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* Catreenia stands before a mirror, checking the fit of one of her older gowns-- a black mourning habit she's not worn since the week after Lord Hooke's funeral. She slides a hand over the waist of the dress and grins a little as she notes where it needs to be taken in. * Dusk is lounging in a chair, paying no heed to the nice clothes Cat insisted he don, looking vaguely surly about the whole thing. * Catreenia meets Dusk's eyes in the mirror briefly and smiles at his reflection. "If I have to suffer, you have to suffer, Dusk. Go ahead and scowl if you like, it makes you look meaner." She winks at him, but her hands pluck nervously at the skirt of her gown, belying her light words. * Dawn appears quite suddenly in the middle of the room. He is dressed almost respectably, his hair and beard neatly combed for once, but his shabby brown cloak spoils the effect. He looks downright irritable, and merely scowls at Dusk as the other mage leaps from his chair to defend Cat. * Catreenia nearly jumps out of her skin at Dawn's sudden appearance, drawing her bodice knife in a flash and flipping it to throw before she realizes who it is. "Sweet gods of light, Dawn... you scared me." <Dawn> That's how the spell works, gorgeous. Didn't want to be seen in these streets. <Catreenia> No, I imagine not. ::smooths down her skirts again:: * Dawn steps around Dusk to take his chair, collapsing into it as if deflating. He eyes Dusk skeptically. "You look like a fop." * Dusk grimaces and points at Cat. <Catreenia> He does not! He looks respectable is all. Trust me, I've dated fops. ::smiles faintly:: <Dawn> ::grunts:: Better him than me. ::he looks at Cat sharply:: How're your preparations coming? You 'bout ready to move? <Catreenia> Can't have Lady Hooke's people running around in patches, after all. People would talk... and I'm worried enough about them talking about *me.* ::she nods reluctantly, biting her lip:: I've ordered new gowns from a dressmaker near his-- well, where he's living... I might run into him there. And it's legit, since Lady Hooke could not possibly be expected to wear last year's fashions when she comes out of mourning. <Catreenia> It all feels so strange... I feel like everyone's looking at me, and not in a good way. I don't feel like I belong here anymore... <Dawn> ::pulls a face:: How soon? The timetable's been jostled. <Catreenia> ::bites her lip and frowns:: Jostled? What do you mean? <Dawn> ::growling softly:: Some amateur twit decided to go snooping around the Academy last night. She got away, but not before they got a *good* look at her. There's wanted posters all over the city, and people are going to get angry about it. <Catreenia> ::blinks:: The Psionics Academy? <Dawn> The Mage Academy. <Catreenia> Oh... hells. ::frowns:: It's-- occupied after all, then, and not in a good way? <Dawn> I don't know. All I know is that she broke in and lost them when they chased her. I've just seen the wanted poster. I'm sure you'll see it, too, the instant you leave the house; they've got the damn things posted on every corner. <Catreenia> What... ::she swallows:: Have they done anything to the captives? <Dawn> ::grimaces:: Aye. Handful of the officers were allowed to select one of the hostages to take home with 'em. <Dawn> Poster says the girls'll come back to the drydocks as soon as the one they're looking for is turned in. <Catreenia> Oh... gods... ::swallows against a dry mouth and takes a stumbling step back to half-sit, half-fall onto the edge of her bed:: <Dusk> {Wouldn't want to be her, now.} <Catreenia> ::glancing at Dusk:: I wouldn't want to be *any* of them. ::very quietly:: Oh, love... <Dawn> ::sighs irritably:: Damned amateurs... I'd thought about poking around in there, seeing if they left behind anything useful when they cleaned it out, maybe - but now they'll have fucking guards every ten fucking feet! <Dusk> {So have Bienca go, idiot.