Three Nights of the Moon: Hallow’s Eve

[captainb]

There is an OOC thread for this tale here. If you would like to join, please PM me first for information. For a little background, the previous chapter is located here.

* * * * *

Dr. Dresden contemplated the bowl of cold borscht that Frau Blickberg placed before him. Along with the chunk of heavy, dark bread, it made for a filling meal. Tasty enough, but Emil sighed inwardly at the memory of the bangers and chips served in Oxingham University’s faculty dining room. Five years already, he thought. Five years since he had fled England in disgrace to this damp, ancient castle carved out of the granite mountain, deep in a Bavarian forest. He didn’t often think about his former life, as any thought in that direction inevitably turned into memories of poor Ghislaine. He reached for the glass of dark wine. To you, my love. Soon, we will be together again, as nature intended.

He sipped and looked up, remembering his manners. “Do you like borscht, Miss Stine?” he asked. “The beet crop is rather large in this part of the world, and it’s not uncommon for it to be part of most meals.” His guest smiled politely, her mouth full for the moment. He noted once again the delicate line of her jaw and her high cheekbones, smooth skin, and shining hair. Such a beautiful head, he thought absently. It would be awful to leave a scar on such perfect flesh. As only the most brilliant minds can do, he quickly flashed through a summary of what led him to that thought.

http://www.bloominpuppets.com/storage/MoonMansion.jpg

It all centered on Ghislaine, his poor fiancée, and the horrible accident that destroyed all of her body save her brain. Preserved in his lab (set at the base of the ancient west tower and concealed by a secret door), her brain and naked spinal cord floated in a jar of gently bubbling blue liquid, connected by wires and tubes to the machines that kept her consciousness intact. His attempt last year to insert the brain into a new body had been nearly disasterous, but in the meantime he had discovered how to access her brainwaves, allowing Ghislaine to use radio waves to speak through a voicebox. Various experiments the past year resulted in an astounding success: through electrodes painlessly inserted into certain areas of a cat’s brain, Ghis was now able to literally possess the creature’s body and move about at will, vocalizing through a miniature speaker on its collar. The feline was beautiful, a purebred Persian with golden eyes, but it was only a temporary measure on the way to his ultimate goal—learning how to transfer the essence of his beloved’s mind into a fresh human brain, thus avoiding the dangerous transplant procedure altogether.

His new assistant was a welcome addition to this task. Miss Laughton’s enthusiasm and dedication were well suited to the demanding research, although he did need to be explicit with his instructions to her. She was assigned the task of Assembly, working with Smedley to choose only the best parts. The little man, unpleasant as he was, had proven invaluable in coming up with just what the doctor ordered. Exactly how he did that was something Emil chose not to dwell on. The doctor had been a bit overbearing at first in his desire for perfection, but Jacqueline’s skill in reattaching nerves, blood vessels, and the like was exemplary. His only demand was to have final approval over the chosen parts, as only Emil could know just the right kind of delicate fingers, the certain shape of the calf, the perfect sweep of waist that would become Ghislaine once again. Rodney had made Miss Laughton feel at home in the castle, perhaps because of their shared university connection. Rodney, his old friend and now butler, manservant, and chauffer, had been saved from another horrible accident. Emil still felt guilty about using him as his first guinea pig, but otherwise the man surely would have died. The brain transplant had actually been successful, although the side effects of his patchwork body left Rodney dependent on a daily dose of drugs to remain alive. Their side effects were uncomfortable for some to look at, but the castle residents had, for the most part, stopped seeing that side of him.

He certainly didn’t get any special treatment from Frau Blickberg. Far more than just a housekeeper, she ran the castle with a sharp eye and an iron fist, especially toward anything that disrupted the normal routine. Emil had no doubt that she had his best interests at heart. When he dared to ask if beet soup could be left off of the menu, she sniffed and informed him in no uncertain terms that beets increased one’s stamina and overall health, and no doctor under her care would ever be accused of being poorly fed. However, he did notice that the meals had become somewhat tastier from that point on.

Then there was Francis Stine. Her arrival at the castle was unexpected, as was her request. A whole body makeover! He wasn’t sure exactly what she had in mind, but the idea was intriguing. Emil hadn’t thought of using his skills for profit, so intent had he been on recreating Ghislaine. But it seemed such a natural progression, and he wanted to give it fair thought.

A distant, wavering howl roused him from his brief reverie, and he smiled inwardly. Wolfy will be happy tonight, he thought as he set his glass down.

“You came at a fortunate time, Miss Stine. Not only are we preparing to celebrate All Hallow’s Eve, but this is also the first night of the full moon. Although you may not get to see much of it, as there is a rather fierce storm predicted.” Perfect for the culmination of my work, he thought. Oh Ghis, my love, you may soon see through human eyes at last!

http://www.bloominpuppets.com/storage/EmilDresden.jpg
Dr. Emil Dresden

 

[Screech]

Running Wolf sat on the steps of the castle he had come to know as home in his wolfen form, merrilly chewing on a discarded bone that Smedley had decided was no good for the doctor's work. Since coming here, he had been treated well by all, and often considered somewhat of a guard dog - a role he had no problems with. After all, it would enable him to be in the open air, where he could run down the occasional rabbit.

Of course he had other uses. His enhanced senses of smell and hearing enabled him to help Mr Smedley when required and, more often than not, was rewarded with a nice chunk of meat for his trouble.

Leaning back, he let out a low howl. Ah yes. Life was good here...

