In the end, they spent most of their time in the arcade section before they were interrupted. They started with a shooter, which Casey carried them through right to the final levels. With his tips and encouragement Trisha did better than she had when playing with Cass, at least- managing to actually relax into it being a game rather than being overly cautious with aiming. It was fun… Much more fun than the last time. 

Then they played a couple of shorter ones- races against each other, solo ones side by side. They ended up settling into a co-op one neither of them had played: a fantasy beat ‘em up called Silver Sword. They were both [i]awful[/i] to start, barely getting through the first round with their chosen characters. But they got into it and progressed a good way through before calling it quits. The game itself was a little goofy, but they had plenty of fun playing with each other. 

They’d just had a few rounds of batting, after deciding they were gamed out, when they got a text from Theo that the Sheriff would be round soon enough. Trisha had brought her phone down with her just in case he contacted them, magically still having connection all the way down there. It was Trisha who’d suggested he message her with any updates- well them, the phone was shared in her mind until Casey got a new one. It was a selfish suggestion, really, so Casey didn’t feel the need to White Lux connect with Theo constantly through the day.

It worked out well here. She was glad to have a warning, because the plan after batting had been to soak in the hot tub. That would’ve been the worst time to have to deal with the Sheriff… Not that any time was a good one. From the moment they stepped into the comfortable lift to go back upstairs and wait, it was obvious she was anxious. 

Even knowing Theo had already given him a rundown didn’t make her feel any less nervous about it. So many people were [i]dead[/i]. 

[color=d1b300]“Do you think this will be a quick talk at the door, or we’ll have to invite him in?”[/color] Trisha asked as they shuffled out of the elevator, breaking her silent hugging into him. 

Casey had been hoping they’d have a bit more time. A soak in the natural hot spring after swinging for the fences was bound to feel heavenly. There were a few good hits, but thanks to the fact that even the bats were enchanted for maximum comfort, the pain radiated through his back and spared his wrists from the bat impacting the ball. At least once this was over, they had several hours to stretch out between them. Plenty of time for quiet comfort, and more time to chat about the future’s potential.

[color=577d06]”I’d imagine whoever it is will still want to talk to us. May need verbal statements, or confirmation via body camera. Something physical for the off chance that courts require more than the Recollection being passed around.”[/color]

There was [i]also[/i] the off chance that the Sheriff, or deputy as whoever was responding, had some kind of connection to this place. As they were magical, there was a not-zero chance that they were called here with relative frequency to settle disputes between wayward wizards. Perhaps friendships formed, or in some freak consequence, they had relations staying here… 

He wondered for a moment if that person would need them… Their comfort. He hoped not.

The door to the lift slid open, allowing the two of them to step back into the cabin proper. In spite of Trisha’s best efforts to keep Casey out of the magic loop, he had rattled off a quick instruction for Theo to stand guard outside the door in wait for the officer. When they entered the main foyer, he let go of Trisha to step toward the door and swing it open. 
Theo was unarmed, as instructed, and held at attention until the door swung open and his head reacted faster than his brain. It’d been a few years since he’d served, and the instinct had dulled, but Casey just smiled.

[color=577d06]”Just let ‘em in when they get here.”[/color]

[color=9d33d6]”Got it.”[/color]

With nothing else to say, Casey closed the door. Theo cleared his throat, cheeks slightly flushed as he turned to look at the road, thinking about things left unsaid. A few minutes later, giving Casey and Trisha enough time to wipe the sweat off their faces and get some snacks, a sheriff’s truck pulled up to the top of the mountain and rolled into the open driveway space outside. Two thick legs slipped from the seat and landed in the snow covering the pavement, metal rustling deeply as the door creaked closed behind them. A long jacket, tail having slipped from the seat, now dragged behind the individual. Two metal hands clasped the upper part of the jacket tightly shut, for one to reach up and secure the hat on their head as a gust of wind whipped up.

As they made their way up the set of stairs to the porch, Theo’s eyes got wide. A body, somewhat shaped like a bowling pin, made of rod iron twisted into a set of prongs that held a thick green glass vessel. Glowing eyes sat somewhere between the neck and the belly of the vessel, peeking out between two intersections.

[color=87c498]”Sheriff’s Deputy Andina. Casey?”[/color]

Theo heard a woman’s voice echoing from inside the vessel. He took a shot.

[color=9d33d6]”No Ma’am! Personal security to the Richoux couple.”[/color]

The glowing green eyes narrowed, but Theo didn’t give them a chance to wonder. Inside, the two would be able to hear the door open and feel a slight breeze before the deputy stepped inside. Shaking off their jacket and taking the hat off, they passed their hand over their chest reactively before hanging it on a hook built into their metal skeleton.

Casey stared at the construct for a long moment, clearing his throat and furrowing his brow at Trisha.

The Sheriff wasn’t at all what Trisha had expected. Obviously she’d expected a human… Maybe this person was somehow human? Trisha couldn’t even begin to figure out what they were. It went outside her realm of experience. Even though it was impossible to keep the shock off her face, she was at least able to keep any other feelings covered up. Like how [i]weird[/i] this was. She frowned a little, glancing up at Casey. At least they were in this together.

The glowing green bowling pin figure turned, the two eyes peering out at the couple before both arms open wide.

[color=87c498]”Mr. and Mrs. Richoux?”[/color] the ethereal feminine voice radiated from within the vessel, metal creaking as they stepped forward.

[color=577d06]”Sheriff?”[/color] Casey questioned, keeping one hand tight on Trisha’s hip.

[color=87c498]”We are the Deputy Andina. Sent for this special case. The County Department was notified of a Mass Death Scenario, and we are able to cater to the potential needs and demands of the families involved. You have time to speak with us?”[/color] 

[color=d1b300]“Yes, of course we do,”[/color] Trisha answered, managing to sound much less anxious than she actually was. A [i]Mass Death Scenario[/i]... She supposed it was that. She was horrified they had some kind of classification for that. If they were sent for this special case, did that mean they weren’t the local sheriff? She guessed Casey had said [i]magical local sheriff[/i], so maybe that was a whole different thing.

And was it a crime to lie to an officer, even if it was by omission? Should she correct them that she wasn’t Mrs Richoux yet? Couldn’t it cause issues legally? She’d been perfectly happy not correcting anyone so far, but it felt a bit different when it came to [i]law enforcement[/i]. But if Theo was sorting out logistics, surely he would’ve said? She just wasn’t sure, frozen for a moment before pushing herself through it. She’d see what was said first.

[color=d1b300]“If it’s going to be a longer talk, please come further inside. It’ll be more comfortable if we’re sat down…”[/color] She glanced up at Casey with a nervous smile, before looking at Deputy Andina again. 
[color=d1b300]“We’re both still quite tired from what happened.”[/color]

She gestured further into the cabin, towards the main living area. Though she didn’t immediately move towards it herself, staying practically glued to Casey’s side.

The Deputy slinked forward on awkward legs, gaiting toward the set of couches close by. Casey had been prepared to offer some water, or something to drink to a weary traveller… But now he wasn’t sure if this individual even slept. Frankly, he was certain it wasn’t a single individual either. An Apparition called a Collective, it spoke as one of many souls trapped inside a vessel of some kind, whose conscious minds were generally cursed to some dreadful Hell within for as long as the vessel was sealed. 

