Bad things do go bump in the night .....

[Carlotta]

It was that need to get away, which drove the Barrister to the docks this night. To escape the insanity that surrounded her, to get some fresh air. The memories of the Manor only intensified with each glass of whiskey consumed. She felt as if she was just going to simply explode. To the point she never even took her carriage, just doaned that heavy woolen cloak of midnight coloration and made way to the stables to saddle a horse.

She pushed the beast hard in it's run from the land of nobility to that poverty. Upon reaching he docks she'd dismount and leave the horse with free rein. If was going to get stolen, so be it, at this point and time she really didn't care.

To the docks edge she would move, peering out into the darkenss. She couldn't actually see it anchored there off the shore, but just in knowing it was easy to visualize the bulk form of the Swan at anchor.

Intoxicated, bewildered, angry, and over whelmed, her usual defenses weren't at their ready, her awareness to her surroundings simply forgotten. Perhaps it was fate, it could have simply been arranged, no matter the purpose behind how it came to be, it just did!

Never did she see the man who approached from behind, by time realization of him being there came, his forearm was already pressed tightly across her throat, a thick hand pressed painfully against her mouth to maintain her silence. His other arm swooped about her waist, lifting her off her feet and dragging her backwards. She did try to fight, kicking her feet and swinging fists, only to be rewarded with pain from the grasp of fingers or press of arm. To the point she was wheezing just to intake air.

Her hearr pounded fiercly within her chest, she could feel herself becoming light headed with the lack of proper intake of air. Like a rag doll she was thrown into the alley and soon felt the press of the man's weight atop of her. Realizing what was happening, a burst of energy from within. Hands raised to either side of his head, then slapping as hard as she could against his ears, accompanied by a swift upwards motion of knee to plant within his groin. Her reward a groaning grunt and flood of curses, but it would also be a quite fatal mistake as well.

Having angered him with the pain she unleashed, he withdrew a dagger and thrust it downards into her right shoulder. A scream ripped from her lips as the pain surged through her, then again when she felt his blade bury deep into her lower chest area.

In the distance she could hear shouts and screams, but they were slowly beginning to fade. Before the darkness over took her, she felt a final thrust of the dagger within her stomach.

Her body now limp upon the frozen ground, small pools of vitae beginning to slowly seep around her. The man rose to his feet and ran off, not even waiting to take the woman's purse attatched to her side. The crowd was getting too close, and he wasn't going to get caught.

Soon the crowd was upon the deathly pose of the Barrister upon the ground. Several of the men rushed forward to collect her body, one barking orders to a few other's who rushed off. She would be quickly carried to a carriage and whisked off to a place much safer than the docks. The man who carried her off did his best to tend to her wounds, to stop the bleeding. He had noticed her breaths were quite shallow, but they were there, which meant she was still alive, and there might be a chance.

The man, Mister Zane, one who had sailed at her side upon the seas and the deck of the Swan, would be the one taking her home. Having sent for the ship's surgeon, who was enacting the part of a local physican for a particular French Madame. The men would also be rallied, to be set up as guards in the stronghold that was Greenleaf Manor.

When Mister Flynn arrived, he was not prepared for what he saw. They had told him the nature of her wounds, but the truth would not be unveiled until her clothing was removed. He set to work quickly, sewing and repairing what damage he could. Once done and bandaged all he could do was sit by and watch over her. He had done all he could for her, it would be her will if she should live or die.

It would seem one Captain Morse may have gotten his wish after all. Like the curse of a Gypsy. Fate had dealt it's hand.

[Carlotta]

Baltasar Christiano
Ambassador Of Portugal

With the legions of flapping tongues in this land, word spread fast that the Baroness Carlotta Basinstoke had been severely wounded. Details were sketchy but word reached him just as he had decided to take his rest. He was to meet her the following evening for dinner and conversation on her dealings in the annulment trial of his Majesty King Henry. Of course... there in lay the problem. It seemed to him that if it was as he supposed someone had sought to do the Lady harm and likely murder her before she had the chance to get the word out about what it was she knew that could possibly help the King in his proceedings.

