You shadows that in darkness dwell.

[kateohara.livejournal.com]

Sunday, mid-morning

I still feel tired and shaken by everything that happened on Thursday night. We helped to bring back a man's soul... But we watched a god die. And who knows where the demon that lived in the doctor has gone now. I hope back to hell, but I fear it was just unleashed on the world. I don't know. I hate thinking that thing we glimpsed in the cellar could be out and free... But I'm also very glad it can no longer pretend to be Dr Constantine.

I opened the store late on Friday and closed early. In between I heard about what happened on the Marks ranch. Eris dead, too, just hours before Lugh. That makes me think Lugh knew what was going to happen to him, and I don't know how to feel about that. Truthfully there are a lot of things I don't know how to process yet. Saturday I left Amanda to run the store, and I spent a lot of time in quiet prayer on my own. I thought a lot about the way Wanda screamed as she saw what happened to Lugh... And the way Lugh gave his life to help the doctor. It hurts my heart in different ways, to think of those things. I went out briefly, to leave a message for Glass at the tavern. I gave the barman a piece of paper that said You don't need to worry about Dr Constantine any more. I wondered if I should write more, but I left it at that in the end. She should know, but I can't write it down on a scrap of paper.

Today I feel more like myself, though still not in the mood to be with crowds of people. So I first go to the abbey and lay flowers on the altar in the light just after dawn, saying what I can to Nanshe for giving me strenght, and then I walk across town to church and say my thanks in front of the cross, and I check that Laurence is doing alright, and then I slip away before the congregation arrives. I go home and I bake a loaf out of the dough I had left to rise in a basin, and as it cools I change out of my Sunday best into slacks and a shirt, running my fingers through my hair to let the curls run loose. I put on a coat and take the bread, and carry it with me to see Tess, because however else I feel, I woke up this morning with a feeling like a pain beneath my ribs, and I realised it was because I missed her.

[Open to Tess]
[closed]

You shadows that in darkness dwell.

[kateohara.livejournal.com]

Sunday, mid-morning

I still feel tired and shaken by everything that happened on Thursday night. We helped to bring back a man's soul... But we watched a god die. And who knows where the demon that lived in the doctor has gone now. I hope back to hell, but I fear it was just unleashed on the world. I don't know. I hate thinking that thing we glimpsed in the cellar could be out and free... But I'm also very glad it can no longer pretend to be Dr Constantine.

I opened the store late on Friday and closed early. In between I heard about what happened on the Marks ranch. Eris dead, too, just hours before Lugh. That makes me think Lugh knew what was going to happen to him, and I don't know how to feel about that. Truthfully there are a lot of things I don't know how to process yet. Saturday I left Amanda to run the store, and I spent a lot of time in quiet prayer on my own. I thought a lot about the way Wanda screamed as she saw what happened to Lugh... And the way Lugh gave his life to help the doctor. It hurts my heart in different ways, to think of those things. I went out briefly, to leave a message for Glass at the tavern. I gave the barman a piece of paper that said You don't need to worry about Dr Constantine any more. I wondered if I should write more, but I left it at that in the end. She should know, but I can't write it down on a scrap of paper.

Today I feel more like myself, though still not in the mood to be with crowds of people. So I first go to the abbey and lay flowers on the altar in the light just after dawn, saying what I can to Nanshe for giving me strenght, and then I walk across town to church and say my thanks in front of the cross, and I check that Laurence is doing alright, and then I slip away before the congregation arrives. I go home and I bake a loaf out of the dough I had left to rise in a basin, and as it cools I change out of my Sunday best into slacks and a shirt, running my fingers through my hair to let the curls run loose. I put on a coat and take the bread, and carry it with me to see Tess, because however else I feel, I woke up this morning with a feeling like a pain beneath my ribs, and I realised it was because I missed her.

[Open to Tess]
[closed]

If I die before I wake, pray the Lord my soul to take

[shards-of-alice.livejournal.com]

[Sunday, November 8th (Day 161)]
[Just past midnight - the Whitechapel]

She sleeps with her eyes open, poor girl, and sees when she wishes she couldn't.  I watch from inside, holding down our arms when they want to fight, keeping the screams muffled in the back of our throat.  I'm not there, those memories are hers and not mine, and so I just float past them, fire and pain washing over me as I go.  It's the same every night, wrists bleeding from the ropes with flames dancing at our shoes.  Smoke rises up, the sharp smell of wet wood set to blaze, swirling around our legs.  Tears sting our eyes and it turns the crowd, loud and jeering, into a many-headed beast, writhing on all sides.

