|
Jeremiah Hamilton:
In the interest of talking shop somewhere that wasn't quite as open as Maddy's, Jeremiah had reached out to Klaire and met her at a nearby spot to take her to the arboretum, both to show her one of the centerpieces of Awakened life in the city and as a place to talk that wouldn't be as potentially stressful on the young psychic. The Ladder was dressed casually in dark jeans and a black t-shirt with the logo of a music house in Los Angeles, a pair of chunky black glasses rounding off the hipster-ish ensemble.
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire was dressed warmly, jeans and a thicker sweater. Patiently sitting nearby was Rook, in his service vest. He was entertained with a puzzle ball with treats inside and was entirely there in case Klaire needed him.
She was focused and ready to learn, but seemed amazed by the gardens, never having seen it before.
Tommy Shanks:
Tommy smiled as he wandered into the Arboretum with a grin. Even though it was approaching freezing tonight, he wore a simple white tee with black jeans and a belt with large steel rings for the latches all around it.
The mage dropped all of their spells and the like as they entered the area. From his satchel, he pulled out a familiar black leather journal with gold fillagree and symbols, and that gold and steel pen. His gaze swept to see whom was on duty, and in the process, noticed the newly named Psyche, and Jay. He waved towards the pair... until he saw Rook. Then he started moving swiftly towards the dog, until the vest was noticed and then a sigh and he did his best to be professional in his approach.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Impressive, isn't it?" Jeremiah said with a smile, looking over the collection of gathered flora. "They've put a lot of work into this place over the years, along with tending to the tree itself."
Spotting Tommy's start-and-stop bee line towards them he smirked, giving the other mage a nod. "Evening."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire nods quietly, still distracted by the garden itself. As Tommy approached her service dog she almost moved in that direction to stop him, but stopped when he did.
"It really is. Its pretty peaceful. I have a small garden back home but I can't imagine having to take care of this many."
As Tommy gets closer she waves. "Phyche, nice to meet you."
Tommy Shanks:
"Nice to see you both again, for the second evening in a row, especially welcome to you, Psyche."
The journal was opened to a pre-marked page and he made simple notes about the Tree, even though it was nearly identical to his previous notes on the subject.
Truth be told, they were used to taking detailed notes on subjects that they couldn't touch or approach because of his Job.
And then a grin at Klaire, "Oh. Sorry. It's Bones. Different face, I guess. Maybe you could see the 'family resemblance' of a sorts."
A sidelong glance at the Mastigos, "I didn't catch your official name last night, unless it is Jay."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
The 'second time' earned a quick quirk of an eyebrow until the shadow name was given, followed by a smile. "No worries. I go by Sirius here."
Klaire Henriette:
There was a subtle "oh" at the identity of the Mage.
"Oh um, sorry Bones. I hadn't realized...what pronouns should I use?"
Klaire nods to Sirius, committing the names to memory.
Tommy Shanks:
"Based on appearance, typically, friend. Thanks for asking. I am fluid, and with magic, I take the shape I'm feeling the most. Sorry for the confusions," he held up the journal, "You can usually see these or what not to know its me."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"No need to apologize." Jeremiah replied, glancing at the journal to commit the appearance to memory for the future. "What brings you to the arboretum?"
Klaire Henriette:
"I can do that. They are nice journals."
Klaire waits patiently while the Mages talk, keeping a half eye on Rook in the meantime.
Tommy Shanks:
"Oh. Well, being new to town, I keep a rotation between the various gathering spots, in case someone wishes for my help, per the Hierophant's announcement of my presence. And Maddy's to meet any of the Lost or others who might be experiencing the Dreams or other troubles... And Kla--Psyche, it's taking all I have not to snuggle your furball. I see the vest. I respect the vest, but CUUTE," but then he took a step back, "Oh, I'm interrupting. "
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Not a bad idea, honestly. It's a good way to meet people, beyond handling business." He nodded, smiling a touch. "I don't mind you listening in if Psyche's alright with it."
