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Tommy:
Bones sat at the corner booth that had been their regular for so long, and yet their absence had been noted as well. Rear Corner, straight sight line to the portal and the counter, and comfy diner cushions.
The Obrimos currently paged over notes in their journal, and stirred a mug of coffee.
They wore a long black skirt, to mid-shins, with blue high tops, and a white men's button-down rolled up to the elbow with a blue vest over it.
Annikah:
Annikah steps in through the portal wearing a pair of short black shorts and a plain black cropped tank top, plus a very well worn pair of Doc Martin boots. She turns to peer around the room, smiles when she spots Bones sitting back in their normal booth, and proceeds directly that way.
Well, directly-ish. She's careful about not running over anybody on her way, pausing to make way for one of the servers as they bring food out to another table.
When she gets to the table she helps herself to a seat across from the Obrimos. "Sup, Tommy?" she asks. "You been okay?"
Tommy:
"Oh, Heya Annikah! Long time no see. Yeah. Mostly. Was ... technically still am under investigation, but I've also spent time abroad and a lot at home just researching the crap out of various things.... sorry if I missed anything important."
They took a drink of their coffee and then looked up at the titanically strong woman with a soft, almost timid smile, as if expecting a dressing down at some point.
Annikah:
Annikah waves a hand like being under investigation is no big deal. "If you're not doing something that someone important is squinting at suspiciously, are you really doing anything of value at all?" she asks. Like a Carthian. "
Anything fun in that research? As far as missing important things..." she shrugs. "Not that I'm aware of? Things have been a little quieter for a bit, which leaves me feeling like I'm itching for a problem to smash."
Tommy:
"Problem smashing is always entertaining, is it not?" a bob of the head and a more broad smile.
"Found another ruin or two of ancient history that was of import. Made sure that it was the local magical communities that got to study it... learned a few more tricks of the trade as well. If I seem distracted, it's because my eyes are constantly among four realms of existence these days."
"How's the fam?"
Annikah:
"I hardly feel alive if I'm not nearly dying." The tone of that response is joking, but there's a hint that there's some truth to it, too.
"Four?" she then asks as one hand reaches for a menu from the end of the table. "That sounds like it could give someone a headache. And here I thought you were just distracted by my tits." She arches her back a bit to press her boobs forward, then stops when she glances down at the menu.
"They're doing alright. Well, Artje's having a bit of a fit over a truly awful runway show recently, but aside from that great offense committed against her, we're doing well enough." She tilts her head to one side. "I think. This reminds me it's been a bit too long since last time I called my mom."
Tommy:
A grin as their attention was definitely brought to the tits, "Hey, I've always been interested there, and for Kissing and such things too.... and yes, four. Magic helps my brain process it of course, and yet I find myself distracted. Especially if I'm in two spaces at once. New tricks requiring adaptation...."
They tried to remember any news headlines about a vicious runway show, and finding none in their memory, continued onwards, "Calling parents is always useful. I am lucky enough to have friends take care of Papi when I'm busy, and I still try to be there as much as possible. One of the reasons for my recent tricks actually."
Annikah:
"I can do two worlds, sort of. Twilight isn't really another world, but," she waves a hand like the difference is, for these purposes, not that important. "I suppose you could say that magic enables that, too, but only in the sense that my existence is a kind of magic, in its way."
She puts the menu down, leans back, and puts her arms along the back of the booth. "In this case, by mom, I mean my Sire. My human parents are both pieces of shit, and there's a reason I ran away when I was a teenager and never went back." With a laugh she adds, "Elsa, who I meant when I said mom, is much worse than I am at feeling the constant need to be causing trouble, believe it or not."
Tommy:
"True, it isn't another world... It's just easier to explain it some times. My eyes right now are seeing the Physical, alongside the Spiritual Twilight, Ghostly Twilight, and Astral Twilight. Here and in my Library...." a chuckle, "I figured it wasn't your biological Mother, unless there is some sort of Lestat style family dynamics involved."
A tilt of the head, "Your existence was magical to others, I'm sure, even before the Embrace, as I believe its called."
Annikah:
"Ah, do your abilities differentiate between the different Twilight states?" Annikah asks, keenly gleaning some information from what Bones just shared. "I use my Beast's eyes to do it, and he doesn't differentiate. I know that things in one of those states tend to not be able to interact with others, that ghosts and spirits don't really interact, but the Beast seems indifferent to the distinction." She shrugs, like it makes no real difference to her, either.
Then she laughs again. "I wouldn't be so sure about that, aside from the fact that I was a ghoul, perhaps. Don't get me wrong, I don't believe at all that my life had no worth before all that happened, but since I was an essentially homeless high school dropout there was a lot of society that tended to view me that way."
Tommy:
"Sure, but society tends to not see, as Aladdin put it, the Diamonds in the rough. A beautiful, smart, caring individual? Existence there is always magical to someone around you..." they reached out to touch Annikah's hand, before thinking upon the levels of twilight, "Mmmm... yes. They fall under entire different realms of influence. For example I could create or destroy a spirit, and yet, I can barely see the Dead."
Annikah:
"Anni of that time period would probably have scoffed at all of those descriptions of her," Annikah says with a smile, accepting the touch. She's warm at the moment, under the Blush of Life. "It's amazing how much someone can flourish when day to day survival stops being a struggle and they're allowed to dedicate time to themselves, though. Probably why so much of the way society is built tries to keep too many people from being able to do just that."
She breathes out a sigh. "Thank you, though," she says. "Just don't go around telling too many people that I'm caring. It might ruin my reputation."
"It's interesting that for all of the power people like you have, your abilities overcomplicate things sometimes."
Tommy:
They giggled at the reputation line, quite a bit, and then goes as stoic as possible for them, which still involves giggling every few seconds.
"Yeah, it's more divided than some... but it allows very precise control of things within expertises."
Annikah:
"Tradeoffs to everything," Annikah agrees with a smile. "I can't create them, for instance, just see them, communicate with them, and interact. Which means, theoretically, I can destroy them, but in the same way I can destroy a person. By hitting them hard." She shrugs.
Tommy:
"Truth. It's weird to run across some of the things in twilight and think that they are a natural part of existence, until you run across the parts of twilight that are unnatural..." a shudder.
Then more coffee.
"I'd offer a challenge of some sort, but you'd squish me like a bug even with all my bells and whistles... "
Annikah:
"I mean, if you decided that it was a good idea to box with me or something, then probably," Anni says with grin, while squeezing her right hand into a fist that makes her knuckles crack. "But I'm sure you have tricks up your sleeve if you decided to try some other approach than standing toe to toe. Kind of like talking about whether a bulldoze or a sports car would win. Are we talking about a race or a head on collision?"
When the server comes by she orders biscuits and gravy, and asks for a cup for coffee as well.
Tommy:
"Ah, southern girl, or just adopted the food?"
"And yes, if I wanted to fight in my own ways... but I did a practice fight with Titania once... nearly died," they laughed a bit at the memory.
"I can handle myself among human opponents in a fight. Apparently I've gained enough in my time that I could be a soldier, a professional athelete and so on... and yet, it's my mind that I prefer. And there are elements there that..." their mind drifts off for a second, trying to connect dots here and there, before shaking back to the present, "...well, I do deeply intense studies of things for a reason."
