2014.10.15:The Woman Who Waited I
| The Woman Who Waited I | |
|---|---|
| Mages! Assemble! | |
| IC Date | Wednesday, October 15th, 2014 |
| IC Time | Afternoon |
| Players | Velok (Storyteller), Cig, Gar, Liesl, Zach |
| Location | Domus, Prospect |
| Prp/Tp | The Woman Who Waited |
| Spheres | Mage |
Log
Domus - Grounds
The grounds surrounding the Domus is a vast expanse of green, the bluegrass trimmed down to the perfect height and framing the area. An expansive one story marble house situates in the middle, various windows either allowing in sunlight or emanating a faint glow of inner light depending on the time of day. A small stone path leads from the grass through brush and directly onto the sands of the North Beach. A gray checkered marble driveway curls from the street towards the garage attached to the house, lined with small bushes. The air is filled with the constant soft sounds of the crashing tide in the near distance and the fresh ocean smell. From most spots in the front yard one could get a clear view of the blue expanse that is the Pacific ocean, almost always sparkling in the sun and moonlight. A marble path stretches around the outside of the house leading towards the backyard. Two single palm trees stretch up to the sky near the side of the house, providing a small portion of shade that draws along the grass as the sun rises and sets. Between the two trees is a tied double mayan hammock.
When one gets to the backyard the view is undeniably different. The backyard consists of the same grass as the frontyard, well taken care of green that provides plenty of space for almost any activity. A line of small bushes mark the property line with a natural barrier. Beyond the barrier, however, is the normal uncultivated brown region one might expect from undeveloped land. No doubt the home of various animals like rabbits and coyotes. A wooden patio with shady overhang extends off the back of the house playing host to various chairs and a BBQ pit. A sliding glass door separates the patio from the inside of the house. The faint sound of the ocean can still be heard along with the sounds of birds and, at night, the songs of the grasshopper.
Who might have expected that a group of people like this would all find themselves converging on the single story, Marble house of the Domus. Each given the address and the meeting time, all coming together from different associations and, perhaps, for different reasons. No one's committed yet to anything, but certainly this invitation wouldn't be coming unless it was serious. At least it's not like Clue, where no one has any idea why they're here. Alright maybe it's a bit like Clue.
Should people approach from the street, they'd notice that there are no neighbors near this secluded house. No nearby mortals able to take a good peek or wandering crosstraffic. For those approaching from the beach, they'd find a small, short path leading through brush before opening up into the cleancut grounds. Not very far at all, and easy on the feet with the sand. When people start to arrive, they'd notice the grass has had one long rectangular table set up, positioned in such a way that the head chair is facing the ocean, so no one will have to deal with glare from the setting sun. Large panels of glass adorn the oceanside part of the house, allowing everyone a fairly easy look inside to the living room and even the bedroom (Both currently vacant). Four chairs, two on either side, are arranged spaced out enough.
The real focus, however, goes to what's ON the table. A veritable feast of several different dishes. Chicken, roast beef, different types of meat, and several choices of seafood, including shrimp and lobster. Fruits, vegetables, appropriate dinnerware, wine bottles and wine glasses. Various beers and, of course, in true British fashion, tea. Clearly far too much food for the five people that are supposed to be here, but the beach is emptying of tourists, so it's not like there will be guests.
When people arrive, the first thing they'd notice is the faint twinge in their senses. Reality is a bit different here. Any mage might be able to tell they've entered someone elses sanctum, surely the man in question they've arrived to meet. Velok is nowhere to be seen, but sitting in the chair at the head of the table is a medium sized, bright blue eyed Ocelot. She sits patiently on her haunches, looking towards the table of food, even occasionally licking her lip, but not eating.
Zach was wandering in slowly from the beach. As was his nature he had arrived a couple hours early and spent that time watching the ocean and the passerby. He felt comfortable here, and it showed as his gait relaxed and because less measured than usual. There was no hint of the casual smile that usually accompanied him tonight, and his eyes were burning with intense consideration of a great many things.