} <Catreenia> And they'll be taking a second look at every girl that walks past them... again, *not* in a good way. <Dawn> ::shrugs:: Oh, sure, she'll get past the guards, but she won't know as well as I would what's really *useful*... ::grumbles a bit:: Probably send her in anyway. They're *really* hot to catch this girl, which means she saw something she shouldn't have. I'd like to know what. <Catreenia> Oh! Bienca... that reminds me. I thought of something else that... well, might help, I don't know. ::glances at Dawn sidelong, a little uncertainly:: <Dawn> ::raises an eyebrow at Cat:: What is it? I'll take any glimmer of light in this fucking muck, at this point. * Catreenia clears her throat and looks vaguely uncomfortable. "Yes, well... I'll remind you that Angel said something similar, before you piped up. But... you were talking about wanting more ears on the street, ways to find out things... it occurred to me that there's a, um, Guild ally you're not using." <Dawn> ::massaging his temples with one hand:: Aye, but Popper isn't talking. <Catreenia> ::looks briefly sad:: No... no, he wouldn't be. But... funny you should mention... aheh. ::laces her fingers together and looks up at Dawn hopefully:: I was hoping maybe you could send Bie to have a chat with Waterdeep. <Dawn> ::gives Cat a dry look:: Waterdeep's a long fucking way away, right now, don't you-- ::breaks off, paling somewhat in sudden horrified understanding:: * Catreenia bites her lip and looks meek. <Catreenia> He *is* Guild, Dawn, he might help... and Bie's been to the School before... <Dawn> Are you out of your mind? Do you know what they've *done* to that place? <Catreenia> ::blinks:: Done? You mean... they were able to-- while he was *there*? ::jaw hangs open a little:: <Dawn> *No*, no, no, I meant *him*. The whole fucking school is closed off in this... dome. Anything that touches it turns to fucking ash. <Dawn> Bie's *good*, gorgeous, but she ain't *that* good. * Catreenia blinks a few times, and starts to grin. "Well... well. Good for him." She sighs. "Drat, though. I was hoping he might be able to lend a hand." <Dawn> The only way I can think of to even *possibly* get in would be to 'port-- and that's assuming there're no protections against it. And Bie's no mage, either. I'd have to *carry* her... ::he trails off, suddenly looking a little sick:: * Catreenia bites her lip, looking both ashamed and hopeful. * Dusk grins, though his posture is tense. {Could it possibly be worse than fucking the captain? You said you'd do *that* if you had to...} <Dawn> ::glares at Dusk:: Fuck, yes, it could. <Catreenia> It's... hells, Dawn, I'm sorry... that's why I said Bie in the first place. You don't... maybe Fastian could give her something to 'port through? <Dawn> ::runs a hand through his hair, mussing it almost instantly:: Fastian can't 'port worth a damn... ::he goes back to massaging his temples:: It'll have to be me. You're right. Someone should *try* to talk to him... Fuck. <Catreenia> ::weakly:: Dawn... please believe me, I didn't mean... that is... this isn't revenge or anything, I swear. <Dawn> No, of course not. Not your style. Fuck fuck. * Catreenia blinks a little, murmuring softly to herself, "I have a style?" <Dawn> ::Some wordless communication passes between Dawn and Dusk, and Dawn stands, pacing:: Right. Right. I'll talk to Bie. Too much to do, suddenly, and time is getting tighter... ::looks at Cat again, still pale and shaky, but mostly controlled:: What about you? You going to be able to move in the next couple of days? <Catreenia> ::looking up at him again:: If it helps at all... I can give you a picture of the whole school layout. <Dawn> Sure. Though if I'm going through that barrier, I'm going the shortest distance I can manage, in case I have to back out in a hurry. * Catreenia nods. "I'm scheduled for a fitting... day after tomorrow, actually. We'll see what happens from there, I suppose." She chews her lip, eyeing Dawn. "Dawn, what am I really doing here? I mean... is there something in particular you hope to get out of... all of this?" She gestures vaguely to the small, well-appointed house, her gown, Dusk's finery. * Dawn is still pacing. "Oh, certainly. At a minimum, information. In my wildest dreams, he'll fall so madly in love with you that he takes his fucking mercs and marches home." <Catreenia> ::smiles faintly:: I've heard of armies storming walls to *get* to a girl, but never to leave one. And if it came to that... his tender feelings would wear off right quick, I'm afraid, if I weren't around to reinforce them. <Dawn> Aye, but we might could take the orcs if the mercs weren't around to back them up. We'd only need him gone a few days. <Dawn> But I don't expect that. I expect to get information. I'm hoping for *good* information, but that's out of my hands. <Catreenia> Well... ::looks doubtful:: I'll... see what I can do. I've... this isn't my best skill, you know. <Dawn> ::nods:: Aye. If I thought it was your best skill, I'd have called you in long before. But we're running out of options, and now we're running out of time. <Catreenia> ::nods, looking up at him again:: I'll do my best, Dawn. I'll get us... something. * Catreenia sighs and rubs her arms, hugging herself. "I feel... no offense to Dusk, but I feel sort of naked without my