14501/A rescue back in time

A rescue back in time
Date of Scene:	05 August 2022
Location:	Fontainebleau Chateau, AD 1217.
Synopsis:	Willow, Nick and Hellequin go back in time to save an innocent.
Cast of Characters:	Hellequin, Phantasm (Drago), Willow Rosenberg

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Hellequin has posed:
The meeting had been set and everyone met at the Magic Box: Willow, Nick and Henri. It had been decided that for a more tangible effect, Henri would come in his human form: there is no saying if the magic would have worked on his ethereal form.

Despite Henri exhibiting a visible disgust for the magical proceedings, the whole process worked like a charm, literally. The combined presence and magic of Willow and Nick had the ancient coin come to life and, in a moment, the trio had found themselves projected way back in time. Although the inner mechanism - or magic- of the coin is still to be determined, it seems to bring the user - users in this case - directly where and when it should.

So this is how Willow, Nick and Henri end up back in 1207 and this time, close to the Fontainebleau Chateau that can be seen in the distance.

It is late in the afternoon and peasants can be seen walking on the dirt paths leading to the Chateau courtyard, where the execution of Heloise is set to take place as soon as the sun sets.

The Fontainebleau Chateau in 1207 has noting to do with the present-day one. It is still an impressive structure among the cultivated fields around, with its square shaped form, two corners of the courtyard being composed of 3 stories houses joined in a ninety-degree angle. There is the usual tower / dungeon, and the whole place is guarded along the walls, including the large double door giving access to the courtyard.

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Willow was nervous. Besides Henri coming with them, she wasn't as secure of her plan as she let on to be. Still, having him around made some things easier. Like clothes! He vetoed even Willow's clothes at first. Which she giggled at when he wasn't looking. Friends had often called her a peasant for her choices. Now she had proof that it wasn't so!

Eventually her choice was approved, though.

"It's so weird. It feels like no time has gone on."

Nick Drago has posed:
If there was one blessing compared to the last time they came here, it would have to be the knowledge of where they would be going. Having seen the attire from before and utilizing some, industry connections, Nick has acquired some...relatively close looking outfits for the time period they were traveling to. So, gone is the goodwill attire and instead in the place is the... still unimpressive attire of a tunic with hanging sleeves. Well. Almost unimpressive. That he was able to acquire them at all was still something. What will be impressive is the excuse he gave in order to ACQUIRE said clothes. (Thanks Wade!) The hair, well. That is pulled back. The excessive length tucked away under the fabric.

Nick observes the surroundings, looking over to Willow. "More people though." He points out.

Hellequin has posed:
Standing a few paces ahead of Willow and Nick, Henri also observes the peasants walking towards the chateau. Turning towards his companions, the Frenchman glances at the sun going down at the horizon.

"They come to see a spectacle," Henri says in his usual low voice, "Some come to pray for the soul of the dying, some come because the seigneur - or lord of the place - requires them to come. And some come for the show." The last word is almost spat.

And the sun still continues to descend towards the horizon.

"The execution is set for an hour after sunset," Henri adds, "For a more striking effect in darkness. Talking of striking effects, as you know, I will not be able to help much. Unless you all want a spectacular distraction, which I would be obliged to provide if you think it useful."

And yes, Henri /is/ consulting his companions. Once he turns into Hellequin, his options will be limited: show up and scare the crap out of the populace, or stay behind and wait

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Quickly, Willow shakes her head no. "Not unless we need help! The point of this is to replicate it as much as the original burning. There was nothing in the history books that sounded like a ghost came running to her rescue."

Oh boy! Wouldn't that be fun.. not!

Looking around she wonders, "Will we get a chance to look at the space where the burnings will happen?" Because everything would be simpler if she had approximate locales. She hopes to hide at the back and not be noticed. Nick was taking on the harder part of the rescue - taking her at the stake and whooshing her off without anyone noticing.

Willow was just making the fireworks - so to speak.

