Thurs. Nov 13, London, Forbes/Sven
Who: Sven Reilly, Maximillian Forbes, and Aggie
When: Thursday, November 13, afternoon
Where: the streets of London and the Tower of London
What: Forbes brings Sven along for help and finds out he bit off more than he could chew.
*Forbes*
He turned to his companion as they walked down the sidewalk.
"So, ever been to the Tower of London, Sven?"
He expected the answer to be no, but was tired of the uneasy silence.
*Sven*
Looking at Forbes warily, he shook his head.
"No. Haven't really had time to go touring around London. Why? Should I see it before it blows up too?"
*Forbes*
He laughed slightly.
"Yes you should see it before it blows up... And you will... That's where we're going today. To see an old friend of mine."
*Sven*
He continued to look at Forbes warily as he quirked an eyebrow.
"An old friend? If this is an old friend, why did ya need to sneak me out of school to go and see 'em? Couldn't ya have just brought 'em to Hogwarts?"
He smirked slightly.
"Not that I don't mind the escape of course."
*Forbes*
He smiled.
"Because she cannot leave the Tower. And the last thing I want to do is bring her around all of you. She's... not the most socially adept."
*Sven*
He looked confusedly at Forbes.
"They don't really lock crazy people up in the Tower of London, do they? And why do ya need me? I'm a bit hit or miss with my social adeptness."
*Forbes*
He took a deep breath.
"They don't. She's not a prisoner, she's a tenant. And I need you because of your changeling 'good vibrations'."
*Sven*
He tensed slightly and stopped in his tracks, his wary look returning.
"My Changeling 'good vibrations'? What exactly do ya want me doing?"
*Forbes*
He took another breath and turned to Sven talking quickly in a hushed tone.
"You probably don't know anything about the Tower Ravens but here goes. There's a flock of Ravens that lives in the Tower of London. Ravens go, England falls, it's an old legend. But not all of those ravens are ravens. Some of them, well, one of them now, is a macha. Are you with me so far?"
*Sven*
He nodded, a bit surprised.
"A full fledged Macha actually lives in the Tower of London willingly? That seems a bit odd...."
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"Yes, well, a couple hundred years ago a tribe of Macha made a truce with the English. They'd live in the Tower as sensibly and civily as they could.. And in return they would not be exterminated."
*Sven*
He smirked.
"Pretty good deal. Did the English actually keep their word or is this one still living there just one out of natural causes?"
*Forbes*
He sighed.
"That one is still living there because her parents had the foresight to knock her unconcious before the Calling took her. She is most likely the last Macha in Britain... and possibly in all of Europe."
*Sven*
He made a face. Right... The Calling.... He ran a hand through his hair before stuffing his hands into his pockets.
"There's gotta be more than just that...." he said softly before shaking his head. "So, what do ya want me to do with her? I'm not even sure how our kinds interact.... Ya might've broken me out for nothing."
*Forbes*
He sighed.
"Macha are the changelings of war, violence, that sort of thing. In the same way that a sexual changeling could incite nuns to orgy so could a Macha throwing a temper tantrum invite the bloodiest riots in English history. Your job, therefore, is to try and keep her calm. Use your own pheromones, or mojo, or 'good vibrations'... whatever you want to call them on her, keep her soothed."
*Sven*
Sighing, he nodded.
"Yeah, I know, I know. Them and the Ulfhedinn can get people at each others' throats... I'll do my best, but I can't guarantee anything, ya understand?"
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"I understand completely. Either you do your job, or we get killed by a 4 year old macha and a lot of inexplicably angry beefeaters. Don't worry Sven, stakes are small."
He gave him an encouraging pat on the shoulder and kept walking towards the tower.
*Sven*
He rolled his eyes as he followed Forbes.
"Oh, yes, that makes me feel so much better. How old is she really? I mean looks-wise and all. I don't know how ravens age."
*Forbes*
He smiled.
"I'm just saying Sven, that you need to stop this woe is me crap. You're capable. I wouldn't place my life in your hands if I didn't think you were. You're tougher and more capable than you know. Surely, you've noticed it already... And yes, she is 4 'human' years old, but changelinga develop faster, about 4 to 1... so she'll appear to be a perfectly normal if blindingly naive 16 year old teenager."
*Sven*
Chuckling, he shook his head.
"I'm still learning what I'm fully capable of, but I'm getting there. It's just easier sometimes for people to expect things to go worse than expecting 'em to go perfectly."
He smirked.
"That sounds like this French boy we got at Hogwarts."
*Forbes*
He shrugged.
"Whatever works for you. It should be easy. They keep her in human form during the day most of the time so she's pretty tired out. And she's probably the most domesticated Macha in the world, if such a thing can be domesticated."
He sighed.
"I'm probably going to regret asking but what French boy at Hogwarts?"
*Sven*
He made a face.
