User blog:Stormlilly/e1m1

'' Crack. ''



 The trademark whistle of smallarm fire greets you as you trail behind the Reporter – who has made her way to a small indoor-firing range. Nestling a revolver with surprising skill, she is littering a target with tiny, pinprick holes – looking focused all the while.



“ Eh. Didn't see you there.”



'' Crack. ''



“ It's weird, isn't it? Would you believe I came here because I was pretty sure that... Fella was planning on doing something pretty dangerous if I didn't?”



'' Crack crack crack. ''



“ Guys like him are a dime a dozen, and if you scoop around in the muck long enough, you make enemies with them. And sometimes you've got to be friends with those enemies... What a horrible world.”



'' Crack. ''



<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> The clatter of the cylinder as it spins to the side is punctuated by her turn towards you.

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“ You aren't connected with any of this, are you?.. Don't worry. I have no interest in telling anyone else. I imagine you and I are the least seedy people here, and that's saying something. As such – well, I'm not asking you to trust me, but I'l try to share what I find if you share what you find.”

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> Nodding you decide to give you try at the range – but are interupted by a cloud of smoke more pungent then any gunfire.

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“ Oh, shooting? How droll.” The Aristocrat murmurs amusedly, walking in with a tin case clutched firmly in her left hand.

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“ Shuddap.”

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> The Reporter's response is quick and venemous, now that none of you have to act formal. Her eyes shine with barely concealed dislike.

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“ Whoa, easy there! I simply heard such awful noise coming from – the conservatory, I think it was? - that I came here instead. One cannot sleep when brutes like the Major are mucking about with plants. Shooting though... Do you hunt?”

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> Surprised, the Reporter lets down her guard.

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“ No, not really. I mean, growing up a bit, but - “

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“ I've always found the crossbow to be more elegant then any small arm save the rifle. You muts hunt a tiger at least once in your life – you must.”

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> The Aristocrat licks her lips, lost in memory.

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">“ When you have killed such a beast yourself – with your own tools – that is when you realize the strengths and limitations of the human mind.”

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> Laughing nervously, the Reporter shoots you a look and engages the Aristocrat in small conversation; giving you a chance to leave.

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal"> So, the Major is in the Conservatory... You:

<p align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; font-style: normal">

<p style="text-align: LEFT; margin-bottom: 0in">Head to the Conservatory to investigate the sounds.

<p style="text-align: LEFT; margin-bottom: 0in">Decide to head up to the Library, perhaps read something.

<p style="text-align: LEFT; margin-bottom: 0in">Go to the Kitchen.

<p style="text-align: LEFT; margin-bottom: 0in">Return to the Foyer.