New Avalon

[Hammer Sister]

Why do I feel like I'm answering more questions than I'm asking?

Rob takes a few moments to consider his answer.

"Well," he sighs, "it seems to me that it's inherently unfair. A person's success should be determined by their skills and accomplishments, not some random or predetermined factor."

[CalamityJade]

"And so did he...and he actually seems to have proven it. From your work, I am sure you realize that Obsidian Roidmet, while being crass, was rather successful. Not as much as his brother, but he has done quite well for himself...especially considering that he was not one of the Welcomed." THAT would be news. Sure, there were people who thought he was a thug, but he ran a fairly competent security business. A lot of places used his services for guards on locations, events, and sometimes bodyguards. But to do all that and not be Welcomed? No one had actually thought of it, most assuming he just didn't make a large deal about being welcomed.

[Hammer Sister]

Wait... what?

The revelation comes as a surprise to Rob; for a moment, he considers calling Mordrianna's bluff. But given how much she's been right about so far, he decides it's not worth doing so. And after a few moments' thought, the next question becomes obvious.

"If he was so successful, why did he disappear?"

[CalamityJade]

"That much is obvious. He had something that someone else wanted. It also did not help he was determined to fix some of the problems. Besides, you are a detective. You should know that there are plenty of reasons for someone to disappear, especially if they are successful." Mordrianna gave him a moment to think before she continued. "However, this was most likely not his choice."

[Hammer Sister]

"It usually isn't," Rob agrees. "It seems to me the key is to work out what Obsidian had that was so important he was forced to go into hiding to protect it... or them..."

[CalamityJade]

"That...is actually quite easy. His family. It seemed that before he lived here, there were very few people he trusted to speak with. He also has some notion that he has to do what he can to keep them safe, even to his own detriment."

[Hammer Sister]

T has been looking for Obsidian, and Gregory almost let slip something about a daughter... the two could be connected? No, that would be too much of a coincidence... but then again, there's been a lot of crazy shit going on recently; is it really that much crazier for T to be Obsidian's daughter? It's not like there's a huge difference in personality, from what I've seen and heard... fuck it, may as well ask.

"Obsidian doesn't by chance have a daughter, does he?"

[CalamityJade]

"Only one that he mentioned. Though it was more in passing to his looking into the nature of being Welcomed." Mordrianna gave him a look. "Why do you ask?"

[Hammer Sister]

Because I think I've met her.

"Did he mention a name?"

[CalamityJade]

"No, though he did offhand mention that she would also be frustrated with talking to me when I asked about her." Mordrianna gave a shrug. "While I had no problem with him personally, he did seem to dislike my methods so there was always a bit of animosity between us."

[Hammer Sister]

No name... shit... Oh well, no sense worrying about that now; got plenty enough to worry about as it is. OK, so... next question... what should it be...

"Can you read my future?"

Why the fuck did I ask that?

[CalamityJade]

Mordrianna gave Rob a smile. "I could...and have, indirectly. Your future ties into the Fates of several others." She takes a moment before speaking again, her voice seeming to reverbarate through the room. "You are on the right track for your needs. You will need both of their help to solve the mystery before you are removed from the board. Beware the seeker, he will hound your trail to the end."

Mordrianna shakes her head. "It would seem that you have a very...particular Fate. That would explain much, considering no one but the two of you tried to come to my aid."

[Hammer Sister]

It's good to know I'm on the right track at least... but it seems I have to take that note more seriously than I thought. Who is this 'seeker' anyway? Could that be Harrox's real role in all this? Surely that would mean he's not the one trying to manipulate the City... unless he plays a double-role.

But I can't ignore Obsidian's actions; he managed to be seen as Welcomed, even though he isn't. The question is, how? It's not inconceivable that he is the one trying to manipulate the City. Then when the City turned on him, he'd have a reason to disappear to protect his daughter.

But then if T really is his daughter, how could he allow her to fall so far down the social order? Then there's the Lost, the poor souls who are consumed by the City in order to protect itself and its citizens; surely no-one would willingly condemn innocent people in that manner. Unless, of course, they don't know that's what's happening...

This is some seriously fucked up shit going on here... it feels like I have a thousand jigsaw pieces, each from a different jigsaw...

Well, whatever is going on, I'm in too deep to pull out now; may as well go all the way, even if it kills me.

Realising he'd been in silent thought for over a minute, Rob decides it's time for the next question.

"Most people have little or no experience of situations like that; panic sets in, and they just freeze or cower. I stepped up because, in the absence of police, I felt it was my duty to do so. So my next question is this: out of all the people there that night, why her? Why did she step up to help? And where did she get that crystal from?"

[CalamityJade]

"She helped...because that is who she is, underneath her pain and anger." Mordrianna gave something of a smile. "And I gave it to her. I knew she would need it, but not all of why. She has made good use of it, from what I understand."

[CalamityJade]

~*~

It had been a while since T had headed back towards Rob's office, which probably didn't help her feel better about having to wait. What could he possibly be doing talking to the fatespinner for so long about. It probably didn't help her nervousness that Rob was able to afford a place on the middle-side of town. A place where she felt out of place and nervous. Her father had done business in this sort of section of town and maybe someone would recognise...but no. That wasn't likely. She would be...somwhat alright.

That was, untill suddenly she had that overwhelming feeling of 'danger' again. Not as overwhelming, but that same feeling. ~What?!~ She did not, however, see the thing from before. The 'Custodian' wasn't here...bit it had to be somewhere...and then the feeling was gone. What now? Should she check what had happened? Should she stay and wait for Rob to return?