"Shit, yeah. I don't know if she could 'cause much of a riot even if she wanted to. Being human that long... It really drains us..."
He shrugged.
"He's one of the transfers from Beauxbatons. He and his friend are really naive. It's kinda refreshing compare to all the other students."
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"I've read the books, yes. However, just in case. She's young, the slightest temper tantrum could set something off..."
He pondered that.
"I guess a little naivete would be nice among all you grizzled vetrans... But if he lived through Beauxbatons, he can't be all that naive..."
*Sven*
He shrugged a bit.
"Even after going through that, they both seem to have very simple views of good and evil."
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"Interesting. But such psychological rambling will have to wait because at the moment we are here."
Forbes spent the next few minutes presenting papers, identification, orders, and various other bits of necessary data to the staff of the tower. Eventually enough people had been convinced and they were shown the way to the room of the person they wished to speak to.
"Think good thoughts, Sven..."
As they marched towards her room loud music could be heard from inside.
*Sven*
Staying with Forbes, he tried not to shift too nervously when they went through the security. Heading up towards the room, he looked around curiously before blinking a bit in surprise at the loud music.
"Is that.. She's listens to the Spice Girls?"
*Forbes*
He made a face.
"Is that what that infernal racket is? Good grief..."
He banged on the door and then entered.
*Aggie*
She stopped singing along, long enough to yell come in. The room itself was dominated by a glossy poster of the Spice Girls hanging over a rather plain looking bed. There will piles of crap in all corners of the room most of it shiny or glossy in some way.
Aggie herself was a tall, thin girl, with a largish nose and short black hair.
*Sven*
He walked into the room after Forbes and looked around. Shivering at the feeling of being this close to the full fledged changeling, he smiled at Aggie.
"Nice place. Definitely better than the dorms we have."
*Aggie*
She smiled back at him.
"Tourist! You talk like a Tourist! My name's Agatha but you can call me Aggie!"
*Sven*
He blinked a bit in surprise before laughing.
"Yeah. Guess I do. I bet ya get a lot of American tourists here."
Holding his hand out, he smiled.
"Hey Aggie. My name's Sven. Don't really got a nickname for that though."
*Aggie*
She took his hand and shook it firmly.
"Pleased to meet you."
She turned to Forbes.
"I know you, don't I?"
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"I knew your mother, I'm a friend of the family."
*Sven*
He quirked an eyebrow at Forbes, wondering where he had met the mother of this Macha. Shaking his head, he gestured towards the poster.
"So, ya like the Spice Girls a lot?"
*Aggie*
She nodded quite rapidly.
"Oh yes, I do. Sporty Spice is the BEST! Do you like the Spice Girls?"
*Forbes*
He rubbed his temples and tried to remind himself that this sort of banter was necessary to win Aggie's trust.
*Sven*
He chuckled as he nodded.
"Yeah, I listen to 'em a bit. I haven't bought their CD, but I do like listening to their music."
*Aggie*
She nodded again approvingly.
"You're all right for a tourist... The Queen bought me their CD."
She spoke the title with more than a fair amount of reverence.
*Forbes*
"Can we please turn that down just a little, Aggie?"
*Sven*
He chuckled softly.
"Don't mind him. He just doesn't appreciate good music."
*Aggie*
She shrugged.
"The Yeomen Warders don't like it so much either... But since he's a friend of my mother..."
She dutifully hit stop on the CD player.
"I'm not usually allowed visitors... So you two must be important."
There was a slight stress on the word important as if it was reserved for only the most special people.
*Sven*
He looked curiously at Aggie.
"Why don't they let ya have visitors?"
*Aggie*
She shrugged.
"Dunno, don't need any I guess... I talk to the nice men... and the ravens! But none of us leave the tower..."
*Sven*
He tilted his head curiously.
"Nice men?"
*Aggie*
She nodded.
"The Yeomen Warders... which is who the tourists call 'Beefeaters'. They're very nice to me. 'Good morning Miss Agatha. How are you, Miss Agatha?' Proper gentlemen."
*Forbes*
He sighed.
"Yes, well that's good and all. But we really need to see something, Aggie... One of the treasures."
*Aggie*
She looked suspicious.
"No one's allowed to see the treasures..."
*Sven*
He looked confusedly at Forbes before looking back at Aggie.
"We just wanna have a look. We won't hurt any of them," he said before looking at Forbes. "Right?"
*Forbes*
He smiled his best convince-the-judge smile.
"Of course not. And I'll even offer a trade."
He reached into a pocket and produced a cloth bag which he proceeded to open and dump on the bed.
*Aggie*
Her eyes went wide as she watched the marbles spill out of the bag.
"Shinies!"
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"Indeed. All for you if you let us borrow something from the treasure room..."
*Aggie*
She shook her head.
"I'm not supposed to..."
*Forbes*
He smiled again.
"It's just borrowing, I'll bring it back... and you can keep the shinies... Sven will even read you a story... and maybe, just maybe we'll bring you back a hamburger."
