Morocco Recap ...

[Brehnic Kohnar]

Brehnic Kohnar was a tad bit pissed off.

He didn't get what he came for, but what he discovered in the long run held much more value.

Immortals.

There were a lot more Immortals than he knew existed. Guess it was a global thing after all. Not to mention whatever the truth was behind those crystals. Brehnic never did get enough information pertaining to the origins of them, but they held enough importance to have a cluster of Immortals come looking to acquire them.

Brehnic had already started a data base of sorts, personal notes on who he had met, and what he knew about them. After that trip to Morocco, he had a lot more to add.? The one he briefly met in the square with the purple hair, and those that he sensed but didn't see.? Then there was Niklas, or Niks. She was an unforeseen element, that was actually there for a reason that didn't involve stealing.

Lucky her.

It had been sometime since he had last seen the girl, it was back at the library where he accidentally crossed paths with her. She worked there, he was killing some time by looking into some random readings. Unfortunately, he wasn't the only Immortal in town that day. What started off as a job to pick up a rare artifact for a buyer, turned into an encounter with another Immortal that was there for the same reason.

They would meet on a rooftop of an abandoned building several blocks away, where the topic was not just only on the artifact in question, but of a certain girl that worked at the library.

Brehnic - "Then you take the sword, and leave the girl out of this. She doesn't know, and let her live a natural life."

Trevor - "Ahh, that is quite the enticing offer my young Immortal friend, but she is marked, and to let her live out her life not knowing her destiny? That would be such a waste of? unlocked potential, not to mention, she's just at the right age. kill her now, and she'll be forever ripe, like a Georgia peach. Perhaps you want her for yourself, hmmm?"

That approaching storm had finally made it's way there, and by the looks of things, the city would bear the brunt of Nature's wicked fury. Not that wielding a metal sword in the middle of that gale was any less dangerous.
Trenchcoats were discarded, and swords were drawn ...

Brehnic - "We don't have to do this. Leave the girl out of this, and take the sword."

Trevor - "I am sorry, but I cannot. That is a bonus, a future understudy, and perhaps ...
Something? more. Adding your death into the mix, it would be a most profitable evening after all."

Brehnic - "Have it your way, bugger."

And thus began their duel, a clashing of metal, testing of mettle, swords striking so loud against one another, it could almost be heard above the storm. It was a contest of survival, a battle of old versus new, a conflict of cultures. In the end, history as well experience was on the side of the older Immortal. But Brehnic had an ace up his sleeve ...

Or rather behind his back.

A little trick he had picked up from another Immortal, who had been? ... Kind enough to allow him to learn/live from the experience. Reaching behind him where a gun had remained tucked inside his waistband, was pulled out and fired. Right into the throat of one startled Immortal. Game over.

Brehnic - "Please, don't go talking about the rules. Firearms are allowed, just frowned upon. Oh wait, you can't speak with that gaping wound. I'm an? New age Immortal. The future. Oh yeah, there can be only one."

Luckily the storm would provide enough cover for the quickening that would blow out the upper floors windows, as well drowning out his screams ... Brehnic was still gathering himself, recovering, when upon emerging from that derelict building, there she stood ... At least she'd be none the wiser, as she was distracted long enough for him to slip off into the shadows.

Yet there she was again, in Morocco of all places. Luckily, no of the other Immortals had sensed her. No, they were all to busy playing romancing the stones. Still, Brehn found some small comfort in knowing that there were others that at *least* appeared to be not out for a head count, or like the Alpha male Immortal Keyes.

Dev was his name, and the woman that was with him, Amanda. At least that was a decent trade off, the Immortal women whom he had met thus far were ... Easy on the eyes, which could prove to be his undoing if he was not careful, as the soon to be Mrs. Keyes pointed out to him, on more than several occasions. Dev? In the short encounter he had with the man, he seemed like an alright guy, very reserved in an old soul kind of way.

