Time for Tea

#ch: snow #th: dress for the season #snabby

Gabby would never say no to a shopping trip. Especially not to one with Snow. She was always such a delight.

Not to mention, she was planning a wedding and Gabby loved to hear the details of those sorts of things. She did love the idea of a wedding. It had been so long since she planned one herself...

But beyond living vicariously through Snow's wedding plans, she was more than happy to look for a new summer wardrobe with her.

"I know, it's been some time since I've updated my summer looks," Gabby said with a smile, giving Snow a polite nod when she opened the door for her. Once inside, Gabby put her hand on the door to keep it open for Snow when she entered. "I have been meaning to come here. I just get so stuck in my routines going to From Farm to Table and the antique shoppe. I'm excited to get to look somewhere new."

@lady-snow-flower

Home Far From the Range || Bubby

#ch: bullseye #bubby #th: home far from the range

Gabby didn't make it a huge habit to go out of her way to interact with the other vampires in town. But she decided that maybe she should try. At least with some of them, to a certain extent.

She found herself wandering to the stables. It had been a while since she'd been so near horses, and it wasn't until she was there that she really realized that she'd missed it.

"I see why you prefer them to people," Gabby smiled at Bullseye as she pet a horse's neck. "They're quite gentle, and don't seem nearly as judgemental. What did you say this ones name was again?"

@bullseye-stoddard

Home Far From the Range || Bubby

One Little Thing I Really Need || Gabrillip

“Oh, I promise I’m not going to confess my love for you or anything like that,” Phillip laughed.

Now that would be a mood ruiner.

He was thankful that Gabby was on the same page with him when it came to the physical nature of their relationship. He hoped that what he was about to say wouldn’t change that.

Wasn’t there some old adage about missing business with pleasure?

“Well, long story short is I’m planning on opening a business and I need investors. I have a couple of people on board already — it’s gonna be a pub. Nothing fancy, just a vital part of the English town ecosystem. And a fix to the eyesore that is the burned carcass of the Deer.” He paused, then flashed a grin. “And this, my dear, is where you would come in.”

@gabrobichaux

#ch: phil #th: one little thing i really need #gabrillip #🥀phillip knightley

Now this was a curious proposal indeed. Not a marital one, thank god, but twice as interesting.

She tilted her head to the side, observing him and the start of what seemed to be a planned out pitch. She couldn't recall ever getting a business plan proposed to her, especially not from someone she was sleeping with.

"You have my attention," she said, folding her hands. "Tell me more about this phoenix you plan to raise from those pitiful ashes. And, of course, what exactly you need from me." She assumed money, she knew that's what this was. But she needed to know how much, she needed to know what she would get out of it as well. Sure she could probably just give Phillip the funding he needed, call it repayment for the times she had a quick snack on him that he maybe didn't fully recall...

@knightley--phillip

A Delicious Date || Jabby

"Oh, of course! We can get anything you want," said Jun.

And at least this, Jun knew was his role. He was quite terrible at dating-- awkward, a bad conversationalist, he took things too seriously, etc. etc. But he could at least treat the lady he took out to some nice food. He took pride in that, personally. If a woman didn't want him to pay, well, that was alright too, he didn't want anyone to feel uncomfortable by that kind of thing. But he liked to do it. It made him feel like he'd done something right, even if the lady didn't want to see him again.

As far as dates went, a tea date at Lucky Cat was also quite cheap. He almost felt badly about that; clearly, Gabrielle was the sort of woman who deserved five-star dining!

But it was also important to start somewhat casually, yes? Not as much pressure? (Jun was already putting too much pressure on himself as it was).

They arrived at the Lucky Cat, then. Jun reached for the door and opened it for Gabby, and stepped in after her.

"Ooooo, yes, there are lots of options. And even some new things for Spring!" exclaimed Jun. "Really, you can get anything you want. My treat."

@gabrobichaux

#ch: jun #th: a delicious date #jabby #🥀moon yeong jun

Gabby smiled at his offer. Really, she had no idea what she wanted. She would have to look at the menu and find whatever seemed as if it would sit best in her stomach. Not that it would sit there for long...

