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Tommy Shanks:
Tommy slipped into the physical front door of the building. She wore a white sundress with rose and thorn pattern throughout it, a u-cut that revealed about half of her cleavage and a long brown cardigan that covered her arms. Her ever present satchel was on her hip, strap across her body.
She placed an order for the Pigs in Mud Crepes and asked for a carafe of coffee.
Then she found her usual spot, where she could see the portal and front door easily, to greet new and familiar faces both.
Annikah von Steiger:
Annikah's entrance is through the hidden portal, and the effect hiding her presence from the world at large drops as she steps through. The reason for that Obfuscation effect is blindingly apparent the moment she's visible to everybody, too. There is absolutely no mistaking the person who just entered for anything but inhuman, except perhaps if they have the sort of costume and practical effects department usually reserved only for major studio productions.
Rather than ordinary flesh, Annikah has a rubbery black hide that looks more like the skin of the xenomorph from the Alien franchise than anything else, with no hair on its head and deep, empty pits where eyes should be. The teeth in her smiling mouth are silver, at least in color if not in material, as are the taloned fingernails at the tips of her fingers.
The figure is clad in what look like the robes of a monk or something, except that they're made of black denim instead of some more proper material, and they're covered with studs, spikes, and a wide array of patches for various punk and metal bands, or with text and slogans that would be appropriate for a jacket of that sort. Also, she has a soft guitar case slung over one shoulder. She makes a stop at the counter to put in an order for a chocolate malt, of all things, and then looks around at the other people who are present. Despite a lack of evident eyes, it does seem like she's looking at things.
Tommy Shanks:
THe portal's activation caused her to look up. Then a brow piqued. After the individual appeared, her jaw dropped. It wasn't disgust so much as fascination with something they had never seen previously. Her gaze took in the form, the robes, everything about it -- her. And then her hand lifted to wave, "Good evening!'
Annikah von Steiger:
Undoubtedly Bones is not the only person staring at her, but Annikah seem to be acting like everything about her completely normal, despite how much it isn't. She responds to the wave with a raised of her chin and an answered, "sup?". The voice that comes from the creature is rather unworldly, just as her appearance is, but when she continues it's with, of all things, a German accent. An Austrian one, more specifically. "Good evening yourself. At least, I hope that it is."
Tommy Shanks:
"It is a good day so far for me. Please forgive my stares, but I've never seen an individual appear quite like yourself. It is certainly fascinating to behold," she says honestly, simply, "Would you care to join me?" she motioned at the other bench on the opposite side of the table.
Annikah von Steiger:
Annikah looks down at herself, then shifts around like she's trying to look around for whatever it is Bones might be talking about. Pretending that she's not sure what Bones is even talking about. When she looks at Bones again she's grinning, since she's not really trying to convince anyone. "Whatever do you mean?" she asks. "But certainly." She moves to the table and carefully unslings the guitar case, which she slides into the booth first before following it. "My name is Annikah," she says as she offers her taloned hand for a shake. All of her movements seem to be careful and deliberate, like she's afraid of breaking things.
Tommy Shanks:
She reached for Annikah's hand and shook it without fear, but still interest as usual, "I am called Bones around here. I am one of the Awakened. You are using quite a bit of restraint, I recognize that sort from powerful Kindred or Lost that I have met here."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire, or Psyche, whichever is preferred, takes a step through the portal. Rook is by her side, and she keeps a hand on the vest at all times. She is just the slightest bit shaken, and trying not to show it, but its clear she's being extra careful today.
Rook is being the best boy and sticking close to her, a rock of support. There is a slight nervousness to the dog's movement though.
Klaire smiles to the waitress at the front, asking for a water bowl for Rook when she has the chance, and glances around the space. First to the...strange individual...then to Bones, unsure if she should intervene or let her have her talk.
Annikah von Steiger:
"You're correct, I'm trying to be careful not to break anything. I don't really want to cause problems for the owner or staff of this place, since it would be a poor way to repay the efforts put into making a safe place for us all to meet," Annikah answers. She's careful with her claws as they shake, and to apply almost no pressure at all, since breaking someone's hand by accident would also be rather uncool. When Klaire comes in she pauses, tilts her head to one side a little, and seems to be scenting the air before she turns to look straight at Rook with a blossoming smile. She seems about to blurt something out only to restrain herself before looking up at Klaire and giving an understanding nod. Don't distract the service dog. Right. Back to Bones. "I'm a vampire," she explains. "So you managed to guess correctly."
Tommy Shanks:
"Ah. I'm glad that my skills of observation have not left me yet!" she chuckles, before patting the space next to her for Rook... and Klaire. THat's right, Klaire's here too...
And then she frowned as she noted the extra care, and offered an arm for Klaire to come and snuggle in, if she wished.
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire doesn't seem to mind not being the center of attention, and Rook seems to love it! Perfect! But he's working so his job is to Klaire first! Pettings can be handled later as payment!
Klaire and Rook come over a moment later. A bowl of water for him and a glass of the same stuff for her. Water is good! Rook curls up next to her chair, between her and Bones.
Psyche's eyes look over the Vampire for a moment, before extending a hand. "Psyche, nice to meet you. I'm a friend of Bones here." Careful, and deliberate. A bit of anxiety in her usually calm glance.
Annikah von Steiger:
The clearly inhuman looking Annikah turns the empty black pits where her eyes should be toward Klaire, offering a smile that shows gleaming metallic teeth including canines that are definitely longer than those of the actual canine present. She takes Klaire's offered hand gingerly, and her skin is not just warm, but almost hot. There's a gentle shake, cautious not to prick delicate human skin with razor sharp talons, and then she withdraws before she can accidentally hurt anyone. "A pleasure, Psyche. I'm Annikah," she answers with her slight German accent. "I'm not going to ask the dog's name because I understand not distracting him from his job by saying it, but I want you to know that I'm very curious, and if he wasn't working I would definitely be asking if I could pet him."
