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

[Nallore]

Lauren Ridgeway

Location: Outside of the Cairo Museum
Skills: Reading People, Bribing

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"It's a pleasure doing business with you sir." Lauren said giving the vendor a friendly smile and bow once he finished bagging up the meat and handed it over towards her. "Yeah, yeah." The fat man said as he waved her off, Lauren was satisfied with the price she had managed to get it down to. Lauren still had enough money to buy things if she needed to, she adjusted her purse and held the bag of meat in her other hand as she started to turn back towards the museum. That's when she started to hear a series of loud screams, and the crowd suddenly parting ways. Lauren could see smoke in the distance as it got closer, she quickly started to make her way closer towards the street but remained close to the edge in case of any on coming cars.

That's when she saw it Lauren could see that someone was indeed actually on fire as Lauren squinted a bit Lauren could see that it was Neema who was on fire. Then a taxi was driving, she could hear Neema's body thudding against the car as it continued to drive off looking around Lauren quickly snatched up a blanket from a nearby vendor as Neema's body stopped moving twenty feet away from her after the taxi impacted the elderly woman. Lauren was pretty sure that the woman wouldn't survive it, but she had to do something about it anyway as the people kept their distance and watched.

Lauren quickly tossed the blanket over Neema's body and started to pat the body down in an effort to try and smother out the flames breathing heavily as she could feel the heat off her body she stared at the other people there. "Give me some water now!" Lauren yelled hopefully someone would turn up with a bucket of water to try and help her out.

[ONL]

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Mahendra Huq Zalil

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Location: The Museum: Vera's Office
Skills: N/A

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"Thank you, Lady Munn." Mahendra said in-between his breaths of pain and feverish heat that made him unable to grab said glass of water himself. He hoped that some cool hydration could make the worst of it go away, if only temporary. Having a man such as himself appear feeble in the presence of the women, especially taking into consideration the mystique around his branding and series of deaths, was very much an inconvinience. They needed to stay strong and focused, and a cool glass of water was what just what was going him back to that.

Mahendra closed his eyes, rubbing his fingers against his eyelids as he heard Vera return to him with what he presumed was the water. They remained closed as she came closer and closer, and was kept closed when the sudden change from the sound of feet to the sound of a cat being stepped on and something else. Something headed for him, and his face. He didn't have time to open his eyes as the water splashed across his sweaty face, and had it been only that he would have been thankful for the cool refreshment. The glass however, not so much.

His eyes were opened wide as the stabbing pain from various pieces of glass penetrated his flesh in various areas. Mostly his face, but a significant shard got stuck in his throat. Blood began to drip and pour from the various wounds, as well as a loud shout of pain from the Bengali's mouth as he began moving around the room, dripping blood all over the floor.

But on the bright side, at least the burning pain in his stomach was the least of his worries for a moment.

[rivaan]

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Priscilla Harker

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Location: The museum
Skills: None

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Mosi's attempt to get the men to stop barking at each other in some kind of weird deity competition ended with her recieving the stink eye from the curator. A fact to which she replied in absolutely kind by the virtue of giving him the most self pleased, amused and not minding smiling expression she can give. Well on another side it could also be taken as a taunting expression, but that's beside the point. Since one of her narative exposition dumps just walked away, she looked back at Akhmed. He was the one! The one left that is. Now it her mind, it was his duty to explain things.

" Thank you... no need to bandage the wound though, it's fine, just hurts a little. I've burned myself in the past, it's going to pass eventually." She looked at him offering a hand and took it mostly because it was more comfortable to have someone to slightly lean on. The fever and the pain from the burned skin moving about wasn't a nice thing at all." So let me get this staight... this one with the drippy looking nose is a jackal? Aren't hte snout and nose ... you know a little too prolonged and curved? It looks weird." She stated with a calm smile as he was leading her to Vera's office.