Gar arrives a bit early for the meeting after all it is not far from his home. He walks in amd smiles, "Well the host might not be here but at least hte refreshments are." he walks over to grab a beer and he opens it. He hten nods to Zach, "Evening. I take it you are here for the chat?"
Cig approaches from the beach as well, wading through the water with his jeans rolled up to mid-calf, carrying his boots in one hand while keeping a lit cigarette between the middle and index fingers of the other. "How's school going?" he asks Liesl, who walks within a conversational distance from him. He lifts his head as he hears voices and catches sight of Zach and Gar. "I guess that we're here." He glances over at the beachhouse and tries to place it within his memory before turning his attention back down the beach. "Hey," he greets when he and Liesl are close enough to speak to the others without shouting.
Liesl has been here before, so was expecting the twinge. She's also met the ocelot before, but doesn't approach her. She's brought Morningstar with her, and the two of them arrive with Cig at the proper time. "School's been going well," she answers Cig, likewise wading, her sandals dangling from her fingers. She's subdued; for those that know her, she is a lot more subdued than the circumstances should probably warrant. She waves to the others, and finds a place to be, not too far, not too close.
Zach nods and smiles to Gar, he had a fondness for the guy even after knowing him only a short time. It was hard to explain. "Yeah, I am." Leaving nothing uncertain in the short reply, he grabbed a beer himself - a stout, if he can find it - and opens it before putting the cap in his pocket and taking a long drink. He was more relaxed than usual, as he trusted Velok... but even still his eyes continued to dart from person to person, thing to thing. He nods and smiles politely to Cig and Liesl as they approach, and to the Ocelot when he notices it. A long, curious stare is warranted here as Zach was always fond of things he had never seen.
There's still no movement from inside the house or from around the grounds. Just the Ocelot, sitting at the head of the table on her haunches and staring towards each person that arrives. Cig would certainly recognize the house as when he was teleported here, Zach, having been invited, and Liesl of course having visited. Once everyone gets closer and stares to mingle near the table, the first interruption occurs. "Please, everyone, have a seat. Dig in." Comes a rather feminine voice, the ear able to trace it back to the seat the Ocelot sits in. "Velok will be here in a moment. He's very glad you call could make it."
If there is one thing an old solider never need to be told to do twice it is to eat. Gar takes a pull from his beer then takes a seat and starts to eat as he was bid. He nods to Zach, "Alright, well godo to see you again." he then smiles and waves to Liesl, "Welcom ot the party, seems we are going ot be starting before the host."
Liesl stiffens a little at the mention of the word 'party' as Gar greets her. "So it would seem," she says, but shows no interest in the food. She does look over at Zach, the only one here she's not familiar with, but thinks he might have been at the club one night. She glances to Cig, to see what he wants to do.
"Good," Cig replies to Liesl in response to her comment about school going well. He glances over at his companion as the pair complete the distance to the house. He regards her for a moment or two before shifting his attention to the gathering. What he sees makes him burst out laughing. "Arrow fucking Ocelot," he smirks to himself, shaking his head in disbelief. Yeah, he's been here before. Now he has a name to go with the place and it's... Another glance at Liesl, at around the same time that she's glancing over at him. He nods towards the food and drink, suggesting that they partake with his gesture. "Never know how these things are going to go," he states. His expressiion asks if Liesl is okay. He knows her well enough to know that something is up with her.
Zach was never shy about food, and he quickly joined the others and helped himself immediately to an actually balanced helping... not by quantity but at least variety. His eyes never quit their animalistic wandering as if constantly measuring everyone. Even when he relaxed, he was at work. He stayed mostly silent here instead deciding to choose his words very carefully and apply them only when absolutely necessary. He would occasionally lean back in his chair and swig on his beer while seemingly taking a moment to think - before resuming his persistently slow eating.
