Blackhaven: Fractured Faerie Tales

Declan hadn't crossed paths with the Ripper before, this was something new to him, he'd only had his uncle's information provided and what was in the media. The kidney was meant to be the Ripper's way of taunting or humor, Merlin had told Declan about a similar stunt pulled in 1888. This played in to what Declan thought was going to happen with the tabloids and what not. But still it wasn't like the Arcana Cabana was hard to find, still no post marks on anything, so clearly this wasn't sent via the mail, it was left on the doorstep or in their post box. He closed the box...the smell was terrible, clearly this chunk of kidney hadn't been preserved, it probably was about two or three days old, but Declan was no doctor...he was merely guessing.

"Yes that's a kidney Oriana, this is a taunt...I am not sure if he's trying to meet you per say, remember he tends to strike unseen and disappear into the night...though I did cross paths with him from the Tea Party the other night."

He had no idea if Oriana's plan would work in the terms of using her as bait, not knowing exactly what this killer was capable of in the least. Though the clue the Addams' had given about the Ripper being at the ball, that was at least something in terms of where he could strike next.

"I don't know if that would be too obvious, but you'd need to have the basic defense down first before you attempted that....however it could work."

Of course they'd be interrupted with a pounding on the door, and fierce pounding.

"Merida, why don't you help Oriana change clothes, while I answer that."

Declan was still looking beat up when he opened the door, and right on cue, there was Sheriff Nottingham with Detective Dee and Detective Dum Tweedle. The Tweedles had the best arrest record in the city and of course were always looking to gain on that record.

"Oh Mr. Emrys...we're so very happy to see you."

Nottingham's English accent made Declan's skin crawl, it was one of those snobby ones with a slight slur to it. The man was corrupt and of course Mayor White wouldn't have him removed, however he was no longer in line for promotions. For now Nottingham and the Tweedles poked around, and eventually found the kidney...along with a bloody knife and gloves. Neither belonged to Declan.

"Care to explain these Mr. Emrys? I am sure they're not for Halloween."
 
#68
"Well Batman, are you going to blast-o-lighty us outta here too?" Oriana voice was not only sarcastic but heavily frustrated. Her hands were on her hips which signified that patience was running extremely thin. Dressed in tank top and sweatpants she was hardly prepared for the cold cell they were in either which hardly improved her mood. She hadn't had time to even grab a hoodie. Her forehead currently rested on long metal bars, brows furrowed and lips pursed. The last hour had been hectic to say the least and after their ordeal at the Addams Mansion the last thing they had needed was this.

As she had predicted this had been a setup. The kidney, knife and gloves hadn't helped their case and neither could Merida since there wasn't much you could say against the physical evidence as such. Merida had just about given her some clothes to change into before the voices downstairs had gotten louder and next thing she knew, they had been pushed into the police van with handcuffs and a sharp push to her head. No matter what logical reasoning she'd try to apply and explain the situation it hadn't worked. Well, there wasn't much you could say to the likes of Dee and Dum. She could see they only had a brain cell between them.

She wasn't even sure how much the bail had been set to and these things may not affect Declan as much but it did for Oriana. She didn't like the idea of having a criminal record and now this would dampen her chances of getting certain jobs. With a shuffle of her black trainers she went to sit back down next to Declan and sighed. He wouldn't have the same issue since he had a full time career in being a famed sorcerer but she didn't even know yet what it meant to be an apprentice. Not in it's entirety.

If Mother finds out about this she will be over the moon. Carried on the long family tradition of getting our asses in jail. Brilliant.

Whilst Oriana fretted inwardly about the situation they were in, across town in the short time of an hour Jack had made quick work of two women that looked remarkably like her and left them on the doorstep of Arcana Cabana. Not that she or Declan would know this until much later.

The two bodies were bent alongside each other into a circle. Bright red hair that didn't really match up to Oriana's, but was close enough in colour was placed carefully like a halo around their heads and arms were outstretched showing bruised but pale skin. Their hands and feet touched just barely so to make the letter O. If anyone knew to connect the dots it was a clear sign that Jack the Ripper didn't just have his eye on the Sorcerers Apprentice but he was taking every step possible to get a rise out of Declan.
 
Declan had remained calm, this wasn't the first time Nottingham had tried to arrest him, in fact this was the third or fourth time which could all be summed up by the words: epic fail. Declan had really had literally 5 minutes to change out of his bloody clothes, and the some of the cuts he'd gotten from that explosion had stopped bleeding, not all though, he still kept his left arm bound to avoid his blood touching the mark. He did have some time to grab his zip up hoodie, the one that had the dust and orbs in it, which he gave over to Oriana. He didn't want to give Nottingham, the pervert he is, more to look at with Oriana.

"That light trick only works with people like the Addams'. Besides remember what I said about magic solving all your problems and how it won't? If you or I do anything like that we're just looking more guilty by the second. Put this on...Nottingham is a pervert, and you don't want him ogling you..."

He had to admit that he was checking Oriana out, but nothing more than admiring her, he wouldn't let his mind go down the road of normal male thoughts, though he did have them like any male would. Declan's eyes narrowed scanning for anything that could give him an idea if bail was posted or if even there was bail...well there'd have to be bail as for criminal records...uncle Merlin would get it wiped again as this was a false accusation.

Still, Declan's own attire was nothing more than a pair of cloth pants like those that studied martial arts and his 'no fat chicks' t shirt, he sat scanning his surroundings and heard that one of the Lost Boys was being brought in on some pixie dust smuggling, one of Elsa and Ana's girls brought in on prostitution and public drunkenness, apparently she'd been singing 'Let it go' out near the castle and off key as well.

After about 15 minutes, Inspector Dee came to claim them both for interrogation with Nottingham, having failed to frisk them, Declan indicated the orbs and dust in his jacket to Oriana silently.

The interrogation room wasn't like the typical one seen in cop movies, no this one was actually quite luxurious though the dark window that allowed the other members of the police force such as Nutsy and Trigger; two of Nottingham's right hand men...both knuckle heads...to watch.

"It's Four o'clock and alls well!"

True it was four in the afternoon, and Nutsy clearly was missing some screws...how many Declan wasn't sure, Trigger on the other hand looked as if he was ready to pull the trigger on his fire arm at any time, so much so that Nottingham motioned for him to point the gun out of Nottingham's face, before addressing Nutsy and having Declan and Oriana sit.

"Honestly Nutsy, now I see why your mother calls you 'Nutsy'. Now Mr. Emrys let's discuss your part in the murders or should I call you Jack?"

Nottingham couldn't help himself he was ogling Oriana's figure and sizing her up for what only his sick mind knew. Declan sensed this.

"You know sheriff, you might want to look me in the eye instead of ogling Oriana. But to answer your question, the only 'Jack' I know and like is Mr. Jack Box, the owner of the fast food chain Jack in the Box, their tacos and burgers are really good. Might be good for you too you know, for those nights you watch those dirty movies alone?"

Nottingham went red with embarrassment, and punched Declan in the face. It drew blood.

"You call that a punch?"

"Perhaps the lovely red head will be more cooperative? Maybe she'd like to see my personal office?"

He was trying to get a rise out of Declan, who just shook his head...she'd light him on fire in a heart beat, clearly he thought he was more attractive than he was.

"Well after you did such a bang up job with catching Dick Turpin and Robin Hood, I doubt she'd really like to see your personal office...just saying."

Declan was met with a back hand.

"Really? Are you sheriff Nottingham or Porthos?"

"I won't ask again, I don't care who your uncle is or how much money your family has, why are you committing these murders in my city?!"

Nottingham looked as if he was going to have a temper tantrum, as he was not getting cooperation from Declan.

"I can't tell you what I don't know."

"THAT DOES IT! I WAS MERELY MAD AT YOU BEFORE BUT NOW I AM PISSED OFF!"