guardian Angel at my back." <Dawn> ::snorts:: You realize that if you call him to you, there's not a fucking thing Snowman *or* I could do to stop him, right? He's not as far away as you might think. <Catreenia> ::nods:: I know. I... I can't promise, because I honestly don't know what I'd do if things really *did* go bad in a hurry. ::makes a face:: I called to him when I was delirious and *knew* he was dead; I can't swear to anything now. But I'm going to try not... if he comes for me, he'll... ::shaking her head:: I don't want that many innocent deaths on my conscience. <Dawn> ::shortly:: Aye. ::he smirks:: If you must call, try to manage to do it when you're surrounded by mercs or orcs. Minimize the *innocent* deaths, at least... <Catreenia> ::regarding Dawn steadily:: You know and I know that if he kills them-- and he would-- innocents *would* die. *That's* what I'm afraid of. I've been worried about that since those leering bastards moved in-- you heard what happened after that merc broke his stupid neck, didn't you? <Dawn> Aye. Some of mine are in there, too. But we have to do something soon. I'd rather be dead than living with an orc's boot on my fucking neck. Might be people have to die to get them out. <Catreenia> ::nods and takes a deep breath:: Right. I'm ready to do this... I think. Gods, I hope he's a bastard.... <Dusk> ::raises an eyebrow:: {Why's that?} <Catreenia> ::looks at Dusk, her expression wry:: Because his life expectancy dropped like a stone the moment Dawn asked me to do this. * Dusk snorts soundlessly. {It's what he gets for allying himself with orcs.} <Dawn> That reminds me. Don't know if it'll help, but I've collected a few more rumors... <Catreenia> ::nods, turning back to Dawn:: *Anything* would help, just now. <Dawn> The most amusing one is that he's some sort of art-lover. I've heard at least four stories now about him and his boys stopping the orcs from overturning art galleries during the initial invasion. <Dawn> I know for a fact that two of the galleries named *are* still standing, whether he was the one who stopped them or not. <Catreenia> Really? ::looks pleased:: Well, I'm glad to know he has taste. ::snorts:: And if he offers to show me his etchings, he won't necessarily be entirely putting me on... <Dawn> Another couple of rumors say he worships at Garagos' altar - or at least, swears by him. <Dawn> Not *too* unusual for a merc, though, I'd think. <Catreenia> ::cocks her head:: Garagos? ::shakes her head, thinking:: I don't know of that faith. <Dusk> {War and destruction.} <Catreenia> ::watches Dusk's hands:: Oh. Joy. And he's an art-lover? <Dawn> ::shrugs:: Everyone needs a hobby. <Catreenia> ::snorts:: Or maybe he's some sort of split personality. <Dawn> Oh, and he's apparently got a thing about mages. Hates 'em. Wouldn't trust one as far as he could throw him. ::eyes Dusk:: Watch yourself. <Dusk> ::shrugs:: {I don't think he'll be looking too closely.} <Catreenia> Well, then, I guess he can't be all bad... kidding! I'm kidding... ::grins at Dusk:: But we've got that covered a bit, at least. Dusk, you see, is bound to me by a family geas. He's sort of an inheritance from my late husband. ::winks:: <Dawn> Heh. Good. And if he hates mages, he's not likely to be around them any more than he has to in his off-time, so you can probably get away with a spell or two if you absolutely *have* to. <Catreenia> ::frowns:: On the other hand... if he *really* hates them... might he have protection of some kind? <Dawn> He might. ::grins at her:: Try to find out for us. <Catreenia> Ha. I had to open my big mouth... okay. I'll see what I can do. <Catreenia> ::cocks her head:: Anything else you've got on him? <Dawn> We're not doing this so you can buy new clothes. Anything you can find out, do. Don't go do something stupid and put yourself in danger, but find out what his strengths and weaknesses are. Find out what his habits are. Tease him to take you into privileged places and keep your eyes wide open. Anything. <Dawn> ::shakes his head:: That's about it that could possibly be true. <Catreenia> ::eyes hardening a little:: I wasn't planning on taking this lightly, Dawn. I'll get you everything I can, and I'll do what I have to to get it. ::her jaw firming a little as she looks away:: *Anything* I have to. <Dawn> ::softly:: There are some limits, Jewel. Angel will have Dusk's head and my balls if you let him get too far. <Catreenia> ::nods reluctantly:: I... I know. Did he-- ::she turns away, putting a hand over her eyes:: No... no, I'm not going to ask. <Dawn> ::gently:: I haven't seen him for a couple of days. I think he's still working out his