<El-Cideon> Day 1 of waiting for word from Myriam, Erin gets a call from Grace: would she like to stop by and speak privately, now that they have the first chance to do so in a while? There is also some minor Lodge business that Grace wouldn't mind assistance with, if Erin has the time...
<Erin> Erin always has time to visit her mentor- even if Grace hadn't called, Erin is fairly certain she would have popped around today anyway. She quietly informs Suzume that she's heading out, procures a bottle of wine from an artfully-hidden rack located in the laundry, and heads out thereafter.
<El-Cideon> It's Sunday morning, not the Lodge's busiest time, and there aren't many people around at this hour. You find Grace in her office, writing at her desk. She pauses when you show up. "Ah, Erin! Good, I was hoping we'd have some time to speak face-to-face before you ran off on your next adventure. Not that I mind having your friends around--it's just more personal this way."
<Erin> "We're to be delayed a while," replies Erin, pulling up a chair and taking a seat across from Grace. "It's actually nice to be home again- I've found myself missing the.. stability, I suppose? All this running around is putting the breaks onto my research, it's rather frustrating, actually."
<El-Cideon> "I can imagine. Although travel provides its own opportunities for knowledge and growth, I've found. Perhaps we could catch up a bit? How was Japan?"
<Erin> "It was very interesting, but I wouldn't want to live there," replies Erin. "We did take the time to contact Yomi's group of demon-hunters- they seemed like a group of nice young people. Rather pressured by the politics of the area, I think- there's nationalist zeal permeating that nation, from what I could gather. There was also this dreadful clan of assassins-"
<Erin> "-that were threatening us- well, Yomi." Erin pauses. "But that's not a problem anymore," she adds, decisively. "It seems over there, the supernatural has, or perhaps rather had it's talons into the governmental body. Ah, I meant to ask, but did a Lucia drop by at some point?"
<El-Cideon> "Has it?" Grace says, with a bit of surprise and alarm. "Oh, yes. Spanish woman? She came by saying 'this bum named Erin' suggested she could find some work here. I confess I'm not entirely sure what she had in mind. The Lodge could always use a janitor, as much as having to clean up after themselves teaches the initiates a bit of humility. (more)
<El-Cideon> "She's staying in a hotel not far from here. I assume there's a story behind this one?"
<Erin> "Yes, she came from the same place Suzume did. Both of them were under the influence of this beastly creature who took a human guise, and, well, manipulated them to satisfy it's own base urges," replies Erin, clicking her tongue. "The creature was in possession of the Shishi-o, which is why we pursued it in the first place. Well, it is slain, now, and I confess I wasn't too sure what to do with-"
<Erin> "-it's thralls, save offer them a chance to start afresh. I believe she's got some talent at fixing things and carpentry- do you think you can find something? Oh, and firearms..."
<El-Cideon> "Well, this isn't a new building. There's always something to be done. I'll suggest as much to her...though I don't imagine her martial talents will find any use here. I hope they never do, at least."
<Erin> "I do, as well. But I've found that it's wiser to prepare for the worst and be pleasantly surprised, than to simply hope everything will be alright," replies Erin. "Yomi keeps turning up inequity in the oddest places. I've started to wonder, what might be lurking under our noses, right here in London?"
<El-Cideon> "Hm. Yes, well...we'll come back to that. You had another woman with you yesterday, didn't you? Older, Russian, if I'm not mistaken?"
<Erin> "Yes... Uliana," replies Erin. "You know her story, right? Oh, do you have any glasses?" she asks, setting the bottle of wine on the table with a grin.
<El-Cideon> Grace stands up, walks to a cupboard in the corner. "Really, Erin, I can't imagine why you'd think I keep wine glasses in my office...Oh wait, here they are." She returns to the table with a pair of long-stemmed glass goblets and sits down again. "I'm not sure I know the entire story. I do know that trauma radiated off her like an aura. Like a soldier after the war, shellshocked."