Nick Drago has posed:
Nick nods, frowning at the detailing of the execution. The one they intend to disrupt without those watching being any the wiser. "After we retrieve Heloise, where shall we meet up? This seems a bit close for the condemned to suddenly appear at."

Hellequin has posed:
If Henri de Fontainebleau would allow himself to pout, he would pout at Willow's answer. But again, the young woman has a point. Which, secretly, is annoying Henri. Shrugging this thought off his mind, Henri nods at Willow.

"Fine," Henri concedes, "You know, I can be discreet if need be." Yes, no horse, no hell hounds, no halberd. Just like a ghost. "In any case, I will remain close enough that if a guard wants to become a hero, I will incapacitate him gently." Yup, that he can do!

As he speaks, Henri starts walking in the direction of the chateau, "We will arrive before sunset, Willow, and you can see the place. The stake will be at the center of the courtyard."

And then, Nick also had a good question, one that was starting to form in Henri's mind. "My hunting camp will be guarded, and so will her house. I do not know how you will do this, minstrel. But for some illogical reasons, I trust Willow on this, so I trust you are here for a reason, since she wanted you with us." He pauses, having admitted that he trusted Willow, which almost feels painful to admit. "To the west - that is where the sun is setting - there is a hill, and behind, a creek with a fall. We can meet there. Not that I have a single idea how you will get there."

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Willow grins. "Of course I'm right. In these kinda things I am always right." Well - almost always right. The Scoobies depended on each of their members to pull their weight, and when Willow had to speak up, usually it was for a reason.

Beating on the vampires and such was Buffy focus. Magic was hers.

Then she frowned. "There is a wee little problem. While Nick rescues Heloise, I have no way to hide and get away. If someone sees me, and figures out what I am doing, it could be a problem."

Nick Drago has posed:
"Direction of the setting sun. Creek with a fall behind the hill. Meet there." Nick repeats back, making sure he has the instructions down. "Nevermind how I will get there. That is my weight to bear. I just needed to know where to head to. You'll have to have faith that I'll do everything in my power to get her there to you."

He looks over to Willow as she mentions her issue. "Willow is right in that I will be unable to retrieve her if I am focused on my own task. Will you help her with hers?"

Hellequin has posed:
Will Henri help save his paramour? No matter in which capacity, he will. Plus, it will help his ego - yes, he has one, a pretty large one at that - and just being given an opportunity to be part of the plan almost brings a smile on his lips. Almost.

"Once you retrieve Heloise, Nick, there will be no need to save anyone else."

And NOW the smile appears on his face. Yes, because Henri made a joke, and is pulling Willow's leg.

Before Willow starts protesting, Henri gets back to his serious self, "But since we do not plan on having anyone burned today, not even a real witch," yes, he's still joking, "Willow, you said you will produce a large fire mirage, or screen when Nick does what he has to do. Then, produce another one, and I will go fetch you and no one will see me. You do not have to know how to ride, I will hold you." Which, in itself, might not sound too appealing to the young woman.

And now, the gate to the chateau is quite near, the peasants form a line to enter. In a moment, the trio will also enter the courtyard, so Henri steps out of the line for a moment in case Willow or Nick have a last-minute comment. Henri will not enter the courtyard, as the sun is about to disappear in the sky.

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
That about the best Willow could hope for. After all, the Scoobies - and friends - were not used to saving themselves over the innocent. And when she had helped the Justice League, even more so.

With the sun going down, Willow found herself a nook where she could see the stake easily. And from there, she went over the spells that she would be using - mentallly of course!

Nick Drago has posed:
"I will have need to wander off to prepare soon." Nick advises the two, mainly for Henri's benefit. Considering the nature of the plan involving stealth, it is likely a given that he would have to part ways, but best to still give proper warning. Even if he can't be direct with what he means, "It will be a good show."

Because no one is going to die. AHEM.

