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Seminars
| When: | 18 February 2005 |
| Who: | Bronwen, Genevieve, Oscar, Tyrr |
| What: | A new face in town tries to make some angelic contacts, even if there is friction among words once all is revealed. |
360 - Austin
The area known as simply '360' is probably the richest section of Austin, despite being outside its perimeter highway, with several multi-million dollar residential districts scattered throughout and most especially around Lake Austin. The incredibly fast-growing industries inside the 360 contribute to the affluency of the area. More then a few of Austin's many parks are in this area, providing some very nice views for the rich whose homes overlook them or any traveller who cares to visit.
Taking a half-day from work has always been Genevieve's modus operandi, and today is no exception. However, her chalk-bearing ways have taken a more charitable turn. Sprawled out on the sidewalk in front of the pet shop where she works, she's in the process of making a mural advertising Prevent-A-Litter month.
Oscar pauses a brief distance away from the young woman, watching as she creates the multi colored mural. As she finishes the last few strokes he comments, "Oy...such beautiful work! You should be a professional artist you." He beams a smile down at the young woman.
Genevieve looks up from the curled up yellow and pink striped tabby and the white and seafoam green spotted dog, and ohs! "Hello there! Mr. Tevers decided that I should channel my energies. I guess me putting up mirrors in front of the fighting fish was starting to annoy him." Oscar has unwitting opened a can of worms. She flashes a grin, and then chatters out, "You know, I've had a couple of offers like that. There was the CapeComix owner Benjiman, and also the Deputy Mayor, Hadrian. Even if he's kinda scary -- I guess I just don't like how stuffy suits are." She tries to hide a faint flush of color, before she says, "Not everyone likes it though, there was this total creep, I'm sure you've heard about him."
Oscar shakes his head, waiting for the energetic woman to finish her seemingly endless string of thoughts. "I'm afraid I haven't. Heard of him I mean. I'm telling you, you have some real talent there. That Mister Trevers of yours sounds like one smart man."
Genevieve chirps out, "Of course he is! He lets me out of work early. He really does love training his dogs though, that's for sure. Good working animals." She begins to drop in a brighter colored border around the dates for the month of April, humming cheerfully to herself. However, an idea she skipped over earlier returns to her, and she ohs quietly. "Did you just get into town or something? There's been stories about him killing people just from touching them. I was lucky, I got away... relatively unscathed. I -bit- him for trouncing right through the drawing I was doing at the time!" Accentuating her point, she jabs the half-used piece of chalk in the sky, waving it around.
Oscar cocks his head, "Mr. Tevers klled someone??" He seems a bit confused at the train of conversation, "I just moved here....from New York. Oy Vey, such a change! I could tell you such stories...." He trails off, waiting to hear more from the young woman.
Genevieve pops open her mouth and gapes doe-eyed at Oscar's confusion. "Are you -SERIOUS-?!" she squeaks out, "He'd never! No, the mean guy that stomped through my drawings. His name is Christian. I'm sure the irony of THAT name would probably earn a giggle from you." She actually stands, before squinting some at him. "A lot of people come from New York, a lot of people go to New York." A faint tapping on the glass, about shin level, catches her attention. A large whitish pink bird, complete with black beak, looks up winsomely at her. "Oh, hi, my name's Genevieve," she shoots over her shoulder, before opening the door to scoop the cockatoo up onto her shoulder.
Oscar nods, bobbing his head in agreement without truly grasping the context of the discussion. "A mean goyem named Christian. I think his namesake would not look too highly upon actions such as that. It is a pleasure to meet you Genevieve. My friends call me Oscar."
Genevieve is standing over one of her drawings -- this time a public service advert in front of her workplace. She's chatting up the introduced Oscar, while Thor settles himself on her shoulder. The avian looks curiously at the big wide outdoors, but seems content enough to amuse himself with playing with Gen's earring. "I wouldn't think so either. There's a LOT of people upset about him. I think he got shot up a few days ago. Reap what you sow, eh? But I mean, really... causing people to drop dead? Whaddya think? How's he doing it?"
Oscar shrugs, shaking his head. "You know, I'm not much up on 'ways to kill someone by touching them'. I'm better versed in 'ways to avoid being hurt by people who can kill someone by touching them'. The first thing I'd find out...if I was interested in that sort of thing....was who this guy is."
