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Avery was outside the entrance to the portal to Maddy's, not quite inside yet. They had shown up quietly, told by others where it was, but they were nervous.
To those that could see the Mein, his feathers were all ruffled and he was on high alert. To those that could only see the Mask, he had jeans, a sleeveless shirt, and a jacket on over that, halfway hanging off his shoulders. An anxious pacing that shows that they really wanted to leave but were forcing themselves to be there.
"You can do this Avery...just one thing...then you can leave. People aren't that scary...and these people are used to the Lost...but its going to be loud..."
At a booth looking toward the entrance, Vincent was sitting and watching with interest. Wright told him about the basics, Vampires have the night and their are wizards and 'changelings' not fairies but something else, all in all he didn't know the city as well as he thought he did, something that honestly seemed to upset him.
Must be the blood, he thinks, recalling the talk they had about being a Scion, these people still just looked like that, people, no horns, hobbits, or elf ears. . . damn he wished there were elf ears. A few notes and some picked up phrases, he'll need to dig what's so important about seasons.
Avery finally works himself up enough, entering the portal and ending up in the diner. At even a first glance the place was loud and busy, and the Raven-like changeling looked pale. To other eyes, he appeared normal enough, until he started moving.
There was an unnerving grace to his movements. Something that would be beautiful if it wasnt broken up by small twitches as his instincts caused him to try to react to every noise. A worker at Maddy's luckily noticed, and helped him find a seat towards the back. Not quite quiet, but less intense. Avery accidentally bumps Vinny's table as he passed, a worried look shot at the vampire but no words given.
"Hello friend." Vincent smiles at the new comer, they seemed a tad nervous so best to put on a friendly face, maybe he can gain some insight depending what exactly they where, "want a seat?" he offers gesturing to the seat across from himself
Avery paused, then nods, then looks at the worker who smiles and heads back to work. Avery sits in such a way that they could pop up at any moment if threatened.
He does slowly take the menu from the table, as if uncertain of the stranger's intentions or how to react. "Um...thank you?"
"No problem," he smiles, "names Vincent, call me Vinny if you want." he gives a small chuckle, "You come here often, just started coming here myself so trying to meet new people?"
"You may call me Avery." The man sits down a little further, eyes flicking to movement behind Vinny before focusing back on him.
"I don't like loud spaces...so this is the first time."
"Not one for the social scene then?" he comments, looking for some way to break the ice, "So, if you don't mind, what are ya, I just got to this side of the tracks recently myself, changed my sleep schedule and diet." he grins, "I'm going to guess. . .vampire too?, your pale enough and I've noticed they tend to turn pretty people" he lies, not giving off the feeling but can't hurt to seem not observant, "It's pretty hard to tell at a glance."
"No...too loud." Avery pauses for a minute, trying to figure out how to answer politely.
"I am...a Lost. Not a vampire...you are a vampire? You don't look...dead like the other one." A nervous look. "I wasn't trying to be pretty today but thank you."
"I like to keep up appearances." he shrugs, "Lost. . .forgive me but I'm still learning the terms, is that a wizard or changeling?" he says before a quick smile, "and your welcome." he motions for one of the workers to bring some food, "You like waffles?"
"I can hear your heartbeat...it is very convincing. I am...yes a Changeling. Sorry, you said you were new..." Avery notices the worker. "Um...sure? I think I can have them?"
"Two waffles please," he says to the server then turns to Avery, "Turns out I can eat things sometimes. . .but can't keep it down." he sighs, "I blame television, be a vampire, get the girl, turn into a bat, it's hot," he gives an exaggerated eyeroll, "No more beach days, you can't eat properly," he blinks as if realizing something, "fucking daylight savings!" he exclaims, "I forgot about the damn savings." he face palms, "Um, sorry about that, still processing, so what's a changeling exactly?, if you don't mind sharing, I heard some tidbits, Season's seem to be a hot topic."
Avery's head jerks as someone at another table slams a hand down on the table at a joke, slowly looking back, before his head snaps back at the exclamation.
"I... thats a lot of things. One at a time please? It's hard to focus on just you for too long."