Finally, out plods Velok. He's wearing tan shorts and a light blue teeshirt. His face is full of life, his eyes a bright blue, no weapons or other accessories kept on his person. He walks barefoot out onto the grass, taking a moment to set a plate down on the ground, then striding towards the chair at the head of the table. He immediately reaches out to swoop his hands out over the back of the chair, his fingers finding the fur of the Ocelot and rubbing pretty vigorously. "See, I told you it'd be possible." The man says without looking up towards the assembled guest. He keeps rubbing with both hands. "I put the plate down, go for it." Velok releases and the Ocelot leaps up out of the chair, plodding over to the plate of food and plopping down.
Veloks attention turns back to the group, and his lips part in a small smile. "Sorry about that. She was supposed to not touch any of the food for her own." He comments, his eyes turning to fall on Gar, Zach, Cig, and Liesl respectively. With Liesl he holds the gaze, his smile fading a bit. "I'm sorry about last night. I had, something that needed to be done that put me in a sour mood." He does another sweep of his eyes on the table. "Please, please. Sit. It's not poisoned, I promise. I was told that I can't invite people over to my house anymore without feeding them." Velok nods his head to Zach, then Cig. "Good to see you on more relaxing terms. Time travel, tricky stuff."
Gar looks over to Velok and give the man a nod, he does not know him well but was also not worried about poison. he then says, "So what's the plan?" He asks, "Or I guess situation might be a better term."
Liesl nods back to Cig, and moves to take a chair where she'll be near to his. She pulls it out though, a bit away from the table, apparently not interested in the food. She does take some tea, though.
"I'm not sure that these are more relaxing times," Cig replies to Velok as he drops his boots onto the ground to give him a free hand to grab some prawns by their tails and feed them into his mouth. No sauce. He enjoys a few other tidbits, tasting them at a casual pace while he listens to the others give their greetings. "I'm Stone, or Cig," Cig indicates, offering up his name to any who might care to know it. He shifts his cancer stick to his other hand while giving Liesl's back a reassuring brush with his fingers. Then he uses that hand to grab himself a beer, something half-decent, and cracks it open. When people start asking about the plan he quirks his attention back towards Velok and gives him a half-salute with the bottle in his hand, indicating 'you're on'.
Zach immediately responds to Velok when he mentions the "without feeding them" part - "Damn good rule." Although he intended to go back to eating, he paused and smiled at Gar. That was the sort of thing he could respect - directness. He didn't say anything, but looked on the resulting conversation with extreme interest. He would nod to Stone when appropriate and quietly respond - "Zach" but even then his attention was primarily focused on Velok.
Velok looks back to Liesl for a long moment, his head tilting. He just shrugs his shoulder, assuming acceptance, and plops back down into his seat. "No, they aren't, are they." Velok answers Cig with a nod, scooting his chair forward and then relaxing back against it. "Gar, Zach, Cig, Liesl." He points to each in turn, repeating and confirming what the others have greeted. Gar's directness makes him smile, nodding his head slowly. "Direct, perfect. I've requested all of you here because I need your help." While others pick at the food, Velok chooses none so far, not even glancing down at the items. "All of you are awakened, and that is the assistance I require. I've tried to maneuver as much as I can for people to assist different things that aren't as we are, but these matters...require more knowledge."
Velok takes a breath, leaning forward in his chair and pressing his arms against the edge of the table. "There is a mage out there that wants me dead, most likely wants Liesl dead as well, considering how you defied him." His smile grows wider as he glances to Liesl and nods his head, then looks back to the group. "He's kidnapped kids, he has an international presence. He's difficult to track and trace, his abilities could be greater than many others I've met, and he can strike anywhere, anytime, anyhow." Velok takes another pause letting silence ring out for a moment before he nods. "I want this group to find out everything they can about him, and help me kill him. Anyone want some wine?"
Gar takes a drink from his beer and says, "Well I am in, he has kidnapped three of my friends, granted hey got away but that is not the sort of thing i take lightly." he does not take any wine sticking with the beer.
Liesl heard Velok's explanation for his behavior the night before, but there was nothing to accept, so what he's assuming is anyone's guess. She looks around as he makes the introductions, offering Zach a nod and a quick smile, the others get slightly bigger smiles, as she knows them already. She does give a little snort - hiding a laugh, perhaps? - as he mentions how she defied the mage in question. He's probably not talking about the box of hot food she tossed on him. And, she's okay with the idea of hunting him down, as long as she doesn't have to do the actual killing. Her murder by zombie still gives her nightmares. She turns down the wine, and is apparently ignoring her tea, as well.
