decrypter: (decode.)
helena adams. ([personal profile] decrypter) wrote in [community profile] come_sailaway2023-08-01 02:22 am

(open.) in spite of ourselves

who: helena and others!
what: variety catchall for the month.
when: end of july/ all of august.
where: across the boat.
warnings: likely discussions of death.

freedomsuitsme: (pic#16582519)

[personal profile] freedomsuitsme 2023-08-08 05:08 am (UTC)(link)
There's a distinct smell of smoke and mirrors clinging to this bed, a hint of illusory cologne, and the sensation of being watched by unseen eyes. Further poking around reveals traces of some sort of blobby substance, not quite liquid and not quite air.
freedomsuitsme: (pic#16582519)

[personal profile] freedomsuitsme 2023-08-08 03:06 pm (UTC)(link)
The blobs definitely bring about an odd feeling, sort of the icy churning you feel in the pit of your stomach when you jolt awake from a nightmare. It doesn't hurt, but it's strange and not altogether pleasant.

There's a much softer sound out in the hall, footsteps belonging to someone with worn shoes and a long stride.
freedomsuitsme: (pic#16541610)

[personal profile] freedomsuitsme 2023-08-08 07:26 pm (UTC)(link)
The footsteps come to a quite startled halt.

"Excuse me, miss, might I ask what you were doing in my cabin?" The voice is steeped in a Transatlantic accent, with a hint of something more English underneath. It's deep, somehow reminiscent of a low-tuned harmonium. Whoever this gentleman is, he smells of cigar smoke and glamour.
freedomsuitsme: (pic#16541613)

[personal profile] freedomsuitsme 2023-08-09 11:55 pm (UTC)(link)
Someone had tapped into the space between his tools? He should have known the Sundries-given gifts wouldn't be straightforward.

"I'm not sure who else could have access to the shadow space. There are only three entry points that I know of, and I keep one of them on my person at all times. The second is the one you emerged from, and the third is a large trunk backstage in the theatre. Unless someone's hauling around my magician's box and shoved you into it, I'm not sure how that could have happened."

He's not connecting the dots. Why would he? This woman isn't a rabbit!
freedomsuitsme: (pic#16642255)

[personal profile] freedomsuitsme 2023-08-10 12:30 am (UTC)(link)
"The only thing I've placed in the hat today was a stray rabbit I encountered while wandering the... ship."

Wait.

Wait.

"How did you manage to exit the access point in my cabin? That container's opening is only but so many inches wide."
freedomsuitsme: (pic#16541603)

[personal profile] freedomsuitsme 2023-08-10 12:40 am (UTC)(link)
"You... you were the... ah."

Of course she's a shapeshifter. Apparently you can't take two steps without tripping over a shapeshifter around here.

"You have my sincerest apologies, miss. I mistook you for a wild animal, and an associate of mine and I have had need of a rabbit for some while now. There was no intention of kidnapping behind this." He can't say "I had no intention of kidnapping" because he has, in fact, had intentions of kidnapping previously in his lifetime. Several times, in fact.
Edited 2023-08-10 00:40 (UTC)
serialskiller: (frustrated)

[personal profile] serialskiller 2023-08-10 01:12 am (UTC)(link)
"Good, because if you had meant to kidnap her, we would have a problem now. I mean, depending on her wishes, we might still have a problem."

Hi, Max, there's someone solidly 6'3" and built like a military propaganda poster behind you, arms crossed over its chest, a distinct glower on its face.

"Helena, are you okay?"
freedomsuitsme: (pic#16541613)

[personal profile] freedomsuitsme 2023-08-10 03:07 am (UTC)(link)
He's trying his best to not let the panic in his mind show on his face. He's embarrassed, he's intimidated, he feels like a fool.

"I'm not sure if you've noticed the new apparatus in the library?" he begins, as calmly as he can manage. "It's an Alchemy Engine, for research, and it allows one to create tools and resources, given the presence of the right ingredients. However, it cannot process magical materials. A Prestihatitator, on the other hand, permits the creation of magical objects and devices. However, in order to create a Prestihatitator, one must first fill the hat that will be its center focus with a few rabbits. Not to worry about their safety; they always seem to show up later."
serialskiller: (parade rest)

[personal profile] serialskiller 2023-08-10 03:12 am (UTC)(link)
Security's voice rumbles. It is the blunt instrument so Helena can be delicate. That's how they've worked together for a long time (nevermind that its first conversation with Helena was around poetry).

"There are no free rabbits to be found on this ship. Any animal on this ship beside Ody is a passenger. Taking passengers to create magical materials and devices is kidnapping, and this is the one warning you get about that fact."
freedomsuitsme: (Default)

[personal profile] freedomsuitsme 2023-08-10 03:32 am (UTC)(link)
"I will... keep that in mind. Where I come from, it's common to encounter stray rabbits in strange places, even riding around inside a tumbleweed."

A few things click in his head suddenly: Johnny's request for a specialized magic show, the names he gave, his dinner the other night with Grace, Security's protective presence over this woman.

"Pardon my asking such an abrupt question, but... would you perhaps be Ms. Helena?"
serialskiller: (Default)

[personal profile] serialskiller 2023-08-10 03:47 am (UTC)(link)
In the same dull, monotone, unfriendly voice: "...Helena, you'd look adorable riding inside a tumbleweed."

Inflection has not always been its strong suit.
freedomsuitsme: (Default)

[personal profile] freedomsuitsme 2023-08-13 12:46 am (UTC)(link)
"I've heard quite a lot about you. I'm pleased to meet you, though I'm sorry it had to happen through a misunderstanding."
serialskiller: (Default)

[personal profile] serialskiller 2023-08-13 02:56 am (UTC)(link)
"One which will not happen again. Correct?" Rumble rumble. Still standing right on the other side of Maxwell and looming.
freedomsuitsme: (pic#16541610)

[personal profile] freedomsuitsme 2023-08-15 03:37 am (UTC)(link)
"N-no! No, you've made it quite clear. I shan't make the same mistake again, I assure you."
serialskiller: (Default)

[personal profile] serialskiller 2023-08-15 04:40 am (UTC)(link)
Security takes a step back, so it’s no longer quite boxing Maxwell in, but its arms remain crossed. Helena might be okay, sure, but it’s still going to be the protective SecUnit (wow, that’s redundant) for her.
freedomsuitsme: (Default)

[personal profile] freedomsuitsme 2023-08-15 02:39 pm (UTC)(link)
"Carter. Maxwell Carter, at your service. Ms. Grace has spoken of you with the most glowing of praise, Ms. Adams."

(no subject)

[personal profile] freedomsuitsme - 2023-08-31 00:45 (UTC) - Expand

(no subject)

[personal profile] freedomsuitsme - 2023-08-31 18:52 (UTC) - Expand

Wrap!

[personal profile] freedomsuitsme - 2023-09-07 03:43 (UTC) - Expand