A knock resounded upon the chamber door and was urgent enough that the servant even launched a shout to gain the man's attention. It was known that Baltasar had been spending time with Carlotta and so he'd be one of the first to find out what had befallen her. As he opened the door the man practically launched himself through it rambling about the Barrister so that Baltasar had to calm him by grasping his shoulders. "What.. what are you saying?"

Gasping out, and taking deep breaths the lad finally gathered enough air to speak properly. "Lady... Baroness Basinstoke... she.. she's been hurt badly my lord... they say she's near death."

He'd just taken off his jacket and still had boots, and vest secured. Grasping the cloth from the back of the chair he'd tossed it on he quickly put it on and ran from the room leaving the boy gaping after him. He'd make fast time to the manor by taking his own horse. Speeding over the hills and dells until he reached her home he pounded upon the door until finally a small woman answered. It took quite a bit of convincing for her to let him in but she soon did so.

The room was dark, a single candle lit upon the bedside table and a chair was settled there where the physician kept watch. As he entered his voice broke from within speaking to the man so that he became startled and jumped slightly. "How is she?" The accent was thick and his voice seemed heavy with emotion as he moved toward the bed not even looking at the man, his eyes trained only on her.

He'd not leave her... no... he'd be by her side if and when she awoke and he already swore he'd find the one responsible and make him pay dearly, whether she lived or died.

[Carlotta]

Madame Taussads

When the physician had been called away, of course it would pique her interest. Especially as to why the man made such haste to run after some noble woman. They had the King's physician to tend to the blue bloods, why was this particular man called out specifically?

It was late evening and all she wore was a near translucent night gown of ruby red colored silk, draped over her shoulders was the matching robe. Her hair was so blonde, it was almost white. So easy was it to fix it up to look like one of the powdered wigs that was becoming a fast growing fad. Falling loosely over shoulders, it's length would sway several inches passed hips. Creamy complexion devoid of the usual makecup, which did little to compromise the natural beauty she had. Red leather slippers set off her nightly attire.

Once the physican left, she had one of her men to quickly follow. To bring back any information he could dredge up, and if need be, play the allie to the physican in any way he could; even if it ment simply being a messenger boy.

After she had seen the man off, back to her private parlor she'd return, to enjoy a snifter of tainted Abysinth. It wasn't uncommon for her to chase the Dragon now and then, and tonight would be one of those occassions. Before the warmth of the hearth the drink would be enjoyed, as she watched the dance of the flames and her wait began.

Many hours would pass before his return and the information offered that he gained. Of course there were several versions of what happened, as often was the case when house staff members were drilled for information. Though she did find it odd when she was told that most of the staff on hand were burly, rugged looking men. This whole situtation was begining to intrigue her quite fully. With an added bonus with payment, he would leave to use his new founded wealth to gain pleasure and relaxation. She would return to her chair before the fire, gazing into it as many questions surfaced to her mind.

1. Why was a Baroness at the docks, alone, at that late hour?
2. Why would someone want the Kings Barrister dead?
3. Why was the Ambassidor of Portugal sitting at the Baroness's side?
4. Who were these men that surrounded the woman's house, more like protective brothers than hired guards?
5. Just who was this Carlotta Basinstoke?

Questions that continued to roll about in her head, and the implications several offered made this woman someone she had to know of. Knowledge was power, and power equaled wealth. Madame Maeria Tussauds may quite indeed be one of the most wealthiest individuals in London, but it was all gained and retained by greed. If she could find some use in finding out more information on this woman, by all that's holy, or lives and breaths, she was going to have it! That was if the woman lived. Dead, she was of no use what so ever. Hate not the Madame for her prayers on the Baroness's behalf.

