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@violet-lamerton
Herman, Violet’s owl. Herman delivers potions and draughts to her regular customers, and also delivers letters when she chooses to send them. She wouldn’t call him her pet, more her companion. He can speak but chooses not to most of the time. He doesn’t like many people.
Suddenly his cheeks felt inflamed hearing her words as he shook his head. “I’m no artist,” he giggled. The word just didn’t feel right, when did a hairstyle become artwork he wondered. Although, he very much appreciated the compliment. “Oh, I would love to do your hair one day if you’re okay with me doing so.” He waved his hand at her, “oh, I am sure it will be fine.”
All of what she said made sense, he used to be a witch before his transformation into a siren. And with his work in hair styling, he was more than likely trying to help a client. “Wow, that is awesome. I am glad we became fast friends. We should go out if you’re up for it. Not sure what places you like around town, but I always like dancing and karaoke.” He commented.
Santiago rolled his eyes, “just the truth.”
“I think you are. I really do, I mean- you’re creating beautiful things. What else would you call it?” she shrugged, looking over at her friend. “Oh you can try and tame this rats nest whenever you want, but just be warned, I think it’d take you about an hour just to get it untangled,” she giggled softly, although it wasn’t really a joke. The witch didn’t even own a hairbrush - the best she did was comb through her conditioner in the shower (when she remembered to use it that was).
At Santiago’s suggestion of heading out to karaoke or dancing, Violet tensed slightly. She felt out of place in most spaces but those in particular. She never knew what to do with her hands, never knew which drink to order or song to pick, and when she did think she was onto something it usually just made people laugh. Sure, she laughed along with them, but it never made sense to her, and it hurt to always feel like the joke. Not the Santiago had ever made her feel that way of course - her friend was much too sweet for that and seemed to accept for exactly who she was. But regardless, she wouldn’t go out with him to a place like that.
“I’m not really the party type.. I like going to markets, and bookstores… and… I like going out for dinner sometimes. I don’t know if any of that appeals…? That’s the kind of thing we used to do together,” she nodded, a small smile on her face as she looked over at her friend.
she hopped a little, trying to get feeling and movement clearly back into her feet and legs as his words seemed to inspire something within violet to keep going. it shook her out of her terrified stupor, and for that rafael was glad as he’d much prefer violet to work with him on this.
the wolf nodded and gave her a little smile. “good,” his voice was still quiet, still on high alert incase the thing decided to come back up from where it had gone. “i know,” rafael didn’t stop holding violet’s hand, however, gently starting to go back down the alley from where they came.
he had a rough idea of where violet lived, and decided that trying to walk around the creature that lurked around. if it was walking down main street, rafael wondered if it would be best to try and out speed it or try to slowly follow until they eventually needed to turn off somewhere else.
still, it didn’t matter, rafael knew he needed to prioritize violet’s safety above his own. his movements were careful, shoes making only the barest hints of noise against the concrete floor, the next right would put them out near the gym, he was sure of it. “nice and steady. you’ll be home before you know it,”
As if he knew just how much she needed him, his hand stayed wrapped around hers, warm and comforting as it enveloped her fingers. Her heart was still racing desperately quickly, face white as a sheet, but she knew she could do this. With him, she could do this. “Okay,” she nodded, glad that he seemed more than willing to take the lead. She stumbled slightly as she followed him, homemade sandals loose on her feet, but he kept her steady and they began their journey.
Rafael seemed to want to avoid the main road, something Violet was completely happy with - the beast she had so nearly been discovered by had been loping down that very road just minutes ago, and Violet assumed that the more they could take the back route the better. Thankfully, Rafael seemed to know what he was doing and where he was going - it made Violet realise just how little attention she truly paid to her surroundings. She had lived here for years but now, blinded by both her fear and the steadily darkening sky, she couldn’t have even begun to explain where they were.
“Nice and steady-“ she repeated, but then suddenly there was a crack and Violet jolted forwards, arms throwing themselves around Rafael as she let out a terrified whimper. It had just been a stray twig breaking beneath her foot, but she was so on edge she could barely register it, face pressed to Rafael as she tried and failed not to let out another pathetic whine.
