Who: Howl & Others When: Early April, prior to event Where: Various (within Aefenglom) What: Catch-all non-event log for April Warnings: Multiple threads posted here are likely to get spicy. :|9
[ Howl ended his exchange with Viren with an invitation to come to Pendragon's that night after closing, at 2 AM, to forge a Bond. During business hours, he jots down his ideas for vows and occasionally ponders the significance of how swiftly the Dragon accepted Howl's proposition. It seemed somewhat unlike him, and while Howl can acknowledge that he hardly knows Viren yet, he still can't help but wonder.
In the minutes after the clocks strike two, the door to Pendragon's is unlocked as promised. The only light inside is a healthy fire is burning in the corner hearth, creating a dimly-lit yet warm and cozy atmosphere within the shop itself.
Howl is sitting at a tea table next to a window on the left side of the shop, opposite of the hearth. He's dressed down compared to usual public appearances, wearing only an oversized tunic sloppily tucked into his trousers, but his beauty enchantments were recently refreshed. A thick yellowed book is open on the tea table in front of him, along with two lit candles and a corked potion.
When he hears the door creak open, the Wizard sits up and glances over his shoulder. ]
[ it happens, when one has a voracious appetite for magic, having found the cycling of it precariously addictive after his many months of being trapped here - but that's something viren doesn't need to touch upon, especially if left unasked. if they're to bond, howl would soon find out, anyway. ]
[ the dragon enters, perfectly neat in appearance and dressed to fit the occasion; his figure, along with the slope of his wings, cuts a striking silhouette against the fire. whether the fire had been considered as a result of his arrival or not, viren does appreciate that the witch would keep his dwelling heated. his gaze flicks toward howl at being beckoned, fangy mouth upturning in a brief smile. ]
Howl.
[ he acknowledges, somewhat unnecessarily, but with formality all the same. -- he supposes he should work on that, if they're to grow closer. ]
A pleasure to see you. Especially under these improved circumstances.
[ --wholly so for viren, anyway. he has yet to inquire about howl's lost bonded. ]
[ The Wizard rises from his chair and crosses the room to meet Viren by the door, extending his hands in greeting. As he does, something moves in the low light opposite of his seat at the tea table - it's a Haven witch, diminutive and dressed in a dark robe, looking very impatient but very relieved to see that the second half of the pair he's here for has arrived. ]
"Improved" is an understatement if I've ever heard one! I kept it to myself earlier, but now I must be honest: the prospect of bonding with a Dragon as magnificent as yourself is incredibly exciting.
[ He looks Viren directly in the eye on exciting, the corners of his mouth turning upward impishly, and finally his outstretched hands find one of Viren's claws. He gently guides him towards the tea table. ]
If you've started having any doubts, please do tell me, of course. I have high hopes for this Bond, and I want it to be successful.
[ it would be a lie to say that those words weren't an effective way to stroke viren's problematic ego; it's something about being called magnificent and thus being chosen to share something as a special as a bond that has the earlier smile returning with the praise. ]
I don't. Aside from eventually growing unaffected by your flattery.
[ --but spoken dryly, his expression basically conveying press x to doubt once he's able to get a sweeping look at the state of howl's attire. he won't remark upon it aloud, though - he's too weary of badgering his children over their untidiness without success. ]
[ let's be real though, he wouldn't tire of it, and the dragon would like it to be sincere in sentiment. so, that how he'll take it. compliments, they'll get you everywhere. ]
[ his gaze flicks to the witch, and back to howl, eyes then widening as he's taken by the hand and guided to the table. he's compliant enough to maneuver, nodding curt acknowledgement to the witch. that does prompt a thought, though, self-centered as he's been in terms of selecting bonding partners, and already spoken with an air of challenging skepticism: ]
[ The judgmental look doesn't escape Howl's attention, but if he has any reaction to it, it doesn't show on his face. Perhaps there's not enough time for it to, as he coaxes Viren into place in the middle of the circle etched in chalk on the wooden floor beside the tea table. Howl takes a moment to check the placement of his own feet before looking up at the Witch, giving him a curt nod, and asking him to begin.