"My grandmother always said it's better to be pissed off than pissed on."

Nutsy and Trigger as well as the Tweedles began laughing.

"It's not funny you morons!"

Nottingham having been embarrassed kicked the chair Declan was in over sending the sorcerer ass over tea kettle on to the floor, the only problem was Declan was still handcuffed to the table. All he could do now was grit through his teeth at the pain.

"What's the matter? Out of wise cracks? Pity. Well my dear, shall we go to my private office?"
 
The amount of times Oriana had been stared at or had disgusting remarks made by the Mad Hatters clientele about her meant she was far too used to it to care but she took his hoodie anyway with a slight scoff at his t-shirt. She pulled it on more so due to it being rather cold where they were than fearing Nottingham’s eyes. She hadn’t noticed the look Declan had given her, her mind was trying to sort through the problem they had landed in and potential ways to get out of it.

Oriana obviously had been left rather unimpressed with the knuckleheads and had given both Nutsy and Trigger a droll look as they’d been tugged along, one that didn’t bother disguising what she thought of them. And it wasn’t a fat lot. She sat down reluctantly in the interrogation room and bit her lip through the hits Declan was getting. If she spoke perhaps it would be made worse for him, so she didn’t want to get him into further trouble. After all she would have to face Merida at some point.

He’s acting too defensive of me and will get his ass handed for it. Oriana thought to herself when Declan asked Nottingham to quit ‘oggling’ her in his own special way. She wasn’t sure why he was so bothered by it but all it did was give the idiots more ammunition. She winced when Declan got punched and struggled slightly with her handcuffs when Nottingham dragged her away into a separate room. Up until this point she had remained silent, but her eyes were spitting poisonous daggers at the oaf in front of her.

“You! Are you his apprentice or accomplice? Just admit he is Jack.” This was the first demand, similar to the question that had been thrown at Declan but he was in her face. She could smell his stinking breath.

“Oh jack off.” Oriana hissed back, shuffling back in the chair she was in and curling her fingers into fists. If she hadn’t been handcuffed it would have been a real struggle not to punch his lights out. “Do a real investigation instead of wasting everyone’s time on us.”

The slap that came next was probably one that Nottingham would regret at least for a few weeks. His palm came away with an ugly second degree burn whilst Oriana barely let out a grunt of pain and a slightly bruised cheek. Her skin was overheated and it hadn’t been something she had even thought of doing. Her gifts were naturally defending her.

Obviously, Nottingham wouldn’t stay quiet about that, he rushed over to the nearby jug of water with a scream of pain and tried to pour it over his hand to calm the flared skin.

Before he could question or hit her again there was a hurried knock to the door, Nutsy barged in looking annoyed and informed Nottingham that the bail had been paid.

“Who the hell-“

“Wednesday Addams. For both.” There was a loud rev of what sounded to be a tractor and Oriana gave a confused look. Oh gods, I bet she brought Pugsley with her.
 
Declan was still trying to pull himself up from the chair being kicked out from under him, he was a bit more of a bloody mess than he was after the explosion via Fester. However he was told the bail had been paid for them both and his handcuffs were unlocked, but he was left to help himself up and walk out, though he was handed a towel to wipe the blood off his face a bit more. The rev of a vehicle got his attention, and who could forget the look of the five foot two girl that had paid their bail, he didn't want to know what she paid them with...he was just happy to be out of there. As he passed Nutsy and Trigger, they were still laughing about the exchange he had with Nottingham. Though they backed away quickly from him as he went by, he was holding his makeshift bandage and the Tweedles also backed away, he could be sure why.

Declan waited for Oriana outside the station leaning on the strange vehicle that Pugsley was driving and having his face buried in the towel while Wednesday looked him over, he could not tell if it was admiration, amusement, or she was trying to figure out what the deal with him and Oriana was. Declan merely handed her another vial of poison. Pugsley gunned the engine again, but noticed Declan's t shirt.

"What does that mean? You don't like fat chickens?"

"No, I don't go for fat women."

"Oh, hey Wednesday remember that fat girl we roasted at summer camp?"

Declan had noticed something interesting going into the police station, the green colored clothing was unmistakable...and of course a sore spot with Declan, who at this point was doing his best not to be seen. Tinkerbell.

She paid him no mind, mostly due to the fact she didn't even notice him there, she was there to bail out the Lost Boy that had been arrested, more so because he was one of Peter's top lieutenants. Turning invisible was not something he could do, he wished, but not being of pixie or faerie linegae he couldn't do that.

"Åh skit, ikke hende"

"I didn't know you spoke German..."

"That's Danish Pugsley you idiot."

Wednesday noticed his discomfort with Tinkerbell and didn't say anything, she was waiting on Oriana as was Declan. Declan had moved into the back of the vehicle and laid down to avoid being seen, this he didn't need on top of everything else that was going on.

"Did you hear about the two new bodies they found? The Ripper got two more."

"Two more? You have to be kidding Pugsley."

"Nope, and they were found in a strange position, same awesome mutilations."

Declan looked over to Wednesday, she nodded to confirm her brother's information. Things just got that much stranger, still Declan and Oriana may have been cleared of this accusation, but the Ripper was still on the loose.
 
She was right. That was Pugsley right there parked. Oriana could see through the window but her path was blocked, perhaps unintentionally by a blonde woman in a tight green dress arguing with one of the inspectors. The dress was spiked on the hemline and Oriana couldn't figure out the point in that fashion but this town was strange. The only issue was that this woman gave her an odd feeling. Almost ominous. Their eyes connected when she finally noticed Oriana waiting patiently for her to move aside, icy baby blue orbs meeting already irate emerald ones until she shifted to give way and Oriana silently brushed past. I should mention her to Merida...maybe she will know why I felt like she was like a black cat in my path...bad luck. Bad news and a bad sign...damn womanly intuition. I've seen her before somewhere...or heard of her?

She had other problems at the moment, namely the way Nottingham had escorted her out of that room with an angry grip to her hip with his burnt hand and whispered threats in her ear until she got to the doorway. She remained calm on the outside, giving the air of nonchalance but that didn't mean she wasn't fuming internally. Non of this was her fault or her problem but she got pulled into it. Declan had seemingly already left and was waiting in Pugsleys strange vehicle, she could see the top of his head, and she nodded at Wednesday Addams tiredly when she finally approached them.

It had to be the Addams girl. Why didn't Merida come for them? Or did she not have the clout?

Despite her thoughts she was still grateful. There was no way she could have afforded the bail cost by herself. "Thank you Wednesday." She said, but got no reply just a blank stare and a quick step back, a flicker of warning in the girls eyes.

"We don't hug." Pugsley said, hands drumming away on the wheel.

"I wasn't going to h-"

"It's not because we are shy. We're just contagious." He further added, waiting for Wednesday to settle next to him and then nodded at Oriana to get in the back next to Declan.

"I wasn't going to hug her." Oriana insisted with fervor and blinked at Declan who was lying in the back. She got in next to him shoving his legs away lightly but not too forcefully. She wanted to ask him if he was okay and why he hadn't waited for her before getting into the limo- or whatever this vintage monstrosity was that they were sitting in. She wasn't without observation though and had noticed the strange looks Wednesday had given her on her approach so had instead ignored him. Who knew what she could or couldn't say in front of the Addams at this time.

Apart from the hit to her cheek and being groped by Nottingham she had survived the jail trip but Declan had already been recovering from their visit from the Addams before being assaulted by Nottingham too. She'd get the first aid kit out when they returned to his residence.

"We were just discussing mutilations..." Wednesday said dreamily from the front. Oriana found her eyes in the rear view mirror and raised an eyebrow in a silent bid for her to elaborate. "Glorious dis-figuration haloed by fire hair and abstract symbolism. Almost perfect..."

