Blackburn's Crossing Chapter 4: Snake Eater

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Peri nods rubbing her eyes. “Isaiah tried to use the book to stop us from protecting James.” With a sigh she shook her head, “The book was a little damaged, but I don’t think to terribly so.”

Looking to Kallisto and Aluc she smirks a little seeing how silly Aluc was acting. “Lina while you were with Isaiah, did he say why he was plotting to kill James? And the woman with him she has disappeared Flora.. did she go with Momma?”
 
Marsh House:

"The lady with the pretty ribbon? No Isaiah told her about a place up north where she would find what she was looking for," said Lina thinking hard and putting to hands on the side of her head to focus. "Isaiah said.... Isaiah said.... He said the Blackburnies were the cause of bad luck on the town. He kept whispering to a book, the book didn't look nice but Isaiah still like a silly stupid head kept talking to it like it was talking back to him."
 
When Thomas asked if she thought he was a suspect, Arissa shook her head. “I am afraid you misunderstand me, sher... Thomas. I did not mean to implicate you in her murder at all. The situation is rather... complicated. I am still new to this town, but it seems to me that you are one of the few people other than Derek who would have known her in her youth. All of the leads that we have in the present seem to be gone or dead, so I was hoping to go about my investigation differently and dig into her past... you called Maria an enigma, ja? Would you care to elaborate on that?”
 
Peri nods, “You have a good memory, thank you Lina. Did Isaiah say anything more than that about the Blackburn’s? Like in what ways they were bad luck? A curse or anything about Legba in the swamp? Bear has the bad book too, I hope he gets rid of it, but it’s good to know it may talk back.” Looking to the candle that was now nothing but melted wax she looks back to Lina. “do you know how to get Momma out of the book? Is she safe there? You told me about Mr. Frog will Momma be in trouble.” Leaning forward she tips onto her knees listening intently. “She must miss you, she will be happy you are safe.”
 
Léone blinks at the cacophony of thoughts, still uncertain just what was going on. "It's not unique, though I suppose most people at the university passed over mental communication in favor of combat classes. Even I didn't put much stock into it until recently," she says, looking James up and down. "So far I haven't used it on any strange creatures, just people. At least... I'm fairly sure."

She scratches her head, not sure whether to believe him or not. "I guess... just asking you if you're alright isn't the best way to figure it out either." She glances back to see if the others were listening, before turning back carefully. She frowns, not sure how to put it. "To answer both questions... sure, it could be possible with some research and you're right, I would tell you. And I'm telling you that most people's minds aren't this... crowded."

She sighs and looks back up to him with a hint of concern. "Do you mind if I... try something? It might feel like a bit of poking around in your brain but you'll be fine, I swear. I just want to make sure you're okay." Having said that, she works up her courage and begins to push deeper into his thoughts, trying to glimpse inside.
 
Bernard nodded, "I'll see you tomorrow then." He left the constabulary and made his way to Thomas' home. Along the way he reached out to Durendal to check in on Heather's activities.

When he arrived at the Von Brekker residence he knocked loudly and waited with a smile, straighten his tunic and shifting the weight of his pack around.
 
Blackburn Manor:

"Whatever you think is necessary Leone. If there's something not right with my mind I'd rather know," said James as he relaxed himself to prepare for.... whatever. There was a momentary second where he worried but then it was gone. Leone felt the thoughts coming and then suddenly her view shifted blotting out her other senses.
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"James I've heard so much about you, come forward and let me have a good look at you," said an older man looking to be in his fifties with a crown upon his head. The man had a stern face with grim features as you stepped forward. He seemed to gaze over and almost through you. The room around you is a dark throne room lit by lanterns that reflected the dark stain glass windows of this man's throne room.

"As you wish my lord," says James' voice as you feel yourself bow. It is a moment before the crowned man speaks, and somehow even without words being said you know this man as Azalin Rex you're king. "How may I serve my king?"

"You've made quiet an stir among your colleagues in Il Aluk, so much so that I dare half of them are calling you a genius and the others are calling you raving mad," said Azalin Rex walking down the stairs to be on level ground with you. "Many of your methods seem to be using magic in ways other people thought to be impossible, and it is this interesting view point that I have brought you here."

