Meeting of the Minds

[Navarre]

"I would expect nothing less from a dignified woman like yourself. If my years of dealing with common filth have taught me anything, it's that only the basest of men take life indiscriminately; ignorant fools who, governed by their sadistic impulses, delight in murdering the innocent in the most depraved ways imaginable. I would never ask you to stoop to their levels, I assure you."

Navarre had always believed that lives must be taken for a reason. During her life as a crime lord, she had ordered these very same "base men" to commit the most heinous of atrocities: rape, murder, and tortures that would make a seasoned soldier's stomach churn in revulsion. Oh, some of these men seemed to regret their actions, but they all enjoyed their craft, even if they didn't want to admit it. They killed for pleasure, but she was different. By having her men kill in her name, she had eliminated undesirables from society and gained funds for her larger plans, plans that would ultimately make the world a better place.

She had gained so much wisdom over the ages, so it was only natural that here vision for this land was the right one. And if a few innocents had to perish for her vision to be realized, then so be it; they would have been lost to disease or the knife at some point, and besides, most were definitely guilty of something that would warrant death. Weeds, after all, have to be exterminated; it's only natural that a few flowers get plucked in the process.

Fortunately, Derrin seemed to understand that. Perhaps she had been too critical of the girl, after all. Nevertheless, it would be wise to keep an eye on her -- at least until she knew her for a while longer. It would be foolish to fully trust a person she met only yesterday, even if she was a fellow immortal.

Returning to her seat, she gave Derrin a friendly smile, her icy demeanor once again melting away. "Again, forgive me for prying. I'm sure you understand that I wouldn't want us to have a disagreement much further down the road. We won't have to worry about this ugly business until after my transfer, so let's not dwell on it for now." She paused for a moment, her smile widening. "And since you answered such an uncomfortable question for me, it's only right that I return the favor. I'm sure you must be harboring some doubts and concerns, as well. If there's something that's bothering you, feel free to ask."

[Derin Edala]

Derin didn't believe that Navarre wished her any direct harm. Malice was a human emotion, and since Derin was no threat to Navarre, she wouldn't have expected to have been attacked even if she wasn't useful to her. But the human... the possibility of a human pulling the strings was another story. That was the major issue that needed to be resolved.

Derin met Navarre's gaze. "I am having trouble," she said carefully, "figuring out the scope of your plan. The details of what you are trying to accomplish do not concern me at this point, but I suspect that there may be... more than just the two of us involved. If there is a third player, I'm not necessarily averse to their presence, but I do need to know from the beginning. Are we working alone?"

[Navarre]

"That depends on your definition of 'alone', my dear. As it stands, you are the only person who knows that I'm planning something. I'm a rather private person, you see, and I generally don't like sharing my vision with others. There are many people in this world of ours who would not be able to... appreciate what I'm trying to accomplish. However, we won't be entirely alone."

Navarre rose from her chair once again and strolled over to her bookcase. She began perusing the titles on the middle shelf, and soon pulled out a familiar book. Heading back over to her desk, she moved her empty teacup aside and set the book down, opening it to where she had left her marker. As much as she'd wanted to dwell on her encounter with a fellow immortal after her return from Shim, she had forced herself to review the text that Alexander had been so kind to lend her. Even though she had all the time in the world, she couldn't afford to become lazy with her work.

She skimmed over the lines of text. Paragraphs of nigh-illegible notes lined the margins of the pages; important names were circled, sentences were underlined, certain phrases crossed-out. Most noticeable was the names of Lords Modestine and Ronstadt, which were circled and connected with a line of red ink. Two of many potential allies for her upcoming game, but they would be among the most significant.

She motioned Derrin over. "Come, look. This is the book I picked up the other day: A Portrait of Nobility by Francis Delarne. While it has some use for my upcoming transfer, I'm more concerned with its information on prominent aristocratic families in Marn. I intend to involve some nobles with my agenda after I transfer, but they won't know of our true nature. Human pawns, nothing more."

[Derin Edala]

Derin nodded. "But there are currently no humans in a... managerial capacity in this plan?" she asked. That, she felt, was an important thing to clarify. If she was being pushed into working with a demonologist, she needed to know.

She frowned at the book. None of the names were familiar, Derin not being all that interested in politics, but she memorised a few of the important-looking ones, including the red-outlined ones. "Aristocrats? Are you going to try to influence Marn in some way?" That would be interesting. If she could hasten the downfall of the town... Patience. Don't get greedy. "That would be intriguing."

