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Rhea has stolen into the Elysium at the Bellevue and, on finding herself alone, withdrew a battered hardcover out of her bag to curl up with. She is engrossed in her book even now, eyes wide as she drinks in whatever wisdom the book imparts.
Xavier slips into the hotel, dark eyes casting about, as they alight on Rhea he heads over her way, silently falling into a chair across from her as she reads, doing his best to not abruptly interrupt her.
She idly turns a page, perhaps one more; her mouth twists to one side, restraining a smile. "Are you always so unobtrusive?" Her tone is kind enough, more curious than anything. She flicks her dark gaze up to peer at him over the edge of her book.
"Many of blood would never consider me such." he says with a bit of a chuckle, leaning back in his chair and resting his elbows on the armrests, his fingers steepled together in front of him. "It's habit, I suppose. Besides, I hardly wanted to draw you attention away from the book as I'm not sure which of us is more engrossing.. This way, if I prove to be a bore, it was your mistake."
She laughs in surprise, her book half-lowered. Rhea studies Xavier for a moment, head slightly tilted. "I see," she replies, amused. "Well, you have my attention now. What do you intend to do with it?"
"I didn't come in with a purpose so I suppose I'll have to think something up. IN the meantime, let us stall with some formalities." He quirks a half grin. "You said earlier that your name is Rhea, is that how you prefer to be addressed then or is there a more formal way I should address you?"
Her lips quirk in genuine amusement again, one eyebrow curling upward. "The name 'Rhea' is the same name as the first Queen of Heaven and the Mother of the greatest Gods," she purrs. "Should I choose a different title? No," she laughs. "Rhea is fine. I cling to no formal titles."
"So then, what great gods have you played mother to? Normally I wouldn't ask such questions on a first a meeting, but you did bring it up."
"Oh no, no," She laughs, a bright bubbly sound. "None! And may it be forever that way, mon ami. I can't imagine what I would do with any offspring." Beat. "Probably eat them. Then I'm just as bad as Kronos." She leans forward, resting her chin in her palm. "And you're..Xavier, isn't it?"
"Yes,, I'm honored you remembered, though I might wonder about you if you didn't. I didn't choose it, my parents did, so far I've found no reason to change it. I don't think the moniker comes with any children great or terrible, so I suppose that's a plus. Have you been in Philadelphia long, Rhea?"
"Long enough," she waves a hand idly, gaze leveled and locked on the shadow. "I come and go, really. Have trouble staying in one place, it is a character flaw." Her lips twitch in amusement. "To some. I have family here. What brings you here?"
"Ah, well, you are a delight, so I hopefully I timed things so that that you are coming and not going in your current cycle of travel. I suppose family brings me here as well, in a sense. I've come to attempt to solve the case of a mysterious death. I hope to stay here once it's all over, but we'll see what we find here, hrm? Where do you go, when you go?"
"A mysterious death," she drawls, both brows rising now. "How exciting! Who is the victim? Are you here to avenge their death passionately? Oh, I go everywhere. Anywhere I can, anywhere I haven't been before. Except Philadelphia, I've been here many times. One can always go home again, no?"
"I suppose that is what they say." He nods a touch. "Vengeance? Uncertain. It depends on the circumstances, after all perhaps it was self defense, or an accident, I won't choose the next step until I've uncovered this step. I haven't met many nomads among our kind, traveling being the trouble that it can sometimes be.. No, let's take that back. I've never met someone so open about being a nomad as yourself. How did you come to embrace such a lifestyle?"
"Oh, I've always been a wanderer," she admits, tucking her legs up criss-cross beneath her; her chin is cupped in her hands. "I left home as soon as I could, determined to see the world; I saw no reason why a trivial thing like death should stop me, and it didn't. Where did you come here from?"
He considers that for a second or two, then nods. "I see. I'm not sure that I've ever, I suppose I've been curious about the world but never so brave as to commit to seeing it. You're quite impressive in that regard... I'm not from so far off, Chicago. It was easy to catch a red eye over so the usual travel problems were easily alleviated."
