nyraxodeyer

[nyraxodeyer]

"I don’t know who or what I was like in my past life," she admitted with a quiet ache, "People who knew me then are either dead or have been regenerated." Despite the sorrow and pain woven into her words, there was a quiet acceptance of coming to terms with what she couldn't change."Dreams offered me only so much clarity. I tried looking for records but none exist in this country, and my birthplace...well, that land has been ravaged by shameful empires." There wasn't much she could about that either. History was just like that. "I wasn't trying to overstep or tell you how to feel," she gently. "Just wanted to extend an understanding where I can, and remind you that you don't have to let those things define you."

She exhaled a vexed breath at the mention of Suresh. "Ah. My favourite person. Of course. He's always threatening to disappear, almost every day if I may say, over the smallest of issues too. He craves attention, so with him, I'd say, don't bother. Everyone lets him down, and he makes sure you, or in many cases, me, know it. You can ask any of my staff as well if you'd like, they all have their own stories." Nyra really hoped she wouldn't let Suresh, of all people, get under her skin.

"I don't know, I just shared what we offer since you wanted to understand what you're getting into before you cross your t's and dot your i's. I get it's not all relevant for everyone, so, take what you think will help," she shrugged. "In a way yes, but it's also for their safety. A slip of the tongue can be dangerous and magic is far to fascinating to forever hold your tongue about even with the most careful people. Our kind is hunted and killed out there, if a human finds our secrets and talks about it, they could face the same fate or be used as part of a bigger threat." She paused, then nodded slowly, "But yes, that's understandable. I know things like this are sensitive, especially with children involved. You don't have to help in maintaining it."

"Were you all that different?" Sav quietly asked, glancing up from the sweet tea in hand to the woman across from her. "In your past life or lives? Cause... cause you can say that, but theres a big difference between sayin' you're not the person you used to be and lookin' someone in the eyes who used to know you and havin' them either sigh in disappointment or give you a look as if to say they know you're exactly the same as you used to be. It's only a matter of time before that part of you rears its ugly head," She let out a small sigh. "And there's this one guy, Suresh, and I'm pretty sure I've gotten him all worked up thinkin' he's gonna go poof and turn into a character from Steel Magnolia's or become some lovin' friendly neighbor bus driver or somethin'. But, I'm fairly certain I let him down, though I can't even fully remember what I used to be to him to have done that? I think we used to be friends or somethin'."

"Why would that be useful to me?" She scrunched her brows up at Nyra as she began to glance over the pamphlet in her hand. "I know how to fly," She explained. "And swim and sang and create a storm at my fingertips. All that stuff came fairly naturally a while back. Well, that's kinda fucked up for the humans, huh? Vanessa mentioned that before. Serra wouldn't speak to me for a whole week yellin' about how I'd trapped her here, but wait- I wouldn't have to put up the barrier, would I? If I joined, could I sit that one out, cause I don't think I could be a part of that, no offense. All the rest sounds fine and I think I'd like the whole illusion thang, but I can't help create a barrier that could erase my daughter's memories, even if it is for my own safety and everyone else's. That's my qualm. Can you work with that or?"

[nyraxodeyer]

"It is very entertainment from what I remember it to be, yes, Hollywood took many liberties from what happened." She viewed this movie for what it was, as what Gia put, entertainment. "Much is lost to time, but age does develops curiosity and boredom simultaneously. There are key moments that will never leave me, stretching far back but also recent times too, but yes, the rest," she pointed to the screen that flickered with story, "like these, never did settle as an pinned memory." She laughed a touch, "No big hats? Shame I think you can pull it off."

A head shake answered Nyra's question. The vampire didn't care much for television or the movies, but she was glad to distract herself from her current state of existence with the company of her few friends. "Remarkable." Her dry humor continued. "I await such... entertainment." An accurate description if she were to put it vaguely. The retelling of history for Hollywood's benefit had not ceased to annoy her. Historical inaccuracies that spread false information. It was one of a few reasons Georgiana believed immortals were the true keepers of time and entitled to the spoils of such. Hence her expansive collection of priceless artifacts. "It is difficult to recall time the more of it that passes, hm?" A blessing, for her, to forget parts of her past. Though it'd come shrieking back in recent months, like a haint in the night as it plagued her restless mind. "I certainly do not recall anyone dressing quite like that." Gia pointed out some of the costumes on screen.

