chrisisofaith | IC Contact

[Following this conversation Erik uses the contact information he obtained to deliver this message:]

Dear Lord Sonom, I apologize for contacting you without prior warning. You don't know me. I was given your information by a mutual friend, Mr. Jon Sims. He mentioned the two of you were working closely together. I'm interested in your project. Would you be opposed to meeting me so we can discuss it in person? Yours sincerely, Lord Erik Osborne

[He’s a little surprised Jon sent someone his way, but his curiosity stands piqued.

There’s a couple projects that run through his mind at the mention, but he’s fairly certain one of them wouldn’t have come up with a stranger. Surely. The other was certainly befitting the more political tone used. Well, that and the title that matched his own.]

Fair greetings to you, Lord Osborne.

I would be happy to meet with you come evening. If you’ve access to the Up, I would recommend Honestea. If not, then I will be happy to treat you to an evening at the bar, Crimson.

My thanks, Lord Sonom. I am able to travel into the Up, and I admit I much prefer the accommodations there. I will join you this evening at Honestea. I feel it fair to warn you I will not be able to partake in any food or drink, but the setting itself will be comfort enough. Look for me in a cream colored suit and crimson tie.

I understand and appreciate the warning. I am looking forward to our meeting.

-Lord Chris Sonom

[He was hardly dressed for a meeting of nobility when he’d gone in to work for the day, so he bailed early with apologies and a chance to clean up in something nicer than his usual leather ensemble. It feels strange to put the clothes on he’d arrived in, but they’re better suited for this.

Chris heads to Honestea shortly after, procures a cup of tea for himself out of formality, and waits for a man in a cream suit with a crimson tie.

When he sees such a man arrive, Chris stands to greet him, polite smile and hand offered as he approaches.]

Lord Osborne? A pleasure.

[His voice is light, noticeably accented, and genial.]

I’d offer full title, if you like, but I’m afraid you’ll find it matters little but to us in the city.

[The suit and tie happen to be what Erik arrived with himself, attire from a party he'd been in attendance at before mysteriously ending up here. It's fortunate that his being a vampire causes him to neither sweat nor soil his clothes as easily since he's been stuck in the same thing for several days now.

Erik's skin, when he takes the offered handshake, is cold as the grave. But his smile is warm if a touch rueful at that comment about titles.]

I am discovering that rapidly. If you would like to share it with me, for my reference, I will of course be happy to know your full title. But if we wish to dispense with formality, then you can know me as Erik.

[It's been a little while, but Hythlodaeus thinks he's finally gotten himself ready for training. He's found a nice comfortable pair of sweatpants and a t-shirt, although he wasn't sure if he needed anything else. Either way, he sends a video to Chris with his usual smile and a wave.]

Greetings! I hope I find you well- and that you recall who I am, heh. I finally think I'm ready to learn how to defend myself, so if you happen to be available, I should like to meet with you some time. Just let me know when, hm?

[As soon as he sees the face in the message, there’s a twinge of guilt. He’d said he’d reach out and then everything with the letters, Jon, and wallowing in his own self-pity. He needed to get his head back on straight and…truly, this was perfect timing. Maybe Hythlodaeus was psychic in some level.

He answers with the decency of a chagrined but genuine smile.]

I most certainly have not forgotten so enchanting a man as to create flowers on tables. I hope you are well and I apologize for the lapse in time. I would very much like to start our lessons.

[He pauses as he considers the options.]

We could meet along the beach, if you don’t mind the threat of sand in potentially uncomfortable places, or there’s a place in the Down called the Arena built for this sort of combat. I’m a friend of the manager there and I’m certain he wouldn’t mind it’s use.

[Chris’ smile ticks up at the corner and he shakes his head.]

Full honest? More than happy to dispense if such things unless they’re needed. Chris’ll do fine for me. Come’n sit with me.

[He leads Erik back to the table he’d taken up with his cup of tea and gestures for his companion to take up the other seat.]

