undergrounds | All I want for Christmas... [OPEN]

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All I want for Christmas... [OPEN]

There have been several upheavals in the witch community of late, from the re-emergence of Circle Midnight and their new High Priestess, to the aggressive and chaotic behaviour of the fae in south-east London, taking over territory that was once home to many well-known and respected Daybreak covens.

Somehow, it all keeps coming back to Croydon.

Sylvia has feared it ever since she first became aware of these two threats: that the fae and Circle Midnight might decide to work together. Now they have, and while her spies and other figures in the community warned her of the attempted handover, allowing Circle Daybreak to prevent the fae from handing over Croydon to Abigail and her band of young and foolish witches – still, they were only able to prevent it from happening. They couldn't take Croydon back and that means the borough is still an uncertain and dangerous place.

There's no hiding what happened. Every coven knows. And, not surprisingly, there's a backlash. How dare the fae attempt to prop up an illegitimate Midnight coven right next door to Daybreak territory? There's one voice in particular that stands out as loudest amongst the crowd: that of Circle Daybreak's newest High Priest, Gilbert Norrell.

It's not long after Croydon that he and his manservant Childermass report to Sylvia of some worrying behaviour on the part of Circle Daybreak's High Priestess and Vice President of the Night Council, Dee Absin. Their story is backed up by Peter Vrinak, another member of the Council and a voice for stronger action against the fae.

Before Christmas, the news gets out: Dee has been removed from the Night Council, with Peter Vrinak taking her place as Vice President. And who will fill the now vacant seat of Witch Representative? Why, none other than Gilbert Norrell himself.

On 29th December, Gilbert Norrell officially takes his seat on the Night Council.

Coincidentally, on 30th December the Night Council announces its newest law, which it calls an emergency measure in response to the aggressive behaviour of the Seelie and Unseelie Courts in the mortal realm.

This law bans the use of all dark magic, the use and possession of all dark magic objects, and the selling or trading of dark magic objects. Anyone caught in possession of these objects will have them confiscated. The punishment for breaking this law ranges from hefty fines (for minor magic/objects) to up to 5 years' imprisonment (for high level magic). The law will come into effect from 1st January 2016.

Until then, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

[ooc: This is a summary of what goes down, there will be subthreads below to play out the various events! Also please do feel free to post a top-level comment reacting to the news, or to thread out your reaction with other characters.]

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It's Peter Vrinak who invites Norrell and Childermass to a secret round table discussion at the Night Council headquarters with Sylvia Redbright.

They need to talk about Dee.

Norrell is twitchy. It is the only sort of word to describe his very particular mood, like an agitated animal. Norrell is nervous and angry all at once, a thing which is common enough to him. Courage, Mr Norrell, Childermass had told him. Yet Norrell always finds that when the weight of anticipation is heavy upon a moment his courage fails entirely. He is in danger of stuttering in his nerves, desiring only to escape to the safety of his library and secret himself away.

Still, he does his best to set steel to his fine -- expression twitching with control as he reins in his temper.

"We were so close to winning Croydon," he is saying. "And it is sympathisers who are weakening our cause. They speak of negotiation and caution, they do not understand. Miss Widdowson had the nerve to come to me and ask me to overlook her attempt to take Croydon. The nerve of it! The nerve to speak to me of wanting less bloodshed, when she conspires with the fae! When she attacks our territories and murders our witches in the streets!"

He takes a breath, lets it out slowly and tries to come to a point.

"And it is my belief -- and Childermass' own too, he has looked into this -- that one of your own is a sympathiser too. On the Night Council. That your own High Priestess, Miss Absin, is conspiring with Midnight Witches. I have seen Miss Widdowson coming and going from these very headquarters myself. I know she is trying to gain herself a seat here. It cannot be allowed."

There are an awful lot of points in Norrell's opening speech. Tirade might be the better description. Sylvia has heard most of them before, from Norrell himself or from Peter who is sitting beside her, or from other witches with similar views. She doesn't think they're the majority – the majority of witches just want to be safe – but they are a noisy minority.

She rubs her eyes. "Any witch can visit headquarters. Did Abigail tell you that herself?"

It's a serious accusation to make, when Dee has served the Night Council faithfully for so many years. She has always been a voice of reason and caution, something that Sylvia has appreciated, but the world is changing. She wonders if these voices are being drowned out.