<Erin> Erin uncorks the wine with a flourish, and pours out the wine from a foot above the goblets. "She spent the better part of her life in an asylum, but the real cause for her trauma is rooted in her posession," she replies. "The force that took control over her compelled her into terrible deeds. Can you imagine what it must be like, to be a prisoner of your own body?"
<El-Cideon> "It's difficult. Or perhaps too uncomfortable to make trying to imagine it attractive. And given the quality of most asylums, I don't imagine she's done much to recover during all that time. How IS she coping? What is she going to do with her life now? How certain can we be that the possession will not recur? Obviously, we'll do whatever we can to help facilitate a return to normal life."
<Erin> "You might have noticed that she seems to have fallen back on faith to provide a bedrock to lean on," replies Erin, taking a sip. "She has nightmares, flashbacks, I think... I'm not sure those would ever go away completely. She still has some magical talent, and might be amenable to assisting us against the force that took control of her-"
<Erin> "-perhaps giving her some closure could be good for her, but I confess, I hadn't considered that she might have a- what would you call it- a relapse of the possession, never mind the other dangers in bringing someone suffering from trauma along on our trips."
<El-Cideon> "I wonder, did that talent predate the possession, or merely linger as a result of it? Hm. Well, I'd be glad to speak to her for you, see what I can do easing her back into reality. After all that time confined, I'm sure she hardly recognizes the modern world. Having some sort of job to do will certainly be good for her--we simply needn't start with fighting evil around the globe, I think."
<Erin> "She seems to be lucid and in control of all her faculties at the moment, but could certainly use some assistance in easing back into life," replies Erin, inclining her head. "Perhaps some proper education into her powers could help her, as well. I feel she could benefit from a proper spirit of inquiry..."
<El-Cideon> Grace nods, drains her glass. "Direct her our way next time a mission calls you away? If she's amenable to it, that is. I wouldn't force her into anything, especially after what she's been through."
<Erin> "A mission? Gods, it's like I'm a soldier, all of a sudden."
<El-Cideon> Grace laughs. "Well, what else would you call your recent excursions? It's hardly a normal life that you've been leading."
<Erin> "Perhaps I should bring a flag. Behold the coat of arms of Callahan, peoples of the world!"
<El-Cideon> "Mm. That's the wine speaking. I don't imagine your presence is usually something you want to advertise, given...well, you've surely left some vindictive adversaries behind. Doing the right thing often earns such."
<Erin> Erin waves her hand in dismissal. "Probably. I don't worry about them so much. It's unfortunate that they would waste their efforts contemplating revenge, but it's all a fruitless exercise if they wish to come after me or mine. I'm most concerned about that diabolical force-"
<Erin> "-not human opposition."
<El-Cideon> "'Diabolical,' hm? Figure of speech, or literal reality?"
<Erin> "It seems apt to chracterize it as such, though your guess to it's true origins is as good as mine."
<El-Cideon> "Well, you've been on its trail, haven't you? I'd assume you have better idea than I." Grace places her glass on the table for a refill.
<Erin> "Well... our discussion with Myriam and Uliana revealed that it wishes to destroy everything on Earth, and then depart," replies Erin. "It is a creature shrouded in fire and truly ancient history. I would call it a demon, save that Yomi's senses do not see it as such. It's not of the same cut as the supernaturals we know of. I'm not sure what word can classify it."
<El-Cideon> "Well, many mythologies have their destroyers...I don't really know what to say without more information."
<Erin> "Uliana described seeing other places, and other times. If there are any clues to it's origin, they will be in her memories- but the passage of years may make recalling difficult."
<El-Cideon> "I...can try and coax more details out of her is she spends any time here, if you wish. If you believe it might help. As much I fear reawakening terrible memories, it's sometimes necessary to for healing to confront them."
<Erin> "If there is a place to do it, it would be here," replies Erin, pouring out another pair of glasses. "Speaking of that- how have things been? Did you continue investigating for snitches?"
