14434/There are two sides to a coin. Second Side.

There are two sides to a coin. Second Side.
Date of Scene:	08 June 2022
Location:	A little south of Paris, anno domini 1217.
Synopsis:	Willow, Nick and Lucas go back in time unwillingly. They meet an old, very old, acquaintance.
Cast of Characters:	Lucas Farmer, Phantasm (Drago), Willow Rosenberg

---

Lucas Farmer has posed:
Once the two coins connected, the whole world around the trio - Willow, Nick and Lucas - was engulfed in light for a brief moment. As the blinding light dimmed and the swirling stopped, the three companions found themselves in a totally different place. And even maybe, a totally different time.

The new scenery is filled with light, but the normal sunlight of a warm sunny summer day. The field around them is covered with neatly drawn furrows. A wooden fence serves as an enclosure for a couple of cows and pigs. In the distance stands a large one-story stone house with a thatched roof.

There is no one around. Given the position of the sun, it's probably about lunch time. In the distance, the rhythmic sound of a church bell can be heard.

The trio found themselves in the middle of a dirt road leading to the large house in one direction, and into a nearby forest in the other direction.

Lucas, the young mutant, glances around, unable to see any other persons. While his faithful dog didn't travel with them, the young man still holds the precious - and definitely magical - coin in his hand.

"At least, it's not raining," Lucas notes, always the optimistic.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
There's the sound of a rumble in the sky.

Nick gives a deep sigh. "Do not tempt fate." He comments upon coming up for air. The pale eyes glance around to the scenery in assessment before looking around for the coins. "Do you think if we did that again with the coins we could go back?"

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
"Woah." Willow looks around. "What did you just do?" As though she didn't do it herself! Really she probably had more to do with this than anyone.

So far, it hasn't occurred that maybe they have travelled through time as well as through space. So far, at least she has figured out the space.

It's a farm. Probably an older farm - given the lack of machinery. An Amish farm? No, they had electricity. A Hutterite farm then. She shook her head with that one. "We are probably at a Hutterite farm. They detest anything from modern life. Be on your best behaviour when we go and ask for directions."

Lucas Farmer has posed:
And true indeed, the sound of thunder approaching can be heard in the distance. Shrugging, Lucas turns towards the house but doesn't walk there just yet. Yes, the coins.

"I only have my own," Lucas says, showing it in the palm of his hand. Indeed, it's the one that Puppy found near the cemetery in New York. There is no sign of the other one.

Then the young man glances at Willow, a faint smile on his face. "I'm always on my best behaviour," he comments, seriously. Huh, right. "Dunno about Amish or Hutterites, but I know farms. It's noon, people will be inside to eat."

And on that, Lucas starts in the direction of the house. At least, they should be able to learn where they are and, from there, how to return home.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick turns his head and looks at Willow. A brow raises. "What did...I do? I'm the only one who didn't touch a thing!"

Lucas's comment about only having the one coin does raise a point of concern as the musician does another check for any coins on the ground. "...Knowing our luck the other coin's probably back at the store." He starts following after Lucas to avoid the group being split up. Also the pending storm is sufficient motivation to want to head towards a building.

He offers Willow another glance, "Uh, how many of these coins are there?"

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
"What did you do? " Willow is perplexed. "I meant Lucas. He was still twirling his coin around." Up in the air, as a matter of fact. Which way was it? And where did her coin go??

Something didn't feel right about this.

"How many?" As they get closer to the farmhouse she thinks. "Well, nobody is certain. In fact, we found out that they are magical, just now." But she had her ideas. "If they are doing what I suppose they are, there are sets of two. How many sets I don't know. Why?"

Lucas Farmer has posed:
It's really an old house, Amish or other, as Willow suspected. But frankly, such a roof must be a pain. Such are Lucas' thoughts as he rounds the house to find a door to knock on.

Behind the large one-story stone house with its thatched roof, stand three other smaller buildings, made of wattle and daub, and topped with the same type of roofing. Two of these smaller houses have a door and small windows, while the third has a fence door. Animal sounds come from that one, which probably means that it is some type of stable.