Tommy Shanks:
"Oh, another animal lover? Such a great trait among so many of us. Gives us a connection that others might lack. What do you do when you're not enjoying some chocolate malt at a wafflehouse?"
As her crepes arrived, she prepped them and added just a touch of maple syrup. She asked for another carafe right away, as she refilled her own mug and prepped that as well.
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire looks at the claws, but doesn't seem all that bothered. She definetly seems human enough. No supernatural restraint being put into her motions. She does however, pet Rook gently as she talks. Her heartbeat was pounding under her chest, but her face didn't show it.
"Rook is indeed working right now. And I apologize but he's going to be working the entire time I'm here. Maybe another time you can pet him, but he is helping me work off the spiral I had yesterday."
There's a wary glance at the menu, then at Bones. "Bones...can I ask for help ordering today? Decisions aren't easy right now."
Annikah von Steiger:
"Totally understandable," Annikah answers in a friendly tone, like she's trying to do her best to reassure Klaire while also looking like a terrifying monster. "I'll look forward to being able to properly meet him another time, and I'm sorry that you're in a place where you need his help right now, but I'm glad he's here to give it."
When the malt is brought to her she thanks the server, then puts the straw between her lips and takes a drink. It's an odd picture. "I have quite a few hobbies. Too many, probably," she answers Bones. "I have a lot of time to pursue them, but not enough time to pursue them all at once, which can be surprisingly frustrating." Her head tilts toward the guitar case. "I'm a musician, a theologian, a warrior, need to find time to spend my my spouses, and so on and so forth. All of this vampiric power, but no ability to somehow insert more hours into the day."
Tommy Shanks:
"May I take a look at you, Klaire, see if I can help?" she said worried for her friend.
And then she randomly pointed at the options and ended up on the Tiramisu pancakes, ordering a plate for Klaire, and a side of turkey sausage for Rook.
Her gaze moved back to the Vampire, who moved up a considerable amount of steps of esteem with her words for Klaire. Then to the list, "I do not have any musical or presentory skills along those lines, but I am an Archaeologist and Symbologist, and religion is a bit of an expertise because of the symbols used in it. What sort of theology do you study? What weapon do you find most useful, and who are your spouses?"
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire nods to the sentiment, and Rook turned to put his head in Klaire's lap. "I think we all wish for more hours in the day. Although I might just use it to sleep a bit longer. Spouses are important to spend time with, indeed."
She takes whatever is ordered for her, and while Rook's ears perk up at the thought of turkey sausage, they immedietly droop back down to give attention to Klaire. She slowly pets him and he gives a content sigh, in turn calming Klaire.
"I would prefer no one else get in my head, magically or otherwise. I had an interview yesterday about Ylva," a pause to interject to Annikah, "My partner, who allegedly killed someone," and back to Bones, "and frankly, he was a shit officer." Klaire rarely curses in public.
A breath is taken, before she resumes the fun conversation. "My mother made me take piano when I was younger, but I am afraid I am out of practice."
Annikah von Steiger:
"I study as much as I can," Annikah admits, "but my personal beliefs are based in Gnosticsm. I just think that there's insight and truths to be found in most spiritual practices, as there are in most things in life, so there's very little in the world where there isn't value to learning more. Sometimes there's not more value than learning what's not correct, or what not to do, but even that does have value."
She takes another drink from her malt before putting it down again. "My partners are named Artje and Jean-Louis, and my preferred weapons are my talons and fangs, even if I've been known to simply hit people with whatever happens to be on hand. I think that covers all the questions, so far? What about yourself? Any particular archaeological field that interests you, for instance?"
Metallic teeth flash again as she smiles at Klaire. "Not surprising that he was a shit officer, since all cops are bastards and all that. I hope things work out, whether or not your partner actually killed someone, or only allegedly did."
Tommy Shanks:
"Understood, hon. Just know the offer is out there," she began to eat her food then, keeping her hip against Klaire and Rook for comforting energies if nothing else.
"I spend most of my time studying the Americas. My mother is a member of the native peoples of Mexico, for example. I also study the Mediterranean because my father is European Spanish. You might hear my name coming up in the papers and journals and stuff in the next few weeks... almost time for my article about discovering a previously unknown Greek ruin.
And surely not all... but in this city, with the robots walking around? Yeah... Probably."
Klaire Henriette:
"I am not typically one for violence if I can help it." A nod at the ACAB comment. "There's some people who try, and those are the people I try to work with. As a private investigator I tend to work close with law enforcement. Unfortunatly that means there's always the bad ones."
A nod at Bones. "Despite that, I had no clue we were even using robots for contact until one showed up at my office yesterday. Will say I'm not a fan, empathy seems to be lost with being anonymous. Plus...I'm certain if I'm looking for a missing kid, Rook here is going to be way easier to relate to than a scary robot."
Annikah von Steiger:
"The indigenous faiths of the Americas are an area my studies have been kinda deficient in," Annikah laments. "I haven't made my way there yet, but coming here has made it more apparent to me that I'm going to have to make some time for it. Back to the problem with the limited number of hours in the day, right? At least the nights are longer this time of year, but in the long run that all averages out."
She drinks more of the malt before she puts the glass down again. "Even the police officers who mean well are upholding an unjust system, which was founded on unjust ideas for unjust reasons, and any time they turn a blind eye to behavior of the so-called bad apples the become complicit in that bad behavior. Any cops who don't start out as bastards don't stay cops for long, one way or another."
She looks back and forth between the two. "Scary robots?"
Tommy Shanks:
Bones holds up her hand, and the bulletin on the board flies to it, before she lets Annikah read it.
"Robots that have been loaned out to the police force. They have abilities that mundane robots would not have. I've not yet encountered one in person but there are definite troubles in this situation. There are a few with more experts around, especially in the Firebird Cadre."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire nods slowly, not looking to argue. "That's why I don't call myself a cop. Finding people who may be in trouble is what I want to do. Not...the rest of what people think of with cops."
