Thread: Asking for help (ATN Janus 11-11-09)

As the time draws closer to his requested presence, Janus continues to feed the Anarch, Vinnie, from the scraps and rats in the farmhouse. A drop here...a few drops there...each time with some form of pain. A broken nose... shattered tibia...spiral fractured femur. Each night when he returns, the victim has kindly healed himself, using those precious drops of blood...just enough to wake up each night...and heal the trauma.

Once on College Hill, he keeps to the shadows. Slips from one alley to the next, he makes his way to the meeting place. Once there, he see's the gathering of kine and rethinks this meeting place. It isnt her fault...she's only doing what she knows. Kine. Closing his eyes, he gives imprint to his imagination. The mask of a thousand faces churns. Something nondescript, something to keep the kine uninterested.

"Thou shalt not reveal thyself to those not of the blood."

"Thou shalt protect the Masquerade at all costs."

The voice in his head is not his own, but it's severity and zeal are more than enough for whoever it might be and Janus. Those words, etched into his mind for years now. It's doctrine, the institution...the mantra, like breathing.

Entering the Haus, he keeps along the walls, shilding his face with the sahdows. Coming to the booth he looks down at the fair woman beneath him. He regards the booth, noting that his size will be no more accomodating than trying to bring a bull through a china shop....

Miranda is quietly reading one of her books during a break in the entertainment when a shadow falls over her. The candlelight flickers and looking up she see's the hulking form staring down at her, his size at odds with everything in the elegant coffee haus. She begins shoving books and papers into her bag, her brow furrowed and she says, "Thank you for coming, we don't have to stay here." She finishes packing her bag and grabs the long, tailored black coat next to her. "I will pay my tab here and meet you outside."

Janus remains silent...looking down at her fastideous movement. Cocking his head down, he looks under the table. Seeing it isnt fixed to the floor, he grips the edge and slides it out...leaving it cocked to one side, then steps into the booth and sits...

"You requested my presence?"

She blinks and stares at the man seated next to her, mouth slightly open, then looks towards the solid mahogany table. Shaking her head she turns to him and begins to speak.

"I was given a task by the Seneschal to seek out the religious origins of Lamar. In doing so, I learned of a mostly dead tribe of Indians called the Osage. She bids me seek them out and learn what I can. Thinking it dangerous, she also suggested I look to you for aid." She pauses, looking at him. "I hope that in doing so means she trusts you, and I will do the same."

Her mouth hardens in a line and a muscle in her jaw clenches. "I have lived a relatively short life and in that time been mostly mere adornment." She forces the last word out like a curse. "I have no experience and little skill, but I will do this thing for his city."

A waitress comes by the table interrupting her words, Miranda waves a dismissive hand at her and she quickly leaves.

Taking a deep useless breath, she looks directly at the giant of a man next to her. "Will you help?"

Janus looks at her intently. Though his visage is intimidating, his eyes show a glint of sincerity. Keeping his back to those who might see him, he moves around in his seat, unable to find a comfotable place.

"She believes a mostly dead tribe of native to be dangerous?" His brow furrows in a bit of confusion. As the performer on stage begins, he seems a bit distracted. Looking to the precariously position table, he slides it out further and crouches in the middle of the booth.

"How can i help? We have many pressing things to attend to, however, no stone can go unturned..."

She shrugs and shakes her head at his question of danger. "I will tell you what I know, should you need any more information than that, I would suggest seeking out Maddalena yourself."

"I was given a letter by the owner of Beecher's, the letter isn't addressed to anyone in specific but states that the mysterious writer is looking for help fighting a demonic force living in prarie state park and it requests whatever aide the person who finds this letter can provide to destroying it... specifically magic or weapons. There are instructions on where to leave a message if the reader is interested in helping defeat this 'common threat'.

There aren't many among us who have the authority to write such a thing, and it didn't come from the Seneschal. The man at Beecher's rightly assumed that someone or something is fishing for information, he also said that he doesn't believe the force we all fear in the woods is a demon at all. Perhaps the "demon" and the writer of the letter are one in the same, I said as much to Maddalena.

The only other bit of information he had for me was that the city exists upon the ancient homeland of the Osage Indians, and one of the histories I read suggested they were a fiercely religious tribe. I do not know how they connect to the thing in the woods, but I believe that is what the Seneschal would have me discover for her."

She pauses for a moment to adjust her position, moving her legs from beneath her. "My plan would be to go to the local indigenous society and see what I can learn. I had thought to pose as a photographer seeking to lay groundwork for a story on the 'Heart of Lamar'. This should give me the opportunity to ask the questions that need to be asked. I myself have no contacts or influence with the media, perhaps you know someone? No mind, I can find out. I believe what I need most from you is your mere presence in case things should go very, very wrong."

She stops, "Please speak your mind, your thoughts and aid are most appreciated".

Janus regards her with a cocked head; like a confused dog. Her words are not lost on him, but she might have the impression that perhaps the motive behind them are...confusing. The one thing he does respond to is her request for guardianship. "If you require protection, I would be glad to do so."

He shifts on his feet as the belt of his coat falls behind him. "Your plan is sound...and we shall find some in the city who possess such ties. However, I believe we should expand on this...it would be best to ensure a backup plan should something go wrong." He pauses for a moment, taking in the movement of those around them. It's clear he's uncomfortable around so many people, but continues to speak. "We should meet again to discuss deeper topics...with less ears to hear. Is there somewhere you prefer that might be far more secluded?" He shifts again as the belt slides across the floor. "In three nights time I shall speak with the city and locate those who would spend their influences to your project."

The corner of her mouth tugs slightly upwards. "I've made you endure an evening in the place of my choosing, I think it fair you pick our next meeting location."

A smile finds its way to his lips as he nods a bit. "This is not an endurance trial. Were it any other member of the city, this would be fine. My place here, however, spits in the face of the Masquerade. I seek only to preserve it." He ponders for a moment and then ushers forth, " We shall meet again on Sunday eve. On the rooftop of the College. If that suits your kindness."