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Anneliese Kiel:
Behind the bar once again, Annie is wiping down the counter where an NPC patron knocked over their drink earlier. Luckily none of it got on her, but it's still an irritating waste. Today she's dressed in a pale green blouse, with her trans pride magen david pin on the collar as usual.
Mearcstapa:
Mearc's actually dressed... very differently from normal, having borrowed clothing from Raphael. He's in a white dress shirt with a properly tied cravat, black pants and a sky blue brocade vest that brings out the blue undertones of his mien. His shoes and messenger bag are his usual ones, though; nothing new there. And his freckles are trending more toward the green today.
As he approaches the bar, he gives Annie a slight wave.
Ash Thursday:
Ash Thursday waltzes in dressed in his usual tailored suit and shoes. Looking a bit worn down as he makes his way to the bar, he nods silently to the other changelings present. "'Lo Mearcstapa, 'lo Annie. Can I get a whiskey sour?"
Aurelio Menegi:
Aurelio made his way into the bar in his usual all-black attire, the jeans and t-shirt contrasting the white marble of his skin. Pale blue eyes scanned the room as he headed towards the bar, a somewhat curious look on his face.
Anneliese Kiel:
"Sure thing, Ash." She makes the requested drink quickly, sliding it across to the Winter. "Evening, Mearcstapa. What can I get you tonight?" Aurelio gets a smile in greeting.
Mearcstapa:
"I'm more here to pass word about something that's going on, than really to do much drinking. Though I wouldn't turn a water down." He leans on the bar, looking around to see how busy it is.
Ash Thursday:
Ash tilts back his drink and drains half of the glass in one go, then looks at Mearcstapa. "If you've got something to share, wouldn't it be better to go through the DJ, just so we're not oversharing in public?"
Aurelio Menegi:
The Torrent gave the other Lost at the bar a polite nod as he found a spot for himself before looking towards Annie. When he spoke it was with a heavy Italian accent, and not in the "we've been here for generations" way one saw in South Philly and the like. "Bueno sera. Are you Annie?"
Anneliese Kiel:
The bar is pretty busy, it being a Saturday night, but not quite so crowded that they'd be easily overheard. Yet. "I am, yes. Anneliese if we're being formal. Can I get you anything to drink, Mr...?" She pours Mearc's water with a practiced hand. "What kind of something, Mearc?"
Mearcstapa:
He tilts his head slightly at Ash. "I don't know the DJ. I'm honestly not sure how much I trust the DJ. But I can be vague. Watch: Jack's dealing with some trouble. If you meet a woman named Anna-Marie Cordray, don't spend time with her alone and be on your guard. Don't make eye contact. See?"
Memento Mori:
The bell above the door rings, and an impeccably dressed woman walks in - followed by the (surprisingly not unpleasant) scent of expensive cologne, and fancy cigars. She's wearing a crisp, well-tailored suit - and a jade green evening coat that matches her tie. To those who can pierce her mask, this woman has several vulpine features: vertical slit pupils, fluffy fox ears, unnaturally sharp teeth, golden-blonde fur, and three tails which swish through the air making mesmerizing patterns behind her.
She quirks an eyebrow when she spots Mearc. "A cravat?! Philaedelphia has changed you, Mearcstapa..." Though, she isn't laughing, at least.
Ash Thursday:
Ash stares blankly at Mearc before downing the rest of his drink. "Annie, can I get another one of these?"
Aurelio Menegi:
He spared the door a glance at the new arrival and gave her a nod before looking back to Annie. "Aurelio, and water is fine. Laura said she would talk with you about introductions?"
Anneliese Kiel:
Annie arches an eyebrow at the comment about not making eye contact, but doesn't press, fixing Ash's refill refill quietly. The fox gets a curious glance. "She a friend of yours, Mearcstapa?" Sliding Ash's second drink to the Winter, she turns to Aurelio, pouring him a water. "Oh, you are the one she texted me about earlier? Welcome to Philadelphia. Have you met Mearcstapa or Ash yet?" She indicates which Changeling is which as she names them.
Mearcstapa:
When Mearc hears the fox lady speak, he turns around to face her. "Memento Motherfucking Mori. You have no idea how good it is to see your face. Yes, this one's a friend of mine, in from Chicago. And no, this is not what I'm wearing on a daily basis here, Ms. Mori. It's just...an occasion, perhaps."
Memento Mori:
"In the fucking flesh," Memento holds her arms out wide - though not for a hug. She'd never be so familiar in public. She's presenting herself to the bar with all the energy of that one Will Smith meme. She approaches the group with a dangerous, fanged smile in place. "I'll have a whiskey, please. Top shelf. Straight up." She flashes a little wink at Anneliese before turning back to Mearcstapa. "You have drinking buddies, now - and you invited Eugene but not me? Who else is here that I don't know about, Andromeda?!"
Ash Thursday:
Ash raises his second glass to the newcomers. "Ash Thursday, Esquire. Most of the time anyway. Nice to meet the both of you."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Grazie." Aurelio took the water and lifted it to those gathered. "Not yet. Aurelio Menegi. Good to meet you all."
Anneliese Kiel:
"Sure thing." Annie half-turns, getting the requested expensive whiskey and pouring for Memento, sliding the glass across to the fox when finished. "How long have you been in town, Ms. Mori?"
Mearcstapa:
When Memento opens her arms like that, there's a moment when Mearc's freckles shift redder and he seems to be debating whether to try to take the hug anyway, but he refrains. "Any more, and it'll start to seem like an invasion, Ms. Mori. But yes, the hungry void is going to school here."
