Late Night Invitations: Jan. 25th, 2009

[The Librarian]

Mei Song was sitting in the lounge on the third floor of Grey Manor, quietly preparing to read the latest published works of Hemmingford Broadbent, poet-thief and unknown to most in the realm... Sluagh. The book arrived as most did from Lady Elmier Duquette, unadorned and without return address. A cup of yesterdays tea, three of last weeks biscuits, and Mei was set to revel in a night of poetry and prose by her favourite author. As Mei opened the volume, gingerly turning the coversheet to read the inscription and dedication of the book, she heard a tap at the window at the far end of the lounge. Mei looked to the window debating moving from her comfortable position when she heard a tap again. Putting down the book, Mei moved slowly to the window and peered through the slightly frosted stained glass to see what could be outside tapping on a third story window. Seeing nothing Mei turned to return to her seat and her poetry, however was stopped in her walk back by another tapping. Mei returned to the window this time opening it and looking out into the cold night that has fallen upon the canyon that held the Freehold. It wasn't until Mei saw the motion of a shadow and looked up that she saw the culprit guilty of the interruption. Above her on the ledge of the roof, two piercing unnaturally blue eyes gazed down at her; a soft, shallow “caw” reached her ears; Mei responded with, “hello.” Mei pushed the window open a little further and an ebony crow dropped down with a buffeting of its wings onto the little ledge, a small antique silver scroll case clutched in one of its talons. The Crow glanced into the room then back at Mei turning his head slightly as if looking for someone he didn't recognize. In whispered tones Mei asked if she could assist the avian, then watched as the crow she later learned was named Lucif, opened a silver scroll case and drew out from inside a small card with her name, Mei Song along with a letter rolled and sealed with black wax bearing a wanning crescent moon relief. Mei pressed her hand to her chest and whispered to the crow that she was Mei Song, Lucif tilted his head in what looked to be consideration, then launched himself into the cold night sky over the Freehold. Mei watched till he was out of sight before taking the letter and card, closing the window tightly and returning to her seat. Mei opened the letter:

Lady Song,

I know it is not yet time for our arrangement this moon, however, I have been apprised of a task that could benefit from your unique, heritage, being what you are.

I wish to meet and discuss the situation in person.

-Azrael

Mei summoned a small silver and coal swirling ball of glamour, a wisp to notify Lord Azrael she was on her way. Directing the wisp to Istas to find him, Mei didn't think far enough ahead to realize the consequence of her directive. Within moments as she prepared to meet with the elder Kindred, Mei felt the miserable decay of the glamour that made up the wisp... its existence snuffed out. Mei quickly finished, pulling a hand crocheted shall over her shoulders she made her way to the manor's foyer and the collections of runes there. Selecting Istas Library, she felt the depletion of mana from within as she was whisked away to the southern end of the mountain range. Once in Istas locating Lord Azrael was a matter of following the wake of banality when he was out publicly. Mei found him on the roof of the hostel gazing into the fountain, though a reflection didn't gazed back at him. After greeting each other, they spoke briefly on casual topics till reaching Elysium, a place warded against listening ears or prying eyes; where they could talk freely on the matter that brought Mei to Istas this night.

The pleasant conversation continued about architecture and changes to the City of Istas until they reached Lord Azrael's office. Safely... if you can call it such, inside Lord Azrael's office, the banality closed in on Mei, this room was the seat of the Lord of the city's, machinations, where he and the Setess furthered their goals. It was suffocating at first, to remain inside. Lord Azrael noticed but Mei turned down a different venue. Lord Azrael pulled out a seat for the Sluagh. More and more Mei was intrigued by the Elder Kindred, how his demeanor seemed more civilized than most Mei Song came across in her interactions with others. The hour was late, and Mei waited for Lord Azrael to offer her a drink, and nodded to herself when he did, then she waited for him to offer her brandy... he surprised her again by knowing the hour was too late for brandy and instead drawing a bottle of scotch from a small cabinet built into his many shelves. A fondness for the Lord of Istas was set when he set half full tumblers on the desk, hers on a neat white kerchief, and presented a small ceramic sugar bowl known as a “daint” and used for alcohol served in the PM to morning hours. Lord Azrael took a single spoon to add to his scotch before offering it to Mei, who did the same. Mei whispered as he settled into his seat, “few remember.” “I am a creature of tradition,” he offered softly. “Not as dissimilar, as many would hope,” Mei replied. Softly Lord Azrael added, “though, they say the same about your Kith.” As the two creatures of what most consider dark places shared or pretended to share a glass of scotch over conversation concerning Mei's reason for continuing her presence in the realm, it occurred to Mei she was not invited to speak of herself this evening, and though Lord Azrael said he would be remiss in not taking the time to listen to all Mei would have to say, Mei acknowledged to herself that her character, her nature and demeanor were being evaluated in every word they shared. Mei directed the conversation to the real reason for her invitation by stating simply, “I adapt and make of it what I can.” The conversation then turned as Mei had hoped.

