of a different realm

Charlie Sol || 43 || Summoner Head of House Oleander

[oleanderxsol]

The delivery truck had arrived around the same time Charlie had, parking up the street from it and dismissing the accompanying sentinels who were always on the lookout for danger when Charlie went out. It wasn’t something he’d normally allow, but with things still so on edge, a shadow looming over all of Asphodel and especially him in the revelations of what had happened at the Concord, he’d allowed himself the added protection. And made sure those closest to him had the same. 

But today was something much lighter. He headed up to the front of Hestia’s House, leaning against the railing on the outside as he watched the delivery truck carefully unload the merchandise he’d bought to donate to the quaint bed and breakfast. When the door opened behind him, he turned to look over his shoulder at Elena, giving her a smile. 

“Good morning,” he greeted her. “I believe these are yours...” he nodded towards the chairs, carefully wrapped and packaged, being unloaded as they watched. 

@kxelena​

[oleanderxsol]

filiumsol​:

♚

Whatever reservations he had were played up solely for humor, and he didn’t fight his father at all when he steered him towards the kitchen. The encouragement almost unnecessary, when he rarely turned down food when it was offered. A hum at the words accompanying it. 

“What a great question.” It wasn’t nearly as coy as he had himself convinced it was, more than likely an obvious ‘I don’t know’ to his father. Nothing he’d decided or really thought enough on, that lack of foresight something that had gotten him in more than enough trouble when eh was younger. Probably in the last month too, if he was being honest. Still, if it was a question he hadn’t put much thought into, it was one he probably should’ve expected people to ask. 

“I can make my own room up. Though if you started using it for storage it’s gonna hurt my feelings.” Uncertain if that one was really a joke or not.

After all, there had always been something comforting about knowing that if things got really bad, he had somewhere to go back to. He’d always told himself that he wouldn’t, a quiet and all too desperate need to somehow prove himself capable of taking care of himself. But then really bad had come to pass, and he had to blink away the memory of blood seeping between his fingers, shutting it away just as swiftly.

“Oh, of course, Elena from Hestia’s House.” He said it more dramatically than it might warrant, but he still cast that suspicious look over at his father this time.

“Are you dating? Did you get a girlfriend?” There was no seriousness behind the words, certain that even if his father ever did start dating, he probably wouldn’t tell him. More secrets hidden behind Charlie Sol’s easy smile than Riley thought he would ever see more than a glimpse of. “Do we need to have the talk?” 

***

Charlie merely hums a chuckle when Riley answers his question with an observation about the question. It means his son didn’t have definite plans and it’s nothing he’ll push him on. He’d done everything he could to make it clear that Riley would always have a home here. That he’d know if that ever changed and it would have to take something extremely egregious for Charlie to cut ties with his son. Adopted or not, once he’d named someone his child, by blood or by circumstance, he didn’t renege on the deal. 

“Your room is still your room,” Charlie assures him. “It’s just the dust has settled well.” It’s not meant to be an observation on just how long it had been since Riley had been home. They’d kept in touch, of course. But his son had been making a life for himself out in California and if sometimes he seemed in a rush to get off the phone or failed to even pick up when Charlie tried to call, it was nothing he’d held against him. Because he’d more than made up for it the times that he had wanted to talk. It was just kids being kids, even if Riley could no longer claim to be one. 

Another chuckle escapes him at Riley’s joke, even as he heads to the fridge and pulls out the casserole in question. “No and no,” he tells him simply, the matter of his own love life something that he kept from everyone, even his family. He’d stated long ago to his children that he’d never remarry after their mother died. It was another thing he wouldn’t go back on his word on. 

“She’s a friend,” he explains, as if that would be good enough for Riley. He already knows it won’t be. He pauses as he pulls out two plates, intent on sharing the meal with his son while he had him. He turns the question back at him. “What about you? Special someone yet?” Though he wonders if that could be a reason that had driven Riley home? Bad break up, maybe, but he hopes his son would tell him if that were the case. 

[oleanderxsol]

nitasamsaradavid​:

-

If she needed proof that each House was as corrupt as the next, Nita thought the day’s events had given her that. The slightest hint of a threat to one of them had sent them all into a frenzy, quick to come to Athena’s defense with a barrage of accusations and interrogations all pointed in her direction. Some might called it camaraderie, but Nita was sure that collusion was a more apt term. God forbid anyone in town think the Houses were made up of fallible, mortal humans, then maybe they’d take back the keys to the city they’d gifted them as gods.

So when the Head of Oleander House stepped forward, offering some vague and no doubt strategically rhetorical questions, Nita couldn’t help but laugh. And she did; wholeheartedly and with mocking excess, taking her sweet time to collect herself as he waited. “Sorry, sorry,” she started, catching her breath with a wave of her hand, “I couldn’t fucking help it. Oh man, you don’t seriously believe that do you? That people feel safe here?” She gave another light chuckle, shaking her head at him with patronizing amusement. “Fucking hell, having a gag order on criticism doesn’t mean people actually feel safe. You really think anyone’s going to complain to you about shit? The guys who can raise the dead and read people’s minds and set off a tsunami? Oh, and the guys who own… pretty much everything in this town, right? Yea I’m sure they feel totally safe letting you know what they really think.”