That's when she went to sleep, but tonight I won't let her.  A little at a time, a little more each night, again I show her the fire, the way the flesh blistered and the men screamed.  I let her feel the wind in our hair, humid Sunday morning turned suddenly cold, and I know she understands.  It's only a moment, only ever the smallest flicker of recognition, and then it's gone.  But it's something.  The beginning of something important that even I don't understand, great snaking darkness and stars falling from the sky behind her eyes, and it's for me to lead her there.   

Little by little, hand in hand, the time of remembering is almost here.

I can't breathe.  I try, one time and then another, again and again until there's just my heart beating so fast in my ears and my breath finally comes, stuck in my throat like drink that won't go down.  I'm sitting straight up, in my bed with my covers wrapped tight around, safe and warm.  I know that, know I'm at the Inn with Valmont and Hermia down the hall, but my head wants me to be somewhere else.  It smells like smoke now - nothing's burning - and the thought makes me shake.

It's too bright again, the star shining through the windows until I think that's where the smoke is coming from, the curtains are on fire from the light.  They aren't and it isn't and there's still shadow in the corners, but it's not the same.  Not the same at all.  Those shadows are small and gray, scared of the light and hiding from it.  I pull the blanket over my head, my eyes are on fire too, and it's just as bright, underneath the covers and behind my eyelids.  

Such a big hole, with the dirt flying everywhere, and it must have made a noise, I know.  She keeps everyone awake, so loud and bright and pretty too, though I don't like her skin when it's on mine.  It hurts like my legs before Mr Constantine came to give me medicine, like red hot skin from staying outside all day long.  It hurts and I want it dark again, cool and dark and my lips start moving, the word dancing on my tongue and my voice not following, still stuck down deep inside.  Again and again, I just mouth the word, the name, and that's almost enough to take the pain away, just to remember the darkness.  Almost, almost, almost...

"Gaueko."

It's a whisper, barely a sound, and it echoes through the room.

[Open to Gaueko]

If I die before I wake, pray the Lord my soul to take

[shards-of-alice.livejournal.com]

[Sunday, November 8th (Day 161)]
[Just past midnight - the Whitechapel]

She sleeps with her eyes open, poor girl, and sees when she wishes she couldn't.  I watch from inside, holding down our arms when they want to fight, keeping the screams muffled in the back of our throat.  I'm not there, those memories are hers and not mine, and so I just float past them, fire and pain washing over me as I go.  It's the same every night, wrists bleeding from the ropes with flames dancing at our shoes.  Smoke rises up, the sharp smell of wet wood set to blaze, swirling around our legs.  Tears sting our eyes and it turns the crowd, loud and jeering, into a many-headed beast, writhing on all sides.

That's when she went to sleep, but tonight I won't let her.  A little at a time, a little more each night, again I show her the fire, the way the flesh blistered and the men screamed.  I let her feel the wind in our hair, humid Sunday morning turned suddenly cold, and I know she understands.  It's only a moment, only ever the smallest flicker of recognition, and then it's gone.  But it's something.  The beginning of something important that even I don't understand, great snaking darkness and stars falling from the sky behind her eyes, and it's for me to lead her there.   

Little by little, hand in hand, the time of remembering is almost here.

I can't breathe.  I try, one time and then another, again and again until there's just my heart beating so fast in my ears and my breath finally comes, stuck in my throat like drink that won't go down.  I'm sitting straight up, in my bed with my covers wrapped tight around, safe and warm.  I know that, know I'm at the Inn with Valmont and Hermia down the hall, but my head wants me to be somewhere else.  It smells like smoke now - nothing's burning - and the thought makes me shake.

It's too bright again, the star shining through the windows until I think that's where the smoke is coming from, the curtains are on fire from the light.  They aren't and it isn't and there's still shadow in the corners, but it's not the same.  Not the same at all.  Those shadows are small and gray, scared of the light and hiding from it.  I pull the blanket over my head, my eyes are on fire too, and it's just as bright, underneath the covers and behind my eyelids.  