"What would have made it perfect?" Oriana asked despite the churning in her stomach, fire hair? As in redheads. Jack was not holding back then. She rubbed her bruised cheek lightly, pushing her own hair back worriedly and waited patiently for the droll answer.

"Why it wasn't done by an Addams of course." Wednesday said simply, grabbing the wheel and pulling it slightly to the right so that Pugsley didn't run into a frail old woman at the zebra crossing on purpose. They didn't have time to tidy up dead bodies today. It was more important to get Declan and Oriana to the scene of the crime or well, home to Arcana Cabana.

"More kills by Jack?" Oriana complained, looking down at Declan. "They can't say we did it if we were inside getting our asses handed to us. We have a solid alibi. Nottingham himself." Not that she was happy some pour souls were dead and killed in such a terrible manner but it wasn't as if they could stop Jack by sitting in a jail cell either.
 
Declan had been mostly silent during the drive, content to keep the towel over his head to staunch the blood, he'd almost jumped at Oriana's touch when she moved his legs. He was still trying to figure out she wasn't harmed the way others had been, but that wasn't the matter at hand, first the Ripper makes threats then Tinkerbell shows up...this couldn't be clean coincidence.

"You know we were set up Oriana, by who is the other question."

He tried to sit up, but couldn't, the cracked rib wouldn't let him, so he stayed in a half lying down position using the side door to prop himself up slightly, still keeping the towel in place, though he felt he owed Oriana an answer on why he was quick to enter the car before she got out.

"That woman you saw...that's why I retreated quickly to this...vehicle, she's bad news..."

"Yeah she did a number on him that was even low by our standards."

"There are just some things you don't do."

Pugsley and Wednesday were correct, sure they both were into some macabre stuff, but even the Addams' knew there were lines that should not be crossed, like what that lawyer Tully tried to pull on them with that con artist that found Fester...there names escaped the sorcerer at the moment, but he'd been told that story by Fester himself. Declan thought for a second, he'd given Wednesday a stronger poison as she'd wanted...but Pugsley had yet to be given anything...then it came to him after a moment, and he slid two cards up to him...the famed serial killer collection, Lizzy Borden's card and the rare Zodiac killer card, that should square the debt.

"We need to go back to the Arcana Cabana, if we show up at the murder scene...well let's just say Nottingham will find some way to pin this on us, and then we'd need my uncle's intervention, besides Hercules is expecting us to have something on Horvath and his little resurrections... "

"You're not going to make the Hydra extinct are you?"

"No Pugsley I am just going to..."

"Remove it's heads and give us each one of them aren't you?"

"Yes, Wednesday that was my plan."

For now Declan had to give Horvath an answer, the Ripper they knew would be at the Halloween Ball, and seeing as Declan had gotten no word from his father about an invitation, he and Oriana would go as the Addams' guests, that way Merida wouldn't be in the line of fire. The Ripper was many things, stupid wasn't one, going after Merida would mean instant death, if not by the Dunbroch clan, but Declan, and others due to her being high profile. No, the Ripper had been brought back by someone, who they didn't know that was key to find out, and whoever brought him back was controlling him in a similar manner as the headless horseman...

There was a text from Phil...stating that the famed headless horseman of Sleepy Hollow fame was back, Declan had no idea about this one, he'd only heard about the last time the horseman was seen and that was back in 1989...though one thing connected the horseman to the Ripper and it was Horvath...the picture Phil had sent was Horvath with the skull, and low and behold...there was Peter Pan, Captain James Hook, flanked by Tinkerbell and Wendy.

He nearly dropped the phone as he slid it to Oriana, he couldn't look at it, but the look Wednesday gave Oriana said, she was needed to calm the sorcerer before he did something rash. Specifically before his blood touched the mark on his arm, the makeshift bandage was starting to tear apart due to Declan's tensing of his muscles and the wounds still were bleeding albeit not profusely.

"Hang on we're almost there"

Pugsley decided he didn't want to wait at traffic lights nor the signs, instead opting to hit the sidewalks to make time, his sister did what she could to prevent him hitting people, the fire hydrants and posts...Pugsley was on his own. But both were sure their father was going to view the vehicle with either disdain or pride.

Declan meanwhile closed his eyes trying to focus on the tasks at hand, he wasn't going to have much rest.
 
"By the way." Wednesday added, as they neared Arcana Cabana. "About the crime scene...lovely mutilations as they were...." Her voice was as usual emotionless but Oriana swore that she could hear the smugness in it.

"What about it?" Oriana couldn't help but snap, taking off the hoodie that Declan had lent her in favor of helping him staunch the blood flow and unintentionally stopping the blood from falling upon his mark.

"The gifts Jack left was actually on the steps of Arcana Cabana...so, do you still want us to drive there?" Pugsley asked, still not adhering to the speed limits.

"No! We need to have some time between it being a crime scene and us arriving there." Oriana looked at the Addams siblings with wide eyes, wondering why they hadn't bothered to explain that in the first instance. "Pugsley. Take a right from here. We will go to my place instead." She ignored the raised eyebrows of Wednesday, looking down at the dropped phone as she hadn't managed to grab it in time but that photo was still on the screen. The woman in the green dress from earlier was among the group of people, next to three striking individuals and a sense of unease uncurled itself in her stomach once more. Really bad news.

"Stop here now." She instructed again, nearly banging forward into the seat in front as Pugsley screeched on to the side walk and very nearly careened into a lamp post. "Thank you Pugsley." She got out, rushing to the other side and opening the door for Declan to help him out. What the man needed was hot food, bath, bandages and clean clothes. So did she but Declan did more so. They could formulate a plan once they'd gotten their bearings. The siblings gave them both a brief wave, seemingly have completed their task and then whizzed off. It was like a monstrous limo that vehicle. Oriana hoped they didn't spearhead some poor pedestrian on their way home.

"You're going to have to be a bit more open with me you know." Oriana grouched, using her swipe card to get into the building and pushing Declan through the hallway towards the closest room and sofa. "I can't keep getting caught unawares." She made sure the door had locked behind her and stood quietly for a moment, hands on her hips and listening intently. Apart from the usual creaks the vibe didn't feel any different...so they were alone. She wasn't sure if she could have dealt with Jack attacking them here after the day they'd had. The universe could only ask them to deal with one thing at a time surely?

"I'll go run you a bath in a bit..." Oriana used his phone to order them some hot food before handing it back to him. "And I guess, er welcome to my...humble abode." It was hardly an Arcana Cabana with it's mediocre furnishing and minimalist belongings. She didn't even have a TV but she doubted Declan was interested in catching up on the Great British Bake Off in lieu of formulating a plan of action. "I'm thinking we crash here and then go see what's occurin' tomorrow morning. Call Merida to see what she knows about what was left outside your place? If she was questioned? Try not to have to go to jail again?" It was after all by now late evening and although his home was a short walk away she thought it best to lie low for now.

There was some clothes that she could lend him that had been left behind by a previous occupier, she had washed them and put them in a storage box so she would fish those out for him. Originally they'd been items she was going to cut up, resize and wear for herself but now they would come in handy for Declan instead.
 
The whirlwind of what had just happened left him with little to no time to protest, not that he was going to anyhow, betraying no more emotion than a stonewall, he allowed Oriana to call the shots, this was good, she was learning quickly. Most important lesson here was to think quickly in the face of trying circumstances, this was a pretty trying circumstance given what had just gone on. Sure they could have reached out to his uncle for help, but there wasn't a need to do so yet...though maybe there was someone they could call on, last resort as payments for the assistance were obnoxious to say the least.

