Host SM_Selan says:
The Year is 1899 ...

Host SM_Selan says:
The little town of Arkham had begun to start an average day until a peculiar visitor strolled into town. Originally appearing to be a male, the quite beautiful female visitor has approached the hamlet's resident "author," Jeremiah Terry, about a possible brilliant future.
 
Host SM_Selan says: 
Meanwhile, Old Man Durnham has gotten himself into a bit of a fit. The town's Doctor, Rebecca Taylor, tends to him ... as a storm grows in the distance ...

Host SM_Selan says:
RESUME THE TALE

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::strolling down the street towards the jail::

Jeremiah_Terry says:
::stares into the eyes of the stranger, charmed::

Constable_Chambers says:
:: stands in the corner of Dr. Taylor's office, watching her minister to Old Man Durnham ::

Rebecca_Taylor says:
::Continues her research on Mr. Durnham::

Martha_Harold says:
::steps outside the store with her lollipop and looks up at the clouds in the sky::

Rebecca_Taylor says:
::Gets up and walks to the Constable::

Rebecca_Taylor says:
Constable: Well he seems physically fine but mentally.....

Elizabeth says:
::follows Martha out the door, smiling and nodding to the proprietress, Mrs. Weasley, as she closes the door.::

Constable_Chambers says:
Taylor: Aye?

Martha_Harold says:
Elizabeth:  Thank you.  ::smiles up at her big sister::

Host The_Visitor says:
::Smiles:: Jeremiah: Now ... is there somewhere private we can talke ... about your work's future?

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::nearing the jail, he stops on the steps and reties his shoelaces.  He looks at the clouds in the distance for a moment and then turns to enter the jail::

Jeremiah_Terry says:
Visitor: So tell me how you are so insightful?

Elizabeth says:
Martha: You're welcome. ::smiles back:: Left or right? And we need to keep a close eye on the weather........

Host The_Visitor says:
ACTION: In the distance, thunder rumbles once again. It won't be that  long before the storm hits.

Host The_Visitor says:
::Looks up and around:: Jeremiah: Years of experience.

Elizabeth says:
::frowns slightly as she hears the approaching storm::

Martha_Harold says:
Elizabeth:  Ummm ...  ::looks up and down the street::  That way  ::points::

Host The_Visitor says:
ACTION: A local dog yelps and runs between Elizabeth and Martha. It's a cute widdle mutt.

Jeremiah_Terry says:
Visitor: And how do you  know of my work? There’s a room in the back of the inn if you like...it's usually used for other purposes...but I have access to it

Rebecca_Taylor says:
Constable: Well he doesn't appear to be injured at all but he keeps on mumbling. Also, he isn't awake so I can't get him to talk to me or to interact in any way.

Elizabeth says:
Martha: Okay, you're the leader!

Constable_Chambers says:
Taylor: What do ye recommend, Doctor?

Martha_Harold says:
Elizabeth:  Wait.  ::bends down and pats the mutt::

Elizabeth says:
::looks at the cute little pup in surprise.::

Host The_Visitor says:
Jeremiah: I was thinking more of your home residence. That is where you keep your works, of course?

Host The_Visitor says:
ACTION: The dog yelps a few more times, and enjoys the scratching ... as if seeking protection.

Martha_Harold says:
Elizabeth:  He's shaking.  He must be scared of something.

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::approaching a desk where one of the junior officers sits:: Officer Dolan: Good day to you Mr. Dolan.  Is Constable Chambers about?

Elizabeth says:
::frowns a bit and bends over to rub the pups ears.::

Elizabeth says:
Martha: Who does he belong to?

Host The_Visitor says:
<Officer Dolan> Terry: No your Honor, he went out for a stroll earlier ... haven't heard much of him since.

Martha_Harold says:
Elizabeth:  I've never seen him before.  ::stands and looks down the street to see if anyone is coming for it::

Elizabeth says:
::wonders if the door is afraid of the approaching storm.::

Rebecca_Taylor says:
Constable: Well he should be left here to rest. I will be monitoring him so you don't have to worry.