 

[poohlive]

The night had proven to be a dismal outlook, something which Darren almost delighted in. Their conversation today, turning from the boring and mundane, had recently gone into a view that interested him most delightedly.
And why not, in this small venue of mountain, the most powerful people were here tonight... sans only one. These people had more than enough guts and gusto to get anything they wanted done, and most often did.
The doctor Svenson, at the insane aslymn was busy poking and prodding a small sandwhich, holding a glass of the finest champaigne.
"Yes, well, you know, I couldn't believe it myself. One of our newest recruits too. It's a shame. I had to tell the family myself."
"Yes, you know how that can be," The president of the bank. A surly man, balding, with a lean figure, who had just sat down finally. Darren swore the man hated sitting, especially in a room full of pretentious bastards who were all sitting down and chatting nicely. He stood, hanging over them like some sort of hawk, or stoned owl. It sent shivers down Darren's spine every time the guy passed by him.
Walked over his grave.
"More and more people have been escaping. You remember the Sutchen sister in January. My god! We found her in the river, naked, trying to pleasure herself with a fish!"
"Impregnate," Darren corrected the man, as he scooted across the sofa to grab another bottle of brandy, "I think partof her rantings, after all was said and done, was that she was some sort of mermaid, trying to get impregnated by a fish so she could continue her species."
Cornelius, a prominant man, very wealthy, had just taken out a small pipe, placing in it a very strange, but sweet smelling powder. He breathed in deeply, passing it around.
"Oh, yes, that's right. Ha! What will they think of next? I thought your job was to help these people, doctor."
"Aye," The doctor said, taking a nice big hit, "Well, a new therapy of mine seemed to work with her for awhile... Ha ha. I told her, I was the last merman."
The room was quiet for a moment, and then burst into laughter.
"You must be joking?"
"No, no, every night. Oh, she loved the idea. Couldn't get enough. Of course, eventually she realized I was fucking with her... but hey? Electroshock therapy is for everyone nowaday's. Ha ha ha."
Darren nodded. Who cared what some crazy bitch in some loony bin did or didn't do? He cared more about his own people. And, everyone knew of Svenson's careless behavior, but it hadn't been a problem to his town. Not until this recent escape.
"So, what do we do? How much do we know about this guy?"
"Let me tell you, in my profession, we don't throw this word around a lot... but this guy is fucking crazy. I'd say watch out."
Darren didn't like that, at all. He would have to have a more meaningful talk to the doctor, to be more careful with his patients.
"Well, we could have a search of the woods, maybe even check around a few places."
"True, but not tonight. A huge storm coming out. Can you see it?"
"Ahhh, yes. That reminds me of..."
And then the conversation turned dull, and unexcited once more. Darren took this time to get a few more hits from the pipe, and let the room sort of swirl around him.

 

[Rubber Biscuit]

The Madman

The black branches reached for him. Yes, they were actually reaching, clawing, tearing at his skin with their nail-like branchtips, leaving streaks of bright blood flowing down his arms, legs, and chest. He ran as fast as he could, swatting them aside, but they sent word ahead and their brothers, mothers, cousins were waiting with their jagged claws to rake at him, whispering and chittering as he ran by in a panic. Down, always downhill, through the evil trees but away from the House and Him. Him, the Svenson, the demon who loomed over him in his dreams, who wrapped him in filthy white sheets so his arms could not move, who attached the wires to his head and sent shrieks of agony echoing through the walls of the House. He was after him, the madman knew. He would be sending the Beasts, those burly men in white who were not men at all, just their disguise, the raving spirits of terror which had followed and tortured him for his whole life. Down, down the hill he ran, covering his face against the whipping trees, running until he slipped without warning and plunged into water cold as ice.

He gasped and flailed for a moment, then realized that the water, though swift, was shallow. Moreover, it saved him from the trees, for they did not approach him now. He giggled and stood, his clothes hanging in shreds. Keeping to the middle of the stream, he staggered on for a time until he saw a small clearing with a small house at one side. Crouching carefully (for the Svenson’s minions were everywhere), he slunk toward the bank where there were no trees. No people or animals were in sight. A flapping caught his eye, and he suddenly realized that if he could change his clothes, then no one would recognize him.

His eyes swept back and forth from under the mat of long, shaggy hair as he plucked the clothing from the line. The bark of a dog made his heart leap, and he bolted as a woman’s shriek cut through the air. Back into the stream where it was safe, and he splashed away until the trees again thinned and the noises were far behind him. A mountain loomed overhead, the gaunt outline of a castle cutting across the sky, but nearby was a shack. Again, no one was nearby and he carefully approached. Seeing no movement, he giggled and tore off the remains of his clothes, and struggled into his new prizes. He looked down at himself and grinned widely. No one would ever recognize him now, especially in a long purple dress! With a confident, lopsided grin under his red-rimmed eyes, he walked to the shack’s door and slowly pushed it open.

 

[Tibxo]

The Monster

Rodney sits in his room as he always does. Alone and in the dark. Only here does he feel completely comfortable. The dark does not judge his appearance.

No, only people do that.

Even if they do not say anything, they are betrayed by a look or a facial expression. The way they avoid looking at him when one of his scars begins to weep or a new sore erupts on his already disfigured face. No-one is immune, not even Emil himself. He can still remember when Emil politely (he smiles bitterly at the thought) suggested that he eats in his room. He hadn't asked (he didn't need to). He just agreed.

A groan slips through his lips as he feels a pain bite into his back. The pain soon recedes, to be overtaken by a warm wet feeling.

He is bleeding again. Luckily, he is due for another injection in the morning.