Rarely, the vessel gained sapience, hence its ascension into Apparitionhood. Casey didn’t dare try to connect with his magic, knowing full well that was just asking for trouble. An untold number of souls called the vessel Andina home, and he didn’t want to commune with all of them at once… Surely, he [i]couldn’t.[/i] It’d be too strenuous.
Instead, he traveled with Trisha at his side to the couch nearest Andina’s chosen seat. Creaking metal gave the impression of strain as the vessel sat itself down.

[color=87c498]”It is understood that you both have had your lives threatened. It has not escaped the attention of Federal authorities that there was an attempted assassination, and that you both were the targets. Our job is to gather preliminary evidence and data. For you both, that includes magical impression and verbal statements, which we will transcribe from tape.”[/color]

One metal hand twisted into the jacket and pulled out a slim recorder.

[color=87c498]”When we take those statements, we will record with this device. We will be recording that first, and then corroborating your recorded statement with the required Recollection after the fact. So that information in the Recollection does not skew our judgement toward subjects' personal statements. Is that clear?”[/color]

[color=d1b300]“Yes, it is.”[/color] Trisha nodded, reaching out to hold Casey’s hand for support, even though she was crammed right up against him where they sat. Her anxiety was only getting worse, as she worried about how visible it was, and how it might be read as guilt. It was difficult to not get trapped in a continually worsening cycle- but even if she was incredibly nervous, she wasn’t going to let it stop her from functioning. 

She knew they weren’t guilty. They couldn’t take the blame for everyone’s deaths, even if they’d been the ultimate targets. And legally nothing could be pinned on them, even if either of them felt partly at fault. 

[color=d1b300]“Will we be able to give our statements together?”[/color]

[color=87c498]”Yes. Given the circumstance, we are permitted to take a combined statement. We have been provided a background on both your persons, so we have a certain understanding of the surrounding feud which has led to this point. St. Portwell is a dangerous place at the best of times, as several of our wayward souls suggest. Richoux is a name that strikes a chord as well. Several of our killers have the name Richoux, and that is understandable as several of us have been killers ourselves. An eye for an eye, as it were. So:-”[/color]

They held the recorder up and flicked the button. The spools started rolling.

[color=87c498]”-December Twenty-Sixth, I’m here with Casey Richoux and Patricia Vanburen, taking statements in regards to the Tanshay Peak Massacre.”[/color]

The vessel was quickly turning to a deep purple, then thinning out into bright red as if a single entity was coming to the surface.

[color=87c498]”But this starts long before you two arrived here. St. Portwell. I presume the two culprits were the corpses frozen in the middle of the big cabin ruin further down the hill?”[/color]

Casey would’ve expected that the initial investigator already got to doing their job. What followed, however, was a thorough and almost hour-long recounting of the events leading up to, during, and after the attack, at the end of which both individuals were able to provide their personal Recollections. 
Only once the entire process was over, did the inspector’s front recede into the pool of souls within the vessel to allow the collective control once again.

Upon completion, Adina stared at them with pale green haze and tucked both of its hands together pensively.

[color=87c498]”Truly, misfortune follows good intention. By no means does this union believe either of you to be guilty of any crimes that aren’t circumstantial. In our world, certain exceptions must be made, and thankfully we retain the evidence even after death.”[/color]

Casey gave Trisha a sad glance before turning his head.
[color=577d06]”That’s good news, right?”[/color]

[color=87c498]”We believe so. Do either of you have questions about the process of this interview? Or objections to the paralegal practice of soul-calling? We intend to fully interview every single soul that was staying here. It will take some time.”[/color]


Trisha pursed her lips together into a thin line. She didn’t know that was a paralegal practice, but it didn’t sound pleasant. She understood the use of calling dead souls- they’d had a few necromancers specialising in it in Sycamore- but in this case it seemed… Cruel. If she was brutally slaughtered, the last thing she’d want was to be called back to recount it. Especially when the murderers were already [i]dead[/i]. 

But selfishly she wanted to be completely clear of any associative guilt. It was easier to not object than it was to form an objection that really stemmed from her still struggling to accept certain aspects of the magical world. She was sure to Casey something like that was probably normal.

More than that, she was tired after a grueling hour of having to drag up things she’d barely suppressed. 

[color=d1b300]“How long is some time? And will we have to stay here that entire time?”[/color] She asked, having no idea and hoping the answer was only a day or two. They couldn’t stay away from St Portwell for long… Though another selfish part of her actually hoped it would be longer. Even after what happened it was more peaceful here with just the two of them. 

[color=d1b300]“I don’t have any objections if it completely clears our names, but I don’t know much about that kind of magic. Or the legal system of… Our world. So I’d like to know all the details of what that means for us.”[/color] She glanced up at Casey, squeezing his hand.

[color=87c498]”We’ve been allocated seventy-two hours to do the work as necessary. It is our estimate that this will be plenty of time to entreat the Hound and bring to bear the necessary materials to perform the ritual. What this means for you both, is not a lot. Inconsequential time spent in a place that you already intended on spending time in. As our job must be done, there’s no way we can offer a ride anywhere else. This domicile is far enough from the epicenter of the disaster that our work will not encroach upon what relaxation may remain for you in your visit to this place.”[/color]

The vessel of souls was incredibly matter-of-fact and gave no telling tone to gauge its feelings by. Expression was even less evident, which combined with the fact that there were simply so many individuals within, totally threw Casey off his game.

[color=577d06]”So, we shouldn’t leave the cabin?”[/color] Casey asked simply, knowing they had dinner plans.

[color=87c498]”Not to enter the valley. You may remain at this elevation, or in the valley beyond the mountain. But not down into the disaster. Otherwise, nothing is being asked of either of you. Please, inform your guard of this as well, and we will clarify the same instructions with the Chef.”[/color] Adina explained calmly, choosing careful words.

[color=d1b300]“We weren't planning to go down there again, so that's not a problem."[/color] Trisha said, glad they weren't entirely trapped in the cabin, even if they couldn't exactly go far. They could still go up for dinner, and they weren't going to be immediately labeled guilty if they went outside. That was a relief, though the lack of anything to go off in expression and tone was unnerving. They had to take Adina at their word, and that this wasn't some kind of placation for people they'd decided were actually murderers… But what else could they do? They'd given all the evidence they could. 

Though three days still felt like a long time to wait. Perhaps it wouldn't be. After all, they still had to wait for Lynette to die before actually going back. If they were lucky, it wouldn't happen for three days, and they could go back right away. 

She didn't really want to think about the alternative, and how Casey might get over it. 

[color=d1b300]“We’ll keep out of the way and hopefully everything will go smoothly. We'll also cooperate with anything else we need to… Though I hope our statement today will be enough. I'd rather not relive it more than I have to."[/color] She managed a nervous smile, more out of a reflexive cover up and perhaps politeness than anything else. 

