<<OOC>> arcangel believes Mallory had a wench in his bed?

<<OOC>> arcangel can recap the last bit from before.

<<OOC>> arcangel | There is a bit of light shining through the window -- dawn will be soon.

<<OOC>> arcangel | Mallory says "Very well. I think we should both get up. You will need clothing and perhaps some food, and then we should call Madame di Ordo and clarify your status. No doubt she'll be quite surprised."

<<OOC>> arcangel | Jolie smiles. "Yes, my lord."

<<OOC>> arcangel asks what Mallory intends to dress jolie in.

<<OOC>> Mellor says "A red ribbon and a sppritx of Chanel No 5?"

Mallory hands Jolie a selection of t-shirts and a pair of sweat pants.

Mallory says "Try those on for starters."

Jolie looks at the t-shirts blankly for a moment, then puts one on, apparently at random. Next, the sweat pants. She murmurs, "Is this garb pleasing to you, my lord?"

<<OOC>> Tarot ponders attempting to buy Andrealphus off by giving him Jolie. No. Bad Tarot.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Not going to give Andre your necklace?"

<<OOC>> Mellor says "Wanna deal?"

<<OOC>> Mellor says "(How much for the girl?)"

<<OOC>> Tarot has this plan which involves never meeting Andrealphus.

<<OOC>> Mellor has got to protect you from Lust, actually.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Fine, you go meet Andrealphus. :)"

<<OOC>> Mellor says "Sure. I.. uh.. just have a few things that I have to do first..."

Mallory says "Not particularly, but it is what I have to hand. I too am recently on earth, and have not yet had the opportunity to improve my wardrobe."

Jolie looks, perchance, slightly relieved. "Ah. Of course, my lord," she murmurs sweetly. She stands, hands clasped gracefully in front of her, barefoot and submissive.

Mallory looks through his clothing, and sniffs slightly in distaste. "Here, you might as well pick out what you can tolerate."

Mallory motions Jolie to go ahead and paw through his clothing if she likes.

Jolie comes forward hesitantly. "For you to wear, my lord?" she asks.

Mallory says "For you. I'll choose my own clothing. Even from...that."

Jolie nods and pokes through the t-shirts, finally settling on some nice things in black. One has a scrawl of silver metallic writing across its front, which looks like Helltongue except it's entirely illegible. She folds the shirts a bit awkwardly and holds them as if they were precious gold.

Mallory ponders this.

Mallory says "Clear out one of the drawers. It's yours, until I can arrange for more appropriate quarters."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "What, she sleeps in the drawer? :)"

Mallory says "You may also take as much of the closet space as you require, and one of the desk drawers as well."

Jolie nods, green eyes shining, and looks for a drawer that's mostly cleared out already, doing this while Mallory picks clothing. "Thank you, my lord," she says.

Mallory says "You may also call me 'Mallory'. This age is somewhat more egalitarian, and, for better or for worse, it is appropriate to my role as a student at this university."

Jolie murmurs, "Yes, lord Mallory."

<<OOC>> Mellor says "Careful, before you know it she'll be burning her bras and demonstrating against the bomb."

Mallory looks amused. "I think we both have a great deal of acclimating to do."

Jolie murmurs something submissive and peeks at Mallory from beneath her very long and dark eyelashes.

Mallory sighs. "Speak up, Jolie. I like to be able to hear my servants. It prevents...misunderstandings."

Jolie cringes just slightly. "Yes, m'lord," she says, her voice gone just a trace more breathy.

Mallory says "Now, what did you just say?"

Jolie says, "I... agreed, my lord, that I would need to acclimatize to this place and time."

Mallory nods. "Very good. Finish dressing. You'll need shoes as well."

(To: Tarot arcangel) Mellor pages: Hey, maybe Tarot could help Jolie to get a job -- she could teach 'Grovelling 101' ;)

Mallory looks through his shoes. "And I have none to speak of. Perhaps we can borrow some from one of my neighbors."

<<OOC>> Hamilton has connected.

<<OOC>> Hamilton wavicles quietly.

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Perfect timing. <g>"

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "And why is that?"

<<OOC>> Mallory needs to borrow sandals or shoes for his new fey secretary/slave that he conned out of Nightmares.

<<OOC>> Mellor lol.

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Ah... I see..."

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "And you're thinking Blaine being a petite sort..."

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Might perhaps have a pair of sandals that fit her."

<<OOC>> Hamilton ;>

Jolie nods and swaps around t-shirts quickly until she finds one which is actually long enough that it can become a (very) short "minidress." This one is black with a picture of someone on a wheeled device and a large bat.

Mallory says "You'll want undergarments as well. Particularly if you insist on not wearing the pantaloons."

Jolie blinks and looks a bit bewildered. "Undergarments, m'lord?"

Mallory drily holds up a pair of briefs.

Mallory says "Like such, only cut for women rather than men."

<<OOC>> Tarot snickers.

<<OOC>> Hamilton pictures Mallory asking her for underwear...

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Not on a bet."

<<OOC>> Mellor says "Ask Angela. She won't mind/"

Jolie regards them, a bit puzzledly. "Are there any here, m'lord? For women?"

Mallory says "I do not believe so, no."

Jolie picks up the sweatpants. "Then my lord wishes me to wear these, for the nonce?"

