Lord Panther

Thanks for the pleasant surprise... and a surprise it was.. just finished reading a thread, clicked back to the main, and *POOF* colours back to the way they were before. Good work guys!

I'm in, character to come... hopefully this weekend will allow me to think something up (yeah, early in the week to say that, but, its the way things are...)

Congratulations to the three of you, well deserved promotions indeed. Wear your new ranks with pride!

Charles had turned the envelope over and over in his hands all night, wondering what he should do to it, what kind of gloating it could contain. After a while, he had put it aside and made sure that his cell mates got some of the food that he had brougth with him, as they definatley hadn't been eating as well as he had the last few days, for obvious reasons. Finally, after a couple hours of something that could barely be called sleep, Charles decided that things couldn't get any worse right now, so he may as well find out what was in this envelope. Tearing open the envelope, Charles found two things inside, a note and another envelope. He put the second, obviously old and a little weathered, envelope at his side, and opened the note slowly, not sure what to expect. He silently runs his eyes over the words, reading with some surprise: Hmmm... Charles thought to himself, I guess she finally came to her senses and realizes that she does owe me. His eyes moved to the second envelope sitting on the cold floor next to him. He decides that he may as well read it, at least to curb his peaked curiosity. So, he picked up the envelope, opened it and removed a neatly folded small bundle of papers inside. He quickly leafs the pages, counting and thinking to himself Wow, that girl can really write a lot... After preparing himself mentally for reading this not-so-short story, Charles takes it from the top: The pages after the letter were a recounting of Annelise's recovery in and out of the hospital, simply titled: This is the life you saved. He read through them slowly, finding some internal happiness for what he had done, while keeping his exterior as cold as stone, as to not let the others know that he was actually a little touched by what he was reading. Charles made a mental note to himself that if he ever gets out of this cursed room, he will have to thank Annelise for the letter, in private, of course. [OOC: Being locked in the room, Charles is not yet aware of Anne's demise. If the opportunity and inspiration present themselves, I will do a follow up post to this one.]

my sentiments exactly. I hope its a wonderful day for her and your whole family.

After the screams in the middle of the night, Charles just knew that there had been another murder. He didn't want to know who it was, he didn't want to know how it happened, he just wanted it to stop before everyone was dead. He had seen his share of death in the past few days, much more than he would have thought he would see in his lifetime. Sure, there was the occasional unlucky skier or boarder who hit a tree, or was stranded on the mountain overnight, then found frozen the next day, but to Charles, those were the hazards that he worked with, he didn't like those deaths, but he could deal with them. As he was waxing his skis in his room, something Dana had warned him not to do, something hit Charles like a snowball in the face. He realized that he had not seen Gregor very often before his demise. Perhaps he had been hiding out, conspiring with his accomplice? Perhaps hoping that "out of sight, out of mind" would hold true? The questions ran through his mind, he needed to find the answers. The most important question he wanted to answer was: "Who else had been in the limelight the whole time? Who else wasn't drawing any attention to themselves?" Charles mulled over his possible answers as he packed his iron away and finished getting ready for the day of trails that was ahead of him. He figured he would be putting Annelise through the paces again today, seeing if she was really ready to be back on the mountain, or just fooling herself. All the while, he was cycling through the different people who still inhabited the lodge. Just before stepping out into the cold, he settled on one face. But could it really be her? He muttered to himself. She certainly fits the not drawing attention to herself, but how can I be certain? I guess I really can't. I just have to keep my eyes open. The small arguement with himself settled, Charles stepped out into the snow, ready to tackle the mountain once again. His mind was now on the mountain, as he had settled upon who he thought was the other killer. Now, where was this intern of his? [OOC: vote for Evelyn Thorp/Azuran]

LoL, who needs a chainsaw when there are sharp edges on all the skis and boards? hehehe Seriously tho, nice kill scene.

Charles decided that today, he would ski for himself, not for the resort. All the work he had done lately, well, he deserved a break. He gathered up his gear and headed out onto the mountain, being sure to avoid Annelise, as he didn't want to deal with her today either. Charles made quite a few runs on his how, thinking to himself as to what to do about these killers, and really, what could he do? He pondered over Brad's words as he was being dragged down to the stock room. Was he right? Did he have something? After many more runs, Charles had convinced himself that Brad, as much as he didn't like him, could be right. They would have to find out of Gregor was one of the killers... [OOC:Vote for Gregor/JDRollins]

After what he thought was a successful day of scouting out the mountain, Charles once more returned to the lodge for a hot drink and some relaxation. After he was changed and his gear stowed, he got himself a good mug of chocolate and sat near the hearth, thinking of all the bad happenings that have occured this year on the mountain, and who could possibly be behind them. He knew that there was suspicion that had been thrown his way, it seemed to be coming from one person in particular. But why? He had done nothing to this person. Maybe this person wanted him out of the way so that he could get at everyone else... It was an intriguing thought. Charles sat watching the room and pondering his idea... [OOC: vote for Brad/Gryphon]

Very interesting way of looking at things.