"What was he doing with the kids?" Cig asks as he pulls a seat out for himself, shifts it next to Liesl's, then settles onto it. "And why does he want you dead?" Cig asks. He doesn't ask about Liesl's involvement at this time but he does seem to want to know a bit more before agreeing to help kill someone.
Zach considers all of these accusations, and carefully weights each mage as they react to them as well. If he needed more consensus confirmation, he wasn't likely to find it. He puts his food down now, apparently having sated his appetite - and becoming far more interested in the conversation. He had not yet formed a necessary question, but the fire in his eyes told of his effort to do so. He was patient, but not ill prepared. He casually and idly wipes his hands (which he uses for most of his eating) on the invetibly nearby napkin, and his gaze wanders from eyes to eyes, including the Ocelot when he can see it.
Velok looks between each person in turn, as if expecting a question. He finds it in Cig, his lips curling into a small smile. "The first question, I don't know. That's a different path with leads that I've assigned to others. Delegating and such. This is a...unique situation for me." Velok shifts in the seat, his head turning to glance back at the Ocelot. "I got close to him in Brazil, as did Liesl. He recognized it and managed to escape with a surprising amount of haste. He seems to have an illwill towards me, given how close I've been to him before. An annoyance. For that reason, I fear that if I get anywhere close to a lead on this man, that lead will disappear, and the trail will go cold. I think the reason he wants me dead is for the exact thing I'm doing right now. Trying to hunt him."
It's as if Velok can read Liesl's face when his eyes find her. His arm raises and he points at each person in turn. "Dreamspeaker." He says, indicating Gar. "Euthanatos." Velok says as his hand moves to Zach. When it reaches the two chairs on the other side of the table, he only says it once. "Cult of Ecstacy." The man sets his arms back down against the table. "I've asked you all here because you're all awakened. However different our beliefs, our paradigms, we all share the same general path in this world. Our purposes and reasonings might be different. Our traditions might have stereotypes against each other, but I think this is a chance for us to surpass them, and work together. I'm not asking anyone here to kill. I'm not asking anyone here to do anything they aren't comfortable with. This isn't my personal hit squad. If you aren't even comfortable with the idea of helping, in any small way, tracking down a dangerous man like this, please simply enjoy the free meal and the wine. There is no pressure to stay. Ever."
Gar shrugs, "I have killed berfore, I would rather not but if the time comes and I havee a shot I will not hesitate." he then says, "6 years in the US Army, 3 in Afghanistan." he gives a bit of background for those that do not know his past. "Still I weoul prefer to only be in on hte fact finding unless it is really nessesary."
Cig listens to the details that Velok provides, takes one last drag off of his cigarette before butting it out. Cig grabs an orange, peels it, then breaks it in two. He loosens a few pieces then offers up the fruit to anyone who might be interested, starting with Liesl. "Why are you hunting him?" he asks. He doesn't seem to have any apparent issues with working with those from different traditions than he's from.
Zach grins in an unsettling way. His blue eyes seem to burn with a crystalline fire and he smiles, softly, as he replies in his slow deep voice. "I'm a healer, but the Runes never lie. I will do whatever is necessary." With that statement, every hint of humor or pleasure drained from his face - as it had been for the others' reactions not for his sacred duty - and he was simple, somber, and silent once again. His only effort was to be unremarkable. He was content then to lean back, fold his arms (shaking his head slightly at Stone's offer) and listen to the conversation.
Liesl has an observation, rather than a question, though it is phrased as one. "Since you're sending me along, I take it that he isn't expected to be where you are sending us? Because he would certainly recognize me, and there would presumably be the same issue as you being there." She shakes her head to Cig's offer of the orange pieces, murmuring a soft, "No, thank you," before looking back to Velok.
