Hour of the Knife.

Ravenloft

Sweet Rogue
Joined
Jan 29, 2000
Posts
18,844
Meridon, a city not unlike london in a time when Jack the Ripper haunted its darkened streets... (Feel free to join in, but only when you see an enterence, please do not force yourself into the story if at all possible... There could be up to four companions in Alexi's wagon...)

Fog shrouds the cobbled streets of meridon, it nears the witching hour as the lonely clopping of hoof falls strike against worn stone, just as a distant clock tower tolls the arival of midnight. Alexi snapped the reigns upon the horses that drew his carriage along the dark street as his companions stirred in the back. The hated fog stole much of the nights already shabby visibility and seemed to charge the clocks chimes with an eerie finality.

The carriage slowly passes a dark alley. As if to mark its passage, a woman's shrill cry of terror cuts through the fog-shrouded night... Only to be cut short at its peak by a sickening gurgle.

Alexi places his hand upon the sword laid at his side as he yanks the horses to a stop. He looks back to his companions with startled eyes.
 
William Rivingston:


William Rivingston sat in the back of the carriage, boucning along the cobble stoned street. He was a slightly tall man, around 5'11", with an athletic build, long black hair, tied with a silk stip of cloth. His face is clean shaven. America is definatly not like this, he thought. William looks out the window of the carriage, into the fog. Pulling his cloak tighter to him, and grabbing his cane, he sits back agian, patiently waiting for their destination. A yell of terror is heard, and the carriage comes to a halt. "What the devil was that?" he said, alarmed. He opens the carriage door, investigating the night.
 
Alexi:

Hopping from his seat as he lifted his head to hone his brilliant blue eyes upon William and Elspeth in turn he spoke. "Whatever it was, I don't intend to let it go unpunished." He said in a low voice. Elspeth, his new bride looked upon him worriedly. It was no secret that this cities streets were nightly cursed with a murderer most foul... He reached out a hand to touch softly upon her chin to reasure her then turned away to find William, Elspeth's brother standing at his side, ready to investigate.

Without a word, Alexi started for the alley, sword unsheathed at his side.
 
Angela struggled against her attacker. He covered her mouth stuggling with her. She bit his hand then let out a shrill scream that was cut off as he stabbed her in the stomach with his knife. She gave a soft cry and gritted her teeth against the pain fighting against that darkness that threatened to overcome her.
 
Killer:

With crazed eyes, the man that held Angela down clasped his hand at her jaw, wrenching her head upward, revealing her throat, blood seeping from where she had bit him down along her cheek. He lifted the knife to end it, but heard from behind him the sound of her 'saviors'. "I will come for you... AGAIN!" He hissed in a voice that chilled her very soul. And with that, he launched away, making his escape. She was left, gasping, and clutching at her wounded stomach. Breath was hard enough for her, words were long gone...
 
William:

"Come Elspeth, but stay close." William said as he grabed his sister by the hand. Rushing behind Alexi, William charged, his cane, made of fine brass and steel, grasped in his hand, ready to strike at a moments notice. Cape flowing majesticly behind him, they came to the crumpled body of a girl. "My god, she's still alive Alexi!"Releasing his sisters hand, William found Alexi, already kneeling at the girls side, starting to dress her wounds with his own torn clothes. "I shall return Alexi, I'll find us a Constable, and hopefully a doctor." With those words, William ran back out the alleyway, franticlly searching the souless streets.
 
Alexi:

The wounded woman was in a bad way, she was taking short breaths, Alexi had moved her grasping hands away from the cut as gently as he could, they now lay at her sides, limply, coated in her blood. The front of her gown was a horrid mess, stained and smeered with that same blood. Alexi fought the flashes of memory this sight brought to his mind... Blood coated battle fields... He shook them aside as best he could, continuing to wrap her wound, careful not to cause her any more pain. He had uncontiously acknowledged Williams departure with a small nod in the haze of it all. Finally he had done all he could, he looked up to find Elspeth with a hand held to her open mouth in shock. He extended a hand to her and imediately regretted it, finding that his hands too were now covered in blood. Elspeth sunk to her knees with a moan of empathetic pain.

The wounded girl echoed her moan, trying to say something, Alexi tried to sooth her with a gentle hand. "Why must there always be so much pain" He questioned god within his heart as his eyes showed only strength...
 
Elspeth leans forward, so much blood-and through her tears sees how jagged the wound is-made with an unclean blade also.

