Sacramento Antique fair

[Chambers]

The weather might be blistering, well according to the Englishman anyway but it had not deterred the Moros from attending one his favorite events in the city The Antiques fair had a certain charm about it the bartering the trading, the sense of something older and less rigidly defined and monitored. Not to mention the very near impossibly slim chance that something magical might filter it's way to the surface. A ghosts anchor from a long ignored attic haul, a spirits fetish buried in a basements assorted riff raff, a item touched by fate passing through the hands of merchants to get where it was meant to be. And so much more had the possibility of passing through. Not that he had encountered anything in his several visits but even the possibility was refreshingly thrilling.

Dressed in a matching light grey shirt and trousers, forgoing even his waistcoat today the better to try and withstand the heat of summer the Moros wonders rather aimlessly through the stalls and stacks and tables of possible treasures pausing to explain a book here, stopping to wonder at what looked like antique knives at another each time choosing eventually to move on until something new caught his eye and attention.

[Aurora]

Antique Fairs had held a certain mystique to her since joining the Mysterium. Add to it being a Master in Spirit, and it was bound to draw her in to see what she could find. Plus she had found numerous books to help her in language studies in the past. Plus a few on some cryptids to help with her study of Teratology, which had turned out to be quite vast. So any books she could find, she picked up. And after all, books were the main occult tools for them, and she was happy to pick up as many as she could, to continue her studies.

So here she was, dressed in jeans, a white t shirt and a suit jacket. It was a fun look that allowed her to move heavy things in case she found something she could turn into something else at home later. You never know.

A few books were already in her arms, some on languages, of course. And some on cryptids, a very odd collection to be sure, but she seemed quite happy with the finds.

Would she like to find something haunted or mysterious? Of course! Her eyes were always looking at the stalls, carefully observing each item, asking questions, hoping something would stand out. But so far, nothing had really stood out.

Soon enough, she spots Chambers, and smiles, arms shift books and a hand waves as she weaves her way over, “Mason! I would have never expected to see you here!” she jokes with an easy smile, “Finding anything good?”

Aurora does not have any spells up

[Chambers]

Turning as the name he goes by in public, the one known to other mages is called and he spots the riveting blonde second degree master waving at him books in arm. Offering a warm smile in greeting for Aurora was someone he both respected greatly and really rather enjoyed the company of, especially in those rare moments where consilium or order business was not placing heavy demands on their time and focus. "Madison, I could say the same of you." The jest returned in kind. Moving to stand beside the Shaman radiating confidence, the better to facilitate conversation among the moving masses of people. "There was a key tree I found interesting, some jewelry that looked old but I couldn't tell if it was actually antique or not a plethora of neat looking chests and the like of course but well space would not allow." A house boat had rather finite space after all, and besides the plan as it stood was to sink the thing in a trap for the mages from San Francisco so buying up more space fillers seemed a little well null and void for the moment. "What about yourself?" The obvious question to ask of course given their surroundings.

[Aurora]

A good-natured laugh, “What can I say, I’m a sucker for the good deal on books.” Which was true, they did tend to sell books for a decent price.

Nodding, “It can be hard to actually tell the age of things without going too in-depth. I’ve ever been good at find antiques that were not marked as actual antiques with a price to match. I’m just not sure what to really look for. I know it can’t always be age, because sometimes that can be faked, so how is someone to know?” shrugging.

“But chests you say? Now those could be useful!” great for storage. “I don’t think my loft has the space, but I know a place at the office that might be of use for them. Depending on the shape they’re in of course.” If they weren’t too bad, they could be repaired. “Those older chests are great for storing books and papers I’ve found.” She might have a few already.

“Oh! Found some great books on languages, and I know, huge surprise there!” laughing, “And some on various cryptids from around the world. A few I’ve read about already and a few I haven’t, so I’m looking forward to learning about those. Or rather what people claim to have seen and all that.”

