|
|
Post by Hermes Xanatos on Dec 11, 2014 16:13:41 GMT
Hermes normally was as a bold as a two patterned Hawaiian Leisure suit. However in ligh of his recent trip to the coast and hasty retreat he was feeling a little less so. He had been successful but in the process he’d lost an actual friend. Magda had been in a loyal and true friend through all of the ups and downs in his life which is why he stayed as far from her as possible. Sadly she hadn’t heeded his words or taken the apparent curse on his blood seriously. As such she was now a pile of ashes being shipped to his Chicago office care of FedEx. It was a little macabre that he was her only family so to speak. At least the only one she felt would do everything to watch over her in the next world. She had expressly forbid anyone from burying her. She knew the necromantic energies in her being could have disastrous effect and didn’t want to risk others eternal rests. She’d always been more caring than the world deserved.
Needless to say Hermes sat out not for home but the last place he’d had a fall down good time. He was hoping to lift his spirits. Or at least drown away his sorrows. He hoped. Which was a rarity for him. He knew that hope was a suckers game yet he found himself looking forward to a nice bit of absinthe and a loose woman or three. It wasn’t that he was a lech well he was but that was another separate issue. He wanted nothing more than to simply forget himself for a spell. The world could wait. As such he found himself sniffing out a particularly hardy lycanthrope to have a drink and a chat with while he soused himself into oblivion.
He could have used a spell tried some esoteric means of tracking the man down. Instead of open that bag of Pandora’s he simply trusted on the world being small enough that if one looked really looked for a thing it would appear. It was a novel idea as he stayed clear of the usual haunts and simply decided to have a burger, fry, and a shake that was made by hand. Sitting in the booth he polished off a quarter of his meal seemingly in one breath. Forcing himself to slow down he read the menu again wondering if the pies really were handmade.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 12, 2014 1:38:41 GMT
Tiber decided to spend the rest of the day walking about the city. He had just saw three patients back to back, he connected with the soldiers. Speaking with them about what troubles they were having. Since he was just starting his practice in New Orleans he had to allow the organic process to blossom. The first few sessions were the feeling out process. they had to begin to trust him and trust that he could and would help them. Being an Ex-soldier help tremendously in breaking the ice, but more was needed. and that was the first few meetings. it took time before the men and women would relax enough to allow him in.
The sun had went down, but he did not care. it was not as if he had to worry about thieves or other night beings. as a Rex he did not worry about any of his Kin coming to him, and if they did it was fine as he knew that lions were in New Orleans just that they worked in the shadows. He was cautious taking in the scents as he went but not looking around expecting anything to happen. The patients had drained his emotional reserves, but he wanted to walk his mind back to peacefulness. As he walked he thought of Chidera, but he wanted to give her space, besides he needed to get back to equilibrium before dealing with anyone in any meaningful way.
His stomach or something else lead him to forage for food on the mean streets. Walking into the building he could smell magic. It only took a moment to figure out that Hermes was somewhere in the restaurant, he just needed to sniff him out.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hermes Xanatos on Dec 15, 2014 4:13:49 GMT
Hermes looked towards the door as a dark skinned modelesque beauty bounced out attempting to catch up to the lunk headed meat wall she’d been chatting with. Just as she passed the door way in walked Tibs. Hermes smiled at the seeming magic of it all. Yes he dabbled with the forces of the world and yes he was one of the few who specialized in none but kept his will bent towards several corners all at once. Even so he could appreciate the magic of seeing a friendly face appear out of the blue. He had so few living friends that even a cordial acquaintance such as Tibs was a sight for sore eyes. He was so enjoying the moment smiling like a fool that he didn’t watch his metaphysical senses and brushed against the mans animal aura. It was dimmed yet hardier and he knew right off that he had gone through with joining his vampire lover. That dimmed the smile on his face but somehow made him happier. Tibs was pursuing his version of joy willing to bet his life on it.
