Pushing the Sky!

[Carthrat]

The valet shrugs. "Mr. Livingstone is not presently avaliable," he says, not appearing to notice the name. His tone shows that he doesn't really care if Cosgrove believes him or not.

[Dracos]

"Well then, we'll wait here for him.  Richard, park the car.  We'll head inside."

Dracos

[Carthrat]

"He may be some time. If you wish to wait in the mansion lobby, feel free. However, he may not wish to see you today."

'Or ever' are the unspoken words that hang plainly on the valet's face.

[Dracos]

Cosgrove smiled.  "That's plenty fine.  Tell him though he should be more careful with his personal crests when he arrives."

Dracos

[Carthrat]

The valet doesn't deign to respond. Richard quickly parks the car, and the three of you get out.

<->

The lobby is a typical grand affair; portraits and artwork abound, doubtless to wow any visitors. It's certainly impressive; Cosgrove is acutely reminded of the fact that he could probably live for years by selling any one piece of work here. Great curving staircases ascend to the higher floors of the mansion, and large doors allow access to the rest of this floor. There are a couple servants about, busily going about their duties.

From somewhere higher in the mansion, the three can hear raised voices- even shouts.

Meanwhile, Fitz feels strangely uncomfortable and cold. The room isn't draughty. Maybe it's just a chill of some kind.

Richard nudges Cosgrove. "This guy is a fencer, right? How good is he?"

[Dracos]

'You don't want to spar with Livingstone."  Cosgrove curtly answered.

Dracos

[Carthrat]

The shouting in the above rooms abruptly stops, and there are quick footsteps coming down the stairs, along with the sound of some clinking.

Yes, it's Livingstone himself, buckling on his rapier and looking every bit the swashbuckler. He's got that old-style pirate ponytail for one thing, and he's wearing an elegant-looking waistcoat and pants.

"Cromdale, you have impeccable timing," he says, irritably. "Must you come barging into my house when you do? Not even a letter or formal challenge or some such? There's protocol to be followed, you know, and I hardly have time to deal with you whenever you please. Not all of us have no obligations, you know."

[Dracos]

"Oh, sorry, It must have slipped my mind that I should offer warning before beating you unconscious.  Would now do?  Or would you perhaps care to answer a curiousity on why I found a glowing purple crest with your personal insiginia on it floating around London and then get to fun part?"

Dracos

[Carthrat]

"I don't have a clue what you're talking about," replies Livingstone, flatly. "My personal insignia? Pfft. Any moron could make a mockup of that. Do think things through, Cromda-"

"Perhaps, Livingstone, you'd care to explain why you are recieving so many timely visitations," states a voice. There's a semi-russian accent involved, and a figure appears behind John, cowled in a black robe and- easily discernable to Fitz- has one of the many and varied symbols of Mystrix hanging on a cord around his neck.

[baka]

Fitz leaves the talking to Cosgrove, but glances around the room, trying to find the direction the feeling is coming from. He also turns his senses to Livingstone, searching for a stink of Mystrix, or a swell of power.

Upon the entrance of the Russian, Fitz's hackles raise and he glowers at the robed figure. He turns his mind inwards and opens himself to Selene to be prepared for the worst.

[Carthrat]

Livingstone himself doesn't really feel like anything special. Just your average guy (albeit a dangerous-looking one- that sword ain't for show).

"The only thing that is 'timely' about this interruption is that it has been placed for maximum irrtation," shoots back Livingstone to the annoyed figure. "Please try to remember also, Clive, that not only is this my house, but there are things that go on within it that are my business. Am I not including you? Do not worry, that is patently intentional."

[baka]

Fitz keeps silent, leaving Cosgrove in the foreground. It won't help finding out what the Mystrix are doing here if he just starts accusing...

[Dracos]

Cosgrove smiled, deciding to wait a moment to see what 'Clive' would do.

Dracos

[Carthrat]

Clive looks vaugely affronted at that.

"As you say, Mr. Livingstone," he replies, grudgingly. "Please do conduct your business swiftly, for we have many matters left to discuss. As we speak, new developments are in progress."

With a sweep of his coat, 'Clive' vanishes back upstairs.

[Dracos]

"Hmph.  Anyhow, perhaps your right.  I mean, folks just go out of their way to make copies of your personal crest, don't they?  In solid gold, heavily enchanted with the magic of mystrix and practically indestructable?  There must be dozens floating around, especially sealed inside briefcases that are magically sealed to keep folks out of it.  Stupid me."  Cosgrove returned.

Dracos