*Aggie*
She looked back and forth between them.
"You mean it?"
*Sven*
He looked a bit surprised at Forbes before nodding.
"Yeah, sure. Do ya got any particular stories you'd like to hear?"
*Aggie*
She ran to a pile of magazines and pulled out a battered looking comic book.
"2000AD! 2000AD!"
*Forbes*
He stifled a laugh.
"And where did you get that?"
*Aggie*
She looked shy all of a sudden as if she had been caught out at something.
"Got it from a tourist..."
*Sven*
Looking at the comic book in interest, he tilted his head curiously.
"2000AD? I don't know that one... What's it about?"
*Aggie*
She handed it to him.
"I dunno, but the pictures are nice!"
*Sven*
Flipping through, he grinned widely as he spotted a character he knew.
"Hey, I know this guy! That's Judge Dredd. They made a movie 'bout him a few years ago."
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"Well that's terrific then. As soon as Aggie here lets us me into the Treasure Room, you two can get better acquanted."
*Sven*
Pulling his attention away from the comic book, he nodded.
"Right, right... So, Aggie, can he see the Treasure?"
*Aggie*
She looked doubtful.
"The Queen will be angry."
There was that same revrential tone, as if The Queen was the most important person on Earth.
*Forbes*
He shook his head.
"Aggie, I work for the Queen, it's OK, this it to protect England... To protect everyone."
*Sven*
He smiled reassuringly at Aggie.
"It's alright. He won't do anything bad to the treasures. He'll leave everything safe and sound, no one will even know he was in there."
*Aggie*
She nodded slowly at first but then faster as she thought it over.
"OK, I guess that's a good deal..."
*Sven*
He smiled as he nodded at Forbes.
"So, ya let him in and then we can read through that comic book of yours, deal?"
*Aggie*
She nodded.
"And I get to keep the shinies, right?"
She asked, making sure she wasn't getting swindled.
*Forbes*
He nodded impatiently.
"Yes you get to keep the shinies. Forever."
*Sven*
Smiling, he nodded.
"I can even show ya a game ya can play with 'em too if ya want."
*Aggie*
Her eyes widened a little bit.
"A game?"
She was clearly coming out ahead on this deal.
"All right!" She answered perkily. "Right this way!"
*Forbes*
He mouthed a silent thank you to Sven.
*Aggie*
She left the room and led them down a corridor, towards a large tapestry which she pulled to one side. She then reached down and pulled a key on a chain out of her minimal cleaveage. She slid it into a semi-obscured keyhole and a chunk of the wall slid away, revealing a hidden room.
*Forbes*
He smiled.
"Sven, you're going to have to stay out here.. There room's blessed to keep dark creatures out... Just in case the Macha ever decided to rebel..."
*Sven*
He nodded before shrugging.
"Fine by me. Seems the company out here has gotta be better than any treasure they got locked in there. I'll be happy with the fine lady, comic books, and marbles."
*Aggie*
She knew flattery when she heard it and didn't mind one bit.
"I am a fine lady!"
*Sven*
He smirked as he nodded.
"A very fine lady. So, what do ya wanna do first? Play with the marbles or read the comic book?"
*Aggie*
She grinned.
"Read to me first, then marbles!"
*Forbes*
He smiled to Sven.
"Knew you could do it. I'll be right back, just need to pick something up..."
And he entered the room.
*Forbes*
Some time later Forbes, returned to Aggie's room, clutching a wooden box under his arm.
"Well, I hope you two are getting along."
*Sven*
Looking up from where he was sitting on the floor teaching Aggie how to play with the marbles, he looked at the box curiously.
"Yeah, we're doing great. How was your errand?"
*Forbes*
He smiled.
"I found what I needed."
He tapped the box under his arm protectively.
*Sven*
He quirked an eyebrow at Forbes.
"And what exactly was that?"
*Forbes*
He kept smiling.
"I'll tell you later, of course."
*Sven*
He nodded as he stood up and stuffed his hands in his pockets.
"So are we heading out now?"
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"As long as that's all right with our hostess."
*Aggie*
She smiled grandly.
"But I've been having a lot of fun with Mr. Sven!"
*Sven*
He laughed as he shook his head.
"Ya can just call me Sven. There's no need for the mister," he chuckled softly. "I've had a great time with ya too. Although I do have to get back to school. I'm not sure how much time Forbes got them to agree on letting me leave."
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"It's true, I'm sorry to steal him back from you but he will be missed. If all goes well, we'll have to come back and play again sometime."
Forbes fully intended to never see Aggie again if he could help it.
*Aggie*
She nodded, considering this.
"All right, you go back to school Sven. But come back sometime, Ok?"
*Sven*
He smiled softly as he nodded.
"I'll come back as soon as I can make it."
He held his hand out to Aggie.
"It was a pleasure meeting ya."
