|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2016 8:32 pm
Who: Lorenzo, Granny Maplethorpe, Cesc
Where: At a conference hall in Isle De Gambino rented by the Licensed Necromancers' Committe for the 12th annual Conference on Ethical Practices in the field of Licensed Necromancing.
When: Midday, during the scheduled lunch break.
Weather: IT'S FALL WEATHER CAN YOU BELIEVE HOW LONG IT TOOK ME TO START THIS RP
__________________ Lorenzo looked over the schedule for the rest of the day's talks as he ate his lunch at a café near the convention hall. He was sporting an organizer's badge on his lanyard, but really, all he had done was organize some of the optional activities surrounding the event, and since most of those optional activities had been about healthy living and exercise, he was not the most popular necromancer on the block this year. In general, necromancers hated the outdoors as much as they loved debating over ethical practices. The organizing had kept him fairly busy though, so he hadn't had much of a chance to roll up his sleeves and get involved in any of the debates. Next year they had promised him an opportunity to lecture, which would be interesting if his schedule allowed it. He remembered briefly that he would be caring for the rusalka by then if all went well, and taking care of a client like that might be a handful.
He bit into his egg salad sandwich and chewed thoughtfully. As he did, his eyes caught a name on the schedule which caused him to look twice. Gertrude Maplethorpe was an old friend of the family, and he hadn't realized she would be speaking. He would have to see if he could find her and pay his regards. His mother was at the conference as well, so it was likely she had already done so, as quick as she was at networking. If he didn't do the same, it would reflect poorly on the Fisch family, especially since he was listed as an event organizer, even if it was pretty much just an honorary title. Brushing the crumbs off his lap, he got up and headed back into the conference hall to see if he could spot her in the lounge.
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2016 8:57 pm
Exhibition halls, thought Cesc, were interesting things. They were wide, well-made and high-ceilinged, but purposefully with no character or vibrance of their own, in order to let whatever event they housed imbue it with their own. Not that long ago, he'd been at this very same conference hall for a wedding showcase, and the entire thing had looked like meringue and roses. Now, it looked like Halloween returning to its hometown and trying desperately to claw out of its gothic teenage phase and be taken seriously as Dr. Zebediah Halloween, M.D./phD.
"Come, Rhedefre," tutted Gertrude gently as she set her purse down in the lounge area and sat primly down at the edge of a square maroon chair. "Do not lag behind."
Cesc snapped out of his reverie. He'd been staring quite thoughtfully at a distant poster, A Longitudinal Study of Conjugal Happiness Pre- and Post-Death on Cohabitating Couples. He inclined his head gently to one side, his ears oriented forward, as though either of those things would help him make any sense of the title. Granny traced his gaze and nodded sagely.
"Such a fascinating study. I have some old friends who could have contributed. In fact, I should certainly see if they did. Maybe--ah, speak of the devil!" Gertrude rose, both her hands on the arms of her chair, and smiled widely as a young man entered into the lounge area. Cesc half-turned, eyebrows raising, but he wasn't sure which person Granny was indicating. For some reason, he focused his attentions on a squat approaching man who looked half-goblin (was that racist? Cesc wondered) who seemed of the right age to be in the longitudinal study.
"Lorenzo Fisch. He's grown quite admirably, I would say," murmured Gertrude.
"Did he..." Cesc said doubtfully, his eyes still on the rotund man waddling in their direction.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2016 9:16 pm
The entrance hall was packed thick with necromancers, most of whom were milling around awkwardly until they were allowed to go back into the conference rooms and heckle. A few elbows were thrust as Lorenzo, as word had gotten around that he was the one who had planned the exercising portion of the conference, but he was a Fisch, so there were also plenty of friendly greetings. His mother's law firm had helped most of these peoples' friends, clients, and family members, after all.
He ran into an old schoolmate from university as he entered the lounge, a half-goblin necromancer named Bog Gricklefrump. Bog worked with undead clients from already-maligned species on Gaia, and Lorenzo got entangled in a brief conversation with him about rusalki, speaking louder than usual to convey any sort of information with their considerable height difference and the din of the crowd of milling necromancers.
