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Jeremiah Hamilton:
Once Klaire arrived at the cafe for her requested meetup Jeremiah led her to the studio space upstairs, motioning for her to take a seat where she liked as he claimed his usual perch on the piano bench. "So, what's up?"
Klaire Henriette:
Something to note about Klaire was that she looked tired, but despite that she was a bit light on her feet. Not quite so much of a grump as usual. A small smile painted her face as she entered the cafe.
"A few things, it has been an...eventful few days. Regarding the text, have you met a Guardian named Thespis yet?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
The tiredness was noted, a faint look of concern on his face as he nodded. "I have, yeah. Knew him back in Los Angeles, in fact."
Klaire Henriette:
She notes the concern and waves a dismissive hand at it. "What are your thoughts on him?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"We didn't interact too much back then, I'll admit. Got a general...Guardian-y vibe from him, nothing too notable. Guessing you two butted heads on their take on things, yeah?"
Klaire Henriette:
"A fair bit, yes. He was curious of my perspectives and why the Silver Ladder spoke to me. Kenzie was there to point him at that particular thread of information." A pause. "I see the Silver Ladder as almost a way to...bring up those around me, like you have. He had a more...cautious approach, where it was almost as if he had to weed out who was allowed to learn magic so that it didn't have the chance to make the wrong people stronger. It was not an approach I enjoyed in all honesty. I tried to point out to him that, well...why not just teach people to be worthy of the magic instead of never giving them the chance? He eventually stormed off."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Sounds about right. The Guardians in general are very...particular about who they feel should have access to Supernal magic, and on one level I do agree that there are some people who would abuse that power if it was handed to them. But, like you said, helping people to rise up to their potential is part of what we do."
Klaire Henriette:
"Right. He seemed to eventually grasp that we didn't share the same views. He did stop by my office to repay me for paying for his meal, and we talked a bit more...as I worked." There's clearly a story there but she's trying to stay on topic. "I thanked him for helping me define my own views. Funny how conflict can do that, isn't it."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Cue a curious arch of the eyebrow at that little pause, but he nodded as she continued. "Mmhmm. Glad you were able to talk it out, too."
"So..." he added with a small smirk, "what happened while you were working?"
Klaire Henriette:
She gave a slightly proud smirk, wiping it away. "I had a case that came in right before he stopped by. Missing son downtown. Fairly easy case luckily. Thespis...got to experience my variety of abilities."
The cocky smile returns, and she tries to hide it. "He tried to make his own skills useful, but wasn't largely suited to the task. This is why we all have our specialties after all."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Very true indeed." He grinned, a little sparkle of mischief in his eye. "How'd he take it, out of curiosity?"
Klaire Henriette:
"He elected to brag about how he was proficient in Mind and Space...and yet I could teleport us there and he couldn't." The mischief was returned. She was evidently quite proud that she showed someone up.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Interesting, since I know we're on a similar path. Surprised he hadn't pursued that to Disciple level yet." He said with a chuckle. "Good on ya, though."
Klaire Henriette:
"I know he had Mastery of Mind. Besides that I'm not entirely sure. It's still something I'm learning through being around the Mages."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"I'll have to ask him next time I run into him." He nodded. "Have you gotten the run-down on the mastery levels and whatnot yet?"
Klaire Henriette:
"No, I haven't. I know there are quite a lot of Masters here, and I have heard a few words like Disciple and Adept thrown around, but it is all just terms to me, nothing I understand."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"There are five primary levels of mastery for each Arcanum: Initiate, Apprentice, Disciple, Adept and Master. Each level encompasses a set of what we call Practices, which is basically what you can do with that level of mastery. When it comes to being extra formal we'll introduce ourselves with a full title that lists our degrees of mastery so others know what capabilities we have access to."