"Alexi, to the carriage for my bag-perhaps I can at least staunch the flow until a doctor arrives."

I grabbed the edges of the wound and tried to ease them together, the poor girl screamed and more blood gushed forth.
My stomach roiled, and the baby within seemed to strain in my womb.

Alexi returned with her satchel, and quickly she removed the tinctures of Arnica and Hypericum-just to ease the pain.

Turning to the poor woman I dropped some of the healing fluids into her mouth, as she gasped.

My eyes met Alexi's over her body and I ruefully smiled at him.
 
Angela was vaguly aware that someone knelt over her. Coughing weakly she felt her life slowly leaving her. Gazing up at her saviour his face blurred. Just then a sharp pain seized her and she moaned arching slightly as tears slid down her cheeks. Please she thought to herself don't let me die, not like this , not now.. please...
 
Alexi:

He had been hesitent to leave Elspeth in the alley alone, even for a moment, but had rushed to the carriage and back like the wind. He watched as Elspeth did her best for the poor girl. The hair aback his neck stood on end, he did not like staying in this alley. Elspeth looked up at him and gave him such a sweet smile that he calmed. Even hell itself would be dulled of its horror with her at his side. They stayed with the girl, the two of them, seeing to her as best as they could. Alexi held watch as Elspeth dried the girls tears, soothing her pain and fear.
 
William:


Running from the alleyway, William searched desperatly for a constable. Where are they? Is no one on these streets?, he thought to himself. Finally, either by the will of the gods, or by luck alone, one was spotted. "SIR! SIR!" he shouted. Dashing to him, as fast as his feet would allow, he arrived in front of the policeman, gasping for breath. "A girl.......alleyway.......she's hurt.......come!" were the few words he could muster. Turning without an acknowledgement from the constable, William ran, agian as fast as his legs could carry him. With but one glance behind him, to make sure the constable was following, William dashed for the alleyway. Making the sharp turn down the alley, practiclly slamming into the wall, he looked back to the policeman, waved for him to follow, and then continued. As he aproached, he saw his sister, Elspeth, kneeling next to the injured girl, attempting to stop whatever bleeding she could.
 
The streets always had a funny way of echoing this time of night. The sounds of a polite conversation could be heard blocks away while a bar room brawl raged silently around the next corner. So hearing the scream, he tried to go the direction he thought he heard it from, but when he arrived, all he saw was a stalled carriage.

His questions were answered, however, when a flustered man with a cane and a cape came pealing out of the alley. Gasping for breath, "A girl.......alleyway.......she's hurt.......come!" were the few words he mustered before turning and ran, again as fast as his legs could carry him. It took the constable a moment to grasp the man's meaning, but when he did, he quickly followed.

When he arrived on the scene, he saw another man standing and a woman knelt down beside a bleeding body on the ground. Not again already! This was outrageous, and again on his watch.

"How long ago did this happen? Did any of you see anything?" The constable tried to staighten his coat as he unconsiously withdrew his cudgel. The old grey coat always road up when he ran any distance. He scanned their faces and noted their desperation. Curious, he stepped up and looked down with surprize.

"She's still alive?" Barely, but she was still alive!!!
 
Elspeth held the woman and tried to rummage through her bag for the tinctures. Tears flowed from her dark eyes as she watched the struggle to stay alive behind the woman's plae face.
"Alexi..." she whispered as her brother and the constable arrived on the scene,"Alexi she seems to be fading-what can I do?"
 
Alexi:

"Do what you must... Do what I know you can my love..." He thought for a good moment, his brow cresed with worry. "The bleeding is too hard to staunch from the outside, can you not slow her bleeding from within?" He asked, knowing her great knowledge with such things. She had already bled so much, even this might not help her now, but to not try, that was a sin. Elspeth wiped at her eyes and dug deeper into her bag as her brother and a constable came onto the scene. The constable questioned them. They had no answeres that would lead him anywhere... Alexi stood up again, walking up to the constable. "Do you have anywhere we could take this poor woman? It would certainly give her a better chance at life than to leave her laying in this cold, dank alley..." He said, trying to keep his voice level, and free of the twisting emotions he was feeling.
 
Angela was aware that more people arrived but she was unable to speak. She faught the terrible darkness that threatened to completely engulf her. She reached out and grabbed the girls hand squeezing tightly. She looked her right in the eye and using what little strength she had she said "please don't let me die, I still have so much to do" then with a sigh she layed back down her eyes closed and she drifted in a strange dream world, somewhere between life and death.
 
