II and Lady Lim meet

Characters in this scene: IntrovertedIncarnate, Lady

Setting Location: Sanctuary

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/19/2021

Nathan's sits at sanctuaries workshop at one of the many desks. Lying before him on the table is the sleeping form of a small purple Macaque monkey. Instead of a head it has a small silk lantern which is currently unlit. Three small arms emerge from the neck of the monkey, two holding the side of the lantern while one holds it's handle. The monkey's fur is interspersed with other materials. Patches of rock appearing in it's legs and tufts of moss instead of fur at patches of it's chest. Nathan appears to be working on one of these patches on it's leg, the rock removed with a pair of pliers. In his hand he holds a simple wooden comb with sparking purple thread curled around it. He appears to be stitching the empty patch of the monkeys leg with this silk, sewing it together. His phone buzzes loudly and he jumps, dropping the comb which clatters to the floor undoing his work. "Shit..." He swears under his breath. "I'll be right back OK" The monkey doesn't react, appearing to be in a deep sleep. He heads for the door and towards the ladies office.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/19/2021

To say that it had been a busy day or a busy week would have almost been gainsay-able. The intense scheduling had rose up like a crescendo, ever since Lady had made her first post on OMO. At first it wasn't too bad, and to an extent all this work was expected: but the sum totality of it, experienced as a live human being (even a human being with as altered anatomy as she had)...was, well, It was what Lady's life work had prepared her for. So she took the dozens of additional calls of safety, weeded out applicants who weren't truthful or were manipulated by Fae into coming to her (that was a common finding as of recently) - she took the visiting Practitioners and Others and even the International Criminal known as Stella Lawson Myers in stride. If Sanctuary could survive until it's Grand Opening, it would be an Accomplishment. However long its doors stayed open after, whether hours, days, or (in the deepest recess of Lady's heart she hoped) years, would create ripple effects outward, would create patterns...would provide people Hope. It was with all of this in mind that Lady took the utmost seriousness and respect of every detail of Sanctuary - no matter how large or how small. And her upcoming talk was no small matter.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/19/2021

The lady hears three knocks at the door of her office.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/19/2021

*Expected* "Come in." The Lady responds, her voice carrying through the door despite no effort spent projecting it.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/19/2021

The door opens. Nathan walks through. He wears a dark blue checkered shirt over a white t-shirt and blue jeans. More casual than he'd normally go with but he felt like he could afford to be more informal here. His long black hair is tied back into a pony-tail. "I believe we had an appointment scheduled?"

He's appears well-slept and rested. Prolonged contact with the scraps of an Incarnate of Contentment has repressed some of the worry he'd normally be feeling in such a situation but he still looks nervous as if he's quite anxious about the looming conversation.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/19/2021

The sight of Nathan walking through the door as well rested as he was, was a relief to the Lady of House Lim. She sensed there was something a little more about him, an artificialness to his emotions though and at that hint of Contentment she shuddered. It took a lot for the Lady to remember the suffering she and her family was dealt to by the former Lord of the Philippines, Humility - but she would never, ever forget the aura of that Incarnate washing over her in a long span of time and fundamentally altering her core mood patterns. It had taken her years to regain a sense of self-worth, even after the Incarnation's passing. Lady looked mildly awestruck and vacant for just a few seconds, before she mastered herself, continuing:

"We do. I do not usually take initiative on scheduling appointments with Sanctuary's residents, but for you, Master Nathan in particular I did not want to see you falling through the metaphorical cracks." "I am so honored you chose Sanctuary as the place to give you shelter from your situation with the Lady Incarnate, that you turned to OMO for help and I am exceedingly pleased that instead of you having to say 'Goodbye' that day like you perhaps feared you are with us here, nearly a week later."

