Vivienne's work was already well underway.
She had arrived by motorbike, an all-electric Lightning Strike C, ten or fifteen minutes ago. The bike was still near the front of the house, parked near the entrance, but she had gone around to the garden to get to work. Nobody was at the door, what little staff was already here had probably been occupied with other early visitors or other tasks, and the paranormal investigator wasn't all that interested in waiting around. Plus, well, seeing how people reacted to surprise was almost as informative as it was entertaining.
She's let her attention be grabbed by the statues that dotted the garden, both their appearance and their positions. With a compass, pencil, and grid-paper notebook, she's begun sketching out a map of the garden statues' locations, the way they face, and a few key notes about each, mostly about pose, figure type, clothing, and damage. Each gets about a minute of attention. Close peering at the face and any distinctive detail work, brushing off of grime and moss, sketching of a small symbol in chalk on the lower back or lower abdomen, and measurement of which way each is facing.
Vivienne makes zero effort to hide her presence, making her nice and easy to spot meandering around the garden, especially to anyone watching from higher floors. From her own viewpoint, something about the... mood of the garden makes her want to keep focused on her work, to keep on going rather than to take time and really enjoy the place, even if the semi-wild feeling of it is very invigorating for her. The feeling was familiar, but not one she was used to.
She had arrived by motorbike, an all-electric Lightning Strike C, ten or fifteen minutes ago. The bike was still near the front of the house, parked near the entrance, but she had gone around to the garden to get to work. Nobody was at the door, what little staff was already here had probably been occupied with other early visitors or other tasks, and the paranormal investigator wasn't all that interested in waiting around. Plus, well, seeing how people reacted to surprise was almost as informative as it was entertaining.
She's let her attention be grabbed by the statues that dotted the garden, both their appearance and their positions. With a compass, pencil, and grid-paper notebook, she's begun sketching out a map of the garden statues' locations, the way they face, and a few key notes about each, mostly about pose, figure type, clothing, and damage. Each gets about a minute of attention. Close peering at the face and any distinctive detail work, brushing off of grime and moss, sketching of a small symbol in chalk on the lower back or lower abdomen, and measurement of which way each is facing.
Vivienne makes zero effort to hide her presence, making her nice and easy to spot meandering around the garden, especially to anyone watching from higher floors. From her own viewpoint, something about the... mood of the garden makes her want to keep focused on her work, to keep on going rather than to take time and really enjoy the place, even if the semi-wild feeling of it is very invigorating for her. The feeling was familiar, but not one she was used to.
Sebastian was expelled from the front doors, as if the House had spat him out like a sour taste. He stomped down the aged, platform-like stairs in his worn, clunky boots. His long hair was drawn back in a haphazard bun, his chiseled face smeared with dirt and grease. The off white t-shirt he wore was grimey and the bulky carhartt pants were likewise, he was the embodiment of the generic manual laborer.
He stopped his stomping after the bottom stair, stepping off and to the side with his pack of cigarettes. He pulled a stick out of the pack with his teeth, drawing a red lighter from his pants pocket to light it with. Then, his dark eyes flicked up, suddenly noticing the disturbance in his small world.
A frown furrowed his thick brows, smoke curling up his features devilishly while he stuffed the lighter back into his pocket, followed by a hand in each. He stalked over to the motorbike, circling around and examining the thing in grumpy silence. For a moment he stood beside it, crossing his arms over his chest, glaring down at the bike like it was the bike’s fault for intruding.
Leisurely, his gaze lifted to the surrounding lot.
No random civilian throwing rocks through the front windows, no movement along the far treeline, no one spray painting skulls on the siding… He began to wander around the side of the building, checking for trespassers and vandals. The rider had to be around here someplace, and there weren’t exactly hiking trails to go off on.
From behind the tangled garden gates, there was something that caught his eye. He appeared between entrance posts, blocking the way between this suspended, ethereal place and the remains.
“Hey, Wildcard!” He’d removed the still burning cigarette from his mouth and shouted in a deep voice at Vivienne. “What in the hell are you doing?” Bastian demanded bluntly, leaning casually against one of the garden posts.
He stopped his stomping after the bottom stair, stepping off and to the side with his pack of cigarettes. He pulled a stick out of the pack with his teeth, drawing a red lighter from his pants pocket to light it with. Then, his dark eyes flicked up, suddenly noticing the disturbance in his small world.
A frown furrowed his thick brows, smoke curling up his features devilishly while he stuffed the lighter back into his pocket, followed by a hand in each. He stalked over to the motorbike, circling around and examining the thing in grumpy silence. For a moment he stood beside it, crossing his arms over his chest, glaring down at the bike like it was the bike’s fault for intruding.
Leisurely, his gaze lifted to the surrounding lot.
No random civilian throwing rocks through the front windows, no movement along the far treeline, no one spray painting skulls on the siding… He began to wander around the side of the building, checking for trespassers and vandals. The rider had to be around here someplace, and there weren’t exactly hiking trails to go off on.
From behind the tangled garden gates, there was something that caught his eye. He appeared between entrance posts, blocking the way between this suspended, ethereal place and the remains.
“Hey, Wildcard!” He’d removed the still burning cigarette from his mouth and shouted in a deep voice at Vivienne. “What in the hell are you doing?” Bastian demanded bluntly, leaning casually against one of the garden posts.
Victi Aurora Silverfur (played by Avitrathephoenix)
Topic Starter
Paranormal Investigator
July 27 2023
7:29pm
For better or worse, the space-shuttle-white motorbike completely disregards Sebastian's scrutiny. That said, it still comes across as smug even by just sitting there, as if it knows that it's an intrusion onto the property, that its almost sci-fi look is out of place on the antique-styled estate. He'll soon learn that it's quite the reflection of its owner.
When he finds her, calls out in (presumably) an attempt to spook her, he gets back snark in return. "My job!" she shouts back cheerfully, not looking away from the statue she's examining. She had expected someone to come and get annoyed at her at some point, after all. After a few seconds she adds on, "Unlike whoever was supposed to meet me at the door, apparently," as she finishes up her notes.
She flicks her ponytail back behind her as she rises, brushes her clothes flat, and makes use full use of her long legs as she swiftly strides over to talk more directly. Dressed in well-tied athletic shoes, cargo shorts belted comfortably just above her hips, and a white sports bra with red detail lines, she very much looks like she should be on a hiking trail somewhere, as in somewhere other than here. The large engraved amulet hanging from her neck tells a different story, as does her body language. Matching the way she left her bike, she seems proud of standing out in the place she's in, almost to the point of issuing a challenge to her surroundings and being confident in doing so. "Vivienne Aurora, Paranormal researcher and investigator, and right now Fischer Corp. third party contractor," she says, stance wide with one hand on her hip and the other loose at her side, holding her notebook. "I have my badge with me, if you need my temp corpo ID number. Speaking of, you are...?"
