Re: The Aswadim's Blood, Battles and the Lonely Handler IC Thread 23

by **Anja Rebekka Schultze** Wed Dec 27, 2017 7:24 am

You got your crate out of the trunk of your car and once you have maneuvered it free you saw the stranger was appernatly done with his task, he checked a list on his phone and moved a few cars down the line and popped the hood of a red European hybrid, this time the man saw you and he looked startled for a moment then he gave you a smile and a nod and said in a slightly slurred speech that indicated he might be deaf.
"Hello ma'am I did not see you there."
Before he bent over the hybrid to continue his work.

(OOC: Weee runes for everyone. Also sorry for my late reply with my last post I had a headache last night and fell asleep early.)

by Warpmind Wed Dec 27, 2017 12:36 pm

"Magick Craftsman is the name given to those things the common world view at a time recons lie beyond common human ken and ability."
The Handler said.
"But anything can be used to enforce our will upon reality."

Colin grinned, "Magic is what people ascribe something to, when they don't understand how it is done. You would be surprised at how much mundane finesse is often described as such... and how much magic is given a mundane explanation these days."

Dalisse nodded and looked down at her hand.
"I am going to have to rely on your kindness then Craftsman, as I find that closing the wound together by myself to be hard but once it is lined up I should be able to heal it."
She said and she hesitantly took a step closer and held out her wounded, elongated hand, she was clearely not used to be touched by strangers.

He smiled and took Dalisse's hand in his own, gently trying to touch the edges of skin together with the same careful, light touches he used for filigree work, "Then let me see if I can at least hold the membrane pieces in place..."

"No that might indeed be to dry a landscape for me."
The Handler said then she looked at you.
"I can leave this chamber if I so desire, but as long as I am not here there will be little control over the ship and he can do as he pleases, which do not bother me but do bother Lady Larson quite a bit as he would be likely to attack his tormentors. I have not left in many years though."

He nodded, "So your control is restricted to this room, even if your movement is not... Well, escorting you outside is very far out of the question, then, since we would all be suddenly counted as intruders in his passages without you to tell him no..."

"Yes and no. The Nephandi did not have one goal back when it was first founded, it was like the Traditions are today a way to find safety in numbers, and those magi and groups of magi who where branded as evil or infernal by their fellows came together and thus the Nephandi was born, many of these groups where heavily prosecuted and many of them where not what you would call evil we merely worshiped what other magi saw as unacceptable. However eventually two groups, the Malfean and the K'llasshaa with their idea of a Fall and of destroying the world took over the Nephandi and forced the other groups out. I am a remnant of those days left as I am since if I entered the Caul in my distress and pain it would likely make the ship panic. But I have never been either Malfean or K'llasshaa, once I was Diedne but the being I worshiped where not the Celtic Gods but Lilittu the first of the Wyck and mother to us all, however as Judeaism brand her a demon so was I called infernalist."
She said and looked away.
"And like so many others I came to the newly formed Nephandi for the protection it offered from those who had been my allies."

He arched an eyebrow, "That would place your age at well over a thousand years... The years have been most kind to you."

"I will not become a widderslainte as I am not Fallen, though my Avatar carries the scars of prejudice and while the Dark Mother's path is filled with pain and suffering some things are hard to forgive, though if my next incarnation do not remember then yes perhaps she will join your side."
The Handler said bitterly.
"Very well I will be ready to assist your allies as agreed upon."
She promised.

He smiled thinly, "I find that despite long memories of pain and suffering, forgiveness can be reached, all the same. There is an old Diedne in my Chantry; reincarnated several times with perfect and complete memories of those that came before... He has managed to - albeit grudgingly - accept at least two resident Flambeau as good people. If an old Diedne, who remembers every day he lived of the Schism War, a thousand years ago, can forgive the enemy he fought so bitterly, then there is always hope for reconciliation..."

"She was a friend in your earlier life then, a friend you betrayed?"
The Handler said then she nodded again.
"I have no doubt you will treat her fair and kindly Craftsman."

He nodded, frowning, "It was centuries ago... My friend went down fighting, in an immense blaze of vindictive Reality bearing down on him. Her rebirth now is... auspicious. I may yet bring the old gang back together to beg them all for forgiveness..."

"I am afraid I do not watch TV much but good luck with that."

He chuckled, "If I succeed, it will be all worth the Paradox..."

Dalisse nodded at that.
"That are a noble idea Craftsman."
She agreed.
"You are a pilot, you fly the machines I have heard about sleepers having now then?"
She asked.

He nodded, "And soon, I will learn to pilot the machines build to fly the Umbra, like the ship we're in. Well, not the organic sorts of ship, just the metal-clad machines, but still, it will be whole new worlds to see..."

"I thank you Craftsman."
Dalisse said as she studied the note.

Jeffry took the phone when you called.
"Yes it is I."

He smiled, then answered Morgan, "Yes, it is I, as well... We have terms. The good lady here is not Fallen herself; she was just forced into associating with them before the Nephandi as a whole were taken over by the Fallen factions... We enter the Labyrinth, and she will lead our people into advantageous positions, and Larson's people into disadvantageous positions. After Larson and her crowd is taken out, we leave, and the Handler and the ship are free to leave for the Deep Umbra where they belong. This concession is not negotiable, I'm afraid. I can vouch for her hospitability, though - she has control over the wards, and my magic is free for me to use. We can trust her, so long as we are trustworthy."
He hesitated for a moment, "The Aswadim is here, but that may be to our advantage, so long as we don't interfere with him - he was warned by the Handler, and is not pleased with Larson's plan to bind him - I'd say odds are good that a policy of not attacking him will serve us best. Also, Jace is not yet home - that makes him weaker, but also a wild card..."

((OOC: Yeah, I see the runes. ))

by Jeremy Silverstein Wed Dec 27, 2017 4:40 pm

"That would be good as well Sir and is it not just a matter of practice?"
Jane asked happily.

"Your right! I just need to practice. Who knows what kind of weird spells you could make by messing with a person's taste." Serge agreed.

The girls where still making sandwiches and putting them on plates then they came over to you and offered you one.
"Would you like some food Sir?"
Jane asked then she glanced at Rosa but the young Cultist where already sleeping.

"Sure thing, thanks Jane. That would be really nice." Serge replied.

"Looks like our friend here is asleep. You can leave one for her so that she has something to eat when she wakes up."

Your effort and imagination went into what you where writing and the runes both had the effect of being another language to work with, a magickal language with the mental effect that gave and being imbued with power by centuries of use.

Serge breathed a sigh of relief.

"Damn, didn't realize how many times I'd have to write it. Well now that the base is done it's time for the actual trap part." Serge said to the sleeping Rosa behind him.

He remembered Mr. Bergen's words about having to enchant the drawing regularly and he began the process of doing so. Crossing his legs and placing the spiral drawing in front of him, Serge began to meditate on it slowly repeating the phrase 'the end is never the end is never' quietly to himself to help him concentrate on the phrase.

He concentrated on what the drawing and those words made him feel...no he concentrated on what he wanted the drawing and those words to make him feel and thus what effect they would have on anyone looking at them. He concentrated on the clever wordplay within the runes and the symbolic nature of the classic hypnotist circle.

He imagined the black and white spiral clearly in his mind spinning and spinning and spinning in an almost 'mesmerizing' way. Drawing him in with curiosity, never quite knowing what was so enticing about the confusing circle. The truth was that the hypnotic circle was enticing because he made it so and he hung onto that belief.

He gathered up all these thoughts and beliefs and let them flow naturally into the drawing.

(OOC: Yay! I was worried because every time I checked the forum on my phone the runes were't showing.)

(OOC2: Attempting to place a Mind 3 effect on the drawing. A simple mental illusion that makes it look like the hypnotic black and white circle is spinning to those who look at it and a stronger subconscious mental compulsion that causes the target to be mesmerized by the trap and causes them to want to continue to look at it and basically roots them in place as they stare at the never ending spinning circle. Serge is going to try and do this for a while so I would like to make it an extended roll.

Arete Rolls (-2 difficulty thanks anja!): 7, 8, 1 - 9, 8, 6 - 7, 3, 8

I think that's enough successes but let me know if it's not.)

by Adley Wed Dec 27, 2017 5:30 pm

"I will do my very best if you try the same Adley." Narim said

“I plan on coming back home.”

"So do I." Richard said. "But if we assume foul play every time someone is delayed we will quickly go quite mad."

“Of all the shit that’s crossed my path so far?” He shook his head a bit.

