Ororo's ghost story, part 3

[Seer]

<< A painfull, uncertain night gives way to a grey and windy day. The eerie events of the night before seemed to be more confined to the elite of the town, a sign that the fog and all that was within it was more than natural, and less than harmless.>>

<< through the town, the buzz of the celebration was growing, people seemed happy and cheerfull as they happily prepared for the evening's festivities and wondered what would happen in the town square.>>

<< those who were touched by the fog personally rose with a little less enthusiasm and more uncertainty than anything else.>>

<< Ava and Sharon returned to their homes to start their day, Morgan and Blaze were beginning their's as well. Ava and Morgan would meet up in the afternoon as they usually did for their vip spa treatments in preperation for the evening. Delilah was at Karen's house where Mike was, as Mike was trying to convince them to visit Alison once more while Haleigh and Nicolas were ALREADY in the process of making their way to the grounds of the historic, gothic church. >>

<< it was hardly a day like any other. something was in the breezy air.>>

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas paced as he tried to relax a bit in his shower. He'd had no sleep as he tried to come to grips with and deal with everything to date. When he realized that the night was gone he arose, cranking the water temp up to the max as he paced like a caged animal then finally sat on the marble bench. he allowed the water to pass over him as he calmed himseld down, finally cleansing himself before exiting.

He put on one of his well-tailored suits and came down to the kitchen, where he decided to make breakfast for the second straight morning. This time it was light fare, sliced fruit and juice with toasted bagels and creme cheese of various flavors, with Virginia cured ham as the lone meat. He was sure that the smell would awaken the hybrid and he hoped to find her spirits better once she energed from the guest room...

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh sauntered into the kitchen after night of undisturbed sleep [which she knew Nicolas had a hand in orchestrating] and a hot shower, looking completely refreshed. Her spirits were better... and she even gave him a good morning smile.

"Did you invite Sharon and her son up for breakfast?"

She asked nonchalantly, making a plate for herself and pouring a cup of orange juice. It was a richly domestic moment..... but smoothly comfortable.... as if the night before had not been so wildly alarming.

"I was thinking.... we could bring Alison some flowers when we visit her this morning. She's a shut-in for a reason.... she probably resents the town for not believing her the LAST time. A small act of kindness can often help pave the way through bitterness."

 

[Silver Swan]

[ Sharon was already up since early morning, refreshed and dressed. Most of her things were packed, but she had plenty of time so she let Kyle sleep in a bit. Nicolas and Haleigh may not have immediately realized it, but Sharon heard EVERYTHING the night before. She was afraid that the fog might manifest her husband, Kyle's father to them at the pool house but that didnt happen...for some reason.]

[ now, with morning here, the beautifull former entertainer turned radio personality was trying to get her mind in order for the day's events...knowing full well that on this day things could go horribly wrong in the worst way. She would HAVE to be at the light house tonight and so she would not be present for the celebration in the town square but little did she know that her presence at the light house would proove more vital than she might imagine.]

[ after checking in on Kyle once again, Sharon felt it was okay for her to go on to the mainhouse to see Haleigh and Nicolas. She entered the double doors into the kitchen where she found Haleigh.]

Good morning.

[ she said as she looked at the woman with her silver eyes.]

Kyle is still sleeping. I thought i'd give him a little more time before we left to start our day. I came to thank Nicolas for his hospitality....

[ she paused for a moment]

you two had quite a rough evening...i heard. I couldnt come to see about you, I had to stay with Kyle. I was afraid that the fog might bring something terrible to him as well.

[ referencing her PERFECT hearing. she looked around, noting that the house was still standing and didnt look damaged. ]

Is Nicolas allright this morning?

Not quite what you bargained for, is it?

[ referring to Haleigh's arrival here and all that has happened since.]

I guess tonight will be the ultimate test...

