Use me to use you Who: Liliya and Mael Where: Liliya's office in Scarlet Oak When: Early evening
Mael had his phone in one hand and her card in the other. He had waited until the sun had set before giving her a call, not really knowing what proper protocol was when calling a vampire that had her dealings in the day was. He picked an after-office time because why he was calling was not necessarily legal business but he didn’t want to call too late because it seemed like bad manners no matter which way he looked at it. So. There he was, sitting on his 27-dollar fourteenth-hand thrift store couch, phone in one hand and the card she had left in the other. He hoped she still had a use for him. I need the protection, Mael reflected as he touched the side of his neck where Hedda had bitten him. The visions were still burned into his brain.
Tapping his foot restlessly on the ground, he wondered whether this was akin to agreeing to deal with the devil. His grandmother had done it. His mother had done it. He supposed it wasn’t something he was allowed to fight anyway. Blood magic. He’d read up on it...it seemed like the stuff his childhood had been made of. And, now, he wanted to learn it. To protect himself. To protect those he cared about. Taking a deep breath and realizing he had to give up his old gods if he wanted to move forward and stay alive in this new world, he resolved to do whatever it took. There were others he wanted to keep safe, too. Mael pressed the green button and waited for the other line to pick up.
Day to day activity was carrying on without too many hitches. Sure there were things Liliya would have rather had go a different way but they tended to be a touch beyond her control. Tended. The ones that were not she was dealing with and, by nature, she assumed that one such matter was why her phone was ringing as she was driving home. Checking the number she was unsurprised to find that it was one not programmed in. This was her business phone and therefore the number was given out to those who might need it. Or given by her superiors to people they thought needed it. Hopefully it was not one of those because Liliya did not want to deal with a higher up that late. All she wanted to do was go home and take a bite out of Naoki. Figuratively - she knew that he was spending time with that woman - and literally - she was hungry and tired of bottled blood.
Pressing the button on the bluetooth that was pretty much attached to her ear, Liliya kept her voice smooth and with a touch of interest that seemed to be most well accepted by others. “Hello, Liliya Kennedy speaking. Is there something I can help you with?” Whoever you are, be grateful that I’ve answered.
Mael quelled the instinct that wanted to put the phone down and pretended this never happened. His own sense of self-preservation wouldn’t let him. Using his own politically appropriate tone of voice, he introduced himself, “Good evening, Ms. Kennedy. This is Mael Paris,” he paused. “The clairsentient you visited a few weeks ago.” Yes, let’s call it a visit. He waited for her to respond, hoping she remembered him. Then, an idea struck him. Something that might be beneficial for both of them, as an added bit to the offer he had already had in mind.
A pleased, self-satisfied smile formed on Liliya’s face and any annoyance she had felt about needing to answer the phone washed away. So, it looked like the scared little clairsentient from the south had decided to take her up on her offer after all. Good. In this time she could use everyone that she could get and someone who knew things by touching things was absolutely brilliant. If he would actually come through and do what she wanted. That was the problem with dealing with non-Cyri. They actually had their own agendas occasionally and could be more difficult because of it. “Ah, Mael, I remember. Good to see that you have decided to use my card. Have you perhaps reconsidered the offer I proposed?” Otherwise why would he be calling? Leading a vampire on was never a good idea.
Mael sighed silently, trying to keep his confidence up - at least in his voice - because his heart was hammering a thousand miles a minute and so loudly he could almost swear she could hear it. “Yes, I have reconsidered your proposal and decided I may have been too hasty to turn you away so abruptly the first time. You see, I was raised believing certain things about vampires but I have come to realize that not all vampires were made equal...and that the Cyri os si Vyri actually keeps their promises,” oh, yes, his computer was top of the line, bought when he was still doing well for himself, and he had done extensive research on Liliya Kennedy. “I have a counter-proposal that may work best for both our interests,” he said. He would listen to her terms if she would listen to his.
To be raised believing certain things about vampires meant that one had to have believed in vampires always. Liliya was curious about what sort of family... ah of course, voodoo. That was what he was other than a psychic, was it not? Something from his house or what she had been told, Liliya was not sure, but she remembered it then. Surely they believed terrible things of them. Even if they must court the devil that they believed in. Liliya? Did not believe in the devil anymore than she did god, angelic and demonic blood simply being things. Maybe he views us as the devil. “We don’t make promises we cannot keep,” Liliya said simply. She did not. Her parents had taught her in childhood that politicians who did that ended up outcast after their shining time. The public could be poked and prodded and led but eventually they would tire of it if never given what they were promised. “And you have a proposal for me?” Shaking her head Liliya allowed herself an amused smile. “I hope it’s a well-thought out one that would be worth my time to hear.”
