Following the chance meeting of Asp, Avis, Cut, and Ozymandias at the Circle of Creation, the four met for dinner later that evening.
Introductions
The restaurant was chosen at Asp's recommendation, because she liked the chain. Perhaps concerned by the setting, Avis immediately asked the others about their finances[1].
- "Soooo. Uh. What do y'all do? For money, I mean. Job-wise." - Avis
This led Cut to reveal himself as a magician and telephone tech, Ozymandias as an archaeologist, and Asp as a martial arts trainer. With the brief pleasantries out of the way, Cut used Forces to ensure their privacy; failing his first attempt, but managing on his second[2].
As the conversation continued, Avis asked Ozymandias to elaborate on her reason for being with the Guardians of the Veil, and while the Adamantine Arrows and Guardians where not wholly in accord, individual viewpoints were respected. Except, perhaps, Ozymandias' view of the Mysterium[3].
- "Nothing stays buried forever. The Mysterium are fools if they think otherwise." - Ozymandias
Of Hallows
With the introductions and small talk done, Cut inquired about the availability of Hallows in the city. While neither Avis or Asp knew definitively, Asp opened the door to further conversation by commenting that finding one would probably be a team activity[4].
- "I'll be honest, I'd love to look into finding one, but... It's probably a team activity, you know?" - Asp
Cut declared his intent to find one, expressing a need for Mana, and extended an invitation to the others to join him. Avis took the invitation to be a suggestion that the strangers form a cabal, which got Ozymandias' attention as well. As Asp had expressed interest, and in an attempt to clarify, Cut outlined a plan to secure a Hallow which had the possibility of having to declare themselves a cabal to do so -- which he was willing to do[5].
- "Unless it's not a thing here, and they just hand out tass cookies. Then show me the line. Otherwise. That's all I'm saying." - Cut
Of Cabals
Avis considered the proposal and pointed out potential problems which highlighted her doubts, as well as expressing a desire for commitment in such a group. Ozymandias and Asp voiced no objection, which left Cut to convince Avis. While he couldn't address her concerns, he did point out the advantages to the proposal by highlighting that all four were Mana starved. Avis grudgingly admitted interest, and Ozymandias followed suit.
The conversation turned toward more mundane topics as they agreed to investigate potential Hallows later, and talked of local points of interest -- both people and places.