That would have to wait for now, in the rush of getting to Oriana's apartment she'd mention to call Merida which was done quickly and there was a short exchange about what was left on the doorstep, more organs...this time a heart had been left along with a kidney and the gall bladder. It was confirmed that Nottingham had nothing on them, aside from personal grudges, however Merida didn't call on him, instead electing to go to non-corrupt police officials, in this case the police commissioner none other than their old friend Gawain Lot, nephew of King Arthur Pendragon. This was bit of a relief, however Declan was going with Oriana's plan of lying low for now, and he joked about having the flying monkeys bring him over his coat...unfortunately Merida took him seriously at that...and the Will O' Wisps brought it over. He'd let Oriana show him the clothes, but the coat he needed, it helped with the mark in a way.

Declan owned three coats, one of which was damages beyond repair with the visit to the Addams mansion, the remaining two were different, the one he'd requested at this time same one he'd cracked his rib in, this was one that he wore when he didn't want to be recognized. The third one was a duster that looked as if it was made out of leather, but was similar to armors of the old days, the thing was fire proof, tear, cut resistant, and helped dull the effects of gunfire. This coat was only used when he faced off with bigger issues in Blackhaven.

For now he had to organize what was going on, Horvath was merely toying right now, granted that the Hydra and gorgon sisters weren't exactly toys...but if he'd really wanted to make a statement, he could have unleashed some of the titans or frost giants as well. The cyclops was bad enough to couple with the headless horseman and the Ripper couldn't be ignored.

Still Oriana's words about being open, that was something he struggled with, even to extent with Merida, but in this case the whole re-appearance of Tinkerbell and Oriana's being able to physically touch him had been unnerving, a lesser person might have had a nervous break down.

"There's some bad blood with Peter, Tinkerbell, Wendy, and myself, it's not an easy thing to talk about. Aside from that, there is someone I can think to reach out to, though we might end up having to trade a favor for a favor in regards to this Ripper thing."

He thought for a moment.

"Oh and Merida is fine, she went right to commissioner Lot, he's going to have the charges and record cleaned. Though the contents were more this time, a heart, kidney, and gall bladder...I am not sure if this is a threat or a gift to you...albeit a sick gift."

He stood up in some massive pain, but placed his coat on one of her sparse furniture pieces, neatly. He pulled a piece of paper out of one of the pockets, that might help with the Ripper though he couldn't be sure, it was some notes from the Van Helsing family, specifically on beings called shadow people. Handing it to Oriana to look over, while he checked the other pockets to see if there were any little runes or trinkets he placed for illusion purposes.
 
It had been a wondrous scene watching the Will O' Wisps bring the coat to him, one that she shook off quickly in order to run around the apartment sorting things out. Not forgetting to make sure all the windows were locked too.

Oriana had laid out some clothes for Declan on the sofa and the bath was ready along with a first aid kit she found on the top of her fridge. Knowing that their record was wiped clean was a relief especially on the job front but that didn't mean the whole experience didn't make her jittery.

She took the note paper from him with a inscrutable look at the instructions on how to call upon the shadow people. "Interesting." She murmured but then shook her head, lightly nudging Declan by the arm. It wasn't something new to her due to the niggling memory at the back of her head, no doubt something to do with her Mother that had her nervously placing the note on the table next to the coat. "Go on. Baths ready. I'll be in the kitchen." Well, the small room with a microwave, portable mini oven and kettle which could be construed as a kitchen. She could probably do with a few minutes by herself anyway, with a hot cup of coffee to properly digest the day and figure out her place within the whole mess.

Oriana had no doubt that the bad blood Declan mentioned between Tinkerbell, Wendy and Peter was something that would be difficult for Declan to discuss in full so she didn't ask him more questions. Not to mention she was being a tad hypocritical. The situation with Lancelot was obviously biting her in the ass and considering the obvious digs Jack was making about her she needed to be more open with Declan too. I just haven't known him long enough plus it's humiliating.

The doorbell rang, and with perhaps a touch more paranoia than was necessary Oriana grabbed a kitchen knife and hid it behind the door handle as she opened it to slowly to reveal the pizza guy - well a dwarf- thankfully balancing her two large pizza boxes in his small hands. Since it was prepaid she merely thanked him with a nod and took the items into the kitchen, placing it on the small table available and turned the kettle on.

Her mother would come for her. That was for sure. The news headline, thanks to her association with Declan would be big and bold tomorrow morning. Sorcerer and his apprentice arrested then released on bail! Read all about it!

Dame Gothel would leech on to Declan due to his family background and try to force Oriana to do her bidding. Oriana knew she had to mentally prepare for that inconvenience too.

Then there was that photo of Rapunzel. She still hadn't figured that one out. In all this chaos Oriana hoped that no harm came to Rapunzel and that was another reason why she needed to excel in her gifts under Declans tutelage. She needed to be stronger in order to help her foster sister...from whatever sinister issue that was hounding her. Because by now, Oriana was damn sure.

Nothing was a coincidence.
 
How long had it been since Declan had a moment to think in a hot bath? It'd been a while was all he could recall...still he needed to clean up the various cuts he'd taken over the last several hours, though the busted lip from Nottingham, that in itself was minor, it was the other ones thanks to Fester and how bad his rib was cracked were the intimidate concerns. His famed 'No fat chicks' shirt was covered in his blood, and would need to be washed when he got back to the Arcana Cabana the pants he was wearing had seen better days...they didn't have holes and rips in them as the style...that more from Nottingham's treatment, the blood on those jeans was also from Fester.

It was worth noting that even though Declan had the same blood line Merlin did, they differed on one thing particularly, and that was their healing. Merlin could heal himself quickly through magic or on his own, Declan couldn't. Declan's trade off was he could read and understand the old texts, though he didn't speak the languages or even know they referred to, but he could read them and understand them.

He wasn't going to take forever in the tub, that in his mind would be rude, he'd merely sit let his sore muscles relax and clean up his cuts. Though calling Robin Hood for assistance he almost gritted his teeth on, he did need to let Oriana know, as he was going to the bath...

"On my phone, there's a number labeled 'Merry Men' don't call it, but if you could send a text...that will be who we can contact for help while we lay low. As much as I hate dealing with Robin Hood, he's our best play here. I am sure you've heard of Marianne...she's got money and connections."

He'd been sitting in concentration and cleaning up the cuts when he heard the doorbell ring, not sensing danger, more so from no real reaction from Oriana, he let it pass. He couldn't admit the issue between him and Peter Pan's group...that was a wound that didn't heal...seriously, he traced the scar on his side gently with his finger and shuddered...still he could take consolation in the fact Tinkerbell failed miserably in her attempt, but it wasn't much consolation.

Time passed and he checked himself over in the mirror, it was clear to anyone looking at him that he'd seen some encounters, there was Tinkerbell's nice mark she left on his side, his left shoulder bore the mark from Peter Pan, and the faint scar on his back was from Captain Hook. To add to this was the bruising where he'd cracked his rib at Mushu's. He stepped out after about 20 minutes or so to get dressed, of course he had a towel wrapped around his waist, as did remember his manners. He pulled the pants on, they were slightly big for him, but he was able to manipulate them using one of the trinkets in the hoodie he'd given Oriana while they were in jail. He hadn't put a shirt on yet, as he needed to re-bandage his rib cage...unfortunately Winston wasn't there to help this time...he winced as he looked about for the medical tape or at least an ace bandage.

As he was doing this he was trying to use all his skills of diplomacy to convince Oriana about attending the Halloween Ball as the Addams' guests.

"Ugh...sorry rib still hurts, but I was thinking, maybe we should go as the Addams' guests to the Halloween Ball, it would give us a the best chance to nail the Ripper, and clear that hurdle before we turn our attention to what Hercules came to me about. I can't prove this but I have gut feeling Horvath is involved not only with the Ripper, but with Peter's Lost Boys and Pirates group. I don't think we'd have to go in costume, but we can if you want to. Clearly the Ripper is sending you and I messages, and as I said I don't want to do it, but have no choice as we lie low for now...to contact Robin Hood."

