Building the Committee: The Man Who Played With Fire

[Glenn]

It was a month for house calls. Apparently one did not make a government by writing a number of letters, at least not if the one in question was Glenn Burnie. Vanidor, Nikolas, Treadwell, Berdini, all visited in such a short time. Kostroma was met at a sort of middle ground. Agnieszka and Renea came to him. And they were with him now too, his pace swift enough that they would be just at his heels...

except for of course, at least one of them (and maybe both) just wasn't the sort to accept such a thing. Glenn wouldn't hesitate for them, but they could probably keep up if they wanted to. Otherwise, they'd be talking to the back of his head. "So you both saw him and neither mentioned anything?" He didn't QUITE groan. "Or at least you mentioned enough to muddy the whole issue?" Really, of the three, only Agnie knew Kerrak. In a normal situation, with normal people involved, he'd probably let her take lead. Unfortunately, this was Myrken and there was nothing normal about any of this.

One hand rose, trying to prevent any answer to his question. It was mainly rhetorical. "No matter. We had an understanding." And even if they didn't, they soon would. Really, it was a shame that Quincy wasn't still about. She was terribly hard to control, of course, but a damn sight better to look at than Kerrak. It would have gone along with the theme of Renea and Agnie. And no, Glenn Burnie would not, even for a moment, entertain the thought of Ariane in the role. Occasionally his mind went in that direction but whenever he did, he'd glance over and momentarily try to clear his mind by picturing the two swordswomen naked. Some paths led to ruin and he well knew it. Such a picturing was actually the lesser of two evils.

It was not long before they reached the most recent residence of their the soon-to-be third committee member. If Kerrak was on the balcony, as when Glenn last met with him, everything would be immediately apparent to him and he would be waved down. If not, Burnie would knock upon the door.

[Caile]

"Marshall! Marshall! Wait!" Renea stopped her hurried pacing after Glenn and turned at the noise of someone calling for her. It took a moment to recognize that it was her they were after, so new was the title the shine still hadn't had a chance to wear off. She appologized to Glenn and said that she would catch up as soon as she could, then waited for the man who'd been calling for her to reach her position.

"Marshall!" The man was breathless and Renea recognized him as one of the constables she'd left to guard Catch in his slumber. His appearance triggered an immediate concern but she did her best to maintain a calm state of mind. "Take a breath constable, and then tell me what has happened." The man did as he was bid, taking a long slow breath before he told her about the situation in the cell, Catch waking and gnawing, the fear he would get loose. Renea just closed her eyes for a moment and took her own deep breath.

"Please take a message to BetaFlame, ask if he could attempt a sleeping spell to keep Catch asleep." She gave him quick directions on how to find her brother and once she was sure the man understood she sent him on his way and then ran to catch up with the pair ahead of her.

[Vanidor]

A cup of something scalding rested upon the railing to that balcony, a curl of steam lifting into the air and raising the scent of honey and spices. The owner of the cup is sitting a few steps away from the cooling cup, idly gazing out over the street that the trio had just come down along. He waited, however, until they were at the base of his rented residence to raise himself up from his chair and peer down at them. He somewhat enjoyed the view, to be honest. Not for Glenn, that is. At least the other two were easier on the eyes.

But in anycase. He steps away from his seat, hand moving to pick up the cooling cup without really seeing what he was about. As Glenn looked up, he would then take a sip, then smile downward.

"Why not come up here, instead of the other way about, my friends. I will have the maid open the door for you. I have pastries, fresh ones even. And some spiced tea for refreshment." Almost as if he had been expecting them. To be honest, he had been. What with all of the things going on in the province of late. And while neither of the women had disclosed the identity of the third member of the Defense council, Kerrak had not achieved what success he had from not being observant. It stood to reason that they'd ask him. Though that could just be pride as well.

[channe]

Ha. The man has pastires, spiced tea, a maid. Living the life of an exiled gentleman in Myrken Wood, apparently. Agnieszka hasn't quite allowed the thought that he may be corrupted in some way to escape her mind; the rest of the world, including the governor at whose elbow she's standing, may think he's fine, but Agnieszka still has her own concerns.