Such a big hole, with the dirt flying everywhere, and it must have made a noise, I know.  She keeps everyone awake, so loud and bright and pretty too, though I don't like her skin when it's on mine.  It hurts like my legs before Mr Constantine came to give me medicine, like red hot skin from staying outside all day long.  It hurts and I want it dark again, cool and dark and my lips start moving, the word dancing on my tongue and my voice not following, still stuck down deep inside.  Again and again, I just mouth the word, the name, and that's almost enough to take the pain away, just to remember the darkness.  Almost, almost, almost...

"Gaueko."

It's a whisper, barely a sound, and it echoes through the room.

[Open to Gaueko]

It didn't turn out the way you wanted it, did it?

[mistresswanda.livejournal.com]

(What Followed)
(The Dormouse)

It wasn't long after Lucien left me that I heard footsteps in the kitchen above me.  I could care less who it was, I couldn;t  leave Lúgh alone.  Just sat there on the floor of my basement, with his head in my lap, stroking his hair and weeping quietly.  Lucien hates me, I lost Lúgh...
i look up to see Kaeli coming down the stairs, crying as well.  "Kaeli, I'm sorry...., I'm sorry so sorry!  If I would have known that he would die--"  I sobbed, and she joined me on the floor, wound her arms around my neck, and we wept together.

After a time, we calmed some.  "I have to go tell Eris.  She'll hate me, she very well may kill me, but I have to go tell her--"  "No you don't."  Kaeli told me, trying to to grin.  "She's dead.  Died this morning."  I look at her in shock.  "Eris?  Gone?"  I look down at Lúghs face.  I wonder then, if he could have survived, but didn't want to. 

"What happened, Wanda?"  Kaeli asked me, and glad I could finally tell someone, launched into the whole story from the beginning.  Of course, I couldn't fill in the blanks of what happened down here while I was upstairs.  "Then I came down, after I felt Marbas go and Lucien come back.  Came down to...."  Touch Lúgh's cold face again.  "this.   Lucien stayed for a bit but...."  I bite my lip, not wanting to cry anymore.
"It was rough on him... he had to die for it to work.  He's.... a little irate with me.  He went to stay with Miao for a bit." 

The conversation dropped off after that.  Kaeli and I kept vigil until the morning broke.  We went over to the Abbey Friday morning, and made arrangements for them to tend to the body until we could arrange something fitting.    Normally it would fall to family but...
we're his family.  Kaeli and I, and Karina.  My heart sinks as I realize we have to tell her too.  Kaeli offers to do that sad chore, and after we see to Lúgh's body being moved and a somber, quiet breakfast...  we part ways. 

I head to the apothocary to get something to help me sleep.  Jenna takes one look at me and shoves an herbal tea into my hands.   "That'll knock you out cold."  she assures me, and with a grateful smile, I head back.  Grab the comforter and the pillow that smells like metal, smoke and leather  from the basement and head up to the guest room.  Can't sleep downstairs.  It still smells like brimstone and Lúgh.  I throw open the basement doors to air it out.  Can't sleep in my room, for it smells like Lucien.  Brew the tea, double strength... curl up under the comforter....

Wake up sometime Friday night.  Brew the tea again, eat something, promptly throw it up....
wake up early Saturday.  Brew the tea, shower.....  Saturday night.

I manage to rouse myself enough to head over to the Boy, to see Lucien.  Miao is out, and Mrs. Danvers tells me apologetically that Lucien is asleep and is not receiving guests.  I nod and smile sadly, leave a quick note for him saying that I was here, that I was worried, and that I loved him... and then went home. 

Brewed the tea, changed into one of Lucien's shirts, clutched the pillow that smelled of Kent... and cried myself to sleep thinking of dark eyes I will never see again and a lilting Irish brogue that will always echo in my mind...

(closed)

It didn't turn out the way you wanted it, did it?

[mistresswanda.livejournal.com]

(What Followed)
(The Dormouse)

It wasn't long after Lucien left me that I heard footsteps in the kitchen above me.  I could care less who it was, I couldn;t  leave Lúgh alone.  Just sat there on the floor of my basement, with his head in my lap, stroking his hair and weeping quietly.  Lucien hates me, I lost Lúgh...
i look up to see Kaeli coming down the stairs, crying as well.  "Kaeli, I'm sorry...., I'm sorry so sorry!  If I would have known that he would die--"  I sobbed, and she joined me on the floor, wound her arms around my neck, and we wept together.

