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Hi guys - sorry for the silence... I've been asked at short notice to help out with some fieldwork (catching lizards in remote Tasmania) - there's not a lot of reception and the days are long (and the nights involve much alcohol). I'm now back at my desk, but will be heading out for 1 day trips right up until I head interstate for christmas so posting will still be slow (and I've got a lot of reading to come back up to speed) - should be able to get something up tomorrow.
Cassie smiled as she let Bronwyn take the lead and followed eagerly as her friend began to pull her into a quicker, more complex dance. At first the two were hesitant - slightly out of step but as they moved arounf the dance floor she felt their movement synchronising. Taking Bron's hands in her own she let the other girl pull away and then pull her back in a spin towards and past her, pirouetting beneath Bron's raised arm and then pulling back as, for a moment they brushed against each other. Cassie could feel the energy of their dance shift and increase as they moved more quickly, their movements becoming more synchronous as they shared the dance's energy and fed off each other's movements, each minor shift of form or touch indicating the next step, the next twirl as the other dancers seemed to fade into the background, the rhythm became more urgent, more physical and it seemed there were only the two of them, sharing in the rhythmic dance of the bacchanalia...
Cassie greets Bronwyn with a wide smile, having spent a few awkward minutes standing around waiting by herself and feeling like people were staring after her run-in with Odysseus - she still couldn't believe that the idiot had caused her of being the one who'd cast the spell on him,.. well she sort-of could, it wasn't like there were all that many people, even in Halcyon, who had the requisite magical talent to achieve something like that - especially since they didn't know that Ariadne - Ariadne! was lose in the city and looking to cause some trouble. Oh definitely!" Cassie replied, grabbing Bron's hand and pulling her to the dance floor. "Tonight has not been much fun, but i'll be damned if I don't get the chance to have any fun at all!" Whilst the dance floor wasn't exactly crowded, Cassie felt better, less conspicuous amongst the other dancers and, as the music picked up as the end of the night neared, she let herself go. Letting herself be captured by the music. She didn't dance too close to Bron - better to keep things as friendly as possible, especially with all the cameras around, and with Bron and Shayera's "break-up". Instead, she just concentrated on having some fun at last!
Cassie glanced over at 'Fiona' on the dance floor but turned back to the giant with a shrug. "Maybe,.." she replied, uncertainly. "I'm not really sure about her,.. she's a bit of a strange one. There's some weird kind of history between those two, and i haven't really figured it out yet. Really I just want to have some fun with a friend and forget about all this stupid team stuff and my mom, and Odysseus and,... everything and,.. well, I know Machina's the team leader and everything, whatever the reason is, but, well, I wouldn't actually say were friends - not really." she says, pausing and looking Bran in the eye. "If 'Acolyte' were around I'd see if she's up for it. I know its a bit sad, but she's probably the only person on the team I'd really call a 'friend'. Do you think she'd be up for a boogie? I think she's had a bit of a weird night too? It could be fun."
Hmmmm, I think Hex probably doesn't pay all that much attention to the news - the average amount for a 16-year old?
Cassie watched as Alexis was lead off with trepidation. Why do I get the feeling he'll find a way to make this whole thing even worse? I really need to find a way to reign him in! Her thoughts were interrupted by Bran. At his words, she nodded. "Yeah, I noticed that - the whole Πολύφημος thing. It seems like we're all tied together somehow - and Odysseus really has it in for us, - both of us! I knew I'd get blamed for that! Bloody ungrateful piece of,... whatever.... We both need to watch out for him. And on top of that there's 'Mercy' - we need to find a way to teach him how to behave. He can't just go around breaking stuff and acting like a giant douche all the time. It makes us, the team, it makes us all look bad when he does that. And with Odysseus looking for a way to get to us,.. Well, Mercy's giving him lots to work with. Right now though, I just want to do something fun. This 'party' is not going the way I wanted - I mean I've only even had one dance and that was,.. well, I didn't have a great time."
Cassie frowned as Alexis pushed the chair into her hands and was about to say something when she was interrupted when the woman came in and grabbed it from her... Alexis' reactions to things like this was getting really frustrating and his weird attempt to cheer her up by breaking stuff was, almost, scary. "I think it'd be a good idea to go with her. You really do need to stop breaking stuff." she replied "Although, I guess it depends a bit on who it is she wants you to see, and why the chairs are so important anyway?" she continued, arching an eyebrow at the woman questioningly.
