28. Party Time, Part 1
General Summary
Laith and Mika are in some kind of gaming parlour attempting a chess match. Ta'lok and Cypher played a few games after training, but the boss has gone to do other stuff.
Laith knows what chess IS but doesn't know like, ALL the rules, so the game is punctuated by occasional "Not gonna tell you if it's a good move, but when your king and castle are parallel like that, you can swap their places if you want." kind of thing
Elsewhere, Lydia consults the wind or whatever djinni mumbo jumbo she does to echolocate somebody. Then she runs to the kitchens, grabs a platter of food - meat, cheese, fresh fruits and veggies, lots of carbs - and winds her way down the hallway to the parlour.
"Gentlemen, here. Busy minds require full stomachs."
She flies in, fills the space with mist and clouds, and sets the tray down next to their table.
"Gosh, wow, thanks ma'am" Laith is standing reflexively when she enters
"No, please, sit. We do not stand on ceremony here."
He sits
"Appreciate it, you didn't have to do that." Cypher is immediately a little uncomfortable as soon as she's in the room but he's trying to be polite. Think it's his move, so he studies the board.
"Does my habibi let you get away with that nonsense?"
<confusion> "Ma'am?"
"You are family, young man. This is just how we do things here, it was no great favor to bring you this tray." she pops a cherry tomato into her mouth and leans back in her chair like a throne
he's just kind of quiet in not quite a STUNNED way, but I'll think of an adjective later, something adjacent to that, for a second.
"I meant no offense, apologies if I gave any."
He'll slide a pawn forward, give a "your go" hand indication to Laith, and have a bite off the tray to to further indicate appropriate gratitude for a gift. his tone is careful.
She sighs, leans back in her chair, regards them both.
"You have not offended me at all! I am very happy to host you both. Did you sleep well?" Her thundercloud gaze hesitates on Cypher's a second longer than Laith's.
"Yes ma'am!" Happy and immediate from Laith, "This place is amazing, I haven't felt this rested since-" he then clocks the uncomfortable fuck I don't wanna lie to her parent but also this is not going to go anywhere but frustration silence across the board.
Laith attempts a rescue. "You said you all-nighter'd yesterday, you must have slept like a rock."
"You'd think so, wouldn't you." It's dark, muttered, he's focused on the gameboard. Squints a moment, moves a rook. Then looks like he wishes it was still his turn so he'd have an excuse to keep looking at the game. Picks up a snack more to keep his hands busy than anything else.
"Laith, I just came from the kitchen where it sounds like my daughter and Quinn are negotiating the terms of a foot race. They mentioned asking you to join, if you have any interest?"
"Huh? But-" he looks at the board. Cypher's family is small enough that a "I am manufacturing a one-on-one" line is not something he hears nearly as often as Marwa, but it's not outside his vocabulary. He's cussing a blue streak in his head.
"It's fine. We can pick up where we left off later. Or start over."
"If you trust me to pick up where you left off, Laith, I'd be more than happy to finish the game with you." She turns her thundercloud eyes to Cypher.
He'll look up at that, kind of surprised, but of course he's not going to refuse.
Laith can also clock that he is being Redirected, though not unkindly. He'll smile, ask her towreck shop for him, grab another snack off the tray, thank Lydia again, get brief directions to the kitchen, and head out
she waits until he's a few steps out of earshot before she says, "It is not my intention to scare you, young Cypher, although I fear that I have managed to do so regardless. Or do you prefer Mika? I have heard my Marwa refer to you as both."
"Mika's fine. Cypher's kind of a nickname." he'll not answer the comment about scaring him. Indicates that it's her move.
Lydia moves a piece. She plays passively, not to win, but to keep the game going. She takes her time, talks between moves, and her moves don't appear aggressive in the least.
"Just like my Marwa. I encouraged sweet Laith to step away because I have a question for you, and I did not know if you would be comfortable with him overhearing." She pauses to take a sip of her drink.
Nod. Tense. "Shoot."
"I meant what I said when I called you family, Mika. I worry about my Marwa always, and now it seems I must worry about you. Why did you get no rest last night? Tell me what I can do to fix it, and we will fix it."
A blink that's too slow to be normal, then an exhale.
"Through no fault of your accommodation, ma'am," he's thinking, and it isn't inflected like the end of a statement. He's smart enough and has deduced enough from the way Marwa talks about her mother that there's no point dodging.
"It's just not something I do anymore. Comes in handy, honestly. Get way more done this way, for one thing."
"Anymore, you say. So this is new for you?"
"Relatively. Guess it's been a couple weeks now."
"Would you call me Lydia? I know you call me ma'am because you are thoughtful and polite, but it just reminds me how ancient I feel. And a lady does not like to be reminded of her age, you know." she smiles, "or mama, of course, although I assume you have one of your own." She gives a good-natured smile
"You'd like her, I think. She doesn't beat around the bush, either." just for a second, there was a millisecond flicker of utter distaste before that comment.
Lydia will clock that and sidestep that sore spot with a laugh. "A woman after my own heart." But she sees the discomfort on his face, and he recognizes the exasperated irritation on hers - he's seen it on her daughter enough times.
"Fine, fine, call me whatever you want. It is not why I sought you out. My daughter is clearly worried about you, and now I hear you no longer sleep. May my husbands and I try to help? I need you to agree, so my Marwa is not upset with me for 'running over people's wishes' as she says I sometimes do."
boy feels like he's trying to navigate a minefield. like he doesn't wanna be rude and deflecting/dodging these questions that obviously come from a place of generous empathy is RUDE, but also GAH
"I would if I thought you could, ma'- Lydia." He hesitates, avoiding her eye.
"Speak! You are holding your tongue, and I would rather you didn't. Speak your mind."
a laugh, the startled like, one or two syllable kinds.
"Terrible idea. No offense."
she smiles in encouragement. "I challenge you to find a way to actually offend me, young one. It is nigh impossible. And terrible ideas are often the most interesting ones, I find."
"Beginning to see where Marwa gets it from." He's looking at the gameboard, thinking. She's seen a similar look on Julius' face. He's not procrastinating, he's organizing.
Lydia's booming laugh fills the room again, she puts her hand on her belly. "I can see why she likes you."
he does like, one of those head-to-side 'yea-well' kind of shrugs, like he agrees with the conclusion but is still mystified as to the premises, Vis-a-vis why Mirage tolerates him.
"What has she told you already."
He guesses very little, but he wants generally to know what Lydia already guesses, it's similar to his dodgeto Julius that morning.
"She has told me nothing. The air smells different around you, is all - foreign, which I find odd. And you don't sleep. Is it some sickness? I swear to you that I am genuine when I offer whatever resources I have available to help."
He gets a brief exclamation mark over his head when she says she smells something foreign in the air around him
"I believe you. I just don't know there's much you can do. I'm not sick." thinking, brow furrowed. The thinking/organizing/finding words turns to visible frustration. he's parsing both how long the list of people who know any level of detail about his predicament is getting, along with the understanding that Lydia is probably even less used to the idea of "you can't have/do this" than her daughter is.
"You've got me between a rock and a hard place, here."
"Explain."
"I tell you what I want is for you to drop it, and even if you're as immune to offense as you say, your daughter will not let me hear the end of it. I've met bloodhounds who gave up easier.
"On the other hand, if I tell you what's going on, I drag you and your whole family into my mess. Intolerable." He's frowning, somethin'gs clicked, he opens his mouth to say something else, thinks about it, he's weighing something very carefully.
the corner of her mouth lifts up in a smile, she seems happy at his directness
"It is, entirely possible, by every line of logic and probablity," he says, slow, deliberate, "That the kindest thing you can do for your daughter is to put me on a ship out of here and make sure nobody follows." There is no self-pity in his voice, no uncertainty, in the steady eye contact.
she sits there with her arms crossed over her chest, looking up, pondering his words.
"Because...you think you are a threat to her, for some reason?"
"Not at the moment, no. But the future's another matter." He punctuates with a pause. "Sleep's just the latest thing to get scrapped."
She nods. "I see have I stumbled onto a situation far more serious than simply a bad case of insomnia." Crosses her arms. Straightens. She fills the space.
"I have taught my daughter many things over her years, but two are most important. I have told her the importance of following where her heart leads her, and in the sanctity of freedom. Of choice. To send you away would fly in the face of both of those lessons."
He kind of slumps a little bit, the shoulders drop.
"Worth a shot."
"If she has invited you here to be with her, it is because she wants you to be. And I will not deign to choose who she should and should not care for. You must be the reason she asked me about Wishes last night."
His eyes widen, startled, then he shakes his head. "Of fucking course she did."
Catches himself, "Sorry"
She chuckles. "I really do prefer your honesty. Where do you think Marwa learned it from?"
"That's fair."
"If it helps, dishonesty was never my intention. I know I"m a frustrating person to talk to, but I really do prefer not to lie."
"Despite all of my charms, I hear I can be rather frustrating to talk to as well, Mika. You'll get no judgment from me."
"'preciate it." He hesitates, "I do have working theories that aren't primarily evidenced by fairy tales by the way, they're just not safe to share."
"Would you like to hear what I told my daughter?"
Attentive
"Long, long ago, before the birth of your world, magic was innate. It was everywhere, woven into the very fabric of the universe. Those of us who lived in it rewrote reality from one moment to the next, with every whim. Stories of my kind granting wishes are rampant across cultures, and although I do not personally possess such power, I believe the stories must have a source."
A sparkle in her eye as she says, "I told Marwa to search for the source."
He nods, satisfied. he still thinks wishes are most likely fiction, and is very fine with the idea of Marwa being focused on a wild goose chase. it's like an "okay. That works." kidn of expression. He's thinking for a sec.
"But you don't think that's enough, or you wouldn't be here."
"My habibi comes by her nosiness honestly. I am told by her and my husbands that I have the unfortunate habit of butting into conversations that don't require my presence. But I told you we are connected, and so I meant it. If there is a way to help you at least sleep, my family and I will try. And you will allow this, because you are a good, kind, polite young gentleman who would never wish to offend his terribly powerful djinni hostess," She's outwardly smirking at these last lines
he's looking defensive at the start of that "you will agree because" bit but he's clocked that she's not actually trying to intimidate him by the end lol
"And I will leave you the task of unraveling this Wish mystery."
"You say that like they're a real thing." Doubtful, cautious.
"You know, Mika, I do not call you young man to belittle you or condescend, although it may come across that way - far from it! I find your fresh take on the world inspiring. But believe me when I say I still have dreams of those times before the world was made, when freedom meant something different. I would not send my daughter, nor you, on a 'wild goose chase,' as she says."
He looks somewhat chastened, but he's frowning. "No, of course not."
I don't think he's accustomed to accepting a conclusion on the evidence of a single source, but he's put her statement in the "evidence for" pile.