The Merry Men worked well outside the law, nothing like drug smuggling or the like, but they did have ways of getting information or other acquisitions and distribute them to those willing to pay for it. There was no bad blood between Declan and Robin, it was more that Robin knew that Declan could do what was seen by them as the impossible, and they always asked for something outrageous in return.
 
Oriana, albeit confused took the number from Declans phone for the Merry Men and programmed it into her own. Exactly what did he want her to message them when the need arose? SOS? She'd just about scoffed down one large pizza to herself and two cups of coffee's when he was out the bath and she stared at his bruises grimly. "Let me sort that." She pulled on some gloves, her hands were clean but she still wanted to be overtly cautious of any infection as she spread aloe-vera over his skin clinically and then started to wrap his chest and stomach tight with medic tape she found in one of her dresser drawers. His scars as usual sparked curiosity but she didn't press for details. Again, they'd only known each other a few days. If she started demanding information then he would start asking for her story too.

"I've put their number in my phone but seen as such that we don't have much leads apart from going to this ball." Her voice was reluctant but also resigned for the next few words, "And, I shall add that you're buying the damned dress and shoes for that ridiculous ball-" She considered it a demand of the job and in any job, the employer supplied the uniform, "Is there any point contacting them? This Robin Hood group? What is it they'll provide you with? No one knows the identity of Jack and the only way of getting hold of him is by apparently using me as bait." She picked up his previously worn through shirt, grimacing at the slogan and lobbing it in the laundry hamper. Honestly, men. "Wear this." She dropped a basic white top over his head now that he was correctly bandaged up and fetched him the box of pizza which was thankfully still warm (with some carefully shot fireballs to re-melt the cheese) and a fresh cup of coffee. "So I'll be walking around alone for the ball which should mean that Jack pays a visit some point during the night. We just need to plan something that means I don't get myself killed before you can capture him."

"And, we most certainly will not be doing costume either." Oriana added tersely, was it not bad enough they had to go to the dratted event without the added insult of some get up? "No pink. No yellow. No gold." There was no way she'd allow anyone to drag her around the shops either so it would have to be whatever he chose to buy but that didn't mean she couldn't cross things off the list for him.

She stood up and stretched, "Feel free to use my bed. I'm going to shower and get some sleep on the sofa." Tomorrow they'd have to go back to their normal routine of training and work, the Halloween ball was only a few days away and if she was going to be bait she needed to have mastered a few more skills in self defense before then. "Goodnight Martian Manhunter." She said with a loose grin.
 
"Contacting the Merry Men is a way to keep eyes about Blackhaven in a way we cannot given that we're being watched by Nottingham, this will allow us to get intelligence on the Ripper, sure they won't intervene if he's going after a victim, but we'll at least get a pattern."

He'd almost recoiled at Oriana's touch, she'd might have noticed how he tensed up as she tended to the injuries, he had to think about that damn ball a bit with it coming up soon, there were things that needed to be put into place. Still the idea of costume was not in the cards so to speak, not with Wonka catering the thing...that would merely cause undue attention for obvious reasons given Wonka's personality.

"No, you're not going to have to wear costume, in fact part of me is tempted to show up in jeans and a t shirt. But then my father is going to be there. I planning on wearing a Hawaiian shirt and slacks...with of course this coat. Actually you'll get to pick out your own attire, one of the perks to being the apprentice, is you've now got a line of credit my uncle takes care of. I should have your card tomorrow, so you can shop at your convenience."

He had no idea how to shop for women, outside of jewelry...but by then she'd given him some pizza and coffee, he wasn't terribly hungry but not to seem rude he ate a couple of slices of pizza. The coffee he didn't touch, he didn't like the taste of it so he never partook in it, he changed it using his powers to something he did drink, in this case he needed dragon fruit juice, with a dash of agave cactus, it would help ease the pain mentally for him and help him get some form of sleep.

"Regarding the ball, we won't split up till after the last dance, we're going to have to actually dance to get a better view of the room, but the Ripper should not be hard to spot from the dance floor. I am going to show you a trick with runes tomorrow...that will help in this case."

It was really wards, but you needed runes to accomplish what he was thinking, the grand ballroom was large...given that Mayor White had dumped three million dollars into catering and having the ballroom updated accordingly after the damages caused the previous year by Hercules, Declan, and Peter Pan. Hercules had gotten drunk and forgot his own strength...the supporting wall was damaged. Declan had tangled with Peter Pan in regards to Peter's cockiness over some female Peter fancied that just had happened to ask Declan to dance. Declan had been there trying to keep Maleficent at bay...but she never showed deeming it not worth her time.

The pain in his rib wouldn't allow him to lie down in any comfort, he propped himself up at the foot of Oriana's bed in a meditating position, it allowed him to get some sleep, however his uncle's voice echoed in his head, Merlin was of course trying to help his nephew, calming him enough to allow Merlin to weave a minor healing spell at a distance, it wouldn't heal the rib injury 100% but it would do enough to not be a further hindrance, it would be the equivalent of a bruised rib now. The cuts were bandaged, and would heal on their own, though Merlin made them stop bleeding.

The following morning Declan had woken up at 0500 and making every effort not to wake Oriana, he'd slipped out to the roof of her building, the cool autumn morning before the sun had arisen allowed him not to be noticed. He didn't look it, but he still felt beat up, granted he needed a shave but he'd looked much worse than this, some of the shit he'd dealt with would turn some of the residents of Blackhaven white. Taking a stance on the edge of the roof, he made some finger and hand gestures, to which some small storm clouds complete with lightning went out in several directions, this was tracking trick, he wasn't going to use blood magic to attempt to find the Ripper's pattern this could have been done, but the cost was not worth it...besides Oriana would need to be involved in that. He in the mean time ordered breakfast: donuts, muffins, and bagels. He would go back down in about 20 minutes, he needed to let the spell do it's work, when the massive thunder and lighting happened, that would tell them to stay away from that part of the city.

After training he'd get Oriana's card and a change of clothes, for now she needed sleep.
 
After her own shower and change of clothes, Oriana lay on the sofa tiredly and sleepily added up the events of the past few days and conversations she’d had with Declan. Contemplating it all with a little furrow of her brows. She’d not failed to notice his dislike of her touch, but he’d have to just get used to it she thought stubbornly. If they had to work together then over time, they’d both have to get used to each other’s proximity. She was also a little frustrated that despite her hints that he simply would not go purchase a damn dress for her. Oriana hated shopping and since this was all his idea, or his agreement to the Addams then by her logic he should go and suffer the aisles of dresses. Still, he had mentioned handing over a card – courtesy of his Uncle – and telling her to go shop at her convenience.

The man simply didn’t listen or only listened when it suited him.

The man also should really go to the emergency room and have those ribs of his checked out…

And it was with these jumbled thoughts and feelings she fell asleep.

The next few days went by like a blur of routine.

Get up, train, pretend to understand Declan’s rune and wards talk, nod in all the right places, hope she didn’t look to imbecilic, shower, work for the damned Mad Hatter, sleep and repeat. Try and get some food and drink in between.

Yet despite repeated attempts to get out of going to the ball she had been forced to go and purchase a dress and the accessorize to go with it. She’d even tried to apply for one of the catering staff vacancies, so she could be there on the night as just a waitress instead of an attendee. To avoid the drama.

No such luck showered down upon her and she never did get a call back from the prospective employers.

On that day she had narrowed her eyes at Declan, snatched the credit card from him and stomped out to visit the mall nearby. In fact, she had gone right into the first boutique she spotted and picked the first dress she’d found in her size that wasn’t neon and thrown it at the shop assistant. All the while fuming at the thought that she couldn’t put it past Declan, Merlin or Winston to put a spanner in the works of her getting a job elsewhere. Meddling coots...