Fucking hell, didn’t anyone tell these people not to drink their own damn Kool-Aid? Sure, some people in this town probably bought the story that these old school blood-bound mafia gangs had their best interests at heart, but surely they weren’t all idiots. “Sorry–I interrupted your whole shtick, didn’t I? You go ahead. Tell me about how you crafted this delicate balance of peace and tranquility. No really, I want to hear it,” she insisted, barely schooling her features to an expression that looked at least three seconds away from cracking open into more laughter.

***

As the woman spoke, Charlie studied her. The words didn’t get to him, not in the slightest. He was willing to give a speech, willing to try, if she had been. But the woman sitting in front of him was so far jaded that he found himself somewhat relieved she wasn’t of Oleander magic. An offer to join the House may not have been made, if it had been. It wasn’t a true reflection on her, and he knew it. Just her attitude. The deflective way she sat through a scolding that was deserved. She’d used magic against another, as harmless as it had turned out to be, it was against the rules. Unwritten, written, it was nothing that they were going to allow to happen at the Solstice. Let alone during one where nerves were already on edge. Already frayed, as they kept watch for a real threat. 

Wrapping up her spiel, Charlie stood there quietly for a moment, watching her with calculating eyes and he didn’t continue with what he was going to say. That they had worked hard to find the peace and build up their place in Asphodel. That they wouldn’t find this kind of collaboration other places, or a city where Nulls, Gifted, even Voids felt at ease around each other. She wasn’t interested in hearing it. Even if she claimed to be. He couldn’t read minds, but he could read someone’s tone and body language. 

“You’ve been lectured before,” he observes, amusement in his voice after a pregnant pause, a quiet moment where he simple looks at her. The words are said more to dismiss the entire conversation and the entire effort he’d been willing to give her. His hands still stuffed in his pockets as he studies her. “You’re well versed in being someone’s pain in the ass.” 

[oleanderxsol]

julietvelhankar​:

✧

She brightened as he stepped into the room, hopping off the piano with a grace that many would consider off-putting when combined with the indelicate way she went about, well, everything else. “Then it’s a good thing I didn’t get blood on it,” she replied, all innocence. 

Juliet took a couple steps towards the man, reminiscent of a tiger stalking its prey (and if there was something incredibly wrong about comparing the Oleander Head of House to prey, she happily ignored it). “Charlie Sol. As handsome as ever.”

She took her time to study him, her gaze roaming shamelessly over his figure before returning to meet his eyes, her smirk disappearing into an exaggerated pout. “What, no hug? No French kiss?” She meant the French way of greeting, though she made no attempt to correct her wording. Juliet tilted her head slightly, tone teasing. “Did you miss me?” 

***

While Charlie pulled mild amusement from the hurricane Juliet usually brought with her everywhere she went, upending the peacefulness of the day for any paths she crossed, there was still the reality that she had the potential to be a threat if she put her mind to it. And she’d seldom tried to find solid ground instead of the line she teetered on between playful banter and wicked infiltrator. 

“Thank you for the flattery,” he commented dryly, giving her a light smile because as much as she irked the people of his House and probably irked the people of her own house, he’d still found amusement in her. Still found their playful games to be both tiresome and exhilarating at times. 

“You should know by now that I’m not one to initiate affection,” he deflects her jokes, any sign that there was some sort of...seduction going on. She was a temptress and Charlie wasn’t always one to give in to womanly charms, but he had been known to indulge on occasion. 

“What brings you home?” he asked a more serious question of her. “Business?” 

[oleanderxsol]

emilianopavone​:

✦

Thomas Sol. It wasn’t a name that was uttered in Oleander House, not publicly at least. The disgraced son of the powerful line was less of a taboo than he was a politely forgotten memory, conveniently absent from the narrative of stability and tradition. So the name alone brought a slight raise to Emil’s eyebrows, and the context did little to quell his rapidly growing curiosity.

However, it was the one request he was given amidst a generous wealth of assurances and compliments, so contrary to his nature, Emil left the tantalizing thread unpulled. Taking the offered business card instead, he glanced over the details before pocketing it. “I can do that.” It was a simple, concise answer to a complicated deal, but that was all they needed. Charlie would support him in his endeavors, and in return, he would support the Head in his. There was enough trust between them that they didn’t need to know the full extent of the other’s motives, just enough details to ensure their own safety and that of their House.

It was by far the most elaborate undertaking he’d pursued for the House, one that was far more direct in its potential benefits rather than the often intangible advantages of having a pulse on local and interpersonal affairs. Emil was well aware the stakes of this plan, one that could not only make or break his status among Charlie’s strongest assets, but one that could potentially turn the tides of a losing battle against a ghost of an enemy. It had the Affiliate taking another deep breath, processing the full weight of his own ambitions, before following through on the final, and perhaps most complicated detail of the entire thing.