 

[Persephone]

:: Sitting in front of her vanity, Ava placed her curling iron down and began to run her fingers through her now curly hair. Taking some hairspray, she began to spray everything in place before standing up and heading to her bed. After everything that had happened lastnight, Ava barely got any sleep. In fact, after coming home from Morgan's she took a long bubble bath and read a novel, falling asleep shortly after the sun rose for a couple hours. ::

:: Opening her black designer handbag that was placed on her bed, Ava took out her blackburry and scrolled down to Morgan's name. Sitting on the edge of the bed, she hit 'send' and placed the phone to her ear hoping that Morgan didn't receive anymore unwanted ghostly guests after she had departed. ::

 

[Rampage]

Haleigh emerged from the guest suite looking much better, smiling at him as she sauntered up.

"Did you invite Sharon and her son up for breakfast?"

Kyle is sleeping and Sharon will be here in 3...2..1...

He made a plate for Sharon of her favorites as Sharon entered and prepared to seat himself at the head of the small breakfast nook table where his own plate was already prepared. He chuckled as Haleigh suggested flowers for Alison.

Sorry hon, but Alison is as far beyond flowers as you are beyond a graphing calculator. She is consumed by the loss of her brother and she blames us for not doing more at the time. I am uncertain as to exactly WHAT she wanted us to do, but I suppose that today is as good a time as any to find out.

The ladies had a conversation of their own as Nicolas started to eat, realizing that Sharon had heard EVERYTHING last night. He smirked as she gave Haleigh a quip or two, then he called to her,

I am a lot tougher than you give me credit for. You spoil me as badly as Kyle sometimes. Sharon, come eat. I got your favorite. You should've awakened that boy. Kyle knows that around here, its longshoreman rules. I will have to work him harder next time.

Nicolas playfully referring to his time spent with Kyle, showing him the ropes on the sea while also tutoring him in the use of his powers.

As for tonight, you watch the light, and we'll watch the dark.

 

[Silver Swan]

Nicolas' main house

[ Sharon smiled a bit as Nicolas spoke of Kyle and the longshoreman rules of the house. She did spoil him but for a single mother, she managed to walk the fine line of natural doting and gross over indulgence. Kyle was a polite child and always a joy for anyone who spent time with him.]

Well, I'm sure he'll enjoy playing your first mate again soon enough [ assuming there would be a "day after" this 100 year marker]

He was such a brave boy last night... I'll take him to his favorite place for breakfast this morning when we hit town. He loves his blueberry pancakes and powdered sugar...

[she came and sat with them...looking down at her plate that Nicolas had thoughtfully made. she didnt mind him playing a father figure to Kyle, but she always kept him at bay when it came to his personal favors and hospitality toward HER. They were close friends, but it was clear to see that she had walls up ever since becoming a widow. She may not have known how sad it looked to others that a woman of such beauty could be so closed off but she did it best to hide it. ]

[ there were many men in the town that had wanted to try courting her after she became widowed. If they didnt heed Nicolas' warnings, she certainly made sure they got the point. Just ask the man that she threw INTO a dartboard at tavern near the docks one night. ]

Oh Nicolas, you shouldnt have done this, really. But thank you.

[ she eats lightly...she's clearly not totally at ease. As Nicolas tells her that they'll watch the darkness as she watches the light, she thinks of the lighthouse where she has to be tonight. she has no idea how vital her place there will be. Nicolas and Haleigh have no idea how she will NEED them to watch the thing most precious to Sharon in that darkness.]

I'm glad you're allright. I know how difficult it must have been last night, to see that apparition of Alycia. I was afraid that Robert would appear before me as well, but Kyle said that nothing would come. I asked him how he could know that and he said that "Daddy wasnt in the fog this time."....THIS TIME.

[ noting that they were talking about seeing Alison.]

You're going to see Alison? I wish i could come with you...I've wanted to see her, I wanted to tell her about the drift wood that my son found. Please tell her about that for me. Tell her that...I believe her and that tonight, as i broadcast from the lighthouse, I will be watching...for all of us.

[ she finished her plate and got up. coming round to give Nicolas a hug.]

You watch youself today. Give my regards to Karen, Delilah and the others when you see them.

Goodbye Haleigh. You be carefull and who knows, maybe you'll become Thunder Bay's newest permanent resident when this 100 year mark passes.