[Chambers]

The Moros gently chuckles along good naturedly. "They can do yes, but they also set their own prices so some can ask for quite a bit. Although I find vendors here are much more open to a bit of haggling and movement, if it's done with honest intention anyway." Most vendors would have a margin, or a minimum and enough sense to know when someone was trying to rip them off. "I do enjoy the element of chance though, you never know what might be the stacks in such places." Anything on just about any topic could appear, old first editions that had been locked away in trunks or boxes for many decades, books no longer in publication, scholar tomes from by gone years it really could be a treasure trove. "Of course for every book of value there are a good many that are not, but that part of the fun isn't it shifting through all of it to find the rare pick up." All of those elements added to why he liked places like this and made as frequent visits as he was able.

He had magics of course that could do the job with a precision that sleepers could only wish for, but beyond the toll it would take in mana openly casting like that, even covert spells would risk drawing attention he did not want. "Yes by sight alone it can be rather difficult, and these forgeries, recreations and more recent creations can all be made to look over a hundred years old with frightening degree of authenticity." One hundred years being the recognized age requirement to be classed as an antique on the markets. "When rust, wear and tear and even the blue in book bindings can be faked I can't help but wonder what could actually be managed if such time and effort was put into more productive pursuits." Restoration, recovery and yes even discovery what could be done if such talented people, for they were talented despite the ill intended application of such talent, could achieve a great deal of good.

Aurora's interest in the chests was pleasantly if mildly surprising, given her skills at restoration it was unexpected but all the better. "Yes they were." Brow furrowing slightly as gains his bearing for a few moments among all the stalls and thruways. "Over that ways I think, would you like to take a stroll over and have a ganders?" Believing he had picked up on her veiled suggestion he nods slowly. "Indeed the department would look a bit better with some storage I agree, although I do have the slight problem of getting them out of here." Not driving left him reliant on public transport which by enlarge did not cause the Moros to many hardships but did on occasion present limitations.

Aurora pursuing her interests was not surprising, but that did not make it any less heart warming to see someone so taken with an area of knowledge and study as she seemed to be with linguistics. "Never anything wrong with the pursuit of knowledge, and I do find rereading books can be very advantageous, you often find things you missed or have forgotten. Or having grater knowledge can recontextualize things in a way you could not before." The idea of a one and done read was part of this big desire for instant gratification people seemed to have but building skills an doing things well simply did not mesh with that mind set. "Would these be new language or putting your skills into practice?" Both were good things, both enabled the development and access of knowledge. "Cryptids from the world sounds interesting, I am mostly only familiar with the myths and such from places I have lived for extended periods." A veiled way of saying England and probably Sacramento, despite travels elsewhere he had not stayed for long enough to say he had any kind of comfortable knowledge of the local legends for anywhere else. "But that such stories appear the world over and across time periods is quite fasinateing." Every culture no matter when or where had it's folklore, its monsters, its cryptids, and there could be plenty to puzzle out by compareing the stories possibly.

[Aurora]

“I like to think I’ve found some good deals on books. I’ve not been in the market for anything really special in that regard. Though I am always keeping my eyes open of course. An older book in a language I know would be a nice addition.” But, nothing had been found. “And I agree, it is part of the fun! A treasure hunt of sorts if you will. But if I keep up at the pace I am, I will outgrow my loft with my collection of books.” And maybe that wasn’t a bad thing, maybe it was time to move forward and settle into something with a real library in it.

A sad nod, “It’s really too bad how far such things have come. It’s a guessing game I suppose until you can get a piece or a book to someone to authenticated. I don’t mind taking chances on things here and there, but it has to really catch my eye.” Someday she’d find something for the Mysterium.

“Yeah, lets take a look.” Nodding, figuring he might mention that, “Guess it’s a good thing I have my Jeep today and could maybe fit two depending on the size.” The Jeep was a must with these types of places; in case she found a dresser or something that she wanted to work on. “And of course the condition.” She wasn’t a miracle worker, well, not with restoring things anyways. That wasn’t her specialty.

“A little of both actually. I’ve been picking up books in languages I know outside of the basics used for learning. Putting what I’ve learned to the test so to speak, reading what books I can find, really diving into the different parts of the language. Helps keep it fresh I think where I don’t get to use them a whole lot.” Nodding as she carefully wove her way around people, “It’s been fascinating to read on how various countries and cultures view them. Everything from mysterious animals to deeply respected land spirits. The varying degree of difference, yet somehow the same, has been absolutely an enjoyment to read about. I really had no idea until I decided it looked like something fun to read on the side and I just got sucked in so to speak.” Laughing.

