Still eager. Excellent.

Leaning forward in his seat, Rainey laces his fingers together and gave them a good crack. "Good, this is your first test... prove yourself and you'll start moving up in no time." A small fools errand to start, kind of.

"I like to know how my employees are feeling, and I like to know what their thinking... so I want you you to be my eyes and ears," he started casually, leaning back in his seat and swivelling a touch. "I want to know if they do anything... questionable, or if they form opinions of me that are the least bit disrespectful." Was she following? She had permission to spy on her colleagues, the others, did not. "And I fear Mr. Ashbury-Hawthorne might have developed some ill-will toward me, I'd like you to be friendly with Accidents and Catastrophes, keep an eye on him, if he moves against me then you're not likely to get the promotion I am so sure that you will deserve."

Did she comprehend? He was a businessman, willing to compromise and negotiate, others were not so likely to be negotiating with YATI's seeking promotions ahead of their time.

Moving up in no time was exactly what she wanted to hear. He could have asked her to accio the moon, she was officially on board just don't actually ask that because Merlin she didn't even wanna know how she'd have to pull that off.

Thing is...the more he talked was the more it sounded like that spying thing he told them not to do earlier only on a more personal scale; the employees on their level. "Shouldn't be that hard. Just a matter of joining conversations and listening in when the first isn't an option." See that? She was already thinking up a game plan. In truth, knowing what people thought wasn't that hard. Most were conceited enough to tell you even when you didn't give a rat's hat. Those that didn't say much were no problem either because those tended toward inaction and were easily restrained.

What REALLY got her, was the whole talk of getting acquainted with Accidents and Catastrophes. In truth, she'd been meaning to pay keen attention there after all she'd heard but now the boss man was giving her permission--special permission to keep an eye on the Department Head and everything. "He won't make a move you don't know about, Sir." She assured with a solemn nod of her head. "Will there be anything else?" If not she would hop right on that mission. Merlin it even sounded fancy and official, eeep!

He was impressed. Impressed with how quickly she had taken to his offer. She was going to be his go-to in no time at all. Lex, was already music to his ears. So long a s she delivered, he'd be calling upon her more often. Browne had done something right in accepting her into the program. One mess he wouldn't have to fix. "I don't think you'll have trouble excelling with this task," he mused, nodding in approval at her 'plan'. Fancy that, already on a roll.

And still, there was music to her ears. He loved knowing other peoples' business, and especially if it had to do with pansy hands over there. "Wonderful, and no, that will be all for now. We'll be in touch."

She was dismissed, and this of course was evident by him rising from his seat, ready to take his leave. There was work he was sure he was meant to be doing. Bureaucratic paper pushing of some sort. He gestured for the door, she could exit first - he was at least that much of a gentleman.

Now THAT was a vote of confidence; he agreed he didn't think she would have much trouble with what he'd tasked her with. Only thing now was making sure she delivered. One did not simply make big claims about Head Auror-ship then fall short on something as simple as surveillance--because that's all this was. Just watching and keeping her ears peeled. Surely nothing difficult.

AND THEY'D BE IN TOUCH!

Obviously he'd be so blown away by her efforts that he'd end up calling for her services again. Lookit that she was already making a reputation and from here would determine the kind that it was. Lex hopped up from her seat, ready and rearing to go. "Have a good one Mr. Bossman Sir."

She had some people watching to go do.

With the offices far from private and the holding area hardly appropriate, Simon opted on borrowing the conference room for a little bit. Surely it was acceptable, especially given the nature of the guest. He lead Mariel off to the right almost towards his place of work before pausing at the door before, the man holding it open politely for her to enter before him. "This should be private enough," he told her, waiting until she entered to follow inside.

When they were both in the room he secured it to insure they weren't interrupted and summoned some parchment and quill. Simon wasn't sure just what she was going to say, but there was likely something he might need written down. He didn't pressure her as he sat down, but instead waiting for her to be ready to disclose why she was here. To tell what crime had been committed.