His arm candy, Amanda? He felt a kindred spirit with that one. He didn't know how or why though, but she wasn't there long enough to discover more, when both he and Dev sensed yet another Immortal, nearby, each assuming it was a friend/associate of the other. Dev wasn't too pleased about the fact that Brehnic made pertaining to how they the Immortals here in Morocco ran in packs. Brehnic assumed Dev's abrupt departure was to assure that Amanda was not in any danger, leaving him to his own devices, which led to thoughts of an earlier encounter with Niklas ...

A flashback within a flashback.

How cool is that??

[Brehnic Kohnar]

The Shakespearian/Milton conference was actually interesting. It took his mind off current events long enough to be lured into what was going on. The trademark black ensemble had been traded in for a more subtle attire ..

Soft earth tones of various tans and browns covered his slender form, loose, baggy, and always stylish. All the way down to his sandals.

Shoulder length dreadlocks were pulled back into a ponytail once again, reading glasses resting on the bridge of his nose. A bit of a facial growth was evident, more of a personal choice than decided laziness, and a duffle bag rested upon his right shoulder. He looked totally different than the night before .... Almost more ... Civil?? The tip of the pen rested just inside his mouth, pausing from taking notes long enough to pay attention to what was being said at that particular time.

Would Niks be a little surprised to see the raver sitting oh so quietly as someone gabbed on about Shakespeare and the great Milton conspiracy - had Shakespeare stolen the younger playwright's works and used them for his own gains?? Just a little bit surprised, yeah.? Niks' brow lifted as she scanned the not so small group who had gathered to listen to the debate.? Luckily she wasn't sitting dead center anywhere or she might have caused a bit of a ruckus.?

She quietly got up and walked round to settle in a seat behind the raver.? Her voice low so as not to bother anyone else. "What are you doing here?"

(w) "Listening. Tis actually quite engaging, yanno, dis history."

He didn't even jump at her sitting behind him, despite appearing to be very into what was being said. Save for a slight glance over his shoulder, dark brown eyes making brief contact, before turning back to jot down more notes.

"It's a bunch of ..." Niks didn't' say anything more.? The man sitting beside Brehn shot her a rather angry look, as if he might do something should she finish that sentence.? She sighed, leaning back in her seat, taking little notes.? Sometimes people were just so...

The debate wasn't schedule to last much longer, and she was actually there to take notes and maybe write an article for the English Club's little bulletin as well as the school's paper.? Her attention focused once more on the panelists.? She'd be a good girl for now.

Define ironic? After the conference, Brehnic was actually discussing the pro's and con's with several others that were more than happy to engage in conversation of the subject, especially with someone that seemed to be curious/interested about the subject.

Was this the same individual that drank like there was no tomorrow? And would probably still be at the club... If it remained open for 24 hours a day? And those glasses ... They looked ... Normal on him. Shared laughter, by a joke made by one of the others, Brehnic was given several phone numbers/email addresses that would aid him more in his search, as well an invite to the next conference.?

Define ironic.

"Man of mystery.? And I still say that is bullshit.? No matter how evolved Milton's writing might have been, and all normal Renaissance emblems and metaphors aside, the two do not have identical writing styles.? Milton and Shakespeare are not one in the same.? And Milton didn't have to prove everything Shakespeare did."? A little defensive?? Not exactly.? Then again, Niks' paper about Shakespeare's ability to combine male and female voices in many of his works did tend to get a roll of eyes.? Not everyone wanted the unity Niks saw in the world.

"And, hi."? She looked up at him.? She looked much more like the librarian he'd first met - everything was simple and conservative.

"True, but it be no different than Martin Luther King, an' Malcolm X. Different sides o' th' same coin, yet each havin' quite th' impact on society in their own way."

Whoa. Where'd that come from, and how'd he manage to pull it out of his ass?

"Ahh, hullo, hullo, an' salutations, Niklas." Brehnic would never call her Niks. He liked Niklas. Pausing long enough to shake hands with those that were departing, she would soon have his full attention. -d-

"I don't think so.? Neither of those men were revealed as spies."? Niks shrugged slightly, giving a small wave to one of the people departing.? She wasn't causing any problems; some of them knew what type of person she was.? She was actually published.

