After Party

[Cassandra Reeding]

"It is a piece by Strauss. There are some really good bits with the viola in it. We did the piece for a small concert back in Baltimore. Very interesting work. I have a great love for Strauss, although I'm very partial to Schumann. And Schubert. And Faure. Oh, and Rachmaninoff has this one sonata for Cello and Piano that is like sex personified, I swear." She could go on about various composers and piece she loves for hours, but she knows she really shouldn't. Each one evokes a different emotion in her and frankly, she doesn't care for too many people to know so deeply those parts of her.

Her attention turns to Sera, "Oh, singing a duet would be fun. Though, I think I'd need to hop on some lessons first to make sure our voices can pair properly," There is a bit of a chuckle, but she isn't lying. She knows the quality of her voice is a good blending tone, but not necessarily for duet singing. "Could be fun to do some Vivaldi. Or something modern! I'm always the first to suggest something classical."


Cassandra is drawn with curiosity to Sera's poking at John to share the drinking song he'd known. Of course it's Jump Around. She might not have guessed it, but the moment he said it, it rang exactly like him. She can't help but giggle a little at it. She finishes up her drink as Crystal decides to humor her. "Okay. Okay. I don't like to mix my alcohol as a rule, so... eh, an Apple Whisky Sour should be fine." God, when was the last time she had one of those?


Her mind suddenly pulls to a memory of her and Blodwen walking down the streets of Baltimore, laughing as they stumbled into her apartment. Of course, whatever happened after that, she has no memory of. It took her a long time to get to a point where she could drink socially instead of looking for a social reason to drink. But then, the Durance does that to you, doesn't it? You learn different ways to cope and not all of them are healthy.


When her drink arrives, she stirs the little straw around in it as she listens to Crystal's taste in men, a bit of a grin on her face. She could already feel that warmth creeping up through her body. "I've never been into the 'pretty, dumb' ones either." she makes quote gestures with one of her hands. "I'm mostly demi-sexual, so on the looking for a sexual encounter front, I need to be pretty taken with the guy already."


"As for traits?" How to not list traits that all point to John? Because he is exactly her type. ...Even though her 'type' includes only one other person. Because Keepers don't count. Well, it's going to be what it is. "I mean, besides the obvious standards, I like a man I can make blush and isn't concerned with proving their masculinity. Has to be into music or have an open mind to it. Not really into blondes. Or other gingers. Can't have two people without souls getting together. It would be madness." Black hair and black eyes. Because you have a type. "Gotta be juuust a little catty. Oh, and I need to like his voice. If my knees don't buckle a little when he says my name a certain way, then meh." Of course, there are quite a few ways he has yet to say her name, but why rush?

[Rhodes]

The conversation ebbed and flowed. Sera was right. It was good to get out and about again, even if the darkness of the Huntsman clouded the back of his mind. "Both of us have been leaving the study more often," he emphasiszed gently to the beauty on his arm with a small squeeze. She was doing just the same, they were both trying to leave work for each other a little more, and it was so enrapturing, once again. "And it's been doing us both a world of good. We can both get so wrapped up in our work." It stopped thinking too much, after all. "You have them all over, it was only natural I picked one up eventually darling. I think is was anatomical basics? Whichever one is in the lounge, at any rate."

He waves his hand in the negative as Chris offers another drink, raising the still-present Jameson's in his hand. "Beauty, I have found, is in abundance if one knows where to look. But without substance, it is but a hollow mask. A highly enjoyable one, for a time, but empty." The Flowering's voice came as if from far away. A memory of many pretty faces whirled in his head, half-formed reminders of pleasures. Under his mask he felt his branches stretch and groan. The glass in his hand began to shake ever so slightly, and the Dread Lord had to take a moment to reassert himself with a slow breath.

John's description was interesting, and then a piece of the jigsaw clicked into place. A recovering addict. His reactions to Coco, frustration at people taking advantage.... Ah yes. It all made sense now. And now the gift at the Coronation. He recognized like for like. "Your most recent applicable tests and the time since them play key factors. You may need to take a refresher or two before being let onto the course proper," he replied to the Winter King slowly. "Still, a most worthwhile endeavor, lending a hand to those who, ah, drown their Sorrows." It was right there, he couldn't resist. "Best of luck to you. If you need anything, I'm sure we can find some way to help."

He nods along as Cassandra describes some of her favorite composers. Obviously a lot of string specialists, as one might expect, but it seemed she had a long list, even for one trapped. How long had she been held? Was it always a passion, before, just like his talents were? She was a fascinating woman. It had been some time since the Freehold had more than one that fitted into such a category in his mind, though none could replace the one in his heart.

Pretty words, Silver tongues make them sound so real, the lies we tell ourselves the most dangerous of all. You could be surrounded with such beauty, if only you came back.

