Red, Right Hand.

[Ringmaster]

Hah. What an amusing thought. For so long, Aralyn had done everything on her own and was used to and happy with doing so. Yet, for the first time, she had someone in it with her - and she was unsure that she liked it. "...Fine. Just stay close," the blonde replied, eyebrows furrowing as the beast came into sight. As long as the other female was close enough, she could guard her with her barriers - which had already began forming around them, demonstrating a faint but pure light.

But as the beast spoke... Aralyn almost let the barrier go down. There was no time wasted in her response. "...Your master. Does he work here? As the World History teacher, by any chance?" she asked, keeping her voice as calm as she could. "If so, we're looking for him. He never came around, so we decided to make sure he was around and alright.. Except, we accidentally set off some magical trinket in the process," she explained.

@Saint Guillotine​

"His security wards! Something was rooting around my masters work! And I can smell its influence now!"

"That would explain why the pentacle was glowing blue."

Ella said thoughtfully before dispelling her weapon. The longsword returned to crucifix form, going around her neck as she crossed her arms in thought.

The only question was why anyone would want to rob a history teachers office, even if they were a wizard. Was it connected to his absence today? She looked at Aralyn pondering as she asked aloud in curiosity.

"We should report this to the authorities. One of us can go to find the local Ketchman, the other can head off to our professors apartment and check it out?"

Ketchman....A Moonlit term for what was broadly best compared to a Sheriff or some form of Law Enforcement among the magical community. Certainly, each faction was governed over by their own kind. But if something like this, that couldn't be hidden was found? It was time to call out one of them.

The only problem was what they were. Drawn from the ranks of hunters and the like, to many creatures with long memories? It was akin to seeing the local gestapo agent in uniform next to a holocaust survivor. Great potential to save, but a lot of red tape and anger to cut through if involved.

What choice do you make?

@Hospes


​

 

[Midnight Maiden]

"His security wards! Something was rooting around my masters work! And I can smell its influence now!"

"That would explain why the pentacle was glowing blue."

Ella said thoughtfully before dispelling her weapon. The longsword returned to crucifix form, going around her neck as she crossed her arms in thought.

The only question was why anyone would want to rob a history teachers office, even if they were a wizard. Was it connected to his absence today? She looked at Aralyn pondering as she asked aloud in curiosity.

"We should report this to the authorities. One of us can go to find the local Ketchman, the other can head off to our professors apartment and check it out?"

Ketchman....A Moonlit term for what was broadly best compared to a Sheriff or some form of Law Enforcement among the magical community. Certainly, each faction was governed over by their own kind. But if something like this, that couldn't be hidden was found? It was time to call out one of them.

The only problem was what they were. Drawn from the ranks of hunters and the like, to many creatures with long memories? It was akin to seeing the local gestapo agent in uniform next to a holocaust survivor. Great potential to save, but a lot of red tape and anger to cut through if involved.

What choice do you make?

@Hospes


​

And at that, the barriers immediately dropped, and Aralyn's muscles relaxed. Yet, she still looked alert, if a bit uneasy. This didn't sound good, and she had a feeling she'd hate where it was going. Yet, she tried to retain a sense of calm and composure, nodding slightly. "So, someone's been poking around where they shouldn't have," she concluded, sighing softly.

As Ella made the suggestion that they split up, Aralyn felt her nerves intensifying yet again, and she didn't know if she had the bravery for either task. "Oh, uh.. Yes, you're right," the Baku admitted. "I suppose I can search the apartment," she offered, nervously. "But.. Can I grab my supplies, first? The other students seem to quite like stealing or vandalizing my possessions..."​

 

[Ringmaster]

And at that, the barriers immediately dropped, and Aralyn's muscles relaxed. Yet, she still looked alert, if a bit uneasy. This didn't sound good, and she had a feeling she'd hate where it was going. Yet, she tried to retain a sense of calm and composure, nodding slightly. "So, someone's been poking around where they shouldn't have," she concluded, sighing softly.

As Ella made the suggestion that they split up, Aralyn felt her nerves intensifying yet again, and she didn't know if she had the bravery for either task. "Oh, uh.. Yes, you're right," the Baku admitted. "I suppose I can search the apartment," she offered, nervously. "But.. Can I grab my supplies, first? The other students seem to quite like stealing or vandalizing my possessions..."​

Ella's expression went blank at first before turning into an angry pout.