Mallory says "Despite my current vessel's initial appearance, I am most definitely male. Unless the humorist who replaced my usual wardrobe with...that," he flicks his wrist at his clothing, "was being more humorous than I'd initially guessed.""

Jolie blinks a few times.

Mallory says "There are minimal standards of modesty, yes."

Mallory smiles ever so carefully, "What, you assumed that Hell had no sense of humor?"

Jolie climbs into the sweatpants. "I... did not know, m'lord. Those at the Tower of Nightmares have... notions that seem alien to a servant such as I."

Mallory looks not unsympathetic. "Other demons have, I assure you, variant senses of humor. Although most are cruel, I grant."

Mallory says "My current vessel and wardrobe would appear to be someone's idea of a jest. As I lack the resources to change the former at the moment, one must make do."

Jolie stands, barefoot, and contemplates what shoes Mallory has, which are, alas, just a shade larger than she'd do well in. Her gaze lowered, she says, "Yes, m'lord."

Mallory ponders this. "Jolie."

Mallory says "Look at me."

Jolie looks up, blinking those wide green eyes.

Mallory says "Describe what you see. Be Truthful. I already dislike this vessel. I will learn nothing new. This is for your own benefit, in the capacity in which you are to serve me. The better your service, the happier both of us will be. You understand?""

Jolie considers Mallory carefully, a little line of worry between her elegant midnight brows.

Mallory is dressed in tight black jeans and a grey shirt of a cut that seems deliberately androgynous.

<< GAME >> Arcangel rolls the d666 and gets 3 6 CHECK: 2

Slowly, obviously not sure if she's saying what Mallory wants to hear, Jolie says, "You seem very fair, m'lord. Slender and delicate of frame. The vessel -- seems akin to one that many of my kind would favor, to beglamour a mortal..."

<<OOC>> Jolie . o O (I just know I'm going to get into trouble soon.)

Mallory says "Continue. I give you my word that you will not be harmed for anything you say about my vessel. You will find that, when my word is given, I do not voluntarily break it."

Jolie wraps her hands in the hem of her shirt and continues, "We... beglamour -- beglamour_ed_ mortals, m'lord, and... such vessels were both pleasing to us and of a sweet confusion to the mortals, which meant we did not have to change them, whether we stole away with a youth or a lass." She lowers her eyes for a moment, then looks back up quickly. "M'lord, it seems a delicate, fragile frame, but it is not ugly, and I have no doubt that it contains speed and strength beyond what it appears."

Mallory chuckles, rather darkly. "Oh, it moves well enough. You're right enough about the way it looks, though."

Mallory says "This has already caused some confusion. And I do not, as a rule, prefer to 'beglamour' mortals."

Jolie whispers, "Oh."

Mallory says "You understand the difficulty of my position, then?"

Jolie twists her hands in her shirt hem a little more. "I... am not sure, m'lord."

Mallory says "Very well. So that there is no misunderstanding."

<<OOC>> Mellor tells Jolie, "He's trying to say that he has some... personal problems..."

Mallory says "Either my role here is a someone's idea of a jest, or it is a deliberate machination on the part of my superiors."

Jolie says, "That you are... a student, m'lord? Or that your vessel has the seeming of a faerie's style?"

Mallory says "Until I find out which, you are to, unless deliberately asked, maintain the ambiguity among casual contacts."

Mallory looks like he's chewing on a lemon.

Mallory says "That said, if anyone asks directly, you are to tell them that I am male."

Mallory says "You are also to tell them that I am named Mallory Bernlack, that I am human, roughly eighteen years of age, and that I am a close friend, although we are not romantically involved."

Jolie nods, looking a touch enlightened. "Yes, my lord." Then she pauses, considering the masculine connotations of that.

Mallory says "I am originally from France, from a small town to the south of Versailles. The name escapes you."

Jolie nods again, attending to Mallory's every word.

Mallory says "You are not to tell anyone that you are my servant, or anything of either of our, ah, Infernal connections."

Mallory says "If pressed, you may say that we have an arrangement where you take notes for me."

Jolie says, "Yes, m'lord." She pauses. "M'lord...?"

Mallory says "And handle certain other correspondence."

Mallory says "Yes, Jolie?"

Jolie says, a trace hesitantly, "May I ask a question, about this place and time, m'lord?"

Mallory says "Go ahead."

Jolie asks, "Are there... angels about? Sword or Purity?"

Mallory says "The Archangel of Purity is no longer with us."

<<OOC>> Tarot | Jolie cheers.

Mallory says "His servants have been reassigned to others, as far as I am aware."

Jolie looks a bit more cheerful. "My kind are less hunted, m'lord?"

<<OOC>> Mellor says "Yes. But expect that to change if you piss off your demonic masters."

Mallory says "Your kind do not openly walk the earth, Jolie."

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "except at IOU..."

Mallory says "Whether because they are hunted by 'angels' or for their own reasons, I do not know."

Jolie droops back into her former calm poise. "Ah. Thank you, m'lord."

Mallory says "A word about where we are."

Mallory says "This is a university. A very unusual one. It is evidently a place of sanctuary and refuge."

Jolie says, "Un-i-ver-city?"

Mallory says "There are both 'demons' and 'angels' here, as well as humans. They operate under truce."

Mallory says "A place of learning."

Jolie nods and listens.

Mallory says "My role is that of a student. I am officially here to learn about the modern world and pursue a course of study."