[nyraxodeyer]

"I was there when it was invented, actually," she said matter of factly. "Another fascinating thing is locking doors. I saw no point in ringing or knocking, especially when last time you seemed to have an open door policy. This works far better for you." She crossed her arms, clearly not in the mood for excuses or games. "I've spoken with the other person," she continued, her tone stern, "He came to me first about it, a courtesy I wish you had extended to me as well." Was it unreasonable to expect transparency? She understood the injury might justify leniency, but she didn't trust the young fae enough to believe she'd come seek her out on her own. A thought she voiced, "Would you have come to me about it?"

More than that, she needed to understand the root of this conflict. It was fortunate the other individual was not only fae but also part of her court, handling this internally was a better outcome than potentially having to involve other groups or the council. "Tell me your side of the story."

There was no warning and Rangi, who was laying on her couch with a bag of peas on her face to help with the swelling, let out a high-pitched yelp when Nyra suddenly appeared in her living room. She sat up so fast her head spun and she nearly fell off the couch, catching herself on the coffee table and grabbing the bag of peas. "Jesus," she cursed, shaking her head before putting it in her hands. It was already pounding in pain, this was the last thing she needed or wanted.

"You know they made this really cool invention called a doorbell, right?" she grumbled, tossing the frozen bag onto her coffee table. She prods the bruise on her cheek, before finally looking up at Nyra. "It was just a stupid bar fight." One she absolutely instigated and one she'd wanted. "You should see the other guy."

[nyraxodeyer]

She chuckled softly, "Yes, you do have a boy like spirit, it's quite nice, actually." Though she had agreed, Nyra didn't see Nico as a child or a boy, spending time with him during council meetings revealed a quiet maturity tucked beneath his youthful surface and it was something she appreciated. "Ah, well, yes and no. Living for centuries tends to lead one down many different paths. I know art and this isn't my first rodeo, honestly, even combined doesn't feel all that strange." She paused with a slight shrug, "You could say you were pondering, works like a charm in the art scene."

She shook her head, "Not personally, no. I've enough common sense to stay away from such things — no judgement to those that took that challenge though, it's simply not me. I did sign up for the lasso showdown, see if my skills are still sharp or need a bit of sharpening. And the cook off too, perhaps stand by if things get too hot there," she added with a laugh. "As for my court... it indeed is hard to predict. The bar is set to 'don't die' but even then, some still find ways to test it." She hoped her fae wouldn't cause too much trouble with these events. "And you? Anything else you want to dabble in?"

·✥·

"I have cowboy spirit, just not in the, you know," he waved a hand. "Cow part of it." He nodded along with the Fae Queen's suggestion. "I don't really know anything about art, or rodeos. I came in here to get out of the sun for a bit and it's been non-stop pretending since then," he confessed. "Is this your scene? Or should I be prepared for broken bones and concussions with you and your court, when the bull riding starts up? I find it hard to predict who's into what."

[nyraxodeyer]

"Everyone's on a different level when it comes to accepting who they are in their past. I do understand things like this do make things hard. History can't be changed but you don't have to carry the weight of the past," she added softly, "It's not the whole story of who you're yet to become. You're not Vanessa, you're not Sienna, they are just parts of your history, not your entire identity. I know it might not mean anything if I say you don't have to feel like that, but please don't go letting yourself truly believe that you're letting anyone down, I assure you you're not."

Looking through her desk draw for what she meant, she found the paper detailing the accords and handed it to Savannah. "Accords. Rules, that everyone in this town has to follow." She shook her head, "No cheese in this one. Hmm, well, put like that I suppose that is it but if you want anything extra I could look into it? There's flying lessons if you think it might be useful for you." But that Nyra was inclined to offer regardless. She really didn't know how to make this a sales pitch to or if she even wanted to 'sell' this as such. "It was put in place as an extra defence to ensure we remain hidden to the outside world and a safeguard by preventing hunters and those alike from entering. It does mean humans who leave will forget how supernatural this place but that ties into the secrecy. The barrier's primary purpose is to protect us. I know this place doesn't feel like a sanctuary lately, but it still is. You could play a part in that if you so wish, help this place feel a little safer for everyone."