Klaire Henriette:
"There may be times I bring him without the vest. He is typically very playful without it. Right now I would advise against it." She glances towards the pup who triumphantly has a milkbone treat pulled out of the puzzle ball. "Rook is a former SAR dog so is very aware of emotions when he has the vest on. But he is free spirited when off the job, and I am certain would enjoy your presence then."
She nods to Sirius. "I wouldn't be against Bones listening in. I apologize again for what happened at the diner."
Tommy Shanks:
"I would love to talk to him sometime," he mused, but then nodded to the pair, "Is it about the ability of the Awakened to use telepathy at will? I know a little about that, but no where near the level of mastery of a Mastigos."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"That and learning more about what Psyche can do herself." He motioned to a nearby bench for the trio to sit at, letting Klaire get settled first before claiming a seat for himself. "I've worked with a few psychics in my time and I've noticed that everyone has their own particular toolkit to call on."
Klaire Henriette:
"He is usually pretty energetic. I don't have a link with him at the moment but I can help you talk to him later if you want."
She nods and takes a seat, motioning to Rook who trots over and lays behind the bench. "Most of what I know stems from my telepathy itself, just slightly different ways to utilize it. But I am curious about your form of telepathy too."
Tommy Shanks:
He settles in near the trio, sitting on the ground and looking up at the grouping. Listening to one of a different Path speak about their Arcanum was always interesting.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Being more musically inclined I tend to view it as allowing my thoughts to harmonize with someone else's, allowing them to be exchanged freely. With extra effort I can throttle them in different ways, keeping stray thoughts from slipping through or allowing for all parties to send and receive."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire nods in recognition. "I guess mine are...similar? Harmonize isn't the word I would use, often others aren't aware I am prying. With those willing I can make a sort of link that we can communicate through, but not individually. It is either talking to me or in an almost...shared space?"
Tommy Shanks:
"Ooo. I really like that, Sirius. I tend to think of it, when I link minds, as just a literal conversation. I tend to picture a small coffeee shop or something and everyone that is in the spell is sitting at the table together..."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Not a bad way to look at it." He nodded to Tommy, then looked back to Klaire. "I can create a network with our version of it as well, although the neural 'noise' of everyone's thoughts flowing at once can take some getting used to."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire looks to Bones, an amused look, before back to Sirius. "Mine doesn't have the 'noise', your thoughts are your own unless you want to share. When I do it to one person however, I can still hear their noise."
She gestures to the two Mages. "May I?"
Tommy Shanks:
He turned to judge the distance between them and the Tree, and then back to the trio, "Sure. I'm all good with it. Unless you want to experience the magical side of it. Or we start with your method, and go to one of ours...." he paused, realizing he was starting to ramble again.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Jeremiah gave Tommy a reassuring look before nodding to Klaire. "Go right ahead."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire nods and focuses for a moment, first staring at Sirius and then Bones. Once that is done she looks neutral, her mouth doesn't move, but her voice sounds as clear as day.
<Can you hear me? If so, just...project your thoughts as if you were going to say something in your head.>
Tommy Shanks:
<Si, mi amiga. I am here,> a knowing look and nod.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Jeremiah couldn't help but smile as the connection took hold, looking a little giddy almost. <Coming through loud and clear.>
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire smiles at the excited look.
<The 'noise' isn't a problem, and if you don't project these thoughts, we cannot hear them. Let me know when you want me to stop this.>
Tommy Shanks:
<This is similar but different to when I stumbled upon telepathy myself,> he pulled up the sight of Prime and Mind to give study to the connections.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
<Very interesting...I'd have to set up a filter for that when casting it myself.> He sat back a bit in his seat, cueing up the Mind sight himself to better view the connections between them. <You said you've been able to do this for about a decade and a half at this point? How did it develop?>
Klaire Henriette:
She watches the Mages, silently wondering how her own abilities compare to theirs.
Klaire's hand goes towards the side of the bench and Rook is there, snuffling her hand gently.
<Over time it got stronger, when focusing I found I could pry past the frontmost thoughts. It took time to learn to control it, but therapy in college helped me sort my own mind.>
Tommy Shanks:
He frowned, thinking about their own difficulties in High School and the Universities, without the voices of others inner thoughts... he projected, or tried to with the link, warmth and comfort.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Similar feelings of understanding and empathy came from the Mastigos as he offered a nod.