<El-Cideon> "Ah, yes...I was coming to that. Once I had enough wine in me. That makes it easier." She takes another sip. "I believe I know. I'd taken to watching the initiates for any signs of unease. I feel awful for doing it, but once I had a suspect, I took to relying on magic for surveillance. *Not* at all what I meant it for when I embarked on this path, but...these are trying times. (more)
<El-Cideon> "I believe I know who it was. I thought you'd want to be here for the confrontation. It would help to have someone with me who knows firsthand the consequences of his actions."
<Erin> "The consequences, eh? It's funny to think that unless he had stolen it, I would never have been made aware of the threat that stalks the world now," remarks Erin. "That hardly excuses him for this betrayal. Who was it, do you think? Is there evidence?"
<El-Cideon> "William Reynolds. One of the younger members, not much past being a student. I based my suspicion mostly on observation of behavior. I've become aware that he recently came into possession of a sizable amount of money, however...and once I knew to watch him, I observed him attempting to break into my office. And failing or I would've stopped him right there. I've put quite the sturdy lock on after recent events."
<Erin> "Does he have any talent as a magical adept?" asks Erin, finishing off a second glass.
<El-Cideon> "Some. Enough that I'd rather not see him turn his skills to nefarious ends if he can be talked out of it. He's certainly not as far along as you are, as far as training goes."
<Erin> "I'd like to discover how he came into contact with the nazis... actually, when did he opt to break into your office?" asks Erin, frowning.
<El-Cideon> "Not long after you were last here. I haven't seen him attempt anything more recently. Perhaps this is a good sign, or perhaps he was merely discouraged."
<Erin> "It's possible the people who he was working with no longer had a need of him. At that point, Ivo and Elgin had already been killed, and it must have been to them he was reporting, directly or indirectly... ah, hell. Let's send for him? We may need to liberate him of his spellbook, should it come to that, and... have you thought of what discipline should be administered?"
<El-Cideon> Grace sighs. "I don't know. He knows enough to get into mischief of his own if we brusquely eject him from the Lodge. I'd rather be able to monitor him, if he shows any signs of remorse and recovery. One moment, please." Grace stands up, heads out into the hall briefly. "He'll be along momentarily," she says on returning. "I was hoping you'd have some thoughts on the matter."
<Erin> "We could deprive him of his spellbook, if we wish to prevent further magical mischief. Without access to our resources and contacts, it would be difficult for him to acquire what he needs to further his magical studies. I presume he would want to, having come far enough to begin rudimentary spellcasting."
<El-Cideon> She nods. "Yes, I'd thought as much myself. So--ah, here he is." A knock on the door. "Enter," Grace says, and a young man does just that. He looks somewhere in his early twenties, thin, narrow features, short brown hair looking a bit frazzled. (more)
<El-Cideon> "Sit down, please," Grace says, gesturing to the other chair opposite her desk. "This is Erin Callahan. I don't believe you two have worked together before." He nods politely, looks from one of you to the other with an obvious What is This Really About expression.
<Erin> "Perhaps you might have heard of me, however," replies Erin, turning her chair to glance at the initiate. "I carry out advanced research for the Lodge- theoretical studies into what make magics tick, scientific analysis of the how and why of spells- that sort of thing. I've penned a few essays on the topic- I think some are required reading for your students, Grace?"
<El-Cideon> Grace nods. "Yeah," he says. "I remember them. What do you want?"
<Erin> "Most of the studies were derived from a certain journal, known predominantly to those who've been with us for some time," continues Erin, frowning and studying the man's expressions closely. "A few months ago, however, there was a break-in at my study, and the text was stolen. I've undergone some rather drastic measures to recover it. A question remains, however- how did the thieves know it existed?
<Erin> "We could only reach one conclusion. There must have been an insider- here- that tipped them off to the books existence and location."
<El-Cideon> Again, he looks at both of you with a flat expression. "Any idea who it was? You asking around to see if any of us saw something suspicious?"