Neither that pile nor the "evidence against" one are particularly tall. Wishes are that frustrating "You can't prove it DIDN'T happen" nonsense that breeds mostly circular arguments and misassigned burdens of proof. But Lydia's brought 'evidence for' just high enough to make it a serious consideration.
"I'm not used to having other people in on this, sorry."
"MAMA! Mama why did you send Laith to the kitchen, we're not doing our race until tomorrow - oh. Hey. Wait are you two playing chess?"
He looks up immediately at her voice. There's the to-be-expected startlement of "new voice with abrupt volume" but also the pleasure of hearing one's favourite sound. he's got that wrapped before she actually appears tho.
Lydia looks between the two of them and just says quietly, "Ah."
"Were you grilling him? I swear to god, Mama"
"I wasn't 'grilling him', we were just talking!"
They proceed to ramble at each other in Aurian, emphatic, lots of hand gestures.
he's just watching them with one eyebrow up. he can clock this isn't an actual ANGRY AT U kind of argument
"Look whatever she bullied you into saying probably can't be held against you in a court of law, so it's fine. MAMA! He looks all red, what did I tell you about being a little more circumspect with my friends?"
"Can't say I recall, habibi. Are you all ready for the party this evening?"
"The what - that's a thing? a today thing?" he sounds, not excited
"Yeah. Remember, I told you we could invite Siobhan? I sent her an invite and she just got back to me this morning, said she could make it. Her ship should land in a few hours."
"Shiv's coming here? No, wait, of course she is. Oh to be a fly on the gatehouse wall right now."
"I just want to say sorry in advance for the absolute black hole of sense currently en-route to your home" - to Lydia
Lydia laughs again
"I mean there's hope yet. Her ship could crash. She could get eaten by a cloud-whale..."
"Speak with my husband, Erik. He would be happy to assist you in getting whatever you need before tonight." She smiles at both of them and floats out the door. "Thanks for the game, Mika."
And she leaves
He's confused for a sec, and as she's leaving says partly to Marwa, partly to no one,
"Wait, what would I need?"
He's realizing in his mind not for the first time that her idea of a house party and his are probably different
I shrug. "In case you didn't bring fancy party clothes, or whatever. Or if you want to do a spa-thing beforehand, or literally whatever."
He looks at her like she's speaking gibbrish. "You've met me, right?"
She huffs a laugh
"I hear you, but how often do you find yourself in a place like this, dude? Live it up."
I lean over and grab some of the grapes off the platter
"I really am sorry for whatever she cornered you about. Should I yell at her?"
He's putting the chesspieces back in their starting positions, shakes his head at the 'live it up' comment, not in a refusal way but in a 'whatever you say' kind of way
"She was following up on your inquiry, actually."
my head tilts in confusion. "My inquiry?"
"About Wishes."
"Oh. That inquiry. Hey, why are you giving me that look? I'm following up on the lead you gave me, as per our previous conversation on the matter. You said I could do it so I'm doing it."
"Yup. Sure did." Puts the last piece in place, sits back. (thinking)
he's remembering that conversation. He doesn't think she can succeed along this line, and it feels kind of shitty to encourage it on that basis, but he's still so very touched at the enthusiasm with which she's following it.
"Yeah in lieu of stabbing stuff, I'm researching. My mom happens to be a djinni, so it seemed like a logical first step."
A chuckle, "Tracks. Now you get to do the fun part. Hit the books" and he'll mimic the distaste with which she's flung that word a few times. "Maybe spend time in a library. Taking notes."
she looks increasingly disgusted
"Alternatively," I say, "I could ask around. Perhaps Dad will have some thoughts, or a direction he can point me in."
He looks at her, "You're really gonna try to front like you're excited for anything other than throwing a party right now? The girl who dances in libraries is trying to tell me she wants to do some research interviews?"
"Yeah no that's all future me's problem. Today is about parties, and SURPRISES."
He cocks his head at the mention of surprises. "Okay now you've got me worried"
big old shit-eating grin
"Oh ye of little faith. Want to do some knife practice? Promise I won't bloody you up before Shiv gets here."
he had a snarky smile until you mentioned knife practice and then it doesn't DROP but it does falter
"-or we don't have to."
"I mean I was thinking about that"
"I don't see why I can't just figure out some way to modify range on what I can already do. I mean let's be real I'm not cut out for melee" he's transparently nervous
"No. The whole point is to have OPTIONS."
I reach over, grab his wrist, and march him out to the fields
"If I'm gonna go be in a library on purpose, you're going to learn to wield a blade."
he's gonna continue arguing as he's dragged along
like if I can disable people at range then I can get out of range tho
What if I just sped up the effect?
I can always just distort if I need to
etc
"Mhm, yep. Sure. All very logical. Except that when you finally break up with this thing, you'll need a fallback so just think of this as prep for your shining, bright future."
That interrupts his near-constant lin eof excuses with a face like he just ate something rotten
"UGH, don't say it like I'm dating it or something"
LMAO
she throws her head back and laughs
"Geez, that'd put some toxic shit in perspective"
"Hello Marwa. Mika. Are you two off somewhere special?" -Cri, watching Mirage drag Cypher down the hall, doing nothing whatsoever to intervene.
"Not if you have somewhere we could be instead!"
driveby as they round the corner lol
So by the time they get to a training area Mirage can clock that these nerves are embedded beyond "it's embarassing to be a beginner who's not good at a thing" or "but I might get cut uwu"
like he's putting EVERY gear in his brain to finding a way out of this, it's a level of focused problem-solving he usually reserves for deflecting questions on the BS in his head
The training area is empty when they get there
"Do you really not want to do this? You seemed...open to it, before."
"Is it me? I'm sorry, I just assumed. I can go get Baba."
"No! Nono no, its not you, It's a smart move, I know it is. I don't want to be such a liability, I Just.... Ugh." He looks up for a sec, at the endless sky.
"Why's it always you when I'm losing my shit, huh?" There's no anger in it, just a somewhat-amused resignation.
"Back at you, for what it's worth."
His smile back is halfhearted. "I don't think I have the stomach for melee. I don't know how you do it. It just seems so... visceral. Ta'lok called me ranged and he's technically correct, but it doesn't fuckin' feel like it, and even that's not... Anyway."
I tilt my head. "It's because...you're in their thoughts, right?"
He nods
"Okay. Look, maybe think of it this way. You dance, right?"
"Every now and again"
I smile at the memory of the Naiad, and the Library
"Doesn't usually end with anyone bleeding on me though"
"Fair. This is the kind of dancing you do when all the other options are no good. Remember, we talked about if the lock on the door is busted, go out the window? Finding a different way to solve your problem? This kind of dancing is about giving yourself an opportunity to get away."
He considers
"I mean I see your point."
"Hey, can I ask you something?"
"Shoot."
"You said something before, about not becoming a merc to escape worrying. Why did you, then?"
"Why become a rogue, you mean?"
"Yeah."
"Well. The main draw was the getting in places and taking stuff, not gonna lie. Definitely the best adrenaline rush. The fighting part - I don't know. I'm careful about who and what I fight. I always have a reason for what I'm doing, and I believe in that reason wholeheartedly."
He nods, considering. "Yeah no, I"ve met people who started because they wanted blood and you're not one of them."
"I don't fight people without a cause, so my will is pretty concentrated and focused in that moment, you know? Also when you're fighting for fun, it's so fun. Haven't you heard Ta'lok like, whoop in battle sometimes? He gets into it, too." I smile. "You might find that feeling even a little bit more powerful and safe in your own body is fun."
He squints, "How dare you. My body is a fortress." Its sarcasm.
"Ahuh. Just try it once, yeah? Or are you...too chicken?"
wiggle my eyebrows
"Whatever, just try not to fuck up my face any further."
"I gotta assume my looks are the greater part of why you all keep me around, you know"
"We'll use practice blades you goob. Christ, we're not actually gonna swing metal at each other."
"Well it's certainly not your wit." Wink
Hand over heart like he's been actually stabbed
marwa's friends on staff are rubber necking like OOOOOOOOO THAT GIRL IS FLIRTINGGGGGGGGG
but yeah I'd just run him through some basic drills, stuff he can do on his own time if he wants to build up some strength
He's not like, enthusiastic but he will cut the snark and focus. Like, if he's doing this then he's not gonna halfass it. He's tuned in, studying.
I share with him that like, the physicality of this is cathartic sometimes like I'm acting on instinct rather than overthinking things, which I do sometimes. living in the moment.
but more like, is there anything as satisfying as fucking HITTING something in feeling that burn in your muscles?
"breakthrough after weeks hitting a wall? Firsthand account of lost history? new word in a dead language?"
"Are you - are you trying to compare the feeling in nerd language? I need Shiv to translate."
"You say that like Shiv's not also a nerd"
"Yeah she speaks your language but also mine, which is handy. "Look, try and hit me. I'll go slow. And don't worry, you won't hurt me, I promise."
He'll make the attempt, i'ts almost good enough, but still too like, not stiff/mechanical, but rote. He's not experienced enough to improvise or be fluid
"Oooo, good swing! Watch your left side, always protect your center."
she'd want to do it until he loosened up a bit, and until he got a hit in. she'd goad him a little bit
"Come on, don't you want to get yours back? You owe me, right?"
I don't think that lands even a little bit, like he stops
"Not even a little bit. He frowns, regarding her. You - you know that, right?"
She stands up and looks around, like that's not the reaction she expected
"Oh. Um. Right."
"Marwa."
"What."
"Please tell me you don't still feel bad about that. You were justified as hell."
"Nope, I super wasn't. I wish you'd stop trying to justify my actions because they were wrong"
he's genuinely taken aback
"It's fine, I'm sorry - I didn't mean to bring it up."
"Please," he scoffs, "you think I can't hear my own bullshit? Look, you were wrong in your conclusion, but not in your premises. You made a decision with what you knew at the time, and reevaluated under new evidence. I don't see fault in any part of that process. I don't... what can I do to convince you it's under the bridge?"
big sigh. "Let me train you. Just a little bit, so you can be safe."
"You gonna stop beating yourself up if I agree?"
She looks like she's very carefully considering her words
He can relate. He waits.
"I - I agree to not beat myself up about it. Anymore. However, I reserve the right to think that what I did was wrong, and to do what I can to make amends by teaching you how to defend yourself a little bit. Even though you've, you've forgiven me."
"Of course. I still say there's nothing to forgive." He's thinking, looking for a way to break the tension, let you relax, show you he's really genuinely not interested in any kind of retaliation, doesn't feel owed anything.
"Another round, then, if I can have this 'dance'?"
I nod and say, "Okay. Again."
