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  • Distractions


    Alistair Greene

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    One of the advantages of no longer being the sole person in charge of affairs at ARMA was that he no longer had to spend the majority of his time behind a desk, setting up missions and overseeing logistical crap, which was not exactly what he'd gotten into the so-called business to do. Then again, the disadvantage was that he sometimes ended up tracking two-bit magic crooks through Central Park, and he could more or less have stood to avoid that sort of thing.

    Then again... it did help with the keeping in shape. He took a deep breath as he stepped out from the treeline, rubbing at the back of his neck. He wasn't that old, but all the time flying a desk had been enough to take a toll on his conditioning despite his best efforts. He was still going to have to work on that for a while, it seemed.

    Part of the problem was almost certainly that it was getting to be that time of year again where the black duster coat he wore was getting to be a bit too heavy for the weather. The Magus wore it any time he was working (and a lot of the time he wasn't) because it was where he kept a fair amount of his gear, and the fabric was treated with magic to give it considerable durability - more than once, that tactic had saved his life, against everything from bullets to Balors (well, or what he thought of as a Balor, it certainly had reminded him somewhat of the monster from Dungeons and Dragons at the time). So he was fairly attached to the coat, even if he hadn't figured out yet a way to magically air condition the stupid thing, which turned it into something of a torture device during the hot New York summers.

    Letting out the breath, Alistair glanced around the clearing, frowning a moment when he saw nothing at all. Slippery bastard had come by here, but he was probably long gone. Whatever his game in the park was, Ali hadn't gotten there in time to catch a good enough look at him to make for a decent pursuit, and whatever his less than admirable quantities, the guy knew how to get away clean when he wanted to. Well, ARMA had ways of getting around that... just wasn't going to be a one person job, was all.

    Alistair shook his head a little as he continued walking, taking out his phone and tapping a text to his sister - might as well get her in on this one, though if the usual pattern held, they'd have to wait a few days for the guy to make his next drop. That much done, he slipped the phone back into his pocket and kept walking. Whatever his feelings about the minor nature of the job, it was a beautiful evening to be outside - and it gave him some time to think. Never seemed to be a shortage of issues to think on, at least not for someone like him.
     

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    Bored! Bored! Bored! Bored! Ishsa sat on the shadowed and isolated park bench and distractedly petted a squirrel that had not yet retired for the night. The animal’s tail twitched and its head turned to look off into the trees; soon it would depart to sleep. But the Fae could not rest; injustice weighed upon her heart. She was bored! Other creatures might play and frolic, but not her. Poor Ishsa never had any real merriment! No one had passed her way all day. No one wished to play. Unfairness soured her thoughts for she knew elsewhere others enjoyed themselves. With annoyance, her wings fluttered crossly at the unhappy situation.

    A noise distracted the unvoiced ranting; it was not a large or loud sound, but small like a stick breaking or branch being pushed aside upon the deer path. A visitor! Ishsa heard him within the trees even before she saw him. With little thought, Glamour soft and sparkling immediately surrounded and enveloped her as miniature specks of light transformed her form. Ishha’s eyes closed, pleased with the feel and sensation as Magick wrapped a blanket about her. This was natural, easy and the change was almost instantaneous; where a young Fae had carelessly sat, now resided a man with a gray knit cap upon his head. The camouflage pants and hoodie jacket he wore were thoroughly stained and the big boots were scuffed and dulled from use. Unshaved and dirty, he appeared homeless and uninteresting, easy to ignore should someone pass by. From the safety of this trick and the solitude of the secluded park bench, the Fae was apt to scrutinize a visitor’s manners and movements undetected.

    The rough trunks appeared to part and then close again behind the Man that stepped out from the trees. Startled, the squirrel jumped and then scampered away and homeward into the dark. Slyly, Ishsa watched him from beneath the woolen hat. What had he been doing within the Trees? A tiny, fluttering rumble slid along Ishsa’s throat. The Man carried a frown, but he looked around as if he searched for something… or someone. No one was here, but her. Neither was there a building or a point of interest... From her concealed and hidden location, he might not have noticed her in the dim light. But Ishsa could see he was dressed in a long coat. The Fae cared not about style or fashion, though she knew it was not what most visitors wore during the warmer seasons. But—she sat straighter. His coat! It smelled of Magick! Softly she hissed. The Fae wanted to touch it and run her fingers along its length. His coat was unusual… Studying the man, Ishsa assumed he knew; it was his, for he wore the garment and seemed comfortable within its folds. What did he know of Magick? Did he wield it as well?

