Shoe Thief

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: Inside bed and breakfast Action: Attack {Held} Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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The more Lizbeth explained of the situation, the more Kathryn suspected foul play. And the more she heard, the more she worried about Cecily's fate. The note, the screams in the dark. It all upset Kathryn. She was armed now, so that was something. The amulate Marita gave her may even help motivate her, or feel safer. Kathryn wasn't sure. She wasn't the biggest follower of religion. Though she did her best to respect those who did, she held little understanding herself. Her reaction to Kathryn wasn't the best, but she supposed that should have been expected. She was scared and anything spoken could only add to her fear and misery. Kathryn was determined to help this poor lass out though. Kathryn turned to acknowledge Blackberry and despite the helmet, she worked up a smile. "She's tough as a one of those rocks used to forge iron from." She said in her best gruff voice. And to her credit, she had a pretty solid one.

The half giant was a little more than surprised to see Kosara's gift. Had she not been wearing a helmet the whole group would have seen her jaw drop to the bag of Caltrops. She had heard stories from her uncle and Ser Lucas about how dastardly they were to horses and footman alike. Though they rarely killed, the injuries they caused were the stuff of nightmares. "Kosara... I..." She paused, retracting her thoughts. Remembering how desperate the situation at hand was. "N-Nevermind..." She said, not quite in a defeated tone, but pretty damn close. Victoria turned to help reassure Lizbeth. Soon the small girl would be hiding upstairs, safe for the night. And the party would end things by dawn. Kathryn got ready to face on the night, but it appeared the night would face them.

The thud hit the wall with enough for to make Kathryn question all sorts of things. She figured, something big, and something mean. Without speaking a word she finished strapping down her armor, locked her shield in place on her arm, and drew the hammer in her free hand. Stepping towards the door with a calm collective as Kosara prepared to open it, letting the terror of the night through to face on their own terms. Kathryn braced her steel clad boots on the ground, and held the hammer back preparing to swing it with enough force to invert any asshole who was stupid enough to try her tonight. "When the door opens, get clear fast." Kathryn said in a hushed tone as others prepared weapons and spells. She on the other hand, wanted a clean shot to get first blood on whatever came through that door. Kathryn's breath slowed as Victoria's music was sung in the background. She took note of Marita preparing on her flank, and hoped the woman would take a more reserved role. She saw what the Cleric's magic could do, and wanted her free to use it should the chance arrive.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: Inside bed and breakfast Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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It seemed the plan had changed. Though Kathryn wasn't against said plan, she worried they were under prepared for it. They knew little and less of the scope of what was going on, and things were kicking off to a degree that by morning, the streets could be littered with corpses. Kosara also had a point on how they couldn't sit back and do nothing. If they waited the night, so many things could happen that by the time things were resolved, there wouldn't be much left to save. She worried for sure, but in the end they didn't have a ton of options. Cicely was missing. Lizbeth was alone and scared. And already attacks had began. Kathryn let go of her embrace of the small girl and looked down at her. Worry in her eyes. She hated the idea of leaving her alone, and if anything happened to her while they were gone she would never forgive herself. But if they sat and hid while the turn burn, she also couldn't forgive herself for that either. But Victoria was right. Baronford was right. And both him and Marita prepared the girl as best as they could. But they had a job to do, and they wouldn't be able to hold her hand for now. "You should take the Blade Lizbeth. You know, when I had turned seven, I got my first sword." She said in an optimistic tone. "My uncle gave it to me, said "A lass like her needs ta know how to fend for herself." And despite my parents protest, I got a cool looking sword. No one expects you to use it, but I know having it made me feel a lot safer when things got scary." Kathryn said in a soft tone with a smile on her face.

