nyraxodeyer

[nyraxodeyer]

It was only knowing the fact that Fae had a high tolerances for drinking that Nyra didn't immediately fill with worry, concern still rose though, that couldn't be helped. "Do take it easy, I know it's a party and all, and I'm not trying to stop the fun but tomorrow, or the next few hours after the good mood wears off, will be rather rough if you keep going like this." Though what Rangi had continued to say did make way for a laugh, "Well, I wouldn't go as far as to say to queen of queens, or head... honcho was it? Stressful, however, isn't something I'm going to deny." Some made it so very difficult to do her job. But she trusted Rangi enough to keep to her word despite knowing alcohol and drowning out emotions at the bottom of a bottle would never be a good combo.

"I'm still 35, you know," she couldn't help but chuckle, "Have been that age for a very long time on a technicality, but no, it doesn't have to be something you grow out of. Parties are still fun for me, I just find myself too wary about parties held in this town. Even supposed fun ones, there's always some damage done. Property and people." Especially large scale birthday parties, but that thought she kept to herself, though she had a feeling Rangi was partly drinking for that reason too. "Age and time do bring forth gaps in memory but your parents are...interesting people. I'm sorry they forgot such a an important day." She had not interacted with them for more than necessary but even from that Nyra had enough to gauge on their personalities. "Did you have a good day though?"

"Hmmmmm," Rangi pondered, lips twitching up in thought, "you know, I think I lost count. Who cares, anyway! It's a party! Happy New Year and all that!" She let out a laugh, leaning against the counter and nodding fervently. "I mean, you are the big one in charge, the head honcho, the queen of queens! Which, I'm sure is, like, super stressful. But don't worry! I'm going to behave tonight, I promise. Cross my heart and hope to die." She did a quick motion over her chest before giggling and taking another sip, finding herself endlessly amusing. At least, she thought it was funny to say, what with the being a banshee and all. "Yeah, ya know, you defs don't seem like a big party gal to me. Sorry to say. Did you like parties when you were younger? Is it something we grow out of? Uugh, I don't wanna get old like that. My mom and dad make me wanna just--" she drew a line across her throat with one finger-- "ya know? Like, who wants to get so old you literally forget your kid's birthday."

[nyraxodeyer]

"Even bees rest Ignacio," Nyra said simply, "But I understand that too. Things need to be done and maintained. You do good work." The sentiment was felt, to keep going, keep working, to strive and survive rough months, "It has been, yes, forecasting and preparation is warranted. I can manipulate the weather but often times I do not interfere with nature and its patterns. Saying that though, I'd be more than happy to help out a little with that if you need it."

She smiled sweetly, "You weren't a strange, a new comer yes, but we're of the one kind and it's my duty and a want, to help when someone could use it." She nodded in agreement, "Same boat." There wasn't anything she needed in particular, reasons for dropping were just to check in, but she figured she might as well look around. "It does tend to catch one off-guard at the random times. Not entirely in books per say, though I know it's also written, stories when I ws young were told verbally. Matsyakanya, that's what I was called. Mermaid. Of course later on words like Siren, and Fae found me," she smiled at the memory. "Nixie. I have a vague memory of that but it does not surprise me. Our kind has existed since time immemorial it's not hard to imagine tales like that exist. Could be true for all they know." Facing Ignacio a sudden frown took hold as Suresh's name was mentioned, "Is he bothering you? You can speak freely."

Ignacio gave a tut-tut with his tongue, returning to his clipboard. "There is no real off-season. A good beekeeper works all year long. Everything we do in the spring is to strive through another winter. I know the weather is changing, all over the world, yes, but does Rhode Island always get quite this cold? It has been these past two years. I am lucky to be lucky. And to have an almanac," he sighed distantly before looking up to flash a weak smile.

