Side One, Ep.2 "Double Dog Dare"

((In that case, I think I'll stick with the luck I've got. ^^))

Vincent

Awkward. "I see." I deem it wise to say no more about that, and focus on moving the corpses. I hope the townsfolk won't think ill of us, arriving in town just before such calamities. Maybe doing our part to deal with the danger makes up for having lured it here in the first place.

Diana

As I sling the corpse over my shoulder to carry it to Brown's, the feathers on my back shift and itch. My thoughts wander while my body works. When I really think about it, becoming a valkyrie would bring more benefits than drawbacks in my case. For one thing, I don't have to give up my life with Vincent and Ariel. Bringing a blessed child into the world would be another wonder. I don't know how long it will take for my wings to grow out, but I'm sure others will watch my back for me until then. Learning to fly, though... will that come as instinctual, or will I have to learn from a fellow valkyrie? I think of the tiny woman who gave us strength when we fought the frogmen. Will we meet her again someday, maybe on Mount Neverest?

Vincent

I catch Diana's thoughts as we head toward the remains of the steakhouse, and smile despite our grim task. If extraordinary things only happen to extraordinary people, then my Diana is exceptional. I fully agree with her logic in accepting the wings -- really, she would give up nothing, and gain much. A mortal valkyrie... would she be the only, or simply the first? I guess that much depends on whether or not we have children together. The thought is both thrilling and daunting. I doubt I'll get over it anytime soon.

 

Vincent

I glance at Emma when her thought slips into my mind, and nod without speaking. The sight and sound of Mrs. Brown weeping before the ruined restaurant draws my attention, and I wonder how we might best comfort her. I look at Emma again, wondering if she wishes to be the one to do so. She did bring it up, after all. Then again, given the speculation around her and Mr. Brown, true or not, it might not be best for her to speak first. What to do, what to do?

 

Vincent

Memories whirl through my head as I look back and forth between Emma and Mrs. Brown. This is more than I wanted to know, but I think it's important that I DO know, judging by the feelings I glean from each woman. The truth must be known, and not just by one or two. The trouble is, what should I say, if anything? Is it any of my business to speak out?

Being a mentalist is such a headache... my mind all but overflows with memories, and so few of them are mine.

Diana

I look nervously at my companions, feeling left out of some all-important loop. But maybe it's better that I'm left ignorant. By the troubled look on each face, it seems nothing pleasant is going on. I'm not sure it entirely has to do with the corpses we carry. I keep my peace, waiting for something to happen.

 

Diana

I look at Mrs. Brown with wide eyes, and scowl as I shake my head at her words. I can see quite plainly what Emma is, or at least purports herself to be, but I have complete faith in Vincent's fidelity to me. My hands are full, or I would sign in answer. She's wrong.

Vincent

Now I feel honor-bound to speak up on Emma's behalf. I let the corpse thud to the ground -- holding it up by myself is both difficult and distracting from the matter at hand. Or maybe it's the matter at hand that's the distraction.

"I know what you think you saw, Mrs. Brown. Emma tells me there are rumors of an affair between her and your husband, and she claims innocence. I for one believe her to be honest. Your husband, on the other hand, was hiding a great deal more from you." Thinking of little Ana makes my blood boil.

I look at Emma, knowing I'll need more information about things before I continue speaking. Scattered memories and speculation on my part do not a firm testimony make. I hate to pry, but this is a matter of Emma's honor, and I need the whole truth.

((LS, disregard the PM I sent you. Figured this would be easier. ^^))

 

Vincent

Emma's memories surge through my mind. I take them in slowly, needing to learn all I can from each one. At last I meet the gaze of Mrs. Brown, my eyes narrowing. "Shall I tell you the truth?"

I don't wait for an answer.

"Your husband, Mrs. Brown, had a young woman for his lover. To protect her privacy, I will call her Alice. He meant to deflower her, but Emma came to Alice's rescue. The only reason she let your husband live was because you arrived on the scene. Alice escaped unharmed, but not without other consequences. To keep Alice safe and free from the touch of men, Emma bought her freedom from Charles. Charles kept Alice in his brothel to keep Emma away from her, and he also slandered Emma, by claiming he'd had an affair with her." My heart pounds with rage as I speak, and my fists clench involuntarily. "It was easy, since you had already seem them together, and knew a little of what happened. He just filled in the blanks as he saw fit."

I take a deep breath, trying to keep a cool head. My eyes never leave Mrs. Brown's face. I have no ill will or judgment in my heart toward Emma for her feelings toward Ana. Some of the greatest people I know are those who love others of their own sex. Not the least are Jason and Zeph, two young men whose love has been tested and found stronger than death.

 

Diana

I look back and forth between the others, but keep my peace. The tension and anger in the air is palpable. I hope this doesn't escalate to fighting -- there's been quite enough of that tonight.

 

Fenella

Oh, really, I hope there isn't going to be more fighting?

I glance at Diana. Her body language shows that she thinks there is.

And just when I thought we were finally going to get a decent meal- ahem- a meal, too!

 

Jeisera

My mouth drops at this story of twisted love, not fond of triangles. I'm partial to circles, actually. Confounded as to why geometry popped up at a time like this, and craving pie for some reason, it's prolly just my wonky brain trying to cope with the bizarre happenings of this day. A nap might do Riff and I a fair bit of good, to tell the truth. Well, if there's a fight, whoever's daffy enough to try it will feel the sting of my pointy arrows!

In the meantime, I help Diana clear the bodies we come across.

 

Diana

I tense as Mrs. Brown approaches Emma, and instinctively move to shield the nun. I have little to no idea what is going on, but I refuse to see an innocent woman injured. It strikes me that I am an innocent woman in this case, but the revelation is distant. I do not want more fighting, but if it comes, then so be it, I will take my place at the front.

Vincent

I resist the urge to smile as Diana moves to protect Emma, in a very Shieldmaiden-like manner. I would, of course, expect nothing less. My gaze stays on Mrs. Brown, and my eyes narrow as I wonder what will happen now. This is not how I would have liked to end this night.

 

Vincent

I watch the sorceress in awe and dread, wondering what she plans to do. It's clear she doesn't want to attack Emma now that Diana's in front of her. Diana seems to have no inclination to let Mrs. Brown any closer. Frankly, nether do I. I just wish I could read Mrs. Brown's mind, and make up my own about what to do. Attacking apes and demon-possessed drunks is one thing, but a human acting of her own accord is quite another. I don't want to harm her, but it seems I might have to.

Diana

I brace myself for a fight, still standing between the nun and the widow. The corpse is heavy on my shoulders, but I don't lay it down yet. I could use it to trip Mrs. Brown up, rather than resorting immediately to the sword. But all that depends on what Mrs. Brown does next.

 

Vincent

I do not relax as Mrs. Brown releases her spell. There may yet be more to come. Emma speaks, and I keep my eyes on the widow. That is an excellent question.

Diana

I smile in gratitude as Emma takes the corpse from my shoulders, then return my gaze to Mrs. Brown. I hope this will end without more bloodshed, but I still have my doubts. At least now my hands are free to use my sword and shield if need be.

 

Vincent

I see no point in being anything but blunt and honest. "I'm a mentalist. I looked into her thoughts -- they were clear as crystal. If she had fed me false memories, I would know."

Looking to Emma, I add, "I'm sorry for prying, but you understand I needed the whole truth. I don't do that very often at all. But I want you to know, I have nothing but respect for you." Facing Mrs. Brown like this is not likely to be easy for the accused, even the wrongfully accused.