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ooc: sorry the delay guys!

IC:

Lumen stood in her long dress outside the castle, just within the gates. It was very hot out- and she could see now why all the noble women were carrying paper and silk fans. She wished she had the sense to do something like that too. Thinking of gadgets automatically made her remember her utility belt. She'd been wearing it when she arrived- that meant it was back in her room. That belt could come in handy. It had her phone. She wondered if there was a chance in hell the thing still worked. Sure she probably wouldnt be able to make any calls or browse online- but the battery power should still hold up. Same with the pen flashlight and a few other gadgets she had kept on her person.

Trumpets blasted- signalling the movement of the litter. The carriage carrying the royal family was at the head surrounded by the Kings and Queens guard. Behind them marched the royal pages, the ladies in waiting, as well as various higher born nobles. The maester led ahead of Lumen and she followed. Behind her marched many of the knights. They seemed to stretch on forever, and though Lumen tried to steal glances to see who marched behind them she couldnt. She was sure somewhere in the mix of people were the rest of the council the maester was a part of. Perhaps a few scholars.... but she had yet to see her friends.

The trumpets blasted again and a large man stood between the mob of gaping people and the royals. "Announcing their majesties, King and Queen and Prince of Devonshire... the Royal Family." cheers roared out as The King led his little family out of the carriage, waving and smiling at the locals. Riori spotted Lumen the instant he hopped out and waved. This caused a few people to look her way. She was concious of the few shocked gasps of people who noticed she was slightly glowing. Some trick of the light? Or were they really seeing what they thought?

Lumen scanned the faces looking for her friends. The area had an overwhelming stench of manure, barley, and urine. She figured many of the people must be farmers and couldn't imagine the bathroom situation was as good here as it was back home. There was an underlying smell of soot and smoke, Lumen assumed some of the people were craftsmen as well. As far as she could tell from the way the audience reacted- they all loved the royal family. Not only that- but everyone seemed to be fit, healthy, and not at all slummish like she expected based on the smells. It seemed the peasants weren't as poor here as history books and movies would have her believe.

"My Loyal subjects. It is today, a fortnight from the name day of Prince Riori that I am happy to announce his full recovery from the Flux. In addition it appears as if this seasons wave of the flux has taken very few lives and moved on." there was an eruption of joy from the people, peasants shouted out praise for the little prince and the king.

Lumen turned slightly to the Maester "Forgive my ignorance, but I was led to believe illness is wide spread during your... ah... era... how did the city escape with so few deaths?"

The Maester looked thoughtful for a moment. He kept his eyes on the people but spoke quietly to Lumen. "You're not the first time jumper I have met. In my time, I have learned quite a great deal about sanitization. While I am still trying to convince his grace to enhance the sewage system I have been able to convince him to let me educate several squires who were tasked with educating 1 member from ever family in the city."

Lumen had to marvel at that. Of course, she wanted to ask the Maester more... but the King was speaking again.

"In celebration of the prince's health and name day, in the fortnight we shall have a tournament open to nobles and peasants alike. Several warriors will be chosen to serve as the Prince's guards and protectors. "

There was another cry- mostly from the young boys in the crowd. Pure excitement at the thought of fighting in their first tourneys.

" We have also been blessed with a visit from a very special incarnation. A women from the Queen's lands, one who will serve to advise the royal family, celebrate the Prince's name day, and serve the needs of the people.... I present, Lady Lumen"

Lumen had barley realized her name had been called- too busy scanning the people for her friends- when the Maester gave her a shove. "That's you're queue, you need to shine!"

Lumen stumbled at first but managed to catch herself. The Maester had coached her on what to say for this part. "You're graces." she said when she got to the front of the littler, she then bowed deeply and began to glow- not too brightly... but just enough. A collective gasp went across the crowd. "I am honoured to serve my Lords and Ladies of Devonshire. I will be of service to this great city and kingdom in any way that I can." the children pointed and stared, but the king remained steadfast in his commitment to welcoming Lumen so nobody dared say a word of questioning.

When Lumen took her place again by the Maester she could tell he wore a look of relief. As quickly as she could she reached over and squeezed his fingers for reassurance. It was probably a strange thing for a lady of the time to do- but she hoped the Maester understood her underlying message of thanks.

The King went on for a moment explaining that for this entire year to celebrate bypassing the Flux he would be reducing a portion of the taxes. This was met with more shock and joy than seeing a glowing woman. The King continued to address the crowd then finally he said, "On this joyous day, I shall hear the wishes of my people and grant those that I am able, and attempt to make arrangements for those I am not. I will also accept pledges of loyalty from those new to the kingdom, and hear your requests"

Again Lumen scanned the audience looking for her friends- sure they were blending in with the crowd now that they were wearing proper clothing.

Id like to nominate Streak I'm a little biased, because we joined years ago at the same time, but I know how much he's evolved as both a player and a character since then!