She looks as the note flies over, not able to read it but keeping an eye on the paper.
"So it's not just me the robots have shown up to? Who else did they go after?" A pause and mumble under her breath. "Well...they did mention you, Bones."
Tommy Shanks:
"What?" was the simple reply from the Mage.
Annikah von Steiger:
"Just what the world needs, automated bastardry," Annikah says, and the words come out with a growl that an entirely human throat probably couldn't manage. "On the other hand, I suppose I could hunt down robots without there being any kind of moral questionability about it. Aside from a bit of property destruction, I guess." She takes a moment to push back down her rising anger, then manages to offer another smile to Klaire. "That seems like a worthwhile thing to do with your life. It probably does more to help people than what I do for a living, which is giving people tattoos, or putting holes in them at their request."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire smiles. "Thats what Ylva and her wife do as well. I first met Ylva at her parlor. I think giving art to remember to someone is a nice job to have. I am quite happy with my own tattoo, and know many people with similar sentiments from her work."
A nod to Bones. "They were looking for someone I'd never heard of. Mentioned the night at the club with a 'Doctor Shanks'. I have no clue why they want this person, or how they're connected with Ylva."
Tommy Shanks:
The woman became their man form in an instant, food forgotten. INstead, he pulled out his journal, his pen, his mirror, and flipped to the correct page that he wanted to read.
They seemed very focused on something now, no longer in the conversation at present.
Annikah von Steiger:
"Don't get me wrong, I love what I do, I just know it's not the same kind of stakes, that's all," Annikah says with a shrug. "I'm fine with that." She stops and points a talon at Bones. "That's a neat trick."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire looks worried, and looks at what Bones is doing.
She answers as an aside to Annikah. "That is entirely fair. I think the hardest part is helping those who run into less mundane problems. Not that mundane problems can't be traumatizing either."
A hand goes to Bones' wrist, empathy flaring quickly. "What's wrong?"
Tommy Shanks:
"Vasya, that damned paranoid Ukrainian is correct again," he swore.
"Thanks," with a point of the pen at the talon.
They started to talk in High Speech now, sketching a few words in their book on the page, and looking in their mirror...
Annikah von Steiger:
"I'm very familiar with how challenging ordinary problems can make life," Annikah agrees with Klaire. "I wasn't always a vampire, after all. I didn't have a particularly good time of things for a long time, and honestly many of the biggest problems in my life were the ordinary ones." She watches Bones as she talks, clearly curious what's going on.
Klaire Henriette:
Psyche's brow knits, letting Bones do whatever she...he needed. So she focused on Annikah.
"If its not rude to ask, how old are you? The last Vampire I talked to was...a slight bit rude. I'd love to hear your perspective of things."
Tommy Shanks:
The first chant ended, and he breathed out a sigh of relief. If Annikah looks with aura, there was definitely a spell active.
"Titania and I made up," he said absent mindedly, before paging to the next section they needed.
Annikah von Steiger:
"Forty," Annikah answers without any qualms about revealing that information. She's young for a vampire, and doesn't really give a shit. She seems to give more of a shit when that name drops, which results in a slow movement of her head that clearly communicate eye rolling without any physical eyes to roll. "Her," she says. "She seems to enjoy being rude to people just to get rises out of them. I can be a bitch, but least I try to accomplish something meaningful with it, and don't just do it for its own sake. Or, you know, I'm being literally a bitch by turning into a dog. Sometimes I do that, too."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire looks at the Mage, she will interrupt him after. Clearly the spells made him feel better.
"I offered her a drink, she was demeaning as I am neither a Mage nor a Vampire. She...at least listened to boundries. Thats better than it could be."
A nod to the age. "Not much older than I am now. History and studying religion were two things I enjoyed in college. To be fair, I was looking into mentions of my own abilities as I'm self taught."
Tommy Shanks:
"Soon... soon I'll be able to be an animal..." they mumbled as they skimmed through the journal.
"Oh, she... nevermind," then he started to speak in the magic language again, now mixing in Ancient Egyptian with it, while reading her book, the Mirror reflecting the words.
Annikah von Steiger:
Klaire's words are met with soft laughter, which is an eerie and inhuman sound coming from the odd creature, but also seems to be genuine amusement. "And you haven't offered me a drink at all. Should I be insulted?" she asks in a soft voice full of very definitely mock afront. She even puts a taloned hand over her heart in an overly-dramatic impression of being wounded. "Treating you demeaningly doesn't surprise me, though. I'm sorry that some of us can be that way. Age is no excuse, and you deserve better treatment."
She makes an inquisitive head tilt. "What sorts of abilities? I admit I have no idea what you are, aside from the fact that I can hear your heart beating, and I've been trying to be polite and not look at auras or anything to figure it out." She gives Bones another curious look, with the chanting and what-not
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire looks at Bones, a curious glance. Rook still snuggles on Klaire.
"I can offer you a drink if you want. I just hadn't thought to offer. My apologies. But yes, I will admit it was disheartening."
At that moment, her and Rook's food and her coffee came out, and she thanks the server. She looks back at Annikah.
"I am a Psychic. Or the more general term is 'Sleepwalker'. I'm part of the Free Council but not a Mage. I will admit I've only been a part of the society for a few weeks now. Before that I was independant and intentionally stayed out of these things." She accents her words by causing a sugar packet to fly to her hand, just like Cookie had when she had met him. She's getting more confident with that ability.
Tommy Shanks:
More magic was released, and more pages were turned.
"She is also an awesome addition to the Consilium as a whole."
He glanced up to Annikah, "You are more than welcome to watch with whatever senses or capabilities you have for magics."
Then yet another magic was beginning to be built. More reading, writing, and chanting.
