[IC] 🦄 Deeper Than The Sands - Merged With T.S.

[Nallore]

Lauren Ridgeway

Location: Streets of Cairo -> Qasr El Nil Barracks (Front gates)
Skills: N/A

---

---

Lauren gave Mahendra a soft and friendly smile towards him, and looked down at the cat who was comfortably content with being in her arms. "Found this little guy on my way here, nearly tripped over him a few times." Lauren answered, as she looked down at the weird mark in it's fur for a moment. Still it was very weird, but decided to keep quiet about it for now as she gently patted the cat on the head and then turned her attention towards The Lord Major and George on his car. Lauren was grateful that she still had her access to the barracks with no true issues. Then Lauren paused when she heard of the news on what happened to Peter the night before, then she looked over seeing Vera, Josephine and Ahkmed all coming out as well.

Lauren took in Vera's attire as Ahkmed informed them on what had happened the night before to Peter, which made her feel very sad towards Vera. Lauren didn't know Peter all that well only having met him for a few hours the day before, but she had a feeling that Vera and him were very close. Lauren turned her attention back over towards Mahendra and nodded towards him, she had gotten the time to know Vera pretty well. Lauren was going to be there for her friend, and by the look of it Vera needed the comfort, of her friends, looking at Mahendra and nodded.

"Of course i'll come if you have me. And Vera I am very and truly story to hear for your loss, if you need someone i'm here for you if you want to talk." Lauren said, as she heard the cat meow and purring in her ear she continued to pet the kitty she held, actually getting attached to the thing pretty quickly as well. Lauren then heard a few more footsteps as she turned her head and saw Nora and Anton as well. "Good morning Nora." Lauren said smiling towards her friend and gave Anton a slight nod, she didn't know the guy very well, Lauren started to follow alongside Vera.

[Sigil]

---

---

Reginald Keystone

---

Location: Streets of Cairo
Skills: N/A

---

---

Reginald sat in within the confines of the luxury automobile, glad in some dry, cynical day that he was not driving. It was a singular joy for him, piloting or driving or even riding horseback, so long as it was fast and he got to feel that rush of adventure that always seemed to accompany it. Not so today. The Lord Major did not wish to associate that feeling with the very pressing, crushing realization that he had just lost Peter, again. The dear bpy meant the world to him, and he had to experience this one more time. Fate sometimes took great pleasure in stabbing one in the gut and snapping off the blade.

He did not initiate conversation with George in this time, though in the actions of a gentlemen did wordlessly offer the man a drink, even though the hour was not generally suited to it. It seemed a reflex action more than anything; Reginald did not partake himself. In fact the only words that came from his mouth were an indication to the driver as to where they were going. Past that, he really didn't feel up to maintaining conversation unless important in nature.

[FantasyChic]

---

---

Josephine Clark

---

Location: Outside -> Museum Entrance
Skills: N/A

---

Josephine was surprised that Lady Munn moved so effortlessly as she took her. Then again, the woman had just experienced a terrible loss, so one could hardly blame her for how she was acting. Some people dealt with grief in many ways. She recalled the loss of her grandfather. Out of her entire family, he was one that supported her in whatever she wanted. Where others, her parents mainly, discouraged her desire, her grandfather nurtured it.

And then there was Haakon. One could hardly forget the first friend she met here and one she considered her sole ally. Akhmed was all well and good (especially in the bedroom), but she hardly knew the man. He seemed dependable enough, especially when he handled the tiresome explanation to both Lauren and Mahendra. Even more annoyance as two more approached. Josephine could hardly be bothered. Lady Munn shouldn't be out in the heat the way she was dressed.

"We were just heading to the museum." She said it more as a fact rather than as an invitation. If the others followed, she could hardly stop them. But she maintained her light grasp upon Lady Munn as she moved her inside the museum. Hopefully, she would feel more up to speech next, being in familiar territory.