"On a side note, my friend... How did you pass last night?" She asked with a smile." I'm pretty sure I saw you leaving with that lovely woman. Did you have a good time hmm? Come on, spill the beans." She asked leaning hard hom him and nudging him in the ribs with her elbow.

[FantasyChic]

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Josephine Clark

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Location: Vara's Office
Skills: Memorization, Searching, Smooth-Talk

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Josephine peered over the text, tuning everyone else out as she read. She wouldn't lie to herself and pretend she understood what was going on, but she could at least get through the basics of what was being said. There were a lot of big names being tossed around the page. She memorized each line, taking into account recent events and what was talked about before. She couldn't fit the pieces in just yet, but she was sure that if she were to sit down, probably with a pencil and paper in hand, she could establish some links. She wondered if Vera would allow her to take this book with her?

As Josephine looked up from the page, all hell broke loose. Josephine couldn't catch any of it in time, but Mahendra took the most of the injuries with Lady Munn coming a close second as she fell to the ground, nearly being impaled. Jo quickly sprang into action. Every fiber of her being wanted to check if Lady Munn was ok, but apart from some bruising (and guilt for Mahendra's injuries) she should be fine. She rushed to his side, taking his arm and leading him into a chair. "Someone get a medical kit or a doctor, quickly! He's bleeding a lot. I don't want to risk taking the shards out without a professional or someone with some knowledge of such things taking over. Don't panic, darling. We'll take care of you." She issued the calming command to the man, hoping he would sit while someone got him some medical attention.

[Morose]

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Nora Kingston

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Location: Museum - Vera's Office
Skills: N/A

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All thoughts of further experimentation with the cat and the symbols fled from her mind as the unspeakable tragedy occurred. She had a brief moment where she could not help but think of George, with his special disfigurement, as she stared at the glass shards in Mahendra's face. Lady Munn nearly did herself in with her attempt to grab the first aid kit and as Josephine called for someone to get help, Nora realized that the duty logically fell to her. Lady Munn would further injure herself and Josephine was managing the poor man.

"I'll go fetch some aid," Nora said softly, before she quickly fled the office. She vaguely remembered how to get to the main area where she had been directed her first night she went to the museum. She figured a receptionist, a curator, any employee - they would be able to summon a doctor posthaste. As soon as she found one, Nora quickly explained the situation, giving only the pertinent details. "Mahendra has been grievously injured in Lady Munn's office - glass shards are covering his face and you need to summon urgent medical attention."

[Sigil]

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Reginald Keystone

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Location: Qasr El Nil Barracks (Officers' Club)
Skills: N/A

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The relation of the story of Peter, from the point of view of George Benaszewski, was bittersweet. As much a source of pride to the Lord Major as it was a thing which cut him to his very core. This was a side of his dear nephew that he knew was in there; the bravery and compassion, that which was best in all men but rarely shown. Reginald was upset that he never got to see this level of decency and personal heroism himself, but he knew it was in the boy.

Carefully, Reginald picked up the chunk of oddly shaped metal. It was the reason that he required the use of a cane - hobbled for life - and yet symbolic of the depth of character possessed by the man. Pride would have had the Lord Major tout the superior character and noble bearing of the Keystone lineage, which he was almost tempted to say aloud, but the idea died away quickly. His actions were his own, his decisions a product of his own mettle. Reginald raised his glass and gave solemn agreement to George, describing him as the bravest man that he ever knew, and whispered, "Indeed, sir. Peter Keystone." He took a healthy swallow of his whisky an set the glass back upon the table.

Reginald splashed another dram of the smoky amber fluid into his glass and George's, inquiring of him, "Where do your duties take you next, Mr. Benaszewski?"

[Lady Absinthia]

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October 5th, 1924

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Outside of the museum, people were in a tizzy to say the least. It wasn't everyday that someone came running down the street. Okay, people ran down the street all the time. Horses did as well. Now someone being on fire, that was a completely different story. That wasn't a common thing. A handful of men rushed off, one heading into the museum to see about getting something to hold water in but others ran and removed their coats, rushing to drown them in the fountain near the museum.