Annikah:
"No," Annikah says with a laugh, then a thoughtful look. "I'm pretty sure Vienna is further north than Philly, actually. But how can you go wrong with warm, flakey biscuits and delicious gravy? I'd never had that kind of biscuit of gravy before coming here, and I was missing out."
She nods like she understands the rest. "I might not look like it, but I spend a lot of my time studying and researching, or just thinking about the things I've taken in and the world around me. I'm not all punching. I do understand, to some degree."
Tommy:
"Hey, in this life, I've seen sumo wrestlers that can outflip circus acts. It takes all kinds in the realm of mysteries and weirdness..." a shake of the head, laughing.
"I may have insulted some Invictus type last night, with my distracted mind. I ordered some waffles here, and brought them instantaneously to the cheesesteak house that we were all eating at... honestly though, if someone were to see... strangeness helps to push the mind forwards."
Annikah:
"Don't knock sumo wrestlers, those guys are serious athletes," Annikah says in agreement. "I definitely wouldn't have wanted to get in a fight with one of them before all this vampire nonsense happened to me. Not that I think I'm too likely to get in such a fight now," she adds with a smile. "Somehow I don't see that being a high probability."
When the food comes out she leans forward to inhale the scent of it. "God, that smells good," she says. "Insulting the Invictus tends to be pretty easy. Just don't treat them like they're the most important being in the room and it will often do the trick."
Tommy:
"'How dare you do this in public, we should all separate and scatter!' I think they and the Guardians would get along great..." a chuckle.
"I've been trying to embrace my desires, wishes, and strengths. I live in the mysteries of magic every day now. More than ever...." a bob of the head and a laugh again.
"Infinite Cosmic Power, itty bitty living space."
Annikah:
"And yet, in my experience, they tend to be the ones who will break the rules the most when they think they'll get away with it," Annikah says with a roll of her eyes. "Very 'do what I say, not what I do'. Every member of the Invictus who I've liked has ended up leaving the Invictus, so..." she shrugs, then cracks a smile. "I used to be in a coterie with one of their knights, back in Vienna. She eventually got tired of them abusing her and her oaths and left them. I'm surprised it took her so long."
Tommy:
"I'm hoping to have similar experiences with the Guardian in my life. Convince him of the truth of Freedom and the like," a laugh.
"Sure, the world pushes back as secrets become revealed, and yet, some day, the hope, at least among the Awakened, is to awaken the majority of the world to the Truth once again, or at least defeat the Lie so that it's less destructive to creation to do certain things."
Annikah:
"Good luck with that," Annikah says with what's not entirely clear as sarcasm or genuine well wishing. Maybe both. "I think we can all be glad that vampires are pretty solidly devoted to doing things from the shadows and not trying to be overt, since they'd probably just be trying to find the nearest throne to sit on. A lot of us, anyway."
Tommy:
"Mmmm... there are definitely levels to that. Even among us. I just... I see the flow of magic. I see the symbols that make up the air, or the earth, or the gravy... just... so many things that make my mind wonder what it was like, versus what it is like now."
Annikah:
"Gravy, the element that the Avatar's missing in their ending portfolio," Annikah says with another laugh.
She suddenly gets a look, then. The kind of look someone gets when an idea just came to them. "Do you or others like you have the ability to find out what realm or reality an entity is in, if you know the entity and want to track it down? Like, for instance, if I was in the Astral, would you be able to track me there?"
Tommy:
"If someone can get there, then their normal skills would apply. If they could become one in the Astral, then they could track you... some might be able to do it from the physical too, I'd wager, with enough Mind and Space abilities to them..." a stroke of the chin, thinking to the concepts, "Yes, it's possible, but then it becomes a matter of having the right connection to you to do it."
Annikah:
"I can give you some more context for the question," Anni says as she's cutting up some pieces of the biscuits and gravy, for imminent consumption. "There's a particular entity that I know sometimes departs from here and goes... somewhere... but I don't know where that is, and I'm curious. I was wondering if it might be possible to figure out where it is without having any idea what's even in the realm of the possible ahead of time."
She takes a bite and lets out a soft noise of pleasure.
Tommy:
"There are ways to track it. Especially if someone has the ability to perceive the various states of twilight, or different realms. It mainly comes down to either.... having something connected to it that can cause a sympathetic link, like a voodoo doll if you're familiar with the concept, or enough of an idea of it as to ward or set alarms for certain areas."
Vincent:
And through the portal came in Vincent, or slid in, or attempted to slide, who knows what he was doing out there but he tried to slide into Maddy's and then proceeded to crash into something, a hand raising with a thumbs up.
"I'm ok!" he said to no one, picking himself up, he was dressed today in black pants, crimson shirt, and a waist coat of all things, what can he say, he's trying new styles. Upon standing he got his usual Mt.Dew and saw Bones and Annikah and walked over
"Bones, two sightings in one week, I'm blessed, no wait, don't tell me," he said pointing at Annikah, "One of the Trio, starts with an A...Annikah right?" he asked, only seeing her once before, "How is Visiginy doing, I've been meaning to stop by for another spar but I've been busy, may I join you two?"
Annikah:
Annikah is about to answer when the crash happens, and she turns her head to look over and figure out what's happening. On spotting Vincent her smile turns into a slightly wicked grin. "Vinnie," she says with a nod of her head. "How is your hand? Feeling better?"
She is, of course, referring to the time that they danced together while she was crushing his, because she felt like he had been dealing insult to her husband.
"Jean-Louis is doing well. I'll tell him you asked after him, if you'd like. It's fine with me if you'd like to join us." She looks at Bones and raises her brows in silent question.
Tommy:
"Indeed, Vincey dear, join us. I was just telling Anni here how I upset your boss."
Vincent:
"It's doing better thank you, I was an ass that night, but my brain was making loops for reasons," he sat down, "If I insulted Mr.Winthrope or your family, I deeply apologize, doing so is the farthest thing I would wish to do for the kindness he has shown me," he bowed his head before turning to Bones, "Ah yes, even I have to admit, in my opinion at least, twas an overreaction simply because you have tricks we don't, I once had a conversation with a talking fox in public about Spirits and Atlantis, and no one paid us mind, I'm sure some cloaking field was going on." he sipped his drink
Tommy:
"Nah. Nothing cloaking ... well... I guess the fact that electronics cannot record me without my knowledge is probably a cloak of sorts. But other than that..."
Annikah:
"Thank you for the apology, and I'm glad the hand is fine," Annikah says, not that there was much doubt with vampiric healing. It's not like she was using her claws or something.
Then she laughs. "Honestly," she says. "A lot of the time people just truly don't pay attention, too. You would be amazed what kind of nonsense you can get away with and have people just not even realize it's happening right in front of them. People are caught up in their own little worlds."
Vincent:
"Honestly, sometimes people have gone to me 'Vinny public', and I just look around and no one else is with us or I said so in a way it can be taken as a pop culture reference," he shrugged, "I was a nerd and weeb before I got the Death Hickey, I've always talked weird and no one paid me mind."
Tommy:
"Especially when one adds role playing game references to the conversation. Start talking about Dungeons and Dragons and Star Wars and shit and everyone just kinda ignores folx. Kinda like when I said I'm the local crazy archaeologist."