Even before the storm could be heard by the other occupants of the castle, he had sensed its approach. He can feel the build up of electricity in the air, on his skin. He likes the sensation. Like the dark, the storm does not judge.

It is going to be a bad one. Bad enough to disrupt the power in the castle if it strikes and it usually does...

 

[chanaud]

Miss Francis Stine

Fran tried not to grimace. The soup was too watery. Instead of putting up pretences, she pushed the bowl away and nibbled on her bread. At least she won’t starve.

“The borscht is most excellent,” Fran lied. “But I’m afraid I’ve overindulged this afternoon with tea and cakes. I hope the cook won’t be offended.”

Fran stole glances at the handsome Dr. Dresden while nibbling delicately at her black bread. When he spoke to her, it was with a drab voice that matched his expressionless face. Too bad, she thought. He could be handsome. If only he would crack a smile. She imagined kissing his lips, and melting his iceberg personality. I bet he’s a screamer, Frank thought. Most serious types are. And his hands! Such large delicate hands. The thought of his hands touching her soft skin, wrapped around her delicate neck was enough to make her shiver.

“A celebration. How lovely. Will you promise me a dance, my dear Doctor.” She asked with her dark blues downcast. When she bravely peered at him, she couldn’t help blinking innocently. Several times.

Yay, a party! That’s why she’s here. To party. And on a full moon, too! The light blue gown will be perfect. Her alabaster skin will glow positively against the bright moon. And her raven hair will be pulled back into a twist. If only she didn’t have the damn mole above her lip. If only the doctor will remove it tonight.

“Doctor?” Fran placed her hand over his.

 

[Miss Behavin']

Frau Blickberg

http://www.Bibracte.dreamwater.org/ATWAS/FrauBlickberg.jpg

Frau Blickberg nodded from the doorway, satisfied that Herr Doctor was eating his dinner. His obsession with that... woman was quite beyond her comprehension. "She" would have been the very death of him as well if not for herself reminding him to eat, bathe and sleep. Why, she had made herself totally indispensible over time... and yet he persisted.

Truth be told, the Frau was quite used to having Emil to herself. Oh, she would never call him by his birthname publicly. In fact, she would never call him by his birthname privately, either. It was merely the name that came first to her when He was in her thoughts. The Hallow's Eve Ball that he was planning meant there would be others, many others, in the castle and she had hired extra help for the interim. Work, she didn't mind. It was the extra "watching" that would take up her time.

"Devil cat!" she hissed, as a ball of white fur rushed past her, pouncing up onto a fancy, throne-like chair at the dining table. She would never get used to a cat with a voice, how could he even think... Half cat, half she-didn't-know-what; the only thing Frau Blickberg knew for certain was that it was trouble. Trouble with a capital "T".

The woman snorted in disgust, a sound not unlike the horses that they kept in the stable, as she turned away from the dining room to return to her duties. The new cook would be arriving this evening sometime and she would need instructions. Frau Blickberg stopped to listen to the not so distant howl of a wolf. Or not, she thought. Well, there would be others in the village willing to earn a few silver pieces if this one didn't come.

 

[Jenn1982]

Jacqueline Laughton

Jacqueline hurried through the halls, her eyes looking for anything or anyone that looked familiar. She couldn't believe she'd gotten lost again! She looked down at the paper in her hands for at least the tenth time, even though she knew it hadn't changed since she'd last looked. The paper was the half-done map she'd been working on since she'd arrived. She'd started through the castle over an hour ago hoping to complete more of her map before dinner and had somehow ended up in a part of the castle that wasn't on the map.
Hearing voices she quickly folded the map back up and slid it into a pocket. The last thing she wanted was to have to explain the map with the notes on the back that listed out certain valuables in the house, along with their location. Though the castle was filled with valuable antiques there were a few that were so rare that they could be sold at an exorbitant price. It was imperative that she be able to find them all without getting lost when it was time to steal them.
Turning the corner she saw the housekeeper, Frau standing in the hall. Jacqueline could see now she was in the hall by the dining room. As she walked past Frau she tried to ignore the icy stare she received and she hurried into the dining room and sat down. Francis Stine had her hands over Dr. Dresden's and looked to be in the middle of saying something but stopped as they both looked at Jacqueline.

"Sorry I'm late, I was reading in my room and I lost track of time."

 

[Graybread]

Smedley Grovell

Smedley peaked around the side of the huge gnarled oak, his nose twitching as he sniffed the air. A storm was coming, he could smell it, he would have to hurry, and he hated getting wet, even by the rain. A couple of turnips and a carrot or two was all he needed. He reached up and chased a flea across the back of his neck. It was more of a nervous tic than actually trying to rid himself of the parasites. He squeezed the insect between his thumb and finger as he looked for the owner of the garden. Cautiously he crawled across the ground and under the waddle fence. Quickly he dug the vegetables from the ground with his bard hands. He was good at digging in the ground; it was his chosen profession, though most often he used a shovel.

As he pulled the last carrot from is earthly hold, the owners mangy mongrel began to bark, making him quickly gathered his booty and skittered back under the fence. He ran to the oak and nervously looked over his shoulder. He was safe again. He had several gardens that he picked from, though after harvest he would be mostly confined to eating meat. Meat was his favorite, the vegetables merely added variety to the stew pot.

Smedley ran through the forest, scampering from tree to tree, his beady eyes looking, searching for trouble. As he neared his shack he stopped short. Standing in the doorway of the shack was the ugliest woman he had ever seen, although her dress was quite lovely. He drew the rusted, nicked dagger from his belt and crept closer to the shack. Reaching up, he chased a flea across the back of his neck. He licked his lips nervously, his nose twitching as he sniffed the air.