"Yeah... Vanessa said I should wear it proudly, like some badge of honor, but... I don't know. I don't know if I wanna be anythin' like her, except that's the thing ain't it? I am her, even if I don't feel like it and... I feel like I'm letting Vanessa down in a way and me. I," She let an exasperated sigh, feeling like she was stuck at a crossroad ever since she had discovered her original name had been Sienna. "Oh. Well, that's just great. Glad I was real moral. I guess its a good thing I reincarnated 'cause if not, I'd probably be damned to hell," She muttered under her breath.

"I'm sorry. Did you just say the accorns?" She blinked over at Nyra, not sure she heard her right, but tentatively accepted the tea regardless. "The pie don't have cheese in it, do it? So, if I sign up, I get more magical powers, but have to help make some barrier around the town? Is that the gist of it? What does the barrier do exactly?"

[nyraxodeyer]

for: @faerietothe-otherside location: rangi's house

Nyra was truly starting to believe that controlling her fae was lot like heading cats, perhaps even worse. They seemed to do what they want and when they want with little regard for anything, not even life.

She wouldn't care much for a bar fight, common enough that she didn't need to involve herself with but when Rangi's name floated in the mix, a deep sigh rolled through her body. It was a tough time, she understood that, with everything the young fae faced and Mason's anniversary just a few days ago, something that also personally affected her colouring her mood with sombre shades, cutting some slack was given some thought before she swept that aside when annoyance and concern rose.

Portal was the easiest even if she had a feeling the door would be unlocked, much like how it had been the last time she made a home visit. Popping up right next to the girl sprawled across the couch was rather convenient she felt, made looking around and calling for her redundant. "Care to explain what happened?" she asked with a stern tone getting right to the point, formalities and niceties could be had later.

[nyraxodeyer]

"You're fine, darling, I was just surprised at these books too. Sure, they aren't entirely untruthful but the way some are written do let thoughts run wild. But in this case, that body count is hardly an exaggeration. Your past life is an iteration of you yes, but it doesn't have to dictate your current life. You're a siren, that won't change, but that's not only you." Nyra gave her a small smile, not one that was laced with amusement or even sympathy, but a sadder, quieter one of understanding. "I recall asking your past life about it once. We were friends not just because we were Sirens, but I felt a kinship of sorts, and your old self, Sienna, knew me in my old life." A chuckle escaped her at the thought, "Funny how these things turn out don't they? But I digress — I don't know if you truly wish to hear to but I cannot lie so, the reasoning was amusement I believe and justice for those that polluted our waters. Not many could mess with a fierce beauty." Much was lost to time but that much she remembered and willingly shared.

"Hm, yes. Do try the tea, I promise it's good." Wanting to make her more comfortable. Nyra piped up with another offer of food, "Would you like some pie? I think I remember you saying Peach Cobbler was one of your favourites?" As matters shifted to the court, she replied with a nod, "Well, the little mermaid was a fictional character, so, you're fine. But sure, I'm not opposed to people doing their due diligence. For starters, Vanessa considers herself to be special, which she is in a way. I think she'd join if Sirens solely were in power though," she said with a light laugh, "But for the court as a whole I can't discriminate within our own subspecies otherwise others might think of that as favouritism. The purpose is primarily to offer a safe place and protection. I assume you're familiar with the accords? If a member of the court breaks the law, their consequences will be decided by the council and will have my protection, but if they're not a member then they will be tried by the council and the human coalition which could result in a much harsher punishment as I will not be able to vouch for them." She thought to what Billie had to face causing her features to fall to a frown for a moment. "Of course, you'll have access to our headquarters based at this hotel and illusion casting, too, which as much as it can be about creating what I've showed you a while ago, is also used to help maintain the mirage with the witches so this town can be kept a secret." She went further to explain a few more things to help Savannah better understand the workings on the court. "I hope that made sense? I understand if that feels like a lot to take in."