As the Haven Witch recites the Bonding spell, Howl holds Viren's hands gently but maintains intense eye contact. Howl's eyes are a beautiful shade of denim blue, but there's something about them that don't look quite right - an effect of his beauty spells, perhaps? The low candlelight reflects off his irises in an unnatural way, as if they were lifeless glass marbles and not the eyes of a young, virile Wizard.
When it comes time to recite vows, Howl's grip on Viren's hands tightens. ]
I vow to respect you, your power, and your wisdom. I shall call upon you for protection and companionship and answer your calls for the same. In pursuit of a mutually beneficial Bond, let us come together tonight and certify our intention to make this commitment.
[ despite having participated in other bonding ceremonies no less than five other times, viren's eyes round with surprise at howl's words; he almost appears taken aback at how they're exactly the sort that he likes to hear. he feels foolishly sentimental for that. —that he notices something is just minutely off about howl's superficial appearance is barely a distraction, but it's a distraction nonetheless. he likes to think himself skilled for recognizing magic, and the effects thereof, when he sees it. yet howl looks as if he could be crafted from unblemished porcelain - beautiful, if in an eerie way. ]
[ his expression briefly indeterminable, he casts his sights downward for but a moment, to their joined hands. he gives howl's hands a return squeeze. when howl's finishes his last syllable, bond, he lifts his gaze to meet the witch's (his witch's, now?) eyes again. ]
[ his voice is strong, and steady, though also brimming with determined emotion - he speaks with a sort of practiced confidence, ]
... And I, Viren, vow to you my strength, that I should stand by you where others may not. I give to you my power, and my loyalty, and ask that you would return the same. I will do my utmost in both supporting you and upholding this Bond.
[ he swallows; these are certainly strong promises, but ones that are not made without genuine intent to keep them, however he may. he doesn't doubt that he can - only the lingering doubt, that as they've come together so soon, that they may not agree on what's important, as has occurred with so many others before. ]
[ but they'll cross that bridge when it comes to it. ]
[ Once Viren is done, the Haven With continues with the Bonding spell, reciting the second half of the incantation from his book. The link doesn't materialize in Howl's mind suddenly, out of nowhere. Rather, it dawns on him, like a realization. As he feels the warm sensation of magic passing from his hands into Viren's, it's impossible not to notice the strong emotion toiling within his new Bonded's heart. Although, at such an early point, and in these circumstances, he can't sort one emotion from another.
Still. Viren is that type, then - guarded. Controlled. Practiced on the outside, active within. Not unlike Howl, although Howl is also very different on both fronts at the same time. He stares into the Dragon's eyes curiously, wondering what he could be picking up from Howl's heartless soul and how he's reacting to it. Little does Howl know, of course, that Viren might quickly notice something is very strange about this new Bond: Howl's emotions are muffled and muted for someone so flamboyant and expressive on the outside.
The Witch finishes and Howl curtly releases Viren's hands with an excited smile. Leaving Viren at the circle drawn on the floor, he turns to the Witch, hands him a sizeable sum in cunes, and sees him to the door, thanking him profusely for the late night house call and showering him with networking platitudes. The Witch takes his spellbook with him, but the filled vial on the tea table is still there. ]
[ Friday nights in the Entertainment District are crowded and continue to be lively into the early morning hours. Just after 2:00 a.m., Howl exits Pendragon's and extinguishes the lanterns on either side of the entryway, signaling the shop's closure.
Knowing that Irhya has to turn the corner from the main road to walk to Pendragon's, he decides to wait for her at the corner beneath the streetlamps. The Wizard is known for being manicured and fashionable, but even by his standards, he is exceptionally well-groomed for this evening. With the help of magic he turned his favorite suit to a luscious shade of crimson, leaving its original gray color as an accent at the hems and fastenings only. His golden hair is smooth and silky, and his skin as youthful and unblemished as it always is after a fresh recasting of enchantments. As usual, there isn't much he could do to make his eyes look less glassy and marble-like, but he took this occasion seriously enough that he did give it another try.