It was on the night of the Halloween Ball that found the redhead in a foul mood standing in the bathroom of Arcana Cabana peering at herself critically in the full-length mirror.

“Like it matters how you look. Doesn’t matter what you wear and who you go with. Those damned barbie dolls will still put you down and-“ She finished muttering to herself, threw the silver quartz jewelry on and smoothed down the green gown. It was of a crushed velvet material, dark forest green, hitting ankle length and luckily with a split down the side. For all I know might have to do a lot of running tonight…Geronimo! She thought to herself and adjusted the sleeves.

The top half was a little on the revealing side. Regrettably, something she hadn’t really noticed after shoving it into the bag the sales lady had given her and leaving it in the corner of her room till this night. Not that she could do much about it now. A hysterical part of her wondered if Declan would insist that she wear his hoodie again as to avoid the ‘ogling’ he imagined she would be getting. The thought made her laugh sarcastically to herself, but she quickly curbed it. They’d think she was going insane in the bathroom if they heard her.

That’s it. I can’t be bothered to do more. Oriana had given it all the energy she could muster and placed her hair in a subtle French braid, no doubt the other women would attend with masterful hair styles, but she couldn’t be bothered. Despite applying some hair spray, some strands still flicked out in a wayward fashion and Oriana sighed in defeat. There were some battles which simply could not be won.

Oriana hoped with the added makeup and silver wedge heels people might fail to recognize her from the zombie waitress that forced herself to work at the Tea Party night in and night out. If they failed to recognize her then they may not question her later as to why a lowly waitress was attending such a fantastical event. Or how.

“I’m ready!” She said, slamming the door open and stomping down to the main part of the ‘shop’. The only reason she’d gotten ready here was that she’d brought the bag with the dress and heels to change into straight after training. And yikes, the training had been tougher than usual earlier today.

Luckily, she noticed she could make rather large strides thanks to the slit up the side of her dress and she perked up a little when she found her way down the stairs without even needing to hold on to the rail. “Score for Oriana.” She praised herself, restraining herself from doing jumping jacks lest Winston zoom in with another one of his judgmental looks.

The days leading up to tonight had been rather tense since they had all been constantly looking over their shoulder for their esteemed friend The Ripper and not gaining much knowledge of his whereabouts even through the Merry Men. It was with this frustration that Oriana vowed should any barbie come near her tonight she would not hold back her tongue.

She needed to let off some steam. Verbally even.

That is if they didn’t catch The Ripper liked she hoped they would.
 
Declan's own evening wear for this event as he'd put it, was as he'd stated to Oriana back at her place. He wasn't kidding, no matter what he'd show up in, Fergus would have some commentary about it. However, the Hawaiian shirt Declan had picked out was nice, it was black with the famed flowers, but the back had two things of note, the famed Asian dragon in green, and some hawk's wings. His slacks were more also a dark color almost a grayish color, and despite his dislike for them, he had a dark brown pair of loafers. He elected to wear a more fashionable jacket, this one didn't have the magical properties that his trench coats/dusters...well the two that remained had had those properties, Oriana would get one of her own, but she needed to pass the first trial before that could happen, he'd cover that with her when they got there.

He had over the last few days been patiently instructing her and even showing her tricks with the runes/wards, along with basic counters to certain attacks. The one thing he couldn't prepare her for though was Fergus Dunbroch, his father. Declan had no clue if the triplets would be in attendance at the ball, and if they were they'd more than likely be at Wonka's table that had all the sweet treats. Still it bore watching for that issue...even with the damn ring that had attached itself to Declan's finger.

Tension was high that was a given, the storm tracking spell that Declan had done reveal a pattern that the Ripper was working but it wasn't anything they didn't already know same with the information the Merry Men had provided, though Robin Hood had made it very clear the favor or payment he'd ask for would be coming later on, that of course didn't make things any better. By now his rib still felt bruised, which was a step up from what it was before his uncle used the healing arts on him, it was some druidic thing that Declan would not be able to learn...healing magics were only taught to those that were druids or shaman or soothsayers.

Still he made sure he kept the pad and ace bandage on it under his clothing, and before joining Oriana, he'd grabbed a duffel bag, that contained a change of clothes for the both of them should things turn south. While Oriana was off getting formal wear, he'd asked Merida about Oriana's sizes and got her an outfit for this quick change. It was simply black jeans, a no sleeved gray shirt and a black button down shirt to wear as a sort of jacket. His own change included black jeans as well, but his top was dark blue to be worn with his second trench coat. Merida had gone already with Fergus and Elenore to the ball, while Declan and Oriana waited for the Addams' limo or rather that Rolls Royce that looked like a hearse, to pick them up.

There would be no trinkets, security at the ball would have stopped them cold on that, and it was not worth creating illusions to avoid that, they'd have to rely on their own respective trainings tonight. That was one of the key things Declan had tried to hammer home with Oriana in the past training sessions, using her surroundings to help her. Meaning since she seemed to be fire based, to use the candles lighting the Jack O' Lanterns or the candelabras to her advantage by manipulating the flames. Still he was pretty quiet when the Addams' picked them up, not lost in thought as normal, just quiet.

Even the Headless Horseman galloping by them as they were driven by Lurch to the ball, was met without comment from Declan. That matter would be dealt with in time, besides he couldn't detect any hostility in the horseman, giving him the impression it was reconnaissance the horseman was doing. Even Gomez and Morticia were astonished by Declan's silence on. Though Declan did make it a point to tell Oriana she looked nice, probably something she'd heard before from someone else, but he had manners and no ulterior motives.

As they arrived, Declan hesitated in holing Oriana's hand...instead offering her his arm as they prepared to enter, they wouldn't be announced the way Fergus had nor the way the Addams' would be, though Declan did a wave of his hand as the photographers and paparazzi attempted to snap photos...his gesture caused the cameras to freeze up, allowing him and Oriana to pass without the annoyance of being photographed.

The duffel bag was left at coat check with the nutcracker guards, and they were given the number 16 to claim it. This thing was catered, but there would be servers giving menus from which everyone would place an order. All dining was to take place on the balcony seating area, while the main floor was kept decorated for Halloween and the dancing, plus Mayor White and other prominent city figures would speak.

They wouldn't be sitting with the Addams' instead they were where Statler and Waldorf, were seated. Both of those old fools eager to see them at the charity event later that week.

As Declan was pulling out a seat for Oriana, a familiar voice that sent shivers down his spine and daggers through his back...

"Och, now who in the bonnie blue hell invited you here boy? I thought I told ye to stay home this year, surely you've nay forgotten what ye did last year?"

'Hello dad...I'd not forgotten, but the Addams' were kind enough to invite us as their guests."

"Bloody hell...alright, but don't ye be embarrassing me like last year!"

Fergus Dunbroch, Declan's father...always afraid his "demonic son" was going to embarrass him in some manner. Oriana hadn't escaped his notice.

"Aye that'd be a lovely red-head ye have there boy...but tell me, she is nay Irish is she cause if she be...your arse is going to be roundly kicked!"

"Dad...time and place, Oriana isn't Irish, you know I don't go in for that sort. No, she's my--"

"What? Fuck buddy? Lady in waitin'? Business partner?"

"My apprentice."

"Elenore! Where are ye blasted woman?! The boy has done gone off his rocker!"

Declan leaned into Oriana as if to give the impression he was kissing her cheek, but he whispered.

"My dad is an ass, I am sorry about all that, when my step-mother...gets here, she'll get him under control."
 
It was a lively and grandiose affair, one that intimidated and overwhelmed Oriana even if she tried to hide it and schooled her face to be more neutral. Bars, pubs and even seedy strip clubs she could handle. She knew exactly what people came in for those places and knew how to look after herself there, but this place required you to hold your tongue and articulate yourself with more finesse. Something Oriana had yet to master.

