[He sent Donna a text before he left Prague, checking to see that Harvey was alone, and that he wasn't expecting anyone. Harvey had a suspiciously clear afternoon, meaning he intended to do something else, something that wasn't dealing with what David was about to bring to his door, but David doesn't have time to wait.
Does he know if he can trust Harvey? No. But in the grand scheme of people with power to do something about this, Harvey is the most trustworthy option. Even with the people he works for, he'd like to believe that Harvey is a good man - somewhere deep, deep down - and will understand the danger of this.
He pops off the elevator to avoid a super dramatic arrival, and gives Donna a wave before letting himself into Harvey's office.]
( Harvey is who you want on your team, be it against his will, or yours. He goes to bat every time. He rarely misses. Being a school marm was never on his list of favorite activities, but what the Colony wants, the Colony gets. And the Colony wants a close eye kept on the Adin-Gainors and the minding of Elena Gilbert.
Especially when they fuck up.
Harvey's clear afternoon is actually due to striking out on something separate, something to do with the firm he actually works for, and not his clients who need their hands held.
That said, this tone and this 'waltzing right in' attitude. Not one of his favorites.
Harvey turns, arms closed, calling out his door. )
Donna, I don't remember David Gainor scheduling an appointment today. Something I overlooked?
["He called, said it was an emergency and asked if you were free."
While Donna isn't a witch, she knows better than to interfere in witch business. As much as Harvey might not be happy to see David, she knows that if something was really going wrong, Harvey wouldn't mind the interruption.
David ignores the question, because Donna already covered it, scanning the room briefly. He has a feeling that there are likely bugs in his office, given all the branches of the supernatural he has a hand in, and he doesn't want to play too many of his cards where someone else can hear them.]
And if he called and said to do the hokey-pokey and turn yourself around?
( Harvey is in a mood, but it's nothing Donna can't handle. David and his emergency. Harvey is astute (15) reading David's emergency and his noting of Colony sensors. )
I haven't had an emergency lunch in a while. Is that when the food comes in record time because we're both so hungry?
( Harvey gives shit. He also gives his own look around. )
[And with that, they'll head off to a charming little bistro that's generally quiet. They settle at a table in the back, and after they've placed their orders, he pulls out the box and places it in front of him.]
It was used on a witch friend of mine in Prague by a gaggle of hunters that couldn't tell their ass from their elbows, but that isn't the interesting part.
[He leans forward and taps his fingers against the top.]
True, they could have stolen or found one if they got really lucky. There are a few out there that the coven doesn't have a hold of. But the problem with this one is that it's new. Couldn't have been made more than six months ago.
That's not dumb. It sounds dumb, but it's not. That sounds like strategy. And distraction. If they get who they get, more power to them, but what are they really after.
( He mulls that over as he takes a sip of his scotch. )
They also have a witch on their payroll. One of yours. Did you know?
[He shakes his head, trying to take a step back and look at it like a strategy. Trying to think of it from a witch perspective, rather than a hunter one.
Some connections are coming, but he needs to know if he can trust Harvey with his suspicions.]
I know it might seem redundant, given who we both work for, but I think you and I both know that this needs to stay off the Colony's radar until we have better answers. And while I do think, by virtue of your job, you wind up dealing with some shitty people, I don't think that you, Harvey, are a bad person.
[He pauses, flipping over his paper placemat and scribbles a brief message on the back:
I, David Gainor, hire Harvey Specter to represent me in all current and ongoing legal matters.
He signs and dates it and tears off that portion of the placemat, before reaching into his wallet and pulling out all the cash he has.]
( Harvey knows. A damnum essentia on this table guaranteed the Colony couldn't know. Either they shouldn't, Harvey and David, or the Colony doesn't and that brings with it more questions, and not ones the Colony doesn't give a violent end to when asking.
It's better for all involved that Harvey pockets David's cash, sticking it in the inner pocket of his jacket. )
As your attorney, I'd advise you to tell me everything you know.