Then he offers Aurelio a nod. "Nice to meet you as well. New in town also, I take it."
Memento Mori:
"Delightful to meet all of you," Memento coos - adopting a barstool near her companion. She flashes a knowing smirk at Mearc's answer before turning to Anneliese. "Mere hours ago, actually. I checked into my hotel, and sent a text message to Mearcstapa. Before you know it, I'm hiring a driver and here I am - by the way, is smoking allowed in this establishment?"
She may have asked, but from the way she's reaching into her breast pocket for a fancy cigar box and lighter, it seems like she'll be doing it regardless of the answer.
Ash Thursday:
Ash shrugs and goes back to his drink. "So Mearcstapa, why exactly don't you trust the DJ?"
Aurelio Menegi:
"Since January, yes. Getting settled, starting work, that sort of thing."
Anneliese Kiel:
"I am afraid not, ma'am." Memento gets the Customer Service Smile. "There is a citywide ban." Annie glances at Aurelio. "What brings you here, then, if you do not mind my asking?"
Mearcstapa:
He offers Ash a shrug. "Not enough information. While I recognize that their position is standard, it's just not...comfortable for me to operate like that, I suppose?" He shrugs, then glances at Memento. "Do not, please?"
Memento Mori:
A disgusted little noise escapes from her lips, and she slides her belongings back into her jacket pocket. "If you insist - but only because I value you as a friend, Mr. Mearcstapa." She rolls her eyes, joining the current conversation. "What's this about a DJ, now?"
Ash Thursday:
"That's like saying you're not comfortable with the Scrivener." Ash takes a long drink. "Sure, we don't know who the DJ really is, but Marjorie does and she trusts them." He turns slightly to Memento. "Mearcstapa has info he wants spread, but wants to do it the hard way instead of just broadcasting it through DJ Otzäl"
Aurelio Menegi:
The talk of the DJ seemed to be going over Aurelio's head, but he listened in nonetheless as he answered Annie's question. "A change of scenery, and the work. A glassmaker here in South Philadelphia does things as they do where I was trained in Venice, and I came to do my part there."
Anneliese Kiel:
"People can distribute information the hard way if they want, Ash." Annie shrugs. "He might not even know how to contact the DJ to get a broadcast." She smiles at Aurelio. "What kind of style is that? I do not know much about glassmaking."
Mearcstapa:
Mearc shrugs at Ash. "Your opinion has been noted, thank you."
Memento Mori:
Memento takes a sip from her glass of whiskey. "Well, obviously you shouldn't be so guarded, Mearcstapa. If you can't trust your information to a shadowy, faceless figure with motivations beyond your ken, who can you trust in this world?" That devilish, vulpine grin rears it's head once more, and her tone - and the accompanying hand gestures - are as flippant as can be. "So. What are your other options for distributing this information if not through DJ Otzal - and, more importantly, is preserving your idea of security worth using a potentially less effective method of dissemination that you do trust?"
Ash Thursday:
Ash shrugs right back disinterestedly and takes another drink. "Suit yourself."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Older techniques unique to the city's workshops, mostly. Mostly decorative, but worth keeping alive."
Anneliese Kiel:
A nod. "Decoration is valuable in itself." Annie glances between Ash and Mearc. "How likely is this Anna-Marie Cordray to make trouble for people who know Jack?"
Mearcstapa:
"She threatened Lux specifically, by name." He nods at Annie. "So, quite possibly. Blackmail attempt, related to his work. She's a menace, and more than."
Ash Thursday:
Ash pulls out a phone and taps away. He then raises an eyebrow before putting his phone away again. He takes a very long drink, draining his glass.
Aurelio Menegi:
Aurelio paused a moment at the names mentioned, eyebrow arching a touch. "Jack...he does theater work, yes?"
Anneliese Kiel:
"He is a stagehand, yes. Mostly works over at Stardust, but I believe he does other union work as needed." Mearc gets a considering look. "She is not one of us, I assume?"
Mearcstapa:
"She is very much not one of us." He lets out a humorless little laugh. "And that's why I made the comment about not making eye contact."
Ash Thursday:
"Do they really need eye contact, or is that just a guess?" Ash seems skeptical.
Aurelio Menegi:
"We've met, then." He nodded quietly, a soft frown on his features as he took a sip of his water.
Anneliese Kiel:
"Are there any precautions we should take if we do accidentally make eye contact? Or whatever is it they need?"
Mearcstapa:
"Eye contact was something I was specifically warned about by Marjorie, when she first learned I was acquainting myself with the community to which she belongs, the majority of whom are individuals I have not had a problem with. Some are even friends." He gives Annie a small smile. "The precautions beyond that are fairly standard. If you find yourself acting, thinking or feeling strangely after a stranger looks deep into your eyes, tell someone--one of the higher ups. If you find you're missing time, talk to one of the higher-ups."
Ash Thursday:
"Hmm. Sounds fake, but if Marjorie said it." Ash shrugs again.
Aurelio Menegi:
"Good to know." Another quiet nod from the Elemental, sitting back in his seat. "Also good that it is just one causing trouble. Easier to deal with."
Anneliese Kiel:
"Agreed." She pauses to take a sip from her water bottle. "I take it the rest of her community are not interested in shielding her from any blowback that her blackmail attempt might cause?"