[Lady Absinthia]

---

---

---

@rivaan @Morose @FantasyChic @Nallore @Sigil @ONL

---

October 5th, 1924 - 10:05 a.m. Local Time - A New Day

---

---

Over in the alley of wonder, the food was served quickly. It was similar to the day before but some of the vegetables had been changed out an the sauce was a tad on the lighter side. It was still yummiful and filling and able to be carried around if need be. Things seemed to be going well and peaceful as one could hope for on a morning in Cairo. That was until something changed. There was a sensation building in the pit of Mosis stomach, as if something was turning and then it felt like she got punched in the gut followed by a burning sensation.

Vera could only look over and accept the condolences given to her with a slight nod of acknowledgement. It looked as if she wanted to speak but was not coming out, at least not yet but being around people seemed to be making at least the facial expression on her features a tad less dramatic. The kitty with Lauren meowed but stayed with Lauren, curling up as it was held and purring loudly. Its bright eyes darting around and looking about but it didn't seem as if the cat wanted to get own anytime soon. The cat was feeling far better than Mosi was right then that was for sure.

Mosi wasn't the only one getting this feeling either, it seemed Mahendra was having the same feeling in the same place. When the feeling faded there was a mark left behind. If one was able to get to a point to look right above their belly button where the main source of the pain had started there was a mark. It was still burning though, and the pain was intense. Others in the group would know that feeling all too well. And it seemed on top of everything else, the two would feel as if they had a fever.

In the vehicle George took the drink and gave a thank you quietly. He stayed quiet other than that, not wanting to intrude on the mans thoughts. Not that George would have said much anyways, he was never much of a talker that one. It wasn't long before they arrived at the hospital where Peters body was being kept. Stopping at the front, George slipped out first, quickly, and held the door open for the Lord Major. "Mmm, here we are sir," he said as he stood there.

[rivaan]

---

---

Priscilla Harker

---

Location: Alleyway of Wonder
Skills: None

---

---

"Tasty~" She mused to herself as the meal got served so she quickly got to eating it. A good meal was as always good for a decent pondering of importan questions such as the meaning of life, whats the purpose of her existence and why on earth would she be stood up like that especially after she was pretty sure that both of them with Rosheen hit it off rather nicely. It was best friend material potential as far as Mosi was concerned, that and just spending time with that redhead was quite very fun. She wouldn't mind another ride on the bike. That was fun and adrenaline raising.

Then she started feeling something was off... Her hand reached for her stomach. First it was a slight tingling sensation then it started building at the pit of the stomach. This was not a good sensation especially as it was building strength. Finally it build up to a spendling impact like someone had punched her in the stomach nicely completelyd with a burning sensation that felt like she was torched up." Fuuu..." She curshed as she curled up, face planted on the counter next to her plate, her hands still holding the burning hurting stomach of hers. For crying out loud what was happening now?!

She lost her track of the surroundings as she let out a pained groan, grinding her teeth for a good while until the feeling somewhat subsided. Still it was one hell of an unpleasant experience. Her head was still spinning, she was sweating, but she also felt slightly cold, in otherwords she felt like she had a bloody fever... out of nowhere... in the middle of a desert city! Finally as the sensation faded ever more, she slowly pulled up from her curled position and blinked a few painful times, holding her stomach area and one place at perticular felt still burning with intense pain." Thank you for the food..." She mumbled, pulling away from the foodplace and with really shaky steps moving away, using the wall as support. She didn't remember for walking to be so unpleasant in the past ever... The burning sensation on the stomach was intense and it was pulling with each step as her skin and muscles were moving.

Mosi more or less staggered all the way to a more secluded place on the side between the two buildings by the staircase which led to Rosheen's place and a little further to be somewhat out of view before she pulled her shirt up a little to see what was causing this insufferable burning sensation." What is this dammit?" She mumbled, seeing the mark, before putting her shirt back down to cover her stomach. Her head was still a little cloudy from the fever like sensation so she sat down, her back to the wall to let her mind clear up.