When the time came, Nick slipped away into the crowd, and when it was safe to do so, from view as well.

Hellequin has posed:
Henri stands still for a moment, watching Nick mingling with the crowd, and wondering if his humor is so antique that his joke went up in smoke. Shrugging, the Frenchman steps back as well, as the sun is about to set for good this time, it is a matter of minutes."Go ahead, Willow. Once Heloise is saved, make some smoke if you can. I will come get you. And do not worry if they see me, they will believe Satan came to bring her to Hell." He pauses, stepping back, "Good luck. May God be with you."

And then, Henri departs as well, walking away from the chateau, towards a few miserable houses at a distance.

Which leaves Willow alone in the crowd. Soon the sun sets, and the daylight starts to give way to darkness. The crowd is quite silent for the moment, some peasants can be heard praying with a group of monks in their brown frocks.

In the center of the courtyard the stake is ready, the executioner looking at the last details. Burning torches are already located around the stake.

All that is missing is the lord of the chateau, the priest and the witch. They will appear in a moment, when darkness has fully taken over the land.

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
"And you too! Don't worry, we'll get her. Promise."

With the setting of the sun, the processional showed. The priest; the lord; and, of course, Heloise.

Taking a breath, and calming her breathing down, she began calling her magic to her. Flames that looked really hot and looked to be bigger than life! Of course Willow had plenty of practice with then so that what the seemed and what they really were look were two different stories. And also she planned that the fire would be bigger /and/ smokier so that Nick had the best chance at his job.

All she needed was the staking and fire to begin.

Nick Drago has posed:
As the processional shows itself, the unseen and silent Nick moves forward cautiously, minding the expressions of those he comes nearer. His path, not quite direct but more orbiting to place himself towards what would be considered the back end of the stake. At least as far as the placement of the crowd is concerned.

Hellequin has posed:
There is like a slight tremor, a nervous wave, passing though the crowd and the few words spoken are totally silenced as the large door from the main part of the chateau slowly opens. More torches are alighted around the place, as the lord steps out of the chateau.

Following the lord, is the priest carrying a tall cross before him. Just behind him, Heloise walks freely, only her arms being tied behind her back. She is wearing a white dress.

The priest walks down the few steps of the stone stairs, and the executioner grabs Heloise by the arm as soon as she reaches the ground. Despite being pushed up the stake, the young woman keeps her composure, probably filled with that calm that innocent people often feel. The young woman did nothing wrong, and, maybe like many other innocents, believes that it is acceptable to die than live in such a world.

It only takes a moment for the executioner to firmly tie Heloise to the post. No one had enough money to pay him so he would strangle her discreetly, so the hard way it will be for her.

At the foot of the stake, the priest pays in Latin, exhorting Heloise to confess and save her soul. But the young woman remains firm in her decision to never admit a sin she did not commit.

Soon, the executioner leaves the stake, and torches meet the waiting pile of wood. Flames slowly start at the base of the stake. The crowd prays, and all in all, remains decent.

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Phew!

Willow didn't pay attention to what the Priest was mumbling. All the while, she breathed in and breathed out.. waiting.. waiting.. And then.. NOW it was time.

Using the minutest movements she drew fire out of the air by Heloise. Far enough that they wouldn't hurt her, but close enough they /looked/ like part of the fire that had been set. At the same time she began to cover the stake with smoke. First very small wisps of smoke. Growing with the fire - until Heloise was covered in smoke and biblical flames!

Willow was kinda proud of the whole setup.

Now? It was Nick's part. And with luck nothing would go wrong! *fingers crossed*

Nick Drago has posed:
Once the executioner makes his way away from the stake, Nick carefully makes his way up to it. While the torches are tended to, Nick leans forward, whispering in Heloise's ear gently.

"Be at peace child and listen to my words. Stand still, stay silent, and be strong. You will not feel the flames today."

