[center][h2][b][color=#23F794]N[/color][color=#21F19D]a[/color][color=#1FEBA7]t[/color][color=#1DE5B1]u[/color][color=#1BDFBA]r[/color][color=#19D9C4]a[/color][color=#18D4CE]l[/color] [color=#14C8E1]S[/color][color=#12C2EB]e[/color][color=#10BCF5]l[/color][color=#0FB7FE]e[/color][color=#10BCF5]c[/color][color=#12C2EB]t[/color][color=#14C8E1]i[/color][color=#16CED8]o[/color][color=#18D4CE]n[/color] [color=#1BDFBA]A[/color][color=#1DE5B1]r[/color][color=#1FEBA7]c[/color][/b][/h2][/center] [center][img]http://s8.postimg.org/yxi027ag5/The_Cowl_Word_Art.jpg[/img][/center] [center]&[/center] [center][img]http://i.imgur.com/A0ETWbS.png[/img][/center] [sub]banner credit to [url=http://www.roleplayerguild.com/users/hellis]Hellis[/url][/sub] [hr] [h3]Paris, France[/h3] Odette Favre stood between two house representatives of Fey families, they had chosen to meet outside the [i]Louvre[/i], surrounded by masses of tourists streamlined with cameras and brochures in their hands. For the meeting to take place she had erected an illusionary spell bubble while the Fey families had decided to bring their respective human thralls. It was a typical meeting between feuding families that was a result of drawing territory lines when Odette had first opened the permanent portal from Fey realms to Paris. She acted as a mediator to ensure the talks didn’t crumble into a fight. Though despite her presence the reps became heated with every sentence. “[i]You have trespassed past our borders to extend your own![/i]” Oren signing angrily, the mute Faun had his thrall speaking for him, “[i]This aggressive extension will not be tolerated![/i]” “[i][color=thistle]How do you respond, Avery?[/color][/i]” Odette turned to the other rep a Air Elf, they brought a large thrall in part to seem more intimidating, again it was typical. Odette had sit on these meetings on the regular. “[i][color=thistle]Oren has made a genuine accusation against your trespassing and provided witnesses whom I have spoken to-to confirm.[/color][/i]” Avery about to respond was interrupted by a very insistent and poppy ringtone coming directly from Odette’s purse. Odette was given a cold stare which she returned in kind to Avery. “[i][color=thistle]One moment, sirs. Please continue with your response while I take this phone call. This ringtone is reserved for a select few.[/color][/i]” She nodded at both Oren and Avery then gestured to Bach to take her place. He looked as if he was ready to fall asleep with the expression of complete apathy he wore. Plucking the phone from her purse she stepped a few feet away at the edge of the illusion bubble on her smartphone the caller id was unknown but she knew exactly who it was. After the whispers she had been hearing she had a feeling she would be getting a call. [color=a0410d]“Odette, so glad you picked up.”[/color] Came the smooth, velvety voice humming through the device. [color=a0410d]“I’m not interrupting anything, am I?”[/color] “[color=thistle][i]Bonjour[/i], not at all. Business as usual.[/color]” She replied not missing a beat, transitioning to English naturally. The Cowl calling her directly was rare but hardly new, she made the wrap it up sign to Bach. He gave her a shrug. “[color=thistle]To what do I owe this pleasure of a phone call?[/color]” [color=a0410d]“As much as I wish it was another tour through Paris with a lovely Fae, I am calling for another matter.”[/color] He began, displaying his disappointment with a sigh mixed in with his speech. [color=a0410d]“I need to call in a favor from you, if you are up for it.”[/color] A moment of pause stretched a grin across her doll like features, something about the word favour always put her in a good mood. “[color=thistle]A favour you say? Must be something much more than a typical smuggling job or moving of men…[/color]” She said allowing a little excitement seep into her words, “[color=thistle]I am currently between seasons.[/color]” [color=a0410d]“Well, it’s in the same vein, but it’s a bit more...paramount than our previous engagements.”[/color] “[color=thistle]I can be in Lost Haven today if need be.[/color]” She offered trying and possibly failing to not sound overeager. [color=a0410d]“You haven’t even heard the job, yet.” [/color] The Cowl chuckled, [color=a0410d]“You should at least ask the terms I am asking you of. Though knowing who I’m speaking to, you might already have a general idea.”[/color] She grinned at Bach who gave her a curious look, “[color=thistle]My sprites have been rather chatty as of late. They whisper of all news related to Lost Haven. It sounds as if the city is in a right bit of chaos. Perfect for my Fey to revel in.[/color]” She walked back to Bach then gave a short wave to Oren and Avery who both seemed rather sour but separated without a word neither hoping to overstep their boundaries in the presence of The Ambassador. “[color=thistle]I’m an opportunist at heart, [i]Monsieur[/i] Cowl. Whatever job you have for me is bound to be rewarding.