"Come now. You helped me as a stranger in a strange new place. All I have, I have to share. Nous sommes tous dans le même bateau. We are all on the same boat, yes?" He hummed. "Is there anything else you could be using? Please feel free to look around. There is a Fae discount for today only." Ignacio ran his pen along a row of jars on a shelf. "Fae. Is it strange that I still find myself surprised to be such a thing? I happily am what I am, of course. But did you read books like that as a child?" He hummed. "I found a book at school once. Did you ever hear of the nixie? In Scandinavian folklore, they were spirits, who appeared as men playing the violin to draw unsuspecting people into rivers or lakes. I think perhaps Suresh and I crossed paths many lives ago and got muddled."

[nyraxodeyer]

A glance at the board had her hum in thought, while she did have her preferences, chai being a special drink close to her, the options presented were teas she didn't have a fussiness over. "Dealer's choice?" she posed the question back to the pixie, "Otherwise..." she picked out one that caught her interest.

"That's a good start still, there's no requirement to be fully ready nor would I assume you were." Though there was a part of her that was saddened that the Emerald did not provide a relaxing environment for her, Nyra couldn't do much more than to accept that as is, it wasn't as if she could reverse time and undo the horrible things that happened. "Oh, yes, well that could be good. Her estate is private and has enough room. Though, we would have to check in with her. I think she might be considering to move." The faint mumble in response was just caught with a nod from her, "That's a good start." Leaving it at that for now Nyra didn't press into it further than that yet not wanting to bring forth any more discomfort.

"That's a good question. There is no longing within me to be married again? But were love and the everything that followed where to find me again, I wouldn't push away either," she replied, unsure whether she did miss it or not, "Do you mean the act of getting married itself or the people I was married to? The people I miss. Not all of them were our kind so time wasn't forgiving, but then again it isn't for our kind either." Vampires, Fae; immortals in a way, but even their lives weren't guaranteed to be forever. She couldn't help the amused smile that took over as Leyla talked, "For tax benefits and hospital visiting hours? Pragmatic approach. I don't fault you for thinking in such a way though, dangers haven't ceased for us to feel relief." She pondered a little before answering, "Yes and no? There was extra care I needed to take around humans, so in that way it was different, but that was a given regardless since I travelled around. I was happier I suppose." She didn't want to think about her children though, nor the bloodshed it took to keep them safe for it not matter in the end. With a shrug she set aside such sentiments and realigned her thoughts, "That was then and this is now. I'm content with my life now."

"Okay! Any specific teas in mind?" She asked curiously as she tilted her gaze back up toward the board overhead and the long list of options.

"I... I'm still not quite sure that I am? R-ready? But, I think I'm open to trying?" She chewed lightly on her bottom lip as she hoped she sounded a little bit more confident than she felt. "N-no. Not really? Though, I'm not sure there is a place I feel comfortable at that has enough room? I'd say my house, but our backyard isn't that big and I'm not sure I'd want to fall into the pool if I can't- if I struggle with it?" She admitted. "Is there a field maybe? Or I know Meena had told Ken we could use her h-house? But that was before, well... I haven't asked about it since."

"I've tried it," She mumbled quietly under her breath. Even if she had only done so three times since the accident and one of those times hadn't exactly been under the best circumstances. Though at the subject change, Leyla found her nerves alleviating. Propping her chin up on the counter she asked Nyra curiously, "Really? What was it like? And do you miss it?" She couldn't imagine existing in a world without Ken let alone moving on to eventually marry another. "Nervous?" She blinked over at Nyra before shaking her head. "No. I mean the idea of planning it all sort of does? And that something bad might happen at it? Or someone might go missing? Or Ken might be taken? But, I don't feel nervous about marrying him though. I've known I was going to spend the rest of my life with Ken for a while now. So, I don't really see much changing? It will just make it easier, right? To be official? If something happens, we won't have to worry about having to wait until visiting hours at the hospital and there are good tax benefits or so I've been told. Why? Did your life change a lot when you were married?"

[nyraxodeyer]

Over the many years of running the Emerald, Nyra had seen many faces grace its rooms either seeking a brief respite from the past, a place to rest weary wings before taking flight again, or even as permanent stay, either way, she had bore witness to many wandering and wayward fae specifically. It was not a task she moved in the slightest, after all this place was once a haven to her in her own travels, no, Nyra helped all those that sought it and took to checking in even after they left to make their own way. One such was person was Ignacio.

