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Scandals and Scavengers. A post -apocalyptic
Regency romance. Episode 7. Seances and Surprises.
Or the Belladonna of the Ball. Last time on Scandals
and Scavengers. After her night out on the town,
Ruby returned to find both dolls in one crib,
one cradling the other. And if that wasn't spooky
enough, she then dreamed about seeing her own
memories from a different point of view. That
of someone standing behind her, looking over
her shoulder, and moving closer and closer to
herself as the memories approached the present.
Things didn't get much better when she woke up.
Mr. Roebel stopped by Rhinelander Hall again, this
time with some paperwork for Ruby to sign. Only
she couldn't read the strange symbols on the
page. On the other side of town, Mary as Belladonna
met Nicodemus at the Gadwallow Estate to set
up the room for the seance. A papier-mâché idol
large enough for Nick to hide inside was erected
as the control center for their scam. The juice
would be brought. Samuel finally had time to
look through his late husband's effects and found
a surprise, a letter of commendation for saving
another serviceman's life. One Second Lieutenant
Immortan Salt. And in his boxing shed, Salt worked
out the stresses of the morning while memories
of getting thrown out a window and struck by
magical lightning flashed through his head. But
after all of this, it was time for the ball.
Samuel was in for a shock when his brother -in
-law, Nathaniel, arrived enfolding him in a warm
embrace. It seemed Nathaniel had been out on
military assignment and had just returned to
Neo Britannia. Mary, in search of information
and in possession of a flask from Ruby, sought
out Edgewater to get the scoop on the ton's gossip,
but instead started to notice a new appreciation
amongst the eligible attendees for her uptight
pseudo-cousin. Avoiding the boredom of an average
ball, Ruby followed Ruben to a secret card game
in the garden. Meanwhile, Salt confronted Beadere
about why she was always trying to thwart Lefroy's
attempts to court Fiona. She confessed that one
day she would retire and she wanted to find a
partner for Fiona who could keep her safe. And
that person was not tiny little Lefroy. But that
wasn't the only upset of the evening, because
Albion Clarence presented a Major Corny to
Edgewater for a dance. Noticing this from across
the room, Samuel began to approach. When a man
in shiny military-issue boots, Second Lieutenant
Desmond Gammabloom, stepped up to speak with
Corny. Samuel immediately recognized Gammabloom
as the man who pushed for a hostile takeover
of his homelands and the man who was supposed
to mail two letters for Henry. And with that,
I think we had better return to Lady Gadwallow's
ball. All right. Second half of the Gadwallow
Ball. Here we are. Desmond was just recognized.
Desmond Gammabloom. Second Lieutenant. Right hand
of the late Major Henry Drake. Is he being accompanied
by the big burly man who was just talking to
Miss Clarence, or is he moving by himself? He
is moving by himself. I would like to make an
approach. All righty. If he does not see me coming,
I will greet him by his rank. Second Lieutenant
Gammabloom. Ah, Lord Drake. It's good to see
you in good health. How are you faring? As best
as one could, given the situation. Yes, yes.
Tragic, tragic accident. Sorry. Bo is making
some interesting faces across the table. I just
don't like how he said that. Tragic accident.
I don't like his tone. Did he murder your husband?
I don't know. Oh, my God. What, call it a happy
accident? It was the wink and the air quotes
that really did it for me. Yes, tragic indeed.
Now, I don't know how exactly close you were
with my late husband, but one thing I found interesting,
I've been trying to collect his affairs and things
like that, and I do remember there was two parcels
I believe he entrusted to you. Did those make
their intended destination? Oh, anything that
your late husband and my commanding officer gave
to me to put in the post was most assuredly put
where it was destined, yes. And again, forgive
me, I was... Henry did his best to coach me on
the goings on of the military and the court here.
But when you all were stationed out in the wildlands,
how was post handled? Was there a runner? Yes,
we would put everything in one sort of bin and
then there would be an emissary sent. There would
be basically one of our scouts who took the job
and got it sort of as a reward posting. So to
be able to come home out from the front lines
was a bit of a break. Would you happen to know
who was on that detail around that back then
in those days? Or if there's any sort of clerk
whose job it was to organize the mail and make
sure it was ready for delivery? Oh, that would
take quite a bit of legwork to track down. It
has been six months and things have been... moving
apace in terms of integrating our two societies
out there. You'll pardon my curiosity, but this
is an odd line of inquiry. Just maybe the ramblings
of a grieving man. Just really trying to track
down anything I can. Henry never really told
me what was in one of those envelopes. It was
just something curious of an old widow. Ah. Well,
it was not my place to question the captain.
So, before I make this decision, I do need to
ask. I know some things were raised. Did he ever
say anything directly to me that might have been
uncouth or calling into question my honor back
in the day? It is funny you mention that. He
never said anything directly to you. You are
now a lord, and that seems to have changed things.
But out in your homelands, and when you were
in negotiations, it was comments just loud enough
for you to hear said to Henry. When he was stationed
and assisting Henry after you were wed, he was
always reporting to Henry and taking commands
from Henry. There was never any consultation
or even acknowledgement because it was strictly
military rank. And then those comments were those
secondhand through Henry. I heard about them
or I was there at the negotiation table when
he raised those objections to Henry. Oh, he was
at the table and it was like, Captain, I. still
say that if we are not going to make any progress
on this front, we can simply mount an offensive
and take this by force. Perfect. Then this feels
wholly justified to me, so that comment about
I would never question my commanding officer,
I will specifically say that's funny. That doesn't
quite ring true from what I remember, and I will
give him the dab salute and walk off. Lieutenant,
have a good evening. A spite dab. Dab on him.
Dab on him. Can I roll perception to see if I
see a dab pop up from across the room? Go for
it. 14. Yeah, that is not a common thing, especially
in a ballroom to see. I'm just going to come
in and see who that was. Sparkling blue dragonborn
and a sparkling silver cloak walking away in
a bit of a huff. It's the best way to exit a
situation in full huff. I see him before I go,
by Jove, I think he's got it. He's picking up
this lord thing. Wow. Too bad you're not a spellcaster.
You could have been Huff the Magic Dragon. All
right. So you have had words with your late husband's
second in command. Where else do we want to go?
You are currently playing cards outdoors, Ruby.
I am. Whenever that does end, I am going to find
my way back inside. But for now, I'll stay outside.
Okay. Are we feeling Edgewater or Salt? What
are we feeling? Salt's just keeping an eye on
LeFroy, mulling over some of what Beadere said
to him, and looking to see how his charge is
handling himself. On an evening, he seems to
be going out more on his own than he was the
night before, kind of watching and seeing how
he's doing. He's not socializing as much as I
think either you or his mother would like to
see. He is sort of trailing to try to get on
Fiona's dance card. Gotcha. As the sole and first
daughter of a fairly respected house, there is
no shortage of suitors, but it seems like Lefroy
and Oscar particularly are... the most committed.
But she definitely has some others. Gotcha. Okay.
And he's not diversifying his interest and asking
other young ladies to dance in the meanwhile.
Gotcha. Okay. And yeah, I suppose... One might
say LeFroy is looking a tad thirsty. Is Oscar...
Is Oscar with people other than Fiona? After
he gets his dance and then has to back off for
a little while, give me a perception check. Eight.
You kind of lose him in the crowd. I'll go over.
Yeah, I'm kind of looking for him before I...
