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tampered2006-05-24 09:07 pm
dertodesbutler.livejournal.com) wrote in tampered2006-05-24 09:07 pm
Log: Essentially Complete
When: Sunday morning.
Rating: PG.
Characters: Walter![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
dertodesbutler, Kyou xglowingxsoulx, V velated_v.
Summary: The promised cathedral excursion, completed (or near completed). Sorry if you aren’t supposed to repost these, but we finished Walter and V’s bit on AOL and weren't sure how to post it, so also apologies to Kyou-mun, and if you wanted to add stuff, do PM me (LouisesiuoL on AOL, or any other medium of your choice on request) and I can edit it into this one. We’re not quite sure how this works. I also did a bit of editing to make transitions between posts flow more smoothly, again, sorry if that's not normal.
Log:
Walter sat on the weathered cathedral steps and looked at his watch, then dusted glass off his new sunday waistcoat (peacock, with bottle green trim - quite a find). Still not entirely trusting the doors after yesterday's fiasco, despite the fact that they seemed to be back to normal, he had exited the flat via the window, and abseiled down the side of the building to the ground. It was a shame about the window, he had taped it up, but he doubted there was a decent glazier anywhere in the city. He'd have to take a whole window from somewhere else in the building, and that would take at least a crowbar. After leaving the apartment, carefully hooded and with longer gloves on against the sunlight, he had shimmed up a lamp-post to get his bearings on the cathedral and headed off in what he hoped was the right direction. Eventually, it was, and the door of the North Transept appeared before him. The door's arch was curiously circular in shape, indicating a pre-12th century design as a base for the cathedral, but with obviously medieval additions, such as a large lady chapel on the east wing. The structure was rather similar to an expanded Chester cathedral, with elements of Chartres and Notre Dame, and possibly even a disturbing hint of Sagrada Familia.
He looked at his watch again, and then at the cathedral grounds. The gravestone of "Derek Arthur Spoonbottom, husband, father and faithful dog, sorely missed" stared back at him, briefly making him contemplate the importance of putting the comma in the right place.
Now he was alone again, the ticking of the omnipresent metronome was a gradually crescending presence. Without noticing it, he had got into the habit of humming something using it as a timekeeper. Today, out of cheerful optimism, it was "O God, Our Help in Ages Past". The wind among the waxy-red berried yew trees moaned gently, neither mournful, nor joyful, like an invalid who sees welcome death awaiting him.
Then, simultaneously with another tick of the metronome, the minute hand hit 7.50, and someone else arrived. Considering the temperature yesterday, V had considered forgoing this venture to the cathedral for the mask, wig and gloves were not conducive to warmer weather. Mercifully, whatever had caused the abominable heat and ever-changing doors had passed, and V was quite relieved to be able to find his bedroom in it's proper place upon waking. He was equally pleased to discover nothing missing from the old wardrobe he had 'reclaimed', and had set out on this excursion dressed in a freshly made poet's shirt, and crimson waistcoat embroidered with a black rose pattern (the material having been only discovered a short time ago within the wandering shop he had discovered the day Evey had arrived).
He felt another brief pang of doubt as to whether he should have left Evey in the underground home they shared, but they had both been awake into the wee hours of the morning (until discovering their wayward rooms had returned home), hence she was still a-bed at this hour, and he hadn't the heart to wake her.
Instead he left a brief note near the covered plate of toast and jam he had set aside for her breakfast, telling her where he had gone, and advising if she wished to join them later to simply concentrate on seeing him rather than any particular location as that method seemed to be the best in navigating 'mad city'.
He consulted his pocketwatch once more, then as he was trying to decide which direction was best considered "north", he spotted a man sitting upon the steps as though he were waiting for someone.
"Your pardon, sir, but would you possibly be Walter?"
Hearing his name, Walter looked up from his reverie, and saw the masked man. He smiled in greeting and unfolded upright, walking over to him across the paving, extending his hand to shake.
"I certainly am. Mister V, I presume? Splendid to finally meet you."
V took the proffered very hand briefly. "No need to stand on ceremony. Simply "V" will suffice"
"V it is then." Walter agreed.
