Old Souls

[Evelyn Cato]

Travel to America had been interesting to say the least. It had been many years since she was last on a seagoing vessel, and Evelyn Cato flatly refused to utilize the world's newer form of getting about by air. As it was, she'd opted to book passage on an unassuming freighter bound from Rome to New York. She had no taste for the more luxurious cruise-type ships, instead finding it easier to be left on her own when aboard a ship that only had working crew on it. That meant no passengers to disturb her.

And thus, her trip had been a quiet one, spent in a small rented cabin on the lower decks. Her time went by without complaint, and she read, occasionally looking through the small collection of old photographs that she had brought with her. They depicted happy times from many years past.

Before her she had sent a letter. It was not a long letter; there was no need for length or explanation yet. It was simply a short page written in elegant handwriting. The recipient would recognize it, without doubt.

She did have to wonder if he would be present to greet her when the freighter had docked. But that was a thought that she brushed to the side without much more consideration. He either would or he wouldn't. No matter what happened she would find her way to this Cullen's Institute.

She did find it strange that something such as this institute would bring her back into the company of one that she had spent much of her time with in the past. In all of her years she had chosen to leave and never return; it was easier than having to explain why the men she chose to be with grew old, and she did not. But now. It seemed that this Cullen's Institute had piqued her interest enough to step back into the life of one of those men.


The freighter came into port early on a Sunday morning, without fanfare. The single small bag that she had packed was gathered easily, and Evelyn wove her way through the working crew as they went about their duties. She paused momentarily at the top of the boarding ramp, her eyes roving across the early morning activities of those littering the work area and helping to begin the unloading process.

Another few moments of silent observation passed, and she began the trip down the ramp.

[Veritas]

Henri had excused his courses for the day for a trip downstate. As he waited in his car across from the dock, he had to wonder what he was thinking. After all, the letter had come from Evelyn. Evelyn who had so enthralled him when he was young, and Evelyn who had snatched the floor from beneath his feet when she left. He wondered what she wanted, and why she'd written him after these nearly thirty years? She mentioned coming to the Institute, which was the only reason he even decided to meet her.

He scanned the departing people on the ramp, wondering how the nearly thirty years had treated her. He imagined that she aged well enough, and likely had salt & pepper hair, and retained her regal smile.

He was totally unprepared to see that she had virtually unchanged since the day she left.

[Evelyn Cato]

Evelyn made her way through the sea of workers, nodding to those that acknowledged her presence. She had given her thanks to the captain of the small freighter, concluding her business with the man before leaving the ship, and unencumbered by any followers, she spied the car sitting across from the docks.

It brought a smile to her lips, but only for a moment. Her eyes tried to discern the man who sat within, but the glare from the morning sun on the car's windows did well to obscure any sight of the man sitting inside.

She stopped at the curb, allowing a large truck to pass by before stepping into the street and closing the distance between herself and the car.

[Veritas]

Henri stepped out of the car, favoring his good knee as he reached to the passenger's side for his cane. He looked at her as she approached, and said nothing.

[Evelyn Cato]

She had somewhat expected such a manner of silent greeting, and she took him in with soft eyes. There were lines in his face that had not been there thirty years before, and his hair had greyed. She saw his cane, and averted her gaze to the asphalt. Had it truly been so long?

For the first time in a very long while, Evelyn Cato felt remorse. She had left many lovers throughout the centuries, and only a handful of times did she feel any sort of guilt over her actions.

She stopped before him, blinking slowly as she locked her eyes with his, and in the same lilting accent that he would remember from so many years previous, she spoke.

"Henri."

[Veritas]

"Now I see why you wrote me."

She was gorgeous. Absolutely unchanged. He felt like he was reliving his past in her eyes. He now wondered how old she truly was. She could be ageless.

He looked her in the eyes, feeling a wave of mixed emotion that he kept firmly lidded.

[Evelyn Cato]

She nodded vaguely in what was only a partial affirmation. Yes, she had written to him in regards to the institute after discovering that it existed; as well, that he was a professor there. She had no inner doubts of her own nature and mutation, after all, she'd had a very long time to spend discovering herself and those around her. Century after century.

"I suppose that you do." It was said with a lightness that belied her study of him as he stood before her.

"My letter I kept short for obvious reasons."