Knowing he's to spend time with a Vampire tonight, Howl made one adjustment to his usual fragrance of hyacinths and sandalwood by adding the tiniest hint of fresh blood to the mix of scents. It seems to have worked, he muses to himself, when he notices a few Vampires and Turnskins glance curiously in his direction as he waits. ]
[The very first thing Irhya thinks, assailed with the tantalizing, coppery scent of blood, is that he really, really wants to be bitten tonight.
Actually, she looks positively floored as she comes around the corner and catches him under the streetlight, because that is the furthest thing from what she'd been expecting. Apparently he's the type to go all out, which almost makes her feel like she didn't go far enough, herself. But nothing's out of the ordinary with her, so... maybe it's okay?]
Uh--
[A few blinks, and then she squints at him.]
You're gonna draw more than just my attention with that, you know.
[ Howl brightens as soon as Irhya appears from around the corner. He's even more pleased with the starstruck look on her face, and before he's responding to her, he swiftly steps to her side and offers his arm. ]
With what? My charming personality? [ Or maybe his five star smile, which he's demonstrating for her right now! ] Good evening, Irhya. You look lovely tonight. We've an appointment at the Haven at 2:15, so let's be on our way.
[Ohhhh, he's going to get it later. She'll remember, assuming the scent doesn't drive her crazy by the end of the night. Even so, she ducks her head and accepts his arm with a sigh.]
Fifteen minutes? Boy, you don't waste any time, do you.
[ With Irhya on his arm, Howl leads her down the street at a relaxed pace, but it should quickly become apparent that with each footstep, they move a much greater distance than normal - at least three times more than their stride should be taking them. Howl makes no comment on this whatsoever, only acknowledging it insofar as he keeps them from walking into others on the sidewalk. ]
Can you blame me? This is a special night. [ He shrugs with his opposite shoulder and throws up his hand in a carefree gesture. ] A new Bond, my first time experiencing the world of Vampires, and most importantly, a night out with a beautiful woman.
[Irhya rolls her eyes, but she can't help but smile anyway.]
Hah, I've heard that one before. Some people are just really into the paraphilia.
[What is it that they love about vampires, anyway? The dark romance factor? The potential danger? Being controlled and used by a creature of the night? Well, it feeds her more often than not, so she's willing to play into it. Maybe he's just intrigued by the same factors, even if he isn't your average layman.]
Talk about dramatic. But I guess you're right that it is special, since we just get along so well. Right?
[ Howl gives her a sidelong glance, a smile playing on his lips. ]
Do we?
[ Howl had his own meaning and intent behind his use of the word "special", but it's much more interesting to him what Irhya thinks makes this night special. As they continue to walk, the gaudy lights and busy sidewalks of the Entertainment District transition into the dark, empty neighborhoods surrounding the Coven, and with the extra space, their footsteps start to move them even farther and faster. ]
You must be enjoying yourself already to say that.
[...Damn, he's good. It has been a while, though, now that he mentions it. It's not like she has a list of people to just call up and drag out to have fun these days, and they come and go so frequently that it's hard to maintain it, besides.]
I guess. I... will admit you're pretty smooth. To talk to, at least.
[A slanted glance at him. That part at the end is tacked on quickly when she realizes what kind of message that could send.]
...And whatever spell you're using to shorten the walk is very handy, if I may say so.
[ Handy indeed; as their conversation continues the front gate of the Coven has come into view down the street. ]
The perks of Bonding with a talented Witch. [ With a wink, Howl faces forward and focuses on the trip to their appointment, choosing to accept her compliments gracefully and without comment. It does, of course, please him greatly to know that she already feels that way. The evening is going swimmingly.
When they reach the agreed-upon meeting room, a Haven Witch is waiting for them, with a intricate circle already drawn on the floor and surrounded by sweet-smelling candles. Howl holds the door for her and eagerly steps forward to the circle, beckoning her to follow. ]
[ Why Crowley wanted to meet somewhere as public as a bakery, Howl can't fathom. Crowley knows how sensitive the topic of Howl's curse is, he'd been reminded twice during their conversation over text, and Crowley has his own secret to keep aside from Howl's. At least the atmosphere inside is pleasant and inviting, Howl thinks to himself, as he lingers near the front door and looks around. He doesn't see Crowley. It smells very good in here. If his plea for help is going to be rejected, at least he'll be able to enjoy a good pastry before sulking home.