<Erin> "Yes, Mr. Reynolds. We would be very interested to know what- or who- compelled you into breaking in this very office," replies Erin, peering down her nose at Reynolds. "There is little point in trying to hide it from us."
<El-Cideon> "Well, I didn't *actually* manage to break in..." he mutters, scratching his head. He sighs, and picks an inoffensive patch of wallpaper to stare at as he speaks. "It was this creepy scientist. Came to me a few months ago looking for someone to get inside info here. Grace, uh, he'd tried speaking with her and she wouldn't talk to him. He didn't like that much. Made him think she knew something he didn't."
<Erin> "He paid you handsomely," suggests Erin, helpfully.
<El-Cideon> "Well...yeah...Look, I'm not the type of person to go snitching on friends just for some spare cash. I wouldn't have done it if I didn't need it, alright?"
<Erin> "I find it baffling that you would turn to shady characters approaching you anon for help, as opposed to asking your so-called friends for assistance," replies Erin, darkly. "The people you were working for are not pleasant fellows- I was assaulted and could well have been killed, judging by what I've witnessed of their disposition. The scientist- a Dr. Kaspar Ivo- was involved-
<Erin> "-in eugenics and unethical military research, which he approached with a singularly racist and nationalistic attitude- I have copies of his notes, which I will have you read, so you can understand just who you were assisting. There were strong reasons why we rejected any dealings with them in the first place."
<El-Cideon> "It's not easy asking people for money, you know? And probably they'd want to know why and maybe I don't want to go into why, and--I had some problems, I saw quick fix, and I took it. It was stupid, but I wasn't thinking much at the time. (more)
<El-Cideon> At least you're okay, right? Nobody died or anything because of me, did they?"
<Erin> "Only because I was able to recover the text in time. The journal is reputed to hold the secrets of immortality- it would be quite a real possibility for a madman to be fielding an army of unstoppable soldiers, in my view, given sufficient time. The consequences could have been disastrous!" Erin's takes on the tone of a furious schoolteacher, perhaps the only suitable method for dealing with a youth who needs some proper instruction.
<Erin> "What makes matters worse is that even after you received this windfall, you were present here, attempting to break in once again? Why? You had your money, which should have been sufficient for any legitimate problems you had."
<El-Cideon> This approach seems effective in inspiring the proper discomfort--he squirms a little in his seat, runs his hands through his hair. "I thought it'd be over after I gave him something important, right? So when you and Grace get all excited over this book and hide away to research it, I figure that's it, I tell him you're onto something big and that'll be it. And I didn't hear from him again after the break-in... (more)
<El-Cideon> "Then last month this other guy shows up, at my flat, out of the blue. Obviously German, acts like a soldier but he's not in uniform or anything. Says Ivo was a friend of his, and starts asking about you," he nods to Erin. "Real weird bloke, pale, wore shades even inside, talked in this flat voice. I'm too bloody scared not to try and get him *something*. (more)
<El-Cideon> "So I go to Grace's office, figure maybe she's got some letters from you or something. Couldn't get in, gave up there. And it was bad enough snitching once, right? Weirdo'd just have to accept I'm a failure and do his own dirty work. Told him I didn't find anything and he hasn't been back since. That was about a week and a half ago. Think he gave up. I HOPE he gave up."
<Erin> Erin's face falls with dismay. "For all our sakes, I hope so, too," she replies. "Is that everything? Even now, the Lodge is virtually at a state of war with all the people you've been doing deals with. Any information you can provide will go a long way to earning a place back in our good graces."
<El-Cideon> "He didn't tell me much. Wanted to know where you were going, where you'd been. Didn't have much for me but contempt when it turned out I couldn't get him anything." He sighs. "So...what's going to happen here? What are you going to do?"
