employment ama, daemon: anned

[lacquers]

EMPLOYMENT AMA
Preferred Alias: Magnus Lightwood-Bane

Worst Job(s) Held: That might be a toss-up between escorting a ship full of animal droppings through enemy waters and nearly anything involving politics. At least the former was a one-way trip (to the bottom of the ocean, but nonetheless). I got less muck on my shoes, too.

Best Job(s) Held: Transportation adviser to the queen of France. Club owner in multiple universes. I did a brief turn as a private investigator, trench coat and all. Oh, speakeasy operator! No trench coat for that one.

Fantasy Job(s): Perhaps one day I'll open a night club in outer space...

Current Job(s): High warlock. Until recently, club owner. Baked good taste tester. I also work full-time as one half of the Lightwood-Bane Coalition for Uninterrupted Date Nights.

Ask Me Anything!

Comments

[lacquers]

Oh, I think that would be more than doable. [ He's gonna name a drink after you, Axel. ]

I'm glad you agree! We have had this conversation several times in the decades since we first met. What can I say? He has his father's dress sense, but so much criticism of my fashion choices comes my way nonetheless!

Please do. I don't intend to make a secret of my fondness for him. But he's shy, so I try to be the closest thing I can to discreet. [ Which is "not very." He teases in return, but appreciates the reassurance. ]

Speaking of helping people, I imagine there's some way of doing that here. Maybe with less pipe smoking and wielding of magnifying glasses.

[lacquers]

[ Well then, let's aspire to make his decade! A few decades from now. ]

Thank you, Axel. That's a generous response! In Raphael's defense, he's not lacking generosity, not at all. But I long ago set myself up as a target for teasing. Now, it's sort of a game, I think. It keeps old minds sharp, poking fun at one another.

[ He just excused being teased by saying he needs the mental exercise. So, that's not a reach at all. Magnus, please. Your soft underbelly is showing. ] No doubt he appreciates a lot of things, just not for many to hear. He takes his work very seriously too!

That was my thought as well. It's been on my mind, after exploring the area a little more.

[lacquers]

[ We'll just mark that on the calendar then, shall we? ] Oh, but just one or two, right? [ If ever he teases, it's all affectionate. Maybe this is two old minds keeping each other sharp, hm? ]

I don't envy him. Politics is not a strong suit of mine. I'm more minder and adviser than 'leader' in my current position. Which is fine. Most warlocks aren't the type to get into a lot of trouble. Or not where anyone can see and/or do anything about it.

We're not completely without resources here though, correct? We're talking to one another right now, after all. [ Presumably, he's alluding to the daemons. ] If we have trouble networking in person, this could be helpful.

[lacquers]

Of course! Totally without blame. Never teased anyone in your life. I understand completely, Axel. We're speaking in metaphorical terms, naturally.

I don't disagree. Are you saying you'd volunteer?

Coincidentally, transport was on my mind. I wonder if you'd tell me your thoughts on the subject.

[lacquers]

I'm glad we got that straightened out, my friend.

To that, I'd say: some people aren't going to be receptive to a general. The fact that you want to help and are willing to be organized about it might go a long way.

And I was thinking of portals. Normally, they're only usable when you have a warlock present, of course. As far as I know, I'm the only one around, which would make them completely impractical in terms of the amount of energy consumed. But if they were made portable, that could prove useful.

It's an idea in its infancy right now, to be totally honest. But let's say, for discussion's sake, that I'm feeling motivated to contribute something. Highly so. This would be a great deal more practical than magic cocktails, not that I want to immediately shelve the idea of those making a reappearance someday.

[lacquers]

Yes, we're agreed. Nothing hidden between the lines here, please! No double meanings, no secret jokes.

Are we an army though? I think we're all fighting in our own way already. Your diplomatic approach might not be a bad idea. Call me an optimist, but I don't think it could hurt to try. Appeal to people first, see what they want to prioritize.

I've been pondering what kind of object would be easiest to use. If I'm able to achieve something workable with whatever's easiest, then I'll try to find something practical. And the flexibility depends on the person who created the portal.

Not to brag, but I'm quite handy at it.

(I'll be bearing that in mind, too, Axel.) [ It's not like he and Alec couldn't, say, host a dinner party sometime in the future. With magic cocktails on the menu.

Or something. ]

[lacquers]

Oh yes, by a certain definition of terrible, it truly would be.

Yes, I for one, think it would be extremely dangerous to force people into doing anything here. We've already arrived, safe and sound for the most part, yes, but brought here without our permission. We might have more trouble if people feel their autonomy limited further. Knowing some of those people as well as I do, I think it would be a mistake to take away their freedom. [ He is speaking to one such person now, which isn't to say he mistrusts Axel at all. Actually, he trusts him very much. ]

That's another thought, and an interesting one. I'd need to experiment quite a bit. And would need volunteers.

(Oh no, never! If I go too long without, I think I'd grow very sad indeed.)

[lacquers]

Yes, so it would seem we're both safe, wouldn't it?

It may be wise to start with nothing more involved or complicated than finding out who exactly is here and how many we number.

[ Magnus thinks there are probably ways to appeal to people to participate. He'll be noodling that over for awhile, no doubt. ] Do you mind portal travel? Some people find it unsettling.

You're putting ideas in my head, Axel.

[lacquers]

Good to know we're all safe, isn't it?

Perhaps not, but I wouldn't underestimate the desire of everyone here to find a familiar face. The thought of seeing someone they know might merit a look around. You're right about the computers though, that should help. Maybe more than the daemons themselves, since they seem to be a little inconsistent with their information.

I'm glad to hear I have your trust where travel is concerned! I can promise a less bumpy trip than the one we took arriving here.

Maybe you should put that on your resume. Inspirational!

[lacquers]

Well, that's my hope. As always.

I don't think it could hurt. No one should be separated from their loved ones if possible. I know it's not likely that we'll all find every person we're seeking, but I don't see the harm in hoping.

No, I'm not able to leave. Otherwise, I think my magic is mostly unaffected. There are a few things I haven't tested for one reason or another. It just seemed safer not to!

And if that's not inspiring people, what is it, my friend?

[lacquers]

Perpetuating a situation where people can't find hope isn't something I'd want to be responsible for.

That said, I'm not completely averse to exercising caution! I know it may not seem like it, but I have a reason or two for looking before I leap. [ One pretty huge one. ]

If that's how you want to put it, Axel.

[lacquers]

I didn't think so. [ He may see you as a fellow softie, Axel. It's possible. ]

'Braver' is a nice way of putting it! I don't think it's unfair to say some of us longer-lived types might be inclined to recklessness. Maybe we're alive because we're careful, but I'm sure some get tired of being vigilant. And some are invulnerable, of course. [ Except maybe to things like sunlight... ]

I hope it's clear that's what I was implying. That you're a good friend. I don't see you as an empty symbol.