Annikah von Steiger:
Annikah laughs again. "Thank you for the offer," she replies genuinely. "You are an absolutely lovely woman, and I imagine that we'd both enjoy it, but this doesn't seem like it's really the time or place, and if I took you up on it I'd feel like I had pressured you into that, even if I was joking." She pulls a napkin over in front of her and produces a Sharpie from a pocket, then scribbles down a phone number and slides the napkin over in front of Klaire. "If you'd like, I'd be happy to meet up again some other time, wearing my usual face, and we could see how things go? But I want to stress that there's no obligation here, and I fully believe that no means no, too." Is she... suggesting a date? Maybe.
"I knew a few mages back home in Vienna," she goes on to say. "Most of the ones I met were kind of jerks, though. I don't know as much about their groups as I might like, since I didn't hang out with them a lot. Fortunately, present company has been much more agreeable, and that..." she points a talon at the sugar packet, "is a fun trick. Definitely not one I can pull off."
What she says to Bones is, "thank you, but so far it's seeming to be just as effective to just ask about what I want to know. Since I came here in part for the conversation, I'll just stick to that for now."
Klaire Henriette:
Psyche gives a smile at Bones' approval, and takes a bite of her food. Not something she usually got but the relief of not needing decisions is welcome.
She similarly pulls the napkin to her, holding it in the air for a moment before catching it. "I appreciate the offer but I must decline. I am offering friendship, not companionship. I have already found my person and don't wish for others."
Tommy Shanks:
"I'm still searching for my person. I've had a few encounters, and might have some long term play beginning, buuut... I'm still looking for a long term partner that can understand my literal fluidity of gender." The magic kept building.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
The portal into Maddy's did as portals do, allowing Jeremiah to make his way into the diner with a bit of pep in his step. The Warlock was dressed casually this evening in black jeans, grey t-shirt and black leather jacket with a set of chunky black glasses rounding out the ensemble. His eyes widened a touch at seeing Annikah in her current configuration, looking both impressed and curious as he gave the trio a nod. "Evening all."
Tommy Shanks:
"Oh! Jay! My note trader," he grins, "How are you doing? Please join us!" he scootched to make room for Klaire to scooch for Jay to join in the booth.
Annikah von Steiger:
Annikah smiles, and it's a real smile, full of real understanding, but in odd contrast to that her body tenses up like there's a part of her that's ready to burst into motion of some sort, even if it's not the conscious part of her that resulted in the pleasant facial expression. Fortunately, that momentary tension fades in a couple of seconds. "That's totally understandable," she says. "Thank you for being up front with me, and I'm happy to meet up some time as friends, as well. My Beast is a little bit more sensitive about rejection, but one of us is in control, and it's not the Beast. They're just closer to the surface when I look like this than they usually are."
The empty sockets of her eyes slide over to Bones, and the smooth, rubbery skin above her brows crinkles a bit like it might if she arched a brow. "Do you want my number?" she asks with a smirk. "Gender fluidity is no problem for me, I promise you."
Then a new person is there, and the truly bizzare looking humanoid creature that is Annikah, sitting in a booth seat next to a guitar case, turns to look at Jeremiah. "Sup?" she asks.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Doing pretty well, can't complain." Jeremiah replied with a smile, scooting into the booth once a spot was opened for him. The guitar case piqued his interest as much as Annikah herself did, giving both of them a quick onceover. "Jeremiah, although most folks call me Jay. Good to meet you."
Tommy Shanks:
"If you don't mind, I can just throw the information in your phone. That way no one with ears will hear it, and keep it secure," in reply to the phone number comment. Paranoia was definitely a state of mind right now, evne with the flirting.
Jeremiah would easily recognize the magical tools, and the high speech being used yet again as the Master Obrimos kept making magic happen
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire gives a small smile to Annikah. "It is nothing against you, dear. Ylva has other needs that other partners fill. I find most relationships go in directions I don't enjoy. Friendship is better for me."
She nods as the other Mage joins. "Hello Jay. Nice to see you again."
Then, seeing that Bones had continued their casting, looks at them. "Is everything okay?"
Annikah von Steiger:
Annikah's phone comes out of a pocket of her odd robes, and she unlocks it, opens the contacts app, and then slides it over to Bones. The phone has definitely seen better days, but it's still working. Somehow.
"No need to explain," she tells Klaire. "I don't mind if you do, but you don't have to justify anything to me, and in my experience it's hard to have too many friends anyway."
She reaches over to shift the guitar case so it's taking up less space in the booth, then slides over so there's room for Jeremiah to sit down next to her. "Feel free to join us, Jay. I'm Annikah."
Tommy Shanks:
They pointed at the phone and instantly details appeared on the screen of the device with Bones, their contact number, and a work number. It even had a photo attached that split between the femme and masc forms.
"Jay is a great musician himself. I've seen him do some mentoring of the art."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Jeremiah smirked a touch as Bones did the magical data-share, claiming a spot in the booth once it was opened. "Why thank you." He said with a smile to the Obrimos. "I do my best to pass on the same love for the art as I have, and it's gone pretty well so far."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire feeds one of the Turkey sausages to Rook, who chews at it but immedietly goes back to Klaire.
"I appreciate not needing to explain. I find I enjoy having friends anyway."
Annikah von Steiger:
"Showoff," Annikah mutters, but the curl upward at one corner of her lips betrays the humor behind the remark. She tucks the poor battered phone away again and looks at Jay. "What do you play?" she asks. "My main thing is drums, really, but they're a little bit less portable than a guitar is. Sadly, I don't have enough hands to carry every piece of my drum set at the same time. I wish."
Tommy Shanks:
Then with chanting, the journal, the pen, and mirror, another spell went off, and this time, Tommy became their full nonbinary form, this time with femme appearance but no curves and hair up like their masc form.
Finally, after all of that, the tools are packed away and they seem much more relaxed than they were previously.
"I'm sorry about that. I just... if the robots know who I am, I had to do... things."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"That would be nice, wouldn't it?" He said with a chuckle, putting in his order with a passing server before continuing. "Piano and guitar primarily, along with drums."
He watched with curiosity as Bones reshaped themselves, an eyebrow arching at the apology. "Robots? Something up with the Mark units?"