There are paths between the small and large houses, piles of wood near each of them. The air is filled with the warm scent of hay, bonfire, and manure. Here and there, one can see farm tools such as wooden shovels and rakes, axes, and hacksaws. Closer to the main house is a well with a raised stone structure and a cover made of roughly cut planks.

Away in the distance are fields covered with what looks like wheat and oat crops. At the edge of the fields is a forest.

There is still not a single living soul around. Hesitating, Lucas stops to wait for his companions. Talks about magic aren't his cuppa, as he just learned that magic does indeed exist! For now, he's seeing it like an adventure, not being overly concerned.

"I sure did nothing magical with the coin," Lucas replies to Willow. "Merely had it twirling a bit." After looking around for a moment, he shakes his head. "Maybe it's some kind of museum?" the young man suggests, looking around "You know, where they do re-enactments?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"Because I have a feeling we're going to need to find at least another coin to get back to where we need to go." Nick comments, looking to the buildings as they get closer. "...Maybe we shouldn't bring up the topic of magic around these people." Nick considers. Seems like these folks might be of the strict variety. No need to push their luck. "...I think we can safely say we're lost travelers without having to lie."

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
"Maybe.." Willow was used to unusual things.

But the way Nick said /that/ a shiver ran through Willow's bones. "You're thinking.. " She doesn't finish. Even if Nick didn't mean what she think he meant, Willow certainly does. Now, at least.

They weren't at a reenactment -- they were in that time.

But how long ago were they??

Lucas Farmer has posed:
From a distance, a group of five men emerges from the forest, cheering as two of them carry a dead deer. Nothing remarkable about these peasants if not for the man leading them.

He is taller than the men behind him, at about six feet tall, and of a very sturdy shape, with quite broad shoulders. This leader wears a faded green wool vest over a grey shirt, a large leather belt keeping the vest well in place. Pieces of grey pelts cover the shoulders. Tucked to the belt are a large knife and a small axe. From the belt is a leather strap to which are hung two dead rabbits and a partridge. The dark brown tights are tucked into high black leather boots. Carried on his back are a bow and quiver.

For the locals, he's the King's hunter.

For some, he's Henri. Henri from (de) Fontainebleau.

As the group approaches, an older grey-haired woman wearing a white linen shirt and skirt exits from one of the smaller houses and, noticing the men returning from the forest, calls to them in a foreign language. "Praise be to God, you're all back!". There are indeed many ways to be killed in the woods, where wolves, boars and bears aren't to keen on being killed without a fight. As the men approach, the older woman turns to stare at the strangers she just noticed. Lucas smiles and waves at her, "Hello, ma'am!" But the woman remains silent, looking somewhat scared.

The coin seems to have an extended magic effect. As the people around them speak a foreign language - sounding like French, but with many Latin words here and there - the meaning of everything said is instantly translated. This magic works both ways, as everything they say is understood by the local people, despite the language barrier.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"Yes." Nick nods to Willow's question. "Overly conservative."

The sound of the boisterous celebration coming from the forest draws Nick's attention to the group.

At a passing glance it appears to be a hunting party but the manner of dress and the appearance of one man in particular has the musician giving a slight frown. "Yep. We're in trouble." He assesses.

Lucas's greeting causes for him to look over to the younger man and then to the woman who seems frightened. "Pardon us. We seemed to have taken a wrong turn somewhere and just realized how lost we are."

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
The language is odd. And yet she could understand it. Odd. She was reminded of a universal translator like they had on Star Trek. But would they have one?

"Pst.." Willow whispered to the boys. "I think they might be happier if one of you spoke?" She didn't know when she was, but she assumed it was way before women had their say. So far, though, they weren't getting through to them.

And was that Henri's great-great-greet(several time more) grandfather??

Lucas Farmer has posed:
Once the men arrive in the courtyard, Willow, Nick and Lucas are positively stared at in unison. For a moment, the men also remain still, all cheering gone. With a silent movement of a hand, the party is dismissed and the men scurry around, vanishing in the stable.

The old women, reassured by the presence of who seems to be their leader, takes the time to move to him. With his eyes riveted on the strangers, Henri unties the leather band from his belt and gives her the rabbits and the partridge.

