Logs:A Light in the Distance

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Content Warning

N/A

Cast
Setting

Book's, a bookstore

Log

Nevermore Usher: Book's: A small bookstore of the sort that might as well be a fantasy wizard's sanctum... but isn't. Probably. Nevermore, a plump figure in a long black coat with sugar-skull embroidery and a "Gender is a sometimes food" pin set to "they," is behind the cramped front desk.


Asbolus: Hiding in plain sight was often to be said the greatest skill of the Silent Arrow, but having to do so rather than choosing to could grate on even the most stoic of souls. Bouncing between place to place without proper interaction only added to the issue, and it was primarly a want to see a friendly face that wasn't equally under duress by the situation at hand that had led Asbolus to the small bookstore. His entrance was easy to miss at first, the cloak of Winter's touch kept about his shoulders until he got a proper read of the room, and when it was released it was clear to see that the Darkling was...weary, to say the least.


Anthony Rogers: The sun had fled for the day, which meant that Anthony was back out on the streets, exploring how much the city had changed. But tonight, he visited a place that had he had known before- a book store that, despite being just a book store, actually sometimes had the real deal books. The kindred was wrapped in his power, but not to hide - people saw the gangly fellow as he walked the streets like them. Rather, he appeared to be dressed in red plaid pants, a black shirt, and leather jacket. His entrance was not subtle - just another fellow off the street.


Nevermore Usher: At the jangling of the bell attached to the door, Nevermore looks up. They give a Customer Service smile to the stranger, and a more normal one to Asbolus. "Good evening!"


Asbolus: "Evening." Asbolus nodded in reply, watching Anthony for a brief moment before moving towards the desk to be in proper conversation range. "Things going well, I hope?"


Anthony Rogers: Anthony looked up at the bell that had announced his entrance, and smiled. "Its good that hasn't been replaced. Electronic ringers are all the rage- much to the detriment of aesthetics. " He starts to stalk the stacks and shelves, long fingers trailing along spines of books. Occasionally he would peek through or over a shelf at the two at the front.


Nevermore Usher: Nevy nods to Asbolus. "Busy, but mostly well - on my end, at least. You?" Their smile is earnest, if slightly strained. From their neck hangs their rose-designed necklace.

To Anthony, they smile. "Looking for anything in particular?"


Asbolus: "About the same...busy but managing it well enough thus far." That qualifier was likely telling in its own way, that weariness showing through the smile he gave in return.


Anthony Rogers: As he peruses, the necklace around Nevermore's neck catches Anthony's attention. He slips from between the shelves and makes his way to the desk, like a scarecrow suddenly gaining Michael Jackson levels of smoothness. For the moment, the kindred is oblivious of Asbolus, instead focused on Nevermore and the necklace. "That is a fascinating piece," he comments, and then looks at their eyes. "You're...new..ish here?"


Nevermore Usher: They hesitate at the intensity of eye contact. "Yyyeah?" They say, not completely meeting the eyes. They glance at Asbolus.


Anthony Rogers: He smiles, which may have not helped matters. Anthony could be charitably said to not be very good at smiling, but he does earnestly try. "Fantastic. Apologies, I'm Anthony," he says, straightening his posture, and taking a half step from the desk.


Asbolus: Asbolus spared Nevy a glance in return, eyes narrowing a touch as he looked back towards Anthony. There was a hint of something predatory in those pale eyes, although not of the same bent that the Kindred was accustomed to. "A former patron, I take it?"


Nevermore Usher: At the step back, Nevy's tension retreats slightly - though they're not entirely relaxed yet. "Nevermore Usher," They say. "At your service."


Anthony Rogers: "Hmm, wha?" he said, finally looking at Asbolus. The malfunctioning smile smooths out to a reasonable one. "Yes, actually. Not...frequent mind you, but I did always like coming in here." He look back to Nevermore, and inclined his head. "Should be careful who you say that to, Clerk Usher." He looked back to the necklace for a moment. "You a wizard. Or just lucky?"


Asbolus: Asbolus remained quiet for the moment, watching the exchange with a note of wariness in his own bearing.