“It is not my intention to try and take advantage of you. I do not possess the character for it and you are not the type to suffer it, I am sure. I would merely like to hear what you had in mind as to your purposes for me and, based on what my expected duties are, I would like to request just compensation. Perhaps we can meet at your convenience face to face and discuss these matters?” he suggested. Mael didn’t like using his powers, but it would be easier to prove he had them if they were in front of each other. It also meant that he could tell if she was lying to him or and...well, hopefully his Southern charm would help persuade the vampire to accept his so-called terms and conditions. Couldn’t hurt.
Liliya had to actively suppress a snort just at the idea of someone taking advantage of her. Oh sure, her elders were more than capable and likely would do it again and again and had done it before. But that was different than anyone else. This Mael, a simple pyschic from the South, he would not be able to. Yes, Liliya was possessed of just a little bit of pride. Or quite a bit. Someone had once claimed it would be her downfall but she had ignored them until they stopped talking. “We can meet and I will listen to what you have to say. If what you propose is indeed just then perhaps we can come to some sort of an agreement. Are you at your home right now?” A little out of the way, but adding a clairsentient to the ranks would be worth getting home late.
Mael couldn’t lie his way out of this one, though he was no comfortable inviting the vampire into his home. “Yes, I am, Ms. Kennedy, but I can be anywhere in town at your convenience within the hour. It is bad juju to have business dealings in your home,” Mael said easily. Okay, so the second part was only half the truth. His grandmother did all sorts of deals outside of the house and within her pseudo-office within the house, but he didn’t have the latter and neither did he think Liliya would appreciate being forced to talk to him on his porch. Furthermore, Mael had to inwardly glare at himself for even using the word juju in a sentence. His grandmother would have flayed him.
Juju? Liliya bit back her initial remark at hearing that word. She was going to be making a ‘deal’ with someone who seemed to talk like he had never been educated past some backwoods voodoo teaching. Remarking on it would be in poor taste however and Liliya did not do that, so instead she rolled her eyes. “If it would make you more comfortable then I will return to my office and you can come there. Proper place to have business deals.” Since he seemed so set on somewhere outside of a home there was no better place than an office. Let him walk into a building that he had to know was run by a vampire and those loyal to her, see if that made him sweat at all. She gave him the address and added in,” I expect to see you within the half hour. I do have other things to do tonight.” Figuring that was enough, Liliya clicked the end button and pulled into the nearest driveway to turn around.
Mael was already dressed in his regular office attire back in Baton Rouge, which was a neat suit all presentable for anyone who cared to ask. Luckily, he had already looked up the location of her office beforehand was out the door the moment Liliya ended the call. Removing his jacket so that he didn’t sweat all over it, he hopped on his bicycle. Realizing how stupid he looked, he raced down the street on his bicycle, making his way to her office before she could get there. He probably should really learn how to drive. As he stopped in front of Liliya’s office a good twenty minutes later, he checked himself for sweat stains and was glad he came up clean. Shrugging his jacket back on, he smoothed a gloved hand over his face and head and walked into the building.
Liliya was back at her office within ten minutes, informing Ashley on her way in that she was going to have to wait to leave a little longer. Really, she was such a good assistant and if she continued along with her actions then she was going to have to consider asking the Elders if she could turn her. The girl would make a wonderful Vyri and could be planted easily enough anywhere in Liliya’s district or someone else’s to oversee the day-to-day things... it was what she did already. Shrugging away thoughts of her assistant’s mortality, Liliya settled into her chair and waited for Mael’s arrival. Upon being informed that he was there she told Ashley that yes, she could let him in because yes, that was who she was expecting. “Good to see you again, Mr. Paris. Please have a seat and tell me what this idea of yours is.” Right to the point like she always was.
Mael adjusted his tie right before he stepped into her office. As he did, he inclined his head politely and folded his gloved hands before him. Smiling the smile he was specially known for, he was surprised at her rather abrupt line of questioning, but went with it. “Good evening, Ms. Kennedy. Thank you for seeing me on such short notice,” he said quickly so as not to waste time. “I had hoped to take your offer to work for you, but I wasn’t entirely certain what duties you would expect from me. If you can enlighten me on what I would be required to do, we can discuss compensation in a moment.” Direct. She seemed to like that. He hoped.
