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Aurelio Menegi:
The weather outside was brisk but inside Murano Glassworks things were quite toasty indeed thanks to the kilns running full bore. The artisans within were moving about here and there working on their respective projects, with Aurelio among them as he placed his piece for the afternoon into the annealing kiln to complete it's solidification into its desired form. The Torrent looked rather pleased with himself as he went back to his work station, tidying things up to get ready for the next piece on his docket.
Micah Bradley:
At last. It was time to resume the hunt that someone started so very VERY long ago. Micah Bradley, a tall and young athletic man with dark hair and a friendly smile picked up his AirBnB apartment keys as he headed out the door of the apartment he had rented in a quiet suburban part of Philadelphia.
The European had just landed two nights ago, having flown in from London and had decided to try to reset his circadian clock first before he tried meeting anyone significant. They've waited literally two centuries, they can wait a couple more days. He wanted to be fresh and to not look like something the cat dragged in. At first, he was curious about all the differences he found in American apartments, chuckling at some of the seemingly odd and useless concepts and humming with interest at others that seemed far more efficient than how the British liked doing things. It was all very educational already.
But anyway, back to the present. Micah locked the front door and proceeded downstairs where an Uber waited patiently for him to drive him to the address he had been given. Murano Glassworks was busy as he arrived and he was growing more excited with every second that passed. He got off the Uber, thanked the driver with a cheerful British-style salute and sauntered up to the front of the shop.
"Good day!" he called, all smiles and enthusiastic energy.
Aurelio Menegi:
"Afternoon." One of the other artisans near the door returned the greeting, giving a polite nod. "How can we help you today?"
For his part Aurelio watched the interaction from his station, an odd expression on his face as he gave Micah a proper once-over.
Micah Bradley:
"Ah! My name is Micah Bradley. I was told that this business is owned and run by descendants of the Menegi family? Is there such a person I could interview? I am a Genealogist, you see and I have interest in this particular family. Of course, I will respect their privacy if they do not wish to speak to me... I have a feeling they might though." he explained himself. The man stood in a very relaxed manner, hands held up in friendly gestures as he spoke.
Aurelio Menegi:
The man's eyebrow arched high but he nodded, glancing around briefly. "Let me see if the owner's in...one second."
With that he headed off towards a door in the back of the workspace, leaving Micah alone for the moment with Aurelio eyeing him rather pointedly. Eventually the Torrent moved from his station, giving Micah a nod. "What interest do you have in that family, if I may ask?"
Micah Bradley:
Micah had smiled at the man and started looking around at the glass products being displayed, examining them with keen eyes when he heard someone else speak. He turned to face the new voice with surprise, ready to answer when he nearly fell over in shock. Micah's jaw dropped open and he forgot all manners as he stared at the Torrent in front of him. "I... I-I... S-Sorry... Um... Just... You... No... It's you... Is it really you? Aurelio Menegi? That can't be right... But it must be... I just... I know it must be... Fookin' 'ell, I found you!" he stammered, his British accent coming out in full force.
Aurelio Menegi:
"That you did..." He replied, still looking puzzled but with a note of relief woven through his expression. An old sense of connection had returned with the young man's presence, but the why of it was unclear... "Let us talk privately, hmm?"
Micah Bradley:
"But... I... Um... Should we wait for your uh... Associate?" he asked, gesturing to where the other man had gone off to.
Aurelio Menegi:
"He is not aware of our connection as of yet." He replied quietly, allowing the noise of the workshop to cover up his words. "We can speak after you talk with him if you like."
Micah Bradley:
"Oh... Ah... Well, I didn't want to be rude and just... Disappear... Um... Yes, perhaps we will speak after I've had a word with the owner?" he grinned sheepishly.
Aurelio Menegi:
"Bene." He nodded, glancing towards the office door before looking back to the Avowed. "What should I call you, by the way?"
Micah Bradley:
"Micah. Micah Bradley." he introduced himself while offering a handshake.