 

[Maid of Marvels]

Ghislaine... The Cat

http://www.Bibracte.dreamwater.org/ATWAS/Ghislainecat.jpg

Ghislaine settled herself on her over-stuffed purple velvet and gold tasseled cushion, sniffing disdainfully at her plate. "Borscht again!"

Emil nodded and sighed, weaving his fingers through her thick, white fur as they gazed into each other's eyes. "How arrre you this evening, my darrrling?" she purred, contented to be in her fiance's presence, though the slow swish and rhythmic twitch of her tail belied her exterior calm. She didn't like sharing her man with other... females.

"Purrrhaps the new cook will not be... vegetarrrian. You must keep up yourrr strrrength."

Drawn to the heat from her beloved's lap, she contemplated moving over, but it was always so... lumpy... and that made it hard to get comfortable, even though it seemed to please him so. Purrrhaps after he ate.

Just then a rapid movement across the room caught her eye and Ghislaine made a mental note to go hunting later that evening. Her love needed... meat.

 

[captainb]

Dr. Dresden

“I’m fine, my love,” said Emil. “And the soup is quite good, actually. Very healthy.” He glanced over as the feline’s narrow glare returned to Miss Stine. “Although we certainly don’t have it for every meal.” He smiled at her and gently removed his hand as Jacqueline sat across from them. Then the words registered. A dance? The last time he had danced was in England with Ghis, before… “There will certainly be music, Miss Stine, although the Hallow’s Eve celebration may be a bit… different… from what you have been used to. But I’m sure you will enjoy it.” He removed his hand and busied himself with the soup, keeping his eyes firmly fixed on the flickering candlesticks before him. The cat’s purr had an edge to it that he hadn’t heard before, and he wondered (not for the first time) just what effect the animal’s brain had on Ghislaine’s consciousness.

He felt a strong urge to be back in the laboratory, surrounded by things he actually had some measure of control over. “So,” he said a bit too loudly. “Miss Stine, you said that you would like to have that mole removed? With the serum I have developed, it should heal very fast and leave virtually no trace of a scar. I have some work that will shortly take up most of my time, but if you like, we could do the procedure this evening.” He chuckled. “I must admit, you did have me going when you said you wanted a full body makeover. It put some rather odd visions in my head!” And you really don’t want to know what they are, he thought. He checked his pocketwatch. There was still a bit of time until Smedley was due to meet him in the lab. He glanced up and caught Jacqueline looking at him. She gave a slight nod and sipped from her spoon. It’s good to have an assistant I can trust, he thought.

 

[Rubber Biscuit]

The Madman

The shack was dark as he peered through the doorway. An unclean, vaguely rotten smell struck his nose, a bitter tang that brought back memories of the House. He hesitated, then whirled at a slight sound behind him.

It was the largest, ugliest rat he had ever seen. The fact that it wore clothes didn’t strike him as odd, but the brown knife in its claw drew his attention. Comprehension dawned: this was the rat’s abode! Was it going to kill him? Did it just want to get inside? Would it have any cheese? (He was suddenly hungry.) It was obviously smart, the way it was slowly circling him, watching him with those bright, beady eyes. Could it… could it be??

He slowly sank to his knees and whispered, “Master?”

 

[slowandeasy]

Percevil A. Jackel

It was a dark and stormy night. Well maybe not so dark. The almost full moon overhead gave an ample amount of light for Dr. Jackel to make his way along the moss covered path. And it wasn’t stormy at least not yet though the wind from the east and the smell of ozone in the air led him to believe that a storm was soon to arrive.

Even though the carriage driver had dropped him off at least a half a kilometer from the castle telling him in no uncertain terms that this was as far as he was going, Percevil A. Jackel was in a happy mood. He had come prepared, being a fastidious and exacting person, it was his second nature. He carried a black umbrella in case rain should arrive his beaver hat was placed firmly on his head and his collar of his coat was pulled tight against the prospect of a chilling night breeze. He smiled to himself the driver had informed him that a madman was on the loose and everyone's house int town was boarded up tightly against his possible intrusion. The mayor and his friends were preparing to go on a ‘witch hunt and with the impending storm he wasn’t going another meter closer to ‘that castle’

"What did they know of madmen," he thought he had seen many of them in his study of the mentally insane back at Oxford. Yes and he had some very personal experience as well. So he had come prepared.

He had the bone, carefully wrapped in yesterdays newspaper to keep it from staining his jacket, secured just beneath his left arm, a fresh bloody one. A present for the guardian of the castle, the dog that Emil had warned him to beware of in his telegram. In his left breast pocket he had another present. Wrapped in newspaper also was half a kipper. It was for Emil’s other household companion a white Persian cat he had told him about also. Emil had told him to let himself in when he arrived but to be careful not to step on his cat who no doubt would be roaming around in the dark.

He had never considered Emil to be shallow man, easily entertained by the presence of a by mere bit of fluff. Perhaps it was a substitute for feminine companionship he lacked in that cold drab castle. He had mentioned a housekeeper... and an female assistant, Percy grinned it was always good to have one of those creatures handy, maybe the prospect of a cook. but....

He had no butler! so he would have to let himself in and seek out Dr. Dresden. He knew times were difficult for his dear friend. After being drummed out of Oxford, without even a gold watch for his years of dedicated service it must have been a traumatic experience to go it on his own with his research and to continue to utilize his expert surgical skills. Maybe he could help while at the same time enlist the brilliant Dr. to help him with a problem of immediate need and dire consequences if not dealt with properly.