“Ah - I am okay. It’s been difficult of course. Not being able to use my magic means I am unable to replenish my stores… I am concerned that I’ll run out of the things that people so desperately need at the moment, now more than ever,” she began, head tilting to the side as she considered the question. He was asking about her, how she felt, not how it had effected her, and she realised with a slight jolt that she hadn’t allowed herself to even consider the emotional toll the mist had taken on her. To be so disconnected from her magic, the very thing that gave her her identity, it was horrifying. Terrifying. Deeply overwhelming.
“It is… hard. To be without the thing which makes you feel whole. My magic is my very life-blood, the thing that gets me out of bed each day. I do not know who I am without it and I hope it returns to me soon,” she murmured, eyes dropping to the floor for a moment as she made her admission. “Oh- no, please do not apologise. Neither of us have done anything wrong. But it is nice to share the pain with another who understands it. No-one knows the extent of it unless they go through it themselves, I’m sure you agree,” she nodded, looking up finally with a small smile on his face.
Thaddeus nodded, it had to be difficult all around. The man just hoped there was an end in sight and perhaps there was a reason behind everything that had happened. As she spoke, he lowered his head. No way could he imagine a part of himself being gone in such a manner, something that was part of his identity. “I do too.”
There was truth in her words, one reason he rarely spoke about Kylee in front of other people. Yes, people sympathized with him. Because sooner or later everyone has lost someone in their lives. Yet, it isn’t the same when it was your beloved that was taken too soon. No words could accurately describe the loss. “Yes,” he quietly agreed. “I should probably get going,” he told her. “Hopefully this all works.” With that, he got out his wallet to pay for everything.
“It doesn’t make any sense to me though… how can they fit everything in just a little piece of metal?” she frowned, shaking her head as if there was water clogging her ears and she wanted desperately to get it out. “Gosh you must think I sound like such an idiot. I just grew up without all this stuff, y’know? The coven was pretty much electricity free, except for a bit of hot water,” she mused, flushing slightly as she realised that perhaps this was not information Asa would want to hear - she had volunteered it without a question being asked. Hopefully he did not mind.
“Yes, so do I. Although I hate when they have that nasty fake vanilla smell,” she hummed, nose scrunching up at the very thought. The vampire’s invitation took Violet completely by surprise, her eyebrows raising as a delighted smile spread across her features. It wasn’t often that Violet got to make new friends, and it thrilled her that Asa was making the first move to have some kind of friendship outside of just their chance-meetings at the library. “I would love that! Although I must admit, I don’t tend to drink coffee. I love tea though! I too think we would be great friends, and I hardly ever say that about anyone so consider yourself lucky I suppose,” she chuckled softly. “Would you be free later on today…?”
Asa shakes his head because he completely agrees. It's all pretty astounding - and while he's gotten used to utilizing certain equipment, it just seems to update and have new models so quickly. It's hard to keep up. "I understand, completely." While he isn't in a coven, he knows a few witches. Reads some of the old books that come in with spells and coven histories. Not that he does much talking with one of them...
His nerves simmer down when Violet agrees, and he can't help the small smile forming on his face, ducking his head. "Yes, of course. Whatever you like. I think so too." Asa doesn't drink coffee or tea, and doesn't eat anything, so he's happy to go wherever Violet can have something she enjoys. It does make him feel somewhat good that she's choosy about making friends and still has said yes. However, he's surprised by her asking about later today. Half the time, he assumes someone will say yes and then, as the youth say, 'ghost' him. "Oh... yes, actually. I'm leaving in a few hours, letting my employee close up."
Natsuki drove the rest of the way through the forest until the asphalt ended and the street turned into a dirt path with only enough room for one car going by it at a time, taking the road slowly because her car did not have 4-wheel drive and the road was a bit soft in this part of the woods where the sun didn't always reach the earth to evaporate all of the moisture which would get trapped. Soon, they would reach their destination and after parking the first thing she did upon exiting the car was stretch her arms over her head and suck in a deep breath of the damp wood air.
She felt invigorated already, excited at the prospect of what she could cast and cook. "We should set everything up," she suggested, now moving toward the trunk of her car to open it up and start pulling things out so they could build up their temporary arrangements, "What do you want to cast? Something for your apothecary? You must have some items which need to be restocked by now."
