Fearful Symmetry {Council}

[Judas]

Alright, so he’d known the comment would get him in trouble, it still made him a little bit angry to see everyone jump on the defensive when it came to the topic of Esme Lolland. He wasn’t complaining about the girl, he actually liked her from what he’d seen when they’d met. What pissed him off was the vampire sharing secrets that weren’t his to tell.

He sighed when Jonas basically told him to shut up for now and both he and Morgan told him to be sure to mind his manners when their new friend began to spend time with them. “Calm down, I’m not gonna scare the kid.” He rolled his eyes and raised his right hand sarcastically. “I promise to be on my very best behavior for our guest. All I was saying was that perhaps some of us shouldn’t be sharing so much and dragging a human in way over her head, I’ve got nothing against the girl.” He continued before anyone had a chance to remind him of why they were there. “But yeah, yeah, point delivered and received. I’ll can it. No offense meant Vlad, old friend.”

He leaned back in his chair and took another drink from his glass, enjoying the warm of the alcohol down his throat. He wasn’t even mad at Vlad, Judas was just making sure that his past stayed in the past where it belonged. He knew the vampire would get his point and he was almost as sure that Vlad wouldn’t be terribly offended by his comment. That was a plus of living for centuries, you tended to let the little things slide. He turned his attention to Vlad, waiting to hear what information the vampire had gathered.

[Vlad]

He turned a smiling face to each person as they greeted him, glad to have not been horribly late. He raised an eyebrow in response to the less than pleasant greeting he received from Judas. The soul collector’s complaint was well justified, he had spoken rather freely with his swan upon the night they first met. Part of that loose speech had included a small bit in regards to the other council members, which would naturally include Judas who was more private in nature than the others of the council.

He listened as each member of the council spoke, creating something of a verbal volley. He turned to Judas as the man finished the exchange, nodding at what was as close to an apology as he would likely get from the man. “Your objection is noted, dear friend, rest easy that my tongue will not be so loose in the days to come.” Judas had not meant to offend, not truly, he was simply voicing a complaint as any one of them might.

“Perhaps I should begin with the matter of Ms. Esme, the girl who I brought to Morgan’s attention and whom our lovely voice of reason has graciously agreed to take under her wing.” He began, once given the floor. “Morgan has explained the situation suitably well, I would only add that the girl has expressed a desire to aid in our efforts in any way that she might.” Many had allied themselves with the council over the centuries, it was not an uncommon concept and the matter deserved mention if only so that Judas and Jonas would know of another tool at their disposal.

“Along the same lines, I recently had the good fortune of making the acquaintance of a young werewolf who is to become one of my donors. Not extremely important but I know you will agree that a native ally is worth keeping in mind none the less.” Doubtless Jonas would know that there was a possibility that the wolf would also be residing in the mansion without him having to mention it.

“Along more relative lines, I recently had the misfortune of earning a visit from Satan himself. He spoke something that sounded to close to prophecy for my comfort which proclaimed the end of order on this earth. He also promised I would be seeing more of him in the future. Doubtless it is likely that he will be paying each of us within the council a visit, I can’t fathom a reason for him to single me out. Not with more than one demon in our midst.”

“Also worth mentioning is the fact that demons have been a much more frequent sight of late, as have most other kinds of supernatural creatures. I talked with a member of the Fifth and they seem to have their hands full with both trying to decipher the future and deal with the present. I don’t think they would refuse an offer of our aid.”

[Morgan Le Fey]

Morgan was glad to hear that Jonas was not upset that she'd forgotten to mention her newest student. She wasn't sure why she'd let herself get upset even in the slightest by Judas, she was used to his moods but she adored Esme and thought that having the girl around would be useful. The witch would probably be able to get into places that the Council wouldn't be welcome at.

She sighed softly at Judas' telling her to calm down. "I am always calm, I just have grown fond of Esme, and since she will be staying here, her being informed is something that is good." She smiled at Judas softly, she didn't like that the man was troubled, but she still didn't like anyone to be rude, especially to someone who wasn't there to defend themself.

She heard Jonas say that the youngest among them should go first. She hadn't spoken to Vlad since meeting Esme, so him going first meant she'd get to hear what her dear friend was up to. He spoke of meeting a werewolf and then something of Satan being awake. That was not good news, and it comfirmed what her meditations and studies had told her. She looked to Jonas for a response because the sorceress was at a loss for the first time in ages.

