ruemorgue

[ruemorgue]

"Ha! Did I truly sound so knowledgeable? Non, mademoiselle, by no means am I a tour guide. At any rate, Laverre City is a unique place of interest." A place that took pride in more than just its industry of pokeball manufacturing. A whimsical & quirky place was perfect for the fairy-type gym leader that brought on a new generation of aspiring creators. To Auguste, it was a perfect potential of symbiosis between the two industries, which is why the observation of the pokemon's metal accessories brought on the idea in the first place "You are correct on your own knowledge of the Pokeball Factory being in such close proximity. Perhaps your interest lies solely in the perusing of the boutiques. However, if there is time for you to use, the factory do provide tours."

Shifting on his heel backwards, he moves further into the shade of an unfortunate restaurant's awning. He's managed to somewhat map out the choices of paths that could be taken. Though quick glances at the placements and movements of potential obstructions, he wonders if they could slip through easily when some of these officers are distracted with the agitated crowds... "Shall we? We should do our best to not attract attention to ourselves if we cannot help it. Quickly and quietly now, but, just for your piece of mind-" His tout en cas lowered, folded in & secured. He raises a hand, but before he motions for the other to follow, he makes sure to introduce himself finally: "My name is Auguste . Although I may not be a tour guide, I am, in fact, a local detective that has actually been assigned to investigate this seemingly mundane case."

"I guess I never considered a city like this would have power trouble," Daedra admitted a bit sheepishly. "It just always seemed so efficient about it, but I guess it happens everywhere!"

Coming from Unova, Daedra was well aware how much focus the larger cities put into their industrial managements. Castelia had always held itself with pride with how it claimed to be the center-point of everything in the region. Of course, people had their criticisms of it... Like how efficient was it to be blaring lights and advertisements 24/7 and having a sewer system that got overrun depending on the season?

"It's reassuring to see that the safety of the civilians are atleast given priority here," Daedra eventually amended. "And, I'm glad it doesn't seem to be anything too major."

There was always stories of organized crime happening through various regions. Stolen science equipment, artefacts, and... pushing -certain- agendas. So, if that wasn't what was happening and it was just some electrical trouble, Daedra thought that was a fine trade off. She'd take disappointing inconvenience over actual trouble any day!

The Lucario beside her rumbled in agreement, having similar sentiments as she unintentionally read her trainer's emotions. Speaking of--

"Oh, I've heard of Laverre City," the redhead chimed in, perking up in excitement. "It's the location of the Fairy Gym, right? I hadn't realized it had shops like that! Most people like to talk about the Pokeball Factory-- it's right by there, isn't it?"

Daedra wouldn't deny that the location had stirred some interest for her. Afterall, pokeballs were such an integral part of their society, and surely a factory that produced them would offer loads of information about them. Who didn't want to know such interesting things?!

Still--- Daedra supposed she could learn whenever she liked, and she had made a promise...

"We'd love to go anywhere you'd think best," Daedra explained, offering full attention to the kind stranger. "We can always come back to Lumiose at a later time-- it is one of the most well known places!"

Lulu yarped happily in agreement. Even if the pretty things would be for her, she didn't exactly mind where they came from~

"You seem to really know a lot about the cities and towns. Are you a tour guide or something?" Unable to help herself, Daedra couldn't help but glance over Auguste's attire, with all the fine material and trim.

They certainly looked regal~

[ruemorgue]

I saw the most beautiful watch today.

[ruemorgue]

Auguste glances at the Lucario at the stranger's side, taking note of their expression in fashion. He's witnessed many in this city dress their pokemon in extravagance to questionable lengths, a few bangles seemed modest. He was intrigued, however, in these that evinced a pokemon capable of battle, but perhaps it is not of particular focus. "J-je suis désolé. This must be terribly inconvenient. It is an issue, I hear, with the power plant. Officers may be at high alert here, but it is only due to the sheer amount of people here, and the attempt to pacify the crowd. Surely it will take some time, however. Umm..."