Kathryn gave the girl another good squeeze before letting go. "For now, we'll need you to take care of yourself okay? Find a good spot ta hide, and wait for our return. We'll be back as quick as we can, but we gotta go help the town now." When she spoke softly bits of her old accent poked through, something that was harder to hide as she spoke. But listening to Marita, she was right. it was time for war. Kathryn stood up, gave Lizbeth a rub on the top of her head, and smiled on her one last time before affixing her helmet to her head again. "We'll be back soon." She strapped on her battered, but still effective shield. Made sure all her belts and straps were all tightened, and checked her weapons on hand. All where they needed to be.

She wanted to do more for Lizbeth. Barricade the door maybe, or hide her in a secrete compartment. Stash her away under the floorboards. Take her with them and hold out the night, preventing anything that would want to hurt her from getting anywhere near her. She wanted so much to not let this poor girl's world get turned upside down like her own world was all of those years ago. But Lizbeth had to be brave, and the party needed to take action. Aggressive, and precise action. The Municipal building would be a start. Clear out any rodents along the way, and grab Cavendish. Get some answers, and finally some solutions. Something, anything really. She thought of all the old stories she used to have read to her growing up, where the plot device was found and everyone was saved once it was used or destroyed. She doubted this was the same kind of situation. But she hoped. She hoped that they would be the ones to come in and save the day.

Call of Cthulhu - Talbott's Investigators of Mysteries Enlightened

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Margarete O'Bryon

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Location: TIME Agency --> streets of Arkham
Hit Points: 13 Sanity Points: 46 Luck: 75
Mental State: Sane
Skill:

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Margarete listened closely as Happy spoke. She had some focusing issues, but she figured she got the most important bits. Margarete did her best to follow along when the other members of her team spoke, and though she supposed what they said made sense, she struggled to make much sense of it herself. Professor Dupree had mentioned the school's involvement in such matters, but it all seemed way too complicated for something that didn't need to be. Granted, most of her "Expeditions" were personal and rarely needed more than a boat ticket, some cash, and a location to hash things out. And when Berry, her main contact was in a good mood, those places she didn't need to show up with a gun in her purse. What did catch her attention was Harry's comment against Eleonora flirting with the secretary. That caused Margarete's thought process to pause a moment, and process things. She wondered if the woman was in fact, a Lesbian, or it was a crude jest from Harry. She supposed she would figure out one way or another. As long as it didn't interfere with their work, Margarete didn't mind too much. She didn't know too many, or any on a first name basis, but she gotten enough comments from the opposing sex years ago before she got scarred to hell. They still made comments, but not the same kind. Though she supposed one didn't need to be attracted to a woman to make cruel comments.

Margarete didn't like the response for how they would be received. Margarete was normally at a disadvantage in these sorts of situations. Between her crude social skills, her blunt nature, and just... the other obvious factors. There were always complications without a mutual third party involved. One reason of many why she enjoyed working with Benny yet again. "Big City Cheese?" Sure, Margarete enjoyed the outdoors, had even done some amateur hunting from time to time. But she was about as big city cheese as they came. She was well educated despite her learning difficulties, always well dressed, even when spending time outdoors, held a commanding presence, and she was ill-tempered. She didn't handle being corrected well either, especially in an area of her expertise. "I hope you realize what yer asking there Harry. But I shall do my best. As for the notes and such I wouldn't put it past him to have some personal work space. Either at home or in a place of occupation." She paused, not convinced she used the right wording. Before she let herself get flustered, she took a deep breath and sighed. Not letting it get to her. "When we talk to our lawyer friend, it may be a good idea to try and get keys to such places. See what he was working on before he was lost." She took a pause again, but decided she contributed enough and just took a moment to catch her breath and focus. She let herself get too stressed over her own words, but she had practiced and that would be a quick fix with some controlled breathing.