Mallory says "I expect that you will be attending all of my classes in order to take notes. I have no objection to you using the time to further your own knowledge of the world as well. In fact, I expect it."

Jolie blinks slightly. "A-alone, m'lord?"

Mallory chuckles. "Not at first. I expect you've been trained to take notes well, but I need to establish myself in my role.

Jolie nods obediently.

Mallory says "Later, we will see. It would be preferable to have you established with your own role in this place. After we find you some shoes, we will contact a member of the administration."

Mallory says "One last thing."

Jolie listens.

Mallory says "I have yet to see any body servants here."

Jolie blinks, as startled by this as Mallory was, at least.

Mallory says "And it would be extremely disruptive to my role for you to be obviously my servant. Therefore, in public, you are a close friend, but not a servant."

Mallory says "I expect you to follow my general wishes as if you agreed with them."

Jolie nods. "Yes, m'lord."

Mallory says "You may, and in fact should, express the occasional disagreement in matters of personal preference. Food, reading material, music, entertainment and the like."

Jolie bites her lip, though not Lilimishly. "And, I should call you Mallory in public, m'lord?"

<<OOC>> Tarot passes Jolie a text beginning, "I am amazed that women are so simple / To proffer war where they should sue for peace / And seek for rule, supremacy, and sway / Where they are bound to serve, love, and obey..."

<<OOC>> Jolie reads it dutifully.

Mallory says "Very good. Yes. Mallory in public. 'Mal', if you are feeling particularly pleased with me or yourself."

Mallory looks amused at that prospect.

Tarot pages: Why are our bodies soft, and weak, and smooth / Unapt to toil and trouble in the world / But that our fond conditions and our hearts / Should well agree with our external parts?

Jolie smiles at Mallory.

Long distance to Tarot: arcangel giggles.

Mallory smiles back. "Understood?"

Jolie says, "I think so, m'lord."

Mallory says "'I think so, what'?"

Jolie pauses, then says, "I think so, Mallory."

Mallory smiles. "Very good. We shall get along, you and me."

Jolie lowers her eyes again and smiles. "I hope so, Mallory."

From afar, Tarot | So, wife, hold your temper, and meekly put / Your hand neath the sole of your husband's foot / In token of which duty, should he please / My hand is ready - may it do him ease.

Long distance to Tarot: arcangel snickers. And does Tarot subscribe to this theory?

Tarot pages: Nope. ;)

Long distance to Tarot: arcangel chuckles. Jolie and Tarot meeting. That will be... amusing.

Tarot pages: Tarot will suspect Jolie of longterm plans. ;)

Mallory says "Let us find you some shoes, and then we must speak with Madame di Ordo.""

Mallory says "And then we will aquire a more suitable wardrobe for both of us."

Mallory says "Funds permitting."

Jolie smiles brilliantly at Mallory.

Mallory opens the door, and walks out. Ahead of Jolie. "Come along."

Jolie follows obediently. And barefoot.

Long distance to Tarot: arcangel giggles.

Mallory walks downstairs to the thirteenth floor, to Blaine's room.

Mallory knocks on the door.

Jolie follows, meek and mild, sneaking peeks around herself.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Blaine! Someone's knocking at the crack of dawn upon your door!"

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "Is the roomie about, or is it just me?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Raven is comatose and snoring, practically. Just a lump in her bed."

<<OOC>> Mallory thinks it will be interesting to see if Raven is zonked out enough to stay asleep, or if she gets up to see him.

Hamilton arises, grumbling, and pulls on a robe to answer the door.

Hamilton answers the door, blinking sleepily.

Mallory stands before Hamilton. He's looking somewhat rumpled, as if he'd just got up and thrown clothes on, but not particularly sleepy. It does somehow contribute to giving him 'bedroom eyes', although he's probably not aware of that.

Behind him, stands a young woman with delicate features, wide green eyes, and a mistfall of midnight black hair. She's wearing a t-shirt, sweatpants that probably belong to Mallory, and is barefoot.

Mallory says "My apologies, Mademoiselle Blaine, in bothering you so early in the day."

Hamilton blinks, wondering about the presence of the girl with him, but not commenting. "Ah... yes?"

Behind Hamilton, Raven mutters something about "Spidey" and shifts in her sleep. Then snores quietly.

<<OOC>> Mellor Awwww

Hamilton pages: Is there anything to strike her as off sorcery-ish about the girl?

You paged Hamilton with 'Probably not unless Blaine makes a very very good Perception or appropriate Sorcery-type roll.'.

<<GAME>> Hamilton rolls the d666 and gets 4 6 CHECK: 4.

Hamilton pages: Nope.

You paged Hamilton with 'Hee.'.

Mallory says "Allow me to present Jolie Dubois. She arrived late last night, or rather early this morning. Unfortunately, such baggage as she had was lost en route, and the circumstances of her arrival were such that her footware and clothing were rendered unfit for further use."

The so-designated Jolie Dubois smiles at Hamilton.

Mallory says "I was able to lend her some small items of clothing, but I am completely without shoes to fit her. May I impose on you to the extent of borrowing something for her until we can get her settled? Perhaps for a day or so."

Hamilton blinks. "Oh." It isn't a terribly insightful comment, but it's what comes to mind. "Um... come in."

Mallory peeks inside. "I would not wish to disturb your room mate."

Raven mutters and snores.