After a time, we calmed some.  "I have to go tell Eris.  She'll hate me, she very well may kill me, but I have to go tell her--"  "No you don't."  Kaeli told me, trying to to grin.  "She's dead.  Died this morning."  I look at her in shock.  "Eris?  Gone?"  I look down at Lúghs face.  I wonder then, if he could have survived, but didn't want to. 

"What happened, Wanda?"  Kaeli asked me, and glad I could finally tell someone, launched into the whole story from the beginning.  Of course, I couldn't fill in the blanks of what happened down here while I was upstairs.  "Then I came down, after I felt Marbas go and Lucien come back.  Came down to...."  Touch Lúgh's cold face again.  "this.   Lucien stayed for a bit but...."  I bite my lip, not wanting to cry anymore.
"It was rough on him... he had to die for it to work.  He's.... a little irate with me.  He went to stay with Miao for a bit." 

The conversation dropped off after that.  Kaeli and I kept vigil until the morning broke.  We went over to the Abbey Friday morning, and made arrangements for them to tend to the body until we could arrange something fitting.    Normally it would fall to family but...
we're his family.  Kaeli and I, and Karina.  My heart sinks as I realize we have to tell her too.  Kaeli offers to do that sad chore, and after we see to Lúgh's body being moved and a somber, quiet breakfast...  we part ways. 

I head to the apothocary to get something to help me sleep.  Jenna takes one look at me and shoves an herbal tea into my hands.   "That'll knock you out cold."  she assures me, and with a grateful smile, I head back.  Grab the comforter and the pillow that smells like metal, smoke and leather  from the basement and head up to the guest room.  Can't sleep downstairs.  It still smells like brimstone and Lúgh.  I throw open the basement doors to air it out.  Can't sleep in my room, for it smells like Lucien.  Brew the tea, double strength... curl up under the comforter....

Wake up sometime Friday night.  Brew the tea again, eat something, promptly throw it up....
wake up early Saturday.  Brew the tea, shower.....  Saturday night.

I manage to rouse myself enough to head over to the Boy, to see Lucien.  Miao is out, and Mrs. Danvers tells me apologetically that Lucien is asleep and is not receiving guests.  I nod and smile sadly, leave a quick note for him saying that I was here, that I was worried, and that I loved him... and then went home. 

Brewed the tea, changed into one of Lucien's shirts, clutched the pillow that smelled of Kent... and cried myself to sleep thinking of dark eyes I will never see again and a lilting Irish brogue that will always echo in my mind...

(closed)

I used to know who I was until you came along, I return to the only place I ever felt that I belong

[mistresswanda.livejournal.com]

(The Dormouse)
(Sunday early evening)

I woke up late morning and kept myself awake, hoping that Lucien would come by, or at least send word....
I guess I should not have been surprised that he did not.   I suppose dying would make one a little irate.   I would be worried, but I have to assume he is well enough.  If something were truly wrong, Miao would have sent word.  I am thankful that he has Miao, that there is someone else to care for him, that he is not alone.  Alone like me...

Kaeli is seeing to Lúgh, making the arrangements.  It's not that I don't want to...  but it's my fault he died.  You offered to relase him from the vow, twice.  He lied to you....
He died because of me....
and for nothing!  Lucien hates me. 

I ramble about the house without purpose for most of the afternoon, cleaning this, dusting that....
Try eating again, but only after a few bites, I push the plate with the sandwich on it away.    I am still too upset to eat.   Lucien hates me.... Lúgh is dead.. everythings gone all wrong...  guilt and horror knot sharply in my stomach again, and I fight the urge to be sick. 
Right.
Pour a cup of hot water and let the tea steep.  Only the normal dose though, not the doubles I have been knocking back. Already running low.  I will have to go to the apothacary and get more tomorrow.   I take my cup and retreat upstairs.   Shower quickly, washing away another nights worth of tears and regrets, throw on another of Lucien's t-shirts, and crawl back into the bed in the spare room.   Quickly down the tea and curl up on myself, pulling the comforter over my head, letting oblivion drag me back down....

.......

