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Klaire Henriette:
Psyche had gotten up early to clean. Why? Because she was anxious and this got her mind off the anxiety, and she hid all the boxes. Then she took Rook on a walk, a LONG walk. Then she showered, and got dressed nicely, reminding herself to take deep breaths, and started cooking. Pasta, veggies, homemade garlic bread. If it wasn't all eaten, it could be her lunches for the whole rest of the week. She liked cooking, and again, it kept her mind off of the anxiety.
Near the time they'd agreed for Sirius to come over, she takes a deep breath, and speaks aloud to the air, "I will allow it." And then she blinks and looks at Rook, who's head tilts. "That makes me feel silly. But its what they said to do...don't look at me like I'm crazy or I'll look at you like I'm crazy."
She smiles and kneels down, petting the pup. Pup is good for the anxiety. And the house felt...empty which did not help the anxiety either...but pup!
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Jeremiah arrived in a timely manner, dressed casually as befitting the setting of this particular meeting. While it was primarily business he had no intention of making Klaire feel uncomfortable, and as he knocked on the door the hope that all of this could be dealt with smoothly once again rose in his mind.
Klaire Henriette:
It takes her a few seconds to get to the door, opening it, Rook behind her, and a nod.
"Hello Claviger Sirius. You are welcome into my home as long as you follow all Tenents of the Lex Magica."
She sighs as she steps back to let him in.
"Unless I need to word that differently..."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"That should suffice. Thank you for offering your Hospitality, Deputy Psyche." He stepped inside, waiting for her to close the door before holding out an arm for her to come in for a hug if she wished. "How are you doing?"
Klaire Henriette:
She closed the door, pausing at the offer, but accepting the hug.
"Um...is that going to be part of the interview?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
He kept the hug brief, sensing her caution. "It won't be, no. Checking in on a friend first before we handle the business part."
Klaire Henriette:
She lets out a sigh of relief, a little sad at the brief hug.
"Its...alright. I...will be moving in with Astrid, Jenny, and Ylva soon. So thats good. I'll admit I'm...dreading this talk, even though I shouldn't be."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Nice. Hope that works out well for you all. " He nodded, giving her a reassuring smile. "That's understandable. You're gonna be fine, though."
Klaire Henriette:
She nods, centering herself.
"Would you like some tea to start off with? Things will take a little bit longer to cook."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Sounds good to me." He made an 'after you' motion, following after her when she moved.
Klaire Henriette:
She leads him to the kitchen, checking the food and making tea, parsing out whatever he wants to add to it.
"So...where do we start?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Just sugar is fine, thanks." He said as he claimed a seat. "I'd like to hear about the meeting from your perspective, starting from when you received the request to meet from Master Kaminari."
Klaire Henriette:
She grabs sugar and milk for herself, and works on the food.
"I saw her report and reached out to meet for more information as Deputy, and she accepted. I offered my office but she declined, and offered her home, and wanting her to feel comfortable I accepted. I drove out to a nearby walmart, 4 or so miles from her home, and parked near the outside of the lot, away from prying eyes, and teleported to a nearby alleyway from her home. All of that was an attempt to not accidentally lead anyone to her home."
She pulls the garlic bread out of the oven. Ace people are garlic bread enthusiasts, so you know its gotta be good.
"Any questions so far?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Not yet." He eyed the garlic bread as she pulled it out. "Go on."
Klaire Henriette:
She takes a slow breath.
"As normal with my apporation, my skin was still a bit raw. She offered me things to drink, I asked for water and she provided. By this point we had closed the door so no one outside could hear."
She pauses from cooking to take a sip of her tea.
"After that, the conversation went downhill. I know opinions shouldn't matter much, but it just felt, and still feels like we have different forms of communication, and that's what caused our problems.."
A wave because it wasn't important.
"I tried to press for any information that may have been missed, opinions, things she wasn't sure on so didn't include...those things can prove invaluable if more evidence shows up to support it, but people don't often include it. She took it as if I were accusing her of withholding information. I should have backed off and tried to restart the conversation, but I was still fresturated from the trip and let that get to me as the conversation went on. At this point, it seemed the only thing she had to offer was that she wanted to be a part of the investigation, which I feel like could have just been an encoded message, as she did for her report."
She nods, taking a slow breath and stirring the pasta.
"And then we decided the talk wasn't worth continuing, I confirmed that we would contact her when we were ready to investigate, and I left."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Jeremiah nodded quietly as she spoke, taking a sip of his tea here and there. "It was stated that she felt you implied that she didn't care about potentially saving lives. Can you recall anything you said that might have given her that impression? Also, did you leave from inside the house or from somewhere else?"
Klaire Henriette:
She frowns.
"Looking back I can see how it was taken in that way. She called me all the way out there because she wanted to make a more personal impression. I responded that I didn't care as much about the personal impression, I more so cared about getting things done so we could save lives. I'd intended to show that I wanted to get things done, she took it as me implying she didn't care about lives, which was not my intention."
She blinks a few times, surprised by the last question.
