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Post by Emma “Emmz” Squalor on Jan 16, 2012 16:13:45 GMT -5
That last line causes me - as well as my fellow 667ers, I'm sure - a great deal of worry! I can only predict what sort of unfortunate events our heroes will meet with. ...still, I'm enjoying the Baudelaire-667 interactions. Me, too. It was nice to see them (you all?) return. Leaving it to your readers to form their own interpretations of each car's appearance was a smashing idea, Tiago. During a conversation with my friend a few nights ago, I mentioned how sometimes readers prefer to decide for themselves how something looks. Such makes the experience of reading that much more enjoyable, you know? I'm liking Margot so far (her name wouldn't happen to be an allusion to anyone in particular, would it? I'm always curious about that sort of thing, when it comes to people's ASoUE OCs). Given her thorough description, I expect she's destined to become a V.I.C. (very important character) very soon. This chapter has given me a bit of a craving for some butterscotch ice-cream of my own. Too bad the only flavor we have in the house is vanilla. Klaus' descriptions of the coffin car and trains are exactly as I'd expect to see them written in the canon. For some reason, he strikes me as the sort of person who'd be very fond of trains. Also, thank you for teaching me something new, as I had no idea that the first car of a train is referred to as the coffin car. Ah, little Beatrice. She's quite the eager one, isn't she? LOL. By the way, was her 'decepticon' a reference to Transformers, or just a happy coincidence? *Edit* Chapter Two is on the previous page.
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Post by Tiago James Squalor on Jan 16, 2012 16:48:17 GMT -5
Chapter Three During a long train travel, the train will make many stops, to pick up new passengers, supplies and cargo, as well as to rid itself of some passengers, supplies and cargo. It was a good more than several hundred miles to Ultima, and several stations laid ahead in the tracks, with eager passengers and the most belated last minute newcomers, the later of which very well describes my case pertaining not only this one, but many a train ride before. The Baudelaires were back at their cabin, after having said good night to the 667er’s – Emma and Sherry Ann were in the Virgo car, where single women travelling alone stayed during the voyage, while Dante and Hermes stayed in the Leo car, where single men travelling alone stayed – and it was in the spacious cabin that they resumed their previous conversation with Margot, the mysterious volunteer they had just met. ‘You mentioned a hostess, awaiting us at her house in Ultima. Who might she be?’ Klaus asked, eyeing Margot. By now she had changed, after a quick visit to ger cabin, and doned a red dress with shoes to match. ‘I’m told you’ve met a relative of hers. You’re certainly familiar with the name Montague, are you not?’ And they were. It was as it had been yesterday that the Baudelaires had taken another train to the town of Tedia, to meet a mysterious man by the name of Mortimer Montague, which had been a volunteer, but was soon killed, poisoned by a guest under his roof. The very mention of the name Montague broght back the memory of the dark, dimly-lit manor, covered in ivy, and the memory of how it burned. ‘Yes, we’ve made his acquaintance before he was killed.’ Klaus confirmed. ‘He was a valuable volunteer in his day. Cunning, prone to attacking his students at the training school to test their waryness.’ Margot said. ‘It was after his wife and son were killed in the events that followed the schism of organization that his wits began to wander, and he became isolated. I was told that he wrote once: They have erase the light of my life, so I shall live now in darkness, until the end of my days. That was on his last letter to his fellow companions in V.F.D.’ Margot sat down on Sunny’s bed. ‘With him died the male line of that family, and now only his sister remains between that family’s end. She’s old, and ill, so it’s safe to say the Montague family is on the verge of extinction.’ The very thought of a family in extinction was no stranger to the Baudelaires’ thoughts, but it was terrifying all the same. They themselves were the last Baudelaires, as they had no other relatives, maybe Elizabeth Anwhistle, who know was not known to be alive or dead. But she was not a Baudelaire. Nor was little Beatrice, who was in truth a Denouement and a Snicket. The families of V.F.D. were all dying except for the families that had taken to the other side of the schism. The Quagmires, gone, taken into the Great Unknown. Elizabeth Anwhistle herself was the last living of her family, if she was living. The Fulfillments, scattered, disappeared, kidnapped. It was a disturbing fact, but nothing could be done but to try and survive. ‘Mortimer Montague never mentioned he had a sister.’ Violet observed. ‘I don’t see why he would. You were strangers to him, and young ones and that, which made you twice as distant. Mortimer and his sister were at odds for the entirety of their lives, fighting for their parents’ favor. Mortimer and she reconciled after their parents’ passing, but she went to live with the Montagues of Ultima, the second branch of the family. She did tell me she longed for her brother to come visit her, but he never left that dark house, and his ghosts.’ Margot smiled. ‘You’ll grow fond of her. She is a kind hostess, and has been a teacher to me for years.’ ‘So, you live in Ultima?’ Sunny asked. ‘Yes. It’s a lovely town, though some might not think so in the dead of winter. It’s still beautiful though, as you’ll see.’ But now the Baudelaires wanted to hear more of their future hostess. ‘Tell us about about Ms. Montague. You did not even say her name.’ Violet said. ‘Oh, forgive me. Her name is Morrigan. Morrigan Montague. Most just call her Morgan, though. Well, those who were close enough. She’s a true lady, that one.’ ‘Morrigan. What an old-fashioned name.’ Klaus said. ‘Yes, but don’t say as much to her face, or you’ll get her in one of her moods. Lady Montague, as we call her, is frightful when provoked!’ Margot smiled. ‘I’m glad we’ve met, Baudelaires. I’m glad we’re going to Ultima. The timing could not be more apropriate. Your parents were important, valorous volunteers, Morrigan said as much. She asked for your presence at the reunion, as she had heard many things of you, although she had no means to reach you, not until you came to meet Desmond Fulfillment. He sent her a telegram telling her that he had you at his house, and planned to take you north himself.’ ‘He never mentioned it. Then again, it doesn’t surprise me. With all the havoc that was going down at Thriller Park…’ Violet said. It was the worst Halloween the Baudelaires had ever endured, and they had missed out on a Halloween as children, as they became too sick to go trick or treating. That had been awful too. ‘What happened to Desmond? Was he… trampled…to death?’ Violet had seen Desmond knocked down and trampled a couple of times by the swarming mob of parents running to save their children from Esmé’s Squalor trap, but hadn’t seen him die, or heard so. ‘Desmond suffered grievous injuries, I’m afraid, but fear not, he’s not dead.’ Margot answered. ‘Oh good. It would have been terrible for Cindry…And for Audrey too…They’re engaged.’ Klaus had taken a great liking to his father-in-law-to-be. Desmond was as eccentric as he was kind, and he deserved to be happy with his daughter and wife-to-be, before Esmé Squalor came and crushed those plans under her high heels. ‘By now you must wonder how I know so much. Well, I’ve always been aware of the 667er’s and their practices. Not many volunteers currently living know about them, which is a shame, because they can be very helpful, as you would know.’ ‘Well, they did help us.’ Violet confirmed. ‘But 667 Dark Avenue was partially destroyed in a fire, and we couldn’t stay there anymore.’ Seeing that apartment burn before would have almost been pleasant if it weren’t for the memories of Jerome Squalor and the friendship of his cousin Emma and her companions, not that fires particularly pleased the Baudelaires. The Ethereal Express was a swift train, but often they could feel the thuds and the train’s motion, and hear it’s mechanisms working, and now was one of those times. The train shook, and the chandelier in their cabin swung softly, the crystals making tingling noises, and the wood creaking beneath and around them. Outside, the world seemed to change. They were well away from the city, and could see plains and forests of a deep red, and the starry sky above. It was a beautiful night, for the beginning of such an ill-fated journey. Margot looked out the window, the hairpin on her hair catching the moonlight. ‘Soon we’ll arrive at the first station. The train will make it’s first stop, and new passengers will board it. In this particular train it is tradition for new passengers to greet old passengers in both the Capricorn and Sagittarius cars. We’ll get a fair chance of knowing any potential enemies. Stay alert, always, and report to me anything suspicious. After that, you can take your positions in your respective assigned cars, as we’ve previously discussed. My brothers and I will help you through it.’ ‘Thank you.’ The Baudelaires said, and Margot turned away from the window. ‘After you’ve done your work you can return to this cabin, but be wary of any passengers treading the corridors. You never know who you might come across. Now I must go. When the train stops I’ll come get you with my brothers and we’ll get started. Until then, enjoy your cabin.’ Margot smiled and left the Baudelaires’ cabin. After that, the Baudelaires did enjoy their cabin, or so I’ve gathered, until the Ethereal Express began to slow. The train whistle went off, loud and piercing, and they braced themselves for whatever was ahead, unsure of what to do to in this train journey upon so much depended on. When the train finally stopped, the Baudelaires’ cabin door opened, and Margot entered, with two very different looking men in tow. ‘Get ready. It’s time.’ And the woe and despair of the Baudelaire orphans aboard the Ethereal Express truly began.