Annikah:
"Also, we live in a world of Twilight and Blade and Underworld, of the Dresden Files and Gandalf and so on. You're going to seem weirder if you pretend like you've never even heard of a vampires or mages or whatever at all than if you act like they're just interesting pop culture things," Annikah says with a shrug. "Sometimes freaking out about secrecy just draws more attention."
Vincent:
"Exactly, I've come to see pop culture as a Code Language of sorts, we can have in depth strategy meetings and people can just hear us nerding over Blade or Anime, oh, maybe I should write a treaties on it, Mister Drakes guide to Pop Culture, making it work for us," he takes out a pen and sticky note and writes that down, "Ugh, new idea, new idea," he muttered
Tommy:
"I saw your notice," they motion towards the board, "Maybe I should take the class, Charming Prince of the Night."
Annikah:
"You know, I bet that if we just all wore fur suits we could probably talk about anything and nobody would think much of it," Annikah says with a tap of her finger on her chin. Then she pauses and says, "to be clear, I'm not knocking furries here at all. I've had nothing but positive interactions with that community. I just mean that people will probably think anything we said had to do with that whole subculture that they don't understand, and think nothing of it."
Vincent:
"I can think of a few private lessons," Vincent said, devilish grin on his face before laughing at Annikah's comment, "Not my cup of tea, but nothing against them," he chuckled, "But in all seriousness, ya, I have ways to work a room and Guy said I could teach a class if I have anything to offer, and like the note says, mind and toungue are muscles too, if I get my foot in a conversation I can do wonders," he then rubbed the back of his head, "Or that can just be me building hype, I don't know." he laughed
Tommy:
They finish a mug's worth of coffee and order another, with some mint cream as usual, and then looked between the pairing, "WHereas I consider it a good night socially if I only put one foot in my mouth."
Annikah:
"Yours, or someone else's?" Annikah asks Bones with a sudden, toothy grin. A fangy grin, too.
Vincent:
Vincent just continues to grin
Tommy:
The blush was instant and obvious from face and down, perhaps a first degree burn would look less red.
"Metaphorically my own. Literally, contextually, another's isn't so bad. Unless they're trying to use it to kick in my teeth."
Annikah:
"What if they're kicking them romantically?" Annikah asks as the grin gets a little wider still, then fades away. "Okay, fine, I understand that not everyone is into that kind of thing. I'm just weird."
Tommy:
"...Well... if it's consensual, I don't yuck others yum."
Vincent:
"I can definitely work some private lessons," he chuckled, "I can vibe with being kicked or the kicker, bi, switch, I'm just a nintendo in general, all you need to to is work the controls." and then he cackled
Annikah:
"That's the spirit," Annikah says to one or both of them. She finishes up the biscuits and gravy she'd been eating, shifts so that she can pull some bills out of the pocket of her jean shorts, and takes a trio of tens out of the cash to put on the table. "I should probably get going again, but it was good to see you both."
Tommy:
"It is always a pleasure, Anni. Thank you for joining me this evening," they pat the Kindred's hand again.
Then to Vincent, "Wouldn't Pan be the more operative prefix?"
Vincent:
"It was wonderful to see you, please give Visigny my regards, I do hope to spar with him again." he said as she got to leaving, "I mean...I never thought of that, I always saw myself as Bi, I just enjoy making people feel good, now I try to keep it to people I'm actively dating and close friends," he shrugged, "why would Pan work more do you think, and to be honest, Bi colors are my style." he smirked
Tommy:
"Because you date more than two genders."
Annikah:
"Bi is attraction to two or more genders, but not necessarily all," Annikah says as she's climbing out of her seat. "At least if you're going by the definition that's been around in the community since the 90s." She lifts a hand with a wave. "Good night, both of you." Then she's suddenly a bat and flapping off toward the exit, and out.
Vincent:
"I can do that now," he chuckled as she became a Bat, then thought, "Well, true, Avery is genderfluid and you're fluid too," he considered, never really thinking about it before, "I never really thought of it like that, but I'm not really up for changing my label yet...it's something to think about." he shrugged, "Ugh, you think ya know what ya are then new news keeps coming."
Tommy:
"Something new every night," he mutters as Anni heads out, "Didn't realize it was that inclusive. Then again, my life among the community is newer than some... in multiple ways."
Instead, they pulled Vincent closer.
"Nevermind the confused professor type. You're bi if you wish to be labeled that way compared to the others."
They mess up the Daeva's hair again.
Vincent:
he chuckled at the hair puling, before making an arm wrap around them, "I much prefer the hot professor type, to be completely honest," he smirked, "Tommy Shanks, do I have your non compelled permission to partake of your blood?" he said aloud, more for the Maddy's Employee's then anything else, rules are rules after all
Tommy:
"Oh yes, you do Mister Vincent Drake," a laugh and a bob of the head.
Vincent:
He smiled and moved in, kissing Bones neck before biting down for the Kiss, taking a small sip, his hand squeezed their waist as he drink and tried to make it feel the best he could before breaking off.
"Thank you for the donation, I'll think of some way to repay you." he chuckled
Klaire/Psyche:
And of course who else could walk in the door at that moment other than Klaire, who immediately averts her eyes with a loud sigh and a flustered expression, before ordering coffee, strawberry pancakes, and sausage for...ROOK!
WHO IS SO EXCITED THAT HIS THIRD FAVORITE PERSON IS BACK OMGOMGOMG! BUT HE'S A GOOD BOY SO HE SITS AND WAITS FOR KLAIRE BUT OMG!
"Hello, Tommy. It has been a while. Vincent."
Tommy:
As the Kiss spread through the Awakened's mind, they sighed happily, 'embracing' the pleasure, as it were.
They focused on the pleasure of the condition and used that to help the basis of the imago to help counteract the blood loss.
A bob of the head and a grin at the appearance of Klaire and Rook, "Hello my friends! Sorry, I was out of town and out of mind for a bit... or perhaps too far into my mind."
Vincent:
Vincent chuckled then he saw Klaire walked in and was immediately hands to himself. "Klaire or Psyche tonight?" he asked with a smile, the looked to Rook and then dog noises escaped his lips, <Hey Rook, how was work this week, keeping our friend here out of trouble?>
Klaire/Psyche:
"You are fine. It was just not what I expected to see. May I join? I'm curious about what you mean for too far within your own mind."
She nods to Vincent.
"Klaire. Thank you for asking. I'm getting better at the difference. But I may switch to Psyche as I am quite tired."
Rook, meanwhile, was let out of his vest and came over to snuggle Tommy. Sorry Vin, he's seen you a bunch and omg its Tommy! The little woofs and boofs roughly translate to "OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG PET MEEEEEE OMGOMGOMG."
Tommy:
"Hey Rook. Sorry bud..." they pet the dog carefully and lovingly, a sad smile on their face, "I got sucked all the way into my books and studies again. It's been a while since I did that, and then I had to help my people out more... and then... I'm antisocial sometimes without realizing it. Until last night, I didn't eat for an entire month, I think. Because, Magic."
Vincent:
"Please, join us-I'm sorry what, you didn't eat for a whole month?!" he looked at Bones wide eyed, "Good Philly, please eat something, I'll order waffles and garlic knots and such!"
Tommy:
"Oh, it's fine, don't worry. I sustained myself with magic. Food, Drink, Sleep... didn't need it for a while."
Klaire/Psyche:
Klaire shakes her head.
"You are quite reliant on that spell."
She sits down with them, on Tommy's side.
