Christmas Eve at the Jackdaw’s

[annabelle]

Helen’s face is one of pure innocence.

“Perhaps but…I wouldn’t know exactly how to use it. I only heard it being used in ways that didn’t involve horses, sounded…fun. In any case, you can use it for your horse. It’s definitely a beautiful whip fitted for your…social class.” She keeps a straight face while saying this. Wanting to roll on the floor and laugh like a maniac, totally un-princess like. But deeply appreciating Katherine’s reaction and calm acceptance of the gift despite the obvious signs of embarrassment.

“Well I know you like horses, I do too, I sto..bought one for myself also. For my horse of course. However, as per our discussion in Egypt, you can be creative with it. Creativity is fundamental.” Her smile getting wider.

“Do you like it?” she asks with a pout.

[Mrs K. Saunders]

Katherine frowns a moment, did Helen nearly say stole? No, she is a princess, surely she must be above such things. Katherine’s cheeks deepened in their scarlet flush as Helen again mentions alternate uses. She is almost caught off guard when she is asked if she likes it.

“Like it? Of course! Who could not? It is beautiful. I am sure if will be useful .. I have a new horse after all. I will let Jack borrow it, ... er... when he takes out his steed as well.”

[Jerome Price]

"Ah, you are equine enthusiasts. If only I had known you enjoy riding those magnificent creatures I could have matched my gift my Helen's. Well, I do hope you enjoy this instead as thanks for being such gracious hosts this festive eve." Jerome picks up a final package. A box about six inches a side in dark paper which appears to have been painted with light feathering and a purple ribbon which wraps around each side and comes together in a simple bow at the top.

Turning to Helen Jerome looks delighted at the gift from Helen, "A perfectly auspicious gift my dear and I have no doubt it will keep me safe from those spirits that wish me harm." He slips the charm into his breast pocket and pats it gently. "A most thoughtful gift for a medium such as myself."

Then sitting on the sofa he carefully unwraps the box given to him by Katherine and lifts the lid and draws out an ornate black and silver pen. He marvels over it for a little, "How beautiful." Carefully turning it over he finds a seam and carefully unscrews it to reveal a tube and capillary inside. "My, my. This is truly a marvel. What wonders the kine continue to develop while we insist in our little games in the shadows, no? Little by little they find new and ingenious ways to improve. How long until their inventions rival our own power I wonder."

Jerome squeezes the capillary and releases it watching as it sucks air in through the nib at the end and then squeezes again breathing out at the same time, in and out, like the ticking of his pocket watch, a faint reminder of life left behind and exchanged. He releases one final time listening as the slight hiss of air rushes in and he holds his breath, needlessly. Exchanged for this eternity.

Turning to Helen he shows her the fountain pen and whispers, "I wonder how long until one of the kine uses something like this as a means to poison one of their friends, or an enemy. Then the pen would indeed be mightier than the sword." He grins and titters at the joke.

[Mrs K. Saunders]

“Thank you, Mr Price. It is very kind of you.”

She takes the parcel from him. After spending time in Bristol with Mr Price, she is quite prepared for a flamboyant gift from him. He seemed the showman in everything he did. She however was not expecting the wonderful box that lie with the purple wrapping. Jerome’s present to the Jackdaw’s is a music box which is made from a black wood which seems to have been carved into a feathering pattern and turning the Wood’s colour slightly lighter. On top there is a note, which Katherine reads aloud to anyone who wishes to listen.

“When you catch a Jackdaw in your dreams it is said that you will successfully outwit those acting against you, may this music inspire your dreams to protect you from those who wish you ill.”

She smiles widely at Jerome, “How wonderful.”

On opening the box, music begins to play. It is in fact the cradle song by Brahms. Inside the box is a little jackdaw that unfurls it’s wings and rises as the box is opened and closes them and recedes as it is closed.

Katherine gasps in delight. “Oh Jack will love this. Mr Price, how perfect, thank you so very much.”

She calls out, “Jack .... Jack.,where are you? You must come and see this!”

[annabelle]

Helen smiles with the pen, recalling the first time she saw one. Months ago, with William in his office writing a letter and she looking at it with wonder and fear like a scared cat. Wondering what else was invented all the years while she was asleep. Forcing him to take her out to see trains, steamboats and all sorts of things.