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Post by Christmas Chief on Jan 16, 2012 18:15:54 GMT -5
A lot of interesting information revealed here, including the return of Montague; I wonder who else we'll encounter? In the meantime, your description of travel in the train was particularly vivid, and I enjoyed the reference to "train"ing school (whether or not it was intended). A fine Snickety chapter ending, too!
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Post by Dante on Jan 17, 2012 4:49:50 GMT -5
Indeed, this was very interesting, and rather sad, too; the decline of V.F.D. is at its most palpable during conversations like this. The last paragraph's "or so I've gathered" is a good reminder of the research methods ostensibly used in the compilation of these tales.
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Post by Emma “Emmz” Squalor on Jan 19, 2012 15:21:13 GMT -5
A very fascinating chapter indeed! I enjoyed the details pertaining to Mortimer's history, yet at the same time was saddened to learn of the family tragedy behind it. I've always been fascinated by the surprise existence of characters' family members and other connections. I'm excited to meet Morrigan, whose name I've always thought a very pretty one. (I first came across it several years ago, through my interest in the Darkstalkers video game.) It'll be interesting to see what your M. is like, and how much she resembles her brother. I'd just like to comment on what a hauntingly beautiful line this is. Is it from a canonical source, or something of your own creation? It's sweet - and rather sad, depending on how things turn out for him and Cindry - that Klaus already considers Desmond his father-in-law. What great imagery! I know it's intended to be serious, which it is, but that part about Esme's high heels adds a nice touch of comic relief.
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Post by Tiago James Squalor on Jan 20, 2012 20:27:20 GMT -5
Chapter Four When travelling by train it is always a pleasure to stop and get to know the locations as you go on, visiting touristic locale as well as tasting the local cuisine and meeting new people, perhaps picking up a souvenir or two until the train has to leave again. The Baudelaire orphans had traveled by train before, and had visited their share of locations, tasted their share of local cuisine and picking up their share of souvenirs – the sugarbowl itself was a souvenir of a much greater scale, however – and they had not once expected to do so again while the Ethereal Express made it’s way north. The train had just arrived at the station of a grim town called Leamonde, which the Baudelaires had never heard of before. They were very far from the city now, and it was the middle of the night. Having already dressed like a servant of the Sagittarius car – a green and navy blue coat with a plaid skirt in those colors, with a hat to match – Violet was waiting for Margot outside her cabin, or one of her brothers. She waited in the hallway while several passengers on their way to the Sagittarius and Capricorn cars passed her by, including other train servants, all wearing uniforms that matched the cars they worked on. It was a good while before Margot showed up, this time again donning her fur coat. ‘Sorry for the delay. I was busy making… preparations for your service in this train, as well as your brother’s.’ Margot opened the door to the Baudelaires’ cabin and entered. Klaus was finishing to dress up in his Library uniform – a teal and red coat with plaid pants in those colors and a tie to match – He rose as Margot and Violet entered. ‘M-Margot!’ Klaus uttered. ‘Is it time?’ ‘Yes. Sunny and Beatrice have been transported to the Scorpio car with my brothers. It’s about the safest place for them when not in your company.’ Margot said. The Baudelaires felt uneasy about the separation. They understood the reasons but no good could come of them separating for too long. They just hoped that it wouldn’t be too long before they were with Sunny and Beatrice again. Their uneasiness was increased, however, because not only had they separated from their younger sisters, they had entrusted them to the care of Margot’s brothers, who they had never met before. ‘These are my brothers.’ Margot had said. ‘I’m Luke.’ Luke was taller than Margot, and had darker hair. He also had long hair, and wore a bandana and a beard that made him look like a biker, but other than that he wore a tweed suit complete with suspenders and antiquated shoes. ‘This is my brother, Ben.’ Ben was shorter than both Margot and Luke and had even darker hair than the two, which was curly, in contrast to Margot and Luke’s straight locks. He had a look on his face almost as if was constantly sick with worry. ‘Pleasure to meet you.’ Ben said. ‘We’ve heard many things about you Baudelaires. We’ll talk more in Ultima, when we arrive.’ Luke added, at an attempt to ease the Baudelaire’s worryness. ‘Don’t worry, Sunny and Beatrice are safer in the Scorpio car than you think. We’ve spread word that there is an infectious patient in the car and no one will come near it. They make the doctor go around the train whenever they feel sick.’ Margot had said. ‘Not only are they safe, there is someone there with them. Someone you know. A friend, most definetely.’ Was the last thing the Baudelaires had heard from Ben and Luke as they took Sunny and Beatrice to the Scorpio car. And now the elder Baudelaires were on their way to the Sagittarius car, to learn just who were the new passengers of the Ethereal Express. ‘The passengers are boarding the train now.’ Margot said. ‘The 667er’s are already in there, along with many other passengers. It will be quite crowded, but you’ll work as a waitress, Violet, so you’ll have the chance to act as a quite effective flanneur.’ To hear that word again after so long was eerie. Not too long ago the Baudelaires had been made to work at Hotel Denouement, acting as flanneurs to try and thwart the plans of their antagonists, only to have their efforts fail miserably. ‘I’ll do my best.’ Was all Violet could bring herself to say. They crossed the starry passage and entered the Sagittarius car for the first time. It was crowded indeed. The new passengers mingled with the old passengers and the train crew while the Sagittarius car workers served as waiters and waitresses. A soft low music played, and the people spoke most in low tones and whispers, but a laughter would eventually be heard every now and then. The car décor itself was unlike anything the Baudelaires had seen. Large windows at either side of the car, outlined by bright neon lights, blue and green and red. Sight-seeing telescopes were displayed for those who wanted to sight-see, although the pleasures of social mingling left everyone too distracted to bother with them. If it was me, however, I’d be too distracted with them to bother with everyone else. There were small statues of archers at the four corners of the car, as well as an area with a round couch with bronze horse heads for arm rests. Margot immediately took Violet to the bar area, where a lively blonde woman eagerly served the customers. ‘Sookie, this is the new waitress I told you about.’ Sookie eyed Violet once and made a very surprised face. ‘You! I’d never thought for once I’d see you here!’ She almost shouted. ‘Shout louder, Sookie. I don’t think the machinist in the locomotive heard you.’ Margot snarked. ‘Oh, sorry. It’s just that… She is no stranger to me. We’ve met before, haven’t we? At In-N-Out Diner? In the hinterlands!’ Sookie said. ‘You’ve waited tables at that diner?’ Margot asked Violet. ‘Oh no. At that time, I was disguised as a biker. We were on the run, and happened to eat at the diner, and we met Sookie there.’ Violet told Margot. ‘Curious that you’d meet here, of all places.’ Margot commented. ‘Well, the world is a curious place, I find. Excuse me, for a moment, I’m going to check on Emma Squalor.’ Margot disappeared, and soon Violet found herself behind the counter, talking to Sookie while nervously glancing at the crowd, trying to find other familiar faces, every now and then. ‘Didn’t you say there was a restaurant in the city you’d find work at, or something? I do recall your saying so.’ Violet remarked. The last time they had seen Sookie she had been walking along the Rarely Ridden Road, trying to hitchhike her way to the City to find a better workplace after her firing from In-N-Out Diner. ‘Oh, yes. I work there now, but I’m on a vacation, so to speak. I thought to go on a train travel, you see, and the cheapest way to travel by train is to work on one. Strange that we should meet here, isn’t it? I myself didn’t expect it.’ Sookie said as she handed a tall woman her drink. Violet tried, but could not see the woman’s face. Bright as they were, the neon lines didn’t do much for lighting the whole room. ‘Yes, it’s strange.’ Violet agreed. ‘Anyways, take this.’ Sookie handed Violet a tray with many drinks and cocktails on it. ‘I hope you’re as good a waitress as you are a biker. Just try not drop the tray, and serve the passengers their drinks. Try to smile a lot at them too, so they might tip you. A waitress learns!’ Sookie smiled and sent Violet into the crowd. Luckily for Violet, waiting tables at the House of Red Leaves proved instrumental in her waitressing skills on the Ethereal Express. She served drinks to the passengers – stout businessmen smoking cigars and their wives, young travelers, and even the 667ers – and made her way back to refill. This time Margot was at the counter, enjoying a drink. ‘Have you perchance met anyone familiar yet?’ Margot asked. ‘Not this round. Maybe next. It’s awful dark in here, despite the neon.’ Violet then began serving again, the same stout businessmen with their cigars and their wives, the young travelers, who by now were tipsy – a word which here means ‘slightly drunk’ – and the 667er’s again. Only this time, Violet saw someone too familiar. This time, she was very different than the last. Her bangs covered the left half of her face, and the rest of her hair was pulled backwards in a tight bun on the top of her head from which several long braids hanged. She wore a black dress with an a very low neckline revealing more than it concealed. A necklace of huge red orbs – were they gems? – decorated said cleavage, while the the lower half of her dress was a storm of black lace with strange white lightining shapes dangling and tingling, complete with black lace stockings and garterbelt. It was all that Violet could do to stop for a moment to fully comtemplate the absurdity of Esmé Squalor’s new appearance. Violet realized then she had one drink left on her tray. Making her way past stout businessmen with their cigars and wives, drunk young travelers and even walking past Sherry Ann and Hermes on her way, Violet offered her last drink to Esmé, taking care so that she wouldn’t stare too much, or Esmé might recognize her. Thankfully enough Esmé was too distracted to even bother taking a second look at a mere waitress. Esmé grabbed the drink and began to sip on it with a very bored look on her face. Violet then crept behind Esmé – thankfully it was very dark at that spot as the neon lights barely could break through the crowd of people – and listened carefully. ‘Might I ask where you got that beautiful dress, Your Esmé-ness?’ A squeaky voice sounded next to Esmé. ‘The House of In, of course. Where else?’ Esmé responded, not without the traditional contempt she threw at her most clueless sycophant, Geraldine Julienne. ‘Oh, you look smashing, Esmé! You must let me take a picture of you so that all the readers of the Punctilio can see your beauty!’ ‘Listen, I am on very secret vacations. I just boarded this train, I have no interest in showing up in that paper of yours. No one is to know I was in this train, do you hear me?’ Esmé said bitterly. The bitterness passed unnoticed by Geraldine, as usual. ‘Oh, but I can always say you were somewhere else, not on this train. Surely you’d wear this beautiful dress some other time, right?’ Esmé eyed Geraldine in disgust. ‘Wear the same outfit twice? Are you mental? I’m surrounded by idiots.’ Finishing her drink in one long gulp, Esmé gave Geraldine her empty glass to hold. ‘Waitress! Waiter, or whoever. I need a drink!’ Violet was quick, and crept back in front of her nemesis with single-minded determination. ‘Yes, ma’am? May I serve you tonight?’ Violet took care to remember the steps of V.F.D. Disguises, masking her voice and speaking in a pitch higher than she normally did. ‘Yes. Bring me a very in drink, will you? This party is boring the life out of me.’ Violet zapped through the crowd to get Esmé an in drink. When she returned, there was someone else with Esmé. As she was normally seen with her brother, it took Violet a moment to recognize the pale blonde girl next to Esmé. Natalie Finch was dressed in a long silvery dress, her hair loose, with very long sleeves, making her already silvery-blonde hair even more silvery. Natalie almost never left Nathan alone for to long, so it was very unusual. ‘Here, ma’am.’ Violet said as she handed Esmé her drink, quickly disappearing through the crowd to avoid drawing Natalie’s attention and creeping back behind the trio of evil women in the dark spot. ‘Where is your brother, darling?’ Esmé asked Natalie, sipping on her drink. ‘With him again, where else?’ Natalie answered. ‘Those two are together a lot nowadays. I guess Nathan must be looking to learn the trade, and who better to teach him than him?’ Esmé added. ‘Whatever you say, Esmé.’ Natalie said. ‘I do look forward to arriving at Ultima. I hear it’s a lovely town!’ Geraldine said, in a pathetic attempt to be part of the conversation. ‘Oh, we’re not going to Ultima. Didn’t you hear?’ Natalie said. ‘Shush, darling. Let’s not speak of this to this one, alright?’ Esmé was quick to speak. ‘Ultima can wait.’ She added. ‘Oh Miss Natalie, you look so gorgeous in that dress. Is it House of In merchandise as well?’ Geraldine asked, ignoring Esmé’s rudeness, as ever. ‘No. It was stolen, like Esmé’s necklace.’ Natalie said. Geraldine ignored that and went on. ‘Your Esméness? I beg your pardon, but where are your other lovely travel companions? I can’t spot them here!’ Geraldine eyed the crowd of red faced stout businessmen smoking cigars, their wives and the young drunken travelers and the rest. Esmé ignored Geraldine and it fell to Natalie to answer her. ‘Why, in our cabin of course. Well, Carmelita and the other one is. The stupid one.’ Natalie said. ‘Oh you mean the Fulfillment girl? Is she your new traveling companion, Your Esméness?’ Geraldine asked. ‘One could say that.’ Was all that Esmé dignified herself to say. Of course, one could say many things of the way how Esmé Squalor constantly kidnapped, pursued, and psychologically tortured the unfortunate Cindry Fulfillment, but no one could say she was Esmé’s traveling companion. At least not at all willingly. ‘Your Esméness, if you are not going to Ultima, then were are you headed for your vacations? Why were you in Leamonde to begin with?’ Geraldine was beginning to upset Esmé and when Esmé was upset, she was even more unpleasant. ‘That’s entirely not any of your concern. Natalie, let’s leave this dolt here. I have no more use for her. She’s out. And so are we, out, out of this dreadful train party and back to our cabins.’ Esmé then stormed out of the Sagittarius car, followed by Natalie Finch. Geraldine merely stood there, unable to process the extent of her humiliation. Violet almost fell sorry for her, she later told Klaus, but then she remembered how it was Geraldine who acused them of a murder on her newspapers’ headlines and made their lives a grievous lot more difficult. Violet left Geraldine Julienne where she stood and headed back to the bar where Sookie served some more stout red faced businessmen who by now had loosened their neckties but still smoked their cigars and whose wives still clutched to their arms to keep them from falling. Violet was surprised to find Klaus there. ‘You’d never guess who I just met and what I’ve just learned.’ Violet told him, grabbing his hand, and the two made their way out of the Sagittarius car which was too noisy. Violet told Klaus everything she had uncovered. ‘So Cindry is on the train! That’s great, Violet! On the other hand… Esmé is aboard the train, as well as her cohorts. That’s…more troublesome, to say the least. And we haven’t the faintest idea as to which car or cabin they are in.’ Klaus said. ‘Well, we’ll think of a plan. But what do you think Esmé meant when she said they are not going to Ultima? Where else could they be going, but not there?’ Violet asked. Klaus suddenly raised his head, as he had realized something. If they’re not going to Ultima…Then it is possible that Esmé is taking Cindry to her superiors. You know, the mysterious people she mentioned so cryptically before.’ Violet saw the reasoning in that. ‘Yes. It makes sense, I think.’ Thinking of Margot, her brothers, and the eager, elderly hostess who awaited them, it would hurt to leave them all for the possibility of rescuing Cindry from her final fate, but if the Baudelaires could, they would. ‘Let’s keep our intentions under wraps for now.’ Violet told her brother. ‘If Margot were to learn that we intend to leave the Ethereal Express at some point, I don’t think she would let us. And there is the 667er’s. What would they do? They were told to bring us to Ultima…If we abandon them before that…’ Violet couldn’t finish her sentence. ‘We’ll have to cross that bridge when we come to it. I hope that they will understand.’ Klaus said. ‘We owe it to ourselves to stop Esmé. We owe it to Cindry to save her, and to her father as well. We have failed them too many times before. I’m tired of it.’ He added. The Baudelaires had started north with their intent to go on the full journey to Ultima, but now a crossroads laid ahead. At one point they would have to choose which tracks to follow. One leading into a safe haven, far from their troubles. The other, leading to uncertainty. But unbeknownst to them, a third course laid ahead. A course that they didn’t see coming. The one course that they would truly end up following. The course that would take them all to the end of their journey.
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Post by Christmas Chief on Jan 20, 2012 21:36:59 GMT -5
Conveying this chapter by paralleling the hustle and bustle of TPP was a highly effective technique. The ending, too, was potent in that it relates the Baudelaires' journey through the symbolism provided by this novel's setting. We've also come across some recurring characters, as predicted, and witnessed the arrival of Esme - whose dialogue is strikingly explicit of her personality here - and the rest of the villainous crew, alluding to some (presumably) unknown "him."
I also really like this line:
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Post by Tiago James Squalor on Jan 20, 2012 22:51:26 GMT -5
Why, thank you, Sherry Ann for the insightful comment. I'm very pleased to hear you've enjoyed this chapter. ^^
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Post by Dante on Jan 21, 2012 5:01:08 GMT -5
Yes, the TPP parallels in this chapter are quite strong, not least the fact that it features Esmé conversing with Geraldine. Esmé's behaviour is interesting here; we don't often see her utterly lose patience like that. I wonder if it's just the drink, or if perhaps there's another source of stress to her that we don't know yet - that her plans aren't going as well as she hoped, or that her superiors are putting pressure on her. The prospective diversion of the Baudelaires reminds me of how TPP was originally going to see the Baudelaires return to Olaf's house - but here, as there, it seems hard to predict just where the story is going.
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Post by Emma “Emmz” Squalor on Jan 22, 2012 16:13:26 GMT -5
I do hope you're currently writing the next chapter, Tiago - otherwise suspense may very well get the better of us, and we'll all go mad! J/K. As always, take your time. After all, we can't expect great writing to move at the same speed as a lightning bolt. ^^ Leamonde - which I began to read as "Lemonade", LOL - is a lovely name for a town, even a grim one. I enjoyed as well the flashback to the Baudelaires' encounter with Margot's brothers. Although I'm leaning more toward the idea of Ben's supposed sickness being related to constant concerns, I can't help but wonder if it might be tied to the train's movement. (I had a childhood best friend named Ben, only he wasn't someone consumed by worry. I like Luke, too - there's a character I like, in one of my other fandoms, named Luke, who has a similar description to your character's. I'm not sure why I thought it necessary to point that out, other than the fact that I find it interesting. How nice was to see the return of Sookie, and - if you don't mind my saying so - even nicer to see Natalie, just because she's one of my favorite YASoUE characters. It's quite surprising to see her without Nathan, yes. Sad, too, as she displayed her feelings very openly. Whomever this "him" is, the spell he's cast on Nathan is clearly stronger than the effects of Dr. Finch's twisted experiment. Though that isn't necessarily a good thing... Geraldine addresses Esme as "your Esme-ness"! Awww. ;D You had me going there for a moment, making me think the speaker might be Fernald, since he referred to her as that in one of the books. It's an adorable title, though, and one Geraldine would most certainly deem more than grand enough for Esme. GOD. I need to remember to quote this, the next time I'm at a party. I don't particularly enjoy them, but attend them when asked, as a way to force myself to be more sociable. Way to reference The Carnivorous Carnival, cousin! (Now that is certainly a tongue-twister, isn't it?) Aaaand it was done through Natalie dialect! Hooray! Will we be seeing Nathan soon? *hopeful eyes* Esme referring to Geraldine as a "dolt" is just fabulous. Esme so should have called her that in the canon! I, too, am a fan of the line Sherry Ann has highlighted. It actually gave me somewhat of an idea for a future scene in V.F.D. Training Days, so I jotted down a note while reading this chapter.