A few thoughts run through the detective's mind. Though Lumiose City is certainly the epicentre of Kalosian culture, there was much more that could be experienced, and on more of a budget as well. Trinkets fashoined from the ocean's depths in Cyllage to the strange energy crystals in Anistar. These locations all have their own small specialties that at least are worth the experience. Auguste couldn't really help himself but speak as if the girl was one of those lost tourists. "It may be a bit of a detour, but I can get you out. I wish not for your experience to be spoiled by this incident, so I hope you have the mind to explore more of what Kalos has to offer for the time being. The nearest city that could fulfill your shopping needs may be Laverre City. Have you heard of it? It is a place where many independent fashion designers gather, many diverse accessory boutiques can be found there."

The stranger took some time to respond, much less react, to the point Daedra thought that maybe they hadn't heard her. Strange... but she didn't think too much on it. In a different circumstance, the redhead might have shrugged the encounter off and moved along, but for the moment, they were the only person in view. So, she would simply endeavor to verbally draw their attention again-- only to greeted with a response, finally.

"Oh."

The initial response was moreso getting caught off guard. So, he had heard her, but perhaps needed to think of a reply, Daedra silently assumed to herself. It didn't do much to keep her cheery expression lifted, as a small frown pulled to her lips.

"My... that sounds pretty serious." The Lucario at her side rumbled in a similarly concerned tone, prompting Daedra's gaze for a moment. "Well, we just came to the city for a bit of shopping," she explained, her attention turning back to the fancy gentleman before them.

"I suppose that's a bit out of the question now." It was then the trainer realized how ... dark the street looked. She hadn't noticed how much of the basic lighting about the city was suddenly absent. When had that happened?

"Is something serious going on?" she couldn't help but ask. She wasn't sure what prompted her to put the question forward to the stranger. They atleast seemed more assured than she and Lulu were.

[ruemorgue]

The reputation of Kalosian officials being lackadaisical seemed nothing more than a myth when it comes to the largest tourist spots in the region. There was quite the anxious stir as the first instinct by officers was to contain everyone to their current locations as all areas are being investigated in the initial search in this peculiar 'crime'. It was quite a once-in-a-lifetime experience to see Lumiose City devoid of the artificial light the city had been famous for. Restaurants, shops, and even the iconic Prism Tower fell under a complete blackout. It seems few were entertained by the circumstances, though. Auguste peered from behind dark lenses under the eaves of a restaurant that stood at the corner next to one of the blocked-off avenues. As a detective, the request for him to come out of his dark quarters by the prefect is the only reason why he is outdoors in the daytime. In the wide sea of commotion, his observations remained sharp to anything suspicious. However, he was distracted by a specific stranger trying her luck at getting his attention ( though he was looking directly at her ; it reminded him just how well the tinted lenses worked ). He was unwittingly an ideal choice in this situation. The man who has even the sewer system mentally mapped out - even if he hasn't the authority to get her past the workers guarding the avenues, there's always another way with Auguste. Though this recluse finds difficulty in conversation, he is oft carried by the excuse to get out of unsatisfactory situations. He mulls over the thought of helping the stranger, and if would even be possible at this point, "Well, there...there's little that can be done now..."

" It's not just the avenues; th-the alleyways are sure to be blocked off soon enough. Are you trying to reach somewhere specific?"

Pokkmein Starter for @ruemorgue

--

"Ah-- careful, Lulu. Let's keep to the side."

The petite redhead did her best to corral the Lucario as a collection of officers hurried down the street. She frowned, watching as they cut down one of the avenues, hurrying off to what she assumed as sirens. Of course, of all days she chose to make a visit to Lumiose City and seemingly half of it was roped off due to... something.

Daedra had no idea what it could be, but certainly nothing good. Frankly, it seemed no one had much clue what was going on, from what she could make out in the hushed but curious whispers of any passerby's. While normally very curious, she was perfectly happy remaining ignorant, and getting herself and her Pokemon out of the crowds of the too busy landmark.

"Let's try down this way," Daedra suggested, turning her attention back to her companion. "Maybe this avenue is open!"

Lulu, unlike her trainer, was much more invested in all the hub bub. Alarms and people yelling and lots of hurrying about - it made her ears constantly flick about. Her various flower clips and bows clicking together as she did so. Lulu did manage to pull her attention long enough to turn to Daedra, nodding as she let out a purred bark in response.

"Sorry we couldn't get to the boutique you wanted," Daedra lamented, as they made their way opposite of the crowds. "Maybe if we pass a different one on the way to the outer routes..."