"Oh, thank you," she smiled when he opened the door for her. She waited for him just inside.

It did smell good in here, that was a plus. She glanced up at the menu, then back to Jun. "You really don't have to treat me to tea, but I won't stop you if that's what you want to do." She did always feel bad when people wanted to treat her to things. Because she had more money than she truly knew what to do with. Living for almost 200 years made it pretty easy to accumulate wealth. That and being the only surviving member of an ancient vampire coven, that also tended to drop wealth into ones lap.

"I think I'll try the rose boba, that sounds quite nice," she said with a smile. "And any pastry you recommend." Because a pastry should be light enough and wouldn't sour the same way some proteins did. "Thank you."

@moon-yeongjun

belladonna-wright

Once A Farmer .... - Jesriele

belladonna-wright

[Outfit]

Jessie lingered over some late season rhubarb, candy-pink and pin-striped, sure to be just a little sweeter in the taste by now, as she meandered her way around the market. She enjoyed the rhythm of the farmer's market, the slow give and take of it all, the timelessness.

She sense Gabrielle before she saw her, looking up slowly to see the other woman across the way as another stall.

For a moment, she tensed, before Jessie forced herself to relax and continue her chatter with the farmer. Had Gabrielle wanted to see her? Their last conversation had felt fraught, but they walked the same tightrope line together. As Jessie paid for the fruit, she turned again, and this time smiled.

"Good morning," she said, politely, as she found herself meeting the other vampire in the row between stalls. "Isn't it lovely to finally have some sunshine again-" A lie, of course, but one they both had to perpetuate. "I'm glad to see the farmer's market back."

@gabrobichaux

#ch: jessie #th: once a farmer #jessrielle #🥀jessie wright

Gabby did quite enjoy the farmer's market. And ever since she started to get to know Jun a little better, she made an effort to go out of her way to not only Moon Market, but the farmer's market as well.

Usually she only planted flowers in her garden, but perhaps she could try her hand at some vegetables this season?

She was busy examining some of the starter plants one stall had. A few different perennials, some tomato starts, fairly basic and easy to care for things when she sensed another vampire. No, not any other vampire--Jessie. She looked up, her eyes falling to the woman across the way. she wondered if she had seen her as well. Gabby went back to the plants, but in no time at all they both ended up in the same row.

She smiled. Things had been... a little tense the last time they'd spoken, which really wasn't the impression she wanted to leave Jessie with, so this could be a good opportunity.

"Good morning to you," she said, also politely. "Oh, I know, it's been so nice--" it wasn't terrible, but Gabby had not missed the headaches--"it makes these mornings at the farmer's market all the more bearable. How have you been?"

@belladonna-wright

[outfit]

NAME: Gabry’lle

SPECIES: Elf

OCCUPATION: Mistress of the Night (she works at the brothel)

VIEW OF MAGIC: It’s part of the world, its something she can appreciate as an Elf, but it hasn’t made her life great or terrible either way.

BIOGRAPHY:

Gabry’lle has lived a long life, one she does not like to discuss much with others. Her past matters not, in her mind, because that is not what people come to her for. She’s there to bring pleasure and comfort to those around her, for a price of course.

She’s worked at the Rider’s Reprieve since its conception, growing rather close to the Madame of the business. She cares deeply for all the women who work there as well, and if customers do not respect the rules or the workers, Gabry’lle has no problem getting her hands dirty.

Nicknamed Lady Fangs by some of the regulars, she can be a bit harsh and cold toward the clients (until they’ve paid for her time, but even still that's what some clients are looking for). Some have joked that she’s a dragon turned to an elf and she feasts on the hearts of handsy travelers. While these claims are obviously outlandish, Gabry’lle would never say anything to the contrary. If she can cast a sharp gaze to keep the clientele in line based on a rumor, then so be it. She’ll take the role of domineering and somewhat sadistic. Because at the end of the day, it doesn’t matter who she actually is so long as she can help keep the people she calls family and the place she calls home safe.