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire nods to Bones. "I'm sorry for worrying you then. Wasn't my intention."
She looks to Jay. "I got interviewed yesterday about Ylva. Whatever officer was piloting the robot was...not my favorite person. They threatened Rook and it sent me into a spiral...I hate interviews I don't have time to prepare for."
Annikah von Steiger:
"How dare you ignore casual conversation in favor of looking after your own safety and well being," Annikah chides. She even goes so far as to wag her finger scoldingly at Bones, only to snap her finger a moment later and point a talon at Jay. "Brilliant! I need to get someone to make me a case for my piano so I can carry it around with me. It's one piece, and I don't need to be an octovamp to carry all the components around! I'll be sure you get credit for the idea when it catches on."
The ridiculous idea is then immediately forgotten in favor of turning to look at Klaire as she asks in an absolutely bone-chillingly cold voice, "it threatened your dog?"
Tommy Shanks:
"No one. Threatens. Rook." Their own growl seemed to almost have two voices behind it, because life magic, but didn't quite meet the monster that was Annikah.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"I'll see what I can do." Jay smirked, although that mirth slipped away just as quickly as Klaire explained what had happened. "Bastards." The word was wrapped in a low rumble, rather unlike the normally jovial Warlock. "They're pushing their luck with those damn things."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire grimaces and pets Rook.
"Rook barked. The officer threatened to remove him. I informed him that as a licenced service dog that is in fact illegal and discrimination. He rephrased it as if threatened he would remove Rook...permanently." Her hand tightens in Rook's fur. The normally calm Sleepwalker looking shaken.
Tommy Shanks:
They pushed their plate away now, losing their appetite. They refilled their coffee and stewed over the conversation, anger almost visiblly pouring off of them.
Annikah von Steiger:
"Fucking piece of shit," Annikah growls in German before switching back to English. "Unacceptable. Feel free to call me if it comes around again." The tone of the offer heavily implies she has every intention of removing it... permanently. "You do have my number."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Did you get a unit number or the like, out of curiosity? Could see about tracking it and its handler down."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire nods to Annikah, a thought that she may take her up on the offer.
"No...I asked and it responded it didn't have a designation, and refused to answer about a warrant. I know I should have kept up about the warrant but...he threatened Rook and it was hard to hear my own thoughts."
Tommy Shanks:
The lights near the table began to flicker darker, and then brighter than average. They tried to breathe to calm down.
Annikah von Steiger:
"I reiterate what I said about cops being bastards," Anni growls. No sooner does she say the words than she seems to resolve herself to moving on, and suddenly she's back to being the pleasant monster. "What kind of music are you into playing?" she asks Jay, liked she wasn't just bordering on a killing anger five seconds previously.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Jay reached over to give Bones' shoulder a squeeze, giving them a reassuring look before nodding to Klaire. "Sounds like you did the best you could in the situation. Good job."
"A little bit of everything, honestly. Kinda eh on country unless it's the older stuff, but I like to keep an open mind on that front."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire nods, focusing on her food right now. "He's gone and next time I'll just ask him to leave...or try to."
Tommy Shanks:
"I like the Jazz when you've played it or help folx at the Green Room," they smiled now, starting to calm down with the touch and the change in subject, "Anything new going on at the club?"
Annikah von Steiger:
"I don't know that much about country, since I just don't think it's as popular in Vienna as it is here," Annikah says with a shrug. "I won't say whether I like or dislike it, since I don't know it well enough. I used to be in a punk band, way back in the day, but I listen to a little of pretty much everything I get exposed to. Like you said, having an oen mind and all." She shrugs. "Admittedly, I don't know jazz very well, either." She smiles at Bones, showing those weird silvery teeth again
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire stays more quiet about the music, but pulls a second sugar over to her with telekinesis for a second cup of coffee.
"How was living in Vienna? I've never been there myself. I spent a semester in France but besides that I've just lived here."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Getting ready for our New Year's Eve send-off tomorrow night, which is hectic as always but in a good way. Got some good performers set up and the menu is pretty solid, so I'm looking forward to it."
He smirked as Klaire pulled some sugar to herself, eyeing the packs for a moment like he was mulling trying that out himself before deciding against it and grabbing for the dispenser the old-fashioned way, applying a good bit of it into his coffee once it and his meal arrived at the table. "Never been out that way myself, I'll admit. What brought you to Philly?"
Tommy Shanks:
They shiver, but not in fear, as the teeth were visible. They took a sip of their coffee.
"First few years of my life in the south. Country was my thing. Then the rest of my childhood years in Philly, so I've got quite the eclectic tastes myself. I've been to Vienna for a study abroad trip. I was only there three days though... a few days in multiple cities and countries for three weeks."
Annikah von Steiger:
"I was born there and grew up there," Anni answers, accompanying the response with a shrug of the shoulders. "So it was just normal, as far as I always knew. Then again, normal also sucked for most of my life, prior to becoming a ghoul and then a vampire. Well, a fair bit of that, too." She switches smoothly to French, which she speaks with the same faint German accent as her English, "did you learn French while you were there? I imagine you must have picked up some." Back to English again and she answers Jay's question. "I came to the US because I was lured here through the devious whiles of my wife, although she wasn't my wife yet at the time. She was living in New York, then. Philly is... politics. Boring ones, but important ones."
The black voids where her eyes should be turn back toward Bones and she smiles again, this time letting her tongue touch the tip of one of her oversized fangs. It's only a moment, though that same fang briefly catches her lower lip, too, as she starts so ask, "did you do anything fun while you were in Vienna?" All the while watching to see how the Mage responds. Not just with words, but with body language and so on.
Tommy Shanks:
"I was more... restrained... when I was in college and graduate schools. The proper boy, the polite man, the good student... so no, I didn't do too much fun stuff, other than my studies that are fun to me..." they voice went lower, a little husk to it. Bones' eyes were focused on the fangs still.
