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Set immediately after Uncork the Bottle
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire had driven Jay to her home. By the time they got there, her stomach was mostly healed. That was NOT what she meant when she asked to get stabbed. She asked for time to fume while they drove, and seemed much calmer by the time they got to her place. Calmer physically at least, Rook knows all her tells and snuggles against her legs as soon as they sit down. Offering water and food and whatnot. She has a pad of paper and is furiously writing down info before she forgets.
"By the way Jay, they are aware of the Soulwardens and its members but like...a ton. Same with Bones. Definitely be careful just in case." She is definitely distracting herself by work here.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Jeremiah had respected her request for quiet, helping her inside as needed before finding a place to sit for himself.
"Noted." He replied with a nod, watching as Rook did his best to help his companion. "Want me to finish patching you up?"
Klaire Henriette:
The couch was comfy but for some reason was sagging in the middle. The few chairs around were in good condition.
"If you want, its not that bad and I should be fine by tomorrow. The Lost that was with us helped a lot."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"I noticed." He took a moment to focus on the wound, speaking quietly in the High Speech as he called for the flesh to mend itself. As the spell locked into place the wound vanished - or the physical one did, at least. The rest was yet to be seen.
Klaire Henriette:
She grimaces slightly at the flesh healing, a thankful nod. It took her maybe 20 minutes to write it all out, but that was writing consistently. She finally put down the pad.
"Thank you again for being there. I'm glad I had someone I could trust, and someone to hold me back."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"You're welcome." He turned to look at her properly now that she was done writing, his eyes searching her face as he continued. "How are you feeling? And be honest."
Klaire Henriette:
"Angry, hurt, annoyed. Somewhat betrayed. I...have never been on that side of a riot line before."
Ylva Theodulus:
At right about that moment there was a slight crashing sound as a small Red fox burst from the bedroom and looked around the house finding Klaire.
Jumping onto her lap and running in circles several times. Giving her a wtf look.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Another small nod. "Seeing it up close and personal is always rough the first time. That anger has been boiling for a while now, though, and this was as good a release valve for it as any."
He blinked as the fox suddenly zipped into the room, eyeing it warily. "Friend of yours?"
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire sighs as she sees Ylva, getting her to sit down. Rook didn't even get up, just snuggling Klaire. Ylva knows that's a bad sign.
"I'm fine. This time, it was intentional. You shouldn't be here, Ylva."
A look over to Jay. "Charleville said it was worth it. That's his decision. If he wants to undo it, that's on him. He needs to stop pinning that on me. He's the one that suggested it."
Ylva Theodulus:
She shifts into her human form. Well human for those here. And shout whispers.
"That makes it even worse but okay! Tell me later yeah?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Jay's eyebrows shot upwards as Ylva revealed herself, giving her a polite nod once the surprise wore off. "Good seeing you again."
His attention then turned back to Klaire, thinking a moment before he spoke. "He wasn't 'pinning it on you', he was giving you a choice: to allow one bad thing now with a purpose in mind for some good down the road in revealing how savage the bots can be, or the next bad thing being outside of our control and that anger still pouring outward anyway."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire pets Ylva's hair. "As a heads up, the Mark IIs don't know you're Lost. Also...please be careful with your search history." A small smile that fades as Jay speaks.
"The people there were in pain. And how much of that was needed? Charleville involved a ton of people in a conflict they know nothing about. The whole point was to get this information and reverse everything so no one was in danger. Yes, I know how horrible the bots are...but we could make the next bad thing be within our control, not injuring that many people."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"They may not know about it but they are involved. They were pieces in the game that the Seers are trying to play with humanity, and in this case they stood up against their oppressors. It could have gone better for some - and I don't like seeing people getting hurt either, don't get me wrong - but the message sent was an important one. They think they have all the cards, but the will of the people is stronger than they think."
Ylva Theodulus:
Ylva chuckles looking confused. Poking Klaire with a tail before a sigh and a poke to the side of the face with her finger.
"What's wrong with my search history?"
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire's foot taps gently, and she reached down to pet Rook.
"I guess that's a good point. And...yes...they chose to be there for their own reasons. The way he framed it just frustrated me. I could feel every time a protester dropped."
Klaire doesn't feel the tail, but leans into the finger. "Some things need to be in incognito, unless you want Astrid to see those things."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"You come from very different sides of life, you and he, so you clashing on that front isn't surprising. What he saw today from you was someone who's never gotten their hands dirty all of a sudden finding blood on them and recoiling from it, while he's been in these trenches his whole life."
Ylva Theodulus:
"More likely for Jenny to be fair. Its not illegal to look at dildos and rope."
Then a tilt of her head and she gently asks.
"What happened?"
