Morien is quiet , but she toggles the Flying Frosts' stereo on and it starts with Red Barchetta. The drive is indeed all too short, and the last few notes of engine noise seem perhaps reluctant to stop even though the keys are turned to 'off'.
She does follow Danny in, and helps herself to a slice of cold pizza from the 'fridge. When he gets back, she's hovering over his workbench with a critical eye for the pieces & parts and pizza-crust in her off hand. She's dragged a comb through her hair at some point, and her jacket is perhaps lighter and more 'sporty' looking than Danny remembers. "Stainless steel fermentation vessels," she replies absently, not quite expecting to be heard through Danny's chatter.
On the way out, she notes, "If you're hoping to hide something in the small of your back, that jacket's not going to do it. Inside pocket would be better, if you've got one."
"Hm, wha?!? oh yeah, the 'party favors'." Danny manages to smirk and look sheepish at the same time.
"Yeah,... been watching too many spy movies I guess. Although at these little 'soirees' I tend to find that my pockets have been rifled, even if nothing's missing. Although I guess a friendly hug would find them there just as easy. Hm. Decisions decisions."
The young Court appointee (read 'jester' in his less charitable moments) shrugs and grins as he slides back into the passenger seat of the Frost.
He pulls out his 'party favors' from behind his back, two short, thick lengths of polished wood. Possibly oak. Too short and stubby to be wands, and while thick enough are too short to be effective weapons. A thin line at one end indicates that they might have a cap of some sort. He hefts them up and down, as if comparing weights, and then seems to reach a compromise, tucking one into the inner pocket of his leather jacket and returning the other to it's hiding place in the small of his back.
"Always hedge your bets. Speaking of bets. I'll BET that you can't get us there by 5 minutes early?" He smirks. (Knowing full well that if anyone can, it's the feisty girl behind the wheel. And cameras and coppers be danged.)
Morien arches an eyebrow at Danny and asks, "What do you bet?" She can't quite hide her amusement at his games.
Danny opens his mouth and holds up a finger. Then closes his mouth and lowers his finger. He looks thoughtful.
"Yeah. I'll get back to you on that. Nevermind. I'll just owe you." He smirks and settles back into the seat even before Morien guns the nearly silent engine into motion.
Morien smirks back at Danny. "If the gods of traffic be willing."
As it turns out, they are. The Frost weaves through the early rush-hour traffic as smoothly as a fish in water. When she pulls up to the hotel which is their appointed meeting place, it's more like ten minutes early. Morien waves the valet away with the comment, "We're picking up."
In the mean time, she gets out to stretch her legs and have another cup of coffee. The aroma that rises from her thermos remains delicious.
Danny & Morien
From the richly appointed hotel steps a pale sleek vision of beauty and grace. Moving with a fluid sinuous motion, both sensual and thrumming with power.
Shimmering dress, a rainbow cascade of fine scales that almost seem painted on - like the first speckle of frost upon a winter morn. The cloth clings to the flowing curves, she's barely as high as Danny's shoulder and there's a delicate elfin touch to her appearance. White hair, with a tint of blue, gently flows and curls down her back, canted eyes that seem as deep as ancient sea-pools. A rich azure with green speckles, she looks at the doorman, who goes to his knees and bows.
Down the steps, to stand by the car - waiting for someone to open the door. When the musician exits, the sidhe lady addresses him in a rich velvety voice - a soft feline caress up the spine.
"Danny, I hear you are quiet the guide. Entertain me." she demands imperiously, unused to argument. "The meeting is tomorrow night and at some point we should check out the meeting place - I don't trust Lord Lawrence. Or the Poppy Court. However, mortals should prove amusing playthings."
Tangris, Kenneth & Sal
As Sal re-enters the manor-house, Bunny pads back down the stairs. A soft fluffy towel wraps around her mid-thigh, barely covering her glistening torso. Wet, blonde locks curl in a slight under-cut framing her smiling face. "Just went for a quick shower, don't worry there's plenty more hot-water.♥"
She bounces over to the fireplace enthusiastically, but quietly. "I had an idea! ♥ You know how you said that you needed someone to write contracts with the Fairies? ♥ Well Arjen's girlfriend is a lawyer." she adds pleased that she has thought of a helpful plan. Motioning to the foreign ex-prisoner asleep in the chair.
Morien opens the Frosts' passenger-side back door with a bow. "Lady Winter," is her greeting.
"My LAdy." Danny bows low and long. Perfectly respectful and subservient. However, the glimpse he gives the lady's back and shapely legs are just blatant enough to remind the watchers, (there are ALWAYS watchers) that he is Summer's appointee to Winter.
If there is any frustration on Danny's part from being addressed so imperiously, it doesn't show. (In fact, Danny has grown so used to the Fae's attitude towards humans That he only gets suspicious when one of the Fae are NICE to him. Then he gets nervous.)