Klaire Henriette:
As Jay reaches for the container, Klaire glances up and shifts the sugar a bit closer to him. Yes showing off, but also practicing.
"I find that its less genre and more the individual songs I enjoy more."
She switches to fluent French as well, not much of an American accent. "My mother is from Paris. She wanted her parents to meet me as well as me continue college there. That was the first time I'd met them if that tells you much."
Back to English. "Is your wife a vampire as well?"
And then to Bones. "Well you certainly aren't now, Bones. Just be careful who you choose as partners. I'll give you the same advice I give Ylva...well...I'll tailor it to you. If you wouldn't let them into your library without you there, don't sleep with them."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Jeremiah perked up a bit at the French, chuckling as Klaire nudged the sugar his way. "Thanks. Been practicing that, I take it?"
"Fair enough." He nodded to Annikah's response. "I was in California for about a decade myself before I felt the East Coast calling my name again. New York's a little too top-heavy for my kind of work, but Philadelphia's been a good fit both work-wise and personally."
Annikah von Steiger:
"That's how I tend to feel about music too," Anni agrees with Klaire. "I can usually find something I like in any given genre, at the very least, as well as a lot I don't. And yes, my wife's a vampire, as is my husband. He's the French one."
She eyes Bones again for a moment with those empty sockets, then turns to speak to Jay. "New York seems to be too top-heavy just in general. I love that city and hate it all at once. It's a lot of fun, but truly absurd."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire nods to Jay. "I've tried to get better at controlling it. Strong emotions set it off if I'm not careful, and emotions have been...strong the past two weeks. If I truely focus I can move multiple objects now."
A nod to Anni. "It sounds like you have wonderful partners. I'm certain your husband is far more of a fan of France than I was."
She keeps quiet about New York, having never been.
Tommy Shanks:
Their hands reach out and squeeze both Jay's shoulder, and then Klaire's, before brekaing the rules and giving Rook a few pets. They feel too connected to both to leave rook alone.
"Sounds lovely, Annikah. Finding partners that you can be with forever, without outside intervention. THat's ... very cool, truth be told."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Very cool." He replied to Klaire with a grin. "Would love to see that in action at some point."
"Yeah, inclined to agree. I lived there for a year or so when I was a kid and have been back a few times since. Definitely prefer here, though, overall."
The talk of partnership brought a warm smile to his face, thoughts of his own other half lighting up his features. "Here here. Been with my other half for two and a half years at this point and it's been...amazing."
Tommy Shanks:
"Oh? Who is the lucky individual?"
Annikah von Steiger:
"I suppose time will tell if potential eternity is a benefit or a boon to our relationship," Annikah says with a grin. "For now it seems good, but who knows about a thousand years from now."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire moves her hand in Bones's way, a glance. "I said not today Bones. He is working."
She seems to drop it at that, looking back at Jay. "It's exhausting in all honesty. Thats probably best for...after the investigation is over."
She folds her hands in her lap, and Rook licks her hands. "Ylva and I have been dating for over 5 years now. I wish you a loving eternity with your partners, Annikah."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Her name's Polly. She's also a musician, we met randomly when we both brought guitars out to the park one day to play and hit it off from there. The fact that we're both part of the local spooky community helps too."
Annikah von Steiger:
"Spooky community?" Annikah asks. "Who are you calling spooky?" She crosses her arms and even makes a harumph sound.
Tommy Shanks:
"I've heard that name more than once. I would love to meet her sometime," they smiled to the fellow mage, and outright laughed at the spooky vampire.
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire smiles, then immediately frowns at the conversation. "Spooky community is certainly different than not. You dont have to hide as much."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Certainly not you, unless you want me to." Jay replied to Annikah with a chuckle, then nodded to Bones. "You'll know her to see her for sure. Her middle name is Chromatic for a reason."
Seeing that quick flip in expression on Klaire he watched her for a moment, giving her a reassuring look. "Agreed. The landmines you may trip over are a little different, but it's worth it in the end."
Annikah von Steiger:
Annikah laughs too, when laughed at. Laughing at her is the only appropriate response, right? "These days I have some trouble blending in with the non spooky society as it is. They're all so fragile, and I tend to make them feel like it. The last thing I need is to accidentally cause an incident."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire gives Jay a glance, and looks away after a moment. Maybe she doesn't want to be reassured.
"My partner is inhumanly strong now as well. It definetly seems like an issue at times. She has...been trying to control it to not hurt me or those around them."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Jeremiah nodded in agreement with Annikah. "I'm on that line myself these days, knowing that I could push beyond the norm but that doing so will have its own issues along with the benefits."
Annikah von Steiger:
"Sometimes it's fun, but it's definitely easy to accidentally cause a lot more damage than intended," Annikah admits with a smile. "Bumping into someone at one point in my life was usually no big deal. Now it can potentially be a very big one. People just tend to notice that something's off, too. I mean, when I'm not wearing this particular guise, as well. Right now they would definitely notice that something was off. Well, probably."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire nods in wonder.
"I am quite good at using my telepathy, but Fox stopped it with little effort the first time I met them. I think I'll stick to solving more mundane problems."
She smiles. "I certainly think so. It would at least turn an eye."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"That's not a bad thing in itself. Sometimes when you've got as large of a toolbox as we have it's good to remember that the solution doesn't have to be grandiose." He nodded to Klaire with a smile, then looked to Annikah. "That is a hell of a look, I will say."
Annikah von Steiger:
"Thank you." Annikah preens a little, or her Beast does. When the two are merged, it's hard to tell which it is, exactly. "I'm pretty sure that if I just walked around in public like this I'd get a talking to, at the very least, though."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire nods. "Simple solutions are nice sometimes. Or seeing things from different perspectives."
She looks at Annikah. "Joking aside, definetly a bad plan. It's sure to attract a lot of attention."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Indeed. It's always good to keep in mind that fresh eyes can see problems we might otherwise miss."