"I APPLIED! TO A PROGRAM! CALLED LAB 305!" he told Bog, "AND! I WAS WONDERING! WHETHER YOU THINK! THAT WOULD BE! PROBLEMATIC!"
Instead of shouting, Bog grabbed his collar and thrust him downwards to face-level in order to grumble into his ear.
"Yes, we tried to negotiate with the village- ah!" He murmured something to Bog, who let him go and lumbered off, but not before making a hand signal that clearly suggested they would be continuing the discussion on cov.en. Lorenzo stood up, dusted himself off, and waved ebulliently.
"Hello, Ms. Maplethorpe!" he greeted cheerfully. "Are you enjoying the conference?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2016 9:28 pm
"He looks rather professional. Hm," Granny Maplethorpe made a considering sound and trailed off, and, as the pair came closer, Cesc suddenly noticed the young man being pulled down to the half-goblin's height. He blinked, and his mouth opened to let out a quiet: ohhh... of understanding.
Yeah, that made a little more sense.
"Lorenzo, hello. Come, let us have a look at you," said Gertrude in welcome, smiling her small, ladylike smile. "Yes, you would have graduated and been off on your own by now. How lovely to see you."
She paused, half-turning toward Cesc. When she spoke, there was no sign of her being surprised, or having recently gained the information. True ladies, as Granny Maplethorpe often said, were surprised by nothing. "Tremendously pleased at your guardianship application, may I say. This here is Rhedefre LaCelle-Ryan, a good friend. Rhedefre, this is Lorenzo Fisch, the son of some quite good friends."
"You can call me Cesc if that's a mouthful," said Cesc, putting his hand out for Lorenzo. He, on the other hand, did look surprised. He'd been so wholly absorbed in the half-goblin that he'd heard nothing of Lorenzo's shouted words, and was pleased to meet a future guardian. "Happy to have you in the community, Lorenzo."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2016 9:50 pm
Lorenzo stood to attention obediently, having been taught to respect Granny Maplethorpe from a young age. "I graduated a few years ago," he informed her politely. "Now I have a small office in Durem." He rummaged through his wallet and handed her a business card. "I've been dealing mostly with pet revivals to pay the rent, but I've also been doing a lot of consultation work with already undead clients who are adjusting to the afterlife. You know how hard it was for my father, even with my mother there with him." He gestured to the poster Gertrude and Cesc had been discussing earlier. "They're both here today, since he was a part of that study with Mother."
He noticed Cesc for the first time as Gertrude introduced them and his eyes widened in surprise. "Ah, it's a pleasure to meet you, Rhedefre." he greeted, although he seemed reluctant to actually take Cesc's hand. He shook it very hesitantly and dropped it almost immediately, still not very comfortable with touching other people. "I actually have been meaning to find out more about the Raevan community. I didn't apply for myself, you see, but on behalf of a client of my mother's who's been particularly difficult to help." He wiped his hand on his vest absentmindedly as he talked, pulling up a file on his phone and handing it to Gertrude.
"A rusalka managed to come all the way from Russia to consult with my mother last spring during Rusalnaya Nedelja. Apparently her marsh is going to be built over next year and she wanted us to intervene, but legally... Well, you know Earth laws. There's nothing there to protect the rights of the undead. So the case was handed off to me, and the best I can figure is some kind of rebirth, but there aren't many programs that specialize in that these days." He grimaced quietly. "It's not the best solution to offer her, and this ethics conference isn't really helping my guilt, but my hands are tied. The villagers are all eager to see her disposed of, so negotiations have been a non-starter."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2016 10:32 pm
Gertrude took Lorenzo's card and looked down at it with interest, flipping it over and nodding once, twice, to show her approval. She opened the clasp on her purse and took out a small silver business card holder and placed the card safely within.
"Yes, I had heard that they might both be here. I do hope we can get together tonight, perhaps after the banquet," she said slowly, already thinking of how to make the arrangements to do so.
Meanwhile, Cesc couldn't help but notice the limp-fish handshake he'd received from Lorenzo, or the way he felt the need to wipe his hand afterward. Huh. Uncomfortable with shaking hands in general, or just with him? He didn't seem like an a*****e, based on the nature of his work and Granny's recommendation of him. He'd dealt with plenty of assholes at the bakery. Maybe Lorenzo was just a germaphobe. Or just awkward.
