Sanguis Ferox Mumu

[sanguisxferox]

Leto Herrera

Henry Cohen

Knox Marquis

Fior Anker

Park Min-gi

Kali Velir

[sanguisxferox]

—Napoleon House. Lunchtime (French Quarter)

It's been some time since he'd really sat down with Emissary Demir. Truth be told, it's because of this moment with her that Fior realizes he's been meeting directly with Suresh for the past year—if not a bit more. First Callum had made it so to avoid more friction between the two Leaders, then after his passing... why change something that works well? But he's always appreciated Aylin—a gorgeous woman that he remembers his late wife calling sinful.

This was meant to be a drink, but had turned into lunch. This is clearly not business, but two merfolks enjoying each other's company. Would he dare to calm them friends? Maybe, but also, probably not quite. Though he does like to believe there's some friendship between them. "Alright, small talk aside, what have you been up to lately?" There's a bit more shine to him—barely noticeable, but for someone who's been around him since the death of his wife and children, this is quite the change. Though for someone who doesn't know him, he looks as cold as ever.

@xwhiskeyandsilkx

[sanguisxferox]

—Wanderlight Shelter & Sanctuary. Afternoon. (Lakeview)

It would've been nice to figure shit out faster, but better late than never. All he knows is that it feels good to be back. New—quietly—married; Leto couldn't be happier. Well if no fucking storm was brewing, things would be better, but nothing bad has happened with the Lotus Eaters, so he'll knock on wood.

He's doing checkups at the Shelter when he smells a familiar scent; making him turn around to greet the mermaid. "Well hello there darling! Came to see me or the animals?" He teases with a small, before walking up to her.

He leans in a gives the Emissary a kiss on both cheeks. "How are you Aylin?" Yeah—really feels good to be back and just be close to all members again—extended family.

@xwhiskeyandsilkx

[sanguisxferox]

"I'm not afraid of dying, I just fucking hate it! Moreso now than ever, when the memory of each death is making a comeback. Call me crazy all you want... you try staying sane after dying over a hundred times!" ―Knox Marquis

[sanguisxferox]

"You were my first heartbreak and I grieved our love thinking I'd never feel that kind of pain again... but then, I had to grieve you." —Park Min-gi

[thegraveyardshifts]

He'll stay until it's fixed, and clearly doesn't want to come back to replace the whole thing - Agathe pouts, as if the reluctance to do as asked is because the tech doesn't want to spent time with her. And not because getting rid of the machine, installing it and the various software onto it won't take time and effort.

"That's very good,"

"Have you not seen The Addams Family Values? You must watch it, it's Halloween! It's thematically appropriate," The blonde stresses, dark eyes never once straying from Knox's profile, eyebrows raising in surprise. Not many people knew who she was, in all honesty, much more familiar with Morticia but...Agathe was blonde!

Not a natural blonde but still. Debbie had always seemed the much more compelling character to her.

"Come on, join in. Let me help you out hm? In exchange for fixing the machine,"

[sanguisxferox]

Knox can be a bit obtuse at times when it comes to people flirting with him. Most of the time, if it's not loud and clear, it flies over his head. Like now, he utterly—and stupidly—unaware that Agathe isn't bad lucky with her computer, but trying to flirting with him.

"I think I saw an Addams Family movie with Anjelica Huston when I was a kid. But I mostly remember being traumatized by her movie The Witches." They explain as they continue to diagnose the computer. "But I'll try to find a moment and soneone to watch it with me one day." He half-promises.

"Help? Me? Out?" Knox asks one word at a time, sounding both confused and partially terrified.

[thegraveyardshifts]

It's a similar sort of reasoning for Chester, though the witch lacks a storied and long history, he's always wanted to belong. Maybe that's why he's always been so easily swayed by a kind word and a smile, a child of a broken home that could never fit in. There had been dealers, sleeping on each others couches and sharing keys, there had been the cult where they expressed wonderment at his powers and took it a step further -

Now, there was The Lotus Eaters, and their golden eyed leader. Chester was so easily sucked in at the idea of being more. Of being part of something grander.

"Well, how about we do rounds? You need to be there all the time though for like...discounts? Do you get discounts?" They suggested with a little raise of an eyebrow, beginning to tug Mingi along back inside to the bar.