Mearcstapa:
"Not in the least. I've been told that she made her bed on this one." He shrugs, glancing at Memento. "If we head outside for a walk to catch up, you can smoke your nasty cigar. I have missed you."
And Mearc and Memento exit stage left.
Ash Thursday:
Ash sighs heavily, and plays with his glass. "So Aurelio, how're you liking Philly so far?"
Aurelio Menegi:
"Very much. Different from home, but in good ways."
Anneliese Kiel:
"You can say that again." Annie agrees. "So many things are different from when I grew up."
Ash Thursday:
"Where is home for you anyway?"
Aurelio Menegi:
"Venice, and agreed." He nodded to Annie. "Was gone for...some time."
Anneliese Kiel:
"Kiel." She lowers her voice to avoid being overheard. "Part of Germany, now, but it was ruled by the King of Denmark when I was still there. Just not as the King of Denmark."
Ash Thursday:
"I'm from Brooklyn myself. Though, world war 2 was breaking out then." Ash matches Annie's level of volume. "So, Venice worth a visit then?"
Aurelio Menegi:
Aurelio joined in the lowering of voices, almost looking relieved that he wasn't the only one so far flung. "Before the first war myself. And yes...still quite beautiful."
Anneliese Kiel:
"Long after my time, then." Annie shrugs. "There was no European settlement here, when I was Taken."
Raphael Sharpe:
Raphael - a very pretty young man dressed very much the way Mearc was, but with a handlebar moustache and coiffed hair to match the look, steps in from the street. To changeling eyes, he's in black and white, like a tintype photo, what his Mask depicts as long, slim fingers instead end in scalpel blades. His Mantle is occasional dry leaves blowing through, and to anyone close enough, a chill breeze.
Ash Thursday:
Ash turns when the chill breeze blows and his eyes widen visibly with shock under his Mask when he sees Raphael. "Well, shit." He mutters under his breath.
Aurelio Menegi:
Aurelio turned to look towards the door when it opened, giving Raph a polite nod. Ash's reaction made him pause, though, an eyebrow arching up as he looked between the two Lost.
Anneliese Kiel:
"Friend of yours, Ash?" Annie gives the Winter a curious look, glancing between him and Raph.
Ash Thursday:
"Uh. Well, no, not exactly." Ash stares at the man intently. "I know him from before, but I don't know his name. Or anything about him really. Only what She called him."
Raphael Sharpe:
Raphael looks confused initially at Ash's reaction - they've never met that he knows about. But at what he says next, the already pale Leechfinger blanches. "I....I beg your pardon?"
Anneliese Kiel:
"Well, unless he is Loyal to Her, that should not be a problem." Annie's voice is quiet, but firm. "None of us chose what we did Over There. What we choose to do here is what matters."
Aurelio Menegi:
Aurelio remained quiet for the moment, simply watching the exchange for now.
Ash Thursday:
Ash shakes his head. "The 'Well shit' wasn't for a bad thing, he got away before I did, I thought he just died in the Hedge. Lord knows I almost did." He sighs and grits his teeth before facing Raphael. "So, this is awkward, but its nice to meet you face to face, at least with a face I chose. I'm Ash Thursday."
Raphael Sharpe:
Raphael stares at Ash, opening and closing his mouth repeatedly before finding anything halfway resembling suitable words. "I do apologize, but I have no recollection of you. That is more than likely a fault of my.... impaired memory for parts of that period. I go by Raphael Sharpe, now." The leaves in his Mantle are more frequent, faster moving.
Anneliese Kiel:
"We all lost things on the way out." Annie shrugs slightly. "Can I get you anything to drink, Raphael?"
Aurelio Menegi:
"Aurelio." He gave Raphael another nod, relaxing a touch now that things seemed less likely to become hostile. "Good to meet you."
Ash Thursday:
Ash smiles awkwardly. "We'll just leave it at that then. Better for both of us. Buy you a drink?"
Raphael Sharpe:
"I would strongly prefer to know precisely how you know me, if you please." As if manners will stop the world from trying to drop out from under him. For now, they do. Raphael nods to Aurelio without looking at him, because he is NOT looking away from Ash. "I would normally say likewise. I do beg your pardon." and then to Ash and Annie equally. "Bourbon whiskey, double, neat. Please."
Anneliese Kiel:
"Coming right up." Annie turns to grab the relevant bottle, pouring Raphael's drink and sliding it across to him. She eyes his bladed fingers for a moment before continuing, voice quiet. "If you happen to know who might have carved lines into one of the tables here, please tell them to be more careful in future. The management were not happy to discover that had happened."
Aurelio Menegi:
"May be a better talk to have in a more private place, perhaps?" He looked between the two men, taking a sip of his water. The Summer, suggesting being subtle? Alert the media.
Ash Thursday:
"Oh, we're just not going to talk about it any more, I think." Ash pulls out an antique silver pocket watch and checks the time. He looks at Annie and asks, "Do you know what the time is?"
Raphael Sharpe:
Raphael flinches at Annie's words. "I did not realize I had.... gripped it quite so hard. If there is a repair charge, I will cover it." Fortunately the lines in question were shallow, though Raph doesn't know that, obviously - scalpels aren't designed to cut hardwood. Would have come out with a little sandpaper and a bit of fresh wax. Fury creeps through the shock, and Raph suddenly seems distinctly less of a swoony little dandy. "Let me put it without the politesse, then, Mr. Thursday. How. Do. You. Know. Me?"
