(2022-06-25) Meepsie Interview

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Author:	Athena
Summary:	Meepsie's introduction interview for Cobalt Company, which…doesn't go quite as expected.
Rating:	T for Teen

Chain: Cobalt Company Interviews

In CC HQ, Friday afternoon, the Captains and Lieutenant minus Auralind are seated.

Jocoza Sparkwire hands around the last application. "This last one is… tricky."

[Elohad Ference]: “Some of 'em don't have far to go, am I right? Tricky, hm? Good thing I'm here!”

Jocoza Sparkwire giggles. "I do not contest that."

Meepsie Tinkwhistle peers warily into the headquarters, hoping she has the right place.

Jocoza Sparkwire waves the gnome down. "Meepsie? We're down here."

Elohad Ference mouths, 'Meepsie'?

Meepsie Tinkwhistle steps in meekly, hands clutched to her chest.

Colson Aspenwood makes a faint 'ah' sound, as he stands, giving Meepsie a short, er, quick bow.

Ben Hazan blinks. He does not know any 'Meepsie'? Ben Hazan surveys Meepsie. Definitely does not know her. Weird.

[Elohad Ference]: “Hi there.” Elo smiles.

[Ben Hazan]: “Ma'am.” Ben nods politely to Meepsie.

[Colson Aspenwood]: “Meepsie. Good afternoon.”

Meepsie Tinkwhistle gives a timid wave. She is the tiniest li'l thing, even as gnomes go.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “You all probably recognize her, from the…” Jo falters “…from the funeral.”

[Meepsie Tinkwhistle]: “H-hello…th-thank you for…s-seeing me.”

Colson Aspenwood gestures elegantly to the seat next to him. "Would you like to take a seat?" Colson sits to make himself look marginally less intimidating and tall.

Ben Hazan looks around. He was not at the funeral, but he nods in sudden understanding.

[Meepsie Tinkwhistle]: “Oh…yes…thank you.”

Jocoza Sparkwire probably has no idea who was or wasn't at the funeral. It's a blur.

Meepsie Tinkwhistle climbs…yes climbs into the chair with a squeaky grunt.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “So, everyone, this is Boopsie Sparkfly's sister, Meepsie Tinkwhistle.”

Ben Hazan sits as Meepsie… climbs.

Elohad Ference tries to remain grave after hearing the name ‘Meepsie Tinkwhistle.’

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “These are Lieutenants Aspenwood and Hazan, and Captain Ference. And I'm sure you remember me.”

[Elohad Ference]: “Pleased to meet you, Tinkwhistle.”

Meepsie Tinkwhistle nods to each in turn. "Nice t-to meet you."

Colson Aspenwood inclines his head at his name.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “So, Meepsie, why would you like to join our Company?”

Meepsie Tinkwhistle blinks. Oh yes, maybe she should have prepared answers. "W-well…I…I w-want to honor m-my sister. She…she w-was obviously…loved b-by this Company…and…I th-think she s-saw you as…f-fa-…family."

Jocoza Sparkwire nods. "That is an admirable goal, and we are a very close-knit company. But. Do you want to be a mercenary?"

Ben Hazan peers at the timid gnome dubiously.

Colson Aspenwood's expression gentles somewhat. "What you want does matter, Meepsie. There are many ways to honor a memory."

[Elohad Ference]: “There are also many ways you can help Cobalt Company.”

Jocoza Sparkwire nods at Elohad.

Meepsie Tinkwhistle takes a deep breath, trying so-very-hard to collect some composure. "I…w-want to do s-something good. I…I was given…" she pauses, considering her words, "…a situation…th-that w-would allow m-me to be useful…and h-help…like Boopsie."

Elohad listens intently to Meepsie.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “What situation is that, Meepsie?”

Meepsie Tinkwhistle glances around nervously at the gathered leadership. "This…might be hard to unders-s-stand. But…I was m-made a…a warlock." Meepsie shrinks, bracing herself for reactions.

Elohad Ference frowns.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “You… were made one?” Jo frowns. “How does that work?”

Colson Aspenwood frowns faintly as well. "Made?"

Ben Hazan raises his eyebrows.

Meepsie Tinkwhistle looks down at her hands, fingers fidgeting. "I used to h-have a girlfriend…Marioly. Sh-she was a warlock. D-during the e-ev-…evacuation…" she does not specify which evacuation, "…she d-did some sort of spell to b-bind her demons…t-to me…"

Elohad Ference lets out a long, low whistle.

[Meepsie Tinkwhistle]: “I think…it was supposed to be temp-…temporary. But…Marioly n-never made it out.”

Jocoza Sparkwire frowns more deeply, and doesn't ask to clarify what evacuation. "That seems like… even if you don't join the company, you ought to talk to someone. That doesn't sound stable."