And she's already eaten breakfast.

... but, still, that's a bit of a smile on her face, because in five minutes or so, Glenn is going to make the announcement that technically, Agnieszka Kaczmarek is her former boss's boss, and she simply can't miss that moment.

"Oh, good, pastries," is all she says.

[Glenn]

First. Amongst. Equals.

That is what Agnieskza was to her fellows, just like how Glenn was that amongst the Council. Oh. No wonder she thought she was in charge if she had THAT example to follow. They all got one vote, though. Of course, Renea seemed all to happy to drink in time with the chairwoman and to vote with her as well, but then if Kerrak was even the ghost of the man he was supposed to have been, he'll be able to hold his own.

Really, though, did he think Glenn was going to ask him? Hardly. Not ask. Not demand. Just assume. Just talk as if it was already the case and move on from there. His life was peaceful but ultimately empty and emptiness led to restlessness and restlessness, in Kerrak's case, led to destruction.

So Burnie would charge on forward, not following any sort of 'ladies first' mandate. There was the maid, who might have been one, but neither Renea nor Agnieszka seemed to fit the bill. Introductions first, as he stormed forward towards Kerrak, having ascended the stairs as if they were nothing. No walking stick here. "Have you met Renea.." and there was a bit of dubious hesitation before he finished with "Sundance? I think we've agreed on Marshall for her. Agony, of course, you know."

[Vanidor]

"Madam." This is said to Renea with a smile and a bow of his head. As he does, the man gives her a once over. An appraising sort of thing, that he'd not managed to do the evening before. Then his maid (yes he was living the life of an exiled gentleman, he -was- one wasn't he) would bring about the plate of pastries. There were a number of them, mainly fruit filled ones, though where he got the fresh fruit was questionable.

"Thank you Marian. Anyway. Marshal is a worthy title. I always thought it a bit much for a small place like Myrken. However, it does lend a certain robustness to things. Status, as it were." He motioned to his table, then settled down at the end closest to the interior of the building. Yes. The table was round.

"Angieszka. You look flush. As do you, Glenn. Moving with purpose. Sorry. Governor." Another slight smile, then he sat back as Marian went to pour him a cup of tea. From a different tea pot than the one that already sat upon the table for the others. Idleness was bad. He agreed. But at least now Kerrak KNEW what the consequences of it were. "So then. How may I help Myrken these days?"

[Caile]

"Just Renea is fine." She rolled her eyes as Glenn introduced her, still not sure why he had such trouble with her name. So Sundance wasn't a very common name but it wasn't as if it was ridiculous or crude. When she'd told him he'd acted as if she was trying to play a prank on him, or maybe he'd just recognized the hesitation as she'd needed to make a decision which name to give him. She hadn't used her other since before she left, and she hadn't used a last name at all once she did, so the name she gave Glenn when he asked was her original and she would admit to some irritation at having him find it so amusing.

Regardless, the name would do again as it once had before and it didn't matter really what the Governor thought of it. "It's less the status that I'm concerned with and more the illusion of authority it grants. Every person that listens because of the title 'Marshall' is one less person I have to waste time and resources convincing of the need to just shut up and listen. The last thing we want in any critical moment is someone questioning our right to be making decisions and giving orders."

The pastries were ignored as was the tea, for now at least, and she settled herself in one of the chairs, waiting on Glenn to take the lead.

[channe]

Flush? What was that even supposed to mean? A mostly-inscrutable, slightly annoyed look passes over Agnieszka's face, but as she sits down and notice the pastries have fruit in them -- fresh fruit, in the middle of winter! -- she gladly helps herself, eating the first without the delicacy one would expect from a lady of her age.

Her mouth suitably full, she looks from Renea to Glenn, and indicates for Glenn to go on. "Powiwical oh-hice," she says through a mouthful of delicious crumbs.