    A phone appeared in his hand and distracted the Fae from the duster. They all had phones now - the Humans filled them with secrets and pictures and words upon words. Sometimes the little things needed to be stolen away; sometimes they merely desired to be hidden for a time. With wicked glee Ishsa would watch the tumultuous search when the Humans realized its absence. But this man’s phone went back into his pocket… might she take it? Before a decision might be made, he walked away as if he knew her plans, as if to thwart her merriment on purpose. He couldn’t go, not yet!

    Ishsa growled lowly, no doubt he was from the City… where excitement resided with fine and colorful toys to play with, and baubles that glittered and glinted. And… she remembered shopping and stores with racks of clothing, and prettily painted windows, and bakeries with little cakes of sugar and sweet frosting, wrapped in paper cups that crinkled finely. That delicious delight she wanted now.

    Yet the man had wanted something also; it would be improper to allow him to leave the Wood unfilled. Ishsa would tend him as was her right! And both of their needs might be met... But Humans did not often know what was good for them and sometimes they fought against her better judgment. The coat upon his shoulders gave Ishsa doubt, his skill was unknown and the Fae was a self-protecting creature. She was smaller and he would be the stronger of the two. If Magick was not foreign to him, he would prove a difficult adversary. She needed him at her Tree where her power was greatest and most persuasive. And so, willing the woodland energies to form, the Fae gathered small balls of Light together. In the Trees across from him and where she sat, one shown soft and subtle, a slight distance away. The Light gleamed and beckoned, entreated him to come near, steady in its allure. If the Man chose to pursue, it would vanish as he drew near, only to reappear a distance away, and nearer to Ishsa’s Tree. And the Fae waited patient, cunning like a silent predator, to see if he might search out the light and follow.
     

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    Central Park at night wasn't always the safest place to be. There were a number of reasons actually that the Park tended to be one of the more common places in the city for magical dangers to appear, and the fact that it could happen in a relatively uncrowded area was only one of them. The rest really had to do with it becoming a sort of nexus, a place where the city's ley lines converged. Why it had become such was a matter of some debate, of course. Alistair's personal theory went back to the nature of belief and emotion. He'd seen many times how objects that were the subject of some emotion or memory for many thousands of people had become powerful when magic returned to the world - the park, to his mind, was no different. Same way the Federal Reserve building where ARMA made its HQ had become a nexus, or any number of other places in the world.

    The Vatican, naturally, was the biggest one. But it had a series of assholes sitting in charge of it right now, so it wasn't exactly the sort of place he intended to visit. Unless they invaded at some point and put an end to the High Archmagi once and for all. But that was a bit of a long-term goal, suffice it to say.

    But the point was: it generally paid to be cautious when you were in the Park, especially alone, and especially as the light was fading. Unfortunately, whether because he'd let himself get so deep into thought or because he had simply lost a bit of his edge given all his time at the desk over the last couple years, Alistair didn't QUITE remember to be as sharp as he ought to be, despite that bit of sage advice that he'd given to other people more than once in the past.

    So, when the light appeared, he paused, glancing toward it. [alistair]What the... Hello?[/alistair] If someone else WAS out there in the woods, they really shouldn't be. [alistair]Hey, you know it's dangerous out here![/alistair] He called, stepping into the woods, walking toward the light - someone's flashlight, maybe? He lost it after a little while, but then saw it again. Unfortunately he didn't quite recognize the spell behind it... the one that made him think it was a flashlight, someone in need of help, when really it was just Fae magic, distracting him and ensnaring him in the allure to follow it.

    It was very likely this was one of those times where Alistair should have followed his own advice.

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    He followed! He followed! A thrill rose uncontained within Ishsa’s heart. The night looked upwards as boredom was set aside for loftier amusements. From a distance the Fae followed, hushed and camouflaged in the trees and the dark. Her steps were light, for the energies of the Wood ran in her sinews and through her blood; the Fae belonged where the man did not. In tree shadow she progressed like an apparition, hidden and unworldly. With curiosity she stepped, each delicate foot light upon the uneven ground. The lights led an erratic path through the trees, they shown then winked away. As the man drew near, they glowingly teased then suddenly shown a distance away. But always the lights led closer to Ishsa’s Circle and her Tree.

