Law and Order

[Guru]

It'd been awhile since things with Corn had went down and he took the time to give himself a little distance from it. Not that he was currently being allowed to participate, it was fine, it had given him time to tend to other work. He'd been an apostate not that long ago and on the fringes of society before that, not an uncommon spot for the shaman. His outing with Phoenyx had shown him in practice how fast cultivation could occur, it reminded him of the project he'd been leaving on the back burner that deserved at least some planning put into it.


Aurora had called and wanted to talk, so he'd invited her over though he knew it was a pain with how far outside the central city he was. Guru was wearing a Robe but that was primarily for comfort as he was wearing a pair of gray basketball shorts, and a white tank otherwise. Currently spread out over his coffee table was a pad of graph paper, a ruler, protractor, pencil, and that was just what was laid out for work. Next to that he had his vaporizer pen, the remote for the TV, a glass of water, and books on feng shui. In contrast there was a video on soil health and controlling its balance playing on the TV.


He was sat cross legged on his own floor hunched over a sheet of graph paper that had the layout for his property drawn out in square meters. It was things as they stood at their current as he started taking notes in the margins. He wanted to cultivate things here on both sides of the shadow, while he learned one he could work on the side of things here. He wanted to start small, cultivate growth, start with what was there and adapt. Like he did with everything else, maybe he could have Aurora do a spiritual survey with him and work on it from there. It might not be a good basis to breed knowledge but it was a good foundation for growth and that was an interesting concept.
Aurora

[Aurora]

She knew there were things that needed to be cleared up with Guru. And finding out if they were misunderstandings or something more serious was the first step.

The good thing was that he was more pleasant to talk with then Corn, like, one hundred percent more pleasant. So she wasn’t expecting the conversation to go off the rails, just to touch base and see what was going on. Misunderstanding would be easier to handle, but she would deal with whatever.

The weather getting colder wasn’t something she was enjoying, but at least her leather jackets were comfortable. And added a little something to an otherwise casual outfit of black skinny jeans and a loose-fitting white t shirt.

She had the GTO today and pulls up at the time they agreed to, a growler pulled out of the trunk as she walks up to the door and knocks.

[Guru]

He'd opened up the door a half smile on his face as their casual looks seemed to be much different than his own. He'd step aside for her to join him though he hadn't cleaned up anything. The clipboard still out, graph paper laid out, pencil currently tucked away behind his ear. "Hey Welcome back, don't mind the mess I'm just trying to work on my layout and design currently. Trying to imagine the shape it will take hold." He offered with a smile and arms open for a hug.


Judging by the erasure marks he was still struggling to put together that shape. He'd stop by the adjacent, connected kitchen to grab a couple of glasses as he set them down and worked to put on some background music with a much lower volume. AS he put his design work together in a pile, "So what do I owe the pleasure, not that you need a reason to visit your invitation is open. Didn't think you wanted to come over and talk about cultivation, though, maybe." He offered with a laugh honestly not knowing if it was a subject of interest to her though he was taking the esoteric approach here as well.

[Aurora]

Eyes briefly take in the graph paper with a small look of surprise, then a nod as he explained, “Have any good designs come to mind?” of course accepting the hug, he was actually the only one she accepted hugs from.

Putting the growler down, she unscrews the cap, “It’s a winter Ale, been trying a new recipe I came across.” Pouring a glass for the both of them. The scent has hints of white pepper, apple and pear. But the taste has a delicate malty body, was floral with some citrus hops and pleasant spices. Taking her jacket off, she leans back, “I don’t know much about cultivation, though I’d be open to learning.” Always good to be open to new knowledge.

“It’s actually about the last Mysterium meeting, you seemed a bit upset at a few things and I wanted to touch base, see how you were. I know you don’t particularly like the Law part of our society, so I thought it was important to see if there was anything you wanted to talk about, one on one.”

[Guru]

He shook his head, "The Lie keeps interfering with my thinking, too many engrained thought patterns to break. I need to do a spiritual survey next but right now I'm trying to encourage growth. Not only physically but conceptually. Taking it like any other project, one step at a time." The long way but with that came more safety, more control, the ability to put he brakes on things it it got out of control.


