End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley
<h1 id="title">Elliquiy Role Playing Forums</h1>
		<h2 id="linktree">Play-By-Post: Light =&gt; Light: Exotic Small Groups =&gt; Topic started by: Eyeomancer on 29-06-2007, 03:37:00</h2>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>29-06-2007, 03:37:00</strong>
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				<em>Prologue</em><br><br>The old man sniffs the northern wind, narrows his dark eyes, and frowns.&nbsp; There is snow coming - lots of it -of this he is sure.&nbsp; Snow, and a bad moon, for it is that time once again.&nbsp; The moon is nothing new,&nbsp; but this snow . . .he is an old man, and his bones are twigs in autumn; they ache already from the winter chill, and no longer leap through the drifts like they used to.<br><br>Still, there is a bad moon, and work to be done.<br><br>The old man licks his brown, cracked lips and squints at the eagle feather held aloft between his fingers.&nbsp; Knees popping, he kneels and traces a circle in the snow at his feet.&nbsp; He sings a song to himself softly, the song of futures not known, the song of things to come.&nbsp; He sings to the feather and the snow circle.&nbsp; Raising his head, he sings to the mountains, to the sky.<br><br>He must know.<br><br>The ritual is simple:&nbsp; he sings the song twice more, then holds his arm out straight before him, and drops the feather.&nbsp; If it lands in the circle, the Beast is coming once more, to feast by the light of the bad moon.&nbsp; If not. . .it means that their prayers are being answered, and the Beast will pass them by once more.<br><br>The feather drifts slowly to the ground.&nbsp; The old man smells the smoke a moment before he can place the odor.&nbsp; By then, the eagle feather is firmly planted in the center of the circle.&nbsp; It smolders another moment, then bursts into flame.&nbsp; <br><br>His eyes widen with surprise and fear, the old man jumps back from the burning feather.&nbsp; This omen is not good.&nbsp; Not good at all.&nbsp; He must go, he must warn the others.&nbsp; And he must hurry. . .<br><br>. . .For the snow is beginning to fall.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>29-06-2007, 03:40:09</strong>
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				You have been driving through the mountains all day.&nbsp; As the last rays of sun fade into darkness, the light snowfall that has been powdering the road all evening turns into a full-blown blizzard.&nbsp; High winds rock your vehicle and blow steep drifts of snow across the road, making it difficult to stay in your lane.&nbsp; Visibility is reduced to the narrow tunnel of light from your vehicles' headlights.&nbsp; As the drifts build up, the road becomes narrower and narrower, rougher and rougher; it is soon nearly impossible to tell whether or not your vehicle is actually on the road.<br><br><strong>Game on.&nbsp; Post as you will, either beginning in the situation I just threw you into, or flashing back to earlier in the day/week/month and getting here at the end.&nbsp; Please use bold text for OOC actions, and PM me anything you don't want the others to see you doing.</strong>
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>29-06-2007, 05:27:55</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				After the non-mission Taylor took it upon herself to change from leathers into her spandex pants and a jacket.&nbsp; Knowing that they'd be going back through some snow storms (though she thought they'd be light according to that weather guy) she just didn't want her leathers getting wet.&nbsp; Truthfully all her things rest in an army-issued duffle bag, leathers, machete, sharpening tools and several other clothes/jackets (as well as the ever handing pots/pans kit for camping).<br><br>Depending on what kind of van/hummer they have, she'll be in one of the back seats.&nbsp; If it should be a van like a church van with multiple long seats within, she'll have stretched out across the back one and is currently sleeping through the snowstorm. Or at the very least it appears that she's sleeping.&nbsp; The girl in the black spandex pants and white long-sleeve shirt that's also form fitting, seems to be content to let the driver drive and let the snow fall, and the wind shake the vehicle.&nbsp; She's not completely asleep as is per normal for her in a semi-dangerous or very dangerous situations, she'd say she has her eyes closed but is resting still.&nbsp; Hell if they're going to be trekking around in the snow soon enough she'll like to have some energy for doing that.&nbsp; Good thing she packed boots and other winter gear for this trip.&nbsp; 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>29-06-2007, 05:59:39</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger is currently in one of the seats in the hummer, quietly arguing with no one (at least, no one visible.) "Yes, we checked that out. That one too. Listen, there was nothing. What do you mean... no, no, we checked that as well. Twice. Cindi, I'm tired of arguing... listen, just go away for now.<br><br>"I said, I'm not discussing this."<br><br>He turns in his seat, and lays his head against the window. He winces every once in a while, like whomever was still yelling at him, but he does his best to ignore it. He seems to be a bit better dressed for the bad weather, but only barely. Jeans, dirty tennis shoes, and a 'Miskatonic University: Go Fighting Cephalopods!' sweatshirt, as well as a pair of old, worn tube socks which he wears like a pair of fingerless gloves.. The rest of his gear - extra clothes, a warm jacket, hiking boots, and a small collection of 'sharps' that he's hoarded over the years (razor blades, knifes, and scalpels).
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>29-06-2007, 16:34:37</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Allison had made a valiant effort to sleep.&nbsp; Sadly, she wasn't good at sleeping in moving vehicles to begin with, and this one was rather crowded.&nbsp; And noisy, she thought, openign her eyes and shooting a glance at the mumbling Roger.<br><br>Then she caught sight of the world beyond the window.&nbsp; "Oh, where are we?&nbsp; Maybe we should pull over."&nbsp; She leaned closer to the glass, struggling to make out anything beyond swirls of white.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>29-06-2007, 17:02:00</strong>
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				Edwin glanced back from the front and shook his head.&nbsp; He hadn't quite made up his mind about Roger.&nbsp; While it was entirely possible the young man was crazy, it wasn't impossible that he was an actual medium.&nbsp; Of course, it could also be both... one could be right and still be crazy.<br><br>But then Allison spoke.&nbsp; "I'm afraid I'm not sure.&nbsp; I fear we may have strayed from our course.&nbsp; For that matter, I'm not entirely certain we haven't strayed from the road altogether."
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				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>29-06-2007, 18:46:14</strong>
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				Blake said nothing, simply letting the other chatter on. His eyes flicked to the dashboard mounted GPS display, and he frowned. <em>Pretty sure that damn thing's off</em> he thought, flicking it with a finger. Predictably it chirped once, the screen fuzzed, and when it cleared the thing now thought they were in downtown Miami. He exhaled a long, low growl, shaking his head slowly.<br><br>"Who has the map?" he said.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>29-06-2007, 18:51:31</strong>
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				Edwin looked back over.&nbsp; "I thought you did..." His voice trails off as he notices the display.&nbsp; "Oh bother...&nbsp; It's in the glove box, give me a moment."&nbsp; <br><br>He then opened the glovebox to dig out the map, then he began to unfold it to try to find where they were.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>29-06-2007, 19:29:31</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Bad comes to worse pretty quickly; now instead of driving to their destination in near white-out conditions, the group finds itself&nbsp; trying to figure out where they are, exactly, in increasingly hostile weather.&nbsp; As Edwin tries to puzzle out on the Rand McNally map what road they're on, and how far to the nearest town, the more treacherous the driving becomes.&nbsp; The drifts grow until the Hummer is in narrow ruts; a semi nearly collides with you; you hit a patch of ice and skid momentarily.<br><br>It is in this tense, fearful situation that Allison (<strong>and only Allison</strong>) notices a dark figure scuttling out of the woods and into the road, which would put it right in front of the Hummer.&nbsp; 
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>29-06-2007, 19:47:36</strong>
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				It had done no good as yet, but Allison still looked determinedly for a road sign or other landmark that might help them.&nbsp; Her hand gripped the door, white-knuckled, and under her breath, she counted to one hundred by tens in as many languages as she could think of; a habit she'd picked up during stressful situations.<br><br>Then, at last, she saw something that wasn't snow and more snow.&nbsp; But this something was moving...<br><br>"Look out!&nbsp; To the right, there's someone there!" she called, her body tensing helplessly.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>29-06-2007, 20:30:09</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake reacted on instinct, pumping the breaks and twisting the wheel to shift the hummers direction as far around to the left as he could. His eyes flicked across the road, but he saw nothing but the swirling snow, most of his attention on keeping the vehicle from going into an uncontrolled skid.<br><br>The car skidded to a halt, and he turned to look over his right shoulder, to see if there was any sign of the mysterious figure. "No impact." he noted. "Where are they?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>29-06-2007, 20:38:58</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake's quick reflexes turn the Hummer into a controlled skid that cuts its forward momentum, though it does spin them out so that they are lying across the road, the front and read bumpers buried in the snowdrifts, the headlights buried beneath in the bank.&nbsp; <br><br>The five in the car peer out the side windows, but are unable to make out anything in the blackness surrounding them.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>29-06-2007, 20:52:40</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Thump.&nbsp; Not that it's be noticed by anyone but Taylor.&nbsp; She smacks her face against the window, from all the spinning.&nbsp; It causes her eyes to snap open and then they're stopped across the road with it black as night outside during one hellacious snowstorm.&nbsp; "Oh goody." The girl stretches and proceeds to look around the vehicle for a few moments before looking up front.&nbsp; "Guess this means we're not going to the ski resort, huh?" She smirks then moves to grab her bag from the back.&nbsp; She's there only for a moment (giving the rest of the car a nice view of her but in that spandex) and then she pulls snow boots from her bag and slips them over her feet.&nbsp; She's also brough a nice thick snow coat and drapes that over her shoulders. "If we're stuck, you're going to want to cut the heat in the car, so we don't die."<br><br>Not that she really needs to say that with the others there, but they seem to be more occupied with something outside the car, than what's inside.&nbsp; Given that she doesn't feel anything wrong or about to attack, then that must mean they're at least safe from the supernatural.&nbsp; <br><br>Right?
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				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>29-06-2007, 20:54:13</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>No point using the starlight scope</em> thought Blake, scanning the darkness. <em>Not enough light out there, and too much snow.</em> He glanced over his shoulder to those in the back. "Under the passenger seat, there should be a torch. Someone get it, point it out there."<br><br>He let his eyes unfocus, but the swirling snow made watching for movement pointless. He returning a methodical scan of the road where he figured the mysterious person might have been.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>29-06-2007, 20:57:32</strong>
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				"I know I saw someone," Allison insisted, trying to get her bearings after that spin so she knew where best to look for the figure.&nbsp; She wasn't really hearing anything said in the car; she was too focused on searching the outside.&nbsp; Her coat, which had been a makeshift pillow, had fallen to the floor and she started rummaging for it.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>29-06-2007, 21:53:02</strong>
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				Edwin had been too engrossed with the map to realize what was happening at first.&nbsp; Not until the Hummer was in a controlled spin did he brace himself against the dashboard and grit his teeth.<br><br>He blinks into the darkness.&nbsp; "I'm sure you did Allison," he calls as he leans forward and starts feeling around under his seat for the light, "And if someone is out in this, they need our help."&nbsp; <br><br>Blake's a lot of things, thankfully well-prepared is one of them, he thinks as he pulls out the hefty emergency lantern.&nbsp; He flips it on and presses it against the windshield to keep it from reflecting.&nbsp; "Mr. Blake, do you think the Hummer can get out of this drift?" he asks as he sweeps the light over the snow.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>29-06-2007, 22:09:41</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Count on it." he replied. "First things first, let's see if there really is someone out there." He glanced back at the others. "I know I wouldn't be out in weather like that without one damn good reason." <br><br>He glances over at Edwin, since he has the torch. "Coming?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>29-06-2007, 22:50:16</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin nods back at Blake.&nbsp; "Certainly."<br><br>He sets the lantern on the dash and takes his neatly folded greatcoat from the floor and slips it back on.&nbsp; Then he takes the light and looks back to see if anyone else seems inclined to join them in the blizzard.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>29-06-2007, 23:32:12</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Hold on, hold on, I'm coming." She reaches back into the back of the car again pulling out some heavy duty winter pants with straps and a nice draw string around the waist.&nbsp; You can't say the girl doesn't come prepared.&nbsp; Granted while crossing through the rockies it's almost always a good idea to bring winter clothes, even in the summer.&nbsp; As it is, she's slipping her spandex (and long johns beneath that) clad legs into the pants, removing the jacket so she can put the suspenders over her shoulder and then puts the jacket back on.&nbsp; The girl then grabs a bright orange beanie and puts it on then looks up towards the other two while she slips on some gloves.&nbsp; "Oh, and there's a flashlight in my bag, Allison, we'll need that to find the car again just turn it on.&nbsp; It's one of the LCD flashlights, long battery, bright as hell.<br><br>She grins and hops out of the car immediately sinking into the snow.&nbsp; Still she's pretty much toasty warm, and if all else fails she has the hood on her jacket (that's rolled up currently) and a mask for her mouth and nose should it be too cold to keep her face bare.&nbsp; As for why is she going? Well never hurts to have someone attuned to the supernatural realm in these cases.&nbsp; Almost as soon as she's out of the car, she's reaching back in and grabbing her machete.&nbsp; Never can be too careful.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>30-06-2007, 00:33:26</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Sine all she was doing was finding her coat, putting it on, and diving out the door, Allison was most of the way out of the vehicle already by the time Taylor spoke to her.&nbsp; "What?&nbsp; Oh, all right," she said, rummaging in the bag and finding the flashlight.&nbsp; She switched it on, then turned and vanished into the swirling snow on Edwin's heels.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>30-06-2007, 00:56:26</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger emerges from the car, rubbing his head from where he bumped it during the skid. "Hold on, I'm coming along too. First rule of horror movies: never split up. The Creep just has an easier time picking you off that way." He shrugs into his winter jacket and hiking boots.<br><br>"Cindi, can you remember where we parked?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>30-06-2007, 01:25:28</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake said nothing, merely faded into the swirling snow, moving slowly towards where he figured the half seen figure might be, and circling slightly to flank them. He uses the bobbing lights from the torches to orientate himself, his long coat billowing in the swirling wind and snow.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>30-06-2007, 13:23:34</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Ever vigilant (some would say paranoid), Blake and Taylor took point in broad sweep outside of the Hummer as Edwin held the torch aloft.&nbsp; The figure Allison pointed out was not difficult to find with a broad sweep of the light; he lay to the side of the road.&nbsp; Blake could swear that he hadn't hit anything, but it was impossible to be certain; in the controlled spin, he could have been struck by the bumper or spare-tire rack on the back of the vehicle.&nbsp; Better than a head on collision, but bad enough to lay him out.<br><br>The injured man is bundled in blankets and an old leather jacket, a dark scarf wrapped around his face.&nbsp; The scarf came loose; and you see the old, copper-toned face of a Native American.&nbsp; His cheeks and chin are scraped raw by the snow; blood is seeping from his nose and his left leg is twisted in an unnatural position, the foot wrenched almost backwards.&nbsp; His dark eyes burn angrily, and his scowl holds nothing but bitter contempt for the people who just nearly ran him down.&nbsp; Gray hair and snow fly about his face as he pushes unsteadily to stand up.<br><br>"I don't like him," said a voice only Roger could hear, Cindy in full pout.&nbsp; "Can't we just leave him?"
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>30-06-2007, 13:47:31</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Stay down." ordered Blake. He gestured towards the mans leg. "You're not going anywhere on that, and putting any weight on it will likely only damage it worse. Let me see if there's any other sign of injuries before we try moving you. Does anything else feel hurt, broken?" he asked, moving forwards and squating down by the man.<br><br>He began to cautiously check him for injuries, using the movements to check for weapons or anything else unusual at the same time.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>30-06-2007, 14:55:47</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Hunched against the cold, trying to keep snow from flying under her coat, Allison watched quietly, appalled at what had happened.&nbsp; The injuries were bad enough, but the rage, the contempt on the man's face... if he felt the pain, he didn't seem to react to it in the slightest.&nbsp; There was only anger.&nbsp; And all she could do was wait nervously, ready to be of help if she could.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>30-06-2007, 21:51:46</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Taylor, upon seeing the man points to him with a finger.&nbsp; &nbsp;Not long after exitting the hummer did she pulll a piece of cloth over her mouth and nose.&nbsp; The only real sign that she might even be a girl anymore is that she's got long dirty blonde hair.&nbsp; But really, up here in the mountains with this weather...she could still easily be mistaken for a guy.&nbsp; Well until she speaks.&nbsp; "Here!" She calls out, of course Blake saw him but she's making sure the other did as well.&nbsp; <br><br>And while Blake cautiously checks the man over, she makes sure the angry man sees a machete.&nbsp; Likely bigger than any knives that he holds on him.&nbsp; Also it's a little like pointing a gun at the stranger's head.&nbsp; If he moves to attack Blake he'll have her sweeping in for a good slice.&nbsp; Or that's supposed to be the impression. "Just stay still, we'll take care of you."<br><br>Then her attention slightly turns to Blake while keeping an eye on the stranger. "Maybe we should carry him to the hummer.&nbsp; Anything is going to be warmer than out here."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>30-06-2007, 22:37:55</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"Someone is injured, you check the extent of their injuries before attempting to move them." said Blake, raising his voice over the wind. "Otherwise you can end up hurting them worse." His hands continued to check over the mans' body, searching for whatever might be there.<br><br>"If he has no further injuries, we can carry him to the car."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>01-07-2007, 07:22:20</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger jerks his head up. "You don't like him? Well, I admit he isn't the friendliest fellow... but, he is injured. I.. I'm not sure if it's the right thing to do, leaving him here."<br><br>Still, he stands a little ways back while Blake examines his injuries.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>01-07-2007, 08:38:45</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				"I'm not an idiot.&nbsp; But checking their injuries doesn't do a lot of good if they freeze to death in the meantime." Ahh another argument between Blake and Taylor.&nbsp; Not like the group hasn't had enough of those as of late.&nbsp; Though they did have some silence while she slept on the way back.&nbsp; And really their arguments aren't so much heated as they are...just sort of disagreeing with one another.&nbsp; Maybe there's some tension they need to work out? Hell, who knows.&nbsp; <br><br>She continues to point her machete at the man, though now it's a bit more relaxed than before.&nbsp; "Just tell me when you're done, I'll help move him."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>01-07-2007, 13:15:16</strong>
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			<dd class="postbody">
				The old man, however, seems to have his own idea about what's going to happen next.&nbsp; As Blake draws near to attempt to examine him, he is angrily pushed away as the old man holds his hands out to Taylor and Blake.<br><br>"Chee ka towany!" he shouts.&nbsp; "Chee kanah mo ka towannay!"&nbsp; <strong>Allison:&nbsp; Even though you are a linguist, tribal dialects aren't your forte.&nbsp; All you can really pick out are "beast" and "marked territory."</strong>&nbsp; The Indian turned and hobbled away, with a speed surprising given both his age and injury, very quickly back in the treeline and out of the range of torche and LED flashlights.