[Navarre]

Navarre looked at the woman for several moments, pursing her lips together thoughtfully. She wanted to know if there were any humans involved in her plan. Humans. Her concern was legitimate, but the way she phrased the question... Did she merely see humans as beneath her, or was she something supernatural? For all this time she'd thought that Derrin was like herself, a woman who had transcended her mortal bonds, but it seemed she could be something more than that.

A strange woman, possibly not even human, fascinated with the graveyard in Shim. Just who was this Derrin? Only time would tell.

"You needn't worry about that, dear. I am the sole architect behind my plan, as only an immortal is capable of properly shaping the future. And yes, I do plan on influencing Marn. As I am an eternal inhabitant of this world, I feel it is only fair that I have a say in its affairs. Marn can benefit from my guidance -- our guidance -- and I feel that it is my responsibility to put these wayward people on the right path."

She closed the book. "But enough about that. We've been talking about our plans for quite a while, so I feel it's about time we set the ball rolling, so to speak. Would you like to come with me to the University? I'm sure the library will have some information on Shim's graveyard. Not only that, you'll be able to become acquainted with some of your future peers."

[Derin Edala]

Derin touched the bandages on her face. She could always claim that the scars had a habit of reopening. Then nobody need know the burn was fresh. "Alright," she said, "that could be useful." She'd stood and was halfway out the door before she realised what Navarre had said.

An 'eternal inhabitant of this world'.

Was Navarre... did she intend on staying on the material plane? Forever?

Could... could you do that?

Surely she was intending to get home, after her plan (whatever it was) was complete. Surely she was going to return to the real world, move on, get herself a territory and build some servants and live in luxury.

As opposed to here, where she had a territory that nobody fought her for. Where she had conscious and compliant servants that didn't seem to be trying to kill her every time she turned her back. Where she never starved, and was always safe.

Derin swallowed. It was something to think about, certainly. But it wasn't important, yet. She was trapped for as long as Marn stood. It didn't matter. Yet.

[Navarre]

Navarre watched silently as her guest headed for the door, then reached for her book. She walked back over to the bookcase and tucked it between two old, leathery tomes. As much as she trusted her servants -- her hiring process was very selective, after all -- she knew full well that curiosity was a powerful emotion. A pair of prying eyes could be far more dangerous than a dagger to the throat, especially if one had something to hide.

She followed Derrin into the hallway and closed the door behind her, then started for the front door. "I'm sure you'll like the University," she began as they went down the hallway, passing the same maid from before. "The atmosphere is quite pleasant, and I often find myself spending my evenings there, either talking with colleagues or catching up on research." Smiling, she glanced back at Derrin. "Although I'd be careful with the students. Having been one myself, I can say that some of them tend to be a little... mischievous."

Mischievous would be putting it lightly, of course. As Madelynne's boyfriend, she had made a habit of mouthing off to some of her professors, more for the sport of it than out of any actual disrespect. Funnily enough, she had a dinner date coming up with a professor who once threatened to have her expelled. Body swapping made for some interesting occurrences.

Once they were outside, she stopped and turned to face her mansion. One becomes accustomed to many things over time, and since she had all the time in the world it was easy for her to take things for granted. But soon she would be leaving this place behind, along with everything that went with it: those winter nights in the library with a good book and a warm cup of coffee; those warm summer afternoons out in the garden with her flowers.

But she had a mission, and a whole new world awaited her; and this time, she wouldn't be going alone.

Turning away from her memories, she began walking with Derrin. After a while, she spoke up: "You know, I've always hated making this walk. As much as I enjoy living in Marn, it's streets are filled with all sorts of trash; filthy vagrants with worn, dirty faces who beg for Bishani. One of them even had the nerve to tug on my dress, years ago. It'll be much easier making the walk with someone else."

[Derin Edala]

Derin nodded. "I dislike crowds, myself," she said. "They remind me of more dangerous times, if you get my drift. Of course, in these circumstances there isn't much that they can do to us, not like... anyway, it's impossible to entirely trust people, especially people in large groups, even if the threat is minimal." She sidestepped a child running past. "There are hardly any children running about at in this place at least, but the adults are almost as rash and insensible. Frankly I wonder why you think a place like this is worth the effort to live in."

[Navarre]

Navarre narrowed her eyes as the child rushed past them, instinctively moving away from her. One of the few things that remained constant throughout her existence was her hatred of children. Even when she inhabited the body of a child, she greatly disliked being around other boys and girls, and only hung around them to manipulate them for her amusement. Needy, disgusting creatures who should be seen and not heard.