"Plain Winter or are there cinnamon notes?" He asked with a curious excitement, her brews were always good but the fall and winter seasons really had the better, more flavorful, brews in his estimation. After it was poured he took a sniff, nope, no cinnamon but that apple came in crisp. Then a sip and the pear came in as a refreshing bit in the beer and the after taste wasn't something cloying that stuck around unpleasantly. He smiled and offered a nod of approval before going in for a drink proper.


"Sounds like a good lesson to me. We can talk about land development, cultivation, maybe the ethics of factory farming," the scorn on that topic was clear, "and I can learn more about spirits and spiritual hierarchy's while I'm at it." He couldn't help but snort a laugh when she mentioned his dislike for the Law. He nodded, he had said quite as much because he'd been honest with his feelings. "No, that was right. Listen. It's complicated and you're here to listen." She had just said as much, though there was a twinkle in his eye the fire of rebellion came very easy to the Shaman.


Though he didn't miss the opportunity to change the song because it was too good to pass up. He opened his mouth and then nothing came out, and again, and then a breath. "Sorry. It's hard to figure out where to start, it's a complicated subject. First, my feelings. I do not like the Law but I respect it's place and position in society. The Law informs a society on what we deem permissable. It's a sign on the edge of a cliff telling you not to jump. But that's just its concept...in practice?


"Can you honestly say you've never seen an abuse of power? For example," and he was speeding up now as he got excited, "the Lex is explicit about rights applying to a cabal. Why not extend that to the singular? That also informs you about that society, it tells you what they respect above all is Power. More often than not the Law is used as a boot to oppress the minority. Aurora I was an Apostate longer than I've been in the Mysterium, I was, and presumably am, still the minority. So when you ask if I like the Law, you mean the tools to manipulate, cajole, and control my behavior? The Weapon of those in Power used to maintain their power. I understand its purpose and function but the lie twists everything doesn't it, I've yet to see it in its perfected state. But I signed up, I bought in, I'm willing to walk the line and follow policy. But that doesn't mean I can't complain about the bitter pill I have to swallow."

[Aurora]

A bit of surprise, “A spiritual survey? Can’t say that’s something I’ve ever heard of anyone doing.” Did he plan to ask the spirits to assist? Then a chuckle, “Can’t help with the growth, I can’t grow anything to save my life. Might be a Master of Life, but when it comes to growing a plant and keeping it, well, growing, I simply can’t.” a shrug and lopsided grin. It was what it was and she was ok with it. “But if I can help, I’d be happy to, just know it comes with risks.” Clearly in good spirits.

“No cinnamon, I haven’t played with that in my brews yet. I have some recipes that include it, but it’s a touchy thing. Too little and you don’t taste it, too much and it overpowers everything.” So she just hadn’t tried it yet. Watching as he smelled and then sipped it, seeing the smile and nod, there was a proud smile, “Another good recipe then! Have to add it to my book then. Maybe someday I’ll get bold and try my own recipe.” It was a scary thought for her, going wild and trusting her gut on a recipe.

Taking a sip from her own cup, “Sure. I’ve only really played around with the spiritual hierarchy once live and on the fly. It was,” pausing, “lets say, and experience. But I’d be happy to share my experience and my knowledge on it with you.” She was the type that learned as she went.

There was only a nod, letting him take his time and speak when he was ready. Letting him talk and only speaking when he asked a question and was finished. She wanted to give him her full attention to say what he needed to.

Sliding her shoes off, she tucks her legs under her, facing him. “We’ve had different experiences with the Law. I spent a good majority of my time with the Silver Ladder, so most of my answers might seem a bit rigid.” Just a heads up. “But I’m going to try and address it from a personal point of view where I can. Laws are in place because they provide a structure where it is needed. Take the sign example, one needed to be placed there because people needed to be told not to jump. Sure, there is free will, and everyone is entitled to do as he or she wishes, but there are consequences to jumping off that cliff are there not? Depending on the height and what is below, one can expect death, so sometimes signs or Laws need to be there to give people a chance to pause and think.” And not do something stupid. Though it didn’t always work.