Akhmed was not at his desk so there was no one there but the guard to ask, he turned and looked outside. His eyes widening at the tower of smoke over by the road before leading the man down the stairs to the janitors closet. Akhmed was simply smiling at Mosi. "That is Horus, and his head is one of a falcon," he said before ushering Mosi along. "I am sure you are fine but I would feel better if someone had a look at that."

Not to mention that he wouldn't mind stopping by and seeing Josephine. At Mosi's question he blushed softly before straightening up. "A gentleman does not kiss and tell but I will assure you that Miss Clark is every inch the goddess," he said with a twinkle in his eye.

Vera slowly got up and shook her head. "Oh dear... We do not have a medical doctor in the museum. We should get him to the barracks, it is just across the road and they have ample medical staff to help," she said but it was after Nora had already left.

Outside the man threw the wet coats over Neema, trying to put her out. It was only enough to smolder her but thankfully the other man came tearing out of the museum with the guard, both were carrying several buckets which people around were able to fill and finally get the poor woman put out. The coats had helped but the scene was so horrible, they had fused with the burnt and bubbling skin. The smell climbed up into the air and into the surrounding area causing many to take steps back, others fleeing from it.

Akhmeds smile faded as he spotted Nora. "We can take him to the barracks, it would be faster than waiting for a doctor to arrive. Can we move him?" he asked as he ushered both women back towards the office. "And you could use a bandage as well," he said towards Mosi as he walked quickly back towards Nora's office.

Vera looked over as Akhmed came into the room, he eyes Vera for a moment before rushing over. "Okay, let me see," he said as he looked more closely. "Can you move? Or shall I get a board to carry you on? The barracks are closer than a physician is."

George nodded slightly and leaned back in his seat. George hadn't exactly thought of what to do now. He did have business elsewhere but perhaps it would be best if he were to tag along and make sure things were safe, Peter would have wanted that. Setting his glass down he rubbed his hands together and pondered just what to chose.

There were various options and reasons but in the end the man looked back over to the Lord Major and finally spoke again. "Mmmm, if you wouldn't mind...mmm I'd like to help with the situation Peter told me about. Mmm, not as smart as Peter but mm I'm a good shot. Offering my protection to you and to Lady Munn ... mmm on Peters behalf."

[Nallore]

Lauren Ridgeway

Location: Outside of the Cairo Museum
Skills: N/A

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Lauren started to gag from the scent of burnt flesh as she took a few steps back as she watched the men who ran over towards a nearby fountain by the museum. She quickly did the same and made a run over towards the fountain wetting the cloth that she managed to get and then ran over to try and smother the flames out for good. Lauren closed her eyes as she tried her best to try and ignore the awful smell, then the security guard came out with one of the men. Lauren watched as the last of the flames were put out, she looked over at the mess that was there seeing Neema die like that made her shudder.

Lauren didn't want to know what burning to death would even look like or feel like, she just had a sinking feeling that it was most likely one of the worse ways to go out. But then her thoughts went to the recent deaths that have happened with Haakon, Peter Aziza and Harry as well. There were way to many that have happened. Lauren needed to go and tell the other's right away it was becoming way to much of a coincidence as well. Lauren quickly picked up the food she got of the cat and started to make her way back inside, if the police needed her to talk or anything then Lauren would certainly do that if they needed her to.

[ONL]

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Mahendra Huq Zalil

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Location: The Museum: Vera's Office
Skills: N/A

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Memories from the Great War flashed through Mahendra's head as the pain and blood filled his face. It was as if he'd been stabbed with small bajonets by several Ottoman soldiers attacking their position, and it certainly could be compared to the wound he'd recieved to his left arm by a sabre. The big difference was that there hadn't been a massive ongoing battle taking place just before said wounds were caused, and the lack of adrenaline made the shards of previously innocent glass that much worse.

