Pieces

[Castalia]

<Castalia> With a frustrated scowl playing across her features, Castalia pushed a hand through her long dark hair before leaning back into her chair. She didn’t know what to do. There was a debate - handle it the hard way, or let it play out. There was a letter from a man named Tinsley on her desk, photographs of her after her turning strew across the wood. She knew what it was. The detective that her husband had hired was threatening to blackmail her.

“Rhys!” She shouted, her voice raising a few pitches to show her frustration, her contact-colored blue eyes glittering with the emotion. “Come clean this **** up for me please.” The detective would be a dead man. One day. With her emotions bubbling inside her, Castalia grabbed her coat and roughly pulled it on over her shoulder, promptly knocking over a box that fell to the floor, a butter popcorn scented candle falling out and hitting her foot. Looking down, she frowned. It was a gift to Laney.

Crouching down, she sighed. She’d forgotten again, to send it to the woman, or give it to her when she passed along ingredients. It took her a moment to find her phone, forgetting about her frustrating as she put the candle in the box, and then into her bag, and send out a text. Hey, I’m about to go out to my bar - we’ve got fang-friendly drinks. You interested?


<Delaney> The dark haired buxom beauty was sitting at the altar, attempting to locate another fadebeast for her Jedediah to find, when there was a buzzing of her phone that went off. Laney did not move from the altar, it was important she finish the task at hand. Besides, if she left now, Jedediah would tell her she had to learn to focus better. Or stronger. Something like that. The demi-fae snapped and growled at her as Laney tossed another ear into the small fire pit besides the altar before it whispered the location of a place in Cherrydale where a large, abomination of their vampire brethern could be found. Laney turned around, wide smile on her lips as she crawled over to Jedediah and pressed a kiss to his knee.

“The theatre in Oldtown. Not far from the door.” She looked up at him, fingers going to the titanium collar he had purchased for her some time ago. Once he confirmed he heard the location and he rewarded her for her hard work and dedication, Laney moved to capture the phone and see who it was. Castalia. Another childe of Kika; the sire that she shared with three others. Jedediah, Marlow, and Castalia. None of the two women were as well known to Laney as Jedediah was-for obvious reasons. But Marlow, she knew a little more of than Castalia. Simply because Laney worked for the woman a couple nights a week.

Laney moved to their bedroom to gather some clothes and slipped into a pair of camo colored pants, and a white t-shirt that had some band name on it. “Going to meet Castalia, sweetie. I’ll be back later. Have fun with your monster friend.” Laney pressed her lips to the cheek of her Jedediah and then slipped out the door. As she moved towards the elevator, Laney sent a reply. Yes! Tell me where! Was all she replied back as Laney headed up to the main floor of the apartment complex and waited for a reply from Castalia.


<Castalia> Allure. It had been the name of the bar in Castalia’s head for a while, now, and although she’d searched for multiple locations, it had made sense for the bar to be in by the college. Plus, she stayed there often enough, where Nolan and the rest of her family hadn’t strayed that close to the school in years. Occasionally, she would go to Wickbridge, where Frank’s old bar was, or into the dead zone, as she called it, where zombies plagued the land - sometimes as she thought about it, the description reminded her of a horror film.

When she wasn’t working, she was training in the sewers or in her apartment - occasionally, running across a sibling or two, or searching for parts for Kika. Most of her company was spent with Cedric, Keagan off somewhere once again, or her thrall, Rhys. And as she pushed her hair over her shoulder, she decided it was better late than never to making friends, getting to know her family. Truthfully, the only thing she knew about Delaney was that the woman liked popcorn and did rituals, as well as being in a relationship with Jedediah - who she had texted before, which was more than she knew about Marlow.

Holding her clutch and bag to her chest, Castalia opened the door of her establishment, the sound of music underneath her feet thumping through the floor, and looked around. There were only a few patrons - her early regulars, by the looks of it - spread about the area. It made her smile, to see her success in establishment. Unsurprised to see Frank at work, the old man lifted his gaze towards Castalia and nodded - he knew what she was, not caring - before calling out, “The usual?” in greeting.

“Actually, I’m meeting a friend. Harvest punch, please.” At the word friend, she watched the man frown at her - it made her wonder if he thought she was finding another ‘meal’ - but he got to work on making the drinks for herself and Laney while she waited by the bar, chatting conversationally with the old man for the time being.

<Delaney> With the name of the location set, Laney searched for an address on her phone and once she got it, Laney knew exactly where she was going. Be there soon! Laney sent Castalia another short text before she shot out of the apartment complex and was catching a train to a different side of town. While she rode the train, her mind started wandering to a checklist of things she would need to get for the next ritual she wanted to learn. And only when her eyes flicked down to the ground, did Laney notice that her right shoe was untied and bent down to tie it.