Aurelio Menegi:
"Good to meet you, Micah." He took the offered hand and shook it, his own touch quite cool in comparison.
Almost on cue the other artisan emerged from the office, albeit alone, and nodded to Aurelio as he returned. "He's not in at the moment, but said to give you his card so you can get a hold of him." He offered Micah said card as he continued. "Anything else we can help you with today?"
Micah Bradley:
"No. Thank you very much, however. I shall give him a call later. My apologies, I didn't get your name, sir." he inclined his head as he accepted the card gracefully.
Aurelio Menegi:
"Andrew. Good meeting you, Mr. Bradley, but I should get back to work." He glanced at Aurelio in a 'you got this?' vein before heading back to his own station, leaving the pair be for the moment. Aurelio gave Andrew a nod then looked to Micah, tilting his head to another side door. "We can speak in the gallery, should be quiet there."
Micah Bradley:
Micah nodded his head eagerly and gestured for the Changeling to lead the way as he stuffed the card into his pant pocket.
Aurelio Menegi:
Aurelio did just that, opening the door for the Avowed before following him into the gallery section of the studio. The walls within displayed a number of pieces made by the artisans of the studio for viewing and purchase, along with a counter on one side where staff could serve any incoming customers. The room was empty at the moment baring the pair, with Aurelio finding a convenient piece of wall to lean against as he looked Micah over. "How is it you know of me? I do not remember seeing you in Venice upon my return."
Micah Bradley:
"That would be because I was not in Venice. I suppose you could say that I am your... Uh... Many many Great-Grandnephew. Cesare was my many many Great-Grandfather." he replied carefully as he looked Aurelio over in turn, critical eye absorbing every detail about the Changeling... Including his Mien features...
Aurelio Menegi:
Aurelio's eyebrows shot up at that, offering a slow nod. "I see...I knew he had children of his own, but not that any of them were...aware of what had happened."
Micah Bradley:
"Well... Most of them didn't believe him... They thought Grandfather Cesare had just gone crazy. But there was a line of descendants... My line, who not only believed him, but experienced it. We found the Lost in London and learned of the Hedge through them... He never gave up finding you, by the way... It was just that... Well, he had responsibilities to his wife and to his children... That promise you made with him, it passed down. I am the most recent Avowed." he continued explaining.
Aurelio Menegi:
"He was who I thought of most while I was there, so that...explains much." He smiled a touch, bittersweet though it was. "It is good to know that torch was carried on."
Micah Bradley:
A strange look crossed Micah's features. A mix of satisfaction and longing, of curiosity and joy. His search paid off. His education paid off... Everything he's done since he was a mere child... It led to this very moment and he felt relieved, yet disappointed... He had enjoyed the search... It gave him something to do. He didn't expect this to be SO easy... What next? He hesitated and sighed, glancing away for a brief moment.
"Well, um... I... I guess I should ask you out for a drink? Catch up some?" he suggested, his voice thick with conflicted feelings that was clearly displayed on his face. Infact, Aurelio would likely feel the waves of emotions coming off him...
Aurelio Menegi:
Made of stone as he was Aurelio wasn't as outwardly expressive as Micah but a similar storm of emotions rolled on within him, the knowledge that at least some part of his family had sought him out over the decades offering some measure of warmth to an otherwise iced-over heart. "I would like that. Give me a moment and we can go."
Micah Bradley:
"Now? Cool!" he grinned, eyes lighting up like Christmas lights instantly. Quite suddenly, Micah seemed like a young boy, excited about going on an adventure.
Aurelio Menegi:
"Si. One moment." He smiled before stepping back out of the gallery, returning a minute or so later after letting the others know he was heading out for the afternoon. "Come. Have you eaten?"
Micah Bradley:
"Not yet! I was too excited to eat this morning." he laughed as he followed after his Great Grandfather.
Aurelio Menegi:
"Let's fix that, then. Good place for it nearby." He chuckled, stopping to grab a black leather jacket from the rack by the front door before heading out. In truth he didn't really need it, infused with the chill of his Keeper's domain as he was, but it helped to keep up appearances. "What took your family to London, out of curiosity?"