V took a step back after giving his own version of a smile ( the mask tilted slightly in a nod), and looked about the area. " I am given to understand that we shall be joined by others as well today, yes? "
Walter nodded and looked at his watch again, purely out of habit. "We're just expecting young Mister Kyou now. I believe he wants to have a look around to see whether the atmosphere is conducive to literary efforts. Shouldn't be long, unless he's got lost."… He looked down the road, and there, sure enough, Kyou was approaching
Lingering traces of the blood of an ice-demon combined with the alcohol from the night before continued to linger within Kyou's system. He wondered idly if it'd been the heat that made him forget, somewhat, about today's meeting, though he wasn't too worried about anything happening. Anyways, for the most part, the effects of what had been one of the more pleasing concoctions (of what Kyou sampled in the city thus far), would more than likely vanish by the time he reached the cathedral.
A pair of ear-buds fit snug into Kyou's pierced ears, filling his head with a twisted, heavy bass, sprinkled with a synthesizer melody and light female vocals. While he could still hear the relentless ticking, the music came as a comfort, drowning out a decent portion of the metronome. Kyou glanced to the digital numbers on the mp3 player before breaking out int a brisk jog. He hadn't realized the time, and didn't want to look like an idiot in front of the others he agreed to meet with. Thankfully, the weather was indeed back to normal. Kyou found that he much preferred his usual outfit over wearing his pajamas out in public.
Two men soon came into Kyou's view, and he slowed down upon coming to face them. After removing the ear-buds, the cord remained around the young man's neck. He reached into one of his jean pockets to turn off and lock the player before smoothing down the double layered shirts, and looked to the two in front of him.
"Sorry if I'm late," he apologized casually. "Were you two waiting long?"
"Ah, here he is, I assume." Walter looked at his watch again and pushed his hood back a little. "No, we haven't been waiting long at all. You're quite punctual." He extended his gloved hand to Kyou to shake as he had to V. "Good to finally meet you. And let me assure you, should you find anything untoward about my behaviour today, feel free to report it to Mister Valentine." He smiled, wryly.
Kyou nodded and shook Walter's hand, before then returning it to his pocket.
"I'm not expecting anything to happen," he bluntly stated. A pair of green eyes wandered towards the front of the cathedral. Although they yet to see the interior, Kyou sensed that this may be just the place he'd been looking for.
A faint smirk crossed Kyou's lips, and he turned his gaze back to the other man. "I wouldn't bother telling him either way, anyways." Not that Kyou intended to cause any trouble, but that was besides the point. There was no sort of reason to stir things up, so why bother in the first place?
He cast a glance in the direction of where the masked man stood, and offered a nod of acknowledgement.
V, likewise, offered the mask's tilted smile, while tipping his hat at Kyou in greeting, then gestured for the young man to precede him.
"Oh, yes, sorry, how rude of me." Walter said. "V, Kyou. Kyou, V."
He looked up at the huge iron-studded oak door to the cathedral, and then back at them. "Shall we enter?" The door opened soon after.
Followed shortly behind by the other two, he stepped through the door, into the gloom of the cathedral. There was an immediate temperature drop, and a sense of religious awe inside. The black and grey marble columns extended up into the rafters like great stone trees, topped with corinthian curlicues like leaves. Ikons were everywhere. Chandeliers glittered. Gold glinted on every magnificently painted image of the Virgin and Child. As he had expected, he had not the slightest trouble looking at them.
Walter frowned.
"Good gracious." He said. "All this decoration. This is Orthodox. I am surprised."
V, removed his hat out polite regard for Walter's beliefs. It was considered the proper thing to do within a church, and V did not wish to offend.
The octagonal tiles were well scrubbed and the rood screen with its great star at the other end of the aisle had clearly been polished recently, along with the setting of what looked like the main ikon. Someone had been taking good care of this cathedral. Truthfully V was rather surprised to see imagery of the madonna and child here. The oddness lay in it's normalcy amongst a setting built on the bizarre. But, then again, he hadn't been quite sure what to expect in the way of iconography in 'Mad City'. In all other ways the cathedral was stunning in it's opulence. V had always felt, though, most of the rich appearance of Cathedrals to be rather contradictory to much of Catholisism's message of divinity in humility. He was just noting that everything had the distinct look of being recently scrubbed and polished when Walter called out, respectfully;
"Excuse me? Is there anyone around?"