Velok's smile fades away at Cig's question, leaning back against his chair. "He's kidnapped two children so far, most likely more. He wields a surprising amount of power with no restrictions or reservations on inflicting his will and insanity on others. He's tried to kill me. He's successfully killed someone I cared about. He's unsuccessfully tried to kill several more people I care about." With that, Velok gives just the tiniest bit of nod towards Liesl. "And...we can't find them. An entire section of the Euthanatos is evaded by this man, and it's not very easy to hide from my Tradition." Velok's face turns a little somber. "I'm hunting him because I think he deserves it. I think he needs to be stopped. I don't fully know why. I don't even knwo that much about him. That's what I was hoping to get your help on."
Velok nods to Gar, a flicker of a smile on his lips at the admission of military background, though its Liesl that Velok speaks to next. "No, he's not. If I have my way, he won't be anywhere near you guys wherever I send you. Maybe others will, and I can't promise that it won't still be dangerous, maybe more dangerous than any of you have faced, but I don't want you fighting him. I want you to help me understand him."
Cig doesn't shy away from regarding Velok, even when his questions seem to cause dismay in the man. Cig seems to be satisfied with the answers that he's given to his questions. And since he has no takers he portions off the orange and slips it into his mouth one slice at a time while he lets the others speak. Velok's last question sparks another from Cig though. "What do you know about him so far?" he asks.
Velok reaches his hand down towards the side of the chair, just in time for his Ocelot to plod up and deliver a folder into his hand. "Thank you." He comments, raising the folder. Out comes a picture, of which Velok holds up. ( http://www.cityofhopemush.com/wiki/images/0/08/Leverage-Simon.jpg ). "Simon. That's the only name we've gotten so far. With that he reaches out and holds the picture out towards Cig, indicating to pass it around. "He's a mage, or has mages under his employ. He has a method of cheating death, which Liesl discovered in Italy. If he is a mage, which I suspect he is, it means he's a strong one. He has a level of resources that must come from somewhere, but I don't know where. He's able to evade and hide easily. He's able to kill as easily, yet seems to be more interested in playing games. Setting up scenarios where others might kill for him." Velok shrugs, glancing over to Liesl. "Liesl might be able to tell you a bit more. She's met him."
Zach has somber body language while he regards the conversation. Expecting the answer to Stone's question - and partially re-evaluating his stereotype of the Cult - he asks one of his own. "And who is working with him?"
Velok shrugs his shoulders towards Zach. "Various people, but none seemingly at his level. If he reports to someone, I don't know whom."
As his concerns seem to evolve smoothly from the why to the how, Zach poses another somewhat vauge question. "Does he have any habits?"
Liesl gives Velok a sharp look as he mentions that this man has killed someone close to him, as he had never told her that before. Then again, perhaps he had, in a roundabout way, and the pieces fall together; she looks away with her face burning. His further comments just get little nods, and when Cig asks his question, she starts to mutter to him, but then when invited by Velok, speaks loud enough for all to hear, "We know that he is completely, utterly, murderously insane." Her flush is gone now, and she pauses a moment to consider. "The games seem to be important to him. It amuses him ... not only the games he sets up, but the set up itself." She shrugs a little, "In Brazil, I got the feeling that he was a Mage - and, of course, he could easily have others that work for him, insanity can be catching."
Velok nods his head to Liesl, though he recognizes the burning face. "He attempted to kill Liesl, and others, and I'm not going to let that happen. She is right. He enjoys the games, and the set up. He's purposefully taunted before, even going so far as to arrive at my house when I was gone to taunt further." To Zach, Velok nibbles at his lip. "Habits?" That's something Velok hasn't entirely thought about, his eyes darting up and around as he considers. "He wears sunglasses, all the time. He tries to dress fancy, even when the situation doesn't call for it. Otherwise, he's seemingly unpredictable. I've seen him in Brazil, Italy, Germany...now England. I don't think any of those will help, but they might."
Gar nods nad says, "Yes like any illness is spreads unless checked." he then says, 'I have never met him but he does seem like he needs ot be stopped."