I'll glance around and find the Seltzers, Pilar
and Pierre. And are they busy? Are they engaged
in... Oh, they are in full... full, slightly
tipsy, raucous conversation with some of the
other parent nobles. Gotcha. In that case, I'll
leave them be and just kind of make a note that
you might want to check in with them later. Alrighty.
Is Pierre tipsy? I mean, as tipsy as you've seen
him, he doesn't really react normally. It's not
like a shock of how loosened up he's been? No,
not at all. He slightly smiles. All right. I'll
take it. Wow. He is clearly in his cups. Edgewater
has an impending dance with the Major. I think
she dances with the Major. His form is perfect.
He's a perfect gentleman. Perfect time. And a
very crisp bow afterwards. It is clearly a man
who loves procedure and rules. Thank you very
much, Major. That was a delightful dance. Thank
you, Miss Clarence. And Edgewater will immediately
look around for Ruby. And when she doesn't find
Ruby, she will look for her other best friend,
Mary Smith. Karma. What have I done? Does she
see Mary Smith, though? I'm trying to stealth
right now, so I'll roll stealth if I may. I think
you're going to have to. And while you're at
it, Mary, you can also roll a perception check
for me. That is a 15, stealth. And then perception,
you said? 13. 12. Okay, so Edgewater cannot spot
Mary. I'm like behind a potted plant. I see her
walk like directly in front of me. She's like,
oh shit, she's looking for me. Who is closest
to Edgewater at this point? Anybody that she
knows? You do see Gladstone and Nigella. They
have just come off the floor. Oh, Gladstone.
It's so wonderful to see the two...And Miss Razorstorm,
it's good to see you. Ah, Miss Clarence, are
you enjoying the evening? Yes, I am, rather.
It's delightful, isn't it? Yes, especially when
one has charming company to spend it with. You
are a wonderful person. Oh, thank you very much.
You're welcome. And you yourself cut quite a
dashing figure with the Major in that last dance.
Oh! It was, one might say, textbook precision.
Yes. Well, Edgewater has always been a very accomplished
student when it comes to things being done precisely
and following along exactly as expected. She
did a number on me, getting me to kind of shape
up so I could be presentable and not an embarrassment
to those of you who have a... a little bit more
refinement. Gladstone, you could never be an
embarrassment. I think my outfit choice the other
night might disagree. Okay, a bit awkward, but
maybe not an embarrassment. Nigella just sort
of laughs and pats Gladstone's arm. She is gloved.
Of course. Am I close enough to be behind my
plant? Peering through the ferns, kind of eavesdropping.
You have other problems right now. That's true.
I got a lot on my plate. Because you see one
of the household staff come up and seem to exchange
frantic words with Lady Gadwallow. Can I read
their lips from across the room? Oh, yeah. Make
a perception check. I can. Okay, well, what did
you get? I got a six. Okay, well, you only got
her, the Lady Gadwallow's side of the conversation.
It's more of a, like, how much, how clear is
your view of both sets. So, you get... What do
you mean she is not here yet? I'm planning on
making my announcement in 20 minutes. If she
is not here in 20 minutes, I am going to look
a fool. That's fine. I can work with 20 minutes.
Okay. You know what? Part of me was going to
try and like, you know, I'm having the feeling
like maybe Ms. Edgewater has more within her
than she's able to let out. And maybe she has
some potential. But also, I don't give enough
of a shit yet to like prioritize it, really.
So I'm going to file away for later to like maybe.
suss that out but i'm gonna go get ready so I'm
going to you know fade into the background and
find somewhere discreet to change my appearance.
Easy enough. You are practiced at becoming one
with the wallpaper so you can get into your alter
ego and get into the seance room undetected. Okay,
excellent, so I find some sort of like wash closet
and so I can like look at myself in a mirror
and really get in the zone you know so
my eyes go very dark you know almost like the
same color as my pupils and my hair uh I take
my hair out of its very tight plain bun and I
braid it back and I braid uh kind of this copper
wiring into my braid and across my forehead so
you know really zone in on my third eye you know.
I have a pendant for Saint Linda on my third
eye and I remove an outer layer of my skirt so
I have my my gown underneath is a much more like
slender cut it's not a full ball gown because
I'm not, Belladonna is not a lady of the court.
Um she is but a humble servant of the spirits.
And so she has a very kind of plain, dark gown
on that has these plates of metal kind of cascading
down it. It's very reflective to really maximize
all the light that happens during the seance.
And she has a very dark brow and changes her
makeup somewhat so that her Lips are a lot fuller
and darker and her face is paler. Someone
who really had been studying Mary's face for
a really long time would see similarities, but
not really. And definitely the ambiance around
me helps distract. And my last touch is I have
these big old mystical glasses that I put on.
They make my eyeballs look huge. Absolutely gigantic.
They're in fact literal, Coke bottle. Yes. So
my eyeballs are like four times bigger all of
a sudden. There's more of this copper chain kind
of as a glasses chain keeping them on my head.
And I will load out and find the hostess to announce
myself. Or to arrive at the seance room, whichever.
Oh, you are here. That is fantastic. Okay. Well,
you and your assistant did your spiritual cleanse
in the seance room. And so why don't you get
settled? And then I will invite the VIPs and
some select guests in. And we can see what the
spirit world is going to provide tonight. You
are truly too kind. The spirits I can already
feel are truly grateful for your hospitality
this evening. Oh, this is going to be fantastic.
I'll be the talk of the town tomorrow. Oh, indeed.
Mary's laying it on a little thick because she's
settling into her character. Fantastic. Okay,
well, you get settled, and I will be in shortly.
Indeed. I kind of wistfully float off, my eyeballs
just reflecting every bit of light. Fantastic.
So you make your way into the seance room, and
about five minutes later, there is a blast of
air horns. Subtle. And two of the royal guard
enter. And Queen Mara enters the ball. Salt immediately
hits the ceremonial dab. Queen Mara is statuesque.
She is a winged elf. Very rare Avariel. She
stands extraordinarily tall for an elf at 6 '1".
She has an eye patch of pebbled glass with one
long scar that runs down underneath it. She wears
a gown of mixed leather and chain and has a fairly
pronounced cudgel on her hip. It looks as if
someone has... uprooted a number of street signs
and has welded chunks of the uh the post material
the like the unistrut together at odd angles
so anyone on the receiving end of it would be
horribly horribly banged up. She is not one
to be crossed and she just sort of looks around
and starts walking to a large seat that has been
left open for her on a raised platform. It looks
like, for those of us who would be in the know,
it's actually the entire backseat of a minivan.
And the arms are a pair of small igloo coolers.
Nice. So regal. Hey, she has drinks there. She
just opens them. Oh, Clarence cans. Every episode
now. Every episode. Okay, so the queen has arrived.
There are very few people who are interacting
with her. She is just looking around and judging.
Paying special attention to new people who are
just out. I think Edgewater is holding her breath
because she looks down at her leather and chain
outfit and just feels like she nailed it. Like
she is the belle of the ball right now and doesn't
know what to do. Oh, that's funny for so many
reasons. All right. Fantastic. There are a few.
Each of the dukes and duchesses walk up and pay
their respects. As well as a single baron, Nathaniel
Drake. There is an extraordinarily deep bow,
and he sort of keeps his distance, and there
is a quiet conversation that over the music that
has restarted, it is kind of impossible to hear.