Nevermore Usher: Nevy eyes the stranger with a raised brow, then chuckles. "I'm a Goth, not a potterhead," They say. "Not that there's anything wrong with those books that the death of the author can't solve." Literary theory or homicidal opinion? Who can say?


Anthony Rogers: "Potterhead?" For a brief moment Anthony tried to make sense of the word, but then just shook his head. "Well, okay, Goth..you at least have like...an understanding of spirits, yes? How to deal with them?- and I mean deal with, like negotiate and what not."


Nevermore Usher: That makes Nevy hesitate. "And... what kind of person would see a necklace and think it makes me a wizard?" They eye the stranger.


Anthony Rogers: "An enthusiast!" he exclaims. Anthony puts a hand in his pocket and leans against a shelf. "I've spend quite a chunk of my life studying thinks like the ephemeral. Your necklace...I am uncertain precisely what it is, but its definitely...something."


Nevermore Usher: Nevy eyes the man, then nods slowly. "Well," They say. "Hypothetically, if one had a sensitivity to the ephemeral, one might work out ways to keep the ephemeral from abusing that sensitivity. You know, hypothetically."


Asbolus: The quiet Darkling remained quiet, although he notably was watching Anthony more than Nevermore at this point...


Anthony Rogers: "Ah." He taps his nose. "Of course. Hypothetically speaking." Anthony looks around. "What are you worried about? If anyone else hears us, you can pass it off as some D&D discussion. I mean, Mister Daggers for Eyes over here is obviously someone you know..."


Nevermore Usher: "I mean... yes," Nevy says. "He is." They tilt their head, eyeing the stranger.


Anthony Rogers: Anthony throws up his hands and rolls his eyes dramatically. "Alright, alright," he says, smoothing out his hair with his hand. "I guess I can understand why you might not trust me, dressed like a cad." He looks down at himself and turns a circle. "But I can promise you I ain't here to cause trouble. What can I do to prove I'm on the level?"


Asbolus: "That would be for them to decide..."


Anthony Rogers: He finger guns the other man. "Of course."


Nevermore Usher: Nevy glances at Asbolus, then back at the man, nodding slowly. "Okay. So... were you looking for a book?"


Anthony Rogers: "Yeah, but I don't know which book. Most of the stuff in here is interesting, but not...authentic. But sometimes you find jewels among the chaff. Last time I was in here I found a Ghost Journal, but like...I lost it after I read it. I think that's kind of a common happenstance."


Nevermore Usher: They blink. "A ghost journal? As in, someone's journal of finding ghosts?" They seem interested despite themself.


Anthony Rogers: He waved a hand. "No no no. A journal made by a ghost," he said.


Nevermore Usher: That draws even more interest. "I... haven't seen anything like that. I wish I had. It would be fascinating."


Asbolus: Asbolus' eyebrow arched a touch at that, a note of interest sneaking in despite himself. "Curious indeed..."


Anthony Rogers: "Ah, maybe it will pop back up here. They seem to have a mind of their own. Not sure how I lost it," Anthony says with a shrug. "If I come accross anything else like that, would you be interested in it? A trade perhaps?"


Nevermore Usher: They shrug. "Depends on what you'd want in trade," Nevy says, noncommitally.


Anthony Rogers: "Just information," he assures her. "At worst, maybe an item of similar possible value from your shelves, if something else happens to find its way into your stock. I won't ask for the necklace, I can see you are...quite fond of it."


Nevermore Usher: Nevy's eyebrows lift. "I can make more," They say. "If you can find something really interesting, I might be willing to make you one. As for information or something that's on the shelves... that would depend on the information you want. People's privacy is important."

They hesitate and some of their self-importance seems to deflate. "And... you'd... um... have to talk to my boss. About trading for something on the shelves here. I just work the register."


Anthony Rogers: Anthony grins. "Naturally. Well, if you make them, then...I suppose I shall have to go on a..hunt..for something worth trading for one." He turned his attention then to Asbolus, his eyes widening, unblinking.


Asbolus: The mention of a 'hunt' earned a small sharp smirk, the air about the trio going oddly still for a moment or three. He seemed calm otherwise, however, looking Anthony over. "Something amiss?"


Anthony Rogers: He shakes his head slowly, his mouth curling into a smirk. "Oh, not at all," he says finally. He looks away and nods slowly. "But that makes sense now." Anthony turns towards Never and extends a hand. "Right, we have a deal then?"


