* It is Wednesday, the fifth of May, in the year eighteen eighty-six.  A cool
spring's evening breeze slips through the streets of Paris, carrying with it
moisture from the Seine and rumors from all around the city in equal parts. 
Gabriel and Angelique had been following the youth who called himself Omar
across town when he suddenly ran ahead and called out to the others to hurry
along to the residence of Captain Avignon.
* Angelique blinks, then looks to Gabriel. "You know the directions?"
* Gabriel looks back at Angelique. "Of course I do. Let's hurry as he said... I
hope he won't be needing us."
* As daylight fades, pairs of men walk from one street lamp to the next,
lighting each with candles mounted on long poles.
* Angelique nods, then pulls open her cloak and jumps all but straight up,
taking to the air between one step and the next, all but vanishing above the
layer of light caused by the street lamps
* Gabriel continues on his way to the Avignon residence, blinking at the display
and looking up. "Sure you don't want to keep your feet on the ground?"
* Angelique replies, "He called for haste, did he not?" as she wings towards the
destination.
<Gabriel> That he did.
* Gabriel glances around, jumping up when he's sure nobody's paying too much
attention. The wings sprout out and he wings his way to the Avignon residence.
The armor springs into existence as well, covering his body from head to toe.
* The two wing their way across the dark sky until they reach Avignon's
estate--at least it certainly appears that they've reached it based on aerial
observation.
* Gabriel approaches it and lands in the courtyard, light appearing right where
he lands so he doesn't miss-step the landing. The wings vanish once he lands,
and the light gets a bit brighter so it's easier to discern where he landed
exactly.
* Angelique lands next to Gabriel, folding her wings back under her cloak in a
single movement obviously well-practiced.
* Gabriel looks behind him. "I think I heard someone behind us... Hope we didn't
draw too much attention."
* Angelique turns to look in that direction, peering into the dusk..
* A small shape--possibly belonging to a young boy or girl--retreats quietly but
swiftly down the street and away from Avignon's manor.
<Angelique> "A child, apparently. I hope we have not frightened her overly."
* Gabriel nods. "I'm not too good with children myself... I'll probably scare
them more than anything."
* Angelique nods, then looks at the manor. Suppresses a shudder. .oO(In for a
centime, in for a Franc.) "Shall we go in?"
* Gabriel nods. "After you."
* Angelique almost visibly swallows, then walks forward.
* Captain Avignon's manor stands against the backdrop of the Seine.  Lights and
lamps sparkle on the far side of the river, and though the manor itself is only
modestly lit, a pathway that leads around the man's home to a covered boathouse
is well lit with candles in small iron-and-paper lanterns.
* Gabriel walks alongside her, keeping the area a bit better lit than the
candles or lanterns are supposed to provide.
* The boathouse is also well lit, as is the paddle wheel steamboat docked there. 
A tall man with neatly-kept hair approaches Gabriel and Angelique by way of that
pathway, suggesting that he's come from the boat rather than the manor.
* Angelique turns to look at the tall man.
* Gabriel turns to the tall man as well.
* The man is lanky and dressed in a suit that looks remarkably like a military
uniform.  As he draws near the two guests, he calls out to them in a raw but
easily understandable voice.  "Ah, you've arrived.  Young Master Omar said you'd
be along shortly.  Please, come this way.  The Captain favors the presence of
the river tonight."
* Gabriel bows his head slightly and then follows. He looks back at Angelique to
make sure she does as well.
* Angelique follows, a bit apprehensively.
* Gabriel smiles. "He won't bite. In fact, I haven't met anyone who would..."
* Angelique smiles - a bit wanly, but it's a smile.
* The manservant leads Avignon's guests down the path and through a sparsely
decorated boathouse.  The paddle boat sits at the end of the dock beyond, with
its gangplank lowered and a man in a suit with one empty arm standing on its
deck.
* Angelique walks across the dock and pauses on the far side of the gangplank.
"Permettez bord, Capitan?"
