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[sub]A post by [@Soufflegirl123], [@HaleyTheRandom] & [@Hedgehawk]   
Featuring [color=fff79a]Mary Price[/color], [color=c4df9b]Claire Montgomery[/color], [color=EE4B2B]Aloysius Leighton[/color] and [color=6ecff6]Salem De Silva[/color][/sub]
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After her discussion with Al Mary stormed back toward the drinks table. She didn’t have to look to see if Claire was there, she knew she was. She didn’t understand why her ex had to come back. Why now? Why ever? She had gotten on perfectly fine raising their son. Well, maybe not [i]perfectly[/i] but their family of 2 was more than enough, the last thing they needed was someone else encroaching on their space as if they belonged the whole time. 

Mary didn’t bother fixing herself up, or more accurately she forgot that she probably should. Mascara stained tears looked more heavy on the skin than they felt. Instead she beelined for her friend and took whatever drink she was holding out of her hands. She instantly raises it to her lips, bottoming it with one mouthful before slamming the glass on the table. [color=fff79a]"I made it,”[/color] she croaks, throat still burning from whatever Claire Montgomery’s most recent drink of choice was.

The events with Mary, Carlisle, Salem and Amanda had left Claire a little shaken - even if she didn’t show it. It probably wasn’t a good idea to get totally smashed so early into the night, but it seemed as if people would have more important things to dwell on in the morning. All in all, was trying to not focus too hard on the fact that Lilith might be pregnant. She had already missed out on so much of her child's life, and potentially being thrown right back in to it at one of the most important times — 

Downing another shot, Claire did her best to focus on Carlisle’s speech. She unfortunately knew all too well what he was talking about at every moment. Using Carlisle as a way back through the Astral Plane came with an unfortunate side effect of having all of his memories - right down to the things he mentioned about Amanda being a bitch and Mary being an angel. Then again, what else was new? 

Ready to storm off to find her best friend, Claire was taken aback as Mary walked up and snatched her glass from her. Mary had never been the heaviest drinker, so seeing her down it all in one go had definitely earned her a wide eyed, curious expression. Claire Montgomery may have been stuck in the Astral Plane for the last ten years - but she wasn’t stupid, or out of the loop when it came to reading the body language of those closest to her. Grabbing a spare napkin off of the table, Claire began fussing over Mary while gently wiping the other woman's face clean. 

[color=c4df9b]”What the hell happened to you,”[/color] she asked, her voice stern. 

[color=fff79a]"I’m fine,”[/color] Mary grunts, extremely unconvincingly, letting her best friend fix her up. She couldn’t help but notice the irony of her seeming like the grumpy teen in the pair of them for once. She wasn’t quite sure how to approach the issue of her baby daddy with Claire. Less of fear she might pummel the man, she’d likely do that regardless if she wanted to, but there were secrets she kept even from Claire there. Most notably both his and Miles’ magi status. She was never sure why she never said anything. She supposed it just didn’t seem relevant to be blurting out to people when she found out the man she thought was Johnathan Park was a magi. At that time Claire was back in North Carolina, leaving their communication to be in regularly scheduled phone calls and frequent visits. Even when Mary finally put together enough for a computer there was only so much that could be done over AOL messenger, even though their late night messages as they both tried to soothe their awoken babies kept her sane.  

[color=fff79a]"I’m sorry Claire. I didn’t-”[/color] The woman choked on her words. Even if she knew that Miles’ father was Aloysius Leighton she wouldn’t have put 2 and 2 together on what that would mean for magickind when her son and best friend’s daughter got together. She gave a shaky sigh, hesitating slightly on whether or not she should tell her friend of the man’s arrival but she knew Claire would recognise his face, she’d met him before when she visited Tanner around Christmastime ‘98. She swiped a glass of champagne from a passing waiter, downing that one in one go as well. She let the liquid courage fill her before looking back up at her friend. [color=fff79a]"He’s back,”[/color] she says simply.