"If they mess with you, lemme know. I'll kick their asses."

It was a somewhat amusing declaration, kindly meant at any rate as Ella then proceeded to give her number to Aralyn.

'Just call me if you need me', she had said and proceeded to leave for help. Thankfully, for Aralyn it was easy to find the professors place of residence. He lived close to campus, in a place renowned for its quiet nature. Nobody ever really came around and hardly any wild parties were to be had, as it may have been in the more student-dominated places. That much was easy.

What was unexpected was the police force standing before it, cars parked and alarms flashing as they walked in and out of the building. Maybe it had to do with his disappearance? Or was it just some great coincidence?

Somehow, you had a feeling it wasn't.

@Hospes​

 

[Midnight Maiden]

Ella's expression went blank at first before turning into an angry pout.

"If they mess with you, lemme know. I'll kick their asses."

It was a somewhat amusing declaration, kindly meant at any rate as Ella then proceeded to give her number to Aralyn.

'Just call me if you need me', she had said and proceeded to leave for help. Thankfully, for Aralyn it was easy to find the professors place of residence. He lived close to campus, in a place renowned for its quiet nature. Nobody ever really came around and hardly any wild parties were to be had, as it may have been in the more student-dominated places. That much was easy.

What was unexpected was the police force standing before it, cars parked and alarms flashing as they walked in and out of the building. Maybe it had to do with his disappearance? Or was it just some great coincidence?

Somehow, you had a feeling it wasn't.

@Hospes​

This girl was... Well, certainly full of surprises. While thankful and touched by the statement, Aralyn found her stomach twisting at the thought. "It's quite alright, really. Nothing to fret about too much," she tried to assure, hoping to avoid any 'ass kicking'. After all, she preferred to avoid violence like the plague whenever possible.

Nodding as her new friend offered her her number, the blonde tentatively accepted, making a mental note to add the number to her phone once she had her things. "Right. If you need anything, you can call me, too," she stated, giving Ella her own number.

After that, the student made her way back to class, hurriedly grabbing her things before scampering out. But, not before carefully lulling the class to sleep with a bit of magic, hoping this would keep the students from getting into trouble. After doing so, and stowing her things away in her locker before she left as stealthily as she could, luckily managing to go unnoticed.

Luckily, the trek to the building was a short one, and the blonde put Ella's number into her phone as she walked, then proceeding to hide it away in her pocket. In the pocket of her jacket. But unluckily, there was what looked to be a whole squad of police around her destination, making the timid girl falter. How was she supposed to look around with all of them around?

@Saint Guillotine​

 

[Ringmaster]

Luckily, the trek to the building was a short one, and the blonde put Ella's number into her phone as she walked, then proceeding to hide it away in her pocket. In the pocket of her jacket. But unluckily, there was what looked to be a whole squad of police around her destination, making the timid girl falter. How was she supposed to look around with all of them around?

How indeed? At any rate, it didn't seem as though they were preventing anyone from entering the apartment building, there was just a large number of them going in and out. Also present was what appeared to be a coroner wagon, old fashioned and with an actual horse hitched up as it stood obediently.

A ragged homeless figure peered out from the shadow of an alley across the street.

And from the side, you thought you might have seen a fire escape that might let you go unseen if you wished.

These were the most obvious options.

What path would you choose?

@Hospes​

 

[Midnight Maiden]

How indeed? At any rate, it didn't seem as though they were preventing anyone from entering the apartment building, there was just a large number of them going in and out. Also present was what appeared to be a coroner wagon, old fashioned and with an actual horse hitched up as it stood obediently.

A ragged homeless figure peered out from the shadow of an alley across the street.

And from the side, you thought you might have seen a fire escape that might let you go unseen if you wished.

These were the most obvious options.

What path would you choose?

@Hospes​

Hoping that she didn't look as nervous as she felt, the Baku seemed to consider just how she was to go about the task, her teeth once again gently sinking into her lip in thought. Even though the entrance wasn't blocked off, it felt like she'd be in major trouble if she tried to go in through the front. Yet, trying to sneak in felt... Wrong. ...But it's for the greater good, she reasoned with herself, trying to bolster some courage and be tough about this. Letting herself shirk and hide now would do no good.

So, despite her hesitance(and after peering around a bit in hopes of finding nobody watching), the blonde girl started for the fire escape, hoping it would suffice as a method of getting in unnoticed.

