my love is an empire

[halsoyer]

"Mr..." Hal broke off as the pen rolled across the table and out of sight. He made a leap for it but missed and his outstretched fingers scrabbled around nothing. Sparing the woman a quick apology, Hal dropped the picture and knelt, looking for the pen. He snatched it up, then promptly smacked his head off the underside of the table.

Today was not his day.

"Mr. Hedley Kow. He's an editor," Hal explained with what little dignity he had left—which was not very much—and resumed his seat. "We had an appointment about..." Hal tried to remember. She didn't know about Mr. Kow, to his dismay. "This town."

Hal rubbed the back of his neck sheepishly. "I'm sorry." He did, in the very least, remember his manners. "For disturbing you. Can I treat you to another one of those?"

[taliazheng]

Okay, that went so much better than Talia ever could have dreamed. Usually, when she tried to prank somebody, they did not particularly care, but this guy seriously loved his pen. Giggling, Talia covered her mouth, hoping to disguise some of her elation. She didn't want to embarrass the guy anymore.

"An editor of what?" She asked, cocking her head to the side, still trying to suppress her laughter. "Oh, okay, a meeting about the town. Right, because that's normal." Maybe he was some kind of architect, she thought to herself, trying to understand who this man was specifically.

"Is your head okay?" Talia asked once she'd finally calmed down from the amusement of the situation she had inadvertently (purposefully) caused. "You haven't disturbed me at all. In fact, you've totally made my day," she said cheerfully. "Please sit! You can treat me to another if I can treat you to my number." Smooth, Talia, real smooth. He was cute! And fun to prank, an ideal combo.

[justjohnbeckett]

Location ➠ Cyprus Caves Status ➠ Closed to Talia (@taliazheng)

Ten years of Greywood, John mused, and no wanderlust to be found.

It was striking. It was confusing. He never considered himself domesticated or even settled until recently, until Ruby. She was his complement, his equal in all things. Their lives stretched parallel to the other until now. Was that his preoccupation?

He was still deep in thought as he stepped further into the caves. On a whim—always a whim, followed like a trusty beacon—John decided to indulge in an old habit and go exploring. An old habit and new conclusions made for an odd mix, so much so that he didn't immediately notice he wasn't alone until the creak of a lantern reached his ears.

His eyes adjusted, recognized the person standing behind it, and narrowed.

"Stalking me now, are you?"

[taliazheng]

Wanderlust was Talia's particular drug of choice, and it always had been, ever since she crossed the threshold from Briar into London all of those years ago. In Greywood, that hadn't changed remotely, and perhaps had worsened now that she could take all sorts of different shapes and sizes. It was certainly a power that suited her, although she wasn't currently using it.

In the caves, all Talia needed was a charm for light, which took the shape of a floating orb hovering above the palm of her hand. They were beautiful, majestic, and entirely abandoned. It was fascinating! It reminded her of the neighbouring court, Uiscigh, which was along the ocean with plenty of caves to explore.

Unfortunately, that peace didn't last for long. Talia left the orb floating above her hand, but also dawned a lantern when she ran into John. God, this man was a nightmare, and a liar! Now it all made sense why he'd seduced her all those years ago. "I'm pretty sure you're the one stalking me," she said angrily. "I know what you were trying to do, by the way. You just want my lifeblood." She sounded a bit like Minho there, she mused, and how he'd explained. "That's why we keep running into each other, too. You won't give up, will you?"

[xanderxmoorex]

Ave shrugs a bit as She didn't seem that interested in the pharmacy, he was a Wolf yes, but he grew as a human so thats where his head went first. "Yes, oh my friend Vera is one, I also heard about them while looking for some type of help with my Wolf issues," he explained, not really wanting to get into the fact that he had been asking for a cure, there wasn't any from what Ave cold tell, "do you want me to aks Vera? Maybe she can get you something or knows who to ask," he offers. "Do you think because of all the traveling your powers got a bit out of wack?" He suggests, not like he understands much about any of it, but still, "Oh!" Avery's eyes winden in surprise, not that it matter to him, he was just not expecting that at all, "Sixty? Woah I--sorry, baby, its just surprising because you do not look it, at all!" he chuckles, "I mean like you say by your kinds standards that is young, and to be honest by human standards looking the way you do I'm pretty sure the age wouldn't matter--" he pauses " Oh! That sounds like such a cheesy pick up line!" He can't help to laugh at himself, shaking his head, "I just mean you look good, you shouldn't huh--worry about it." As he listens to her, he smiles a little and nods, "Thank you. I wouldn't change a thing before, just now with the Wolf," he sighs, though it does feel good to hear that, "Oh the anger. Its not easy, feels like I'm gonna lose my shit and the smallst annoyance, y'know? and my other emotions just feel... Much stronger. I'ts hard not to over feel everything."