"Mamie," Henri says in a low voice that, if Nick and Willow remember correctly, is exactly the same than his homonym, "Please see that we have a good meal." With a nod, she takes them and, with another odd look towards the strangers, retreats back into her little house.

Lucas, having heard Willow whispering, quickly nods back at her before turning to Henri, waiting to see what the man will answer to Nick.

Walking in their direction, Henri stops about six feet from them. And stares. Silently. Stares, like someone wondering what to do between outright killing them, or telling them to get lost.

"Strangers, you say you took the wrong turn, and are lost. Where do you hail from?" Maybe surprisingly, the voice doesn't carry any anger or threat, but only pure curiosity.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"It's a bit aways." Nick replies, "So I should not be surprised we lost our way. Have you ever been to Dublin?"

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
That was odd. The last time she saw Henri, he was this close >< to killing her for being a witch. But this time his ancestor wasn't so convinced. Then again, so far, she hadn't been using her powers.

Note to self: Don't use magic here. She might have a better response than in the future!

Still, he sounded sooooo like Henri. Like scarily so..

And it hits her: IT was Henri - before he died. (Then with a small voice in the back of her head, she wondered: Was she the reason for him dying?? Gulp..)

Lucas Farmer has posed:
"Dublin?" Henri repeats, frowning. "No, I never went there." Does he even know where that is? Who knows? "Come," Henri says, his tone just at the verge of sounding commanding. And on that, he walks towards the large house, and opens the creaking wooden door, entering the humble adobe. Up to the strangers to follow in, or be on their way.

Lucas, always with such confidence and curiosity, can't wait to follow in and see the interior of that old house. "I think we are invited in?" he asks, just to make sure that the others agree. If they don't, it's all the same. What's important is for them to stay together. "Or we could just walk away and look for another coin?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"I don't think it's a coincidence we ran into him." Nick replies, looking to Lucas. "We've met him before. But this is the first he's met us."

The rumble in the sky seems to make an added point. "...We should go in while the invite is still here."

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Willow nodded, and then whispers, "With luck the coin will be close to here." Or else far far away.

What she imparts upon the boys "This /is/ Henri." Which wasn't important to Lucas - he hasn't met him. Which confirms Nick's theory. "Judging by his accent he's probably in France. Catholic France."

Which means Willow needs to be careful on many other fronts: She's a Jewish pagan, who also wields magic.

Lucas Farmer has posed:
Lucas tilts his head, trying to make sense of what Nick said. The young man, not being a history buff, probably still believes they only went to another location. "OK," he says, trying to understand, "You've met him before, but he didn't." Strange things are happening today, indeed. "We're in France? Wow. You'll have to explain this to me." And then, Lucas follows Henri into the house.

With only four small windows, the interior of the main house is kept in a semi-obscurity. Along the side is a large stone fireplace that serves as a cooking and heating facility. The center of the single room is occupied by a large wooden table with long wooden benches on each side. At the other extremity of the room is an enclosed double-bed. With the minimal airflow in this single room, along with smoke, cooking, drying pelts, the smell in this small house is not the freshest one. And if you are wondering about the /facilities/, there's a wooden bucket at the foot of the enclosed bed.

All over the interior walls, animal pelts are hung on wooden hooks. They come from the local fauna, including rabbits, boars, foxes, wolves, deer. The most important, at least in a hunter's eyes, is the black bear skin covering the bed.

Once in, Henri walks to the bed area and places his bow, quiver and small axe on the bed, keeping the large knife to his belt.

"What you do to others, you do to Me," Henri says, as if reciting a prayer or something.

Then the hunter sits on one of the large benches, and proceeds to remove his leather boots. There's like a new pungent smell suddenly added to the room. "I will honor you as my guests, and you will respect me as your host." Clear statement there. "Are you in need of nourishment?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick looks to Lucas, "It means we just hopped back in time." He explains lowly before the group comes within earshot of the potential host.

