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Barty was about to lay down on his bed for the year, but as he made his way towards the side of it he paused. ”Almost forgot something, what's the warmth of a room without a little music.” He was certain Finley wouldn't mind, but even if she had he wouldn’t have cared in this instance. Not that he didn't care for their feelings or thoughts, but this had become somewhat of a tradition for Barty, especially at the beginning of the school year when he was first setting up. A record player appeared on the side table to his bed as Barty grabbed a leather suitcase and pulled out a vintage first pressing of Lorna Wu's ‘Ballad of the Witches Road’. A fine example of an enchantress and protector with a remarkable voice. It was signed of course, though the names the signature was addressed to were ones the twins had long since abandoned once that era of their life had ended.

Barty placed the record onto the player carefully, the beginning notes of the guitar resonating across the room. Having lived a life both as an audiophile and media mongrel, this record held a special place within his heart. Its nostalgic melody helping soothe him from that airheaded enchantresses existence and allowing himself to begin to enjoy the new school year. As the music played, he began to pull out some clothing. Originally he'd thought to simply wear jeans and a t-shirt that said ‘Get Naked and Go Wild’ in clear contradiction to what their own letters had told the students to do. Partly to see how they'd react and who would do it. Yet Barty spied a glimpse at what Finley had opted into wearing, telling him he may need to go slightly less casually than he had wanted. So he grabbed one of his many long wool coats, double breasted and cutting off just above the knees in a mixture of dark and light grey wool with wooden buttons. It'd survived with him through several decades, he could still recall the craftsmen who made it for him. They really didn't make clothes like they used to.

Barty placed it to the right of his suitcase on the bed, grabbing tweed high waisted pants that he'd altered to keep a permanent fold so that the hem sat up high to give room for his leather boots. A pair of original Doc's from the first decade that their ‘Airwair’ had come out, and the same decade within this song's writing. All that was left to do was pick out a shirt, and he'd already decided to use an old linen button up shirt. It was a bit big for him, billowy in just the way he liked to have it, the sleeves roughly rolled up to just below his elbow on either side, and the first few buttons undone to give himself a deep V that exposed his chest. Simple, elegant, and a testament to good fashion and craftsmanship from his long life and past.

The music, Barty's little ritual for every new room he stayed in, seeped under Nicky's skin with a warmth from days long gone. It'd been nearly a century since the record had been made, some 3 handfuls of decades away, but he couldn't help but long for the ease their lives command then. Well… at least what bits he could remember. Most days they'd been twelve drinks deep and a few tabs under by 9am and the year had passed by in a fog. He remembered leaving Elvis for dead. He remember stumbling in a painfully sober stupor around Tennessee. He remember stumbling into some Tyler someone's lap. And then they'd rode Aerosmith's fame.

Ah, the good old days.

Nicky hummed along with the music. They hadn't gotten close to Lorna Wu and he was content with that. Kept it cleaner, safer, that way. The less strange folk punching up, the better. Every now and then he still woke here, heart pounding and flames flickering behind his eyes lids and screams ringing in his ears, with the urge to escape before everything went to hell. It was a difficult instinct to repress and, truth be told, he wouldn't want to. It was what kept him alive this long. The fact that he chose to remain despite it was what puzzled him.

“What are-” Nicholas turned and peered over his shoulder at what his twin pulled out. It didn't quite hit the right note for him so he fished through his belongings for something more reminiscent of those days. A green shirt with autumn leaves and the sleeves rolled up, darker green pants, and polished black shoes would still be a relaxed look with seemingly sloppy. Plus, it would be easy to get out of once the party had been quieted and the real fun began. Finely and Dysphoria's outfit certainly held promise as it hugged everything perfectly and showed off just enough to tease and definitely wouldn't be a problem later.

“Are we ready?” Nicholas inquired, snapping his wardrobe shut.

Barty finished putting on his clothes, grabbing a black coal liner and quickly doing his water line. He picked up a large brimmed hat and placed it at the crown of his head so that it resembled more of a halo than hat, allowing his tuft of dark hair to ruffle out from a front and fall gently over his brow. He waited for the final note of the song to play before turning off the record player and lifting its needle. ”As always my dear.” He replied, turning as he slid his coat on, allowing it to flow with the motion.

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Rather than use the convenience of the Neverish, Nicholas decided they'd enter with their guests. The staff was competent but who knew how challenging these kids would prove to be. The Neverish was a dangerous place and as amusing as it would be to see one swallowed by the dimension, Nicholas did not want attention drawn to their little corner of it. It was a meticulous, bloody, and exacting piece of spell work that he didn't need to repeat.

However, as the twins stepped out of the staircase leading to the lower level of the Academy, Nicholas had never regretted a decision as quickly as when the crashing sound of something stumbling into a suit of armor reached their ears and he sighed. Across their link, Nicholas grumbled. “If there is a cost beyond entertainment to this, I am collecting compensation with their organs.”

”Please, the only damages that may occur are going to be to any braincells that may have remained before having bashed them against that weapon just now. I swear, it feels as if the school had gotten desperate this year in accepting applicant's.” Barty replied within his twins mind.

Nicholas didn't respond again, but nodded his agreement. The Academy certainly didn't maintain many standards. However, they'd invited the rabble to their door and the rabble they would entertain. Or Barty and the staff would entertain. Nicholas would be perfectly content sitting his table against the far wall watching the chaos this group would cause.

“Oh dear. Are you alright?” Alfonse quickly stepped forward after proffering a short bow and a smile to Cassie and an equally excited wave to Jake, gingerly taking Willow's hand and softly pulling her to her feet. “We can get you some ice inside. That looked like a nasty bump and you wouldn't want it sore or longer than it needed to be.”

Nicholas ignored the commotion and continue past the group, reaching the painting more important than whatever nonsense was happening. “Social pleasantries can wait.” Nicholas projected his voice as he stepped through the assembled, willing to speak over everyone if necessary. “Passing through to Haven demands focus and small talk will not serve you in this effort. Pay attention. The passage is accessed via the child. A simple offering of your magic, the wards will recognize you, and Haven shall unfold before you. Should your intent or focus waiver, the best case scenario is a lonely night in your dormitory; otherwise, you may well find yourself lost in the depths of the Neverish forever.”

Barty produced a small metallic rectangular box, deep dark green with golden accents. He flipped the lid open, pulling out a cigarette and placing it delicately between his lips before shutting the case closed once more. Unscrewing a circular cap that attached to its top slightly, and flicking the lighter alive. He bent down just enough to light his cigarette before snuffing the flame and taking a long, slow, drag as he made his way past the other students gathered at the entrance to their little Haven. Blowing the smoke out once he'd faced away from the painting. ”Its simple, safe, and does you no harm. Some of our dear friends here can attest as such.” Barty added, looking towards Connie and Rohan as he knew them to be the more likely trusted amongst their peers.

It was barely a swirl at his finger tips, Nicholas's pale blue magic ghosting across the painting over the child's ribcage and it beat once, twice, and he was gone.



Those newly entering would find the magic beating in the chest of the child's rib cage for long moments before the painting stretched and ripped and a single long pitch black hall extended into nothingness. The heavy weight of magic surrounded those who walked the path and plucked at their clothes, brushed against arms, whispered unintelligible things in the corners of their minds. A stray thought could shift the path here, in the space between places, planes, and worlds, and an unwarranted traveler would find just how dangerous the Neverish could be.

