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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jun 25, 2012 18:50:26 GMT -8
Queen Regina's Kingdom - Dark Castle - Outside Events occurring 4 years before Dark Curse
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on May 30, 2015 23:37:10 GMT -8
Etta stood near the edge of the boundaries set forth for her by the Dark One, honing her sword wielding skills to what it once was. Her swordsmanship had been quite commendable at one point but after she'd first lost Gerhardt, she hadn't had the heart to pick up her sword again for it had been Gerhardt who had taught her the skill of sword fighting. As time had passed and so with it, the easing of pain, she felt it was an honor to his memory to once again wield a sword. It had all been in fun but now, she was grateful to him for taking the time to teach her as the Dark One's task for her involved playing the part of a pirate.
The sword had been an early wedding gift from her intended, baring what would have become her initials once they'd married. Subconsciously, her finger gently traced the raised HF on the ornate hilt before once again drawing her sword. She turned the sword in her hand, her other arm tucked behind her back as she gracefully maneuvered a cross over, one leg crossing over the other as she turned with her imaginary foe before giving a parry and thrust, another parry followed by a direct lunge.
In her concentrated fight mode, Etta found herself immediately ducking at the sound of what seemed to be a dozen windows shattering. She whipped around to face the castle, sword held at the ready but she did not see any movement outside. From this distance, she was not able to see nor hear commotion within. She lowered her sword, watching the castle in confusion. She hadn't seen anybody enter the grounds. Should she see if help was needed? Was it expected of her or would the Dark One be annoyed at her interference? The fierce confidence he had that no one could defeat or best him was so strong that it thoroughly convinced her it was true so surely her involvement in what may well be just another temper tantrum would be considered an interference.
In her distraction, Etta did not notice the approach of men until they were nearly upon her. Holding her sword at the ready, she whipped back toward the line of trees.
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Post by Medieval Kevin on May 31, 2015 16:08:41 GMT -8
Killian **Enters from Queen Regina's Forest**
They had heard what sounded like an explosion. The last of the scouts was waiting for the party at the edge of the tree's with the castle in sight. "Captain, something is going on in there." Without acknowledging the man Killian stepped out into the clearing with the others right on his heel.
A few paces in and there was suddenly a woman with a sword drawn before them. The odd part was she was facing the structure, same as they. "Going our way love?" Hook said as she turned to face them. "It seems like the party has already started. If you don't wish to sail into this storm alone, I'd only ask what your purpose is here. Be you friend or foe?" As he waited for a response there was another blast and the sound of glass raining down from above. The crews swords all leaped into their hands.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jul 4, 2015 13:00:45 GMT -8
"Going our way love?"
Startled, Etta whipped back around, holding her sword at the ready as she took in the number of men who'd suddenly appeared behind her before eyeing the one that had spoken.
"It seems like the party has already started. If you don't wish to sail into this storm alone, I'd only ask what your purpose is here. Be you friend or foe?"
His casual demeanor had nearly set her at ease but that playful smirk of his gave her the impression that he was accustomed to using his good looks as a weapon of distraction. The confidence with which he held himself gave her the impression it always worked. The fact that for a brief moment, that smirk had caught her off guard had her slitting her eyes in an unspoken that won't work on me. She held her sword steady. "I am neither friend nor foe of the Dark One," she simply stated.
When another blast sounded, Etta didn't flinch or show any concern. Actually, she quite hoped whoever was attempting to destroy the Dark One succeeded as it was her only way to ensure the continued well-being of her father and her freedom.
Etta didn't take her eyes off Pretty Boy and his men. When they all drew their swords, she felt her pulse quicken and along with it, a slight panic as the beast within stirred. Keep calm, she reminded herself and spoke casually. "Seeing as you and your men are the intruders, I believe it is I who should be asking the questions. What is your purpose here, sir?" With another blast she added dryly, "If it's to make an attempt on the Dark One's life, perhaps you can form a line."
