched you train when I’m more sober and you’re a damn good shot. Maybe better than me, but we’ll have to see. And Red. You just keep on keeping on girl. You’ve got a mean amount of spirit in you; don’t let the big bad world get to you. You’re strong enough to have bared working in that dump of a brothel as a maid. You can get through anything, including stomaching me and Devin.” Jack spoke as he turned to walk to his room.

A sad frown crossed his face for a moment when he finally processed that his time with his friend Harry was up. “Sawyer… Sawyer and Huck Finn…” He spoke softly to himself and walked along to his room to gather his things. It wasn’t a long walk, but enough of one that the headache started the go away and his head stopped spinning so much. He opened the door to his room to see Harry packing his things, and as the door opened, they locked eyes.

“So you’re going with another group too eh? Guess our little group is done for now. They gave me the codename Sawyer… you know...” Jack looked slightly depressed as he went to grab his rifle. “Remember the time we caught that Italian guy who was trying to sell hundreds of those counterfeiting machines? We nabbed him right good and brought him to justice. You convinced him that you were gunna buy all of them at once and when we showed up to collect the him and the machines… Man it was priceless. I’m going to hiss those days Harry. I will.”

“Jack, it aint all bad, Becky and I are on the same team together and we’re not gunna stop using your methods. You’re smart, almost too smart for your own good sometimes, and that’ll help you and your new friends to survive. I know it, Becky knows it. Hell, I’m sure even Snow and Elle know it too. You’re a good man, just don’t screw it up. Not like you did the last time you were selected for some special team for special assignments. Nearly got you kicked from the Service.” Harry spoke as he clicked his case together and put his bowie knife in a sheath that sat on his lower back, just above his tailbone. “Just follow your heart. Don’t let pride get in the way; it’s a sure way to get killed.” Harry added as he picked up his case and backpack of supplies. “I’ve got to go; Becky and the others are probably waiting to get going. Not sure what we’re doing, but it’s for the greater good Jack. Don’t forget that. Not all magic is bad, Snow told you that not too long ago, and she was right. Don’t let your hatred cloud your judgment.”

With that closing statement, Harry left the room and let Jack stay on his own. “I know… I know. It’s all just hocus pocus to me. But you’re right… You’re always right about these things. So long Harry, don’t die out there.” Jack spoke as he watched his friend leave. It was a sad moment for them both, but Jack could get through it… at least he hoped he could. There wasn’t a day in his life where he didn’t spend time with Harry and it was tough to watch his lifelong friend just walk away without so much as a tear or anything, but Jack knew the reality. He knew that a goodbye could mean they’d never meet again, but if Harry never came back. “Oh Harry. Just be safe old buddy… Don’t do anything I would do.” Jack muttered to himself as he holstered his revolvers and sat on his bed for a moment, examining the scope before attaching it to ‘Freebird’. It took him a moment to get over the fact that the thing was enchanted, but then realized that he’d be a dead man out there without it. A few minutes of tinkering left Jack frustrated and oddly satisfied with the mounting of the scope on his rifle, it took some time to set the sight right and to make is perfectly aligned, but once it was set, he was proud that he had done it on his own instead of getting Becky to affix the scope to his rifle. He rarely used one before the service, and when he did use one Becky had to mount it for him the correct way.

A short while passed and Jack finally got up and slung ‘Freebird’ over his shoulder and scavenged the rest of the room for his clothing and a bad to put it in. He had a tendency to haphazardly throw his things all around his room when he got lazy. He’d done it his whole life and it wasn’t about to change even though he’d be on the road for a while after this night. He thought of his new team… Fleur, Devin, Eulalie and Elle, it was going to be tough but he would get through it. Jack had a sense that he might be out of place as most of the rest of his team were European and he was American, and as he could recall, most Europeans weren't too fond of Americans. “I’ll be fine though, we’re a ‘family’ whatever that is supposed to mean.” He spoke and drew the string on his sack shut and closed his case that he had filled with ammunition and other useful supplies for his trickery and habits. He knew that there would be need for these things out in the field that he couldn't acquire by other means.

"Hello, I don't believe we've met. Name's Devin, and it's a pleasure to meet you, miss." She looked at Devin upon being spoken to, realizing he must not have been a prostitute after all.

"I am Mademoiselle Eulalie Bellerose," she said formally, "bonsoir." He was much cleaner looking, and not so crass, as the other American fellow. However, introductions could not continue further as Ellie began speaking once more, explaining names and the items for each person.

"Briar Rose," Eulalie tried the title in English, rolling the r's a little, then in French, "Eglantine...? Non, it's far too... pastoral. Briar Rose it is." She was talking to herself lightly, admiring the delicate tooling and settings in the book cover. Her English was French accented, but not quite so strongly as Red, as La Havre was a busy port city and she came in contact with so many British, Irish, and Scots that her English sounded slightly more English than would be typical further inland. Her French, however, was one hundred percent pure. And when she spoke German, it was a bit of a mess as she had learned the harsh language from a Frenchman. She didn't need it often, at least. She was snapped out of her thoughts by rising chatter and someone taking the liberty of patting her on the backside. She didn't care for that but tried to retain a calm demeanor. Others reached out and clasped her hand, nearly causing her to drop the little book. She set it down in her lap and tried to shake back more deliberately. How American.