Bronwen strides down one of the many sidewalks that some landscaper thought would be artistic and fun to walk along while strolling through the park. Her hands are shoved into her leather jacket's pockets and her stride eats up the ground beneath her feet.
Genevieve squints some, and seems to be trying to tease out information. "Well, it's not usually my business, I'm in the same boat as you when it comes to that! But you know, it is kinda weird. You can't deny that. Hmm. Maybe we can go to the hospital or whereever he is and ask him! I've been trying to find him but he just gives me weird looks and stays away after I bit him. Big ol' meanie." She pouts slightly, even as Thor raises his crest and emits a squawk of greeting towards the figure approaching them on the sidewalk.
Oscar considers Genevieve's words. He turns in resonse to Thor's squalk, looking first at the bird then back over atthe approaching Bronwen. Nodding politely to the woman, her turns his attention back to Genevieve, "Actually...I'm supposed to meet someone. Not that I wouldn't want to help you, but...." He trails off as if expecting Genevieve to jump in and finish his sentence for him.
Not that far behind Bronwen is Tyrr. He /was/ trying to catch up for her for awhile, but then she picked up her pace as if in a rush to get somewhere, so he simply shrugged and kept at a pace that kept him not that far behind her. His hands in his jacket pockets, Tyrr's eyes slowly flow back and forth toward the people he walks past, as if studying each one in detail for a few moments.
Bronwen turns her head towards the sound of Thor's squawk. "A new type of personal alarm system, Genevieve?" the woman asks as she approaches and recognizes both the art and the artist. Oscar gets a simple, polite nod of greeting.
Genevieve bats eyes at Oscar. "But... you're leaving me already? But I have a whole portfolio of pics I could show you!" She half-spins on her heels, before blinking and scrubbing at her ear from the ringing from the volume of the bird's call. "Geez, pipe down!" However, Bronwen's words cut through, and she waves. "Not quite. Hey, have your police buddies beaten up on that Christian jerk for me?" She flashes a grin, not entirely serious. And then she spots Tyrr, "Oh, it's Mister Cubit-Taller-Than-Me!"
Oscar shakes his head, trying to get a word in edgewise as Genevieve flits from topic to topic. "No...I'm to meet someone here. At least I believe I am. It's a long story and you alaready have plenty of tummult."
Genevieve pauses for a second, and then jabs a finger at Tyrr and Bronwen. "THOSE two? Or me?" She flashes a grin, batting eyes at Oscar again. Hoo boy. Someone plays a bit too hard at this game some days. "And tumult is my middle name! Along with Andrea."
"Ah, back to using that vess..." Perhaps it was an intentional slip, perhaps not. Either way, Tyrr looks between Bronwen and Genevieve for a long moment, "We have things to discuss tonight when you're both free." Yes, Mr. Always Serious, no Sense of Humour."
"I don't believe so," Bronwen replies with a faint smirk. "I was tempted but there are some things beyond my control that prevented action. That would include the others staring at me as I assaulted a prisoner."
Oscar arches an eyebrow at Tyrr's comment. Looking among the four of you (including the bird) Oscar asks, "Nu, I hope one of you is the person I'm supposed to meet." He looks up at the sky, gesturing up at the clouds, "You gotta be like this all the time? I don't need more tsuris." Sighing, he glances once more among the four of you waiting for someone to answer.
Genevieve blurts out, "What's a tsuri?" She peers, and then looks over to Tyrr, scrunching up her nose and then crossing thumbs to make fluttery wing motions under her chin at him, in silent inquiry. As IF someone couldn't figure out she was suggesting, well... fluttery wing things. The cockatoo just stares quietly, and then returns to busying himself with Gen's earrings. "Whaddya think, guys? And... IS he at the police department, or the hospital, Bronwen?"
Oscar scratches his chin, "Tsuris.....it means trouble....it's Yiddush. Oy Vey, kids now a days. Look, in the interest of time i just need to know one thing. Are you guys friends...or....did i ..um....Fall....in with the wrong crowd, eh?" He seems a bit apprehensive as he takes a few steps away from the group.
