Moving Forward

[Vincent Black]

Vincent felt bad, he was not aware that he had hurt his friend. She was right to feel betrayed, though he still feels he did the right thing. I mean, Gabby was not exactly a Mundy either. But he knew he had to apologize. And to explain himself, it was only right, if only to repair the friendship.


Anyway, it was time to find a place of his own. He found a tiny home in a nearby community pretty fast, and it would be perfect for his lifestyle.

Seraphina

[Seraphina]

Sera arrives on time, having actually been in the coffee shop working on inventory. It was that time when she spent hours in the stock room, seeing what she had and what she needed. Something she hated doing, but it was part of owning a business.

The Nix was casual in a black tank top and torn, lose fitting jeans. But she actually made casual look amazing, one of the joys of being a Fairest, everything looked good on her. But it was the changes in her appearance that stood out, but those were changes only other Lost would see. Long silver and green hair was in braid off to the side and draped over her shoulder, the delicate pearls catching the light here and there. It was certainly a difference from her gold and silver hair, the green bright and vibrant, reminiscent of the colors of the ocean. But the biggest difference was her eyes, no longer the color of the deepest ocean, they were now a rare greenish blue color of aquamarines. There is also a soft illumination from within, it’s a very gentle glow, but it’s there and it stands out.

Even though she owned the apartment, she still knocked, still respecting the privacy.

[Vincent Black]

Vincent heard the knock as he was gathering up his clothes into one of the three suitcases he had on his bed. Figuring it was Seraphina he moved to the door. Opening the door he saw the fairest, in all her beauty, at the door. "Come in please. Have a seat, glad you are willing to talk. But before we do would like a soda to drink?"

Vincent offered her one from the case on the floor of his room. He didn't know if she would like a room temp soda, like he enjoyed.

[Seraphina]

A single nod as she walked in and sat, “I’m always willing to talk.” Everyone deserved that. And sometimes things were misheard and needed to be sorted.

Shaking her head, “No thanks, I have too much caffeine on board right now as it is.” A half joke, because she had a lot of coffee being at the coffee shop before it even opened that morning, working.

“So you wanted to talk?”

[Vincent Black]

"Yeah." Vincent paused, not knowing how to proceed, "I was not aware that you were upset over what I had said to Gabby. Why didn't you come to me before court? I believe we could have hashed it out before then."


"I felt that I really did not let her know what we were, and felt that because she met us before we went into her dream, that she would be able to put one and one together." He really did feel that way. "I mean, she is not really a mundane either, but I understand your hesitation to letting what I said."

[Seraphina]

“I don’t believe I should have had to point out to you where the issue was. It’s pretty basic and common.” And should go without saying.

“You’ve never come across people you’ve met before in dreams? They’re usually pretty uneventful, just a residual memory you have that is replaying. Seeing us in her Dream is nothing out of the ordinary, any mundane can work it out as simply a dream, nothing more. What proof do you have that she was anything other than a mundane?” point blank, lay it out there. “You put not only yourself at risk, but me and this Freehold. And then felt the need to call me out for not being trusting. This is the second time you felt the need to talk less of me, and I let it slide the first time, but not anymore.”

[Vincent Black]

Vincent was a little taken aback, "What do mean second time? As for endangering the Freehold, I by no means meant to endanger them. But if you feel that way, I get it. I meant no harm. As for her not being a mundane, but someone who can cast fire with their mind is not really a mundane. Was she like us, no, but that does not mean anything." Vincent took a pause and realized that he needed to keep his cool.

"I have never talked less of you, not to you or anyone, and you have my utmost respect. But if I did anything else other than this last incident, I have no knowledge that I offended you. The last thing I want to do is that. In fact, I regarded you as a friend. But it is obvious the feeling is not mutual, and I am sorry for that. And hopefully I can work to regain your respect and trust, but until then I will stay out of your way if that is what you need."

