if she'd been covered with glitter

[maleficum]

Comments

[an_honestword]

Oh, no. The ones who came before had no idea what was waiting for them on the other side. Which is the reason why we're having this nice conversation and no one's gotten stabbed yet.

[Rusty takes a deep breath, and shifts to lean back against the front counter.]

But tell you what. I'll help you take out Kirsanov. He's a member that no one will miss. If we make it through that without you stabbing me in the back, then we'll talk about the rest.

[maxxx]

( Is that a threat? And is that a threat. )

Is this where we exchange friendship bracelets?

[an_honestword]

[Assume that if you turn on him, everything is a threat.]

No. This is the part where you try and find a supernatural creature rare and powerful enough for us to use as a boon to get in Kirsanov's front door.

[maxxx]

( No friendship bracelets. )

You're giving us homework.

[an_honestword]

No, I'm giving you a strategy.

[Because there's a difference.]

Kirsanov is a collector, and his schtick of choice is rare and interesting supernatural creatures. Show up to his front door empty handed, and you'll have a hell of a time getting in. Show up with a gift, on the other hand ...

[And he'll leave Max to fill in the blanks.]

[maxxx]

Are you coming with me?

( Now he needs to bring it to his people. )

[an_honestword]

To see the other heirs? No. I don't trust you enough to walk into that hornet's nest.

[He'll put that up front.]

But when you guys decide you're in, I will go with you to see Kirsanov.

[maxxx]

The paranoia's warranted, but a little much. Once we have what we need - do you prefer semaphore? Carrier pigeon?

( How does he get back in touch with you, Rusty? )

[an_honestword]

You try getting murdered roughly every thirty years for the last four-hundred and see how you feel.

[Their curse means he always remembers so yeah - as far as he's concerned, no paranoia is too much paranoia. He pulls a napkin off a nearby table, clicks a pen and scribbles down a number.]

But I do know how to use a smartphone.

[maxxx]

You don't look a day over twenty-five.

( He looks older, that must be the aging thing, or whatever spell was cast all those years ago. )

[an_honestword]

The secret is sunscreen.

[Are they going to quip all day or does Max have everything he needs?]

Anything else you want to know?

[maxxx]

Anything else we need to know?

( Are are they need to know until he holds his end of the bargain. )

[an_honestword]

Where we're heading is cold. Pack for winter.

[And that's about all he'll give from his end, because he's already said trust is earned.]

[maxxx]

Winter is coming. Got it. Thanks, GOT. We'll be in touch.

( Only so many times he can hit his head against the wall until he starts to bleed. But at least he has a goal and a first step. He sticks the napkin in his back pocket and leaves Rusty to his own devices.

Thanks, Rusty! )