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Post by Miss Bianca on Mar 14, 2009 15:41:31 GMT -5
Miss Bianca watched with interest and concern as Esmeralda began to treat Toby’s various wounds. She certainly seemed to be proficient at the healing arts, and was relieved when the Gypsy announced that the dog’s injuries were not as serious as they first appeared. She crossed over to stand beside the detective, squeezing his arm supportively as she saw the pained look in his eyes.
“Oh Mr. Basil I wouldn’t dream of abandoning her now,” replied Bianca confidently, gazing sympathetically at the injured dog for a moment. She hadn’t announced her presence at the time but Bianca had actually visited the Court of Miracles once before to rescue a young girl named Leota who had claimed to be trapped there. Fortunately they had escaped without detection, so the white mouse felt in no danger returning.
“Well Miss Esmeralda,” she began, looking up at the human, “please lead the way.” She smiled, eyes sparkling in relief at the now more hopeful situation.
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Post by esmeralda on Mar 14, 2009 15:52:52 GMT -5
Esmeralda smiled and looked over at the two mice. She whistled lowly, and Djali knelt down, offering the two mice a ride on him. Esmeralda quickly packed her belongings, before lifting Toby up in her arms.
"Please, come with me," she said, starting to walk in front of them, through narrow streets and dark alleys, until she came to a hidden entrance.
As soon as she came to the entrance, a gang of armed men stepped out of the shadows, surrounding the girl. She spoke to them in the Gypsy language, and they replied to her. The rough men showed her a certain amount of respect, and after a few short words, Esmeralda was allowed to pass.
She stepped into a room, lit up by a crackling fireplace. There was a large table in the room, filled with food and drink, and in the room were a lot of gypsies. They greeted her friendly as she entered the room, and she lifted her hand, asking for their attention.
"These are my friends, Basil, Miss Bianca and Toby. Lady Tremaine is after them. Toby has been injured and I will ask of you that you show them the same respect you do to me. These three are under my protection, and will live in the Court of Miracles as my guests."
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Post by Basil on Mar 14, 2009 16:02:49 GMT -5
Although there was probably nothing for the mice to do to help, Basil was pleased to have Bianca along. There was something about a female presence that always encouraged a chap.
Basil was very glad to hear her say this, as the men in this place were quite rough-looking. In fact, he was certain that two of them were experienced pickpockets, something he could spot without fail.
Some of the others seemed alright, though; a trifle suspicious of strangers, but that was understandable.
Never mind, it was worth it for Toby's sake. Only he would have to see that no harm came to Bianca.
Basil took the precaution of moving his possessions to his innermost pockets, while he looked around for some comfortable place to settle the hound.
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Post by Miss Bianca on Mar 14, 2009 16:18:13 GMT -5
Bianca looked around nervously as Esmeralda led them through the Court of Miracles. The various ruffians that lurked in the twisted maze of corridors didn’t appear to be the forgiving type, so she was rather anxious in case it was discovered she’d once helped a ‘prisoner’ to escape from here. It was comforting to have Basil with her, and she looked over at him appreciatively as Esmeralda spoke with the Gypsies.
“Thank you for your hospitality,” she stated as Esmeralda announced that they were under her protection whilst here. She knew that the girl was very important to the Gypsy people, so was confident that her influence would stop harm from coming to them.
“Set Toby down here,” suggested the white mouse, gesturing to a comfortable looking spot by the hearth, “We should try to keep him warm.” She slid onto the ledge beside the hearth, glancing over at Basil and indicating for him to join her. “It seems we have some time to get to know each other. I’m from Hungary originally,” she explained, “but I travel around a lot with my work for the Rescue Aid Society.” She assumed he’d know what this was, for it was common knowledge amongst mice.
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Post by Basil on Mar 14, 2009 20:31:02 GMT -5
"From Hungary, yes. That much is obvious from your voice," he replied, not unkindly, "as is your wealthy and cultured upbringing."
"However, I did not know you were with the Rescue Aid Society."
The R.A.S. had been in existence in one form or another for centuries, although they had no female agents in Basil's time. But it certainly explained Bianca's courage in the face of dangers that would daunt many a lady.
