* It is Saturday, the eighth of May, in the year eighteen eighty-six. Avignon's steam-powered boat sits tethered to the dock behind Avignon's home, its gangplank down and its imported cedar deck furniture warming slowly in the morning sun. * Captain Avignon sits at one of the two tables on the boat's deck, reading finely typed print on a few sheets of paper with a worried expression on his fatherly face. * The empty arm of his jacket is buttoned up at the shoulder--a change, since he usually leaves the useless strip of cloth hanging loose. A feeling of anxiety hangs in the air like a fog. Even the birds have fallen silent for blocks around Avignon's estate. * Angelique walks quietly up to the estate gates and knocks timidly. * Omar walks up to the Captain, holding a steaming teacup on a small plate. "You look like you need this," he says quietly. * Joan is already on the estate, funnily enough. She's a pretty girl, a little on the short side, with short black hair. She's wearing a black dress and looks relatively unimpressive. * Avignon's manservant approaches the front gate of the estate and opens it for Angelique without hesitation. "Mademoiselle," he says by way of greeting. "The Captain is on his boat. Please, take the path around to the dock," he waves a hand to indicate the small paved path that leads around to the estate's riverfront side. * Omar looks mildly exotic, as ever, with his Arabic skin tones contrasting with the light blues and grays of his finely made youth's garb. * Angelique nods and follows the path she'd taken the last time she was here. * The Captain takes the teacup without complaint. "Thank you, Omar. Although I may need more from you--and from you, Miss Dark--than a cup of tea and pleasant company, today." * Joan nods. "I am ready to serve." Anything in my power, willingly. ^_^ What's bothering you, sir? * Avignon nods gratefully to both Joan and Omar. "Well, it's these--ah?" The Captain looks up at the pathway leading up to the dock. "I believe Angelique is here," he says a moment before the young woman walks into view. * Omar moves to get a better view, and then waves, smiling, at the incoming angel-girl. * Angelique returns the wave. "Good morning, Sirs, mademoiselle. * Joan curtseys. "Good morning, milady." * Omar bows. "It is, at that, mademoiselle." Can I get anything for any of you? Ah... Tea would be good, thank you. * Avignon stands and bows to Angelique by way of greeting. "A pleasure to see you again, mademoiselle." He looks down at Omar before retaking his seat. "Nothing for me, my boy, thank you." * Angelique returns the bow hesitantly before taking a seat, glancing to either side before adjusting her cloak to allow her wings some freedom. * Omar nods, and retreats to someplace out of sight on the ship. A few moments later, he walks back into view with a tray and tea for everyone -but- the Captain, now. He walks to each, serving. And then finds a seat for himself, where he drinks some orange juice. ...where'd the juice come from? * Joan stares at Angelique. "Um.... Are you really an angel?" I... Do not know. The abbot says I was found as I was at the steps to the monastery. Oh. I don't see a halo, so I guess maybe not. * Omar giggles, and hides his face until he schools the mirth away behind his orange juice glass. * Avignon allows himself a soft grin at the byplay before clearing his throat. * Joan peers at Omar. * Claudia descends the stairs onto the boat, glancing around with just a hint of disappointment. * Omar's gaze slides surreptitiously over to meet Joan's. He smiles, white teeth bright against his dark skin. * Angelique twitches the cloak back over her wings, concealing them before the new entrant arrives. These reports I've-- oh? Claudia, welcome. Hello, Mademoiselle Chambelleau. Would you care for some tea? *snaps and gestures to a cup sitting on the table he's at, in front of an empty seat* Ah.. yes, thank you. * Avignon stands and bows again, though he sits again fairly quickly. There are, as it happens, enough cedar chairs on the deck for all present. * Claudia nods to Captain Avignon before sitting. As I was saying, these reports I've been getting from a few of my peers are troubling. Several politicians and entrepreneurs have reported sightings of... well, there's no other description for it but demons, I suppose. Imps, perhaps. In their homes, on the streets, at their windows. * Joan blinks. "Demons?" Interesting. If they are not attacking, they must be gathering information. For some master, most likely. *musingly* * The Captain frowns at the papers before him once again. "It would appear so. To a report, the descriptions involve ugly red