"I'm glad you are feeling up to social situations. Everything has been rather quiet. Too quiet in fact, so everyone is on edge for the next big thing to happen."
Vincent:
"What's been quiet?" Vinny asks, not in the loop of the central plot, "Oh, actually, there is something I've been meaning to ask you Bones, but public may not be the best place, even Maddy's" he shrugs, "Last big dangerous thing I did involved Owls and the number seven, not that anyone remembers." he chuckled
Tommy:
"Congratulations on keeping your title," a look up at Klaire from Rook, whom was clearly being used to help inform others without being direct.
"Ah yes. I remember that. When Avery almost died."
Klaire/Psyche:
"I'm not certain even Maddy's is safe enough to talk about that, Vincent. Wait, your partner almost died?"
She looks slightly shocked.
"But hm, yes. Deputy Sentinel is." She looks for a word. "Complex. We will lead with complex."
Jeremiah:
As the trio talked Jeremiah made his way through the portal, a spring in his step and a smile on his face. Spotting Bones and Klaire made that smile widen, giving the trio a nod. "Evening everyone."
Tommy:
"Good evening, Jay. How have you been since the last we spoke... the interrogation, I believe?"
Vincent:
Vincent winces, "Yes...that night was a living hell for me," he said, gazing off with a thousand yard stare "and two groups ended up on my shit list that night, two more have been added and have helped me see with clarity some things," he simply said, then Jeremiah came in and he offered a nod, still not sure of the man since the whole spy thing, "Evening, how goes things at the cafe?" he offered with a smile
Klaire/Psyche:
Klaire looks up and smiles at her (now official) mentor!
"Hello Jay."
Omg this was the best day of Rook's life! His third and fourth favorite people (yeah and the first I GUESS) are here!
And now Klaire's food was too. Coffee with cream and a bit of sugar, strawberry pancakes (which may catch Jay's eye) and sausage for Rook!
Jeremiah:
"I've been very well, and I hope the same for you. June was one of our busier months, as you'd expect, but we raised a lot of money for the Attic Center so I'm happy about it."
He made a 'may I?' motion towards the table, waiting for clearance before claiming a seat. The pancakes did earn a small smirk from the Mastigos, giving Klaire a quick wink. "What've you been up to? On another wild adventure for your folx or handling personal business?"
Tommy:
"Sorry for the casual mention, Vinny. Forgot myself again."
The stress caused them to pet Took more.
"You're always welcome Jay."
Vincent:
"It's fine, it's fine, just bad memory," he assured, patting Bones on the shoulder, "Avery is alive and that's all that matters to me."
Klaire/Psyche:
She smiles at the wink, jokingly rolling her eyes.
"I'm certainly glad they are still alive. I'm aware that they and Ylva are close as well."
The Mages would feel a ping in their Peripheral Sight as one of the sausages begins to float down to Rook. She is far more controlled than when Tommy last saw her do this, and quicker too!
Jeremiah:
Jeremiah slid into the booth once given the all-clear, putting in an order for a pigs in mud waffle and a coffee with a passing server before looking back to the others. "Still doesn't hurt to ask. Better to be polite and all that."
Tommy:
"Makes sense to me. I was rude by mistake around one of the more secretive kindred. If the whispers get your official ears."
Vincent:
"I was their if ya need a witnesses account, wait, you got a special job among the wizards or something, oh, are you the wizard police?" he asked
Klaire/Psyche:
"Which one, out of curiosity?"
She raises her eyebrow.
"Who was that directed at, Vincent?"
Vincent:
"Jerimiah."
Tommy:
"Juliet I Believe was her name. Vincent's supervisor."
Jeremiah:
"Me? No, not at all. I'm more of the 'help everyone work together towards grander goals' sort. Don't think I've heard about the incident you're talking about, though, but I'm glad you and your partner are alright."
Klaire/Psyche:
"I believe I may have upset her as well, although I have doubts that you're surprised by that. She seems easily annoyed by people."
She moves the sausage around for Rook to watch before he chomps it!
"Grander goals indeed."
Tommy:
"Oh, well, that's good at least. Figured I was causing another incident, after my brain caught up to my free will and such."
Vincent:
"I've been finding all the older members of our society can be like that," he mused, "I've been doing well, been helping at the Fairhill Center, been aiding some new arrivals in the city in adjusting, think I'll show them a night on the town on the 4th if they wish, been doing some digging into historical research, I think I've finally narrowed down some things and, after a rough entrance and first meeting of folks, several of whom I've pissed off," he looked to both Klaire and Jeremiah, "I've finally found what I'm here to do, and I'm totally at peace with it."
Tommy:
As their phone rang, they answered it and excused themselves.
Jeremiah:
"Juliet...don't think I've run into her myself as of yet." He made a mental note of the name, giving Bones a quick salute as they headed off. "Glad to hear it. Hope it goes well for you."
Klaire/Psyche:
"And yet you wonder why we are so wary of you, Vincent. When those older members of your community are 'like that'. But yes, I am both glad you are helping at the Zimmerman Center, and that you have settled down a bit."
She was about to say something to Tommy, but stops and waves as they head off.
"She runs a night club I believe? What was her title again, Vincent?"
Vincent:
"And yet I'm as gregarious and easy going as they come," he chuckled then thought, thinking of the whole thing, "The Right Honorable, Alder Dame Knight, Juliet Anne Morrigan, The Marquise of Cardiff," he said, "Our...Order," the present company was all Mage in-crowed, use those terms, "Upkeep the Masquerade and Social Order, from what I know of your Orders, I would say we're like the Vampire Gaurdians, all about keeping things hush hush." he smiled
Jeremiah:
"Quite the title there, although I don't have much room to talk." He offered with a chuckle, nodding to the server as they brought by his order and going about adding a shockingly large amount of sugar to his coffee.
"Ah hah. How's that been suiting you so far?"
Klaire/Psyche:
"I believe the shortened title is 'Dame Knight'. But to be entirely fair, the full Mage Titles also show how proficient you are in ten different things. That tends to make them longer."
She takes a deep breath, now a bit more relaxed and...open almost. More of a real smile instead of a fake one on her face.
And so of course, as Psyche, the first thing she does is cause the sugar to pause in its descent into the cup, now just floating there above the liquid. A smile as she looks towards her mentor.
"And I thought Ylva's 'coffee' was sweet."
Vincent:
"My order or my new sense of ease?" he asked Jeremiah
Jeremiah:
"Let's go with both." He replied to Vincent, then chuckled as Psyche emerged and halted his coffee-doctoring mid-pour. "Mine still maintains a higher coffee to sugar ratio, at least..."
Klaire/Psyche:
"I can't argue that. But she enjoys it."
Psyche chuckles, letting the sugar all fall with a little 'plop'. She grows slightly more focused, and the psychic energy surrounding her gets stronger for a time as the coffee swirls for him, mixing in all that sugar.
When she's done she winks at him and gives Rook another sausage with her mind and herself another bite of pancake with her fork.
Vincent:
"I think I feel good where I am," he offers, "My order has the best tools for what I wish to do, which is segway into my sense of ease, I simply want to aid the City and it's community, which is why I volunteer at the center so much."
Jeremiah:
"Thanks." Jeremiah smirked, raising his cup in a toast to Psyche before taking a sip and nodding with approval. "Very nice."