"She told me she was having lunch with a Miss Richards -- Miss Absin's assistant! Not only that, she told me she wanted to see Midnight Witches and covens recognised! That was last month, that was when I become suspicious. Oh, she played at coy, but she had that look about her when I confronted her. That Widdowson look." He words her name with great disgust, as if it is some sort of distasteful thing in and of itself. Widdowson. "I told Childermass to look into that, and do you know what he found? Miss Widdowson and and Miss Absin having private meetings. Together. Scheming! If that does prove her a sympathiser I do not know what does."

He sits back in his chair and lofts his eyebrows, shakes his head as if in dismay of the state of everything in general and waves for Childermass impatiently.

"Show her!" he demands, for Childermass is nothing if not thorough. If anyone needs proof of a thing, Childermass will get it. He will intercept letters, follow people, track like a dog and wring out the truth.

Edited (repitition) 2015-12-23 01:29 (UTC)

Childermass has stayed quiet for the most part until now. After all, Norrell does enough talking for both of them, why should he bother to speak up himself when Norrell does not have any problem of speaking up for him. It's only when he needs his proof like this that Norrell turns the floor to him, of course.

But that is no matter. Childermass steps forward and pulls a folder out of the inside of his jacket, dropping it down on the table before the pair of them. "They have been meeting," he says, glancing between the pair of them -- Norrell who knows this, has seen the evidence already, and Ms. Redbright, to whom it will be new. "Meeting and exchanging emails. As far as what has been discussed at said meetings, I cannot say. Their correspondences however..." He leans forward and taps the folder. "You can find most of it in here." As well as photographs of said meetings. He may know a guy who knows a guy, who will do just about anything he asks, for the right price. (He knows several 'guys', for that matter.)

Edited (missing a thought) 2015-12-23 03:55 (UTC)

Norrell is predictably outraged by everything. But it's evidence she needs, and it appears that Childermass has provided. Sylvia puts her reading glasses on, opens the folder and leafs through it, frowning. She takes her time, forcing the three men to wait.

Then she sighs and takes off the reading glasses. "Peter, you remember the Midnight report. Dee agreed with it. She has always advocated that we reach out to the Midnight witches rather than alienate them."

"Exactly!" Vrinak huffs.

"No, you misunderstand." She cuts him off before she has to listen to yet another lecture. "Did Dee know about the planned handover of Croydon? Did she pledge her support to Abigail?"

That's a question for all of them. If she did, it would indeed be a betrayal.

"She must have known!" Norrell exclaims, "I made sure that every Daybreak witch I could contact knew, in the hope that they would support us! She certainly did not deign to support us in reclaiming it."

Which, in Norrell's eyes, is of course damning. If she did not support Daybreak or do anything to intervene then she may as well have been supporting Midnight.

Of course Dee would have heard the news from Norrell either way; he certainly wasn't quiet about informing everyone. It would be far more concerning if Dee heard it from Abigail first and didn't say anything.

Sylvia gives him a stern look. "Not actively supporting you is not the same as conspiring with our enemies, Mr Norrell."

While Norrell is all explosive accusations, Childermass hangs back. He's aware of whose company he is in, and Sylvia Redbright is the Mother of all Witches. His own opinion of her and what he should think of her handling of Daybreak or the Night Council, good or bad, is irrelevant in this moment. Where Norrell himself is all too quick to jump to a conclusion to implicate the woman that they are accusing, Childermass is more practical. And Childermass has done his research.

"They have been exchanging emails, ma'am," he says. "Text messages. Not just one or two, but they have had a rapport. They have met, in private, upon several occasions. It's an awful lot of contact to be coincidental, and moreover..." He leans forward, tugging another packet out of his jacket, this time of photographs taken of their various meetings which he drops on top of the folder. Flipping it open so for her as he continues, "Should you not have known, as President of the Night Council, if she were planning an official attempt to liaise with the Midnight witches?"

She stares at the photographs. What's that they say about a picture being worth a thousand words? Childermass is right. For all his bluster, she does not find Norrell convincing, but Childermass laying out the facts in that quiet, straightforward way of his... That she can't deny.

"Yes, that is concerning," she murmurs. "I'll talk to her. She must be given the opportunity to explain herself."