"There is nothing much to tell about myself. I am a private consulting detective out of London, but I suppose my little cases would seem tame indeed compared to the work of an international organization such as yours."
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Post by esmeralda on Mar 15, 2009 5:19:48 GMT -5
Esmeralda placed poor little Toby gently on a soft blanket in front of the fireplace. As soon as the gypsy dogs noticed the poor dog, they offered him the most comfortable place. One of them pushed his bowl of food with his snoute, until it stood in front of Toby. Another dog offered him her bowl of fresh water.
While the gypsy dogs cared for their new friend, Esmeralda went to the fireplace, filled a pot with water, and heated the water over the fire. Then she mashed some herbs and plants, mixing them into the tea, before returning to the wounded dog.
Esmeralda knelt down before Toby and lifted his head gently. There was a tender tone in her voice as she spoke gently to him.
"Come on, Toby, drink. You need this to lower the fever."
Toby managed to drink up the tea, and Esmeralda turned her head to look at the two mice. She offered them a gentle smile.
"If you are hungry or tired, I can bring you some food before I see to that your bedrooms are ready."
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Post by Basil on Mar 15, 2009 16:20:09 GMT -5
"Thank you, that is very generous, but I think I should prefer to remain here for a bit."
Basil watched the ministrations, thinking how graceful her hands were even in such mundane tasks.
Egad, Basil, get hold of yourself! He had to get off this emotional roller coaster where the gypsy girl was concerned. Love, jealousy, anger, despair, indifference, gratitude...he would drive himself mad at this rate.
Still, he would have to do something to show his gratitude.
There was that silken scarf he had intended to give as a Christmas gift. It ought to have been returned to the store, but somehow Basil never got round to it, thrusting it instead in the back of the closet. He would send it to her when this business was through.
Basil sat down next to Toby. He wanted his pet to know he was there, that is, if the animal was conscious of anything. The detective felt suddenly very tired, more from emotional trials than physical, and began to doze, leaning against the dog's head.
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Post by Miss Bianca on Mar 15, 2009 16:45:01 GMT -5
“Why Mr. Basil,” began Bianca in an incredulous voice at his description of his work, “your work is far more important then mine. You track down and stop the criminals who otherwise would make everyone in London’s lives miserable.” She smiled at him warmly, eyes shining with the truth of her words. “I’ve met my share of disreputable characters in my time, but you face them on a daily basis!” She patted his hand for a moment, before turning to face Esmeralda once again, who had just spoken.
“Oh thank you Miss. Esmeralda,” she replied, “some food would be greatly appreciated. But please not if it’s a bother.” She preened herself for a moment, checking her appearance in a nearby reflective surface. Considering everything she’d been through that day Bianca didn’t feel she looked too bad. A little shaken, but still presentable. The sound of heavier, more rhythmic breathing caught her attention, and looking over she saw that the detective had fallen asleep leaning against his dog. She removed her own outer coat and laid it over the detective, smiling warmly.
“Good night Mr. Basil.”
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Post by Basil on Mar 15, 2009 22:16:36 GMT -5
<<Awww, that was sweet>>
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Post by esmeralda on Mar 19, 2009 10:06:10 GMT -5
Esmeralda smiled warmly while she gently finished her work with the dog. She knew she would have to stay awake all night, to keep watch over her patient, but to save an animal in distress it was worth the effort. When she finished her work, she noticed that Basil had fallen asleep against the head of his dog. A warm smile lit up her face. It was something touching, seeing the bond between dog and owner.
"Well, will you look at that...." she said warmly.
Miss Bianca was cute and took off her coat, placing it over Basil so he wouldn't get cold. Esmeralda smiled warmly to her. The two mice were so cute together, and Esmeralda wondered if the two of them would be a nice couple. She hoped she would be invited if there was a wedding coming up.
"I feel a bit hungry myself, Miss Bianca. Why don't I carry you over to the kitchen, so we can see what we find? I can fix us something good, and then we can bring something back to Basil and Toby, in case they wake up."
She stretched her palm towards Miss Bianca, offering her a ride if she wanted to.
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