Nevermore Usher: Nevy raises an eyebrow and snorts. "I didn't offer any deals. I said if you brought me something interesting, I might look into making you an amulet." They glance at Asbolus again.


Anthony Rogers: "Right. That's a deal. I find you something noteworthy, you consider making one of those fantastic amulets," Anthony confirmed. Then he looked at his hand and frowned. "I..am sure I showered."


Asbolus: Asbolus looked back to Nevy in kind, his posture an odd mix of relaxed and ready to spring into action if the need arose as he turned his attention back to Anthony.


Nevermore Usher: Nevy sighs and shakes the man's hand. "I'm sorry. I've been warned that making deals with strangers can be... dangerous."


Anthony Rogers: "Hah! No no, that's a good instinct," Anthony assures her. "So what's the deal with the other pin?"


Nevermore Usher: They raise their eyebrows and point to the "Gender is a sometimes food" pin. "This?" They chuckle and relax a great deal. "I'm genderfluid. Some days, I'm a woman, sometimes I'm not." They shrug. "Today? Not so much."

Then they hesitate, eyeing him for signs of transphobia or other bigotry


Asbolus: Cue the Darkling watching for similar signs himself..


Anthony Rogers: Anthony nods at that. "Alright, that makes sense. Forgive me if my questions seem obtuse and ..." He snaps his fingers. " What the English word for it..."


Nevermore Usher: "Obscure? Intrusive? Strange?" Nevermore tilts their head, again considering the strange man.


Anthony Rogers: "Intrusive!" he says, pointing at her when they say that. "And maybe also strange." He chuckles, and starts to lean on the counter, then pauses. "May I?"


Nevermore Usher: They gesture. "Go ahead." They hesitate. "If you wanted to look through the collection, feel free."


Anthony Rogers: He relaxes. "Nah. Plenty of time for that. But you, you might not be here tomorrow," Anthony says. "Far more interesting. So...what's you name?" He upnods to Absolus.


Asbolus: "Asbolus." The reply was short and to the point, lacking some of the usual plesantries that Nevy would be familiar with. "What brought you back to the city, out of curiosity, since you seem to have left for a time?"


Anthony Rogers: "The sandwiches," he answers Asbolus. "Everywhere but here tries to use real cheese on cheesteaks. Its atrocious."


Nevermore Usher: Nevy snorts. "It's about as bad as what you heathens think is pizza, huh?"


Anthony Rogers: He claps and spreads his hands. "Hey, pizza is not my jam, if I am being honest."


Phaedra Lamb: The door chimes and a little bolt of blonde hair and white dress beelines for the customer service counter in the search of one Nevermore Usher, holding a US Priority mail box (the small size) and babbling at 100 syllables an minute. "NEVY! They came they finally came I got them and I haven't even opened them yet and I wanted you to see so I came here and they're here!"


Asbolus: "Ah...I see." He looked ready to say more but the blur of blond-haired Mekhet immediately caught his attention, that odd stillness hitting the air again as he watched her approach with a note of wariness. Once the moment passed he gave Phaedra a polite nod. "Evening."


Anthony Rogers: Leaning against the front counter, Anthony propped his elbow upon it, and rested his head against his fist as he watched Phaedra.


Nevermore Usher: The unexpected voice doesn't quite cause whiplash, but it does make Nevy blink. When they see who it is, though, they smile. "Cards B Us came through, huh?" They say. "Sweet."


Phaedra Lamb: She sets the box on the counter, and then turns toward Anthony. "You! Do you have a knife, so I can open this? I don't wanna damage what's inside." And then Asbolus gets a broad grin. "Oh, hi!"


Anthony Rogers: Anthony frowns, sucking through gritted teeth. "Sorry little lady, but no blade on me." He holds up a fist, pinky extended. "But I wager I can handle that tape no problem."


Asbolus: "Ah...this the deck you were working on?" Asbolus perked up a touch, glancing towards the box curiously. "Saw the photos you put online."


Nevermore Usher: Nevy grins. "Yep." They gesture to Phaedra. "She gave me the idea." They look at Anthony, the expression evaluating. "So you know Phaedra?"