[Seraphina]

“Do you not remember when you talk less of someone? Because if so, you might want to start remembering.” Seemed like something one would remember. “No one ever means to endanger others, but it happens. As part of the Freehold, you cannot just think about yourself, for it’s not just you on the line. And while you say she can cast fire with her mind, not everyone has whatever insight you claim to have. Communication Vincent, communication.” Why did she need to point this out? “Tell me, have you ever had to face down one of Them? Stood rooted to the ground with fear as your blood runs cold? Because I have, for this Freehold, that’s what happens when we aren’t careful, when we’re too trusting with some random girl. Not trusting keeps us safe.”

A look, “Do I? Are you sure? Because the tones and words you’ve used tell me you’re lying to me. And that’s fine, you do you. But I’m done sitting back letting you speak poorly of me. If you consider me your friend, I’d be curious how you talk about your enemies.” The Nix was a people person, loving her friends and fiercely protecting them when needed. But she was also no pushover, and refused to sit back any more.

“It’s not what about I need. It’s about knowing the Freehold can depend on you, knowing you have its safety and best interest at heart. Putting it in danger makes me question your motives.” Sure, the stone accepted him, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t be doing underhanded shit. “Because I will put my life on the line any day to keep the Lost who call this Freehold home safe.” She knew not everyone had that in them.

[Vincent Black]

Vincent took a moment to absorb Seraphina's words, feeling the weight of her disappointment pressing down on him like a lead cloak. "You're right, communication is key, and I'll admit I faltered in that regard. I should've been more transparent, especially considering the gravity of our situation. My apologies for any misunderstandings or misgivings my actions may have caused."


He sighed, a heavy exhale tinged with regret. "And no, I can't claim to have faced Them as you have. I understand now the importance of vigilance, of safeguarding our Freehold at any cost. Trust isn't given lightly, and I respect your dedication to protecting our kind."


Vincent met Seraphina's gaze squarely, the weight of her accusation lingering between them like a dense fog. "As for my words, I assure you, I've never spoken ill of you. But if my tone or choice of words suggested otherwise, then I owe you an explanation and an apology. Friends should never feel betrayed or belittled by one another, and I'm truly sorry if I've given you cause to doubt our bond."


He paused, choosing his next words carefully. "I understand your skepticism, and I'm willing to do whatever it takes to earn back your trust. Whether that means proving my commitment to the Freehold or demonstrating my loyalty through action, I'm prepared to do what's necessary."


Vincent offered a small, conciliatory smile. "I value our friendship, Seraphina, and I hope we can move past this misunderstanding. Our Freehold needs unity now more than ever, and I'm determined to do my part in ensuring its safety and prosperity."

[Seraphina]

“If we don’t communicate, we leave ourselves open for misunderstands and for dangers to seep in. If you have information about someone being one of us, it’s important. I just want to make sure we are all on the same page, division can open us to an attack, and I don’t want that. But thank you.” Accepting what he said.

Taking a moment, “I only brought it up to show to you that it can happen, even here. It’s something we all have to be aware of. Our lives are not safe, we always have to keep an eye open. Protecting us isn’t just because I’m a Monarch or Director, I’ve stepped up in the past, when I first arrived here and we had the Dragon. The Freehold came together to defeat it, and I want to know I can depend on you help if we ever find ourselves in danger again. It’s not an easy thing to do, stepping into danger, but you’re strong, you’re a fighter, I’ve seen it.” He had skills.

“I would just like to know if there is a problem between us. If I’ve said something to upset you, tell me. Again, communication. I’ve always tried to be a good friend to everyone, always willing to help them when needed, defend them if need be. So if I’ve done something, tell me. I’m not a horrible person, and I like to think I’m approachable. But if I’m not, then it’s something I need to work on.” And she would.

Shaking her head, “You don’t have to prove anything to me. I’m willing to take someone on their word,” pausing, “once.” There wasn’t a second time. “And the way you’ve been helping hasn’t gone unnoticed, you’ve been eagerly doing whatever you can, and it is appreciated and seen.”