“If we do this, there’s every chance I’ll end up in direct communication with the Institute.” It was barely a hypothetical, both men well aware that even by another name, the Institute was alive somewhere, and a prize like this would pull them out of whatever hole they were hiding in. “I don’t have to let it get to that point, but if we want to make the most of this bargain, I think a stable contact is worth its weight in gold.” Or in this case, perhaps, blood. The point not withstanding, why go all in and only accept half the reward? “If so, I’ll need to sell a story, too. Of why an Oleander Affiliate is selling Thomas Sol’s blood to the highest bidder on the black market.” It was an obvious point, but one that needed to be spelled out in the most clear terms.

“It’s an easy sell,” he assured, knowing full well the story of a jealous, ambitious Null was as cliché as it was believable. Perhaps even more so from him. “But I need you to know I’m selling it. And preferably? Only you.” Emil didn’t explain his reasoning, knowing full well that Charlie was an astute man. He knew that secrets rarely survived between a pair and faced certain death among a crowd. And Emil was confident that so long as Charlie knew he was playing double agent, then he’d be safe from the worst consequences of a misstep along the way.

***

The man does as he asks. There’s a gratefulness for that. As much as he and Emil had come to terms with each other, found each other in their good graces and believed they knew how the other operated, Charlie didn’t ask much of him. He usually let the man do as he wanted, offering guidance when and if he needed it and directed him in ways that would benefit the house. This was not one of those times. In the long run, it would benefit Oleander, sure. But there was more at play here than simply what was best for the house. 

There was always more at play, when it came to Thomas. 

Few in their house knew what had gone on. Save for his Head Significant and his sister. And he doubted either of them had confided that secret to anyone. It was one of those moments in Oleander history who would go with them to the grave and beyond. Even the spirits of the house had been quiet on the matter to all who had called upon them. Oleander business was Oleander business, but Sol business was a different story. Not even a Sol had the right to know what their own family was up to. 

So when Emil agrees, Charlie gives him a half smile, wondering if the man knows how much he appreciates his ability to simply do as he asks sometimes. Questioning it, when he’d asked him not to, would have turned his mind on the matter, he supposed. And not knowing if Emil could keep this between them, it would have changed how he did business with the man. He was glad that it hadn’t come to that. 

There’s an ask, or rather an assumption, given back to him. That Emil will go deep with this one. Will probably draw the ire of the other houses if found out and even of his own house. But it was a risk the man was willing to take and Charlie knew the benefits of keeping it between them and only them. While there wasn’t much he kept from his Head Significant, he’d keep this. The less people that knew, the better. Not everyone was versed at keeping secrets. Not in the same way Charlie was. Or Emil, for that matter. 

Charlie simply nodded at the verbalized preference before he leaned back in his chair, folding his hands in front of him and contemplating the whole scheme for a moment, wondering if he was putting too much trust in the man, or if they were on the precipice of some great mystery solved. Was the Institute back? Had they ever left? And just how far were they willing to go for their ideals. 

“This is dangerous, Emil. But you know that,” he observed, wanting to confirm one more time with the man that he knew what he was signing up for. 

[oleanderxsol]

filiumsol​:

♚

It was subtle, no obvious reaction but the absence of one, and that was probably the closest to surprise his father ever got. It had been obnoxious when he was younger, every time he thought he’d gotten away with something only to find himself standing next to a graffiti stained wall with a bucket and a sponge. Today it was more than enough, a smug smile settling on his lips that he barely put any effort into trying to stifle when he would take those tiny victories. That desire to push his father, to test his boundaries and see how far he could strain that familial love to breaking, was one that had faded slightly since he’d left. And today there was simply comforting and familiar about his presence alone, a figure who seemed bigger than anyone else he’d ever known. The man who always knew the right answer. 

Who was currently smiling up at him like there should never be a question in his mind whether or not Riley was welcome. A wider grin brightening his own features when that arm curled around his head and his hand pulled him down to press a kiss against his hair. He laughed, but the “gross,” he gave him was entirely playful in nature.

He pushed himself upright after his father stood, a shrug greeting the question. “Not long. An hour maybe? Don’t worry, I came here first. I promise, no shit stirring has taken place yet.” 

He flashed a grin after he said it, but he half hoped that would be the extent of those questions. No real hope behind it, but he didn’t want him to ask why he was here now, if he was just visiting, if he planned on going back to LA, because the truth was he didn’t know yet. Little thought put into it except how abruptly harder it had felt to be there, so now he was here.

Taking a step back, a slightly more suspicious look crossing his face than that broad amusement. “Who made this casserole? Is it safe?”

***

Charlie let out a small chuckle when his son promised that he’d not stirred anything up in his short time being home yet. He knew his son was entirely capable of it, Riley always one to test the waters, to get into trouble, and to live his life loudly through it all. It’s something Charlie had allowed for him, to figure out what he wanted to make out of himself while he still could. And if that trouble came back on him, he’d be there to help him fix it, sometimes with a stern lecture or his arms crossed over his chest as his son cleaned up whatever mess he’d made. 