"Aw, and here I thought I was interesting," he teases before reading the reaction, "you ok, you seem. . .well like your processing too much." he says concerned, "Ok then, so changelings, why do I keep hearing about seasons?"
"You are but...everything is loud. I see and hear...almost everything going on right now."
Avery tries to figure out how to answer to someone outside the Freehold. "We were...taken. Changed into playthings almost...it leaves all of us scarred but...its hard to escape. Everyone you'll meet is someone that escaped...but we forget many things and...sometimes its hard to stay ok. Our group...the Freehold, works to keep each other safe. We divide ourselves into Seasons based on how we view the world. I am a Summer but I joined Winter at first." Avery nods, short answers being better but they seen confident in that answer.
"So none of you wanted this," he says, maybe knowing a bit how they feel. . .but he has a feeling it's worse, "What's the difference between the Seasons, they sound like Covenants. . .um, our 'Seasons' as it where, apparently vampire catholics are a thing. . .somehow I'm not surprised."
"No, we were taken by trickery or force...or often both. I...don't remember how I was taken."
Avery hesitates. "I dont know much about your Covenants, and I...won't tell you everything. Spring is...Joy, they deal with a lot of our talks with other groups...and offer therapy to try to move on from what happened to us. Summer is Wrath, we are warriors, but that doesnt mean there arent fighters else where too. We are...good at defending our people. Autumn is Fear, but also research. Some are like wizards almost and are really good at magic. And then...Winter is Sorrow. They are good at finding information, spying, and hiding for when the time is right. We arent solely in one court most of the time. We pledge ourselves to one but...can help out others too. I help out Winter a lot too, even if I am no longer pledged to Winter." Avery stops themselves there. "Was...that too much?"
Vincent smiles, already trying to make a board with red strings attached everywhere in his mind, "Not at all, I'm really interested in you folks I'm willing to trade what I know about the Covenants if you wish, I'm new so it's a very bare bones. . .and probably biased from my boss." he shrugs
"I don't know much...and thats not my specialty. What are you good at? You have...a silver tongue, I've noticed."
"Why thank you." he smiles, "I'm in. . .well alot, paranormal invistigation, sales, travel, entertainment," he lists the various scams he's done, "Plus I've been told I can use it for. . .other things," he chuckles, "But look where that got me, walking corpsehood."
Titania had a way with entrances and tonight was no different.
Though she was doing her best to appear normal given it was a shared space. Well, as normal as one like her could.
She was wearing a short black dress with intricate detailing on it, a leather bound tome under her arm and a cat slinking around her shoulders. Cat is a vague definition given it seems to be made of smoke, but its mostly cat shaped.
Wandering in she stopped at the notice board before making a coy smile at Avery then tilting her head at Vincent.
"You... have a lot of skills it seems. We're you not willing to... become like you are? I thought most were." He trails off as he sees Titania, a hand resting by his thigh. He knows not to fight here, but it's the first instinct.
A young woman, wearing a simple white tee with black jeans and black shoes jogged in shortly after Titania. The Mage had her satchel with her as usual, but Bones' gaze swept through the room and a grin broke across their face as she saw Titania, only slightly out of breath as they spoke, "Tit-ania..... I just missed you goning through the portal. Thought I'd say hello again...." and then to the others he recognized, they got a nod, before looking at Avery and Victor with a wave of his hand, "Howdy. I'm called Bones. It's a pleasure to meet y'all."
Vincent observes the two joining them, making a mental note at Avery's reaction to the albino chick, "Vincent a pleasure," he smiles, why the hell are all the magical folks attractive. . .well at least I'm one he mentally pats himself on the back, "As for your question Avery, my sire. . .well the bitch lured me in with some fun promises but gave me the hickey of death, seems to have been a big no no so she's not with us anymore, fuck her." he says flatly with some more spite than he intended, "But I got a job now so that's decent, turns out the vampire Illuminati have use of my talents." he looks at this Titania, "Vincent Drake, I have not had the pleasure." he says, his Beast reacting to hers
The smile widens on Titanias face as Bones comes in, though her eyes linger on Avery. Watching his reactions.
"Good evening Vincent Drake."
She sits opposite Avery still watching him. That same kind of sick smile on her face as she strokes her cat Mei.
