(2411) Sanctuary

[Chambers]

The discussion was now very much that had moved passed him as corned bartered his skills and services for any hope or help it seemed he could. Whatever right exchange had to say on this matter was beyond his skill to balance but magic for magic seemed to be on offer so that at least seemed about right.

If anything he was curious to see where this went overall. This is the closest to real awakened dealings I have seen in a while. Knowledge for knowledge skill for skill, favour for favour. As Philip answers. "Glad to hear it." And he was, the man was a staple of the Consilium and as much any had shown he was steadfast. "Well enough thanks." Returning the pleasantry.

But neither wishing to get involved in the bargaining as it played out. As long as order secrets were off the table and Corn wasn't getting royally taken advantage of he was content to let that play out so he steps back from the conversation and also out of what might be flirting? Going on between Skye and Philip no need to third wheel there.

So he will join Aurora, quite contentedly she is after all is good company. "Nothing to exciting is good." Yet his eyes remain on the back and forth. "Yes I have been alright thank you. Many demands on my time but that is the way of it is it not." But what else had he expected still little by little things moved into place.

[Corn]

To Skye , he replies "You know where to find me, when you want to discuss this further. I will send you a few clips. " then he turns to the two magi that are willing to help him. Winter turns down several master tier spells as 'trinkets'. Considering Corn cannot cloak those spells and if he is targeted by magi they can track those spells, it is not very surprising. He is about to agree when Philip mistakes that for a bidding war, bless his heart. When the house is on fire and your child is inside, you don't pick the cheaper fire hose, you use everything. Corn is glad Philip and Winter are not trying to abuse his need, because he would have parted with more.

"Can you two work together, to make that magic more potent? So that perhaps I won't have to share Cloud's name? I do have some of his personal items in the Circle, but I don't know if the Sympathetic connections still hold.
I would be thankful to have the assistance of both of you, and I agree with your terms. 4 alchemical items for Philip, up to two at the same time, with a duration of at least a week, as long as I am given reasonable time to prepare and cast the rituals necessary. A favor that Winter can call upon, as long it doesn't require me to reveal Order secrets. If you both agree we can have a Provost write the debt down..." I think such things are usually done by the herald, and we don't have a herald. We don't have such a process for the Provost that I am aware of.
Corn blinks, in thought. He turns to Aurora and Winter , both here for much longer than him. "How do we make such debts official in Sacramento?" he asks. "Just mention it in front of councilor witnesses? Announce it in the next official meeting? The Provosts write it down and we store it? "

After this is resolved, he goes back to the people offering him their help. "Would you agree with these terms, gentlemen?"
Revealing Cloud's name... that makes him very hesitant. What am I hesitating for? The enemies know of Cloud's name and these people can find out by asking the neighbors. And yet, he still hesistates. "If possible, I would prefer if Cloud's name was not revealed and if it was, to be revealed to just one Mage. Also, please try to make sure what you do will not trigger obvious triggers or alarms that would lead to harm of my son when this comes out."

[Winter]

The more he spoke, the more he revealed his hand.
But if your inlaws have been murdered and your son has been kidnapped, keeping secrets - potentially life saving ones - from your allies shouldn't even cross your mind. Especially for someone - who at least in appearance - was as careless as Corn. Or that's what he wanted you to believe.
Yes, it was fishy.

"Nah, consider my offer rescinded", he says.

[Witch]

October was gone. Always something to mourn. But at least November wasn't like a Monday of months. No, that would be ... Maybe January? No, January had the whole new beginning thing going for it. And February was too short to be considered seriously for anything. Maybe March. Monday March.

And so, it was with thoughts of Mondays and months in her head that she headed into the building that was Sacramento's sanctuary dressed for the season.

The faint sound of conversation reached her first, so she was ready to see more than one figure gathered. All of them known to her.

"Afternoon," she greeted amicably, unsure if the hand had actually crossed the noon mark or not. Small nods of respect were offered to the Councilors present.

