Sudden Arrival (Solo)

It was a fine autumn morning. The peaceful scenery would make anyone forget that the country was at war. That is until they realized it was quiet because most people stayed indoors. And it had been like that since the conflict began. Fall was the season of changes though, and one particular change arrived that day in the form of a convoy of moving trucks. They stopped on front of a quaint little mansion with a large garden. The previous owners had left right before the war and everyone assumed it was unlikely someone would move in until after things had settled down. Well, they thought wrong. A new resident had purchased the house and lot and was now in the process of making it her own. Stepping out of her private car, Ingrid Lowen took one good look at her new home for the foreseeable future. Beside her was one of the trusted butlers of the Lowen clan, smiling calmly.

"I understand this was one of his conditions, but what was father thinking sending me to a country at war? He is not trying to get me killed is he? There are more surefire ways. That man has always been difficult to read." She mused.

"The Lowen Group has important business partners in this city. Perhaps he thinks the presence of the Lowen heir will help reassure them despite the current state of things." Replied the butler.

"So he means to use me as some sort of mascot? That's rather childish, even for him. This country's opponent is a world superpower. I would not be surprised if some business owners are already colluding with Russia to guarantee their safety and garner benefits. The weak cling to the strong. It is just the way the world is."

"Then your arrival here is perfect, Ms. Ingrid. After all, no one is stronger than you."

She raised an eyebrow.

"Flattery will get you nowhere Remus. I am well aware you are privy to the more intimate details about father's conditions. You should know better than to test my patience."

The butler chuckled and raised his hands up in surrender.

"Well, as much as I am loyal to the family, there is a hierarchy for which the Lowen clan servants take orders from. I'm afraid I'm not in any position to divulge everything just yet."

Ingrid bit her lip in annoyance. She had just gotten free from the restraints of home and already she could feel her father's grip tightening once again. She just knew it was too good to be true when he allowed her to leave without a fuss.

"So what CAN you tell me? Surely there is something more to do out here than socializing and holding the hand of sniveling cowards."

The butler finally switched to a more serious expression.

"Of course, Ms. Ingrid. My apologies as it was on your father's orders that I tease you a bit. I believe his exact words were: 'Where metahuman activity is rampant, magical activity is not far behind'. He thinks you will find something here. Something important. Not to mention, Russia, who usually keeps its cards close to its chest is slowly but surely playing its aces. One or more of those aces might be worth looking in to."

"Hmph. Such roundabout methods. This is why he and I don't really get along."

But it wasn't as though the man was completely wrong. Conflict promoted growth. In a city where special powers are commonplace, there was certainly a good chance for her to encounter magic she has never seen before. As for the war, she wasn't particularly interested any side. As a new arrival, she felt detached from the struggle. Even so, it was unlikely she was going to get a free pass just by claiming she was a bystander. It was troublesome but she figured she would just have to deal with it when the time came.