"Put a little of the ol' siren in your order? Would that work?"

[sanguisxferox]

Mingi laughs. "I don't know anout discount. I've never stayed around to buy myself something. And when I do stay around, I've got generous people—like you—paying for me!' They grin playfully. The siren easily follows Chester back inside. Oshun might not be the best place to party, but they can start here and go around town afterwards.

They snorts. "I'd never use my powers like that in one of Suresh businesses, but, if we go somewhere else, just for you, I'll do it." The only place Mingi abuses their powers—and they would most certainly not ever use that term themself—it's when they're working as EMT.

Once at the bar, the siren orders two glasses of the most expensive drink on shelves. Then once they both have said drink in hand, Mingi raises their glass. "To you and your prosperity within your new family and to us, cause we're fucking great—geonbae!

[sanguisxferox]

"A drop of blood can unlock a thousand fates, but tread carefully. Every spell has its cost." —Unknown

[sanguisxferox]

"The beauty of love is that it can heal the deepest wounds and mend the broken pieces." —Unknown

[thegraveyardshifts]

There is a slight brightening then, at Kali's words, how it's better to be more like herself than who she thinks she should be. If Kali's shadow darkens, Dove doesn't notice it, too pleased with being allowed to be a little quiet and off-putting around their new leader.

"I'm told I need new hobbies I work...too much," Though, Dove wouldn't agree with people's assessment of it. She's just dedicated to the dead, that's all. She's even considered taxidermy but, it doesn't appeal to her...halfway through, she ends up getting too sad. She does take take the longer pair though, still turns for a moment while getting them snug around what she wore.

"That sounds perfect,"

Maybe you can tell me more about you. "Oh. There's not much to tell, really. I work at House of Usher, I drive a motorcycle and I have a cat,"

[sanguisxferox]

Kali laughs again then—a gentle giggle. "There's some value in that advice, but when one loves their work and it is a passion too, hobbies aren't necessary—not as much anyway." They think out loud. "There's so much to explore in one's line of work; so much to learn." That's how the Avatar sees it anyway.

They don't question why Dove turns around; especially when they can guess the reason. There's no need to bring light to something the witch clearly want to keep hidden. Kali can only hope that one day, Dove will come to be more comfortable with showing her skin. Then again, Kali is constantly using their polymorphism to hide their real appearance. It's more practical for them as their unfiltered appearance makes them stand out, when they mostly want anonimity.

"And what do you enjoy the most about your work?" They ask, their tone very casual as they start to clean and new headstone, showing Dove how to use the products so they can each focus on the back and front at the same time. "Motorcycle! It's been so long since I last hopped on one. And whatis the name of your cat—if you do not mind me asking?

[theunbrokenxechoes]

Grayson chuckled, "Yes you have but I will admit and say that you do rock the gray hair honest and I think you will look even more handsome with a full gray hair. I feel you can rock just about anything Mr. Fior," he teased with a smile on his face as he chuckled. "That does not seem fair, I feel bad for everything being on you. How about drinks on you and cab on me?"

"For sure and to answer your question, I am. What about you?" he asked backed as he took a sip of water.

[sanguisxferox]

Fior chuckles. He's not interested in the general attention he gets, but he's not blind to it either. It does seem like with each passing year, his popularity has increased when he goes out in public. But he's only had eyes for one person—which is quite new for him—and that in itself is a secret and won't go anywhere. "I can get the first round and you get the others and the food–how's that?"

"Err—I'll show my face. I sadly cannot escape that the of party. It wouldn't look for PR if I didnt show up for at least an hour." He chuckles. He doesn't plan on showing up in costume though, being there will already be a lot for him.

[strangedevotions]

“I wasn’t looking to excuse him for his actions. Only to share what I saw: he was conflicted when he came to me.” Whether that weighed anything to Kali was up to her, but it weighed something to Elias. He listens, the ghost of a wince crossing his face briefly at the reference to Fior and Mathias’ entanglement; another complication in the web of connections the city housed. He shifts on his feet, nodding softly, and responds only once she’s finished. 