@Saint Guillotine​

 

[Ringmaster]

Hoping that she didn't look as nervous as she felt, the Baku seemed to consider just how she was to go about the task, her teeth once again gently sinking into her lip in thought. Even though the entrance wasn't blocked off, it felt like she'd be in major trouble if she tried to go in through the front. Yet, trying to sneak in felt... Wrong. ...But it's for the greater good, she reasoned with herself, trying to bolster some courage and be tough about this. Letting herself shirk and hide now would do no good.

So, despite her hesitance(and after peering around a bit in hopes of finding nobody watching), the blonde girl started for the fire escape, hoping it would suffice as a method of getting in unnoticed.

@Saint Guillotine​

Luckily, most were drawn to the attention at the front and the Baku managed to get up the fire escape without incident. Up she climbed, passing by various apartment windows. Some closed, some open...One playing ballet music, a quick glimpse revealing a woman spinning beautifully within her own living room, a faint miasma of magic pervading within.

It was when she reached the sixth floor and the window that she heard it.

"-No signs of forced entry. No idea what kind of weapon could be used- No evidence. Just a dead man in a chair, with his chest looking like someone punched through it."

"That's not good enough! Window?"

"Closed from the inside."

"Dammit....Grr."

"...Er, Officer Celadon?"

"....We're bringing in the priest."

"Look, boss we don't need no fake-"

"-Just do it."

Footsteps echoed and a door closed...Leaving you free to either check or slip inside.

What do you do?

@Hospes​

 

[Midnight Maiden]

Luckily, most were drawn to the attention at the front and the Baku managed to get up the fire escape without incident. Up she climbed, passing by various apartment windows. Some closed, some open...One playing ballet music, a quick glimpse revealing a woman spinning beautifully within her own living room, a faint miasma of magic pervading within.

It was when she reached the sixth floor and the window that she heard it.

"-No signs of forced entry. No idea what kind of weapon could be used- No evidence. Just a dead man in a chair, with his chest looking like someone punched through it."

"That's not good enough! Window?"

"Closed from the inside."

"Dammit....Grr."

"...Er, Officer Celadon?"

"....We're bringing in the priest."

"Look, boss we don't need no fake-"

"-Just do it."

Footsteps echoed and a door closed...Leaving you free to either check or slip inside.

What do you do?

@Hospes​

Breathing a sigh of relief when she realized that nobody was watching, Aralyn started her venture up the escape, her movements swift and nimble. However, she couldn't help but pause when she heard the music, her pale blue eyes searching for the source. And, when she found it- and the woman dancing with a grace that the girl hadn't known was possible -she found her movements halting for a moment. She couldn't help but admire her fluid, beautiful movements, and long to stay to observe a bit longer.

However, she couldn't, and she forced herself to pull her eyes away and move on.

At some point, she paused again, realizing she'd come to the right floor. Voices came from the inside, and she listened closely, straining her ears to catch every word that she could. And immediately, her heart sank.

He was dead. Their teacher was dead.

It was painful to hear the words, and it took a long minute to recover. But still, she listened, hoping to get more information. It was minimal, but still, it could come of use to tell Ella, later. After she was sure the voices were gone, while pondering what evils could do this, or just who this 'Priest' was, she slowly pulled herself into the window.

@Saint Guillotine​

 

[Ringmaster]

Breathing a sigh of relief when she realized that nobody was watching, Aralyn started her venture up the escape, her movements swift and nimble. However, she couldn't help but pause when she heard the music, her pale blue eyes searching for the source. And, when she found it- and the woman dancing with a grace that the girl hadn't known was possible -she found her movements halting for a moment. She couldn't help but admire her fluid, beautiful movements, and long to stay to observe a bit longer.

However, she couldn't, and she forced herself to pull her eyes away and move on.

At some point, she paused again, realizing she'd come to the right floor. Voices came from the inside, and she listened closely, straining her ears to catch every word that she could. And immediately, her heart sank.

He was dead. Their teacher was dead.

It was painful to hear the words, and it took a long minute to recover. But still, she listened, hoping to get more information. It was minimal, but still, it could come of use to tell Ella, later. After she was sure the voices were gone, while pondering what evils could do this, or just who this 'Priest' was, she slowly pulled herself into the window.