When she paused, she noticed it again. That Fucking Lamp. It was so close to being perfect in the corner of the desk. And yet, it was off just enough to get to Margarete. It wouldn't need to be moved much, just a little. Just a little bit to help put everything else where it needed to be. She took note of the map to distract herself, but Eleonora had snagged it up pretty fast. It was time to leave, and if she left that lamp the way it was when she left it would be on her mind all day. As they were ushured out of the office, Margarete couldn't wait anymore. She reached out with a couple fingers, and pushed the lamp about a half inch one direction, then less than a quarter of that in another to correct any errors along the way. She did a couple more corrections in rapid successions hoping to fix it fast, each one being less than the last. But within two seconds of the first correction, it was better. As long as it never moved again, everything would be okay. "Have a lovely day Harry." She spoke in her most professional tone as she stood up, smoothed out her blouse, and walked away with all the pride in the world. Her work for now was done.

It was only at that moment she saw Alessa walk in. Another member of their team who would assist however her expertise allowed. "Welcome." Margarete gave the woman as things wrapped up. "It is time to get moving though. SO let's get going." There were some talks of plans, and who shall drive. What they needed. All the good stuff. It seemed much of their group lacked in the form of automobiles. Thankfully, Margarete owned a rather nice car, with a fair amount of seating. She debated a moment not offering it. Like her own home office, it was a space she controlled in its entirety. Once she allowed passengers, she was sure she'd spend countless hours trying to fix it up. But... They had a job to do. Sacrifices needed to be made. She had decided, no one else shall drive her car but herself. That was where she would draw the line.

"I have a car we can take, but we'll need to walk to it. I wouldn't mind picking up a few things, as it seems this may take a while, and I don't think this is a trip we can make every single day for the next few days. I'd like to pack some changes of clothes." She spoke nicely. But another thing that crossed her mind, was the shotgun she kept under the bed. Though this should be like any task she's worked on, something about it seemed off. It could be because it was Time asking her to do it. But remembering how things turned out in France, she wanted to have as many cards in her hand as possible should things turn south. "Cover some gas and coffee and I'll take you there." Margarete said in a surprisingly soothing tone to Eleonora as she began to take her huge strides back to her shop. "After we grab a few things, we can get coffee and get moving. We can either go strait to my place and stop around, or all meet up at my place once we get all of our necessities." Like a 12 gauge shotgun. She supposed they could also meet up at the diner. With a car, Margarete would likely be first to arrive should they choose to split up. She'd have to make sure Berry took care of Sprinkles. The poor kitty would starve without her present for more than a day.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: Inside bed and breakfast Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Kathryn looked at the note, even more confused when seeing it. No wonder the poor girl was terrified. She knew so little, and so much was happening so fast. Kathryn wanted desperately to help her out though. "Do you know where she may have gone? We may be able to find her before she returns?" Kathryn said optimistically. Hoping that would help reassure the poor girl everything would be alright. "I don't know," responded Lizbeth, her voice whispering a childlike lamentation. "Aunt Ceecee and I were the first to come down for supper. I left to go wash up like she told me to. When I got back, she was gone." The girl sniffled a bit as tears welled up in her eyes, "The front door was open and this was at her place setting." Lizbeth pointed to the dining table and the door in turn, confusion and sorrow playing heavily on her face. The response wasn't the game changer she hoped it was. Kathryn worried Cecily could have been taken by force, had legitimate concerns and left in a hurry, or could have been one of those turned already.

Kathryn wished she knew how to make Lizbeth feel safe. She was isolated and alone. Scared and unsure of everything going on around her. She wanted so badly to embrace the poor girl in a hug. Let her know she was safe. But there was that little voice in the back of her head telling her she wasn't safe. Physical contact with anyone could always turn into letting her guard down, her not being ready if someone tries to hurt her, make her vulnerable to ill intentions. The screams off in the distance only made that voice in the back of her head worse. She imagined what Lizbeth was going through right now was very comparable to how she felt when her home was destroyed. The sounds of those unfortunate enough to have been found being cut down, every person who was supposed to be there for you now being dead or gone, and your best hope being some strangers who you barely know. Kathryn gave at that point, remembering how scared she was more than a dozen years ago. How scared and alone she felt, she figured Lizbeth was in much the same boat. Silencing the voice in the back of her mind Kathryn took the shield off her arm and began to hold her arms out. Hesitating at first, she reached out again and embraced Lizbeth in a firm and safe hug, though still soft enough to not hurt her or crush her under all the steel. "It's going to be okay darling. Everything is going to be okay." Despite everything working against her, the hug was gentle and protective.