Later they get together with the rest of the gang to hang out before the party. It's the first most of them are hearing about it. Saeldor likes the idea generally. Normally he's not a huge crowds person, but this place is huge and there's tons of spaces to catch one's breath, so he's not worried. It'll be cool to meet more of Marwa's friends and family. Ta'lok's never been a dude to turn down good booze and good food and good company, I don't think Cri's view is aligned more closely with Saeldor's, she's feeling like this might be the first actual-party she can properly enjoy, with how accommodating the Noors are. She can duck in and out as she likes, there will be quieter places and no one will object relocating to one, etc. "Ooh! And we can have badminton on the lawn!" "Won't it be getting dark, though?" "Magic Lanterns!" "Cri do you still have your dress from the Naiad? You can wear it if you want but also we can tailor like, a proper gown in a similar style if you liked that one!" conversations "Yeah guys, now's the time! If there's something you want, say it now, and there's a good chance we can make it happen." "Oh Mika, Mom wanted me to ask you specifically about snack options. Any food preferences? She thinks you're too skinny." He blinks, startled. gets halfway through asking why me before he reaches the same conclusion. A tired sigh "And this is just how she shows people she cares. I already told her everyone else's favorites." "Anything's fine" resigned "You like spicy things, right? I'll tell her spicy stuff, like what we had at your parents' house." "Oh, the batatas temperadas? Those were just dinner leftovers, though." "Okay, well. You and our friends personally rescued yours truly, so they really do want to feed you whatever you love to eat. So if you think of something, let me know." "Ta'lok and Saeldor, it's buffet-style so you guys can eat as much as you like." "Sure. Appreciate it." He looks pensive. "But I wouldn't hold your breath. I guess I just don't really do snacks? I dunno. Maybe I just never noticed a preference." she looks genuinely baffled "Huh. Well, we'll have to get you try some of the Aurian stuff." "Sure. Looking forward to it." you're talking outfits, Ta'lok's not done formalwear since he had a uniform to default to, but isn't opposed to it if he can impose, which of course he can it's not an imposition Cri has a weakness for dress-up she just doesn't love shopping, so having an outfit tailored and designed without having to go hit a mall or something is dreamlike for her. their tailor (who does everything magically because last minute alterations hell NO, not in this house). He's a transmuter, of course, and he looks at Ta'lok and is like FUCK YES LET'S GOOOOOOOOOO LOOK AT THESE PROPORTIONS - A DREAM. A SPECIMEN. OMGOSH I want Cri to feel like the most magical and beautiful she's ever felt ever, outside of other forms that she may take pleasure in, of course. the tailor's there, working out details and outfit planning, and he's just tuning his gaze on the human who's been eyeing up the exit more and more as this conversation progressed and the tailor started running out of other people he could deflect to when the door opens "WHAT IS UUUUUUUUUUUUUP MY BITCHEEEEEESSSSSSSSSS" "BITCH GET OVER HERE, WE'RE TRYING STUFF ON." She switches to a whisper, "Also did you bring the thing?" "OH HELL YEA" She'll go in for a hug. Conspiratorial whisper range "You know it, give it a sec tho" Shiv lets go the hug but spins you in a hands-held circle. "We gonna party in the actual SKY! MIDNIGHT CITY REPRESENT!" "I'm glad you made it, Siobhan. No fey this time, promise." "Of course! Wouldn't miss it! We're gonna party like rockstars cause we're worth it baby" Greeting Ta'lok and Saeldor and Cri with equal enthusiasm. Tips her head backward to regard Mika out the corner of her eye. "Shouldn't you be cleaning something?" His eyes narrow, not into a full glare, but like, an unamused squint. "Keep talking, westside. YOu gonna cop a fat lip." and he's not even trying to cover the accent. Shiv tilts her head, rolling her eyes. "What? Sorry, I don't speak trash. Did someone say something?" She's looking around and gives you a wink when her face is away from him. He was leaning on the wall when she came in but he stands up away from it. "Fuckin' Nor'town said somethin'" "Oh yeah? You wanna go you smashouse fuck?" she's squaring off, the swagger, the head movements "I'm already there, princess," he drawls, glaring daggers, "Why doncha gimme a howl see if Daddy comes to save you huh?" The aggro is so real you're only 40% sure this is still a bit. "Then let's go!" "Fine!" "Fine!" I'm just watching to see if they start fighting, if he whips out any of the new moves I just showed him. Or maybe this is just a usual greeting ritual for them. A beat within fistfight range Mika breaks first. Shiv goes for a hug and he lets her. "You uptown fuck, its mad good to see you" She laughs "How come I knew I'd find you trying to shrink into the floor? Not on my fuckin' watch. C'mon, theres someone outside wants to see you" I keep my expression blank, but inside my heart is S C R E A M I N G. I just want to see if she's able to keep a straight face he hears her before he sees her. like, you ALL hear her. She's not a dog who's been told "no barking" ever in her life nor would she listen if she had I'm watching his face for the moment it clicks some of the others glance at each other but Mika is curiously pokerfaced. Looking at his face, you can see he's clenching his jaw, concentrating. So when Shiv opens the outside door to the lawn and he's knocked back a pace by the force of the tackle... "What the-" <deafening yapping> he's shocked for like a split second before he's dropped to knees letting her absolutely climb him "Ola! Sim, oi, doce minina!" talking between puppykisses "Rosie, O que você está fazendo aqui??" Shiv looks at you sideways, smug "we broke his Common." goes for a fistbump I definitely give her the fistbump. "Pleasure doing business with you." "Shiv, Como você- How did- wh-" he's speechless "This is a very important party, and Rose is a VERY important guest. Couldn't have it without her. Siobhan agreed." Cri is like, "Oh Rose! How lovely to see you again!" Rose goes over and licks her hands, gets pats, tail wagging so fast it looks doubled, turning in circles. "And your folks are fine with it?" the big pats are ongoing during this conversation, and Rose is incapable of sitting still "Yes, of course they are." "Rosie, meu doce menina, You have to be good, yeah?" She's doing that thing where she's like dancing her front paws back and forth so she can't sit, he's trying to get her to look at him but she's looking at Cri and Mirage and everyone else and then him and all around He's looking around, too, but there's no sticks or loose tennis balls on the manicured lawn "If I swear not to let her dig anything up, can I take her to the garden to scrounge up a stick or something?" "Yes! Go!" "Rosie wanna walk?" The dog is on high alert instantly. "Wanna go for a walk? Uma caminhada?" she's standing up, barks that absolutely sound like YAS "Vamos, good girl, yeah! Come on! Keep up!" And they're off Shiv watches them go. "You have good ideas." "Yes I do." "I assume he's been hiding in his room huh? Your place is mad cool by the way." "Thanks. And yeah, pretty much. He was playing chess earlier, and I dragged him out to do some melee training, but other than that, he's kept mostly to himself." "Yeah figured. He doesn't even relax at my place, and you could fit that in here a bunch of times." "Ah." I nod, remembering my thoughts at the dinner table the other night. Figured. "So you said we're trying stuff on?" "YES! I think our tailor went chasing after him because it was his turn, but we'd be happy to hook you up with something fun to wear tonight, if you like! Pay you back for our excursions in Midnight." She waves off the "pay you back" idea. "I brought a couple outfits cause I wasn't sure if this was a cocktails-and-skirts party or a boots-and-shots party but I am SO DOWN to join in if that's okay by you because my dream is to capture BOTH vibes in a single outfit "Shut up of course it is. Get whatever you want, and convince Mr. Midnight to wear something that's not the cheapest thing he can envision, yeah?" "Ooh, a challenge." She looks thoughtful, though "Yeah no shit. You know I just asked him for his favourite food and he couldn't tell me - do you know if he has a favourite? Like who doesn't have a favourite food." She laughs, but it settles quickly. "I mean, come to think of it..." her smile fades into confusion as she reviews the memory reel "I guess he's just not much of a foodie. He forgets to eat all the time." "A cardinal sin in my mother's household, and not one she will easily forgive. Sometimes Dad forgets to eat when he gets working on a project, or when Pops gets real busy with meetings, and the whole estate will storm for a week." She laughs, "Sounds fun. But yeah, snacks... I don't know? He always brought pack lunch to work, just got whatever was on special if we went out somewhere... huh. He's got to have some preferences, right?" "Huh. Weird." "Yeah no shit. How'd I not notice that? Clothes though, you're giving me a challenge with that one. How formal we talking? Because I might have to actually paralyze him to get a tie on, but there's stuff I can maybe manage" "I mean some people are going to be dressed to the nines but like, he doesn't have to be. The point is not to be stuffy and uncomfortable, it's to have fun. It's all about freedom of expression." "That makes it simultaneously easier and way harder" she laughs "Have you noticed his hearing impairment yet?" "Wait what?" mirage looks genuinely confused, like she missed something major "You say "gift" and he hears "charity" and is on the other side of the damn WHEEL before you can finish the sentence." "OH. Yeah, that. Well, he doesn't have wear the most ostentatious thing he can think of, either! I just wish he'd live it up a little. Wouldn't kill him, honestly. "You and me both. Wouldn't it be better coming from you, though? He's got no compunctions telling me no on this stuff, lemme tell you" "It's whatever, if he's not comfortable in formal wear, don't push him. He should just know that he has options, is all." "I mean I can try, I just feel like all I've done since we've got here is bully him." I laugh and shrug my shoulders. Shiv gives a chuckle of like 'that doesn't seem to be an effective way of driving him off in my experience.' "We have to save time for you to help me pick MY outfit, I'm choosing between two. I need your eye." "Aye aye! Lead on!" Cri and Saeldor join them in the tailoring suite, where Marwa holds up two outfits. The first is a long gown of deep blue-violet only a few shades separated from her skin. Soft lines, flowing, the gentle beauty of a starry sky. The second is a bright scarlet silk, it gathers at the hips and shoulders, flowing out in long cuts that flutter in her personal winds. A braided gold belt compliments the tiny gold-mounted rubies that accent the sleeves and collar. The layered design of its skirt is playful, full of movement. She's considering some glittery gold, medium-heel sandals with it. "This one? Maybe not, or... Nah, I could rock this. What do you think, Cri, blue or red?" "They both suit you, Marwa." "Well you're no help!" Shiv WILL try to capture boots-and-shots with dresses-and-cocktails in one outfit. Going for over-knee boots under a skirt with a thigh-high slit in the side, sleeveless top cut similarly to a turtleneck tanktop but with openings to show off the tattoos. She doesn't generally do a lot of jewelery, but she's not above a cincher belt with some shiny hardware, and some matching bracelets. you're finalizing your picks when the boy returns, having been finally reassured that Rose is allowed inside because WOW did she put up a fuss when he tried to tell her to stay out there without him. They both look a little calmer, if slightly out of breath Siobhan's gonna grin "You're just in time!" "Don't tell me you're wearing that," indicating current sweater/jeans equivalent, "because it's covered in dog hair as well as