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Michael Carpenter | The Dresden Files (amoracchius) wrote in spinningcompass,
@ 2013-07-03 20:45:00

Entry tags:

!closed

WHO: Harry Dresden, Michael Carpenter and Briseis
WHEN: Wednesday evening
WHERE: In front of the pub and at the bakery
WHAT: Michael's just arrived
WARNINGS: TBD, likely low
STATUS: Closed/Ongoing

Michael had gotten just enough out of Harry's broadcast to confirm to him that his friend was, indeed, also on this island. Other than that, the rest of his words had been swallowed in the static and interference that generally accompanied him. So, in the hope of them both understanding something, he had given Harry his location and was now standing there, waiting for him.

This was an entirely new experience for him. In his years as a Knight of the Cross, he had faced many strange and terrible things, but never had he been involuntarily transported to somewhere that was so obviously not Chicago. But his heart was filled with faith, not fear. He trusted absolutely that this was His plan, and that things would fall into place here, as they always did. That was the way of it, and his faith did not waver for one moment. He would not have been sent here unless He wanted him to be, and he would be sent home when His purpose was accomplished. It was that simple.

Amoracchius was strapped to his waist, and the weight of the sword silenced any last lingering doubts that he might have had. Crossing his arms across his chest and shifting his weight, he waited for Harry, curious to discover what this place was, and what their mission here might be.

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thewinterknight
2013-07-04 01:09 am UTC (link)

Michael was the last person Harry suspected would arrive on this island. But then he didn't see a point in bringing a bunch of elves or others either, especially if this was a magical problem with a magical solution. But his theory on portals was still in the beginning phases and he hadn't yet worked out the details. Truth be told he hadn't let it occupy him all that much. Because Thomas was also here and already causing problems with the locals.

Figured.

Anyway. Michael wanted to meet, so Harry got on the sneaker express and trudged down to the bar. Which was funny, because it wasn't a place Michael would approve of. There was a woman in there that showed her boobs to everything with legs, including animals, and others fornicated like it was a brothel. A place Harry wouldn't mind, really, but not one a Knight of the Cross would be comfortable in. Rounding a corner, Harry spotted the man and felt a genuine smile crack his features.

Michael looked well, compared to the last time Harry saw him.

"Hey Michael," he said in greeting, still several feet off despite his long stride across the sidewalk. "Safe travel I hope?" he snorted.

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amoracchius
2013-07-04 01:17 am UTC (link)

Michael, of course, stood comfortably outside the bar, trying not to look like a bouncer with a sword. He had no desire whatsoever to enter the place - the drunken sounds and swearing he heard from within assured him that it was not a place for him - or anyone who held in their hearts a righteous fear of God. Had he known the place doubled as a place for fornication, he would have been even more certain - and doubly disgusted.

He couldn't help but smile when he saw Harry, and uncrossed his arms, closing the distance between them as he closed his hand around the wizard's arm.

"Harry," he said warmly. "Of course. A different way than I have ever traveled, but He always has surprises in store for us."

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thewinterknight
2013-07-04 01:24 am UTC (link)

"I'll say, be nice if He could stop with those for once though," he replied dryly, though he clasped Michael's arm in turn and looked on the man fondly. If there was anyone in the world that Harry could want at his side in a fight it was Michael Carpenter. Okay and maybe a battalion of magical hardened Marines or something, but since that wasn't about to happen Harry settled for a Knight of the Cross. Which was no laughing matter.

Harry had seen Michael do amazing things. Truly amazing, unbelievable things. Faith magic, man. Harry shook his head to himself and pushed his thoughts away.

"Come on, there's a bakery near here that sells some tasty doughnuts. If she's working though, I don't know." Harry shrugged casually and hefted his staff to his left land for a moment, rearranged something in his right pocket then switched sides again.

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amoracchius
2013-07-04 01:29 am UTC (link)

"He does as He will," he replied with a soft, patient smile. One had to have patience around Harry Dresden. Michael had discovered that early in their friendship. But he was a good person, a good soul, and despite his dabbling in things that Michael would rather not think about, he respected him and his abilities. He had fought with him enough time that he trusted him nearly as much as one of the other Knights.

A bakery sounded much more appealing to Michael than this den of iniquity, so he nodded and let Harry lead the way.

When they reached the bakery, the door was closed and locked, but Briseis was downstairs cleaning, and when she saw who it was, she let them in. She had indeed been baking today, just to keep her mind off of things.

She smiled at Harry and embraced him, before looking at his friend.

"Who is your friend, Harry?"

Michael smiled at the girl, who was smaller even than Molly, before introducing himself, and giving Harry a look, hoping that he was not having relations with this sweet girl out of wedlock. As he had been known to do before.

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thewinterknight
2013-07-04 01:34 am UTC (link)

Harry hugged Briseis back with one of those fake one-armed hugs, mostly because he was embarrassed and could feel Michael's questioning eyes on him, even if the man hadn't said anything. He knew what Carpenter was thinking. It made Harry blush, and look around awkwardly and anywhere but at Briseis for a moment. Harry shot Michael and scathing look before long then looked at the woman once he'd got the color to cool on his face.

"This is Michael Carpenter, a friend of mine from home. Michael, this is Briseis, she uh.. owns the bakery." He gestured from one to the other and offered a smile to ease the tension that was all Harry's imagining. Right?