When he finds her, calls out in (presumably) an attempt to spook her, he gets back snark in return. "My job!" she shouts back cheerfully, not looking away from the statue she's examining. She had expected someone to come and get annoyed at her at some point, after all. After a few seconds she adds on, "Unlike whoever was supposed to meet me at the door, apparently," as she finishes up her notes.
She flicks her ponytail back behind her as she rises, brushes her clothes flat, and makes use full use of her long legs as she swiftly strides over to talk more directly. Dressed in well-tied athletic shoes, cargo shorts belted comfortably just above her hips, and a white sports bra with red detail lines, she very much looks like she should be on a hiking trail somewhere, as in somewhere other than here. The large engraved amulet hanging from her neck tells a different story, as does her body language. Matching the way she left her bike, she seems proud of standing out in the place she's in, almost to the point of issuing a challenge to her surroundings and being confident in doing so. "Vivienne Aurora, Paranormal researcher and investigator, and right now Fischer Corp. third party contractor," she says, stance wide with one hand on her hip and the other loose at her side, holding her notebook. "I have my badge with me, if you need my temp corpo ID number. Speaking of, you are...?"
Sebastian’s spiel seemed thrown for a loop, his practiced and methodical deconstruction of someone’s person via belittlement and threats put out of whack by a confident wrench in the gears. Instead of stammering or sputtering, he took a quick and unpretentious drag of his cigarette to recollect himself.
His mind churned over her introduction. Vivienne Aurora, Paranormal researcher and investigator… An amused snort escaped his nose with a puff of smoke. “Paranormal investigator, huh? Scooby and Shaggy must be inside already?” The tall man taunted mildly.
He couldn’t help but feel that their ’professions’ were mirror images of each other; a written, fantastical account of ghostly shenanigans, and a live-action fantastical account of ghostly shenanigans. In his pessimistic opinion, they were both equally full of bull.
“Don’t need to see your badge, Sheriff…” Bastian’s nearly black eyes looked her up and down again, assessing and judging. He didn’t seem very impressed, but that could very well just be what his face looked like naturally. Her confidence was reassuring, but he’d met plenty of batshit crazy people with batshit crazy confidence… While he could see Fischer hiring a damn ghostbuster, he could also see that being an easy enough facade to gain access to the infamous property.
Those dark eyes melted from her, to the statue behind her that had just been the object of her scrutiny. Briefly, he wondered what in the hell her job would have to do with studying crumbling garden statues. To make note of their spookiness? See if they’ll turn their heads to follow her like a bad film? One eyebrow cocked skeptically, he turned his attention back to her.
“Yeah… Okay,” he cleared the phlegm from his throat, crushed his cigarette butt out on one of the gate’s iron bars, then pocketed the trashed butt. He was a recovered drug addict, not a littering idiot. Plus, he figured he’d be the one tasked to clean it up away along the journey of rehabilitating this yard of wildlife.
“Well my name's Bastian, and I’m Fischer Corp.’s official shit-cleaner-upper. Right now, I’ll be the one escorting you to Carrie Mae and depending on how that goes, I’ll be the one kicking your butt to the curb.” Sebastian introduced nonchalantly, then gestured with a wave for her to join him on the way to find Carrie.
His mind churned over her introduction. Vivienne Aurora, Paranormal researcher and investigator… An amused snort escaped his nose with a puff of smoke. “Paranormal investigator, huh? Scooby and Shaggy must be inside already?” The tall man taunted mildly.
He couldn’t help but feel that their ’professions’ were mirror images of each other; a written, fantastical account of ghostly shenanigans, and a live-action fantastical account of ghostly shenanigans. In his pessimistic opinion, they were both equally full of bull.
“Don’t need to see your badge, Sheriff…” Bastian’s nearly black eyes looked her up and down again, assessing and judging. He didn’t seem very impressed, but that could very well just be what his face looked like naturally. Her confidence was reassuring, but he’d met plenty of batshit crazy people with batshit crazy confidence… While he could see Fischer hiring a damn ghostbuster, he could also see that being an easy enough facade to gain access to the infamous property.
Those dark eyes melted from her, to the statue behind her that had just been the object of her scrutiny. Briefly, he wondered what in the hell her job would have to do with studying crumbling garden statues. To make note of their spookiness? See if they’ll turn their heads to follow her like a bad film? One eyebrow cocked skeptically, he turned his attention back to her.
“Yeah… Okay,” he cleared the phlegm from his throat, crushed his cigarette butt out on one of the gate’s iron bars, then pocketed the trashed butt. He was a recovered drug addict, not a littering idiot. Plus, he figured he’d be the one tasked to clean it up away along the journey of rehabilitating this yard of wildlife.
“Well my name's Bastian, and I’m Fischer Corp.’s official shit-cleaner-upper. Right now, I’ll be the one escorting you to Carrie Mae and depending on how that goes, I’ll be the one kicking your butt to the curb.” Sebastian introduced nonchalantly, then gestured with a wave for her to join him on the way to find Carrie.
Victi Aurora Silverfur (played by Avitrathephoenix)
Topic Starter
Paranormal Investigator
July 28 2023
7:45pm
She flinches away and wrinkles her nose as the smoke leaves Sebastian's lips, visibly bothered by the stench, and stays an extra step back afterward. Sensitive nosed type, apparently. After taking a moment to recover and hold back a cough, she answers his first quip with a casual answer of, "Nah, I work solo. Let's me travel by motorbike and keep things organized the way I like." As she talks, a bit of a smirk crosses her mouth.
She stretches her arms above her head, standing on her toes for a few moments as he assesses her before practically confirming his cynicism. "You clearly don't have time for crap, so feel free to think of me as... a safety inspector for the PR team rather than for engineering or legal," she says, "If we're all lucky I debunk and disprove the dangerous stories that might scare people away, and Fischer doesn't need to talk about the safer but still interesting ones either way. You know how it is."
She doesn't quite catch that he's looked away from her until he looks back, but she realizes enough to give a vague gesture behind herself and explain, "Checking to see who's facing what from where. I'll cross-reference with literature on mythology and folklore later in case there's any superstitions or stories it matches up to. Probably not, but nobody was there to let me in so I figured I'd start somewhere. Who knows, some of them could be representing steps in an ancient satanic ritual or something." She wiggles her fingers 'spookily' with that last part, then gives a small snort and a shrug. "More likely to be for mundane 'fertility rituals' given the number of nudes, if you get my meaning, or just for artistic aesthetics."
His introduction gets a sharp nod of acknowledgement and a pleased sounding, "Bastian, huh? Alright, sure. I'll tell you right now, you're a total pain in the ass, so we'll probably get along. And hey, someone who knows how to get things done is more than good by me. Lead the way, though I can already tell you that, unfortunately for both of us, we won't get to see you try to toss me out."
She stretches her arms above her head, standing on her toes for a few moments as he assesses her before practically confirming his cynicism. "You clearly don't have time for crap, so feel free to think of me as... a safety inspector for the PR team rather than for engineering or legal," she says, "If we're all lucky I debunk and disprove the dangerous stories that might scare people away, and Fischer doesn't need to talk about the safer but still interesting ones either way. You know how it is."