"I'm quite impressive in every regard, let's be honest." She grins at him, though, with genuine amusement. "Yes, redeyes certainly make it easier."
Atalo makes his own way in, donned in armour and with his axe and shield in place once again. No Cerberus this time though, he's been returned home for a rest. A slight smile forms as he spots Rhea again and nears her with a nod to both. "Hello again. How are you both?"
"Ah, I would definitely believe that about you. I may have to document all the ways you're impressive, for science, and to give myself goals to strive for. Other than unobtrusiveness I'm not certain how impressive I am or am not."
"Remains to be seen, but I can certify that your chosen field of study will keep you busy for a long time, mon ami," she giggles, offering Atalo a bright smile. "Ah, you've returned! Ready for battle, no less. Has the war started?"
"Are you attempting to romance?" Atalo asks, though there's a faint flicker of amusement. "Hm. And, I'm not sure it ended." He admits to Rhea. "Always another." A grimance. "But the main reason is that kindred have been attacked, and a few threats are about. I don't like being caught.. the term is with my pants down?"
"Flatter, perhaps, though I am impressed by what I've seen of her so far." He answers Atalo. "We've only just met tonight. I think any attempt at Romance would be premature, at best." He looks over Atalo as well "How do you move through the city in such? I've seen mention of the attacks on the board but it seems these attacks haven't led to anyone being seriously hurt thus far, is that correct?"
"That is the term, yes," she confirms, laughing. "Different strokes, I suppose. And no, certainly no romance; I am not quite so easy to capture."
He chuckles quietly, then nods at Xavier. "I've the ability to cloak myself, or these items. It lets me move with them without drawing attention or any issues. And thus far, no one's been seriously hurt." His eyes narrow in a flicker of anger. "But I would still remove the attacker's hand in punishment if I found them."
"Well, it's good no one's been hurt. Are you always so devoted to justice... Atalo, yes? Or was a friend of yours attacked by this creature? Honestly, I would like to meet him, or her, I'm quite curious why they've decided to take this path."
"You want to meet the attacker?" Curiosity gleams in Rhea's expression, head canted. "Does the criminal mind interest you, mon ami?"
"Hgn." He considers Xavier, taking a seat near Rhea. "Perhaps. I feel I'm simply protective of others. I would need to think about justice." He cants his own head, pondering. "There are many options. If it's who I believe it might be, I think it's a tactic, a threat and challenge. Which means he is targetting what he sees as weak points. Frustrating, but strategically wise."
Rhea's brow furrows, head tilting. "Who did he target, Atalo? I've been shuttered away in the house, forgive me."
"Ah, so you think taking his hand would be a detriment, cause him to change his behavior?" He asks Atalo, no judgement in the query, he then glances at Rhea. "I suppose I have a passing interest in the criminal mind, though, and I realize this would be an unpopular opinion so hopefully it can stay between us, but I'm not sure I consider this attacker a criminal just yet. He's certainly uncouth." He says, holding up his hands in a warding gesture. "And the actions being taken are inappropriate but, I don't have a lot of facts yet. I am -very- interested in mysteries, and it seems there are a great many mysteries surrounding these attacks. Who, why this method, why now?"
Atalo taps his knee in thought to Xavier's question. "It'd be both a warning and a message. A warning to him, and a message to others that crimes against them wouldn't be ignored. He might very well continue, but, I will state the last vampire I encountered who followed his example didn't learn. It would depend on him." A nod to Rhea. "You should spend more time visiting with us, it's been a good while since we talked, aside from earlier." A light teasing tone. "But, as to who and why Xavier, I've theories but I'm unsure. Have you seen the writings about Rihat of Ninevah?"
Rhea beams, flipping a hand. "Oh, I know! I've just been interested in my work, I let it run away from me. Rihat of Ninevah?"
"I have not." he says to Atalo. "Catch me up?"