"Unfortunately, we can't really celebrate. Merlin gave me a contract for you and requested we go immediately. So, head to your rooms and get ready, we leave as soon as possible." Ellie folded the piece of paper and put it in her pocket. Paul was crossing the room with the majority of Eulalie's luggage balanced carefully in his arms. "Eul--sorry, Rose. You can follow Paul and get something clean on."

Before she left, Sawyer caught her ear. “I’m sorry to have offended you, we’re mates in the guild and now team members, and maybe we’ll get a chance to take down some big baddies together… It’d be nice.” Eulalie was still wary of the man, but acquiesced and nodded in acknowledgement. She collected her book from her lap, rose, and muttered a "Pardon," to the strange group of people. Then she turned and swiftly walked after Paul. She followed the man to her room where he deposited her last trunk. He had the foresight to line them up against the wall and the foot of her bed, but they took up a fair amount of space. She would need to unpack into the wardrobe soon, lest she and Red be tripping about them all the time.

"Merci beaucoups." She said, shutting the door behind the departing giant. She turned the lock so she couldn't be walked in on, and went to open the larger drunk where she knew her clothes were. A mission, Ellie had said... Again, cursing that she lacked her maid, she took a key from her pocket and unlocked then opened the large rectangular trunk. It was lacquered black cedar with gold trimmings and hinges, the inside lid had a landscape painted by a not yet known Barbizon student named Corot. It was the more decorated trunk of the trio, and when traveling she always liked to look at the little painting. She sighed a little at the sight of the lavender fields in the painting, and went on poking through the box. Georgine had put it somewhere in here....

A moment of searching, then she removed a sturdily made riding habit in black tweed, first the trousers then the coat, and laid them on the bed. She set a white blouse with this, and also a leather chest plate she had commissioned after hearing from Snow what kind of use her skills would be put to. Lastly, new small clothes as she had been soaked through in the trip from the docks to the... guild... brothel... thing.

She quickly stripped out of the cold damp clothes and dried herself a bit with a towel she found in the wardrobe, and spotted a ewer on a bedside table that happened to have water in it. She washed her face, cleaning off all the ruined makeup. She took her time getting dressed, making sure everything was properly buttoned and neat. Her boots took a long time, with the row of buttons that climbed her calf. This, this is why Georgine was important! Damn them if they were feeling impatient.

Lastly she went to her smaller trunk, and removed a hatbox with a black lady's top hat plumed with a few white peacock feathers. She combed out her hair, which hung down to her waist in looping dark blond curls, and twice attempted and failed to place it in a bun on her head. She grit her teeth nearly ready to cry, trying to put up her hair while clasping a hand mirror between her knees for reference, and was growling in frustration by the time she finally had a decently set bun over which to pin her top hat. At the last minute, she added a gold broach to the neck of her blouse which bore the seal of the Bellerose family: a circle of thorns around a rose bloom.

"Enfin!!" she growled, setting aside her comb and mirror aside and checking herself once more. That took far too long, and she knew it. Finally she took a belt from her trunk with two holsters on it, and looped it around her waist. She removed the carrying case for her dueling pistols, and placed them into her holsters. Next she attached a leather purse to the belt with the tools to load the guns with powder and little round bullets. She placed the little grimoire inside too, so she could look over it when she had a moment. It was the first time she'd done all that for herself, even though it took nearly an hour, and she was rather proud of herself now. She decided against setting her face once more, as it would take far too much time alone to accomplish that deed and it was still rather wet outside. Thankfully, the rain had mostly stopped. She locked up her trunks, and made her way back to the tavern, nodding to Paul on her way out.

Red retreated to her quarters to change into a traveling dress, before quickly returning to sheepishly sweep the collar up off the table. While the cloak may serve the same purpose it would be difficult, if not impossible, to change while wearing it. At the door to her room she paused, listening to the quiet cursing from within. Quietly checking the door she found it was locked. She was about to protest the invasion of her room when Ellie approached.

“Sorry Red, I forgot to tell you. You’re going to be rooming with Rose for now. Probably till one of you moves out.” Red nodded in resignation. She considered knocking, but decided that until they knew each other better, perhaps she should give the Lady her space. Instead she headed to speak with Rumple. He would have her gear ready. She could change when Mme. Bellerose was finished.

Red was sorry Mme. Snow would not be coming. She may not like Red, but Red idolized her. Snow was the head hunter in the guild, having slain more monsters than any other living person but Merlin himself. That is what Red wanted. Not the fame or position, but the ability. The ability to kill monsters. The ability to avenge her parents, and herself. It was Snow that had saved her and brought her to the Guild. No matter what Snow did or said now, she was Red’s hero.