And he looks around. and turns to his brother
-in-law and beckons. An introduction. She doesn't
look insulted to be addressed in conversation?
No. Okay. Make an insight check. That's a nat
one. Jesus Christ. I mean, also, she is stoic
to a point of... being almost mythic. The figure
that she cuts is authority incarnate. So it is...
She's hard to read. Almost professionally hard
to read. I will go up real quick. Either in Henry's
coaching or my crash course from Edgewater, would
it have come up if maybe I said... Yeah, I know
the titles. It's like Dukes or Graces, and then
you get the Lords. So obviously it would be like,
yeah, Her Grace. Your Majesty. Exactly. But
I have been keyed in to make sure. Oh, absolutely.
Because Edgewater is not the type of person to
leave a dangling possibility out there. Thank
God I met her. I don't think this is something,
even when he tries to be the... he can't
help but feel out of water in this situation.
Fish out of water. He'll come up, follow his brother
-in-law's example, a deepest bow. Your majesty.
And I think Edgewater is off to the side watching
this, but like, kind of bowing, say, mouthing
your majesty. Your majesty, may I present my
brother-in-law, the newly titled Lord Samuel
Drake. Ah. our newest member of the peerage.
Your husband did Neo Britannia quite the service
in annexing your land. I hope we can make it
a mutually beneficial experience for all. We
do not seek needless conflict, and I truly hope
we can bring something to your people to make
them safer, and more comfortable in the dangerous
area that they find themselves in. It is a pleasure
to meet you. How are you finding New Britannia
as you make the transition? Finally, having been
actually addressed with a question, don't speak
unless spoken directly to, we'll repeat the bow.
Your Majesty, thank you for the warm welcome
and those kind words. I am already hoping to
both benefit the town and my people mutually.
Henry, my husband, was a faithful servant of
yours and was an example of the grace and kindness
that has been spoken about you and your rule.
It has been an adjustment here. I will openly
say that I am... New to these customs, but they
are not unwelcome, and I am finding myself adapting.
Excellent. All things in time. Well, we don't
wish to take up all of your night. Thank you,
Lord Drake and Lord Drake. We will speak about
the expedition more in the morning. You will,
of course, be at the palace at first light. Uh,
yes, your majesty. I have revised the maps that
I made, and we should be able to get more things
ironed out. Excellent. Now please, enjoy. The
Lady Gadwallow did put on an impressive festivity.
And she just sort of dismisses you by reclining
a bit more into the throne. As best as I can,
I'm assuming Nathaniel will be giving a bow to
Exit. I want to sync up as much as possible to
provide a united front of the Drake family. Excellent.
Fantastic. Hey, not bad, brother. Not bad. That
was a whole lot, but... I sort of figured it
would be better to get out ahead and get you
a little bit of face time real soon. Maybe just
a friendly warning next time. I can see where
that probably would have been a little helpful,
but here's the thing. Everybody in here just
watched you hold your own with the queen. So that's
not nothing. I wish I would have heard more about
you from Henry. You are... Proving yourself to
be his equal. And that is the utmost compliment.
We moved at the same pace in very different directions.
So I sort of understand. But I honestly wish
I knew the guy that you met. Because we hadn't
spoken a whole lot for like four or five years.
Well, again, when you're not busy. leading expeditions
for the crown, feel free to call on me and perhaps
I can regale you with some stories of your late
brother. A bottle and some stories sounds good.
Oh, and yeah, the whole expedition thing. I mean,
someone's got to go explore and find the places
that we want to look into next, right? I suppose
so. You move a lot faster when you're not dragging
a whole army behind you. Wise words. Practical
words. Now, I need another drink after that.
I think Edgewater would go up to Lord Drake now.
Lord Drake! I must applaud you. That seemed masterful.
I can only hope so. Thank you a thousand times.
Thank you. Of course. I'm very happy to have
helped. Everything. The etiquette, the outfit.
I don't think I would have escaped that unscathed
if it was not for your assistance, and I will
not forget that. That is very kind, but I think
it was all in you. Just a soft smile. Question
for the DM. I did sign her dance card earlier.
Did we have that dance before the Major's dance,
or is that upcoming? That will be upcoming. Okay.
You were otherwise occupied at that slot, so...
What I will do, after this little boost of confidence,
I know I signed your dance card. If I might not
be too presumptuous, can I actually slot down
your final dance for the night? Oh, of course.
Here you are. Scratch off the old signature and then
put it down. Unless you'd like both. Two are
certainly proper. Any more? Not okay, but two
is just fine. I'll leave the first one there.
Two dances, Edgewater. Oh, my God. Oh, my. All
right, fantastic. Ruby, you are going to make
your way in right about now. Yeah, I'm going
to make my way in, and I'm going to see them
talking, Edgewater and Lord Drake. And I'm just
going to find myself near the buffet table. And
I think I find myself close to Mr. Salt, if that's
okay. Excellent. And it's kind of where he's
been posted. Yeah, yeah, yeah. Oh, Mr. Salt,
how are you doing today? Ms. Rhinelander, I'm
doing well. It's a pleasure to see you. Oh, I
just wanted to extend my greatest thanks for
helping my family out the other night. Oh, of
course. How is your father doing? I noticed,
or I haven't seen him this evening. Oh, you know,
he is in a coma, but he's okay. He's breathing,
so that's good. That is a good start. Generally
first and last on the checklist. Dear me, I would
offer my assistance, although I don't know if
there's much to do with the coma. My sympathies.
Now that you say it, the doctor did take some
blood a few days ago. I haven't heard back from
him. I should probably circle back to that at
some point. Thank you so much for the reminder.
I appreciate it. Of course. How is your lord
doing? Mr. Seltzer, I think he's doing all right.
He's welcoming... or it's his first time out. I think he's
a little bit anxious, but as always, he continues
to impress me. Well, it's alright if it doesn't
happen this time. Could always happen next year.
I have a question. Have you ever dealt with dolls
before? Dolls? Yeah. Could you be more specific?
Yeah, just dolls. That are just in a room that
you haven't been in in your entire life. I've
entered rooms for the first time. That I've definitely
done. Some were mine, some were not. I've seen
many strange objects. I don't know that I've
interacted with dolls that much. Dolls tend to be
fragile and I tend to be clumsy. So I often
don't find myself with... Have you found dolls
recently? Yeah, just in a room I've never been
in my house, you know. This is like a basement
or a storage area of some kind? No, it's actually
somewhere I pass by every day of my life. I just
didn't know it was there. Oh, it's funny how
those things miss us. Yeah, they can pop up at
the strangest time. Are you worried about the
dolls? You see them? I don't know. Maybe. I found
one cradling the other one. That's how you found
them? That's how they were left? When you first
saw the room, they were cradling each other?
No, but I assume somebody moved them like that,
right? Somebody must have moved him, right? I
can't speak for your household, Ms. Rhinelander.
I very rarely move my master's objects without
his direction. I suppose I cleaned up after him
when he was much, much younger, but that would
be odd. All right, good. I'll note that down.
I have another question. Fire away. When you
see things, uh do you look from, like, how do
you see them? Typically from above. Right. Oh,
right. You are looking up. Yeah, this is the
same height difference. Yeah, I understand that.
But does it seem like you're looking over somebody's
shoulder or no? Generally, no. I mean, I am often
directly behind someone. So I do often look over
either Mr. Lefroy or Lady and Lord Seltzer's
shoulder. I do often frequently look over someone's
shoulder. Yeah. All right, good. Yeah, totally.