"Look, all I know since comin' here, is that I never thought myself capable of anything in the slightest of what I apparently did in the past, and yet, the dang history textbooks bein' used to teach my kid in school mention me having a body count greater than most serial killers, so 'cuse me for not exactly rulin' anythin' out. Yeah... so I've been told," Her voice dipped into no more than a faint whisper as she brought herself to ask the question she had been dreading all this time. "Any idea why I might have started such a thang?"

"Ah. I like that as a latte," She admitted quietly at the thought. "I'd kinda like to know everythin' but I guess to start, why the Fae Court? Why do people join if you don't mind me askin'? I mean I get the whole you are able to cast illusions thing seems pretty enticing, but I guess I'm wonderin' what the downsides of joinin' might be? Why someone like Vanessa seems so adamant against it and all?"

"I guess I'm not entirely sure what I'd be signin' up for and ain't about to dot my i's and cross any t's before I have all the details," She reasoned. "No offense or nothin', but that didn't exactly seem to work out for the little mermaid, so I'd rather not rush into anythin'."

[nyraxodeyer]

"You haven't?" Nyra asked with a turn to Gia, "Oh, you are in for a treat. By which I mean, a very human retelling of a disaster that, yes, like you said, rather obvious would be sinkable." While movies weren't always what she turned to unwind, sometimes letting something play as she went about things wasn't a terrible way to pass the time. Sometimes she even paid attention if it was engaging. She had seen this one, a few times now, once for curiosity, the other times for the sheer ludicrousness of it all. "I don't know where I was but I do know Sirens that were in those waters at the time."

closed || @nyraxodeyer at Sunset Drive In.

It wasn't that the vampire had become a recluse, but that she'd become even more selective about her company. The public annoyed her, or so she pretended. When in reality she still felt on edge after the last community gathering. "I've never seen this." Gia gestured to the screen as the title 'Titanic' came across. "I was living in England at the time, and I knew the boat would sink before it even set sail." She sighed. A sound of exasperation. "They called it sinkable. Damning, no?"

[nyraxodeyer]

END.

"That they are," she confirmed with a tired sigh. "It's a good point of view, resonates with mine in a lot of ways. We, as a town, always seem to be a step behind the attacker and it's beyond frustrating to be caught off guard." Drifting in and out of thought, Nyra considered a lot of things before speaking up aided by a light shake of her head to deter that, "Not for me, no, I was thinking for you. Except it'll be in town. My advisor spot remains unfilled," she stated, finally laying out what she had been hinting at. "I was biding my time, thinking, maybe someone would step up but it seems like that'll not happen and I've grown weary of waiting." She has gone long enough without one and while she felt like she could hold her own during council meetings someone by her side to aid and bounce of thoughts wouldn't be bad at all. "There's a high amount of risk, council members have been first targets of attacks on occasions and of course there drama too, both in and out of council room. I'm not going to pester or hound you on an answer right away because this is something not just for the town but for the court and its operations too, so, think about it properly and carefully. I don't want to drag you into this if you don't want it."

[nyraxodeyer]

She had to agree to that, "No, it really didn't have to be this way." But a lot their stories didn't have to be this way it was just an unfortunate reality for them. Overarching, yes she could see how everything came down to a choice, but she did still believe that in some circumstances it couldn't be made. "Mhhm, yes in a way but I have seen times where a choice was made for you rather than you making it. It is by no means an exception just a difference." She groaned a little, "If that was a distraction, I'd hate to think what the main plan is."

That sounded alarm bells in her head but Nyra trusted JC enough to have faith the man wouldn't voice such things if there wasn't a concern behind it.This required further thought, far more than what she initially realised. If the defeated alpha held such things, who in his pack or perhaps even outside of it held the same belief? "Thank you. I'll be on the lookout."

She huffed a low laugh, "Don't remind me of that. I've chalked up some bits as a bad dream." Boosting morale somehow had the opposite effect for some groups, but really that was to be expected as well. "There's bulls for this one, that's a disaster waiting to happen I feel." She feigned shock for a beat before letting the act drop, "Cold. Oh well, no matter. I do think I can outskate you," she teased, "Save your lessons."

