Fantasy Sir Eward's Agency for the Paranormal and Occult

LONDON 1867 11 OCTOBER
SIR ALDEN EWARD, HAMILTON TERRACE 12, LONDON
ODD SIGHTINGS REPORTED IN BARNOLDSWICK. EXPERTISE REQUIRED ASAP.
MME KATHERINE BAILLARD

The telegram had rested in his nervous hands, would this be the one time it got right? Finally he would be proven right? The last of a nearly dead line, he had been given every opportunity but no success... his office was empty, certificates of the wall proving his education, but it seemed that this particular field held no yields in reality. Not the way he had wanted to. Providing astrological readings for the upper class ladies hadn't quite been why he had studied this, and he couldn't see one more 'haunted' cabinet going up for sale to the collectors of the false macabre. Occasionally a fetish or mummy passed along from the Africas, but those were quite dead... and not quite as undead as he liked. Grim as they were, they were not the occult he hoped for; abnormal, yes, but not paranormal.
He'd thrown every penny he had obtained in this way toward fruitless fieldwork, yet success hadn't come. He had been left literally empty handed. Except for now this letter that came, on the brink of bankruptcy... could it have been that the occult had called him?

Exciting yes, but then he realised he needed someone to get him to Barnoldswick. A driver, a travel companion. Someone would have to do, he had too little left to spend on dillydallying.

Thus, Viscount Alden Verginius Eward of Gravesend set out to find him a suited fellow for this journey... the young man certainly didn't look like he would do very well against witches and werewolves, rather he'd get killed by a falling book from his library. Dark brown hair, blue eyes, and a rather average length but with frail build, he better had had as much expertise as the framed certificates on the wall claimed he had. Or else the first truly haunted cabinet he came by would probably eat him for aperitif.

Characters:
https://www.rpnation.com/threads/sir-ewards-agency-for-the-paranormal-and-occult-characters.335666/

Now where was this place? Ross thought whilst walking down the street, he had been walking for hours trying to find this place that could help him with his 'predicament'. For awhile now his house had been haunted and he had been dealing with it for who knows how many years now. He had heard of one person that could help him with the issues it was causing and it had gotten to the stage that it was just annoying and he wanted them gone, he also couldn't leave and travel which he would love to do if he didn't have to worry about some spirit blowing his house up just for the sake of it.
Ross was about to give up all hope, until he eventually found the place he was looking for. Finally! He thought. Walking up to the door of the place, he knocked first. With no answer he checked the door to see if it was unlocked, thankfully it was. He opened the door a smidgen, just enough to get his head through to peer inside "Hello? I heard I could come here for help with a problem I've been having" he said looking around the room. He didn't want to specify what type of problem just in case he had the wrong place, he walked inside still looking around the room. By the looks of the room itself he had the right place, he saw someone standing nearby a desk. Approaching the guy by the desk he spoke again "Heard you were the one that I should come to with ghost problems." if this wasn't the right person he would've just sounded like some crazy drunkard who just stumbled into this person's office.
InsanEleven

Alden had just locked his suitcase with the necessities he needed from his office, coat and hat already donned, when someone stumbled into his office. Two in one day... what are the odds? The occult never came without company it appeared. Having turned around and taken off his hat again, he looked at who it was that had entered. A rather muscular man, around his age, dressed alright but in nothing particularly interesting. Was he deluded, or truly bothered by ghosts? At the least he didn't appear rabid or insane, like many others were that came into his office.
"Yes, I am the one you should come to when you are troubled by the paranormal... although many of those that come here nowadays would have more use for a new field they call psychology. You do not appear to be suited for the latter though, so what is troubling you?" Most often when someone sound of mind stumbled through the door, they had been merely curious, not in need of anything, at most an overpriced appraising of the item they had brought with them. But he seemed... different, he had no items, and no delusions... so then the one thing that remained what that he was speaking the truth. He had been somewhat bothered by this sudden interval before, knowing he couldn't leave the other case to slip through his fingers. But if ghosts were on his doorstep, who was he to decline so rapidly? If anything, this person could be of further use, hadn't he been looking exactly for someone who could aid him with his luggage and other brunt work on his travels? Today, everything appeared to fall into place, for once.
"The name is Eward by the by, Doctor Alden Eward" Still in his coat, he'd sat back behind his desk, taking out pencil and paper to quickly take notes of what would be revealed in the upcoming conversation.
GamerCarrot