    The Fae was soundless; there was no reply to his queries for there was danger in her actions, danger in the coat he wore. Ishsa understood this, yet she could no more have held back or controlled herself than she might understand numbers or time. The Song began of its own accord; it wished to be sung and the Fae could not think to halt it. It began lowly, woven within the shift of leaves and the sigh of the branches. All around the man, it slowly built, note upon gentle note. Insidious it grew and beautiful as a night breeze, unnoticed until it cooled the skin on a warmly night. Like a living thing it evolved and changed, especially as the man came near the Tree and crossed the threshold of the Fae’s sanctuary. For once within the Circle, her power grew and the hypnotic weaving of Song grew tighter, and the strands of magic fell so heavily and carefully about him.

    As she sang, she studied the man from her concealed and secreted position. The Song gave her courage and boldness came unbidden as it grew in pitch and depth. Would this man succumb to her efforts at ensnarement? Would his mind or might his coat balk at her magical endeavors? She had not answers to these questions, but the Fae would not halt what had been started. Fervor buoyed Ishsa’s tumultuous thoughts, and the Glamour slide away from her own form. Herself once more, she hid her wings out of self-preservation. Face pure and unlined in innocence, she stepped from the trees and allowed herself to be noticed and seen in the changing shadows of night.

    But he had been concerned. He had offered warnings of the dangers of the Wood at night when the lights first appeared. This man cared about others, for some when shone the magical lights could only think of themselves… This one the Fae sensed might be a Protector. The idea thrilled her fickle heart! And Ishsa had need… given time, she would remember what it was and find a use for his inclinations!

    “Hello…?” She called with voice downy and gentle as the weavings of magic continued to thread through her words. “I am sorrowfully alone. Would you keep me company… just for a little?” With care she stepped into the Circle, bare of feet and dress softly shifting about her waist. She did not say she was frightened, like a lone woman ought to be in the Park at night. That would have been a lie, though her words implied the same. A hand rested upon Endride, unconsciously she touched the Tree, and drew strength and energies from the contact. “Please,” her words sounded like song, entwined with compelling desire, “Do not leave me alone.”
     

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    • 2 weeks later...

    Unfortunately for the magus, while the coat was enchanted to protect him against a number of physical threats, it did nothing of the sort where the gentle, deceptive magic of the Fae was concerned. Not being the sort of magus who specialized in those things meant Alistair only had so many defenses against that sort of thing, and none of them were enchanted at the moment into anything on his person.

    All of which meant that while she led him deeper into the forest, his curiosity - and currently misguided - concern for the safety of the person he thought was lost in the woods, drove him forward.

    To be fair to the magus, this particular sort of danger was a new one to him. Oh, he'd had his mind attacked before, but it was generally a much more direct thing, or someone trying to get him to do something he did not want to do - for instance, stay put while something killed him. So far, there was nothing in this that triggered any particular warning bells (other than the advice about not going into Central Park alone at night, but that was what guns and spells were for). And perhaps it did have something to do with overconfidence... every now and then, everyone needed a reminder not to get cocky, didn't they?

    Isha's magic, too, was of a troublesome sort. It was gentle at first, subtle, and only gradually built into something powerful. Just strands at first, but like moving deeper into a spider's web, more and more of it piled upon him, until the coating was thick and heavy, and it was far too late to turn back.

    Plus, as it had been noted before, Alistair was a sucker for a lady in trouble. That, too, had gotten him into trouble a time or two.

    He didn't even quite hear the song itself, nor was he totally aware of the gradual fog that crept into his mind, stripping away his usual caution (or borderline paranoia). Somehow, he was relaxed - what was there to worry about here? When Isha stepped out, touching the grand tree in the middle of the place, Alistair turned to her and smiled. [alistair]Of course, don't worry... I'm not going to leave. Are you alright? I don't usually see people out here, especially not this time of night. [/alistair] he said, stepping carefully to her, his hands held up, palms out and slightly to the sides - mages, for reasons most could guess, tended not to signal surrender by holding their palms out AT anybody.

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    • 2 weeks later...