Lulu warbled back in assurance. She always liked getting a fancy 'treat' but sometimes it didn't work out that way! And it seemed it wouldn't work out still, as yet another avenue was seemingly closed off. The city was turning into a real maze!

"Oh dear..." Daedra sighed, thinking on what to do. She normally always got turned around even when all the walkways -were- open for use. Perhaps it was time for some help. Looking up, Daedra noticed a finely dressed individual towards the end of the street. They didn't appear lost like she and Lulu felt...maybe they knew something!

"Hello--excuse me," Daedra called out, raising her arm in a wave to get the person's attention. "Pardon me, but could you help us out a bit. We're trying to find an open avenue out of the city. Do you know which way to go?"

[ruemorgue]

French Caged Ruby Crystal Chatelaine Scent Perfume Bottle (1890)

[ruemorgue]

Steady rising of turbulence in France following the Revolution of 1830 failed to stop in the new regime change of hands with a deceptive king who favored the rich bankers. Early on, restrictions were placed on press and public gathering did a wonderful job in stirring the pot of further retaliation. It's a world where Auguste tries his damnest to not involve himself with these politics too deeply in his work, part of the reason he keeps holed up in his home despite the relative safety of the Faubourg Saint-Germain. Most work until the case of the stolen letter has nothing to do with revolutionaries or corruption of the ultra wealthy. He doesn't NOT interact with them, as many times it's imperative for investigations. The Prefect at the time is Gabriel Delessert ( I hc as Prefect G in the stories ), who was thought of as a man of integrity by both sides despite being thoroughly loyal to the Orleans Family. Auguste's mother had once been an owner of a salon within the city, which is where the connection to Gabriel was made, whose wife was within the circle of intellectuals of these early Romanticists. After Auguste's mother left Paris, Auguste was more or less watched over by Mme Delessert and provided a circle of Romanticists of her own with her own famous salon. The likes of Chateaubriand & Balzac brought Auguste into that current century with the then modern insight into strife & struggle of the common people. As a second revolution became more & more a possibility ( with the tipping point to him being the contents of the Purloined Letter ), he had his housemate flee France, and Auguste himself left Paris.

[ruemorgue]

( Here I am, with a completely rewritten pokemon verse for Augsute. )

There was once a name well known in Old Kalos, some century-old story or two that stuck in the minds of those who read the tantalizing tales of crimes. The name of an elusive character, a detective who solved the strangest of most difficult of mysteries. At a time of a changing Lumiose City, he occupied the shadows where others took advantage of the chaos from strife. Auguste Dupin was never one for even capturing pokemon in the first place, but found tremendous help in their abilities in a world where everyone had made use of their powers.

Even today, where the stories of him are nothing but detective fiction, he persists. Nowadays its in aid of the police hunting key figures of Team Flare after their terror among other crimes of intrigue. He's alone nowadays, living in an old & desolate home amidst the crowding buildings that only grow in number and height as the years pass by. Lumiose is ever changing, but as the light shines ever brighter, the shadows will grow ever harsher, and he continues to occupy this darkness as Lumiose's ghost detective.

[ruemorgue]

17 Novembre ‘18

Fiera Dell'Antiquariato di Cesena

IG: dhatvra

[ruemorgue]

"Plane? I know not such a thing, I arrived in Los Angeles by zhe grand STEAMSHIP! Full of zhe rooms of metal walls, it is so interesting how big machinery transports zhe rooms off zhis ship!"

[ruemorgue]

& The Green-Tinted Spectacles

Mentioned in Poe's canon, Auguste makes use of glasses with lenses in a green tint from time to time. Described in a way to seem none can see past the lenses to his eyes, one can infer this is an intended purpose for their use ( in both stories, it seems just as much : letting the prefect prattle on as if Auguste were intently listening, but his partner noted Auguste was actually asleep. His eyes are free to wander around the home of a thief as he tries to locate a stolen letter ). Green-tinted lenses also aid in the sensitivity to light - perfect for someone who goes months at a time avoiding any form of light.