Keeping quiet. Nick steps in, glancing around the main room briefly before looking to the hunter. His head tilts as he hears the line. Something similar to the encounter in the church. "Thank you for your hospitality." Nick replies, "I am currently not in need of nourishment but I should let my traveling companions speak for themselves."

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Now, Willow isn't Catholic, but she recognizes the formulaic works. Her mother might say.. "Eat eat, you're wasting away" and clucking of her tongue. The pagan part would have said "Merry meet' only to be responded to with "And merry meet again". She /knows/ it's a greeting, but she doesn't know /what/ to say is a response.

She presumes what Henri is saying is similar to the three fold law - Whatsoever you do will come back to you threefold. In other words, don't be a dick.

Willow makes a prayer type face, bowing her head and mumbling. Hopefully it would be okay. Then speaks on, "Perhaps a drink?" To make him still feel like he was entertaining. While shrugging to Lucas and Nick.

Lucas Farmer has posed:
Given the limited options for sitting down, Lucas opts for the other large bench. They seem quite heavy and made of a single tree trunk. "I wouldn't mind something to eat," the young man replies, smiling. Yup, take a chance. The thought of being time travelling is slowly sinking in, but Lucas refrains to bring the topic up.

"Very well, then you shall eat and drink," Henri says, standing and then heading for the fireplace. As he gets busy filling a large bowl with something from the black kettle left on the embers, the hunter asks, "Pray tell me your names? And where you are going, I know this land and can direct you towards your destination. Are you merchants? You do wear strange habiliment."

As he's done, he returns to the table, placing a large wooden bowl filled with lukewarm boiled carrots and cabbage. There /might/ be a piece of meat somewhere, you might find it if you fish around. Two large wooden spoons are placed by the bowl. As for drink, the water is contained in a terracotta pitcher accompanied by its tumblers.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick smiles gently to Lucas as he seems to take the time to process what was said. It is quite a reveal for one not used to weird things happening on the daily.

As Henri is working to be a good host, Nick does what he can to be a good guest. Without compromising Willow and Lucas's status. "My name is Michael Nicholas. I am a musician. And I go where I am asked to play."

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Willow was in a pickle. Her name really didn't belong here (unless you were a pagan!), but the only other name she could think of was even worse than her own (Buffy).

Needless to say, she kept her name, Willow.

Because there *might* be meat in the meal, she took bread and water, and came up with this story. "I'm praying until the the sabbath." She wasn't lying.. she could be fasting! And with the sabbath instead of Sunday..

She felt proud of figuring out things without blowing their cover!

Lucas Farmer has posed:
At Willow's mention of prayers, Lucas raises an eyebrow. Of course, he learned about the different religions - a very boring course he had to attend - but still he doesn't get it. Shrugging, the young man doesn't see fit to comment. Instead, he picks up one of the two wooden spoons, and starts to eat as if it was delicious. Maybe it is, but to him, it doesn't matter, food is food and he's used to more crappy meal than this one.

Sabbath? Did the woman - Willow - really mention sabbath? For Henri, Sabbath is for the Jews, or for the witch. But he might remember it being used to describe the Holy Day of Sunday. This must be it, the stranger also mentioned praying. Henri frowns lightly, uncertain, then decides to see to the fire, removing the cauldron from the fireplace.

"So you are a minstrel?" Henri then asks to Nick, as he turns back to face them, "You look like carnival people. I guess you are looking for the village, the fair starts next week. I can show you the way." Yes, that must be it. Strangers in strange clothes speaking strangely. Means carnival.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Recognizing Minstrel to be another term for entertainmer. Nick gives a small nod of confirmation as Henri applies the term to him. And being he got pulled into performing in a circus act a little bit ago, he doesn't even have reason to correct the general observation assigning them to carnival work. "Your offer of help is much appreciated." Nick replies, "As shown by our getting lost we're not as familiar with the area."

Nick glances over to Willow for any ideas. Would going to the village help in their task of finding their way back? Hmm. Didn't Lucas say the other coin was found in the graveyard? "Is the church in the village or nearby?"

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Willow hopes she's got the time's right on the Sabbath. It was such a fraught term over the years. So far, Henri seemed to have accepted it. *phew!*

Besides, they had fresh bread, and cheese - what more could she want?