Ross rubbed the back of his neck, he wasn't actually expecting Alden to believe him. Most laughed in his face saying it was all in his head, he was glad he could finally get rid of the ghost that had been haunting him for too long. "For a few years now I have been having a problem with a ghost haunting my house" he said "The occasional cold spot around the house, things going missing, stuff moving around on its own, strange noises, doors opening and closing on their own" he could go on and on with all of the stuff that has been happening around his house. "I'm happy to pay you what ever the fee is to get this ghost removed" he was practically desperate at this stage, he did not care if it ended up costing his weight in gold he needed help and Alden was the only one he could turn to. He would do anything if it was to remove what ever was haunting his house forever, "The name is Ross Forrest and its a pleasure to meet you" he said bowing his head slightly in respect.
When the haunting first happened Ross thought he was going insane or that there was a logical explanation about what was happening. He got in numerous people to check the house to see if this was just something wrong with the house itself, when nearly all of them returned to him empty handed saying it was all in his head and that there was nothing wrong with the house itself. InsanEleven

A serious ghost infestation? That would be an urgent case if it were to be true, ghosts weren't the most stable of paranormal creatures. With a glance over at his suitcase, Alden realised that if Ross was truly happy to pay whatever fee, then he could easily solve both their problems.
"You are in luck Mr. Forrest, I was about to leave for the countryside, five more minutes and you would have missed me. I have to admit that yours and my other client's cases both sound rather urgent, so I would like to make a deal with you. Regardless of whether or not your house is truly haunted, the fee for my time checking it out will be the same: you will accompany me to the next destination. A luggage boy so to speak, nothing dauntingly difficult, it will be for a few days to approximately two weeks, but I assure you that you will have certainty on whether or not you are haunted. If I cannot tell, there is nobody in London who can." That was technically true wasn't it? Because if he couldn't that most likely meant there were no ghosts to speak of. Although in reality he'd never actually successfully diagnosed a real haunting. Some objects that had a negative energy to them perhaps yes, but that was every second lantern post he walked past in a city with a history such as London's own. But he wouldn't tell a possible client he was just about one step up from an all-out fake - he and Madame Czavich from around the corner had around the same confirmed cases sure, but he'd like to hope that if a true case came along he'd recognise it. He tried his best to hide his excitement, although by now he'd learnt to contain his hopes.
Folding the piece of paper up and putting it in his breast pocket, he took up his suitcase and his hat once more "Shall we then?"
GamerCarrot

“You’ve got yourself a deal” he said with a smile, not only was he happy that maybe he will finally get some help but for the fact that he had the chance of finally getting the chance to leave London without having to worry about his house.
“And please call me Ross” being called Mr. Forrest made him sound extremely formal and that was not who he was. He would greatly prefer if he was called Ross especially since they were possibly going to be travelling for a while together and being called Mr. Forrest the entire time would start to bother him. “My house isn’t too far from here to be honest and I greatly appreciate you doing this” the only reason it took him so long to find this place was just that the person he got directions from wasn’t what a person would call a reliable source. But now that he knew the way it was simple to find his way back. He walked towards the door, stopping just at the doorway and turning back at Alden waiting for him to follow.
InsanEleven

Such informality... Just don't call me Alden. He didn't quite feel like being on such a personal level with his clients... much less if they were going to be his luggage boy after. But he seemed rather insistent.
"Very well, Ross. Let us see what we can do about your problem. Lead the way please."