"Well, if there's anything I can do..." Rhedefre offered, then trailed off as Lorenzo began to explain his situation. He peered down over Granny's shoulder as she looked at the file, and her face became grave as he spoke.
"What a terrible miscarriage of justice," she said with a small shake of her head. She handed his phone back. "Such a pity, the closed-mindedness. If only she could be safely relocated during the rusalnaya nedelja. But such is wishful thinking. I am at least happy to hear she will be in capable hands during her next phase of reincarnation."
"Very sorry to hear about that," added Cesc, who knew he would be consulting Google on his phone at the earliest moment of privacy. "Still, can't say the rebirth option is a bad one." He smiled a lopsided smile at Lorenzo.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Jan 10, 2016 11:16 pm
"I'm surprised she hasn't greeted you yet," Lorenzo replied, looking around the lounge for his mother. "But since she's a participant in a study this time, she must be busy even by her standards. I'll text her as soon as I get a moment and arrange for us to meet up in the lounge after the banquet if you'd like. I'm sure we can arrange something from there."
"Actually," Lorenzo said to Cesc, brightening up, "There is something you can do. Can I take a picture of you?" He paused for a moment, realizing how he must sound, and cleared his throat. "I want to give the rusalka an idea of what kind of community she'd be signing up for is all," he explained. "The whole thing is going to be hard enough to explain as it is, let alone trying to make it sound appealing. Attaching some faces to the proposal might help humanize the Lab for her."
Lorenzo grimaced and shook his head at Gertrude. "Unfortunately, we looked into relocating her, but by the next rusalnaya nedelja it'll be too late, and we're not sure how much her existence as a rusalka depends on the specific location of the marsh- rusalki have strong attachments to the communities they died in, generally." He glanced at Cesc, and looked embarrassed, explaining, "Of course, I don't mean to belittle the Lab 305 program at all. It's just that it's not actually saving the rusalka per se. It's translating her into something else that will hopefully preserve some aspect of her consciousness. Even if living as a rusalka sounds miserable to a human or a raevan, asking a living or unliving thing to choose between one death or another because there's no recourse that allows them to live undisturbed is a harsh choice." He nodded to Cesc, adding, "Still, it makes me feel better to see a Raevan interested in necromantic discourse! How long have you been studying with Ms. Maplethorpe?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 9:41 pm
"Yes, I quite understand," murmured Gertrude, nodding. "This time of year is always so busy, one hates to be a bother. Do let me know if she and your father have a free moment--I must let her know how successful this year has been. The panel on dark elf and vampire integration into Gaian society in the past five years was a triumph. And so many more necromancers this year. Always good to have a new, young group in the profession."
She said the last bit with a note of approval and a lingering glance at Lorenzo.
Cesc, for his part, straightened and smiled as Lorenzo asked for a picture, his features boyish, charming with the expression. "You can if you think it would help, absolutely." He looked around. "Need me to do anything?"
"Rhedefre, showing off is ungentlemanly," Gertrude tut-tutted.
"Sorry, Grams," laughed the Sigel. He turned back toward Lorenzo. "I've-- actually been studying with Granny since I was a newborn, although we'd always really talked about her magic: divination, tea reading, aura reading, that kind of thing. I hadn't graduated to learning about necromancy until just this year, really. Fascinating stuff, and definitely interesting for someone like me."
He paused then, tilting his ears slightly forward, his eyes becoming earnest. "But, I feel like I've got to warn you. I know you want to help her, but--I don't remember a thing from... whomever had my soul before. Not a single thing."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 10:09 pm
"Times sure have changed," Lorenzo agreed, "And she's always been right on the front lines." He puffed out his chest a bit and joked, "But it's about time my generation started pulling their weight!"
Taking Cesc's picture, Lorenzo waved a hand. "Just as you are is fine. Look natural." Cesc seemed to naturally look much more charming than Lorenzo was capable of looking on a good day anyway. Most reborn Gaians, he found, tended to look fairly glamorous. He supposed that the second time was the charm.