"You are too kind. I shall endeavor to satisfy. I feel it only fair to warn you though. Most of my entertaining is purely by accident. I usually try SO hard to be serious. I have a reputation after all." The singer-Court appointee says with a straight face and the earnest expression of one hoping very much to get a raise this year. (Knowing full well all funds have been frozen by the legislature.)
"My lady is wise. Lord Lawrence is, to put it politely, a fop. He seems to rely on his reputation and 'rightful status' as an aristocrat to maintain control of his 'empire'. Which is a polite way of saying that he is a manipulative little politician and of course cannot be trusted." Danny says with a grin.
"And the Poppy Court is, well. The Poppy Court." He adds with a shrug. "You would know what that means more than I."
"AH yes. We can be entertaining. BUt I feel I would be remiss in my duties if I did not warn you. We mortals are are a rough and vulgar lot. Unaccustomed to the proper ways of the Courts. They are not far wrong when they compare us to animals. And animals tend to bite when frightened. Please my careful my Lady." Danny says with utmost sincerity for her well being.
"And, I love your gown! That is a fabulous look. Very Marilyn Monroe meets the Ice Queen. Are those ALL real diamonds? Or ice crystals?" Either way, Danny looks to be very impressed.
Morien & Danny
There's a regal poise as she enters the vehicle, none of the celebrity performance about it. Even the car seems to respond to her, like a dog sitting proudly up for it's master.
Coyly sitting upon the edge of the rear car seat, she listens. Her lips slightly bow at Danny's glance, pleased by the response to her attire and the irreverent speech. Although she nods pertly as he describes the Vampire Lord of the City. Slightly unusually for one of the High Court, the Lady's body-language is one of respect - of the pair being advisers rather than servants, thralls, or slaves. "Bite? Really?" she brings her crooked hand to her mouth, blue finger-nails seems to flow with colour as if they are paintings of the sea.
"Marilyn Monroe? Well she did have to return home, the deal was only for 15 years." she adds taping her lip. "But I accept the compliment."
Sal, Bunny, Tangris, Kenneth
Kenneth continues to tend the patients, channelling minute amounts of soul-warming Fire of the Hearth to speed their natural healing and give them comfort while waiting for Bunny's doctor friend. He looks up as Sal returns and Bunny descends the stairs, and feels a surge of heat through him that has nothing to do with magic. That lass is going tae kill someone and nae realize why....
He takes a calming breath and smiles reassuringly at the recovered trio, saying, "Dinnae fret. We'll get ye looked after and home soon enow.", then heads over toward the girls, trying to convince himself that he's doing it only to join the conversation.... and to protect the poor girl from having to beat up Tangris.
He nods as he hear's Bunny's suggestion, and then asks, gently, "Does your friend ken about the.... interesting bits ay the world, Bunny, or would we need tae worry about the shock ay learning about the world? 'Tis the sort of thing that can pull a body away from his best work, ye ken."
He pauses for just a moment, then stretches, pleased to not be hunched over patient's chairs, and allowing him to think about the matters at hand.... Since we've been left tae hold down the fort, we'd best be about it....
He says, "Besides, we may need tae deal with the simple here-and-now. For one, we need tae talk tae our less-willing guest -- tae see what he kens about all ay this, and his connection with Molly... and whatever the blazes that Molly's up tae. And, I'm thinking the wine cellar be the best place for that. Stone walls, imposing, and away from the nice folk we've rescued as tae not unnerve anyone."
He then pauses and adds, "Speaking ay that lot, I think we should make them up a spot of tea tae warm them, offer them some biscuits, and mix this," he produces two flasks, "intae the tea. 'Tis anti-venom, and should be better than a cold-turkey detox -- and make them less likely tae sell us out for another dose. Red spittle's more addictive than heroin, I'm told.... and I've seen it first hand in me sister."
He pauses, as he tries to find another solution, and then sighs, I wonder if Trip would mind giving o'er a garden shed tae a shrine tae Brigid..., "In any case, I'm thinking I might need tae head back tae my flat, see if I cannae mix up more ay the stuff... maybe e'en one more effective againt the Poppies, nae that I've felt their particular twists... And I have a few ideas about other draughts I could mix -- assuming ye and Tangris can handle our guest, Sal..."
He then adds in a somewhat more stern tone, "And while I dinnae think any ay us need tae sleep just yet, thanks tae our gifts, or in Sal's case, my draught, we should likely dae it in shifts.... If we have tae pull another all-nighter, I'd rather nae have us barely hanging on when the next morn approaches. 'Specially since I expect Danny-boy tae be wiped when he returns."
Danny blinks. Caught by surprise if only for a second.
"That explains so much."
Instantly recovered he bows his head once again. "My lady is too kind."
"When would you prefer to inspect the meeting area? The earlier we go the more time they will have to plan the surprise." Danny says with the grin of one who likes surprises. A typically Fae response.