generally unflattering" "Stop, my ego can only take so much inflating." Shiv huffs, steps behind you and puts hands on your shoulders like she's framing you. "I will not allow you to embarrass this absolute vision by looking anything but your best, mister. Unless you weren't gonna dance with us?" Do you think Saeldor would step in? "Come on, friend. Let's get you squared away with Mister (insert Tailor's name here) and then we can get back to making sure Miss Rose gets acquainted with the Noor house." "I'll make sure he's presentable, ladies." They're in a room that's pretty particularly set up for tailoring. There's a space you can step up on, bolts of fabric, tape measures, mannequin for pinning, etc. Saeldor sends the Tailor away some discreet way, like "Hey my dude if it's no trouble could we have some coffee in here? Promise not to stain anything" And once he's alone with Mika he'll just kind of sit down. not in a chair. On the raised area where you're supposed to stand for measuring/fitting. Indicate for the kid to join him. "Quite a change of scenery, isn't it?" A silent nod, Cypher is still trying to puzzle a solution to a problem only he seems to see. Saeldor kind of regards him from the side view for a minute, then looks toward a window, where the daylight is just starting to fade. He's good at waiting. Cypher's wrestling by himself, but he speaks eventually. He knows Saeldor understands his discomfort, even if he doesn't have the specifics of this particular case. "She's pretty excited for this thing, huh?" He looks at his hands. "I don't wanna ruin it for her I just..." struggling. "We got a saying in MIdnight. Northtown specifically. "Wolfskin." He does a small glance to gauge familiarity but he's not expecting it. Saeldor shakes his head silently, gives a 'go on' face. "Means you can tell someone's in a bigshot's pocket. They're wearing or having something they obviously didn't earn." He looks around, eyes lingering over the bolts of silk, velvet. "You trade your roots for shiny shit, fancy clothes, that's wolfskin." Saeldor's frowning. Not disapproving, just like he has objections. he lets it sit a second. He's putting his own view on the situation aside for a moment. This isn't about his oath, it's not about fairness. He's prbably thinking about Cri, who's still better than him sometimes when it comes to seeing the emotional root of a trouble. But eventually he says, low voice quiet in the space, "No one's trying to change you, brother." Mika swallows, says nothing. "You really could hang out in what you're wearing now, I think we'd all just be happy to have your company. I don't have dialogue, I don't think. But they'll go on to try to express that everyone had fun picking out outfits today, and it's not about costuming as if they come from the same class or anything, it's just a fun change of pace to dress up a little - a visual and tactile reminder that it's not just any night, and that they're trying to share that. after a minute Mika sighs. "Something simple. On loan." Gets a thump on the back "Right on." I still don't think he's gonna be down to do the whole getting-tailored-trying-stuff-on thing. He's too self-conscious and doesn't enjoy being centre of attention like that. But Saeldor can get him to verbally riff some ideas through conversation, and these can be conveyed to the clothier. So the girls go to see/help/hype over party prep. There's delicious smells coming from the kitchen, folks are setting up tables of snacks and drinks all over so you can stay fed/hydrated no matter where you're hanging out, band is tuning instruments etc She busts into the kitchen and says, "I KNOW YOU'RE ALL SUPER BUSY BUT I JUST NEED YOU TO KNOW THAT I LOVE YOU ALL TO THE MOON AND BACK. If someone gets mouthy with you tonight you give me the look and I'll boot 'em. Got it??" a chorus of "duh" "who would dare" "I can just spit in their drink right?" "thanks missy*" *affectionate nickname, not formal title Mirage gets a little misty-eyed. "Fantastic. Catch y'all on the flipside."
Once people start showing up, Mirage goes upstairs and gets changed, and then has to find people again because there's mobile mingling happening through a fairly large part of the main house. The boss is easy to spot; a ten foot tall minotaur, impeccably groomed, in a tailored jacket that has nothing but nice things to say about his shoulders. He's leaning one elbow on a table, chatting war stories with Alejandro. She gives them a wave that's returned, but has no interest in getting pulled into a discussion of battle tactics right now. She finds Cri somewhere with a band, dancing. She's twirling, floating on silent wings. Her outfit's gorgeous. the tailor's expanded on the soft blue sundress that was the basis, giving her a layered, softly ruffled thing that floats around her when she moves. It comes with a shawl thin as a spiderweb, gently sparkling. The ensemble is a warm-summer-sky blue. "Cri. You are a vision. Do you love your dress?" "It's the loveliest thing I've ever worn" her eyes are shining. "You look radiant, yourself; let me see!" she gestures for a turn-around, which Marwa indulges immediately. The midnight blue dress is floor-length, trimmed with thin, silver stiches and cut with dropped shoulders, shawl sleeves, and a circular A-line skirt that sways in the slightest movement in a silk-smooth, gentle motion that mimics her floating hair. The fabric glimmers with the faintest suggestion of stars. She's accented it with silver bracelets and drop earrings, and as she completes her turn, she's never grinned bigger. Cri sighs appreciatively. "There was no wrong choice, yet you still made the right one." Marwa asks where she can find the others, and Cri thinks she saw Saeldor making friends on a nearby patio. When she gets there, Saeldor is in a smoke ring contest with a cousin who doesn't yet realize what she's up against. Their outfit is a bit looser; bohemian vibes. The pants are wide-leg, and the jacket is more like a haori. Their colours are a balance of earthy browns with rich, dark purples that compliment his pale-purplish skin tone perfectly. "Saeldor! You look good in everything, but YEESH. Somehow you've outdone yourself." They lower their pipe with a grin, looking her over. "Speak for yourself, sister." I give them a big hug Saeldor gives the best hugs. They smell like wood smoke, they last a good long while, and Saeldor just runs warm. So comforting. Heart glowing, she tells them to enjoy the party, wishes her cousin luck, and heads back inside, scanning the gathering crowds. When she finds Siobhan and Mika, the latter's back is to her. He doesn't see her come in until Shiv clocks her entrance and does a long, low whistle. Then he turns to follow her gaze. She was half expecting him to basically be in the same as before, but clean. Instead, someone's managed to get him into a pair of slim-cut slacks and a dress shirt that's doing an admirable job of turning skinny angles into sharp lines. He's still dressed it down to the nth degree. Rolled the sleeves back a bit, left the collar button open. But it still looks like it was, well, literally made for him. The shirt's black, or nearly black, but it's dyed from red, and has a warm effect. There's some subtle pattern the shade of dying fire spun through it that compliments his skin tone, while the dark shade overall highlights his eyes, turning them to inkwells. He's got a jacket, a concession to that he'd be freezing if he stepped outside without one, that could almost certailny turn the sharp angles of his skinny frame mor einto the realm of just 'slim,' but it's slung over his shoulder at the moment, so that'll stay a theory. none of it is especially vogue or fancy; it looks off-the-rack formal, but suits him. The only comment he makes aloud as he takes in Marwa's appearance is a slow, emphatic "Damn." She grins. "You two look so gorgeous. God, they do know how to make them in Midnight." I come over to Cypher and gesture to his clothes. "You don't look uncomfortable, if it helps. Do you hate it, the outfit?" looking hesitant He blinks, like he didn't hear you properly, "Sorry?" "She asked if you're still allergic to the nice things you're wearing, dumbass" (Shiv, but she's grinning) "Oh, no I'm fine. It's just clothes." He shifts a little bit, but he's not taken his eyes off you for a second. I look at Shiv for confirmation that this is, in fact, Cypher, and she didn't switch him out with a changeling or something while I wasn't looking She shrugs like "your guess is as good as mine" "Well I'm counting on you two to keep me sane, everybody wants to talk to my mother and by extension, me. Extraction missions may become necessary, I'll signal you." "You got it" - M "You're both saving me dances, yes?" "DUH" - Shiv's immediate. "I mean yeah" you've heard him more articulate lmao I give him a weird look, assume he's just uncomfortable with the circumstances and the clothes Shiv rolls here eyes "O-kay, then, well I'm gonna-" she starts to turn and Mika looks up like he just remembered something. "Oh no you fuckin' dont." He pulls his eyes off you for the first time since you showed up and you notice Shiv has an envlope in the hand opposite you; one of the big page-size kinds, stuffed full. She immediately holds it as far from him as she can reach, stepping backward. "I already told you - yours if I get a NORMAL letter next time" "It was a Playfair, Shiv, a child could have solved it." "Whatcha got, Siobhan?" She passes it behind her back to you to keep it out of his arms reach, though he's not currently making any moves for it. Envelope's full of looseleaf I'll snatch it It's pages of nonsense similar to what you saw in his grimoire; some of it's just pages of random letters, many intersperced with symbols, others are arrayed on grids. you recognize a few different alphabets in the mix, too "Siobhan did you bring me puzzles to solve? Why, I don't know what to say. It has been terribly boring here." "I brought THIS NERD puzzles to get it out of his system because he is apparently so starved for them that he has to encrypt his letters now" He looks annoyed "Playfair is barely encryption. It's encryption with training wheels. I even gave you an easy keyword. Did it monoalphabetic and everything" "Wait you made her decrypt your letter?" Shiv looks SO VINDICATED "I didn't make her do anything" "You said you weren't writing back unless I could tell you the keyword!" "Mkay while you two argue about nerd shit, let's go eat food. Come with me." I take both their hands and lead them over to a table with platters of food they lightly bicker but not as intensely, like he'll offer to do some other method that he seems to consider even simpler and she's like JUST WRITE NORMALLY OMFG. by the time you get to snack table he's run out of fun to be had in the argument and has agreed to write a boring letter next time in exchange for what he sees as a frankly decadent amount of Ways To Kill Long Nights Awake. The food is fantastic. Yeah I introduce them to friends, family, warn them away from the annoying cousins, that sort of thing Uloth has gone all out and there are little mini cupcakes, cookies, cream puffs, cake pops, ladies'fingers, all kinds of small desserts in and among the more savoury fare. Jadeira is there having a snack, you notice your Pops talking animatedly with a djinni whose visual design I realize I never specified! Her hair is the pinks and lavenders of early sunrise. She has kind of a big nose and a bigger mouth, and very bright eyes. Freckles. And she's absolutely the kind of rich person who's just there in casual clothes. So she's there in like, coveralls that are unbuttoned over the torso, wearing a regular like, loose tee shirt style top underneath it Erik will recall that you've never met her in person before and be honoured to introduce you properly she's more athletic than you might have expected based on that she's famed as a designer and "ideas" person "THE Jadeira? Wow. Thank you so much! It's so nice to see you in person." "You sound just like your sendings! Isn't it funny how we always sound different in our heads than we do outloud? Like when you hear your voice played back? I'm so glad