maintaining the balance

Kader Mernick Manager at Elsewhere

[catalinacvsta]

Her own smile mirrored Kader’s, ” You’d think so. Especially with the tips I leave them. ” Although, Karina wasn’t much of a whiner, bad alcohol would always be the exception, and one that she’d never keep quiet about. Turning her face towards the raven haired woman, she placed her cheek on her hand that was propped up by the elbow that rested on the bar. ” The more I drink, the more.. out going I get. Usually. So, I guess it depends if you’re one of those people that get easily annoyed by that.” She shrugged, thinking back to her last visit at Elsewhere. ” I’m intrigued. I visited once or twice, although I couldn’t be bothered to actually read anything. I liked the feel of the whole place. Do you enjoy being manager?” Her train of focus was lost once the girl offered her a sip, although she’d already taste that same drink a hundred times before, she would never refuse any kind of alcohol. ” Sure. You can try mine as well.” 

[kadermernick]

"A drinker who can give a good tip? I doubt it would be hard for them to forget someone like that even if you didn't come as often as you do." Kader took another sip from her glass. The taste was good enough for her at the moment. All she could do was drink for taste. And she wasn't one for anything that burned her throat too much. "Outgoing?" She repeated, questioning. "That doesn't sound annoying at all." As Karina took a sip from her drink, Kader thought some about the answer to that question. It was better than doing something else, like reading all of those books. She politely declined Karina's drink however. She didn't need to know how watered down it tasted. "I suppose I enjoy it. Requires just the right amount of work to keep me from having too much time on my hands. What do you do?"

[virginiathorans]

Unfortunate Series of Events | Virginia & Kader | Gif-Chat

[virginiathorans]

Virginia frowned. “You can not know if my knowledge, my actions would change a thing. I believe you may think you know everything - and maybe you do, but you have no clue what I can move with the things I would do, despite the fact, that I’m just a vampire.” She got a bit fired up for defending herself but if she couldn’t stand one thing, than it were people, telling her she couldn’t do this or that, or wouldn’t be able to do something because of certain circumstances. With a sigh she crossed her arms, chewing thoughtfully on the flesh inside her mouth while doing so. “Sorry, but… yes, I still want to know it. And I don’t think it’s such a big deal. This is not the bank of Prague or something. Just a simple strip club.”

[kadermernick]

Her ignorance was to be expected; it didn't bother Kader none. Then again, nothing ever really did. No one outside of her siblings at least. They always knew how to get right under her skin. Everyone else, not so much. They were all children in her eyes. Down to the most evil demon alive--a child. Not in a patronizing way, but in a similar way a mother couldn't have favorites, couldn't punish a child for not knowing the stove was indeed hot. There was very much they didn't know and equally as much they would never know. "Just a vampire? Don't sell yourself so short. Vampires are capable of many things, don't forget that." A vampire could easily rip her to shreds, after all. Kader leaned back into her chair, arms open, a smirk not failing to appear on her lips. However, whatever sensation the vampire had felt, it truly was gone. Whatever had happened, had run its course. "Bank robberies aren't particularly high. Much more likely to see crime take place in the shadows of Prague. But I digress," she sat up straight. "No danger will come to you or your customers. At least not until the next drunk goes looking for a fight, but that's almost a common occurrence around here, isn't it? Not very dangerous."

[daliamernickx]

Dalia smiled brightly as Kader began to share her ideas for Elsewhere. “Tables would be a fantastic idea. We could have a section for students who need to do quiet study; somewhere away from the main ‘traffic’ areas.” Dalia suggest, her hands still comfortably wrapped around her cup of coffee.  While Dalia had never really been to school or completed any mode of study, her and her brothers and sisters were incredibly knowledgeable on the ways of the world and its inhabitants. Watching and learning from the human race as they grew and developed seemed to work just as well as attending school. “As for the furniture, we could try mixing it up.” Dalia said with a slight shrug. 

"Books like Dracula and the Wolf-Man, and Frankenstein, as well as some new horrors." Dalia suggested.  "Yes, they do seem to be incredibly interested in the supernatural; it’s a little unnerving, actually." Dalia agreed, taking a small sip of her coffee and licking her lips. Dalia nodded, still smiling brightly at her sister. "I’m sure if you ask Amy, she would be more than happy to decorate. Though, she may go a little…overboard." She said with a laugh. Dalia had never had a favourite mortal holiday, but she did enjoy Halloween. It was a strange festival, but it was enjoyable, nonetheless. 

