In the Common Room

[young_tmriddle]

"Sorry I couldn't dally," Tom says to Andrew, as they step into the common room through the front gallery painting. "Only I do have some things I must attend to in the House, and, er, I'm on my best behavior in regards to spending my time wisely. Door and I've had a bit of a rough patch lately, and I'd like for things to run smoothly

Comments

[stilljustandrew]

*Andrew takes a deep breath.*

Okay, long story short.

... Actually I'm not sure I can do that. Um. How much do you know about the Slayers?

[stilljustandrew]

We know where it is, or at least where it was two days ago when our mole reported back.

I can get you the whole list of their likely defenses -- I'll have to get that from home, though.

[young_tmriddle]

"Let me know then, and I'll see what I can do. I've aided people with charms and the like for extra protection on their worlds before. Are you asking anyone else for magical assistance? I could speak with them, if so."

[stilljustandrew]

I haven't yet. I'm going to.

*He sighs, and frowns down at nothing.*

I miss Tim.

[young_tmriddle]

"He was quite proficient, wasn't he?"

Tom never quite knew what to think about Tim Hunter. He was also slightly jealous of his reputation.

[stilljustandrew]

'S a good word for him, yeah.

*Tim Hunter was a lot of things, some of which varied wildly from time to time, but ... 'proficient' was always more or less true.*

Anyway. Other magic-users. I'll probably want to start grouping volunteers by class....

[young_tmriddle]

"Indeed. Say, do you have any reference books I could borrow? To compare and contrast?"

[stilljustandrew]

I can get you some, yeah. Plus, maybe ...

I'll talk to Wesley, see if maybe he can get you anything on Wolfram and Hart's likely defenses. It might not have to wait till I head home.

[young_tmriddle]

"Wesley? I don't believe I've met him," says Tom. He reaches into his robe pocket and pulls out a small, leather-bound day planner (a present from Door).

"I'm free most of the afternoons this week. Bring me what books you can, and I'll start my research straightaway. You know, if you need an attack force, or anyone entering the premises, perhaps a shielding charm or some other form of protective casting would be in order."

[stilljustandrew]

I'll introduce you two if I get the chance. I think you might get along.

And yeah, though that's something we're gonna have to research heavily. Physical-force shields probably aren't going to work, given the ambient, but ... they've got other defenses than physical force.

[young_tmriddle]

An idea strikes him. He reaches for a quill and begins jotting down notes.

"If it would be possible for the people who need protection to carry something with them, like a token or a coin, then that could be the most effective way to effect a charm like that from a distance."

[stilljustandrew]

*...Yeah, Tom definitely needs to meet Wesley. Andrew muffles a grin at the thought.*

That could work, maybe -- something unobtrusive, that wouldn't necessarily trip any of their alarms....

[young_tmriddle]

"I'd make certain of that. Alright, I must attend to my appointments now, but I'll begin working on this in the next few hours. Do keep me apprised. I'd see you out, but you can step through these paintings on your own."

He focuses his attention on the parchment a moment longer, adding as many thoughts as he can before he must stop.

[stilljustandrew]

Thanks, Tom. I'll keep you posted.

*He gets to his feet, and heads for the portrait.*

*And resolves silently, as he steps through, that Door will have no cause to curse him for Tom's involvement in this.*