But through it all, he still knew Riley was capable of great things. He wanted those great things for him, but he also wanted Riley to discover them himself. To decide what he wanted to do with the gifts he’d been given and the lot in life Charlie had tried to give him. It was a man’s greatest accomplishment, living the life they had made for themselves. And more than anything, he wanted that for him. 

Though, it was still moments like this, where he wished he knew what was on his mind. He’d kept tabs on Riley while hew as out in California, of course, but he hadn’t been given the warning that he was on his way home. Which meant it probably wasn’t planned. 

“Just visiting or will you be home for a while?” Charlie asks, as he comes around the couch and gently puts a hand on Riley’s shoulder, ushering him towards the kitchen because regardless if the younger man was truly hungry or not, he’d make sure he had some comfort food if he needed it. “I’ll have your room made up if you plan to stay for a while.” 

Though he gave another chuckle at the question. “It wasn’t me, if that’s what you’re asking.” Then gives the smallest of smiles. “Elena, from Hestia’s House. She’s taken upon herself to ensure we’re always fully stocked with home cooking.” 

[oleanderxsol]

filiumsol​:

@oleanderxsol​

It had been months since Riley had been in Asphodel, not quite as long since he’d spoken to his father, but certainly no indication that he planned on coming back. Maybe he should’ve warned him, maybe he should’ve asked if there was even a place for him here now, nothing he’d really wondered before. Mostly because he hadn’t considered returning to the small town any time soon. That had all changed abruptly, so here he was, fully incapable of missing the opportunity to surprise Charlie Sol, even if it was just this once.

He was quiet as he slipped into the living room, duffel bag dropped just outside the door to try and make sure he made as little noise as possible. Coming up behind the couch before bracing his arms against the back of it and leaning down to the man sitting there, seemingly engrossed in his paperwork. “Did I miss dinner?“

***

Not much surprised Charlie. He had an extreme dislike for surprises, for the most part. It’s why the break in to the headquarters had been so disturbing to him. He took great pride in knowing what was going on in Asphodel, great pride in knowing what was going on in his house, and on a very personal level, took great pride in knowing what was going on with his children. Riley, most importantly. 

His son has left for college five years ago. Dropped out shortly after, but Charlie had chosen not to call him on it, nor had he interfered in what Riley had chosen to do with his free time or his life after that. It was his firm belief as a parent, that his children needed to find their own way. And that if they were in danger, or sought help, that would be the time he’d intervene. He’d kept it that way, even after Riley was supposed to have “graduated’ and still kept up the charade that he was going to school. One of these days, they were going to have to talk about it, but it wouldn’t be over the phone. 

It’s why when Riley is suddenly leaning against the couch, Charlie lifts his head, staring at him and he doesn’t know how this slipped past him. That Riley was back in Asphodel. 

“There’s a casserole in the fridge,” he deadpans back to his son, straight faced for only a few moments after he says it before there’s a uniquely genuine smile that crosses his face, something reserved for only those closest to him and these days, only his children. He reaches up, gripping the back of Riley’s head and pulling him closer to place a fatherly kiss on the top of his head before he lets him go and sets aside the work that had been on his lap. He rises, so he can face his son. 

“When did you get home?” he asks. 

[oleanderxsol]

levi-carstairs​:

☀☀☀

Levi let out a whistle, knowing Charlie was downplaying just how rude some people could be (Levi had seen it in action, on occasion) and he only admired him more for that fact. Sometimes, Levi struggled to juggle his work as a physical therapist, his “official” side jobs, as well as the many additional side jobs he ended up being guilted into by his many aunts and uncles - and yet he was certain it paled in comparison to the sheer weight of all the responsibility Charlie carried on his shoulders on a daily basis. It was a humbling perspective really, especially seeing how his Head of House carried it with such finesse and composure.

“Oh, you haven’t seen cheesy yet.” Levi grinned as he slowly and quite pointedly slipped in a few of their cheddar cheese scones into Charlie’s box, with an added wink and flourish for all his trouble. “Now did that cross the line to full dad jokes territory, or am I still not trying hard enough?” 

***

Charlie smirked at the man’s jokes, at the playfulness he gave him in response to all of it. Levi was a good man, did his family proud and did Oleander the same. They were lucky to have the Carstairs, Levi especially, under their ranks and Charlie had long since thought that if ever the Sol line lost it’s legacy of being Head of House, it would be a Carstair that took it up. Though he didn’t like to imagine what events would lead up to a turnover like that. While they dealt with their fair share of infighting within Oleander, it had very rarely lead to a mass uprising or falling out. And if it had, it was done under extremely calculated circumstances. Thomas, for example. 

Though he wasn’t allowed to dwell long on the thoughts, unable to hide the smile at the man’s jokes. “That joke was pure cheddar, Levi,” Charlie gave back to him, his own love for Dad jokes stemming from raising children of his own. 