[Morose]

---

---

Nora Kingston

---

---

Location: Museum Entrance
Skills: N/A

---

Nora smiled, obliging as she took Aton's hand. She was hoping that it was an escort of friendship, as any further companionship could lead to marriage, of which she had a (in her mind) healthy fear. But beyond those hopes, she was enjoying Aton's company as well. He was far nicer than any Englishmen in her opinion - though they were a true testimony to the fact that being polite and being kind were entirely different things. Yet her thoughts changed to a particular Englishman as they reached the museum and Akhmed informed them as to what had happened, though Vera's appearance itself had already given them most of the details.

"I am deeply sorry for your loss, Lady Munn," Nora said quietly. She then returned Lauren's nod, seeing her come into view. She couldn't help but notice how muted Lady Munn appeared to be and she could not blame her. It was cruel to have a loved one return from the dead, only for them to be ripped away so quickly. Nora bit her lip for a moment, not accustomed to speaking when it was not required. She was more comfortable in silence. "Perhaps we should head inside now," she suggested softly, figuring Lady Munn would prefer the privacy of her office.

[Nallore]

Lauren Ridgeway

Location: Qasr El Nil Barracks (Front gates) -> The Cairo Museum
Skills: N/A

---

---

Lauren continued to gently pet the cat as they continued to walk towards the museum, she could feel for Vera losing someone was always really tough on someone. She was actually getting attached to the guy more and more now, as they started to get closer towards the museum, Lauren decided to stay quiet. She wasn't sure what to say exactly towards Vera she didn't want to say anything to her in case she started to get upset. Lauren decided to her attention towards Nora and noticed her and Anton for a moment, and smiled slightly towards Nora as she rubbed under the cat's chin.

"How is your finger Nora?" Lauren asked her, she looked down over at the markings in the cat's fur she then quickly thought would the curator even allow her to have the cat inside of the museum at all. Lauren looked between Anton figuring that Neema had worked there in the past he may know what to do with the cat and Vera before asking, she did need to know after all. "Would it be okay if I bring him in?" Lauren asked, she didn't want to leave the cat alone and it seemed to be very content already in her arms as well.

[Sigil]

---

---

Reginald Keystone

---

Location: Streets of Cairo -> Anglo American Hospital
Skills: N/A

---

---

"Thank you, my good sir." said the Lord Major quietly, nodding at George. It was not his place to hold the door open for the old man, seeing as he was not British, let alone British Military, there was no obligation on his part to show undue courtesy. Perhaps, that is why it might be considered actual courtesy and not respect given because of rank. Such things were excellent perks, but ultimately forced politeness always seemed to be a little tarnished. He climbed out of the Rolls-Royce and stood for just a moment, letting his eyes adjust to the Cairo sun before walking toward the main doors of the hospital.

His gait strengthened and shoulders took on a more authoritative posture the closer that he got to the building. Whether it was just the Lord Major playing a role or refusing to look beaten and downtrodden out of respect for his family (last respects, specifically), he began to look very much like the solid and indomitable Lord Major Reginald I. Keystone that the people under his command would recognize. Reginald entered the hospital and quickly located the front information desk. With crisp, direct words, he inquired of the clerk behind the desk, "Good morning. I am Lord Major Keystone of His Majesty's Royal Air Corps and Commanding Officer of the Qasr El Nil Barracks. My purpose here is to claim the remains of Peter Keystone. To whom do I make inquiry?"

[ONL]

---

Mahendra Huq Zalil

---

Location: Qasr El Nil Barracks ---> The Museum (Washroom)
Skills: Social cameleon

---

The sight of Vera in her condition spoke of more grief and shock than any words could, which was understandable taking into account the circumstances of death, death and more death recently. Death, so many signs of it the past day, it couldn't be simple coincedence. Mahendra refused to believe it, even for how much he feared that itself, which explained his somber tone as went with the group on their way to the museum. Thought flew through his mind, thoughts trying to piece together what was going on. But each and every time, he came to no conclusion. None, except his gut feeling of all of this being bad.