Continuing to dry Mary's face, Claire gave her friend the time that she needed to collect her thoughts. Unfortunately, Claire didn’t have too many thoughts of her own to dwell on, and instead focused on removing all of the mascara from Mary’s face. Once she had finished, Claire turned to make herself another drink. Brows furrowing as she pressed the glass to her lips, all she could manage to respond was [color=c4df9b]”Who?”[/color] 

Mary hitches a breath, withholding the temptation to let out a delirious laugh. [color=fff79a]"Johnathon, Aloysius,”[/color] she lets out a frustrated sigh at correcting herself. Knowing a name she’d cursed many times was the wrong one was a hard pill to swallow, not even to mention how she knew so little of his life, from the man himself at least. She threw her hands in the air in frustration. [color=fff79a]“Miles’ father, whatever the hell his name is.”[/color]

Meanwhile, on the other side of the reception room, Aloysius was busy trying to pour himself another drink from another drinks bottle. His previous engagement had not exactly gone according to plan, but at least Mary didn’t entirely kick him out. He just had to hold on and wait and see what happened next. After pouring his drink, he kept his eyes peeled looking for Salem.

Listening as Mary spoke her peace, Claire couldn’t help but sigh. She had grown up hearing stories and myths of the magi war. Aloysius Leighton was a name mentioned right along that of Salem de Silva for what seemed like the longest time. The fact that Mary was admitting that he was Miles’s father shook Claire to her core. 

As soon as Mary spoke the words, Claire downed the rest of her drink before placing her glass back on the table - perhaps a bit too forcefully. [color=c4df9b]”Well,”[/color] she remarked, straightening her shoulders. [color=c4df9b]”It’s that just fuckin’ [i]peachy.[/i]”[/color] Looking around the room for either of their children, Claire’s gaze focused on the features of a man she had kept her eyes peeled for for nearly three decades. Pursing her lips, the woman marched right up to the near stranger before swinging a punch aimed at his nose. 
Aloysius had just finished pouring himself a drink: A small shot of whiskey, when he suddenly turned back around and was met with a flying fist. Letting out a soft grunt, Aloysius's head turned to the side and he proceeded to drop the glass, the sound of glass shattering echoing a little in the reception hall. Bringing his hand up to nurse his now red cheek, Aloysius groaned [color=EE4B2B]"Does anyone in Tanner know how to say Hello? Or is punching how you greet people here now?"[/color] He raised his eyes to look at the one who assaulted him, they didn't exactly look familiar to Aloysius at all. 

[color=c4df9b]”Oh cut the fucking charmin’ act, city boy,”[/color] Claire spat. [color=c4df9b]”I don’t know who the hell you think you are, or even what name you go by - but I don’t give a good goddamn. You don’t deserve to be breathing, much less a ‘hello’.”[/color] 

[color=EE4B2B]"Names Aloysius Leighton. I am guessing you must be one of Mary's friends after that kind of greeting"[/color] Aloysius adjusted himself and stood back up straight once more. 

Before Mary could protest, Claire was halfway across the room, preparing her arm for a swing. Mary did try calling after her but it was little use. All she could do was watch as Claire planted a punch on her ex-lover’s face. She cringed slightly at the sound of broken glass shattering on the ground. [color=fff79a]“Alright,”[/color] she intervenes, placing a hand on Claire’s shoulder. In all honesty, part of her didn’t mind the thought of seeing Al pummeled to the ground but this was not the time or place. [color=fff79a]“The man’s face is painted red enough.”[/color] She then turns to Aloysius, her eyes narrowing at the man. Even if she was defending him at this moment it was far from no longer feeling the bitterness and anger his face brought.

Crossing her arms, Claire glared daggers at Aloysius before sighing in defeat. [color=c4df9b]”He deserves way more than what I gave, and if I wasn’t herded in here like some sort of pony at the rodeo, he’d be begging for mercy.”[/color] 

Aloysius straightened his coat, a little taken aback by the fact that Mary actually stepped in. [color=EE4B2B]"Look, I ain't exactly proud of how everything happened, alright. Just like everything else in my life, the situation was extremely complicated and I made a bad judgment call."[/color] He knew this was going to fall on deaf ears, but he wouldn't feel right if he didn't say his piece. 