"That said, in a perfect world I would love for you to live a long, healthy life, free of coercion and...especially not being a puppet of that Woman. I do not wish to rattle you so, but I imagine you already have something in mind of what she would do to you, should she get yours hands on you?" The Lady asked, gently but serious in tone.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/19/2021

Nathan's disposition noticeably changes, he appears to slump, the artificial contentment not being able to resist the anxiety provoked by this thought . Steadying himself, he takes a seat infront of her desk"I could not say exactly what she intends but I can make an educated guess. I assume your familiar with the practitioners classified as harbingers, or berserker mages." His near appears to be shaking up and down as he says the last part.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/19/2021

I am, before you go on, would it be okay if I offered you tea or even a mild, nonmagical sedative? It is my intention not to rattle you further but to metaphorically stand by your side and come up with a plan of action that will hopefully help keep you safe after you leave Sanctuary.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/19/2021

"The latter would be appreciated." His tone remains calm, but it's clear that it's a facade.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/19/2021

"Lady opens a small drawer on the left of her desk, she pulls out several small bottles, the contents clearly labeled. "My father's family's business was Alchemy, but over the years as they found a need to maintain good contacts with farmers in China he eventually opened a pharmaceutical business. That is to say," Lady shares a confiding-grin with Nathan, "I have the best goodies that money can buy." She takes a tray and moves them over to Nathan, "You can take your pick, or I can make a suggestion.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/19/2021

"I'd prefer the suggestion. Or even just whatever you think is best." He eyes the assortment of bottles, this is not a situation he's been in before.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/19/2021

"I would choose one of the two of these." Lady indicated, pouring out two tablets onto the tray then taking away the remainder.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/19/2021

"Before deciding..." Lady said, her voice pausing, "I would consider what you want from this conversation. Do you wish to return to your 'normal life' - an Incarnate Practitioner serving more than one Incarnations, always splitting their time and attention focus between them, keeping the balance, and worrying perhaps that one of them may take offense or *interest* and upset the balance?"

"Or, are you perhaps brave enough - and this would require very much bravery indeed - to forge a new life, a new path for yourself that transcends the boundaries of what the former version of Nathan could achieve or even be." "My father once said in great chaos, there is also great opportunity. We are uncomfortable, we may not feel equipped or ready when the world is no longer steady. All of one's patterns are broken and it is a unique opportunity to create a new life for ourselves."

"It is a decision my Father's family made when they moved from the certainty of China, to the unknown of the Philippines - before he met my mother and I would even say, before he found much more success than he would have dreamed of."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/19/2021

"I'm not sure that's possible. I bargained with, and ultimately won over, three separate Incarnations. I know the rule of three has gotten it's grips on me, I relied on it for the last of these dealings. It allowed me to survive then, but now I fear it may have damned me." Nathan slightly smiles, but their is bitterness in their voice. "I am not sure I would survive such a career change and still by myself."

The Lady of House Lim — 03/19/2021

"If you didn't have to dwell on the possibility, if you could *choose* your fate right now though, hypothetically - do you lean in either particular direction?

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/19/2021

"I'm afraid I may have to take the cowards route." He chuckles then, but there is little mirth in his voice.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/19/2021

The Lady nods to him and - Nathan feels this is very deliberate - she shows him only compassion - no shaming, no guilt, no expectation, no judgement what so ever. She slides the blue pill over to Nathan, "Then take this one."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/19/2021

"I was going to go with that one before you clarified, guess it really is Fate. Do you have any water?"

The Lady of House Lim — 03/19/2021

"Cold or Hot?" Lady asked, before realizing something in what she said and chuckled, "I promise you I am not giving you binary choices for the fun of it."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/19/2021

"An easy choice this time, Cold." He smiles slightly.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/19/2021

Lady returns Nathan's smile, opening another, lower drawer. The faintest rush of cool air can be felt as whatever drawer she opened must have been refrigerated. She pulls out a cold, refreshing-looking bottle of water. "From the mountains where my Father's family once hid. There is a recycle container next to the door or in the lounge, when you finish I'd appreciate you using it."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/19/2021

He stands up and swallows the pill, using the water to wash it down. His hand shakes slightly as he does so, causing some of the water to spill onto his shirt. He screws the lid onto the water bottle and returns to his seat. "How long until it kicks in?"