The train came to a stop and Laney looked at where it had stopped at and shot up like a rocket from a launch pad. She almost missed her stop with her wandering mind. Laney bobbed and weaved through the people to the nearest door, saying “Excuse me!” as loud as she could, until she wormed her way through and put a foot in the door to keep it from closing all the way. Both hands pried at the door until it retracted from her forceful pulling and she was out on a train station loading dock.

The dark haired woman looked left and right and then went right, remembering what street she needed. She walked briskly, because Laney hated keeping anyone waiting and chances are, by now, Castalia was waiting. Delaney would bounce around people and then cross streets to make her journey that much quicker until she was at Allure. She got out her phone and sent Jedediah a text message letting him know she had gotten here in one piece and then allowed the phone to disappear in her faux fur, waist level coat.

“Castalia!” Delaney said as soon as she entered the bar, noticing the woman from a mile away. Laney had seen her a couple times and always remembered the woman’s face. It was unique and pretty, but it was her high cheekbones that made her unforgettable. At least to Delaney. Laney made her way over to Castalia and then sat down next to her, sliding the coat off and resting it in her lap. “Hi!” Laney looked at her ‘sister,’ giving her a huge smile.


<Castalia> “You know, one of these nights, you’re going to have to let me hire another bartender, Frank. I know you really aren’t big on the themes.” She folded her arms underneath herself, leaning forward as her amusement played across her features. He looked at his boss with an amused expression as she then paused to collect a container of dessert mints from behind the bar and set them on the counter top. In addition to the harvest punches, which in reality were simply bloody icy chunks being blended up before a garnish was added, Frank had made her a simple martini while she waited for Laney.

Her phone buzzed in her pocket and she pulled it out, smiling lightly See you there! and left it on the table. A moment later, she stabbed the olive at the bottom of her martini with a toothpick, swirling lightly on her seat before her eyes scanned the crowd, pondering. Always one to think of work, Castalia wasn’t sure what next she could do for a theme - with the upcoming holiday, Valentine’s Day was overrated. Or at least, that was how she felt momentarily, as she popped the fruit into her mouth.

Anyone could do a pink, red and white party. And although she herself was single, doing a blind date night, singles night, or mixer would drive her crazy. Not to mention, the idea of couples trying to get busy in her restrooms was nauseating to say the least. In her seat, Castalia bounced her leg idly before taking another drink from her glass and then double checked to make sure she had the candle. Upon seeing the scent, she smiled a little to herself - she had found it a bit of a disappointment upon hearing that not all vampire could still feed as she did.

Taking another drink, she finished off her martini before pushing the glass aside. Underneath her, she could hear the heavy laughter and bass. “So, who are you meeting here tonight, Cas?” Frank rumbled as he leaned forward and her shoulders lifted and fell into a shrug. “Ma famille.” At the spoken French, she watched confusion appear across his features before she gave him a smile just before hearing her name. She spun lightly on her chair as Frank went to get the drinks, the sound of a blender humming.

[Delaney]

<Castalia> “Bonjour mon cherie.” Castalia called in return, the same smile on her lips. She waited until the other woman was situated before leaning over to press a kiss to her cheek. “I’m glad to see you. Welcome to my little slice of heaven.” She motioned upwards and around them as she spoke, and then took the candle from her bag, setting it in front of Delaney afterwards. “I got this for you a while back.”


<Delaney> After Delaney made eye contact with Castalia, her eyes roamed over the inside of Castalia’s business. It looked so warm and inviting to her, that Delaney wondered why she hadn’t stopped in her before, or heard of it. Not that she could drink anything, and then again, most her nights were spent at an altar, or with Jedediah in some way, so the woman sort of seculded herself by her own actions. Delaney smiled when Castalia spoke French, knowing just what the woman said. A kiss was pressed to her cheek and in return, Delaney followed the same protocol with a kiss on Castalia’s cheek.

“This place looks amazing!” Delaney gushed to Castalia as the woman referred to it as something so grand and so personal to the woman, that it was evident Castalia put a lot of time and effort into the place.

A candle was put in front of her and Delaney looked down at it. “I totally didn’t know we were exchanging gifts or something.” Delaney felt mildly embarrassed, because had she known, she would have gotten the woman….something. Delaney actually didn’t know what that something was, because she didn’t know much about Castalia, but she would have made a fair effort at least. “I’m sorry.” Delaney looked at Castalia before picking the candle up and giving it a spin to inspect it further. And that was when Delaney caught a whiff of…..popcorn? “Is it supposed to smell like something?” Delaney asked, bright ceruleans returning to Castalia.