"Me? I didn't do it you great bloody idiot - I stopped it! That's the last time I stick my neck out for you! Next time you're on your own and I hope she turns you into something even worse, though its hard to see anything more appropriate - You are a pig. I don't have to stay here and listen to your stupid accusations!" She stood and turned to walk away, stopping just as she reaches the crowd to turn around. "And if you ever,.. ever call me a bloody witch again, I'll will turn you into a pig - a statue of a pig. So you just watch what you say. I animated your stupid statue and I can change you back. You just stay away from me. And my team." With that, Cassie pushes her way through the crowd, just wanting to get away, to do something to block out his words. I knew it! I just knew he'd blame me for this. Bloody ungrateful piece of shit bloody statue! Finding herself on the outer perimeter of the crowd, she spotted Alexandra and turned to make a bee-line for her. "You want a drink or something?" she asked. "I've got a little for spells and stuff? I need something to take my mind off that idiot!"
Cassie knelt next to Odysseus, shooting a glance at Tectonic. "Stop that." she says "This'll be easier if he's sitting. If you want to be helpful make sure I have some space. I don't know what's happening, but I'll do my best. And someone get me whatever he's been drinking!" Cassie turned back to Odysseus, pulling a small spiral notebook and a pencil from her clutch. "OK," she adressed the statue quietly. "So first I need you to calm down. You need to slow your pulse,.. well not that but, try not to let your emotions get too strong. I don't know how whatever it is is spreading through your, um, system, but my guess is its emotionally resonant, so try to stay calm. So, um, your body is marble" she continued, making a small mark in the notebook, "So that's um, well earth obviously, but marble is basically limestone that's been melted. So, Reborn from the σώματα των dead. Κυνηγημένος από τη fire και τη force. There's ζωή there - that's what its acting on,.. it must be. But marble represents, and you're,... you so, χλιδή, αλαζονεία and ὕβρις,... that's gotten you in trouble before. OK,... is that what he's been drinking?" she said, glancing up as a largish man wearing a tuxedo handed her a bottle. Taking a sniff, she frowned and then poured a little onto her hand so that she could taste it. Um,.. OK I don't know... Wine obviously but there must be something else,.. "Wingblade. Can you help?" she asked, spotting the hero in the crowd of onlookers. There's something in here but my nose isn't good enough..." she asked, passing the bottle over. and hopefully you'll be able to detect the lotus - that might help keep me out of the frame for this! "Whilst we're figuring that out, I need mineral water - carbonated, and something valuable - gold for preference." As the items are gathered, Cassie sketches in her notebook and then, once ready, touches her hand to Odysseus' head, beginning to chant softly under her breath. "Αναγεννημένος στο νερό από τα σώματα των νεκρών.
For a moment Cassie stared at the retreating back of Ariadne. I should go after her. Or tell one of the others to sort her out. So why aren't I going to? Why am I just going to let her go? More to the point. Why am I even going to try and help Odysseus? He's not going to thank me, that's for sure. Just dumb, I guess.... She thought as she quickly lifted her skirt just enough that she could extract a couple of key components from the hidden pockets and then turned and began running for the hulking statue. As she neared him, she slowed. "Out of the way." she said, pushing past the crowd of people who'd noticed his state. "I might be able to help. Does anyone know what he's been,.. eating or drinking or whatever? Get me some of whatever he's been having." Kneeling next to him so that he could see his face, she spoke to Odysseus. "It's me. You know me." she said. "I'm going to try to help, if I can. Is that OK?"
Cassie let the woman - Ariadne - lead her through the dance steps in time with the music, doing her best to give nothing away to any onlookers as she considered the woman's words. Finally, however, she stumbles and stops them in shock as Ariadne tells her what she's done, and makes her offer. "What have you done to him?" she asks, staring over Ariadne's shoulder at the hulking statue of Odysseus. You've poisoned him? No,.. the change? What change?"[/b] The woman's other words come back to her - 'My savior taught me to recall him to myself.',.. "You haven't,... The Minotaur? Is that what's going to happen?" she fixes her gaze back on Ariadne, "You've set this up so that he'll blame me, haven't you! You think I'd come with you? That I'll trust some minion of my mother's? After what she tried to do to me? We both know there's no-one else she can use! Why would I trust you? If you're loyal to her you'll just give me to her and, if you've betrayed her, then why wouldn't you just betray me too? You think I'm stupid enough to just go with you? If you want me to trust you, you'll have to more than that! Why do you even think I won't just stop you now? Why've you risked comping here? Why now?"