@Saint Guillotine​

It was a quiet apartment, peaceful despite the bloody scene before her. An old fashioned cuckoo clock on the wall was stopped at a little past twelve, next to a bookcase full of leatherbound books. Spellbooks most would presume, but the titles were all of classical books. Treasure Island, Moby Dick, Tom Sawyer. A perfectly intriguing collection for any lover of the written word. The only one that appeared to be disturbed was an Edgar A. Poe tome, fallen upon the floor.

In an easy chair near the center, with a glass of wine and some crackers was the professor. He had died in great pain, his chest simply crushed in from the looks of it. A closer examination might prove interesting, but even without it you knew for sure.

This was Black Magic. The very worst of the worse, used by those who abused the gifts they were born with. Such had not been seen for a very long time in these parts, much less used to kill.

Where do you begin?

@Hospes​

 

[Midnight Maiden]

It was a quiet apartment, peaceful despite the bloody scene before her. An old fashioned cuckoo clock on the wall was stopped at a little past twelve, next to a bookcase full of leatherbound books. Spellbooks most would presume, but the titles were all of classical books. Treasure Island, Moby Dick, Tom Sawyer. A perfectly intriguing collection for any lover of the written word. The only one that appeared to be disturbed was an Edgar A. Poe tome, fallen upon the floor.

In an easy chair near the center, with a glass of wine and some crackers was the professor. He had died in great pain, his chest simply crushed in from the looks of it. A closer examination might prove interesting, but even without it you knew for sure.

This was Black Magic. The very worst of the worse, used by those who abused the gifts they were born with. Such had not been seen for a very long time in these parts, much less used to kill.

Where do you begin?

@Hospes​

Admittedly, the place was nicer that she had been expecting, with the exception of the felled body of a man at his desk. The sight made Aralyn raise a hand to her mouth out of shock and horror, her stomach twisting with the aforementioned emotions. Unable to handle the sight, Aralyn observed the apartment itself, though the deep-rooted sense of pain and sorrow from the sight refused to leave her. It didn't take much with a glance at his Mortal wound to know it was dark magecraft, and it was something that made her want to double over.

Trying to focus on his books, instead, the blonde wandered over to where the fallen time was, examining it whilst making sure not to touch. She knew the importance of not contaminating a crime scene.

@Saint Guillotine​

 

[Ringmaster]

Such was the title of the fallen book, with further perusal showing it was impossible for the books to fall of their own accord. A last minute warning? A sign for those who'd investigate?

@Hospes​

 

[Midnight Maiden]

Such was the title of the fallen book, with further perusal showing it was impossible for the books to fall of their own accord. A last minute warning? A sign for those who'd investigate?

@Hospes​

For Aralyn to claim that this discovery wasn't extremely intimidating would be a massive, gutless lie. It terrified her, and she found herself suddenly backing away in such an abrupt motion that she wound up falling on her butt with a small 'oof'. Perhaps she was brave when face to face with evil, but she was as timid as ever when even she didn't know just what she was dealing with.

Hoping desperately that nobody heard her fall, the student hurried to recover, cheeks heating up with embarrassment. How could she be so timid and clumsy? Regardless, she swallowed hard, trying to look for anything else that might have been of interest or importance.

@Saint Guillotine​

 

[Ringmaster]

The only other object of interests in this room was the clock...The body itself and what she heard. Nobody came in or out, it was only him. She knew it was black magic that killed him, but not of a sort for people such as her kind...Or the others. This left only one possible solution.

Wizards. Magicians. New York City had lots of them, all of them situated in certain neighborhoods, using traditions passed down from their home countries or used in service for the city in general. A good example were the Druids of Central Park and the Bronx Zoo.

In terms of wizards, she would be spoiled for choice though anything more specific would be out of reach for now.

There was a sound of people approaching from the hallway... And then the doorknob clicked as someone grabbed it from outside.

@Hospes​

 

[Midnight Maiden]

The only other object of interests in this room was the clock...The body itself and what she heard. Nobody came in or out, it was only him. She knew it was black magic that killed him, but not of a sort for people such as her kind...Or the others. This left only one possible solution.

Wizards. Magicians. New York City had lots of them, all of them situated in certain neighborhoods, using traditions passed down from their home countries or used in service for the city in general. A good example were the Druids of Central Park and the Bronx Zoo.

In terms of wizards, she would be spoiled for choice though anything more specific would be out of reach for now.