Violet’s foot tapped in anticipation, eager to get to the place where they’d decided they’d set up their campsite for the night now that she knew she did in fact have her powers back. She’d barely packed proper clothing her food, relying on Natsuki and her passion for cooking to make sure they were fed. Instead, her big old trunk was stacked to the brim with all her potion-making essentials - a pewter cauldron, various crystals and ingredients, and of course her many spell books. She hadn’t been able to decide on just one to take, so instead she had packed seven or eight, each heavier than the last.
“Yes! We should,” Violet nodded, practically leaping from the car as they arrived, fingers almost tingling with the anticipation of getting to cast magic freely once more. “I have no idea where to start… the apothecary has been pretty much stripped of sleeping draughts, anti-nausea, anti-anxiety - all the kinds of potions you’d expect would’ve sold well during this time. Oh- dreamless sleep? That’s been much more popular than I would’ve expected. I suppose the anxieties of the situation creep into peoples’ subconscious,” she mused, assisting Natsuki in pulling various things out of the boot. “I suppose we should set the tent up first - should I see if I have the magic to do it? Would save us some time…”
Lily James photographed by Pip Bourdillon (2023)
Asa's drumming his fingers on the countertop in thought. "I know the laptop is the one you can fold up. More mobile, I suspect. But it's lost on me, really. All of that technology in something so thin. Then again..." He holds up the cracked phone from before. Yes, a bit of a block, but a smart phone is just as confusing. He tucks it away with a chuckle, shaking his head.
"Oh yes, I love a good candle." He adds in agreement, shifting back from one foot to the other until he's settled and leaning comfortably into the front desk again. "Salt lamp..." He repeats the words as if it's foreign to him. Then, just as oddly, "Violet, would you like to go for a coffee sometime?" Vampires don't really drink coffee. Nevertheless. "I don't have a lot of friends. And I think we would get along quite well as friends, outside of this place." The admission is just as uncomfortable as he usually is as he skulks about the library, but at least its honest. He gestures vaguely to the library as a whole.
“It doesn’t make any sense to me though… how can they fit everything in just a little piece of metal?” she frowned, shaking her head as if there was water clogging her ears and she wanted desperately to get it out. “Gosh you must think I sound like such an idiot. I just grew up without all this stuff, y’know? The coven was pretty much electricity free, except for a bit of hot water,” she mused, flushing slightly as she realised that perhaps this was not information Asa would want to hear - she had volunteered it without a question being asked. Hopefully he did not mind.
“Yes, so do I. Although I hate when they have that nasty fake vanilla smell,” she hummed, nose scrunching up at the very thought. The vampire’s invitation took Violet completely by surprise, her eyebrows raising as a delighted smile spread across her features. It wasn’t often that Violet got to make new friends, and it thrilled her that Asa was making the first move to have some kind of friendship outside of just their chance-meetings at the library. “I would love that! Although I must admit, I don’t tend to drink coffee. I love tea though! I too think we would be great friends, and I hardly ever say that about anyone so consider yourself lucky I suppose,” she chuckled softly. “Would you be free later on today…?”
Honestly, he did not know the exact way to explain his process to her. “I don’t know, it kind of just came to me. Started off one way, but then ended up like that. You really like it?” With Amy, Natsuki, and her’s encouragement, he was excited to see his old boss so he could get back at it. With the muscle memory coming back, he only hoped that was a step in the right direction of getting back his memories.
Santiago nodded, he was trying to remain on the positive side. After all, there was no point in wallowing over things, especially when everyone has been so accommodating and loving towards him. “Thank you, it means a lot. Honestly, I just want to know more about you and how we became friends.” He figured as he learned about people, he would understand why he was connected to them in the first place. It sucked starting over, but at least he had support. Santiago rolled his eyes at her, “honey. You’re a natural beauty, don’t need makeup or any of that stuff.”
