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 Posted: Tue Jul 14, 2009 10:17 pm
Six figures walked the path in silence. Past the arrow marked trees, past the transforming sign, and down the cobblestone path lit in the night by the lanterns hanging from the tunnel of trees. The only sound they made were the steps of their feet against the ground and the consequential shifting of their matching black robes. Nothing slows them or deters them from their unannounced goal, their destination clear after coming so far. The lake goes by unnoticed, unimportant. Without pause, the group passes the small building, purpose in every step.
The trek onward, beyond the decorative flowers, was unimpressive and unaltered as the bodies moved in two single file lines towards the patio entrance of the large building ahead. No moment was lost taking in the wonder and majesty of the structure. Instead, the six figures moved toward it, crossed the patio, and entered a large, windowless, but well-lit room full of sofas and love seats, coffee tables, and glass orbs. One individual held the door open for the other five, who lined up side by side and made room for the generous leader to assume a special position in front of the group. People sitting at the tables fell silent as their gazes fell upon the indifferent party. Some quickly lost interest, likely accustomed to masked figures. Others wondered at the Venetian masks that hid the faces and hoods that concealed any distinctive head features. More still wondered if all six people could possibly be missing their left arm, as indicated by the rolled and pinned sleeves.
Among the six, not one looked around, displayed discomfort, or appeared in any way anxious about their presence or the presence of others. It was not very long before a kind spirited woman, perhaps in her mid-thirties, with her brunette hair coiled in a tight bun, approached them with a smile. She looked fitting to serve the role of librarian or hostess; perhaps both.
"Welcome to Soul Fountain. My name is Lydia. Can I be of assistance to you?"
She spoke without honorifics, as she was no more educated on the sex of the individuals than anyone else. The five individuals lined up did not speak, did not bow, did not even indicate that they were or were not watching her. Only the one at the fore, the person wearing the navy blue mask with the silver ripples spreading from the left eye, approached the woman. This person gave a bow so imperceptible as to have been a wasted effort and whipped from its right sleeve two cards. The top card was pushed forward with the person's thumb as it held the message out toward Lydia, who took it warily, but respectfully. On it was a single name.
Epithany
"Oh."
Something in the back of Lydia's eyes lit up at the sight of the name. Clearly she was quick witted and needed no more to understand how to deal with these people.
"She came in some time earlier. Likely she is down in the archives. Would you like me to fetch her?"
A silent, slight nod.
"It would be best to await her in the cafe. It's on the way; I can lead you if you wish."
Another nod.
"This way please."
With fluid grace, the six fell into single file and followed Lydia toward the cafe, which also sat a number of people engaged in conversation with or without plates of food before them. Again the curious stares, followed by indifference or suspicion. They followed her as far as the northwestern corner where the spiral staircase, and stopped. Although the booth nearest the stairs was empty, they chose not to sit. Lydia saw there was no point in offering.
"I'll be back shortly. Please wait here."
They did.
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Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 1:20 pm
The Archives were abuzz with activity as several robed individuals scurried about the maze like corridors that were formed by of towering bookshelves.
Casting an etheral blue glow on her form Epithany sat in front of a runar console hammering away on the magical constructs keyboard. Normally she had interns handle the day to day activites of the Soul Fountain, but things had slowly devolved into chaos during her long absence and everything from new books to food stuff had been neglected to be added. had yet to be added to the ever growing inventory.
At this point backlogs of data were stretching on for almost a year of neglect. In most case, an employer would readily expelled their staff, but the guilt from her absence had allowed her to remain leniant.
Sighing at the ever changing assortmant of characters that floated in the space before her, the sound of knock roused her from her musings.
Clearing her throat audibly Lydia gazed down at the mage.
"I know your busy Ms. Briefs, but there are number of visitors that are asking for you by name...."
Pausing mid-sentance to observe the younger woman's demeanor she smiled.
"I suspect you would not be adverse to a momentary break. I'll have Marsia man the console while your away. I will visit you all shortly to see if everything is in order."
Bowing once the burnette disappeared through the doorway, leaving the green haired woman to her thoughts. Taking a deep breath Epithany rose from her seat following Lydia's lead. Expanding her sensory perception she premptively scanned the mana signatures of her guests. Navigating her way back topside she made her way toward the cafe. Pausing in the threshold of the Cafe she smirked. Cloaks aside she knew quite well who these individuals were.