“I understand.” He starts, “Please know, any affection I may hold does not blur my vision. I am sentimental –and it has never outweighed my dedication to what’s here.” He gestures to the ground between them, meeting the woman’s eyes- his own warm brown sincere and determined. “I don’t mean to suggest we capitulate to his temper forever, eventually our work will call me beyond these walls –but I don’t know what he is.” Elias was no joke of a human but he was a human- in the place of infinite strength or natural-born magic, he needed information. “Putting me in the position to upset him now would be locking me in the room with the ticking bomb. I agree that we should hold status quo, for now.” 

[sanguisxferox]

"Nor did I see it as such, Elias. You are not at fault for anything. Unless you're the one who took Callum's life or plotted to have Fior kidnapped." Kali sees a lot, but not all. If people thinks the Goddess lets her see everything; she does not. Very little if shown to her, because freedom of choice and carving your own paths comes at a price.

"She would not have called you back at her side if she ever doubted you." That or Death knows things they do not. Just like why Kali had been called to New Orleans now and not before. Though, within her bones, her soul, she knows this is temporary—whether another come for Leadership or this is the end of her path, all will be revealed in due time.

"Capitulation, no—observing and waiting for the right time, yes. There has been too many movements in the water and it's quite muddy now. We must wait for things to settle again. Cages have been rattled enough." Kali gazes ahead, a war is coming and their Goddess will walk on this city to gather the dead soon enough, but Death is in no rush to claim those souls. "When she is ready for us to strike, she will tell us. Until then, the orders have been given." She says softly, looking back at Elias. "If you can avoid him, please do so. I would no want for his anger to move to a singular being."

[thegraveyardshifts]

They played cat and mouse...could it be called such a thing though, when both parties were the cat? A practiced dance to a tune that didn't end, more like became abruptly cut off, leaving Agathe without a partner. She had been teasing and affectionate to a creature who could barely reciprocate, her funny little golem always trying to outsmart her schemes, nothing but a frown on handsome features.

This alligator that occupied a familiar form was not that. This Knox, so far away from the one she knew, is a creature drive by so much emotion. Still plenty of anger but, devotion to. And, something else - desperation. Raw hunger, each one paints a picture of who they are now.

Agathe likes it. All these things she can twist her pretty little fingers around and tug at for fun. Like now, the closeness, her freely given touches and praise. A dog from the pound, the anger and fear bleeding into each other.

"Of course," She says, voice soft, hands that petted hair coming down to carefully rest on muscular arms. "I can't wait to see it again,"

The air is still, quiet around the two yet heavy with the scent of death. Her breath hitches when he leans in and she thinks finally, what she wants before Knox...moves. Just enough to push his face against the cold flesh of her cheek. Agathe turns her head just a fraction, enough so that the two of them can make eye contact, noses brushing. Everything stills. She makes the move, and finally connects to two of them in a kiss.

[sanguisxferox]

Knox knows that believing or trusting anyone from a past he cannot remember is reckless. And it ain't necessarily trust, but something to hold on to. They've made peace with the fact that no one will ever understand how they feel, just as they know they'll never understand those that had—and still have—to endure their memory loss. Having people who knew him at one point is like discovering new facets of themself through their eyes. And as someone who has no control in what they'll become when the ascension happens, knowing more about their past comforts them.

Agathe is someone that gives Knox that.

His last attempt at whatever he'd been trying to do or avoid is squashed when the vampire takes the jump and kisses him. It strangely feels familiar and he craves that—badly so. It doesn't take more than that one move for Knox to feel like he'd been ignited. He grabs the back of the blonde's head and kisses her feverishly; using his free hand to pull her flush against him body. They'll have to get rid of the body, but that's the last thing on his mind right now as he deepens their kiss. He wants to know everything; how she tastes, the feel of her porcelain skin under his rough hands and so many other things if she'll just let him…

[sanguisxferox]

"I still miss those I loved who are no longer with me but I find I am grateful for having loved them." —Rita Mae Brown

[strangedevotions]

“I like you, Knox, I hate to encourage negative self-talk, but I fear you’re right with this one.” Valerian slows, turning toward him, nose scrunching but smiling, “But you never have to fear hungry vampires at your throat.” He says it with an unnecessary breath ghosted at his throat, teasing, before he straightens. “At least, not with you in mind as dinner.” 