Le Nectar des Dieux. It delighted her immensely to see his dedication to the craft was, and having that pay off with the business was wonderful. "Bonjour," she greeted in turn, "Not a worry, I would've dropped even if you had. I'm glad to hear this are still busy despite the off-season, it's good to keep occupied." At the sight of the soap, Nyra's smile grew, "Oh you are far too kind, merci, this is very generous. I can't lie, one of those special suites will be mine."

Closed starter for @nyraxodeyer Location: Le Nectar des Dieux

The property's barn, which Ignacio had fashioned into a modest workshop and storefront, was open to the public only three days a week. Spring would draw him back to the hives, the colonies currently overwintered, but for now, the pixie himself was manning the counter, marking inventory on a clipboard, caught in stray beams of light from the windows overhead.

Hearing the crunch of feet, however, he looked up to offer a gentle smile. "Bonjour. Welcome in. Oh! I had been meaning to come by to see you. I hadn't gotten around to it. The off-season, but it's busy, busy, busy. Like bees." He moved for a cupboard to retrieve a few bars of neatly wrapped soap. "Shea butter, coconut oil, bee pollen powder. Not enough in-stock to furnish all your rooms, but take some. Gifts for special suites, hm?"

[nyraxodeyer]

An amused brow rose up at the titles Rangi had decided to call her, and the bow which struck oddly out of place, "M'lady? Boss lady?" she questioned with a little trill of a laugh, "Rangi, how much have you had to drink?" While she wouldn't stop the girl from having fun, concern couldn't be helped either, especially since this was not how she knew Rangi to act. "Mine was about three or four people before yours, definitely won't be beating yours," she reassured if such a thing was even needed. "I'm alright," she added in reply to the questing asked, and unable to lie she continued, "Not exactly my preference for a party or theme, but others seem to be having fun."

"Oh, shit," Rangi stuttered out, seeing Nyra as she whipped around. "I'm so sorry, m'lady." And normally this moment would've horrified her, almost spilling her drink on the fae queen, but Rangi, as it were, was way too out of her mind to care. Instead, she gave a mild bow, exaggerated before she grabbed her drink and took a long sip. "Doing fan-fucking-tastic boss lady!" She gave a thumbs up, leaning on the counter. "How are you doing? Haven't heard your speech yet. Good luck beating mine, though." She winked, nudging her. Rangi was way too many drinks deep to even consider being normal here.

[nyraxodeyer]

She hummed at that, "Yes, but it's also a job, and vastly differently from being actual royalty." She chose this of course, an unpaid job that she couldn't exactly take a day off from but thankfully today wasn't one filled with courtly duties. "You sound surprised," she laughed, "It's our surprising you're one of my favourites?" A friendship that spanned many years was a rare thing in her life, friendship itself was rare, but she had that her age it made things bearable sometimes. "Next time it'll be your place, yes?" she said, "But Emerald it is."

▪︎—◆—▪︎

In the slump of shoulders as they entered her penthouse suite, a mask seemed to drop from Nyra's features, one she had to wear around in public to keep up an appearance of being a leader, but her house, these walls never needed to witness such a thing. Comfort seeped in from the first step onto the marble floors as she kicked off her shoes, a relaxed sigh flowing through her as she discarded shopping bags onto a nearby chair to be unpacked at a later stage. Her smile held a bright shine like the crystal chandelier that hung above. "Sit, sit," she waved to Gia, "Make yourself comfortable, what will you have to drink?"

Brows knit together in an expression of feigned defense. "I never have bad ideas." It wasn't true. Insatiably curious, persistent, and brave. The vampire had many fumbles she counted as learning experiences. Necessary, Gia would insist, to the process of her existence. "You are queen now." Now, two, long time friends of hers had ascended into leadership. It brought a special sparkle to Gia's eyes. Admiration and appreciation for the company she kept, although she possessed no interest in following their ascents. She was a commitment phobe with loose morals. "I am!?" Her face lit up at the flattery. Compliments rarely hit the mark with Gia, but to be told she was some of Nyra's favored company did. "You know I adore the Emerald!"