He couldn’t go to his colleges at Oxford, he had already raise enough eyebrows. Disclosure of his ‘problem’ would certainly mean expulsion. And how he loved those hallowed halls and pleasant surroundings at Oxford. He could do with out some of the more conservative stuffy professors but the eager young students made op for other shortcomings. In three days time after Dr. Dresden and he had conferred and produced a solution to his 'predicament' he could return and continue to enjoy the happiness and fulfillment he so deserved. He didn’t even consider the possibility of failure. It was too foreboding and fearful to even think about..

His step was light and his demeanor was cheerful as he approached the castle. His bright blue eyes twinkled displaying a sense of carefree playfulness. His soft brown hair was combed neatly in place and his mustache freshly waxed and twirled at the tips. His ‘French tickler’ one of his female companions had called it after a especially intense sexual encounter. His agility as he moved made up for the fact that he was a bit on the thin side and but that his body was supple and sinuous.

Only one dreaded thought was on his mind and he had taken care of that in his telegram to Emil. He told him he would need to bring a patient, a Mr. Hide, along and that he needed a secluded room. This patient required his constant care and at no time should any of the staff or guests at the castle should see this man. His appearance was so ghastly His body so malformed and misshapen his demeanor fearful and threatening that it would surely create a traumatic impression one that would spoil the three days they would spend together. His ‘patient must be left locked in his room and no one should enter even if the strangest and most bizarre sounds emanated from behind the closed door. Emil had assured him that it would be just as he had said adding that he had such a person hidden in the castle already , maybe they could become friends, “Misery loves company as the saying goes.”

What he failed to tell Emil was that the "patient' he so acuratly descr=bed was not antoher guest but Dr. jackel himself or rather his alter ego released as a result of some experimental medications that he had been administering to himself. His condition had gotten worse as time went on and when he felt the 'change coming on he had to go into seclusion until the condition passed. In time he would disclose this information to his friend but in order to not unduly alarm Dr Dresden or his staf and guests he would keep 'Mr. Hide's' presense a secret'

"Come quickly, Percy." Emil had written and you will be here in time to help us celebrate All Hallows Eve and the coming of the full harvest moon. Percy had wondered who he had meant by 'us' but his friend had not elaborated he hopped there would be members of the feminine gender present.

He loved the ladies. Being a single man and a distinguished Doctor gave him the opporunity to partake in the intimate companionship of many fine young ladies.

Graduate students young eager to learn ,anxious to please, beautifull vivacious young ladies. Female patients at the clinic where he volunteered his time administering more than just advice to concerned young housewives from the more affluent neighborhoods. Giving advice to bored young housewives struggling with the emotional issues of dealing with husbands more deeply involved with making a living than their relationships at home. He was in fact more than willing to assist them in ways that were much more intimate and fulfilling.

In three days time he would return, but now as he heard the howl of the guard dog and a cloud covered the moon for a moment he shivered perhaps this was not going to be a “piece of cake’ like he had envisioned. He reached for the bone and as a shadow appeared from the trees he threw it as hard as he could away from the Castle. he was relieved when the 'dog’ that he was expecting followed it and he moved forward and gained entrance. Inside he heard a scurry of feet and looked into the foyer to see the glow of golden eyes, and the white hair that shimmered ethereal in the faint glow of the lamp light coming from the doorway that led to the next room. Percy knew his friend and his companions were there.

He was taken aback when the cat made s slight noise and looked in his direction. Her golden eyes seemed almost human, they were definitely feminine. He recovered his composure, speaking slowly and softly to her. “Here kitty, kitty, kitty.” While he spoke he brought out the kipper and unwrapping it set it on the floor. The cat looked up and closed one eye. “ A wink” was Percys first thought but.... Before beginning her feast the precious thing rubbed gently against Percys left leg. He shivered a pleasant shiver that was the beginning of arousal. “Oh my,” He declared. “How can this be happening? How very strange, a bit exciting but very strange indeed." It was almost as if the white bit of fluff was personally welcoming him.

If the other occupants of the castle were just as friendly perhaps his visit might be enjoyable as well as productive.

 

[Screech]

Running Wolf had chased the bone that had gone flying through the air more due to animal instinct than anything else! When he caught up with it, he could smell a faint scent on it, one he had not encountered before! Biting down hard on the bone, he broke it in two, licking out the marrow from the middle. He would do this to whomever had saught to discract him too!

Slowly moving back to the castle, he soon picked up that same scent. It was strange, almost like two scents mixed into one. But he put it to the back of his mind. Strangeness was, oddly enough, the norm around here.

He tracked the scent back up to the castle doors and growled, seeing the heavy doors still slightly open. Using his front paws, he slowly pulled the door open wide enough so he could squeeze through and continue his search for the intuder. Of course, he didn't have to look for long for he was standing infront of Running Wolf with his back turned, petting Ghislaine.

With a powerful bound, Running Wolf threw his weight onto the back of the intruder, knocking him to the ground, noticing Ghislaine bolt out of the way. Moving so that most of his considerable muscleweight was against the intuder's back, he let out a low, menacing growl.

"Next time arrrrrsk beforrrrrre barrrrrging in..."

 

[Maid of Marvels]

Ghislaine... The Cat

http://www.Bibracte.dreamwater.org/ATWAS/kippers.jpg

What a nice man!! Kippers! Much more appetizing than borscht and better than Mouse Tartare any day... though the taste was growing on her. Maybe with the new cook there'd be more meat on the table.