“Perhaps, there is a chance to... make more of it?” Lord Azrael offered. As he raised and eyebrow, Mei tilted her head, “how do you mean?” Mei asked slowly. “Opportunities abound, with the proper employers,” Lord Azrael offered. Mei took a sip of her scotch and in her continued whispered tone, one the Lord of Istas heard clearly though few can sit across a desk and hear a Sluagh speak., “of what nature?” Lord Azrael studied Mei Song for a long moment before speaking softly, “For example... A person with long standing bonds to your people, as well as credibility in the Aegis Community could be afflicted with a malevolence focused on their dreams, and dreaming mind... Creating lasting waking effects, that could be permanent... and will most certainly be degenerative. Mei frowned slowly, pausing a moment before responding, “of whom do you speak?” Lord Azrael paused briefly, his focus on the Sluagh intently, as he pretended to take another sip of from his glass before answering, “Alyssia Kannath.” Mei's general concern for those of Phaen's friends turned sharp as Alyssia was named. Though Alyssia was only a business acquaintance of Mei's, the Grump Sluagh felt protective of those Phaen cared for. Mei had been Phaen's guardian since she was a child.

Mei continued to speak about what she was aware of, Fiona had visited the Freehold and Sage the previous evening, and had mentioned her mother not sleeping, though nothing of an outside influence. Sage had ascribed the circumstance to long nights tending the wounded since the attack on Everthorne. Lord Azrael explained he'd not mentioned his hypothesis to Alyssia, also that he believed the attacks were being used as a distraction by an autonomous entity, unrelated. “Chaos begets Chaos, as do forces there of.” The elder Kindred stated. The two then discusses the different facets of aggression used among the major transgressors against the mortal community in recent history. Mei just shook her head at one point, she explained how she felt all too often it was too easy to generalize and lump groups together, overlooking what could be more harmful. Lord Azrael agreed and they both felt Mortals in part deserved some of what was brought to their doorstep.

Before they discussed the details of the deal the Sluagh and Kindred would make that evening, Lord Azrael cautioned Mei. “The Elves are looking into the matter, completely independent of my interests in it.” He then made it clear that both parties should not be attempting anything at the same time, so Mei decided to wait until she was sure the Elves were satisfied with their efforts before beginning her own. With that decision made, Mei was ready to acknowledge she would pursue Lord Azrael's task. Looking to him she spoke in whispers, “I will look into Alyssia's dreams.” “Are you ready then, for my price for imparting this information?” Lord Azrael asked raising an eyebrow. Mei clarified some information as to Alyssia's conditon, and any other possible involvement before pursuing Lord Azrael's price. They both sat before each other, hands folded respectfully before them, speaking in soft tones. For his part Lord Azrael would act as a consultant for any information Mei derived from venturing into Alyssia Kannath's dreams. In return, Mei Song would withhold any information gleaned and keep it between herself and the elder Kindred. As a concession he offered to share what of the information gathered after they'd evaluated it she could barter to improve her own standing among her own kind, and explicitly, without trace or tie to him. Mei sat up straight in her chair, nodding to him gently; Lord Azrael arched a brow studying the Sluagh as she accepted his deal. The two late night conspirators, then raised their glasses to each other and drank to the business arrangement.