"The girls are being taken care of by...oh what did he say his name was...ah yes Mr Yager that's it."Nico informed you, they looked rather pale and drawn now and Richard hurried over to check on the rebis.

“Thank you,” he said to Nico. “Do you still need my wand?” Then he saw how pale she looked and said to the doctor, “Are they okay, doctor? They were bleeding…can you help them?”

Jeffry frowned and read what you had written then he nodded and handed you the writing frame back. "I think I have more of a grasp of what have happened now yes and it is not good news."

He took the frame back and erased it. “Understatement. I expected to learn some new Greek. Ah, and the guardian for this floor should have his normal duties reinstated or new ones given, I asked him to lookout on the kids in addition to his floor duties."

"We are going to have to act now, we have the girl we spoke about..." He said then he turned to Richard. "I would like you to go to the cafeteria there is a small girl child there I will need a sample of her blood and a bit of her hair, be as gentle as you can but get it, then once you have it ask Mrs Von Hess to dowse for this Prelatus Wallace Jace."

He frowned a little, not liking using a little kid that way. Even if she was, somehow, linked to this Jace. “Were we going to use those spirits?” he asked, recalling the transformed kittens.

"Can you help Master Sharaya to Mr Smithson's room and I will be back up here shortly. And Nico please go back to my room and rest your wounds are bleeding and with your freshly healed head wound you should be in bed resting."

“Yes sir,” He stood up, grabbed his bag and put his things away. “Do you need anything in here before we move?” he asked, keeping a hand on him in case he got wobbly.

"I can help Adeptus Markov to Dr Lee's apartment and then head upstairs and look for Miss Mundis if you want, I did donate blood but I feel fine." Richard sigh. "Very well, but once you are done get something to eat and drink and sit down if you feel feint." Ty nodded. "Will do Doc."

If he didn’t know which room was Ty’s he asked before helping Narim to his new, if temporary, base of operations.

// I assume you meant that the Chief would meet him up there in Ty's room

by **Anja Rebekka Schultze** Wed Dec 27, 2017 6:56 pm

Colin:

Colin grinned, "Magic is what people ascribe something to, when they don't understand how it is done. You would be surprised at how much mundane finesse is often described as such... and how much magic is given a mundane explanation these days."

"Yes I guess that with the Technocracy's activities that is indeed true Craftsman but still it is true, magick is simply to impose our will on existence and there are many ways to do that."
The Handler said and smiled.

He smiled and took Dalisse's hand in his own, gently trying to touch the edges of skin together with the same careful, light touches he used for filigree work, "Then let me see if I can at least hold the membrane pieces in place..."

The Handler winced sharply as you touched the edges of her wounded membrane an she shivered, she clearly where as fragile as she looked for her bones felt as thin as those of a small cat. When you held those edges together though the creature used her own magick to close the wound, muttering words in long forgotten languages until only a slightly raised, red scar was left of the bleeding gash.
"T...thank you..."
Dalisse muttered her eyes wide, she was not used to being touched with kindness.

He nodded, "So your control is restricted to this room, even if your movement is not... Well, escorting you outside is very far out of the question, then, since we would all be suddenly counted as intruders in his passages without you to tell him no..."

"He would not attack me, he knows me, but you on the other hand is another matter Craftsman, outside of this chamber I might soothe him, talk to him, but I can not commend him."
The Handler agreed and nodded.
"I think I would find it hard to step out of this chamber after all these years as well, this is my home."

He arched an eyebrow, "That would place your age at well over a thousand years... The years have been most kind to you."

"The years have been held at bay with magick, his and mine but they have not gone willingly or kindly, but thank you Craftsman, yes I was born in a Germanic village in the year of 834 to a miller and his wife."
She confirmed.

He smiled thinly, "I find that despite long memories of pain and suffering, forgiveness can be reached, all the same. There is an old Diedne in my Chantry; reincarnated several times with perfect and complete memories of those that came before... He has managed to - albeit grudgingly - accept at least two resident Flambeau as good people. If an old Diedne, who remembers every day he lived of the Schism War, a thousand years ago, can forgive the enemy he fought so bitterly, then there is always hope for reconciliation..."

"Perhaps so but my memory is long Craftsman and my hatred runs deep. I never experienced the war that ravaged my House I was cast out long before, but instead of a March to end my life, an injustice I could have forgiven, I was delivered to the accursed Guernicus to be experimented upon in ways most foul, and for what? For worshiping the wrong God for venerating a woman who refused to bow to a man!"
The Handler said angrily and she formed her little hands into fists.

"There is some things Craftsman that can never be forgiven!"

He nodded, frowning, "It was centuries ago... My friend went down fighting, in an immense blaze of vindictive Reality bearing down on him. Her rebirth now is... auspicious. I may yet bring the old gang back together to beg them all for forgiveness..."

She nodded at that.
"I wish you the best with this Craftsman."
Was all she had to say.

He chuckled, "If I succeed, it will be all worth the Paradox..."

She just smiled clearly not really understanding the appeal of a TV series.

He nodded, "And soon, I will learn to pilot the machines build to fly the Umbra, like the ship we're in. Well, not the organic sorts of ship, just the metal-clad machines, but still, it will be whole new worlds to see..."

"It is a most wonderful experience to travel the void."
Dalisse said longingly.

He smiled, then answered Morgan, "Yes, it is I, as well... We have terms. The good lady here is not Fallen herself; she was just forced into associating with them before the Nephandi as a whole were taken over by the Fallen factions... We enter the Labyrinth, and she will lead our people into advantageous positions, and Larson's people into disadvantageous positions. After Larson and her crowd is taken out, we leave, and the Handler and the ship are free to leave for the Deep Umbra where they belong. This concession is not negotiable, I'm afraid. I can vouch for her hospitability, though - she has control over the wards, and my magic is free for me to use. We can trust her, so long as we are trustworthy."

"I see this is good news if the Handler is trustworthy and is not trying to deceive you Mr Wainwright."
Jeffry said then after a pause he sigh.
"I can not promise to let a Nephandus go, Fallen or not, and especially not one of their ships but I can promise to deal with our own wounded and prisoners we might have taken first and take my time to get to the Handler and her charge, that is the best I can do."
He said sternly.

He hesitated for a moment, "The Aswadim is here, but that may be to our advantage, so long as we don't interfere with him - he was warned by the Handler, and is not pleased with Larson's plan to bind him - I'd say odds are good that a policy of not attacking him will serve us best. Also, Jace is not yet home - that makes him weaker, but also a wild card..."

"We have no reason to attack an Aswadim, my apprentice informed me that he was here and this concern me to no degree but I agree attacking him will not serve us and letting him be might be a problem for our enemies...as for Mr Jace we have the girl and as soon as the good doctor have what we need from her and our dowser have found him we will strike, hopefully it will go better than in your vision."
The Chief said over the phone.

Serge:

"Your right! I just need to practice. Who knows what kind of weird spells you could make by messing with a person's taste." Serge agreed.

"You can make everything taste like muffins Sir."
The little girl exclaimed happily.

"Sure thing, thanks Jane. That would be really nice." Serge replied.

Jane smiled and handed you a peanut and jelly sandwich."
"Here you go Sir."

"Looks like our friend here is asleep. You can leave one for her so that she has something to eat when she wakes up."

"Off course Sir."
Jane said and Liv placed a colorful plate with a sandwich next to Rosa on the living room table.

Serge breathed a sigh of relief.

"Damn, didn't realize how many times I'd have to write it. Well now that the base is done it's time for the actual trap part." Serge said to the sleeping Rosa behind him.

Rosa was sleeping and did not hear you. Liv and Jane came over and sat and watched you work.
"Are you doing the enchantment now Sir?"
Jane asked.

He remembered Mr. Bergen's words about having to enchant the drawing regularly and he began the process of doing so. Crossing his legs and placing the spiral drawing in front of him, Serge began to meditate on it slowly repeating the phrase 'the end is never the end is never' quietly to himself to help him concentrate on the phrase.

He concentrated on what the drawing and those words made him feel...no he concentrated on what he wanted the drawing and those words to make him feel and thus what effect they would have on anyone looking at them. He concentrated on the clever wordplay within the runes and the symbolic nature of the classic hypnotist circle.

He imagined the black and white spiral clearly in his mind spinning and spinning and spinning in an almost 'mesmerizing' way. Drawing him in with curiosity, never quite knowing what was so enticing about the confusing circle. The truth was that the hypnotic circle was enticing because he made it so and he hung onto that belief.

He gathered up all these thoughts and beliefs and let them flow naturally into the drawing.