There was a sound of people approaching from the hallway... And then the doorknob clicked as someone grabbed it from outside.

@Hospes​

Not having noticed the clock until now, Aralyn turned her attention to it when she was sure no one was coming, observing the object in hopes that there would be another piece of evidence. She was painfully aware this was the work of a mage, but she had no clue where to take that.

Of course, those thoughts were quickly pushed aside with force when she heard the approach and the knob turning.

Immediately, those pale eyes widened endlessly, and her whole body froze. She felt like she was trembling out of fear and horror, yet her whole body was frozen still.

@Saint Guillotine​

 

[Ringmaster]

Not having noticed the clock until now, Aralyn turned her attention to it when she was sure no one was coming, observing the object in hopes that there would be another piece of evidence. She was painfully aware this was the work of a mage, but she had no clue where to take that.

Of course, those thoughts were quickly pushed aside with force when she heard the approach and the knob turning.

Immediately, those pale eyes widened endlessly, and her whole body froze. She felt like she was trembling out of fear and horror, yet her whole body was frozen still.

​

It seemed almost like an eternity, for her in that moment. The sound of the doorknob, the sour smell of death in the air seemed increasingly sharper to Aralyn's senses and so did the sense of fear. What would happen to her? Was it an enemy, perhaps seeking to ensure that no Baku would live to tell the tale of what happened here? Perhaps an officer of the law, arresting her on some grounds, sending her to lockup where she'd forever be behind bars, poked and prodded and forced to make root beer in her toilet. One scenario after another, each more outlandish increased before finally ceasing. Fate had made its play, the door opened and closed gently as its owner looked on in silence.

"......"

He was a burly figure. A giant of a man with a heavily scarred face, that upon close examination looked like claw marks. His right hand was missing, a gleaming silver hook in replacement and he wore the police uniform like he was born to it. There was a quiet dignity pervading him as he slowly looked her over before calling out to the hallway.

"Officers? Keep watch, ensure no one comes in or out."

Chorus along the lines of 'yes Sarge' was heard and he gently closed the door, looking at Aralyn before slowly speaking.

"What have we here then? Are you a thief?"

@Hospes

@Sorry for delay, finally got good internet again.​

 

[Midnight Maiden]

It seemed almost like an eternity, for her in that moment. The sound of the doorknob, the sour smell of death in the air seemed increasingly sharper to Aralyn's senses and so did the sense of fear. What would happen to her? Was it an enemy, perhaps seeking to ensure that no Baku would live to tell the tale of what happened here? Perhaps an officer of the law, arresting her on some grounds, sending her to lockup where she'd forever be behind bars, poked and prodded and forced to make root beer in her toilet. One scenario after another, each more outlandish increased before finally ceasing. Fate had made its play, the door opened and closed gently as its owner looked on in silence.

"......"

He was a burly figure. A giant of a man with a heavily scarred face, that upon close examination looked like claw marks. His right hand was missing, a gleaming silver hook in replacement and he wore the police uniform like he was born to it. There was a quiet dignity pervading him as he slowly looked her over before calling out to the hallway.

"Officers? Keep watch, ensure no one comes in or out."

Chorus along the lines of 'yes Sarge' was heard and he gently closed the door, looking at Aralyn before slowly speaking.

"What have we here then? Are you a thief?"

@Hospes

@Sorry for delay, finally got good internet again.​

Others may have before thought that moments could last for an eternity, but Aralyn herself had never experienced that feeling so intensely as she had, now. Everything was in slow motion but her thoughts, which raced at a pace like none other. So many 'what if's ran through her head that she felt like her heart would stop from the fear, and she found that she had stopped breathing entirely. Perhaps it was this.. Priest, those officers were talking about. Maybe they'd think she was a demon, or the killer, and purge her on the spot. Or.. Or what if they arrested her, or thought she was incriminating the scene? Perhaps it was the killer, or one of the officers coming on rounds. Or... Or.....

Or it was a burly man with heavy scars, appearing to be inflicted by claws. Aralyn noticed he had a hook for a hand, and he was garbed in a police uniform, an air of dignity and professionalism about him. And... He was looking her over..