    The Fae hummed her Song soft and steady as the man spoke. He would stay, she blithely saw; the Magick had worked its charms upon him. But the bindings continued, as strings of the subtlest energies enveloped him, wrapped so much like a warm and comfortable blanket, though tighter. His coat, she noted, did not deter the strains of Song and its hypnotic melody. Ishsa did not know who he was; perhaps he was not as powerful as she had first thought. Her confidant, Endride stood silent guard and urged her onward with only his presence. It was possible now to leave the safe harbor of his immense side for her wariness of the man had dissipated. Though never would she truly trust those Humans that wielded Magick not joined to the Earth.

    “You would protect me from harm?” Ishsa asked. Her voice sparkled like rain drops upon the greenest grass after a spring rain. With a gentle hand she touched finger-soft upon her chest as if she was a shy or timid creature. “It is not a time for visits to the Wood. The hour is late…” She answered, as if she had landed here by misfortune, “Though I am agreeable now that I am not alone. I feared I might be solitary forever within the trees this night.” Her eyes lifted to his and a smile radiated like subtle moonlight. The Fae trusted the man, woven as he with charms would believe her delight was due to his sudden presence within the clearing.

    But now that she had ensnared him, the question became - what exactly to do with him? Greatly Ishsa pondered this puzzle. Normal tricks bored her this night; she was in no mood for the work that a sacrifice would entail, and even a devious harassing seemed too much effort. What she genuinely desired was colorful novelty and reckless amusement. And for that, the Fae knew she would have to leave the confines of the stone walls that surrounded this place. But Ishsa would not find such pursuits alone! This man would be her companion!

    Appraisingly her head cocked as she studied him carefully, noting his clothes, which bored her, and his manner which she found agreeable. Easy and graceful, her movements were seamless and she moved the slightest measure toward him. As she looked up into his face, she appeared small and harmless, a vulnerable thing while he appeared solid and substantial. A more perfect companion the Fae could not have hoped for this dark evening! “You are… a man of the city? You have knowledge of its pathways and buildings?” She asked. It was not often the Fae made a foray from her woodland home - protection was desired, for the city she remembered as so different from the boughs and branches of safety here. This one would know its dangers and avoid the threatening and ominous. Ishsa considered, “You work there… but is it not time to see with new eyes? You need respite from worries and burdens, yes?” Carefully she entreated, “I fear to go alone. Will you take me there?” Her hands joined together tightly upon her chest, as if such a delicate thing as her heart, might be crushed with his refusal.
     

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    • 2 weeks later...

    [alistair]Well, sure. It's sort of what I'm good at.[/alistair] Alistair responded, a little bit puzzled by the question. He'd already said as much, hadn't he? Or maybe he hadn't. Everything was a bit cloudy just then, though he didn't remember having anything to drink. Had he just overdone it? Everything felt about right for having put a good buzz on, though there didn't seem to be any bars around here, and he wasn't the sort to just drink from whatever showed up in Central Park, of all places. Somehow though none of that was really able to penetrate the warm fog of his current complacency, so the thought drifted away before he could latch on.

    Her smile seemed to light the world - probably another sure sign of a glamour that he might otherwise have caught on to, but like the rest of the clues, it floated away, and Alistair stayed where he was. Even if a certain part of him did note that he was going to have to work on some of his mental shields, for some reason or other. Why was he thinking about that? Didn't seem important at the moment. Ah well.

    [alistair]Might have, if I hadn't seen you, but if you were looking for people, this is a little deep in the woods to find them.[/alistair] he pointed out when she mentioned her worry about loneliness. It was a light comment though, like everything else, the inconsistency couldn't manage to bother him just then.

    When she asked her first question, he nodded. [alistair]Sure. Lived here since before the Nevus appeared... been running around trying to keep the place safe since then. It's been hard...[/alistair] He wasn't normally one to complain, either - but right now the very idea of going back to work seemed impossibly exhausting, and he frowned a bit as he shook that off. [alistair]Anyway, I doubt you could find someone who knows what it's like now much better than I do. It's my business.[/alistair]

    She went on, and he nodded, encouraged by that warm feeling - not just to agree with her, but to cast off whatever that had been that brought him here, his usual paranoia about being attacked or trapped somehow (even though another rebel part of him came up with some sarcastic comment about this exact situation, which he ignored with a flicker of annoyance). [alistair]I hate to say it, but I am exhausted... always too much to do. Always something else that needs finding, needs stopping... but of course! If you want to go, I'll take you. Keep you safe.[/alistair]

    He smiled, and held out his hand - well, this rabbit hole wasn't getting any shallower.

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    • 2 weeks later...

