undergrounds | Freeze, freeze, thou bitter sky [Open]

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Freeze, freeze, thou bitter sky [Open]

1. Bulding glass houses
Mab had finally staked out her home, something that had before been more of a manor she now was pouring will into, icing the facade. She'd been working intermittently for days now, spilling enough magic into the structure each time to build a new layer of ice without completely draining her resources. It simply wouldn't do to be caught out without some of her strength to use. By now the building reflected the sun back in glacial colors, and almost seemed to have it's own inner glow, a pulsing of variable colors that matched her eyes and would leave those without strong magic entranced if they gazed too long. The ice was thick enough that you could no longer see the stone that had originally created the structure and you could also no longer see the door. Icicles hung like deadly spears from the eaves and the windows glittered with facets.

She pulled her hands away from the side of the building and stepped back, breathing in deeply before looking up at her work. It was nearly done, a few more days and it would be a solid defense, beautiful, remote and deadly, standing at the top of a hill bare of trees though they gathered around about a half a kilometer from the base of the hill. She shook a hand as though weary before straightening completely and giving it all a proud look. Yes, this would do nicely. Snow started falling just in the general area, carpeting the top of the hill and scattering down into the grass and heather. The snow muffled all the other noises in the area making everything feel even more remote.

2. Air and Darkness

A pale figure seemed to shimmer into space between two trees in a wooded area of the Southeastern Greenbelt. As if she'd taken off a black cloak and let it fall to her feet she stepped out of the darkness and onto the grass overlooking Crystal Palace Park. Following her as though congealing at her feet is a creeping fog, a result of her own natural coolness hitting the warm summer air. In the darkness she puts a hand out to touch the worn stone pillar on a set of stairs leading down from the Italian terrace she is standing atop and ice forms along it, spreading along the surface and making soft cracking noises as the cool expands inside the stonework. Lambent eyes take in the area, assessing who is nearby. Even as she begins to walk down the steps, the fog starts spilling down them in her wake like a living thing, silent and sinuous.

Her gown trails down behind her and it is difficult to see where fabric stops and fog starts, it all blends together.

3. Newfangled technology

Mab stood unnaturally still, looking up at the sign above the store. The sign did not sound like it should sell cellular telephones but the window displayed them. The sign should be changed. She had the strong urge to fix it for them because it annoyed her. Finally she took a noticeable breath and her head moved, dropping to look at the door which hand a metal handle. Humans loved metal far too much. It was why she found gloves necessary but she still did not like to touch the bane. Even through her gloves it burned a little. Instead she waited a moment more for someone to open the door and she followed them in, letting the door close behind her without ever touching it.

She stopped again inside the store and looked askance at the rows of different phones many of which also seemed to have metal housing. The air in the store was cool enough it didn't noticeably cool when she entered but the window on the glass door behind her fogged a little until she began to walk farther in, eyes scanning across displays that seemed to be written in English but for the life of her none of them made any sense at all. Abbreviations, numbers, features. She stared down at one of the little cards and then looked up at the displayed phone. The screen glowed with pictures splattered across the screen. Tiny tiny pictures.

4. Anything else!
Hit me up, I know there are a few people I mentioned wanting to meet, if these don't fit for you let's work something out, baby.

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"Ahh, I see." That made some sense. It wasn't like Mab knew the human court system very well. But it certainly applied. "Yes, this fits."

Mab is completely unconcerned about listening in on people's lives. Mostly she just doesn't care about the day to day of mortals. It is tedious and unimportant. But how they deal with one another and how to act around one another is another matter entirely. Their figures of speech and the way they dress is also of interest to her. And of course, the mortals with power hold far more interest. A place like this might be privy to details that would assist her greatly in the future. "Anything discussed in public should be expected to be overheard. If someone does not wish it known by strangers it would be wise not to broadcast it, no?" Mab's eyes drift to Cindy who is behind the counter chatting with a male coworker. "Cindy?" She asked.

"A little trouble here and there," Clara says, "and that's all I want to say on the matter! It'll be rude to gossip behind her back when she can't even find out if she is being gossiped or not."

Being talked about behind one's back is awful. More so if the gossiper is a ghost. That's extra rude. Clara finds herself privy to a lot of things she shouldn't know thanks to her existence. If she can't keep away from those scenarios, literally stumbling upon them by accident or being right there when it happens, the next best thing she tries is to keep it as it is: A secret.

"And I mean, that's true but I suppose it depends on the person." And clearly Clara is someone who doesn't like to eavesdrop on people willy nilly if she can help it. "And you know how people can be! So different and varied from how we eat to how we act to certain things. Its hard to predict what will go at times no matter how average we seem day-to-day over coffee and biscotti."