Delighted with the gift, Ghislaine smoothed herself against Dr. Jackel's leg before partaking of the unexpected feast laid in front of her only to be interrupted by... Unable to forestall Wolfie's lunge Ghislaine jumped out of the way only to see her precious meal squashed beneath Emil's guest.

"Mrrrrrrrrow!!!"

One well-timed leap placed her on Wolfie's back. "That was mine you mongrrrrel. Get yourrrr own meat!!" she yowled, digging her claws in to prove her point.

 

[Screech]

Running Wolf felt several claws digging into his back, drawing a little blood. trying to ignore the pain, he stepped off the intruder and shook himself, tring to dislodge the little furball stuck to him

"Get offfff meeeee ffffeeeeelinnnnne!"

He backed up to a wall and raised himself onto his back legs, giving Ghislaine and idea of what he might do if he didn't get off him

 

[Miss Behavin']

Frau Blickberg

http://www.Bibracte.dreamwater.org/ATWAS/FrauBlickberg.jpg

The commotion in the front hall brought Frau Blickberg on the run to see what was going on. This was unheard of in the Herr Doctor's household and she would not allow this loud carousing to disturb him at his work.

The sight that met her eyes set her already fueled temper to even greater heights. Of course it was that... that... Giving the devil cat a shove that was sure to have removed hair and flesh from the cur, Frau Blickberg grabbed Running Wolf by the ear and gave an adrenalin powered yank.

"How many times have I told you... " she began, her voice a menacing growl which rose above the cacophony. "NOT to attack the guests!! Doctor Dresden has important business to attend which cannot be disrupted by your foolishness." She jerked the wincing werewolf's ear yet again. "And tell me you have not done a harm to the new cook or you will be tomorrow's... "

"Hello? I'm... "

The housekeeper's attention was drawn to a plain looking older woman standing in the doorway with a huge carpetbag in hand.

"The cook?" she asked, almost daring her not to be.

"Yes, ma'am. Gertrude Duffeldorff. I... "

"What???"

Another voice yet to be heard from, Frau Blickberg's head shot to her right to see who else was going to join in the near disaster she'd just diverted. For once, she was almost pleased to see that it was Emil's assistant. "Miss... Oh nevermind. Take care of this... " she barked, giving Running Wolf a healthy shove. "And see to our... guest," she added, looking down at the man who appeared to be more than a little dazed.

"I," she said imperiously, "will show... Duffeldorff... to her rooms and tea will be ready shortly. Come, woman."

Blickberg grabbed the cook by the arm gingerly before she could make her escape. There was a Ball in three day's time and she wouldn't have this... cook... wandering off. By the looks of it, she was the only one willing to take the job. Fools.

 

[Jenn1982]

Jacqueline

Jacqueline was headed to her room. The doctor had said something about possibly working on Miss Stine this evening and it wouldn't do to have the map fall out of her pocket. Of course there was always the chance that Dr. Dresden would want to work on Miss Stine alone and wouldn't need Jacqueline's help, which meant she'd be able to roam the castle some more. Her thoughts wandered as she wondered whether she'd have more of a chance of getting lost at night when she heard a loud crash followed by a distinctive cat squall coming from the foyer.

She made her way there only to find Ghislaine, Frau Blickberg, Wolfie, and a man she didn't recognize. She'd hardly opened her mouth before Frau Blickberg turned to her and told her to take care of Wolfie and the new guest. She'd given Wolfie a push in Jacqueline's direction and Jacqueline side-stepped out of his path.

She wasn't exactly sure what had happened but she guessed that the visitor hadn't announced his presence to Wolfie before coming in. She looked from the werewolf to the man lying on the ground and back again.

"Wolfie, I'm sure this gentleman didn't mean to upset you and I'm sure he's very sorry and won't do it again. Isn't that right Mr...?"

She waited for the man to introduce himself as she offered him a hand up.

 

[poohlive]

Cornelius was the first to breach the subject, and it seemed almost destined, since as he said it, lightening cracked in the mountains surrounding them, lighting up each of their faces, bold, ugly, and truthful to the last.

"Well, what does the recluse on the mountain have to say about all of this."

Darren poured himself another glass of Brandy, "I haven't been up to see him in quite a while. A few months, truth be told. He hasn't come down in quite a while."

The fat banker, George by name, had made his perch near the window, looking out to the storm beyond. "Yes, there's been a few rumors going around as of late. He's been hiring more people... assistants and whanot, coming through town. Strange noises in the night. Howling, unnatural."

"Ahhh, I don't think it's anything to worry about. He's been harmless as of late," Darren drank more Brandy then he intended, and coughed most of it back up.

"True, but then... no one really knows, do they? He could be planning anything up there. You've heard what he did at Oxford, unspeakable atrocities that got him kicked out. I mean, please... living right next to us."

"The town dump has had a few weird tracks in it. Some things stolen..."

Darren could only laugh, "We're getting scared because the good Doctor Dresden has people come down and take our garbage?"

Guilty faces shown throughout the room. Darren drank more brandy.

"It's just the fact that he has so many people under him up there. I mean, if he can steal trash in the middle of the night, who's to say a child won't go missing next, or one of our women?"

"He's a harmless old coot. I've said it before, and I'll say it again, there's nothing wrong with him. He just wants to be left alone."

"To do what? What does he keep doing up there, experiments and whatnot. I mean, what is he really doing? Continuing his horrible Oxford experiments? What if he's endangering this entire town."