you got away all right! And I hear we're bringing the hammer down on that shifty bozo Amir? Oh but we're not supposed to talk shop at parties, are we? It's so nice to meet you too!" I laugh loud and shake her hand "I'm happy to talk about that guy's downfall any day you like. And may I just say, you design a damn fine ship. A true pleasure to infiltrate." "Ohhh which one, the Fury? I didn't pick the name, I don't think she's especially furious, but The Stoic Jade didn't have many takers" "Stoic Jade is a great option!" Mirage pauses, not wanting to spill sensitive information, but unable to help her concerned curiosity. "Is our...mutual friend doing well?" She smiles. She's got dimples on both cheeks. "Far as I can tell! Thank you so much again for helping her out. She wanted to do something for you, too. Hey do you want a ship?" "Wait what?" Erik, who is absolutely the one who took point on teaching you to fly and remembers every crash in GRUESOME DETAIL, looks alarmed. "A ship! I could have a personal craft whipped up in no time, oh but you probably want room for your friends, you're an adventurer right? Hi!" She finally waves at Mika and Shiv, who have just been metaphorically munching popcorn through this conversation "So maybe caravel size, probably a thaumaturge so you don't have to worry so much about refuelling. Do you travel mostly in the outer realms or around Primus? I could make it a hybrid" I'm looking at Pops because I understand most of what she's saying, but a lot of the technical stuff goes over my head "We travel all over, some of us are from Primus, so yeah. Wait really? That would be amazing!" once he shakes off the "oh my god she's going to be flying at mach-christ all over the realms isn't she" panic he'll manage some interjections to explain what you're missing. a thaumaturge runs on elemental magic that's ensorcelled into the ship itself; it doesn't need to refuel but it's finnicky to repair; a caravel is a craft sized for 5-10 people generally; a hybrid can be converted to a sailing ship, which means it would probably steer with a sailing rig instead of a balloon or jets, and all of these are EXTREMELY GENEROUS things to be just OFFERED "Oh my god, uh. Jeez, this is so generous, Jadeira. Can we - can we talk in a bit? I should probably check with the boss, see if he has thoughts." "Yeah, I'll send you some schematics" Jadeira is absolutely in Ship Design Hyperfocus mode "Well tell her I said hi, and that Toby misses her." "I will!" Erik may try to Broker a Deal later to try and get some safety features installed at least lmao I feel like J's been doing military contracts so long she's excited to design a ship for adventures its gonna be hard to get her off that topic. you wander into an adjoining room and find Ta'lok and Saeldor standing and chatting "Guys I just accidentally scored us a ship. Like a real nice one." "Oh, right on. Rental was gonna expire soon, right?" Ta'lok stares. "Scored as in you have one?" "I didn't steal it! It's a gift! Or it's going to be. We should talk to Jadeira, she's offered to design one." Ta'lok's floored. Saeldor as well to a lesser extent, they thought you meant you found them a ride home, like a carpool or another loan. They'll absolutely go seek out Jadeira to chat design once they confirm you didn't misunderstand because that sounds FUCKING HANDY. Ta'lok is thinking how they coulda come checked on you a lot sooner if they had a lift. "Yeah I jailbroke the love of her life, so. I guess this is Thank You?" the guys scurrying off to contribute on PARTY SHIP ideas is a good scene-transition
Elsewhere, Julius overhears Siobhan talking about what she does at the Library. It's been a long time since he could visit, so he steps into the vicinity of the conversation, and is kind of quietly present, asking the occasional question, which she's happy to answer. At the inevitable "oh I never got your name" introduction that happens partway through the conversation she's going to kind of burst out like, "I KNEW I knew that name from somewhere! I was at one of your lectures" "Oh?" "I uh, will be honest with you sir, I do not remember much of it, as I was pretty hung over. but the bits that DID make it in my notes legibly remain useful!" He gives her a genuine, warm smile. “Happy to help.” he asks her about growing up in midnight. He's heard the Library has an entrance there. Shiv considers her growing up there pretty standard - and has a different perspective because from her family's POV, she's still definitively not finished growing up. But she'll absolutely mention her internship there. It's where she met Mika! Life is more fun with friends, she didn't have many who weren't like, her parents friends kids which like, not that they were bad people, but they didn't have much but proximity in common. “Well Siobhan, my wife isn’t here right now to say this, but she would want me to. If Mika is part of the family, that includes you too. If you ever need references or support in anything, message me anytime. You’re always welcome.” "That's mad cool of you," she grins, then her expresion kind of relaxes a bit. "It's... I dunno, it's good he's got friends out here. I can't do much from home, you know?" Julius nods. "From what I’ve seen, Marwa is a fierce advocate on his behalf, not that he requires it.” She laughs, "You got that right. Your daughter's cool as hell by the way. She tell you she fast-talked a fey out of its own deal? Didn't even break a sweat" “Thanks, I think so too. I got the outline of that encounter but I’d love to hear your perspective.” Shiv's perspective is embellished as shit, but truthful She'll fully admit she thought Mika was being paranoid at first. He does have a tendency to overthink, and a deep-seated irritation with the things in general. They *are* pests, especially in northtown, and on top of that they make a good scapegoat for random stuff going wrong. Lost your keys, some fey took em, etc. Half the time it's true. But even if her little wordplay hadn't worked, Shiv still wants to assure her dad that Mirage has MANY defenders Fey are material and therefore punchable. Cri was watching like a hawk, ready to go bear at a moments notice if she had to. Saeldor and Ta'lok were sober INSTANTLY when they clocked the danger, unarmed because public, but like, look at me and tell me those guys couldn't get by with just their fists and Mika... well she's not really sure what he would've done, but he was absolutely ready to throw down. “She is lucky to have such good friends in all of you.” eventually he’d excuse himself to go outside and check in with Alejandro. But he’d reiterate before he left "If you need us, call on the Noors"
Mirage is drifting along, mingling, moving between conversations/dance spaces/snack tables when she hears something weird from a side room like the accent and sounds are common but its garbled? and it takes her a second to clock pig latin and maybe she peeks in and sees Mika on a couch, having a grinning conversation with some like, nine or ten year old who's struggling every now and again to get his mouth around the scramble. "Ouryay uspposedsay to-ay ust-jay add-ay "ay"-ay or-fay owels-vay" the kid protests but not with any actual indignation he shrugs "aybemay itshay anhay accenthay." <"Like doing the switch with two letters"> - M <"Two?"> "ke-li-ay is-thay." The kid tries it, gets caught on the first word. Mika smiles, nods encouragingly. "...kes-maay, u-yo-ay?" another nod "ink-thay, out-abay e-thay, elling-spay." Marwa hangs back in the doorway, trying to resolidify her melted heart. She recognizes the kid; Dominico, his parents are friends of pops' from work. He's usually so withdrawn, she's hardly ever seen him so animated. "is-thay... is-ay? rd-ha-ay." "Nah, you got it down already." Dom cocks his head "Your accent's weird." Mika laughs, then says, his voice an exaggerated Midnight drawl, "awww cm'awwnnnn, wuddaya tawkin' 'bout?" Dom giggles. Mika grins. "aww, we gotta wise guy here, huh?" Kid's giggling to much to pronounce the "no," so he just shakes his head as the warlock continues to affect an interrogation into "the *disrespectin' additude*" he's exhibiting. They're interrupted by a call from the hall. Dom's parent, inquiing whether he's had dinner, and reminding him that cookies and soda are not dinner. "I gotta go," Dom slides off the couch and scampers off. Mika gives a small wave, watches him go, and sees Marwa as the kid passes her in the doorway. The 'oh hey' is in his face, unspoken. "Cute kid. Smart." “Dom’s usually so shy. Nice to see him come out of his shell a little bit.” He shrugs, "He'll get there. It's in his name." “It is?” "means 'nobility,' you know. 'leadership.'" He shrugs. "I guess you could call it superstition, or self-fulfilling prophecy." “Names mean a lot to you, don’t they.” A soft smile, looking down, "You could say that." He pauses, nervous. "I'm not super familiar with Aurian nominology though. Guess there's no not-weird way to ask what yours means, if you know?" “Mama told me, I think Marwa is flint stone. Halah is something about an aura of light, or the halo around the moon. And I think Noor is brightness. Or something.” He's smiling, small but present, nodding with each one you explain. "Well, they got you spot on didn't they?" I give a quiet laugh, “Maybe. Although we should get to define ourselves in the end, right? It’s not our clothes or our money or the names other people give us, even with love, that make us. We make us.” "Oh yeah, of course. It's not like, a predestination thing." He pauses, "Pai once explained it like, It's the road at your feet. Whether you walk it or not is up to you." “I like that.” He smiles. "I never told you my first name, did I?" “No, I don’t think so?” "I guess it never came up. It's kind of different, it's not my use-name anymore. Chult kids get a name when we're born, and it's like, a hope? It's what's wanted for you. Then when you're old enough you get an adult name and you stop using the first one. So it's not like how you've got a first and a middle name, it's first chronologically." He takes a breath, somewhat flustered. "Anyway, I'm Mika now, but I was born Kauê." “Kauê. I like it. And what was your parents hope for you?” he felt like he'd been talking too much and that encourages him because he's obviously got more to say but he doesn't wanna just infodump on you if you're not interested She’s listening "It's a kind of bird. A falcon from dad's home. They're bright colours, fast as anything, he told me he picked it for the way they play. "They live in families, which is rare for birds of prey. They cooperate, pass each other food in the air, dance all year long, hop instead of walking just for fun. Even the adults are always playing. Even though they live in one of the harshest environments on Prime." He shrugs, but there's no embarrassment in it. "He said it seemed like a good name for a kid born in Midnight." I give a genuine smile at that description "I think it's fair to say I'm living proof you don't always turn out how you're named, but to be fair, I kind of had a handicap for a minute there." She looks at him, head tilted. He gives a half-smile "You don't have to pretend I wasn't an antisocial asshole for a fair while." That honesty gets a surprised laugh. “You’re still an asshole, just less antisocial.” "I'll have you know I've avoided no less than five conversations with strangers just in the last hour" he says, with mock offense “Oh have you? Knife training, stealth training, we’re gonna make a rogue out of you yet!” He laughs "is that your master plan?" “Things are progressing swimmingly.” "One day I'm going to sneak up on you and scare you out of your skin and you're going to regret everything." “I invite you to try.” I smirk I'm so tempted to say he distorts and repeats the "think you can keep up"/"I don't know, can I?" thing lmao “Well I’m gonna go take a walk. Get some air. You dipping out now or will I see you when I get back?” "I owe you a dance yet, don't I?" “Yes you do. I’ll come collect when I’m back in a few?” "Sounds good." she’s doing the thing internally where she walks away and is like what the fuck was that