Good, Mariel appreciated the professionalism that Simon was willing to display, especially at a time like this. She needed that, for, as strong as she may have appeared on the outside, she felt somewhat fragile on the inside. The Department Head followed him just as soon as he prompted her to do as much, not at all familiar with this section of the Ministry, but figuring there must be one room or another that could offer some sense of seclusion.

Walking through the department, Mariel kept slightly behind Simon to allow him to lead the way, keeping her eyes focused on their path rather than their surroundings. She might have been remotely interested in seeing what this part of the Ministry looked like at another time, but she had far too much on her mind today. Once he stopped, she glanced first at him then at the door he opened. "Thank you," she nodded, entering the room and casting her eyes around the area. A conference room, not unlike her own several floors down.. yes, this would do fine.

Noting that he secured the room, Mariel took a seat as it seemed Simon was preparing to take some sort of statement from her. Taking a deep breath, she tried to gather her thoughts. "I'm not sure where to begin," she finally started. "And.. unfortunately I don't know very much, but I thought it would at least be worth it to report what I do know." Or what she thought she knew. Maybe they could open an investigation or something and find something out that she didn't know. But she had to do this for her husband. "Jorge is in the hospital with a head injury. I found him unconscious on our front step the other morning and he was in a bad state." It was of her opinion that someone put him in that position, but she was unclear on what exactly had happened. "I'm fairly certain someone broke into our home." It was unfortunate that her memory of anything that may or may not have happened was hazy at best.

SPOILER!!: Mariel

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjay

SPOILER!!: Simon

Good, Mariel appreciated the professionalism that Simon was willing to display, especially at a time like this. She needed that, for, as strong as she may have appeared on the outside, she felt somewhat fragile on the inside. The Department Head followed him just as soon as he prompted her to do as much, not at all familiar with this section of the Ministry, but figuring there must be one room or another that could offer some sense of seclusion.

Walking through the department, Mariel kept slightly behind Simon to allow him to lead the way, keeping her eyes focused on their path rather than their surroundings. She might have been remotely interested in seeing what this part of the Ministry looked like at another time, but she had far too much on her mind today. Once he stopped, she glanced first at him then at the door he opened. "Thank you," she nodded, entering the room and casting her eyes around the area. A conference room, not unlike her own several floors down.. yes, this would do fine.

Noting that he secured the room, Mariel took a seat as it seemed Simon was preparing to take some sort of statement from her. Taking a deep breath, she tried to gather her thoughts. "I'm not sure where to begin," she finally started. "And.. unfortunately I don't know very much, but I thought it would at least be worth it to report what I do know." Or what she thought she knew. Maybe they could open an investigation or something and find something out that she didn't know. But she had to do this for her husband. "Jorge is in the hospital with a head injury. I found him unconscious on our front step the other morning and he was in a bad state." It was of her opinion that someone put him in that position, but she was unclear on what exactly had happened. "I'm fairly certain someone broke into our home." It was unfortunate that her memory of anything that may or may not have happened was hazy at best.

Simon knew enough that sometimes it was better not to rush and risk information being lost in the shuffle. And as far as he could tell, there wasn't necessarily a reason to rush since Mariel herself wasn't. Nor frantic, though she never struck the security man to be like that. "Mhmm...sometimes you never know what could be useful," he mused to her first statements in hope to encourage the woman to continue on with what she had to say. It appeared as if she didn't need much prompting for she continued, however little.

If there was anything he might have thought as an option for what he was going to be told, it wasn't exactly what came out of his companion's mouth. Jorge...injured and in the hospital...having been found in a bad state. Granted, he and the reporter had a rocky history but Simon didn't wish him harm. But he supposed he wasn't the only one the man had a bad relationship with, the security man muling over the information as he scribbled stuff down in his notes.

"If you want, someone...I, can come to the house and run some scans." His first thought was offering help from anywhere, switching to himself personally since Mariel had already mentioned only speaking to him. And it was the least he could do, well after listening to her, and doing a formal report if desired. "Add some extra security measures even if it makes you feel better." It could shake up even the most stoic to think your home, your escape from the world, might have been violated.

