Just Doing My Job

[Meliorn]

Meliorn was seated patiently, waiting for a Shadowhunter to accompany him. And not just any. He was fully expecting Isabelle. Often when their kind overlapped, it was the Lightwood daughter that Meliorn primarily dealt with. Often being quite the delight. So he did not expect this instance to be any different. They had offered a Shadowhunter to aid in the search of one who killed a Seelie. An gesture of friendship, considering there was indeed tension among Seelies and Shadowhunters. The queen had accepted this offer, and Meliorn was to head the investigation along with whomever now accompanied him.

He noticed a male approaching him, turning his head to look at the tall Shadowhunter who stopped in front of Meliorn, seemingly expectantly. Meliorn hardly let a moment pass as he rose to his feet and looked at the man. "Yes?" He asked, wondering what he wanted. Was he here to inform him that Isabelle would not be able to come at this present moment? It would indeed be disappointing, but they could always reschedule a time if the Clave was adamant about this arrangement.

Tag Raj Ashdown

[Raj Ashdown]

- ashdown -

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

The Clave was scrapping the bottom of the barrel. It had to make due on it's promises but it also needed every Shadowhunter available on the hunt for Valentine. Unfortunately Raj had drawn the unlucky straw. Or maybe it had been drawn for him, either way he rolled his head in a circle around his shoulders and took a deep breath of the crisp night air through his nose. Instead of saving the world, he was out playing detective for a dead Seelie. If his eyes could roll back into his head any harder, they'd likely pop.

His boots splashed through stagnant puddles as he made his way to the park to meet Meliorn -- the Faerie Knight. With his hands stuffed into the pockets of his jacket, he finally came upon the other who quickly stood to meet him with a questioning look. Raj mirrored it, slowly looking over his own shoulder and then back to the Knight. "Yes..... it is I?" He offered with a shrug of his shoulders, his lips pulling into a deep frown of confusion. What did the Seelie expect, the Clave to send it's brightest and best for murdered Faerie?

Regardless he still held his hand out towards the Knight. "Raj Ashdown" He introduced himself.

tag: Meliorn

[Meliorn]

The Shadowhunter looked as confused as the Seelie, though . . . more obvious. Then again, Meliorn must have looked obvious enough to prompt the others reaction. Meliorn's gaze fell to the man's extended hand for only a moment before he turned his head upright once more to look at him. Though, he had to title his head a little bit more up to properly make eye contact. The faerie knight did not shake his hand, nor show any sign that he was going to. "I was expecting someone else," he said bluntly. Though Seelies did not lie, there was no need to beat around the bush with this expectation. "Why did they send you?" An important question. For it was either to flatter or insult. But, considering the Seelie had never met or heard of the man before . . . his guess was on the latter

Tag Raj Ashdown

[Raj Ashdown]

- ashdown -

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

If that wasn't a dagger straight through the heart, Raj's vivid imagination conjured a scene of himself laying in blood there on the sidewalk, the Knight towering over him, his words a sword that stabbed him over and over and over and over. Digging into his flesh and twisting it raw. He'd never be good enough. Never be strong enough. Never be the brilliant Shadowhunter he always wanted to be... Raj was mumbling to himself when he suddenly remembered where he was. Bringing his attention back to the present once again, he cleared his throat. "Sorry. Ah, well, the Clave is a little short handed at the moment and.. I was available. Apparently." He offered a pitiful grin, scratching the side of his temple. Well what else could he say? The Clave doesn't want to spend precious resources on you so they sent me! Even Raj was pretty sure that might start a war. "So... If you don't mind, tell me what you know already?" When it came to trustworthiness, Raj's appearance didn't emit it, but his actions and character did, if given enough time to prove it. All he needed was a chance.

tag: Meliorn

[Meliorn]

Meliorn just stared in silence as the Shadowhunter, now known as Raj Ashdown was apparently, incoherently talking to himself. Mumbling something that the Seelie could not make out. Yet something that he did not interrupt either. Soon enough, he broke out of it, apologized, and then explained that he was all that was available before moving on to business. Which, suited the Seelie just fine. He was not one for trivial small talk. Yet, there was something that he required to ask. "Are you of . . . sound mind?" He questioned, his expression showing no sign of jest. The man was grumbling to himself. Was he really in his right mind? Was he up for the task at hand?

The Clave may not place this as great importance but the Seelies did. Especially Meliorn considering he was leading the search for the murderer. "I will not waste my time with a Shadowhunter who is mentally unfit for this task. I would rather not spend the entirety of the investigation making sure he is protected." And that was the Faerie knight putting it nicely. Making sure he didn't do something against better judgment. Because, well, Meliorn knew that if the Shadowhunter died on his watch . . . it could intensify the already existing tension.

Tag Raj Ashdown

[Raj Ashdown]

- ashdown -

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

Raj immediately threw his hands up in defense. "Whoa, whoa, whoa!" He started, "That's unnecessary roughness, okay? I might not be a Lightwood, but I can take care of myself." He might have actually puffed out his chest a bit as well. "Who knows? I might just have to take care of you."

If Raj himself weren't so damn awkward, he'd probably say this was his most awkward meeting yet, but he also knew he had a job to do and he'd get it done to the best of his ability. A Seelie was dead, and he was going to track down the culprit, bringing justice along with him for the ride. Sure he had some lofty ideals but his intentions were always good. "So. Moving on. Do I get to know your name?"

tag: Meliorn

[Meliorn]

It would appear that Meliorn had offended the Shadowhunter. But then . . . that had been the point. The Seelie was well aware how his comments could be taken. He was just, uncaring of the emotional repercussions of them. "I suppose we will have to wait and see whether your words hold truth." Meliorn did not know him. Did not know his skill. He knew the strongest Shadowhunters: Alec and Isabelle. And the fact that he had been expecting one of them . . . well, there was no point dwelling in it. What was done, was done. Meliorn just looked at Raj, his lips curving into the slightest of smiles though it was more in mocking. "That will not happen," Meliorn said confidently. The utmost certainty in his voice.

"As I can not refuse the offered aid of the Clave, then I suppose we will just have to adjust to circumstances." Of them working together. With that, he turned and started walking, not bothering to check if Raj was keeping up. "I am Meliorn," he introduced, slightly raising his chin. "The deceased Seelie was another knight. Newly positioned. His body was mutilated. Most obvious answer being a werewolf, or someone who wishes to frame one." Meliorn looked at the Shadowhunter, having answered his earlier question. "That is all I know. Did the Clave have any updates they sent with you?" He asked.

Tag Raj Ashdown

[Raj Ashdown]

- ashdown -

"I have not failed. I've just found 10,000 ways that won't work."

The faerie knight turned on his heels and paced away so quickly Raj had to jog a moment to catch up, almost missing his name. Meliorn. So this was Meliorn. Suddenly the reason for the man's disappointment that Isabelle wasn't present made complete sense. A knowing grin crossed his lips as they walked, his hands clasped behind his back. When his dark eyes slid to look at the Seelie, he found a pair staring back and it immediately and humorously  wiped the smile from his face, replaced by a serious and thoughtful expression.

"The Clave has spoken with Luke and he assured us none of his pack are involved. If we are dealing with a wolf, than it'll likely be alone and not from this area. I think we should go check out the Hunter's Moon and see if any new faces have shown up lately." 

It was actually a good place to start and Raj hoped maybe he could rewind and rewrite Meliorn's cynical impression of him. He wasn't sure why, but there was a sharp tug within him that wanted... or well, needed Meliorn's trust. 

tag: Meliorn