[kadermernick]

Her lower lip protruded slightly into a pout as she thought over her sister's suggestion. "The nearby universities always do well to bring us some traffic don't they?" Elsewhere was the largest bookstore and given that it wasn't a part of a big chain, the prices weren't so bad. In Kader's opinion. "I suppose we could do that for all the business they've given us." She smiled before leaning back into her chair. "Perhaps more comfortable furniture. Ones that come with a swivel desk for those wishing to study." The ideas they were bouncing off of each other was representative of their relationship. Kader welcomed her sister's opinions and they always added to it and made it better.

"They're all harmless. The only place where they could get their hands on something more serious is at Elmer's." The old man's shop was a favorite of the witches, but it was only witches who were aware of what was sold there. To most mortals, their curiosity would do no harm to themselves or others. "There's nothing to be unnerved about," she spoke matter-of-factly as she took another sip from her coffee, enjoying the warmth of it as it went down her throat. Clearing her throat, she started to speak once more. "That's very likely," she laughed with her sister. "But I doubt it would be as macabre as some of our siblings would have it." She knew some of them had very dark personalities, although, she supposed they could succumb to that if they desired as such.

[lolaphilippa]

Well I’m always glad to be giving someone a reason to do something they otherwise wouldn’t have done. Honestly, for me any reason is a good enough reason to go to a bakery. I’ll have to tell my roommate to go exploring with me then, if that’s true. Have her show me all the sights that she’s seen and then maybe I can see more than what she does. If that makes any sense at all.

[kadermernick]

Makes perfect sense. It's good you came here with your friend. Far too many times I've seen people who have come here on their own and they end up being lost half the time. I've been here for a long while, but things constantly change around here that it is impossible to know it like the back of your hand.

[theangelheron-deactivated201908]

"Indeed," Heron agreed somewhat dryly. Prague was full of workers from Hell and very few of Heaven. Heron was never sociable with the rest of his brothers and sisters, but it was almost unnerving being outnumbered ten to one in a place. Those were bad odds, even if Hell and Heaven had agreed to a truce.

"Same as you, I suppose," Heron shrugged at her next question. "I don’t feel like walking. I don’t know where I’d walk to, anyway" — one of the advantages (or drawbacks) of not having a mortal job or cover was Heron was mostly unoccupied for most of the day, which left him more time than he knew what to do with, but there were few places in Prague that captured his attention — "so  I just go along the bus route until I find a place I feel like getting off at." Inevitably, over the years, that had regularly become Sinsational’s, where Shadow was almost always hanging around.

At that moment, the finally bus began to come up to the stop. The mortals shuffled around as they readied themselves to board, and Heron indicated Kader should go before him. “Please,” he said, “after you.”

[kadermernick]

"Just roaming around then," she spoke, referring to Heron's current plans. Kader did her own roaming sometimes. It was usually late at night, considering she wasn't able to sleep. Prague was fairly busy at all hours, however so it wasn't as if she was alone on the streets, but she did keep herself in that time. "Better than just staying at your place, I suppose." However, Kader meant that on her part as well. If she had nothing to do at the bookstore and didn't want to go home, she went outside. Staying indoors was no way to live, even if she was technically everywhere.

Once the bus came, Kader moved with the crowd and listened to Heron choosing to sit just in front of the exit in the middle. She scooted to the second seat, the one closest to the window to make room for Heron if he so decided to sit beside her.

[headdemoness]

“One would think you’d look a little happier to see me.” Contrary to popular belief, the demoness isn’t all work and no play. The scrunch of her features, lacking their usual refined aloofness, and the half-smile curved upon scarlet lips will attest to that fact. “—— I hear it’s quite useful to be in the good graces of a head-demoness.”

[kadermernick]

"Looks can be very deceiving." Kader returned with her own smirk as Margaux spoke. "Can't rely on the face to tell exactly how happy one is, now, can you?" Although, it wasn't as if Kader was ever particularly happy about anything, much less show anything on her face that she didn't want to be displayed. No micro-expressions for her.

[virginiathorans]

Unfortunate Series of Events | Virginia & Kader | Gif-Chat

[virginiathorans]

Her question made the vampire uncertain. She knew that the Mernicks were the keeper of great powers, but she really couldn’t remember if the woman in front of her was Kader, Moira or Thais. Nonetheless she shouldn’t underestimate her power. The things she could tell Virginia could be dangerous, terrifying or completely mind-blowing. But the woman had to know. “If there is any danger for the customers and my workmates, I need to know, yes. It can’t be that bad, can it?” Her hands clasped behind her back, she eyed her curiously. “I’m Virginia, by the way. Thought I maybe should tell you my name, before shit goes down with your answer.” 

