You stand within the open gates of a beautiful shady courtyard. The view is completely dominated by plant life: ankle-deep grass of navy blue and dark gold in an endless checkerboard; towering leopard-spotted purple sundews that tamely cradle guests in their fronds; bundles of flowering vines skillfully cultivated to mimic animal and humanoid forms. Leaves rustle constantly overhead, casting jewels of warm sunlight onto every surface. The air is dizzyingly fragrant, almost intoxicating. Every color, shape, and scent is in perfect symbiosis with every other; they even seem to adjust slightly when new visitors arrive, accommodating them into the sensory perfection. At the center of the courtyard, ringed and shaded by trees, there's a sculptural fountain glowing with light. Through an intricate screen of foliage, you can see the gleaming green chitin of biotecture, sculpted into bulbous, flowing towers that surround the courtyard. Looking up, a sharp eye can see the membranous streamlined tubes of walkways stretched taut between the buildings. From here, there are a number of places to go: A slate-gray street extends between two buildings and stops at a <dock> on a placid river, where black <boat>s and a great <steamship> are moored; At the far end of the courtyard, a <road> flanked on either side by a stately column oftrees leads off towards a glittering dome in the near distance. A particularly bulbous and ornate building nearby bears the logo of <Interpron> studios. And a flattened ovoid blob of liquid <mirror> floats here, lazily oozing in midair. Contents: William fountain [Fake] Kiosk [Fake] Mink Statue [Fake]
Jeremy mrps. "William, should you be out here?" c.c
William is sitting on the edge of the fountain, wearing his blinkers. However as he hears Jeremy's voice he tenses, then relaxes as he recognises the sound of the fox "Magistrate Jeremy!" William leaps to his feet.
The mirror-blob swells into a pregnant sphere and then bursts to release Camilla.
Camilla says, "Goodness gracious, it's the two time-shifters in one place."
Jeremy opens his arms to the boy. "Come along. You really shouldn't be out this far."
Jeremy looks at Camilla. "We were on our way back to the island, actually. William shouldn't be out here considering."
William offers Jeremy a bow - turns his blinkered head slightly, hearing Camilla. He pauses, then says to her "Good day, Camilla. Good day, Magistrate Jeremy - I was waiting, for you. I have...I have messages for you."
You say, "Do you? Then you can tell me on the boat trip back."
Camilla ohs. "Is this a private outing?"
You say, "I don't know. I just found him out here. He really shouldn't be far from the island. Not out and about in Dante's Inferno."
William says apologetically, head turned faintly towards Camilla "The messages are private but...er...short." He steps up to Jeremy hesitantly, putting his hands together "I've promised to obey."
You say, "Camilla's safe from what I can tell. She's Mel's sister."
William pauses "I don't know Mel, but...um...I promised I wouldn't tell anyone else the messages, sir. They're secrets. But they are very short." His hands clasp, are pulled apart, nervous and quiet.
You say, "Well, Camilla, we should catch up another time if that's alright. I don't want to upset William with undue pressure."
You offer to take William around by the hand.
Jeremy thrusts out his hand to William. The fox looks faintly uncomfortable but resigned to his duty. "Come along?"
William takes your hand firmly.
William tentatively takes Jeremy's hand. He gives a nervous smile, but obviously cannot see the Magistrate exactly with those blinkers.
Jeremy smiles to Camilla, waiting for her to issue a departing comment.
Camilla tries to take your hand, but you pull it away.
Camilla says, "Oh. Okay, then."
Camilla's tail curls around her ankle.
You say, "Sorry. u.u"
You say, "I'll look for you after I've spoken with William."
Camilla says, "Well, it was William I was actually looking for. ... I'll let you be. You two are apparently familar."
Camilla touches the transit mirror and vanishes.
Jeremy gets a pained expression.
You say, "Well, let's go..."
You walk down to the dock and embark on the steamship, which gouts dense black smoke as it carries you across the glassy water and disgorges you on the far shore.
Central Elysium - Dock Shore
Weathered driftwood timbers stand firmly planted in the shore, supporting a pier of well-sanded and splinter-less planks, pegged carefully together. A well-crafted boardwalk continues east and west of here, draped with multicolored fabric pennants, stairs leading down to the obsidian sands. There is a pleasant shady space underneath nearly the whole length of the boardwalk where the sand slopes to meet the landward undersides. A steamship awaits passengers at the dock.