"And the mortals do offer a variety of amusements. Although some people's idea of 'fun' leave much to be desired." He shrugs to add a silent 'no accounting for taste'.
"Did you have a preference of entertainments? We could try some of the more,... exotic entertainments. Although I fear that they would be a poor shadow of the parties you usually attend. Still they might be a nice diversion from the ordinary. Or we could try 'going native'. You could see how the mortals truly live & play. Given a long enough evening, I could provide you with an esoteric smorgasbord of mortal indulgences. There are a variety of sub-cultures and diversive tastes after all. Enough to keep even the most jaded Court party-goer amuzed for a while. HEck, I haven't been here long enough to even know where they ALL hide out at yet!"
Danny's grin says that isn't for a lack of trying.
During the (hopefully entertaining) spiel, Danny does what he usually ends up doing on stage. Noting the Lady's body language, he responds in kind. His attitude and posture stay respectful but casual. (At least within the usual 'Danny' framework.) He responds to his co-performers/audience's reactions and adjusts accordingly. He trusts in his instincts, (his mouth) to get him out of any trouble at least as quickly as he might get into it. One way or the other.
With a bob of her head the lupine dancer follows Kenneth's words. Then pulls up the towel slightly to counter gravities effect, little realising it reveals an extra inch or so of thigh. "Oh, Agatha. She's the healer for our pack. She's lovely. ♥" she adds in enthusiastic tones, though Bunny would about most people.
"♥ She treats our wounds when we get hurt." she confirms that their healer is clued-in. "Seems like Arjen is too." Bunny points to the man on the couch. "He's from Dutchland ♥"
Morien waits for an appropriate pause in the conversation to break in. "M'lady, I wonder if we have an acquaintance in common. Might you know Lyceus, of the river Ouse?" She nods in the direction of the bridge.
Tangris, his mind already taxed by too little sleep, is put overboard by Bunny's thighs. He sits, staring and mumbling slightly before finally shaking his head. "I need sleep." and with this, he falls fast asleep wherever he is, snoring loudly and oddly enough, sounding like a goat's bleat.
Looking at Danny in the rear-view mirror with a smile, reminiscent of the wild and worldly Aunt. "Yes, I suppose exotic entertainments may seem a trifle rustic; though that has it's own charm. Also the Host did promise entertainment for the evening." then leaning back in the vehicle; "Also I've found that most mortals' find exotic entertainment distasteful hiding it in small dark areas...."
Then she responds to Morien; "Oh Lycius! That nerid rogue is here?" though the timber of her voice makes it seem like a query, from the Fey it could equally have been a statement. "It would be good to catch up with him, especially since I owe him a song."
Sal barges in through the front door bright-eyed and rosy-cheeked from her run. She stops at the entry to check her boots and ensure she hasn't stepped in anything rural, then enters the great room just as Bunny trots down the stairs, glancing quickly at Kenneth and Tangris to gauge their reaction to the lively and uninhibited werewolf. With a shake of her head, she gives Bunny a quick grin, chuckling ruefully to herself as some of the pleasant daydreams from her run are skewered by cold reality. Idiot. You can't compete with these supernatural beauties. You're way out of your league. Accept it and move on.
Sal drops into a chair while she catches her breath, only slightly winded by the run, and listens to the conversation. She shrugs at the talk of lawyers, unaccustomed to such things, but brightens at the planning discussion. She stands and unconciously comes to attention before speaking.
"I'd be worried about your leaving, Kenneth, but I think we made it here clean. There's no sign of anybody who might have followed us or staked out the place," she reports crisply, "Maybe I missed something, but I hope my skills haven't slipped that much. If you'll just help get Doc Ogilvy here to the cellar, I can secure him down there. I can watch while everyone else catches some shuteye... and there goes Tangris! So much for his boasts of 'mythic endurance', huh?" She laughs and nudges the somnolent were-goat.
She holds out her hand for one of Kenneth's flasks, thankful that her cheeks are already flushed by her exertion when their hands touch accidentally. She sniffs it gingerly and sighs somewhat sadly. "I wish I'd know a month ago that you could help out with cold-turkey withdrawal. Healthy food works well if you can keep it down. I wish we'd had this..." Her voice trails off as she looks at things very far away for a while, then gives herself a shake.
"We'll get these folks dosed, don't worry. Tangris and Bunny can sleep now so you and Danny can crash when you return. You... Kenneth, you're coming back, right? I'm not sure it's safe for any of us to be staying alone. Besides, you'll want to hear what Danny has to say, I'm certain."
With a smile to the returning Sal, Bunny bounds forward and gives her a hug. "♥ Hope you don't mind, I had a shower. ♥ You can have to towel back, if you need one?" she unself-consciously comments.
At Sals' gibe of endurance; Bunny looks to where the lycanthrope has slumped in the chair. "♥ Poor lamb, been a hard night for all of us.♥" she says kindly moving over to him. With a small groan she lifts the muscular man up, in her arms. "I'll put him to bed, don't want to hurt his back in that chair.♥" With deceptive ease, she carries him upstairs.