[color=fff79a]“Oh, so that’s what that was? Just a [i]bad judgement call[/i]?”[/color] Mary snaps, looking the man over. She should have known following Claire over was a bad idea. She was done with the serious talks. With the anger and the bitterness but being in his presence just resparked it all. Even she knew there was likely none the man could say that wouldn’t dig a deeper hole.

[color=EE4B2B]"Not in the sense you are thinking about Mary. It was bad judgment not to tell you sooner. In all honesty it was a bad judgment to ever speak to Amanda. If she hadn't started getting all jealous over me and you, things would have been different"[/color] Aloysius let out a sigh. He couldn't help but feel that he was going in circles. He was being judged for actions that weren't entirely of his making. 

If there were three things in this world that Claire Montgomery couldn’t stand, it was liars, shitty whiskey, and people who didn’t know how to accept responsibility for their own actions. Aloysius checked two of those boxes. In a perfect world, the man would have been allowed to collect his third strike - but a perfect world wasn’t one that included Claire, or her odd sense of twisted justice. Taking a quick step forward, Claire punched Aloysius in his gut before grabbing him by the hair at the nape of his neck, forcing him to look at Mary. [color=c4df9b]”You’re goin’ to make up for the lack of respect from the last twenty-five years, like it or not,”[/color] she growled. [color=c4df9b]”Now apologize to her.”[/color] 

Aloysius let out a pained and exasperated groan as he was punched in the gut, folding over like a piece of paper as Claire expertly grabbed him by the hair and forced him to look at Mary. [color=EE4B2B]"I have already told Mary I am sorry. We had a whole conversation about this while you weren't around"[/color] Aloysius coughed, he wasn't about to start groveling because someone demanded it. He had said his piece to Mary.

 Mary watched as Claire made a move against the man, she wasn’t particularly caught off-guard, part of her was surprised Claire didn’t go for something more violent the first time. As Aloysius claimed to apologise, Mary muttered [color=fff79a]“I mean you didn’t really apologise, just kinda justified yourself,”[/color] to herself more than anything else.

In all honesty, Claire hadn’t planned to come out tonight and make a scene. One of the things that she remembered most from her time before her not-actual-death was the fact that trouble seemed to follow her everywhere she went. She had hoped that that would change, but it seemed as if the universe still wasn’t quite on her side. While she had no problem taking up for her friend, Claire also didn’t want to push things any further than she already had. 

She slapped him in the face anyway. 

[color=c4df9b]”You ain’t gotta make things harder than they have to be,”[/color] she quipped. [color=c4df9b]”Apologize to the lady, or I’m draggin’ you out back with the rest of the garbage.”[/color] 

Aloysius was getting a little self conscious. He took the slap and didn't complain, just adding a little extra new shade of darker red to his already reddened face. But he was conscious about making a scene. If Salem was around then he needed to blend in, having this kind of attention drawn to yourself was not a good idea. [color=EE4B2B]"Look, I am sorry alright. Really sorry. I never wanted any of this to happen. I just wanted to have a happy life with you Mary. It's all I wanted. And I know I fucked up. I know that everything went wrong. And it hurts me, and it fucking kills me…"[/color] Aloysius struggled slightly in Claire's grip, trying to stand up right again as he pleaded with Mary, his voice shaking slightly as he tried to hold back his emotions [color=EE4B2B]"... fucking kills me knowing that I never got to watch my son grow up. That I missed so much of his life. That I put you through so much pain and suffering. I tried to correct everything, even after getting captured. But even that was in vain"[/color]

Mary gives a shaky sigh at the image of the man. This wasn’t quite how she wanted their next confrontation to go but with Claire she should have expected it. The woman gives a shaky breath before turning to her friend and nodding her head. [color=fff79a]“Let ‘im go, Claire. Boy’s done enough sufferin’ for one night,”[/color] she says monotonously, barely offering Al a glance.

