Late 19th Century England; a Quest & an Ally

[bitterguardian]

(Continued from here.)
Some artifacts are lost to the mists of time for good reason, and this holds even more true for items surrounded by myth and legend. Those relics built up by false legends, which only fall apart under the scrutiny of modern reason, spread disillusionment in the world. Those surrounded by real magic, on the other hand, are even more dangerous uncovered, with the inherent risk of falling into the wrong hands.

The eldest of Merlin's apprentices has been around more than long enough to know the difference, and it is the latter kind he seeks. He did not set out, long ago, to become protector to an ever-growing vault's worth of dangerous magical items, but his master entrusted him with two objects that must be closely guarded, so what difference does it make to watch over a few more? Maxim Horvath was raised to use his magic to protect humanity, from themselves, if need be. The artifact he is chasing down now he would destroy if he finds a means to do so safely. Some items have their redeeming qualities, and thus are stored and guarded, but this object can be used only for ill. It is a cup, more properly a chalice, enchanted to accept a ritual that marks a specific human target and will deliver a poisoned drink to them alone. That anyone else may drink safely, and examine the chalice without finding any trace of toxins, makes it the ideal weapon for an untraceable assassination. The design is archaic, now, but to illusion the chalice into appearing as a more modern drinking vessel would be the least of tasks for any sorcerer of merit. The chalice only came to his attention involved in rumors of a Morganian assassination plot, and while he'd prefer to keep out of world politics, Horvath feels a duty to keep the Morganian influence out of them, as well.

There are three separate reports of the last sighting of the chalice, and each one more or less rules out the other two as being plausible. With the Morganians spotted poking around two of these possibilities, and the third option out of reach, Horvath is forced to pursue all avenues. He is not without allies, but they are fewer than once they were, and he has left a handful to guard the crypt that may contain the chalice. Alone he's come to race against his enemies down the other path of possibilities, and found an unexpected assistant in Dr. Evangeline Nix. Her curiosity strikes him as both dangerous and useful, but as long as she is of aid he can hardly turn down the offer. Thus far she has gained him access to a library with some very helpful resources, and offered to use her own contacts to research the auction houses the chalice may have recently passed through, unrecognized. Horvath can only hope the Morganians have not been so lucky. A day or so later, he's agreed to meet up with Dr. Nix in a teahouse to discuss what she may have turned up. He's chosen an out-of-the-way table, and wrapped it in a subtle sound-shielding spell to prevent any potential spies overhearing, but it still makes him nervous to meet with her in public. By being seen with him, she may be put at risk, and he knows it.

Comments

[ladyevangelinenix]

"Those are the terms used by laypeople to describe such things, at least." She says. "I have sought out such things, as fearless as I was as a girl of seven, before I was aware of danger."

[bitterguardian]

He gives a mild nod, because they both have a wider vocabulary to describe the supernatural. "The unknown is dangerous. You know more, now... I'd be curious to hear the details." His tone is mild and non-judgemental, although he's not ready to tell her much of his own adventures. He's still trying to gauge what she believes in.

[ladyevangelinenix]

Likewise, she's trying to gauge how much he believes. She's learned to be careful about her enthusiasm for the unknown and unnatural. Academic and social adversaries have made her cautious as well as personal stakes.

"Perhaps someday." She says, equally mild in her tone. "Ah, this way. Two more blocks." She says, making a turn."

[bitterguardian]

They may be dancing in circles around each other, but they both have bad experiences that makes that game worth the tedium. To reveal too much, too soon, is too great a risk.

Maxim Horvath knows when he's being put off, but he accepts it with grace. "Thank you, for letting me come along."

[ladyevangelinenix]

"It makes quite a bit more sense for you to come with me." She says, otherwise I'd have to go there and then come to you. This way you get all your answers much faster." She nods.

[bitterguardian]

"Expediency is definitely of importance, here." He gives her a grateful smile. Besides that, he'd be knocking around the hotel room anxiously awaiting news, otherwise. Or wandering around town in hopes of stumbling on a clue. She is, for the moment, the best avenue for information he's got.

[basher_moran]

"I will do the best I can to be timely." She promises him, as they come up on a building with a little sign proclaiming the inhabitants to be "auctioneers of fine antiquities" in peeling copper paint. Eva locks up her bike against their front gate and gestures for Horvath to follow. She rings the bell and an older woman, her face wrinkled but her eyes bright and posture unbent, opens the door.

"Lady Evangeline?"

"Doctor Nix, please, Mrs. Warren, this is my associate Mr. Horvath. I've come to make inquiries about one of the lots in the auction?"

"Aren't you always." Mrs. Warren replied. It was not an unkindly remark, but a sort of weary and semi-affectionate resignation. "This way." She gestures them into the large warehouse sort of space. "Edward! Lady Evangeline is here, bring your record books." She calls into the emptiness, aiming sort of for an office to one side from which the man who is presumably Edward, emerges.

[bitterguardian]

Making a slightly looming shadow, Horvath follows her in, removing his hat in the doorway. Mrs. Warren receives a polite nod, and he tries to refrain from dignifying the little exchange with a raised eyebrow. He has been careful to use Dr. Nix's title himself, despite withholding his own credentials (they are, he thinks, somewhat past their expiration date). It was meant as a sign of respect. Still, he's not entirely surprised to see that she is not met with the same respect from everyone else.