Mariel sat quietly, trying her best to reply the events of that night and subsequent morning the best that she could remember. Part of her memory was still rather hazy and she hated that feeling, almost as much as she hated the helplessness she felt in regards to her husband. This was the least she could do for him and it didn't feel to her like she was doing much in that regards either with her lack of recall and little knowledge of the actual events.

"He's in a coma," she added, her voice sounding far away to her, her eyes focusing on some point in the distance. "A magically induced one.." Her breath hitched in her throat as she felt emotions rising again, but she pushed them down for now. She didn't think it would do anyone any good if she broke down right now, and that was not something she would let herself do. Mariel didn't exactly feel like indulging much more about his condition, unless Simon somehow found it helpful to aid in any investigation that could possibly take place.

Her eyes found his when he spoke and, after a moment's thought, she nodded at his words. "Yes.. If you think that could tell you anything about what might have happened.. you can come to the house and do that." The thought had crossed her mind actually. Maybe it would help or at least give her some answers. Mariel looked down, shaking her head as Simon continued, and she took a deep breath before continuing. "We already had some pretty secure charms on the house.." She wasn't sure what he could offer that she didn't already have, though she was sure other measures cold be taken that she hadn't already had. In fact, she had thought of something that some may think fairly drastic, but she wasn't going to let anything else happen to her family if she could help it.

Lifting her green eyes to Simon, she spoke again. "I don't remember much more.. other than I had a difficult time waking up that morning.. " And her memory was rather hazy, almost dream-like. "Did you have any questions? Maybe there's something I missed.. something that could help.." That's how she thought that kind of thing worked anyway. And she was desperate for answers right now.

SPOILER!!: Mariel

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjay

Mariel sat quietly, trying her best to reply the events of that night and subsequent morning the best that she could remember. Part of her memory was still rather hazy and she hated that feeling, almost as much as she hated the helplessness she felt in regards to her husband. This was the least she could do for him and it didn't feel to her like she was doing much in that regards either with her lack of recall and little knowledge of the actual events.

"He's in a coma," she added, her voice sounding far away to her, her eyes focusing on some point in the distance. "A magically induced one.." Her breath hitched in her throat as she felt emotions rising again, but she pushed them down for now. She didn't think it would do anyone any good if she broke down right now, and that was not something she would let herself do. Mariel didn't exactly feel like indulging much more about his condition, unless Simon somehow found it helpful to aid in any investigation that could possibly take place.

Her eyes found his when he spoke and, after a moment's thought, she nodded at his words. "Yes.. If you think that could tell you anything about what might have happened.. you can come to the house and do that." The thought had crossed her mind actually. Maybe it would help or at least give her some answers. Mariel looked down, shaking her head as Simon continued, and she took a deep breath before continuing. "We already had some pretty secure charms on the house.." She wasn't sure what he could offer that she didn't already have, though she was sure other measures cold be taken that she hadn't already had. In fact, she had thought of something that some may think fairly drastic, but she wasn't going to let anything else happen to her family if she could help it.

Lifting her green eyes to Simon, she spoke again. "I don't remember much more.. other than I had a difficult time waking up that morning.. " And her memory was rather hazy, almost dream-like. "Did you have any questions? Maybe there's something I missed.. something that could help.." That's how she thought that kind of thing worked anyway. And she was desperate for answers right now.

Simon continued to wait and listen for anything further to be said. He closed his eyes momentarily as the woman expressed just how bad it was, swearing to himself. Yeah, he certainly hadn't wished that on the man...or his family. He assumed the coma was induced by Mungos lest it already be proof number one of foul play. "I'm sorry," was all the security man could think of saying at that point, continuing to think on what he was being given. Albeit it being limited.

The former auror was glad that she agreed to having him get a look at the house. Even if he didn't add anything, at least some clues might be found and it would give him a chance to do something to help the situation. Half the offer being accepted was better then the woman chosing to shut him down completely despite her coming to him in the first place. "Then I will certainly do what I can."

Warning bells went off in his head as Mariel spoke of having trouble getting up herself. "That hints of a spell being used on you." Something to keep her unaware of happenings while Jorge was messed with? He bit the inside of his cheek in thought before turning his seat so he could better look at her directly, especially if she turned a little herself. "If you'll allow me...I'd like to run a test. Both with magic and perhaps questions to see if somethings there. Or something was done." Thankfully they had done that training with Level 3.