Mahendra closed his eyes tight again as Josephine came to his aid, letting her lead him to sit in a chair. He didn't say anything to her comforting assurances that they would take care of him, trying his outmost to breath deeply and not yell out in pain like before. The care she gave was much appriciated though, a surprise when compared to the impression he got of her earlier. Then he thought Nora went, Vera suggested they go to the barracks for medical aid and Akhmed entered the room. He opened his eyes ever so slightly to see the man and to let him know he was conscious. "I can walk, yes...but I think I need someone to lean on and lead me." Mahendra said to Akhmed, slowly getting up from the chair and reaching out for someone to hold onto.

[rivaan]

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Priscilla Harker

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Location: The museum
Skills: None

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“I think we misunderstood each other hear, but I wasn't speaking about the bird head, I got he is Horus and his head is Falcon already. I meant the other one which looked a really drippy nose prolonged curved nose... Cause I've also seen the Canine head guy and that one looked like a proper canine... What was his name Anu...b.. Anubas? No wait, Anubis!” She stated with flat voice and and quizzing glance at Akhmed.

“A gentleman really shouldn't, but I've yet to see a man who doesn't boast...” She smirked as he explained his position.” And there we go, well I guess I will have to have a lil chat with her too, ehh? Might she be more talkative on the subject. Maybe she's got more juicy details to share hehehe.” She added with a sly smirk at Akhmed who seemed really pleased with last night from what she could tell by the way he spoke. Now she was really curious about it.

It was around that time when the Nora woman arrived and caused Mosi to raise an eyebrow in the grand mixture of confusion, surprise and amazement she had displayed in a while. So Mehendra had a face full of glass now? How on Earth did he manage to do that aside from faceplanting into a bowl of shattered glass? Now there was another thing she had to see.” I'm not really in a need of a bandage... Mahendra's case sounds more important than my mild burn right now...” She replied back and followed them to Vera's office.

Sure enough inside the office were the one called Vera, Josephine and Mahendra. Mosi looked at him for a while with wonder.” How on earth did you manage to get yourself into that condition, Mahendra?” She couldn't help but ask in amazement as he was trying to stand up.

[FantasyChic]

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Josephine Clark

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Location: Vara's Office
Skills: Smooth-Talk

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Josephine wasn't all that surprised that there was no doctor on staff, but she failed to believe no one had some medical knowledge in order to help a man with glass in his face. Jo also didn't need to bring up the fact this was essentially Vera's fault, but she did have a good idea. The barracks would be a better place to go. She ignored the one woman from the other day and stood as Akhmed entered. "Yes, let's get him to the barracks quickly. I believe the other woman went to go find medical supplies if someone could fetch her and tell her where we will be."

Josephine edged Mahendra along and led him to Akhmed, "Can you walk with him, darling? I fear he will need a strong support system if he hopes to get there safely. I will be right behind you." Josephine didn't know where this was all coming from. It was either she wanted to prove how helpful she was or she wanted to reassure Lady Munn, who had just brushed with dead mere moments ago, that all was well.

As she led Mahendra to Akhmed, she would follow the men outside to the barracks. Surely there was someone there better equipped than this lot.

[Morose]

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Nora Kingston

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Location: Museum - Main Area ---> Vera's Office
Skills: N/A

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Nora nodded, following Akhmed back to Lady Munn's office. She hadn't walked far enough to glimpse outside and see the smoldering body, though she noticed the slight scent of smoke and recalled the news of fires sweeping throughout the city. It had been the circumstances under which Peter had died, hadn't it been? She didn't even think to be worried for her near grandmother's safety, certain that Neema would keep calm and carry on as she seemed to be excellent at doing. However, she heard Mosi explain that she had a mild burn. Could it have been from the fires? Or had she been branded as well?

Nora made a mental note to see how cats reacted to Mosi - and if a cat would orchestrate a near fatal incident for her as well. "I can aid him," Nora offered softly. She could understand the pain and need to see a doctor, but she also was worried that if she was correct, the cat would attempt to kill him once more - unless she stood near him. She also couldn't help but wonder if she herself would feel some averse reaction to him. Had anyone heard her thoughts, they likely would have thought her to be mad.