Something about that smile was bothersome, like it was too obvious, but Liliya kept from remarking. “Mrs. Kennedy,” she corrected. Mael was not a member of her family and therefore not privy to the knowledge that her marriage was simply a farce that supplied her with the blood she was addicted to along with a nice face for the public. Therefore he had to adhere to the same rules as everyone else. But it was just a minor slip up so she would only say it the once. “What we want from you is very simple, Mr. Paris. You would use your ability to help us learn things that we need. If what I was told is correct then you touch things and then know all about them. This ability, it extends to people? Such as... you could touch one and know if they were a killer?” Very important, that little bit. Especially with the news lately.
“I apologize. Mrs. Kennedy, then,” Mael said easily. He hesitated before answering her question and responded truthfully. “If I’m not thinking of anything specifically when I touch them, their strongest memories are the ones I see. With an item, it’s the...” he paused. Things did not have memories but they held...”...the event with the greatest energy, if that makes any sense. Usually, killing is pretty high up with regards to strength of memory, but with vampires it becomes a little more difficult, especially if they are used to the idea of killing. It also depends on how long I have with them. The longer, the more images I can see and usually I can filter them and pick out what we are looking for. There has also been...rumor of other ways to help me with the focus,” he added, leading a little into what he hoped to ask her for.
That was better. The niceties needed to be observed and better to have him used to them now when they were still in relative private rather than needing to make the correction where others might overhear. Ugh, the last thing she needed was a rumor about how she did not introduce herself correctly when there had been plenty of those after she refused to change her name despite getting married. What sort of politician would give up such a prestigious surname for something Japanese? She nodded as Mael explained, really only taking note of the fact that yes he could do what she wanted. The details were not near as important to her as the ultimate outcome. If his explaining made him feel more confident or like she understood, which she did not think she needed to, then all the better. “A rumor of a way to help,” Liliya repeated, noting the slight hesitation. So perhaps this was why he had wanted to see her? Or he just did not want to share a secret. “And what is this rumor and why does it really matter if you can already do what is necessary?”
Mael showed unease for the first time during their meeting. He had only heard but he did not know, which made it difficult to explain. “I have heard of focus stones,” Mael said, gesturing uneasily. “It’s supposed to help with the psychic ability. That is, however, as much as I know about them as further investigation has yielded no clear results. With your...connections, however, it might be easier for one of your peons to find out. I am capable of getting the job done without it, but it would make the process more efficient, it would seem,” Mael couldn’t quite believe he was actually trying to make his powers larger. Only a week ago he had wanted it all gone. He paused to end his thoughts on that matter and then picked up on a different topic. “Would there be a position in your office, Mrs. Kennedy?”
Focus stones? Liliya immediately turned towards her computer and pulled up the AIM. Yes, she had AIM on her work computer and it was for a very good reason. What better way to communicate immediately with her assistant without having to say a word aloud? She fired an IM right off to Ashley informing her to look up psychic focus stones online, through the psychic contacts they had, anything available. If that was what would help Mael do his job better and get her the clairsentient that she had wanted since learning he was in her district. “Perhaps we’ll see if something can be found for a price,” Liliya said smoothly. “And yes, there is a position in my office for you. Sorting through objects and perhaps ‘bumping’ into very certain people in crowds. If you think that you can do that then I will be happy to add you to my office.”
Mael smiled as she responded favorably to both suggestions. A moment of hesitation. Now was the time to ask for the other bit. Now. Now. Now. “Thank you, Mrs. Kennedy. I look forward to work for you.” You fucking coward. Even his own brain was calling him names. That wouldn’t bode well at all. “Is there anything specific you will require of me?” he asked. Attire, code of conduct, so on and so forth. Ask her. Mael kept the smile plastered on his face, though his internal argument left his eyes a little less than sparkly happy. Later. There would be time later. No, you fool. Now. Now. Before she has your balls in a tiny paper cup she keeps by her desk. There was really no reasoning with one’s own internal monologue.
Hesitation? Liliya caught that and wondered if there was something else that Mael had meant to ask for or add into what he wanted. But instead of any of that he said thank you and that he would look forward to working with her. “I think that a good little test for you would be a sort of dry run.” She nodded to the plants that she kept in her office. Seven of them, to be exact, three of which contained small samples of the earth she was turned on. Liliya had an ample supply of that thanks to Maureen’s foresight and she always kept bits and pieces of it in her most important rooms. Or on her. “Some of these plants are different from the others, if you can tell me which ones... then I’ll give you a much nicer task that could perhaps pay for that focus stone you want.” But even if he was working for her, Liliya still wanted to see him ‘work his magic’. Reassure herself that she was not hiring someone who would make her look like an idiot.