"I hope you weren't waiting long. Can we get you anything?"
Not awaiting an answer motion toward a young man reading a magazine behind the bar.
"Jordan, why don't you prepare some tea."
Blinking unsteadily at the impromptu order, teenager rushed off to prepare the tea.
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Posted: Fri Jul 17, 2009 5:10 pm
The light atmosphere with which Epithany greeted the party stiffened around them, and was absorbed rather than channeled. Humor was not on their agenda. For all this, she was a generous host and had tea ordered before the offer could be accepted or declined. The entire party kept their focus on her - or in her general direction - as the person with the blue mask offered her the second card.
Private Audience
Afterwards, the person's gloved hand returned beneath the sleeve, completely concealed from view. Again they waited.
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Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 7:46 am
Still smiling as she approached the small group settled a booth, only those practiced in the flow of mana would notice the slight fragmentation in the make up of the landscape. At first it would be barely noticeable, but soon large sheets of existence seemed to crumble away until all that remained was a color inverted caricature of save for those individuals and objects she deemed necessary. Even the once golden rays filtering through the windows now cast a eerie purple glow on all they assailed. The humor she once had bestowed upon them had seemingly dissolved with their connection to reality.
"We now exist outside the normal flow of time and any bearing our actions might otherwise have had are meaningless."
Blindly out stretching her hand she summoned forth a chair skittered across the tiled floors to her waiting grasp. Settling down before the small group she propped her in her palm. In the strange light she appeared jarringly intimidating with hair that seemed to be the color of red flames, bordering on blue and her eyes an disturbing emerald on black. They themselves ironically retained the same color properties they normally had outside the dimensional pocket.
"Speak your piece, the monotone measured wording grows tiresome. There is no greater private audience that can be granted than this. I would say we do not have time, but that would be fallacy.
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Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 4:01 pm
Despite the lack of movement, the feeling of surprise from some of the members was undeniable. Would that they could, those few probably would have stared at their surroundings in wonder for some time. Their hostess especially rendered them breathless as they retained their natural color, but she did not.
At her invite, the person in the blue mask turned to look at someone else in a mask half black half white; the black side containing three large white feathers collecting in the upper right corner and the white half mirroring that image in the bottom left. This new person nodded to the blue masked leader of the group, and the two switched places.
Red removed her mask as she assumed the role leadership and gazed at Epithany without shock.
"You exceed my expectations."
She turned back to her masked entourage, who seemed to wait on her the moment she made herself known.
"Sit."
They sat. She occupied a space at the end of the booth to be near Epithany as she spoke. The gravity in her eyes seemed no greater than any other time of any other day, but she didn't have to express something for it to exist.
"There was fight three months ago. The emperor you told me about and that tall quiet boy from the club. You were there so I doubt we need discuss it further than that. Being among the more educated among the numbers counted present, I'm sure you're aware that their activity has been noticed.
"The human world which would normally pretend we don't exist was forced out of their blissful oblivion recently. Currently I imagine there is very little they can do, b-
"Perhaps it would be easier just to show you."
Her concealed right arm rustled beneath her large robe and emerged holding the front page of a newspaper with a large picture of the red sands of evening, and two streak of color seeming prepared to collide. The article was apparently written by a woman named Susan West.Susan West Titanic Clash in Mojave Clinches Victory for Rutum
Susan West In early April, a satellite orbiting over the Mojave Desert in the southwest United States, captured images of a gathering of supermen. The party arrived through means of arcane media which enabled individual flight, and even materialization. Two beings in particular engaged in a vicious life-or-death battle which left drastic visible changes to the sand-filled landscape.
This new development arrived at a time when major world powers were debating the merits of establishing an international military. Diplomat Rutum introduced the idea and launched a campaign two years ago in the Summer of 2007 when a similar event occurred in Canada's Northwest Territories near Yellowknife. Due to the recent revelation that these superhumans do not in fact remain idle, the threats of extensive collateral damage and civilian casualties have provoked large-scale support for the Diplomat's agenda.
"It would be unforgivably irresponsible," said the United States President in an address to his people, "for us and our allies to continue ignoring a very real threat to our way of life." The world's leaders have expressed similar sentiments, and began voting for or against Rutum's proposition last week. Final tallies arrived last night with landslide support for the international military, promoting Diplomat Rutum to International General in the process.