(I know it sucks, forgive me I'm tired)

[Jonas]

Jonas shook his head, “I’m sure that you’re not, Judas. We are calm. I merely meant to keep things on point. We are all on edge, and I did not want this meeting to dissolve in a list of disgruntlements.” He smiled slightly, “And I think we’re all more than capable of scaring the Child, but I too will have to be on my best behavior, or should I say ‘we’?” Jonas nodded, “I know you have no real animosity for Esme.”

Best behavior? Speak for yourself, if she’s half the looker the teacher is, I might want to audit the class.

Jonas turned his eyes to Vlad when Judas addressed the Count. He admired Vlad’s diplomacy, and listened intently to what the Vampire had to say. On the matter of Esme, he nodded, finding it interesting that Vlad had come across the girl first. She had been guided to the proper hand, that was what mattered, but it made him wonder if Vlad or his people had encountered other gifted humans, and where they had been sent. Jonas made a mental note to inquire; they really could use all the help they could get. “I look forward to meeting your new companion. You know your donors are always as welcome as they are necessary.”

Blood dolls.

Jonas straightened at Vlad’s revelation about Satan. As strong as the Vampire was, he had his vulnerabilities and he had no doubt Satan could exploit them. He did not like that fact at all. It forced him to wonder if Satan was aware of the Council, or if he were waving a flag for Samyaza to see. “I will be casting an added protective enchantment on us all. I do not like this random visitation. Bring you guests sooner, rather than later, so that they can benefit from the spell.” He paused for a moment, “Perhaps it is because you are not a Demon, that he did single you out. I hate to ask this, but please be wary of both Esme and your Werewolf, Satan can assume many forms.”

He nodded, “I intend to see the leader of The Fifth not too long after this meeting. She will need to know some of what is discussed here.” Jonas turned to Morgan with a small encouraging smile for the woman. “And you, Morgan, have you anything to add to the dire news, before I request an update on matters in Hell from Judas?”

[Judas]

He couldn't help but find the idea of Esme in the same room with Jonas and more specifically, Sam, entertaining. He'd known both Jonas and the demon for a long time which meant he was more than aware of the hungers that Jonas got from Samyaza that he had to fight to suppress. Esme was a good looking girl, she might have more than one type of lessons with the council if she wasn't careful.

The bit about Satan paying them a visit was not something he wanted to hear. He didn't want the god of chaos knocking on his door with the war in hell dangerously close to breaking out. In fact, he'd rather experience a second black plague. At least the plague would be less of a threat to humanity.

He leaned back further in his chair, thinking over that bit of information a little more carefully, while he waited to hear what information Morgan had gathered. He hoped there wasn't to much more to worry about than a personal visit from Satan himself.

[Vlad]

He nodded his head once in acknowledgment of the welcome extended to his wolf. He had known a problem would not arise but it was still better to hear the words spoken. He would bring Ms. Taylor to the manor soon. He took a drink from the goblet before him, delighting as he always did in the fact that the goblet was spelled to keep the blood which it held from growing cold. It was not the same as taking from a donor but it was pleasant none the less.

The news of Satan's visit went through the room like a shock, a visible thing. He'd known the revelation would bring about a reaction in those seated at the table but he'd underestimated to what degree. His three companions all seemed to have straightened in their chair at the same moment. It would have been comical if the news were not so dire.

Another nod at Jonas' warning. It was a reasonable assumption that a creature that could assume any form would take on the guise of someone well trusted. "It is a necessary annoyance." He would be on his guard more than he commonly was. The vampire turned his eyes to Morgan now, waiting for the sorceress to take the floor.

[Morgan Le Fey]

Jonas' asked her if there was any dire news that the sorceress needed to tell him. She couldn't think of any, though at his mention of seeing the leader of the fifth made her smile. She knew he'd see Autumn, the woman was amazingly wonderful in her position. "I believe it's been stated that I met with Autumn, that is Ms. Walker not very long ago her and a Mr. Blackthorn I believe his name was. Both are more than willing to help our cause, even with their alliance with the Vatican, they wish to work with us."