[nyraxodeyer]

The exuberance of the pixie was a sight, a pleasant smile took over as Leyla laid out options for her, though she had settled on coffee prior to it all, at the offer of tea, mind changed without much protest, "Maybe I'll take a tea instead," she confirmed.

Giving her the time she needed to say what she wanted to say, Nyra patiently waited without drifting thoughts, knowing to even ask something like this was a big step for her. "I'm really glad to hear that, Leyla, truly. It's something I kept meaning to talk to you about but didn't want to rush into a decision or even being forth such things if you weren't ready. I'm glad you gave this thought. You don't have to be fully ready, it's understandable." What had happened was horrible beyond all imagination, but this here is enough of a start. "I think yes, it would be good for you to try and fly again. At least take the steps to overcoming that fear or worry that's holding you back." Hesitation was understandable too, and Nyra softened when she spoke, "I'd be more than happy to assist in any way I can. After everything I know the Emerald isn't a place you feel safe anymore, is there somewhere you're comfortable? I remember too, that you had trouble unfurling your wings, is that something you've tried to do? We can take it slow."

She nodded, "Of course, talk amongst yourselves, let me know when you've decided." And with a light chuckle, she confirmed, "I've been married a few times actually, yes. Many don't ask, but no, it's not a strange question. I've been alive for more than three centuries, love found me and left me quite a few times in this lifetime. Time gives and takes," she shrugged, "Does thinking about this make you nervous?"

Leyla's bottom lip jutted out into a small pout, until she offered ordering a coffee instead. "Coffee could! Or tea? We have several teas and a whole bunch of lattes and oh! we've even starting to branch out into tartines. You know, like opened faced sandwiches?" She offered up, beginning to rattle off a number of different options Nyra could go with. "But, oh, um," She trailed off, lightly tapping her finger tips together as she mulled over how to go about asking. "I was thinking, I mean, I was wondering- it's just, eventually I should at least try to fly again, shouldn't I? But, I didn't exactly know where to start or if I'm even ready..." She didn't quite feel ready, but if she was going to start a new life with Ken, then she also didn't want the 'what if' as to whether or not she even could looming over her head either. She wanted to at least attempt to enter into the New Year with a fresh slate and hopefully the rest of their lives together? "So, I guess I wanted to get your advice, maybe?" She asked, hesitantly.

"Thanks! I don't know what I'd do without him," She admitted. Her cheeks flushed a light shade of pink at the thought. "Oh um that would be great! But, I should probably talk to him first? Knowing Ken, he might already have a plan in mind as to how he'd want to do things. Though, it would be nice to have help? Have you ever been married before? Sorry if that's a weird question. I just never thought to ask before?"

[nyraxodeyer]

"I don't know who I was in my past life," she admitted, "Your past life actually knew that," she added with a low hum, "But I have an idea. I was told by my father who found me in this current life. I sometimes doubt how much of that is real." They couldn't lie, and on that note she had placed trust in him to speak with accuracy, but disbelief showed its grace now and again, sowing doubt and toying with memories that faded with time. "I'm not seeking any upper hand, I'll tell you that much, I don't gain anything from doing such a thing." Seemed like a waste of time too.

"If you're already expecting a death count with that, then it seems like you're already on the path to knowing who you were, right? Discoveries are never easy, scary sometimes, but go at your own pace, there's no right or wrong here," she reassured, "Knowing and accepting are separate things. They do lead into each other and I'm not saying you must accept all that right away, there's no timeline, but don't let that drag down this life you now lead. You can step back into how you were, be someone entirely, or even a mix of both, and however that may look it'll be your a life of your choosing."

With an easy smile, Nyra gave a shrug, "Vanessa considers herself to be special, adamantly sitting outside the umbrella of the court, and in a way she is. She'd join if Sirens solely were in power though," she laughed, "But yes, naturally I feel differently being the leader of the Fae. It's a responsibility of mine that I willingly chose to make sure all fae are protected. The court offers that and more."