"On its face, my plan is very simple," the General explained. "The collective nations will contribute a portion of their land, sea, and air forces the established international military. However, the task at hand is and will be much more complex once we begin engaging these individuals." A budget for the international military is currently being drawn up, which will include funds for such projects as technologies to suppress super powers as well as enhance the performance of the soldier on the front lines. "Do not be misled into believing that any one world power is capable of handling these individuals alone," warned the General.
Numerous cases of witnesses claiming to have seen superhumans have been reported, and often discredited. It wasn't until the January 2007 Incident that supermen as a threat to society gained validity. Clips, images, and live video testify to on person single-handedly being capable of destroying entire cities. The military's efforts to neutralize the terrorist ended in what can only be described as the most traumatizing mass slaughter ever documented on film.
Due to limited exposure of the terrorists face, he was labeled merely "The Man in the Straw Hat." He was seen again later that year during a massive encounter that suggested the numbers of such supermen far exceeded the belief inspired by the isolated incident. The most recent fight in the Mojave is further evidence that these people are not in fact all allies, which makes them an even larger threat to the public despite certain differences of opinion.See more page C-6
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Posted: Sat Jul 18, 2009 11:57 pm
She had acquired much the reaction that she had been wishing to convey. It was peculiar thing how much a mere altering of perception could completely throw a person for a loop. Psychological warfare was many times more useful than even being able to draw blood. Watching Red make her appearance know the mage's expression didn't soften with the woman's approval. Obliging the offer she was already going to take up of her own accord the mage touching her finger tips together in anticipation of what was to come.
Listening to Red's explanation, she accepted the newspaper clipping, the mage's natural color scheme cascaded onto her person like flames consuming a piece of parchment. Crossing her legs in silence she silently read the piece her brow furrowing as she dropped it from her gaze.
"Hmmmph...they are finally making their move. I suppose it was only a matter of time before the world governments finally took action. I'm surprised the spin-doctors weren't call out on this one. But I suppose this Rutum fellow has decided to quell any form of special interest group lobbying. Relying on fear and confusion is an awesome bargaining chip in any circumstance."
Adjusting her glasses the emerald tressed mage looked over the small group.
"I suppose we have our work cut out for us now. Every special forces organization from here to Timbuktu will be crawling up our asses if they already aren't."
Sighing she grasped her chin her amethyst gaze glancing toward the ground. Raising her gaze once more to meet Red in the eye a grin crossed her lips.
"I have my inklings on what we will be doing, but humor me."
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Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 4:34 pm
Red turned in her seat and leaned forward with her arms resting over her knees. Epithany's lack of surprise was pleasing.
"I don't have a plan yet; merely an agenda. We need more information first. I've been watching the news, but it won't serve our like much longer. From that I'm anticipating an eventual encounter with Pangaea or something like them. Perhaps that sniper of theirs will know their intentions."
Her eyes darted to the left as though something had moved. She saw nothing.
"I get ahead of myself. I came to warn you. If you haven't met Rutum, Valin can testify most of his merits and demerits."
She gestured toward one of the erstwhile passive figures and continued.
"I can say that the little he does know of you and your husband through these images is enough to lead him to your front door. Fortunately, my visible absence should leave him unaware of our connection; hence the cloaks.
"Pardon the lack of organization. I came as soon as I could."
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Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 7:07 pm
Nodding at revelation of what was known about the situation she crossed her arms over her chest.
"Well my years working with the Solarian guild will be of much use here. There are many avenues that I can look upon."
Wrinkling her nose at the mention of Pangaea she frowned.
"This will give them license to openly harass us. Or should I say active research. Truthfully I"ll admit I'm curious to see how deeply affiliated that Cyprus fellow is to them though."
Running her hand through her hair she sighed.
"The cloaks you wear should keep you from direct scrutiny from most organizations at least in the public eye. Thankfully, there are enough cloaked individuals who frequent this place to not warrant anything of investigation. Not to mention, in the greater scheme of things, Epithany Redmoon Briefs is just a dutch borne theme lodge owner who moonlights as a humanitarian aid worker. "
Sucking on her tongue she continued
"You have to remember to the average person even with the idea of super powered beings being out in the open. Its going to look like a tabloid snippet. Clashing lights in the sky and the lack of full out address from the world governments leave things still in our favor."