Clara became visibly upset, and Mab tilted her head a little, curious at the outburst. After all, Clara had been the one to bring up Cindy in the first place. Mab definitely did not understand Clara's concern. But again beyond what it could do for her, Mab rarely considered what another being might feel.

"Yes, the variations are why I am observing." Mab generally used the law of averages. Watching how people acted she got a general idea of was was socially acceptable and what was not. Clearly many of these people felt differently about gossip than Clara did. The girls with their newly warmed drinks were giggling and talking about a friend without a care in the world.

Cindy was mentioned only as an example but now Clara realises that she herself should be careful on what she said. If she doesn't want her to get dragged into this, she shouldn't have said a thing in the first place. That's something to remember.

I guess you can old ghost can learn new tricks. How about that?

"You're interested in seeing change of others?" Clara asks, smiling in genuine interest. That's quite a statement to say. "A lot of people often seem so concerned with only theirs, not others."

"I am interested in seeing the vast changes in culture." She replied, making it clear that small changes weren't as important to her. Individuals were just to individual. One had to observe a group of people to really understand the nuances. That, of course, did not mean she did not also plan to eavesdrop. She very well did if a supernatural creature came in and gave out information that would help her in the future. But the ghost was already so concerned about the human's personal privacy, she wasn't about to upset her over something the woman could broadcast warnings about.

"It is a foolish person who keeps themselves insulated from those around them and those that affect them." She replied with a soft lift of one shoulder.

"That's certainly one way to take it." She never thought much about that, honestly. What was outside the world beyond her comfortable routine of coffee shops and chatting with people she knows won't do her any harm. It's safe but very... sterile, is the world? No. That sounds too clinical.

Static. That might be the best word that comes to mind for now.

"Sounds like you've seen and observed a lot of things," she compliments Ms. Sommerset, her expression warm and curious. "Has anything caught your interest here in our fair city?"

It was probably safer for a ghost not to think too drastically about change. It could untether them completely. The more stable her world is, and the more connections she can make the better of she'll likely be.

Mab considers the question. "Powers are moving in your city, events have begun that cannot be stopped. There is much of interest here. It is important to see the whole picture." It was more than she would tell most people. Perhaps it is the absolute sincerity with which the ghost has refused to gossip about strangers that gave her the freedom to do so. Or perhaps it was a whim. It sounds like a portent but it only observation.

That sounds very... alarming. More than alarming. Worrying.

It's impossible to hide her look of discomfort and fear as she stews over the knowledge she now knows, trying to imagine what sort of powers would be here and what they wanted exactly.

Would it be for the good of everyone? For the few? For their chosen? How will they go about it?

"... Now I can't help but wonder how I could give a hand even if I see the whole picture then," she wonders aloud, genuinely wanting to be involved. That way she knows the people she cares for are safe but-- What exactly? She's a ghost. There's not much she can do but make someone's coffee stale and ruin someone's attempts to download a video. "I'm sorry if I sound like a Debbie Downer but it is something that concerns me. A little butterfly could maybe stop a tornado but it'll get ripped in the process."

Is there much one person can do compared to powers and events they can't stop at all?

There are always powers, unfortunately, but the movement currently is greater than normal. Clara will likely be unable to avoid it sooner or later.

"Knowledge is often a deciding factor. Be informed. It is why I sit here now. Learning the movements of your city. Listening for whispers of information." Mab let her gaze fall entirely back on Clara as opposed to the unfocused look she'd given previously. "Knowledge is something even a ghost can obtain." It wouldn't be particularly safe to gain knowledge but it wasn't like jumping into a fight with nothing but what was left on earth of your soul. "You are the only one who can decide how you wish to involve yourself if you wish to do so at all. It would, perhaps, be safer not to do so. Even knowledge can be dangerous to those who have it."

"But it can help people."

That's what she wants to do at the end of the day. She has no desire for fortunes or glory or anything like that. No, she has simple needs since she's a simple woman and all she wants to do is help people. Specifically her friends and her only family member left.

If she's still here, with just her soul and nothing else, she's going to make the most of it by helping others out so they can enjoy their lives without struggle.

It was always done in little ways, however, and she always thought to herself there could be more that can be done. Now, she thinks there's an opportunity in front of her to do something bigger than just leave a note to remind someone to sleep early or drink a glass of water. "It'll be safer but I don't think it'll be the smarter option here. What's that phrase? Knowledge is power? I like to think it applies to what you just warned me of."

"Knowledge can help many, yes." Mab couldn't disagree with that. Of course it could also hurt people but no need to point that out. Not when Clara was suddenly so much more interested in collecting knowledge.

Clara seemed to make some sort of decision. "I agree. It certainly helps more than purposeful ignorance. Once one knows what is happening it seems to generally benefit them not to ignore it. You wish to play a more active role then?"