[oleanderxsol]

nitasamsaradavid​:

@asphodelstarter​

“What, it was an accident.” Nita didn’t put much effort into making her words convincing, because honestly, she didn’t really care if anyone was convinced. It certainly hadn’t been the brightest idea to all but attack the Head of Endine House, let alone to do it in front of a sizable audience, but she couldn’t bring herself to regret it. “Plus, what’s a little wind through your hair? It’s not like anyone got hurt.” Not that she would have minded if it had done a bit more damage, but for once her indiscretions hadn’t result in damage to anything other than her reputation.

***

Of all the things Charlie had expected from the Solstice, it had gone relatively smoothly, barring a few stray barn animals that he still found distasteful. The rumors were amassing, speculation about Hugo’s return, and Charlie had his own thoughts towards the man and why he’d chosen now of all times to come back. He’d not had a chance to catch up with his former fellow Head of House. But for now, the most pressing matter at hand wasn’t Hugo. It was the woman in front of him, cornered and confronted by several of his Sentinels and those of the other houses for a stunt she’d pulled during the ceremony. While no one had gotten hurt and no damage had been done, it was still a rather public display of power and one Charlie would rather not see escalated. 

So as they asked her the questions, he stood back for the moment, until she herself was one who said that it wasn’t like anyone had gotten hurt. He stepped forward then, his sentinels stepping back in the process, knowing when their turn was up and Charlie was taking the lead. 

“Do you know what sets Asphodel apart from other towns and cities in our area?” Charlie asked and barely gave her the time to answer it. “It’s that people feel safe here. Gifted, Nulls, even Voids. There’s a place for everyone in Asphodel. Do you know how we managed to create such an atmosphere?” he asked, arms crossed over his chest, this time giving her a moment to answer. 

[oleanderxsol]

julietvelhankar​:

closed starter for @oleanderxsol​

“I want Charlie.”

“As I said, the Head of House is busy—”

The Oleander sentinel gave a sharp intake of breath and dodged the weapon that flew at him, a decorative piece Juliet had been examining, displayed on one of the shelves of the house’s waiting room. It looked ancient, possibly worth more than the cost of repairs for the hole in the wall it created, which was just as well that it hadn’t gotten stained by blood. 

“Are you crazy?!” 

She merely grinned at the question, shrugging and jumping up to lounge on the grand piano that sat in the center of the room. “I was testing its aerodynamics,” she replied innocently, which was met by an irritated huff. “You should find Charlie Sol… unless you want me to continue testing my aim.” She gave a wolfish smile, in which the sentinel scurried away, presumably to find the man in question.

***

The commotion in the gathering room downstairs didn’t slip passed him for long. If he was used to the noises in the house, he only need hear the urgency in footsteps approaching his office to get his attention. Before the door even opened, he was already closing his files, tucking them beneath a paperweight and looking up at the frantic looking sentinel in the doorway, caught somewhere between apologetic and exasperated. 

“Sorry...there’s a woman downstairs demanding to speak to you,” the sentinel told him and Charlie merely smiled, nodding as he stood. 

It didn’t take him long to figure out who it was, before he even made it to the doorway of the room the next story down. The sound of something clattering to floor and he hoped it was nothing priceless she was breaking. 

He entered the room, just as she finished threatening his sentinel and Charlie came to stand just a few steps inside the door. 

“Did you know that Chakram you just embedded into the wall was used by the Sikh Empire, traced back to 1813?” he asked, making no move to go and pick up the weapon, nor to greet the woman in front of him with more than that simple fact of knowledge. 

[oleanderxsol]

emilianopavone​:

***

Emil held his rebuttal, never one to interrupt Charlie in a train of thought, regardless of his own. He wasn’t worried about competition, not really. His goal wasn’t to be the only seller to interest the Institute, just one of them, posing as a middleman between some hospital or crooked Red Cross worker as the Head suggested. Just one more reliable source amidst a shortlist of options. Black markets tended to be much bigger than the naive assumed and much smaller than the savvy expected. But that was for him to know and for Charlie not to worry about.

It was his next suggestion, however, that surprised him. Emil had expected Charlie to ask him to scale back the plan; offer less, minimize the risk, scrap it entirely. Instead, he was raising the stakes, and probably rightly so, but it wasn’t the conversation he’d necessarily prepared for. “I had planned to leave that decision up to you. It’s your House, your members,” he answered, honestly albeit cautiously. He had ideas, of course, he always did. But he hadn’t expected to get final say on that part of the deal should Charlie even agree to the rest of it. However, he wouldn’t punt on the decision entirely, knowing if the man asked his advice, he was interested in hearing it.