He grins slightly at Rhea before nodding to Xavier, speaking to them both. "Not so long ago, the Bala Cynwyd Keeper was lost. He fell prey to a group of attackers, a different clan of Kindred I believe, called the Nereids. They can infect others with their blood and serve a powerful entity from the deeps. Those they infect fall under its control. If you encounter them, be very careful to avoid scratches and bites. Also, if you have any scrying ability, I recommend you don't make use of it on them. Another member of the Circle did, and nearly lost herself. This entity they serve can strike back at any who try using occult means of studying it. The Kndred called Rihat of Nienvah possesses something he took from the sea, we're unsure of what, but it seems they're hunting him to recover it. He himself seems to know the Sakima and is looking for the library that the former Prince held. He used a dominated mortal to crash a car into the Bala Cynwyd Elysium and to deliver that message. And I think he's behind the attackers, to try and pressure the Sakima about this library. Or to simply challenge or insult her, I'm not fully sure of all his motives."
Rhea sits bolt upright, snapping her fingers. "Nereids! Mon dieu, I did not tell you! They are not so much Nereids as they are sirens. Their song can lure others in. Odysseus beat them by putting wax in all his sailors' ears, so they could sail past without issue."
"She.. sounds.. fascinating. We have all heard that the enemy of our enemy is our friend, why is it we're not working with this Rihat to stop these creatures from the depths.. and there's a hidden library you say..." He pulls a little notebook and pen from his pocket, furiously jotting some things down. "What do we think is in the library?"
"I think it is likely that Rihat has stirred them up." Atalo answers Xavier. "They're after a particular item that I believe he possesses, after he performed an autopsy on a sea creature, and they don't like to be far from the sea, so they're unlikely to remain when they have it. There's been no obvious signs of them recently however." Xavier receives a wry look. "That I don't know, it was before my time here."
"They have been quiet for a little bit now, oui," Rhea confirms, nodding. "I wonder what could be so valuable in the library..."
"Did Rihat give us a way to contact him, when he drove into the library?"
"I'm not sure, I wasn't there myself." Atalo admits. "But messages left around the city in the Cacophony would likely be an option. I suspect he'd be keeping an eye on them." He glances at Rhea. "I assume given it's full of books you want to find it too now?" His lips twitch in slight amusement.
Rhea throws up both hands, making a sound of dismay at Atalo. "Atalo! It's like you do not know me at all! Of course I do, and I will give the precious books a lovely new home!"
"I've never much been into the cacaphony." He admits, looking sheepish for a moment. "Do either of you know of anyone particularly in tune to it?"
"Oui! Oh, not me, but my dear Phaedra - she can hear the cacophony," Rhea pipes up, nodding. "She is brilliant."
"Phaedra, yes." He nods. "She's the reason we know as much as we do." A smile shows briefly. "And another member of the Circle."
"I've not yet had the pleasure but.. hrm.. I shall think on it."
Speak of the devil, and surely she will appear. It's a great trick, or would be, if it weren't completely incidental that she's here tonight. The Mekhet looks young, her blonde hair loose and a little mussed, blue eyes wide. She's dressed in yoga pants and a hoodie with a printed design that resembles floral embroidery, and is wearing a small crossbody purse with the head of a stuffed animal poking out of the top of it. She walks in, catching sight of the gathered group and slips closer.
Rhea claps her hands in delight, squeaking once. "See! Phaedra! Come here and meet Xavier, he is delightfully intelligent!"
"Phaedra." Atalo smiles simply. "Good evening, and please do join us, yes. It seems Rhea is very happy to see you." He studies her. "Has anything happened?"
Xavier, sitting on a seat across from Rhea runs his hand through his dark curls and looks over at Phaedra with a smile. "Hello Phaedra, I'm Xavier, a pleasure to meet you. We were just discussing, well, several topics I suppose around nereids or sirens and hidden libraries and autopsies that may have been off unperformed."
"Oh!" She grins as she walks toward the group. "A lot has happened. I read my first comic book and played my first video game and Eyrgjafa might be mad at me like Banan is, because I said some things to her. But nothing new with the Rihat and Nereids, that I know. I still sorta-kinda want to invite him to eat me a little if he'll trade me information for blood, but I know almost everyone thinks that's a bad idea. How much were you filled in, Xavier?"