He nodded and set out the door. He led Alden down the street towards his home, he really hoped that it was still in the same condition he left it in but with his luck that wasn’t going to be a possibility. A little walk down the street they arrived at Ross’s home, he sighed he really didn’t know what to expect when he opened the door.
Opening the door he gestured for Alden to walk inside before him, he had a glace inside So far so good. He took a step inside after Alden and had a quick glance around to see if anything was moving, so far nothing. He closed the door behind them “I should let you know that the occasional object does get throw at me” he just considered that maybe he should’ve mentioned that earlier before he let Alden into his home. It was very rare for Ross to let anyone else into his house, he was always concerned for their safety. InsanEleven

From the outside it looked very much like an ordinary house, on the smaller side and not in the best of states, but if Ross was the only one it was actually impressive he'd managed to procure a house for one person while being well... average. In all fairness it'd taken him a long long while to find something good himself, and it ended up to be renting the top floor of a summer house of an earl for a discount. London was not the cheapest place after all, and he wasn't exactly particularly well off either. Perhaps that was just the problem with being picky about what neighbourhoods you deemed acceptable?
The house itself was rather standard, mostly wood with cheap plaster and through the walls he could hear some people scuffle in the next house. Stepping onto the floorboards they creaked a bit, and he let his gaze run across the room. Nothing particularly noteworthy in furniture or any special decorations, he did wonder though why Ross hadn't told him about the man seated at the kitchen table, who looked a bit haphazard. Like he had a few bad nights behind him. His hair had grey streaks through it but one was still able to see it was naturally brown from the ends. His face looked somewhat grim, and his clothes out of fashion... he could see tatters of an old factory, but by his knowledge that one had gone out of business at least a decade ago. It was dirtier, more grimy and dustier than one'd expect to be in Ross house, where really everything else wasn't as bad.
Did he lose his job... and still didn't get over it? Perhaps the father... no, too little resemblance, maybe married into the family? Or a family friend?... odd.
"Forgive me my intrusion, but you haven't introduced the gentleman yet. Is he family?" His polite question was interrupted by the man barking something, in a rather frustrated, 'give no more fuck' tone that was found so often on the hopelessly poor in London.
"Kid ne'er does... doesn' even greet me when 'e gets ter 'ome. It's loike I don' exist ter the bloomin' brat or some'ing." Cheapside accent? This man didn't really fit anything here did he? Was Ross hounded on by family that came from poorer means? Taking in an uncle on hard times or something? It wouldn't be too far fetched for that to be the case... although it was a bit impolite of him to completely ignore him. Ross' gaze didn't even seem to,- oh. No way... this was a real one, wasn't it? Just like she'd been, sitting right there in the corner, real, but for sure not there anymore.
"I'm very sorry to hear that sir, but he likely means no harm... I'm sure you know he has had a rough time, what with being haunted and all." Alden smiled a gentleman's smile toward the man, before taking off his hat and setting down his suitcase so he could remove his jacket. "Although it seems there is little hurry to it now I'm here, why don't we start with some tea first?" This time he looked toward Ross as he said it, having taken off his coat and putting it with his hat on the coat rack.
"Haun'ed? Loike bloomin' spooks? None of dose 'ere boy..."
"One can never be too sure of that, it is best to get a regular check anyway, at the least to keep the negative energy away. It creeps in fairly easily you see... attracts nastier things too than a few confused ghosts." Taking the liberty, Alden sat himself down at the table, on the opposite side of the man. Interesting indeed, did he not know? Or was he deluded into believing he was real? That was... dangerous.