"From...inside the house, I believe. She opened the door to show me out, and to not apporate in front of Sleepers, I did it from her living room." A pause, a bit of anxiety building. "Should I not have because it was in her Sanctum? Or did someone see me from outside?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"No, you made the right call doing it indoors. Better safe than sorry in that case."
"What happened after you left?"
Klaire Henriette:
She lets out a sigh of relief.
"For myself or her?"
"Or overall?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"For you in particular. Did you reach out to anyone other than myself about what happened?"
Klaire Henriette:
"I teleported back into my car, applied some Aloe, decided to get a tea for the trip at the Walmart, and drove the 20 minutes home."
A look towards her phone before she turns off the pasta, and grabs a strainer.
"I texted Ylva I was on the way home, we are both anxious people and it helps. I wasn't intending to tell Bones until a report later of what I'd found, but they reached out to me. Have you seen those texts yet?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"I haven't, no. Going to be talking with them next."
Klaire Henriette:
"Would you like to read them while I finish food then?"
She grabs her phone, going to the text app.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Thanks." He took the phone when it was offered, taking his time looking over the messages.
Once finished he handed the phone back. "Might ask for copies of those later if you don't mind."
"The mention of them having a photo of Master Kaminari's place caught my interest. What were your thoughts on that?"
Klaire Henriette:
Psyche was nervous as she was finishing making food, dropping the pot at one point but was luckily able to catch it. By the time he finished reading, she put the food on the table.
"Certainly, I can send them whenever you need."
She paused, relooking at her phone.
"I believe...she has a picture of me, as it was my timeline? But I realize I have never asked. I wasn't aware until later that they had..." she pauses, taking a breath in a way that went 'ugh, allos' "relations....until later."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
He looked ready to dive for the pot before she caught it, giving her a reassuring look. "You okay? We can take a break if you need it."
"Ah...will check with them on that to confirm." He nodded quietly. "I hadn't been aware of that either until reading Master Kaminari's report."
"Just to confirm, you did no additional scrying yourself of Master Kaminari's home after leaving?"
Klaire Henriette:
"Im fine, I assure you. Just moving a bit too quickly."
A nod.
"I found out after Master Bones was dismissed from Sentinel, so it did not affect this particular talk."
She shakes her head.
"No, that takes me quite a bit of time and energy, and I had no use doing so. I was fine with letting it drop in all honesty, up until the point she recommended I be removed from my position as Deputy. I think, frankly, her calling me 'Deputy Klaire' rather than 'Deputy Psyche' was the part that fresturated me the most."
She sits, speaking a bit quickly.
"But as I stated in my confession, I asked Bones to look back on my timeline. They didn't know I was at Master Kaminari's Sanctum when I asked them to cast that spell, and I should have known her home was a Sanctum, and should have been respected. All of that was my fault, Sirius- Claviger, Claviger Serius. Not Master Bones's."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Jeremiah nodded, holding out a hand for Klaire to take if she wished. "Why do you feel like you 'should have' known? Did she say anything on that front to imply it?"
Klaire Henriette:
She doesn't take it.
"No, but it is a Mage's home. It's not a far leap to imagine its a special place for them, that they wish to protect. I was...just too worried to think about that in the moment."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
He left his hand there, meeting her gaze with reassurance in his features. "Wishing to protect it and having it known as a recognized Sanctum are two separate things, and something currently being discussed thanks to this incident."
"You may have made the request for the spell to be cast, but the blame for what happened afterwards is not on you. This isn't a sword you can throw yourself on, as honorable a gesture as that may be."
Klaire Henriette:
She looks like a student, called in for detention.
"I don't know if I know enough for that discussion. I was not aware it was a Sanctum though."
There's a solid few seconds of pause, gears turning behind those eyes.
"But why not? It seems like it should be on me."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"They were the one to cast the magic, not you. They chose to involve themselves in it, and depending on what they knew at the time that will determine the results of the investigation."
Klaire Henriette:
She takes a slow sigh.
"So basically...nothing I say will help their case."
A slow nod.
"Any other details you need from me?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"You've cleared up some things that weren't in the initial report from Master Kaminari, so you have helped. Talking with Bones should cover the rest."
"I think that should be good. Thank you for the information." He nodded, then held an arm out for a hug. "Bring it in. You look like you need it."
Klaire Henriette:
She lets out a deep sigh of relief that it was over, hugging him. She was shaking slightly and Rook was right over to help by rubbing up against her leg and snuffling at her. Do you know how HARD it is to be sad with a super happy fluff right there?
"Thank you, I do. I hope this gets cleared up soon. I really do. I miss being able to talk with you freely."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Jeremiah gave a good solid hug, rubbing her shoulder gently as he felt the shaking. "You're welcome, and same here. I should hopefully be able to sit down with Bones soon and then I can pass everything over to Constantine."
Klaire Henriette:
She takes a few breaths to center herself. Depending on Jay's experiences, he may recognize them as meditation techniques.
"Thats good. I'm glad that should be all it takes."
She pauses, considering.
"If I may ask a question not related to the interview."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Ask away."