[color=d1b300]”Is there anything else you need from us right now?"[/color]

[color=87c498]”No. We spent enough time hearing your accounts that we feel satisfied. Though we’re afraid that depending on the condition of the souls, there may well be a trial held. At which point, you both may be asked to provide testimony one last time.”[/color]

Casey frowned, having to imagine Furio and Clarissa’s souls being put on trial. It was bad enough they may end up in this vessel regardless of their choices. Hoping they’d stay free and dead, he kept his frown up and looked at Trisha.

Trisha also frowned, brow furrowing as she wondered [i]why[/i]. What was the point? As far as she was aware, based on what the Black Adepts she’d known said, when someone died the Hound ushered them to the other side. That was it. They could be summoned, but only temporarily. Even Apparitions formed from a death were only fragments. The real souls moved on. So what was the point of a trial when Furio and Clarissa were dead? The thought of having to provide testimony again over something so pointless annoyed her.

[color=87c498]”It should be asked: is there anything [i]we[/i] can do for you both?”[/color] Adina asked in a cool, calm tone.

[color=d1b300]“Well, we’ll need some kind of vehicle when we’re able to leave. Whether that’s something you can help with, or if we can be taken somewhere we can get a car in three days.”[/color] Trisha answered, looking up towards Casey rather than Adina when she realised they hadn’t really discussed that. Maybe there was already a plan in place… But at the moment they had no way to get home. 

[color=d1b300]“Otherwise, there’s enough here to last us until then. As long as we’re really being allowed to stay here in peace… There isn’t really anything else to ask for, I don’t think.”[/color] She tilted her head towards Casey for confirmation on that.

Adina looked as thoughtful as they could.
[color=87c498]”We’re unsure of the status of your transportation away from this place. But, for now, we’ve been instructed to ensure you’re here and safe until Federal authorities arrive. Until then, please-”[/color]

Their hands waved around slightly, very nonchalant in the motion.

[color=87c498]”-remain, and attempt to decompress from this unfortunate situation. Should anything change during our investigation, we will return to update you. Is this acceptable?”[/color]

Casey nodded along, still concerned about the fate of the two souls who had ruined so much to begin with.

[color=577d06]”How… How can you reclaim their souls from the Hound?”[/color] he asked simply, lip turning up slightly as he tried to ward away an emotion of sadness.

[color=87c498]”Our Lord doesn’t [i]want[/i] all the souls that come into his domain. It’s by mere happenstance that he receives them. Few of us act as… Secure vessels. Our physical body is a miracle of Black and Orange artifice, and the singular “I” remains at the center as a gateway link to the Well. So long as this vessel remains intact, we act as an infinitely small draining pool. It’s tremendous effort to coax particulars into us, but that’s our job to do so.”[/color]

Talking about a concept in such a matter-of-fact way gave Casey an even more bone-chilling sensation. He’d not put two and two together until now…

[color=577d06]”You’re a [i]Lich!?[/i]”[/color] he blurted out finally, jaw slacked completely.

[color=87c498]”That time in our life is long past. We prefer the term ‘Medium’.”[/color] Adina replied with a cold, curt voice within the glass vessel.
[color=87c498]”A lich would imply that we are the singular. But, the singular is within, and we are we. The singular lost themselves long ago.”[/color]

Casey picked his mouth up so he wasn’t agape, and cleared his throat nervously before standing with Trisha to walk Adina out.

[color=577d06]”My apologies then, Deputy. I understand more now, and… And I hope that your work is complete without the need for any extra exposure. I’d uh… I’d prefer those responsible remain with the Hound and his pack.”[/color] he said with a hopeful tone.

Adina responded to their motion by standing on their own before letting their hand extend to shake both Casey’s and Trisha’s.

[color=87c498]”We hope the same… You were close. As tragic as this may be, we see your pain, Mr. Richoux. Count yourself lucky to be in the company of such a loyal and competent other. And you, Ms. Vanburen… Congratulations. Pain is so often the final wall before progress. We have the highest hopes for you both.”[/color]

Congratulations? Trisha’s brow furrowed, trying her best to keep her expression neutral otherwise. For what? Surviving? How much did Adina know? She couldn't know the circumstances surrounding everything, could she? Even if she did, Trisha didn't feel any of it was worthy of congratulations. [color=d1b300]“Uh, thanks."[/color]

With that, Adina bowed as much as their stiff glass and metal frame could before exiting, leaving the duo alone once more to deal with the weight of the nightmare outside. Casey frowned still. How could they celebrate and relax? It almost felt evil… That same feeling of survivor’s guilt crept in, and only then did he notice and try his best to pull himself, and possibly Trisha, out of that mindset.

[color=577d06]”I… Guess we’ve done all we could.”[/color] he said calmly, looking down at Trisha.
[color=577d06]”I love you… Are you okay? To go back, I mean? Or, did you need a few minutes?”[/color]

His attention on her meant he had less of a reason to introspect. No reason to feel sad about Clarissa and Furio… [i]No reason.[/i]

Trisha wasn't sure whether she did need a few minutes… It wasn't like going back down there was much different from staying up here a little longer. It was a luxurious cabin, but still one they were trapped in after almost dying… And after everyone else in the area had died. She'd managed to put it to the back of her mind this morning, but it was difficult after having to drag it all back up to give a statement. She wasn't a stranger to seeing dead people- so many people died to the Stygian Snake after all. There were some she'd felt guilt over- survivors guilt like Casey suffered from- but mostly she'd been able to quench that feeling out of spite. 

This wasn't their fault. The only fault of theirs was coming here in the first place. Even if they'd died too, it wouldn't bring all the other people back. But just because she was able to reason with herself about feeling guilty didn't mean she felt good about it. 

[I]Why did it have to be Christmas? Why did it need to be right before her birthday? Was it the world's way of telling her she never deserved even a day?[/I]

She felt selfish for even a part of the negative feeling being around her birthday. People had [I]died[/I].

[color=d1b300]“I don't know,"[/color] she admitted, taking his hands and squeezing them even as she looked down at their feet. She bit her lip, before looking back up to meet his eyes. At least she wasn't trying to keep her emotions off her face- not that she ever could from him. 

[color=d1b300]“It doesn't really matter where we are. I just want to be with you. We're stuck here for now, so we may as well try make the most of it, and I really want to soak in the hot tub before we go to dinner but… I don't know…"[/color] Her voice petered out into a whisper. She didn't want to put this all on him. They were both suffering the same- no, it was worse for him. Furio and Clarissa had been like family to him. 

[color=d1b300]“Why did she- they congratulate me?"[/color]

A lot of reasons popped into Casey’s head. Not all of them were the truth, but within them, he believed the truth had to lay. That noted, there was no reason to bombard her with all of it. There was a simple answer that he knew he could dredge up with instant reward at the end. There’d be affection in this for him. It was a no-brainer. His hand instinctively outstretched to Trisha’s hand with her engagement ring shimmering upon it.

[color=577d06]”Why’d they call you Mrs. Richoux, then swap to calling you Ms. Vanburen?”[/color] he smiled, planting a kiss on her ring, then the top of her hand.