Returning to the tavern with a large basket on one arm she spotted Mme. Bellerose, ‘Rose’ she reminded herself, heading back out into the brothel for some reason. Hurrying up to what was now ‘their’ room, she changed quickly, put her cloak back on, and slid the collar into the basket and smoothed the white cloth over it. A determined look upon her face she opened the door and went looking for Ellie.

Aside from the items, Snow also gave out their official Guild codenames. It was a Guild custom, Devin was told, and they didn't have to abandon their old names. Fleur had already been assigned the name 'Red'. Eulalie, the new recruit, was 'Briar Rose'. Devin wondered what that name meant. Jack was 'Sawyer'. And finally, he was the 'Huntsman', owing to his rather traditional techniques of hunting. He decided he liked it.

The crowd cheered their newly inducted members. Devin had to politely turn down their offers of drink but happily joined them in their song and revelry. This was a good place it seemed. The hunters were more like a family than just colleagues.

Unfortunately the meeting ended as abruptly as it had started. There was an urgent mission directly from Merlin himself and they had to depart right now. Jack was on another epic monologue- his personality seemed to have taken a complete turnaround. The man was now quiet and apologetic, even singing praises of Devin's skill. Devin shook his head and played along, patting him on the back. Eulaie and Red also left soon after, so Devin followed suit.

He got changed into his hunting gear in his room. A tunic and flexible trousers, with boots. He swung his new quiver of arrows over his right shoulder, taking some of his regular steel arrows with him as well. A utility belt was clasped around his waist, with various tools and useful items. Finally, he hooked his axe to its spot on the belt and took his bow.

With everything in check he went back to the main hall to wait for the rest.

As her new students left to gather her things, Ellie did so as well. She made for her room and packed her own gear for the trip. In general, she wouldn't get directly involved and simply observe, but she had to be ready just in case something went wrong. Before she left, Ellie opened up her top drawer and pulled out four books. Each had the crest of the Kingdom Guild on the cover. After that, she gathered four broaches like the one over her left breast. It was a cold iron mold of the Guild crest, a rose with three thorn branches extending from it. With her supplies gathered, Ellie cleared the room and returned to the tavern.

"This is your Guild Guide and Guild Seal." Ellie would say as the young hunters rejoined her and she handed each a book and broach. "The Guide will hold all the important information a hunter will need to survive in the field, eventually. The Seals are a vital form of communication for the Guild. Pressing the rose center will connect you with Belle for research or Rumple if you need an emergency supply delivery."

It was always difficult to explain the two devices. Most new recruits had trouble understanding how magic worked so they always were skeptical of the potential each item could have. Ellie hated rushing her students on their first day, but Merlin was insistent that they investigate the contract immediately. "A carriage has been arranged and will take us to the station. From there we ride to New Hampshire."

==========TIME SKIP (Carriage Ride: ~1 hour)===========

The carriage ride was short. Merlin had used Guild Funds to have a rail line built to Golden City for easy access. They even had a private car. It was the safest way for them to travel since many member of the Guild had unique appearances. It was better not to confine some of them in crowded boxes with strangers. The car was bought after Beast got anxious and shifted in a packed car. Luckily, Ellie convinced the passengers that it was just an illusion. Ellie looked around at her kids. They were an odd group. Normally, she trained students that fit well together, but there was such an odd chemistry among this team.

It was strange that Merlin would chose them to work together, She always figured Sawyer would have stayed with his friends that joined. Regardless, there was nothing to be done about it now. They'd come to enjoy each other's company and work well together. Ellie just smiled and rested her head against the window. She thought she caught a glimpse of a massive White Wolf in the trees. It was so quick, she couldn't be sure. It really couldn't have been. That wolf was killed about a year ago.

She shook the thought out of her mind. She looked back at the eager recruits. She caught some of them staring at their Guides and had a sudden realization. She couldn't believe she had forgotten earlier, especially with how long she has known Red. She pulled out her own Guide and Seal. Ellie flipped to the first page and placed the Seal over Merlin's introduction. She pressed the center of the rose and it started to glow a bright blue. It pulsed with each word as Merlin's voice began to read the passage that was printed on the pages.

"I forgot to tell you. I know not everyone is the best at reading yet, but the books are enchanted. You can use your guild seal to hear a sort of recording of the words." She pushed the center of her seal again and Merlin fell silent. The glow disappeared and she pinned it back to her shirt. She closed up her book and tucked it back into her bag. She had to be careful about leaving it around. It had a lot more information than their Guides did and Merlin had a thing about hunters learning on their own. "You'll learn more about what both can do as we get further into your training."

Eulalie was quite bothered that she had to go back out into the damned rain once more, into another carriage, and toted off some place this very night. Having come across an ocean on a steam ship she was exhausted from travel and simply wanted to sleep, as there had been little success in sleeping on the waving, rocking ship this past three weeks. Modern as the ship was, that didn't shrink the expanse it had to navigate. When she heard they would board a train, she hoped for a sleeper unit to rest in but didn't hold her breath. Moments later the realization that this trip might take a while, and that she did not have a set of fresh clothing for the next day, struck her but she had yet to have a moment to ask Ellie about that, but she did pocket the fact that the bath she had asked about never came. There would be a whole list of complaints by the time she would have a chance to speak to someone in charge.