Ben Hazan has no facial expression for this. He does Baffled Puppy Eyes by default.

Elohad Ference has Nope Face.

Meepsie Tinkwhistle sighs and nods. "I have. Other w-warlocks have w-worked with me. H-helped me to c-control my powers."

Colson Aspenwood 's frown intensifies, and he looks briefly at his hands, before he looks back at Meepsie. "I am sorry for your loss. And for what was done to you. If you would like to speak to someone about the emotional side of things, Mordecai is a chaplain."

Elohad Ference is the human embodiment of nope.gif right now.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “And we do have some warlock experts in the Company that might work with you, as well. Even if you're not part of the Company, it's in no one's interests for something like that to go wrong.”

[Colson Aspenwood]: “Indeed.”

Jocoza Sparkwire looks around at the others. "I think this might be a case that we could refer you to our warlock experts? Calduin, Lena, and… Sandy?"

[Meepsie Tinkwhistle]: “Th-that's why…I want to d-do something -good-. Most warlocks are…um…kinda creepy? They've h-helped, but…I…I'm n-not sure how m-much more they c-can help me.”

Colson Aspenwood nods at Jo's words, still looking at Meepsie. “Ah.”

[Ben Hazan]: “Miss Coit and Cal are real sensible, steady people.”

Jocoza Sparkwire bites her lip and looks at the others. "Maybe we could defer this, for a while? And you could work with our warlocks in the meantime, who are not creepy at all. Give you time to figure out what you want, and for our people to get a sense of your… grasp… on the warlock side of things? Ben, Colson, Elo, what do you think?”

[Ben Hazan]: “I think … what you said, ma'am.”

[Elohad Ference]: “I think I'll sit this one out.”

Meepsie Tinkwhistle 's shoulders droop, deflated. "I…I understand…"

Ben Hazan smiles encouragingly at Meepsie. Don't be sad, li'l gnome.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Colson?”

[Colson Aspenwood]: “I agree,” Colson's voice is gentle. “You are still grieving, and I am certain you will come to know what you wish to do with your path. The warlocks of Cobalt Company are worth speaking to, and getting to know.”

[Ben Hazan]: “Ain't to say you will not be Cobalt, ma'am, just that … you know, we want to be the right place for you? And you will like Miss Coit and Cal.”

[Colson Aspenwood]: “There is no rush, and I am not saying 'no' entirely either. I believe it best to give it time, though.”

Elohad Ference just remains grimly silent.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Yes, that's what I think.” Jo glances worriedly back at Elo. “Let's just give this some time, and talk about it again in the future.”

Meepsie Tinkwhistle nods solemnly. "Th-thank you f-for your time." Meepsie scoots and wiggles as she climbs down from the chair, landing with an "Oof!"

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “And if you ever do need to talk… I count your sister as a friend.”

Colson Aspenwood 's voice is still gentle. "And if you do wish to speak to Mordecai at any time, Meepsie, please, send a letter to us at [address]. He will travel to you, if you would prefer."

Meepsie Tinkwhistle gives a tight nod, pinching her lips, "I app-p-preciate it."

Ben Hazan smiles again at Meepsie. He gets respectfully to his feet and tries not to Tower. This does not work.

Elohad Ference remains seated, but nods polite farewell.

[Meepsie Tinkwhistle]: “P-please g-give Mordecai m-my best. He…he w-was very kind to me…"

[Colson Aspenwood]: “I will, of course.” He passes a Blessing of Wisdom over Meepsie. “Light be with you, Meepsie.”

Meepsie Tinkwhistle turns and shuffles out on tiny legs.

Ben Hazan looks pained by the tiny shuffling. Sad gnomes, man.

Colson Aspenwood watches with gentle eyes in his otherwise neutral face.

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “We have a responsibility to her,” Jo says quietly, watching her go.

[Elohad Ference]: “No. We don't.”

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Her sister died for us.”

[Elohad Ference]: “And I'm sorry that happened.”

Colson Aspenwood nods slowly at Jo's words. "We do need to protect the others in the Company as well."

Ben Hazan glances at Colson. After a moment, he nods.

[Colson Aspenwood]: “Until we know she is in full control, she would be dangerous for others.”

[Ben Hazan]: “Yeah.”

[Colson Aspenwood]: “But once she has that control, we could be a place for her to find her way back to a path she can walk confidently.”

[Elohad Ference]: “‘She will not ever be in full control.”

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “And that's why I said, not today. But we can't not offer her some help.”

[Elohad Ference]: “Demons are strong-willed. Stronger willed even than the average person.”

Jocoza Sparkwire sighs. "In the sense that no warlock will be?"

[Elohad Ference]: “They are clever, manipulative, and evil. No, some warlocks have the inner strength and patience to resist. Some very few. That was not one of them. She could barely make eye contact with strangers and resisted the idea of waiting longer. Both very, very bad signs in a warlock.”