Anneliese Kiel:
She waves her hand, dismissing the offer. "No need to worry about that, but thank you for offering." Ash's question gets a blink, before she pulls her phone out of a back pocket, consulting it briefly before relaying the time to the Winter.
Aurelio Menegi:
Aurelio set his glass down as Raphael's demeanor shifted, a note of tension slipping into his own bearing. He remained seated for the moment, but looked ready to step in as needed.
Ash Thursday:
Ash makes a small adjustment to the watch, and nods in thanks. Taking a deep breath he faces Raphael firmly. "I met you in theater one, because I was the one keeping tabs on the others there. I..." He stops, pausing to take a deep breath. He seems to center himself, leaving only a rigid shell of apathy and only then does he keep speaking in a low and level voice, free of shaking and uncertainty. "You operated on me five times, that I can remember. Each time I used a different face, which is why you don't remember me. Would you like me to continue?"
Raphael Sharpe:
And of course, it goes without saying that They don't believe in anesthesia. That there's a REASON Raph is a Leechfinger, besides the blades proper, and it's not a kind one. Raphael's Mask goes almost as gray as his Mien, and it's probably only his lack of specific memory of it that saves him. "I am so very, very sorry. For making you remember, and for what She made me do." He picks up his drink, and offers it to the other man, instead.
Anneliese Kiel:
Annie tenses slightly, looking between Ash and Raphael with a worried expression on her face. "Have you considered talking to someone about what happened to you Over There?"
Ash Thursday:
Ash shakes his head at the drink. "No, I think I'd best be going. I need to realign. And besides, like Annie said, I don't hold you responsible for what She made you do." With that, he hands over a twenty to Annie and walks out the door into the night.
Raphael Sharpe:
"Do any of you... know him well enough to be helpful? Or call him someone who would be?"
Vorpal:
... but lest the scene get too comfortable, Ash is promptly replaced by the sense of the Wyrd crashing down over all present in a gradual wave! It's only when a few Autumn leaves skitter across the floor and the doors start feeling like they might harbor Other Places beyond that those familiar might recognize Johnnie's approach a moment or two before she steps through the doors into the bar, sparing all of half a second to search the bar and take everything in before beelining towards the cluster of Lost.
Anneliese Kiel:
"I am afraid not." Annie replies, a somber note in her voice, before she glances up and towards the door at the spooky feeling in the air. "Hello, Jackie. Can I get you anything to drink?"
Raphael Sharpe:
Unfortunately, Raph hasn't met Johnnie. Nor been warned of her. Under the circumstances, Raphael's Mantle kicks up hard, leaves whipping past at high speed, even as he spins on his heel to face whatever's coming, half expecting it to be HER. This is no night to be a Wizened.
Aurelio Menegi:
"I do not...first time meeting him." Aurelio shook his head, his posture stiffening as the heady Wyrd of the newest arrival washed over them all. Pale blue eyes flared as the warmth of his mantle ticked up a few notches, taking in his fellow Torrent with one hand firmly on the bar in case he needed to get up in a hurry.
Vorpal:
Johnnie, however, is completely unperturbed and strides right up to the bar. She's... well, look at it this way, they'd be forgiven for worrying. Not only is Johnnie awfully Wyrd and clearly more Fae than Mortal, she moves... oddly. It's nothing one can put a finger on, but even the tiny little corrections for balance and stuff, the normal mistakes that everyone makes while moving? Those come off a little mechanical. Like they're being made on purpose. Strange, right?
Anyhow, Annie greets her perfectly normally and Johnnie flashes a grin her way. "Don't bother. I appreciate it, though. How's the night?" She glances sidelong at the tense AF strangers- all too familiar- and flashes a winning smile. "Gentlemen. Night finds you well, I trust? Name's Jackie. Pleasure's all mine."
It's a pleasant enough greeting, but it's so hard to see her eyes through all that shadow.
Anneliese Kiel:
"Good, thank you." Annie returns the grin, clearly familiar with the highly Wyrd Autumn. "Jackie, these are Aurelio and Raphael." She indicates each changeling as she names them. "Aurelio, Raphael, Jackie." Her attention returns to the Helldiver. "How have you and the rest of Direct Action been?"
Raphael Sharpe:
Raph's Mantle drops back down to a regular level of leaves, and he wavers on his feet a little as the adrenalin rush passes, sitting down hard on the nearest barstool. He downs the drink which, blessedly, is already in his hand, straight double bourbon in one go, and manages not to cough, because the burn is what he wanted, pure, unmistakable reality. He takes a deep breath before looking at Jackie. "I beg your pardon, bit of a rough night. Very impressive entrance, though, I'm jealous." And.... Autumns gonna Autumn.
Aurelio Menegi:
Aurelio slowly relaxed after Annie's casual greeting and acceptance of Jackie's presence, giving her a polite nod. "Bueno sera."
Vorpal:
Jackie drops a bit of a side-eye Annie's way- it's not that she got the name wrong or anything, but referring to their collective that way in open company at best makes them sound like a gang. "We're doing well as can be expected. Some rough spots- nothing some wilderness therapy won't mend, I hope- but overall pretty fine on the whole. You?" She swivels on her stool to face Aurelia and Raphael more directly, beaming. "When you're me, there's only the one sort of entrance. It's good to hear it's being appreciated, however! Thank you! A pleasure to meet you, Aurelio, Raphael. Are you in town long?"
Raphael Sharpe:
"Well, you understand." Raphael waves his bladed fingers at the moving leaves in both their Mantles. "I moved here very recently. Are you a resident?"
