2020-01-30 - A Circle of Trust

There was something about the recent events that bothers Stephanie. January has been a challenging month for her and she did keep a lot close to her chest. But she also knows that the challenging things to do are often necessary. So when Kim suggested that maybe she needs to talk to someone, Steph decides she is going to invite the person she would want to talk but never gets a chance to: Devlin. She also invites Hera and Jessica, because Jessica offered to look into the explosion and because Hera is a friend. Steph could use more friends. And Kim, of course. Because Kim is a sweetheart and her favourite art instructor.

So as she waits for people to come around, she is in the kitchen preparing dinner.

Jessica is a little worried that people have designated her as some kind of oracle on all things Glimmery. She's nowhere near that level of knowledge, as much as she would like to be. Hearing from Stephanie, and after chatting with Kim recently, she assumes that this will be a conversation about weird.

Or, if she's lucky, the conversation will be about recent explosion that may have been caused by Satanic rituals, exploding corpses involved in an orgy, or alien infestation. Or something entirely more mundane.

Being a dinner invite, Jessica has brought wine and dessert.

Showing up with Hera, Devlin finally shows up a little late. "Sorry about that, roads were a little nasty out there," Devlin apologizes. He shows up with a couple bottles of Mead. "Sometimes a four wheel drive just means.. you spin 4 tires at random." He brings the Mead over to the kitchen. "This is best chilled in the fridge. Goes great with just about any deserts."

When the first of her guests arrives, Stephanie greets them with a bright smile. "Hi," she says, welcoming Jessica into her modest home. She glances at the wine and the dessert. "Oh you shouldn't have. But hey, how can I resist dessert with a sweet tooth like mine?" She offers to take the dessert to the kitchen.

When Devlin shows up sometime after Jessica does, Stephanie smiles. "It's not that bad, only Jessica's here so far and it's really chill. She's just hanging out." She takes the mead and refrigerates it as instructed. "It's nice just to catch up. Been feeling really weird lately."

Hera walks in next to her cousin and she chuckles, "I am not going to say a word on that, no, not me. I've been contemplating getting a car but until then everyone has been carting me around so, you drove well!" That's the best thing to say. Seeing Jessica and Stephanie she waves at the other medic but her eyes light up a bit when she notes the reporter. "I didn't realize you would already be here sweetheart." She says and goes over to give the woman a kiss on the cheek, "The food you brought over the other day was to die for. Maybe one day I'll be able to cook but I doubt I'll ever match your skill."

Watching Hera make a beeline for Jessica made Stephanie smile a small tentative smile as the redhead waved. Her kitchen had been remade to be more of an open space so that she could see the dining area, making it easy enough to entertain. She could see everyone who had arrived as they settled into the dining room area. The counter had a pitcher of water, several bottles of soda type drinks with the appropriate amount of glasses set up on a tray. "If you require something a little stronger, I can pull something out of the liquor cabinet. I have gin, vodka, rum...otherwise, feel free to help yourself to water or soda."

Smiling a bit as Hera goes over to Jessica, Devlin then hmms, "Water works for a start, thank you. Getting the feeling it may be one of those nights." He chuckles with his comment. " Definitely unusual things are afoot out here. So guess we are here to talk about the weirdness. And also.. unusual things." Typical of Devlin, just kick that can into the center of the room. "At least we have food as we discuss things. Best part is we lack the spirit of a serial killer hanging around a corner to spook us.. at least yet." He walks over to pour himself a glass of water, "May want something stronger later on.. hopefully this will be educational for all, including myself."

Hera lets Jessica go to tend to a phone call or other business if need be. "I don't think I should be drinking anything strong. With everything that's been going on I'm even ancy about drinking my wines." Biting her bottom lip a bit she says, "Jessica has been telling me about...the dark men. I assume we can have confidential conversations here, yes?"

"Ha, Devlin, funny." She doesn't entirely convincing as far as her attempt at an amused tone, but she lets that go. Stephanie looks around at the windows with the curtain drawn down, and wonders how obvious her recent paranoia has been. She nods at Hera. "Yes, confidential, of course. Devlin's here because I trust him, you're here because he trusts you, and Jessica's here because you trust her," she explains, "That and Kim seems to trust all of you, so...I'm confident enough that things will remain confidential here." She glances at her once cold and numb arm, trying to figure out where to start first. Salad. That's where she'll start. She brings out the large salad bowl to the dining table.