[Veritas]

Henri hobbled to the rear-right seat, opening the door as he escorted her to it.

"There was plenty of space left for an apology on it, but that seems not your style."

[Evelyn Cato]

She quirked a delicate eyebrow at him, but said nothing as he opened the door. Her traveling bag was set in the backseat, after which she stepped back, taking the doorframe from his grip and closing it herself.

"You are correct, it is not my style."

She skirted around the rear of the car to come up to the front passenger door. Evelyn looked at him over the top of the hood.

"In fact, it is not my style to ever see the ones that I love again. It seems then, that I'm in a bit of an odd situation."

[Veritas]

"Odd situations are why I am here. I'm not the younger man you once left. He wouldn't be waiting for you with this car."

Henri gestured for her to get in, since she wanted to do it her way. He likewise did the same, stowing his cane in the back seat this time as he removed a Dunhill cigarette from his case.

[Evelyn Cato]

She gave him an odd look, but waited until he shifted the car into gear.

"Would the younger man I left rather that I stayed with him until he died, wondering why the woman he was with looked the same as the day he met her?"

[Veritas]

Henri exhaled slowly, and drove off.

"He would not understand. How could he? And you knew what you were doing. It was love, I still remember. But there was inevitable cruelty. Only the very old understand as we both do now."

[Evelyn Cato]

"Of course I knew what I was doing."

Old habits came back, and she reached over to carefully pluck his cigarette from his hand, bringing it to her own lips. She inhaled deeply; she'd not had one since... well, since those many years ago in France. She supposed it was because the scent of them reminded her of him, but now that did not matter. She returned the cigarette, blowing the smoke through her nose.

"I have been in this world for a very long time, Henri. But even I fall in love; it is something that is natural to even our kind no matter what sort of different gifts we are given."

[Veritas]

"Equal cruelty for you never to love. This is true. As it was, only the old understand such contradiction."

And yet, Henri still felt himself drawn to her. Her small quirks. The sound of her voice. Even the smell of her hair took him back. He had no regrets for how he felt of her, even if they were removed by so many years.

Henri continued to drive, taking the shortest route around the city and pressing on towards upstate.

"Why did you write to me?"

[Evelyn Cato]

She was quiet for a few moments, staring out through the window at the passing scenery. America was far different than she remembered. Had she really been gone that long? It seemed that as each year passed, her concept of time became somewhat more muddled, but no matter.

"I've spent the last ten years in Italy, and before that Russia. Most of my time was spent wandering about and collecting stories and folklore. It has become a way to pass the time, and it provides a rather interesting look on how human society has evolved in its' views of those who are gifted.

"This Cullen's Institute is the first I have seen that promotes a peaceful coexistance between the two groups, in that it nurtures its' students in ways that their predecessors have not. I wish to see it."

There was more of course, and he knew that there was, but for now she would wait. Evelyn angled her head to give him a sidelong look.

"I was not expecting to see your name on the list of staff."

[Veritas]

"Nor was I. Before, I might have attributed fortune if I believed in it. Now, it is just a matter of genetics and the absurdity of life."

The signs of urban and even suburban life seemed to grow fewer and far between as the journey progressed. They were nearly out to the sleepy country beyond the metropolitan area.

"I was a police man, after. An inspector with the Gendarmerie. That too came and went."

[Evelyn Cato]

This made the edges of her lips curl back into an odd smile.

"A police man," she repeated absently, allowing the thought of it to settle in her mind.

"And the cane... ?" this time her voice took on a gentle tone, allowing her odd, misplaced accent to become more pronounced.

[Veritas]

"A retirement gift from the Gendarmerie."

The oak trees were beginning to put out fresh leaves, catching the sun's rays and appearing a yellowy green.

"I took a bullet in Marseille that gave me a limp. At around that time, I discovered my gift."

[Evelyn Cato]

"Ah."

Turning to once more settle her gaze on the outside world, Evelyn was quiet for a short while. It was a shame in its' own sense, but in her eyes she saw such a tragedy as a rebirth, from one form to another.

"I am sorry that such an unfortunate turn of events would be the harbinger of something so wonderful and unique within yourself."

She reached over for the cigarette once more.

[Veritas]

"Wonderful? It is what it is. I am still a man who wakes, eats, and sleeps. Life is still life."