[color=577d06]”Must’ve known we’re a couple to be wed is all. There’s a high chance that was part of the description. ‘Engaged Couple’ is a descriptor, in case we’re running around like Kelly and Brad.”[/color] he smiled at the reference to the classic outlaw couple.

[color=577d06]”I think, more to the point: You were spot on to start with. We really [i]should[/i] be making what we can out of this. Seriously. We’re trapped, quite literally, and we can choose to be trapped by two different kinds of boundaries, or just one. So, let's make it one, get our bathing suits on, [i]or,[/i] birthday suits… And get down in that hot tub before it's too late. Shit, more assassins could come at any time, so let’s [i]live.[/i] I love you.”[/color] he finished, pulling her in close and kissing the top of her head.

[color=d1b300]“I love you too,”[/color] Trisha responded quietly. She doubted it was really just an engagement congratulations… But she didn’t want to press further and have to think about it. She especially didn’t want to get upset at Casey for trying to make her feel better, assuming he had another guess. She just wanted to try and forget everything today as best as she could. It wasn’t the easiest, but she could at least push it all back time. 

She hugged into him, pressing her face into his chest and rubbing it from side to side slightly. She hid there for a moment before finally tilting her head up and peering up at him, a smile beginning to pull at her lips. It was like she’d wiped off any of the negative feelings on his shirt. It was just the feeling of him there, solid and warm and [i]alive[/i], that helped. 

[color=d1b300]“Since it’s my birthday, it’s only right that it’s birthday suits. Part of my present is getting to see [i]all[/i] of you and…”[/color] She trailed off, eyebrows raising suggestively. Though she didn’t actually plan to do anything but go soak in the hot tub together, she still wanted to tease him a bit.
[color=d1b300]“...Relaxing in the hot tub together without any barriers.”[/color]

She giggled softly, pulling back a bit and properly smiling now. She’d managed to push down the sorrow and guilt that had threatened to take over. 
[color=d1b300]“It feels like we shouldn’t have bothered packing our bathing suits, we haven’t gotten much use out of them.”[/color]

Casey smiled warmly at her, shrugging.
[color=577d06]”I like being prepared. As much as we can be, these days. Better safe than sorry. Now-”[/color]

He pulled her close, taking one hand and absently brushing it down his front as they started walking. He was clearly being playful, the look on his face screaming goofball. They approached the elevator doors as he finished his statement. 

[color=577d06]”-tops, or bottoms first?”[/color]
[hr]

The time well spent in Eden’s image did wonders for the duo. Relaxed enough that they managed to catch an hour’s nap in the natural hot spring that filled a comfortably shaped stone basin, Casey and Trisha eventually made their way through the steps of the sauna. Finding there to be automated massage systems and several other features that catered to their needs, the time between their interview and dinner wound up melting away in between hot rock treatments and couple’s massage therapy. And the funny little rock golems responsible for administering the treatments were so well worn that they were practically polished on their surfaces. 

It was heavenly. Almost too good to leave, but eventually they received a call from Theo that their dinner call was rearing its head. So, it was back upstairs to be dried and dressed. Casey chose a deep crimson shirt to wear underneath a mid-tone blazer that tapered finely at his waist. Per some of the rules he’d been taught, the pants matched the shirt, allowing the blazer to offset the color and break up his profile into sections. Which left dark brown shoes to ground the outfit. It didn’t scream Christmas, but he felt it was a bit more like a Valentine’s day outfit… And love was supposed to be in the air no matter what!

Not knowing how long Trisha would take to pick her outfit, he sat in the cabin’s kitchen waiting, his jaw absently gnawing on an apple as a pre-dinner refreshment. After all, that sauna had taken a lot of water from them both. He wanted some watermelon too, but chose to wait in case something special came up at dinner. He’d already spoken to Theo on the phone, who told him that he’d be arriving on the pickup sleigh to bring them the few hundred feet further into the restaurant’s valet canopy. Which was appreciated in spite of the relatively short distance: Walking would’ve been terrible with all the snow, even if it had been cleaned by the systems earlier. Any errant gust just covered it all over again.

For Trisha, picking her outfit wasn't what took up so much time, but rather getting ready around it. Her outfit decision was basically made for her, since she'd only brought four dresses that she thought were fancy enough (and she'd discarded the idea of going for a blouse and skirt quickly). One had been worn on the twenty-third, and another was a dark emerald green, which completely clashed with Casey's outfit. So the choice was left between a darker burgundy dress or a black one. In the end, she went with black for one simple reason- it had looser skirts, meaning she'd still be able to run if something happened. 

Instead, all her time went on makeup. She hadn't bothered with any earlier, which meant doing the normal face along with something extra. She concentrated on her eyes, dipping into the bolder reds she normally didn't bother with. She wanted to match Casey in some way, after all. She used a more subtle, shimmery neutral pink on the inner corner before blending it out into a dark red at the outer corner. Carefully drawn eyeliner elongated her eyes, and stopped them from getting lost in the surrounding bold colours. 

As she worked, she had her phone unlocked beside her. She hadn’t looked at it since this morning, when she responded to the various birthday messages she’d gotten. Cass had sent not one, but two videos. The first was her and Sal singing happy birthday very badly, clearly both absolutely pissed in the early hours of the morning. The second was her in a pub forcing all her brothers to wish Trisha happy birthday too… The second hand embarrassment Trisha got didn’t dampen the warmth it made her feel. All of her friends- the small number there was- had at least messaged. Casey’s family too. 

But there was nothing from her own. She shouldn’t have expected it. She shouldn’t have [i]let[/i] herself expect it. None of her siblings ever remembered, aside from Tansy. Some years she really laid it on thick by pretending to care, others she texted just before the day was done or the next day with some false excuses. Obviously it was the latter this year. It was all just to mess with Trisha but sadly she found herself grateful Tansy at least [i]remembered[/i].

It was better than Maria. As she finished up, letting her hair fall loose about her face, Trisha found herself looking at her messages to her Mom. She had to scroll to find a text to her, about something practical. There wasn’t any today. There hadn’t been any for over a [i]year[/i]. It was the first year Trisha hadn’t bothered texting her a merry christmas, and part of her had hoped that would get a reaction. Of course it didn’t. 

Should she text today? Ask if her Mom even remembered what day it was? No, there was no point. She’d get no response. She didn’t want one either, because what if Maria said that she [i]did[/i]. If she remembered the day and had just ignored it for all these years that would make it so much worse. 

She let out a frustrated sigh. She’d done so well until now. She’d completely avoided looking at her Mom’s number like this, desperately hoping for something like she did most years. But that was only because she’d been with Casey all day, wasn’t it? She didn’t have the strength to do it alone. She still wanted a hint of love from her Mother even after all the progress she’d made, and all the talks with Casey about how much Maria didn’t deserve her love. 

Trisha forced herself to lock her phone, sliding it into the simple handbag she’d picked out along with some lipstick and powder in case she had to reapply it. There wasn’t much else inside, aside from a tiny Princess she’d already put in. [i]Just in case[/i]. 

She made her way downstairs from the master room carefully, some of the tension leaking out at the sight of Casey waiting for her. At least she had someone that loved her. She’d do her best to enjoy it for as long as it lasted.

