A Letter for Cinnabar

[Cinnabar]

From all appearances matters in Thessilane are beyond the former Governor's knowledge, and indeed interest; to which Lady she refers is ambiguous, but that Catch had travelled there and wrought that sort of harm is certainly news to Cinnabar. Her own reaction as she speaks is noted quietly, grey eyes keen above the teacup that pauses before his lips.

"Was it possible to say why he went?" Thessilane is a fair step from Myrken Wood, a journey of miles with mountains in between. There must've been something to draw him. "You saw this yourself." A statement of fact rather than a question.

"I've been told that his blood can heal wounds, though not without side-effects. That he can cure other injuries is not entirely beyond the realm of possibility, though I doubt it would be at all pleasant for the target of such efforts." But her other conclusions are a fair match for his own, so there's an air of satisfaction as he nods his agreement.

"I'm not sure how much of his origin it will be possible to learn. From my conversation with him I gather that in the past he's been worshipped, or at the very least revered. A creature of his power, that's hardly surprising." The alternative being fear and loathing, but any responses based on such sentiment would likely go poorly indeed.

"Finding out what sets off his episodes is of some use, though inherently risky - we might take note of what causes him to lose himself, but that's something best not investigated proactively, hm? And of limited use, as my feeling is that trying to shield him from such triggers is a futile exercise; we can't watch him constantly, so we can't protect him. Myrken Wood being what it is, there'll always be something to set him off, quite possibly deliberately. And that's leaving aside those who'd seek to manipulate him for their own ends. He's a trusting soul, in spite of everything."

The last point, though, is one of which he wholeheartedly approves.

"Our best hope, I think, is to teach him how to protect himself - how to take command of his thoughts so they're not sent whirling by unpleasant surprises or reminders of bad things. So that he can learn control of his own mind and body. Starting with his body." A more straightforward matter, and one with which the once-Governor is more familiar.

"As he puts it, his trouble is that he gets lost in his own head - his thoughts go wandering, and he enters a sort of fugue in which he can be quite dangerous. My efforts so far have been aimed at helping him anchor his thoughts in physical reality - giving him a touchstone, something to remind him where and who he is. That was some while ago, though, so I've yet to discover how well it's worked."

[Tolleson]

Any reaction the former governor made to indicate he didn't know or care about Lamai would have been noted, she was a key player when it came to Catch. Or had been, times were changing; of course, always changing.

As to why Catch might have gone all the way to Thessilane, there is a mild shrug. She couldn't say with any certainty, but Genny was hardly one to withhold information, useful or not. "He... I think it was interest in the child. But... well I can't be sure. P-perhaps he relayed his intentions to Christoph... by the time I," pummeled Catch to the ground, "...witnessed the matter t-they were at one another's throat."

Concerning his origin and triggers, even the matter of teaching him to better control his mind, she only nods, eyes becoming distant though she listens. Downcast and watching the ripples in her tea as her hands calm.

"A touchstone." Her tone will say she thinks it clever, or perhaps simply approves. Either way she smiles then, but it is fleeting. Her tea finally stilled, her eyes return to the man before her.

"Have you seen it, I mean... he's been through so much." Tenderness in the words genuine, as she seems to honestly believe what she says as truth. "People... it seems everyone has a different experience when they're... exposed to his mind." Just like the blood and its odd side effects. Still the question remained and more obviously, what was it; what, if anything had he seen?

[Cinnabar]

"I've not seen into his mind, no. I've only seen the results, and that's more than enough for me." The first time had earned him a faceful of bruises; the second time had wrecked a forest grove and nearly cost the Governor one of his researchers. Neither are memories Calomel will cherish.

"I agree, though. He's suffered, and I'd like to see him find some measure of peace - if he can live a pleasant life which allows those around him to live similarly pleasant lives, well. I shall count that as a success." The former Governor is firm on this, determined. Quiet as he sips his tea, before the cup settles back into its saucer with a soft chime of porcelain.

"I should like to begin working with Catch in earnest very soon; your presence would be welcome, as I think we have quite similar hopes for him."

[Tolleson]

Quiet, calm, still; she was a freckle covered statue that listened; absorbed what the man before her would say. If Catch could find peace, if they could instill in him the means to find that peace without destroying himself, his friends, the entire town. That would be something. That would be success.

There is no need to be firm here, her lack of reply is simply a sign that she is entirely in agreement. The last of her cooling tea was swallowed hard as if preparing herself right then to tackle all that was before them. Yet she was still. Eyes once distant refocused with a weak smile and no reply or further reasons given for her line of inquiry.

“Quite so…” Enough people had meddled with Catch, still it was better to know who had and what he had done to them. For documenting of course, for selfish reasons too and of course curiosity.

Her smile is broad now, the presence of mind to be an amicable host returning to her.

“It would be… it is an honor for you to say.” A breath is taken and her words stop as if to be retracted, recomposed before speaking once again.

“W-whenever you may wish, o-o-o-or have need of assistance… don’t hesitate to call on me. “ The teacup is likewise set back into the saucer, the soft clink given sufficient pause as if it would be rude to interrupt.

“I have to say, sir… and, forgive me.. if I… if it is… perhaps I am not prudent in this,” though he of all people ought to be keenly aware of her position and how Glenn Burnie ran this office, therefore not surprised. But this assumed much. “While I know most… everyone in Myrken by ledgers and files… I, it is a pleasure to have met you … and t-to… to have talked.”

Perhaps it was because though she was cleared for field work she was not at all like the fair more personable and outgoing agent of the Inquisitory, Aleksei. No, Genny's friends were few, far between, and often took the shape of books. Her eyes fled to the cup she held, seeking some comfort or security there; embarrassed perhaps for the words she spoke.

“I can... I understand why Glenn thinks so highly of you... your counsel. I am certain… we will make this better… we will help Catch.”