[Philip Crosen]

Fortunes Protection

Fate

Shielding

  Prolonged

Sybils Sight

Fate

Mage Sight

  Prolonged

Quantum Flux

Fate

"aim" any action

  Prolonged

Corn`s brief discussion with Skye didn`t get any real reaction, except that he patiently waited for their discussion to end. Skye did get a smile though, because any doubt had been erased- she indeed seemed to like him, if she hadn`t already admitted as much. And he didn`t mind. And he also didn`t mind what essentially now seemed to amount to now much more overt flattery from Skye. And his mirthful smile changed to include slight embarrassment showing on his features as he awkwardly returned the complement.
" Glad you appreciate `em. I just make em because it seems right. Making things people enjoy. And, thanks. I mean, I can`t say I`ve made a secret out of that I find it applies to you too. So yeah, that could be nice."

After a beat, the topic shifted because Skye made her excuses to join Aurora. And he didn`t get involved in what seemed like the start of a conversation between Aurora and Chambers, merely replying to Chambers` return courtesy with a grateful smile although with less mirth and more seriousness than the one he gave Skye earlier. The Moros Provost got a nod when she arrived, as was due. Although she didn`t have much to say. Winter, meanwhile, didn`t seem like he had much to say either. Except what he did say, mattered and got a questioning raised eyebrow, curious if Winter had any more to say on the subject, but also a nod of understanding.
So he`s giving the floor to me regarding Corn.... That was quick. Too quick. Makes me wonder why he did. And that I need to be careful in case he smells a trap that I do not. Still, not that I mind. Seems I`m free to renegotiate as I wish. Yes, yes, yes. Us two working together would definitely have helped. But do I really want to? I`d say any benefits are mine to gain from Corn`s mess and I`ll take free sympathy and anything else besides.... So he continued the negotiation, being seemingly the only interested party left to help him, and knowing he was in a position to make further demands of Corn. With his full metaphysical weight behind his words he adressed Corn.
"So to be clear, and please correct me if I understood any of this in any way incorrectly."
He said, adressing all Mages present, as they were witnesses to the exchanges, and any previous formulations between them, before continuing.
"What I have understood I will agree to, is the following exchange: Magus Corn, you will provide me with your son`s true name and a strong sympathetic connection to him. And I, Philip Crosen, will do an extended willworking for you at a time and place where proper safeguards for me are in place, to attempt to determine what you, quote: `must do to find your son, if he is still alive`, end quote.

In return, you will conjure into existence for me four items. Each item with an effect to be decided based on what you are capable of and my discretion at a time of my discretion and place to be agreed upon. Each item is to last at least a week from the time I receive it, but durations of a month or indefinite are also allowed, unless I ask for it to be ended before its` expiration, or agree on a lesser duration for an item. Furthermore, I`d like each to be a ritual willworking unless I specifically say otherwise, with the greatest possible potency you are able to conjure. Would this be acceptable to you?"

turning to Corn with his business look, giving him, but also the other gathered mages the chance to say their piece on what he had suggested. He`d tried to give Corn as few loopholes, but he was sure if he really wanted to find one, he could. After a beat, he continued.
"So, what sanctions would you suggest if either me or Corn don`t deliver on their end of this bargain? I would propose incarceration or banishment, but I am open to suggestions. And as for a place with proper safeguards, I was suggesting doing the willworkings at some place in the Circle, if this meets your approval? And for writing down such an exchange, I`m open to suggestions. Although I agree someone else writing it down would be a good guarantee. Preferably in supernal script and then making it public to the entire Consilium, if anyone wants? With you guys as witnesses, I`d also suggest mentioning it. But that`s just my five cents and maybe I`m being overly dramatic."
he said, again looking to his fellow Mages for approval or refusal, not least Corn, but also sparing Chambers, Aurora, Skye, Winter and Witch each, questioning glances, unknown how many of them could do what he suggested, and of those that did, if they were willing. But also whether his other suggestions met with approval, indifference, or disagreement. He wanted to protect himself from any uncertainty regarding Corn. If anything, serious questions about his trustworthiness had been raised last Consilium and it would be especially foolish to ignore them.