[color=d1b300]“Hey, handsome.”[/color] She shuffled over to him, long skirts swishing with her movements. The dress had a tight, off the shoulder bodice with subtle lace patterning, with her hair left loose and cascading down her bare shoulders. The simple black of it made her bold red makeup stand out, dark crimson painted lips pulling up into a smile. 

[color=d1b300]“I didn’t make you wait too long, did I?”[/color] She asked as she reached it, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. Though she was trying her best to hide it with a smile and affection, it was obvious she wasn’t in the same good mood she had been when they started getting ready. There was a lingering sadness in her eyes, and her hands were stiff as she tried not to cling too tightly. 

[color=d1b300]“I missed you.”[/color]

Casey hadn’t felt as though he was waiting long, but he got the feeling regardless. The last few weeks had been hard, and it was still difficult to muster up every ounce of love that he knew he held inside. But, he wanted to make sure that her feelings of anxiety and loneliness melted away tonight. She’d only given a basic confidence in the feelings that were surrounding her, and he was doing everything he could to not read too deeply into the solemn expression that followed her words. So, her attempt to not cling was met with the reverse response, of Casey tucking her into himself tightly and looking down with a genuinely serene expression of love and acceptance.

[color=577d06]”Your aim’ll improve with practice.”[/color] he joked, letting his head tilt down and neck crane slightly until his forehead rested against her scalp. His arms held her with intent, hand brushing through the back of her hair to give every bit of comfort he could muster.

[color=577d06]”I missed you too. But it was worth the wait! You look amazing… I was nervous about the red; I figured maybe you had some kind of dress or something that would match too closely and we’d end up looking like two ketchup bottles on the shelf. But, the makeup was a much better call.”[/color] he let his hand come forward to brush under her chin and tilt the head to look up.

It really shimmered in the warm cabin lights… His thumb slipped upward absently, wiping the blood that didn’t exist from the corner of Trisha’s mouth.

[color=577d06]”It’s… Really intense, actually.”[/color]

He tried not to let the moment linger, bringing his own head down to kiss her before she could read too far into the statement. It was the kind of kiss one gave someone talking about [i]intensity[/i]. A romantic, full mouthed kiss that he hoped would ease a bit more of the tension and make her feel extra seen, pulling away with a far more serene smile in the end.

[color=577d06]”Is there anything you need before we abscond for the summit?”[/color]

Trisha relaxed into the kiss and his embrace, the warmth managing to melt away most of the lingering sadness. It just made her feel a bit guilty in the end. Why was she so hung up on all the people who didn’t love her when there was someone here willing to love her as much as he could? 

[color=d1b300]“I don’t think so.”[/color] She shook her head, reaching up to rub some of the lipstick that had transferred onto his lips off with her thumb. It wasn’t much, but it looked sillier because it was so little. She smiled more genuinely now, eyes creasing with a warm love that easily overwhelmed any sadness that still remained. She wasn’t completely relaxed- but it was difficult for her to be on her birthday anyway. It was a miracle it was only hitting her now, really. It was much better than any of the previous years, and Casey was still there with her. The feelings didn’t ruin everything for her like they would have before, and she didn’t even read too much into what he’d said. 

[color=d1b300]“Actually… Can you hold onto this for me?”[/color] She pulled her phone out of her bag, feeling the roughness of the cracked screen under her fingers. At least it was still usable, even if it took a bit more time to figure out what was on the screen. Without waiting for an answer, since she was fairly certain he’d agree, she reached forward and slipped it into his pocket. 

[color=d1b300]“I’ve already replied to everyone that messaged me, and…”[/color] She trailed off, lips pressed together as she tried to decide whether to continue or not. She knew that Casey would have noticed how she felt coming down, because he always noticed if he was paying enough attention. She appreciated that he’d just comforted her without asking anything. After everything, it made her more comfortable about opening up. For once, it wasn’t because she wanted to hide something from him. She just wasn’t sure if it was worth talking about. 

[color=d1b300]“Well, I feel silly for thinking about the ones who haven’t. I’m here with you… You’ve already given me the best birthday. I don’t want to be tempted to look again. Thinking that [i]this year might be the year[/i] just makes me feel worse.”[/color]

Casey let a hand pass up to block the morbid smile from showing too widely on his face. [i]This was the best?[/i] Low bar…
[color=577d06]”The next one will be better. And as for those other people; I’m glad you’re in that mindset. A big part of me hopes one year will be the year, but an equal part of me hopes that you won’t care. But the blessing is that we’re alive to figure it out.”[/color]

He felt the slight weight of her phone in his pocket and smiled knowing it would be safe with him. Safe, and totally ignored. He didn’t particularly [i]want[/i] to be interrupted. He already had a speech to give to the Chef if he seemed overly friendly. Something [i]firm[/i] without hostility. But if Trisha’s mother had anything to say about anything, it was his belief that she was too damn late. She had her chance. The sun had gone down hours ago across the country, and he was damn certain it was the next day in the Philippines if she happened to be there. That woman had no excuse, and Casey wouldn’t care to acknowledge her even if she came begging.

Taking Trisha’s hand, he allowed a gentle smile to cross his face before slipping downward to impart another romantic kiss across her lips. Smiling still, he let his head tilt toward the door to guide them both, letting them go along and out into the cold winter night. There, in front of the cabin, Theo was half crouched next to the large sleigh that was meant to take them to the restaurant. By its ski, a large black mass sat like a snow-coated lump looking up at Theo while he vigorously scratched its ears.

Casey stared curiously, unable to parse together what the black lump he was rubbing on was until his thrilled face turned to meet them, and the flaming gold of two wolf eyes locked in on them with rapt interest. Theo kept up the ear scratching, but his enthusiastic smile beamed out at the couple.

[color=9d33d6]”He sent [i]wolves![/i] Some of Lelou’s family, look!”[/color]

The wolf wasn’t exactly corporeal, its shadowy figure half smog as it approached the duo and sniffed the air around them.

Trisha’s eyes widened slightly as she stared at the shadowy wolf, managing a bit of a smile. She wasn’t scared, but she was shocked. She had some understanding of Lelou’s position in the Apparitional world, and while her family was likely weaker they didn’t seem the kind that could just be called for guard duty. Then again, Leon had a close relationship with his Apparition. [i]Cass[/i] had a close relationship with her too. So maybe it wasn’t so odd. 

[color=d1b300]“This wasn’t what I expected when Leon said he’d call someone to keep the place safe… But maybe I should’ve.”[/color] She let out a soft laugh, relaxing as she squeezed Casey’s hand and glanced up at him with a smile. 
[color=d1b300]“They’re perfect for where we are. Wolves actually do well in the cold, unlike most people… And bees.”[/color]

She looked back at the wolf. 
[color=d1b300]“Hello… Lelou’s family member.”[/color]


She didn’t really know what to call them, after all. But the half awake entity within her vaguely recognised the wolf. Since the attack, the Queen hadn’t been fully sleeping- while she’d given Trisha access to all her magic, and had to rest to recover strength after the transfer, she knew her host was still learning how to use it. If another similar attack happened, the Queen wouldn’t hesitate to wake up and take over. 

