Gretel Introduction

<@Agnieszka> [ Narzedzi's fortress overlooks Tarnow towards the latter evening, shadowing parts of the town in its usual fashion. Unusual, however, is that one of his assistants has been given a break. ]
<@Agnieszka> [ Unsupervised(ostensibly), she wanders about the town, seeking not only relaxation but also to confirm a rumor that she heard... ]
* @Agnieszka walks down a shaded street, flanked on both sides by close-built houses and the occasional passerby.
* @Agnieszka takes a deep breath of the cooling air. o O ( Haven't been out of the castle in too long. Even on "vacation", though... )
* @Agnieszka is glanced at by several who recognize her. They say nothing and press on to their own places of importance.
* Greta 's shop is kind of easy to miss. There's a small hand-painted sign out front that simply says "Kichakoff Surveying & Cartography." As it's a small sign, the letters are likewise rather small so as to be able to all fit onto the sign. It hangs above a door in a block of other small businesses, but the sign is overshadowed by that of a smoke shop two doors down and jeweler's one house away in...
* Greta ...the other direction. This has the effect of keeping her sign hidden from anyone not passing through the space between these two signs.
* @Agnieszka walks by, keeping her eyes on the signs. Not able to read it at an instant, she pauses first, and then stops. This /sounds/ like it...
* @Agnieszka looks around and then enters.
* Greta there's a dusty, quiet hallway that leads to a flight of stairs. There are two doors on the bottom floor, but neither nameplate bears the name of Kichakoff Surveying and Cartography.
* Greta ...Well, and a third door, but that's the exit.
* @Agnieszka ascends the stairway, forumulating the last bits of her explanation as she does so.
* Greta 's office is on the third floor. In accordance with private office tradition, the door has a pebbled glass window with the business' name stenciled on it. The letters appear to be backwards, however.
* @Agnieszka raises an eyebrow at this and knocks.
* Greta Something goes *thunk* against the door, but there's no answer from inside.
* @Agnieszka . o O ( ...? )
* @Agnieszka opens the door slowly.
* Greta A compass is buried in the door, needle sunk about half an inch into the wood.
* Greta Beyond that, a woman in a dark blue dress sits at a desk, staring quietly at a half-drawn map. She doesn't say anything, or even bother looking up.
* @Agnieszka looks at it , then stepping inside. She leaves it ajar in case she might need to avoid any more projectiles.
<@Agnieszka> Good afternoon.
* Greta shrugs, and doesn't look up.
* @Agnieszka works the compass out of the door and approaches the desk to return it.
* Greta takes it from her and still doesn't look up.
<Greta> No finder's fee.
* Greta slowly traces a shoreline.
<Greta> ...You need something, so it is best if you say it and then be gone.
* @Agnieszka . o O ( To the point, but not a bad thing. )
<@Agnieszka> Alright, then.
* @Agnieszka closes the door before returning and speaking.
<@Agnieszka> 14If your skills match the rumors, then I'd like to hire you for a long-term job.
<Greta> My schedule is busy and I am busy. Also I despise the wilderness. Possibly you as well, soon. How long?
* Greta still has not looked up.
* @Agnieszka is a little put off by her disposition, but not by too much.
<@Agnieszka> 14Months, maybe longer. No wilderness, probably.
<@Agnieszka> 14I need you to survey an area near Izhevsk.
<Greta> Your voice is quiet and that is also annoying. Be louder.
* Greta says nothing more, and continues tracing the shoreline.
* @Agnieszka crosses her arms.
<@Agnieszka> Fine.
<@Agnieszka> A map of the Izhevsk area would be helpful to me.
<@Agnieszka> One in detail.
* Greta continues to be completely unresponsive, and takes a few minutes more to finish her work.
* Greta opens a drawer, and brings out a case into which she puts away her pens. She takes the case and puts it back in the drawer.
* Greta But when her hand comes back, it's holding a revolver.
<Greta> Back room.
* Greta is, at last, looking at Agnieszka.