Mahendra tried to ignore the gut feeling as they were reunited with Nora and Aton, him giving both a polite nod of accknowledgement and continued to nod in agreement that they should enter the museum. Which he too wanted, because he was starting to feel warmer by the second and wanted a glass of water. And then, right outside the museum's entrance, it hit him. Mahendra suddenly leaned forward, clutching his stomach as he tried with all his might not to violently shout out in pain, while he didn't manage to hold captive an audible "Hmmmmmmm...". Oh this was unexplainably humiliting.

"Yes...head inside...Please excuse me, I think I need to use the washroom." Mahendra managed to say somewhat controlled through the pain and gritted teeth, before jogging past the others and into the museum proper. As he tried to find the closest washroom Mahendra could feel the area around stomach grow warm. At first it was at the intensity of his wife's cooking, then his mother's, then his mother in law's and at last surpassing his grandmother's strongest dish. The warmth spread across his whole body, as if he had a fever. This was very, very odd. Not that Mahendra was thinking like that, he was too busy finding the closest washroom and pulling down his...cough pants cough as he sat down at the toilet. But all instinct of emptying himself of whatever he presumed had gotten inside his digestive system vanished when Mahendra lay eyes on it. The Mark, right above his belly button. Once again Mahendra bravely stiffled a shout, or perhaps a scream. This time it was not out of pain, but of fear, because this was not normal at all. So for what felt like an eternity, Mahendra stared at the mark while his belly was still hurting like never before.

This had to have something to do with the horrendous events that had befallen the group as of lately; A Curse! Either that, or Mahendra had eaten one hell of a falaffel that morning.

[FantasyChic]

---

---

Josephine Clark

---

Location: Outside -> Museum Entrance
Skills: N/A

---

Josephine managed her grip on Vera. Truth be told, while Jo could understand being in grieving mode, Vera seemed to be taking it too far. Was she stunned into silence? Josephine maneuvered around everyone, ignoring their comments, especially the silly one about bringing in some stray cat into the museum. Familiar territory, that's what Vera needed. So Jo brought her into her office and brought her over to a chair. "Darling, is there anything I can get you? A cup of water? A cigarette? Something to eat?"

Jo instinctively moved her hair that was coming around her face behind her ears. She was desperate to know more. After all, she had just seen Peter just the other day and now he was dead. And remains? That required more information, but she was sure Vera would not share. Plus, Jo wouldn't want her to. She felt a kinship with the woman, even if Vera didn't reciprocate such feelings.

Instead, Josephine stood up and glanced around the office. Curiosity got the better of her as she slowly made her way around. She still maintained an eye on Vera, should the woman faint or something, but she was desperate to know more information. Not only about their Peter, but also about their expedition. Two deaths in such a short amount of time was definitely more than a coincidence. Judging by the mystical dealings going on, such as the mark on her finger, Jo wondered if perhaps more was going on here than met the eye.

[Lady Absinthia]

---

---

---

@rivaan @Morose @FantasyChic @Nallore @Sigil @ONL

---

October 5th, 1924 - 10:15 a.m. Local Time - A New Day

---

---

For the recently branded one must remember that the burning and fever sensation remains. This isn't something going away suddenly. It isn't making it to where one cannot function but it is making it difficult to focus. Best to try to figure this out or move somewhere/speak to someone that can. Common sense would denote the museum is the best place to learn something about odd symbols if one isn't already there. Doesn't look like anyone outside is going to help and just sitting there isn't doing any good.

Vera was having a bit of a time right then. She had always been a skittish person, things could easily startle her. Peters death and the events of the last twenty four hours were doing far more than just startling her, they were pairing up with one of her greatest fears: never finding out the truth behind her uncles death, never finding the killers. She had had a break through the day before thanks to Nora and her figuring out various things that Vera had not even thought of, other clues had come out. Yet every time they got one step closer to figuring this mystery out, something else horrible happened, someone else died. Would she have to stop looking at this point for her uncles killer? Would they never face justice? This was not only a devastating feeling within her but it was her greatest fear. That fact had sent her into a state of shock. She had lost her uncle, the man who raised her and taught her after her parents died.

