Post by Nathaniel Graham on Oct 11, 2014 15:28:04 GMT -5
Gram did not see any harm in answering Chaltah's question, so he told her. "I own a few successful companies that dabble in various enterprises." He nearly laughed at that understatement. "That is something of an understatement. Really, I own a highly successful international conglomerate that, in turn, owns several successful companies that all work in various fields, ranging from designing and producing military hardware, military and commercial software, pharmaceuticals, etc. I myself, personally, oversee all of these aspects and I use my more scientific talents to solve any design issues that may occur with any of the products currently under development within one of my companies."
Attempting to sum everything up without seeming to brag, he continued. "I have always been very intelligent and I put my intelligence to great use managing these businesses and working on complex projects. Needless to say, I do quite well for myself, monetarily."
"Once we have landed, we will meet up with my new security detail before heading to the hotel accommodations I have arranged for us at the best hotel in Alexandria. For myself and my men, I have booked the royal suite at the Four Seasons and for the two of you, assuming you would want to share, I have arranged for you to stay in the presidential suite. After we arrive at the hotel, I will set up a meeting with my Alexandria contact for tomorrow, though I am willing to postpone by a day or two if you two would like to do some sightseeing and to give you time to get settled in."
Post by Chaltah Songblade on Oct 11, 2014 16:27:41 GMT -5
Chaltah sat there, surprised by all that this young man had his hands in at such a young age. It was amazing that he wasn't insane at this point but she figured with him being so young he was able to pull it off. "My goodness Gram, that is a lot of responsibility to be placing on your shoulders. Did you even have a childhood?" Stormchaser snickered but a quick glare from Chaltah shut him up. She then turns back to Gram as he then commented on their accomodations "There was no need for such a splendid room but I do thank you for your generous offer. And while it would be nice to sight see, I would hate to linger any longer than we need to on account that we will likely be followed and the sooner we get this done, the sooner Stormchaser and I can enjoy our winter months exploring the Mediterranean shores"
Post by Nathaniel Graham on Oct 11, 2014 17:03:25 GMT -5
Gram shrugged. "My childhood was not that of your average child, but I did have one, yes, and it was, at times, enjoyable." It was true that a great deal of responsibility had been placed on Gram's shoulders, with the death of his father not too long ago, but it was responsibility that he had been preparing his entire life to take. "Running things is not quite as difficult as it sounds. I delegate the majority of my less important duties to my inferiors, leaving me with time and energy to focus on the big picture tasks, which I find rather easy to do. Really, I only help out with the technological projects undertaken by my company because I find it interesting and enjoyable to do so. Even then, I find myself with large quantities of free time."
"I know I did not need to. But after the two of you saved my life, the least I could do was arrange for decent sleeping accommodations while we are in Alexandria."
When Chaltah told him that they did not wish to waste time, Gram nearly sighed with relief. "That is good. I'll have the meeting set for tomorrow, then. I believe we should arrive at the airport within the next ten minutes or so. Is there anything else the two of you would like to ask me, before we arrive?"
Post by Chaltah Songblade on Oct 11, 2014 17:22:21 GMT -5
Chaltah bites her lip as she thought about if there were any more questions she wanted to ask. None came to mind so she shakes her head "No... I think I understand a little better what's going on now" she sits back in her chair and closes her eyes, waiting for the plane to touch down in their destination. She wondered what the room was going to be like and also wondered if she was going to become somewhat spoiled by this man's generosity. Either way she wouldn't dwell on it right now and even Stormchaser went back to looking out the window at the passing clouds and the earth far below them. She could tell he was anxious, likely wanting to get off the plane and 'stretch his wings'. He had never been one for tight spots or anything restrictive as long as she had known him but at least he was willing to humor her and Gram by coming aboard instead of trying to fly with the plane itself.
Post by Nathaniel Graham on Oct 11, 2014 18:06:21 GMT -5
No more questions forthcoming from Chaltah or Stormchaser, Gram sat back in his seat and took a drink from his bottle of water, waiting for the plane to land.
The plane landed. Gram was the first one to the door and, upon disembarking, he was greeted by the familiar sight of two of his most favorite guards, the huge and intimidating Frederick, and the more ordinary appearing, easily overlooked Drew, in addition to two others he was less familiar with. "Sir." Frederick greeted him, Drew only giving Gram a slight nod.
There were three cars prepared, one would carry Gram, Frederick, and Drew, the second was for Chaltah and Stormchaser, and the third for the additional two guards. Gram turned to Chaltah and Stormchaser. "I have arranged for us to take separate cars, seeing as it would become a bit crowded if all of us were to squeeze into just one. But we will be headed to the same destination, the hotel, so don't worry." With that, Gram climbed into his car and it, along with the third, pulled away.
