cryptomancer

I enjoyed the last game.... and i may as well keep learning the wholr rp thing... so yeah if i am needed... any role is a good role...

Happy Birthday, and in case you do drink, another irish proverb, similar to the last, but....... "May the road rise up to meet you, and the sun always be at your back." and a farourite of mine, form where i dont know...... "age hath no hold on the heart that remains young."

New Zealand gets cyclones now and then..... i would love to experence the raw power of a good hurricane though.... as to the roller blades thing... In school i had a mate that wind surfed, did the kite and rollerblade thing as well, but he also raced land yachts. A land yacht is a small hull of fiberglass, on three wheels with a big sail, and they are built for speed, *grins* now that in a hurricane would be fun.....

Luke looks at William, "Sir, If you pay me enugh you get my loyalty, that is how i worked for years, that will be how I work when I leave here. I seem to hold the unique position among us, of one that truely has nothing to lose. I have no home, no job, besides what I find when I need to. So, anything you need me to do, Pay me well, and I shall do it."

Luke watches with interest as the group starts turning on each other, the first signs of it are written all over the words spoken in haste by Tom, and the reaction (so defensive) that Adelaide gave. The whole thing screamed setup. Is Tom just throwing us off the fact that he was last to see Victoria alive, most likely the only one that knew she would take medication if put under enough stress. Adelaide was an obvious target, she has so far kept to herself mostly. The things that dont add up, Anna had keys to all rooms, has been receiving instructions from Kant on the running of the Manor, and has had all preperation of food under her control. Anna was also first on the balcony. If any of us is suspect, it is her, even if only through coersion by Kant. 'I had better be carful, I was hired by Kant also, and by default may fall into a bad light.' Luke thought. He speaks out to those gathered. "Ok everyone, lets not get carried away accusing each other just yet. If we turn on each other we weaken ourselves. Stand together, anyone could be on this island with us, we are not the only suspects." (OOC: Anna Raven/Tanuchan)

I spin the words of webs, of dreams, of echoes Of nighttime visions, seen in the darkest tide In the night's course. I twist the strands of all I wish in this life, to form for me a thread, Stronger than steel, finer than the beauty That in the shine of a diamond is seen. For in the strength I weave, in the slow twining Of dreams and wishes, I can create a fabric So strong, so true. Soft as mink, dark as night, Light as dreams of all we share, beautiful as you. I can weave a web of life for us. Give you the Edge of my thoughts, letting you hold to my dreams As I wish to hold to yours. Giving us bonds of the Same fabric, the same thread, in which I weave my love. In the fabric that I wrap around us, as in our lives we hold To all that the other gives. Woven life of these dreams, These wishes, the love of you calming my world's storms. The embrace of your arms, the touch of your fingers, The kiss of your lips, each memory is woven with dreams, And in the life I live, I can believe. Love is forever, and we shall hold to that promise. Always Forever.

Luke looks at Tom, weighing what he needs to say, thinking of the most tactful approach. "Tom, how long has Victoria been using medication? Was the accusation made about her true?" Luke thinks over the past day, and his impressions of Victoria. "Would she have comitted suicide over this, or did someone change her medication for poison?"

"If you wish us to go together, we can. But I would feel that staying in the building is the safer option. Let three go, and arrange the lighthouse, if it is trapped less get hurt, the rest stay here, let them stay in the same room, one of the comfortable ones, and barracade the door untill we return." Luke looked arround. "you can secure this environment, outside we will be sitting ducks."

"A very military view, threes is always the better option. I will ask Tom." Luke moves away from Anna, letting her hand slip off his arm, and looks up for Tom. "Tom, the lighthouse. I think we need to get there now, as soon as possible. You game for a walk?"

Luke looks down at Anna's hand as it grips his arm, fighting his own thoughts for control. His conceerns turning quickly to fears. Controling his voice, he whispers to Anna, "It seems I am going to have my work cut out for me. This security job just got a whole lot harder." After a look around at the others in the room, he continues, "Do you think I can still trust the safety of the lighthouse? Because unless the Captain is in on this little party as well, it still seems like our only hope."