spells , effects and gear

Speed 10, Armor 0, Init +6, Defense: 3, Armor: 4, and additional (1/0) from his gray-black jacket,
Spells active 2/6: ([2]Quantum Flux with 24 hour duration, [3][1/2] Fortunes Protection, Sybils Sight Double Spell, also with 24 hour duration), Spell tolerance: 3/2 (1 over limit): (Quantum Flux, Fortunes Protection, Sybils Sight), Vulgar spells: 0,
Health: , Mana: WP: (max WP/scene 2)
Gear: wallet: with car key, 50$ cash, various mundane ID`s and membership cards, and order tool-slash-phone in some of its` various pockets.
gray-blue running shoes (+1 to relevant athletics rolls)
two backpacks and one large bag with: four 1 L plastic water bottles, blackberry tart, cream, napkins, lighter, cigarette pack, can of hairspray, can of sunscreen, hair comb, order-tool-slash-phone, first aid kit
in car that was parked some distance away from location: duct tape (three rolls), zip ties (an extra pack), pepper spray (one can), survival kit(urban), night-vision goggles, additional first aid kit, fire extinguisher, unloaded shotgun with ammo in seperate compartment, katana.

[Aurora]

Seeing Skye approach, with a cookie, a smile was offered as she accepted the plate, even though she didn’t really want a cookie. It was still a nice gesture. “Everything is good, thanks for asking, and yourself?” truth be told, the Shaman wasn’t one to share her problems. “A very kind gesture, thank you.” But Aurora was the type to work out her own problems, or let them eat at her, it was a tossup most times.

Her eyes also watch the back and forth, waiting for the friendliness of everything to shatter. It was, after all, the nature of things.

“I have to wonder if nothing exciting is setting us up for something.” She says with a frown. A small smirk, “It does seem to the way of life, always a demand, always someone or something wanting or needing something. But I suppose it’s better then having nothing to do, now that would be absolutely maddening.” Especially for her, she loved being busy and having things to do.

Looking to Corn, “You are welcome to make whatever deals you want with other Awakened, but remember the Iron Laws. Your word is your bond, and it means everything. Breaking and going back on it will not be taken lightly by the Consilium, and there are consequences to breaking them. The Iron Laws, for those not aware, are as follows, Vox Contractus, the simplest of terms, all parties agree that this constitutes an Iron law. The Consilium of Sacramento will support any wronged party should the oath be broken. Then Vox Publicus: Public swearing of an oath between parties before the Awakened of the Consilium of Sacramento. Three Witnesses are required, and a neutral Herald to conduct the Rite of Requite. This is essential for Greater Oaths. Minor Oaths, however, may forgo the witness requirement and may do so before the Hierarch, or the Herald conducting their Rite of Requite. We don’t have a Herald, so I believe as a whole, we could decide to allow the public swearing of an oath, with the use of a True name being used, an Oath should be used to allow both parties peace of mind in the matter. Not a matter of trust per say, but to cover all bases here. Finally, Vox Libertas: Oaths taken must be taken with a free and clear heart. None, may force another to take an oath under magical coercion or otherwise.” Looking from Corn to Winter and then Philip, “That is what the Iron Laws say in this matter, we have protocols in place to make sure no one is screwed and if someone is, there are consequences. But again, you are all free to make this decision here, or outside of here on your own terms, without the Concilium knowing, but then you don’t have the protections of punishing someone who goes back on their word.” A shrug.

Then Winter…changes his mind? Interesting. She didn’t see that coming, and wonders what brought that on. For as long as she has known Winter, he was still a complete mystery to her.

When Witch walked in, a small wave, “Hey Witch, how are you?”

To Philip, “As to punishments, I believe that is something the Council would have to meet together and discuss. Banishment is a severe punishment, but when the True name is on the table, things do take a more important turn. But we are talking the True name of a Sleeper, not another Awakened, so it may not be as severe as one might think. I would say the Council would have to convene to discuss it.” It was a Sleeper, does the True name matter as much? Not in her eyes.

[Skye]

Simply offering a light smile to the question from her councilor.
”Well enough, these are still strange lands otherwise no complaints.” At least none she would be foolish enough to speak of where everyone could hear. ”Of course, we all need someone at times, be it for help, talk, or just share the spoils of a hunt with.” Now that I haven´t done in ages.