Four hundred years ago, the Colony broke off from their original coven. They were forcibly evicted to the states, because they wanted to get involved with darker magic. Demonic magic. They've been building their power and influence over here ever since.
[As a primer.]
The first time we saw Tamara Monroe was in Beacon Hills about ten years ago. She was Gerard Argent's protégé, and she did the song and dance of radicalizing the locals against their supernatural protectors. Gerard Argent died there, but Monroe picked up where he left off, traveling all over the world to build up her forces. There have been small skirmishes over the last decade, but nothing as big as the kinds of things we're seeing now.
[So he grabs some of the condiment containers, placing the salt shaker as Beacon Hills.]
There's also an active Nematon there. It's possible something else might have been involved for her to have been as effective as she was, but we'd have to ask someone who was actually there to find out for sure.
[Do you want to come back to Mystic Falls with him, Harvey? They could poke at the alpha himself. But moving on.]
Then, six months ago, they hit London. Took out a huge chunk of the Knightsbridge coven leaders, as well as a good amount of the lesser witches. One of the coven leaders activated a protective barrier to keep the hunters in, and while it contained the mess, a lot of people got killed that might not have if they had been able to escape. But the Knightsbridge witches are very white hat. They have druidic origins, so they don't right anything down. Knowledge is passed down parent to child, no grimmoires, no records. If they had actually achieved their end goals, hundreds of years worth of knowledge could have vanished like that.
[He snaps his fingers, before picking up the pepper shaker and placing it down in a place to resemble London.]
But what not a lot of people know? Is that the Knightsbridge coven is the coven of origin for the Colony.
You're saying the Knightsbridge Coven breaking off into the Colony is not common knowledge. And, that someone aware of the Colony's origins has been - if not bankrolling Tamara Monroe's efforts, aiding them.
[He's not ready to commit to anything yet. He doesn't have enough answers.]
At first it just seemed like they were hitting big targets. Mystic Falls was next, which lent credence to that. The Salvatores, the school, the doppelganger, Klaus Mikaelson and Hayley Marshall were in town - a perfect storm of people who were going to be either off-guard or removed from their seat of power. Hell, even Derek Hale was there.
[The ketchup bottle will be playing the role of Mystic Falls today. It certainly was a melting pot of supernatural royalty.]
But there weren't any witch elements here. It was very much hit hard and get as many targets as possible. Much more a hunter's style. But now we have Prague.
[Mustard gets to be Prague, to finish out this condiment map.]
And if it hadn't have been Prague I might not have seen it, but this? This is definitely a witch target. The Knightsbridge coven and the Prague coven both share a similar power collective. You tap into that, and you can boost your own power. Most tradition would probably consider it a ritual only performed by an heir, but that's a misinterpretation of the original spell.
[He leans back, crossing his arms in front of his chest.]
You don't need to be an heir. You don't need to be part of a specific bloodline. You just need to perform the right ritual with the right celestial event without a living member of the coven having designated themselves the leader.
[Hence taking out the Brightons. All of them, except for poor Danny.]
With this ritual and this celestial event, your power would be magnified? Enough to head up a coven missing a rightful - fully-powered heir? And someone might want that enough to drop an ancient spell into the hands of someone not meant to wield it.
Oh, my family is a whole other can of worms we do not have time for. Maybe during another privileged lunch.
[He takes a sip of his coffee.]
Reckless might have been the name of the game. Cause chaos. Distract those involved. Make them think they were looking for something that they weren't.
[He rubs the back of his neck.]
There's not enough information. Part of why I came to you.
Except, they pointed right at themselves. They waved their arms and said, this is my magic and my magic only. ( Are they trying to be caught? ) What is it you need from me?
[As much as he is a member of the founding families he doesn't think the council trusts him. They're still suspicious. There's a reason why his husband was sent to Mystic Falls.]
And I think if we need more details, we should probably talk to someone who might have been around for the origin of some of these rituals but is less protective of their secrets. But I don't think I can pop off and have a drink with a witch like Freya Mikaelson without raising some eyebrows.
[A small beat.]