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			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>01-07-2007, 13:54:08</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"What the fuck?" Blake muttered, as the old man pushed his hands away. "Listen grandpa, I'm trying to help here." he said, trying to get past the flailing limbs. <br><br>He watched as the old man rose unsteadily to his feet and disappeared off into the night and snow. "He's got to be crazy." he muttered. "Maybe he hit his head or something when he fell." <em>And if he wants to go freeze to death in this, he's doing it alone</em> he added, silently.<br><br>Blake shook his head, turning to the others. "Any of you make out what he was spouting?". He was already moving back towards the car, as while his clothing was servicable, it wasn't dedicated for weather like this.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>01-07-2007, 15:59:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Allison stared in confusion.&nbsp; "He-- he said something about a beast.&nbsp; And marked territory.&nbsp; Maybe he's afraid of being in some animal's hunting grounds?" she guessed.<br><br>She turned as Blake headed back to the car.&nbsp; "Wait, we're not just going to let him wander off alone, are we?&nbsp; He's probably delirious."&nbsp; She looked at the others, hopefully bracing herself for a search for the man.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>01-07-2007, 18:44:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Visibility is down to nothing here, and the temperature is only going to go down as night falls. We're not dressed for SAR, and we don't know the area." Blake ticked off the points on his fingers. "We tried to help the old coot, he brushed us off and took off all on his own. Far as I'm concerned, I've done my good samaratin routine for today." said Blake, and started back towards the car.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>01-07-2007, 20:37:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin frowned.&nbsp; "I'm afraid he's right Allison," he said as he flashed the light over the treeline where the old man had already vanished.&nbsp; "Even if he's not in his right mind he most likely knows the area well enough to avoid us.&nbsp; I think we need to get to something resembling civilization and report this to the authorities.&nbsp; They're equipped and trained for rescue work."<br><br>He then started to retreat back to the hummer.<br><br>"Come on, there's just nothing we can do to help..."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>01-07-2007, 20:55:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Allison was clearly unhappy, but she couldn't argue with what Edwin and Blake had said, and the cold was also helping drive her back into the relative comfort of the hummer.&nbsp; "I hope someone can find him," she murmured, staring for a moment at the darkness where the man had disappeared, then turning and following the others back to the car.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>02-07-2007, 03:16:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Taylor turns her blade as the old man gets up and points his hands at them.&nbsp; She even gestures a bit forward with the machete to make sure he doesn't get closer.&nbsp; Then there's the spouting, and him running off. "Weird." Then she's left to listen to them. "Well I'm dressed for it, but seriously don't know the area.&nbsp; They're right if he dies its his own fault." She shrugs... "Besides I don't trust guys that get up with a machete in their face.&nbsp; They're all crazy like." She smiles a little in Allison's direction and too starts to head back for the hummer.&nbsp; She could get out of this bulky clothing there and still be relatively warm...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>02-07-2007, 05:23:05</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Turning your attention back to your vehicle, you need to take a a few minutes to get the Hummer untangled from the snow drifts, involving work with shovels and flat pieces of cardboard.&nbsp; Not long, but the temperature is dropping fast, and even working in shifts, by the time you get yourself facing the right direction, not one of you fails to feel the cold, deep in your bones.<br><br>Starting up again, Blake learns that the GPS is not going to be useful at the moment, unless it is somehow true that he is in Omaha, Innsmouth, and Maui at the same time.&nbsp; Edwin's map proves a better resource; since the blizzard shows no sign of stopping any time soon, the sanest course of action would be to find the nearest town, find lodging, and, if you are so inclined, report the incident.<br><br>The nearest town is about five miles away from where you believe you are; and traveler's signs pointing out the nearest places for food, lodging and gas bear out your re-orientation.&nbsp; Coming off the main road, you approach the town of Miner's Foley, Colorado.&nbsp; A half-dozen streetlights glow like ghosts int he snowy night, giving the impression that the town is hanging in space.&nbsp; It is nearly midnight; the store and house windows are unlit, save those of a squat, two story building near the center of town; most likely a police station or other municipal building.&nbsp; The second is a large building overlooking a sheer mountain cliff, a modern pseudo-art deco style hotel.<br><br>Because the town is in a valley, partially shielded from the wind, the roads here are not as bad as the highway.&nbsp; Between the darkness and the blowing snow, you have difficulties making out much beyond the immediate, but you get the impression of mountains looming over you from every direction.<br><br><strong>It is not until they are in the town that Edwin receives one of his "visions."&nbsp; He can see the old man from the road, alone, in the woods somewhere, lying against a tree, as still and cold as the snow that is covering him.</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>02-07-2007, 06:08:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger slides out of the hummer, his arm socks soaked from the labor of pulling the Hummer out. "Well, it doesn't look like much, but I'm sure someone calls it Hell here." He turns to the others. "So, who's going to do what now? We'll need at least two rooms, one for the guys, and one for the girls and I." He smiles wickedly; he's overdone this joke before. "And, we'll need someone to report the incident out in the woods."<br><br>"Um, we are reporting that, aren't we?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>02-07-2007, 14:00:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake nodded at that last comment. "I'll find someone in authority and talk to them." He looked at the weather, then back to the others. "I doubt they'll have much success mind you." He looked at the two buildings showing lights before speaking again.<br><br>"You sort the hotel, I'll try that one. It's probably the local P.D. If not, I'll be back in a few minutes." He turned and walked off towards the building in question.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>02-07-2007, 16:09:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Allison nodded at Blake's suggestion, tired and shivering.&nbsp; She was beginning to forget what 'warm' felt like.&nbsp; She rolled her eyes at Roger's comment, though it was more an automatic reaction at this point, and she couldn't work up any real indignation.&nbsp; That never helped, anyway.<br><br>"Maybe they have rooms with fireplaces," she said longingly, critically looking over the not-quite-authentic art deco stylings of the hotel.&nbsp; Still, if it was warm inside, it could look like the worst Victorian horror imaginable and she wouldn't mind.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>02-07-2007, 23:01:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Taylor looks torn for a moment.&nbsp; She can't really go to the police station with a machete in hand, but she CAN go with her bag.&nbsp; Stuff the blade back into it's sheath she then stuffs it into the army duffle and heads off, still clad in her heavy winter gear, after Blake.&nbsp; "Where are you going by yourself?" Strange town, middle of the snowstorm, even if it is normal that's not very smart.&nbsp; She adjusts the bag on her shoulder and grins over towards Blake. "Besides, I don't think your feminine wiles will entice the cops to do much of anything." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>02-07-2007, 23:31:35</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Right. You two do that. The rest of us... let's go get warm." Roger stuffs his hands into his armpits and runs as best as he can towards the hotel. "Dibs on the top bunk!!!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 00:39:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake gave Taylor a quick glance, then snorted. "Someone has to be the responsible grown up around here. I figured I had the best shot at that." He walked on another few steps before speaking again. "Besides, I don't think <em>feminine wiles</em> is quite in order when making a report. And what would you do if the deputy was female?" he added. "I didn't think your tastes ran that way."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 01:24:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Psh, who said I was using them on the officers?" She grins as she quips back at him.&nbsp; "Besides you know you like it when I tag along...it always means there's a possibility to catch up with me." In terms of their score on how many times each other has saved one another's life.&nbsp; Granted it also means she can up her score but that's besides the point.&nbsp; Still both of them should know that wandering off in the middle of a blizzard towards what they think is a police station could actually end up being tentacles of death, or zombie police station, or really any number of things.&nbsp; Most times Taylor's imagination runs away with it, as there's a good likelihood that the police station is perfectly normal.&nbsp; <br><br>"Actually I don't, but if there were a female officer I guess she wouldn't have to know that." She smirks.&nbsp; "And uh, in case we're out in the middle of nowhere's ville where they sacrafice newcomers?" She's seen one too many horror films, hasn't she?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 01:35:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<em>"Besides, you know what it's like when I tag along ..."</em><br><br>"Annoying?" murmured Blake, his voice carried away on the wind. He let Taylor's imagination continue to run away with her, figuring on getting a word in when she had to stop and draw breath. <br><br>"We ought to be fairly safe from tentacles, zombies and human sacraficing cultists." said blake. "Unless the GPS has really screwed up, we're not in Maine after all."<br><br>He pushed the door open, and walked into the lit building.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 01:39:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Oh great, thanks for saying that and completely jinxing us.&nbsp; If we get into any kind of supernatural trouble, I'm totally blaming you." She grins and follows him into the police station, taking the mask down off her nose and mouth then shakes her hair loose as she peels the beanie off of the top of her head and ears.&nbsp; Besides that little bit, she's still bulky from the winter ski pants, and the bulky jacket.&nbsp; Keeps the wet and the cold out (for a little while at least) but it doesn't do much to accentuate her feminine features.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 03:50:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin blinks and looks about, obviously lost in his thoughts for the past few moments.<br><br>"Oh... so we've arrived then.&nbsp; Excellent."&nbsp; He re-wraps his scarf about his neck and lower face, settles his hat on his head and tugs his greatcoat closed.<br><br>Slipping out of the Hummer, he begins walking towards the hotel.&nbsp; He sighs deeply as he walks, glancing back towards where he guesses the old man is.&nbsp; "Such a waste," he mutters, "Why did he have to be so blasted stubborn?&nbsp; What was wrong with him?"<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 16:01:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>At the Clearwater Hotel</strong><br>Edwin, Allison, and Roger approach the Clearwater Hotel.&nbsp; Though a new building, it radiates the charm and elegance of a hotel several times its age.&nbsp; The two-story building is built in two long wings overlooking a sheer mountain cliff.&nbsp; The top floor rooms all have balconies with sliding glass doors; the west wing houses an elegant restaurant.<br><br>The main entrance to the hotel is across a large, open porch and through an oversized set of wooden doors.&nbsp; Inside is a high-ceilinged lobby, marble floors reflecting the chandelier above.&nbsp; A long oak reception desk runs the length of the room, and there is a single hotel clerk in a sharp blue suit at the desk.<br><br>An ornate staircase sweeps upward from the lobby, leading to the second floor, where, thanks to convenient and prominent signs, you learn lead to guest rooms on the north wing.&nbsp; The first floor of rooms is accessible by a wide hallways which leads off from the lobby.&nbsp; On the side opposite the guest room hallway is an entrance to the Valley View, the hotel's restaurant and bar.<br><br><strong>Towards the Police Station</strong><br>Blake and Taylor make make the quarter mile trip to the lit municipal building in good time, and with good timing, because just as they reach what they identify more exactly as a Sheriff's Office, a man emerges from the building, dressed in the dull brown uniform of an office.&nbsp; He seems surprised to see anyone out and about, and guiltily takes the cigarette he'd been about to sneak out of his mouth and into his breast pocket.&nbsp; <br><br>The deputy is in his mid-30s, but tries to look younger, with a trendy haircut and goatee that doesn't really suit him.&nbsp; He's a mountain man, born and bred, which you can hear plainly in his voice when he speaks.&nbsp; "Evenin' folks.&nbsp; Didn't expect to see anyone out and about in this weather, or at the hour, neither.&nbsp; Help you with something?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 16:12:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin shakes off and looks about.&nbsp; While anything warm and dry is a vast improvement over the blizzard, he's more than a little surprised at how nice the hotel looks.&nbsp; He makes his way towards the desk.<br><br>"Hello there.&nbsp; I'd like to book three rooms, adjoining if possible."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 16:20:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Allison hadn't missed Edwin's odd distraction earlier, and kept a discreet eye on him on the way to the hotel, though he seemed all right now. &nbsp;She felt terribly underdressed in the lobby, which was grander than she'd expected, but was also well-heated enough to make her face and fingers come tingling back to life, which was the important point.<br><br>A little shyly, she approached the front desk with Edwin and Roger, looking hopefully at the clerk.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 16:40:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake nodded. "Not so much helping us, but something you ought to know about. When we were coming into town, we had some old Indian jump out in the middle of the road, and we ended up in the ditch. When we went to try and see if he needed help, he just took off into the forest."<br><br>Blake gave a shrug. "I don't know if that sort of thing is common around here, but I certainly wouldn't be taking off into the middle of nowhere in weather like this." He gestured to the side, glancing at the swirling snow. "Anyway, I don't know if you want to call out the Search and Rescue, or if the old guy lived 100 yards from there, but we felt you ought to know."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 16:46:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin finds the desk clerk to be courteous and understanding in the extreme, offering, at a single glance at the trio, an "emergency weather discount" for the rooms, which turns out to be quite a modest price.&nbsp; As the hotel clerk, Mr. Dennis Fox, checks you in, he offers you some advice and gives you weather updates.&nbsp; "You ought to visit the Valley View if you're hungry.&nbsp; It normally closes at eleven, but the storm has given us a little bit of a boom in late check-ins, so we're keeping it open to accommodate our guests.<br><br>"Now the bad news is that I just heard over the CB that we're completely snowed in here in Miner's Folly.&nbsp; The phone lines are down, and the pass won't be cleared for four days.&nbsp; It's the county plows, you see," explains the helpful Mr. Fox.&nbsp; "We're right on the coutny line, and they work their way out from the middle, so the road out of here is the last one to be plowed."<br><br>You are assigned rooms 209, 210, and 211, each of them a room with two double beds on the second floor.&nbsp; 209 and 211 are adjoining, 210 is across the hall and overlooks the entryway and the town, while 209 and 211 overlook the mountains and cliff on which the Clearwater is built.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 20:34:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger pauses once he enters the lobby. A smile creeps over his face as he starts to warm up. He explores the lobby curiously as Edwin secures the rooms.<br><br>When the rooms are assigned, Roger slides next to Edwin. "So, who's getting what room? I'd suggest the girls get 210. Now, we have to figure out who bunks with our resident psycho." He grins, leaving it up to the listener as to whether he means Blake or himself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 20:45:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin shrugs.&nbsp; "I'll be bunking with Mr. Blake.&nbsp; And I thought I'd wait to see which view he felt was more tactically important before assigning rooms.&nbsp; For now, I'd suggest we wait for him and Miss Cummings in the dinning room."<br><br>He turns to the clerk and smiles.&nbsp; "You have been most helpful Mr. Fox.&nbsp; I really do apprecate it.&nbsp; Might I ask one more favor?&nbsp; The other two members of our group went to report a small incident to the sheriff's office.&nbsp; When they arrive, could you let them know we're waiting for them in the Valley View?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 21:54:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She allows Blake to do most of the talking, since he's taken point on doing so anyway.&nbsp; Really, all she's here for is if a zombie jumps out of nowhere, or a yeti suddenly exists and comes barrelling out of the snow.&nbsp; You don't grow up the way she has and just assume everything will be alright, you have to know it.&nbsp; Worst thing for anyone to do is to go off and do something by themselves, even in the most quaint of towns...especially in the most quaint of towns.&nbsp; They just have a lot in Maine.&nbsp; <br><br>The girl shudders at that thought.&nbsp; Maine is one seriously scary place.&nbsp; Luckily she doesn't have to explain the shudder, as it's stupidly cold out here.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 22:15:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>At the Clearwater Hotel</strong><br>Dennis said, "It's no trouble at all, Mr. Goodchilde.&nbsp; I'll be happy to let the rest of your party know that you're waiting for them in the greenhouse."<br><br>The Valley View, or the "greenhouse," as Dennis called it, got its nickname because of its mostly-glass walls, through which the patrons have a great view of the town and lake below.&nbsp; Out the back windows, diners can see over the edge of the sheer cliff, into a dark abyss.<br><br>At present, there are three women in the restaurant, and one bartender behind the marble-topped bar.&nbsp; Two of the women are sitting together at the bar, one is eating alone at a window table.&nbsp; <strong>Cue Elandra and TigreFatalis.</strong>&nbsp; The bartender looks up as you enter, and smiles graciously; very good service is to be had at the Clearwater, even late at night, it would seem.<br><br><strong>At the Sheriff's Office</strong><br>The deputy (S. Dumont, according to his nametag) asks Blake to give him the story from the beginning, but doesn't ask for any further details or follow-up questions, or even ask Allison to verify anything he's told.&nbsp; He does take down your names, and checks your ID, but most it seems perfunctory.<br><br>"You say he walked away?&nbsp; Well, it's not your fault, is it?&nbsp; You did what you could, but if the old loon wants to go running around after dark. . . well, that's not our problem.&nbsp; Don't worry about it.&nbsp; If anything comes out about this, the sheriff will come talk to you, get a statement to make it official.&nbsp; Are you set up for accommodations?&nbsp; Radio says there's no getting out of the Valley for the next few days.&nbsp; You might want to head up to the Clearwater.&nbsp; I could call ahead for you, if you want."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 22:28:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"You're a brave man," Allison murmured to Edwin as they walked towards the restaurant, only half-joking.&nbsp; The view certainly drew the eye, though she didn't really like it.&nbsp; With the snow swirling in the darkness and her own tired state, the abyss beyond the windows only made her faintly dizzy.&nbsp; She returned the bartender's smile and glanced at her companions.&nbsp; "Should we just sit at the bar?"&nbsp; Shivering a little, she glanced uneasily over at the windows giving onto nothingness.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 22:29:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Taylor shakes her head. "Nah, we've got friends checking in for us over there. &nbsp;But thanks for the offer." She smiles to him ever-so-sweetly, then pulls the mask back up over her mouth and nose and the beanie back over her head. &nbsp;Once they head out, assuming that Blake follows she'll head towards the hotel ever so ready to get out of this freakishly huge clothing and back into her (well she's already in it) black spandex pants, and her white form fitting turtleneck shirt. &nbsp;Thusly showing off her curves and giving her a wider range of movement. &nbsp;The latter of the two is the true reason, but she doesn't mind the stares from guys that she gets as she passes either. &nbsp;<br><br>Well except for the guys in the group, she figures they've learned to just accept that she likes to wear tight clothing. &nbsp;And really it's the easiest thing to move around in. &nbsp;They know of her dislike for skirts and with tight clothing tentacles have a hard time snaking up your pants leg or dipping below the waist band. &nbsp;Still gotta worry about getting tied up and such, but rape is a lot less common with the form fitting clothes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 22:30:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				A glass of red wine in her hand, Dr. Vivian Fisher turned towards her companion and fellow doctor, whispering softly to her, consoling her about their spoiled vacation plans, their intent to spend the next week in a luxurious ski resort, experiencing the white powdered slopes during the day and the warmth of making passionate love by a roaring fire in their rented cabin by night. They were colleagues and as such their budding relationship had to remain a secret, it had put an unwanted strain upon both of them, so much so they had considered calling it off. The vacation was their way of finding out if what they had was worth fighting to keep.<br><br>They had been driving the windy roads of the mountain, just hours before the others had arrived, their Jeep Wrangler easily able to handle the rough roads until their visibility had dropped to zero. Against both of their wishes they had stopped at Miner’s Foley, secured a room and were now enjoying a few drinks before turning in, neither of them in the best of moods.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 22:39:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Cynthia drank her gin, and complained again as Vivian tried to comfort her.&nbsp; "It's just not <em>fair</em>" she said, the alcohol only just beginning to slur her speech.&nbsp; She signaled to the bartender for another round.&nbsp; "I mean, I only get one week's worth of vacation a year, and half of it's going to be wasted here.&nbsp; I mean Miner's Foley?&nbsp; Who the hell ever heard of Miner's Foley?"<br><br>A very attractive woman with short brown hair and glasses, Cynthia has kept herself in great shape for an academic.&nbsp; She also drank more than was good for her, and tended to say whatever came into her head when she'd had too much.&nbsp; "This was not a good idea, Viv.&nbsp; I am very unhappy right now."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 22:41:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=10350.msg382273#msg382273">Quote from: Valerian on 03-07-2007, 22:28:55</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">"You're a brave man," Allison murmured to Edwin as they walked towards the restaurant, only half-joking.&nbsp; The view certainly drew the eye, though she didn't really like it.&nbsp; With the snow swirling in the darkness and her own tired state, the abyss beyond the windows only made her faintly dizzy.&nbsp; She returned the bartender's smile and glanced at her companions.&nbsp; "Should we just sit at the bar?"&nbsp; Shivering a little, she glanced uneasily over at the windows giving onto nothingness.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>"There does seem to be enough room, and I imagine it'll be easier on the staff." &nbsp;He then heads over and takes a seat beside the two women already at the bar. &nbsp;"Coffee," he tells the bartender as he slips free of his scarf, greatcoat and hat, "Sweet as a lover's kiss and black as the devil." &nbsp;Oddly enough, as he removes his thick leather gloves, he's wearing a pair of slim form-fitting ones inside them and these he leaves on as he settles in.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 22:53:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Allison smiled wryly at Edwin's order, nodding politely to the two women.&nbsp; "The same for me, please, but a little less devilish."&nbsp; She unwound her scarf and took off her coat, relieved not to have to bundle so much anymore, and sat next to Edwin.&nbsp; "Is there anything left on the menu?&nbsp; Just a sandwich, maybe?" she added hopefully.&nbsp; Her green turtleneck, that she'd been so glad to have on outside, was now, finally, starting to feel a touch too warm.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 22:55:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger slips up to the bar as well. "A hot chocolate, please. I shouldn't really be drinking. Also, is the grill open? I have a craving for pancakes!" He grins a child-like grin as the bartender moves away to get the drinks.<br><br>"What?" he says to his companion's unsaid questions. "Life's a lot more fun when you are crazy and don't care what others think about you." He finally does take off his arm socks, revealing a faint network of scars... not all of them self-inflicted, and NONE on the inside of his wrist.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 23:02:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake makes a slight detour to the hummer on the way back, fetching his bag out of the back before going on into the hotel. He moved through the bar, letting the conversations wash over him as he headed for the others.