Right.

"You have some of those doughnuts with the sprinkles? And some coffee. Or a coke. Or both."

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amoracchius
2013-07-04 01:49 am UTC (link)

"I do!" Briseis smiled. I actually made...well, a couple of dozen for you, because I know those are your favorites. I was going to bring them by later, but since you're here. And two cokes?"

She smiled at Michael, who nodded back in return, before he led Harry to the nearest table, by a window.

"Harry. Please tell me that you have not dishonored that sweet girl."

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thewinterknight
2013-07-04 02:00 am UTC (link)

"Michael!" Harry protested, his cheeks turning red in embarrassment. He looked around to see if Briseis overheard them, he'd hate to have Michael mortify her or make her upset after everything that happened with Thomas. Lucky she wasn't standing there listening. Harry rubbed his forehead, tried to cool the heat in his cheeks and looked back at his friend.

"No," he grumbled. But that wasn't to say he hadn't thought about it. She had a pretty face, and nice legs. So he noticed those things. So sue him. "We're just friends. I helped her out with some stuff and she gives me food because I can't feed myself adequately."

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	amoracchius 2013-07-04 02:06 am UTC (link)
	Michael laughed at that. What could he say? It was true. And befriending someone who could fill that gap and provide Harry with the proper nutrition was an intelligent move on Harry's part. Of course... "You wouldn't have these problems if you found yourself a nice girl to settle down with, Harry. Get married. Raise a family. Does a man wonders, you know." (Reply to this) (Parent) (Thread)

thewinterknight
2013-07-04 03:50 am UTC (link)

"Yeah, that didn't work so well last time I tried," he replied shortly. He gave Michael a Look then turned his eyes away before anything of Winter could seep through them. He didn't want to ask about Maggie, or Molly, or apologize or say anything for what had happened.

He should have seen it coming. He should have protected her, but it was too late by the time Harry understood what was going on. He shook his head physically and looked up when Briseis brought over the sodas and the doughnuts. "Thanks," he didn't ask her to let them have privacy.

She wouldn't interrupt if she didn't have to. Harry popped open the can of soda and took a healthy drink of it.

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amoracchius
2013-07-04 04:35 am UTC (link)

"Just because something fails does not mean you should abandon it forever, Harry," he said with a raised eyebrow. He took the doughnut from his plate and took a bite. "Things often do not work out the first time, or even the fifth, sixth, or seventh. That is why sometimes we must have faith."

But he left it there, and finished the doughnut, wiping his fingers on the napkin.

"What is this place, then, Harry? And what is our mission here? Has it been revealed?"

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thewinterknight
2013-07-04 04:46 am UTC (link)

He'd heard the lecture a thousand times and he never listened to it. Once. It was amusing and comforting and familiar though, and he appreciated the solidity that was Michael Carpenter. Even if he didn't want to hear the lecture. He smiled.

"A magical island," he said frankly. "Literally. I felt around and it's basically made up of power source that comes from that tower in the middle of the city. There's leylines that extend from it. A couple days ago a group of people disappeared on the horizon. There was a flash, but other than that the common way to get off the island is to die." he shrugged faintly.

"But there's portals, to be.. imprecise. Doorways. People come in from all over time and space. It's like a giant time warp."

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amoracchius
2013-07-04 04:52 am UTC (link)

Michael knew very well that Harry didn't listen. But he was patient, and he would keep repeating himself, and in time perhaps it would soak into his mind. If not, well, at least he could die knowing he'd done his best. Not every goal was an achievable one.

Perhaps he should have felt nervous when Harry described the island, but he didn't. He was here by His will, and things would happen as they were supposed to do. He did not waver in his faith or devotion, which made him calm and steadfast in the face of even the most terrifying evils. Magic? He knew that it was real, how could he deny it? He did not like many of the things Harry did, or believe that the power came from the same places that Harry did, but he would not condemn him, or refuse to believe in Harry's power. It was real, and he had seen it in action. So if Harry said that it was magical, then it was certainly something.

"So why are we here? Have you discovered that, yet?"

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thewinterknight
2013-07-04 05:45 pm UTC (link)

Harry finished his coke and his doughnut before speaking again. And even then he sort of just looked at Michael bleakly and frowned.

"No, not unless you're going to fall out of love with Charity and decide to raise a new family in the next three weeks." He blanched a little, rubbed his face and sighed. "There's no purpose I can see, Michael, we have soldiers, a crap load of supernatural beings, and a bunch of mortals. Half these people need protecting, the other half think they don't, and then a part of them just want to argue all the time."

He shook his head, thinking he needed a beer more a coke, but the coke would suffice for now. "But the purpose? There's none, Michael. I want to get back to Chicago."

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amoracchius
2013-07-04 05:59 pm UTC (link)

Michael gave Harry a look at the absurdity of that comment, but finished his coke and put it down on the table before speaking.

"Is that something that is common place? People abandoning their families back home and starting new ones here? In three weeks? Thank you, no, Harry. I'll stick with the family I have, and be eternally grateful for it." He shook his head. "What kind of a people would forget their loved ones so quickly?"

He finished his doughnut, then rose, taking the plate to Briseis and thanking her for it warmly. Returning to Harry, he took his seat and shook his head.

"There is always a purpose, Harry. It is just sometimes harder to find than others."

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