Lily says:
::runs into town, her matted hair flying behind her and up to the Harolds and grabs Martha by the sleeve:: All: Help! Out there.......::points::........it's terrible...dead...dead...dead......help me! ::grips Martha tightly::

Elizabeth says:
Martha: Perhaps we should head home, Martha, it could be that a bad storm is brewing.

Host The_Visitor says:
ACTION: The dog is frightened off by young Lily's sudden appearance.

Martha_Harold says:
::looks startled as Lily grabs her.  Looks at Elizabeth for help::

Jeremiah_Terry says:
Visitor; Yes, that’s where I write. I can take you there. ::smiles and stands:: Shall we? ::leads::

Elizabeth says:
::looks shocked::

Elizabeth says:
Lily: Let go of her at once, young lady!

Host The_Visitor says:
::Stands, her robes flowing around her almost mystically:: Jeremiah: We shall. Thank you.

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
Dolan: That's quit all right, I will just review the night watch log and then see if I can catch up to our good Constable on his stroll.  The town is not, after all, that large.  ::he smiles and crosses to the watch desk where he reads through the report from the day and night before.::

Jeremiah_Terry says:
::leads her out into the gathering storm, making thier way back across town::

Elizabeth says:
::softens her tone:: Lily: What is the matter with you, Lily? Calm down, you have gotten yourself all worked up.

Host The_Visitor says:
<Officer Dolan> ::Smiles and nods:: Judge: Understood your honor.

Lily says:
::starts to scream:: Elizabeth: You don't understand. There's been a murder! Out there at the Jones' farm, it's awful. We have to get help.

Jeremiah_Terry says:
Visitor: I didn’t bring an umbrella I'm afraid.

Constable_Chambers says:
Taylor: All right, Doctor. Ye'll let me know if he turns lucid, or if ye need anything, ayuh?  :: starts for the door ::

Martha_Harold says:
::covers her mouth with her hands at the word "murder"::

Rebecca_Taylor says:
::Returns to watching Mr. Durnham whilst taking notes::

Elizabeth says:
Lily: A murder? Lily, what are you talking about?

Rebecca_Taylor says:
Constable: Don't worry I will call for you.

Martha_Harold says:
::looks frightened::

Elizabeth says:
Martha: Let's take her to see Constable Chambers at once!

Constable_Chambers says:
:: nods, opens door, walks out into the street ::

Host The_Visitor says:
::As they exit into the late morning, and quickly fading sunlight:: Jeremiah: It is all right. I feel that rain washes away the dirt and lies that cover us all ... it reveals the hidden.

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::he reads quickly.  There was a small shouting match between Mr. Sims and his neighbor Mr. Wilson. The two were instructed to settle their differences more amicably or they would be run in for disturbing the peace::

Martha_Harold says:
::would rather find the dog::  Elizabeth:  I think that's him down the street.  ::points::

Elizabeth says:
::turning around, she sees that it is indeed the brave constable.::

Lily says:
Elizabeth: For Pete's sake...I said they're all dead.......butchered like pigs, so much blood, it's horrible. :: looks at Elizabeth as tears run down her cheeks::

Constable_Chambers says:
:: turns toward the General Store ::

Elizabeth says:
::looks sickened::

Elizabeth says:
Martha: Yell for the constable to come here at once!

Elizabeth says:
::puts a comforting arm around the grubby little urchin.::

Martha_Harold says:
Yells:  CONSTABLE CHAMBERS!  OVER HERE!

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::he puts the log back on the desk.:: Dolan: Well, Mr. Dolan it looks as if we won't be needing the court today.  I just be off to see if I can find Constable Chambers.  Good day.  ::he tips his hat and walks from the jail::

Jeremiah_Terry says:
::laughs:: Visitor: That sounds like a story I tried to sell "The New Yorker" About shifting realities, coexisting. Mind you, I digress. Here we're nearing the center of our charming little Hamlet - I think of it as isolation from civilization. Dreary isn't it.

Elizabeth says:
Lily: Who is dead?

Host The_Visitor says:
<Officer Dolan> Terry: G'day your honor.

