10419/1939 - The Raven in Rouen

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1939 - The Raven in Rouen
Date of Scene: 13 December 2019
Location: Rouen, France - 1939
Synopsis: A Raven insinuates herself into a treasure hunt.
Cast of Characters: Indiana Jones, Amanda Deveraux




Indiana Jones has posed:
In 1940, the village of Rouen will be taken by the Nazis. In 1944, it will be liberated. But it is only 1939, and it is still in contention. And if one is careful, one can make it to the town without arousing the suspicions of Vichy France.

The car stops, the cabbie rushing to open the door. He smiles nd says, "Welcome to Rouen, Dr. Jones."
Indiana smiles, looking at the grand church, then turns to pay the driver. "Pick me up here in a couple of hours."
The driver nods, hustling back into the car, and then the cab drives off.
Jones takes a deep breath, then steps into the church.

Amanda Deveraux has posed:
Dr. Jones isn't the only one visiting the church today, apparently. Sitting in the back pew is a woman dressed in black. Long overcoat and wearing a fedora at a jaunty angle, Amanda Deveraux hasn't been in France since the Revolution.

She still doesn't like thinking about how close THAT escape was.

But her visit here isn't a coincidence, either. No, while there is a certain comfort in being on Holy Ground, Amanda is also doing research. And when researching a legend, one should always start at the beginning. Her gaze roams, looking from one stained glass panel to the other for elements of story.

Indiana Jones has posed:
The man in the tweed suit is, at first, unremarkable. The spectacles give him the air of some aging bookworm. But he does not walk like a bookworm, and the thin slash of scar on his chin is no paper cut. And, of course, the fedora he removes from his head upon entry is not some faded peaky cap or beret. American, surely. But not many Americans visit France these days. He stops at the first pew, kneels, then moves to sit in the front pew. But he does not wear the downward gaze of the penitent. He is looking at the altar, the large wooden cross...and the high walls.

There is a certain significance to this place, and his father, who had chosen academics after their adventures last year, wanted him to provide copious details of his visit here.
But right now, he is giving the cathedral a practiced eye before opening the map he had acquired, with a couple of red X's in two separate places.

Amanda Deveraux has posed:
Amanda Deveraux's reverie is interrupted by the American in the tweed suit. Not because of his appearance, and not even because he seems to be here more to study than to worship. After all, that's her purpose here as well.

She senses something... elusive. And yet strong enough to cause her hackles to rise. Her Kind is rare in the world, but they can sense each other. And when the man entered the church it triggered her senses so strongly that it couldn't have been coincidence.

She rises, heels clicking softly as she approaches the man. Just as he's pulling out the map, so it happens. When the woman speaks it's in unaccented, fluid French. <Pardon me, Monsieur. But are you a scholar?>

Indiana Jones has posed:
The man is folding up the map when the woman approaches. The click of the heels are coming closer, nd he only gets a glimpse before having to pocket the map again. He looks up from his pew. Refined French lady. He smiles, falling into the practiced role of American Tourist.
<Me?> he replied in slightly-stilted French. <Well, yes. My father studies medieval literature and he wanted me to change the church.> He paused, then smiled apologetically. "Check out the church. Sorry, my high school French is a little rusty."
Something about her. He doesn't sense immortality in other people, but she moves very competently. And competent people in wartime France give him the heebie-jeebies.

Amanda Deveraux has posed:
Amanda Deveraux smiles, and it's a warm expression. Gesturing towards him, her gloved fingers are slender and capable. <There have been many who have tried to change the church.> she replies. <The price of such attempts has always been high.> Her hand lifts towards one of the stained-glass panels, depicting St. Jean d'Arc.

<Would you mind if I joined you? I grew up not far from here, and the Legends have always fascinated me.> And whether he minds or not, the woman slides onto the pew beside him.

Indiana Jones has posed:
Much as Marcus would dispute the point, just because he is wearing Woodhue does not mean it attracts women like bees to flowers. And he is ambivalent. But he takes care not to let that show as she invites herself into the seat next to him. He opts to button up his coat, smiling wryly with that aw-shucks smile of his. "Uhm...sure." He looked at the glass panel she had indicated, then back to her. "Well, I read something about Joan of Arc. Seems like a hatchet job, really. She makes a big splash, wins a battle, and the next thing you know, the Maid of Orleans is put in front of a kangaroo court and given the business."