"Good to hear it. That reminds me, I still need to talk with Ylva on that front myself; I do a lot of work with the Attic Youth Center but branching out my volunteering efforts wouldn't be a bad thing."
Klaire/Psyche:
She raises her own mug in return.
"And I am once again glad you are helping there. Do you have Ylva's number, Jay? That may make it easier to figure out a good time to stop by."
Vincent:
"I mainly do cooking, one of those new arrivals is good with medical stuff, so I sent her Ylva's way, should be a good way to get to know the community too." he smiled
Jeremiah:
"I...might, but I can take it again just in case." Out comes the phone from his pocket, ready for the number to be entered.
"Indeed." He nodded in agreement with Vincent. "Here's great for that, too, but being able to do your part for the larger community as well is always a plus."
Klaire/Psyche:
"Cooking is definitely helpful, and especially as is medical care. It is never bad to have more people with that knowledge."
A thankful look to Jay for all the times he helped her, and gives the number.
"I could contribute in several ways but I think the best thing I can do is make sure the head coordinator eats. She forgets way too often."
A subtle exasperated head shake.
"If you need to get on her good side, Dennys. A cheeseburger meal especially."
Vincent:
"I was always a Red Robin and Five Guys man myself." he chuckled
Jeremiah:
Jeremiah punched in the number and saved it, pocketing his phone, smirking a touch. "Noted. I'll admit that I've lost track of time working on projects and let food slip my mind as well so I can't say too much."
"Five Guys is a good choice. Best burger I ever had was this little hole in the wall place in LA, though; still dream about that one on occasion."
Klaire/Psyche:
"I'm usually more of a pasta person than a burger."
She nods.
"That seems pretty common in our circles. Too focused to remember to eat, sleep, or drink."
She looks bemused, and clearly asks as a joke.
"Do you think these dreams are prophetic?"
Vincent:
"A burger is something to dream about," he nodded his head sage like, "But these days I find I can't keep food down, just eat for flavor and even then...this whole mess changes brain chemistry" he chuckled.
Jeremiah:
"And your pasta is excellent, I will say." He said to Klaire with a smile, chuckling at the follow up question. "You never know...stranger things."
"I can imagine, yeah." He nodded to Vincent. "Not as fulfilling, I'm guessing?"
Klaire/Psyche:
Psyche gives a smile.
"I'm certainly glad you think so. But yes... perhaps consult an Acanthus on those dreams."
A chuckle is given in return.
"How does that work? As you can't keep down food?"
Vincent:
"So, we can Blush," he points the his healthy pallor, "Make the illusion of life, body heat, blood flow, we can eat and other things I won't mention for Psyche's sake," he shrugged with a playful smirk, "But that's it, an illusion, I can eat and drink, taste it, but my body can't process it so it comes back up later." he said, he eats and drinks here....a lot
Jeremiah:
"Ah hah...interesting." Jeremiah sat back in his seat, the gears turning a bit as he pondered. "How long does that state last for you?"
Klaire/Psyche:
"That seems like quite a waste? But I suppose it does make sense to some level."
She curiously looks towards Vinny for the answer.
Vincent:
"If I wish, until I go to 'bed'," he explained, "Yes but I love the flavor of food, if not for sustenance then now for pleasure, most Elders don't bother too so another way to separate myself from them."
Jeremiah:
"Gotcha." He gave another nod. "What qualifies someone as an 'elder' in this case? Just a certain amount of time as one of the Kindred?"
Klaire/Psyche:
"I frankly think it is a good thing to separate yourself as you can."
Vincent:
"I think to be counted as an Elder, we need to be at least 250," he explained, "I don't think I'm considered a teenager even until I survive ten years, and that my friend, is a aspect of our culture I've found, the older you are, the more respect your given, we are judge by how long we survive cause I find that's the key aspect of our society, survival."
Jeremiah:
He nodded to Psyche's comment, mulling Vincent's response for a moment before replying himself. "Makes sense on some level. On our end it's a mix of both experience and mastery of magic, although the latter can take precedence in some situations."
Klaire/Psyche:
"For those that life so long, I'm certain a decade seems like no time at all."
She floats another sausage down for the pupper.
"With how many Masters and Double and Triple Masters there are here, it does seem like there is a lot of respect to be given."
Vincent:
"I intend to live to see space colonization and the end of the world," he chuckled, "It's all about networking."
Jeremiah:
"Best of luck." He said with a smirk, lifting his coffee cup in a small salute before taking a sip. "Mmhmm. Philadelphia is definitely heavy on Masters, although I have a feeling that's for a reason. With some of what's happened and what seems to be waiting on the horizon, we need everything we've got, including the goodwill that's been fostered with the other supernaturals in the city."
Klaire/Psyche:
"I do wonder how other suns would affect a Vampire. After all, you can live in the light of the stars at night, and those are other suns. I know you won't have an answer to that, but I am curious."
A nod.
"Definitely. I believe Aya is about the only Mage I know that is not yet a Master, but I wouldn't expect it to be long before she does become one, especially with Diamond's tutoring." She nods. "Like Vincent said, networking is important."
Vincent:
"Wait, the social media lady is a mage?"
Jeremiah:
Jeremiah spared Psyche a brief glance at her comment about Aya before looking back to Vincent. "It's a recent development, and one that I would ask you don't share freely unless she's alright with it. She's still adjusting to things at the moment."
Klaire/Psyche:
Psyche winces and facepalms.
"I said Aya aloud instead of Faridah, didn't I? In my head I meant Faridah."
Vincent:
"It's fine, it's fine, loose lips and ships, I forgot it already."
Jeremiah:
"Appreciate it." He nodded to Vincent, giving Psyche a reassuring look.
Klaire/Psyche:
She elects not to look at the reassuring look, and pulls out her phone to send off a text.
Vincent:
"So, what's the buzz otherwise, that you can share?"
Jeremiah:
"I haven't heard of much lately, I'll admit. Been focused on things at the cafe and my own projects more than anything."
Klaire/Psyche:
She puts back down her phone and scritches the floof that came up to snuggle her at her distress.
"From my knowledge there has not been very much. Although it seems Bones has come back out which is quite nice."
Jeremiah:
"Agreed. I was getting a bit worried about them, I won't lie."
Klaire/Psyche:
"As was I. So were their Cadremates from what they told me, which was even more concerning."
She pauses.
"Although considering both their cadremates know..."
She vaguely nods to the pancakes on her plate.
"I may also tell them. Perhaps they'll have some ideas from their travels or other research."
Jeremiah:
"Maybe. I've been doing some digging myself but haven't found much yet. With them being Mysterium Bones may have access to resources I don't."
Klaire/Psyche:
"That was another reason I was considering them. It is kind of their specialty. And if nothing else, their Mastery of Prime may give some insight as well."
Jeremiah:
"Definitely. That's something I'm working towards, but with them being an Obrimos Prime is their wheelhouse more than it is mine."
Klaire/Psyche:
"Indeed. I'll let them know then. Although, it may also have some layer of Mind as well, that would make sense? So maybe all three of us together might make some breakthroughs with it."
Vincent:
Vincent just sits there and smiles, unsure what to add, "Oh, I've made a new wizards friend." he just blurts
Jeremiah:
"Maybe." He nodded, then looked to Vincent with an eyebrow quirked up. "Oh?"