<<OOC>> Tarot suggests, helpfully, that Mallory claim the baggage train was waylaid by highwaymen.

Hamilton shrugs. "Okay. Just a minute." Blaine studies Jolie's feet a moment and then goes to fetch something appropriate. Perhaps those white tennis shoes would go well.

... and a couple pairs of socks.

<<OOC>> Mallory is being extraordinarly vague about details these days. It seems to help.

<<OOC>> Tarot laughs.

Jolie waits, meek and mild, a few inches behind Mallory's left shoulder.

Hamilton asks, "Is there anything else you need?"

Mallory says "Well, we will be going to the mall as soon as I work things out with Madame di Ordo."

Mallory looks perhaps a tad helpless, "And Jolie will require a completely new wardrobe. If you're not doing anything later, perhaps..."

Hamilton considers her schedule. "I think I've got some time..."

Jolie takes the shoes and socks and examines them carefully.

Mallory says "I would be very grateful."

Hamilton says "Do you think they'll fit?"

Mallory hmms. Ah. Laces.

Raven, meanwhile, snores. Those who are looking can see her spider in its plastic box, sitting under her bed below her pillow.

Mallory says "Maybe something with more room. Do you have any sandals?"

Jolie sits down and puts the socks on, wiggling her toes. Then starts puzzling on the shoes.

Hamilton nods. She goes and gets sandals. She has both a pair that's fairly dressy and a more 'hanging out on the beach' style.

Jolie looks relieved and sets the shoes to one side, near the door.

Mallory whispers, "The socks do not go with the sandals," to Jolie, while Hamilton is searching for sandals.

Hamilton considers this with interest, but doesn't comment.

Jolie takes the socks off and neatly folds them on top of the shoes.

Mallory is actually just guessing about this, but the thought is so aesthetically displeasing to him that he's willing to be wrong.

<<OOC>> Mellor says "She is saved from the socks-with-sandals heresy"

<<OOC>> Hamilton ;>

<<OOC>> Hamilton doubts seriously that Blaine goes in for the hiking sandals with socks style.

<<OOC>> Mellor says "No really. It's a heresy."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Ew, ew, ew."

<<OOC>> Mellor says "People were burned at the stake for that, in 1611."

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "My brother's an outdoorsy type. He can get away with hiking sandals."

<<OOC>> Jolie is just relieved that she doesn't have to wear socks and sandles.

Mallory waits for Jolie to try on the sandals to see which fit.

Hamilton collects her tennis shoes and socks.

Jolie tries the sandles on. They seem to fit okay. She wiggles her bare toes.

Mallory says "How's the fit?"

Jolie stands up and wiggles her toes again. "I think they fit, Mallory," she says, soft and sweet and submissive enough to make Blaine's teeth ache.

Mallory smiles. "Excellent. Merci beaucoup, Mademoiselle Blaine."

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Hmm. Do we have 'class' today?"

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Or is it somehow the weekend."

<<OOC>> arcangel thinks technically you get class.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "But it's not at the crack of dawn."

<<OOC>> Mallory says "If it's an afternoon class, mall before class is doable."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Call it early afternoon class."

Hamilton smiles at Mallory. "You'll have to tell me what happened... sometime when we're more awake."

<<OOC>> Hamilton says "thus giving Mallory and Jolie time to make up a decent story... ;>"

Mallory chuckles. "I won't keep you longer, then. What time shall we meet to get to the mall? I'm unfamiliar with when stores open here."

Hamilton says "Ummm... most stores open around nine." She yawns. "The bus ride out take a few...""

Mallory says "Eight thirty, then?"

Mallory says "I will purchase the coffee."

Hamilton nods. "Sounds good. Maybe I can get Raven the *right* colour of black candles this time..."

Raven makes a *zzgortz* noise as her name is mentioned.

Hamilton says "See you at 8:30."

Mallory grins. "If not, you may feel free to blame me, if it helps."

Mallory gives a slight bow, and backs away slighlty from the door, as if to leave.

Hamilton grins at this, nods and shuts the door.

Jolie gives what might be a nod.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mall or Tarot next, Mallory?"

<<OOC>> Mallory says "Tarot, I think."

<<OOC>> Tarot hehs.

<<OOC>> arcangel grins.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Hm. If it's crack of dawn, Tarot is probably in her rooms rather than her study."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Going down the stairs or elevator?"

<<OOC>> arcangel nods to Tarot. Though, happily, Tarot is wide awake...?

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Indeed. In her kimono, sitting by the window and drinking coffee. :)"

<<OOC>> Mallory spends a moment on the phone acquiring Tarot's number, then. Probably via Campus Security's 'unusual happenings' line.

Mallory leads Jolie to one of the phones in the hall, so he can call Madame di Ordo.

Jolie follows along, looking at the building around her with interest. There are few others around.

Mallory walks down the stairs, if need be. Jolie will just have to learn to cope with his dislike of the elevator.

Jolie walks after, peering up and down the gap in the stairwell with obvious wonder at the height of the building.

A floor or two down, a phone can be found.

Mallory says "Things have changed considerably since you were last here. I suggest you cultivate an expression of calm observance. The alternative is to walk about with your chin dragging about the ground, I'm afraid."

Mallory speaks as if from personal experience.

Jolie murmurs, after a quick glance around, "Yes, Mallory. Such a tall building -- how do mortals manage, so frail as they are?"