Avery stares at Titania, and at the person behind her. His hand moves from his thigh as the Crone doesnt get defensive, but keeps a close eye on her. "You may call me Avery..."
A glance to Vinny as he recounts what happened, a frown. "I am sorry you were brought into this against your will. I'm...not sure if you are happy that she is gone, but if so I am glad for you?"
Seeing Vincent's reaction to Titania made them chortle, "She is an ancient beauty, isn't she? As strong and sturdy as a white oak," a wink towards the Crone, while still addressing Vince. She was more confident this time.
Looking at the booth, she decided the best option was to grab the table across the walkway, and turned the chair backwards to sit in it while leaning against the back. A wave to the waitstaff was enough to trigger the usual, which was the Three Amigos as a scrambler and coffee.
Then to Avery, and Vincent, "Bueno dias. Pleasure to meet you Avery and Vincent Drake."
"It's fine, I believe in making the best of any situation and it may have been worse, spent most of my life on the streets and now I'm working for some folks with money to burn," he chuckles, "First Estate seems to be smooth sailing." he grins and turns to the new comers, "So, Titania and Bones, to what do we owe the pleasure?" he smiles, trying to give the most innocent and affable look he can
Still never taking her eyes of of Avery she continues with a nod in the direction of Bones.
"Now now my dear, are you trying to flirt with me?"
A pause as she sets her book on the table.
"Oh I felt like a social evening and this is turning out to be so much more fun than my usual haunts. The rooftops are." A pregnant pause. "Ever so lonely these nights."
Avery sinks in the opposire direction of where Titania sits, eyes flicking to the others but half the attention always on her.
"I thought you liked lonely rooftops. But....nice to meet you Bones...and okay to remeet you Titania." Avery looks at the cat. "Did...you let Columbi go?"
"Is the statement of fact a flirtation? I suppose it certainly can be with such a predator in our presence," a blush rose to her cheeks even while she spoke with confidence.
The mage glanced at Titania's moleskin with interest, remembering their last discussion.
"Rooftops? I should keep an eye out... I exercise on my rooftop often..."
A tilt of their head at the name of the raven spirit.
"Also, to make it simple, I am an Awakened, or a sorcerer to many, wizard, mage, whatever you'd like. If you're familiar with the terms."
When different terms about the supernatural groups were mentioned, Bones seemed to zoom in a little more to the conversation.
"Oh sweet, so what kind of magic do ya do?" he asks before turning to Titania, "So, I take you've met Avery here, he's been explaining the Lost to me." he says smiling, "Of course we won't deny the company of you lovely ladies."
Titania shakes her head at Avery clicking her tongue a few times.
"Are you really so desperate to start a fight so early in the night? Its so young. We could have such a lovely time. Yet you bring up the thing that made you angry, your hand sits on your blade."
Another click of her tongue.
"Now now, do be good. Maddys has rules after all."
With that she leans back in her chair and closes her eyes.
"A Mage, a Lost, a child and a Vampire walk into a diner? What will happen."
Avery's eyes narrow.
"I know there are rules...I don't like it here...rules and loud. Too much of either are bad..."
Turning away from her, Avery shifts his hand away from his blades. Begrudgingly, but it does. "I am a Lost...yes. May I...ask the pronouns of each of you? I am currently feeling he or him but...any are usually fine."
At the mention of blade, they let a breath of magic go out again. It didn't take hold this time. So she sighed and tried again while watching the interactions between the group, "The other night it was a pair of Mages, a Vampire, a Lost and a Psychic."
And then they perked up at the mention of pronouns, "I actually transform between male, female, and non-binary, literally, so it's however I'm presenting. Thank you so much for asking, good sir."
Finally, to Vincent, "Oh! Asking what kind of magic is a difficult thing, but it's somewhat public, among my circle, and you seem to be a very... official person... for a young man, and ..." glancing between him and Titania, "one so young in general. I am Second Degree Master Bones, Mystagogue and Theurge on the Path to the Aether, Supernal Realm of Prime and Forces, and abode of Angels, Master of Prime and Forces, Adept of Time, Disciple of Life and Spirit, Apprentice of Death, Matter and Space."