So she sensed familiarity, and gave out her own hello. A fresh botanical scent lazily wafted out of Trisha, like the smell of an ancient verdant forest, filled with all sorts of flowers and greenery. It was less sweet, and deeper, than Trisha’s own pheromones. Behind it was a very simple message- a greeting, and not much more.

On smelling the Queen’s signature, the creature pulled away from ear scratches to bow low before Trisha. Casey thought about whether or not it would make her feel strange, but the connection between his own Channeler and the Queen’s magic allowed his Lux to echo back at him, identifying that the Queen was making herself just as known to their guest as it would be to him. The wolf wasn’t bowing to Trisha… But, would she know? Would it matter?

It didn’t last long. Brief, respectful, and well within the boundaries that had been set long ago. This lesser male wolf wasn’t exactly high on the food chain, but he would always be filled with a certain pride and disrespect for authority. Lelou had raised all of her sons to be that way; that they would go off and ruin whatever other packs they came into contact with while easily establishing their own hierarchies should they come into a position of authority themselves. 

This one, on closer inspection, looked well worn as well. Scars filled in with shadow lined the fur of his back and face. As he turned back to Theo, he bowed his head slightly before stepping forward and urging Theo on with some urgency.

[color=9d33d6]”Right… We’re just going to walk the path up the side toward the building. We’re close enough to respond, but you both will have the privacy of the short ride. Enjoy dinner, and I’ll see you both out front when you’re done.”[/color] Theo nodded, a gentle smile forming.

Casey smiled back, nodding happily and squeezing Trisha’s hand in a confirming fashion.
[color=577d06]”Thanks, Teddy. You’re a good wingman. The best.”[/color] he responded warmly.

Of course Theo would leave things unsaid. He always did. A place beside the man was plenty. He simply pulled his ski mask up to cover the blush, nodded, and stood up fully to meet his new friend before making way for a seemingly well trodden path in the snow off the side of their cabin. Within a few moments, he was scrambling up a rock with the wolf dragging him along by its teeth. Casey could only shake his head before helping Trisha into the carriage to bring them up the few hundred extra feet.

As he slid in after her, it was immediately familiar from the other night.
[color=577d06]”Excessive, isn’t it? It’s cold and windy, but we still could’ve walked… I guess the Chef doesn’t want what’s left to go to waste. Which… Makes me wonder what’s for dinner.”[/color] he said with a grimace.

[color=d1b300]“Hopefully he’s considerate about it.”[/color] Trisha said, shuffling closer to Casey and leaning against him. She was managing to handle her anxiety well for once. It was there, but wasn’t overwhelming. She was able to not react to the wolf’s bow, even if there were some conflicting feelings there- she knew the Queen was awake so it wasn’t towards her, which was [i]good[/i], but also dragged up feelings of insecurity. 

And of course, the thought of people who didn’t contact her still played on the back of her mind. But her phone was with Casey, and that gave her some sense of comfort and security. It was easier to ignore. All of it was, to concentrate on being with him, no matter what kind of dinner it was. 

[color=d1b300]“If he’s prepared a full buffet for just us, I'll turn around and walk out,”[/color] Trisha continued, expression seeming serious until a small smile poked through. Then she let out a soft giggle. 
[color=d1b300]“Even if it's excessive, we can just pick what we want, I guess. It would be going to waste anyway… There’s some things I don’t think I’ll be able to eat right now because of everything.”[/color]

Normally red meat wasn’t a problem for her like it was Casey, but after what had happened… What she’d seen… She wasn’t sure if she could stomach it right now. 

[color=d1b300]“He knows it’s my birthday, right? Do you think he’ll make a cake? If he does, at least there’ll be no one else around for me to be embarrassed by anyone else singing…”[/color] She trailed off, rubbing the back of her neck. The embarrassment would be nicer than loads of people being dead- [i]Don’t think about that.[/i] 
[color=d1b300]“Whenever we did something for a birthday, Cass always insisted on singing loud enough for everyone in the restaurant to hear… It wasn’t even for me and I still found it embarrassing.”[/color]

[color=577d06]”God, no singing. Quiet. We told him that, right? Low key. If he sings, he’s banished to the kitchen… But, yeah. He knows. I’m not sure if there’s cake, or if he’s going to do something more fancy. I really haven’t the slightest notion. I could peek, but that ruins it for us both.”[/color] he shrugged and reached for Trisha’s hand again. 

He had set the whole place up with remote viewpoints that he could utilize to keep an eye on the Chef, as the whole notion of trusting him still wasn’t fully in Casey’s heart. He’d known those two… He could be some secret sycophant hungry for praise from people he’d never get it from. Chances were low, but the chances were already low that someone connected to his life would crop up out of nowhere this far from home. Casey refused to dismiss the proposition regardless of probability.

The Blade was in his pocket. The first and last line of defense. Once they were in the building with the old man, Theo would need to blast through the walls at best to reach them. Plenty of time for a schooled Adept to make two kills.
But this line of thinking was detrimental. It was wearing on him in the same way that her concern over who was and wasn’t involved in her special day was wearing on Trisha… But only one of them was a mind reader. He’d gotten better at not fully observing her behaviors and associated emotional tells, but he could see the vague lines of stress and eyes of absence in the moments they weren’t speaking.

[color=577d06]”Is there anything you’re hoping for? I know it’s a long shot… But, just throw it out there. I’d love some traditional Chinese food. I mean real stuff, not takeout. Char siu, some of those fucking cabbage dumplings, uh… Shit, I’m gonna be disappointed now, it’s definitely not gonna be that.”[/color] he shook his head laughing.

[color=d1b300]”Mmm, I didn’t see any of that on the menu, but… We do know someone back home who can make traditional Chinese food. If we get Leon to ask, maybe she’ll even make us some… Well, maybe not, it would probably be a bit weird to even ask.”[/color] Trisha dismissed her own suggestion before she even named the person- Casey could probably guess she was talking about Linqian anyway. 

Her nose scrunched up a bit, moving on to actually thinking about the question. Food had never really been that important for her… She had her preferences, but she’d generally eat anything she was given, and often forget to if it wasn’t handed to her. If there was something she really hoped for… The real, sappy answer would be something cooked for her by someone who loved her. But Casey wasn’t cooking tonight, and she’d have plenty of years- hopefully- to look forward to filled with his cooking. 

[color=d1b300]“I’d like… Some kind of Thai curry. Or any curry, really. It’s been a while since I’ve had a nice curry. Something properly spicy, too- that’s probably just as unlikely as traditional Chinese food.”[/color] 

Casey nodded with a giggle. She was absolutely right. He was guessing something romantically inclined, probably some kind of gratinee or potato fondant to start, and some saucy kind of roasted poultry for a main course, heavy on the wine sauce. If he was lucky, it would be duck, slow seared on one side to let the skin and fat render into a crispy coat for the meat to wear. It was as close to peking duck as he’d probably get up here. Or, if he was locally inclined, it’d be some kind of game. Local hare, or partridge. Maybe venison, but that would be too much for him. Something he considered declining, even.