[ and with that, Sharon leaves the kitchen, returning to the pool house to prepare Kyle to leave. They have a busy day ahead of them and the grey skies and window weather does not promise for the most pleasant of days either.]

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas smiled as Sharon spoke with him, but he could feel the unease emanating from her. She had gone through so much, losing Robert. And though she did yearn for normalcy she would allow no one, not even Nicolas himself to penetrate those walls. There had been a couple of occasions when she had leaned on him, really opened up. But she was not ready, perhaps would never be, to move on. Some people wondered how Nicolas could seemingly do it so easily. But he'd always had a firm grip on his emotions, had managed to understand that moving on did not mean he didn't miss Alycia. She'd even told him to have a party when she passed away when the subject came up. He couldn't do that. But he owed it to Alycia to celebrate her love of life by trying to embrace his own. That he could not show Sharon that it was OK to love again was a situation that he lived with. She would go at her own pace, and he would not let the dolts in this town rush her. Sharon had no idea what Nicolas had done to brutes who announced, after drinking, that they would "go to the lighthouse and give that DJ what she'd been missing". Let's just say that one CAN live without teeth.

As she hugged Nicolas, he playfully kissed her forhead, giving her a squeeze. She had a heart of gold, even if it was broken.

Will do, SS. You play something special for me.

As she left, he looked at Haleigh, his face becomeing more serious.

I'm ready when you are.

He picked up the phone and called Karen...

 

[Spellbinder]

Morgan's mansion

<< in the exclusive neighborhood where many of the town's elite lived in their large spacious homes, the trees and t heir leafy canopies swayed in the steady breeze of the gray morning.>>

<< Morgan had awakened , showered and lavished her skin and hair as she prepared for her day. she didnt sleep very well the night before but with Ava and Blaze there...that made it a little easier. They'd both seen the same thing she saw so she knew she wasnt crazy. even her MOTHER saw it.>>

<< but what now?? what the hell was she supposed to do? what COULD they do. Morgan was at a loss, but the show had to go on, the town was in preparation for the celebration tonight and she had to be there. at least if something happened, they'd all be together.>>

...and we have our powers...we can fight it off.

<< she said softly as she brushed her hair while sitting at her vanity. she was wearing a gem toned victoria secret bra and panty set from the exclusive "angel" line....not yet decided on what she'd wear today as she went about town preparing for tonight when she'd step out in custom fitted Versace dress, a gift from Donatella herself. >>

<< she was trying to convince herself that she had no reason to be so uncertain, so UNSURE. she was a witch, her best friend was a goddess and her sister a mutant. her mother was a witch and her mother's...MORTAL boyfriend was a former Navy SEAL...even he could stand up against some ghostly ghoul...couldnt he?? Morgan's own spell had not affected the apparition of her father, so what ELSE could go wrong?>>

<< Blaze was somewhere else in the house, either exercising or doing whatever was apart of her early morning routine. Morgan appreciated Blaze's often clear, cool and calm thinking...it balanced Morgan's bitchy, often bratty ways. But Ava and Blaze BOTH saw the heart that Morgan hid from most.>>

<< as Morgan continued her beauty routine, she paused to look at Tinker in the reflection of the mirror. the cat lay on the large over king sized bed behind her. the siamese looked less than content.>>

Tink? whats the matter?

<< Morgan had a special bond with Tinker as only a witch could have with her FAMILIAR. But before TInk could attempt to "answer" in her own way, Morgan's cell rang...causing Morgan to gasp with a start.>>

...oh...it's Ava.

<< Morgan picks up the phone.>>

Hello, Ava?

 

[Black Widow]

Haleigh tossed Nicolas an over the shoulder gaze.

"Well I didn't say it was a bandaid or anything..... but every woman loves getting flowers. [turning back to fixing her plate, shrugging] It's a nice gesture, is all."

Haleigh said, then glanced at Sharon as the woman came in. She nodded, keeping a composed smile.

"Good Morning, Sharon. Did you sleep well?"

Sharon indicated she'd heard what happened in the main house last night. Haleigh looked concerned and quickly interjected.