Ross raised an eyebrow, looking confused “Gentleman? Who are you talking about?” they were the only ones in the house and who was Alden talking to? Any family that Ross knew lived on the other side of London and it was very rare of them to come visit. “Hate to say it but I live alone, any family I have live somewhere else” he said walking into the kitchen. Starting to make a cup of tea for Alden, unsure of how Alden takes his tea Ross turned around “Would you like some milk in your tea?” Ross wasn’t someone who fancied tea all that much the only reason he had it in the house was for his family whenever they visited and for guest whenever he had the actual chance of having guests over. He was curious of who Alden was talking to but Ross decided to stay quiet for now and see what else Alden would say. InsanEleven

"See dis right 'ere sir, he does it erry damn time. Is loike I don exis' or sume'in," The man slammed his fist down onto the table, causing it to rattle before he angrily shoved his chair back. "Do yer think dis is funny boy? You ne'er show me any respect!" Red face, his words nearly falling out of his mouth as all the balled up rage came out. Reaching for the nearest thing, he grabbed a cup from the sink. With a quick throw it came straight for Ross, the man having an eerily good throw, while Alden just stared on, not able to react in time other than to lift an arm to shield his face as he knew the impact was nearing.
"Wait, wait... sir!" Before he could grab a second cup and throw it again, Alden had reacted this time. Which seemed to distract the man for long enough that Alden could do the rest of his say. "Ignore him: he's ignoring you? You ignore him. For now, let's just talk, you and I, I am just wondering how a man like yourself ended up here at three in the afternoon. You work in the factory right? The one belonging to Earl Bertram Talbot of Shrewsbury, the steelmill near the docks?" Being reminded of this appeared to trigger something in the man, looking from the cup to Ross, back to Alden and then finally sitting down again.
"Yeh, why yer askin'?"
"I'm just wondering how you got here is all, because it's about 3 in the afternoon on a monday, should you not be at work?"

Ross didn’t have time to react to the cup flying towards his head, he could only react by shielding himself with his. With the cup shattering on impact Ross looked up thankful that Alden had stepped in before another cup could be thrown at him once again. He bent down to pick up the remaining shards of the cup on the floor that didn’t end up in his arms. Fifth time this week dammit he sighed, he was running out of cups. He was hoping Alden was getting somewhere with whoever he was talking to, Ross stayed silent for the time being he didn’t want another cup to be thrown at him. Picking up all the pieces he wrapped them up and threw them out, as well as taking the pieces that was in his arms. Cleaning the wounds and wrapping them in a bandage he had in one of the draws. Hearing Alden talk, Ross figured he was starting to get some where with the person he was speaking too - well he kind of figured that from the lack of a second cup being thrown at him. InsanEleven

Alden had seen Ross move from the corner of his eye, but realised that dealing with the ghost was the first priority. His question seemed to have gotten him somewhere; which meant this ghost was indeed of a lesser type, rather easy to deal with once you plucked apart a figment of the manifestation. Asking a few question, tugging here and there, and the whole thing would come sliding down into the realisation that it was, in fact, dead. This ghost seemed to be nothing more than the remains of a soul propagated by his anger, which couldn't leave fully because he didn't accept the circumstances of his death, and now after a decade, couldn't remember them in the first place. It had created an image for itself, but couldn't exist outside that.
"Ah, nah. I got laid off yer see... but me sonny here can provide. I's no problem, excep' he doesn't loike me no more." So the ghost thought Ross was his son? Interesting, although he didn't know enough about Ross to know if he had a dead father.
"That must be difficult though, why did they fire you? If you don't mind me asking?"
"No's no problem sir, Im glad ter be talking ter yer. I jus' got in a wee bi' trouble, with the bo'le yer see..." Alcoholic then? Ragged clothes, bloodshot eyes... he must've been that for a while by the time he died.
"I'm very sorry to hear that, that must've been hard on your family as well. Why did you look toward the bottom of the bottle so to speak though?"
"Well yer see, my sonny... my,-" For a moment the man stopped, his eyes widening at a sudden realisation, looking toward Ross in disbelief. "My sonny got hur' on der job... and I couldn' pay for der medicine... he... he passed las' year... so... yer not my kid..." The last part was aimed directly at Ross, although he couldn't hear, he probably could notice Alden turning around and looking at Ross for a moment, smiling at him reassuringly that he had found the problem.
"It's 1867 sir, the steel mill closed down at least a decade ago... I'm sorry to have to tell you but, you are dead, and Ross... this man right here, he is not your son. But you must surely feel it now; now that you know, you can pass on. I'm sure your son is waiting for you on the other side sir... and there is nothing left here for you, no reason to stay." The man just stared at Alden still rather much in disbelief, but the delusion was fading clearly now.
"Yer mean..." It didn't really need to be put into words what was meant, as Alden just nodded patiently toward the man, confirming every doubt. "He really can' see me..." Knowing this, the ghost stood up and walked toward Ross. Standing right in front of him, but he was totally oblivious of it. "Then... I have ter get home... ye, they mus' have be wai'ing for so long."