Our current thread together has been lots of fun.

ooc: so it's my turn, but Im trying to leave a bit of space for Paul to describe his clothes too so Paul feel free to kinda fill in the blanks!

ic:

Before anything could really be explained or answered Lumen was quickly shooed from the room as the men dressed. The Maester didn't seem happy 'Shawn' couldn't be easily penetrated by his mind tricks, and seemed even less happy that he'd been shooed from the room.

"It's obvious the king has heard your friends are here. I think he may even be trying to see them before you do... he plays the fool but he's smarter than he seems."

"He's wondering if our stories line up." stated Lumen. The Maester nodded.

"We must explain things to your friends. And I'll have you know it's a holy sin here to be... 'involved' with the monk." Lumen turned red and didn't have much to say to that yet. "We'll explain to him you're role here, it should at least give him an excuse to see you from time to time." his voice softened a bit and Lumen found herself wondering again if he'd always been a Maester. In the little time she'd spent with him, he'd slipped a few clues to a previous life.

"Will they present him to the king at the litter?" asked Lumen after a moment had passed. She could hear near silent giggling from inside the room...

"That would be the best choice, and I think we should get you there before they do. We don't want the king to know you've all met already. Any sort of familiarity will raise his suspicions. I can only vouch so far, especially when my own powers are never spoken of. You understand this taboo?" Lumen nodded.

Finally a trail of women started filing out the door, and the Measter slipped inbetween them not even waiting for them to all finish filing out. "Lumen, I think it's time to explain things to your friends" he ushered her in. "...and remember, the King is expecting us in only moments. You have minutes... if less." Lumen nodded.

"Okay guys, here's what I've figured out so far..." she turned her attention to Jorge and Shawn "Jorge, it's nice to see you again... I wish it was different circumstances, Shawn, what a terrible way to meet someone- I apologize... Paul and I were in a bar meeting a mutant who could time travel. He was going to help us with a ... case... but the he turned out to be a lot younger than expected with a very low alcohol tolerance." low indeed. Just thinking about the kid made her blood boil. She hoped Paul would forgive her for acting as if it was indeed a case they were investigating, and not her brother. "From what I can tell, the kid time jumped- something he wasn't supposed to do until a late date, and because he did it drunk everyone got pulled in. I don't know who else from the bar is here- you're the first I've met. I've been here a night. The Maester here is a mutant..." she motioned to him "If you didn't guess already... but it's a very taboo subject here... they'd believe in Magic before believing in mutants. The king knows he has abilities and they have a bit of a silent understanding... the Maester offers wise council because he can read minds but it's very important you all know this is under wraps.."

"Indeed." interrupted the Maester "The King has had to fight several wars recently, and his son Riori has only recently recovered from the flux. He's very weary and suspicious of everything. I was able to convince him Lumen is a Goddess of his wife's celtic religion - it wasn't hard when she showed up suspended in mid air above the feast table glowing...."

"Oh Riori- right. Prince Riori. Paul and I were looking for a Riori- the only reason I can think the time jumper sent us here is that simple connection. " she realized she'd just interrupted the Maester's important explanation and went quiet again looking a little embarrassed.

"He may have bought my excuse for Lumen, but I fear it's only for the love he bears me as a long time servant, and because she's a member of the weaker sex she's seen as less of a threat..." Lumen hated to hear that but she knew in this time it was true. So she stayed silent if looking a little annoyed. "He will be more suspicious of men, wondering if you're from rival kingdoms, spies... I will try my best to convince him you are special like Lumen and that he should employ you. Obviously, we have no way of knowing when your time jump will end or when you'll go back..." Lumen didn't like to think about that. From what the kid told her, or could wear off any day or they could be here for a long run. It was better to just be prepared and get themselves in a position of safety. "be weary with how you stand out. While fancy tricks and powers may impress some, they will heighten suspicion in others. Commit to your characters and we may all survive this yet."

As he finished explaining Lumen realized she had drifted toward Paul. "I'm so relieved youre okay... but I'm sorry you were pulled in too." she whispered. Though in truth, she was selfishly glad he was here. When Paul was around, things just seemed to make sense.

"It's time Lady Lumen and I took our leave. We will be in the litter of the King that will meet you when he presents at the Market Place. He will present his healthy son, Lady Lumen, and hear some requests of the people. If we're lucky, he'll grant a few in favour of his son's health. It's then that you should present yourself, and convince him you are of worth and value. It'll be harder for him with all his city watching to turn you away" said the Maester. With that, he took his leave.

Lumen lingered a few seconds longer taking in the men in their garb. They didn't look that out of place anymore. She gave Paul's hand a squeeze. "Good luck you guys."

She knew she could count on Paul. But what would Jorge and this other guy- Shawn... think of her? It was her fault they were here! She quickly made her way from the room- her skirts rustling on the stones to catch up with the maester.

In a few moments she'd join the litter and process (sp?) out to meet the people.