Without breaking the protective hug, Kathryn turned ever so slightly to the rest of the party and mouthed "What do we do?" She wanted to go out and find Cecily, but they were out of time. They could hold up there, but that may leave Lea unprotected, and they knew nothing about this place. It seemed no more secure than anywhere else they had been so far. Maybe less so. And for sure, the rats would have watched them enter. The loft or the public house they may be able to make distance first. But they were stuck between a rock and a hard place, and Kathryn found herself split on how to handle the situation at hand.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: Outside Bed and Breakfast --> Inside bed and breakfast Action: N/A Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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The lights helped. But Kathryn was on edge. She could hear the rustling around her as she booked it. She could feel every dent and chip in her armor as she ran. She had scrubbed off the rust and patched it up so many times she had them committed to memory. She was scared, though she still had her wits. As it got darker though, she was worried they were out of time. She took note of Victoria and Marita following close behind. She'd take care to protect Victoria and the rest of the party this time. She had skills that fit a mercenary party well, but an adventuring party her main role was to protect the others for them to handle their tasks. And she was determined to physically crush any poor bastard that wanted to challenge her on this. Cavendish especially. Time after time he gave the weasel a chance to back off. A chance to end things before they escalated. He had mocked her about her heritage, her want to end things peacefully, so he'd get his wish next time they crossed blades. And she would flatten him until his broken body could be dragged to a cell, or he died whatever glorious death he deemed most worthy a man his station. And Kathryn would oblige.

What Marita brought up about the Hayloft was concerning. It was too late to sneak back there quietly. Far too late. "We should consider ways to get back without followers then. We also need to check in on Lea." Kathryn said when she had finally stopped at the door. Now she could talk quietly without having to speak over her own steps. "Should we hold out with her then? The building may be stronger, and it has the space." She wanted to say places with kitchens had better standards for keeping rodents out, but her travels with Ser Lucas brought to her attention that many kitchen outside of castles had standards that varied so widely, that there was little rule of thumb there. She'd just have to hope this kitchen was well kept. "We'll always have our camp later to fall back on." The public house didn't have the advantage of being unknown. But it was a bigger building that seemed pretty well defensible. Their options were rapidly running out. And that concerned Kathryn. They took too long, and things were getting worse. It was getting darker.

Then what concerned Kathryn, was just how quiet it had gotten. Were they gone? The rats? No, they had to be there. They had just backed off again. The bed and breakfast was quiet. It was dark, and looked nearly abandoned. What in the many gods was going on here? Did everyone up and leave? Kathryn set her torch on the ground on the stone so that it wouldn't catch anything, and approached. Her hammer lighting up the ways a bit, and her shield still strapped to her arm. She knocked on the door with force, though a small fraction of the force she used on Mallard's door. She didn't want to spook anyone inside and risk getting locked out. She took a look around while she waited for a response. It was getting darker. Then the screaming began. A scream that sounded like it belonged to someone who was about to experience death. They were out of time. The victim was close. Kathryn reflexively prepared a defensive position when the door opened, and relaxed to see Lizbeth. Where was Cecily?! The owner?! Anyone other adult who was supposed to be here?! "Lizbeth? Are you here alone?" Kathryn went to her knees and took off her helmet to listen to this poor girl. Cecily was gone. And left a note that was now the only clue they had to helping this poor girl.

More screaming. Followed by another. They were out of time. They had to get moving. But Kathryn couldn't push herself to rush this girl. She was scared, and alone. "Lizbeth, things are going to be okay. We came to help, and that's what we intend to do. But we need your help okay sweetie?" Kathryn got back onto her feet, her helmet wedged between her shield arm and her torso. Kathryn attempted to step in slowly, trying to not frighten the poor girl anymore. Stepping inside, she saw the note, and the source of the only light in the building. The place seemed truly empty and abandoned shy of this small child. Her wide eyes watched as Kathryn stepped in. Kathryn still taking the extra moment to not bump her head into the doorway as she stepped. Thankfully, that wasn't an issue.