However, the crackle of a fire and the warmth of its light welcomed those who stumbled into the speakeasy. The hearth stood a good two meters high and was made of cut stone 6 centuries old. It stood across the room from the entryway and was decorated in a variety of gold gaelic charms pressed into the exterior. The bar's name and symbol, a black bull's head inside a golden wreath, hung above and glimmered with its own light. Two doors, one a forest green and the other navy blue, framed the hearth.

The room itself was otherwise dark hardwood flooring,burgeondy wallpaper, and matching furniture. A large chandelier hung in the center of the room and its candles burned smokelessly, their flickering nearly in tandem with the scones dotting the space between the paintings on the wall. A myriad of art, from paintings to etchings to photographs, hung on the walls and depicted horrible and beautiful moments of time in supernatural history.

Along one end, a sofa ran the length and offered seating at several tables. Across the room, more tables and dark leather chairs filled the space between the bar and the hearth, with the exception of a small raised section boasting a meticulously maintained piano.

The bar itself was simple and neat, tiers of alcohol along the back mirrored wall, and comfortable stools on which to sit near the coat closet at the front door. Mithza Leaned on the bar, a platter with drinks and a small jar of mixed candies behind her. Two menus, one black, one burgundy, and both with gold ink, were presented on the bar.

Barty made his way in, snapping his fingers to grab Alfonse's attention. ”Alfie, be a dear and grab me my usual.” He asked (demanded) as he leaned against the wooden bar waiting to see who all had made it through.

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Rohan very intentionally said nothing about the moth girl smacking face-first into a suit of armor. Distractions weren't conducive to walking into the Neverish. At the mention of the more trusted people, he took a step forward towards the magic painting and took the cue. He'd been in here plenty of times, it wasn't a bad idea to demonstrate.

"It doesn't bite," He told some of them. He omitted the "unless you ask nicely" part.

Rohan thumped the ground before him with the staff he carried, the protective magic within it and the wrong magic of its wielder were well-known to the the Haven's magical bouncer. "Don't be afraid, that'll get you tossed off the path." And with that, he walked through. It was nice to be back in here, the Haven was, as its name suggested, somewhere he felt reasonably safe. Despite his... Reservations about the hedonistic brothers, it was quite the work of magic to make a whole pocket realm within another pocket realm. And a place to retreat to was never going to be ignored by someone like him.

The smell of smoke and human food, the warmth of a restful fire. The people. It put a grin on his face.

"Alright, old man..." Rohan stayed by the door, stepping out of the way and lingering near Barty. He leaned an arm over his staff, keeping an eye out in case one of the newer students took a while to get in. "What do you think? I give it an hour before any of them black out under the bar."

Fin considered waiting by the entrance to smell everyone’s magic. At least those that were new to her. Finley’s type of fae was particularly good at identifying magic and the sources of it, not the best, that went to another line. One they were quite thankful to not be part of. She wanted to identify everyone. Make sure they would be able to identify them again in the future. There were enough new people in the peer group that Finley almost decided to do just that, but they watched as Rohan and Connie entered Haven.

”See you inside.” They winked at Cal, before skipping over to the entrance. A small bit of their power drifted from their finger before they dashed through into Haven.

”I feel like it has been too long since I have been here,” Fin said. They took a long inhale soaking in the ambience of the place. Despite being what could easily be called a regular, and possibly some other terms that implied a whole lot more, Finley still looked at the place with shining eyes as if it was their first time in the place. They spun around, the skirt of their dress flaring up. Then they slid up to the bar. Fin placed their elbows on the counter and made a platform out of their hands before resting their chin on her fingers.

”I will have a Bushwacker.” Finley had tried a fair amount of drinks, but the overly sweet drink was their favorite. ”Dys, dear do you want anything?”

---

Connie smiled at Rohan’s joke. She had spotted Cal. He was skirting the lines of the rules, but she expected he wouldn’t have any issue. Franklin’s description made her tilt her head. Connie winced as Willow tumbled. She had taken a half step toward her when Alfonse helped her.

”That is one of my roommates.” She told Rohan and Franklin, nodding in the direction of Willow.

”Is it Jake?” She gestured at the manically happy man. ”He is in my coven.” Connie had built opinions about the excitable man. But she was doing her best to keep them to herself. She didn’t care for gossip. The conversation with her friends was to figure out how they would find time to maintain that friendship. She knew both Rohan and Franklin would disappear into their minds and work if she let them. Connie didn’t think that was healthy.

The passage into Haven was ready. Connie followed after Rohan, letting a whisper of her power out and once her path was open Connie quickly moved into Haven. She would talk more there with her friends. Connie waited for a moment before ordering her usual drink from Alfonse.

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Cassie could be wrong, but she felt like Finley wasn't as excited to meet her as Finley was to meet Connie. So far, the meetings with new people have been hit or miss. Cal and Willow were cool, Rohan was a mystery, but he was not outwardly antagonistic. The twins were...well, it was hard to read them. Perhaps it came with experience, after all, they had been here longer than she had.

She needed to give off confidence. She earned her spot here. Surely there were no ulterior motives for accepting her amongst their ranks. Cassie turned to ask Cal a question before she heard a noise, a scraping and bombastic sound of something falling, and she saw Willow with a crumpled suit of armor on the ground. Cassie walked over to her as Alfonse went and checked on her also. "Willow, are you okay?" Possibly a stupid question, but it seemed Willow was fine, save for a bump and possibly some embarrassment.

Cassie glanced around to see if anyone else was concerned, but it appeared the others were more eager to get inside to the party proper. She stood there waiting for Willow. She wasn't about to leave the first friend she had made by herself. "We'll go in together, if you're up for it. Seems we have to enter separately, but I'll wait for you on the other side."

She walked with some confidence towards the painting. A little magic on the child, was it? This school was wild. So far she had to use her magic on a fish to find out what room she would be lodged in and now she needed to do so to enter a party. What next? Using magic to go to the bathroom in the middle of the night? She should keep her thoughts down, because that stood to be a real possibility. Cassie held up a hand and summoned her magic, allowing it to sweep over the child as the painting shifted and stretched to allow her entrance. She stepped forward, walking into the hallway of magic and horror in equal measure. The warning given by one of the twins played in her mind. The Neverish it was called, she thought. She needed to keep moving despite every instinct in her wanting to look around and explore, see the possibilities. But she also didn't want to be the lone guest who got lost in some nightmare prison. That would be a good look, Cassie, being endlessly tormented because you wanted to skip off into the shadows.

Eventually, she felt a warmth and stumbled into the next room. She glanced around, spotting the others who had entered before her. Satisfied she passed this first test, she moved off to the side to wait for Willow. She didn't want to explore this new area without someone at her side. She had a feeling the tests weren't done.

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Willow could feel the blush creeping up her cheek as she stumbled into the armor and caused the large ruckus. The downside of dismissing Luna and trying to rely too much on second sight or others. Then she realized she had only informed two of her fellow covenmates about her seeing situation, and no one else. That was probably why no one else had stepped forward to stop her or say anything, or even offered help. The blush of embarrassment turned heated, and she took the hand of help that had been offered to her in the form of Alfonse.

"I'll be fine... just an effect of what I am. Second sight is amazing, real sight? None existent. This is why I usually have my familiar with me, but I was afraid she might get over stimulated. Some ice when we get inside would be lovely." She decided to not get upset, but brush off everything as she realized almost no one else seemed to care that she had just run into something. Sure, she was new and knew no one, but didn't anyone have a little compassion?