Doing her best to keep some sense of clarity as she tried to relay events the best she could, Mariel couldn't help but let her mind wander to her husband lying motionless in his hospital bed as her eyes fell on her hands in her lap. She lifted her eyes as Simon spoke, offering him a faint, grateful smile. "Thank you." Even just that small gesture of kindness offering his sympathy meant a lot to her at a time like this, especially knowing how things were between them in the past.

She was rather curious about what scans on her house would tell them, attributing that to her typical Ravenclaw nature, though she felt that she had every right to know anyway. "What do you think the scans would show?" she asked, keeping her green eyes affixed to him. "Just a tampering with the magic.. or anything more substantial?" Maybe it would give them some sort of clue, but she also hoped that it was more than grasping at straws at this point because she really had little to go on. And she wanted to know who did this to her husband, not to mention was in her house likely steps from where their toddler slept as well.

Mariel became lost in her thoughts again, snapping out of her reverie when Simon spoke again. A spell used on her.. yes, she knew that actually. She listened to his suggestions, nodding lightly to the sentiment. "I was checked out at St. Mungo's actually, when I brought Jorge in." She subconsciously rested her hand on her stomach as she thought about all that they had told her that day, then looked up again as he faced her directly. "They believe that a stunning spell may have been used on me, but no serious curses or anything like that." She liked to believe that Jorge did it to protect her, knowing that if it was someone who had hurt him casting a spell on her, it likely would have been something worse.

SPOILER!!: Mariel

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjay

Doing her best to keep some sense of clarity as she tried to relay events the best she could, Mariel couldn't help but let her mind wander to her husband lying motionless in his hospital bed as her eyes fell on her hands in her lap. She lifted her eyes as Simon spoke, offering him a faint, grateful smile. "Thank you." Even just that small gesture of kindness offering his sympathy meant a lot to her at a time like this, especially knowing how things were between them in the past.

She was rather curious about what scans on her house would tell them, attributing that to her typical Ravenclaw nature, though she felt that she had every right to know anyway. "What do you think the scans would show?" she asked, keeping her green eyes affixed to him. "Just a tampering with the magic.. or anything more substantial?" Maybe it would give them some sort of clue, but she also hoped that it was more than grasping at straws at this point because she really had little to go on. And she wanted to know who did this to her husband, not to mention was in her house likely steps from where their toddler slept as well.

Mariel became lost in her thoughts again, snapping out of her reverie when Simon spoke again. A spell used on her.. yes, she knew that actually. She listened to his suggestions, nodding lightly to the sentiment. "I was checked out at St. Mungo's actually, when I brought Jorge in." She subconsciously rested her hand on her stomach as she thought about all that they had told her that day, then looked up again as he faced her directly. "They believe that a stunning spell may have been used on me, but no serious curses or anything like that." She liked to believe that Jorge did it to protect her, knowing that if it was someone who had hurt him casting a spell on her, it likely would have been something worse.

The reaction was light, but his appology seemed to have a desired effect on the woman. A simply, acceptable show of support for what had to going on with her and through her head and emotions. Even though Mariel was doing very well in not really showing it openly, even to someone trained in reading people. Simon himself couldn't help but think of what he would do in her place, the safety of Angelina something that was occasionally on his mind given his job. At least moreso the job he used to have.

"It could mean a tampering..." he agreed at first, his mind running through the pissibilities. "It could possibly show traces put on it," he added a touch tentative. Those kind of spells showed an extended connection to what happened and usually made people nervous...if they knew. "Of course anything I would find would be removed and fixed." Because how could he have himself guarding the security of the whole ministry if he couldn't handle one family home.

So she had already been checked out. Simon hoped the healers had chosen to be through rather than simple in their work and covered the bases. "That's good..." he said before frowning slightly at the mention of a stunning spell being used on her. So whatever was done to Jorge and one spell of attack on Mariel. That was a crime all right, but not much to go on to find the culprit. "I mean...that it was nothing too serious." He didn't want to have that taken the wrong way.