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Post by Medieval Kevin on Jul 24, 2015 19:06:45 GMT -8
Killian
"Any enemy of the crocodile that dwells here, is a friend of mine. If you are neither... than you are simply standing in our way." As he started to advance, Smee cleared his throat at the Captain from behind. Killian paused as he took a new interest in the woman. "Unless... what is your name lass? Does he kept you here?" If this was who he hoped, this was going be the easiest grab they have ever made! Hook lowered his sword enough to be ready, but seem less threatening. She might buy it, she might not... He just hoped she answered his questions promptly as another explosion sounded from the castle.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jul 25, 2015 17:36:44 GMT -8
"Any enemy of the crocodile that dwells here, is a friend of mine. If you are neither... than you are simply standing in our way."
Etta raised her sword as he advanced, looking forward to spar but then one of his men called him off. She sighed, placing the tip of the sword to the ground as her hand rested on the hilt. Her thumb traced over the initials as she watched, looking slightly bored.
"Unless... what is your name lass? Does he kept you here?"
"He keeps me wherever he wishes. At the moment, it is here," she said with a wave gesturing to the grounds. She deliberately ignored his first question as it was obvious the answer was important and she had a hard time believing it'd be her they'd be looking for. Had her father sent a rescue team? No, he had no idea where she was and probably did not wish to ever lay eyes on her again after a crazed version of herself ruthlessly attacked him.
Etta opted to distract a little longer. "First, you make to run me through and then you wish to question me?" She paused and smirked. "You're not very good at this..." she made a motion with her hand, "talking to women thing, are you?"
The snorts and chuckles of his crew caused her to genuinely smile. Despite the dire situation, she was actually enjoying herself. It had been far too long since she'd had any type of conversation that was not based on training or the task the Dark One had set for her. So here she was, verbally sparring with a stranger that had been just about to attempt to run her through.
Not everyone was amused though. Sobering, she cleared her throat. "Look, if you wish for my help, I will need to know what it is I am helping with. You've no idea what I am putting at stake simply by talking to you rather than raising an alarm so I believe I'm entitled to one question. This woman you are looking for, do you mean her harm?"
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Post by Medieval Kevin on Jul 26, 2015 9:47:51 GMT -8
Killian
"First, you make to run me through and then you wish to question me?" The woman paused and smirked. "You're not very good at this... talking to women thing, are you?" The snorts and chuckles of his crew caused her to genuinely smile. Killian flashed a smile back at the still unnamed lass. His eyes went over his shoulder for a second to his crew. "Before you find that too funny remember who your Captain is, mates."
With his sword held off to his side the pirate approached her once again. "You wouldn't be the first woman to falter before Captain Killian Jones, love. And I'm not talking about in combat. So hows about we start over. My crew and I are here to hurt the Dark One, that's all. If that can be accomplished by, say, taking this woman we are looking for away... Than I say we are doing her a favor in the process."
Throwing her a subtle wink Hook was sure this was their quarry, playing hard to get. They may be short on time but he wouldn't have it any other way. "That doesn't sound so bad does it? Who wants to be told where to go and what to do? I'm offering her the choice." That last part was only slightly true, but who was keeping track?
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Aug 23, 2015 12:14:20 GMT -8
"You wouldn't be the first woman to falter before Captain Killian Jones, love. And I'm not talking about in combat. So hows about we start over. My crew and I are here to hurt the Dark One, that's all. If that can be accomplished by, say, taking this woman we are looking for away... Than I say we are doing her a favor in the process."
He hadn't exactly made the promise she'd hoped for of no intent to harm their quarry but as much as she was thoroughly enjoying this bantering, whatever was going on inside the castle would not last forever. Now would be the ideal time while the Dark One was distracted as she did not believe it was possible to defeat him. She studied him, trying to see beyond the charm and swagger to the kind of man he was deep down.
Her concentrated study was broken as the incorrigible rake winked at her, causing her to chuckle. There had been something familiar she'd found in him but she couldn't quite place it. It was enough to convince her and she didn't see how the woman's fate could be worse than what it was now at the mercy of the Dark One.
"That doesn't sound so bad does it? Who wants to be told where to go and what to do? I'm offering her the choice."