The ghost clearly seemed to have some direction to go to, a place to be, even if he couldn't possibly know where it was. Alden just gave the man one last gesture toward the front door.
"I'm absolutely positive they will be glad to see you." After which the man nodded toward him gratefully, reaching to open the door. The moment it creaked open, the outside light fell in, and to Ross it wouldn't have been more than a short spat of light, like the sun peeking through the otherwise thick grey clouds for a moment. Alden though, saw the man get swallowed by it, the remnants of a soul taken home. Wherever that home might have been, whatever it had been he did not know, but he did know that he had passed on into it.

Clapping his hands together Alden smiled at Ross.
"So, shall I get the tea while you tend to your arms? I should have something for that in my suitcase... right..." Walking toward the suitcase he opened it, rummaged through it, then took out a small vial of a yellowish liquid. "... here. Put that ointment on the wound, helps clear it out." After handing it over he'd taken the liberty of getting two cups and pouring the tea, with lots of milk for himself. Sadly no sugar, so that was where the milk had to help him out.

Grabbing the ointment the Alden got out for him, Ross started attending to his wounds “Thanks, I assume you dealt with the ghost?” He asked. Ross assumed it had been dealt with considering Alden just started making some tea “So, shall we talk business?” Ross now owed Alden a great deal, he helped him with his problem the least Ross could do was return the favor and he already agreed to the deal. “Your other client, same deal as the problem as I had or?” He wanted to know what he had signed up for, Alden gave him little detail earlier other than Ross become his luggage carrier. He wanted to know if he was getting himself into danger although Ross didn’t mind, he finally got the chance to leave London and explore even if it was only for a couple of days. With the ghost gone now he finally felt at ease with no worry about a cup or vase coming flying towards his face and he could finally leave London. InsanEleven

Alden had taken a sip from his cup of tea, before now stirring it with a teaspoon. Cheap tea... "Hmm... yes well, the trouble is I do not know what it is we will be dealing with. Your ghost was easy, you are very lucky it was reasonable and whole enough to leave of it's own volitions. Most paranormal occurrences have no base in logic or rationality, so we might very well be dealing with dangerous, inhuman creatures. But no worries, you are sound of mind, so if you die you will most likely pass on without any problems." Alden had to sip his tea so he could hide a little smirk, he wasn't necessarily lying about the dying, but knew that Ross would very likely not be doing that. He only had to carry his luggage and assist him after all; he'd be relatively safe unless through freak accident... or perhaps if he wanted join in. Which would make for an interesting test, but not one Alden was willing to force upon anyone.