Cassie let the other woman talk, she didn't seem like an immediate threat but she must be here for something and it wasn't likely to be that she was just in the mood to offer some 'advice'. Carefully, Cassie maintained a pleasant smile, doing her best to project the impression that she was enjoying the dance to anyone who might be watching. Internally though, her mind raced. For once, she was glad of the reading that Gabrielle had been forcing her to do on Greek mythology - Many of the myths were half-remembered truths and more than a few contradicted each other, but there was often a grain of truth. Gabrielle had always said it'd come in useful... Aria,... betrayed half-brother, betrayed country,... hmm, there's a few of those. Left on an island,.. taken by a god and abandoned,... Aria,... Cassie smiled pleasantly at the women. "Well" she replied with a pleased laugh, as if they were doing no more than having a pleasant dance and talk. "It sounds like you've betrayed people as often as they've betrayed you. I've known my own share of betrayal myself - but you know that already, don't you. I must say, your brother must've been quite horrible, quite the animal for you to betray him for someone you just met. But these things are always complicated, aren't they - Like a maze, or a tangled thread don't you think?" she laughed. Tell me, what brings you here? Its very pleasant to talk and dance, but something tells me you came for more than just a fun night out."
Yeah, I thought that knowledge was pretty much limited to the team (+ Whippoorwill).
Cassie easily fell into the steps of the dance, happily letting ' Aria' lead. As they danced, and the other woman talked, Cassie tried to keep her face impassive as best she was able. The woman could be anyone after-all. Some weird cape-watcher, a random bad-guy, a reporter looking for some scoop on how the new team was divided or how Cassie was sure to follow in the steps of her mother, or even someone working for Circe herself! Instead, she smiled politely as they spun in time to the music. "Thank you for you concern." she replied "but I know how to look after myself. Our team may not be particularly traditional, but they're all trustworthy and wouldn't abandon me." Well, apart from maybe Kaoru, Alexandra, Shaun, Shayera if her dad manipulates her the wrong way, or Alexis if the Trikosia get to him or he's sulking about something weird. Bron's reliable though - Bran'll have my back!
After watching Bran disappear towards the complex's roof, Cassie had waited a few minutes, mulling over the strange images that had flashed through her head when she'd cast her spell on him. The visions were starting to become familiar, although this one had been a bit different - It hadn't been Bran she'd seen, but rather a man with another face, similar in build to Bran but without the sense of,... sadness that seemed to accompany her visions of him. What did it mean, though, that she'd seen someone else? Could it be that their connection went deeper than just Bran and Creirwy? She'd have to investigate further. It was certain that any link between her and Bran, whatever form he wore, would relate somehow to her mother. Gathering herself, Cassie had made her way back to the gala, slipping back in through the doorway and making her way around the room's perimeter until she found a spot where she could watch the crowd. Shayera was dancing again. Not with Bran this time, of course, but with an attractive chinese boy who seemed to know his way around the dance floor. Cassie's frowned involuntarily, Shayera was drawing a lot of attention to herself this evening and, well, it didn't seem fair that she was the one who kept getting asked to dance when she wasn't even in to boys. Was she? Cassie's thoughts were inturrupted by an accented voice, and she turned to find the tall, well-dressed woman standing close to her. "Thank you." she said with a smile in response to the woman's complement. At the her request for a dance, Cassie glanced nervously over at the far table where she could see Odysseus guzzling wine. It would probably be more sensible to stay where she was and avoid his attention. Probably. But, on the other hand.... "I'd love to!" she replied, flashing a smile at the woman and reaching out to let the her lead her out onto the dance floor. "I'm ur,... 'Hex', or Cassiphone if you like? What should I call you...?"
"Well, we'll have to see what we can do about that." Cassie replied, "For now let's see if we can get you up to the roof without risking that suit." Pulling the side of her dress upward, she pulled what turned out to be a white father from a hidden pocket. "I thought it'd be a good idea to come prepared." she said with a grin. Holding the feather forward, Cassie uttered a few words under her breath and then stepped up to Bran's towering figure and placed her hand on his chest.... ...and looked up into the eyes of her lover - they'd managed to sneak away from the festivities marking the ship's return from its long journey to steal a few precious moments of privacy away from the prying eyes of her mother and from his crew. Pushing herself against him she raised her mouth expectantly..... .. and stood blinking as Bran slowly began to rise from the ground.
Cassie stood uncomfortably as the others separated and then Shayera made her way past her back towards the gala. "Need a hand?" she asked. "A levitation spell might make it easier? Um, and, sorry for getting in the way but,.. You don't need to worry or anything, I can keep a secret. I just hope you guys know what you're doing. If you need any help with,.. whatever, you just have to ask."