The sun has taken its leave, disappearing into the indigo sea to the north. High above, curled white clouds are gathered for the evening's shower in the darkening violet sky. A soft rain falls from the heavens, making the ground glisten in the gradual darkness.
William has arrived.
Jeremy brings William with him, holding hands.
Jeremy rests as the ship chugs along. "What are those things on your head?"
Jeremy peers at the blinkers.
William says slowly "They help me not see things that scare me."
You say, "Oh! That's marvelous. What do I look like to you with those on?"
William pauses, then says "I can't really see you, I...guess. Um. I was told not many things would hurt me, but I can't bear the sight of most things that aren't from Elysium, so..." He swallows, then says "Do you want me to talk to you now?"
You say, "A small man with a waxed moustache and a long nose? Hmm?"
You say, "You can't see me at all? Gracious. Does it just block me out completely?"
William says softly "They're just like horse blinkers that stop horses from shying. I woke up one morning after wanting them and they were there."
You say, "We can surely do better than just blinding you to the creatures here. Maybe something can be done where it translates them into the closest analogy that you can remember from your daily life. Like a fat Sicilian merchant selling breads!"
William pauses "A...there can be..." He struggles with the concepts, then blinks "Oh! That would be a very wonderful thing, Magistrate Jeremy! It would be."
Jeremy rubs your shoulder. "I know how you feel though. When I first got here, I was pretty scared. But for you... I can only guess how unfathomable it is here when the only thing you are used to are human beings. No advanced gadgetry or strange magic..."
William says, a little lamely "There are advanced machines in Florence - clockwork, for the theatre, which...makes a mechanical woman open her arms." He takes a breath, smiling nervously at the touch before saying "I have a message for you from the Angel Kehari."
You say, "It's beyond the tinkerer's arts of Elysium to create goggles like that, but maybe something can b-- Kelly sent a message? Please tell me. I'm worried sick inside..."
William nods firmly, before saying "Oh, I'll...try and find someone who knows an artisan perhaps. I don't know who Kelly is, but the Angel Kehari said 'Tell Jeremy that I love him and that I will return to him Whole one day, I so Swear it, and when I do we will share a sweet and tender Time together, something I much look Forward to. These words are for Jeremy's ears alone, none other shall hear of them.'" He takes a breath.
Jeremy sniffles and cries.
Jeremy dabs his eyes with a kerchief. "Why did she have to go and do a foolhardy thing like that? I'm scared she'll never come back."
William stammers "In case you...think I am lying...she had other words..." However at the weeping, William hesitantly pats you on the back. You're one of the less terrifying things around, so he pushes the blinkers up slightly "Is...something wrong? I don't really know, I was looking for a way home, and I went into a strange place here."
You say, "It's alright, William. She said for me to take care of you, and I will do so. You might think everyone else is scary, but at one time, YOU were one of the scarier of the being here to me."
William says helplessly "I don't know, I can't remember it. Why was I scary? I am very strong, but I really don't want to hurt."
Sweet William is, in appearance, an androgynous male in his late teens, in form and shape essentially a mature young human. With a sweet, rather trusting face, and warm maroon eyes, his elfin features are made a little less absurd by the context of curling horns sprouting from his forehead that come up to harmlessly gold capped tips, their shade mimicking that of his eyes. A pair of reading spectacles on his nose hints at the affectation of myopia that is common amongst certain members of the Victorian Retrotech Collective, rendering his expression studiously gentle. William's build is slim, and somewhat on the short side as far as his genotype would normally indicate. Thus he tends towards the pretty rather than the handsome, with slender arms and long fingers. Pale skin retains a golden sheen, which contrasts sharply with the soft blue slate of his hair. The mop of it tends to wisp around his face, obscuring usually gentle expressions.
Behind William sways what appears for all intents and purposes to be a lithe reptilian tail tipped with a stinger, the delicate scales the same shade as his hair. Despite this ominous addition, the young man is otherwise in appearance as innocent a creature as could be imagined. His clothing is slightly too large for him in the neoVictorian 'raggamuffin' fashion, a white shirt with unbuttoned cuffs dangling at the wrists, a vest edged in fur and heavily patched trousers. His feet are hidden by simple leather shoes, his hands tipped in decorative claws that are filed to polite finish. In his mouth, his teeth are pointed to harmless effect.
