EXCOLO

It's quiet this morning. It's quiet most mornings out here. There's no new snow to shovel, so there isn't that. I can hear the river from here. Leah's river.

I inhale on the clove and exhale with a sigh. It's boring, I suppose, living like this. I like it. Mostly. There are those times, few but intense, when I wish there was more-- something. I don't know what that something would be.

"How's it goin', Pal?" a voice says near me.

A familiar voice, that sends the hairs on the back of my neck to attention. There's no itch to reach for Tempest, though. That feeling hasn't been around much since Eris di-- left. I look down at the fluffy white guy standing at the bottom of the steps.

"Not bad. Thanks. How about you?"

Talking to a cat. At least the damn thing can talk back.

Not sure if that makes me crazier or not.

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He turns and looks down at me, but at least he ain't so upset as the last time. That's good. maybe he won't make this harder 'n it already is. He greets me politely enough, Not bad. Thanks. How about you?

Bet he's the type as likes things direct. so I'll give him something that's direct in its own way.

"Been keepin' busy. Helpin' Mab out a bit. She's lettin' me look into somethin' for her. Your lady in?" I put my front feet up on the next step.

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The cat-- Chester, if I remember the name right-- is certainly direct. I vaguely recall him being blunt and straightforward at the dinner where we met. He says, "Been keepin' busy. Helpin' Mab out a bit. She's lettin' me look into somethin' for her. Your lady in?"

I smirk slightly and take a slow drag on the clove, keeping my eyes on him as he moves a little closer.

"She is. Mab finally sending someone around to interrogate her? You aren't quite what I'd expect."

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His eyes never leave me, but he smirks rather than snarls, and he draws in more smoke from his dark cigarette thing. His voice is curious when he answers, She is. Mab finally sending someone around to interrogate her? You aren't quite what I'd expect.

I swish my tail dismissively at his last remark, "Yeah. But I gotta feelin' that the Council's puttin' pressure on Mab to close the case a certain way and the Sheriff is bein' stubborn. So she's letting me look into things cause I ain't as official as one a the Deputies."

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I catch the tail flick at my comment. Didn't really think it'd be possible to offend a cat.

"Yeah. But I gotta feelin' that the Council's puttin' pressure on Mab to close the case a certain way and the Sheriff is bein' stubborn. So she's letting me look into things cause I ain't as official as one a the Deputies."

Mab and stubborn certainly sound like they belong in the same sentence.

"Well, Karina's inside with Leah." I gesture to the arm chair on the porch. "You're welcome to sit. Or we can go inside where it's warmer."

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I catch the expression on his face, Maryk may not be used to cats all that much but he sure knows Mab pretty well. Well, Karina's inside with Leah.You're welcome to sit. Or we can go inside where it's warmer. He says, wavin' an arm at the big chair nearby. I give it a look and an' prick my ears forward at the offer to come inside the house. Now that's an offer I ain't gonna refuse. The weather ain't zactly bad today but it ain't all that great neither.

"Thanks for the hospitality, I wouldn't mind commin' in outta this weather."

I climb an' hop my way up the stairs an make my way to the door.

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I turn and go to the door, pulling it open and holding it for him. My eyes briefly scan the yard and treeline by the river. The neighbors already dislike us living here. The gossip they might drum up over me talking to a cat would probably only be amusing. I close the door behind me and lead Chester into the sitting room.

"I'll get Karina. Is there anything I can get you? Something to eat or drink?"

What exactly do cats eat and drink?

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I notice that while he holds the door open for me his eyes are watching the yard. A careful guys, this Maryk, just the sort one might want as backup on somethin' that might turn out dangerous.

He leads me into a parlour nicely set up, I spot a footstool and jump up to get comfy. Maryk is still bein' polite, I'll get Karina. Is there anything I can get you? Something to eat or drink?

I look up, it's early yet but I could certainly eat. "Some milk would be nice as would any leftover meat you might have layin' around."

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He jumps up onto an ottoman and looks up at me. "Some milk would be nice as would any leftover meat you might have layin' around."

I'm glad I didn't have to come up with suggestions for him. Those two things are easy enough to come up with for him.

"I'll be right back," I say and head into the kitchen. "Hey, Lena. We've got a guest. Can I get a glass-- no, a bowl with some milk and a plate with some of the sausage left from breakfast."

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I'm making tea when Maryk enters the kitchen and glance at Lena. She is good, sometimes, for shared reactions, even though she isn't human. A bowl for a guest? I raise an eyebrow in surprise.

"I thought we'd improved your table manners more than that," I tease Maryk lightly. "Who on Earth are you feeding leftovers and milk?"