Mei finished her drink, and then partook of Lord Azrael's as they discussed other matters before the Sluagh returned to the Freehold. Delving into Alyssia's dreams would have to wait a bit as Mei was not prepared for what happened as the spell that whisked her away to Istas returned her home several hours later. Mei felt a release walking out into the pre-dawn chill air of Istas. Free from the oppression of Lord Azrael's banal presence. Leaving Istas altogether for the Fae Grump was an entirely different matter. As Mei's feet were firmly planted in the snow outside Grey Manor, the world's turning slammed to a halt for a brief moment, and when it returned on its natural course it seems an inch out of sync with Mei herself. Overwhelming was the feeling that she was separated from the normal world and though taking minutes it seemed like hours till she managed to enter the manor and find Phaen's chambers, and a place in the dark to rest. The banality she'd absorbed over the evening would take a few days to recover from. This was not an effect Mei wished to repeat often... however the Elder Kindred, Lord Azrael was a contact not to take lightly, or to cast aside.

[The Librarian]

Mei sat in the dark, comfortable in the shadows where no one looked, she hadn't touched the meal Sage brought her, was too consumed by her thoughts to eat. Casting the art came naturally, it had been over a decade since Mei traded the life of a noble for instruction in the reading of dreams; the instruction itself was illegal so all the more fitting. Mei's own form of justice, she would have killed Baron Castillor anyway but profiting from the work made it more sweet. A man who earns a living harming children doesn't deserve to breath...

What made the task difficult was finding something personal of the target, Fiona was easy, she visited the freehold often and left items around. Alyssia more difficult, and in the end Mei used her home as the focus. What she found however disturbed the Grump Sluagh. Shadows... remnants in the mind of Alyssia, and strong in the mind of Fiona. Mei closed her eyes and again saw the shadow swell feeding on the intensity of emotion from the dreaming women. Mei had now seen the outside influence, the force directing both woman's dreams. Dredging up the past this force preyed on these women, feeding on dreams... it had to be stopped... Fiona was a dreamer... it must be stopped.

Sage came up to the lounge, not a practice she followed often, arms laden with a tray she knocked gently calling out for Mei. "What can we do?" Sage had asked, Mei saw the anger simmering behind the Ghille's eyes, her temper well known, her fierce loyalty to those she loved the dominating quality of the Nature Fae. A Ghille Dhu's life is short because they burn it so furiously holding nothing back. "Leave it to me," Mei offered, "I will find out what we need to know then we can make plans..." Mei hadn't yet reported her findings to Lord Azrael, she needed time to find out what she would be allowed to reveal. Selling this information to the highest bidder wasn't an option, not when ...family... was involved.

Mei slipped out from her shadowy cocoon to the desk and wrote a quickly scrawled note.

Lord Azrael,

I have what was sought, and would like to share the findings.

Mei Song

Mei whistled for Pingers the house Ferret, slipping the note into the sleeve in his collar, Mei sent him to Istas and Elysium to find the Master of the City. Mei would meet with him soon and know then how to proceed.

[The Librarian]

Dream Feeder: infinite-repository.proboards.com/index.cgi?board=general&action=display&thread=48

[The Librarian]

-What Lies in Shadows-

Lord Azrael rested his hand on the large iron door and as it swung open soundlessly Mei looked up to the marble statue of the man noting how very similar it was to the real thing, other than the clothes he wore, he and the statue were near identical at any given moment in stillness and expression. Following the Elder Kindred into his office, Mei took the seat indicated crossing her legs and folding her hands in her lap, as Lord Azrael walked to the shelf cabinet, she felt the layer after layer of wards go up around the office. For just a moment the nauseating feeling of banality washed over her, taking a deep breath she met Lord Azrael with a polite smile as he sat a tray with two glasses of scotch and the small sugar daint on the desk between them. They had been discussing Mei's recent encounter with the entity influencing Alyssia and Fiona Kanath's dreams. Mei's chimeric companion Indigo had transversed the dreaming mind of Alyssia, and tracked the influence back to its source. In the brief moments before banality forced the chimeric serpent to retreat, the method of influence and a vague understanding of where the entity was located was learned.

