(1101) Eternal Court XI

[Twist]

"Why?" The question was blunt and to the point, but the answer would reveal volumes.

Thomas's story of his sire was interesting, and she was sure those more skilled in such areas could pull interesting nuggets of information from such a brief narrative. But it did little to explain why he now sought the Invictus. And if she was to stand as his patron in front of the rest of the First Estate she more than certainly wanted a better reason. Especially given that the First Estate was not his first choice.

[Max Heinz]

My pleasure, Keeper. And don't worry about my outfit, I'm sure it would come out in the wash...*It wouldn't be the first time... Max thinks to himself. He takes the bandages and follows behind Martha until they get close to the door, moving ahead to hold the door open for the Keeper to enter. Once inside, he looks for a proper place to put the rags, deciding it was best to simply set them in the water. He then takes a few steps back to maintain a proper distance from Martha.*

I wanted to congratulate you on your appointment to Keeper. I hope you're settling into your new duties? I was also wondering how you're studies were going; with so few formal Ordo events of late, I'm trying to check in with everyone in person...

*Max leans back onto the desk; half setting on the edge. He'd never been comfortable setting if someone else was standing.*

[Thomas Connor]

Why. It was always the toughest answer to articulate. The period of self reflection after the decades of denial, the realization that he'd never made a decision until he came to the city, the nights he'd spent turning Rachel's letter over and over in his head. He knew why he was here but felt ... felt that his abilities would fail him if he'd try to explain reasons, that they would sound hallow and meaningless to her. Still he had to take that step forward. He knew what he wanted and fear, fear was just an enemy that had already been defeated.

"My Grand Sire forced Rachel, my Sire, to mold me into what he wished me to be after my embrace. I was never given a choice of Covenants, I was pushed into the one they belonged to and told not to bother with politics." He added the extra information about his past because, well because he was asking her to take a risk on him and it was only fair to give her all the information she needed to make her decision.

"I never gave my Covenant or Kindred politics a second thought until I settled here and became involved with the some of the problems effecting the Domain. The fight at the Bypass and the Blood Hunt awakened feelings of Duty and Honor I had thought were dead. I began to think on that and came to a Realization. That I wished to stand up and be counted among those Kindred who were willing to do what needed to be done to protect our society. Who believed in concepts such as Duty and Honor. That to me is the First Estate and is why I wish to join the Invictus." It was longer than he wanted and certainly not a speech worthy of Patton or Ike but it was honest. Honest to Thomas' beliefs and honest to the Kindred he sat across from.

[Martha Villiers]

As he talks and she listens, Martha may have detected his impatience with standing, it appears an impatience equal to hers for sitting. However, Martha sits herself behind her desk...moving some papers carefully aside so she can better see Heinz. Smiles at the question, nodding at the sentiment, she waves a hand over the piles of notes; "Oh...such study! It seems relentless the things one needs to know...I am trying, sir, to advance my understanding of limits and transcend them. I find new boundaries each day. The matter is complicated by philosophy, rather than made easier thereby. Nevertheless, as I establish my theoretical framework and thesis...overcoming these challenges is attempted as each boundary is comprehended!" she smiles, clearly relishing these challenges in some way. Bright eyed, she sits back to await his views and thoughts on this and anything else, rubbing at her knee as she fixes her happy attention upon Max.

[Max Heinz]

*Max remains silent as the woman speaks, not interrupting as she details her work. He can't help but smile ever so slightly, he had been just as eager to devour knowledge when he'd first joined the Dragons as she was now.* I'm glad to hear you aren't discouraged by obstacles. One of the greatest challenges of the Great Work is being confronted with how astoundingly wrong we are. The Universe has an annoying habit of not wanting to go along with the best formulated theories of man and Dragon. Have you given any thought to attempting a Chrysalis yet?

[Martha Villiers]

Martha shakes her head, "No, Deputy...I have not. I would wish, rather, to be as fully prepared as possible for such an event...there are dangers in it and, while hopefully not lacking courage, I do not feel adequately ready. Hazard is one thing, reckless hazard is another altogether!" she sighs, clearly worried if she's admitting to some failing. Watches Max closely for his response.

[Max Heinz]

*Max nods at Martha's response, no sign of disapproval showing on his face.* A sound plan, Keeper. You'd be surprised how many Dragons rush themselves into a change unprepared. I ask simply because I've seen so many treat them as a Christmas present they can't wait to unwrap, it's always good to give a little voice of warning now and again.

*He grows silent for a moment, looking around the office to avoid the appearance of staring Martha down while he thinks over his next few words. When Max does speak, it's to the room instead of Martha.* It is interesting you speak of obstacles, Keeper; I'm finding myself running into more and more of them of late...

[Martha Villiers]

Martha watches Max with a gentle look, curious to hear more. "oh...?" she says, as if prompting for more information.

[Max Heinz]

*Max turns his attention back to Martha, wondering if he was truly willing to unburden himself to another...* Let me ask you this: What you just did for Mr Wooding... Why did you do it? I'd wager half my Stable that no one else would be willing to do that, let alone volunteer...

[Martha Villiers]

Martha cannot conceal her surprise at the question! She rubs hard at her knee and thigh, an action hidden by her desk if not her motion. "Why, sir? But...surely..." she seems to be staggered, I need to justify this? Perhaps, she thinks, this is some Ordo test... she tries a shy smile and respectful nod. Martha struggles to her feet to offer Max a timid curtsy "Deputy: I...I only acted out of charity, sir - simply an offer of assistance to another." tiny Martha curtseys again. Martha looks pale and sincerely saddened...she cannot meet Max's eyes and looks instead to the bowl of soiled water and the grime soaked improvised bandages.