After taking a walk around the quiet snow covered trails, Charles returned to the lodge and went straight to bed, avoiding everyone, especially Annelise. He was even sleeping relatively well, when he was awoken by all the clamour in the hallway. Half-awake, he walked out of his room to find most everyone gathered around one of the doors. Rubbing his sleepy eyes to have a better view, Charles read the message that had been carved in the wood of the door. He also heard that everyone was still alive, and that the murderers were scared off by someone. Satisfied with what he had found out, Charles went back to his room to get a little more sleep before another day on the mountain. [OOC: no vote yet]

After his whole incident with Annelise on the slopes, Charles thought it would be a good idea if he took a small break before heading back out on to the mountian. Maybe he would sit by the fire once more and see if he could figur out who the crazy people were who, obviously, wanted the mountain closed. Who these people, who were willing to go to great lengths to reach their goal, could be. While tucking his equipment away in his room, Charles had a little time to reflect upon the events over the last couple days. None of it made sense to him. But then again, killing never made sense to him. He had always been more interested in saving lives than taking them. Corpses can't be forever grateful. Dead people can't owe their lives to you. And yet, Charles knew that there were people within the lodge that did suspect him. It scared him to think that some people would think him capable of such a horrendous crime! Charles had to get his mind off that and figure out for himself who was the real killer. If they didn't figure it out soon, there would be no one left to run the mountain. His mind came to Shayna. She had put the sheet over the blood stain on the ceiling. Was she, possibly subconsciously, trying to hide her actions? Maybe ashamed of something she had done? Charles couldn't say for sure, but she was the only one that his mind came to, he just hoped he was correct and that the killing would end soon. [OOC: vote for Shayna/Evangeline]

Belated birthday wishes from me as well. I hope it was a good one.

Ahh, but rifts can be fun to play out too, especially when you're wanting to play out a real prick of a character.

Off in his own world, Charles is shaken free to the real world by Vinka's question, and then even more so by Brad's. "Hmm, sorry, I was just thinking to myself what kind of person would do these things? What are they wanting to accomplish? Are they wanting the mountain closed? That would be death! Can you imagine a winter without skiing? without Vannacutt Point? I know I can't. As for what I know, well, all I know is that someone has been killed. As everyone has noticed, I was late getting back, and came into the middle of this mess. It is a sad and scary incident indeed, but it is something that I have no control over, so my biggest worry still is getting the mountain set for opening on time. I just have to keep the events out of my head so that I can concentrate on my job. And as cold and disconnected as it sounds, maybe more of us should be of the same mind." His piece said, Charles looks between Vinka and Brad's faces, looking for something, anything...

Ahh, but once again, I'm in the lead.

After getting changed into some more appropriate clothes, and stowing his gear safely in his room, Charles makes his way down to the main room to lounge in front of the fire and drink something hot. Once getting himself a good hot chocoate, spiced up with a little irish cream, Charles sits himself down in a comfortable chair to observe the scene. There were obvious signs of panic and distress on everyone's faces, and rightfully so, there had been a murder. Taking his time and studying the faces of the different people around, Charles wonders who would have done such a thing. Who was putting on the act? His eyes finally settled on Vinka. She was definatley putting on an act, and had the two guys completely wrapped up in it. If she was acting in that way, could she not be acting to cover up the murder as well? Charles decided to himself that he would like to see how deep Vinka's act really went... (OOC: Vote for Vinka/Vahktang)

There would be no moguls yet.Moguls are made by the actions of the skiers. Good point! and for really good moguls, it take quite a few good skiers to carve them out.

After steering his oh-so-wanted intern away from a run that would be closed, if this were into the regular ski season, Charles saw her speed off in the direction of another less than easy slope. After cursing the ski gods for placing him with an obviously oblivious skier for an assistant, he makes his way in the direction after her. Upon reaching the top of the slope, he looks down towards her. She has stopped mid way down the run, and is leaning against a stump, breathing hard. Obviously she got herself in too deep. But, on the bright side, according to Charles, there is an instructor there with her, so he's off the hook, for now. Taking this as his chance to slip away and do some skiing alone, Charles makes his way down a trail to another of his favorite runs before making his way back to the lodge for some refreshment and chit-chat with the others. On his approach to the lodge, Charles notices quite the group on the deck and wonders to himself what could be so interesting, or if he is really that late coming back that someone was worried for him? But when he gets closer and steps out of his bindings, Charles notices Dana clearly distraught and the bloody stumps sticking out of the board boots, still strapped into the bindings. Quickly he finds out from the others that Seth was killed, the radio smashed and a very disturbing note left with what's left of Seth. Not liking the sight of death, Charles clears the snow off of his equipment and makes his way to his room to change out of his ski gear, and into something more appropriate for sitting infront of a fire. All the time he thinks to himself, at least it wasn't me and well, it was only a snowboarder, they do nothing but shave off all the good moguls. (OOC: no vote yet)