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I look at Karina. I hadn't noticed her standing over at the stove. I'm slipping. Or I'm comfortable enough here that I'm not on alert. Not sure which is worse.

"A cat," I say with a smirk.

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My smile falters and I give him a funny look. A cat? There are a few cats in Excolo, but why would there be one in my house?

"A cat?" I finally ask, studying him to see if I'm being teased. "Are you bringing in strays?"

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Her expression changes and she looks at me incredulously. "A cat Are you bringing in strays?"

"I don't think he counts as a stray." I don't know where he lives but he doesn't give off the impression that he's a homeless vagabond. "It's Chester. The one from Valmont and Hermia's dinner. He's here on unofficial business for Mab."

I emphasize the word "unofficial." A cat could probably be thrown a lot farther than a person but I'd trust them about the same.

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My eyebrow raises again and my eyes go to the doorway. I had wondered when someone would be sent. I just couldn't bring myself to go and see Mab, even though I know I should have. Law enforcement has never been good to my kind and I can't seem to go when I'm the one involved. Taking Leah over was different. That was for her.

"Alright," I say and set the kettle down, leaving my tea to steep on the counter. "Lena, bring the food in for our guest, won't you?" Then I lead the way into the the sitting room.

I greet the cat with a warm smile, for how could anyone know what a talking cat is, especially in this town, and what powers it might have? I hadn't even known he was working with the police. 'Unofficially.' What does that even mean here?

"Hello, Chester," I say warmly and sit on a chair as Lena brings in the milk and sausage. "I do hope that will suit."

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I follow Karina into the sitting room. Karina sits and I choose to stay standing, leaning my shoulder against a bookshelf. This has me nervous enough to want to smoke. I cross my arms and wait for the cat to get to it. I wonder if he'll be as straightforward with her as he's been with me.

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I'm washing when she walks in, the caramel dame from the party. The Alleged Suspect in Reeves murder. Her man follows her in and leans against the wall, tense, ready for somethin', anythin'.

Both a them smell nervous, an they both got their own ways a coverin it. He glowers and she smiles warmly. She takes a seat facing me, says, Hello, Chester, I give one last lick an straighten up just in time to see the servant bringin' a tray with milk and meat. Smells like sausage to me. Odd kinda servant for a former Madam to have. Wonder how she got her hands on a Golem? Ain't seen one a those in ages. I lick my lips in anticipation as the dame, as gracious a hostess as if she guests talkin' animals every day, adds I do hope that will suit.

The Golem places the tray on a nearby table and I sniff the offering before lookin' over to her. "Hiya Doll. I 'preciate the hospitality. Smells great." I bend over an take a small sip of the milk anna nibble a the sausage. First rate they both are. time to get down to it.

I meet Karina's eyes, "I reckon Maryk told ya why I'm here?" I wait for her acknowledgment before I continue, "This ain't an official interview, but Mab knows what I'm up to and I'll make sure she learns anythin' she c'n use. I'm here to ask some questions, get the ball rollin' again."

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I smirk slightly at the thanks, and give him a nod of my head as if to say 'you're welcome' without words. If anyone, I think, can understand wordless communication, I think it would be a talking cat.

"I reckon Maryk told ya why I'm here?" Chester asks, looking me right in the eyes, which makes me a little uneasy. Intelligence in animals....Funny that would be the hardest thing to get used to.

"Vaguely, but I can guess," I say with another nod before he continues.

"This ain't an official interview, but Mab knows what I'm up to and I'll make sure she learns anythin' she c'n use. I'm here to ask some questions, get the ball rollin' again."

"Alright then," I say and lean back slightly with a light sigh. "Whenever you like."

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Alright then,Whenever you like. Karina says leaning back with a sigh. Maryk just keeps watchin'. Neither of 'em really relaxes though Karina gives the appearance of it. I lean over n' eat another bite of sausage while I organize my thoughts a bit. Might as well start with one a the obvious questions.

"What was your relationship to the dead man?"

Edited Date: 2010-04-22 02:02 am (UTC)

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I raise an eyebrow in surprise at the question. Going to the basics, are we?

"Minimal. I was running against him for the position of Mayor of Excolo." I lift one corner of my lips in amusement at Chester and wait for the next question. May they all be so easy.

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I smirk at the opening question. It's not a surprising one, considering Karina's former occupation. Still, what a bold and biased note to start this all off with. I wonder how much bolder the cat will get and whether it might be necessary to simply throw him out. Karina and I both know what she used to do but that isn't who she is. I don't take it lightly when people confuse the two.