Fingers.  Light against the back of my neck, soft and comforting.   Must be dreaming.  Alone.  All alone.  Lúgh dead.  Lucien's gone.   Still, the sensation is there.  Stroking, petting, moving to my hair, comforting.  I want to open my eyes.  Can't be bothered.  Dreaming , dreaming, still alseep.  Alone.  Alone.  Everyone leaves.  Lúgh, Lucien, even Dorain.   All gone.  Alone.  Dreaming.  No one here.  No one at all.    Dreaming.  Dreaming someone is here.  Dreaming.  It's a nice dream.  I could stay in this one.   Sigh and smile a little in my sleep.  Must be sleeping.  No one left.  No one left to come and comfort---

Oh.  But there is.  Inhale deeply, and the scent of smoke and metal and leather floods my senses.  Of course it would.  I'm clutching the pillow he uses.  Of course I would smell his distinct cologne.  Struggle to open my eyes, but it's taking too much effort, still in the grip of the tea's effect.  Lick my lips, and manage to form words;  "I'm dreaming?"  
Have to be. 
Hope I'm not.

(Open to Kent)
(Closed)

I used to know who I was until you came along, I return to the only place I ever felt that I belong

[mistresswanda.livejournal.com]

(The Dormouse)
(Sunday early evening)

I woke up late morning and kept myself awake, hoping that Lucien would come by, or at least send word....
I guess I should not have been surprised that he did not.   I suppose dying would make one a little irate.   I would be worried, but I have to assume he is well enough.  If something were truly wrong, Miao would have sent word.  I am thankful that he has Miao, that there is someone else to care for him, that he is not alone.  Alone like me...

Kaeli is seeing to Lúgh, making the arrangements.  It's not that I don't want to...  but it's my fault he died.  You offered to relase him from the vow, twice.  He lied to you....
He died because of me....
and for nothing!  Lucien hates me. 

I ramble about the house without purpose for most of the afternoon, cleaning this, dusting that....
Try eating again, but only after a few bites, I push the plate with the sandwich on it away.    I am still too upset to eat.   Lucien hates me.... Lúgh is dead.. everythings gone all wrong...  guilt and horror knot sharply in my stomach again, and I fight the urge to be sick. 
Right.
Pour a cup of hot water and let the tea steep.  Only the normal dose though, not the doubles I have been knocking back. Already running low.  I will have to go to the apothacary and get more tomorrow.   I take my cup and retreat upstairs.   Shower quickly, washing away another nights worth of tears and regrets, throw on another of Lucien's t-shirts, and crawl back into the bed in the spare room.   Quickly down the tea and curl up on myself, pulling the comforter over my head, letting oblivion drag me back down....

.......

Fingers.  Light against the back of my neck, soft and comforting.   Must be dreaming.  Alone.  All alone.  Lúgh dead.  Lucien's gone.   Still, the sensation is there.  Stroking, petting, moving to my hair, comforting.  I want to open my eyes.  Can't be bothered.  Dreaming , dreaming, still alseep.  Alone.  Alone.  Everyone leaves.  Lúgh, Lucien, even Dorain.   All gone.  Alone.  Dreaming.  No one here.  No one at all.    Dreaming.  Dreaming someone is here.  Dreaming.  It's a nice dream.  I could stay in this one.   Sigh and smile a little in my sleep.  Must be sleeping.  No one left.  No one left to come and comfort---

Oh.  But there is.  Inhale deeply, and the scent of smoke and metal and leather floods my senses.  Of course it would.  I'm clutching the pillow he uses.  Of course I would smell his distinct cologne.  Struggle to open my eyes, but it's taking too much effort, still in the grip of the tea's effect.  Lick my lips, and manage to form words;  "I'm dreaming?"  
Have to be. 
Hope I'm not.

(Open to Kent)
(Closed)

Morning of Sunday, the Eighth of November

[brotherlaurence.livejournal.com]

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13 NIV)

"It can be hard, sometimes--," I hesitate and give the congregation a solemn smile, "--most times to comprehend a thing that happened so long ago the people who experienced it have been gone for ages. The son of a god died for you." I can't bring myself to say "the One God" anymore, having seen what I've seen. "It seems hard to believe. Gods cant die. And even if they could, why would they die for a mortal? A human? We are...ants to them." I look around at the crowd that has come today and try to keep my voice even. "Gods can die, my friends. When they want to.". I've thought about it, spoke with Cain after, learned of Eris' death. He did what he felt he needed to, then used his own mortal shell to save the lives of three mortals. "When...," My voice starts to break and I pause a moment. "When you let yourself believe that, and have faith in it, it is a powerful thing. A god died for me," I say with conviction, knowing that it's true. Christ died for all of us and then a god I did not particularly like died to save me, and my--friends. I have friends. I cover my introspection with a meaningful look over the audience. "I will not let that have been in vain. Let us pray," I say and bow my head, briefly thinking how nice it is that I don't make crossing motions except over myself on occasion. "Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you today as humble servants. Protect them as you once did," as Lúgh did us, "and keep us safe in Your arms. Be with the souls of those who have moved on, and those they have left behind. The Marks family had friends in this town, Lord, and their loss is felt here, as are all the losses in a town like this. Keep us strong. Keep us safe. This we ask in your name. Amen."