The feeling Virginia had since she tripped, had only attenuated slightly. Whatever it was, it didn’t made a move. Yet.

[kadermernick]

Understandable, predictable response. Of course one would want to know if they were in any danger. At least in her case she cared for the potential harm of other people. It was a noble thing to care for others. Everyone knew Kader was the one that "didn't care" among the Mernicks. Although she always found that title debatable since it wasn't meant to be a compliment. Then again, Kader knew being the one responsible for practically everything made her again the blame for everything. She took that blame and wore it as armor. "Pleasure, Virigina," she spoke with a small smile before turning to her paper. "Now," Kader paused for dramatic effect as she started to flip through the paper, "what if your knowledge of whatever may be," she waved her hand to portray an uncertainty of the certain. "would not change a thing?" Kader finally got to the sudoku part of the paper. and folded it as she glanced up at Virginia.

"What then?" Kader asked, continuing to look at Virginia. If Kader had to admit, she didn't enjoy giving people answers of fate. Whatever it may be. She didn't like to watch them squirm as they thought over their existence, as everything they've grown to believe about the world was shattered right before their eyes.

[rhinatempest-blog]

Rhina craned her head to see if the bus was coming to see it was finally turning the corner. She checked her wristwatch, it was around twelve minutes late. She turned back to her companion smirking at her comment. “Well, of course, I thought that much would be obvious,” she said.

Rhina’s eyebrows rose up a little in surprise at her next question, not many people would concern themselves with business to do with witches unless they wanted something specifically. But then again Kader wasn’t exactly people. ”Hm? Well, the other day I tried to revive a pair of heels that were completely ruined after one of my patrons decided to spill their guts out in my general direction,” she said deciding to humour her, Rhina wasn’t exactly going to reveal everything on a simple question. “What I’m curious to know is why exactly are you here? Or was it ‘to be’?”

[kadermernick]

Kader smiled in return, a soft puff of air was exhaled from her nose. She never minded any smart responses from others. In fact, she preferred some snark in response to her words from other people. It made conversations much better. Especially when her smugness was met with that of another's. Although the arrogance and unsociableness of some made it difficult for Kader to even attempt to talk to them. Even if she was able to control them. Kader wrinkled her nose at the story, one she already knew had occurred thanks to omnipresence, but again, small talk. "Well, were you at least successful?" Kader asked, turning to watch as the bus was nearing.

People already started to crowd around where they thought the bus would be. Kader didn't move an inch. "Oh, just need to get from point a to b just like the everyone." She gave a one-sided shrug. If that answered Rhina's question or not wasn't entirely of importance to Kader, but that was her answer. "Why so curious?" She tilted her head with a smirk appearing on her lips just as the bus stopped and opened it's doors right in front of them, stopping closer than people predicted. Kader motioned Rhina to go first.

[theangelheron-deactivated201908]

The answer to her question was easy: Heron vastly preferred hunting nephilims over catching up with Shadow. But he didn’t say it aloud, because the obviousness of the answer perturbed him. Instead, he replied, “I find satisfaction in being where I’m needed. If that’s being in Prague or saving souls, so be it.” If Kader noted he was skirting around the question, well, so be it. It was widely known angels had the habit of bending their ways around the whole, bald truth.

In an attempt to steer the conversation back to Kader, Heron asked, “Is your destination far? It’s strange that you’re taking the bus.” It seemed almost comical that such a powerful being still took buses to places — even more so than Heron. Perhaps she had another reason for taking public transportation like Heron did, however. He couldn’t exactly speak for the mind of someone who controlled fate.

[kadermernick]

Kader interpreted it as him being wanted, being felt as if he was necessary. It was a common thing that made people feel good about themselves. The saving souls was a bit too much to be said in the presence of mortals, but even without omniscience, she wasn't too surprised at his brazened behavior. "I'm sure you'll find your work cut out for you here in Prague." It was a very densely packed supernatural hotspot. Of course, Kader could have taken her siblings elsewhere or let them go their own way as they had before, but it was important that they were all together. Here in Prague.