But a poisonous pen? What a delightful way of thinking.

Knowing it was of no use but finding it comical, she lowers her voice to a whisper too.

“The kine are indeed creative with their viciousness whilst we stay old fashioned. Still there is room for creativity and originality in tormenting and poisoning friends or enemies in our ways too. I can think of dozen other ways mightier than a sword and most of them do not involve physical harm. In all fairness, the deadliest do not involve a sword. So, I am confident our kind will always be winning the viciousness competition against the kine.”

And with that she matches his with a wicked chuckle.

But suprise replaces her wicked mood when the music box is revealed. She stares at it with raised eyebrows of concealed surprise and then at Jerome, observing him. Her curiosity awakened.

[Jerome Price]

Humming along with the lullaby Jerome will slip the pen away in his jacket and then turns to Helen. "Did someone mention that Jackdaw was preparing some games for later? I confess I brought a few items myself in case, a slipper for pass the slipper and a blindfold for..." he pauses as though thinking for a moment to leave the options open "ah yes, Blind man's buff."

His brow furrows slightly in thought, "Although considering our enhanced speed and senses I am not certain that is going to be entirely fair if played in the traditional way." Then, smiling he leans into Helen to say, "I did also bring a couple of newspapers for a few rounds of 'Are you there Moriarty?', although now that we've seen your gift to the Jackdaws we could try to convince them to test it out instead of using the newspapers?"

[annabelle]

Upon Jerome’s last suggestion Helen turns her face opposite side from Katherine. Places her hands on her face and trembles, a small giggle escapes but is supressed immediately. After some seconds when she manages to obtain a straight face she turns around. Smiles politely to Jerome and then Katherine.

“I think that’s a great idea! We are Cainites, we need to spice up the game to make it fun for all. Don’t you think Katherine?” and her gaze is now daring. Staring at Katherine with a ‘Be edgy’ smile.

[Mrs K. Saunders]

“I... er...” she thinks quickly. She needs to somehow make this party appropriate for kindred. She is well aware at the moment she may be scoffed at again for acting as kine.

“If you think that everyone will find it suitable entertainment? Not everyone is able to take pain so well as some. I presume that they will be playful taps? We could use the lovely whip that you gave Jack and I. I would have to get Ellen to seek out another.”

She is extremely uncomfortable with the idea but feels that as a host she needs to accommodate her guests desires.

“If you and Mr Price wish it, why not?” She smiles at Helen

“Ellen? Please bring one of the horse whips through.”

[Jerome Price]

Jerome rises and takes the whip from Ellen quietly asking her to fetch the red and green blindfolds from the small suitcase he entrusted her with earlier. Then turning to Helen he passes the whip while speaking across the room to Katherine, "Lady Katherine it would seem improper for us to take the first turn with your own present."

As Ellen returns with the pieces of fabric, he will hand one to Helen and then hold the other out to Katherine "After you have been such good hosts this evening, it seems only appropriate that one of you should enjoy the first round of the season's merriment and break in Helen's gift. Don't you think Helen?"

[annabelle]

Helen gives a wide smile to Jerome and taps his hand for reassurance “Of course! It’s only fair Mr Price. You are so thoughtful.” With that she stands up, walks towards a sofa near Reggie and she winks at him with a knowing smile. The sofa is the one she saw earlier and caught her attention. A beautiful velvet one.

She suddenly lies down there like she is taking a nap and then she is gone. Eyes closed, no reaction, like she is dead. Her face peaceful and with a subtle smile like she is having a great dream.

William her ghoul instead takes a deep breath and with a smile he stands up. He walks towards the unconscious Helen and takes the blindfold from her hand. He then walks towards Jerome and chuckles while brushing his lush soft hair with his fingers.

“You didn’t specify the rules Mr Price. I will actually feel more pain in this body so it’s not really cheating. I am trying to be thoughtful for my dear Katherine, don’t want to hurt her If I get upset.”

And with that she sits on the floor waiting with a side grin and ties the blindfold on his face.

“Ok, so what do we do now?”