<Avignon> Please do.  Come aboard, both of you.  Omar told me you'd be by to
visit me.
* Angelique steps off the plank and onto the boat proper, waiting for Gabriel to
join her.
* Gabriel nods. "Thank you." He steps aboard as well.
* The Captain smiles and makes a sweeping gesture with his arm to indicate that
Angelique and Gabriel should make themselves comfortable at one of the seats
around a large, oval-shaped table on the deck near the front of the boat. 
Bright electric lamps illuminate the deck and the cabin windows with equal
intensity.
* Angelique seats herself on a random chair, which only coincidentally happens
to have its back to the Seine, yup.
* Gabriel sits down, comfortable with the amount of light. He does sit in a
random chair, but makes sure Angelique is within easy viewing distance. Don't
want her running off now. <.<
* The manservant disappears into the boathouse as Captain Avignon takes a seat
nearest the boat's rounded prow.  Each one of the dozen places at the table has
been set with a small, covered dish and a tumbler of what appears to be cloudy
water.
<Avignon> I'm pleased to see you both.  I must admit that I'm gratified to learn
that Paris still claims a few citizens who are willing to take extra effort to
protect those less... gifted than they.
* Angelique looks away for a moment, a slight blush coloring her cheeks as she
toys with her glass.
* The Captain is a handsome man with excellent posture and impeccable manners. 
He has not touched the drink before him, though it's obvious that somebody has
sipped at least some of whatever fluid fills the tumblers prior to Angelique and
Gabriel's arrival.
* Gabriel nods.
[Meanwhile...]
* A stout woman with skin the color of rich soil bustles around the front of
Avignon's manor now, replacing candles in the pathway lamps and plucking fallen
oak leaves from the tops of the iron fence.
* Other than her busy presence, the street is relatively empty, dark, and quiet. 
A careful observer would notice that the street lamps on this stretch of city
real estate are electric rather than gas, and placed much closer together than
in most other sections of Paris.
<Claudia> * A horse-drawn carriage trots up to the Captain's manor, disgorging a
stunningly-beautiful blond woman, dressed in clothes more fitting a man. She
thanks the driver and gives him a few francs, before walking up to the woman.
"Is this Monsieur Avignon's residence?"
* The woman glances at the carriage behind Claudia, and then nods.  "It is,
Madame."  Her French is a bit sketchy and thickly accented, but passable.
* Terom approaches on foot. In contrast to the woman, she's a bit hunched over,
with a tattered, hooded cloak wrapped securely around her. She might have been
approaching the residence, but stops at the sight of the carriage, possibly at
loss as to what to do.
* Claudia doesn't give the woman a second glance, walking up to the door.
* The stout woman calls out to Claudia.  "No, Mademoiselle, not there.  Please
go around to the boathouse."  She turns and looks Terom up and down, and lifts
her hand partway up as if to get the newcomer's attention.
<Claudia> And that is where, exactly?
* The woman points nervously to the pathway lined with lanterns that curves
around the side of the manor.  Already, a lanky man in a uniform is striding
down the path toward Claudia.
* Terom doesn't move from where she is, and speaks in a hesitant voice, with a
rather thick Spanish accent. "I... I can come back another time. I just wanted
to know..."
* Claudia starts walking down the lantern-lined pathway, then.
* Terom looks at the ground. It's hard getting a good look at someone's face
when they're fascinated with the floor.
* The woman tilts her head as she tries to get a better look at Terom's face. 
"No, no.  Now is okay.  What you-- what do you want to know?"
* The uniformed man meets Claudia partway down the path.  "Ah.  Mademoiselle
Chambelleau?"
<Claudia> Indeed. You are?
* Terom turns her gaze up a little. Olive skin and dark eyes. "I just... The
rumors said... I want to know why my home was ruined. I can come back another
time."
* The man bows.  "Just a man in service of Captain Avignon, Mademoiselle.  The
Captain has been expecting you, but I have been instructed to beg you to wait
just a few moments before I take you to him."