<Castalia> Once the drinks were made, Frank set them in place before going off to continue working. Although she wasn't usually one for them, at least it was palatable. “Thank you.” She smiled, looking around after a few minutes, “A little elbow grease goes a long way. We sell drink mixes in Envy, from both here and the Vanilla Bean.” She explained and pushed the drink towards Delaney. “It’s frozen and blended.” Taking a sip from her own, she tucked one of her legs underneath herself as she chuckled softly.

“We weren’t, don't worry.”

The brunette smiled, “I bought this after you said you could no longer have any popcorn. Unfortunately short of Rhys telling me to remember, I can occasionally forget things. I got a candle for everyone, different food scents as I don’t know who is like me.” Castalia shrugged and studied Delaney. “Ne vous excusez pas. It was something of thought.” Pulling her hair into a ponytail, Castalia gave a nod of her head. “Popcorn. A buttery type is mixed in, I believe.”

<Delaney> Laney still felt a little remorseful and guilty for not having anything to give Castalia. Laney looked at the drink that was put in front of her, hesitantly. “This is okay?” Laney asked Castalia barely above a whisper, spinning the glass around as she inspected the contents inside. Delany was a little surprised Castalia remembered that very unimportant post she made. It wasn’t important anymore. The things she missed eating.

“Like you?” Delaney asked, not sure what Castalia meant. “You mean what type you are or the fact you can still eat and drink?” Didn’t those things go hand in hand? Laney was sure they did, but couldn’t remember for the life of her. “Thank you!” Delaney loved the gift and only hoped that Jedediah wouldn’t mind her putting it in their apartment and burning it. He was sort of particular about some things.


<Castalia> “A little bit of both. I’m an allurist.” She explained, “From what I’ve learned, unless one forces themselves to learn… it’s my path that allows it.” And then she gave a soft nod of her head, “It’s okay, yes. A bag was frozen, then blended. Nothing bad will happen.” She understood her sibling’s concern, she’d witnessed it from another that wasn’t from Acheron. It hadn’t been pretty, but they had thought the man had been violently ill rather than just a vampire.

Castalia was happy that Delaney liked her gift, a bright smile playing across her lips, “You’re very much welcome. My momma always taught me to give, I think it transferred over nicely.” She laughed, shaking her head before she took a sip from her glass. She tapped her nails lightly on the glass, pondering for a moment as she tried to think of something to say. “So, tell me about yourself, sistermine. I know you do rituals, but nothing much past that. I’m curious.”

<Delaney> Everything was fine with the drink. She could drink it and not worry about getting sick. Laney took the drink that had been made for her and took a sip of it and then another. “This is really good!” Laney said with a large smile as she took one last sip. “Do you sell this, or is it just for family and friends?” Delaney asked as her eyes wandered around once again.

Sistermine. What did that mean? Laney had never heard that been used before-even from her own sister. Not that they got along anymore. Not for years. Not since Delaney went to university and broaden her horizons and saw how horrible the world and people in that world were.

“I’m-I was a student at the University. I got kicked out.” Delaney admitted without any remorse. “We didn’t have the most peaceful demonstrations-this group I belonged to.” She picked up the drink and took a couple more sips. “I’m from here. I have a sister-but we haven’t really talked in a long time. Nothing more than a’ hi and how are you sort of conversation.’ She, and my parents don’t agree with my ideas about the world.” She shrugged her shoulders. “I work with Marlow.” She laughed, changing the subject to something more lighter. “And I’m with Jedediah.” At the mention of his name, her fingers went to the collar on her neck. “I’m his.” She said with a nod, eyes bright as her smile.


<Castalia> “We do, yes. You’d have to ask the cashier, specifically as it is for our kind,” She smiled, “but it is there.” She stirred her own drink with her straw, bouncing her foot idly as she listened to Delaney speak. “Most don’t know about it, but Frank here has no issue making them for family and friends free.” She lifted a shrug of her shoulder, the bartender looking in her direction and nodding as he caught the tail end of the conversation. She wouldn’t charge family, at least not those that she liked. Ambrose was a questionable member to Castalia, therefore, he would have to.

She crossed her ankles afterwards, trying to cease her movement and failing.

As she heard the mention of school, Castalia tilted her head curiously, and then felt her lips twitch softly in amusement. “I studied there, too, nursing. Didn’t get the chase to start my businesses until after I met Kika.” She chimed in, but then asked, “What is it that you were looking to do with your studies?” She knew she asked a lot of questions, a soft nod of her head given, “Ah… I have family here. My parents, ex-husband and children. We relocated from New Orleans.” At the mention of Marlow, Castalia nodded again, smiling. “What is it you do? And yes, I’ve met Jed, he’s very nice. I’m happy for you two.”

<Delaney> At the mention of free drinks, Laney smiled, but shook her head. “No way. You have to buy the product.” There was no way she would come here and rip her ‘sistermine’ off. “Maybe half price drinks.” Laney suggested, positive Castalia would press the issue of free drinks more. Or at least say it was fine for Laney to have free drinks.