Later they get together with the rest of the gang to hang out before the party. It's the first most of them are hearing about it. Saeldor likes the idea generally. Normally he's not a huge crowds person, but this place is huge and there's tons of spaces to catch one's breath, so he's not worried. It'll be cool to meet more of Marwa's friends and family. Ta'lok's never been a dude to turn down good booze and good food and good company, I don't think Cri's view is aligned more closely with Saeldor's, she's feeling like this might be the first actual-party she can properly enjoy, with how accommodating the Noors are. She can duck in and out as she likes, there will be quieter places and no one will object relocating to one, etc. "Ooh! And we can have badminton on the lawn!" "Won't it be getting dark, though?" "Magic Lanterns!" "Cri do you still have your dress from the Naiad? You can wear it if you want but also we can tailor like, a proper gown in a similar style if you liked that one!" conversations "Yeah guys, now's the time! If there's something you want, say it now, and there's a good chance we can make it happen." "Oh Mika, Mom wanted me to ask you specifically about snack options. Any food preferences? She thinks you're too skinny." He blinks, startled. gets halfway through asking why me before he reaches the same conclusion. A tired sigh "And this is just how she shows people she cares. I already told her everyone else's favorites." "Anything's fine" resigned "You like spicy things, right? I'll tell her spicy stuff, like what we had at your parents' house." "Oh, the batatas temperadas? Those were just dinner leftovers, though." "Okay, well. You and our friends personally rescued yours truly, so they really do want to feed you whatever you love to eat. So if you think of something, let me know." "Ta'lok and Saeldor, it's buffet-style so you guys can eat as much as you like." "Sure. Appreciate it." He looks pensive. "But I wouldn't hold your breath. I guess I just don't really do snacks? I dunno. Maybe I just never noticed a preference." she looks genuinely baffled "Huh. Well, we'll have to get you try some of the Aurian stuff." "Sure. Looking forward to it." you're talking outfits, Ta'lok's not done formalwear since he had a uniform to default to, but isn't opposed to it if he can impose, which of course he can it's not an imposition Cri has a weakness for dress-up she just doesn't love shopping, so having an outfit tailored and designed without having to go hit a mall or something is dreamlike for her. their tailor (who does everything magically because last minute alterations hell NO, not in this house). He's a transmuter, of course, and he looks at Ta'lok and is like FUCK YES LET'S GOOOOOOOOOO LOOK AT THESE PROPORTIONS - A DREAM. A SPECIMEN. OMGOSH I want Cri to feel like the most magical and beautiful she's ever felt ever, outside of other forms that she may take pleasure in, of course. the tailor's there, working out details and outfit planning, and he's just tuning his gaze on the human who's been eyeing up the exit more and more as this conversation progressed and the tailor started running out of other people he could deflect to when the door opens "WHAT IS UUUUUUUUUUUUUP MY BITCHEEEEEESSSSSSSSSS" "BITCH GET OVER HERE, WE'RE TRYING STUFF ON." She switches to a whisper, "Also did you bring the thing?" "OH HELL YEA" She'll go in for a hug. Conspiratorial whisper range "You know it, give it a sec tho" Shiv lets go the hug but spins you in a hands-held circle. "We gonna party in the actual SKY! MIDNIGHT CITY REPRESENT!" "I'm glad you made it, Siobhan. No fey this time, promise." "Of course! Wouldn't miss it! We're gonna party like rockstars cause we're worth it baby" Greeting Ta'lok and Saeldor and Cri with equal enthusiasm. Tips her head backward to regard Mika out the corner of her eye. "Shouldn't you be cleaning something?" His eyes narrow, not into a full glare, but like, an unamused squint. "Keep talking, westside. YOu gonna cop a fat lip." and he's not even trying to cover the accent. Shiv tilts her head, rolling her eyes. "What? Sorry, I don't speak trash. Did someone say something?" She's looking around and gives you a wink when her face is away from him. He was leaning on the wall when she came in but he stands up away from it. "Fuckin' Nor'town said somethin'" "Oh yeah? You wanna go you smashouse fuck?" she's squaring off, the swagger, the head movements "I'm already there, princess," he drawls, glaring daggers, "Why doncha gimme a howl see if Daddy comes to save you huh?" The aggro is so real you're only 40% sure this is still a bit. "Then let's go!" "Fine!" "Fine!" I'm just watching to see if they start fighting, if he whips out any of the new moves I just showed him. Or maybe this is just a usual greeting ritual for them. A beat within fistfight range Mika breaks first. Shiv goes for a hug and he lets her. "You uptown fuck, its mad good to see you" She laughs "How come I knew I'd find you trying to shrink into the floor? Not on my fuckin' watch. C'mon, theres someone outside wants to see you" I keep my expression blank, but inside my heart is S C R E A M I N G. I just want to see if she's able to keep a straight face he hears her before he sees her. like, you ALL hear her. She's not a dog who's been told "no barking" ever in her life nor would she listen if she had I'm watching his face for the moment it clicks some of the others glance at each other but Mika is curiously pokerfaced. Looking at his face, you can see he's clenching his jaw, concentrating. So when Shiv opens the outside door to the lawn and he's knocked back a pace by the force of the tackle... "What the-" <deafening yapping> he's shocked for like a split second before he's dropped to knees letting her absolutely climb him "Ola! Sim, oi, doce minina!" talking between puppykisses "Rosie, O que você está fazendo aqui??" Shiv looks at you sideways, smug "we broke his Common." goes for a fistbump I definitely give her the fistbump. "Pleasure doing business with you." "Shiv, Como você- How did- wh-" he's speechless "This is a very important party, and Rose is a VERY important guest. Couldn't have it without her. Siobhan agreed." Cri is like, "Oh Rose! How lovely to see you again!" Rose goes over and licks her hands, gets pats, tail wagging so fast it looks doubled, turning in circles. "And your folks are fine with it?" the big pats are ongoing during this conversation, and Rose is incapable of sitting still "Yes, of course they are." "Rosie, meu doce menina, You have to be good, yeah?" She's doing that thing where she's like dancing her front paws back and forth so she can't sit, he's trying to get her to look at him but she's looking at Cri and Mirage and everyone else and then him and all around He's looking around, too, but there's no sticks or loose tennis balls on the manicured lawn "If I swear not to let her dig anything up, can I take her to the garden to scrounge up a stick or something?" "Yes! Go!" "Rosie wanna walk?" The dog is on high alert instantly. "Wanna go for a walk? Uma caminhada?" she's standing up, barks that absolutely sound like YAS "Vamos, good girl, yeah! Come on! Keep up!" And they're off Shiv watches them go. "You have good ideas." "Yes I do." "I assume he's been hiding in his room huh? Your place is mad cool by the way." "Thanks. And yeah, pretty much. He was playing chess earlier, and I dragged him out to do some melee training, but other than that, he's kept mostly to himself." "Yeah figured. He doesn't even relax at my place, and you could fit that in here a bunch of times." "Ah." I nod, remembering my thoughts at the dinner table the other night. Figured. "So you said we're trying stuff on?" "YES! I think our tailor went chasing after him because it was his turn, but we'd be happy to hook you up with something fun to wear tonight, if you like! Pay you back for our excursions in Midnight." She waves off the "pay you back" idea. "I brought a couple outfits cause I wasn't sure if this was a cocktails-and-skirts party or a boots-and-shots party but I am SO DOWN to join in if that's okay by you because my dream is to capture BOTH vibes in a single outfit "Shut up of course it is. Get whatever you want, and convince Mr. Midnight to wear something that's not the cheapest thing he can envision, yeah?" "Ooh, a challenge." She looks thoughtful, though "Yeah no shit. You know I just asked him for his favourite food and he couldn't tell me - do you know if he has a favourite? Like who doesn't have a favourite food." She laughs, but it settles quickly. "I mean, come to think of it..." her smile fades into confusion as she reviews the memory reel "I guess he's just not much of a foodie. He forgets to eat all the time." "A cardinal sin in my mother's household, and not one she will easily forgive. Sometimes Dad forgets to eat when he gets working on a project, or when Pops gets real busy with meetings, and the whole estate will storm for a week." She laughs, "Sounds fun. But yeah, snacks... I don't know? He always brought pack lunch to work, just got whatever was on special if we went out somewhere... huh. He's got to have some preferences, right?" "Huh. Weird." "Yeah no shit. How'd I not notice that? Clothes though, you're giving me a challenge with that one. How formal we talking? Because I might have to actually paralyze him to get a tie on, but there's stuff I can maybe manage" "I mean some people are going to be dressed to the nines but like, he doesn't have to be. The point is not to be stuffy and uncomfortable, it's to have fun. It's all about freedom of expression." "That makes it simultaneously easier and way harder" she laughs "Have you noticed his hearing impairment yet?" "Wait what?" mirage looks genuinely confused, like she missed something major "You say "gift" and he hears "charity" and is on the other side of the damn WHEEL before you can finish the sentence." "OH. Yeah, that. Well, he doesn't have wear the most ostentatious thing he can think of, either! I just wish he'd live it up a little. Wouldn't kill him, honestly. "You and me both. Wouldn't it be better coming from you, though? He's got no compunctions telling me no on this stuff, lemme tell you" "It's whatever, if he's not comfortable in formal wear, don't push him. He should just know that he has options, is all." "I mean I can try, I just feel like all I've done since we've got here is bully him." I laugh and shrug my shoulders. Shiv gives a chuckle of like 'that doesn't seem to be an effective way of driving him off in my experience.' "We have to save time for you to help me pick MY outfit, I'm choosing between two. I need your eye." "Aye aye! Lead on!" Cri and Saeldor join them in the tailoring suite, where Marwa holds up two outfits. The first is a long gown of deep blue-violet only a few shades separated from her skin. Soft lines, flowing, the gentle beauty of a starry sky. The second is a bright scarlet silk, it gathers at the hips and shoulders, flowing out in long cuts that flutter in her personal winds. A braided gold belt compliments the tiny gold-mounted rubies that accent the sleeves and collar. The layered design of its skirt is playful, full of movement. She's considering some glittery gold, medium-heel sandals with it. "This one? Maybe not, or... Nah, I could rock this. What do you think, Cri, blue or red?" "They both suit you, Marwa." "Well you're no help!" Shiv WILL try to capture boots-and-shots with dresses-and-cocktails in one outfit. Going for over-knee boots under a skirt with a thigh-high slit in the side, sleeveless top cut similarly to a turtleneck tanktop but with openings to show off the tattoos. She doesn't generally do a lot of jewelery, but she's not above a cincher belt with some shiny hardware, and some matching bracelets. you're finalizing your picks when the boy returns, having been finally reassured that Rose is allowed inside because WOW did she put up a fuss when he tried to tell her to stay out there without him. They both look a little calmer, if slightly out of breath Siobhan's gonna grin "You're just in time!" "Don't tell me you're wearing that," indicating current sweater/jeans equivalent, "because it's covered in dog hair as well as generally unflattering" "Stop, my ego