"I do!" She nods, certain of her decision. "I want to do whatever it takes to give a hand and make sure everyone is fine. If it means being more aware of things, learning more things, no matter how upsetting it could be, I'll risk it."

Somehow. She wants to help people more. More than just hovering by and asking them to be careful. She wants to do something more proactive if it meant people would be safer from harm.

Not a lot can hurt her at this point. Physically, she means. If there's anyone, anything, that can take risks it would be a ghost and she's a ghost. She had all the time in the world and so she might as well put her hours into something productive for all.

Sometimes all it takes to encourage someone is to make the role you want them to play, important. Humans were driven by emotions. Give them a cause and suddenly they can marshal their abilities and make a difference. Mab hadn't come in with ulterior motives, even the conversation had not been more than curiosity. This though, this was something she could use. If Clara could be convinced Mab was the person she needed to collaborate with.

"Very brave, Clara. Do you have someone with whom you can share your findings?" This was the tricky bit. Clara likely had people she knew and trusted more than the woman who had given her purpose. "Someone who can use your information to enact the necessary actions to help the people who need help?"

There were a few she had in mind -- Heiji. Willard. Ms. Redbright. Others as well. -- but she couldn't bring herself to name them or hint to their identities. It meant promising someone to commit to something very serious, possibly, and she couldn't do that. They all had their own problems, their own troubles to deal with. Last thing she wants to do is cause them trouble.

That isn't fair to them. She can't bring them up. She can't.

"I'm sorry but no," is all she can answer because that's the truth. "Not really. I can't think of anyone to help since everyone is trying to get by as it is. Last thing I want to do is be a burden... I'm not sure who can help me if I do have information or clues or anything like that."

Mab looked at Clara consideringly for a time. Like she was determining exactly what the ghost was made of, weighing options in her mind. Finally after an uncomfortable length of time she breathed out and the air grew cold. "If you can guarantee discretion, I will make myself available should the need arise. It is, after all, why I am in this place."

She gasps a little bit and foolishly looks around to make sure no one heard her, forgetting for a second that she's a ghost and only Ms. Sommerset can see her. "That would be wonderful! I didn't think of that possibility at all."

... Clara realises that should have. Seeing how it was Ms. Sommerset who, in a way, guided the conversation to this but she doesn't. Clara genuinely believes this is a luck of the draw for the both of them. "I promise you I can keep quiet and tell no tales to anyone, dead or otherwise."

Clara is preciously innocent. Mab dips her head once. "Then Clara, I gift you with my true name, that should the need arise you may call on me and I will come." She lifts her hand, palm up to be certain no means magical or physical can hear and to be certain she has Clara's undivided attention. "My name is Mab, call me three times and I will come." It should be rather obvious that had she given her true name out and someone had said it three times she might just show up therefore she gave it out very rarely. A true summoning would make it impossible to ignore but Mab's attention could be drawn with her name. "Do not tell others this name, it can cause... problems if used too frequently."

"True na--"

No, there's no need for her to finish that sentence because it clicks in her head. The knowledge she learned from a passing with, She's a fae, Ms. Sommerset. Er, Mab.

Now she's happier than ever to not have given her full name. Not yet at least.

"I-I promise! I won't tell anyone about this." She would never, in a million years, would attempt to use someone's trust to her advantage. That isn't right. "I'll do my best to tell you what I know in the future. I swear. Together I'm sure we can do something to help the city."

Mab smiles a little and touches the air around Clara's hand without actually touching her, it might be a little too much for the ghost to have a fae actually touch her. "With your word, so mote it be." She can't say Clara won't regret it. She very well might. But There are also advantages to getting on a fae's good side. Clara now has access to significant power that can affect the world in more concrete ways that she can herself. "I have every confidence in you."

It means a lot to her, really, that a fae would want her help in trying to make London a better place for everyone.

She smiles and nods frantically, hoping to prove herself in the future. Seeing how much she wanders around and hears things, she likes to think they'll meet again in the future. "Thank you so much for having confidence in me. I'm sure this will be great for both of us and London. I know something great will happen! I can feel it."

Mab allows a smile spread across her face, not quite as wide as Clara's but it is gentle at least and she dips her head once. "Well then, Clara, I will take my leave, the hour grows late. I was fortunate to meet you." And now Clara could call her if needed, Mab could spread her own observations out more. "Take care, friendly shade."

"Thank you, Ms. Sommerset." Clara knows better than to just use a fae's real name all willy nilly. She had to be careful, she had to cautious.

This will all work out. Especially when someone like Ma-- Ms. Sommertset is so willing to help out. "I hope to see you soon too. I hope you have a very good day."

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Freeze, freeze, thou bitter sky [Open]

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