[Carlotta]

Awakening

DevioManipulacao: It seemed the days had melded into one, a day that never wanted to end. He'd watched, barely moving from her side only to bathe and change clothes. He'd had a servant bring all his things from the castle so that he'd have no reason at all to leave her. Yes, she had men watching the house, the grounds. Every possible entrance was barricaded against intrusion of any kind but still he had taken on position as her personal guard. The only thing he'd not done was shave and now there was a light growth on his face making him look the true scruffiness of a Spaniard more than a man from Portugal. His skin tone had always been a bit darker but only because he preferred the outdoors to squandering away inside a castle for days on end. He had been a man that enjoyed the open sea, and had sailed many times in his life to many ports. The calling of Ambassador had fit him well and so when asked he'd taken on the job without as much as a second thought. As he jerked awake, a hand lifted to rake over his face, wiping the sleep from his eyes and leaning forward he braced both forearms upon his knees as eyes of Kelly green took in her fair countenance. A bit of color had begun to seep back into her face, though her form was so very still it was frightening. Was she breathing? Much like a worried father over a child he'd awakened many times during the course of the night to check on her. Moving back the cover to be sure she still took breaths and even helping the physician tend her wounds, re-bandaging and not shying away when there'd been a flash of breasts or skin that was not allowed to be seen by a man unless they had been her husband. He took no pleasure in the viewing knowing only that what he did was for the sake of making her better.... bringing her back. For what seemed like the thousandth time he pulled back the coverlet to be sure that she'd not bled through her dressings and that her chest still rose and fell with life. Then as he replaced it, he reached back with both hands and pulled the chair closer until he could comfortably rest a hand upon her brow without stretching too far. "Você deve voltar meu querido. Eu não faço exame de nenhuma direita em chamá-lo Este mas eu importo-me com você distante mais do que você pode sempre saber." ("You must come back my darling... I take no right in calling you this but I care for you far more than you may ever know.")(d)

C E Basinstoke: Mister Flynn had stopped staying at her side; she seemed to be in quite capable hands with the Ambassador. If he was needed, they'd send word and he'd return post haste. He had other duties to attend to, so instructions were left with the nurse he placed at her bed side. The Ambassador may have been genuinely concerned about his charge, but he'd be d**ned if he'd leave her alone with his company; talk about a protective father syndrome. It had been a grueling week, dealing with the fever that wracked her body. Not so much its treatment as it was to deal with the out cries and feverish talk. If it had only been he or one of the many men who protected her, he wouldn't have been concerned. It was the presence of the Ambassador that gave him reason to worry. The things she spoke of, the out cries of things she's endured. Those secrets that could place her in more danger than she already was. Easily he could say her ramblings were that of her fever and for the man not to take much stock into what was said. Whether or not it did any good, only time would tell. What did relax any worry was how the man hovered over Carly like he did. A final check on her progress and he'd make his way back to the Lords Inn. The wounds were healing cleanly, which was a good sign. Worry of infection was constant, especially when the fever set in. Now that had passed and restfully she seemed. When the covers were drawn back a slight stir of her form would follow. She could hear words spoken, but couldn't understand their meaning. Struggling against the darkness she'd been engulfed in for so long, eyes would begin to slowly flutter open upon feeling the touch to her brow. Perhaps not what one expected to hear, but her first words would then be softly uttered in a near whispered state. "I'm ... thirsty." Eyes had yet to open, the fight continued to do just that.

DevioManipulacao: Unexpected, the slight move of her head with the uttering of words had him momentarily spellbound and he had to blink a few times as he tried to be sure he was not dreaming. "Thirsty...” The word came from his own lips as though he had to be sure he understood it and removing his hand quickly he looked about the room for a glass, chalice, cup... something with water in it. Finding the vessel he lifted it only to find it was empty. "Be d**ned!" Only a moment before he was at the door and shouting down the stairs. "Water! Someone, anyone bring water NOW!" There was a rush of feet as perhaps the entire household seemed to come up the stairs all at once and there was a thrust of at least ten cups his way. He took one thanking them all and headed back to her bedside. Someone asked if she had spoken and he only nodded as he fitted the rim of the wooden cup to her lips, one hand moving to cup the back of her head gently to help her navigate the rest of her body without harming her in any way. "Here Bonito... easy now. Drink only a little you do not wish to get sick." (d)