So…while I can take a guess to the nature of this talk, it’d be easier to start if I knew what was said to bring you to me.

Think nothing of it, friend. ...Ah, I think the Arena would suit our purposes just fine. I will likely be on the floor a lot, after all.

[He doesn't want to be washing sand out of his hair for the next week.]

To the Down, then! Should I meet you there?

Perhaps you'll be a natural! We'll see.

Yeah, meet me there and I'll get us set up, I'm not too far from it to head there now.

[With both of his jobs in the Down, he's more 'on call' than actually scheduled today, so something to do with himself would be nice.]

Call me if you get lost, but it's a straight shot from the bridge, can't miss it.

Noted. I'll be there in a moment.

[He arrives not much later- he has a bottle of water in hand but nothing else, unsure of if he needed anything. He raises his free hand as he approaches in greeting, beaming.]

Greetings, friend! I am ready for my lessons, I presume. Did I need anything besides the hydration..?

[Chris has made sure the space is free and clear and set with mats to cushion any impending falls either might face as well as hung a couple towels along the railing that outlines the arena.

When Hythlodaeus arrives, Chris is in the middle of wrapping his hands and knuckles in binding tape. He’s stripped down to just breeches and a loose tunic for ease of movement.

He grins at the greeting and gives a little half wave with his wrapped hand.

There’s a flicker of amusement for the question, but he shakes his head. Gods, he was cute in more than looks, wasn’t he?]

Nope, should be plenty, rest’ll be in you. First and foremost: stretching elsewise, you’ll not be moving far tomorrow.

[He gestures for Hythlodaeus to join him in the ring and take up the space opposite Chris.]

Copy me for now, then we’ll move to forms and proper positions.

I know we were a couple drinks in and playing a bit coy, but are you comfortable with me laying hands on your person to show and correct as needed? If not, we’ll manage.

[Hythlodaeus gets into the ring and chuckles at the question.]

Of course you may.

[He certainly won't mind having an attractive man laying his hands upon him. He sets his water aside for now, and watches Chris expectantly.]

Let us begin, then.

[Stretching isn't so foreign to him, at least. He does it before he practises with his bow. He supposes the stretches will be different here though, so he'll follow Chris' lead.]

How have you fared since our last meeting?

Very well, then. Chris it is.

[Erik follows, taking a seat opposite and sitting primly on it with his hands folded in front of him on the table.]

Of course. I went to Mr. Sims because I'd been told he had information on people here changing their designations. He told me that he, himself, had experienced such a change. He mentioned that the powers that be don't acknowledge these shifts--with one notable exception--and he mentioned that you and he were working on changing that? Is that correct?

[He leads them through stretches for arms, shoulders, and core. Nothing too strenuous, but enough to wake up the muscles while they talk.]

I’ve fared better before, but nothing too concerning in the long run. Just managing life in Duplicity.

How about you? Finding new friends and proper footing?

[Chris nods and thanks his lessons in political meetings for keeping his buried frustration over this very ‘project’ from surfacing.

It was a fair question and not Erik’s fault Chris didn’t have better news.]

For the most part. I have a dominant-assigned friend loaning his name to the letters I draft to assert credibility, but the idea and proof is Jon’s while the execution is mine.

[He shifts to lean a bit closer.]

I’ve sent two letters requesting a meeting with the Mayor and creator of the LIEs program with the intention of roping him or his partner into the line of questioning. With a figure, at worst, they might respond with violence to myself and show a hand of desperation for mere questions.

I’m sorry to say what they’ve sent me back is not heartening, but they offered to have me send my questions in…which’s far less than ideal.

[Erik leans forward to meet him out of courtesy. the vampire could hear a mouse sneeze from across the room, but he doesn't want to seem rude. His voice is takes on a low discretionary tenor when he responds.]

You're risking a lot on this, and I admire both the courage and the perseverance. How long have you been pursuing this project?