Recently, William has acquired what looks like a distinct bite mark on the side of his face. He rubs at it frequently, as though it irritates or disturbs him, and sometimes it bleeds a thin line of blood. He sees you looking at him.
Carrying: Blinkers
You say, "It's mostly that tail... It still both-- William, did something bite you?"
William nods "Sosael bit me. She kept trying to...lick me, and then she bit me." He twitches, nervously.
You say, "Best to keep a distance from that one. She's quite mad. And that's saying something for THIS world. ...The island's on the horizon. Let me dab some antiseptics on that..."
William nods and stays still, possibly trusting the retrotech rather more than other's offerings. He adds "The Angel Kehari also said for me to tell you 'I said he should always strive to put the Ball in the Baffle Spot, and that it is my desire that he show you how to do the same. That it is a Game, but it is also Life. I know these Words confuse you, but all will be clear in time.'"
You say, "...remind me to show you the games up in the arcade. Baffleball is a peg-and-board game."
You say, "Kelly... that's my name for Kehari. We talked about life in the context of the game."
Jeremy rubs his head fur, and squeezes your hand. "The ship's docked. Let's see about getting into more comfortable quarters."
Central Elysium - Dock Shore
Weathered driftwood timbers stand firmly planted in the shore, supporting a pier of well-sanded and splinter-less planks, pegged carefully together. A well-crafted boardwalk continues east and west of here, draped with multicolored fabric pennants, stairs leading down to the obsidian sands. There is a pleasant shady space underneath nearly the whole length of the boardwalk where the sand slopes to meet the landward undersides. A steamship awaits passengers at the dock.
The sun has taken its leave, disappearing into the indigo sea to the north. High above, curled white clouds are gathered for the evening's shower in the darkening violet sky. A soft rain falls from the heavens, making the ground glisten in the gradual darkness.
You head west to the Seawall Shore.
Central Elysium - Seawall Shore
A huge pile of basalt boulders, polished delightfully smooth of all hard and sharp edges, protects the white-sanded shoreline from erosion by the blue waters, filling most of the underspace of the boardwalk's progress along here that leads to the sturdy pier to the east. The sun has taken its leave, disappearing into the indigo sea to the north. High above, curled white clouds are gathered for the evening's shower in the darkening violet sky. A soft rain falls from the heavens, making the ground glisten in the gradual darkness.
William has arrived.
Jeremy brings William with him, holding hands.
You say, "I'm... sorry if I was ever angry at you. I didn't mean to be. It's not your fault. It's like being born into the middle of a play that you had a speaking part in, and no clue what was said and done."
William nods slowly "Yes, it's just like that," he admits "I don't quite know what to think, if I'm some...ancient evil thing...it seems so unfair."
Jeremy pops a parasol over his head. "No need for blinders here. We're all just talking animal people from fairy tales around here."
You say, "It is unfair. Born, never asked."
William pushes his blinkers up on top of his head so he can see clearly "I don't mind being _alive_," he says hastily "I just mind not knowing what's...going on. I can't comprehend it. It's outside God and nature and all things. Why does it only ever have weather here?"
You say, "I felt that way when I was a young boy. I was so mad at myself for being born human. It was the best thing to be, granted, but it seemed so mere and such an unhappy sort of existence. I missed having a tail... Here? Cause the people that lived here missed weather. Because they were from a time before everyone here was empowered with divine capabilities."
You say, "The weather here is like clockwork, William. It rains every evening, at half-past six."
You say, "It clears up a little before midnight..."
You say, "And then the stars come out. IF you got a really tall ladder, you could touch them."
William says softly "I liked being human. I don't feel very human any more. Others can see my cloud now - you know, I stopped seeing it when I was a teenager, not a child any more." At talk of ladders, William closes his eyes a moment, then looks up "I can't tell what has meaning and what doesn't. Everything's so far beyond me, so vastly more powerful. If you also came from...my world, how did you cope?"
You say, "I... I barely do."
You say, "I stay here and try to make some sense of my life. Someday I might be strong enough to grasp the metal." William says "Mother of God. They tell me this place is Limbo, but from it I think you can see the shores of hell." He looks out at the ocean "Why is this place so empty? When others are so loud and full?"
Jeremy murmurs, "Didn't they ever tell you heaven would have few people?"
You say, "Heaven and Hell are, sadly, a matter of who you ask. Most of these people adore what you'd call Hell and think Heaven is a place for people who aren't strong enough to face the responsibility of the screaming maddess of the Mess."