Mallory says "Much as anyone might. Groups and coordination. A single man cannot storm a castle. A thousand in concert can raze it to the ground. Or build it and defend it properly in the first place."

Jolie nods, looking a touch intimidated. "And it seems quite sturdy," she marvels quietly.

Mallory says "I recommend avoiding the elevator, but the rest of it is tolerably well built, if not particularly pleasing to the eye."

Mallory says "There are other buildings on campus I believe you will like better."

Mallory dials the phone, acquiring such numbers as are necessary, and then rings up Tarot.

Jolie humms agreeably. "What is an elevator, Mallory?"

Jolie peers at the phone.

Mallory says "In due time, Jolie. A moment, if you please."

<<OOC>> Tarot | A cunning trap by Heaven, set to ensnare demons and slay them.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mallory is also given the Campus Information number by the Security line, as well as Tarot's."

Mallory apologizes to the receiver for troubling them, and writes down a few numbers in a notebook.

In Tarot's rooms, her phone rings.

Tarot picks up her phone. "Good morning."

Mallory says "Bon Matin, Madame. C'est Mallory Bernlack. I apologize for disturbing you so early."

Tarot says "Bonjour, m'sieur Bernlack. What may I do for you?"

Mallory says "I have an unexpected guest who will, I expect, be visiting for some time. I am unfamiliar with the local proprieties, and wish to make arrangements. If it would be not inconvenient, may we meet you at your office as soon as possible?"

Tarot says, after a moment, "Very well. I will be there within half an hour. It would be convenient if you can have any academic or other references concerning your guest available."

Mallory says "Her situation is much as mine, only more extreme."

Jolie peeeeers quietly at Mallory on the phone.

Mallory says "And with less documentation. In a half hour, then. Merci beaucoup, Madame."

Tarot pauses. "I will have to request permission from higher up, and references of origin may be required. De rien."

Tarot clicks the phone down.

Tarot gets dressed, and heads across for her office.

Mallory explains. "It is like a song of communication, only performed with...technology, and requiring money rather than essence."

Mallory says "And thus available to more of the general population."

Jolie reaches out gingerly to touch the phone. "And... elevatories?"

Mallory says "Self moving platforms that take people from floor to floor."

Mallory says "Although I have my doubts about the one in this building."

Jolie blinks. "Self-moving?" Her eyes are wide and startled.

Mallory says "Come along. We have a short period of time to walk to Madame di Ordo's office."

Mallory leads Jolie down the stairs.

Jolie follows.

Mallory says "I am unfamiliar with the precise details, but the motive power is mechanical in nature."

Mallory says "You wonder how these humans accomplish these things. The answer is they build machines to do things for them."

Jolie shivers, though perhaps Mallory does not see this, as she follows. "How... alarming," she murmurs softly.

Mallory says "In my opinion, their abilities are magnificent, but often they trade their own dignity away."

Jolie murmurs, "Have they not always done so?"

Mallory leads Jolie out of the building, and looks about for a coffee stand on the way.

Jolie looks about, and nearly trips over something as she looks back to see _how_ tall Monty Hall is. Then she swallows and tries to cultivate a bland expression.

Mallory says "Magnificent, is it not. Yet the students inside live in mere closets."

Jolie murmurs, "So _many_ of them, then! A single village could be fit within!"

Mallory says "Still, there are some benefits. Are you familiar with coffee?"

Jolie shakes her head. "I am not, m'l -- Mallory."

Mallory says "Well, we shall see if you like it."

Mallory finds a coffee stand relatively close to the administration building (something that does not seem unlikely), and orders two mochas, one for himself, one for Jolie.

Jolie follows along to the coffee-stand which is, indeed, already set up in the Pent. Jolie eyes the statue of the founder dubiously.

Taking it carefully, Jolie blows on the coffee and eventually sips. She closes her eyes, sighs happily, and smiles all around at the dawning day.

Mallory smiles a bit himself. She's a servant, surely, but one takes enjoyment in bringing pleasure to a fair woman.

Jolie smiles at Mallory, too, with those big green eyes lit up. "Thank you, Mal," she murmurs, sweetly.

Mallory says "You're welcome, Jolie. I expect we'll arrange for some sort of allowance for you, so that you may purchase your own."

Jolie's eyes shine.

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Think big and anime."

Mallory says "It won't do for me to be seen paying for all of your food and drink."

<<OOC>> Tarot looks forward to seeing how Mallory puts this on his military expenses.

Jolie just sips her coffee again with an expression of worship in Mallory's direction.

Mallory orders two biscotti, and introduces Jolie into the pleasures of dunking them into coffee.

Jolie is a fast learner, it would see, when it comes to the pleasures of the corporeal realm. She nibbles the biscotti delicately, savoring every morsel.

Mallory keeps an eye on the clock, and when he judges it's been not quite a half hour, he leads Jolie up to Madame di Ordo's office.

The secretary is still present, and again scribbling in her notebook. She looks up as the pair enter and breathes out in wonder. "Oh my!" She scribbles something in her notebook.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Nooooooo..."

Mallory cocks an eyebrow at the secretary. "Is there something the matter?"

The secretary leans forward, with adequate cleavage, and looks between Mallory and Jolie. "Do either of you do posings?"

Mallory 's manner is about ten degrees cooler than it normally is. Partially because, well, she's a secretary.

Mallory says "Posings? As in for an artist?"