Jessica won't go anywhere until she greets Hera properly - all smiles, smooching (more than cheeks if she has her way), and dreamy eyes for the redhead. But, then, alas, there is a call to deal with. A reporter's work is never done. Especially in this town. But she makes sure she is nearby. One, because she can't take her eyes of Hera. Two, in case she can drop in some pearl of wisdom while dealing with the death of her newspaper editor.

There is definitely a certain energy coming from Stephanie that any Mentalist who is receptive to it. She's anxious and fidgety, possibly mildly paranoid. But still, she plays the part of a good hostess. "Feel free to use the living room to take your call, Jessica," she offers casually, watching the busy reporter go. She looks at all of the places set at her table and realises she missed the salad fork. She's usually really good with details. Hmmm. "Wanna talk about weird? Woke up a couple of days ago with a cold arm," she comments casually, finally speaking her mind.

A slight smile on Devlin's part about the trust. "Guess it is your show, Stephanie. I recall seeing you in that house with the weird hallway. You vanished.. cold arm? How did that happen?" He then pauses and adds, "For Kim and Jessica.. plus a little bit for Hera involving my bonefides. I may appear to be bit cavalier where life and death are concerned. to some. Truth is, I'm not. I have served four tours with the 82nd. Two in Iraq and two in Afghanistan. I do not fear death, he's just my rival. Death has his job and I have mine. I am a sixty - eighty Whiskey with twelve years active duty time and a few years in the reserves. Translation, I am a damn good paramedic and I have seen shit most EMTs can't even dream of or have dealt with. " He smiles a bit wider as he sips his water. "That said.. in this arena of what ever you call it, shining, glimmer, weirdshit.. I am a newb. But I plan to learn quick."

"My knowledge is a little bit out of date, I know a few things but not enough." Stephanie's voice rings across the room. She looks to Devlin after she's finished speaking, as if trying to process what he's saying. She is aware of his background, having spoken to him about it to a certain degree. She nods. "You remember that?" she asks, mildly confused, "I remember some of it. I...there was a needle and some creepy thing that sounded like you, and it even looked like you before it showed me what it was, like it was trying to get me to trust it." She sighs.

Hera looks over at Jessica and says, "I lo...." Then she pauses as she catches herself from saying something too abruptly. The conversation between Devlin and Stephanie does quickly catch her attention and save her an embarrassing reaction. "I remember that strange place. I was on a couch and it was tangling me with tendrils or something then, I saw Jessica telling me to walk forward but, she didn't say anything. Next thing I know I was shouting after Devlin at the top of a staircase and everything smelled like sand, hot sand. Then you." her eyes go to Stephanie, "Kept disappearing. It made no sense, no sense at all. Since that episode though, my vision hasn't been the same. I am seeing things in a new way and the world is...totally different."

Kim arrives later than everyone else it seems. Bring a dessert with her, just some honeyed buns, the gathering will certainly not lack for sweets. Knocking at the door hoping she isn't too late and that everyone is still here.

Stephanie barely has time to acknowledge Hera when the last of her guests arrives. She rushes over to welcome Kim and lead her into the dining room. "Hey, glad you could make it," she says quietly.

When she returns with Kim, she says, "Obviously, you're all here because I trust you in varying degrees. I just want to reiterate this for those who weren't here and I know I'll certainly let Jessica know this, but nothing you say or do will leave this house as far as I'm concerned. This is a safe, sacred place, and if any of you ever want to just talk, you can come here knowing that anything said in confidence will remain between me and you."

She gives Hera a glance, nodding to the redhead, making sure she knew that Stephanie had heard her. "I wish I knew how to help with all that..." the brunette replied with a shrug. "I kind of just learned on my own, trial and error. I don't really know much."

Devlin sips on his water as he listens. "Dr. Kosimar is pretty familiar with these things also. The Paranormal Society meets at her place. And She is the one doing the evals to keep some asshats up at state happy that I have not gone off my rocker." He then moves to take a seat, "Hello Kim, glad you could make it."