She turned the guild seal over in her hand during the crowded carriage ride. It was like a more rough, cold attempt at her family seal of thorns and roses but none of the beauty and grace of the gold broach at her throat. She noted the main difference was that the Bellerose crest was a rose encircled by thorns like the crown of Christ, whereas the iron broach of the guild had a rose from which three thorny branches jutted outward from the flower. It felt terribly pagan by comparison, and she tucked it into her purse rather than pinning it on her chest for now.

The rain had not lessened any by the time the carriage reached the station. It did not dampen Red’s spirits however. At long last she was a true member of the guild, and allowed an opportunity to redeem her soul. An opportunity to prove herself worthy of the second-chance given her. As she stepped aboard the rail car Red shook out her rust red rain-cloak and took a seat quietly in the corner.

Taking out her new guide book she opened the cover and stared longingly at the page, begging it to make sense. She knew it wouldn’t. Such a wealth of knowledge, all withheld from her. She had spent two years at the guild hall, and had heard other hunters talking about their Guides. The Guild even employed someone for the sole purpose of reading the books and sharing their knowledge with the other members.

When Ellie began speaking Red stiffened and stole a quick glance around to see if anyone had taken notice of her actions. It didn’t appear so, and as Ellie explained the awe inspiring method of using the guild seal and guide she felt a spark of hope. Perhaps this was the tool she needed. The spoken words combined with the written. Maybe at last she would learn. A smile crossed her face for a moment before another thought chased it away. Clearing her throat to get Ellie’s attention Red voiced her thought.

“Pardon, Madame, but what iz ‘ze mission ‘zat Monsieur Merlin ‘as assigned us? I did not expect us to be sent out so soon. Not zat I will not try my best of course, it is just…” Red trailed off, unsure how to finish.

Ellie returned shortly after they had gathered in the tavern. She held out a book and brooch to each of them. Devin grabbed it with a nod. She explained that it was the Guild Guide and Guild Seal. The Seal could be used to magically communicate with Belle or Rumple. The Guide… was to be read, he presumed. Devin couldn't read. He turned the tome around, wondering what he was going to do with it.

Without further ado, the party left. A short carriage ride later they were on a private train car, rumbling towards their destination at full speed. Devin sat at the window watching the scenery zoom past. These technological wonders were simply marvelous. He had not the slightest clue how they worked, but as long as they worked he had no qualms about them. Gone were the days of traveling through the woods by horseback or foot.

Fortunately Ellie informed them that they could use the Seal to read the Guide. Devin gave it a try. As soon as he placed the Seal upon a page of the book, Merlin's clear voice began speaking to him. Not just technology, then. Magic made everything so convenient too.

"Yes. What are we after?" Devin joined in when Red asked about the mission. They haven't been told what to expect at all.

Eulalie tried not to look like she was listening to the others, whom she had never asked to nor aspired to be one of, as they inquired of Ellie about what it is they would be doing. Indeed, she was curious as well, but perhaps not with as much bated breath. She listened carefully to Red's accent, trying to place the girl's origin, and decided wherever it was it was further inland than she had been raised in. She made a mental note to inquire on her roommate's family and home parish when the time was available.

Devin, the Englishman, didn't have the sound of fashionable London about him, and she decided he was from somewhere rural, but not sure where. She always had a hard time placing Englishmen that were not from London. She could almost smell the fog on Londoners, and they were better dressers than Devin as well. Though, she thought, he would probably clean up nicely, should someone take the time to domesticate him.

It seemed peculiar that Sawyer, that rough American man who only an hour or two ago was so brash and forward, had become so quiet. Maybe she had put him in his place, and he'd learn to keep his tongue in check. Bien... She didn't particularly care where he came from, and wouldn't mind if he went right back to it. So far, the only American she'd yet encountered and found somewhat tolerable was Ellie, the poor spinster. She had to be nearly thirty, and no husband. She was pretty enough. Tragique...

It was a good feeling to know that instead of by horse or other means, they were traveling by train. Jack felt more at ease on the rumbling tracks and was reminded of his days as a drifter. "This is much swankier than the boxcars I used to hitch rides in when I was a kid." He spoke as the party stepped into the train car. It was spacious, comfortable and seemed to fit the needs and personalities of each of the guild members, provided that those needs weren't some sort of occult, magic mumbo jumbo sacrifice or cannibalism. Jack nodded along to Ellie's explanation of the seal and book, and he promptly tucked both items away in his sack. They may be important, but he had no use for them in his current situation and his unfounded hatred for the arcane made him not want to touch them unless in the most dire of situations.

"I've already got the scope, El, I don't think I'll be needing much more than that. And to add to that, I don't even want the damned thing, but it's useful and it will keep my team mates alive." He spoke just before Little Red and the Huntsman spoke up about the mission. It got him thinking about what could be ahead. About what dangerous adventures awaited them. It made jack excited and mad him wish that the mission had started sooner.