That makes sense. Well, Mr. Salt, I just thank
you so much for... Pleasure as always. And if,
should you or your father or your dolls ever
require assistance, please do offer... the... my house
and myself would be happy to provide. Oh, actually,
thank you. One of their arms is broken. I'll
send a calling card for you tomorrow to come
fix it. Absolutely. Yeah, I think I could do
just that. It's cracked. Yeah. What is it? This
is like wood or it's like metal or something.
Porcelain. Porcelain. Perfect. Absolutely. Do
call on me and I shall do my very best. Can I
roll an arcana check? Or maybe rolling into the
arcana or that body posture check from his experience
with the strange magics of outside the city to
see if there's anything that rings a bell or
anything? This would be Arcana. You're not really
assessing specific... Anything about them? Yeah.
Yeah, Ruby seems fine. Yeah, totally. That's
a 10. Even. I mean, yes. Strange arcane magic,
definite possibility. But moving dolls is a new
one. Moving dolls is a new one. Okay. Moving
dolls is definitely a new one for you. But, yeah.
I mean, magic makes a lot of explanations possible.
Insanity? Also, not off the table. Sure. But
possibly drunk. Who knows? Oh, sure. But yeah,
I mean, giving the most benefit of the doubt,
then yes, magic would be one of the top three
that you'd go for. Oh, hello? Hello. You have
a special invitation from Lady Gadwallow. Oh. This
is for your father. Oh, thank you. He's not here
tonight, but I will... Is it for me or for him?
I'm sorry. It would be for the highest ranking
member of your family that is in attendance.
Then I guess it's for me. Thank you. Excellent.
And the footman walks off. Congratulations,
Miss Rhinelander. Oh, well, thank you. It is
a very well calligraphied index card. That is
an invitation to attend as a guest of honor to
a seance this evening. Oh, my Lord. St. Linda,
I am going to a seance tonight. Also, thank you
so much, Mr. Salt. I do realize I forgot something,
and I reach into my dress's pockets, because
of course it has pockets, and I pull out these
rose -colored glasses, and I put them on, and
they're in the shape of giant hearts, just to
add a little flair. You were missing flair. Absolutely.
They're absolutely stunning, Ms. Rhinelander. We
have gone from drab to fab. Thank you. I must
go find Miss Clarence. Please look out for my
calling card tomorrow. I will keep an eye out
for it. Have a pleasant rest of the evening.
I will curtsy and I will leave. And I will let
out a huge... I think I was holding my breath
for that entire conversation. Just like, I'm
going to pass out. For that, I had to leave the
room. My vision. He's gonna drop. I actually
got light headed. Ruby's fine. Yeah, Ruby's fine.
I'm going to a seance. Yeah. Everything's gonna
be great. Swear to God, if you bring some spooky
shit into my seance. I'm just bringing a little
spooky shit into a seance, okay? Speaking of
which, the seance room is all decked out. There
are candles burning. It smells incredible. So
much patchouli. You wouldn't believe. There are
definitely a few patchouli. There are a few seaside
lavender. There are a few really whatever jar
candles you can find. Evergreen off -season candles.
Pumpkin spice, which was St. Linda's favorite.
And you don't see Nicodemus. Okay, excellent.
As I expect. I am going to very loudly shout
whisper, Nick. And you just hear a knock knock
on the base of the plinth. Excellent. I'll now
get into my fake spiritual mindset. And I'll
take a deep breath and I'll station myself beside
the fireplace looking mystical. Edgewater, your
father comes up. Hey there. I don't know how
full your dance card is, but we've got, the family's
got an invitation to this say-incee thing. Oh, seance.
There's a seance. Oh, that's how you say it.
Oh, is it Madame Belladonna? Oh, yeah. I've heard
so many amazing things about this woman. I cannot
wait to witness. My dance card is... I do have
two dancers coming up, but we should have enough
time for the seance and the dances. So, she's
a big deal or something? Oh, yes. In the ton,
everyone wants Madame Belladonna at their gatherings.
You are aware that I am, in fact, a baron, right?
Yes, Father, but you're a bit out of touch. Oh,
wow. I love you, but really. I guess it's hard
being a simple jug merchant. But anyway, so we
got this invitation. I'm going to get your brothers.
And y 'all can watch. I'm supposed to sit at
some big table or something. Can I bring friends,
or it's just the family? I think it's just the
family, but I don't know how many folks are going
to be there. So we'll see. I'm just going to
let the gentleman who's on my dance card, I'm
just going to let him know that I'm going to
the seance. That's probably a good idea. I'm
glad you're getting out there a little bit. Thank
you. So what did you think of Major Corny? He's
a perfectly lovely individual. I can work with
that. And he walks away. I will go find Lord
Drake. Who has just received his invitation.
Lord Drake, I'm... Is that what I think it is?
I'm sorry, that's horribly rude of me. I should
say that my family was just invited to a seance
being led by Madame Belladonna. Do you also hold
an invitation? That seems to align with what
is on the invitation of mine, yes. Wonderful!
Then we perhaps can go together. You would know
better than I how these work. Well, it's mostly
we'll all be standing in the same room, and we'll...
Watch her do her magical, spiritual thing. But
we could walk in together. Again, I don't quite
know this, but this seems like I was picked especially.
I think I was informed I will be seated specifically
at the table. Oh, you're to be a subject. Oh,
this is wonderful. She is going to speak to any,
you know, deceased relative. I'm sorry. I should
have said that as a warning. It just didn't occur
to me. She is a medium who speaks with the spirits
around us. I think perhaps you've been invited
to sit at the table because of your deceased
husband. Well, this will be interesting. From
my belief system, Henry's soul should have returned
to the land. So I'm not sure he'll make an appearance
tonight. Do they not pop back up? Like toast.
I'm not familiar with the major religions here
in Neo Britannia, but from where I'm from, it's
yes, he would in a way. The grass that grows
around that would then sustain the animals that
feed upon it that then would sustain us who live
in the lands. So his spirit could be in any of
us at this moment? That's exactly what our belief
system is. Wonderful. Well, I think that Madame
Belladonna then could definitely contact him,
if that's what you would wish. I think much like
everything else that has been happening these
past three days, I will find out when I get to
it. All right. I'm going to head in. I will see
you there, Miss Clarence. Yes. So over the next
10, 15 minutes or so, the room slowly fills up
with you standing there looking mysterious by
the fireplace. In attendance are the widows and
widowers of the ton. There are seven in total.
There is, of course, Lord Samuel Drake. There
is Lady Eliza Carrington. There is Lord Albion
Clarence. Lady Marietta Teague. Standing in for
Lord Richard is Miss Ruby Grace Rhinelander.
There is the hostess, Lady Lavinia Gadwallow. And
there is, His Grace, Lord Neville Bloodaxe. And
they all take their seats. The rest of the room
sort of fills in with relatives, so most of the
seats are taken. I have one question. Since I
don't have any other family here, could I invite
somebody else to come and hang out in the room
with me? Yes, you would have been your dad's
plus one, so... Can I invite a whole family?