Klaire Henriette:
"I think I have heard all of those before. Not the Practices however. That's not something I think I have mental energy for in the moment." A pause while she thinks. "So the full title is so that others are aware of your strengths, and what they can come to you for if they need help? Does that summarize it well?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Pretty much, yep. Some may choose to keep their full potential to themselves for whatever reason, but more often than not the consilium is advised of an increase in a degree of mastery."
Klaire Henriette:
"I see. I'll keep that in mind. Thank you." A look around the space. "In happier news, Ylva worked up the courage to talk to her wife and other partner. It was rough, but I think they are going to be alright. It will take time of course, and she feels guilty needing to lie to them."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Oh, good." He nodded with a smile. "I can imagine. It's a tough thing to keep from those you love, but sometimes it's unfortunately necessary."
Klaire Henriette:
She sighs and nods. "I am glad she at least has me. That is slightly selfish of me, but I worry for her greatly." A frown. "I have always been a worrier I suppose."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Maybe a little, but that's not always a bad thing. Knowing that you can be there for those you love when others can't is a good feeling."
Klaire Henriette:
"Indeed. I...am still angry. About everything that happened to her. And it hurts more to know I can't do anything about it." She shakes her head. "Enough of me being self depreciating. How are you and Polly doing? I realized I haven't actually met her."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Feel you there. The best way to work through that anger is to be there for her going forward, as I see it."
"No worries, it's good to let that out sometimes." He smiled warmly at the mention of his other half. "She's doing well, and we will definitely have to fix that."
Klaire Henriette:
"I do need to keep my emotions in check...I have found I lose a fair bit of control when upset."
A smile as he brightens. "I would love to meet her at some point. But I understand we are all busy. The rings are beautiful by the way." She gestures to his hand.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Thank you. She made them, actually." He looked down to the ring with a smile. "She used some jewelry I had on hand and used one of her own workings to do it. Was pretty impressive."
Klaire Henriette:
She smiles. "Awwww, that's adorable. I am glad you have something so personal for the rings. I admit, I have always enjoyed the romantic side of things more than anything else. I am glad you have someone so close to you."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Same, honestly. I'd been looking for something that would match her spark but hadn't had any luck, so this worked out better in the end." He spared the ring one more glance before looking to Klaire with a nod. "I am too. She means a lot to me, and having her in my life has been one of the best things to happen to me."
Klaire Henriette:
A broad smile, that fades a bit with tiredness. She nods.
"I hear that sentiment a lot within these circles. I am glad so many people are so close to their partners. It's refreshing to hear some days."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Right? I never got the whole 'ball and chain' crack that some people use talking about their partners. You should be with someone because they mean something to you and you to them." He shook his head, then looked Klaire over for a moment. "You in need of a bit of a pick-me-up, by the way? Can grab you something from downstairs or do a little mojo for it. Up to you."
Klaire Henriette:
She nods. "Exactly. I am glad I have Ylva. She is just... so caring, and understands that there are lines I don't need. Astrid and Jenny are just as nice but...she's the one I fell in love with. And...she did my tattoo which helps remind me of her whenever she can't be around which is nice."
A shake of her head with probably more emotion than needed. "No, I'm fine. Thank you."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Ah, nice. I've been itching to get a new piece done myself, I'll admit. Has she gone back to work on that front yet?"
He watched her for a long moment after that rather forceful head-shake, giving a nod when it passed. "Alright. If you're not in the future, though, don't feel like you have to fake it around me."
Klaire Henriette:
"She is trying. They want couples and addiction counseling. I have a number of places I send my clients, so referred them to the same places. I'd talk to her personally about that, she is a wonderful artist." An appreciation in her eyes.
There is a slight crack in her composure at that, a frown, but a head shake in return. "I'm just...not hungry is all. If you want something, feel free to go grab it."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Will do next time I see her." He nodded, seeing that crack as it formed. "I'm good, personally. More concerned about you at the moment if you're not hungry and also look like you haven't slept properly in a couple days."