Danny quirks an eyebrow at mention of a neriad, but otherwise keeps silent during that part of the conversation. (He's a little relieved that he has a chance to catch his breath and re-rev his wits.) He deliberately avoids thinking of the last time he had a full nights sleep.
'I've had a lot less for a lot longer back in college. Of course, falling asleep in class wouldn't have gotten me killed either!' He muses petulantly to himself as the ladies talk.
"So the inspection first. Then some light entertainment. We don't want to overshadow or spoil our hosts plans after all." Danny suggests when the Lady looks at him once more.
"Tell me my Lady, how do you feel about,... jazz?" He says with a grin.
"No thanks, Bunny. There are plenty of towels. You hang on to that one," Sal replies as solemnly as she can.
Sal surrenders and grins broadly as she watches the shapely blond haul the hairy man up the stairs. "He's gonna kick himself when he finds out what happened," she laughs to Kenneth, "If you'll help me carry Ogilvy downstairs and get him secured, Fothergill and I can get our refugees settled in for a nap. Though I'd appreciate it if you hung around long enough for me to grab a quick shower while they have tea. I'm not sure if, uh, Bunny or Tangris will be back down, and I'm dying to get clean." Her face hardens as she surveys the unconscious scientist on the couch, then prods him roughly with tough fingertips. "HEY. On your feet! Time for some wine."
Morien gives Laverna a real smile, this time. "He is, and in fine spirits when I saw him. We could make time for a walk along the waterfront; I know just the place." Coincidentally close to home, so she could check on the Mote.
She glances around their small group and adds off-handedly, "Four's enough for an interesting game of poker..." She assumes the Fey knows how to play; none she dared ask have disappointed her yet.
Laverna the Winter Court noble, runs her finger across the plush upholstery. "That sounds an acceptable compromise. We look at the site for the meeting. It'll be a small boat-dock near the confluence of the rivers." her words hold cursory tone however with depth of purpose.
Taking note of Moriens cheerfulness at the neriad's situation; she shifts slightly in her seat. Just then a car swings the wrong way, nearly cutting Morien off but she and the car respond to the reckless driver.
Barely missing a beat the Unseelie addresses the gearhead; "Interesting that you choose a game where one has to lie, or at least bluff, to twist their thoughts and emotions to gain an edge."
The river lies just ahead, along with a parking spot - that's just vacated.
Professor Ogilvy slowly opens his eyes under Sals' prodding, with a slight groan. His jaw has turned a magnificent shade of purple with orange highlights where Tangris slugged him. Quickly his eyes focus and he looks up at Sal and Kenneth, pupils moving warilly between the pair as it rapidly downs on him what may have happened.
Moving to the wardrobe she produces a dark silken shirt and glances to Tangris recumbent form; "He'd look good in this." She places it next to the chair and gets out a second paler shirt for herself.
Letting out a soft sigh; [smaller]"Oh well, guess Sal isn't interested in Andy."
The werewolf girl seems to be genuine and ditzy young lady.
Trip's Manor
Kenneth nods, "Aye, I didnae see anyone following us, though that's one ay the reasons I wanted tae get home sooner rather than later. I dinnae think Molly kens where I live -- or tae what extent she's tied up in all ay this -- but I dinnae doubt in the slightest her ability tae find out... so as quick as I can be at the altar stone and back again."
He steps in while Bunny starts to lift the weregoat from the couch, and says more quietly, "'Tis but an antivenom. Detox all at once, and an inability for more ay the stuff tae have any effect, at least for a wee bit o' time.... but it cannae change the mind. It'll wear off and leave a body with the same psychological cravings, which are, I'm told, the worst part. Still, if ye need anything tae help, I can probably find some magics that will help ye heal -- but that's all I can dae is help -- if magic takes it all away, it leaves the hole open, empty and exploitable again."
And what's more, the poxy wizards are right when they say tae keep out ay people's heads with magic... that leads tae an addiction of a worse kind, and I willnae turn intae the sort of monster I've been given the strength tae fight...
He sighs and then starts to laugh as Bunny leave with Tangris, lifting him as if he were a small child and then shakes his head, "Ach, I think she'd hae given you the towel right here in the den. The fact he didn't complain about you declining the offer proves that Billy was deep-asleep."
He laughs at his own joke and is slightly surprised at the dark look in Sal's eyes before she starts laughing, I suppose that talking about one's past demons can dae that tae a person.... I'll have tae step lightly. Still, she seems tae know what she's about, which is always a good thing. He stands, imposingly, near Sal and watches the man regain consciousness, and the panic when he does.
"Oi, good morning, Sunshine. Time for a wee chat."