"You have an agent?" Cassie smiled. "No, she said, shaking her head slightly, "but there's no need to let her know that we don't." When Tectonic suddenly arrives, announces what's happening out on the dancfloor, and Wingblade grabs Bran's hand, leading him out to the dancefloor, Hex settles back to watch. As the two dance it becomes clear - increasingly clear, that Shayera and Bron breaking up can't be the whole truth No-one dances like that with someone they've just broken up with! They're playing some kind of game... Her thought was interrupted, though, by Bran's sudden departure from the dancefloor, and his, somewhat oblivious, at least to someone watching closely, discomfort and its cause. Cassie's mouth twisted into an amused half smile . Wow. Who'd have thought Bron'd be the first one on the team to have that problem. she laughed to herself. I was sure it was going to be Shaun! As Wingblade hurried after Bran's departing form, Cassie stepped forward and made her way slowly after the pair. She'd had to look around for a while before she found them and, when she did, she wasn't at all sure whether she should reveal herself. They're definitely still together then and Shayera probably already knows I'm here. Cassie coughed to announce her presence. "I don't really want to interrupt," she said. "but you probably want to find somewhere a bit more private if you don't want it getting 'round that Wingblade's hooked up with Bran the Blessed - Besides, there's more than a few people who saw you leave together and they must be wondering what you're up to."
Well at least Bron and Shae are on speaking terms. Cassie thought to herself as she approached the group. As Bran knelt to kiss her hand she amusedly raised her eyebrow and tried not to meet Shayera's eyes. When his hand touched hers, however, she felt,.. something. The noise of the gala seemed to momentarily fade, replaced by the hint of a more boistous event and the smell of woodsmoke seemed to tug at the edge of her consciousness. The senstation faded though, as their touch separated, leaving Cassie momentarily confused. As she came back to herself, however, she managed to refocus on the woman. "Toys?" she asked in surprise. "Um, yeah, I guess I'd be interested, but we should discuss it with the rest of the team and, well we'll need to talk to an agent..." she continued as her mind began to race. Maybe there's a way I could actually get some income from all this after all. Pulling herself together, she glanced at the others. I mean, obviously we'll have to negotiate terms, and I'd,.. we'd need to approve any designs and so on, and anything we'd agree to would have to be renegotiable after a fixed term, obviously accounting for fixed design costs and manufacturing I assume the percentage (it would be a percentage of net, I assume) would rise after the initial costs? We'd also need to retain rights to the use of our names or likenesses in any other contexts and so on, but all those details can wait. Do you have a card? We have been entertaining a number of interesting offers, so we'll have to think about it and get back to you. We'll have our agent contact you for details of your offer."
Cassie stood at the table for a few moments as Xavier moved off and glanced around the room to see if she could spot any of her team mates. Seeing Bran and Wingblade engaged in a conversation with a woman in a yellow dress. Cassie frowned at the sight of Shayera's dress, it was sure to draw attention away from herself, and her more modest choice but, with luck, she'd be able to use Wingblade's wings and Bran's size to avoid Odysseus' attention. Excusing herself, she made her way over to join them, doing her best to stay out of Odysseus' line of sight. Joining the conversation "Hi guys, meet anyone interesting yet? she greeted them, making sure that Wingblade and Bran were between her and the statue. Turning to the woman she held out her hand. [b]"Hi, nice to meet you. I'm Cassiphone or, 'Hex' I guess, if you like code-names.
Hex smiles. "Well, I don't really have time for hobbies any more," she says in reply to Xander's comment. "Not with all the stuff that's been happening and school and everything. I was trying to learn an instrument, but I haven't been keeping it up over the last couple of weeks.. I did design this dress though." she says, giving a little twirl. "As for 'statue-man', he doesn't like for some reason. It's weird because I'm obviously so likable."
"Uh, yeah, I'll meet you out there." Cassie replied to Alexis. As he walked off, she turned to Xander and Madeline. "Sorry, he's got a weird sense of humour." she said, smiling in an attempt to explain Alexis' words. "But he's good in a fight and he's on the right side. Sooooo, you mentioned gossip?" she said to Madeline with a smile. "Care to share?"
"Hi Madeleine, nice to meet you." Cassie replied, trying to place her from school and moving around so that Xander stood between her and the newly arrived figure of Odysseus' statue - she didn't want him to cause some kind of scene, at least, not one that involved her. "You can call me 'Hex, or Cassiphone - Cassie, if you like, and this is 'Mercy'. So, if you're not the 'heroic' type you're here with someone else?"
