open and closed.

[luaithre]

WHO: Marcus Rowntree and various.
WHAT: Activities.
WHEN: Kingsway
WHERE: Mainly the Gallows
NOTES: Some open prompts in the comments, but also works as a catch all for planned things. Let me know if you'd like to do something specific, or if we have CR, feel free to just hit me with a wild card honestly.

Comments

[luaithre]

"Reported your presence officially," Marcus says. "Joined a Division, and getting compensated for your work with wages."

It's very possible that the boy-spirit has done all of these things, and that Marcus missed the memo on the Gallows being haunted by something friendly, but it would be good to verify it all the same. That, and there's a low thrum of dry humour, if only for himself—the absurdity of the conversation isn't wholly lost on him, for all that he's quite serious about getting the paperwork in order.

The unlit cigarette is ignored. That seems like a problem, albeit a minor one, for Cole to sort out.

[helpinghidinghaunting]

The cigarette remains unlit, dangling uselessly between his fingertips, and is likely to stay that way. He doesn't really understand why people smoke, anyway, though he doesn't begrudge anyone their needs and habits.

Cole is more focused, anyhow, on the rest of the conversation. He's quiet for a moment, considering the topic carefully. He doesn't care at all for compensation - he needs very little, himself - but if he had regular coin, he could use that to help others. His brows knit together.

"...How do I do that? What is a...Division?"

[luaithre]

"Research, Diplomacy, Scouting, and Forces," Marcus says, with a pause, sure, but no hint of impatience. "They're as they sound. I'm of Forces. You should match your talents to one of them." A beat, and then, "Scouting is occupied in stealth work."

Just a guess.

He taps ash from his cigarette. He could give Cole a series of instructions, set him on a path that would probably lead him to the Seneschal's office, talk a little of administration, but that absurdity is perhaps a bridge too far. He has what he needs to know, which is that Cole is an unknown, an intruder, but seemingly a benign one.

"If help is what you mean to bring here," Marcus says, "I will say so when I signal your presence to the leadership. But you'll need to become an agent of Riftwatch, if that's your intention."

[helpinghidinghaunting]

"Oh."

The explanation is enough for Cole to use - he's been milling around the Gallows, after all, and has seen people coming and going and talking about some of these terms. Having someone put them into perspective is useful.

The latter half of what Marcus has to say, on the other hand, draws a clear line for Cole. He's going to be reported if he doesn't muddle Marcus's memory...so he has to make a choice.

Still, it sounds as if this is...a better way to help.

"...I will join," he rasps, giving a resolute little nod. "But...I will have to figure where I fit."

[luaithre]

"You will," Marcus agrees. "Some move between divisions, if they realise their talents might be useful elsewhere."

Not him.

He considers Cole for a longer moment, and then, more broadly, this conversation on this rampart at this hour. He says, "I'm going to resume my sentry," not unkindly, just bluntly. "I'd advise you not to make trouble for yourself by wandering so, at night. You should return to the room you're staying in," and that is if he has a room, "and report yourself in the morning."

[helpinghidinghaunting]

Strangely enough, the idea that he doesn't have to slip and settle too soon is soothing to the Spirit. He gives a little nod as Marcus expresses that he is going to go - wincing a little at the thought of him making trouble wandering about.

He doesn't have a room, of course. So he will just have to work harder at not being seen out at night.

"I will," he assents to making himself known - and after a moment of awkward silence, he adds, "...Thank you. For giving me a chance."