Chapter the Eleventh: An Interrupted Celebration

[Rooter]

Spoiler:

Lila only has 5 HP remaining.

Realizing the heart may be the only thing that can save them, Lila leaps out of the apparition's path and dashes toward where the diamond fell.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Spoiler:

DEX = 19 (WITH TI)[dice]0[/dice]

Miss Davenport is easily able to retrieve the diamond; a feat which seems to draw the attention of the spirit.

Meanwhile, rays of bright yellow light emerge from the outstretched hands of Isaac, as if his fingers were tapers. Intense heat, like that which emerges from a forge, can be felt by those who are nearby.

"Give me the diamond," he cries "while there is still time. This warmth will protect you!"

[Rooter]

Lila hurries toward Isaac but hesitates at the last moment before giving him the diamond. He has confessed that his motives are driven by avarice and has already attempted to deceive them previously. Instead she turns and holds the heart aloft toward the spirit.

[SunlessNick]

There being nothing she could do against the spirit, Ines watches Isaac, ready to intervene should he take hostile action toward Miss Davenport.

[Mr. Handy]

"The mirror!" calls Henry as he tries to recover. "Get it ready!"

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Reaching out with translucent arms the color of sea foam, the spirit seizes the diamond in its seemingly insubstantial fingers. A sensation of extreme cold fills Miss Davenport's hands, much like sudden frostbite. Whether intended or not, however, Isaac's mysteriously created rays of heat protect her from any physical harm.

The spirit places the diamond within its mist-like chest, where one would expect a heart to be. Once in this position, it undergoes an extraordinary transformation. From crystalline transparency it changes into the appearance of a living organ, beating rapidly, filling the spirit's pale form with blood, much like an anatomical chart of the circulatory system. More swiftly than words can say, this is soon hidden behind flesh, skin, and clothing of a style worn by a person of the lower classes some decades ago. Standing before the amazed adventures is what seems to be an unremarkable woman of middle years. Even this image lasts no more than a moment, when it dissolves into a mass of sparkling dust, such as is often seen when a bright ray of sunlight enters a dark room. This slowly drifts to the floor, leaving nothing else behind.

The ray of heat vanishes as Isaac breathes quickly and deeply, as if he has been engaged in great physical effort. After a while he is able to speak.

"Requiesce in pace," he says softly. "I suppose all is for the best. But, oh, what I could have done with such riches!"

[SunlessNick]

"A better end for her than the mirror, we can hope," says Ines. "Are you well, Miss Davenport?"

[Mr. Handy]

"Yes, it is for the best," says Henry, regaining his feet, "though it was good we had the mirror in case this did not work. Miss Davenport could not have survived a second attack." He checks to make sure she is all right before speaking to Isaac. "Wealth is not everything it is cracked up to be," he says. "I have great wealth which I inherited from my parents, but I would trade it all in an instant to have them back. Alas, that is one thing all the wealth in the world cannot do." Though perhaps, one day, science may... he thinks.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

It will not come as any great surprise to anyone that, after this extraordinary encounter, all involved are in great need of rest in the hands of Morpheus.

After enjoying long, restful, uninterrupted slumber, the adventurers awaken to discover the inhabitants of the Chateau in a quiet, if melancholy, mood. The day is cloudy and cool, the ground still damp from the previous rains. The Baron and the Baroness, unaware of what has transpired regarding the diamond, are concerned with the whereabouts of Guillaume and what is to become of the weak Stephan and the wanton Charlotte. Whether anything should be said to their hosts regarding any of these matters is left to the individual consciences of the party.

It is late morning when Stephan emerges from his room. He appears gaunt and pale. When addressed, he responds vaguely. He leaves the Chateau with little or no preparation and heads in the direction of the foothills of the Pyrenees. Somewhat alarmed, Raquel follows him. Isaac does not seem to object, but insists on coming along to keep an eye on the two young people. It appears to be a matter of indifference to him if any of the party wishes to accompany them.

[Mr. Handy]

"We should go with them," says Henry to his companions. "We may not see Stephan again otherwise. Macaria intends to...claim him, I fear."

[Rooter]

Lila agrees.

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

At first, it seems that Stephan is merely rambling without purpose throughout the rugged countryside which lies between the Chateau and the brooding Pyrenees. It soon becomes evident, however, that his apparently random path takes him to a cove, nearly hidden by low hills, wherein lies a copse of ancient trees, bent and twisted by time. In the midst of these, in a place where the ground is bare, may be seen Macaria upon her black stallion. In what place and in what manner she has spent the past few days is puzzling, as she and her steed appear as fresh and vigorous as if they have been hosted in some fine manor, rather than in this wilderness. Be that as it may, it is evident that she is expecting Stephan, holding out a hand gloved in fine black leather to welcome him. As she becomes aware of those accompanying him, she bows her head to each in turn.

"Make your farewells quickly, my lord, ladies, and gentlemen. There is little time to spare."

[SunlessNick]

Having little acquaintance with Stephan, Ines merely wishes him good luck, wherever he is bound next.

[Rooter]

Lila studies Stephan with concern and Macaria with growing suspicion. Is the man under some form of coercion and is this strange behavior entirely of mundane origin?

Spoiler:

Demonology check for suspicion of preternatural effects
INT 11+1[dice]0[/dice]

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

Based on certain revealing signs, most particularly the fact that, although Macaria's skin is as white as one afflicted with the mysterious affliction of albinism, she does not possess the strange pink eyes and pale hair normally associated with such persons, these being pure black, Miss Davenport is able to determine that she is no creature born of woman. Rather, in fact, these characteristics suggest -- marvelous to relate! -- something in the nature of an abstract principle which has taken on flesh and blood, as peculiar as that may seem.

[Mr. Handy]

"I'm sorry you're leaving us," says Henry, shaking Stephan's hand. "At least you had one more day. Is there anything we can do for you before you depart?"

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

The young man merely shakes his head. Raquel clings to his arm and they share a look; but at a gesture from Macaria she sobs and runs to the arms of her father. The mysterious woman aids him in mounting the horse behind her; apparently she is much stronger than her appearance would suggest. In a moment they will ride off.

[Rooter]

"Hold!" Lila cries, dashing forward to confront the pale rider. "What manner of being are you? Why have you claimed this man? If your intentions toward him are not honorable and he does not go of his own free will then I am compelled to prevent you."

[VictoriaSilverwolf]

This brings a smile to her seemingly bloodless lips. "And in what manner do you propose to do so?"

[Rooter]

Lila draws her blessed dagger but hesitates. "If you are what you seem to be then you must accept a challenge, a wager."