They’d be lucky if they got asked at all. It wouldn’t be very French of the guy to actually consider what they wanted out of the meal. Only that it was objectively good enough to satisfy a discerning pallet. 

Casey could already see the lights of the restaurant. They hadn’t even had time to get a drink from the sleigh’s wet bar. Granted, as he considered the idea of a drink, he did pop the lid on the chest only to find it totally empty. Either the Chef had drank it all, or more likely had pulled it to count stock. There was a slim chance that Clarissa and Furio had their hands in it if they’d started all the way up here, which was likely.
He had to snap out of thinking about everything else. Trisha was here. It was her birthday. They’d be able to get a drink inside without a doubt. Wine, or better. Brandy. He’d not had any brandy in some time. A decadent spirit for decadent times. Something to uplift the inner spirit.

[color=577d06]”Did you [i]want[/i] a cake? Or, any kind of celebratory dessert? I’ve gotta be honest, you don’t exactly strike me as the birthday cake and ice cream girl, even if your birthday was a bigger deal to you.”[/color] he grinned, hoping that if he kept the conversation [i]surrounding[/i] her without ever directly making it about her would keep them both occupied. It was about how she felt about something that was small on the surface level, but gave her the chance to open up as much as she wanted.

[color=d1b300]“I like the idea more than the actual thing.”[/color] She admitted. It felt like just another part of the birthdays she’d missed out on, but she didn’t especially like the birthday cake itself. Any other dessert she could just buy herself. [color=d1b300]“It was one of the few birthday things growing up I wasn’t so bothered about, because no one really got [i]their[/i] birthday cake. They got whatever Tansy wanted to have made, since she’d forcefully organise everything if she could. I even got them a few years, even if the day wasn’t really celebrated… One year she even got a [i]kale[/i] cake made for one of my sister’s, making some backhanded comment about everyone’s weight. I think I was… twelve?”[/color]

She rolled her eyes, managing to laugh about it now. At least it hadn’t been her cake, even if she was basically forced to stomach it. [color=d1b300]“I don’t mind cake, but it isn’t my favourite thing. If… Well, if you made me a birthday cake, I’d really like it. But you’re right, I’m not really a birthday cake girl.”[/color]

Another feeling conjured by a landmine-filled life. Poor Trisha never even stood a chance with the kind of sister who would make your birthday [i]her[/i] special day. A [i]kale[/i] cake? That wasn’t evil, that was diabolical. Never mind the lingering sensation of trying to figure out whether or not you’re even worth being celebrated to begin with… He understood that feeling a little better at least. He’d struggled with feeling loved and wanted before, especially from the people who needed to give it the most at the time. He wanted to lash out and grab it… Maybe [i]that[/i] was who Tansy was. Someone who reached out for what she wanted, and didn’t stop reaching until she was holding it. 

But in turn, she’d stepped on everyone else’s lives. And now Trisha had to have complex feelings about fucking [i]cake.[/i] Something that should be universally praised and enjoyed by all parties involved as part of the celebration of individuality that was a Birthday now carried weight. Like eating red meat, or having dinner at the table… He [i]hoped[/i] for red meat. Wanted to force the fight into himself and win for the sake of her heart and maybe to inspire her at the same time.

[color=577d06]”So, if I was ever going to take you out to a fancy dinner for your birthday ever again, which… It kind of sounds like a waste when your favorite food is always going to be what I cook.-”[/color] he grinned playfully, pausing and snuggling up close to her to make sure she knew he was joking.
[color=577d06]”-But in the event that another Birthday is celebrated with us at a resort with a chef included… What goes in place of cake? You’re not an [i]eater[/i]. So, I can only imagine a good, peaceful read would suffice just as easily.”[/color] he continued to banter lightly, hoping she didn’t mind the jesting.

Trisha smiled, and nodded. 
[color=d1b300]“Honestly, you’re right. There isn’t really anything else I’d want… Having the meal with you is enough. Any dessert is fine, even a cake- as long as it isn’t [i]green[/i]. At least I wasn’t the one that got the kale cake. It’s not as much of a… trigger… as other things.”[/color] 

None of hers, the few she got, were [i]that[/i] bad. They just weren’t great either. 

She turned into him, head tilting up to rub her nose against his. She smiled softly at him, tone lightening to match his joking. She liked that he wasn’t being so serious right now. It made it feel like she could be a little more honest, without going deep into it… Without it being some major, serious thing. Not that she’d want things to be playful when they talked about properly serious matters, but it was fine for this. 

[color=d1b300]“I won’t complain if you give me a book in the place of a cake… it might be a bit of a fire hazard if you try to put a candle on it, though. If you do, make sure to fireproof the book.”[/color] 

Casey grinned at the thought of a big emerald green cake in the shape of a book. Why? It was the kind of joke that the people in his life would make. Making light of something that was related to genuine tragedy… The siblings had gotten better about it, growing up and coming to the understanding that they all shared awful moments without pretense or opposing interpretations. But even then, certain things were still easily joked about because of the sheer ridiculousness.

[color=577d06]”I… Imagined a big cake in the shape of a leather book, but you cut into it past the fuckin’ icing or whatever ‘f’ word they use for the shaping clay on it, and it’s just this seriously neon green cake. Obviously it wouldn’t actually be kale, I figured devil’s food cake would be good, but… Is that insensitive?”[/color] he asked as the sleigh tugged them onward toward the glowing front light of the restaurant.

Trisha shook her head with a soft laugh. 
[color=d1b300]“It’d probably be funny… At least if it was neon green it would be obvious. The kale cake had a specific vegetable green colour. And after the first bite, I wouldn’t be worried about the flavour.”[/color]

She scrunched up her nose, as if actively imagining taking a bite of the cake from many years ago. Tansy had forced a slice on everyone present, and watched them like a hawk to make sure they actually ate it rather than sneakily throwing it in the trash or flushing it down the toilet. The worst thing was that James had actually come home that day, and him eating a slice and saying it was alright inflated Tansy’s ego even further. 

[color=d1b300]“I’ve already eaten a green cake without being retraumatised, anyway.”[/color] She said lightly. 
[color=d1b300]“Remember Cass’ cake for when she got better? One of the layers had bright green in it… But I appreciate you checking. Maybe just don’t go too thick on the icing on the fake kale book cake, I don’t like cakes were there’s too much of that.”[/color]

[color=577d06]”Yeah, I suppose vegetal green is a much different look. Probably had like, unprocessed bits of leaf. As for the molding icing or whatever, it’s thick and gross. I don’t know why Blinds use it so much. Obviously, if I wanted to get you a cake that was a book, we’d magic up a book cake. That’ll probably happen. A book you can eat when you’re done; that’s how we’ll make sure you’re getting your daily nutrients all the time.”[/color] Casey smiled warmly, thinking about a life of baking bookbread with cute stories inside for her to read to their unborn child.

They were just outside now, and slowly pulling in for Chef Dubois to greet them at the door. The whole atmosphere of the place was different. Not quite like the heavy atmosphere of a funeral, but openly sombre without any great deal of fanfare. It looked partly like the staging area for some military operation like in the movies, with boxes and crates stacked up and netting hanging half dangled from their open tops.