Morgan looked at the other men in the group and wondered what they were thinking. She could only take a guess at what Judas was pondering, although he was about as happy of hearing that Satan had been there as Morgan herself. It was one of the few things she had in common with the man. She let her eyes wander more until they landed on Vlad.

The vampire was glad, she could tell, that his wolf would get to stay there, she wasn't exactly fond of creatures of the night, other than her dear friend Vlad, but she would deal with it. She could tell they all wanted her to get on with it so she wasn't going to keep the men waiting any longer.

She cleared her throat and glanced over them all. "In my studies, it seems that there is going to be a great building of forces coming. Angels and Nephilium seem to be flocking to the city in droves for something. Now my books do not tell me if it will be a war though i would assume it will be at least close. I do realize that you all may have realized that, with Satan's awakening this only becomes even more important. We all know that Lucifer and his fallen can not be to very happy about these developments." She took a sip of her wine before continuing. "There has also been an increase in spiritual beings, as well as 'other worldly' creatures. They will not have chosen a side in this battle or war whichever it turns out to be." She let her eyes glance over the others one at a time, landing finally on Jonas "Is there anything you know that I have not covered Dear?"

(Hope this was worth the wait loves and hope it's okay)

[Jonas]

Jonas was pleased to see that his concerns were being well received. There were no fools on the Council, but a small reminder that the things they faced were as formidable as they were, and sometimes more so, did not seem ill-advised. He turned to Morgan with interest, watching the woman gather her thoughts, and reaching out for a goblet of wine. He drank a swallow down, and restrained a soft sigh. It was a very old vintage, and like so many things, it was laden with memories.

Aah, Prague…a shame she was a regular Mata Hari…

Morgan cleared her throat, and Jonas tilted his head. He did not interrupt her, or ask questions, he absorbed what she had to say in silence, though his chocolate-hued eyes were thoughtful as the Sorceress fell silent. He heard her question, but did not answer right away. His gaze was unfocused, as if he were looking at something very far away, or inward.

So, do we tell them the punchline? Or wait for the joke to build a little?

“Morgan has covered much. I will not repeat what she has already stated. The world is troubled by the steps of Satan. While he walks, things are no longer balanced. We will all of us have to choose a side. We will always protect Humanity, but in the coming War, we must serve our purpose by serving the purpose of one side or the other.” Jonas took a breath, “I hesitate to choose for us as a whole, but logic dictates one choice alone, foul as it is. That same choice may well be our salvation, but I will clarify later.” He turned to Judas, “And you, Old Friend, what have you heard in your travels?”

What? I can’t always have a clever quip.

[Judas]

He nodded at Jonas. He'd known that the council would be choosing a side soon, he hadn't been expecting it at this meeting but better sooner and prepared than later and dead. Well, dead on their parts anyway. He knew which side Jonas was leaning towards and had to grudingly agree. While he hated the thought of allying himself with the one person he hated more than himself, he had to recognize that it was best for the world. He could swallow his pride for the fate of humanity.

Judas laughed when Jonas called his trips to hell and back travels. If the warlock was anything, it was tactful even if Samyaza was less so. Rather than stand, Judas took one last drink before speaking from his seat. They'd all hear him without him having to stand. Actually, they'd probably all hear him if he whispered.

"Hell is practically upside down. Not that it was ever exactly orderly but you get my meaning." Judas said, getting straight to the point. He'd never seen the point in wasting time with fancy language. "Demons breaking free to earth, loyal demons refusing to obey their king. Which as much as I hate that bitch, is a bad thing, at least she kept them somewhat in line. The fallen are restless, well more so than usual anyway since Lucifer lost his throne. So far, I haven't come face to face with our cherry red friend so I can't tell you all much about him. But hell's on the brink of war, it's just waiting for one final push. It won't be long before the war spills out to the human realms either."

[Vlad]

They all had uncovered much in their seperate travels, it seemed this meeting was far past due. The city was shaking, threatening to cave in under the weight of the supernatural activities that were happening all around them. The only supports still standing were the council, the agents of the fifth and whatever allies they managed to gain.

He listened to Judas speak, as always amazed that the man could hold his sanity with making trips to hell. Then he turned to Jonas, as he was the only one who had yet to speak, waiting to see what the founder of the council had gleened.