Cassie raised an eyebrow. "Well, I'm not really hungry. So that leaves options two and three I guess?" Cassie replied, returning Xander's smile. It felt good to be noticed and flirted with - she'd really missed the experience under the effects of her charm, and he seemed nice enough.
"Me? Well my code-name, or whatever, is 'Hex' which should be just about enough of a clue. "Cassie replied, smiling at the boy's non-too-subtle compliment. "You like the dress?" she gave a half-turn. "I made it myself and I think it turned out pretty well. Even if I do say so myself." she paused, looking around. "So if you've been to one of these things before your dad must be pretty connected. Who is your dad anyway? Have you got any hints for how to have some fun, or do you just provide free dietry advice to newbies?" she said, nodding her head at the plate of sushi.
"Hi. I'm Cassie, and this is 'Mercy'" Cassie replied to the newcomer, treating him to a smile. "Yeah its our first time. I mean, I've been to other things like this before, but not this one. You have though? So are you a 'cape' or whatever too? Have we heard of you?"
I'll add in another one from Hex's background who hasn't shown up yet (Someone she's trying to get the respect of - Her idol: Prestige: A cape- turned musician (late 20's) who briefly operated for a few years using illusions. A few years ago, he gave up crime-fighting and became a musician, releasing a number of fairly successful singles. Prestige's early music (electronic) was very niche but he has achieved some success for his impressive stage shows. Prestige (his stage and hero name) is a minor celebrity who tries to give the impression of not caring what anyone thinks, but actually craves the spotlight. He's been in the tabloids occasionally for one reason or another, usually involving party drugs. Prestige is wearing a rumpled tight-fitting tux with sneakers. His bow-tie is undone casually around his neck. Prestige is most likely to approach the girls of the group and may come off as a bit of a sleaze. Feel free to use him as you like - The above is all I have on him and I've got no firm plans.
On the way to the Gala "...you look nice. Like a fairy." "Thanks." Cassie replied, "That's not quite the look I was going for, but its close enough." "Its not that I don't like you or anything like that, or that I only liked you when you were a girl." she continued, [b]"Its, well, fooling around or 'bunking, or whatever - Its something people do. Some girls did it with each other at my old school, but... Well, its different with boys and girls. Its kind of the opposite of not liking you, OK? Um,.. its hard to explain. Its like, well,.. I like boys, as in I don't think I'm bisexual (which is the word for people who like boys and girls) and I'm not or gay like Bron is. I'm straight, and that means I don't want to be in a relationship - I'm not going to fall in love with a girl, I want to be in a relationship, fall in love with, a boy. And, well, because I want to be in a relationship with a boy, for me that means I don't want to just fool around or 'bunk' with just any boy, it means I only want to do that kind of thing with a boy who I'm in a relationship with. I know its doesn't seem to make sense but its like,.. I don't want to bunk with someone I could want to be in a relationship with, unless I am in a relationship with them. Not for,.. um, my first time anyway. I've never done that kind of thing with a boy. Do you see what I mean? I don't know what love feels like either. I think its just one of those things where,.. well, where you know what its like when it happens."
"Don't worry, I'll look after you." Cassie replied. "Just let me do all the talking and give them your best smile. OK?" When they reach the pack, Cassie smiles for them, keeping Alexis' arm firmly in her own, and showing off her dress. At the questions, she laughs. "Yes, Whippoorwill's our mentor." she says. "And she's just great!" Ignoring the question about whether they were in a relationship (Make them speculate!), she answers the next question instead. [b]I'm 'Hex', and this is 'Mercy'. As for what we can do, well, you'll just have to figure that out for yourselves - There's no need to give everything away to the bad guys, is there. Now, If you don't have any more questions?..."
PM for Alexandra
Cassie examined her reflection in the mirror and was happy with what she saw. The dress had taken hours of thought and work, both mundane and magical to get just right. - She desperately wanted to make the right impression at the gala, it was her first real opportunity to show off as a 'cape' and even as herself since her birthday because of the stupid charm she had to wear everywhere. The decisions had been hard - she wanted to look good, but she needed to avoid any kind of association with her mother - so nothing that was too alluring, at least not in a way that suggested she was trying to be alluring and she needed to be a bit witchy, but not dark witchy, so black was out, and white was too.... white witchy - She needed innocent but sexy. It had taken many iterations of design, redesign and redesign of redesigns, but eventually she'd settled on something that wasn't too gothy, vampy, or just made her look like some lolita wannabe - a backless short evening dress - longer than she habitually wore, but short enough to show off her legs. The neck was high, obviously, and the blue matched her eyes perfectly and the charm she'd woven into the top made it glitter just the right amount. Hearing the knock on the door and Alexis' voice, she twirled once more to check that she was ready to go, picked up her matching clutch, and went to the door - The 'talk' with her new housemate hadn't gone as well as she'd hoped, but maybe, just maybe, tonight would make everything better. At the sight of the handsome boy, she smiled - they'd make a great-looking couple and the press, who were sure to be at the gala, would be mad not to notice. "I'm ready." she said, giving small twirl. "You look great!