Phaedra Lamb: "He's getting to know me. He knew someone who I knew. It's...a story." She passes the box to Anthony, and looks thoughtfully at Asbolus, as the one in the room who she doesn't really know.


Anthony Rogers: "Just think of me as her...Dyadya," he says, looking at the box. He deftly used his pinky to in practice cut through the tape. "And no, that is not Da Da"


Asbolus: "Can't say I'm familiar with the term..." He gave Anthony a curious look before nodding to Phaedra, offering a polite if weary smile. "Asbolus. Pleasure."


Nevermore Usher: Nevy looks chagrined, realizing they haven't made introductions. "Phaedra, Asbolus - he's a friend. Asbolus, Phaedra. Likewise." They smile, then look to Anthony. "Dyadya? I don't recognize that."


Phaedra Lamb: She gives Anthony a sharp little look. "If that means 'uncle', it's not gonna fly." And then she turns back to Asbolus, offering her hand to shake. "Hi, nice to meet you. How'd you meet Nevy?"


Anthony Rogers: The box was opened, and Anthony slid it back to Phaedra. Then he resumed lounging against the front counter. "Well, yeah, its Russian for Uncle, and its...appropriate."


Asbolus: "At one of the libraries here in town while they were looking for a selection for the horror movie showings they do here at the store. We struck up a conversation and things went from there." He looked between the two Kindred at the back and forth over the nickname, eyebrow arched a touch.


Nevermore Usher: Nevy nods. "We've been collaborating on a, uh, project together." They lean forward, looking at the box. "How'd they do with it?"


Phaedra Lamb: She gives Anthony a cool little look. "If you intend to be anything like any uncle I have ever known in my life, we're going to have many problems."

And then she opens the box and pulls the deck out--it was shipped in a small velvet bag, and shrink-wrapped. That, at least, she can deal with herself with teeth.


Anthony Rogers: "Fine. Kids can be so..demanding," Anthony said with mock gravity. He glanced to the velvet bag and its contents. "A deck. Cards? Or...tapes? Do they still use that slang?"


Asbolus: "Not so much these days." Asbolus replied idly, eyes on the cards as Phaedra fought with the packaging.


Nevermore Usher: "Tarot cards," Nevermore says, smiling with pride. "I designed the deck myself."


Phaedra Lamb: She pulls the deck out and spreads the cards slowly across the length of the counter, face-up. "They're beautiful."


Anthony Rogers: Anthony rubs his chin as he considers the card. "Well, that is certainly something," he admits. He looks back to Never. "That is...fine work, Clerk Usher."


Asbolus: That pride was well-earned indeed, the Darkling obviously impressed as he looked over the cards when they were laid out. "Very well done...and you did this in what, a week and a half or so?"


Nevermore Usher: Nevy shrugs, looking proud "I... tend to work quickly, when inspiration strikes." They chuckle. "Who needs sleep, anyway?"


Phaedra Lamb: "People tend to. All of us." She gives Nevermore a finger-waggling little scoldy face. "Don't skip sleep, it makes your head go funny."


Anthony Rogers: "Miss Lamb is quite correct on that point, regardless of what you are," Anthony stated. Then he looked to phaedra and rapped his knuckles on the counter. "So who...is going to be your first. Read that is. I propose Clerk Usher here. They were instrumental in the card's creation, after all."


Asbolus: "Been there, admittedly." And was there currently, truth be told, but no point in mentioning that... "Do be careful about going too long, though; one needs time to recharge, after all."


Nevermore Usher: "I get enough sleep!" Nevermore protests. "...Most of the time." They blink. "I feel like that might be almost egotistical, getting read with my own deck?"


Phaedra Lamb: "No, it's a recipe for a loud public callout. The deck's bound to know you better than anyone else." She smirks.


Anthony Rogers: Anthony claps, smiling. "There we have it! Shall I lock the door for the privacy? I am certain the proprietor will understand..."


Asbolus: "Most of the time." Asbolus repeated, giving Nevy a "sure..." sort of look along with a small smile. At the mention of locking the door he paused, a note of that previous tension creeping back in as he looked between Anthony and Nevy.