*Aggie*
She took his hand, gripping it tightly and shaking it enthusiasticly.
"Pleasure to meet you too, Sven!"
*Sven*
Gripping her hand, he laughed before turning to Forbes.
"So, ya gonna lead the way out of here?"
*Forbes*
He nodded and bowed slightly to Aggie.
"Thank you Aggie, enjoy your shinies."
He turned and led Sven out of the room. Moments later the sound of the Spice Girls once again echoed through the halls.
"Thank you for all your help Sven."
*Sven*
He shrugged as he followed Forbes.
"It's not problem. I like her. She's fun to be around."
Looking over at Forbes, he quirked an eyebrow.
"So, what's in the box?"
*Forbes*
He remained silent until they had successful made their way past all the guards and checkpoints and were once again outside the Tower. Then he smiled a very satisfied smile.
"Oh? In the box. Nothing really... a trifle... Well, a hand."
*Sven*
He shot Forbes a withering look before rolling his eyes.
"A trifle? Yeah right. Ya wouldn't need to jump through so many hoops for just a trifle. And what do ya mean 'a hand'?"
*Forbes*
He laughed and held up the hand that wasn't carrying the box.
"A hand. I thought you would be familiar with the term despite being the product of the American education system. The Hand of Subtlety to be particular."
*Sven*
He rolled his eyes.
"Well, people usually don't put hands in boxes. And considering it's ya who's talking, ya could have been talking 'bout a metaphorical hand."
He quirked an eyebrow at Forbes.
"So what's this Hand of Subtlety do? Do ya need help with your hint dropping or something?"
*Forbes*
He shook his head.
"No, no, this is a most literal hand. Used to belong to an Heir, allegedly. Believe it or not there used to be a cult of people who went around picking up hands off deceased Heirs. Venerating them. This one they got to before it was actually dead."
*Sven*
He made a face as he looked at the box.
"But what does it actually do? Other than sitting around and being pretty gross."
*Forbes*
He smiled.
"It is, again allegedly, one of the most powerful magical artefacts in existance. And yes, it also sits around and is 'pretty gross'. I figured if Umbridge was going to start an arms race then it was time to go for the big prize."
*Sven*
His eyes narrowed slightly as his brow furrowed in thought.
"One of the most powerful magical artifacts in existance? What sort of things have people used it for before?"
*Forbes*
He smiled. He really did enjoy dispensing information to the ignorant.
"It was last known to be in the posession of Grindelwald. Although apparently we got it after the way... Before that... Hmmmm... 1929, I think was the last time it was successfully activated. No one talks about the results much. At least not defininitvely but it is powerful."
*Sven*
He quirked an eyebrow.
"Activated?"
*Forbes*
He sighed. He wasn't really wanting to admit how in the dark he was on the matter.
"That is exactly how it was phrased to me. A group tried to hold a sience or something over it, hoping it would unlock terrific power or some such rot. I'm not sure exactly what happened but one of them went mad and the other stole the damn thing and ran off with it to Grindelwald."
*Sven*
He nodded as he frowned.
"So... Ya can do anything with this? Like make world peace or get comic book superpowers or go to places that ya normally wouldn't be able to with this. Places that are unplottable or have heavy wards or aren't in this realm, right?"
*Forbes*
He gave Sven a look as if he was an errant five year old.
"I suppose... Why? Do you want world peace? Or comic book superpowers? Somewhere unplottable you want to take a vacation?"
*Sven*
He shrugged, his mind going over possibilities.
"World peace would be nice, although I bet it would get a bit dull. The comic book superpowers would be cool too. Flying without a car, broom, or plane would be fun. And there are definitely places that I would like to go that I can't at the moment..."
He quirked an eyebrow at Forbes.
"What exactly are ya gonna do with it?"
*Forbes*
He smiled.
"That is none of your business. Just rest assured that I'm not going to use it against you and yours."
*Sven*
He smirked as he slung an arm around Forbes' shoulders.
"You're right. Ya won't be using it against me and mine."
Sinking his claws into the nape of Forbes' neck, he grinned ferally.
"And don't worry. I won't use it on ya either."
Draining Forbes' energy into his body, he wrapped an arm around Forbes waist to keep the man upright. Shifting so he could keep Forbes' weight balanced well enough against his side, he grabbed the box before Forbes could drop it and looked around. Seeing a bar close by, he laughed as he pulled Forbes along.
"Damn, ya know ya shouldn't get drinking this early," he teased as he went through the bar into the back.
Seeing the one seater bathroom in the back, he smirked. Perfect. Putting Forbes' body down onto the floor, he patted at his clothes until he found the other man's wand. Pulling Forbes' wand out, he left the bathroom and closed the door behind him. Casting a strong locking spell on the door, he smirked as he tossed the wand aside.
"Although at least when ya wake up, ya won't have a hangover like everyone else that'll be here," he said to himself before heading out of the bar and towards Diagon Alley, the box tucked protectively under his arm.