#swynagasia

A Delicious Date || Jabby

Gabby touched his arm.

GAH!

This did not make Jun feel calm at all. Quite the opposite. Why, if he were a small woodland creature, he'd probably screech and bolt several meters into the air out of sheer shock and fright. Jun knew such a reaction was ridiculous, naturally. Why should he be so frightened when Gabrielle was simply one of the most beautiful and sweet women he had ever met?

But that was also the problem, hm?

Gabrielle was simply one of the most beautiful and sweet women he had ever met.

And what was old Jun Moon, with his cantankerous attitude and scowl lines on his face, to do with all that...besides disappoint her?

Oh, it was a puzzle. His palms sweat with the pressure of it all, but at least, in holding his arms, she would not touch his hands and feel the moistness of his hands for herself.

"Oh, ah-- er--" stuttered Jun at Gabby's question. His brain scrambled to remember when the Lucky Cat even served, and finally conjured up the magical word: boba!

"I-- I-- I don't go often," he said. "But...well, I suppose when I do, I like to go all out. I get the delicious Cookies n Cream Brulee drink, you know, with the Oreo crumbs?" He blushed. "I know, it's a bit childish, but I do like a sweet treat now and then. And I just love the egg waffles!"

@gabrobichaux

#ch: jun #th: a delicious date #jabby #🥀moon yeong jun #cw eating issues #//its vampire eating stuff and if i get more detailed about any of it i'll tag more #but for now just this #but can def change and will do read mores and stuff if i do more

His heart rate spiked at her touch. She bit back a smile, a little pleased to know she had such an effect on him.

She nodded along. The drink did sound good... though it sounded more like food than a beverage. Her stomach did not hurt at the thought, but she knew it would not enjoy any of what she may put into it.

It was a facade she so rarely put on, eating in public. She would hide behind lies of multiple food allergies or just stick to drinking. Alcohol was an easy go to because some of the flavor made it through, and she would still occasionally drink tea in small amounts. Though it still would sit a little uneasy in her gut.

If she wanted this relationship to go anywhere past this date, it seemed she would have to hold her tongue on the lies and do her best to stomach what she was able to.

"I think it sounds amazing," Gabby smiled. She'd been dead long before Oreos were a thing, but people did seem to enjoy them a lot.

"I may have to give that one a try. I do have a bit of a sweet tooth," she said. That wasn't entirely false. She had loved sweets when she could eat them, and she loved a drink that was on the sweeter side. She couldn't quite taste the sugar anymore, but she could get hints of it. The sweet tastebuds were the last to go. Maybe in undeath they were the only ones to hang on, even if just by a hair.

"I don't believe I've ever had an egg waffle. You may have to show me one of those as well if you love them so much."

@moon-yeongjun

Clockwork || Gabney

Of course his father would be out searching for items that had a bite to them; he wasn't the one who had to handle them. The clock, Sid knew, was more useful from a spellcraft standpoint; taken apart, the bits and pieces carefully repurposed for their materials. The fact those materials carried traces of radioactive energy wasn't as off-putting as normal people considered it.

"Yeah, I know some of the history behind them," Sid couldn't say his knowledge went far beyond that, looking at the seemingly unimposing clock. He understood what he did about them from the scientific side of things, their place in history and that significance, because it was harder to imagine the impact that object might have had in the hands of the people who had crafted it, the strange destructive capacity of an object so mundane on the surface.

Mundane things often stopped being typical at all beyond that surface.

Unstable, potentially, but not nearly as harmful in his hands with some degree of protection from the source of his magic. He understood why his father wanted the clock; it wasn't one just another artifact to add to his exhaustive collection to show off but also a potential building block. Paul didn't think in terms of value in things just as they were; he appreciated them almost solely for their worth in showcasing his importance or furthering his plans.

That opinion extended not only to objects but his possessive views of people as well, as Sid knew and the woman's words only reminded him.

It was not an unusual deal made by his father.