As long as there's one person. I was going to
say, well, if I invite... Lord Lefroy, his bodyguard
would have to come with him, correct? I mean,
he isn't taking up a seat. So, sure. Yeah, I'm
going to go and invite Lord Lefroy to be my plus
one in here. Make sure that it's very, this is
a platonic invitation. As soon as there's like
a second pause as Ruby starts to walk away, I
lean in and go, that's how they always start.
Keep going. In all seriousness, Mr. Thalt, she
scares me. I think that's wise. The ghosts, I
think, will be the second worry in that room.
Yeah. There's going to be, like, real ghosts?
I have no idea. I'm down. And I kind of look
at him, and I just kind of grab him by the shoulders
and give him the little, like, chin down, hands
up, a little gesture we do at the end of training,
like, focus up. Let's do this. And he strides
in, his little legs going. I love it. And luckily,
actually, the chair that was set aside for you
is appropriately sized. Oh, that's right. Oh,
good. So it all comes out in the wash. So how
would Madame Belladonna like to start things
off? I think first I'm going to, once I see that
everyone's assembled. I will wave my hand, and
with the mage hand, close the door. With a snap.
You don't even have to. That is Nicodemus' cue
list. He uses thaumaturgy and slam! Ah, yes.
The spirits have joined us. Now, kind of... My
arms are so flowy the whole time. I'm going to
walk all the way around the table to get back
up to the front of it. to sit down and say, welcome,
my brothers and sisters. Tonight, we will be
communing with our beloved, beloved dead. Do
not fear. Saint Linda watches over us tonight.
Praise be Linda. Praise be Linda. I feel your
fear in this room. I feel your love, your grief.
All are welcome. But don't interrupt or the spirits
may be angry. I'm going to look around. My eyeball's
gigantic. Making unnerving eye contact with everyone
here. And then I'm going to sit very dramatically
down and clear my throat and invite everyone
to focus their spiritual energies into the space
with us. I'm going to look around the people
who are seated at the table. And I'd like to
initially do a very quick little insight check
or something to see who's in it right away. And
who might need convincing. The people who are
seated at my table. So make your insight check.
For the two players, you feel free to let her
know whatever vibe you're throwing. An 11. There
is sort of cautious curiosity is sort of the
prevalent sort of emotion. You're getting sort
of varying degrees of that. Edgewater's fully
in it. Oh, yeah. Yeah, I see you from across
the room, and I'm like, okay, well, you know.
If I get really desperate, I'll tag her in, you
know. Of the NPCs that are here, you'd guess
that Lavinia is wholly bought in. Yeah, this
is her idea after all. Marietta and Eliza are
interested. Maybe not necessarily believers.
Albion and Neville are looking for a little something
more before they totally buy in. I mean, Albion
seems sort of like more... bemused. Like, well,
this is kind of interesting. And Neville is just
kind of guarded. Lord Neville is like, he is
stocky even by dwarven standards. And his beard
is the width of his shoulders. He's like a ball
of fur and muscle. um Ruby's totally bought in
and she looks a little scared to be fully honest
with you. She doesn't know what's coming. Yeah,
I think I see ruby and I'm like okay she seems
like maybe she needs this more than normal, weird.
Okay and I think I will... I will ask everyone at
the table to uh hold hands if they're gloved
you know. I'll see like it seems like everyone
here is... it's appropriate you know for everyone to
hold hands which is part of the risque nature
of a seance He's holding hands. How close is
Lefroy sitting to Edgewater? Oh, let's say probably
maybe like two seats down. All right. And I'll
kind of wave my hand in the cue one for Nick to flicker
the flames in the room. Okay. The flames gutter.
And he's adding a little spice to this because
they suck down and then erupt. And then come
back down. Well, I did ask him for juice. And
the juice he's providing. And I go, I feel something.
A presence. I hear a chugga -chugga. Chugga -chugga.
The rattle of a wheel, perhaps. It's almost like
a carriage or, no, a cart. Some sort of very
fine transportation vehicle. Someone's arriving.
And Ruby clutches her. If she had pearls, she'd
clutch her pearls. You said that while clutching
your chest, and I'm like, I don't think that's
what you call them. The cans. The cans, the jugs.
All right. And I'll say, oh, and I smell. I smell
urine. I smell chemicals. I smell. It's so strong.
My head is swimming. I'm smelling tanning liquids,
materials, leather. Oh, my God. And I feel in
my hands wheat. Is this another spirit? Oh, my
God. And I hear the rustling of herbs. And I
hear the corn blowing in the wind. And I'm trying
to specifically call on everyone's family business.
The carafe of water begins to bubble next to
you and sort of rise up and then sort of flow
back down. I wave my hand for the next cue, which
is a control flames because in control flames,
you can create images in the fire. So the firelight
dancing behind us is suddenly looking like figures
of dwarves and elves and humanoids and halflings.
And I'll throw up my hands and go, woaahh, ahhh! The table
rattles. We're not alone anymore. And I'll do
maybe another insight check to see who I'm going
to... I think, actually, I'll just target Ruby
first. Ruby's about to fall out of her seat right
now. And I'll say, you! Me! I sense, I feel a
maternal presence. A woman? Older? A mother,
perhaps? My mama? She's reaching out. She's reaching
out to you. I look behind my shoulder. I look
behind my shoulder. I don't see anybody there.
I mean, you see audience members, but you don't
see anyone else. I turn back. What is she saying?
She's saying you, you have the gift. Because
I remember hearing that Ruby has magic now. I
have the gift? The gift. It's her gift. That
she sent to you. To lead you forward in your
life. Did she put the dolls in the room? What?
I kind of, like, signal behind me, and I'm like,
fuck, okay. And I'm like, dolls, dolls, dolls.
Hoping that maybe a doll shows up in the fire.
There's, like, a quick, like, small figure that,
like, dances across the... Yeah, the doll. Yeah,
I see that one. Yeah. She put the dolls in the
room. Oh, and she's... Oh, no. It's fading. She
said what she needed to say. As soon as the questions
get specific, I pivot. I'm going to need a real
quick con save from our lovely Madame Belladonna.
Do I have... advantage on that? For some reason
I feel like I remember I had something about
con save, but I might have just had proficiency
in it or something. I think it's probably proficiency.
Okay, cool. Some things give you advantage if
you're concentrating on a spell in combat. Okay,
it was a 3. And give me a quick perception check.
The doll leaves me alone, right? That is a 17
plus 6. 23. Okay. The last thing you notice.
Not ever. Don't worry about it. The last thing
you notice is a noise behind you in the channeling
idol of a light thumping as if something is shaking
and slumping. And I'm going to need to talk with
Emily. in the kitchen real fast. And y 'all can
theorize for the folks at home or talk in character
as Lady Belladonna's eyes roll back in her head
and she starts to shake in her chair. She does
that while she does it. Oh, man. She chose the
right one. If she's going to talk to someone. I
don't... Edgewater certainly doesn't... talk
because we were told not to interrupt or the
spirits will get mad so... And unfortunately, Samuel
doesn't know what's supposed to happen. He's like
man, they really go all out on... yeah this still
seems like a show. I turn back to I turn back
to Mr. Salt and I and I just mouth, The doll, to
him. There's, I think, an equal amount of fear
through him that this might be a problem, that
something might be happening. And even if not,
tomorrow is going to suck so bad. It's going
to be such a rough afternoon. And Edgewater is
going to look between them like, wait, how does
Second Lieutenant Salt know about the dolls?
Everybody's in. Well, the whole room is now.