JC grit his teeth. "If I could trust them farther than I could throw them, they'd have a place here. That's what kills me. It never had to be this way," he muttered distantly, cracking his neck from side to side as if wrestling with aches there. "Maybe not an easy choice, but a choice," he offered. "You're probably right, though. Who knows how deep this goes or how long they've been planning it. Hell, all of Lori's shit might have just been a distraction."

He rolled his shoulders. "Any species. Which means you all should be on high alert. I could see them trying to find differences between sirens, banshees, and pixies," he offered. His own gaze flicked upward, and a hand wavered over the controls for the wipers. But he let it drop when the clouds faded. "I didn't think of that."

JC sighed. "We all have such a good track record with horses. Remember that summer camp?" He offered a smile. "And I appreciate it. But I wouldn't give you free ice skating lessons. But then again, it's not my rink. No offense." This came like a joke, with no real edge behind it.

[nyraxodeyer]

Rodeo was everywhere and in everything. Nothing to complain about though, if the townfolks enjoyed it then that was all that mattered. She walked through the exhibit lingering on each painting before moving on. Not her style nor was she shopping for the hotel, but talent should be admired. Catching a familiar sight, Nyra wandered towards Nico, a smile in place. "Maybe not kicked out but might be questioned for your lack of cowboy spirit. I could offer to illusion it away but then you'll be surprised by it once my magic wears off." A trick she often pulled when she was much much younger. "There's landscapes over there, I believe. Shall we take a look?"

closed starter for @nyraxodeyer where: art in motion, rodeo inspired installation

·✥·

Nico had his best deep thinking face on, looking at a painting with his head cocked to the side. It was easily one of the top canyon paintings he'd seen in his life, though the others had mostly been postcards. Nyra stepped up beside him, and he looked to her, and then said, under his breath because he felt like galleries might have the same rules as libraries, "You think I'll get kicked out if I ask if they've got any without a horse in it?"

[nyraxodeyer]

"Yes, it is. If there is a voice that rises above in attempts to unify there would be people willing to fall under whatever banner is raised. There's strength in numbers after all." She considered what he said. "Yes, and no? Sometimes there really isn't a choice." But she agreed with the rest. "Hate to admit it, but yes, it did work out in their favour too. I'm not sure that it would be over though? Maybe I'm being too paranoid or something, but I suspect they had some type of backup plan. They needed to get to the humans and honestly felt like they would do so one way or another." Or maybe they didn't it was hard to pin down the main goal of these experiments and her head was in no place to pour over every detail.

That perked her interest, "Oh? Which species?" She grew quiet for a beat, "Yes, that situation was vile. It does indeed feel like that was purposeful. But I had thought it was common enough knowledge on what the effects of a werewolf bite does to vampires." Her rising temper drew dark clouds overhead that she released with a deep exhale as she pivoted her thoughts away. "No, but the effects of magic on organs and thus people could be studied." She made a mental note to talk to Dhruv.

Nyra couldn't help the low scoff, "What can we do, it's already being planned isn't it? We just have to make sure no one gets hurt at this rodeo, magical and maybe even by regular means." She looked to him holding back a smile, "Propriety? Alright. Suit yourself. I was trying to be nice but okay, if you so wish. You can pay."

"We're a bunch of Boy Scouts, yeah." JC grimaced. Growing up, he had perhaps considered himself too cool to go about in a neckerchief, and while wolfhood had taught him how to live in nature, he was not quite sure he really counted as a survivalist. He shook his head back and forth, eyes returning to the road. "I think it's easy for people in need of a leader to try to attach themselves to whoever can fill that void. As fucking angry as I am at the wolves who attacked us, Nico reminded me that a lot of them were just...doing what they thought they had to do. I don't know how many of Silas's witches stand a chance. And that's not to say they get a pass. No. You always have a choice. But it is to say I think you're right. People will rally around him." He clicked his tongue. "I don't know. I can't say for certain. But everything worked out too well, didn't it? If our ranks weren't cut off from each other...we would have had more of an advantage." He rolled his shoulders. "What if every human had left the aquarium? Then what? Their experiment would be over before it started."