Cassie peered around the lavishly decorated room curious to see which of the myriad heroes of Halcyon had decided to attend the gala. Turning to Alexis, she smiled, taking his elbow in her arm and leading him towards the area cordoned off for the press. "Don't worry about that." she said with a dazzling smile. "I'll teach you, but first we should let people know we've arrived."
Odysseus' statue could put in an appearance?.. I'll have a think about what might happen. Should be able to get a gameplay post in later today.
After texting Alexis, Cassie tried to return to her work on the dress whilst trying to figure out what she'd say when he arrived back at the apparent. She needed to keep him onside whilst, somehow, letting him know what he was doing wrong... Acting like he did was weird and uncomfortable and, more importantly, was the kind of things that might draw unwanted attention from the people who were after him. If she played it right though,.. maybe she could use this to tie him closer to her? When she heard the appartment door open, Cassie pushed her chair away from her small desk, leaving her dress-making for later, and went out into the corridor. "Hi" she said, seeing him standing forlorn and maybe a bit upset in the hallway. "So,.. I think we need to talk. Gabrielle's out, and I'm not sure when she'll be back, so we've got a bit of time." Moving through to the lounge room, Cassie motioned for Alexis to follow, and took a seat on the couch. "So,.. " she said, trying to choose her words carefully, "I wan't to explain why I won't,.. 'bunk' with you again, and,.. maybe some other things too." she paused for a minute, looking down at her hands and then up at Alexis. "I know it probably doesn't make sense to you and, well I kind've agree, but,.. there are social conventions - the way people act - that don't make sense but they're still important. OK? And, Because of where you grew up, you don't know them, and that makes things hard to understand. One of those things is that, for most people, boys and girls don't just bunk together and, well, its not the same when its just girls or just boys. Maybe it should be, but it isn't OK? And,.. well, there's other things too, like,.. You shouldn't hug people you've just met. Really, you shouldn't touch people unless you know they're OK with it. Doing things like that make people unformfortable and, maybe worse, it makes you stand out, because you don't know the conventions so,.. I've been thinking. I'd want to help you, OK? I'll let you know whenever you're doing something that might break a social convention, but you have to try not to get mad at me or anything if you don't understand. - If you want to ask why I tell you something's OK or not, wait until we're in private and ask me then and, if there's a good reason, I'll tell you what it is, and if there isn't, well, i'll tell you that too. What do you think?"
Cassie frowned at the sketch she'd drawn of the dress she was trying to make for the gala - it wasn't quite right, even though she'd spent hours making small changes and consulting enumerable online fashion sites to try to get it just right. She sighed - it had all been much easier when she'd been able to just buy nice things from the best shops, but she didn't have nearly enough money now to even come close to being able to afford anything like that and, in any case, she was finding that she quite liked the creative outlet of designing clothes for herself - her new jacket was almost perfect, even if her charm had meant that the fashionistas, or anyone else, at school hadn't noticed it. For the gala though, she needed something amazing - it was certain that the press would be there and she just had to look her best! The chime of her phone drew her attention and she idly reached for it. As she read the message, however, thoughts of what she'd wear to the gala fled, and she flushed bright red. She'd been hoping that Alexis would've lost his memories of that night, even though she knew, just knew that he's still remember everthing... And now he was asking to do it again - as a boy! Didn't he know that it was different now?,... Of course he didn't. He was far to clueless about how the world worked for that, and she wasn't nearly that lucky! She'd agreed to go to the gala with him to try to avoid getting him off-side and now,.. this. She couldn't do it though. Could she?... No. But how should she tell him? Staring at the words on her phone, she tried to come up with something... Blame it on Gabrielle? - No, it'd give the impression that she would if she could. So.... honesty then. Hesitantly, she tapped at the phone's screen and hit send. Alexis: Cassie: .... Cassie: .... Cassie: .... Cassie: When you get back we can talk, but no bunking. Cassie: .... Cassie: Its different now. Cassie: .... Cassie: Boys and girls don't usually just bunk together. Cassie: .... Cassie: .... Cassie: I'll explain later, OK? Not mad at you or anything.
