Fearful Symmetry {Council}

[Jonas]

You've been into the Poetry again. This does not bode well.

"And why is that?" Jonas asked of his internal occupant as he lit the last of the candles and settled on his knees upon the dark blue and gold cushion at the center of the circular room. The only light in the room was from the bank of dark blue candles to his left and

You wax poetic when something calamitous is afoot.

"Do I?" The Warlock shrugged, if anyone knew him well, it was Samyaza. "I had not realized. How long have I been doing that?"

There was a silence as Samyaza seemed to consider the question. Jonas knelt at the center of his sanctum. It was a room attached the Edwardian Mansion the Council called home, and attached was the proper term to use. Jonas had connected two points in space, so that one stepped into a closet door off his bedchamber and into this space. It had a domed glass ceiling atop a high mountain cliff and has existed since before Christ took his first faltering baby steps. The ceiling was littered with stars, all the constellations were etched into the glass, and more remarkable it rotated with the motion of the moon and sun, acting as both calendar and scrying focus. Jonas not longer needed the latter, but he found the space soothing, nonetheless.

Since we met, I think. It only got worse as Man produced more poetry. A shame all your rhymes make things go boom, huh?

"That was not my fault. We were both of us drunk on ambrosia, and it sounded like a good idea at the time. Leave a token in the Parthenon, you said. Be remembered throughout history, you said." Jonas smiled as he replied, recalling the day precisely. "You could have stopped slipping Words of Power into my lines."

You always were a pushover after a few drinks.

Jonas shushed the Demon and closed his eyes. So many things were happening in the world, he needed to take a moment and look at each event spread out before him in his mind's eye. Jonas had long learned that the Universe danced to its own music, but if you paid enough attention, you could make out the notes. Once you learned the notes, it was a standard mathematical progression from there, and the World went from being a seemingly chaotic place to something resembling controlled chaos, to something nearly predictable. The future was difficult, as free will had a way of shattering predictions, but the practice did help one prepare for what might lie in wait.

Remember how your first major set of preparations worked out?

He sighed; Sam had a point. There was only so much he could do, but information was the coin with which he would buy the safety of humanity, and he was always in need of more. Even if acquired through means as potentially unreliable as scrying and mathematics.

Variables, Jonas. There's always variables.

"You would be one to know." They fell into a companionable silence as together they worked out the equation, fitting in the events they knew and doing their best to account for that which they did not know. Their findings made Jonas sigh, and if Samyaza had a jaw to clench, he would have been grinding his teeth. "This is bad."

Isn't it always? I've lost count of how often you've said that over the years. Remember Pompei?

"This is different, He's loose now, the embodiment of Chaos. There is no statistical probability with him. No safe predictions, save one." Jonas got to his feet.

What? We're going to Hell in a hand basket?

"No, I am worried that Hell is coming to us."

Oh. Will pie be served?

Jonas reentered the Mansion through that same door and left his bedchambers behind. He entered the Council Chamber itself, though at various times he had called it other things; the war room, the situation room. He preferred the latter, to the former, but he doubted his optimism wold last. He took his seat at the head of the table, as Primus, he was First Among Equals, their Leader, and he could call the Council as they were needed. He only hoped they would all come; some would have very far to travel, and some may be too occupied to answer the call.

He whispered the words that convened the Council, steepled his fingers in front of his face, and settled in to wait.

[Morgan Le Fey]

Morgan was buried in a book, as was typical for the Sorceress. She couldn't remember how many times she'd read this very book. She knew the answers were here, she could feel it within her bones, but that didn't mean she could just pull it out of no where. She needed to get back into touch with the fifth members that they were dealing with, the lovely Autumn and Jackson. It seemed that London was going, for lack of a better term, to hell in a hand basket. Or rather Hell was coming to them in a hand basket.

It took much for the her patience to run out, and she would admit if only to herself that it was running on a thin wire. In her almost millennium of life Morgan had never been so close to running out of patience, but with not only Lucifer running around, but now Satan had joined the party, so to speak. She needed to out why, but none of the books she had spoke of this happening before. Closing her book she moved from the chair she was sitting in to the floor to try and meditate on the situation.

Lighting a candle she spoke softly "To clear my mind, to concentrate better on the situation at hand" It wasn't a spell, it was just something that Morgan had found useful to do since she was just a student in the times before her brother got the throne. She took a deep breath, closed her eyes and started to relax. She was a patient woman, it was one of the virtues that she had held to, and most likely one of the reasons that Jonas, Judas and Vlad all counted on her within their ranks. She was like the wise owl of all the stories.

She heard the call, even in her meditative state. There was only one who could break through to her when she was meditating and as she stood she muttered out his name, "Jonas". She made her way to the chambers quickly, best not to leave her elder waiting, no matter how rude she found it to be interrupted. She finally walked into the main chamber and curtsied, "Jonas, you called and I have answered. Is there a reason for this calling dear one?" she let her eyes look over one of the men she'd known for most of her life now. It did amaze her that in all her years on earth she was still just a child in years compared to Jonas.