She did brighten as she heard Cassie, sweet Cassie, inquire into how she was doing. "I'll be fine. Thank you for asking. I really should have asked for an escort it seemed." She chuckled softly as she brushed herself off and looked towards Alfonse. "Thank you again for your help."

She turned towards where everyone was going, the entrance and walked that way. She hoped that she could find the child, and offer her magic up to them. She gently reached out and traced a painting. Delicate features bloomed into view under her fingers and she smiled and then she offered up her magic. Glimpses into what had been, what would be and what could be. She soon vanished and found herself in the next room and gasped as she tried to reach out, hoping that someone would be there to help her.

Though... maybe it was time to bring Luna back out again.

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For those ordering drinks, they are made to your specifications quickly and efficiently, with the signature glassware/plating of the Haven. Nicky is served his usual, Finley a Bushwacker, extra cream and simple sugar, and Connie is offered her usual mocktail.

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Jake noticed the way that Annika stayed next to him. He beamed. Not only were they roommates, they were friends, too! And he loved everything about the way she was dressed, but especially the necklace. It looked so pretty! Had she made it herself? She was so talented!! He looked at his own clothing, clothes that had felt so comfy and fine a moment ago, and his grin dropped into a frown. He liked what Annika was wearing more. Would it be rude to ask her if he could try on her clothes some time? He dismissed the thought almost immediately. He would be very fair and offer a swap, a trade! It would be a fun game! Everyone would think he was Annika and she was him! They wouldn't be able to tell them apart!

He gasped though as someone cried out - they were hurt! Without thinking, Jake rushed on over, arriving at their side just a few moments after Alfonse (he was so pretty!). Alfonse helped the person up to their feet. Another person was here too - they had the most beautiful blonde hair, it almost looked like it was shimmering. Jake wished he knew everyone's names. "Can I help get ice?" Jake asked. "Is this permanent?" he then asked. He didn't know if this person was going to be hurt forever - or if this was something that would go away. He hoped it was something that would go away. They didn't deserve this.

Everyone was heading inside now. There'd been an explanation - something about offering up magic. Jake didn't have any magic. Not magic that he knew about. But almost everyone had already gone inside, including the hurt person, and he really did want to help. There was a strange tugging sensation in his gut too, like something urging him onwards. He didn't think about it critically. He didn't think about anything critically.

"I don't know how this works so... I give you some magic?" he said to the painting, before reaching out and gently poking the child with his finger. The sensation that followed was strange - tickling, almost, and Jake couldn't stop himself from giggling. His head felt funny, and for a brief moment, his sense of balance eluded him. And before he could regain it, his surroundings suddenly changed - as he left the hallway behind and entered the Haven.

"Wow..." he looked around, astonished - any sense of what he had wanted to do in here evaporating away, all urgency gone.

And then...

"What do we do now? Can we play a game?" Jake was desperate to play a game. He'd never played one before, but he just knew that he'd love them. He saw some other people asking for something to drink. That wasn't meant for him though. He didn't need that.

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Annika took a step forward when she saw Willow had taken a tumble into the suit of armour. She was ready to help the girl, but a few people had already stepped in to ensure that she was okay. Annika turned her attention to the portrait. She could check on Willow once they all made it through.

The concept of sharing her magic with a strange thing she didn’t understand had her hesitating to walk through the portrait first. Annika watched the twins and others go through the door before she shook her hands out and stepped forward.

She examined the portrait closely, seeing all the intricate details before she placed a finger against the boy in the painting. Shadows danced down Annika’s arm and entered the painting before she felt the beating and was sucked inside. Annika gasped, her eyes widening as the pleasant feeling of something new sparked across her body.

Annika stumbled into Haven, but rather than take in the room before her, she turned to look back at the wall she had just walked through. A grin was planted on her face, her eyes shining. Oh, she was definitely going to have to try an unlock those secrets.

The idea that there was another world, or something that could be like her Everdark, was fascinating to her. Jack had never mentioned the Neverish before, but she supposed there were things in this world that even the great Wizard, Jack Hawthorne, didn’t know. Or he felt his daughter didn’t need to know such things.

Leaving that thought behind, Annika turned to walk further into the room. She took in the moody tones and various seating arrangements before she found herself standing along the bar. It seemed the natural starting point of the evening.

”Excuse me, do you have anything non-alcoholic? A mocktail or a birthday special?” Annika had had alcohol before. She rebelled like most teenagers, but she also had a father who wasn’t like most. However, she never cared for the taste, and when she met her biological family and learned of their struggles with alcohol, Annika had completely sworn off the stuff. Besides, there were other mind-altering substances that could be far more entertaining. Annika still had dreams about the first time she had dream-walked with her ancestors.

While she waited for a drink, Annika looked around the room once more. She stood near Barty and Rohan. One was a coven mate, and the other was one of the strange, standoffish twins of this establishment. Annika didn’t know much about either of them, but there was something about both of them that she seemed drawn to. Annika’s eyes roamed over Barty, trying to get a sense of his aura. She had never been good at figuring out people this way. She supposed she was too impatient for it, but her people always pushed her to practice. She tried with Rohan next and noticed the wooden creature nuzzled into his neck. Annika stepped forward, entering the personal space of Barty and Rohan.

”Oh, they are quite precious. Hello, shonkwahsótha ko'khó:wa,” Annika greeted traditionally. She bowed her head and smiled at the creature before looking at Rohan with more interest and respect. ”And what feats have you accomplished to have the wisdom-keeper of the forests as your guide?”

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Callaghan didn’t hesitate to walk over and offer his assistance to Willow after she stumbled into the suit of armour. He wasn’t exactly needed, but Callaghan wasn’t one to sit behind when someone might be hurt or in trouble.

He gave Finley a flirtatious smile and a nod before they entered the portrait. Cal looked back at Willow and Cassie.

”Are you sure you are okay, little one? Make absolutely certain before you cross over,” Cal warned. He stepped back and watched Cassiopeia walk up to the painting like she owned it. He smirked, admiring the girl’s strength and confidence before she walked through.

Callaghan remained behind, making sure the others had an easy time getting across, until he was the only soul standing in the room with the painting. His eyes roamed over the art piece, taking in the delicate work. The colours, the foreground and background, how the invisible lines drew your eye to look here and there. Cal loved art. He loved the stories art told, the hidden meanings each piece seemed to contain. Each one was unique, full of knowledge waiting to be unlocked. Cal fought the urge to sit on the ground and stare at the painting until he uncovered more secret words. Every time he came to Haven, he felt compelled to do this. The first time he was at the school, he didn’t even cross over. He remained in this room, seeing and writing until the students started to walk back through at the end of the night.

The young dragon’s face fell, the mask he wore slipping as he took a moment of reprieve. Callaghan sighed, scrubbing a hand over his face. A lot was riding on him this year. The connections he was making here weren’t yielding any results for his family, even with Mikkail’s help. If he couldn’t make anything stick this year, he wouldn’t be returning the year after. The dragon shifted restlessly under Cal’s skin. The thought of failing didn’t sit well. All the knowledge in this school, left undiscovered. All the friendships he had made, left to disintegrate. Then there was the obligation to Mikkail. The partnership and friendship that had developed.

Cal sighed once more and shook off the feeling of failure. ”It is only the first day. You have time.” Once he was feeling composed, Callaghan plastered the easygoing smile back on his face and strode through the painting. A warm sensation caressed his skin, like a lover’s embrace, but just as quickly as it touched him, it left, and Callghan stood in Haven. The smile came more easily now that he was surrounded by his companions.