Klaire/Psyche:
Psyche blinks, having temporarily forgotten that Vincent was there. Whoops.
"Who would that be?"
Vincent:
"I've become associates with a talking fox and a town in Ukraine." he smiles
Jeremiah:
"Ah...nice." he nodded with a smile. "Fox is good people."
Klaire/Psyche:
"A town in Ukraine?"
She looks confused but nods, hesitating in an answer to the Fox part.
Vincent:
"Yeah, they're helping me with a research project, they seem pretty chill....actually they are chill to a scary degree."
Jeremiah:
"They are for the most part, yeah. I've seen them in action, though and it's impressive."
Klaire/Psyche:
"They are quite difficult to upset. I would not recommend doing so, but yes, they are good to know."
Vincent:
"To be honest, mages scare me, reality bending and such, can just conjure sun light and fire it at me."
Jeremiah:
"I don't blame you. You shouldn't have to worry about that with the Awakened here, though." He looked Vincent over for a moment. "We may step over a line on occasion, but overall we put what we've been given towards bettering things around us rather than causing havoc."
Vincent:
"I guess, most mages I know I'm friends with, you all seem like a reasonable lot."
Jeremiah:
"The folks here are, definitely. We all have our foibles, but that's part of being human at the end of it all. That's something worth remembering, especially the longer we're at this."
Klaire/Psyche:
Psyche nods.
"I do quite like the Consilium. I was resistant at first but I've come to appreciate it and at least most of the people within it. As Jay said, every group has its scuffles and arguments."
Vincent:
Vinny checks his watch, "As much as I love this conversation, I only have so many hours to get things done, Psyche wonderful as always, Jerimiah good luck with cafe things." he said as he got up and walked out
Jeremiah:
"No problem. Have a good night." He gave Vincent a nod as he headed off, watching the Daeva depart before settling back into his seat.
Klaire/Psyche:
"Take care, Vincent."
She waits for the Daeva to leave.
"I think he is growing. Slowly, but there is some progress."
Jeremiah:
"Seems like it. Finding your niche after stepping behind the veil always takes a little time, and he's getting there."
Klaire/Psyche:
"It does. As does entering any new community. Not to mention he was not exactly braced for the transition, or helped very much at first."
Jeremiah:
"So I've heard, yeah." He nodded quietly, finally tucking into his meal after giving it a brief reheat with a small touch of magic. "I do wish him the best, though."
Klaire/Psyche:
Psyche makes the last sausage float for Rook, giving him ear scritches at the same time.
"As do I. I still do not enjoy being around the majority of the Kindred. I think it says something that thus far, he has been the one I'm most comfortable around."
Jeremiah:
"I haven't talked with many of them, I'll admit, but the ones I have seemed to be solid for the most part. Guy in particular, and the few conversations I've had with Renault were enjoyable."
Klaire/Psyche:
She pauses.
"I've heard of Guy but I dont believe I've met him. Now I'm trying to remember why I've heard of him. I have not heard of Renault though."
Jeremiah:
"He and Petra are engaged, if you've run into her. I haven't seen Renault around for a while, though; Hearth and I ran into him at a concert a while back and had a pretty good conversation."
Klaire/Psyche:
She shakes her head.
"Nope. No clue who Petra is either. And here I was thinking I was finally getting a good grasp on everyone. Granted...I am not as much of a night owl."
Jeremiah:
"Guy has a gym that he's set up for folx in the community that can't work out or train among non-supernatural folks without causing issues. Might've heard of him from that, maybe?"
"Not a bad thing, that. I tend to have weird hours myself, between the cafe and other things."
Klaire/Psyche:
She looks to the board.
"I think I read something about that, yeah. That's probably it."
Her eyes continue to scan it as she scritches the best floof.
"I used to. Although that was largely at the cost of my sleep. Now I try my best not to if I can help it."
Jeremiah:
"Not a bad idea. I can cheat on that front in a pinch but I try to avoid doing so; getting natural sleep is important."
Klaire/Psyche:
"If I ever do Awaken, I would love that particular spell. Perhaps slightly jealous of Bones. But yes, sleep is important and I feel like most of us need more."
Jeremiah:
"If you ever need it for a bit, let me know." He said with a smirk, giving a nod. "Probably, yeah. I tend to get five or six hours most nights and I'm good with that."
Klaire/Psyche:
"If it were not so late, I would ask for it now. And quite frequently if I'm being honest."
She nods.
"I tend to get around six as well, but I never feel as if its enough in the morning. I simply don't have time for more."
Jeremiah:
"Feel ya there. So much to do, so little time to do it in."
Klaire/Psyche:
"Indeed. Ah, is that why people learn Time?"
Psyche chuckles and kisses Rook's nose, which he then licks.
"I would still rather avoid further panic attacks with Time."
Jeremiah:
"Most likely. It's one of the three Arcana I haven't touched on yet and I'm not sure if I will any time soon. Fate threw me for a bit of a loop as it, I'd bet Time would be right up there." He nodded, smiling a touch at the cute moment with the pup. "I'd prefer that for you as well."
Klaire/Psyche:
"I don't believe anyone would wish panic attacks on anyone. They are quite miserable."
And another boop and scritches, loving on the best floof.
"Not that I'll understand it entirely, but what is understanding Fate like?"
Jeremiah:
"I'm only at the base level of studying it so I won't claim to 'understand' it, but at its core it's about what should happen in a given circumstance, although perceiving that end goal doesn't guarantee that you'll know when or how it'll come about."
Klaire/Psyche:
She nods, still scritching the floof.
"So it is everything that people hate and love about statistics, dialed up to, well, more than eleven."
Ylva:
There is a chime as the door opens. A little fox flopping into Klaires lap and promptly falling asleep.
This is all.
Jeremiah:
"It can be, yeah." He chuckled, smiling as Ylva sauntered her way into the cafe and flopped into Psyche's lap. "She does that a lot, doesn't she..."
Klaire/Psyche:
She pokes the fox, and Rook snoot pokes the fox.
"You, miss, are supposed to be at home getting ready for bed."
She shakes her head and pets the dog and fox.
"She does, yes. Had what happened not happened, I think she would make a fantastic Acanthus. Purely from her tendency to pop up places already."
Jeremiah:
"I could see that, yeah." He nodded, looking Ylva over for a moment before turning back to Psyche. "Can't blame her, admittedly. Resting your head in your partner's lap is always nice, especially if there's head scritches involved."
Klaire/Psyche:
"I believe she's gone far past just her head in my lap."
She chuckles and gives those scritches.
"But indeed. And she is rather adorable. Oh! Have I shown you my tattoo ever?"
Jeremiah:
"You have not, actually." He replied with a grin. "What did you get done?"
Klaire/Psyche:
She begins to scroll through her phone for a picture.
"This is how we met, actually. At the Escape, she was my tattoo artist and then one thing led to another, and we were dating."
She turns the phone, showing the tattoo.
"Monarchs have been my favorite since I was a little girl."
Jeremiah:
He looked over the phone when it was shown, smiling warmly. "Very nice. I definitely need to hit her up for the next piece I want done once I solidify the design for it."
Klaire/Psyche:
She smiles, petting the girlfriend and the soooooo neglected doggo.
"You will unfortunately have to get in line. I've already asked for my next piece. A little black fox with...six tails? Seven tails?"
She looks down at the sleeping fox.