"It would have been useful if he'd told me that beforehand," Sid muttered, but of course Paul discussed nothing until he felt the need to. Even when he wasn't directly around somehow he still made things difficult. "I didn't exactly come prepared for that."

He also didn't ask why; there were countless reasons someone might want those sorts of things, some more unsettling than others, perhaps, but it was objective really, wasn't it? Hard to judge from his side of things.

@gabrobichaux

#ch: sid #th: clockwork #gabney #🥀sid phillips

"Well, that's quite unfortunate," Gabby said, placing her hands on top of the clock. Of course Paul's son wouldn't know if he'd barely known about the deal. She still felt as though she should get something for her efforts.

"Usually, I don't like to let items I trade with go without some sort of assurance I'll receive my dues. I've been burned in the past before. Normally I may give you time to run off home to find the payment he had promised, but you can see after so long of my waiting for this trade to finally happen that I might be just a little suspicious that it may just fall through entirely."

She was quiet for a moment, considering this situation.

"You are from the Isles, are you not?" she asked, her head tilting as she examined him.

@pall0r-mortis

One Little Thing I Really Need || Gabrillip

“So,” said Phillip, setting down his glass of wine. “As much as I want this little meeting to be pleasure only, I did have something I wanted to discuss with you.”

Since their first rendezvous, Phil and Gabby had met up every so often for some more little games. Phil liked the sex and the company. He also liked Gabby’s big fancy house.

It had been while he was laying in said house, nude and sweaty with his hair plastered to his forehead, that he’d had the first spark of his idea.

“If it ruins the mood, just kick me,” he laughed.

@gabrobichaux

#ch: phil #th: one little thing i really need #gabrillip #🥀phillip knightley

Maybe that should have made her nervous. Him wanting to discuss something with her. She wondered, very briefly, if perhaps one of the times she compelled him to forget the little snack she'd taken from him hadn't held. But there was no way. He definitely would have been screaming in her bed if that were the case.

Not to mention she was very good at keeping her meals happy and clueless. She had been doing this quite a long time at this point.

"You have me a little worried," she grinned, taking a sip of her own wine. She looked back at him, her eyes twinkling. "Though, I doubt there's much you could say to fully ruin the mood--we're rather good at finding it again, I would say."

@knightley--phillip

barleythebrave

A Bit of Takeaway || Barelle

barleythebrave

Barley was relieved when Gabby settled into the van without any sort of complaint. Guinevere was hit-or-miss in her reactions. She was kitschy and eclectic and cluttered but he thought she was cozy and comforting and warm. Other people saw her as a mess that needed to be removed from their sight and the road. Barley had done a lot of work to make sure that she was still running as well as when he'd gotten her.

He sat beside Gabby, feeling that warmth tenfold as he placed himself there. She was enthralling, truly, and he didn't know how to look away. Nor did he want to, really. Well, part of him wanted to ramble about the history of the van and his great many adventures but he held back.

There were other things afoot.

"My lovely steed and I do appreciate such a fair maiden gracing us with her presence." He was Barley, after all, and some behaviors didn't simply disappear with his brain turning quiet. He had stumbled over a few of those words, though, drawn closer to her like a moth to the flame. "I'm.. glad you're here.."

@gabrobichaux

#ch: barley #th: a bit of takeaway #barelle #🥀barley lightfoot

He was definitely different than a lot of guys she chose to spend her time with, but she had to admit he was a little charming. In a dorky, nerdy sort of way. His comment did make her laugh a little. Not at him--not really. Just... at all of this.

Maybe she should have higher standards.

Then again, she was rather hungry...

He was getting drawn in nearer to her. Gabby smiled, batting her eyelashes as she leaned a bit closer as well.

"I'm glad to be here, and to have found such a noble knight to sweep me off my feet," she replied, her voice soft and low, her eyes half lidded as she reached up to push some of his hair back off his forehead.

Her fingers trailed lightly down the side of his face to his neck. She could feel his pulse thundering away. So strong. So enticing. Gabby smiled again briefly as she leaned in to close the gap so their lips could meet. Gabby was fair with her meals, she liked to make sure they were happy and satisfied too. It made them taste all the sweeter.