[Glenn]

"Yes." Burnie's eyes were serious, impatient, a little annoyed. "we're here because we need you to use your special powers to fight some very 'powerful orchids.' I'm going to be designing a new Governor's mansion, and really, Agnieszka thinks that you're just the man for the task. Weeding and all." He let that sit that out there for a moment, taking the time to pick out a pastry for himself and take a bite out of it. He chewed, four long, slow chews, before looking to Agnieszka. "Really, what would your mother say?"

Then, with just a little sigh, it was back to the more than gracious host. "You can't be Councilor of Defense, Kerrak. Renea can't be Councilor of Defense. Dear, sweet Agony can't SPELL Councilor of Defense. She can spell Chairwoman, however (I worked it out for her), and that's how she's going to serve. The fetching and deadly, and ever so well-mannered public face of the Committee of Defense that the three of you will make up. She'll bring its vote to the Council and swear a lot at people richer than her until she gets her way." One more pause as he stared at Kerrak, dead on, half expecting Agnie to try to smack him from the side and not caring in the least. "You come with the highest of references, Kerrak," and for Glenn Burnie, there was no one higher, "but do keep in mind that history is its own reference. You want to give back. You want something to hold your time. You want a challenge that does not involve your power. I give you all of this." All of this and two charming babysitters to make sure that if you go mad again, you'll be dealt with thoroughly, and, of course nothing less than responsibility for the safety of everyone in Myrken, with very few of the benefits of the position.

[Vanidor]

"Orchids can be quite dangerous if one does not know what to do with them. I've seen the blighters take out a whole regiment of gardeners, it was horrible!" Something said as he took a bite from his own pastry, and waiting for Glenn to finish his bites and outline his grandiose plan. As he spoke, Kerrak could only contain his humoured smile behind a mouthful of strawberry-filled goodness. When he was done, the man flicked a look to Agnieszka first, and then to Renea second.

Two charming babysitters that he could immolate if things went horribly, horribly wrong. Though, this time he knew not to dabble with Drow. Or, at least, to not get captured if he did. In any case, he considered a moment. While he didn't find anything wrong with the arrangement (it was how the Companions had given their recommendations to Thesil's High Command after all), and after the conversation with the two women the evening before he generally knew what they were after once they showed up, it still wasn't exactly what he had been expecting in the long run. Oh. He didn't think it was even in the realm of conceivable that he'd have political office. That hadn't been his thought either. However.

Glenn was completely right on the issue of challenges. Anything that proved to stimulate his mind and his attention. The Gods knew that Myrken could use all the protection it could, especially if Kostromo's presence goaded his former overlord into action. He almost relished that, though. "Even if I had not already agreed, Glenn, I would not pass you up now. This place is... Is important to me. It is why I decided to remain, despite all that has happened. And besides, if I am to have an executioner at hand, I cannot think of a lovelier pair." His eyes danced towards Agnie and Renea next, his smile subtle and jesting. "I presume I will remain, generally, unnamed when it comes to telling the public?"

"Not that I mind. I have never served purely because of the recognition, but simply because of duty. Well, duty and nice hats." There was even a row of them against a wall inside the room behind him. Almost enough hats to wear a different one each day of the week! "Anyway. So, the answer is yes. Of course. Oh. Does Renea know how dangerous I am? Or are we leaving my possible death to Agnieszka?" Said so casually. He raised a cup, even extending his little finger a notch before sipping.

[Caile]

"I assume you're dangerous given you've been offered the position, but I haven't been offered any details." She knew she'd been left in the dark, knew that there was some grand joke she had been left out of but frankly she didn't really care. If the man could do the job he could do the job, but all this talk of having executioners at hand did make her wonder just what he'd done that was both bad enough as to need babysitters and yet still allow him to serve in such a function for the province.

She waited for a forthcoming explanation, assuming one was coming, and otherwise just remained silent and watchful. She was the newcomer here after all and in these situations she found silence to be quite useful, she could learn by watching and collect information like a sponge.