After sleeping much longer than he had expected, Charles wakes up in the very early morning, while the sun isn't quite up yet. After grabbing a very quick and light breakfast, he's outside with his ski suit on, matching his gear, of course, tightening the buckles on his boots and stepping into his ski bindings. "Ahh, there's nothing like the first day of skiing on new equipment, and having the mountain to yourself, or close enough" He says, rolling his eyes as he remembers that the others are here too. After making sure that everything is good, he makes his way to the lift, which is just starting up, and sneaks onto the earliest chair he can, eager to make some powder fly! Once at the top, he makes his way to a far and remote ridge to check the boundaries, and to hopefully avoid the others until he's made his marks on the mountain. His worries slowly melt away in the frozen alpine as he carves his way down some untouched powder, towards the bottom of the run.

Cursing and swearing, Charles makes his way to the lodge from the helicopter pad. Why did he have to be the last one on the mountain, instead of the first, like normal. Now, certainly, there were already tracks made on his favorite runs. Arg, the injustice! Oh well, at least he will be able to strap on his brand new Völkl Unlimited AC4's and cover every inch of the mountain very soon, before he has to worry about the ski patrol duties during the regular season. Now, he just hopes that no one has taking his lodge room, for if that has gone wrong too, there would be hell to pay! He hadn't been working here for the past seven years just to have some rookie come in and steal his room! The only thing going right for him right now is that the helicopter didn't crash into the side of the mountain, as they did hit a bit of a snow storm on the way up. No wonder the roads weren't cleared yet, the snow just keeps on coming. He'd missed the briefing as to who was assigned what jobs, so he stops by the bulletin board to check and make sure they hadn't messed up his position. But what was this, an intern? Attached to him?! That's just what he needs, some snowplowing rookie to keep an eye on, as well as the public. This just keeps getting worse and worse... Oh well, he decides, at least he'll be on the slopes soon. Maybe he'll manage to lose his intern in a chute or down a wooded trail or something. He'd find a way, or at least he hopes he will. Exhausted from the trip, Charles catches a break and gets his room, packs all his gear, including his skiis, poles and boots, into the closet, and stretches out on the bed. He wouldn't be caught leaving his gear with everyone elses, its too much of a temptation for people to "borrow" something that is quite likely better than theirs. Maybe a short nap will get his spirits going again... (OOC: I will do the backreading and edit according to any details I have bungled)

Just wanted to add an age to Charles... I figure he's around 28 years old.

A little late, but better than never.... congrats Azuran!

The work made John's muscles and joints ache, but it took his mind off the situation, if only slightly. His split wood pile becoming larger and larger, he kept pouring over the murders in his mind. He had no doubt that Lillen was not involved. He had known her since she was a baby, and knew that she just did not have killing within her. He also doubted completely that Susan had anything to do with the killings. He knew she wasn't exactly excited about her arranged marraige, but he believed it far from her to go on a killing rampage in order to prevent it. Besides, even if the thought had crossed her mind, wouldn't she have gone after her betrothed alread? It didn't make any sense for her to be involved. John's mind passed over the faces of the remaining villagers, not able to completely convince himself one way or the other. His gut still told him that he was right in his suspicions, and that he had to stick to them, no matter what.

Now John was just plain angry. Another murder, another dead villager, another lost friend. This had to stop, and he had to do his best to help that end arrive. He was so furious, that if he was able to get his hands on one of the killers, he would nail them to the gallows himself. He would do anything to protect to protect the village, protect Tsal, and of course, to protect Lillen. In order to keep his rage under control, John decided it best not to work on his projects, but instead to catch up on some wood splitting that he had to do, to keep his fire going, to keep his workshop and loft warm, and most importantly, to keep himself sane. He still had his very strong suspicions about Karen. Something about her was just... well... unnatural. He was convinced that she was in on the killings. Maybe through some sort of morbid fascination that she picked up at her school, maybe something else. He was sure, and he had to make the other villagers listen to reason... (OOC: Vote for Karen/Katzaniel)