[/color]” [color=a0410d]“Very well, then I’ll be waiting for you as soon as you arrive, where I can explain the details of what you are going to undertake.”[/color] The Cowl mused, [color=a0410d]“I will urge you that time is of the essence, [i]Mademoiselle[/i], but it will be well worth your time.”[/color] “[color=thistle]Then I will depart shortly. We shall talk again very soon.[/color]” She said smoothly pulling the phone away tapping to end the call. Bach titled his head having heard Cowl, he spoke in French, “[i][color=darkseagreen]The Cowl is calling in a favour? Does that mean we get to meet with him and his nervous shadow?[/color][/i]” Bach said with amusement. “[i][color=darkseagreen]Ghost… or whatshisname?[/color][/i]” “[i][color=thistle]Specter, Bach please try and remember who it is you like to loom over.[/color][/i]” She chastised. “[i][color=darkseagreen]I do remember, though I’ll never understand why you lifted the veil on their sight. Half the fun in looming over humans is in their confusion. Fear giving way to losing their nerve. The mystery is gone when they are aware, My Lady. You also gave away your edge.[/color][/i]” Bach complained. “[i][color=darkseagreen]I can no longer snoop as I please.[/color][/i]” Rolling her eyes having heard this argument before, “[i][color=thistle]It was a show of trust and you know why we had to do it. We do not have time to argue, Bach. So let’s go.[/color][/i]” She snapped. When they returned back to her apartment they made quick work of getting ready. Odette’s main concern was giving her Fey allies enough heads up to be able to help, sending off short messages on the backs of brownie’s. Within minutes she was out the door again soaring on her broomstick toward the edge of the city. They arrived to a seemingly average copse of Yew trees, this was where she set her permanent portal to Paris. Humans caught wandering through the copse would often forget why they were there or simply lose all track of time getting lost. Illusion spells masked the area. She greeted the Sentry who stood in front of the large wooden door embedded into the bark of a large Yew. The Sentry himself was a guardian spirit indebted to Odette, his armour was polished copper, his helmet masking his eyes while armed with a silver glaive. As soon as the Sentry saw Odette he stepped aside greeting her in Common Fey, “[i]Lady Ambassador, always a pleasure to serve you.[/i]” She nodded curtly sweeping past him. Opening the door the Arcane Stream’s magic flooded the area. The grass became a little greener, the wind a little stronger. It was like a breath of life. With her destination clearly pictured in her mind she stepped into the stream the pull was familiar and much like being swept away into a strong current. Lost Haven was clearly pictured in her mind’s eye and it’s connecting Leyline directed her. Travelling the leylines was tricky, the first few times she did she had travelled the Earth twice over looping in different directions. Now well practiced she knew when to open a rift. Feeling her destination approaching Odette concentrated invoking Words of Power to open a new rift and a doorway to Lost Haven. The rift split in light and her hand caught the door handle that formed seconds later. Coming to a gentle stop she opened the door. She stepped out inside a darkened lobby without a soul in sight. Closing the door behind her the source of light disappeared with it. Tidying her hair a bit and reapplying some lipstick she smiled in the mirror of her compact. Moments later sprites flooded in around her fluttering around her ears whispering all they knew. The lobby in question was one of The Cowl’s other safehouses, one that was a brief car ride from his location back at the diner to an abandoned old mansion that was sitting on the coast, looking out towards the isle Lost Haven was on. The crafty crime lord always tried to make his safe houses as inconspicuous as possible, places that would be considered uninhabitable or simply inconspicuous to most passersby, even if the area was discovered at all. Odette’s smile was unmistakable while the sprites fluttered about her the glow casting minimal amounts of light. She opened her purse then pulled out a flashlight shining it around her taking stock of her whereabouts. Bach resumed by her side. “[color=darkseagreen]Quiet and dark.[/color]” He spoke in English sliding his hands into crisp clean green jacket surveying the mansion himself. “[color=thistle]Naturally.[/color]” She replied the light reaching the old set of stairs, the mansion was rundown, needing of TLC. A house of this age often meant spirits of the dead roamed it’s hallways. By the lobby alone Odette knew it was meant to keep appearances. “[color=thistle]The Cowl picks his safehouses wisely.