"Okay," he nods, "well these girls come up to us, and--you know I don't usually but, I guess I was felling a little...you know? So I agree to go home with one of the girls," he pauses to breath, its never easy to tell this story, "We--got into a car crash... All II know is we hit something, I had to get out and check, she didn't want me too but I-" Avery pauses again to let out breath, It was still hard to think about that night, to relive that trauma, it was so very present in his mind, still "I wasn't gonna leave a poor animal there to die...so I got out. 'Till this day I don't know what we hit, because as soon as I'm out of the car, this--thing (that I know know to be a wolf) comes running out the woods and attacks me--the rest is pretty much a blur," another pause as Avery's blue eyes focus back on his friend, "She left me there--I don't know how long it took for some poor, kind soul to find me and get help, or--why the wolf didn't just end me, I don't know who the wolf was, all I know is I wake up in the hospital, and sometime later I--started to change."

[taliazheng]

"Hmmm," Talia said, mulling over that information. It was interesting to hear that this Vera could help at all with that type of thing, but supernatural were constantly surprising her. The fae really were just the start, she guessed. "And did she help?" She asked curiously, hoping Avery could elaborate on the types of magic witches performed. "Yeah! I'd love for you to ask her." Idly, Talia wondered if Vera could help her perfect different types of charms, too, although she supposed they could try that another day.

Avery's question was a good one. She wished she could consult elders of the Briar Court about what had happened to her powers, but returning home seemed hard, and frankly, she was happy in Greywood for now. "Maybe," she said thoughtfully. "But don't you think my powers would have changed somewhere else, too, if that were the case? I want to learn more about the shifting though. Hey! Maybe you could help. You change forms to be a wolf, right?" Talia was a genius! Avery was so the person to ask! At his response, she laughed. "Thanks, I'm happy I don't look sixty. We age differently in the Fae world," Talia explained. "And you can pick me up any time," she chirped. Flirting was fun! Especially with friends. As Avery began explaining how his feelings had changed, Talia listened attentively. "I'm sorry. That sounds really hard," she said. "Is it just anger or is everything... amplified?"

"Hey, nothing wrong with two consenting adults," Talia reassured him. She wasn't sure if that was the part Avery had trouble explaining, but it felt like a good thing to reiterate nonetheless. "Whoa," Talia said quietly, trying to absorb the whole story. "I'm so sorry," she said, holding her arms out for Avery to hug if he chose. "That must have been so confusing and so scary. Thank you for trusting me. I'm really glad you're here now, but I can't imagine. Do many people know?"

[goldenchildminmin]

“Oooh, tea and cookies, darling? Yes, don’t mind if I do ask for some, please! What sort of tea do you serve?” Minho occupied the first comfiest seat he could find in Talia’s home, plopping himself onto its cushions with all the elegant flourish he always possessed. But, as it was, no one would actually be catering to him here, putting the plate of cookies under his nose so he could daintily pluck one off and munch at his leisure. He was far from a faerie princeling now. So he rose again and approached the table and got a cookie with his own effort. 

A delicate bite being chewed on, Minho very careful not to leave any crumbs so his free hand had its palm ready under his chin to catch any fallen ones, he blinked his large doe eyes at Talia rapidly as she asked about other supernatural beings populating Greywood. “Oh, sweetheart, you didn’t know about any of them??” It came as a surprise although it really shouldn’t have been because over a decade ago, when Minho himself arrived to the human world, he was also the same, ignorant about everything, perhaps even more than Talia was. “We like them! We like everyoneeee! Unless they do not like us, mhmm!” He chirped in his melodic sing-song voice but honestly, Minho was the least trustworthy person about these things - he genuinely did end up liking anyone and everyone unless a very severe transgression was made. “Werewolves turn into wolves on the full moon, they are very strong, a little temperamental and vampires prefer nighttime, drink blood and can be little bossy loners but usually have fabulous fashion sense. I do warn though! They seem to particularly like our lifeblood. Darling, let me tell you, I had such eye-popping offers for just a drop or two!” Minho stepped away to reassume his comfortable seat, finishing up the last bite of his cookie. “Do you have a napkin for me?”