When: Thursday, November 13, afternoon
Where: the streets of London and the Tower of London
What: Forbes brings Sven along for help and finds out he bit off more than he could chew.
*Forbes*
He turned to his companion as they walked down the sidewalk.
"So, ever been to the Tower of London, Sven?"
He expected the answer to be no, but was tired of the uneasy silence.
*Sven*
Looking at Forbes warily, he shook his head.
"No. Haven't really had time to go touring around London. Why? Should I see it before it blows up too?"
*Forbes*
He laughed slightly.
"Yes you should see it before it blows up... And you will... That's where we're going today. To see an old friend of mine."
*Sven*
He continued to look at Forbes warily as he quirked an eyebrow.
"An old friend? If this is an old friend, why did ya need to sneak me out of school to go and see 'em? Couldn't ya have just brought 'em to Hogwarts?"
He smirked slightly.
"Not that I don't mind the escape of course."
*Forbes*
He smiled.
"Because she cannot leave the Tower. And the last thing I want to do is bring her around all of you. She's... not the most socially adept."
*Sven*
He looked confusedly at Forbes.
"They don't really lock crazy people up in the Tower of London, do they? And why do ya need me? I'm a bit hit or miss with my social adeptness."
*Forbes*
He took a deep breath.
"They don't. She's not a prisoner, she's a tenant. And I need you because of your changeling 'good vibrations'."
*Sven*
He tensed slightly and stopped in his tracks, his wary look returning.
"My Changeling 'good vibrations'? What exactly do ya want me doing?"
*Forbes*
He took another breath and turned to Sven talking quickly in a hushed tone.
"You probably don't know anything about the Tower Ravens but here goes. There's a flock of Ravens that lives in the Tower of London. Ravens go, England falls, it's an old legend. But not all of those ravens are ravens. Some of them, well, one of them now, is a macha. Are you with me so far?"
*Sven*
He nodded, a bit surprised.
"A full fledged Macha actually lives in the Tower of London willingly? That seems a bit odd...."
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"Yes, well, a couple hundred years ago a tribe of Macha made a truce with the English. They'd live in the Tower as sensibly and civily as they could.. And in return they would not be exterminated."
*Sven*
He smirked.
"Pretty good deal. Did the English actually keep their word or is this one still living there just one out of natural causes?"
*Forbes*
He sighed.
"That one is still living there because her parents had the foresight to knock her unconcious before the Calling took her. She is most likely the last Macha in Britain... and possibly in all of Europe."
*Sven*
He made a face. Right... The Calling.... He ran a hand through his hair before stuffing his hands into his pockets.
"There's gotta be more than just that...." he said softly before shaking his head. "So, what do ya want me to do with her? I'm not even sure how our kinds interact.... Ya might've broken me out for nothing."
*Forbes*
He sighed.
"Macha are the changelings of war, violence, that sort of thing. In the same way that a sexual changeling could incite nuns to orgy so could a Macha throwing a temper tantrum invite the bloodiest riots in English history. Your job, therefore, is to try and keep her calm. Use your own pheromones, or mojo, or 'good vibrations'... whatever you want to call them on her, keep her soothed."
*Sven*
Sighing, he nodded.
"Yeah, I know, I know. Them and the Ulfhedinn can get people at each others' throats... I'll do my best, but I can't guarantee anything, ya understand?"
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"I understand completely. Either you do your job, or we get killed by a 4 year old macha and a lot of inexplicably angry beefeaters. Don't worry Sven, stakes are small."
He gave him an encouraging pat on the shoulder and kept walking towards the tower.
*Sven*
He rolled his eyes as he followed Forbes.
"Oh, yes, that makes me feel so much better. How old is she really? I mean looks-wise and all. I don't know how ravens age."
*Forbes*
He smiled.
"I'm just saying Sven, that you need to stop this woe is me crap. You're capable. I wouldn't place my life in your hands if I didn't think you were. You're tougher and more capable than you know. Surely, you've noticed it already... And yes, she is 4 'human' years old, but changelinga develop faster, about 4 to 1... so she'll appear to be a perfectly normal if blindingly naive 16 year old teenager."
*Sven*
Chuckling, he shook his head.
"I'm still learning what I'm fully capable of, but I'm getting there. It's just easier sometimes for people to expect things to go worse than expecting 'em to go perfectly."
He smirked.
"That sounds like this French boy we got at Hogwarts."
*Forbes*
He shrugged.
"Whatever works for you. It should be easy. They keep her in human form during the day most of the time so she's pretty tired out. And she's probably the most domesticated Macha in the world, if such a thing can be domesticated."
He sighed.
"I'm probably going to regret asking but what French boy at Hogwarts?"
*Sven*
He made a face.
"Shit, yeah. I don't know if she could 'cause much of a riot even if she wanted to. Being human that long... It really drains us..."
He shrugged.