Aralyn had been unable to breathe before, but the sensation got much worse, now. Her heart felt like it was truly stopping, and yet beating so fast it would burst from her chest at the same time. Attempts were made to compose herself, but in the end, her knees buckled so badly that she sank to the floor on them, head lowered in something of a bow to the man. It took a long while for her to manage to speak, and with her ceased breathing.. The words were ragged. Choppy and hoarse. "N-no.. s-s-sir...."

@Saint Guillotine

@No problem, I understand the feeling​

 

[Ringmaster]

His mustache twitched, once as he moved off to the side, the sounds of rummaging and a sink turned on activating. This mysterious activity done he returned and with a ponderous grunt, sat down with mild stiffness on the floor next to her.

Silence, save for the clock tick-tock filled the air, before he finally spoke.

"Are you.... Like him then? The man who died."

At whatever look she gave him, he smiled.

"No, I'm human. But I know what lies beneath. Had a tussle with a werewolf who made me so pretty today."

He chuckled, at ease before adding.

"My name is Sergeant Maur. My friends call me Siege. Whats yours?"

@Hospes

 

[Midnight Maiden]

The movements made Aralyn more afraid, but she took the opportunity of him focusing on other things to try to get a breath in. C'mon, Ara... In and out... It took a long bit, but she managed to inhale and exhale, her breathing slightly uneven but at least beginning to even out. Suffocating herself or hyperventilating was no better way to die than being killed under assumption that she was the killer, or being killed by the killer. She just needed to keep that in mind. As his footfalls started in her direction again, and he actually sat with her, it got a bit harder to keep calm. What would happen to her? Would he opt to send her to prison?...

There was no time to ponder what could go down before he said it.

Immediately, pale blue eyes widened impossibly, and her gaze slowly rose from the floor to look at him with something between world-shattering fear, and a good bit of shock. No.. No, he couldn't have figured that out! Not that fast..! An overwhelming urge to run shot through the blonde. A need to get as far away from the man as possible and never look back.. Especially when he shared he was human. "I... I-I... H-how did you know?" she stammered in a whisper, her voice cracking ever-so-slightly. Her worst fear, being discovered by humans, was coming to reality.

There was a long pause before she regained the ability to form words again, the process involving a lot of wordless opening and closing of Aralyn's mouth. "Aralyn A-Alamazt.. P-people don't really give me nicknames," she answered, the last sentence coming out in a bare whisper. There was yet another pause, before another shaky question came. "Am.. A-am I.. G-going to go to j-jail?"

@Saint Guillotine​

 

[Ringmaster]

"I don't know. Did you do anything to warrant going to jail?" He asked politely. One hand gestured towards the window and the latch as he added.

"I remember seeing that window latched. I didn't open it, so therefore I can only presume you were invited. Now then. Hot chocolate? "

The kettle he poured out earlier began to whistle as he moved to prepare two mugs. It was slightly difficult one-handed, but he managed well enough. Returning, he passed one mug over and spoke.

"So we went over what we could.... But we've no viewpoint of any of your sort in the Force. A shame I think personally. Did you find anything at all?"

@Hospes

 

[Midnight Maiden]

That.... Was a very good question. "W-well.. I-I came here from college. Our teacher-" there was a pause, and a pained look crossed her face. "-..the deceased, was missing, s-so I came looking for him to see what I could find..." she explained, quietly. Was coming in through the fire escape illegal, though? She tried not to think too much about it.. But she wouldn't withhold the information. "I c-came through th-the f-fire escape, th-though..."

Yet again, she was taken aback. How was she meeting so many kind people in one day? And.. Why wasn't this man afraid of her for what she was? Why wasn't he making assumptions or claims on her for her presence? It was odd and foreign, but Aralyn gave a slow polite nod despite this. "A-ah, should we really have that in here, th-though..? I wouldn't want to spill and contaminate the scene at all," she murmured, sheepishly. Sh'ed likely screwed up plenty for the day. But as he passed over the mug, she offered a small nod and smile of appreciation. "Thank you, sir." Sure, she knew his name, but this was a a force of habit that she couldn't really help.

As the Siege made his statement that the squad had found nothing due to a lack of supernatural members, Aralyn provided another small nod, about to speak up... When her face suddenly paled. The book. How could she have forgotten about it so quickly? "...'The Masque of the Red Death'," she quoted, the words flowing freely. "A book, fallen from the shelves... But the books can't fall on their own," she explained, seeming to hold a little more confidence when she was discussing these things. "An enchantment, I think."

@Saint Guillotine​