Otori_Girl

The friends had all said their goodbyes and goodnights for the evening, and those who had seperate houses to go to boarded their carriages. But not before Rufus could corner Nathan, and not even upon Ariana's suggestion. "My boy." Rufus started, nathan raised an eyebrow at the "boy" comment. "We all know how much you fancy Eclai.... and well... " he glanced at Ariana who was talking with Eclair animatedly. "... don't you think you should do somthing about that before anything possibly happens to either of you?" He wasn't joking in the least, infact Rufus was wearing a face more serious than Nathan had ever seen on the man. "I don't want you to feel like we're intruding, I just want you to know that we, being Ariana and I, want you two to see some sort of happiness before everything falls into what ever place it chooses." Nathan was half listening as he glanced over his shoulder to look at Eclair. She was obviously tired from the evenings event, but happier and more radient that she had looked in months. He smiled, and she glanced over catching his eye before going back to Arianas story. "Do you understand what I'm trying to say?" Rufus asked, leaning slightly more on his cane than usual... he was tired as well. Nathan looked back to Rufus, and gave him a small smile. "I think I do Rufus. Thank you for your words and your concern, and thank Ariana for me." Nathan replied gratefullly. He really did appreciate what they had to say. "I suppose you are right." "Very well then.' He clapped Nathan on the shoulder. "We'll be seeing you with in the next day or so then I presume. It seems not a day goes by without a meeting of one of you these days. Its nice I must say." He took a few steps in the direction of Ariana and Eclair. "You have a good night Nathan." "You do the Same Rufus." He waved slightly as Rufus turned to finish his short walk over to Ariana. Nathan watched as they exchaged words with Eclair and then they said their goodbyes, and were off for the night. * * * * * * * * Ariana and Rufus were almost home when Ariana finally spoke up. "Rufus." "Yes dear." He blinked back into reality, he had been dozing a moment ago. "I want you to promise me somthing." Rufus hated it when she started a conversation with that line. It always made him worry. "Anything Ariana, you know that." He smiled. "Promise me that whatever happens at the Queens ball that you won't put yourself in harms way. I don't care what they situation may be. I don't want to risk loosing you." "And what of yourself? You're allowed to risk your life, and I'm not. I'm not sure what I think of that." Rufus didn't like the idea, but he also knew that she simply didn't want to experience almost loosing, or in her case actually loosing another husband.He gave her his gentle smile. "But, I suppose.... I understand, and I promise to do my best. Just promise me...." He paused a moment, almost to compose himself, the thought of loosing her wasn't one he dealt with well. "... you'll come home with me that night." Arianas smile returned to her lips, that same smile that always said that everything would turn out in the end. "I promise." She took her husbands hand in her own, and he lifted it to grace it with a kiss. "Well, now that thats said.... I feel like we can take on anything Jack has in store for us." ______________________________________________ OOC: Yay for sappiness. Okay, I really have no excuses, accept for one.... I've been in and out of the hospital alot lately and honestly this is just the last thing I think of, so sorry about the long wait. Oh and Natchan, theres your hint that somthing totally needs to happen between Eclair and Nathan, I wanna see them be happy and hook up! Go Go Go!

OOC: Hey everyone... as slow as we're going right now its nice to see that we still exist! I guess thats what happens when we all have lives! And Natchan, its okay that you're taking soooo long..... I'll add some filler and get us out of the house for you! IC: Ariana glanced down at Sir Nathan as he held Eclair carefully. A smile graced her lips as she gave an almost sad smile. "Sir Nathan, perhaps it us time that Eclair go home for the day. As sson as she comes to I want the two of you to head back to her house. I want her to rest the rmainder of the day, and tell her 'No Exceptions'! She is too rest." Ariana stated in almost a doctorly tone. "I will visit her tomorrow morning. I have and idea, but I need to run it by her before we try and exicute it." It took Eclair almost a full hour to gain consiousness this time... most unusual. After Ariana explained to her that she was to go home and rest, and that she will be over in the morning to check up on her. Then after recieving her "lecture" from Ariana, Nathan and Eclair returned to Eclairs home. OOC: Short but should Natchan the room she needs to work! Thats right Natchan, I recieved your emergency pm for help!