<Good to hear. What sort of things can you do with it at the moment?>
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire either doesn't feel the emotions or doesn't react to them.
Klaire scritches Rook's ear gently. <For links like this, I can help direct so that each person is in unison, and that the entire group can help concentrate on something. Usually just Rook and I have done that so I'm not sure how far it goes.>
She speaks out loud for the final part. "Thats largely it for the telepathy itself. The rest I have developed after high school but I should likely drop the link to focus on."
Tommy Shanks:
When the feelings didn't go through, he spoke the words,
And then he just listened.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Jeremiah nodded along as Klaire explained, looking genuinely intrigued throughout. When she mentioned dropping the link he made an 'after you' gesture, smiling a touch. "I'm impressed that you made that much progress largely by yourself. Can't imagine it was easy."
Tommy Shanks:
"It is indeed impressive. It is spectacular amount of capabilities. The effects you describe are all over the maps of what a mage could do, but probably more hyper focused than what Awakened could do, and no paradox."
Klaire Henriette:
After a moment they felt the link pull back from their own minds, and through mage sight see the threads disappear. She starts to look confused.
"This has taken me the better part of a decade to learn. The pros of seeing others thoughts is...it gives other perspectives and helps you branch out. What do you mean...more hyper focused and branched out? Thats just one, albeit my most used ability of mine. The rest feel...different, less so affecting other's minds and more my own."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Those of us who study the magic of the Mind can do quite a bit of what you've described but at varying levels of mastery, so having all of that as one kit to call upon is...interesting. It's a different path than we take with it."
"What other sort of abilities do you have?"
Tommy Shanks:
He was about to go into professor mode, but instead, Jay solved it more succinctly than he would have.
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire nods, trying to not get too overzealous.
"It largely started with just the mind reading and branched out from there. I wouldn't be surprised if there is a lot of things you consider basic that I can't do."
Klaire's hand continues scritching at Rook, who is there to make sure she isn't too anxious.
"I can read emotions on objects, but that one I don't find I use too often outside cases. I can focus on a mind or a place and see it, although I need a bowl of water and some salt for that. I can't do that here. And finally I can teleport myself, others, or objects, although they get a bit...banged up in the process. I can take injuries from other people but that one in particular is exhausting and I try to not do it too much."
Tommy Shanks:
"Innate use of Mind, Space, and life," he murmured.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Jeremiah nodded along as the laundry list of abilities was rattled off, a bright smile on his face by the end of it. "Very impressive. What do you mean by 'banged up', out of curiosity?"
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire's eyes flick to the professor at putting her abilities in their terms, filing that away for later.
"Friction gives heat, right? I'm moving something instantly and so it hits every atom in the way to travel that fast. Its not too much over short distances but it can build up quickly if I'm not careful. I can be more precise over a short distance or a bit less precise and go significantly father."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Ah hah...that's interesting. When it comes to teleportation on our end we literally ignore the space in between, with the understanding that distance is a lie. The portal at Maddy's is a prime example of that, taking folks who walk through it from that alleyway in the city up to the diner itself in a blink."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire nods, attentive. "Fox has mentioned something similar. I know my way isn't perfect but...it works. I wouldn't be against doing it in a way that doesn't feel like a rug burn."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"I'd have to look into it, but we might be able to rig up something that'll help release that heat without it affecting you. Controlling forces of energy like that is something else we can do, and I've studied it a good bit myself."
Klaire Henriette:
"I will admit the heat has its own uses. I found I could boil water with it and.. well that made tea or soup significantly faster I will admit." She gives a sheepish smile.
"If that is something you're willing to help with though, I won’t say no. Currently I can make it about....10 or so miles without the pain getting too bad. I usually stick to the inside of 8 just in case."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"That is pretty handy, isn't it." He replied with a chuckle. "I've saved many a cup of tea while getting lost in a composition by keeping the cup warm even if I'm not paying attention to it."
"Probably a good call. I'll see what I can do."