Her daughter was no different. That girl from ages past, the one who bore the likeness of her original body. She couldn't even remember the girl's name, and yet for some reason unknown to her, her heart filled with anger whenever she thought of the brat. It was nothing worth getting worked up about, and yet...

Clearing her mind, she looked off into a nearby crowd of people. Derin had a point; at times, she felt Marn was truly beyond salvation. The people that filled it streets were proof of that: ignorant, blind masses beyond any redemption, with large, calloused hands and ugly faces. Stopping, she glanced back at Derin. "At times I wonder the same thing. But Marn is a convenient home for... numerous reasons, despite my issues with its inhabitants. Besides, I wouldn't say it's beyond purification."

Before long, the two reached the University campus. Navarre stopped in front of a large building near the center of the complex and turned to Derin, giving her a knowing smile. "Here we are, the moment you've been waiting for. As my assistant you'll have advanced access to the archives, although some sections are still restricted. I'm sure we'll have no issue finding what you're after."

[Derin Edala]

Derin nodded, casting her eye over the building. A real library. Not a private library like that in her old mansion, a careful collection of books to fit the specific interests of the owner and its ancestors, but a proper educational resource. Censored, naturally, but you couldn't have everything. The holes of information left by censors usually gave good clues as to what the information was, anyway, and she'd be sure to put together something. "Wonderful."

[Navarre]

Putting on her usual forced smile, Navarre made her way into the library with her newest assistant. As always, the old building was filled with students, most of whom were working diligently on their studies. As she passed by the tables she caught sight of a youth frantically skimming over a book, his hand shaking as he rapidly took notes. That's what you get for waiting until the last minute, she thought, her lips twisting into a small smirk.

When Navarre reached the front desk, the librarian looked up and greeted her with a smile. She was a pretty young woman, likely no older than Derin's current host, but looked as though she hadn't slept in days. "Madam Vendeleur! Always a pleasure to see you. For a moment there I thought you were another kid coming up to pester me about a research paper."

Navarre smiled in return. "This is always a hectic time for students, Mira. Besides, I seem to remember a certain young woman driving the librarians up the wall not even two years ago."

Mira huffed. "That's because I was a hard worker, Madam Vendeleur. I wasn't pestering you about nonsense that I should have learned --" She cut herself off when she noticed Derin standing beside Navarre. She seemed slightly startled when she noticed her coverings, but quickly recovered her composure and gave her a friendly smile. "Oh, I wasn't aware you were bringing a friend today."

"Where are my manners? This is Miss Shani Overhill, my newest assistant."

Mira blinked in surprise. "Assistant? You were the last person I'd expect to need an assistant, Miss Vendeleur. You've always struck me as the solitary type, if you don't mind me saying."

Navarre laughed. "Well, I am getting on a bit, so this job isn't as easy as it once was. Besides, it does get rather lonely at the office..." She drifted off, her eyes suddenly moving to a nearby shelf. An obese blond man dressed in a crimson cloak stood in front of it, perusing the books. "If you'll excuse us, Mira, Miss Overhill and I have research to attend to. I'm extending my clearances to her, in case she needs to check anything out."

Mira nodded. "Of course. Have a nice day, you two."

Navarre headed off again, dropping her smile immediately once she was out of sight. "If there's one thing I'm not going to miss, it's nosy little busybodies like her," she told Derin silently, her tone carrying a hint of annoyance. "At any rate, there's someone I'd like you to meet. Perhaps he may be able to help you with your... research."

[Derin Edala]

Derin smiled and said hello to the woman politely and as they left her, nodded her acknowledgement of Navarre's words, starting to suspect that, just possibly, things might play out well. She crushed the feeling as soon as she recognised it. Optimism was not a luxury that anybody could afford at any time. Once you stopped looking for risks, they blindsided you. She'd had a few bosses who'd gotten too complacent and immediately been toppled and torn apart by wild children.

She needed to keep being careful. She needed to protect herself and Navarre, especially now that she was just gaining something of value to lose. Mira, librarian, apparently a nosy busybody. Whatever that meant. A gossip probably. Apparently Navarre had a gift for interacting with humans that Derin herself lacked. Was Navarre older, essentially more powerful? Possibly but unlikely. People of Derin's age and power should not find themselves tricked by humans in the first place. She may have been with humans much longer, though, and had time to develop her social skills.