Henri lit a new cigarette, allowing Evelyn to keep the one she had.

"I would think that the concept of immortality would make you question the wonderment of it all."

[Evelyn Cato]

She was quiet for a few minutes, and took another pull from the cigarette.

"For the first few centuries I thought that it was a curse, yes. It took time, as things always take time, to understand."

Frowning, Evelyn turned to look at his profile, a somewhat puzzled look on her features. He seemed so much less optimistic than she had remembered. Had the passage of time truly changed him so much?

[Veritas]

"Nor do I find it to be exclusively a burden. It is as so many things are."

He saw her look of concern, and looked at her knowingly for a moment.

"It is like taste. You can eat something that is rancid, or something that is wonderfully prepared. Both experiences vary widely, but the gift is the same. That variance is life. Neither blessing nor curse."

[Evelyn Cato]

What he spoke was truth, and she smiled in spite of herself. He had gained much experience from life in the years since she'd gone, and it caused a small well of happiness to grow within her.

"Any way you choose to look at it, it is the same."

He had also been correct in saying that such things as apologies were not her 'style', and she looked up and over, out the window at the morning sky. Any sort of written apology was insulting, and Henri did not deserve that.

What he deserved, was to hear it from her lips and see it in her eyes.

She pulled her gaze away, looking to him as he continued to drive. When she spoke, it was in his own tongue.

"I do not think that I could ever properly apologize for what I did to you, but please know that I am deeply sorry for hurting you so; even if you never forgive me."

[Veritas]

"I know that you are. It is as it is. We had good times as well as the bad at the end. Would I warn my younger self about you beforehand if I had the chance? I do not even know."

The car was now meandering through the picturesque countryside, well on its way.

"C'est la vie."

[Evelyn Cato]

To hear him speak in his own language took her far away, back to the days that they had spent in Paris, on the Riviera, and anywhere else she had let him take her. She'd been with him for so many years, and his energy had been infectious. He was new, vibrant, and a breath of fresh air, and she truly had fallen in love with the man.

She kept her eyes on him.

"You say you are not the younger man that I left those thirty years ago, and that he would not have come to pick me up.

"But someone did come, and I wish to know, who are you now?"

[Veritas]

"I am a teacher. I spend my time with young pupils and sharpen their minds in preparation for the world."

Henri wasn't quite ready to reveal everything he did in his older age, but this was a good start.


"In my own time, I read books, find a decent cognac. I feed birds."

[Evelyn Cato]

It seemed then, that he had settled himself into a quiet life, and she was glad for him.

"What do you teach?"

[Veritas]

They were nearly there, and Henri took his time arriving.

"I teach history, government, and civics."

[Evelyn Cato]

"And you are happy here?"

That he taught history came as no real surprise. He used to take her to museums more often than not back in France.

[Veritas]

Henri thought about that question.

"I find happiness where I can. I would much rather do this than to live off of a policeman's pension in France. It will be many years before I become so useless."

They had at last arrived. The sedan crawled up to the wrought-iron gate. Henri glanced casually at the smoked-glass orb set into a brick edifice.

"I am here with Miss Cato. Let me in."

As the gate began to open, Henri thought about it, and turned to his passenger.

"It is still Miss, isn't it?"

[Evelyn Cato]

Evelyn gave an idle nod as she returned his gaze. After Henri, she had only taken two others over the course of thirty years, but during the last two she had remained by herself.

"It is."

[Veritas]

"Ah." was Henri's only reply. Eternity and Evelyn's mystique seemed hand in hand.

Henri eased on the gas, and cruised up the rest of the drive. They arrived at the cul-de-sac facing the entrance, flanked on each side by topiaries, trees, flowers, and neatly-pruned grass.

He killed the ignition, and exited the vehicle, pausing only to slide his cane out from the back before coming over to her side.

[Evelyn Cato]

Without pause, she too opened her door and stood from the car. Evelyn looked up at the building he'd stopped before, one hand still on the doorframe. In the back of her mind, she had already made her decision concerning her next course of action, and the sight before her only seemed to cement it even further.

She turned to Henri as he came up beside her, and closing the door finally, Evelyn smiled at him.

"It is beautiful."