<br><br><em>Miners Foley?</em> he thought, <em>Odd name.</em> His eyes narrowed slightly, a considering look passing briefly across his face. <em>Miners Folly maybe, corrupted over the years to Foley. Hmm. Possible. Still an odd name.</em> He gave a mental shrug, and joined the others, setting his bag down at his feet. Those with very sharp hearing might just have detected a metallic clink as it settled to the floor.<br><br>"Rooms sorted?" he asked, sliding into the next free seat before turning to the bar. "What's still on the menu?" he asked.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 23:24:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"We have three doubles.&nbsp; Two adjoining and one across the hall.&nbsp; We're waiting for the bartender to get back with our drinks to find out what's still available.&nbsp; Everything sorted out with the local authority?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 23:32:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Two coffees, black as night, sweet as sin," the young lady behind the bar said as she returned with a tray of drinks, giving Edwin a smile just a touch warmer than professionalism would dictate.&nbsp; "And one hot chocolate," she added, placing a mug topped with frothy whip cream down in front of Roger.&nbsp; <strong>Cindy starts to comment about the two other women at the bar.&nbsp; "It's so sad when lover's fight," she said.&nbsp; "I hope they kiss and make up," she added with a little insane giggle.</strong>&nbsp; "The kitchen's still open alright, and we can do almost anything.<br><br>"Except for pancakes," she said.&nbsp; "We stop serving breakfast at 11:30.&nbsp; Anything from the dinner menu, though.&nbsp; Another drink, ma'am?"&nbsp; She moved and replaced Cynthia's empty gin glass with a full one before finishing her circuit to come over to Blake and Allison.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>03-07-2007, 23:37:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger smiles broadly when the hot chocolate is set before him, only to emit a disappointed sigh as she denies him pancakes. "Ah, crud. How about a Reuben with fries?"<br><br>Roger spins around, "Cindy! Don't you know it isn't polite to eavesdrop, especially on lovers like that?" He grins, knowing that Cindy really couldn't help herself.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>04-07-2007, 00:08:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Allison tried not to cringe too obviously as Roger went into one of his tirades, and spoke up, giivng her order by way of a distraction.&nbsp; "Do you have any kind of vegetarian sandwich?&nbsp; Otherwise just some pasta and marinara would be fine."&nbsp; She edged away from Roger, discreetly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>04-07-2007, 00:25:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Wearing her signature type jeans, a Celtic design weaved in the denim down the sides of each leg and a loose fitting sky blue t-shirt, her heavy winter jacket hung over the bar stool behind her, gloves sticking out of one pocket, the short sandy brown haired doctor, sighed heavily when her lover ordered another drink. Catching the bartender’s eye before he could pour and serve the drink, she shook her head and though she knew Cynthia’s wrath would be fierce, she did not want to see her stupidly drunk.<br><br>Gracefully perched on the stool, she turned slightly towards her whining lover and again consoled her, truly this was not that bad, they had a private room, food and drink. “Being together away from the stresses of work and keeping <em>us</em> secret from our colleagues is always a great idea, regardless if we are at a luxury resort or some small mountain town. Earlier in the evening, Vivian had resolved to make the best of the situation, unwilling to allow the circumstances to get in the way of her vacation.<br><br>She nodded to the group as they walked in, but for the most part she was concentrating on the doctor before her, attempting desperately to lighten her mood. As the others filed into the room, she nodded to each of them, her attention immediately returning to her lover and her desperate hopes to bring happiness to this vacation.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>04-07-2007, 00:31:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger's antics always grated on his sensabilities, but he'd developed a fairly good poker face from holding back flashes of people's past and present.<br><br>So instead, he returned the bartender's smile and waited for her to take orders.&nbsp; "I'll have the sirloin, rare with the rice and mashed potato.&nbsp; The cold gives one an appetite."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>04-07-2007, 00:42:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Steak, sirloin." said Blake, after glancing at the menu. "Medium well done. Roast potatoes, and a pint of coke. While I'm waiting, amaretto, straight." The order dispatched, Blake turned to the others.<br><br>"We spoke to the deputy, but he didn't seem overly concerned. If anything came up, the Sheriff would come looking for us here. Seem's the snow has closed the roads, and we'll be here a few days."<br><br>He took a moment to glance around the bar, just out of professional paranoia.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>04-07-2007, 03:00:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ahh now there's that paranoia that Taylor knows and love out of the gun toting psycho. Focused psycho.&nbsp; Though really she doesn't even think him the worst in the group.&nbsp; There are far worse, herself would be considered out of her mind in most social circles, but only because she insists that supernatural is real all the time.&nbsp; And she has good merit behind it, but still, tell that to Joe Schmoe and he wants to throw you into an institution.&nbsp; Or lock you up in his bedroom with no clothes on...depends on how much of a pervert Joe Schmoe is.<br><br>She nods to the two ladies at the end of the bar and smiles as she plops down, too young to be drinking. "Steak, lop off the horns, walk it by the fire...&nbsp; Oh right, um, I'll have your largest filet." She smiles patting those washboard abs through the white spandex.&nbsp; She looks over to Allison as she orders something vegetarian.&nbsp; Barf.&nbsp; People are called omnivores for a reason, hello!&nbsp; Okay so that would be mean to say, which is why Taylor's thus far bit her tongue about it. "Oh with a loaded baked potato and salad." She nods and then looks down the bar once more to the two ladies.&nbsp; Must be kinda nice to be normal.&nbsp; Taylor hooks one leg through the strap on the duffle near her, again that paranoia setting in of someone stealing it.&nbsp; And since it's got her weapon in it, it means she's being extra protective of the bag.&nbsp; "Um, hot chocolate with some ice water to drink" She nods and then decides to go quiet.&nbsp; <br><br>Not too often that you get a chance to drop your guard in this line of work.&nbsp; Now is not really the time, but she is rather fatigued and hungry.&nbsp; Once she gets rested and fed she'll be good to go again.&nbsp; Or at least fed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>04-07-2007, 03:52:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Reuben and fries.&nbsp; Rare sirloin with double starches for the handsome fellow wearing gloves, portabella panini for the lady.&nbsp; Medium well sirloin and salt potatoes, coke and amaretto.&nbsp; And filet minion, bloody as hell, loaded potato and salad, chocolate and water," rattles off the suddenly rushed bartender.&nbsp; She takes the order back to the kitchen and comes back out with Taylor's house salad and ranch dressing, pours the new round of drinks, and finally sets out rolls of silverware in front of each of the guests.<br><br>"Management has told me that all food and nonalcoholic drinks are at a 15% discount due to the weather and because the TV and phones are out.&nbsp; You'll see the adjustment on your check when you wrap up," she said.&nbsp; To Edwin, she gave a smile, and freshened up his coffee.&nbsp; "You folks are from out of town, most like.&nbsp; Just passing through, or were you headed to Miner's Folly for some reason?"<br><br>A little further down the bar, Cynthia scowled as Vivian cut her off.&nbsp; She raised her voice, loud enough to be heard over the conversation of the group of investigators.&nbsp; "I am <strong>not</strong> drunk, Viv, don't start with me about that.&nbsp; Look, if we're going to be stuck here, I am at least resolved suffer through with the least amount of sobriety I can manage.&nbsp; We put a deposit at the resort, you know.&nbsp; I don't expect that we'll see <em>that</em> money again.&nbsp; We might as well have just stayed at my apartment."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>04-07-2007, 04:09:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Now Allison wished they'd stayed away from the bar and risked the vertigo.&nbsp; The arguing was bad enough, but now they had a too-friendly bartender on top of that.&nbsp; "Just passing through," she chimed in, though the question had obviously not been directed at her.&nbsp; "We're on our way home."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TigreFatalis</strong> on <strong>04-07-2007, 09:49:00</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Settled comfortably by the fire, Beck gazed out the window into the ever-increasing blackness.&nbsp; For nearly two days, she'd heard a few complaints about the snow, the incessant, unending whiteness of it, and the solitary conditions.&nbsp; A slight smile teased the corner of her mouth every time she heard such comments.&nbsp; After all, that was exactly the reason she'd come to this place.<br><br>Unlike most others in the hotel, she had specifically chosen Miner's Folly.&nbsp; No one would know her here.&nbsp; No one would be clamboring for her attention.&nbsp; No one would be screaming at her to move this, do that or edit some new info-bit that didn't mean anything anyway.&nbsp; No.&nbsp; Here she could find peace.&nbsp; <br><br>As she took a sip from her lager, awaiting her thick-cut sirloin - rare - Beck returned her attention to the darkness beyond the windows.&nbsp; Idly she wondered what it would be like to live within such a blackness.&nbsp; Though not unduely beset with fears, she didn't like blackouts overmuch.&nbsp; One could never see what was happening.&nbsp; That was unsafe.&nbsp; Still, the darkness fascinated her.&nbsp; What would it be like to be blind?&nbsp; <br><br>Beck shook the thought from her mind and patted the pocket of her jeans, reassured by the presense of the miniature flashlight.&nbsp; "You're on the verge of insanity." she whispered to herself.&nbsp; <br><br>It wasn't a comforting thought, but it was short-lived.&nbsp; She shook her head at the sudden noise in the previously quiet restaurant.&nbsp; Her eyes flicked toward the group of travelers, examining them from a distance.&nbsp; She herself was dressed in a pair of black western boots, black jeans and a dark green button down; she looked more as if she were about to head out on a cattle drive than sit in a snowed-in hotel.&nbsp; <br><br>She ran a long-fingered hand through her hair, pulling the band that held the auburn mass captive.&nbsp; She shook it free, hoping that with her ears covered, she might reduce the noise.&nbsp; It didn't work.&nbsp; With the ease of long practice, she quickly pulled her hair back, resecuring the pony tail.&nbsp; <br><br>Again her eyes flicked toward the group at the bar.&nbsp; The two women, previously discreet and quiet, seemed to have reached some sort of impasse.&nbsp; The others, though, they were... rough around the edges.&nbsp; It was unseemly in her biased opinion.&nbsp; Of course, they were none of her business.&nbsp; She had a pleasant enough room to which she could escape; and that would definitely cut down on the noise.&nbsp; Once her meal arrived, and had been consumed, she would do just that.<br><br>A satisfied smile graced her lips for a moment, and Beck shifted her muscular build.&nbsp; Taking liberties, she propped her feet up on one of the spare chairs at her table, crossing her ankles comfortably.&nbsp; Her attention returned to the blackness and in a few minutes she had succeeded in dimming the extraneous conversations.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>04-07-2007, 21:19:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin nodded as Allison spoke up to answer the bartender.<br><br>"Yes," he added with a bit of a smile, "I'm afraid if not for the storm we'd have missed your town entirely." <br><br>He glances over at the couple besides him.&nbsp; It's sad that nothing gives away a relationship like the way lovers argue.&nbsp; He shifts in his seat, wishing he'd chosen a seat further down.&nbsp; Mainly he just doesn't want to brush against an emotionally charged woman and get a sudden glimpse of her private life.&nbsp; It always makes him feel like some sort of voyeur.<br><br>And at that he looks to his right at Allison.&nbsp; Of course he can't tell her the real reason he wanted her to come with them.&nbsp; And unbidden, the memory of his glimpse into her future flickers past his mind's eye.&nbsp; Hopefully having her close to people like Blake and Taylor will help to prevent it from comming true.&nbsp; &nbsp;
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>05-07-2007, 07:32:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With the bar getting more crowded, Vivian wanted nothing more than to be somewhere else, especially as Cynthia raised her voice and let the whole bar know they’re tempers were getting the best of them. Eyes darting around, first at the woman sitting away from the group and then at those that had just entered the bar, she turned back to Cynthia, “please can we not do this here? For once I would like to just enjoy each other’s company, be away from the stress of our jobs,” she pleaded softly, her voice calm and tired.<br><br>She was so damned exasperated by her lover’s drinking, wanting nothing more than to take her glass and throw it across the room, but she resisted, her knuckles white as she laced her fingers and stared at Cynthia, wishing her to be silent. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>05-07-2007, 21:41:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger gives a slight glance over to the spatting lovers and rolls his eyes. "Sometimes... ah, never mind." He turns over his shoulder. "Cindy, it appears they're not going to kiss and make up anytime soon, not with that one drinking as heavily as she is.<br><br>"Ooohhh, look! Pretty!" He jumps up, heading to the window and pressing his face against the glass to watch the snow drift down.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 13:50:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Rachel, your bartender, takes another detour to the kitchen to bring out trays laden down with food. The order is perfect, prepared exactly as requested; the rare steaks are slightly cool in the middle, the panini on Allison's sandwich given a thin coating of olive oil, Roger's french fries nice and crisp.&nbsp; Rolls of linin-napkin wrapped silverware were placed beside each plate before Rachel made another round of the bar.&nbsp; "Last call," she said.&nbsp; "I have to do inventory of the liquor before I close up."<br><br>Cynthia looked at Vivian, and pushed her glass forward.&nbsp; "I choose not to have another one," she said, speaking very clearly, very deliberately.&nbsp; "But you are right.&nbsp; Let's not do this here, especially since the wandering perverts have settled down next to us.&nbsp; Yeah, I'm talking about you.&nbsp; Take another good look folks, it's dinner and a show.&nbsp; Don't forget to tip your waitress, and be sure to visit Miner Foley's exciting. . . well. . .something while you're here."&nbsp; The doctor lurched to her feet, and put a hand on Vivian's shoulder to steady herself.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 15:31:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Allison mused quietly to herself over the question of exactly whose behavior had gotten them all labelled 'wandering perverts'.&nbsp; Except for an alarmed glance when it seemed for a moment that the woman might fall, which turned into a sympathetic glance at Vivian, she focused on her plate as the women prepared to leave.<br><br>"I guess it's been a tense night all round," she murmured quietly, rather self-consciously beginning to nibble on her sandwich.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 15:48:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake waved Rachel's offer away, steak knife held loosely in his hand as he started on his meal. He made a mental note to speak to Roger about discretion, and the benefits of not blurting your every thought aloud.<br><br>The comment from the drunk made him pause, forkfull of steak halfway to his mouth, and he turned slowly on the chair to face them. The eyes that moved slowly down and back up her were ice cold. Disdaining even to speak to her, he turned to the other woman. "I suggest you pour your friend into her bed before her mouth gets her in trouble." he said, tone even, looking her directly in the eyes.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 18:07:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Shaking her head as she watched her lover, the doctor make a big scene, Vivian stood to catch her as she stumbled, wrapping an arm around Cynthia’s waist with one arm while grabbing their jackets with the other. Nodding towards Alison, thankful for the woman’s sympathy, she turned towards Blake as he spoke, her gaze never wavering as he spoke, noting his tone; she decided the time for a sarcastic retort was not now. <br><br>Instead, she nodded to him and took her leave, supporting Cynthia as they slowly hobbled towards the door, dreading the cold blast of winter that was sure to come.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 18:18:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin doesn't turn to the ladies as they're getting ready to leave, he just leans over his plate to try and avoid any contact should there be stumbling.&nbsp; He doesn't miss Blake's glare as he settles back, but he does say anything either.&nbsp; <br><br>Instead he focuses on Rachel.&nbsp; "Just a glass of water and some more coffee for me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TigreFatalis</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 18:40:12</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				At last call, Beck dropped her feet to the floor and pushed out of the chair. &nbsp;She casually strode to the bar, awaiting the tender's attention. &nbsp;Her voice was low, casual and melodious as she requested another lager. &nbsp;As she waited, she turned her green/gray eyes upon the group, studying them with a distant curiosity.<br><br>The man with the gloves piqued her interest. &nbsp;Too bad he didn't know how to order his steak; of course, she didn't have to eat the leather on his plate. &nbsp;It didn't much matter, as far as she was concerned. &nbsp;As soon as the snow cleared, he and his rag-tag group of weirdos would hie on out of town. &nbsp;<br><br><i>Good riddence</i> she thought to herself. &nbsp;<i>They'll be gone and things can go back to bein' peaceful and quiet.</i><br><br>She shook her head slightly at the guy with the reuben. &nbsp;He seemed a little... off. &nbsp;Of course, the whole group seemed a little off. &nbsp;For a group like that to be together? &nbsp;Well, it didn't compute. &nbsp;They were bad news, and Beck figured it would be best to lay low.<br><br>That thought foremost in her mind, she turned her attention back to the bartender and amended her request. &nbsp;"I'd like that to go, please. &nbsp;I'll take it on up to my room."<br><br>She quirked a brow as the two previously-quiet ladies turned to leave.&nbsp; "Drunk is as drunk does." <br><br>The words were muttered under her breath as they made their way out.&nbsp; It was a scene she'd heard about far too often, except it usually involved a heterosexual couple, with the man being the beligerant drunk.&nbsp; She did chuckle a little as one of the weirdos leaned out of the way as if he were afraid of catching whatever the ladies had.<br><br><i>It ain't a disease, man.</i> she mentally scolded.&nbsp; <i>'Sides, what if the chicas in your group were battin' for the other side?</i><br><br>Beck chuckled to herself at the mental image then shook her head and offered a smile to the bartender.&nbsp; She brought forth her wallet, again speaking in low, soft tones.<br><br>"How much I owe ya?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 19:05:50</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Cynthia and Vivian</strong><br>As they made their way towards the door, Cynthia began pulling back.&nbsp; "No.&nbsp; Don't want to go outside.&nbsp; Let's just go through the lobby.&nbsp; We're only on the first floor anyway."&nbsp; She gave Blake an unfocused look.&nbsp; "Whooo!&nbsp; Testosterone alert.&nbsp; Don't get to near him, Viv, it may rub off."&nbsp; Urged by her lover, the two women left the restaurant, the sounds of the doctor singing some trendy pop piece from the Top 40 lingering after them as they made their way through the lobby.<br><br>Back inside their room, 107, Cynthia sat down at the bed, nearing the stage of drunkenness just before complete passout.&nbsp; Looking up at Viv, her eyes were teary.&nbsp; "I do not have a problem.&nbsp; I just had a few too many.&nbsp; You don't have any right to judge me.&nbsp; 's not like you've never been drunk."<br><br><strong>Beck</strong><br><br>Rachel took a check from a pile beside the computer and handed it over, along with a newly opened bottle of the local brew lager.&nbsp; "This includes the weather discount.&nbsp; I can charge your room, or you can pay the tab now."<br><br><strong>And the Rest</strong><br><br>After settling up with the other patrons, the group were the only ones left in the restaurant as Rachel began doing her pre-close routine, printing up a report from the computer, checking off and counting bottles.&nbsp; She lingered near Edwin as she worked.&nbsp; "Bad luck, then.&nbsp; You won't find much in town to occupy yourself with; this is a small town, and we don't get a lot of tourists.&nbsp; Most of the people you see are either lost or on retreat; some people really like having a private place to go to where most other people don't know about it.&nbsp; I could show you around the town, if you'd be interested, sometime tomorrow."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 19:21:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake arched an eyebrow at the testosterone comment as the women passed, slowly shook his head and returned to the meal. <em>Hardly worth saying more</em> he thought. <em>I doubt it'd do any good anyway. Maybe in the morning she'll be more capable of acting like a rational human being.</em> <br><br>He paused at the thought, feeling something tickle his finely honed sense of paranoia, shrugged and continued to eat as his mind worked. He took a glance at the mirror behind the bar, letting his gaze flit over the room, apparently through nothing more than boredom. There was nothing obvious, no one seeming to pay attention to the group, or even seeming not to pay attention to them. They were virtually alone in the place, so why did he have a sense of trouble brewing? The storm? The crazy old guy on the road? All of the above?<br><br>He chewed and swallowed his steak, taking a sip from the coke, the steak knife held loosely in his right hand. Not an ideal blade, but sharper than most, and his best bet if anything were to happen now. <em>I think I'll unpack a few toys before I turn in.</em> he thought. <em>Just in case.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 19:27:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin doesn't miss the way Rachel lingers nearby and continues talking to him.<br><br>"Sounds like I'll need an experienced local guide to find the points of interest then.&nbsp; If you're available I'd be delighted to have you show me around town."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 19:27:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She apologized for Cynthia’s behavior as they passed and then they were gone, entering the lobby on the way to privacy, her salvation.<br><br>Several times on their short trip to the their room, Cynthia had stumbled almost bringing both down into an embarrassing pile, Vivian catching her at the last moment each and pulling her back up. Open the door to their room, she led her drunken lover to the bed, only after did she realize the bathroom was probably a better option. Silently she knelt before Cynthia, picking up her foot; she began to unlace the boot.<br><br><em>”… You don't have any right to judge me.&nbsp; 's not like you've never been drunk,"</em> were the words she heard, the hackles in her neck raising as the woman said it. In fact, Vivian had never been drunk, never wanting to loose her senses in case she was paged. Even here, on vacation, she fell into the habit of not drinking to excess, but that was neither here nor there, arguing with a drunk, a useless proposition. All she cared about was getting Cynthia into bed, perhaps she would be fortunate enough for her to fall into a dead sleep. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 20:04:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Allison shot Blake a thoroughly exasperated look -- perhaps adding to his sense of foreboding -- pointedly avoided catching anyone else's eye, and stared at her plate, suddenly not hungry.&nbsp; Still, she'd regret it if the growling of her stomach woke her up in the middle of the night, and the food did look good, so she started nibbling, trying to get her appetite back.<br><br>She still felt unsettled whenever she thought of that poor old man, and there wasn't much else worth thinking about at the moment.&nbsp; A couple of chapters of her history book and an attempt at a good night's sleep was all she had to look forward to.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 20:11:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				When the food arrived, Roger bounded back. However, he ate slowly, savoring each bite. He only gave a brief glance at Cynthia and Vivian as they left, shaking his head. <em>And that,</em> he thought to himself, <em>is why I don't drink. I may be crazy, but I'm not stupid. Who knows what type of trouble will occur...</em> He frowned momentarily.<br><br>"Cindy," he said quietly, "Can you, ah, check on those two please? Just make sure they're OK. I've got a bad feeling about this."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 20:23:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Room 107</strong><br>When Vivian refused to rise to Cynthia's bait and get into another argument, she turned away from the other woman, laying on her side.&nbsp; Within moments, she'd begun to breath deeply, mumbling into the pillow, carrying on a meaningless conversation of half-sounds and pseudo-words, but otherwise asleep.<br><br><strong>Roger</strong><br>Cindy began to giggle.&nbsp; "I ain't going to no peep show.&nbsp; That'd be gross to see two girls going at it like that.&nbsp; You perv!<br><br><strong>The Rest</strong><br>"Alright," Rachel said, glowing.&nbsp; "I'll ask in for you tomorrow.&nbsp; Say two o'clock-ish?"&nbsp; Without waiting for an answer, she finishes her count and closes the liquor cabinet, locking it.&nbsp; "Is there going to be anything else, folks, or can I give you your checks?