For now, Derin put the mystery aside and followed Navarre, hoping this friend she hinted at wasn't anybody too dangerous or unexpected. She'd had enough strange surprises for the time being.

[Navarre]

Navarre was once again a cheerful old woman when she reached the man at the bookshelf, having abandoned her annoyance as naturally as a snake shedding its skin. She reached forward and gave him a gentle tap on the shoulder. "Lord Modestine! I hadn't expected to see you here today. I trust that your trip with the girls went well?"

When the man turned to face her, she tried her hardest to keep her revulsion from staining her pleasant mask. Lord Modestine was easily the fattest man she'd encountered in her two centuries of life -- as far as she could remember, at any rate. Dressed in fine silks and jewelry, he resembled a hog dressed up like a king for the county fair. She normally wouldn't bother with such a hedonistic glutton, but she had been pleased to find that his pockets were as full as his belly. Whether she liked it or not, Modestine was one of the most likely supporters for her plan, and she needed to ensure that he remained in-line with her vision.

Modestine turned and grinned through his mess of a beard, spreading his arms. "There she is! I've been looking around for you since I got here, Maddy. And stop being so damn formal! Nobody around here is going to gasp in horror if you call me John. And the trip was absolutely fantastic, thanks for asking, although the little princesses went through my bishani like it was tissue paper."

"Oh, but John, I thought you liked being my Lord Modestine," said Navarre with a grin as she consigned herself to the grip of his massive arms. Madelynne, you were fun between the sheets, but you had awful taste in men. Until I came along and put you straight, anyway. And now I'm going to have to burn this dress.

Modestine released her. "Oh, I did, but then another lord stormed my castle and whisked you away," he said with a laugh. Noticing Derin, he smiled at her through his wild beard. "See you've got a friend with you today."

"Miss Shani Overhill, my new assistant," Navarre said. "Which reminds me, she's currently conducting a research project on Shim. I know you're more familiar with the topic than I am, so would you be able to recommend anything?" If she had anything positive to say about Modestine, it was that his interest in trivial history almost rivaled his interest in pork pies, and a backwater town like Shim is as trivial as it gets. Or so she thought.

"A pleasure to meet ya, Miss Overhill," Modestine said with a grin. "So you're interested in Shim, huh? I lived there for a number of years myself. Really beautiful place, especially at night. Anyway, what exactly are ya looking into? The founding, town gossip, specific people? I got a whole mess o' books I could recommend ya."

[Derin Edala]

Press lightly. Avoid suspicion. Derin... Shani... smiled, ignoring the sharp pain in her face as she did so. Not that he'd see much beneath the bandages and veil. "Shim as a whole is a fascinating place," she said. "I'm actually interested in the development of the layout of the town. Obviously these things tend to sprawl out on their own over time, but the original planned layout... would I be right in guessing that it was planned around a few key sites? The river, obviously, and Marn itself, and the graveyard seems to have a considerable pull on the town's layout. The first two are fixed points, but is there any reason in particular that the graveyard was placed where it was?"

[Navarre]

Modestine stroked his beard thoughtfully. "You would indeed be right, miss: many factors played a role in the development of Shim's layout, the river in particular; water is the essence of life, after all, and is necessary for any settlement to thrive. The graveyard, however, is a unique case: most cemeteries are generally placed on the outskirts of villages, obviously to avoid contamination and disease, and yet Shim's is near the heart of the town. As for the reasoning behind this choice, it's hard to say; most scholars have their theories, of course, but because the graveyard's reputation and the anti-magic sentiment in Marn, you won't hear them discussing the subject at length."

His smile returned. "At any rate, there's more than a few books in the restricted section that you can look at. Hopefully they'll be more helpful then I've been, eh? Come with me and I'll show ya."

He led them past rows of books to the restricted section of the library. It wasn't as well-lit as the public section, and was abandoned aside from them. He motioned to a nearby shelf. "Most of the books on Shim are on this shelf, and I recall seeing a couple dedicated exclusively to the graveyard. Well, I'll leave you two to your research. It was a pleasure meeting you, Miss Overhill." With that, he turned and left the women to their business, closing the door behind him.

"Good riddance," said Navarre once the man finally left. "I can only wonder what Madelynne saw in that foolish man. But he does have his uses, as you can see. We'll be dealing with him more frequently after my transfer, but I wouldn't expect him to be too cheerful when that time comes."