“I won’t lie to you, I have seen abuse of power over the years, it happens. But we can’t let the hubris of a few reflect on a system that has worked for centuries.” A sigh, “I understand what you are saying about Cabals, and I can tell you that I’ve been working with Chambers to redo the whole Charter and there will be new things worked into it to allow for some unprecedented changes. You’re idea is not without merit, and I can say it has been discussed and is being discussed. Cabals are wonderful things, but not everyone wants to work with others, some like working alone, and we need to make sure they are allowed protections as well.” She wasn’t sure what Chambers had wanted to share before things were drafted. “Most Charters only include Cabals because the Awakened are stronger together than we are apart, so each Charter I’ve come across reinforces this. We are able to watch each other’s back, share the work load of a Sanctum and gather resources more efficiently when we are together. It’s not about power in that instance, it’s just basic facts.”

This was not going to be a fun discussion, but she knew that going into it.

“The Laws are not intended to do that. Though it sounds like you’ve been in some cities where they were used that way, and that just fucking sucks. But I have never seen them used that way here in Sacramento. The Laws will never be perfect because there will always be someone opposing them and finding a loop hole in them and a way to manipulate them. All we can do as a society is work together to not let that happen. The Laws are in place to remind us to use restraint, to remind us to use wisdom and not give in to Hubris. Because once you do, once you cross that line, you lose a part of yourself.” Taking a breath. “I know you don’t like the Laws, I just wanted to have a discussion with you and see if I could be of any help to you. I can deal with hearing you complain, not a problem, I just hadn’t heard you talk with that much passion in a while and wanted to make sure you were ok. Even if I wasn’t Councilor, I’m your friend and I care.”

[Guru]

"Oh growth I accomplish well without it. Soil Surveys to maintain your soils healthy Ph is the first step but it's a specialized skill. Surprises me other Thyrsus haven't done one before; if one is a reflection of the other, one influences the other and vice versa. The design and layout is to work on the resonance on the this side. Corn's confession got me thinking about security. Work with the spirits and they'll have active interest to keep the place safe." And after that work on transitioning to the shadow fully if it's not too unsafe.


The comments on cinnamon made sense, it was similar in baking so it made sense. Though as the conversation began in earnest he took a nice deep drink. He nodded along understanding why she brought it up, her time with the Silver Ladder gave her the perspective she had same as his as an Apostate. "My problem isn't necessarily with the analogy it's just that when we take a stance so broad, and we take that as the Hard Line then we leave no room for detail or nuance. Sure I might not want to jump off a cliff to my death but I'd take my chances with the Cliff over a Lich that has the jump on me.


"We all act like we're above it. Like we are all at our best judgements in any given moment. Though this is the strength of your analogy, true. I just like my punishments to be specific because I choose to ignore the sign and save my soul." He gave a one shouldered shrug at that before turning to the beer as she picked up the pace of the conversation once more.


"What stopped the abuse?" The question was asked somberly even if interjected inopportunely. "Sorry, continue." He took a sip of the beer again face flushed a tinge red. They were all stronger together, that was the argument for the Consilium, and the same one that had won him over the Mysterium in the end. Why he ended up forming a cabal too, maybe they weren't ever intended to be alone. He'd finished half the first glass by the time she had finished.


"I started off in El Paso, near the border. Thought about Mexico for a time but I don't speak Spanish. I'm great with math and chemistry but I've always struggled with language." He laughed as he looked up at her finding the constrast between the two of them amusing. "But they were predominantly run by the Arrow and I'd not picked a side. Martial Law is putting it lightly but as a border town in a lot of ways it had a lot of trouble. I was lucky I made a few other friends but I couldn't stay there for obvious reasons.