Micah Bradley:
The young man immediately started chattering. He was far too friendly for someone of his heritage!
"Oh, we never moved out. Though I've been to Venice and a few other cities for fun. Cesare was taken to London on one of their trade routes and it was there that he met Great Grandma. Ended up staying." he replied with enthusiasm.
Aurelio Menegi:
"Ah, bene." He nodded with a small smile. "Finding someone worth staying with is always good. I followed my own line here once I was settled enough to travel, and the time here has been good."
Micah Bradley:
"Yes, it took me a while to find your line! I went into Genealogy specifically so that I could find you or yours! Something my own ancestors failed to figure out!"
Aurelio Menegi:
"Those in Venice were able to track down some for me, to know best where to go. It was...too familiar there and yet not, if you follow." He turned the corner to reveal a small cafe tucked into the old-school brick buildings that made up the working-class neighborhood, leading the way in and giving the server behind the counter a nod as he claimed a table for the pair.
Micah Bradley:
"Indeed. The war changed a lot. And... Well, you were gone for quite a long time. When did you get back, if you don't mind me asking?"
Micah sat down and glanced at the menu, though he was much more interested in the conversation they were having.
Aurelio Menegi:
The menu was standard soup, salad and sandwich fare, something for busy workers to grab during breaks or between shifts. "Early 2019. It took a year or so to get used to things and find a place for myself, then I came here in January 2020."
Micah Bradley:
He blinked, eyes widening in realization. He stared at Aurelio, rendered speechless for a brief moment. "... Wow... That... That was when I was made the successor..." he murmured softly.
Aurelio Menegi:
"Interesting..." He mulled that tidbit over for a moment, glancing towards the server when she approached and putting in for 'his usual' and a soda. Once Micah put his order in and she left he looked the Avowed over. "Suppose I have you to thank, in a way."
Micah Bradley:
He ordered himself an American beer and a classic Hamburger. Double patties. When in American, try American delicacies, right?
"Wait, so... I helped you get out?"
Aurelio Menegi:
"Perhaps. I felt a calling before I was able to escape, and that may have been you taking up the torch."
Micah Bradley:
He grew thoughtful, nodding his head and humming. "I thought I felt a buzz of... Familiarity... Or something... It was hard to describe... But... It was like I felt you, somehow? That's why I became determined to seek you out. Deep down, I just knew you were still around... Others thought you perished. It has been a long time."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Very. Longer than I thought, but it has been good in some ways. Was able to meet others I would not have otherwise, and see a world brimming with progress."
Micah Bradley:
He smiled at Aurelio encouragingly. "Yes, there has been a lot of good advancements over the last century. The world is much smaller now. Do you miss the old times though?"
Aurelio Menegi:
"Yes and no. Some things are easier, for certain." He smiled a touch. "The people are what I miss more, those I left behind, but I have found others who are good to know."
Micah Bradley:
"Great! Well, I'm glad to have found you! I never thought I'd be meeting my Great Granduncle!" he chuckled.
Aurelio Menegi:
"I am glad to be found as well." He chuckled in kind, nodding to the server as she brought around their drinks before picking back up. "Family is what brought me here, although they do not know of our full connection as of yet. Have not found the right way to tell them."
Micah Bradley:
"That can be tough. I can't speak to my mother about these things. She refuses to understand how important it is. She thinks Grandda is insane and I'm being a silly kid to encourage him. But then... She's never been in the other place, so how could she know?"
Aurelio Menegi:
"Mmhmm. Keeping them in the dark keeps them safe, but it makes a distance which is hard to cross." He nodded quietly. "A fine line to walk."
Micah Bradley:
"Agreed... Isn't it a risk to work so close to them though?"
Aurelio Menegi:
"Perhaps, but I keep vigilant. I will not allow anything to happen to them if I have a say in it."
Micah Bradley:
He smiled brightly at Aurelio's enthusiasm. "And if you will allow it, I can help!"