With his question and followup both answered by Liesl and Velok, he has certainly decided once again his preconceived notions have proven to be false. Wisdom was sometimes a humiliating thing, and he would remember to be wise to regard Cultists differently after tonight. His eyes narrowed and relaxed, almost a twitch of self-realization. The words almost fell out of his mouth without thought, which was entirely unlike Zach... "Well then we need bait... I will let him play a game with me, and you can use it to discern a weakness."
Liesl nods to the comments Velok makes. "Whenever I've seen him, except for once, he was wearing a suit. The exception was in that arena, where he wore a toga." Important? Maybe not, but it is an anomaly, therefore worth mentioning.
Cig falls silent at that point, pondering something, even as he listens to the conversation continue to evolve. He gives a nod to Velok, shifts his gaze over to Liesl when she speaks, then the other men as they bring their own questions/comments to the table. "What kinds of games does he like to play?" he asks. "Details may be helpful," he indicates. He absently licks the third finger of his left hand to remove some of the leftover orange juice from it.
Velok's head turns from each of the men, and woman, as they discuss. He seems pleased, even if his face doesn't show it, that no one's stood up from the table so far and left. Finally he shakes his head to Zach. "He doesn't know you." Velok says. "You aren't a threat, not yet. You might very well be, after you've done what I've asked. But the first lead is already in place, and hopefully you four will be able to retrieve as much information as possible before you draw his gaze. That is why I can't do this myself. I am certain if I appeared in England, his eye would immediately be drawn." Cig mentioning what games Simon likes to play actually draws a smirk. "He was really big on Simon Says. But he likes...with Liesl, he brought her into an arena to fight undead, and who knows what else. In Brazil, he used the drug lord there as his pawns, like Chess. He's always ahead, always showing us that he knows more about us than we know of him. Even mentioning people from my past." Velok falls silent for a moment, lightly shaking his head.
Velok leans forward in the chair. "Which leads me to where we are now. You must forgive me, this isn't a position I enjoy being in. Lacking information is never something that pleases me, which is why I am putting my faith in you, and why I am chasing any lead that presents itself. We believe that we have found someone who was associated with Simon in his past, in England. We don't know who, or where, but we know the path you can follow to find that out. I'll need you four to return to the Kingdom and follow the path. See where it leads, and use your best judgement."
Gar nods and says, "England I have wanted to visit it again though I have a feeling this will not be a pleasure trip. Any idea how long we will be gone?
Zach was relatively satisfied with the information he had even though he had every intention of specific observation - hunters must understand their prey. His attempt to get directly into the thick of things wasn't expected to work out... but this was only the beginning, and as with every conflict, it was not he who was winning but he who won that counts. He casually folds his arms over his chest again and watches the others, absorbing the conversation and as many details as possible without failing to appear disinterested in the speakers. He was once again silent and unremarkable.
Cig picks up his beer, takes a swig, sets it back down again. He frowns as some personal thought then shakes that thought away. Focus. Cig. Focus. He glances at Liesl, then Gar, Zach, and finally Velok again. "I'm in," he states. "Although I'm not sure how much help I can be at the moment," he indicates. "I'm not able to willwork at the moment," he reveals, glancing around to the others. "I don't want to end up being a liability to anyone else around." Might as well lay it out on the table now, before there's a chance that anyone will get hurt.
Liesl has heard this from Cig before, and she gives him a slight nod. "It sounds, even now, that we're not going to focus on that aspect of things. I'll keep an eye out for you," she offers, the smile widening slightly, for a moment. "Just in case."
Velok did not expect the confession from Cig, which makes him raise his eyebrow. Hearing he's in, however, was enough for him to start leaning forward and pouring himself a glass of wine. "I...didn't know that." An admission from Velok, one he doesn't usually like making after how many times he mentioned it. "It's not going to be a problem." He agrees with Liesl, sitting back in the chair. "Your knowledge and awareness is something I'm seeking. Because I do think Simon is a mage, and I think people associated with Simon will share similar traits. In order to follow this path, you'll need to visit both a chantry of my people, and a chantry of your own people." Velok nods his head towards Cig, indicating the CoX. "That is why we are all mages, here. All share a common knowledge and base. We all have similar friends and associates amongst our kind. Simply put, I can't ask a sleeper to bear witness to the things you all may need to do."