Anneliese Kiel:
"Well, I hope the wilderness therapy goes well." She smiles genuinely at Jackie. "I have not been up to anything especially exciting recently. The LGBTQ seder a few days back went well, which was nice."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Been here since January, getting settled and whatnot. Plan to stay for some time, though."
Vorpal:
"Yeah, I hope so, too!" Johnnie sing-songs. "And hey- good to have you here." She nods at Raph as he references their Court. "Oh, I quite understand. Still worthwhile to share appreciation where it's due, I'm told." She nods again at Aurelio's explanation, and answers Raph's question. "Yep- have been for a couple years. It's a good place, Philly. Getting settled in alright?"
Raphael Sharpe:
"Yes, for the most part. Still working on setting up thornside. I just - ran into someone, who knew me from There, and I didn't know him, and it got a little tense. He left right before you got here. so we were all on edge when you and your.... jump scare aura... showed up." A low chuckle.
Anneliese Kiel:
"Apparently she used to be even worse, if you can credit that?" Annie shrugs slightly. "I have only been here a few months myself, so I do not have any personal experience of that."
Aurelio Menegi:
"No complaints so far. Those I've met here have been helpful."
Raphael Sharpe:
"Really? It's already so strong it's making my.... fingers.... kind of tingly."
Read: whatever exactly Leechfingers use to channel energy.
Vorpal:
Vorpal nudges Raphael meaningfully when he drops the term thornside, fixing him with a discrete glare meant to remind him that this isn't one of their spaces- it's a public bar. "I did used to be worse! I'm ever so much nicer these days. It's taken a lot of work, let me tell you. A lot of long... boring nights. But it's paid off, I think." She waves off the explanation of why everyone was tense. "It's okay, it's okay, that's one of the milder reactions I've seen to catching people off guard. Nobody shot at me, it's a good day."
Is... is that a joke?
Anneliese Kiel:
"Still as much of an edgelord as always, though." Annie jokes, before pausing, rubbing her chin in thought briefly. "Edgelady? Is there a feminine form?"
Vorpal:
"Nah, but there's a neutral version," Jackie jokes, before bringing it full circle and tapping on the bar. "-Vorpal." She dissolves into snickering laughter, for whatever reason!
Raphael Sharpe:
Raph sighs, and Very Carefully rubs the bridge of his nose. "Right, sorry, I'm a little shaken up still."
Aurelio Menegi:
Aurelio's eyebrow did arch at the 'joke', sitting back in his chair a bit as he let that one percolate. "Very interesting night indeed."
Vorpal:
"It's all good," she reassures, patting Raph's shoulder. "Vorpal's my nickname. It'd make more sense if you'd known me a while ago. There anything you guys need help with? Getting settled, finding your way around, meeting interesting folx?"
Anneliese Kiel:
"Figuring out how to deal with modern life?" Annie adds, quietly enough to not be overheard.
Raphael Sharpe:
"No, I sorted all that back in Baltimore before I moved here, thanks though. It... takes a while, getting through all of 20th century history, when every nasty shock pulls the floor out from under you."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Settled in for the most part, have a place to stay and work and whatnot. Came here tonight to meet Annie and introduce myself to others, which has gone better than I thought." He allowed himself a small smirk at that. "Still getting used to some of what I've missed, though."
Vorpal:
"Man. I know the feeling. I'll tell you sometime." Just not here. Not in public. "Well, good on you guys! You managed jobs better'n me. I'm mostly mooching off of my girlfriends. I mean, I do my part, it's just not bacon-homewards related."
Anneliese Kiel:
"At least you only missed the 20th?" Annie offers, still keeping her voice down. "Do not say that, Jackie, bacon is gross." She wrinkles her nose.
Raphael Sharpe:
"Annie?" Raph glances over at the bartender. "I do apologize, I didn't actually get your name, did I. And not much more than that, yes... I could have had a longer history course." It's not like normal people don't study history in century long blocks! that one was actually thought out. "But last century was very busy."
Aurelio Menegi:
"Agreed." Aurelio nodded to Raphael. "Taking some time to wrap around, but getting there slowly but surely."
Vorpal:
"Eh? It's just a saying. Bringing home the bacon? And since when is bacon gross? My folks would have had heart attacks if they knew I ate it these days, but that doesn't make it gross," she protests. "And yeaaaaaah. It really was eventful, wasn't it? Modern history classes were a lot easier last century, I figure."
Raphael Sharpe:
"Century before last, this is 21st," Raphael points out correctly. "But yes, the World Wars are a little... much data."
Anneliese Kiel:
"Every century is eventful." Annie counters, shrugging slightly. "It is just a matter of what you choose to focus on." She pokes her tongue out at Jackie. "And since I declared it to be such, of course. Get with the program."
Aurelio Menegi:
"True enough." He gave Annie a nod, then spared his watch a brief glance. "Forgive me, but I should get going. Been a pleasure meeting you all."
Raphael Sharpe:
"A pleasure meeting you, too. Apologies for causing trouble when I came in."
Vorpal:
"Oh. Yeah, that's so, I suppose." Johnnie'd really just meant a hundred years ago, but she doesn't belabor the point. "And if you say so, Annie. I still like my bacon in the morning. Sausage, too! I dunno what makes pigs so great for breakfast but they really are."
"Do be well, Aurelio?"
