[Ennui]

Well that is unsettling.  It doesn't appear to be any sort of magical enchantment but a property of the blood itself for one to become obsessive with it.  I shall have to be very careful of this.

I wrench my gaze from it and return it to it's place, then head out into the common room to await my company.

[Mercy Merchant]

Wednesday 12 June 2075. 2040. Isla's Appartement Seattle


It actually takes you three minutes to get to the door and through it, but once out of the room you no longer have the urge to go back in.  Corbin, Shelly, and Glinda are waiting in the main living room,chatting.  They all look at you and Corbin says, "You OK, Lizzie?  You look a little pale."

Shelly laughs.  "She has been working too hard.  I know just what she needs and the three of us are just the ones to give it to her."

Glinda has a worried look on her face, but only says that Sian will be at the apartment in a few minutes.

[Ennui]

Eh?  Perhaps that's it.  I glance at Glinda with a furrowed brow for a moment then turn my attention to getting things ready.  I put on coffee and break out my good booze.  I pour myself a drink, knock it back and grab another then join my friends.

So how are things?  I haven't seen you guys as much as usual, but I know we've all been busy.

[Mercy Merchant]

Wednesday 12 June 2075 2047 Isla's Apartment Seattle


Shelly stretches.  "I have been very busy working my regulars and expanding a bit in addition.  And you have not been home to help me get to sleep.  It has been a bit lonely.  Fortunately, Corbin has stepped up to help.  I have been hoping our new roommate would be more available, too."

Corbin and Glinda both laugh and Glinda says, "I will be better at that."

You get a message from one of the gangers watching the place that a young girl is walking alone on the street.  She doesn't have any large dogs with her so they want to know if this is your guest.

[Ennui]

Maybe.  We'll come down and see.

Sian might be here, but I guess she didn't bring the kids you want to come greet her with me Glinda?  We'll be right back.

Once I have Glinda alone in the stairs I mention the blood.  So that stuff you gave me...I think I've discovered a strange property.  I've checked it for any magical residue to see if it was enchanted or anything but apparently it naturally causes an obsessive compulsion.  Sort of like the One Ring in the Lord of the Rings, if you are familiar.  I see why all the other alchemists you mentioned went a little axe crazy.  You should probably take it back before it becomes a problem.

[Mercy Merchant]

Wednesday 12 June 2075 2050


Glinda watches you closely as you descend the stairs.  In a soft voice, she asks, "Do I have anything to worry about, Isla?  You will never know what you can resist if you give it back now."

[Ennui]

 I glance at her out of the corner of my eye. You think I need practice?  I'm not an a stranger to the dangers of addiction.  I am, after all, in the habit of fulfilling my desires not combating them.  I might be more willing to risk the dangers if there was some tangible benefit from it, but it just seems like a tease with no payoff.  I can't even make reagents out of it.  If my friends are noticing physiological changes in me after just a few days of study I think that maybe the possible reward, of which I am unconvinced there is any, simply doesn't measure up.  Why risk everything for nothing at all?

[Mercy Merchant]

Wednesday 12 June 2075 2051 Isla's Apartment Seattle


From the corner of your eye, you see Glinda frown and shake her head.  "I am saddened that you would think that I would give you something dangerous that has no value to you, Isla.  My blood is a direct link to power that you could have used to help with your own spells.  I am still not completely familiar with your magic, but others have used the power of the blood as a sort of focus to add strength to a spell.  But once used, the power is gone and another sample of blood is needed.  That is the addiction, Isla; the continuous need for more of our blood to give extra power to your spells."

She pauses.  "I can destroy the sample and remove the addiction before it becomes a problem.  I can also remove the source of the blood from your presence if you want.  Your call."

[Ennui]

I thought you were unaware of the properties of your blood.  Fine I will use it like that and see what comes of it. 

Don't be silly I was trying to be considerate not imply that you should leave.  You are the one who warned me about the other alchemists.  I thought it was simply greed that sent the others to their destruction but there is some other component involved.  I thought I was being responsible.