Mael clenched his fists as he listened to Liliya’s test. Well, he supposed he wasn’t going to be able to put it off forever. He’d never done anything in quick succession before. He’d always avoided using his powers unless to glean specific facts from a certain person. It wasn’t a game of testing plants to see what was different about them. He assumed locations they were from or presents from her husband or a lover. He pulled the glove off his right hand and flexed his fingers again before dipping them into the soil around the roots. Several, quick, successive images flit through his mind. Being watered, a business deal Liliya was making with someone in the room...he flinched and pulled his hand out. It was difficult to sift through these thoughts when he didn’t know what he was looking for. He tried a second one. It was similar visions. Liliya watering them...Cameron, the name stood out...shaking his fingers to rid it of the sensation, Mael was already beginning to reel from the barrage of visions. But he had to hold out. If he wanted to get anywhere, he’d have to...he dipped his fingers in the next pot. Garden. Turning. “Maureen,” he muttered, the name just jumping out of his mouth. That was it. He jerked his fingers out of the pot and knew what he was looking for. The rest of it was easier. He pointed out the plants to Liliya.
Settling back into her chair, Liliya simply watched as Mael went around. Every time that he touched something it looked like he was flinching. Liliya wondered for a moment what it was that he was seeing. If the soil picked up the conversations that she had or if it had thoughts of its own... those thoughts were shattered when she heard him say her sire’s name. Now that was a common name but it would be trusting too much to coincidence to assume that he was just blurting out the name of her sire while shifting through the dirt of one of her plants. But she held back the smile that would reveal he was right, simply waiting for him to return. And he pointed out the correct pots. “Well done,” Liliya complimented with a slight inclination of her head. “Your abilities are what I was expecting. Now perhaps at some point in the coming days you will be able to across something of Cameron Calvert if not him directly, see what’s most prevalent on his mind and mouth these days.”
Mael brushed his fingers together quickly to return Liliya’s all-important dirt into the pot he’d pulled it out from. Once he was content with the cleanliness of his hands, he shrugged his glove back on and turned to face Liliya, who gave him his first assignment. Cameron Calvert. On any other circumstance, Mael would have requested a dossier, or at least a picture. But one didn’t step into Scarlet Oak and not know who Cameron Calvert was if you were a supernatural. He was the bane of their lives. “You mean other than trying to develop a supernatural version of the Sentinel?” Mael asked dryly, wondering if Liliya would even get the reference. Probably not. He didn’t even get into the comic books until he was too old for them since he had no idea who Wolverine was in the bayou - other than a creature that could rip his face off.
Nodding, Mael clasped his hands together. “I will, Miss Kennedy,” he said. He had almost said he would try his best but he quickly remembered his training. Specific and concise in the office, vague as a smudged drawing to the press. “And, I hope you will consider a position for me in your office, as well,” he said with a small smile. “I do have the education and experience to make it seem quite natural.” Even if I live in something close to a hut. Mael hesitated before deciding that he would ask for the last part after he’d actually gone and done his job. Maybe after he won some brownie points, he could ask. It didn’t feel right to demand for it now.
Liliya blinked. “I beg your pardon?” She did not get the reference. She had seen the X-Men movies, mostly because she thought that the mutant vs. human aspect paralleled the actual world so well. Though she shrugged it off the moment that Mael agreed to do it and mentioned working in her office. “Perhaps,” it was not a promise but it was a consideration. Occasionally she needed more than just Ashley and there were always other things that were not necessarily so close to her. Liliya was not certain that she wanted someone who could know things through touch going around and touching things that she did on a regular basis, or her for that matter. No, enough that she had used her own precious dirt for a test. “But I think that will be all for now. We’ll be in contact, that I promise.”
“Good evening, then, Mrs. Kennedy,” Mael said, accompanied with his best Southern smile. He gave her a small bow as he prepared to exit the office. There was nothing more to be said, right? “I am always available on my phone. I will contact you as soon as I meet with Mr. Calvert. Have a good evening and thank you for seeing me on such short notice,” he turned around at her dismissal and left. He’d gotten a job exercising his powers. The next step was to tap into whatever sort of magic his grandmother dabbled in. He wanted to learn to protect himself. After all, touching someone wasn’t about to scare them away. Even if it meant he had seen some pretty personal things. He got on his bike and quickly pedaled back home. It was time to hang his suits up. He’d be needing them again.