Luke takes the key with a nod. Looking from Anna to Tom, before looking around at the others, "Looks like I need to take a walk then. Anyone up for some fresh air?"

Luke looks at the fear in Anna's eyes, he tries to offer comfort as best he can, while he fights for control over his own internal emotions. Memories of the Court Martial, and the aftermath, the request for his resignation, the body of Captain Jason Patrick Allson laying in the mud. "Sentries reported an intruder in our camp, we searched for half an hour for him, without success. Found a few booby traps, some damage to equipment. We heard someone in a crawlspace between tents." Luke swallowed, the pain of the memory fresh in his eyes,"I gave the order to fire, I was wrong, we killed our own man." Luke blinks away the memories, looking at the fear still evedent in Anna's expression. "It looks like we have been set up." glancing arround the room, he notes the reactions of the others, 'Looks like we all been set up."

Luke frowned as he pulled up a seat. "Mr Kant sent me a package. Actually, a man stopped me on the street, asked me some questions; name, date of birth, years of service in the millitary, that sort of thing. I guessed it was to identify me, because he gave me a package." Luke paused, growing a little puzzled, "The package contained a letter, and a key to a very nice hotel room, and these clothes." Luke looked down at the outfit he wore, "I guess the thought of a real bed for a night and a new set of clothes overrode any suspicions I may have had. But I am getting more and more uneasy about this job, it seems too easy, and I am treated like a guest. Like a rich guest." [edit: spelling]

Luke continued to read, enjoying the memories of Africa that both the setting and the liturature were uncovering. 'I really must return there someday.' he thought. Anna entered, 'Still working?' He is pleased when Anna selects a book, and after offering explaination, turns to leave. Luke watched Anna, and noted the small nod she offered him as she left. 'So she will talk, but not within the hearing of this mob.' Luke smiles softly. ' I shall give her time, most likely find her on the balcony, away from the eyes and ears that seem so trained in the gathering of titbits of information.' Luke shifted his thoughts to his reading again, read the account of Dabulamanzi's attack of Rorke's Drift, before rising, replacing the book, and leaving the library. He did a curcuit of the outside again, 'just doing the job.' As he did so, he saw Anna on the balcony. He continued his walk, enjoying the night air. ........................................................ Luke entered the Manor again, and after a brief pause, headed up the stairs to the balcony. As he walked out onto the landing, he tapped lightly on the wooden frame of the balcony entrance, alerting Anna to his presence. "Anna? May I join you?"

Playing time upon itself, stealing seconds to spend in the embrace Of you, your touch, your kiss. Placing the seconds of sanctuary in the company of a beauty, Touching the distance of our world, through the dance Of seconds across my day. Feeling the sand of years, through my fingers slip away. Holding onto the mist of wished moments, Walking the beaches, staring at the stars, Knowing you did the same. Playing time upon itself, We both look at the place where the other should be Wishing time would coincide again.

My fingers rest in the fidgeting caress upon the cold metal of a charm. Pendant of dreams, the imitation of one lost. I touch the tear in the metal plating, the raw wound Cut by my own hand, removing part of its whole. I still have the fragment, locked inside a place of safety. It stays untouched, unrefined. The charm I molded, Giving it the appearance of another, Giving it shape that mimics something more pure, Deeper, stronger, True.

Is it I that bleeds upon my fingers? Is this the blood of my own heart that leaks to stain The ground on which my trembling knees fall? What is it that drives me to attempt The rescue of my life, as from my heart it dissipates? Or do I hold the falling tears of your pain? The blood shed for me against the stone of my hidden face? Did I turn from you? Did we part by agreement? Do we both in the pain of separation struggle to hold inside All that in our love was realized? All that may never be? Though both see otherwise; Or is that just the smoke of dreams? Where is the embrace we shared? Would it dress these wounds? Would it renew?