PM for you Hex :-) ... Replied. Sorry all for the radio-silence been super busy and will be for a bit but I should be able to do a bit more posting than I did last week.
Shaun, Monday night:
Cassie: He can do all that and he's STILL SCARED.... tells me that they're people to avoid!!
Alexis (Wednesday Lunchtime: Cassie: Fancy dress?... you sure? - I'll check the invitation later. Cassie peered at Alexis' message. Is this just him being him - all weird and naive, or is he asking me out? Does it matter? After how he fixated on Kaoru and Alexandra who knows how he might react if I said no and went with someone else?.. Better to keep him as close as possible, just in case, but keep it friendly, just friendly.... ...
Thank you. It'll be good to have someone to hang out with. It'll be fun.
Shaun, Monday night:
Cassie: Weekend works Cassie: Long story... needed a place to crash Cassie: Wacko; maybe a bit... but he's scared so.. Alexis, Wednesday Lunchtime: Cassie: Gala?
Shaun could, maybe get away with a kilt but, yeah.
Cassie: Everyone has stuff they don't want to share
Cassie looked up from the couch where she lay with her feet raised on its back and an old leather-bound book with indecipherable writing on its cover in her hands. "Just text her and say sorry you can't make it." she said, unconcerned. "She'll understand."
Bron's phone chimes, indicating a message from Cassie. Bron: Cassie: U OK? Bran seemed alright but...? Cassie: Would've texted earlier - Alexis crashing. Had to sort him out a bed etc. Cassie: Super awkward Cassie: Breakups suck!
As Alexis started to tidy the desk, Cassie stops him. "I wouldn't do that if I was you. I did it once in the shop and she went on for ages about how she couldn't find anything - she says she has 'a system'. I think its best if you keep away from anything to do with the Triakosia." she continued. "I don't know anything about Shayera's dad, but.. well yeah. I'd stear clear. I won't tell Shay how to find us here - don't worry. And, yeah, you'll be able to see the way up, now that you know where it is, so don't worry about that." At that moment her phone chimes and she pulls it out to examine the message. "Are you all good here?" she asked, returning the phone to her pocket. "I'm kinda tired and there's an algebra test tomorrow. Gabrielle will be up pretty early - she'll probably lay on a fair bit of food - she usually does. I'd try to get to the bathroom before she does - otherwise you'll have to open the window - you'll see what I mean. I'll see you at breakfast?" Heading for her room Cassie sat on her bed and pulled her phone back out. Shaun:
Cassie: No problem - still up... Cassie: Alexis here... Awkward Cassie: Nothing to be sorry for Cassie: My mom's not my fault, Duncan's not yours. Cassie: Same thing really. Messages sent, Cassie changed into her night clothes before heading to the bathroom to wash up and clean her teeth before heading to bed.
Gabrielle gave a small surprised squeak as she wass enveloped in Alexis' arms and looked on bemusedly at Cassie's discomfort when the boy embraced her. When Alexis announced that he only planned to stay for a week, both Gabrielle and Cassie looked surprised. "A week?" Gabrielle asked, glancing at Cassie, "Cassandra said you needed to stay for some time?" "Um, Yeah." Cassie replied, looking curiously at Alexis. "That's what I thought. I've told her that you're on the team. She knows all about that - I could hardly keep it a secret. And she knows that you've got nowhere to stay and that the Triakosia are after you." "They're very dangerous people you know?" Gabrielle said, turning to Alexis. "Not the type who give up easily. You're welcome to stay for a few days, in any case, and we'll see about longer if everything goes OK. Now. I need to get my beauty sleep, so I'll leave Cassandra to show you where you'll be sleeping. It's nothing fancy and there's not much space I'm afraid. I don't have many rules, but I'd be grateful if you tried not to spend too long in the loo in the mornings - I have a stomach condition and Cassandra takes an absolute age! Goodness knows what she gets up to in there?" she says, provoking a blush from Cassie. "One thing though. If you go into each other's rooms I think its best you leave the door open. OK? I can't have shenanigans going on whilst I'm supposed to be responsible for Cassandra, after all." With that, she moved off down the corridor, shooting another curious glance back at Alexis before disappearing into a room off the corridor. For a couple of minutes Cassie stands there awkwardly. "So, it's this way." she said, heading off down the corridor and stopping outside an open door which leads into a small side room with a desk, chair and a palette bed made up on the floor. The walls are, as with the rest of the house decorated with an array of curious pictures and the desk heaves with piles of paper, stationary and books with yellow sticky labels marking various pages. On the desk is a bookshelf which, in addition to a multitude of books, has various