Klaire Henriette:
She looks frustrated. "I know I'm not a protester, but implying I'm sheltered is stupid. I left the life of rich people and being 'daddy's little girl' because I hated it. I have met so many broken people in my line of work, I don't want more people like that."
She strokes Ylva's hair, leaving the sex talk at that. "I...we were at a gathering. The Mark IIs did riot control, and I used my powers to find out information and the original plan was a Mage would undo the whole event." A grimace. "I quit the Free Council."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Neither do I, trust me. You have been sheltered from a lot of that pain, though; hell, so have I, just from being a white man from a well-off family. When you get down to the nitty gritty fighting against oppression is dirty, it's bloody, and if you're lucky you don't end up behind bars for standing up for your rights. You and I have protections against that which other people don't, and we have to use that privilege where we can to make things right."
Ylva Theodulus:
Ylva grimaced at that. She has been on both sides. Thrown punches. Got blood on her hands.
"You know I'm not going to share your opinion here. Sorry hun. Don't do anything. Rash."
Then a raised eyebrow to Jay.
"Is she still safe?"
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire grimaces, petting Rook, and looking to Ylva. She asks her, her partner, not her friend. The one she loves and trusts to call her out on her bullshit.
"Am I in the wrong here?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"I'll speak with my cadre about taking her in under our banner until she finds another order to align herself with. They should be fine with it."
And indeed, he took a moment to pull out his phone and send off a message, letting Ylva answer Klaire's question in peace.
Ylva Theodulus:
She nods to Jay.
"Thanks."
Then takes a long time to answer. Her hand reaching up and stroking Klaire's face.
"I can't answer that for you hun. That's a line in the sand you have to draw. You have to decide which side of it you stand on. You should know where I stand. I hope."
Klaire Henriette:
And nods to Jay. "I appreciate it. I don't mean to put you in that position."
A frown at Ylva's response. "I know where you stand...yes." A deep sigh. "I admit I am not used to being on that side of the conflict, or seeing it in that light. But...I think it was an experience I needed." A frown, replaying the situation in her head slowly.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"No worries. It's part of what we do." He said with a small smile, keeping an eye on his phone for replies as he watched the pair. "Agreed. Pulling back the veil isn't just a supernatural thing, and this was a good view on what's actually going on out there."
Ylva Theodulus:
"I know its hard to see those times hun. But."
A sigh.
"But. They kept people like me alive and out of the cops hands."
Another pause.
"The Mark II's I'm sure they went too far. But. They just did what every asshole cop wants to do. If the cops didn't try to stop them, they condoned it."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire paused, a frown. "No, you're right. It is hard to see but it's something I needed. I guess I am used to being the asshole cop here that condones it. Now I'm getting to see what that makes me in the eyes of others. No one likes to be proven wrong."
A deep sigh. "I'm still not sure I enjoy the Free Council...but I should apologize to Charleville."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"It's a good opportunity for personal growth and reflection, though." He nodded quietly. "A good idea. He may try pressing your buttons so keep that in mind, but I wager it would still be appreciated."
Ylva Theodulus:
"I try my best to look past that part because your so cute. But. Yeah."
She shrinks down a bit.
"Sorry hun. I know its hard to hear."
Klaire Henriette:
She takes a few deep breaths and looks at the ceiling. "What can I do to be a better person here? I'm not quite sure protesting in that way is what I am fit for."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Support behind the scenes works just as well. I know he mentioned the legal fund, and there are other organizations that help supply protestors with what they need." After a moment he reached over and gave her shoulder a light squeeze. "You're on the right path, we'll get you moving forward."
Ylva Theodulus:
Ylva reaches up to her face again.
"Sorry hun. They need lots of things. They all cost money. Just. Be a good person yeah. Be my Klaire. We'll get there together."
Klaire Henriette:
She frowns. "I have some money to spare. I'll offer financial help when I apologize to Charleville."
She cups Ylva's face. "I am sorry you are having to teach me this, love. I do want to try."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Sounds like a plan." He offered a nod, smiling softly as he looked between the pair. "You two want some private time?"
Ylva Theodulus:
"Its okay. You showed me you weren't a pig. Now you just gotta show this Charleville."
She shakes her head at Jay.
"No. I should be getting back. I just wanted to check on you."
Klaire Henriette:
She kisses Ylva's cheek. "I think that is going to be the harder goal. I have a message for the Freehold if you don't mind Ylva. Or I can talk to Roger."
She looks to Jay. "If you don't mine, I do want to talk before you leave."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Alright. Was good seeing you again, though; hopefully your stuff can get sorted out soon." He said to Ylva, then gave Klaire a nod. "Sure."
Ylva Theodulus:
"I can take it. Sure."