Aurelio Menegi:
"I am not opposed. You will be staying in the city, then?"
Micah Bradley:
"Since I found you here, yes. I've searched for long enough to leave. It would be disrespectful to Cesare to abandon you so soon after finding you again. Besides, I have nothing keeping me down in London. My mother and grandda are still there, but I can visit. They both expected me to stay here for a while." he nodded eagerly.
Aurelio Menegi:
"Bene." He nodded with a smile. "I'll make sure you're introduced to the locals soon, then. Will you need help finding a more permanent place?"
Micah Bradley:
"Hmm... Perhaps... I am renting an AirBnB right now. I was not sure how long I will be staying, so did not want to risk a longer contract."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Understandable. I can check and see if others here can help on that front as well." He nodded firmly, sitting back in his seat. "Tell me of yourself, as well, as we have talked much of me so far."
Micah Bradley:
He smirked and tapped his nose before taking a sip of his beer and appreciating it for a second. "The beer here is strange. Anyway, what would you like to know?"
Aurelio Menegi:
"A bit, but you get used to it." He smirked, taking a sip of his soda. "What you wish to share. What you've done outside of your research, that sort of thing."
Micah Bradley:
"Honestly, I have been training for this moment. To be of use to you. To assist in whatever way I can. Perhaps even help you get out of that other place. I wasn't sure how much I could contribute, being a mere human. The guys in London wasn't entirely forthcoming about details. All I knew was that you might have been held prisoner. So I trained and studied to be someone they could make use of in the hopes of one day getting to you."
Aurelio Menegi:
"To 'be of use'..." He repeated, not sure how he liked the taste of the words on his tongue. "What sort of training?"
Micah Bradley:
He shrugged, not entirely catching on to the discomfort Aurelio felt. "The only kind I could do. Endurance, learning to use a weapon and to defend myself and others. I do some parkour as well."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Defense is good. I joined the Spear for that purpose myself, although recently I took up the Verdant instead."
Carrying that line of thought he looked Micah over, a faint whirl of cooler air swirling under the table. "You have found what you desired. Do you have thoughts on what to do now that you have it?"
Micah Bradley:
"Oh? You are affiliated to Summer and Spring? That is curious!" he grinned and nodded. "Well, I will have to think about it and look around. Since I have found you, perhaps I could get an introduction to the locals? See if they require my skills?"
Aurelio Menegi:
"Si. As time passed the Spear did not fit as well as it had and the Verdant took its place." He nodded in return. "Certainly. The people here have been welcoming, imagine it will be the same for you."
Micah Bradley:
Micah hesitated and looked thoughtfully at Aurelio, as if studying him. "Even if I am not one of them?"
Aurelio Menegi:
"I do not see why not. You have been touched by that place, if not as strongly as we have, and that should be enough."
Micah Bradley:
"Very well." he shrugged and went back to smiling brightly. He decided not to mention the displeasure he has seen before when a Changeling looked at a Fae-Touched.
Aurelio Menegi:
"Has that been an issue for you in the past?"
Micah Bradley:
"Well... Not entirely, I suppose. I am optimistic!"
Aurelio Menegi:
"A good thing to be, that. And perhaps you can explain the 'not entirely' somewhere else, hmm?"
Micah Bradley:
He chuckled and winked at his Great Grandfather. "Absolutely."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Bene." He nodded with a small smirk, glancing towards the server as she brought their meals over, Micah's burger and his French dip sandwich. "Anything else you wish to discuss?"
Micah Bradley:
"Mm! This will be my first American hamburger!" he said with enthusiasm, rubbing his hands together before reaching out to pull his plate closer. "So you've been back three years... How have you been holding up with all the new stuff?"
Aurelio Menegi:
"It is difficult at times, with so much to catch up on. Being not from America helps to cover it some, though, and most are understanding. It is better now than when I first returned, however; the shock remained for a long time."
Micah Bradley:
"Anyone been helping you figure things out? If not, I can show you some tricks!"
Aurelio Menegi:
"Here not so much, but others in Venice did. Not opposed to seeing what you know, though."