“We are warded now... continue,” he said softly as he sat down opposite her at the desk. While the Sluagh and the Elder Kindred prepared their drinks they discussed the banal taint of recent visitors to the Kanath's, The entity registered a stronger effect than the population as a whole, nothing like Lord Azrael but enough to be picked up by a Fae, or Chimera. Mei also mentioned a conversation between Sage and Fiona about strangers, and new faces the young painter had come into recent contact with. Lord Azrael smiled slightly when Mei told him she didn't spend a lot of time among people. Among them while they could be aware of her is more to the truth of the matter; however Mei felt the banal resonance of the entity could be used to track her should the trail get cold.

Mei sipped her sweetened scotch watching as the Elder Kindred looked to the table in thought, slowly he began running his fingertips lightly around the edge of his glass, his eyes scanning back and forth though only noticeable by the reflection in them shifting slightly. As he did so Mei tilted her head studying the room, as his fingers very lightly continued to trace the round lip of the glass, shadows seemed to move slowly along the walls churning; first clockwise, then counter like gears in a vast lens, focusing on something very far away. Mei knew not to interrupt and after a time his fingertips slowed to a halt, Mei blinked as Lord Azrael spoke breaking the silence asking, “The scryer was warded... but not the device...” Mei went over that part of the journey again, Indigo had punctured through the shadows and was able to see the device, a scrying mirror, but not the entity using it. “Why would the device be more important?” he asked softly. “Wouldn't they be on equal footing,” Mei replied. Still studying the table Lord Azrael replied, “No... what I mean is, why did Indigo puncture a ward on the device, and not the scryer? Nodding with understanding, Mei answered, “He was returning, saw it as he passed through the shadows...” “So he didn't puncture a ward?” Lord Azrael asked. “He forced his way through a barrier, between Alyssia's dream and the entity, on the other side everything was masked in varying layers of shadow. Indigo went as deep as he could and still be able to return; as he moved through the shadows the scrying device became clear to him though the scryer was still masked.”

Explaining that the deeper Indigo ventured the weaker he got, Mei noted that the chimera may not have been able to get deep enough to find out more. Lord Azrael lightly began to trace the lip of his glass once more, studying the table, in soft tones he continued to explain his thoughts that either the device was simply not warded as well, or that it was meant to be found. “I would agree,” Mei replied watching the movement of his fingertips. “If it was not simply as well warded through oversight... then it is valuable to the scryer, which makes it valuable to us... if it was meant to be seen, then it is a trap.” the Elder Kindred concluded. The minds of the Sluagh and Vampire stripped down what was learned, exposing it from all angles, covering what would be needed to achieve what was being done by the entity, the tools needed, the powers utilized based on all observed in use. Finally breaking down who among the Kanath clan was being effected and why they were a candidate; till they came to the goal of the entity, the purpose for any of what had taken place.

Still studying the table, his finger tracing the glass rim as he listened to her responses, Lord Azrael asked softly, “what is your hypothesis on the goal of the creature doing the manipulating?” Mei looked into her drink a moment deep in thought before answering in her whispered tone, “she found a good candidate in Alyssia after the attack on Everthorne, seized an opportunity... Alyssia was worn down at that time. When Alyssia sought the Elves for their help, the entity made an escape and jumped to Fiona...” Mei paused in her mind drawing out the idea and tracing in her own imaginary way the cracks in a wall, as they spread out from a point of impact. “Its like she's testing the waters... on what is readily available...” Mei offered quietly. “Much as you are doing... for me,” Lord Azrael said softly his finger stopping once more. Mei continued along this line of thought, mentioning that the entity did gain something from the intensity of the emotion in the dreams then offered, “honing skill perhaps? Choosing weak targets at the time to define a better technique?” “Reporting findings to another...” the Elder Kindred responded looking to Mei, hinting once more at parallels in the work she was currently doing for the Elder. “Also possible,” Mei replied. Lord Azrael then said with certainty, “With the exception of the scryer's identity there is little more we will learn, however the identity is irrelevant now as well. The variables are cannot be more defined.” Mei listened as he explained to her that any more time spent scouting will only prolong the Kanath's enduring the effects, but if the goal is not to destroy the Kanath's then the goal has already been achieved.