[/color]” The stairs leading down to the dilapidated building’s basement were creaky and old, some steps were actually rotted through to keep up appearances. It was very clear to anyone that The Cowl went to great lengths to keep things looking abandoned, so even entering the safe house would still not yield any suspicion. However, this was a special occasion, and as a special occasion, there was already someone waiting in the basement of the Mansion for the incoming Fair Folk. As the pair made their way into the musty basement, Specter was waiting for them. Bach immediately grinned with mischievous glee at the sight of Specter. He stepped up behind Specter entering his bubble with no reservations. “[color=thistle][i]Monsieur[/i] Specter. Always a pleasure to see you.[/color]” Odette greeted the blue spectacled shadow, ignoring Bach’s behaviour. The lieutenant was not so joyus in his response, his expression marred behind his glasses and tattered scarf about his face, the bowler hat turned low as to not reveal any brow movement, completely concealed behind cloth and glasses. He was professional and cordial in his reaction, not backing away at Bach’s sudden invasion of his space. [color=7bcdc8]“A pleasure, [i]Madame[/i].”[/color] Specter replied flatly, his body remaining stiff and poised as he made his way to the basement’s wall. [color=7bcdc8]“He’s been waiting for you inside.”[/color] He stepped back, ignoring Bach’s invasion of his personal space to make his way to one of the walls in the musty basement of this lower floor. In a swift, smooth motion, he ran his hand along the old concrete. His fingers scraped along the crafted stone, finding the one patch of concrete that was slightly newer than it’s surroundings, though one would not be able to locate such a patch without knowing it was there originally. The silent gangster pushed in on the patch, the sounds of grinding stone echoed throughout in the small room as the button triggered the nearby door, the stone being overridden by the sounds of metal, the hidden doorway sliding open at Odette’s feet. [color=7bcdc8]“Come, we don’t have time to waste.”[/color] Specter said, hastening his descent down the stairway, expecting Odette simply to follow him. The walk was short, but it revealed much about what was below this musty old mansion. Indeed the Cowl had taken the time to fashion out a true, organized safe house within the underwork. It was not much, but it was enough to keep up appearances. At least five rooms existed down a long hallway, dug internally and filled out with a few rooms armed to the teeth with weapons and supplies, enough to keep this place going for at least a few months, the Cowl’s office being kept behind a large metal door with two guards positioned at the doorway. With a nod from Specter, the man on the right of the door moved to allow the lieutenant to unlock the door, activated by a state of the art keypad that caused the doors to hiss and click as they came open, revealing the man of the hour inside. Of course, the Cowl was more than casual, his office being rather fancily furnished for being an underground safehouse hidden in acres of forest. He had a liquor cabinet behind him, sitting in what could almost be called a satin throne, modernized to sit behind a rich mahogany desk. [color=a0410d]“Ah, there you are. Come inside, we have much to discuss.”[/color] The Cowl said, beckoning them in with a gesture, his eyes immediately locking on to The Ambassador. [color=a0410d]“I trust my lieutenant was at least friendly with his greeting?”[/color] It impressed Odette how The Cowl went to such great lengths to conceal himself. Rundown mansions turned to high security bases. Her eyes trained on the Specter closely while they had walked together, hands clasped behind her back. Specter was seemingly stiff backed and uncomfortable, especially after Bach’s insistence on gauging for a reaction. Bach took great enjoyment in making humans uncomfortable especially when they were aware of him. Animals seemed to be the only ones to appreciate Bach’s presence whereas most felt a chill in the air when he moved into a room. Upon entering the well furnished office Odette showed a well practiced smile then inclined her head to the Cowl, “[color=thistle]He does well to tolerate us.[/color]” Hints of her accent emphasising her words. She handed Bach her purse and jacket adjusting to the comfortable room temperature. She said, “[color=thistle]It has been awhile since we have last met in person. You are not one to take my services lightly, I can only imagine how important this job must be for you to call upon me. May I have a seat?[/color]” [color=a0410d]“But of course.”[/color] The Cowl said, motioning to Specter to take another luxurious chair sitting in the corner of the room. Almost immediately, the silent gangster obeyed and moved the chair to behind Odette, allowing her to simply sit back and land on the silken pillow of another fine seat in the safehouse. Her hands traced the soft fabric appreciatively while gracefully tucking her feet underneath her ankles smoothing out the wrinkles of her dress, “[color=thistle][i]Merci[/i], thank you. So, tell me about this job.