@barleythebrave

A Delicious Date || Jabby

Gabby had a date! Not her usual type of date either where she knew how the night would end. A real sort of getting-to-know-you kind of date.

She was happy to meet Jun for a date. The Lucky Cat was easy enough because she could drink something and hopefully call it a day.

She would tell Jun about what she was eventually. Just... not yet. Was that perhaps not the smartest move? Maybe. But she didn't have terrible intentions, really. She wasn't looking to turn Jun.

It just seemed so unfair that because of a decision made for her decades ago she had to resign to this sort of life. One where she didn't get to have a family. One where some thought she didn't deserve one or any sort of semblance of one. Even what she had with the Bensons would be seen as wrong and problematic, building a family that way was wrong according to some, but it was also wrong for her to want to have a family the 'traditional' way?

She'd wonder if most of the world would just prefer her to not exist, but she knows the answer to that. She knows the fear around vampires.

So she would keep that to herself for now, until Jun could see that she was just as sweet and lovely as any other young lady he could have matched with for the letters.

When she heard the knock on her door, Gabby happily answered, smiling brightly upon seeing him--and actually seeing him and his face. She had seen him around town before, of course, but it was nice to finally put all the pieces together.

"Thank you," she said. "As do you. I must say, it's quite a nice change of pace to get to see and hear you."

@moon-yeongjun

[outfit]

It had been a long, long time since Jun had gone on a proper, real date.

Yes, he had gone on dates with Lo. Plenty of dates! But the way their relationship came together had been so... well, not traditional. They were friends first, spending so many hours playing Stardew Valley and Fall Guys and other video games together, talking casually about their days. He hadn't really thought she'd ever develop feelings for him and so there had not been any pressure there. So, when they had gotten together, it had felt like they were really dating for months and months, all initial awkwardness long forgotten.

But now he remembered that awkwardness, feeling it in his clammy palms and a tickle in his throat. It was so deeply uncomfortable and nerve-racking! He wished he could just squeeze his eyes closed and fast-forward to the very end of the date so he didn't have to actually be here for it.

Well, that wans't entirely true. He was just worried he was about to make a big fool out of himself. He felt so exposed outside of his Fall Guys costume. Did Gabby even mean what he said? She was so completely beautiful that he doubted it-- the kind of woman who would never look his way if not for the letters!

Agh, none of that now, though. Enough, enough, enough. He needed to not be a total sputtering idiot and hope for the best.

At least she couldn't hear how fast his heart was beating. That would be even more embarrassing.

He laughed nervously. "Ah, y-yes. Sorry about that. I know...it was a bit ah, ridiculous. If you could just forget all about it...!" He waved a nervous hand, then cleared his throat. "Er, shall we? It isn't so long a walk. And it is quite nice out. Not uh-- not so cold!"

Bah. Talking about the weather. She was going to leave the date before they even got down the street.

@gabrobichaux

#ch: jun #th: a delicious date #jabby #🥀moon yeong jun

His heart was beating so fast. It reminded her of a rabbit's, just thundering away faster and faster. He was so nervous, Gabby was honestly a little flattered.

"No, no, I think it was sweet," she smiled. "You were certainly the only one that took maintaining anonymity at the masquerade seriously." But she would let it go if it made him feel better. The last thing she wanted was for him to be uncomfortable.

"It's very nice out, yes. I'm so glad the weather is finally starting to warm up," she said. She didn't mind talking about the weather, really. She was just happy to talk with Jun, as cheesy as that might sound. She had enjoyed speaking in the letters and she was really looking forward to getting to know more about him in detail. And if that started with shy comments about the weather, so be it.

As they started to walk up the road, Gabby lightly took his arm. Just to hopefully calm his nerves and let him know she wasn't going anywhere.

"I must admit, it's been a while since I've been to the Lucky Cat. What's your favorite thing to get there?" she asked, a good way to get to know him and to get an idea of what was on the menu.