* Claudia doesn't seem too terribly happy with that. "..Out here?"
* Terom flicks her eyes to Claudia, then away.
* The dark-skinned woman clucks her tongue.  "No, no.  You come with me, girl. 
The Captain, he will want to help you.  Poor girl.  Come, come."  The woman
waves her hands encouragingly at Terom.
* Terom nods and approaches, still keeping her eyes *off* of the rich lady.
"Thank you."
* At the same time, the manservant bows again.  "Only a few moments,
Mademoiselle.  I apologize for the inconvenience, but you arrived only moments
after other guests.  I hope you understand the need to give them just a moment
of time to settle in."
* Claudia flips her long blond hair, adjusting the greatcoat and newsboy hat.
"Hmph."
<Claudia> I shall wait, but this is most unappreciated.
* The woman, on the other hand, ushers Terom ahead of her like a mother hen
herding one of her chicks.  She moves confidently past Claudia and her male
counterpart, who harrumphs at the slight.  "Now, see here," he says to the
woman.
* The woman ignores him, and in fact shifts a step closer to the center of the
path as she walks along.  "You'd better bring yours," she says with a grin. 
"Don't EVER make a lady wait!"
* Claudia strides right past the manservant.
* The manservant is left behind as Claudia, Terom, and the stout woman make
their way down the path, through the boathouse, and right up the gangplank onto
the brightly lit deck of a paddle boat docked behind the manor.
* Claudia slowly raises an eyebrow as she arrives.
* The woman calls out in a loud voice as she escorts her guests up the
gangplank.  "Master Avignon," she says.  "I got a couple of girls here for you!"
* Angelique is a fairly young girl, with straw-blond hair and slender features
that can best be described as 'Fey'. Her clothing seems to be simple yet
serviceable - although she wears pants rather than a dress, and a hooded cloak,
currently covering her back only.
* Terom is ushered up the gangplank and involuntarily shrinks back at the sight
of the people.
* Avignon, for his part, begs the pardon of his two seated guests and rises to
his feet.  He is a straight-shouldered man in his forties with a strong jaw and
bright blue eyes, though perhaps his most notable feature is his left arm--or
the lack thereof.  The left arm of his jacket hangs loose at his side.  The
Captain crosses the deck to Claudia and Terom.  "Ah.  Mademoiselle Chambelleau,
and..."
* Gabriel appears to be a reasonably well-off man in his early twenties, wearing
mostly grays. He has impassive gray eyes and short black hair, with a somewhat
pale skin tone. His fingers are a bit longer than normal, and he keeps his
composure rather well.
* Terom turns her eyes away. "Molina."
* Angelique looks... less than comfortable with so many new people appearing,
but remains seated.
* Claudia stands in place, hands on hips. "A pleasure, Captain."
* Gabriel looks over at Angelique, trying to give a reassuring glance.
* Captain Avignon glances past his unexpected guest, and the serving woman
curtsies hurriedly and takes a few steps backward.  The Captain gestures toward
the oval table with places already set.  "Please, sit, both of you. 
Mademoiselle Chambelleau, I am most pleased to see you tonight.  In fact, these
fine people are here for reasons much like your own."
* Terom looks back at where the woman went. "Um. Okay."
* Claudia nods and takes a seat.
<Claudia> My father wishes the Guardian to be field-tested as quickly as
possible.
* Terom goes to have a seat. Maybe away from Claudia. Far away from Claudia.
* Captain Avignon nods as he takes his original seat once again.  "Ah, yes.  I
would be more than happy to give you that opportunity.  As you may have heard,
there have been a few incidents of extreme lawlessness in this very Paris.  I
understand that your father's fabulous invention might be able to provide us
with some assistance against that threat."
<Claudia> ..My father's invention?
* Claudia doesn't look pleased. "*I* built the Guardian."
* Gabriel looks a bit disfavorably on Claudia, but says nothing.
* Terom stares down, at the covered plate in front of her.
* Angelique studies everything except the conversation, mildly nervous.