"Mmhmm. Is it a particular effect that brings this visage out, as it were?"
Annikah von Steiger:
"I suppose that I should probably be going, soon. I've got someone to meet up with in a little bit. Gotta see a man about a horse, or whatever that phrase is." Annikah stops and seems to think about this. "Maybe I should get a horse." She smiles at Jay. "It is. I do it through a merging of myself with my divine self, in the flesh instead of just in spirit. As far as I know, a talent unique to my particular vampiric bloodline. But that, I suppose, is a tale for another time."
Klaire Henriette:
"It was nice to meet you Annikah. I look forward to meeting you again, and perhaps Rook won't have his vest that time." Klaire nods to the Vampire.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Interesting...I'd definitely be up for that talk." He said with a smile, taking a moment to pull a business card for his cafe from his wallet and offered it to the Gangrel. "Number on the back is my cell, best way to get a hold of me. Was a pleasure meeting you, Annikah."
Annikah von Steiger:
First there's a warm smile for Klaire, in as much as something as monstrous as Annikah looks right now can offer something that actually seems warm, and she says, "I would like that." Next, she takes the card and tucks it into a pocket on the guitar case. "I'd love to play some music with people locally more often, if you'd be interested," she says. "I'll give you a call some time." Then she poofs into a bat, but not some weird and monstrous bat, or even a normal but scary looking bat. It's an absolute tiny little puffball of a bat, like a cotton ball with wings, not more than about two inches long. This bat lands on the strap of the guitar case and just... picks it up and flies off with it toward the exit, as if it's nothing at all and there's no reason a creature that miniscule shouldn't be able to preform this feat. Off she goes!
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire blinks a few time as the tiny adorable creature picks up a whole guitar.
"That's...admittedly not the strangest thing I've seen, but certainly up there."
She turns to Jay. "How have you been? I haven't had time to talk to you recently."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Jay couldn't help but smile at the smolness of the bat, which only widened as she hauled off the guitar case like it was nothing. "That...was amazing."
"I'm doing good overall. Holding down the fort at the Cafe, testing out some things on the magic front. How have you been, barring the robocop bullshit?"
Klaire Henriette:
She leans down to pet Rook.
"I should stop back by the cafe when I'm more free. The 'robocop bullshit' is just the latest in a long line of things this month. I don't celebrate Christmas anymore, but this has been the most stressful holiday break I've had in a while. Ylva's case is... exhausting to be frank. But I want to help her and Astrid however I can."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"I can imagine. Make sure you're taking care of yourself too, though, and if you need a hand with anything or somewhere to relax for a while let me know."
Klaire Henriette:
She pets Rook. "I have coping mechanisms. So long as I don't have more robots breathing down my neck. I don't have much sway in PPD but I want to sigh at whoever approved those things."
She faintly smiles. "Once this case is over...I would like to relax a bit more. And...to be honest try to work with the Free Council more, or the Pentacle in general."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"No kidding. Either way, know you've got people in your corner when you need it."
"Sounds like a plan. Wager there's some things you can help us look into."
Klaire Henriette:
She nods. "Thank you for being in that corner too. Not sure if you've heard but Ylva is currently in the Hedge and is staying there. Means she can't come see me which...is fresturating. Necessary, but fresturating."
"But yes...I've been given a spot to learn and have back up. I know I was...well to be truthful a bitch about joining...but I am glad I did. I want to pay back that kindness a bit."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Ah...yeah, that's rough. Never been in there myself but I've heard it's dangerous on its best days." He nodded quietly, mulling for a moment. "Good a way as any to keep her off the radar, though."
"We're glad to have you. You've been an excellent addition to the consilium, in my opinion."
Klaire Henriette:
"Considering there are those like Vorpal who are still wary about the Hedge, I don't think I'd go if I had the choice. Which Ylva has made it clear I don't."
She smiles. "I am glad you think so Jay. I have tried my best. Although between you and me." A pet to Rook. "I think seveal of the Awakened would rather have me around because Monsieur Rook is with me."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"You're welcome." He replied with a smile of his own, chuckling as he looked down to the pup. "Can't blame them, admittedly, he's a good gent to have around. My cat does get a little grumpy when he smells Rook on me, but he manages."
Klaire Henriette:
"I don't think I can either. I have to admit I like Rook more than most people too."
Theres a thought that hits her eyes, and a grimace. "I do have a question though, Awakened related. I can go in here if you'd rather me do that." She taps her temple.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Should be safe enough here, but you can tap in if you'd prefer."
Klaire Henriette:
She nods, choosing to save the energy. "Bones brought something to my attention, and I wanted the opinion of another Mage if I did the right thing."
She takes a breath. "I think they called it Apocalypse? Sharing the Mage Sight with me?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
His eyebrows went up at that, watching her with a hint of curiosity and concern clear on his features. "I know of it, yeah. Can do it myself, although its not something I use flippantly. Why do you ask?"
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire nods. "I got a little overzealous while they shared it with me. It helped me figure out how to use the telekinesis." She demonstrates by giving Rook another turkey sausage, entirely without touching it. Rook happily nibbles it.
"But turns out both this and the Apocalypse drain me a lot. Even more so when I do both together. Bones go concerned and...well I adore Bones but they tend to rush into solutions." Theres a pause for questions up to this point.
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"I have noticed that about them. She mentioned wanting to use that on you at some point, but I hadn't expected it to be this quick. That's something that should be built up to in my opinion, since hitting someone with that if they're not at full strength can literally blind them from the weight of what they're seeing."
"How much did she hit you with at once?"
Klaire Henriette:
"They warned me about that, and that's what they were worried about." She thinks back. "I know Mind and Space. Those were things I got to watch with my normal abilities which was...cool to say the least. Could you run me through the others real fast? Not Time, I know that one."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Death, which I wager she wouldn't have due to her tower, Fate, Forces, Life, Matter, Prime, and Spirit." He sat back in his seat, frowning a touch. "Even just two is a lot to take in at once, let alone more than that."