    “I’ve been running around trying to keep the place safe since then. It’s been hard… Anyway, I doubt you could find someone who knows what it’s like now much better than I do. It’s my business...”

    [ishsa]Ahhh! Then you are indeed the perfect guide! It is fortunate you chose to venture out so far into the Wood. No one else it seems was brave enough for such a task but you.[/ishsa] She trilled. It was a truth; if he had not arrived, boredom would certainly have overcome her and melancholy taken root. Too long she had waited for a companion. Hope had almost vanished! Her smile changed and became softer, tone shifted as well into gentle query, [ishsa]Your business… of safety. Are you a policeman then? A man of Law? [/ishsa] His jacket caught her attention once more. Did he secret a gun within its folds? Was cold iron concealed there? Or perhaps he was one of those that hunted non-humans. Even gentle and harmless Fae such as herself were not safe from those vicious pursuers. Sudden wariness caused the Fae to stiffen. More knowledge was needed!

    “I hate to say it, but I am exhausted… always too much to do. Always something else that needs finding, needs stopping…”

    It did not appear he searched for her, but the man was wrapped tightly in Song. If she could but read his mind! For now though, the Fae felt safe enough as his hand extended towards her, she knew he would keep guard over her, and away from others like himself, she hoped. Only the Glamour and Song need continue to hold and all would agreeable until her return to the Wood.

    Shyly, Ishsa beamed at him, [ishsa]You are a kind man. It is no wonder exhaustion is upon you. [/ishsa] She stepped quickly near and took the offered hand in her own two, cradling his within the coolness of her fingers. Stroking his arm consolingly, her gaze was earnest and her next words were a mixture of spoken words and haunting melody. It was an attempt to deepen the Magick that bound his awareness, [ishsa]It pains me they take advantage of you. Finding and stopping... finding and stopping. [/ishsa] She used his two words not understanding what they meant. [ishsa]Such a burden must be laid down occasionally, but Ishsa understands. Ishsa sees. It is unfair for them to expect so very much, for you to continue without respite. I will help you. Our foray into the City - it is for you I do this thing… It is for you. [/ishsa]

    Adoringly she looked upon him and as she began to circle round him, her fingers drew along his arms and back. Around she circuited, three times. The first, she was silent. The second, she asked, as she slipped behind him, [ishsa]Share with me your name? [/ishsa] The third time around she slowed and with a light touch upon his shoulder, she attempted to distract him as her other hand delicately attempted to slide the phone from his outer pocket.
     

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    Alistair smiled, glad to see that she was happy with who'd stumbled into her glade. The part of him that was frustrated with all of this was quieter and quieter, to the point where he couldn't hear it anymore, much less try and act on it. Though her question took him a moment to answer, the man obviously having to think about it. [alistair]Not a policeman, no - though I have kind of a badge. And only sort of a man of law... I work for ARMA, I'm one of its leaders. And we don't enforce laws so much as we try and stop bad things from happening. To humans and nonhumans. Try and let those who want to live in peace do that.[/alistair] Hopefully that explained it well. They often fought those from across the veil, certainly, but they were not xenocidal.

    Certainly he'd had enough friends who weren't exactly human!

    His smile widened when she took his hand - she had such a light touch, more comforting even than her words, and he found himself relaxing still more - not tired, exactly. It seemed as though he were very drunk, yet things were clear, it was just the contented feeling that persisted. She made so very much sense when she spoke - it was unfair for so much to be asked of him. He'd never wanted to be a cop or anything like it, he'd just been an engineer when all this happened. And yet, just because he HAD the power to do something about it, suddenly he felt like he had to protect people? Weren't there plenty of others who could do that? It had been so long.

    [alistair]Thank you, Isha...[/alistair] he said quietly, in a bit of a daze as she circled him, and he lowered his hand as she released it. Somehow he didn't even notice when she took the phone from his pocket. That might have annoyed him, he was protective of the things, considering how careful he had to be not to break them. Plus, they were harder to make these days than they had been. Yet while he noticed she took something, it didn't seem to bother him.

    [alistair]Oh - I'm Alistair. Alistair Greene. It's nice to meet you... I'm so glad I found you here.[/alistair]

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    • 2 weeks later...

