#may 2019.

[edwarddmunson]

When it came to friends, Eddie really didn't have any. Aside from the blonde he was currently cooking some macaroni for, but god, was he hoping with everything in him that they were fast approaching the border of being a lot more than friends. It had been incredibly easy to get swept up in her, losing track of time between their long talks and more intimate moments. But when his tablet began to buzz that night, his only other friend on Earth's name lighting up the screen, Eddie was stunned to realise just how long it had been since he'd actually seen JJ around. Wooden spoon balanced in one hand, Eddie answered the call immediately. "JJ! Holy shit, what's going on, my man?! God, I thought you'd died or something. Or deleted my number. I don't know which one's worse."

[marcelgerrard]

"Y'know, Kol, I've been trying to avoid you, as a little sign of gratitude for helping save Davina's life. Even after that little murder spree sprint you pulled last year, I kept my distance. But that doesn't mean I haven't noticed. The way you're sneaking around, having her run errands for you. She's not your witch for hire, and she doesn't owe you a damn thing. So whatever it is you're doing, whatever your plan is, you keep her out of it. You, your toxic family, you don't go anywhere near my daughter. If she so much as catches a cold as a result of something you've done, I'll kill you myself, I don't care who -- or what you are."

[kolmikalson]

“The town’s magical defences are failing,” Kol began, restlessly tapping his fingers on the table in front of him. He’d always had a great knowledge of magic, of the complications and counteractions, but as a non-user himself, he’d had to recruit Davina to confirm his suspicions. They’d travelled along the border earlier that afternoon, Kol guiding her on what spells to cast, and it hadn’t taken long to highlight the weaknesses. Too much had changed, since the initial set up, too many supernatural beings had made their way into Alexandria. Magic always found a way to balance itself, and after the continuous string of new rebels passing through the doors, he’d decided it best to investigate. Kol was disgruntled, but not surprised, to find himself right. “The concealment charms won’t hold for much longer. There’s too much presence here, too much entry and exit. Too many people like me.” One Original was hard enough to conceal, but two? Partnered with a true alpha, a banshee, an ever-growing list of non-humans; they didn’t stand a chance. They needed ancient magic, and as powerful as he was, Kol didn’t believe Magnus could secure them alone. “If Richard’s group are to believed, there are beings out there that pose a threat to all of us. Not to mention the fact that are we harbouring the mother of Niklaus’ child. And we have countless loose ends when it comes to the Capitol, and Coin —” He spat, glancing down. “We need to fix this. I won’t have my family at risk. We either find a way to reinforce the magic, or we leave.”

[lissadragcmir]

After her first full night of sleep in Alexandria, Lissa was idly chatting with Mia over breakfast, planning the day ahead. Her first stop, of course, was Adrian's, wishing to check in with him after her abrupt exit the evening before. She then aimed to visit the training centre, as Eggsy had, to see the guardians, knowing her tearful reunions were far from over. Which then freed up her evening entirely for Rose. As much as she'd love to spend the whole week by her best friend's bedside, she knew it'd be a hindrance to the nurses who were caring for her. Rose needed rest, and space, to heal. Once she was dressed, Lissa wasted no time in beginning the walk to Adrian's house. Luckily, she had Mikhail to guide her, as she ran the risk of getting lost otherwise. He'd already memorised the town's layout, and scouted the perimeter, wanting to assess Alexandria's safety for himself. He hadn't said anything, but he seemed satisfied. He came to a halt, however, when they reached her cousin's residence, and it took Lissa a moment to discover why. There was a guardian standing outside. A dhampir, with a very familiar face. "Oh my goodness. — Eddie?!" With a complete disregard to the fact that he was clearly on duty, Lissa flung herself at him, her arms wide in embrace. "You really are here! I can't believe it."

[lissadragcmir]

After a tearful reunion with Adrian, Lissa had been informed that there was another spirit user in town, a young girl called Rhiannon. Unfortunately for the cousins, she was supposedly as ill-informed as they were when it came to their shared abilities, pushing them further into the unknown. Lissa planned to change that, noting the importance of understanding their gifts, and the harrowing side-effects that coincided along with it. The vampires who ran Alexandria had recently donated some of their personal collection to the citizen's library, expanding the inventory with books from all periods of time. So Lissa had been stationed in the corner of the building for the last two hours, having grabbed every ancient Moroi text she could find. But even with a translation book to hand, she was still struggling to find anything of relevance. Even a hint of past spirit use would suffice, as it was better than the nothing they were currently working with. Lissa was considering texting a friend for assistance when the door opened, the creaking of wood loud in comparison to the dull thrum of the lighting, and the shuffling of the man working in silent solitude behind his desk. She should've known that she wouldn't be alone for much longer, it was now the end of the working day. She began slamming her books shut, wary of her knowledge reaching the wrong people. They were still here under false identities, after all. "Mikhail? Is that you?" Lissa questioned, eyes squinting towards the entrance. He'd been guarding her from outside whilst she studied, so she figured he'd come to retrieve her before the students began filtering in.

[miarinaldi]

Mia had learned far more from eavesdropping than she'd ever officially been told, having the act down to a science at this point. She wasn't royal, so could sneak around without inquisition, learning all of Alicante's secrets with none of the responsibility. Up until now, it hadn't served a purpose outside of satisfying her curiosity. But as soon as she'd overheard Harley's name mentioned, Mia's game suddenly bore a much greater purpose. This wasn't simple muffled whisperings through a door left ajar, this was her sister's wellbeing. The standard talking therapy was failing, and if she didn't start performing magic soon, they were going to start the physical experimentation. Mia was aware of how akin to torture it was, and strained relationship or not, she couldn't allow that to happen to anyone in her family. Mia waited for nightfall so that the guardian's would be stationed at their posts, having spent the day plotting an escape. Adrian had done it, there'd been no possible way to disguise his absence, so she knew it was possible. All she needed was a few helping hands. Rebellious guardians were almost impossible to source, three of them having left already, but she had one option left. That's what brought her outside Lissa and Ciri's room, her face doing little to showcase the distress withheld underneath. "I need your help," Mia started, addressing both men, but with her eyes laid upon Mikhail. He was the source of his sister's affection, and she was observant enough to recognise that desire was returned, if only in stolen glances and mental longing. He'd be easier to convince, and Eggsy would follow his lead. "Harley's in trouble. Real trouble, this time. Lissa will be next, if she doesn't specialise. We need to get out of here."

[edwarddmunson]

With both boys clear on the plan, it was now time for Eddie to bring Brooke in on it. He had a feeling she'd be keen, but he still approached her with a shyness that was rare for him, fingers intertwining behind his back. "Okay, Bee, change of plans. Lucky Mac and Star Trek marathon — out. A little weed and a little water — in. The only catch is.. we kinda have to break into the school to make it happen. You in?"