Spilling the beans. Man that feels like a huge weight off my shoulders.

[val_corax]

So, Nick called me up from an unlisted phone number. Basically, was calling to let me know that I could fill in Riley about the fact that he is a Mage. He also apologized for goofing off in the Umbra and attracting attention to himself. Mostly with that rock pile of his. It was nice to have him simply say sorry for putting me one the spot, particularly when I'd half expected him to be angry at me for not covering better. I tried. But, yea. Straight up fibbing isn't exactly my forte.



So, I invited Riley over and we had a chat. I dropped a few hints and after some thinking, the Walker had the proverbial lightbulb go off above her head. That was fun. :) She was kinda annoyed, but that is to be expected and the first thing she complained about was the fact that Nick was guilting her about the car instead of just magically creating money. Hee. Tried to explain to her that Mages don't tend to do big flashy things, so she doesn't start expecting Nick to do flashy magics for her. She wanted to know who else was in on the secret. Started telling her about Mouse and Salem. And the story of how Mouse found out about Nick - because the guy made a lightsaber and nearly cut his leg off with it!

I think the only thing Riley got out of that story was - Nick made a working lightsaber. For a second there, she looked just like a kid presented with a monster-sized lollipop.

But anyway. We talked a bit. I tried stressing the point that Garou have a habit of killing Mages that they've found out about. Including Mages that are their Kinfolk. Was gonna tell her about Jacinta, but she got dragged away by her phone. Something about an appointment.

Felt good to tell Riley about Nick. Keeping secrets from Friends really isn't something I like doing.



I'd arranged a meeting with Naomi and the woman showed, if a little late. We talked. I learned some stuff. There are enough little things going on that I'm inclined to think /some/ of what she is telling me is legit, but there is enough that she isn't saying that makes me damn nervous. She got real wiggy at the mention of a Magic Knife taking away someone's ability to shift. Huh. Tried talking her in to shooting a Buzzard for me. Few reasons for that, but I won't go in to it. Gets complicated. She didn't seem keen on the idea anyway. The whole I'm just a human, wahwahwah attitude of hers certainly meshes up with how the Garou tend to think of their non-shifting relatives, I can't heal and I can't use Tricks anymore, so what can I do? Seriously? From the woman who set up a Fomor and shot it dead while maintaining the Veil? Pffft. The Garou have a BAD habit of underestimating their Kinfolk. They all have skills and talents. You just have to be willing to recognize them and use them.

Also payed her an unintended visit the next day, while I was teaching the kids how to hunt pigeons in the area and two of them ended up on her balcony. The kids kept forgetting about the lesson and wanting to show off, or play a version of tag instead. I think Naomi's balcony was the third or fourth one they ended up on. Naomi actually pulled a gun, before spooking them away by pounding on her window. This makes me unhappy. She'd better start giving up some useful information to someone, or I might do something about her. Also, she bitched at me for not showing her more trust? Seriously? I've exposed myself pretty badly. Just because I won't tell her everyone elses secrets....



In between the meeting with Naomi at the Rat and Raven and the unintended visit to her apartment balcony, I dropped in on the Tenement and talked with Mouse and Nick. Both were a bit confused by the messages I'd sent them. Emailing people after a longlong day and a few drinks is a bad idea. Anyway. I filled them in as best I could, but I don't really feel that they got all the details. Gonna have to put something together with all the info I know on Naomi and hand that off too the two of them.

They're both real suspicious of Naomi and I can't say I blame them. I'm suspicious as hell as well. I'm leaning towards the idea that she used to be Garou and that she has been reasonably honest so far. Which isn't hard, as she really hasn't told us crap-all. This doesn't mean that I don't think she's neck deep in something that isn't dangerous as hell. There is just way to much she isn't willing to talk about and too many odd behaviours. I'm gonna wait and see what she is willing to tell Mouse. If nothing valuable comes from that....