[/color]” Her eyes settling on the Cowl’s masked face, studying him. The masked man’s hazel pools were the only indication of emotion on his featureless mask, though his typically intense gaze seemed noticeably softer, though no less aware by the fact he kept glancing over to Bach. [color=a0410d]“I’ll be frank, [i]Madame[/i]; this is a very important job for me, as it is going to decide my relationship with a very profitable contact, and may give me the edge I need to keep my hold on the streets of Lost Haven.”[/color] He began, not bothering to dance around the importance of the issue. [color=a0410d]“She has asked me to retrieve something of incredible value to her, promising a cut of the rewards if I am to return it.”[/color] He paused, leaning back in his chair as his eyes met Odette once more, resting comfortably in his chair. [color=a0410d]“Of course, since I called you, you can obviously peice together that the object of her desire is a person. Most notably she is a person of particularly volatile and potentially market-shifting power.”[/color] As he spoke, he drew a paper dossier from a dresser behind him, tossing it to the desk for Odette to see, a visual of the woman in question. [color=a0410d]“Her name is Racheli, a person with a potentially profitable and intriguing viral agent inhabiting her system.”[/color] Leaning forward she delicately picked up the photo observing the features of Racheli, a sickly pale young woman with deep underlying bags under a pair of hardened green eyes. “[color=thistle]She looks ill.[/color]” She said pointedly.”[color=thistle]When you say power, am I to assume she is a metahuman because of this virus?[/color]” Odette asked listening while she observed the photo, Racheli was in a patient gown for the photo meaning she must of been admitted to a hospital or medical facility. Also noting he choose not to name his contact. Intrigued that he decided to withhold it but not enough to warrant a question. His business outside of the work he provided Odette rarely registered a blip on her radar. She had her own share of business to worry about than to go poking her nose in The Cowl’s. [color=a0410d]“Who isn’t, these days?”[/color] The Cowl lamented, giving a weary chuckle to indicate his feeling on the increasing metahuman population. [color=a0410d]“Metahuman is the way of the future, [i]Mademoiselle[/i] Odette. It is as I said to you when we met, we either learn to adapt to a new environment, or we crumble. I’ve chosen to adapt once more, so metahuman activities are something I’m going to take the effort to learn and control. To do that, however, I need an edge, and I believe this woman, and subsequently the one who wants it, will bring me that control. Unfortunately she is currently in the hands of CDC in the Lost Haven branch and beyond my reach. Which is why I need you and your representatives to do what you do best and bring her to me. Alive.”[/color] “[color=thistle]Thanks largely in part to this Pax debacle. Adapting seems the only way to survive.[/color]” She agreed with a nod placing the picture back onto the desk, “[color=thistle]You will have Racheli delivered alive and well. I am curious though will I meet any resistance to taking Racheli? Friends, family, other metahumans invested in protecting whatever secrets she holds?”[/color]” Straightening her back and shoulders automatically with years of discipline trained as a dancer. [color=a0410d]“Very minimal, I have a man on the inside of the CDC who is going to be able to get her to a more private location. His name is irrelevant, but he would be able to respond to the name Silence. He should be the driver of the truck that is supposed to extract Racheli from Lost Haven tomorrow, and he will make himself known to you. With his help, you should be only reduced to a few scattered guards at best. However, I would be concerned if Racheli begins to fight back. I have no idea what kind of power she wields, so you very well may have a fight on your hands should she begin to resist.”[/color] “[color=thistle]Excellent.[/color]” Genuinely pleased her smile brightening, reconnaissance already taken care of made it very simple. “[color=thistle]Thank you for the warning. The guards will be easy enough to dispatch.[/color] With a slight condescending chuckle she commented, “[color=thistle]Despite her appearance it seems she is not one to underestimate yes? Plucky little survivor.[/color]” With that comment her smile dimmed a bit taking to a serious tone. “[color=thistle]We’ll also have to discuss payment for such services. Considering how important Racheli is the rate will reflect that along with…additional costs not easily paid by typical means.