Breakfast had flown quickly as the little prince Riori spent the majority of the time asking Lumen to illuminate, asking her questions, and eventually coaxing a little of her light bending ability out of her. At first Lumen answered out of fear of losing her head- it was clear when the Maester had presented her that morning that the King didn't completely buy the story. But now that she was spending so much time entertaining the little prince she realized he reminded her quite a bit of her brother when they were young. She couldn't help the natural affection that seemed to come forth. It did not escape the Queen, who would smiley kindly every time their eyes met.

It turned out, Lumen was in England- quite obviously, medieval England. What she had mistaken for Celtic had actually been the Queen herself- an alliance being born between her marriage to the King. That explained Riori's hair for one thing, and his name. The King promised Lumen could stay, for the love he showed his Wife and her Gods and Godesses. He'd seemed tenuous upon the Queen's explanation of the Goddess of light and fire, but a few mutant tricks from Lumen and he seemed convinced enough.

The Maester sat on the opposite side of the king whispering in a deep conversation. Lumen knew he was trying to give the King every sort of clue that Lumen was like the Maester, so that the King may consider employing Lumen for her council. Lumen would have rather been a guard, but the Maester insisted that a woman with fighting capabilities would be far more frowned upon than a woman who could glow. Lumen also insisted on wanting to leave and find Paul and anyone else who might have been caught up in that time vortex- but the Maester also insisted since she didn't know when she'd be leaving it was better to invest this time in the King.

"We're going out to the people today." explained Riori. "I was sick you see... but I'm not anymore. The Maester healed me. Mother says the people will want to see their prince alive and well." Lumen nodded, thinking that made much sense.

"I appreciate the gown you had made for me, your grace." said Lumen addressing the Queen. The Queen bobbed her head in the Irish way and Lumen felt her heart warm. Though the Queen had not pointed out Lumen's accent, she could tell she was appreciative to hear a voice from home.

"The colours suit you well child. Though I suppose you're hardly a child, you're the same age as me." they'd already had this conversation once today- the fact that Lumen and the Queen were both 26 and the Queen already had a child and was, well, a queen. The prospect of not being married and already with several children at her ripe old age of 26 seemed appalling to most in the court- but the Queen remained polite.

"Where I come from, there is little illness or hunger your grace, 26 is still young as many will live til their 80s or 90s."

This completely fascinated the little prince who asked Lumen to tell him of ever person she knew over the age of 40 and explain every bit of memory she had about them. The people in the court were unsure of how to respond to Lumen, some eyed her with suspicion, but most stared on at the Queen and King repeating their reactions to her.

Finally, the King announced to ready the litter as they'd be leaving on the hour for their address of the city. Riori leapt up into Lumen's lap asking if he'd ride with her, but the Maester explained Lumen would walk with him behind the litter, with the King's Guard and Queen's Guard. Riori was not impressed.

Lumen took a deep breath and readied herself for what she'd see out there. So far she'd only seen the castle. The Marketplace was sure to be different- and perhaps she'd get more of an inkling exactly what time she was in. continued here

yaaaay Ghosty, the baby is contemplating his character profile, obviously. Trying to come up with a unique power!!!

Paul! Welcome back <3 can't wait to get back into normal posting routines with you eee!

Another from Ireland Lumen is from there too. Welcome!

Lumen felt out of place in the club lineup almost instantly. It was very clear that the majority of hopeful patrons were born in the 90's- while she was a child of the 80s. She shifted awkwardly but didn't leave. There'd been a few tip off about this place- about possible missing children being spotted- she could no longer ignore it, it had to be checked out.

So there she stood in a form fitting white tank top that would certainly glow under the blacklight and a pair of skinny jeans and boots. The advantage of clubs with black lights was that if for some reason she began to glow- most people wouldnt make anything of it. Her hair -for once- was hanging loose down her back instead of braided in the usual style. It went all the way to her tail bone. Her cell phone was still clipped on a belt around her waist- a more stylish version of her utility belt- and she wore silver hooped earrings.

As usual she'd left Paul a brief note with an explanation.She'd have invited him... but something told her the older than he looks mutant would exactly be comfortable in a place like this- especially if SHE felt out of place. Paul knew Lumen could take care of herself. Besides, this was a fact finding mission. Just a few hours of observation, talking to the locals, and maybe a drink or two... then she'd have all she needed.

She prepared to show her ID but the bouncer waved her in. When she got to him she smiled- this guy worked a daytime job doing mall security and she'd interviewed him previously about the missing kids. He didn't have any info for her, but was helping keep a good eye out. Lumen bobbed her head as a thank you in her usual Irish way and headed on in.

Once inside the music was pounding, and she was most certainly glowing in her very very white skin and top. Hordes of youth were on the dance floor, lounging in chairs, off in the corner playing pool, or leaning against the wall in conversation. If she had to bet money on it she'd say at least half were underage. But hey, she was just an NYPD affiliate, not an actual cop.

Lumen made her way to the nearest end of the bar and propped herself up on the chair looking the least wobbliest. "rum and coke please." she put her money on the table and looked out at the room under her thick dark eye lashes.