However instead of waiting for an answer, he made leave to sit across the room from the rest of his party, looking out the window as scenery passed by quickly, noting that this train seemed much faster than the usual steam engines he was used to. 'Must be powered by magic...' he thought to himself as he pulled a cigarette from his breast pocket and opened the window to the rain. As the water droplets began to wet the table he sat at and wet his hair again as well, he lit the smoke and took a short drag from it while he awaited their destination.

Jack's thought finally turned to the other french woman in the party, Eulalie, and he wondered how she'd fair in the mission as she seemed rather delicate and stuck up. But none of that would be a concern to him if he made sure she didn't get herself in a sour situation with whatever locals they'd be dealing with. Jack knew that wherever they'd be going, that the local color wouldn't take too kindly to her noble attitude. On that thought he made sure to approach her before they got off the train.

"Briar Rose, can I speak with you for a moment?" Jack said as he rose from his seat to help her with whatever things she had brought with her. "You're not like the rest of us in this group, you come from a more... privileged... background. Most people that we'll likely meet aren't going to share your views of the world and aren't going to expect the same hospitality and care that you do. You grew up having things handed to you, from what I can tell, and you aren't accustomed to doing anything yourself. You best hold your tongue when we're dealing with the citizenry, and let me do most of the talking. I know these things and these people and how they operate. It would be better for you to not put your foot in your mouth while out in the field... Wouldn't want to see that pretty face of yours get hurt." Jack was satisfied with his speech and promptly turned from her. "The last thing I want is for any of you to get hurt because you don't know what you're doing, and you don't know how to handle common folk, I'm assuming."

Who was this old man to berate her so? The cocky girl slid one hand over the pistols in her belt to draw his attention to them. The strangeness of the evening was already causing her to feel defensive, and his words fed her aggression.

"Mon chere cochon, best they hold their tongue with me." she cracked a slight grin on one side of her face, hinting a suppressed wicked memory. "I did not leave France willingly. Like Napoleon, I am in temporary exile. Rurals are not a problem to me, as I have dealt with servants my whole life. And I handled you, as drunk as you were, mere hours ago." she said coldly to the man who was already leaving and hadn't bothered to listen to her arguments, the bastard.

Then she wasn't thinking of this band of new fellows but of months prior, when she raised Mimette Dupont high above the ground with rose vines cruelly piercing her pretty white flesh; the girl crying and screaming as she was lifted high by her limbs, and the vines artfully following Eulalie's will bolstered by dark vengeance to display the bitch like a crucifix for her parents to find later. It had been that dark hatred that fueled the feat, and she hadn't any luck growing them in quite the same way since, but she was proud of the magic she had conjured. It was enough to tighten her chest and quicken her breath thinking of it, and her nostrils flared in memory. Exile was worth it to take the bitch down a peg. May she get worse should she ever touch her dear Michel again. The thought of him tightened her chest in a different way, and she rose and went outside to the train's back balcony to take fresh air despite the wet. She didn't realize her hands had started shaking from memory and confrontation until she gripped the balcony rail. The damp air was cool, and abated the flush that had appeared over her skin. The wind whipped the tail of her jacket, and she was glad she had thought to pin her hat securely. She didn't care what the mission was anymore, she just wanted to be anywhere but here and preferably somewhere in the quiet company of Michel Fontaine.

"It's nothing to worry about, really. Merlin said he came across a contract that would a perfect test to see what everyone is capable of." She spoke as caring as she could. Ellie pulled out the contract and folded it open as she spoke. She didn't want to worry them. She learned a long time ago that even the easiest of contracts could quickly become complicated by unforeseen circumstances. However, that biggest factor to a complication was self-doubt. She read over the details of the contract so that she could give them a the quick summary.

"There's a town up north that suspects they are dealing with witches in their community. Animals go missing and are later found in the remnants of a sacrificial ceremony." That was the gist of the contract. The details explained who they suspected and graphic details of how the town would like the problem solved. In her personal experience, witchcraft was often just a bunch of distraught girls acting out the stories they've heard about witches. The mostly likely scenario is they'd just have to figure out who was behind it and convince them to stop scaring people.

"Not to worry though, I'm sure the townsfolk are just over-reacting. Actual witchcraft is rare for your average person to come across." Ellie kept her smile on, despite her own doubts that crept into the back of her mind. She let her smile fade some as she listened to Sawyer lecture Rose. He wasn't one to have much room to talk. Sawyer was bold, rash, and not very good with manners. His attitude was just as likely to offend someone as Eulalie's.

"Rousing words, Sawyer, but why don't you let me worry about keeping everyone safe, dear. That is why I'm here." Ellie did little to hide the sarcastic tone in her voice. It was hard to get under her skin, but that was how she let you know you were poking at it.

She was stretched out on her stomach, her booted feet up in the air swinging back and forth. Her chin rested on her hands and she huffed out a heavy puff of air, dramatically blowing the hair out of her face so her bright blue eyes were clear. The sigh failed to draw attention from Woody, who was wiping a glass behind the bar. Pete tried again, sighing a little bit louder this time. She saw a corner of his mouth twitch, almost breaking his face into a smile. He shut it down quickly, but Pete now knew that he was listening. "I'm boooooooored," she said, sticking her bottom lip out in a pout.