Amanda Deveraux has posed:
The woman switches to English almost casually to continue the conversation. "Yes, yes. We French have been known to let our passions override our intellect sometimes." she agrees. "Once the Maid had served her purpose, she was viewed as a threat to the Establishment. And such things can only end one way."

Her gaze shifts to the stained glass once more. "When she died, Jean d'Arc left many questions unanswered..." the woman offers more softly, letting her voice trail off. "But I am being rude. I am Amanda Deveraux." She offers a gloved hand, then.

Indiana Jones has posed:
The man shakes Amanda's hand. "Henry Jones." The name seems to scream 'alias.' "Like, what kinds of questions?" he asks. He's a little intrigued by her, but she's very calm, cool, and collected. More grist for the paranoia mill. And she is Attention during a time when he needs very little. The last thing he needs is a witness to what he's planning on doing...

So spin it out a little longer, and then...well, improvise. He's big on improvisation.

Amanda Deveraux has posed:
Amanda Deveraux's grip is firm and confident, her smile warm and pleasant. It should trigger all sorts of alarm bells in his head. His name only widens her smile. Then again, it's pretty doubtful that 'Deveraux' is anything more than a pseudonym either.

"Like artifacts. Relics." she replies almost casually. "Even though she was burned at the stake, the Maid was later cannonized. While they could not have saved her remains, like so many of the Saints, there were other items that would have become very precious to the Church. Her armor, banner, even her shield." The woman pauses. "And of course, her sword."

Indiana Jones has posed:
And there it is, ladies and gentlemen. we have a winner. It's the competition. "Except her sword went missing, Mademoiselle Devereaux. By the time people thought it was important. So I have one last question." He paused. "Who are you working for? Vichy, or Free France?"

Amanda Deveraux has posed:
Again with the smile, only a bit wider this time. "You are American, and yet you are so very aware of what is happening here. I applaud you for that, Mr. Jones." she replies. Voice lowering, she adds. "I have *never* supported Vichy, and certainly not their puppet-masters in Berlin. If I have missed my play and you are in their employ, then I would remind you that we are still on Holy Ground."

Whatever the hell THAT means.

Indiana Jones has posed:
Indy eyed her for a moment. "All right. Then if you're with Free France, who is their contact here in Rouen?"
It's a calculated risk. The old contact was Pierre, in the cafe on 10th. But only today, he had been told to reach out to Olivia in the high street floral shop.
He glanced to one of the glass windows, then says, "Because the man aiming at your head may be an atheist, but *he* is Free France."

Amanda Deveraux has posed:
Amanda Deveraux doesn't follow his glance, but her breath quickens and her nostrils flare. "I never *said* that I was with Free France." the woman replies, almost curtly. "But I am certainly opposed to Vichy. I worked against them in Berlin in '36, and I can provide proof of that if you wish."

When she moves it is slowly and carefully, one leg crossing over the other. "In any case, if your man shoots me there are things you will never learn about yourself. And you will not have my help in recovering your artifact." The smile returns, then. "And believe me when I say you -want- my help."

Indiana Jones has posed:
Henry suddenly smiles. "There's a lot I already know about myself. And what skills do you have that I need, Miss Devereaux?"

Amanda Deveraux has posed:
The woman considers for a moment. "Skill. Discretion. Knowledge." she replies, keeping her voice low. "Most of these things should not be discussed in church. In public. But in any case you seem like a nice man, Mr. Jones. I would not like to think we are at crossed purposes in this."

Indiana Jones has posed:
A nice man? She REALLY doesn't know that much about him, does she?
"All right...I'll throw you a bone. I did a little favor for Free France, so they're helping me look for something here. So...as long as you play straight with me, I'll return the favor."
He looks around, then gets up. "Going to check something out. Stay here or come with me, as long as you don't get in the middle of it."

Amanda Deveraux has posed:
Amanda Deveraux rises when he does, keeping close. "I'll throw one back to you, then. Remind me over dinner tonight, and I'll tell you my work in Berlin in '36 obtaining forged US currency plates." The woman adjusts her fedora, casting a casual look around the cathedral.

There's a pause, then she adds. "And no, I don't work for your American government either. Why can't a girl simply be self-employed in this world?"

Indiana Jones has posed:
Indy chuckles, then walks towards a doorway to the left of the altar, heading deeper into the rear of the cathedral.
"A lot of different factions would love to get their hands on Joan's sword. Mussolini, Hitler, Free France, Vichy France...they'd rather use it as a symbol of power, instead of treating it like the valuable piece of history it is."
He walks towards the area behind the altar, on the other side of the wall, where another image of the crucified Jesus hangs. On the opposite side is a statue of a penitent woman in rags.
"The Nazis have been through this place already. Like using bulldozers. Fits their style."