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::once again outside, he heads down the street.  He knows Chamber's route well and is soon tracing the Constable's footsteps::

Constable_Chambers says:
:: hearing Martha's cry :: Martha: On my way, child!   :: breaks into a trot ::

Lily says:
::wipes her nose on her sleeve:: Elizabeth: The Jones' are....well most of them anyway. I didn't see Daniel, but he could be slaughtered in the woods or something.

Martha_Harold says:
::waves at the Constable to hurry::

Host The_Visitor says:
::Smiles as they walk:: Jeremiah: I know. Interesting idea. It's unfortunate it never saw print.

Elizabeth says:
::gasps in distress::

Martha_Harold says:
::looks around for the mutt::

Constable_Chambers says:
:: arrives at the General Store ::  All: What's the matter, ladies?

Jeremiah_Terry says:
::frowns:: Visitor:: it was those snott nosed upper east side rich brats that run the place. Like they even know what money is.

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::he turns a corner and sees the Constable heading away from him::

Elizabeth says:
::looks up at the constable.::

Lily says:
::wipes her hands on her apron:: All: Well, are you going to go and see?

Martha_Harold says:
::points a trembling finger at Lily::  Constable:  She's says the Jones are all dead

Jeremiah_Terry says:
::walks:: Visitor: Here, we're almost to the house

Host The_Visitor says:
::Looks at the storm in the distance, quirks eyebrow::

Elizabeth says:
Constable: Constable Chambers, you must go out to the Jones' farm immediately. Lily says they have been murdered!

Constable_Chambers says:
Lily: Indeed? Is that so, Miss Lily?

Martha_Harold says:
::is frightened and excited at the same time::

Lily says:
Chambers: Dagnabit! I said they was all dead. Don't you believe me or am I just the town nut babbling on again? ::looks disgusted with them all::

Constable_Chambers says:
Lily: Here, now, take it slow, Miss Lily. 'Tis clear ye've had a shock, that's for sure.

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::walking up main street, he notices the Constable has stopped to talk with Martha, Elizabeth, and Lily.  Seeing Lily only means one thing where that child is concerned, trouble::

Elizabeth says:
::straightens her shoulders and eyes the constable fiercely. Lily: Of course we believe you, Lily.

Martha_Harold says:
::in looking around for the dog again, noticed the Judge down the street::

Constable_Chambers says:
Elizabeth: Miss Elizabeth, would ye and Miss Martha be so kind as t' take Miss Lily here in hand and see that she has some time to calm herself. I'll summon a deputy and we'll have a look at the Jones place.

Elizabeth says:
::nods:: Constable: Of course we will.

Constable_Chambers says:
:: turns, takes a step or two into the street, and blows one long blast and three short on his whistle -- the signal to summon any deputies in earshot ::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::arriving at the group:: Chambers:  Now then, what's all this, Constable?

Lily says:
:;starts to wring her apron:: All: Never mind the pleasantries flatfoot! Just get yourself out there and take a look for yourself.

Jeremiah_Terry says:
:;steps up on the front porch:: Visitor: Well here you have it. The Terry homestead - uh - it also doubles as the courthouse. We never use it. ::embarrassed:: What was it you wanted to see? My work? Are you a publisher?

Martha_Harold says:
::steps back from the group as the Judge walks up::

Elizabeth says:
Martha: Wouldn't it be nice if Lily came home with us for a spell? She can spend the night....take a nice hot bubble bath, and I'll braid her kn--er- hair for her, just like I do yours. Wouldn't that be nice?

Host The_Visitor says:
::Walks onto the porch:: Terry: I'm only here to inspire ... not to take.

Constable_Chambers says:
Judge: Miss Lily says the Joneses have all been murdered, Judge! I'm about to take a deputy out to the farm and investigate.

Constable_Chambers says:
:: Dolan arrives on the scene, out of breath ::

Martha_Harold says:
::looks up at Elizabeth in disbelief::  Elizabeth:  But she's crazy.

Elizabeth says:
::nods:: Judge: Evening, Your Honor.