Her mind made up, Etta sheathed her sword. "It's highly doubtful I am the woman you seek," she said after a regretful sigh. "However, there's one other I know of. I saw her only once and briefly before the Dark One sent her off to clean another room." She paused, recalling the name, "Belle, he'd called her."
Etta watched him expectantly, wondering if that was the woman they were seeking or if there was a chance the Dark One held others she did not know about.
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Post by Storyteller on Sept 26, 2015 10:12:52 GMT -8
*Annoyed!Belle appears from Dark Castle - Great Hall*
With a whoosh of air, the golden skinned face vanished and was replaced by a wall of white gently rippling in the breeze. Belle gritted her teeth as she realized that Rumpelstiltskin had, once again, evaded dealing with her by magicking her elsewhere. Angrily she grabbed at the white sheet in front of her and pulled it roughly off the clothesline. "You know I'm right. You wouldn't have sent me out here if you didn't. Hurting that man isn't going to solve anything."
She wasn't certain that Rumpelstiltskin would be listening today, as she knew he often did after abruptly ending their interaction, but she continued anyway if only to release her own frustration, "And it will not make you feel any better."
The sheet was pointedly thrown into an empty wicker basket at her feet and she took a deep, calming breath. Even more than her hurt at being banished to the laundry, Belle was worried for both still inside the Great Hall for very different reasons. Moments like the one they shared that morning constantly reminded Belle that beneath all the power and dark magic of The Dark One, there was still a man. But how much longer could he last?
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Post by Medieval Kevin on Sept 26, 2015 16:02:00 GMT -8
Killian
There was a resolve in her eyes as the young woman sheathed her sword. "It's highly doubtful I am the woman you seek," she said after a long sigh. "However, there's one other I know of. I saw her only once and briefly before the Dark One sent her off to clean another room... Belle, he'd called her."
Well that was disappointing! He was so sure he was right. Then again he had ever so slightly imbibed of his favored beverage on their way through the forest so it shouldn't come as a great surprise. Then he became slightly sick to his stomach, and it had nothing to do with the drink. It did not settle well with the Captain, the thought of the crocodile having a harem of young women out here.
Sheathing his own sword he trusted the men to keep their eyes peeled. "It would indeed be the very same it would seem. But that doesn't mean the offer does not stand for yourself. What is your name lass?" It was not lost on him that there was a battle raging inside the castle at this point. His sword could be at the ready at a moments notice.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Oct 8, 2015 15:50:58 GMT -8
"It would indeed be the very same it would seem. But that doesn't mean the offer does not stand for yourself.
The corners of her lips lifted in appreciation for his offer but it was the sadness and regret in her eyes that gave the unspoken answer. I can't. "The Dark One will not be distracted for long," she said with a change of subject. In fact, she was surprised someone had managed to keep him distracted for as long as they already had and yet the battle inside seemed to rage on. "We should take advantage. This way," she said with a nod and headed for a part of the castle away from the noises of the battle.
Captain Killian Jones, as he'd referred to himself, fell into step beside her. Etta glanced back at his men, a few of which had begun to follow several paces behind. They were definitely how one might expect pirates to appear; grungy, bad posture, questionable hygiene... She caught one of the older men openly staring at her bum... complete lack of manners. Etta narrowed her eyes at him as she rested a hand on the hilt of her sword in warning. He chuckled in amusement and gave her an exaggerated lascivious leer that nearly cracked her composer. She turned back around before the old lech could catch her grin.
What is your name lass?"
Etta glanced at the Captain, considering how to answer or even if she should give her name. There was something oddly familiar and comforting as she walked beside him, despite the fact they walked quickly and on alert. "Etta," she finally said.
Hand still resting on her sword, her fingers automatically began to trace the 'HF' initials in its hilt as she continued to assess. He was different from his men. He had a clean, polished look that showed a regard for his appearance, definitely a higher level of education in his manner of speech and thought process and beneath the roguish exterior, there was a gentleman. She'd been quite enjoying that last contradictory combination. He had good posture, she noted, as he walked straight and tall, emitting confidence. Again, she was struck with familiarity. There was something about his gait moving alongside her that brought to memory her walks with Gerhardt. Her fingers stilled over tracing the initials as she recalled the other inexplicably odd moment she found herself trusting him; when they'd faced each other with swords drawn. His stance, the way he held the sword at ready had matched her own as she'd been taught by Gerhardt. A flash of Gerhardt in much the same stance as he faced her during one of her sparing lessons played out in her mind and it all suddenly clicked.