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Post by Tiago James Squalor on Jan 28, 2012 4:17:22 GMT -5
Chapter Five
Life on a train follows a tight schedule, between comings and goings of passengers, staff and crew, loadings and unloadings of cargo, and in the case of the Ethereal Express, the exchange of whispered secrets and conspiracies. It was not an official V.F.D. train, strictly speaking, but it was still very much used by both fire-starter and fire-fighter alike. This had been so for quite a long time, since Morrigan Montague had established herself in the northern city of Ultima, the train had been used by volunteers who knew of that place’s status and importance, and by villains, who did not know about Ultima, but who liked the train for it’s luxurious appearance and service. In that particular night, it was common knowledge that the Express would soon make another stop at the next station, and new passengers would arrive to the mix. As well as a critically important shipment of cargo, this one which, sadly, none of our volunteer heroes knew nothing about, as my urgently dispatched telegrams could not reach Leamonde’s train station in time, if they ever did. I would have given anything to warn my cousin and her companions, the Baudelaire orphans and the other volunteers of the danger ahead, but alas, I couldn’t. All I can do now is tell you the events as they happened, not as I wish that they did. Should that prospect terrify you enough, by all means, put this book away and forget all about trains and unfortunate events. If you feel corageous, do continue your reading of this woeful travel. ‘You did very well.’ Margot told Violet in the Baudelaires’ cabin. Klaus was with her, but Sunny and Beatrice were still in the Scorpio car – what they saw and who they met there will be revealed soon enough – Klaus doned the uniform of the Libra car, the train’s library. ‘I thought it wouldn’t be long until Esmé Squalor showed herself aboard this train, and I was right.’ Margot added. ‘What do we do now? Surely, we couldn’t go and try to rescue Cindry right now. It would be too rushed.’ Violet said. Her intentions and those of her brother’s were the same: to leave the Ethereal Express on it’s tracks the minute Esmé Squalor, her cohorts, and Cindry Fulfillment did the same. They had had every intention of arriving safely at Ultima, which they never did either way, but they had a mission to accomplish. ‘No, no, you must play your parts. Once the opportunity presents itself, we, older volunteers, will strike. Cindry Fulfillment will be rescued, and her kidnappers, subdued.’ Margot said with resolve. Her resolve meant nothing to the Baudelaires. Esmé was too cunning; Margot must have not even considered that Esmé would really live the train, when the Baudelaires told her. ‘Are you serious?’ She had said, skeptically. ‘We are bound to Ultima. The last last safe place. Surely, Esmé and her cohorts will want to wreak havoc there. Well, they will be walking into a trap, I can say that much.’ ‘Play our parts we will.’ Violet said, sharing a side glance with Klaus. They needed not voice their intentions to each other any longer. ‘Good. We’ll be reaching the town of Timber in no time. There the Ethereal Express makes it’s second stop on the journey north, picking up not only passengers, but cargo as well.’ Margot was fond of the train, and of telling others about it. She did play her travelling agent part well. ‘Oh, Timber is a lovely town. If only we could linger there for a while. Well, I must go now. Klaus, be ready to work at the Libra car, alright? When the train stops at Timber’s station, then we all must meet in the Capricorn car. Violet, you’re off duty for now, until the new passengers arrive. I’ll move you to the Capricorn car.’ ‘Alright.’ The Baudelaire elders agreed. After that they had a two hour’s respite from their schedules, while the Ethereal Express made it’s way north. It had gotten much colder, and the forests outside were no longer of a dark red. They had entered northern forests of evergreen – a word which here means ‘always green’ -, and the altitude had changed slightly. No longer were they travelling on plains, but climbing and descending hills, while mountains whose silvery, snowy top peaked and contrasted deeply with the night sky. The forests were drawing closer to the train’s rails now, and soon they would come closer, as they journeyed north. It was a wild world out there and it took only a look from inside the train’s warm cars to be thankful for being able to afford such voyage. It wasn’t long until Margot knocked again on the Baudelaires’ cabin’s door. ‘Klaus. It’s time. Do make way to the Libra car. The train’s passengers are often well-read, and they like to come and pick up their favorite novels for the long voyage. Help them any way you can.’ Klaus nodded, and made way to the Libra car, which was located past the Virgo car – where single women and children travelling without their parents had their cabins. ‘See you soon.’ Violet had said to her brother, as Klaus left the Cancer car. Passing through the Virgo car, Klaus noticed it’s light green and white coloring décor. Greenish marble statues of maidens decorated the hallway, with gold cherubs decorating the ceiling, one for every door beneath. One of the doors opened and Emma Squalor appeared before him. ‘Oh, Klaus. Are you headed for the Libra car, is that it?’ Emma doned a green dress which contrasted well with her pale skin and dark hair. ‘I’ll accompany you, then. I have a book I want to pick up there. I forgot my copy when I was packing. Though I’m not sure if I left it in one of the rooms that got burned at 667 Dark Avenue…’ Emma looked worried. Losing a book is always awful, but when one’s own favorite book is lost to the flames is always a most unpleasant thing to know. ‘Oh, which book is it? I should be able to find it for you.’ Klaus said, as Emma offered him her arm. Emma was a grown woman, yet not much taller than Violet, so it wasn’t all that awkward to accompany her the way a gentleman would accompany a lady, yet Klaus blushed all the same. ‘ Flowers in the Attic by V.C. Andrews. I do very much love it. I had been meaning to read it again, until the fire at 667 Dark Avenue kept me from it.’ Emma and Klaus crossed the starry passageway between train cars, and arrived at the Libra car. It is a well known fact that Klaus was a more than able reader, and like those of his persuasion, he had been to many libraries, some of the most unusual sort. He had seen a library devoid of any books save three, a library centered entirely around grammar, a library of orphan’s registers at an orphanage, as well as a library without any organization whatsoever. He had seen a library on reptiles, a burned library, a newspaper library in a junkyard, a secret library under a table, a library of files in a basement, and that was just to name a few. The library in the Libra car of the Ethereal Express won a special place, as it was unlike anything the well-read Baudelaire had seen. But before I describe the library, my dear reader, I must reveal the librarian. Klaus approached the librarian’s counter, with Emma’s arms still clutching his. Emma Squalor spoke to the librarian behind the counter before Klaus had a chance to do so. ‘Hi there. I wanted to check out Flowers in the Attic, please.’ The librarian turned around and Klaus was very surprised at who that librarian was. Surely, he couldn’t have forgotten the messy blonde hair, the round, dark specs and the handsome face. It wasn’t long ago that Klaus had met Augusten Burton, but there wasn’t a day where Klaus didn’t wonder what had happened to him, or so they’ve told me. ‘Klaus Baudelaire. We meet again.’ Augusten shook Klaus’ hand like a long lost friend – which he was – and Klaus noticed Augusten still painted his nails – this time, they were teal – and that Augusten Burton wore the same uniform as him. ‘Augusten! My, are you a sight for sore eyes.’ Klaus told the other, going back behind the counter. ‘What happened to you?’ Seeing Klaus so happy to meet a friend, Emma Squalor merely smiled and waited patiently for her book request. It was all that she could do, because the system which that library used was nothing more than confusing. Augusten smiled at Klaus, straightening his dark red specs with his finger. ‘Long story short, after you all escaped the burning Bazaar I decided to make myself useful and offered my services to other volunteers. I couldn’t take all of the salespeople with me, so a few of them have already taken this voyage. Sally, Emily, Lydia, and Vincent are already in Ultima. Morrigan Montague has always been a friend to my late grandmother, so I figured she would take my salespeople in. She did, and now I’m on my way north also.’ Augusten removed his dark specs and proceeded to clean them with a handkerchief. ‘How fares your sister?’ He asked. Klaus needed not ask which, the look on Augusten’s face said it all. Back on Burton Bazaar, Augusten had become quite taken with Violet Baudelaire, and she was not unaffected by him, as it had been plain to see. ‘She is alright. Well, mostly.’ Was all Klaus could say of his sister’s welfare. He himself wasn’t well, sick with worry about their destination and Cindry, and about his sisters. Klaus was surprised that his hair hadn’t become white from all the horror and grief he had endured in his life. ‘I meant to visit your cabin in the Cancer car earlier, but Margot said it would be best to wait a little.’ Augusten then moved his attentions to Emma, patiently waiting for the reunion to hit a break so that she could get her book. ‘Do forgive, me, Miss Squalor. Klaus is a dear friend. I’m sure you understand.’ Emma smiled. ‘Oh, of course. I would have gotten the book myself, but I don’t really know how much the book I want weighs.’ The word struck Klaus particularly. ‘I’m sorry. I think I misheard you. Weighs, you said?’ Klaus spoke. If the whole idea of a library on a train wasn’t enough, this one, which was thoroughly and luxuriously decorated in red, and teal and gold, and the books were organized not by genre, subject, or author, but by weight. A complex system of scales transported the books across the library when the librarian placed the correspondent weight quantity on the scales by the counter. If the weight should match that of a book, or any other book of the same weight, a flag would appear on the shelves. The weights were marked according to attend to all manner of weight systems. If you knew how much your book weighed, it would be fairly easy to find it, provided you had enough time to count out the books that weighed the same. It was not the most practical of organizational systems, Klaus did observe, but Augusten laughed. ‘Oh, this one library I think your sister would enjoy more than you, Klaus.’ Augusten then consulted a list of all the library’s books and their respective weights, finding Flowers in the Attic in three different places in the list. ‘Which copy do you require, Miss Squalor? Hardcover, paperback or pocket-sized? We carry all three.’ ‘The lightest one, please. I like to read while lying down, but I do abhor when a heavy book falls on my face.’ Emma said, inspiring the three volunteers to have a good laugh. Augusten put two small weights on the scales on the counter, and then a smaller one. Then, across the hall, a flag appeared in one of the shelves, marking Emma’s request. ‘I’ll pick it up for you.’ After Emma checked out the book, she left them. ‘A shame we didn’t see you earlier at the Sagittarius car. Violet would been most pleased to see you.’ Klaus said to Augusten once Emma had left. Violet had confided in Klaus her mixed feelings at Burton Bazaar; while strongly attracted to the Burton heir, her feelings for Quigley Quagmire were still stronger. The reason I know this much is because of a most playful of the Bazaar salespeople which happened to be passing by their room at the Burton’s house. As a researcher of the Baudelaire’s case, and the case that followed theirs, I often resorted to such means to uncover the events as they transpired, in my everlasting effort to finish the task that another noble volunteer couldn’t. ‘And I would have been even more pleased to see your sister, but alas, volunteers never rest. Well, almost never.’ Augusten smiled while he showed Klaus how to properly identify a book in the library by placing the metallic weights on the scales. And it was then that a most mysterious duo entered the Library, coming from the opposite end from which Klaus had entered. They looked like father and son, with raven hair, the father a good deal taller than the son, and wore matching dark suits that made them look all the more grim – a word which here means ‘obscure’ or ‘brooding’ – and similar dark glassed of a strange oblong shape. They approached the counter, with the father merely smoking on a pipe, speaking in an unintelligible series of grunts and coughs. ‘My father requires these books, please. Do make haste, please. We are very much in a hurry, please.’ The boy said with a strange foreign accent, handing Augusten a list written in the most conspicuous stationery. ‘Alright.’ Augusten took over, as he fully understood the library and Klaus was just not prepared. ‘It will only be a minute, Sir…’ ‘Sir Valis Noxas Cafone.’ The boy said. ‘That is my father’s name, please. We come from very distant land, and my father is an engineer on this train.’ Klaus eyed the two strangers with suspicion. He whispered to Augusten. ‘I don’t know about these two, but there is something odd about them. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there is.’ Augusten said nothing, reading the list of books which they had requested. ‘Well, these are unusual reads.’ Augusten said. ‘It is not your job to comment, but to hand us the books, please.’ The boy said. ‘What do you said your name was again?’ Klaus asked. ‘I never said my name. I said my father’s, please.’ ‘Well, what is your name?’ Klaus asked. The boy opened his mouth to say his name. ‘It is…’ But they never learned his name, as the father elbowed the son quite visibly and unexpectedly, eyeing Klaus eerily throug his strange glasses. ‘My name not important. Give books, please.’ The raven-haired boy uttered, rubbing his lower back in his pain. Augusten place the corresponding weights on the scales and several flags appeared across the hall on the shelves. ‘You can pick your books up at the shelves, sir.’ Augusten told the man directly. The duo of father and son then went to pick their books from the respective shelves and Klaus was left alone with Augusten. When the boy turned, Klaus saw something that made him smile faintly, as if he had made a confirmation. ‘What is it?’ Augusten asked him. ‘Nothing. It’s just that I’ve seen those two before.’ Augusten shrugged off and started to organize some books on the shelves behind them. ‘Happens a lot on a train, that. Seeing familiar ones. We’ve just met, haven’t we?’ Klaus silently agreed, and took some time to approach the window, one of two which were found at either sides of the area where the library counter was. Two large decorative sets of golden scales hung from the ceiling at either side of the windows, with lamps brightening up the place, balancing from the scales. It was there that Klaus weighed in on his impression of the mysterious duo of father-and-son foreigners, and just like the scales of justice did the scales of Klaus’ intuition lean on his unspoken suspicions that , yes, he had met those two. Many times before, no less.
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Post by Dante on Jan 28, 2012 6:17:53 GMT -5
I'm sorry not to have seen this chapter earlier, Tiago; it's quite enjoyably mysterious, with a lot of curious foreshadowing going on. Increasingly I've no idea what to expect from the conclusion of this book, the book that will follow that, and indeed any book that might follow that, too. I think I can guess the identities of these two intruders, but clearly they have very strong disguises. And I wonder what that mysterious cargo is?