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 20:35:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin nods and smiles.&nbsp; "Two o'clock would be fine.&nbsp; And I'll cover the checks, just add it to the bill for our rooms if you wouldn't mind."<br><br>He then settles in to his dinner, feeling quite hungry after the night's events.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 20:39:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=10350.msg383499#msg383499">Quote from: Eyeomancer on 06-07-2007, 13:50:28</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Rachel, your bartender, takes another detour to the kitchen to bring out trays laden down with food. The order is perfect, prepared exactly as requested; the rare steaks are slightly cool in the middle, the panini on Allison's sandwich given a thin coating of olive oil, Roger's french fries nice and crisp.&nbsp; Rolls of linin-napkin wrapped silverware were placed beside each plate before Rachel made another round of the bar.&nbsp; "Last call," she said.&nbsp; "I have to do inventory of the liquor before I close up."<br><br>Cynthia looked at Vivian, and pushed her glass forward.&nbsp; "I choose not to have another one," she said, speaking very clearly, very deliberately.&nbsp; "But you are right.&nbsp; Let's not do this here, especially since the wandering perverts have settled down next to us.&nbsp; Yeah, I'm talking about you.&nbsp; Take another good look folks, it's dinner and a show.&nbsp; Don't forget to tip your waitress, and be sure to visit Miner Foley's exciting. . . well. . .something while you're here."&nbsp; The doctor lurched to her feet, and put a hand on Vivian's shoulder to steady herself.&nbsp; <br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Taylor raises a brow as they're all called perverts. &nbsp;"Trust me, they're not perverts." For the young girl in form-fitting clothing would know, right? &nbsp;It's not like she ever gets groped or anything. &nbsp;Of course if, when she first met them, they didn't have wandering eyes then she might assume they bat for the other team. &nbsp;Vivian is kind of cute, if she were so inclined, but raging drunks were rarely her type.<br><br>As the two cut out she shrugs to herself and goes about wolfing down her steak and potato. &nbsp;The only thing that gets save for being consumed in a slow manner is the coffee, since that'd burn her mouth. &nbsp;Soon her meal is gone, it's like she learned to eat in prison, or the military. &nbsp;The latter is more true than the former...since you've (when you grow up the way she has) got to constantly worry about some supernatural attack. &nbsp;Not really, but it's a good habit to get into, especially when you're in a strange place. &nbsp;Never know when your next meal is going to be. &nbsp;Or your next nap, hence the one she got in the car.<br><br>Though while Edwin gets hit on, and Blake starts to feel something around the edges of his paranoia, Taylor's left out on both ends. &nbsp;No one hitting on her, not that she minds all that much, with all the estrogen in the place she really would rather not be hit on....and no weird tingling sensations that would warn of a supernatural threat. &nbsp;Granted that doesn't mean that there's not a normal threat, but what threat would their be from those two? Or the bartender for that matter? &nbsp;For now Taylor her hot chocolate and looks up to the 'tender. &nbsp;"Is that an invitation for everyone? Or just Edwin?" As much as she hates the thought of being a third wheel, she hates the thought of being couped up here all day tomorrow even more.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 20:50:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Allison, obscurely, glared at Edwin under cover of sipping her coffee when he offered to pay for all the meals, then gave Taylor an odd look.&nbsp; Still, she realized hopefully, it would at least be entertaining to watch the bartender try and squirm out of this particular difficulty, and she glanced up curiously, as though seconding Taylor's question.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 22:49:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her thoughts turned to pity, she hated the fact Cynthia chose to drink her troubles away and had hoped they would be able to work things out so that they would at least have an enjoyable stay here at Miner’s Foley since they were stuck her for god knows how long. Sighing heavily, she opted for a shower, undressing, her clothes left on a nearby chair she padded to the bathroom, turning on the hot water. <br><br>Stepping in moments later, she stood there for long moments enjoying the water as it cascaded down around her, warming her to the bone, taking away both the chill of the weather and the argument. Convinced tomorrow would be a better day and not ready for bed, she combed her hair back, looping it into a ponytail and waltzed back into the room. She lay down next to her lover for a while, attempting sleep, but the sandman was busy elsewhere that night and finally after what seemed like hours of staring at the ceiling and many sheep later, she gave up. <br><br>Grabbing the clothes she had worn earlier, she slid them on quickly, kissed Cynthia on the cheek, “tomorrow will be a better day, doll,” she whispered and then she disappeared into the hallway. Wandering in the opposite way of the diner, she eventually found what looked to be a conference room, entering it she fell into a comfy chair and peered out the window, watching as the snow fell peacefully in the night.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 22:53:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger smiles. "Gotcha, Cindy," he whispered, as he took a bite of fries. He looks at Rachel, shrugs. He's been in worse places. And, if she wants to hit on Edwin, that's her business. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TigreFatalis</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 22:57:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Beck smiled warmly at Rachel. &nbsp;The Bartender had been nice to her both times she'd sampled the place. &nbsp;When the bill was placed in front of her, she glanced at the total, did the simple math and left a 20 % tip, laying the cash atop the invoice.<br><br>"Thanks, Rachel. &nbsp;See ya t'morrow." &nbsp;<br><br>Taking the lager in her hand she nodded at the group collectively, offering the faintest of polite smiles before heading into the lobby and up to her room. &nbsp;"Evenin' folks. &nbsp;Stay safe now."<br><br>Only after the group was behind her did she cringe. &nbsp;<i>Shit! &nbsp;That was stupid.</i> her inner critic piped up. &nbsp;If she was going for complete anonymity, using her normal sign-off wasn't the best way to go about it. &nbsp;Hopefully none of the strangers were fans; she doubted any of them would have been.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 23:22:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>In the Valley View</strong><br>It was amusing to see Rachel's smile adjust itself; going from genuinely friendly to a pleasant mask of professionalism, in the half second or so it took Taylor to ask her question and to process it.&nbsp; "Yes," she said, hesitatingly.&nbsp; "Sure, of course.&nbsp; I'd be more than happy to show you around Miner's Folly, all of yous."&nbsp; She turned around so quickly that her ponytail flew over her shoulder, tapped angrily at her computer screen.&nbsp; When she turned back, however, she was all smiles again.<br><br>"Well folks, if there's nothing else, I'll be going home now.&nbsp; I'm sure I'm going to have to tunnel beneath the snow on top of my driveway.&nbsp; You can just leave your things here when you finish; the morning crew will get them before we open for breakfast tomorrow.&nbsp; Enjoy your evening."<br><br><strong>Elsewhere in the Hotel</strong><br>The time is almost one in the morning, and the hotel is quiet.&nbsp; Cynthia sleeps away in room 107, and Beck, in the suite in 201, finds her room turned down by the evening housekeeper, and the heater left on.<br><br>From the conference room, all is still as Vivian looks out into the parking lot, save a single vehicle, some sort of 2x4 utility car, pull out of the parking lot.&nbsp; Some time later, she sees a lone figure (she thinks it might be Rachel, the bartender) move to another car, and drive off after brushing snow from the windshield with gloved hands.&nbsp; After that, all is still.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 23:31:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=10350.msg383919#msg383919">Quote from: Eyeomancer on 06-07-2007, 23:22:37</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"><strong>In the Valley View</strong><br>It was amusing to see Rachel's smile adjust itself; going from genuinely friendly to a pleasant mask of professionalism, in the half second or so it took Taylor to ask her question and to process it.&nbsp; "Yes," she said, hesitatingly.&nbsp; "Sure, of course.&nbsp; I'd be more than happy to show you around Miner's Folly, all of yous."&nbsp; She turned around so quickly that her ponytail flew over her shoulder, tapped angrily at her computer screen.&nbsp; When she turned back, however, she was all smiles again.<br><br>"Well folks, if there's nothing else, I'll be going home now.&nbsp; I'm sure I'm going to have to tunnel beneath the snow on top of my driveway.&nbsp; You can just leave your things here when you finish; the morning crew will get them before we open for breakfast tomorrow.&nbsp; Enjoy your evening."<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>Roger quirked an eyebrow up in Taylor's general direction. "I don't know about you, but I think that I'm going to be busy tomorrow around two-ish. Blake? Allison?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 23:34:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake merely shrugged. "I think I'll turn in." he said, and stood up. Collecting the spare room key, he retired to his room. A quick shower was followed by about 10 minutes of exercises and stretching, then another 15 of kata's. From the bag he had brought in with him, he unpacked a trio of small automatic pistols, and spent the next while stripping and cleaning them. Two went back into the bag, the third went under his pillow. With that, he flicked out most of the lights, and lay down to sleep.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 23:43:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin nods back at Beck and tosses a goodnight after her as she leaves.&nbsp; Then he finishes his meal and shakes his head at Taylor.&nbsp; Her talents might be useful, but she does manage to get on his nerves almost as much as Roger at times.<br><br>As Blake leaves, he hands over one of the keycards for room 211.&nbsp; Then he passes out the other cards, 210 for Taylor and Allison and 209 for Roger.<br><br>"I think I'll head on myself.&nbsp; Goodnight everyone."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TigreFatalis</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 23:44:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Beck took a draught from her lager, setting the bottle on the bedside table. &nbsp;It was nice that the hotel had turned down the bed and turned up the heat. &nbsp;She adjusted the temperature to a mild 58 degrees, stripped out of her clothes and took a brief shower. &nbsp;Wrapped only in the robe supplied by the hotel, she made her way back to the bed, sat on it and took another drink. &nbsp;<br><br>Still on her late-night schedule, she turned her eyes to the window and the vast darkness beyond. &nbsp;It was impossible to see anything, even with only low light in the room. &nbsp;She laid out clean clothes for the morning, gathered up the stuff she'd worn tonight, grabbed the latest Koontz from her bag and returned to the bed.<br><br>Anticipating a solid four hours of reading, Beck surprised herself by falling asleep almost as soon as she started reading.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>06-07-2007, 23:48:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For once, Allison was glad to be caught with a mouthful of food so she didn't have to answer Roger's question right away.&nbsp; "Terribly busy," she finally said, smiling ruefully.&nbsp; "If I can find a net connection, I'll have more email to answer than any one person should ever have to deal with.&nbsp; Have fun."<br><br>She set down her napkin and headed up to her room, pausing only to collect a key.&nbsp; "Good night, everyone."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>07-07-2007, 00:10:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Edwin and Blake</strong><br>From the cliff side of the hotel, the two gentlemen can hear the sound of the wind moaning, hear the rustle of tree branches.&nbsp; Depending on how lightly they sleep, it might be enough to keep them awake, the strange, alien sounds of a new place, the blackness outside almost total, suggesting almost anything the imagination can conjure, lurking outside of the hotel.<br><br>Some time later, both men are awakened by rustling and banging.&nbsp; It takes a moment for them to realize that they are not random noises of the wind, but, rather the sound of a window, opening and slamming repeatedly into the frame.<br><br><strong>Beck</strong><br>Perhaps your reading material had suggested something of the dreams that flavor your sleep, because you experience a brief, frightful nightmare that disturbs your sleep at around two in the morning.&nbsp; The details are hazy, but you remember running through the snow, through trees lit by the bright, evil moon, the shadow of a ruined cabin in the clearing ahead of you.&nbsp; The scent of blood is in the air, and, rather than being repulsed by it, you are inexplicably drawn to it; the urge to feed carries with it a powerful sense of joy and horror that makes you bolt upright, awake and covered in a sheen of sweat.<br><br><strong>Roger</strong><br>You wake up from dreamless sleep, to screams high as cat's hiss.&nbsp; "He's coming!&nbsp; He's coming!&nbsp; Wake up, Roger, he's coming to kill you!"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>07-07-2007, 00:38:20</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger's eyes flick open. "I'm awake," he whispers. "Who's coming?" One hand slips down to underneath the mattress, where he hid a razor blade before he went to sleep. Having retrieved his razor, he shifts to a position where he can easily roll off the bed, should someone get too close.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>07-07-2007, 00:43:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It seems like he's just managed to get acustomed enough to the strange noises to sleep when the clattering starts up.&nbsp; After a moment he sits up and sighs.&nbsp; "Better call the desk," he grumbles.&nbsp; As he turns to reach for the phone he looks over to see if Blake's awake from the racket.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>07-07-2007, 00:52:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				It really was an honest question.&nbsp; Not really meant to completely screw up Edwin's date with the hot bartender.&nbsp; Her general rule is never to go anywhere by herself, but as the group splits up and goes to bed she frowns a little. "Something tells me we're not all invited." It's said with a small smirk as she looks over to Allison to nudge her in the side.&nbsp; The takes up her hot chocolate and drinks the rest of it in short order.&nbsp; "Hey, how about me and you go get lost in the town tomorrow?"&nbsp; Basically get lost because they don't have a guide.&nbsp; <br><br>After either a yay or nay to her plans for the next day Taylor smiles. "Well I'm going to go to bed, I think.&nbsp; Or stare at the snow or something for a while.&nbsp; Goodnight." She nods to Allison and then carries her bag up to her room.&nbsp; She debates for a few moments whether or not to unpack, and decides against it.&nbsp; Instead she just takes out the machete and contemplates exploring the hotel a little bit.&nbsp; She's not just extremely tired, but if she wants to get a fresh start in the morning she'll have to go to bed soon.&nbsp; <br><br>Taking the machete with her, after deciding not to explore, she heads into the bathroom and sets the blade, propped up, against the wall near the shower.&nbsp; She then strips and gets clean before going back into her room to air out the tights she had been wearing.&nbsp; She sets the long johns and the tights next to the bed, along with her boots to make sure that if something happens, all she has to do is jump into her clothes.&nbsp; With that, she flops into bed, nude and pulls the blankets and such up around her.&nbsp; Time to attempt to sleep.&nbsp; Really, she's kind of surprised with how quickly she passes out, since she had taken a nap in the car.&nbsp; Maybe trudging around the in the snow had made her tired or something.&nbsp; No matter, soon the sun-kissed beauty if fast asleep, her machete now leaning up against the night stand, well within arms reach.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>07-07-2007, 01:19:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake is not only awake, but standing beside the window, gun in hand. Slowly he draws the corner of the curtain aside, peering out into the darkness, seeing if he can see either what window is making the noise, or anything that might have caused the window to now be open.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>07-07-2007, 01:33:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Blake and Edwin</strong><br>The cool gunman finds quickly that their window is tightly latched shut.&nbsp; The banging becomes more rhythmic, and you realize the sound is coming from next door, in room 213.&nbsp; Peering out the window, you see that the window swings open and shut with the wind, banging against the frame, and that the glass has been broken out.<br><br><strong>Roger</strong><br>Your ghostly guide is silent for now, however, leaving you alone in the room, with the sound of your own breathing and, muffled, the sound of a thumping, perhaps coming from across the hallway.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>07-07-2007, 01:45:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake turned to the other man in the room with him. "Next door". He little more than mouthed the words, nodding in the direction of the broken window. He quietly padded across the room, crouching down near the other man. "Do you know if anyone is in that room?" he asked.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>07-07-2007, 01:49:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				After a moment, Roger closes his eyes briefly to try and 'see' if his guide is around. Not finding anything, he gets out of bed as silently as he can, and heads for his pack, pulling out something that him and Blake worked on before.<br><br>An old, battered (but still functional) Glock 17.<br><br>He had found the pistol on one of their previous missions, having belonged to one of the locals. Due to the threat they faced then, the pistol rusted much faster than normal. With Blake's help, he managed to clean it up and get it working again. He didn't like using it, but he knew that it was better than not being armed. Blake had said so.<br><br>He takes the pistol, quickly loads a clip, and puts it in his pajama pocket. <em>I've always wondered why they put those there...</em> He also grabs a few more 'sharps,' putting some in his arm socks, and wielding a short scalpel.<br><br>With that, he cautiously opens his door.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>07-07-2007, 05:37:51</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin shakes his head.&nbsp; "Roger's in 209," he answers in a whisper, "Should I call the desk to report it?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TigreFatalis</strong> on <strong>07-07-2007, 06:00:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Jerking awake at the horrid dream - <i>was it horrid because of content, or because I liked it?</i> - Beck was off the bed and standing in three seconds flat.&nbsp; She blinked rapidly, shook her head and tried to read the clock.&nbsp; 00:5&nbsp; It was confusing until she realized she was looking at a reflection.&nbsp; <br><br>Duh.&nbsp; 2am.&nbsp; <br><br>Again she blinked, shaking her head to clear it.&nbsp; There was a distant and rhythmic thudding, but she couldn't tell what it was or where it was coming from.&nbsp; She blinked yet again then shed the remainder of the robe, opting for real clothing.&nbsp; Out of habit she snagged her keys, specifically for the flashlight, and made her way to the door.&nbsp; <br><br>Seeing nothing through the view hole - <i>of course there's nothing there</i> - she opened the door slowly and poked her head out, looking up and down the hall.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>07-07-2007, 08:20:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Out of room 209 slips a figure dressed in Scobby Doo pajamas, wearing socks on his arms, and wielding a scalpel.When Beck pokes her head out, Roger spins, scalpel raised high to strike... then pauses. He relaxes with a sigh, then shakes his left index finger at her, as if to say, 'Don't do that!' A quick glance down the hall, and he puts his finger to his lips, then points down the hall. With that, he starts creepint towards the thumping...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>08-07-2007, 05:15:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=10350.msg383919#msg383919">Quote from: Eyeomancer on 06-07-2007, 23:22:37</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote"><strong>Elsewhere in the Hotel</strong><br>From the conference room, all is still as Vivian looks out into the parking lot, save a single vehicle, some sort of 2x4 utility car, pull out of the parking lot.&nbsp; Some time later, she sees a lone figure (she thinks it might be Rachel, the bartender) move to another car, and drive off after brushing snow from the windshield with gloved hands.&nbsp; After that, all is still.<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>As she watched the bartender go home for the night she was unable to fight sleep, her eyes continuously drooping closed, she jerked awake several times until finally she succumbed to it, the clock on the wall reading 1:31 AM. Curling up into the chair, her arms wrapped around her legs for warmth, she fell asleep, her head resting on the the back of the chair, mouth slightly open, low soft breathing emanating from the doctor. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>08-07-2007, 12:50:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake considered this for a moment, then shook his head. "Wait til we find out what it is first." He quickly pulled on a pair of track pants and a t-shirt, slipping the gun into the waistband at his back. His fingers slid into the side compartment on his back, and came out with a pair of small objects.<br><br>The squarish one went into his pocket, the cylindrical one stayed in his hand. Noting Edwins look of curiosity, he spoke quietly. "Gun might be a little much for people. Asp is handier."<br><br>With that he moved to beside the door, covering the peephole with a finger for a moment before moving to look through it. Satisfied with what he saw (or didn't see), he opened it and moved into the hallway.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TigreFatalis</strong> on <strong>08-07-2007, 22:41:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Not normally easily frightened, Beck instantly clenched her teeth to keep from yelping in surprise.&nbsp; Once the surprise cleared she had another one.&nbsp; Registering the way the man in the hallway looked, she was extremely tempted to slam her door shut, bolt it and remain in her room until the twelveth of never.&nbsp; Unfortunately, her pride wouldn't allow her to react to the man who looked like a psychotic surgeon from the Twilight Zone.<br><br><i>Curiosity killed the cat, doofus.</i> her inner critic stated as Beck slowly, silently, took a step outside of her room.&nbsp; The rhythmic thumping took on a new sound and seemed to be coming from within her; until she realized it was her own heart escalating just a bit.&nbsp; She drew in a deep breath to calm herself and exhaled as she watched the cartoon surgeon with socks - <i>!?!</i> - on his arms slowly inch across the hall.&nbsp; <br><br>She wasn't moving any closer just yet, and she wasn't going to let her door close just yet either.&nbsp; <i>Then what are you doing in the hall?</i>&nbsp; She ignored the cynical inner monologue, watching the progress of her hall companion.&nbsp; Even as he was joined by someone who looked ready for an early-morning workout, she remained by her door.&nbsp; It wasn't her way to over-react.&nbsp; Much.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>08-07-2007, 22:51:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin set the phone back down and pulled on a robe over his boxers and undershirt.&nbsp; A pair of slippers for his feet and then he waited for Blake to enter the hallway.<br><br>He moved as carefully as he could to the door, looking out to take in the gathering of people rousted by the broken window.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>09-07-2007, 00:13:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger glanced at Blake as he emerged from his room, and simply nodded. He fell into a support position behind him. After all, who better to take point than the one trained for it. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>09-07-2007, 00:32:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake glanced over the others in the hallway, then returned his attention to the other door. He moved down the hallway in smooth, almost flowing, movements, his right foot turned out slightly from the direction he was going in. <br><br>He paused a step or two short of the door and began to examine it carefully, checking the door and the carpet in front of it for anything out of the ordinary before deciding what to do next.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>09-07-2007, 04:50:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The door to room 213 is unlocked and ajar, swinging open as if by an invisible hand by the pressure of Blake's feet on the floorboards, slowly revealing the scene within.&nbsp; Signs of a struggle are everywhere - a heavy desk is tipped over, a lamp is broken, a piece of "modern" artwork has been knocked off the wall.&nbsp; The most telling sign, of course, is the broken window.&nbsp; A gaping black hole framed with jagged teeth of broken glass, the window is framed by two deep red curtains flapping in the winter wind.&nbsp; The room is silent but for the wind's whistle and moan, and the beating of the windows against the frame.&nbsp; A thin dusting of snow covers the carpet in front of the window, stained red with blood on the sill, white everywhere else.<br><br>Beck can see the three men in the hallway, standing before the suddenly open door of room 213, but not what is inside it.&nbsp; The reaction on the face of Edwin, however, gives a hint that there is nothing pleasant to be seen.<br><br><strong>Taylor</strong><br><br>Taylor is awakened by a spine-chilling sensation of horror.&nbsp; It feels as if her skin is crawling, an itch beneath the flesh that she can't get to no matter how hard she scratches. . .her insights and warnings of supernatural danger never came across her the same way twice, but they were always unmistakable, and something very powerful, very unnatural, was close, and meant her harm.&nbsp; The noise she made as she bolted upright in bed was enough to wake Allison, and the two ladies see and hear movement outside their hotel room. . .