"Too much trouble with Authority." He offered with a laugh, "How I ended up here though, I wanted to come back to California I liked it here too much." But he didn't want to go back home, an instinct he should have listened to. He was idly scratching as his forearms now, light pink lines left in the skin as he kept at it without notice or care. He wasn't looking at her now though, his eyes were off in the middle distance. "I've not always been the best person. I've worked against a lot of myself to get here today but that doesn't mean it's gone. I don't know if I have it in me to ever be satisfied with good enough, ya know." Maybe not at all. He blinked away a couple of tears before wiping them away, "I can too easily be led astray Aurora. As a friend please, just let me know if I step out of line or see me going down a bad road. I've been driven by mad men with a passion and a purpose before. I get swept up in their vision far too easily."

[Aurora]

A slight nod, “Oh I see, you’re wanting to work with the spirits in a way. That makes sense, some use spirits as guards for the Hallows. I personally find them finicky, but I’ve also never taken the time to truly cultivate a relationship with one.” She always kept them at arm’s length. “I think it’s a worthy cause you’re working towards.” Not something she would personally do, but it sounded like something he had put a lot of thought into.

Her lips twitch into a small smirk, “Well, when you put it like that, jumping off the cliff sounds a lot more appealing than a lich. Though I think I might still give it go with what magic I have.” She was a fighter, and she wouldn’t give up without a good fight.

A shake of her head, “There might be some who think they are at their best judgements at any given moment, above it. But none of us are. It’s just that some of us have seen how some situations end and we don’t want to see them end that way again. Some punishments may seem more harsh, but factors are often considered that not everyone knows, sometimes people just push and push to the point where the punishment needs to be more severe.” She didn’t expect him to understand.

“No, it’s a good question, but I don’t have a good answer. Sometimes it doesn’t stop because no one dares to organize to stand up to the one or group abusing their power. Or sometimes people just go along with it because it’s easier than fighting it. If you come across it in a Consilium, you have to be willing to be make waves and standup against it, and it’s not always easy to do. Sometimes you are talking about powerful Awakened, and not everyone is willing to rock that boat. I’ve seen Consilium’s divided, seen some banished for speaking out, seen some be successful in standing up. It just depends on the factors. Truth be told, some of those memories are cloudy.” So she could be remembering wrong.

“El Paso? Think I’ve passed through there. You don’t speak Spanish?” looking surprised, “I’m really surprised by that.” Then a nod as he explained, “Languages can be hard to get at first, but I bet you’d take right to it.” He was smart enough, appeared to have the drive. “Sounds like it was a difficult place to live and really find your nitch.”

Eyes catch the idle scratching, and on instinct, she reached out and gently rested a hand on his with a reassuring smile.

“We all have pasts, we all have demons we’ve overcome, and that we are still fighting. But I can tell you the Guru I know here and now is a damn fine and great friend. A person I am proud to call my friend.” Her words sincere. "You also don't need to fight your demons alone, you have friends here who would gladly fight along side with you." but she knew, as well as anyone, that letting someone else help you fight was difficult. Hearing you had support though? Sometimes that went a long ways. “There are a lot of reasons why you are good enough, but lets start with just a few. Lets see,” putting her cup down so she could count on her fingers, “One, you’re one of the most unique people I’ve met, every experience, good and bad, has made you into this great person sitting here tonight. Two, no one is perfect. And if they tell you they are, they’re lying and full of shit. We’re all improving on ourselves every day. Three, you’ve achieved things in your life! Even if they don’t seem like much to you, they’re achievements none the less. The passion you have for chemistry and planting is amazing, I bet you know more than a lot of people. And that is something to be proud of. And four, you are here, alive and have a purpose. What it is? I don’t know, Fate isn’t my jam anymore, but you have a purpose.” Maybe she needed to be a motivational speaker?

Then her face softened more, “I’ll always tell you if I think you are walking down a bad road. I only want the best for you, and to see you succeed and be happy. If that means telling you that I think you are making a mistake, I will. But just realize that someone else’s passion doesn’t have to be yours, focus on your vision and what you want, not what someone else wants.”

[Guru]

"Thanks, I thought it was a good way to get my feet wet and start learning. Observe an environment I'm most familiar with, make notes, observations, then begin making adjustments and changes. Downside is if I make too many waves..." He gave a small shrug knowing if he fucked anything up, ultimately, he would have to fix it. He laughed along with her at the joke about the lich. "Oh the magic comes with the jumping." He wasn't much of a fighter but any given opportunity to place a conflict on his terms was a good one.