Zach seems to think that is a non-issue, as he never depended on another to do his work for him. A magus was not measured by his ability but his experience, after all. What did intead show in his eyes was a sadness. He couldn't bear the thought anymore than he could consider losing a child or re-experiencing the worst pains of his own life - a true sadness. It faded somewhat quickly though as he refocused himself on the mission at hand. He finished the beer he had been working on during dinner, and responds non-chalantly. "England sounds fun. When do we leave?"
Gar looks over to Cig, "I don't think that will be an issue, after all I plan o use as little as possible, harder to be tracked back that way." he smiles, "Though of course I will handle the umbral side of things if needed." he smiles, "Liesl has seen my talents there."
Liesl smiles to Gar as he mentions his talents with the Umbra, and Morningstar lifts his head from near her lap, where it looks like she'd been giving him a head rub. "Yes, definitely talented there," she agrees, while the snake seems to bob his head across the table in Gar's direction.
It may not be an issue for anyone but it needed to be said. Cig seems to be dealing with quite a few things right now and the weight of some if it seeps through, but he keeps it in check. He gives the group a nod, accepting their assessment of the situation. More beer is imbibed while he goes back into listening mode. He gives Liesl a fond smile when she indicates that she'll keep an eye out for him. Morningstar gets a glance as well, then the Ocelot if it's around.
Velok nods to Zach's question, and the same question posed by Gar that he hadn't answered, giving them the date and time of departure. A Friday, depending on how things go. "You will be arriving in England and meeting with a man I trust, who will take you back to one of our chantries within the city. He will be able to be a bit of a guide there, and give you much more information that hopefully will have been aquired then. While you're there, he'll be your point of contact for resources." Velok looks back around the table, relaxing and finally taking a bit of food, some lobster tails, and putting them down on his plate. "I know most of you haven't met each other, in any real capacity beyond a casual glance. There was another that was supposed to be here, Maz, but she's going to be doing something else for me instead." He nods his head towards Cig. "I recommended Glitter, because I knew Liesl and you would treat her fairly. She is a Euthanatos. I'm not asking you to accept her request for employment on any merits other than hers, but she would be here today if I didn't need her elsewhere. She can be trusted." With that, Velok returns his attention to the rest of the table. The ocelot has taken up residence underneath the table, laying on the grass. "Is there any other questions?"
Zach absolutely had a burning question now. This was a critical flaw, as he saw it, and hoped a simple foolproof solution would be obvious to everyone but him. "wait a minute, how do we know our contact is the contact he's supposed to be?
Gar looks to Zach, "Wel that is a good question." he then says, "and are we traveling by mundane means?"
Velok answers both questions as deftly as if he expected them, though the pleased smile on his lips show he was hoping someone would. "You'll be flying out of Prospect, and you have tickets to return. Private jet, and there will be no need for passports. The right hands have been greased." To the other question though, he retrieves the last picture from the folder, holding it out for Gar to pass around as the other one did. ( http://tinyurl.com/k969p2j ) "My mentor. The man I still report to, occasionally. He won't be in diguise. He's been with me for as long as I can remember, so trust won't be that much of a concern.
Liesl doesn't respond at all to the Maz comments, especially as they were addressed to Cig, despite her name being mentioned. She does look over to Zach, nodding in agreement. There are people who can wear someone else's face, so Velok's passing around of a picture isn't entirely comforting. "Who else knows that he will be meeting us?" she asks.
Zach studies the picture extremely intently, and then with concern in his eyes as if his concern had not been addressed - he met Velok's gaze directly. He was aware he was somewhat pelting him with questions but this seemed far too important to overlook. "Surely you realize that just with that picture I could look like that man. A more skilled magus could adopt his speech and memory, I think?"
Gar looks at the picture and passes it on, "That is true, though there things like resonance that are harder to fake."