Lily says:
::grabs the judge by his coat:: Judge: You believe me don't ya judge? ::smiles and bats her eyelashes at him::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
Chambers: This is quite serious.  I shall go with you.

Elizabeth says:
Martha: Hush now! Where are your manners, young lady?

Constable_Chambers says:
<Dolan> Chambers: Yes, Chief?

Martha_Harold says:
::sulks::

Jeremiah_Terry says:
::Confused:: Visitor: Inspire? I don't understand what you mean.

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
Lily: If this is one of your pranks, you'll be spending time cleaning up the town square for the next two weeks.

Constable_Chambers says:
Dolan: You and I and the Judge are goin' to the Jones place. There's been a report of foul play.

Elizabeth says:
::glares at the judge::

Constable_Chambers says:
<Dolan> Chambers: Yessir.

Lily says:
::smiles up at him:: Judge: Ahhh shucks, ya knows I wouldn't kid ya judge.

Rebecca_Taylor says:
::Sits down after taking notes and begins drifting off into her fantasy world::

Constable_Chambers says:
Judge, Dolan: Let's be on our way, then. You got yer revolver, Dolan?

Martha_Harold says:
::grumbles::  Elizabeth:  Maybe we should take her to see Dr. Taylor?

Constable_Chambers says:
<Dolan> Chambers: Of course, Chief.

Host The_Visitor says:
::Steps up to the door:: Jeremiah: I'll explain all in due time ... shall we go in?

Constable_Chambers says:
Judge, Dolan: Then we're off.   :: starts down the street towards the edge of town ::

Lily says:
::wipes her face on her apron:: All: I'm coming too. I'll show ya where the bodies are.

Jeremiah_Terry says:
::opens the door:: Visitor: Why yes, come on in. ::gestures::

Elizabeth says:
::smiles in relief at Martha:: Martha: That's a wonderful idea! Perhaps Doc can give her a sedative?

Martha_Harold says:
::perks up::  Elizabeth:  She's going with them.  Can we go to?

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::follows the constable and Dolan::

Lily says:
::follows behind the judge::

Host The_Visitor says:
::Comes into the somewhat darkened household, the candles having not been lit as it is day out::

Elizabeth says:
::looks stern:: Martha: Of course not! That’s' no place for ladies! Let's look for the poor pup instead, shall we?

Martha_Harold says:
::considers it::

Constable_Chambers says:
:: looks at Lily :: Lily: All right, young lady... but when I sez stay put, you stay put, hear?

Martha_Harold says:
Elizabeth:  Yes!  Which way did he go?

Elizabeth says:
::looks around quickly:: Martha: Let's look over there!

Jeremiah_Terry says:
::follows her in:: Visitor. So what is it you want? Why did you want to come to this place. My home.

Lily says:
::smiles at the constable:: Chambers: Why I surely will constable.

Martha_Harold says:
::runs off down the street looking for the little dog::

Constable_Chambers says:
::  shakes head... not liking the looks of what's coming...   ::

Elizabeth says:
::follows Martha quickly::

Host The_Visitor says:
::Her hand nearly brushes up against a family painting on the wall of Jeremiah, his father and now deceased mother:: Jeremiah: Her death still pains you ... does it not?

Martha_Harold says:
::thinks she sees the dog farther down the street and runs after it::

Host The_Visitor says:
ACTION: Martha and Elizabeth hear extreme barking in the distance ... frightened barking ... and then a yelp of pain.

Lily says:
:;catches up to the constable:: Chambers: Ya thinks Daniel done it?

Jeremiah_Terry says:
::looks up at the portrait, silently touching it:: Visitor: Some times I can still see her face. And hear her soft voice calling me ::turning abruptly:: So you want me to feel pain is it?

Elizabeth says:
::catching up to Martha, she begins to wonder if this was a good idea after all.::

Martha_Harold says:
::looks at Elizabeth as the dog yelps::  Elizabeth:  Come on!  ::runs to where the sound came from::

Lily says:
Chambers: He wasn't with his Ma and Pa, so maybe he done it?