Rhea absorbs the fount of information; her brows rise. "Oh dear. What happened wit- no, no. I can ask that later, of course."
"It's good, isn't it?" Atalo's smile grows a little. "I was invited recently for my first movie at a cinema. I enjoyed that." He eyes Phaedra. "It's your blood." He points out. "But none of us would want to lose you."
Xavier snaps his fingers and points at Phaedra. "Yes. Yes yes I like the way you think. I'd had the exact same thought. In fact your name came up when I asked these two who I might contact to make use the cacaphony to contact him and just.. hear his side of the story, find out what we don't know. I was afraid after, reading all the messages that everyone would think me insane for even suggesting it, but now someone who's been here longer than me is considering the very same thing, so don't worry so much about filling me in as telling me how I might be able to help."
She lights up with a bright grin when he says he'd had the same idea, claiming herself a seat. "I've put a bit of information out in the cacophony already, but I may need to make the invitation more explicit than the request to talk and the fact that the Nereids totally want him for some reason. Because they do want him, and I don't entirely know for-sure why. So. For help, though, I don't entirely really know yet. What can you do, that you'd be willing to help and offer?"
Rhea seems to be delighted by just watching Phaedra and Xavier talk; she rests her elbows on her knees, face framed in her hands. "It delights me to watch great minds converge," she sighs.
Atalo glances at Rhea with a small grin, nodding and settling back in his chair. "It's a good idea." He mentions. "But the enemy of an enemy isn't always a friend. If he was honest though, we know access to the library is what he wants." The Gangrel settles back, listening to the others talk and musing quietly to Rhea. "They're very.. yes." He leaves it at that.
"Well, and i say this not knowing you at all, so I beg of you, please don't take anything i offer you as a doubting of your own abilities, but as I see it, for one, we can split the blood tithe, for two a second set of eyes and ears and a second mind to ask questions and gain insights. I may also have some advantage in being new to the city. I don't know how well Rihat has tracked such things but I would tell him that my loyalty is, I suppose, to the mystery. As far as more ... concrete offerings. I am quite adept with AUspex and may be able to ... shift his emotions to make him more agreeable to us if we can get him to meet. Oh, and of course, enthusiasm! And a legit desire to learn rather than, well, I've seen some of the notes. I don't want to destroy him or anything, simply learn what I can and gain some knowledge." He nods to her with a smile. "If that's not enough, well then, I suppose I will wish you the best of luck and offer support when it seems to be lacking otherwise."
"A second person offering blood is a useful thing--I definitely don't want to be bled completely dry by him, and I definitely-definitely-definitely want another mind to ask questions, because I'm kinda smart, but also kinda stupid sometimes and you'll probably catch what I miss with things. Auspex...I'd be very cautious trying to use, but it sounds like you're better with it than me? I'd just be worried he'd catch us at it, because he might actually-factually be the real Rihat. I mean, I doubt it, but it could be a thing."
She seems delighted, though there's a bit of a glance at Rhea and Atalo, finding their commentary from the sidelines mildly bemusing.
Finley's entrance is almost easily missed. Zhe slips in quietly, Obfuscate lingering a moment to make eyes pass over them--but then it slips away like a veil. Zher eyes linger on Phaedra a moment, before zhe offers the others a small, timid wave of greeting. The Nosferatu looks like they normally do--long baggy gray coat, baggy jeans, and a dull blue colored sweater. Tonight's mask covers zher lower face, and has a cartoonish kitty face on it, complete with whiskers.
Rhea beams at Phaedra, giving her a shooing gesture. "Go on, go on! I miss nights like this so much, you make me feel young and brilliant. Ah, and here is Finley!" Rhea shifts her affection to the new arrival, returning the wave.
Dark eyes regard Phaedra. "I don't intend to let you meet him alone." He states simply, before turning to offer Finley a light wave in returned greeting. "Good evening. I like your mask." A light smile.
Xavier nods to Phaedra. "Yes, I heard there was some issues using such methods about Neierids so I wasn't sure about that with him, but I would certainly follow you lead as an expert on the matter." He dips his head to Phaedra then looks over at Finley. "Good evening, Finley is it? My name is Xavier, I'm new in town."