"He's one of the transfers from Beauxbatons. He and his friend are really naive. It's kinda refreshing compare to all the other students."
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"I've read the books, yes. However, just in case. She's young, the slightest temper tantrum could set something off..."
He pondered that.
"I guess a little naivete would be nice among all you grizzled vetrans... But if he lived through Beauxbatons, he can't be all that naive..."
*Sven*
He shrugged a bit.
"Even after going through that, they both seem to have very simple views of good and evil."
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"Interesting. But such psychological rambling will have to wait because at the moment we are here."
Forbes spent the next few minutes presenting papers, identification, orders, and various other bits of necessary data to the staff of the tower. Eventually enough people had been convinced and they were shown the way to the room of the person they wished to speak to.
"Think good thoughts, Sven..."
As they marched towards her room loud music could be heard from inside.
*Sven*
Staying with Forbes, he tried not to shift too nervously when they went through the security. Heading up towards the room, he looked around curiously before blinking a bit in surprise at the loud music.
"Is that.. She's listens to the Spice Girls?"
*Forbes*
He made a face.
"Is that what that infernal racket is? Good grief..."
He banged on the door and then entered.
*Aggie*
She stopped singing along, long enough to yell come in. The room itself was dominated by a glossy poster of the Spice Girls hanging over a rather plain looking bed. There will piles of crap in all corners of the room most of it shiny or glossy in some way.
Aggie herself was a tall, thin girl, with a largish nose and short black hair.
*Sven*
He walked into the room after Forbes and looked around. Shivering at the feeling of being this close to the full fledged changeling, he smiled at Aggie.
"Nice place. Definitely better than the dorms we have."
*Aggie*
She smiled back at him.
"Tourist! You talk like a Tourist! My name's Agatha but you can call me Aggie!"
*Sven*
He blinked a bit in surprise before laughing.
"Yeah. Guess I do. I bet ya get a lot of American tourists here."
Holding his hand out, he smiled.
"Hey Aggie. My name's Sven. Don't really got a nickname for that though."
*Aggie*
She took his hand and shook it firmly.
"Pleased to meet you."
She turned to Forbes.
"I know you, don't I?"
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"I knew your mother, I'm a friend of the family."
*Sven*
He quirked an eyebrow at Forbes, wondering where he had met the mother of this Macha. Shaking his head, he gestured towards the poster.
"So, ya like the Spice Girls a lot?"
*Aggie*
She nodded quite rapidly.
"Oh yes, I do. Sporty Spice is the BEST! Do you like the Spice Girls?"
*Forbes*
He rubbed his temples and tried to remind himself that this sort of banter was necessary to win Aggie's trust.
*Sven*
He chuckled as he nodded.
"Yeah, I listen to 'em a bit. I haven't bought their CD, but I do like listening to their music."
*Aggie*
She nodded again approvingly.
"You're all right for a tourist... The Queen bought me their CD."
She spoke the title with more than a fair amount of reverence.
*Forbes*
"Can we please turn that down just a little, Aggie?"
*Sven*
He chuckled softly.
"Don't mind him. He just doesn't appreciate good music."
*Aggie*
She shrugged.
"The Yeomen Warders don't like it so much either... But since he's a friend of my mother..."
She dutifully hit stop on the CD player.
"I'm not usually allowed visitors... So you two must be important."
There was a slight stress on the word important as if it was reserved for only the most special people.
*Sven*
He looked curiously at Aggie.
"Why don't they let ya have visitors?"
*Aggie*
She shrugged.
"Dunno, don't need any I guess... I talk to the nice men... and the ravens! But none of us leave the tower..."
*Sven*
He tilted his head curiously.
"Nice men?"
*Aggie*
She nodded.
"The Yeomen Warders... which is who the tourists call 'Beefeaters'. They're very nice to me. 'Good morning Miss Agatha. How are you, Miss Agatha?' Proper gentlemen."
*Forbes*
He sighed.
"Yes, well that's good and all. But we really need to see something, Aggie... One of the treasures."
*Aggie*
She looked suspicious.
"No one's allowed to see the treasures..."
*Sven*
He looked confusedly at Forbes before looking back at Aggie.
"We just wanna have a look. We won't hurt any of them," he said before looking at Forbes. "Right?"
*Forbes*
He smiled his best convince-the-judge smile.
"Of course not. And I'll even offer a trade."
He reached into a pocket and produced a cloth bag which he proceeded to open and dump on the bed.
*Aggie*
Her eyes went wide as she watched the marbles spill out of the bag.
"Shinies!"
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"Indeed. All for you if you let us borrow something from the treasure room..."
*Aggie*
She shook her head.
"I'm not supposed to..."
*Forbes*
He smiled again.
"It's just borrowing, I'll bring it back... and you can keep the shinies... Sven will even read you a story... and maybe, just maybe we'll bring you back a hamburger."
*Aggie*
She looked back and forth between them.