“If the Institute was involved in the break in, they seemed willing to put in a good amount of effort to attempt to take someone of Song’s standing. While I agree we could all but guarantee their attention with a Prime, I don’t think it’s our only option.” He suspected a Significant would do the trick, perhaps even a Notable, but Primes brought their own host of possibilities and problems. “If you think a Prime would be best, I would suggest one of your Advisors. The Sol line–medical mysteries and all–seems too valuable to risk on a play neither of us can guarantee the results on. It may also appear too good to be true.” It was already going to be complicated enough to be involved, even as a supposed middleman, selling Oleander blood as an Oleander Affiliate. That was the final topic they’d need to discuss though.

“All in all, I’d say it boils down to how far you’re interested in taking my plan, if you’re interested in taking it at all,” he continued. “There’s a version of this where nothing real actually hits the market. The rumor game is harder to play: you get less tangible results when you have less tangible products. I could offer you maybe a forty-fifty percent success rate, and that’s not underselling myself.” Most people wouldn’t have a chance in hell, Emil was sure of it. But there was no point in being cocky or humble with Charlie, he just needed to know what you could and couldn’t do. “There’s a version where we oversell it. Put a Notable’s blood on the market, claim it’s a Prime. People pull plenty of stunts like that. We lose the chance for long term communication, but we get the basic information.” Doing his best to spare the man more details than he needed, Emil opted to offer only three basic points on the spectrum, a Goldilocks array of sorts. “Or we go all in. Put something real on the market, something of value, and actually sell it. You give up real information, but you get more in return. Potentially a consistent relationship. Potentially requests. And if we know what they want, we know what and who they’re targeting.”

That thought had a long and dangerous train, of course, one that got complicated quickly, and one that continued to require Charlie’s attention. However, Emil continued to peel back the layers of his thoughts only as they became relevant. “It’s the same as always. Higher risk, higher reward, no guarantee on any of it. But I can work within the parameters you need.” It was how he got his job and how he kept it; he was adaptable. “So you let me know what you want, and I’ll see what I can do.”

***

Charlie appreciated the logic. He appreciated the man’s weighing of the pros and cons and he agreed with almost all of it. He wasn’t disappointed in knowing that the man had already thought through a lot of it, left it open for options and left it up for Charlie to decide what they actually put out there. 

The problem was that even a prime’s blood, even a notable’s blood, was not something Charlie was willing to risk. He could see the value in a long term contact, in making sure that whoever came biting at their bait might come back for more, if they gave them something real. But if left him with the reality that it could potentially put someone into a significant amount of danger. And nothing he wanted for house Oleander. He’d be a liar if he said the thought didn’t cross his mind that it could potentially be from another house, but that thought was erased almost immediately. Not a betrayal he wanted to initiate. 

There’s another thought that crosses his mind. The threads of a bigger scheme years in the making and while Emil had glossed over the idea that the Sol line was too valuable of an asset to truly put out there on the market, there were no better guarded individuals in all of their house. And he wouldn’t have entertained the idea at all if he thought it would put his children at risk. And if it seemed unrealistic to get one of the heirs or the current head of houses blood, there was another candidate that might draw the right kind of attention. 

“Thank you for entrusting me with this plan of yours and the many details you’ve clearly put thought into,” Charlie says and it’s more of a placating statement than anything else, something to potentially put Emil’s mind at ease if he thought Charlie would call him a traitor or loose canon. They hadn’t operated together on this large of a scale when it came to information and the more covert type of dealings. Usually smaller things that would allow plausible deniability. 

This was different. Dangerous. If he wasn’t confident in Emil’s capability for carrying it out, he’d have told him it was too risky. Told him it was far too much to deal with and could be the downfall of them all if not carried out properly. But as it was, there were still the words from the Concord ringing in his ears, the words of his ancestors plaguing his thoughts late at night and very few answers for any of it. Tainted Oleander magic. He needed more than to just know whether the Institute was still out there. He needed to know what it all meant. 

“I’m about to ask something very difficult of you,” he prefaces his statements. “I will support your plan and will offer you our resources and aid should you have the need for it if it goes astray. You are one of my strongest assets when it comes to House business, I do not easily forget that.” 

He takes a breath. “The only thing I ask in return, is you don’t inquire as to my motivation behind giving you the following information.” As he says the words he stands up, pulling his keys out of his pocket and heading towards a filing cabinet in the back of his office. He starts sifting through it, before pulling out a business card and locking the cabinet back up. He leans across the desk, handing the business card over to Emil. It’s for a Dr. Gretchen Wood, family medicine, out in Sedona, Arizona. 

“This doctor receives assistance from us in keeping some bad business practices out of the Medical Board’s attention. She’ll be happy to assist you in acquiring the samples you’ll need.” He pauses, sitting down and leaning back in his chair. 

“Tell her you specifically want them from Thomas Sol.” 

[oleanderxsol]

devdupont​:

“It will help me practice.” She said with a grin as she clapped at her hands in mild excitement. “And it will also help you practice your ‘I’m not going to eat you alive’ face. Face paint doesn’t do a particularly bad job at making people seem friendlier.” She let out a soft giggle before narrowing her eyes in concentration. She worked at a tattoo parlor but wasn’t too adept at the drawing part… she liked to think she gained some insight to the craft though when being around such artists. 