@moon-yeongjun

A Delicious Date || Jabby

Jun had a date.

He hadn't expected a date. In fact, when he arrived at the masquerade reveal ball, he was certain that he would toddle around the perimeter of the room, get sufficiently freaked out, and then run for it! He had felt so unbelievably guilty even being in that room! It probably meant he wasn't ready.

That was probably still the case.

But-- he was also so lonely with nothing to look forward to in his life. Really, Jun didn't have many friends, and the friends he did have were married and getting ready for their own families. Gregory was also in a relationship-- he had Ruff 2 Fluff to look over. Jun felt bothersome. A burden to not only those friends, but his family as well, a disappointment to Eomma who every day mentioned this or that person who he might go on a date with.

At least, with Gabrielle, he already knew a little about her. He appreciated her frankness, her deliberation, and her patience. When he was with her, he didn't feel...quite as nervous. Maybe it meant something. Maybe she was supposed to be the one after all.

And so Jun was taking her on a little casual date to Lucky Cat Cafe, to share some drinks and delicious desserts.

He picked her up, of course-- he'd not be a gentleman if he didn't!

"Oh, hello. You look very lovely," Jun complimented her when she opened the door and stepped outside.

@gabrobichaux

#ch: jun #th: a delicious date #jabby #🥀moon yeong jun

Gabby had a date! Not her usual type of date either where she knew how the night would end. A real sort of getting-to-know-you kind of date.

She was happy to meet Jun for a date. The Lucky Cat was easy enough because she could drink something and hopefully call it a day.

She would tell Jun about what she was eventually. Just... not yet. Was that perhaps not the smartest move? Maybe. But she didn't have terrible intentions, really. She wasn't looking to turn Jun.

She'd wonder if most of the world would just prefer her to not exist, but she knows the answer to that. She knows the fear around vampires.

So she would keep that to herself for now, until Jun could see that she was just as sweet and lovely as any other young lady he could have matched with for the letters.

"Thank you," she said. "As do you. I must say, it's quite a nice change of pace to get to see and hear you."

@moon-yeongjun

[outfit]

Clockwork || Gabney

"He just had some plans change and is going to be busy for a while out of town," Sid lied, somewhat, any version of the truth that painted his father in a weak light would be one he'd have to deal with the repercussions later and he didn't owe the woman that much of an honest answer.

Sid had heard some version of that line a good dozen times or more; nobody knew anything, nobody asked questions, it was all ignored and that's how everyone walked away without any connection in case things went bad later. It was how most transactions functioned, although he was used to those transactions being a little less legal and from what he understood this was just a clock and there was probably no reason for all the secrecy.

But whatever, he wasn't going to argue.

"My father collects all sorts of things, some less ordinary than others but he was looking for a clock," Sid confirmed, opting out of introductions unless that was a necessity or she asked. "If it was that difficult to get a hold of I'm going to guess he didn't offer to pay you."

Of course not, Paul had too much money, to him it was the least valuable form of currency. Besides, given the look of that house she clearly had plenty of her own. Which did leave the question, because she was right, he wasn't sure exactly what had been agreed on and Sid realized he was probably going to have to go searching the house for whatever his father had offered her.

Great, a potentially longer errand to run.

She seemed pleasant, which wasn't something he was prone to just trusting outright, but he did have to get the clock. "No, I'm fine," he was not, however, letting all his caution down and he traded the offer for a glance around the house as he stepped inside. He didn't have to fake interest since the place was enough to actually catch his curiosity and he didn't bother obscuring that; she was trying to strike up a conversation after all.

@gabrobichaux

#ch: sid #th: clockwork #gabney #🥀sid phillips

He knew more than she maybe expected. That was good. It meant she maybe didn't have to talk around it all so much.

Only in ways that benefit her, of course.

"Yes, a clock," Gabby nodded. "Quite an old one, too." Well, not to Gabby. And it wasn't the oldest one she'd ever seen. But to such a young person, it certainly was to be considered old.