The secretary nods. "Exactly!" She bites her lip, quite attractively. "You'd be absolutely...Mmmmm!"

Mallory looks amused, and not entirely displeased. "I cannot say I've had the experience. Perhaps we will discuss the matter later. We've an appointment now. Would you please announce us?

The secretary nods. "That would be great." She types on the computer terminal. (Jolie watchies this with befuddlement.)

In Tarot's office, the computer makes the nice friendly bleep Tarot's learned to dread, popping up the email that a gorgeous pair are here to see her.

Tarot's mouth quirks. She sips at her mug of black coffee, and sends an email back to send them in.

The secretary says to Mallory and Jolie, "Ms. di Ordo's ready to see you now. Do stay a moment after you're done there? To talk about posing?"

Mallory says "We'll see. It will depend on our schedule."

Mallory says "Come along, Jolie."

Mallory walks into the office.

The secretary nods. Jolie follows along, quiet and subservient.

Tarot is sitting at her desk. She gestures to the two chairs opposite, putting her cup down.

<<OOC>> arcangel asks Tarot, BTW, if she's wearing a turtleneck or a normal blouse.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Turtleneck under her suit. For some reason."

<<OOC>> arcangel snickers. Just wondered.

Tarot says "Good morning to you both. Would you please introduce your friend, sir?"

Jolie watches, hovering meekly slightly behind and to Mallory's left.

Mallory says "Madame di Ordo, this is Jolie. I have taken the liberty of giving her the family name Dubois. Indeed, I have taken the liberty of giving her both names, and therein lies a tale."

Tarot tilts an eyebrow. "Please continue. And please be seated.

Mallory says "Stand where she can see you, Jolie."

Mallory says "Or sit, as the case may be."

Jolie moves over to one side, hands on the back of one of the chairs and looks to see if Mallory is going to sit as well.

Mallory sits, and nods to Jolie.

Jolie sits, rather like a well-trained dog. (But on the chair, not floor.)

Mallory says "Jolie is my new servant and secretary."

Mallory does not say slave, although he might as well.

Mallory says "I acquired her last night, from the service of Nightmares. She has served for perhaps longer than I have existed."

Mallory says "She will be remaining with me, in my service, here. I hope to work out how this can be accomplished to our mutual satisfaction."

Jolie looks down at her lap, and winds her hands in her t-shirt's hem.

Tarot says "Mm. Might I ask your provenance, lady?"

Tarot speaks to Jolie.

Jolie looks up, then glances over to Mallory.

Mallory says "Go ahead, Jolie. The whole Truth, if you please."

Mallory says "The Madame is aware of my true origins and affiliation, and you need not hide those from her."

Jolie nods to Mallory, and looks back to Tarot. With a soft, sweet voice, she says, "Mortals called my kind the Fair Folk, or the Fae, lady."

Tarot nods mildly. "I know a little of such people, though doubtless not enough. You were of the teind?"

Jolie nods. "Yes, lady. A... long time ago."

Tarot nods again.

Tarot says "Do you seek a position at the university as a student, or are you to be a paid dependent of Mallory? If so, will he be paying your expenses?"

Jolie looks confused and looks to Mallory again.

Mallory says "My role is that of a student of unexceptional means."

Mallory says "And, I have noticed, that personal servants are rare here."

Tarot's mouth quirks. "So, you will not be paying her expenses."

Mallory says "However, she must remain in service to me, if not to my role here."

Tarot says "Lady, it is customary for students to be funded by family, by sponsoring organisations, or by themselves. It is possible that some job on campus could be found, if you will abide by campus regulations."

Tarot says "Might I ask what skills you have?"

Jolie glances at Mallory, and, if he doesn't indicate she should not reply, murmurs, "I can type, lady."

Mallory lets Jolie explain her own skills. He's interested too.

Tarot nods. "Can you file, lady, and have you any experience of working in libraries?"

Jolie says, "I kept notes for the Eve-lords. Records. And filed them, too, in their archive."

Tarot says "The ArchDean can often use new workers in her library here. While I cannot promise that it will pay particularly well, especially if you must also fit your hours to your Balseraph master, it may be enough for you to be comfortable."

Mallory says "Excellent."

Tarot says "I must note, lady, that you will have to abide by the Campus conditions. This is a place of sanctuary."

Jolie smiles, hesitantly. She murmurs, "I will obey my lord in the matters of rules."

Tarot says "I fear that you must obey the ArchDean first, if you are to reside here. Though I trust that there will be no conflict."

Jolie looks to Mallory nervously.

Mallory says "Honor dictates that I not put my servants in a position having to choose."

Tarot begins opening up an email box on her screen as she speaks. She addresses it to the ArchDean, with a CC to whoever's responsible for clerical/library recruitment. She summarises the situation.

Tarot says "It may take a short while for me to receive an answer."

Mallory says "Jolie, so long as you are on campus, you will obey the rules of the university. If you have a question, you may inquire of me. I will take full responsibility for your actions if there is confusion and you choose wrongly."

Mallory says "Fair enough, Madame di Ordo?"

Tarot says "That seems quite reasonable."

Jolie nods. "Yes, m'lord. What are the rules?"

Tarot says "The University is under truce conditions. Nobody is to attack anybody else, to use their resonance as an attack, or to influence the humans present. Celestial and ethereal matters are to be kept as quiet as reasonably possible."