She stands giving Klaire a kiss on the cheek.
"I still love you hun. I hope you know that."
Klaire Henriette:
"I know you do, I miss you."
She looks to her notes. "The Mark IIs don't know you are a Lost, but know of someone named Jackie who are connected to the Lost and the Mages. They are aware of those in the Freehold who have close connections with the Pentacle, there were too many unfamilar names for me to remember them, but there were a lot. Please tell the Freehold to be careful."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
That little tidbit made Jeremiah pause for a moment, a small frown crossing his features. He remained quiet for the moment, however.
Ylva Theodulus:
Ylva grimaced at that.
"Fuck. V. Okay. I'll tell the Freehold."
Klaire Henriette:
She nods and kisses Ylva once more. "You should get going. Thank you Ylva. And if a Lost comes to give you a message from me, please tell them thank you for healing me. They were rather helpful."
Ylva Theodulus:
Ylva heads to the portal.
"Have a good night you two."
A few tears hitting the floor.
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire looks at the tears, a frown hitting her face, before looking to Jay.
"I do think Polly was on that list now that I think about it. Too many things to remember all at once. Please keep your girlfriend safe too."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Fiancé, now, but I will." He smiled a touch at that, giving a little nod. "Just proposed a couple days ago."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire gives a smile at that. "Happy for you, congratulations on your engagement."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Thanks. I'd been mulling it for a while but the moment came and I took it."
Klaire Henriette:
She scritches Rook for a moment. "How long have you two been dating? Finding the right moment sounds like a good thing to have happen to you."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"It'll be three years in July. And agreed: she's been an important part of my life, and telling here that I want her here with me for the rest of it was one of the best things I've done."
Klaire Henriette:
"That is wonderful, I am glad she is that important to you. It is important to have someone close like that. Especially one that can help check your flaws." A gesture to the doorway.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Indeed. We've been a good balance for each other on that front." He nodded, glancing towards the doorway before looking back to Klaire. "How are you feeling at the moment, on that front?"
Klaire Henriette:
"I miss her. I want this case to be over but there is only so much I can do. I'm talking with a few Lost now to try to help her...largely by finding the information they need. Sigrun was the main one I have talked to."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Don't think I've met her yet. I do hope it gets dealt with soon, though." He smirked a touch. "I meant more about how you feel about what she pointed out, in this case."
Klaire Henriette:
She frowns. "I know...I'm not sure how to feel. What Charleville said hurt. Seeing the pain through the magic was a lot...and he didn't seem to care. It was hard to see that."
A deep breath. "But I recognize I was in the wrong here. I'm trying to convince myself that my knee jerk reactions are wrong, and that is difficult. I am glad she was here to help me along." She looks over at Jay. "I hope your opinion of me has not been damaged."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"I'm sure he does care, he just didn't show it in the way you expected it. Progress doesn't happen without sacrifice, and the people there knew there was the possibility of violence."
He shook his head, offering a small smile. "If you hadn't seen this as a learning opportunity and stuck to your guns it might have, but you're good."
Klaire Henriette:
She takes a deep breath. "I know I'm from a richer family. I don't like my parents for many reasons, the biases I've inherited are one of them."
"There's a proverb, Japanese if I remember correctly, that I enjoy and have had to accept several times since meeting Ylva. Our first thought is what society conditions us to think, our second thought is who we are. I'm trying to get away from the first thought."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Right there with you. It took a while to unlearn some of the things I grew up with, and it still trips me up on occasion."
"Think I've heard that one before, and it's a good one to live by. Putting the effort in is always the important thing, in my opinion. If you're trying to improve and change things for the better rather than just sitting back and letting things happen, you're doing good."
Klaire Henriette:
She nods slowly, going quiet while petting Rook.
"Should I go back to the Free Council? A large part of me still feels I am not a good fit."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"That is up to you, ultimately. If you think one of the other orders would be a better fit I'd say go that route."
Klaire Henriette:
She sighs, a lot of sighs today, and looks down at Rook. "No. I do not want to be part of the Free Council. I am just not sure where I want to be, and so I am struggling to justify those feelings."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"We can help you figure that out." He scooted over enough on the couch to slide an arm around her shoulder, giving her a light hug. "Finding something that you click with is important."
Klaire Henriette:
She lets him hug her but doesn't hug back, not mad but just sorta of...not emotionally available.
"I'd like that. I have vague ideas but want to know more first."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"That can be arranged." He rubbed her arm briefly before moving his back, looking her over with a small smile. "Anything I can do to help you right now?"
Klaire Henriette:
She frowns and thinks. "No, I really don't think so. Thank you for taking me home, and assisting in that. Please travel safe Jay."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"You're welcome, and will do. If you need anything give me a call."
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