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Micah Bradley: [TEXT]
Hey Grandfather,
I had the scariest encounter last night. Was practicing in the nearby woods when I met one of Them. Managed to escape, but fucking hell! Just wanted to let you know in case it was an attempt to get to you.
Micah
Aurelio Menegi: [TEXT]
Glad you are well. We should speak in person on what you saw.
Micah Bradley: [TEXT]
Agreed. Are you busy today?
Aurelio Menegi: [TEXT]
Should be available this evening. Will let you know when.
Micah Bradley: [TEXT]
👍
Micah Bradley:
===[ Much later... ]===
Micah returned home, taking another long winded and confusing route and using the opportunity to practice some urban sprinting and parkour. Back at his apartment now, he quickly slipped inside and paced around while waiting for Aurelio to arrive.
The apartment was simple and quite sparse yet. He only recently moved in afterall. The front area had 1 small antique couch and a matching coffee table that he had found at a local Goodwill. The floor carpeted and looked like it was recently deep cleaned. A vacuum stood in one corner along with a small trash bin that was half-filled. The kitchen was clean and also sparse. That left plenty of room to move about in and the man made his path obvious as he made slight indents in the carpet with his to and fro.
Aurelio Menegi:
Aurelio arrived in short order, the rumble of his motorcycle easy enough to hear as he pulled up to the building. Upon reaching the proper door two solid knocks came through to announce his presence.
Micah Bradley:
He was still pacing, in the opposite direction of the front door when the knock happened so that he veered smoothly to open the door for his guest. But just before he did, he peeked out the peephole and asked the one question that he knew only Aurelio would know the answer to... Just in case...
"What made me seek you out?" he called through the door.
Aurelio Menegi:
There was a brief pause before the answer, the Torrent nodding to himself in approval at the caution taken. "A promise made and kept over decades."
Micah Bradley:
Breathing a sigh of relief, he opened the door and smiled at his Great Grandfather. "Come in. Sorry about that. Just... anxious, ya know. Cannot be too careful."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Understandable." He nodded and slipped inside, giving the space a quick once-over before turning his attention back to Micah. "What happened?"
Micah Bradley:
He rubbed the back of his neck after closing the door and locking it firmly. Then he gestured to the lone two-seater couch.
"Well, I was out practicing in the nearby woods when this haunting but beautiful melody rose through the trees. I went looking and found a literal elf sitting in a tree and playing a violin... It was suspicious alright, so I tried to confirm if he was indeed from the Hedge by mentioning briarwolves. He called himself Ed and he started threatening me about what I know and that he just might take me away, never to be seen again... I immediately ran of course. He even summoned his steed from the Hedge to chase after me. I got away." Micah babbled, both excited and nervous at the same time.
Aurelio Menegi:
Aurelio took a seat when Micah motioned to it, listening intently as the Avowed spoke. A few pieces fell into place by the end of the retelling, with the Torrent mulling for a moment before replying. "I may know of who you speak...was from England like yourself, yes?"
Micah Bradley:
He was about to immediately respond when the 'Yes' got caught in his throat. The Avowed turned to stare at Aurelio in surprise. "... Um... Yes... How...? Wait, was he a Lost pulling my leg?!"
Aurelio Menegi:
"Most likely, yes." He allowed himself to relax, the concern about an intrusion from the Gentry fading. "One of the Mirror goes by that name, fond of playing music in odd places and invoking fear in those he comes across. Suppose you got caught by him this time around."
Micah Bradley:
"One of the Mi-... Fucking hell! ARGH!" he fumed good heartedly, his British accent coming out thick and true. There was now a very wide grin on his face. "I should have known. I will need to bump into this Ed again and see if I can scare him in return! Fuck! He had me alright! I wonder if he was able to get Glamour off me."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Perhaps." He replied, chuckling quietly. "I prefer this to what you feared, however."
Micah Bradley:
He flopped down next to the marbled Lost with a puff of relief. "Yes, indeed! I tell you, that chase got my heart racing for sure. Especially when I heard the pounding of hooves behind me! Have you met him before?"
Aurelio Menegi:
"I can imagine. I have seen him, at least, although we have not spoken much directly."
Micah Bradley:
"Mm. Well, sorry about worrying you. And thank you for coming on such short notice." he grinned bashfully.
Aurelio Menegi:
"Quite welcome. I would rather know for certain that all is well than simply assume."
Micah Bradley:
"True. How was your day otherwise?"
Aurelio Menegi:
"It went well. Finished up two commissions and began working with another client on the next project."
Micah Bradley:
"Productive! I should get a job soon... I don't know if I will require a work permit though..."
Aurelio Menegi:
"That I could not say. My paperwork was handled by others when I planned to come here."
Micah Bradley:
"Hmm. I will have to ask around. Probably head up to the British embassy tomorrow."
Aurelio Menegi:
"A good idea." He nodded, looking Micah over. "What sort of work would you pursue, you think?"
Micah Bradley:
"Oh, I don't know... I don't reckon there are a lot of jobs for Genealogists. Maybe a delivery job for a start?"
Aurelio Menegi:
"Perhaps. This is a city of history, though, so you may find something for that here."
Micah Bradley:
"You think so? It would be nice to put my education into more use than just for random Lost who wished to find their families."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Don't see why not. There are places of learning here, I imagine one of them would suit you."
Micah Bradley:
He clapped Aurelio on the shoulder. "Thanks for the ideas! That just might work very well!"
Aurelio Menegi:
There was a brief moment of tension at that unexpected touch, although it passed as quickly as it came. "Very welcome." He replied with a small smile. "Happy to help."
Micah Bradley:
"Oh! Have you eaten yet? Maybe we could grab a bite somewhere close?"
Aurelio Menegi:
"Not yet, no." He made an 'after you' motion with his hand before moving to get up from the loveseat. "Shall we?"
Micah Bradley:
Micah grinned and jumped up to lead the way out.
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