* @Agnieszka frowns, receiving attention only down the barrel of a gun. Being shot would be quite the damper.
<@Agnieszka> Is this how you greet everyone?
* @Agnieszka walks towards the said room.
<Greta> Used to be. It was an interesting couple of months. Had to stop after too many police calls.
<@Agnieszka> I can see why.
* @Agnieszka refrains from unfolding her arms as she passes into the next room.
* Greta follows her in, and shuts the door behind them without taking her eyes off this woman. After locking the door, she takes a step closer, and puts the gun to the woman's head.
<Greta> Your name.
* @Agnieszka keeps her calm. No, definitely not the best of days...
<@Agnieszka> Agneiszka Anasaksie.
* @Agnieszka looks at Greta.
<Greta> Occupation.
<@Agnieszka> Assistant and advisor to Wiatr Wradyslaw Narzedzi.
* Greta nods once.
<Greta> Referrer.
<@Agnieszka> Unknown. I overheard a hushed conversation.
<@Agnieszka> My occupation isn't very uncommon knowledge. Mind if we end this gun business?
<Greta> Yes. Target?
<@Agnieszka> Anyone in the castle I point you to.
<Greta> Narzedzi's regime is relatively stable; killing all within the keep will be troublesome for business. A bloodbath is also a job for a group and not only one woman, amazing as she may be. Also stunning.
<@Agnieszka> Good to know you don't let confidence get to you. I'm not talking about killing.
<@Agnieszka> Observation.
<Greta> That is much easier. Also less wear and tear.
<Greta> Daily rate is 400 zloty.
<@Agnieszka> Any less for provided food and keep?
* @Agnieszka . o O ( ... I'm not betting on it.)
<Greta> Was already accounting for that.
<Greta> What type of observation?
<@Agnieszka> Listening in on those who don't want to be heard.
<@Agnieszka> Maybe rifling through desks.
<Greta> Is that all?
<@Agnieszka> For now.
<@Agnieszka> I can't guarantee it wouldn't change.
<Greta> Very expected from your kind. Still can be handled. I will pose as an attendant, I assume.
<@Agnieszka> One of my personal staff.
<Greta> Personal maidservant? Mistress? Secretary? While I am both brilliant and stunning, I cannot play an instrument, so musician is not an option.
<@Agnieszka> "Mistress"?
* @Agnieszka finds the situation easier to deal with the slightest bit, given the unexpected amusement.
<Greta> Very well.
* Greta pulls the gun away.
<Greta> When does your detestable espionage vacation begin?
<@Agnieszka> More or less immediately.
* @Agnieszka stands up.
<@Agnieszka> You will be an assistant to me, though.
* @Agnieszka clarifies herself, in case her intent somehow wasn't clear...
<Greta> Repetition is unnecessary. Also unladylike.
* @Agnieszka frowns.
<@Agnieszka> So long as it's clear.
<Greta> You will go now. I will be packing. Expect me before nightfall.
<Greta> I do not require an address. I know where you sleep.
* Greta unlocks the door and exits.
<@Agnieszka> ... I guess that's to be expected from an investigator like you.
* @Agnieszka follows quite willingly.
<Greta> Obviously. Now get out.
<@Agnieszka> Fine.
* @Agnieszka strides out of the office, glad to have it behind her.
<Greta> Take the western exit and avoid the Lower Barrows. Muggers frequent it.
* Greta gives this last piece of advice before returning to the map on her desk.
<@Agnieszka> thanks.
* @Agnieszka speaks from just beyond the doorway, only turning her head. After, she closes it and makes her way out onto the street.
* @Agnieszka can't help but feel that despite possible gains in safety, things are going to take a turn for the sour...


<@Agnieszka> [ After meeting Greta, Agnieszka made her way back to the castle. A part of her is now lighter, though correspondingly another has turned a slight sour...]
<@Agnieszka> [Night has fallen, and Agnieszka eats alone. For tonight, her assistants have been called to aid another one of Narzedzi's inner circle.]