nick-nacks and oddities perched on the shelves. "So, um, this is where you're staying - if you end up staying longer Gabrielle says we can move all this stuff down to the shop to give you a bit more room. Um,... my room's down the corridor on the right, and the bathroom's over there." Cassie says, indicating another door just down the hallway. "Do you, like, need anything before bed? Gabrielle's fine with you grabbing whatever you want from the fridge if you get hungry or anything. - Avoid the freezer though, she's got some 'samples' in there that are a bit gross." If Alexis examines the desk and bookshelf: The papers are a mix of old bills, receipts, recipes, and notes in no discernible order. One or two books catch your attention - One is a copy of 'Macbeth' which, if opened, reveals heavy notes in the margins and several underlined passeges, especially in the sections that mention the weird sisters. The notes are very dismissive, saying things like 'nonsense', 'eye of newt - ridiculous!' and 'Reinforces the arcanophobic, misogynistic paradigm that reinforces the dominant patriarchal power structures inherent in Islamo-Christian and Greco-Roman narratives!' The other is a well-thumbed paperback copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone which, on closer examination, proves to be a first edition. In the inside cover is a handwritten note that says: 'With grateful thanks for all your advice and help! - Don't let the 'muggles' get you down! Lots of love, Joanne.'
Alexis found himself standing in a small alleyway a off a small road which boats a number of stores with 'for lease' signs in their windows, a pawn broker and a couple of take-away places that didn't seem particularly clean. A moment after sending the text, he got a reply from Cassie, saying that she'd be down in a moment. A couple of minutes later, he turned and was surprised to find her standing just a few yards away. "Hi," she said, "Follow me." and she turns, opening a door that he suddenly realised had been there since he'd arrived but, for some reason, hadn't noticed. Even more surprising, was the store front next to the doorway which had also escaped his notice, despite the very strange collection of oddities on display in the window - skulls, candles, various herbs and large apothecary's jars filled with strangely-coloured liquids, each of which had a large brightly coloured note attached announcing their contents in large looping handwriting. Following Cassie up a narrow flight of stairs, Alexis found himself in the hallway of a small apartment. The walls inside were decorated with an excessive and strange mix of paintings, pictures and photos varying from classical prints to children's storybook pictures. Cassie led Alexis down a short corridor to a small living room decorated similarly to the hallway within which were two large and old but comfortable-looking couches with knitted blankets thrown over their backs and an odd assortment of furniature. The whole place seems clean and well cared for, but messy - framed photos, small ceramic animals and stacks of books littered every surface. From the adjoining room, an english-accented and jolly-sounding voice called out. "Just a moment. Followed by a short , brightly-dressed woman, who bustled over to Alexis with her hand held out and a wide smile on her face. "Hello, hello." she said, eyeing Alexis up and down. "Aren't you dressed nicely! It's so lovely to see one of you young things dressed properly - not like the yobbos I see walking around with their bums visible to half the world! It's so nice to finally meet one of Cassandra's friends! And such a handsome boy! Cassandra, why didn't you tell me he was so handsome? Now. Have you eaten? We have plenty left. Cassandra hardly eats a thing. I'm sure she'll waste away at the rate she's going."
Happy to handwave Tuesday - can sort out stuff with Alexis & Gabrielle off to the side.
Alexis: Alexis' phone chimes, indicating that he's recieved a text. Cassie: I've spoken to Gabrielle. Took a bit of convincing - She says you can crash tonight if you need to and she'll see if she's OK with you staying longer once you've met. Cassie: Let me know if/when you're coming so I can get a bed ready and we're expecting you - I'll come down and meet you if you text when you're near, you won't find it by yourself.
He'll have to ask...
Cassie raised her eyebrow at Kaoru's threat to expel Shaun from the team. We're going to have to deal with that. she thought to herself. Can't let him think that 'leader' means that he gets to make decisions like that without discussion. Probably better not to bring it up now and undermine him though.. At the end of the meeting, when Alexis asked her if she'd asked Gabrielle, she frowned. "Look. You asked me at lunchtime and I've had classes since then. When am I supposed to have talked to her? She'll take some convincing - I'll try tonight but, like I said, I can't guarantee anything. You'll just have to wait. OK?"
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