"Yes, the connection between the necromantic arts and the scientific rebirth programs like Lab 305 on Gaia hasn't much been explored yet, but it's fascinating," Lorenzo agreed, putting away his phone. "I'm surprised that more necromancers haven't been applying to such programs, but I'm glad, too, I suppose. It makes me uncomfortable to think of someone applying to such a program to acquire a research subject as opposed to applying out of genuine necessity or concern on behalf of the soul being reborn." Necromantic researchers didn't have the best track record with moral quandries like that, and though the field was making great strides grappling with ethical research, there were still grey areas that were tricky to navigate.
"If you'd like, though, I'd be happy to lend you some of my theory books," he offered. "And of course, if the rusalka chooses to become a raevan, it would be good for her to befriend someone familiar with the undead." He smiled, "Especially friends of the family."
He seemed troubled when Cesc pointed out that he didn't remember anything from his past life. "I did look into that, as far as I could," he admitted. "But it also might be better for her that she gets a real fresh start. From my reports, she seems to be a young teenager. If she was to be reborn as a raevan with hundreds of years of bitter memories weighing her down, she might have difficulty adjusting to her new life. But if she does remember anything, I've counseled many clients adjusting to changes in their lifestyle, so she'll have me there to help."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 10:22 pm
Cesc paused, smiling for the photo, before replying. He didn't ask to see the shot--if he looked awful, well, the rusalka would just have to hope she wasn't reborn as a goof. He wet his lips and nodded. "You know, I don't actually know anyone who signed up just to participate in the research. At least, I suppose I don't know that, but I've never seen anyone treated that way."
"We all hope so, of course," said Gertrude. "But one imagines... well, no matter."
"Right, yeah." Cesc nodded. He shifted gears then, relaxing back into his previous posture. "But I'm eager to help however I can. I know Granny has some textbooks, but if you've got anything you'd like me to read up on, specifically, I'm happy to do it."
"I'm afraid my collection is not as complete as it should be. I have the Tennington volumes on the basics and, of course, the Shelley textbooks. All rather old-fashioned, I'm afraid," said Gertrude. "It may be better to select from your library than mine--if you could spare anything, of course."
"If you want, I can ask around--see if anyone remembers much from before," offered Cesc. He kneaded his knuckles into his jaw, thoughtful. "I think the answer will be no, from what I can tell, though. Zurine's twice-reborn--once from another Raevan--and she doesn't remember anything from either transition, I'm pretty sure. Still, if it'll put you at ease...but you're right, it might be better if she's with the majority in that sense."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Feb 07, 2016 11:55 pm
"I'll bring you the Hix introduction to necromancy for starters- always good for the beginner. And I can spare any of my textbooks from school. They'll still be a few years out of date, but I only graduated a few years ago, after all." He had reached the point in his practice when he no longer had to look everything up, or at least not in the kinds of books he had to constantly refer to in graduate school. "The Tennington and the Shelley are timeless, but modern necromancy textbooks are adjusted for real-world applications of necromancy and get more into the social controversy and ethical questions of the practice. Most modern necromancy students will lean towards the latter, but I think it's important not to neglect the former just because we're trying to appear more current these days."
He shook his head. "You don't have to go out of your way for me, though I appreciate the offer. At this point, Lab 305 seems like the only viable offer I have to make to the rusalka anyway, and if it's not certain whether she'll retain her memory or not, I'd rather not sway her hopes one way or the other by scrambling to find a single solitary case where the soul was perfectly preserved. Especially not if the majority result may end up being healthier for her." Shrugging, he continued, "It'd be best to just clearly outline the most likely outcome of the process to her and answer any questions she may have. If I bog her down too much with case studies and what-ifs, she may get overwhelmed and end up being put off by the idea." He smiled weakly and added, "It's a pity, bogging people down with too much information is my favourite pastime."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sun Mar 06, 2016 9:56 pm
"Excellent," said Gertrude firmly and pleasantly, with a single nod of her head, and it was apparent from the delivery of that one word that she considered the matter as closed. They would expect the textbooks from Lorenzo and, Cesc realized with a sort of doomed resignation, he would have another class and more homework to do with it.