Tarot says "The Mall is somewhat under truce conditions, though it is a disputed area at times."

Tarot says "And it is forbidden to harm the cats of the ArchDean, or to lower her stock values."

Jolie blinks. She twists her hands in her shirt hem a little. "And... are there ethereals upon campus, lady?"

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Do I know any personally? I'm sure I know that some _are_, or have been."

<<OOC>> arcangel thinks Tarot may know some personally in that she's said hello. Probably not that many _personally_ -- more acquaintances. And there aren't many of them -- maybe a half-dozen.

Tarot says, neutrally, "There are some, yes."

Tarot says "They exist under the truce conditions, and have freedom of activity."

Jolie says, "And -- and we're not hunted?"

Tarot says "Not *here*."

Mallory says, with a slow near-drawl, "When Jolie was last on earth, she had some cause to fear the forces of Purity."

Jolie blinks at Tarot, those green green eyes going all misty.

Tarot considers. "I cannot say that most angels or demons bear great goodwill towards those of the Marches, but they respect the truce conditions on campus, or the ArchDean has them expelled. Forcefully."

Jolie makes a little tearful happyish noise.

Mallory lets that go on for a moment, then says, "If I may make a suggestion or two?"

Tarot says "Certes, sir."

Jolie simply listens, wiping slightly at her eyes.

Mallory says "When I acquired her services, I was under the aegis of the Game. Technically, she is in my service through them. If I misuse her services, they could lay claim. Being the organization they are, I would imagine they would manufacture 'valid' claim."

Mallory says "She is, like myself, unaccustomed to this time and place."

Mallory says "Therefore, I have a suggestion."

Mallory says "She assume a role as a student. She will take the same classes I do. She will take notes for me, and otherwise aid in my studies, as well as any personal tasks I have her attend to."

Mallory says "I will, of course, perform my own assignments and tests. To do so otherwise would be dishonorable."

<<OOC>> arcangel | Mallory . o O (Besides -- she might not be a good test-taker.)

Mallory says "I do, however, expect her to benefit from her education."

Mallory says "At the same time, if a position of employment at the university is available, I think it would supplement her role as a student."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Hm. Is it generally known that the ArchDean is a Lilim?"

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Or is that supposed to be Kept Quiet?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Probably not generally known, Tarot -- but more from 'it just doesn't come up' than Keep Quiet."

Mallory smiles, "After all, students have always worked odd jobs."

Tarot considers. She says, neutrally, "I am sure that the ArchDean will understand the position of a contracted employee, being a daughter of the Princess of Freedom. I would hope that some position suitable to all parties can be negotiated."

Tarot says "Naturally, if the lady contracts for a job at the University, it will need to be duly carried out."

Mallory says "I would expect no less of one of my servants."

Jolie sits quietly, looking very... dutiful.

<<OOC>> Tarot | Tarot . o 0 ( and, of course, if she chooses to make her own contracts with the ArchDean... that's her business )

Tarot sends the email on her computer.

Tarot says "I fear that I cannot tell you how swiftly a reply may come."

Mallory says "I am not unreasonable. Her maintenance of her role would come under her duties as servant to me. She may keep all funds garnered from that role."

Mallory says "Although I expect that they will, in part, go to her upkeep."

Mallory says "She will also be given sufficent personal time to do her studies and otherwise appear to be a normal student at the university."

Jolie lets herself be talked around.

Mallory says "She will not, however, attempt to escape. Nor will she bind or take further contract beyond this without my approval. Not while I am personally responsible to the Game for her."

Tarot says "Sir, I am hardly the person to be responsible for that to you."

Mallory nods. "I do not wish to imply that you are."

Tarot says "I do not think that it comes under the remit of any contract between her and the University, either."

Tarot's computer beeps. (Jolie jumps slightly.)

You paged Tarot with 'The reply message reads, "If she decides to stick around here, and keeps the truce, she can't be held against her will. But if she decides to stick with the "evil she knows," then that's her choice too. I'll get someone to check her out when she gets to work -- Library's fine, unless you want another secretary?"'.

Mallory says "However, certain members of the University Administration are known for their, ah, affection for arrangements on the side."

Tarot checks the message.

Tarot tilts an eyebrow, very politely.

Tarot says "I am glad to be able to inform you that the lady may stay here for as long as she wishes, as long as she keeps to the truce.""

Tarot says "There is indeed a possible position at the Library, should it interest her."

Jolie makes no faces of disgust.

Mallory says "Do you think you can fulfill the position adequately, Jolie?"

Jolie nods. "Yes, m'lord."

Tarot pages: Tarot does not want another secretary of dubious provenance, probably hunted. ;)

Long distance to Tarot: arcangel laughs!

Mallory says "Then I have no objections. You may take it if you like, or find a similar way of maintaining your role. Just so long as it does not dishonor me."

Jolie murmurs, "I would never want to do that, my lord. A job in a library seems it would be fair."

Mallory nods. "Excellent."

Mallory says "Finally, as to her housing."

Mallory says "I will, if necessary, maintain her in my own quarters."

Mallory says "I would request a room sized for two people, if possible."

Jolie sneaks a peek at Mallory. It's not an unhappy peek.

Tarot considers. "Just a moment, please.

Mallory says "If for no other reason than I expect to run short of wardrobe space by the end of the day."

<<OOC>> arcangel giggles.