"I sound terrible that I don't know, don't I?"
Jeremiah:
"I wouldn't say so. It's not your fault that you're not able to see it easily." He glanced Ylva's way before looking back to Psyche. "I was speechless the first time I truly saw Polly...in a good way, mind you. She was stunning, and I just kind of stared at her for a while until my brain caught up with the rest of me again."
Klaire/Psyche:
"It does make me quite sad that I can't. And she can't easily show me. The Hedge is obviously very dangerous to me, and the one time I stood across from it, I almost got tricked in. I think that's the best way to put it, tricked."
She nods, looking sadly down at the sleeping Lost.
"I can experience a little of it like this, when she's a fox. But there's times she gets sad, and tells me that she just poked me with a tail and I didn't react. Because I can't. And that hurts to be honest."
Jeremiah:
"Good way to put it. I haven't gone in myself but I've heard enough about it." He nodded quietly. "Yeah...it's hard, knowing there's a part of them you can't truly partake in."
Klaire/Psyche:
She nods.
"She was at the edge of a doorway. I knew to stay away from it but she was worried and I just had a momentary lapse of thought, and almost crossed over. I don't know why, but I could just feel something terrible would happen if I hadn't stopped myself."
She looks quietly down to the Lost, then it's clear the gears start working.
"Is there a spell that would let you see how they really look? At least, one that you know of?"
Jeremiah:
He knew that look well, and he gave her a quiet one of his own as he replied. "There's not a spell that I know of, but an iteration of the Sight can. That's why I began studying Fate, although I haven't made use of it yet. I'd want to ask before crossing that potential boundary."
Klaire/Psyche:
She nods slowly.
"Would Apocalypse be able to give me that sight? At least, temporarily?"
Jeremiah:
"I...don't know." He sat back in his seat, the gears now going in his brain. "I can look into it, though."
Klaire/Psyche:
She smiles, looking down at the sleeping Lost.
"Can we keep that a secret for now from" she jokingly covers Ylva's big floofy ears, and whispers to add too it "certain people?"
Then back to normal.
"I'd love for it to be a surprise. Again, if its possible."
Jeremiah:
"You got it." He nodded, smiling a touch. "I'll let you know what I find out."
Klaire/Psyche:
She grins.
"Thank you. I'd ask for that one permanently just for this one if I didn't know that would be terribly dangerous."
Jeremiah:
"You're welcome, and I feel you there. I wouldn't want to cause you any harm, though."
Klaire/Psyche:
"And I appreciate that. Especially now that everything is official."
She smiles, realizing she does not have enough hands for Rook, Ylva, AND food with a bit of a chuckle.
Jeremiah:
"Indeed. Sorry it took so long to get that in the books, as it were."
Klaire/Psyche:
"Don't be. We knew it was a strange circumstance anyway. Myself as a Sleepwalker, the investigation, and myself being deputy sentinel are all strange wrinkles on their own. Together I'm certain it was a whole mess."
Jeremiah:
"That and waiting for the all-clear from the others in the cadre, although you meeting them helped on that front."
Klaire/Psyche:
"Ah, yes. That as well."
She pauses.
"What...does that mean I am to the cadre? Do we have a word for that?"
Jeremiah:
"You're covered under our Hospitality, and are able to take refuge in our sanctum when requested."
Klaire/Psyche:
She nods and cracks a smile.
"Does that include when Hearth is baking?"
Jeremiah:
"Of course." He grinned in return. "She's usually got something in the works."
Klaire/Psyche:
She chuckles.
"And it always smells amazing. Speaking of, could you distract a certain fluff so I can finish eating?"
Jeremiah:
"You got it." He smirked, giving Rook some solid scritches to help free up Psyche's hand. "Come here, buddy."
Klaire/Psyche:
And so he of course comes for more scritches!
"How is your fiancé by the way?"
Jeremiah:
"She's doing well." He smiled warmly, his care for Polly clear to see. "We've both been busy but spend time together as we can."
Klaire/Psyche:
"That is wonderful. And that does seem to be the big struggle, having to balance your partner...s and other things."
She chuckles.
"I'm still getting used to that s for myself."
Aya:
In through the portal walked Aya, dressed modestly as usual and in black as has become more her norm; it's suiting her well, though, setting off the makeup she carefully applied. She carries a matching messenger bag over her shoulder and waves to the staff before noticing Jay and Klaire. She waves to them, and makes her approach.
"Hello, I guess we've met sooner than expected," she says to Klaire, chuckling.
Jeremiah:
"True enough. It takes work but you get there eventually." He nodded with a smile. "Glad things are going well for you three, though."
He looked towards the portal as it did its portal-y thing, his smile widening as he spotted Aya. "Hey there."
Klaire/Psyche:
Psyche chuckles.
"So we have. And I was looking forward to tea. Perhaps I can pay for it now anyway?"
She nods to Jay, finishing up that quick little talk.
"Indeed. I am very glad Kenzie worked me up towards that."
Aya:
"Oh, no reason we still can't have tea at my place; Maddy's does not have my library," she smiles warmly and looks between the two of them to ask, "I hope you have been doing well? I've been doing great."
Jeremiah:
He scooted over to give Aya a place to sit, setting his empty plates off to the side for a passing server to grab.
"I've been very well, yes. Things have been busy at the cafe but we raised some much-needed money for the Attic Youth Center so I'm not complaining at all. How have you been settling in?"
Klaire/Psyche:
"That is very true. You do have a magnificent library indeed."
She smiles and look at a...fox? On her lap? Who is asleep?
"I've been well, and I am glad you are as well. It seems we have even more in common now, two fantastic teachers who share a wonderful cadre."
And of course Rook's snoot peeks out from under the table to say hello!
Aya:
Aya takes a seat and nods, "I think I'm getting up to speed; still much to learn, but what I have learned has been very fruitful. Twilight is an interesting state." Her voice gets a little spacey as she says that last bit, before looking down to Rook and give him a petting with her left hand under the table.
"Is that so?" She playfully looks to Jay before going back to Klaire, "Hearth?" She's clearly joking.
Jeremiah:
"So I've heard. Haven't made that jaunt myself yet through Mind, but it's on the list."
Jeremiah chuckled before putting a hand over his heart, a pained expression on his face. "You wound me, madame..." After a moment he relaxed, grinning. "She is fantastic, though."
Klaire/Psyche:
"Is it? I'm glad your are learning so much from Diamond."
She takes a breath, eating a bit of her strawberry pancake.
"And I will be the second best pastry chef when she's through. If you don't mind me asking, what is your current full title?"
Aya:
"I enjoy the quietude," Aya comments to Jay before answering Klaire, "Oh, I suppose it has changed a bit now."
She clears her throat, "Adept Faridah, Necromancer on the Path to Stygia, Supernal Realm of Death and Matter, Abode of the Shades. Adept of Death, Disciple of Matter, Apprentice of Prime, Initiate of Time and Life."
Jeremiah:
Jeremiah nodded along at the title, smiling a touch when she finished. "Nice spread so far."
Klaire/Psyche:
She quietly taps her fingers with her thumb as the title continues. The pinky for Adept, ring for Disciple, middle for Apprentice, and pointer for Initiate.
"Adept already! Congratulations."
A smile at Sirius.
"I told you it would not take her long to reach Master somewhere."