She waited for everyone to be their way before she turned her attention fully to him, brow raised. "Slumming it academic style?"

"Seein' how the other half lives." And there went that boyish grin of his. Looking at his watch, still smiling. "I be feelin' a late lunch, how about ye?" Placing the notepad/pen into his bag, before looking back at her. " I hope ye were able t' focus after last night. Th' music didn't give ye a lingerin' headache o' anythin', hmmm?"

"Not too much.? I popped a few aspirin and went to bed.? Didn't have too early a morning, and my schedule for the rest of the day is pretty light.? Then again, we're on the winding up end of the conference - things usually get a little quiet about now.? Tomorrow's the last day after all."? She watched him carefully, then laughed.

"You know what, Brehn, if this were the movies, or more likely a m.o.w., we'd either have to have an adventure of some type today, or you're stalking me, or it's some awful love story."? Her head shook as she smiled.? She didn't' seem at all to mind how forward that might have sounded. "And, yeah, I could do with a little lunch."

"Mow? Wha' is tha'?" Not bothering to respond to her theory, because if she knew the truth? Well ... he did and he still finds parts of it hard to swallow.

His previous wandering about on his first few days here, and led him to several fine dining establishments, so he'd narrow it down to one that served a variety of dishes. They would be severed outdoors, where the weather was just right. with a lingering breeze. Upon ordering a ice tea, Brehnic smiled at her, his fingers interlocking beneath his chin.

"So, does this charm in' wit o' yers run in th' family? Older brothers tha' teased ye constantly, or a younger sister tha' you loved t'death?"

Niks explained on the way what an m.o.w. - a movie of the week.? Something very simple and silly, and sometimes her life felt very much just as poorly scripted and acted.?

She let him lead the way, settling down in at the table and ordering a warm tea.? Well, it was easier to get sometimes in these places.? Her bag was now settled at her feet.

"Well, not any blood related - I was adopted.? Grams always called me their little foundling.? Somethin' about bein' found in a grocery cart when Mom and Grams were doin' their shopping - no one ever came to claim me."? She shrugged. "It's almost as bad as bein' found in some bit of luggage at a railway station."

"Mmmm. I guess dat would qualify ye as a mow girl, uh?" Pausing again to give his order, while letting Niks do the same. For a split second, he actually thought about telling her the truth. yeah, *that* would go over nicely, especially after the *stalker* comment.

Still, things were starting to get a wee bit complicated, and sooner of later she'd figure something was amiss."Ye ever think dat, yer life was meant t'be somethin' more than out o'a mow, Lifetime, WE, or? Oxygen?"

"What?? Like USA or Scifi?? Maybe something nice and primetime?"? Niks smiled, keeping up with the joke she'd started.? She hadn't minded it, or she wouldn't have brought it up.? She shifted a little on her seat, getting a little more comfortable.

"I know I'm not some poor lost heroine in some silly tv movie, or on the big screen.? I know I'm just..me.? Why?? Have you ever thought you were something big time?"

That smile of his seemed more ... Sincere right then, as if he was recalling something. "Mmmmm, once I suppose. Everyon' has a purpose in life. It jus' takes time to discover wha' it tis, before fate be steppin' in an' pushin ye in front o' a bus."

"A bus?? That's not very nice of fate.? I hope fate doesn't do that to me."? Niks smiled, but she shrugged it off. "Really, I don't expect much of fate, nor do I think I'm all that important in matters of the world as we know - I'm just me and that's really all I plan on being, ya know?"? She stretched a little, smiling.

"So, what are you planning on doing this evening?"? She sighed softly. "I really don't want to go back to the States, but I don't have a great deal of choice."

"I hav' nae really decided, actually. Mebbe I'll go in search of some secret treasure, tha' will allow me to retire." That grin was back. "Ye up fer some more partyin'?" She had a right to know about her heritage, but he also knew who he handled knowing the truth.