"Were you a mass murder in your previous life too or is that just a me thang?" She tilted a brow over at Nyra in question, before a soft sigh broke from her lips. "Even with the second life aside, I'm not sure if I'd even know what I like or dislike. But, the person I used to be or apparently am supposed to be-" She shook her head as she trailed off, not bringing herself to be able to finish the thought being what if she didn't think she liked that person all too much? What if Sienna, whoever she was, scared the living shit out of her? The thought that she was even capable of all that.

"If I'm the same, then who the hell does that make me?" Her voice was all but a faint whisper as she gave Nyra a small nod. "I dunno. Everybody else seems to? People like to have the upper hand and I guess I've never really been someone who easily lets them have it. Though, you'd probably know better than I would on that one. I wanna know. I just know that knowing comes with a pretty high death toll and I'm... I'm not sure I'm ready to know who all I chewed up in my wake," She admitted, adverting her gaze as she kicked herself up from where she had been leaning against the balcony. "You know the Vanessa says the Court is 'restrictive waste of time', I think was her exact wordin'. I'm guessin' you have a different opinion on that one?"

[nyraxodeyer]

New Year’s Eve — Nyra Odeyer

Arriving in a black velvet saree, Nyra kept her outfit pretty simple, despite the celebration, the mood felt very sombre somehow. Mostly kept to herself that night too, speaking with a few people here and there just for the sake of it, the plan hadn't been to stay for long anyway, she retired not too long after the turn of the year.

[nyraxodeyer]

Given that she had somewhat walked into that one with her inability to make a choice in time, Nyra allowed the temptation and Leyla's suggestion to takeover, "I might not be able to handle all that sweet, I could compromise to two more things, though? I already have the brownie, what else would be good? A drink maybe? Coffee would cut through the sweetness." As the young pixie talked, Nyra nodded along, "Of course of course, holidays are always the busiest. Oh, yes, what can I help you with?"

A light chuckle followed the worried glances, but thankfully Leyla seemed to realise not too long after. "He's a lucky guy," she said, "I'm thrilled for you both, really, glad you can experience this." Her heart warmed as Leyla continued, she was happy for her, and after everything she had been through the other deserved all the happy times ahead. "That's normal, to be both excited and nervous, part of process of taking that next step. If you're thinking of celebrating your engagement, I'd be more than happy to offer a hand with things if you wanted," she offered.

"You should! Preferably, one of each?" She wiggled her brows temptingly over at Nyra. "Support a fellow fae business and all?" She continued to try to tug at her heart strings to make the sale. "Oh, um, they have yeah. Or at least a lot better than they were a few months ago? And oh yeah! The holidays are always booming. People love their pumpkin and peppermint, well, everything and one brownie coming right up, though I did have something I actually was hoping I could ask your help wi-" She started to voice only for Nyra to cut her off with a gasp. "What? what is it? Nothing's on fire is it?" She began to rapidly glance around just in case. Only when she realized that Nyra was gasping about her ring, did she let out a sigh of relief. "Oh this ole thing? Yeah it is. Thank you! Ken might have maybe popped the question? Which surprised me too, but I don't know. I don't think I've been happier ever? Which is exciting and scary? I don't want this feeling to stop."

[nyraxodeyer]

Ever-changing whims were not new to her when it came to shopping, either her own or to witness others, especially when it came to gifts. She understood Gia perfectly even if it did bring forth a laugh as the other unceremoniously cast the selection aside. "We can do another store, sure," she said with a nod, she believed this to only be the start. Or maybe not. A pause in thought was the immediate reply when the question had been asked, words following not too long after as mind mulled over the idea, "That's not a bad idea." Though energy had not depleted entirely, a respite away from the cold and any potential snow was favourable. "Me? Too busy for you?" she feigned a moment of shock before breaking into a smile, "Never. You're one of the best breaks from work and responsibilities. Where to then? Mine or yours?"

There was a moment of hesitation before the vampire brashly discarded the gift. "I hate it." While the decision may have seemed impulsive, Gia spoke with decided candor. "Another store, perhaps?" While Lunar Cove had more to offer in the way of shopping in comparison to others towns of its size, it wasn't enough to satiate the shopping obsessed immortal, and online shopping left something to be desired. "Or shall we forgo the endeavor for the day and retire ourselves with a few drinks?" Surely there was a thing or two to catch up on in the years she'd spent out of town, and there was certainly something to celebrate. "Unless you're too busy to booze and schmooze with me now that you're queen of the faeries?"