"Fin!" She favors the Nos with a grin, and pulls out a chair beside her in invitation, before looking at Xavier.
"I wasn't using Auspex on the Nereids that got me into trouble, I was using Cruac. But I think Auspex might also be a bad idea with them, because the song of the sea would maybe transfer into your head that way, and it's...bad dangerous, hearing that. It makes you yearn for the water, as if it would keep you whole, as if it would anchor you."
"Hi. Um, thanks," zhe murmurs in in their usual soft lisp. Zhe looks Xavier over before nodding faintly. "Finley, yes. Finley Adams. Nice... to meet you." Zhe steps over to where Phaedra is sitting, reaching out to give a little stuffed lamb peeking out from her purse a light pat-pat. The offered chair is accepted, and a shy sideways glance given to her.
Zhe seems to grow more serious as zhe catches up on the topic of conversation, eyes flitting from one to the other as they speak. "Has anything new been learned?" zhe murmurs to Phaedra.
"I did some research," Rhea offers, clearing her throat. "The Nereids are more like Sirens; I believe you experienced their music, Phaedra? Anyway, the song is something to watch out for. That's all I really have to offer, I'm afraid."
"It's good advice." He notes quietly to Rhea, before looking to Phaedra again. "I'm responsible for keeping members of the Circle and we still know very little about Rihat. Please don't go to meet him alone. I'd prefer to join you myself, if possible."
"There is the small problem of your desire to chop his hand off, Atalo, but I can't meet with him myself so I'll leave it to Phaedra to make those sorts of decisions." He says, nodding to her deferentially.
"Atalo, he's attacking us young kids. Bringing you along is probably going to keep him at bay." She frowns. "I'd feel safer with you along, too, but that's a firm maybe right now. And no, Finley, no new news, which is why I keep wanting to push the envelope and invite him to snack if he'll share a little of what he knows. Also, I met your friend, Calamity? They're neat. They gave me advice on comics I should read."
Fin nods to Rhea thoughtfully, then blinks in surprise, eyes going wider. "M-meet him? You're going to meet him?" Finley practically squawks out, looking towards Phaedra worriedly. "You--Phaedra..." Zher shoulders slump. "Yeah, Calamity is great..."
Rhea sighs, drawing a lock of her hair around one finger to twine and untwine. "Oh, Atalo has protested plenty, Finley; you two can join together and clutch your pearls."
"I can repress that desire if need be." He answers Xavier. "As Phaedra might say, I'd bring the Soldier." A small smile. "And yes Finley, I'm worried too. But it might be needed for us to learn what we need." A finger points at Rhea. "I'm the Guardian. I suspect I'll annoy you at some point when you intend to do something dangerous." He flicks her a small grin.
"I'm hoping to accompany her." He says, to assure Finley, then he glances at Atalo. "Is Guardian a formal, bequeathed title or a moniker you've taken for yourself?"
She gives Finley a gentle look, touching zher sleeve lightly. "Hey. Don't panic yet. I figure he's going to come for me or you one way or another someday, right? Might as well...make it count. Right? Because otherwise, it'll be like the other attacks, and nothing of value will be gained."
Finley's quiet for a moment, looking to the others, then back to Phaedra. "Do you want me to come with you, too...?"
Rhea scoffs at Atalo, fighting a grin; she flicks her hand at him. "Atalo! Don't throw your title at me! I'm smart enough to keep my intentions from your ears, so you can't annoy me!"
"It's my role in the Circle." He explains to Xavier. "I can't speak too much about the internal Covenant, but then, the title and what's been said likely cover it." A small grin. "I work to protect the others from harm, in short." That grin grows as he eyes Rhea wryly. "I would attempt to annoy you anyway. And perhaps I can reason your intentions from time to time."
He nods to Atalo. "I see I see, and don't worry, I wouldn't pry about your covenant secrets." He assures the man with a smile. "It sounds like you'll be busy trying to puzzle out Rhea either way."