"You mean it?"
*Sven*
He looked a bit surprised at Forbes before nodding.
"Yeah, sure. Do ya got any particular stories you'd like to hear?"
*Aggie*
She ran to a pile of magazines and pulled out a battered looking comic book.
"2000AD! 2000AD!"
*Forbes*
He stifled a laugh.
"And where did you get that?"
*Aggie*
She looked shy all of a sudden as if she had been caught out at something.
"Got it from a tourist..."
*Sven*
Looking at the comic book in interest, he tilted his head curiously.
"2000AD? I don't know that one... What's it about?"
*Aggie*
She handed it to him.
"I dunno, but the pictures are nice!"
*Sven*
Flipping through, he grinned widely as he spotted a character he knew.
"Hey, I know this guy! That's Judge Dredd. They made a movie 'bout him a few years ago."
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"Well that's terrific then. As soon as Aggie here lets us me into the Treasure Room, you two can get better acquanted."
*Sven*
Pulling his attention away from the comic book, he nodded.
"Right, right... So, Aggie, can he see the Treasure?"
*Aggie*
She looked doubtful.
"The Queen will be angry."
There was that same revrential tone, as if The Queen was the most important person on Earth.
*Forbes*
He shook his head.
"Aggie, I work for the Queen, it's OK, this it to protect England... To protect everyone."
*Sven*
He smiled reassuringly at Aggie.
"It's alright. He won't do anything bad to the treasures. He'll leave everything safe and sound, no one will even know he was in there."
*Aggie*
She nodded slowly at first but then faster as she thought it over.
"OK, I guess that's a good deal..."
*Sven*
He smiled as he nodded at Forbes.
"So, ya let him in and then we can read through that comic book of yours, deal?"
*Aggie*
She nodded.
"And I get to keep the shinies, right?"
She asked, making sure she wasn't getting swindled.
*Forbes*
He nodded impatiently.
"Yes you get to keep the shinies. Forever."
*Sven*
Smiling, he nodded.
"I can even show ya a game ya can play with 'em too if ya want."
*Aggie*
Her eyes widened a little bit.
"A game?"
She was clearly coming out ahead on this deal.
"All right!" She answered perkily. "Right this way!"
*Forbes*
He mouthed a silent thank you to Sven.
*Aggie*
She left the room and led them down a corridor, towards a large tapestry which she pulled to one side. She then reached down and pulled a key on a chain out of her minimal cleaveage. She slid it into a semi-obscured keyhole and a chunk of the wall slid away, revealing a hidden room.
*Forbes*
He smiled.
"Sven, you're going to have to stay out here.. There room's blessed to keep dark creatures out... Just in case the Macha ever decided to rebel..."
*Sven*
He nodded before shrugging.
"Fine by me. Seems the company out here has gotta be better than any treasure they got locked in there. I'll be happy with the fine lady, comic books, and marbles."
*Aggie*
She knew flattery when she heard it and didn't mind one bit.
"I am a fine lady!"
*Sven*
He smirked as he nodded.
"A very fine lady. So, what do ya wanna do first? Play with the marbles or read the comic book?"
*Aggie*
She grinned.
"Read to me first, then marbles!"
*Forbes*
He smiled to Sven.
"Knew you could do it. I'll be right back, just need to pick something up..."
And he entered the room.
*Forbes*
Some time later Forbes, returned to Aggie's room, clutching a wooden box under his arm.
"Well, I hope you two are getting along."
*Sven*
Looking up from where he was sitting on the floor teaching Aggie how to play with the marbles, he looked at the box curiously.
"Yeah, we're doing great. How was your errand?"
*Forbes*
He smiled.
"I found what I needed."
He tapped the box under his arm protectively.
*Sven*
He quirked an eyebrow at Forbes.
"And what exactly was that?"
*Forbes*
He kept smiling.
"I'll tell you later, of course."
*Sven*
He nodded as he stood up and stuffed his hands in his pockets.
"So are we heading out now?"
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"As long as that's all right with our hostess."
*Aggie*
She smiled grandly.
"But I've been having a lot of fun with Mr. Sven!"
*Sven*
He laughed as he shook his head.
"Ya can just call me Sven. There's no need for the mister," he chuckled softly. "I've had a great time with ya too. Although I do have to get back to school. I'm not sure how much time Forbes got them to agree on letting me leave."
*Forbes*
He nodded.
"It's true, I'm sorry to steal him back from you but he will be missed. If all goes well, we'll have to come back and play again sometime."
Forbes fully intended to never see Aggie again if he could help it.
*Aggie*
She nodded, considering this.
"All right, you go back to school Sven. But come back sometime, Ok?"
*Sven*
He smiled softly as he nodded.
"I'll come back as soon as I can make it."
He held his hand out to Aggie.
"It was a pleasure meeting ya."
*Aggie*
She took his hand, gripping it tightly and shaking it enthusiasticly.