You say, "I'm inclined to agree. Heaven's a quiet and lonely place that runs on clockwork and old traditions..."
William says apologetically "I was not that...good at going to Mass while ali...while in the place I came from. I suppose. I was not really someone to think about Heaven or Hell that much. I had other things on my mind..." He pushes his toe into the sand "I no longer feel very strong. I was told even unicorns are not what I thought."
You say, "Unicorns? Depends on which culture. Arabic unicorns are bloodthirsty, you know?"
You say, "But the ones from European myths are protectors of virgins and such. And the Kirin, the 'dragon horse' of the east, are protectors and selectors of the earthly emperors."
William pauses "I mean, unicorns, the...holy beast, who knows the Virgin Mary. Feet of a hind, tail of a lion, body of a horse, with the horn that heals." He looks out over the ocean "I was told there were three in that place that leads to all places. They were having sex or something. Nothing makes sense to me any more, Magistrate."
William listens "Oh...I don't know about foreign places."
You say, "We're all just symbols here. The myths we are built on here do not all come from our world."
William looks back at you, your shape, the medallion "What am I then?"
You say, "You're from... italy, correct? The words "Protestant Reformation" and "Renaissance" mean nothing, do they?"
You say, "You are my charge for as long as you are William of the 1400's of Italy."
You say, "I will do anything I can to protect, console, and educate you."
William nods "I am from Italy, yes. Originally, England, but I don't remember much of it. I...not really, no. I have some education, but it was so I could entertain, and be of use, not so that I'd...know my histories." He gives a hesitant, but true smile "Thankyou, Magistrate Jeremy. It's nice to be here. Not out there. I should go mad in moments."
You say, "Well, you should know of me then. I'm from about 500 some years later. I was born in a country discovered in 1492."
You say, "The country was principally under English control, and eventually the colony broke away about 2 centuries later to be independent. A weird mix of entrepreneurs -- or criminals if you want to be less generous -- and religious pilgrims -- zealots if you what to be less generous..."
William nods slowly "I last remember Tuscany in the year of our lord 1402." He listens, quietly, eyes large, maroon, silent. You say, "Somehow this mismash managed to become quite an empire during the 1900s. I was born 1968. Would you believe a year later, they put a man on the moon?"
You say, "They used something like a large firework of metal to get a metal house put up there. It's all dust and there's no air. Not very exciting. We didn't go back for decades. Sort of a shame, when you think about it."
William says "That is...so long after me. I was born...in 1486." He closes his eyes, then says "A man...on..." He frowns worriedly "Oh. It is a place, then?" And he pauses "Oh. It's not another world?"
You say, "Well, it's a world orbiting Earth, as opposed to the sun. Turns out Galileo was right. The sun was the center of the immediate universe, and not the earth. The Catholic Church had only faintly forgiven him in the matter when I was born."
You say, "All this is sort of silly now when you think about it. We're not on Earth anymore."
William says softly "So where are we then? I am told Limbo, but then some people told me where I was is Hell, even there. My Lord Medici often called his world Hell or Heaven, depending on his mood."
You say, "Well, honestly, it's both. It's all three. Limbo. Heaven. Hell. Each person sees each place differently. Some people would feel terrible suffering here, those used to expression their carnal needs in open abandon, as well as the marriage of flesh to non-flesh."
William Shakes his head "Not that...no...where in general? All these countries that one can leap to - Strange, Charm, Top, Bottom, Up, Down...where are they?" He pauses "I'm aware...of...the rules about decorum here, I read the sign. I don't think they matter in my case. I mean...can you picture me disobeying them?"
You say, "Someday you might find the urge to redefine yourself to an image of your own desire. I mean, I didn't start out looking like this."
You say, "Well, I could disobey them cause I can imagine a lifestyle outside of it -- but I don't really want to cause it's too... complex for me right now."
William blinks "What did you look like? I didn't start out looking like _this_ though...I had no tail, no horns...no claws, my teeth weren't sharp." His eyes lower "Eyes weren't red, skin wasn't...this perfect, either. My hair was almost this colour...and I guess my eyes were a reddish brown and my skin was kind of...everything's been made _more_ somehow."
You say, "If you concentrate hard enough, you can reshape nearly anything. Even yourself."
You say, "It seems some other self cast a mold upon you. I've heard that in the Museum there's ways to do extravagant and powerful things to self-define, but that they are dangerous."