The Lady of House Lim — 03/19/2021

"Not long. You should feel its effects shortly - it is a combination of both Western and Eastern medicine and, if I may brag, the whole is greater by far than the parts." Internally, Nathan starts to feel not an unnatural calm, but an ease of the nerves and tension that he was feeling. He's still *him* but instead of adding an influence in his bodily hormones, he feels a clarity from overactive nerves and anxiety dissipate. It's there, not muted, but not overpowering either. He also suspects he feels something happen with perhaps what the Chines would call his chi - while he's taken a karmic hit and maybe a hit to his power, his overall 'energetic' balance is smoothed out as if gentle running water is flowing through his bones. It doesn't feel permanent, but even a short reprieve feels like a blessing.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/19/2021

"That's....much better. Thank you, for the water as well. Now where did we stop?"

The Lady of House Lim — 03/19/2021

"I believe you made your choice. I might state it as, 'You want to return to as normal a life as you can'?"

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/19/2021

"That would be preferable. Might be a tad unrealistic now." He appears to be easing up, the drug taking its effect on him.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/19/2021

"It might very well be. But I want you to know you are not alone. While it would cost me so much to keep you safe in Sanctuary from the Lady Incarnate, a price I do not believe you can pay right now - that does not mean I do not want to see you well and cannot be a supporter of you in a more limited capacity." "Let me know what you might need to keep yourself safe and if I can reasonably spare it, I will." Lady says, very seriously. "Or...if you can honestly come up with a reason how I could keep you safe long term in Sanctuary despite your Enemy, please I want to know. I assume you have some idea of the strain she's already put on our defenses?"

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/19/2021

"I've discussed with some of the users of OMO and we came up with two distinct plans for the former:

Plan one was too make me a new body and transplant the majority of myself into this new body. My original body will possibly be destroyed and Fascination informed of its demise. I am not sure how the body tansferal will work? We would have to trick Fascination, which may be hard. This one was suggested by our many heartless. I am not familiar with that form of practise so am now sure of the difficulty of this task. Plan two is too negotiate with Fascination for my freedom. This could be very hard due to her obsessive tunnel vision. I do not know if she is capable of letting me walk away unaffected. This was suggested by leaguesbelow. I ccannot offer much in this bargain though, that I am willing to give.

For the former I am...less sure of how successful it will be. Incarnates tend to be Inevitable, rebuffing them only means they'll hit back harder. Eventually, through some obsece coincedence I imagine she'd be able to slip through the cracks."

The Lady of House Lim — 03/19/2021

"I apologize but as presented, neither of these options will likely work with your desire to return to a life as similar to your former Self. Plan One could...potentially work but you would be forever *Changed* as I can personally attest there is no Neutral-Practice way of achieving a new body that I have heard of. Even my own Father's Alchemy produced a body that has considerable side effects." At this, Lady strikes her closed hand to the desk. It was not a familiar, dull sound of flesh but a sharper knock - the sound of wood striking wood."

"Plan One would be more akin to taking the Red Pill - and if that is not your overall desire, it would be even harder to succeed. I always think it is a possibility the Fascination doesn't want your body so much as the part of you that is responsible for maintaining Connections - and this part of Nathan would likely not go away with a new body."

"Plan Two is nearly impossible for the reason you state - obsessive tunnel vision - I suspect it is in her Nature not just to be an object of Fascination but also she is Fascinated by others - especially, *especially* **you**." "She may be able to be Forced or Bound to make that agreement, but I cannot imagine her doing so willingly. And yes, that is a Truth about Incarnates."