You worked on your spell for some times while Jane and Liv kept a careful watch on what you where doing, it took a bit of time but then you felt your spiral coming to life, and it swirled and danced, ready to drag unsuspecting watchers in and root them in place until they could be dealt with. You felt your magick ebb and flow and your trap sprung to life in your carefully crafted inscription.

Adley:

“I plan on coming back home.”

"Good...make sure that you do."
Narim said and he squeased your hand again.

“Of all the shit that’s crossed my path so far?” He shook his head a bit.

"I am not saying do not be vigilant but do not worry my friend before you know that there is cause for such concern."
Richard said and frowned.

“Thank you,” he said to Nico. “Do you still need my wand?” Then he saw how pale she looked and said to the doctor, “Are they okay, doctor? They were bleeding…can you help them?”

"No thank you for letting me borrow it."
Nico said and they handed the wand back to you.
"You should probably cleanse it of my energy before using it again."
They suggested. Richard nodded as he examined the rebis briefly.
"They need rest and I will change the dressing of their wound, that should help, I might also be able to do a few things to strengthen them."
He confirmed.

He took the frame back and erased it. “Understatement. I expected to learn some new Greek. Ah, and the guardian for this floor should have his normal duties reinstated or new ones given, I asked him to lookout on the kids in addition to his floor duties."

"You might yet learn them though I exclaimed most of them in the basement when learning what was going on there."
Your Mentor said darkly then he nodded.
"I will take care of the guardian."

He frowned a little, not liking using a little kid that way. Even if she was, somehow, linked to this Jace. “Were we going to use those spirits?” he asked, recalling the transformed kittens.

"That apparently is for Deaconess O'Conner to know and for us to worry about."
Your Mentor said and his frown told you how little he liked that.

“Yes sir,” He stood up, grabbed his bag and put his things away. “Do you need anything in here before we move?” he asked, keeping a hand on him in case he got wobbly.

Narim stood but rather uneasy. Richard.
"No that should be all."
The doctor said before he headed out of the room.
"I will take my leave then."
Nico said and they moved with some difficulty to the Masters before heading out of the room towards Richard's room to rest.

If he didn’t know which room was Ty’s he asked before helping Narim to his new, if temporary, base of operations.

You knew Ty's room number and got there, the apartment was like yours only that the furniture where bright purple and stained wood, the floor boards where bare with a blue and green rug, beautiful nature photographs hung on the walls. Te kitchen where clean and well kept and in one corner where a desk. Narim where holding onto his PC back and moved to the desk on uneasy legs.
"Thank you Adley."
He said and smiled a little. You saw the living room table where filled with a dog bed, leach, two collars and a bunch of toys and food bowls as well as a book named How to care for your puppy.

(OOC: I think the Chief probably meant to meet down in the cafeteria.)

by Nicole Bouchard Wed Dec 27, 2017 7:20 pm

Anja's Post:

The shifting of items within, a couple of snarled curses as Nicole got the crate into a position to be able to be lifted out. Catching the guy looking at her out of the corner of her eye, gave a little "don't worry about it" shrug on his words and got back to work. Rummaged around the front for a moment, shoved a couple of things in the rucksack and put it on. It was just as she was readying to carry the crate the information finally filtered through - who would be doing something as basic servicing at a time like this?

Curiously, Nicole straightened up and wiped her brow. Must be some outsider who works for a company who does this sort of thing. Looked around to see if there was some work truck around in the lot.

by **Anja Rebekka Schultze** Wed Dec 27, 2017 7:43 pm

There where no work trucks in the parking lot, the mechanic kept working in silence not seemingly aware that you where looking at him and looking around for his potential car, after a while he looked up from the engine though and asked.
"Is there something you are looking for Miss?"
He asked and turned so he could see your reply.

by Nicole Bouchard Wed Dec 27, 2017 7:56 pm

A look of puzzlement on Nicole's face. 'Erm, you work here, right?' she said, on getting his attention.

by Warpmind Wed Dec 27, 2017 7:56 pm

"Yes I guess that with the Technocracy's activities that is indeed true Craftsman but still it is true, magick is simply to impose our will on existence and there are many ways to do that."
The Handler said and smiled.

Colin nodded, "Considering how many people think high levels of artistic skill is magic, well... Perhaps to some extent they are right."

The Handler winced sharply as you touched the edges of her wounded membrane an she shivered, she clearly where as fragile as she looked for her bones felt as thin as those of a small cat. When you held those edges together though the creature used her own magick to close the wound, muttering words in long forgotten languages until only a slightly raised, red scar was left of the bleeding gash.
"T...thank you..."
Dalisse muttered her eyes wide, she was not used to being touched with kindness.

He smiled thinly, letting her hand go, "I really could do no less. Never be cruel or cowardly..."

"He would not attack me, he knows me, but you on the other hand is another matter Craftsman, outside of this chamber I might soothe him, talk to him, but I can not commend him."
The Handler agreed and nodded.
"I think I would find it hard to step out of this chamber after all these years as well, this is my home."

He nodded, then smiled wryly, "Hum, getting new books delivered will be difficult, then, once you leave..."

"The years have been held at bay with magick, his and mine but they have not gone willingly or kindly, but thank you Craftsman, yes I was born in a Germanic village in the year of 834 to a miller and his wife."
She confirmed.

He nodded, "That is quite the life. I admit, a part of me envies the things you must have seen, the places you must have visited in all those years..."

"Perhaps so but my memory is long Craftsman and my hatred runs deep. I never experienced the war that ravaged my House I was cast out long before, but instead of a March to end my life, an injustice I could have forgiven, I was delivered to the accursed Guernicus to be experimented upon in ways most foul, and for what? For worshiping the wrong God for venerating a woman who refused to bow to a man!"
The Handler said angrily and she formed her little hands into fists.

"There is some things Craftsman that can never be forgiven!"

He nodded, "All things can be forgiven eventually... but some things can not be forgiven over a single lifetime. And as you so amply demonstrate, Magi can have long lives and memories... I am not suggesting you should forgive in this life, but perhaps the next can offer a chance to make peace. Forgiveness, after all, is not so much about absolving someone of their guilt, as it is about letting go of the pain in your past... And pain is one of the easiest things to hold on to... Many misdeeds were committed by the Order of Hermes before the Traditions came together, and several more came about after... On the day of reckoning, perhaps the Order will still stand, though far less proud than before. Perhaps, in order to live with itself, it will finally humble itself and beg forgiveness..."

She nodded at that.
"I wish you the best with this Craftsman."
Was all she had to say.

He smiled, "Even if I cannot bring them all together to ask their forgiveness, it will be enough to make sure they are all alive and well in new incarnations..."

"It is a most wonderful experience to travel the void."
Dalisse said longingly.

He nodded, "I will need to be patient... but I will see the Deep, someday."

"I see this is good news if the Handler is trustworthy and is not trying to deceive you Mr Wainwright."
Jeffry said then after a pause he sigh.
"I can not promise to let a Nephandus go, Fallen or not, and especially not one of their ships but I can promise to deal with our own wounded and prisoners we might have taken first and take my time to get to the Handler and her charge, that is the best I can do."
He said sternly.

He smiled thinly, "I believe she is trustworthy. She has bared her soul to me - an old, powerful traveler who merely belongs far away from here."
He frowned slightly, "I am not attempting to barter for her life, Sir - in several senses, she is the ship. She will aid us toward our common objective, but if she leaves the chamber, the ship will act independently. The ship is presently in a depressed state, which makes it less threatening, but if the lady is marched out, it will likely become furious instead. Call the pilot; he can verify the size of this thing - I'd be worried about local Reality if it decides to tear loose and blast away... No, I believe the safest option for everyone involved is to simply let her go, and hope we can bring her home whenever she decides to reincarnate."

"We have no reason to attack an Aswadim, my apprentice informed me that he was here and this concern me to no degree but I agree attacking him will not serve us and letting him be might be a problem for our enemies...as for Mr Jace we have the girl and as soon as the good doctor have what we need from her and our dowser have found him we will strike, hopefully it will go better than in your vision."
The Chief said over the phone.

He nodded, "In the vision, we had not had the luxury of such a powerful sympathetic link to the man. It should go better - the question, really, is how much better we can get away with..."

He scratched his cheek, "Another item of some importance... The Labyrinth's Gilledian is named Griga. He was apparently sold to some Italians by Larson, and is held captive, forced to send messages home to give the impression he is travelling, all so Larson's authority won't be challenged. I don't know exactly how useful that particular bit of intel is right now, but it might pay off later..."

by Jeremy Silverstein Wed Dec 27, 2017 8:14 pm

"You can make everything taste like muffins Sir."
The little girl exclaimed happily.