After waiting a short while for an answer to his echoing enquiry, Walter heard no answer, and shrugged.
"There appears to be no-one around." He turned to the other two, stating the spectacularly obvious. "I suppose they must be out."
Turning back, he wandered down the centre of the cathedral, treading carefully on the marble slabs and went up to the altar to admire the rood screen, then craned his head back to admire the cupola far above him. For a moment, he thought he saw a flash of wings, and wondered if there were birds roosting up there. His eye followed the columns down behind the altar and to the organ loft behind the rood, and the splendid gold-painted icon-covered byzantine structure it held. There had to be at least twenty ranks of pipes up there, probably mostly flue by the looks of it.
He cracked his knuckles and followed the stairs with his eyes to the small open door that led up to the instrument. It had been some time since the Christmas service and he could do with some practise. He sincerely hoped the current church maintainers wouldn't mind if he had a little rehearsal.
"Excellent." He said, and smiled a little.
Walter smiled and headed for the little wooden door below the organ loft. "I'm just going to have a look up here." He said. He tried the handle. Unlocked! Pushing the handle down, he swung the door open, and stepped back, accidentally stepping into a shaft of light. Some fell onto his face, making him draw his breath in rapidly, almost a hiss, in pain and move away. Shaking his head to clear it, he stepped inside the door and started to mount the spiral stone stairs, disappearing into the shadows..
V followed Walter at an even pace, taking in the iconography they passed. Cathedrals truly were beautiful works of art when one could divorce them for the hypocrisy religion often instilled in them. He noted the door Walter opened, and rushed forward when Walter stumbled back seemingly in pain, but before he could offer assistance or even ask what was wrong, the other man had disappeared up the stairwell.
"I do hope we *are* alone here today," he muttered under his breath, and closed the door behind them before ascending toward the Organ Loft.
Walter emerged out onto the balcony, (briefly amazed by how quickly he'd been able to climb the stairs, and glanced down at Kyou, standing below, before sliding onto the bench and turning his attention to the console. The stops were all labelled in Cyrillic. Blast. He pulled out a few, and gave the keys (what beautiful ivory!) a few presses. Nothing happened. Of course, no wind, the bellows... He clambered down below the loft, and found the windchest. Vampiric strength meant it didn't take long to get it up to pressure. The box was a great deal larger than the one at the Hellsing Manor, and he could see several more ranks of pipes, a few were even brass, which would have a wonderful tone. Once the bellows would no longer allow any air into the reservoir, he vaulted back up into the loft.
V entered the balcony not long after Walter had, choosing instead a more leisurely pace.....Just in time to see Walter scurry down to the windchest.
Surely he wasn't thinking-
....Oh dear.
"Walter, do you actually mean to play?" He asked in amazement. After all quietly wandering the cathedral was one thing, but it was quite another to hijack the organ....
Walter grinned at V, a look of devilish delight on his face. "Oh, absolutely." He sat down at the console again. "I have been living in a silent city all too long. If any of the inhabitants of this place had a problem with our intrusion, they ought to have made themselves known." He flexed his fingers, pulled out twenty random stops from Вокс Деи to Вокс Диаболика and flicked several dozen more switches, "Besides, music is a gift." He said.
V laughed at Walter's statement. " Indeed...Without music, life would be a mistake" he quoted, while Fawkes' smile hinted at his own. Without further comment, V set his hat aside , then unclasped and neatly folded his cloak next to it. He pulled his own gloves more snugly onto his fingers, and took up a seat in front of the great amalgam of pipes and keys.
"Let us make them forget the ticking....shall we?" He asked with enough sly demeanor to make a fox jealous.
Walter grinned, gleefully, at his partner in musical crime. "Toccata?"
V nodded "And Fugue."