"Is this a test then? Forgive me my lord but if you've invited me here for a chat about magical theory and the old vs the new than you'll find my a rather lacking student," said James' voice as he turned to watch Azalin circling him and then the other way when he passed from his vision.

"It is a test of sorts but not the kind your thinking of James Widicker. There are magics beyond even your imagination that you've not even begun to delve into, and as a matter of fact I did have a request of you, though I'm afraid that more pertains to your future than the present," said Azalin Rex coming to a stop in front of your vision. A sense of unease from the older man's gaze crawls through your body.

"Then perhaps we should start with the matter of why you summoned me," came James' voice. Held up a hand snapping James' mouth tightly shut, and a slight pressure as if a hand were squeezing your wind pipe is felt.

"Do not mistake my patiences as an invitation to speak freely," said Azalin waiting a moment before waving his hand free of the spell. Cough escapes your mouth as he begins to walk up the stairs towards his throne. He picks up a book from the chair and begins to idly flip through the pages. "I've come to grant you a boon that you did not even know that you wanted. You're memories back before you came to Darkon, no doubt they will come as a shock to you but you're a strong minded individual. I'm sure you'll managed just fine, James Blackburn."

"Wha.... What do you mean my memories?" asked James' voice as Azalin takes a quill dipping it in ink and scratches something out. Suddenly there is a rush of memories that floods too rapidly to maintain, and the identities of James Widicker, a urchin turned aristocrate with no parents to speak of and the identity of James Blackburn come crashing into each other fighting for dominance. "Impossible... those aren't my memories."

"Oh I assure you they are, you ARE James Blackburn," says Azalin calmly setting the book down and closing it.

"But all those memories, I even remember growing up on the streets fighting for a piece of bread..." said James' voice as you're view of the floor suddenly shifts back up to the King. He smiles softly like a man telling a child how the world really is.

"Nothing but shadows and figments, over time you will come to learn to ignore the triggers. There has been no James Widicker, but you have believed to be him for many years now it will be hard to shake this identity which you have worn so long," says Azalin Rex as he proceeded back down the stairs towards you. "There will come a day when I need something from you, and you will provide it to me for I am both your Lord and the Savior of your mind. When that day comes, think hard before thinking of betraying me."

Azalin Rex's hand comes forward pressing a finger to your head, and he looks intently at you. And for a moment it feels like can see you... Leone.
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in that moment Leone is kicked back to her senses, and James' eyes who has rolled up into his head comes back down looking at Leone concerned. "What... what is it?"
 
Marsh House:

"They're.... ancestors. They summoned someone named Papa Legba.... if they all die he said the fiend would fade," said Lina trying really really hard to remember, and then she is suddenly distracted for a moment by her leafy bed. "You made me a very nice bed-- I mean yes." She shakes her head turning away from the bed to look at Peri. "She shouldn't be in big danger, she'll be alive. Mr. Toad wants to marry her, and she'd need to be a frog like him. If she wants to get out of the book she'll have to figure out an ending, but Isaiah said he would come for her so maybe she's waiting."

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Von Brekker House:

"Sort of what an Enigma is isn't it? A mystery to be solved," said Thomas before shrugging. "Maria had been a nice girl but a bit aloof. After I returned she was very cold and distant with me, but not just with me others around. They told me she hadn't ever been the same since I had left, and I had caused her to grow up much quicker, and once the Einhorn's figured out their daughter could enchant weapons, and armor they set her quickly on the path of becoming a blacksmith."

"I'm sorry daddy, I didn't know she used to be close to you," said Annabelle seemingly apologetic. Thomas smirked at bit at that shaking his head slightly. "Don't worry about that Annie. She should have known a bit better than to be mean to my little girl in the first place."

Thomas' gaze turned over to Arissa. "I suspect you'll be wanting to hear about that now. Maria and me had a fight about Annabelle and Jonathan playing with swords one day. Little Annie accidentally got a little too vigorous when Jonathan taunted her at being bad at sword fighting. That was the day he learned that even an unskilled fighter can get lucky. Needless to say Maria was furious that day."

Annabelle seemed a bit embarrassed by the story but Thomas chuckled amused as a knock comes at the door. Thomas gets up to get it answering the door with a smile still on his face. Seeing Bernard he motions towards the table. "Might as well join us, Arissa's already here."
 
Bernard looks surprised as he enters the house. "Already here? I thought she was with Jonathan." He shakes Thomas' hand and follows him to the kitchen.