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>09-07-2007, 05:01:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Allison blinked awake reluctantly.&nbsp; She still wasn't nearly as paranoid as Taylor, but she had started developing a few similar habits, like leaving a flashlight always within easy reach, and she started reaching for it now.&nbsp; "Hm?&nbsp; What, what is it?" she mumbled.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>09-07-2007, 05:09:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Unmistakable and freaking annoying! She scratches at first, then realizing it's futile she jumps out of bed and into the thermal pajamas/spandex pants and shirt.&nbsp; As quickly as possible she also grabs her boots and slides them onto her feet, all the while keeping an eye out and keeping that machete within arms reach. "Something's here." She looks to the other woman and nods towards her.&nbsp; After her boots are on, assuming she gets that far, she'll unsheathe the machete and inch her way to the door.&nbsp; "You ready?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>09-07-2007, 05:15:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Allison, still looking half asleep, had gotten out of bed and pulled on a pair of terrycloth sweatpants, which, combined with the oversized flannel shirt she was already wearing, made her pretty well dressed.&nbsp; She pulled on her sneakers and gave Taylor a long-suffering look -- or rather, gave the machete in Taylor's hand a long-suffering look.&nbsp; "To kill things?&nbsp; No.&nbsp; But let's go see what's going on."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TigreFatalis</strong> on <strong>09-07-2007, 05:23:34</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She quirked a brow at the suddenly open door further down the hall, and at the expression she could barely read on the cartoon surgeon's face.&nbsp; Something bad was going down.&nbsp; She wasn't all that interested in getting into it.&nbsp; <br><br>Beck turned to scan the hall in the other direction, then returned her attention to the trio entering the room.&nbsp; For half a second she thought she caught a dangerous scent, but she chalked it up to nerves and that incessant banging - louder now.&nbsp; She definitely felt the cold, though.&nbsp; That was unavoidable.<br><br>With a shrug, ignoring the instant condemnation from her inner critic, Beck grabbed the keycard to her room and quietly closed the door.&nbsp; As stealthily as a 5'11", 200lb block of solid muscle could move, she approached the three men.&nbsp; Curiosity may, indeed, have killed the cat, but she was a dog person.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>09-07-2007, 05:32:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger took in the scene in the hotel room quickly, scanning for any obvious threats. Then, with a glance at the others, he took a few steps into the room. He closed his eyes, because doing so helped him to 'see' the things that others usually don't, and did another scan of the room. He moves towards the window, his intention is to shut it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>09-07-2007, 05:42:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She rips open the door then her machete up and ready to attack as she places herself in front of the door.&nbsp; Only after making sure it's clear, or scaring the piss out of whoever might be lurking outside will she move into the hall.&nbsp; She doesn't even bother answering Allison.&nbsp; Maybe she'd have to explain that it's not paranoia that drives her but a sixth sense.&nbsp; Of course, if they're met with something that's not human its very likely she'll be turning to shut the door again.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>09-07-2007, 12:43:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake moved into the room cautiously. He'd intended to go in first, but if Roger wants to trip over something nasty, that's his lookout. His eyes roamed the room, looking to make sense of the debris, to try and track the course of whatever struggle might have occurred.<br><br>Seeing Roger moving on through the room towards the window, he flicked the asp open and tapped the man lightly on the arm with the baton. "Crime scene. Touch nothing" he said, pointing the asp towards the blood that could be seen on the window.<br><br>He turned to look briefly over his shoulder. "Get the staff. Tell them to call the local sheriff."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>09-07-2007, 15:36:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Taylor and Allison</strong><br>You open the door to your room, to see Edwin, Blake, and Roger standing in front of the door to room 213, where Roger is moving in.&nbsp; You can see the full extent of the damage, feel a rush of chill from the winter wind that blows through the open window.<br><br><strong>Blake</strong><br>Even as you move to control the situation, your coldly analytical mind is assessing the details.&nbsp; First; the glass of the window is broken <em>outwards</em> suggesting someone left the room by that method.&nbsp; You also realize that, while the room is in disarray, it has not been searched.&nbsp; The bed is made, the drawers are all neatly closed.&nbsp; There is a thin suitcase with an airline tag on the luggage stand.<br><br><strong>Roger</strong><br>Your sight clouds with swirls of red and orange.&nbsp; Violence, terrible, brutal violence, was done in this room, and it has left an empathic impression that almost nauseates you from its callow, vicious abandon.&nbsp; You are able to pick out a faint trail of something - hope? - that leads you to look under the bed, where you see a briefcase, half-hidden.<br><br><strong>Beck</strong><br>From the other end of the hall, you catch sight out of the corner of your eye another guest of the hotel.&nbsp; Mamie something or another, a heavy-set woman in her 40s.&nbsp; She appears to have a touch of insomnia, and it walking about the halls in her pajamas and slippers.&nbsp; She sees you, raises a hand in greeting, then tilts her head as she notices the gathering at the end of the hall.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>09-07-2007, 17:58:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin swallows and stands in the hallway as others enter the room.&nbsp; When Blake calls for someone to alert the staff, he nods and moves back to room 211 to grab the phone and dial the front desk.<br><br>"Yes... This is Edwin Goodchilde.&nbsp; There's been some sort of crime is room 213.&nbsp; It looks like someone was thrown through the window.&nbsp; You need to call the sheriff immediately." 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>09-07-2007, 18:53:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Seeing everyone already gathered in the hall, plus another resident -- the quiet woman she'd noticed earlier at the restaurant -- Allison stepped forward to see what had happened.&nbsp; Edwin was apparently handling notifying the authorities, so whatever had happened seemed to be over for the moment, at least.<br><br>Shivering at the sudden cold, she peeked inside room 213 cautiously, surprised at the obvious chaos inside.&nbsp; How had anyone slept through all that?&nbsp; She didn't go in -- this wasn't her area of expertise -- but stayed out in the hall, ready to help if she was needed.&nbsp; Still, travelling with this group, she sometimes felt awfully helpless... But at least she could keep others from wandering in randomly, and she stayed by the door, acting as a guard of sorts.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TigreFatalis</strong> on <strong>09-07-2007, 22:45:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Beck did not move any closer.&nbsp; The way the weirdos at the bar - they didn't seem to be quite as weird now - were methodically and officially handling the situation... well, she knew when to stay out of the way.&nbsp; She took a step back, leaning against her room door.&nbsp; Folding her arms over her chest and kicking her right foot over and across her left, she looked to be the very picture of relaxation.&nbsp; She couldn't quite ignore the faint prickle of danger clinging valiantly to the back of her neck.<br><br>At the faint shuffle of someone from the other end of the hall, Beck turned her appraising attention on the new entrant.&nbsp; She was familiar but Beck couldn't quite place the name.&nbsp; Marnie, or Mame, or Mom or something, some "M" name.&nbsp; With a nod, she offered a restrained smile.&nbsp; <br><br>"'Mornin'.&nbsp; Seems there's been a bit a trouble further down.&nbsp; Might be best to wait here til we know what's goin' on."&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>09-07-2007, 23:07:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger frowns, eyes still closed, crinkling his brow. For a moment, it appears that he may throw up. "Violent. Very violent, very brutal. Whomever did this wasn't very nice about it." As he scans the room, hie cocks his head. "Hello, what do we have here?"<br><br>A few more steps, and he's kneeling beside the bed. Reaching under it, he pulls out the suitcase. "It appears that whomever was brutalized in here didn't want this to be found, at least not by his attackers. There's a faint thread of hope attached to it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>10-07-2007, 00:33:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake looked round from his examination of the room, Rogers speech derailing his train of thought. He turned a flat look on the other man. "What part of 'crime scene, touch nothing' was unclear?" He shook his head irritably. "At least we have witnesses to show why your traces are all over that." He gestured towards the case with his asp, then began to look around the room.<br><br>"The room hasn't been searched. Everything's too neat. Glass shows the window was broken outwards." He turned back to the door. "Forced entry?" He shook his head. "Probably not. We'd have heard the noise."<br><br>He walked over to the door, examing it for any signs of force, then moved back across the room to examine the blood. "Blood inside, glass outside. Someone was attacked in here, and taken out there maybe." He turned back to the doorway. "Anyone happen to know who was in here?" 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>10-07-2007, 00:50:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger glances back at Blake, grinning. "Hello, crazy man here. Since when do I care?" He turns back to the briefcase. "However, there is something about this particular briefcase. I'm not positive, but I'm sure it's important."<br><br>He closes his eyes again, fighting back the wave of nausea that wells up from the residual violence. "Hello? Anyone there? I can hear you, if you speak." Hopefully, there's a remnant of the person who was brutalized here; it's not likely he survived leaving the room.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>10-07-2007, 02:23:58</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger's queries go unanswered; at least, unanswered in a way he can understand.&nbsp; There are some noises, whispers, just at the edge of his hearing that seem to have some meaning, but he cannot quite make out.<br><br>People sometimes seemed determined to be contrary.&nbsp; No sooner had Blake cautioned her fellow guest about getting to close than the matronly woman swept by her, looking into 213 despite the rather severe looking men and women that had gathered around the door.<br><br>And began to scream.&nbsp; High pitched, shrill screams that could be heard throughout the hotel, even in the conference room where Vivian napped, at the desk, in the guest rooms, even echoing off the stone walls of the gorge.&nbsp; <br><br>It was well that Edwin had already called for the sheriff, because other guests of the hotel soon began to come to that wing of the second floor, see the carnage in 213, and retreat swiftly back to their own rooms, doubtless to phone the hotel staff or the police department directly.&nbsp; A few lingered, gaping at what was left of the room, and are there when the hotel staff arrives.&nbsp; The night manager, Mr. Fox, draws a chair in front of the door to 213 and stands in front of it, to keep the curious out until the police arrive.<br><br><strong>Roger and Blake:&nbsp; Are you still in the room by the time Fox arrives?&nbsp; You can't help but being seen by the matronly women, or even some of the other hotel guests unless you bolt out of the room right after she screams.&nbsp; You also have about five seconds from the time you hear Blake cautioning the other woman away to the time she gets to the room; is there any specific action you'd like to do in that time?&nbsp; And Roger; what do you do with the briefcase?</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>10-07-2007, 02:33:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Blake heard the sounds of others approaching he quickly collapsed the asp again, slipping it into his pocket and moving towards the doorway. If Roger was going to be dumb enough to start playing around with stuff in here, at least he could prevent anyone else seeing it. <br><br>((OOC - Blake will be blocking the door as best he can til the manager turns up, then will tell him he's going back to his room to grab a jumper, and will put his weapons away before the sheriff shows up. He'll be waiting for the sheriff, and will try and find out from the night manager any details of the guest who was in this room))
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>10-07-2007, 04:37:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Taylor moves out of the room just a hair before she sees people down the hall.&nbsp; Would be bad to be seen with a big black machete and traversing the rooms.&nbsp; So without hesitation she goes back to her room and sheathes the machete, then sticks it back in her bag.&nbsp; She really hates doing that but some people might wonder why she carries the thing around so much. The girl then steps into the hall, peering into the room just before the woman gets there. "Hey, be careful in there.&nbsp; This isn't completely human and it isn't nice." She stage whispers to them, over the wind but hopefully so the woman doesn't hear.&nbsp; Of course, she'd thought the woman was further down until that shrill scream comes.&nbsp; <br><br>"Get out of there!" She growls sticking around for as long as she can but will back into the small crowd that forms, like a spectator.&nbsp; She wouldn't stick around as much but she's gotta make sure whatever supernatural thing that it was that woke her won't attack Blake or the rest of the crew...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TigreFatalis</strong> on <strong>10-07-2007, 05:30:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Beck shook her head at the foolish woman, her warning to the weirdos probably drowned out.&nbsp; "Incoming."<br><br>She remained leaning against her own door, observing the hysterics, studying the people gathering, flitting and running back to rooms as if by doing so they could blot out whatever scene was in the now-popular room.&nbsp; If the hotel spun this right, they could make a killing with the ghost-hunter clientelle.&nbsp; <br><br>With a faint shrug, she shook her head as the manager drew nigh.&nbsp; It was going to be a long night.&nbsp; Luckily - or perhaps unluckily - she wasn't going to be getting any more sleep in the near future.&nbsp; Her eyes flicked over the woman with the machette and she filed that bit of information away.&nbsp; <i>Don't piss off people who carry knives longer than my arm</i>&nbsp; Well, okay, the machette wasn't quite as long as Beck's arm, but that didn't much matter.&nbsp; The warning was just as valid.<br><br><b>OOC: Beck is going to wait and watch, curious, but not interested in drawing undue attention to herself.</b>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>10-07-2007, 07:25:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger cocks his head to one side, almost able to make out the voices... then the woman screams. Literally jumping, he drops the scalpel he was wielding, and curses to himself. He quickly snatches the scalpel, and stands up.<br><br>He takes a brief moment to think, then snatches the briefcase as well. "Someone was willing to die to keep this safe," he whispers to Blake. "I'm not sure why, but I think it might be important. I say we keep it in our room, and open it when the heat dies down a bit."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>10-07-2007, 11:34:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake's eyes flicked to Roger, and he gave a barely perceptible nod, then moved forwards, trying to draw the attention of the others in the hallway. "Quiet! Quiet! Listen, there's something happened in there, but we don't know what. Everyone calm down, and return to your rooms. When the sheriff arrives you can come back and give a statement."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>10-07-2007, 17:20:10</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				By the time things can get sorted out by the presence of management, most of the curious have taken up positions, and seem poised to stay.&nbsp; The screamer remains, turning to whoever happens to be closest, and begins talking about what a horrible thing must have happened to "that nice young businessman."&nbsp; That somehow segues into a story about her first stay at the Clearwater Hotel, years ago, on her honeymoon, and anyone even remotely interested in listening can get a full picture of what it must have been like to have Mamie Hesley as a wife.<br><br>A young boy of perhaps nine stands next to Mamie, at least for a minute or two, shifting and bored.&nbsp; He was also wearing only pajamas, and looked ready to move away from his mother until she broke the ceaseless stream of her conversation to say, "Timothy, love, don't you wander there.&nbsp; Bad things are happening, and Mommy doesn't want you out of her sight."<br><br>The last of the lot is a lanky, tall man of late middle-age, who carries in his arms a snow-white poodle, which constantly barks and yips, adding another level of irritation.&nbsp; He looked at Blake, pushed the glasses over the bridge of his nose, and spoke in a nasal, whining voice.&nbsp; "Excuse me, sir, but I don't see a badge on your chest.&nbsp; Who are you to start barking orders at me?&nbsp; I have a right to know what's going on here."<br><br>Roger has just stashed away the briefcase when Mr. Fox arrives.&nbsp; "Excuse everyone, excuse me, coming through.&nbsp; Oh my," he said, after seeing the carnage in 213.&nbsp; He takes the aforementioned steps, blocking off the room.&nbsp; "Now just calm down, everyone, please.&nbsp; The sheriff will be here in twenty minutes, there's nothing you can do to help, please go back to your rooms."&nbsp; Mamie and her son, and the unidentified man with the poodle, show no more signs of going along with this directive than they did when it came from Blake.&nbsp; All three begin speaking up at once, demanding to know what happened, making Blake's attempt to pump Fox for information an exercise in futility.<br><br><strong>OOC:&nbsp; You guys get one more post before the law turns up.</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>10-07-2007, 17:35:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Downstairs in the darkened conference room, with only a dim street light to illuminate it, shadows cast all around her, the emergency doctor slept through all the chaos, she having learned long ago that you take sleep where you can get it. During the first minutes of her slumber she had shifted, now sleeping sideways in the overstuffed chair, her legs brought up and bent at the knees, her head resting against the back of the chair. Her breathing was slow and measured despite the uncomfortable and cramped position.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>10-07-2007, 18:07:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake looked at the whining individual, his eyes moving slowly down the man's body then back up. "Ten out of ten for observation." he said. "There is indeed no badge on my chest. That would be because I have no judicial authority here." He placed a slight stress on the 'here'. <br><br><em>If that prick thinks I mean I do elsewhere, all the better.</em> he thought, before continuing to speak. "And as it happens, you don't have a right to know what's going on here. Not unless the sheriff decides you do. Now, if you want to go poke around in there yourself, feel free. Of course, then you get to explain to the sheriff why you aren't actually a suspect, what with your DNA all over the place."<br><br>Blake paused for a moment, looking at the man intently. "And just why are you so curious about this room? Did you know whoever was in there? Can you account for your whereabouts for this evening?" He took a step closer. "Is there anyone can confirm your story?"<br><br><em>Hopefully he'll take the hint and get out of here.</em> thought Blake, staring coldly at the man, and idly considering tossing the yapping poodle out through the still open windows and into the night. 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>10-07-2007, 18:32:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				For a minute, Allison thought she'd developed some kind of weird psychic power after all.&nbsp; The way this Mamie person had both completely ignored everything she'd said, and then finally all but knocked her to the floor in her fixation on the room, Allison had concluded that she must be invisible.<br><br>As it turned out, of course, the woman was just incredibly rude.<br><br>She desperately wanted to leave and never speak to the woman ever again, but she felt a sudden stab of pity for the manager; and in any case, Blake seemed to want to get people to leave also.&nbsp; So she decided to make one last effort before vanishing back to her room.&nbsp; As soon as she caught the tiniest pause in the woman's stream of conversation (she had to breathe sometime... right?) she spoke up in a strong, firm voice.<br><br>"Ma'am, you should really get your little boy to bed.&nbsp; It can't be good for him to be awake at this hour, and he might catch a cold standing in this chilly hallway.&nbsp; I'm sure you're much too conscientious a parent to want that."<br><br>And she turned on her heel and went back to her room.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TigreFatalis</strong> on <strong>10-07-2007, 18:47:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				With a shake of her head at the growing chaos, Beck pushed off her door and casually strolled toward the mother, son and ankle-biter-holding man. &nbsp;Almost as soon as Blake concluded his say, she stepped between him and the trio - okay, quartet if you count the rat in dognito - of irritants. &nbsp;She put on her 'radio voice' speaking in low, sursurant tones filled with implication and a subtly persuasive charm. &nbsp;<i>Whether or not any of these yokels could be charmed remains to be seen.</i>&nbsp; <br><br>She nodded to the slender female who had suggested the son's safety in an attempt to get the woman to back off.&nbsp; With the slightest of shrugs, Beck gave it her best shot as well.<br><br>"Y'know folks, it's amazing what dangers lurk 'round the corners these days. &nbsp;Why I bet some things're so startling they'll keep with ya, returnin' night after night in vivid dreams." she nodded to the boy, quirking a brow upward as she directed the comment to the mother. &nbsp;"I'm sure y'all don't want to be dealin' with nightmares til he goes off to college."<br><br>As she continued to talk, turning her words to the thin man with the Q-tip on legs, she attempted to guide the small group back down the hall a little ways.<br><br>"An' I'm sure you've known that sweet little thing t'just wriggle outta your arms when excited. &nbsp;I'd sure hate for ya to have such a sweet pup get loose, run on into that room an' maybe jump right out the window. &nbsp;That'd be a sore waste a' such a beautiful creature."<br><br>Though her attempts at distraction were subtle, she was going to give it her best try. &nbsp;She hated irrational people, but she'd delt with plenty of them. &nbsp;Even as she continued trying to guide them back down the hall and away from the ruined room, she looked over her shoulder with a querying brow raised; as if she were asking permission for a promise already made.<br><br>"Now, I'm sure Mr. Fox there'd be more than willin' to have us g'on down t'the View. &nbsp;We could get a cuppa coffee..." she paused, passing a grin and a wink to the matron's son. &nbsp;"Or a mug a' hot chocolate, an' wait for the cops. &nbsp;I know I could use some coffee. &nbsp;An' I'm sure y'all just got tons of stories. &nbsp;It'd be like campin' out, 'cept less dangerous."<br><br><b>OOC: I have no clue where the accent came from, it just came out. &nbsp;*smiles sheepishly*</b>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>10-07-2007, 20:05:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Having picked up the nod, Roger slips into the hallway. "Excuse me, I need to get a robe on." He makes it back into his room, stashing the briefcase under his bed, before disarming himself (mostly... he still has a razor blade in his left arm sock) and slipping on a bathrobe. He then goes to stand outside of his room, watching the procession. Seeing that the kid appears to be bored, he slips by him, kneeling, and starts to talk to him. Hey, anything to make the kid's experience here a bit more fun, neh?