Nevermore Usher: Nevy folds their arms, giving Anthony a stern look. "Getting pretty presumptuous, aren't we, uncle?"


Phaedra Lamb: Phaedra tenses almost as much as Asbolus--perhaps even a little more--at the mention of locking the door. The cards are quickly gathered up and put back in the velvet bag carefully.


Anthony Rogers: He raises his hands. "Alright...none of that then," he said. "Yebena mat' " The utterance was issued in classical Russian, almost a sigh. Then he checks a non existent watch. "Well, I should be going anyways. Prior engagement I would hate to leave hanging." He headed for the exit, throwing up two fingers as he left.


Asbolus: Asbolus nodded but made no further comment as Anthony made for the exit, pale eyes watching the Kindred warily.


Nevermore Usher: Nevy glances between the others. Uncertain exactly where to go from there, they default to retail standard. "Thank you for shopping at Book's!"


Phaedra Lamb: "I'll see you around, Anthony." She offers him a bit of a smile as he goes, before looking back at Nevy. "Sorry."


Asbolus: The Darkling let out a slow breath once Anthony had departed, the edge in his bearing fading. "Take it he has a habit of pushing buttons?"


Nevermore Usher: Nevy pats Phaedra on the shoulder. "Nothing to be sorry for. He's a bit of a creep - but you didn't do anything."


Phaedra Lamb: "He's not technically wrong about him being family to me. Kind of. Um. Not sure I should say more." There's a bit of a pointed look at Asbolus.


Asbolus: "I keep secrets well, if that is what concerns you."


Nevermore Usher: Nevy nods. "Still doesn't mean you're responsible for anything he did," They glance between the pair and sigh slightly. "Both of you are very trustworthy. If I know anything."


Phaedra Lamb: "Trustworthy is one thing. Being okay to talk about the spooky stuff is another." There's a crooked smile. "No offense intended, of course."


Asbolus: "None taken." He leaned against the wall near the counter briefly, mulling for a moment on how much to reveal on his own front. "One could say that I fall into the 'spooky' category myself, so take that as you will."


Nevermore Usher: Nevy pinches the bridge of their nose, looks between the two significantly, and remains silent.


Phaedra Lamb: She offers a polite curtsey. "Okay, just to samepage here, I'm kinda a little bit of a nighthawk, y'know what I mean?"


Asbolus: "I follow." He nodded quietly, sparing Nevy a brief glance before continuing. "More of a 'be careful what you wish for' sort myself."


Nevermore Usher: "And I see dead people," Nevermore says, showing no surprise regarding either of their companions' admissions.


Phaedra Lamb: "Ssoooooo. Anthony knew my sire, apparently they were really close and she's gone and it's my fault, but he doesn't hold it against me at all but it's still a weird connection to try to navigate with someone?" That's all one breath.


Asbolus: "I...can see that being rather awkward, yes." He gave another small nod, along with a sympathetic look. "Best of luck."


Nevermore Usher: Nevy nods. "Anything I can do to help?"


Phaedra Lamb: "Not sure help is a thing I really need right now, just...venting. It's hard to figure out who to talk to about things sometimes."


Asbolus: "That it can. Happy to be a venting board if needed, though; it's good to have someone to just listen at times."


Nevermore Usher: Another nod. "Same. That sounds like a lot to deal with."


Phaedra Lamb: "Anyway, I've got a brand new deck and I'm eager to try it for readings and see how it goes." She pushes up to tip-toe, then back down again with a grin.


Asbolus: "May it serve you well." He replied with a small smile. "Can't say that I've had a reading done lately myself."


Nevermore Usher: Nevy smirks. "Well," They say to Phaedra. "If you're interested in giving the deck a try, you've got a couple willing subjects here."


Phaedra Lamb: "Got a good place to sit and a table to spread out on? I'll probably do smaller readings, just to try it out."


Asbolus: "Fine by me." He nodded, looking towards Nevy as far as the table space was concerned.


Nevermore Usher: Nevy nods. "Want to just use the counter?" They scoot over a stack of sci-fi novels - some spider robinson, some diane duane, a couple others - and pat the old, raggedy wood


Phaedra Lamb: She nods and pulls the cards back out, beginning to shuffle. "Who's first?


Asbolus: "I can, I suppose."