"And if she has no convincing explanation?" Vrinak asks.

Sylvia glances up at him. "Then we deal with her accordingly."

If the gentlemen at the table have any suggestions for how Dee should be dealt with, now is the time to speak.

"She should be removed," Norrell says, as if there was any doubt on the manner what his opinion might be. "Dealing with this upstart High priestess and her coven, who is trying to set up right next to us! Who are getting into bed with the fae! Doing so behind your back! How can such a person be trusted? Does she have no regard for the lives Abigail Widdowson has taken? The blood she has shed? No, Dee forgets that not everything can be solved with kindness. The Midnight Covens have been given a chance, they have been given a truce, and what do they do? Find ways to squirm around it and mock us."

"Kindness is a tactic like any other." She fixes Norrell with a penetrating look. "Don't forget that. In this case, unfortunately, you're right. It hasn't worked. Even so, the truce still holds and I won't jeopardize that. If Dee is to be removed – and she won't be until I say so – we must find a replacement, quickly. Otherwise we will give Miss Widdowson the opportunity you are so desperate to deny her. Peter, you are the longest serving member of this Council." (Other than Millicent, obviously, but she doesn't count.) "Would you take on the post of Vice President, if the need arose?"

She is utterly unsurprised to see Vrinak agree. "I would be honoured."

"There must be at least five on the Council. That leaves the Representative for all witches. I would ask our current Maiden, but she isn't due to retire for at least another month and she does hate London."

"She's more of a country girl," Vrinak agrees. "Not one for politics. I do have another suggestion. Mr Norrell here has the right idea about how to deal with Midnight and he would be devoted to the cause."

Ah. She watches Vrinak shoot Norrell a meaningful glance, and knows that this was their intention all along. Are they motivated solely by ambition, or by a desire to do what's best for the communities they are sworn to protect? Sometimes it's impossible to distinguish between the two. Sylvia looks at Norrell. Perhaps his response will help her decide.

Norrell is indeed unsurprised by the look Vrinak gives him. He inclines his head slightly, expression still entirely serious.

"You know very well I would always offer my services willingly to the Night Council. In these troubled times I very much think a firmer stance on Midnight is what is needed to keep things from unravelling, and I would be honoured to step up and help contribute to that, to ensure we keep peace and order."

Especially, of course, if it also helps prevent Miss Widdowson from gaining a place on the council. He turns his gaze to Sylvia questioningly.

"If everyone is agreed, of course.

"I'll hear Dee's side of the story first." Sylvia knows as well as anyone that there are always two sides to any story. Sometimes more. "But in principle, yes, I agree."

Vrinak, of course, nods.

"All right then." She surveys the table. "Is there anything else you gentlemen think I should know?"

There are many things Norrell could say at this point, many other points Norrell could make with loud determination.

A quick glance toward Childermass subtly reminds him that now is not the time. He has, as Sylvia has noticed, said quite a bit already after all.

"I believe I am satisfied for now," he says finally, "although I have no doubt more may well be turned up."

His eyes flick between Childermass and Vrinak questioningly, waiting to see if they have anything further. If not, he supposes then all they can do is what for Sylvia to make her own assessments.

"Wonderful." She stands up. "This meeting is adjourned."

The final decision will remain with her, as it always does. Sylvia can see which way the wind is blowing, and though she does hear Dee out, the evidence against her is much too damning. She hears the voices calling out for justice. So let them have it. Let Norrell take his position representing all witches, let him burn his bridges and then they will see what remains.

If it works, then she made the right decision and her reputation as a strong and wise leader will remain intact.

If it doesn't, then she'll make sure that it's Norrell who takes the fall.

There's a short ceremony at the Night Council headquarters, then drinks and introductions to the Night Council staff, including Guardians. Sylvia herself will come over to congratulate Norrell.

She's also open to being approached by anyone else attending the ceremony.

Norrell is rarely a man who looks happy, but right now -- in the limelight, surrounded by people he considers his equals... right now, Gilbert Norrell is happy. Perhaps even a little shyly so, under the attention. Right now, he is the picture of a completely different person. A man who only craves a good word, praise, whose dearest wish is only to be told he has done well.

Right now, rather than squabbling, rather than looking to pick a fight Norrell is pleased to see Sylvia. It is as if he has forgotten all their differences, he is so very glad to be allowed here and to be welcomed!