"Oh no, did you guys get a visit from your late husband as well? [Sharon quickly said no] Thank heavens.... I'd hate for your son to have to see something like what WE saw last night... that'd be so awful... very traumatizing. [Sharon asked if Nicolas was doing okay... Haleigh dropped her voice] Oh... I'm afraid he looks a little tired... but I think he took it well, all things considered."

Sharon asked Haleigh if it was 'what she bargained for', and Haleigh gave her a look that said 'Girl, that was crazy!' They discussed visiting Alison, the celebration upcoming, and looking out for each other. Haleigh stayed mostly quiet.... it wasn't that she felt awkward or out of place, just that she was eating and thinking. She gave Sharon a polite smile as the woman said goodbye and prepared to leave.

"[nodding]Be careful out there, Sharon."

Nicolas finished his breakfast and was ready to go.... Haleigh had finished as well and took her dishes to the sink.

"Yes, let's go."

 

[Firebird]

Morg's place

Just like most of the town’s people, Blaze couldn’t seem to sleep peacefully that night either. Having tossed and turned from the eerie-strange events that plagued Morgan’s residence. Upon the early crack of dawn, Blaze had already worked out, showered, and now she was downstairs in the kitchen.

Lithe fingers typed away across her Dell laptop now as she was researching a few news articles. While Morgan and Ava went about their daily ritual, Blaze was determined to find something, anything on the strange phenomenon.

Chive cream cheese was smothered across her toasted onion bagel. Half of it had been already eaten while she frowned. Yes, the horror of carbs, but with her high metabolism it didn't matter. Having googled anything about lost ships or something to link that strange piece of wood. Next she browsed through various articles about new species of snakes, but nothing was found on the markings she had seen last night.

Sighing heavily, she leaned back in the wooden chair, removing her small designer glasses to massage the tension along her temples. Tonight was the big event but just like Ava, Blaze didn’t feel so secure about the idea.

Reaching up to stretch her sore limbs when her computer chimed. Leaning forward with a yawn she sat forward, “Come on, show me something!”

Frustrated, she shut her laptop having only run into dead ends. Blaze was more of a proactive thinker, preferring to research things rather than just ‘go with it.’ She liked to know what was coming, prepare for it, and adjust accordingly.

 

[Rampage]

"Yes, let's go."

Very well

Nicolas "borrowed" some flowers from the florist downtown and a crystal vase, a beautiful arrangement. On the counter was left enough money to cover it and then some. The flowers sat by the door so that they could scoop it up as they left.

There we go. An arrangement/peace offering for Alison. I hope that she will listen to us...its been too long.

Nicolas and Alison had enjoyed a decent relationship but her brother, Cameron, was a VERY good friend of his. They had a natural bond and he hated to lose him. But the animosity that erupted after his death left Nicolas wishing over and over that he had managed to bridge the gap with Alison. He felt Cameron would have wanted that, but he had long figured the rift too wide to repair. He returned to the present, speaking with Haleigh as they prepared to leave.

Good sleep last night? Good. You should be ready to roll. let's do it.

Nicolas opened the door for the hybrid as he called Karen on the phone finally.

Karen's phone would ring at her home...

 

[Persephone]

:: Shuffling through her handbag, Ava perched her cell phone between her ear and shoulder awaiting Morgan to pick up. Taking out a tube of sheer lip gloss, she began to unscrew the top just as Morgan answered the phone. ::

"Hey Morg. Any unexpected guest arrive today?"

:: Gliding the gloss along her full lips, Ava pressed them together before closing the gloss back up and putting it back in her bag. ::

"I don't scare easily, and i'm pretty confident about defending myself....but dealing with ghosts or spirits, that's something completely out of my control. My powers don't work against things like that. [grunting out in frustration] I hate the thought of being vulnerable."

:: Sighing Ava tossed her next to her and tucked her one foot under her leg. It wasn't the way she pictured the days leading up to the celebration to play out. She was so looking forward to the party tonight, but now...she was more worried than anything else. ::

"Maybe it isn't such a good idea going tonight....we're going to be out in the open like sitting ducks if that THING comes back.."