[OPEN.]

Morning of Sunday, the Eighth of November

[brotherlaurence.livejournal.com]

Greater love has no one than this, that he lay down his life for his friends. (John 15:13 NIV)

"It can be hard, sometimes--," I hesitate and give the congregation a solemn smile, "--most times to comprehend a thing that happened so long ago the people who experienced it have been gone for ages. The son of a god died for you." I can't bring myself to say "the One God" anymore, having seen what I've seen. "It seems hard to believe. Gods cant die. And even if they could, why would they die for a mortal? A human? We are...ants to them." I look around at the crowd that has come today and try to keep my voice even. "Gods can die, my friends. When they want to.". I've thought about it, spoke with Cain after, learned of Eris' death. He did what he felt he needed to, then used his own mortal shell to save the lives of three mortals. "When...," My voice starts to break and I pause a moment. "When you let yourself believe that, and have faith in it, it is a powerful thing. A god died for me," I say with conviction, knowing that it's true. Christ died for all of us and then a god I did not particularly like died to save me, and my--friends. I have friends. I cover my introspection with a meaningful look over the audience. "I will not let that have been in vain. Let us pray," I say and bow my head, briefly thinking how nice it is that I don't make crossing motions except over myself on occasion. "Dear Heavenly Father, we come before you today as humble servants. Protect them as you once did," as Lúgh did us, "and keep us safe in Your arms. Be with the souls of those who have moved on, and those they have left behind. The Marks family had friends in this town, Lord, and their loss is felt here, as are all the losses in a town like this. Keep us strong. Keep us safe. This we ask in your name. Amen."


[OPEN.]

Maybe in Another Life I Could Find You There

[maryk-graeb.livejournal.com]

The Marks Ranch
Early Morning, Sunday 8 November

Dead.

I didn't believe it. Not that I didn't think it possible, since Ares' death. Didn't want to believe it, is all. Felt it, though. I woke up Friday in a cold sweat and knew.

Dead.

I've been out here three times since. Stayed back a way the first time, when the people were still here, making sure the fire died out. I didn't want to talk to anyone. Didn't want to hear any of them speculate about what happened to her. I had my own theory.

Dead.

I kick a large piece of charcoal and it falls apart against my boot. Lúgh's death was all I needed for confirmation. He wouldn't leave her here. Not alone. Cain and I might be here for her but that's different. We're mortal. We're finite. Eris isn't finite. She might be in some way, some day, but to me, she's eternal and I know she's out there somewhere.

My eyes close slowly as I think of our last conversation. As I think of her looking like Eileen for me. As I think of her wanting Tempest drawn on her.

I pull the gun from her holster and turn off the safety.

This town, this fucking god-forsaken town. If it weren't for Leah...

I raise Tempest, both hands holding her, and fire round after round into the sky at a steady rate until the gun clicks.

"Might not be a twenty-one gun salute, Eris, but it's something."

I reload Tempest, holster her, and light a clove. Now I need to figure out where the fuck her remains are.


[OPEN]

Maybe in Another Life I Could Find You There

[maryk-graeb.livejournal.com]

The Marks Ranch
Early Morning, Sunday 8 November

Dead.

I didn't believe it. Not that I didn't think it possible, since Ares' death. Didn't want to believe it, is all. Felt it, though. I woke up Friday in a cold sweat and knew.

Dead.

I've been out here three times since. Stayed back a way the first time, when the people were still here, making sure the fire died out. I didn't want to talk to anyone. Didn't want to hear any of them speculate about what happened to her. I had my own theory.

Dead.

I kick a large piece of charcoal and it falls apart against my boot. Lúgh's death was all I needed for confirmation. He wouldn't leave her here. Not alone. Cain and I might be here for her but that's different. We're mortal. We're finite. Eris isn't finite. She might be in some way, some day, but to me, she's eternal and I know she's out there somewhere.