“Did it?! You must have magic fingers or something. It’s fascinating - when people think of artists I suppose painters and drawers and even sculptors come to mind… but you are an artist as well, your medium just happens to be hair,” she chuckled softly. “Marvellous. Truly. Perhaps one day you could do my hair! Although I’d likely mess it up within minutes, I tend to be a bit hopeless that way,” she half-smiled, glancing over at her friend and seeing just how pleased he was by her compliments. It warmed her heart to see him enthusiastic, happy even. It was all she hoped for him - happiness, especially after such a hard few months.
“Well, let’s see…” she hummed, contemplating where to begin and how much detail to give him. “Well, it’s best if we start with how we met, as it explains a lot about me too. You came into my apothecary - I don’t suppose you’ve seen it around? I sell potions, spells, crystals, incense, tools, herbs, tonics, you know, all that kind of thing. You came in because you were looking for dandelion root for a special tonic you were brewing - I think it was to supposed to help with hair growth..? I can’t quite remember. Anyway, we got talking from there and we quickly became friends,” she smiled, thinking back to their first meeting.
She couldn’t help but flush at his kind words, shaking her head a couple of times as she let out a nervous giggle. “Oh hush.”
Despite having just cast the spell and felt the ripple of magic through her palms in doing so, Natsuki couldn't help the disbelief at the return of her magic. How could it be so simple as that? So simple that only moving a few paces beyond the boundary of the town to allow the use of magic again. "What does it mean?" Natsuki found herself questioning out loud, not expecting Violet to know the answer by any means but the question needed to be released so that an answer could be given back at some point.
Incredulous, she looked back to the bottle of softly fizzing liquid in her palms and then set it down into the cup holder of the car, giving Violet a much needed squeeze of affection back before she wiped the tears from her cheeks, laughing softly as she did so, "I can't believe it." It was unreal. "Let's hurry to the campsite," she said to the other as she turned the car back on, "So we can really see what we can do now."
“I have no idea,” Violet murmured, her voice hushed as she shook her head slowly. She had no idea what this would mean when they returned to the town - would they go back to exactly how they were under the influence of the mist? Now that Violet had had a taste of her magic once more, she wasn’t sure if she could cope with going without it for however long. Perhaps she needed to seriously consider moving out of Opulence, at least until the mist lifted. If it lifted. The thought scared her - Opulence was the closest thing she’d had to home since her childhood, and she didn’t want to leave it. But her magic was even more important to her than feeling a sense of home.
Glad to Natsuki’s reaction had been just as emotional as his own, she giggled along with her friend, head tilting back as her eyes closed for just a moment. The euphoria of having her magic back was now coursing through her, and she nodded enthusiastically at Natsuki’s words. “Yes, please! Let’s hurry.”
He's honestly glad he's not the only one. He feels sometimes like a bit of a dinosaur in comparison to the others around him - especially when he takes out the block of a phone and tries to click and tap and make it work. He does better than others, but it doesn't mean he knows what he's doing half the time.
"That's very smart. Blaming the phone, I mean. I should do that, if I don't want to be contacted." He had been wringing his hands before, but now he's settled a bit, enjoying the conversation they're having.
"Well, I should say it was right before I was born. But just because it had been invented, doesn't mean it was widely used." He explains sheepishly. A hand touches his temple - a nervous tic, where an old faded pinkish looking scar is. "But I mean, getting light bulbs in a house for the first time? Absolutely incredible."
Both Violet and Asa were as socially anxious as the other, and so it meant that it always took a few moments for them to warm up. The good thing was, they understood that, recognised that anxiety in the other, and Violet was sure this was one of the reasons she felt so comfortable around the man. He was almost definitely too busy worrying about himself and how he was feeling to judge her for being awkward.
"Yes, I've found it's very effective. And I absolutely refuse to get a computer, or a laptop... I still find it hard to tell the difference if I'm honest," she chuckled softly. Her eyes followed his hand to the little scar at his temple, one she had clocked the first day they had met but had never asked him about. Violet tended not to press people for information they didn't give willingly - she didn't want to share so very many parts of her life, and she felt certain others were the same. "Gosh, I can only imagine! I have to say, I do prefer a more natural light. I find some lightbulbs quiet anxiety-inducing. Once the sun has set for the day I tend to use just my salt-lamp and candles," she mused.
she was panicked, he could see that, sense it and rafael knew the only way to soften such a thing was to get her home alive and quickly. there was no cure, no re-assurance for a thing like this, only the trust the two would share during this intense journey would be a potential cure. dark eyes searched hers for any sign of hesitance as she agreed to trust him.
though - her legs, she couldn’t move. fear, it paralyzed violet like a deer in the headlights and while she agreed to his help she simply couldn’t move. rafael had been to forward, too honest in what he required from her but, there could be no room for error if they both wanted to live. it was something the wolf had been used to once but, the witch was evidently not.