Thinking on other information he could perhaps derive from, he turned his parchment of quick notes over. "Now I suppose Jorge has had his fair share of people not pleased with his work..." Including the MLE at times. "Or perhaps maybe there was a disgruntedly employee of yours." Nah...Jorge seemed more likely. "Is there anyone or anything that stands out previously? Literally anything....even small...that could clue to a possible motive and criminal."

She was having a harder and harder time concentrating the more she sat there, but Mariel was determined to get through this for her husband. She had to, she needed to do all she could to help him, and hopefully this would help catch whoever did this to him.

Well, she was certain that the charms on her houses had been tampered with. There were some pretty strong charms put into place so whoever managed to get inside had to have done something to make that possible. It wasn't just a bunch of kids making their way in either. It was obviously someone dangerous but she knew that by the state Jorge was in. "Of course.." she murmured lightly. "Well, I'm sure anything that can be detected will help in the investigation.." Or she hoped. And she nodded as Simon said that her house's charms would likely need repair. "Yes, I think I will need to take a different approach to my home's security afterwards though. I'm not sure exactly what they were after or why hurt Jorge they way they did, but if they could get in once, I'm not letting it happen again." They might have left her and Regina alone, but she wasn't taking her chances. And she was too afraid to stay there as it was.

She looked up and nodded, sparing Simon a small smile as he said it was good nothing too serious had happened to her. "Yes.." she choked out, her voice thick with emotion. "Regina and I were very fortunate. I don't know what I would do if anything ever happened to her." She remained quiet for a while. She wasn't sure what she was going to do if Jorge didn't pull through this but she tried to not let her mind go there.

Mariel was snapped out of her thoughts by his rather insulting insinuation. "Disgruntled employee? I don't have any of those," she said pointedly. He may have had his issues with her, but her team was like family to her. None of them would have done anything like this, she had no doubt. She cleared her throat, pushing past any annoyance to continue. "Jorge has.. something of a dark past," she said after a moment and a deep breath. "He devoted much of his writing to exposing corruption in the Spanish Ministry and trying to bring down a group of dark wizards there as well. He's been cursed many times and has had his home and family there threatened. That's one reason he came to London in the first place."

She paused, feeling light-headed and slightly nauseous. "Could I have a glass of water?" Maybe that would help. Where was she? "That was years ago though, and he put that part of his life behind him.." She wasn't so sure it was that. But maybe.. "Many of his stories have been controversial or.. provoking." She was sure Simon knew that. "He wrote about similar things when he came here too.. questioning things, holding people accountable, even dark wizards.." Any of which could push the wrong person, she supposed. "But after we were married and we wanted to start a family, he knew that could be dangerous and he didn't want to subject us to that. He stopped writing things like that a while ago." So if it was anything related to one of his stories, it was a serious delayed reaction.

SPOILER!!: Mariel

Quote:

Originally Posted by emjay

She was having a harder and harder time concentrating the more she sat there, but Mariel was determined to get through this for her husband. She had to, she needed to do all she could to help him, and hopefully this would help catch whoever did this to him.

Well, she was certain that the charms on her houses had been tampered with. There were some pretty strong charms put into place so whoever managed to get inside had to have done something to make that possible. It wasn't just a bunch of kids making their way in either. It was obviously someone dangerous but she knew that by the state Jorge was in. "Of course.." she murmured lightly. "Well, I'm sure anything that can be detected will help in the investigation.." Or she hoped. And she nodded as Simon said that her house's charms would likely need repair. "Yes, I think I will need to take a different approach to my home's security afterwards though. I'm not sure exactly what they were after or why hurt Jorge they way they did, but if they could get in once, I'm not letting it happen again." They might have left her and Regina alone, but she wasn't taking her chances. And she was too afraid to stay there as it was.

She looked up and nodded, sparing Simon a small smile as he said it was good nothing too serious had happened to her. "Yes.." she choked out, her voice thick with emotion. "Regina and I were very fortunate. I don't know what I would do if anything ever happened to her." She remained quiet for a while. She wasn't sure what she was going to do if Jorge didn't pull through this but she tried to not let her mind go there.