[/color]” She said, rising gracefully tracing her hand along the back of the chair blue eyes never leaving the Cowl’s, “[color=thistle]Although, reasonably the matter of payment can be processed after I’ve completed the job. I have no doubt I can kidnap Racheli, metahuman or not. Humans fall for the same tricks and traps I set regardless of their predisposition.[/color]” She said smoothly oozing confidence. “[color=thistle]Just point me in the right direction.[/color]” [color=a0410d]“Actually, I’d rather discuss payment now, if you wouldn’t mind.”[/color] The Cowl said, gesturing for her to sit back down. [color=a0410d]“If there is anything to know about dealing, it is that the price should always be agreed on beforehand. That way nobody gets leverage with their goods later on.”[/color] Taking her seat again without another word. “[color=thistle]I don’t mind at all. A fifteen percent increase to my usual rate.[/color]” She stated watching him closely now, “[color=thistle]As useful as money is to me personally. It holds little value to the Fey.[/color]” Snapping her fingers to Bach holding up her hand expectantly he obliged by reaching into her purse to pull out a small red wooden chest. Placing it in her hand she held it up for The Cowl to see. “[color=thistle]What I need is rather unorthodox even by Fey standards. Typically in this kind of bargain would a big favour be in exchange for a big favour that could be called upon without notice. I however have something [i]unique[/i] in mind.[/color]” The Cowl’s eyes narrowed, his gaze fixated on the chest with a furrowed brow. He leaned forward, scrutinizing the chest. [color=a0410d]“And what exactly is this little trinket?”[/color] He asked. “[color=thistle][i]Le Souvenir Coffre[/i], Memory Trunk.[/color]” [color=a0410d]“You’ll have to elaborate a bit more than that, I’d like to know what it does if I’m going to agree to it.”[/color] “[color=thistle]These trinkets as you put it have acted as keepers of Earth Eleven histories and knowledge for centuries. Keeping such memories safely locked for only it's owner to hear and see.[/color]” Odette explained placing the trunk on the table for him to see. “[color=thistle]I explain such secrets only to assure you. What I want is a piece of your memory, a story to keep.[/color]” She sat back in her chair folding her hands on her lap. Blue eyes becoming shrewd hinting at an unnatural need or want of such information. The Cowl took a few awkwardly quiet seconds processing the payment that had been asked of him, his eyes remaining glued to the chest the entire time. [color=a0410d]“Very well, I’ll submit to your demands,”[/color] He said, his eyes shifting to Bach. [color=a0410d]“Odette will get her bonus for this job, and I will submit a memory to the chest.”[/color] However, his eyes narrowed at the entity, making his next words very clear as his tone became very grave. [color=a0410d]“On two conditions. I choose what memory I put in this chest, and on pain of your death, it will not be shared by anyone. Under no circumstances is the memory given to be used against me in any way, shape, or form.”[/color] He snatched the chest from the table, placing it on the liquor cabinet behind him.[color=a0410d] “Are we clear?”[/color] Bach’s grin was predatory, unflinching while The Cowl spoke to him. While Odette’s eyebrows shot up in surprise, she had expected more resistance than conditions. “[color=thistle]Crystal. You’ll have your choice of memory. Whatever you decide to share will be for my eyes and my eyes only, even in death the trunk will remain to my name.[/color]” [color=a0410d]“Good,”[/color] The Cowl remarked, his tone dropping back to his usual smooth and charming demeanor. [color=a0410d]“Then we have an accord, the dossier on the table will explain where ‘Silence’ will be dropping the truck, where you and he will work together to take Racheli in. The meeting place when the job is done is also detailed out, where I’ll be waiting with both the chest and your payment.”[/color] The Cowl rose from his seat, offering his hand out to Odette to seal the deal. [color=a0410d]“I’m glad we came to an agreement, but we really must part ways. You have your task, and I have other things I must attend to. Hopefully our next meeting will be more...recreational, yes?”[/color] She stood as well reaching out to shake his hand squeezing lightly a well lit smile returning. “[color=thistle]Absolutely. It is always a treat to meet with you in person, I have no doubts I can complete this job if not only for the incentive of the reward but for the change in pace.[/color]” She sighed theatrically, “[color=thistle]It is so easy to get stuck in routine.[/color]” Then gave him a mischievous grin and wink grabbing the dossier. Turning on her heel her hand out waiting for Bach. He slipped on her jacket over her shoulders handing the purse over as well. A quick wave and she breezed by Specter exiting the office without another word. Odette was rather excited and confident, metahuman or not whatever challenges Racheli presented could do little to slow down a force of nature like The Ambassador.