Sure she hadn't been in love with Peter but she loved him. He was her friend and would have been a wonderful husband. When he first ~died~ it had hurt, to have him back and then to lose him again? Was everything related to her doomed? "No harm ever came from reading a book..." she muttered to herself, as if trying to convince herself this wasn't her fault. Her eyes drifted to Josephine as the cat with Lauren meowed and hopped down, rushing under the desk and hissing slightly. "Did it?" she seemed to ask Josephine, perhaps wanting reassurance.

This was not something George was looking forward to doing, retrieving Peter corpse. The man was melancholic enough when things were going well. Yet he was loyal, perhaps it was his loyalty that contributed to the fact that Peter had died. If he hadn't been willing to help his old friend, if he hadn't felt guilty over certain things, if he didn't have this lingering tickle in the back of his mind that he would be discovered, perhaps Peter would still be alive. Perhaps not but the what ifs of life tended to create the most about of anxiety.

Yet despite all this George was a good friend, loyal even past the end. It was why he was still with the Lord Major, why he was being courteous to the man. This man was Peters kin. The man obviously cared for Peter, so it was his duty to be there for him through this. Not out of obligation but out of loyalty. He knew Peter would have done the same for George had he been the one who had died. Looking down shyly George stayed with the Lord Major as he spoke with the clerk. "The morgue clerk, second basement, end of the hall on the left," the man answered and pointed towards the lift.

[rivaan]

---

---

Priscilla Harker

---

Location: Alleyway of Wonder -> Road towards the museum
Skills: None

---

---

"Well it isn't going away...damn..." Mosi cursed under her breath as she stood sitting there for a good while, but the sensation wasn't really one that seemed to want to vanish. She sure would love it to go away as soon as it came, but it seemed her plans and what was happening were differing for once. Still it wasn't really too bad to the point of breaking you, it had more akin to being just feverish when you aren't counting the burning sensation on your stomach that is. She pulled herself together and stood up, pulling all her willpower to focus on something, but she wasn't sure on what to. Figuring this shit seemed like the best idea, but she had no clue what that mark meant. The museum guys will know, she realized. After all it was their job, so she turned and started walking towards the museum.

"I sure can go for a drink right about now... make it two." She mumbled to herself as she exited the alleyway." Aaand maybe a cat to sit on my lap. Yeah sounds like a plan. Should get a cat." Mosi mused as she walked, a little shacky at first, but a strong willed person like her wasn't going to let something minor as a fever take her down just yet. She took a few rests now and then, placing a hand on her hurting stomach and the searing brand, but it was nothing major. Luckily the Museum wasn't way too far off from the alley and it didn't really take too long before she could see the magnificent building in the distance.

'I really hope someone can explain what's all this about in there, but who should I ask?' Mosi though as she stopped in place, leaning on a nearby building. The heat and fever didn't mix in too well.' Might try with Akhmed, I know him and if nothing else he's at least going to know what the mark means right?' She reached a conclusion of her question and nodded to herself, resuming her walking towards her destination.

[Nallore]

Lauren Ridgeway

Location: Qasr El Nil Barracks (Front gates) -> The Cairo Museum
Skills: N/A

---

---

Lauren shrugged slightly, she didn't really get an answer about the cat and simply just assumed that they would be fine with it and make sure that it didn't end up running off somewhere else in the museum. Lauren looked over towards Mahendra seeing and hearing the man letting out a groan. Then he ran off to go to the closest bathroom Lauren started to wonder why exactly he needed to go there all of a sudden and it did look like it was pretty urgent to go as well. Lauren continued to gently pet the cat in her arms and followed Josephine, Nora and Vera up to Vera's office, as she looked at some of the exhibits that were there. They all did seem very interesting, as they made it up to the second floor.