"Get off of my counter, Pete." Woody was trying to scold her, but his tone was too light to be harsh.

"I'm not on your counter, Woody." Well, she wasn't lying. Pete hovered two or three inches above the wood. "I'm above it."

Woody set down the glass he'd been holding and shot her a look, but couldn't help but grin a few seconds later. Yes, she was an annoyance, but she was so childish and lighthearted all the time that you didn't want to hurt her feelings. She hadn't been here long, only a couple of days, but already she'd made herself right at home.

Pete rolled over, away from the counter until her feet were below her and she was standing, still not on the ground. She bent her knees in a sitting position, crossing her ankles. "Tell me, Mr. Barkeep," she sighed, her blue eyes wandering the tavern distractedly. "When are they gonna give me something to do? You must be the center of all the gossip. You must know all the goings-on. This was supposed to be an adventure, but all I've been doing so far is messing around and 'training.' I'm about ready to explode!"

Woody said nothing, simply raised an eyebrow and shrugged, implying that he had nothing to say on the matter. Pete stuck out her tongue at him and let her feet fall to the floor. "Fine, I'm going to go find someone more interesting to talk to. You're no fun!"

With that, she stomped away dramatically, feigning anger at the man. She wasn't actually certain who else she could pester, but there were plenty enough people in the Guild buildings. Heck, if she had to, she'd bother one of the Companions to keep her company. Bell wasn't around today and probably wouldn't be for a while. It wasn't practical to depend on the little bird's company.

Suddenly, an idea came to Pete. Ash, the other new girl. She could hunt her down and get her to tell her a story. Pete walked up the wall to the ceiling. Walking down the hallway upside down, she pulled out her flute and began to play a happy little tune. "Oh dearest Aaaaaaaaaaashliiiiiiiiing!" she sang out.

The room was dull, that is the first thing she came to realize. Then again, everything in reality is a bit dull to someone like Ash. Nothing is as clean as it should be, or as bright as it could be. To her, everything is coated in a vale of gray, even the people, and that was what scared her the most. The gray vale was strewn over them like a cloak, hiding their true self, giving them a selfish mindset. Sure, some people weren't as covered, but they still had limits, still wouldn't go outside the boundaries of their own mindset. Ash knew that even she was covered by the vale, it was the cause of her cynical nature (and perhaps, her near sanity). The vale wasn't hard to spot, at times it is even blatantly obvious, and Ashling found it to be the most annoying thing to exist. In her dreams, however, everything was bright and open and fresh, and the people (well, "people" could be a loosely used term) were all mad and delightfully fun. The vale could not bother her in her own head. There, she was allowed to be the real "Ashling", bright and curious and beautifully imperfect in a perfect sort of way.

'No, do not think about the bad stuff right now, think of the goods!' Her mind warned her. And she did, which led to her noticing the second thing, how warm the room was. A comfortable warm, one that could lull any person in a sense of comfort and sleepiness. It was warmer then at her old job, and Ash couldn't be happier to lay on the bed and just daydream about all things warm. Fire, lava, summer, this room, stars, tea. Oh, what an endless list it seems to be! The more she thought of warmth, the warmer she felt, and the warmer she felt, the sleepier she became. Her brain quickly rattled through the names of warm things until she found that she couldn't name them anymore. Then she shifted towards how she had spent the last five days after arriving. The welcome party had been rather hectic, to say the least, but not overly unfriendly. She had been as polite as she usually was, introducing herself in a small voice, putting 'Ms' or 'Mr' before every name, staring at the floor often. It was her own special way of appreciating this sort of work. The second day, she mulled around the place, curious eyes searching over each room she was allowed to enter. Her chat was minimal and her presence hopefully not obscuring. The third and fourth day she inspected the board, reading each offer for a job, but didn't bother to ask about them. If she was needed, they'd come to her. The fifth day was the day she finally decided to wind down a bit and relax. Yes, relax... Her mind then sat, blank as a sheet, still too giddy to dream and too tired to get up, until a familiar voice drew her back into reality.

"Ashling~ Enjoying yourself?" the voice asked, and Ash looked quickly around the room until her eyes fell on the strange, rather fat cat that appeared at the foot of her bed. He gave a wicked grin, and Ash gave a faint smile in return,

"Yes, actually. Everyone here seems to be very nice." she replied with her rich accent, her eyes bright. The cat nodded, grin dimming a bit,

"Nice for now, but watch your back. Not everyone is as they seem." Vapor's eyes gleamed a bright green, and Ash frowned,

"I know that already. Shoo for now, cat. I want to dream a bit." She retorted, leaning head against the pillows once more. Something shifted at the end of the bed, and then vanished, leaving behind a brief chill. 'Rude cat,' her mind whispered, 'I barely know these people, perhaps they'll be kinder then most...'