[nyraxodeyer]

Nyra's expression softened entirely, and any pre-conceived notions she held about the other siren, which weren't many to begin with, dissolved to the back of her mind. "I get it," she said, "To not know I mean, this is my second life, likes and dislikes, wants and preferences, and everything else really, it can change." She could remember a few things here and there about her past life, things that came to her in dreams or starting off at something with hazy memories. "I'm sure mine are different in this life than they were in my last but then again it could also be the same. It's tricky." She faced her with a nod, "Regular pie is a good start, I'll bring peach cobbler over for you next time."

Hearing Savannah out, Nyra let out a surprise laugh, "You think I want to play mind games? I'm far too tired to do such a thing, now and forever, and really, what would I gain from it?" she questioned and followed it with the answer, "Nothing. This isn't sympathy either. Our lives, past and present, are deeply connected. If you have questions, I'd be happy to help, but if you don't want to ask, that's fine too. No hard feelings. She knew the complexities that came with being re-born, seen far too many friends struggle with a new life, new identify, went through that herself too, and now she bore witness to it again. "I, did, however, make a promise to keep an eye out for all our kind, and as Fae you're part of that even if you're not part of the court yet. But that can come whenever you're ready, my doors are always open."

"What on earth are you talking about?" Vanessa mused. Her mischievous grin only growing as she leaned back against her chair, watching the Fae Queen curiously as she headed out onto the porch after her daughter.

Savannah leaned against the porch railing, her fingers absently tracing the weathered wood as she watched the other woman. Her smile came, but it didn’t quite reach her eyes, the warmth dulled by something harder—like a shield raised between them. It was only at the mention of not wanting to show up empty handed that Sav let out a small sigh herself. "Yeah? Me neither. Mama always said I was raised better than that—my, uh, my other mother," She clarified as she still didn't quite feel like Vanessa was her mother even if biologically in another life she had been. "Do ya even know what that’d be?" She asked, glancing back over at Nyra as she wasn't even quite sure if she knew what she liked anymore. ""I dunno… a regular pie, I suppose... Maybe a peach cobbler, or given the upcomin' season, chocolate pecan?" She offered up. Her gaze flicked to the flask, then back to Nyra, studying her like she was trying to puzzle out a game she didn’t know the rules to. "Though, you know, you really don’t have to do that, don’tcha? I mean, it’s not that I don’t have questions—I do. But I don’t need anyone’s sympathy, and honestly, I feel like I’m playin’ enough mind games as is with the other fae in town. No offense or nuttin’."

[nyraxodeyer]

Placing a present in one of the coffins, Nyra's expression held a polite smile through the night. While the theme of this party might not be to her tastes, a funeral afterall was a solemn affair but given the circumstances and the girl still being very much alive despite her vampirism, Nyra adjusted her mindset to allow herself to think and take this as it was meant to taken; a celebration of life. A concept that really wasn't too hard to accept since in a way it was. There's a lot of life left to live for people like them, moments to experience and discover, this was a journey. Her speech echoed her sentiment but she kept it briefer than her swirling thoughts, letting the people that knew Bri better have more time, as it should be.

She had only wanted to show face and say her required part, and maybe stay for the fireworks too, but anything more than that was not on the cards after the headache that was white elephant, peace and quiet became necessity. But a drink never hurt. "You're fine," she said with a sigh of relief, "No spills, no tails." But she did grip onto her since wine glass a little more firmly as Rangi staggered, "You'll buy me a free drink?" The addition came with a laugh and a shake off her head, "I'm good with one tonight, thank you." Looking at the fae and the clear signs of too many drinks mixed with deeper feelings, her expression softened, "You feeling okay? That was a nice eulogy though."

