Michelle Morgan: At home. It's taken Michelle a while to become totally calm, after the day's fun of dealing with the media, trying to make it through the radio show, dealing with the Ravynwing Record executives, and so on. But she's finally there, as she pulls the handsfree from her ear, wincing a little, and tosses the phone onto the kitchen counter with a sigh.

Samantha Jacobs: She'd been laying on the couch for quite some time, trying to calm down and find some vague state of not... frustrated. Hearing the phone hit the counter, she rises, moving behind Michelle to rub her shoulders.

Michelle Morgan: A bit of a moan as Sam's hands start to work, turning quickly into a sigh. "You are a goddess, Samantha. You really are." Her head tilts forward a little.

Samantha Jacobs: "No, just Samantha." She murmurs, fingers digging into the knots, working them out of Michelle's neck and back mercilessly.

Michelle Morgan: "Okay, Goddess Just Samantha," she murmurs, a small smile curling her lips, as she leans back into the massage.

Samantha Jacobs: A faint chuckle as hands continue to destroy knots and sooth the smaller woman infront of her. Once satisfied that's the best she can do for now, she wraps arms around Michelle, holding her gently.

Michelle Morgan: She rests her hands over Sam's around her, and sighs, melting into the other a little. "Well, I do have good news. I think we can sue for their fact-checkers, though it's going to be a tough fight."

Samantha Jacobs: "I trust you." Comes the soft reply, a kiss brushed to Michelle's neck. Fingers gently twine with the rock chick's as she continues to hold her.

Michelle Morgan: Her smile widens a little at that. "I know. How are you doing?"

Samantha Jacobs: "I'm doing alright." She reassures quietly, moving to rest her chin on Michelle's shoulder.

Michelle Morgan: She turns her head back, kissing Sam on the the forehead. "Good. C'mon...I've got something else for you to file away under 'magic' in your head." She pulls away from Sam, rotating to take her hand, and pull her on over to the couches.

Samantha Jacobs: She nods to Michelle, trailing after her obidiently to the couches.

Michelle Morgan: She takes a seat, pulling legs up into the lotus position, and pivots her body to face Sam. "All right, so. I've told you about the Cult of Ecstacy. We're a pretty rebellious group, as you can imagine...but despite that, we do have a few rules that we follow. They were set down by the founder of the Cult, Sh'zar. It's called the Code of Ananda. Consider it, like, the Ten Commandments of the Cult. There's even ten."

Samantha Jacobs: She settles her lanky form down and listens to Michelle, nodding seriously.

Michelle Morgan: "Okay, so these rules are a little bit archaicly worded, sounding, so bear with me. I'm gonna list them first, then I'll explain." She smiles a little and begins, repeating with far more then what would be considered rote memorization familiarity. It's said like someone who truly understands.

"First: Thou art miraculous; so are we all.

Second: He who spits upon his good right hand will find the left one fails him in need.

Third: Each gold coin yields two like it; each stalk given creates a bundle. Yet each count taken turns the rest to dross, and one bundle gone creates a famine. Thus shall a Seer count his deeds.

Fourth: Some minds best rest asleep. Strie not those who would not waken otherwise.

Fifth: Truths foreseen are not always truths.

Sixth: If a man or woman would rend anothers passions, let him be as one torn by wild dogs. For passions are the seat of the Self, and if they bleed, so to does the soul."

Michelle Morgan: "Seventh: Let each Seer acount his own deeds, and if those deeds should want for wisdom or kindness, let him be put forth to weep alone.

Eighth: Humor cooleth blood; wrath spilleth it.

Ninth: Even trees rent by lightning may grow new fruit.

And tenth: A fool feels no fear; a Sleeper remains shackled by it; a Master transcends it, yet recalls its wisdom. It is good to be afraid; it is folly to bow to terror."

Samantha Jacobs: She listens intently to each one, absently patting the kitten that settled in her lap. A very slow nod at the last one- that needs no explination to her.

