22:14 <banana> It's morning outside, still early. They've brought up the date for the reconciliation process that would originally have been on Friday the 19th - now marked on the greybox calendar as 'Day of the Tripods(?)'. 22:15 <banana> Richard has dark circles under his eyes and he's gripping the table a little too tightly, but he smiles warmly at Badawi and Bob - and the coffee is also warm. "We haven't got a wealth of information here, but I put together a couple of slides. Does anyone have, ah, context that you'd like to insert before the deck?" 22:16 <Quaker> Badawi sips her coffee. Let’s get this touchy-feely bullshit over with. 22:16 <Quaker> “The what?” 22:17 <tom> Bob's bundled up in a heavy jacket. He hasn't slept in almost thirty hours. This is fine. 22:17 <banana> Haldane: "Slide deck. It's an analogy for old analogue projectors which operated on a series of individually inserted negatives!" 22:18 <banana> "You'd have a deck, of little plastic things or vacation photos - some industrial machines would let you bind them together in a special container and automate the advancing process. Lots of mechanical action." 22:18 <tom> "I don't know anything about wizards," Bob adds after gulping down his coffee. 22:19 <Quaker> “…You mean a powerpoint?” 22:19 <banana> Haldane: "LibreOffice, but... yes, that." 22:20 <Quaker> “Got it.” 22:20 <banana> "Anyway- wizards!" Light flickers up on the screen at the back of the room - diagrams and labels with little photo-attachment icons. 22:20 <Quaker> “I’ve been told not to antagonize Mr. Knight any further, if I can help it.” 22:21 <banana> Richard: "That would be wise. The Seers of the Throne, obviously they're very secretive but we do know a few things about them:" 22:21 <tom> "That book sucked anyway," he mutters. 22:22 <banana> "Like other dragon-mages, their individual potential is very high. They all specialise in different expressions of magic but it boils down to image - mental image, will - accompanied by gestures and tools. The best of them can shape us like Gumby, and the Seers... they're organised." 22:23 <tom> Bob looks at the bags under Richard's eyes as the man speaks. 22:23 <banana> "Worldwide, although perhaps not effectively so. Individual groups differ in their ideology and the scope of their planning. But they communicate, they follow orders in a hierarchy, and they were frequently found giving as consultants in the Human Office." 22:23 <banana> *found as consultants 22:23 <Quaker> Badawi remembers the odd sensation of having her metaphysical perception forcibly altered. 22:25 <tom> "...And they don't like the other cults, or something?" 22:25 <banana> "This guy you've described-" he flicks slides. "If he's a 'Tetrach', obviously the root there is tetra, four - it means he's a direct servant of their four high dragon-gods. About as highly placed as humans are allowed to get. Frankly, it's weird that he's attending this process. You should expect an agenda." 22:25 <banana> Richard: "Right, the Seers' gods are inimical to the other cults, who consider them evil tyrants. I'm sure there's some truth to it, insofar as these entities actually exist." 22:26 <banana> "The other factor in this meeting is the Lost - the Free Hills. But do we have any questions on the topic of wizards?" 22:27 <Quaker> “Do we know anything about their specific agenda? Besides blowing up hospitals?” 22:27 <tom> Bob lets his eyes fall shut for a moment. "Why did they need him at the Tatterdam? He held up some kinda seal...?" 22:28 <banana> Richard: "Maintain the status quo. They want to shut down supernatural incursions, keep people unaware of the truths of the world.. they didn't run the Office, but its goals were surprisingly well-aligned." 22:29 <tom> He pushes up his visor to rub his eyes. "Figures." 22:29 <banana> "Ah yes, the famous writ. Willie said it was less poignant than the wolf contribution, but 'authority' here... has some magical meaning. Your hosts are more likely to know the details." 22:29 <Quaker> “Do we know what we can reasonably expect in terms of compensation or apology?” 22:30 <tom> "That seal is, like, real important to keeping some really dark shit from happening, so whatever we do, let's try not to... I mean what if he gets mad and is like, nah, next time I'm not re-upping the veil?" 22:30 <tom> "What do I do then?" 22:31 <banana> Richard: "Hmm." He fiddles with the remote for the projector, clicking nervously on a bit that doesn't do anything. "My analysis is barely treading water here... everything about the way these wizards treat people says you shouldn't expect apologies, or for them to engage at all. There's something we're missing." 22:31 <banana> "Perhaps they're not as bad as all that. Perhaps they want something from you, and are prepared to pay for it. They do make deals." 22:31 <Quaker> “Well, so does Satan.” 22:32 <tom> Bob folds his arms. "They probably aren't thinking about us at all." 22:32 <banana> Haldane: "So I'm informed. Like a bloody used-car salesman... er, sorry." 22:32 <tom> "Janny probably just wants to take Hatch's measure. He's the Rex Hiberno." 22:32 <banana> "That's a cool name." 22:32 <Quaker> “You could just ask the other mages for help. But we’re not going to get to that point.” 22:32 <tom> "I think so." 22:33 <Quaker> “What do the changelings want from this? What are they getting out of it?” 22:33 <tom> "He broke the rules at their party." 22:34 <tom> Bob raps his knuckles on the conference table. "Elfs care a lot about the rules." 22:34 <banana> Richard: "Right, the Hill people. This will not be a surprise to Bob, I think, but the thing that defines the changed folk is their suffering. Nasty way to summarise someone, but what can we do? They've gone through tortures in a fantasy land, escaped and drawn power from the experience." 22:34 <banana> "Here in Manchester they once had a lot of power. There are stories, not even that old... they ran the place at one point, as a bastion. Against the unknowable dark." 22:35 <banana> "If was to speculate wildly... that's what they have in common with the Seers. They both want to keep things out and keep people in the sort of limited safety that comes from ignorance." 22:36 <banana> "But they aren't like wizards. They don't see arrogance as a virtue and aren't any more likely than a human being to be cruel. Do they have an agenda too? Yes, probably. But I'd be more inclined to trust them, a lot more." 22:36 <tom> "Technically, I'm... you know, I'm on that tip. Should I recuse myself? Because Hatch is basically my boss now?" 22:37 <tom> Bob looks briefly worried. "I don't think he's gonna rule against us, or anything." 22:38 <Quaker> “Why would you recuse yourself? One of your friends was attacked. It’s not about being impartial or anything.” 22:38 <banana> Richard: "I think we're well beyond conflicts of interest." 