"I've been referred to a Dr. Ferrera, a new psychiatrist at Addington Memorial, for an appointment next week. Finally decided I needed someone to talk to," Stephanie admitted offhandedly, before she looks to Devlin and adds, "She sounds like someone worth adding to the Circle, especially since you already trust her." She continues to set dinner courses on the table. Pasta comes in next after the salad. Garlic bread. She's gone all out.

Hera sees her friend and waves to her. "I'm glad you could make it too. I doubt that your upcoming painting class can trump this, and honestly Kim, I have high hopes for your class." Curiously, she looks at her cousin, "Do you think we should tell the society what happened to us? That house, the stairs, that's just all too weird. Also, I got the idea that we need to be careful with our powers, but, we need to prepare. There's no sense in being weak and sitting on the sidelines all the time either."

Kim waves to everyone as she enters. Placing the boxed dessert on the table before offering hugs to her friends and those she trusts are gathered.

After finding a seat she nods to Stephanie "Got it and I wouldn't repeat to others without permission. Maybe a little to Grace-kanojo, only because I really can't keep things from her. Promises and all. Oh Stephanie maybe you didn't know she is like us as well. Also thank you it's good to know this is safe place when we need it. You are very generous to offer it." giving a shrug in Hera's direction for her it's been the same trail and error. Well hopefully with everyone's collective experience they can all piece somethings together.

"Paranomal Sociey? Hi Devlin it's good to see and I 'm happy I could make it as well." offering her greeting to Devlin beforelooking at Hera "Thanks Hera. Oh no I agree with you I wouldn't be teaching anything like this in the class. Although Painting with Powers does have a certain ring to it." she with a little laugh. "I may have done a little practicing. So far nothing has occurred and I am a little stronger, maybe just some is okay. But like everyone says best not to overdue it. We do need to be ready."

"A lot to learn," Devlin comments over his water, "And a lot of dangerous stuff. From what I can guess.. more often than not.. it is a dangerous school of hard knocks and sometimes a failing grade can get you killed." He nods a bit, "I have done some practicing myself.. just a little here and there. Seems the Dark men do not like suffering being reduced or removed... kind of like taking their puppy chow from them."

"I've seen creatures from the Veil...but these Dark Men? How are they different?" Stephanie feels like she should know more but doesn't and she's rather embarrassed by it. "And what do we do about the one that's out there now? It's been out there for over a month. Who knows what kind of damage it's done so far?"

Hera isn't completely rude, even though a lot has been on her mind. "Thank you for setting this up Stephanie." She says then she smiles at the mention of Grace, "She's so, precious to me, in another way though." A wink is given to Kim, but her cousin has her attention now, "You have done some practicing? Really? Ok now I want to hear about this. I won't forget the warning, hell I don't want to have so many wonderful things happen in my life to loose it all but, if you have been working on your abilities cousin, I really want to know about it."

Kim nods to Devlin's assignment "Yeah a ton of dangerous stuff. But really it seems adapt or suffer. When things happen if you aren't ready seems just as bad as not using stuff at all. Have you had a encounter with these Dark.../Them/?" She seems worried to even say the name. "I haven't seen either of them. That I know of in any case...so sorry I can't offer any advise there. I do have a doc that was sent to me Stephanie that I can pass along that explains some things. I just didn't the difference either." she shrugs not really able more than that. "The things that is out there...afraid I don't know what you are talking about. Can maybe the five of us can try to stop it?" she offers. Blushing at Hera's comment "So you have said and she really is precious to me."

"I have not encountered them as best as I can tell. Plus it appears that I may have been using my abilities to heal on the battle field at times. Nothing consistent on my part. Sometimes pulling off the incredible if the surgeons were to be believed.. I got chewed on a few times for misreporting how bad a wound was." He sips the water again. "These days.. trying to focus..nothing so drastic. More to this stuff than just healing though, possible to hurt someone too. That is about the limit of what I understand.. as to the practice, when no one is looking.." Devlin even glances to Stephanie, "Mostly some of the small nasty bumps and bruises."

Stephanie gives Devlin a knowing glance. “I’ve had a little more practice. I healed a trauma patient, hit and run, the kid was on his bike and was hit by a car. That was five months ago. Kept the broken ribs from potentially causing more harm. Kid was still roughed up but he recovered. I’ve done other things like unlocked doors, moved things with my mind.” She shrugs, not addressing the harming aspect at that point even though Devlin had seen her do it before. “Mostly trial and error.”