[Jonas]

Jonas appeared thoughtful when Morgan first arrived, but he quickly rose to his feet politely when she entered. He held out his hands to her and smiled when she called his name to get his attention. She curtsied and he simply stepped forward and gave her a brief hug. “Morgan, always a pleasure. I hope I did not disturb your studies.”

You could have held on for a little bit…

He ignored Samyaza for the moment, tilting his head slightly at the voice. Jonas’ rich chocolate colored eyes warmed as the looked up Morgan, his dark gaze meeting her clear pale orbs. He was silent for a breath, quieting the Demon, before he told her, “I am recently returned from my Sanctum. I performed a kind of augury. I called the Council so that we might all discuss what we know, and what might be in store for us in the days ahead.” Jonas gestured to his left, for he to sit with him at the round table. “Have you eaten?”

He did not wait for an answer, but passed his hand over the surface of the table, and in the wake of his gesture; food and drink appeared. The favorite beverages and foods of the Council were represented, including a special stoppered bottle and heavy goblet for Vlad. “For the moment, though, let us speak of pleasant things.”

Like what she’s got on under that dress.

Jonas smiled, “How have you been?”

[Judas]

Judas was lounging in his own room within the council mansion. It was simple with only the bare necessities and a stark contrast to the rooms belonging to the other council members. Where the other’s rooms were elaborate and elegant…his was plain, generic and messy with white walls and black bedding and he liked it that way. Nothing fussy, that was his style even though he knew it bugged the rest of the council whose tastes were far more fancy.

He felt the summon like a jolt through his veins. It was about time they sat down for a talk with everything going on. He had the matter of Morgan’s new student to discuss with Jonas and particularly the vampire, specifically the bit about Ruina following the girl.

He rolled off the bed and made his way out the door. His room, like most of the others, was just off from the main area of the mansion. The big room never really had a set name, though he supposed you could have called it the ‘meeting room’.

Judas walked into the room to find Morgan and Jonas already there. He greeted Jonas with a nod of the head and took his rightful spot at Jonas’ right hand. He smiled at Morgan, preferring the silent greeting to interrupting their conversation.

[Morgan Le Fey]

Morgan shook her head as she returned his hug. "Of course you did not disturb me. I was meditating, trying to clear my mind, but I would gladly drop everything at your call" She gave him a smile, as she watched him meet her eyes.

Moving to sit where he directed, just to the left of him, she shook her head. Knowing better than to give an answer out loud, since he was already conjuring food up. She watched him, and looked over the food. "I have been well luv, for the most part. I've been buried up to my neck in books, but that is fairly normal is it not?" She placed her hands on her lap and glanced around. She knew they'd not be alone long, soon Judas would show up, as would Vlad.

Just as she thought that, Judas showed up. She smiled from her chair and nodded at him "Judas, my dear friend I have not seen you in ages it seems. How have you been?"

[Jonas]

Jonas smiled in return, “We all have our own business to attend.” He nodded, “I understand the need for meditation and a clear head, there is so much happening, and it is rather like watching ink spread through clear water.” He put a hand to his chest. “I’ve returned from doing precisely the same thing, and for very much the same reasons.”

She’s just so tasty…reminds me of a certain Spartan girl…

He waited until she was seated, before he took his seat again, and kept his eyes upon her as she spoke. In this House, magick was particularly fluid and easy, thanks to the Four of them and their world view. “Very normal. Have your books given you any comfort? I fear that all the equations and auguries I have worked have not ended well.” He saw her glance and smiled as Judas, the first Councilor he’d chosen walked into the room.

I'd give her comfort.

Jonas rose and offered Judas his hand, and sat when the other man sat as well. “Good to see you, Old Friend.” He regarded Judas for a moment longer, and took a breath, leaning back in his seat so he could see both Morgan and Judas. “You seem troubled, Judas. I am beginning to see that this gathering was bound to happen no matter what I learned today.”

Dagger-man looks almost cheery, which isn’t saying much, is it?

Jonas reached for a glass of brandy, swirled the ruby liquid for a moment, and then raised it to his lips. “We will wait for Vlad, so as not to repeat ourselves.”

So where’s Ol’ Gloomy the Impaler and his Blood Dolls?

[Vlad]

He stepped through the door, his mood lighter than it had been for days. And why not? He’d just come from his meeting with the young werewolf, Ms. Taylor, his beautiful young wolf. So graceful and yet powerful, every step taken with purpose. He would enjoy her company in years to come in which she would provide him with the life blood he needed to survive.

The summons ran through him the moment his feet stepped across the threshold of the mansion, like electricity through water. Words weren’t needed, he started towards the meeting room. He had expected such a meeting sometime in the near future and doubtless Jonas would want to know of the young women he planned to bring into the household. It was nothing unusual, the warlock was used to such requests after centuries living with him. His donors were what kept him from becoming the monster he’d once been.

He entered to find everyone already seated. Fitting that the last of them to join the council should be the last to take his seat, across the round table from Jonas. A smile lighted his masculine features as he observed the goblet that had been set for him, it was good to be home. “My dear friends.” He said in greeting to Jonas and Judas. He turned to Morgan last. “And my beautiful owl, I hope I have not kept you waiting long.”