22:39 <tom> Bob's eyes brighten at the word 'friend'. "I ain't gonna leave you hanging." 22:39 <tom> "That asshole isn't allowed to show up to my party and step off to you. That's a fact." 22:40 <banana> You're not going there to fight anyone, so you probably don't want the slides on power levels and magic banes... right? 22:40 <tom> "I can't... speak for Hatch? But I'll make sure that little shit can't wriggle out from fucking with you." 22:40 <Quaker> Unless there’s like…a magic killing word they can use, probably not. 22:41 <banana> Haldane: "You might as well take these blueprints for the complex. One never knows." 22:41 <tom> Bob taps his visor and gets the PDF. 22:42 <Quaker> “Just a warning. If we show up and it’s some kind of ambush like with the WASC, we’re leaving. No discussion.” 22:42 <tom> Bob reaches into his jacket and takes out the halves of his shotgun to place into the locker. "If it's an ambush, my people are going to be on our side. Count on it." 22:43 <tom> It's not like having a gun would help, anyway. 22:44 <banana> Richard shuts down the projector. "I hope you can find what you're looking for." 22:45 <Quaker> Badawi WILL be taking her satchel, and a pistol. 22:45 <banana> Sandy Bunkers Retirement Community is upscale as these places go. They've got a three-sided villa (red brick, of course) with a forecourt and enclosed grounds so the wanderers can't go too far. In this weather, few of the residents are out in the park-like space. 22:47 <banana> Bob knows the address from his emergency contacts - Kylie lives here. The Hill has other interests in the place, too, and it's moderately secure. 22:47 <banana> There's no need to go through the building - a path leads around. Old people gaze out a refectory window at you as you stamp over the winter-hardened earth. 22:48 <Quaker> Badawi shuts the passenger door and goes around to talk to Amjad. “Just wait for us here. Shouldn’t be too long, and we’re not expecting anything to happen.” 22:48 <tom> Bob rides in silence in the backseat of the van, one hand rubbing his closed eyelids until the vehicle comes to a halt outside the retirement home. 22:49 <Quaker> Old people usually love Badawi. But old British people? Hm… 22:49 <tom> He steps onto the pavement and scans the building with bleary eyes. 22:49 <banana> The light in those windows, the creaking age and the glints of livelihood... this is a stronghold of Winter, alright. 22:50 <tom> Kylie... 22:50 <tom> Bob shrugs and, unless Badawi insists otherwise, leads the way. 22:51 <Quaker> Sandy Bunkers? What is this…a golf course? She walks into reception. 22:52 <banana> There's a receptionist in scrubs, but they take one look at you and wave you through the foyer, out the other side to a door that opens into the interior park. 22:53 <banana> Two of the changelings are waiting for you there, sheltered in the residential home's wings. There's a gazebo, again - meaningless to Bob, but Badawi's had her encounters - it's got heat lamps and and chess tables. An old man and an old woman sit across from each other, talking quietly. 22:53 <banana> They're both in wheelchairs, although Starling doesn't need his most of the time. He looks up, wild hair around the shape of an invisible crown, beckoning with one arm. 22:53 <tom> He rubs his hands together for warmth and waits for Badawi at the base of the steps. "Kylie's nice, you'll like her..." 22:54 <banana> Kylie is largely toothless and doesn't seem particularly present. But she also does not object to the visitors. 22:55 <tom> He steps up into the Gazebo and stares at Hatch. It occurs that he has no idea what he's supposed to say to the Winter King so instead he mumbles something like, "Sir," 22:55 <banana> Hatch Starling: "Good morning, Goreman. Very decent of you to stand as a second for Mrs. Badawi here. We had a lot of trouble finding someone who'd help advocate for the mage." 22:56 <Quaker> Badawi steps gently up to them, closer to the old woman than the old man. To the former: “Hi…how are you?” 22:58 <tom> He shrugs. "I can't leave Badawi in a lurch." At hearing him finish his sentence: "Yeah, I bet." 22:58 <banana> She mumbles, but there's a recognisable accent - not British, you think. "G'day, young lady. We have so many visitors today." 22:58 <Quaker> “Why’s that?” 22:58 <Quaker> To Starling, not the woman. 22:59 <tom> "I get the impression this isn't the first time Janny's gotten on probation." 22:59 <banana> Starling: "It's the first time he's been through our process, but I can't speak to how annoying his own people find him. The alliance is.. it's good for both of us and the whole city, but we know what we're dealingw ith here." 22:59 <Quaker> To the woman. “I hope we’re not bothering you, missus.” 23:00 <banana> Starling: "I'll be out here - not the kind of guide you want in process of healing and mutual agreement, frankly. But I will keep you safe." 23:00 <banana> Kylie: "No, no. It's no bother. Everyone's just here for an argument, you see." 23:01 <banana> "Seers and scholars and oracles." 23:01 <tom> Bob winces, sympathetic. "I hope we're not putting you in a tough spot. But he can't get the idea he can just fuck with us. We already showed Carl what's up, so let's do it the nice way today." 23:01 <Quaker> To Kylie: “I bet none of them even bothered to bring cookies.” 23:02 <banana> Seelie King: "I have had reports. No forest fires, please." 23:02 <tom> "I'm not armed." 23:02 <Quaker> “But that’s okay. We’re not here to argue. Just talk calmly, to restore understanding.” 23:02 <Quaker> “I am armed. Should I leave it with you?” 23:03 <banana> Hatch: "If you've got a metal gun, you can leave it with Premson just inside." He gestures at a door into the right wing of the complex. "Could set the detectors off otherwise." 23:04 <tom> "Oh, Premson's here?" Huh... 23:04 <banana> "Before you begin, Badawi of the Nameless House, may I just ask- what would you like to see happen today?" 23:04 <tom> Bob folds his hands behind his back. 23:04 <banana> Kylie: "Cookies... maybe later, after a nap?" 23:05 <Quaker> “Right.” She texts Amjad to pick up some treats in the meantime. “Could I ask you a question before I answer that, Your Majesty?” 23:05 <tom> "Oh man I could use a nap..." 23:06 <banana> Starling: "Yeah, yeah." Physically he doesn't look much better off than the old woman, but he's pretty quick. Far more active than when Bob first met him back in Autumn. 23:07 <Quaker> “You said you know what you deal with. So what should I expect from him? In terms of what he’s willing to offer.” 23:09 <banana> Starling: "If the Pyramid pays you anything, they will expect an equivalent exchange. If you're asking for him to come to some understanding... they are people. He can be civil, he can make promises, and if he doesn't, we won't have him at Candlemas." 