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[thewomanswit.livejournal.com]

[It is probably not a surprise to some that Irene Adler has, upon her arrival at the Plane, found herself in the Theatre.

Of course, while it may not be a surprise to some, it does surprise Irene.]

Is anyone here?

[Not exactly the timid type, Irene is going to do her best to make her arrival known. She speaks with a notably American accent, although some of her pronunciations reflect she has spent a fair amount of time in England. She examines her surroundings. .. Which she regrets doing, now that she's noticed one of the Wallmasters crawling across the back of the seats.]

Surely I have gone mad. I have spent much of my life in the theatre and never have I seen something so... revolting or offensive or... absurd as this. Whatever prank this is, I assure you, whomever is listening, I find it neither endearing or entertaining that you have abducted me against my will.

[Being as she is, Irene actually approaches the disembodied hand, staring down at it with disgust and – whether she'd admit it or not – fascination.]

I do insist that you direct me immediately to whomever your devilish puppeteer may be. I am due at a very important engagement tonight in London and I can assure you that those who await me will worry drastically for my safety if I am not to appear.

[The hand suddenly pops forward towards Irene, and she squeaks in unladylike surprise, backing away fast enough to watch it tumble to the floor. It bolts towards her and grasps for her skirt, and she stamps at it helplessly with her foot, shouting as she kicks it away.]

Get away you... you vermin!

Comments

[bodilesswarrior.livejournal.com]

[Barbara nods, before wheeling in the direction of the ball room] You'd think it would have the decency to catch you in suitable monster-escaping wear. [at Irene's thanks she turns her head, smile softening] Of course. I'm just glad I could help. [her expression turns slightly rueful, then]

[thewomanswit.livejournal.com]

[Irene walks beside her, staying aware of their surroundings as they move.] It must become rather tiresome, sweeping to the aide of the new arrivals. I suppose it is best to make introductions before we are distracted once again; I am Miss Irene Adler.

[bodilesswarrior.livejournal.com]

[she notes that, even as she responds, somewhat ruefully] I like being helpful. [then the smile returns] Nice to meet you, Miss Adler. Barbara Gordon.

[thewomanswit.livejournal.com]

The pleasure is mine, Miss Gordon.

[She turns her attention now to the wheelchair - namely, how much it clashes with her clothing.] You said this place draws all sorts from different realities and times. Is it safe to assume you hail from a time or place quite different from my own?

[bodilesswarrior.livejournal.com]

[slight nod] Chair tipped you off, I'm guessing. Earth, North America, 1999. Gotham, New Jersey, if we're getting really specific.

[thewomanswit.livejournal.com]

[Irene wasn't exactly expecting that answer, although she knew she should have. She resists the urge to wring her hands and instead concentrates on examining Barbara closely.]

I'm also from New Jersey. Well, I grew up there, although my current residence is in London. [She adds quietly, after a moment.] 1892.

[bodilesswarrior.livejournal.com]

[gazes up at Irene, really taking her in, before grinning] That's really something, isn't it? Over a hundred years apart, and here we are.

[shakes her head] If I bombard you with questions, feel free to knock some tact into me. Or return to the favour.

[there's something else, another question entirely burning in her eyes, but instead she says] I guess I know we didn't go to university together.

[thewomanswit.livejournal.com]

[The comment makes Irene smile.] I would agree on that being an accurate assumption.

[She pauses for a moment.] I do not entirely believe I haven't simply lost my mind. I would love to know more about the world you come from, in time, but I feel it would be more to our advantage if you would tell me all you know about this place.

[bodilesswarrior.livejournal.com]

[her smile turns sympathetic] I can't blame you for that.

As I said, the Plane is a bit different at the moment. Usually we can come and go as we please, without worrying about scurrying monsters out to get us.

...Which isn't to say you should let your guard down, because you never know who you'll meet or what will happen here. We're basically pawns in the hands of whoever's running this. We've met a few people behind the scenes - Meredith and the Twins the most - but we still don't know the master orchestrator or the grand plan. Assuming there is one, of course.

[thewomanswit.livejournal.com]

[Irene nods patiently. Barbara's explanation certainly doesn't assist much in sating Irene's interest, but she's not going to blame her for that.]

I hope that whatever foul trick our captors have felt befitting to play on us will pass. I would like to return home, and I could certainly do without the monsters. Meredith and these Twins... Do they visit here often? And do you suspect they have power over us or are they merely pawns to whomever truly controls this place?

[bodilesswarrior.livejournal.com]

I think they have less power than I suspected. [she goes quiet, for a moment, expression darkening] There were forced death matches. The King and the Liar oversaw them, and the Twins seemed to dislike it.

[shakes her head, dismissing the memories] Honestly, I try to observe from a distance. I get the feeling I'm outmatched regardless, and the best thing to do in that situation is quietly gather intel and bide your time.

...Most of my focus has been on home, though. Maybe once that gets...better. If.

[thewomanswit.livejournal.com]

How utterly barbaric.

[Even though she's disgusted, she offers Barbara an appreciative nod.] Then we both find value in similar things, Miss Gordon. I am glad to have so quickly gained such a companion in this troubling time.

But you must be truthful. Having experienced what you have here, do you feel that there is any possibility that our rights to return home will be regained?

[bodilesswarrior.livejournal.com]

[dark scowl] It was. Everyone came back - if people die here, the Machine revives them, slightly altered. But they were still killed, or were forced to kill.

[which manages to soften into a slight smile] Barbara is just fine. [shakes her head, smile fading] And honestly, I don't know. Nicolai claimed that finding the one whose choice caused all this will revert the Plane back to normal, but there's no way to know if he was telling the truth.

[thewomanswit.livejournal.com]

Slightly altered? In what way? Such an amendment is hardly promising, although I assuredly will not attempt to test it. And who is Nicolai? Is it best not to trust what he says?

[She pauses, smiling.] I would apologize for such an onslaught of questions, but I know you are the type to appreciate an inquisitive mind.

[bodilesswarrior.livejournal.com]

[quietly] Their blood turns black. Glistening. Like...the Plane itself imbued in it. Peoples' abilities and worlds change. I should really get a census, but it's a bit of a delicate topic.

[grins back] And you're very right.

[thewomanswit.livejournal.com]

[she continues to smile at Barbara fondly, but her tone is still concerned.]

I can only imagine that one's death is not something one would be so inclined to discuss freely, especially with a stranger. I cannot imagine what it must be like to experience death, only to return and find that which you've known about yourself has changed.

[bodilesswarrior.livejournal.com]

[her smile fades, turns into something wry and weary] It's a bit overwhelming, at first.

[thewomanswit.livejournal.com]

[Irene's smile fades in turn, and she hesitates for a moment.] I know it is hardly my place to inquire, but you seem to speak with a voice of experience.

[bodilesswarrior.livejournal.com]

[after a moment, she nods; softly] I was in a Death Match.

[her voice lowers as her eyes narrow] They had me fighting - he was only a child.

[thewomanswit.livejournal.com]

[Horrified, Irene placed her hand over her mouth to hide her gasp.]

It is utterly barbaric.

[She worked to regain her composure, but for a rare occasion, found it difficult.] I gather from the small clues you have presented throughout our conversation that you allowed the child to... win this match.

[bodilesswarrior.livejournal.com]

[Barbara waits, her gaze gentle; then, a slight nod] Gassed the arena and took a pill. It was over pretty quick.