My eyes close slowly as I think of our last conversation. As I think of her looking like Eileen for me. As I think of her wanting Tempest drawn on her.

I pull the gun from her holster and turn off the safety.

This town, this fucking god-forsaken town. If it weren't for Leah...

I raise Tempest, both hands holding her, and fire round after round into the sky at a steady rate until the gun clicks.

"Might not be a twenty-one gun salute, Eris, but it's something."

I reload Tempest, holster her, and light a clove. Now I need to figure out where the fuck her remains are.


[OPEN]

Like dropping bombs into a pond...

[chester-excolo.livejournal.com]

Dawn at the Marks Ranch
Sunday November 8th

Two more deaths that rock the town. Creating one hell of storm on the Other Side. Eris followed by Lugh. One in the morning on Thursday and the other at night, an' that one was preceded by the most powerful exorcism I've ever heard of let alone felt. boy was that a doozy. The power fluctuations rocked me for such a loop that it wasn't til well after daybreak on Friday that I could do anything but lie under a bush on This Side in a little ball an' wait for it to pass. Just like a hangover.   Naturally I told Mab as soon as i was able to move. This is the kinda stuff she really needs to know. But then I went an told Hermia. And that was bad. she got real still when I told her  And then she thanked me but said she wanted to be alone for a while. Course I agreed. I got some mourning to do of my own.

I respected Eris. Even liked her a bit. An' now she's gone.  I went up to the Ranch the next day. Nothing  left of her there. Hers was a swift death an' peaceful too, no great fight to paint the area with lingering power.  So I sat there for a whole day an a night an' remembered her. Not just as she was, here in Excolo, but as she'd been ever since I first knew of her.  There was a lot to remember. But that's okay. I felt that me remembering her was a great tribute, a way to make sure that she was not all the way gone from here. Sure I knew that she still existed. But that was somewhere else. A place that didn't connect to here. A one way trip.  I still gotta wonder why she did it. Was life here really that bad?

But that question ain't never gonna have an answer. Least not one that I'd get a direct answer to.  So I clean myself off an slowly fade into the Otherworld.  Time to go find out what it knows about Marbas. Word is, he's loose again.  That ain't good. Ain't good at all.  Nobody asked me to look for 'im but I bet Mab'd really like to know where he's got to.  So, i figure since I got all these contacts an stuff over here and lotsa time I might well see if I can't turn up somethin' useful.


[closed]

Like dropping bombs into a pond...

[chester-excolo.livejournal.com]

Dawn at the Marks Ranch
Sunday November 8th

Two more deaths that rock the town. Creating one hell of storm on the Other Side. Eris followed by Lugh. One in the morning on Thursday and the other at night, an' that one was preceded by the most powerful exorcism I've ever heard of let alone felt. boy was that a doozy. The power fluctuations rocked me for such a loop that it wasn't til well after daybreak on Friday that I could do anything but lie under a bush on This Side in a little ball an' wait for it to pass. Just like a hangover.   Naturally I told Mab as soon as i was able to move. This is the kinda stuff she really needs to know. But then I went an told Hermia. And that was bad. she got real still when I told her  And then she thanked me but said she wanted to be alone for a while. Course I agreed. I got some mourning to do of my own.

I respected Eris. Even liked her a bit. An' now she's gone.  I went up to the Ranch the next day. Nothing  left of her there. Hers was a swift death an' peaceful too, no great fight to paint the area with lingering power.  So I sat there for a whole day an a night an' remembered her. Not just as she was, here in Excolo, but as she'd been ever since I first knew of her.  There was a lot to remember. But that's okay. I felt that me remembering her was a great tribute, a way to make sure that she was not all the way gone from here. Sure I knew that she still existed. But that was somewhere else. A place that didn't connect to here. A one way trip.  I still gotta wonder why she did it. Was life here really that bad?

But that question ain't never gonna have an answer. Least not one that I'd get a direct answer to.  So I clean myself off an slowly fade into the Otherworld.  Time to go find out what it knows about Marbas. Word is, he's loose again.  That ain't good. Ain't good at all.  Nobody asked me to look for 'im but I bet Mab'd really like to know where he's got to.  So, i figure since I got all these contacts an stuff over here and lotsa time I might well see if I can't turn up somethin' useful.


[closed]