Sal whistles softly, touching the bruise that Tangris left with surprisingly gentle fingertips and checking the man's pupils. She glances up at Kenneth and grimaces. "This brings back a few unpleasant awakenings," she says softly, "His brains might be scrambled for a while."
Turning back to Ogilvy, Sal speaks slowly and firmly. "Buddy, you got your bell rung but good. Do you even know what planet you're on? I bet you have one hell of a headache, huh? I could fetch an ice bag, if you need one. I hope your cute little egg-head isn't cracked." She holds up three fingers and waves them around slowly, watching to see if his eyes track. "How many fingers am I holding up? What's the last thing you remember?"
"I was in my lab..." he squints; "2?" his voice comes out slightly slurred and rough from the nights' activities.
Blinking his unfocussed eyes he adds; "A water... or tea, would be appreciated..." The scientist slightly shifts on the couch.
"Right. I'll get right on that. One lump or two?" Sal sighs heavily as she rises. "I'll go fetch something. You can handle him, I'm sure," she murmurs to Kenneth in passing, as she heads for Trip's wonderful kitchen, then suddenly stops and throws her hands in the air with exasperation.
"Lab... computer... oh, dammit! Why didn't we take the hard drive? Even if the other circuitry was fried, we might have been able to recover some data from the drives. They're not as volatile. I mean, we used to go recover black boxes from downed aircraft. Those suckers had been through crashes and fires, and the geek squad could still get the data off 'em." Growling in frustration, Sal continues out of the room, still grousing. "Too late now. It's my fault, Ken, you couldn't know much about electronics if you can't be around 'em without burning out their circuits. I can't believe I was so stupid!..." Her rant trails off into incoherent Spanish that sounds rather rude.
With a sudden snort, Tangris suddenly sits bolt upright and looks around. Seeing Bunny and noticing his distinct lack of pants, he smiles broadly around. "Wait. I'm naked. You're here. Did I miss something?"
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Kenneth says, "I wouldnae fret tae much about that, lass. Even hard drives quiver and lose their bits when I turn my righteous anger 'pon them. A'course, any off-site or cloud backups.... now that's a whole different tale."
He turns to his guest in the chair, "Speaking of... what and where d'ye keep your backups and incremental reports?"
From his seat in the chair, the scientist rubs his eyes trying to compose his thoughts; "Yeah, the back-up.... we have on-site back-up with a server in the other room. Off-site, well that's with my contact in Holland. They have a server farm to collate and report findings, it's very hi-tech stuff." with a sore throat he asks; "Who are you anyway?" seemingly confused, remembering little of the confrontation in the laboratory.
Tangris
"Oh, I just put you to bed ♥ You'd had a hard day ♥" she smiles warmly; "And I was just trying to make you comfortable. Are you?" she asks flicking her damp hair. Bunny picks up the pale silk shirt, holding it up to check for size.
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In the car:
Danny winces theatrically at the mention of Poker.
"Ohhh, Interesting choice. Not a great choice, but interesting." He adds with a smile to show Morien he's kidding. Mostly.
"I learned early and quick. NEVER play Poker with the Fae. ANY Fae. Unless you plan on losing everything. Gracefully."
He leans towards the drivers seat, and stage whispers clearly.
"Best. Poker. Faces. Ever."
He smiles pleasantly at the Lady, as if he hadn't just said anything.
"Oh look, convenient parking place." he says happily.
As Morien smoothly pulls the car into the lot, (Danny would swear that half the time he feels like the car is gliding,... on ice.) He turns to the Lady with a pleasant but earnest expression.
"My Lady, permission to speak freely? I Do not mean to offend, but I have a few questions about this meeting. Mostly. I would never presume to ask you answer them all. But if you have no objection, would you mind clearing up a couple for me?" He asks politely.
"Thank you. This meeting, you said it was with us, the 'Lord Lawrence' and the Poppy Court? And that you didn't trust them, (Wise choice) But are you expecting treachery at this meeting?"
Also, what, exactly is this abou,... oh,... my,... goodness." Danny's eyes get wide.
"Hrm, um, there's been, incidents, lately. And rumors of a new uber drug hitting the streets. And the rumors, well there are ALWAYS rumors, but some of them hint that the Poppy Court might be behind this new super-duper drug." He says, watching the lady's reaction carefully.
"Morien, I'll bet you a hot coffee that the rumors are true. The Poppy Court ARE behind the new drugs. This meeting is about transportation, isn't it? They want to negotiate for use of the Paths to transport the drugs from their side of the ocean to here. That's why we're here, isn't it?" He asks, almost eagerly before remembering his place and resuming his more solemn expression.
Tangris nods. "Oh god yes. I'd be a lot more comfy if you crawled into bed with me, though. This mattress is awfully hard and I think two people could maybe soften it up a bit."
Morien chuckles at her companions' commentary. She replies indirectly, "I'd expect to lose, but that's low tuition to learn from the best."
Listening to Danny's speculation, she tilts her head to one side, gauging Laverna's reaction.
