BURNING IN THE SEA

[xavdixon]

xthegreybetweenx​:

@salemstart

[ April 3rd - The Village Tavern, before Ava’s arrival]

Poe had stopped to chat with many of those gathered in the tavern; asking for information about what had led to all of this panic. (What or who - Poe was still curious about that masked figure Rowan had described.) He’d also helped move pool tables, and acted as implied security. Mercifully, his sidearm had remained secured.

The fog was drifting now, as was Poe; from window to window in an attempt to monitor the exterior. He paused at the set of floor-to-ceiling windows and squinted. Outside, patio tables had been overturned in the previous panic, but one remained upright, the muffled clanking of its large umbrella barely audible through the glass. 

But it was something further into the fog that had him staring so hard. Sensing a figure at his side, Poe didn’t point, nor tip his chin. Instead, he spoke quietly and calmly. “Do me a favor? Let me know if you see shadowy people-shapes in the fog, too.” In a better world, he’d be told he was imagining it. That there weren’t lurking figures watching the visitors inside The Village Tavern, but that Poe had simply succumb belatedly to whatever had spun so many others off their axis.

Xavier didn’t know if there was anyone behind all of this. He was supposed to but he either did not care enough or hadn’t enough digging there was no line between those two considering how different the so called knight now. He would have helped get these people to safety a lifetime ago but instead of doing that Xavier only droned by himself and followed everyone when they brought him to the tavern. Did he lose himself? He didn’t know nor did he want to. All that really mattered was that he had nothing and no one to lose now which gave him peace on its own. As he staggered into the bartop he ordered scotch and sat down. His large built could be intimidating but he liked it that way. But it seemed like it didn’t work for this guy who just came in and started talking to him. “So I’m guessing it’s pervasive huh? I swear this place just keeps getting crazier.” He said. Like he cared but he actually didn’t. He downed a shot. “Better just sit down and enjoy the show. You don’t get entertainment like this anywhere else.” 

[xavdixon]

[xavdixon]

xincantatemsx​:

𝐚𝐥𝐚𝐧 & @salemstart [ after the performances ] ​

albeit and not in the very least showing so, Alan had a guilty conscience when it came to most things. and while the stone-cold expression on his face was not budging, a bit of panic was striking in a reputed warm heart for a beloved of his. typically on his arm, his wife had recently gone to ladies’ room to powder her nose. normally, he wouldn’t feel so obliged to have to check on her, but the night was turning sour. despite the eye-rolls which were supplied once the masked monologue was spoken, he grew worried that she wouldn’t be coming back to their table.

he’d rounded the club almost twice now still in search for her sneaking in the shadows, and trying to remain unseen as the panic continued to rise in the guests. pulling at the collar of his neck, he would exhaust his efforts and instead reach for the inside of his coat pocket. it wasn’t the perfect time to take to a smoke with all the doors being locked, but he didn’t really care. chuckling to himself, he’d comment, “That line to the bathroom must be a drag. I hope they’ve employed custodians, I imagine there’ll be piss on the floors.”

Xavier like usual liked keeping it to himself. Nothing new as the big hunk of a man had never been a social person and he would rather avoid the attention. There was just too much about this place that did not fit him. The wealthy clothes and the chattering filled his ears but Xavier did his best to pretend they were just breezing wind. The stranger that came up last had earned attention for sure so that’s when Xavier decided to move around making sure everything was in place. Was it the work of Liesei? He didn’t think so but you could never know in this place one could be crossing the other without so much thought and before you know it they’ll fall to their demise. Just like his late lover. 

Xavier shook his head thinking that when he started too much about his deceased boyfriend that meant he was getting distracted and so he downed another glass. It always worked, the sound of his boyfriend’s voice becoming a white noise in the background and all the time he had wasted hoping he could live a long life with him faded into an old memory. He forgot about the ruckus for a moment and continued with his drink. Downing one after another before he heard someone speak to him. Why? He would have ignored them if it wasn’t Alan Blackwell himself. The man was cunning and Xavier needed to remember to not fall into his way of talking. “Piss and vomit. These people are losing their minds.” He said simply. “You look calm. I’m not exactly surprised. Are you behind all of this? Sounds like your forte.” He added.

[vivienvalentino]

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