23:09 <tom> Bob's seemingly content to let Badawi and Hatch talk, but he can't help but be proud to see Hatch invigorated. 23:10 <banana> "Samhain was the first time I've met this Seer. The Pyramid... doesn't send out people so senior. So he has some personal goal, which involves treating with us. And you, apparently." 23:10 <tom> "Maybe he just wants to get us in on an MLM scheme or something." 23:11 <Quaker> “I’m looking for an apology for attacking me and a promise to be left alone in the future.” 23:11 <banana> Hatch Starling: "I think that's very reasonable, and Lensburg should be able to help you get it. Good luck." 23:12 <tom> He nods. "Thanks, Ice K- your grace?" 23:13 <banana> "Ice king." 23:13 <banana> The tone is flat. He's not suggesting that yes, this is the good nickname, go with that one. 23:13 <Quaker> “Thank you for setting this up, again. We won’t let you down.” She turns to Kylie. “I hope you’re having a good day, missus. You know what…I think a friend of mine will be around later with a nice little surprise. The baked kind.” 23:14 <Quaker> “Alright, let’s go.” 23:14 <banana> You're not totally sure the extremely old woman behind the chess table understands, but her wrinkled cheeks dimple up. 23:14 <tom> Bob nods and turns to leave with her. 23:14 <Quaker> She walks in and looks around for ‘Premson’. 23:15 <tom> Bob can help her with that. 23:16 <banana> There's a small theatre with most of its chairs stacked against the wall. A bunch of them have been set around a round prop table, which is populated by three more changelings - all of whom you've met before. 23:17 <tom> Bob makes the rounds, waving and smiling affably. 23:17 <banana> lal Yadav is here, representing the ruling Hill's interests. He greets Bob solemnly and bows to Badawi... who hasn't met him, actually. He was at Samhain, but not publicly. So this is the first time she's seeing the tall Indian man in an archaic frock coat, with a thin gold necklace and an upright bearing. 23:18 <banana> He does have a safe in which she'd be welcome to leave unhelpful objets. 23:18 <banana> *objects 23:19 <Quaker> Badawi bows slightly back, and wraps her handgun in a blue handkerchief before taking it out of her pocket and handing it over. “Good morning. Mr. Starling said I should leave this with you for the time being.” 23:19 <banana> In a very slightly large chair than the others is slouching Seelie Count Saul Lensburg - Regent of Spring, Rising Star of the East. He'll nod briefly to Bob, but stand up when he spots Badawi, intending to talk with her. 23:19 <tom> Bob gives them some space and squints to see if he can make out any of the wizards. 23:21 <banana> Finally, waiting by a door to rest of the building the toilets is the woman with a walking stick from the dance floor. Willie or Aster may have informed the rest of the House that this is Carnelia Charn of Autumn, Augur of Worms. The 'oracle' from Kylie's categorisation. 23:21 <banana> *to the rest of the building marked 'toilets' 23:21 <banana> No wizards present yet, but you're just on time, so it shouldn't be long. 23:21 <tom> Bob rolls his eyes. 23:21 <banana> Premson takes the gun gravely. "Thank you. Is it Agostina?" 23:22 <tom> Of course the wizards insist on keeping us waiting. 23:22 <Quaker> “It sure is. How are you?” 23:22 <tom> Bob heads over to greet Carnelia. "Hey. No hard feelings about Samhain, Aster smoked us all." 23:23 <banana> Premson: "I am generally unchanged. Bob's described you in positive terms - somewhat terrified, but positive." 23:24 <Quaker> “I think he’s just a bit easily impressed. Are we waiting for someone else?” 23:25 <banana> Lensburg reaches the talking two. "Hey, thanks for your participation - the other party's just on his way back from the bathroom. Now, this process gives back what you put into it, so I'm glad to see engagement from both sides." 23:26 <banana> The slightly portly Spring changeling seems very... earnest, when he's not sitting behind a feast table at a pagan rite. "Framing's important, too - I say 'both sides' as a default here, but it's not a legal process, and you might not prefer the image of a confrontation?" 23:27 <tom> Bob puts his hands in his pockets, shrugs, turns to Badawi. 23:27 <Quaker> “Sure. I’m surprised he has the time for this, considering the fallout from what his people did in Liverpool. But I’m grateful for the chance to mend bridges. Especially when it was your rules that were broken - I’m sure you’re still feeling uneasy about that.” 23:27 <banana> Carnelia has a winter coat - not the same as the glamoured creation she had at Samhain, which tended to shed leaves, but still nice and thick. She blinks at Bob for a moment. "Hm. None here, either.. what's your role in this?" 23:29 <tom> "Oh, you know, every dick in the city wants a piece of us. Gotta rep the colors or it'll never stop." 23:30 <tom> He grins. "Like you fucked up that jackal-looking motherfucker on the dancefloor, yeah?" 23:31 <banana> Lensburg: "Very true. I do have to point out that your surety doesn't bind anyone else - we can't force Mr. Janissary to agree with your point of view, but we will ensure you get to present it. We probably want to sit here, here and here..." 23:32 <banana> Carnelia: "Took another chunk out of him in bed. Thankfully the bee thing is not real." 23:32 <banana> The door beside Carnelia (and Bob) opens. 23:32 <tom> "Slay," Bob intones gravely. 23:33 <banana> Seelie Count Samuel Plape enters first - the Regent of Autumn, Waning Star of the West. The freehold's definitely pulling out Authority here, even without the King directly participating. 23:34 <Quaker> Badawi sits where indicated. 23:34 <banana> The scarecrow-looking man startles a little- wait. The movement of the door catches Bob's eye and he feels a chill, sees the truth. Plape is a man of sticks, bolsters and cloth creating an imitation of humanity... the impression you've been getting until now, rags and fixed grins, that's been your poor mortal brain trying to make sense of it. 23:34 <banana> In reality his face is a crude mask affixed to a branch, further twigs bundled together with twine at key points creating the least convincingly alive-person of any changeling whose Mien you've yet seen. 23:35 <tom> "Plape," Bob manages, then looks away. He doesn't wanna embarrass the dude. 23:35 <tom> He nods like a drinky bird. 23:36 <banana> The man's reply is mild as he brushes past - you can feel the touch of flesh that isn't there). "Technically count, but you can go with Sam if you like. It won't matter for most of a year." 23:37 <tom> "Thanks for coming, Sam. This is a big deal for us." 23:37 <banana> Premson follows Lensburg and Badawi to the table, and takes up a seat at Lensburg's left. Saul: "It seems we have a quorum. Mrs. Badawi, are you ok with being seated across from... Janissary?" 