Yeah, pretty much. And we're back. Everyone having
fun? Yeah. Are you alive? We were all sitting
there basically silently just looking at each
other because she told us not to interrupt or
the spirits would be mad. Fair enough. She stopped
shaking. So that's a positive. Is she silent?
Is she frozen? -Uuuuuuhhhhh!!! Holy shit. I snap over. My eyes
are... even bigger than they were before. And
a different color. And I stare directly into
Samuel's eyes and I say, Beware! The Third Sons.
And then I reach over and I grab your beautiful
silver cape and I smack one right on your lips.
And then she slumps down. A couple things though.
You've seen eyes that color before. And you cannot
forget them. And the voice. It was almost as
if her vocal cords shifted because that was the
voice of Henry. I think, ignoring propriety,
the Lord Drake stands up, probably not ceremoniously.
I would imagine the chair falls after him, and
he just marches straight out of the room, and
he leaves the ball. Was the voice audible to
the whole room? Oh, yeah. Did I recognize the
voice? Oh, yeah. I'm going to go up to Lord Lefroy
and say, my lord, you may want to check on your
plus one. She seems to be quite rattled. And
then I would make your way to your parents right
quick. I will meet you at the carriage and I'll
chase after Samuel. Okay. And Belladonna's back.
I assume that I am still... I've retained the
form of Belladonna. Yes. Okay, excellent. Your
eyes have shifted back to your standard Belladonna
mode. I'm looking around, and do I remember what
just happened, or... Hazily. Yeah. You were very
much along for the ride. Oh, yes. The spirits
often are unpredictable. And I kind of... settle
myself back in my chair and I try to listen to
hear if Nick is still moving or if he's... There
is no sound from in there. It does seem like
the sudden departure of Lord Drake has definitely
thrown some cold water on this whole thing. Okay,
I'll say my apologies. The séance sometimes takes
a direction of its own, and spirits, while they
sometimes are willing to be called, some insist
on being heard. And I believe that while I hear
the voices of many of your loved ones whispering
their well wishes and prayers of prosperity and...
amplifying your loved ones and your families.
They are at peace for now. Especially... One
moment for Emily. This is a lot of names. Lady
Gadwallow. Your late love's powerful love for
you is... I can feel it in the ether and that love
is that love was evergreen. Uh please I must recover
from channeling. Okay throw one performance check
to bring this in for a landing. Just wrap it up
real quick because I think Nick is dead and also
what the fuck just happened to me oh my god That's
a 14. Okay. It is not your best sort of closing
argument, but you do manage to, like, everyone
is so shook by what just happened that they're
pretty much willing to believe anything. I'm
also, for flavor and just to really kind of freak
people out extra so that they leave. I'm going
to, for a split second, cast invisibility on
myself to just make my image kind of flicker
like this. Jump scare. People are exiting the
room with a fair amount of zip to their step.
I'm going to try to sit very mystically, however.
You do that and look into the flames and kind
of wait for people to leave. Knowing that probably
some people are going to try and talk to me after
the event. Oh, definitely Lady Lavinia comes
up. Yes, I'm going to clasp her hand in mine
and say, Madame, you are truly a patron of the
spirits and of St. Linda herself, and I was hoping
to have a more in-depth channeling of your late
love. I will gladly offer... an individual meeting
for you later on when I can recover my spiritual
strength. Oh, this was absolutely beyond expectation,
and I would love to have a private session if
you could channel, dear Aristotle. Of course,
of course. You are too kind. You are too kind,
my dear. But I will let you rest. I will send
in some refreshments so you can regain your strength.
Blessings. Blessings on you. I touch your head
or whatever. Too kind. She's like, oh, okay.
I will go see to those refreshments. Thank you.
I've discovered that that is the number one way
to get a royal slash titled person to leave you
alone is to kind of touch their face. Touch them,
yeah. It really works on a lot of people. It
does, yeah. All right, cool. So you're going
to try to catch... Yeah, I'm going to chase after
him. Okay. I'll chase after Samuel. I think he...
storms out the front door into the evening night,
remembers that he actually rode in a carriage
tonight and does not have his personal mount,
is starting to hyperventilate and just leans
against a pillar and is trying to focus on the
cool air and is openly weeping right now outside.
I'll approach from behind. Lord Drake. Are you
okay? Lieutenant. Lieutenant. I don't mean to
be presumptuous, but I take it you heard what
I heard. You recognized it, too. I did. That
makes it better and worse. At least tackleable.
What's your tactical assessment here, Lieutenant?
We are in unknown territory, possibly surrounded.
If you're not busy... for the rest of the evening
and kind of look back at the ball. You might
come to the Seltzer residence. I had not wanted
to make your entrance to New Britannia too abrupt,
but it seems forces have beaten me to that punch.
We might speak tonight. There's a lot of thoughts
going on. When you mention if you're not busy
tonight and look back at the ball, I don't think
you need an insight check. Like a different flash
of regret crosses Samuel's eyes as he looks
back at the ball as well. Mr. Salt I appreciate
that um no I need to compose myself this is where
I am now and I need to adapt I'm going to return
to the ball for tonight. Tomorrow... Very good my
lord... in the evening can we please meet. That would
actually work great I have a doll to see about
tomorrow. How much do I trust Salt? Only you can
say. Yeah, I know. I think there's actually a
bit of a shock. Have you been to the Rhinelanders?
You know about the dolls as well. No, I have
not. Miss Ruby asked me earlier if I could repair
a porcelain doll, which, to be truly honest,
I don't think that I can. But it seems rude to
refuse. She did put you in an uncomfortable position.
Have you seen the dolls? Yes. So they're real.
This wasn't the ramblings of a madwoman. Sorry,
speaking a bit out of turn. A bit shaken myself.
I appreciate the bluntness. I don't believe so.
The dolls are real. Good. Great. Are you a craftsman
of any sort? I'd say I'm generally handy, but
this seems well beyond my skill. Understood.
Do your best. I happened to visit the estate when,
uh... Horrible accident. I don't know if you've
heard about her father. I have. The whole thing.
She had called upon me that day. I had visited
to check on her father. He's not doing the best.
I heard coma. Yes, unfortunately. There's also
a damaged door. Now, if Miss Rhinelander tries
to put that on you as well, I am a carpenter.
Oh. I can assist. But I'm taking up too much
time. I do need to return to the ball. Of course.
I have engagements tonight. And I have something
for you as well. Oh. Well, then I'll see you
tomorrow evening, and I think perhaps for both
our sakes, I'll have some libations ready for
us. You can keep that for yourself. I prefer
to stay sober. All right. Very good, sir. Thank
you. Of course. I'll be around if you need me.
You're a good man. As are you. One more tear.
And we move back into the ball. That is all a
buzz with what happened in there. Because that
was bonkers nonsense. Ruby? Edgewater? Are you
alright? Yeah, I think so. Was that my mama?
It seemed like it. And it seems that she put
the dolls in the room. I... I suppose she could
have done that before she passed away. Also,
I haven't told you. She did live there. I tried
to cast a spell when I was in the room alone.
And I tried to send a message with my illusory
script. And I said, hey, if anybody's here, can
you hear me? Or something like that. And it said,
can I hear me? Can I hear me? It was what I could
read. When I wrote, can you hear me? It said,
can I hear me? Or when I said, are you there?
It said, am I there? Oh, that's so strange. Kind
of like an echo. Why is your mother echoing you?