Michelle Morgan: She smiles a little bit. "All right, so, now for the Sh'zar-to-English translations. 'Thou art miraculous; so are we all.' The idea here, Sam, is something I know you already know...just because you can work magic, doesn't mean that those who can't are nobody. Every life is a miracle, capable of great things. The greatest things and most horrific acts in history had nothing to do with mages. They were done by Sleepers. That's something important to remember."

Samantha Jacobs: Her lips press and she gives a little nod to Michelle. Yes, she understands that fully.

Michelle Morgan: A nod, and she moves on. "Rule Number Two: He who spits upon his good right hand will find the left one fails him in need. This is an admonition to cooperate...something, obviously, we mages here in New York would do very well to remember. Sure, individually, each of us is capable of things that no one else can. But never should we think that we can handle anything and everything. What Sh'zar was saying, is basically, 'Don't take anything for granted; if you do, then it won't be there when you need it.' Especially allies. This is why I try to have patience with people that others look at me like I'm crazy for doing so...Rene, for example. Or Jeff."

Samantha Jacobs: Her face twists a little more at Jeff's name but she nods again slowly. Understanding.

Michelle Morgan: Her gaze is more then understanding. "Jeff is...well, he's an ass. So is Rene. So are Snyde and Adriana. Hell, Arlett drives me insane from time to time. But this is like I said over at Rachelle's. We work toward the same purposes, even if we all have different paths to get there. I'm going to talk to him about last night, try and explain things a little better, when I get the chance."

Samantha Jacobs: "Maybe you'll have more luck. He wanted nothing to do with me today, nor does Matt." She simply nods a little.

Michelle Morgan: She sighs, deeply, rolling her eyes. "WON-derful." A shake of the head, and she calms herself once more.

Samantha Jacobs: She lowers her eyes and her head. "I'm sorry Michelle."

Michelle Morgan: "Not your fault, Samantha. You weren't the asshole." She smiles to the other woman.

Samantha Jacobs: She only nods slightly. Waiting for the next rule to be explained.

Michelle Morgan: "Okay, Third Rule. 'Each gold coin yields two like it; each stalk given creates a bundle. Yet each count taken turns the rest to dross, and one bundle gone creates a famine. Thus shall a Seer count his deeds.'" She looks to Samantha. "You know the rule of Karma, right?"

Samantha Jacobs: "Kind of..."

Michelle Morgan: "That's what we mean by this. It's simple, really. The more you give, in all things, the more that is created. Thus, the more you have access to. But the more you take, the more that everything starts to die, unless you give more in it's place."

Samantha Jacobs: Another nod. Yeup, definetly gets that,

Michelle Morgan: She nods, smiling. "Four: Some minds best rest asleep. Stir not those who would not waken otherwise." She sighs. "Some people are just not destined to wake up. It does more damage then good to try and force a mind to awaken, when it is not ready to. Everyone's Muse knows when is best. Those who are lead to our path must seek Ecstacy before they now it, you know? Look at Alice."

Samantha Jacobs: Her face falls, sad for a moment, as she nods. "Poor girl."

Michelle Morgan: She nods. "I suspect she was Awoken before she was ready to. And now, she takes antipsychotics in order to pretend the things she feels and sees aren't real. Hopefully, we can undo that."

Samantha Jacobs: A nod, stronger. Shifting again to get comfortable, just cradling the kitten close to her

Michelle Morgan: "Just remember that while the Cult is all about pushing boundaries to rise above our self-perceived limitations, we're also all about personal choice. That's big." She nods. "Okay, fifth rule: Truths foreseen are not always truths. Now, the wording of this has to do with the fact that the Cult are seers, Samantha. We specialize in such things, with Time magic... seeing what came before, sometimes what will come ahead, too. The whole point is that you can't just rely on your magic for insight. Or for anything else. A lot of mages get so reliant on their magic that when a situation comes up, the go straight to magic use. Ripping Life Patterns instead of throwing a punch. Teleporting instead of running. Scanning a mind before trying to read someone's emotions off the face. Look at Travis, and his curse, and you'll see just one of many, many reasons why that's a bad idea."