Kathryn knelt down, trying to suppress her own fears and concerns for the situation. Kathryn would keep her safe, that she was determined. Even more so than neutralizing Cavendish. "We're going to keep you save Lizbeth. And we're going to help however we can. May we please see the note? It'll be a great help." Kathryn held out her gloved hand, a warm smile on her face, despite the fear and dread in her system telling her to wrap her arms around this girl as run as fast as her legs could take her. She figured she may end up having to do that anyways. They were out of time.

Call of Cthulhu - Talbott's Investigators of Mysteries Enlightened

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Margarete O'Bryon

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Location: TIME Agency
Hit Points: 13 Sanity Points: 46 Luck: 75
Mental State: Sane
Skill:

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Margarete turned to face Henrietta as she entered the office. "Thanks darling, always keeping an eye out for me. It's appreciated." She spoke in a surprisingly soft tone for a woman her size. Some of it was Henrietta was a great secretary, some of it was as well she didn't feel like she needed to make her presence known around her. That always relaxed the big woman.

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Margarete listened intently as the others spoke. She followed along as best as she could, but retaining information has never been a strong skill of hers. She was a commanding presence, a loud voice, muscle when it called for it, and an expert in her field. She also graduated second last in her class. But she did graduate. But the job itself seemed pretty strait forward. Follow what leads were left of their Mr. Cornthwaite, figure out if he was missing or just off doing his own thing, and she wondered if worst case, if it had anything to do with why the lot of them were recruited. "Seems like the kind of Gent who'd up and go off on his own just because he could. But a job's a job." She said, her tone returning to it's usual stern and professional foundation. Though not loud. She did take a moment to read over the papers presented. She again had trouble. Though she wasn't reading allowed this time, her lips were moving along as she skimmed the important bits. And she read at a slow pace compared to most adults. Though she still did her best to hide this fact, there were giveaways that she couldn't avoid without really trying. When she finished up with the papers she passed them along to whoever needed to see them. When she did so, her eyes locked with a small lamp on the corner of the desk. Noting nothing spectacular about it, but it seemed off to her. Was this her own home she would fix it no problem. But not only was it not her own home, she was in a meeting. The way it sat in the corner though, closer to one side than the other. It bugged her to an extreme degree. She'd leave it for now, but she felt almost compelled to fix it.

As Father C came in, Margarete listened as he brought up the library, pulling up local records and seeing what they could find that maybe could draw their attention. "The Library's a good idea. I'd also like to take a look at any notes he had left from his last expedition. If this is him just going off on an adventure there may be clues there as to where he may have gone. I wouldn't mind talking tot he sheriff either. Even if he cut the investigation short, we may still be able to get some sort of lead from him." Or worst case, know if he was someone to work with or avoid. There were a few folks on either end of the bar when it came to law enforcement. It was good to know where you stood with the law.

Professor Dupree seemed confident that it couldn't be an expedition, as rumors would have spread. Especially in his place of work. "That is fair enough, I don't want to rule it out yet though." His sudden exclamation made Margarete jump in her seat a bit, surprised at the sudden noise. But as he spoke, his logic was sound. How could one, even as rich as him set up such a large expedition? "What if he went just by himself? Like some sort of hunting or hiking trip. A way to avoid prying eyes maybe? Or some poorly planned trip? Hell, maybe something so rushed he didn't have time to plan anything of note." Though if he was so preoccupied before he went missing, there must have been some planning? "I suppose that's what we're here to figure out huh? Most my ideas be just theories though. I'm sure we'll figure out more once we arrive in Gamwell. Harry, is it safe to assume our arrival is welcome and not..." She paused a moment, maybe a moment too long thinking of the word to use. She didn't want to say unwelcome, she worried it would make her sound like a child. "Or will others outside of the attorney see us as uninvited visitors?" She felt like a fool, but her face was expressionless as she patched up her broken sentence.