Constable_Chambers says:
Lily: Too soon t' say, lass. Mr. Sherlock Holmes of England sez that it's a capital mistake to theorize before one has all the facts.

Elizabeth says:
Martha: Be careful!

Elizabeth says:
::runs after her::

Host The_Visitor says:
::Looks menacing in the shadows:: Jeremiah: Pain is a normal part of everyday life. Without it, we do not grow.

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::smiles at the Constable's last statement as he listens::

Lily says:
::looks puzzled:: Chambers:: What theorize?

Martha_Harold says:
::runs into an alley where she thinks the sound came from::

Host The_Visitor says:
ACTION: The Judge and company come up on the Jones' farmland ... having gone down the path of darkening woods as the cloud cover increases. The barn is open and empty ... the horses have seemingly fled ... the house looks dark and foreboding ...

Lily says:
::turns to the judge:: Judge: What is that?

Constable_Chambers says:
Lily: To theorize is to try to figure out what happened... to make a story that might explain what you finds at the scene o' the crime...

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
Lily: What is what, child?

Lily says:
Judge: Never mind judge. He telled me. ::points to Chambers::

Jeremiah_Terry says:
::suddenly cautious:: Visitor. What are you. You are not what you  appear to be, are you?

Constable_Chambers says:
Dolan: Out with yer revolver, Dolan.      Judge: Judge, please stay with Miss Lily.

Lily says:
::stops as she sees the house again::

Host The_Visitor says:
::Smiles:: Jeremiah: Indeed, not, dear Jeremiah. You have been having dreams recently ... the answers to questions you do not yet have are in them ...

Constable_Chambers says:
:: unholsters his own weapon ::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
Chambers: Constable, my thoughts exactly.  Lily: Will you wait here with me.

Constable_Chambers says:
Lily: Miss Lily, please stay with Judge Terry. I need t' know thet yer safe while I examine the house.

Lily says:
Judge: Huh? Oh surely. I don't want to get close to those dead peoples again.

Constable_Chambers says:
:: approaches the door of the farmhouse with Dolan ::

Host The_Visitor says:
ACTION: All the Harold sisters find left of the dog is some fur mixed with blood ... there is nothing else ...

Martha_Harold says:
Elizabeth:  Oh no!  ::starts to cry::

Host The_Visitor says:
ACTION: The farmhouse front door is slightly ajar ...

Jeremiah_Terry says:
Visitor: Then what are you? If you know of the demons that plague me then you must be one yourself! As In My Dreams. I will defeat you - for all I know I'm out cold from chasing the dragon. You can't be real.

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
Lily: Tell me why you came here.

Elizabeth says:
::grabs Martha and begins to quickly back out of the alley.::

Constable_Chambers says:
:: knocks, calls loudly :: Mr. Jones? Mrs. Jones? It's Constable Chambers, from town!

Host The_Visitor says:
Jeremiah: What do you define as real?

Host The_Visitor says:
ACTION: No response at the farmhouse.

Martha_Harold says:
::continues crying as Elizabeth drags her out of the alley::

Lily says:
::yells out:: Constable: They be in the kitchen and the parlor and the back porch and........::pauses::

Elizabeth says:
::whispers:: Martha: Hush now, it'll be alright. We need to get back home right now!

Jeremiah_Terry says:
Visitor: What is real is tangible. What is fantasy is imagined

Rebecca_Taylor says:
::Hears screaming and runs out onto the street to see the disturbance::

Martha_Harold says:
::starts hiccupping as she cries::

Constable_Chambers says:
:: opens door ::  Dolan: Come on, Dolan. Watch ye don't step in any evidence...

Host The_Visitor says:
::Laughs:: Jeremiah: So I am just some random figment of your omnipotent imagination?

Constable_Chambers says:
:: enters the farmhouse, with Dolan close behind ::

Rebecca_Taylor says:
::Runs over to Martha::

Elizabeth says:
::Seeing Rebecca she drags Martha across to the doctor.::

Lily says:
:;scuffs the dirt in the road:: Judge: I comes by to see if they have any chores that need be doing.

Rebecca_Taylor says:
Elizabeth: What happened?