Mariel was snapped out of her thoughts by his rather insulting insinuation. "Disgruntled employee? I don't have any of those," she said pointedly. He may have had his issues with her, but her team was like family to her. None of them would have done anything like this, she had no doubt. She cleared her throat, pushing past any annoyance to continue. "Jorge has.. something of a dark past," she said after a moment and a deep breath. "He devoted much of his writing to exposing corruption in the Spanish Ministry and trying to bring down a group of dark wizards there as well. He's been cursed many times and has had his home and family there threatened. That's one reason he came to London in the first place."

She paused, feeling light-headed and slightly nauseous. "Could I have a glass of water?" Maybe that would help. Where was she? "That was years ago though, and he put that part of his life behind him.." She wasn't so sure it was that. But maybe.. "Many of his stories have been controversial or.. provoking." She was sure Simon knew that. "He wrote about similar things when he came here too.. questioning things, holding people accountable, even dark wizards.." Any of which could push the wrong person, she supposed. "But after we were married and we wanted to start a family, he knew that could be dangerous and he didn't want to subject us to that. He stopped writing things like that a while ago." So if it was anything related to one of his stories, it was a serious delayed reaction.

Mariel was right about that, and Simon nodded in agreement as he listened, anything that could be found had the potential to help...somewhere in the investigation. "Well I'd keep a look out for anything and everything. " He might have offered further assistance in setting up such measures but she seemed dead set on doing it on her own. Yes, her and Regina, the young child that was added to the mix now. The one he was most concerned about, with her being innocent and unable to defend herself as her parents were likely just or if not several times more concerned about her safety.

Uh oh...her sudden reaction didn't seem all to pleasant and her tone confirmed it. The security man raised his hand slightly in surrender and repentance. "I'm sorry Mariel...I didn't mean it like that." Sigh, was he back to upsetting her again? "I just...wanted to cover my bases...and not just assuming its connected to the Prophet." See, he was trying to be fair and open-minded as best he could. Besides he was well aware how her workers enjoyed her and the department.

Though as she explained Jorge's journalistic past that went beyong what he knew, Simon was pretty sure it had to do with something the reporter had worked on. You didn't get wrapped up in dark wizards both in the UK and Spain without making a few enemies.

Simon was brought back from his thoughts as Mariel asked for water. "Of course," he said, getting up and retrieving a glass from the counter and pouring from the pitcher kept fresh. The security man settled it before her but remained on his feet as she listened to her continue. The timing seemed off given the change in assignment, but that wasn't totally out of the question. It just meant that perhaps there had been circumstances that kept the attack until later.

"I'll have the aurors and hit wizards keep an eye out for any buzz," he offered, knowing even a small report needed to be filed. The man adding as a second thought... "Keeping things discrete." He would be the only one who knew the full details of the matter as long as that was what she wanted.

Mariel nodded as Simon confirmed his role in the investigation. "Please keep me updated on anything you'd find." She wasn't sure what they really would find though or if would be at all helpful if they did. She had never held a lot of confidence in the MLE in the past, but she was grasping onto the hope that they actually could do something for her family. She didn't really have anywhere else to turn.

Raising an eyebrow, she looked at Simon as he offered an apology and waved her hand dismissively. Sure, his comment annoyed her but truthfully she was not in a good state of mind right now so maybe she was a little sensitive. And she nearly always accepted heartfelt apologies. "No, it's fine.. I know you're just doing your job." She understood his reasoning, just knew that she was a great boss and had a great team. "I am certain none of my employees, past or present, would have done anything like this though. I imagine it would be someone fairly adept with dark magic maybe, to get through the charms we had." That was starting to become her take on it anyway. Especially as her husband was rather skilled with a wand and not just anyone would have been able to put him in the state he was in.