"Well, I don't own a car," Kader responded offhandedly as if there needed to be another reason for her taking the bus. "And I don't feel like walking today." Of course there was always the option of teleporting which she did when she was going to go into Elsewhere, but she wasn't going to Elsewhere at this moment. "So, it's far enough that walking would be too much of a hassle. However, I'm in no rush. What about you?" She knew he mentioned he was going to people watch, but there were better places to do it. Kader would know.

[catalinacvsta]

Karina had seen her before, but she couldn’t put her finger on where exactly that had been. It wasn’t so much the face but the mannerism; the way the woman talked and held herself. ” Exactly. Perhaps, I’ve built some sort of tolerance, but I can put my life on the line and say with confidence that this whiskey has been watered down. ” Taking a last sip of her drink, she slip the empty glass along the counter for a refill. ” Careful, you’ll become my new favorite person and then you won’t be able to get rid of me. But, better whiskey would be a dream.” Finally, the blonde remembered where she has seen the woman. “Ahh.” Slapping her hand on the bar, she pointed to Kader. ” Elsewhere, right? You work, or own the place?”

[kadermernick]

The smile widened as she released a soft laugh at Karina's mention of being able to discern between the drinks. "That must be quite the party trick. With the frequency you come here, I would believe you'd get better treatment and better drinks." Watered down or not, it didn't have much of a different to Kader. Then again, no one drank hard liquor for the taste, did they? "You're not so bad drunk, so maybe it wouldn't be so bad." The smile continued to tug at Kader's lips, but she knew better. Her eyes shot to look up at Karina at the slap of the bar top. "I manage," Kader responded simply. "Why do you ask? I'm afraid we don't have our liquor license." She teased. The bartender finally came with her drink as well as a refill for Karina's. She stirred her drink before taking a sip. "Would you like to try it?" She referred to her drink.

[holdenestrada]

 “I’m sorry. Do I need to repeat myself?” Daphne tilted her head, looking over the woman who was seated next to her. She didn’t mean to come off rude, but her patience was being tested by more than just a cigarette. “What I want is to not be late for work, but that is entirely out of my control,” Daphne scoffed at the situation. “I’ve never been late to work.” Daphne couldn’t help but to laugh at the woman’s response. “You sure about that?” She questioned.

Her nose scrunched up as she was offered one as well. She held her hand up, almost pushing Kader’s hand down to rest carefully back down by her side but instead she shook her head. “Cheap or not, I don’t smoke.” She shrugged, placing the nail file back in her bag before turning her attention back to Kader. The woman was interesting enough to keep Daphne’s attention despite the grotesque smell of smoke now clinging to her nostrils, hair and clothes.

[kadermernick]

She was angry, irritated at the late bus. However, Kader didn't need omniscience to know that one. It was apparent in everything she was exhibiting and it was the reasonable thing to feel due to a late bus. She chose not to comment on the rudeness however. It didn't bother her none. It never good and she wasn't one to hold a grudge. Especially not against a mortal like Daphne. Kader lightly scratched at her forehead before giving a softer exhale. "I guess we can't all have what we want," she responded breathily with hint of disappointment as she leaned forward to look for a bus that wasn't coming. "Not today at least," she leaned back into her seat.

"Sure about what?" Kader turned to look over at Daphne with an unimposing and genuinely confused look, even if she wasn't. Her lower lip slightly jutted out as she gave a small pout before looking down at her lap. The cigarette idly rested between the pinch of her index finger and thumb as she set her hand down on her lap. The smoke came out in lazy wisps. "Oh good, it's a horrible habit," she played the promising quitter. "I've been meaning to stop. But when in Rome," she brought the cigarette to her lips. It wasn't a complete lie. Kader hadn't picked up a cigarette in years. She truly only started it when she came to Prague. One would be hard pressed to find an area where someone wasn't smoking. Nonsmoking areas being a rare exception.

[daliamernickx]

Dalia smiled politely at the staff member who brought their coffee, and slowly brought it up to her lips as Kader spoke. “That’s a good idea.” Dalia said. “Maybe brightening up the reading spaces would make a more enjoyable experience.” She said, placing toe coffee back down on the table, with two hands still firmly clasping it. “I’m sure Amy would love to decorate,” She said, tilting her head. “I think celebrating Halloween is a wonderful idea; it would certainly bring more customers in.” She said. “We could even have some of the more popular horror stories out on display, to encourage reading them.” Dalia said, eyeing Kader for a moment. Talking with Kader seemed to take her mind off Dalia’s constantly racing mind; it was a good feeling just to sit and talk with her sister, and try and contribute as much as she could. 