C E Basinstoke: Dazed was the state she awoke in, unsure of her surroundings and what was happening. As for what happened, it had yet to return to the forefront of her mind. At the moment her thirst was commanding attention, it consumed her with her bodies want and need of the liquid. Yet to recognize the voice of who assisted her with sating the situation, eyes fluttered open a few times only to be assaulted by the brilliance of light. Not that the room was aglow with hundreds of candles, but the stark contrast of the darkness she was pulled from to that of a lit room was a bit much. Feeling the hand behind her to assist in rising, hands pressed against the bed on either side as she moved to sit up. So weak she felt and when her abdomen became taunt with the action a pain would shoot through her to remind her movement should be minimum. Wincing against the pain, though the need for a drink too precedence. Although she was instructed to intake with care, greedy would be the actions. Like a man left in the desert sun for days before finding his Oasis, the cool water was like a drug and she the addict needing a fix. Slowly a hand lifted to rest atop of his in a light touch, to urge the tilting of the vessel further.

DevioManipulacao: "Ah... ah... careful now... Amour." His voice cut into her action to move into a sitting position and still he was there unwilling to move from her side as he helped her to take in the cool liquid. So elated he was at seeing her finally awake though still there was a margin of surprise as one brow lifted to see her so strong. "You had us all scared to death... “Her hand resting atop his caused him to feel as though he were being gifted a great boon. Slowly he began to relate to her the details of her long sleep. "You've been out for a week, fever took you by the end of the second day and only last night did you begin to cool." He'd speak nothing of her delirium or the strange things she'd spoken during it. There was no need to upset her right now only to see her get better. A few women at the door gasped and he turned to look at them quickly as one had a hand to her mouth and tears in her eyes. "Go... get her something to eat." He knew that not long on the heels of thirst would come hunger and she'd need to try to eat something. (d)

C E Basinstoke: Once she had took in her fill of the water, she'd slowly relax back against the mound of pillows placed behind her. Strange as it may seem, as long as she had been asleep she felt tired, worn out. A deep breath taken, only to be cut short by the pain that surged through her chest. Now it was all coming back to her, that fateful night. The voice recognized as that of the Ambassadors, and to be quite frank she was greatly surprised. Of all people she ever thought to awaken and find at her side, he wasn't one of them. As he explained what had happened, slowly eyes opened and it took a few moments before they'd focus fully. Head to turn as chestnut hues would fix upon those handsome features. Brows furrowed slightly. "How bad?" It was as if she was having to learn to find her voice all over again. Her hand would then move once more, only this time beneath the covers. Imagine her shock at finding her lack of clothing beneath and one might think the fever had returned by the coloration that spread over her features. Other hand moved to draw the covers up further while the other continued to explore the placement of bandages. "You ... were here ... all this time? Who else?" Who else had seen her in such a state? If she was able, she would have crawled under those blankets at that very moment and hid from the world. "Who knows?" So many questions that needed to be answered, but yet she was having a hard time expressing what she wanted.... needed to know.

DevioManipulacao: He'd answer the questions in the best possible order and way he could. "Several wounds... though thank God they were shallow and yes I've been here since I found out. Only myself, the physician and a man named Flynn lady... nothing you need be worried about... I swear never to tell a soul. Besides that I do not think the Flynn chap likes me much... he'd likely kill me if I did." This last was meant to be a jest and he hoped she'd see it as such. A maid came up with a tray of food, some vegetables and chicken as well as a bit of fruit and more water. "Obrigado minha senhora." The woman seemed to recognize the speech likely from having been around him now quite a bit and leaving the tray on the bedside table she soon disappeared. "Just let me know when you wish to try something to eat, I'll help you." (d)

C E Basinstoke: Since he found out? "When'd you learn..?" He had said it's been a week’s time in passing since she was attacked. "Do they know who...?" Was Hank portraying himself as a physician again? Flynn was the ships surgeon, but Hank would pull a stunt like that just to see to her care. Many times he would say, a butchers block and surgeons table, two in the same. Hank would be one to give a man like Baltasar a hard time too. There was no love loss between the man and those of noble blood. He'd rather cut all their throats if he had his way. So yes, he jest would gain the smallest of smiles from her. She hadn't realized how hungry she was until he spoke of food and then the scent assaulted her. Before she could verbally answer, her body would tend to that task with a gurgling within her stomach. It was quite loud and couldn't be ignored, so she'd just offer him another of those slight smiles. "I think I'm being commanded." Referring to her body's demand for sustenance. "..I could go for more water too." The more she spoke, the easier it became and the more alert to her surroundings as well. It was then it hit her and she stared at him for a long moment before it would be asked. "Why are you here?" Blunt was the King's Barrister, surely he'd already learned this in their prior meetings.