 

[Shadow Weaver]

the mayor's mansion

<< the mayor was dressed in a silver bell blue, tailored, carolina herrera suit, rounded off with a gem toned silver scarf and silver high heels. she may have looked pristine but her mind churned with thoughts of uncertainty and distress. the mayor of the town had many last minute meetings and matters to attend to before the "festivities" of the evening took place but how could she go on, knowing what she felt? what if tonight turned out to be a horrid nightmare?>>

<< sitting down stairs in her study, only the sound of a large wall mounted clock could be heard ticking as she waited for Delilah and the driver to arrive before they set about their day. There was nothing to do but wait. It was moments like this when she enjoyed the private luxury of FEELING the worry and the pressure and exhibiting the signs of that without anyone seeing it. Mike was already gone and with Delilah not yet there, the Mayor could be more HERSELF...flaws and all. >>

<< she had her coach attache' ready to go and was just primping in her chanel compact when her phone rang. >>

oh...if its the driver...

<< she mumbled as she snapped her compact shut. looking at the phone, she saw it was Nicolas.>>

<< answering.>> Yes, Nicolas?

 

[Spellbinder]

Morgan's mansion

"Hey Morg. Any unexpected guest arrive today?"

Hey girl.

<< Morgan said as she was glad to hear from her friend the day AFTER the weirdness. at least they all saw it together.>>

"I don't scare easily, and i'm pretty confident about defending myself....but dealing with ghosts or spirits, that's something completely out of my control. My powers don't work against things like that. [grunting out in frustration] I hate the thought of being vulnerable."

I've been thinking about that myself. My spell had no effect on that...apparition...100 years of this town and NOW it decides to come apart. If ever there was a time for us to leave here, i guess NOW would be it.

<< referring to the talks they often had about relocating to L.A. or New York and trying their hands in the fashion and entertainment industries, something they both were intrigued by.>>

"Maybe it isn't such a good idea going tonight....we're going to be out in the open like sitting ducks if that THING comes back.."

<< Morgan shook her head slowly.>>

I hate to say this, but that's how i feel too and you KNOW i love being out and admired by the "common folk". I talked to my mom again this morning. She seems like she's trying to hide how she feels about seeing that...thing last night. But she says there's no way they can cancell everything now what with the vendors and advertisment etc. Imagine that...the town's highest profile celebration and we, the two most beautifull women in this town are actually CONCERNED about something other than being fabulous and commanding the center of attention.


<< exhaling herself as she ran her perfectly manicured nails through her hair and tossed it back.>>

well, let's stick together...and we'll keep Blaze close too. at least with us all being there TOGETHER, i can 'port us outta there if something goes wrong.

I'll see you later this afternoon at Vivan's (the dress salon) for our fitting?

 

[Rampage]

Karen, it's obvious that something plans to use this celebration for its own purposes and intend to try to figure out what's going on. It seems that Alison may have some answers to those questions. To that end, Haleigh and I are headed to Alison's to speak with her. I was wondering if you would be interested in attending as well?

As he spoke with Karen, Haleigh received a message from him as well.

Haleigh, can you cross-reference any records that may contain information about a ship registered with the name "Dane" from say...1870-1920? Kyle found a piece of driftwood yesterday that went apeshit when Sharon showed it to me, seeping water before bursting into flame and being reduced to ash. That is why I brought her here last night.

 

[Seer]

on with the day

<< the winds sweep the day along...but their whisper is hardly comforting.>>

<< Nicolas and Haleigh drive up the winding roads, out of town up the hill towards the large, historic grounds of the gothic church where Alison Marble resides. How they will fare with the dark and brooding precog is anyone's guess. Once they arrive, Haleigh sees the stone garden that surrounds the grounds. its a very old place, slightly older than the town itself. It was here that the founders would gather back when this town was merely a settlement.>>

<< the church and the estate held up very well, there was a mysterious, regal factor about the place and even Nicolas found that his long range scans would only go so far. Alison used her magick to make sure this place was a sanctuary from all prying eyes AND minds.>>