Listening to her, the wolf seemed to hesitate a moment before speaking up. "See. That flips it on its head. If the point was just the experiment, secrecy would be better. But if the point is chaos, then...." The motives, as usual, were proving difficult to grasp. "I have reason to believe that Damien...the Alpha...he had an interest in seeing how a wolf bite would affect other species. Meena and Dhruv...putting him in the position he was in, could it have been to force that to happen?" He shrugged his shoulders. "Is magic stored in the gallbladder?"

A grave heaviness seemed to settle over Júlio César's face. "I think you're right. The worst is yet to come. Do you know about this rodeo thing? Should we try and...I don't know." He sighed. "That's kind. But we'd pay. She's a politician anyhow. Propriety and all that."

[nyraxodeyer]

"Ah, you're not bad company in those as well." Nyra hardly ever left a single meeting without a headache or making an existing one worse. "It's just the nature of how things went, isn't it? High tensions and a need to do the right thing for the town. It's difficult." Nyra maintained — at least attempted to maintain — a professional relationship with the other council members, Meena being the exception as the clan leader grew to be one of her very close companions akin to family in this town, but the rest were kept at friends and colleagues. "Next time," she repeated, mimicking the move to raise her own glass up before taking a sip. "I have three centuries and many decades on you Poppy," Nyra said with a laugh. "Change in scenery and faces, mostly. Living and working in the same place does have its advantages but I feel I confide myself to the Emerald sometimes. And yes, you're a reason too." Despite her tone being of a teasing nature, she couldn't lie. "It is nice to meet outside that room, don't you think?"

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

“I’m great company.” Poppy teased back before flipping her hair over her shoulder. “You know as long as we aren’t in a council meeting.” That was the one part of the job she hated besides how political everything could be. Taking a seat across from Nyra and she crossed one leg over the other and she shrugged. “We don’t, but that’s what the council does to you. It puts strains on relationship.” She barely talked to Meena anymore and her friendship with Nico was better, but even they felt strained. “Nah, I’ll drink my beer.” Gesturing to the beer that she was bringing over with her telekinesis. “I’ll take note of your skills though and next time…” Trailing off as she tipped her beer towards Nyra. “Plus I shouldn’t mix beer and liquor. It’s a receipt that I can’t handle anymore in my old age.” She joked with a yawn. “So what brings you outside of the casino? And to which territory of all places?” She asked curiously, even though the bar hosted more than witches, it was uncommon to see the fae queen. “Is this your way of trying to get a good look at me? Cause please do.” She teased playfully, before taking another sip of her beer.

[nyraxodeyer]

"That they are," she confirmed with a tired sigh. "It's a good point of view, resonates with mine in a lot of ways. We, as a town, always seem to be a step behind the attacker and it's beyond frustrating to be caught off guard." Drifting in and out of thought, Nyra considered a lot of things before speaking up aided by a light shake of her head to deter that, "Not for me, no, I was thinking for you. Except it'll be in town. My advisor spot remains unfilled," she stated, finally laying out what she had been hinting at. "I was biding my time, thinking, maybe someone would step up but it seems like that'll not happen and I've grown weary of waiting." She has gone long enough without one and while she felt like she could hold her own during council meetings someone by her side to aid and bounce of thoughts wouldn't be bad at all. "There's a high amount of risk, council members have been first targets of attacks on occasions and of course there drama too, both in and out of council room. I'm not going to pester or hound you on an answer right away because this is something not just for the town but for the court and its operations too, so, think about it properly and carefully. I don't want to drag you into this if you don't want it."

Ana waved Nyra's concern away with one lazy swipe of her hand. They had more important things to discuss than a small scratch. "They might as well be children," she agreed. It was not just that she was 150 plus years old; Ana also had a tendency to believe everyone she met was at least a tad more foolish than she was, that she knew better than everyone else. Yet, it had been Ana and Beau who had taunted the werewolves into attack, who had fallen into immature commentary and teasing. She didn't regret it though. "I'm glad you see things my way." It wasn't like she wanted the whole town to turn into some sort of army--but they did need to be more prepared than they'd been in the past.