After ordering a coffee, the Wizard retreats to the most secluded table he can find and takes a seat, leaving his coat on. This demon probably won't appreciate how remarkable it is for Howl to have arrived not only on time, but slightly early. But will Crowley even show up? All he can do is wait, hopefully not for long, one boot tapping on the floor. ]
[ Everyone knows that shady meetings have two optional modes:
One is in a dark alleyway, the other is in a public place for safety purposes where everyone talks in incomprehensible code. Crowley is assuming this will be the latter, but he's not particularly keen on it. This all runs dangerously close to things he's been avoiding.
Still, the lingering concept of Azirpahale's wrath on finding out he's refused someone who wanted help (especially someone offering to pay) is enough that Crowley does turn up.
He's a little late, it's never good to look eager, and he's adjust his appearance just a little -- longer hair, sunglasses on, dressed with the casual glamour of someone cool and disinterested in lesser activities.
Howl is already there, and Crowley shoots him a mildly surprised look. ]
You're keen.
[ First strategy of negotiation, always uninterested. He knows Howl needs his help more than Crowley needs something from him, but doesn't hurt to underline that position. He crosses to the counter, unfastening his long coat and ordering a cup of tea. He doesn't want a cup of tea, but he does just want to waste time. A white haired man at the counter gives him a peculiar look, but Crowley doesn't seem to pay it much attention. He comes over with the cup, slides into a chair casually and lofts an eyebrow at Howl. ]
So. Your problem, related to my expertise. Related, I assume, also to your previously stated problem that we don't discuss.
[ This nonsense string of words is probably a good indicate of how this whole thing will continue. ]
[ Howl stares emotionlessly, sitting back in his own chair, as Crowley takes a seat. The collar of his coat is pulled up high around his face, and he left his bangs to hang loose and unstyled today. Between his slouch and his defensive appearance, his eyes and cheeks are cast in shadow, giving him a moody look that could've come straight from an early 2000's album cover. ]
Yes, my problem. My - [ pause. he hadn't actually thought of a codeword before getting here, but one is probably needed, isn't it. ] My tenant.
[ ...a more on-the-nose codeword than may be necessary. Whatever. ]
I'm here, Mirrorbound, and he isn't. And although he isn't here, and neither is my property, I want to break our lease regardless. How can I do it?
[ Tenant! That's a good one. Crowley brightens at the word, looking momentarily delighted at the choice, then frowns in thought at the follow up question.
He picks up his tea, leaning back in his seat and scrunching up his face. Honestly, he's a little surprise the contract didn't break when Howl arrived here. Since all Crowley's natural magic was nullified, he'd have expected whatever bound Howl to have been too.
Still. Hmmm. ]
Suppose that depends on the actual lease -- the wording of it, way it was set up and so on.
[ Crowley is assuming a proper contract, with fine print and loopholes. Paperwork done by demons is, after all, usually hellish. ]
[ Howl looks down at the table, thinking back to that day, months ago, when first met Crowley. How much had he learned that day about the contract and the curse built into it? Enough for Howl to talk to him about it, obviously, but Howl suspected that a listener didn't need to know every detail about his contract with Calcifer for the curse preventing him from telling others about it to be lifted with regard to that person.
First things first, though. He looks back up to Crowley, frowning. ]
You're not going to suggest we simply put our heads together, adhere to its terms, and figure it out from there, are you? Because any fool can come up with that. I'm hoping for a more creative, educated solution.
[ Howl covers his forehead with one hand. Oh, this isn't going to work...! Nothing's ever worked. With a deep sigh, he continues, but he feels like a fool already. ]
...It happened when I was ten. I managed to catch him during a star shower. [ pause. ah, right. ] We talked about this before, but - leases, I guess they don't work exactly they do in your world. Because I'd caught him, he had to make a deal with me. I could drop him if I really wanted to. Not that I was going to, you know... I felt sorry for him. I'd read about falling stars, and I felt sorry for all of them.