She gently gripped at Charlie’s chin before turning his head slightly for her to begin her drawing. 

“So how’s everyone been? In Oleander I mean.” She broached casually, the tip of her brush moving against his skin, leaving a streak of red. 

“Must be exciting, having new members join and all.” 

***

There was a certain amusement to the whole thing. The way Dev lit up at the prospect of giving him some face paint. She gripped his chin, moving his head the way she needed to start painting across his cheek and he had to remind himself that if anything, this was going to help the public perception. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d done something like this. Probably not since his children were young. 

At her question, though, he kept his face from giving too much away and played it off like he was trying not to move and mess her up. 

“I think the fear has worn off, but the vigilance hasn’t,” he gives her, the honest truth to how his house was handling things. Though the Concord had provided more questions than answers, things were at least returning to some semblance of normal around their headquarters. 

He smiles, though, at the mention of new members. “Quite a few this year. I see Endine is the same. Quite a few newcomers in all of the houses.” 

[oleanderxsol]

kxelena​:

 Elena beamed at agreement. “Wonderful! It wouldn’t do if you didn’t have at least a little fun.” The thing was, Elena could understand why everyone would be on edge. Yet, she also knew that a small break might be good for him. Time to reset his brain a little. Even if he deserved that and Elena was more then willing to give that to him. “So, we can go on the ferris wheel if you feel like, or we can just go around and try all the food. And if you would, could you come by the stall? Some of the kids would be ecstatic to meet a Head of House, especially one as cool as you.”

***

Elena lights up when he agrees to walk around the festival with her. She offers him several options and he smiles at them, ducking his head. While the Ferris Wheel was just a ride, he was also a firm believer of keeping his feet firmly planted on the ground whenever possible. A fear of heights he let very few people know about. “I would be delighted to stop by the stall,” he offers her, nodding his head in agreement before looking towards the stalls and booths. “Why don’t we try some of the games? I could come bearing gifts for the kids.” 

[oleanderxsol]

emilianopavone​:

***

Emiliano wasn’t surprised by the terse, simple reply, but it did little to settle the mild nerves that floated closer and closer to the surface. While Charlie’s posture was relaxed, he had watched the man work enough to know it gave little reflection of his mind. So there was every chance he had judged the plan as foolish, or worse yet, as heretical. It forced him to act on trust, the kind he extended to no one other than the man across from him.

“My initial thought was blood samples,” he stated plainly. “From everything I’ve heard, the Institute is interested in research on the Gifted. Obviously this usually takes the form of more personal observation, but if they are aiming for subtlety, it might be enough to scratch their research itch.” The idea was perhaps colored from the man he’d got it from, mind trailing down a more medical route than any other.

“It has the advantage of being a believable product to exist on the market while still being very illegal. It’s something they would need to work through back channels for.” A corrupt doctor or savvy blood drive worker, there were plenty of potential culprits who might risk their professional standing for a high enough reward after all. “Anything less, I’m not sure we would get their interest. Anything more, and I think we put ourselves at unnecessary risk.” Even if he was flying blind on market demand, he still had a good sense of risk from the supply side. Now, however, was the time to balance professional strength with personal relationships. “I know we already feel exposed, and now might not be the time to take risks, but I think if done right, we stand to gain more than we stand to lose. I’m interested to hear your thoughts on it.”

***

It was a dangerous proposition. For many reasons. He wasn’t going to argue Emil on the idea that right now wasn’t an ideal time to invite danger onto their doorstep, but then again, there hardly ever was a right time. Especially with so much still unknown about the break in to their own house. Something with which Charlie had gradually grown more and more irritated by, even if that frustration never bubbled to the surface. His sister was breathing down his neck for answers, his House looking to him for reassurances and the other Houses showing understanding, but beneath it all, he knew this could drive a wedge he was not willing to allow to fester. 

“Selling Gifted blood on an underground market would catch all manner of attention and none to say that it would be the Institute or those once affiliated. I’m sure if the Institute was after it, there’d be plenty of opportunities for them to poach from hospitals, Red Cross...” Charlie said, trailing off and waving his hand, though he also knew Emil had probably thought of that. That there was probably more to the plan than what the man wanted to share with him. A certain nervousness about him that he was glad he’d put there. As comfortable as the two had grown with each other, it was nice to see that Emil still ran things like this by him. Things that could potentially lead to Emil’s own downfall. 

But the observation wasn’t finished and before Emil could claim to have already known it, Charlie finishes the thought for him. “You would need more than just a blood sample. You would need one that caught their eye. A prime’s for instance.” He stares across the desk at Emil, stone cold in his gaze as he eyes the man, to see if he’d given thought to that at all. Because as much as he trusted Emil with the plan and with their house, as much as Charlie was known to take risks, there were certain things he would not risk. 

“Whose blood were you thinking of selling?” 

