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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]

[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.