Ana hummed thoughtfully and leaned her head on her hand, sipping her wine (through a straw) with the other. "I find politics endlessly fascinating. There's no more compelling a drama or greater risk than being involved in politics. Why? Thinking of running for president, venturing out of the Lunar Cove arena and getting into some true danger?"

[nyraxodeyer]

"We were tricksters from what the human stories have us to be, but..." she blinked at Savannah perplexed at the action, taking a moment to find something to say that was both truthful and expressed her thoughts in a nicer way, "You have a very active imagination. While I will admit to swap of children as a test was not the nicest thing we've done but killing children? We're not that cruel. What is your impression of our kind exactly? I think we should clear up any other misconceptions you may have." Taking a second to move past that Nyra chuckled softly at the saying, "Yes, that's one way to put it. You started the myths about sirens drowning sailors, other sirens caught on and joined you to set those tales in stone."

In time with the question being asked, one of the staff arrived with their drinks on tray. Savannah's first with a glass bottle of coke, a separate glass with ice, if she wanted it, and a straw. "Chai," she said, smile forming on her lips as her freshly made steaming glass was set down in front of her. "Well, start at the beginning, is there anything pressing that you wish to know? All questions are welcome, you're new to this life I don't expect you to know everything." Taking a sip, she hummed, "Open but not sold...I see. Well, I've told you the benefits and what the court can offer you, do you have any reservation on that? Or anything else that isn't clear? I don't want to make this into a sales pitch this also has to come from you and there's no force to join if you don't want to. Whatever you feel is comfortable for you is what it should be."

"Oh good, well, at least my past self wasn't entirely evil, out here stealin' babies and all," She gave Nyra a small nod. "So... what did happened to the human babies? The ones who were swapped out and all? Did they wind up in some orphanage or we're they, well, you know?" She drew her finger across her neck followed by a small gulp as if to indicate what she was guessing might have happened to them, though she wasn't quite sure she wanted confirmation. "Oh... I heard. Apparently, I held the record on drownin' sailors or somethin'? Left a trail of poor souls sinkin' faster than a lead anchor in muddy water and all that?"

"What's your usual?" She tilted a brow curiously over at the woman beside her. "And where to start. I feel like I'm practically made of questions these days. But, yeah, well, she some rather bold ideas, doesn't she? And as for me, well, I'd say I'm open. Maybe not entirely sold just yet, but open."

[nyraxodeyer]

She huffed something akin to a laugh, "Always be prepared, right?" Such a life was not new to her, to constantly be wary and careful about things, looking out for danger never really stopped for their kind and she all about that in her long years. Sometimes realising our had been three centuries took her by shock, the many brushes with hunters and danger didn't spell an end. Yet. "Certainly," she nodded breaking out of her thoughts, "As much a I would like to think with Silas losing his magic his followers would realise their mistakes but we can't rule them out. Dark witches have loyal followers be it out of own will or through fear." Her mind began to turn again to far-flung theories, maybe they had base, maybe they didn't, but what JC said was true; Silas was in a lot of circles. "Do you suspect he had a hand in what happened at the aquarium? With the humans as well? We can't overlook whatever was released in the dark magic spell that was performed either. It might tie into something."

There were a number of reasons as to why Meena had been targeted, following one thought opened up plateaus to many more but it seemed simple too, she was in a high position of power disrupting that would cause more chaos than which already exists. "She's important. You've seen how everyone banded together to search for her, there was panic and fear, whoever did this wanted to see that." While she had no doubt that Meena wouldn't leave any stone unturned if it had been another vampire, could the same be said about the rest of the town? Thinking back to the camp events and what Dhruv had said, she didn't have enough faith to believe the efforts would be less intensive. "What he has to do with this all I have yet to figure out but..." she gave a faint shake of her head, "They were experimented on. All of the kidnappings, organ removals, it was for this — the powers that humans gained was from that." An absolute terrifying thought to think what such a thing in wrong hands would be like. "We've only seen the beginning of this I think." Though difficult to not let that fester, Nyra turned to give JC a smile, "It's no island or vacation home but I do own a hotel, if you're after a breather day the word and I'll arrange something for you, and Meena too if you want some solace. Won't even charge you."