Martha_Harold says:
::notices Dr. Taylor::  Rebecca:  The puppy was all ripped up and Lily says all the Jones are dead!

Elizabeth says:
Rebecca: Something has eaten a dog in the alley, Rebecca. We mustn't stay around here.

Jeremiah_Terry says:
Visitor: Y-yes. I do not believe in you. I've been chasing the dragon - I will be fine. When you are gone. And seeing as you are a dream, I must ask you to leave. Now.

Host The_Visitor says:
ACTION: There was obviously a vicious struggle in the house. Tables are overturned ... books shredded ... claw marks move across the walls ... there is a blood handprint here and there ... and a trail of something dark moving into the kitchen ...

Rebecca_Taylor says:
:Feels a freaky weird feeling prickle at her back::

Martha_Harold says:
::hangs on to her big sister and sniffles::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
Lily: But you say you didn't find Daniel.  Did you go anywhere else besides the house?

Rebecca_Taylor says:
Elizabeth: Where's the puppy?

Elizabeth says:
::runs a comforting hand down Martha's back as she hugs her sister tightly::

Host The_Visitor says:
::As thunder rings out in the distance:: Jeremiah: I am no more imaginary than you are, Jeremiah. You are not as inebriated as you may believe.

Martha_Harold says:
::points at the entrance to the alley::

Elizabeth says:
::points silently to the alleyway as she begins to lead Martha towards home.::

Constable_Chambers says:
:: grimly, in a tight voice :: Dolan: Step careful, lad. We'll check the kitchen...

Jeremiah_Terry says:
::slowly backs away, grabbing a candlestick as he does:: Visitor: You Are Not Real

Lily says:
Judge: I was too scared to go anywhere else. When I sees the blood and the Jones', I got me butt outta there and ran to town. Those peoples were killed awful bad judge.

Rebecca_Taylor says:
Elizabeth: And you say the Jones’ are dead?

Host The_Visitor says:
::Shakes her head:: Jeremiah: This gets us no where, Jeremiah. Your time runs short.

Elizabeth says:
::nods grimly:: Rebecca: The constable and Judge Terry have gone out to the farm to investigate.

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
Lily: There is no need to be vulgar.  Will you be all right if I go and look in the barn to see if Daniel is there?

Jeremiah_Terry says:
::almost yelling:: Visitor: What do you want! ::trembling:

Martha_Harold says:
::realizes she dropped her lollipop while running after the dog and begins crying again::

Constable_Chambers says:
::  Chambers and Dolan move slowly into the kitchen...  ::

Lily says:
Judge: I's coming too judge. I ain't gonna be left here to get murdered too.

Rebecca_Taylor says:
::Looks around:: Elizabeth: Ok well you two go home I will go to the Jones’. Don't worry everything will be fine.

Rebecca_Taylor says:
::Looks at Martha::

Elizabeth says:
::nods at the doctor and begins to hurry Martha home.::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
Lily: Very well, but if we find Daniel and if he too has been killed, you must be prepared.

Host The_Visitor says:
ACTION: The sight in the Kitchen is a horror that cannot be described. One that will haunt the Constable's nightmares forever. He has found the Jones' ... they are everywhere.

Rebecca_Taylor says:
::Runs into her office and begins collecting more supplies to take with her::

Lily says:
::smiles:: Judge: But I's got you to protect me, right?

Constable_Chambers says:
:: choking on his own bile :: Dolan: Good God in heaven... who or what could have done this?

Constable_Chambers says:
:: Dolan isn't there.... he has bolted out the side door, and is busy losing his breakfast in Mrs. Jones' pansies...  ::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::slightly uncomfortable:: Lily: Ummm, yes.  ::he heads towards the barn.::

Rebecca_Taylor says:
::Runs back out and goes to the alley spotting the tuff of fur surrounded in blood::

Rebecca_Taylor says:
::Stops dead:: Self: Oh my god.

