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Post by Kait on Jan 2, 2007 1:04:42 GMT -5
((So far just for Luffy and I. PM me for permission to join.))
*Orpheus Quinn quickly ducked down as the cauldron in front of him suddenly regurgitated its contents, a putrid green potion flying through the air over his head. When the cauldron had emptied itself, he quickly righted his posture again, running a hand through his long red hair with a sigh.* "Lovely..." *Orpheus quickly began examining the cauldron, completely oblivious to the impatient owner standing to the side. Rolling her eyes, his coworker Callie Robles dealt with the angry woman herself, insisting that they would either fix the cauldron or have it replaced, as well as get to the bottom of what had happened to make the cauldron so dysfunctional. When Callie was done reassuring the victim, Orpheus apparated himself and the cauldron off without another word...
Back at the Ministry, an infuriated Callie stormed into Orpheus' little cubicle where he sat intently examining the cauldron.*
"You couldn't wait five minutes for me, Quinn? And why is it that you can never be curteous and explain the situation to the victims before getting to work?"
"My apologies, Robles... I didn't mean to be rude... But it's fascinating, don't you think? Three regurgitating cauldrons in one week." *Orpheus' blue eyes never left the cauldron, observing it from every angle and occasionally giving it a tap with his wand.* "And look at this. It has the Pickett brand on it, the same as the others. I believe this may be more than sheer coincidence. The cauldrons may have been accidentally cursed, but definitely not in the homes of the users. Two could be a fluke, but three in a week means they're being jinxed at the source."
*Callie sighed softly, her anger disappearing as she let her curiosity win out.* "I suppose rather than fix each individual cauldron, you'd rather go straight to the source, hm?"
"Of course. What if a dangerous potion is splashed all over the next victim? Or what if these cauldrons weren't jinxed accidentally and this is either malicious or someone's idea of a good joke? We need to find the Pickett who makes these cauldrons and make sure the products haven't been tampered with..."
*Callie sighed again, shaking her head a little.* "Fine, but at least let me get a spot of lunch before we go chasing this Pickett person."
*With that, the frail little witch disappeared from the entrance to his cubicle, and Orpheus began trying to research the location of the cauldrons' creator...*
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Post by Luffy on Jan 2, 2007 1:18:01 GMT -5
*Adrian let out a heavy sigh, wiping the sweat off of his forehead; exhausted. He inspected piece after piece of metal he had forged that day, absolutely dumbfounded.* "I don't understand it... I've been getting complaints all week, but there is simply nothing astray with these cauldrons." *Adrian bit his lip sullenly, adjusting his glasses. He reached into his back pocket, retrieving his wand, and setting it upon two pieces of metal. Chanting softly, though with great eloquence, he welded piece after piece of scrap metal until he formed another cauldron- the best he'd done in a long while.*
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Post by Kait on Jan 2, 2007 1:25:03 GMT -5
*After Callie's lunch break, she and Orpheus left the ministry, off to find the blacksmith that had created the three cauldrons they were investigating. They finally arrived at the proper location, the business of Trenton Pickett. Orpheus allowed Callie to go first as always, watching quietly as she knocked harshly on the door. He always marveled at how such a small woman could hold so much force and passion in her.*
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Post by Luffy on Jan 2, 2007 1:33:12 GMT -5
*Adrian glanced towards the the front of the shop, interested in the break in silence. Stuffing his wand in his pocket, he leisurely walked towards the door, not bothering to look at who stood before him as he gingerly opened the door.* "Welcome." He smiled faintly, as he inspected his glasses carefully.* "How may I be of service to you?"
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Post by Kait on Jan 2, 2007 1:35:07 GMT -5
*Orpheus quietly observed the man that stood in front of them, taking in his features and body language while Callie did the talking as usual.*
"Good day, sir. Would you be Mister Trenton R. Pickett?"
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Post by Luffy on Jan 2, 2007 1:39:33 GMT -5
*Adrian shuddered at his father's mentioning, finally giving his full attention to the fairly petite woman, and the rather... attractive young man standing before him* "No, actually, I'm his son. Adrian Pickett. Oh, how rude of me... here; please, let me welcome you to my humble abode." *Adrian ushered them in, shutting the door behind them* "I should hope to be of similar aid as my father?"
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Post by Kait on Jan 2, 2007 1:47:00 GMT -5
*Orpheus still remained quiet as he stepped inside, glancing back at Adrian Pickett once the door was closed behind him. Callie proceeded with the niceties, knowing how socially disadvantaged Orpheus was.*
"Perhaps. Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Callie Robles from the Accidental Magic Reversal Squad."
