Hector rolls up to the Church Mariel oversees in a Lincoln Town car with Within Temptation playing just loud enough to be heard. Noticing Mariel sweeping the steps he grins. He parks in the lot for the church goers and steps out into the cool night. He's dressed simply in nice street clothes, the only thing setting him apart is his wavy black hair that cascades past his shoulders and those pitch black eyes that hold a fire in them. He walks up just out of dusting range and nods to Mariel, "Good evening. I hope all is well." His tone is pleasant enough but as yet reveals nothing more.
Yes, it seems to be,said Mariel. Please, Hector, come in.
Without another word Hector follows Mariel in but slowly as he looks for lurkers while doing his best to keep it unnoticed.Ok, I'm curious. What's up?
He smiles and looks Mariel in the eye, "Let's say I've a healthy respect for large enclosed spaces with ample space. Perhaps you'll understand in a bit."He motions to the area where the office is usually kept, obvious or not here, obviously indicating a question of where they're going. He doesn't seem to mind one way or the other.
Do you want to go to the Pastor's study, or the sanctuary? "Where ever you wish, it's your home." He replies easily.
Mariel is getting creeped out.Ok, then....sanctuary it is. It has more exits,she thinks to herself, beginning to be worried about Hector harming her. As he follows Mariel, Hector observes any artwork in the church which is always customary. Feeling it's a neutral topic he asks, "Any chance you've a hand in any of the artwork present?"his tone indicates actual interest.No, I've only lived here a short time, replied Mariel. I like art quite a bit, though.
He was pleased to hear her response which carried into his tone,"That's fortunate, I've seen more than a few such places lose themselves to gaudy decor and extravagance than to illustrate any real meaning. Any chance you have a practice other than the demonstration I've already seen?"
Mariel is losing patience.What are you talking about? Do you want to learn whip play?
He smiles reassuringly,"No just curious if you're a painter, writer or somesuch. If you'd prefer we can just get down to business, I'd hate to be trouble."
Mariel is really getting exasperated.I enjoy art. I like museums. I'm not very good at creating things myself, though. Other than lustful thoughts, and we both know you're not interested in that. Some men have called me their muse, but I doubt that you'd count that, either. So what's all this about?
He shrugs while replying,"Thinking of your idea to do work with the community, creative art is often a good way to go and reach many. Just working to think ahead is all, or perhaps I indicated something else that offends you in which case I apologize."He spreads his hands and appears to be sincere in not wishing her upset."As for muses I've enough and that could very well count, inspiration is creation in the raw." He looks about for a seat to take and makes a motion indicating ladies first.
Mariel sits on the front steps of the altar, waving Hector to an ornately carved wooden pew in the front.
He smiles at the placement but takes his seat none the less and looks comfortable. He nods at the carved wood with approval before asking,"Unless you wanted to tackle something else first I'd be curious to see if you had any other ideas of methods for cooperation with our covenants?"
Mariel spoke: I think that since we're both faith communities we should try to present aunited front. And if I happen to run across any suitable candidates that would be a good match for your Covenant, I'll steer them your way if theCircle will do the same for us. This is something that Father Black will not agreeto, but I'm willing to do it myself...but I have a request of my own.
He nods that she should continue.
Mariel continued.I want to improve my skills. I would really like to be able to see in the dark, and I'd like to be able to tell if my prey is healthy. She looked at Hector to see his reaction.
He considers her a long moment in which his eyes would seem to look into her rather than upon her, obviously thinking."Alright, since you've the courage to fly in the face of adversity and, traditional history," He smiles pleased, "I'll see about someone who could mentor you. I promise nothing but to inquire who would be willing among my own."
I can't help until the skills are taught. You understand,said Mariel.
That illicited a raised eyebrow,"Really? Is this a conditional cooperation then or a need to be able to work your side?"His tone is neutral and no longer has the previous pleasant tone to it.
Mariel snorts.I'm not going to be shown to be helping another Covenant, particulaly a rival one, until I'm assured that I will be properly reimbursed for doing so. To do so would put me at considerable risk without any payoff.
He nods in understanding where her thoughts were now,"Isee. That I can appreciate. However, on that note then, what can we expect more so than the cooperation we'll be providing you with as well?"
What do you want? asked Mariel. My own abilities are limited, and tapping Father Black'sskills is pretty much out of the equation.
His smile is nice as he responds, "What I want is irrelevant." He considers her a moment before going on,"All things considered we would need toknow more of what we can reasonably ask for. You say your abilities are limited, that doesn't give us much. Although your support in Court couldbe rather effective." He waits to see her reaction to his suggestion.
I'm actually hoping for something regarding that...