[X-World] All Along The Clocktower

[John Hino]

After a long trek along the river, the mighty wanderer at last neared Big Ben. Seeing the smoke from it's direction on his way had worried him greatly, so he moved closer to see the destruction for himself.

[Vivienne Chinnoir]

There was a small collection of individuals near the "new " entrance nearest the river. After a few moments a woman lifted from the river itself and walked along it's surface to join the group.

[John Hino]

John approached. Didn't he know her?

"What happened here?"

[Vivienne Chinnoir]

"A community of survivors was attacked. Something...a piece of someone...precious was taken." she said as she turned to face him. The others of her group turned as well looking cautious and on alert. They were a strange crew with a very strange resemblance to story book characters. One female even had iridescent wings that lay against her back.

"If you mean harm to the innocence within, I will not hesitate to bring the full power of the Thames upon your head."

[John Hino]

"That won't be necessary Miss Chinnoir," he said, visibly glad to see a familiar face.

[Vivienne Chinnoir]

"Mister Hino." She made a small bow and smiled, her companions seemed to soften slightly as well. "You've travel alone?"

[John Hino]

"For quite a while now," he said.

[Vivienne Chinnoir]

She looked thoughtful for a moment then genuinely sad. "I am sorry. I recall your marriage was quite the occasion of joy at the school. Do you require food or drink? I can offer both now, rest will come within what has been called the Scar." She motioned to the circular entrance towards the clock tower.

[John Hino]

"I am running low on provisions, so any you could provide would be welcome. But I can't stay long. I don't know if Bear or my sister are still alive, so I'm working my way back to the university."

[Vivienne Chinnoir]

"I see." She smiled again. "I may be of further assistance to you in that as well. Come." She stepped aside for him to join her and the rest of the group. "We will offer our services to those within, you will rest and we will talk."

[John Hino]

John joined the odd menagerie.

"Any idea who attacked this place? I was under the impression the ruins were protected."

[Vivienne Chinnoir]

"The ruins are large and we are still so few. One of my kelpie's was in this area herding in fish, his description of the event is a little...scattered. A human with suns burned while a large ogre with swords for hands and a small woman followed behind. Since the bomb fell many of the survivors have developed gifts from the radiation. The Seer of London, Miranda or Randa, came with Brigid and Vertie. The clock tower was protected by the Swarm...Teri, I believe she was called at school." She paused. "They had a functional ASHLIE drone. The intruders took it."

[John Hino]

"That can't be a good thing," he said. "I was already hoping to run into the Seer. Perhaps now we can help each other."

[Vivienne Chinnoir]

"I believe it was providing electricity to the survivors here. Randa will be please to see another familiar face from school. I am sure your help will be most welcome." She lightly touched smoldering branches and leaf litter, extinguishing the embers completely. "She too mentioned a desire to return to our island."

[John Hino]

"Do you know how to find her?"

[Vivienne Chinnoir]

"Randa? Yes." She smiled. "I can do even better. Haley's Pond is untouched, as soon as you and she are ready I can take everyone directly there and back here."

[John Hino]

He couldn't help but laugh. "That's still there?"

[Vivienne Chinnoir]

"It is. When the bombs fell the barrier between this world and Avalon tore in the thin places around the world. The one at the school tore the worst, my mother gave all she could to close the tears in defiance to those who ruled, but that one was too much, it became a one-way passage way. It is small but with enough push and determination one can pass into this world." She sighed sadly. "As a friend I must warn you. The school and the property around it is dangerous. The pond is shielded and hidden, but only from the Avelon dark fae that have come through. I use the pond to come and go to rescue any light fae I feel there but not even I dare linger on my own there."

[John Hino]

"I still have to find out what happened to them. To everyone," he said with determination.

[Vivienne Chinnoir]

"So do we all and you will not be alone. No of us are now, not anymore."

[John Hino]

"Our paths do seem to be converging."