Eleonore had a fair point. Why TIME specifically? She figured there was a couple reasons. But Margarete didn't answer them out loud. She had made enough of a fool of herself, and she didn't want to be wrong in front of everyone. "I got a car, but anyone who rides in it follows by my rules for it." She didn't get a chance to use it often, she walked most places in town, and rarely left town except for big events. Her car though was one of her most prized possessions, and she had full intentions of taking car of it. She was glad to be in a team of people who seemed rather decent at piecing together clues. Or at least good enough to fool her. All the points Eleonore made had sound logic and reasoning to them. "I agree, we can talk and drive. We'll have the time." She looked back at that lamp though. Something had to be done about it. But not yet, not yet.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: Outside Mallard's --> bed and breakfast Action: Dash Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Rats. So many fucking rats. Had she blinked she may have missed it. But she saw their eyes, how they ran. She saw how they stalked the party, and assumed that they would have to fight through them to get out of this. She shivered thinking about how many there were. She saw dozens before they ran off once visible to the torch light. Were they surrounded that densely? Were there hundreds? Fucking hell... They were running out of time. And running out fast. "We need to keep moving." Mallard thankfully opened the door quickly. Weapons in hand, Kathryn distributed them on her person like she would normally. Seeing how the axe had fared, she was impressed with how it had been handled. "Mallard, you surely know how to treat a woman. Tell yer wife she's a rather lucky gal." Kathryn said with a smile. She'd get herself a new shaft for the axe when this was all over.

They were kicked out fast once they all got their gear. Kathryn understood. They were on a short time table and likely would not get back before the sun set. It would be close. It would be so fucking close. But they were almost done. They were so close. "Thank you Mallard. Take care of yourself tonight. And we'll be seeing more of you soon don't ya worry." Kathryn said with a smile as she fashioned her helmet on. Kathryn tried to listen in on what Kosara was saying about the lights. But a lot of it didn't register as Kathryn got her kit as sorted out as she could. She did get some of what Kosara said about torches. Lighting up another for herself, she lit one for Kosara as well. "Here ya go, now let's get things wrapped up." She offered the torch to Kosara, though if she didn't take it she would put it out and save it for later. She wasn't struggling for them, but she didn't want to waste them either.

Kathryn began to book it. Her long legs taking heavy strides as her armor clanked and banged. She needed to get there in time. She needed to keep as many people safe as she could. Kathryn was glad to hear the rats didn't seem like they wanted to attack, it made her feel like she could get away with this a lot easier. She booked it as fast as her legs could carry her to the bed and breakfast. She was determined to protect the L'Rose's before the sun set. She was determined to keep them safe.

Avonshire - D&D Based Adventure

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Kathryn Pyke Human, Battle Master, Level 03 HP: 31 / 31 Armor Class: 19 Conditions: N/A Location: Outside Mallard's Action: Perception Check Bonus Action: N/A Reaction: N/A

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Kathryn was grateful Kosara could set up a bunch of lights using her magic, though Kathryn would decline having one personally. Instead opting for a torch to help keep things lit. Between that and everyone else's lights and ability to see in the dark, she hoped that nothing could sneak up on them. It seemed most agreed more or less with Kathryn's theory that everyone was taking shelter for the night. She really hoped that was the case. Otherwise things may already be too late for too many people. Between the subtle noises, and all the actions taken about in the dark. It was clear something was off. Kathryn gave another pound against Mallard's door. "Mallard we need to hurry." She said with a bit more of a commanding tone. One she normally wouldn't try to pull off. But they still had people to check up on tonight. Apart of her worried maybe they should have split up. Maybe she herself could book it to the L'Roses? A fast sprint to there and back? Maybe that's what they should have done, and have whoever wrapped up first meet the other at the next location. But it was far too late for that now.