(Heck, in the pagan faith she was - Wiccan - they didn't even have sabbath, and days of prayer and fasting. She was going back to the days when she followed the Jewish faith at her parents home.)

"These gentlemen are accompanying me on my pilgrimage." They aren't priests or friars, but she thought she remembered that people going to the same place often travelled together. "We.. I.. would be thankful if you could point us in the right direction of the Church?"

Lucas Farmer has posed:
Lucas finishes his meal, now finding himself being on some pilgrimage with Willow and Nick. This is fun and the young man enjoys every moment. It's a gift in itself to not experience stress or anxiety in strange circumstances!

Before answering, Henri sits down on one of the long wooden benches, and takes the time to roughly massage his feet. That done, he grabs his boots and proceeds to put them on.

"The church is in the village," he answers slowly, visibly wondering where it could be otherwise. Right, there could be churches in monasteries and covents, but there are none around.

And then Willow mentions the pilgrimage. That explains it!

"Ah!, pilgrims!" Henri exclaims, his voice booming in the small house, "You are going to Saint-Jacques!" Yes, at Compostelle. So he was right to welcome them, they are good Christians. "You are a bit off course then. Come, I'll lead you to the village. There you will find food and shelter for the night at the hostel."

He then stops by his bed to retrieve the small axe, securing it to his leather belt. Just as he was to open the door, raised voices can be heard outside, people scurrying around in the backyard moments.

"Not them again," Henri groans, not opening the door. Maybe wishing they would go away.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick smiles as Henri seems to have accepted Willow's offering. He looks over to Lucas to see where he is on eating the food. "Thank you again for your hospitality." Nick adds in. A brow raises as Henri's demeanor changes at the door. "What is wrong?" He asks, voice betraying a bit of concern, "Is there anything we can do to help?"

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Willow beams. Henri was falling for it! So much so, she /almost/ forgot to be solemn. Almost. At the last second she put on a solemn face and thanked him for his help. "We really don't mean to put you out. Just the general direction.."

But he was already getting on his boots.

Her face dropped when he got to the door, to all that noise. "Should we help?" Willow reverted to her normal self, which was a helper. Whether they needed help on campus; the Magic Box; or Buffy and friends - she helped.

Now she could add to the list: mediaeval helper.

Lucas Farmer has posed:
"Aiding or concealing a witch is a crime of lese majesty!" a loud man can be heard shouting in the backyard. "King's Hunter, you are ordered to help us find the witch!" Which is followed by a loud knock on the door.

At that, Henri steps back and turns to his guests, a look extreme anxiety visible on his face. Oh, not fear, for the man does not know fear.

Instead of opening the door, Henri quickly and quietly nudges a wooden peg to block the door from the inside. Quick, quick thinking. They offered to help? This might be what he needs. Before answering Nick and Willow, the man hurries to the other side of the small house, kicking a wooden panel of the wall, about two foot in diameter, used to carry the firewode inside. He then turns back to his guests.

"Go out, and walk south. Hurry. You will find the village less than a league away." He pauses, looking uncertain, but like a man with no choices. "By the grace of God, yes, you can help me as I helped you. Find Heloise. Last house by the bridge. Tell her to leave at once."

As he speaks, the man seems to search for something around his collar and the dismay on his face shows that he didn't find it. "Tell her that Henri sends her a token of his devotion. She will know I sent you. Go!"

Someone tries to open the blocked door. "Hunter! King's orders!"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick nods, listening attentively to the instructions. When the last of the instructions are given, he repeats them in a shortened form. "South to the village. Heloise, last house by the bridge. Leave at once. Henri sends her a token of his devotion."

He watches Henri for a moment for any correction before he glances to the door. "Understood. God be with you."

He moves to the indicated exit, looking to Willow and Lucas to make sure they get out.

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Ohhhhh? gulp. Witches. Double gulp.. Willow /was/ an actual witch..

Wait a minute.. this Henri didn't know that about her? Huh? They meant somebody else. Heloise? "And if she won't go?" Something didn't make sense. Why was he trying to protect this Heloise? And would she believe /them/.