can only take so much inflating." Shiv huffs, steps behind you and puts hands on your shoulders like she's framing you. "I will not allow you to embarrass this absolute vision by looking anything but your best, mister. Unless you weren't gonna dance with us?" Do you think Saeldor would step in? "Come on, friend. Let's get you squared away with Mister (insert Tailor's name here) and then we can get back to making sure Miss Rose gets acquainted with the Noor house." "I'll make sure he's presentable, ladies." They're in a room that's pretty particularly set up for tailoring. There's a space you can step up on, bolts of fabric, tape measures, mannequin for pinning, etc. Saeldor sends the Tailor away some discreet way, like "Hey my dude if it's no trouble could we have some coffee in here? Promise not to stain anything" And once he's alone with Mika he'll just kind of sit down. not in a chair. On the raised area where you're supposed to stand for measuring/fitting. Indicate for the kid to join him. "Quite a change of scenery, isn't it?" A silent nod, Cypher is still trying to puzzle a solution to a problem only he seems to see. Saeldor kind of regards him from the side view for a minute, then looks toward a window, where the daylight is just starting to fade. He's good at waiting. Cypher's wrestling by himself, but he speaks eventually. He knows Saeldor understands his discomfort, even if he doesn't have the specifics of this particular case. "She's pretty excited for this thing, huh?" He looks at his hands. "I don't wanna ruin it for her I just..." struggling. "We got a saying in MIdnight. Northtown specifically. "Wolfskin." He does a small glance to gauge familiarity but he's not expecting it. Saeldor shakes his head silently, gives a 'go on' face. "Means you can tell someone's in a bigshot's pocket. They're wearing or having something they obviously didn't earn." He looks around, eyes lingering over the bolts of silk, velvet. "You trade your roots for shiny shit, fancy clothes, that's wolfskin." Saeldor's frowning. Not disapproving, just like he has objections. he lets it sit a second. He's putting his own view on the situation aside for a moment. This isn't about his oath, it's not about fairness. He's prbably thinking about Cri, who's still better than him sometimes when it comes to seeing the emotional root of a trouble. But eventually he says, low voice quiet in the space, "No one's trying to change you, brother." Mika swallows, says nothing. "You really could hang out in what you're wearing now, I think we'd all just be happy to have your company. I don't have dialogue, I don't think. But they'll go on to try to express that everyone had fun picking out outfits today, and it's not about costuming as if they come from the same class or anything, it's just a fun change of pace to dress up a little - a visual and tactile reminder that it's not just any night, and that they're trying to share that. after a minute Mika sighs. "Something simple. On loan." Gets a thump on the back "Right on." I still don't think he's gonna be down to do the whole getting-tailored-trying-stuff-on thing. He's too self-conscious and doesn't enjoy being centre of attention like that. But Saeldor can get him to verbally riff some ideas through conversation, and these can be conveyed to the clothier. So the girls go to see/help/hype over party prep. There's delicious smells coming from the kitchen, folks are setting up tables of snacks and drinks all over so you can stay fed/hydrated no matter where you're hanging out, band is tuning instruments etc She busts into the kitchen and says, "I KNOW YOU'RE ALL SUPER BUSY BUT I JUST NEED YOU TO KNOW THAT I LOVE YOU ALL TO THE MOON AND BACK. If someone gets mouthy with you tonight you give me the look and I'll boot 'em. Got it??" a chorus of "duh" "who would dare" "I can just spit in their drink right?" "thanks missy*" *affectionate nickname, not formal title Mirage gets a little misty-eyed. "Fantastic. Catch y'all on the flipside."
Once people start showing up, Mirage goes upstairs and gets changed, and then has to find people again because there's mobile mingling happening through a fairly large part of the main house. The boss is easy to spot; a ten foot tall minotaur, impeccably groomed, in a tailored jacket that has nothing but nice things to say about his shoulders. He's leaning one elbow on a table, chatting war stories with Alejandro. She gives them a wave that's returned, but has no interest in getting pulled into a discussion of battle tactics right now. She finds Cri somewhere with a band, dancing. She's twirling, floating on silent wings. Her outfit's gorgeous. the tailor's expanded on the soft blue sundress that was the basis, giving her a layered, softly ruffled thing that floats around her when she moves. It comes with a shawl thin as a spiderweb, gently sparkling. The ensemble is a warm-summer-sky blue. "Cri. You are a vision. Do you love your dress?" "It's the loveliest thing I've ever worn" her eyes are shining. "You look radiant, yourself; let me see!" she gestures for a turn-around, which Marwa indulges immediately. The midnight blue dress is floor-length, trimmed with thin, silver stiches and cut with dropped shoulders, shawl sleeves, and a circular A-line skirt that sways in the slightest movement in a silk-smooth, gentle motion that mimics her floating hair. The fabric glimmers with the faintest suggestion of stars. She's accented it with silver bracelets and drop earrings, and as she completes her turn, she's never grinned bigger. Cri sighs appreciatively. "There was no wrong choice, yet you still made the right one." Marwa asks where she can find the others, and Cri thinks she saw Saeldor making friends on a nearby patio. When she gets there, Saeldor is in a smoke ring contest with a cousin who doesn't yet realize what she's up against. Their outfit is a bit looser; bohemian vibes. The pants are wide-leg, and the jacket is more like a haori. Their colours are a balance of earthy browns with rich, dark purples that compliment his pale-purplish skin tone perfectly. "Saeldor! You look good in everything, but YEESH. Somehow you've outdone yourself." They lower their pipe with a grin, looking her over. "Speak for yourself, sister." I give them a big hug Saeldor gives the best hugs. They smell like wood smoke, they last a good long while, and Saeldor just runs warm. So comforting. Heart glowing, she tells them to enjoy the party, wishes her cousin luck, and heads back inside, scanning the gathering crowds. When she finds Siobhan and Mika, the latter's back is to her. He doesn't see her come in until Shiv clocks her entrance and does a long, low whistle. Then he turns to follow her gaze. She was half expecting him to basically be in the same as before, but clean. Instead, someone's managed to get him into a pair of slim-cut slacks and a dress shirt that's doing an admirable job of turning skinny angles into sharp lines. He's still dressed it down to the nth degree. Rolled the sleeves back a bit, left the collar button open. But it still looks like it was, well, literally made for him. The shirt's black, or nearly black, but it's dyed from red, and has a warm effect. There's some subtle pattern the shade of dying fire spun through it that compliments his skin tone, while the dark shade overall highlights his eyes, turning them to inkwells. He's got a jacket, a concession to that he'd be freezing if he stepped outside without one, that could almost certailny turn the sharp angles of his skinny frame mor einto the realm of just 'slim,' but it's slung over his shoulder at the moment, so that'll stay a theory. none of it is especially vogue or fancy; it looks off-the-rack formal, but suits him. The only comment he makes aloud as he takes in Marwa's appearance is a slow, emphatic "Damn." She grins. "You two look so gorgeous. God, they do know how to make them in Midnight." I come over to Cypher and gesture to his clothes. "You don't look uncomfortable, if it helps. Do you hate it, the outfit?" looking hesitant He blinks, like he didn't hear you properly, "Sorry?" "She asked if you're still allergic to the nice things you're wearing, dumbass" (Shiv, but she's grinning) "Oh, no I'm fine. It's just clothes." He shifts a little bit, but he's not taken his eyes off you for a second. I look at Shiv for confirmation that this is, in fact, Cypher, and she didn't switch him out with a changeling or something while I wasn't looking She shrugs like "your guess is as good as mine" "Well I'm counting on you two to keep me sane, everybody wants to talk to my mother and by extension, me. Extraction missions may become necessary, I'll signal you." "You got it" - M "You're both saving me dances, yes?" "DUH" - Shiv's immediate. "I mean yeah" you've heard him more articulate lmao I give him a weird look, assume he's just uncomfortable with the circumstances and the clothes Shiv rolls here eyes "O-kay, then, well I'm gonna-" she starts to turn and Mika looks up like he just remembered something. "Oh no you fuckin' dont." He pulls his eyes off you for the first time since you showed up and you notice Shiv has an envlope in the hand opposite you; one of the big page-size kinds, stuffed full. She immediately holds it as far from him as she can reach, stepping backward. "I already told you - yours if I get a NORMAL letter next time" "It was a Playfair, Shiv, a child could have solved it." "Whatcha got, Siobhan?" She passes it behind her back to you to keep it out of his arms reach, though he's not currently making any moves for it. Envelope's full of looseleaf I'll snatch it It's pages of nonsense similar to what you saw in his grimoire; some of it's just pages of random letters, many intersperced with symbols, others are arrayed on grids. you recognize a few different alphabets in the mix, too "Siobhan did you bring me puzzles to solve? Why, I don't know what to say. It has been terribly boring here." "I brought THIS NERD puzzles to get it out of his system because he is apparently so starved for them that he has to encrypt his letters now" He looks annoyed "Playfair is barely encryption. It's encryption with training wheels. I even gave you an easy keyword. Did it monoalphabetic and everything" "Wait you made her decrypt your letter?" Shiv looks SO VINDICATED "I didn't make her do anything" "You said you weren't writing back unless I could tell you the keyword!" "Mkay while you two argue about nerd shit, let's go eat food. Come with me." I take both their hands and lead them over to a table with platters of food they lightly bicker but not as intensely, like he'll offer to do some other method that he seems to consider even simpler and she's like JUST WRITE NORMALLY OMFG. by the time you get to snack table he's run out of fun to be had in the argument and has agreed to write a boring letter next time in exchange for what he sees as a frankly decadent amount of Ways To Kill Long Nights Awake. The food is fantastic. Yeah I introduce them to friends, family, warn them away from the annoying cousins, that sort of thing Uloth has gone all out and there are little mini cupcakes, cookies, cream puffs, cake pops, ladies'fingers, all kinds of small desserts in and among the more savoury fare. Jadeira is there having a snack, you notice your Pops talking animatedly with a djinni whose visual design I realize I never specified! Her hair is the pinks and lavenders of early sunrise. She has kind of a big nose and a bigger mouth, and very bright eyes. Freckles. And she's absolutely the kind of rich person who's just there in casual clothes. So she's there in like, coveralls that are unbuttoned over the torso, wearing a regular like, loose tee shirt style top underneath it Erik will recall that you've never met her in person before and be honoured to introduce you properly she's more athletic than you might have expected based on that she's famed as a designer and "ideas" person "THE Jadeira? Wow. Thank you so much! It's so nice to see you in person." "You sound just like your sendings! Isn't it funny how we always sound different in our heads than we do outloud? Like when you hear your voice played back? I'm so glad you got away all right! And I hear