She doesn't quite catch that he's looked away from her until he looks back, but she realizes enough to give a vague gesture behind herself and explain, "Checking to see who's facing what from where. I'll cross-reference with literature on mythology and folklore later in case there's any superstitions or stories it matches up to. Probably not, but nobody was there to let me in so I figured I'd start somewhere. Who knows, some of them could be representing steps in an ancient satanic ritual or something." She wiggles her fingers 'spookily' with that last part, then gives a small snort and a shrug. "More likely to be for mundane 'fertility rituals' given the number of nudes, if you get my meaning, or just for artistic aesthetics."
His introduction gets a sharp nod of acknowledgement and a pleased sounding, "Bastian, huh? Alright, sure. I'll tell you right now, you're a total pain in the ass, so we'll probably get along. And hey, someone who knows how to get things done is more than good by me. Lead the way, though I can already tell you that, unfortunately for both of us, we won't get to see you try to toss me out."
Sebastian appreciated being correctly pegged as a man who doesn’t have time for crap… and being a total pain in the ass. His appreciation was less than ideally displayed by his stoic face, and the crossing of his grease stained arms over his chest. One muddy colored eye squinted a smidge, the corners of his wide mouth dipping deeper in a frown to chase away any temptations of a smile.
It was almost intriguing, the way she could make the mumbo jumbo sound like science could be applied to it. He wouldn’t go as far as to say out loud that he admired a good bullshitter… but he would possibly be willing to admit he did enjoy the ‘wind-em-up and watch-em-go’ types. It was entertaining, nonetheless. Entertainment wasn’t something to be too dismissive of - way out here.
Maybe that was what made Sebastian more lubed to lower his guard with this stranger, at least that is what he was comfortable telling himself. He was just bored. Between working all day and the stuffy sort of company around the manor, the idea of sharing a flask of whiskey and some foul-worded stories with a like-minded individual was very appealing.
The uneven crunching of heels on gravel was preceded by the rambling of a soft southern drawl, calling Bastian’s attention, and he turned his frown to the approaching gaggle of women.
“Ah, speak of the devil,” he muttered, silently grateful he didn’t have to go on a wild goose chase through the labyrinthian manor. “Hope you don’t have anything sharp on you…” the tall man joshed darkly, in reference to the collection of ballooned ladies that accompanied Carrie Mae.
It was almost intriguing, the way she could make the mumbo jumbo sound like science could be applied to it. He wouldn’t go as far as to say out loud that he admired a good bullshitter… but he would possibly be willing to admit he did enjoy the ‘wind-em-up and watch-em-go’ types. It was entertaining, nonetheless. Entertainment wasn’t something to be too dismissive of - way out here.
Maybe that was what made Sebastian more lubed to lower his guard with this stranger, at least that is what he was comfortable telling himself. He was just bored. Between working all day and the stuffy sort of company around the manor, the idea of sharing a flask of whiskey and some foul-worded stories with a like-minded individual was very appealing.
The uneven crunching of heels on gravel was preceded by the rambling of a soft southern drawl, calling Bastian’s attention, and he turned his frown to the approaching gaggle of women.
“Ah, speak of the devil,” he muttered, silently grateful he didn’t have to go on a wild goose chase through the labyrinthian manor. “Hope you don’t have anything sharp on you…” the tall man joshed darkly, in reference to the collection of ballooned ladies that accompanied Carrie Mae.
Carrie was pleased with the woman’s appearances as she guided them back through the sprawling manor towards the garden spread. They all looked to be glowing, despite the probability that the dewy sheen to their skin was sweat as opposed to inner beauty shining through the pores.
“You ladies look positively fit for a tea party! If no one objects, I’d love to get a group picture once we’re all settled in for our picnic! Ya’ll are far too gorgeous to not capture the moment,” Carrie Mae chattered good-naturedly.
This was exactly the type of image the Montgomery Project needed for publicity; a gathering of expectant mothers lounging in a lush flower garden. It said, ’peaceful getaway’ and ’family friendly’. The advertisements practically wrote themselves!
Carrie was thinking about the web article as she led her guests out into the pine-scented air and towards the gated garden. On the thought theme of relaxation, Carrie was babbling about, “perhaps we could get some quick snaps of some poolside R and R this evening…”, when she spotted Sebastian, looking pensive with an unfamiliar woman at the gate.
Her previous spout of Southern laced babbles dribbled off, the ever-so-slight crease of frown between her dainty eyebrows airing her soft confusion.
“Mr. Quint…” Carrie greeted, only the smallest hint of hesitance in her voice. Her big blue eyes politely hopped to the woman with the ponytail. Light and fuzzy recognition illuminated in the back of her mind upon examining the woman’s face. Her eyes narrowed, her head flipping through mental file folders of potential personnel, or adjacent. A name flashed forward suddenly, as if implanted instead of naturally recalled and dredged up to the surface.
It felt like when the car keys are not in the dish on the kitchen counter, prompting the rest of the household to be ravaged in the search, only for the keys to be where they should be… in the dish on the kitchen counter. Hadn’t she just looked there, to no avail? Yet… here it is.
“You must be Miss Aurora?” Carrie asked, the words feeling foreign on her own tongue. “Vivienne, is that correct?” She had a foggy remembrance of a memory that seemed like a dream, where she was to meet this new hire for Fischer Corp.
Overhead, the sky had grayed, but no droplets were freed to the Earth yet. A crisp breeze rustled the cradle of pines and made the colorful foliage inside the garden gates dance.
“You ladies look positively fit for a tea party! If no one objects, I’d love to get a group picture once we’re all settled in for our picnic! Ya’ll are far too gorgeous to not capture the moment,” Carrie Mae chattered good-naturedly.
This was exactly the type of image the Montgomery Project needed for publicity; a gathering of expectant mothers lounging in a lush flower garden. It said, ’peaceful getaway’ and ’family friendly’. The advertisements practically wrote themselves!
Carrie was thinking about the web article as she led her guests out into the pine-scented air and towards the gated garden. On the thought theme of relaxation, Carrie was babbling about, “perhaps we could get some quick snaps of some poolside R and R this evening…”, when she spotted Sebastian, looking pensive with an unfamiliar woman at the gate.
Her previous spout of Southern laced babbles dribbled off, the ever-so-slight crease of frown between her dainty eyebrows airing her soft confusion.
“Mr. Quint…” Carrie greeted, only the smallest hint of hesitance in her voice. Her big blue eyes politely hopped to the woman with the ponytail. Light and fuzzy recognition illuminated in the back of her mind upon examining the woman’s face. Her eyes narrowed, her head flipping through mental file folders of potential personnel, or adjacent. A name flashed forward suddenly, as if implanted instead of naturally recalled and dredged up to the surface.