Her steps faltered as she looked at him with renewed interest. "You were a soldier." There was no hint of a question in her statement, only surprise.
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Post by Medieval Kevin on Oct 11, 2015 15:47:04 GMT -8
Killian
"The Dark One will not be distracted for long," she said with a look on her face he could understand. But the pirate did not give up that easy. As they proceeded around the perimeter of the castle she was sizing up the crew. With her attention diverted momentarily he took in his guide more completely. She was his kind of woman, but he was not thinking like the rest of his men apparently from the look on her face as she took them in.
Hook was starting to think she would not answer his question when finally she looked back at him and gave her name, "Etta." An exotic name, she was definitely not from these parts. And for a man of his experiences he trusted his intuition. She was taking an interest in him and the captain became very curious where that would lead her. "You were a soldier."
That was not the conclusion he had been expecting. She was a smart one, probably as confident as he. And rightfully so, but his expression became grim for a moment or two. "And you are someone of high standing, if not of noble blood... Tell me Etta, why seek such cold blooded company? He usually attracts those with no where to turn." Whether intentional or not, her initial emotions that played across her features said she did not wish to be here. But he doubted that the Dark One had taken her against her will. That was for the poor, or weak. And this one was neither. Curiosity was getting the better of him.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Nov 19, 2015 0:15:14 GMT -8
"And you are someone of high standing, if not of noble blood...
Impressed by his response in kind of an astute observation of his own, she grinned, confirming there was truth to what he said. She rather enjoyed their verbal parrying. It had been far too long since she'd had the opportunity to carry on a companionable conversation, particularly with someone she found intriguing, which was why she almost didn't catch herself before giving away details of her past. She hadn't realized how much she'd let her guard down.
Tell me Etta, why seek such cold blooded company? He usually attracts those with no where to turn."
"You've answered your own question." She slowed as they neared the corner of the house, prolonging their conversation for a few more precious moments. "A single circumstance can set into motion a chain of events that completely alters the future you'd envisioned; even the person you were." She paused, deciding how best to continue. She didn't know why his opinion of her mattered but it did. She knew what she was... what she was capable of... the things she'd done and if she wasn't careful, would do again. She was a monster. It was only fair she at least give him peace of mind that she was not here against her will. "I am exactly where I'm meant to be. At least for the time being."
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Post by Medieval Kevin on Nov 28, 2015 19:17:55 GMT -8
Killian
"I am exactly where I'm meant to be. At least for the time being." She had shed some light on his oversight and while he may have answered his own question, her elaboration was not enough for his liking. "You know what I meant." As she came to a stop by the edge of the south wall Hook leveled an expectant expression on Etta. It was her move, would she come clean? If she was here of her own accord then she was not as backed into a corner as she made it seem.
The captain knew what true desperation looked like. He had seen it often enough at the end of his blade. Etta was smart and she was playing the Dark One as much as he was her. Whatever deal had been struck had bought her time. And time was what the pirate now wanted with this woman. Killian had come for one but now he thought he might leave with two. In his pocket at the very least.
A plan started to form in his mind. Whatever she might have needed from Rumpelstiltskin, whatever her problem had been, Jones had something better to offer her. Surely she must have seen it somewhere during her stay here. It was the perfect bait but not without its risks. Killian was not about to let that stop him. "Just what would be enough to get you to walk out his door?"
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Dec 19, 2015 14:23:12 GMT -8
"You know what I meant."
The turn from playful banter to this serious tone of his brought her full attention to the discussion. She'd only thought of this as a temporary living-in-the-moment form of amusement she knew she'd look back on fondly and with regret that it would not go past today. She had gotten the impression that he, for reasons of his own, had also been taking a temporary amusement. Something had shifted, changing the heading of where they'd first intended to sail to waters far more intriguing.