23:37 <banana> That would be the figure in the door. 23:38 <banana> "Are we really doing titles?" asks the Seer. 23:38 <banana> He's a big man without the armour, vigorous, but almost old enough to be a resident. Janissary's hair is white - sweeping back from a widow's peak - and his nose is beaky. He's got thick eyebrows too, dramatically offset against light brown skin. 23:38 <Quaker> “Sure.” She smiles. “I know you’ll stop him this time if he tries to go after me again, haha.” 23:39 <banana> Plape: "By all means." He sits at Lensburg's right. "I'm the Regent of Spring, Rising Star of the East- as the Wyrd surely taught you." 23:39 <banana> wtf 23:39 <banana> *I'm the Regent of Autumn, Waning Star of the West 23:40 <banana> Lensburg: "We don't need to introduce ourselves by mystical titles. This is a reconciliation process, where we're going to act like human beings - it may be an act, but we're good at it." 23:40 <banana> Looks like Charn is acting as Janissary's... second? Advocate? They're going to sit down together, anyway. 23:41 <banana> The Seer, a wizard alone, looks carefully around the table, according Badawi no more or less scrutiny than the others. It's still completely unclear what he thinks about this situation, but at least his face isn't a golden mask anymore. 23:42 <banana> He has laugh lines, in fact - the face of a wise elder who smiles a lot. Maybe some sort of warrior-politician. 23:42 <Quaker> “Get here alright?” 23:43 <tom> Bob follows Carnelia over to the tables before breaking off to sit with Badawi. 23:44 <banana> Janissary: "Green lights all the way down the M60." 23:44 <tom> He steeples his fingers and glowers at Janissary from behind his mirrored glasses. 23:44 <banana> His voice is the one you remember, mellow and confident (perhaps: excessively so, but you may be biased). 23:47 <banana> Lensburg: "Titles are optional but we should introduce ourselves. This is a reconciliation process to establish the viewpoints of two of us on an incident at Samhain, to let their stories be heard and see what we can do to narrow the gap." 23:47 <banana> "I'm Saul Lensburg, on behalf of the King under the Hill - I'm a licensed therapist and a practitioner of restorative justice in local alternative spaces." 23:47 <banana> "To my right is Samuel Plape-" 23:47 <banana> Plape: "On behalf of the King, representing authority. As a community, we have standards for mutual protection, and if we find that they've been violated, the community will act." 23:48 <banana> Lensburg looks to his left. 23:49 <banana> "Premson lal Yadav... titles? I suppose I am a caller of beasts, a wielder of thorns. If necessary, I'll contribute expertise on the limits and boundaries of magic." 23:49 <banana> Next in clockwise order would be Badawi, then Bob. 23:50 <Quaker> “My name is Agostina Badawi. I’m a professional thief. I work for the Nameless House in Manchester.” 23:50 <banana> The room is comfortable thanks to the central heating, and the walls are thick. You can barely make out the noise of television sets, of clinking trays and bowls. The residents of Sandy Bunkers aren't very active types. 23:52 <tom> Bob kneads his adam's apple on the way to adjust his collar. "Bob Goreman. Hatch is my King, but I share the House with Badawi." 23:53 <banana> Lensburg: "And you're here to stand by Agostina, right Bob? That means you can advocate for her if necessary - it's her story, but everyone deserves an ally." 23:54 <tom> "I'm behind her one hundred percent." 23:55 <banana> That takes you to Carnelia Charn. "I'm standing with Janissary here, who is also our ally and not familiar with our ways. He's accused of violating our standards? Fine, but we need to ascertain whether that's really what happened before standing in judgement." 23:55 <Quaker> It’s funny that she only ever has to list one of her jobs for people to be satisfied. 23:56 <banana> They tend to assume that it's a full-time thing. 23:57 <banana> Finally: "I am called Janissary." If you squint enough, he actually looks a little like Palpatine in the prequels. "Guess I'll do the titles, so that we share a common context." 23:57 <banana> "Rather than a thief I am a Tetrach of Merseyside and Speaker of Restricted Names, by the Grace of the Father Theurgist on the Path of the Mighty, bearer of the Golden Key to the Realm of Aether, Kingdom of Celestial Spheres and Abode of Angels." 23:58 <banana> Carnelia: "And, ah, every mage has a title like that, right? It's a tradition." 23:58 <banana> Janissary: "Sure, capital-T." 23:59 <banana> Lensburg says something very quiet while the two of them are speaking; you think it was 'oh boy'. 23:59 <Quaker> “Thank you to the Freehold of Manchester and its monarchs for suggesting and holding this meeting. I appreciate the gesture.” 00:00 <banana> Saul: "You're welcome. Would you like to tell us your story to start things off, in your own words?" 00:00 <banana> "If someone wants to ask questions, they can raise a hand - otherwise, please, no interruptions." 00:00 <Quaker> “If it’s alright, I think the Tetrach should go first.” 00:00 <tom> Bob folds his hands on the table. 00:00 <banana> Janissary: "I can do that if you'd prefer it." 00:01 <banana> "I suppose that if this isn't a legal process, there's no need to rush to get your viewpoint in and sway a magistrate." 00:02 <banana> Lensburg: "It's not. But the point of this process is reconciliation, to the extent that's possible.. we're not looking for a contest. Do you think the two of you agree on the facts of what happened, as an outside observer would see it?" 00:03 <banana> Janissary: "I can only give you an inside observation, regent. The facts as I see them are this." 00:06 <banana> He looks at Badawi, holding her gaze. "We had a conversation. Hostile, and I walked away. You followed me and pressed me for answers. Instead of answering, I chose to erase your relevance, using magic which rendered you incapable of continuing... but otherwise unharmed." 00:06 <banana> They might not be sitting in judgement, but nobody seems particularly pleased by this take. 00:07 <banana> When it becomes clear he's done speaking, Lensburg looks to Badawi first in case of a direct response. 00:08 <Quaker> “Well, let’s see…it was at the party…” 00:08 <Quaker> She rubs her chin and remembers. 00:09 <Quaker> “I think you approached me and my colleagues because you have some kind of magical alert for when people speak your shadow name…right?” 00:09 <banana> Janissary: "Agreed." 00:09 <banana> Plape: "Was that just at the party, or..?" 00:09 <banana> Janissary: "No, it's more general." 00:10 <Quaker> “And your costume was like, all armored-up. With a golden face mask. Right?” 00:10 <banana> Janissary: "Yes, it was." 00:10 <tom> Bob tries to appear thoughtful. 00:10 <Quaker> “Oh, yeah. Right, we should clarify. Anytime your name is mentioned, you know about it? Is that right?” 