Bronwen smiles in a fairly predatory manner. "Oh, if you had Fallen you wouldn't still be walking around, I can tell you that much," she replies. "Besides, we don't like to take trips down south. Do you know what that kind of sun does to your skin?"
Genevieve breaks into a giggle. "Fall. No, can't do THAT, I'd get soundly whipped. If not by these two, then by someone else..." She rocks back and forth on her heels, thinking herself remarkably clever, although in retrospect, it was kind of dumb -- Oscar very well could have been the one to be cautious of."
Oscar nods. "I wouldn't know....about going down south that is. I prefer the northern climate myself. Take the Catskills...you never seen such entertainment..and the food. Oy..it is to die for!"
"Speak for yourself, I'd love to hold the Eighth Virtue in Shal-Mari." Tyrr says with an absolute straight face at first, before the corner of his mouth quirks up. "A few dozen of us is just what the place needs. Spring cleaning... with heavy metal."
Genevieve darts over, and clings to Tyrr's neck. "Sounds like a howl!"
Oscar shakes his head, "Uh....is there someplace we could go...for a little nosh and a chat? Or are you all too busy?"
"Sure, if we could convince our boss to drop us down there. Or maybe if we could gather up a few speedsters for a little trip... hmm. I'm not entirely sure on the last one," Bronwen remarks as she simply eyes Genevieve and mentally multiplies her.
Bronwen just gets stared at by Tyrr. The thought of what she just suggested obviously slightly horrific to him. "Yes, there's a place. Let's head to Fado's."
Fado Irish Pub and Restaurant
Fado's has become a hotspot for many of the locals. The place is split between three different sections, the bar and tavern in one room, another room for the restaurant, and an outside patio area as an extension of the restaurant; all of which are no smoking. The owner, Tyrr Ceallaghan, opened Fado's two years ago and has advertised and made enough deals to watch it grow.
The bar and tavern room has a counter top bar where any of the patrons can sit and talk with the bartenders or their fellow patrons. Near the bar there are a few tables where anyone can sit with friends, share a drink, and just have a good time.
The restaurant and patio area is your classic walk in dine-in restaurant, with different celtic elements on the walls and in the way the rooms are built. The waitresses and waiters are dressed in all black, and always very courteous, as the owners insist on top quality customer service.
Several minutes later after walking, the group arrives at Fado's.
Oscar follows the group into the tavern, "Okay...so...this is where we talk?
Tyrr nods, "Not a whole many of the 'other side' decide to come here unless they're feeling adventurous." Tyrr moves toward the bar and waves Kurgan over for four glasses of some type of liquid. "Now, if you're here to report in, the question is, whom do you serve?"
Genevieve gets dislodged from Tyrr's neck, and after putting away Thor, scampers along behind the trio as they speak. She walks in front of, twirling around, and lagging behind from time to time to spy on some object or another along the entire way. The effect is positively dizzying. She darts to the bar, and then says, "Strawberry daquiris! Four!" She looks at Tyrr, and then back to the scarred man. "All of them for me!"
Tyrr would not be the scarred man, that'd be Kurgan.
"Two at the most, please," Bronwen asks, her voice nearly cracking at Kurgan. "And make them bitter for her. And without alcohol. She's already wired enough for the moment... unless *you* want to keep an eye on her."
Oscar picks up a glass of the liquid and sniffs it curiously. He sets it back down before speaking, "Well....and don't take this the wrong way...not too many take kindly to my boss. Now technically, I report to the Lady of the Flowers, but she and I have come to an understanding that Eli's duties come first." He looks around, half expecting one of you to lash out in anger at the mention of Eli's name.
Tyrr's eyes narrow some at first, "Ah, another Creationer." There's no love in the voice, but there's also no hostility, just cold factualism. "You'd be well advised to learn quick then who the Hyenas are in the city. But other than that, you'll be fine with us. Though if you serve the 'Lady'," this time his words are a bit harsher, "Just remember, this city is at War."
The implication on the last word should make it clear what he's trying to get across.
Oscar waves a hand, "War schmore....I'll leave that up to you Sword types. Eli sent me here for a reason, and it isn't to go whacking vessles."