<< the would find no one immediately available to receive them as they passed through the stone garden into a small vestibule that lead to a passage way that itself lead to the main sanctuary of the gothic church. this was just ONE of the entrances. inside the sanctuary were the beautifull stained glass windows, large stone statues of various religious figures and other symbols. it was cool, dark and eeriely silent. there was another hall that lead toward the confessional area and another hall that lead to the private office quaters for Alison.>>

<< where she was , if she was even in the church or the mansion was not entirely clear yet.>>

meanwhile

<< as Morgan talked with Ava on the phone, both women revealed the sense of anxiety about what lay ahead this day and this evening, Blaze sat with her laptop down stairs in the sun room, doing what was only natural for her...going a round about way to try to explain what was not so easily explained. The bizarre snake, the strange drift wood, the fog itself. Maybe the internet had some reference for these things in relation to thunder bay. the only other option was Alison and everyone knew not to cross her unless it was dire.>>

<< from her exhaustive search using metacrawl, she found only a few but intriguing articles on a ship called the "ELIZABETH DANE", they were related to the equally few articles that turned up regarding the town itself. The article on the clipper ship only mentions that the Elizabeth Dane's ACCIDENT was the reason the Arklay lighthouse, [ the one that Sharon now owned] was constructed. It doesnt explain anything else in detail.>>

<< there were no results for the snake and its markings. proof that it was either some kind of illusion designed for Morgan specifically OR it was something else...something far worse and unexplainable.>>

<< there were pictures of the town, mostly the waters of Arklay pointe and its development over the years, but what caught her eye was an eerie artist's painting of Thunder Bay during its time as a settlement. over the ocean waters of Arklay Pointe...the artist drew an ghostly looking fog that had the faint impression of a SKULL image within it. there was a group of men, dressed in clergymen clothing, huddled together in the background , as well as the church that Alison now owned as it was passed down to her from her great grandfather. >>

<< the picture called out to Blaze, she could almost FEEL the faint eyes within the fog staring at her. This was something...but WHAT?>>

and at Karen's mansion

<< Karen leaned back ever so slightly in her seat as she began to talk with Nicolas while she was waiting for her driver and Delilah to arrive.>>

<< as the young man spoke to her, her eyes betrayed a look of nausea. she knew they were on a one way course to disaster now. and NOW she was most likely going to have to detour to the church with Delilah as well but would that make it worse or better?>>

 

[Shadow Weaver]

the mayor's mansion

Karen, it's obvious that something plans to use this celebration for its own purposes and intend to try to figure out what's going on. It seems that Alison may have some answers to those questions. To that end, Haleigh and I are headed to Alison's to speak with her. I was wondering if you would be interested in attending as well?

<< Nicolas was either being impulsive or he truly didnt realize just how UNAPPEALING his invite was. Karen's opal blue eyes widened with disbelief as she held her phone but he couldnt see her facial expression.>>

...

<< after more than a little pause.>>

Nicolas, I saw Alison yesterday afternoon. Our conversation was...strained at best but it endly badly. We THOUGHT asking her to give the benediction for tonight's ceremony would be appropriate but the conversation degenerated quickly and She attacked Delilah and myself, she THREW us out of her home and told us never to come back. I may be the mayor of this town, but ALison owns that land where her family's estate sits straight out. She doesnt want me there and I don't WANT to be there.

But...i didnt get the chance to say anything at the morgue because the crew of the Valiant had been recovered.

Nicolas, Alison already told me a story, one which i fear is more than a mere ..."GHOST STORY". it has something to do with a journal she found two nights ago. a journal kept by her great grandfather, one of the founders of Thunder Bay.

<< she fidgeted in her seat a bit as she turned in the large executive chair to see if Delilah had arrived yet.>>

Save yourself and your friend some time and avoid possible danger by...by asking her about the journal. If she's in a cooperative mood, she may share it with you. I wish Delilah and I had ...taken it more seriously. But i guess i prooved to her that i am is short sighted as she thinks most of us are.

<< the winds whistled outside. Karen could hear them even in her home.>>

Nicolas, I have to go now. My driver will be here soon. I'll see you later this evening. Oh...and its okay ify our bring your friend. She's not a resident yet but she's done an awfull lot to help us in these last few days.