[ Howl waves his other hand in the air dismissively in response to his remark. Crowley's right, and yes, yes, he's in the process of explaining. But it's encouraging to know that they're on the same page as far as breaking this thing goes. ]
He said I had to give him something of mine if he were to keep living after I let him go. The more valuable my payment to him, the more I received in return. And I knew from what I'd read that after that, nobody'd be able to compete with our... [ uhh. how the hell is he going to put this in a way that works with the codeword metaphor. ] ...combined qualifications? For... tenure?
[ Okay, so the metaphor isn't perfect. Sue him. Hopefully Crowley gets it. ]
So, in my boyish wisdom, I gave him... hm. [ He doesn't complete the sentence. Didn't Crowley hear this part before? Does he have to say it again...? No appropriate euphemism comes to mind. After a second, he lifts his head and looks around the bakery. Nobody is sitting particularly close to them, but Howl doesn't feel completely comfortable saying it aloud.
Looking Crowley directly in the eye, he brings one hand to his chest and taps the center of his sternum with one finger. Heart, he gave away his heart. Please tell him you remember this from last time, Crowley, assuming it came up in the first place. ]
[ Now some of these is familiar, at least. The higher the payment, the higher the return. Power is always tempting like that. ]
This a literal payment or more of a figurative debt? Because if you break this contract and that payment was literal, you'll want your deposit back. Pretty big deposit, pretty painful to lose it.
[ Plus, if the magic of the contract is keeping him going without it then... well, once it evaporates, if it doesn't return to him automatically it might get messy. ]
[ Crowley got it, thank the stars. Sort of - because the answer to his question is that it's both, literal and figurative. Leaning back against his chair again, Howl huffs. ]
That's the entire reason I want the contract broken. I'm tired.
[ Tired of living without a heart, tired of being without Calcifer, tired of the curse keeping him from talking to others about it all. He's been tired of it for a long time, so long that he'd become resigned to it, but having to endure it in Aefenglom by himself, without the fire demon carrying his heart close-by, made it harder than it'd ever been.
Not that he's in any hurry to open up and explain all that to Crowley. Howl cradles his cup of coffee in both hands, and his vaguely annoyed attitude dissipates into something more numb and empty. ]
It's hard, making the most of Bonds, here. Not so easy to think of my deficiency as an advantage anymore.
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for Viren
[ Howl ended his exchange with Viren with an invitation to come to Pendragon's that night after closing, at 2 AM, to forge a Bond. During business hours, he jots down his ideas for vows and occasionally ponders the significance of how swiftly the Dragon accepted Howl's proposition. It seemed somewhat unlike him, and while Howl can acknowledge that he hardly knows Viren yet, he still can't help but wonder.
In the minutes after the clocks strike two, the door to Pendragon's is unlocked as promised. The only light inside is a healthy fire is burning in the corner hearth, creating a dimly-lit yet warm and cozy atmosphere within the shop itself.
Howl is sitting at a tea table next to a window on the left side of the shop, opposite of the hearth. He's dressed down compared to usual public appearances, wearing only an oversized tunic sloppily tucked into his trousers, but his beauty enchantments were recently refreshed. A thick yellowed book is open on the tea table in front of him, along with two lit candles and a corked potion.
When he hears the door creak open, the Wizard sits up and glances over his shoulder. ]
You're so punctual. Welcome, come in.
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[ the dragon enters, perfectly neat in appearance and dressed to fit the occasion; his figure, along with the slope of his wings, cuts a striking silhouette against the fire. whether the fire had been considered as a result of his arrival or not, viren does appreciate that the witch would keep his dwelling heated. his gaze flicks toward howl at being beckoned, fangy mouth upturning in a brief smile. ]
Howl.
[ he acknowledges, somewhat unnecessarily, but with formality all the same. -- he supposes he should work on that, if they're to grow closer. ]
A pleasure to see you. Especially under these improved circumstances.
[ --wholly so for viren, anyway. he has yet to inquire about howl's lost bonded. ]
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"Improved" is an understatement if I've ever heard one! I kept it to myself earlier, but now I must be honest: the prospect of bonding with a Dragon as magnificent as yourself is incredibly exciting.
[ He looks Viren directly in the eye on exciting, the corners of his mouth turning upward impishly, and finally his outstretched hands find one of Viren's claws. He gently guides him towards the tea table. ]
If you've started having any doubts, please do tell me, of course. I have high hopes for this Bond, and I want it to be successful.
