[h3][center][i]11:30AM ~ Rosaline Hall ~ Library[/i][/center][/h3]
[h3][center][i]*~*[/i][/center][/h3]

David Howell....The name kept ringing in Viktor's head as he strolled down the dusted, winding hallways of the headquarters, no sound accompanying him aside from the creaking of the old floorboards beneath his feet, each step seemed to be supplemented by twenty-pound weights as thoughts of the meeting ran through his mind. 

Books he could find; scrolls and artifacts likewise. But people -- people were much different, much more elusive than they wanted to be. You can't make an antique move or think, not without magic anyways. Simply put it somewhere different. But people were instinctive and paranoid with an irritatingly high amount of self-preservation. Viktor could respect that, if only slightly, having been in a similar situation a few years ago. 

Turning a final corner, the expansive two-story library of Rosaline Hall came into sight, marvelous and austere. The library itself belonged to no member of the Ashes formally, but it might as well have been Viktor's, given the amount of time and attention he devoted to it. Always something new to learn or find out about -- just had to know where to look. 

As he turned the corner, he would spot Alora Caldwell coming around the opposite corner to the library. She gave a small suprised look before seeming to compose herself. [color=00aeef]"Hello Viktor. Should have figured you would also be headed to the library,"[/color] she said. She brushed back a lock of her hair and gave him a small smile.

[color=SeaGreen]"Getting that predictable, aren't I? Though I can't say I'm shocked to see you here either, Ms. Caldwell."[/color] Viktor replied with a half-smile of his own, his posture instantly adopting an almost elegant swagger to it as he planted both hands in the pockets of his longcoat, eyes briefly darting towards the library entrance. 

[color=SeaGreen]"Doesn't do much good standing outside. After you."[/color] He beckoned politely with the wave of a single hand in the direction of the door before letting his eyes fall back on her. 

[color=00aeef]"What a gentleman,"[/color] she said and smiled, her eyes lighting up a bit. It was a rare sight to see, since Alora did keep mostly to herself. She walked into the library before Viktor and paused inside. [color=00aeef]"Do you happen to know what happened to the book I was looking for yesterday? The one about mysterious magical maladys? I think I want to look it over once again before this mission,"[/color] she said, turning to look at him.

[color=SeaGreen]"I try to be."[/color] Viktor replied in a slightly playful tone before following in behind, breathing in the scent of the library. [i]His[/i] library. Some would look at it and think only of the dust and grime that seemed to encapsulate the entire manor. But Viktor felt something different. He saw beyond the dust and scatter, and saw what lie beneath it. Age-old books with their leather covers and bindings stored away on the impossibly tall shelves; scrolls and parchments locked away in their secure cabinets. The room was home to him....it took him back to his childhood spent in his uncle's home, flipping through whatever book he could get his hands on. 

[color=SeaGreen]"Hm? Oh, yes, I know the one. I'll retrieve it for you."[/color] Viktor added on in a conversational manner before an abrupt [i]crack[/i] signaled his Disapparation, no doubt to look through the deeper reaches of the library. 

[color=SeaGreen]"There you are..."[/color] His voice, now distant, rang across the room before he appeared once again beside Alora, a rather victorious expression across his features as he held out a single book to her. 

[color=SeaGreen]"I believe this is what you're looking for."[/color] He stated matter-of-factly with a soft smile. He was one of those types...always seeming to smile or generally get along with others. Yet there was something in his eyes...as though he was keeping something hidden, yet no one could piece together what. 

Alora took the book from him, and gently ran her hand over it and opened it. She looked through for a moment before closing the book again. [color=00aeef]"Yes, this is the one. Thank you. I swear, you must keep better tabs on what I read than I do. But you do spend so much time in here, that I'm honestly not suprised. I guess I've come to rely on you when I need a book,"[/color] she said softly. However, for all the time she had spent in the library, Viktor would have noted how little Alora talked about herself. Her revolation today about knowing the McCarthy Manor was certainly new to him. She was probably just as secretive as him at times.

[color=00aeef]"So, you are going on the mission as well, correct? I hope you don't get injured... or I might think you are doing it just to get close to either Erin or I,"[/color] she said, with maybe a hint of teasing in her voice. That seemed unusual for Alora. 

[color=00aeef]"Though to be serious, I do wish you the best... I have never heard of this David Howell we're going after, but if You-Know-Who wants him so badly, there must be a reason,"[/color] she added, the teasing note gone. 

[color=SeaGreen]"I tend to have an advantage in those matters."[/color] Viktor replied, motioning to his temple with his first two fingers, the small smile never seeming to leave his visage. 

[color=SeaGreen]"As for your attentions, Ms. Caldwell, I should hope injury is not the only way to earn your notice."[/color] He continued on in an equally-as-playful tone, though he did note the rarity in which she used one. The Mediwitch was perhaps as aloof and secretive as one could get. Even by his standards. 

[color=SeaGreen]"I appreciate your concern, and I am quite aware the risk is....hefty. But I've survived up until now. The odds are...in my favor, I like to hope."[/color] He said on her final point, crossing both arms behind his back. 

Alora blushed a bit at what he said and looked away shyly for a moment. However, she soon was back in what appeared to be serious mode. [color=00aeef]"If you're ever curious, you can ask,"[/color] she said. She put a hand over her pocket before putting it back over the back. She seemed to pause for a moment. 

[color=00aeef]"Ah, do you have a good book on Devination? Specifically tarot,"[/color] she said. She furred her brows in thought. 

[color=SeaGreen]"Tarot cards....a bit more vague than crystal balls or tea leaves, but I might have something."[/color] Viktor responded on an inquisitive tone before half-walking, half-jogging across the library instead of Apparating, disappearing behind a row of shelves . The next few minutes were the assorted sounds of hurried footsteps, ruffling books, and the occasional mumble before Viktor once more reappeared, a significantly older and larger book tucked under his arm. 

[color=SeaGreen]"Closest I could find was: Omens, Oracles & the Goat. Bathilda Bagshot...as good a historian as any."[/color] Viktor described simply, handing her the book with a slight tilt of his head. 

Alora took the book and accidentally, or on purpose, brushed his fingers. [color=00aeef]"Thank you. I am aware Tarot is vague, but... well, I have my reasons,"[/color] she said, and tucked the book on top of the other. [color=00aeef]"I should probably go get ready now. I will see you closer to mission time I surmise,"[/color] she said. 

[color=SeaGreen]"Indeed you shall."[/color] Viktor replied simply with a coy smile before raising his arm to his brow in a casual two-fingered salute, which she returned before leaving. 

Viktor watched her depart with a slightly raised eyebrow. How curious this one was....an enigma. Pushing the thoughts to the back of his mind, Viktor eased himself into one of the chairs scattered about the library, running a hand through his hair as he awaited the mission's approach - a slight sense of dread building up within him.