New Avalon

[Hammer Sister]

Rob (to Erika): "Want to talk about it?"

[CalamityJade]

The woman gave a bit of a sigh. "Can I read a person's mind? No. That would not only be invasive but probably more trouble that it's worth. I do, however, have the ability to read people's reactions...right now you're worried that I'm trouble and if you're going to have to do something terrible to keep yourself safe. I don't know what that is, but the intent you have is real...of course, that too could be fate." She seemed rather calm for someone that seemed to think the youth was planning on hurting her. "Do you believe in fate?"

[yamikuronue]

Erika gives a wry smile. "I doubt you want to hear about it. We should just enjoy ourselves while we can."

The young woman scowls. "Course not."

[CalamityJade]

The woman shook her head. "That really won't do, as I'm sure fate believes in you...and it's not one of the most kind fates, but it will see you through eventually." The music was starting to taper off, which made the woman sigh before taking some sort of charm out from somewhere in the robes. It was a crystal, long and in a hexagonal shape with what looked like gold in the center of it. "I was going to ask if I could make use of your fate for a little while. I would compensate you for it, of course."

[yamikuronue]

The youth snorts. "You fucking kidding me? You don't want my luck, lady."

[CalamityJade]

"Then you lose nothing in the exchange. And I was speaking of your Fate, not your luck. You would be surprised how often one is mistaken for the other." The band was clearing the stage as the MC came out. "Now, attention everyone! If you will all start gathering around the stage, we will be having a very special guest making an appearance. All we ask is a small bit of time while we set up for her."

[yamikuronue]

"Yeah? So what's my fate, then? You can die alone and hungry on the streets without my help," retorts the skeptical youth.

[CalamityJade]

"I can very well do that, if that WAS your fate." The youth could tell that the woman was smiling as she continued to hold out the crystal. "I'm simply asking for you to hold on to this as collateral. Hopefully I won't need it, as I'm not sure if it is Fate or Chance that will win out this evening." There was a...slight pause that added a bit of weight to the air before she continued. "As far as your fate, you will be driven into further corners, but you will find your due and more with others either fleeing towards or away from their Fates."

[yamikuronue]

The youth hesitates, looking at the crystal. This was obviously bonkers, but she could probably hock the damn thing and stay alive another couple of weeks.

"...Sure, whatever." She takes the crystal!

[CalamityJade]

The woman gave a nod. "Then I hope to meet again." And the woman starts heading...towards the stage? The MC seems to spy her and smile. "And here's are special guest now! Making her first public appearance! Mistress Mordriana!" Wait...so that woman was the one that's supposed to tell people when they're going to be Welcomed? She was in muted colored wrappings and robes, In fact, it was impossible to make out anything about her other than her height and her eyes. "Now then, what brings you here to our festivities!" The woman clears her throat before speaking. "I am here for the same reason all of the rest of you are. Because that is my Fate." The MC chuckles a little. "Well, fate and having a great time in the greatest city."

[yamikuronue]

Erika smiles, faintly. Fate.... if only she had some awesome fate. Still, if she could slip off alone to ask her about when she'd finally make it, she'd be able to give up completely and slink back home with no shame, right?

[Hammer Sister]

Rob notices Erika's a little... he's not sure exactly how to describe it, but it's clear Erika's got something on her mind.

"Am I right in thinking she's the woman who's meant to be able to read people's Fates?" he asks.

[CalamityJade]

Mordriana gave a slight nod. "As is the fate of many that have found their way to New Avalon. They find life here...and the city nurtures them. They find hope for their future, and the city will grant it to them...that does not mean, however, that you would be nurtured or find hope in your dreams." There's some grumbling in the crowd. What she's saying doesn't make any sense, after all. The only people who got all they wanted were those the city Welcomed. The MC quickly tries to get control of the situation. "Well...that's rather odd to say, given your ability. Obviously you would have to be one of the Wel-" And they were cut off by the sudden sound of..gunfire? The crowd looked around before someone cried out. Almost in unison, several people in rather ordinary garb came through the crowd, toting weapons. They rush the stage and one of them strikes Mordriana quickly with the butt of his pistol, while the other two aim similar weapons at the crowd. "Not ONE of you Golden Gooses move!"

[yamikuronue]

Erika grabs for her companion's hand, instantly looking around for someplace to hide. This... can't be good.

[Hammer Sister]

Rob takes Erika's hand, and pulls her gently down.

"Get down and stay down!" he commands with an urgent whisper.

OK, got to be careful about this... right, three assailants on the stage, ready to fire randomly into the crowd at a moment's notice.

Need to find somewhere to hide...

Rob looks around rather urgently for somewhere to sneak off and hide; there's an alleyway between two street vendors that looks promising.

"Over there," he whispers to Erika, pointing to the alleyway. "Slowly, and don't look at the stage," he adds, starting to sneak his way to the alleyway, towing Erika behind him.