Pushing her glasses onto the bridge of her nose so that her gaze was lost in the reflection cast upon them she spoke.
"We must still tread lightly. The average person isn't really a threat. But enmasse they are far more dangerous than Rutum could ever be alone."
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Posted: Sun Jul 19, 2009 8:02 pm
"The sooner Pangaea gets involved, the better. For those not captured or killed anyway. Hopefully Sasha's selection proves more useful to us than I'm comfortable with."
She drew and released a deep breath.
"For now let's leave that matter as is and prepare to keep things as much in our favor as possible. I have something more directly related to you to discuss as well."
Her shoulder shuffled again as her arm retreated and withdrew with her phone, already displaying whatever she wanted Epithany to see. She held out the device for Epithany to take.
"Arrangements have been made for you to occupy a private research office under the Biological Sciences department at the University of Alberta. Originally I was concerned with finding a physical place for the professors and students in your care, but I trust the dojo underground will suffice. Living accommodations for the students have been taken care of, and a section of the department is sealed off. They should have no trouble arriving here undetected.
"Unfortunately the chair wanted a show of good faith. If you have no trouble teaching a private, three-hour seminar a semester, I can finalize the papers. Otherwise, I'll make other preparations for you."
She expressed the sincerity with a quick glance and returned seamlessly to her professional demeanor.
"Finally, the heart of the matter. I wanted to introduce you to three of your twenty-five new students.
She rose and the three people across from her in the booth followed suit. The one nearest her approached and turned to Epithany, revealing the brown mask with curves of light brown trailing from the upper right corner to the lower left like well drawn hennna.
"This is Mayevelyn Rose, twenty-eight."
As a group, the sizes did not come off as much a big thing. Red organized most to appear roughly the same size as the person beside them or hid them behind the larger figures. Mayevelyn, when side by side with Red, came off as a short person, being only 5' 4". She removed her mask.
Her eyes shone like rubies, rivaling Red's, and matched her lips. Perhaps it was her size or her demeanor, but they stood out as large and curious against her well-tended medium tanned skin. The rest of her body was hidden beneath the cloak, the rest of her features indistinguishable.
The woman bowed respectfully to her new tutor and offered a pleasant, "good evening."
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Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 6:26 pm
Pursing her lips at the thought of working in a college she shrugged.
"It shall suffice. I still don't think myself a teacher, but one knows not what they are capable of until the circumstance presents itself."
Tilting her head as Red introduced one of her cohorts the emerald tressed mage bowed her head in greeting.
"Greetings to you Mayevelyn. I do hope we will get along. I shall try to teach you to the best of my abilities."
It was clear that there was more to this young woman than met the eye or eyes literally in her case. Such seemed to be the way with those touched by the spark of magic.
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Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 6:57 pm
"Miss President highly recommends you," Mayevelyn responded, bowing a second time to convey respect as the inferior. "I'm sure we will find each other very compatible." She offered a smile as her employer seemed to express a touch of irritation. Regardless, Red ushered Mayevelyn to have a seat.
Although her order was obeyed, Mayevelyn did not put the mask back on. As she took her seat, another figure, this one standing six feet tall, approached red. The mask was red with a painted silhouette of a rose on the right cheek. Once removed, the man behind cast kind, green eyes on Epithany. He had an infectious smile that belied more than just respect. Whether or not Epithany could tell in this void, the short, course hairs on face suggested he was a redhead. Witht he hood removed, one would be able to confirm, but like Mayevelyn, he only removed his mask.
"This is Jared O'Connor, thirty-seven. Along with Mayevelyn, he makes up my core bodyguard."
Goodnaturedly, Jared bowed with a sweeping sort of flourish.
"A pleasure to meet you ma'am," he said courteously. "From what Miss President has told us, I expect great things of myself while in your care."
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Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 7:11 pm
Raising her eyebrow at Red's reaction to Mayevelyn's address she smiled. Turning her gaze to the taller figure she crossed her legs awaiting the introduction. The man's introduction eluded to an individual who had a considerable amount of confidence in himself and his abilities. Such individuals could prove difficult to deal with they didn't have an equal sense of humility. But experience told her not look at a book just by its cover.
"Greetings Jared. Even without hearing your name, I assume your a highlander are you not? In my past I frequented the loch, but that is a story for another day."
Smirking she nodded.