* @Agnieszka glances at Wally, the cafeteria's serving clank, considering a few upgrades. After a time, she leaves the endeavor to later, returns her utensils, and makes her way up to her room.
* @Agnieszka passes few, the night late. Most are asleep.
* @Agnieszka finally comes upon the door to her personal room after ascending several more flights of stairs.
* @Agnieszka . o O ( I hope Greta wasn't held back by the security... )
* @Agnieszka enters.
* @Agnieszka 's room is massive compared to the barracks of most of the residents. The inhabited half of the room is carpeted, looking like a cross between a personal library and a living space. Two chairs, a table, and further back, a bed all occupy the space, but a large brass wall-grate dominates the space.
* Greta is curled up in Agnieszka's bed, apparently already asleep.
* @Agnieszka with an offshoot connection to one of the greater furnaces, the room remains quite warm during the winter. A single window lets light shine onto the bed, highlighting Greta.
* Greta Over in the corner are a couple of empty canvas sacks, and there's a new table in part of the room with a large briefcase on it.
* @Agnieszka stops, closes the door, and takes a few steps forward. Suspicious, she draws a clockwork pistol and gives it a quick wind just to be sure.
* @Agnieszka . o O ( -nothing looks disturbed, but this is odd...)
* @Agnieszka stops halfway across the room.
<@Agnieszka> ... Why are you sleeping on my bed?
* Greta doesn't open her eyes, but replies quite clearly.
<Greta> Already you are lying. This is a thing that I would expect from my normal clientele and not a thing that is expected from you.
<Greta> Give good answers and avoid death.
* @Agnieszka has a second round of second thoughts. She maintains her grip on the pistol, taking quick glances around to ensure no abnormalities exist that might belie privacy.
<@Agnieszka> Pose a question, then.
<Greta> Your security is less than a joke, and far below laughable. It does not exist, and therefore, is not funny.
<Greta> The usual wretched godawful nobles and upper-class curs that are what I call clientele already have even the most basic, if flawed, means of security available. You have nothing apart from that gun.
* @Agnieszka . o O ( -perhaps I do rely too much on the castle's security... )
<Greta> You are likely trying to kill me, then.
<Greta> The time to explain is now.
<Greta> Ten seconds.
<@Agnieszka> Let's see...
* @Agnieszka steps a bit further, just waiting to see beyond a beam-
* @Agnieszka scans it over while speaking.
<@Agnieszka> I don't know you at all, and you come in here announcing threats...
* @Agnieszka . o O ( ... clear as it'll be. )
<@Agnieszka> ... Enough.
* @Agnieszka lowers the gun and moves away from the bed, going for a heavy goggle-like contraption.
<Greta> No, hardly started. Touch anything and die.
<@Agnieszka> Open your eyes, would you?
* @Agnieszka peers upon all walls of the room with the goggles, swift and careful.
<Greta> You could also be horrifically incompetent at the whole spy business.
<Greta> This seems a high possibility.
* @Agnieszka completes her search and sets the goggles aside, then unwinding the pistol.
* @Agnieszka takes a deep breath.
<Greta> No traps on door or window, no automated security, no guard clanks, not even an alarm.
<@Agnieszka> You're right, though harsh as always.
<Greta> That is the normal state of things.
<@Agnieszka> At least you're honest.
<Greta> The other thing I am is not finished.
* @Agnieszka approaches the bed, looking unamused.
<Greta> You are a miserable person and a terrible Spark, for your lack of paranoia is akin to a death wish in that field. Your reasons for hiring me become more and more clear.
<Greta> Feel joy, you are no longer suspect, and therefore no longer an immediate potential threat.
* @Agnieszka frowns. Her tolerance for the day is nearing the border.
<@Agnieszka> "Miserable person"? Hmph.
<@Agnieszka> At least the one I hired isn't out for me, now.
* @Agnieszka grumbles.
* Greta There's a series of three muffled metallic clicks, and for the first time, Greta sits up, lush brown hair falling down. She wears silky purple nightclothes which show off her figure a hell of a lot more enticing than the blue dress she wore in her office.