Mei quarried, “and the sense of seeking devotion?” Lord Azrael answered stating, “I can attribute to whomever the scryer is reporting to, much in the same way you seek trust in the bargain we set forth, for future arrangements.” He shook his head slightly when Mei considered that she might be seeking devotion from Alyssia or Fiona replying, “devotion would be counter productive, to the fear it is feeding on. Devotion would bring adoration and love. Psychic vampirism is precise... much in the same way an elementalist chooses an element to master.” Softly Mei responded, “what would you recommend as a course of action?” Lord Azrael smiled slightly as he ventured, “a compromise.” Mei listened as he explained that the situation could go on endlessly unless the individual causing it, feels there is a danger to their identity, and work; that it was time to begin augmenting the equation in favor of their illusion, slowly increasing the individuals caution in general. Mei saw where the Elder was going and smiled as he laid out the idea that had formed in her own mind; she listened intently as he continued to explain that they needed to make alterations until the risk outweighed the gain. Lord Azrael finished with stating, “and as it happens... we have a focus of our own now, a distinct tool used by the scryer, and a general picture of the area in which it is used.”

Lord Azrael studied Mei for a long moment, then softly spoke, “Fae long ago mastered the arts of general harassment with illusion,” he smiled slightly, “Begin with the scrying mirror, and the cave in which the device rests. Nothing telling, nothing powerful enough to trace,” Mei nodded stating it was a tactic she'd spent much time working towards mastering. They discussed moving the mirror, muddying its surface, leaving the illusion of an odd footprint that the scryer did not make. Mei's lips curled at the corners as the Elder Kindred stated, “the identity of the scryer need not be a factor in manipulation of their paranoia.” Mei offered, “and in time they may give themselves away.” “Or abandon the project, in fear of discovery, either way...” Lord Azrael said softly. “Our goal is reached...” Mei finished for him. “Checkmate,” he said softly nodding, “sometimes the quickest way between two points is not a straight line... but rather, adjusting the variables of the points...” Lord Azrael stated. Again Mei finished, “bring the two points together...” “Or as far apart as the free will of the paranoid point will carry it from its destination,” he finished smiling again very slightly.

Mei sipped her scotch then asked softly, “now what of this can I pass on?” Lord Azrael offered, “the factual information of the scouting endeavor will need to be passed on. Sage should be given results, otherwise she will feel your effort is ineffectual. For now however... I would like only our conclusion to be skewed to her. You will need more time to gather further information, the safety of your freehold demands... discretion; is how you should 'sell' it.” Mei nodded understanding, listening intently as he outlined the rest of the task for her. “You will continue to scout, while making these small adjustments on the side... remember nothing traceable or permanent, just a very unlucky collection of minor inconveniences, should produce the desired effect.” Lord Azrael outlined. “I will be careful, “Mei whispered, as the two clinked their glasses softly. “Attrition tends to be a specialty of mine... and the longer it goes on the more likely our success.” he said with a nod. Mei told him she would let him know how it turned out and smiled as he mentioned for her to keep him updated. “You before anyone else...” she whispered. “That is all I ask,” he said softly.” Finishing her drink, Mei stood with her host and bid him good evening in his own language before leaving for the evening. The memory of her thanking him for his hospitality playing on her mind, his answer felt oddly comfortable, over and over in her thoughts his response, “you do...” repeated on her walk home.

[The Librarian]

Where Mei sat shouldn't exist, from outside the room there was really no space available for it. The only tattletale to its hiding place was the tarnished bronze Oni knocker on the riser of the bottom stair to the common room in Grey manor. Three people knew how to knock to open the lock, one didn't care much to do so, one was a realm away on Arcadia, and Mei sat in an overstuffed high back leather chair, a tapestry pillow tucked behind her back, a hand crocheted afghan across her legs, where she quietly read in front of the hearth. Beside Mei a Tokunese tea cup of yesterdays tea sat on a mahogany Ferndale shaped accent table next to a linen napkin holding a stale scone.