Lily says:
::follows along behind looking at everything as she goes::

Martha_Harold says:
Elizabeth:  What do you think happened to the puppy?  ::sniffles::

Rebecca_Taylor says:
::Begins walking towards it::

Elizabeth says:
Martha: I don't know, baby....I just don't know. Perhaps it was a wild animal...a coyote or something.

Constable_Chambers says:
:: Chambers stumbles out the front door, reeling from the horror of the scene in the house ::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::arrives at the barn and calls:: Daniel: DANIEL? Are you in here, son?

Host The_Visitor says:
Jeremiah: To make you understand ...

Martha_Harold says:
::looks frightened::  Elizabeth:  There are wild animals in town?

Constable_Chambers says:
:: calls out :: Dolan: DOLAN! Where are ye, man?

Lily says:
::stands beside the judge:: Judge: Maybe he be dead?

Elizabeth says:
Martha: Not usually, honey, but they sometimes wander in, I guess. Let's get home where its nice and warm, okay?

Rebecca_Taylor says:
::Decides to run to the Jones’. The puppy's corpse still in her mind she runs feeling tears run down her cheeks::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
Lily: I sincerely hope not.

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::enters into the barn::

Jeremiah_Terry says:
Visitor: Understand what?

Martha_Harold says:
::looks up at her sister and nods.  Has tears in her eyes::

Constable_Chambers says:
<Dolan> :: Dolan stumbles around the side of the house, wiping his mouth on his sleeve :: Chambers: I'm h...here, Chief. I'm sorry... I got sick looking at what's le.... left... of....

Lily says:
::enters the barn hanging onto the judge's coat tails::

Martha_Harold says:
Elizabeth:  Do you think wild animals got the Joneses too?

Host The_Visitor says:
ACTION: A few drops of rain are starting to fall ... the storm approaches.

Elizabeth says:
::shakes her head as she tries not to look sick:: Martha: I hope that Lily was making it up, Martha, I truly do.

Host The_Visitor says:
Jeremiah: What is coming, of course ...

Rebecca_Taylor says:
::Arrives at the Jones's house looking around for the Constable::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::trying to see into the dimly lit barn:: Daniel: Daniel? Are you in here?

Martha_Harold says:
::walks a little faster as the rain starts to fall::  Elizabeth:  When we get home let's lock the door, kay?

Jeremiah_Terry says:
Visitor. I don't understand. What is coming?

Elizabeth says:
::feeling the rain, breaks into a trot.::

Elizabeth says:
Martha: You bet! ::grabbing her little sister's hand, she runs even faster.::

Host The_Visitor says:
ACTION: It is dark in the barn, there is no response ... and something drips from the rafters ...

Martha_Harold says:
::trots along beside her sister::

Lily says:
::looks around:: Judge: Hey somebody's let the cows out!

Constable_Chambers says:
Dolan: 'S alright, Mick. I near to puked me guts out meself. Run back to town and round up Freddie and Wilmer. I wants two guards on this place rounf the clock 'til further notice.

Host The_Visitor says:
Jeremiah: Think of your dreams, dear boy ... what did you see?

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::he feels a small drip strike his hat and looks up::

Jeremiah_Terry says:
:stoic:: Visitor: I see hades itself

Constable_Chambers says:
<Dolan> :: overjoyed to be leaving the farm ::  Chambers: Right away, Chief.

Host The_Visitor says:
ACTION: The cows weren't let out as the Judge soon realized.

Constable_Chambers says:
:: calls out :: Judge Terry! Miss Lily! Where've ye gone?

Lily says:
::walks further into the barn:: Judge: Something smells bad in here.

Rebecca_Taylor says:
::Spots the Constable and runs after him.::

Host The_Visitor says:
Jeremiah: Hades has come to Arkham, dear lad.

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::he takes his handkerchief from his pocket and covers his mouth with it and begins backing out of the barn:: Lily come. This is not a fit place for us.

Elizabeth says:
::sighs in relief as they reach the relative safety of their front porch.::

Lily says:
Judge: What be the matter judge?

Martha_Harold says:
Elizabeth:  I'm scared.

Jeremiah_Terry says:
::strangely calm:: Visitor; And that would make you...the devil? For lack of better term?