* @Agnieszka is unimpressed.
* Greta withdraws from under the pillows a shortened double-barreled shotgun, and from under the blanket, the revolver that was pressed up against Agnieszka's head some hours before. The hammers are down.
<@Agnieszka> I see you have a sense of humor.
* Greta sets the shotgun on the floor on the side of the bed away from the door, and places the pistol on the nightstand.
<Greta> I have no such thing.
<@Agnieszka> Do I have to bring you actual clothes myself or did you bring some?
<Greta> Unpacking has already been done. Your wardrobe seemed lonely. It now has friends. Rejoice.
<Greta> Wear them without asking at your peril. And there will be much peril.
* Greta looks over her new employer.
<Greta> ...Do you require preparation before bed? Perhaps a bath?
<@Agnieszka> That would be nice, but that doesn't change that assistants sleep in separate quarters. There's a barracks downstairs.
* @Agnieszka isn't about to let any "Mistress" cover slide though she's aware of the evidence.
<Greta> Those were not the arrangements made.
<@Agnieszka> Then you either have a terrible sense of humor or no ability to read intentions.
<Greta> Do not be so quick to excuse personal failings.
<Greta> Also I announced myself as your bed-mate, when the help came by earlier.
* Greta points at the door.
<Greta> I asked them to keep it a secret, so I imagine half the castle knows by now.
* @Agnieszka hits her boiling point.
<Greta> This is important in determining the speed of rumors, which is a necessary piece of knowledge in the information business.
* Greta is simply stating things, not taking any joy or mocking fun in the situation.
* @Agnieszka practically growls.
<@Agnieszka> I. Do. Not. Care.
<@Agnieszka> If you sleep in this room tonight, you will be maimed.
* Greta actually smiles for a second or two, then returns to her usual bland expression.
<Greta> Unlikely.
* @Agnieszka , to those who have seen it, clearly lies within early Spark rage.
<Greta> Setting aside terrible rumors for a moment.
* Greta slips out of the covers, and sits cross-legged atop the bedsheets.
<Greta> Explain to me for hiring me. Then we may determine whether keeping this story alive is of to your benefit or not.
<Greta> And as much as it infuriates you, it may well.
<Greta> Also, your veins throb adorably.
* @Agnieszka simmers for a long moment before continuing.
<@Agnieszka> ... Fine.
<Greta> Yes, it is.
<@Agnieszka> Shut up.
<Greta> You were talking, not yelling. Continue.
* @Agnieszka practically growls.
<@Agnieszka> I beleive my colleagues are after me.
<@Agnieszka> They try to discredit me any way they can. They try to steal my work.
* Greta breathes in once, deeply. It's almost relaxed sigh a of contentment.
<@Agnieszka> They want me out, one way or another. I'm not exactly keen on letting that happen, considering I have nowhere else to go.
<@Agnieszka> So I need subtle defense.
<Greta> Are you done?
* @Agnieszka has calmed down a fraction, though not much.
<@Agnieszka> That's the idea of it.
<@Agnieszka> To inform me of what they're trying and helping me avoid it if necessary.
<Greta> ...Wretched, petty, idiot tinkers absorbed in banal squabbles over a meaningless hierarchy and the scribblings of glorified clocks. As expected from your kind.
<@Agnieszka> I'm not that stupid.
<@Agnieszka> I'm not out for an advantage. Exile may mean death.
<Greta> And yet, you possess your breed's inherent paranoia, after all, though you do not hearken to its call.
<Greta> You may very well be that stupid. Do not be hard on yourself.
<Greta> Very well, then.
* @Agnieszka defends her position, not taking the kick lying down.
<@Agnieszka> After you investigate, you'll see I'm not unjustified.
<Greta> Perhaps.
<Greta> In the mean time, we shall operate on the principle that you are too naive or too afraid to take your paranoia to appropriate levels where it begins to work in your favor.
<Greta> I see it no other way in the slightest.
