[Mercy Merchant]

Jeanette nods and walks away, seriously concentrating on not dropping the things on her tray.  Glinda watches then says, "Sweet kid.  So, off to my place after we leave here?"

[Ennui]

Yeah I'll summon an earth spirit to move you in.

So I was wondering...I mentioned forming or joining a circle, had you broached that subject with Sian at all?  Are either of you interested in something like that?

[Mercy Merchant]

"Hmmm.  What would that entail, exactly?"

[Ennui]

It's a bit of ritual magic, we come up with rules for the group and it creates a mystical bond between us, making it easier to learn the deeper mysteries of magic.  I thought we could set it up as the four of us as the council in charge and eventually start recruiting those with the Talent from our respective territories



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[Mercy Merchant]

"Sounds intriguing.  What is the risk and who is the fourth person you have in mind besides Sian, me, and you?"

[Ennui]

Well Corbin of course, if you have anyone else you might want to include we can discuss that.  The only danger other than the normal issues with magic is the bond itself will need to be rather potent but since it's a ritual spell it shouldn't be too hard to pull off.  It could theoretically kill us but so could any powerful ritual magic, the chances are slim but we can take precautions so keep it low enough to be manageable.  Those precautions can have consequences of their own however.  Each stricture we include would be a rule that if broken could have repercussions, physical, painful repercussions or even loss of magical ability.  It depends on the rule.  Other things like swearing an Oath and keeping magical links like blood or a special creative work will also make it easier to cast but you have to be sure about the bond because these things can be used against you.  There is a lot of trust involved.  This bond is deep, granted we've only known each other for a few days now but... I don't know it feels like I've known you much longer.

[Mercy Merchant]

"Oh.  That will definitely be something for Sian to decide.  And are you sure that you want to be bound to a pair of................well, you know.  What about Jessica?"

She reaches a hand across the table and touches yours.  "And I really feel that I have known you far longer than a few days, too.  There is a bond of some kind already between us.  What would this other bond do?"

[Ennui]

We will have to let Corbin know and of course Shelly too, those can't keep secrets from each other.  I suppose Jessica could join but I don't think she should be part of the ruling council.  None of us know her at all.  Then as I start training the Talented folks in these gangs we will have a spiffy little mage corps for when the shit hits the fan.  Yeah I don't mind but that's why we'd need to tell Corbin, but I think our goals are well aligned that this wont be so difficult.  I'll look in to possible strictures we might want to include.  I'd trust you and Sian with a material link and an oath to our strictures at least.  I think secrecy would be good, you know, first two rules of magic club, don't talk about magic club.  We can also try to get a mentor spirit involved to guide us as circle.  I have mine but I can see the benefit of having one the order respects as well.

[Mercy Merchant]

"I can bring it up with Sian, but in person.  And she may need to talk with you and Corbin.  She has not lived as long as she has by acting rashly, and she does not know your friends.  How much time do you need to organize this?"

[Ennui]

Certainly it would be something for all four of us to discuss together.  Once the decisions are made I'd say it's pretty much done and it's just creating the group bond,  The important part will be determining the strictures and what we are willing to commit to the circle.  We could probably do it the same day.

[Mercy Merchant]

Glinda nods.  "I will certainly bring it up to Sian, but it might take some convincing from you to sell this idea to her.  It sounds like this would require a high degree of personal trust and that is hard to come by for us.  Too many memories of people with torches and pitchforks, not to mention the wooden stakes, no never forget those.  But I will talk to her about it."

The girl returns with a smaller tray with four thick slices of bread and a pot of butter, all of which she puts on the table.  "Would you like some coffee with this?"

[Ennui]

Of course.  It's not a decision to be taken lightly.  We would set it up that those who might join later do not need be so close knit.  The four of us would be the lead council, assuming you agree of course.

Yes please.  The dark roast would be lovely.  Thank you dear.

[Mercy Merchant]

Glinda nods and munches at her slice of bread as she sips at her coffee.  She gives you a thoughtful look and smiles as she puts her cup down.  "I will go visit Sian and talk to her about it."

Sophie comes to the table with two small bags of coffee.  "Fresh ground, just for you."

[Ennui]

I munch on the bread and sip at the coffee while talking with Glinda.

But first we need to get you moved in and talk to the Jesses,  Are you about ready to go?

Thank you sweetie.  I say to the girl.  I pay for the meal and top it off with a generous tip. 

Once we reach Glinda's place I summon an earth spirit to move her.

summon force 4 earth spirit; resist; drain: 9d6t5 4 4d6t5 0 10d6t5 1 

[Mercy Merchant]

Glinda finishes her drink and nods as she stands.  She follows you out the building and you see that most of the tourists have departed the area, as there is really not much here that attracts people other than the restaurant or the voodoo shop.  But that is not to say that the road is deserted.  You find that there a number of locals out and about, to include several children chasing a metal hoop down the road and others going after some early fireflies.  The old men on the porch tip their hats but do not stop rocking. 

There is a new deputy at the arch as you go through it, heading to Glinda's car who tips his hat and smiles.  "Good evening, ladies.  Hope you had a nice stay and please come back to visit with us again."

The ride to Glinda's apartment building is without event.  Once there, she takes you up to her place and shows you around.  The tour does not take long as she has little to show.  "Not sure how much we need to move.  What do you think I need?"