Lifting the door in the stair a visitor is greeted by a heavy tapestry over the opening from a short corridor and the mingling of Tokunese herbs scenting the air; beyond the tapestry lies a single room lined on three of the four walls, floor to ceiling with book shelves proudly displaying meticulously cared for leather bound books of all shapes and sizes. The fourth wall, that would be situated outside, behind the manor if the space in the room hadn't been adjusted by Fae Arts, was centered with a large marble hearth and mahogany mantle, to the right of the hearth an antique daybed sat in the shadow dressed in heavy silk embroidered bedding in coal and silver. To the left of the hearth a tall mahogany wardrobe. There is a mate to the chair Mei was sitting in and the twins were separated from the fire by a cedar seaman's chest. Two bronze wall sconces held unlit candles above the mantle, one on either side of a tapestry of a phoenix; and a brass candle stick sat on the accent table with a frosted glass hurricane protecting the flame. Dawn's music box was playing an alternative rendition to a piece of music called Stones quietly in the corner. Rounding out the room were several overlapping hand knotted rugs of Tokunese design.

The scene was a picture of a perfect evening of Sluagh poetry except that Mei had read the same line about twenty times and still hadn't comprehended a syllable of it. Mei's mind was elsewhere, tasks she had been performing of late, associations she'd made weighted heavily in the dim light of the room. Finally closing the book Mei set it aside and lifted a small lap desk out from under the chair. Lifting the lid she pulled out a small piece of parchment and quickly wrote a note to Lord Azrael requesting a meeting. Mei hoped he would be free, she needed someone to talk to who could not only hear her speak but listened when she did...

[The Librarian]

It wasn't long before a response arrived, as Mei patrolled the third floor of Grey Manor there was a familiar tapping at the lounge window. Lucif stood on the sill, silver scroll case in his beak; the avian was adept at opening the case himself so Mei waited for him to extract the note for her before sealing the case allowing for Lucif to return to Istas. Mei opened the note under the hall lamp, it was from Lord Azrael and he would have time for Mei to visit before dawn. Mei finished her patrol before going to her room and dressing to meet the Lord of Istas at Elysium.

As Mei entered the front reception area of Elysium Lord Azrael was leaning to the mantle above the hearth, looking to the fire; Mei at first however her mind wrapped up in her own thoughts missed this fact till she reached the stairs to the offices, catching a glimpse of him out of the corner of her eye. Mei stopped in her tracks, slowly glancing to the right. In the dim light of the room silver eyes reflecting the warm glow of the fire, a soft voice stated her name confirming she had completely missed him in her haste to reach his office. Mei removed her kasa to see him clearly, as he gazed upon her expressionlessly. After a brief exchange of pleasantries Lord Azrael noted concern in how Mei expressed herself and sought its source. Mei paused a moment looking to the door then to the Elder Kindred to which he communicated with a silent nod to the stairs and the two retired to the upper office.

A tradition had developed between the Sluagh and the Kindred, late night meetings over drinks served with propriety and refinement; Mei would take the seat he offered folding her hands neatly in her lap, Lord Azrael would open a cabinet built into his bookshelves, pour two glasses of spirits and set them neatly on the desk between them. Mei's drink first on a folded kerchief as befitting a drink presented to a lady, followed by the placement of a small sugar daint, a condiment for alcohol served at this early hour, a small spoon set beside her glass on the kerchief. As all this was set out Mei would draw in a long slow breath, feeling the heavy, oppression settle as the protective wards came up sealing the room. They each prepared their drinks then looked to each other to begin the nights conversation.

“I take it you have news regarding our... exploration,” Lord Azrael said softly taking his seat. Mei nodded to him and answered that she both did and didn't and that is what concerned her. As Lord Azrael studied the Sluagh carefully she explained, “I have managed another successful incursion., but I feel like something is changing, or an awareness is present.” Mei continued sharing her thoughts that though successful the incursions had produced no external effects. Fiona and her mother were still experiencing the entities presence. Mei outlined her anxiety about measures being taken with regard her entry into the cavern, that no one had shown any outward sign of reacting to the events, or the changes she'd made to the space. After a moments pause the Elder Kindred stated, if a stronger barrier were possible it would have been in place from the beginning, any change in the barrier would indicate the entity causing this has brought in allies, or has devoted time to supplementing its magick.