Klaire Henriette:
She holds up a hand. "Can we talk about something else?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
He pursed his lips briefly, clearly debating saying something further, but eventually nodded. "Alright. I will ask that you take some time for yourself to recharge, though, as a friend who is concerned for you."
"How's the deputy-work under Bones going?"
Klaire Henriette:
She frowns. "I'll try. Thank you." The frown only deepens.
"Not wonderful. I feel as if I have broken their trust. I am...trying...to improve. They seem on edge around me and I can't blame them for it."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Oh? What happened there?"
Klaire Henriette:
A frown. "My behavior around the protest, and how I treated others. I... recognize now that it was not who I want to be, and I am sorry if I offended you then too."
A frown. "I was enough of an asshole that Fox of all people yelled at me."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
His eyebrows shot upward at that last little tidbit. "That...takes some doing, admittedly. But, like I said before, the fact that you're taking what happened as a learning opportunity is the important thing. You're taking the steps you need to improve yourself, and if people hold that against you that's on them."
Klaire Henriette:
A guilty grimace at that statement. "Indeed. I am trying, but...I also can't blame them. Or them having changed views of myself. I am hoping the deputy-work with Bones will...help me improve that image."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Here's hoping. For what it's worth you're still good in my book." He offered with a smile.
Klaire Henriette:
She smiles. "Thank you Jay, that means a lot to me." She looks away, clearly distracted.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"You're welcome." He replied, then eyed her for a moment before scooting over on the piano bench and holding an arm out for a hug if she so desired.
Klaire Henriette:
She hesitates, but nods, shifting over for a hug. "I'm...thank you."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"You're welcome." He gave her a gentle hug, looping an arm around her shoulders. "My door is always open if you're going through a rough patch."
Klaire Henriette:
She nods, not hugging back, taking a deep breath. "I feel nauseous...that's why I turned down food..."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
He nodded quietly, keeping his arm where it was unless she showed a want for him to move. "Mind if I look you over real quick?"
Klaire Henriette:
"I do... Im tired of people prodding at me with magic." She doesn't move, but lets the mask drop a bit, shoulders sagging.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Alright." He gave another nod, rubbing her shoulder lightly with the hand resting on her shoulder in a calming motion. "Who else has lately, if you want to say?"
Klaire Henriette:
Her eyes squint slightly, slowly working up the energy to shift his hand off her shoulder.
"Fox and Bones. Which both lead to...heated discussions that left me feeling awful. Rightfully so but...I'm quite tired of the trend."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
He moved his arm when she shifted his hand away, giving her a little space on the bench for good measure. "Gotcha. If you're not comfortable with it at the moment then I won't force it on you."
Klaire Henriette:
She nods to the space, thankful.
"I'm not. Thank you. And thank you for talking with me."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"You're welcome." He thought a moment, looking her over. "Did they ask before doing so, out of curiosity?"
Klaire Henriette:
A nod. "They did, yes. I'd have been rather pissed if they hadn't."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Good." He nodded. "And I wouldn't blame you. Sometimes needs must, but I prefer asking when I'm able to."
Klaire Henriette:
"I guess so. I have been more...cautious about my own abilities in my day to day life since I learned how invasive it feels."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Cautious is good, long as you don't swing too far in that direction. You have these gifts for a reason, and you've put them to good use since."
Klaire Henriette:
"I can't swing too far in the other direction. My abilities tend to...lash out if I am unfocused. That is why I am often connected to Rook when he is with me."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Makes sense." He nodded quietly. "Have you been having that happen a lot lately?"
Klaire Henriette:
"Its...not that straightforward. There are different triggers for different areas of my ability."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Gotcha. Anything that I could do to help with them, or is it just something you have to roll with until it passes?"
Klaire Henriette:
"Often something I need to roll with. I suppose the only one to worry about is...if I zone out after entering a strange place or touching something very clearly....important, feel free to shake me to get me back on track." Because that's a normal problem to hear.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Noted..." He nodded, the gears turning a bit. "Did you mention having some skill with psychometry before and I missed it, or is that something else under your belt?"