<Erin> "If you had actually given away any information on my comings and goings, you would be lucky to leave the lodge in one piece," mutters Erin. "I don't think I will be telling you what I'm going to do in the future, but as for you..." Erin shakes her head. "It's good that you told us of your misgivings, but we can hardly let this slide." (more)
<Erin> "Seeing as your actions lead to our artifacts falling into the hands of people who can only be classified as evil, I think it would be appropriate to confiscate your spellbook for three years, and appoint a fine of proportion to the money you received- I'm sure you still have most of it, and I won't have people profiting from inequity in this place." (More)
<Erin> "You will be free, of course, to continue attending classes and meditations, and what remaining debt you hold to us can be worked off. Rest assured that we will be keeping a close watch to ensure no further misdeeds occur- should you try anything, well, there are certain rituals that can strip a man of both his magical powers and his passions entirely. I have no desire to use them-"
<Erin> "-but an example would have to be made, if that is what it takes to stop greater wrongs coming to pass."
<El-Cideon> He blanches visibly at the speculated ultimate punishment here and just shakes his head. "Three years? That's a lot--okay, right..." He breathes deeply, exhales. "And if I'm going to owe money, at least it'll be to people who won't cut my thumbs off if I can't cough it up...I realize I made a mess of things here. I didn't have any idea what I was getting involved with. (more)
<El-Cideon> "Apologies won't help much, I figure, but you should know I feel like an utter shit for all this. I'm amazed you're not throwing me out, but I guess I can't complain..."
<Erin> "That you didn't know where this would lead is why you're still here," replies Erin, shrugging. "I would hope the kind of person who joins the Lodge in the first place isn't the sort to willingly aid such callous people. It takes a certain potential to use magic, one we're loathe to throw away. Try to show that you're worthy of trust again, and this whole incident will be forgotten."
<El-Cideon> "Yeah, in three years...Right, sorry," he adds sheepishly. "That all for now?" Grace nods, not having more to add, then looks to you.
<Erin> "That's all. Drop your spellbook off here by this afternoon."
<El-Cideon> He stands up, shuffles out of the office. Grace breathes a sigh of relief and goes back to her wine, untouched during the discussion. "Well, I think that went better than it could have."
<Erin> "He's like a kid. If he happens to depart without handing in his book, we'll go liberate him of it later," replies Erin, deciding that she needs another stiff drink. "We need to set down some rules for the spellcasting initiates. We can't have them thinking it's acceptable to give away magical secrets- there's too many groups out there that would misuse that power."
<El-Cideon> "I suppose so. I wanted to run this as a friendly, open society. Too many rules bind the will and the imagination, after all. I hesitate to take a more dictatorial approach to things."
<Erin> "We did start out as a sorority of truth-seekers, didn't we?" remarks Erin, leaning back in the chair. "But we've stumbled across- well, power, and I've already met people who will commit all manner of crimes to attain more- like that Justine, for example, and the Germans. Perhaps it would be fitting for us to make it our- you know, our mission, I suppose- to act contrary to their efforts."
<El-Cideon> "Crusaders?" Grace wonders with a raised eyebrow.
<Erin> "I wouldn't want to gain that appelation," replies Erin, shaking her head. "Something more like observers, or guardians- you know. There are certain groups out there we could keep an eye on, and if they set out to do something immoral, well... it's an oversimplification, but one worthy of consideration."
<El-Cideon> "Well, you are making the sort of friends who can do something to stop such people if there's no other choice...At the very least, I agree we should watch for such transgressions, perhaps report the party responsible to the proper authority if they continue to be recalcitrant...But that's something to consider some day when I am less tired and more sober than I am now."
<Erin> "The problem with the authorities is that they can't solve the kind of problems I would have to look out for," replies Erin, stretching. "I have a few ideas on steps we could take, but it is for when I can truly say I'm settled in here, I imagine. I still have so much work to do on the journal, too..."
<El-Cideon> "Well, I'll leave you to that, perhaps? I'm sure an afternoon of pure research would be a relief after this morning's tawdry concerns."
<El-Cideon> ~