[taliazheng]

"Nothing but the best," Talia said lightly. "Well, best by human standards." Food in Briar was far better, but she didn't want to be negative about their options here. That would just be unfair. Humans had plenty of great traits, too! As Minho made himself at home, Talia couldn't help but grin. They were in completely different worlds now -- literally -- but it felt like being around family. That was comforting somehow, and it felt nice to know that she had someone nearby who actually understood her. Well, mostly. "I can serve Lapsang which is this smoky tea I found or a black tea with currents in it. Any preference?" She didn't mind serving Minho either. He was a prince, after all, and she respected him as royalty in some ways still.

It was a bit embarrassing how ignorant she was of the other supernatural, largely because Talia had always been curious. But when she first came to the human world, she was enamoured with the humans themselves, until they ran her out. It left little time to investigate the other beings around, she supposed, aside from J.C., but she'd merely accepted him for what he was -- a vampire -- and never bothered to wonder about others like him or what that meant. Naivety had been fostered in her court. "Not exactly," she admitted, wrinkling her nose. "Did you?" Maybe Minho's parents and advisors had better prepared him. When he assured Talia that they liked the others, she grinned. "Thank god, I couldn't imagine not liking someone, or something, I guess." Talia was naturally friendly and outgoing. Forcing herself to dislike any species sounded exhausting. "Like our lifeblood?" She repeated, raising an eyebrow. "What the hell? Okay, wait, like we're some kind of drug?" Now that was interesting! And also maybe scary, she mused, wondering exactly what that meant. "What kind of offers?" As she spoke, she rose to get Minho a napkin and handed one to him, along with a glass of water. "So vampires... kinda risky then?" She asked, summarizing. "Oh, I also met a witch. She healed me. I was very interested in that!" Minho knew how much Talia loved creating charms and illusions.

[duderosiers]

the moment the door opened, it seemed his dour mood completely lifted as thalia's face came hurtling towards him, her arms around him in a hug he was only too eager to return. jean-claude gave the fae a tight squeeze, similarly giddy with excitement, smile lighting up his features for the first time in what felt like weeks. if there was one cure to his ails, it was thalia, in all her glory.

"for little old me? really?" j.c teased her as the two released each other finally. the vampire had missed her also, the two had been peas in a pod back in london that had been disrupted by forces beyond both their control. for a while, it felt like he'd never see her again...still, she was here now.

"i would've been really pissed off if you hadn't got me anything, actually," was a more honest response, looking at the spread and picking up a cocktail, taking a sip. being accommodated really was the bees knees.

"amazing! can't wait to see you audition on america's got talent. hope you get that golden buzzer girlie," j.c didn't stop grinning the whole time, it was hard not to around her. "you don't wait around, do you tal?"

[taliazheng]

Some friendships just made sense, straight up, and Talia liked to believe that was her and J.C. They'd been friends most of her short adult life (she was only 60!) and while J.C. had definitely been around a little longer, she knew that he felt the same. It wasn't everyday you connected with someone on a deeper level, and it was even rarer to meet another immortal that you actually really liked.

"Always," Talia said dramatically with a grin. She couldn't really promise that she would always have fancy blood drinks on hand, but for J.C., she could definitely try. "But you have to promise me that you'll remember how spoiled you are by me and love me forever." Her terms were completely reasonable. "And also buy me those fancy, expensive root beers sometimes." It was one of the few beverages humans had nailed.

Talia laughed at his reply and nodded appreciatively. She would also be pissed if one of her friends couldn't bothered to accommodate her, too, although fae were a little easier than vampires. "Ooooh, should I?" She asked, waggling her eyebrows. "I'd totally kill that show! Or is American Idol still cool?" Maybe she needed to update her TV knowledge. "Never," she said. "What've you been up to? Tell me all the gossip, please."

