are you ready?

Elijah Facilier | 33 | Talent Manager

[occultivisms]

❛ odd. you know like... kooky. a coincidence. a coinky-dink if you will, ❜ mused the musician with a playful gleam in her eyes, despite wanting to reach across the table and grab his throat and shake him til he croaked. what was this guys DEAL ?? the coffee shop always had a warm and welcoming aura and people like him made it feel like it was a murder scene... which may be saying too much for someone she a, hardly knew and b, was just minding his business. regardless, luna didn't trust him, and the fascination she held for him had to come from somewhere... and any reading she's done trying to find out WHERE came up empty. and the cards always know, at least hers seemed to. ❛ well, on this fine day, i was wondering if you'd consider doing a reading for me, ❜ luna inquired, reaching forward to turn his coffee cup so she could read the label and see what he ordered. ❛ not many tarot readers in our small, wholesome town and while i love reading for myself... i think it'd be fun to have someone else read me for a change. ❜

[theshadowmann]

As she spoke, Facilier calmly took a sip of his coffee, analyzing. She was trying to seem nice and happy, but he'd seen her around before, glaring at him for no reason when she thought he wasn't looking. Apparently, they had a little one-sided feud between them, one that he didn't entirely care to participate in. Unless, of course, things got very interesting very quickly. Which they were, if a tarot reading was coming into play. "Hmm, well, normally I'd charge, but seeing as I have another expert in front of me, I suppose I can waive it," he told her, smoothly pulling his favorite tarot deck from his left coat pocket. The cards were worn, from years of generational use, but he figured it would just add character. "What sort of reading are we in for?" he asked her, sliding the cards from their reinforced box and starting to shuffle, almost on autopilot. "Three card's standard, but I don't mind going a little above and beyond. Celtic cross, maybe?"

[faiirytalcs]

Anita nodded, making a note of that. It made sense and it piqued her curiosity, that was for sure. Could you be vaguer than a little office just down the street? There was some kind of mystery there, but she had to file that away for another time - she wasn't here to dig into his whole deal, not yet anyway. "No, I feel like you're good on protein." She chuckled, unable to keep herself from actually taking him in for the first time. Yeah, he was fine. Somehow, she hadn't entirely noticed that until right now. "Me?" The question caught her a little off guard, as the interviewer she wasn't used to people flipping the questions around. "Not that much, I used to when I was younger, but I don't have much time these days. Do you write or...I assume you have other hobbies outside of visiting this café."

[theshadowmann]

Facilier kept his eyebrow from quirking at the little note she made, glancing down at her little writing pad and thankful he could read upside down. Not much to read, at least not yet. But maybe he'd have a new client soon. Especially with the little once-over she gave him. That was when he allowed himself a grin. Well, there was an angle. Seeming casual, he leaned forward, making sure he looked interested. "That's a shame, I'm sure you'd write a fine novel," he told her, voice smooth. "I'm not much of a writer, really, never was my strong suit. I was always much better at talkin'. Hobbies-wise...I make things, mostly. Practice a few talents. Nothing too remarkable."

[sarahsamok]

Sarah, batting her eyes, just let another laugh slip from her lips. 'Oh, I promise you I'm way more interested than you think. I'm not much of a reader, that is true, but I keep people close who do." He didn't seem to be as into the game as she was and that truly was a shame. A man so handsome should be a little more thrilling. Though most games that weren't her own tended to go over her head. Much tended to go over her head, really. "Mm. I was actually just looking for an excuse to get a better look of those teeth and those eyes up close...is that so wrong of me?"

[theshadowmann]

Facilier hummed. "I could tell," was as much as he'd say about the subject of reading, since there was no point in being explicitly rude so early on in a conversation. Even if she was immediately steering it somewhere a little strange. "Nothin' wrong with it, I suppose. And, y'know, I've heard eyes as an excuse before, but my teeth?" he had to ask, now wondering where she could possibly be going with such strange compliments. "Don't tell me you're one of them bone-collectors."