DevioManipulacao: "I found out the night it happened Bonito. It was known within a short amount of time, you are quite famous it seems and not simply because you are a Baroness I'd take it. No, they do not know who... not yet but there is much speculation and the King's men are trying to piece it all together." He heard the loud rumbling in her stomach and laughed slightly at her words. "Then I am at yours and your stomachs command my lady." Reaching for the tray he brought it to rest upon his lap intent upon feeding her if he had to. A crudely made fork was lifted and he soon shoveled up a good helping of potatoes before pausing to answer her again. His head dropped slightly and then lifted as he spoke. "Well... we had decided that I would be your partner of sorts... a helpmate and so I guess that led me to believe that I should also act as your friend and guard. Not that you need one... “He of course was speaking of all the other men that surrounded her home. Lifting the fork again he brought it just before her lips urging her to take a bite and perhaps in some ways trying to keep her from asking anymore questions that could implicate him as having more than the in general care for her person. (d)

C E Basinstoke: As if that would thwart any questions. Did he forget what she did for a living so soon? The only thing the potatoes did was give her time for her mind to clear and more questions to be raised. The food would be slowly consumed, though like the water she wanted to simply gorge herself. Knowing better, sometimes little amounts were better than larger. "You don't lie well." Would be the next words uttered. "Drink? Please." The potatoes only strengthened her thirst and she'd be content for the moment of his feeding her so. "What’s the speculation?" She had little time to actually think the matter through, and just in the few moments she had, many things came to mind. She was the one who seen to Kessler's fall. Was it due to that? The fact that she stood and opposed the Queen? No matter what direction you viewed it from, she had made many enemies on that night, and with what she was assisting the King with there would be many more to be made. If only she could remember clearly that night, of what happened and anything she could remember about the man who attacked her. It was still fuzzy, but time healed all wounds including memories.

DevioManipulacao: "Oh on the contrary Bonito... I do, just not to you I suppose." Putting down the fork he reached for the cup and settled it into her hands. She seemed to gain strength and that was a good sign, so he was ready to answer any questions she might lodge his way. "The only speculation they have..." This would be spoken as he forked a piece of chicken and sent the utensil again toward her lips. "is that they think the person was likely hired by someone... and that the attacker was a man as they found a few boot prints at the area of the struggle. They also found the intended murder weapon... a six inch dagger." He hated to bring back memories but perhaps in telling her these things she'd remember something and thereby help them to solve the situation. (d)

C E Basinstoke: The glass was lifted to sip from and she was slowly easing up into more of a sitting position. It wasn't easy, but she was managing to gain a better position. "It was a man, I remember that." Stated before the bit of chicken would be taken. She would try to remember what she could of that night, bits and pieces. "Strong ... a bit of an accent, though I can't place it." It wasn't of the sea, that much she knew, nor that of an Englishman. There was something different; it continued to evade her at the present. Brows furrowed as thoughts toiled within her mind. "I hurt him..." That she did remember ..."He tried to ...." A slow shake of her head as that memory washed upon her like a tidal wave, to even make her suddenly feel sick to her stomach. "I can't remember all." Frustration beginning to mount and being outwardly shown upon facial features.