[He doesn’t…feel like he is. Or, rather, he wishes it felt more like a risk for it to feel worth it. Instead, he’s left with cold words on a paper and hoping it yields something. Still, the smile he offers is polite.]

Thank you, I’m hoping it gives us something to work with. If not a new lead to follow.

The planning, gathering, and execution has been over the course of the last two months. We first started talk in…January. I sent the first letter earlier this month.

If I might be so frank, what might your interest be in this, aside from the general?

I've made one or two friends here.

[Maybe not many, but he hasn't been really putting himself out there. Either way, he's grateful for anyone he has.]

Finding my footing here has been difficult, but I'm sure all will be well in the end. I am not the only one in such a strange situation, after all!

[And if other people can thrive here, so can he. That's what he's going to believe, anyway.]

[He casts a look to Hythlodaeus as he stretches the other side. Almost finished now, for their purposes.]

Certainly not and plenty here good enough to help with most things.

Have you decided to take up work at all? Good way to meet people and keep yourself busy. Plus, with your abilities, there’s plenty here like to give you a place alongside them.

I was offered a job making charms at a Theatre. Ah... I should contact Nate again. I was unsure of myself, with how limited my magicks are here... but I suppose if I cannot make charms I can simply help with the shop, as he said.

[He smiles, a little sheepish.]

Without my magic I fear I am terribly unimpressive in most aspects. My powers were all overshadowed by my peers, with the exception of my soul sight. 'Twas of little consequence when I held the same position for several thousand years anyway, but here I feel more of a need to prove myself, I suppose.

I know it doesn't feel this way, but I'd say any response at all in that short time is a positive, unsatisfying as it still is. A regime like the one in power here is not going to be easily moved.

[He speaks with the certainty of someone who has tried.]

A fair question. My interest is a selfish one. I do not agree with the designation I've been dealt and I want to change it. After learning that when it does occur it is seemingly random, I'm looking into other options. If the people in control will not even acknowledge that it is possible, what hope do I have of making it happen for me?

Make no mistake, it is a self-interested angle, but that doesn't mean I can't be helpful or committed to a common goal.

[He stops mid-stretch and loses form as he turns to look at him sleigh a small smile.]

Nate offered you work at the theatre? If you do so in the shop, makes me your boss. [He winks, but then shakes his head at himself as he gestures for Hythlodaeus to stop. Good enough.]

Technically, anyway, Nate and Caleb’s only bosses that matter. You should, though! Even if your magic’s limited compared how it was, it’s yours and not a thing any of us can do. And…any sane extra hands helping to keep that mess in line would be of benefit.

[He moves to the other man’s side to put a hand on his shoulder.]

No pressure, meant, just know you’d be welcome.

Take up a defensive position for me, best to your mind.

Heh... I'll be sure to contact Nate soon, then. Ah. Defensive position?

[He pauses, then moves so that he's facing the side more, one arm out.]

Truth be told, if I was attacked and did not have my bow... I would try to use my magic to distract or wound, then flee. I'm unsure of how to defend myself without either of those things.

[But that's why he needs Chris to help him, right?]

[That is very true and he’d do better to remember it. The last tyrannical regime he helped dismantle took five years of concerted effort before an opening appeared and that was still shorter than some reigns. It was easy to forget when such time had passed. He ought remember the patience he had then.

There’s a measure of gratitude in him for the reminder, even if it shouldn’t have been needed. Erik’s voice tells a brief story of familiarity Chris makes mental note to ask after another time.

For now, he listens, but there’s no judgement in him for the admission.]

Self-interested gives me more confidence than the claim of a good heart. Good hearts in harsh movements rarely last long or well. No shame nor harm in knowing exactly where a man stand. Besides, harsh honesty’s better than a gentle lie to my ear.

Alright, your aid is welcome, as are your ideas to it. When I’ve final word from my last letter, I’ll share the results and all information gathered that time, if Jon’s not already given it.

[He offers his hand again and a more earnest smile with it.]

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