She shakes her head at Finley, that hand going from laying gently on zher sleeve to gently gripping the fabric.
"No, I want to be able to know that you're safe. I want for you to be safe. Please? And...the more of us there are, I think, the more likely we are to scare Rihat away. We're trying to lure him; it's honestly not too much unlike how I hunt for my meals, when my usual folx are tapped or busy. Put myself out there as an enticing innocent. Seem like a daft little harmless little nobody."
Finley doesn't say anything, but zher gaze lowers to stare rather intently at zher lap, shoulders sagging.
Rhea lapses into a surprised silence; she slips her fingers free of her hair, biting the swell of her lower lip. She seems at a loss for what to say, even if her smile remains in place.
He smiles at Xavier. "I have been trying to do that since the.. what was it Rhea, the 1860s in Greece? Though I did get buried for a century not too much time after that." He winces, before considering Phaedra. "The hard part isn't risking your life." He states. "It's seeing others doing the same. You're aware that me and Finley also want you to be safe Phaedra? And I thought your intention was to meet Rihat for an exchange of information for blood. If you want to lure him in instead, I won't be there openly, but he might be able to sense me."
Xavier jots his number down on his notebook and rips out the page, standing and handing it over to Phaedra. "Call me if you decide you want to talk about it, I think we're running in circles on that matter. " He smiles and drops back into his seat, looking over at Rhea. "Cat got your tongue? Something tells me I ought to be jotting this date down on my calendar."
"Lure him into talking, is what I meant. Not lure him into picking me for his random bite of the night." She pulls her hand back and seems to withdraw a bit, shoulders coming up. "Sorry. Maybe it is a stupid idea."
Finley stares at zher lap for a moment longer, then lifts zher gaze towards Xavier. "...S-so... where are you from?" zhe murmurs, voice barely above a whisper.
She makes a face at Xavier, nose wrinkling. "No! I am capable of being quiet whenever I like. I just don't like it very often," she sniffs, her tone light. "He's from Chicago! What a horrible place. Too windy. Not nearly as nice as here. I think it was...1860, Atalo, yes! Oh, that trip in Greece," she sighs wistfully, wrapping her arms around herself. "It was my first time visiting Delphi. There's no place like it."
"I'm going to endeavour to remember a speechless Rhea too.." Atalo muses quietly. "And it's not at all Phaedra. I'm a hunter, and I'm used to using bait. I didn't expect that to be you, but it's feasible, yes." A wry smile and nod at Rhea. "I'm glad my home country was appreciated."
"I still think it's a good idea, or at least, the goodness or badness of it is unproven, it may require more data." He nods a bit, then nods to Finley, confirming what Rhea's said. "Yes, Chicago."
"It may require more data." She nods slightly, then looks back at Finley apologetically.
"Oh." Finley looks between Rhea and Xavier, seeming unsure what to say as Rhea says Chicago is horrible. "Mm... Welcome... to Philly, then...? Have you... picked a family? What is your covenant?" Zhe glances back to Phaedra, looking at her out of the corner of zher eyes rather than looking head on. The look doesn't linger long, though zher fingers fidget with the end of zher coat sleeves.
Rhea studies Phaedra a moment, brow furrowing just a little; she glances to Finley and then back to the Mekhet, drawing herself up. "No, it is not a stupid idea," she announces, her tone firm. "Phaedra!" She snaps her fingers. "You know your abilities! You know what you are capable of! Anyone who cares about you would know you would not simply put yourself at risk without great consideration. What is this? You are not some simpering damsel in distress, so I won't hear any more of this...backing down, apologizing for thinking outside the box. I mean it."
"Agreed." He tells Rhea. "As said, I think it's a feasible option Phaedra. You're the one who's found most of what we know, you're dedicated and insightful. I'm worrying for your safety, but that doesn't mean I disagree with your plans."
Xavier leans back in his seat again, getting comfortable. He glances at Finley, seemingly cool with leaving the Crones to work it out. "Thank you. I'm of the Ordo Dracul, as to families, I"m happy to report that the Cheverette's have taken me into their ranks."