"Miss Redbright!" he greets her, "I wanted to thank you again, for this opportunity. I do hope so very much that we will work well together."

She smiles, raising her glass. "I hope so too." That at least is one thing she can say honestly about Norrell. "I trust you'll take the responsibility seriously."

And not use it merely as an opportunity for his own aggrandisement. She'll be watching him for that.

"Oh!" he begins, and he quickly takes a glass from a passing tray to raise to her in turn. "I will take it very seriously indeed! There is little as important to me as the betterment of English magic, and I very much think London can be made to be a safe and respectable place for all of us if only things are handled correctly."

Correctly, in Norrell's opinion, of course meaning with careful categorising, governing and with the eradication of all fae magic.

She sips her wine. God, he is a pompous buffoon. He's going to need a very tight leash.

"Why do you always say English magic, Mr Norrell?" There's a teasing tone to her voice, but she really does wonder. "Do you have something against the Scots?"

Or Wales or Northern Ireland, for that matter.

If she is teasing then Norrell does not fully realise it, for Norrell is not entirely at home with such things. Teasing is not a thing he indulges in, largely because Gilbert Norrell lacks in people friendly enough with him to tease.

"Because it is England that I live in," he answers simply, "and it is England where such a thing will begin. I do very much hope that others will follow, but I will not be there to guide such a thing so that will be left to others. Scotland does not agree with me, Miss Redbright, it is so very cold and wet."

"But you're from Yorkshire! Surely you must be used to cold and wet."

She can imagine Norrell sitting in some dark and gloomy manor on the Yorkshire moors; he has a face and manner to suit it. Sylvia makes a mental note to send Norrell to Scotland at the earliest opportunity.

"On a more serious note," she goes on, "you must understand that a place on the Night Council goes far beyond your responsibilities in London. You are representing witches across the entire country, and that does include Scotland. You will have to meet with covens outside London – in fact, we should arrange that for you as soon as possible, beginning in the new year. I hope you don't mind travelling?"

Norrell dislikes excessive travelling entirely. His lips thin, but he considers it.

"There are many things that the North would benefit from," he begins slowly. "They are still very much versed in the old ways there, a lot of mysticism and talk of fairy kings. Some good could be done... I had hoped changes in London would set an example, but..."

He winces a little, debating still, then lifts his eyes back to Sylvia.

"Of course, I could not stay away for long. There is still much to be done here, and I have my own coven to consider. I cannot abandon them."

"Of course not," she agrees, "but you will have to find the time for both. Welcome to my world. Every coven wants its voice to be heard, and you'll have to listen to all of them."

Sylvia is juggling three jobs at once, and has done for a number of years. This time of year is supposed to be dedicated to family, and on Christmas Day she saw her grandchildren for the first time in months. Sacrifices have to be made. Norrell has no family commitments that she is aware of; if anyone can find the time to lead a coven and assume a seat on the Night Council, it ought to be him.

"Sacrifices will have to be made," he says, echoing her thoughts somewhat. Norrell does like to complain about his lot, though. He sighs heavily, weighing this up visibly. "Of course, if you do think I would be the best person to go I would have to agree. I do have experience with Yorkshire, at the very least, and have done extensive research on the history of magic in many areas. Certainly I would not object to spreading the good word of Daybreak and the Night Council further."

Especially, of course, if it meant he could gain support. Norrell is nothing if not practical. If he is already there, then why should he not pursue his own interests too?

There might be a book sale worth investigating too. Many old houses often have their contents sold. Nothing is likely to please him so much as a book sale.

He says it as if it isn't part of the role he's already agreed to take on. Does she think he's the best person to act as a diplomat to other covens? Probably not. He'll have to tone down the 'English magic' references whenever he talks to any covens outside of England, if nothing else. Will it get him out of her hair? Yes. Sylvia controls her expression, giving an oblique nod.

"I should hope not, since that is your job. I'm sure Peter can give you some good advice on the day-to-day work. You'll be the voice of all witches. It's an honour and a privilege, and I look forward to working with you."

Oh, but talking to people and socialising at parties is not something Gilbert Norrell enjoys! Surely other people could do that? Surely Vrinak could go often, or something else? A representative? Still, The Voice Of All Witches. Yes, he likes that idea very much. It pleases him enough that the it's your job comment is ignored entirely.