Micah Bradley:
"Of course, of course!" he nodded. He had been putting ketchup on his patties and now he placed the bun on top and proceeded to gather everything up to take a large bite out of.
Aurelio Menegi:
Aurelio smiled a touch, lifting his own sandwich in a small salute. "Enjoy."
Once their meal was completed Aurelio led the way to his apartment nearby, making small talk along the way. The two-story brick building was one of a number of similar buildings that lined this particular street in the northern part of South Philadelphia, simple in its construction but sturdy enough to have survived the decades without much fuss. The first floor had a quartet of apartments, paired with a set of six mailboxes nestled into the wall by the front door and a set of stairs heading up to the second floor. Aurelio let the way to the apartment in the back left corner, unlocking the door before ushering Micah in.
The apartment within was of a decent size and kept neat, entering into a living room area with a kitchen beyond and doors along one wall that likely went into the bedroom and whatnot. The electronics were older but still serviceable - TV in the corner, closed laptop on the kitchen table, that sort of thing - and a small collection of drawings and other art dotted the walls here and there.
"Take a seat." He offered, hanging his coat on the rack near the door. "Care for some water or the like?"
Micah Bradley:
"Water will be fine." he nodded as he looked around curiously. So this was how a Changeling lived? It made sense for someone as old as Aurelio. Actually, the electronics were surprising even! The Avowed took a seat on the couch comfortably.
Aurelio Menegi:
Aurelio nodded and headed into the kitchen, grabbing two water bottles and joining Micah in the living room area to hand him one before taking a seat on the other side of the couch. He was quiet for a moment as he rolled the bottle between his hands, searching for the words he wanted to say. "How were you mistreated elsewhere for being Avowed?"
Micah Bradley:
He took a slow sip of water before replying, deciding to craft his words carefully. "Oh, you misunderstand. I... Wasn't mistreated. Just... I never really was able to belong. None of my ancestors were. We managed to speak to them and learn from them, but it was always with a... Distance..." he explained, watching Aurelio with shrewd eyes.
Aurelio Menegi:
"I see..." He watched Micah in return, letting the silence linger briefly before continuing. "I do not think that will be an issue here. Do you have ties to the courts yourself?"
Micah Bradley:
"I found myself drawn to the Autumn court!" he nodded with a smile. "I have... Well, Perhaps it is had now? Anyway, my mentor is in London. I should send an email telling them of my decision to stay here."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Bene." He nodded. "The Mirror here are good folk. You should fit in well."
Micah Bradley:
"Do you think so?" he asked, brightening up and looking very excited. "Excellent news!"
Aurelio Menegi:
He smiled a touch at the clear excitement, giving another small nod. "Indeed. Have worked with some of them in the past, wise in many ways."
Micah Bradley:
He looked like he was about to suggest meeting all of Aurelio's new friends today but paused and hesitated. Micah shook his head and sat back. "I do not wish to pressure you. I'm just overly excitable. I do not have any other work here, so I am at your disposal!" he grinned.
Aurelio Menegi:
"Is no worry. You have found something you sought for a long time." He said with a quiet smile. "I am glad for you."
Micah Bradley:
"Yes, I did! And..." he began, getting excited again but halting himself to stare at Aurelio uncertainly. "... You are not excited?"
Aurelio Menegi:
"I am, yes. Family is dear to me, and meeting Cesare's kin is a joy I did not expect to experience."
Micah Bradley:
"Ah. Sorry, I just... It didn't seem that way." he apologized with a sheepish grin. "So! Any cool friends?"
Aurelio Menegi:
"It does not...express well. Stone and all." He motioned to his face with a small smirk that shifted to a proper smile at Micah's follow-up question. "Some, yes. Jack, my partner, and Petra, both of the Verdant. Artie is a crafter as well, although more of cloth and steel, with the Spear."
Micah Bradley:
He looked at Aurelio in surprise for a moment, as if only just now noticing the marble features. "Ah... My bad... I guess I am just too used to being very expressive myself!" he chuckled.