Host The_Visitor says:
ACTION: The thunder is enough to make the birds go screeching ... it will hit hard soon.

Elizabeth says:
::gives her a hug:: Martha: We'll be fine, I promise. Let's get inside and make some hot cocoa.

Martha_Harold says:
::jumps at the sound of the thunder then rushes inside::

Host The_Visitor says:
::Moves into the living room and sits on the dusty and untouched chair that Jeremiah's mother always sat in and knitted:: Jeremiah: Not at all. Do I look like any devil you could imagine?

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
Lily: The animals have not been let loose from the barn.  They are still there. ::backing in to the beginning storm he turns and sees the Constable::

Elizabeth says:
::shuts the door firmly behind them and bolts it closed.::

Constable_Chambers says:
:: spots the Judge and Lily coming out of the barn ::

Martha_Harold says:
::heads to the kitchen because it's the happiest room in the house::

Rebecca_Taylor says:
Constable: What's happened? Elizabeth said that the Jones's were.... dead.

Jeremiah_Terry says:
Visitor: Then get out of that chair. I've never hit a woman before, but I swear to you....

Lily says:
::follows the judge:: Judge: I be just a lil ole uneducated gal. Whatcha mean? I didn't see no cows?

Elizabeth says:
Martha: We need to shut the storm shutters. ::begins to do so.::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::calling:: Chambers: If the sight in the house is as grim as it is in the barn, we indeed have a terrible thing that has come to Arkham.

Martha_Harold says:
::stops::  Elizabeth:  Okay.  I'll do upstairs.  ::turns toward the staircase::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
Lily: Best you do not know. You have seen enough death for one day.

Host The_Visitor says:
::Sighs:: Jeremiah: You Massachusetts men and your sentimentalities. ::Gets up out of the chair ... it does not seem as if her robes, whatever they hide, have disturbed the dust::

Martha_Harold says:
::runs up the stairs and into the first bedroom::

Elizabeth says:
::finishes the living room and knowing that Mama would have done the kitchen ones, quickly follows Martha upstairs.::

Jeremiah_Terry says:
::stern:: Visitor: And I'll thank you to take your leave of this house now

Martha_Harold says:
::pulls the shutters closed::

Martha_Harold says:
::returns to the hallway and runs into Elizabeth::

Host The_Visitor says:
::Quirks her mouth:: Jeremiah: Is that what you really want?

Elizabeth says:
::jumps slightly:: Martha: You gave me a start!

Lily says:
::shrugs her shoulders and sighs:: Judge: Sure thing judge, but tis a real interesting story don't ya think?

Constable_Chambers says:
:: runs quickly to where the Judge and Lily are standing :: Judge: It's horrible, Judge. I've never seen nothing like it. I've sent for some men to guard the place. This is beyond anything I'm competent to investigate. When we get back to town, I'm telegraphing Boston for help. They've specialists there what can turn this place upside down for clues.

Elizabeth says:
Martha: Let's get your room done now.

Jeremiah_Terry says:
::firmly:: Visitor: Yes.

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
::feels the first few drops of rain, and realizes the storm has come. He opens his umbrella::

Martha_Harold says:
::takes her sister's hand and leads her to her room::

Rebecca_Taylor says:
::listens to the Constables words::

Host The_Visitor says:
ACTION: A strong gust of wind blows open the front door to the Terry household ... the storm is coming fast ...

Elizabeth says:
::says a quick prayer that they all make it safely through the storm::

Host Judge_Edward_Terry says:
Chambers: Not just the family, Constable.  The animals as well have been slaughtered and hung from the rafters.

Lily says:
::opens her mouth and lets her tongue catch the raindrops:: All: Ahhh, good rain!

Host The_Visitor says:
::Begins to exit, her head still turned slightly to Jeremiah:: Jeremiah: I see. Well then, I take my leave ... but there will be a time when you will need me ... most definitely ... until then, dear boy, adieu. ::Exits into the storm::

Jeremiah_Terry says:
::stands in the door way watching her leave in the rain::

Host The_Visitor says:
PAUSE THE TALE