Darren held up his hands, "All right. I'll go talk to him. Ok? I'll go and see him. It's about time I went up there anyway. I'll inquire about his new studies, and that'll be the end of it. Ok, satisfied?"

"He could be doing anything up there...

"... and he could be doing nothing."

Cornelius frowned, his face small and dirty, "He's doing something all right."

Thunder cracked outside, silencing the room. Everyone could feel death's cold chill dancing up their spines.

 

[chanaud]

Francis Stine

When the cat strolled past her, Fran swore she heard the cat hissed. But it was for such a split second, she might possibly have imagined it. Fran looked into the large unblinking amber eyes, and shivered. Its eyes were cold. There was something haunting about this creature. She walked with her head high as if she was the queen of the castle. Just like.. The image that filled Fran’s mind made her shiver. Just like her mom. Ugh!

There was an intimate playfulness between the two, Fran couldn’t help noticing. Damn creatures! They surely would never be treated this well back at home, she thought. Animals are made to be outdoors, catching rats and guarding the house.

“Aachoooo!” Fran’s sneeze echoed loudly in the empty hall.

The handsome Doctor frowned at her. “Are you catching a cold, dear Ms. Stine?”

“No, not at all. It’s just that…I’m allergic to cats!”

The cat stopped to stare at her. It knew she was lying. Just like her mother always did.

Fran lifted the cloth napkin from her lap and wiped her painted lips delicately.

“I’m no longer hungry. And I see you’re finished with your borscht, too. Why don’t we take a stroll to your office, so we can discuss the procedure?”

 

[Graybread]

Smedley

Smedley quickly lowered his rusty blade, timidly bowing he shyly looked over his right shoulder, expecting to see Dr. Dresden. Seeing no one there he looked over his left shoulder, no one was there either. He turned back to the person in the purple dress. He wasn’t sure if it was a woman now, seeing that ‘she’ hadn’t been close to a razor in quite some time, not that is matter to him. He had never shaved and had only a few thin whiskers on his lip, and patches of scraggily on his chin.

“Are you talking to me,” he asked the homely person kneeling before him.

“Yes master,” came the humble reply.

“Master.........Master,” Smedley repeated. He liked the sound of that. It was about time people recognized him for who he was. “Master,” he said again, standing a little straighter, trying to add an air of dignity to himself.

He could put this ‘person’ to good use, as he had never cared for the labor of digging graves, it was to much like work, although the rewards were good.

“Fetch me them turnips over yonder,” he commanded, pointing with a dirty thumb, “and don’t forgit them carrots neither.”

The purple dress rose and ran to the tree where Smedley had dropped his vegetables, quickly picking them up and depositing them at his feet.

“Pick em up,” Smedley ordered.

Quickly the person followed his orders.

“Drop em,” Smedley said.

“Pick em up.”

“Drop em.”

“Pick em up.”

“Drop em.”

“Pick em up, ok, that’s enough.”

Smedley was impressed with his new servants’ ability to follow orders. Now what should he have him do? Had he owned an ax, he would have him chopping wood, but as it was he just collected fallen wood from the forest.

“Are ya hungry,” he asked.

“Yes master.”

“Well no one eats for free....yer gonna have to chop them there vegetables for the stew pot. I got meat....good meat....you’ll like it.”

Smedley tossed him his rusty blade and headed for the shack.

“C’mon........say, you got a name,” he asked looking back at the person.

 

[captainb]

Dr. Dresden

http://www.bloominpuppets.com/storage/EmilDresden.jpg
The crash and yelps from the front hall interrupted Emil’s reply to Fran. “Excuse me just a minute, Miss… Oh, Frau Blickberg, is everything…”

“Yes yes, doctor,” said the housekeeper as she swept through the dining room towing a woman holding a carpetbag. “Your… pets… are giving visitors their usual greeting.”

“My apologies, madame,” Emil started, but the bewildered stranger was swept into the kitchen. With an apologetic shrug to Fran, Emil quickly walked to the main hallway where Jacqueline was helping a man off the floor, while Wolfie was trying to glare at the newcomer and Ghislaine at the same time. Ghis, for her part, was ignoring everyone and preening herself on the stairway landing.

“Doctor Jackel!” Emil cried, rushing forward to shake hands. “Percy, welcome! I’m sorry about this, but Running Wolf has certainly earned his reputation as the best guardian this side of the Elbe.

“Oh, where are my manners? Doctor Percival Jackel, this is Miss Francis Stine, and my assistant, Miss Jacqueline Laughton. I wonder if you two have already met at Oxingham? And here,” he moved to the staircase and extended his arms, into which the cat leapt, purring mightily. “You remember my fiancee, Ghislaine? I’ve made some fascinating advances in neuropsionic transference,” he said to the other’s expression of wonder.

All turned at the heavy slow steps on the staircase. “Ah Rodney, good to see you, my man. Do you remember Doctor Jackel? I’m not sure if you were both at the university together, it’s hard to keep things straight sometimes. Rodney, would you please show him to one of the guest rooms? Do you mind accompanying them, Jacqueline? We’ve just finished supper, Percy, but I’m certain that Frau Blickberg would be able to have a meal whipped up for you in no time. I’m sorry to leave you so quickly, but I need to speak with Miss Stine in private for a few moments,” he said, gently depositing Ghis back onto the carpeted stair after a skritch under her chin.

“Oh, by the way, Rodney, Jacqueline—please be sure to let me know the minute that Smedley arrives.” He turned back to his female guest with a smile. “Now, if you would please come this way.”