Tangris
Rubbing her freshly shampooed hair lightly it curls around her lightly muscled shoulders. She looks at Tangris; "I'm a bit damp, I wouldn't want to get you wet." her words are completely innocent.
Sal storms into the kitchen, subsiding at Fothergill's raised eyebrows. "Sorry, Fothergill. But have you ever had one of those days where everything you do is the stupidest possible choice?" She hands the elegant butler the flask of magical tonic. "This should go into the tea of our three guests, to help them recover from their, um, recent stress. I need more tea and a bag of ice, or frozen vegetables if we have it. We have a guest with a bit of a headache. No, not a pot, just a mug. We'll see how he does with a little bit at first."
While the kettle is refilled and reheated, she takes a moment to pull out her phone and send a quick 'ALL OK?' text to Morien, dreading the idea that something has happened to the pair while away from the rest.
Finally, the tea is ready. Sal dumps in sugar and cream to give the scientist a bit of an energy boost. Thanking Fothergill, she carries a cold pack and a cup of tea back out to the couch where Ogilvy lies. Realizing he and Kenneth must been talking, she makes herself small and unobtrusive, simply setting the cold compress onto Ogilvy's jaw and handing him the tea, then standing behind the couch. She says nothing to disturb the conversation.
Kitchen
"I'm sure Milady hasn't made many mistakes, but as the saying goes "The world only goes around by misunderstanding." the butler says as he takes the flask. He looks to the tea-cups and spends a second deciding to put the tonic into the milk before or after the tea.
Living Area
Ogilvy looks up and lets out small thirsty groan at the sight of the cup. Shifting his weight to sit up slightly straighter.
As the trio walk down the riverside, the sidhe raises an eyebrow & a quirk of the eyebrow at Moriens compliment. "Interesting, they said the selkie was smart, but not so sociable..." she says to herself, or maybe an invisible figure next to her, but obviously meant to be overheard.
Giving Danny a wry grin as he's espoused the difficulty of playing with the Fey nobility. Though at least poker is a structured game rather than the ones they usually play.
Followed by a nod before Danny starts his soliloquy, the amused look on her face hardens into a mask.
She looks sideways across the water, with glassy eyes. Her voice barely drifting across the wind; "They said he was a ditz, but no so much like his mother. Perceptive, intelligent, logically minded."
Laverna's piercing gaze shoots back to Danny; "That maybe part of what they want, if it's advantageous then we may accede to the request. However, I believe there is more - they seem desperate... this would be a good time to wrest some controls or power from them. Maybe establish a stronger presence in the city."
Danny nods politely, clearly having NO clue with what the Courts, either of them, would want with a mortal city.
If the 'overheard' comment about his mother fazes him, it doesn't show.
"It would be nice to know what could make the Poppies,... desperate. I don't know anything about them really. Heck, I've met vamps that didn't know anything about them. Are they Red, Black, White or some other color of the rainbow?" Danny says as if thinking out loud. He slides his glance to Laverna, but just for a second.
Danny sighs. Not Overly-theatrically, just enough to make it painfully obvious it was deliberate.
"I hate negotiating when I don't what the others want. Makes it way to easy to get in trouble. You think your getting something you want and BAM! You find out it was something they wanted to get RID of. Usually with good reason." He grins lopsidedly.
Danny knows that the Fae, no matter how cooperative and even 'nice' she is being, is not telling them everything. He's not even sure that she could if she wanted to. The singer struggles to maintain his equilibrium between working with the Fae, hiding the fact that he's already participated in a raid on a Poppy lab, and wanting to know how Laverna knew his mother. (The latter would have been impossible to put off before he met the Viking)
He reminds himself that he has to listen very carefully not only to what Laverna says, and how she says it, and what she 'allows' them to overhear, but more importantly listen to what she DOESN'T say.
Kenneth smiles and says, "A second, lad. 'Tis ne'er wise tae start a long blether withouth foremost wetting one's whistle." He produces a small flask and drinks deeply, feeling the warmth of the whiskey it used as a base flow through him, and then the warmth of the Flame of Inspiration surge through him, speeding his thoughts and allowing him to view the upcoming conversation as though it were a chess game, planning out responses and traps two, then three, then six moves ahead.
Well now, mayhap that wasnae a waste ay perfectly good Scotch after all... 'Tis like I've opened myself up tae the Flame of Kildare, but only in my mind... Ye ken, I wonder if this is how the Fae courts approach discussion....?
He starts to offer the flask to the Doctor, but then takes it back with a smile, "On second thought, we likely shouldnae dull your mind with bevvy. Details will likely prove tae be very important, ye ken... How about a cuppa, instead?" He motions to the tray that Sal brought in, while sliding his flask back into his jacket.