A little advance warning given, Nick brings an unseen hand down to clasp upon an exposed part of her arm. As the fire is started, he starts to feed his energy into Heloise, taking away the sense of touch, taste, and smell in the process.

Willow's adjustments do as promised. So what is left is to make sure the crowd buys this before making their departure.

Assuming Heloise didn't WANT to stick around the fire, that is.

Hellequin has posed:
There is something about the innocent, that they would rather die than be saved by something they might consider worst!

"Who are you?" Heloise asks quietly at the person who just talked to her but that she can't see "You must be the Devil! I will die here rather than be saved by the Devil! God help me."

Well, the young woman is not actually calling out for someone to come save her from the Devil. So, there must be some doubt in her mind. Which doubt must be fueled by the increasing amount of flames and smoke around, and even if she fears them without feeling them reaching her, her steadfast decision to die might not be so steadfast after all.

"God will show me the way. Gratia Dei." Which, if Nick knows basic Latin, basically means that Heloise will let him do what he said. Amazing how the expectation of a brutal death can make people change their minds.

Meanwhile, as all eyes are turned towards the horrible spectacle in the center of the courtyard, a greyish silhouette moves over the roofs, almost like part of the smoke coming up from the stake.

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Willow was proud. Her spectacle of fire and smoke was working.

A bit of smoke here.. A bit of flames there.. till there was a wall of smoke and flames covering Nick and Heloise from view.

Come on.. come on.. Even she didn't know if she had done enough. She hoped?

Nick Drago has posed:
Hearing the sounds of concern coming from Heloise, the musician gives an unseen smile. "My name is Michael. Have faith."

As the fire and smoke rises, blocking the view of the pair, Nick takes that as the cue to move. "Heloise." The gentle voice continues, "Close your eyes and lean back. The ropes can no longer hold you. I will carry you."

The musician readies himself, making sure he has a hand catching her back before moves the first hand, making sure to maintain contact.

Once he's certain he has a hold of Heloise, he steps into a nearby dream with her, pulling her into the semblance of a quiet field. "Keep your eyes closed." Nick prompts.

Hellequin has posed:
Oh! Michael! Heloise knows this name.

"Praise to God, who sent His archangel to protect me."

Well, it might not be exactly what Heloise believes, but Nick using this name sure did the trick. Not that the young woman could resist much to being saved - short of jumping in the fire, which she has no intention of doing - so with the belief that the archangel Michael has been sent for her, she is now quite willing to take a chance and avoid being burnt alive.

Meanwhile, the flames and extra smoke provided by Willow create the perfect opportunity for Hellequin to make his move.

Yes, the Frenchman berates himself, he's not supposed to be seen. But the injustice of it all, of this false accusation, this mockery of a trial and the suffering to his paramour, suddenly make him feel quite angry. Oh, he could kill the lord and the priest!

Instead, the Hellequin calls his ethereal war horse, saddling up his good companion, halberd in hand. The hell with subtlety!

"IN THE NAME OF GOD," comes the booming voice as the horse crossed the courtyard, making everyone run for their lives, "YOU KILL INNOCENTS!" The horse heads towards Willow, and with a swift movement of his large hand in passing, Hellequin brings the young woman up on the saddle, "REPENT YOUR SINS, PRAY FOR YOU SOULS! OR ELSE, I WILL COME FOR YOU!"

At this point, the courtyard is almost empty, the only ones remaining are on their knee, praying and crying. The lord and priest have taken refuge inside the large house.

Heading away from the chateau, Hellequin sports a large smile on his face as he confides, "I could not refrain, it is part of my, hrm, job." he tells Willow, "You want to hold the bridle?"

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
They /almost/ did it the way they had planned on it.

But they hadn't counted on Hellequin.

*le sigh*?

*le sigh*

"You know this isn't the way it was in the history books? Right?" Willow hisses her opinion trying to keep her voice low. But he was there. And some of those villagers could go either way.. She took his hand. "Thank-you. I would suggest the opposite way we had Heloise going, just in case."