Genevieve protests, "Strawberry daqs!" before poking her tongue out at Bronwen. However, when the word Eli is uttered, she positively squeals in delight and latches onto Oscar's arm. "No kidding? You know that sly dog? Have you seen him lately? He owes me twenty dollars after that poker game!" She lapses into silence, nodding as she listens to Tyrr talk, although she brags, "They haven't caught me yet, and most of the time, I make them not want to." A saucy wink is given, before Oscar makes the mistake of saying the S word. Her eyes go wide, and she eeeeeeks, trying to scramble away to safety. "Saying that they're working for Laurence is gonna get you killed!"
Bronwen leans forward as she tsks at Oscar. "Let's get one thing straight, Creationist," she replies in a somewhat hard voice. "For your own safety, I wouldn't call those of War to be of the Sword. They're a bit stuck up and tied up in rules and regulations. Michael simply gets the job done. Clear enough?"
"And don't say Creationer like it's a dirty word!" Genevieve pipes up.
"War schmore..." the words coming out of Tyrr's mouth, the hint of anger beginning to well up inside him before he takes a breathe. "Do not insult my job, and I will not insult yours. I'm telling you that this city is at War so you can protect your own hide if things come to a head." Kurgan brings the drink, and hands a coffee mug full of steaming hot liquid inside it. Taking a sip of it, Tyrr continues, "We've already another Creationer helping us in a non-violent capacity, don't assume that all of those serving War are warmongers, and I won't assume you're a bumbling fool who sticks his foot in his mouth thirty minutes into meeting others of the Host."
Oscar looks at Genevieve, talking as if Tyrr and Bronwen weren't even there, "Nice city you have here. I remember back in the day when we all worked together. When every Word had its place. Just because I don't go marching off to War doesn't make me a.." He looks to Tyrr. "What was it? Bumbling fool? You sir, are a bit too singleminded. Take a look at the forest....it is more than just a bunch of trees."
Oscar says in an aside to Genevieve, "Eli's still about. He's the one that told me to meet you all. At least i'm pretty sure it was him..."
Tyrr narrows his eyes, "Did you even hear what I said?" Tyrr sits the cup down on the bar, "I don't care if you fight in the War. But as much as you may not want to fight in it, there are Infernals in this city who will take the fight to you.
I'm warning you to just watch your own sorry ass." He stands, and waves Kurgan over, "Or do you think that this former Soldier of Flowers got that scar that almost decapitated him by accidently clipping a hedge wrong? You may not want to be involved, and I could give a damn if you do. But ignoring a warning to watch your back, and twisting my words to your own taste is something that'll only lead to your downFall."
Genevieve emits a faint whine to herself and clamps her hands over her head as she hears the exchange. Perhaps thinking ahead, she darts over towards the door to the backroom, seeking to barricade it with, well... herself. She casts a pleading look to Bronwen, although she manages to nod towards Oscar. "Well you know, he finds the weirdest places to show up. Being weird isn't so hard, but being weird in the same way so that you show up in the same place and time *is*."
Oscar straightens his tie, replying to Tyrr, "My friend, I heard your warning. And, despite what you might thing, I appreciate it. Unfortunately, I will have to rely on you and your collegues' esteemed skills to protect my 'sorry ass' as you say. I have no intention of broadcasting my nature to ANYONE and I hope that I am able to avoid conflict of any sort. And for the record, I did NOT twist your words - you see War before anything else, it is your nature. I merely suggest that you take a different perspective now and again. it can do a world of good at times.
Tyrr actually smiles a small bit, "I take quite a few different views on the world. More than most of you Young Ones can understand." He actually seems pleased that Oscar didn't back down and justified out what he said, "You watch your ass, and we'll be there to help you out when you need it. Cooperative work between the different Servitors in this city, with everyone playing to their strengths is what will win Austin over to the Host."
Oscar nods in agreement. "Indeed. Now one question. Will my association with any of you tip the other side of my true nature? Hmmm?"
Genevieve raises a hand guiltily, eyes wide.
Oscar sighs, shaking his head. "Of course....the one I like the best." He smiles playfully at Genevieve."
"Well, that corrupt Saint banished me! In broad daylight! EVERYONE SAW ME!!!" Genevieve pinwheels her arms wildly in the air.