He raised an eyebrow “Thanks, I guess” he wasn’t sure if he should take that as an insult or a compliment. But he was interested in learning more of what to do with different paranormal creatures, he lent back into his chair “Would you be willing to teach me? How to deal with the paranormal I mean” he asked. He may as well attempt to learn, he didn’t want to just sit on the side lines without helping at least a little and him just being a luggage carrier wasn’t much help in his eyes and he owed Alden more than just that. He thought about if he died on the trip he was just stay around and haunt Alden just for the fun of it and see then how easy it would be to get rid of him but there would be no need for him to stay just for that silly reason. InsanEleven

Interesting... "Are you sure you want to learn about all this? Because although the name paranormal might sound exciting, it's mostly sitting around waiting for something extremely dangerous to show up. And half the time it's not paranormal to begin with." He'd first had experience with the latter more than anything, but he wanted to make sure Ross knew.
"Let us first see how the next few days will fare, then after that you can decide if you want to join me in a more permanent manner. Especially because you still have family I should be wary of it, I would have to be the one to bring you back home after all. One way or another, as I can hardly tell your mother I left you as a refreshment for demons." Taking another few sips as he spoke he'd look for Ross reaction, analyse it, see if his request hadn't really been just in the spur of the moment. He had no problem with a little help, but an apprentice? That could be problematic... especially if they had attachments. Or even worse, if he himself got attached.

He nodded, both to signal that he was sure about his decision to learn and in agreement that maybe he should wait for after the next few days to finalize his decision “Alright then, I’ll make a full decision after the next few days” he said. If he had changed his mind after the journey then no harm no foul, both him and Alden could go about their lives separately. “So where is this place we are heading to? And what do you expect to find when we get there?” he asked, knowing that Alden didn’t know what they expected to find when they arrived there but Ross would actually like to know where they were heading and what Alden had expected to find when they eventually got there to deal with whatever was bothering his other client. Ross went through all the possibilities that they might run into although with Ross’s experience he would greatly prefer something corporeal so then he could at least give Alden a hand and not become a huge target for a ghost to throw something at him or drop something on his head when he walked through the door. To them they would find it funny but Ross didn't exactly end up with a concussion as the result of something dropping on his head. InsanEleven

"Quite frankly I'm not sure what we will find, the telegram was very vague. Now I am sure we will find out soon, so you'd best packed your suitcase before I finish the tea. We're leaving immediately." An apprentice, he needed to think it over. To see what Ross would do in a real situation, surely he was built tough, but would his mind be able to deal with the horrors surrounding the occult?
First of all, Alden had wanted to describe the situation here, his first true ghost encounter of his own. He had always been pointed to the fact that he was one of few people in possession of the ability to see them, but he was still stunned by how bad he was at discerning them from the living. These developments were exciting though, and he'd best note down the next case better so he could add it to his research.

Ross stands up, pushing his chair in leaving the kitchen and Alden to his own devices. Walking down to the other side of the house to his bedroom. Grabbing his suitcase and setting it down on the bed, opening it up to put his stuff into it. Shuffling around the room, grabbing items of clothing and placing them into the suitcase. He packed quite a few clothes considering that depending on what they faced he was going to probably be getting dirty quite a bit. He looked inside his suitcase thinking about what else to put into it, he put in a few medical supplies to then shut his suitcase. Grabbing it he returned to the kitchen where Alden was still sitting “I’m all good to go, ready?” he asked standing in the door way, suitcase in hand. InsanEleven

While Ross had gone off to pack his suitcase, Alden had taken out a small journal from his pocket, writing down his encounter with the ghost in broad, so he could fill out the details while on the train. When Ross had returned with his own suitcase in hand, Alden gave him a smile and put his pen and paper back in his own suitcase, neatly ordered and without folds or creaks. "Of course, I was ready before you even knew of my existence. We will travel to Preston by train, from there on it will be two days travel to the area of Barnoldswick. It is but a small, rural town. So I do hope you enjoy the countryside." Alden himself had always held a certain love for the countryside, the quiet away from the prying eyes of people suited him, although he wasn't sure if Ross would share that love.