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The Karina raises an eyebrow, Maryk smirks. Minimal. I was running against him for the position of Mayor of Excolo. Her lip lifts in amusement. funny how it's the guy who's gettin' all bent over this question, an not the dame.

I curl my tail round me and look back an forth between them before settling back on her. "N' why were you runnin for mayor?" The first question was for starters, wasn't really spectin; to get anything from it. This one oughta be more interesting.

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I purse my lips and give the cat an even look.

"I have lived here over half my life. He was going to ruin the town and I didn't want that to happen." I tilt my head to the side, eyes still on him. "And I didn't kill him. I prefer to win on my own merits," I add and feel my spine straightening.

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In a way, I don't even need to be here. Karina handles the question easily, even giving a noble air when she says, "I prefer to win on my own merits." It's really no surprise that she established herself in this town the way she did.

"I had nothing to do with it either."

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I'm liking this dame more an more. She purses her lips an gives me a level look. I have lived here over half my life. He was going to ruin the town and I didn't want that to happen. Her head tilts but her eyes are still on mine. Her voice level and sincere,And I didn't kill him. I prefer to win on my own merits, I can almost feel her spine straightening, that was the answer of a ruler.

My eyes flick to Maryk as he adds, I had nothing to do with it either. He is filled with pride at his woman. They are a good match, ruler and consort. Someone musta wanted to stop them.

I sit up straight an meet their eyes. "Tell me about the Council. An' Reeves plans for the town. Those could be important."

In a bit I'll let them know they ain't actually suspects. Let 'em think they gotta convince me a that first.

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The Council. I hesitate slightly. Former clients, some of them, and those are confidences I don't break.

"They're relatively conservative. Edmund's a welcome surprise. Reeves was probably the most conservative, and he planned to close off the towns. I wouldn't be surprised if he wanted to build a fence around us. He thi--thought it would fix things to bury the town's head in the ground. As if no one in this town could possibly be unsavory." I raise an eyebrow and purse my lips, tossing my head lightly in annoyance. "He would have come after those, next, the ones less favorable that didn't fit with his Utopian ideas."

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Karina hesitates on this question, I just wait patiently for the answers.
I ain't surprised really by what she tells me. time for the next question.

"Anyone on the Council that you know of hated him? Maybe enough to kill him?"

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"Hated him?" I repeat, shaking my head slowly, then shrug my shoulders lightly. "He wasn't very well-liked, but I don't know that anyone hated him, specifically." Really, not much of the town gives thought to the Council. And those on it are too political to show strong emotions in any direction.

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Hated him? Karina repeats in surprise as she shakes her head slowly and shrugs, He wasn't very well-liked, but I don't know that anyone hated him, specifically.

Hmm...not a useful answer. I take another bite of sausage and wash it down with some milk as I try to think of another good question to ask. Hmmm maybe I should just out right ask if anyone on the council hates her that she knows of?

Nah, I need to know if she thinks I can talk to any of these guys. and maybe I also need to know about O'Leary an if her connection to Reeves is well known or a secret of sorts. Just cause one a the spirits said she smells of him doesn't tell me stuff like why.

"So maybe I need to go question some of them. Care to give me their names and a hint or two about whether I'd waste time having to convince them that yes I can talk?"

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I tilt my head slightly, trying to picture each member of the council meeting Chester and their reaction.

"Edmund, of course, have you met him?" I wonder how that would go. "Toby Hutchinson is young, he might be alright with it. Meeting you, I mean. Herbert Adams, probably not. You might give him a heart attack." I give Chester a smile. "Concetta Marsh, likely not. Coral Hemingway and Terence Longfellow, well, I suppose it depends on how they're feeling that day." I shrug again. "I can't be sure how they would react."

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She gives the matter some thought. I steal another drink of milk while she does so, then look back up licking my lips and whiskers clean as she speaks.

Edmund, of course, have you met him? I shake my head no. Toby Hutchinson is young, he might be alright with it. Meeting you, I mean. Herbert Adams, probably not. You might give him a heart attack. I snort as Karina smiles at me. Concetta Marsh, likely not. Coral Hemingway and Terence Longfellow, well, I suppose it depends on how they're feeling that day.I can't be sure how they would react.

Quite the short list of people who might be okay to try talkin' to. I sigh and look over at Maryk where he's leaning against the wall patient as stone.

"Mab's really gonna owe me for this. Sounds like I need either a human disguise or a partner."

I look back to Karina, "You got any magic tricks other than the golem?" I open my mouth and breathe in, tasting for Power.