"That's genius!" Serge said, having far more sinister ideas in mind about what he should make everything taste like but hiding them from the young girl.

Jane smiled and handed you a peanut and jelly sandwich."
"Here you go Sir."

"Yum." Serge said as he took the sandwich and took a comically large bite out of it.

Rosa was sleeping and did not hear you. Liv and Jane came over and sat and watched you work.
"Are you doing the enchantment now Sir?"
Jane asked.

"Yep. I worked out the design of the picture with Liv's dad. He also told me to enchant it everyday." Serge informed the girls. "I finished the drawing and now I'm adding the magick."

You worked on your spell for some times while Jane and Liv kept a careful watch on what you where doing, it took a bit of time but then you felt your spiral coming to life, and it swirled and danced, ready to drag unsuspecting watchers in and root them in place until they could be dealt with. You felt your magick ebb and flow and your trap sprung to life in your carefully crafted inscription.

"Ok...I think that should work." Serge said taking a couple of breaths in. He wasn't quite used to working that hard on a magickal effect.

"But we won't know how strong it is until someone looks at it. Still it's good practice. And now I got a cool new drawings to hang on my wall" Serge said with a smile.

Looking at the girls Serge asked, "So what do you girls want to do now? Don't want you guys to get bored. Wanna play a game?"

by **Anja Rebekka Schultze** Wed Dec 27, 2017 9:00 pm

Nicole:

A look of puzzlement on Nicole's face. 'Erm, you work here, right?' she said, on getting his attention.

The mechanic nodded.
"Sort of, I live at a nearby Chantry and I earn a little money on the side doing car repairs for the mages of Steelhaven...what about you Miss I have not see you here before..."
He inquired as he studied your lips as you spoke.

Colin:

Colin nodded, "Considering how many people think high levels of artistic skill is magic, well... Perhaps to some extent they are right."

"Oh it is very much so Craftsman, creativity is pure magick."
The Handler agreed and smiled.

He smiled thinly, letting her hand go, "I really could do no less. Never be cruel or cowardly..."

Dalisse opened and closed her hand a few times.
"My fellow Nephandi can learn allot from you then for often they are both...I do thank you though that is...much better."
She said and smiled.

He nodded, then smiled wryly, "Hum, getting new books delivered will be difficult, then, once you leave..."

"Yes books is a pleasure I will miss when we return to the deep, but I have my collection and I can read each one many times."
She said and indicated the fully stocked shelves fondly.
"Any sacrifice is worth it to return to where we belong though."

He nodded, "That is quite the life. I admit, a part of me envies the things you must have seen, the places you must have visited in all those years..."

"Yes I have seen many things...wonderful and terrible...especially out there."
The Handler said and gave an enigmatic smile.
"Well you will have your own journeys Craftsman."

He nodded, "All things can be forgiven eventually... but some things can not be forgiven over a single lifetime. And as you so amply demonstrate, Magi can have long lives and memories... I am not suggesting you should forgive in this life, but perhaps the next can offer a chance to make peace. Forgiveness, after all, is not so much about absolving someone of their guilt, as it is about letting go of the pain in your past... And pain is one of the easiest things to hold on to... Many misdeeds were committed by the Order of Hermes before the Traditions came together, and several more came about after... On the day of reckoning, perhaps the Order will still stand, though far less proud than before. Perhaps, in order to live with itself, it will finally humble itself and beg forgiveness..."

"Perhaps letting go of that pain and hatred will be one of the final shackles for me to loosen myself of before I Ascend, but barring such a miracle no there will be no forgiveness not in this life nor in any other."
She said darkly.

He smiled, "Even if I cannot bring them all together to ask their forgiveness, it will be enough to make sure they are all alive and well in new incarnations..."

She just nodded at that.

He nodded, "I will need to be patient... but I will see the Deep, someday."

"Ah perhaps we will see you again then when you do, this ship and I."
Dalisse said with a soft smile.

He smiled thinly, "I believe she is trustworthy. She has bared her soul to me - an old, powerful traveler who merely belongs far away from here."

"You have seen her Avatar then Mr Wainwright? Remarkable....hum..."
Jeffry said over the phone.
"And you say it is not inverted?"

He frowned slightly, "I am not attempting to barter for her life, Sir - in several senses, she is the ship. She will aid us toward our common objective, but if she leaves the chamber, the ship will act independently. The ship is presently in a depressed state, which makes it less threatening, but if the lady is marched out, it will likely become furious instead. Call the pilot; he can verify the size of this thing - I'd be worried about local Reality if it decides to tear loose and blast away... No, I believe the safest option for everyone involved is to simply let her go, and hope we can bring her home whenever she decides to reincarnate."

"I hear what you are saying Mr Wainwright but understand this if I get put on trial for cooperating with the Nephandi Kyle will be Gilgulled and I will be bringing shame to my other students and I will not suffer that, I will come for the Handler last, that is the best I can do, anything else would break our laws, as your talking with her is fairly close to doing as is, there is nothing more I can do about it."
The old Hermetic said sternly.

He nodded, "In the vision, we had not had the luxury of such a powerful sympathetic link to the man. It should go better - the question, really, is how much better we can get away with..."

"We can but hope, pray and do our utmost to take the man down with as few casualties as possible Mr Wainwright."

He scratched his cheek, "Another item of some importance... The Labyrinth's Gilledian is named Griga. He was apparently sold to some Italians by Larson, and is held captive, forced to send messages home to give the impression he is travelling, all so Larson's authority won't be challenged. I don't know exactly how useful that particular bit of intel is right now, but it might pay off later..."

"Indeed this might be useful later, right now though there is not enough time for me to check up on this bit of information."
The Flambeau said.
"Later it will be added to our topics of research."

Serge:

"That's genius!" Serge said, having far more sinister ideas in mind about what he should make everything taste like but hiding them from the young girl.

"Jay cupcakes!"
Jane exclaimed happily, completely oblivious to your darker notions.
"Everything will taste like cupcakes."

"Yum." Serge said as he took the sandwich and took a comically large bite out of it.

The sandwich where delicious with a bit to much strawberry jam in it. Jane and Liv smiled proudly that you liked it.

"Yep. I worked out the design of the picture with Liv's dad. He also told me to enchant it everyday." Serge informed the girls. "I finished the drawing and now I'm adding the magick."

"Ohhh that is cool Sir, Mr Bergen makes allot of traps that is a bit scary but your design looks cool."
Jane said and she translated for Liv who nodded.

"Ok...I think that should work." Serge said taking a couple of breaths in. He wasn't quite used to working that hard on a magickal effect.

"But we won't know how strong it is until someone looks at it. Still it's good practice. And now I got a cool new drawings to hang on my wall" Serge said with a smile.

"It is really cool Sir...I can look at it if you want as long as it will not hurt."
Jane offered as she glanced at your design.

Looking at the girls Serge asked, "So what do you girls want to do now? Don't want you guys to get bored. Wanna play a game?"

"Jay...we can play with my dolls!"
Jane said excitedly and Liv told her something in Latin and the young Chorister nodded.
"Liv says we should play a board game since that is more silent so we do nto disturb Miss Olsen, that would be good to."
She said. As you sat talking with the two little mage girls you heard your phone ring and you saw it was Dr Lee who you had gotten the number for earlier who where calling.

by Nicole Bouchard Wed Dec 27, 2017 10:15 pm

Anja's Post:

A slow, knowing nod to this. 'Name's Nicole; came in this morning. Thought it was a little odd; of all the things to do just before going off to fight, checking spark-plugs and oil levels isn't the top of my list.'

'Is that your regular job too?'

by Warpmind Wed Dec 27, 2017 11:08 pm

Dalisse opened and closed her hand a few times.
"My fellow Nephandi can learn allot from you then for often they are both...I do thank you though that is...much better."
She said and smiled.

Colin smiled wryly, "I could say the same for my fellow Traditionalists..."

"Yes books is a pleasure I will miss when we return to the deep, but I have my collection and I can read each one many times."
She said and indicated the fully stocked shelves fondly.
"Any sacrifice is worth it to return to where we belong though."

He nodded, then frowned, "Perhaps you could swing close to Earth every now and then, to supplement the library... Any sacrifice, though, is a dangerous, callous path. I would not wish to see you go down that road... So often people say that, and never specify who must make the sacrifice..."