Nevermore Usher: Nevy grins. They rummage around behind the counter and pull out a couple metal folding chairs, proffering them to the others.


Phaedra Lamb: She sits down, taking a deep breath and settling into herself quietly, gaining a degree of poise she didn't have a moment ago. "Cut the deck."


Asbolus: Asbolus claimed one of the offered seats in kind, looking over the deck a moment like he was eyeing where to make the cut before doing just that, setting that part of the deck down beside its other half.


Phaedra Lamb: "Anything specific you're looking to ask about?"


Nevermore Usher: Nevy sits by quietly, watching


Asbolus: Now that was a question, wasn't it...

Asbolus sat back in his seat, the gears turning quietly as he mulled over how to word it. "An issue involving a number of those I hold dear that I hope is resolved soon. Can't say more than that at the moment."


Phaedra Lamb: She sets three cards down in front of herself, then turns over the leftmost to reveal a figure in a Dramatic Cloak and Hat on a road, their back to the viewer, eight silver goblets in the foreground. "The Eight of Cups. Here, this reads like it's about abandonment and withdrawal. You're halfway tempted at times to say 'fuckit' and flee, because the situation's a lot. Or perhaps because you feel like you've been abandoned in turn. Are you getting the support you need with this?"


Asbolus: Considering what he had seen the cards do in Marjorie's hands he shouldn't have been surprised, and yet Asbolus remained quiet as the first card was revealed. After a moment he shook his head slightly. "Not as much on the personal level, no."


Phaedra Lamb: She nods and flips the second card to show two figures holding hands. "The Lovers. This is actually a really good card to get after that. It's not about fucking. I mean, it can be, but in context, it's about 'your people', about 'family of the heart' and not actually being alone. It's about the bonds of those you click with, and it's basically going 'fuck that, you're not being abandoned here.'"


Asbolus: "I see..." He nodded, smiling a touch as he looked over the card. "Helpful, that."


Nevermore Usher: Nevy smiles too, looking on in pride at seeing their handiwork used


Phaedra Lamb: The third card she flips shows a painter working on a piece depicting three pentacles, while two other people look on, seeming to be discussing it or giving advice. Phaedra grins. "Oh! This card--really kinda takes that last one and makes it loud. The Three of Pentacles is like. Teamwork, cooperation. It also speaks to taking ideas and bringing them into reality? Like, actually Doing The Work. So, uh. Pull your head out of your ass, you're not alone and being abandoned. You've got people and they've got you, and this is going to be a team effort in the end."


Asbolus: The smile grew as the explanation for the third card was given, sitting back in his seat. "Just a question of getting through the current mess, I suppose..." He looked to Phaedra at that, nodding quietly. "Thank you. Assuming that's the last card, that is."


Nevermore Usher: Nevy grins, leaning against the wall, hair getting slightly tangled in a pushpin advertising a Gothic Tea Party at the end of the month.


Phaedra Lamb: She nods at Asbolus. "I think those three cards speak for themself. That's what you need to know."


Asbolus: "It certainly helps...a light at the end of the tunnel and whatnot."


Nevermore Usher: Nevy nods "Sometimes all we need is a little hope in the hard places."


Phaedra Lamb: She nods, then looks at Nevy. "Are you next?"


Nevermore Usher: Nevy nods. They consider, then grin. "Tell me... what am I missing that should be incredibly obvious to me?" They hold their arms out. "And yes. I know what I'm inviting."


Asbolus: Asbolus looked to Nevy to see if they wanted to claim the seat, moving to hold up a piece of the wall if they did do so.


Phaedra Lamb: She flips a single card over, a figure in a white robe, blindfolded, holding crosses swords. The card is reversed. "The fact that too much information is as unhelpful as too little. Running yourself in circles, chasing every thought, every possibility leads to stalemate and stagnation. At some point, you need to shit or get off the pot, because knowing more isn't actually going to help."


Nevermore Usher: Nevy nods, their expression reading 'a touch, a touch, I do confess.' "...Granted..."


Phaedra Lamb: "I think that's all the card I need for that." She grins, tucking the deck back away. "You made good cards."


Nevermore Usher: Nevy folds their arms and pouts, but there's a playful look in their eyes. "Aw, that's it?"