we're bringing the hammer down on that shifty bozo Amir? Oh but we're not supposed to talk shop at parties, are we? It's so nice to meet you too!" I laugh loud and shake her hand "I'm happy to talk about that guy's downfall any day you like. And may I just say, you design a damn fine ship. A true pleasure to infiltrate." "Ohhh which one, the Fury? I didn't pick the name, I don't think she's especially furious, but The Stoic Jade didn't have many takers" "Stoic Jade is a great option!" Mirage pauses, not wanting to spill sensitive information, but unable to help her concerned curiosity. "Is our...mutual friend doing well?" She smiles. She's got dimples on both cheeks. "Far as I can tell! Thank you so much again for helping her out. She wanted to do something for you, too. Hey do you want a ship?" "Wait what?" Erik, who is absolutely the one who took point on teaching you to fly and remembers every crash in GRUESOME DETAIL, looks alarmed. "A ship! I could have a personal craft whipped up in no time, oh but you probably want room for your friends, you're an adventurer right? Hi!" She finally waves at Mika and Shiv, who have just been metaphorically munching popcorn through this conversation "So maybe caravel size, probably a thaumaturge so you don't have to worry so much about refuelling. Do you travel mostly in the outer realms or around Primus? I could make it a hybrid" I'm looking at Pops because I understand most of what she's saying, but a lot of the technical stuff goes over my head "We travel all over, some of us are from Primus, so yeah. Wait really? That would be amazing!" once he shakes off the "oh my god she's going to be flying at mach-christ all over the realms isn't she" panic he'll manage some interjections to explain what you're missing. a thaumaturge runs on elemental magic that's ensorcelled into the ship itself; it doesn't need to refuel but it's finnicky to repair; a caravel is a craft sized for 5-10 people generally; a hybrid can be converted to a sailing ship, which means it would probably steer with a sailing rig instead of a balloon or jets, and all of these are EXTREMELY GENEROUS things to be just OFFERED "Oh my god, uh. Jeez, this is so generous, Jadeira. Can we - can we talk in a bit? I should probably check with the boss, see if he has thoughts." "Yeah, I'll send you some schematics" Jadeira is absolutely in Ship Design Hyperfocus mode "Well tell her I said hi, and that Toby misses her." "I will!" Erik may try to Broker a Deal later to try and get some safety features installed at least lmao I feel like J's been doing military contracts so long she's excited to design a ship for adventures its gonna be hard to get her off that topic. you wander into an adjoining room and find Ta'lok and Saeldor standing and chatting "Guys I just accidentally scored us a ship. Like a real nice one." "Oh, right on. Rental was gonna expire soon, right?" Ta'lok stares. "Scored as in you have one?" "I didn't steal it! It's a gift! Or it's going to be. We should talk to Jadeira, she's offered to design one." Ta'lok's floored. Saeldor as well to a lesser extent, they thought you meant you found them a ride home, like a carpool or another loan. They'll absolutely go seek out Jadeira to chat design once they confirm you didn't misunderstand because that sounds FUCKING HANDY. Ta'lok is thinking how they coulda come checked on you a lot sooner if they had a lift. "Yeah I jailbroke the love of her life, so. I guess this is Thank You?" the guys scurrying off to contribute on PARTY SHIP ideas is a good scene-transition
Elsewhere, Julius overhears Siobhan talking about what she does at the Library. It's been a long time since he could visit, so he steps into the vicinity of the conversation, and is kind of quietly present, asking the occasional question, which she's happy to answer. At the inevitable "oh I never got your name" introduction that happens partway through the conversation she's going to kind of burst out like, "I KNEW I knew that name from somewhere! I was at one of your lectures" "Oh?" "I uh, will be honest with you sir, I do not remember much of it, as I was pretty hung over. but the bits that DID make it in my notes legibly remain useful!" He gives her a genuine, warm smile. “Happy to help.” he asks her about growing up in midnight. He's heard the Library has an entrance there. Shiv considers her growing up there pretty standard - and has a different perspective because from her family's POV, she's still definitively not finished growing up. But she'll absolutely mention her internship there. It's where she met Mika! Life is more fun with friends, she didn't have many who weren't like, her parents friends kids which like, not that they were bad people, but they didn't have much but proximity in common. “Well Siobhan, my wife isn’t here right now to say this, but she would want me to. If Mika is part of the family, that includes you too. If you ever need references or support in anything, message me anytime. You’re always welcome.” "That's mad cool of you," she grins, then her expresion kind of relaxes a bit. "It's... I dunno, it's good he's got friends out here. I can't do much from home, you know?" Julius nods. "From what I’ve seen, Marwa is a fierce advocate on his behalf, not that he requires it.” She laughs, "You got that right. Your daughter's cool as hell by the way. She tell you she fast-talked a fey out of its own deal? Didn't even break a sweat" “Thanks, I think so too. I got the outline of that encounter but I’d love to hear your perspective.” Shiv's perspective is embellished as shit, but truthful She'll fully admit she thought Mika was being paranoid at first. He does have a tendency to overthink, and a deep-seated irritation with the things in general. They *are* pests, especially in northtown, and on top of that they make a good scapegoat for random stuff going wrong. Lost your keys, some fey took em, etc. Half the time it's true. But even if her little wordplay hadn't worked, Shiv still wants to assure her dad that Mirage has MANY defenders Fey are material and therefore punchable. Cri was watching like a hawk, ready to go bear at a moments notice if she had to. Saeldor and Ta'lok were sober INSTANTLY when they clocked the danger, unarmed because public, but like, look at me and tell me those guys couldn't get by with just their fists and Mika... well she's not really sure what he would've done, but he was absolutely ready to throw down. “She is lucky to have such good friends in all of you.” eventually he’d excuse himself to go outside and check in with Alejandro. But he’d reiterate before he left "If you need us, call on the Noors"
Mirage is drifting along, mingling, moving between conversations/dance spaces/snack tables when she hears something weird from a side room like the accent and sounds are common but its garbled? and it takes her a second to clock pig latin and maybe she peeks in and sees Mika on a couch, having a grinning conversation with some like, nine or ten year old who's struggling every now and again to get his mouth around the scramble. "Ouryay uspposedsay to-ay ust-jay add-ay "ay"-ay or-fay owels-vay" the kid protests but not with any actual indignation he shrugs "aybemay itshay anhay accenthay." <"Like doing the switch with two letters"> - M <"Two?"> "ke-li-ay is-thay." The kid tries it, gets caught on the first word. Mika smiles, nods encouragingly. "...kes-maay, u-yo-ay?" another nod "ink-thay, out-abay e-thay, elling-spay." Marwa hangs back in the doorway, trying to resolidify her melted heart. She recognizes the kid; Dominico, his parents are friends of pops' from work. He's usually so withdrawn, she's hardly ever seen him so animated. "is-thay... is-ay? rd-ha-ay." "Nah, you got it down already." Dom cocks his head "Your accent's weird." Mika laughs, then says, his voice an exaggerated Midnight drawl, "awww cm'awwnnnn, wuddaya tawkin' 'bout?" Dom giggles. Mika grins. "aww, we gotta wise guy here, huh?" Kid's giggling to much to pronounce the "no," so he just shakes his head as the warlock continues to affect an interrogation into "the *disrespectin' additude*" he's exhibiting. They're interrupted by a call from the hall. Dom's parent, inquiing whether he's had dinner, and reminding him that cookies and soda are not dinner. "I gotta go," Dom slides off the couch and scampers off. Mika gives a small wave, watches him go, and sees Marwa as the kid passes her in the doorway. The 'oh hey' is in his face, unspoken. "Cute kid. Smart." “Dom’s usually so shy. Nice to see him come out of his shell a little bit.” He shrugs, "He'll get there. It's in his name." “It is?” "means 'nobility,' you know. 'leadership.'" He shrugs. "I guess you could call it superstition, or self-fulfilling prophecy." “Names mean a lot to you, don’t they.” A soft smile, looking down, "You could say that." He pauses, nervous. "I'm not super familiar with Aurian nominology though. Guess there's no not-weird way to ask what yours means, if you know?" “Mama told me, I think Marwa is flint stone. Halah is something about an aura of light, or the halo around the moon. And I think Noor is brightness. Or something.” He's smiling, small but present, nodding with each one you explain. "Well, they got you spot on didn't they?" I give a quiet laugh, “Maybe. Although we should get to define ourselves in the end, right? It’s not our clothes or our money or the names other people give us, even with love, that make us. We make us.” "Oh yeah, of course. It's not like, a predestination thing." He pauses, "Pai once explained it like, It's the road at your feet. Whether you walk it or not is up to you." “I like that.” He smiles. "I never told you my first name, did I?" “No, I don’t think so?” "I guess it never came up. It's kind of different, it's not my use-name anymore. Chult kids get a name when we're born, and it's like, a hope? It's what's wanted for you. Then when you're old enough you get an adult name and you stop using the first one. So it's not like how you've got a first and a middle name, it's first chronologically." He takes a breath, somewhat flustered. "Anyway, I'm Mika now, but I was born Kauê." “Kauê. I like it. And what was your parents hope for you?” he felt like he'd been talking too much and that encourages him because he's obviously got more to say but he doesn't wanna just infodump on you if you're not interested She’s listening "It's a kind of bird. A falcon from dad's home. They're bright colours, fast as anything, he told me he picked it for the way they play. "They live in families, which is rare for birds of prey. They cooperate, pass each other food in the air, dance all year long, hop instead of walking just for fun. Even the adults are always playing. Even though they live in one of the harshest environments on Prime." He shrugs, but there's no embarrassment in it. "He said it seemed like a good name for a kid born in Midnight." I give a genuine smile at that description "I think it's fair to say I'm living proof you don't always turn out how you're named, but to be fair, I kind of had a handicap for a minute there." She looks at him, head tilted. He gives a half-smile "You don't have to pretend I wasn't an antisocial asshole for a fair while." That honesty gets a surprised laugh. “You’re still an asshole, just less antisocial.” "I'll have you know I've avoided no less than five conversations with strangers just in the last hour" he says, with mock offense “Oh have you? Knife training, stealth training, we’re gonna make a rogue out of you yet!” He laughs "is that your master plan?" “Things are progressing swimmingly.” "One day I'm going to sneak up on you and scare you out of your skin and you're going to regret everything." “I invite you to try.” I smirk I'm so tempted to say he distorts and repeats the "think you can keep up"/"I don't know, can I?" thing lmao “Well I’m gonna go take a walk. Get some air. You dipping out now or will I see you when I get back?” "I owe you a dance yet, don't I?" “Yes you do. I’ll come collect when I’m back in a few?” "Sounds good." she’s doing the thing internally where she walks away and is like what the fuck was that
Report Date
01 Apr 2025
Secondary Location
Related Plots
Related Characters