(2011) A more empty corner

[Campanella]

Campanella responded to Crystal with a rather apologetic shrug that was expressed with his hands (as much as they were able) and by his shoulders.

"Truth is... We don't know, exactly. Attempts at searching out and monitoring Hallows have happened from time to time. However, with the general churn of our numbers, the knowledge is constantly being lost and rediscovered. Add to that the effect of our conflict with the Seers over the past years... Even the old notes any one of us - or our Orders - possess regarding the city's Hallows are of severely limited use."

He juggled his plate once more. The gourmand resisted the call to consume.

"If you happen to find a Hallow... Claim it. It would be as simple as that, really."

[Aurora]

A nod and shrug, “They’re quite intriguing, and I’d be interested in studying them again. With my Mastery, I’m curious if I could learn anything new about them.” With a better understanding of Life, it could show new information about the bugs.

“I’m not sure the answer to that. I know I have my own personal Hollow, but I cannot speak for everyone else. It seems something that everyone keeps to themselves, unless they’re part of a Cabal.” She only shared because she didn’t care if someone knew she had one.

Laughing lightly, “It’s how things go around here. There are those who stick around and those who use Sacramento as a pit stop of sorts.” They come and they go.

“And what he said.” A nod to Campy. “The current state of things is thanks to conflicts in the past. But, I like to think we’re rebuilding, slowly, but rebuilding.”

[Crystal]

Simple was good. Well, except when it wasn't but Crystal was getting more and more the impression, that something big has happened here and now this city is like a clean slate, a sandbox for anyone ambitious or diligent enough to build their own sandcastle. "Whew, thanks for the heads up." Meaning not just the general state of affairs but also small details like Aurora's Mastery - considering the topic either in Life or Spirit. The Mastigos' smile grew even more friendly. "What kind of conflicts are we talking here?"


Watching Campanella struggle, Crystal raised an eyebrow and pointed to the pew. "Do you want to sit down or am I keeping you from official business? Speaking of, is this what constitutes as 'official business' here or are there other meeting to know about?" With people coming and going it seemed at the same time to be extra important to keep tabs on the population and futile to try.

[Campanella]

The Moros took the advice and sat down at the nearest pew.

"Since the end of our last conflict with the Seers, informal and formal meetings seem to have blurred into one. And nothing at all, really. There is no business unless someone brings something up. Otherwise, these meetings are the few occasions we gather in any number. To check in on our kind, as it were."

He gave off a small sigh.

"The Consilium... survived... an attempt by the Seers to rewrite history and erase us from the area. They almost succeeded. Lives were lost and the weave of reality was strained to breaking point. We clung on, and while we did have some successes of our own we were utterly able to undo the damage that was done."

He frowned and added much more soberly:

"In the end, another Power took matters in hand. Lucky for us, they considered our... side... of the conflict... favourably."

[Aurora]

When he asks about the conflicts, she looks to Campy. It could be a touchy subject for her, and she wasn’t sure how she would describe it today. She’d lost friends, and lost the Path she awakened to. Old news for sure. But still fresh for her.

Shrugging, “We have more ‘official’ meetings,” complete with finger quotes, “but to be honest, not much is discussed or if it is, it’s usually a show and a half.” A bit bitter? Maybe. But they never got anything settled. It was always a battle, everyone with their opinions, stonewalling progress in some way. “As to our Order, I don’t believe we’ve had a meeting in some time. Maybe we should.” Glancing back to Campanella.

As he explains a bit to Crystal, she remained silent on the matter. Taking a big swig of her coffee, she seemed content to just not say anything.

[Crystal]

Huh. So now the newcomer was standing in front of the more established Mages. This showed some kind of difference in power (and this difference could be seen either way) - Crystal straightened up a bit. He listened to Campanella's summary, trying to fill in what was left unsaid or at least mark those gaps as open questions.

Both Mystagogues seemed a bit hesitant to talk about it, but the Daduchos could hardly blame him for digging deeper. "Another power? And does this mean it is over now?" He considered for a moment. "I get that this maybe isn't your favourite topic, but apart from the fact that I don't want to go into anything - benevolent power or no - totally blind, I'm curious." If he was aware of the possible lack of tact, he didn't seem to care didn't see a way around those important questions. "Maybe an Order meeting is a better occasion though?"

There seemed to be a massive power vacuum in Sacramento and Crystal wanted to find out whether it's because it simply worked (and if so: how?) or because no one actually cared enough to do something about it.

[Campanella]

Campanella raised an eyebrow when Aurora bought up the suggestion of an Order meeting. He appeared to shrug.

"It is true. We haven't touched base for a while. I didn't see the need given the constant flux. But if you want something more private I can certainly arrange a time."

"It is over." Campanella said firmly.

"Simply put the Seer's conflict gained the attention of a bigger fish; one that had the power to intervene directly and pulled them up short. If you really want to know the details I can table it for the Order meeting, should you want that." The Moros added with self assured certainty of one who knew.

[Aurora]

Lowering her mug, “Lets just say there are not any good memories associated with that whole thing.” They were always curious. Time War! Sounded like such an exciting event. But it wasn’t. It was hell. There was death. And there was change.

Eyes linger on the new guy announcing himself, and Skye, well, being Skye. And pictures? For what reason?

“I get it. But with Crystal here and now this other guy,” a nod to Corn , “might be a good time. Or not.” Whatever.

“Sooo,” she draws out, “did someone want to rescue the new guy from Skye?” a bit of humor in her voice. “Not sure what the whole picture kick all of a sudden is.” But she wasn’t a fan. Seemed she was content to avoid adding anything more to the discussion on the time war and what went down. Instead of waiting for an answer, she raises her free hand and waves him over.

[Crystal]

Yup, he ruffled some feathers by digging. Maybe those two weren't the right ones to ask about it, but at least they were sure it was in the past.

He gave Campanella a nod, knowing when to drop a touchy subject. If the Moros decided on calling an Order meeting, he'd let them know. "That's your call. If you deem the information important enough to share, go ahead at a meeting." He realized how backhanded this must seem, calling out a fellow Mystagogue. But he certainly didn't mean it like that, really.

Crystals eyes wandered over to the new arrival. "Yeaah, is she always this intense?"

[Campanella]

Campanella gave Crystal a slight nod. Whether or not the Moros took the Warlock's words as a slight or not was hard to discern from his expression.

The conversation seemed to be ebbing. Campanella took the opportunity to slip another spoonful of pie into his mouth and turned his gaze to where the other Awakened had gathered.

"Apparently so," he said between mouthfuls.

"Shall we go and rescue them?"