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>10-07-2007, 22:57:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin watches as things unfold, staying back and watching as the others step up to try and handle the curious guests before Mr. Fox arrives.&nbsp; He feels a pang of sympathy for that man, this is certainly the sort of event that hotel managers' nightmares are made of.<br><br>Coffee sounds quite good, as Beck suggests it and as he waits for the sheriff he slips back into his room and uses the small machine there along with the complimentery single serve pack to brew a cup.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>10-07-2007, 23:30:32</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She almost steps in to help with Blake, and play the good cop, but Beck steps in before she can.&nbsp; As for the woman, well being young a beautiful hardly helps in that sort of a situation.&nbsp; With the man...well know, using feminine charm probably wouldn't work.&nbsp; What self respecting straight man owns a poodle? She rolls her eyes and leans back against the wall, her arms crossed under her chest and waits for the others to herd the cattle away from the crime scene.&nbsp; She likewise doesn't speak to the manager, but offers him a polite smile.&nbsp; She's close enough to the main room that he might even get the feeling she's standing guard.&nbsp; Which she kinda is, but until she's certain that the supernatural menace is gone she'll be staying right here...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>11-07-2007, 01:24:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The older man looks at Blake with a watery expression in his eyes, and reaches the hand not holding the poodle into his pocket, retrieving a small tape recorder and switching it on.&nbsp; Doubtless, if this was a less public place, the man's kneecaps would have interesting things happen to them by this point, but the middle of a hotel hallway might not be the best place for Blake to respond to this level of aggravation.&nbsp; "This is Reginald Thompson in the Clearwater Hotel," he spoke into the microphone, and pressed a button that date and time stamped the recording, "and a fellow guest has something he wants to repeat to me.&nbsp; I'm sorry, sir, would you care to repeat that a little bit louder, so my lawyer can hear you this time?" <br><br><strong>Both Beck and Allison recognize the name.&nbsp; Reginald Thompson is a hack author, writer of about a dozen or more pulp, testosterone driven fantasy novels, Conan with the serial number filed off type stuff.&nbsp; Beck even made arrangements to interview the author one night, but an unspecified "personal emergency" led him to cancel.</strong><br><br>The dog, continues to bark.&nbsp; "Hush, Thor," said Thompson.<br><br>Mamie appeared ready to go on with her questions and stories, despite what went on around her, when Allison hit the one subject that could probably derail the subject of the pudgy woman's conversation.&nbsp; Looking at the boy (who was still trying to peer as far away and around the corner, into 213 as he could without actually leaving Mom's side), the woman gave a gasp.&nbsp; "You're right!&nbsp; Oh my goodness, Timothy, we're going back to our room, sweetheart.&nbsp; Something terrible happened, you shouldn't see this."<br><br>"Oh come on, Mom," the boy said.&nbsp; "It's not like we don't have HBO, you know.&nbsp; I've seen CSI."<br><br>"That is television, this is real life," Mamie said.&nbsp; "We're going back to our room now."<br><br>"But Mom!"<br><br>"But me no buts, mister," said Mamie, and turned around and marched back down the hall, leaving the scent of Youthdew behind her.<br><br>Despite the promptness of the call to the local law, it was still a good twenty minutes before the squad cars arrived, lights flashing red and yellow in the still night.&nbsp; Up the stairs came the two sheriffs:&nbsp; Deputy Sean Dumont, whom Taylor and Blake had met, and likely been utterly unimpressed by, and his boss.&nbsp; Sheriff Marcus Willheim looks cut of a different cloth altogether, however.&nbsp; A bald, tall, lanky African-American came up the stair with a scowl carved on his weathered brow.&nbsp; A man in his 50s, he looks as tough as an old tree root, and not at all happy to see so many people standing about aimlessly in front of a crime scene.<br><br>"Sean," said the Sheriff.&nbsp; You secure the area and keep out the spectators.&nbsp; I'm going to start with this lot."<br><br>"Sheriff," said Mr. Fox.&nbsp; "If it's alright with you, I'll host these guests in greenhouse until you need them.&nbsp; You can use the conference room just on the ground floor, if you want to speak to them individually."<br><br>The Sheriff nodded.&nbsp; "That would be most appreciated, Mr. Fox.&nbsp; I'll want to speak to you to for more information about the guest in this room, but you could start by telling me the name of the person registered in this room."<br><br>"Damien Carson, from Chicago," Fox replied.<br><br>The sheriff made a note of it.&nbsp; "Who called it in?"<br><br>"Mr. Goodchilde," answered Fox, pointing to Edwin.<br><br>"Fine, then we'll start with you, sir," Sheriff Willheim said to the parapsychologist.&nbsp; "If you'd care to follow me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>11-07-2007, 01:38:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She laughs, out right, when the man calls his dog Thor.&nbsp; Oh that guy is SO gay.&nbsp; If she knew about the novels she'd just put him as 'in the closet' (well unless they're about males getting along a little too closely) because no man names a tiny rat like that Thor.&nbsp; She's thrown into a fit of giggles until the police arrive and she looks them both up and down.&nbsp; Well nothing happened, that was good, but of course they'll be questioned and it's not like they have a lot to say.&nbsp; Noise woke her up, she went to check it out and that was about it.&nbsp; The tape recorder would have been a good move, and might still be, but it just proves he's a pretentious prick...with a gay streak.&nbsp; Or maybe he's not gay, just severely whipped.&nbsp; Hmm.&nbsp; Things for Taylor to ponder...
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>11-07-2007, 02:17:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake snorted in amusement at the tape recorder. <em>Weasel</em> he thought, waiting for him to finish speaking, and smiling a smile that never went anywhere near his eyes. "Certainly" he said, leaning forwards slightly. <br><br>"Your client, or 'Fifi', as he asked to be addressed as, has made continual unwanted sexual advances towards me, even after being told that I am not interested in indulging his particular fetishes, which are, incidentally, illegal in 23 states at the last count. Since this hotel does not have a grand piano, that I have seen, I am unsure how he even intends to even carry these out. Even if I did have a gas mask, chunky peanut butter and a live quail, I would not wish to use them for your clients purposes."<br><br>He leaned back from the tape recorder, smiled once again and turned back to the others to await the arrival of the law.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>11-07-2007, 02:18:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin nods, sipping his styroform cup of coffee. &nbsp;He's not going to interfere with a crime scene (at least not with the authorities on their way) nor does it appear he needs to get involved with the handling of the others.<br><br>In fact, it's not until the sheriff arrives and speaks to him that he does anything besides stand quietly in his doorway.<br><br>"Of course," he says in response, "I'm more than happy to help in whatever manner I can." &nbsp;Then he follows along behind the man to the conference room.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>TigreFatalis</strong> on <strong>11-07-2007, 05:37:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Seeing her attempts at dissuading the four-some being an utter failure, she shrugged slightly and strolled back toward her room.&nbsp; At the name he gave, she quirked a brow, turning to look at him over her shoulder.&nbsp; A smile played over her lips, though she said nothing.&nbsp; No wonder he hadn't come to the show.<br><br>Returning to her door, she simply leaned against it once more, waiting for the authorities to get there.&nbsp; She would continue to wait, figuring that if the cops were serious about their work, they'd question everyone.&nbsp; No sense in pretending she had anything to say or anything to hide.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>12-07-2007, 14:19:19</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Excuse me, miss," Sheriff Willheim said as Beck turned her back.&nbsp; "I'm going to need to speak with you.&nbsp; Please wait in the restaurant as Mr. Fox suggested, and I'll try to finish as soon as possible."&nbsp; Though the Sheriff's words spoke of a reasonability, his tone hinted at utter inflexibility, and his stare could have bored into the side of a mountain.<br><br>In the conference room, Fox flicked on the light, waking Vivian, her presence there throwing the hotel manager aback.&nbsp; "Pardon us, Dr. Fox, there's been an incident, and Sheriff Willheim will be needing to use this space.&nbsp; Is there some. . .problem I could help you with?&nbsp; The other guests are waiting in the Valley View; we could speak at a private table?"&nbsp; Without being obvious about it, Fox gave Vivian a sympathetic look.&nbsp; Most likely, the bartender had told him about about the earlier incident in the restaurant with Cynthia, and he wanted to know if Vivian would need a separate room for the night.<br><br>In the Valley View, Fox brewed fresh coffee, regular and decaf, and cleared away the plates and glasses that had been left over from the group's meal. . . had it really been just an hour ago?&nbsp; The entire party that had gathered outside room 213, less Mamie Hesley and her son, was there, including Thiompson and his irritating poodle, who sat as far away from Blake as possible.<br><br><strong>In the Conference Room</strong><br><br>Sheriff Willheim began by asking for Edwin's photo ID, and asked him a few questions about what had happened; had he seen or heard anything, why was he awake to discover 213 in the state it was in, did he know Mr. Carson, what his business was in Miner's Folly.&nbsp; His stoneface doesn't give anything away, he merely writes down every answer Edwin gives him, and thanks him for his time before asking him to send in the next person.<br><br><strong>OOC:&nbsp; Feel free to roleplay the questioning with the Sheriff; consider him fair game for any lines of conversation you want to pursue.&nbsp; His questions will be the same for everyone he calls in, he's just looking to get a picture on what happened here and who the guests of the hotel are, in case he needs to investigate one of them.&nbsp; If anyone thinks to ask, he's closemouthed, but does let out that odds of finding anything at the bottom of the gorge are slim in the middle of the night, and that he and Deputy Dumont will conduct a search of the hotel grounds and gorge tomorrow.&nbsp; If you have any other questions, let me know.<br><br>I want to move through this scene a little quickly so as not to get everyone bogged down in individual questioning scenes.</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>12-07-2007, 19:36:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The glare of the lights woke her immediately and she was reminded of being in the emergency room, unsure where she was, her eyes darted around the room confused, “huh, where the fuck am…” and then she saw the sheriff and doctor. Rising from the chair, she used to law enforcement, she made her excuses, “pardon me, I must have fallen asleep,” and left the conference room, nodding to Dr. Fox. “I will be returning to my room now, unless there is something I can do to help the situation?”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>12-07-2007, 21:30:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She wanders down to the Valley View to await her turn in the hot seat.&nbsp; The spandex-clad girl gets another hot chocolate and watches as the others go to and from the room.&nbsp; It reminds her of going to the principal's office after a fight or something.&nbsp; She sighs and just as she's finishing off her hot chocolate she's being called back.&nbsp; Joy.<br><br>Once inside she sits in the chair and then looks up at the officer, doe eyes and batting eyelashes don't seem to be working on him so she shrugs when she's asked for her ID.&nbsp; "No where to really keep it on me in this outfit, I could... No? Okay then." She just gives her name in that case and waits for her own questions to come along.&nbsp; <br><br>Why was she up?&nbsp; She'd heard noises outside her room. Not like he'd believe that she has a supernatural sense about danger anyway, it's best to keep it as simple as possible.<br><br>What happened? She'd like to respond with the classic joke of 'what do you get when you cross and elephant and a rhino' but just shrugs and says "Don't know."&nbsp; Of course that doesn't cut it so she has to go into that she saw the window open, and then that the woman walked down the hall shrieked and woke everyone and their brother up to come see what happened.&nbsp; She does leave out some key parts, like taking the suitcase that was in there, and exactly who was in there and why.&nbsp; And why she was standing just outside the room when they arrived.&nbsp; Well she does say to keep the little kid from seeing what happened, but again saying anything related to supernatural stuff gets you the crazy eye.&nbsp; <br><br>She does try to play up some feminine charm, but Mr. Stoneface doesn't seem to be responding so after a few tries she gives up.&nbsp; Once done with the sheriff she leaves the room, giving a nice swing to her hips before sighing and returning to the Valley View.&nbsp; Or her room if they'll let her.&nbsp; <br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>12-07-2007, 23:16:45</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Now, it's Roger's turn in the hot seat. Still clad in his Scooby Doo pajamas and arm socks, but now wearing a robe, he sits in the chair, hugging his legs. He has a mug of hot chocolate next to him.<br><br>Your ID? "Um, it's back in my room. We'll get it to you in the morning. We're Roger Morgan."<br><br>We? "Sorry, yes. I suffer from schizophrenias and multiple personalities. We're on medication to control it, and we have the prescription in our room. We don't let the voices tell us what to do, especially when it's something violent or anti-social. We're adjusting just fine." He grins and takes another sip of his chocolate.<br><br>Why was he up? "Bad dream. I woke up to hear the banging of the shutters, and we went to investigate."<br><br>What happened? "Not sure. When we checked the room, it was as you saw it upstairs. We entered in the room to close the window, and Blake, one of our companions, told us to not touch anything. We stopped, and then whatshername screamed, startling us. That's when we left the room, and waited for Mr. Fox and company."<br><br>After a few more questions, Roger's done. He goes to the Valley View to sit with the others.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>13-07-2007, 04:02:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin's still in his robe and slippers, but with a pair of gloves added "to keep his hands warm since bad circulation runs in his family."&nbsp; Figureing on being asked, he grabbed his wallet from his room and shows the sheriff his ID.<br><br>"I was soundly asleep before the incident, so I didn't hear anything I'm afraid.&nbsp; I was woken by the sound of the window banging in the wind."<br><br>"I got up to see what it was, and the door was apparently not closed all the way as it swung open before anyone knocked on it.&nbsp; We saw the room as you found it.&nbsp; Roger went in, and Blake followed to stop him from disturbing anything.&nbsp; Then the others started showing up, and efforts were made to keep the scene from being tainted by curious onlookers."<br><br>"We don't really have any buisness here, the storm caught us on our way back from examining some rare books.&nbsp; We arrived late, I didn't even know that room was occupied untill we asked about it after finding things that way.&nbsp; I do hope you're able to get to the bottom of this matter quickly."<br><br>Once he's done he goes to the View and takes a seat to watch the snow outside the big window while sipping at some coffee.<br><br><br><br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>13-07-2007, 17:51:11</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Allison also had her ID ready, prepared to be as cooperative as she could.&nbsp; She didn't really know much about what had happened anyway, so her answers could be pretty relaxed and honest-- a good thing, since she'd never been interviewed by the police before.<br><br>But she could honestly say that the first she knew of any trouble was when Taylor woke her to say something was wrong.&nbsp; What had woken Taylor?&nbsp; She wasn't sure -- Taylor hadn't said, and it hadn't seemed important once they'd discovered something really was wrong.&nbsp; But all they'd been able to do was to try to keep people out of the room, though unfortunately some people had seen inside anyway.&nbsp; She tactfully named no names.<br><br>No, she hadn't met the man staying in the room in question, or even known of his existence -- she and her friends had arrived late, forced there by the snow, and had eaten and then gone straight to bed.&nbsp; But she was nervous -- was there any further danger, in their professional opinion?<br><br>After the expected reassuring platitudes, Allison was also excused, and went to join the rest at the Valley View.&nbsp; She wasn't sure she could sleep just yet anyway, and she wanted to hear how things had gone for them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>14-07-2007, 21:35:36</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake produces a drivers license bearing the name Blake Hamilton upon request.<br><br>"In my own words huh... fair enough. I woke up, I guess because I heard the banging. I wasn't quite sure what it was at first. I had a look out the window and saw the window of that room swinging. I figured something must be up, since no one in their right mind would be wanting to leave a window open in weather like this.<br><br>The room door was open when we got there, and there was snow had blown in. When I got a bit further in, had a bit of a better look, that's when I figured something was wrong. I saw what looked like blood, and the window appeared to have been broken from the inside. I told Roger to get out, so we wouldn't contiminate the scene any further than we already had.<br><br>It was about that time the others showed up. The woman with the kid started screaming, and then Fifi&nbsp; ... that's the little weasel with the poodle ... start whinging about his rights when I told them to back off. You want to watch that one ... he seems inordinately fond of his lawyer. Meh, you probably know the type.<br><br>Why I'm here is because my GPS screwed up. About 2 minutes before we landed here it was saying I was in Florida. We got told the weather had shut down the roads, so looks like we're stuck here for a few days. Once it clears, we'll be off again.<br><br>No, I've no idea who was in the room. I suppose it might have been someone downstairs earlier, but I turned in after I got something to eat."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>15-07-2007, 15:04:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The only people the Sheriff spent more than a few minutes with were Roger and Reginald Thompson, when he was called in.&nbsp; The author left ten minutes later in a huff, flashing the group a look that, if looks could kill, would have hurt Blake just a little bit.<br><br>Roger gets treated with kid gloves as the black man delicately tiptoes around, obviously wary about saying anything that might unhinge the young man.&nbsp; He asks a couple of questions about the "voices," but ends the answer midway, quickly regretting having asked.&nbsp; Anyone interviewed after Roger gets a few questions about the young man, mostly regarding who was in charge of him.<br><br>All in all, no one gets the impression that Willheim suspects them of anything, despite double checking Roger's story with Blake and Edwin on a few follow-up questions.&nbsp; From the lawman's perspective, all they had was some blood and a torn up hotel room.&nbsp; Without knowing where Mr. Carson was, they couldn't say it was murder, couldn't say it was suicide, couldn't say it was an accident.&nbsp; They would search in the morning, and might return if they found anything new.&nbsp; In the meantime, the Sheriff said, "I'd tell you all not to leave town and other such stereotypical things, but seeing as how we're snowed in, that's not a concern of mine right now.&nbsp; If you see anything suspicious, anything you happened to have forgot, you can call me office and either me or Deputy Dumont will pick up."<br><br>Just before packing up, Willheim gets a stack of papers from Fox; on Mr. Carson, presumably, but it might well be that he pulled all guest records of all people currently registered at the Clearwater, including themselves.<br><br>As the law leaves (having secured room 213 with the hotel's master key, as well as taped off the door with yellow police ribbon), everyone is free to get back to sleep, if they can.<br><br>Unfortunately for Vivian, however, she and Mr. Fox discover that Cynthia has locked the deadbolt and security latch from inside the room, meaning that neither Cynthia's key-card, nor Mr. Fox master key, will open the door.&nbsp; Not that Fox tries to get in, as Cyn has hung up the "Do Not Disturb sign," and gave a mumbled "Go away," when they came knocking.&nbsp; Recognizing that he is about to get stuck in the middle of a lover's quarrel, Fox offers Vivian any other room in the house, without charge, for the night, rather than be forced to tell her that he cannot let her in the room without the occupant's consent.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>15-07-2007, 17:29:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				In the view, Edwin sipped his coffee and looked over at his fellow travelers.&nbsp; "So much for a good night's sleep," he muttered as the interviews proceeded and and wrapped up.<br><br>Once the sheriff had departed, he moved closer to the others.&nbsp; "Well..." he said softly, "Is there more to this than meets the eye?"&nbsp; His gaze drifting to Taylor and Roger in particular.&nbsp; "And should we head back upstairs to talk about it if so."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>16-07-2007, 00:39:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I get the feeling our Mr Carson didn't toss himself out the window." said Blake. "The room was fairly untouched though. Whatever happened happened fast, otherwise there'd be more mess."<br><br>He turned to look at the others, to see if they had anything to add.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>16-07-2007, 17:39:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Under her breath, Vivian swore, this vacation was not going the way she had hoped, they were supposed to have spent a fabulous week of skiing and evenings of bliss by the warm firelight of their private cabin, instead they were stuck in this godforsaken place, fighting. Angry, she pounded on the door, “Damn it Bitch, let me in,” but all she heard from within was a mumbled repeat of what she had heard the first time she had knocked. <br><br>“Guess I will have to take you up on your offer, Mr. Fox,” she said quieter, thankful he was willing to be so generous. Tired and weary, she shook her head and followed the manager to the new room, thanking him once again, she entered it, washed up and fell back to sleep.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>16-07-2007, 21:04:29</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote"><a href="https://elliquiy.com/forums/index.php?topic=10350.msg387715#msg387715">Quote from: Amberghylles on 15-07-2007, 17:29:43</a></div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">In the view, Edwin sipped his coffee and looked over at his fellow travelers.&nbsp; "So much for a good night's sleep," he muttered as the interviews proceeded and and wrapped up.<br><br>Once the sheriff had departed, he moved closer to the others.&nbsp; "Well..." he said softly, "Is there more to this than meets the eye?"&nbsp; His gaze drifting to Taylor and Roger in particular.&nbsp; "And should we head back upstairs to talk about it if so."<br></blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div><br>"I think so, but I don't know what just yet.&nbsp; There's nothing really to talk about, just that there might be more to this than a man tossing another man out a window." She shrugs again and goes back to sipping her hot cocoa.&nbsp; Looks like this is going to be one of those nights where no sleep occurs. Sigh.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>16-07-2007, 21:21:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Ensuring that no one else was around to overhear, Blake turned to Roger. "What about that briefcase. You get anything from it?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>16-07-2007, 23:36:52</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger shrugs. "Not really," he whispers in return. "I haven't opened it yet. I wanted the entire gang to be present when I did."<br><br>He gives another glance around, and smiles. "Willheim was funny. Not that I wasn't used to it. I told him that I wasn't violent, and that I'm on medication. Didn't I, Cindy?" He frowns slightly. He hasn't heard from Cindy in a while. Normally, he wouldn't worry about the voices, but he liked her. Finally, he shakes the thought clear of his head.<br><br>"I'm going to head up to bed for a bit, try and read." He gives the others a wink. "Good night."<br><br>Up in his room, he takes out the briefcase, sets it on his bed, waiting for the rest of the gang to arrive.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>17-07-2007, 05:48:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin nods and looks to the others.&nbsp; <br><br>"Perhaps Roger has the right idea.&nbsp; I guess we should all try and get some rest."<br><br>He waits a moment and then sets off to follow, pausing outside of his door to make sure the hallway is clear before moving to enter Roger's room instead.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>17-07-2007, 15:36:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Allison fell in with this plan, stretching and stifling a yawn.&nbsp; She certainly didn't have to pretend to be sleepy.&nbsp; "We'd better try to sleep, or we won't be much good for anything in the morning," she agreed, turning to head upstairs.<br><br>Once there, she joined the others, anxious to hear about this briefcase.&nbsp; Tired she might be, but curiosity would win out over that every time.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>17-07-2007, 16:01:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The briefcase Roger stole from Carson's room was a simple affair; a leather lined box with a handle and combination security lock.&nbsp; Real high security stuff, a thousand possible combinations, and anyone with a sharp butterknife could just saw through the strap attaching the lock to the lid.&nbsp; In the outer pocket there was a property identification tag, listing Damien K Carson, resident of Boston, as the owner of said case, and offering a reward for its return, giving a cell phone number.<br><br>There was also a letter in the outer pocket, on corporate letterhead.