Vincent nods, not sure if he's being called out for being new at this and having no idea what any of that was but it sounded impressive.
"Well, you sound like you know your stuff, is your other appearance as cute as your current?" he chuckles before turning to Avery, "He/him." he says understanding the desire for clarification, after his responce he turns to Titania, "How do you know Avery?" he asks, "I haven't seen you around and think it'd be best if I knew the other vamps, where you at the execution?"
Titania doesnt open her eyes but she looks at Bones, taking her eyes off of Avery for the first time. Taking notes in her book, writing with perfect cursive even with her eyes closed.
"You may use She or They for me. Whatever fits your fancy really."
A chuckle as she recalls how they met.
"Oh, it was a chance encounter really. I was out and about playing Pokemon and Avery here didnt like my Pet"
The only word in the sentence with any emotion is pet. The rest is flat.
"I wasnt at the execution but I did hear tell of a new Kindred in town that was embraced without permission."
Avery takes his eyes off Titania as well, but listens to every movement. At the mention of another fluid person, Avery's head pops up.
"I...am also fluid. I tend to use more mundane ways to appear as I want. Binders or hair extentions usually. I...am not sure if the Lost can change as easily as you make it sound for you, Bones."
At the emphasis on the word pet, Avery flashes a glare, the temperature at the table actually raising a degree or two, before Avery calms back down.
Vincent's reaction to Titania and Bones' use of age made it her hunch look more apparent. His flirty comment led Tommy to drop the transformation effect and became a male of about the same age and look a the female... sibling like appearance.
"P-p-pokemon?!" the Archaeologist blinked at the thought of an 800 year old vampire viking playing Pocket Monsters.... and they also filed away Kindred.
His eyes study Avery now, at the anger and the heat. "You look anxious," his words calm and quiet, as quiet as they can make them., "if you'd like, I could help relax you."
"Got to catch them all," Vincent mutters, "Oh sweet, hot both ways, my kind of wizard." he smiles and quickly takes his hands off the table due to the heat, 'Avery, I know your smoking but try to cool down the table. . .ok yeah, that was a bad line, my bad." he chuckles trying to diffuse the sitation, "Hey buddy, can I call ya buddy, let's take a breather." he says. "Look at my eyes, breath."
Titanias smile widens as she watches Averys reaction.
"What can I say, gotta keep up with the times. Ive got a decade to fuck around. Might as well play Pokemon, might not be around next time im up."
His tone matched Vincent's and slowly spoke, "Yeah, we can slowly take deep breaths. Your past and your senses are strong. They're part of you, but they do not control you. It's okay to be upset at Titania, but think of the damage you would do to your personal, and your organization's reputation, all right? If you start anything too rough here... there's going to be trouble, all right?"
Avery slowly takes a deep breath with the help of the other two at the table. Watching Vincent's eyes...rather cute actually...and listening to Bones's voice...and the reasoning...it made sense. The heat withdrew and Avery tucks their head on top of their arms on the table.
"I hate it here...its too loud..."
"Avery," Vincent says with genuine concern, "Look at me, your fine, no one's going to hurt you," he say, "You ok?"
Titania just continues to watch, that same sick smile spread on her face.
She pets at Mei idly as she does. Seeming content.
Content in the chaos she causes but content none the less.
Avery stares at Titania, then buries his head in his arms. "No...I'm not okay. Its...no I'm not."
"If the three of you consent, I can make it so the sound only goes to the four of us for the conversation," still in that soothing low voice.
Seeing the reactions of Titania while seeing everything else in the room at the same time made them sigh in resignation.
Vincent likes chaos fine, it's a ladder, but this is just. . .
"Hey, you wanna leave," he leaves the booth and offers a hand, "It's fine if this is all overwhelming," gives a quick scowl at Titania, "It's fine if ya can't handle it."
Titania tilts her head at Vincent as he starts. Then leans forward in her chair. Eyes opening for the first time in a moment and locking with Vincent staring through them. Her eyes are filled with the rage of the beast, a pair of slits not unlike a cat.
For the first time tonight their voice betrays just a hint of emotion.
"My dear child. I will give you exactly one chance to rethink that look you just gave me."