As they made it to Vera's office Lauren could hear the cat meow and then it suddenly just leapt out of her arms, and then going straight under Vera's desk. Lauren raised an eyebrow as she heard it hiss slightly and wondered what had suddenly gotten into the cat, she had grown up with a few cats and even owned one herself back in the states. Lauren knew that cats all had their own personalities, but it just made her feel odd when it came up to her and was very calm before it jumped out of her arms when they got to Vera's office. "Give me a second." Lauren said towards Vera, Josephine and Nora as Lauren moved over towards the desk and then knelt down to look at the cat under the table.

"Hey little guy, whats wrong?" Lauren asked in a calm and soothing tone as she held out her hand towards the cat but she didn't pet the cat, she simply held it there. Lauren looked over towards Vera for a moment, maybe it just got a little bit nervous for whatever reason or the cat got spooked at something. "Do you happen to have any food around here by any chance?" Lauren asked, she started to think that it was a bit of a bad idea to bring the cat into the museum. She of course would keep close eye on the cat and leaned back slightly on the floor.

[Sigil]

---

---

Reginald Keystone

---

Location: Anglo American Hospital
Skills: N/A

---

---

The Lord Major listened with as stoic of a face he could give at that time. He had lost someone very close to him, seemingly for a second time, and this Information Desk Jockey could only give him the most mechanical of answers, as read like small engine repair directions. He felt his own sense of affrontery rise within him, and even dared open his mouth to speak a good number of discouraging words to the man, but hesitated. The chap was only doing his job. He was doing so efficiently and was not involved in the least with Reginald's family nor his command. Instead, he offered a basic, "Thank you." and began to follow the man's directions.

Striding toward the basement, he looked back to George and posed a question. Some two of them, really. "My Peter, if you would Mr. Benaszewski, did he die a clean death? Honorable, decent, for something?" Reginald had his own notions about death. One could say that he longed for it, under the proper circumstances. Everyone else that he flew with before the Great War had passed on, and most of his buddies during had already gone as well. Many died for the greatest purpose of all: The promise that, if they won that day, they might have their families live in tranquility for the rest of their days. "The War To End All Wars", they called it. Such a notion was silly, but the most unlikely notions were the ones worth dying for. Sometimes, Reginald just wished that he had been taken by crash or by bullet years ago.

He boarded the lift and heeded the advice of the monotone information receptionist. Second basement, end of hallway, left. Maintaining his proper, broad shouldered, stiff upper lippage was beginning to become tiresome, though as a proper British officer he could maintain for quite a while in adverse circumstances if need be. This was to be tested as he finally advanced upon someone fitting the description of the alleged Morgue Clerk, and he addressed accordingly, "I am the Lord Major Reginald I. Keystone, come to see to the affairs of my nephew, the Lord Captain Peter Keystone. Do I have the privilege of addressing the man who may facilitate this proceeding?"

[ONL]

---

Mahendra Huq Zalil

---

Location: The Museum (Washroom)
Skills: Understanding of Egyptian superstition

---

Mahendra sat for what felt like an eternity on that toilet, his eyes switching between looking at the burning mark above his bellybutton and looking straight forward. The fever wasn't going away either, and the feeling of burning up from the inside was not comfortable to the Bengali. But it was the Mark that disturbed him the most. A more level-minded or scientific man might have concluded that even though this was disturbing indeed, it must have had an logical explaination; perhaps someone branding him with an iron in the middle of the night after having drugged him, which would explain the lack of pain for so long.

Mahendra's explaination was far from as simple as that; This was a sign from the very Gods themselves, be it the gods of his Indian homeland or the ancient gods of Egypt. This was magic, divine power, you name it. Was he being judged by Them for his actions in Egypt, or just his simple presence in the country? "ঈশ্বর আমার উপর রহমত আছে..."* The answers could be so many. It scared him to the core of his usually brave soul. Or perhaps it was his brave soul that kept him from actually freaking out?