Klaire Henriette:
"Not Death, no, or Life or Fate. I feel like there was at least one more in there but I don't know enough."
She shakes her head. "But no, not the point. Bones realized the same internal energy I had to keep up the Apocalypse is what I use for my abilities. So she got worried when I dropped too low and used a spell on me to help me rest."
She pauses a half second. "Next time I saw them, they had a solution to me getting tired. As Bones does."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Doesn't surprise me." He nodded quietly. "Psychic phenomenon is usually tied to the will of the user, so tapping into the same tank twice with drain it pretty quickly."
"As she does." He smirked a touch, although there was still a note of concern about him. "Glad it went alright in the end, though. How'd you feel about what you saw?"
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire nods, she's not surprised by that fact.
"It was amazing and overwhelming. I couldn't imagine doing that consistently. Or just...seeing the world in that way to begin with."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"It can be overwhelming, especially if you layer it like that, but it's definitely helpful when you know what you're looking at. If you're interested I can walk you through another version of it that's not quite so intense."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire thinks for a moment. "Sure...at some point. When I'm less tired from the case because like you said, if you're tired it can make you blind."
She sighs. "But what I want to talk about is with that context. Bones's solution to me was to put a spell inside that...which is the first time I had heard I could do that as a Sleepwalker, but the spell would be able to keep me from being tired. The downside being that it would paint a target on my back. I told Tommy I was only willing to do it if they were also willing to put me and Ylva in that level of danger. I haven't heard back from them so I am assuming they decided not to." A deep sigh comes from the experienced sleepwalker. "Was that the right thing to do?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"No worries. The one I'm referring to doesn't tap into your mental fortitude in the same way so it wouldn't be as much of a drain. Let me know when you're ready and we can make it happen."
"In your current situation, I'd say you made the right call. Sleepwalkers are able to act as anchor point for spells, basically carrying them for us although they still remain in our control for their duration. Unless it's properly cloaked others can see the magic on you, though and the connection forged between you two can be used by others to potentially harm both of you."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire considers that for a moment. "Sure. I'd be down for that. I'm not sure Maddy's is the best place however."
She finishes her coffee, and pets Rook, before responding. "I'm glad you think it was the right call. They told me about all of that. It seemed so...easy? Almost like cheating. But yes, I definitely do not want a target on my back right now."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Yeah, there's a whole process involved. Part of the work with the Path that I've told you about. I'll check with the rest of the Cadre about having you come by the house for it."
"It's a tool that everyone should have access to, but the Lie keeps that from being a possibility." Thearch's gonna thearch, it seems... "Magic can make certain things easier as much as it can complicate others, but in the end it's something humanity as a whole has been denied. That's part of why we do the work we do to keep it alive and help others find their own paths to enlightenment."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire nods. "Cadre being a group of mages with similar goals, yes? Still working on all the vocab. But yes, the Path."
She shakes her head. "I'll be honest I havent looked into it that much. So everyone is supposed to be able to do these things?"
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"You got it." He nodded, smiling a touch at her follow up question. "That's how we of the Ladder see it at least. The other orders have their own thoughts on the matter, of course."
Klaire Henriette:
Psyche's head tilts as she considers it.
"Could you tell me more? About how the Ladder sees it at least."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Sure. That might be a better conversation for a more private setting, though."
Klaire Henriette:
She nods. "I can wait then. I'm not in a rush. To be honest I'd love a calmer day after the...interview yesterday."
She looks down at Rook, pressing her forehead to his. "I don't remember the whole conversation, I was too panicked."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Totally understandable, on both counts. You got put on the spot and that'll rattle anyone."
Klaire Henriette:
She frowns. "I'm not sure how the conversation got there, but it did ask if the Free Council had anything to do with Ylva. I'm not quite sure if I misspoke or something but...that part was strange."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Cue a sharp arch of the eyebrow at that little tidbit. "I know that the bots originated with a Seer project, so the fact that they know about the Council is somewhat understandable. Knowing that you are associated with the Council is...interesting. And concerning."
Klaire Henriette:
She shakes her head. "I was backpedaling the entire time...I was just trying to not let slip that...well...Ylva was guilty. I felt like I had to give something up to be honest. Or he would have arrested me or worse."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Right...understandable." He nodded quietly, mulling for a moment. "It was the one that brought up the Council first, yeah?
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire thinks back for a moment. "I'm not sure. If I said something it was unintentional. It was right after he threatened to remove Rook for good so..I don't remember everything I said."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
He gave another nod, looking Klaire over. "If you haven't talked with Charleville about this yet I'd recommend it, if only to keep tally on the folks in the consilium that have been approached on this."
Klaire Henriette:
She nods. "I hadn't realized how wide spread the problem was until Bones talked to me here. I'll talk to him."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Good. And if you find yourself in a rough patch with one of them again reach out to me or any of the others, we should be able to get you out of Dodge in a pinch."
Klaire Henriette:
Klaire nods, a bit stressed. "I sure hope one doesn't show back up. But yes...I'll get help next time."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
Seeing that anxiety spike form Jeremiah offered his hand along with a reassuring smile. "I know you're concerned, and rightfully so. You got this, though, and we've got your back."
Klaire Henriette:
She takes the hand, and nods. "Im realizing how little I know when I thought I was well off."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"There's always another mystery out there, otherwise things would get boring." He said with a small smirk, giving her hand a squeeze.
Klaire Henriette:
She sighs. "I guess thats a fair point. I should be heading out soon though, I shouldn't spend all day here. If the robots do come back... you'll probably be the first call."
Jeremiah Hamilton:
"Appreciate it." He nodded and let her hand go, moving to stand and hold an arm out for a hug. "The water looks deep at the moment, but you're floating higher than you think. We got this."
Klaire Henriette:
She accepts the hug, and Rook steals his final turkey sausage now that shes obviously feeling better.
"Thank you Jay. I'll keep that in mind. I just hope I can stay floating right now."
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