Anneliese Kiel:
"See you around, Aurelio." She smiles at the glassblower, then mock-shudders at Jackie's words. "You people and your obsession with pig flesh will never cease to confuse me." Beat. "Are sausages not generally beef, anyway?"
Raphael Sharpe:
"Any meat can be made into a sausage." Says the man with the scalpel fingers. Totally deadpan.
Teagan:
How long has Teagan been here? They just sort of fade out of the crowd next to Johnnie, and kiss her on the corner of her mouth, one arm loosely looping around her waist. Goddamned Darklings.
Vorpal:
"What? No. Sausages are normally pork." Johnnie retorts, frowning in puzzlement. "At least breakfast sausages. What sausages are made with beef?"
Raph isn't wrong, per se... but then there's a Teagan, sliding close to the dark Torrent, and she claims her lover with a reciprocated snuggle and a countersmooch. "Ah... the evening just got better."
Anneliese Kiel:
"Plenty of them." Annie shrugs. "Hey, Teagan. Can I get you anything to drink?" She smiles at the Darkling, not the slightest bit phased by their sudden appearance. It's almost like they have a habit of doing that.
Raphael Sharpe:
"Who's your friend there, Jackie?"
Teagan:
"A Yuengling, please," Teagan offers to to Anneliese, tipping their chin up to her in greeting. "It damn well better have, Johnnie," the Mirrorskin offers in a low tone of amusement, wrapping both arms around her waist and leaning their chin on her shoulder. Apparently 'Jackie' is the name for other people, and only this mysterious Mirror gets to call her Johnnie. They don't introduce themself -- that's for her to do.
Anneliese Kiel:
"Sure thing." She grins at them, turning to fetch the bottle from the bar's fridge. "How is Sigrún? I have not seen her in a while."
Vorpal:
"This, Raph, is Teagan, they-slash-them. They're one of my partners, and the longest-running. Also the sneakiest." As evidenced by their arrival! She lets Teagan field the Sigrun question!
Raphael Sharpe:
"Forgive me, but only my partners are permitted to call me Raph." Raphael smiles politely, doing a namaste gesture because his bladed fingers are not exactly handshake friendly. "I'm Raphael Sharpe. A pleasure to meet you, Teagan."
Teagan:
"She's been workin'," Teagan answers, curling up one corner of their mouth and reaching a hand to take the bottle once it's open. "We got chickens and goats, and she was working on some cool shit for Sturm, so, like, it's taken up a lot of her time." A flash of silver slides across Teagan's face when Johnnie introduces her, and they lazily salute him with their bottle. "'sup, Raphael Sharpe." There are broad, deep scars horizontally across the palms of their hands, one across each palm, as if at some point Teagan grabbed hold of something very sharp and it cut their hands to the bone.
Laura Walker:
And that's when a Hyena in a black dress enters the club, padding through partygoers and standing head and shoulders above most. Looking about her maw parts in a display of wide teeth as she spots Teagan and Jackie and she bears down on the small group, eyes fixed on them intently.
Anneliese Kiel:
"Oh, yes, I heard about the armour, but I did not know you were starting a farm. How is that going?" Hyena gets a wave and a smile as she approaches the assembled Lost. "What can I get you, Laura?"
Raphael Sharpe:
Raphael definitely spots those scars - as if he could miss a thing like that, being what he is - but merely flicks his gaze to them for a moment without comment before looking to the approaching hyena.
Vorpal:
Jackie... laughs at Raph's point, but offers him a fist bump. Those blades fingers seem not at all worrisome and she seems already well aware of ways around their inconveniences. "No, it's cool, I get it. I got something similar. There's exactly two people on earth allowed to call me Johnnie and Teagan is half of them. Raphael it is."
Laura gets an immediate wave as greeting to welcome her to the party. "Sigrun is all about that hearth and home life, Annie. Did you notice she makes her own clothes? That's part of it."
Raphael Sharpe:
Raphael is actually clearly very unpracticed at the fist bump, and confused about what it means, but since the scalpels are only the last joint, it's entirely safe for Jackie.
Teagan:
"I mean, kind of a farm, but more, like... I mean we have some green space in the city, and she's a farm girl at heart, so a little hobby farm, I guess. And what Johnnie says is true. Literally everything Sigrun wears, she makes. She's all self-sufficient." Teagan turns toward the incoming Hyena, smiling and gesturing her over, tipping their face up toward her for greeting kisses.
Laura Walker:
She beams at Teagan, returning that offered kiss to the corner of their mouth with a touch of nuzzling. Jackie finds herself being offered one too before she slips into a chair, as close to the pair as she can get. A wide grin to Annie and a wave. "Whiskey? Love whiskey. Hello my loves, hello Annie, and.." She cants her head, studying Raphael. "You're a new face." Her eyes flicker to his hands and those blades and she spreads her fingers, showing claws. "Snap?" A careful tone, testing the waters.
Anneliese Kiel:
"Oh, yeah, I heard about that, but I did not know she grew up on a farm." Annie shrugs slightly, half-turning and grabbing the bottle to pour Laura's drink. "Laura, this is Raphael. Raphael, Laura." She slides the glass across to Hyena. "How are your ribs feeling?"
Vorpal:
Johnnie nods in satisfaction after the greeting she shares with Raphael. "Theeere you go. Like a handshake, but safer."
Laura's smooch is accepted, and she gets a pat on the shoulder as she settles in beside Teagan. Annie leads into that question, and Johnnie snorts amusement. "Heheh. Snap. Ribs. It's like a joke on accident."