"I do not mean to be the bearer of bad news, but Fascination has already risen from the status of a minor Incarnate to a Lord, seemingly with the backing or at least tacit approval of the Lord of London. While the crystal she possesses has magnified her strength, danger, and effectiveness, I estimate she must have been planning this move for years before King Leer's death. I do not believe a simple plan will unfortunately fool her."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/19/2021

He slumps once more, appearing dismayed. "That was what I feared as well, I didn't think she was planning anything of the sort but I only saw her once a month." he appears momentarily lost in thought before sighing and looking up at the Lady "It seems foolish to ask, but do you have any ideas?"

The Lady of House Lim — 03/19/2021

"I may, but at this point in time I need you to put all your cards on the table. Tell me what you are still capable of - if you have any family secrets that could help you out of this situation now. I can swear minor oaths to keep your confidence, though I hope you feel you can trust me."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/19/2021

"My power remains mostly unchanged thankfully. I'm not a cultist, the Incarnates aren't the ones I was drawing power from The contentment and cowardice I knew may be dead but the forces are still there and I can still tap into them. I am fairly proficient at warding against Fascination, both her gaze and her Influence. Most of what I have is what I learned myself, I deliberately distanced myself from my Family practise. I am not sure returning to it would be wise."

March 20, 2021

The Lady of House Lim — 03/20/2021

"Excellent, I'm glad to hear about that at least. Is there any material component or power you are lacking to be able to ward yourself against Fascination?" "And not to worry you further, but she has been fairly active outside and seems to have a surprising number of followers. Just warding against her Gaze may not be enough when she has so many allies."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/20/2021

"I do not expect it to be easy. That TV complicates matters further as I'm not sure what school of practise it even belongs too, nevermind what would go into warding yourself from it. As for her followers I am less certain of their capabilities. I believe she is more likely to hire outside help than have dedicated troops under her. Although when an Incarnate becomes more powerful they are capable of producing Others themselves." The drugs effect has kicked in fully now and his former anxiety is gone.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/20/2021

"For sure, the forces arrayed towards capturing you as well expanding Her power base is a formidable one indeed. I can't really recommended stalling forever, as you understand more than most that one of the advantages all Incarnates seem to share is that they are Inevitable." Lady looks to the side as if looking at old ghosts for a moment.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/20/2021

"You have experience with them?"

The Lady of House Lim — 03/20/2021

"My mother's family dealt with Incarnations of the Philippines. Among others," Lady pauses, as if the word is caught in her throat, "hu...Humility, Loyalty, Tragedy, Death. My Father's family were Achemists but had some dealing with them as well."

Lady sees to come to a decision and seems sad, "I don't think my answer will work for you as well as I would like it to. What you need right now isn't a bullet, so much as cooperation, care, and teamwork." "Fascination has a large set of varied forces and I think the only way you survive this is through alliances with other Practitioners and Others from OMO. It doesn't sound like you have enough resources on your own or from your family, as you say."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/20/2021

"I expected as much. I suppose the Leer debacle helped with that. Somewhat ironic if the solution to this comes from what caused it." He slightly smiles at the end of that, and it appears genuine.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/20/2021

"You seem to have found some agency in this conversation and I'm not sure why...I haven't given you good news, seemingly just the opposite?" Lady looks curiously at Nathan.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/20/2021

"Forgive me, gallows humour. That situation, although I imagine quest could be appropriate, ended with me having more genuine allies than Ive had in, well, forever."

Stirge — 03/20/2021

Lady smiles, "Nothing to forgive. I believe you have your own answer, then?"

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/20/2021

The Lady of House Lim — 03/20/2021

"If I could grant it easily I would. Unfortunately each Resident in Sanctuary bears a cost to protect. The cost for recent refugees such as yourself, Glory, and Silver have been very high, so as to potentially break this place before it even begins." Lady says, clearly not blaming or shaming any of the names she mentions.

"That said, Sanctuary may be of use yet to you. If you like, I can empower you to use Sanctuary as a Neutral Territory, a meeting ground. You can run by me or Tiyo up to ten guests you would like to invite to speak with you here for help with your situation. Assuming they are not particularly egregious individuals, and I tell you, Miss Stella Lawson Myers was here last night - we will allow them access for a day."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/20/2021

He takes a moment to parse the information. "That's ... generous and risky. Really risky. It might work though" He then pauses and blinks, thoughts running through his head. "Hang on, did you say *Stella* was here?!"