[Seraphina]

A nod, “Expect a call soon.” He seems like he could be fun to work with. Honest, blunt, and willing to wear whatever he wanted.

Smiling, “I usually sing blues, but I think drinking songs could be fun! Lighthearted is perfect for the season!” then looking to Cassandra, “Who knows? We might be onto something and be able to perform on a proper stage together.” With the Winters looks and voice, they could sell out any place.

Gently shaking her head, “No thank you. Someone has to be the one to drive people home.” And she sounded quite content with that. But that voice in the back of her mind wasn’t. Just one shot…who’s it going to hurt? NO. Breathe...focus.

“Oh, I hear you on that one! I never was able to connect with anyone who was dumb and couldn’t hold up a conversation.” Her opinion wasn’t asked, but she was giving it anyways.

Then came John’s drinking song, and she laughed. Full belly laugh, “Believe it or not, I know that one. And it does get people moving and dancing around!” it did. Not her go to, but it was catchy. “But I don’t think I could do the song any justice.” Nope.

Addiction Recovery. Those words rang a bell in her head and she tried to focus on anything but those words. Her body tenses slightly as she took a sip of her drink. Focus. Thankfully, Cassandra gave her something to grab on to.

“Then lets set some time aside soon! I’ve never given lessons, but I would be willing to try.” It was an offer. One the Winter could take or not, it didn’t matter. “And I would love to try something classical! I’ve never really done classical before, so it would be a welcome challenge. I’ve gotten back into performing publicly, so singing something new would be great.” She loved blues, but she also loved a challenge.

“I can relate to that.” She says to Cassandra, “I need to be attracted to a man’s mind before anything else. If there is no intellectual connection, there is nothing.” She could never be with someone without a mental and emotional connection.

A shrug, “Trying to get some down time in before school starts again. And with summer quickly approaching, some relaxing time is needed.” Though she needed to get back into planning. Get back into her Hollow and designs, get things in motion.

“Oh, if it was in the lounge, then yes, just a basic book on anatomy.” Making it sound like it wasn’t a big thing. And to her, it wasn’t. “I should give you a pop quiz sometimes.” She teases.

Seeing the shake, her hand gently squeezes his arm, reassuring him.

Looking to John, she nods, “Yes, any help you need, we’re here.” And she meant it. She would help him however she could.

[Crystal]

Finger guns shot at Sarah. This either will or won't happen. He was fine either way.

One thing was certain: he felt the alcohol. He wasn't tipsy yet, but he felt like this evening could really shift into higher gear soon. Those people? They were philosophizing, making plans as good friends do and.. was John actually trying psychotherapy on Crystal? No thanks. He was probably going at a different speed than them, so maybe it was time for him to move on.

"Hey guys, it's been a real pleasure! I gotta run, there's actually someone waiting for me." The tiny touch of regret and embarrassment in his voice gave the statement some more weight. Yeah, there were some threads of conversation that he hadn't properly wrapped up, but he was quite sure that everybody would be able to cope. John could even help them with that.
"Cassandra, again: congratulations. Sarah, see you soon. John, good luck with the license. Maxwell.. well, Sarah's got my number - just in case."

And with that he paid for the drinks he promised and left into the night. Gee, you met the strangest people when you expanded your horizons.

Thanks for the great scene!

[James Turner]

"Oh I know that one. But not from where." He chuckled after Cassandra mentioned Rachmanioff. He remembered the name from somewhere but he couldn't connect it with a memory, it was far too old at this point. The talk about concerts and stages though got a brow to raise but he didn't know how serious the talk was. He finished his drink as he listened to Rhodes speak as he washed down the last of the whiskey with the black and tan.


He felt a little bad for Chris as the odd man out and then it must have felt like everyone had dog piled on him for one comment. Maybe the only bit of truth they had got that night at that. Then he felt responsible because he'd been the one to start the ball rolling. But sometimes one must be confronted by ones own truth.


Then the topic shifted to school and he set down his glass and nodded at Rhodes, a little smirk when he mentioned Sorrows. "Yea my study techniques are a lot more developed now as well. Getting the Masters after is going to be the hard part." Yea it wasn't going to be a short road. "Yea, life has enough sorrow to drown you in as it is. Hopefully there will be a little less." It was a phorsey symbiotic relationship, parasitic in nature but beneficial for the host. It was still a lot to consider though.


"Thank you both, I appreciate it. I'll let you know if I need any help but if there's a way to speed up the process I'd love to know." He chuckled, sipping the beer again definitely feeling it go to his head at this point. John couldn't help but listen as Cassandra listed off everything and he still wondered if they were about him having to check off boxes as she went though the list. Thankfully they were general enough. She apparently had a type. So do you, every shadow needs its light. Tell me I'm wrong.


He waved his goodbye as Chris left and frowned giving it a second making sure it was clear. "Too far, right? Maybe just a little too personal?"