And thus, the cathedral, and several streets surrounding it echoed with the strains of Bach's masterpiece of technical virtuosity in D Minor. For a good ten minutes or so...
Rating: PG.
Characters: Walter
dertodesbutler, Kyou xglowingxsoulx, V velated_v. Summary: The promised cathedral excursion, completed (or near completed). Sorry if you aren’t supposed to repost these, but we finished Walter and V’s bit on AOL and weren't sure how to post it, so also apologies to Kyou-mun, and if you wanted to add stuff, do PM me (LouisesiuoL on AOL, or any other medium of your choice on request) and I can edit it into this one. We’re not quite sure how this works. I also did a bit of editing to make transitions between posts flow more smoothly, again, sorry if that's not normal.
Log:
Walter sat on the weathered cathedral steps and looked at his watch, then dusted glass off his new sunday waistcoat (peacock, with bottle green trim - quite a find). Still not entirely trusting the doors after yesterday's fiasco, despite the fact that they seemed to be back to normal, he had exited the flat via the window, and abseiled down the side of the building to the ground. It was a shame about the window, he had taped it up, but he doubted there was a decent glazier anywhere in the city. He'd have to take a whole window from somewhere else in the building, and that would take at least a crowbar. After leaving the apartment, carefully hooded and with longer gloves on against the sunlight, he had shimmed up a lamp-post to get his bearings on the cathedral and headed off in what he hoped was the right direction. Eventually, it was, and the door of the North Transept appeared before him. The door's arch was curiously circular in shape, indicating a pre-12th century design as a base for the cathedral, but with obviously medieval additions, such as a large lady chapel on the east wing. The structure was rather similar to an expanded Chester cathedral, with elements of Chartres and Notre Dame, and possibly even a disturbing hint of Sagrada Familia.
He looked at his watch again, and then at the cathedral grounds. The gravestone of "Derek Arthur Spoonbottom, husband, father and faithful dog, sorely missed" stared back at him, briefly making him contemplate the importance of putting the comma in the right place.
Now he was alone again, the ticking of the omnipresent metronome was a gradually crescending presence. Without noticing it, he had got into the habit of humming something using it as a timekeeper. Today, out of cheerful optimism, it was "O God, Our Help in Ages Past". The wind among the waxy-red berried yew trees moaned gently, neither mournful, nor joyful, like an invalid who sees welcome death awaiting him.
Then, simultaneously with another tick of the metronome, the minute hand hit 7.50, and someone else arrived. Considering the temperature yesterday, V had considered forgoing this venture to the cathedral for the mask, wig and gloves were not conducive to warmer weather. Mercifully, whatever had caused the abominable heat and ever-changing doors had passed, and V was quite relieved to be able to find his bedroom in it's proper place upon waking. He was equally pleased to discover nothing missing from the old wardrobe he had 'reclaimed', and had set out on this excursion dressed in a freshly made poet's shirt, and crimson waistcoat embroidered with a black rose pattern (the material having been only discovered a short time ago within the wandering shop he had discovered the day Evey had arrived).
He felt another brief pang of doubt as to whether he should have left Evey in the underground home they shared, but they had both been awake into the wee hours of the morning (until discovering their wayward rooms had returned home), hence she was still a-bed at this hour, and he hadn't the heart to wake her.
Instead he left a brief note near the covered plate of toast and jam he had set aside for her breakfast, telling her where he had gone, and advising if she wished to join them later to simply concentrate on seeing him rather than any particular location as that method seemed to be the best in navigating 'mad city'.
He consulted his pocketwatch once more, then as he was trying to decide which direction was best considered "north", he spotted a man sitting upon the steps as though he were waiting for someone.
"Your pardon, sir, but would you possibly be Walter?"
Hearing his name, Walter looked up from his reverie, and saw the masked man. He smiled in greeting and unfolded upright, walking over to him across the paving, extending his hand to shake.
"I certainly am. Mister V, I presume? Splendid to finally meet you."
V took the proffered very hand briefly. "No need to stand on ceremony. Simply "V" will suffice"
"V it is then." Walter agreed.
