[Private] Leather Bound

Ushered in by the keening, haunting tone - for those with the ability to perceive it - the Weisse Frau enters the lobby of the building. Her anticipation had been building to a head ever since Archie had invited her and his friend Linden out for refreshments. She would never admit to him how much she wanted to get her hands on the volumes in his library. But she supposes her contributions will make it easy to figure out. She hadn't stopped home to change after work, so she's still wearing the simple, professional khaki pants and jacket she taught class in earlier. And... there's Archie. Busy on his phone with something. Another business deal? Maybe more of whatever had incensed Loki so much at Beltane? She did, in fact, hear what he'd said - what he'd accused Archie of - but Eis is nothing if not a realist. One does what one must to survive in this world. If Archie can get ahead with the proper appliction of some Fae magic? More power to him.

But if he tries anything like that with her? He'll remember Loki's fist fondly in comparison to what she'd do to him. 

"Archie. You look... well." she says, smiling politely but eyeing him over. As if looking for lingering damage from his little tussle. "I hope you haven't been waiting long."

Eis hesitates for half a moment before accepting the third key. She gives a polite nod, but Archie can tell that there’s clearly something on her mind. And it’s got anything and everything to do with him. In a nutshell, she seems even more guarded than she usually is. 

Beltane is still fresh on her mind. But when she breaks her silence, it’s the Fairest’s familiar banter. 

“Too kind, dear. It will be a refreshing change to be surrounded by something other than adolescents’ learning material. I’d ask you about some of your volumes, but that would take the fun of discovery out of it.” She grins at this. “Not to rush things, but did you have it in mind to get me started on your little project tonight?” 

Interesting. Her lack of a research partner, presently, might be a reason to hold off. But the temptation to get started is strong. 

"Of course." is her nonchalant answer. "It isn't every day a party's host is abruptly attacked during pleasantries." Still spoken matter-of-factly. But her phrasing seems to suggest some sympathy. "I'm less curious about the validity of Loki's accusations, honestly. We all do what we must. I'm more interested in how all this sits with you. We have an arrangement, which for all intents and purposes means we're working together. I'd like to get to know who I'm working with."

And why shouldn't she? There more involved she becomes with the Freehold, the more items of political tension seem to surface. Perhaps less so between Seasons than from the 'old' and the 'new'.

As Eis listens to his explanation, and follows him further into the reaches, her mouth forms a smirk. She finds herself curious what the version of his story among 'impolite' company would sound like. What the explanation lacks in saucy details it makes up for in context. 

The library itself, being finally open to her, seems absolutely perfect for the purpose it serves. Spacious enough to accommodate while simultaneously feeling isolated and private. The little furry 'guardian' is a bit much, though. Try as she might, she can't help but grin as she looks over the three-headed canine. Who's a good little monstrosity? You are. She doesn't linger on it too long, lest it take an interest in her and she's forced to pet it. 

"Many more questions, I'm afraid. But thank you for giving me something to work with." She searches for a place to sit, eventually resigning to the little nook by the window. Once comfortably seated, she continues. "So let's be honest about... not being honest. My sentiments about trust seem to echo yours, as of late. I've involved myself in affairs that have glimpsed me with truths I cannot 'un-see'. And as much as it may be helpful for me to disclose everything with you, there are things I've sworn Oaths not to. But in everything I can be open about I will strive to. With that, it is only fair that I assume there are things you, as well, will be unwilling to share." 

Eis crosses her legs and folds her hands on her lap. Her posture every bit giving off a 'business' vibe. "So I'll give you something, and you think of what you can give me in return. Fair?" She doesn't wait long for an answer. "The nature of our arrangement involves my digging into the history of the Freehold. Something I've been warned against, but also something I've unavoidably become a part of. Not just with you. As to what you mentioned earlier? Most people, I believe, consider themselves having good intentions. What I choose to do - or not to do - largely revolves around not causing waves. That can be interpreted any number of ways: maintaining the status quo, apathy, or even fear. For me, it is about maintaining peace. I choose to see our 'kind' as allies - or at least potential allies - first, with political rivals trailing somewhere near the bottom of the list. It's impractical to do otherwise." She takes a deep breath, closing her eyes for the briefest of moments before exhaling and continuing. "So when I come across this information you seek, know that my personal use of it will likely serve that purpose. Not making waves."

His admittance is telling. Not necessarily damning, but certainly revealing. Her eyes narrow slightly in the mention of leverage, but her lips curl into a mischievous smile. Once he’s done ‘spilling the beans’, Eis shifts her position on her seat; sprawling out a little more, with her legs up on the padding and her back resting against the edge of the wall. Facing him, of course. Giving the appearance of comfort and nonchalance. 

“Archie. This entrepreneurial spirit of yours is charming. Admirable, even. And you’ll have to forgive me for focusing on the ‘end game’… but I’d advise caution when using this information to gain an edge.” She smiles, having a bit of fun with him. “If good intentions result in the ‘bitter fury’ of Summer, imagine how badly people would react to extortion.” She lets out a soft chuckle. “Extortion may be a strong word for it. But I trust you comprehend what I’m illustrating.”

But she isn’t here to heckle him. If anything, she’s on his side when it comes to the aforementioned. 

“In all seriousness, though. A respect and understanding of where we’ve come from is as good a reason as any. And if this knowledge represents a potential bargaining chip for you… who am I to discourage it?”

"Damage control." she responds, giving him a slow nod. "That's really all there is to it. I'd likely do the same, if thrust into your shoes."

She offers the approaching beast a momentary glance. She'll have to dig deep to ignore the thing. It is rather cute, after all. But this business with Archie takes precedence. 

"It is unfortunate. When we expose ourselves and our weakness to others we're inviting pain. Be it through misunderstanding, abuse, or some other form of unpleasantry. So why wait?" she asks, righting herself once more - careful not to swing her feet into the puppy. "Let's see what I can dig up. And see how it can shield us from further... 'miscommunications'." 

Her eyes wander to trace the heres and theres of the cozy nook of a library. What wonders does it contain? Where does she even begin? Her dark eyes widen in some small amount of wonder, and she finds herself standing. And stooping to give the white pup the tiniest of 'boops' on its little nose before straightening completely. The... center... nose. It's rather confusing as to which head to pay attention to. 

"Do you have a time frame?" she asks, not really looking at Archie, but turning her head just so in his direction. "I'm just curious as to whether I'll need to stay here 'overnight' on any given occasion. If the hours turn long." And if day and night really have any say or sway in a secluded corner of the Hedge.