xp_logs | Blackagar and Nathan: Thoughtful Conversation (Reply)

While Medusa is otherwise occupied with all of the girly things that need to be taken care of before the evening, Blackagar takes the opportunity to go speak with Nathan.

Blackagar collected himself silently and knocked on the door to the boathouse. It was a cool and crisp day, with the December sun bright in the sky. Under one arm he held a manila file-folder filled near to bursting with papers. As he waited, he focused his mind on the psi-shield his tutors on Attilan had shown him. A Crown Prince had his own secrets to keep, after all.

Nathan had been busy digging in the freezer for one of the hot-cold packs a tolerant Moira kept around for the frequent times he needed them. "Come in," he called over his shoulder, then turned his attention back to the freezer. "Ah-hah, there you are..."

Blackagar opened the door and took one step into the boathouse, looking around inquisitively. He rapped again on the doorframe, in lieu of clearing his throat and quite possibly killing everyone in a several hundred-foot radius. His folder he kept firmly snugged under his arm. Perhaps he should have arranged for Medusalith to be on hand to translate and facilitate, but she was quite involved elsewhere and he was loath to disturb her.

Nathan looked around, raising an eyebrow briefly at the strange young
man standing in his doorway. "Hello," he said politely enough, "can I
help you?"

Blackagar's free hand twitched into a greeting in ASL. He also bowed
his head just slightly by way of greeting. With phenomenal control for
a non-psi, he broadcast a thought to Nathan. ~Greetings. I am Crown
Prince Blackagar of Attilan, and I desire a few moments of your
time.~

... well, then. Not many non-psis could simultaneously shield
and project. "Please, come in," Nathan said, with the
half-smile that was all he could manage with his exceptionally sore
jaw. "I didn't realize you'd come for a visit. I'm sure Medusa and
Crystal are delighted to see you."

He let a warm smile show at that thought, then re-schooled his
expression. He looked around for a place to put his folder down at the
same time as he courteously closed Nate's front door. ~You are the
founder and director of the organization called Elpis, correct?~ he
projected and signed once he'd got the front door closed.

"Founder, yes. Director, no," Nathan said, concentrating on listening
to the thoughts the young man projected. "Joel Rollins has that honor
- I don't have nearly the experience necessary to shepherd something
like Elpis to its full potential. Can I get you anything to drink?"

Blackagar nodded to the offer of a beverage. ~My apologies.~ he said,
still keeping his thoughts buttoned up _tight_. His shields were
top-notch, really. ~Are you receptive to an offer of assistance from
the Nation of Attilan?~ he broadcast and signed. ~Or should I discuss
it with Mr Rollins?~

"What sort of assistance?" Nathan asked, his hands barely hesitating
as he poured Blackagar - the prince. I have a prince in my
kitchen. - a glass of water and then gestured to the chairs set
around the table, which was thankfully clear of extraneous paperwork
and/or baby dishes.

Blackagar accepted the glass of water and sat down regally into one of
Nate's chairs. The folder - bound with a ribbon bearing the Royal Seal
of Attilan - sat on the table like an offer in and of itself. He
sipped from it before continuing. ~I believe that having a friendly
voice in the General Assembly might benefit your organization greatly,
Mister Dayspring.~ he thought and signed. ~Do you, perchance, know
sign language? I find extended telepathic conversation wearying.~

"I'm afraid I don't," Nathan said, sitting down as well. "And I would
never turn down another friendly voice at the UN. Hungary's been
particularly supportive, but the more the merrier."

Blackagar nodded. ~Then I will keep this brief.~ he said. ~I've had my
people prepare a precis that details precisely where my government can
best lend a subtle hand to your organization. We share some goals in
common, after all.~ he projected. Then he took another sip of his
water and looked Nate in the eye. ~I do not mean to be disrespectful,
but you appear to be somewhat battered. Is everything all right?~

"We'd appreciate the help," Nathan said more seriously, "especially
when it comes to making contacts with other governments." He smiled
that lopsided half-smile again. "And I'm fine, thank you. A training
exercise was more strenuous than expected, that's all." He wondered as
soon as the words were out of his mouth if Medusa had told her...
whatever she called Blackagar, about the X-Men.

Blackagar just nodded to that idea. He was starting to develop a
headache, but he did his absolute best to ignore it. Shielding and
projecting at the same time was a terrible strain. He quirked an
eyebrow at the whole "training exercise" comment - what sort of
training could Nathan be _doing_ that would give him that kind of a
beating?

"I should probably be responsible and put you in touch with Joel,"
Nathan said, getting up and going over to where he'd left his
briefcase, so that he could find a business card. "I'm learning to do
the lobbying work, but he's the one who manages things at the UN."

Blackagar reached into an inside pocket and pulled out a business card
of his own. He placed it on top of the precis and then stood up. A
final sip of water then he put the mostly-still-full glass down next
to the precis. ~It is my firm wish as Crown Prince that we should come
to some sort of an equitable arrangement.~ he 'cast, then winced just
slightly as his headache came roaring back past his ability to ignore
it. ~There is a great deal of good that we can accomplish together.~

"It is good work, all of it," Nathan said, then gave the young man a
faint, kind smile. "And if you'll forgive me for being forward, you
look like you need to go and find some aspirin."

Blackagar just nodded to that thought. ~Forgive me.~ he said with a
slight smile, tucking Nathan's business card away into an inside
pocket. ~Good day, Mister Dayspring.~ he 'cast, then turned to go.