It felt like when the car keys are not in the dish on the kitchen counter, prompting the rest of the household to be ravaged in the search, only for the keys to be where they should be… in the dish on the kitchen counter. Hadn’t she just looked there, to no avail? Yet… here it is.
“You must be Miss Aurora?” Carrie asked, the words feeling foreign on her own tongue. “Vivienne, is that correct?” She had a foggy remembrance of a memory that seemed like a dream, where she was to meet this new hire for Fischer Corp.
Overhead, the sky had grayed, but no droplets were freed to the Earth yet. A crisp breeze rustled the cradle of pines and made the colorful foliage inside the garden gates dance.
Victi Aurora Silverfur (played by Avitrathephoenix)
Topic Starter
Paranormal Investigator
August 24 2023
11:15am
The sound of voices and steps gets the spook tracker's attention well before they appear. Sharp hearing. While she keeps her eyes on 'Bastian, her head shifts slightly to focus on the approaching sound. Vivienne's eyes read the man's body language as still suspicious, more than a bit incredulous, but hopefully patient enough to work through things properly rather than trying to get pre-emptive? Reading people is far from her strong suit, and she has no chance at seeing the truth underneath. She tenses slightly, bracing for hostility, but thankfully it doesn't come to pass as the lady in charge makes her appearance.
When the woman comes into view, looking every bit the corporate representative, Vivienne relaxes. This would all be cleared up in a moment, assuming everything had been set up properly, and she'd be able to get back to business. Then, seeing who all is accompanying Carrie Mae, the tension returns. Her face shifts to a slight snarl and she can't stop a hiss of discomfort from crossing her teeth. "Other than the sewing needles and pins, surveying stakes, pocket knife, screwdriver set, and athame, no, nothing sharp at all," she says, voice full of irritated tension.
Between being generally uncomfortable with the idea of childbearing, being at best minimally patient anywhere in earshot of screaming infants, and finding the ways people tended to act around pregnancy OR family confusing and weird, the sight of a half dozen visibly related heavily pregnant women all but makes her back arch. The discomfort and near disgust is palpable on sight, and her shoulders are more tensed than when she had been preparing for the off chance of a fight moments earlier.
Carrie Mae's uncertain greeting pulls her attention away and does a little for the tension. Business. Much more comfortable to focus on. The confused recognition was even better, putting enough smirk in her expression to look practically neutral. Seems like everything had been set up properly, or at least well enough. "Yeah, that's right. Vivienne Aurora, paranormal researcher and investigator," she replies with a slight bow, "You're the rep I was supposed to check in with, right? I got here earlier and you weren't around, so I got to work while I waited." She gestures toward the garden with her notebook. "Mostly just note taking. Some chalk on the statues but that'll wash off when the rain hits. I... get why you weren't at the door now." She gives an unsettled glance toward the nearby family as she says it. "Good to finally catch you, though."
"I was given an overview of what to expect for check in, but not details. They said you'd handle it. Anything we can do right now? I'd like to finish up with the last couple of statues before the rain does come in. Since, yunno, chalk marks to track which ones I've taken notes on."
When the woman comes into view, looking every bit the corporate representative, Vivienne relaxes. This would all be cleared up in a moment, assuming everything had been set up properly, and she'd be able to get back to business. Then, seeing who all is accompanying Carrie Mae, the tension returns. Her face shifts to a slight snarl and she can't stop a hiss of discomfort from crossing her teeth. "Other than the sewing needles and pins, surveying stakes, pocket knife, screwdriver set, and athame, no, nothing sharp at all," she says, voice full of irritated tension.
Between being generally uncomfortable with the idea of childbearing, being at best minimally patient anywhere in earshot of screaming infants, and finding the ways people tended to act around pregnancy OR family confusing and weird, the sight of a half dozen visibly related heavily pregnant women all but makes her back arch. The discomfort and near disgust is palpable on sight, and her shoulders are more tensed than when she had been preparing for the off chance of a fight moments earlier.
Carrie Mae's uncertain greeting pulls her attention away and does a little for the tension. Business. Much more comfortable to focus on. The confused recognition was even better, putting enough smirk in her expression to look practically neutral. Seems like everything had been set up properly, or at least well enough. "Yeah, that's right. Vivienne Aurora, paranormal researcher and investigator," she replies with a slight bow, "You're the rep I was supposed to check in with, right? I got here earlier and you weren't around, so I got to work while I waited." She gestures toward the garden with her notebook. "Mostly just note taking. Some chalk on the statues but that'll wash off when the rain hits. I... get why you weren't at the door now." She gives an unsettled glance toward the nearby family as she says it. "Good to finally catch you, though."
"I was given an overview of what to expect for check in, but not details. They said you'd handle it. Anything we can do right now? I'd like to finish up with the last couple of statues before the rain does come in. Since, yunno, chalk marks to track which ones I've taken notes on."
Veronica's face lit up with happiness at the slew compliments that she and her family were all given as they were guided back through the manor and towards the garden where the planned picnic was going to be taking place. Vivian, Linda and Jessica were also very happy with the warming reception that they all got from Carrie. And she certainly wasn't wrong, they did look fit for a tea party and that they were all gorgeous. At the mention of a group picture, the girls all looked at each other, mostly smiling. "Yes, we'd love to do a group picture! Just make sure the dresses really pop." Vivian replied as she straightened out her hair.
To that, Linda agreed. Not to mention the diversity of the floral dresses; Veronica wore Green; Valerie wore Magenta; Victoria wore White; Vivian wore Navy; Jessica wore Black, though it was mostly overwhelmed by the amount of color in the floral print; and lastly, Linda wore Red, which was mostly on the floral print rather then the dress itself. At the suggestion of getting a picture taken by the pool during a relaxing night though, the girls were initially skeptical. However, before they could respond, they had reached the garden and it wasn't long until they encountered Sebastian, who had sorted their suitcases into their rooms earlier when they had first arrived. In addition, there was another woman speaking with him. Upon seeing the mystery woman, Veronica began cradling her swollen belly, protective of her twin boys. Valerie had placed her hand on her back, followed by Victoria placing both hands on her non-existent hips. Vivian straightened out her dress. Jessica rested both her hands on top of her belly, while Linda stood closer towards Carrie as it made her feel a little safer.
As the brief silence was broken, Carrie proceeded to greet the mystery woman. Vivienne Aurora... 'Same name?' Vivian thought. Was she another guest? However, the woman's facial expression did leave Veronica a little uncomfortable. 'What's her problem?' The eldest Tran Sister wondered.
The woman the introduced herself as a Paranormal Researcher and Investigator, which left the entire family wanting to talk about the strange occurrences that they had experienced in their rooms. In particular, Valerie and Victoria wanted to talk about the lady that they saw in the forest and the mirror respectively. Then there was that empty bottle of Xanax that Veronica found. Linda had a weird phone call from kids, and she began wondering if it was just a prank call. Then Jessica had someone if not something rubbing her belly to the point where it got uncomfortable. Then...what did Vivian experience in her room...?