"Thank you," she said quietly as he got up to get her a glass of water and she sat there alone with her thoughts for a moment. Perhaps it did have to do with one of her articles, but the timing of it confused her. If he had gotten away from that line of work, why would anyone still feel threatened by any of his expositions? She took a long drink after Simon set the glass in front of her, hoping to settle some of the queasiness. "Alright," she nodded as he spoke again. "I'd appreciate that." She wasn't all that hopeful that it would amount to anything unfortunately, but she figured that was better than nothing. As his words had a sense of finality to them, she added, "I suppose that's all you need from me?" She wasn't sure what else she could offer anyway as she told him all she knew or could remember.

He was feeling somewhat generous today, and so the table wasn't bare. Instead there were treats for his employees in the form of juice and coffee. It wasn't a banquet, but it was something to hopefully keep them occupied.

Sitting in his seat enjoying the ambiance of the empty room, Rainey waited patiently for his staff to trickle in.

If there was anything to be expected at the start of each new ministry year, besides some kind of orientation, it was a department-wide meeting first thing. A glance at the notice board upon entering the office had confirmed it was still a go this time around as well as confirmation of the new YATI he had met at the orientation. So after depositing his belongings at his desk and grabbing a quill and notebook, Simon headed towards the conference.

"Good morning," the security man greeted politely as he entered the room and found him the only one there. He could be civil, even if the man wasn't on his list of favorite people in the department at the moment. Simon noticed the drinks on the table but opted out, instead simply taking a random seat at the conference table.

Big difference to this start of year meeting, as opposed to last year's, was that Dale now knew the layout of the place. So, after arriving at Level Two and checking the noticeboard for an inevitable meeting, he could just go ahead and head straight to the conference room. No need to find someone else to follow in here. It felt good.

Dale entered the room now, sliding inside without opening the door all the way and closing it gently behind him, as the atmosphere in the room was one he barely felt comfortable disturbing even with his presence.

"Good morning Rainey... Bennett," he nodded at each of the men in turn, taking a seat at the big table, the one he'd always seemed to gravitate to since his very first day. Creature of habit, and all. Dale spared them each a friendly smile, before leaning forward and going straight for the coffee. Mmmmm, coffee.

The usual meeting which Jory always looked forward to. He looked forward to everything, really. As long as it involved his work. He didn't even bother to drop his things properly at his desk. He just briefly took a trip to the desk, inhaling the familiar MLE air before heading for the conference room.

"Good morning,'' Jory said to the only three arrivals so far. Simon was there already obviously. The younger man opted for a seat beside his friend, noting the beverages on the table. Umm, maybe later? He had just had his own coffee and unless Rainey wanted his meeting interrupted so one of his staff could constantly use the bathroom, then Jory would pass. But the juice did seem mighty appealing.

First day jitterbugs? Naaaaaaah. Luc was already over it. Instead he was just EXCITED to be going into work today. But he knew the morning routine he needed to take care of, so when he arrived into the building he was as cool as a cucumber that wasn't on Wade's menu for the day. How his cousin could go through all that he didn't care to know anymore as the door to the first meeting room approached closer.

"Hello, good morning." Cooly speaking after entering. His demeanor was relaxed, but his blue eyes had that twinkle. First impressions were important, but at least he already made his with some of the people. Much less tension there. Luc then gave everyone a little wave before he went to choose a seat. Hmm.. now where to sit?

Of course, as soon as she had seen the notice, Penelope headed straight for the usual conference room meeting. Today, it felt pretty cool actually with the thought on her mind that this was gonna be her third year as a YATI. Final year. Hopefully. Probably. She was right on schedule with her training and doing pretty well too - or at least, she thought so. Surely wouldn't need to be longer than the required three years.

That was a bit of a scary thought, actually. What if she suddenly failed all the stuff this year and had to repeat an extra year? What if she didn't seem ready to graduate for whatever reason? Merlin.

She internally shook herself, banishing those thoughts for now. It'd be fine, yeah? She'd be fine. And she had a meeting to focus on for right now.

Entering the room, she gave the boss and the other guys there a nod in greeting. "G'morning," she said before taking a seat. Ooo, coffee. Taking a cup of that too, thanks.

Vic, back from his honeymoon, was here. He had a folder full of papers under his arm and a hot coffee mug in the other hand. "'Morning everyone," he smiled in everybody's general direction and hurried to take a seat at the table. He sipped from his coffee quickly and leaned forwards on his elbows on top of his folder waiting for this meeting to be over soon.