00:11 <banana> Janissary: "I don't want to go into more detail, there. Your interpretation of what happened that night is correct, though." 00:11 <banana> Saul Lensburg is looking back and forth, a small frown developing. He's not sure whether this direct interrogation is helping. 00:12 <banana> Premson looks disappointed that the wizard won't elaborate on the name-magic, but he's not interrupting. 00:13 <Quaker> “Okay. So you approached, and I said ‘Hello, masked man,’ and ‘Do you have a Google alert set up?’, and you said ‘no alert, but I answer search queries, may I help you with anything?’ And I said ‘Are you allowed to take the armor off when you clock out?’, and you said ‘certainly’, and then you said ‘I’m also a civil servant, the main ceremony is in about ninety minutes and you recommend staying.’” 00:14 <banana> Janissary seems to think for a moment. "All of that matches my memory. The conversation was longer, there were others present, but I'm sure you're right about that part of it." 00:15 <Quaker> “Then I said ‘Wow, so are you in charge of a bunch of people?’ and you said ‘yes, you don’t need to sound quite so unimpressed,’ and I said ‘I’m not unimpressed, that’s just my voice.’, and then I said ‘Do you have an official title,’ and you said “it’s a party, Mrs. Badawi, if your ‘Nameless House takes up some sort of contract we’ll do titles and business cards,’ then you looked around and my friend asked if you 00:15 <Quaker> believe in God and you said ‘I believe in the necessity of God.’” 00:15 <banana> Janissary: "Hmm. I'm trying to spot the court stenographer." 00:16 <banana> "No record to read it into, but all of that happened." 00:16 <banana> "Sorry, that was unwarranted." 00:16 <banana> He was just getting a Look from the regents there, but... has thought better of it? 00:17 <banana> Carnelia Charn is watching the mage to the exclusion of everyone else. Why, you don't know. 00:17 <Quaker> Then I said ‘So if you and the Night-Mayor — that’s the vampire boss — had to fight, who do you think would win?’, and you said ‘it doesn’t look like you need my help after all, I’ll let you enjoy the dance,’ and then walked towards what I thought was the bar, so I figured I’d walk with you on my way there, and I said ‘so the Night Mayor?’, and you said ‘you’re following me, girl, is this question important to you?’ and 00:17 <Quaker> said ‘I’m just walking here, why’, and you said ‘because if it’s important, I’ll answer it, otherwise if you’re only attempting to push boundaries, I’ll set one.’” 00:18 <banana> Janissary: "Yes." 00:19 <banana> Lensburg: "I can see this made a strong impression on you, Agostina. Is that when you were affected by magic?" 00:19 <Quaker> “Then I said ‘Also, ‘girl’, how old are you? I’m just walking with you, do you often make weird threats at women at parties when they walk towards you instead of walking towards them, is the suit of armor like a metaphor,’ and then you cast a spell on me.” 00:20 <Quaker> “Then I went back to my friends and asked who was in charge of the party, and they told me, and I lodged a complaint and presented my gifts to the monarchs.” 00:21 <banana> Janissary: "Well, I can't vouch for the last part... but here we are." 00:22 <tom> Bob's demeanor shifts. He's seen this shit before. 00:22 <tom> Does this freak really get off on people being mad at him, or what? 00:23 <banana> Plape looks like he's about to say something, but Lensburg nods firmly. "Wow. Okay, it's good that we're on the same page about what happened, but that's not as important as what it means - how it affected you. I'm going to say this was a charged conversation from the start?" 00:24 <banana> "Agostina, would it be fair to say that your group had heard of Janissary and was in a wary mood when he approached you?" 00:24 <Quaker> “I have friends who are on the other side of him in a metaphysical war. I had heard of his faction.” 00:25 <banana> Janissary: "Right, that explains the residue of other-dimensional energies about you. I'm sure they were unpleasant in a vague way." 00:26 <banana> "Just to be clear - is it okay if I point this out? We are not at war, any of us, and I don't consider you enemies despite your associations." 00:27 <banana> Lensburg: "That much is welcome." He addresses Badawi. "Are you willing to go as far as 'not enemies'? Or maybe you don't see that as the important thing here?" 00:27 <Quaker> “We don’t need to relitigate anything here. Let’s just say that I knew Janissary was extremely powerful and dangerous, if he wanted to be.” 00:30 <banana> Janissary: "That's fair. And I'm not going to act as a danger to you - while I may use my power to put you aside or set the terms of our relationship, as I did three weeks ago, you will retain your senses and your organs." He smiles, again. 00:31 <Quaker> “Mm. Alright, this is part of what I was talking about.” 00:31 <tom> "Can I just say that is a weird fuckin' thing to say?" 00:31 <banana> Plape: "Is that meant to be reassuring? It's- ah, you'd better speak." 00:31 <tom> Bob coughs. 00:32 <banana> Several people actually just started talking at once there, but they'll pipe down for the principals. 00:32 <Quaker> “Saul, if I said, I’m not going to lean over the table and slit your throat, would you be reassured?” 00:33 <banana> Lensburg: "No, Agostina, I'd question why you brought the idea up at all. It sounds like a casual assertion that you can hurt me and merely choose not to - Janissary, do you disagree?" 00:33 <banana> Janissary: "Not at all." 00:33 <Quaker> “You only talk like that when you’re making a veiled threat.” 00:34 <Quaker> “And now he’s going to be like ‘believe me, when I want to threaten you, I won’t require a veil.’” 00:35 <Quaker> “And NOW he’s going to be like ‘nonense. We’re all friends here. I’d never do anything.’” 00:35 <banana> Janissary: "Well, you can characterise it as a threat if you like, but rest assured - the violence implicit in the schema isn't going to eventuate. Of course I could overpower you. I've been placed above you and given that right - but it's always been understood that we act with a basic level of humanity, that psychopathy serves nobody." 00:35 <Quaker> “But words are like bullets, after all. You can’t take them back.” 00:35 <banana> "I stand by everything I've said." 00:35 <tom> "Do you stand by blowing up a big piece of that hospital the other day, yeah?" 00:36 <tom> Bob's eyes are narrowed behind his visor. 00:36 <Quaker> “Okay. You’ve been placed above me and you have a right overpower me?” 00:36 <banana> Janissary looks between the two and visibly chooses not to answer Bob. The changelings look like they want to interrupt but are also kind of fascinated. 00:36 <tom> Bob stands, his fingers splayed on the table. "This is a joke. He's clearly getting off on this." 00:37 <Quaker> “Shh. This is my hearing, not yours.” 00:37 <tom> He sits back down. 00:37 <tom> "Sorry." 