#a_room_at_firnost

"That may be best. If it's not too much trouble." (His speech has contractions, in his mortal voice. But it's still soft, somewhat formal)

((I think we can keep it in this room, or we could use random))

((Keep it here))

Then I shall meet you... ohh. Let us say a quarter post seven. It should not take me long to get there. I am not far away. Why does everything he say sound like a threat?

(If he takes it as such, it doesn't show in his voice) "I will try. If I, ah, hear people below, and...then I would prefer to wait, until....ah. It's quieter, sorry."

I shall wait fifteen minutes. No more. This place I cannot linger about. Not right now. I apologize if this interferes with your time.

"I'll do my best. Until then, Professor."

(And Jeremy waits fourteen minutes to show, likely screwing up his nerve. He's in black sweats, a black hoodie. He put on his workboots, but they seem to hurt his feet; he walks slowly, holding to things for balance when needed. He removes his glasses once outside, to regard Kel with mild brown eyes, but they shift over the street, searchingly, as if looking for followers -- those just waiting for him to come out to pounce)

He looks curiously to that. Jeremy. No one would dare with me about.

(A breath in, and released) "Aye." (He follows the sidhe, still hunched somewhat despite the assurance. He can't help it)

(He follows. After a time) "How fare thee, Sir?"

Busy. He nods once. Your gait is slower than I anticipated.

"Apologies. The...I took aught, it has not entirely....taken hold, yet." (The Viocodin probably has; he's here, isn't he?)

(He does try to increase his speed, his gait unsteady, but despite the ache he manages)

You should not be so reliant on medication. Your recovery is slow. He looks back. Ahh. Here we are. The tea house. Have they been here before? Possibly.

(He says nothing to that, fumbling both hands around the doorhandle to pull open for the sidhe)

No, he says quietly, as he reaches for the doorknob. I shall get it.

(He stops, then, and takes a step back, to allow the sidhe to more easily open the doorknob)

(He inclines head, and either follows or leads, depending on whichever Kel indicates he should do)

(He goes through, and immediately searches out the best table to watch the room, away from a window, preferably away from others. Or the one that comes closest to all three)

(He pulls his wallet from the kangaroo pocket of his hoodie) "What kind of tea, sir?"

I should think, something light. Perhaps something simple. An Earl Grey would do nicely. I do not mind the caffeine. You?

"Nay, I mind not." (He makes his way to the register, to place the order. Pastries, if there are any, one vegan, two non-vegan if that is not available. A large pot, two cups, lemon. And he will bring the pastries back with him when he has paid)

(The tea will be brought out shortly thereafter, to their table)

(He settles, and will pour if allowed, carefully, with both hands. He does so by tipping the teapot while on the table, not by lifting) "Thank thee, for agreeing to meet, Sir."

He nods. I have a small opening within my schedule. Sheh-duel.

"Then I shan't keep thee long, Sir." (He pushes Kel's cup nearer, then pulls his own close. A pause) "I am not certain....whither this falls beneath business, or personal, pardon. Mayhaps.....thou shouldst be the one, to decide."

"I have heard, Mr. Panther is leaving soon, upon a....accompanying some, upon a Quest, of sorts, aye?"

Yes, from what I am told, he says quietly. He is troublesome, at best, but he will get the job done. What of it?

"I should like....an' he would look after the protection of twa, in particular." (A pause) "The....kin of mine, of course."

"The gentleman, in particular. He will be looking after the Lady."

And how do you know he shall only be looking after the lady?

"I know." (Mildly) "Is that not sufficient? She is of his kith."

"I have known the gentleman, much of his life, and....would prefer that he return alive, more than aught."

"Sentimentality, mayhaps." (He finally lifts the cup, to sip, with both hands like mittens) "What will that take, Sir?"

He considers this, for a moment. You have... not much to give me at this point, Jeremy. If you will forgive me for being frank.

"I have skill at alchemy, whereas thine is botanical." (Mildly) "I believe at current....it is likely, thou art purchasing thine."

But with your hands hardly working, and your speed to that of a ... forgive the sentiment, a snail. I reiterate. He presses his lips together. What. Have you. To offer me?

"I can create an assistant, to work in the lab." (His whisper is patient, soft) "I do not require mine own hands, when I can craft others. Nor is fleetness of foot, a requirement." (A hesitation) "I can ask him, to bring aught back as repayment. Does he have opportunity. He needs return alive, to do so."

"Has Mr. Panther told thee, of their....task?"

He does not need to, he says with a small nod. But rest assured. It is not Panther's goal to end your... friend.

"I am not concern'ed with his ending him. I wish to gain his protection for him, and the Lady."

"I believe, thou hast especial knowledge of Balor, aye?" (This is said in a very soft murmur -- both mundanely and in Fae Seeming, as he lifts his cup)

His gaze goes sharp. Careful. One does not keep a cat leashed. But one might... persuade him. To go that route. If one but has the correct offering. He digs into his pocket, and offers over a small box.

One might believe. That his anger, or sharp tongue is his weakness. But no. I can see right through it. T'is his vanity. Tell your... friend. To use this. Whisper his name into this. And if he should use it. My cat will protect him to the best of his ability. I cannot promise he shall not fail. But it is the most I can do.

(He lowers the cup, and reaches gingerly, holding it with vague puzzlement)

"Whisper whose name into it, Sir? His own?"