“okay,” rafael kept his voice low, still being quiet just in case. “it’s okay. we’re going to take it nice and slow. i’ll be with you this whole time, here,” he reached out, taking a hand and giving it a squeeze. the wolf gave what he hoped was a reassuring smile in her direction. “i promise i’ll get you home safe,”
perhaps it wasn’t a promise he couldn’t keep yet, was determined to anyways. for her sake. “if not, i can always carry you,”
His voice was low and gentle, her eyes wide as they met his own. She could see that he was managing to keep calm for her sake, but that she needed to listen to him and do as she was told. This was not a fun little game of hide and seek. This was real life, and they were both in grave danger as it was and the longer they lingered here, the higher the chances were of something happening to them both. It was that thought which spurred her into action - she could not live with herself if something happened to Rafael because she was too scared to move.
His hand was warm in hers, larger fingers wrapping around her smaller, more delicate ones, squeezing gently, warming her cold skin in the process. It felt right, like her palm fitted in perfectly against his own, and she realised with a sudden rush of anxiety that she desperately didn't want to let go. His smile and the promise that followed helped to reassure her even further, and she nodded quickly, raising one foot from the ground and then another, hopping a little awkwardly as she tried to activate the heavy limbs.
"Okay... okay. I can- I can walk. No need to carry me," she smiled weakly, looking up at him once more and then over her shoulder, scanning the road from where they were concealed to see if there was any movement. "I- you're going to need to lead the way... I don't know the back routes."
Of course Adelita understood, they were not mere mortals, they were witches and if they decided they wanted one drag of a cigarette to curse, maim or kill, they could. Not that Adelita would… or at least she would not in the circumstance. In this instance, she was hoping to come across as friendly and engaging, hopefully putting the other witch at ease. She could already see from the woman’s posture and expressions, that Adelita had given the impression of power, and she could see she would have to work that much harder to make Violet feel… safe. Ade had no intention of hurting Violet, only making her feel welcome, she could not have a witch running around town with a bad impression of Helka’s Own, that would not do.
“Claro, I understand” Adelita said as she exhaled, smoke billowing out from her lips and lingering in the air about her. The smell was potent, perhaps stronger than the scent of tobacco considering the ingredients used, but it was not entirely unpleasant. For those with a nose for the aromatic, and not the sweet, it was an enticing smell. It was a love it or hate it kind of scent. “It is prudent to be cautious while in a new town, especially one like Opulence”. The town was known to supernaturals all over America, but it did have a reputation… “We teach our own to be the same, although amongst the towns witches we are safe” Adelita assured, and it was said in such a way that suggested she had a hand in ensuring the towns witches practiced safe witchcraft. “And I pray to Diosa that does not change”.
Just as she spoke, there was a small chime from Adelita’s mobile, which she took from her pocket and very decidedly switched her phone off and placed it on the coffee table. Violet had the Priestesses full attention.
“Ah, come now. Modesty on women is outdated, you needn’t diminish your gifts in front of me. I do not want to take anything from you, or try to use you for your power” Adelita saw no point in wasting time beating around the bush. The blonde clearly did not trust people or feel safe around strangers easily, that much was clear. One cannot conduct business with a rabbit caught in a trap, intimidating could be useful at times, this was not one of those times. “Helka’s Own is the towns oldest coven, we have power and resources, and we do not seek more than we have” lie. “I don’t mention this to intimidate you, or even to sell you on joining us. Every witch in our coven stays by choice, and if you chose to join us, or to remain alone we will respect that choice, as we respect all of our witches choices” so long as they don’t negatively impact the coven of course. “I would like for you to make that choice too, the choice to be one of us, or be an ally to us” the fact that Adelita did not give Violet other options was telling. Whether Violet joined or not, Adelita would make use of her if she wanted to.