William nods, obviously not quite following, then says again "What did you look like?"
You say, "Oh... 5'9" tall. About 165 pounds. Brown hair, brown eyes... Sort of Bavarian German stock with some Irish. Not terrible looking. Just, you know... Arcane in the classic sense of the world. Unseeable."
You say, "I've lost a lot of my size. I'm only 5 feet now. And about 130 pounds."
William nods, listening, then says, almost embarassed "I've always been noticed. They said I was a very beautiful child. I never hid away, really."
You say, "Then I guess you've got something to build from. All the remains of who I used to be is... well... in my heart."
William says slowly "Usually all I had to do to get what I wanted was to smile at people or make my Lord happy. Now all I seem to need is to think about it. But now I don't really want _anything_. Don't you ever wish to look human again?"
You say, "Let's get out of the rain..."
Jeremy leaves the question dangling, either as a mere consequence of moving on, or to avoid it.
You head northwest to the Boardwalk Shore.
West Elysium - Boardwalk Shore(#1460RLJ)
A small grassy plain gives way to a vast stretch of black sand that lines the southern shore of the island. The beach doesn't appear to be well-used; pieces of driftwood are speckled across its wave-washed dunes, and there's few traces of footprints in the sand. A small shelter with a bench to sit and rest at lies beneath the boardwalk that skirts the ominous forest to the east, and a staircase leads down from the boardwalk to the sand. From the staircase, a well-worn dirt trail meanders through the grassy plain toward the interior of the island. The sun has taken its leave, disappearing into the indigo sea to the north. High above, curled white clouds are gathered for the evening's shower in the darkening violet sky. A soft rain falls from the heavens, making the ground glisten in the gradual darkness.
Jeremy walks along the boards, barefooted, black soles glistening with a puddle's disruption.
You head west to the Seashell Shore.
West Elysium - Seashell Shore
This part of the shore gets its name from the unusual abundance of seashells gathered in the sand; the former homes of many sea snails and crustaceans dot the beach, crusty sand hiding the natural beauty of their intricate designs. A path from the forest leads to the boardwalk that begins here and stretches back to the southern port, offering a comfortable place to walk when the sand is blistering hot. Waves lap invitingly at the edge of the pure white sand.
The sun has taken its leave, disappearing into the indigo sea to the north. High above, curled white clouds are gathered for the evening's shower in the darkening violet sky. A soft rain falls from the heavens, making the ground glisten in the gradual darkness.
William is somewhat wet, but does not appear to mind overmuch. Parasols are probably not something he has overmuch experience with.
West Elysium - Curving Lakeside Path
A well-worn dirt path winds lazily through the trees, leading travellers on a scenic tour of the lush foliage, between lofty palm trees and through patches of soft broad-leafed plants. Though the trail beckons along, the trees are thin and friendly, inviting one to stray from the given path and venture into the interior of the island.
The sun has taken its leave, disappearing into the indigo sea to the north. High above, curled white clouds are gathered for the evening's shower in the darkening violet sky. A soft rain falls from the heavens, making the ground glisten in the gradual darkness.
Jeremy brings William with him, holding hands.
Jeremy pauses. "This statue shouldn't be out in the path."
You say, "Tenniel, Tenniel, what will we do with you. Tsk."
You head west to the Shoreline Path.
West Elysium - Shoreline Path
A deep rut strikes purposefully through the grass here, leading up from the forest to the cliff. The shoreline is rough and muddy; rocks have been placed along the edge to prevent erosion from the ocean. A rough bamboo handrail lines the path to discourage travellers from climbing over the edge as they climb toward the top of the hill.
The sun has taken its leave, disappearing into the indigo sea to the north. High above, curled white clouds are gathered for the evening's shower in the darkening violet sky. A soft rain falls from the heavens, making the ground glisten in the gradual darkness.
William says "Perhaps he...went for a walk?" he looks mystified as to why it would be an issue.