[morirodare-deactivated20250615]

There's time to be a fool and there's time to be serious. As rare as the latter comes for Alessandro, rare are also the things he finds important enough to not play the local jackass.

His main job in Greywood, he supposes, is knowing everyone before they get to know him, be that by name, species and occupation, or in other, more personal things.

He stumbles upon her in the pharmacy of all places, he's got an itch to cure and she... who knows. A vague recognition has him stand by the side and aimlessly leaf through a pamphlet on "male power", what ever that means, but as soon as she's ready to leave Alessandro forgets about why he's here, and promptly follows her out the door, accompanied by a thud and a wild ring of the bell above them.

"Hey, excuse me..." He's almost stumbling on his feet in the half-circle around her, his open jacket flapping around his frame like crows on a mission. "Hey, sorry. You're a producer, aren't you?"

Perhaps the beaming smile can make up for the lack of elegance in his approach. Perhaps she'd recognize the poor bastard's body he's wearing from the TV not so long back.

@taliazheng

[taliazheng]

To say that music was Talia's heart and soul would be an understatement. It had been ever since she was young, along with creating, well, basically anything. She'd had a knack for instruments, singing, and a passion for mischievous charms. Nothing she ever did harmed anyone, thankfully, but Talia was well aware that at times, she could take it a little too far.

What she didn't excel at, however, was charms for curing any kind of injury. Another shape shift gone wrong had resulted in Talia running around as a fox (it sounded way cooler at the time), tripping, and cutting her kneecap open. Bandaids were now her friend, she guessed. After she purchased some, she slapped them on her knee, and headed out.

Much to her surprise, before she could get far, Talia grinned at the question. "Yeah, I've produced a lot. You like music, too?" She asked excitedly. Upon closer inspection, she raised an eyebrow, "I know you from somewhere, too. Jog my memory?"

[justjohnbeckett]

There wasn't anyone like you, John almost said before he realized she meant people were fond of her. He let Talia have her fantasies, though he wanted to hand the manager a P45 straight away. "Good for you." John was less frosty here, but not much. Her voice could send chills down his spine like nothing else, loath as he was to admit it.

"This club doesn't serve my drink." He also didn't want to gain a reputation for snacking on his loyal golfers. Draining their wallets dry satisfied his appetite during the day, while Elysium attended to him at night. "Depends on your definition of criminal." Talia's past decision-making certainly made her look like a criminal to John. He gestured to their surroundings without looking. "It's a privilege to be here—in case you missed it."

"Suck," John repeated in a quelling tone, half-hoping she'd talk herself out, down her drink, and leave all in the next ten seconds. "Yes, yes, yes." He counted the questions. "Yes." He looked to the glass and back to Talia. "Finished...? Time to close the tab?"

[taliazheng]

Talia rolled her eyes at John's tone. "You're literally listening to music I produced right now," she informed him. "Google it." God, John was such a buzzkill, and he knew absolutely nothing about her. Disappointing, considering Talia thought she shared plenty with him.

"And why is that?" Talia asked, snickering. It seemed like a total waste of time to have a bar and an entire country club and not supply drinks for yourself, but she was choosing to take it as evidence that John was literally the worst and experienced no joy in his life. Besides, maybe, that one night with her... What could Talia say? She was a little cocky sometimes, and with good reason! Artists needed to be. "Okay, then explain to me how exactly I'm a criminal to you." This she genuinely wanted to here. "Yeah, I did miss that. Being with you was far from a privilege. It was actually a disappointment."

At John's question, Talia took a slow sip of her drink, never once breaking eye contact. "Tell me about one time you experienced joy, in detail, and then I'll leave." Tormenting him was too fun to tap out now.

[thad-spaulding]

In the woods, Thaddeus watched as his daughter communed with nature with Talia by his side.  The little one always had an affinity towards wildlife.  Little did he know, she was watching some creepy crawlies play around.  Thaddeus’ eyes wandered towards the illusion and he turned his face to Talia, rather impressed.  “Nothing to apologize for, I just have not seen something like that in awhile.  Norma doesn’t really know her magical powers,” he told the other.  “Briar?  Interesting, tell me more about your court.   Unfortunately I don’t know where Kylee was from, so it is hard to share customs with Norma about her mom’s side.” He smiled, “please do go on.  Norma darling, come here and listen.”  Norma huffed at first, intrigued with the bug she was watching but she made her way over there.