Lucas Farmer has posed:
Henri is already by the door, ready to answer the order shouted to him as soon as his guests, now messengers, exit through the opening in the opposite wall.

"She /will/ go," he says in a low voice so not to be heard from the outside, "And if not, then God help her." Beat. "Thank you."

Lucas doesn't wait for more, no matter how unstressed the young man usually is, he knows when it's time to leave. Without a word, he hurries to the provided exit, and swiftly exits the house. Crouching by the wall outside, he waits for his companions.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Once he is certain the other companions are out, Nick moves forward, pacing himself so the trio are together but not lingering should the visitors decide to have a walk around.

When it's safe to talk he looks to the other two. "Ok. Which way is South?"

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Willow could give a guess. If it was darker.. sure. But right now? No - just a guess.

"I wonder.." She was picking apart the story, so to speak. "If we get caught, in order of trouble, would be, Lucas. Then you Nick. Then me. I'm not only a female, I also am a witch. Though.." She crinkles up her nose. "I guess they might not be aware of you using magic, Nick."

Which gave her one more notch: a magic user. Because a witch isn't necessarily a magic user.

Something didn't add up. Why does Henri think Heloise needs help? Even if she wasn't a magic user, or a witch, wouldn't the Henri /Willow/ knew want to kill her anyways? Just to be certain in God's eyes?

Something didn't add up.

Lucas Farmer has posed:
Ah, for direction, they are in good company with Lucas. The young man is used to surviving in the wild by himself, not to mention that he learned a few things working on the Farm. The position of the sun when they arrived, and its current position, are good indications.

"Hey," the young man protests jokingly, "Why would /I/ be in more trouble?" Then pointing to the south, the young man hurries away, eager to put some distance between them and the house.

"I don't know what's a league, but I can walk for a while." He pauses, frowning, "This isn't much fun anymore. And we aren't closer to going back to our place." Place and time.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick glances to Lucas. "I think she was going least to greatest risk." He offers up as he glances in the direction Lucas is pointing, giving a nod. He steps alongside Lucas heading in the indicated direction.

"Maybe we can hold off future theoretical discussions on who is worse off in this situation for when we're back home and not at risk of being hunted down by an angry mob?"

Right. Scooting off.

Scoot Scoot.

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Willow rolled her eyes. "Yes, least to worst. And who said why don't we stand around and debate this!? You have heard of talking and walking!"

She grins.. almost. And off she scoots.

Lucas Farmer has posed:
Grinning, Lucas glances at Nick and Willow, "Oh, yes, from least to worst. I agree then. I'm, hrm, how do they say it yet, scot free?" Unless he became very upset and turned into a walking poltergeist!? "I don't mind chatting, as long as we walk away."

Scooting for a while, the house is lost in the distance over the hills.

After long minutes, a small pack of houses come to view, with a church spire in the middle. There's a small river to the right.

"OK, if we follow the river, we'll surely find the bridge," Lucas suggests, "Unless you want to enter the village?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
"We should relay the message first before considering going into the village." Nick responds, "I'm guessing she's the one that group was after. If they're wrong, we're helping someone. If they're right, we're helping someone AND might get some feedback on the coin."

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
"Please go around the village!" Not only would they putting the lives in danger, they would also be putting Heloise in danger too. Willow added, "With luck, Heloise will give us a bit of tidbits that maybe enough we won't need to go into the village at all!"

And as far as she could get, NO village == a good thing for them!

Lucas Farmer has posed:
"Alright," Lucas agrees with Willow and Nick, "Find the bridge and the house, easy enough." The young man leads the way to the back of the river, and continues in the direction of the village. Hopefully, there are lots of tall trees blocking the view to the river from the village.

After a moment, a bridge comes to view. It's an old structure made of squared stones. It might even date back to the Roman occupation. By the bank of the river, the only house in view is a small decripit affair, also with a tatched roof. A small pile of wood by the door, and some clean clothes on a line, which really doesn't look that clean, are the only exterior features.

Lucas stops, looking around. There's no one in view. "Ok, so it's the only house. Any volunteer to knock at the door?"