For a moment, her expression softened as temptation had her imagining hying off with him but she caught herself. Her expression changed to unreadable as she turned to face him fully. She crossed her arms, giving off the impression of an imaginary shield as she studied him in quiet response and watched him as his clever mind worked.
"Just what would be enough to get you to walk out his door?"
He'd read her perfectly and made a brilliantly strategic move. Clever mind, indeed. She relaxed, her shield lowering as she uncrossed her arms and considered his question. "To start, the guarantee that my father will remain alive and well." She shook her head, signifying it wasn't easy as it sounded. "That alone makes 'walking out his door' impossible," she said with a look of defeat.
Knowing he would press for an explanation, she offered the best she could without going too much into detail that had had strangers either laughing or looking at her as if she were crazy when she had the rare moment to inquire about travelling between realms. She eyed his men to be sure they were out of earshot and stepped closer, speaking quietly and keeping her eyes intently on his as if to convey she was of sound mind. "My father is unattainable for reasons far more complicated than we have the time needed to explain. To put it simply, my father is not here." She held her hands out flat, palms to the ground as additional stress to that last word. Etta left it at that which left her suddenly aware of how close she was standing and how intently her eyes were still on his. She turned back in the direction they'd been headed, letting out a quiet, shaky breath and tried to put her mind back on their former task.
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Post by Medieval Kevin on Jan 23, 2016 13:00:44 GMT -8
Killian
"My father is unattainable for reasons far more complicated than we have the time needed to explain. To put it simply, my father is not here." So... Her father was the bargaining chip. That explained why she stayed. But it didn't explain what she hoped to get from the crocodile. But Hook knew he would get no more out of her. A pity. She must not know about the dagger. And if she did, she wasn't going to tell.
The sad thing was if she meant to use it, she could go right ahead. He'd even help. Killian didn't care so long as the end remained the same, Rumpelstiltskin dead. He also had his secrets though. Wherever she alluded to that her father called home... If she only knew, no realm could keep this pirate out. It was kind of his specialty. That even made him chuckle.
Etta's eyes remained locked with his a moment longer and Jones threw a wink her way. With a quivering breath she started to turn her head, but not fast enough. The man closed the distance and kissed her! His off hand gently holding her chin. Quick yet passionate another of his specialties. Something for her to remember him by as he flashed her that devilish smile. Now they could get back on track.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jan 24, 2016 1:01:09 GMT -8
Etta was in a daze as he pulled away. Her eyes fluttered back open and then narrowed as she took in his devilish smile. It seemed he hadn't been as affected by it as she had but he'd had the unfair advantage of catching her off guard. Her competitive side put a spark of challenge in her eyes as she pulled him back to her by the lapels of his jacket and gave back as good as she'd gotten.
Though it had not been as quick as she'd intended it to be. She'd gotten caught up in her own game as the pain and loss she'd been carrying inside her began to dull and something she thought she'd never feel again began to flicker. It was the danger of that flicker igniting that pulled her away and brought her back to her senses.
"The Black Pearl," she said, her eyes on her hands as she gently smoothed his lapels back into place. "It will take some time but I will acquire it. That is where you will eventually be able to find me, if you are so inclined."
Putting a couple steps between them, she quickly pushed on, leaving no room for promises, be they false or heartfelt. "Now, I believe we have a lady to find for you."
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Post by Medieval Kevin on Mar 26, 2016 12:26:58 GMT -8
Just when he thought their little game was at an end she pulled him back in, literally! That time the captain felt something so much more in the kiss. The kiss that lasted far longer than he expected. "The Black Pearl," she said, breaking free. Her eyes averted as she set his lapels back into place. "It will take some time but I will acquire it. That is where you will eventually be able to find me, if you are so inclined." Etta put distance between them. "Now, I believe we have a lady to find for you." He had no doubt she would get what she sought.