* The Captain tilts his head.  "Truly?  I apologize, Mademoiselle.  Your father
had advised me that you were to be its pilot in the testing phase, but I had not
imagined...  My apologies."
<Claudia> I apologize for my outburst. It is a common mistake, unfortunately.
* Avignon nods. "But please, let us not be strangers at this table. 
Mademoiselle Chambelleau, this is Monsieur Mehler," he indicates Gabriel with an
amicable gesture of his right hand, "and Mademoiselle Dieuaimé."  He indicates
the other woman at this point.
* Claudia inclines her head to the two.
* Angelique looks up, a flash of deer-in-headlights passing over her expression
before remembering her manners and inclining her head at the others.
* Gabriel nods to each of them in-turn.
<Avignon> Gabriel, Angelique, please welcome Claudia Chambelleau and T...
Mademoiselle Molina to our little gathering.
* Terom glances up slightly at that, but doesn't seem keen on keeping her
attention there for long.
<Gabriel> Glad to meet both of your acquaintances.
* Angelique nods. "An honor."
<Claudia> Indeed, a pleasure.
<Avignon> I asked Angelique and Gabriel here because they provided a great aid
to Paris earlier today.  A woman who called herself only by the name "Arctica"
had taken several people hostage at the Notre Dame cathedral.
* Angelique's expression darkens. "She had frozen them, and threatened to order
her thugs to smash the ice statues should her demands for gold not be met."
<Claudia> ... Monstrous.
* Angelique nods.
<Gabriel> It was quite a predicament.
* Angelique's eyes flash with a fury most unlike her usual state as she recalls
the callousness of that... thing that resembled a human being.
<Avignon> The two of them were instrumental in Arctica's capture.  Similarly, a
jeweler's shop in another part of town had been terrorized by a gang leader who
calls himself "Earthquake."  He was driven off by some recent associates of
mine, as well.
* Terom doesn't say a word to that.
* Claudia nods.
* Gabriel looks on as Avignon speaks.
<Avignon> Of course, these events were not without cost.  Property damage and
injuries may seem like distant things to all of us at the moment, but these
criminals inflicted pain and fear on the citizens of Paris even without
succeeding in their obvious goals.
* The Captain looks around the table at everyone seated there, even Terom. 
"What I wish to do is to eliminate the threats that these powerful scofflaws
pose to Paris, and to bring a sense of safety and order to the city that Paris
has not seen in many years."
* Angelique nods, hearing his words resonate with something in her heart.
* Claudia smiles slightly, but keeps listening.
* Gabriel nods in agreement.
* Terom doesn't look up, but she still nods.
<Avignon> I believe that everyone at this table has *something* to contribute to
this cause, if you are willing to do so.  But before I ask any of you to make
any additional sacrifices for Paris, I must take a moment to speak with
Mademoiselle Molina.  She may not have come for the same reasons that bring the
rest of you to my table.
<Gabriel> Let us not intrude on what you need to do.
* Terom starts at that, and looks up, just a bit.
<Avignon> Mademoiselle, I apologize for making you wait.  How may I help you?
<Terom> I... just wanted to know why homes were destroyed.
* Terom swallows and looks back down. "That's all. I can leave. You answered the
question already."
* The Captain nods solemnly.  "I understand.  Before you go, could you tell me
why the answer to that question was so important to you?"
* Terom moves to stand, then stops. "Because I live there."
<Avignon> I see.
* Terom twitches, then snaps her head up to stare at Avignon with incredible
intensity. "What did you just do." It's not a question, but a demand.
* Captain Avignon watches Terom for a long moment before he answers.  "I
apologize if I startled you, Mademoiselle.  You have my word that I will be
completely honest with you if you return the courtesy."
* Terom doesn't seem to care. Her voice loses some of the Spanish accent,
picking up more than a little bit of Romani. "What did you just *do*?"
* Avignon appears unruffled.  "I merely asked you to be more honest with me. 
There is more to every person than is readily apparent, wouldn't you agree?"