I don't know. Also, when that happened, when
I was looking in the mirror, also my magical
hand put itself on my shoulder. Put itself? Yeah,
like I didn't control it. Like normally I can
tell it what to do, but it just all of a sudden
was there. Oh, and I found the dolls cradling.
One of them was cradling the other one. What?
Yeah. Wait, wait, wait. How did they do that?
I don't know. Ruby, you can't stay there. You
must stay with us. It's not safe for you. But
my daddy. Oh, no, your father. Um, I will stay
with you. You can't stay there by yourself. I
have an idea. We should invite Miss Belladonna
there and she can do a seance in the room. There
in the room. Oh, brilliant idea. Yes! Yes! We'll
pool our money, and we will get Madame Belladonna
to come to the room and speak with the dolls.
Amazing. And also, I will say, Mr. Salt's coming
over to fix one of the dolls tomorrow. Maybe
that's not the best idea. But he's coming over
tomorrow to help me with that. Well, it's not
a bad idea. I mean, honestly, the two of us with
your father in a coma, we are best friends, everyone
knows that, but we probably still shouldn't be
alone un-chaperoned. So, if... Second Lieutenant
Salt wanted to be there, that would be a good
chaperone. And then perhaps who else could we
invite to make it even more safe? Military. We
need military presence. What about Lord Drake?
Lord Drake? Well, that's quite an idea. I wouldn't
have thought of that myself. Yes, perhaps I could
ask him. All right. Amazing. I will make sure.
I think he's just had rather a shock as well.
It's okay. I need him to fix the door anyway.
Well, in that case, I suppose we must ask him.
All right. Amazing. I'm going to throw a little
seance, small seance party. I should probably
invite Lord Lefroy, though, so that Second Lieutenant
Salt can come. Correct? I mean, he's coming over
as a craftsman, so I think that's fine. Amazing.
Though I don't know if he's allowed to leave,
Mr. Seltzer. I haven't really thought about that.
I mean, I suppose Mr. Seltzer could have his
parents be his chaperone if he needed to go do
things, so perhaps he does have some freedom.
I'm not sure. I'm going to send the invite anyway.
All right, great. I know, I'm excited. All right.
Enjoy the rest of your night. I hope your dance
card is filled with lots of names. She looks
down at the one name that's written twice on
the dance card and goes, Oh, dear. I'm not even
sure I'm going to have these two dances. Well,
it was still a lovely night. It was. But I'm...
I'm coming home with you tonight because that
is unsafe. Well, I appreciate it. Also, you drove
me here, so I need a ride home anyway. So we
have Samuel returning to the ball. We have Edgewater
sort of breaking from Ruby. Ruby is making her
way to... I'm going to go back to... right into
Belladonna's room and i'm just gonna say can
I book you for tomorrow? Oh yes I'm sorry I thought
you were a spirit. Oh that was great. That was
very active tonight. I'm gonna throw like a small
uh seance party tomorrow if you're available.
Tomorrow? It's shorter notice than I typically
require hmm... I'm gonna look off and look uncertain
to try and drive up the price. I feel kind of
bad because I feel like I just traumatized someone
who was kind of my friend, but I'm still going
to try and get my money. Money's no problem.
Oh, I mean, I don't do it for the money, my dear,
but it will make it easier to get there on short
notice. Great. And if you need any help transporting
anything, my family does work in transportation.
That's why I was hearing carriages, wasn't it?
You're right. I didn't even put that together.
Oh, bless your heart, Ruby. Truly, bless your
heart. And I'm wearing cards with hearts on them.
What? You said bless your heart. Oh, yes, indeed.
A message from the spirits. They blessed this
seance plan for tomorrow. I can feel it. Tomorrow
evening. Tomorrow evening. I shall be there.
Thank you. Thank you. You are so welcome. A curtsy
and a backup and a curtsy again and a backup
and a curtsy again and I'll turn and I'll leave.
As soon as Ruby is out of the room, you hear
a very weak sort of thumping on the inside. I'm
going to make sure the door is shut and then
scurry over and be like, Nick, are you in there?
Ow. Nick. Did you pass out? Are you okay? I don't
think okay is exactly anywhere near where I am.
Yeah, okay. Okay, you got to get out of there,
I think. Can you crawl out the window? Because
I don't know how you came in, but I don't think
you can go out a normal way. So I'm going to
try and help him slither out of the idol and
then kind of tip him out of the window. As he
gets out of the idol, he is clearly bleeding
from one nostril. Oh boy, I don't have... anything
to help with that, but I'm so sorry. Okay. What
happened? We got deep into the act, and then
I just everything got sort of sparkly, and my
eyes went tunnel vision, and then I just blacked
out. What happened? Nick, I know we have a fun
kind of ha -ha, he -he. uh fuck you friendship.
Thing is I'm gonna ask you a question I need you
to really focus even though you just absolutely
beefed it inside of that idol. Um have you ever
seen someone actually like channel a ghost spirit
thing? Uh like actually? Um no. Okay well of course
not. Yeah, of course not. I also don't... I don't
know. The world's full of mysteries, but... Make
an insight check. That's a 19. Oh, he's lying.
Hard. Nicodemus, I swear to God, I am about to
freak right now, and if you don't level with
me, I'm gonna cry. I'm gonna cry. If you don't
tell me what you're thinking right now, because
I know you just lied to me. All right. I may
have temporarily died when I was a little kid.
Oh. Like, not for long. Okay. Like, a minute
and a half. Okay, it's just a little one. Little
dead. Just a little one. Okay, okay, okay, okay.
How did you come back? Somebody had a little
bit of a medicinal ability and kind of... plugged
up the things that were not supposed to be outside
and put them back in. Anyway, and every so often,
sometimes I get little headaches and things happen.
And I may be a bit of a spirit beacon. And I
figured, Well, if it's gonna happen, might as
well control the circumstances. I'm gonna just
sit on the ground on my butt and just be like,
damn, Nick. I knew you were good at your job,
and this has not happened before, right? Like,
while we've been working together, right? No,
it hasn't. Because I feel like I would have noticed,
because that shit just went off in there. Definitely,
and it usually doesn't... pop off unless there's
some spirit around that has something important
to say. And that was, like... well, he did.
Honestly, with the fucking nobility, it's very,
you know, like, oh, say goodbye to... the last time.
Nobody cares. Yeah. Spirits don't give a crap
about that. Yeah, I can imagine. But whatever
just happened, it was... It felt bad. Yeah. Yeah.
Okay, well... You are full of surprises. I'm
going to give you a raise because that was so
scary for me. So I'm a little freaked out. So
I'm going to give you a little bit of a raise.
Not going to argue. But we're good to keep doing
this gig, right? Because we have one tomorrow.
Are you going to be okay? Oh. Can you bounce
back? Because we're going to get paid a lot of
money for this one. Do we have any kind of control
over the room or anything like that? I mean,
I'd rather, like, I can't control this, so it's
not like we can, you know, call it up on a short
notice. Well, I'm not going to ask you to do
it. Like, we're just doing regular shmegular
scam shit. I can't imagine that anything like
this would happen again. Especially, like, the
next day. That would be crazy. Fantastic. So
I'll be there with, like, incense or something.