The Black Pearl, he knew of that ship, and its dark reputation of late. She was an ambitious one. Leaving no time for an otherwise improper response she continued to move away, Killian followed in step once more. An old wound threatened to open again. It was the whole reason he stood here now. But as he looked at Etta the pirate couldn't feel the hate that usually drove him forward in his pursuit. He felt something else. Something so far beyond rare he couldn't sort it out in his head. Shaking it he focused on her words once again. "That is a tale I will look forward to hearing when the deed is done, in a tavern just over the horizon." Referring to a cornerstone of recreation among their kind, he knew she would find it when she had a ship of her own. And he would be waiting for her there. At that point Etta rounded a curved wall and he was surprised to see... laundry. And a rather irate woman tending it. She seemed to be having a heated debate, with herself.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Mar 26, 2016 13:09:07 GMT -8
**inside the old oil lamp on Hook's side**
Genie was waiting. Bored. He actually has been used to it, or had to be, but recently or better said the last few years, he has enjoyed too much of the fresh air outside. Genie sighed loud, just as someone would care, even if someone could hear anyway. He wondered how much time will pass, till he was allowed to be outside the lamp again, although it didn't really sounded like a command, but more like an advice between friends, when Killian told him to better stay inside for a while for his own safety. Yes, meanwhile his new master has become something like a friend to him. A friend. Genie smiled. He never has called one of his masters a friend. And well, thinking about past masters, he even wasn't sure, if he wanted to have called a friend one of them anyway. "Hey buddy!", Genie suddenly called from inside the lamp, loud enough to be hearable outside. "Is the coast clear?"
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Mar 26, 2016 17:17:00 GMT -8
"That is a tale I will look forward to hearing when the deed is done, in a tavern just over the horizon." The thought made her smile despite the fact she feared there were parts of the tale she would not wish to share--things that may happen if she lost control to Hyde. She would do her best to avoid that at all costs, holding the monster at bay and completing the task as herself, using her cunning and wit. Etta never thought about the terms of her repayment to the Dark One, resigning herself to a lifelong solitude at the Dark One's beck and call. It had been a conclusion she'd come to when the Dark One had first brought her here, fresh with pain and self-punishment over the things she'd done that led her to that point. She'd never forgive herself but time and acceptance of what she was and what she'd done had dulled the pain. With the Dark One's help, she'd also learned to control the monster, or at least to keep it at bay for as long as possible. For that, she was thankful to the Dark One. But this man walking beside gave her back something she'd thought she'd never have again--anticipation for the future. She would have to discuss terms with the Dark One. As soon as she turned the corner, the wind carried with it the irate mutterings of a woman. A breeze tossed the corner of a drying sheet aside, revealing the woman in question. This rescue would be much easier than she'd thought. No sneaking about the huge, maze-like corridors and rooms of the castle necessary. Etta looked back and held up her palm, giving them the signal to hold back a little so as to not startle the woman into thinking she was being ambushed. "Belle?" Etta said to call attention to herself as she approached. She spoke quietly and quickly. "We haven't been properly introduced and I'm afraid we haven't much time. My name is Etta. These men are going to help get you far away from here. Far away from him," she said, afraid that using one of the two names he was known by would somehow call his attention.
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Post by Medieval Kevin on Apr 23, 2016 13:37:01 GMT -8
With the signal to hold back Killian watched as Etta crept forward to address the woman tending the lines. She would be able to give this a delicate touch. But just in case... The captain reached down and rubbed the lamp attached to his belt. Before he was even joined by his blue friend Jones started quietly, "We may need to make a hasty retreat to the ship mate, keep your eyes pealed." Worst case scenario Genie could whisk them away, the woman included. Etta had to know this was for the best, but he wanted things to go as smoothly as possible so he sheathed his sword and gestured to the men to follow suit.
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Post by DarkSideCookie on May 23, 2016 4:00:58 GMT -8
"We may need to make a hasty retreat to the ship mate, keep your eyes pealed.", Genie heard his master's words, even before he got out of his little prison, after someone rubbed the lamp.
In the kind of his usual baloney, Genie's eyes were growing, just like he would look through a loupe. "You can count on me, buddy!", he underlined his gesture with a maybe little bit too loud voice.