When the Investigator glanced towards them with an unsettled glance, Veronica then spoke up. "Guessing you've never seen so many pregnant women before?" She asked, noticing the discomfort in the other woman's body language.
"Probably not so far along at the very least." Valerie added. "After all, it is a hotel in the making, Sis, not a Maternity Ward in a Hospital."
To that, Linda agreed. Not to mention the diversity of the floral dresses; Veronica wore Green; Valerie wore Magenta; Victoria wore White; Vivian wore Navy; Jessica wore Black, though it was mostly overwhelmed by the amount of color in the floral print; and lastly, Linda wore Red, which was mostly on the floral print rather then the dress itself. At the suggestion of getting a picture taken by the pool during a relaxing night though, the girls were initially skeptical. However, before they could respond, they had reached the garden and it wasn't long until they encountered Sebastian, who had sorted their suitcases into their rooms earlier when they had first arrived. In addition, there was another woman speaking with him. Upon seeing the mystery woman, Veronica began cradling her swollen belly, protective of her twin boys. Valerie had placed her hand on her back, followed by Victoria placing both hands on her non-existent hips. Vivian straightened out her dress. Jessica rested both her hands on top of her belly, while Linda stood closer towards Carrie as it made her feel a little safer.
As the brief silence was broken, Carrie proceeded to greet the mystery woman. Vivienne Aurora... 'Same name?' Vivian thought. Was she another guest? However, the woman's facial expression did leave Veronica a little uncomfortable. 'What's her problem?' The eldest Tran Sister wondered.
The woman the introduced herself as a Paranormal Researcher and Investigator, which left the entire family wanting to talk about the strange occurrences that they had experienced in their rooms. In particular, Valerie and Victoria wanted to talk about the lady that they saw in the forest and the mirror respectively. Then there was that empty bottle of Xanax that Veronica found. Linda had a weird phone call from kids, and she began wondering if it was just a prank call. Then Jessica had someone if not something rubbing her belly to the point where it got uncomfortable. Then...what did Vivian experience in her room...?
When the Investigator glanced towards them with an unsettled glance, Veronica then spoke up. "Guessing you've never seen so many pregnant women before?" She asked, noticing the discomfort in the other woman's body language.
"Probably not so far along at the very least." Valerie added. "After all, it is a hotel in the making, Sis, not a Maternity Ward in a Hospital."
Victi Aurora Silverfur (played by Avitrathephoenix)
Topic Starter
Paranormal Investigator
August 25 2023
6:48am
Vivienne's jaw tightens at Veronica's ask, and she glances toward the group for a moment before replying through clenched teeth, "Not a concept I'm so fond of thinking about and, by Murphy's law, my low tolerance for loud, grating, high-pitched noises will end up mattering. Also to your point," she gestures at Valerie, "lack of support staff here is less than ideal, unless one of you is conveniently a trained nurse or midwife. Not exactly a quick drive to somewhere with facilities. Well, I could make it a quick drive, but that's by motorbike which isn't helpful."
She shakes her head sharply to refocus and says, "That's whatever though. May as well say it now while you're here, if anything that seems like it's in my field comes up, if you can, write it down, thoroughly please, so that details won't change and I can put the situation together better. At some point come find me and let me know, I'll probably spend a lot of time in the library. Images of the location where the phenomenon happened help, if you can capture images of the phenomenon itself that's ideal but a lot of these things create EM fields or extra-visual emissions that screw with imaging devices, so location images are fine. If something makes sound, audio recordings are great but, again, these things tend to create interference. Most things people find have mundane or psychological causes, but I would rather test properly and shave away options than throw guesses around. If anything has already happened.... we can talk about it in a bit once the admin part of my day is done, I guess. I mean, I'd like to finish making my statue notes first as well, but more time means more imperfection to the stories."
She's noticeably preferring to keep her eyes toward Carrie Mae, the garden, or somewhere else in the distance still rather than looking at the Tran women. She's very not fond of thinking about anything to do with children.
She shakes her head sharply to refocus and says, "That's whatever though. May as well say it now while you're here, if anything that seems like it's in my field comes up, if you can, write it down, thoroughly please, so that details won't change and I can put the situation together better. At some point come find me and let me know, I'll probably spend a lot of time in the library. Images of the location where the phenomenon happened help, if you can capture images of the phenomenon itself that's ideal but a lot of these things create EM fields or extra-visual emissions that screw with imaging devices, so location images are fine. If something makes sound, audio recordings are great but, again, these things tend to create interference. Most things people find have mundane or psychological causes, but I would rather test properly and shave away options than throw guesses around. If anything has already happened.... we can talk about it in a bit once the admin part of my day is done, I guess. I mean, I'd like to finish making my statue notes first as well, but more time means more imperfection to the stories."
She's noticeably preferring to keep her eyes toward Carrie Mae, the garden, or somewhere else in the distance still rather than looking at the Tran women. She's very not fond of thinking about anything to do with children.
Sebastian came to the brutishly blunt decision that he liked her. She was alright, in his mind, until proven otherwise. Between Carrie’s confirmation that this looney tune was meant to be here, and Vivienne’s bitter response to his joke, he was satisfied. This revelation was reflected by a twinge of a smirk at the right corner of his mouth and the barely noticeable relaxation in his broad shoulders.
The man faded into the background static, watching the female species banter back ‘n forth. He bobbed his head in feigned agreement while Vivienne spilled her spiel, as if it were common facts.
The man faded into the background static, watching the female species banter back ‘n forth. He bobbed his head in feigned agreement while Vivienne spilled her spiel, as if it were common facts.
“Yes, I am who you were meant to meet with, I am so sorry! My name is Carolanne Vance,” she apologetically introduced, offering a neatly manicured hand for a shake. “Please, call me Carrie. I remember now that I was meant to meet you out front around noon, I must’ve lost track of time!” She glanced at the delicate watch band decorating her wrist. It was far past noon now. Carrie Mae was usually better with schedules than this, it was her job after all!
She was embarrassed, and felt a little o f f about the situation, but slid seamlessly into damage control mode regardless.
“Oh, please, real quick - this is the Tran family,” Carrie ushered, guiding the attention to the group of relatives. “Veronica, Valerie, Victoria, Vivian, Jessica and Linda,” Carrie rattled off, gesturing to each burdened woman in turn. “These ladies are our first preliminary phase of guests here, so please treat them as such.” Her words were polite and casual, but there was a flicker of warning flame in her eyes.
“Ladies, this is Vivienne Aurora, you may be seeing her around the grounds from time to time.” Carrie explained to the Tran family with a lovely smile. “Don’t be afraid to say hi, or make reports as she’s requested… Now, if you don’t mind, feel free to help yourselves in and to the picnic table. Dig in!” She clapped her hands in pleasant conclusion. “I’ve kept ya’ll waiting long enough!”
The uncomfortable moment hung in the air like stifling Texas heat. Heavy, palpable. Carrie wrung her hands together once or twice. Vivienne’s point about lack of proper medical staffing for such a situation was one she’d pondered on herself, but having it brought to light in such blatant terms had Carrie metaphorically sweating.