[channe]

She's chewing on something vaguely strawberry-peach when her demeanor changes abruptly. She straightens, and her shoulders go back, and she fixes Kerrak with a pointed stare. And, of course, she swallows before she speaks.

"I told Glenn that this was a terrible idea," she said. "He wasn't here when you burned the Meetinghouse. He wasn't here when Coran... did what he had to. But I saw that."

She takes another bite, chews, and swallows.

"... I've been through some shit, but I'm not a channeler. I'm also not stupid, I don't think that you're going to be Miss Mary Sweet-Pie like Glenn here. If you want to fuckin' blow me up you'll probably end up scatterin' bits of my intestines all over town. People think I'm stupid, but I'm not. If you think for one minute that your fire *scares* me, that I'll do what you want because I'm afraid of you blowin' my inside bits all over the marketplace, you got it wrong."

[Glenn]

Miss Mary what? He practically goggled at Agnie. Had she missed the poisoning, the cursing, the blackmailing and the... ah, wait, yes, she did. Well, that absence worked out for him, didn't it? Still, when it came down to it, if the hand that put a sword through Kerrak's heart had to be Glenn's, he'd damn well make sure that the job was finished this time. But UNTIL then they would use every REASONABLE tool at their disposal, and that meant Kerrak's knowledge, though not his power.

"Renea," He began since Agnie, despite having more first hand experience, had done a terrible job of explaining. "Kerrak is..." how best to explain this then? "Kerrak has a connection to an intense magical power. Unfortunately, to use it too much, especially in conjunction with extreme stress and emotion, can cause one to become consumed by it. At which point, he has, in the past, consumed a good part of town," and here his voice became quite sour, "including some very important records which would have let me know some very important things when i first arrived in Myrken." Yes, Kerrak, Glenn Burnie did hold it against you, setting him back years in his understanding of just what had been happening in this cursed place. He STILL Didn't completely understand the business with the spires.

Hopefully that was good enough because he made it a habit not to understand channeling that well. He could still remember the sneering look upon Coran's face as the poor bastard said that one day Burnie himself one become one of his kind. No thank you. "And yes, Kerrak, Agnie will be the public face of the Committee, and certainly a loud enough one to distract from you and whatever problems anyone might have."

[Vanidor]

"Even a man such as I, Agnieszka, is human. An arrow to the heart, a sword to the gut. That will kill me as surely as it would you. In any case, Renea Sundance," and then the man glanced towards her, another bit of measuring. She had the nonchalant air of one who'd seen it all, or at least thought they did. He remembered what that was like. And then, of course, he'd blown up a part of Myrken and died. "That is what you deal with. I have lead men from simple squads to large armies. I held your own title once, though that was in a neighboring province. I've burned cities to the ground, though that was before I truly discovered what I was. It took coming here to do that."

Another sip of tea. A thought. "As to the Power, as it were. I control Fire mostly, it is where I am strongest. And I am equally adept at both Air and Earth. Water, though. That I am a stranger to, and I think it is because OF my affinity to flame. Yet, as long as I am full of this pungent crap, I cannot do more than see the tendrils as they filter past us in every day life. A cup or two an hour, and I am only a skilled swordsman with a lifetime of military experience in logistics and sieges, especially."

"So. There it is. I would not have you walk blindly into anything, and for that, Glenn, I DO apologise for destroying the Meetinghouse. Just remember that I was in a drow-hate fueled madness then. I should have blown up that butcher's shop down on Main Street. They have terrible meat." A slight smile, another bite of his pastry.

[Caile]

"Fair enough." She had seen a lot, but also had seen enough to know that she hadn't seen everything by far. She also had died and lived again, she had controlled armies and killed and planned campaigns and fought as a single soldier among many. She knew that there were always surprises but she also knew that you planned as best as you could and then life happened so there was no point in getting tied into knots about what you couldn't control.

Fire? She had no problem with that, she was used to fire, used to having things suddenly burst into flame about her, having a fire-witch as family rather inured one to worry about the changeable element and she was used to dealing with the moods those who dabbled in it tended to have. Changeable, just like the flames themselves.