creatures with twisted, child-like bodies, goat horns and legs, and long reptilian tails." * Angelique shivers. Well, it's good to know that Paris is suffering from a critical spine shortage. What are we expected to do about these.. nuisances? * Omar sips his orange juice, listening. * Claudia says the last word with distaste, clearly not liking where this conversation is heading. Some reports are more detailed than others, of course, but the similarities are apparent. Mm? Ah, Mademoiselle Chambelleau, there are additional similarities. Several of these reports are accompanied by burglaries, for example. One is an assault, and three others are-- * The Captain's voice falters. "Well, they are best not described in detail in such mixed company." ... Let me just say that several sightings took place in neighborhoods frequented by women of... negotiable affection. * Omar rolls his eyes. "I see." * Claudia sighs. "Whores, Captain. Are the gendarmes helpless?" * Joan blinks a few times. It has been my experience to observe that traditional western European law enforcement is not well equipped to deal with the supernatural, Mademoiselle Chambelleau. * Avignon clucks his tongue disapprovingly at Claudia. "I would not call them whores. Escorts and mistresses. Please do not call them whores where they can hear you." In any case the gendarmes have had remarkable difficulty in arriving at the scenes of these disturbances in time to do anything about them. For one thing, these creatures can fly. For another, the gendarmes have reason to believe that many sightings go unreported to the authorities. I have heard it said that the holy men of this city have become overwhelmed with requests for blessing, exorcisms, and the like. Of course, of course. But what can we do about it? Perhaps one of us gifted in the area of divination could determine the next attack point, or even the master to whom these demons report? * Angelique thinks for a moment. "Has there been any kind of discernible pattern to these attacks, or to their victims?" * The Captain steeples his fingers on the table before him. "The attacks themselves have no obvious pattern, but their victims are all wealthy. Politicians, entrepreneurs, Russian noblewomen, and the like. Most of the sightings were reported by women, but not all." ..Hm. I will have to heighten security, then. * Omar ponders. We may have an advantage here. We have the opportunity to get close to these creatures and learn more about them, if they maintain their taste in victims. * Angelique leans forward slightly to listen. * Joan stares at Avignon. "A-Are you suggesting...?" She doesn't finish. * Omar continues drinking his orange juice, waiting for the Captain to elaborate. * The Captain does finish the thought, however. "There will be a party tonight among several of the wealthier members of Paris elite. Nearly every potential target of this demonic activity will be gathered in one place. I'm suggesting that we attend." Oh. * Claudia groans, burying her face into her hands. * Angelique swallows. * Omar smiles. "That sounds like fun. I enjoy parties. ...should I wear my Arabian 'sheik' garb, or something more Western?" So close. I was *so close*. So close to what? *confused* * Claudia reaches into her coat and produces a large gilded envelope. "To getting out of this damn social function. And now I *have* to go." Why is that a problem? Is it not a fine opportunity to meet with investors? * Avignon smiles, as if oblivious to Claudia's discomfort. "You have an invitation, mademoiselle? That certainly makes things easier for us. I hoped to avoid drawing too much attention by bringing more than one guest. Apart from Omar, at least. Many of my peers have grown accustomed to seeing the lad with me." * Angelique swallows again. * Omar smiles, a bit embarrassed. "I'm always pleased to accompany you, sir." As for other invitations, I could ... arrange for some for the others, if you like. What of the rest of us? You can accompany me. And we may need Angelique's sharp eyes on the outside, as I hardly expect the demons to simply materialize indoors. * Claudia gives Joan and Angelique a quick appraising glance. "..I'll arrange for new outfits. Is it too much to hope that you can dance?" * Joan looks up at Claudia. "Um... I've never been to such a function before, so..." * The Captain interrupts Claudia for a moment. "You needn't worry about Angelique, mademoiselle. I believe she would be better suited to keeping watch away from the prying eyes of other guests." ...demons are not of this world, Captain. They very well could be summoned right inside. Though it would still be wise to observe from the