"Ooh, Esme's really neat. Why did you choose Chevrette, though? Is there something in particular about them? I ended up with Rodriguez even though it's mostly Ordo-ish, because my sire was Clara's cousin, Marco's niece. So I was practically family from the beginning there." She seems to be grasping for a subject change.
Finley looks between Rhea and Atalo, then nods quickly. In agreement, it seems, though zhe doesn't say anything else about it. Zhe does give another little sideways glance back to Phaedra though, before focusing back on Xavier. "O-oh... Um, I'm Ordo, too. Not Cheverette--um, Ashtifar."
"Finley is brilliant," she informs Xavier, in a decisive tone. "And Ashtifar, like me!" She shrugs one shoulder, offering a cheshire grin. "I suppose we cannot all aspire to such greatness, no?"
"Clearly. You haven't once complimented me." He grins at Rhea. "I should aspire too, it seems." A quiet nod to the group. "I'm Washington, myself."
"Well yes, yes there is a reason. I am, at my core, a seeker of truth, and the truth, it knows no political affiliation and is not always convenient for those in power or those who wish to seek it. I was attracted to the fact that the Cheverette's stay out of all that nonsense. I sincerely wish to avoid any political entanglements and it seemed the best place to be for ... whatever I may uncover during my tenure here."
She tilts her head to one side, watching Xavier. "Is there something that you came here in the hope of trying to uncover?" Her big blue eyes roll over him, as if trying to unveil all of his secrets.
Finley flashes Rhea a shy, grateful look before looking down at zher lap again, fidgeting with a button on zher coat as zhe listens to the others talking.
She seems genuinely pleased at Finley's response; she also looks relieved! Rhea turns to Phaedra, clapping her hands once. "Phaedra! He is here to search out a murder mystery," Rhea reports, the excitement in her tone palpable.
"A murder mystery?" He cants his head. "Intriguing." A thoughtful smile shows. "And, I'm minded to agree Xavier. I'm not too devoted to politics either." He falls silent then, listening to the talk.
He meets Phaedra's gaze, eyes leaving hers to briefly flick over at Rhea's proclamation before meeting phaedra's gaze again, a slow grin spreading across his lips. "A strand of the web was set to humming, so I've come to see why." He grins just a bit wider, clearly toying.
Her head tilts to one side, like an eager puppy. "Do you need any help with it? I mean, probably not, but do you want any help with it? I'm the Haruspex of the local Circle of the Crone. I read signs and portents and dream dreams and know things. Which might get me in trouble sometimes, the fishcourse proves that, but I like to be able to use it to help others."
"Who died...?" Finley murmurs curiously.
This time it's Finley who gets a look of thanks from Rhea, her clasped hands tucked beneath her chin. "That is a very good question, Finley. Xavier! Who died?"
Atalo reaches out as to his side, but stops the motion after a moment and curls his hand into a light fist, returning it to his lap. "I can recommend Phaedra's skills." He offers in a quiet tone, glancing down.
"The truth, Phaedra, is that I don't know yet, but if you are so kind as to text me, you will be among the first I contact if I do need help. As to the who, I'm going to keep that to myself until I've .. discovered the lay of the land a bit more. As I said, the truth can be inconvenient and i"m not certain who this particular truth will be inconvenient -for-. In the meantime if I discover anything else that needs looking into, I would consider talking with any of you here."
She looks at the number Xavier offered her earlier, and then pulls out her phone to send the message: phaedra :crystal_ball: immediately.
"I... I'd offer to help, b-but... unless you have any, umm, blood samples or--anything like that, that you'd need studied... I don't think I'd be of much use," zhe mutters.
"And I'm not as suited to investigation." He admits. "But I can bring Cerberus if you ever intend to do any tracking."
Rhea affects a scowl, snapping her fingers. "Damn it. I thought for sure this time he'd cough up the goods." She sighs, flouncing back in her seat. "Oh well."
Xavier winks at Rhea, texts a smiley face back to Phaedra then looks at Finley. "Blood work? I don't know but that must mean you have a lab?" He asks with, more of a general curiosity than a specific mission.