A look to Corn with a little cooking of her head, and feigned puzzling look.
”I thought I asked you to tell me when you were ready for it, I have been waiting for you to tell me you had the time and mindspace for it.” Shrugging ever so slightly. ”So at your earliest convenience, I am here often enough with a flexible schedule.”

Turning her head to Witch with a friendly look upon her, and a light wave.
”Afternoon Witch, nice outfit, haven´t seen much of the belt look in a while. It suits you.” Wonder what it´s like to not feel the need to wear just black and white.

Feeling a soft chuckle emanate from her lips at the little sight of the baker of chocolate chip cookies.
”No need to look embarrassed, men are just as worthy of a compliment as a woman. Are they truly so rare in your life?” Giving him a soft look as she raises the cookie and slowly spins it around before her eyes. ”No, I do not believe you there. Anyone can bake, even I bake and bring things along, but for most it lacks something, it can have the flavor or be well made, but no.” Taking a light nibble out of the cookie. ”I do not know exactly what the emotion that went into these were, but something feels different about them compared to most, making them quite a treat.” Taking a moment to let his words get absorbed, to let the emotions find themselves into her before looking somewhat surprised at his words. ”You have not? Then I owe you an apology for I must truly be blind.”

Listening as the bartering goes around, Corn unwilling to share the name, and Aurora sharing the laws before straightening her back to talk clearly enough for all to hear.
”Corn give it up, his cover is long blown.” Taking a moment to make sure those interested would get to hear. ”Everyone that gets involved in the investigation will either see the corpses or the place of your in laws, their names will be revealed in full for anyone who cares to know, or so easy to figure out its basically not worth mentioning. Anyone with ten minutes to spare can find it, or you mean to tell me that if we looked so would we not find your wife on social media, with her name, and the name of your son? That Alex or your in laws don´t have it posted as well?” Shaking her head. ”I get why you are cautious but be earnest, it is a name of a sleeper, none of us here really cares about his name in the long run. And if we wanted to get to him so as said finding your wife have never been hard for any of us had we wanted to, likewise so do we have your belongings, or things connected to you so easy to find that we could find him in a heartbeat. I do not wish to be cruel but right now you are the one overprotecting an innocent child and impeding his safety, ask yourself what matters most here. A name none of us have much if any care to use beyond this, or your sons safety? Each second you hesitate you make it worse on him, and yourself, not those who might be capable and willing to aid you.” You weren´t even half as cautious when it wasn´t even needed to be known, why now?

[Chambers]

This is why we really need a curator, they balance the book for this kinds of exchanges deftly. And provide a more neutral set of eyes and ears to things ensuring no one is getting ripped off. What Philip is doing is not lost on the Moros councillor but he and Corn and the right to make the exchanges as they saw fit the Moros councillor was not so qualified as to intervene and say it was balanced to far in one direction or the other.

Winter stepping out was interesting if only to try and deduce the reasons why. It makes the entire offer look like some form test he was using to learn something.

Turning at the sound of the greeting. "Witch hello." A warm smile of welcome. "You join us at an interesting moment I suspect." It wasn't everyday you saw to mages bartering out a deal in a public place. "Have you been well?" Tumultuous times and all.

Responding to Aurora's comment as the details started to get hashed out. "I do not mind a quieter moment now and then but yes they seem to be few and far between recently." As for the looming sense of standing on a cliff edge, that could well be determined by how the current investigation pans out. "Is something not always coming for us? If not directly for what we defend and represent. There are those constantly moving to undermine us even if it indirectly." And it was only a matter of time before they brushed up in a more immediately dangerous way.

Then he listens as she lays out the law literally for those who don't seem to know it. "Well said." Quietly adding his support of the iron laws. Nothing amiss that he could tell, an impressive feat to do off the top of your head for anyone. Although it did highlight a few of the inherent problems with their still burgeoning Consilium. But more interestingly in the moment are we going to see them swear an oath?

He turns in mild surprise as Skye lays into Corn in something of a tirade. She is not wrong though. Triple homicide are not common and now he knew the event linked to Corn he recalled seeing it in the Sacramento bee. Corn's family was almost certainly completely exposed.