"No you are not fine." Ariana stated clearly. Dante's accusing eyes did not leave Eclair's. "You have had too many spells so close together, somthing is wrong, and you're not telling us what it is." She was genuinly concerned and ignored Dantes furious gaze. "If she knew she would tell you." Nathan replied softly. "We have no hint of a clue as to what it could be. The doctor says physically shes as healthy as she should be. Sure maybe a little tired from all the recent events, but nothign more." "How long did you say this has been going on?" Rufus asked from his seat. "The better part of a year." Eclair stated quietly. She did not like the attention centered on her. They were here to discuss the letter not Eclairs health, poor or not. "Thats enough, you're helping here avoid the matter at hand." Dante replied sharply. "I'm not avoiding anything, I gave you my answer. We saved it for todays private meeting, nothing more. Theres no deep dark secret that I'm hiding from you, nor is there any reason for you to reffer to Sir Nathan as a dog you cowardly boy." Eclairs voice had not raised in any nature, but it was the purest tone of irritation. "Now now, we are not enemies. In fact thats probably exactly what Jack wants, for us to rip eachother to shreds physically and mentally. And believe me if any one can do it, its us standing here in this room." Ariana chimed in breaking the tension between Eclair and Dante. "Not me love." Rufus replied raising his hand witha smile. "Not now darling." Ariana replied giving him a glance. Knowing that he only meant to lighten the mood further. OOC: So sorry we dissapeared for sooooooooo long. Didn't mean to worry any of you. We've just been seriously busy with everything! But we're back, and as usual writing filler to keep us moving!

"We were able to have a pleasant conversation with one of our victims. His name is David Lloyd George and well he's not really a usual here in the London scene." Ariana replied. "Thats right he usually resides on Wales. Hes here for his wifes sake." Rufus added quickly. "His wife? Then who was he escorting?" Nathan asked, he had returned and handed a glass to Eclair. "That was his cousin." Ariana stated. "On his motheres side to be precise." The two of them were speaking in low tones, but not obvious enough that people would try to listen in. "Well what does he do that could possibly be of importance?" Dante asked. "Well currently hes a preacher, but he does have a law degree." Rufus ended with that final note being his point. The young married couple looked quite pleased with the information.

The dance that Rufus had decided to take Ariana out on the floor for was luckliy a slower paced waltz that even Rufus could still manage. "Who do you you suppose the attack will happen on tonight?" Rufus whispered as they made rounds on the glistening floor. "I have no idea I can't find the clue that normally indicates the target." Ariana replied worridly. "Well try not to fret too much, you and our frineds have done a plenty good job of stopping these public murders." Rufus stated trying to lift his wifes spirits. Arianas eyes fell for a moment. "I only wish that we could have stopped Edwards. For poor Eclair's sake, and his own." Ariana kept her voice down to a whisper as she spoke. "Although considering what she has gone through, I believe she is faring quite decently. Don't you think?" Rufus asked giving his usual smile. "Very true, the mere fact that she is here wearing a smile, is proof of that. But that Nathan better get a move on, or I'll..." Ariana stopped. "Forget it this is positively no time to be threathening him."

Ariana and Rufus spent most the day in preparation for that evenings ball, they were both suffering from heavy anticipation. Everyone figured that the next attack would most likely be tonight. Jack made an apperance at Almacks once, why not again, after all the bigger the crowd the better the kill it seemed. Ariana had recieved a new dress from Vincent as a gift only a couple months, and she had been saving it for this particular event. The gown glittered as a garnet would under the sun of a spring day, every individual fold in the fabric glistened with every move. Rufus would be wearing the usual black three-piece, only his vest and over coat would be a deep crimson to match Ariana's brilliance. "Can you believe it's been a year already?" Ariana asked durring lunch. "It certainly went by quickly, no to mention eventfully. Although dear..." Rufus took a sip at his tea. "Although what?" Ariana asked raising an eyebrow. "I don't think my dancing skills are going to be up to par with last years." He replied nodding at his cane only a few feet away. A warm smile came to Ariana's lips as she fought back tears, the mere memory of almost loosing Rufus still made her teary. "You could be the worst dancer in the world and I would still love you and think you to be the best." She replied happily. :OOC: Yipee!