anger. * Catreenia nods quickly, still facing the wall. Her tone is light, but her voice is still a little shaky when she speaks again. "Yes, I saw the Herald this morning." She takes a deep breath, wiping her face and turning around again to smile at them. <Dawn> Next visit, I'll bring word. I have to see him soon, if I'm going to talk to Bie-- she's been keeping an eye on him. <Catreenia> Good. I'm glad someone is. ::ghost of a smile:: Although I fully expect Snowman to clout me one when I get back. <Dawn> ::grins:: I wouldn't worry too much. I'm not sure he can actually swing if he's sober, and the stashed stuff is going quick. <Catreenia> Heh... he better be able to fight. I'm counting on him to kick Angel's ass straight if he gets too broody. <Dawn> We'll see... The bastard's kind of fond of you, too. Anything happens to you bigger than a scratch, and I'm going to go hide with the orcs. Safer that way. <Catreenia> Well, then, I'd best make sure nothing happens to me, hadn't I? Since I'm sort of fond of you boys, too. ::smiles:: <Dawn> ::looks acutely embarrassed, but a hint of a smile touches his face before he turns around:: * Catreenia grins to herself and winks at Dusk. * Dusk winks back at Cat, then goes over to Dawn and tugs on his hair. They exchange a rapid-fire conversation in abbreviated finger-speech, and then Dawn turns back to Cat. "Anything else you need, before I go?" <Catreenia> ::shakes her head, looking at Dusk:: I think I'm set, unless you think you can acquire me an orcish social calendar for the Season. But do you want that school layout, before you go? ::taps her temple with a finger:: * Dawn immediately looks tense and unhappy again, but he sits. "Yeah, better give it to me, just in case." <Catreenia> If nothing else, you can pass it on to Bie for me. I wouldn't put it past her, but I doubt she's explored the *entire* school. Here... relax, and look at me. You know I'm not going to hurt you, Dawn. ::pulling up a chair next to him and taking light hold of his scarred hand:: * Dawn meets her eyes with a calm face, but his hand is shaking slightly in hers. "Doesn't make it any easier. Do it quick." * Dusk leans against the wall, watching his partner closely. <Catreenia> ::nods, her eyes losing focus as she stares into his and contacts his mind with as light a touch as she can manage.:: <Dawn> ::almost manages to suppress flinching as Cat's mind touches his:: * Catreenia strengthens contact a little and moves quickly on to her task, taking Dawn on a swift mental "tour" of the whole complex, complete with the secret shortcuts, exits, and blind spots only a one-time resident of the school could know. <Dawn> ::Despite his fear of psionic contact, Dawn pays close attention to everything she shows him, firmly suppressing his phobia in order to concentrate:: * Catreenia lingers for a moment in the secretary's office outside of Bluestar's, giving Dawn a good look-'round, picturing the views out the windows to give him an idea of where it is in relation to the world outside. {Alright? Is that enough to get you in?} <Dawn> ::nods quickly, his spoken voice hoarse:: Enough. Yes. <Catreenia> ::nods in response, quickly withdrawing from his mind:: * Dawn slumps for a moment, panting. Eventually, he stands and straightens his now-rumpled clothes before pulling a tiny crystal dagger from his battered cloak. <Catreenia> Don't forget... I don't think you'd be able to refuse contact entirely without being a psionic yourself, but avoid eye contact and start thinking nonsense as loud as you can if you're worried about being targeted. Alright? <Catreenia> It won't make it impossible, but it'll make you a really hard target, at least. <Dawn> ::nods:: Right. Except for *him*, of course. ::he shudders, then looks at Dusk. The mute flashes a quick sign that makes Dawn grin weakly. Dawn pricks the skin of his scarred hand with the dagger, mutters a short phrase in an impossible language, and disappears with a *whuf!* of displaced air.:: * Catreenia slumps back down on the bed, scrubbing her face with her hands. "I'm really sorry, Dusk. Remind me to run any more of my bright ideas past you before I open my mouth, alright? I *always* do this..." * Dusk shrugs, apparently unconcerned. {He was going to have to deal with Waterdeep anyway, sooner or later. Don't worry it too much. Concentrate on your own task.} <Catreenia> ::nods:: Right. ::looks in the mirror again, and then eyes Dusk critically:: I think you'll do. You look good in blue. ::she grins:: * Dusk rolls his eyes expressively, and slumps back into the chair. |
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