PFSB: Milliways

[riddleofthebelow]

Tom needed his camera to take yet more pictures of his adorable children, and when he fetched it the evening before, he found something odd he can't explain. It's not a bad odd thing. It's just a puzzling odd thing.

Ingress has some explaining to do.  Or Wei Wuxian. Either one.

So Tom's at a table at Milliways, with an eyebrow raised, and wouldn't mind some company.

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[riddleofthebelow]

"What is the lore around these theorems? Are there myths or rumors about them being combined?"

[we_bring_hell]

"Oh - yes," she says, realizing she hasn't been very explicative.

"The Emperor had eight disciples, one from each House. Ten thousand years ago they gathered on the First House to explore the new science of necromancy."

"Seven of them became Lyctors, immortal necrosaints, second only to the Emperor in power. These theorems are their work, the keys to the same power."

"We have been summoned to the First House to retrace their steps."

[riddleofthebelow]

"So this is a sanctioned effort, but it's on those summoned to figure it out, yes? Or had the theorems been lost over time and your Emperor needs you to find them?"

[we_bring_hell]

"The former," she says. "Presumably, the Emperor or the surviving Lyctors could simply tell us, but the purpose of the experience is to determine which of the current heirs are worthy to serve the King Undying."

"And it appears that part of that may be surviving the test," she says grimly.

[riddleofthebelow]

Tom nods. "I wouldn't be surprised."

That sounds about right, from what he knows about things like the TriWizard Tournament and other trials.

"But it also means that the solution is not impossible; it's simply difficult."

[we_bring_hell]

"Indeed," she says.

"I completed two trials, with Gideon's assistance. Our allies in the Sixth have three. And the zealots of the Eighth have stolen two."

"And one is -- missing. Claimed, that is no longer there to be claimed, but no one seems to have it."

[riddleofthebelow]

"Hmm," he says, tapping a finger against his lips in thought.

"Or that's what you've been lead to assume."

[we_bring_hell]

"Indeed," she agrees. "I have long held the opinion that there is a Ninth theorem; a key of the First House."

"Palamedes Sextus insists the answer lies in the synthesis of all eight. His so-called 'mega-theorem."

[riddleofthebelow]

“Since this is being organized by your Emperor as a test of worthiness, I think it’s wise to pursue more than one theory. I’d also advise examining what might be hidden in plain sight. Designers of challenges love to be clever with that kind of trick.”

[we_bring_hell]

"By my first night in the castle I had charted every door I could find," she says, with justifiable smugness. But then she considers his advice.

What else is in plain sight? The horrid, dead ocean? The decaying marble? The frustratingly perfect constructs that Harrow cannot match no matter how hard she tries?

[riddleofthebelow]

“I would be happy to examine your notes more at length to see if I notice patterns or outliers that you have not. I won’t need to take them with me; I’ve a magical method for reviewing them.”

He hasn’t needed a trip through his Pensieve in a while.

[we_bring_hell]

She gives him a sideways look. "Is it secure?"

Her notes are written in her own code, although she can translate for him.

"Most of all I would like to be able to practice these steps without--well, for instance, transforming my own DNA. Do you have any thoughts as to how we could simulate it?"

[riddleofthebelow]

“Yes, it’s absolutely secure. I have texts I’d like to consult before I can give you my further thoughts, but I assure you, where there is will, Milliways helps one find the way.”

[we_bring_hell]

She makes a decision.

"Yes. I will translate the notes for you, and give you what context I can."

She tips out her box on the desk; yarn, more pins, more index cards, and a pack of tarot cards.

"There were twenty of us in the House at the beginning..."

[riddleofthebelow]

He frowns, because what she doesn't say is how many are left now, but it's clear to him that it's fewer than the full twenty.

"I'm glad you've sought allies to aid you, then. That is the smartest thing one can do when placed in situations like this."

[we_bring_hell]

"In the beginning, we all pursued keys on our own. But now that all of them have been claimed, it comes down to either alliances or fighting. Dueling over keys has already begun."

[riddleofthebelow]

"Does Gideon do the dueling, as your cavalier? Or are you involved?"

Because if she's doing the dueling, the little bit that she is, he's going to need to provide her some battle charms or, at the very least, some dirty fighting tricks to give her an edge.

[we_bring_hell]

"The cavaliers," she says. "It is traditional for necromancers to settle disputes that way, to avoid massive bloodshed. Civility has not unraveled to that degree yet."

[riddleofthebelow]

"Very good."

She may need protective battle charms anyway, and he makes a note to himself to look into some subtle ones that might fit well in her environment.

[we_bring_hell]

"Griddle performed with distinction," she says. And had been actually pleased with her for her support, a rare pleasure.

"The Third made a play, and upset all my calculations about them."

[riddleofthebelow]

He hates to say "never trust anyone" in situations like this, but, well. It's truly the best advice.

"What were the results?"

[we_bring_hell]

"We faced them down," she says, feeling a thrill of smug warmth at the memory.

"But I think I have focused on the wrong twin." She deals out three of her Tarot cards; the Sun, the Moon, and Temperance between them.

[riddleofthebelow]

"Good. Serves them right."

He's never been one for Divination, despite the prophecies and promises laid upon him once he realized how he fit into the WIzarding world. He knows, though, that in the hands of some, divination tools can be wielded with great precision.

"I didn't realize you used Tarot cards."

[we_bring_hell]

"I do not," she says. "But I thought they would be useful for this."

She begins to deal out the Major Arcana in nine groups.

[riddleofthebelow]

He watches, curious.