Struggling through the fever and the burning pain, Mahendra pushed himself off the toilet and got his pants buckled up again, though his shirt he unbuttoned to better view the Branding. Walking up to the mirror he inspected the mark with a concerned curiosity, trying to make sense of its shape and meaning. The shape was easy enough to comprehend, but its meaning escaped his troubled mind. He didn't know what symbol it was, not a single idea of it...except...He could swear he had seen it someplace before. And the fact that he thought he knew where that 'someplace' was, concerded him even more; In the Museum. Mahendra had to go speak with Vera about this.

*Translation

"The Gods have mercy on me..."

[Morose]

---

---

Nora Kingston

---

---

Location: Museum - Vera's Office
Skills: Pattern Analysis, Intuition, Deduction, Acute Observation

---

Nora nodded politely at Lauren. "It is healing nicely, I believe," she answered softly, tempted to take out a cigarette and smoke. She hadn't smoked much the day before and it was a habit of hers, one that she picked up from evenings pouring over her arithmetic and checking for errors in calculations. It was perhaps one of the societal habits that Nora agreed with - there was something relaxing about it. She tugged slightly at her hat, her eyes flickering over towards Mahendra as he doubled over.

Although his words argued that it was just a stomach pain, Nora recognized the look of immense pain on Mahendra's face. It was a pain she herself had experienced a few days ago, yet she kept it to herself. Haakon had died - perhaps this was another person being branded in order to take his place. Yet, she could not help but find it out that they had not experienced another perplexing series of dreams the night before. For now, she would allow him his privacy. Yet there was definitely a question that she would like him to answer - what did his brand resemble, if that truly was what happened?

She then shook her head at Lady Munn, despite Vera asking the question to Josephine. She wasn't going to interrupt - it wasn't in her character. Yet she could not help but feel that there was some danger in reading a book - chiefly if it contained information that others wished for you to not have. It reminded her of her experiences at Girton College. An educated woman was a dangerous thing, according to society. And they had been armed with books. Knowledge was a dangerous thing - and Nora was glad it was.

[FantasyChic]

---

---

Josephine Clark

---

Location: Vara's Office
Skills: N/A

---

As Jo roamed around the office, her eyes darted back to Vera as the woman finally spoke. The gears were turning in her head, that much was obvious to anyone, but to hear her finally speak made Jo hopeful. Granted, she still seemed to be dealing with all of this, especially from her question. Truth be told, Jo didn't know how to answer. While she was sure that reading a book is not a cause of death, her world had been turned when she was burned with a mark by some unseen force.

Jo made her way back over to Vera, sitting down next to her. She ignored everyone else in the room since it seemed no one else wanted to help her, or would rather focus on some silly cat. "Well, I don't know for sure, darling. I've read many books and have not collapsed yet. And scripts are books, in a way, and I read those constantly. Does this have something to do with Peter?" Jo felt compelled to understand the woman's thought process.

[Lady Absinthia]

---

---

---

October 5th, 1924

---

---

Akhmed shuffled through some papers at the front desk. He was a bit late getting in and had to do some catching up but at least he was here now even if he did look a bit disheveled. He really didn't anything going wrong today. Thankfully a cat inside of the museum wasn't something wrong. Vera had a cat. An Egyptian Mau named Merneith that roamed the hallways of the museum constantly. Since she had arrived there it had become like an unofficial mascot. Thankfully for Lauren, because of this, there was food available. Maybe not currently inside of the museum but there were traders outside known as Cat Meat Men that came by regularly. (Cat and dog food during this time tends to be a freshly made diet consisting of horse meat and other items of scraps.)

Vera looked over at Josephine and nodded, the cat meowing and then hissing underneath the desk. It had to do with all those that had died so far or been hurt but yes it had to do with Peter particularly just then. Even if she didn't believe in hocus pocus and curses, she did believe in cause and effect. If she hadn't be researching her uncles death here in Cairo, she would have been in London right then. Peter wouldn't have come to Cairo and wouldn't have died in Cairo.