    Secreted within the Park and isolated from the world, Ishsa could not have named the groups and factions prominent in the City; she knew not their workings or goals, for they were unfamiliar and mysterious to her. But Alistair Greene belonged to one of them and he was important. A shiver coursed through the Fae’s veins at her good fortune. Alistair Greene was a Leader! And Ishsa knew, with an escort so grand, no door would be closed to them this night!

    “…and let those who want to live in peace do that.”

    Ishsa agreed wholeheartedly, [ishsa]Peace! I wish for it always. [/ishsa] But peace to the Fae meant nothing more than she wished to have her way and her whims at all times. [ishsa]I try to stop the bad also, but no one appreciates my small attempts,[/ishsa] she frowned. It was a pretty expression. [ishsa]You must be a fierce man to fight such battles day after day and night too. It would shatter a more modest disposition… yet here you are in the Wood. [/ishsa] Caution was needed! This man was more powerful than he appeared!

    Pointing with her free hand, she proclaimed, [ishsa]There, that way from the Park, and into the City we will go.[/ishsa] Without concern, the hand hidden behind her back opened and the man’s phone fell into the leaves where it nestled deeply, cradled in silence and shadow. It was only a little trick of course, simply a lighthearted pleasure that meant nothing at all. Though the Fae understood it had the possibility to mean more - a phone that rung from his pocket, a Leader’s pocket, would bring immediate ruin to her evening excitement. It was best to keep it well away! This Man would thank her later for the respite from his taxing life that she so freely offered. There was no doubt of it! [ishsa]Alistair Greene…,[/ishsa] a hand touched his lightly and looped feather light upon his forearm as they walked. [ishsa]Let us enjoy ourselves. Without worries or cares! Without findings or stoppings! We will leave work behind and all your burdensome efforts. [/ishsa] Her smile was carefree and honest. She would truly help him to be free of strife!

    As they walked the deserted pathways, Ishsa Sang once more, the sound as light as drifting feathers. Her voice caught upon the currents of air and traced them with honey-silk highs and whisper sweet lows, lest Alistair forget whose company he kept. Once they reached the stone wall at the edge of the Park, the Fae stopped. This was a border and a border was a significant thing. With purpose, a bare foot lifted and stepped outside her Park into the City. Automatically she noticed the moon’s placement and the few stars that hung above, while a flighty nervousness hovered about her. Ishsa’s hold upon Alistair’s arm tightened. But the City called, in sounds and colors and newness and the Fae’s eyes darted about. She would not be kept away!

    Looking at Alistair sideways, disappointment shone in her expression and caused her brow to furrow. Upon her bottom lip, she chewed in thought, until she caught it between pearly white teeth and held it there as she thought. It was a very human habit left over from before. It was an obvious and distressing situation to the Fae: their attire was unsuitable for the night. Unadorned and plain they both appeared and the Fae heart could not bear it. A hand danced upon air, as she murmured words and melodies soft as satin. As energies swirled, Ishsa’s dress shifted and became longer as delicate lace formed at the edges and maroon fringe grew so long that it dragged upon the ground. Small pale blue forget-me nots dotted the fabrics shiny, silk surface. She would wear no shoes, for those were unnatural things and too confining; even worn only within the Glamour, the Fae could not bring herself to paint such things upon her feet. But a wreath of colorful flowers crowned her head and sat lightly upon her pale hair in lieu of jewelry.

    With each moment, Ishsa grew more delighted as she turned her attentions to Alistair Greene. She couldn’t have said where the inspiration had come from, but it was there for the molding. And the man’s clothes silently transformed. With small and wild claps, approval was shared. From the tie-dyed shirt that opened wide upon his chest, to his gold belt and from his silky headband to the shiny boots upon his feet, the Fae deemed him ready for a night upon the town. No one appeared as they did! They were flawlessly unique! The Humans were sure to notice this Leader upon her arm!

    (Alistair’s new outfit):
    http://a.abcnews.go.com/images/Entertainment/gty_jimi_hendrix_feb_24_1969_thg_121120_wblog.jpg

    And there, right across from where they stood was a building Ishsa remembered well from before. Never had she stepped foot inside of it, always it had been too fancy, too out of reach for a girl who worked in an office cubicle. But desire had been built long before, and want had grown upon a little girl’s dreams, gilded and adorned with golden frivolousness so much like the building before her now. In this new world all dreams were possible! She knew not the meaning of restraint. The Fae was transfixed and at first she said nothing as the remembered want for that place surged anew within her. Ishsa whispered, [ishsa]Take me to the Plaza. The Plaza Hotel - there we must go![/ishsa]
     

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    • 2 weeks later...