Amanda Deveraux has posed:
Amanda Deveraux follows, the pencil-skirt keeping her footsteps short and quick in the heels. "History? You are an academic, then." Of course he's dressed like one. He moves to one side of the altar and she to the other. "It would seem our interests are very similar."

Amanda looks from the image of the Crucifixion to that of the penitent woman, then back. "Talk to me, Mr. Jones. Tell me what you are following, since you are *not* driving a bulldozer."

Indiana Jones has posed:
Indy walk around the room, hmming to himself. "They buried her ashes, but no one knows for sure where. But it would have been secret supporters." He looks from the image of Jesus, then to the statue...
...and then he smiles. "Which denomination are you? Catholic, or Protestant?"

Amanda Deveraux has posed:
Amanda Deveraux tilts her head at the question, offering an almost coy smile. "I was raised Catholic." she replies simply. "And you are most certainly correct. Her supporters would have remained faithful and devoted to her cause, even before her posthumous re-trial. But tell me, why do you ask this?"

Indiana Jones has posed:
Indy stepped in front of the penitent person. "So, tell me...you're Catholic. You approach the altar, look upon the image of Christ. You do two things before you sit. One is that you kneel. What is the other?"

Amanda Deveraux has posed:
Amanda Deveraux steps around in front of the altar, then, and kneels appropriately. She makes the sign of the cross, the motion smooth and practiced. Just like she did when she first entered the church. And then she gazes up at the image of Christ. Holding that position, she looks from the image back to the American. Then back to the image, as if suspicious that she's somehow missed something.

Indiana Jones has posed:
Indy smiled, then turned to the statue. "In nomine Patris..." he said, and touched the forehead of the penitent statue.
CLICK.
"et Filii..." He touched the sternum.
CLICK. And a groan of stone from somewhere deep in the bowels of the earth.
"...et Spiritus Sanctus..." he touched the left shoulder, then the right shoulder.
CLICK. CLICK.

And then the stone floor below the crucifix descended into stair leading down.

Amanda Deveraux has posed:
Amanda's eyes brighten as he makes the sign of the cross on the statue. And as his touches start making clicking sounds she rises smoothly. "Well I'll be damned..." she mutters, adding a soft chuckle as she glances upward. Remembering where she is, perhaps. "Sorry."

The stairs descend and she reaches into her clutch purse, producing a small flashlight and clicks it on. Casting Indy a knowing look, she gestures for him to go first as she shines the light on the stairs.

Indiana Jones has posed:
Indy shrugs, then begins making his way down the stairs, his right hand on the wall to keep steady. the steps, which were concealed as floor stones, were a little steep.

The stairs opened into a large catacomb, where seven sarcophagi were laid out. Each one was different though - although each displayed a knight in armor, statues of angels were placed around the sarcophagi in different positions.
"Don't touch anything. Those who followed Joan were common people, including masons, carpenters, and engineers. And they took a dim view of any noble who might finish the smear job they started."

Amanda Deveraux has posed:
Amanda Deveraux moves carefully in those heels, shining the light around him to illuminate the stairs. "A catacomb, of course." she replies softly, looking all around. The light flashes around and over the stone sarcophagi, then the statues.

"These statues are very curious, wouldn't you say? I'm sure there is some significance to the placement, since it's different. Roman Catholics are all about ritual and rote. We should assume that nothing is accidental or a coincidence."

After a few more steps she asks. "What are we looking for? Surely you don't expect the sword to be stuck in a stone, illuminated by light from the altar..."

Indiana Jones has posed:
Indy nods. He looks at the walls, then the sarcophagi. He mays his way slowly towards one particular sarcophagus, one with only one angel with a sword watching over it. "I think this is it. Joan said only one angel spoke to her, the Archangel Michael. And this is the only one with only one angel facing it. Give me a hand?"

Amanda Deveraux has posed:
Amanda Deveraux chuckles softly, nodding as well. "Of course. The Historian certainly does his homework." The woman steps closer, setting the flashlight carefully where it will shine on the sarcophagus. She moves well enough for the overcoat and pencil skirt, gloved fingers searching around the edges of the lid. "Which way are we pushing? And before you say anything, I'm stronger than I look."