Teagan:
A kiss, a nuzzle, a smack on the ass, and then Teagan loops their arm around Johnnie's waist again, leaning against her casually. They're content to listen to others talk and the intros being made, and then they snort. "Be nice, Johnnie," they chide playfully.
Raphael Sharpe:
"Snap?" Raphael looks at the Hyena. "Hello, I'm Raphael Sharpe, and yes, I am new here, but I don't know what you mean about snap." He nods at Johnnie. "That is why I use the Indian gesture. I thought perhaps it was something like a high five."
Laura Walker:
"Ooh, yes. The farm." She rumbles happily towards Annie with a nod. "It sounds great. I'm hoping I can beg some of the food from it, when it's going, for some real fresh cooking." She eyes Teagan wickedly at the smack, leaning back to rest her head on their shoulder. "They're good Annie, mostly. Long as no one makes me laugh, still. Hm, and gotta introduce you to the Aurelio I mentioned earlier by the way."
A nod to Raphael. "Well, there's a card game called Snap, where you try to find the same cards, and when you do you say Snap! So, we both have.. sort of." She gestures at her hand, then his. "Good to meet you, in any case."
Anneliese Kiel:
"Well, like I said, just keep to light activity and you should be fully healed in a day or so." Annie shrugs. "This Aurelio, is he a glassblower?" She glances at Hyena for confirmation. "He was in here earlier."
Raphael Sharpe:
"Ah. I thought you meant something about snapping fingers. That explains why Jackie knows ways to work around it. Good to meet you. Are you injured? I am.... medically trained, though most other help I can offer I cannot perform here."
Laura Walker:
"I'm not sure." She admits to Annie. "He's Italian, a little tall then me, which is a rare treat.." A small chuckle. "And good. He was hoping to get to meet new people, he's not been about for too long." She shakes her head at Raphael. "Annie patched me up and I've spent most of the past several days resting up. Got into a spar and got floored." A grin. "Learning experience. You're a doctor then, an EMT?"
Anneliese Kiel:
"That sounds like him." Annie nods. "He was not here for especially long, but enough to meet a few of our sort." She shrugs. "Hopefully he comes back, this is one of our main gathering places in Philly."
Raphael Sharpe:
"I was in medical school, before circumstances interfered with completing my residency," Raphael says, like he's practiced the phrasing. "I have brought myself up to date since, though I lack an official license. And, well." Raphael holds out a slim hand, giving Laura a good look at the blades. They are quite evidently scalpels, not just knives. "I have a talent for it."
Laura Walker:
"I got the impression he will." She answers Annie. "He mentioned he was hoping to find a motley." A furred hand reaches out to lightly grip Raphael's as she studies it, head canting. "Yeah, They have a habit of fucking up everything They can, lives most of all. I try to spit in Their eye, often as I can. Good you're doing the same."
Anneliese Kiel:
Annie nods. "Have you considered going back to school and getting a license? If you only missed the 20th century you would have an easier time catching up than I."
Raphael Sharpe:
Raph goes very, very still when the hyena woman takes his hand, lest he cut her by accident. "Yes. In my case.. She wanted a scalpel. and certain updated medical knowledge. But She made me cause... quite unneccesary kinds of harm in the process." He takes a slow breath, in and then out.
"Unfortunately, everything these days is done with those little gloves on, and I have the most irritating tendency to put holes through them. But I am working at the Mutter Museum, since I have such uncommon expertise in 19th century medical techniques." Drily. "And because I do get a kick out of watching the reaction of the school tour kids."
His mantle has Autumn leaves blowing through it, so.... yeah.
Laura Walker:
"There are ways around that." Laura tells Raphael. "We should talk on it later, maybe." She offers a slight nod. "About other things too, maybe." She cants her head, studying his Mantle before releasing his hand.
Anneliese Kiel:
"They do have a fondness for tormenting us." Annie nods quietly. "Where is this Mütter Museum? I am fairly new in town, so am still learning my way around."
Raphael Sharpe:
"I should very much like to know them, then. I have a lot of workarounds, but that one I can't solve." He looks up at Laura - a lot up, he's only 5'9", and very slightly built, and reading the effect of her Mantle, smiles. "Ah. Yes. Other things. Mearcstapa has connected me with the -proper paperwork and such, but... he's not much of an outdoorsy type." Turning to Annie. "It's not far from here. A few blocks northwest of Rittenhouse Square."
Laura Walker:
"Do you have a number?" Laura asks Raphael. "I should make my own tracks, but I'll hopefully be able to find you later."
Raphael Sharpe:
He takes out a business card - just his first name and phone number, and a caudecus with the wings exaggerated so heavily that it passes for a symbol of the Archangel. "Please do. I would like to know more... kindred spirits." Trying to pick words carefully.
Anneliese Kiel:
"I shall have to look it up sometime, then." Beat. "When I have a free moment. Attending medical school and working as a bartender makes for a fairly full schedule, to say nothing of my other commitments.."
Laura Walker:
"True enough." She nods to Annie, taking the card from Raphael and tucking into her clutch. "Thanks to you both, I hope to see you again soon." With a nod she stands to pad her way out.
Raphael Sharpe:
"Goodness! whenever do you sleep?" A rhetorical question directed at Annie - then he smiles at her. "I did not realize you're a medical student. In that case, you should know that the Museum is affiliated with the College of Physicians of Philadelphia, and you should be able to get access to the libraries there more or less for the asking."