Bernard gives Arissa a pleased smile, it was always nice to see her. "Annabelle, Arissa, good afternoon. How are you doing?" Deciding it wasn't inappropriate company, Bernard leans in and giving Arissa a quick kiss on the cheek. "I had hoped to get some advice Thomas, but I didn't mean to interrupt anything." He looks around the room trying to gauge the mood.
 
Arissa raises an eyebrow at Thomas’s description of Maria’s change. That seems to line up with what Godefroy had told us... “Do you know of anyone alive who was here while you were gone? I am sorry, but I am suspicious that something might have happened unrelated to you to cause her change in personality.”

Arissa then listens a bit amused to the story about Jonathan and Annabelle. I suppose he is used to being beaten by women then, ja? That is likely why he was not suspicious when Yorgi took over...

Arissa looks over when the knocking came at the door, disappointed that she had not had time to learn much from Thomas, but relieved to see Bernard enter. She smiles to Bernard at the kiss, but was unable to hide the pain in her eyes briefly as she met his gaze. She then quickly regains her composure and forces a bright smile. “Ah, hello, Bernard. I hope your investigation has been going better than my own. My talk with Jonathan ended up being more of a social call I am afraid, but I did have the thought of learning more about Maria’s past, which is what brought me here. I am afraid you are interrupting little other than stories of Annabelle’s youth, a topic I feel she would be eager to move on from.”
 
Léone snaps back to reality, a fierce chill running down her spine as the final gaze of Azalin Rex lingers in her mind's eye. She grips the armrest of her chair for support and looks back at James, completely wide-eyed. "I... I didn't mean to pry... " Unable to vocalize words, she instead resorts to whispering mentally into his head. "... I saw your encounter with Azalin Rex... I'm so sorry, I can't imagine having your mind toyed with like that... to doubt who you really are..."

She trails off, distantly lost in thought, replaying the Wizard-King's order in her mind several times before her gaze darts to the desk where the Helle Welle was. She gulps and turns back to James, still reeling from the revelation. It takes her a few seconds to find her voice once more, having to remind herself she was in her own body again. "If... if he's given that much forethought into getting the Helle Welle... then we should just hand it over as quickly as possible. He has his eye on you, James... he has his eye on us..." After she whispers this she merely stares at him like a lost child, blindsided by the power that Azalin truly had.
 
Peri’s eyes grow wide at the Legba revelation, but it it dwarfed by the relief that her mother was safe. “You are welcome Lina, hopefully Momma will find her way out, we are trying to take care of a monstrous snake, but if Momma doesn’t appear by the time we have dealt with it we shall go in after her. When Bear comes back we will talk more. Thank you so much.”

Some hope settled back into her heart but the information about Legba was not good. What was happening to this town and was the answer really the end of her friend. Shakingnoff the thought she would tell Bear and James right away. Looking up to Kallisto then back to Lina. “I think we need to see James, Church should be over by now but Bear hasn’t come home. Will you come with me to the Manor Lina? Kallisto? I think James deserves to know why Isaiah thought killing him was the answer, maybe it’s a new angle to dig.” Not waiting on an answer Peri dives out of the room and into her own changing out of the now crumpled and dirty gown from the night before into her normal clothes.
 
Von Brekker House:

"The list is growing shorter as the days go on," says Thomas sitting back down at the table. He seems to give it some thought before speaking. "Sereal was around then, and Thackery was back then but I doubt he'd know anything of her. Matilda was never too keen on Maria either but she was around during that time. Anyways you're expanding your profile quiet a bit if you're thinking someone from back then killed her," said Thomas before shaking his head and waving his hand. "Nevermind, I retired for a reason. So other than embarrassing my daughter what else I can do for you? I know you wanted to discuss something Bernard."
 
Yelcan gives Violette a wry smile as she asked about his love life, "Well wouldn't you like to know Ms. Reiner?" The smile fades as she grabs the map and he looks over her shoulder as she holds it. "This is good, this is good! I know Kallisto was looking for something like this, but I'm not sure if she found it. Hey, Mr. Blackburn, do you mind if I..." His words peter out as he sees James there with his eyes rolled back in his head, and then Leone gasping as she stares at him wide eyed and almost...scared? Just as they begin to whisper furiously, Yelcan strides around Violette, voice rising as he prepares for some sort of danger "What is it? What happened?!"
 