“We have various friends in solitary witches, all over town” Adelita explained with a grateful smile “They join our spell casting rituals and celebrations as and when they please, they come and they go, they’re friends. But there is never friendship without some give and take”. Though the witch remained smiling cordially, the temperature in the room seemed to drop as Adelita waited for the witch to catch on. “The question is” Adelita paused to lift a crystal cut glass of water to her lips from which she sipped before lowering it again. “What kind of relationship would you like with Helka’s Own?”
Diosa. This was a word Violet had heard but one she did not tend to use. She prayed to the moon, the sun, to Mother Nature, to divine femininity - all the forces her mother had taught her to acknowledge and respect. But not Diosa, although the sentiment was similar she supposed. “Ah. But are we ever truly safe amongst such power and strength? The witches in this town are… skilled. To say the least,” Violet mused.
Every word spoken in this conversation felt like a chess move, each more potent than the last, and Violet could practically feel the undercurrents of all the things that were being left unsaid in the air around them. She’d met people like Adelita before - her own coven had had a High Priestess, and there was much more to her conversations with lone witches than merely wanting to be friendly. Both Adelita and Violet knew what she was really getting at - Violet was a powerful force, even if she was just one lone witch, and Adelita couldn’t risk that power being out of her control. Sure she was saying that Violet didn’t need to join the coven, but it seemed that even an apathetic relationship between Violet and Helka’s Own would not be accepted.
Violet hated this fact, hated the feeling of being trapped between a rock and a hard place. It was as if Adelita was forcing her hand, and Violet resented this. She had been alone for so long, unanswerable to anyone, and now this woman was forcing some kind of alliance upon her? It would not do. So Violet decided to feign ignorance. Perhaps if she said little she could get away with not making any promises - she knew that sometimes words were magically binding, and she did not want to fall prey to such a trap.
She chose her words carefully, head tilting slightly as a vague smile stretched over Violet’s features, eyes meeting Adelita’s own. “I would like to remain as things are. Helka’s Own continues on as they are, and I do the same. We are courteous to one another. That is what I want,” she answered smoothly, choosing not to verbally respond to everything else Adelita said.
The librarian has a fondness for kind patrons, and those who respect the work he does. While Asa finds it difficult to sometimes find talking points with those who frequent the library, it's often clear if he likes someone or not. The way he talks or if a smile even forms on his perpetually concentrated face while he checks someone's books out, or takes them back in.
He nods sagely in agreement- because he's exactly the same way, and he had assumed correctly about Violet. Fishing into his pocket, he takes out a very old looking phone that's probably stopped updating its software by now, a cracked screen though he's put a protector over it that at least holds the glass together. "I'm unfortunately the same way." He chuckles sheepishly, clearing his throat. It's silly- he has the money for a new one. He has too much money, he barely knows what to do with it. But instead of opulent mansions and garish cars, he sinks it into his books. His library.
"That's hard to even fathom." He points out with raised eyebrows. "The idea of spells is already so overwhelming to wrap my head around... the ability to conjure. But through your phone..." He seems to be thinking about it deeply. This is new information for the librarian. "I suppose the world really is changing, isn't it? But I said the same thing when electricity was invented." He grins at that, shaking his head.
Violet let out soft stream of delighted giggles as the librarian retrieved his phone from his pocket, the witch producing one equally as old and battered and brandishing it at him as she shook her head slightly, grinning at the sight of each phone next to the other. “At least yours has a protector holding it together. Mine seems to like to just fall apart at any moment. I don’t even have the plastic backing anymore, I had to use a spell to make sure none of the important bits fall out the back,” she chuckled, turning the clunky-looking phone over to reveal its completely bare back, the insides of the little piece of technology exposed for everyone to see. “I like it though, because it means that if someone is trying to contact me and can’t get through I can just blame my phone. It’s the reason I’ve held onto it for song - I actually have quite a soft spot for it now.”