Take care...

<< she said in a clear but far from content tone as she ended the call. closing the phone and holding it , griping it in her hand.>>

<< Alison's words...that story echoing in her head. the past, the secrets coming back to haunt them all. it had already claimed some of t heir loved ones, was it coming back tonight to satisfy the unearthly hunger of JUSTICE>>>

this celebration is a travesty, Karen. you're commemorating murder!

 

[Rampage]

Nicolas, I saw Alison yesterday afternoon. Our conversation was...strained at best but it endly badly. We THOUGHT asking her to give the benediction for tonight's ceremony would be appropriate but the conversation degenerated quickly and She attacked Delilah and myself, she THREW us out of her home and told us never to come back. I may be the mayor of this town, but ALison owns that land where her family's estate sits straight out. She doesnt want me there and I don't WANT to be there.

Nicolas' eyes widened at Karen's statement, not realizing it was quite THAT bad. As she continued, he relayed the information to Haleigh as he listened intently. The journal was intriguing, and Nicolas hoped that closer inspection of it would be fruitful.

Karen, I will be sure to let you and Mike know what I find out. I think that we need to coordinate our contingent response. I...hope you were unharmed yesterday. Wish me luck.

Take care...

You too Karen. See you later.

Nicolas closed the phone and drove on. He contemplated calling Morgan but he put that thought away, determined not to scare her needlessly. Besides he knew she would be with Ava and Blaze and that she was PLENTY capable in her own right. Still, he would check with her before nightfall.

As they arrived at the church Nicolas spoke to Haleigh, his tone a bit hushed as he steeled himself for their meeting with Alison.

Well, it appears that Karen has already warmed Alison up for us. Hopefully we can ask her about the journal and let her be.

<< the church and the estate held up very well, there was a mysterious, regal factor about the place and even Nicolas found that his long range scans would only go so far...the would find no one immediately available to receive them as they passed through the stone garden into a small vestibule that lead to a passage way that itself lead to the main sanctuary of the gothic church. this was just ONE of the entrances. inside the sanctuary were the beautifull stained glass windows, large stone statues of various religious figures and other symbols. it was cool, dark and eeriely silent. there was another hall that lead toward the confessional area and another hall that lead to the private office quaters for Alison.>>

<< where she was , if she was even in the church or the mansion was not entirely clear yet.>>

Nicolas walked confidently, carrying the flowers as he took the place in. It was definitely enchanted, the place pulsed of unknown energies. He was not one to beat about the bush, so he cleared his throat and spoke clearly, loud enough that even if she did not already sense their presence (doubtful), she would be certain to now know who was here.

Alison?! It's Nicolas, Alison. We need to talk. It been too long since we've done that.

 

[Harbinger]

the gothic church

:: his voice echoed before being "absorbed" by those ancient walls. it remained dark and quiet, only the statues and other mysterious looking figures in the halls and passages of the church kept Nicolas and Haleigh company.::

:: after a while, they found themselves in the "back end" of the church, near Alison's large office. the irony that a WITCH now oversaw a church was not lost on Nicolas. This place was once the spiritual hub of thunder bay but had become more like a museum, or an eerie look into the gothic past. an occasional visitor would come to pray in the silent pews or go to the confessional which was attended by a priest that Alison put on the payroll for the sake of keeping up appearences.::

:: Alison herself had grown as cold and detached as one of these statues that Nicolas and Haleigh could see. the rift between her and the "inner circle" was wide and her brother's ghost hung in that middle.::

:: when they arrived in her office suite/study, the found her sitting in the large, plush chair, its back facing them. Alison was in the chair facing the fire place, wearing a black low cut corsett which revealed ample cleavage, along with a black mini skirt, black, knee high lace up boots and a black trench style jacket. her hair was was down, framing her porcelain face and her cobalt blue eyes and ruby red lips provided the contrast to that beautifull face. around her neck was a black, spiked chocker. very gothic indeed.::

:: she didnt look around turn around to see them.::

what do you want?

:: she said coldly as the two stood in the doorway to her office suite/study.::