Still, he smiled at Lorenzo's self-depreciating joke, shaking his head. "No, I understand. Best to stay realistic." Cesc paused a beat then, drawing in a breath and straightening slightly. "But, either way--you'll let us know how everything goes down? If she does end up choosing rebirth, I hope you'll keep in touch. I'd love to meet the Raevan she comes back as."
"Yes, indeed," agreed Gertrude. "The door is always open, for any reason."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Thu Apr 07, 2016 11:13 am
"Of course," Lorenzo said warmly. "Though if she does choose to be reborn, I'll need to make sure that she's adjusted to her new life before I expose her to too many new experiences. My typical clients often take months to adapt to unlife. I don't know how being a raevan will affect her, but since her soul would be undead, I don't want to assume too much of her and overwhelm her."
He smiled, and said, "But Ms. Maplethorpe has always been a close friend of the family, and I would be remiss not to introduce her."
At that moment, someone called out "Lorenzo!" and he turned, only to get his cheeks smooshed between his tiny mother's hands.
"We just barely managed to peel away," Nicolina said, "But I wanted to make sure you'd eaten before we go back into the panel discussion." behind her, Emmerich, her husband, was picking his way slowly and carefully through the crowd. She looked back after him and clicked her tongue. "Oh, I've left your father behind," she chided herself, and moved to go back, when she spotted Cesc and Gertrude.
"Gertrude!" she greeted warmly. "It's been too long. Have you and Lorenzo been catching up? Has he told you about his trip?"
"Yeff Mah," Lorenzo said, trying to wrestle out of the cheek smoosh. He managed it at last, and continued, "We were hoping to arrange a dinner together after this.
"Oh, wonderful!" Nicolina exclaimed. "Emmerich and I actually have reservations-- I'll call ahead and tell them we have a larger party. Do you like Turkish food?"
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Sat Jun 18, 2016 12:06 pm
Cesc started at the sight of Nicolina and her immediate effect on Lorenzo, easily tearing away his professionalism and sense of decorum in one extended cheek smoosh. Immediately, the thought of Vivi jumped into his mind--if they were introduced, Vivi might immediately adopt this powerful, small woman as her mentor.
Gertrude raised the corners of her mouth a tiny distance, which meant, of course, that she was truly delighted. She shook Nicolina's hand (which Cesc had never really seen her do, and his surprise doubled) with a genial warmth. "Nicolina. Congratulations again on a wonderful presentation. So looking forward to the discussion. Lorenzo has grown up quite nicely! Excellent to hear he will be part of the Lab."
She looked up to see if she could spy Emmerich, but seeing his distance, she returned to the conversation at hand. "One hates to disrupt a family party--but if you're quite sure, I'm certain Rhedefre and I would love a spot of Turkish food. This is Rhedefre, our charge from the laboratory."
"Er, hello," greeted Cesc with a smile. "And yes, Turkish is lovely, thank you."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Posted: Mon Jul 04, 2016 12:56 am
Nicolina beamed at Gertrude, as well she should. "Thank you, Ms. Maplethorpe. It means so much hearing it from you." As her husband finally caught up, she put her arm in his and affirmed, "Today has been an all-around success."
Emmerich took a few moments to catch up even after he had already caught up, so to speak. He had been undead for fifteen years, and new information took a little processing these days. But soon he also gave Cesc and Granny Maplethorpe a smile, though it was more reserved than his wife's. "I am pleased to see you again." he said to Gertrude, and to Cesc, he furrowed his brow. "...Have we met?"
Lorenzo chipped in. "This is Rhedefre, a Raevan studying necromancy. He's in the Lab 305 program."
Emmerich took another moment, then nodded.
"They're joining us for dinner," Nicolina said. It was not a question, and Emmerich seemed used to this as well.
"I am pleased," he decided. Turning to Granny Maplethorpe, he asked, "Is Rhedefre your charge?"
"Had we known, we would have contacted you about it sooner," Nicolina added, picking up the thread of conversation. "It's been such a time trying to find a program for this rusalka, and of course we can't devote that many resources to charity cases, as much as I'd like to." She tutted frustratedly. "It was almost easier back when we were a smaller firm- less resources, but we had so much more time to devote to these high risk high profile cases."
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