[Veritas]

Henri noted with muted irritation at her insistence in opening the door for herself. Insufferable as it was, it was her. No apologies.

"I will send your compliments to the groundskeeper."

At this point, he let her take her own luggage, walking along with her with his cane.

"I am told that most is as it was originally. Late nineteenth century prep school, but we have made some accomodations for growth and special needs."

[Evelyn Cato]

If she thought it a welcome gesture, Evelyn would have looped an arm through his as they walked, but so soon after her return she felt unsure if he would accept it. Only a handful of times had she gone back to the men she had left, and each time she had to reaquaint herself with them. Instead, she settled for carrying her small travel pack and letting her eyes wander.

"The last time that I was in America was during the gold rush of 1848, in California."

Stopping to take in the immaculately groomed lawns and gardens, and the myriad of students visible, she gave a wistful smile.

"It does not seem like it was such a long time ago."

[Veritas]

"It would be unforward of me to ask a lady her age."

Henri looked at her with a bemused expression.

"But my curiosity lends me pretense."

[Evelyn Cato]

There was a subtle shift in her smile as she allowed her memory to take her back; back further than when she had trekked across a young and wild America. Her eyes grew distant, and after a moment Evelyn blinked slowly.

She look at Henri.

"I could not tell you exactly, as I do not know myself. Some seven thousand years is the best approximation that I can give.

"I was born in Eridu, an early Sumerian city."

[Veritas]

Henri gawked, which was entirely out of character for him. Trying to find something to do other than gawk, he reflected inwardly on his cigarette as he exhaled long and slow.

"You are very good at keeping that hand hidden, I must say."

[Evelyn Cato]

A soft, lilting laugh, and she reached a hand out to gently pat his cheek.

"I have had a long time to practice."

[Veritas]

"And during your long adventures, has anyone discovered your secret?"

Through the smoke, Henri regarded her as they shared a moment before entering.

[Evelyn Cato]

"I have had many friends who knew, but I only told them because they were gifted as well. Those who were not could never understand. I've had countless husbands, lovers, sons, and daughters, and if any of them suspected, they did not say.

"As it was, I was often gone before it became too obvious."

[Veritas]

"Husbands?"

Henri arched an eyebrow.

"Those too you left?"

[Evelyn Cato]

There was a muted glint of sadness in her eyes then.

"There were many times that I did not have to. The ancient world was a very harsh place, and men often died of sickness or war in their early years."

[Veritas]

For the first time, Henri allowed himself to share a moment of sympathy with his parted lover.

"Was that what brought you to your situation with me? Is it easier to lose the living than the dead?"

[Evelyn Cato]

There was a long pause, as she thought on his words.

"My situation with you... " she repeated in a low voice. There seemed no real correct answer to what he asked; perhaps in time she would be able to, in a place that was somewhat more private.

As it was, Evelyn gave a reply that turned his question back around onto himself.

"If it had been you, which would have been easier? What would you have done?"

[Veritas]

"How can I say? That would be a difficult thing."

Henri mulled it over a moment.

"If it was love, naturally I would want to see it through. But how many times one could do this before letting go of a loved one became a matter of procedure?"

[Evelyn Cato]

"It is always a difficult thing.

"That said, I made a mistake. It is not unheard of, even for myself. Whether or not what I do has become a procedure I do not know. There are moments when I know that it is time to leave, and I will freely admit that when I left you, I was not entirely sure that it would be right."

She bowed her head.

"It is something that, after seeing you now, I know I should not have done."

[Veritas]

Henri's brow furrowed at the sound of her apology.

"You are immortal. Predicting the future is hubris. When I was young, I would ask for this apology. Now that I am old, the most important thing for me is here and now."

[Dragon]

"Henri! Ah, there you are."

John Rhee came walking up one of the garden paths to meet them wearing his gi and sneakers. He had just finished a morning class, which he'd moved outside to take advantage of the beautiful weather.

"If you've got a moment, I -- oh, pardon me."

John hadn't seen the young woman with Henri until she stepped around him. She was an arresting sight in her own right, but somehow John was surprised to see her standing beside Henri with - or was he imagining it - a distinct level familiarity.

He hesitated, unsure whether he was intruding. "Pardon me - I didn't mean to interrupt."

