The Croydon Debacle

[falsify]

Croydon is a dismal place at the best of times, but at this time of year it's damp and cold and miserable. Amazing it's a place in such high demand. December 7th will see preparations taken. Some of the fae in the area take serious issue with handing the area over to witches of any kind and vacate the area as soon as word gets to them. Others prepare for the inevitable fight coming to their doorsteps. The hope is to avoid as much bloodshed as possible, avoid alerting more mortals than necessary as to what's happening on their doorsteps, but it's foolish to assume Daybreak would catch a whiff of this and not step in. December 8th. The day of the handoff. Several fae, Eames included, watch the witches coming in with a harsh gaze. It's kind of frustrating, how it's impossible to tell the allegiance of the witches by sight alone. It may seem threatening or intimidating, but it's important to be ready at moment's notice. One thing they'll not allow is to be bested again so soon. December 9th is a strange day; likely on all sides. With so many involved, it's probably a surprise that all it lead to is a stalemate. Anyone sensitive enough to magic will feel an electric tension in the air; tempers are high, frustrations are high, crime... is surprisingly low actually. A place held in contention between fae and witches is bound to be a magical minefield, but the fae at least seem more concerned with fortifying their position than starting any fights in the immediate future.

Comments

[knowstheworld]

Childermass nods in response to the other man's words. He's noticed of course how much the other man has seemed to perk up with such a stroking of ego. If Norrell gains himself a true ally in Vrinak then he will have a far better chance of achieving his goals than without him, Childermass recognizes this. Putting together such a social occasion for the pair of them only makes sense, if Norrell truly ones to push his point across. He can only hope that the other man handles himself well once the whole thing has come to be. Childermass can put the dinner together, can ensure that everyone will attend, but it is Norrell who will have to act for himself once the time is at hand.

"Very good, sir," he responds. And wonders whether he shall be the one to be sending the word back as well, or if Norrell can manage that much himself, at least.

[hurtfew]

"I will write now," Norrell begins, answering Childermass' unspoken question, "and you will take it to Vrinak. Perhaps we might invite him here. Yes, I should think he might like to see the library. Tell the kitchen staff too. They will have to prepare something fitting for a member of the Night Council."

He signs off with a flourish, blows on the ink and dusts it over before reaching for an envelope and addressing it, sealing it away and holding it out to Childermass impatiently. Well, he must do everything immediately of course!

[knowstheworld]

Childermass inclines his head at the other man as he takes the envelope from him. "I will make the arrangements then," he says, although it's the truth that he had already half assumed that Norrell would be making such a decision anyway and thus informed the kitchens earlier that afternoon. Giving them more time to prepare a meal fitting such a visitor, of course.

"Will that be all then, sir?" he asks. Norrell could of course call him on his mobile if he thought of anything last-minute, but it's better to look him in the eye and make him think about it, just in case.