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I don't. Aside from eventually growing unaffected by your flattery.
[ --but spoken dryly, his expression basically conveying press x to doubt once he's able to get a sweeping look at the state of howl's attire. he won't remark upon it aloud, though - he's too weary of badgering his children over their untidiness without success. ]
[ let's be real though, he wouldn't tire of it, and the dragon would like it to be sincere in sentiment. so, that how he'll take it. compliments, they'll get you everywhere. ]
[ his gaze flicks to the witch, and back to howl, eyes then widening as he's taken by the hand and guided to the table. he's compliant enough to maneuver, nodding curt acknowledgement to the witch. that does prompt a thought, though, self-centered as he's been in terms of selecting bonding partners, and already spoken with an air of challenging skepticism: ]
Have you any?
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[ The judgmental look doesn't escape Howl's attention, but if he has any reaction to it, it doesn't show on his face. Perhaps there's not enough time for it to, as he coaxes Viren into place in the middle of the circle etched in chalk on the wooden floor beside the tea table. Howl takes a moment to check the placement of his own feet before looking up at the Witch, giving him a curt nod, and asking him to begin.
As the Haven Witch recites the Bonding spell, Howl holds Viren's hands gently but maintains intense eye contact. Howl's eyes are a beautiful shade of denim blue, but there's something about them that don't look quite right - an effect of his beauty spells, perhaps? The low candlelight reflects off his irises in an unnatural way, as if they were lifeless glass marbles and not the eyes of a young, virile Wizard.
When it comes time to recite vows, Howl's grip on Viren's hands tightens. ]
I vow to respect you, your power, and your wisdom. I shall call upon you for protection and companionship and answer your calls for the same. In pursuit of a mutually beneficial Bond, let us come together tonight and certify our intention to make this commitment.
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[ his expression briefly indeterminable, he casts his sights downward for but a moment, to their joined hands. he gives howl's hands a return squeeze. when howl's finishes his last syllable, bond, he lifts his gaze to meet the witch's (his witch's, now?) eyes again. ]
[ his voice is strong, and steady, though also brimming with determined emotion - he speaks with a sort of practiced confidence, ]
... And I, Viren, vow to you my strength, that I should stand by you where others may not. I give to you my power, and my loyalty, and ask that you would return the same. I will do my utmost in both supporting you and upholding this Bond.
[ he swallows; these are certainly strong promises, but ones that are not made without genuine intent to keep them, however he may. he doesn't doubt that he can - only the lingering doubt, that as they've come together so soon, that they may not agree on what's important, as has occurred with so many others before. ]
[ but they'll cross that bridge when it comes to it. ]
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Still. Viren is that type, then - guarded. Controlled. Practiced on the outside, active within. Not unlike Howl, although Howl is also very different on both fronts at the same time. He stares into the Dragon's eyes curiously, wondering what he could be picking up from Howl's heartless soul and how he's reacting to it. Little does Howl know, of course, that Viren might quickly notice something is very strange about this new Bond: Howl's emotions are muffled and muted for someone so flamboyant and expressive on the outside.
The Witch finishes and Howl curtly releases Viren's hands with an excited smile. Leaving Viren at the circle drawn on the floor, he turns to the Witch, hands him a sizeable sum in cunes, and sees him to the door, thanking him profusely for the late night house call and showering him with networking platitudes. The Witch takes his spellbook with him, but the filled vial on the tea table is still there. ]
for Irhya
[ Friday nights in the Entertainment District are crowded and continue to be lively into the early morning hours. Just after 2:00 a.m., Howl exits Pendragon's and extinguishes the lanterns on either side of the entryway, signaling the shop's closure.
Knowing that Irhya has to turn the corner from the main road to walk to Pendragon's, he decides to wait for her at the corner beneath the streetlamps. The Wizard is known for being manicured and fashionable, but even by his standards, he is exceptionally well-groomed for this evening. With the help of magic he turned his favorite suit to a luscious shade of crimson, leaving its original gray color as an accent at the hems and fastenings only. His golden hair is smooth and silky, and his skin as youthful and unblemished as it always is after a fresh recasting of enchantments. As usual, there isn't much he could do to make his eyes look less glassy and marble-like, but he took this occasion seriously enough that he did give it another try.