"Yes I have seen many things...wonderful and terrible...especially out there."
The Handler said and gave an enigmatic smile.
"Well you will have your own journeys Craftsman."

He nodded, "I will... Perhaps our paths will cross out there. Probably not, though... but if you see a blue Police Box drift by, it just might be me..."

"Perhaps letting go of that pain and hatred will be one of the final shackles for me to loosen myself of before I Ascend, but barring such a miracle no there will be no forgiveness not in this life nor in any other."
She said darkly.

He nodded, "Well, I have seen stranger miracles... I am one, for that matter... Well, you will walk your path as long as you will. Perhaps you will find some release before the end... Perhaps not. Perhaps you'll be reborn to do it all over again as a beloved member of the Traditions next time... I don't think your soul would find much of a home with the Technocracy even if the Void Engineers delve into the Deep..."

"You have seen her Avatar then Mr Wainwright? Remarkable....hum..."
Jeffry said over the phone.
"And you say it is not inverted?"

Colin nodded reflexively, "She showed me... He is old, immensely powerful and Primordial - and he is as pristine as your own, or any Chantry member you could name. Cleaner than at least three of us, in fact..."

"I hear what you are saying Mr Wainwright but understand this if I get put on trial for cooperating with the Nephandi Kyle will be Gilgulled and I will be bringing shame to my other students and I will not suffer that, I will come for the Handler last, that is the best I can do, anything else would break our laws, as your talking with her is fairly close to doing as is, there is nothing more I can do about it."
The old Hermetic said sternly.

He nodded, "Context is key, Sir. You are absolutely right; we will have to take our time securing the prisoners, and make sure everyone else is safe first..."

"We can but hope, pray and do our utmost to take the man down with as few casualties as possible Mr Wainwright."

He frowned, "Owing to his particular talents as a former Progenitor with a penchant for enslaving spirits, we might not have the luxury of a live capture... I'm sure whoever goes to take him down will act expediently."

"Indeed this might be useful later, right now though there is not enough time for me to check up on this bit of information."
The Flambeau said.
"Later it will be added to our topics of research."

He nodded, "I will... continue to entertain the Handler for now, Sir. But give me a call once you are on final approach. The Aegis on this place is quite powerful, and being invited in is going to be crucial, I expect..."

He looked down at the phone as the call ended, "And so we are committed to the course... He could offer no better than to give you the lowest priority... Which means you will have to have the ship, er, preferably spit out everyone after the fighting ends, and loosen the anchorpoints quickly. With Larson out of the picture, how quickly could you do that?"

by Jeremy Silverstein Wed Dec 27, 2017 11:55 pm

"It is really cool Sir...I can look at it if you want as long as it will not hurt."
Jane offered as she glanced at your design.

"Yeah I don't think that's the greatest idea." Serge said, quickly swiping the trapped picture and hiding it within the pages of his sketchbook.

"It won't hurt you but it might make you dizzy. Plus I don't think the others would really appreciate it if they knew I was testing experimental traps on a young girl." Serge explained with a chuckle wondering how Jane's stern mentor would react to something like that.

"Yay...we can play with my dolls!"
Jane said excitedly and Liv told her something in Latin and the young Chorister nodded.
"Liv says we should play a board game since that is more silent so we do nto disturb Miss Olsen, that would be good to."
She said. As you sat talking with the two little mage girls you heard your phone ring and you saw it was Dr Lee who you had gotten the number for earlier who where calling.

"They both sound like fun! We can do both." Serge said glancing down at his phone to see who was calling.

"Huh, you'll have to excuse me for a second girls. Looks like Dr. Lee is calling." the young cultist informed the two girls as he got up and went to another corner of the room.

He answered the call and said, "Hello Dr. Lee. Is their anything you need from me?"

by Adley Thu Dec 28, 2017 12:21 am

"I am not saying do not be vigilant but do not worry my friend before you know that there is cause for such concern."
Richard said and frowned.

He shook his head. "Hope for the best, plan for the worst."

"No thank you for letting me borrow it." Nico said and they handed the wand back to you. "You should probably cleanse it of my energy before using it again."

"It's nothing, I wish I could give you some tools, though you should rest and heal up of course." He nodded to her as she told him to cleanse it. "I'm going to have to clean myself up too, so I'll do it then." They didn't tell you in war how much of your friend's blood you got on you - no, it was always blood of your enemies this, and blood of your enemies that.

"They need rest and I will change the dressing of their wound, that should help, I might also be able to do a few things to strengthen them." He confirmed

"Good, thank you."

"You might yet learn them though I exclaimed most of them in the basement when learning what was going on there." Your Mentor said darkly then he nodded. "I will take care of the guardian."

He nodded. "And this room's going to need to be seen to...I'll have to clean up too before we go." Not that they had a lot of time. Always so close on time. And then this Aswadim came early...what they'd tried to prevent. "I'll meet you downstairs then?" he asked.

"That apparently is for Deaconess O'Conner to know and for us to worry about." Your Mentor said and his frown told you how little he liked that.

"Right, then." He let it drop, since there wasn't anything to do about it. He nodded at everyone as he left with Narim, opening up Ty's room and giving it a careful look over. He saw all the puppy preparations and it hit him unexpectedly hard for some reason - just all these normal things that people wanted to experience, and here they were, with a very literal end of the world scenario at their hands. He wanted Ty to see his puppy and so many other things, big and small, like actually having a date. Because it was pretty clear that's what it was, now, if he wasn't sure before. And the big things too, of course.

"Thank you Adley." He said and smiled a little

"No problem," he said, helping him over to the desk so he could set himself back up. "You should probably eat something, Ty said there was food in his fridge..."

// is Ty's room on the same floor?

by **Anja Rebekka Schultze** Thu Dec 28, 2017 6:39 am

Nicole:

A slow, knowing nod to this. 'Name's Nicole; came in this morning. Thought it was a little odd; of all the things to do just before going off to fight, checking spark-plugs and oil levels isn't the top of my list.'

"My name is Lars it is nice to meet you Miss Nicole. Perhaps it is strange but it really should not be, the last thing you want if you have to flee from a battle or get somewhere in a hurry is that some banal part of your car breaks down. Truth to be told I was asked to come here to fix Mr Roth Hicks car and I thought I would do some general maintenance while I was here, it calms my nerves before the battle."
He said and shrugged.

'Is that your regular job too?'

Lars nodded.
"Yes ma'am it is, I work as a mechanic at a local repair shop it gives me enough money to stay afloat and access to discarded parts for my machines...I am a member of the Sons of Ether."
He explained and scratched his mouse brown hair.

Colin:

Colin smiled wryly, "I could say the same for my fellow Traditionalists..."

"Well perhaps a path of suffering have to be walked by all."
The Handler said.
"But kindness is a virtue no matter who you are."

He nodded, then frowned, "Perhaps you could swing close to Earth every now and then, to supplement the library... Any sacrifice, though, is a dangerous, callous path. I would not wish to see you go down that road... So often people say that, and never specify who must make the sacrifice..."

"Oh I fear that once we return to the deep we will stay there for a long time though out there time have little meaning."
Dalisse said then she looked at you and nodded.
"The sacrifice would be mine Craftsman."

He nodded, "I will... Perhaps our paths will cross out there. Probably not, though... but if you see a blue Police Box drift by, it just might be me..."

She smiled a little at that.
"Perhaps our paths will cross indeed if fate wills it so. In either case I do wish you luck and safety on your travels Craftsman."

He nodded, "Well, I have seen stranger miracles... I am one, for that matter... Well, you will walk your path as long as you will. Perhaps you will find some release before the end... Perhaps not. Perhaps you'll be reborn to do it all over again as a beloved member of the Traditions next time... I don't think your soul would find much of a home with the Technocracy even if the Void Engineers delve into the Deep..."

"Nothing is impossible but I doubt I will experience such a miracle."
The Handler said and frowned deeply.
"No my Avatar long for freedom he is old and tired but chances are my death will mean his end as well as he is now, and he will be reborn as well as something new, all cycles must return to the start eventually and what this new soul will desire...that I do not know."

Colin nodded reflexively, "She showed me... He is old, immensely powerful and Primordial - and he is as pristine as your own, or any Chantry member you could name. Cleaner than at least three of us, in fact..."

"Hum...she is an Infernalist then who have refused to Fall or was a member of one of the groups who left when the Nephani stopped being a home for those magi branded as evil by their orders and became focused on ending reality?"
Jeffry asked.

He nodded, "Context is key, Sir. You are absolutely right; we will have to take our time securing the prisoners, and make sure everyone else is safe first..."