Kallisto listened as Perian and Lina spoke, trying to ignore the almost deafening purring coming from Aluc. "I almost think you enjoy this more than you'd enjoy 'awakening'..." she muttered as Aluc shoved her head into Kallisto's.

Placing Aluc on the bed, she gently started rubbing the cat's belly using a half-closed fist to try and prevent accidentally cutting Aluc with her own claws. She started focusing to speak to Aluc as she heard Perian's plans, bringing her attention back. "Oh -- we're leaving?" Kallisto rubbed Aluc's ears, "... if we tell James, what then?" When Kallisto looked up Perian was already out of the room. Sighing she picked up Aluc and followed after Perian through the house.

"I said I will help, but ... both Bernard and Isaiah before said those who dig, even ... Jeremiah in his own way, those who dig do not ... things do not go well. Especially not in Blackburn's Crossing, especially ... not with certain people involved." She adjusted her hold on Aluc, "Just please consider that Perian."
 
Blackburn Manor:

Violette smirks at Yelcan's remark. "So that IS a yes. She's a lucky lady I think," says Violette starting to go back to looking at the map before she noticed Yelcan moving over to James and Leone.

"Azalin has a presence about him that is for sure. Strong, and commanding," said James as he considered her words. "I remember him informing me that my parents were dead, and that I had inherited their fortune... it wasn't the best day for me. Perhaps you're right in that we should send it to him quickly."

"I don't know, what's the matter Yelcan? Leone was just asking me about one of her spells and now you're yelling?" he asks curiously not sure exactly how to answer the question. Violette just watches as she is turned in her seat. "Let me know if you two need a little bit of private time, I can drag Yelcan by the ear right on out of here. Besides I'd like to meet his 'secret lover' and maybe I can play twenty questions to guess who it is."

"No it's fine Violette, it's nothing concerning or that intimate. At least... I don't think it is," he says looking back to Leone. He seems to search Leone's expression for something but he doesn't find it.
 
Bernard looked to Arissa then back at Thomas, "I just wanted to discuss what you'd said about perception at the ball, but this seems a bad time for it. I'd much rather enjoy a cup of tea and some old stories, if that's what Arissa is here for." Bernard grabs himself a cup and pours some tea, taking a seat next to Arissa and placing an arm around her. "I'm curious if Maria has a softer side from her youth." Bernard rubbed Arissa's shoulder to comfort her as he sipped his tea.
 
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Arissa looks back at Bernard with a soft smile, feeling somewhat reassured by his presence. She glances down, finally noticing the cup of tea Annabelle had previously set down before her and took a sip. She frowned as she realized it had grown cold, and twirling her fingers over it briefly causing the cup to steam, and then smiles around the room. “It is quite alright with me if you wish to talk business with Thomas as well. I do not believe that these are memories that Thomas would relish the opportunity to relive twice within the hour.” Arissa took another sip of her tea, finally beginning to calm down once again.
 
Léone just sits there, unsure of how to process it what she had just seen. "He... he doesn't remember...? So how did I..." She frowns, unsure of how to deal with the knowledge or bring it up to him. Would mentioning it trigger a relapse? Would it anger Azalin? Would it even do anything at all? So many variables, and she was completely lost on where to start.

Shaking her head, she looks to the others and nods a bit. "I'm... I'm fine, honestly. A bit tired out maybe. There's no immediate danger, I assure you." She takes a deep breath and sinks back into the chair, finding bare comfort in its cushions. She glances back to James and flashes a smile, a hint of uncertainty still lingering. "There's lots of things we can chat about, private or not, but right now all I really want to do is join you in a bit of napping," she jokes, trying to take her mind off of the vision. "How's the desk? You seemed comfy there when I found you this morning."
 
Peri stopped abruptly at her door before crashing into Kallisto. “I,” Peri pauses to absorb Kallisto’s thoughts on it. “I don’t want to dig into it, it has brought so much pain already, but James should know.”

Grabbing her staff she slows but still readies herself to leave. “No more secrets, Bear also said that. Maybe knowing about Legba and his connection to the Blackburn’s will prevent our friends from digging in the wrong direction.”
 