The overall vibe of the place had her squeezing Declan’s arm perhaps a little painfully and in revenge for bringing her to this dratted place. I hate parties.

Her eyes had moved around fast, taking in the windows and exit doors. The large candle lit chandelier glinted and all the various pumpkin candles with small flickering flames that lined the window sills held her interest the most. Oriana found herself smirking just a little. Declan had made a good point of utilizing the environment around her to strike if the need was there but hopefully, they’d not have to deal with the Ripper here among other supposedly innocent towns folk.

As they’d headed up the table where they’d be seated, she hadn’t missed the odd looks she’d gotten being on Declan’s arm, majority of them held her in suspicious contempt whilst others frowned as if trying to pinpoint where they’d seen her before. She pushed down her desire to fire retorts and merely followed Declan silently up until Fergus interrupted them and caused her to bristle up.

She chose to politely nod her head to the two elderly men, Statler and Waldorf, recognizing them from earlier that week and surprisingly got an courteous nod back from the usually cantankerous individuals. Oh, maybe they liked her? Least someone did in this blasted town.

The loud, obstreperous voice of Fergus was grating her ears and his insults made her want to scorch out his tongue. Oriana was sorely tempted to declare Declan a liar and suddenly start tap dancing to an Irish beat just to antagonize the man further but deflated when Declan apologized. She nodded at him with just a little move of her head.

On the tip of the tongue she was sorely tempted to whip back to Fergus and ask him who Eleanor was. She wanted to ask Fergus whether she was his fuck body, lady in waiting or business partner but the knowledge that this was Merida’s mother stopped her and Oriana frowned.

Merida was somewhat of a friend. She couldn’t exactly go around insulting the woman’s mother and neither had she met her. Oriana wouldn’t stoop to Fergus’s level. She did wonder what she was like though and if could she really control this brute of a man?

Her query was answered when a tall authoritarian figure gracefully came up next to Fergus and blinked at both Declan and her rather…politely. It was a stark difference to how Fergus had introduced himself and Oriana got the vibe that this was the true leader of the family. Fergus could be loud and stomp his feet all he wanted but she could see the strength of Eleanor in just the manner of which she carried herself. Perhaps more diplomatic than the impulsive husband?

“How wonderful to see you again Declan…and this is…?” Her voice had an articulate and educated quality to it with the added Scottish accent.

“I’m Oriana his apprentice.” She had to let go of Declan’s arm to meet the hand that came forward and shook it lightly, glancing sideways to check if Declan was okay with it.

“It’s nice to meet you …Merida had many nice things to say of you.” Well nice things plus a touch of resentment that her Mother expected her to be more ladylike and such, not that she could do much about her natural personality. It was one thing Oriana could find in common with Merida. They both had Mothers who had expected them to act in a specific way but personally Oriana much preferred the idea of Eleanor than Dame Gothel.

At least Eleanor wasn’t a child kidnapper.

After they had shook hands Oriana couldn’t help but throw Fergus a victorious look with glinting eyes. See, it’s not that hard to not act like a jackass is it. How did you end up with such a lovely wife?

“Delighted to make your acquaintance.” Eleanor turned to look at Declan, eyes suddenly softer. “Declan, you didn’t tell us you had a new apprentice?” Before she had sidled up next to Fergus she had already spotted Oriana from across the hall and the girl had captured her curiosity. It was hard to miss the crimson mane and the luxurious gown the girl wore. At least on a visual scale she was impressed. “We should have dinner soon. It has been too long.”

Oriana noticed that Eleanor had rather skillfully placed her arm through Fergus’s and was patting his arm soothingly almost as if one would calm a rabid dog.

Whilst Eleanor spoke to Declan, Oriana spotted a blonde darting around the corner from behind Fergus’s shoulder. There was a flash of apple green silk and Oriana had the feeling this conversation between her and Declan’s family members was being keenly observed by all in attendance. Nosy little shits.
 
"Oh mom, you know things have been hectic as of late, I am sure you saw all that nonsense about the raid on the Tea Party and the Ripper running amok."

Fergus again bristled, he never understood why Declan always referred to Eleanor as "mom"; as she wasn't his mother. Then again part of Fergus preferred that he did call her "mom" due to the nature of Declan's birth. While Eleanor knew what had happened she also knew that to cross Merlin's line was foolhardy, though she did get the duties of raising the children, well at least till Declan was old enough to begin training and Merlin's hand. He did get to visit home from time to time and wasn't confined the way the rest of those who were trained the way he was. Declan turned his attention back to his father.

"Dad, you need to calm down, I know you didn't want me here, however we're not going to be long..."

"Oh no boy, ye'll be stayin' till the final unmasking now that you're 'ere and that's final!"

"Dad, calm down...remember what happened the last time you got all rilled up with MacGuffin, MacIntosh, and Dingwald? Mom had to pry you all apart?"

It was true, Fergus was a terrible Scottish stereotype, not all of them liked brawling, but that day when they were trying to marry off Merida was something to be seen. That full on brawl that Eleanor just calmly walked into and broke up had to have been more humiliating than his eldest son. Declan could see his father turning red about it, but Eleanor calmed him by telling him simply he brought it on himself.

"Aye...now don't ye be causin' trouble tonight you 'ear? It's bad enough the other boys are loose I donae need you adding to it!"

Declan nodded in obedient fashion trying to keep the peace for his mother's sake. They had other people to meet and greet due to their social standing, however Fergus left his son with a stumbling attempt at fatherly advice.

"Boy, ye need to get it while ye can from that woman of yers...otherwise she be of no use to ye!"

Declan just nodded and discarded the advice, the only thing his father and he had in real common was their tempers, beyond that it was hard to tell they were related. It would have been easy for Oriana to see that Declan's diplomacy and poker face came from Eleanor, with whom Declan had agreed on dinner, just to let him know when would be a good day and time.

Tinkerbell hadn't escaped his notice, nor had Elsa and Ana, though Tinkerbell was more in the forefront, where she was Wendy, Peter, Hook, and the rest of their entourage was not far behind. To add to this, Horvath was fashionably late, and strode in wearing his bowler hat, fur coat, and had a cane that housed a blue gem as the topper, that was new...Declan had to wonder where that came from, his own ring sensed it as well, indicating that it was not originally Horvath's. Declan in the meantime turned back to Oriana.

"Sorry about my father again, he's a character. Let's play it as if we're normal dining guests, I am sure we're both hungry. This balcony seat is a good observation point, not only that, we can use the environment should trouble arise."

He thought for a moment before stating.

"Bad news is Tinkerbell is here, we'll both need to keep our guard up. Elsa and Ana are as well...don't let them regale you with nonsense, Ana will be hitting the liquor pretty hard tonight, so she'll have a loose tongue."

Wonka catering...the food was going to be interesting to say the least, Declan was reminded of that time Wonka competed on Iron Chef, he came up with some wacky food, and was beaten by only two points...still it was better than eating Daisy Duck's diner....talk about a greasy spoon place...the small Jack 'O Lantern in the middled of their table was an interesting piece...made from porcelain. Declan waved his hand over it as if to try and find a way to manipulate it should the time come. Though he had to admit to himself Oriana squeezing his arm certainly was a nice feeling...one he'd not remembered.
 
#84
"Oh don't worry, I've seen them. Why don't we just eat first and then-" Oriana paused watching Horvath stride in, not able to conceal the shiver of disgust that went down her spine. "-Then we can figure out how to deal with the gawpers." She now had mastered a few tricks of her own that she hadn't shown Declan so it would be nice to surprise him.

Once seated, in front of her were a variety of strange and wonderful foods but she wasn't that hungry. Her stomach felt queasy from the death glares she was getting from Wendy in particular, she wasn't sure what she had done to hurt these people but their blatant dislike was grating away at her.