He waits for the man to take his cup of tea, and then sits down across from him, and says in a tone that's both friendly and authoritative, "Dinnae fret tae much about who I am at the moment. Just think ay this as the ultimate ethics review.... though with much higher stakes than the possibility ay losing tenure or having a few sanctions... and mind that this is the sort ay interview where your goodwill and full cooperation can make things work out sae muckle nicer for you, both in the short and the lang run." There, now he'll be wondering if I'm with a university, Interpol, MI-5, or, if he's connected tae the other side, something e'en darker and more interesting... In fact, I'm rather hoping he guesses -- that guess alone should be a nice pile ay information...
At the evaluation which the Fey allows her to overhear, a hint of irony enters Moriens' expression. She pats the Frosts' dashboard as though the car was a companion, expecting that the gesture will be understood. Still playing social Calvinball, but they have managed to put me in a good mood.
"I've heard that the Poppies are relatively weak, and use some sort of arcana to grow in power. If they're desperate - perhaps they're running out of a material they need?" Allowing the others time to chew on that, she gets out and opens the door for Laverna, leaving Danny to see to his own.
Sipping on his tea, the Professors eyes bulge at Kenneth's smooth words; "Oh no, I don't wan't to lose tenure again. It was bad enough last time forcing me to work for those strange people." The scientist cannot think of anything worse than that. He leans forward conspiratorially.
"They aren't right. Wanting urgent results. Forgoing proper experimental procedures." he tuts, shaking his head then putting his hand to his head from the ache.
The stillness of the wind is enhanced by the inexorable flow of the river, just feet away. It's depths lethal to the unwary.
"We can tell no falsehood." She looks at the pair with piercing eyes; "You are to be my guards for the Gathering. But I told you this so that there will be no gaping faces or shocked expressions during the meeting. A moments hesitation that our enemies perceive as weakness & they may pounce."
"Do not mistake the Poppy Court for weak. They are small in number true, but they are a bloodline that relates to the Red Court - sharing many of their strengths. Also they use a form of magic." she carries on; "They broke away...." looking up as if recalling something. "8 centuries ago, as you measure such. Their founder was Red Court, before, then her and her offspring became Poppy Court."
Kenneth produces a small notepad and begins to write, then stops and looks up with an arched eyebrow when the man stops. He taps the pen on the notepad twice in the silence, and then sighs. B*$!~&@s, it's like pulling teeth..
He whispers, conspiratorially, as if trying to ensure that Sal can't overhear, "Look, we both ken that it isnae you that we're interested in. But, we also ken that it isnae all up tae me, and the higher ups are looking for someone tae pin it all on... So, let's make it all easy -- give me something that I can use tae show just how cooperative ye've been and I'll dae what I can tae get ye back tae your life and let ye put all ay this behind ye."
He then leans back, and takes up his pad, and says in a more authoritative voice, "So let's start with a full account ay the situation in your own words -- who they are, what they asked ye tae dae, what ye've found so far and how ye all found each other. We'll compare your tale tae what we know tae see just how cooperative you're being.... and, as I said, cooperation in this will go a long way."
"Huh." Danny says sagely.
"That, explains a couple of things, actually."
"About some rumors I've heard." He adds hastily.
"So, the only thing funnier than the Poppies wanting the Courts help is the sight of me as a bodyguard. Never fear. They'll buy it. No one like me would be along unless they were FAR more dangerous than they looked!" He smirks.
"So, your expecting trouble then. Makes sense. Whether they're just getting greedy, or desperate, they're up to something. And something big. It is definitely a drug deal of some sort, but there may be more to it."
Danny looks ruefully at the ladies. "Sorry. Mortals who live on the streets, even those who know what's really going on, can only hear so much."
"Um,... just out of curiosity,... is Summer invited to this 'discussion' as well? Don't they usually invite both sides when discussing traipsing through the Nevernever? I don't think I'll count if I'm going as a bodyguard." He says, holding up his hands.
At the Manor
Professor Ogilvy is in awe of the bard; but a very reserved British awe - he sips his tea quietly looking around for a biscuit. "Of course, I wasn't crazy about working with my backers. They wouldn't let me publish any of my works, even though they gave me a fully functioning lab and some purpose to the investigations."
"How the blood works, very interesting. The splitting of the haemoglobin and it's lack of capacity for the oxygenation." he muses; "Well before they sent that pair of lay-abouts." he tuts in annoyance about the pair of vampires. "The only decent one of them is the contact who processes and backs up the servers in Amsterdam, a real professional and someone who takes her work seriously." Gently placing the china down, "Well what do you expect of a lawyer."
Sal makes like a statue behind the doctor, watching the injured man sip his tea and Kenneth prepare for the interrogation. I doubt this guy is in any kind of shape to run or fight, but just in case. The bard takes a swig from his flask and Sal is just about to stop him giving any to the man with the head injury when the offer is withdrawn. Right, he knows what he's doing. Relax, Sal. Let the man do his job. She settles back and observes, standing loose and ready.