"Finley's really smart, and if I needed to know anything about someone's blood short of, like, trying to drink it myself, zhe'd be the best person to give it to. Zhe's amazing." She grins.
Zher head bobs in reply to Xavier. "I have some equipment at home... but usually I use the hospital's labs that I work at." Phaedra's comment makes zhem squirm in zher seat, looking immediately flustered.
Atalo rubs at his mouth, then stands. "I should get back to Cerberus, and the shop. It was good to meet you Xavier, and you again Finley." He nods at the other two Crones. "You both know where to find me if you want to talk again, thank you for your company."
"Of course," she nods to Atalo, giving him a sunny smile. "Be well, mon ami." Rhea stretches languidly in her seat.
"A pleasure to get to know you a bit better." He says, with a little wave to Atalo.
"Atalo! Take care of yourself out there, okay?" She nods at the Guardian solemnly.
"Atalo! Take care of yourself out there, okay?" She nods at the Guardian solemnly.
Finley looks up at Atalo and offers a quiet little wave goodbye. Then tugs out zher phone to unlock. "Would... you like my number?" zhe murmurs to Xavier. "I... should be going soon too, but... in case you need anything...?"
"You'll have to tell me what that means later." He admits to Rhea, then nods to Xavier and Phaedra. "I will do my best." He assures the latter, before making his way out.
He nods to Finley. "Yes, that would be appreciated." he takes out his phone.
"Oh, and you may have my number of course, Xavier," Rhea pipes up; she takes out her phone, holding it out to him. "Put your number in, if you like."
"Fin, I could...maybe walk you home, so you're not alone out there?" The offer is quiet and a little uncertain.
Finley recites zher phone number, and saves Xavier's into zher contacts, assuming the number is returned. Once the exchange is over zhe tucks the phone away again, looking towards Phaedra. Zhe hesitates a second, then nods. "I'd like that..."
"Have a lovely evening you two." He says with a nod to Phaedra and Finley as he takes Rhea's phone to put his info into.
Rhea clamps her lips together, her features otherwise pleasantly cheerful - just her usual demeanor, really! She covers her mouth with her fist, very focused on Xavier handling her phone. Rhea just seems really happy Xavier is putting his number in!
As Phaedra stands, her fingertips brush Finley's sleeve again. "C'mon. Um, good night, Xavier. Rhea, if you wanna ask about Eyrgjafa, it'll have to be later. Or ask her about it. I'm going to make sure this one's safely home."
Rhea smiles at Phaedra, waving a hand. "Oh, it's fine. Thank you so much for making sure our Finley is safe." Her gaze slides to Finley, turning affectionate. "Mon petit, make sure you are both safe, mm?"
Finley hands, giving a little wave goodbye to the two others. Zher other hand lingers close to Phaedra's. "I will... Bye." Zhe looks to the mekhet, then slips off to the door, opening it for her, then following out.
Once the two young ones have slipped away and are probably out of earshot, Rhea erupts out of her seat. She shimmies, sidles, and shakes around her chair in a circle, singing: "I am the greatest! I am the best auntie! I knew it, I knew it, I. KNEW. IT!!!"
Xavier loks over at her, raising an eyebrow. "What's that now?"
She waves both hands at him, snorting. "I said, I am the greatest, I am the best auntie, I knew it three times." She tsks at him, offering a glorious pout. "You're not going to solve any murder mysteries if you cannot pay attention, mon ami."
"Ah, yes, of course."
"Of course," she agrees, with a decisive nod.
"Care to go for a stroll then?" He asks, raising to his feet.
"Mm," she muses, as if she's deliberating. "Only if you answer a single, very important question." Her features turn solemn.
"I'm going for a stroll either way." He says with a small grin. "But let's have your question."
"Do you object to beautiful women perching on your lap?"
"Well, it will be difficult to do while walking, but generally, no, not at all."
She slinks up to him and coils her arm around his, gazing up at him through her lashes. "Oh, mon ami - we're going to get along just fine. Allons y," she replies cheerfully, steering him out the door.
And off they go!
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