Knowing he's to spend time with a Vampire tonight, Howl made one adjustment to his usual fragrance of hyacinths and sandalwood by adding the tiniest hint of fresh blood to the mix of scents. It seems to have worked, he muses to himself, when he notices a few Vampires and Turnskins glance curiously in his direction as he waits. ]
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Actually, she looks positively floored as she comes around the corner and catches him under the streetlight, because that is the furthest thing from what she'd been expecting. Apparently he's the type to go all out, which almost makes her feel like she didn't go far enough, herself. But nothing's out of the ordinary with her, so... maybe it's okay?]
Uh--
[A few blinks, and then she squints at him.]
You're gonna draw more than just my attention with that, you know.
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With what? My charming personality? [ Or maybe his five star smile, which he's demonstrating for her right now! ] Good evening, Irhya. You look lovely tonight. We've an appointment at the Haven at 2:15, so let's be on our way.
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[Ohhhh, he's going to get it later. She'll remember, assuming the scent doesn't drive her crazy by the end of the night. Even so, she ducks her head and accepts his arm with a sigh.]
Fifteen minutes? Boy, you don't waste any time, do you.
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Can you blame me? This is a special night. [ He shrugs with his opposite shoulder and throws up his hand in a carefree gesture. ] A new Bond, my first time experiencing the world of Vampires, and most importantly, a night out with a beautiful woman.
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Hah, I've heard that one before. Some people are just really into the paraphilia.
[What is it that they love about vampires, anyway? The dark romance factor? The potential danger? Being controlled and used by a creature of the night? Well, it feeds her more often than not, so she's willing to play into it. Maybe he's just intrigued by the same factors, even if he isn't your average layman.]
Talk about dramatic. But I guess you're right that it is special, since we just get along so well. Right?
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Do we?
[ Howl had his own meaning and intent behind his use of the word "special", but it's much more interesting to him what Irhya thinks makes this night special. As they continue to walk, the gaudy lights and busy sidewalks of the Entertainment District transition into the dark, empty neighborhoods surrounding the Coven, and with the extra space, their footsteps start to move them even farther and faster. ]
You must be enjoying yourself already to say that.
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[...Damn, he's good. It has been a while, though, now that he mentions it. It's not like she has a list of people to just call up and drag out to have fun these days, and they come and go so frequently that it's hard to maintain it, besides.]
I guess. I... will admit you're pretty smooth. To talk to, at least.
[A slanted glance at him. That part at the end is tacked on quickly when she realizes what kind of message that could send.]
...And whatever spell you're using to shorten the walk is very handy, if I may say so.
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The perks of Bonding with a talented Witch. [ With a wink, Howl faces forward and focuses on the trip to their appointment, choosing to accept her compliments gracefully and without comment. It does, of course, please him greatly to know that she already feels that way. The evening is going swimmingly.
When they reach the agreed-upon meeting room, a Haven Witch is waiting for them, with a intricate circle already drawn on the floor and surrounded by sweet-smelling candles. Howl holds the door for her and eagerly steps forward to the circle, beckoning her to follow. ]
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for Crowley
After ordering a coffee, the Wizard retreats to the most secluded table he can find and takes a seat, leaving his coat on. This demon probably won't appreciate how remarkable it is for Howl to have arrived not only on time, but slightly early. But will Crowley even show up? All he can do is wait, hopefully not for long, one boot tapping on the floor. ]
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One is in a dark alleyway, the other is in a public place for safety purposes where everyone talks in incomprehensible code. Crowley is assuming this will be the latter, but he's not particularly keen on it. This all runs dangerously close to things he's been avoiding.
Still, the lingering concept of Azirpahale's wrath on finding out he's refused someone who wanted help (especially someone offering to pay) is enough that Crowley does turn up.
He's a little late, it's never good to look eager, and he's adjust his appearance just a little -- longer hair, sunglasses on, dressed with the casual glamour of someone cool and disinterested in lesser activities.
Howl is already there, and Crowley shoots him a mildly surprised look. ]
You're keen.