They’ve reached some park, a handful of straggling humans to choose from tonight. “I am always sweet.” He lies. He knows that Knox knows it is a lie. “Let’s have fun. Yeah?” Valerie closes his eyes and spins slowly, taking a deep breath and stopping; there. Tucked there in the sprawling arms of an old live oak was a man- Valerie couldn’t see him from here but he could smell him; could hear the strong beat of his heart. He looks to Knox once more with bright eyes, “Healthy. Vascular. Athletic, probably. It’s likely that he’ll run.”

[sanguisxferox]

"Must be terrifying to be wrong this one time—" Knox says; grinning. He's clearly teasing the vampire. He gazes up to the blond as Valerian slows down to turn to him. "If it were you, my only concern would be for your well-being as I don't mind the biting." He whispers in response. Teasing or flirting; it's the same to someone like Knox. He could've kissed the blond right there.

"Of course—very sweet." He says, barely holding a laugh, but his smile is quite gentle. Knox isn't one for subtleties when it comes to enjoying specific people's company. So when the vampire twirls, the familiar's eyes are fixed on him and not their surroundings. Though, their eyes to drift off to where their target is. "I promise not to break him. But I sure as hell make him run for you." There, they chuckle and it's dark; the predator in them is ready to have fun.

[ascnsionismx]

"Not everything in our job is fixed by plugging in wires or running diagnostics" Mathias mumbled. He learned that rather quickly when he was in school. It was also the answer he gave when he had his interview, which he was sure got him the job in the first place. "But you should have come to me first before coming in here on your own. Server stuff should really be handled with a supervisor present" he said while fussing with the hair on the back of his neck. Mathias wasn't a fan of being a boss, not at his age. He did his best to lead, but he certainly hated bossing people around.

"Other peoples' incompetence is what pays our bills unfortunately. That is the nature of our job".

[sanguisxferox]

"Yeah, I'm sorry boss." Knox says, rubbing his arm. It's not that he's nervous but more like he feels bad for almost doing something that could've caused problems. "It won't happen again." He has already apologized and knows saying it again won't fix anything. They can only hope that Mathias won't hold it against him.

Knox stands back up, folding back his plastic stool before he chuckles at the comment on incompetent people. "Right about that too. Would you like me to follow-up with them and see that the issue is fixed, or I can warm Customer Service and go to my next call?" Knox is happy to help lighten his boss' workload when he can.

[xxkikstewartxx]

Meg smiled at his idea. " You know what? I've never even considered an intern... low pay, maximum effort.... Good students always want to make their teacher proud , I could use that." She winked. Meg took a sip from her herbal tea as she had served them together. The weather in the city had changed, something Meg was finding bittersweet, autumn always made her think of home and everything good from that place. Shaking her head as if her thoughts would disperse, she looked back at him and giggled. " I noticed the shorter hair but I didn't wanted to make you feel self conscious about it.... It actually looks good. Tell me, you didn't almost die from the haircut?" She laughed. " Still very much single, not in desperate need to change that either. A girl has needs, but I've been successful at taming them. I didn't die over the time I was aways, so I consider that a win win situation. But I do feel like this town is somewhat different.... Maybe there's something in the air." She missed, looking outside, people going by, some completely unaware of magic, affiliations, and a whole lot of different species.

[sanguisxferox]

"I know, I know, sometimes I can have such amazing ideas and you're welcome to try to do it. Your place has such a solid rep; I'm sure schools will be more than happy to send their students your way. It's really the best win/win scenario!" Knox isn't sure they have a favorite season... maybe summer, but it ain't cause they personally enjoy the heat, but because the alligators in the Bayou are happy, so that makes him happy.

"You're being kind to me! Some people actually like them shorter, but it's so much more work than when they were long. Now, I have to style then—" He's being a bottle dramatic, but it's still the truth; shorter hair are a lot more work. "Nah, but it is a result of almost dying. I was bald like a baby for a while, but my hair grows quickly so, lucky me!" He replies, but doesn't linger on the subject of almost dying. "You shouldn't have to tame your needs! That sounds so wrong." He means it, but stîl chuckles nonetheless. "Please don't say that! I feel like each time we smell something in the air, shit hits the fan." Had he heard her thoughts, maybe he would've commented that sometimes, he envies those people.