Mei and Lord Azrael continued to summarize all that had taken place during the incursions that followed the path through Alyssia's dreaming mind before looking at the situation from another angle. “Is there a way to this location in the Umbra without using Alyssia Kannath?” Lord Azrael asked. “anyone else connected...” Mei replied softly stating the obvious. “What I mean is... this astral realm had to be built independently of the Kannaths.” he corrected. “So, theoretically there should be other ways to approach it, without having to use the Kannaths.” Mei looked to the desk her mind flipping through information she'd come across recently. “a rift...” she said softly. Lord Azrael nodded gently then spoke carefully, “The Umbra is a the whole of the spiritual realm, it is said some places even connect to the Shadowlands and to Arcadia. Think of them as floating globes in a solar system, with bridges between. The Umbra would be the largest of those planets, and connected to many places, everywhere... Arcadia would be the least accessible, and the smallest of the planets. The Shadowlands fall somewhere between in relative size and accessibility.” Mei interjected, “there might be places where the boundaries were thinner...” Lord Azrael continued, “Use of space in the Shadowlands is relegated to Wraiths, Arcadia to the Fae of course, however the Umbra is a hodgepodge of heavens and hells, across countless paradigms and infinite entities. A huge mixing of spirits and mythologies that don't fit specifically into the realm of the dead or the realm of glamour. Mei began tapping her finger rhythmically against the side of her glass there was something she's heard or seen that tied in to this conversation... Lord Azrael finished, “Changing breeds, Mages, Demons... all have relatively easy access, followed by your kind. It remains most difficult for my own kind to enter, as the mortal world seems relegated to our manipulation by the powers that be. My area of expertise falls to the Shadowlands.”

Softly Mei spoke, “do you know the man Cale, he works fo the Kannaths?” Lord Azrael nodded gently and replied, “indeed I do.” As Lord Azrael reached to his file cabinet and pulled out a file, Mei continued, “he visited the freehold with a claim of being attacked near a waterfall.” Lord Azrael set a file marked “Cale” on the desk in front of him and folding his hands on the file he said softly, “the water.” Mei explained that Cale was seeking information about the Umbra and a way to seal a breech. Mei expressed it was more than a coincidence that this breech was found at the same time that the entity was at work in the area, but that Sage had no information to give to Cale regarding the Umbra or sealing a breech. Lord Azrael shared softly, “Cale... should reconsider where he searches for occult knowledge. Surfaces that can reflect offer access to the Umbra for Mages the Changing Breeds and Demons. Just as Kindred like myself, and Wraith use them to traverse between this realm and the Shadowlands. The Surfaces act as a Trod of sorts, for those initiated in their use. The Umbra and the Dreaming are very far apart,” Lord Azrael finished with a nod.

“I don't know any Fae aware of the Umbra, you've told me tonight all I know of it,” Mei said softly. The Elder nodded studying her with consideration before speaking again, “the Garou and Changing Breeds call travel into and from the Umbra, “Stepping Sideways” I have seen entire packs of Changing Breeds materialize quite unexpectedly from mirrors, or a pond to attack. They use the Umbra as we use runes in the material realm.” Mei frowned and confirmed, “passing from one reflective surface to another?” Lord Azrael looked to his desk thoughtfully and nodded, “just as I use the same to travel to the Shadowlands, though the passage is much more difficult, and the task is time consuming, ” he added. Mei offered quietly unsure of her reasoning, “the scrying surface in the cavern, might serve as an entrance...” Lord Azrael nodded and said softly, “you are correct, travel between Umbral realms requires only reflective surfaces, they function in basically the same way as a trod for the Fae, or a waypoint.” The being, doing the stepping would have to know where the scrying surface is?” Mei asked. Lord Azrael nodded and spoke once more, “Of that I am uncertain, the Umbra houses all the spirits, totem and guide for the Changing Breeds, it gives them access; Mages use their spheres to access specific locations in the Umbra they have sealed off for personal use. Beyond that the mechanics are heavily reliant on the magicks of life and humanity, so my knowledge is limited once more. Demons in the same fashion, use their magicks to access specific locations, most Metaphysicists believe, “Hell” is simply a Lower Umbral location, requisitioned by a powerful demon long ago. Pockets may be created in the Umbra in the same way a house and land is bought in the material plane. Expenditure of resources and power make it inaccessible to all but those you wish to enter or those like you...” Mei cut in, “who sneak in the back door.” Nodding gently Lord Azrael finished, “the key element being... it must have a door, or the owner could not get in.”

