Herald's Office Hours (5) The Herald and a Deputy meet with Jamie

[Martha Villiers]

Something had gone badly wrong. Ordinarily her powers didn't fail her. She wondered if Jamie was of some powerful Bloodline previously unknown to her. Perhaps she was weakened in some way she did not understand? Rubbing at her crippled leg, tiny Martha offered a smile to acknowledge the Oath.

"Splendid! Splendid! Welcome to the Domain, sir!" she smiles again and as she offers a dainty hand in official greeting, gripping hard at her maimed knee, Martha happily asks, "Do you have a place to stay, sir? I can recommend a hotel in the Communal Zone that might suffice for shelter. I wonder too, sir, do you belong to a Bloodline of any sort?"

[Dillon Connery]

It's everything Dillon can do to keep at arching an eyebrow at this turn of events.

First of all, while he knew well of the Shadows' ability to read and plant thoughts in others' heads-- but also that it must be a more advanced ability than the reading of Auras-- he hasn't ever seen Martha fail at it. Something is either off with her, or something is off about this man.

Dillon prefers to err on the side of caution, and thus continues to watch the exchange very carefully. Though his jaw muscles flex at the little Herald's continued insistence on touching every newcomer that walked into Elysium, he remains silent. Especially since this particular newcomer had thwarted every security measure meant to analyze him thus far, he rather thinks that now isn't the time to be shaking hands with unknowns simply because they don't look threatening.

Such measures weren't in place when Dillon was Acknowledged, over a year ago. Come to think of it, he'd escorted Martha straight into her office like a Southern Beau visiting for tea. It ended up being ginger ale.

Dillon hadn't looked threatening, either. He rarely does. And he ensures it is so, on purpose.

What if my intentions hadn't been honorable, then? Which Deputy would have been there to destroy me? Could they have done so before I took some vulgar advantage of the Herald's generous hospitality?

Recovering from his grim thoughts, the Gangrel nods, reinforcing Martha's words. He offers his hand after she does. "Indeed, welcome to Sacramento, Mister Bramm. I look forward to seeing what you bring to the Domain."

[Martha Villiers]

With a bashful smile Martha nods and spends a moment thinking. "I shall invite the local Grand Wyrm to join us tomorrow evening, Mr Jamie. I cannot say whether he will be able to accept, of course...there are a great many study and other projects underway at the Academy. Though, if he is able to attend, would that be helpful to you?" a happy tone to her question.

[Dillon Connery]

OOC

Chrisie - I know the other scene is already started, but I wanted to wrap this one up right. Feel free to conclude, if you wish

There are all kinds of problems racing through Dillon's mind here, but he can't really focus on any one of them. While Kindred do not commonly employ the blush under Avalon, there's nothing specifically against it. Not that the Deputy knows of. It might be invoking the Blood, in a way, but perfectly harmless. A gray area.

But that Jamie seemed to do so reflexively, and at Dillon's touch rather than Martha's, caught the Gangrel a little off guard. It could be the Beasts... or Jamie could be sweet on him. Or it could be any number of things.

And then there is a Herald under an Invictus Prince using another's first name in Elysium... which is tantamount to declaring familiarity on the level of intimacy, or the desire of it. And Martha should know that. Then again, she's had a trying night.

Things were so much simpler when all I did was break legs and hunt rogue ghouls.

Dillon maintains his demeanor perfectly, though. Even if he is a bit still. Well versed in the art of smiling, his is as friendly as they get. "Until tomorrow," he nods in agreement. "Be safe, sir."

Only when Jamie is gone, well up the stairs and out of sight, does Dillon move again. His features shift to show concern; a mask falling away. Turning in his seat, he does something he hasn't under Avalon in nearly a year - he places a comforting hand lightly on Martha's upper arm. It mirrors the act that sealed their friendship after last years Gold Rush festival. Dillon's chin ducks a few inches, and his voice is low. "Ma'am, is everything alright?"

[Martha Villiers]

Martha has had a trying evening. It shows in her frail figure and her downcast eyes that look to her shoes. Rubbing at her false knee, she is lost in thought. Going over and over in her mind the failure she experienced this evening. Not once. But consistent failure. Though no stranger to set backs, tonight had made her re-evaluate and recall past failures. Thus shaken out of any complacency she realised that the ugly fact was: she had failed.

Thumping at her crippled knee with a balled and dainty fist, Martha allowed her fist one slam upon her knee before looking Dillon as he gently touched her arm.

Resisting the urge to whimper, she bit at her bottom lip and gathered what she could of any steady thoughts and tried a shy smile to Dillon. To know he was here was enough to raise a smile. A shy nod soon followed.

"Yes...yes, thank you, sir. I am...I am learning this evening; though the lessons were unsought after. However, I must now rest. Will you...will you help me to my chamber, please?" feeling too worn down to even raise her cane for the moment, she had to content herself with a small nod towards her office.

[Dillon Connery]

More visably worried than ever, Dillon assists the tiny Herald to her foot. ... feet... taking as much of her weight with his supporting arm as she needs him to.

Dillon can't recall ever seeing her quite so... drained.

So before he can second-guess himself and chicken out, the deputy reaches down with his other arm, and scoops Martha up. One hand is securely around her shoulders, the other is carefully mindful of her knees (especially the robotic one). "Sorry, ma'am, but I insist."

Dillon tries not to get in too big a hurry on the way to Martha's office, trusting that: should another member of Sacramento's hierarchy happen upon them, they will at least be given the chance at an explanation.

[Martha Villiers]

With a gentle nod of agreement, Martha showed she was in no shape or mood to disuade Dillon from his gentlemanly aid. A shy smile is added as she submitted to his scooping help and lay quietly resting in his arms.

[Dillon Connery]

Opening the door to Martha's office carefully, in order to prevent any risk of her slipping, Dillon bumps the door open with his knee. While he can slip through most any space with lightning speed, and without touching any obstruction, he takes his time when there is a woman in his arms.

He's certain that Martha is by no means fragile, but it would be almost fatally embarrassing to the Southern Gentleman if he were to crack her head over the door facing as they pass.

A boot heel gently nudges the door closed again behind them.

Scene End!