DevioManipulacao: "There, there Amour... do not try too hard to remember just now. When you have the strength perhaps you should write a missive to the King... of what you remember, I'll be glad to take it to him for you. I'm sure he will not turn me away if he knows I have pertinent information about your would be murderer." He had paused in the delivery of food her way long enough for her to speak but now he started again this time offering her a bit of fruit. It seemed he knew what best to give her to strengthen her all the more. "When you're done perhaps you should rest a moment longer... if you do not wish me to stay now I will leave, perhaps go downstairs and give you some privacy." There was a look in those green eyes that seemed to be tender for a moment. But it quickly vanished and was replaced only with concern. (d)

C E Basinstoke: Gratefully the fruit was accepted and then she'd rest back against the wall of pillows behind her. For a long moment silence would hang between them as she just laid there staring at him. It was a look of study as if she was trying to read him. "I don't wish you to go." To be her quiet response. He had endured a week of watching over her. Having done so herself to others in the past with concern of a friend or client, she knew well the weight such would bear upon the one who waited to see if the other lived or died. A hand released its hold upon the glass as it reached out to lightly touch him. She knew not why, impulsive was the action. Her smile held a bit more warmth then it did a few moments ago and as soon as the words were spoken she’d look away to fix her gaze upon the glass. It would be lifted as a device of distraction.

DevioManipulacao: "Good... because I did not truly intend to." He'd then launch into a string of words she'd not understand and perhaps someday he'd tell her but for now he'd leave her to wonder, as if her muddled mind needed more to think on. "Você rivaliza o sol acordar, você não tem nenhuma idéia quanto você fêz feliz este dia pelo seus que acorda. menos de tudo mim." ("You rival the waking sun, you have no idea how many you have made happy this day by your waking.. least of all me.") As her hand touched his cheek he closed his eyes for a moment and leaned slightly into her palm, turning his face his lips brushed the area before eyes opened again and he rose. "Now... I am in sore need of a bath and I'm sure that your maids will wish to do the same for you. But I will be back when they are done.. yes I've seen far more of you than perhaps I should but do not worry I've not had the infinite pleasure of bathing you myself." A somewhat sordid chuckle left his parted lips as he placed the tray back upon the bedside table and headed for the door. (d)

C E Basinstoke: There went that fevered look again. It was one thing to assume he had seen more of her than was privy to the eye, but to now be told? The temperature of the room just shot up quite a bit and she nearly choked on that drink of water she took. A few sputtered coughs followed by a groan of pain. Her chest and abdomen was throbbing now due to all her moving about. "That's good to know." A hoarse whisper. No, she had no clue as to what he said prior and one of these days she would learn and catch him at what ever he was saying to her and call him on it. Eyes then lifted to settle upon him. "You're taking a bath too?" That would mean he had belongings within the estate. She would bet that surely had tongues wagging and when she was able to get out and about, looks to be drawn her way. Glass would be set on the edge of her bed as she slipped back and down into those pillows. "I bet we're almost married by now." A thought outwardly spoken without knowledge of doing so. It was the scenarios of the level of gossip that surely ran rampant amongst the court. One as close as she was to the King couldn't sneeze without it being talked about.

DevioManipulacao: That did draw full laughter from him as her tone showed her worry. Turning he decided a verbal spar of sorts would not be too much for her to take though he only worried about making her laugh. "Yes, I took the liberty of having my things moved here so I could keep watch over you and not have to leave. I hope you don't mind, I'll likely return within a day or two to the castle now that you're awake.." A pause as he listened to her make a statement about them being almost married and he simply smiled. "Well.. you have been asleep for a week... so who knows. You may want to ask Flynn how the ceremony went, it was quite hard to keep you awake during the whole thing... perhaps a bit boring for you.. but for me.. I'm happy Bonito." A dip of his head, he then left her to rest and think in the hope that she'd figure out more about the attack, the sooner they caught the man the better. God help him if Baltasar was the first to find him. (d)

C E Basinstoke: That had her nearly sitting straight up, only thing that kept her from doing so was the reminder in her abdomen as she began to move forward. Eyes widened slightly as she was just simply ... gawking. Yes, gawking at him. "What!?!" You'd think Balt had just grown a second head the way she was looking at him. "You jest!" No way, no way Flynn or anyone else would permit her to do something so foolish when not in her right mind! Or had they thought she wouldn't make it? Implications, accusations ran rampant in her mind. If the man was joking, he was simply pure Evil! But Lord have mercy on her soul, he was handsome and quite the charmer and the idea of him housing an evil side was quite alluring.