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Post by Storyteller on May 30, 2016 13:39:09 GMT -8
"Belle?"
Belle looked up abruptly, startled by the sound of her name. A woman stood nearby, not completely unfamiliar to her. She had seen her with Rumple earlier in the day, though the details of her arrival were not clear. Belle lowered the sheet she'd been folding, taking in the newcomer curiously. "Yes?"
"We haven't been properly introduced and I'm afraid we haven't much time. My name is Etta. These men are going to help get you far away from here. Far away from him,"
It was only then that Belle noticed the group of pirates standing just near the tree line. Her heart started to beat faster, a good deal of fear creeping in. "What? Why would I go with you? I don't know you."
Maybe that wasn't the only reason she didn't jump at this chance. Mere months ago she might have. But the thought of leaving now...it was a much harder choice. One that she didn't think she wanted to make.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on May 30, 2016 20:15:03 GMT -8
"What? Why would I go with you? I don't know you."
Etta was momentarily thrown, not having expected Belle to put up a fight. She did have a point though. Smart girl, to question without blindly following, but how often does an opportunity to escape the Dark One come about, let alone a person brave enough to go up against him?
The corner of Etta's lips curved up, a hint of respect for the woman evident. "You have every right to an explanation but there's no time for that right now. You'll get your answers, I promise. But you must make haste. Escaping him will not be easy. The more distance you can put between yourself and him before he realizes, the better." Etta purposefully referred to the Dark One as 'him' almost as if she feared saying his name might bring his attention.
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Post by Medieval Kevin on May 31, 2016 13:59:37 GMT -8
"What? Why would I go with you? I don't know you." He hadn't been expecting things to go smoothly but Killian was surprised to find the opposition coming from the girl whom had been living as a prisoner. Was she crazy? Etta continued much to the captain's relief. "You have every right to an explanation but there's no time for that right now. You'll get your answers, I promise. But you must make haste. Escaping him will not be easy. The more distance you can put between yourself and him before he realizes, the better." He was glad to have her on his side.
Belle made no move to join them, her feet were firmly planted where she stood. Hook's patience was being severely tested but he swallowed deeply and calmed himself. He would follow Etta's lead and try the diplomatic approach. "Indeed you shall, I swear on it. Whatever you need to know. But whatever scuffle that has kept it busy, seems to have ended. We need to go dear, and quickly. My men and I can protect you." He had given her his best look of compassion, keeping full eye contact. After he had finished he looked to Etta then back at his men before returning his gaze to the dubious young woman before them. Jones held out his hand to her and gently beckoned.
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Post by Storyteller on May 31, 2016 19:41:50 GMT -8
"Protect me? You don't understand, he would never harm me. I know that he wouldn't." Others, yes. That was something that Belle had to struggle to reconcile with herself and something that she didn't think she would ever stop fighting. But she did know in her heart that Rumple couldn't ever hurt her. At least not physically. She looked from Etta to who she assumed was the pirate captain. They did not appear to comprehend so Belle continued.
"I appreciate the consideration. Truly I do. But I do not wish to go." The sheet dropped into the basket as Belle took a step towards the group, her hands splayed out in front of her. "I am needed here."
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Post by DarkSideCookie on Jun 10, 2016 14:47:49 GMT -8
"Er... Master?", Genie tried to catch the other's attention, at least Hook's. "Master?"
His blue finger hang in the air, as he would have been a nerdy student wanting to get picked by his teacher. When Hook didn't seem to react, because of been in a conversation with that girl named Belle, Genie became unpatient and so suddenly let out a sound like a horn, his mouth even formed like one. When everybody finally paid attention to him, he said (maybe a little too calm considering the news he had to report). "I don't wanna disturb or somethin'... but looks like we're getting company." Now his finger pointed in the castle's direction, towards a magical violet smoke, formed close to the gateway not more than half a mile away from them.
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jun 12, 2016 22:21:32 GMT -8
"Indeed you shall, I swear on it. Whatever you need to know. But whatever scuffle that has kept it busy, seems to have ended. We need to go dear, and quickly. My men and I can protect you."