"Pleasure to meet you too, Sven!"
*Sven*
Gripping her hand, he laughed before turning to Forbes.
"So, ya gonna lead the way out of here?"
*Forbes*
He nodded and bowed slightly to Aggie.
"Thank you Aggie, enjoy your shinies."
He turned and led Sven out of the room. Moments later the sound of the Spice Girls once again echoed through the halls.
"Thank you for all your help Sven."
*Sven*
He shrugged as he followed Forbes.
"It's not problem. I like her. She's fun to be around."
Looking over at Forbes, he quirked an eyebrow.
"So, what's in the box?"
*Forbes*
He remained silent until they had successful made their way past all the guards and checkpoints and were once again outside the Tower. Then he smiled a very satisfied smile.
"Oh? In the box. Nothing really... a trifle... Well, a hand."
*Sven*
He shot Forbes a withering look before rolling his eyes.
"A trifle? Yeah right. Ya wouldn't need to jump through so many hoops for just a trifle. And what do ya mean 'a hand'?"
*Forbes*
He laughed and held up the hand that wasn't carrying the box.
"A hand. I thought you would be familiar with the term despite being the product of the American education system. The Hand of Subtlety to be particular."
*Sven*
He rolled his eyes.
"Well, people usually don't put hands in boxes. And considering it's ya who's talking, ya could have been talking 'bout a metaphorical hand."
He quirked an eyebrow at Forbes.
"So what's this Hand of Subtlety do? Do ya need help with your hint dropping or something?"
*Forbes*
He shook his head.
"No, no, this is a most literal hand. Used to belong to an Heir, allegedly. Believe it or not there used to be a cult of people who went around picking up hands off deceased Heirs. Venerating them. This one they got to before it was actually dead."
*Sven*
He made a face as he looked at the box.
"But what does it actually do? Other than sitting around and being pretty gross."
*Forbes*
He smiled.
"It is, again allegedly, one of the most powerful magical artefacts in existance. And yes, it also sits around and is 'pretty gross'. I figured if Umbridge was going to start an arms race then it was time to go for the big prize."
*Sven*
His eyes narrowed slightly as his brow furrowed in thought.
"One of the most powerful magical artifacts in existance? What sort of things have people used it for before?"
*Forbes*
He smiled. He really did enjoy dispensing information to the ignorant.
"It was last known to be in the posession of Grindelwald. Although apparently we got it after the way... Before that... Hmmmm... 1929, I think was the last time it was successfully activated. No one talks about the results much. At least not defininitvely but it is powerful."
*Sven*
He quirked an eyebrow.
"Activated?"
*Forbes*
He sighed. He wasn't really wanting to admit how in the dark he was on the matter.
"That is exactly how it was phrased to me. A group tried to hold a sience or something over it, hoping it would unlock terrific power or some such rot. I'm not sure exactly what happened but one of them went mad and the other stole the damn thing and ran off with it to Grindelwald."
*Sven*
He nodded as he frowned.
"So... Ya can do anything with this? Like make world peace or get comic book superpowers or go to places that ya normally wouldn't be able to with this. Places that are unplottable or have heavy wards or aren't in this realm, right?"
*Forbes*
He gave Sven a look as if he was an errant five year old.
"I suppose... Why? Do you want world peace? Or comic book superpowers? Somewhere unplottable you want to take a vacation?"
*Sven*
He shrugged, his mind going over possibilities.
"World peace would be nice, although I bet it would get a bit dull. The comic book superpowers would be cool too. Flying without a car, broom, or plane would be fun. And there are definitely places that I would like to go that I can't at the moment..."
He quirked an eyebrow at Forbes.
"What exactly are ya gonna do with it?"
*Forbes*
He smiled.
"That is none of your business. Just rest assured that I'm not going to use it against you and yours."
*Sven*
He smirked as he slung an arm around Forbes' shoulders.
"You're right. Ya won't be using it against me and mine."
Sinking his claws into the nape of Forbes' neck, he grinned ferally.
"And don't worry. I won't use it on ya either."
Draining Forbes' energy into his body, he wrapped an arm around Forbes waist to keep the man upright. Shifting so he could keep Forbes' weight balanced well enough against his side, he grabbed the box before Forbes could drop it and looked around. Seeing a bar close by, he laughed as he pulled Forbes along.
"Damn, ya know ya shouldn't get drinking this early," he teased as he went through the bar into the back.
Seeing the one seater bathroom in the back, he smirked. Perfect. Putting Forbes' body down onto the floor, he patted at his clothes until he found the other man's wand. Pulling Forbes' wand out, he left the bathroom and closed the door behind him. Casting a strong locking spell on the door, he smirked as he tossed the wand aside.
"Although at least when ya wake up, ya won't have a hangover like everyone else that'll be here," he said to himself before heading out of the bar and towards Diagon Alley, the box tucked protectively under his arm.