[SEMI-OPEN] Written by the Victors

[hurtfew]

Date: 30th of October, pre-Samhain celebration!
Plot: Smug Victory Dinner, with political manoeuvring
Areas: Westminster



It may have been a struggle, but Lambeth has finally been won over. A week of hard work to drive out all the unspeakable sorts, and another week of trying to keep control and tidy up, and it's looking like things are slowly beginning to settle. Gilbert Norrell is very pleased by this. Now he has proven he can be a leader, can lead them to victory -- and over a difficult area too! Of course, there were difficulties. Were small problems and losses along the way, but that does not matter now.

A dinner is not normally his style, he refused to hold one himself, but Childermass persuaded someone else to hold this on his behalf and -- well, it would be rude to decline. So he attends, if reluctantly (he does not like parties) and smiles as people applaud him. It is a rush of success, of ego, and as people come to congratulate him and find ways to carefully bring up their own causes and beliefs Gilbert Norrell feels that finally he is beginning to be recognised.

The table is carefully laid with glittering crystal glasses, candles and flowers. Not too ostentatious but still elegant and respectable, suited to the style of Norrell himself. Waiters and waitresses silently move back and forth serving people and taking requests or preferences, and the food is plentiful. If people can suffer the small-talk and ego coming from the head of the table, it will at least be a good meal.

[ ooc; log for the Daybreak victory meal! You can give me a ping if you want to be involved and replied already! It's set on Friday night so people can get drunk and slouch home without having to worry about the following morning, and can still attend Samhain things later. Entry is free, food and drink is free! The meal is being held by a lackey of Norrell's who wants to suck up to him since he's on the way up, and Norrell is therefore the ~guest of honour~. Dress code is black tie, thread with each other and mingle! ]

Comments

drinks

[protagonized]

Simon would have thought that a person as clearly self-involved as Norrell would be more at ease in such a situation, especially because he is the guest of honor at this rather elaborate little 'do, but he looks almost as ill at ease as Simon feels. Even though he's attended parties like this before, Simon feels deeply uncomfortable. He's used to navigating the world of artists and actors, not witches, hunters, and other things that go bump in the night.

It's all very appropriate for Halloween, though.

"Mr. Norrell," he says politely, extending a hand. "This is quite an event. Thank you for the invitation." He grins slightly. "I hadn't thought I rated one."

[hurtfew]

In truth, had Norrell sent the invitations himself he might not have. Yet Norrell's self-appointed events manager had issued invitations for the celebration to all of Daybreak and Redbright, to all of the hunters who had helped, and to all of the Night Council of course. So it is that he looks up in slight alarm at Simon for a moment before warily taking in his appearance. He at least is well dressed, which is a blessing. Some young people these days have no idea at all how to dress for a social occasion.

He looks at the offered hand with mild disgust, as if the offering it is particularly offensive, and then up at Simon warily again.

"You did help," he allows, "if not as well as some. You still kept your word, there is merit in that."

[protagonized]

...Well, that went over like a lead balloon.

For a moment Simon looks hurt--it's remarkable, really, how much he can look like a kicked puppy even when he's in human form--and then he puts his hand down at his side. So much for his attempt at reconciliation.

"Merit, right."

Simon takes a sip of his gin and tonic.

"Well, if you need someone who doesn't help as well as some in the future, I'm your man."

[hurtfew]

Norrell considers this a moment, as it is something that is not immediately answerable.

"There is potential," he decides finally, since apparently that was in question. "With some training. It would be of benefit to you to meet with some other shifters, I think. There is no magic I can teach you that would help, but the strength in being a shapeshifter is in mastering your form. If you are afraid of what magic may be cast on you then an amulet may help..."

At the last comment Norrell seems genuinely curious -- for despite his demeanour, Norrell does want to help people. He just has a rather regrettable way of going about it at times, and can be selective about who.

[protagonized]

In spite of himself (and his wounded pride), Simon is intrigued. He thinks back to the man he met a few weeks before--Sirius Black. He also shifted into dog form. Could he teach Simon more about it?

"What sort of amulet?" He sounds wary. He doesn't trust magic and he barely trusts Norrell, though he will admit a grudging respect for the old man. He's seen what Norrell can do in a pinch.

"If you know any shapeshifters willing to teach, I wouldn't mind a lesson. There aren't many in Redbright with that particular power, and I may have burned my bridges with Hillingdon. Other shifters aren't overly fond of me."

[hurtfew]

"A witch's amulet," Norrell says, although he sounds a little unhappy about the admission. "It will stop some... mind control, or mind reading, and does deter magical creatures. Fae, werewolves perhaps. Those who dislike the silver and iron that go into it."

He shifts uncomfortably, lips thinning as he thinks. Gilbert Norrell is a man who hordes books like a miser, keeps information to himself and treasures it. Sharing is not a thing that comes naturally to him.

'Hillingdon has the most shifters, but if... you are having difficulty... Redbright would be the next best bet. They have one on the Night Council."