Genevieve continues to spin on her bar stool. "So yeah. It's kinda dumb, kinda ballsy, but you know what? I can be used to draw out the dumb demons and then those two can chop 'em up. Seriously. And hey, that's not FOUR!" she directs the last to Kurgan as he sets down two of the girly pink drinks.
Oscar nods. "If there is such an active War in this city as our friend here suggests, I'm afraid that you will draw out more that you may want to, eh?"
"I doubt it. Some know that a few people we associate are of the Host. But only a few Angelics truly know that I or Bronwen are. We've got a rather 'unique' mission in this city," Tyrr says... "If you'll excuse me, Bronwen and I have plans to work on."
"Yes.....have fun storming the castle.....or whatever it is you do.." Oscar chuckles quietly to himself.
"A unique mission, hmm?" Bronwen remarks to Tyrr as Oscar heads off while she mentally rejoins the conversation. "And I'd have to disagree with him. We see the larger picture but we know what has a higher priority over other lesser things."
"Yes. Christian was caught right? So they're going to invariably try and get him out tonight or tomorrow... we need Sandra nearby, and to get this all finished." Tyrr sits at the bar again, and takes a sip of his now semi-cool coffee. "She's the key to this all."
"At last check he was in the holding cells," Bronwen answers. "Haven't checked in recently. Isn't Sandra still in the back room or is she out on a walkabout with someone watching her? Blades, do we need to expose her to Christian in the first place? He seems to have gone over the edge and I did promise her that I'd keep her safe."
"She's out walking around with Sian, she's been working out well as a new Soldier of War." Tyrr finishes off his coffee and turns in the stool to look over the mostly empty tables. "She'll be safe though, we'll be right nearby. But she's vital to making sure things come to pass." Tyrr then looks over to Bronwen, "If I tell you why, Bron, you must swear not to betray my trust."
Bronwen shifts her weight on her feet to lean her back against the bar. "The way you're wording this is starting to make me uneasy. You know I would not betray your trust, or so I hope after all this time."
"I know." Tyrr leans back and looks toward Kurgan who has uneasily moved away, obviously the old Soldier doesn't want any part of this. "The fate and destiny of Sandra... they're intertwined. To bring her back, another will fall. And from everything I've pieced together from the limited information Remliel's given me... it's Dominic's 'time'. The Hyena will finally be put in his place." The look in Tyrr's eyes are that of a cold detachment. He's doing this on his own, as he often does given his rank, but he seems to be conflicted about doing it. But the good outweighs the evil in this case in his perception, so he proceeds.
"Dominic?" Bronwen manages to get out of her frozen vocal chords. "You want to watch one of the Archangels Fall and stop him? While I can understand the dislike of Fallen angels, isn't that aiming just a tiny bit high? He's extremely powerful."
"I don't want to stop Dominic from falling. I want to see the Hyena fall as far as he tried to make Michael and Gabriel. It's time he learned what it was to be on the receiving end of an Inquisition. Maybe..." Tyrr has the faintest glimmer of hope, "just maybe... he'll learn to be more tolerant and forgiving. The Fall wasn't his or Michael's fault, but both wear it on their shoulders as the the Weight of the Universe is upon only them."
Bronwen raises a hand to press at a temple. "And if he Falls straight down into the lower Realm, then what?" she asks. "Although my biggest concern right now would be how to restrain him. He does have many deep resources that we don't even have the tip of, combined. Or has Michael given you something of an edge, somehow?"
"The box." Yes, Bronwen's probably forgotten about it. "I've already placed it nearby where this is likely to happen." The door to the place opens and in walks Sian and Sandra, both laughing quietly. "It's time, let's head to the Police Department." Tyrr stands, and waves Sian to head back out. She leans over and says, "Ah, Sandra I forgot, I wanted to show you something nearby, you'll love it..." The two move back out of Fado's.
"The one Michael gave to me when he converted the Arms?" Bronwen replies as she trails after the pair. "You'll have to tell me how you figured out its use once the stuff stops going through the fan later. And I do have to watch out for Sandra, Sian or no."
Tyrr heads toward the door, "Yes, we both must watch out for her. She's more valuable than anything we've ever encountered before to the future of Heaven." With that, he walks through the door.
Bronwen gives her long-time acquaintance a worried look before hurrying out after him.
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