Indiana Jones has posed:
Indy moved to one end of the sarcophagus. "Here. Head to foot, push downward." He feels around until he finds the lip of the lid, then says, "Help me lift up, then push. It may be a little loud, though."

Amanda Deveraux has posed:
Amanda nods, fingers finding the lip as well. "Got it." she replies. "We'll try to move it slowly, then. Had I known I would have brought a little can of machine oil." Because one never knows when locks or hinges might need a little quieting, after all. Amanda unbuttons the coat so that she can move more easily, showing the dress to be a fairly bold cut for the 30's. And she is more than capable of lifting her share. Lift, then push.

Indiana Jones has posed:
The lid moves with the second heave, centuries of detritus falling fro the lid. There is a tremendous scraping sound as it is pushed down and then off, booming on the floor.
"Well, that'll wake the neighbors. We don't have much time."
Indy looked down, and his breath catches in his throat.
The armor looks nearly brand new. It is a set of full plate, in the style known for the common French knight. It is in excellent condition, free from the ravages of time and decay. The helmet is not ornate, but in as good condition as ever.

However...there is no sword.
Indy gently lifts up the helmet, looking it over carefully. "A piece of history..." he says almost reverently.

Amanda Deveraux has posed:
Amanda Deveraux mutters a soft curse in French as the <boom> echoes. She steps over quickly, peering right into the stone cache. Plucking the flashlight, she shines it right inside. Gloved fingers wander over the plate, not quite touching the metal. She nods slowly.

"The form and the style are correct." the woman declares, perhaps suddenly becoming an expert in French history of arms and armor. When he lifts the helmet she shines the light over it, as well as beneath.

Then something occurs to her.

"The Maid's sword was a symbol, even moreso than her banner. If you were her followers, would you leave it just lying around in a tomb, waiting to be found? Or would you, perhaps, set out her armor as some sort of decoy?"

Indiana Jones has posed:
Indy looked around. "It wouldn't just be laying around. None of her enemies were expected to get this far. It..."
He stopped, looking inside the helmet, then the left side of his mouth crinkled up in a smile. "No...it's not here. But I am pretty sure I know where it might be found."
He puts the helmet down, then takes out the map and begins to write in shorthand. "It would not be here. It was a weapon, and she would never bring a weapon into the house of God. But her followers did take inspiration from who she was, and who she was supposed to be. The Maid of Orleans." He looked up from his writings. "And that is where to go to find it. Orleans."

Amanda Deveraux has posed:
Amanda Deveraux laughs and faux-smacks her forehead with a gloved palm. "Mais bien-sur!" she replies. "Of course. She would have never allowed a weapon into a Church, and her followers would have respected that." Her head tilts and the smile becomes knowing when he mentions Orleans, then.

"So that is where we go next." Yes, she is apparently along for the ride, now. "After dinner."

Indiana Jones has posed:
Indy gives her an odd look, then looks up. "I'll send Pierre in to collect the armor. Let's go."

As they get up into the room above the catacomb, no one is around, but there is a commotion in the primary worship area of the cathedral. Indy waits for Amanda to come up before pressing the statue in reverse order, which causes the stones to move back up into place, and then the room is sealed again.
"Let's get outta here," he whispered, pointing to a side entrance.

Amanda Deveraux has posed:
Amanda Deveraux lingers a bit, shining her light once last time around the sarcophagus as he starts back towards the stairs. She's not far behind him, shutting off the light and slipping it into her purse. "Of course." she replies, taking a slow look around before edging towards the side entrance. Rather than trying to sneak, Amanda looks casual once more. Just another regular church-goer, yep-yep.

Along the way she asks off-handedly. "So you are Henry Jones -Junior-, then?"

Indiana Jones has posed:
Indy looks at her. "Want to start this casual acquaintance-ship off on the right foot? DON'T call me Junior. Now, we should probably take a train to Orleans. I still have me traveling papers, and the next train leave at..."
He looks at his wrist, then frowns. "...must have lost my watch down there..."

Amanda Deveraux has posed:
Amanda Deveraux smiles wryly, holding up the wristwatch by way of handing it to him. "Right. Don't call you Junior. You really should be more careful with your things, by the way." She slows up enough to link an arm with his own. "I would prefer if you called me Amanda, while we're on the subject of informal address. Do you prefer Henry? Hank?"

Indiana Jones has posed:
Indy plucks the watch from her hand. "I go by Indiana. My friends call me Indy." He looks at the watch with a thoughtful frown, then back to her. "...YOU can call me Indiana..."