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I raise my eyebrows and purse my lips, twisting them slightly. Erzebet stirs lightly in my consciousness, but I push her aside. Not now. It's amusing that he can tell--amazing how many of my secrets are so obvious now, after so many years of silence. I cast a glance over at Maryk, wondering if he knows what a golem is. Wondering if he will ask.

"Tricks? No," I assure Chester with a smile. "The, uh, golem was a gift."

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I can taste the eddies of spirit energy flickering about her. Ah. There is a spirit-rider. It hides well, barely detectable. She might not even know it's there. I catch her glance at Maryk.

Tricks? No,The, uh, golem was a gift. Again with the smile. Interesting. I can feel my whiskers twitch with curiosity about who gave it to her and why. such and interesting coincidence finding another such creation in this town. The nature of Golem magic is simpler than the interlocking set of spells that Hermia was trying to replicate with Deputy Hollow. But still the two are very similar.

I blink and dip my head, sneaking a glance of my own at Maryk. Now is probably not the time to mention the spirit-rider. "c'n I ask who from? gifts like that often come with a hefty price tag."

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Both my eyebrows raise in surprise and I lean back into the chair, my arms lying on the armrests.

"A client," I finally say with no embarrassment or regret. "Real money can be hard to come by." I shrug lightly. "He seemed to think the cost worth it."

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She leans back in her chair as if it were a throne, both eyebrows going up this time. A client, Real money can be hard to come by.He seemed to think the cost worth it.

"A rich tribute," I say. And one that few queens or courtesans receive. That raises her yet another notch in my estimation. I bow my head to her.

A quick shake and I remind myself that the matter of the golem ain't the most important thing goin' on here. Another quick glance at Maryk an the thought that maybe I am gonna hafta ask if she knows bout the spirit- rider. Cuz there is the chance that her hands ma have done the deed but not her will.

"Lady, I gotta ask you somethin' a bit delicate that has nothin' to do with the golem and lots to do with you having at least one other possible trick. Did'ja know bout the spirit ridin' you?"

I watch her face and eyes very carefully.

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A number of glances pass my way, from both Karina and Chester. I'm not sure if Karina's gauging my support or reaction. I am certain that's what Chester is doing. I keep my face even through their exchange, even when the "golem" comes up. It's not an unfamiliar word or concept to me but that Karina would have one sounds unlikely. Could one even be given as a gift? The legends are sort of mixed but none of them covered that. Unless it's--

My thoughts are interrupted by another glance from the cat before he says, "Lady, I gotta ask you somethin' a bit delicate that has nothin' to do with the golem and lots to do with you having at least one other possible trick. Did'ja know bout the spirit ridin' you?"

My eyes narrow and I turn my eyes to Karina, then back to Chester. What is this cat that he can tell Erzebet is there?

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"Lady, I gotta ask you somethin' a bit delicate that has nothin' to do with the golem and lots to do with you having at least one other possible trick. Did'ja know bout the spirit ridin' you?" I blink once in surprise, then again. All those secrets now obvious to all the newcomers. Lovely. Erzebet laughs with delight inside of my head and shifts behind my eyes, but I keep the control for myself.

"Yes," I say evenly. "And what do you know about that?"

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Maryk isn't surprised, Karina is. The spirit riding her gives off more energy. I think talking about it woke it up some. Neither of them really let much show. His eyes narrow a bit and his gaze slides from her to me. I can feel his curiosity and suspicion from here. She blinks but gets her face still and her voice even. Yes,And what do you know about that?

"Not all that much," I admit. "But I can can tell because it's energies are ripplin' out from you. What I wanna know is two things. Does Mab know about your Rider? An if you sometimes lose time to it?"

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So that's what he's thinking. That the bitch in Karina's head took over long enough to kill Reeves. Even with that possibility, there's no way she killed Reeves and dumped him by the river. Not that night. Erzebet doesn't seem likely to wrest control from Karina, anyway. Only when she'd been damn near broken by the thing in the Tower.

Of course, if she does "lose time" to Erzebet, that'd be a good thing to know.

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There have been times, yes, that she has come forward. But those times are long gone. I sleep, now. I am mentally together, or as much as I can be.

"The only time she's ever been in charge was when I couldn't be." I glance at Maryk. "That's been a long time. As for Mab, no I don't think she knows. At least, I've never told her. It's not something I'm eager to share," I point out.

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The only time she's ever been in charge was when I couldn't be. I notice the quick glance at Maryk, Bet these two are gonna have quite the talk when I finally leave. That's been a long time. As for Mab, no I don't think she knows. At least, I've never told her. It's not something I'm eager to share,

Aw, damn. I dislike this part a the job. My ears and tail twitch uncomfortably. "By the agreement I made with Mab, I gotta let her know bout this. But I don't gotta tell her right away. might help if I c'n talk to your Rider for a bit, so's I can show that it ain't dangerous."