Samantha Jacobs: "Paradox?" A tilt of her head.

Michelle Morgan: "Partially, yeah." She nods. "Look at it this way. If you had to make a precision strike on a military target to destroy it, and you had two options, a regular missle, or a tactical nuke. Both will destroy the target. Which would you choose?"

Samantha Jacobs: "Regular missle." A raised eyebrow. "A tactical nuke would be overkill." A pause, considering this, and something in her seems to ease. "So you're saying sometimes using magic is overkill, when mundane ways can be just as affective and less attention grabbing."

Michelle Morgan: "Absolutely." She nods.

Samantha Jacobs: "Makes perfect sense." She nods, relaxing where she is, something uncoiling from inside her.

Michelle Morgan: "There's a more mundane aspect to it, too. It's a fancy way of saying when you assume, you make an out of you and me. Never take what you think you know for granted, and don't let your assumptions be interpreted as fact."

Samantha Jacobs: A serious nod.

Michelle Morgan: "Rule number six: If a man or woman would rend anothers passions, let him be as one torn by wild dogs. For passions are the seat of the Self, and if they bleed, so to does the soul." She pauses a moment, shrugging. "Sh'zar was a great man, but he was a bit wordy from time to time. Basically, what he's saying here is, don't fuck with the Passions. You know we're all about Passions. They're the seat of everything. By feeling them fully, we're able to expand our minds and ride those passions out until we find Ananda...enlightenment. If we turn a source of joy into a source of terror, fear, or pain, then we turn people away from wanting to feel joy again. Similarly, if we take the fear someone's and turn it into joy, then they no longer have that fear to draw upon. And thuse, they'll never be able to reach ecstacy, and expand their lives and spirits."

Samantha Jacobs: She again nods, even more serious now.

Michelle Morgan: She smiles a little, chuckling. "Relax, Samantha. There's no written test after. And if there is, I'll make it multiple choice."

Samantha Jacobs: She blinks, cheeks flushing her face slightly. "No... it... nevermind." Her cheeks flush more, a slightly embaressed smile as she looks down to the kitten.

Michelle Morgan: Her head tilts a little, curiously. "No, what?"

Samantha Jacobs: Fingers gently curl underneath the kitten's chin. "... fucking with someone's passions. The mere thought makes cringe, how that can be twisted around." A little shrug, looking up.

Michelle Morgan: She nods a little bit, her face growing quite serious herself. "Remember, we value personal responsibility and individuality. And we hold all the Passions sacred. Which is why that rule is so important. So people don't become like Ammon, toying with Passions like they were puppet strings."

Samantha Jacobs: Her lips twist into a sneer at the mention of Ammon, and she has to remind herself to breath slowly in and out. Suffiecently calmed, she nods.

Michelle Morgan: She nods, letting her own, sudden spike of Hatred at the thought of the Setite fade before continuing. "Seventh. Let each Seer acount his own deeds, and if those deeds should want for wisdom or kindness, let him be put forth to weep alone. Welcome to the law of accountability. We within the Cult are all about community. As I'm sure you've noticed, we're pretty social creatures, for the most part. We need community to function, and we have a drive toward being part of a community. Even Abbey has her own social community, something I don't think she'll get rid of, now that she's become a Hermetic. This is why I'm consistantly trying to get all of the mages to HAVE a sense of community." She gives a slightly pained smile. "Which is why this is one is such a kicker. If a mage within a community risks us all with idiotic actions or behavior, then they tend to be shunned. Call it the Tansy factor, or the Rule of Jeff. Thus, the chance of being a pariah tend to keep most mages from doing dumbass things they'd otherwise do."

Samantha Jacobs: She nods slowly, a hand reaching out to stroke Michelle's cheek briefly. Trying to sooth away the pained smile.