00:37 <banana> Tetrarch: "That's right. As you're aware from your friends, I serve greater powers - chief among them God, the God of the Church, although their understanding is deeply limited. I am only a servant, but in return for my service I am granted privileges." 00:38 <Quaker> “Sure. Like?” 00:39 <banana> Janissary: "The choice of who I interact with and how, of how I allow them to see and discuss me, these things are well within my rights. I'm here because I see value in procedures and alliances, not to mock your society... but we likely have some fundamental disagreements." 00:39 <banana> Premson: "You're a megalomaniac." 00:39 <banana> Charn: "That's definitely judgement." 00:39 <Quaker> “Okay. Can we circle back to you having a right to overpower me?” 00:40 <banana> Janissary: "Yes, alright." 00:40 <banana> (He nods to Carnelia briefly.) 00:41 <banana> Lensburg: "I think.. it would definitely be helpful for you to express your feelings on that idea, Agostina." 00:41 <banana> Saul is starting to look seriously worried. 00:41 <Quaker> “I’d like him to elaborate on it.” 00:41 <Quaker> “I’m not the one asserting the right.” 00:42 <banana> Janissary: "Oh, sure. Have you ever read Gramsci?" 00:42 <Quaker> “No.” 00:44 <banana> Janissary: "Antonio Gramsci. He was a Marxist philosopher who coincided with Italy's fascist period. Marxism has been a valuable idea to my order, but, well, here's Gramsci on ideology: 'The old world is dying and the new one cannot be born. It is a time of morbidities and monsters.'" 00:44 <banana> "Now, he was speaking in the immediate aftermath of the second great war, but we've entered another time of change. The liberal century has ended and the world is being remade to a degree you cannot comprehend." 00:45 <Quaker> “That doesn’t really explain why you think you have a right to overpower me, or why you think you’ve been placed above me.” 00:46 <banana> Janissary: "I'll try to be less circuitous. The war you describe, with me on one side and some petty zookeepers on another... it barely matters. The true powers of Aether battle forces that would strip every human being of their flesh and transform them into entities of chaotic will... or freeze them in stasis, unsentient cogs in a grand machine. My accomplishment is that I have just barely 00:46 <banana> come to the notice of these powers." 00:46 <banana> "I am worthy to serve them. You are not. It matters." 00:47 <Quaker> “Alright.” 00:47 <banana> Carnelia: "Sorry, I can't do this. Is it okay if we go on without an advocate?" 00:47 <Quaker> “So, you’d say that your agenda of your masters, practically speaking, is unknowable to someone like me.” 00:48 <banana> Janissary: "I don't need you, but I appreciate the kindness you extended." This was to Carnelia Charn. 00:48 <banana> To Badawi: "Certainly in toto. I could explain parts, if that suited His plans - evidently it does not." 00:49 <banana> "Nor is there any need in those plans to 'overpower' you. Like other human souls, we're acting largely for your benefit." 00:49 <Quaker> “And you are empowered to use violence to carry out your master’s plans.” 00:49 <tom> Bob winces and looks over to Carnelia with sympathy. 00:49 <banana> Lensburg: "Enough. This isn't a forum for you to make speeches, sir. Your revolting ideas of inherent supremacy-" 00:50 <Quaker> “No, let him talk.” 00:50 <Quaker> “It’s our hearing, isn’t it?” 00:50 <banana> Lensburg: "Are you sure this is helpful, to you?" 00:50 <Quaker> “It is.” 00:50 <tom> "It's good to have clarity." 00:51 <banana> Spring Regent: "I didn't intend to provide a venue for this. As an apology, I'll trust your judgement." 00:52 <banana> Janissary: "I agree on clarity... and most things, I think." 00:52 <Quaker> “Thanks. Tetrarch, please continue. You’re empowered to use violence to carry out your master’s plans?” 00:52 <banana> "If you'd been given the power and wisdom I have, perhaps you'd see the world the same." 00:52 <banana> "Yes, I am." 00:53 <Quaker> “Does that ever cause you discomfort?” 00:54 <banana> Janissary: "It would, if I had to spend a lot of time hurting people, if I didn't think they deserved it.. the traumas common to soldiers. We work quite hard to find nonviolent solutions to problems, and to minimise harm to the unelect. What do Atlanteans call you..? 'Sleepers'. It's my duty to ensure it doesn't become a nightmare." 00:54 <banana> Plape: "Basically a fucking Loyalist, this guy." 00:54 <Quaker> “That’s pretty generous of you. Thank you. If you don’t mind me asking, have you ever been the victim of violence?” 00:55 <Quaker> “Violence not in the line of duty, as it were. Where you can’t fight back.” 00:56 <tom> Bob looks a bit queasy. 00:57 <banana> Janissary: "Yep. I don't think I'm giving out any great secrets to say that we find our way to the power in adulthood... I was a 'quiet' and bullied young man once, in a Continental city, we'll leave out the details. I've been hit, had bones broken. I don't think it makes me virtuous. If anything, that kind of experience is something you have to overcome to develop an accurate understanding 00:57 <banana> of man." 00:57 <banana> If Badawi's eye is right... Berber, maybe? 00:58 <Quaker> “Could you elaborate on that understanding? It would be an honor to learn from you.” 01:00 <banana> Janissary: "Alright, though at some point we might need to take the conversation to later venues. Just an aside to our hosts - if this makes you uncomfortable, I won't hold any of you to your own process. Whatever you think of ideology? It's informed by experience. Feel free to step outside." 01:01 <banana> Lensburg: "Fuck off, guy. Talk about your understanding of man." 01:01 <banana> Janissary shrugs. 01:02 <Quaker> Agostina spreads out her hands in a sign of peace. “Please. Calm.” 01:03 <tom> He gives her a long, uncertain look. 01:03 <banana> To Badawi: "This may be philosophy 101, but leavened by the ability to read the true meaning of words and deeds. I think that the key to understanding people, particularly if you don't have that advantage, is to catch them in a good mood. Seriously." 01:03 <banana> "When someone's on their home turf, doing what they're willing to do - they express themselves in a way that's fundamentally different to the controlled presentation we all put on for the world." 01:04 <Quaker> “Very true. I’m glad we’ve seem to be caught in a mutual good mood today.” 01:05 <banana> "I hoped there'd be value in this thing." 01:06 <Quaker> “I’m glad that it turned out to be valuable. To me, at least.” 01:07 <banana> Janissary: "In your experience of the world, the idea of being set above others and having rights over them is more alien. But is it more terrible as a thing to contemplate, or to be told? Are you with our hosts on the incivility of expressing that dominance?" 