The rest of their travels had gone well; Alden had purchased himself a simple second class ticket, having preferred the comfort of first, but knowing full well he couldn't afford it at this point in time. Second class had to do then, he'd spent his days worse... besides, he was surely better off than Ross, who had gone to keep the luggage from any prying eyes or thieves back in the luggage compartments. Small price to pay for a free ticket to Preston really. In the end Alden did prefer not having Ross there to watch him write his notes, or otherwise he'd likely have been overwhelmed by questions. No... second class would do.
As for the remainder of the journey, a simple open carriage drawn by one horse would get them at their destination. No need for the fancy stuff so far out of town. He'd let Ross reign the horse, while he himself studied up on his occult knowledge reading a book in the back and enjoying the quite cool but nonetheless pleasant autumn evening. By sundown they had travelled a good distance, their first place of rest laying just a bit further down the road.
"Ross, could you find us a good place to stay at the next town, we should be nearing Balderstone soon. I trust your judgement, it doesn't need to be fancy, clean and sturdy will do."
GamerCarrot

During the whole train ride Ross had to look after the luggage, protecting it from anyone who thought of stealing what either Alden’s luggage or his contained inside. It was a boring job but he did it willingly since that is what he signed up for when he asked Alden for help which he was grateful for. He was curious about what had happened in his house though, Alden had not said a word about what had happened or who the ghost was, nor had Ross really asked. Although with Alden being up in second class there’s no point in asking now and it was just bother Alden if Ross bombarded him with questions.

“Yeah I can do that” he said keeping the horses going until they got into the next town. Ross pulled the reigns to get the horses to come to a gentle stop, just out the front of where Ross had chosen the inn they would stay in. From the outside, it looks clean and well kept. And from what Ross could see from where he was sitting the inside looked extremely clean, he gestured to the inn “How’s this place? Any good or I can keep moving along to find another place” He asked, wondering about Alden’s opinion even if he had said he trusted Ross with his decision he still thought it was best for Alden to have the final say.

(I did it )
InsanEleven

Alden gave the place a look over, blue eyes scanning the building a bit more careful than Ross had, as he was obviously far more travel weary. In the end it looked fine though, clean was always a good sign, but he also looked at the structure, the age and the people that gathered around the establishment. It all seemed in order, there was nothing out of the ordinary. All in all fine for a small town establishment.
"Yes, this will do just fine, you can let me out here. Please hold the horse around back while I make arrangements." Alden had taken a small suitcase from the back, stored his book inside of it and left the carriage when Ross had halted. The remaining part of the way he walked over the cobbles, seemingly confident. However, the moment he'd seen Ross leave his sight a slight bout of panic seemed to have grasped him. Not now. It was just an inn... he'd done that before many times. But where he could still sink his mind in his books on a lonely cross country train ride, the inside of this inn was rather lively and filled with people. He disliked being close to too many emotions like this, even if it was jolly and cheerful. He'd just have to do this fast.

Opening the door with a bit of haste, nobody in the establishment paid him mind, too busy with their beers and drinks. Alden however, had no choice but to pay them mind... the heavy emotions spilling into his head and with it soft waves of the people that had them. Instantly names spilled over, events and their daily lives twisted and combined into a murmur of the people that were in here. Workers, long dull days, a wife that was missing... a son that passed on last winter... the relief of being off of work, of being able to drown those thoughts in the rush of alcohol, but they were there, carved in the soul. Deeper and deeper the longer they wished to be let out... and Alden was that way out.
Just order a room and get out. The eyes watched... the people he'd never seen, the people that weren't here with those who were. The ghosts of the mind, haunting those too dense to accept them. His palms were sweaty, he'd been looking at the floor, trying not to look into anyone's eyes. Bumping into people, their touches were like sharp stabs of sensations, more than just his own body, for a moment they sent the person that had bumped into him with it. Overwhelming him.