[Cassandra Reeding]

Cassandra can't help but smile a bit at Sera's offers. It feels weird, being predisposed to dislike someone and yet finding them so genuine at the same time. This is the kind of thing she should talk to her partner about, but how would he react to it? Her ex got it; they both disliked people. And he disliked a lot of people, all for many different reasons. Some just purely for their existence. Push it away. Singing lessons would be fun.


"Oh, I'm so glad you are getting back into singing publicly! That's a huge deal, so congrats!" It really is though, especially given how sensitive she is about her voice. Being a Siren, basically, it makes sense. "Could be fun to take lessons though from such an incredible vocalist as yourself. Maybe you teach me and I teach you something in return?" That could be fun. And it doesn't necessarily need to be something musical.


Crystal decides to move on and she nods. Probably awkward being with a group of people who all knows each other. "Thanks!" She says, waving as they leave. She takes another long sip of her drink before her eyes settle on John for a moment. "I don't think so. I think it's more..." she gestures to the group, "awkward." She shrugs, "Though, I'm no psychologist, so I'm probably not the best judge. Just seen significantly worse be thrown around in a bar and met with laughs. Not that that is worth much of anything."


Her eyes linger over him for just a second longer before she looks back down to her drink, taking another sip. "Well, I know a way to speed up studying. I could show you a trick I picked up." Brownie's Boon was useful for so, so many things.


She then began to wonder, and before she can really filter it, she asks John, "Okay, you weighed in on Crystal's type and I've stated mine. So, what's yours?" She knows she's his first... everything. Everything real, anyway, though she doesn't entirely know the extent of what his... But that doesn't mean he didn't have a type he crushed on before. Unless he was like her and didn't feel those things before being taken? It hasn't seemed that way from the bits they have talked about.

[Rhodes]

Sera's nonchalance is such an attractive quality. Her mind is far sharper than she ever admits... or perhaps realises. "I'd welcome it. I have a few questions on it to run by you myself."

Rhodes offers Chris a salute to his disappearing back. "Nice fellow."

John is given a small not - the Fairest was pushing his own limits on psychology and he didn;t want to be out of his depth. "Well, as I say, best of luck. I cannot imagine I can offer much i the line of assistance there, so I hope you feel comfortable putting the work in."

Eyes try not to rest on John too heavily as Cassandra turns the talk to attractions. Always nice to know what someone's type is.

[Seraphina]

A warm smile was offered as he excused himself, “Was great meeting you! Have a good evening.” She would be giving him a call.

Laughing, “Well, if I find a way to speed up studying and learning, I’ll let you know.” So far, she didn’t have one.

Shrugging, “Hard to say.” Maybe they weren’t as interesting as she thought they were?

“Thank you! It’s a lovely little blues club, similar to what a good friend had, so it brings good memories.” Which had helped her come out of her shell a bit. “And I missed that rush when the spotlight falls on you and you just get lost in what you’re doing. Magical in a way, and I’m beginning to enjoy it once again.” It was unexpected, but welcome. Then a slight blush, “That’s kind of you to say, thank you.” She knew her voice was special, but it still made her uncomfortable at times. “We’ll have to set something up, I can bring some takeout or something, make a whole day out of it!” it would be fun! And maybe she’d get to know the Winter a bit more.

Oh, they were back to someones type. Sipping her drink, she listens.

Looking to Rhodes with mild surprise, “You do? I’d love to hear them. Maybe over dinner?” because the night was getting late.

[James Turner]

He was fascinated by the two Fairest discussing singing, he liked music and a Blues club was up his alley, though knowing the laws here he doubted it’d be a smoking establishment sadly. He always saw the old clubs in movies about prohibition and always just wanted to enjoy the music and a cigarette in one. Oh well, such was life. He didn’t know if Rhodes was being sarcastic when he said his goodbye and James didn’t dig any further, in fact keeping his eyes on the two ladies in the group as they conversed. Plausible deniability was for the best sometimes.

“Thank you both, I appreciate the offer for help and support. I’ll keep it in mind, but I should be ok. It’s just a matter of time really. You’ve both done so much already, please, let me know if there’s any help either of you need.” John had to think about it and he might eventually have to ask Rhodes for help with research, he was middling at it at best.

Then Cassandra dropped her question and he took in a single long breath. He felt frustration build inside of him, they were playing with fire already and she had decided to pour gasoline on it. She couldn’t escape her question, that had been one thing. He looked up at her, his expression blank as a finger tapped at his pocket feeling the familiar weight of the cigarettes there. “I’d have to have some experience there to know. If you excuse me, I’m going to have a cigarette now.” He offered a friendly, if forced, smile before giving a nod of his head to the group and moving to head outside to smoke the knot in his chest out. To give himself some space and distance so he could process.

Thanks everyone, it's been fun!

[Cassandra Reeding]

Yes, thanks for the scene all!