Ariana and Rufus slowly made their way outside to where their carriage had been waiting. Nathans voice came to Ariana's mind as she wait for the coachman to help Rufus. [I]'You know what his last words to her were?'[/I] [I]'Probably that he loved her.'[/I] Ariana stated somberly in her mind. [I]'Precisely, it makes me wonder. Is Eclair cursed to have every man that loves her taken away from her?' [/I] His voice came almost absent mindedly. [I] 'Does that frighten you Nathan?'[/I] She asked. [I]'No it does not. It only makes me love her harder than before. I refuse to watch Eclair suffer any longer, and I will not be another cause of her pain. I promise that.'[/I] Nathan's was firm as he finished. [I] 'Please, do call on us if you need anything.'[/I] Ariana replied as her carriage now pulled away from Eclair's home. "Its terrible whats happened to the poor girl. And Edward, such a loyal, kind young man. He didn't deserve this fate." Rufus stated as he stare out the window. Ariana could see a single tear roll down her husbands cheek. "its going to rain today." "Yes dear." Ariana replied placing her hand upon his. OOC: Wow this is deffinately a turn of events we weren't expecting at all! Edward was sooooo cute, so cute that I was secretly cheering for him to get Eclair the whole time! :animecry:

"So the original culprit has had their eyes set on this for a very long time." Eclair stated now awake and back to the reality at hand. "What do you suppose it is that our 'Jack' is actually after?" Nathan asked to anyone who might actually know the answer. "I remember in my research of this time period that, 'Jack the Ripper' didn't originally target anyone one of any importance. Infact the only people he targeted were..." Ariana paused a moment, figuring how to phrase what she wished to say. "... women of the night." "That must be what your memory is about. The culprit was hoping that the 'Jack the Ripper' murders would go un-noticed that he could use them to his advantage. But what it is he trying to do is still un apparent." Eclair replied a look of frustration upon her face. "Another odd thing." Dante stated. "We have always recieved a letter at the other attacks. Why not this one?" Everyone realized it as he pointed it out, Jack's notorious letter had not appeared. OOC: BUM BUM BUM, Sorry its short but at least its there!

Ariana and Rufus sat in their carriage mostly in silence until Rufus spoke up. "Are you alright my dear? That must have been quite the scare you ladies had." His voice was kind and quiet. He took her hand in his and held it gingerly. Ariana gave a weak smile, and turned her tear glazed eyes to her sweet husband. "Do you remember when I told you about the other life I had before coming here?" Her voice shook slightly as she spoke. "Yes." Rufus stated. "Do you remember my husband? He died protecting me, just as young Edward could have done today." She paused for a moment, a tear sliding down her cheek to fall upon Rufus' hand. "Why is it that people so cruel exsist, how do they survive without feeling any remorse for their actions? How do people like that come to be the way they are? I just don't understand why. There is no pain, ore guilt in the eyes of a killer, I know I've seen them first hand." She wanted to say more but all that her body allowed her to release were sobs. Rufus pulled her closer so that her head ways resting on his shoulder. "There now love, we'll all get through this. Then you'll never have to look death in the eyes again." Rufus comforted his wife all the rest of the way until her tears finally stopped and the carriage halted. OOC: Sorry its sooooooo short, and that I haven't been around. Its a busy season in translation land.

Ariana wrote the letter as hastily as possible, she didn't want Dante and Geni to any longer with out know than they already would have to. Though as quickly as she composed the letter she did manage to keep the writing as graceful as ever. She signed it, sealed it and sent for a messenger handing it off with very specific instructions. Within the hour Eclair and Nathan entered the now familiar bedroom that they had visited many a time. Rufus handed the letter off to Nathan so that he and Eclair may read it. "It's obvious that our dear friend is up to no good again." Rufus replied sa Nathan handed back the letter. "Clues are nice, but I find his absolutely irritating." Nathan stated his tone slightly agrovated. "It is better than hunting blindly though." Eclair added trying to keep Nathans temper down. "Well I suppose it can't be too difficult this time. If you analyze the letter closely you'll notice two things that stick out." Ariana took the letter from Rufus and held it open for everyone to see. "The C in "Clock" and the O in "One" are both capitalized when they need not be. Is any one coming to the same conclusion that I am?" Eclair stated. "Yes I noticed the same thing, and I do believe that this can only mean one clock." Nathan exclaimed. "The Clock, and the One must be the time." Rufus replied. "One problem though." Ariana remarked. "We don't know where precisely, or when. What day, or wheather or not it will be 1:00 pm or 1:00 am." Eclair replied hopelessly.

