Morningway Plot: Monster Jamboree {locked to participants}

[morningway]

Justin Morningway did not consider himself to be evil. Say, rather, that he was practical. It mattered little to him whether the magics he invoked were Dark or White, so long as it got the job done. Was it his fault that the Dark was so much more effective

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Shasta and Bree

[horse_and_boy]

Bree and Shasta are taking an early morning walk through the woods. It is very pleasant, if a bit cool. The leaves are changing and the morning sun glows through them red, gold, and orange. About the only sound to be heard is the occasional bird call and the dull thud of hooves against moist leaves and earth.

Re: Shasta and Bree

[morningway]

They scuttled out of the deep woods, over colorful leaves that crunched beneath their weight. Claws extended, tails curled over armored backs, they showed no fear as they positioned themselves in the path of the white stallion. The size of small ponies, two red scorpion and one black, they snapped their pinchers in anticipation of fresh meat.

Re: Shasta and Bree

[horse_and_boy]

Bree had heard them coming. Indeed, the woods had become unnaturally still....

He takes one look at the enemy before him and knows that this is Morningway's doing. Without hesitation, he orders Shasta to slide down and run in the opposite direction. He is counting on the magic surrounding the boy to protect him. In particular, he knows that Bob's spell hides Shasta from Justin Morningway. He will have to trust in that.

He snorts once and paws the earth with a hoof, eyes gleaming.

*********

Shasta does not hesitate. He hits the ground running....

Re: Shasta and Bree

[morningway]

The scorpions scuttle closer, trying to pen in their enemy. One moves to flank Bree on the right, another to the left while the third faces him head on.

For them, the horse is their opponent. The magic that surrounds Shasta blinds them to his presence.

[cor_leoni]

Regulus had been back in the room by the time that Menolly had returned from work on Sunday, and he had had plenty to tell her about the conversation with the water elemental and about Bob's discovery of Harry's shattered shield bracelet at the theatre. They would have been up till all hours talking, but stress and weariness sent both of them to sleep earlier than they had anticipated.

Now it was noon on Tuesday, and Regulus was up on the roof of the hotel; few people bothered going up to the pool area now that it was October. He had left a note for Menolly in case she arrived home that afternoon and discovered he wasn't in their flat; he had no desire to worry her. It read:

Menolly, my love

Regulus

[morningway]

The balmy autumn afternoon suddenly turned chill and frigid, the temperature dropping drastically as if caught in the grip of an arctic wind. Although the sun shone brightly, Shadows lengthened across the roof and slowly took form behind the man at poolside.

Cowled and robed, their features lost in darkness, they rose from the concrete, bearing black blades that swallowed the light. Five Shadows in all, they formed a loose arc as they glided silently forward toward the dark haired man.

Re: Regulus

[cor_leoni]

Getting dark and cold. Maybe I should go inside.

Regulus swung his legs over the side of the chair...and spotted the Shadows.

Dementors!

But no, on second thought, they weren't Dementors. Dementors didn't carry weapons.

He pulled his wand from his pocket with a trembling hand and focused on someone who always made him happy. Menolly.

"Expecto Patronum!"

A silver eagle burst from the end of the wand and dove toward the nearest Shadow.

He didn't know exactly what to expect. But, damn it, they looked like Dementors. Maybe they were enough like Dementors to be hurt by spirits of light, as well.

And if they weren't, well, he'd think of something else. Fast.

Re: Regulus

[morningway]

The Shadow hissed, startled by this shining bird of light. It swung it's black sword blade at Sending while its brothers continued to glide forward.

[lt_murphy]

Murphy was in her room, performing one of her katas. Just because she was stuck here in the village was no reason to get sloppy. Besides, it helped her work off some of her worry about her daughter Anna. Sure, she'd heard about the people who'd gone back and that time had stood still for them, but the point was, time wasn't standing still for her. Even if no one back home knew she was missing, she did. And she didn't think she was going to be able to forget it. She wondered if this place had given rise to all of the alien abduction stories. Hell, her own roommate was an alien, though they hadn't spoken to each other much. Delenn, the woman's name was.

She really wanted to get home. And to help Bob while she was here, because Bob was so damned scared for Harry. About as scared as she'd be, really, if Anna were in danger.

She stopped, refocused, and began a new kata. Exercising while distracted rarely helped. Concentration was key.

[morningway]

"Well, it's nice to see some things never change."

Arms folded across his chest, a winning smile on a face years younger than when last they met, Gregory Taggart stood directly behind his ex-wife.

[lt_murphy]

"Greg?" Murphy stopped what she was doing and stared. "How the hell did you get in my room? My roommate didn't let you in, and I sure didn't. Besides, the door is locked."

[morningway]

"Hey ... now is that any way to greet the love of your life?" Greg gave her that innocent "who me?" puppy dog look that she'd once told him she couldn't resist.

Trance

[vedran_avatar]

Trance was out over the Quidditch pitch enjoying the broom that Ginny had charmed to allow her to fly. She loved the freedom that it gave her. It was almost as fun as going through slipstream with Beka, but not quite.

Re: Trance

[morningway]

It erupted from the very heart of the field, breaking the crust of the earth in a geiser of dirt, stone, and grass. As big around as an elephant with a hide three times as thick, the Purple Worm's monstrous head whipped about in search of its prey. A mouth full of teeth as long as swords and twice as sharp snapped at the small morsel buzzing by overhead.

Trance

[vedran_avatar]

Trance's eyes grew wide with surprise at the giant purple worm that had exploded out of the ground. Its giant head swinging back and forth caused her concentration to be off and Trance felt the broom buck underneath her as a result. "Wow! Where'd you come from?"

Her fingers held tight onto the handle of the broom, making it stop in mid-air. Trance tilted her head to the side, trying to decide if it was trying to harm her or it was just blindly moving its head. With a swipe toward her the answer was silently given. "Hey!"

Re: Trance

[morningway]

SNAP!! The teeth crashed together as they caught the straws of the broom.

John Marcone

[gentleman_tiger]

John was slightly dressed down-- unconsciously reverting to a younger mode of dress. Fitted, faded jeans and an a-shirt were all he felt necessary in the confines of his room.

Maps of the village were tacked to the wall. A gun was laid on the table, newly cleaned, a switch blade with a peculiar iron blade beside it. On the other side of the desk, a book on fairy lore, and a small sheet of notes that represented all the knowledge that he and Cousin Stanoczk had been able to find about the whereabouts of Morningway or Dresden.

John paced like a tiger between maps, book, and weapons.

Re: John Marcone

[morningway]

A soft, sibilant hissing came from the adjoining room.

Re: John Marcone

[gentleman_tiger]

Like a caged tiger. To the maps, to the books, to the weapons-- which were retrieved, the switchblade tucked into a pocket, the pistol loaded.

John moved quietly to the door to the bathroom, flattened himself on one wall, and peeked around the corner.

Re: John Marcone

[morningway]

He could just catch glimpse of a long, tall shadow ... a shapely shadow, with unmistakable curves. Except ... the part where the head might be. It was moving ... undulating ... writhing ...