[taliazheng]

Thad's expression brought a smile to Talia's face. It was rare that she got to use her illusions and see someone look pleased by them these days, but it reminded her of the days she used to get to wow an entire room of people. Ah, those were the days. Maybe she could that again sometime in Greywood. A girl could dream! "Thank you," she said with a grin. "Wanna see another?" Talia obviously wanted to show off, but she guessed Thad wouldn't have a problem with that.

Talking about Briar, Talia immediately lit up. "Briar is beautiful. The gardens are massive, and immaculate. We love art there, and I used to invent new illusions and spells. Music was important, too, and we played every afternoon in the courtyards." She sighed wistfully. "I miss doing that." Looking down at Norma, Talia continued, "When I was your age, we used to have these assignments where we learned illusions like the ones I was just doing. They were fun -- you could make anything you wanted!"

After a pause, Talia asked, "What was growing up like for you?" Humans were just as interesting to her.

[taliazheng]

5

5. what is your muse's ideal first date?

Talia’s ideal first date would be something adventurous or spontaneous, like you meet randomly in a cafe, and then you spend all day together exploring (like a long walk, then dinner, then a concert). Or if it’s more planned, going on a drive without a destination in mind and eating somewhere that looks best or a jam session in a park.

[taliazheng]

is your muse monogamous or polyamorous? would they be interested in a polyamorous relationship?

Talia hasn’t been in many serious relationships overall — she prefers flings and feels more comfortable with them. But if she were to have serious feelings for people, she would do monogamy or polyamory. She views the strict rules around monogamous relationships as being a very simple view of sexuality and romance, but would ultimately do whatever her partner preferred. (I would say she leans towards polyamory herself though.)

[taliazheng]

what is your muse's sexual/romantic orientation?

Talia is definitely 100% pansexual and panromantic. She definitely wouldn’t have any preferences based on gender. She’d also be unlikely to label herself if asked — she hates putting herself in boxes and it would seem strange to her.

[justjohnbeckett]

John would be discussing the admission policy with the club manager. And scouring the town charter. There had to be a specifically tailored exclusion code that would let him keep Talia out without acquiring a reputation in Greywood for discrimination. Prejudicial distinctions were bad for business. "How did you get the invitation?" John asked without expecting a real answer. What he didn't know about her could fill a book.

He busied himself with preparing the scotch. Fine. She would be yet another customer who irritated him. "Mailing list? Bribery? Theft?" He slammed down the glass in front of her, coaster first. "Here." He would not have it said that she was refused service.

John looked from the path of the long gone butterfly to Talia and back. "My 'vibes'?"

Vibes. Please! Slang from this century was ridiculous.

[taliazheng]

John Beckett was officially the most dramatic person Talia had ever crossed paths with, and she meant that as an insult. He was acting like seeing her again was literally the end of his long life. Really, it should have been a blessing! She was about to give him money, and not only that, but she was pretty sure she was one of 2 or 3 people in town who would even speak to him. (Talia actually had no way of being sure of that, but she doubted someone like John had friends.) “People like me,” she said with a shrug. “A manager gave me one.” Wasn’t that how things like this worked? “I produce music, y’know, and good music. People like it.” Not that John would ever remember that! The guy was a douchebag. 

As John slammed the scotch down, Talia couldn’t help but laugh. “You really need a drink yourself.” Toying with John was hilarious. Idly, she wondered if she realized he was only egging her on. “Seriously, you think I’m a criminal?” Talia had never technically committed a crime, she was pretty sure, though she had never bothered learning many human rules. “Why would I bribe someone just to get into this place?” She asked, sounding flabbergasted. 

“Your vibes,” she repeated seriously. “Your vibes fucking suck. I can’t even imagine how long the stick is up your ass. You’re so uptight. Do you ever relax? Laugh? Smile? Feel a shred of joy?” If Talia was a betting woman, she would bet all her money on no, John did not.