<Greta> And to that end, then
<Greta> Let us leave bait for your fellow clock-smashers.
* @Agnieszka folds her arms.
* Greta lays a hand on her chest and smiles, but this time, it is a bit more disturbing-looking, almost malicious.
<Greta> 'Agnieszka, it seems, is finally cracking. She has begun to secure her room, her workshop, her belongings. She has at last begun to exhibit signs of a Spark's possessive paranoia. But more than that, there are rumors, quickly hushed, that she can no longer sleep alone.'
* Greta speaks a bit more dramatically, as if narrating.
<Greta> 'The servants of the castle speak of a beautiful but empty-headed woman that she has taken as her courtesan. In public, she treats her as though she were simply one of her private staff, but the help are able to read between the lines. This foolish young girl who lays with Agnieszka must surely be privy to her mistress' secrets, for there are none closer to her but she, in more ways than one.'
* Greta 's smile grows a bit wider.
<Greta> 'So the other Sparks of the castle that have been circling this upstart favorite of their patron and lord like vultures now at last swoop down, one by one. They befriend the silly little moll, presenting themselves as her mistress' co-workers, and after a while, begin to ask her questions. Little, innocent things, at first. And the stupid girl, pleased to be the center of attention, shall...
<Greta> ...speak without a care, and happily answer the questions of her new friends and companions.'
* Greta 's grin turns into something wicked and ghastly as she meets Agnieszka's eyes.
<Greta> And then you will have them eating out of your hand.
* Greta 's voice returns to her own, but with something like actual emotion in it: that of satisfaction, of gloating.
<Greta> In the mean time, I shall feed them lies, little lies, enough to seem to carry the grain of truth, but not enough to let them progress on the merits of your work.
<Greta> And then one by one, we shall turn it back upon them.
<Greta> I shall ingratiate myself with them, and spy on them.
<Greta> What they know, you will know.
<Greta> What I see, you shall see.
<Greta> ...And all for the price of a little embarrassment, a little acting, and 450 zloty a week.
* Greta leans back.
<Greta> Perhaps you have other plans. I will hear them if so.
* Greta has returned to her normal demeanor and tone.
* @Agnieszka burns inside, secretly wishing she could dispose of Greta, or at least her attitude. It relaxes enough for visibly feigned amicability.
<@Agnieszka> Seems like you chose the wrong profession.
<@Agnieszka> It seems like writing dramas would fit you more.
<Greta> Clients function best when emotionally charged.
<Greta> ...This little lie does not require that you actually bed me, mind.
* Greta adds this as an afterthought.
<@Agnieszka> Good. You get the floor tonight.
<Greta> Do you have someone dress you in the morning?
<@Agnieszka> I'm not an aristocrat. No.
<Greta> Then the floor is acceptable for tonight.
* @Agnieszka sits on the bed and removes her boots.
<@Agnieszka> If you want to change that, you'll need to get materials for a new bed yourself.
* Greta takes a pillow off the bed, and sets it on the floor. She wraps herself in a long coat, and takes the revolver in hand, then leans against the wall.
<Greta> Understand that this will not be at all acceptable in the long term. Furthermore, if this charade is to be maintained, then the lesser servants will need to be convinced that our trysting is genuine.
* Greta turns to look at Agnieszka.
<Greta> Like any human, you still cling to pride. Abandon it now, or at least abandon shame.
<Greta> When you seek to become more protected against your enemies, you must give up things in order for that.
<@Agnieszka> Ask some other day. Today has been bad enough.
* @Agnieszka takes back her bed.
<Greta> We will continue this  later.
<Greta> Sleep, if you must, for you shall need it.
* Greta closes her eyes, and falls into a light sleep.
* @Agnieszka flops back on the bed, releasing a deep sigh. She halfheartedly undresses herself and tucks under her sheets into well-needed reprieve.
* Agnieszka is now known as Dune
<@Agnieszka> [ Following a long, unusual day, the spark and her new assistant slept in preparation for a yet longer and more unusual future. ]