Yeah, we can do, like, we don't need the juice
for this one. We just... regular. Yeah, regular
juice for this next one. Yeah. Okay. I need a
drink and a nap. Yeah, I'm going to just, like,
fish one of the flasks out of my old skirt and
be like, all right, you drink all of this because
I think that helps. And then we're going to tip
you right out this window. Okay. And then if
you have to... we're on the ground floor, so it's
fine. And then if you need to take a nap behind
the bush, you do you. And then I'll see you tomorrow.
Excellent. Right. Good. I'll prestidigitation
so that he at least looks less fucked up. Mostly
for my sake. I'd be like, you, you've got this.
And thanks, I guess. Because people seem to love
it, except for that one guy who I think will
never be the same. Oh, shit. I kissed him. Damn
it. Oh, that's weird. Okay. Okay. Oh, you spiritual
hussy. I mean, I didn't. Someone else did. That's
a great excuse. Yeah, it wasn't me. It was wait!
Okay. Okay. Well, this has been fun. You go do
what you got to do, and I'm going to, I don't
know. Get changed in a closet. Tipped out the
window. Yep. Let's go. Okay. Oh, God. You're
in my face. There we go. Just get the feet in.
All right. He's out. What a day. All right. Fantastic.
We have Sam. Samuel is back in the ball. Not
really aware how much time has passed. Not sure
where I'm needed, but I do want to double check
one thing I would have been looking for. Beginning
of the seance, given what Edgewater had told
me might happen, was Nathaniel in the room as
an audience member? Yes, he was. Fuck. I think
I need to go speak to my brother-in-law. He
is over by the high-test punch. How many times
have I seen him over there? How many cups has...
Edgewater seen him have? Oh, probably four.
She's heading over there. Time to get involved.
Well, that was something. How are you doing?
Not well. I'm not... I've only had four of these,
so I don't think... I heard what I heard, right?
Going to ask... I know it's been a while since you
two spoke... if you still recognized... okay so right
that... okay yeah that uh kind of wishing you said
I hallucinated that honestly. That would have
been better but wow okay how are you doing? I
will live. Do you leave tomorrow or are you just
meeting to discuss the expedition tomorrow? We're
just looking over maps and discussing things.
It takes a while to get any kind of large-scale
expeditionary force mobilized. So lots of reports,
lots of maps, lots of planning, and it'll be
a process. We'll have a busy day tomorrow. Soon,
I think you and I, need to talk. Okay. Right.
Well, let's say maybe give it two days after
tomorrow? That would be great. Fantastic. Okay.
Alright. I feel like I should probably cut myself
off. Alright. I think that's when Edgewater arrives.
Lords Drake. Wow, that's going to get confusing.
It is a bit. Baron of Dayton? Yes, Miss Clarence?
I don't know if you know this. It does happen.
It's quite common, actually. You are on your
fourth glass of punch, and I just wanted to let
you know that you've passed the two limit before
others notice. I, uh... I appreciate you looking
out for my reputation. I am cutting myself off.
Quite a wise man. Well, I'll, um... I'll leave
you two to talk. I, uh... It's been a long night.
Have a good night. Miss Clarence. Baron of Dayton.
And he turns and exits. Lord Drake, I'm so sorry.
Thank you. I've never been to a seance before.
I didn't expect it to be quite like that. I understand
if you need the night. That's very kind of you.
Miss Clarence. Is it okay if I speak frankly
with you? Of course. My husband was a partnership
I did not see coming. It was brief, but it was
beautiful. And it seemed as quickly as it came,
it left. And I think that was the hardest thing
to deal with these past few months. It took a
lot to come to grips with that and to come with
grips that my life has been full of constant
change. And I think I'm realizing whatever that
was just now, it was a heartfelt goodbye. And
much like I took a chance on Henry. I'd like
to continue taking chances here. So if you would
not mind entertaining a widow tonight, I would
still at least like one dance with you. I would
be more than happy to. And Samuel and Edgewater
take the floor for at least one of their dances,
if not two, depending on Edgewater's mood. My
mood? It will be your prerogative. Okay. Great.
Two it is. But only two. Only two. Only two.
The major comes over after your two dances and
simply says, It was a pleasure, Miss Clarence.
I hope to see you again at future functions.
And gives you a fairly deep bow. And then turns
and exits. And she will curtsy without saying
anything. Fantastic. With all of the buzz going
around, it doesn't take long for the last member
of the seance crowd to be checked in on. Uh,
Miss Rhinelander, that sounds like things got
a bit intense in there. Oh, yeah. It was all
right. It was, um... Just a little spooky is
all. I'm doing okay, though. I'm truthfully doing
okay. Can I get you anything to help calm your
nerves? Do you need to sit down? I'd much rather
like a dance, actually. I need to shake this
off. Your wish is my command. And Ruben takes
you to the floor. And I... As I do with all the
tall folk I dance with, I ask for uppies. And
he picks you up. Amazing. And we dance. It is
a longer song. The night seems to be winding
down. It's getting late, and with all the excitement
of the seance, things are... Things seem to have
hit their climax maybe a little earlier than
planned. And so people are like sort of slowly
fading out. They don't necessarily, it's slightly
earlier than normal. So some people just by the
very nature of protocol are going to stay until
it feels right by the clock. As Ruben leads you
off the floor, you notice his eyes sort of trail
off and he focuses elsewhere. And you notice
a gentleman in uniform sort of give him a quick
head nod and turn on his immaculate boots and
walk out. Do I recognize that man? You don't
recognize the man. The boots, though, I do. You
recognize those boots. They are immaculate. Oh,
all right. Well, Miss Rhinelander, I think I
should probably call it a night. But I hope we
can have a, I won't say less exciting, but maybe
a more controlled night in the future. And he
extends an arm to take your hand. I will reciprocate.
And because you're in public, he will do a more
proper kiss on the hand. As he is withdrawing
his arm, you notice in... his sort of extensive
tattoo decorations, a kind of a bizarre symbol.
It looks like a singular sun that is surrounded
by three sort of wedge -shaped pieces of suns,
as if it is like blown out from it. All right.
Oh. And he turns, and exits. We'll be in touch
soon. Oh, you can count on it. Thus ends the
ball, and thus ends the episode. I would love
to say we're going to pick up in the morning,
but at least one of you has a new little piece
of information that you're going to learn when
you get home. But we'll worry about that next
episode. Until then. Thanks for joining us, and
we hope you listen again next week. Have a good
one. Bye. Bye. Wow. Will Samuel's newfound brother
-in-law prove to be as brotherly as he appears?
Is Salt considering a side hustle as a handyman?
Will Ruby finally remember to check on her father's
blood tests? After the kiss, is Edgewater going
to challenge Belladonna to a duel? Will Belladonna's
next seance be free of spiritual intervention?
Who are the third sons? Will we get any answers
at all on the next episode of Scandals and Scavengers?
Thank you for listening to Scandals and Scavengers,
a Post-Apocalyptic Regency Romance with Daniel
Begin as Ruby Grace Rhinelander, MattstheLast
as Lord Samuel Drake, Johnny McElearney as Second
Lieutenant Immortan Salt, Emily Carmen Weldon
as Mary Smith, Bo Powell as Edgewater Clarence,
and Evan Kelly as the Game Master. Produced by
Evan Kelly, Trope Warden, Bo Powell. Hey, this
is Daniel. Thanks for listening. If you're enjoying
what you're hearing, consider supporting us on
Patreon where we release episodes early and you'll
get access to our post-show cast discussions,
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