[malleficarian]

❛ and a questionable mark is more of a stain than anything , isn't it ? ❜ it wasn't anything personal really , malina did believe that elijah had talent be it one way or another . what she didn't understand , however , was the need for party tricks . the book he'd been reading did strike her as progress though , as she continue to gloss it over for a few more seconds . ❛ it offends me that you'd think to turn to this old thing before asking for my wisdom . afraid i'll bite ? ❜ the faery asked , holding back a laugh as she dropped the book onto the table .

his response brings out a shrug from her shoulders , head nodding lazily . he did have a point , sort of . ❛ you are , but from one businessperson to another , we both know there's nothing faker than a smile . ❜ she really shouldn't be giving this kind of advice for free , but oh well . ❛ as for what i wanted to know , well ... i was about to make an offer that could potentially boost your , shall we say , moral with the shadows . ❜ leaning back into her seat , malina folded her arms across her chest . ❛ i'll tell you where to find your friends' new toy and in return , you'll have them torment the damn thing until she loses all sense of ... humanity , i suppose . ❜ she raises an eyebrow , ❛ shall i continue ? ❜

[theshadowmann]

"Questionable mark? Can't say I've ever had one of them." Every mark he chose was for a reason, be it quick cash or an actual deal. If he couldn't get anything out of a person, he didn't bother with them. Facilier glanced down at the book again, taking it back subtly before she could think to try and make a point with it. "Ask for your wisdom? I've always learned better on my own." And from sources that he could trust. He wouldn't trust Mal as far as he could throw her.

He had to fight the urge to roll his eyes at the comment about smiles, and was lucky that suppressing the urge was as much of a reflex as actually doing it. Years of schooling his expressions came in quite handy on the occasions he and Mal spoke. Though he did end up raising an eyebrow, just to let her know he was interested in the offer. "A little dramatic, don't you think?" he had to ask, wondering who had managed to bother Mal enough to get him dragged into it. "Go ahead with the details, you know I don't work on no information."

[bossbabevicky]

Vicky didn't care much about what these crystals could or could not do. A crystal never brought her anything besides money. Adding a few to a necklace or bracelet or attaching one to a pendant as a statement piece; that's what they were to her. Accessories. Either this guy was just as kooky as the girls buying her products or he was really stealing her gig and adding to their value with then energy facade. "What hard work? Do you bless these trinkets before you sell them?" Vicky knew there wasn't much hard work going into this...where was the marketing. "I am just willing to take them off your hands. I will pay up front even." There was always a way to schmooze someone. She was going to get her hands on these crystals; she practically had dollar signs in her eyes. Smiling she continued "I would be lucky to curate such pieces...the will look stunning with my hand made jewelry." Hand made jewelry was pushing it but she wasn't lying they would be matched with her jewelry..."I can even add you as the originator in case anyone was looking for just a crystal..." Vickys smile twisted at the ends and she batted her lashes...he mentioned a price and she she was hooked. "Sir, i am here to make a deal...but I'm leaving with those stones."

[theshadowmann]

Facilier allowed himself a smile. "Oh I do my magic on 'em, alright," he told her, picking up a napkin near her to reveal a shiny little amethyst. He could always upsell the trinkets with a little trick like that. "There's your free sample, it's the only one you'll get." Lazily, he sat back in his seat, looking at her with an even stare. Her vice was greed, that was easy enough to tell. And the greedy ones were always the easiest to play. He would think that it took one to know one, but he had never been greedy for as little and as insignificant things as this girl was. "Let's say I'm willin' to do some business...other than the credit, which I don't need, what would you be willing to give me?" As he asked, he rested his chin on steepled fingers, waiting for a good enough offer. First he'd rip her off the regular old fashioned way, and then...well, he could tell she was willing to make all sorts of deals if it sounded good enough.