Velok pipes up quickly. "Only him, and me." There's a bit of hesitation, but Velok nods. "I think you will be meeting many people, if you go along with this. Not just for this lead, but for future leads. I think it's best that few know your overall purpose being Simon. Only reveal as much as you need." Velok looks back towards Zach. "Oh, certainly. I'm not saying this is without risks. The only assurance I have in this is that if Simon already knows, and is prepared to attack you in that way, and has eliminated the faction within the Euthanatos I represent, then he is stronger tand smarter than anyone can match, and we're all dead already. A sobering thought, but..." Velok shrugs, not entirely believing that to be the case, but is a possibility.
"I wouldn't," Cig indicates to Velok when the comment about Maz being hired for her own merits comes up. He goes quiet when travel plans and contacts are discussed. And he seems to have been thinking the same thing as Liesl and glances at her when she asks who else might know of their meeting with Velok's mentor. "Harder, but not impossible," Cig states with some authority. He drinks some more beer before adding. "But we have to trust in something or else we'll never get anything done. That doesn't mean that we don't keep watch for danger," he adds.
Zach nods slowly, understanding the gravity of Velok and Stone's words but still only now finally appreciating the danger involved. It seemed to excite him further, strangely enough. He had exhausted himself of questions and was ready to listen before leaving to make his preparations - of which there would be many. He couldn't help the paranoia, and he wouldn't dare try. Instinct saved his life more times than he could count. Nevertheless Friday wasn't long away and the Runes held many answers.
Zach casually stands and returns his hands to his pockets. Before turning to make his escape to loneliness, where he felt most comfortable, he would nod to each person in turn. "I will see you all soon. Forgive me, but I must consult the Runes." With that he didn't wait for reply but grabbed another beer and turned towards the beach. He began that direction, breathing deeply of the ocean air and considering the potential of the Wyrd.
Velok nods to both Cig and Zach. With seemingly no more questions, Velok pushes his chair back and stands up from the table. "Thank you, all." He greets, nodding his head to each. "If you have more questions, I'm around, though I'm afraid I don't have much more information as of now then that." He lets a smile curl at his lip. "Please, take the food. I clearly made far more than I thought I would need."
Zach quickly turns back to grab a turkey leg and wave it with a smile, then returns to the beach pathway.
Gar looks to Velok, "If you do not mind i will take whatever you are willing to give. I help support some of the local homeless, nothing you give will go to waste." he tells the man. He then looks to Liesl, "Well will look forward to seeing you again soon. You too Morningstar."
Liesl looks at the food when it is mentioned, and considers. Probably not a good idea. Then Gar mentions the homeless he supports, and looks relieved that there is a good place for it to go. She smiles to him, and nods. "See you later," she tells him, and Morningstar hisses his own parting words to Gar, "It will be interesssting to work together again."
Velok shakes his head. "Not at all. I can get you wrappings and stuff. I'll keep the seafood though. I admit I have a particular love for it." With that Velok turns, disappearing into the house for a few moments before turning and bringing with him lots of wrappings and baggies, holding them out to Gar. "The food is all good, and should keep for a bit. It wasn't like I was just getting rid of leftovers or anything.
Gar nods, "Well that works since likely it would not keep well." he then says, "After all they would not be able to keep seafood cold." He helps with the packaging of the food. "I'd be happy to help you with that," Cig offers to Gar. He glances at Liesl to see if she's staying or going. Cig seems like he's ready to go and drains the rest of the beer from the bottle before standing and providing some extra arms to help Gar carry his food.
Liesl looks like she wants to linger for a little, and she exchanges goodbyes with Cig, apparently not having actually come over with him, just met up on the beach.
Gar nods to Cig and smiles, "I will gladly take any help that is offered." he says, "A sleeper I am guiding helps with the distribution."
"Thanks for the food," Cig indicates to Velok. He gives Liesl a nod that lets her know that he's only a phone call away if she needs him. Then he turns and starts to head out with Gar. He waits until Velok has given Gar his warning before saying, "I can put you in touch with some places that might be able to donate some food," he states.