Who: Open starter (@lunarcovestarters) Where: Confessions - Death of Bri NYE Party

Rangi blinked down at the notecard in her hand, the words all blurring into one sloppy ink blob. In front of her, the microphone whined, as if trying to remind her that she was supposed to be talking. They were all expected to give eulogies, and Rangi had tried to come up with something nice, something that would actually be meaningful. Bri was her friend, after all. They weren't great friends or even good friends, but once upon a time, Rangi had hoped the other girl would give her a chance. But, like always, Rangi hadn't been enough. She didn't hold it against her.

Rangi's eyes searched the room around her as she swayed behind the stand on stage, already more than a few drinks deep in the night. The last time she'd given a eulogy had been at Mason's wake. She'd barely choked it out through the sobs in her throat and the tears in her eyes. It would be silly to cry at another one, especially when the person who they were celebrating was still alive. That was more than Mason could say.

Or Lorelai.

Fuck, Rangi was supposed to be over all this already. She thought she'd been doing better, if doing better was keeping herself so preoccupied (and a little buzzed) that she didn't have the time to even think of anything depressing. This was all so stupid.

Rangi dropped the notecard she'd been holding and leaned into the microphone, raising her glass. "To Brielle! One drop dead gorgeous vampire! Pun intended," she slurred into the speaker, smiling lopsided. "Sorry you died but I'm glad you came back!"

She didn't wait for a response before finishing off the rest of her current drink and stumbling off the stage, towards the open bar. It might've been her job, but this wasn't work and she didn't feel like being professional anymore.

Rangi fumbled into the bar counter, accidentally bumping someone who was already there trying to get a drink. "Woops, sorry," she mumbled, setting her glass on the bar top, "hope I didn't make you spill, but I can buy you another if I did."

Rangi gave a lopsided smile. The open bar was free.

[nyraxodeyer]

"It's very tempting to not get one of each," she mused, "Especially when you made them." While she wouldn't say she had a massive sweet tooth, treats were something to indulge in were they not. "Personal and professional, both. I hope things have been okay? I'm glad though, to hear that business is well, might mean more time on your feet but such is expected to be the case during this season, right? I'll take a brownie it lo-" but before the entirety of what she had planned to say could be said, a soft gasp cut her off as another thing caught her eye and attention, "Is that what I think it is?" she asked smile widening as she looked to the ring on Leyla's finger and met her gaze, "Well, now I must ask into a personal update. Congratulations!"

"Thank you! The pastries are from Tatli, oh! Except for these," She motioned toward the peppermint bark brownies from behind the counter. The light catching across the diamond ring that now laid across her finger, sending rays of lights dancing across the glass. "Those I made. Can I get you anything? Coffee? A baked good?" She tilted her head to the side as she flashed Nyra a small smile. "And oh! Um, pretty good? Busy! We have been packed full of customers all day, but I can't complai- unless you meant how things are going with me personally, didn't you?"

[nyraxodeyer]

for: @cantfightmoonlight - leyla location: holiday markets/daily drip

Needing a break from the crowds and the cold too for a while, Nyra stepped into the Daily Drip for a bit of respite. A good choice on her part as her senses were immediately taken for a spin with a swirl of aromas that warmed her inside out, from the fresh coffee and hot chocolate being made to the sweet peppermint scent that hung in the air, the combination of it all drew to smile to her face that lingered as she peeked at the other treats on offer. Catching Leyla's eyes, she greeted the pixie with a small wave, "Hi hi, this all looks so good. How are things going?"

[nyraxodeyer]

Though not being a holiday she actively observed, Nyra could get behind the festivities when Christmas time rolled around, the cheer and the time spent with loved ones was always worth celebrating, and of course, the shopping too, always a bonus. Fingertips brushed lightly over the many items displayed, shiny pretty things, it brought a smile to her lips. A smile that lingered as she turned at the call of her name, "I think so, yes," she responded when Gia asked for her input, "She has fine taste and that I believe falls in it." Her shopping had been wrapped up but she was always willing to lend a hand and an eye for the other. "How do you feel about it? We can keep looking if there's something else that strikes out to you."

closed starter || @nyraxodeyer Gia and Nyra at the Christmas Market 🎄 ✨

Of all the winter festivities, shopping was Gia's favorite. Second only to the actual gift giving. She delighted in the look on a loved one's face when receiving something genuinely desired. Hence why the vampire put so much time and thought into her gifts. Each person on her, albeit short, list was intentionally sought for. There were few opinions Gia truly cared for, and even fewer still in regards to taste. A rare few indeed were trusted to take shopping and be called upon for input. "What do you think, Nyra? Will Meena like it?"