[deepdepthsjenson-deactivated202]

The tension between them was rising but thats where Jenson eats and sleeps. If the potential of business, true business does not include some tension then is generally not worth his time. You can tell a lot about a person and how they handle their affairs. Facilier didnt want to shake his hand up front...noted. Bold move but he can respect it. Jenson could feel the cogs turning in his own head. The balance in the conversation was shifting between them; its allegiance would switch as each of them shared what they had to say. A power shift. But Jenson knew himself too well and he was always close to letting his temper take over. This coffee shop did not have the blast radius for that and this entanglement was far too important to waste with his anger. "Now you seem like a man who has his wits about him..." Jenson paused pulled his hand back in towards him and leaned his weight to his elbows resting then on the table. Laid back. "An introductory hand shake normally would suggest we are meeting on common ground..." Jenson kept himself calm. "But i will give you the benefit of the doubt here..." There was not much for him to do but lay it out there so Jenson took his opportunity. "I know what I'm askin' for. I know you dabble in a true business beyond ya managin'. We dont have to get into the details." Jenson let his heavy gaze lighten as he offered a proposal. "I was just hoping we could reap from each others labors...I give you some of my information and vise versa...."

[theshadowmann]

Facilier regarded Jenson coolly, noting the change to a more casual posture. Perhaps his new booth companion was trying to keep a temper in check? Or was it just an overall attempt to seem like he wasn't a threat? He definitely didn't like the fact that he'd been denied an initial handshake, which Facilier found interesting.

"Of course it would, but I don't know if we've reached that, ah...common ground quite yet," he answered smoothly. "I don't know if you can tell, but common ground isn't always my favorite place to be." Facilier much preferred the higher ground, where all the advantages lay. Just not morally, of course.

"Hmm..." It was an interesting proposal, but Facilier wasn't about to just jump in and agree. "Maybe. Since it was your idea, how about you go first, and I'll see if what you've got to say is worth what I've got to say?" he suggested with the smallest of smiles. Either he would learn something, or they'd be at an impasse, and he could go back to his steadily cooling coffee before it got too cold.

[faiirytalcs]

"And where do you work?" Anita immediately asked. Not necessarily because she was snooping on that aspect of his life, more so because if she could quantify how far people were willing to go for the café, that would add an extra layer to whatever story she decided to tell. "To be fair, I'm not entirely sure what my angle is yet. The Chronicle has a new initiative of profiling or highlighting local businesses. Not my usual beat but I figured I'd give it a try." Expand her portfolio and all that. And if she managed to uncover some shady dealings at the same time, break some long buried secret at any of these establishments, all the better. "No bugs in the brew...as far as I know."

[theshadowmann]

"I've got a little office just down the street," he answered truthfully. Wasn't much of a place, but nobody would take the 'talent management' part of his facade seriously if he didn't have an office. He wouldn't have taken himself seriously if he didn't. Facilier listened with mild interest as she explained her work, nodding along and making sure that he looked more interested than he actually was. It was the little things that kept people talking, after all. "Oh, well, that's a relief. I don't think I need any extra protein." He took a sip of his coffee, looking at her and wondering. "Not to flip this on you, but since we're talkin' and all. Do you write outside of work?"

[malleficarian]

❛ i truly doubt it , ❜ malina began . ❛ but i'm running out of options and you happen to be one of my more ... ' well - equipped ' allies . ❜ though the bar was really low . what was she supposed to do , tell james to sail a ship into a building , have maude gaslight some blood - sucking dead girl ? neither option sounded effective or practical , but at least mal had her resources .

but before she proceeded with the real issue , the faery allowed herself to grab the book from the man's hand and glossed over it herself . ❛ i see you're keeping busy . what is it , tired of pulling cards and telling people what they want to hear ? ❜ needless to say malina had no interest in her colleague's business practice . that's all she saw it as : business , with no real meaning . he just happened to be a great storyteller . ❛ how's your tally with the shadows these days , facilier ? ❜

[theshadowmann]

Facilier hid a grimace behind his hand as she grabbed his book. He had never loved the idea of other people touching his things, and it was even worse when it was something he deemed important. "Oh, I still do all of that. A mark is a mark, after all," he answered, dismissively. Now, if he could just get her to say what she wanted, maybe she'd leave him and his stuff alone. He wasn't about to barter for another copy of his favorite book. It had cost him enough the first time.