[oleanderxsol]

levi-carstairs​:

☀☀☀

“Charlie!!” Levi grinned, completely enthused that his Head of House grace his humble booth with his presence, as if the older man hadn’t ordered from Cake Stars on a regular basis - to the point that his father had concocted a special line of pastries in honor of his birthday every year. 

“Coming right up, Prime!” Levi saluted in his direction before bustling back and forth, whistling a cheery tune as he carefully packaged the requested goods in pretty wax paper. “You’ll need all this fuel after all to handle their endless schmoozing.” Levi didn’t dare say ass kissing right in front of his Head of House. 

“One on the house, for being the Head of House?” Levi spoke jokingly as he rang up the price on the cashier. “Or was that too cheesy for you?” 

***

The young man’s enthusiasm had him smiling back. He watched him set to work wrapping up his requested pastries, smirking in quiet appreciation that people were aware just how tiring an endless stream of people trying to get face time with him might be. Charlie didn’t mind it, of course, but it kept him busy and this year seemed extra draining, considering the vigilance and constant check in with the Sentinels to ensure everything was in order. 

Plus, his tie with his hellhound, scouting around the outskirts of the festival grounds, was a constant drain on his energy with as deep of a connection as he was keeping with his familiar. 

“It isn’t so bad,” he told Levi, never burdening others with his internal thoughts on the matter. “People are rather polite this year.” 

At the man’s joke, he held up his hand as he was digging out his money for the pastry. “Just a little cheesy, but I’ll accept it.” Then something more genuine. “I appreciate it, Levi, thank you.” 

[oleanderxsol]

devdupont​:

—

“Frighten children? You?” The sarcasm was heavy as she rested her chin against her open palm, elbow to her knee as if in thought. “But you’re such a warm and fuzzy presence!” She teased before picking up her brush with a raised brow. “You know, I’m almost positive it’s that terribly intimidating expression you always wear. While it’s devastatingly handsome, don’t get me wrong, it’s also not the most accommodating for the babies.” She smiled and turned to wave at a passing child, one of her previous customers who had something that resembled a dinosaur on their cheek… or was it a cactus? 

Even she couldn’t tell. 

“You enjoying your day, boss? Would you like a flower on your cheek? I’m getting better. Might attract a good time.” She offered with a wink. 

***

The flattery was enough to draw a smirk to his lips. While it was all in good fun, Charlie knew he did maintain a certain image. It was purposefully done. A public figure in every regard, even to some of his closest companions. Only a select few seeing the sides of him that he’d killed and buried in the public eye. “Well, I’ll leave the gentler touch to someone more versed in it,” he gave her playfully back, knowing she could be considered one of them. His daughter another. And it didn’t escape him that neither himself, nor his Head Significant were the welcoming sorts. While that was his own legacy to leave in House Oleander, he knew that his heirs would establish their own. And it was entirely possible they would be a stark contrast to their father’s. 

At her question he outright gave a chuckle, turning to look out at the crowd. He’d given his speech, the ceremony tomorrow and he could see the benefit in humanizing himself with someone as small as a little bit of facepaint. But there was more to it than that. 

Dev might get a kick out of it as well. And his relationship with the other houses, with the community in Asphodel was almost as equally important to him as that of his own  house. 

“If it will help you practice...” he raised a brow, relenting to her request. 

[oleanderxsol]

elisabonaventura​:

Elisa once had read that a daughter should always be her father’s joy.

The last few weeks had been hard on her father, from The Incident, to whatever happened on the Concord, and now having to put a smile for the Solstice; she couldn’t imagine the kind of stress he must be under. So, as always, she put on her best smile and held onto his arm, talking about that butterfly she saw one day or the flower crowns she would make with Sissi; whatever she could to make her father relax and smile.

“The same as always, really. Thank you for being here. I’m happy that you’re joining us. Yes, there are ghosts in the headquarters, but I promise they are friendly.” she joked, “I’m probably spending more time playing with them than talking. Kids don’t really care much for what other people have to say, they just want to have fun”. Elisa recalled her own initiation, how she had daydreamed through most of her father’s speech and barely payed attention when any senior member of Oleander tried to tell her about the honor and greatness of being initiated.

“And you? Are you going all appa on them?, Or are you sticking to the parents?”

***

Stress was something Charlie knew how to cope with. There was a reason he jogged in the morning, did yoga at night and sought out meditation techniques when necessary. All practices that helped him maintain that calm demeanor he portrayed for himself. But one of the things that helped calm him the most, was his children. Elisa most of all, because of his heirs, she had always been the least of his worries when it came to staying in line and following his instructions. 

Tonight was no difference. Elisa on his arm for most of the night, until duty or responsibility separated them. It was how most of their social gatherings went. It had started out as a way to watch out for her when she was little, and he would still claim for it to be the same, but at some point, there’d been a shift. Where he thought Elisa had started returning the favor. Not just a clingy-ness to be with her father, but a need to ensure they showed a united front. And it was something he appreciated in a future Head of House.

“I believe I’ll stick to the parents this year. I seem to remember a few initiates being...frightened of me the past few years.”