[xanderxmoorex]

"I'm sure if you go to the pharmacy the'll have something that can help with the bruise,huh, excuse me," he moves closer, gently putting his hand on her face to inspect the injury, "Or you know, something I learn recently is that witches also help with healing," he says before moving away, it was new and a bit strange but it seemed like being in a--supernatural world had its perks. "Woah tha'ts kinda odd, is it normal to--have your powers change like that?" he asked, once again it was very new to him, he didn't even knew how many species were out there, who was what. "Well, if i makes you feel better, none of it was real to me," he sighs, shaking his head, "Not---very well if i'm going to be honest, but it's not the others that concern me, you know? like I'm not scared of other species that are out there, I'm--scared that I've become one them--And I don't know how to deal with that change....how to gain control over it. It's turning me into a different person and I don't know if I like it."

"Well, starts out with me and the bandmates after a show," he pauses to look at ther, "But, spoiler alert, this one does not have a happy ending."

[taliazheng]

"The pharmacy," Talia repeated, wrinkling her nose in distaste. "Witches?" She repeated, far more interested in that. "How'd you learn about them? I'll definitely find one." Now that was way more cool! She let Avery inspect her injuries, keeping still as he did so. At his question, Talia paused, considering. "I don't think it's normal, no. I'm young by Fae standards, but I've been coming in and out of my world and the human one -- this one -- for forty years or so, and it's never happened before." She quickly added, "I'm only in my early sixties!" Avery probably wouldn't know that Fae were immortal in their lands, but she didn't bother explaining. This shit was complicated enough. "I understand," she said compassionately. "It's hard, isn't it? Adapting to change. But I don't think there's anything you should dislike about yourself, Avery. You're good, and you're kind." Talia hoped her words would help. "Is there something specific you find hard?"

Talia looked at her friend for a moment and nodded encouragingly. "I'm listening," she promised. "It doesn't need a happy ending, don't worry."

[noahsresources]

romance & relationship headcanons!

i know this topic is a bit overdone, but i wanted to make a more sfw romance & relationship headcanon meme! most if not all of these questions are related to romance and topics that may arise within romantic relationships, but without explicit nsfw topics!

1. what is your muse's sexual/romantic orientation? 2. has your muse been mainly attracted to masculinity, femininity, androgyny, or an even split (between two, many, or all of the options specified)? 3. has your muse been mainly attracted to men, women, non-binary people, another identity not specified, or an even split (between two, many, or all of the options specified)? 4. does your muse find any specific features particularly attractive? 5. what is your muse's ideal first date? 6. would your muse kiss on the first date? 7. where is your muse most sensitive? 8. is your muse a good kisser? are they experienced or inexperienced? 9. is your muse monogamous or polyamorous? would they be interested in a polyamorous relationship? 10. has your muse ever been cheated on? would they ever cheat on their partner(s)? 11. how comfortable is your muse with their appearance and their body? 12. does your muse get flustered easily? how would they typically react to compliments from someone they are interested in/dating? 13. what traits does your muse value in a romantic partner? 14. what traits does your muse want to avoid when it comes to choosing a romantic partner? 15. how does your muse feel about valentine's day? 16. what is/are your muse's love language(s)? 17. what are some of the signs that your muse shows their care/love without saying they love/care about their partner? 18. how does your muse feel about marriage? would they ever want to get married? 19. how many serious relationships has your muse been in? are they experienced or inexperienced when it comes to dating? 20. how does your muse feel about public displays of affection? would they engage in them? 21. is your muse more flirtatious or shy, or does it depend on the context? 22. does your muse tend to take on a more dominant or submissive role in the relationship, or does it vary based on circumstance? 23. would your muse be good at recognizing their partner's needs right away, or would it take some time? 24. is your muse proactive in communication with their partner(s), or is this something they need to work on? 25. does love and romance mean a lot to your muse? do they seek it constantly or let it come when it does? 26. is your muse more likely to be loud and proud about being in a relationship, or are they more quiet about it at first and open up about it over time? 27. is your muse more confident or shy when it comes to approaching someone they like? 28. would it bother your muse if they had differing interests from their partner(s), or would they delight in it? 29. how important is having (a) physically attractive partner(s) to your muse? 30. would your muse ever be in an open/non-exclusive relationship? would it make them insecure, or would they be open to trying it? 31. does your muse develop crushes easily? would they be open about it to a friend or keep it to themselves? 32. does your muse have an ideal "type"?

[taliazheng]

For talia and @rubydavenport !!