I hold up a paw to stop the expected protest at this. "I swear, by my Element and my NAME, that it will be only a brief interview. Soon as I'm done, things can go back the way they are. I'll even help make sure that happens."

Hope that oath is good enough for them. Really it oughtta be. Ain't all thta often I actually swear somethin'. 'specially not that way. An I mean it. Ain't gonna let that Spirit take over just cause I need to ask it a few questions.

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Karina glances at me and it says everything I need it to. Chester's ears and tail move, which gives him the appearance of looking uncomfortable. Then he says it's got to tell Mab. I shift uneasily, my shoulder leaving the bookshelf as I stand upright. He lifts a paw, like it's a hand and he's telling us to wait before speaking.

"I swear, by my Element and my NAME, that it will be only a brief interview. Soon as I'm done, things can go back the way they are. I'll even help make sure that happens."

"No," I say, my voice dark and low. "What if it is dangerous and you can't control it? Even if you do swear by your 'element' and your 'name?'"

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Yeah I can tell Maryk really doesn't like this idea, No,What if it is dangerous and you can't control it? Even if you do swear by your 'element' and your 'name? He says.

He's got a point. I ain't got nearly the same Power as Hermia or one a the gods. "That's for Karina to decide. And we don't hafta do that interview today. If we wait til we can have someone put up a proper circle and protections, could make sure things go our way." Might be better to do it that way. Don't think the spirit-rider has that much strength yet to be really dangerous but why take the chance.

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I eye Chester carefully as Maryk responds almost angrily and Erzebet paces in my mind, pressing for me to say yes.

"What kind of protection?" I finally ask, still not sure how I feel about Mab knowing this secret--or anyone else.

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Karina keeps her eyes on me as the energy coming from her spikes. I bet the spirit would like to take over right now.

What kind of protection? She finally asks, her voice and eyes wary.

"Containment and protection for those outside the circle to start and then if necessary we could see 'bout banishment if ya wanted. It'd be best if someone with Power draws the circles which'd mean one more person knowing some thing bout what;s goin'n on but We could make do with me n' Maryk. might wanted bring Msb in seein' as how I gotta tell her anyways. "

A thought crosses my mind then hesitates an stays. "CAre to tell a bit bout this spirit-rider? D'you know what it's called, maybe it's Name?"

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Banishment. Frankly, the thought had never occurred to me. Erzebet hisses fiercely in my ear. No, I don't know why, but banishment...that just seems...cruel.

"....D'you know what it's called, maybe it's Name?" Chester asks.

"Erzebet," She and I both say at once. It's a strange sensation on my vocal cords. I press her back and look at him. "I think it would be best, if I'm to let go, to have some kind of safeguard. If it's even possible."

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I catch my lip curling at the mention of banishment. My stomach clenches and my finger itches. Banishing spirits and demons has too much collateral damage. Erzebet hasn't done anything but help Karina through the rape. Maybe she's not completely benign but she's certainly been less dangerous than a lot of things I've met in this fucking town.

"Who could help with the interview? Who's strong enough to protect Karina?"

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Never expected that kinda reaction to my mention of banishment. Karina seems astonished as if the very thought had never occurred to her, while Maryk looks angry as if I just suggested we kick a friend out of the house. Hunh. Maybe I am.

Erzebet, Karina names her Rider and from the odd timbre of her voice I think it was more than just her talkin'. Not sure if the spirit's eagerness to talk to me is good or bad.

Who could help with the interview? Who's strong enough to protect Karina? He asks. That's a very good question and one without an easy answer. Much as I'd like to suggest Hermia, I don't think we oughta gamble that she is actually strong enough to hold this Erzebet for sure.

So that leaves me with tryin' that find some one else to fill in.
If we want top level power we should go to the gods but these days most them ain't really listening. Mab? She's got strong wards but I dunno how good she is with spirits. Hold on, maybe there's another way we can do this?

"S'not a matter of direct strength, least not always." I say, offhandedly, gotta try an pounce that thought off in the corner of my mind, see if I can drag it up to where it might be useful. "Sometimes all you need is a really good incentive to play nice. Like no one tryin' to banish anybody if things go well." I add glancing casually at Karina's eyes and energy pattern to see how both of them take that.

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My lips curl into a feral grin, showing my teeth, and it's not an action that I'm even remotely in charge of. She doesn't like threats. Frankly, I don't blame her. I hold her back from everywhere else, but the look on my face is all hers. Oh, Erzebet. Don't get us killed.

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