"Factors and ambiguity is generally where I have a problem with the system as it's structured. It allows too much wiggle room, too much room for nuance, allowance, argument. I like mine to be cut and dry - punishment, reward. That's it." He made a horizontal cutting motion with his hand. "I understand it's not that cut and dry and it's not feasible to make a rule for every exception. We're working with the best tools we have available. But when isn't that true? In my experience, limited as it may be, those with power tend to squash any voices to the opposition, at best. Once one has power, there is no incentive to ever give it up. Hell, just look at the history of the tyrant."


He took a long deep breath before reaching for his beer and finishing it off. "All I have is criticism, I don't have solutions. Not to this problem. And we haven't even got into how many iterations deep into the lex are we, how much of its original intent and purpose is still there, what is true and what remains tainted by the lie!? Is there hope in a fallen world?"


His voice had been quiet, subdued as he poured the second glass of beer. Not picking up as she caught him before he'd even noticed. Her hand on his, he looked down and noticed what he'd been doing. He gave her hand a soft squeeze. "Yea - you might be right. I have a bad habit of stopping things I'm not immediately good at. It doesn't come as easily to me but I know you're right, it'll take me more time and study but I can master it. El Paso was a difficult place to live in general, I remember fear from there the most. Not just from me, but everyone."


He appreciated her kind words, though he did have to pour himself another glass and drink a good chunk of it to have a good excuse to be nice and red. It was clear the compliments weren't taken easily. This is where he could see her as a Ladder once more, she was more skilled with words than he could ever hope to be. He did feel better now, supported, and seen. He relaxed when she was finished and even smiled over the blush. "Well I don't really want to go giving you any reasons to take that back either. I appreciate that Aurora - you really are the best of us. I mean that too. You're intelligent and you have a way of making the complicated seem much less so. You have a good heart and you won't back down from a fight you think is worth it. I appreciate all that about you.


"I kind of hope this divination will at least point me in a direction. I have too many directions, too many visions. How I usually get trapped into somebody else's. A friend of mine always said 'If someone tells you they have all the answers, ask what they're selling.'" He finished with a laugh. "I guess, in the end, it's a problem committing." He couldn't help but snicker at the joke his face starting to strain with how much he was smiling.

[Aurora]

“It does sound like a good way to learn. Home court advantage and all.” Does that really apply with spirits? She wasn’t sure, but who knows.

A small smirk and dry chuckle, “I hate to break it to you, but welcome to Awakened politics. Nothing is cut and dry. Everyone will always find a way to wiggle around the structure and laws. It’s how it’s always been, no matter how the laws are worded and laid out, someone will always find a way to work around them.” It was what it was. “While that it true, there is no incentive to give up power, there are uprisings against those tyrants. Tyrants do not stay in power forever; people can only be pushed so far before they have enough and rise against them. I have yet to see a tyrant in Sacramento. Not saying it isn’t ever going to happen, but we have some good people here who want to see good happen here. Not everyone is out for pure power.” And she believed that.

“It sounds like you’ve experienced some pretty bad Consilium’s and that’s tainted your view on things. Not a bad thing per say, it makes you cautious. Not everyone has solutions, hell, I don’t solutions.” Sighing, “As far as if there is hope?” a shrug, “Part of me wants to believe there is, the other part of me isn’t sure. But I know we have to believe there is some hope there, we have to push past the doubts and come together to try and make hope for the future of our world. If not, we let them win, and I don’t know about you, but I just can’t let that happen.” She wasn’t about to give up.

“And hey, if you want someone to learn it with you, I’ll give it a go too.” Sometimes it was easier to learn with someone else.

There was a small shrug, “I don’t know about that, I have my own demons I deal with, I just know what it’s like to feel lost and without direction. I also know we have to fight for what we believe in for what we believe is right and for what we have. Everyone needs someone in their corner who believes in them and has their back.” And she had his.

Chuckling, “No one has all the answers. Do you think the problem with committing is fear of missing out on something better? Or maybe losing your identity?”