The sounds continued. More and more. Kathryn was preparing to drop the torch and draw the hammer, ready to face whatever threat came from out of the fog. Taking a brief look around, she decided she couldn't stand at the door any longer. Be it curiosity, or a need to keep the others behind her if things went south, she stepped to the edge of the group attempting to keep everyone between her and the door. The dim glow from the hammer could be seen, though she wasn't sure how useful it would be against the fog. For now, the torch and the magical lights would do. "Do you think whoever watching is the same as who was watching you before?" She asked Victoria quietly, keeping her eyes focused on the fog. Looking in, she decided she wanted a better look, but dared not to book it into the unknown. If they were being followed she was determined to know for sure.

With a surprisingly elegant underhand toss the torch flew some feet down the road the party had originally came down. She hoped to keep the motion fast enough so if anything or anyone was on the road behind them they couldn't get out of the light too fast, but not so fast to burn out the torch. But really, she didn't need to see them. She just needed to see something move. If she could see it, that would be enough to know. Then she could face it.

Call of Cthulhu - Talbott's Investigators of Mysteries Enlightened

@rivaandoing good!! Been told I have a thing for big strong woman… but looking at my characters I don’t have a basis to deny it.

Call of Cthulhu - Talbott's Investigators of Mysteries Enlightened

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Margarete O'Bryon

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Location: O'Bryon's old world Heirlooms --> TIME Agency
Hit Points: 13 Sanity Points: 46 Luck: 75
Mental State: Sane
Skill: Education Roll 29

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Alas, the morning had come. Margarete had wished she could spend a few more minutes- No... a few more hours in bed. But she had a shop to run, and bussiness to attend too. Standing up out of bed her feet hit the floor with a heavy thud as the disheveled woman stood up. On her night stand her grandfather's .45 waited, loaded for in case some poor bastard tried to get her while she slept. Or anything else that may try it. Not that she was any good with it. Outside of firing it in the woods a few times some years ago the only time she grabbed it nowadays was when she went to bad with an ill feeling, or to put it away. Sometimes she'd go out and take it with her if she was worried trouble might find her. But that was a rare occasion. The damn thing barely fit in her handbag anyways. Locked away in the drawer though, it sat still loaded just in case. Just in case. The thought that kept crossing her mind since she left France. Making her way to the window she pulled the blinds that faced the sunrise open. The bright morning beams felt just wonderful against her scarred and ruined face. It helped her feel at peace, the rise of a new day.

Morning routines were simple enough. Shower, find the nicest clothes she could find. Curse the clothes that DARE to not fit her correctly anymore! Neatly reorganized everything in her bathroom until everything was back in place. Organized by size, purpose, then replaced those things that would need more attention later. Sealing them inside a used up coffee tin to be deep cleaned later. The clothes she wore were her favorite beige pencil skirt, a nice blouse to go with it, and a nice suit jacket she would put on after breakfast. Breakfast was always a chore. She used to love to read the newspaper when she ate her breakfast, but now she had to forgo that until she was done and down to only her coffee to make time to prep and organizing. Eggs cracked and poured into circle shaped metal cutters, bacon strips cooked in neatly parallel lines, and some hash to act as a side made into another perfect circle like the eggs. But the eggs always turned out into different shapes, the yokes were never centered, the bacon strips always shrank to different lengths and angles. The whole thing was a nightmare for Margarete who only wanted a nice breakfast. She didn't care about these things nearly as much when she was in the woods. But home, or at work, when she was faced with a structured day to day life? Everything needed to be as perfect as could be. At least the hash stayed a circle. There was already a good start. The smell of fresh coffee only helped with that. The way the table was set one may guess she was preparing for a nice date, not that there was a Mr. O'Bryon in her life. Multiple forks set about in neat fashion, two spoons, a water cup on one side, and coffee on the other. With the table set, food made, Margarete was finally able to sit and enjoy her breakfast. Allowed to de-stress herself and get her morning rolling before she had any clients to deal with.