[Chambers]

A warm smile meets her words of deals. "I do not doubt you have, I think your more likely to find a good deal in a place like this then a high end book store, the mark ups can be murder." As much as you might find con men among the sellers and buyers but professionals could be all the more devious in their pricing. "Storage space is very much a constant issue especially for those of us who collect or hoard." Which he himself did of course. "A treasure hunt is a very good way to put it yes." Reminding him inevitably of his first trip here wit ha very different collection of mages, none of who remained in the city anymore. Which in turn made him wonder how Aurora must feel having seen that same situation play out only she would know how many times over her time in the city.

Breaking from his morose pondering he looks back up. "A shame in so many ways, given time and the right tools I could tell most things apart but I am hardly going to be carrying my workshop with me to the fayre." A small if mostly humorless chuckle trying to make light of the situation and shrug off the heavy thoughts that had unbidden gripped him. "Still fake or not value can still be fond in unexpected places." Supernal sympathy cared little for who created a thing and such more what it was made of so buying cheaper knocks offs and distilling the valuable materials out could be a way to both save money and avoid suspicion.

Nodding slightly he begins to make his way in what he hopes was the right direction for the stall he saw selling the chests . "Size and providing we can afford them, for that matter even get them back to your jeep." Enough of a gentleman he would not dream of allowing the shaman to try to carry the things by her self. Especially as he had broached the topic himself. "But yes one of them was rather substantial the kind of thing you might expect to find at the end of someones bed containing clothes and linens perhaps." Which is likely what would be stored under the segmented compartments at the top. "Still others might be small enough to be transported but then I have to wonder if they are big enough for our purposes at the office." Any collection of books they had their would not be small.

An appreciative smile and nod of approval meet the learning into practice approach of Aurora. "Fresh and I would have to guess ads some important context or offers new insights into areas that you might not encountered in a purely learning environment?" He did not want to liken it to hearing a new word encourages a reader or listener to look it up but all in all experience often fleshed out and built upon the foundation of learning in a way that the classroom or study simply could not. That he learned first hand a few months past when his lack of field experience had shown. "Common themes between cultures is something I find very interesting, the way the same same story or theme seems to resonate through history and civilizations that never encountered each other, it does make you wonder doesn't it?" It certainly made him wonder.

[Aurora]

A nod as she looks at the ones she had already found, “I know my money does seem to go further at these gatherings. So that’s always a good thing. But the high-end books stores are good if there is something specific, I’m looking for, but you are right, the markups leave something to be desired.” But if it was a book she really wanted or needed, the price was something she had to pay. A sad nod, “Something I’m starting to learn. My own personal library is starting to overflow. Never thought I would ever find myself in the market to look for a larger place to live, but, well, life is like that sometimes.” Shrugging. But at least this was on her terms.

Chuckling, “But hey, maybe this gives you a chance to hone your skills without your workshop. A chance to learn to trust your eyes and your instincts? Surely there are tricks of the trade that don’t rely on lugging around your workshop, and this gives you an excellent chance to test them!” why not give it a try.

“I’ve found most of these places will hold them until the end of the day and then you can pull right up. But not all of them will do that, depends on the seller and how quickly they want to move items.” As they walk up, and he points to one of them, she walks up to it. Kneeling beside it, “Now this is a nice one, it’s been well loved and care for.” Running her hand along the wood. “It would look amazing at the office, and I can already think of what it could hold.” Books perhaps, robes after meetings, carefully folded, papers maybe. The chest would have a hefty ice tag, especially given its well-loved condition.

Moving to the others, “These would be perfect for papers and supplies.” Thinking of things needed for Rituals and what not. “Also in excellent condition, well cared for.” Nodding. “I think both are nice and would make good additions. The big question is price and if there is room to negotiate.” Given the condition, she wasn’t sure, it might be tough.

