voltadomar | PC: Alphinaud

Magi... sterium...

Monika made mention of them, correct? Aside from what was said during our meeting, I have heard of nothing since.

Correct. I'd heard the name in passing while probing for information early in the week, and after hearing Monika give some context to that, I went with Mr. Kaburagi to... [There's a pause here? Hm.] to get more information out of the locals.

Anyway, this... Magisterium. They're believed to be a group of people obsessed with angels. "Higher beings." And it's said that they were experimenting with dangerous projects. Things that would be considered heresy. We were advised to be careful who we talk to about the Magisterium's experiments.

... Hm. Were you able to find out what sorts of experiments they were conducting?

No. It seems to be a touchy subject, and it was hard to keep anyone on it for long. For the most part, the people here refuse to discuss it at all with outsiders.

A shame. Would that one of us could pretend to be of their kind, if such a thing can be done. I would much like to know more of them—and the angels they so revere. They cannot be exclusive to this world, correct?

[It looks like Alphinaud just hit something on the mark. Kim immediately looks very tired.]

Yes... imagine if.

[ That's telling. ]

Well, that answers that, it seems.

They were adamant about not talking to outsiders about the topic, so...

It was an "undercover operation." We pretended to be locals.

And they saw right through you. Terribly unfortunate. The locals may be a dead end, but I will be certain to keep an ear out for the name elsewhere; I would rather like to pursue this information as well, if you mind not another hand in it.

Not exactly. It seems it was mostly successful. Just that there's also a limit to what they'll say about the topic in [...] casual company.

[But he'll give his blessing to that suggestion.] So long as you keep that warning in mind, do what you like with the information.

Rest assured, I shall ware my step. I scarcely need to get myself into any unnecessary trouble.

[ Alphinaud jots something down quickly in his notebook, then: ]

While we are on the topic of angels, however—might I mention a thought that occurred to me while taking my notes?

Of course. What is it?

Do you recall when I made mention of the Watcher's possessions?

If I recall right... You suggested that some of the items found by our disappearing groups belonged to them.

[ Alphinaud nods. ]

I can say with confidence that the doll I had held on to belonged to Miss Satariel, while the other item found thus far belonged to Suriel. To briefly state, I do think that... a version of the Watchers, so to speak, can be encountered within these ventures, and that they place upon us the responsibility of returning these belongings.

And I may have found out why.

[A slow, comprehending nod.]

Why?

One of the notes shared among us during the meeting, in regards to the angels, ended like so:

[ Alphinaud lifts his notebook, reading off the page. ]

"Fewer still choose to leave those ranks, and return to the world from whence they came, for they can only do so as long as that which ties them to humanity is kept safe."

Now, I presume you are able to make the connection here, but I can almost be certain those belongings of theirs can be related to this.

[His eyes widen.]

That sounds like a solid theory.

In which case... we'd best try to secure those belongings whenever we're able to.

Indeed. I full intend on speaking to those who have returned recently with their findings, that we may bring back the next item to the appropriate Watcher. 'Tis imperative, I feel, that we free them from what binds them to the angels.

And if I am right, then we all must be aware of what we are to do.

[There's a long pause as Kim takes another drag from his cigarette... and he nods.]

Good plan. It looked like Mr. Van Zieks was carrying something when they came out... He might still have it, if it hasn't changed hands since then.

A bag, if I recall correctly. Aye, 'twas my thought as well, and I do intend on speaking with him about it. I trust he would be willing to comply.

He might be reluctant to talk about it. But if you present your theory, as you did with me here, I expect he would be willing to cooperate.

Mr. van Zieks is a reasonable man, so I do not anticipate it will come with difficulty. Besides, even if he were not, 'twould be folly of him to not speak of it when mine own sister accompanied him on such a journey.

True.

Has Alisaie told you what they found?

Not yet. I had wanted to allow her some rest ere I begin prying her for details, but knowing her... She likely wants to discuss it as we speak, as she is privy to my wish to seek out the Watcher's possessions.

But it will be done today.

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voltadomar - 2021-10-23 09:02 (UTC) - Expand

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