[Sigil]

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Reginald Keystone

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Location: Qasr El Nil Barracks (Officers' Club)
Skills: N/A

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Reginald looked over the disfigured man with steady and inspecting eyes. He narrowed them, regarding the statement just made. Was this an act of folly? The words of a man who was trying to comfort an old soldier who was kind enough to share his liquor with him? George's offer to stay and act as protector, even when Peter was in severe doubt as to the preternatural occurrences that most of his Fellowship had been inflicted with; perhaps it was an example of the soldierly character of the man, even if he was ...hmm.... a Colonial.

"Mr. Benaszewski, sir, I understand that we all have high-running emotions at the moment. Yes, quite..." He poured another dram of whisky into his and George's glasses, continuing, "But I do not think you understand what sort of undertaking with which we are involving ourselves. Further, I cannot finance a paycheck for services rendered on behalf of The Crown, as you are an American and we are on soil foreign to the both of us during a time of peace." He tapped his thumb upon the table for a moment, considering, "But there is this: I had secured equipment and provisions for more persons than are alive now to enjoy them. We may work out the particulars later, but rest assured upon my honor as a gentleman, fair play will be observed. I accept, sir."

Reginald held out his hand as a token that terms of negotiation were concluded, "Welcome to the Fellowship, Mr. Benaszewski."

[Lady Absinthia]

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October 5th, 1924

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George hunched over his in seat and looked down at the floor. There was a small nod from him and a little grunt. "Mmm, I know what this entails. Mmm, visions...mmm brandings...mmm dreams...mmm death." His lone eye drifted up to the Lord Major as he nodded again. Peter had told him, George knew what was going on. George had seen war and things far worse than war. He felt obligated to stay, it was paramount to him to watch over those there now. This may have been in conflict with Peters beliefs to be there, but it wasn't for George. There was no conflict of interest with this mission.

Rising from his place he placed his hat on. "Mmm, will gather my things, mmm notify my employer of my absence, mmm and return this evening." With that he turned and started to head for the door. He only stopped long enough to inform the Lord Major that he would accept no payment of service for this endeavor. Peter was family to him, you didn't get paid to help family. Turning he left the room and exited the Barracks, heading south as soon as he did. Not going north would mean he was missing what was going down in the street by the Museum but then again, he had already seen one body burn. It was best he didn't see another right then.

Over at the museum, things were changing and quickly. Mahendra had been injured, Vera had had a brush with near death, and it seemed that there was another who had been branded. The suggestion to go to the barracks was a solid one and Akhmed quickly went to aide Mahendra walk. "Of course my goddess," Akhmed said to Josephine as he lead the man out of Veras office, suggesting that perhaps Josephine help Vera along and Nora tend to Mosi just to be safe. Vera nodded, she wasn't going to argue this point. She caused this chaos with Mahendra and felt awful about it. She was a little battered from the tumble but it was nothing compared to what her new aide must be going through. She was sure he was going to quit over this.

As they were about to exit the museum, Akhmed stopped as Lauren came towards the building. She did not look like a woman who had made a happy transaction for meat. Then he spotted the smoldering pile in the street. "What happened?" he asked but then kept pushing forward, no matter what happened, Mahendra needed to be tended to and that would mean crossing the street and heading for the barracks. Time was of the essence, the man was bleeding profusely.

Vera gasped and covered her mouth as she followed out the door. "The smell..." she said as she covered her mouth. She was used to all sorts of smells having worked with the dead for so long but this was different. This was something created in a nightmare and rolled in umbrage. "Is...that?" she asked with a trembling finger pointed towards the body.

"Neema..." Akhmed said quietly.