A knock came to the door of Rufus' room, where he had been ordered to stay for the next couple of weeks. "Come in." Rufus called out. Ariana put down the bok she was reading and look over toward the door. A young servant stepped through and Nathan followed after. "Nathan good to see you, what do we owe the pleasure?" Ariana replied standing to welcome him. Then noticed his somber looking face. "Whats the matter? There nothing wrong with Eclair is there?" "No no shes fine, well in a matter of speaking." Nathan stated softly. "In a matter of speaking?" Rufus raised an eyebrow. "Well you see yesturday was the 1st year anniversery of Lord Vincent's death and I accompanied her to his grave. There she cried as expected, and I held her until she could no longer cry. She asked me if she was a bad person, and I told her no of course not." Nathan's eyes almost seem to tear up as he continued. "I told her that Lord Vincent couldn't be more proud of his dutchess. That she could walk through these past trials with a smile on her face, but..." His voice trailed. "But the smile is fake." Rufus replied. "All I want in this world is to make Eclair happy, I want to see the smile she used to grant Vincent when he was alive. The life that shown in her eyes when they met his, this is what I want. For Eclair to be truely happy again, I've seen it before and it pains my heart to see her this way. That day when Dantes house burnt down and I said those terrible things to Eclair, I wanted nothing more than to be killed where I stood, but even after I had said those things to her she came to see me. She forgave me faster than I could forgive myself. Yesturday when she asked if she was a bad person, nothing had ever caused me more pain than to here those words come from her." All shame put aside Nathan allowed the tears to fall down his cheeks, his tired eyes glistening. "You just want to make her happy?" Ariana asked a warm smile on her face. "Then continue to care and be there for her as you are now. Don't let anything discourage you, and someday soon..." "You'll see that smile again, only it will be for you." Rufus replied. OOC: Yay sappy! ! ! !

Ari's eyes began to focus on the image before her. Her husband lay just infront of her, blood flowing from the many gunshot wounds he had recieved. Ari made her way closer to him, taking him in her arms. The robbery was still fresh in her mind, but everything had happened so quickly, she heard the gunshots but they didnot register until now. Her husband trembled in her arms, and she could feel the tears forming in her eyes. He raised a hand to her face to brush away the hair falling infront ofher eyes, smearing blood as he did so. "I want to see those blus eyes before I--" He grit his teeth trying to endure the pain. "I always wanted to protect you Ari... I just didn't think it would have ended this way." His voice was quiet. "Please don't..." Tears fell down her cheeks as she held him closer, holding on tighter in hopes that he wouldn't leave. "..don't go." "Be brave Ari... I love you." His hand fell from her cheek and his body went limp in her arms. At that moment Ari thought that she would never smile again, everything she had ever cared about died in her arms that night. Ariana awoke with a start, her pillow soaked with tears. She put her arms around Rufus, and he stirred slightly but remained asleep. "I won't ever let you go, not like I did before. I promise this." "Hey you alright?" Rufus' tired voice asked Ariana. Then he could see that she had been crying. "Whats the matter Ariana?" "Nothing, just promise me you'll let me protect you." Ariana replied crying into his chest now. The tears falling uncontrolably. Rufus placed his hand on her head to comfort her. OOC: A little bit of sad past for you all! :(