Klaire Henriette:
"It is another skill I possess, yes. We went over many of my powers when we first met, so I wouldn't be surprised if I missed it. Its often...harder to demonstrate."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"True, but a handy one to have. That's not a trick I have myself; more of a Time thing and I haven't dipped into that pool just yet."
Klaire Henriette:
"I would have expected Mind. I have found myself getting annoyed with Time recently, and that has often been my...most inconsistent trick. Useful when it pops up, but those moments are few and far between."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"It's looking into the past of an object or person, so it fits there better overall." His eyebrow arched a touch. "Annoyed with it how, out of curiosity?"
Klaire Henriette:
She shrugs. "Fair. I see what you mean." She weighs it in her head. "Ylva, the whole protest thing, I guess I am just annoyed in how little it makes sense to me, so how often its messed up my thought process."
A look at him. "An entirely theoretical question if you don't mind."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Ask away."
Klaire Henriette:
"After talking with Thespis, the discussion took an interesting turn." She looks at him. "If I ever Awaken, what do you suspect I may be?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"That...is an excellent question." He took a moment to think on it, looking her over. "With your current aptitudes Mastigos would be fitting, but the towers work in mysterious ways. Any of them could call to you, honestly."
Klaire Henriette:
She nods. "I see. Thank you."
A small frown and furrow of her brow. "Actually, that leads me to a second question."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Welcome." He nodded, making a 'after you' motion with his hand.
Klaire Henriette:
A pause. "Thespis and Kenzie talked about not chasing a 'second Atlantis'. I am vaguely aware from Bones what Atlantis is, but I am...not entirely sure why they were so against it. And they kept dodging the question which was quite annoying."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Don't think I know Kenzie off-hand but that's...huh." He shook his head. "Not too surprised to hear Thespis say that, though."
"Atlantis was as much an idea as it was a place, and getting back to the state of being of humanity as a whole where it can be possible again is the goal for some of us. Removing the shackles of the Lie and allowing people to reach their full potential is an important step in that process."
Klaire Henriette:
"She's an Acanthus of the Free Council. Rather...energetic."
Klaire nods along. "Then why are they so against it? I know he was worried it would likely just...fall again. But what stops us from just working towards a third Atlantis, or a Fourth, and so on until we get it right?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
That caught him off-guard, eyebrows shooting towards his hairline. "She's a Libertine and she said that?"
He let out a low whistle, shaking his head but still listening as she continued. "Some see how it fell as a reason to not to try again, which is understandable on some level; the repercussions of that are still felt today, with the Abyss and the creation of the Lie. We on the other hand see it as a task worth pursuing, as if we succeed the benefits far outweigh any possible costs."
Klaire Henriette:
"Indeed. Although she does give me the impression of only half paying attention a third of the time. And is...quite forward in more ways than one."
She nods. "That...is a perspective I enjoy more as well. I struggle to see why they don't wish to at least try. To work towards it. That's why it confuses me that they haven't given me a straight answer."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Huh. Will have to run into her at some point and see for myself."
"They may not have had one to give, honestly. Some folks have marked that off as an impossibility, or at the very least a bad idea to try for, and don't put much more thought into it than that."
Klaire Henriette:
"She is...an experience, but not a bad one."
She nods. "That's...I can see why they might see it that way then. How do you see it?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"I think it's something worth striving for, personally. The world as we know it isn't how it should be, and if we have the power to change that then we should try to."
Klaire Henriette:
She nods. "I like that view. Thank you for sharing."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"You're welcome." He nodded with a small smile. "Having conversations like that is a good thing, in my book. It helps to make sure you're not just parroting talking points and actually mean what you say, and if something comes up that changes your view for the better then so be it."
Klaire Henriette:
She nods. "Agreed. They are quite useful. And evolving your perspectives is important too."
"Like... these talks too. They've helped make me feel like I'm figuring out where I need to be."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Good. Glad I can help on that front."
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