Elspeth held on to Alexi for dear life as she witnessed this extensive bleeding of Angela and was torn with what they could do for this poor women lying on the cold pavement. " Alexi, Serena lives only a few blocks from here, my sisters neighbor is a gifted healer and could help save this women. Do you remember William when Aunt Martha came down with scarlet fever and all the physicians said she would die, but Serena knew how to save her. Hurry, Alexi, William, please lets go take her to Serena."

As they huddled around the women, William and Alexi picked her up gently, without moving her greatly, and put her in the carriage.
William knew who Serena was and she was magnificent. He was remembering the first day of their first introduction when Angela started stirring. This women Angela was also a great beauty, and something tugged on his heart while she was lying there so innocent, she seemed so pure. He was shocked at his initial reaction. He felt very protective of her and he didn't even know her. He made sure he was very close to her during the ride. He wanted to kill the bastard that did this to her. His first duty was to make sure she lived, though. Angela looked like an angel lying there and he wanted to know her. He wanted to know everything there was to know about her. He could not let her die. For some reason, she just represented everything good to him. He would not let her die.

Alexi, put his arm around his wife, Elspeth, while watching the emotions on Williams face as he looked upon the stabbed women. He was curious as to Williams reactions, never witnessing the protectiveness toward any other women. He would almost chuckle if it weren't so serious at Williams face when he tried to help put her in the carriage. William gave him, Alexi, his best friend and brother-in-law, that "I'll kill you if you drop her" look.

Elspeth yelled, "here, right here is Serena's home. Hurry, we haven't much time". Alexi ran to the door of Serena's home and knocked vigorously in hopes to make Serena understand the urgency. Serena opened the door and immediately ran to the women as William carried her to the front door.

Serena yelled, "come, quickly, her color is deteriorating, we must move quickly. Elspeth, go fetch some clean cloths out of the closet and let the men start ripping them...........we haven't much time if we hope to save her".
 
Angela was lost in her own dream world or images. It seemed her whole life was passing before her eyes and she felt an immense sense of regret that it should end like this. She no sooner let that thought enter her mind then she pushed it out, she would not die. Not like this, she had to survive. She couldn't let that man go free she couldn't let another woman suffer as she has. Gathering all her strength she forced herself surface from the darkness she had been cradled in and with a last effort she opened her eyes. Everything was somewhat blurry but she noticed she was no longer in the alley, rather she was in a house. A new woman stood beside her doing her best to save her and Angela felt an immense sense of gratitude for these people doing there best to keep her alive. She would not fail them! Glancing around she noticed a new guy, he had been in the alley but she had never really noticed him. He was quite handsome and if the situation had not been so serious she would have smiled at him. Instead she relaxed letting the healing hands of the woman work over her. She closed her eyes with a new sense of peace and the image of the handsome man fresh in her mind.
 
Alexi:

Serena had been the one to teach Elspeth what she knew, so Alexi minded well and was about ripping cloth into strips as quickly as he could, he tossed them into Williams waiting arms and he in turn rushed them to Serena's hands. The constable stood at the door, looking out into the misty streets. Alexi would ask him what he knew of this, for, even now, when the only pressing threat was the girls demise, the man kept hawk like eyes turned outward for any sign of foul deeds. Alexi handed over the rest of the torn cloth and made his way to kneel next to Elspeth as she lightly soothed her hands along the girls cheeks, whispering encouragements, though her own eyes were still glossy with unshed tears.

Alexi placed his hands on Elspeth's shoulders, letting her know he was there, with strength for them all.
 
Serena

Serena was praying that she could help save this beautiful women, this girl who almost and very well still could have her life stripped away at any moment. Serena was what some called "magnificent" with her Chestnut hair, blue eyes that resembled the sky on a clear day, and a natural porcelain complexion. Many did not take her serious because of her good looks, but Elspeth and William knew of her gifts and Elspeth was her student. Elspeth was the very dearest friend Serena had. She was a wonderful friend and Serena was so happy that Elspeth had found the exceptionally handsome and kind, Alexi. What a man! He was everything a girl could dream of.

The constable was watching her closely. He was a very stunning man. He seemed amused at her bossiness as she whipped orders to all of them to boil water, to get her herbs, to get more clean cloths. She was determined to save this women. The constable also indicated how important it was to save this women, it would help get a killer off the streets with the information provided.