"Tally? I'm here, and smilin', aren't I?" he asked her, deflecting the question with ease. "Now, I know you aren't talkin' to me for our dear friendship, so how about you ask me what you really want to know?"

[bossbabevicky]

Vicky had time to spare before her marketing zoom meeting. Enough time to run into lucky cat and grab herself an iced coffee, two Splenda, and oat milk. It seemed to be the only shop in town that makes it the way she likes it. If the color is off it just won’t do. Last time she threw her full plastic coffee cup on the side walk she was so irritated. IMBECILES! Anyways she like the put together look it gave her to show up with business with her bevvy. Grabbing her drink in the perfect shade of brown from the counter she spun around and saw the crystal man. She didn’t really care to know who he was but she knew he was selling crystals to the girlies in town. Is this guy trying to steal her gig?! None the less Vicky marched over to his booth and sat down. She wanted to buy in bulk so she could spin them and make a new Etsy page. Smirking and twisting a strand of her curly hair around her finger…”Well as a matter of fact there is…I know you’re the crystal guy…how many are you willing to sell?”

[theshadowmann]

Facilier blinked, confused for a moment. Usually, when someone asked him about the spiritual side of his work, instead of the more lowkey talent management, it was because he was showing off. He definitely wasn't showing off right now. He wasn't even in the right shirt for it. Maybe one of her little friends had told her about him? "I suppose I'd sell as many as you're willin' to pay for," he answered after a quick thought. "Are you havin' that many problems, though? Or are you just tryin' to resell my hard work?" That he had hardly worked for. Every single rock he'd sold in this town was straight off some wholesale site he'd found one morning scrolling through his phone. A little 'authentic' packaging went a long way, once he'd gotten rid of the made in China stickers. "Because if you're lookin' to resell...I could work with you. For a price, of course."

[faiirytalcs]

Anita took the closing of the book as a good sign, at least he wasn't immediately telling her to fuck off and that had happened plenty of times before. Plenty of times - so many she'd lost count. Settling into the booth, the woman surreptitiously looked him over, taking in the body language before deciding to ask things. As someone who had conducted interviews before, body language was the most important tell. "That's alright, you don't need to be interesting to be helpful. I was wondering if you come here a lot? If you consider yourself a regular?"

[theshadowmann]

Well, how about that. His most normal interaction of the day was going to be with a reporter, of all things. Very interesting. Folding his hands over his book, just in case, he thought about his answer. "Well, I don't know about regular, but this is the closest coffee place to where I do most of my work, so I end up coming here more than other places." And that was true enough. Facilier glanced around, wondering what she could possibly be writing about somewhere so average. "What's your piece goin' to be about? Don't tell me they've been puttin' bugs in the brew or somethin'," he joked.

[deepdepthsjenson-deactivated202]

Jenson let him finish; there was a lot of slick talking going on and he could respect it truly. This was just going to go his way or no way at all. He let out a small laugh at the appearance of the business card. A nice magic trick...just affirming the fact that this lad was gifted just like him. "I can respect the..." he gestured to the man across the table "...magic. Nice trick." Jenson knew this was a parlor trick of any sorts but he was not worried about what other sorcery he may throw his way. "Now yes you are correct i did come over here and i did initiate the conversation but i could care less if you wanted to see me or not." Jenson knows he was very straight forward with his initial question and its obvious this stranger is going to make him work a little bit to get the correct answers. "Do i look like the kinda guy that would need to be managed?" Jenson snatched up the card and look at his partner straight in the eye "I am unmanageable." Quickly shifting his eyes down to scan the business card Jenson took in the information. Scan it once and its in his head forever. With just a small shift in his tone Jenson reached out his hand to the stranger to initiate a hand shake. "Now Facilier i am Jenson; its a pleasure. Now are we ready to talk about your real business...."