The thought occurred to him to wave like a godawful fool that he felt but instead he caught the waitress and had her head to fetch the big man. He seemed to eat up the space and without meaning to made the other big men present stand straighter. It was amazing that even unable to really see the magic in his blood that they caught the edge of the predator in him and either moved to protect what they could or look for an out. He couldn’t help but find that amazingly resilient. It made him feel a little better about humankind. He knew he couldn’t feel any worse. Especially after his recent adventures. As much as he had heard about the west coast Vanderbilt he wasn’t prepared for the viciousness of the circles the man traveled in.
He thought of calling them animals but instead of putting down animalkind he simply called them bastards. As the waitress moved to the big man and pointed in Hermes direction he raised his pint glass in salute.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 16, 2014 4:27:09 GMT
As Tiber walked into the door the smell of magic and lycanthropy filled the air, he walked into the room a bit more a small woman waved him down. Tiber saw where she was indicating it was to Hermes who was sitting with a pint. the sight alone made him smile, Tiber knew he looked like a idiot but did not mind, he was worried about his friend. Hermes when to visit Vanderbilt although he was afraid for his friend, knowing that he was still alive was a huge weight off of his shoulders. Tiber waved as he walked over to Hermes.
"Hey bud, how was the trip?"
He had hoped that it was at least as beneficial as Hermes was hoping for. The look in eyes said something was very wrong, Tiber looked down at his seated friend, as he sat next to him. Tiber knew that going to San Diego was a bad idea. But he could only guess at how bad things had went. Tiber would not pry but he had hoped that he was just misreading his friend and things went like clockwork. the only problem was that he knew Vanderbilt, while he would have loved to see him floating face down in the swamp, he knew that as long as he was alive nothing good would come from interacting with him he was a cancer on the face of the earth. but he was a powerful man in SD and could do things that no one else could get away with.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hermes Xanatos on Dec 21, 2014 8:10:09 GMT
Hermes hid the lump that formed in his throat by hurriedly taking a swig of his glass. The liquid inside which had previously been surprisingly good took on the taste of his emotions when thinking about San Diego. His pint was still pleasantly cool yet it tasted warm and bitter. He knew it would be his last time out to the coast or at least San Diego for quite some time. Forcing himself to hold onto the joy of Tibs good humor he smirked over the rim of his glass.
"There was fun, there was sun, there was death; All the benchmarks of a great working vacation…"
He wouldn’t lie but he hoped for a glib dissemination. If he could gloss over things he wouldn’t have to relive anything nor meditate on his own hubris that helped the curse in his blood to take one of his dearest, oldest friends. He considered why he’d chosen to commiserate with the big lycanthrope. Part of him knew it was because it was extraordinarily hard to remove a lycanthrope from the mortal coil. It was selfish but he hoped that Tibs would be just hard enough to kill that he could actually become a friend. A person of note that in his life that wouldn’t need to be kept at the furthest reaches of time and distance so that Hermes wouldn’t wreak havoc in and cause the end of his life.
Yes it was a selfish thought but Hermes was nothing if not mortal.
Taking a moment he looked Tibs over. “Hmm, so how is married life treating you? I’d say well but I am guessing you two are still in the honeymoon phase.” He joked as a way to deflect though he was in fact curious as to how things were going for the large man.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Dec 24, 2014 13:31:37 GMT
Tiber could read something in the man's eyes it was deep emotion but Tiber looked away quickly ordering drinks. Tiber would not pry into the man's life if the ma thought him worthy or the burden was too much to bear than Tiber would share the weight of it but it was not something that Tiber would force his way into. his size would not allow him to force his way into his friends trust.
"Looks like that one went flat let's get you a fresh one."
as he waited for the drinks he slide into his seat. Tiber could feel that something was not quite right with the trip. As he nodded as Hermes talked he started piecing together, anytime the pride of San Diego was involved death and misery had followed. Tiber looked over at the waitress, to hasten her step. once the drinks had came he asked for a water back.
"Well the joining did go by fine now we are just learning more about each other. It's an...adjustment but so far nothing that we can't handle."
there was so much more to it, but he did not see the need to go into more detail. Tiber was happy that he was with Chidera . He actually could not imagine what life would be like without her, but until Hermes had the chance to meet her, and whatever caused that sadness is fixed, he wanted to keep things open.