"Indeed we will, our own wounded first then securing prisoners, it could take some time."
The old Hermetic agreed.

He frowned, "Owing to his particular talents as a former Progenitor with a penchant for enslaving spirits, we might not have the luxury of a live capture... I'm sure whoever goes to take him down will act expediently."

"No...Progenitors are harder to keep as prisoners than bloody marked Infernalists."
Jeffry grumbled.
"If he can be captured with ease that is what we must do, but failing that the man's death will satisfy me the important thing is to get him out of our hair."

He nodded, "I will... continue to entertain the Handler for now, Sir. But give me a call once you are on final approach. The Aegis on this place is quite powerful, and being invited in is going to be crucial, I expect..."

"If you can arrange for us being invited inside their wards that would be glorious Mr Wainwright. Very well I have preparations to do...stay safe and thank your host for me for her aid."

He looked down at the phone as the call ended, "And so we are committed to the course... He could offer no better than to give you the lowest priority... Which means you will have to have the ship, er, preferably spit out everyone after the fighting ends, and loosen the anchorpoints quickly. With Larson out of the picture, how quickly could you do that?"

"You will have to leave on your own accord as y ship can not spit Craftsman however once Larson's magick that keeps us here are no longer being maintained I recon I can loosen the moorings in five minutes after that I can leave immediately."
Dalisse said and nodded.
"It should be enough time."
She added and smiled a little nervously.
"And may the Dark Mother protect us with what we are about to do."

Serge:

"Yeah I don't think that's the greatest idea." Serge said, quickly swiping the trapped picture and hiding it within the pages of his sketchbook.

"It won't hurt you but it might make you dizzy. Plus I don't think the others would really appreciate it if they knew I was testing experimental traps on a young girl." Serge explained with a chuckle wondering how Jane's stern mentor would react to something like that.

You had a feeling that Jane's stern Mentor would give you a stern talking to if you did that. Jane pouted.
"Aww ok Sir I understand. I do get dizzy other times as well you know, for example when I spin around as fast as I can for as long as I can, that is fun."
She declared.

"They both sound like fun! We can do both." Serge said glancing down at his phone to see who was calling.

"Jay!"
Both the little mage girls exclaimed and they danced around happily.

"Huh, you'll have to excuse me for a second girls. Looks like Dr. Lee is calling." the young cultist informed the two girls as he got up and went to another corner of the room.

He answered the call and said, "Hello Dr. Lee. Is their anything you need from me?"

"Ok Sir we will be quiet."
Jane whispered and she and Liv sat down to eat their own sandwiches while you answered Dr Lee.

You heard Richard's voice on the other end of the line and he said.
"Yes ehm this is going to sound really strange Mr Yager but I heard you where a skilled artist, is there any chance you can make a paper doll, you know a figure on cardboard with cardboard clothes held on with flaps?"
He asked.
"I sort of need one for a bribe..."

Adley:

He shook his head. "Hope for the best, plan for the worst."

The doctor sigh and nodded.
"That is probably a good policy."
He admitted.

"It's nothing, I wish I could give you some tools, though you should rest and heal up of course." He nodded to her as she told him to cleanse it. "I'm going to have to clean myself up too, so I'll do it then." They didn't tell you in war how much of your friend's blood you got on you - no, it was always blood of your enemies this, and blood of your enemies that.

"I have what tools I need at home..."
Nico said then they looked down sadly as they remembered what their Chantry had done to them
"If I can never go home that is..."
The rebis said then they added.
"Well if not I can make new ones."
And they tried to smile a bit then she looked at the blood and just nodded when you said you had to clean yourself up a bit as well. Narim looked at you as well.
"I do apologize for the mess."
He muttered.

"Good, thank you."

"I am just doing my job."
Richard said and he smiled a little.

He nodded. "And this room's going to need to be seen to...I'll have to clean up too before we go." Not that they had a lot of time. Always so close on time. And then this Aswadim came early...what they'd tried to prevent. "I'll meet you downstairs then?" he asked.

"Yes...the room will need to be dealt with but we can see to that after the fight."
Your Mentor said.
"You should clean yourself up though mea filius...then meet me downstairs."
He said and nodded in confirmation.

"Right, then." He let it drop, since there wasn't anything to do about it.

Jeffry just sent you a look of exparation he was not happy about those kittens.

He nodded at everyone as he left with Narim, opening up Ty's room and giving it a careful look over. He saw all the puppy preparations and it hit him unexpectedly hard for some reason - just all these normal things that people wanted to experience, and here they were, with a very literal end of the world scenario at their hands. He wanted Ty to see his puppy and so many other things, big and small, like actually having a date. Because it was pretty clear that's what it was, now, if he wasn't sure before. And the big things too, of course.

"I will need to wash the worst of the blood of my hands and arms so I can work."
Narim said and he pulled a spare phone out of the side pocket of his computer bag, with some hesitation then he took a deep breath.
"I am a bloody Virtual Adept I can not be afraid of my phone."
He declared to no one in particular before he flipped the device on and went on to get it ready for use before setting the computer bag down, he was clearly tired and needed rest but there where no time, the Chantry needed it's best teleporter functional.
"Do you think you could stand just outside the door while I wash up, just in case I fall?"
He asked before sending a text to Colin that read.

"My old phone got...destroyed with the sim card this is my new number. The emergency exit are still being monitored."

"No problem," he said, helping him over to the desk so he could set himself back up. "You should probably eat something, Ty said there was food in his fridge..."

Narim started getting his lap top set up and he nodded.
"Yes I probably should...I will have to wash my arms and hands first though, the rest can wait, but I do not want to eat and get blood on the food...and I can not be sticky when trying to work."
He muttered being practical and ticking of what needed to be done helping him deal with what had just happened at least for now.

(OOC: Yes Ty's room are on the third floor.)

by Jeremy Silverstein Thu Dec 28, 2017 7:46 am

You had a feeling that Jane's stern Mentor would give you a stern talking to if you did that. Jane pouted.
"Aww ok Sir I understand. I do get dizzy other times as well you know, for example when I spin around as fast as I can for as long as I can, that is fun."
She declared.

"Tell you what. If I ever get around to making that birthday trap rune we can both test it together. Their's nothing harmful about surprise birthday parties right?" Serge offered although secretly he didn't plan on doing any such thing until he was sure that he could perform such a spell properly and even then he hoped Jane would forget.

You heard Richard's voice on the other end of the line and he said.
"Yes ehm this is going to sound really strange Mr Yager but I heard you where a skilled artist, is there any chance you can make a paper doll, you know a figure on cardboard with cardboard clothes held on with flaps?"
He asked.
"I sort of need one for a bribe..."

"I..ummm...wait what?" Serge said in mild confusion as he tried to piece together what the doctor's strange request.

"A-a paper doll? Wait...I think I can do that. I can draw a bunch of different dresses and other clothing on a piece of paper or cardboard and cut them out with flaps that can be used to hold onto a cardboard figure. And it shouldn't be too hard to draw a cartoon girl on a piece of cardboard and cut her out." Serge said slowly formulating what he would need to do to complete the request.

"I don't have cardboard on me but I'm with Jane and Liv and it isn't too much of a stretch to assume they have art supplies. They can even help me cut the clothes out. It can sorta be like an arts and crafts project." Serge said with a chuckle starting to like the bizarre request.

"Wait this is a bribe? Who are you bribing? A young girl?" Serge asked jokingly although he was quite curious as to the answer.

by Adley Thu Dec 28, 2017 8:13 am

"I have what tools I need at home..." Nico said then they looked down sadly as they remembered what their Chantry had done to them "If I can never go home that is..." The rebis said then they added. "Well if not I can make new ones."

“And a new home, too, if it comes to that,” he said, putting a hand on their arm. “Just concentrate on getting better for now, okay?” he said.

Narim looked at you as well. "I do apologize for the mess."

He tilted his head at him and blinked in disbelief – he was apologizing for bleeding on him, when his hand was nearly taken off??? “There’s no need to apologize…seriously.”

"Yes...the room will need to be dealt with but we can see to that after the fight." Your Mentor said. "You should clean yourself up though mea filius...then meet me downstairs."

“Yes, sir.”

"I will need to wash the worst of the blood of my hands and arms so I can work." Narim said and he pulled a spare phone out of the side pocket of his computer bag, with some hesitation then he took a deep breath. "I am a bloody Virtual Adept I can not be afraid of my phone." He declared to no one in particular before he flipped the device on and went on to get it ready for use before setting the computer bag down..."Do you think you could stand just outside the door while I wash up, just in case I fall?