Anneliese Kiel:
"Rarely." Annie chuckles briefly. "I will keep that in mind for when I get the chance to visit. It is unlikely to be any time soon, though, admittedly." She shrugs. "From what I hear, making do on very little sleep is good practice for the later years, let alone one's residency."
Raphael Sharpe:
"Sorry to say that is accurate, by all accounts I have heard. But it's best to go into the residency without already having a buildup of sleep debt." He cocks an ear at Annie's Mantle. "mm, you know the one for fatigue, surely?" He wiggles bladed fingertips and audibly puffs out a breath, trying to indicate the Contract without saying the name of it.
Anneliese Kiel:
"I am aware of it, yes." She shrugs again. "What do you do when not terrifying excitable school children?"
Raphael Sharpe:
"Well, I just moved, so I'm still setting up some things. Finding a new tailor, for instance. I've been trying to get out and meet people, and I got very lucky and found a whole polycule, so that's.... been taking a lot of time up lately. One of them is going to teach me to make art - we were thinking perhaps printmaking: woodcuts or something like that." An art form, notably, that's created by engraving rather than drawing or painting.
Anneliese Kiel:
"Oh? Anyone I would be likely to know?" She seems genuinely curious, but, well. She's a Spring. They're like that. His fingers get a considering glance. "Have you considered paper cutting?"
Raphael Sharpe:
"Hmm. Well, Lux probably comes here pretty often? And yes, actually, Mearcstapa showed us some really beautiful ones that are used on these documents called 'ketubah'. We might try sculpting in clay, as well."
Anneliese Kiel:
"Oh, yes, I know both of them." Annie grins at him. "Ketubah is the singular, by the way. The plural is ketubot." She pauses to take a sip from the water bottle she keeps under the bar. "Clay sculpting could be interesting. Let me know how it goes?"
Raphael Sharpe:
"Certainly. I'm not sure I'll make anything other than a mess, but.... " He grins and shrugs.
Anneliese Kiel:
"Well, everyone makes a mess their first few times attempting visual arts." She says philosophically. "Less so for those of us in the performing arts, but only because our material is our own body."
Raphael Sharpe:
"Oh? You're a performer as well?"
Anneliese Kiel:
"Merely a gifted amateur, but yes." Annie smiles at him. "I sing and play the violin."
Raphael Sharpe:
"Ah, goodness. I'm glad Lux will be teaching me art, then. if everyone is so... multitalented, around here."
Anneliese Kiel:
"It is all about what you choose to spend time practicing." She shrugs again. "Your skillset is no less valuable than mine, even as they differ."
Raphael Sharpe:
"My skillset is essentially the same as one piece of yours," he points out, with a sigh, and sets an elbow on the bar and his chin in one hand (carefully). He is ridiculously pretty when he's melancholy, being as he's the perfect epitome of the Byronic Leechfinger. "Forgive me, I .... fall into these moods, sometimes."
Anneliese Kiel:
Annie definitely appreciates the aesthetic appeal, but that's about as far as the conventional Byronic figure can go for her. "Have you considered talking to someone about it? I may not be a professional in that area, nor intending to become one, but I do know therapy can help with these things."
Raphael Sharpe:
"It's not something I can go to a.... regular.... therapist for." He pulls his pocketwatch - because of course he has a pocketwatch - from his vest pocket, clicking it open and looking at it for a moment before grimacing and tucking it back away as he sits back up. "Ah. later than I thought. That'll be half of it. And the other half is that.... someone is messing with Lux's other partner, and Lux themself by extension, and if they figure out he's anything to do with Mearcstapa, they'll be after him too. I'm worried sick about it, but there's nothing I can do, until the... powers that be... cry havoc on the damned bitch responsible. " No other skillsets? that sharpness comes back, when he mentions whoever it is.
Anneliese Kiel:
"Well, there are still other options." Annie says carefully. She's not about to volunteer herself - the Spring knows that someone who doesn't know what they're doing can just cause more harm - but she won't say no if he wants to talk in more private settings. "Yes, Mearcstapa mentioned that. And that her community seem to be actively disinterested in shielding her.
Raphael Sharpe:
"Ah. good. Then maybe they'll let me...." He cuts off whatever he was going to say, as Not For Public Consumption, but the way his voice his gone soft and chill, his eyes darkening, suggests plenty as he pauses to find an acceptable way to put it. "...answer on behalf of the polycule."
Anneliese Kiel:
"..." Annie seems to be considering her words very carefully. "Maybe hold off on that for a day or two? We should not go directly to answering a provocation with further escalation if it can be avoided."
Raphael Sharpe:
"If I weren't holding off, I wouldn't be sitting in your bar, Annie."
Anneliese Kiel:
"Good to know." She pauses as her phone beeps at her, glancing down to check the notification. "Unfortunately, I am going to have to ask you to leave now. The bar's license does not allow us to remain open after this point."
Raphael Sharpe:
"Of course." Raphael takes a deep breath and lets it out slowly, pushing back the emotions until he can act like a civilized human being instead of a murder waiting to happen. "Pray forgive me for my dark mood. It's been a very long day. It really was a pleasure meeting you, and I wish you the best of luck in medical school." Not quite his normal voice, but close. "Do I owe you anything?"
Anneliese Kiel:
"No, Ash covered it. Thank you for checking, though." She smiles at him.
Raphael Sharpe:
"Alright. Have a good .... what's left of the night, then." Raphael reluctantly gets up, grabs his bag, and heads out.
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