"Perhaps one day you could meet her. then you can see for yourself. "
as the drinks were delivered Tiber decided to run a tab they could use a bit of unwinding. and a few drinks would help tremendously. Besides he hadn't saw his friend in at least two weeks and it just seemed right to have a drink.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hermes Xanatos on Jan 13, 2015 3:13:59 GMT
Hermes nodded that he was listening not trusting hi tongue to not betray his aura of cool he was trying to keep alive. Yes he was bothered by his last trip but the fact Tibs could see through him so clearly along with his politeness was definitely winning Hermes over.
"That it is friend of mine. Definitely it is."
Hermes allowed the moment to carry over a second longer as the waitress brought over the order. Once she left he fell into the easy silence of camaraderie that he had been looking for when he chose MSY over ORD out of SAN. He had chosen on a whim knowing that sometimes to move forward one had to move back a step or two.
"I wish you the best of luck with your spiritual nuptials. Marriage of any sort hasn’t been in the cards for me, not with my luck at least. Though I’ve always thought the idea nice enough for those that can hack it… Speaking of hack my friend how was your day you look like you could use a pint and a convo almost as much as me."
Smooth he thought of his segue. In truth he just hoped Tibs would pick up on the less than subtle steering as he could use some happiness even if just by proxy.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 14, 2015 2:50:25 GMT
Taking direction even if it was unconsciously was a strong suit of Tiber, although his friend was being about as subtly as a flaming brick he read the situation and treaded as carefully as he needed around the trip which seemed to cause his friend some pain, So he would do what a friend did be there as needed.
“The joining will be what it is, like any relationship I expected good and I expect bad. As long as the good outweigh the bad and I can look myself in the mirror things will be fine.”
Tiber paused as he took a long swig of his beer. He wondered how to phrase the next thought as he knew that Hermes would understand what he meant, however the ears that may be listening if and when they relay the information it could be misunderstood if his phrasing was off. So he took the time to consider how best to say it so that when it was relayed it was most straight forward he could be.
“Although I have to go see the Master soon. Because of how things unfolded I never made it to see him and do the whole present and be accepted, the last thing I needed was for his to take offense especially since I am with his second or perhaps third in command. Besides he helped get my house whipped into shape. ”
Satisfied that he said it in a way that could not be miscommunicated, Tiber took another long swig of his beer. He scanned the room looking for something to brighten his friends mood but nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary with the crowd, although he saw a lion that he had not known but he figured when the time came he would get to know them at the appointed time.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hermes Xanatos on Jan 14, 2015 6:00:09 GMT
Hermes smiled as Tibs caught on and went with the moment. He gladly appreciated Tibs understanding eh couldn’t know whether it was those vaunted heightened senses or his training as a counselor or some homogenous blend of the two. He didn’t know nor care he was merely thankfully appreciative. Falling into the spirit of camaraderie he began to prattle like a school boy.
“I’ve never met him; but I hear he is a real hoot and a half if your thing is bumping and grinding. Which mine is of course; mind you I don’t move in those circles but I so would if I could.”
As he watched Tibs scan the room he unconsciously did the same. His imagination took off running as he glimpsed seconds in the future of each person he locked on. He kept form looking directly at Tibs as he was almost afraid to see if he would be able to glimpse the next few seconds. If he would be able to it would mean that Tibs was not the friend he hoped. If he wasn’t able to it would mean that he was and he had forces working against the continued thread of his life. He wasn’t ready to know which way fate was blowing.
“All the same that is mighty chummy. I guess it goes to say that you don’t have a flypaper shack over in Mid-City. I was thinking of finding a flat down here instead of always getting a suite at the Inn on Bourbon. By the way thanks for getting me home our last night out. I was really glad to not wake up in Louis Armstrong freezing my ass off beneath Satchmo’s Monument. I can tell you that I have done that far too often in the last few years. I think I have turned that into one of my many stages of grief.”
Raising his finger to catch the waitresses attention he signaled a reload even as he was only midway through his beer. He knew while he would lag a bit tonight that Tibs with his infection would be more than ready for a refill. Of course a drunken lycanthrope wasn’t his idea of a definite fun time but who knew it could actually be a trip to experience.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 17, 2015 4:49:19 GMT
Tiber smiled as Hermes talked about the debauchery of the master of the city. Remembering the look and the mannerisms of Gates he could see it. the thought of what Chidera was and is like when he is not there rasied and eyebrow. As everyone knows like attracts like, except in the case of love affairs in those cases anything could go as some of the greatest love affairs were from complete opposites.