He nodded. “Of course,” he said at his request and walked towards the bathroom.

"Yes I probably should...I will have to wash my arms and hands first though, the rest can wait, but I do not want to eat and get blood on the food...and I can not be sticky when trying to work."

“Alright, let’s do that then. I can clean up and deal with the arcane connections in one shot,” he said, snapping back into practical mode.

by Nicole Bouchard Thu Dec 28, 2017 8:39 am

Anja's Post:

A little laugh to this. 'True enough. Though we both know the fault's more likely to be electrical in them.' nodding towards the newer cars nearby. 'And if we fail... not sure this is the sort of thing we can outrun, fresh plugs or no.'

'Usually found old wrecking yards better than auto shops for parts - most of the new stuff is full of tracking tags and has a paper trail. Though the tools and employee discounts are always welcome.' giving a little smile, which morphed into a thoughtful look. 'Hmm... this is totally the wrong time to be asking this, but you know any shop which is hiring? A good one, that is.'

by **Anja Rebekka Schultze** Thu Dec 28, 2017 9:38 am

Serge:

"Tell you what. If I ever get around to making that birthday trap rune we can both test it together. Their's nothing harmful about surprise birthday parties right?" Serge offered although secretly he didn't plan on doing any such thing until he was sure that he could perform such a spell properly and even then he hoped Jane would forget.

Jane smiled and nodded.
"Ok Sir that would be good, in the meantime we can have tea parties."
She said happily.

"I..ummm...wait what?" Serge said in mild confusion as he tried to piece together what the doctor's strange request.

"A-a paper doll? Wait...I think I can do that. I can draw a bunch of different dresses and other clothing on a piece of paper or cardboard and cut them out with flaps that can be used to hold onto a cardboard figure. And it shouldn't be too hard to draw a cartoon girl on a piece of cardboard and cut her out." Serge said slowly formulating what he would need to do to complete the request.

"Excellent Mr Yager, I think cardboard is best as that will stand up to a bit of play before falling apart."
Richard said.
"Ehm...yeah ehm...the request was a princess with cat ears and pink hair...and yes I do know how odd this sounds."
He said sounding a bit embarrassed.

"I don't have cardboard on me but I'm with Jane and Liv and it isn't too much of a stretch to assume they have art supplies. They can even help me cut the clothes out. It can sorta be like an arts and crafts project." Serge said with a chuckle starting to like the bizarre request.

"Yeah I have seen Jane make things or draw things all the time so it is a good chance she have some cardboard, if not then Miss Olson might have some she was making signs for a rotest march she was a part of a about a week ago or so."
Richard said.
"That sounds good make sure the little ones do not hurt themselves with the scissors though."

"Wait this is a bribe? Who are you bribing? A young girl?" Serge asked jokingly although he was quite curious as to the answer.

"That is correct, I am bribing a young girl she is about Jane's age plus or minus a year or two it is hard to say for sure."
Richard said and sigh.
"The Chief have ordered me to get a sample of this child's blood however she have just arrived here, bought as an apprentice and she is scared."
He said then he lowered his voice so whoever he was with would not hear.
"She was outright refusing and I do not want to want to have to have her held down, even if I numb her skin so she feels nothing that ight be very traumatic so I used the best tool of pedriatric medicine...bribery and asked her if there was any toy she would want that could entrice her to cooperate with me, and she wanted a princess paper doll with cat ears and pink hair with a wardrobe of dresses...and I thought you might be able to make this bribe happen if you have the time that is Mr Yager."
The doctor explained.

Adley:

“And a new home, too, if it comes to that,” he said, putting a hand on their arm. “Just concentrate on getting better for now, okay?” he said.

Nico gave you a slight smile but they looked rather sad and despairing, that her Chantry had cast them to the hounds hurt them more than the whip had.
"I will try Mr Roth Hicks, though you and your Mentor saved my my life I can not expect you and Steelhaven to take me in as well."

He tilted his head at him and blinked in disbelief – he was apologizing for bleeding on him, when his hand was nearly taken off??? “There’s no need to apologize…seriously.”

"I guess not...but still I sure ended up making a mess."
Narim said and looked at your blood stained clothes and the state of his office.

“Yes, sir.”

Jeffry gave a sharp nod at that.

He nodded. “Of course,” he said at his request and walked towards the bathroom.

Narim gave you a grateful look, he was afraid of falling in the backroom as unstrady as he was now and it not being discovered. The Virtual Adept went into the bathroom and closed the door and you heard water running and then a minute or two later he came back out, he had washed his arms, face and hands, his clothes where still bloody but that would have to wait until after the battle when there where more time.
"Thank you Adley, that feels allot better."
He said then he moved over to the desk with unsteady steps and sat down.

Alright, let’s do that then. I can clean up and deal with the arcane connections in one shot,” he said, snapping back into practical mode.

Narim nodded and he looked up from his computer.
"Sounds good, what if I get my equipment set up so that if anyone need my help I am ready while you get cleaned up and take care of the data in my blood and in your wand, and we will eat something once you are done? We can pay Mr Smithson back for a bit of food and perhaps some juice later."
He suggested, he was calmer now, the focus on what needing to be done keeping his mind of the horrible thing he had seen.

As you stood there your phone called and you saw it was Kristina's number. Narim jumped at the sound of the phone and he gave an embarrassed luagh.
"Some technomancer I am...I do not often drink but I have to say when all this is done I am tempted to open the bottle of nice red vine my Mentor sent me for my birthday."
He muttered nervously.

Nicole:

A little laugh to this. 'True enough. Though we both know the fault's more likely to be electrical in them.' nodding towards the newer cars nearby. 'And if we fail... not sure this is the sort of thing we can outrun, fresh plugs or no.'

"That is a fair point ma'am, probably maintaining these cars will do no good, but doing this work help calm my nerves something just sitting around and waiting do not."
Lars said and sigh.
"And at least I can pretend what I am doing is helping."

'Usually found old wrecking yards better than auto shops for parts - most of the new stuff is full of tracking tags and has a paper trail. Though the tools and employee discounts are always welcome.' giving a little smile, which morphed into a thoughtful look. 'Hmm... this is totally the wrong time to be asking this, but you know any shop which is hiring? A good one, that is.'

"Hum yes indeed and raiding such old junk yards can be a most sublime pleasure, but I still find that even if there is a paper trail the parts I get from work for free or with a discount to be useful."
Lars said then he considered your question.
"There is this Kia dealership not long from here and they have a workshop in the back as the cars are sold with a service agreement, they might be hieing but I suspect the work might be boring since it will mostly be servicing the same type of car again and again, just routine work you know, I suspect they pay fairly well though. In addition there is this gas station about half an hour from here that have a shop attached to it, it is just a one man thing but the old mechanic running the shop is getting quite old, I hear he have been considering hieing someone younger to do some of the heavy lifting he can no longer do, I do not know how well that will pay though."

by Nicole Bouchard Thu Dec 28, 2017 11:18 am

Nicole considered this for a moment before replying. 'More worried the Kia place would be more a 9-5, boss-watching-your-every-move affair, which really don't work well with us. Plus, they'll surely be the snooty lets-look-into-your-whole-history thing which ain't the best thing either. On the other hand... the solo guy is more likely to reject me on other reasons.'

'Think I'll check both of 'em out. If me and the city both make it out of this. Thanks.' ending with a little smile.

by **Anja Rebekka Schultze** Thu Dec 28, 2017 11:40 am

"That is probably a valid concern, the Kia dealership probably have a 9-5 deal, how much they will watch over your actions I don't know though, and they there might be background checks that is true."
Lars said and frowned.
"Mr Tovassi is a good man but yes he is old and he might have some prejudices."
The Etherite said and sigh.
"I have experienced it enough myself, those who think since I can't hear I also can't repair an engine, who knows what they would say if I show up with a boyfriend."
He said then he added.
"I can try to talk with Mr Tovassi for you, get him to let you show you what you can do, then the rest will be up to you though I wish a woman would not have to work twice as hard as a man to be recognized in this feield, and be three times as good."

by Warpmind Thu Dec 28, 2017 12:17 pm

"Well perhaps a path of suffering have to be walked by all."
The Handler said.
"But kindness is a virtue no matter who you are."

Colin shrugged lightly, "Perhaps it is more that a path free of suffering is a life wasted..."

"Oh I fear that once we return to the deep we will stay there for a long time though out there time have little meaning."
Dalisse said then she looked at you and nodded.
"The sacrifice would be mine Craftsman."