V took a step back after giving his own version of a smile ( the mask tilted slightly in a nod), and looked about the area. " I am given to understand that we shall be joined by others as well today, yes? "
Walter nodded and looked at his watch again, purely out of habit. "We're just expecting young Mister Kyou now. I believe he wants to have a look around to see whether the atmosphere is conducive to literary efforts. Shouldn't be long, unless he's got lost."… He looked down the road, and there, sure enough, Kyou was approaching
Lingering traces of the blood of an ice-demon combined with the alcohol from the night before continued to linger within Kyou's system. He wondered idly if it'd been the heat that made him forget, somewhat, about today's meeting, though he wasn't too worried about anything happening. Anyways, for the most part, the effects of what had been one of the more pleasing concoctions (of what Kyou sampled in the city thus far), would more than likely vanish by the time he reached the cathedral.
A pair of ear-buds fit snug into Kyou's pierced ears, filling his head with a twisted, heavy bass, sprinkled with a synthesizer melody and light female vocals. While he could still hear the relentless ticking, the music came as a comfort, drowning out a decent portion of the metronome. Kyou glanced to the digital numbers on the mp3 player before breaking out int a brisk jog. He hadn't realized the time, and didn't want to look like an idiot in front of the others he agreed to meet with. Thankfully, the weather was indeed back to normal. Kyou found that he much preferred his usual outfit over wearing his pajamas out in public.
Two men soon came into Kyou's view, and he slowed down upon coming to face them. After removing the ear-buds, the cord remained around the young man's neck. He reached into one of his jean pockets to turn off and lock the player before smoothing down the double layered shirts, and looked to the two in front of him.
"Sorry if I'm late," he apologized casually. "Were you two waiting long?"
"Ah, here he is, I assume." Walter looked at his watch again and pushed his hood back a little. "No, we haven't been waiting long at all. You're quite punctual." He extended his gloved hand to Kyou to shake as he had to V. "Good to finally meet you. And let me assure you, should you find anything untoward about my behaviour today, feel free to report it to Mister Valentine." He smiled, wryly.
Kyou nodded and shook Walter's hand, before then returning it to his pocket.
"I'm not expecting anything to happen," he bluntly stated. A pair of green eyes wandered towards the front of the cathedral. Although they yet to see the interior, Kyou sensed that this may be just the place he'd been looking for.
A faint smirk crossed Kyou's lips, and he turned his gaze back to the other man. "I wouldn't bother telling him either way, anyways." Not that Kyou intended to cause any trouble, but that was besides the point. There was no sort of reason to stir things up, so why bother in the first place?
He cast a glance in the direction of where the masked man stood, and offered a nod of acknowledgement.
V, likewise, offered the mask's tilted smile, while tipping his hat at Kyou in greeting, then gestured for the young man to precede him.
"Oh, yes, sorry, how rude of me." Walter said. "V, Kyou. Kyou, V."
He looked up at the huge iron-studded oak door to the cathedral, and then back at them. "Shall we enter?" The door opened soon after.
Followed shortly behind by the other two, he stepped through the door, into the gloom of the cathedral. There was an immediate temperature drop, and a sense of religious awe inside. The black and grey marble columns extended up into the rafters like great stone trees, topped with corinthian curlicues like leaves. Ikons were everywhere. Chandeliers glittered. Gold glinted on every magnificently painted image of the Virgin and Child. As he had expected, he had not the slightest trouble looking at them.
Walter frowned.
"Good gracious." He said. "All this decoration. This is Orthodox. I am surprised."
V, removed his hat out polite regard for Walter's beliefs. It was considered the proper thing to do within a church, and V did not wish to offend.
The octagonal tiles were well scrubbed and the rood screen with its great star at the other end of the aisle had clearly been polished recently, along with the setting of what looked like the main ikon. Someone had been taking good care of this cathedral. Truthfully V was rather surprised to see imagery of the madonna and child here. The oddness lay in it's normalcy amongst a setting built on the bizarre. But, then again, he hadn't been quite sure what to expect in the way of iconography in 'Mad City'. In all other ways the cathedral was stunning in it's opulence. V had always felt, though, most of the rich appearance of Cathedrals to be rather contradictory to much of Catholisism's message of divinity in humility. He was just noting that everything had the distinct look of being recently scrubbed and polished when Walter called out, respectfully;
"Excuse me? Is there anyone around?"