She led him to the table it was on. It was a small clock, perhaps not at all what had been expected. She had it sat under a glass cloche, perhaps more for show since it wouldn't affect her. But, it was, after all, radioactive.

"Do you know much about Radium clocks?" she asked Sid, tilting your head. "They're not always that difficult to seek out at antique stores, but one in as good of condition as this? Much harder to come by."

There was also the other piece of history about this clock in particular. But she didn't feel the need to disclose that to Sid, since as far as she knew, he would just be taking it home to his father.

Gabby picked up a small blacklight flashlight to shine on the clock face to prove that it was, in fact, painted with radium.

"Now, for the cost," Gabby said, turning off the light. "You would be right in saying he wasn't offering to pay me. Not with money, anyway. The offer that was made was for ingredients from the Boiling Isles. Specifically, blood from the Isles. I have another contact looking for those components so I do need to know if you'd be able to provide the payment before I allow you to take the clock home."

@pall0r-mortis

Vampiric Restoration || Gabrillip

#ch: phil #th: vampiric restoration #gabrillip #🥀phillip knightley #swynsmut

kenneth-carson

The Art Of The Holidays || Vintage Dolls

kenneth-carson

@gabrobichaux

Ken's brow had furrowed, lips parting to ask what the woman meant with her fill-in-the-blank question. He thought she was going to ask if they were artists, or if they'd been to one of these things before. Something that was actually relative. Then Gabby answered, apparently having understood what was being asked without having to get clarification, and he turned to look at her. His brows were raised a little, trying to catch up.

...and he was still a little lost. But Gabby had just paid him a compliment and the light tough to his arm made him smile, though there was a touch of confusion still ghosting over his features.

He had clearly missed something.

Oh well!

"How lovely!" the woman beamed. "Well, we're glad you're here. Should be fun!"

"Have you been to one of these before?" Ken asked.

"Nope," Myra shook her head. "You?"

"No. And I actually don't think I've painted anything since high school," he admitted, having not really thought about it until that moment.

"What about you, dear?" she looked to Gabby. "You look like you've got an artistic air about you."

#ch: ken #th: the art of the holidays #vintage dolls #🥀 kenneth carson

Ken didn't seem to get it but that was alright. Perhaps she had read too much into the woman's words, but knowing this type of lady, she had a feeling she was on the right track.

"Yes, we're glad to be here! And I'm sure this will be so much fun."

It was good that they all seemed to be beginners here. And with all the drinking it seemed today would be more about the fun and the 'vibes' rather than expressing any over the top artistic prowess.

"Oh, thank you," she assumed that was a compliment. "I mostly sew, that's where my artistic talent lies. Though I do some painting--nothing that detailed or scenes, more like repainting old wardrobes and things like that." she laughed lightly. "Basically meaning I know how to hold a paintbrush. Which is fine, that just means our pictures might be a little more unique."

She did hope her perfectionism didn't come out with this, though. She didn't want to be the last one finished.

@kenneth-carson

Clockwork || Gabney

He never knew what to expect of the people his father made connections with.

Growing up he had seen all sorts of them and they ranged from the man's colleagues in medical fields to the much more shady variety; background noise. Strangers had never been allowed in the Philips' house unless they were from the CoDE and requested shelter but that simply meant Sid accompanied his father once he was old enough to learn the importance of building a network.

It was one of those necessary lessons he had very little choice in; observing silently while his father discussed all manner of things but the topics that came up most often was either the acquisition of spellwork components or things Paul wanted for his own hoard of artifacts.

The woman standing in the door looked baffled by his presence but she also looked positively mundane. Sid knew better than to assume that though; nobody intelligent made a point of looking suspicious.

"My father, Paul Philips, talked to you about tracking down something for him but he isn't able to meet you himself." Straight to the point, even though he had only the barest knowledge of the transaction himself but Lavenza had insisted he go regardless because Paul would be angry if that deal fell through or, worse, his reputation was compromised by leaving it unfinished.

Whatever he was there to pick up was bound to be less of a threat than his father's anger once he was out of the hospital if he didn't get what he wanted.

@gabrobichaux