The fact that Vincent and Bones have been nice and one of them was being threatened caused the Heat to return...except this time it didn't leave. Avery was suddenly slightly taller. The rage in his eyes giving him strength. In a blur faster than anyone could see, there was a knife at Titania's throat, not quite cutting but the warning was there.
The knife itself was beautifully made, curved like a talon if a bird might be. The inside edge is razor sharp and clearly well taken care of.
"Do not threaten him. Apologize or leave. You are becoming cruel."
He chanted a strange language for a moment, pulling out a coin and taking a drink of water from a flask while they did so. Then he became she once again, and she spoke to the group. "M'lady Titania, are you feeling peckish? I would love to escort you as you go out, if possible. WOuld be a novel experience for me."
The emotion, the change, all of it was fascinating to the mage.
And then Avery's movement caused a very quick reaction in the mage, who flipped their coin and focused on the rise in heat from the Changeling's own mantle to make fire appear on the handle of the knife, the heat of a torch in the size of a lighter flame
Titania smiles at Avery bloodlust on her lips pushing her neck into the blade.
"You really dont wanna do that kiddo."
As soon as the fire starts however her eyes go wide and she moves with the speed only allowed to those with Vitae.
She scoops her book off of the table and leaves through the door without another word to those inside.
Vinny doesn't understand why, it's just a small fire but he instinctively backs up, tripping and falling to the floor backing up, a primal fear in his eyes but he manages to push it down.
Avery's hand instinctively drops the knife, yelping in pain at the sudden sensation.
The staff behind the counter have dropped the serving screen and have started making phone calls. The cook is ushering his line staff through a door, possibly towards the freezer or a back exit.
As Titania's anger and bloodlust became apparent, and knowing they broke the rules, she took a big drink of their flask, letting the magic effect them.
"I'm sorry," to Avery, Vincent, and the staff, with true honesty behind it. Then they took a single step and seemed to be very far away in an instant. (Speed is 60 at present to catch up to Titania)
Vincent get's up from the floor, a tad wide eyed and backing away from the fire
"What the hell just happened. . ." he mutters and looks to Avery and tries to help him, "Shit, you burned?"
Right about now, the fire disappears from existance, as if it never existed
Avery looks at the knife, and after touching it once to see if it was cool, grabs it and puts it away so fast its impossible to tell where it went.
"I think...I broke the rules? Im sorry...I saw the threat and...reacted. I dropped it before I could get burned."
"It's fine, I appreciate the sentiment," he smiles, "No one pulled a knife for me before, look at you ya big hero." he says with a hint of flirtation
Avery shifts uncomfortably at the thought of being a hero, but does blush. Easily apparent on their pale face.
"I am not a hero...I am a warrior and a murderer. But...I'm glad you are ok."
That's not encouraging the staff to loiter. The server, who is still on her phone, reaches the kitchen and starts for the door the cook is holding. Last call was a half hour ago, it seems.
"Maybe we should get going," he says, "you got a cell, a number?" he says motioning Avery to follow him to the portal
"I...yes, I don't think I'm welcome. Please...if you come back tell them I'm sorry."
Avery pulls out a phone, and they are noticibly even more graceful. "I have a number yes, but my phone is often off. I fly too often."
Vinny tells him his number, "Put it in speed dial, where you usually hang?"
Avery nods, marking down the phone number. He starts walking towards the portal.
"Fairmount park is...common? I fly more often than anything else. I try not to make patterns...to not be found."
"Understandable. . .you see alot while flying right?"
"I see most things, yes. I...my curse was to report everything to Him...so i see too much."
"Ok," he says not wanting to dig into who He is, "I'm thinking of getting into the information game, I'd love to work with you if your willing," he puts a hand on his shoulder, "I think this is the start of a wonderful friendship."
"I...work with the Freehold...but maybe? If it...benefits my people too." Avery steps through the portal to get out of their hair.
Vincent smiles and shrugs, hoping he's made a good contact tonight. Putting his hand in his pockets he steps through the portal and leaves
Once the waitress is out, the cook pulls the breaker and shuts the door behind himself. The lights go out, and but for the pinging of the cooling grill and fryer, the place is silent.
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