After waiting a short while for an answer to his echoing enquiry, Walter heard no answer, and shrugged.
"There appears to be no-one around." He turned to the other two, stating the spectacularly obvious. "I suppose they must be out."
Turning back, he wandered down the centre of the cathedral, treading carefully on the marble slabs and went up to the altar to admire the rood screen, then craned his head back to admire the cupola far above him. For a moment, he thought he saw a flash of wings, and wondered if there were birds roosting up there. His eye followed the columns down behind the altar and to the organ loft behind the rood, and the splendid gold-painted icon-covered byzantine structure it held. There had to be at least twenty ranks of pipes up there, probably mostly flue by the looks of it.
He cracked his knuckles and followed the stairs with his eyes to the small open door that led up to the instrument. It had been some time since the Christmas service and he could do with some practise. He sincerely hoped the current church maintainers wouldn't mind if he had a little rehearsal.
"Excellent." He said, and smiled a little.
Walter smiled and headed for the little wooden door below the organ loft. "I'm just going to have a look up here." He said. He tried the handle. Unlocked! Pushing the handle down, he swung the door open, and stepped back, accidentally stepping into a shaft of light. Some fell onto his face, making him draw his breath in rapidly, almost a hiss, in pain and move away. Shaking his head to clear it, he stepped inside the door and started to mount the spiral stone stairs, disappearing into the shadows..
V followed Walter at an even pace, taking in the iconography they passed. Cathedrals truly were beautiful works of art when one could divorce them for the hypocrisy religion often instilled in them. He noted the door Walter opened, and rushed forward when Walter stumbled back seemingly in pain, but before he could offer assistance or even ask what was wrong, the other man had disappeared up the stairwell.
"I do hope we *are* alone here today," he muttered under his breath, and closed the door behind them before ascending toward the Organ Loft.
Walter emerged out onto the balcony, (briefly amazed by how quickly he'd been able to climb the stairs, and glanced down at Kyou, standing below, before sliding onto the bench and turning his attention to the console. The stops were all labelled in Cyrillic. Blast. He pulled out a few, and gave the keys (what beautiful ivory!) a few presses. Nothing happened. Of course, no wind, the bellows... He clambered down below the loft, and found the windchest. Vampiric strength meant it didn't take long to get it up to pressure. The box was a great deal larger than the one at the Hellsing Manor, and he could see several more ranks of pipes, a few were even brass, which would have a wonderful tone. Once the bellows would no longer allow any air into the reservoir, he vaulted back up into the loft.
V entered the balcony not long after Walter had, choosing instead a more leisurely pace.....Just in time to see Walter scurry down to the windchest.
Surely he wasn't thinking-
....Oh dear.
"Walter, do you actually mean to play?" He asked in amazement. After all quietly wandering the cathedral was one thing, but it was quite another to hijack the organ....
Walter grinned at V, a look of devilish delight on his face. "Oh, absolutely." He sat down at the console again. "I have been living in a silent city all too long. If any of the inhabitants of this place had a problem with our intrusion, they ought to have made themselves known." He flexed his fingers, pulled out twenty random stops from Вокс Деи to Вокс Диаболика and flicked several dozen more switches, "Besides, music is a gift." He said.
V laughed at Walter's statement. " Indeed...Without music, life would be a mistake" he quoted, while Fawkes' smile hinted at his own. Without further comment, V set his hat aside , then unclasped and neatly folded his cloak next to it. He pulled his own gloves more snugly onto his fingers, and took up a seat in front of the great amalgam of pipes and keys.
"Let us make them forget the ticking....shall we?" He asked with enough sly demeanor to make a fox jealous.
Walter grinned, gleefully, at his partner in musical crime. "Toccata?"
V nodded "And Fugue."
And thus, the cathedral, and several streets surrounding it echoed with the strains of Bach's masterpiece of technical virtuosity in D Minor. For a good ten minutes or so...