[Evelyn Cato]

Evelyn smiled, in part thankful for the arrival of another. If there was anything else that she and Henri needed to talk of, it would be later. She'd not included it in her letter to him, but her interest in Cullen's had been sparked from the moment that she'd heard of it, and Evelyn knew that the next chapter in her life would be written there.

She stood beside Henri and nodded to the newcomer politely. Breaking from her normal tendencies, she waited patiently for Henri to introduce her.

[Veritas]

"John it is fine. I was hoping to be able to introduce you to Evelyn Cato, an old acquaintance of mine."

Henri gestured to Evelyn, gently tipping his head.

"Evelyn, this is John Rhee, another of our faculty at the Institute."

[Dragon]

John stepped forward to shake Evelyn's hand.

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms. Cato. You're here to visit Henri?"

Somehow he guessed there was more to it than that - and he couldn't help imagining there must be more between her and Henri than the Frenchman was letting on. Something about his inflection on the word "old" which didn't seem congruent with Evelyn's youthful charm.

[Evelyn Cato]

Taking his offered hand, Evelyn gave John a warm smile.

"Partially, yes. I've not seen Henri in some time, and so I thought it would be an enjoyable surprise."

She gave a cursory wave of her hand, indicating the well-groomed lawns and gardens that provided the canvas that the Institute lay painted on.

"I also wished to see your school with my own eyes. It is wonderful so far."

[Veritas]

Henri eyed John as he ventured a reply to Evelyn.

"It would not be a hardship for a more extensive tour. We teach many bright young people here."

[Dragon]

John tried to gauge whether this was an invitation.

"Certainly - I have the next hour free, if you wouldn't mind my company?"

[Evelyn Cato]

"Not at all."

Evelyn was more than happy for the added company, as it would offer the possibility of multiple answers of varying viewpoints to the questions she planned to ask. Henri's position on these sorts of matters she knew would be sound, and she had a feeling that those he chose to associate with were just as trustworthy.

She gave a nod and a genial smile. "It would be most welcome."

[Veritas]

"Very good then."

Henri walked with both Evelyn and John to the impressive front doors, holding one open for each.

"The institute functions primarily as a primary and secondary educational facility for gifted youth. We have curriculum to provide for children of all ages as well as young adults."

[Dragon]

The interior of the Cullen mansion was in keeping with the English colonial architecture - tiled floors, a vaulted entrance, a sweeping grand staircase. To the right was an open lounge with period French furniture which bore the wear and tear of student life.

"The dormitories are upstairs," John said, pointing to the staircase. "Most of our offices and classrooms are here on the first floor, or in the western annex, where the gymnasium is. We also have some specialized facilities there were our students can explore their unique gifts."

A trio of students were seated around an antique coffee table and a pile of history notes. One of them saw Henri and waved.

"Professor Bertrand - can't you move the test to Monday? It's too nice out to be studying!"

[Evelyn Cato]

Her eyes went all around her, sweeping over the interior with hunger. It was impressive to say the least, and Evelyn allowed her gaze to linger on the antique furniture. It reminded her of her own tastes to a degree.

That the students themselves stayed in the mansion was something she'd not expected, but it seemed fitting regardless. To provide them with such easy access to the well of knowledge in botht he teachers and the learning material itself seemed a very efficient and attentive approach. And that their abilities were nurtured in such a fashion was also a breath of fresh air.

Conscious of the question put to Henri, she addressed John. "How many students do you have?"

[Dragon]

"We have, let's see, a hundred fifty-two students currently," John replied. "We've had a few new additions mid-year, and we're continuing to grow. We've even added a few new faculty since the beginning of the year."

They'd also lost a few - Tess and Francoise were foremost on his mind.

[Veritas]

A trio of students were seated around an antique coffee table and a pile of history notes. One of them saw Henri and waved.

"Professor Bertrand - can't you move the test to Monday? It's too nice out to be studying!"

Henri paused, adjusting his glasses slightly.

"This is a choice for you to make. If the beautiful weather is more valuable to you than study time, then you should go and enjoy it. But if you want me to pretend there are no consequences, I will not do so."

[Evelyn Cato]

That new faculty had been added was a welcome thought, as Evelyn was planning on just such an occurance. She'd not even considered the fact that Cullen's might not take on new teachers; it'd never entered her mind. The student body itself, from what Henri had said, was varied enough to allow a broad spectrum of teaching materials, and for that she was thankful.