Still not entirely satisfied, Claire let go of Aloysius with a slight shove to the back of his head. [color=c4df9b]”Not nearly as much as you,”[/color] she remarked, walking back over to her friend. Turning to face the man, she crossed her arms once again. [color=c4df9b]”I can let the situation with Mary rest for the moment. What you’ve done to my godson - what you’ve done to my [i]daughter[/i] —”[/color] Cutting herself short as she realized she was nearly yelling, she took a deep breath before continuing on. [color=c4df9b]”If there’s a place worse than Hell, well buddy I sure look forward to meeting you there.”[/color] 

Being released, Aloysius stood back up straight, fixing his coat and wiping his finger along his eye. Listening to Claire talk, Aloysius let out a soft sigh [color=EE4B2B]"I am sorry, I don't even know who your daughter is… So how can I have done something to her?"[/color] Aloysius said in a confused tone. However in the back of his mind, parts of the conversation with Mary from before were starting to replay, gears were turning. 

At Aloysius’ words Mary gave a frustrated sigh. She wanted so hard to keep Miles’ business private from his father, none was her story to tell but he seemed to not have any way of understanding how much his lies had impacted the family. [color=fff79a]“Jo-Aloysius, I would’ve thought you might remember my best friend Claire Montgomery. Her daughter is currently carryin’ our grandchild,”[/color] Mary replies. She hoped Al knew enough about coven council families and was smart enough to put 2 and 2 together.

[color=EE4B2B]"What…"[/color] Aloysius remarked. At first it didn't click, and he stood there looking confused. Then it hit him like a truck. [i]Montgomery[/i]. Aloysius froze. Saying nothing for a minute as he looked pensive. [color=EE4B2B]"Has Salem figured it out? I for one am quite happy for them. They love each other yes?"[/color]

[color=c4df9b][i]”Happy for them?”[/i][/color] Claire hissed. [color=c4df9b]”Yes Salem knows - she’s the one who figured it out. They’ve barely been back together for a month or so now. Lilly doesn’t even know yet. Neither does Miles. And of course they love each other,”[/color] she continued, flying off the handle and answering all of his questions. [color=c4df9b]”They’re quite literally each others fate, but none of that matters now because [i]you[/i] had to fuck everything up.”[/color]  

Aloysius let out a small growl at Claire's final words. He wasn't going to be the groups punching bag forever [color=EE4B2B]"If it was fated then I couldn't have fucked it up, as it was fate."[/color] Al then recomposed himself before continuing [color=EE4B2B]"I hope that Salem will be okay with it all. She might sympathise I guess. In our past, me and Salem went through a similar thing but it was stopped by the powers that be, mixing family bloods was too risky in creating a super strong bloodline. I can see her using this as an excuse for the Guild to start taking control of Coven matter however"[/color] 

At Claire’s statements of Lilith not knowing Mary could feel her face grow hot, she didn’t think about the fact it might have been news Lil’s own mother may have wanted to share. She leaned into her friend’s ear and covered the side of their mouth with her hand. [color=fff79a]“She knows,”[/color] Mary whispers, light enough so Al wouldn’t be able to hear. She then turns to the man. She gives a deep, pitying sigh at the bruised man. Why was he just incapable of seeing all the issues this causes? [color=fff79a]“The problem ain’t the them havin’ kids,, it’s that they weren’t aware of the consequences, none of us were. Don’t act like Salem won’t level Tanner in a second over somethin’ like this. If we knew we coulda worked around things or at least been prepared. This ain’t some bloodline strengthenin’ that’s happenin’ here but magi and witch blood. You might not be attached to this place or to those kids, Aloysius, but this is [i]our[/i] home and [i]our[/i] kids. Salem’s bein’ here risks their very lives, a risk we coulda been [i]at least[/i] ready for.”[/color]

[color=EE4B2B]"No, I know. I am trying not to trivialise it. Look, if needs be I can throw myself at Salem. She probably still hates my guts enough that between me and babies, she might pick me"[/color] Aloysius shrugged his shoulders, he couldn't really see how he could be much help here but be a diversion. He did want to help. Afterall, everyone here had gone through hell to get here, and Mary was right, everyone was blindsided by all this. But Aloysius wondered if Miles and Lilith would have been allowed to be together if everyone knew the truth beforehand.