Phaedra Lamb: "Also, your hair's caught on the board. That's pretty obvious, too. I don't need cards for that."


Nevermore Usher: "Huh" They turn to look, snagging and pulling the hair on the pushpin. "Ah! Gods dammit..." They mutter cusses for a while as they try to untangle without getting impaled


Asbolus: "Need a hand?"


Nevermore Usher: Nevy struggles for a second, then stops and sighs. "...Yeah."


Phaedra Lamb: Phaedra grins. "Anyway. These cards are really neat and I love the art, and they read perfectly. I like. I'll hit them with fanning powder and a quartz crystal when I get home."


Asbolus: Asbolus moved from his spot on the wall to help Nevy get untangled, his touch notably gentle. "There we go...all sorted."


Nevermore Usher: Nevy shakes their head once they're freed. "Thanks. Sometimes this hair has a mind of its own, you know?" They grin to Phaedra.. "Heading out?"


Phaedra Lamb: "I think so. Long walk to get there, and I might, um. Stop to pick up a bite on the way." She doesn't look directly at either of them as she says this.


Asbolus: "Know how that goes. Mine can get rather curly if I let it grow out." He smirked a touch, looking to Phaedra at Nevy's question. The mention of a 'bite' earned a nod, with no sign of judgement from the man. "It was good meeting you, Phaedra. Have a good night."


Nevermore Usher: Nevy's smile falters, just slightly. "Are you... very hungry?"


Phaedra Lamb: "I mean. I need to eat. I'm not about-to-explode hungry, but I try real hard not to let myself get that way." She shrugs slightly.


Asbolus: "Have to applaud that. Scraping the bottom of the barrel is never a good thing." He thought a moment, then eyed Nevy to see if they had the same idea in mind.


Nevermore Usher: Nevy shrugs one shoulder. "If... you want," They say, "And if you don't need too much..."


Phaedra Lamb: Her eyes widen. "Are...are you sure about that?"


Nevermore Usher: "I mean... not really? But... Rena did, a little while back, and I'm okay, so..." They shrug.


Phaedra Lamb: She walks closer, then reaches up to touch Nevermore gently on the cheek. "I don't want it from you until or unless you're sure."


Asbolus: The mention of another Kindred putting the bite on Nevy made an eyebrow arch firmly upwards, but Asbolus remained silent for the moment otherwise.


Nevermore Usher: Nevy nods. "Okay. Then, uh... have a good night."


Phaedra Lamb: "I will. Thank you. I'm sorry." And she heads for the door.


Asbolus: "No need to apologize to do what you must to survive." He nodded quietly. "Have a good night."


Nevermore Usher: Nevy looks over to Asbolus. "So. You looking for some reading material, or...?"


Asbolus: "I did intend on taking a look; needing some new reading material." Small nod. "I am curious on something, though. You seemed to know what Phaedra and I were dancing around for a moment there; how long have you known that about me?"

For what it was worth he didn't seem upset, more curious than anything.


Nevermore Usher: "Known?" They give a lopsided smile. "Tonight. Suspected, though? Since the movie night with Mearc, at least."


Asbolus: "Ah...I see." He chuckled quietly. "How much do you know on that front, if you can say?"


Nevermore Usher: "Enough to know that talking about it and knowing too much are probably going to be bad for me," they say, giving him a side-eye. "Why do you ask?"


Asbolus: "Curiosity more than anything. If Mearc trusts you with what you know that's more than enough for me."


Nevermore Usher: They chuckle. "As much as he trusts anything," They say quietly


Asbolus: "True. Considering how rarely he gives it, the fact that you have even some of it is telling, however."


Nevermore Usher: Nevy shrugs. "He's got to be who he is," They say.


Asbolus: "That's all we can do sometimes." He nodded, smiling a touch. "Still pinning that down myself, I'll admit; getting there, though."


Nevermore Usher: Nevy nods. "You might not believe it, given the whole look, but me, too."


Asbolus: "May we both find what we seek, then. And if there's anything I can do to help, don't hesitate to ask."


Nevermore Usher: Nevy nods. "You too." They smile and offer a fistbump.


Asbolus: The fist bump was returned, along with a smile of his own. "Appreciate it."