"That is good to hear," she answered absently, "... that you are open to growth and expansion in both the students and those who teach them."

Evelyn gave a wry smile at Henri's answer to his students, and went on.

"The teachers... what sort of credentials do you seek?"

[Dragon]

The question came as a surprise.

"Well... we generally expect at least an undergraduate education in the appropriate field, or equivalent experience, and a background in primary or secondary education is preferred, though not necessarily required. To tell the truth, our faculty come from quite a variety of backgrounds. Mine was certainly not academic. But that's one of the luxuries of a smaller institution - the teachers are very closely-knit here, and we all have something valuable to contribute. And while we have a great many advanced degrees represented on our faculty and staff, we also appreciate the value of life experience.

"Of course, the most important thing we look for is a genuine passion for our students. I would guess you know the meaning behind the word 'gifted' in the Institute's name?"

[Veritas]

Henri hung back in the conversation, allowing it to take place between Evelyn and John. Slightly out of her field of view but within John's, he did nod to the affirmative when John inquired about possible background credentials as well as being understanding of the term gifted.

He'd let her deal with the details.

[Evelyn Cato]

Evelyn gave a nod.

"It is understandable that you would look for someone who has in their hearts a desire to help along those of the new generations. And yes, I am well aware of the extracurricular nature of the use of 'gifted' here at Cullen's."

She allowed a silence to hang in the air between them, pondering her next words.

"Up until a few months ago, I taught in Rome; before that I spent my time traveling between schools in Siberia. When I read about Cullen's, I decided that it was time to change venues, and wrote to Henri.

"If it is paperwork you wish to see, then I have made sure to bring them with me. Or, you may ask Henri about the last time we saw each other. As it is, I wish to become a teacher here."

[Dragon]

"I see."

John smiled and glanced toward Henri, and back to Evelyn.

"Well, we'd like to see whatever credentials you can provide, and, of course, we'll need to run some background checks. But as far as I'm concerned, Henri's word is better than anything printed on paper. May I ask what you'd be interested in teaching?"

[Veritas]

Henri busied himself with clarifying a portion of his students' assignment, but kept well within earshot. He knew exactly what Evelyn would be thinking of.

[Evelyn Cato]

She returned John's smile with one of her own.

"I'm aware that Henri already teaches history - among other things - and I've no wish to intrude on his courses. I had something a little more indepth and somewhat more in keeping with the nature of the students in mind.

"Mutation and Ancient Historical Theology would be the closest I can think of to call it."

[Dragon]

John considered the title. "I have to admit I'm not sure what you mean... but it sounds fascinating."

[Veritas]

Henri was pulled back into the conversation.

"I think you would be a more qualified history professor than I am, to be honest."

He waved a hand dismissively.

"I have my hands full enough with civics, economics, and government."

He looked to John slightly.

"There are also other duties that I should attend to."

[Evelyn Cato]

She caught the look Henri gave to John, but said nothing. She would perhaps in the future pursue why such a glance was given, but that would be done on their own time.

"If that is how you feel, Henri."

Evelyn would allow him to make the decision on his own, however the thought of him sitting behind a desk stacked with ungraded tests and papers, lecturing students, and assigning work was enough to make her inwardly grin.

Her eyes went back to John.

"I have brought the necessary papers with me, and can provide them at your earliest convenience."

[Dragon]

"Certainly - and we ought to stop by the office and get on Headmaster Daniels's schedule for an interview," John replied.

Just as Evelyn was trying to read between the lines, John was, too. He recalled a bit of wisdom he'd heard about living among mutants - no one here is exactly what they seem. There was no doubt in his mind that Evelyn was much more than met the eye.

"So, you have an interest in ancient history, Ms. Cato? I wasn't aware of any mutant scholarship in the field of archaeology."

[Veritas]

Henri kept his tongue, but gave Evelyn a look that suggested that her cat-filled bag probably shouldn't remain closed for much longer.

[Evelyn Cato]

At that Evelyn gently shifted her small travelling pack to her other shoulder while giving John a cryptic grin. She answered his question with one of her own, the tone of her voice taking on a somewhat playful slant and making her odd accent more pronounced.