[Mercy Merchant]

Wednesday 12 June 2075 2051 Isla's Apartment Seattle


Glinda stops and takes you by the shoulders so she can face you.  Her eyes are kind and her smile seems genuine. "Isla, we are intercommunicating here and I would like to be sure that we are both saying the same thing.  As to magic, I know what my blood does for my magic, but mine is not the same as yours and so I do not know what properties my blood might have for you.  Ancient alchemists were always just one step away from finding the mysterious agent that would help them turn lead into gold.  Some thought that a vampire's blood was that agent, so, yes, greed has been a factor in the past.  Mages of any age have long been convinced that a vampire's blood can make their own spells stronger, which makes sense.  But a side effect of using the blood is a sort of addiction, a need to have a larger supply available to make gold or to do greater and more powerful magic."

She pauses, "I do not want to leave and am willing to take a chance that you will not abuse me or kill me for my blood.  I feel a closeness to you that I have not experienced in a very long time and I dearly want you to understand that." She leans into you with slightly parted lips.

[Ennui]

I kiss her, putting myself into, trying to show her what I mean not just tell her.  I hold eye contact while explaining.  Part of the reason I don't think I want to keep it is because of you.  I don't want you to feel threatened or worried about me.

I like to give in to temptation.  I REALLY, like it.  But there is temptation and then there's just stupidity.  Just from a few days of studying it...not even using it, I'm experiencing physiological changes and an obsession.  What kind of hold would it have on me if I used it.  I wouldn't want to have that anchor tied around my neck even if I could make it myself, as much as I ever wanted.  Add to that the fact that the source is a very good friend of mine and harvesting it would be bad for her.  It's unthinkable.

When you seemed to not be concerned about it I played it off and was just going to destroy it myself and think nothing of it afterwards and assuage your fears.  I suppose I should have just said so but I figured now isn't really the best time for that conversation what with the others upstairs and Sian waiting for us.

Are we cool?  I finish, brushing a a few stray strands of hair from her face.

[Mercy Merchant]

Wednesday 12 June 2075 2052 Isla's Apartment Seattle


Glinda holds the kiss for as long as she can and her hands brush against you before she forces them back to your shoulders.  Her voice is soft and seductive.  "No, Isla, we are hot, not cool.  I burn with desire for you, to share information I have gathered over hundreds of years; to combine our bodies in sexual techniques that most people cannot even fantasize about but I know; to be a friend that you can count on no matter what, with the only exception being that I cannot do harm to Sian, who created me."

She focuses on something for a moment and then smiles.  Simultaneously, you feel as if a weight has been taken from you, although there is a quick pang of loss that slips away.  "I have destroyed the sample so you do not have to worry about it.  If you later feel that you are strong enough to want to examine it again, I will give you another sample."

At that moment, the door of the lobby opens and three of the local gangers enter with Sian, who smiles at you. "Are the lives of these three important to you, Isla, or are they free for the taking?"  The three men look like they would be willing to gladly give up their lives and their attention is totally focused on the fifteen year old girl in front of you.

[Ennui]

I can already feel it's pull gone.  We may have to experiment with that, but I don't think I'll be doing it alone.

Did they displease you?  I fear it may have been my fault.  I'd hate to think they were taken because they were showing loyalty to me.  Their disappearance might also cause me some trouble with the gang...I should really get in with the leader and talk to Marcus.  I shake my head.  Sorry tangent.  I'd prefer you didn't.  These may not be the best men but they have been loyal to me and surprising respectful.  If it is my choice I'd choose the devil I know.

[Mercy Merchant]

Wednesday 12 June 2075 2053 Isla's Apartment Seattle


Sian smiles at you and you shiver just a bit despite yourself.  "No, I am not displeased with them.  On the contrary, I find them desirable.  But I will release them if it would displease you to lose them." She looks at the three gangers and they shudder and back away, muttering something about hoping you have a pleasant evening.  Once they disappear, Sian turns back to you.  "Now, let's meet your friends and talk about this circle.  I have been collecting these reagents and some of the other materials on your list for your lodge.  We can talk of plans."

She looks back around at the door.  "I do not often leave my home, Isla.  It is nice to do so once in a while, so thank you for asking me over."

[Ennui]

No problem.  You are welcome here any time.  I hope we didn't keep you long.

You want the grand tour?  This is also the place I was thinking of setting up shop for the coven.  As you can see the ground floor is nice and open with the offices and few apartments which would make for a decent day center of some kind.  The second floor has more apartments than the top.  We've renovated the top floor to our personal tastes.