[Nallore]

Lauren Ridgeway

Location: Outside of the Cairo Museum
Skills: N/A

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Just as Lauren got to the door she noticed Vera and the others at the door, she took a step back when she noticed the state of Mahendra, his face covered and bleeding from lots of blood. She closed her eyes and turned away for a moment, meat in hand as she looked at Vera and then Nora. She nodded slightly towards the two women letting out a soft sigh, seeing the poor old woman on fire screaming as she ran down the street made her shudder ever so slightly at the thought of seeing her. "Yes it is Neema.." Lauren answered as she took a few steps over towards the other women.

"I'm so sorry, I tried to see what I could do to help out." Lauren said softly Neema seemed to have the most information on what exactly everything was going on. And now she was dead, and they wouldn't be able to get any kind of information from her either now. Lauren looked at Mahendra she was concerned for the guy as well, the injury looked like it was pretty severe. Lauren took a step closer towards Mahendra and Ahkmed. "What happened to you?" Lauren asked, forgetting about the cat for now she wanted to make sure that everyone was going to be completely alright.

[ONL]

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Mahendra Huq Zalil

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Location: The Museum: Vera's Office --> Outside of the Museum
Skills: N/A

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"Yes yes...ধন্যবাদ...Thank you." Mahendra said to whoever ended up helping him, which in turn went from Josephine helping him over to Akhmed, while the other members of their fellowship helped each other. While he still kept his eyes closed, he couldn't mistake Mosi's voice as she asked him how this had happened. "It was...an accident...I hope." He managed to answer through gritted teeth, referring to the possibility that some divine entity was out to get him.

As Akhmed helped Mahendra down and out of the Museum, his suspicions of the divine was only reaffirmed to his great horror! He refused to open his eyes, the smell was more than enough to remind him of what a burned person smelled of. Where were the birds to pick off the flesh of the dead? But he shuddered at the mention of who it was. "Ne...Neema?" Mahendra opened his left eye to behold the smouldering pile, his own sheer force of will keeping him from passing out. Blood-loss did that to you. "Never mind me, Lauren. What happened to Neema?"

[rivaan]

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Priscilla Harker

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Location: The museum-> Outside the Museum
Skills: Great Observation

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Mosi had a rather curious expression on her face. Truth be told she wasn't quite well used to just being ignored like this Josephine woman was ignoring her. Why was that? Then a little candle lit in her mind. Of course! It was all because she must be feeling insecure about her relationship with Akhmed. Now this made more sense in Mosi's mind so she decided to roll with it. Anyhow back to Mahendra. The man's face had seen better days, he looked like some weird abstract art piece right about now.

Well more or less they were a near complete group here. Mosi noticed that more or less all the people from last night's dinner were gathered here or around the museum at one point or another. 'Curious...' She made a mental note, wondering if something else was making them gather up like that. As Mahendra was brought away by Akhmed, Mosi looked at Nora whom was the suggested caretaker for her.

“It's alright, Miss Nora. I can move by myself...” She said and started walking after Akhmed and Mahendra, following behind them as fast as she can given her stomach burning wound she had. It wasn't really all that bad until they exited the museum only to notice a burnt body if what she was hearing was the true. She then saw it and yeah it looked like someone burned to death. Very catholic in her opinion... Grimacing she took a few steps forward to see. Akhmed said it was Neema, the nice older woman who gave them dinner last night.

Mosi couldn't stop her morbid curiosity at the event. There was an innate desire to learn more about what had transpired and the first task at hand would be to figure out what had happened. To that end she moved closer towards the body. Probably not the brightest idea all things considering as the moment the airflow shifted well enough and the smell hit her face, all her inside as if stirred for release. She didn't know if it was a combination of the feverish state and the smell or if she was simply so easy to feel sick, but the moment the smell hit, she couldn't stop herself form turning around and hurling up rather violently. All over Nora."Uugh..."

[FantasyChic]

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Josephine Clark

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Location: Vara's Office -> Outside Museum
Skills: N/A

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Josephine watched as Akhmed took Mahendra away and she turned back to Lady Munn. She had to admit she was curious as to what the woman was thinking. She had to feel incredibly guilty. It was now getting dangerous to stay. "Come on, Lady Munn, let's get over to the Barracks." She offered the woman an arm as they followed the others outside.