*As Callie extended her hand to Adrian, she shot a rather pointed glance at Orpheus who quickly cleared his throat before quietly introducing himself.* "And I'm Orpheus Quinn..."
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Post by Luffy on Jan 2, 2007 2:21:46 GMT -5
"I am most charmed." *Adrian shook Callie Roble's hand delicately, remembering to use his right hand, and not his left, as he usually would attempt. Adrian then faced Orpheus, a smile that would usually not exist playing at his lips. "A pleasure it is to meet you as well, Orpheus Quinn. Now that we've accomplished the trivialities of small talk, you're welcome to get down to business."
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Post by Kait on Jan 2, 2007 2:26:42 GMT -5
*Orpheus couldn't help the slight smile that played on his lips, grateful for someone who didn't beat around the bush for once. Callie looked just slightly surprised as Orpheus took over the conversation, something he rarely did.* "Very well, Mr. Pickett. We're here on account of three cauldrons we were called to investigate this week. Originally it was assumed that the owners of the cauldrons in question had managed to accidentally jinx their cauldrons, but after the discovery of the third cauldron earlier today, it has become apparent that these cauldrons are being jinxed at a source outside of these homes. All three cauldrons are identical, randomly regurgitate their contents, and bear the Pickett label. Since all three cauldrons were created here, we were wondering if you had any information for us regarding this peculiar jinx."
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Post by Luffy on Jan 2, 2007 2:37:06 GMT -5
*Adrien raised his eyebrows slightly, as he nodded his head understandingly* "Aye. I've had quite a few calls this past week concerning cauldrons 'coming to life.' Which seems rather ridiculous, when you ponder the matter rationally. In all honesty, which is all I would offer to the both of you; cauldrons do not 'come to life' unless they're put to do so. In my humble opinion, I believe the issue lies within the seller of the Pickett products, because though I've been receiving many complaints, I happen to know that there have been many issues with other products lately, in the same shop that sells these cauldrons. I've inspected all the metal, and all of the equipment, and unfortunately, it does not seem to involve me to the extent in which I can remedy the dilemma." *Adrian's eyes widened slightly as he realized he had likely talked their ears off, though when he did speak, he was well-poised, and took his time speaking.*
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Post by Kait on Jan 2, 2007 2:42:06 GMT -5
*Orpheus listened intently, nodding slowly once Adrian had finished. Before Callie could speak up, Orpheus was talking again.* "Yes, I figured as much... There often many mistakes made during the packaging, transportation, or distribution of goods, especially when magic is used to achieve all three goals. Spells go awry, people get careless or simply lack the proper magical instruction..." *Callie quickly intervened.*
"Still, we'll have to inspect the forge for ourselves, Mr. Pickett, just as an extra precaution. The Ministry would have our heads if we didn't follow procedure, you know?"
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Post by Luffy on Jan 2, 2007 2:46:26 GMT -5
*Adrian slipped his left hand into his pant pocket, while gesturing with the other.* "But of course, I'd almost be insulted if you didn't."
*Adrian turned around, facing the fireplace, and some of the machinery in the back. "Indulge yourselves." *He sighed lightly, leaning back against the counter nearest to him*
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Post by Kait on Jan 2, 2007 2:50:43 GMT -5
*Callie gave a swift nod.* "Your cooperation is appreciated."
*She glanced at Orpheus who quickly tore his eyes away from Adrian and began looking over one portion of the building while Callie looked over the other. Orpheus was attentive to his surroundings and curious as usual, looking over everything with a trained and interested eye. He rarely touched anything, trying to show some respect for the blacksmith's work, though occasionally he would tap something with his wand with a soft mutter, never getting any results. Callie seemed a little less respectful, more hands-on as she picked up various tools and metals, setting them back in their place when they failed to reveal any secrets.*
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Post by Luffy on Jan 2, 2007 2:54:42 GMT -5
*Adrian stifled a chuckle, watching the two at work, slightly amused. He saw the curiosity of a child in Orpheus' eyes, and it delighted Adrian. Adrian propped himself up on the counter, as he reached up to the shelf above him to continue reading his novel. Though he intended to keep his eyes glued to the book, as he usually did, he found that his eyes would occasionally wander to Callie, in which case he would let out a light sigh, and would then shift his gaze towards Orpheus, when he would smile.*
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Post by Kait on Jan 2, 2007 2:58:32 GMT -5
*Orpheus finished before Callie did, briefly glancing over at her before looking to Adrian. He thought for a fleeting instant he saw him looking back with a smile on his lips, but Orpheus quickly dismissed the idea, making his way over to the smith.* "Mr. Pickett, would you mind providing us with a list of customers who distribute or transport your products? We'll need to speak to all of them as well..."
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