Once inside, he called the number for his Alexandria contact and set the meeting for early morning, the next day.
Post by Chaltah Songblade on Oct 11, 2014 19:17:33 GMT -5
For Stormchaser he was glad to be out of the plane but then he saw the cars and groans inwardly at having to get into another small box. But it wouldn't be for long, so he hoped, until they reached their destination. He gets in first followed by Chaltah and they sit and let the people drive them to the hotel "Must say i've never had anyone give us such wonderful treatment as that man is giving us. Though mostly I don't need it to be happy either" Chaltah comments to Stormchaser, "But this will be nice for a change, maybe we'll order room service while we're there"
Stormchaser laughed a bit at her comments about fancy living for them to be as simple as room service and soft beds to sleep on. "Yes but they pay for it. Our life may be simple but it's less costly and a lot more enjoyable. At least that's what I think"
Post by Nathaniel Graham on Oct 11, 2014 19:32:41 GMT -5
Arriving at the hotel shortly after, Gram immediately headed up to his room, having one of his guards wait to inform Chaltah and Stormchaser of what room he was in, along with two cellphones with which they could use to contact him if they felt the need to. Also, he left instructions for the guard to personally escort them to their room and make sure they arrived safely in the correct room, in the unlikely event they were attacked while he was separated from them.
Gram was attempting to be cautious, because of the supernatural relic hunters. He was sure that they would attack again, it was only a matter of when, and he was determined to be ready. Frederick and Drew had already been warned of what they could expect and they explained things to the other guards in turn. Each man had been chosen because he was considered dependable and, on their flight to Alexandria, all of them had watched video of Gram's encounter with the daemon named Arthur Hans so they were somewhat aware of what they may face. Needless to say, each was being paid handsomely for the risks they were taking.
Post by Chaltah Songblade on Oct 11, 2014 20:45:33 GMT -5
As the two got out of the vehicle they looked up at the building before them "I didn't know they made them this big. I mean, the Eiffel tower was huge but it didn't house people" Chaltah remarks just before they were greeted by one of the guards who proceeded to hand each of them a cell phone and told they could contact Gram in necessary with them and then they were guided to their room. Once the door was opened their jaws dropped as they looked at the immensity of the room and the furniture. Everything about this room put her home to shame. Chaltah walks over to the bed and puts their bags down on it while Stormchaser went to check out the view on the patio that was outside their room. Chaltah joins him shortly after and gazes out at the land before them, "Well, after this whole thing is over what shall we do?" she thinks a moment "Doubt they would understand our language but maybe we could play a song or two to the people" Stormchaser gives a nod "Might be worth a try, maybe we should get a language dictionary"
Post by Nathaniel Graham on Oct 16, 2014 0:07:33 GMT -5
Gram headed up to his room and quickly met with all of his men, including the one he'd sent to Chaltah and Stormbringer who had finished the task commanded of him. He explained to them what time they would be meeting with his Alexandria contact the next day and that the meeting would take place in the new library of Alexandria. This meeting place was not chosen by chance, Gram was perfectly aware. The building was large and, considering that a scroll that survived the destruction of the ancient library was what Gram was after, oddly appropriate for a meeting place to discuss what he sought.
After talking to and getting to know them some, Gram could not help but begin to trust Chaltah and Stormbringer just a little bit. They did not seem the deceptive types, but the worst ones never were. Perhaps he would reveal to them what they had been after the entire time once they had acquired the scroll, but Gram had not decided yet. It was still entirely possible that they would decide that such an artifact of immense power did not belong in the hands of one such as himself. No, he would continue to keep them in the dark for now.
Post by Chaltah Songblade on Oct 16, 2014 0:28:25 GMT -5
Chaltah goes to check out the hot tub that was near the windows and marvels at the thought of having something like that in your very room "I wonder just how much this room cost Mister Gram" she says after a few seconds turning to Storm "I expect it's more than what I make in a season"
Stormchaser huffs "It's all to extravagant if you ask me. What's wrong with camping under the stars? Humans seem to be far softer these days than their history depicts of them" he sits down on the bed and falls backward as the bed was rather soft "Give me a nice soft moss patch to sleep on. This is insane"
Chaltah laughs as she watches her friend flail to get out of the bed "Just sleep at the foot of my bed like you do at home. I'll likely end up on the floor as well by the morning light" She decides to take some time to try the hot tub, enjoying the bubbles and the heat on her muscles before she turns off the light and the two go to bed.