West Elysium - Cliff Face
Bracketed by a southerly boardwalk and surrounded by bright green lawns speckled with wildflowers, here extends a village community composed of cobblestone and weathered redwood wood frames, shingles and doors. A ancient manor, made of ironwork and black granite with flecks of gold interspersed, predominates the center looms, its spires reach several stories into the sky. A massive ironwork gate, etched with a pattern of ivy vines and leaves around the edges, leads to its interiors. A natural spring sits at the edge, feeding the waterfall to the east. The sun has taken its leave, disappearing into the indigo sea to the north. High above, curled white clouds are gathered for the evening's shower in the
Elysium Manor - Front Hall
Fortified in strength and tempered in elegance, this room has a more serious aire than the rest. Walls of stone, wooden borders recessed into hard embrace, bear each a shield crossed by weapons and at their intersections, plum draperies hang with green of forest's hue and gilded trim. At even intervals, hurricane lamps sit comfortably on wrought iron and brass hangers, far enough apart to bring a misplaced cozy warmth to the room and alternating with hanging ivies laced with violets, the purple flitting through the waxy green. As wall meets floor, the jumbled stones fade into inlays, a central table rising like an island amid the grey sea.
Jeremy brings William with him, holding hands.
You say, "Whew. Finally the comforts of home."
Jeremy leaves wet barefoot prints around the stonework floor.
Jeremy puts the parasol down to dry.
William's feet are shod in leather slippers "It's nice to be dry," he admits, and glances around the area "You live here?"
You say, "Do I want to be human again? Honestly... no."
You say, "I borrow this place till the real king is found."
William's voice is a little weary "I wish to go home, but am told I cannot so...I suppose I will never have a place. It is enough to be alive."
You say, "The lower floors are open to public use. The upper chambers are mine."
You say, "You can have one of the places out in Elysium. There are many nice abandoned houses there who would welcome habitation again. Until then, you should live here in comfort. You are used to castle-life?"
William nods "I am used to life in a Villa, yes, which is...more rustic perhaps, but I can conduct myself properly, I promise."
You say, "You don't have to worry. Don't bring me harm or sorrow, and everything will be peaceful."
You say, "Oh... and you should never, ever open the locked cellar door."
You say, "The downstairs chambers are the Throne's. Tolerant as it can be, it's best not to fiddle with the clockwork down there."
William says "I'll...try not to, sir." He pauses, then blinks "Oh! Er, I will not touch things." William falls silent for a while before asking, with a distinct sense of hesitancy "Do...you want anything in return? I can...uh. I have...well...do you want...sorry. I'm used to other...worlds."
You say, "William, I'm a very compassionate creature, but I'd feel to be tragically taking advantage of your willingness to please. Besides, I'm still not used to you. No, there will be no services required of you other than to leave things in the order in which you found them, and try to respect my privacy. If you need the comforts of an understanding being, then... well, come to me and I'll offer you my tail to sleep against on those troubling nights."
William says "I can play the lute. I can't play games of chance very well though." He frowns at this "I'm bad at dice..." Then he blinks, nodding quickly "I...er...I'll stay quiet and I won't get into your way, Magistrate." Then William says "One...um...where are the kitchens?" You say, "Oh, yes, those..."
Elysium Manor - Front Hall
Fortified in strength and tempered in elegance, this room has a more serious aire than the rest. Walls of stone, wooden borders recessed into hard embrace, bear each a shield crossed by weapons and at their intersections, plum draperies hang with green of forest's hue and gilded trim. At even intervals, hurricane lamps sit comfortably on wrought iron and brass hangers, far enough apart to bring a misplaced cozy warmth to the room and alternating with hanging ivies laced with violets, the purple flitting through the waxy green. As wall meets floor, the jumbled stones fade into inlays, a central table rising like an island amid the grey sea.
From each of the three ceiling panels, crystal-chandaliers hang down over the triple-toned wood parquet of the ball-room floor. The edges of the room are carpeted in green, with an assortment of carved wooden chairs and comfortable sofas offering repast. The vastness of space is augmented by the presence of gilt-framed mirrors in the ceiling panels and along the upper walls, reflecting everything upon itself into infinity. On the farthest wall, almost like a strange throne, sits the principle centerpiece: A wax-cylinder gramiphone with three carved wooden horns, braced with brass, pointed in each cardinal direction.
Elysium Manor - Dining Hall
The many-hued stones of the floor greet your feet, cut in any manner of shapes yet so finely lain that the cracks between each are undefinable, even by the most tender of soles. Directly in the center of this huge room is a heavy table, made of the thickest oak, resting atop dragon's paw legs with an army's wealth of chairs placed about its rectangular length, two at each end larger than the rest and one much larger than the other, the rest lining the wall like sentries, all made completely of stained oak. The walls themselves are wood paneled, each panel the same width, creating the same seamless effect as the floor though where the panels join, ivy patterns have been carved in minute detail to spill down the sisal fine crack. High above, a vaulted, beamed ceiling pulls the eyes upward and to the center where the beams join in crisscross fashion.