[ First strategy of negotiation, always uninterested. He knows Howl needs his help more than Crowley needs something from him, but doesn't hurt to underline that position. He crosses to the counter, unfastening his long coat and ordering a cup of tea. He doesn't want a cup of tea, but he does just want to waste time. A white haired man at the counter gives him a peculiar look, but Crowley doesn't seem to pay it much attention. He comes over with the cup, slides into a chair casually and lofts an eyebrow at Howl. ]
So. Your problem, related to my expertise. Related, I assume, also to your previously stated problem that we don't discuss.
[ This nonsense string of words is probably a good indicate of how this whole thing will continue. ]
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Yes, my problem. My - [ pause. he hadn't actually thought of a codeword before getting here, but one is probably needed, isn't it. ] My tenant.
[ ...a more on-the-nose codeword than may be necessary. Whatever. ]
I'm here, Mirrorbound, and he isn't. And although he isn't here, and neither is my property, I want to break our lease regardless. How can I do it?
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He picks up his tea, leaning back in his seat and scrunching up his face. Honestly, he's a little surprise the contract didn't break when Howl arrived here. Since all Crowley's natural magic was nullified, he'd have expected whatever bound Howl to have been too.
Still. Hmmm. ]
Suppose that depends on the actual lease -- the wording of it, way it was set up and so on.
[ Crowley is assuming a proper contract, with fine print and loopholes. Paperwork done by demons is, after all, usually hellish. ]
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First things first, though. He looks back up to Crowley, frowning. ]
You're not going to suggest we simply put our heads together, adhere to its terms, and figure it out from there, are you? Because any fool can come up with that. I'm hoping for a more creative, educated solution.
[ Howl covers his forehead with one hand. Oh, this isn't going to work...! Nothing's ever worked. With a deep sigh, he continues, but he feels like a fool already. ]
...It happened when I was ten. I managed to catch him during a star shower. [ pause. ah, right. ] We talked about this before, but - leases, I guess they don't work exactly they do in your world. Because I'd caught him, he had to make a deal with me. I could drop him if I really wanted to. Not that I was going to, you know... I felt sorry for him. I'd read about falling stars, and I felt sorry for all of them.
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Crowley has never adhered to the terms of anything in his life.
Instead, he says: ]
In my experience, to break something you need to know how it works first.
[ Just saying. ]
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He said I had to give him something of mine if he were to keep living after I let him go. The more valuable my payment to him, the more I received in return. And I knew from what I'd read that after that, nobody'd be able to compete with our... [ uhh. how the hell is he going to put this in a way that works with the codeword metaphor. ] ...combined qualifications? For... tenure?
[ Okay, so the metaphor isn't perfect. Sue him. Hopefully Crowley gets it. ]
So, in my boyish wisdom, I gave him... hm. [ He doesn't complete the sentence. Didn't Crowley hear this part before? Does he have to say it again...? No appropriate euphemism comes to mind. After a second, he lifts his head and looks around the bakery. Nobody is sitting particularly close to them, but Howl doesn't feel completely comfortable saying it aloud.
Looking Crowley directly in the eye, he brings one hand to his chest and taps the center of his sternum with one finger. Heart, he gave away his heart. Please tell him you remember this from last time, Crowley, assuming it came up in the first place. ]
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This a literal payment or more of a figurative debt? Because if you break this contract and that payment was literal, you'll want your deposit back. Pretty big deposit, pretty painful to lose it.
[ Plus, if the magic of the contract is keeping him going without it then... well, once it evaporates, if it doesn't return to him automatically it might get messy. ]
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That's the entire reason I want the contract broken. I'm tired.
[ Tired of living without a heart, tired of being without Calcifer, tired of the curse keeping him from talking to others about it all. He's been tired of it for a long time, so long that he'd become resigned to it, but having to endure it in Aefenglom by himself, without the fire demon carrying his heart close-by, made it harder than it'd ever been.
Not that he's in any hurry to open up and explain all that to Crowley. Howl cradles his cup of coffee in both hands, and his vaguely annoyed attitude dissipates into something more numb and empty. ]
It's hard, making the most of Bonds, here. Not so easy to think of my deficiency as an advantage anymore.
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