&nbsp; Universal Mining, LLC, with their business address on Braverton Street, right there in Miner's Folly.&nbsp; It was addressed to Mr. Carson, dated two weeks ago.&nbsp; It read:<br><br><div class="quoteheader"><div class="topslice_quote">Quote</div></div><blockquote class="bbc_standard_quote">Dear Mr. Carson,<br><br>After reviewing your terms, we are pleased to accept.&nbsp; Enclosed with this is a check for half the agreed upon amount, the balance to be paid on your departure from Miner's Folly.<br><br>Business class flight arrangements have been arranged via United from Logan Airport.&nbsp; You merely need to present your identification at the gate, and your ticket is assured.&nbsp; Likewise with the rental car from Boulder.<br><br>Although we look forward to speaking with you in greater detail when you arrive in Miner's Folly, I wish to make it clear at this time that, as an independent operative, Universal Mining considers itself in no way liable for any accidents or misfortunes you may encounter during your stay in Miner's Folly.&nbsp; Nor does acceptance of your terms constitute an offer of employment, nor condone any actions you undertake which may happen to be illegal or unethical.<br><br>When you arrive in Colorado, please give me a call to arrange lunch.&nbsp; I look forward to meeting you at last.<br><br>Sincerely Yours,<br>Robert Kingsly<br>Human Resources/Recruitment<br>Universal Mining, LLC<br><br>cc<br>Benjamin Claiborne<br>Legal Department<br>Universal Mining, LLC</blockquote><div class="quotefooter"><div class="botslice_quote"></div></div>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>17-07-2007, 19:35:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Taylor is one of the last to leave, finishing her hot cocoa on her own time and then slips off her stool.&nbsp; "Bed time for bonzo." She grins and heads back up the stairs towards Roger's room.&nbsp; She makes sure that no one (normal or supernatural) is looking and then slips inside and looks over the note.&nbsp; "So he makes some huge business deal and then gets chunked out a window?&nbsp; So I guess the real question is, what was the deal and why did I feel something supernatural just afterwards?" She looks from each person in the room to the other.&nbsp; "I suppose we could go talk to these guys, huh?" She points back at the paper to see if Mr. Claiborne or Mr. Kingsly are still alive, and if they'd be willing to talk about Mr. Carson.&nbsp; <br><br>"Perhaps me and Allison go to one, Roger and Blake to the other while Edwin goes on his date." She smirks over towards Edwin and then shrugs. "That way we have someone that can sense the supernatural on each team as well as sort of a guard on each team."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>17-07-2007, 19:50:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Allison sighed, well aware that she was neither a psychic nor a guard.&nbsp; "Not to rain on anyone's parade, but I doubt either of those men will want to answer any questions from a random group of strangers who just happened to be staying at the same hotel as Mr. Carson when he died.&nbsp; We'll need a <em>very</em> convincing cover story before we try that."<br><br>She frowned at the letter.&nbsp; "Especially considering how cautious these two apparently are, with all these disclaimers.&nbsp; Which is slightly suspicious right there... it's like they expected trouble."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>17-07-2007, 20:39:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger nods. "CYA all over the place there. Whomever these guys are, they're on very good relations with their lawyers. Which could be the supernatural link in and of itself.<br><br>"Still, I agree with Allison. We can't simply walk up to them and start asking questions. They're going to wonder how we got a hold of this letter in the first place. Besides, Cindy woke me up, saying that he was coming to kill me, whomever 'he' was.<br><br>"Folks, I think we just stepped knee deep into our next case."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>17-07-2007, 20:40:47</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin scowled a bit at Taylor's remark. &nbsp;It was hardly a date. &nbsp;Or was it?<br><br>"That's right," he said as he pushed that matter to the back of his mind, "We have no ligitimate reason to know anything about this. &nbsp;However, I don't like the way this letter reads at all. &nbsp;Before we decide anything, I think we should see what's in the case.&nbsp; Seeing as we've stolen evidence anyway, there's no point in not tampering with it."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>17-07-2007, 20:47:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake read down through the note, and a hint of a smile appeared on his features as the others spoke. "While they are unlikely to want to talk to a group of random strangers," he said, "They will be quite keen to talk to Mister Carson, especially given that they haven't met him before."<br><br>He pointed to the appropriate line on the letter. "Now we just need to figure out who Mister Carson is ... or rather, what he knows. Anything in that case give an idea of what kind of work he might have been hired on for? Given their CYI, I get the feeling he isn't going to be the local union rep."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>17-07-2007, 21:03:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She sighs and rolls her eyes as once again her plan is pushed to the side like she's not even there.&nbsp; Though once Blake points out the line in the letter that says they haven't met in person before she raises a brow. "Hm, I call dibs on his secretary." She grins and looks over to Blake as they start going through the briefcase.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>17-07-2007, 21:14:14</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>OOC:&nbsp; Let me interject with the Voice of Common Sense:<br><br>Blake would probably realize that this letter had been mailed to Carson before he left Boston, and that if he'd been in Miner's Folly for even a day before you guys arrived, he had no doubt already met Kingsly.&nbsp; I mention this just to point out that the idea of impersonating someone involved in shady activities might be risky.</strong>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>17-07-2007, 21:32:57</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger shakes his head. "They've probably already met, Blake. Sorry, I don't mean to shoot down your ideas or anything.&nbsp; I mean, if he's been here for a day, they've probably met him as he came in. <br><br>"Hmmm, I wonder... Tell you what, folks. I can go get dressed and go check out the canyon with someone, to see if there's anything left of Mr. Carson, either physically or metaphysically. Whomever is left up here can search the briefcase to see if they can find anything else as to what he was up to."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>20-07-2007, 01:00:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>OOC:&nbsp; Posting to jump-start the plot again.<br></strong><br><br>As Roger attempts to force the clasps of the briefcase, his failure is met with a thin, greasy smoke seeping out of the case.&nbsp; A moment later, the briefcase flops open, revealing a blackened, foul smelling mess, some of which you can recognize as being paper.&nbsp; Whatever Carson had inside the briefcase, he obviouslyu didn't want anyone else to discover it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>20-07-2007, 01:04:31</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin jumped back and frowned.&nbsp; "That's not good..." he muttered.&nbsp; <br><br>Before anyone takes the damaged papers out, he steps closer.&nbsp; "Careful, it might be hazardious still.&nbsp; Here let me."&nbsp; He reaches in with his gloved hands to pull the papers out as carefully as he can and lay them atop the case.<br><br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>20-07-2007, 01:06:03</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blakes eyebrow rose at the sight of this. "Well, now." he said, leaning in for a slightly closer look. "Isn't that interesting. Not too often you see such outside of the latest Bond flick. I wonder what he had that was so secret."<br><br>He took a pen from his pocket and began to carefully push around the remains in the case, on the off chance not everything was destroyed, and some might still be salvagable.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>20-07-2007, 21:54:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Allison choked slightly at the smell and stepped back, letting Edwin and Blake investigate.&nbsp; "Well, there goes the last of any doubts we might have had that there's something weird going on.&nbsp; No wonder that letter was so careful.&nbsp; Too bad for them, though -- now they'll have to find someone else to handle their dirty work."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>21-07-2007, 22:13:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"I have to wonder just what that work was." said Blake. "This place doesn't strike me as somewhere needing much in the way of wetwork, and the self destruct there seems a bit excessive for anything less than that."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>22-07-2007, 00:24:55</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Slave rings...or supernatural worshipper.&nbsp; Or only goodness knows what the hell else could be out there.&nbsp; Many more things than just wet work requires self destruct.&nbsp; Hell most of our work requires that we burn our documents if we're caught." She shrugs looking over the case, pulling the white neck of her turtleneck over her mouth and nose just to keep out the smell.&nbsp; "It does look like we're neck deep in another investigation though." She shrugs a little. "Since impersonating is out, I say we do a little breaking and entering.&nbsp; Two teams of two one's a look out while the other looks for information pertaining to Mr. Carson.&nbsp; And if it look bleak then the other can run interference to give the infiltration team time to get out."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>22-07-2007, 14:11:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake nodded slowly. "Unless we can get something more out of this mess, then you may be right." He looked at the window then back. "Might be an idea to check the town out tomorrow, then pay our visit tomorrow night. I don't like the idea of jumping into this blind."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>22-07-2007, 15:42:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Despite a careful search of the greasy remnants of the briefcase, the only legible scrap to emerge is a piece of corporate letterhead, and even that is half-eaten by whatever Carson had set up in his briefcase.&nbsp; <br><br>"...aney Mining Corpora... <br>...er's Folly, Color..."<br><br>The time is nearly 3:20.&nbsp; Outside, the snow has stopped, but the wind continues to howl like some mournful spirit on the mountain.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>22-07-2007, 15:57:46</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As far as Allison was concerned, the last part of the conversation had sounded more like something she'd hear in a movie than in real life, and she'd listened a little doubtfully.&nbsp; "Well, if there's nothing else we can do tonight, then we should really all try to get some sleep.&nbsp; Whatever we end up doing, it'll be better if we're at least awake for it."&nbsp; Even a hotel bed sounded pretty welcoming right now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>22-07-2007, 18:11:43</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She narrows her eyes at the letter head that they find, but it doesn't make any sense right now. "Hmm, guess we'll know what we're looking for tomorrow.&nbsp; Anything with that letterhead could be important." She looks to Allison as she suggest sleep and nods. "Yeah we should all be going to sleep, between checking out the town tomorrow and our nightly escapades we'll need to be rested." She shrugs then, she waits for anything else to be said before starting to head out.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>22-07-2007, 21:21:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger nods, suppressing a yawn, "Good idea. Now, get out of my room." He smiled broadly at the gang. "Just kidding.<br><br>"We should make our plans at breakfast in the morning."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>22-07-2007, 22:45:44</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin nods.&nbsp; "Yes, morning.&nbsp; Which will be upon us all to soon I imagine."<br><br>Stifleing a yawn he moves towards the door.&nbsp; "We'll meet up for breakfast.&nbsp; Just make sure not to leave that case where any of the hotel staff might see it.&nbsp; We really don't need to wind up as suspects in this if we can help it.&nbsp; Nor do we want to be arrested for obstruction of justice or tampering with evidence."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>22-07-2007, 23:04:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Works for me." said Blake, nodding. "See you at breakfast." He turned and headed back to his room, idly running through what kind of common security systems the target might have, and how to go about neutralising them.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>23-07-2007, 01:37:40</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				One by one, you return to your beds, sleep comes easily or begrudgingly, each to their own mood and habits.&nbsp; Hours slipped by in the winter night, but soon, too soon, dawn comes, and with it brings, along with light into Snowflake Valley, unpleasant discoveries.<br><br><strong>OOC:&nbsp; Anyone with a 6:00 am wake-up call or earlier gets it on schedule, anyone inclined to sleep in may do so until someone wakes them up or I give the "GM's wake-up call"</strong><br><br><strong>Roger</strong><br>Cindi returns, blowing into your ear just after 6:00am until you twitch awake, which makes her giggle.&nbsp; "He missed you last night, found someone else to play with.&nbsp; It's gross!"<br><br><strong>Vivian</strong><br>Just before six, a knock comes at your door.&nbsp; "Dr. Fischer?" asks a voice, that she recognizes as belonging to the night manager, Mr. Fox.&nbsp; "Are you awake?&nbsp; Please let me in."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>23-07-2007, 01:44:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Groggily, Vivian rolled from the bed, mumbling “just a moment,” as she searched frantically for some clothes. Obviously she was a bit tired when she had finally landed on the bed, her bra and blouse had ended up on the floor and under the bed, only the strap of the bra still showing. Dressing quickly, she walked by the hall mirror and did her best to finger-brush her hair, though it would be hopeless without a shower. <br><br>Giving up on the few spikes at the back of her head, she opened the door, barely stifling a yawn, “How can I help you Mr. Fox?” she stated, standing with the door opened about six inches.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>23-07-2007, 07:25:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger smiles, and stretches his arms above his head. "Normally, I would enjoy a woman blowing in my ear to wake me up. But usually, she'd be corporal." He sits up in bed, scratching at the back of his neck. "Now, what happened? Who did he find, where did he find him, and who are we talking about again?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>23-07-2007, 22:35:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Vivian</strong><br><br>Mr. Fox, white-faced and shaken, looks at the young doctor, and it is plain that his nerves, after last night, had been stretched to the breaking point when some new stress pushed him that last little bit.&nbsp; "Doctor Fisher, I'm afraid that there was another. . .incident last night.&nbsp; In room 105.&nbsp; Doctor Carmichael was. . .attacked.&nbsp; I've only just found out. . .I don't know quite what. . . I'm so sorry. . ." he stammers on in that vein, without saying anything more substantive.<br><br><strong>Roger</strong><br><br>A high, girlish giggle is his answer.&nbsp; "Ask Julia, ask Julia, she saw it, all the gory bits, all the bright colors.&nbsp; She's gone to pieces, all the king's horses are there, but this is one egg they won't put together again."&nbsp; The voice only Roger could hear began to sing a silly song, stringing words together at random as she faded in and out of hearing, leaving the traumatized young man with the impression that whatever it was, it was something that even Cindi preferred not to talk about directly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>23-07-2007, 22:45:02</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger closes&nbsp; his eyes momentarily to try and 'see' her. After a moment, he sighs. "I'm going to take a shower, and see what happened. No peeking." He swings his feet onto the floor, and heads to the bathroom, all the while trying to think as to what was going on. He fully prepared to be greeted by another grisly scene when he stepped out of his room.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>23-07-2007, 22:50:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				The man looked horrible as if he had been up all night and then he began his ramblings and she was barely able to keep up attempting desperately to stay calm and determine what the heck he was saying. <br><br>“Wait, what are you saying…what are you saying, where is Cynthia?” she asked, her words coming out as quickly as his, though with the slur of sleepiness. She opened the door wider and stated, her words almost a command, “take me to her, Mr. Fox, right this instance.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>23-07-2007, 22:54:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				[Vivian]<br><br>Mr. Fox shakes his head almost at once, raising his hands to place on her shoulders but stops when he realizes that, in the ado, her blouse had shifted, baring one shoulder and bra strap.&nbsp; "Vivian, please. I'm afraid that's not possible.&nbsp; Doctor Carmichael. . .Cynthia. . .she's dead."<br><br><strong>Roger</strong><br>From the upstairs hallway overlooking the stairwell, you can hear sobbing, hysterical sobbing, and someone telling someone else, "For God's sake, Edward.&nbsp; Take her in the back until she calms down.&nbsp; We don't want to disturb the guests.&nbsp; Call the sheriff."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>23-07-2007, 23:15:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She had almost pushed passed him in her determination to see her lover, had not even noticed her blouse had shifted, as she continued to escape from her hotel room, until she heard those words. Shocked, she stopped dead in her tracks, “she’s what? She can’t be, we just heard from her several hours ago.” She would not believe the man until he took her to the body, “no, let me see her, she cannot be dead.” Tears were close, eyes wet, her voice broken, “no, I don’t believe it, take me to her,” she said close to hysterics.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>23-07-2007, 23:25:04</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger sighs. <em>Well, there goes my shower.</em> He slips on his robe, and grabs his wallet, heading downstairs.<br><br>He stops at the foot of the stairs, taking in the scene. He closes his eyes and sighs. <em> So that's what Cindy meant...</em> He cautiously approaches.<br><br>"Um, excuse me. Is there some way I can help out? Perhaps I can buy you some breakfast while they sort this out? Might help..." He shrugs helplessly, and smiles at the Doctor, hoping to present himself as compassionate and caring, and not the lunatic that he was last night.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>23-07-2007, 23:53:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Through the open door Blake could hear the raised voices, and padded silently forwards. He didn't catch much, but enough from the womans tone to know that it wasn't good. He gave his head a shake, pulling on the clothes he'd had on a few hours previously and headed towards the stairs to get a better look at what was going on.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>24-07-2007, 03:49:30</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin sighed as he sat up.&nbsp; Blake was slipping out of the room, which might mean something was going on or it might just be him being his usual self.<br><br>Edwin made his way to the shower, and shortly warm water and soap had made him feel much more human again.&nbsp; He dressed, white suit, matching gloves, walking stick and well-groomed snowy hair.<br><br>Then he headed out, planning on making his way down to breakfast.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>24-07-2007, 13:24:07</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Having heard enough, Blake returned to the room to pull on a clean change of clothes. The sound of running water indicated the shower was already in use, and he stared at the door for a few moments, considering. <em>The hell with it</em> he thought. <em>I can grab one later. One strange happening in a night is coincidence. Two makes for trouble.</em><br><br>He quickly dressed, tucking one of his automatics into a waistband holster, and adding a couple more clips to his pocket. After a moments futher consideration he swapped out one of them for a clip of his 'special' ammo. <em>Just in case</em> he thought.<br><br>With that he turned and headed towards the door, aiming to go to the source of this mornings trouble and see what he could find.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>24-07-2007, 15:41:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger, Blake, and Vivian all make their way to the hotel lobby in time to see a young woman in the uniform of a hotel maid being led across the lobby by the bellboy.&nbsp; The maid is sobbing hysterically:&nbsp; "Her head, her head was. . .and I could see her lung - I think it was a - I almost slipped in it.&nbsp; Her head. . .staring at me. . .staring at me. . ."<br><br>The only people asides from yourselves present are hotel staff, and Mr. Fox and another person seem to be doing their best to keep things quiet before word can spread, including sequestering the hysterical maid, Mr. Fox pleads with Vivian one last time.&nbsp; "Dr. Fisher, please, there's nothing in there you want to see.&nbsp; The sheriff. . .a crime scene. . .please.&nbsp; Spare yourself."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>24-07-2007, 18:32:16</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Her commotion had brought in reinforcements and she recognized Blake and Roger from the group that had made comments about her drunken Cynthia the night before, though she did not greet either of them. The hysterical woman, her words frightened the emergency doctor and for the first time she considered the idea that perhaps it was for the better she not see her poor lover’s dead body. Shaking her head, <em>no, I must see for myself how she died, I must know.</em><br><br>Realizing somewhere along the line she had accepted the death, she turned to Mr. Fox with a false bravado, her voice calm, “no, Mr. Fox I must see her, I insist.” <br><br><em>Could her injuries be any worse than the ones she had seen during four car pile-ups or the roofer who fell off a two story building and into a plate of glass being installed that day?</em> She thought as she stepped through the threshold, no longer interested in Mr. Fox’s prattle.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>24-07-2007, 20:29:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger nods appreciatively, noticing the professional look on her face. He's seen enough of that attitude himself. "Go ahead and let her look, Mr. Fox. Something tells me she can handle it." He again turns to the Doctor, "I'll have breakfast waiting for you when you get out. What do you prefer? Pancakes? Eggs? Orange juice?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>24-07-2007, 21:23:48</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				And, presumably, during all of this Taylor sleeps soundly.&nbsp; The women had decided on sleeping in as the best course of action and so placed the Do Not Disturb on their hotel handle.&nbsp; Taylor took yet another shower last night and washed her tights with some chlorox in the sink.&nbsp; The long underwear was put up to air out as best as she could manage and then she went to bed (after that freaky feeling) with a pair of burgundy boyshorts and a white wife beater.&nbsp; the girl is hoping against all hope she'll at least get eight hours of rest before having to wake up and start investigating.&nbsp; She's hoping for the rest since they plan to do a little breaking and entering later on in the day and she wants to be fully rested for that.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>24-07-2007, 21:38:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She turned to the man, thankful he had taken her side, but when he asked the question of food, she looked at him blankly, not sure breakfast would be the best thing after view a corpse, but finally murmuring, “coffee…black and hot.”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>24-07-2007, 21:48:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger nods. "Coffee it is. I'll meet you in the Valley View."<br><br>When in the View, he orders the Doctor's coffee, asking that they don't bring it until she gets there. No sense in having it get cold before she arrives. Himself, he orders the pancakes that they didn't have last night, along with Orange Juice.<br><br>While waiting for his order, he closes his eyes, checking the surrounding area for any impressions that he can pick up on.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>25-07-2007, 01:22:38</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Room 107</strong><br><br>The maid unlocked the door to deliver fresh towels (had Cynthia released the deadbolt and chain at some point), but, after seeing what she saw and Vivian now beholds, didn't have the presence of mind to close the door or lock it when she staggered out of the room into the hallway.<br><br>Room 107 is a suite dominated by the queen-sized bed in the middle of the sleeping room.&nbsp; Like all guest rooms on the side of the building, it features a large window overlooking the chasm.&nbsp; This window has been broken in, and glass lies on the carpet and window sill.&nbsp; The frame is also broken and splintered, as if something very large came through.<br><br>Cynthia's remains are mostly on the floor between the window and the door, and appear to have been partially eaten.&nbsp; Her head is missing large chunks of tissue from its left side, and has rolled under the bed.&nbsp; The lower half of her right leg is resting on top of the mirrored dresser.&nbsp; The upper half of the leg is nowhere to be found.&nbsp; Blood is splattered against the walls, and has soaked through the carpet all the way to the floor.<br><br>There's even blood on the ceiling.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>25-07-2007, 01:37:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Taking the stairs, Edwin emerged at the end of the hallway on the first floor and began to make his way towards the lobby and the resturant beyond.&nbsp; However he stops short at the sight of the hotel manager and one of the women from the bar the night before.<br><br>The smell of blood assaults his nostrals and he slows as he draws near, moving to look into the open doorway.<br><br>Where he stopps and steps back, one hand to his mouth as the other clutches his walking stick against his chest.