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[formidable]

Private AU/PSL RP, set anywhere from 1879 alternate history France to 21st century North America. A tale of two brothers and the witch and her golem who gets entangled in their lives. Urban fantasy, steampunk, magic, guns, and coffee collide. ➤ PART I ➢ "La Caravane".

Comments

[effet]

Sometimes? When I sneak out, I do. It's easier to do that without all the pomp and frills of having a last name and things like that, you know?

It's not all that bad. It's not an inconvenience— I talk to plenty of people.

[infusion]

Well, you're definitely good at it.

[HAIR RUFFLING FOR THAT before setting her hand down. Well, also Iona likes Gus's hair, it's ripe for fluffings.]

Anyways, about that ball. Is there a certain occasion being celebrated or is it just the keeping up of appearances?

[effet]

[ Ghhhh!!! He's not a kid but the hair ruffling is nice... he tells himself that this is just temporary, before he can turn into the True Seme (TM). Let the guy dream. ]

Mostly just a mandatory meeting disguised as a ball. People say hi to the old man, pretend not to talk politics, and generally find an excuse to drink champagne and look like we all like each other.

[infusion]

Sounds like it's hard to have fun with an atmosphere like that, unless "The Sun of Montmartre," is an actual thing for you.

[NO IT'S NOT IONA]

... Also I don't have to talk to your dad right?

[effet]

Eh, I manage. It's not too hard.

[ His expression sours just a little. ]

But no, you won't have to talk to him. He probably won't try to, not voluntarily.

[infusion]

[The sour expression shouldn't have surprised her given Gus's personality and Claude's avoidance of mentioning their father to begin with. Iona has to admit, there's something a little painful about it though, but she's got enough self-awareness to know when she's in danger of projecting.

So she simply replies with her trademark cheerfulness.]

Well, whether anyone likes it or not, we're going to have fun and look great doing it. That sound ideal?

[effet]

[ It's better that way, honestly— being positive about it, even if looking away from the root of the problem isn't beneficial in the long run. He grins, though, finishes off his coffee. ]

I'm fine with that! Especially the looking good part.

[infusion]

Just give me the date and time and Oren and I will both wait for you to pick us up!

[With that, she also has another inquiry...]

Oh, how's Claude by the way? When we escorted him home, there was way too many shady guys trying to look for him.

[effet]

It's in a week! So you have time to get ready, and I can always get you another dress or two?

[ !!! who cares about anything else when Iona is saying that she'll indulge him... but oh, yes. Claude!! ]

Claude's alright, I think? No one's said anything about him being dead, so that's a good sign.

[ GUS?? ]

[oren]

[As Iona's about to make a remark, Oren returns to gather the gifts from Gus, including the dress.]

I choose colors.

[OREN]

[effet]

Don't micromanage!

[ A warning that he feels he needs to make... ]

[oren]

[guess what asshole, this asshole reaches into his pocket with two swatches already prepared.]

These. If nothing suitable, I choose.

[effet]

Don't you think you should, you know... let Iona choose...?!

[ WHY IS OREN SO PREPARED ALWAYS ]

1/2

[oren]

[Ignoring and taking out this color swatch]

This one. Preferable. Prioritize.

[infusion]

Oh, yeah, cream white! That might be best, since the brighter colors might be too garish for a ball!

[well, oren knows iona's taste for one thing so she's not being disagreeable here...]

[effet]

Like a wedding dress...

[ DON'T RUIN IT, GUS... ]

[oren]

Rejection.

[effet]

Yeah, yeah. Mother hen isn't ready to have her chick leave the roost.

[infusion]

So, we'll see you in a week then? For sure right? You better not get beat up halfway or else I'll be all made up for nothing.

[effet]

...

[ A LONG...PAUSE HERE. ]

I...can try not to fall off roofs?! Or get beaten up, but.

N...o promises.

[ GUS... ]

[infusion]

... Wait here.

[Iona stands up to walk over to the door, leading to her apartment. She's gone for a few minutes, but returns and holding out a dark striped pendant.]

Berna made this. It's charmed and it's supposed to give the wearer protection.

[effet]

[ !!! WHOA, a real life witch charm...! This is exciting. ]

Wow, really? Is it going to give me 50 years of good luck?!

[infusion]

[SNORT.]

I think a week's already pushing it. Magicked luck isn't cheap.

[effet]

Well, I can deal with a week. As long as I get to see you in a ballgown!

[ His thirst is so real.

And now he's craning his neck forward, like a literal dog waiting for a collar to go around his neck. ]

Put it on for me?

[infusion]

[Iona proceeds to put the chain over his head and around his neck, adjusting the pendant so it sits squarely in the middle.]

There. That should give you less scars and bruises for the week.