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Post by Tiago James Squalor on Jan 29, 2012 6:23:54 GMT -5
Chapter Six While Klaus tended to his obligations as a librarian on the Libra car, his sister Violet had left the Baudelaire’s cabin in the Cancer car. She had found a map of the northern lands in her cabin, hidden in the closet where a volunteer had forgotten it in a previous voyage and spent a few minutes consulting it. According to Margot, the train was not far from the town of Timber now, and it would soon make it’s stop at the train station. She then discovered another map behind when she closed the map. This new map on the back of the other one was basically a plant of the Ethereal Express. It showed the thirteen cars, each marked accordingly to the thirteen zodiac signs plus an extra symbol Violet couldn’t identify. The train also had the coffin car after that, the tender, and then the locomotive. The Ethereal Express was as long as it was lavish – a word which here means ‘oppulent and excessive’ – and it didn’t surprise anyone that Esmé Squalor would be found aboard such a train. Marked under the mysterious symbol Violet couldn’t identify, Violet noticed the inscription Ultra Deluxe V.I.P. Car. ‘If she’s anywhere on this train, that’s where.’ Violet spoke, standing in the middle of the hallway unaware of the person standing right behind her. She felt a touch on her shoulder, and turned, startled. It was just Sherry Ann, the 667er, with her short brown hair, in a dark blue dress. ‘Sorry if I scared you!’ Sherry Ann said. ‘You were so distracted with that.’ ‘Yes. I found it in my cabin. It’s partially a map of the railroad to Ultima and the Ethereal Express’ plant.’ Violet folded the map. ‘Oh, um, Emma sent me. She told me you should probably head to the Scorpio car. I’ll take you there.’ Violet then followed Sherry Ann past several of the trains’ cars, crossing paths with several passengers, including a striking duo of father and son, carrying many books. When the son saw Violet, he dropped one of the books. He had so many it would be hard to crouch and grab the fallen book, so Violet duck and grabbed it for him, catching a glimpse of the title, Explosives and Other Incendiaries by Triny T. Toluen. ‘Here, you dropped this.’ Violet put the book on top of the pile the boy was carrying, finding something familiar about his pale blue eyes. The boy then nervously followed his father, both disappearing through one of the starry passageway that connected the train cars of the Ethereal Express. Later, Violet realized she should have asked what did that boy want with a book on explosives, but at the time, she thought nothing of it. Not that it mattered, as you soon will read for yourself. Violet arrived with Sherry Ann at the Scorpio car, closing the door behind them. The car was pretty much an infirmary, albeit an unusual one – there was clearly a scorpion motif to the décor, with the metallic hospital beds painted a dark deep blue with statuesque scorpions sculpted on the them, and the curtains had scorpion print on them. What exactly was that supposed to do improve the patients’ health was anyone’s guess, but it was an unsettling place at the very least. ‘On the other side is the nursery. Beatrice and Sunny are asleep, I’m afraid. They’ve been playing with one of the patients.’ Sherry Ann drew the curtains from one of the beds. There was a man laying down on the bed, covered in bandages, and a sitting woman beside him, with her hand on his, asleep. The man held a book with difficulty as his arm was broken and inside a cast, and the three of the fingers on his other hand were also broken. A bandage was rolled around his head, covering one of his greyish blue eyes, which he lifted from the pages of the book to look at Violet, and then he smiled. Desmond Fulfillment smiled when Violet approached his other side on the bed, between half-healed cuts and bruises. She said nothing, and merely hugged him as carefully as she dared not to hurt him any more. Audrey Addams awoke from her slumber, only to smile at the scene. For a few moments, Violet just lingered. Desmond was a good friend, and she had thought he was dead, but now he wasn’t. Then she withdrew from Desmond’s embrace and sat on the chair beside his bed. ‘I thought…What happened?’ She asked. ‘I got trampled pretty bad at Bright Avenue…I would be really irritated if I didn’t know I was being trampled by parents who were desperately running after their children.’ Desmond smiled. Two of his teeth were missing. Thankfully, not the front teeth. ‘Audrey here spotted me and dragged me outta there. It was madness.’ ‘That it was.’ Audrey concurred. If there was a person who was acquainted with madness, Audrey was it. Violet noticed the dark circles that plagued Audrey at Addams Asylum had returned, and a few white hairs in the midst of her auburn locks. Audrey had known her share of grief in life, that much was plain. ‘Desmond was injured so badly I feared for him. I am not a regular doctor but I cared for him as best as I could.’ Violet frowned. ‘I’m sorry it happened. I’m sorry Cindry got taken away again. But we have a chance to rescue her. She is aboard this train.’ Violet told them. Desmond’s expression remained the same. ‘Aye. Emma Squalor came and reported to me. My little girl travels north with us.’ ‘Yes. So do a lot of others. Augusten Burton is aboard this train as well.’ Desmond said. Violet blushed. The memory of Augusten Burton and the time she’d spent with him at Burton Bazaar still confused her. ‘He is? Who else, do you know?’ Violet asked. ‘No. Apparently they’re all the ones that have boarded the train at Leamonde. We should expect new arrivals soon, that I do not doubt.’ Desmond said. ‘Audrey, be a dear and remove this tome from me, it’s beginning to crush my inner organs.’ The book which Desmond had been reading was heavy indeed. Audrey almost dropped it after taking it off atop Desmond’s stomach. Violet recognized it as the Fulfillment Family’s history book, the family’s aspen-branch-on-field-of-caramel-and-lilac coat of arms emblazoned on the cover. Something about the way he was looking at the books pages told Violet he was staring at the picture of his daughter, Cindry, who, like many a Fulfillment before her, had her face painted into the book, as well as the one of the walls at the Fulfillment’s house at Thriller Park. The way only a loving father would look at a lost daughter’s portrait. It filled Violet with sadness. Desmond was so close to Cindry now, yet so far. ‘I came aboard this train against Margot’s advice, to try and rescue Cindry, but I’m still too frail to be of any use.’ Desmond said. ‘If I can save Cindry again, Violet, I want you and your siblings to come live with us in Ultima.’ That surprised Violet. ‘Morrigan Montague will welcome us all.’ While the prospect seemed pleasant, Violet knew she couldn’t rest until learning the truth, the truth which she and her brother and her sisters had searched for. When they discovered it, and only then, would the Baudelaires know rest. ‘I can’t wait.’ Violet said, politely. ‘Your sisters are asleep in the nursery over there.’ Desmond pointed a broken finger across the hall. Violet moved and went to check on Sunny and Beatrice, who were sleeping soundly like the small children that they were. Sunny woke up and smiled upon seeing Violet, proceeding to hug her elder sister. ‘I missed you.’ Violet told her sister. ‘Me too.’ Sunny said. ‘And Beatrice, too.’ Little Beatrice was still asleep, so Violet picked up Sunny and sat with her besides Beatrice’s crib, quietly. The Ethereal Express was now travelling through a dark forest, the trees having crept much closer to the railroad now. Every once in a while a stray tree branch would be torn off soundly by the speeding train while it advanced, with a loud cracking noise. It was as she watched the changing forest outside, beneath the dark starry sky that Violet fell asleep herself, with Sunny joining her. They didn’t sleep for very long, because soon Violet heard Klaus’ voice. ‘Violet. Violet. Wake up.’ Klaus had laid his hand on Violet’s shoulder, shaking her lightly. Opening her eyes, Violet saw her brother, and next to him, Augusten Burton. ‘A-Augusten!’ Violet uttered, surprised, waking up Sunny in the process. Sunny leaped off Violet’s lap onto the floor and walked over to her bed to put on her shoes. Violet rose from her chair quickly and greeted Augusten with a hug, trying not to let her face betray her again. ‘I’m glad to see you again, Violet.’ He took Violet’s hand and planted a gentleman’s soft kiss on it. Violet blushed again. Before she could think of anything else to say to Augusten, the Ethereal Express’ whistle was heard. The train was arriving at the Timber train station. ‘We’ve arrived at Timber, apparently.’ Klaus observed, as he looked out the window. They could see the distant houses of Timber, smoke rising from distant chimneys of greenish gray stone. ‘Did you talk to Desmond?’ Violet asked Klaus. ‘Yes. He’s suffered grievous wounds, but he’ll be back on his feet soon.’ ‘So, Timber, eh?’ Violet looked out the window. ‘Yes. It’s quite not entirely unlike Paltryville, but this forest is definetely not Finite.’ Augusten said. ‘You’ve been to Paltryville?’ Violet asked. She could not imagine a single reason to ever go to that nowhere of a town, even if she had returned there once. Well, no one that ever sets foot in Paltryville ever feels like coming back. ‘I traveled a lot because of the Bazaar. I would take one of the salespeople and we’d go and find exciting things to sell there. I’ve been to so many places it’s hard to keep track, but I there is one I cherish the most.’ Augusten then turned to Violet. ‘You’ll love Ultima, Violet.’ Augusten said to her. ‘It’s got buildings of white stone, boggly trees that look specially beautiful in winter, and there’s the deep dark sea. It gets cold up there, of course, but it’s worth it. During summer, you can even go for a swim.’ Klaus smiled at the mention of boggly trees. ‘Boggly trees…I wonder if I’ll ever see the Boggly Garden at Thriller Park again.’ Violet comforted him. ‘You will.’ ‘My grandmother loved boggly trees as well. She tried to plant one at the Bazaar, but it wouldn’t take root.’ Augusten said with noticeable sadness in his voice. ‘The Bazaar…’ Violet had been enchanted by the Bazaar. A bustling, vibrant market sprawling a series of alleyways that was full of exciting things and fascinating people. And it was gone. It was one of the nicest places the Baudelaires had recently been to, not counting the subsequent betrayal from half of the salespeople there and the fire they started. ‘I’m sorry for what happened at the Bazaar, Augusten. Sorry we could do nothing to save your grandmother.’ Violet told him. ‘That’s alright Violet. It wasn’t your fault.’ It was then that Violet saw him. He was laying on one of the other beds, behind curtains. They were half pulled and concealed him from the view of anyone coming from the opposite end of the hall. The window curtains were closed and the lamp on the desk beside his table, turned off. He was covered in a white cloth that concealed the top half of his face, like a shroud, or a hood. Covers pulled up to his midriff, the rest covered in bandages. The man was sound asleep, but Violet noticed his hand; scars that could only have been produced by fire covered it, giving his hand a cringe-worthy appearance. The woulds were not recent, as the bandages were clean, yet the image of that man struck Violet in a way that she couldn’t quite forget. Violet took Augusten and Klaus next to Desmond and Audrey, across the infirmary, so not to awaken the man, who seemed so badly injured. ‘Who is that?’ She asked Audrey. ‘Oh, I don’t know. A burn patient, who boarded the train back in Leamonde. He only comes here to rest and have his bandages changed.’ Audrey told her. ‘The poor man. He says nothing and never complains, but he must suffer so. Why do you ask?’ ‘It’s nothing. It’s just that…I feel bad for him.’ Violet said, and then Margot entered the infirmary, coming in from the Libra car. ‘Oh, Desmond. You’re awake.’ Margot said. ‘I am. Thank you, Margot, for allowing me to receive visitors.’ Margot smiled. ‘It was time you were reunited. Soon, we’ll have your daughter back, Desmond, wait and see.’ Margot turned to Violet, Klaus and Augusten. ‘We’ve arrived at the Timber Train Station. New passengers are boarding the train. When we leave, everyone will meet in the Capricorn car, that’s the car past the Sagittarius car. I’ve left uniforms in your cabins. Augusten, may I have a private word?’ ‘Sure, Margot.’ Augusten went with Margot into the starry passageway between the Libra and Scorpio cars. Klaus took advantage of the moment’s respite and whispered to his sister. ‘We should go and check to see if Esmé didn’t leave the train.’ Violet nodded in agreement, and Margot and Augusten reentered the infirmary. ‘How long will it be before we leave the station?’ Violet asked Margot. ‘Should be at least half an hour.’ ‘Would It be alright if we took a stroll around the station? We do would like to breath some fresh air for a change.’ Klaus asked politely. ‘Well, I supposed that is alright. But take Augusten here with you. And be back in twenty minutes, tops. I don’t want you missing the departure and widing up stranded in this town, alright?’ Margot then sat next to Sherry Ann while Audrey wiped the sweat off Desmond's forehead. ‘Twenty minutes. More than we need.’ Violet said to Klaus, and the two siblings walked out of the infirmary with Augusten following close behind.
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Post by Dante on Jan 29, 2012 6:31:47 GMT -5
You're just catching everyone on the hop at the moment, Tiago! And there's still plenty to speculate about, even halfway through the penultimate book. I guess that's as it should be. I'm in a bit of a hurry, so I can't offer a developed comment, but this was a pleasure to read.
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Post by Emma “Emmz” Squalor on Jan 30, 2012 11:36:58 GMT -5
I'll be leaving soon to grab some lunch, but will return later to catch up with the two most recent chapters, even though it might take me a few days. I just didn't want you to think I'd missed the train, Tiago. ^^ *Edit* I've only just read Chapter Five, but thought I'd comment now, rather than later, lest I forget everything I want to say. While it's hardly surprising, it's still troubling to know that the Ethereal Express shall never arrive in Ultima - not safely, at least. Speaking of safe, is it safe to assume that Esme and her band of villainous followers have something to do with this? And of course I very much enjoyed that little scene between Klaus and Emma. ^^ I loved the description of her green dress, and the mention of Flowers in the Attic came as a wonderful surprise that made me smile. Violet must be quite short, then, since I'm only 5'1". LOL! How wonderful to see the return of Augusten Burton! Both you and Morrigan thought right to employ him as the train's librarian, considering that his inspiration is an author. The idea of organizing books by weight is so inventive, and a terrific parallel to the Dewey Decimal System in TPP. I wish my brain was as powerful a magnet for ideas as yours is, Tiago. ^^ I have no idea who the raven-haired father and son duo are, but that's okay, since the unveiling of the truth is sure to be exciting. I like how you've given them the same accents once used by Olaf and Lulu/Olivia - though I do wonder if the accents of the mysterious father and son might be real. Anyway, looking forward to Chapter Six!
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