At the end of the bar stood an old-fashioned, the smoke still billowing off the top of the glass from a fresh make. Callaghan grinned and walked over to pick up the beverage, then took a sip. The previous worries seemed to melt off his shoulders. Callaghan swallowed, the comforting burn warming him.

”Perfection as always, Mithza.” He tipped his glass to her before facing the rest of Haven. The black menu with gold lettering hovered just on the periphery of Callghan’s vision, enticing him to blow off his responsibilities and invite a few people into his favourite room. Later, Cal reminded himself. He took another sip and entered the crowd.

“Can we play a game?” Callaghan glanced at Jake and grinned. ”Oh, we certainly could, child. What do you have in mind?”

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Root crawled up and out of the satchel at Rohan's side, fluttering up onto his shoulder. The little wooden creature knew this place, and much like a cat around familiar people, it didn't matter that there were a lot of them. He nestled there and glanced around the Haven. If animals could have facial expressions comparable to humans, his might've been disinterest or boredom. He was content to just sit there until his master had a task for him. He craned his neck around and fixed a statue-still look at Annika.

The owl creaked. At Annika. His beak opened, and the sound of trees came out, not the sound of an animal.

Rohan didn't understand the language she just spoke to him in. For all he knew, his familiar could have- He chose an owl for more reasons than one. His fingered drummed across the staff he leaned against, thinking for a moment. How much should he say to someone new? Well, they were going to work together tomorrow.

"Hello, hello. I'm pretty sure no one's ever asked that question. Well, I was... Somewhere far away." He started off cryptic. "Had places to be, going through the woods one day. I stopped to rest on a hill, and I found a Scops owl in a scuffle with a monster. I killed it, and it turned out the owl was still alive. Just barely."

The owl on his shoulder didn't look like it was ever really alive. When it sat still long enough, it looked more like a carved piece of wood than something that was animated. "I tried to help it, but it was in pretty rough shape. It wasn't the kind of wound you could just bandage up and tend to later. I stuck with him for... I think it was two, maybe three hours. We stayed moving, I figured that maybe I'd find something that could work better than pitch. Didn't get that lucky. I might've just let him go sleep under a tree, but he was feisty. He wasn't about to go quietly. So I found a dead tree and made what I call a Spirit Hallow- Something to keep his soul in this world after he decayed."

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Cassie stood there, anxious, waiting for Willow to come out and join them. What Cassie saw as she went through the portrait was intense, she couldn't imagine what Willow was experiencing. Cassie had recalled in one of the many, many books that she read that people who were blind often had their other senses heightened. She didn't know if this was fiction or not, but either way Willow had stumbled already.

Cassie looked around her, eyeing the others. Strangers, all of them. Not unfriendly, Rohan seemed fine. The excitable, cute one was a joy to be around and Cassie wanted to speak to him, but she remained. The one friend she had made might need her and she needed friends if she hoped to survive here. Slowly, she was starting to realize she may have jumped in the deep end and would need to swim to survive.

Eventually, a gasp showcased Willow's exit as she came through. Cassie reached out, taking Willow's hand in her own and squeezing it. "There you are, it's okay. You're okay. Come, let's take a seat and maybe get something to drink." Cassie led Willow to a nearby chair, allowing the girl to take a seat. "It looks like they serve alcohol, but I am sure they have water or maybe some tea if you want." Cassie glanced warily at the drinks she did spot. She had never drank alcohol other than the wine at church. She tried to sneak some of her father's bourbon before, but she was caught and banished to her room.

College kids drank, right? Perhaps she should partake. But Willow needed to be settled first.

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Willow had been thankful that two of her coven mates had come to her aid, as it turned out, and did make sure to thank them both. She did pause as she felt her hand be taken, and she was lead over to a chair. She knew Cassie was trying to be helpful, but... she didn't wish to be minded all night, and she doubted that Cassie wanted to play minder all night either.

"Cassie, thank you. I will be fine, I'll just resummon Luna. It seems someone else has their familiar as well, so I won't be alone in that. It seems calmer in here than I anticipated so, I'm less worried about having her around. Thank you for taking care of me." Willow gently squeezed Cassie's hand and then with a flick of her wrist, Luna reappeared on her shoulder, and nuzzled in close.

The room fluttered into her minds eye through their link and she could take it all in finally. She walked over to the bar and then looked up at the bartender. "Do you happen to have sangria by chance? My Tia would make it from time to time and I found it quite lovely~ I would adore a glass, thank you~"

As she waited for an answer, she heard a conversation about the other familiar there, and how he came into creation. Willow found herself fascinated by the story, and wanted to know more. Especially about someone else that seemed to care about nature's creatures and creations as much as she did, or at least seemed to. She stepped over and smiled softly.

"I don't mean to intrude, I just overheard your story a little. Quite interesting. You said you preserved his soul in a tree?" Willow hoped she wasn't intruding too much, and that the presence of her own familiar would mark her as friendly. However, what she forgot was that she was tall, and probably seemed nosy, and intimidating with her facial coverings.

Finley took a long sip of her drink. It was sweet; for many, it would be too sweet. Sugar was something fae craved and enjoyed, same for milk. The old tales were not wrong there. Fin sat down at the bar, watching the crowd, listening to Rohan’s story. They had not heard it before. There few people that they knew were scattered around the room.

As the conversation drifted toward a game of sorts, Finley tilted their head. Wondering what sort of games they wanted to play. They liked games. Had played a few in the human world. Finley had played some video games with their Dewdrop. Was that what Jake wanted to do?

Connie mentioned breaking ice.

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Connie took her drink and happily sipped. The bubbles of the soda water tickled her mouth. She preferred the drinks that had good flavor. She didn’t have as much of a sweet tooth as other people. The other students had started to spread out in the lounging area. She took a seat near one of the new girls she didn’t know, and leaned back in the chair.

Connie considered striking up a conversation, but she also wanted to relax for a moment. Jake was asking about playing a game. An ice breaker of sorts might be a good idea. There were enough new students amongst them that getting to know each other, at least a little bit, would be a good idea. Especially for those that were in the same coven. She looked around, trying to spot the other covenmates she had. Jake was easy enough to notice. Barty, she knew well enough not to need an ice breaker game with.

From her seat she joined the conversation, ”We could do some sort of ice breaker. Get to know each other. For those who are new.”

”How will breaking ice get us to know each other?” Fin asked, confused between sips of their drink.

”It is a type of game, not actually breaking ice. We would do an activity or talk about ourselves so that we would learn more about each other. There are some that are specifically drinking games if that is of interest. Such as Never Have I Ever.” Connie explained, unbothered by the question.

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“I will also drink the Bush!” Dysphoria declared, eager to enjoy their Darlin’ favorite. Did they need to technically? No. But Dysphora had become quite partial to the drink when more chocolate had been added to it. Dysphoria dipped down to lap at the drink like a cat before their attention was snatched away by a fluttering curiosity.

“Does the littlest one protect you?” Dysphoria asked Willow, stretching out to look closer at Luna. “My time here has said bugs need to be squashed. Weak little things that like to bite and eat. Is this one not so weak?”



“Not even five feet from the bar and you can't be bothered to get your own drink.” Alfonse clicked his tongue and shook his head even as he complied with Barty's demand, drink settled neatly in his hand as Alfonse picked up the last drink that hadn't been passed out yet. “Old age finally catching up with you?” The server teased. He picked up a comfortable mug and took off the wooden covering. Steam wanted out and shortly after the bold aroma of fresh coffee. He placed it at Rohan's elbow before reading off a small slip of paper.