The contents of the warehouse draw his gaze, until who he presumes to be some sort of clerk emerges from the side office.

[ladyevangelinenix]

Eva appears to resign herself to this lack of acknowledgement. She usually makes only one or two attempts to correct and then gives up, used to it.

She shows the Warrens the image from the gallery catalogue and emphasizes that this is the item they're after. She spins them some tale about Arthurian antiquities interesting her department as part of their myths and legends archive. Edward cracks open his book and gives them an address in an upscale neighborhood just up the road aways. Mrs. Warren cautions Eva about "bothering the gentleman with your silly things", but provides the address willingly enough. Sometimes the things Eva collects come back to the Warrens when various bills come due.

[bitterguardian]

The yarn she spins is a slight surprise, but Horvath is not about to refute anything she feels she needs to say to get the information he's after. It's definitely worth noting she's quick to lie to get it, though. If she'd like him to play the part of a new member who's just along for the walk, he's glad to fall into the role. The address is quickly filed away in his memory, because it seems just a little unwise to pull out his notebook and jot it down there in front of the Warrens.

Horvath will most certainly go bothering the gentleman in question, however.

[ladyevangelinenix]

She can spin a tall tale as well as she can study one, and it comes in handy for brushing of interest in exceptionally valuable or even dangerous artifacts. She thanks the Warrens and gestures for Horvath that it's time for them to go.

[bitterguardian]

Horvath is all friendly smiles and polite bows, for the Warrens, letting Eva take the lead in a subtle show of deference to her authority, on the way out.

Once outside, he puts his hat back on with a light tap, and allows a small grin. "Well that was terribly educational. Thank you!"

[ladyevangelinenix]

"Thank you for allowing me to handle the Warrens. They're good people and don't think I'm too batty but the key is to not linger." She says, with a little smile as she unlocks her bicycle.

[bitterguardian]

"You're no more batty than I am," He smiles gently, "And I do understand. I wouldn't want to jeopardize your contacts." Buoyed by new and useful information, he's in brighter spirits now, if no less impatient to get the artifact squirreled away safely.

[ladyevangelinenix]

"So, you have that information. What do you intend to do from here?" She asks, wheeling her bike along at her side.

[bitterguardian]

"What can I do but go to see him? It's usually best to simply start with proposing to buy it as another collector, first... but if need be, I'll explain the why." Being quite a bit over six feet tall, he has long legs, and now that he has a clear mission ahead it's an effort to shorten his stride and not outpace her.

"I can only hope the conspirators haven't gotten there ahead of me. Their tactics are... not always so gentle." Sometimes they are. The smarter, older Morganians may see the sense in keeping a low profile and taking the mundane route Horvath prefers. He can't count on it, though. Not all Morganians have the funds to take that tack, and their code puts all others below getting what they want.

[ladyevangelinenix]

She's a tiny thing, but used to keeping up with men on their longer legs so she has no trouble even with the awkward shape of the bike.

"Should I come with you? Or will you send word to the library if you are successful?"

[bitterguardian]

On the one hand, there are many potential risks to having someone who is not a sorcerer along for this. On the other hand, she has bent over backwards in favors for him, with no particular reason to do so, and he knows this.

"You allowed me to tag along with you, so if you'd like to come along, I won't object." He seems slightly hesitant to offer this, but he also rather likes her, and he's not in any great hurry to escape her. "If you're busy though, I will certainly send word along as to what transpires."

[ladyevangelinenix]

"I'll go with you." She says resolutely, as soon as he has given her social clearance to do so, but even then she's a little hasty with it. "You speak as if your opponents are dangerous, it would be ill advised for you to go by yourself." She nods.

[bitterguardian]

"Potentially so," What is meant to be a mild smile comes out slightly more like a grimace. "But nothing I haven't encountered before. It would be ill-advised for you to accompany me, for that matter, but I leave it to your own discretion, doctor."

[ladyevangelinenix]

She shrugs, a girlish and defiant gesture.

"I will accompany you nevertheless." She replies. "I'll be fine, and your chances of being troubled will be less if there's someone to watch your back."

[bitterguardian]

"...A situation I am unaccustomed to. Thank you." How can he refuse something like that? She reminds him far too much of the lady he once knew.

All the more reason he should be protective, really, but it would be unfair to deny her the choice to put herself at risk as an equal. He nods and smiles, expression softening, and checks the nearest street sign to find his way to the address they've been given. "I... don't know how far it is. I'm afraid I'm still familiarizing myself with your city."

[ladyevangelinenix]

"Three more blocks this way." She says, gesturing. "See, all the more reason for me to come along." She points out, crooking a smile. It pleases her that he didn't protest too much, or make any insinuations that she would be weak or underfoot. She was starting to think very highly of this odd academic. It wasn't often they were so respectful.

[bitterguardian]

In a number of ways, the current century has moved backwards in its treatment of women. Horvath is from an earlier time, when these things mattered less. He also once knew a lady who Eva would probably have much to talk about with.

Still, without her aid he would have called a cab, and probably managed just fine. Three blocks isn't so far, though, particularly with his current slightly hurried stride. He has the common sense to give a mildly sheepish smile and a shrug. "I would have asked someone else for directions, but this is easier, thank you..."

[ladyevangelinenix]

"Ah, right. I suppose you might have." She admits, but looks no less pleased.

"I do hope that this proves a successful effort." She says, after they walk a ways. "And that your business will conclude quickly and peacefully."