Tommy Shanks:
He nodded along at Sirius' descriptions of Awakened magic. "As for controlling the heat, I could definitely look into the friction side of things... It's innate to who I am. I only have basic concepts of the sympathetic ties that are required to bind locations for that sort of thing, but maybe if SIrius and I work together, we could come up with something.
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire, no...Psyche, nods with a smile.
"Thank you both. I'd really appreciate that if you can manage it. If I can do anything in return just let me know, please."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Very welcome." He said with a smile. "And will do."
Tommy Shanks:
His own smile returned, "Of course. I am happy to help teach what I can and do what I can to help. Also, did you want to see what its like to have one of us do the telepathic bonds?"
Klaire Henriette:
At that, Psyche looks a bit more nervous. "Sure. Just...yes."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Jeremiah nodded, looking towards Tommy. "You want to do the honors or shall I?"
Tommy Shanks:
"If you don't mind, I'd love to see a Master do it, just for my own growth as well."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
With that Jeremiah nodded, pulling the thin black cord tucked under his shirt to reveal a pendant in the form of a brass serpent coiled up on itself. He rubbed the back of the pendant with his thumb as he spoke quietly in High Speech, the sound of it odd on Klaire's ears like it meant something but she couldn't quite pin down what. As the spell unfurled the pair could feel the connection form, mental threads weaving together until they formed a cohesive whole that they could project across at their leisure.
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire watches the Mage with interest, a few confused blinks at the High Speech but goes along with it nonetheless.
There was a slight flinch when the mental connection formed, not used to such a thing on herself as opposed to others.
Tommy Shanks:
He studied the workings from the High Speech, the tool, and the rest of the connections forming between the trio. A humming sound of excitement escaped his throat. And then the connection was formed and he bounced in his seated position.
<Hello again!>
The increased empathic connection and understanding with the thoughts was quite exciting for the mage.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Seeing that flinch Jeremiah paused, looking Klaire over with a note of concern clear in both his tone and in the weave of his thoughts. "You alright?"
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire takes a moment and nods, replying within the telepathy. A fair bit of worry seeps through the connection. But besides that just about nothing comes through.
<It's...different is all. I'm not used to others interacting with...my mind is all. And this is a bit more...how do I word it. Open of a connection?>
Tommy Shanks:
<Yes. It can certainly take some getting used to. Also, Jay, very smooth casting. It was a wonder to see it all form.>
Jeremiah Hamilton:
<Thanks.> He smirked a touch at the compliment, still watching Klaire. <It is, but nothing with come through from your end unless you want it to.>
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire nods, hand reaching once more towards Rook who has forgotten his puzzle ball to lay his head in her lap.
<Thank you. I'll be honest I don't like this as much. Its...different is all.>
Tommy Shanks:
His eyes flicker between the pair, before focusing more on Klaire,
Jeremiah Hamilton:
<Which is understandable. Sanctity of the mind is a precious thing, and something I hold dear to.>
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire's hand is a bit tighter around Rook. The bestest boi does his job and gently licks Klaire's hand to keep her grounded.
Tommy Shanks:
<Consent is always important, in all things, especially in such an intimate disruption of privacy. Its why I made sure to learn the Mental Shield rote of my order,> he agreed with Jay.
And then to Klaire, <Very much similar to a lot of ways I've seen people react to the various ways we connect.>
Jeremiah Hamilton:
The spell unraveled after Tommy's last comment, leaving the trio back in their own heads. Jeremiah smiled quietly, offering Klaire a hand to take if she needed an extra anchor along with Rook's good work. "I know being on the other side of it can be rough. You good?"
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire looks more relived when the connection fades, but sticks close to Rook. She doesn't acknowledge the hand.
"I think I'm done for today. Thank you for showing me this, Sirius."
Tommy Shanks:
"We are here if you need help thinking through things."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
He pulled his hand back with a nod, not seeming to mind that she left it be. "You're welcome, and thank you for showing me what you can do as well. Let's get you home, yeah?"
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire nods.
"Of course, thank you for letting me talk about it. I think I'd rather just be home than talk."
|