(He would prefer his job mostly to be writing letters, helping pass laws, passing judgement. He could tolerate other things, however.)

Still, Norrell offers her a small smile and dips his head slightly.

"And I you, Miss Redbright, very much so. I hope the new year is good to you."

She nods back, smiling. "I hope so too." Lifting her glass, she offers a toast. "Happy New Year."

It's been a... busy year, she thinks. With luck, 2016 will be much calmer.

Want to talk to Sylvia about the recent activity in the Night Council? Have your say on their newest law? She's a busy woman but you might just be able to book an appointment or catch her during one of her official functions.

She won't be available on 24th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 31st December or 1st-3rd January due to the holidays. Any other time is fair game!

[ooc: If you're not sure when/how your character might be able to approach Sylvia, feel free to PM me and we'll work something out!]

Gilbert Norrell is a busy man, and now a man with more than one job.

Gilbert Norrell is very pleased with himself.

If there is one thing he appreciates, it is applause. Congratulations. Being rewarded, recognised, hailed as any kind of hero or saviour.

So it is that following the inauguration Norrell is entirely pleased with himself. So pleased is he with himself that not even the shrillest of objectors can ruin his day. He has finally taken his place on the Night Council, as he so rightly deserves after all his hard work, and now he can begin his great work to put English magic to rights. To make it respectable.

Norrell has visitors throughout the day to his offices in the Norrellite Coven, congratulations, questions, appeals of friendship now that his luck is on the way up -- and he receives them all with good grace. Yet of course, not all his visitors are happy. It is to be expected, he understands there will be jealousy, but he will do his best to calm them when he can. If he cannot, of course, there is always Childermass to help deal with them...

Miss Widdowson;

You are no doubt aware that the events in Croydon of late have drawn some attention. An attempt to establish a Midnight Coven adjacent to Circle Daybreak territory with help from the fae has come as quite the shock to many.

You will understand, then, that the calling of an emergency meeting of the Night Council was necessary.

I am writing to inform you that, as of the 30th of December, a new law is being passed in response to the aggressive behaviour of Unseelie and Seelie fae entering our mortal realm. It will govern the use of all dark magic, the possession of all dark magic objects, and the selling or trading of dark magic objects. Anyone caught in possession of these objects will have them confiscated, and be risking punishment by hefty fine or, in severe cases, up to five years imprisonment.

It is my belief that all magic is achievable without the aid of dark spells or such mischievous and cruel creatures as the fae, as I have proven myself any number of times within the last twenty years. You have done well for a young woman of your age, and I very much hope you will one day come to understand that this is for the best. Experience is a good teacher.

If you have any questions regarding the law the Night Council will be happy to address them.

Your servant,
Gilbert Norrell
High Priest of Circle Daybreak & Witch Representative, Night Council

Mister Norrell,

I appreciate that you wrote to me personally on this matter. It shows a great deal of regard, and I am honoured to be shown such consideration.

It comes as no surprise to me, as I am sure it does to you, that you and I see the events of Croydon very differently. However, we must both admit that neither of our aims were satisfied. Rather than establishing a place for either of our covens, the borough is now less safe than it was, torn as it is between the factions. That is the fault of all three factions involved, and denying that would be pure foolishness. I hope we can, at a later date, come to some understanding to better protect the residents there.

I am also grateful for your warning about the new laws. I know of none in my Circle who make use of dark magic. I, myself, have made it clear to those who answer to me that I will not tolerate the use of magic to infringe upon free will. If I should discover one of mine doing such a thing, I will personally hand them over the Night Council myself. As to what they may do on their own, as covens are rarely involved in the dealing with of fae, I can offer no insight, but I will be sure that every member of Circle Midnight is well informed as to the possible penalties.

On a happier note, I would like to congratulate you on your appointment to the Night Council. It is a prestigious position, and I am sure you will do well under the close scrutiny that is no doubt rampant for new members. I look forward to seeing what you do with the opportunity.

Respectfully yours,
Abigail Widdowson
High Priestess of Circle Midnight

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All I want for Christmas... [OPEN]

Before Christmas: bye-bye Dee

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29th Dec: Inauguration

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OPEN

OPEN

Letter to Abigail; sent to arrive on the 30th

sent to arrive on the 2nd;