[color=fff79a]“From what I’ve been hearin’, Salem could easily take you out then have Lilith and the bubs for dessert,”[/color] Mary responds with a sigh. She pinches the bridge of her nose before continuing. [color=fff79a]“We can’t be dwellin’ no more. What’s done is done,”[/color] she then huffs. 

[color=c4df9b]”Fated for them to be together, you shit for brains. Not start a war by doing so.”[/color] Claire stood there listening to the short exchange between Mary and Aloysius with her arms crossed. It was taking nearly every ounce of will in her body not to kill the man right where he stood. How could he walk right back into their lives, acting as if he belonged there? It may have been selfish, but Claire was the most focused on Lilith being in danger. Miles was a very close second. Salem's temper was on the list, but that fact was definitely being shoved to the back of her mind at the moment. It was comforting to know that Lilith already knew what was going on. The blonde gave a simple nod at her friend's words. 

[color=c4df9b]”I agree,”[/color] she began, her eyes flashing to Mary for a brief moment. [color=c4df9b]”The thing about problems is that you can always count on them to still be around tomorrow.”[/color] As her gaze fell once more on Aloysius frame, her eyes hardened. [color=c4df9b]”First off - let me make something clear. From where I stand, that is [i]not[/i] your grandchild. If a single hair goes missing off either Miles or Lilith head, I’ll make the shit that Salem’s done to you look like childs play.”[/color] 

[color=EE4B2B]"I get that. I have to earn that trust. And trust me, I don't want anything to happen to Lilith and Miles either. And if I have to put myself in the way to do so, then I will"[/color] At the end of Aloysius's sentence his voice was shaking slightly as his eyes gave away a small flicker of fear he was trying to suppress. [color=EE4B2B]"I know that you have no reason to want to include me. But I want to try and fix some parts of life I fucked up in"[/color]

Suddenly becoming conscious of the open space filled with people around them, Mary did a quick sweep of the room. Luckily they had somehow managed to not draw any attention, or at least not captivate any of it. [color=fff79a]“I reckon we got some ground rules to set,”[/color] Mary drawls, running a hand through her hair. [color=fff79a]“Claire’s right, as it stands that ain’t your grandbaby but that ain’t our decision to make, it’s the kids’. They gotta bring it to you though, you can’t go talkin’ ‘bout this whole… situation to ‘em until they tell you. An’ if Miles doesn’t want you in the kid’s life you’re gonna be okay with that.”[/color]

Listening to Mary's words, Aloysius nodded. Naturally it wasn't what he wanted to hear. But given everything that has gone on today, it was probably the best outcome he could ask for. [color=EE4B2B]"I get it. I get it. Suppose I better go into hiding and make sure Salem doesn't find me and things get worse"[/color] Aloysius ran his hand through his hair, looking a little dejected. 

As if on cue, an angry looking Salem marched across the room. She did the best that she could to keep her emotions manageable, knowing full well that if she got too angry she’d accidentally fry the state's power grid. It didn’t take long for her to find her intended target. Walking right past Claire and Mary, Salem slapped Aloysius right across his face with an electrical charge. Unlike the one she had used with Amanda earlier, this one left a perfect mark in the shape of her handprint on the man's face. 