[ruemorgue]

[ mostly for my own reference, condensing poe's canon. removing most unimportant details pertaining to the case. ] case 1: murders in the rue morgue some gore & death mention tw

A gruesome introductory case that Auguste and his partner first learn of in a local evening newspaper article. One of Madame L'Espanaye and her daughter Mademoiselle Camille L'Espanaye, the discovery of their corpses noted at 3 in the morning after much commotion in their fourth floor room of a home on the Rue Morgue. Screams were heard up until the police forced open the gate to the home, where the noise abruptly stopped. Within the investigation of a home that was severely disorderly with evidence of a bloody struggle, the daughter was found lodged within the chimney upside-down with numerous wounds. The mother was found at the small yard behind the building, nearly decapitated. There was no sign of the culprit, and no sign of serious theft ( where a withdrawal of 4 thousand francs was left ). There were about twenty individuals who went into the building along with the police. These witnesses commonly testified to have heard the gruff voice of a Frenchman, but could only hear a few words. A few others testified they heard a shrill voice in a language foreign to all of them. There is testimony that the late ladies have not had much in the way of discourse with others. Within the next day, Auguste and his partner would depart to investigate the scene as the case caught Augsute's fancy. His inspection included not only the home, but the entire neighborhood that led up to the fine typical Parisian home. Within the home, the manner of it described in the newspaper the evening before left nothing new to be discovered. Quickly, the Prefecture is stumped on this mysterious escape, as well as the motive for something so unnecessarily gruesome. Though Auguste would proceed in the next afternoon to claim he's solved the murder, and in fact was waiting patiently for the one involved in the crime to pay a visit. He brings up the point of all witnesses agreeing to hearing two types of voices, but disagree on one being of a specific foreign descent. Discerning the method of escape through a window, there seemed the only discernible evidence of the identity of the assailant is a clump of hair grasp within the hand of the deceased mother and the indentation of fingernails left upon the neck of the daughter. It was concluded the culprit was no human. The expected visitor confirms Auguste's thoughts : a French sailor who had come to care for an Ourang-Outang. In response to an ad in a newspaper favored by sailors that claimed to be of ownership of the monkey, he was led to Auguste's address. The unfortunate sailor only sought to sell of the animal before it escaped one night in a fit of rage from the temporary lodging within the same neighborhood of the mother and daughter. With a great sense of guilt, but a great amount of innocence to the crime, Auguste ensured that this pitiable sailor would not be reprimanded for the crime by the law.

[ruemorgue]

                              c. 19th century   -  The von Karma family.

           Currently, I am only concerning with the heads of the von Karma estate - the two who adopted Auguste into the family. Here, I claim to headcanon that the von Karmas were indeed a family in Germany for centuries prior to modern canon. I may go into more detail at some other point.        content warning for : death ( fire + alcoholism )

     Belavia von Karma

     An respected writer from France, well known as a critic of politics, the monarchy,  and advocate of women’s rights. Though, she escaped from Paris to Germany following the passing of the September Laws. She would not return until the conclusion of the subsequent revolution against the final French monarch.     Until then, she married into the von Karma family, who were of much greater influence and finances a noble family would compared to Belavia’s middle class upbringing. She gained a taste of exploration from her husband, and accompanied by her inspirational works of critique and philosophy, would also be published journals on her own insight during these travels. Despite attempting to assimilate to the nobility she married into, her major flaw finds itself in her tendency to speak her mind unfiltered. Especially in learning German and influence of interest in the cases Heinz works on, she becomes incredibly popular in Germany as well - bringing the salon culture by hosting at the von Karma estate with attendance encompassing many leading political and literary circles.    She made a point to have her adopted son receive studies fit only for a noble, especially on the literature and reading side of things. However, she was strict in controlling what sort of literature Auguste consumed, she was generally lenient as she noticed his hobby with reading and an open mind for philosophy.    Following the death of Heinz, Belavia would take Auguste and move back to Paris, where she would never recover from the tragedy ( as for herself, she believed it was murder, and it was due to her lack of filter and fervent pursuit in critique and commentary of the powerful). Instead of rising to the occasion and aiding her son to become the head of the family, she instead leaves him with a small portion of the family fortune to live in small accommodation in the city and attend Collège de Sorbonne while she retreats to a quiet convent in short retirement from writing, where she would spend her days living in wasting splendor exceedingly faster than the fortunes could handle. By the time Auguste graduated, Belavia had already dissolved two-thirds of the von Karma wealth on travels and wine alone.. Slowly and surely, she fades from the public mind, forgotten as what she once was, and would eventually die due to liver complications due to excessive alcoholism.