Back to the books, “Oh, it certainly does. It’s one thing to read it in an environment to learn it, but another to apply it another. It’s why I’ve been looking into work as a translator or interpreter. I can do it from home, make good money and put what I know to use.” And with how many she currently knew, she would be in high demand. Then an eager nod, “It is interesting, isn’t it? I wasn’t sure I would really be able to get into the subject and would have to find something else to study, but it’s really just taken off! There is so much out there and it’s just become such an enjoyable subject matter to dive into. But different civilizations over time have to be on to something. I would expect slight differences due to climate and various in time and what not. But too many similarities.”

[Chambers]

There was a element of truth to that. "The price for the higher guarantee of finding the precise thing your looking for is what ti gets attributed to but still I do think some of those high end sellers take the milky a bit." It still did not sit right with him paying money for knowledge was not how he liked to conduct his business it felt like to easy a compromise but then again it was for fallen world knowledge. "Have you considered investing in a second location of your own perhaps? It might not require you to move out of your current place." Between the mysterium wing, the Moros sanctum and his own personal one the ability to split resources across where they were suited to did help a little.

Evidently he had been a little to vague, but regardless he was not about to start casting magic here. "I could if I was so inclined maybe but then I would spend all of my time at just a single stall as I worked through this and that." Which rather defeated the point of being here. "And I don't think vendors take to kindly to the checks regardless it might come across as a bit insulting." And he was not looking to cause a scene or make enemies of anyone here, not today.

Aurora being skilled in her restoration would know more then him at a glance and so he is quite content to take her word at it. "So all three have potential then." Doubtless others floated around the fayre somewhere but these were the ones he had seen and they knew of. "If you can figure out how to get them to your jeep." Be it waiting multiple trips or some other clever plan. "Then I can cover the cost of buying them." Moros with the famed ability to turn anything into gold and gems had a reputation for excessive wealth. Now He could not do that however expanding the business had also come with a additional resources to apply where he needed to and things like this felt much more comfortable then exchange wealth for knowledge.

It was not quite the same as active translating but an idea occurs that might merge a few of Auroras interests. "Would that translation be limited to working for people or do you mean more in the realm of translating texts and books?" Better make sure that idea was not the very thing she actually first, before suggesting it. "What is a recurring theme that has really hooked you?" He was in full agreement that they could see pancryptia in action through history, the stories distorted and changed in each new iteration yet the similarities trying to push through to draw attention to something deeper.

[Aurora]

A slight shrug, “Eh, probably. But if they have the book I’m looking for, and I can’t find it anywhere else, or they have the cheaper price, then, well, what can you do?” sometimes you just have to pay what they’re asking. “A second location? I mean, I’ve thought of my own business, but that wouldn’t really help with my storage problem.” Not with the business she had in mind anyways. “But I think moving to something a bit larger would be a good thing all around, it would also give me a chance to dedicate a room to my just my studies.” Which would be great.

Smiling with a chuckle, “So time management then. Need to learn to trust your gut on some things. Though I’m not one to talk, there have been a few things that I’ve felt drawn to, but I’ve walked away from. Not wanting to take the risk of it being something that someone has taken the time to fool people with.” But maybe someday.

Looking at the chests, “Like I said, it depends if the sellers are the type to hold onto the until the crowds die down and I can get the Jeep closer, or if they have carts we can borrow. Both of those will help is get to the Jeep, they shouldn’t be too bad to load, it isn’t too high up off the ground. And most chests are not very heavy.” Gesturing to the thickness of the wood. “Most of the larger ones run between 30-100 pounds empty, plus the tray can be taken out to make it a bit lighter.” She adds. Of course the one with drawers could have the drawers removed if need be.

“I would prefer books and texts, that is my goal. But those seem to be about getting your name out there. I would be more of a specialized translator with the languages I know, but it also doesn’t pay much.” But she already didn’t make a whole hell of a lot. “Oh, now that’s a good question, as there are many of those. But the one I’ve enjoyed looking into more than the others, the sensory overload. A common theme for the stories and tales center around things such as glowing eyes, usually red, white or even yellow. Then there is the odor, foul and sometimes smelling of sulfur. The sounds, unnatural vocalizations. But each story you read about shares something sensory in common, something that cannot, at the time, be attributed to something else. Of course, some of these things can be explained depending on location, time of year and whatnot. But it’s just always interested me that each tale shares these specifics, spanning over the centuries.”