Then, Carrie turned her full attention to the newest recruit. “I really am very sorry to have left you hanging! It’s not like me to be so ditsy, I promise!” She crossed a neat index finger over her heart before raising the hand beside her shoulder in swear.
“The good news is, since the paperwork has been straightened out and filed prior to your arrival, there isn’t much to do but hit the ground runnin’. I can have Mr. Quint show you to the room that's been readied for your stay, if you’d like to drop your belongings - I understand you’d like to get right to it, so I’d hate to stand in your way with my nonsense!” Carrie gave a lighthearted giggle to punctuate her words. “Would you prefer to have a tour of the main spaces, or discover them more organically through your own process? You’ll have to forgive me, I haven’t had the pleasure of working alongside someone in your profession before, I’m a babe in the woods here!”
Her soft gaze flickered to the awaiting group of reviewers, then darted back to Vivienne. “I’d love to chat with you a little more in depth, perhaps tonight if that suits you? We try to have dinner together in the dining hall every evening, Mr. Fischer often joins us too, and I know we’d both enjoy your company as well, if you could.” Carrie Mae invited, batting long lashes and flashing the little gapped tooth smile between her glossy lips.
She was embarrassed, and felt a little o f f about the situation, but slid seamlessly into damage control mode regardless.
“Oh, please, real quick - this is the Tran family,” Carrie ushered, guiding the attention to the group of relatives. “Veronica, Valerie, Victoria, Vivian, Jessica and Linda,” Carrie rattled off, gesturing to each burdened woman in turn. “These ladies are our first preliminary phase of guests here, so please treat them as such.” Her words were polite and casual, but there was a flicker of warning flame in her eyes.
“Ladies, this is Vivienne Aurora, you may be seeing her around the grounds from time to time.” Carrie explained to the Tran family with a lovely smile. “Don’t be afraid to say hi, or make reports as she’s requested… Now, if you don’t mind, feel free to help yourselves in and to the picnic table. Dig in!” She clapped her hands in pleasant conclusion. “I’ve kept ya’ll waiting long enough!”
The uncomfortable moment hung in the air like stifling Texas heat. Heavy, palpable. Carrie wrung her hands together once or twice. Vivienne’s point about lack of proper medical staffing for such a situation was one she’d pondered on herself, but having it brought to light in such blatant terms had Carrie metaphorically sweating.
Then, Carrie turned her full attention to the newest recruit. “I really am very sorry to have left you hanging! It’s not like me to be so ditsy, I promise!” She crossed a neat index finger over her heart before raising the hand beside her shoulder in swear.
“The good news is, since the paperwork has been straightened out and filed prior to your arrival, there isn’t much to do but hit the ground runnin’. I can have Mr. Quint show you to the room that's been readied for your stay, if you’d like to drop your belongings - I understand you’d like to get right to it, so I’d hate to stand in your way with my nonsense!” Carrie gave a lighthearted giggle to punctuate her words. “Would you prefer to have a tour of the main spaces, or discover them more organically through your own process? You’ll have to forgive me, I haven’t had the pleasure of working alongside someone in your profession before, I’m a babe in the woods here!”
Her soft gaze flickered to the awaiting group of reviewers, then darted back to Vivienne. “I’d love to chat with you a little more in depth, perhaps tonight if that suits you? We try to have dinner together in the dining hall every evening, Mr. Fischer often joins us too, and I know we’d both enjoy your company as well, if you could.” Carrie Mae invited, batting long lashes and flashing the little gapped tooth smile between her glossy lips.
Eyes of marble and stone watched from behind the confines of the rose tangled gates. The shadows lurking behind, between and beneath, listened intently.
Given the immediate impression, the Sisters came to the consensus that Vivienne was probably one of the childfree types, but was overzealously vocal about it to the point of being really insensitive. And the jab at Carrie for the lack of trained support staff was relatively rude. And none of the girls worked in healthcare in any way. All they really had to go off of were what they had learned from those maternity classes which they attended together, granted it was sometimes awkward because all of them were single and the Fathers were not in the picture. But they still had each other, right? Sure, Linda was married, but her husband wasn't around much and none of the Sisters have met him and if Jessica has, she hasn't said anything. Veronica then proceeded to stop her train of thought as she caught herself overthinking.
With that being said, Vivienne had asked them to come inform her should they have any paranormal encounters...and photographic proof. Valerie and Victoria wanted to mention that scary lady with the face paint, but given the current attitude, perhaps another time? Honestly, both women wanted to get that off their minds. But if they were to have that encounter again anytime soon, they'd be sure to say something. About midway through, Carrie proceeded to tell the Tran Family that they could help themselves to the picnic table as she had kept them waiting long enough. Before any of the girls could respond, Veronica's stomach responded for her with a loud and eager growl. "Thank you. We'll be seeing you when you finish your meeting with Ms. Aurora." She smiled before waddling away with her Sisters and Cousins towards the dining area, with Victoria giving Vivienne a cordial smile as she was the last to depart.
With that being said, Vivienne had asked them to come inform her should they have any paranormal encounters...and photographic proof. Valerie and Victoria wanted to mention that scary lady with the face paint, but given the current attitude, perhaps another time? Honestly, both women wanted to get that off their minds. But if they were to have that encounter again anytime soon, they'd be sure to say something. About midway through, Carrie proceeded to tell the Tran Family that they could help themselves to the picnic table as she had kept them waiting long enough. Before any of the girls could respond, Veronica's stomach responded for her with a loud and eager growl. "Thank you. We'll be seeing you when you finish your meeting with Ms. Aurora." She smiled before waddling away with her Sisters and Cousins towards the dining area, with Victoria giving Vivienne a cordial smile as she was the last to depart.
Victi Aurora Silverfur (played by Avitrathephoenix)
Topic Starter
Paranormal Investigator
August 31 2023
1:37pm
Carrie's apology gets an unconcerned shrug. "Meh, don't worry about it, you were prioritizing the guests," Vivienne replies, as relaxed as she can be, "Seems like a pretty sensible course of action to me, and my biz isn't under a time pressure anyway.
She keeps a mental note of names and faces as best she can when the women are introduced. She'd want to write them down at some point to solidify it, but that would be a thing to do for later. They'd all looked a bit... troubled to her eyes, but she couldn't tell if that was because they'd seen something but weren't sure if they should say something, were particularly skeptical of her work (which would be understandable), or if they'd gotten a bad impression from her bluntness. Probably one of those last two. She gives a small wave to Victoria in response to the polite smile. Vivienne's own baggage and issues aside, they seemed like a nice enough group.
It makes her hope her services won't have been required after all.
The promise and gesture from... well, her current boss for lack of a better term, does get a small smile from the spook-hunter, and helps her actually relax some. "Again, it's fine, it's fine. Taking the time to keep them well cared for is important, they need it. And, hey, I got to meet one of my co-workers in the meantime," she says in reassurance with a head gesture toward 'Bastian.