[color=6ecff6]”Twenty-five years,”[/color] she growled. [color=6ecff6]”You had [i]twenty-five[/i] years and you said [i]nothing[/i]?!”[/color] 

Aloysius let out a sharp gasp, his breath cutting for a moment as the electric charge shocked him. He had gotten way too used to that over the years. He took a step back, mostly so he could see Salem's hands. [color=EE4B2B]"Hello to you too"[/color] He replied as he rubbed his face, still feeling the shock in his face [color=EE4B2B]"Of course I wasn't going to tell you. You made it perfectly clear you wanted to see the bloodline end with me. So I wasn't exactly going to admit that I had someone pregnant. I didn't want to put Mary or Tanner in danger"[/color] 

[color=6ecff6]”Get bent, you piece of fucking dog shit,”[/color] she replied to his greeting, her voice dripping with malice. [color=6ecff6]”It’s different once the child has already been conceived. I would have tried to talk her into an abortion, and if that didn’t work, well dammit, I’d have brought her to New York with me. Mary seems like a great catch, truly. If I wasn’t sure of your stupidity before, I am now. It takes an absolute fucking idiot to lose a woman like that.”[/color] 

In her head, Salem kept counting over and over to ten, but it did nothing to help her boiling anger. Instead, she turned to pour herself a shot. [color=6ecff6]”Now - instead - we have a great magi with [i]no[/i] training, who’s run off and procreated with a Montgomery, of all things.”[/color] Downing the shot, Salem returned to glaring at Al. [color=6ecff6]”I can’t believe that I am seriously the only person in this place that has the ability to think ahead.”[/color] 

As Salem talked Mary couldn’t help the wave of anger that came across her. She was sick of this, sick of her son being talked about as if he was some commodity rather than a person. The day had been emotional, almost too emotional. She was glad Lilith wasn’t there to read her thoughts. As a burning fire seemed to form behind her eyes Mary’s mind resorted back to an almost default state where she nearly readied herself to attack the magi woman in front of her. At this point the Prices, if not all of Tanner were already in bad standing anyway so what was one more reason for Salem to hate them really going to do? Before she could make a move though her eyes met those of Claire Montgomery, it gave a very clear message. [i]Back down[/i]. 

With a frustrated sigh the woman complied, making herself smaller. That anger still burned but she knew Claire had a much better idea of what Salem De Silva was capable of than Mary would ever know… hopefully. The woman wasn’t [i]that[/i] stupid. Instead she distracted herself by honing into the conversation. Honestly if things really went the options Salem described Mary wasn’t sure if things would outcome much better. She knew moving to New York wouldn’t have sat well with her and she wouldn’t have been so easily convinced to abort her son. She didn’t even know if her following Salem would end with her alive. Instead she grasped onto the least dangerous response for her. [color=fff79a]“So what you’re tellin’ me is he really didn’t have to go no contact?”[/color] she growls.

[color=EE4B2B]"Don't listen to her Mary"[/color] Aloysius said with a soft groan. [color=EE4B2B]"Salem will say whatever she wants to make me look like an idiot. She made it very clear all these years ago that she didn't want me to have kids"[/color] Aloysius knew that the people of Tanner didn't seem that keen on Salem, maybe he could use that to his advantage [color=EE4B2B]"Look Salem, do you really wanna cause a scene here? In the middle of the handover ceremony of the Coven. Cause that will do a real good for relations between Magi and Witches"[/color] 

[color=6ecff6]”I will do what I please, with whom I please, where I please. I don’t have to make you look like an idiot. You do that just fine on your own. This may be witch land - but this is magi business. I don’t see why me turning you to a pile of ashes would offend anyone here, honestly.”[/color] The Guild leader shrugged her shoulders. [color=6ecff6]”It’s honestly about time that I remind them what I’m capable of.”[/color] 

With a sigh, Salem brushed some loose hair behind her ear. [color=6ecff6]”Killing you here would be too easy. Scene or no scene - you know me better than that.”[/color] Tilting her head slightly to the right, she seemed to study the man further. [color=6ecff6]”But make no mistake. Your time will come. Maybe on a street corner, perhaps at the hands of someone you trust. Perhaps I’ll just have you choke on a spoonful of peanut butter,”[/color] she quipped. 