“Slow roasted in small batches by hand, this blend is a mix of a modern catimor variety grown in the southern coffee regions of China and a traditional African coffee variety meant to highlight the former's cherry and plum notes. It's higher acidity also means the flavor fades quicker but has a smoother mouth feel.”

”Now why would I bother doing such a thing when I have someone as precious as you to aid me in my requests? Besides, I brew the contents, I don’t pour them. “ Barty responded to Alfonse as his eyes looked over the rim of the glass at him before finally taking a sip of his personal stash of scotch. Letting the flavour wash over him as he enjoyed the gone aged liquor before deigning to respond to Rohan. Watching as his brother prepared to cut in with their ‘fun' idea. ”Oh, it'll be much quicker than an hour I'd say.”

Mithza offered Willow a half smile. “Course we got that. Bosses would have our heads if we didn't offer all the common drinks. This your first time sippin’ on the good stuff or you just feeling a little down to earth today?” The bartender asked. With a flick of her finger, a glass neatly skidded across the bar and stopped just in time as Milthza fetched a pitcher of dark red sangria, oranges and lemons and pears floating in it, and poured while turning her attention to Annika.

“You still interested in a mocktail? I got most things available. Little Connie right there always wants a mocktail too. You seem like a pineapple gal - how's a Deep Isle sound? Lemon-lime, pineapple juice, blue curacao syrup, and a splash o’ grenadine.” Milthza offered, pushing the sangria to Willow once it was full. “You enjoy the Sangria and let me know if you need anything else now.”

Nicholas watched as people began to chit chat and split, side eyeing Jake as he exclaimed about a game or some nonsense. He was not comfortable with that one still, the uncanny resemblance off putting, but they'd all walked perfectly into his magic and this was the best place to try and bait this thing into revealing his true intentions. Originally, this was meant to be a spot of harmless fun - maybe get a little blackmail, see who they could exploit in the future and who to avoid, but now there was a shiny, new target.

“A game is certainly on the table, but what fun would it be without a little magic?” Nicholas cut into the conversation as he passed behind the bar. He picked up the small jar of candies and shook it gently. There were a variety of options: some green and purple, others a faint orange with seemingly liquid centers, a pyramidal one that shimmered like a rainbow. “Although the specifics of afterwards are intentionally hazy, an ice breaker isn't far off. What I have here is a-”

Barty stepped forward, tapping his finger against the glass jar with his fingernail. ” Magnificently Magical Ménagerie of Morsels! To help ease the tension and slip smoothly into our lovely icebreakers.” He added before looking towards his brother.

Nicholas gave his brother a long unamused stare before deciding not to comment on that atrocity. “Right. Rather than fishing for some inane, pointless tidbit about ourselves, we figure a touch of guidance towards something more personal was in order. All you have to do is follow the flow as conversation rolls. This way, everyone is on equal ground, new faces and old. But what is a game without a twist?” Nicholas opened the jar, handing off the lid to Alfonse, and placed it on the bar top. “You don't get to choose your candy. Someone else must offer you one. Barty, if you would be so kind?”

Barty reached into the glass jar, plucking out a mint green disk, before walking towards Cal. He placed it between his own teeth, leaning in to see if Cal would accept the treat with a kiss.

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”Oh, yes. That sounds delicious. Thank you,” Annika said, blushing from the attention Mithza gave her. After she sipped her delicious drink, she refocused on her companions.

Annika’s eyes widened once the owl acknowledged her. This creature was ancient. She was sure of it. Although she had no real way of telling. She bowed her head to the owl, listening to the tale Rohan told of how to two came to be together.

Annika was fascinated by the idea Rohan briefly explained to her. Spirit Hallow. It reminded her of her connection with her people. How she could talk to them and summon them should she require it.

”That’s amazing. I can see why this one chose you,” Annika said. ”The idea of a Spirit Hallow is also intriguing,” Annika said, making room for Willow to join the conversation. It seemed she was also interested in the topic of conversation.

”Once I discovered my family history, I developed the ability to summon my ancestors as guides or guardians. Well, ancestors and descendants,” Annika clarified. She always forgot just how old she actually was. Plus, it didn’t make sense to a lot of people that she was the ancestor of her people. Of course, if anyone would understand it would be her classmates at Strange Academy.

Her attention was, regrettably, drawn away from Rohan and his companion to that of Haven’s hosts. A game. Annika liked games, but she highly doubted this was a regular game or a hunting game. It was probably more along the lines of the ones her father favoured.

Annika sipped her drink while she listened and watched Barty give Callaghan the first candy. Annika blushed from the intimate display, but she found she couldn’t look away either. It was rather intimate. And hot.

Once they parted, Annika eyed the candy bowl suspiciously. She walked closer to it, examining the different colours.

”Rohan, do you have a favourite colour?” she asked her coven mate.

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The sound of Nicholas’s voice pulled Callaghan’s attention back to the bar. He gave the witch an appraising look, appreciating the view from where he stood. It seemed Nicky had also chosen to show off while maintaining impeccable fashion sense.

The announcement of the game to be something with magic didn’t surprise Callaghan. He recognized the idea of the game, but had no recollection beyond that. Whatever the case, Cal would be participating. He rarely turned down a new experience or one he became fond of.

Callaghan took a sip of his drink while Barty took a candy from the jar and approached his first victim—him. Callaghan grinned, his eyes tracking Barty’s hands as they slipped the candy in between his teeth, a silent question in his eyes.

"Mm, mi juego favorito." Cal framed his thumb and index finger on Barty's jaw, leaning in to kiss the flirtatious twin. However, Cal's eyes slid to Nicky's while he held Barty in place. A silent request that Cal better have his chance with the other brother later on.

Without further delay, Callaghan accepted the candy. He grabbed it with his own teeth as he felt Barty pressured his tongue against the hard candy and pushed it in. Barty’s tongue quickly moved to set the candy aside in Cal's cheek as he began to make out for a brief moment before slowly pulling away.

"Now, not all of you need snog your chosen target, but you're more than welcomed to if you'd both like."

"It is a lot more fun," Callaghan agreed. He leaned in to whisper in Barty's ear. "Are you participating or watching?" Cal knew the twins had a certain brand of mischief they liked to perform, especially in Haven. He didn't want to interfere if there was a plan afoot.

"Oh, participating of course. I'm not one to shy away from a little candy."

Cal grinned and finished off his drink. He stared at his glass for a moment as it started to twist and reform its shape. The effects of the candy were taking hold already. He leaned in closer to Barty, craving closeness with the witch. "Excellent. Shall we keep playing, or should I see what I can find for Finley and Dys?" Just the mere mention of their names had Callaghan's heart beating faster in anticipation. He could hear the pounding clearly in his ears, drowning everything else out. Tonight was going to be very interesting.

Barty ran a finger down Cal's chest, slowly tracing his muscles as his eyes stayed affixed to Cal's. His finger lazily made its way back up before lifting the dragon's chin and giving him a kiss. "We'll have plenty of time to play after we get this party started. Let's see what treats you can get in store for our favorite flirtatious fae."

Cal enjoyed the sensation of Barty’s finger trailing over his body. He really liked it. Cal was nearly ready to forget Barty’s words altogether and take him to one of the private rooms until the word ‘fae’ was spoken. Right. Cal’s focus snapped away to look at Finley perched up at the bar. The pounding of his heart seemed to increase more.