Etta nodded, backing Killian's words as she kept her eyes on Belle.
"Protect me? You don't understand, he would never harm me. I know that he wouldn't." "I appreciate the consideration. Truly I do. But I do not wish to go." "I am needed here."
Belle had taken a step toward the group, placing her in close proximity to Etta. Flabbergasted, Etta could only blink at the girl as she searched her face. She did not wish to go? She was needed here? How long had the poor girl been kept here? What landed her here in the first place? She was sweet and kind and did not seem the type to seek out a bargain with the likes of the Dark One. Yet here she was, good tempered, calm, and even content in her situation. Etta could only come to one conclusion. Good God, the poor girl's gone mad.
They did not have the time to debate and besides, arguing with a mad person would get you nowhere.
The sound of a horn startled her into whipping around toward the source, eyes falling on a strange, blue figure that hadn't been there moments ago.
"I don't wanna disturb or somethin'... but looks like we're getting company."
Etta caught sight of the violet smoke the same moment the blue figure commented on it. Her heart rate kicked up a couple notches. They were out of time.
Afraid that the sweet, yet mad woman would raise an alarm, Etta took advantage of the distractions. In quick order, she stepped behind Belle and placed her hands on either side of her neck, applying pressure to her carotid artery. It was a quick and efficient way to render someone unconscious and much less damaging than a knock to the head by the hilt of a weapon, but only if you knew what you were doing.
Etta caught Belle as she fell unconscious, carefully lowering herself and the dead weight of the unconscious girl to the ground. She placed her ear near Belle, listening and feeling for breath. Satisfied, she looked up at Hook and spoke quickly.
"She'll only be under for a handful of minutes. She may suffer a mild headache but there should be no other lasting effects." Her general diagnosis flowered naturally and without thought as the due diligence of a doctor of medicine had long ago been ingrained in her.
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Post by Medieval Kevin on Jul 9, 2016 9:46:40 GMT -8
The clock had run out. He was confident in his wish that the Dark One could do him no harm but that did not extend to his crew or Etta. Hook would not put them in danger. It served no purpose. Their target was now unconscious so the Captain made up his mind. He slipped to the ground next to his new friend and took Belle's limp form into his arms. "Genie now would be a good time, get us all back to the ship."
If they were out of sight Etta could make up whatever story she needed. And Genie would have them gone before the Dark One materialized. The wonders of having some magic on your side. It was all he had time for but Killian looked right into Etta's eyes. His face only inches from her's. "The Black Pearl." It was all he needed to say to let her know. He would see her again. Time was of little concern except in that as he inched closer a blue smoke wrapped around him and the others, taking him away. Back home.
**Hook, Genie, Belle, and the pirates exit to the Jolly Roger**
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Post by Hollywood Heidi on Jul 10, 2016 20:15:02 GMT -8
"The Black Pearl."
With that promise, he vanished mere inches before her eyes. When he found her again, she looked forward to continuing exactly where they had left off.
The blue smoke cleared leaving her kneeling alone in the grass with only the dagger left behind. She'd slipped it from his belt whilst he'd been distracted with Belle.
Etta didn't have time to consider any other options. She had mere moments before the Dark One wandered this direction. He'd never believe she'd been in any real threat as he knew Hyde would have taken over. He'd know right away that she'd betrayed him and helped them to make off with Belle. She was afraid he'd poof them both to Killian's ship and force Hyde to the forefront, unleashing the monster to butcher Killian, his crew, and even the girl. Etta had no way of knowing that the Dark One would not let any harm come to Belle. She didn't think him capable of caring for anyone other than himself.
Using her ribs as a leading off point, she quickly pinpointed the spot that would avoid any major organs and arteries. She was fairly confident but in case her mark was off, she knew the Dark One would use his magic. At worst, she'd be more in his debt but it was worth the price of freeing another from his clutches, and to avoid him unleashing Hyde.
With the point of the blade in place, she took a deep breath, sent a prayer heavenward, and plunged the blade in. The searing pain blurred her vision and she fell back, succumbing to the sweet oblivion of unconsciousness.
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