She nodded quickly, appreciating that he seemed just as disturbed by the notion of digitally recording spells as she did, letting out a soft sigh as she too thought about it. “Yes, I know… I need to put pen to paper to work out the kinks of a new spell anyway… I don’t know how they manage to type quick enough to get all their thoughts out succinctly. But I suppose this generation has adapted to the new technology,” she shrugged. There were not many people she felt so comfortable around, not usually one to speak so freely and in such large volumes, but with Asa it was different. She got the sense that he too knew what it felt like to be an outsider, and in that she had warmed to him quickly. “It seems an awful shame… oh! You were around when that happened? Goodness… what was that like?”
|| Violet & Minho ||
“No. I am not happy. Not happy at all.” Minho admitted, the confession like melted lead in his mouth but he said it anyway. “I have plenty of people I could talk to. I am always surrounded by them. But how could I ever burden them with my troubles? I did it perhaps once, had it slip unwillingly because I couldn’t control myself and all I did was sadden and scare them, which in turn had made me feel even worse!” Minho sniffled, feeling a very familiar burn in the back of his eyes so he already started to reach for the inner pocket of his bejeweled denim jacket to pull out a fine, embroidered silken handkerchief out.
Dabbing under his eyes with a corner of the cloth carefully so he disturbed none of the thinly applied foundation there, Minho warded off tears for now, then leaned over to pick up the cup of tea he’d been offered. He held the dish of warm liquid between his long fingers, its mild warmth gentle to his palms - the witch knew not to over-boil it and it smelled perfect, not to mention the beautiful purplish color. All he could do for now as Violet spoke was either nod in confirmation or shake his head to let her know that there were practically none save for Ophelia so far with whom he’d shared the full extent of his troubles. He took a sip of the fragrant tea and it helped him speak again.
“I wish we were less so… The worst thing is, I expected humans to scorn me but in this town at least, they were nothing but kind. And I am unsure if this is better or worse. It feels like pity. And if it’s not pity, then maybe they don’t care at all and that’s even more horrible! I just don’t know what to think. Is it just my own insecurities or am I actually right to feel this way?” Minho blurted out, his long, pointed ears drooping sadly. But talking about heartbreak was even more painful than anything else. Perhaps he would have had an easier time getting over it if he hadn’t been so far from home, banned from ever returning and doomed to die of old age, which was not natural for the fae who were born to be immortal. “And I am infinitely grateful that you listened. I hope my troubles had not burdened you overmuch… I am sure you have plenty of your own.”
It was a sentiment Violet was familiar with - she too preferred not to burden people with how she was truly feeling. And there was something more to it as well, some sort of self-preservation, as if the things she was struggling with were somehow easier to deal with if she did not voice them, did not share just how badly she was feeling or hurting. But it wasn’t sustainable, it simply wasn’t. “Well… I hear you. I really do, and I can resonate with what you’re saying. But think about the people you care about, the people you love… would it not pain you more if they did not tell you they were struggling? Being honest about how you feel may sadden them of course, but that is part of friendship. Sharing your burdens make them so much easier to bear my dear. And the people in your life who love you want to share them with you, I promise you that,” she murmured softly, taking a small sip of her own cup of tea and then letting out a small hum of contentment.
“It does not really matter whether feelings are justified or not, so to speak. Our hearts do not play by any rule. They just feel what they feel, sometimes seemingly without rhyme or reason. There is no point dwelling on whether or not they are justified or- I don’t know… whether you should feel how you feel. You feel how you do regardless. So… you must accept that. And be kind to yourself. Gentle. Treat yourself how you would treat a treasured friend,” she hummed, nodding slowly as she spoke. It had taken years for her to realise these things herself and even more years to be able to put them into practice, but she knew them to be true. “You have not burdened me in the slightest - I asked you to share, and I am very glad you have.”
There was excitement in his step as he skedaddled to get the wigs he had been practicing on. When he returned, he beamed brightly at her words, feeling the heat spread across his cheeks as he turned his head bashfully. “Really?” The eager smile hanging on his lips as he looked at her for validation. It was a strange sensation, the moment he placed the scissors in his hands and started going at it, something inside him ignited. Perhaps muscle memory was a true thing, because he felt he was meant to do this.