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Then at least you accept we should keep an eye on her. Think of it like that.”

[Colson Aspenwood]: “And demons thrive when their warlock is isolated,” Colson says gently. “Some can only resist when they have community to support them.”

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “And maybe Cal or Lena can help.”

[Elohad Ference]: “I am not the boss of Cobalt Company. It's a group decision. But I want it known that I said, here and now, it's a bad idea. That it's going to end badly with that one.”

[Colson Aspenwood]: “I am not certain she will be able to work alongside the Company, but I do believe that she needs support if we are to avoid losing her to the fel.”

[Elohad Ference]: “I will not rest easy if I even pretend I think it's okay. I don't think there is anything to be done for her. A thing was forced on her that she has no way of controlling.”

Ben Hazan looks from face to face.

[Elohad Ference]: “It's tragic, and horrible, but there's nothing we can do.”

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Maybe you're right. But I have a little more hope, and I think we have to try.”

Colson Aspenwood looks at Jo. "I am willing to try, as long as we are careful."

[Elohad Ference]: “Just promise me this, Jo. When it goes wrong, don't blame yourself. I'm telling you now, there is nothing you can do. You cannot force inner strength onto a person who does not have it. Good intentions are not enough, when it comes to demons.”

Jocoza Sparkwire takes a breath at that. "Okay, Elo. If she falls, it is not my fault."

[Elohad Ference]: “I think she is a very sweet girl, and it makes me sick and sorrowful, what's been done to her. But it's like strapping a bomb to a baby.”

[Colson Aspenwood]: “Some people do not want to be saved, or helped. But it does not sound as though Meepsie is one of those. And for someone who is shy, a meeting like this can be very intimidating. She may be stronger than she seems. Shyness does not mean weakness.”

[Elohad Ference]: “It does if you're a warlock. Nothing but the most absolute purity of heart and ironclad confidence can stand against the manipulations of the fel. How do you think Sandy has managed this long, being the doofus that he is? He isn't afraid. Of anything.”

Jocoza Sparkwire frowns. "We'll have to wait and see. She won't be a member of the Company unless we feel confident she's grown into that kind of a person."

[Elohad Ference]: “She's not going to have time to grow. The demons are already at her. If she was just now considering becoming a warlock, we could pace it, maybe.”

Colson Aspenwood 's expression is mild. "He has been afraid of losing himself to the fel. It has given him more strength. He reached out for help."

[Elohad Ference]: “Anyway. I've said my peace. It's not a discussion, not with me. My opinion is what it is, and you can outvote me if you want, but my vote stands.”

Jocoza Sparkwire sighs. "I have a responsibility to try to help. And that is what I am going to do."

[Elohad Ference]: “If Sandy has lost his confidence, then he is in danger too.”

Ben Hazan shifts uncomfortably.

[Elohad Ference]: “Anyway, I'll help mop up the mess when it occurs. Nothing else I can do, since this isn't a dictatorship.”

Colson Aspenwood nods at Jo. "Warlocks are always in danger. As long as they continue to try, that is what matters."

[Elohad Ference]: “That isn't always all that matters, Aspenwood. Sometimes trying doesn't cut it.”

[Colson Aspenwood]: “Sometimes it is the only thing that stops them from falling to the Fel, because they have the tenacity to resist every moment. I am not saying that they do not fail, only that it matters that they try.”

[Elohad Ference]: “You all know how I feel. Just don't blame yourselves when it happens.”

[Elohad Ference]: “I'm gonna go check on Nir and Dane.”

Colson Aspenwood salutes Elo as he walks out.

Ben Hazan clears his throat and gets to his feet.

Jocoza waves at Elohad.

[Ben Hazan]: “Uh. I am gonna … go with him. If that's okay, Captain.”

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “Yeah. He does realize we didn't hire her, right? We're just… willing to talk to her?”

Colson Aspenwood looks at Ben. Elo Expert in the room.

[Ben Hazan]: “He knows. He got — some feelin's about warlocks. Which, y'know. People do.”

Jocoza Sparkwire sighs. "Yeah, I know. If you talk to him, please let him know I do take him seriously. What he says about it."

[Ben Hazan]: “Yes'm.” Ben nods respectfully. “We just will see what we see, I guess.”

Colson Aspenwood nods slowly. "We will not risk our people."

[Ben Hazan]: “Anyhow. Before I head back across for tomorrow. Gonna drop in on the family an' him. You need anythin' else from me, you let me know, ma'am.”

Ben salutes Jocoza with respect.

Colson Aspenwood passes a Blessing of Might over Ben. "Light be with you, Ben. Please give my regards to Ismene, when you see her."

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “I will.”

Ben Hazan nods to Colson. "Same to Mordecai."

[Jocoza Sparkwire]: “And yes, best wishes to your families.”