In other words east not west.

Nick Drago has posed:
Nick does not take the time to correct Heloise on this assumption. That can be straightened out later. But, thank goodness mom used a lot of saint names when naming him. And rue the day Hellequinn decided to make a big show scaring the local populace. For when the stampede of persons exit the area, the provider of the escape dream is woken up.

Nick pitches forward, clinging on to Heloise as they get thrown into yet another dream, this one seemingly taking a cue from all the witch talk earlier as there are howls and screams going on about.

"Eyes closed!" Nick reminds, leaping forward to try his luck with another dream.

They're in another field, dimly lit with a black horse the only sign of life in the area. It resides behind a fence. The eyes of the horse starts glowing red.

Nick frowns.

Hello Diablo.

When the horse charges, Nick jumps back with Heloise, landing in another dream. One of nothingness. He glances around.

No witches...

No demonic horse...

Ok. Close enough.

He pauses, working to get his bearings.

Hellequin has posed:
Since an archangel orders her to keep her eyes closed, Heloise obeys. But there is no telling how long a young woman will obey such an order, when curiosity is slowly getting the best of her.

"Where are we going?" Heloise asks, very tempted to look around, still fearing to disobey the archangel.

Meanwhile, Hellequin directs his war horse towards the east, way up in the sky, soon out of view of the people below. The pace of the ethereal horse has nothing to do with the that of a living horse: it is way faster. While the Hellequin is immune to the smoke coming from the stake, and to vertigo, the same might not apply to Willow, so the horse stays clear of the smoke and remains in a general stable position - no loops, no ninety-degree turn. Just old plain horse riding - except it's way up in the nightly sky.

"Very well, no one can see us now," comes the low voice from Hellequin, "I long to reunite with Heloise and see that she is safe." And without even commanding the horse, the animal turns slowly, now heading west. "You want to ride with the mastiffs along, Willow?"

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Without Willow the flames and smokes dissipated until there was just plain old fire burning down to coals.

With the offer of riding, Willow was actually looking forward to try it. (Even if she hadn't tried to before!) "He knows the way? We'll be fine."

Nick Drago has posed:
After taking a moment to gather his bearings, Nick turns his head to look a set direction. "Have faith." He simply states, taking another step forward. Feet set upon the path, placing them considerably close to the hill Henri had described later. "There is one who longs to see you again." Nick offers in explanation, setting her down upon the ground once more. "You may open your eyes again. But, we shall move forward."

Calmly, Nick guides Heloise to ^the meeting spot

As they walk, he starts to become visible. His long hair is tugged out, no longer hidden under the tunic.

Hellequin has posed:
Finally, Heloise can open her eyes! It was about time, because the temptation was becoming hard to fight. As they set foot on the ground, the young woman doesn't need to be shown the way. Quickly, despite it being night time, Heloise finds a small path among the trees, leading slowly down to the small creek with the waterfall.

"This is our secret place," Heloise confides, "Is Henri the one you mention, that longs to see me?" She frowns at that, her eyes filling with tears as she adds, "Are you ignorant, or so cruel? This is not a pleasant thing to mention. Henri is dead. Everyone knows how he died, a few weeks ago. I was hoping that tonight, in Heaven, we would meet again." And on that, the young woman reaches a large rock by the creek, and sits down, dejected.

Up in the nightly sky, Hellequin and Willow approach, but as they do so, the horse slows to a stop.

"He knows where to go, he goes where I direct him to," Hellequin explains. And now the horse is not going anywhere. From their point of view, they can see Heloise sitting on the rock and Nick nearby.

"Willow, I need your advice. I told you, that I was already dead when Heloise was, hrm, murdered. I am not sure that her seeing me now as I am, would do her good. I believe she would think that I am the Devil. I could let you and Nick talk to her. What do you think?

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
Willow pulls up the horse, seeming not to notice her standing in the open air.