01:08 <banana> "...if I can put it that way without sounding like a dictionary." 01:09 <banana> Premson's trying to catch Bob's eye. 01:09 <Quaker> “Not at all. I’m sure you’re familiar with Guillermo O’Donnell’s understanding of the capitalist state. I agree with his analysis. It might be uncomfortable to view its naked form, but the chains of violence and compulsion exist whether we agree with them or not.” 01:09 <tom> He returns Premson's stare. 01:10 <tom> Bob doesn't look like he's about to go nuclear, but he doesn't look exactly happy with how this is going, either. 01:11 <banana> Janissary: "That is true. If you've set yourself against those chains, you want to see them. Hack blindly and you might hit a limb. Now of course I have to point out that the fetters are far superior to the alternative - particle-level ruin, the incomprehensibility of the proton to the electron. Do you think there's a kind of experience or argument that would sway you to the other side?" 01:12 <banana> Premson does something complicated with his... aura? He's modulating what Bob has come to learn is the Mask, creating symbols out of the jewellery that that intertwines with his rippling true form, slowly spelling out a message that the thief and the wizard can't read. 01:12 <Quaker> “Who can say? As you said, faith is a result of experience. You can’t speculate about your reaction to certain things.” 01:13 <banana> HOW DO WE STOP THIS. SHOULD WE STOP THIS? 01:13 <Quaker> “But I would love to hear your arguments, if you were eager to voice them.” 01:15 <tom> Bob attempts to reach out with his newfound psychic powers. Is this like a Suzie situation? Is there like a mental link? 01:15 <Quaker> “Or even if you weren’t eager. But we do have a responsibility to listen to wisdom when it appears before us.” 01:15 <tom> Almost certainly not. Oh well. 01:15 <banana> Janissary: "Unless someone has to rush off for lunch, here's the pitch that worked for old King Cerelan: simply, it's acceptable to regulate society in order to protect it. Life, human civilisation, these things are all threatened by supernal entities. Faeries, spirits and the undead try to break into this world - the only world that makes sense on a human scale." 01:16 <banana> "Struggling against the human condition as our acquaintances do... it's akin to struggling against the hull of a ship on which you're sailing." 01:16 <Quaker> “Mhm.” 01:17 <Quaker> “A patient struggling against proper medicine?” 01:18 <banana> Janissary: "That's sufficient for a specific alliance like the one we have-" the one it looks like the regents are regretting, Saul with his head in his hands and Samuel cold-eyed and waiting. "-but the 'Atlantis' people don't see themselve as the patient. They think they're collateral damage. Perhaps they are, by choice." 01:18 <banana> "Stop me if this sounds familiar: they think they've been set above others, that they have attained a level of power and wisdom which means they shouldn't be subject to laws which exist to benefit everyone else." 01:18 <Quaker> “Right. But it’s certainly not out of a cartoon sadism. It just has to be done, for the common good.” 01:18 <banana> Bob's attempt at telepathy has been quite unsuccessful. 01:19 <banana> Janissary: "No, the pitch gets tricky here if you're being honest." 01:19 <Quaker> “The medicine, I mean.” 01:19 <tom> Unsurprising. Bob: "Agostina..." 01:20 <banana> "Why am I administering and not receiving that medicine? Because I choose to serve God. He and His peers, if peers they be, have their own agenda. They want a world in which humanity continues, yes, sane and intact - and their enemies do not. But they aren't humanitarians." 01:20 <Quaker> “It’s alright, Bob. If you’re uncomfortable, why don’t you see how Kylie is doing?” 01:20 <banana> Janissary: "Nor do they demand it of us. They demand obedience and success. I observe, as most of my order does, that this is satisfied by putting in the hard work and enjoying what benefits you can. But there isn't a commandment against cartoonish evil simply because it is evil." 01:20 <tom> Bob puts one hand on the table and shakes his head. "I'm not going anywhere." 01:20 <Quaker> “Better to live with conditions and laws then be destroyed in anarchy. I understand.” 01:21 <Quaker> “Could I ask a question, though?” 01:22 <banana> "Yes... gotcha or inquiry this time?" 01:22 <banana> Carnelia's left the table and is hanging out by the toilets again. The other three changelings, and Bob... are still listening. 01:23 <Quaker> “Inquiry. If the shoe were on the other foot, how do you think the prisoner *should* react? They are ultimately pretty blameless, as far as I can tell. They just lack understanding.” 01:23 <Quaker> “Or the patient, or subject, whatever metaphor is appropriate.” 01:24 <banana> Janissary: "It turns on the question of who the prisoner is. Are we still talking about the Atlantis people? They spend their whole lives claiming to further their understanding. Or is it the common mortals, untouched by magic - to the extent that my order, that our hosts and that your company can protect them from it? They don't see chains or feel a need to rattle." 01:25 <Quaker> “Do you think either of them have a right to rebel against the proper authority? To escape?” 01:25 <banana> Janissary: "Not in the sense I used the word earlier. A right is something granted by authority with the power to do so." 01:26 <Quaker> “And if that right is not granted…?” 01:26 <banana> Plape: "How can you say that? Or, how can you claim to understand why we fight Arcadia? They're monsters because of their casual using and their control, their demand to be the givers of power, of words, of magic, rights." 01:26 <banana> Janissary: "They're monsters because they are not us." 01:27 <Quaker> “Your Majesty, I was assured that this mediation would proceed to our mutual satisfaction and benefit. Please.” 01:27 <Quaker> “If that right was not granted?” 01:28 <banana> Plape: "There will be consequences." He probably doesn't mean for Badawi. 01:28 <banana> Janissary: "The right to rebel? Then they will be unable to succeed." 01:28 <banana> "That's the essential myth of Atlantis - that the bottom-up revolution is even possible." 01:28 <Quaker> “But even more than that. They will have been wrong to do so.” 01:28 <banana> "It starts with a founding story about storming Heaven and piles on lies from there." 01:28 <Quaker> “To attempt to do so.” 01:29 <banana> Janissary: "Understandable, but wrong." 01:29 <Quaker> “I imagine that you don’t get to speak so freely about your beliefs very often. Especially not in front of our current hosts. I thank you for being so forthcoming.” 01:30 <Quaker> “It does raise an interesting question, though…” 01:30 <Quaker> “Or two.” 01:30 <banana> Janissary: "Just so that we don't get back onto the wrong foot, my time is running out - this has been surprisingly successful, and I didn't budget enough. But I think I can give you a couple of questions, I just might not be able to ask any in return." 