Seeking a Thearch

Animus enters the museum. Much as he might like to avoid continuing the conversation with Andrade, he knows that he can't just leave the questions brought up unresolved.

Animus starts when Andrade taps him. Following her into the office, he takes a seat at the other couch and waits for her to finish chewing.

Animus sighs. He would have preferred that this not be in front of another mage, but that didn't seem to be an option. "The conversation from the party the other night. You raised ... questions that need to be dealt with."

Animus grins ruefully. "Not the way I tried to handle it at first. I guess I still need to sort out what I want." He pauses for a moment, considering. "Maybe we should continue where we left off?"

Animus simply nods. What else was there to say?

Animus thinks back to the meeting in Avalon, recognising how often he was leaving others to take the lead, even now. "I'll have to concentrate more on taking the initiative and actively think about what I can do in a given situation to make sure others are as effective as they can be. Beyond that, I don't know.

"If I can look back on a course of action, and see that it made a visible improvement in a larger situation, like within the consilium or for a group of sleepers, then it was meaningful."

"Punching a clock?" Animus chuckles. "I never could stand routines. I spoke first of the past because it is easier to discern, easier to draw conclusions from. My intent was certainly not to imply that the past is what matters most. Magic is empowering, and it is our right. My vision is that all of humanity Awaken, and regain the right that was taken from us."

Animus shrugs. "But it far from a routine when it's something I care about." Animus takes a long moment to compose his thoughts before continuing.

"I consider Joshua my closest friend. We've been through more together than I care to think about, and I trust his judgement. In addition to his combat abilities, I was quite surprised by how well he handled diplomacy. I can definitely see why he was named Sentinel.

"Armstrong is quite knowledgeable in science and mathematics, but she seems to expect that that can explain everything. I'm not certain she thinks other supernatural creatures exist, even after Avalon. But she's tough, and knows how to improvise to great effect.

"Fiddler was the only other one who survived from the cabal I had previously been assigned to work with. He wasn't prepared for the problems facing the city, and I don't fault him for his decision to leave, but I would have liked to have heard him play at least once.

"Captain is disciplined, and knows how to lead others. I can tell that he cares deeply for his crew.

"I get the impression that Theo is more competent than he gives himself credit for. Without his help, I don't think all of us would have left the park alive.

"Ruby is certainly the social one of the group, but she hasn't been around much recently. Apparently, she's been spending much of her time working on a sculpture; I'd like to see it when she's done."

"Yes, my place is here. As for my personal growth, I'm not sure. I think it may be something I just need to handle myself."

Animus decides that the moment is right. "At the last consilium meeting, I wasn't ready to declare a cabal. I am now. The Living Stones, including myself, Joshua Morris, Armstrong, Ruby, and Apotheosis."

Animus speaks without hesitation. "I will."

"No, that was all." Animus stops by John Dee's office to give him the location of the sanctum before leaving. That went much better than it could have.

Eclipse's LS pulls up to the museum entrance and he gets out of the back seat. He walks into the museum while Lyle moves the car across the street to wait for him to come out.

In the lobby he stops to looks around. This was his first time visiting the museum, despite having been to Sacramento many times before, and he found himself admiring the collections on display.

He makes his way up to the reception desk and asks explicitly to see Andrade. He accompanies the receptionist back to the office where Andrade and Viktor are having their discussion. The aide begins to announce him, but stammers when she realizes that she hadn't gotten the man's name - so he announces himself with a self-confident smile.

"Eclipse."

Eclipse crosses the large office and extends a hand to Viktor.

His disposition is friendly and his words come out strong and smooth, like some charming politician. His handshake is firm and while he speaks his eyes don't waver from Viktor's face. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Viktor. I look forward to perhaps working together in the future."

Eclipse's smile doesn't waver as he withdraws his hand. He sweeps his attention away from Viktor - as if, perhaps, the rude man is no longer worthy of it.

"Hierarch Andrade. I've come to announce formally my residence in the city, and to offer myself and those in my employ to the service of our consilium. I'd also like to give you this."

He hands her an envelope.

"I sincerely hope you are able to attend."

Eclipse seats himself. "I have heard. Unfortunate about those three young men in the park. The presence of the Ungula Draconis in this city is strong, however. I imagine once they put their full attention to the issue then we'll see some positive results. I'm more concerned with the abundance of new Workers in the city, and how alarming it is that so few of them seem interested in adopting the Silver Dream."

"The divisiveness you're talking about is definitely disturbing as well, though it is good there are so few Apostates."

"Herald." He seems to think for a moment "I am new to the city. Normally the position goes to someone who has already proven their dedication to a consilium. That is not to say that I don't believe myself capable. If no one else is interested, I mean."

Eclipse's attention snaps to Viktor

"That is Deacon Eclipse to you, sir."

He looks back to Andrade. His first act in this city shouldn't be reprimanding a subordinate, but he's beginning to become flustered.

"Hierarch Andrade, is such rudeness common among the mages of Sacramento's consilium or is this a particularly special case?"

Eclipse stands. "Conclude your business, then. I shall wait."

He bends a little at the waist to Andrade, his face showing just the tiniest bit of humility at having lost his composure.

"My apologies, Hierarch, for my terseness."

With a final look at Viktor he folds his hands behind his back and walks away from the couch. He moves around the room, peering out the window or looking at the trinkets or photos Andrade has lying around. Seeming to be completely and genuinely disinterested.

Eclipse takes his attention away from the photograph he'd been looking at, and sauntering over to the couch he addresses Andrade. "Of course, as you know Hierarch, it's a huge responsibility, being a Lictor. One must place their own interests second to the interests of the Order, and be prepared to uproot and go anywhere in the world where the Ladder would require your skills. A good Lictor possesses discretion, determination, tenacity, passion, and confidence. I believe we've already born witness to Viktor's confidence and passion."

He addresses Viktor.

"Normally the position of Lictor can only be awarded to someone by another Lictor, but this is a special case. I don't know for sure that you are the right man for the job, but I'm willing to take the chance of finding out. You have my endorsement, Thearch Adrian."

Ryan took a deep breath as he aproached the Museum. He had no idea why he was nervious. He wore basically the same thing from the party at the rage, except cleaned up. Where are you Ollie? Starting to freak out here.

Ollie rolls up on his skateboard and waves at Ryan when he sees him.

He looks nervous

Ryan finally managed to relax as soon as he saw Ollie. "Hey." He said as he walked over.