Distracted by all the conversation, she tries to make her glass of water move with her mind and it does not.

Kim listens to Devlin describe some of his experiences. "Still sounds like it helped a lot. Seems like you can directly help and saving lives is very important. So you have to focus to? Most I've meet just say it's usually tied to emotion. Guess it could just be different for everyone." turning to face Stephanie "I've just managed to reach the point with a locked door. You can move stuff with your mind? I can as well it's still a bit strange and I could be pushing myself to learn more of it. Maybe we can help each other practice? At least as much as is safe."

Hera listens to the conversation with growing interest. "My main abilities have been able to see people in a new way than I have before. I would like to know how to heal people, and how to help. Already I can see new energy patterns and I'm tempted to, try to manipulate them. I haven't really practiced all of this too much for fear of, well, you know." She sighs and shakes her head, "It's a catch 22. Now you have abilities but you really can't focus them. If you try to practice, you will be, used, used in a way that should never happen. What is the real source of these dark men? Do they have a leader?"

Jessica returns from her call. "Sorry about that. The editor at my newspaper died in unusual circumstances. No surprise there for this place." She finds herself a place next to Hera, giving her a quick hug before addressing the group. "What did I miss?"

“Right now, we’re talking about the idea of practicing our special abilities.”

Stephanie seems contemplative as words are exchanged but the main thought that seems to stand out to her is the concept of practice. Between herself and Devlin, she figures they can handle any injuries that might occur.

“If you guys want to practice tonight, I have three conditions. Number One: We keep it all contained to my basement. Number Two: If we’re practicing harmful effects...I want you to target me. Devlin can heal me. It’s also very helpful for practicing your healing. Number Three: We practice as a group. I don’t want anyone trying anything alone, just in case.” There is a pause before she continues. “I want to be informed if anything comes after you because of our training here, in case you need backup. We all know it’s risky each time we use abilities but...trial and error is how I learned, so I’m willing to give you guys the space to learn.”

Kim listens to Hera adding a small comment "What is the source of our abilities? Is it just some internal power or a outside source...maybe that is what get the attention of /Them/." much of Hera says echos her own thoughts. Maybe no one has the answers though.

She listens over Stephanie's proposal. "It won't be bad to try to practice tonight. The only thing I have issue with the second condition. I can't speak for anyone else, however I really don't even want to even try to hurt anyone here. Even in practice surely in the basement we try to hit a wall or something like that. Of course we all keep in touch after. Even if can't help if attention is attracted we can at least be there for each other."

"Although I understand the wisdom of practice, and the even more important aspect of understanding, I will point out that it doesn't matter where you do this. The...things...that will hunt you down don't care if you're in a basement or parading around on the street. They are in another reality and will hone in on you no matter where you are. They can drag you into their reality without you even realising it. They can manipulate your senses into whatever they choose. You can resist, sure, but only once you've realised the truth. I fear that some never do. So, if you're going to do this. Be brief." Jessica sighs at the end of her spiel. "Sorry for being such a downer" she smirks, "But I want you all to be safe." A squeeze of Hera's hand - especially her.

"And until we understand better. Perhaps we shouldn't try to hurt each other."

Hera bites her bottom lip in nervousness and she moves to lace her fingers with Jessica. Then she shakes her head insistently as she looks at Jessica, "No no no no." she tells Stephanie, "I am NOT doing anything to hurt my friends, no, absolutely not. That's asking for too much and even you can't control the outcome. I'm not doing that. I'd rather not harm any living thing at all, unless it is in defense. There isn't anything I wouldn't do to protect those I care about." She clearly looks nervous and says, "What is the source of them? Everyone and everything has a flaw or a weakness of some sort. What are their weaknesses? How can we make ourselves stronger so, we don't become victims. One thing is for damn sure, I'll never be anyone's victim ever again." She finally speaks this with resolve, but part of her is still on edge at the notion of hurting anyone here.

"How would you know how to defend yourself if you've never tried it before?" Stephanie simply counters at Hera.

She looks around at the group as they speak and she nods, taking their words in. "We have an option and a place to do it, should any of you want to practice."

She finishes what's left of setting the table and invites everyone to sit at the table to start eating. Salad, pasta...it's all there for her friends to enjoy and the subject of practice is dropped.