"Well if a grand ball of supernaturals are there and I get to bring a plus one you are definately on the docket. I would need someone to drink with while Chidera was busy doing whatever the master of the city wanted. "
Tiber could see the two of them drinking while a whole bunch of vampy things were happening in the hall. Perhaps Hermes having a one day'er with one of the other women that was under Gates employ. It would be weird and yet he could still see it. The thought of it brought amusement to his eyes, he was positive that his had a big grin on his face. He was busy gently biting on his bottom lip so he would not break into a full laugh at his thoughts.
"You definitely should get a place to stay down here. hell if you wanted to crash at my pad instead of that hotel you know you are more than welcome. "
Taking the final droplets of beer from his glass, Tibs chased it down with the shot that he ordered. getting the reloaded beer, smiling his thanks to the waitress. He took a drink and smiled at his friend. Tibs could feel the slightly woozy enjoyment of inebriation but his hyper metabolism made short work of the feeling before he could come close to enjoying it. Letting out a sigh he looked back over to his friend and took another swig.
|
|
|
|
Post by Hermes Xanatos on Jan 21, 2015 20:12:04 GMT
Hermes nearly did a spit take at Tibers jest. He knew that vampires had bacchanals but he could just see the two of them carousing it up as the vampires in the city did their thing all around them. It was an image that he found extremely humorous and all too worth the price of admission. Yes if he had the opportunity he definitely would attend. He was sure that it would be a show that shouldn’t be missed. He could only imagine what the vampires would think as the two of them drank Hermes weight in fine aged hooch. He was sure the vampires knew where to find the best absinthe. None of the swill they served during Mardi gras to the drowned tourist who came to dance at Morrison’s grave or get spooked by the shadows at the corner of their parties.
"That would be a party I wouldn’t pass up even if my face was on fire."
Hermes didn’t bother suppressing the shudder or the laugh that came naturally with the thought of his choice of words. It was a doozy of an image and one he knew was only partially due to the alcohol slowly working through his system. He was sure it was due more the company he was keeping and the good natured camaraderie that came so easily.
"I really had been considering a place. Though taking a room with you doesn’t seem a bad idea. At least I know I wouldn’t have to deal with unwanted vamp business. The holder of my lease in Chicago has changed though the terms have gotten better I suppose. The holding company is letting my initial deposit count towards the balance on the lease. Between that windfall and my last two jobs I have about six months of vacation lined up. That is of course if I only keep my expenses from increasing too much. Which I can’t promise. Especially with my new drinking buddy,” With that he clapped Tibs on his shoulder.
“Speaking of work what would you say to taking a job with me so long as we both agree the west coast is off the radar. I could always use another consultant and,” Looking away Hermes lowered his voice saying, “strong man, bruiser,” looking back as he reupped his own drink with a shot to match. “All around chum and drinking buddy.”
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Jan 22, 2015 3:27:36 GMT
Tibs could see the weight of whatever it was melt from Hermes, that in and of itself was enough to make him smile. If tibs could lessen the weight the held a friend down than he can say that he made a positive change in the world and in the end that was the only thing of important in this world making a positive change in those he cared for. Tibs had to remind himself when he saw Gates or Chidera he would have to get secure himself a plus one for the next gala.
“Well you know once I see him I would be a recognized member of his court so I would be expected to be there and you would most definitely be my party buddy.”
What he didn’t say was that he would be the fulcrum that kept him from sliding from human to monster. As being the only recognized Rex of Louisiana Pride, he ran the risk of losing that undefinable “it” that kept him human. As he spent more and more time around the monsters.
“I will be glad to hang out on two conditions, One you make sure that I you make sure to pull me aside if the beast is out more than the man. And two, we make sure to have a bit of fun from time to time. As You know I have to do the present my self to the master if we stay in a place longer than 2 weeks.”