Aloysius let out a soft sigh, posting himself between Mary and Salem, in an oddly protective stance. [color=EE4B2B]"Listen. No one here knew anything. And at the risk of striking your ire, it isn't Magi business. It's Magi and Witch business. So you are going to have to work with whoever is in charge around here to come up with a solution. But I won't let you touch a hand in anyone here"[/color] Aloysius raised his arms defensively ready to cast at a moment's notice. 

[color=EE4B2B]"What happened to you Salem? When we were in high school together you weren't like this at all. I get that we didn't work out, and I didn't handle the Guild interfering well. And yes. The war. But even then. You weren't this bad."[/color]

As her brow furrowed, Salems eyes began to spark with energy once more. [color=6ecff6]”I’m not talking about that girl's womb, you imbecile. I’m referring to killing [i]you[/i]. [i]That[/i] is magi business. There’s not a single cell in my body that wants to harm anyone except for you. [i]You[/i] are to blame for all of this, Aloysius, and you damned well know it. Don’t you dare try to call my character into question because you think you’re going to make yourself look better.”[/color] 

Closing the small distance between the two of them, Salem looked into Al’s eyes as she spoke again. [color=6ecff6]”I’ve always made it very clear that I intend to make your life as drawn out and as painful as possible. There’s no reason to stand here and play stupid. Why am I this bad?”[/color] she mocked him. Reaching out to grab his chin, Salem forced him to look at her. [color=6ecff6]”I should have convinced you to kill yourself years ago. You stupid, pathetic, piece of shit [i]boy[/i]”[/color] the brunette spat. [color=6ecff6]”You aren’t worth the air I breathe - but you will feel the repercussions of your actions.”[/color] 

Letting her hand fall back to her side, Salem gave a quick once over to the small group in front of her. [color=6ecff6]”I have no intentions of harming you or your children,”[/color] she spoke in Claire and Marys direction. [color=6ecff6]”All that I ask is that you leave this between him and I.”[/color] 

Hearing that everyone else was going to be okay, Aloysius seemed to visibly relax. Even if Salem was forcing him to look into her eyes. Hearing her words hurt him in a strange kind of way. The pair had a bizarre relationship at times and Aloysius had differing opinions of her throughout time. Yes, he had declared war on the Guild to take control for his own family. But that wasn't new. The De Silivas did that back in the early 1900s to depose the Leightons. But this just seemed different. Lowering his arms, and his guard, Aloysius looked back down, somewhat defeated. 

[color=EE4B2B]"If you were so adamant you were going to make me suffer so much, why did you let me go? You could have just kept me under house arrest and keep sending me around to do dangerous jobs."[/color] Aloysius drew a long sigh of resignation, his voice lowered as he continued on. [color=EE4B2B]" I have a chance to build something here. And it's going to take alot of work. I have alot of damage to try and fix. But sure. Take it away from me, do what you want. You always do"[/color] 

The Guild Leader couldn’t help but roll her eyes. [color=6ecff6]”Freedom is a very subjective thing. ‘Means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. Who’s to say you’re not on an assignment right now, hm?”[/color] Letting her words settle into the air, Salem sighed. [color=6ecff6]”I’ve said what I needed to say. Try not to fuck anything else up tonight.”[/color] 

[color=EE4B2B]"How the heck am I on assignment?"[/color] Aloysius asked out of curiosity. He was always afraid that Salem had let him go, only to pull the rug from under his feet. Not that he would get an answer as Salem had already walked off away from him. Typical. [color=EE4B2B]" Well that went just about as well I could have hoped for it to go"[/color] Aloysius said with a sigh. [color=EE4B2B]"I should probably leave you to it"[/color] Aloysius smiled and looked over to Mary. 

Mary huffs, looking over the man in front of her. She didn't know what to make of the past little chunk of time but she knew that, somehow, her respect for the man dropped. [color=fff79a]“1pm, the same house, don't expect pleasantries."[/color] The woman huffs, turning away. [color=fff79a]“I can [i]not[/i] handle any more of you tonight."[/color] With that, Mary angrily stomps off to the balcony. Leaving Al and Claire alone.