(Untitled)

[noirneath]

[TODAY IN THE LOBBY there are two familiar looking faces dressed in unfamiliar clothing-- unless you're familiar with Victorian fashion, that is-- seated in the plush chairs next to the coffee table. Kaito is resting his head on said table, clearly dazed and yet still grinning lopsidedly as he takes in his surroundings with interest. His (bloody,

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[mukashi_no_ran]

[A Samurai's daughter does not need to be afraid to walk alone. As a Mouri, Ran's known that her entire life and she's never been afraid of anything bar spirits and Shinichi getting into more trouble than he can deal with.

Being a wife has subtly changed things. She finds she does not like if Shinichi is away more than a couple of hours and finds excuses to put off his trips to Edo or Kyoto. She is fonder of his attention and doesn't get so irritated when he insists on taking over chores that should be hers as she once did -- she finds she tires more easily. Then there are the other changes. She is off-balance and knows it, and is not well pleased to find herself in a place that seems to delight in putting people off-balance.

She pauses as she catches the conversation in the lobby but not recognising the voices, doesn't pause in her search for a familiar face. She is attired in a kimono more womanly than those she usually wears in the Mansion, although there is a sheathed katana hanging at her side. Her bump is slight but

[noirneath]

[Somehow, during his own hazy examinations of the mansion, Kaito's gaze falls upon Ran. In hindsight, her appearance should have tipped him off that something was... different, here. But coming to this conclusion through the haze of poisonous narcotics was nearly impossible.

With a lopsided grin, he lifted his free hand in a wave, more amused than confused with her appearance. His speech still slurred, words running together like water, he called out to her]

Ah, Miss Mouri! I had no idea you had such exotic taste! [His gaze flickers toward the unmistakable bump on her stomach with a sly grin]

Nor did I know that you and Mr. Kudo were moving so quickly. These are the things you have to tell me, you know.

[mukashi_no_ran]

[Ran paused at being hailed. The man calling her was a surprise -- as was his curious resemblance to Shinichi. A relative? If he belonged to Kudo's side of the family all was well, but if it was Yukiko he took after ...

Kaito's familiar greeting did not endear him to her any, nor did the free way he eyed her figure put her at ease. Ran's hand settled on the hilt of her sword.]

I do not think we have been introduced, and that being the case, I do not know that you have the right to make so free with me in your speech.

[Inwardly, she doubted. Exotic tastes? Had Shinichi tricked her?]

[azurebeneath]

[....well this is a strange development. Going to pause in her needle extraction]

Don't mind Kuroba, Miss Mouri; he's rather indisposed at the moment and prone to being more of an idiot than usual. [as Ran should recognize, but then again... Ran doesn't normally have quite so strong a taste for the Orient, much less carry a sword] Is everything all right?

[mukashi_no_ran]

[Oh this just gets more and more strange. Ran doesn't take a step back only by force of will -- a Mouri is not so easily daunted.]

I do not know either of you.

This is a vagary of this place. It often plays such tricks on people. I will tell you what I know of but before I do it would be as well if you introduced yourselves.

[noirneath]

[Nor does the Ran he know so quickly shoot down his playful teasing without a flirtatious quip in response. His lopsided grin curves downward into a frown, brows furrowing together in disappointment-- and maybe just a bit of concern that pokes its way through his hazy mind]

... come now, Miss Mouri, violence isn't the way to greet a friend.

[mukashi_no_ran]

[Miss?]

That is as well, but you are not my friend.

Perhaps you should look for the ... 'Miss Mouri' you know.

[azurebeneath]

...I'm afraid we don't follow. Surely you recognize us?

[mukashi_no_ran]

I am telling you. I do not.

[azurebeneath]

Aoko Nakamori and Kaito Kuroba. We're neighbours and you often take dinner with Kuroba....

[wait]

...You mentioned tricks?

[mukashi_no_ran]

There are none by those names in our village and I know, having kept the records for my father since I was young.

I did. They are not uncommon here.

[noirneath]

[mumbling to himself now, unable to come up with a proper response himself. lifting a hand to pinch the bridge of his nose]

[azurebeneath]

What sorts of tricks?

[village?]

[mukashi_no_ran]

It is not uncommon to meet the people you know only to find out that they are not your people. This place brings people from many places and paths.

I have even met myself here.

[azurebeneath]

[looooong look]

Can you tell us more about this place? What do you mean by "brings people"?

[mukashi_no_ran]

Certainly. It is known as 'The Mansion.' The rulers of this place have yet to make themselves known, but I believe them to be spirits. There are many who disagree, but none who can explain this place.

It has many wonders, most of them relating to electricity and water appears at a touch from a tap. There is plumbing.

There are many people here, many familiar but not. I do not know how they come here but I was going outside to see that Shinichi was not daydreaming and was here instead.