[halsoyer]

Location ➠ Regal's Wine Bar and Bistro Status ➠ Closed to Talia (@taliazheng)

After living more than a month in Greywood, Hal was beginning to feel frustrated.

His work didn't dry up, per sé. He published the interviews with Minho and Amy. He was working through the loans Noelle gave him of the town history. The case Ophelia was overseeing was in its latent stages. And Hal still had Charlie Da Silva to look into.

But every bit of understanding he gained lately wasn't everything to know about Greywood. He was searching for its missing pieces, keen to gather the facts hidden behind knowing looks and trailing allusions. Local insights were worth their weight in gold but remained as closely guarded as Fort Knox. His librarian acquaintance was right—when you intruded on a life, it was only natural for the subject to retreat.

So Hal would try harder to ingratiate himself. He wanted a source who could ease him past the fixed point between native and newcomer. He wanted to join a town club. And if all else failed, he wanted a job at a local paper. As it happened, the editor of one of them had a fondness for wine and a weak constitution, so upon the direction of another bored intern in an office, Hal sat down on the patio and waited for a server. The editor was due at any minute, so when no one showed, Hal grew concerned.

"Excuse me." He addressed the closest fellow customer who was also sitting alone. "I'm looking for Mr. Hedley Kow." Hal showed her a picture. "Have you seen him around?"

[taliazheng]

Sometimes life was really, really boring. Talia had never done particularly well when she was bored, and she had never pretended to. There was a reason why she could play numerous instruments and invented her own charms back home! Anything to keep her mind occupied. But that could be a tad more challenging in the human realm, trying to keep a reasonably low profile. 

Currently, she was sat inside of a diner, working away on a song, trying to burn daylight hours. Her writing was taking her absolutely nowhere, but at least it was something, and the diner had decent waffles. The fruit was lacklustre, but she did love a pastry.

The man close to her was obviously waiting for someone, Talia mused, watching him periodically. When he spoke to her, Talia cocked her head to the side. “Mr. Who now?” She repeated, obviously confused. “Who in the world is that?” For her own entertainment, she waved her hand beneath the table, forcing his pen to roll across the table, and then roll back, over and over, trying not to giggle at her own lame prank. God, she needed another hobby. When he showed her the photo, Talia’s eyebrows raised. “Um, no, I do not know who that is. Should I…?” Was this guy like famous or something and she lived under a rock?

[sophialacroix]

Sophie was glad the woman was amused by her response. "Seeing as I don't know the real story, it would be difficult for me to go with anything else," she replied, her lips curving slightly into a smile. It was hardly the worst cover up she'd ever been asked to use. "Are you alright?" she asked. If it was not an arguably fun reason like a clandestine hook up, she worried that the woman's appearance was the result of something considerably less fun.

[taliazheng]

"That is a good point," Talia acknowledged. "You want the real story or is this more fun?" Frankly, she was pretty sure the clandestine hookup was more fun than actuality, but hey, Talia was an open book. About this, at least. "I'm fine," she promised with a grin. "My ego's real bruised, but aside from that, I'll make it." After a pause, Talia held out her hand, "Talia Zheng, pleasure to meet you."

[taliazheng]

@duderosiers location: Talia's house

One of the best things about living in Greywood was the fact that Talia was closed to Jean-Claude. Sure, their friendship was solid, and at times there was some real intense shit there, but Talia was positive that only made her care more about the vampire. She’d helped him through a low point, and in turn, J.C. had been there for Talia, too, when the humans had turned on her. If that wasn’t friendship, she wasn’t sure what was.

Plus, she had really, really missed him.

The Briar Court hadn’t exactly taught her how to host vampires, but from what she’d gathered at the night market, blood was appreciated (ew) and since Fae court had taught her to be an excellent host, Talia had procured blood infused cocktails for J.C. (ew). “He had better appreciate this,” Talia muttered to herself as she set out J.C.’s special spread.

When she heard a knock on the door, Talia rushed over, and immediately tackled Jean-Claude in a massive hug. “Hi!” She exclaimed, not bothering to hide her excitement. “I got you something,” Talia said, stepping aside to reveal the cocktails. “This is how much I love you,” she said dramatically. “Also, guess what? I’m already in a band,” Talia said proudly.