[Judas]

Judas had to bite back a sarcastic comment along the lines of he was as well as anyone whose soul burned in hell could be when Morgan asked how he’d been. It wasn’t her fault, it was an innocent enough question, he just had a hard time remembering that. This question was harder for him to answer than it was for most people. He couldn’t say he was fine without lying through his teeth and saying he was in constant agony just seemed rude, even to him. He finally settled with. “Good enough, all things considered.”

He took Jonas’ hand before sitting down. The council was the closest thing to friends he had, and the warlock was the one he was closest to if only because Judas had known him the longest out of the three. He grabbed the drink in front of him, not bothering to check what was in it. Jonas was good about making sure whatever was in the glass was something he’d like.

Judas rolled his eyes when Jonas said he looked upset. Of course he looked upset, they all looked upset and for a good reason. Naturally he had a bit more to be pissed about with this overly curious new student coming to study with Morgan. He wondered if Jonas knew yet.

He smirked as Vlad entered the room, setting his glass back on the table. “Well, there’s the old chatterbox now.” He had a bone to pick with this particular vampire, he figured it was as good a place as any to start this little chat off. “Hey, next time you spill your guts to some girl, leave me out of it. Got that?”

[Morgan Le Fey]

Morgan smiled at Jonas, she had a way of making her mood not reflect how she really felt. She was sure it got on the nerves of the other council member but after so many years together, they were bound to annoy each other. "I haven't found comfort, nor the answers to my questions but I am bound to find them soon. I am glad you are so concerned Jonas. We so rarely get time to talk lately, we should make time to."

She watched Jonas get up and go over to Judas, and she wasn't surprised that Judas seemed to be out of sorts. At times she had to wonder why all of them were still together, it made sense in the long run, but in the here and now she would just put her best foot forward. Her personal feelings toward any of the men weren't their concern and she would not say anything.

She turned her focus then to Vlad, her dear friend was the last to show up. Being the youngest two of the council had brought them closer, though she was close to Jonas as well. She knew they counted on her wisdom though and it was the only reason she stayed close to them. "Vlad, how lovely to see you" She smiled but noticed Judas' words.

"Would that be my newest student that you are complaining about Judas?" She let her eyes show her distaste for the way he started the conversation for a moment before she turned to look at Jonas. "I was getting ready to mention that I am mentoring a bright and well spoken witch by the name of Esme. Beautiful woman, and for her age she is quite different than most in this modern day." She took a drink and tried to clear her mind yet again. "I hope you don't mind Jonas"

She was sure her tone made it clear that the only one she valued the opinion on at the moment was Jonas. Partially because Vlad knew and helped bring Esme to her, so she knew he didn't mind, and partially because Judas was already starting to try her infinate patience. "I plan on bringing Esme by soon, I assume you will all be on your best behavior. We are not children, I know that, but I still feel it is something I need to stress." She was looking mostly at Judas while she spoke, and she knew he would know it.

[Jonas]

Jonas reached out and covered her hand with his. “I am always concerned, Morgan.” He smiled slightly, “We may both be busy, and our concerns may carry us far and wide, but I am always concerned.” He took a breath and set down his wine, “I fear any comfort we seek; we’ll have to make for ourselves in the days ahead. I do not like what is happening, nor what is likely to happen. The Council has managed to maintain an air of benevolent neutrality since its inception, we help, we defend humanity and we put out the ‘fires’ that threaten to burn out of control, but what is coming will have clear battle lines drawn,” Jonas shook his head and pinched the bridge of his nose a moment, before sitting back.

All you get is splinters in your ass when you sit on the fence.

As if the Vampire had waited until hs name was spoken, Vlad entered the room. Jonas smiled in greeting, and gestured to their final member’s usual place. “No, as ever, Count, your timing is impeccable.”

Isn’t it ironic that the happiest of we few is the one that’s Dead?

Jonas shook his head slightly at Judas, but he did understand the man’s nature. He raised an eyebrow at Judas’ outburst, and turned to listen to Morgan respond. He nodded at the mention of Esme, and was not surprised Morgan would take on a student. “Of course I do not mind, Morgan. This is your home. You are free to bring a student or a guest. I trust all of you to take the proper precautions, and to simply keep us informed of our guests, so that those precautions are met.”

Another woman! And a looker too! I approve, this place was a regular sausage-fest.

He steepled his fingers, and nodded when Morgan was done. “Of course, I would expect us all to behave accordingly, but I think it would be most fair to Esme if she is made aware of certain things. She will be living here, after all, and taking a giant step into a world whose surface she has likely only scratched this far.” Jonas turned to Judas, “You know that I and Samyaza understand you better than most, Old Friend, but at this table we are all allies. We are faced with enough real trouble without rudeness discoloring our meetings. Point delivered and received.” Jonas looked at each Councilor in turn, “Let us continue. We will begin with youth, relatively speaking.”

Spoilsport!

“Vlad. It has been too long. What news have you?” Jonas nodded to the Vampire.

Blood. Bats. Wolves. Same old. Same old.