Hanging out with Hermes allowed him to keep an eye on his friends to make sure he stayed at lease even keeled. As whatever it was that hurt him caused a lot of internal pain, Tibs left the unspoken to lie between the two of them.
“And the west coast is always off limits.”
|
|
|
|
Post by Delaine Astin Vincent on Feb 1, 2015 2:52:33 GMT
Witches weren’t specifically preternatural as nearly every human had the potential to cast a spell. Even if only by accident. Sadly, the rest of the world didn’t always think so. As the call came across the wire Del sighed. He hated dealing with Miss Amerie especially as even sober she was a pill. Drunk she was a as belligerent as a bear with burr caught in its fur. She was careful to skirt anything directly illegal but she was a nuisance that was better dealt with by a practiced hand. He was not nor had he ever trucked with such things so he needed help. Sadly, the witches in the unit were on loan to San Diego due to the death of a locally known bigwig in the magic world.
It was just his luck he thought as he made his way through the quarter when he spotted Xanatos. He was with the new PTSD counsellor at the VA. The one thing many didn’t realize was the strong tradition of sending NOLA boys off to war. As such anyone who tried helping with ‘soldiers heart’ was a big deal. Moving into the bar he leaned on their table a good old boy smile in place. “Xanatos tell me you ain’t as drunk as normal, please. I could use your know how to brig Miss Amerie down from her roost without having my uni’s walking into spiderwebs for the next month.” Nodding he greeted the big man next to him. “Doctor…”
|
|
|
|
Post by Hermes Xanatos on Feb 1, 2015 3:19:25 GMT
Hermes nodded as Tibs spoke. He glanced towards the door a second before the tall rail thin RPIT lieutenant walked through. ‘Oh’ he thought, ‘We’re in that timeframe.’ He knew Miss Amerie was up to no good as usual but she for the most part was harmless. Years ago he’d countered her actions so severely her connection to the power of the world was permanently fractured. She could still manage a few things here and there but nothing on the level that she once was able to tap into. He’d told her then that there were worse fates than death. She didn’t believe him then but he was sure that now she had come to understand his statements.
“Ixnay on the ourtkay talk.” He joked mainly as he knew Tibs wouldn’t say anything in front of someone he didn’t know. Hermes had gotten the feel that the man was by and large a private person and he took great pleasure in being inside the mans wall of personal. As the lieutenant began speaking Hermes looked to Tibs shrugging off the drunk as usual comment. Yes he was tipsy but he wasn’t as big a drunk as Miss Amerie or her coterie of broken witches. As she had been selfish enough to tie each of her coven to her when he damned up her connection to the power of world he’d stunted them as well and the six of them were constantly trying to find a backdoor so they would be as strong as they once were.
All things being equal Hermes would rather not get involved as it would be akin to rubbing salt in a wound but with a request from the head RPIT guy he was a little tied into a yes. Especially if arcadian blood in the mans veins that kept him from changing on the full moon recognized the otherness in Tibs he didn’t want to be the reason Tibs came on Del’s radar by any means.
|
|
|
|
Post by Deleted on Feb 3, 2015 1:42:38 GMT
Tiber looked at the cop then looked at Hermes. Tiber folded all of his energy in on itself so that very little if any dribbled out, it was almost as if he was holding his breath as much of his energy was being held inside. Tiber blanched visibly when the detective asked Hermes if he was drunk as usual. the fact that he knew Hermes was both troubling and worth being held onto until later. Tiber nodded to the detective, he would have corrected him but it was never a good idea to stand out to a cop. and correcting him would have definitely be standing out.
Exaggerating his movements to seem more human and less graceful than he normally did. it was all for show to let the cop look past him, or to politely ignore him. this was his best defense against the non preternatural, to slip into the guise of the big sloppy giant. it allowed most to ignore or over look him.
"You go ahead, Ill be right here."
Tiber ordered another drink still in his human guise. Tiber watched the detective with curious eyes he could feel some otherworldliness from him but it was blended with something that he could not quite understand. if he was to spend some time around the detective Tiber may be able to figure it out, however, Tiber could not think of a scenario where he would be near the cop for more to 10 seconds at least without him being in chains.
|
|