Michelle Morgan: She gazes at Sam adoringly, the pain fading away. After a moment, she sighs, and moves on. "Right Eight. Humor cooleth blood; wrath spilleth it. Basically, the idea of 'Stop and count to ten' before doing anything rash. Take life in stride...don't take things so seriously, and don't turn every slight into fighting words. When you've the power we have, things can get dangerous."

Samantha Jacobs: She gives a slightly wry smile. A flaw she has, a rule she'll have to keep in mind. Her hand gently moves back to her lap as she nods.

Michelle Morgan -> Michelle Morgan: 4,5,10,1,9,

Michelle Morgan: "Number nine...Even trees rent by lightning may grow new fruit. We're saying never give up, never surrender here, specifically with people. Even those who have had their Passions deflied...rape victims, drug addicts, burnouts...they can heal and learn to enjoy life. People make mistakes, and they get hurt. No one is a lost cause, with the exception of Nephandi and Marauders. And you should always try and help others find their way back to the path of wellness and Ananda." She even manages not to flinch to badly at mention of Marauders.

Samantha Jacobs: A hand slides into Michlle's- she may be talking and teaching, but she still needs support too.

Michelle Morgan: A squeeze of the hand, and she nods. "And Ainally...'A fool feels no fear; a Sleeper remains shackled by it; a Master transcends it, yet recalls its wisdom. It is good to be afraid; it is folly to bow to terror.'" She pauses. "This is an admonition to avoid being crazy about your fears. Fear is one of those Passions a lot of people, even experienced Cultists, can't get their brains around right. Some people try to ignore fear...others try to confront every fear head-on. Both lead to a lot of dead people. Balance wisdom with passion, basically. Be aware of Fear...it keeps you alive. Just don't let it enslave you."

Samantha Jacobs: "I know that one first hand." She says very softly, thumb stroking over Michelle's hand.

Michelle Morgan -> Michelle Morgan: 7,2,2,7,4,2,

Michelle Morgan: "I know you do, hon." She nods, squeezing her hand once more, and smiles. "And those are our laws. The Code that guides us toward Ananda. Like someone told me, they're almost more rules to live by in general, with our own special Seer-ish twist."

Samantha Jacobs: She nods, leaning forward to kiss Michelle softly. "Thank you."

Michelle Morgan: She smiles and leans into the kiss. "You're welcome, sweetie. That's what I'm here for...you know, to be all mentory. Among other things." A bit of a grin.

Samantha Jacobs: Lesson done, she surmises, she crawls over to Michelle. "Lay down?"

Michelle Morgan: "All right." She smiles a little and moves to lay down, however Sam directs her to.

Samantha Jacobs: Directing the other woman to lay on her stomach, Sam carefully straddles her and starts to dig fingers into Michelle's back. Slowly she works on shoulders, neck, and back, to ease away the tension and knots that had formed during the day. Much more indepth than the small massage from earlier.

Michelle Morgan: Many moans and sighs and twists to allow greater access come forth from the laying Ecstatic. She's very much putty in the other woman's hands, trusting her completely and giving herself over just as much.

Samantha Jacobs: A soft chuckle as knots are finally eased out, gently running nails over Michelle's back before she slides off. He lanky form curls itself up to rest on the floor near Michelle's head, her own head tilted to rest on the couch, watching the other woman.

Michelle Morgan: She turns her head to gaze at Sam, lazily, completely relaxed and with a small smile on her face. She reaches up to brush the other's cheek with the backs of her fingers. "Mmmm...thank you, Samantha. You are a goddess."

Samantha Jacobs: She grasps Michelle's fingers, lightly kissing them. "Nah. That be you." She says softly. "Time for bed?"

Michelle Morgan: A little smile, and she nods. "Time for bed."

Samantha Jacobs: She gently rises, helping Michelle up as well, and they disappear into the bedroom.

Michelle Morgan: And off they head, to bed. ((FTB))