How long until lunch break and seeing his wife in her office again? Ahem, nothing, he was completely focused here.

A meeting to start the year right? Well, couldn't be any worse than sticking her at the wand weighing desk for most of the orientation. 'Least this time she'd be sitting and vastly more interested in what was going on. Anything dealing with her Department Head held her interest, how else was she going to impress him? Serious question. It was all in the plan.

Also a part of the plan was showing up on time for the meeting. The moment she'd walked by the noticeboard and saw it she made a beeline for the Conference Room. Last year's meeting was inspiring. Naturally this one would be too. Had to be. This was Elliot Rainey they were talking about.

Lex slipped into the seat next to Dale with a comfortable plopping motion and a nudge to him. "Mornin' Boss...boys." Was this juice? Why did no one ever opt for hot chocolate? "Hey Penelope."

She hadn't bothered writing up a 'status report' on the way over, figuring she knew well enough what she'd been up to so for now she would just lean back in her seat and wait for something amazing to happen.

It wasn't long before other members of the department trickled into the conference room for the meeting. Simon himself was simply observing his coworkers in the process. First there was Dale the court scribe who greeted them both before taking a seat and grabbing coffee from the center of the table. Jory wasn't far behind him. "Good morning," he said with a nod, returning the greetings of both younger men, offering a small but polite smile to the latter as he sat down beside him.

Luc, the newest YATI came next and Simon afforded him a nod of acknowledgement as well. He in turn was followed by Penelope, the one trainee that Simon wasn't all too concerned about for one reason or another. "Morning," he returned as she too helped herself to coffee. The personal choices of beverage was always an interesting thing to look into for any sort of meaning.

Oh lookie here...a certain newlywed had returned.

Not to mention being the only one beside Rainey himself that didn't make Simon feel old in comparison. And he even brought his own coffee. "Good morning," he greeted in return before adding since it had been the first time the man had returned since the wedding. "And congradulations." The latest married person in the department...eventually to be followed by him and Jory.

And finally Lex made an appearance. Simon had to admit, he almost expected the second year YATI to have been hot on his own heals in arriving since she was very eager and tenacious. One could only hope she hadn't been occupied in something already that would be interesting to know about. "Good morning," he greeted as he scribbled the date in the top of his notebook page in preparation.

There were two ways to determine lateness. The first being how many bodies were not in the room, the second being how many bodies were in the room. Judging by the crowd gathered in the small space, Rhydian Blackhold was late.

He would blame it on the shoes, if anyone asked. They had been a bugger to pick this morning, an internal struggle of epic proporitions between black and brown. That was his story, and that was what he was sticking to. It was, at least, mostly truth. He had been staring at the brown and black pairs for Merlin only knew how long.

But upon entering the room, he realized that there was a third measure to lateness. That being, if the Bossman had started talking yet. Which, unless they were all situated in an uncomfortable, silence exercise, he hadn't seemed to. So, late, but not embarrassingly so.

Not being picky about seats, Rhydian selected the chair closest to those he recognized, somewhere between Lift Man and Mr. Helpful, and strategically away from his partner. "Mornin' ".

The names of the others were constantly elusive, so he settled for giving a tip of his hat and a "How'dy all do?'", before plopping himself down. The hat got hooked on the arm of the chair, freeing his hands to pour himself a cup of stiff....apple juice?

It worked. Somehow. Because, sugar.

Bossman got a nod of appreciation. "Like the suit."

Genevieve Branxton was hoping to get a seat near Legend so she could get a chance to bend his year, and she was disappointed not to find him in the meeting yet. Still, it meant she could sit next to her YATI girls and make disapproving faces at them if they misbehaved. That was about her third favorite thing about her job, behind hexing at will and arresting bad guys.

And there was coffee! Hooray for coffee! The petite blond poured herself a cup before kicking back into her chair. "Morning, Boss Man. Simon. YATIs. Married Guy. Other people." And how many of you were evil and worked for a Cult, hmmm?