Lord Azrael then asked before picking up his drink for the first time, “more importantly, what would you think need be done, if you found someone who could get you inside?” Mei paused then responded with, “I don't know if the tactic we've employed has had any effect.” “The effect is visible, or rather emotionally tactile. Feelings of paranoia whether justified or not, must be in place, as you see an increase in the barriers protection. The results then are very measurable, and your endeavors effective,” Lord Azrael explained. Mei outlined other details she's observed, Fiona was at a point where she was willing to give up her art, stop painting out of distaste for her recent work. Alyssia had become very busy publicly keeping herself it seemed from having to stop and rest. “Then we need to devise the next step,” Lord Azrael stated; “I am doubtful anything of value can be learned now by revisiting the location, it will only create either a stronger barrier or trigger more sizable defenses, and eventually your chance of detection will near one hundred percent,” he added. “I would rather not get trapped there...” Mei said picking up her glass to sip the brandywine. Studying Mei, Lord Azrael added, “nor would I wish for you to be.”

Mei set her glass down and looked to Lord Azrael saying softly, “I can approach Cale and find out all he knows, see if there is something more to work with.” Nodding the Elder Kindred replied, “If you wish to continue our arrangement, then I would like you to abandon re-visitation and pursue a more terrestrial mission.” Looking to his glass a moment Lord Azrael paused before continuing, “Cale believes me to be a Shen Lord.” Mei narrowed her eyes a bit then responded, “sounds ominous.” “You are not familiar with the term?” Lord Azrael asked looking to her. Mei replied, “Shen are demons are they not?” Lord Azrael explained, “Tokunese spiritual paradigms collective lump Kindred into the realm of malignant spirits, Shen, of which demons, specters and various other, “evil” entities are classified as well.” Mei said softly tilting her head, “your being Kindred is not unknown...” Lord Azrael nodded and said softly, “agreed, though the extent of my power in the planes beyond this is not.” “ Cale suspects more than most know?” Mei asked. Lord Azrael nodded gently and said softly, “Indeed he does, Cale is a hunter... I believe with access to Numina.” Mei inquired further, “his detection, is more than public knowledge, he can “sense” Shen?” Lord Azrael shared, “I believe he can more clearly discern my... resonance than most.” In a soft tone Mei explained she only felt the Elder Kindred. Lord Azrael detailed for the Sluagh, “In a similar way to your ability to feel one aspect of my resonance... my banality, the fact that he refers to me as Shen, is a rather clear indication of the truth in his ability.” Mei folded her hands in her lap meeting Lord Azrael's gaze and spoke in her quiet whisper, “I work for Sage, he wouldn't know of any arrangement between us.” Lord Azrael nodded with a slight smile and added softly, “Indeed, this arrangement, our meetings... none of this occurs.”

Lord Azrael then outlined the next course of action, “I would like to know what interest Cale has personally in the Umbra... why as it were, his sudden interest. Learn what you can, and hint only at the knowledge I have imparted and you may be able to procure more. He seeks an ally in this quest it seems. Give him one, and he will readily explain his intentions I believe. He may also posses information regarding the Kannath's personal lives and this situation specifically, that is unique given his closeness to their family. Find out what you can and keep him talking... report your findings to me.” After a moments pause Lord Azrael said softly, “offer Sage what you believe is pertinent, so that your actions do not go questioned, in time perhaps a lead will develop through him.” “Its a place to start,” Mei said softly. “If so, he can be used to assist further, or combat the presence in the Kannath's minds. Either way we benefit.” The Sluagh and the Elder Kindred lifted their glasses, Mei finishing her brandywine, Lord Azrael pretending to sip his. Lord Azrael looked to Mei and with a gentle nod said softly, “I look forward to our next meeting.” Mei smiled and concluded their conversation stating she would be in contact, and would see him again after she'd recovered from this visit. They bid each other good evening and Mei slipped out the door to his office and into the shadows to return to the Freehold unseen.