&nbsp; "Oh dear lord," he murmurs.&nbsp; Then he looks to Vivian and tries to speak, but somehow there just aren't words for such a horrific moment.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>25-07-2007, 01:38:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake follows quietly along behind, to offer comfort if anyone asks, but actually to get his own look at the scene. As he passes Fox he takes the man's arm and speaks quietly. "If the sheriff hasn't been called, get him now. I'd also do a check on the rest of your guests. Two in one night doesn't sound like coincidence to me."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>25-07-2007, 23:55:54</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She had expected it to be bad to a point, the maid barely able to speak, her babbling incessant, Vivian was used to dealing with hysterics, it was part of her life as an emergency room doctor, but this, the afoul, the horror, even if she had known the victim, even if they had not been lovers for well over six months, it would have been hard to deal with, blood and gore everywhere.<br><br>The seconds she saw her head and recognized her as Cynthia, Vivian fell to her knees screaming, “NOOOO, it can’t be,” tears streaking her cheeks immediately, her jeans soaking up her blood from the carpet, though the doctor did not notice. Burying her head in her hands, she would not be moved, as her body was wracked with sobs, she wanted to hold her one last time, tell her that she loved her, all of the thoughts were swirling around, none of them truly hitting reaching her consciousness.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>26-07-2007, 00:34:01</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger hears the scream from the other room, and sighs. He motions for the coffee, and heads out to where the Doctor is kneeling. He pauses momentarily at the grisly scene, then&nbsp; takes a deep breath. Gently, he lays a hand on on her shoulder.<br><br>"Come on. I've got your coffee waiting. There's nothing more you can do here." He kneels beside her,&nbsp; placing an arm around her shoulder, content to let her cry as long as she needed.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>26-07-2007, 05:40:53</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She looked to him; her eyes reddened from lack of sleep and tears, and whined, “Why her, why Cynthia, who would kill her, she was so innocent, loved by all, why?” That she did not know him, did not seem to bother her at the moment and then the stench hit her, she had smelled death before, but never like this, never without the smell of a ammonia to mask it and before she did anything else she bowled over and wretched, bile and red wine spewing from her mouth, a long spittle of red-tinged bile hanging from her lower lip.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>26-07-2007, 06:36:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin watches as Roger steps in and manages to offer the comfort he wasn't able to muster the focus and clarity to.&nbsp; But when Vivian retches it's quite more than he can handle.&nbsp; He does manage to reach the maid's abandoned cleaning cart and expel the contents of his stomach into the trash bag there rather than the carpeting.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>26-07-2007, 06:49:59</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger seems to take this all in stride, choking back his own desire to empty the contents of his own stomach. He motions towards one of the others for a towel, still holding one arm around her.<br><br>"I don't know. Sometimes these things happen, and no one knows why." He takes the offered towel, and presents it to Vivian. "Come on, let's get out of here, so that the Sheriff can do his job here." However, he makes no move until she starts to stand for herself. Once she does, he will lead her off towards the Valley view, and a waiting cup of coffee.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>26-07-2007, 17:32:18</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake stood in the doorway, careful not to move far enough into the room that he would contaminate the crime scene any. His eyes moved slowly over the room, noting the position of the various pieces of meat that had once been a person. He tuned out Vivians cries as much as he could, regarding the scene impassively. <em>I guess that's easier to do if you hadn't been tucked up with them the day before.</em> he thought.<br><br><em>Noise</em> was his next thought. <em>Even as fast as this must have been, there should have been some noise. The window breaking at least. Its possible the victim was drunk enough they never heard that. The entry scene looks violent, like an animal burst in, and they're not known for being quiet, not in a situation like this.</em><br><br>He looked around at the blood splashed everywhere in the room, and the pieces of meat. <em>So, either no one heard anything ... and wouldn't the hotel have alarm systems that would go off? ... or the sound was somehow blocked. That doesn't add up.</em> He gave a short exhalation of breath, and frowned slightly. <em>Which mean's more weird shit to deal with. Even if I get lost I find some. Time to go clean the ordnance and start making preparations for unexpected visitors.</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>26-07-2007, 17:39:22</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Taking the offered towel, she nodded her thanks to the man, using it to wipe the spittle from her mouth as she once again stared at her lover, noticing the blood spray and what could only be bite marks on her face. “Who, what could do that?” she stated, her voice still with a hint of hysteria, but once again the woman had become clinical, concentrating on work to protect her emotions.<br><br>Without expecting an answer, she took his hand and stood, staring down at the sticky afoul that drenched her jeans, her need to change immediate. “Before we go, I would like to change my outfit,” she said walking towards her suitcase still stored in the closet.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>27-07-2007, 20:46:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As Vivian cleans up, Edwin uses his own hankerchief do do likewise, then drops it into the trash bag on the cart as well.&nbsp; He steels himself, and pulls off his gloves, tucking them into his jacket pocket.<br><br>There are times his gift can be quite unplesant, but this is wrong.&nbsp; Nothing natural could account for everything in that room.&nbsp; And whatever it is, the longer it takes them to hunt it down, the more likely another soul will wind up scattered about like the poor woman in there.<br><br>He moves in, slipping past Vivian and Blake and squarts down, unwilling to get the blood on his pants if he can help it and slowly touched his hands to the floor, eyes closed and fingers spread.&nbsp; It's not that he can control the visions, but he can make himself more or less open to recieve one.&nbsp; And as much as he's afraid of what he might see, he tries to open himself up now.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>28-07-2007, 07:37:15</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger stands up, letting Vivian go get a fresh pair of pants on. He glances over as Edwin enters, gloveless, and kneels. He knows what's going to happen next, and places a hand on his shoulder before closing his eyes himself. It takes a moment for him to sift through the most obvious emotions, while bracing for the shock of it.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>01-08-2007, 18:23:28</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				<strong>Edwin and Roger</strong><br><br><em>Cynthia can't remember the last time she was this drunk.<br><br>No, she isn't being responsible or sensible or anything that she usually prides herself on being.&nbsp; But this is her vacation, dammit.&nbsp; A chance to get away from the pressure and responsibility of academia, a chance to relax, a chance to. . .to what?&nbsp; No skiing here, thank you very much.&nbsp; And with Vivian being such a prude, she hadn't had a chance to indulge in other activities, either.&nbsp; No one worth talking to, either.<br><br>A chance to drink, then.<br><br>Cyntia untwists the cap of the hotel minibar's cheap gin, and toasts herself in the mirror.&nbsp; "Let's drink," she tells herself, "to drinking," - and tosses back the plastic bottle.<br><br>Someone is tapping at her window.<br><br>It takes several seconds for this information to seep into Cynthia's gin-soaked consciousness.&nbsp; Someone.&nbsp; Is.&nbsp; Tapping.&nbsp; At her window.&nbsp; She looks at the heavy velvet curtains that drape from ceiling to floor, shut tight against the howling wind.<br><br>But the tapping is irregular there is no pattern to it.&nbsp; It's probably the wind or. . .something.&nbsp; &nbsp;There.&nbsp; Now it's gone.&nbsp; Just the wind.&nbsp; A loose shutter, maybe.<br><br>"Or maybe it's Vivian."&nbsp; Cynthia smiles to herself.&nbsp; She knows she's being silly.&nbsp; If her lover wants to come in, she'll come in through the door, but she really is too drunk to care.&nbsp; Besides, she reasons.&nbsp; We're on vacation.&nbsp; And she's so sweet, and coming at the window is such a romantic gesture.<br><br>She stands a little too quickly, and totters for a moment on bare feet.&nbsp; She giggles and takes a step towards the window to take a look.&nbsp; Just in case.<br><br>Tap.&nbsp; Tap.<br><br>Cynthia takes three steps backwards, almost loosing her balance.&nbsp; So much for the loose shutter theory.&nbsp; The tapping grows louder, then changes to scratching and she can hear the defined crunch of snow just below the window, just below the curtain.&nbsp; <br><br>"Vivian, is that you?"<br><br>The light.&nbsp; She can't see out the window with the light on.&nbsp; Concentrating on the effort, Cynthia walks to the light switch.&nbsp; Her finger on the switch, she glances at the hotel room door.&nbsp; She could leave right now.&nbsp; She could put a two-inch wooden door between herself and whoever is scratching at the window.<br><br>She'd thrown the deadbolt and engaged the security chain.&nbsp; It took her a moment or two of fumbling to unfasten them before she thought more on the idea.&nbsp; She would be locking herself out of her room at four in the morning wearing nothing but an oversized T-shirt. <br><br>"Yeah, right."<br><br>Cynthia takes a deep breath and sets her mouth in a tight line.&nbsp; "I'm not that drunk," she tells the mirror, then turns out the light and walks towards the window in darkness.<br><br>"I hope you're ready for me, Vivian, because I'm ready for you."<br><br>And then the windows break and the curtains explode inward, driven by the wind and snow and something that isn't Vivian - isn't even human - something with hot breath that smells of fresh blood against her skin.&nbsp; It's something heavy and furry and sharp and Cynthia knows that it will kill her.<br><br>"Vivian," she whispers.&nbsp; "Is that you?"</em>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>01-08-2007, 18:59:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				As a doctor, Vivian has undressed in the common locker rooms hundreds of times, but here she decided on caution as she pulled her duffel bag from the closet and found her only other pair of jeans. Grabbing them, a change of underwear, a dark turtle neck and dark blue wool sweater, she entered into the bathroom and closed the door.&nbsp; If she noticed the strange happenings in the room, the two men kneeling there hands in the blood, she made no comment of it.<br><br>Stripping quickly she pulled the blood soaked jeans from her and left them where they landed, her hysterics calming and her rational mind returning albeit slowly. Using a washcloth she wiped the blood from her calves, leaving it in a sink of cold water. Finally she dressed, in all the process took less than three minutes, she stepping from the bathroom to see what was happening.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>01-08-2007, 20:29:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger breaks contact with Edwin just as the vision starts to fade into the inevitable violence. He's looking a bit pale, and backs up against the wall. Leaning for support, he glances up, to see Vivian emerge from the bathroom. He holds up a hand, and closes his eyes again, this time trying for an entirely different effect.<br><br>"Cynthia... are you still here?" Perhaps he can effect some closure between the two lovers.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>02-08-2007, 11:11:13</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake sees Roger paling slightly as he stands up, and nods slightly to himself. He moves over to Edwin and crouches beside him. "What've we got?" he asks quietly.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>03-08-2007, 16:45:23</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin remains where he is, finding it easier to force his body to not move than trust his legs to lift him without failing right this moment.<br><br>"Nothing human," he answers quietly, "A beast.&nbsp; It... waited outside.&nbsp; Tapped at the window until she turned off the light to try and see what it was."<br><br>Slowly then, he tries to rise carefully, and without touching his suit with his damp hands.&nbsp; "Not the day to have worn white," he murmurs as he tries to shake off the lingering images.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>03-08-2007, 17:48:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Standing at the doorway of the bathroom, the emergency doctor brought the mug to her lips only to discover she had finished it, disappointed she watched the circus playing out on the floor of her bedroom. Breathing shallowly to avoid suffering the stench of death as much as possible she strained to hear what they were talking about, only hearing a select few words, “beast….window….light,” all of them strange. <br><br>Not one for make up, she had not worried about dabbing her reddened eyes, instead just wiping the tears from them and her cheeks, hoping she could control the flood as her clinical side kicked in. She knew just by looking at her lover that it was no device that did this to her, she had been ripped by what looked like a wild animal, perhaps a large bear. Determined to figure out what happened to her and realizing this group might be able to help her, she asked, “Mind if I ask what you are doing?”
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>03-08-2007, 22:28:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake stood up and turned towards her, fixing his gaze on her. "We're trying to figure out what happened, what did ... that." he said. "And if we can help figure out what did it, we can make sure it doesn't do it again."<br><br>His expression and tone were perfectly calm. For all the emotion in it he could be talking about changing a lightbulb.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>03-08-2007, 22:42:37</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin pulled a small towel he'd grabbed from the cleaning cart and began to try to wipe his hands clean.&nbsp; His efforts almost... dainty as he tried to keep his expensive white suit clean.<br><br>"As you are a woman of reason," he added, "I would be willing to explain in more detail as long as you promise to hear me out and at least try to believe what I would be telling you.&nbsp; I imagine you will not believe me."<br><br>He glanced over at Roger and frowned.&nbsp; He could guess what he was up to and if what he was about to try and tell was far-fetched... 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>03-08-2007, 22:45:21</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She looked him straight in the eye, having already decided he and his crew were a weird bunch and replied simply, “I would like to help, I am sure the lot of you could use a medical doctor on your side.”<br><br>She had no intention of taking no for an answer, Cynthia was her lover and she would figure out what happened to her, no matter if they helped or not.<br><br>Turning towards Edwin, she said "I would love to hear the explanation, perhaps we could go elsewhere if we are done here." Though she did not know it yet, they had abilities, what they did not know about her is that she had seen some pretty out of the ordinary stuff working in the emergency room and already had started down the path of perhaps the world is not at all what it seems to be.<br>
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Lanzlo</strong> on <strong>04-08-2007, 00:06:56</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger smiles. "A doctor. I thought I recognized the attitude. No offense intended." He takes another scan of the room, eyes closed.<br><br>"I'm not picking up anything else here." Eyes open, but talking quietly over his shoulder, "Cindy, can you see if this Cynthia is still around? I may want to talk to her if she is."<br><br>He carefully makes his way to Edwin and Vivian. "We can talk in the Valley View. I've got more coffee for you there, and my pancakes should be ready."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>04-08-2007, 00:49:09</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"Yes, the View.&nbsp; I doubt the sheriff will apprecate our presence when he gets here."<br><br>He finishes cleaning his hands and slips on his gloves again.&nbsp; Turning, he quickly exits the room and doesn't take a deep breath until he reaches the lobby.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Eyeomancer</strong> on <strong>12-08-2007, 17:13:06</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Roger and Edwin are unable to learn any more from using their gifts in the hotel room.&nbsp; Even their unseen companion is silent as they conclude their business and wait for the law to arrive.<br><br>Even though the group is nowhere near room 107 when he arrives, Sheriff Willheim makes a point of tracking them down in the View and sending hotel staff up to knock on doors of the sleeping women to bring them down to the conference room.&nbsp; Vivian is the only one he treats with the least bit of compassion, recognizing her relationship with the murdered woman and the obvious trauma she's suffered.&nbsp; <br><br>Together with Deputy Dumont, he gives the group his best "Tough Small Town Sheriff" glare, which is not all that bad.&nbsp; "You been here what, a day?&nbsp; And we got what, two deaths?&nbsp; It might be a coincidence. . .but I really doubt it.&nbsp; So, let's get some statements here."
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>13-08-2007, 00:11:42</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She's in the midst of brushing her hair out after a nice shower, while Allison finishes her own shower, when the knock at the door comes.&nbsp; She blinks, knowing that they put the 'Do not disturb' sign up on the handle.&nbsp; Granted that doesn't mean some little kid didn't take it off.&nbsp; No matter.<br><br>"Just a minute." She calls to the door getting up from the vanity and slides some skin tight thermal undewear on&nbsp; (shirt and pants) before throwing on a nice, cream-colored turtleneck (careful to miss her makeup so it doesn't smear or get on the shirt itself) and then into a pair of second-skin bluejeans before she finally gets to the door.&nbsp; Officer.&nbsp; "Alright, alright, lemme get my shoes and my friend and we'll be down in a few minutes."&nbsp; With that done she shuts the door back, grabbing socks and boots before heading over to the shower.&nbsp; "Allison...we've got to go down to the conference room." And she'll wait and/or help Allison get ready if she should request it.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>13-08-2007, 12:35:27</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Blake was more amused than intimidated by the glare, but he hid his smile behind a polite expression of neutrality. He'd been glared at by much worse in his time.<br><br>"Any crime," he said, "Requires three things. Means, motive and opportunity. While we might have had opportunity, being in the same hotel, the other two fall through. We don't know either of the victims, so what is our motive? As for means, it looks like they were torn apart. Something like that doesn't get done quickly or quietly, and if we'd done it we'd come out looking like we were in a slaughterhouse or a bad horror movie."<br><br>He gave his head a shake before continuing. "We ended up in this town by accident, because my nav system went screwy. If you don't believe me, have one of your people take a look at it. We ended up in this hotel because it seems to be the only one we can be in."<br><br>"Now, if you've got something wild, weird and hungry running around here, I'd like to know about it, so I can take precautions of my own. Anyone around here own exotic wildlife that might have got loose?"<br><br>Blake was fairly sure it wasn't something natural, but starting off with asking about ghost stories and local legends might seem a tad odd. Better he provide the voice of reason, and let one of the more ... interesting ... members of the group come out with the oddball stuff.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>13-08-2007, 17:23:41</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Allison sighed.&nbsp; "All right, I'm almost ready," she called, towelling off her hair vigorously and pulling it back into a simple twist.&nbsp; "Do you realize, I actually dreamt about being questioned by police last night?&nbsp; It was almost a nightmare."&nbsp; Though nightmares, she suspected, were only going to get more and more common, the more time she spent with this bunch.<br><br>"Could you hand me my sweater?" she asked, stepping out of the bathroom as she pulled her tank top down over her head.&nbsp; Layering was still a good idea, she found, even inside.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Elandra</strong> on <strong>13-08-2007, 18:40:49</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Dressed, Vivian had followed the group to the View; there she had refilled her coffee, gulped it down and had refilled it again. It did not take long for the sheriff to find and demand their presence in the conference room and though he was compassionate towards her, Vivian felt as if she were a suspect. <br><br>Slouching in a comfortable chair, her tears for the moment at bay as she held the coffee mug with both her hands, the doctor looked around at her companions and wondered why it had all happened to her. “Damn, I need to call Cynthia’s brother,” she murmured, he the only one who knew of the two’s relationship in her lover’s family. <br><br>She remained quiet, sipping from the black gold, allowing the well-muscled man, Blake she thought was his name, give his spiel about how they could not possibly be the murderers the sheriff was seeking. Unfortunately for her, she resembled two of the three, so her rational mind thought, motive and opportunity. She was here in the hotel and was very familiar with at least the second victim.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>13-08-2007, 21:11:26</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				She grins to Allison as she comes out of the shower and hands over the sweater.&nbsp; Taylor laughs lightly at the dream that Allison had. "Tame nightmare, sure it wasn't a fantasy." She quirks a brow, clearly joking about the whole thing...really just trying to lighten the mood up a bit since they're likely to be questioned through the floor.&nbsp; The reason for her own layering is because one never knows when they'll be sucked through a vortex.&nbsp; The only problem here is that she has to leave her machete behind, wouldn't be exactly great to show up with the thing in hand.&nbsp; She debates for a moment and then decides it'd be at least better to bring the swiss army knife.&nbsp; She attatches it to a set of keys and drops it in her purse, that way it just looks like it's an ornament on her key chain.&nbsp; <br><br>With that done she'll wait for Allison before heading out of the room towards the conference room where they had been directed to go.&nbsp; Once there she takes a look around, having missed Blake's compelling argument, though would still agree.&nbsp; Granted she still doesn't know of Vivian's lover and her fate, which might actually explain why she raises a brow when she looks over to Vivian and the tear-stained face.&nbsp; "Am I missing something?"
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Valerian</strong> on <strong>14-08-2007, 00:13:25</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Allison shook her head, frowning.&nbsp; "No, they weren't cute enough for it to be a fantasy, unfortunately.&nbsp; They were pretty creepy-looking."<br><br>She grabbed her purse with her ID, just in case, and headed off after Taylor.&nbsp; Her annoyance at the prospect of more questioning faded instantly when she saw the state Vivian was in, remembering her immediately from the evening before.&nbsp; Alarmed, she looked around, hoping for a reply to Taylor's question.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>14-08-2007, 00:18:17</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Out of line of sight of Vivian, Blake raises his head to catch Taylors eye, jerks his thumb across his throat, briefly raises two fingers then inclines his head towards Vivian.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Amberghylles</strong> on <strong>17-08-2007, 22:49:24</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				Edwin grabs his own cup of coffee, nursing it to keep from upsetting his empty stomach.&nbsp; He's expecting the Sheriff, and only pays partial attention as things unfold more or less as expected.&nbsp; A bit of bluster, met with the rock solid calm of Blake.&nbsp; <br><br>He couldn't shake Cynthia's last words from his mind.&nbsp; The whole scene playing out over and again behind his eyelids as he waited for the Sheriff to answer Blake's question.&nbsp; Not that it was anything natural, he'd seen enough to know that.<br><br>He looked up at Taylor and Allison and sighed.&nbsp; 
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>Darwishi</strong> on <strong>24-08-2007, 11:36:39</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				(Holy crap! I just realized you guys were waiting on me. ^^;;;;;)<br><br>Taylor blinks as she looks over towards Blake and his indication.&nbsp; Sad that they've developed enough of a friendship (if you can call it that) that she knows what he's talking about just when he raises the two and has a grim expression.&nbsp; The cut across his throat just confirms her thoughts.&nbsp; She wanders over to Blake frowning and then plops down across from him, her breasts giving a nice hop due to the movement. "So why're we here?" She whispers to him, though she has a good guess.&nbsp; Oh, they're going to search her room aren't they?&nbsp; Eek.&nbsp; So what she's asking with her eyes is if he hid his guns.
			</dd>
			<dt class="postheader">
				Title: <strong>Re: End of Ages [Part I, Chapter 1] - Snowflake Valley</strong><br>
				Post by: <strong>HairyHeretic</strong> on <strong>25-08-2007, 21:55:33</strong>
			</dt>
			<dd class="postbody">
				"We're outsiders." replied Blake in a low tone. "Therefore, suspects." He gave a small shrug. "Makes sense, from the Sheriffs point of view. We turn up, along with others, and now he has two deaths in quick succession. We're an easy first stop."<br><br>Blakes guns, the ones he brought in with him, are back in the room. Bringing one down to an interview with the law might not be the smartest move. He's not worried about the Sheriff finding them, as they're both fully licensed to the name and ID he provided earlier. 
			</dd>
		</dl>
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