Though a single strand of hair that didn't seem to know it's place kept trying to mess up her meal, Sprinkles had saved the day before she took her anger out on a table she really didn't want to replace. The chubby orange cat jumped onto her lap and began purring up a storm as if his favorite human couldn't be beat by anyone. "Don't think you can butter me up so easily. I know why you're really here." The cat seemed to look up at her with the biggest smiling, purring like a motorboat as he continued to rub up against her. "It's not going to work. I have learned the secrete to your ways. I shall persist!" She said in a conquering tone. The chubby cat simply gave her a happy "Meow". Margarete soon admitted defeat. "Sigh... fine... let me finish the has first." Sprinkles perked up! He knew his mother too well. Margarete set the plate down on the floor with some eggs and most of a strip of bacon still left. Sprinkles was pleased his servant had fed him and immediately began ignoring his human once he had gotten what he wanted. "Ya wee bastard! Where's your end of the bargain!" Sprinkles ignored her in favor of the bacon.

Grabbing the mail that had been dropped off, she skipped over the newspaper wasting a fair amount of time spoiling her cat, and demanding his affection. Some were bills, some were letters asking about items she sold months ago, some were offers for more collectables. Overall, the usual stuff. What did catch her though... The unstamped letter was pretty easy to tell who it came from. But she still had to spend some time decrypting it. "Important message... New England millionaire... Respa... respatility..." She mumbled as she read the letter. Given another pot of coffee she could make out words easier. But she had never been the sharpest tool in the shed. "Responsibility! Great... uhm..." She held a reading level of a student who had never finished school. Though she loved to read, she was slow, and the early morning still ahead of her she was more off than usual. "...presence required ASAP..." She paused, reading that over. So it was TIME. She was hoping she'd be less groggy by the time she got there. Last thing she needed to do was make a fool of herself, or have to beat down some poor bastard that decided to call her out for it.

She put on her suit jacket, a felt fedora for the weather, and grabbed her handbag from her room. She paused, looking back at the side table. She always had her knuckles within her bag should she need it. But if TIME was reaching out to her, she had an idea of the kind of trouble she expected. Taking her keys, she took the old army revolver out of the drawer and slid it into her bag. Still loaded from the night before. Locking it back up she left to get to work. "Stay out of trouble sprinkles, mum will be back soon enough. Make sure to not sleep all day!" She called out knowing the cat would do just that. But it made her feel better to at least say something. Sprinkles, was already asleep on top of a box by the radiator. She left a sign on her shop saying simple "Went out on important errands, shall return later." Attached to it, were a few of her business cards.

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Margarete chose to walk. The fresh air helped her keep a level head when confronted with problems and stressers. Plus, it was easy for her to make it past most crowds. She stood over most woman, and many men. She was intimidating by size alone. The scars on her face only seemed to help that fact as no one dared bump into the woman. She stepped through the doorway to be greeted by the lovely secretary. "Mornin' Miss Babson. Taking care of yourself?" She asked intrigued, but alas she was in a hurry. Inside she saw two other agents, and Harry Peacock. She made sure to give each a courteous acknowledgement of a nod, and eye contact. Though kept her hat on. She was still self conscious about the burns sometimes. And for whatever reason she felt the hat helped draw attention away from them.

She continued her heavy steps, her lifted shoes nearly stomping with her weight on the floor as she walked into the office. Though she arrived a little late, she arrived soon enough to get the gist of what was going on. She had to ponder the question for a moment. Then it hit her! "Arthur Cornthwaite is a wealthy lad who went on a fair amount of expeditions, made money off them, and had an obsession with tribes from about tha' world. Saw him once at an event, but can't say I know much more on The man. I think he's local? At least to the Northeast." She shrugged. But she guessed that is why they were there. To know about this man, and figure out where he had gone. Though, the smaller girl had a point. Why did the attorney think that they needed to be involved instead of the police? She was sure there was a reason, but off the top of her head, she couldn't think of one.