Only difference was it took him being killed to find out. And who said it had to be him to tell her??? Still, if this was the movies, or some warped role playing session, if he didn't tell her, and she finds out from someone else, she'd probably be pissed that he knew all that time and never told her, plus lied about it.

No pressure there, right??

Yeah, no pressure at all.? Then again, how many people could claim to know much less be what he was?? Actually what she was.? Niks rested forward, chin in hands, elbows on table.? Her attention on him completely for the moment.

"Hey, treasures would be great.? Then again, treasures usually come with curses or some weird responsibilities.? One never knows exactly what to expect these days, right?? I could do with winning the lottery - have considered givin' up on the whole grad thing for a bit and just traveling the world - not that I have the money for it."? Her lips pursed a little as she thought of it all.

"So... wha' are yer plans? Ye look like more than jus' a reader o' books in some huge old buldin'." He couldn't believe what he was about to say next, and if he was going to have an out of body experience, it better be now to stop himself.

No such luck.

"I do hav' somethin' in mind, if yer interested. It pays well, an' ye ge to see the world. Pretty much doin' wha' ye already are, only on a more global stage."

"And what is that?"? Niks wasn't taking much of what he said worth a grain of salt - it wasn't so much that he seemed like the lying sort, but she really didnt' see why she should put all her faith in some guy who fit better in a fantasy than in reality.? Her reality anyway.

"Espionage?? International spying"? Her brows waggled, but she could tell he was trying to be serious. "Sorry, uhm...what's up, Brehn?"

"I'm in th' import/export business o' rare hard t'find items. My accountant has been screamin' fer me to hire an extra set o' eyes before he goes insane or quits. He gets help, an' ye get out o' goin' t' fun conferences." Reaching into his wallet, he hands her a business card. "Jus' in case. I'll be headin' back to th' states meself in a day or two, let me kno'." And that smile was back yet again, only this time in response of the food arriving.

Niks bit back the question, but he had to have known she'd want to know whether or not his business was on the up and up - legal and all that rot.? She smiled up at the waiter, nodding at the food.? It did look exactly like what she wanted.

"I suppose it could be worse.? I suppose I could have to live in one place for the rest of my short life.? But, these conferences are actually going to keep me very busy, you know?"

"$40,000 t' start, an' yer own place."

Niks blinked at that. "Wait, you're serious?? Is it even legal?? And 40k really isn't enough to start with.? Most starting professors clear 45k.? Librarians about the same.? I know it's only five thousand more, but I've got loans to pay off.? Long as it's all legal."? Niks seemed rather calm about it all.

"$45,000 an' I'll take care o' ye loans. Call it an act o' faith. An' we be verra legal." And not only was he equally calm, he was dead serious.
"No bindin' contract. Ye get paid soon as ye start. Ye don' like it, ye still get yer first year, no strings."

"Oh."? Niks blinked; she honestly hadn't expected this.? Her head tilted forward as she thought about the offer. "I'll have to think about it."? She did claim the card and gave it a once over before sliding it into her pocket.

"So, still playing my dark knight?"? She peeked over at him, perhaps there was a little blush to her cheeks before she looked away at the people milling about.? Her food was good, but she really wasn't tasting it - her mind on other things.

He'd just smile. He made her an offer she couldn't refuse, or at least had to think long and hard about. If? She accepted the offer, that would make it easier to keep an eye on her, as well keep her away from other Immortals. When she was ready, he'd tell her.

His former mentor Jere would be proud of him.

Ugh.

Shaking that off, he'd just smile at her. "Jus' thinkin' outside th' box, Niklas. Ye hav' potential, an' I rather it be with our company, than wit' someon' else.?

"Potential?"? Niks' eyes narrowed as she heard that evil word - it really was something of a curse if anyone ever thought about it.? Never living up to one's potential was truly damning. "I don't know if you know me well enough yet to know what my potential is and if I have it, but I will think about your offer.? Though, what exactly would I be doing for you, Brehn?"

She had been steadily eating her food, and had done a nice job at avoiding talking with her mouth full or getting anything on her shirt front - for her that was something of an accomplishment.?

Not that the meal was over yet.