The Lady of House Lim — 03/20/2021

"Yes, unfortunately." Lady answered - she even seemed a little exasperated at the thought of it. Humming briefly to herself (a soothing gesture?) she continued, "If you even thought it could do any good, you are even wel-" she stopped, "allowed...to invite Fascination or one of her representatives here."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/20/2021

"The prospect of negotiation in a place he can't just claim me is... an appealing one certainly. I'm afraid of her insisting on sending herself though. Still, if you can keep Stella from killing anyone then I think you can handle her"

The Lady of House Lim — 03/20/2021

Lady shrugs, "I wish it were so simple. That said as an older Other I assume she understands the Laws of Hospitality better than most." "She may also understand its limits and try and bend them." Lady warns.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/20/2021

Nathan looks panicked "I...don't think her age is a concern."

The Lady of House Lim — 03/20/2021

Lady laughs, it's genuine.

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/20/2021

"Fascination can be single minded. That makes her somewhat predictable, predictable and reckless. If she see's a path to what she wants she'll get tunnel vision, an exploitable weakness."

The Lady of House Lim — 03/20/2021

"That's possible, but she also has memories collected from others, doesn't she? It effectively makes her older and more experienced and potentially unpredictable than she should be."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/20/2021

"She can deviate. But it costs her. I'm fairly sure the mere fact she hasn't already got me is steadily draining at her Self. She can be unpredictable, but we gain advantage from that as well "

The Lady of House Lim — 03/20/2021

"We...I like how you are beginning to think. Keep me informed with what you need and if I can do so and only bring myself up to mild discomfort, I will help."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/20/2021

"I'd like you to be there when we negotiate. If that's ok. You have alot of experience, some of which sounds like it could be especially useful here. Not too many people on OMO seem to have much contact with Incarnates."

The Lady of House Lim — 03/20/2021

"I'm not sure..." Lady says, and it doesn't seem from a lack of care, "I have no qualms about being there to support you, in a limited capacity - but I worry that if you defer responsibility in this situation, someday down the line you will find yourself in another similar situation." "In this case, I truly believe you are the maker of your own destiny."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/20/2021

"So I suppose it would be prudent to discuss this with the users of OMO now. Thanks. For everything, I really mean it. Not sure what I would've done without this place. I think I'll take my leave if you have nothing more to discuss now"There's a faint trembling in his voice. He's not crying, but he's close

The Lady of House Lim — 03/20/2021

"You are so welcome, Nathan. I do have one more thing to share..."

"Placebos from the West and Placebos from the East are both quite effective at times like this, when all the courage is needed is already in the bearer." As explanation, Lady took the remaining red pill and plopped it back in her mouth, "Water from both West and East, ginseng tea, and a few vitamins." She smiled, "The courage was in you, all along. You've got this."

IntrovertedIncarnate — 03/20/2021

"Huh." He seems taken aback.

"Thank you. I'll... try and arrange specifics of the meeting soon" With that he departs the room, closing the door behind him.

The Lady of House Lim — 03/20/2021

Lady looked toward the door, smiling. She found herself in the funniest of positions of times due to her Role in the universe and she for that she was so very grateful. To this young man, she hardly offered a single thing he was incapable of - yet he went from victim to hero all on his own in the span of a half an hour. She preferred to give the answers but some people were empowered not by receiving relief from another, but from realizing just what was at stake - being in a dismal position - and only found themselves when their back was to a corner. Not all of these young heroes survived, but Lady dearly hoped Nathan would.

She checked her schedule. Only a half-dozen more of these 'small' but important meetings to go for today, and then she could find some sleep.

She leftover contents of the pill swished in her mouth.... mm. Minty.