At times, it was hard to believe he was a wonderful person. Mainly because he just didn’t know who he was, but with the support of Violet and others it certainly was encouraging. “Well all of you have been great, really. It sucks, because I desperately want to know all that we have done in the past and just the intricacies of our friendship. But I guess that can come over time.” He shrugged. Santiago wiggled his brows hearing his nude man was good looking. “Girl, the only reason a guy wouldn’t be interested in you is either he is gay or married.”
“Oh yes! Truly magnificent! How on earth did you do this one…?” she asked, fingertips ghosting gently over the delicate fishtail braid of one of the wigs, eyes wide as she inspected the detailed work closely. She knew nothing about wigs, and rarely did anything to her own head of hair, preferring to leave her curls wild and free. What’s more, even if she did want to do something to tame them, she wouldn’t know how, and likely wouldn’t have the patience.
“Yes, I can only imagine how frustrating that must be,” she nodded sympathetically. “But I suppose one way of looking at it is that you get to relearn all the things you knew about the people you love the most, which is kind of nice… I know it does not make up for what you have lost, but… it is a fresh start. And please do not hesitate to ask me as many questions as you want,” she smiled, nodding over at him reassuringly. At his comment he witch couldn’t help but blush, ducking her head in embarrassment as she shook it quickly. “Oh no… I do not believe that to be true. I am not conventionally particularly attractive - I do not shave, barely wear makeup… I gave up on bras long ago,” she chuckled weakly. “But you are very sweet to say so.”
the smell of rotting flesh filled his nostrils, yet rafael stood as still as a statue while it moved, the two shielded by the slight shade afforded to them by the alleyway. the wolf was primed, ready with the need to act at any given moment should the great beast turn its grizzled visage upon the two of them and decide that it required a two course meal this evening. it would go like this - he would shove violet, and tell her to run, and buy her as much time as he could. perhaps rafael wouldn’t have to die, always willing to put up a fight but…if he did, then he welcomed it.
though he had friends, rafael couldn’t see anybody missing him. death had not scared him in a long time.
violet was terrified, he knew by the way she tried to hide against him, her smaller frame fitting against his wider one. yet, she followed his instructions, not once moving nor making any sudden noises. time seemed to slog by as the monster moved slowly down main street, not yet quite out of earshot. rafael wouldn’t move while he could still feel its presence, hear its fetid breathing and the scrape of its tail against concrete. though she glanced away, he did no such thing, dark eyes never moving from violet’s.
it must’ve been easily 40 minutes before rafael seemed to relax for a fraction, hands coming slack around her. “i’m going to take my hand away. do not scream,” he trusted her not to, dropping the one that was around her mouth.
“okay,” voice still low, barely above a whisper. “i know you don’t know me so well but, i promise you i can get us both out of this situation,” rafael meant pursued by something that had killed and attacked so many.
“i need you to trust me, follow me, and do as i ask. first of all, quiet, and taking it steady. we both need to be on high alert, we need to trust our guts, and we need to take it slow. got it?”
Time felt like it was dragging on as they stood there, two almost-strangers wrapped in a tense embrace. Violet forced her mind to wander, to try and focus on something else, considering that this was the longest amount of physical contact she had had from anyone in… well… years. She wasn’t enjoying it, that would be the wrong word especially given the circumstances. But there was something about his frame against hers, his heartbeat thudding steadily against her ear that comforted her. She felt somewhat comfortable so close to him, which came as a surprise - the witch tended to avoid physical touch where she could.
The loosening of his arm around her stirred her from her thoughts, face looking up reluctantly from where it had been pressed to him, brow creased with concern. She nodded slowly as he gave her his instruction, letting out a soft little hum of relief as his hand moved from her lips, the imprint of his fingers visible on the pale skin of her jaw.
Violet had no reason to believe him, not reason to trust him and yet- she did. Wholly and completely. In fact, there was perhaps no-one else she would have trusted more in this situation, and the realisation scared her, her heart racing at the thought. Fear at the beast, fear at the quickly darkening sky, fear at the reliance she felt on this stranger.
“Yes,” she croaked, her throat tight and voice hoarse from its lack of use. “I can’t- feel my legs,” she whispered, a fresh wave of fear coursing through her as she made her admission. She felt paralysed with anxiety, panicked, desperate not to fuck things up for them both.