[theshadowmann]

"Just a little sleight of hand," Facilier answered with practiced ease. And that had been. Just a single loaded card, as easy a trick as any. While it wasn't as impressive as what he could really do, Facilier wasn't about to launch off with his real powers in public. True power was best kept quiet, especially when Elijah couldn't see anyone he particularly wanted to impress. There was only this man, with a small aura of power of his own, who most certainly did need to be managed, if he was going to act like this. Facilier glanced down at the offered hand, blank faced.

"I leave the shakin' for when business is over. Now. If you're gonna ask me somethin' next, you better know what it is you're askin' for. Exactly what you're askin' for." There was a hint of a warning, but Facilier didn't feel the need to lay it on too thick. Either this Jenson fella was fishing for information that he wasn't going to get, or Elijah would find a way to make a deal. In the end, Facilier would be the only one benefitting. "Go ahead. What's your business?"

[occultivisms]

luna had spotted him the moment she walked into the café, his presences ever-enticing, his expression ever-threatening. there were no words to describe her odd fascination with the man, blatantly aware that he had the personality of a wet sock... if that sock was made by one of those knock-off designer kiosks. luna knew she wasn't his favorite person, then again, she was convinced the man wasn't capable of liking anyone but himself — and even that, at times, felt like a stretch. she moved quickly through the establishment, wanting to set up camp in the booth across from him before he could pack up and take leave. with a huff, she slid into the booth, folding her hands on the table. ❛ facilier, ❜ she mused, his name almost dripping in faux-enthusiasm, a sticky sweet smile on her lips. ❛ how odd and ... yet super convenient to find you here !! you're precisely who i was looking for. ❜

[theshadowmann]

He made himself sigh imperceptibly, though lord knew he wanted to be dramatic about it just to get some time to himself. Some days it was just so hard, being so enticing. Still, he closed his book, folding his arms over it on the table, and looked at her as evenly as he could manage. "Odd?" he questioned, for clarification's sake, wondering vaguely if drinking coffee and reading was only strange behavior when he did it, and not when the...well, three or four other people he could see in the general vicinity did it. Facilier had to assume it was just a him problem. It usually was, in plenty of people's eyes. "How can I help you this fine day?"

[faiirytalcs]

Was a deep dive on one of the cafes in town a hard-hitting piece? Not really but Anita needed something to write about this week and for some reason the column series they'd been doing highlighting local spots had been getting a lot of traction. So here she was, picking up her coffee and trying to figure out who to surprise interview first. Every article was better with some sources. Some hot takes. Asking the barista if there were any regulars, Anita made a bee line directly towards a taken table, sliding into the seat. "Good morning, didn't mean to bother but she mentioned you've been in here a few times before," Anita pointed behind her towards the register. "...could I ask you some questions?"

[theshadowmann]

Facilier studied the woman for a moment, not letting the smile drop for even the smallest of moments. The question had taken him a little off guard, but when he realized that this wasn't business, nor was it very annoying - yet - Facilier sat up straighter in his seat and closed his book, sliding it into the bag resting next to him. Not only was it a sign to her that she had his attention, but he didn't need any sort of snooping. And if this woman was a reporter...Caution never did hurt him. "Yes ma'am, I suppose you could ask me some questions. I can't say I'll be very interesting, though," he replied, voice as sweet as honey before he took a sip of his now just warm coffee. "What would you like to ask me?"