She picked up a spicy garlic bread slice and nibbled on it, smiling a little at the ghost like shape burned into it. "So your father...seems to think I'd be of no use unless I'm boinking you. Care to clarify why he would assume such a thing?" She knew he wasn't of the same thought but that didn't mean she couldn't tease him about it. Of course she had been expecting some drama from the family patriarch but he was so sexist, how did a woman like Eleanor deal with that brute?

Although she was speaking to Declan as if she had no care in the world, her eyes kept scanning the characters in attendance and didn't bother hiding her displeasure when giving them sarcastic smirks in return. Yes, the unruly waitress from the Tea Party was here tonight and these snobs could suck on a sour lemon for all she cared.

Oriana realized she was still holding Declans arm loosely and laughed, removing it and attempting to look more composed in her seat. She did what a few others were doing and took a few photos of their table with a nice shot of the lantern and the decorations around the large room.

"I like your Mother though...she's much nicer than-" She paused, and grabbed her wine glass to swill the bread down with. "Much nicer than mine."

Oriana could see what he had meant about Ana hitting the liquor hard, the pig-tailed girl was already at the bar consuming her third shot of the night and she had a feeling that some of them had predrinks enough to be tipsy even before walking in through the doors. She watched Ana sidle up to Elsa, her walk jilted as if she didn't know how to walk in a straight line.

Great, the two sisters were now whispering to each other and giving her pointed looks. If they weren't careful she'd set their pretty little matching dresses on fire tonight. Hunger Games style for sure. She was sure the other guests would appreciate a pyro-show.

Morticia Addams waved to her from the table she sat and Oriana smiled back, it was less of a wave and more of an elegant show of hand and she wondered what it would be like to put Eleanor and Morticia in the same room.

Both were strong minded and seemingly in charge of their other halves but so different as well. Eleanor was pure royalty and Morticia was like some kind of High Priestess to some Egyptian God.

She'd pay to be a fly on the wall to just watch the two women interact and try to find common ground. In fact she wondered if she could get Declan to arrange an afternoon tea between those two ladies. Not that she'd ever go to the Addams Mansion ever again. Still, once this Ripper drama was over she could ask for that favor in lieu of a gift for her hard work.
 
Declan at this point was trying hard to avoid making any form of eye or any contact for that matter with Tinkerbell and Wendy, that rather sorted involvement with them left him still bitter...Peter had noticed him though and glided with his cocky strut, not full out flying but hovering a bit, Declan had expected him to crow. Hook on the other hand, had a bit of a disdained look content to let Peter be the star of the show and letting Mr. Smee wait on him hand and foot. The cheese, figs, olives, hummus, and pita bread had been sent to them. Declan scanned around...he should have known, Hercules and Megara...go figure, the wink he got from the son of Zeus was one that indicated that Declan had gotten in Oriana's pants, to which the former apprentice brushed off.

Elsa and Ana had also caught his attention, with Elsa trying to actually get his attention by running her finger down her cleavage area and spreading that portion of her evening gown down more. That woman had nerve...he'd hoped Oriana hadn't seen that display, which would lead to an awkward conversation.

"Dad is...uh...well a piece of work that's for sure, I just happen to be his embarrassment. Mom is not my biological mother, though she's the only mother I've ever known. All I know is my actual mother is my uncle Merlin's younger sister but as you know the Mists of Avalon...well they don't allow their priestesses to leave the mists. So dad was chosen to help produce the apprentice to Merlin. Of course dad is afraid of my abilities, but he's more afraid of my uncle, you know how it is with us royals and scandals."

He could hear his father greeting other well to dos of Blackhaven, of course the questions of his 'demonic child' not exactly in those terms, but implied were always the topic. More so that Declan wasn't wearing anything to match the other Dunbroch children, this was forbidden by his father in exchange for the money that was provided to him, though it was by Eleanor.

"In all honesty, I am not sure how mom puts up with him at times, but they work well together...I think without her dad would lose everything. Or maybe it's just a case of opposites attract."

He didn't see Morticia Addams, instead his attention was on Jason with his Argonauts and he was still flaunting that golden fleece as if it meant something, he really did think he was hot shit. Declan still grazing on the various items on the table not taking his eyes off those entering, he took a moment to scan the other tables to see if the Ripper was in the area...he still was paying Oriana attention as well, but all this was shattered by Wily Wonka, who was prancing around trying to find out what everyone was ordering and if he could get them anything...he was dreading Wonka coming to their table. But doing any tricks or other magic would draw undo attention now, he'd have to fain interest to Wonka. Still no indication of the Ripper, perhaps it was true, he was rather ordinary and that would serve him here in this mass.

The gossip was getting around now, mayor White's dumping money into the Atlantis resort, Belle's girls being victims, the Beast's embezzling money, Cinderella's tax evasion on her dress shops, Ana's constant flings while drunk, Elsa being obsessed with Declan, the Addams family's vault, and then the gossip Wendy and Tinkerbell were trying spread about Declan and Oriana. Nothing interesting at all, it was all bollocks.

Though Declan did hear Statler and Waldorf make a crack about Wonka...

"Hey Waldorf, this food isn't half bad."

"You're right Statler, it's all bad!"

Their laughing was on the mark, those two were some of the most wealthy old coots in the city. They carried weight in this town, nothing got done without these two hecklers money and support, mayor Snow White knew this all too well...her campaign was owed to those two.

Wonka was now one table away from them, though mayor White was making her announcement about the raffle...she was waiting till everyone had eaten and settled in before the dancing would begin.
 
Oriana had been watching Declans facial expressions trying to read his reactions to the different personalities walking into the large hall, it was that flicker of embarrassment that made her follow his line of vision to…dear Gods, it was the son of Zeus in the flesh. She gulped, perhaps she hadn’t estimated how much his stories had affected her teen mind. The effect of it was still there. She wasn’t petty enough to be jealous of the woman next to him but did wonder why such a man was in the company of a beautiful yet cruel faced brunette.

“Dec-declan, isn’t he your friend? Think you can introduce us later? I just want to say hello…” Oriana whispered to him, and it was at that point she noticed Elsa’s strange behavior. “Erm…unless you’ll be too busy?” She supposed if one had the assets they’d want to flaunt them. Declan was still a bloke at the end of the day.

Oriana couldn’t comment on royals and scandals. What could she say? She didn’t know…this town was her first taste of freedom, not that it had been a completely pleasant experience, but her eyes were wide open for the first time in her life.

When the doors burst open once more to let a rather rowdy crowd in Oriana nearly squeezed the life out of the slice of bread in her hand, dropping it back on the plate and instantly loosing whatever appetite she had attended with. Lancelot and his tight crew swaggered in, wearing tight black suits with silk purple shirts half open to reveal muscled skin that made her shiver in repulsion. Galahad and Gawain were to the left of him both sporting red scars on their faces but it was Lancelot who wore a black glove on his right hand, something which perhaps the other attendees of the hall would be confused by. I hope they all choke on their dinner or it’s so hot that it burns their insides out. In her anger she didn’t hear Declan explain how Eleanor did put up with Fergus.

The Beast had pushed away the cluster of Belle’s girls to reach Belle and in a demanding manner pulled her on to the dance floor, and the sheep mindset of the crowd began clapping at the idea of the first dancing couple. It looked like the Beast couldn’t be bothered to wait for Mayor Snow to complete her speech about the raffle or wait for others to even begin eating their meal. Self-absorbed idiot.

Knowing that Lancelot was looking and heading slowly towards their table Oriana patted Declans hand. “Let’s dance too.” She said, it wasn’t really a request. Oriana didn’t want Declan or Lancelot to meet and that Wonka bloke was irritating even from a table away. Plus, it would irritate Fergus to see his son having a good time so that was a plus point in her book.
 
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