But perhaps they shouldn't have left, because once outside of the museum there was an intense feeling of something massively wrong. First, the smell was unlike anything she had smelled before. She put a hand over her mouth, but it did almost nothing to mask it. "God, what is that?" However, Jo didn't need to ask in order to find out her answer as she saw Lauren talking to Akhmed. Fears realized that the smell came from burning. And it was none other than Neema who had fallen.

And to top this ice cream sundae of a day, the other woman decided to vomit all over Nora. Jo had had enough. "We can talk and find answers when we are safely inside the barracks and away from this mess. Come along." She still held on to Lady Munn (for her own benefit as well as Lady Munn's) and made her way to the Barracks. She didn't want to spend another minute outside.

[Lady Absinthia]

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October 5th, 1924

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This was turning into quite the scene. Something out of a horror movie that had been written by a bad comedian. Vera's eyes widened and she gagged at the sight, and then at Mosi and poor Nora. Her eyes widening as she tripped over her own two feet but quickly and desperately caught herself to move away and back. Looking at Josephine she nodded and scurried quickly towards the barracks. Getting back to her uncle was paramount right now, he was a strong shoulder and a comforting presence. Family, in a sense. Yet Josephine was proving herself to be just as strong and comforting despite her initial impression of the woman.

Akhmed gave a disgusted looked back glancing towards Mahendra. "Come on, you to the barracks. Need to get you looked at," he said, urging the man towards the barracks. "Miss Ridgeway, please help the ladies to the barracks. I think they could use a tonic to settle the nerves at the least," he said and hoped they would follow. He wasn't waiting around to see. If the local officials needed to question anyone they could find Miss Ridgeway at the barracks. There were plenty of Museum officials and guards outside now that they could report on peoples whereabouts.

Vera got to the gate and the guards opened them for her and Josephine. Vera took a brief moment to explain as she motioned back Akhmed helping Mahendra over. They nodded and gave her an escort to help, sending two more over to Akhmed to help him get Mahendra into the barracks grounds and over to the infirmary. Yet another waited out beyond the gate to help the ladies if they needed it and to escort them to the infirmary as well.

Inside Vera sat down on the edge of a low brick wall and caught her breath as word was sent to Reginald that she and others were here and what was going on. Akhmed didn't need any help with Mahendra but he did need to go inform Aton so he handed him off. Letting Mahendra know where he was going and asking him to tell Josephine he would return as quickly as he could. Turning he rushed off and caught a taxi. This was not going to be an easy conversation.

[Morose]

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Nora Kingston

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

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Nora had stood there with shock, tears spilling down her face as she gasped for breath, looking at the charred remains of Neema. She had felt a kinship with Neema that she never had had with anyone in her own family - aside from perhaps with her brother, Ethan. To see her on the ground, a victim of fire...She was choking on her own tears, feeling her legs tremble and shake just as she was supposed to help Mosi. Hearing everyone say that it was time to go to the Barracks....Her mind couldn't comprehend it and she just shook her head slightly, staring with horror and shock. So much death...so much loss of life...Why had it been Neema and not her, Nora despaired.

To make matters worse, as she cried from shock, Mosi promptly vomited all over her. Some of it got into Nora's mouth and nose, and already being a person with a rather weak immune system in comparison to most, the taste and the pain was enough to get Nora to respond in turn. She had about nine seconds to decide where to puke and she turned, attempting to avoid puking over dear Neema and instead, she hit poor Mosi. She didn't bother apologizing - her Britishness didn't arise to attempt to smooth over the situation - and as she headed with the others to the Barracks, it was all a blur.

Such a senseless act....But why dear Neema? The question continued to plague Nora, sending her almost into a trance of sorts. She nodded slightly at the escort. Mosi would need the infirmary, for the branding. The branding that Neema could explain...