    [alistair]So do I... It shouldn't be so difficult as it is.[/alistair] Alistair's expectations and hopes for peace were rather less demanding, at least he thought so: could people just stop being such dicks all the time? Basically, if people could stop trying to kill one another, that would be fantastic. As for her comment about him being fierce, the man just shrugged.

    [alistair]Stubborn, I suppose. I hate to lose. Especially if someone is counting on me.[/alistair] Was he putting too much on himself? Probably. It wasn't exactly an uncommon opinion from his friends, or especially his sister. Not that any of them had been able to knock him off it once he'd started out.

    Isha started moving then, and Alistair followed without so much as a thought. Which was disturbingly little in the way of exaggeration, actually - there wasn't much in his head at all at this point that Isha hadn't put there, after all. The song was seeing to that. He smiled back to her at her encouraggement, and nodded eagerly. [alistair]Yes... yes of course![/alistair] What the hell did any of that mean, anyway? Who cared? Not him.

    "relaxed" was not a word that had been used often to describe him even before Resonance.

    He didn't really know what she was up to later on, though he frowned just a bit as she clearly wasn't pleased with part of how something was going. Before he could ask her what was the matter though, she had finished with her own glamour and was working something similar on him. The man blinked in surprise, then laughed. [alistair]I didn't know it was halloween...[/alistair] Granted, it was nothing whatsoever like what he usually wore, and he might have been annoyed about it any other night. At this point... It really didn't matter. He was more concerned with trying to figure out what to do about her request.

    [alistair]Plaza, um... Oh, right - over this way.[/alistair] he said, eyes lighting up a moment as he remembered the way. Things were hard to remember at the moment, and it had taken some time to tease the directions in his head out of the fog. Which was strange, right? Why should it be like that? He shook off the question and took her arm, crossing the street from the park and starting down the sidewalk.

    A couple people looked, but he didn't notice. He was too focused on the path ahead... Had to help Isha out, after all. Nothing was more important.

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    • 3 weeks later...

    “I hate to lose. Especially if someone is counting on me.”

    [ishsa]I count upon thee, Alistair Greene…[/ishsa] And the Fae did, for the man gave her deeper access into the glittering, light-filled City that she coveted this night. [ishsa]Do not disappoint me; it would make me so very sad.[/ishsa] Almost it appeared that her rounded eyes pleaded for acquiescence, but if one looked closely, something more ominous lurked just beneath the innocent gaze. Ishsa’s voice shifted to a lower octave, [ishsa]I do not like it when gloom settles upon me…[/ishsa] But like the threatening thunder cloud that has passed without the falling of rain, so too the Fae’s mood lightened without incident. [ishsa]We are close! So close! It is there, at the corner. Do you see?[/ishsa]

    A stone building loomed before them, solid and substantial. Colorful flags snapped on flagpoles as spotlights shone upward on the high windowed walls. Magnificent shadows bathed the building, and gold-tinted ornamentation flashed in the night. Standing at ready, two doormen waited at the entrance, prepared to assist every well-heeled and affluent patron that ascended the Plaza’s steps. And though the hour was late, the gaiety of privileged activity in the lobby could be seen through the etched glass doors.

    http://cdn.c.photoshelter.com/img-get2/I0000_b_bO21u70I/fit=1000x750/The-Plaza-Hotel-in-New-York-City-at-night.jpg

    “I didn’t know it was Halloween…”

    Halloween… Alistair’s words pulled Ishsa’s thoughts from The Plaza. Halloween… that mysteriously orange holiday. Dress up. Costumes. Masquerades. Her human mind recited, but the Fae mind could not recall the meaning of why such a thing happened. Images of sugar treats and bags stuffed with candies tumbled pell-mell in her thoughts. Was Halloween near? She strained to remember… Might strangers still deliver tasty things into her hands simply at the opening of a bag? Ishsa wanted to see this feat! [ishsa]How wise you are! Of course! Yes! We must pretend that this is Halloween night![/ishsa]

    All of the Fae’s previous ideas concerning this night vanished away; now that there was a novel and more enticing direction to follow. Plans and destinations were nothing! Not with Alistair’s wonderful distraction swirling in her thoughts. Halloween! Suddenly as her dainty feet rose upon the first step, Ishsa stopped and turned impulsively to face the ARMA agent. A light yet purposeful touch landed upon the man’s chest. [ishsa]Tell me true...[/ishsa] Her voice was honeyed and slick, [ishsa]Name for Ishsa the most harmless animal within the Wood. Quickly now! Do not think! Thinking spoils all…[/ishsa] Her hand pressed slightly upon his glamoured silk shirt. [ishsa]So handsome and proud,[/ishsa] she whispered. But Halloween was not for handsome and proud; it was for outlandishness and frivolous cloth, and merry making. And, it was for appearing opposite of what one truly was.
     