[deepdepthsjenson-deactivated202]

Jenson cant seem to stay out of coffee shops. Why is the world so obsessed with them. They are over priced, the product never tastes very good, and all these people pondering over books and their lap tops cant possibly getting much work done with all the commotion. Like it or not though Jenson knew the popular locations were where he would find the people he is looking for most…well most of the time. Some people are a little more elusive. Sitting in the back corner with a full view on the café Jenson scrolled through his table just scanning the room every so often. Perfect place to watch who comes and goes or who meets up with who. In his mind there is no such thing as luck; everything happens for a reason and his routine pays off in time…and today was proof of that. Sitting by himself in a booth was someone Jenson has been trying to get alone for a while now. Jenson has noticed this guy attempting to make some sort of deals with people all over town. What the hell was that about. What kind of business is he running. Is he a threat? Can he use him? Jenson watched him for a good 15 minutes before approaching; just in case he was expecting company. Crickets. Getting up from his seat Jenson tucked his tablet in his inner coat pocket and walked over to the booth and slid in. The gift of persuasion on his side today. Resting his folded hands on the table he furrowed his brow as he took in what the stranger had to day. “Not sure what you’re offering here pal…” Jenson paused and attempted to make the air feel more comfortable “ I am not interested in coming to you for business I am more interested in what your business is.”

[theshadowmann]

Elijah studied the man in front of him, collecting information with old cold read techniques he'd been using since childhood. This man knew him, at least to some degree, but he did not know this man, and Facilier never liked to be at a disadvantage.

"I hate to tell you this, but you're the one who sat down with me. Traditionally, that would mean you want to see me. If I had wanted to see you, I would've asked." His voice was blunt, but that seemed to be the way the conversation was going from the get-go. But, it seemed like a conversation he could sway his way easily enough. "My business? Talent manager." With his left hand, Facilier produced a business card from thin air. Never the right. The right was to be free to shake. "Take a look...friend," he said casually, holding out the card. Nothing but his name, a number, and an email. "I don't suppose you've got a talent for me to manage?"

[sarahsamok]

Sarah was a sucker for a guy with pretty eyes and an unapproachable air about him. She hadn't gone into The Lucky Cat to stop everything to make a man uncomfortable, but it was a perk. She had slid into his booth because the book he held in his hands seemed...special. Winnie would be so delighted in her if she found a book like that. She would not be delighted to know that her plan evaporated the moment she saw his smile. It was so ingenuine that she wanted to try and match it. Unfortunately, her smile wasn't capable of that. She could only look slightly deranged as her lips stretched wide and she rested her arms on the table so she could lean in and rest her head in both hands.

"I'm sure you could good sir," she said with an edge in her voice. It was just kind of how she talked. "Whatcha reading? It looks ancient. And has your smile always been so divine? I feel like I can see my reflection in your teeth."

[theshadowmann]

Oh, now this was one crazy white woman. Keeping his smile in place, Facilier closed the book and dropped it safely into his bag, which was obviously spelled to high heaven to keep his things his.

"Nothin' you'd be interested in, darlin'," he assured her, regarding her coolly. Now, he didn't know her, but he knew her type. Knew the real deal when he was near it, even if she was most likely no threat. "But, yes, my smile's always been one of my better features, thank you ever so much. Now, did you just come over here to ask about a book? You much of a reader?" Of course she wasn't, but they were apparently playing a game now, and he had a little time to spare her.

[theshadowmann]

Location: The Lucky Cat Cafe Status: Open

He's sitting alone in a cafe, ignoring his pastry and drinking his coffee, thumbing through an old book. It had been a busy day, taking pauses between calls for his actual job to do a few tarot readings and sell a few fake crystals. That's why he had the book. He was trying to find a way to find hard work a little less hard. Facilier wasn't struggling, but he would do just about anything to make his days easier.

He had just finished glancing over the page he was on - finding nothing again - when someone slipped into the booth across from him. He glanced up, quickly hiding a flash of annoyance behind a bright, friendly, absolutely fake smile. "Can I help you with somethin'?" Facilier asked, leaning forward slightly and pouring on the charm. The faster he got this over with, the better.

[theshadowmann]