Cal loved Finley. Wait, what?

He always loved Finley. They were perfect, and when he met Dysphoria, he didn’t think there was something beyond perfection, but there they sat.

Cal made his way to the dish of candies. He selected the clear pyramid with rainbow hues before he invaded Finley’s personal space, ignoring anyone who was around them.

The world continued to bend and twist around him, but his focus was entirely on Finley, and the love he felt for them and Dys.

"Dysphoria, mi flor, Finley… querida." He caressed their cheek tenderly. "I brought you something," he said, presenting them with his selection.

The scent of them suddenly invaded his senses, but it wasn’t their usual notes of forest, flowers, and the rust scent of blood. It was something more colourful. They smelled like his island after a recent storm. The smell of ozone was still fresh, the salt in the air strong from the wind pulling it off the ocean, and the sweat from the bodies of his people. He couldn’t practically taste it on his tongue as he licked his lips.

Cal pushed closer to Finley and Dys, separating her legs to stand in between them. He continued to present her with the candy, more than eager to see what effects they would experience.

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Rohan accepted the coffee from Alfonse with just a grateful nod, intrigued by where this coffee had some from. He might not have been a hedonist like a few others gathered here tonight, but he did enjoy a few comforts of his own. Then he elaborated on his story a bit more for the rather big looking woman with the moth accompanying her.

He'd seen stranger before.

"That's right. A small box made just right for something immaterial. Different for each case, usually, but once they're stuck inside, it's tough to get them out. For him-" He tilted his head in Root's direction. "It just had to be temporary. They're like bear traps for ghosts and wraiths and all the other things you can't swing a spear at. When I had the chance, I unbound him and put him in a wooden statue of an owl. That way, he could always move and fly. He's as close to alive now as he'll ever get. He decided to stick with me after."

Root ruffled his wooden wings. He wasn't very talkative... Conjuring up ancestors sounded interesting. Was she some sort of necromancer? A summoner of other things, perhaps? Descendents implied something else altogether, and Rohan figured they weren't going to be talking about that with the way drugs came out. Not that he was surprised. Rohan brought the cup to his mouth and took a long, slow sip. It was rich. Smooth as river stones, warm like a fireplace. A grin spread over his face. "Great as always, Alfonse."

He glanced down the bar and saw a bowl of candies. Callaghan getting busy with the other patrons that quick wasn't a surprise to him. That mandragon would fuck furniture and the walls if they had a pulse. Rohan wasn't much for the sort of indulgences that altered the mind. That little display with Finley and Barty was why.

"Green. Be careful with those, whatever they are. I keep a magic stick around just for things like that." He tapped his fingers against the Mountain Scepter. Far be it from him to begrudge someone their vices when he was drinking the fanciest coffee on God's green earth right now.

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Cassie’s face fell at Willow, essentially blowing her off. Cassie wanted to help her new friend who seemed to struggle, seeing eye moth or not. ”All right, so be it.” Cassie debated going to the bar for her own drink but decided against it. For now. Really, it was best to see how the evening shaped up.

Rohan appeared to be telling a story and had an audience. But Willow had joined him and since Willow didn’t want her following her around Cassie looked for an opportunity elsewhere. This was when an ice breaker was suggested. Cassie had some experience with the style of game, mainly from church groups where the raciest thing someone admitted to was drinking a bit too much communion wine and jumping off the roof of the church and breaking their ankle.

She was curious to see what sins the others would admit to.

However, the twins had other plans. They produced an assortment of treats that looked wild and wonderful in equal measure. Barty took initiative and popped a candy on his lips as he inched closer to Cal, attempting to have him take it from him.

Cassie blushed as Cal did so, teasing. The relationship between some of the people who have been here was rather…risque. Was this to be expected?

Cal hadn’t chosen her, which, admittedly, made Cassie a bit self-conscious. Did no one want to be around her anymore? Perhaps she needed to show some of her own initiative. But who to share it with?

Cassie glanced around. There was Willow but Cassie did not want to appear like a puppy dog trailing its master. She didn’t trust the twins so much. Rohan wasn’t interested. And the others she didn’t know. But her eyes fell on Jake. Jake was happy despite the strangeness around them. He seemed to be in a good mood no matter what and Cassie wanted to relate.

So she strode forward, taking one of the candies that was on offer, a circle of green and purple, and walked closer to him. ”Hey Jake. We haven’t really gotten to talk a lot, but I’m Cassie. Would you like a piece of candy?” she asked, holding it out. She wasn’t about to have Jake kiss her for it.

”Hey, Cassie!!! I’m Jake!! Wait, you said that already,” he then realized, bouncing up and down slightly. He didn’t know much about this game. He didn’t really know anything about it. Was the point of it just to eat candy? People seemed excited about it so far. He didn’t really have an interest in food, but if his friends wanted to play this game, then he was happy too. And he was so giddy that Cassie had wanted to start with him! No one had ever picked him before!! ”Yes!! Here, you can have one too!!” he shoved his hand into the jar, tempted to offer Cassie a huge assortment of candies, before deciding on one that had a bit of a pyramid shape. He offered it out to her, beaming, before accepting the purple green one she’d given him in exchange.

Jake put the piece of candy in his mouth and swallowed immediately. Immediately, he felt incredible. It was like his senses had been dialed up to eleven, his body just more awake, more alive. And as he went to squeal about how strange this all felt to Cassie, how energized he’d become, no sound came from his lips - instead, a stream of sixteen pink bubbles, each about the size of his fist, flew out.

Jake’s energy was infectious and soon Cassie found herself bouncing on her heels. She accepted the candy from Jake and put it in her mouth, letting the flavor melt before she swallowed.

Soon, Cassie felt something. It was like she was floating. As she moved her head, she could feel herself almost fly away. She giggled, especially as bubbles began to fly out of Jake’s mouth. She popped a few. ”Whoa, have you always been able to do that? So lucky!”

She watched as the sides of her vision blurred and colors came in and out of clarity. She tried to walk but felt so floaty she nearly fell. She giggled again. She felt good. Even if…wait…what was that?

Cassie looked over at the wall on the right side of the room. No, surely not. Nothing was there. No, it did it again! She was sure of it now. ”Whoa, I think there’s something in the walls. It’s moving and grooving!”

Jake wanted to say: I don’t know!! This isn’t normal?? Maybe I have bubble magic!! But as he opened his mouth, only more pink bubbles spewed out - a few of them colliding with Cassie and bursting, leaving a sickly sweet residue on the side of her face. But at her exclamation that there was something in the walls, he turned his head rapidly, so excited and curious only to see… a wall! A wall. It was just a wall. He pouted slightly. He wanted to see the wall move and groove!! He wanted to see it dance!!

Cassie observed the wall more closely now. She was sure something in it was moving to an imaginary beat. Before she could reiterate this glowing point to Jake, the scholar that he is, one of his magic bubbles popped on her face. She let out a torrent of laughter. ”Aww, now I am all sticky!”

She moved closer to Jake now, unafraid of his bubble magic. ”You know I never thought about it but colors are weird, right? Like, who decided to look at the sky and was like…hey, that’s blue now?”

Jake gasped. Cassie had such a good point! Why were things the colors that they were? Did someone decide? Was it all random? There must have been someone calling the shots, someone with a detailed plan and an extensive list of demands about how the world should work. But instead of sharing any of that with Cassie, more bubbles came out of his mouth. He couldn’t talk! This was so funny! Why did his candy make him not able to talk and let Cassie see the secrets of walls?