01:31 <Quaker> “Maybe sometime in the future. I’ll make it quick.” 01:33 <Quaker> “Just out of curiosity, you described your alliance with the Freehold as one of convenience…it certainly makes sense, to keep disruptive incursions out. But you don’t do it out of any real sympathy with their cause, correct? And that’s not meant as an insult - the basis of your relationship has been pure practicality, and it’s no insult intended to acknowledge that.” 01:33 <banana> Janissary: "My phone, if you want to put a number in." It's a Nokia, no touchscreen, and so light that the interior electronics must have been removed (despite the fact that the screen is on). Lensburg makes an inarticulate noise of warning. 01:34 <banana> "That's a really good question. I think you're only mostly right." 01:34 <tom> Bob looks drained. 01:34 <Quaker> Badawi demurs. “I try not to use them too much. Maybe some other way. We’ll figure it out in the future” Her eyes return to her question. 01:35 <banana> "What is the cause of the sidhe's escapees? To remain free and rebuild lives. Yes?" This is to the three Lost men who are in varying degrees not looking at him. It's Premson of Winter who answers, rather than either regent. 01:35 <banana> "Reductionist to the point of being entirely accurate, but any rhetoric you build on it will be trite. We know your words are spells." 01:37 <banana> Janissary: "All words are. Of the cause, as described, I approve. Your attempts to seek stability and recover from pain? They please God and frankly accord with common morality. That wouldn't be enough for us to offer you magical aid - if it wasn't for your extremely large tree." 01:38 <banana> There's a cold light coming from the door to the outside, and two silhouettes - a man, and a wheelchair cast aside. 01:38 <banana> The King under the Hill: "We never believed otherwise." 01:38 <banana> "Your minions are here, ally. Time to go." 01:39 <Quaker> “But they don’t have the *right*, do they? To escape? To defy rightful authority? Their captors never granted them that, did they?” 01:39 <tom> Bob breathes a sigh of relief. 01:39 <Quaker> “Answer that, please. Tetrarch.” 01:39 <Quaker> “Let practicality stand on its own.” 01:40 <banana> Janissary stands... and answers. "I don't recognise the authority of some jumped-up dream that thinks it's people. Rebel all you like against demons." 01:40 <Quaker> “And if the demons had a better offer?” 01:40 <Quaker> “One that pleased God? Or if God told you to take it?” 01:42 <banana> Starling: "We agreed to give you a chance to be heard, Badawi, not to let you sabotage our alliances." 01:42 <banana> "Tetrarch, your car waits. We want a different representative at the next tribute ceremony." 01:42 <banana> "One who won't wipe womens' minds for the sake of enlisting them in a word game." 01:43 <banana> Janissary: "Thank you, everyone, for creating a environment that fosters discussion." He stretches, slips his 'phone' into his pocket. 01:44 <Quaker> “I’ll hold to not bothering you, if you agree to not bother me. That sound reasonable?” 01:45 <banana> Janissary: "Yes, I'd say you've earned that." The air is getting colder and colder - until he hastily steps out the door. Then it's back to normal. 01:46 <banana> Premson: "My King." 01:46 <banana> Starling: "Are you lot holding up? Agostina seems fine, and everyone else... about to check in." 01:46 <tom> Bob nods numbly at Starling and stands. 01:46 <Quaker> To the changelings. “Sorry. Once he got started I wanted to see how deep he’d dig the hole.” 01:47 <banana> Lensburg: "..It's partly performative, Hatch. We're social beings, who feel the need to demonstrate our disapproval to the ingroup... I'm fine." 01:47 <Quaker> “Wow. He’s really your only option?” 01:47 <banana> Plape: "Christ. Apology accepted, Mrs. Badawi.. frankly it felt like you were manipulating each other, and we did ask for that." 01:48 <banana> Charn: "The asshole claimed Christ." 01:48 <banana> Plape: "No, his idea of God is not triune." 01:49 <Quaker> “Can I ask a question?” 01:49 <banana> Premson: "Bob, are you okay? We should have warned you about the politics." 01:49 <Quaker> “If it’s sensitive, you don’t have to answer.” 01:49 <tom> "It's fine." Bob rubs his hands together to get some circulation going. 01:50 <banana> Starling to Lensburg: "Did you flinch?" 01:50 <banana> Lensburg: "No. Ask, Agostina." 01:51 <Quaker> “How badly did the local Diamond mages fuck up that you went with his offer over theirs? Was there even an offer of help from them? I mean…they have their problems, but that guy basically sympathizes with your enemies.” 01:52 <banana> Lensburg: "They wholly oppose what we're doing. I didn't realise you were a Diamond associate... as a courtesy, please, don't pass on any details you've picked up." 01:52 <Quaker> “I would not betray your confidence.” 01:53 <Quaker> “They wholly oppose you…doing what, exactly?” 01:53 <banana> "Thanks." The well-groomed regent has pulled himself together. 01:54 <banana> Starling: "In the circumstances you'll understand if we omit detail? The short version is that we keep the faeries out and they want to learn and gain power from faery things. Ideology: it's worth it in the end, because with that power, they will save the world. Difficult to judge on the merits." 01:54 <Quaker> “Also, I’m not a Diamond associate. Per se.” 01:54 <Quaker> “I’m a Pentacle associate.” 01:55 <Quaker> “Ah. They want to study them. Sounds about right.” 01:55 <Quaker> “Well, I have some good news!” 01:55 <banana> Plape: "Is there also a Triangle?" 01:55 <Quaker> “Yeah, in the first edition.” 01:57 <banana> Starling: "Your friend came by with some baked goods. Nice for the old folk who're on less restricted diets." Judging by the King's beard, he looks older than any of them, but presumably that's faery magic too. 01:58 <Quaker> “You know, if you fellows need magic, and don’t need the Diamond Orders or the Seers, I know some friendly magic-users who would basically think you’re all the coolest people in the world for doing what you do.” 01:58 <Quaker> “I think they’d fight over who gets to help you out.” 01:59 <Quaker> “Let me know if that sounds like something you’d be interested in. In the meantime, though…” 01:59 <Quaker> “Sorry if that freaked you out. Can I make it up to you? I brought my guitar. And my friend brought cookies.” 01:59 <banana> Starling: "That is certainly an offer to look into. Soon. We've been complacent." 02:00 <banana> "Some of us may have places to be, but the rest will take you up. Perhaps in the residents' lounge?" 02:02 <Quaker> Agostina plays Kylie a nice song before she takes her nap: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=31q9ogWJnxc