[SHOT 1] - TEXT

[warmgun]

Thought I might have a look in on one of those ghost tours downtown this weekend if anyone would like to join. There was a bloke at the pub who said they offer group deals for five or more. Seems like a laugh.

[And he'd like to find out if there's even a modicum of truth to them. After the pixies and Ryu the dragon-boy, John's not going to entirely discount the notion the regular people here had noticed something amiss and called it ghosts.]

Comments

text;

[festivalpies]

Local legends usually make for engrossing tales. I shall come along.

text;

[warmgun]

Cheers, mate! There's one on Saturday in the evening. The Twilight Tour. Ever been on one of these?

[festivalpies]

Twilight, you say? An effective method of lending atmosphere. No, I have not.

[warmgun]

The time of the fairies. That's what my sister told me as a kid, anyway.

[And Harry is, of course, the foremost authority in England on folklore. Or she'd fancied herself as much at 7. John hadn't particularly questioned it at 5.]

Bring a good pair of boots. I think we'll be tromping around some abandoned buildings and back alleys.

[festivalpies]

Kinder tales than one might expect from a sibling at that age.

Very well. I believe that I have a suitable pair.

[warmgun]

Only if you reckon her going on to tell me the king of the fairies would steal me away in the night if I pissed her off was kind. I slept with my windows shut in the dead heat of summer for a week before mum set me straight.

[It's a little embarrassing to admit to, but it isn't as though he still believes that. Mostly.]

I don't think I asked, but do you have siblings?

[festivalpies]

Ah, now that sounds familiar. I take it that your sister is older than you?

I have an elder brother myself.

[warmgun]

Yeah. Don't imagine you'd know it to look at her, though. I don't know how women do it, mate. Make-up, I suppose.

What's your brother do, then? Harry's into marketing research.

[festivalpies]

[It must be a nickname, because surely no one would name their daughter thusly.]

Estienne is heir to our family's estate, with all entailing responsibilities.

Have you always called your sister Harry?

[warmgun]

[A brother with a feminine spelling to his name? Perhaps John's misremembering his French. It's been nearly two decades since he'd looked at a French textbook.]

Estate? Should I be calling you Lord Julien? [The ribbing's meant to be lighthearted. Bravo for him if he's going out to actually make a living.]

I've called her Harry as long as I can remember. Calling her Harriet's a good way to earn a black eye unless you're Mum, Dad, or Clara, her ex.

[crotesque]

Might as well.


[You could try to sound a little enthused, Will.]

[warmgun]

[Thanks, Will. You're a pal. John rolls his eyes as he responds to the text.]

Yeah, I prefer my victims come voluntarily. Wouldn't want to have to bang down the door looking for you. I'd rather not disturb the dog.

[crotesque]

[He's very loyal despite his surly exterior....]

I should probably get out of the house more.

[warmgun]

Probably. I can show you lot round to a proper pub after, too. I did manage to find one, you'll be happy to know. Decent beer and all.