#[okay but I love your Charlie and Stolas is delighted to be able to help at all. ^^]

[helldustedstories]

People so rarely asked his opinion about anything, asked him to help with whatever they were planning, that he finds himself getting excited about Charlie's proposed project. It didn't matter that it was in the early stages or would require hard work; that was even better, in his mind, because then he might be able to be useful, instead of coming in at the end and trying to propose things that had already been thought of.

The suggestion of protecting pockets of Hell seems much more manageable as a first step than attempting a protection ward for the entirety of the realm, and he's thinking quickly, going through the ingredients he'd need to fulfill such a goal. He might need help, but teaching Octavia how to cast protective magic was something that he needed to do anyway, and between the two of them, they could probably manage it.

"It certainly couldn't hurt," he says with a smile. "However, if you do have certain areas you'd like to set up as shelters, in case another attack comes, that is an entirely different matter, and one I should be able to assist with immediately. Placing protection around specific buildings is something I've done quite a few times and wouldn't require any additional research." Which was good news, and meant he could offer tangible proof that he was willing to help, that he could help.

He takes another moment to think when Charlie mentions keeping tabs on Heaven. Could that be something else he might actually be able to offer? It wouldn't be constant surveillance, of course, but he was perfectly capable of scrying, given a specific request of a person or place to look into.

Stolas listens to the rest of Charlie's words, not wanting to interrupt, nodding as she continued. Prioritization was definitely something that was difficult to figure out until a specific problem couldn't be put off any longer. With the issues she was facing, it sounded like they carried equal weight; he could see how that would be a problem.

Charlie's idea of reaching out to the rest of Hell, to seeing who might be interested or able to help outside of Pentagram City is certainly an interesting one, at the very least. Stolas thinks that it makes sense, but whether or not she can convince others to work with her remains to be seen.

"Well, there are several things that I may be able to assist with more tangibly, beyond additional research," he offers. "I may not be able to offer constant surveillance, but I can certainly scry on Heaven, if you give me enough information about where or who you'd like to look into. And as for the rest of Hell, I could certainly look into making introductions for you, if you'd like." He pauses for a moment, then adds, "Though I fear there are some that may not respect my name as much these days, I do still have some pull." Ozzie would likely be willing to at least listen, and if he got on board or was at least willing to talk to some of the other Sins, that might be able to really get the ball rolling.

There are plenty of voices in the back of Charlie's mind that want her to doubt herself - Adam's, growing increasingly more violent the more she pushed. Lute's, stringent and cruel. Sera's, remorseful but resolute. Angel's, once, terrified and angry. Carmilla's, wise and close guarded. - Lucifer's, kind but dismissive. Lilith's, gone. And once, Charlie's would have been there, too.

But that would be entirely discounting everyone who has brought her to this point - Rosie, Alastor, Vaggie, her family here. Even her father, miraculously and shockingly as it is. And hers. Charlie may still feel a little out of her depth with the denizens outside of Pentagram City, but she has just begun to learn what she's capable of, and she refuses to let that confidence shrink ever again.

So as she waits for Stolas' reply, Charlie waits with optimism. After all, he had insisted on any formalities - that was a good sign, right ? That he didn't feel compelled to put the kind of distance between that leads to rejection, right ?

When he summons his book - from looks alone, it reminds her of the Malleus Maleficarum that used to reside on her mother's shelf - and her curiosity is confirmed when she sees a few arcane runes on the pages he flips through. - And, no, she's not trying to be nosy, of course, because that would be rude ! And overstepping boundaries ! But something twists a little in her chest when she notes the ease with which Stolas commands his magic - a mix of awe and embarrassment and even a little longing as she remembers that same ease in her parents' practice. - The absence of her own skill.

Then Stolas looks back up at her and Charlie snaps to attention, finding her smile and tuning back into the situation at hand. ❝ - Do you really think that could work ? That would be ... ❞ She thinks of the barrier Alastor had erected for them - honestly, the only way it had managed to fall had been when Alastor had, a thought that sends a chill down her spine no matter the outcome.

Her enthusiasm flickers higher. ❝ We did use a shield in the last attack - I'm so sorry I don't know the details of the spell, but I can absolutely get that information for you if it would help ! If we can extend even pockets of protection to the rest of Pride - or even the other rings, it's something Heaven probably wouldn't be expecting. ❞

For the rest of it, Charlie has never heard of, what had he called it, solar power ? The living world is fascinating, a strange and distant thing Charlie has never touched before. She leans forward, nodding with the vigor of a particularly attentive student before turning a page on her easel to one filled with brainstorming notes - and, of course, some doodles from the staff at the edges. ( whoever drew fat nuggets is talented ! )

She quickly jots down resource management on a less marked side, making notes for food, water, power, climate - and then doodles a little moon swirling in magic with a question mark next to it and the word possibly !

❝ That would be wonderful ! And please, don't worry about the specifics just yet - I wouldn't dream of not giving you any time you're willing to give for research, and besides, I'm still drafting. You know what they say - first is worst, eight's okay! Honestly - ❞ She trails off for a moment, glancing at her ... somewhat chaotic plan pensively. ❝ I think the only problem I'm truly facing is prioritization. I'm hoping that we can keep tabs enough on Heaven to have a timeline for any ... activity ... ❞ Retaliation, Charlie thinks bitterly but absolutely does not say.

❝ But it's hard to say that defense is any more or less important than resource management and repair of Hell's infrastructure to focus on first. I'm hoping - ❞ she takes a breath, knowing she's wading into touchier waters, possibly overstepping her boundaries and throwing herself into parts of Hell that aren't her business. ❝ - I'm hoping, if I can find those willing to help, to delegate those repairs to those who oversee all the parts of Hell outside of Pentagram city. It would make more sense - who would know best what people need than the people who live there ? If they'd work with me - that's something I'd really love to help with. ❞