Also I think New Orleans is a logical place for Monroe's next hit.
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everyonelives2021-10-27 05:46 pm
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Does he know if he can trust Harvey? No. But in the grand scheme of people with power to do something about this, Harvey is the most trustworthy option. Even with the people he works for, he'd like to believe that Harvey is a good man - somewhere deep, deep down - and will understand the danger of this.
He pops off the elevator to avoid a super dramatic arrival, and gives Donna a wave before letting himself into Harvey's office.]
I need to talk to you.
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Especially when they fuck up.
Harvey's clear afternoon is actually due to striking out on something separate, something to do with the firm he actually works for, and not his clients who need their hands held.
That said, this tone and this 'waltzing right in' attitude. Not one of his favorites.
Harvey turns, arms closed, calling out his door. )
Donna, I don't remember David Gainor scheduling an appointment today. Something I overlooked?
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While Donna isn't a witch, she knows better than to interfere in witch business. As much as Harvey might not be happy to see David, she knows that if something was really going wrong, Harvey wouldn't mind the interruption.
David ignores the question, because Donna already covered it, scanning the room briefly. He has a feeling that there are likely bugs in his office, given all the branches of the supernatural he has a hand in, and he doesn't want to play too many of his cards where someone else can hear them.]
Have you eaten yet? We can do lunch. My treat.
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( Harvey is in a mood, but it's nothing Donna can't handle. David and his emergency. Harvey is astute (15) reading David's emergency and his noting of Colony sensors. )
I haven't had an emergency lunch in a while. Is that when the food comes in record time because we're both so hungry?
( Harvey gives shit. He also gives his own look around. )
Fine. You get an hour.
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[And with that, he'll turn and head out the door. He'll stop by Donna's desk, and flash her a smile.]
Want me to bring you back dessert?
[Donna smiles in return. "You know the way to my heart."
David waggles an eyebrow at her, before glancing back to Harvey.]
You coming, or what?
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( David has always charmed Donna. Maybe it's because he's gay, maybe it's because when David wants to be, he can be charming.
Harvey is right there, though. Following behind. )
You promised lunch.
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[And with that, they'll head off to a charming little bistro that's generally quiet. They settle at a table in the back, and after they've placed their orders, he pulls out the box and places it in front of him.]
Have you seen one of those before?
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At (15), Harvey has. He's not an expert, but nobody should be.
He leans over, lowering his voice.
Where did you get a damnum essentia?
( They're ancient. They're dark. And as far as Harvey knew, there was one at Colony HQ behind glass. )
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[He leans forward and taps his fingers against the top.]
True, they could have stolen or found one if they got really lucky. There are a few out there that the coven doesn't have a hold of. But the problem with this one is that it's new. Couldn't have been made more than six months ago.
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A damnum essentia isn't just lying around. Nor is the spell to create one. And this was used by run-of-the-mill hunters?
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[He rubs his face.]
They were part of the Monroe outfit. It seems they have all the valuable people planning the ops but putting the dumbasses on the ground.
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( He mulls that over as he takes a sip of his scotch. )
They also have a witch on their payroll. One of yours. Did you know?
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Some connections are coming, but he needs to know if he can trust Harvey with his suspicions.]
What's your retainer?
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( David could use the oldest, cliché idea of handing Harvey a $1 and telling Harvey he's his lawyer now.
His retainer is high, David. )
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[He pauses, flipping over his paper placemat and scribbles a brief message on the back:
I, David Gainor, hire Harvey Specter to represent me in all current and ongoing legal matters.
He signs and dates it and tears off that portion of the placemat, before reaching into his wallet and pulling out all the cash he has.]
I've got fifty bucks. Consider it a down payment.
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It's better for all involved that Harvey pockets David's cash, sticking it in the inner pocket of his jacket. )
As your attorney, I'd advise you to tell me everything you know.
no subject
Four hundred years ago, the Colony broke off from their original coven. They were forcibly evicted to the states, because they wanted to get involved with darker magic. Demonic magic. They've been building their power and influence over here ever since.