"Stay on alert, and you never have to get back onto it." There was a heavy sort of joking in this remark, almost self-deprecation. But JC could hardly recall a recent moment where things genuinely felt calm, peaceful, or promising. Every shadow was a potential attacker; every newcomer a hidden enemy. It was no way to live, and yet, none of them seemed to have a choice. He rolled his shoulders as he pulled up to a stoplight, taking this moment to turn and offer Nyra a shake of his head. "There were dark sigils inside the aquarium. Silas...if he survived the change, which, look, I have every reason to believe he did...He's physically and mentally tough. But he can't do magic. No werewolf can. Be he has devoted followers, doesn't he? Witches who might be willing to obey even now?" He sighed. "He seems to be at the goddamn crossroads of: hates us, knows about dark magic, and...runs in wolf circles."

A brief nod of thanks came as he turned back to the road. "That's kind of you." It was a simple but genuine reply; still, he knew that the lines between factions remained tenuous. True unity had not arrived for Lunar Cove; he did not know if such a thing was even possible now. But he would not blame the Fae for protecting the Fae if push came to shove; he would do the same. "Is there? I just...why Meena? Hell, why not a less visible vampire? And Dhruv...Dhruv seems to be at the center. He gets kidnapped, and then his workplace gets robbed. I just don't know. Not to mention the others. Where do they fit in?" He grit his teeth. "We all need a damn vacation. Hard to take one in this world, though, huh? There's that weird island, but...well, I'm not tryna play Air B&B with whoever owns it."

[nyraxodeyer]

Option B: Poppy

Bars weren't her usual haunts when she ventured out of her hotel suite but Starlight didn't seem like a bad idea tonight, not when she wanted more than just silence and her thoughts to fill her night. Despite the few quick conversations she had with other patrons that spotted her, her mind didn't quite turn off like she had wanted, thoughts still spun over light clinking of glasses and conversations around her.

Closing time did put a damper on things but Poppy walking over did not. "Depends," she said, placing her chin in her palm and rested her elbow on the table, "Are you good company?" It was light and teasing, her fellow council member was always one. "I did lose track of time but maybe that's a good thing. We don't spend enough time outside meetings and obligations." She shook her head, "No, still haven't fully finished this," she tapped her fingers on the side of the glass, "Do you want something else? My bartending skills are beyond rusty but I could try to mix something up."

@lunarcovestarters

Option A: Dilan

Dilan had been frazzled between Leyla’s mysterious illness and all the weddings that she was planning for the summer. With her assistant out on leave from stress it left everything in her hands. “Out of the way!” She yelled as she pushed through the crowd with a dozen balloons in her hand. Feeling a sharp pain as someone elbowed her in the side and she released the balloons instinctively to grab her side. Realizing a split second later what she’d done and panic set in. “No! No! No!” She screeched as she tried to grab the balloons that were floating up to the sky. Managing to get a few, but the others were quickly out of reach. “Don’t just stand there help me.” Dilan told them as she jumped to try and grab the rest of the balloons.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

Option B: Poppy

“Alright it’s closing time.” Poppy said with a sigh as she threw the rag over her shoulder and walked to the door. Ushering out the patrons who were finishing off their drinks, she watched the glasses collect on the bar as people stumbled out. Noting a person still sitting at one of the tables after everyone had left, she walked over to them. Sitting down across from them with a smile, she crossed one leg over the other. “So can you not follow directions or is this just a lame attempt to spend time with me?” She questioned curiously. “If it’s the second then I guess you got your wish cause I’m here and could use a beer.” Using her telekinesis to bring over the beer that she had been nursing most of the evening. “I would offer to refill you, but I’m off the clock now.” She teased playfully. “So help yourself, just nothing from the top shelf.”

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: .☽ . :☆ﾟ. ───

Option C: Safiye

“Do you want me to get that for you?” Safiye offered pointing to the empty coffee cup that was sitting on the table in front of the patron at Peggy’s Dinner. “I can refill it if you want or just take it away?” Offering both options up since she wasn’t sure which one they’d prefer. “But if you want my suggestion take the refill and get a piece of pie. We just cut the pie and refilled the coffee so it’s all