He pondered, "You know, I suddenly remembered, there was a book series a Norwegian fellow mentioned once... about a library ship in space. In the Deep, you might run into that one - that might be useful for replenishing and supplementing your own library... Bugger if I recall what it was called, though..."

"Nothing is impossible but I doubt I will experience such a miracle."
The Handler said and frowned deeply.
"No my Avatar long for freedom he is old and tired but chances are my death will mean his end as well as he is now, and he will be reborn as well as something new, all cycles must return to the start eventually and what this new soul will desire...that I do not know."

He nodded, "The best of luck, in any case."

"Hum...she is an Infernalist then who have refused to Fall or was a member of one of the groups who left when the Nephani stopped being a home for those magi branded as evil by their orders and became focused on ending reality?"
Jeffry asked.

He frowned, "I'm not actually sure she would be deemed an Infernalist today... A 9th-century Diedne Lilith-worshipper. Apparently, she had some trouble with House Guernicus before she found shelter... and yes, predating the dominion of the Fall-obsessed factions."

"If you can arrange for us being invited inside their wards that would be glorious Mr Wainwright. Very well I have preparations to do...stay safe and thank your host for me for her aid."

He smiled at Dalisse, "I think she will be able to do something, yes. I will, and Godspeed."
He hung up and grinned, "He hopes you can invite our people in through the wards, and he thanks you for your aid."

"You will have to leave on your own accord as y ship can not spit Craftsman however once Larson's magick that keeps us here are no longer being maintained I recon I can loosen the moorings in five minutes after that I can leave immediately."
Dalisse said and nodded.
"It should be enough time."
She added and smiled a little nervously.
"And may the Dark Mother protect us with what we are about to do."

He nodded, "Well, once the dust settles and prisoners are being taken, I guess I shall have to take off at a run, to make sure everyone gets out in that five-minute window... I do hope you'll show us the courtesy of iving us the few extra seconds to get clear?"
He leaned back, "Hum, I know very little of Lilith outside of some highly fictional accounts - she was supposedly Adam's first wife, was she not? While we wait, would you care to tell me a little of her?"

He asked before sending a text to Colin that read.

"My old phone got...destroyed with the sim card this is my new number. The emergency exit are still being monitored."

He looked at the phone, arching an eyebrow, then updated Narim's contact info and typed back, "I am relieved everything is back in order. Everything good on this end."
He looked up at Dalisse, "Ah, sorry, urgent message pertaining to my emergency exit... I could not come entirely without any defenses, after all..."

by Adley Thu Dec 28, 2017 5:12 pm

Nico gave you a slight smile but they looked rather sad and despairing, that her Chantry had cast them to the hounds hurt them more than the whip had.
"I will try Mr Roth Hicks, though you and your Mentor saved my my life I can not expect you and Steelhaven to take me in as well."

"You're a fine mage, I think and...well, I can't say for sure what will happen now, but you deserved better."

"I guess not...but still I sure ended up making a mess." Narim said

"You're ok, or will be and that's what matters."

"Thank you Adley, that feels allot better." He said then he moved over to the desk with unsteady steps and sat down.

"Good...look, are you going to be in here by yourself?" he asked, worried he might pass out and no one be the wiser.

"Sounds good, what if I get my equipment set up so that if anyone need my help I am ready while you get cleaned up and take care of the data in my blood and in your wand, and we will eat something once you are done? We can pay Mr Smithson back for a bit of food and perhaps some juice later."

"I don't think I have time to eat something with you, wish I could...but you definitely need to eat ok or you won't be any help to anybody," he said.

As you stood there your phone called and you saw it was Kristina's number. Narim jumped at the sound of the phone and he gave an embarrassed luagh.
"Some technomancer I am...I do not often drink but I have to say when all this is done I am tempted to open the bottle of nice red vine my Mentor sent me for my birthday."

He was about to turn to head into the bathroom when his phone went off. He gave Narim an apologetic look and then punched the phone on, waiting to see what it was that Kristina needed.

by **Anja Rebekka Schultze** Thu Dec 28, 2017 6:53 pm

Adley:

"You're a fine mage, I think and...well, I can't say for sure what will happen now, but you deserved better."

"I broke a direct order from my superiors at my Chantry, you know as well as me that can not be tolerated, but I followed what I myself thought was right and I do not regret my actions."
Nico said then they sigh.
"But thank you for your kind words Mr Roth Hicks."

"You're ok, or will be and that's what matters."

Narim smiled a little he looked rather tired.
"Yeah...perhaps you are right."
He eventually agreed.

"Good...look, are you going to be in here by yourself?" he asked, worried he might pass out and no one be the wiser.

"I am going to be fine however I will set up my phone to notice what position I am in, so that if I should fall it will notify Dr Lee."
Narim said addressing your unspoken worries.

"I don't think I have time to eat something with you, wish I could...but you definitely need to eat ok or you won't be any help to anybody," he said.

"I completely understand Adley and I promise I will get something to eat as soon as I have set my computer up so everything is ready."
Narim agreed and nodded.

He was about to turn to head into the bathroom when his phone went off. He gave Narim an apologetic look and then punched the phone on, waiting to see what it was that Kristina needed.

Narim just gave you a kind smile as he worked with getting his computer ready. Kristina spoke over the phone.
"I am speaking using one of Mr Johnson's candles and I notice the flame flickering is there someone else there with you Adley?"
The Verbena asked.

Colin:

Colin shrugged lightly, "Perhaps it is more that a path free of suffering is a life wasted..."
Colin shrugged lightly, "Perhaps it is more that a path free of suffering is a life wasted..."

"Ah perhaps you would have done well as a servant of the Dark Mother."
Dalisse said with a slight smile.

He pondered, "You know, I suddenly remembered, there was a book series a Norwegian fellow mentioned once... about a library ship in space. In the Deep, you might run into that one - that might be useful for replenishing and supplementing your own library... Bugger if I recall what it was called, though..."

"Ah yes I have read that series it is good actually it is a shame it have not been republished for years and have become lost to a few childhood memories and the collections of Norwegian science fiction fans."
The Handler said.
"Yes running into that ship would be most appriciated. And the series was called Krøniken om stjerneskipet Alexandria or the Chronicles of the star ship Alexandria."
She said and smiled.
"I have a rote that let me read any language I desire."
The Nephanda explained.

He nodded, "The best of luck, in any case."

"Thank you."
The Handler said warmly.

He frowned, "I'm not actually sure she would be deemed an Infernalist today... A 9th-century Diedne Lilith-worshipper. Apparently, she had some trouble with House Guernicus before she found shelter... and yes, predating the dominion of the Fall-obsessed factions."

"I have heard of this cult of Lilith worshipers, especially among the Verbena...no I think today she would be left alone but back in the day her religion would not have been tolerated by the Order of Hermes, it is shame she have stayed with the Nephandi then."
Jeffry said. Dalissa glanced your your reaction over what you where saying.

He smiled at Dalisse, "I think she will be able to do something, yes. I will, and Godspeed."
He hung up and grinned, "He hopes you can invite our people in through the wards, and he thanks you for your aid."

Jeffry said nothing more but he hung up on the call. Dalisse nodded.
"I can invite your allies in through the wards yes, that I can do but other defenses not tied directly to the ship I have no control over."

He nodded, "Well, once the dust settles and prisoners are being taken, I guess I shall have to take off at a run, to make sure everyone gets out in that five-minute window... I do hope you'll show us the courtesy of iving us the few extra seconds to get clear?"

"I am sure something can be arranged Craftsman, if nothing else I can open a portal to physical reality that your group can evacuate out of."
Dalisse said.

He leaned back, "Hum, I know very little of Lilith outside of some highly fictional accounts - she was supposedly Adam's first wife, was she not? While we wait, would you care to tell me a little of her?"

"Lilitu where according to legend Adam's first wife, though how much of Biblical history is true is hard to say. What the Verbena believe is that she was the first ever mage, the first mortal who where blessed with an Awakned Avatar, she is the first and greatest of the Wyck, the first magi, and the Celestine who created this world banished her to a wasteland for not obeying her male partner...how much is true of the legends is hard to say, but she is old, very, very old, and powerful and worthy of worship."
Dalisse said.

He looked at the phone, arching an eyebrow, then updated Narim's contact info and typed back, "I am relieved everything is back in order. Everything good on this end."
He looked up at Dalisse, "Ah, sorry, urgent message pertaining to my emergency exit... I could not come entirely without any defenses, after all..."

"That is quite understandable Craftsman."
The Handler said and nodded.

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