”I think we’re supposed to have a conversation but I imagine that’s difficult with bubble mouth. And I swear that wall has something in it. Probably secrets.” Cassie floated over to the wall to inspect it. ”Please share with me the secrets of the universe wall.”

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"Hmmm? Oh... the littest one protects me in a way, more from myself than anything. She is my eyes since mine are not quite useful in the physical plane. As for her strength, she is very strong. She does not bite and just eat. Besides, she is a magical being, much like me. But not all insects are in need of squashing. My goodness. Where I come from they very much so have a place in the eco system. I was once part of it myself. Though, I do understand where you are coming from." Willow sighed softly as she nuzzled Luna, and felt her relax onto her shoulder, just content to be her eyes.

She turned back to the bartender and smiled happily. "Oh, feeling a bit homesick. My Tia would make Sangria, and would allow me to enjoy a glass from time to time. It smells delicious~ Thank you so much." She gently lifted the cup and took another whiff of the sangria and swirled it around for a moment before taking a swish of it and then turning back to the conversation she had inserted herself into.

"Fascinating! I've not dealt with spirit magic myself, but huh... I wonder if that's what my Tia did with me. Truly fascinating! And then bound to wood. Clever~ Wood is very sturdy, and very long lasting." Willow giggled a bit as she sipped more of her drink, and inadvertently might have revealed a bit about her history more than she meant to. However, she was getting to know these people and hoped to make new friends.

The promise of a game to play did sound interesting, and she turned to look towards the bowl, and the candies in it. Luna's eyes blinked and she tilted her head a bit. She heard the rules of the game and paused, wondering if anyone would give her anything.

However, why would anyone offer her anything if she didn't offer in turn? So she walked over to the bowl, reached in and pulled out one of the green and purled ones and walked over to Annika.

"Hello~ I don't believe we've met. I'm Willow. Would you like one of the candies?" She held hand out, gently offering the treat to the woman.

Finley had given no resistance to Callaghan as he pressed against them. They wrapped their legs around him pulling him in tight as she allowed Callaghan to feed her the candy. Fin had no compunctions when it came to the use of mind altering substances. In fact, Fin was quite fond of them.

The candy melted in their mouth and they felt a shift in their perception. It was hard to discern between the chatter of everyone and the music playing. However, it sounded like whispers. Finley was certain they recognized some of the voices. Certainly their mother was saying something, and they heard their father and sister. What exactly had been said was beyond Finley, but it was pleasant to hear. Even better though, their sweet Dewdrop was whispering. Where Dewdrop was was something Finley could not discern. They were not worried though, instead feeling comfortable and safe. Especially with Callaghan there. The other voices, the ones Fin did not recognize, those that seemed scared and worried for some unknown reason were of no concern to Finley. They had their family and dearest Dewdrop to listen to. Even if the words were indiscernible amongst all the other noises.

Fin lay their head against Callaghan’s chest, listening to his breathing and heart beat. Finley had not felt so delectably comfortable since they had been a child. Maybe it was that they heard their parents and sister that made them feel nostalgic and a bit homesick. They thought of family dinner and late nights in their youth. Their sister teasing them and Finley teasing back. Their family was a loving one and Finley was far away. There was little chance they’d see the family again any time soon. Not that Finley wanted to return to their servitude. The life in Otherworld was not a free one. Returning there after having experienced this world would mean accepting the rule of their Lady. Something Finley could not want less. This did not stress Finley out, not at the moment. It often did when they thought of home, right now though, home, while on their mind, was a distant worry. They only focused on the pleasant parts of their life there.

Moreover, they wished that Dewdrop were there with them at the moment. The warmth of Callaghan was pleasant, they would never deny that, or the comfort that Callaghan presented. But their heart belonged to Dewdrop. They had abandoned their whole world and life to follow him. To hold and caress their sweetest Dewdrop would make all in the world perfect at the moment.

Finley immediately responded to Cal in such a way that soothed him, but made the pounding in his chest seem louder and heavier. His arms wrapped around her body, his hands seeming to find her every curve along the way.

He nuzzled his head into her neck and breathed in. ”You smell good,” he rumbled.

“I wanna play with the big bug.” Dysphoria murmured, but their attention was snatched away as the candy hit their Darling's system. It was light and fun and comforting, like the moment they'd found themselves in their Darling's skin, the moment they jolted from the ill fitting, harsh, unforgiving body of their first host into the absolute symphony of sensation Finley provided them in their early days. The feeling of longing for their first host, their Dewdrop, echoed across them and was quickly folded by the glide of hands across skin and a familiar warmth pressed against their Darling's front and Dysphoria's interest peaked, small tendrils gliding out to meet Cal's fingers and caress where they touched Finley's skin.

“Having fun over here, Darling? Comfortable where you are, little dragon? What fun things have you found yourself in?” Dysphoria unfurled their tongue, pressing against his cheek and tasting what delights Barty fed him, but the heady rush beating into them from Finley made it difficult to tell what was Cal and what was their Darling and what was the symbiote.

”You can still play with the bug. We will find time to enjoy everything. There is so much to enjoy. So many wonderful delights. Is that not so Callaghan?” They smile up at Callaghan. ”You also smell nice. Of seas and campfires.”

“Yes we will play with the bug. But now we have this lovely toy, all sweet and soft and tasting like secrets.” Dysphoria murmured in their Darling's ear. “Who wouldn't play with that?”

Finley smiled, mischief in their smile.

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Connie’s posture shifted, tightening up, becoming more protective of herself as the group started taking the candies from the twins. Alcohol was one thing. It was known, and people generally reacted to it in the same way. Whatever the candies were, that would not be the same. She sat on the edge of her seat, watching the others warily. Noting who took what, and who didn’t take any at all. She appreciated that she wouldn’t be the only wholly sober person in the room.

If it hadn’t been for the knowledge that Rohan wasn’t taking a candy she might have dipped right then and there. Going back to her room to relax in the temporary privacy it provided.

In general, Connie was very straight laced. She had little desire to consume alcohol or any other drug. Even caffeine she rarely consumed. She pursed her lips, fighting the urge to move to a better location. With her free hand, the one not holding her drink, she tapped her fingers against her leg. Starting from her forefinger to her pinky and then back again. Over and over her fingers tapped going one direction then the other.

Frankie had made his way into the Haven, watching how everyone fell into place. Who mingled with whom, what they drank, and how they reacted to the general environment. He made his way over towards the bar, asking for something simple. A Mexican Coke. As he turned around, leaning his back against the bar and hanging his arms off of it. He looked towards Connie as people began to consume some of the Candies the twins offered. “So, um…did you wanna partake in whatever that is?” He said as he pointed towards the jar. He knew Connie typically didn't care for such activities but, new year always meant things would change. Maybe she had?

”Absolutly not.” She shook her head. ”Do you want to?” she asked. Concern that Frankie, one of her normal allies, would be...distracted.

“Right. No, nah, nope. Cool. Coo-cool cool cool.” Frankie said a bit awkwardly. A part of him was curious to know exactly what was within that jar, but he also would never leave a friend alone and sober in a situation like this. “Besides, I couldn't very well have you be the only sober person here.” He said with a smile.

”Rohan is sober. But I appreciate it.” She smiled, some of the tension leaving her shoulders, though her fingers continued tapping on her leg. ”I don’t think this would facilitate actual conversation. I’ve found that people who are inebriated are not the best at conversation.”