Aya:
Aya nodded, "Thank you. But I wouldn't quite count the Mastery just yet. I am trying to diversify a bit now, and take my time while I get a hold on things without causing a problem. Diamond's doing a great job, though; she has a way of looking at things that's helping me get in the right mindset."
"I have a feeling you'll find your teacher incredibly helpful, too."
Jeremiah:
"That's how I went about it as well. Building a solid foundation before going for Mastery can help make things click better as you move up, I've come to find."
"Yeah, Kay is amazing on that front. She helped to make studying Matter make sense, which tells you something with my tower's usual issues with it."
Klaire/Psyche:
"Ah, that would be a good thing as well. I'm glad you found a teacher you mesh so well with."
She nods and smiles at the Mastigos.
"He has helped me immensely so far. And I am very glad to have met him."
Aya:
"Yes, I'm finding some insights into Death by studying Life. I'm glad to hear she could help with Matter, I'm not sure who will be able to get through to me on Spirit."
She gives Rook a little more petting and nods to Klaire, "I hope work has been going well for you?"
Jeremiah:
"Right back at you." He replied to Psyche with a smile. "You've taught me some interesting things as well since we started working together."
"Mary might be one to talk to if you want to keep it in the cadre, as it were. Otherwise Fox might be someone to talk to as one of the more potent Thyrsus in the city at the moment."
Klaire/Psyche:
"I always find it interesting how it seems knowing one Arcanum seems to help so much in learning the others. But yeah, work has been good. I prefer to keep the PI stuff with Klaire though, if that is alright."
She smiles at Jay.
"Aw, you are quite kind."
Aya:
"Fox's name comes up yet again. Perhaps a sign," she says with a chuckle. With a look to Psyche, she nods, "I see, I see."
She shrugs, "Sooo... I've been thinking of going to do some Karaoke soon.."
Jeremiah:
"They interconnect more than you'd think." He nodded to Psyche, giving her a smile before it widened at Aya's comment. "Really...where are you thinking of going?"
Klaire/Psyche:
"I believe many of the Mages would call that Fate."
She smiles at Aya, and nods in understanding to Jay.
Aya:
"I haven't really picked a place yet; I kind of miss the KTVs they had in Indonesia, the small private ones for 3-4 friends, tops. The ones here seem to be for very big groups, and I feel like too shy a singer for that."
Aya rolls her eyes, "Address hundreds in the streets, it's 'no problem'. Try to sing in front of more than three close friends and it's just 'no'."
Jeremiah:
"Indeed." He gave Psyche a wink before nodding to Aya. "Nah, I get that. Public speaking is one thing, but singing is more personal as I see it."
Klaire/Psyche:
"I don't think I could talk in front of that many people either. Although, I do quite well with smaller groups."
She nods, frowning.
"I'm not much for singing though. Or frankly much music."
She has a small smile at the wink from Jay though.
Aya:
"If you have any recommendations, I'm all ears," she says to Jeremiah before nodding to Psyche, "Fair. I know a lot of people who aren't much fans of music in general."
Jeremiah:
"Yakitori Boy is the best place I know of that does the smaller room set-up, and they have a main lounge for it as well if you're feeling brave." He said with a smile, glancing Psyche's way. "She had the joy wrung out of it for her by other folks, but I'm hoping I can help bring it back a bit if she's willing."
Klaire/Psyche:
She frowns.
"I'm still a fan of music, just not myself doing it."
She shrugs in Jay's general direction.
"Perhaps. I'm still thinking on it."
Aya:
Aya nodded to Psyche, looking apologetic, "Ah, sorry, I misunderstood. As I said, I've known a lot of people who don't like it at all, so that's where my mind went."
She looked to Jay, "I'll have to check them out and find a few friends to invite."
Jeremiah:
"No rush." He nodded to Psyche, then smiled a touch at Aya. "I'd be game if you're willing. I don't perform as much publicly anymore, so I wouldn't mind scratching that itch with friends."
Klaire/Psyche:
"No need to apologize, that's where your mind went, so it makes sense you sense think that. I was just helping us both be on the and page."
She smiles.
"Jay is fantastic at all the little musical things though. Have you seen his studio?"
Aya:
"I'll add you to the list, then," Aya told Jeremiah, then answered Psyche, "Yes, though I wasn't quite as focused on the studio itself at the time; it was just the setting for something much more memorable."
Jeremiah:
"Sounds good." Jeremiah nodded, smiling a touch as Aya mentioned her own moment in the studio. "I helped show her the first step on the Path not too long before her Awakening."
Klaire/Psyche:
"Aha! The one that let me see your Nimbus and other parts of your..."
She searches for the word.
"Pattern? Is that the right word here?"
She pauses and reevaluates her words.
"We...see? Since you have preformed it on us both?"
Aya:
"And I thank you very much for doing it," she offers to Jeremiah.
"Yes, that's the one!" She nods in agreement with Psyche. "An amazing experience, don't you think?"
Jeremiah:
"Very welcome." He replied with a smile. "Pattern, yep."
From there he went quiet, letting the pair speak on their experience with the Illumination they received without him butting in.
Klaire/Psyche:
She grins in very much a 'haha I got something right!' look.
"It was! It was amazing to see, all of the details, all of the information. Everything that, well, I can't normally discern."
A slow nod.
"I think it would have been slightly more amazing should I have not experienced Apocalypse first, but it was still a unique and amazing one."
Aya:
"Yes, I had my own ability to perceive auras, but it was a vast difference." She smiles wide, "I'm sure there are more wonders in store for you, may you find them pleasing and enlightening."
Her phone bleeps in her bag and she reaches for it, "Hmm.. I hope you won't mind if I excuse myself.."
Jeremiah:
"I'm glad you both found it enlightening." Jeremiah replied, smiling warmly before giving Aya a nod as she moved to depart. "Have a good night."
Klaire/Psyche:
"That is still an ability I have yet to learn. I certainly hope so. I'm starting to struggle again with improving at all with Telekinesis."
She nods as the phone beeps.
"Nono, please do! Goodnight! "
And a look towards Jeremiah.
"I was certainly enlightening. Thank you again for the experience."
Aya:
"Good night," Aya says to them as she starts typing a text back and heads out!
Jeremiah:
"The fine control you showed with my coffee cup earlier seemed to be an improvement, if anything." He said with a smile, taking a moment to polish off said lingering beverage.
Klaire/Psyche:
"It was less fine control and more the sugar didn't have enough weight to do much. I was half afraid I'd spill it on you."
She smiles.
"But we can blame Cookie if you really wanted to. He helped me get over that latest hurdle."
Jeremiah:
"I'll blame away. Glad you were able to get with him again to work on that."
Klaire/Psyche:
"He said it was all about the mindset, and to let go. To stop thinking and just do. I think it's been working better to just let it happen naturally instead of trying to think through every step."
She looks for a word.
"Less clunky? If that makes any sense?"
Jeremiah:
"I follow you, yeah. Let it become muscle memory as it were and just do it rather than focusing on it."
Klaire/Psyche:
"Exactly. And it has worked thus far so I don't see point in changing it."
She looks down at the floofs.
"I've been here quite a while, and really should get these two home. Not going to get into too much trough if I leave you here by yourself, right?"
She smiles, jokingly.
Jeremiah:
"Me, trouble? Never." He grinned, giving her a nod. "Have a good night."
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