 

[Anam Cara]

Gertrude Duffeldorff

http://www.Bibracte.dreamwater.org/ATWAS/Gertie.jpg

Gertrude Duffeldorff looked at the tall stately woman who had announced herself as Frau Blickberg with wonder in her eyes. Could it be? If her memory served her, and it usually did... she remembered her when she was just plain old Hildegarde -- runny nose, scraped up knees and dirty fingernails just like every other little girl in the village.

Rumor was that that Hildy had gone up to the castle a few years back after her man had died in some mysterious accident in Romania or some god-forsaken place, but Gertie had seen neither hide nor hair of her since she was about sixteen. She must be double that by now, but still... the resemblance. Not one to let a chance pass to glean a bit of information here and there, she let curiosity get the better of her.

"Pardon me for askin' Frau, but is your given name... Hildy Waszylcenko?" she asked once they were alone.

To her credit, the housekeeper didn't miss a beat. "Once upon a time, I was Hildegarde Waszylcenko, yes. But that was long ago, Duffeldorff, and I prefer that you call me Frau Blickberg while you are in the employ of Doctor Dresden."

Gertie shrugged. "Yes, Frau Blickberg. And so I will."

"This," the Frau said, indicating a door off the large kitchen, "will be yours."

Gertrude stuck her head in and straightened immediately. "You must be mistaken... This is fit for a Duchess at least!" Truth was, the room that the housekeeper had shown her was nearly as large as most of the small cottage she shared with her Aged Mother, God bless her.

"Well, then" Blickberg said peremptorily. "You shall be the Duchess of the Kitchens while you are here. Can you read?"

She set her carpetbag down and turned to face Hildy... Frau Blickberg. "I didn't know that was a requirement for cooking a meal or making a tasty meat pie. Mine are the best in all six of our neighboring towns." Gertie leaned forward and winked, whispering conspiratorially. "Secret recipe handed down from generation to generation of the Duffeldorff women, don't you know."

"I... see." Blickberg said, although she really did not. "As to the reading, no. It's not required. It would have been easier to leave you written instructions, but I will give them verbally. One thing, Duffeldorff... " She coughed, pulling a scented handkerchief from a pocket and dabbing at her nose. "I would ask that you not imbibe during your working hours. I won't have Herr Doctor's dinner or his Harvest Ball spoiled because you took a dram or ten too many."

"Harumph," Gertie replied with a sniff. "It's for medicinal purposes. But I suppose I could just let the rheumatiz wear me down so I can't lift a pot or chop a vegetable."

Frau Blickberg sighed. "Medicinal. I see. Well, before your rheumatiz kicks in tonight, Doctor Dresden's latest... guest... will be wanting tea and something to eat, I'm sure. And mind you -- stay away from the cat and the... dog, as well. Especially the... dog. Oh, yes," she added almost as an afterthought. "We have a man who brings what is needed from the markets in the village. We will go over the list tomorrow."

Gertie nodded and walked over to the stove to check the kettle that was simmering on a back burner. Rumors in the village had some strange goings-on up here, but no one would ever believe what she had seen and only five minutes in the castle to boot. She couldn't wait to tell her Aged Mother, God bless her.

"How many for tea? I can whip up a quick batch of scones to go with."

"That would be lovely, Duffeldorff. But please, wash your hands first."

Gertrude sniffed and wiped them on the apron she'd tied around her waist. As if she didn't already know that cleanliness was next to godliness. Her Aged Mother, God bless her, had taught her that nigh on fifty years ago.

 

[Rubber Biscuit]

The Madman

A name? He stopped and stared at the pile of vegetables, suddenly overcome with remorse. No one had asked him that question for a long time, and he hadn’t known the answer for far longer. You there and Idiot were the names he was used to, although they weren’t really names but he responded to them nonetheless. The Beasts had muttered and laughed whenever they peered through the tiny barred window at him, especially during lunch. They always laughed while he ate, but he knew they were really just jealous of the savory bits that he added to his meal. The little crawlies would climb onto his plate anyway, and he liked the slimy crunch and the tickle of their hairlike legs in his throat. They had called him something else when he ate his crawlies… what was it?

The rusted knife came into focus at his feet, and he slowly picked it up. A smile began to twist at the corner of his mouth. It felt so good to hold this again, the weight comfortable and dredging up memories of far, far ago, the memories of his own laughter at the screams and the sweet, warm taste of spraying red foam on his lips, the blade digging deeply to lay bare the hot wetness that poured over his hands and slid down his throat. He felt his crotch engorge and pulse and he looked at the vegetables again, remembering his master’s order. His Master!

The rat was looking at him from the doorway. For so long he had waited for the Master’s arrival. The voice had murmured in his ear at the House for so many years, whispering of his freedom, encouraging him to eat the crawlies for his strength, promising that he would be rewarded and led to a land of endless, ravishing pleasure if he could only escape. And he had escaped, and had run and ended up here, and the Master had given him food and a weapon and a task, and life would be good! With a drooling grin, he dropped to his knees and began slicing at the dirty turnips and carrots, slicing and slashing in a frenzy of glee.

He stopped, knife raised in mid-stroke, as memories poured back into his red-hazed brain. Ren… Red… something, what did they call me? “He’s like that Re…” What had they said? The last part had always been muffled, but it had sounded like Rmm.

That was it! That must be my name! He looked up in triumph, bits of mashed vegetable dripping from the jagged blade in his trembling hand, and said, “My name… is… Redrum!”

 

[Screech]

Running Wolf growled and looked at the man. "Didnnn't intrrroducccce himsssselllllf.."