"I would wager that you are a man who studies those around him with a bit more of a critical eye than most."

She tilted her head ever so slightly.

"How old do I look?"

[Dragon]

John laughed uncertainly. "That's a complicated question under any circumstances."

A few incongruities were sticking out in his mind - her bearing and composure, though that could just be a sign of a mature character, or Henri's deference toward her, though that could be mere politeness toward a cherished friend, or her accent, which he'd thought at first was Greek, or perhaps Middle Eastern, but he couldn't quite nail down. But then...

"Henri did call you an old acquaintance. I thought he meant he must have known you since you were a child, but..."

Something about the mercurial glimmer in Evelyn's eyes made him feel young and callow.

[Veritas]

"Whatever number you have in mind, round up."

Henri patted John on the shoulder knowingly.

[Evelyn Cato]

A soft chuckle was given to Henri's words, and she nodded an affirmation to them.

"Around seven thousand; give or take a few hundred years.

"I am Sag-giga, though now days it is called Sumerian."

[Dragon]

John found himself quite speechless for a few moments.

"Well... as I said, we do value life experience..."

[Veritas]

"I cannot think of anyone better suited based on that."

Henri nodded in affirmation of John's conclusion.

[Evelyn Cato]

If Henri had been surprised at the main purpose of her visit, then he certainly hid it well.

"As I have already told Henri, Cullen's Institute is the first such place that I have seen where those who are gifted are treated no different than those who aren't, in that they are given either no special preferrence or demeaning position."

[Dragon]

John very nearly missed what she was saying altogether as he tried to unfold what she had just told him - to discover whether he even had the capacity to believe such a thing. If it was true, then Evelyn was perhaps the single most extraordinary mutant he'd ever met.

"Certainly, in my own experience, Cullen's is an exceptional place, in every sense of the word. That it has attracted the attention of someone who - if I understand you right - marks the passing of civilizations... I have to say, I find that quite remarkable."

[Veritas]

Henri was silent. Inwardly, he wondered if perhaps there was even more significance to Evelyn's arrival. What if she was Mutant Zero, and held even more answers to the question of human mutation than any other? It was a thought that made Henri apprehensive, because there were certainly those who would stop at nothing to catch her if this were true.

[Evelyn Cato]

An almost emberassed smile crept up at John's words, and Evelyn waved a dismissive hand.

"I'm only a watcher, if you could call it that. I find it enjoyable to observe men and women as they progress through each new generation. I take part in their daily lives and find satisfaction in being a part of that.

"There have been gifted people all through the course of history, and in the early years they were given a pedestal to stand upon and be worshipped. Some still are, but time of course has eroded much of that away into a sort of disdain.

"Cullen's may not be the ultimate turning point at which mutants finally find themselves on the plane of existance between demon and deity, but I think that it is the beginning, and I very much plan to be a part of that beginning."

[Dragon]

It was a strange thing to be told you were standing at a turning point in history by someone who'd seen the majority of it. John felt simultaneously emboldened and humbled.

"You honor us, Ms. Cato," he replied. "We're only trying to follow the vision of a great man. I regret I never got the chance to meet Dr. Cullen myself, but I have never once regretted taking part in continuing his legacy."

He smiled at the deceptively young-looking woman. "I sincerely hope you do join us. I would be most eager to hear your perspective on a great many things."

[Veritas]

Henri stood silently as John and Evelyn continued to banter.


"I'm only a watcher, if you could call it that. I find it enjoyable to observe men and women as they progress through each new generation. I take part in their daily lives and find satisfaction in being a part of that."

He stiffened a little, understanding that he was one of the myriad of unspoken specimens in her eternal experiment.

[Evelyn Cato]

She saw Henri's minute shift in stance from her peripheral vision, and it caused her to frown for a fraction of a second. But still she held her gaze to John's.

"On the contrary, it is you who honor me. What Dr. Cullen started, and what you all are continuing, is magnificient."

[Dragon]

John bowed his head graciously - a tradition from his homeland which was considered quaint and archaic here in the United States but which seemed appropriate in the present company. "Thank you. We can only hope that it will be as you say - a new beginning for humans and mutants alike."

[Evelyn Cato]

Evelyn returned the gesture with practiced ease.

"I've no doubts that it will."