A Moment of Introspection (Locked to Verity)

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

Schön keeps an office in the Nexus, although he does most of his work outside it, an opulent retreat from the timeless bustle outside. Richly colorful Oriental rugs allow only glimpses of a polished oak floor. The desk is a monolith of mahogany, inlaid with accents of rosewood and teak, carved with reliefs of twining roots and branches, of fanciful creatures, and of faces peeking from among the leaves. The chairs before and behind the desk are upholstered in silk and buttery-soft leather, the one behind the desk tall and evocative of a throne.

The walls, papered in a deep Chinese red pinstriped with navy, are densely clustered with art in a dizzying array of styles; most are paintings, but a few cameos hang as well, and a Stradivarius enjoys pride of place over the mantle. Shelves behind the desk are similarly crowded with books and odd little knickknacks, the former rarely comprising the sort of orderly matched sets that tend to fill shelves behind desks in offices. To one side of the door stand a coat rack and a sideboard loaded with bottles of exotic libations, while to the opposite side stands a small table bearing several indistinct articles over which has been draped a gossamer shroud. Against one side wall sits an overstuffed couch, and in the opposite wall is set a fireplace, where a multicolored flame pops and crackles merrily, sending an occasional swirl of rainbow-colored sparks up the chimney.

The room has also been warded to a fare-thee-well, to keep out prying eyes and ears, ensuring that all which transpires within remains private. The wards, to an extent, even work both ways, for when the door is closed, all the noise from outside falls away.

Hanging up his hat and cane as he enters, Schön turns to offer a hand to escort Verity inside. "Please come in, Ms. Willis, and be seated comfortably. May I offer you anything to steady your nerves?"

Comments

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

Just one of the many services available here at Bank of Spooky Fae Dude. "Ah? Well, that simplifies matters. Simply bringing your assets here will suffice. Although if you're looking for someone to hold them in safekeeping for you...?"

[brave_heart_verity]

"I'll need to find a bank, and a place to live.. but I don't want to rush. I mean. Until I know for sure it's too late."

She looks away and tries to swallow the lump in her throat. "How long would you need?"

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

"I could take custody of your assets at a moment's notice," he assures her, "provided you had them on hand. A little longer, if you wanted to give me your banking information. As for places to live, I have made my share of claims on Nexus real estate, and could certainly make an equitable arrangement for you in any of a number of properties here. Would you like to see the portfolio?"

[brave_heart_verity]

"Not all the real estate here is owned by somebody," she points out, but it's not meant as a challenge or threat. Just something to say while she's thinking.

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

"This is so," he agrees, "and that real estate which has not been claimed has likewise had no claim defended. Nothing prevents passerby or squatters from wandering into your kitchen for a browse while you sleep."

[brave_heart_verity]

Okay, he wins. "You'd stop that from happening?"

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

"I make such arrangements for all my renters, yes. And for those who prefer to buy, well, the regular skulkers are out of the habit of wandering in."

[brave_heart_verity]

"Let's have a look at that portfolio then." It's not a promise, but. How the hell would she keep people out? She doesn't have those kinds of skills.

[u_can_have_it_4_a_song]

He smiles, rising to retrieve it from his desk.