[kadermernick]

Kader took a sip from the styrofoam cup. Coffee wasn't all too enjoyable on Kader's tongue but she drank it nonetheless. If only for something warm. If it had to be sweetened Kader preferred it with flavored cream. "Some of the furniture is wearing with use," Kader recalled, setting her cup down. "I'm not sure if we should stick with leather or something else. Some of the students that come here use it for study purposes. Maybe we should invest in more tables." She rested her chin back in the palm of her hand. The topic of what furniture to purchase was so ordinary it was almost as if they were ordinary themselves, but sometimes going through the motions of this personage provided some benefit.

At Dalia's suggestion, Kader nodded in agreement. "Yes, that might be good," she trailed off, looking down to her side. Advertising some horror novels would be a great thing to do. "As well as those books on supernatural things such as witchcraft, ghouls and the like. You know how some people enjoy contacting the dead and such during this time." Although she and most immortals knew what was in those books was horribly false, they still sold to the mortals. "Perhaps the decoration wouldn't be too bad. Cheesy, but not overtly." After all they were just a bookstore, not some professional halloween store. The decorations had to be a bit cheesy and not ones that would scare potential customers or be bothersome.

[chloexsavitri-deactivated201410]

"Fact that it never fails to surprise me."

[kadermernick]

"Does it? I'll make sure to make a note of that."

[virginiathorans]

Unfortunate Series of Events | Virginia & Kader | Gif-Chat

[virginiathorans]

Virginia grabbed the soaked paper, making sure that she wouldn’t wet herself with the remains of the cocktail still dripping from the pages. 

As soon as she made herself back to the bar, she went to a room with the ‘Staff only’ sign on it. This was the room where the employees could take a break from the loud and sweaty Inferno. Opening and closing countless drawers Virginia finally found a crossword puzzle that was still empty. 

Mixing some alcohol and juice the vampire was ready to return to the Mernick.

"Here it is. Sorry for keep you waiting." With a small smile she put the paper and the cocktail on the table. "Did you… feel that as well? That bad vibe coming from a corner of Inferno?", Virginia as finally able to ask. She was one of the Mernicks, she HAD to know what it was.

[kadermernick]

Sighing, Kader waited patiently for Virginia's return. She looked around the place, fully well knowing what was going on around her. Knowing what each and every person was saying--and being able to recall it anytime she wanted, whether a week from now or years.

Living as long as she has, time had become almost immeasurable. Some often commented 'oh, my life is like a blink of an eye to you'. Kader wouldn't necessarily argue the comparability. Sure in reference to mortal time and her time, maybe their life would be as short. However, more often than not they equated a short time as lacking meaning, importance. And that is definitely not something Kader would ever say is unimportant. From the amount of time it takes for you lower lip to quiver to the amount of time it takes for a mortal to live--both hold equal importance to her.

"It's not a problem." She waved it off and then thanked Virginia for the drink and the paper. As Kader began taking a sip, she asked her question and only glanced up at Virginia as she drank. Clearing her throat and licking her lips, she set the glass down, momentarily dropping her eyes. "Do you really want to know?" Kader, unfortunately to keep the balance, had to make mortals, even immortals aware of their illusion of control. Not one has ever remained sane after the news left her lips. Some of them believed that they had an inkling of control left within them and while that could be argued, the Mernicks had the utmost control on everyone. That realization shook people to their very core and it was not one she so willingly gave out, maintaining the balance or not.

[melvillesdoom]

"Excuse me?" She raised an eyebrow at the strange request. Surely the woman in front of her knew of all that she’d done with her teeth and more, no need for practical explanation. Still, she granted her with a wide smile, the kind that she never wore, flashing a set of slightly pointy canines. "There. Don’t judge too hard, I missed my last dentist appointment."

[kadermernick]

She laughed, although briefly at her joke. It was more in order to be polite rather than a reaction to something she found humorous. "I'm sure you could make them very frightening if you wanted." They weren't the first pair sharpened canines she had seen and wouldn't be the last. Her mind then went back to what stirred the conversation in the first place. "I hope I'm not keeping you from anywhere."

[dietingsleuth-blog]

"Luckily I don’t make a habit of taking excuses. Never have and I don’t plan on starting."

[kadermernick]

"Very lucky. Always good to hold high expectations for your subservients."

[queenofthenight-evangeline]

Forgive me if I don’t trust your promise.

[kadermernick]

Nothing to be forgiven for. You won't know for sure until you head over to Elsewhere, right? I'll be seeing you, Evangeline.