Confirmation that everything is good to go gets a sharp nod of appreciation in return. Perfect. She was, in fact, ready to get to work more seriously. "I'd like to get my clothes and the rest of my kit off my bike, yeah, getting into my room would be perfect. Also, being shown around wouldn't hurt if someone has time to make it happen, but that mostly isn't urgent. I'd like to get into the library sooner rather than later to start sorting through any records that got kept, though, and if we're on granite and if the company hasn't done it already I'd like to scan for Radon in the basement, but that's all that I'm really chomping at the bit for. First though, I'd.... Eh, nah, I have good enough notes and mapping that I can deal with the last of the statues later, honestly. Room first so I don't keep anyone standing around waiting for me."
She raises an eyebrow and tilts her head in interest at the invitation to dine with the group later. "Sounds good to me, both tonight and in general. I, uh, tend to need some help to make myself take a break, so a regularly scheduled meal would be good.
She keeps a mental note of names and faces as best she can when the women are introduced. She'd want to write them down at some point to solidify it, but that would be a thing to do for later. They'd all looked a bit... troubled to her eyes, but she couldn't tell if that was because they'd seen something but weren't sure if they should say something, were particularly skeptical of her work (which would be understandable), or if they'd gotten a bad impression from her bluntness. Probably one of those last two. She gives a small wave to Victoria in response to the polite smile. Vivienne's own baggage and issues aside, they seemed like a nice enough group.
It makes her hope her services won't have been required after all.
The promise and gesture from... well, her current boss for lack of a better term, does get a small smile from the spook-hunter, and helps her actually relax some. "Again, it's fine, it's fine. Taking the time to keep them well cared for is important, they need it. And, hey, I got to meet one of my co-workers in the meantime," she says in reassurance with a head gesture toward 'Bastian.
Confirmation that everything is good to go gets a sharp nod of appreciation in return. Perfect. She was, in fact, ready to get to work more seriously. "I'd like to get my clothes and the rest of my kit off my bike, yeah, getting into my room would be perfect. Also, being shown around wouldn't hurt if someone has time to make it happen, but that mostly isn't urgent. I'd like to get into the library sooner rather than later to start sorting through any records that got kept, though, and if we're on granite and if the company hasn't done it already I'd like to scan for Radon in the basement, but that's all that I'm really chomping at the bit for. First though, I'd.... Eh, nah, I have good enough notes and mapping that I can deal with the last of the statues later, honestly. Room first so I don't keep anyone standing around waiting for me."
She raises an eyebrow and tilts her head in interest at the invitation to dine with the group later. "Sounds good to me, both tonight and in general. I, uh, tend to need some help to make myself take a break, so a regularly scheduled meal would be good.
Brought back into the scene by Vivienne’s gesture, it seemed, Sebastian suddenly interjected.
“I’ll show you to your room, and give you the grand tour on the way to the library. How's that?” He proposed gruffly, but meant it as a rhetorical question.
What was more, and possibly obvious, was that he wanted to make sure he snatched up the task of tending Vivienne in fear of being pushed off to showing the Tran family around the garden, or something like digging into the ground to test the soil because he knew for damn certain Carrie didn’t have that information on her pristine little hands. This seemed like the lesser of evils, in Bastian’s eyes.
“C’mon Wildcard, let's get it done,” he commanded, heading off in the direction of Vivienne’s bike without another glance over a broad shoulder.
At the bike, Sebastian began unloading the items stored without question or concern, and slinging bags over his shoulder nonchalantly.
“I’ll show you to your room, and give you the grand tour on the way to the library. How's that?” He proposed gruffly, but meant it as a rhetorical question.
What was more, and possibly obvious, was that he wanted to make sure he snatched up the task of tending Vivienne in fear of being pushed off to showing the Tran family around the garden, or something like digging into the ground to test the soil because he knew for damn certain Carrie didn’t have that information on her pristine little hands. This seemed like the lesser of evils, in Bastian’s eyes.
“C’mon Wildcard, let's get it done,” he commanded, heading off in the direction of Vivienne’s bike without another glance over a broad shoulder.
At the bike, Sebastian began unloading the items stored without question or concern, and slinging bags over his shoulder nonchalantly.
Carrie Mae’s lips had parted to respond to Vivienne, but Sebastian beat her to the punch, snapping her lips back together. She blinked her big eyes a few times, recollecting herself.
After clearing her throat, she placed a cherry on top of the closing conversation, “alright… Well, Sebastian will get you settled in, he has the keys for the basement too. You’re welcome to do whatever poking around you need, but please do be cautious in any areas with the construction tape. Most everything is safe and solid, but there’s some areas we’re working on cleaning up.” Her gaze shot to Bastian, a curt look of something like annoyance flashing, but it was gone just as fast as it had arrived.
“If you need me, I should be findable out here for the next few hours, I’d think. Or else, I look forward to your company at dinner this evening!” The blonde seemed genuine about it too. The smile she beamed was charming and disarming.
“Don’t you let that boy get you into any trouble now, you hear?” Carolanne half-jokingly called after the departing pair.
Something made a shiver run down the course of Carrie’s spine as she watched them head off. Vivienne seemed perfectly pleasant and agreeable, but the idea of what Vivienne was to do here made Carrie squirm. It made the creepy crawlies she felt around this place seem… too valid and too real for Carrie’s taste. She preferred being able to shoo away the paranoia as being silly.
After clearing her throat, she placed a cherry on top of the closing conversation, “alright… Well, Sebastian will get you settled in, he has the keys for the basement too. You’re welcome to do whatever poking around you need, but please do be cautious in any areas with the construction tape. Most everything is safe and solid, but there’s some areas we’re working on cleaning up.” Her gaze shot to Bastian, a curt look of something like annoyance flashing, but it was gone just as fast as it had arrived.
“If you need me, I should be findable out here for the next few hours, I’d think. Or else, I look forward to your company at dinner this evening!” The blonde seemed genuine about it too. The smile she beamed was charming and disarming.
“Don’t you let that boy get you into any trouble now, you hear?” Carolanne half-jokingly called after the departing pair.
Something made a shiver run down the course of Carrie’s spine as she watched them head off. Vivienne seemed perfectly pleasant and agreeable, but the idea of what Vivienne was to do here made Carrie squirm. It made the creepy crawlies she felt around this place seem… too valid and too real for Carrie’s taste. She preferred being able to shoo away the paranoia as being silly.
Victi Aurora Silverfur (played by Avitrathephoenix)
Topic Starter
Paranormal Investigator
September 14 2023
8:54pm
Vivenne snaps her fingers to end up pointing toward 'Bastian, a wordless approval of his swift decision. She partially turns, about to follow but offering Carrie a last chance to feed info or say anything else that needs saying. A good decision on Vivienne's part, as it turns out. Construction to watch out for, some of which might include areas under renovation. She brushes her bulky necklace with one hand as her mind races with thoughts about tools, debris, spare wood and shingles.... yeah, under the circumstances caution was most certainly advised.