"Oh, Henri.." How could she tell him to pick this or that when she had such terrible decisions in her past? The demon was one that immediately came to mind. "You can only know what's inside of you. And look deep into your soul - what would be the better choice for her?"

She has a very sad look on her face.

"I know no matter what, she will always love you. But.." And gods and goddesses forfend, she probably would be sorry for this. "I would want to if I were you."

Nick Drago has posed:
Nick looks over to Heloise as she brings up Henri dying. There is a pause, "Heloise." He starts, "Who do you think chose this place? And what have I've urged you to do?" Unlike the past times, the gentle smile is visible, to Heloise. There is there the slight glimpse of teeth that by the grace of modern dentistry are straighter that what most would expect in the 1200s. Perfection, comparatively speaking. "Have faith. Have faith in him."

Hellequin has posed:
Hellequin can also pass for a good ol' ghost - which he is, sometimes - if he leaves the horse and booming voice behind, that is!

Always so silent, the horse slowly heads for a place to land safely, behind a small hill so Heloise doesn't see them. Hellequin dismounts, and helps Willow reunite with the ground. As soon as they are dismounted, horse and halberd are gone, in a blink.

Henri leads the way, his knowledge of the surroundings making it easy to navigate the woods even at night. They soon reach the creek and, upon seeing Heloise crying, Henri stops in his tracks.

Heloise looks up at Nick, frowning lightly, "You do not look like an archangel," the young woman says in a faint voice, "You are the stranger that came to my mother's house, to warn us. And you came back to save me, so you must be at least an angel. God has mysterious ways. You told me to close my eyes and to have faith. I did both, and I still have faith. In God. Always. Who told you to bring me here?" she asks, moving her arm around and looking at the small creek.

This is when Heloise sees Willow and a greyish, tall, silhouette by her side. It reminds her so much of her brave Henri, that she misses so much. Is she hallucinating.

"Henri?" Heloise calls out softly. "Is it you?"

"Yes, my beloved, it is me," Henri replies, walking closer to Heloise, keeping a distance. "Or rather, my new form. God allowed me to come and do my farewell." He pauses, then adds, "Be good, Heloise, and we will meet in Heaven when He decides it is time. I will always protect you until then."

And on that, the Hellequin's form starts to dissipate and he is gone.

Willow Rosenberg has posed:
This wasn't what Willow had expected of Henri. She thought he would bring her into the present day - and he didn't.

"It's almost time to go, Nick." She looked onto Heloise. "Are you going to be safe here? We could drop you anywhere else?"

Nick Drago has posed:
As Willow calls him by his nickname, he looks to Heloise, giving her a bow of the head. "I'm not an archangel. But my name is Michael." He clarifies, "Michael Nicholas Raphael Drago." He glances to the direction Henri vanished in and then looks to Heloise. "What happens next, is full of possibility." He states, "As far as those back where we came from, they should assume you to be dead. You have an opportunity to start anew elsewhere without fear of them looking for you."

Hellequin has posed:
Heloise remains still, watching as Henri disappears. It was a grace of God to give her a chance to see him one last time, and know that he was well - well in after life, that is.

Then the young woman looks up at Willow, "I recognize you too," she says, "You came to my mother's home too." Then she pauses, tilting her head, considering Willow's word. "I can walk," she states, "Why would you have to drop me?"

And as if to prove the fact, Heloise stands and walks a few paces.

"I have no place to go," the young woman admits, "Anywhere I could go, they will recognize me. Do you have a house, a safe place where I could stay for a little while?" she looks between Nick and Willow.

And as she gets closer to the both of them, the coin attached around her neck starts to vibrate and glow.

Maybe no one will have to make a decision. Maybe the decision was made for her, for them.

In a flash, the creek, the waterfall, Nick, Willow and Heloise are engulfed in the brightest of glow.

And all are gone. Where to? Probably home. But which home, exactly?