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
As the trio comes up to the house containing the unknown person that was only mentioned by Henri, the musician shrugs. "I'll go up."

Stepping forward to the house that met Henri's directions. Nick gives a glimps to the laundry hanging, taking that as a sign that someone is here or was recently so. A hand lifts up to knock upon the door. "Heloise? Are you in there?" He pauses for a moment, thinking back to the instructions. "Henri sends you a token of his devotion."

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Since Nick takes over, Willow looks around the property. Well, what she can do without looking everywhere! It looks fairly simple; a house with a laundry line and a garden.. Actually Willow picks out several herbs that she grew! Parsley,Sage, Rosemary, and Thyme. To mention a few!

Lucas Farmer has posed:
The door slowly opens, and an old woman, probably in her 80s, appears. Nodding at the visitors, she gestures for them to come in. She retreats inside the small house, sitting on a stoll by the only window. There is no glass in the window, but what can be notice - impossible to not noticed - is a crow sitting on the frame, staring at the trio as they walk in.

On the side of the house is also a fireplace - rather, a fire pit really - and a younger woman is busy stirring something in a pot hung over the fire.

She turns to greet the visitors, "Yes, dear Henri sent you," she says, "I am Heloise. Come in. Meet my grand-mother, Jehanne."

There are two other stools available, a creaky small bench by the door and a small table. Behind a curtain is probably the beds.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
As Henri said, there was a woman who lived here and sure enough she recognized them to being sent by Henri from those words. Nick steps in when prompted, making sure that the door is closed behind the group.

The musician glances about briefly. There is a momentary pause as he takes note of the corvid in the window. Upon Heloise confirming her identity he gives a slight frown. "Henri has asked us to relay a message to you. He says you are to leave at once."

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Very quietly to Nick.. "Psst.. don't you have a raven too?" Willow doesn't mean a raven, she means he /was/ a raven in one of his forms.

Because she's Willow, she looks at the windows and the doors with mage sight. At her house - well, her apartment - there are tons of wardings that she, plus a few good friends, had placed there. You could only see them with mage sight though!

Lucas Farmer has posed:
And Willow would be able to detect such wardings, primitive in most cases, although quite potent ones.

It's not only the crow staring at the group, so is the older woman, her attention first caught by the group's clothing. But there is something in her gaze, like a knowing look, as her eyes travel from Lucas - not given much attention - to Nick for a moment, before resting on Willow, holding a bunch of herbs in her hand.

The younger woman, upon hearing this from Nick, stops attending the pot over the fire. For a moment, she seems distressed, "Is Henri all right?" she first asks, before the message sinks in, "If he says that I need to go, then I will." Yes, that simple. They obviously have great trust in each other. As she bends down to remove the pot from the fire, the small leather band around her neck is freed from the collar, and a metal medallion attached to it reflects the dim light in the house. It seems to be a perfect match with the one Lucas found.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Nick looks over to Willow. "That's not a raven. Crows are smaller. The beaks and throat are different too." So, City boy can't tell what direction south is. But he seems to know at least two types of birds. Weird priorities.

The woman's statement of concern does register to Nick. He looks over to the woman, giving a glimpse to the medallion.

He thinks back to Henri and the grasping to his neck.

...shit.

"I have faith that when things have sorted out that Henri will still be standing." Nick assures, glancing to see if the others caught on to the medallion. "But first, we need to get you to safety."

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Ah! For a minute or two Willow was interested. "I bet /this/ is why.." she mumbles, pretending to look out the window, when really she was looking at the wards. A small smile formed across her lips.

"He didn't say where you are supposed to go?" Turning around to face them, she almost finished with 'did they know?' or 'did they want help?' What she said, though, "Where did you get that? The coin, I mean."

Was Heliose, or her grandmother, responsible for the trip across time?? And was there a reason for it, or simply a coincidence?

Lucas Farmer has posed:
"God be blessed," Heloise states before nodding, holding the medallion in her hand. "He's safe, that's all that is important. We will leave as soon as I pack the few that we have." That said, the young woman retreated behind the curtain.