Then finally, like a piece of driftwood on a stormy sea, he'd found himself clamping to the bar. The wood slightly sticky with beer giving him another sensation than the ones still lingering behind him. If only he could close his mind somehow, but it was making him nauseous... and he wasn't sure if that was the panic, the stench of sweat and spilled beer... or the sensation of alcohol from the others.
"Sir?" The voice pulled him back out of this deep deafening murmur of the sixth sense. "Sir? How can I help you?" For a moment he looked up, perhaps in mistake, and found the eyes of the bar lady.
Unhappy marriage, cheating husband. The drunkards will harass her tonight again, fear... slightly flattered. She thinks she still has it. Wonders why he doesn't love her. Has to serve this guy, doesn't like it. Confused. Why is he staring? Is he...
"Hey sir," The lady snapped her fingers in front of Alden, which broke their eye contact. It broke this battering stream of sensations "need anything?". While he was out of it, Alden needed to regain his bearings, the murmur of drunkards in the back beating him into submission again. He stared past her eyes this time, toward her forehead, giving the impression he was looking at her but never quite.
"Yes... one room please, dinner and breakfast brought up. And dinner and breakfast for my servant boy. Ross." He held out some money, which had to be enough. Just focus. He wanted to ask her to hurry, nearly scream it to her so he wouldn't have to stand this any longer. She handled it quick enough, but he nearly snatched the keys out of her hand anyway.
"Keep the rest Mrs Tindall." He'd told her when she had wanted to go to hand him back his change. He didn't know how much it was in tips, from the little gloat of happiness he sensed too much. But he just wanted out. Quiet, my kingdom for a moment of peace...

With a loud groan he dropped himself on the bed, holding his head in his hands as it calmed down from all the sensations. He could feel his heartbeat in his head, nearly tearing him apart as he tried to place all the nonsense that had bombarded him. Now the aftermath had settled, it hurt, like a loud noise would to his ears, or a bright light to his eyes. It'd subdue... eventually, but it tired him, wore him out. He hated having to do this, he'd make sure they'd leave when there were few people there...

When Alden had entered the inn on his own, Ross moved the horse and carriage around back, so that he could bring in the rest of their stuff and move it up to their room. Getting the horse settled out the back of the inn, Ross grabbed the suitcases and walked inside. He looked around at all of the men and women around in the building, searching Alden who he couldn’t find at all. Maybe he went up to the room already? Ross thought, he walked over to the lady at the bar “Excuse me, miss? Have you by any chance seen a young man about 5”6 in height walk in here with dark brown hair and grey eyes, dress reasonably smart.” he asked. “Oh yeah I saw him, acting a little strange mind you but he walked up to the room he booked” she said. She told him the room Alden had booked. Ross gave her a small smile “Thank you beautiful, hope the night treats you well” he winked at her then turned on his heel and walked up towards the room.

Ross placed down one of the suitcases he had in his hand so that he could open the door to the room. Noticing it was unlocked he opened the door and walked inside, grabbing the suitcase that was on the floor to only then place them down neatly inside the room. He looked over at Alden who looked exhausted while on the bed “Hey you okay? You look beat” he said to Alden with a small amount of concern in his voice. InsanEleven

Alden hadn't even heard the door open and close, and only be pulled out of it when he heard Ross talk. Giving him just a meek little nod.
"Yes... just a migraine... it'll pass..." When he spoke he sounded slightly exhausted, but tried to give a reassuring smile. He really just wanted Ross to be gone and to be left alone. Now his mind had been blasted open even Ross presence was easily read. Even if he didn't want to know him, the worry did take with it several traits of Ross' past. Stuck and pressed... a man like me... angry, but because I'm in danger... I feel sorry... but I want help...
"Dammit... what did I say... about climbing... in the walls... Champ?" Alden didn't really seem to realise he was semi-whispering it, although still animated with the same anger as the memory came with in in his mind. Looking slightly confused, he appeared to realise he'd said something, the feeling of it still on his lips, but he wasn't sure what it was he had said. Averting his eyes, he put an arm over them and his ears, making sure nothing came from someone else's mind again.
"Leave me... please..."