The hours started ticking away and now, and a very tired Serena and Elspeth sat next to Angela hoping she would make it. Hoping and praying that this women would beat the odds. They knew they had given the best care that anyone could possibly give. They both sat with tears in their eyes, this poor girl had been very badly hurt. Alexi, stayed by his wife to comfort her. William sat stonily and waited with his head down for any news of whether they could save Angela.

Serena secretly wished she could find someone like Elspeths husband, Alexi. She moved her eyes and saw the constable staring at her again. She didn't think she presented a threat in his eyes, she guessed he was doing his job and just noticed everything.

Suddenly, after 13 hours of waiting, Angela moved.
 
Angela first became aware of a horrible ache in her chest. Shifting she groaned out a soft curse at the pain it caused. Then like a bolt of lightning she remembered everything. She was alive, in horrible pain but she still was breathing. She wanted to smile and dance for joy but knew that it was best to relax. Her eyes fluttered open and she noticed everyone was looking at her with Apprehensive eyes. Her gaze took in every face lingering on the man whose face had stuck in her dreams. Then with a cough she said weakly "Can someone get me a glass of water please"
 
William


William bolted from his chair, the moment the lady from the alley had moved. "What?! What did she say?" William moved, almost sliding, next to the poor woman, grabing her hand. Holding it close to his chest, he said " Just hang on there m'lady, everything will be alright now. You're amongst friends" He held her hand, tightly, but also in a soothing way, leting her know that he was going to be there, and help her through. Alexi returned with the water, which William took, and placed gently agianst her lips. Putting his hand gently behind her head, lifting her so she could drink, he said, "Drink, but drink slowly, I dont want to lose you" he said with a smile. He looked deeply into her eyes, noticing the pain she felt, which her eyes echoed and wanting to take it from her, so she would not have to suffer as she did so......
 
Serena


Serena moved up next to William and spoke to Angela, "please, m'lady, be quiet and don't speak, you have been very hurt and need to save your strength", as she wiped her down with a cool compress. "I can see through your eyes that you are understanding my words, tis enough for now. I have some special tea made for you which is a healing mixture, please drink slowly and try to drink it all."

Serena was grateful for this womens miraculous recovery, but she knew that infection would hold this women in peril for some time, and they needed to be very, very careful. She noticed the loving way Alexi held his wife, both of them joyful at this strangers recovery. They had such a special bond, one that she admired and wished for herself. She noticed the Constable watching intently and walking towards them. "please, constable, don't try to speak to her now, she is just too weak and is still in great peril." He nodded his acceptance and walked back to the place where he stood watching. Serena noticed how very handsome and strong this man looked. He seemed to command respect just from his appearance. She didn't want to gawk, so she quickly returned to her patient. She also wanted to consult with Elspeth for what they should do to keep this women from infection.
 
Angela looked up at the man who held her hand and held the water for her. She was curious why he seemed to care so much for a perfect stranger. A slight smile curved her lips as her gaze met his and she couldn't help noticing the cute dimple in his left cheek. Closing her eyes she pushed that thought away. Now wasn't the time for this. She had just been at deaths doorstep and now she was thinking about how handsome this man was. What was wrong with her. Gathering her wits she looked at everyone else unsure of what to say , one thing came to her mind however "Thank you"
 
Constable

The consable had to stiffle his joy at the sight of the girl's recovery. A chortle or even a shout was never far from his lips, but for his fear of upsetting the others, especially the victom. Finally, a witness! He was tired of all the death and sadness.

It occurred to him to ask if he could speak to her yet. But he understood that there would be plenty of time for that later, if she was allowed her own time to recover, so he wasn't going to be pushy.

"I should go back to the station and inform them what has happened. Up to now they have never been closer than two or three nights appart, but with his kill interrupted, who knows what he's likely to do. If any of you actually saw him, I wouldn't mind you coming with me."

He connected a knowing glance in Alexi's direction, and scanned accross the others faces as well. He lingered upon this healing miracle they called Serena. She was a handsome woman, to say the least, and it had been a long night-into-morning, so he could feel his professionalism waning ever so slightly.

"I can be back to check on the girl later this evening. Can she stay here for now, or would you like me to have her moved to a facility?"

OOC:please be patient if my postings are sporadic. I have been dealing with a family member going in an out of the hospital, and taking care of their kids while they are there. I don't want my lack of postings to be misunderstood as lack of interest. Thanks.
 
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