There's no overt change in the tall Scot, yet Sal finds herself watching him with fascination. She cannot pull her gaze from his face, his eyes, and as he requests information of the dazed scientist, she finds herself leaning forward slightly, lips parted as she tries to provide answers she doesn't have. Startled, she straightens and takes a step back. Woah, what is *that*? Magic? I'm only getting it secondhand, but wow. I'd tell him everything I knew right now. The vamps had to touch us to do that, but not Kenneth. Danny can do something like that, too. Huh. I wonder how many politicians or CEOs use magic to get their way, tricking folks like me with no way to resist. Or musicians revving up the crowd with it.
Adrift in speculation, she only half-listens to the conversation until the word 'lawyer' thrills through her brain. Her shocked eyes lock on Kenneth's face. God, that's got to be... No, surely not.
Laverna's her eyes flash with a cool pride; "No, Summer is not invited." she adds with a rich laugh. "Maeve and I have acquired an estate, a private path through the Never-never." "Though who knows if the price is worth it."
"I suppose, we may inform Summer once the deal is done... if it is done. Then I may let you inform them." she adds, as if this would be a reward rather than onerous.
Up the tow-path they walk nearing the joining of the rivers. Laverna looks at Danny as a lion looks at a gazelle, or a hungry child a sweet-shop. "Well if you don't think you can handle my foes alone - we can find some more to wear my colours. Lets talk it over the cards." The group are nearing the site of the meeting, co-incidentally near a place of the Neriad's power.
"Of course my Lady. My pleasure." Danny says with a straight face. As if he didn't realize that the messenger bearing bad news is rarely welcomed.
Danny dares to return Laverna's looks from time to time. (Although his gazes are probably more like a youth wishing he could get a date with a movie star, or a porn star). His looks are just enough to let the Lady know that he appreciates the attention, and potentially considers returning it. But also he realizes exactly what he's potentially getting involved with.
"Oh I didn't say that I couldn't handle any of your unwanted admirers. Just observing that it's always best to start a brawl being underestimated by the opponents." He grins.
"I don't think we want to add more to the official party. Wouldn't want our hosts to think we were worried or weak or anything. However, knowing that 'they' will undoubtedly have backup in case of treachery, (or because they're planning on it) we should probably arrange for some as well. I know a few hardy individuals that might be willing to provide assistance. If we asked nicely." Danny adds casually.
"Hey, this is a nice spot. I have to get out more often." he observes cheerfully, looking around the grassy spot near the river.
Danny looks towards the meeting spot, wishing he was really trained for this beyond watching spy movies and his own natural talent for BS. It would make knowing how to plan for the upcoming 'meeting' a lot easier.
Morien looks at Laverna with renewed interest. "That must have been costly indeed."
As they walk along, Morien nods to a smallish sailboat moored at the riverside. Perhaps 25' long, with a single mast and an outrigger that makes it half that from keel to keel, the little craft is nimble enough to navigate upriver but stable enough to weather storms at sea. The name on its main hull reads 'Mote'. "I've got to check on some things here at home. Either of you want coffee while it's convenient?"
She hardly waits for an answer before she hops across the few inches of water and sets to checking knots, first, then ducks into the small cabin.
"We could have worked out how to help anaemia...or maybe how to enhance the blood so that it could hold more magic." his finger taps the side of the saucer. "It seemed that the test subjects were unable to process blood as efficiently anymore, haemoglobin degradation. It was leading to some wasting illness..."
"Lord Lawrence is mean to provide security as well as hospitality; his honour is at stake." Laverna bends down to trail her hand in the river and looks up at the boat. "Act as you think best, Danny." she adds peacefully.
Looking to Morien and the boat there is an appraisal and acceptance to her demeanour. "Thank you that would be appreciated." the sidhe noble makes no move towards the boat.
Just down the tow-path 1-200 yards is the meeting point. Past the bridge.
The meeting point is a small car-park just off Tower Street, at the confluence of the two great rivers. In the shadow of a brick building, currently there's some construction scaffolding and plastic sheeting. This reasonable building half-open to the elements is to be the meeting place.
Danny nods in acceptance of the instruction. Then looks at Laverna for a moment.
Then his brain catches up to the rest of him, and he resists the urge to facepalm. (Never wise to ADMIT weakness in front of a Fae, Even a current ally)
"Please, allow me to bring it to you my Lady. How do you like your coffee?" He asks politely.
His mind races as he considers how best to bring in 'backup' without getting anyone in trouble. Especially him.
He considers calling the manor first, but then remembers he still has the fiery blondes number. He wonders if she's providing 'entertainment' for this get together as well, or if the last one made her customers nervous.
Magic is literally 'in your blood'? Sal thinks as the doc continues to spill his guts, Oh man, don't tell me George Lucas was right.
"Wasting illness... like AIDS?" Sal blurts unwisely from behind Ogilvy, fascinated by the topic despite her revulsion.