outside, too. * Angelique tries to stammer out a reply, but instead shoots a grateful glance at the Captain. * Claudia directs her attention towards Joan. "Ah, well. I'll give you a quick lesson and hopefully my reputation will be relatively intact when the night is done." * Avignon nods, as much to acknowledge Omar's point as Angelique's gratitude. * Joan frowns. "Perhaps I can simply ignore the dancing area." I would be honored to teach you some simple dances, Mademoiselle Dark. Perhaps we can arrange for some less-than-natural 'talent' for the evening, as well, if you desire it. I'm afraid that would draw too much of the attention we don't want, Mademoiselle Dark. By... not dancing? Dancing is very important. *sagenod* Yes, I can't be accompanied by someone without at least one socially-acceptable skill. * The Captain nods. "Actually, yes. Everyone who attends will be expected to join in at least one dance." * Joan bites her lip. * Claudia taps her chin with one finger. "But before the youth works his foreign magics, we need to get your dress." Um... I-I don't think magic is such a good idea. Is there anything else, Captain? I need to prepare. * Angelique sits back again, allowing herself to relax. * Avignon looks for a moment as if he's about to say that yes, there is something else, but instead he shakes his head. "Please, do not allow me to detain you further. I am sure that you and Mademoiselle Dark have much to do. Will you need Omar's help?" That won't be necessary, but thank you. * Omar finishes his OJ, and puts the glass down. "Okay. I look forward to seeing you ladies with your beauty magnified by your finery. Have fun!" ^_^ * Claudia stands up, leaving her untouched cup behind. "Very well. Come along, my carriage is waiting out front." And with a curt nod to Avignon and Omar, Claudia climbs out of the boat and walks briskly towards the front gate. * Joan follows, albeit somewhat hesitantly. * Avignon bids the two women farewell before turning to Omar and Angelique to discuss their roles in the upcoming event. * Angelique watches the others leave, then turns to the Captain. "Where and when is this party to be held, precisely?" The party is to be held on the estate of a Russian nobleman and investor, a fellow named Tupikov. His is a bit of riverfront property near the southern edge of the city. Actually he is just outside of the city limits, but you ought not be able to miss it from the air. Is that the one who had the cherry-flavored ice sculpture of Versailles at his last party? * Avignon sighs. "Yes, that's the one. He is what we call 'nouveau riche,' Mademoiselle Angelique. Although I'm sure his family has had money for a long time, they have not had money *and* lived in Paris. It is an important distinction, apparently." It is important because it allows those who are not new to maintain some illusion of power when they see it slipping away. It happens. Regardless, he throws good parties. What will you want me doing there, sir? I see... I think. And the time? After nightfall, I suppose? Looking places where you're not likely to draw too much attention, my boy. Serving areas, kitchens, quiet little alcoves where the guests might try to slip away for a bit of privacy. I want you dressing as exotically as you can tonight. The more people identify you as my serving boy, the less likely they will be to question your presence among the working classes. It is a social blindness I mean to exploit. * The Captain nods. "Indeed, Angelique. As soon as the sun sets and it becomes safe for you to fly without being seen, if possible." * Angelique nods. * Omar grins. "So the vest, poofy pants, pointy slippers, and the white turban with enormous, gaudy jewel it is!" I have... Some experience at that. Fortunately, most citizens rarely look at the sky for anything beyond whether it's about to rain or no. * Avignon nods again. "Good. I will be relying on your discretion tonight, both of you." I shall try to be worthy of your trust. * Angelique rises and bows. "I shall see you there tonight, then." Dominus vobiscum. *turns and leaves* * Omar does likewise. "Sadly, I probably won't see you, Mademoiselle." * Avignon stands and returns Angelique's bow. "Until tonight, mademoiselle." * Omar turns to the Captain. "I'm going to go lay out my garb. I will be ready whenever you are, sir." He walks off, almost skipping. * Avignon looks around the boat after everybody has gone. With a quiet sigh, he gathers up the papers and returns to his house to prepare for the evening ahead. * Angelique returns to the Notre Dame in time for morning services and settles into her usual spot to listen to the choir and the prayers.