The older woman remains calm, sitting by the window, turning her head up to smile at the crow. She then looks back at the visitors, narrowing her eyes.

"He was supposed to give you something," she states in a low voice, "That is all we need." Her grey eyes travel from Nick, to Willow and finally rest on Lucas. "My husband created the pair for them, so they would never be apart. No matter where, no matter when." Her hand slowly gestures toward the curtain, behind which Heloise is busy packing. "She knows nothing of it. Idiots think she is a witch, pfft."

Then she slowly rises from her seat, holding her hand out towards Lucas. "Give it back now, and we'll leave," she commands.

Lucas glances at his companions, unsure what to do at this point. Should he produce the coin still safely in his pocket? It sure is a matching medallion to the one he noticed around Heloise' neck.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
As the older woman speaks with an explanation, the building suspicion to what Henri was reaching for is confirmed. "Lucas." Nick starts, matching in volume "...I think the coin your dog found was Henri's."

Nick looks to the old woman, "We got displaced when that happened. Are you able to send us back to our home?"

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
"Give it to her." Willow nods as she says that. "It's not really ours. But.."

And here she speaks to the grandmother, "You have to realise we're not from your time. We've lost our way home.." She pauses, and decides. "I know Henri from our time. It's not very important how, except I don't think he knows we need his help, and furthermore, he probably wouldn't help us.. me.. besides."

Lucas Farmer has posed:
Heloise returns to the main room, holding a bundle under her arm. Yes, a bundle is all they have, which is most than many do.

With her hand still extended towards Lucas, the older woman nods slowly to Nick and Willow, "Yes, you are," she says knowingly, "I wish you could have stayed, child," she says, smiling at Willow. "I have lots to share with a fellow practitioner. Don't worry about Henri," she adds, "There are things he never knew, and will never know."

The younger woman tilts her head, "Grandma, you make no sense. Please, we need to leave, now."

But the older woman shakes her head, "We'll leave, but we won't go anywhere."

Followinig his companions' advice, Lucas reaches for his pocket, and holds the coin in the palm of his hand, it's shiny features reflecting the dim light.

"It's Henri's!" Heloise exclaims at the sight of the paired coin, "Something happened to him, I know it!" On that, she starts for the door.

But the room is already starting to swirl and the same light show that was at the Magic Box seems to be recreated again.

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
Seeing the woman start to run away, Nick ends up passing some scenarios in his mind. If the elder woman is the source of escape from the dangerous situation, then they very well can't have the reason for the escape missing the evac out or causing for it never to happen. Chasing after the woman might not be fast enough. But sound may stall long enough. "Heloise!" Nick calls out, "Have faith in him!"

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Awwwww.. Who would have thought that Nick had a romantic side to him? Willow knew better though - regardless of whether or not Heloise have faith in Henri, something was going to go wrong.

Very wrong.

So wrong in fact, Henri would dedicate his death to hunting witches down. The only reason /why/ Willow was not dead, was she was in a Church when she met him the first time. And for some reason it confused him. ..but he /still/ wants to kill her! That she was sure of!

Lucas Farmer has posed:
Medallion or coin, the very thing magically created so the two love birds would never be separated, might be the end of them both. Nick's call for her to stay is disregarded by the young woman opening the door. Love is stronger than safety. As the two coins vibrate in unison, the room swirls and the bright light, blinding, the same that brought the trio to this time, is back.

When the swirling ends, the trio is back at the Magic Box. Same time and place as when they left. Even Puppy is still sleeping under the table.

Lucas, frowning, still holds a coin in his hand, but really doesn't seem interested in it anymore. He holds it, offering it to Willow. "This was too weird for me," he says, "I don't want it."

Phantasm (Drago) has posed:
As the trio ends up back in the shop. Nick steps back quickly as Lucas pulls out the coin. No need to start THAT bit up again.

And yet... "Do you think she got out?" Nick wonders aloud to the other two.

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Without thinking, Willow holds out her hand. "Thank you, I think?"

Tomorrow she will look up a few more things which she had thought about. But for now, she felt like closing the shop early, and walking through the park, thinking..