“I was looking to change the world.” Laney laughed as she tucked some strands of hair behind her ear. “I probably should have narrowed my dream down a little. Might be easier to do one thing very well, than do a bunch of things on a smaller scale or half-***. “I was going for environmental studies with agricultural as an understudy. Or my minor.” She admitted before taking another drink from the batch she had been offered.

“You have a family here? You had, sorry, have kids?” Delaney looked at Castalia in mild surprise. “Do you see them a lot?” She asked, having not seen her family since she had been sired. Not that most of them cared-minus her dad. Laney would always be his little girl, even if Laney was far from little anymore.

“I make Dream Catchers for Marlow. We sell all kinds. It’s pretty easy work and I like it. Mostly because Marlow is there and Kika too. I know some of our other ‘family’ work there too, but I don’t know any of them as well as Marlow or Kiks.” Laney shrugged, not feeling one way or another about it. People had lives, schedules conflicted it just was the way of life.

[Castalia]

She gave a soft chuckle, "If you insist, I won't protest. Maybe we can trade things off?" Castalia suggested, but she didn't mind it, "On certain days, free, on other days, half price?" A compromise of sorts. She stirred her drink lightly and the smile stayed across her lips for the time being while she listened to Delaney. Her decision to like the woman had remained the same, but she was really interested in finding out the woman's mindset.

"The world needs changing, there isn't anything wrong with having a strong willed goal - look at it this way, we won't die and now you've been given the ability to work on it longer." Positive. It was something that Castalia had chosen to look at for the time being, although she was sure that the coffee in her system had helped knock aside some of her grumpy form. "That's really great." She remembered the rallies and courses from her time at the university. "I started out in Business and ended up in Nursing school." She smiled and then inclined her head.

She nodded at the mention of her family. "I have my thrall, Rhys, check in on them for me. I don't quite know if I'm going to try to reach out soon, I don't think it'll be easy to explain how I do not change in appearance over the years." She chuckled quietly, looking into her drink thoughtfully, "But occasionally I'll sit back and watch them from afar. They live with their father and his girlfriend."

Her hand lifted to the small gold cross hidden underneath her shirt, rubbing it with her thumb idly. At the mention of Marlow and Kika, she smiled and nodded. "I'll certainly have to stop by sometimes, I rather like dreamcatchers. My mother had one tattooed onto her calf." She chuckled, "Maybe I can send her one there." Castalia considered the amount of family she knew and didn't know. It was more along the latter due to reluctance. "I know names more than I know faces. I've met Jed and Marlow, Kitchi. I know of Machk through Kika yet haven't seen him. And Ambrose, well. I prefer to not know him."

She admitted, "Aiyana works for me at The Vanilla Bean, a coffee shop," She explained, "And my childe, Cedric and I are close friends."

[Delaney]

Delaney liked and appreciated Castalia's optimism when it came to her ambitions and goals. The dark haired woman smiled and nodded her head slowly in agreement before the woman spoke. "You're right. With eternity at my fingertips, a girl can get a lot done, right?" It was sort of a rhetorical question, but if Castalia answered, Delaney wouldn't care.

The woman didn't mention the compromise yet, she would circle back to it, while still thinking of a better compromise, as to not rip her sibling off. For now, however, the woman was interested in what Castalia was saying. "Nursing school this year, but in ten years maybe something different. It's sorta neat, isn't it? The things we can do now. That others won't ever be able to do." Delaney matched Castalia's optimism, finding it refreshing in a sense that she can be herself with someone else. Not everyone appreciated the woman's optimism, or desire to change the world for the better.

"I think if you're going to reach out to your friends, it's better to do it now, instead of later. You won't really look different, until about five years from now. Appreciate what you have now, as much as possible until it's too late." The woman raised the special drink to her lips and then took a sip of it before going on. "Five years of great memories, until time is working against you, Castalia. Then you can introduce them to your new friend, Delaney, who will vouche for you when you need to relocate. Maybe we'll go somewhere together to change the world. With your medical background and my desire to help people, I think it's a great lie...or sort of lie?" The woman shrugged her shoulders as she thought about Castalia's mom. Mostly the tattoo. Tattoo's were sort of the insight to a person's soul-at least in Delaney's mind. She picked all her tattoo's based off memories, happenings or views on her friendships and life in general.

"We would love to see you by the shop. I can help you pick one out, or maybe see if Marlow can make you something special." Laney offered with a small shrug before she set the cup down. "I'm sure she's pretty flexible and would do anything for another Chastian." Laney said as the woman leaned back a little so she could look around the small cafe, letting the offer sit there between the two of them.