* Terom doesn't lose the glare. "I heard you." She puts a finger to her temple,
and as she does so, there's a flash of cream-colored sleeve and gold. "Here.
How."
* Claudia watches with interest.
* Gabriel watches impassively.
* Angelique watches apprehensively.
* The Captain rolls his shoulders slightly.  "There are people in this world
with talents well above and beyond those of most others, Mademoiselle.  It
appears that many of these people have gathered in this very city, and are in
fact abusing their... gifts to achieve selfish ends, no matter the cost to
others."
* Terom lowers her hand and listens, though she doesn't seem keen on losing the
angry act anytime soon. If it is an act.
<Avignon> Many such individuals keep their abilities to themselves.  I hope to
find and gather as many generous souls with such gifts under the common goal of
the protection of those who cannot protect themselves from the villains I
mentioned.
<Terom> Fine.  And?
* Avignon cracks a small smile.  "Perhaps 'and nothing.'  A gift is what you
make of it.  If you ever need anything from me, Mademoiselle, please feel
welcome to come and ask.  You will not be denied your rights here."
* Terom keeps her eyes on him for a moment longer, then looks around the table.
She doesn't flinch if she meets anyone's eyes, and her gaze lingers on Claudia.
"Maybe. We'll talk later." She pushes herself to her feet and walks out,
carrying herself with none of the shuffle or timidness she had when she entered.
* Claudia seems mildly amused.
* The Captain nods after Terom, then turns his attention back to the others. 
"Speaking of rights, we need to ensure that all of us can maintain our own.  I
strongly suggest that each of you put some serious thought into taking a... let
us say a 'name for the public.'  If the problem of these villains continues to
grow as I fear it will, we will find ourselves under increasing public
scrutiny."
<Claudia> My armor's name is suitable.
<Avignon> Agreed.  And you yourself are not easily recognizable inside it, I
trust?
<Claudia> ... I shall show it to you after this little get-together is over.
* The stout serving woman escorts Terom toward the front gate.  "Did you get
what you wanted?" she asks of the gypsy.
* Angelique nods, then after some thought, speaks. "Some of the gendarmes who
regularly patrol around the Notre Dame beat have taken to calling me Angel... It
will suit as well as any, I think."
* Gabriel nods. "I will create such an identity for myself as necessity demands.
I certainly hope not to soil the good name of this cause by assisting, though.
Many have had... second thoughts, after seeing the full extent of my abilities."
* Terom pulls her hood off, revealing an exotic face with dusky olive skin, dark
eyes, and thick, braided black hair. She looks back at the woman, golden
earrings sparkling in what little light's there. "More than I bargained for. I'm
sorry I lied to you."
* Avignon nods, first to Claudia, then again to Angelique.  When he turns to
Gabriel he offers a warm, almost fatherly smile.  "I, for one, seriously doubt
that my second thoughts will be much different from my first.  If you will
excuse me, all of you?  Another urgent matter requires my attention, and though
I hate to be so abrupt, I must go below decks immediately."
* Claudia reaches into her pocket and holds out a slip of paper to the Captain.
* The serving woman shrugs her strong shoulders as she walks along with Terom. 
"Not a problem.  Sometimes, we all got--have to hide things.  You need anything
else, you come back, hey?"
* Captain Avignon takes the offered paper as he rises.
* Claudia nods to those assembled and rises, turning to walk onto the gangplank.
* Angelique nods and rises. "Will you send word when we are needed?"
* Terom smiles. "Sure. Thanks for your help."
* Gabriel smiles back and stands.
<Avignon> Without question, Mademoiselle.
* Angelique nods. "Until we meet again, then."
* Terom glances back at the ship, then walks off.
* Angelique launches herself into the air, wings spreading and catching the
updraft. She is out of sight within moments.
* Claudia enters her recently-appeared horse-carriage and it trots away.
* Gabriel glances up at Angelique, and back to Claudia. "Well, this is farewell
for now." He walks calmly off the boat and towards his flat, the light never
getting too dark around him.