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    • 1 month later...

    Alistair nodded solemnly. [alistair]Well I wouldn't want you to be sad, Isha - so I just will have to not disappoint you, then.[/alistair] He smiled, missing the implied threat behind her eyes. It was normally exactly the sort of thing he'd pick up on, after all there were plenty of creatures (like vampires) that could appear innocent for some time, except for a few otherwise easy-to-miss slips. But he was in the fog of her song, and he didn't see it. Pity for him, perhaps.

    Besides, it was gone quickly enough. What was there to worry about?

    He continued on through the street with her at his side. At one point, someone loomed out of the darkness. There were theives after all in New York, but... Well most of them knew by now to stay away from things that seemed strange as all hell, since they usually meant magic, which meant bad things. And while Alistair was blind to Isha's danger, he was alert to others, and the man backed off when Alistair's sharp gray eyes found him. After all, he was the protector this night, was he not?

    [alistair]I am?[/alistair] Alistair blinked a moment. WAS it halloween? Were his dates really so off? He really had been working too much lately. It was certainly a good thing Isha had given him a break. [alistair]Alright then![/alistair] He smiled a bit at her declaration. When she stopped though, he stopped with her, hanging as always on her every word. Like she said, he didn't think for long before he spoke up. What had he seen earlier tonight that had never been any sort of threat to him?

    [alistair]A squirrel?[/alistair] he asked, not at all sure what she was getting at. But then, she'd told him not to think about it, and his mind was blissfully blank.

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    • 4 weeks later...

    [ishsa]Yes! Alistair! This is ideal! A squirrel…[/ishsa] Ishsa clapped her hands together with a happy flourish. [ishsa]You have saved us from tedium this night! Already you have protected me and now I shall offer protection in turn. Too often you are called to the defense - because of your strong heart.[/ishsa] Her fingers drew emphasis upon his chest. “[ishsa]Might you be weary of being that one thing only? Let me help you, just this night. I will carry your burdens and you shall appear opposite than what you are.[/ishsa]

    Even as she stood on the step above his, Ishsa still had to raise her face to gaze upon his. As her hand waved in intricate detail upon the air, the Song arose once more to swirl about. The man’s colorful garment wavered, only to be replaced by the creation of a glamour-induced squirrel costume. Only Alistair’s face shown though, the rest was covered in reddish-brown fur, with tips of black upon the overly bushy tail behind him, while a soft white fur lay upon his stomach.

    [ishsa]Wonderful! No one will now tax you with needless needs and incessant questions.[/ishsa] Her hand found his face, [ishsa]You will be my little squirrel. My pet! I will care for you as no other has! Fear not, Brave Protector, Ishsa has only your best interests at heart. Yes?[/ishsa] Eyes, the brown of dark wood rested upon his, to reassure. [ishsa]You have worked so hard for so long, rest… and I will lead. [/ishsa] She bent to take Alistair’s hand and led him up the steps, costumed as a squirrel towards the ornate, glass doors. The bellmen stared, open mouthed. But Ishsa’s stance and manner, they had seen often among the extremely wealthy and the young men were not willing to question her. With quick action, the doors were opened and Ishsa held her head high as she passed through. Never did her hand loosen its grip upon Alistair’s. Once inside, the Fae with graceful steps led to the middle of the room. Upon the tile floor she turned about in a circle to see the place once more from memory. [ishsa]Oh Alistair! It is grand… so grand! [/ishsa] Her voice had softened, with true emotion the Fae spoke.

    The lobby populace stared at the two. Were they rock stars? Eccentric wealthy types or actors? No one could truly tell. An older gentleman was struck by the Squirrel’s similarity to a man he had once worked with on a delicate Magical issue. Could it be the same man? Cautiously, and a little nervously he began to approach.

     

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