“Who knows? Maybe they're just enchanted so you only tell the truth. Or maybe they make you speak uncontrollably so it makes sure conversation is happening. Or…they're just drugs and the twins didn't want to actually deal with people tonight. Also…Rohan? He seems a bit busy telling far fetched tales of spirits and uh…magic? Wood whittling?” Frankie said with a bit of a laugh.

”You go to a school full of all sorts of magic and you think spirits are far fetched? I’ve made things that are wooden walk before. His talent is not something to ignore. Anyone in this room is talented and dangerous in their own right.”

“Oh I meant more about the ‘monster’. It was probably just a fox or…actually what does hunt owls? Usually I've only known an owl nearby because I collect their pellets but haven't looked beyond that too much.”

Connie knew full well what sorts of untruths Rohan had just shared. She only smiled at Frankie’s comment about what the monster might have been. ”I think any of the cats would too, probably wolves and coyotes. That’s my usual experience with creatures that hunt birds anyway.”

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“My pleasure as always, Rohan. If you'd like another cup, let me know before you finish. It's on strict orders to be a pour over only so it'll take some time to make.” Alfonse left the paper he'd read off for Rohan's reference, neat, tidy, and tiny cursive, and slid up next to Barty, scanning everyone's drink before laughing under his breath. “Just admit you're lazy and like to boss people around.” He shot back at Barty.

Nicholas watched as people partook, satisfied with the ease the new people dipped into the… game. Rohan and Connie were to be expected and while the AV member attended the school, he meant very little to Nicholas at all so hadn't been sure what to expect. A wet blanket, clearly. How disappointing. But, Nicholas supposed all these new ones were disappointing in the end. Still…

Nicholas watched bubbles drift from Not-Marcus's mouth and it took genuine effort not to gawk. The true nature of his party favors may have been obfuscated; however, none of them should produce an effect like that. They didn't provide low quality magical trinkets and while peons may find this strange twist of fate amusing, Nicholas did not like the unexpected. Everything was in order, neat and clean, and arranged so that they couldn't be caught off guard. If one candy had been compromised, what else was going to happen?

Mithza didn't bother hiding her confusion as Jake spit out bubbles. “That's a new one. Didn't realize we'd rotated the stock already. People are gunna fucking love that shit for like two days, you know.” Mithza shrugged at Jake's predicament, batting away an errant bubble.

Annika smirked at Rohan’s warning about the drugs. ”Oh, they can’t be any worse than what I went through during my spirit walk,” Annika declared. She pulled out a green candy, Rohan’s favourite colour, and turned to offer it to the gentleman.

Pink bubbles caught her attention briefly, and Annika turned to look at Jake. Her eyebrows crinkled as she looked at the man who couldn’t seem to stop the onslaught of bubbles. Okay. Maybe this would be a little different from going on a spirit walk.

Annika refocused on Rohan and offered him the candy. ”Wanna play the game with us, Rohan?”

”I think I’m gonna pass on the drugs. The last time a bowl of magic candy was passed around, someone got set on fire.” Rohan gave Jake the side-eye. Bubbles coming out of someone’s mouth wasn’t exactly the weirdest thing that could’ve happened.

”I’ll offer it to you though, if you want.”

”Hmm, did they die?” Annika asked, still holding the candy out to Rohan.

He rested the Mountain Scepter against his shoulder, and took the little green candy and held it up to the light, as if he could predict what it would do when consumed. ”Depends on your definition of dying. Lots of people come here, not all of them die the same way as you or me. Knew a guy once, he was basically a ghost that got stuck in his own body in a way that meant he wasn’t just a zombie. Don’t know what happened to whoever got burnt.”

”That sort of existential talk is better reserved for when you are high with someone,” Annika noted. ”So, you should take that and offer me one,” she said, smiling happily.

”Nah, you can have this one. Catch.” Rohan flicked it into the air like a coin. ”I don’t just keep this stick around for getting in. The brothers who run this place love messing with heads.”

Annika managed to catch the candy. She examined it before frowning a little. ”But it’s more fun if everyone participates. And the twins seemed adamant that everyone should,” she said, offering the candy back.

Accepting it back into one hand, Rohan took a long and slow sip from his coffee, contemplating how best to explain how he felt about this. ”I like the twins, I respect them. One of them, though…” He nodded his head in Barty’s direction. ”His specialty in magic is the kind that takes the choice out of your hand. He’s an enchanter, and I don’t mean the kind where you make a magic sword. The other one, he’s not so bad about that. I just don’t like having my head played with, especially around this many new people.”

Annika looked over at Barty after Rohan pointed him out. There wasn’t a lot Annika actually knew about the twins. She wouldn’t say she exactly trusted them, but she didn’t not trust them either. She had grown up knowing to keep a healthy distance from people until she could understand them better, but the point of this night was to have fun.

”That’s understandable, but a lot of us have already taken it,” she said, gesturing around to the others. ”It would be more uncomfortable for the rest of us if you didn’t take it. It would be like we’re being judged. Besides, you might just get really tired and fall asleep. You might not even spit out pink bubbles.”

Rohan just grinned. ”You see a lot, going to a school like this. If being judgemental got us anywhere, we’d all be a lot more cold. Besides, having my own thoughts clear makes it easier to clear someone else’s, if they have a bad reaction. You see this big guy, over there at the counter?” He nudged the mug in Cal’s direction.

”I’m thinking he’s about to set something on fire without thinking about it.”

Annika glanced around to see Callaghan still all over the one girl, and was that… a claw? Annika frowned and leaned back to look at Rohan. ”Promise not to judge then?”

Willow spoke up then, offering Annika a candy. The same colour that Annika was trying to get Rohan to take. She took it from Willow, smiling, and looked back at Rohan. ”No judging,” she reminded him.

”Don’t worry, that’s not who I am.” He took another sip. ”We’re all friends, here.”

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Cassie continued to stare at the moving wall, inspecting it ever closer. Surely the secrets held within would be as magical as this place had been. Maybe if she cut it open it would spill out glitter or candy or a unicorn. Did unicorns exist? Really was it out of the question to think so considering there were multiple universes and shapeshifters and people that can fly or shoot lasers out of their eyes or hands or other orifices?

She giggled to herself again at this thought. Whatever that candy was had opened her mind to the cosmos. She wondered how Jake was feeling and quickly looked over. Bubble mouth seemed to still be happening.

Her attention was drawn back to the wall when she heard a light ripping sound. She looked over and over to see where it had come from. "Oh, is it happening? Is the magic wall finally spilling its secrets?"

It was spilling something all right. She noticed a tear, ever so slightly, and move along with the wall. It opened wider and wider. Cassie turned to peek, anticipation growing. Soon the wall split open more to reveal the contents as...was that a hand?...moved outward as if reaching for something. Cassie stood up a bit straighter now, the fuzzy feeling mixed with an ever growing sense of dread. Eventually the wall had fully split as a kaleidoscope of mutilated corpses within itself spilled out in front of her, writhing and wrangling. Mouths opened as if screaming but no sound escaping as they clawed and stretched, moving closer and closer.

Cassie was reminded, briefly, of seeing her first dead body when she was a child and it was her grandmother on her mother's side. She remembered being freaked out because why was everyone staring at a dead person?

This was not like that time and Cassie shrieked and fell back. She scampered away as the corpses came closer. She quickly righted herself and ran back to where she stood before, yelling to no one in particular "The wall held secrets and the secrets were dead people! I see dead people!"