At least that was what Vera thought or had convinced herself of, George on the other hand wasn't convinced. Granted he knew a bit more about the situation than Vera and the others did. Looking over at the Lord Major he gave the man a nod and grunted slightly. "Mmm, yes. Peter died how he would have wanted to, protecting others," he said as they headed for the morgue. Once there George took a position slightly behind the Lord Major as he spoke. The man at the desk looked up and nodded.

"Yes, I have these recovered from the body," he said as he stood up and opened a box on his desk. It contained various burned items. Gold cufflinks, a golden pocket watch, the wallet was burned beyond opening, only the handle of his walking cane remained, his revolver, and an oddly shaped piece of metal. George eyed the metal piece.

"Mmm, that piece is what was in his leg," he said to Reginald. It was the piece that had pierced through Peters thigh.

"Would you like to see the body or is this enough to identify him?" the man asked. George hoped this would be enough for the Lord Major, he didn't want the man to look at the body. Who would want to look at corpse that burned.

[rivaan]

---

---

Priscilla Harker

---

Location: The museum
Skills: None

---

---

The walk towards the museum wasn't really as unpleasant as she expected, but it was near her expectation anyhow. To get to the point the brand was hurting as she moved since her skin moved and it was god damned brand, but at least the position of the brand was rather cool. It made it look exotic and not only because she didn't know it's meaning. She had thought about getting a tattoo, but never really got around to it. Thinking about it again next time she finds a suitable expert in it she was planning on getting one.

She entered into the magnificent building of the museum with speed and found herself inside and finally out of the scorching sun. Taking a good breath of colder than the outside air she smiled and looked around. Okey step one complete, step two was to find out what this brand meant and for that she needed someone who understood the symbols of the writings of Ancient Egypt. Who knew who in the museum was the one with specialty in that, but there was a chance others knew it too. Since this was a museum some general knowledge might be enough. For it to be a brand it must mean something after all. And she really hoped it wasn't a negative brand or something.

At the front desk she saw a familiar face and quickly walked to Akhmed.” Hey, Akhmed, happy to see you so soon!” She said with a smile as she walked towards him.” Say I need someone who knows what Ancient Egyptian symbols mean.” She stated and pulled up her shirt to display the brand without care that she was exposing skin.” This just happened to me like just a little before I came here and I for sure didn't wake up with that on. It just appeared on it's own and I really want to know what it means, so can you help? If not point me to someone who can if you can. Also where I can get something cold to place on it...”

[Nallore]

Lauren Ridgeway

Location: The Cairo Museum
Skills: N/A

---

---

The cat seemed to simply be conent with hiding under the table, she sighed slightly as she pulled herself back up occasionally hearing the cat meowing and hissing as well. Still it stumped her why it suddenly freaked out the way it did, Lauren turned her attention over towards her friend Nora as she answered her question. "That's good to hear." Lauren said as she moved over towards Vera and gently laid a hand on her shoulder in a friendly way. She would be there for her friend of course if she did need her, losing someone was always really tough, as Lauren started to dig through her purse. Lauren had thirty dollars on her person, along with twenty in British sterling, she remembered seeing a few venders nearby.

"I'll see about getting the cat out from under your desk." Lauren said, she wasn't sure if the cat would attack anyone else or not it seemed to like her for some reason. "I'll be back in a few minutes." Lauren said as she did a final check on her money satisfied that she had enough on her at least, she also figured that she was a bit out of her element. Lauren didn't understand a bit of Arabic or mathematics as well, Lauren turned and headed out of Vera's office and made her way down towards the first floor of the museum. Lauren took a moment and stopped to see Priscilla talking, she noticed the woman lifting up her shirt which made her look away.

Lauren smiled as she started to head down the flight of stairs and approached the two of them by the front desk of the museum. "Good morning you two." Lauren said awkwardly, and rubbed the back of her head slightly. "Hey question are there still those Cat Meat people outside right?" Lauren asked Akhmed just to make sure and confirm it so that she didn't have to head out for nothing.