A last nod, acknowledging finding the Rep later, at least at dinner, before she fully turns away. She gives a wave without turning back as she walks off with that cocky hip-swaying gait, as if to reassure that she wouldn't let anyone get her into trouble.... if just because she doesn't need the help.
As Carrie-Mae shudders in worry about the implications of the apparent need for Vivienne's presence, she catches a glimpse of... something. Something white as snow behind the paranormal investigator, flowing and bobbing in perfect counter-time to the motion of her steps. If she tries to look at it, it's gone, like nothing but a trick of the light...
At the bike her jaw and hands tense as she quickly tells the contractor, "MMM! Heh, okay, slightly careful with those, thanks? Right side saddle bag has some glassware and containers with liquids and stuff. I like to think I packed them properly but if you could be just... a little careful that would be good. Also, left one has my Geiger counter and cameras and other tech, so yeah. Cool? Cool." She had packed everything well, clamping down stoppers of the dozen small bottles she's brought with her and making sure anything glass is well protected in padding for the long ride, but caution never hurt with that kind of thing.... especially given that the bottles were partially protected by her somewhat limited clothes, and the smell would take a few washes to get out if some of those bottles broke.
Once that's hopefully resolved and they get headed inside, Vivienne begins talking out her mental checklist of tasks, mostly to herself or the air rather than 'Bastian.
"Once I've unpacked and set up I'll need to take a look at the old plans of the place again, there's a whole set of concepts of how things flow.... yes spiritual energies, possibly, but also foot traffic, light, sound, guests over the course of an evening, which probably need considering. Clearing or at least cleaning up historical residue on places I'll actually want to work, at the very least my room, then more conventional basic checks, hence the tech. After that the first couple days will be a lot of routine measurements... well, routine for me, and then after that will be based on whatever I have or haven't found. If we're all lucky the answer will be 'nothing potentially offensive to public relations', I'll write my report before the end of the week and we roll credits. If we're unlucky then I'm here longer, work might get delayed, specialists might get called, alphabet agency types get interested, and someone has to write a coverup story. Typical stuff"
She helps herself to a smug, impish smirk as she watches her guide for any reaction to that last evidently exaggerated part. Never hurt to have a little fun.
A last nod, acknowledging finding the Rep later, at least at dinner, before she fully turns away. She gives a wave without turning back as she walks off with that cocky hip-swaying gait, as if to reassure that she wouldn't let anyone get her into trouble.... if just because she doesn't need the help.
As Carrie-Mae shudders in worry about the implications of the apparent need for Vivienne's presence, she catches a glimpse of... something. Something white as snow behind the paranormal investigator, flowing and bobbing in perfect counter-time to the motion of her steps. If she tries to look at it, it's gone, like nothing but a trick of the light...
At the bike her jaw and hands tense as she quickly tells the contractor, "MMM! Heh, okay, slightly careful with those, thanks? Right side saddle bag has some glassware and containers with liquids and stuff. I like to think I packed them properly but if you could be just... a little careful that would be good. Also, left one has my Geiger counter and cameras and other tech, so yeah. Cool? Cool." She had packed everything well, clamping down stoppers of the dozen small bottles she's brought with her and making sure anything glass is well protected in padding for the long ride, but caution never hurt with that kind of thing.... especially given that the bottles were partially protected by her somewhat limited clothes, and the smell would take a few washes to get out if some of those bottles broke.
Once that's hopefully resolved and they get headed inside, Vivienne begins talking out her mental checklist of tasks, mostly to herself or the air rather than 'Bastian.
"Once I've unpacked and set up I'll need to take a look at the old plans of the place again, there's a whole set of concepts of how things flow.... yes spiritual energies, possibly, but also foot traffic, light, sound, guests over the course of an evening, which probably need considering. Clearing or at least cleaning up historical residue on places I'll actually want to work, at the very least my room, then more conventional basic checks, hence the tech. After that the first couple days will be a lot of routine measurements... well, routine for me, and then after that will be based on whatever I have or haven't found. If we're all lucky the answer will be 'nothing potentially offensive to public relations', I'll write my report before the end of the week and we roll credits. If we're unlucky then I'm here longer, work might get delayed, specialists might get called, alphabet agency types get interested, and someone has to write a coverup story. Typical stuff"
She helps herself to a smug, impish smirk as she watches her guide for any reaction to that last evidently exaggerated part. Never hurt to have a little fun.
Bastian watched her blankly while she came to the defense of her packed items, but offered an affirming grunt of understanding. Not understanding of the things that were packed, but understanding he needed to be gentle with the crap. So he did. He managed his gate so that the haul wasn’t jostling against him with his steps as he made his way into the manor.
As the Wildcard babbled like a brook, Sebastian guided her up some massive stairs and onto a second floor, where he then led through a spaghetti plate of corridors. To Bastian, most of it sounded like she was just saying whatever words came into her head at the moment, some of it he couldn’t catch in his mental capacity net at all. It steadily morphed into a noise that tailed him through the echoing, dusty halls.
The last bit about the cover up did tickle his fancy, but he refused to bite the bait.
“You know,” he cracked, stopping in front of a nondescript, closed door. “Most people just keep that sort of thing to themselves. Others… are institutionalized.” Bastian offered her a mild smirk, then kicked the door open with the toe of his boot. Inside, a quaint room stuck fashionably in 1910 awaited them. He welcomed himself into the space and set the baggage on the end of the bed, physically forcing himself to not simply toss the items in a haphazard way.
“Home sweet dilapidated and ancient home,” Sebastian mocked, wiping his dirty hands on his equally dirty pants. “Do you need to powder your nose, or should we carry on to the library? I’m betting the layouts will be up in that office in there.” The looming man stationed himself beside the open door, casually reclining against the frame and crossing her arms over his chest.
As the Wildcard babbled like a brook, Sebastian guided her up some massive stairs and onto a second floor, where he then led through a spaghetti plate of corridors. To Bastian, most of it sounded like she was just saying whatever words came into her head at the moment, some of it he couldn’t catch in his mental capacity net at all. It steadily morphed into a noise that tailed him through the echoing, dusty halls.
The last bit about the cover up did tickle his fancy, but he refused to bite the bait.
“You know,” he cracked, stopping in front of a nondescript, closed door. “Most people just keep that sort of thing to themselves. Others… are institutionalized.” Bastian offered her a mild smirk, then kicked the door open with the toe of his boot. Inside, a quaint room stuck fashionably in 1910 awaited them. He welcomed himself into the space and set the baggage on the end of the bed, physically forcing himself to not simply toss the items in a haphazard way.
“Home sweet dilapidated and ancient home,” Sebastian mocked, wiping his dirty hands on his equally dirty pants. “Do you need to powder your nose, or should we carry on to the library? I’m betting the layouts will be up in that office in there.” The looming man stationed himself beside the open door, casually reclining against the frame and crossing her arms over his chest.
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