[nyraxodeyer]

"Threat?" Drumming away vexation that travelled a path to an actual headache, Nyra heaved a sigh as JC continued to speak. "Did you not moments ago imply that Meena might be worse of than just missing with 'tattle to potentially dead teacher'? Was that okay? But sure, blame me. You're seeing her, great, but she's my friend too." Centuries before they began dating, she wanted to add but didn't. "Once again, I have better things to do after Meena is found than tell her all the ridiculous things said and done in that meeting." Though as she thought on it now, since he was so adamant into thinking she actually will, maybe she should. At least that way she'll meet one expectation of his.

"We agreed that you can do both those thing, though? Saying if you want to take the lead on that is implying you're useless. You brought up Mason, to that I wasn't sure on. Ghosts work differently in our culture, we prayed for reincarnation, I don't know the exact mechanisms of Spirit Raising but I wouldn't want that for the Mahirs. I hope you understand that." Looking to him now, she blinked a little, confusion flickering across her face, she didn't know if everything grew twisted in her head or if JC had forgotten all the things he himself had dismissed or all the times he had implied the rest of them were useless. "I didn't say they were my business? I just pointed out that there were notes between the two of you alongside the main discussion."

She let out a slow exhale trying not let the weariness show. "I agree with that, it shouldn't be easy that's why there's so many, albeit bordering on ridiculous, arguments we have in that room. What? I don't expect that? I know you're not the one to sit quietly and let things slide, which is an admirable trait, we need that. You're worried, I can see it, and angry at everything that went down, I can feel that, but did also take in the rest of situation? That meeting was held a couple or so days after the chaos, you saw how Ben had to call in? I was also kidnapped briefly, stuck in a nightmare scenario and burned with iron. Sorry for not coming to the table with ideas and a fucking go-getter attitude.I was tired. Still am." She hated having to explain that, having to admit that she had been hurt and wanted rest in case it would be misconstructed like everything else she said and be considered a weakness or something as such. Nyra laughed sharply breaking out of her head, "No you don't, you literally don't. No one thinks you're a bad guy either, if you do, then that's on you."

Júlio César narrowed his eyes. "I said what I said, Nyra. I made a suggestion about asking some of the spirits in-town. Maybe not the best. But Aaliyah compared my moral character to Lori's and then threatened to tell Meena I was resurrecting Theodore Moore. Ridiculous." He shook his head. "And while I can't blame you for Aaliyah's actions, I can blame you for making the same threat. Was that respectful? Dangling the missing woman I'm...seeing over my head like I'm a child?"

He grunted. "Imply? You implied I wasn't useful too. You suggested I was somehow too good to round up ghosts or talk to local business. Which is exact kind of thing I signed up to the Council to do. The work. The wolves have been on the streets for every single disaster." He grunted. "And just so you know, I told Jake to stop snacking. And the notes aren't your business. They are between me and the Alpha. Do I mettle in Fae conversations? Honest question."

Crossing his arms, JC cocked is head to the one side. "Oh, I like disagreements. I wish we'd stop taking the path of least resistance. It's not supposed to be easy or timely. We have to stop avoiding unpleasant shit. And listen, I'm sorry if I made you feel belittled. Or disrespected. But I did not start anything in that meeting. I was genuinely, truly, doing everything in my power to get along and get things done. But as you so aptly reminded me, 'I don't always help the situation.' Even when, up to that point, I, again, hadn't done anything. People just expect me to and snap at what they assume." He met her eye.

"Yeah, our weaknesses used against us sucks. I know it," he replied, clearing his own throat. "And there it is again. What did I do, Nyra? I have to sit there with perfect composure too. I get an inch too loud or don't roll over at a snappy throwaway comment, suddenly I'm the bad guy."