"I hope I can let you live up to your expectations. A teacher learns just as much from their students."
Returning gaze to Red she nodded her approval awaiting the next introduction.
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Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 7:38 pm
Jared smiled serenely at Epithany for recognizing his heritage.
"My grandparents, both sides, emigrated from Scotland, yes. I've had the great fortune of visiting, but only briefly on a handful of occassions. Perhaps you can teach me a thing or two about the customs of my ancestors." He dipped his head lightly, before Red could suggest he wrap things up. Like Mayevelyn, he took his seat without replacing his mask, and the third member in their row also resumed his seat.
"It would seem we have both made good decisions. The third of your students is the most important. I ask that you show absolutely no favoritism, but also that update me regularly."
The ruby kitsune rose from her seat and the person beside her slid out of the booth, plopping down to the groud; a lot closer to the groud than when they had come in. This one had a black mask with a golden outline of a butterfly blossoming from the left eye. When the mask came off, it revealed to Epithany the face of a little girl. A child with large sweet hazel eyes, a button nose, and the most infectious smile of the bunch.
She had a tan like Red's, but the pigment was indicatively unlike Red's. Red had a redder undertone whereas this girl had a more yellowish accent. Unlike the other two, the young girl didn't bow, but she did stare and she smiled. Her attitude seemed to soften Red's tone of voice.
"Epithany, this is my daughter. Claudia Bennet, eleven. Claudia, say hello to Miss Epithany."
"Hi!" rang the young girl's happy, carefree voice. Before anyone could stop her, she walked directly up to Epithany and stuck her right hand out expectantly. "Nice to meet you Miss Epithany! I'm Claudia!"
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Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 8:01 pm
As the child presented herself, it occured to Epithany that it seemed considerably out of character for Red to employ child labor. Tilting her head in concern to the ruby kitsune, the mages gaze shot back to the little girl as she was revealed to be Red's child. Had she been drinking at moment she would have likely taken a spit take.
"Oh...well...hello there..."
Returning her attention to Red she smirked.
"Just full of surprises this day aren't we?"
Returning her attention Claudia.
"Well I'll have to take a different approach with you, but as your mother said, I won't give you any preferential treatment. I believe I was a little younger than you when I started learning magic."
Sucking on her tongue she sense the child's aura wasn't that of a novice, but was still considerably unrefined.
"Thankfully, it seems none of you are a blank slate. Trying to get individuals to grasp mana without haven't already drawn upon the divine spark is a trying activity. Magic isn't necessarily taught. Its more felt. But I'm sure you all know this."
Smirking she shook her head.
"I seem to be getting ahead of myself."
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Posted: Wed Jul 22, 2009 8:45 pm
As Red bared the tips of her fangs in a very infrequent smile, Mayevelyn and Jared appeared very stoic and almost lost in thought. There was no tension coming off of them. Rather, they opted not to acknowledge their employer's pride or comment on her joy. It was a private moment they were priveleged to witness. That was all.
"I'd have told you about her sooner, but I have good reason to keep my personal life personal."
Her voice managed to be kind and child suitable and yet still professional. As expected, her daughter only reflected no negativity in her demeanor as a result. The little girl smiled at the attention Epithany gave her, grateful that she was liked.
"Momma taught me a little," she said as though to confirm her new teacher's statements. Then, she spun about and ran up to her mother, now sitting, and climbed into her lap.
"They are novices, but they are not incompetent. I'll try to ensure all of my employees are ready for immediate utilization of their mana.
"But it is enough that introductions have been made. I suspect the matter concerning university space will be taken care of in a week. I believe the semester starts in August. Circumstances as they are, I'll have the list of applicants for the class forwarded to you soon. I'll leave your choice of pupils exclusively to you."
"Claudia, let Mayevelyn have your mask."
Obediently, the little girl offered her mask to Mayevelyn, which was accepted by Jared. In return, Claudia got his mask, which Red took from her in exhange for the black and white. This gesture seemed to delight the child because now she got to dress up like Momma. She smiled approvingly at the thought.
"I suppose it's unnecessary."
The exposed party hid behind their new identites and alll rose out of their seats. A hidden pile of condensed earth slid from beneath the table, upon which Claudia stood, becoming immediately two inches taller than Red.
"For the time that is all. I'll be in touch shortly. Under more auspicious signs perhaps.
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