Tarot taps in a reply email, stating that Jolie says she is willing to abide by truce conditions and will seek a job with the library, and that she and Mallory are requesting a double room.

Tarot says "I am making the request on your behalf."

Tarot says "I would suggest, lady, that if you do work in the library, you take the time to bring yourself up to date on recent history. It will doubtless help you acclimatise."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Womans Lib, suffragettes, divorce..."

Mallory smiles. "I had hoped your class would function to aid that, Madame."

The computer beepeth quickly enough after.

You paged Tarot with 'The reply says, "Technically, the dorms are segregated -- if she's got a room officially, then they'd have to be on different floors. If she's not officially there, then the double-sized room rent doesn't go on the War's check, and she can stay if they don't make too much noise. Tell them it's an exercise in dealing with the many annoying rules of society." Tarot can almost hear the amused snicker.'.

Tarot says "I will do my best, sir, but I can hardly scale it solely to the needs of those students centuries out of date."

Mallory says "Solely, perhaps not. However, as I am centuries out of date myself, one would hope you would take it into account."

Tarot's mouth quirks. "I will do what I can, naturally."

Tarot says "However, one expects students to show initiative in their studies."

Mallory says "As do I. A good servant is not an automaton."

Tarot checks the email. "Technically, the dormitories are segregated. If you have an official room, lady, it will have to be on a different floor. If you are not officially sharing a room, however, then the War will not be charged for the double room."

Mallory says "If it were, no doubt the Technologists or the Humans would have created one by now."

Tarot says, blandly, "I fear you must consider it practice at dealing with the many annoying rules of society.

Mallory says "In the interests of role maintenance, I will allow a separate room. Subject to inspection, of course."

Jolie blinks at the notion of a separate room, but is silent.

Tarot nods. "This will be arranged. Doubtless the lady's wages will assist in paying for it."

Mallory says "The War will contribute to the maintenance of its servants. As soon as the requisite funds can be made available."

<<OOC>> arcangel chuckles.

Tarot says "I would suggest that for the moment, you allow me to send some more emails to arrange this. If you call at the Library later, the lady may attempt an interview for a position."

<<OOC>> Tarot just snickers.

Tarot's mouth quirks, abruptly.

<<OOC>> Tarot | Expense dossier : Secretary/concubine, upkeep of.

<<OOC>> Mallory says "| Expense dossier: adjutant"

Tarot says "I will also request a room for her in Monty Hall."

Mallory nods. "My thanks, Madame. I apologize for the trouble. However, the alternative would be to return her to the service of Nightmares or to the Game itself. That would deprive me of my secretary, not to mention being somewhat unkind."

Jolie's eyes go ever so slightly blank at the mention of Nightmares.

Tarot nods mildly.

Mallory says "If there's nothing else, then, we'll see you in class this afternoon."

Tarot inclines her head politely. "A good day to you both."

Mallory bows, and stands.

Tarot remains seated.

Mallory says "Thank the Madame, Jolie. She's being very generous to us both."

Jolie stands also. She murmurs, part-bowing, "Thank you, lady."

Mallory says "If, in an emergency, I am unavailable, may I direct Jolie to you for questions, Madame?"

Mallory says "I don't wish to saddle you with another responsibility on top of your many."

Tarot says "Certes, sir."

Tarot says "I will do my best."

Mallory says "My thanks."

Mallory says "Come along Jolie. Let us go find you some reasonable clothing, and very likelyexplore the outer limits of my funding."

Jolie mumurs something that sounds like, "yes" and part-bows again. Then she turns and follows Mallory dutifully.

Mallory stops at the door. "Madame, one minor thing."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Oh! Tarot, gimme a quick Perception roll."

<<GAME>> Tarot rolls the d666 and gets 2 5 CHECK: 4.

<<OOC>> Tarot says "I think I make that Per."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Why, yes, it did."

Tarot looks up from her computer again. "Yes, sir?"

Mallory says "Jolie has affixed to her ear, a relic or artefact of some sort, of Nightmares."

Mallory says "In the interest of the truce, I suggest that it be examined to prevent harm."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "And, why yes, Tarot had just noticed that artifact Jolie's wearing. Relic, surely."

<<OOC>> arcangel says "And, Tarot will notice, it's a relic that has some kind of Song in it which Tarot doesn't know."

<<OOC>> Tarot says "Right. Hm. Is there some (possibly Jeanite or Creationer) point on campus where such a thing could be looked at?)"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "There are people who could be contacted to look at it, yes."

Tarot says "I shall contact someone to have it examined, sir. It would be very awkward if it were a spying device, or something of that nature."

Tarot's eyes narrow slightly, shading towards copper in the light for a moment.

Tarot says "Do you know what the Song embedded in it is?"

<<OOC>> arcangel says "Mallory doesn't. Jolie's not saying anything."

Mallory says "I have not fully investigated it yet."

Mallory says "We have not even gotten her properly clothed."

Tarot nods. "I shall see to arranging something, then. A good day to you both."

Mallory says "Good day."

Mallory leads Jolie out the door.

<<OOC>> Mallory says "One can talk to Deborah about modeling on the morrow."

<<Scene Stop>>

Mallory hopes you are suitably amused.

Mallory certainly is.

arcangel is, aye!

You say "Mallory is such an evil snake."

Mallory is being far kinder than anyone has been to that girl in almost a millenium.