Klaire Henriette:
A sigh, nervous, but trying to listen to some Acanthus's advice. Dang it Kenzie.
"Do you think it was the wrong decision for me to join the Ladder?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Cue a curious arch of the eyebrow at that particular question. "I don't, personally, although that choice is ultimately up to you. What's making you question it?"
Klaire Henriette:
She shrugs, looking genuinely unsure.
"I feel like...I know near nothing about the Order itself. Other's have made judgments, I feel many disapprove of my choice, and I've tried to push those opinions off but its hard."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
He nodded, frowning slightly. "We can definitely fix that. Sorry to hear you've had a rough time on that front."
Klaire Henriette:
She takes a deep breath, and lets it out.
"When all of this is over, I would like to learn more of the ins and outs of the Ladders, if you are willing to take that time, Sirius."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Of course." He gave a firm nod. "If this hadn't come up we would have started covering that already."
Klaire Henriette:
She nods.
"There are not many other Ladders I know, mostly the Deacon, if you count one talk to be knowing them. So I feel like I know...next to nothing."
A sigh.
"The timing was rather poor, I'm sorry."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"We are a little thin on the ground here in comparison to some of the other orders, but that's to be expected with the Martyr's Tree being as important as it is to the city at large." He gave her a quiet look at the apology, smiling warmly. "No need to apologize; you're not at fault here."
Klaire Henriette:
She nods.
"Most of the Awakened I meet tend to be Liberines or Children of the Tree. It does make quite a lot of sense."
She averts her eyes downward at the warm smile.
"I'm not sure you can say that, currently assisting in the investigation where I am possibly at fault. But I appreciate the gesture."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Best I can do in the moment. Overall, though, I do think you'll come out of this in one piece."
Klaire Henriette:
She takes a breath, grabbing plates.
"I'll try my best. I've already shattered I think...now I'm just trying to piece them back together in a way I like better than before."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"That's always the interesting part, isn't it." He replied with a small, knowing smile. "Figuring out what pieces you want where and how to apply the gold to keep everything together."
Klaire Henriette:
"Kintsugi."
A nod.
"I've... started figuring out some of the pieces, it's just hard. Ylva and Kenzie have both been great helps."
"Oh, parmesean."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"I finally met Kenzie recently. Got into a bit of an impromptu duet and dance off, was pretty fun." He chuckled, nodding. "If I can help in any way too, let me know."
"I can grab it. In the fridge, I'm guessing?"
Klaire Henriette:
"That sounds...very Kenzie in all honesty."
She nods.
"When this is over...I'd like some help."
A nod.
"On the door I believe."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Of course. Always happy to help others find their next step on the path, friends doubly so." He hopped up from the table and went to the fridge, retrieving the parmesan and returning to the table in short order. "This looks excellent, by the way."
Klaire Henriette:She takes a deep breath.
"You are a great friend, Jay."
A nod, and a smile.
"I quite enjoy cooking. Have you had my spiel of every talk should be over food?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"I do my best, and I would say the same for you as well." He replied with a smile. "No, but I'm inclined to agree."
Klaire Henriette:
She chuckles.
"I know I gave it to Tommy. If a meeting goes well, then you're also fed, all around great. If it goes poorly...well at least there was food. It hasn't failed me yet."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Good way to look at it. Then again I'm always down for a good meal." He chuckled. "Part of why I ride my bike as much as I do."
Klaire Henriette:
Another chuckle.
"If there is one thing I have taken from my mother, its that I will cook whenever someone comes over. Its ingrained into me at this point."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Not a bad thing, that. I do like to cook as well, although I'm not spectacular at it without cheating. Still have fun with it, though."
Klaire Henriette:
"Pasta is my go to. It's hard to fuck up pasta. Sauce, yes, but I like my sauces, but pasta...all you need to do is salt and boil it."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"You can, but it takes some work. Overcooked pasta is a bowl of sadness, plain and simple."
Klaire Henriette:
She grimaces.
"Indeed, I'm good enough at it to not."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"I've managed to avoid it for the most part, although I had a roommate in college that only ate it like that. Still don't know how he stomached it."
Klaire Henriette:
She makes a face like she's wounded.
"How? Just...how?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"I don't know." He shook his head, suppressing a shudder. "He was also one of those 'mustard is too spicy' types, if that says anything."
Klaire Henriette:
She takes a second of disbelief.
"I'm scared to know where they are now. My roommate throughout college was luckily quite nice. We were both quiet, and got along well enough we spent all 4 years together."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Not sure, admittedly, but I hope it's nowhere near a kitchen. We got along well other than that, thankfully."
Klaire Henriette:
"Thats good. I do also hope its...not a kitchen."
A nod, eating slowly.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Jeremiah took a few bites of his own meal, nodding with approval. "'s very good."
Klaire Henriette:
A smile.
"I'm glad, like I said, at least the food is good, even for a rough meeting. Thank you for making this easy."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"You're welcome." He said with a small smile. "It's your first time dealing with something like this, so I wanted to make sure you were as comfortable as possible."
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