Von Brekker House:

"Maybe once, but doesn't help when someone like me breaks your dreams of the future," said Thomas to Bernard. "That's the short of it at least. If you want to talk about what happened last night you probably don't need to worry about it too much when the speech you gave this morning. Still I've heard a few tidbits here and there that seem to think you're all for ousting the Blackburn family. I know that's probably not the truth of it but if one too many people get it into their head, stupid people can be just as dangerous as monsters when it comes down to it. You're in a position of influence now, anything you do could be taken a number of ways, and sometimes it isn't always the way you intended it. Next time maybe ask for a moment in private with James before you rough him up?"

Annabelle looks at Bernard and is about to ask but Thomas puts up a hand. "Annabelle calm down, it wasn't anything more than a shove in the heat of the moment. People had died as his party, and I wasn't in the best of moods either," said Thomas biting the head off the comment before it could be made.

"I... understand daddy," she says sufficiently scolded. "Maybe I should go for a walk to see Jonathan."

"That might be a good idea," says Thomas smiling over at her and patting her arm. "Don't be late for Dinner, I'm not so good at eating two full portions."

Annabelle walks over and kisses his forehead before she turns to go leave. Thomas turns back to Bernard and Arissa. He smiles for a moment before commenting. "So, you two are very... familiar."
 
Kallisto nodded, "I understand Perian, just keep in mind my words. I agree no more secrets ..." she bites her lip slightly as if considering saything something before shaking her head slightly. "I said I will help you, I'll go with you if you want. Perhaps more has been found already."

She shifted her hold on Aluc, "I had hoped to ask Aluc to show me where the nest was and compare it to a map ... but I don't know if that plan will work anymore." Shrugging, "Lead on, Perian."
 
Yelcan stops walking towards James very abruptly, raising his eyebrow in his own confusion. "Umm...you just had your eyes roll back in your head and Leone freaked out...Are you two alright?" Yelcan looks at everyone else in the room, completely confused about what just transpired, but looks to Leone as she says she's fine. Yelcan looks back and forth between the two of them, and just tired from all of the research, and unwilling to get in the middle of all of this any further, he turns towards towards the door and throws up his hands in frustration. "Whatever, I did what I could to help, and if you need me again feel free to ask. I'm gonna go find Kallisto and let her know what I've found out. Violette, may I please have that map? Or you may join me if you wish, either way, I'm outta here."
 
Blackburn Manor:

"Sooooo Dramatic," says Violette extending her words for flare, as she stands up folding the map. "I'll come along to keep you out of trouble, who knows. Maybe the new couple needs a bit of time to themselves." She shrugs before moving on after Yelcan, and a smile on her face. "So Yelcan about that Girlfrie---" says Violette shutting the door behind her.

"Huh, I think I offended Yelcan again some how," says James leaning back in his chair. He nodded to Leone about feeling tired, and then when she chided him about the desk sleeping he smirked looking over. "Hey, I only sleep on the finest of desks. Besides I wouldn't let you sleep on the desk, I think you'd find the bed much more comfortable."

After letting out another yawn he looks back at Leone. "In all seriousness however, my eyes rolled up into the back of my head? Did that much time pass when you did.... whatever you did?" asked James standing up and offering her a hand. "Maybe it's a side effect of doing the spell on a very tired mind... I don't know."

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Grimdosh opens the door for Kallisto and Perian, as Violette and Yelcan are coming down the stairs. "In retrospect it probably wasn't the best relationship for both me and Haviar but it was fun while it lasted," says Violette finishing her story about a man that had tried to court her once when she was much younger.
 
Peri reaches out and pets Aluc scratching the cats ears. “Thank you Kallisto, I really appreciate you just being here, I’ve felt disconnected lately, everyone is rushing around about me seeking answers to something.” Moving into the wash room she grabs a cloth and quickly scrubs her face. Merris would have told her to do it again and proper, but she simply was doing it out of habit now. Moving out the door she locked it as they left. “Things just keep happening to us, I’m always reacting and I don’t even have all the details. There hasn’t been time to process anything, you must feel it too, we are all just thrashing in the dark.”

Hurriedly making her way to the Manor Lina tucked away discreetly it not but a few moments she is knocking Grimdosh opening the door to let them in. “Grimdosh I’m looking for James I need to..” her voice faded as she saw Yelcan and the woman named Reiner she remembered from the day before the Zindan’s death and a blip in her memories post ball talks.
 
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