Post by Nathaniel Graham on Oct 17, 2014 15:48:16 GMT -5
All of his preparations finished for the next day, Gram allowed himself to catch some sleep. Tomorrow, he hoped, the scroll would be in his hands and it would be all that he hoped it was.
In the morning, he awoke and quickly set about his morning routine. Once finished, Gram sent one of his men with the information for the meeting time and place to Chaltah and Stormbringer, asking them to meet him at the new library. That done, he sat down for a bowl of cereal while he waited for when it was time to head to the meeting.
Gram dropped what he was doing, when the time came, and left for the new library, expecting Chaltah and Stormbringer to meet him there. Once they had the scroll, he intended to take it to a translator immediately and follow whatever instructions were required for him to gain the power it held.
Post by Chaltah Songblade on Oct 17, 2014 19:59:16 GMT -5
Both Chaltah and Stormchaser were up with the sun. Storm was trying out the hot tub, which he rather enjoyed "We should find a way to get one of these to the house" he would comment as he rested there.
Chaltah laughs and shakes her head "Well I don't exactly know where we would put it" she says after coming out of the shower "Or how we would pay for such a luxury. Horses just don't sell like they used to back in daddy's day"
The knock on the door drew their attention and she opens it to see one of Gram's men standing there. Once they get the information they pack up and check out, making their way to the library, not sure if Gram would be there yet or not but figured a library was a good place to hunt down books on language. Rather fortuitous was that little arrangement for them.
Post by Nathaniel Graham on Oct 19, 2014 23:41:03 GMT -5
When Chaltah and Stormbringer arrived at the library, Gram was waiting for them and he approached, appearing genuinely pleased to see them. "Good afternoon, friends. I trust the two of you did not have too much trouble finding your way here?"
Gram's pale green eyes flashed over the both of them, hardly noticeably, instantly taking stock of their appearances. They both seemed quite well rested and aware, which he deduced to mean they'd both slept well. From the smell of them, or rather the lack thereof, he could tell they'd bathed as well. This pleased the young man, as he felt that providing pleasant accomadations for their stay in Alexandria was the least he could do for the services they'd provided him so far, saving his life and giving him shelter.
Turning to enter the library, Gram spoke "We are meeting my contact in the antiquities museum of the library. I have already had my men scope the area out and, as far as they can tell, we are not walking into a trap. However, I would like the two of you to be prepared, just in case." With that, Gram walked into the library and headed toward the meeting point.
Post by Chaltah Songblade on Oct 20, 2014 0:41:30 GMT -5
The two were indeed well rested and properly groomed for the day. They had hoped to beat Gram there but at least they knew they weren't going to be waiting all day. As they entered the building they looked around, in awe of the place. They made mental notes to the various sections of the library as they passed them, Stormchaser memorizing the system while Chaltah looks for books in various carts that were running along with various kinds of books waiting to be returned to their rightful nooks.
The museum was also quite a sight to behold and the two were more taken with the sights of things they had never seen before. Such history in one place was nothing short of amazing and were it not for the matter of following Gram to his meeting with whoever it was, they would have been all over that place like children in a candy store.
Post by Nathaniel Graham on Oct 20, 2014 1:09:45 GMT -5
Gram stopped just short of an exhibit depicting what he believed to be Thoth, one of many Egyptian gods. Honestly, he was not completely sure. The young man had never been very interested in such things, pouring all of his time and energy into learning about his family's business and the sciences. Until recently, Nathaniel had been confident that it was all fake, all religions various collections of boring made up stories not worth his interest. But after his talk with Chaltah and Stormbringer the other night and his recent awareness of supernaturals, he was not quite as confident in what was real and what was not. Gram would have to reevaluate many things he had accepted as fact since a very young age.
Glancing at the watch he wore on his wrist, Gram noted the time and began glancing around, trying to identify his contact. The area was strangely empty, with no people other than his own men, Chaltah, Stormbringer, and himself within sight. He got the feeling that such a thing was unusual and nearly began to leave when he saw a man standing before him, as if noticing that he was there for the first time.
"Greetings. Nathaniel Gram, I presume?" A man's voice asked, but he was no man at all. His body was humanoid, but his head greatly resembled that of a jackal's and he was clearly no human. By his lack of hostility and the password he uttered underneath his breath, Gram nearly sighed with relief, watching the creature with a barely disguised fascination. Though he did not know the specie's name yet, Gram's Alexandrian contact was an anubis.