Luke completed a uneventful tour of the building surrounds, not straying too far from the walls of the manor. The grounds were beautiful, and from what he could see very well looked after. Returning to the manor, he attempted to talk some more with Anna, before enterng the library. He nodded a greeting to the two ladies, before looking around the room. He moved to the shelves looking at the ornaments, and remembering the art he saw during his days in Rhodesia, noted the different styles, from the areas of Africa that he was unfamiliar with. Soon he approached one of the many bookcases, and finding the selection of histories most intriguing, selected one on the history of Southern Africa. Remembering his Grand father's stories about the Zulu Wars, he began looking for reference to them. As he sat in an available chair, he found the account of the battle of Isandlwana, and began to read, still hoping that Anna would join them, so they could talk some more.

Have you ever sat at a crossroad, looking at all directions, unable to choose the one to take?

Luke smiled at Anna, "Please, talk all you like, and ask for my help if you wish." He watched the nervousness play across Anna's face, "We both seem to be very much in the same boat here, hired by a man we have never met, to run an party for him. I for one would like very much to meet him, soon." Smiling, Luke turned to leave. "Please, if you need help, just ask. We seem to be the only hired help on the island so far." Anna gave a cautious smile as he left, and a small sigh, returning to her work. Luke walked into the night air, scouting the outside of the building, and looking for any visible signs of disturbance. "This may be the easiest security job ever" he thought to himself as he went.

After dinner, before returning to his room, Luke approached Anna Raven. "Miss Raven, May I have a word please?" Anna looked up from the business of cleaning and clearing, curious as to what Luke was after. "It seems that, between the two of us, we are to assist in the flow of this little gathering. I have my invitation in my quarters if you would like confirmation." Luke smiled at Anna's puzzled look. "I have been asked to look after security by Mr Kant. I was about to wonder around the grounds to 'see the lay of the land' so to speak. Please, should you need my assistance in any way, don't hesitate to ask."

Luke sat quietly listening to the conversations of the others, feeling like an inlisted man sitting at the officer's table. Even though he once held rank as a major, it was a long time ago, and things change. "Not since my posting in Rhodesia before the great war. But one day I wish to return, if I can even manage it." Luke grinned, remembering the warm climate and the time spend in the open grasslands. "I must say, there is something about Africe that gets into your blood, lingers for years, If it doesn't kill you first." Having a sip of wine before continuing with a chuckle, "I mean like maleria, sleeping sickness, bilhasia, you know the old east african quickstep?" He sipped his wine again, starting to enjoy himself, "honestly though, the land does affect you very deeply, almost becomes part of you, calls you back time and again."

luke grinned, "William, a pleasure to meet you, please call me Luke. I must say that I am please at least some of the wealthy still act like real men." Returning to a leasurely lean in the rails, Luke watched the other passengers, "I must say William, you do seem well observed, if not well known, by all but myself. What is it that you involve yourself in that seems to attract such attention?" As he spoke Luke winked at the lady hiding behind her glasses, flashing her a smile as he did so.

Luke stepped forward, "Good day sir, My name is Jesson, It is a pleasuse to make your aquaintance. Please, call me Luke." Luke and Tom Shook hands. "I seem to be at a disadvantage here. Most already seem to know at least one other, I unfortunately seem to be from a very different circle of association." Luke glanced at the young man that had almost struck him with his exuberance, "But at least I can see that all groups have a clown, of sorts." Turning to Mr Horton, he extended a hand of greeting, and with a smile inquired, "Sir, Shall I address you as Mr Horton, or by a more familiar name?"

Luke Jesson approached the boat, watching the two women that already waited aboard. He was feeling better than he had in a long time thanks to a good night's sleep in a very comfortable hotel, and the very well fitting new clothes, all from his newest employer, Mr Kant. He was outfitted in khaki, the clothing cut to the appearance of a uniform, almost military, but not quite. it felt good to wear it, like it suited him. His usual unkempt brown hair was washed and combed back, tied in a loose ponytail by a length of black leather. he had shaved for the first time in months, and stood enjoying the sea air on his cheeks. As Luke boarded the boat, he was greeted and welcomed by the Captain, returning his handshake and greeting formally, still remembering the years of training, and ettiquite that service can instill in a person. He walked to the far side of the deck, purposely passing each of the ladies in turn to offer greetings, before leaning casually on the rail, looking back to the gangway, awaiting the other passangers.