Ash stared at the ceiling for a moment, trying to allow the warmth to calm her excited nerves and make her tired, and then let her heavy eye lids droop until she was surrounded by darkness. Dreaming, Ashling always found dreaming to be such an easy feat to accomplish. Just closing her eyes for only a few moments could send her spiraling into a different, beautiful land. Arriving was always the worst part, though, the almost insanely long fall never got anymore exciting then it already was. Experiencing it, night after night, now just became a tedious task. Ash allowed her arms to dangle at her sides as she slowly drifted downwards, down down down the claustrophobic drop, at times grabbing a book or two to quench her boredom. It normally took two or three books skimmed through quickly to reach the bottom, but today, she found herself on the fifth.

"Oh dear, this seems longer then usual." she whispered, throwing the book over her shoulder as her eyes glanced downwards. Wind shifted around her legs, just below her fluttering skirt, keeping her afloat and even below that was the endless black of the hole. Suddenly, the air vibrated, causing Ashling to lurch back. A voice, low and oddly familiar, filled the tunnel, and Ash found that it formed a word, no, a name.

"-st Aaaaaaaaaaashliiiiiiiiing!"

The tunnel vanished with a blast of light and Ash shot up, looking rather frazzled. Her door, which was slightly ajar, allowed Ash to hear the approaching foot steps which were accompanied with a cheery tune. Slowly, Ash sat up straighter, rubbing her eyes until she felt her grogginess melt into a sense of semi-awareness. The warmth of the room was gone, luckily, so she regained enough focus to pull on her boots and wander towards the door, peeking outside. Much to her surprise, the hall seemed empty, until she tilted her head up a bit and saw a young girl standing on the ceiling, walking as if she were right side up.

"How queer!" she whispered, a faint smile on her lips, "Hello, Ms... er... Pete. Do you need something?"

It hadn't taken her too long to find the other new girl. Obviously her call had done its job, and Pete played four quick, jolly little notes upon the sight of Ashling shuffle out of her room. With one swift motion the flute was out of Pete's hands and put away in her belt. She planted her hands on her hips as she turned right-side up, walking her way around in a loop. She tutted at Ashling, shaking her head as though disappointed. "Oh Ashling," she said, coming to a stop in front of the sleepy-eyed girl. "You do look as though you've just been rudely awoken from a nap. Naps are for old people, don't cha know!" Pete hooted with laughter quite suddenly, holding her hands on her belly as though she'd told quite a hilarious joke.

Just then Pete's face went serious, and she sat down in mid-air, crossing her legs and tapping her chin. "Now earlier, just this evening, I saw a pack of misfits head out the door off to some adventure. They had Ellie as a leader and everything! Now I'm wondering, why do they get to go and we don't? I say we should've snuck along with them. Why didn't we, Ash? Hmmm."

She was now stroking her chin thoughtfully, sincerely beginning to wonder why she hadn't thought of that earlier. It was a shame she couldn't turn back time and do so. There was one girl in that group with a big frilly dress that Pete so badly wanted to start a mud fight with. She sighed longingly, incredibly disappointed that she was now missing out. She wasn't sure how much more of this boredom she could take. People would soon grow weary of her tricks and pranks, and she'd grow weary of this place. It was already beginning, and she could feel it.

Red sat back and watched the group she had been assigned to. A most unusual collection. An aloof French Lady, resentful of being torn away from her life of comfort. A cocksure German huntsman. An almost stereotypical American, headstrong and usually at least half-drunk. And herself, a French peasant girl. If only that was the extent of what she was. Looking around the railcar she wondered for a moment what secrets the others hid. Grinning ruefully to herself she shook the thought away. Best not to pry into others secrets unless you have none yourself.
Still, they were expected to work together. Being a little friendly wouldn’t hurt. Opening her basket Red pulled out a loaf of bread and a hunk of cheese wrapped in wax paper.
“Would anyone care for a bit of food as we journey?” Red turned to Rose. “Madame, I know you had no time for a repast between your arrival and our… unexpected departure.” She offered the food and a small pairing knife.

Guild Hall: Dorms

"You didn't sneak along because that would be breaking the rules." Snow stood behind the eager little girl. She had a very serious look on her face. The kind that would let Pete know she should be glad she hadn't snuck off, but she may still be in trouble just for suggesting it. Snow folded her arms and shook her head. The Guild had been taking in a lot of new members lately. In the past, they'd spend years training and honing their skills, especially if they were still just children. Now, Merlin urged them to learn the basics and then get to work. What was he afraid of?

"So, you're bored, then? Perhaps a game." Snow did her best to be as sincere as she could. Any other member of the Guild would call her out, but these new girls had no idea the kind of woman that Snow really was. A game would be the last thing on Snow's mind. She was a born hunter. She lived and breathed for the Guild with no time for games. "I've lost a trinket somewhere in the Guild. It's a small apple pendant my mother gave me."

"It's a silly, worthless thing, really." Snow leaned against the wall and kicked at the floor. She may have not been one for games, but there was a small part of her that enjoyed manipulating people. The girls get to think they're playing a little scavenger hunt and she gets some actual work done. It was a win for all. "Find it for me and I'll give you a special prize."