[As a primer.]
The first time we saw Tamara Monroe was in Beacon Hills about ten years ago. She was Gerard Argent's protégé, and she did the song and dance of radicalizing the locals against their supernatural protectors. Gerard Argent died there, but Monroe picked up where he left off, traveling all over the world to build up her forces. There have been small skirmishes over the last decade, but nothing as big as the kinds of things we're seeing now.
[So he grabs some of the condiment containers, placing the salt shaker as Beacon Hills.]
There's also an active Nematon there. It's possible something else might have been involved for her to have been as effective as she was, but we'd have to ask someone who was actually there to find out for sure.
[Do you want to come back to Mystic Falls with him, Harvey? They could poke at the alpha himself. But moving on.]
Then, six months ago, they hit London. Took out a huge chunk of the Knightsbridge coven leaders, as well as a good amount of the lesser witches. One of the coven leaders activated a protective barrier to keep the hunters in, and while it contained the mess, a lot of people got killed that might not have if they had been able to escape. But the Knightsbridge witches are very white hat. They have druidic origins, so they don't right anything down. Knowledge is passed down parent to child, no grimmoires, no records. If they had actually achieved their end goals, hundreds of years worth of knowledge could have vanished like that.
[He snaps his fingers, before picking up the pepper shaker and placing it down in a place to resemble London.]
But what not a lot of people know? Is that the Knightsbridge coven is the coven of origin for the Colony.
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( Harvey's trying to make sense of it, anyway. )
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[He's not ready to commit to anything yet. He doesn't have enough answers.]
At first it just seemed like they were hitting big targets. Mystic Falls was next, which lent credence to that. The Salvatores, the school, the doppelganger, Klaus Mikaelson and Hayley Marshall were in town - a perfect storm of people who were going to be either off-guard or removed from their seat of power. Hell, even Derek Hale was there.
[The ketchup bottle will be playing the role of Mystic Falls today. It certainly was a melting pot of supernatural royalty.]
But there weren't any witch elements here. It was very much hit hard and get as many targets as possible. Much more a hunter's style. But now we have Prague.
[Mustard gets to be Prague, to finish out this condiment map.]
And if it hadn't have been Prague I might not have seen it, but this? This is definitely a witch target. The Knightsbridge coven and the Prague coven both share a similar power collective. You tap into that, and you can boost your own power. Most tradition would probably consider it a ritual only performed by an heir, but that's a misinterpretation of the original spell.
[He leans back, crossing his arms in front of his chest.]
You don't need to be an heir. You don't need to be part of a specific bloodline. You just need to perform the right ritual with the right celestial event without a living member of the coven having designated themselves the leader.
[Hence taking out the Brightons. All of them, except for poor Danny.]
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With this ritual and this celestial event, your power would be magnified? Enough to head up a coven missing a rightful - fully-powered heir? And someone might want that enough to drop an ancient spell into the hands of someone not meant to wield it.
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Pretty much. I mean, it's not a terrible plan. If you're bent on world domination.
[He rubs a hand over his face.]
Which the Colony usually is.
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( It's really all he knows. David is royalty. )
It's still reckless, releasing this at all.
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[He takes a sip of his coffee.]
Reckless might have been the name of the game. Cause chaos. Distract those involved. Make them think they were looking for something that they weren't.
[He rubs the back of his neck.]
There's not enough information. Part of why I came to you.
no subject
Except, they pointed right at themselves. They waved their arms and said, this is my magic and my magic only. ( Are they trying to be caught? ) What is it you need from me?
no subject
[As much as he is a member of the founding families he doesn't think the council trusts him. They're still suspicious. There's a reason why his husband was sent to Mystic Falls.]
And I think if we need more details, we should probably talk to someone who might have been around for the origin of some of these rituals but is less protective of their secrets. But I don't think I can pop off and have a drink with a witch like Freya Mikaelson without raising some eyebrows.
[A small beat.]
Also I think New Orleans is a logical place for Monroe's next hit.
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