Heinz von Karma

Heinz von Karma is the third patriarch of the von Karma name, as his grandfather adopted the name out of reverence for a tutor of his in Japan. Since then, a replica of this Japanese mentor’s blade is the von Karma family heirloom. Though carrying the legacy and practitioner of swordsmanship, he also has an amateur hobby as an archaeologist and hunter of legends. In one of his ventures to an island right off the British mainland (where would be the location for Labyrinthia in the future) is where he discovered Auguste, during an exploration for the legends of a lost, ancient civilization. It would be his idea to take in the mysterious Auguste, and eventually decide upon considering him the heir to the family. This meant Heinz would train Auguste in swordsmanship and make him a sort of protégé prosecutor. Though, the training would never be complete and the replica of the Karuma would never be handed over. As law practitioners, the von Karmas valued observation and the theories based on a complete list of evidence, and exposing the truth that comes from it. This is the definition of the ‘perfect trial’. In the unfortunate turbulent times he was born withing, Heinz was still adamant on upholding these values as a prosecutor, in the face of bribed attorneys and tight-lipped officials that would time and again be brought to the stand.   In the troubles incoming 1850′s Germany, he would succumb to  a fire that was suspected to be arson, being taken along with most of the von Karma estate, with all of its valuables.

Arsène von Karma

Auguste's adopted brother, and the 'Minister D' who was featured in the final story of Poe's stories : The Purloined Letter. A minister of foreign affairs in France, he's mostly been away from the family since his oppurtunistic nature found himself looking to the instability of the nation. He's said to have crudely wronged Auguste once, so bad it may be cause of the only grudge Auguste had ever harboured. Though at the same time, as Auguste had been written in the will to replace Arsène as heir to inheritance, it may not have been so one-sided. What also isn't one-sided is the level of wits the two possess, though the use of that wit could not be more different.

[ruemorgue]

    WHAT FORM OF LOVE DO YOU EMBODY

      LOVE AS RELIGION

[ love as the sole object of your reverence--nothing about you is holy, but maybe your love for another is ] when sappho said "in the crooks of your body i find my religion" and when the cast of les mis sang "to love another person is to see the face of God" and when halsey said "i found God, i found him in a lover" and when katherine philips wrote "to the dull angry world let's prove there's a religion in our love"

[ruemorgue]

Snow this afternoon.

[ruemorgue]

❝ VULPUSLUNAE ·❞

@ruemorgue· starter liked

“You brought the files?” Eager to get the case done, was the only thing that occupied her mind in the last 36 hours. Not to mention, she’s a little sleep deprived, but her current investigation left nothing but cold leads. Linking a past case seemed the only way to move forward and put together stronger arguments in court. 

Tread lightly, and appease her with a strong cup of coffee. Pro-tip: probably consider getting one of Godot’s blends. 

“Great, let’s get started. Tell me what you know about this case.”

   “I-Indeed. I’ve brought....th-the updated a-autopsy report, a summary of key points about t-the victim....”    Beginning to mumble to himself as he shifts the folders in his arm, eyes averted from the young woman before him, and cast to the files. He picks one of these folders, a label crudely scribbled in the front for some form of identification. No, he couldn’t understand it, but could tell the folders apart anyways. He delivers them to the prosecutor’s desk before he regains his voice to an intelligible level.     “...This one should be...the information from t-the older case you implored to...take a gander thr-through. Anyways...”    For himself, Auguste has taken quite a many hours to mull over the details of this case in particular. He’s dusted off the ratiocination skills with smaller incidents, and now working on a case with someone who seemed keen in this instance aided in the insight to further deduce, or at least dig out more clues.    “I v-would love to...tell you all I know...but..ah...”

   “...You s-seem a....a little...”  he motions with his free hand to his face vaguely. Perhaps to point out the woman’s faint sign of exhaustion. Though he was not one to easily express empathy, he even more so was not one to fetch tea or coffee to colleagues. However, he knew the importance many here hold caffeine, especially in the midst of arduous cases. A necessity, they tend to say. He is set in a pause to wonder if he should even entertain the idea...    “Is t-t-there any...thing I can...get for you?”

[ruemorgue]

Art Nouveau Winter Garden

[ruemorgue]