"You can go where you want and ask whoever for help, but be warned: some of the other members are playing to." She wagged her finger to the last words of warning as she walked back down the hall. With so many members of the Guild on her wild goose chase, she could finally get some peace and quiet. She had work to do and the less children looking for entertainment, the more she could get done before Merlin sent her to get another recruit.

When Eulalie returned to the rail car, she found Red digging into her pack and offering her bread and cheese. If the girl had not been a fellow countrywoman, she might have turned it down. But the offer made her stomach growl before she could answer, and she nodded and accepted the food. Red was right, she had not eaten since early mid day if not more of late morning. She hadn't been sure what time of day it was anymore, at the time.

"Merci beaucoup." she said, taking a seat next to Red. Her roommate. Her peasant roommate. Who is being kind to you, she told herself. She took a bite cautiously, but then ate readily. It was good cheese, if not what she was used to. The bread must have been made that morning. She'd had staler bread offered on the ship and complained loudly to the staff of it.

"Mademoiselle Rouge," she addressed Red in French, preferring not to offer the chance for others to butt in on her private conversation. Others named Sawyer. "Your accent appears to be Eastern France to me, maybe near Germany. Would I be correct in my guess? From which parish do you hail?"

---

((OOC Note: her question is just written in italics as a translation, rather than posting it in French for the sake of I don't have time right now. Listeners would hear her speaking French.))

At being compared to an old person her face shifted, lips forming a definite pout as she wondered briefly if she should give the younger-looking girl a pap on the nose for being so rude. The idea passed like a breeze, though, as she brought up another topic. Something about an entourage going with the blonde, woman, Ellie. Ash stared blankly at the red-head for a moment, then a light of understanding filled her eyes,

"We weren't invited on the mission, and sneaking on would be rather... Impolite." she concluded with a nod, hands clutching the hem of her black skirt. Pete was such a hard person to understand, very innocent and childish, but she looked to old to be one of those rambunctious kids. Also, the floating thing was a bit weird, but probably not uncommon since, well, there were plenty of magical people out there! Still... Stilllll.

How curious. Her mind whispered, and before she could ask any questions regarding her age or the floating thing, another presence entered the hall. Her heart nearly leapt to her throat when she caught sight of the serious looking Snow that suddenly stood behind Pete. Obviously, she didn't seem to thrilled with Petria's idea of sneaking on with the group before. Ashling quickly cast her eyes downward, shifting her weight from foot to foot as her nails dug into the fabric of her skirt-hem, listening intently as Snow explained the premise of a game. An apple pendant, huh... A prize... Ashling suddenly felt the creeping of anxiety she normally felt when talking to people. Vapor's words echoed in her head over and over, and Ash found her trust in these people around her wavering greatly.

It's okay, it's okay. her own voice echoed in her head, Maybe she DID really lose it, how foolish would you be if you thought she was lying? The voice continued to convince her to calm down until Snow walked off, leaving the two alone once again. The feeling faded, and Ashling found herself left with two options on how to spend the rest of the day now; Sleeping and dreaming, or wandering over the Guild in search of a pendant. Honestly, the first sounded more appealing, seeing as she still wasn't truly awake from the nap before, but...

"Do you want to play together, Ms. Pete?" her eyes glanced up towards the floating red-head. Leaving the girl to play alone would be rude, or just mean. Besides, maybe there actually was a prize, and maybe they'll get to look in the rooms that were closed off to her before. With her head held a bit higher then before, she locked her eyes with Pete's and pushed a strand of dark hair before her ear, trying her best to look excited.

"Hmm," Pete hummed, staring down the hall that Snow had disappeared down. She stuck her tongue out in the direction of where the nasty woman had been, out of the view of Ashling. She had decided immediately upon meeting Snow that she did not like her, and it was probably a mutual feeling. She didn't care for rules, and never had. Snow's words only made Pete regret not sneaking away even more. Her cheeks turned red with her childish anger. She spun back around to face Ash and pulled her legs up so she sat cross-legged. In seconds the heat in her face faded away.

She was completely unaware of Ashling's inner dilemmas and oblivious to her sensitivities. Thankfully, however, Pete did not tell Ashling that she knew Snow was lying. She could tell. That bitter old woman would never send children after something she valued. She was the type who would go do it herself, because no one could do it as well as she could. No, Pete did not tell Ashling that, crushing the girl's secret hopes that there were people worth trusting. Instead, Pete fibbed and played along with Snow's game.

"You want to play the game with me?" Pete was thrilled, but the surprise registered in her voice. "Well, come on, then! We have an adventure to go on!" Pretending to search for the -- wait, what was it again? Some sort of trinket, right? Ah, no matter -- thingy-ma-jig was a perfect excuse to explore every nook and cranny of this weird brothel slash Weirdo Headquarters. "And for goodness sake, Ash," Pete said, grinning as she grabbed the other girl's hand and began dragging her down the hall and she flew along. "It's Pete. It's just Pete."