"What are they like?"
Aurelio Menegi:
"Jack is a good man. Very kind, cares for others well and puts himself into his work. Petra is a healer by trade, in your face and doesn't...'take shit' is the phrase, I think. Artie is...young but loyal, a good fighter and friend."
Micah Bradley:
"They seem like great friends. I am glad you found people that you can vibe with. What about you? What do you enjoy doing outside of work? I see you decided to continue in your trade."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Si. It kept me at peace while There, and there was no reason not to continue upon my return." He nodded, motioning to the other art pieces in the room. "I support other artists, do other crafts as well in my personal space in the Thorns, tend to things at the freehold, spend time with friends. Keep myself bust all in all."
Micah Bradley:
Micah nodded enthusiastically, looking around at the artwork hung up around the apartment. "Very cool. I guess I am more of a science person. I like dabbling in DNA stuff. It's just so interesting how one gene can change so much for a person!"
Aurelio Menegi:
"Not my strong suit, that, outside of my work. It is good you find joy in it, though."
Micah Bradley:
"Well, in a way, it is a different kind of art form! Like a... A puzzle! Put Gene A and Gene B together, and you get something different compared to putting Gene A and Gene C together!"
Aurelio Menegi:
"Makes sense. Using it to aid in your search was an added bonus, no?"
Micah Bradley:
"Oh yes. It is one reason I looked into it and I found myself fascinated by the possibilities. None of the others in the family even thought of doing it themselves. Perhaps they just didn't feel worthy enough? Or something. I don't know. I felt the drive to do it and went for it. And here you are!" he boasted proudly.
Aurelio Menegi:
"Indeed." He nodded with a small smile. "Those in Venice were able to find records for the family when I returned so I know some, but focused on those that came here."
Micah Bradley:
"How many are here?"
Aurelio Menegi:
"Joseph, who runs the studio now after his father and grandfather before him, his wife and their daughter." He smiled quietly as the young girl's visage came to mind. "Others are in other places, having moved on as their hearts desired."
Micah Bradley:
Micah nodded with interest, paying full attention to Aurelio as he spoke. He kept silent too, allowing his Great GrandUncle to keep going if he wanted to.
Aurelio Menegi:
"Alessa, the daughter, is wise for her years. Has her father's eye for the craft, although she is too young for the kilns yet. Maybe soon, though."
Micah Bradley:
"Does she come by the shop to simply watch often?"
Aurelio Menegi:
"Si, when not at school or home with her mother."
Micah Bradley:
"That is adorable. I hope to meet her eventually."
Aurelio Menegi:
"One can hope." He nodded with a smile, thinking a moment. "If Joseph calls you to speak on the family line, would you inform him of your relations?"
Micah Bradley:
"Of course! Unless... You would rather I do not do so?"
Aurelio Menegi:
"You may if you wish. Seeing his reaction to it may...help with deciding how to reveal such myself at some point."
Micah Bradley:
The Avowed nodded and smiled reassuringly. "Honestly, I think they would be happy to know you better."
Aurelio Menegi:
"I hope so. It is...not easy to explain, though, which is why it has not yet been done."
Micah Bradley:
"I understand. One of the services I provided the Lost of London was to help with reintroduction of family members after helping locate them. It is a very tough process to reconnect. Do you know if you had a Fetch?"
Aurelio Menegi:
"That I do not know, although from what I have heard She always leaves one so it is likely."
Micah Bradley:
"Hmm. If you permit me, I will look into it. The presence of a Fetch always complicates things, but it has been... A very long time, so it may not this time."
Aurelio Menegi:
"If it is still here I will be very surprised, but stranger things."
Micah Bradley:
"Indeed." he grinned. "Oh, how I wish Cesare was here. He is probably extremely happy right now."
Aurelio Menegi:
"I hope so." He nodded with a small smile. "I am happy too."
Micah Bradley:
The Changeling and his Avowed spend the rest of the evening chit chatting and learning about each other and their respective families.
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