Elysium Manor - Kitchen
More utilitarian than most of the citadel, the kitchen is a tile floored affair with a huge cast-iron stove in the center surrounded with marble counter tops along the walls. Above those, wood based and painted white to match, a set of cupboards run nearly around the entire room, most with carved doors, but the few with glass panels revealing cobalt blue dishes and fluted glassware. Below the counters is mostly open space, but in a few spaces brass pots, larger than spittoons but smaller than vats, pose as receptacles for garbage of all sorts. Nearby, a white ice-chest containing perishables sits in one corner, a water basin with curving brass plumbing fixtures a short distance from there.
You say, "Be careful of the buttons. Remember the sort of 'moving people' clockwork you mentioned? This kitchen is full of them. Torque made the machines safe, but I'd recommend using the more familiar crockery."
William smiles as he sees a vastly more familiar environment "I...won't touch the buttons," he promises, then says "Can I sleep here? I like kitchens. I'll only use items I understand. I won't use the glassware."
You say, "Sleep here? Why don't you use the divan in the great room instead?"
You say, "Here, I'll show you... Shhh, don't wake the Throne..."
Elysium Manor - Throne Room
A bold, yet elegant chamber, the atrium like ceiling supported by four pairs of spiraling marble columns, gild and white. A purple and black patterned carpet rolls up to a raised dais with an impressive throne sitting upon it, looking more like it was grown from stone than sculpted from it, passed with indigo tasseled cushions.
William has arrived.
Jeremy brings William with him, holding hands.
You head east to the Great Room.
Elysium Manor - Great Room
Your footsteps echo across a floor meant to convey sound, to rise it to the greatest heights. In the odd light of the golden-tinged crystal chandelier, a gigantic spiral stair winds ever upward as though chasing your footsteps to the sky, it's marble and wrought iron effectations bathed in the glow. Nearby too, a fireplace haunches upon the hearth like a beloved pet, the divan in front of it bathed in a wealth of green velvet with satin and glit pearling along the edges of the well-worn teakwood. High above, upon the walls whose stone should be warm for all the light in here, oriel windows peek out upon the surrounding landscape, eavesdropping on the weather but too high to tell its tale. A few other chairs, padded in plum or green or even a combination of the two, rest up against the wall under a banner of plum and green split in twain by a thin gold thread, but the fall under the strange shadow of unuse in a room meant for standing.
Jeremy brings William with him, holding hands.
You say, "There. I live upstairs. This whole downstairs is fair game, really."
You say, "Just be deferential passing the Throne."
You say, "It's full of... well, some sort of powerful holy spirit, I guess."
William was very quiet when passing the Throne Room. Now he nods, uncertainly, but willing to listen. He says "I'll sleep here then. Thankyou, Magistrate. You're being very kind to me." He looks around the room, then brightens at the sight of a fireplace. You say, "The designs might be a little strange, but all of this place is very... well, classic. It's ornate but basic and essential. The victorians like that sort of thing."
You say, "If you want a little warmth to dry your clothing..."
William smiles, a real smile "It's pleasant," he says "I understand all of it. I'll dry off. I'll not make too much noise. I don't...see any reason you'd really need me, but...if you do, well, um...I promise to be available."
Jeremy smiles, "The food in the kitchen is all old world too.. Vegetables, breads, familiar meats even.
William nods in relief "Good...I can't...you know, I don't like to eat the food out...there." You say, "The Museum tries very hard to make things familiar for us all. You are not the only person barely holding onto those precious things you recognize."
Jeremy rubs William's head. "We'll get through all this. I promise."
William nods, not familiar with the word, but sitting down on the Divan none the less. He says "Thankyou." His hair is odd, obviously altered, far too fine and soft to be really human. Everything about him seems redesigned to make him seem innocent or easily trusted. Now, however, the expression in his eyes is far more real "You are very kind. I think I might rest a little, if this is alright?" You say, "By all means. I'll keep in mind to ask about goggles and other forms of comfort for you. But William... someday the seed has to become a tree. I tell myself this a lot. I don't know what tree I might become, but a seed should never be afraid to become a tree..."
You say, "Sleep well..."
Jeremy leaves you to the relative comfort of the great room.