Everyone in the room sropped dead and turned attention to Dante, his coloring was pale and a slight distinct fear could be ssen in his face. "Dante whats the matter, are you alright?" Geni asked quickly. Dante regained his composure and turned to Geni giving her a weak smile. "I am alright, its was merely a sudden pain in my stomach. Nothing to worry about." A lie naturally, they knew somthing was wrong, but if Dante wasn't ready to tell them now then no one was about to pry. "Are you sure you are alright Dante? If there is anything we ca do for you just ask." Rufus replied concern could be heard in his voice. Dante once again took his seat next to Geni. [I]"Somthing is a miss here.[/I] Ariana thought to herself. Nathan glanced over at her from his place behind Eclair. [I]"I agree. Dante has never lost composure infront of us all."[/I] He thought in return. [I]"I'm worried about him, what should we do?" [/I] Geni chimed into the silent conversation. [I]"I believe that the only thing you can do for him is to be with him. You are after all the one thing he cherishes most."[/I] Ariana suggested. "Well hasn't it been an eventful evening? And as much as I would like to get down to the bottom of this I do believe that a good nights rest would do us all wonders." Eclair suggested seeing the distress in everyone. "Thats a good idea, though we wish to figure things out, I do not see it happening tonight." Rufus agreed. "Sir Nathan." "Yes Ariana." He turned his attention to her. "I expect that you will be excorting Eclair home, and staying there to make sure that nothing else can possibly go wrong." She replied a shint of a smile appearing on her lips. "Yes we've had one too many close calls and we would hate see anything else happen." Rufus stated. "You two will be alright then Geni?" Geni turned her attenion momentarily from Dante. "Yes, thank you for your concern."

Ariana turned at the sound of Geni's return, Dante follwing closely behind. In her hands she held an envlope, sha already knew what the leter pertained to without having to ask. [I]'Perhaps if I had Sir Nathan escort Lady Constance and her daughters home?'[/I] Arian thought in the effortless language of the mind. Geni picked it up without even having to try. [I]'That would be most conveinent, thank you.'[/I] Geni tought back. Ariana turned to Sir Nathan and with a knid smile and a look that told him what she meant, she asked if he would be so kind as to escort the lady and her daughters home?" Without hesitation Nathan picked up exactly what Ariana was getting at. "Of course." He turned to Lady Constnace and her paniced daughters. "Milady I would be honored to escort the three of you home." He gestured toward the door and with much arguing and protesting the 4 of them left the house. OOC: Take it away sweetheart!

"I didn't marry you for your face, besides I think its a unique touch." Ariana replied softly. Then leaned forward placing a gentle kiss on Rufus' cheek. "I brought you a cake. I thought you'd like omthing sweet for being such a well behaved patient. "Cake! Hey wait a minute, you're gonna get me fat. I'm not going to be able to work anything off." He replied quickly giving a grin. "Oh well if you don't want it then I can certainly give it to the doctor." Ariana replied picking the cake up and turning in the direction of the door. "Oh no thats quite alright I was just joking with you dear." He replied hastily. Ariana smiled and placed the cake back on the table, and began to cut him a piece. "So how was Dante, were him and Geni alright? Do they know who did it, or if it was an accident?" Rufus asked remembering the whole reason Ariana had left in the first place. "They are both well, and we believe that it was by Jacks hand that the fire started. Or at least someone working for Jack that is. We later gathered at Miss Eclairs home, where we were able to review a new letter from jack that we recieved from..." She paused a moment. "... your attacker at the theatre. It had a clue in it, and the only thing we can get out of it is that perhaps the next target is a woman." She stated placing a small plate with a slice of cake on his lap. "How was Miss Eclair today?Are her and Nathan doing any better?" His mischevious grin touching his lips. Ariana bit her lip slightly before speaking. "We had quite an akward moment with those two today." She then reviewed the story of events up until Nathan left. Rufus made a pouty face before replying. "Hm, somthing tells me that man is married to his work and doesn't know how to handle woman correctly. Can't he see that yes she still misses Vincent, but there is no better time than now for Nathan to be around.She needs him and wants him to be there for her." Rufus replied obvioulsy frustrated at the situtation of the two. "Its true, Eclair is quite lonely right now. She may give a warm appearence and smile to our faces, but today I felt a sadness come from her that I have never felt before. Shes truely a kind person and I hate to see her so unhappy." Ariana stated quietly. Then another tap came at the door and Geni could be heard on the other side.