“I’m happy to have you both again. Please pardon the mess; there's reason to pack, you see. I don’t intend on staying longer than necessary.”

There was a lone table in the middle of the massive dining hall set up in a beautiful fashion. Ironically, a deep pine green table cloth reminiscent of a certain leaf covered the deep and dark oak wood table on an opposing axis, leaving the table corners exposed to absorb the low flickering candle light. Several floating candle holders gently bobbed about in a slow orbit around the table, which had already been stocked with a fine vintage port and a small cheese and fruit plate. Several rolls of fresh bread sat in a small wicker basket, a near maroon cloth hanging out from inside giving them a cushion inside to rest upon.

“Now, I must explain briefly: There are many ingredients remaining. As is my sincerest wish for your evening to be perfect for you, I am prepared to do something I don’t even do for my family… I will be taking [i]requests.[/i] If you have no particularly special orders, the restaurant’s menu is available, as well as the Chef’s choice special.”

He guided the two of them as quickly as possible to the table, pulling the chair out for Trisha and sliding her in before patting Casey on the shoulder and pointing at a crate nearby. 
“My wine. Help yourselves if the first bottle hollows. As we’ve discussed, you’ll have as much privacy as you desire.”

To finish, he set a small table next to their table, with an empty tray and an even smaller cushion that held a silver bell. 
“Ring for service. It’s my honor and pleasure to do this for you both. Adieu.”

Without giving either the chance to respond, Dubois scurried off into the kitchen. Within a few moments, the slow and sultry sound of slow jazz began to trickle through the restaurant from unseen speakers. A brass horn reminiscent of the horn they’d been exposed to during the raid on the underground facility back home. Casey pursed his bottom lip, eyebrows raised in an expression of impression.

[color=577d06]”I can’t say that was the kind of brevity I expected…”[/color] he said, having taken his coat off and hung it over the back of his seat.

Trisha was glad for the brevity. She’d been awkward enough around Dubois before, and now she had no idea how to treat him. She had mixed feelings about his survival, after all. One less person dead was always a good thing, but it didn’t feel like enough… And he could have warned other people. 

[color=d1b300]“I’m surprised too, I assumed someone that talkative would have a different view on being brief. I’m glad.”[/color] she replied. Maybe he’d really take Casey’s request to hear, or what happened had a big effect on him. It wasn’t something she really wanted to dwell on herself. 

[color=d1b300]“It looks like you really could ask for some traditional Chinese food… We’re getting special treatment even his family doesn’t.”[/color] She smiled, tone playful as she reached for one of the menus he’d left them. While she’d said to Casey she’d like a good curry, she felt it would be strange to ask for something outside of his specialisation. He could probably cook anything well… But they’d probably never see him again, or taste his cooking. She’d rather go for one of his signature dishes, or even the Chef’s choice special. 

[color=d1b300]“I can’t imagine having a family member who doesn’t take requests and just cooks what he wants to.”[/color] Though growing up she hadn’t had much choice in what she ate, that was just because she didn’t care enough to ask the family cooks for something specific. The people cooking then weren’t family… But now she knew if she wanted something, Casey would cook it for her if he could. Cass too.
[color=d1b300]“I guess that’s what happens when you get [i]too[/i] good at something.”[/color]

Funnily, Casey had no such qualms about whether or not tasting Dubois’ food again mattered. Maybe because he’d had it at some point as a child, or maybe because he was aware of the Chef’s masterful reputation, but he knew for certain he’d be having his Chinese cuisine that night. And he planned on taking all comers: Beef, chicken, pork, duck. No animal would escape from the gnashing of his jaws around their tender roasted flesh.

[color=577d06]”From what I know, he studied under this Aberration who was [i]supposedly[/i] directly inhabited by a Hearthsprite. Which, apparently, had been the camp cook for the Lord of All Lands back in some prehistoric time. Either way, the pedigree is a serious thing for people like that.”[/color]

Obviously he didn’t pick up a menu, which was an easy non-verbal queue to pick up. He had no intent on looking, because his order wasn’t coming from it. His mind wandered much to the same end Trisha’s did; about how he could’ve helped. Could’ve warned. Could’ve fought and tried to stop. Died doing the right thing… Was he culpable? Was his life worth less now, because he’d “let” such a horrible thing happen? 
Or was he just an old man caught in a bad situation?

[color=577d06]”Either way, if he’s offering, I’m accepting. At worst he’ll say he can’t make what I want, so I fall back on forcing him to fry chickens for the next three hours. Just real soul killing work for a Frenchman.”[/color] he grinned deviously.

[color=577d06]”Still, it’s a very nice setup. Do you like the candles? They’re a neat touch, it’s actually an impressive display of his grasp over his multi-lux..”[/color] he explained gently, just nudging the conversation along to take the burden off of Trisha feeling as if she needed to entertain.

Trisha leaned forward a little bit to take a closer look at the candles, which she honestly hadn’t paid that much attention to. It had all faded into the background, registered as part of the set up for a nice meal. Maybe she was actually getting used to all the magic that now surrounded her, to the point that floating candles didn’t even get noticed. 

[color=d1b300]“They’re nice… He’s red, orange and green, right? I can see the red and orange from the candles, but where does the green come in?”[/color]

[color=577d06]”Extra material control. Everything’s as light and high quality as possible in order to make everything easier to keep floating. You can make the micro-perforations with red and orange, but nothing’s better than Green for raw material control like that.”[/color]

The little metal candle holders the wax sticks were tucked into shimmered brilliantly in the low light of their charges, leaving no chance for the untrained eye to speculate the actual material makeup. Cheap aluminum, like an aircraft, polished to the molecular level in order to provide a brilliantly reflective surface, and absolutely chalk full of holes so small one would never notice them. But, texturally, one could feel the brittleness and rough texture that was caused by the flesh of the finger latching onto the microscopic edges of the holes.

They were practically fakes, were it not for the fact that their entire purpose was to be enchanted by a seriously intuitive air-control spell consisting of the aforementioned Red and Orange Lux.

[color=577d06]”And he makes them float by making them self-regulate air pressure around the bases. Like little hovercrafts without propellers.”[/color] he mistakenly assumed, not realizing that each little base did indeed have a tiny fan that was enchanted to output more power than physically possible.

Thinking about it, however, caused him to shift his body downward at an awkward angle to look up at one of the candles. He could see the spinning center of the fan blades inside the fixture, and his jaw dropped with a gasp.

[color=577d06]”Oh, my God… Clever fucker [i]did[/i] put propellers in them. They’re jumped up little drones!”[/color] he finally giggled, shaking his head.
[color=577d06]”I… Feel very thankful to be inspired so often. By all the people in my life.”[/color] he continued in a more somber, maybe respectful tone.

[color=577d06]”Thank you for being number one in the whole group. You inspire me constantly.”[/color]

Trisha glanced away with a shy smile, blush visible on her cheeks. She had to clamp down on her initial denial. While she wanted to be number one everything in Casey’s life, she didn’t see how she could be the most inspirational. Especially when it came to something like magic… But he obviously didn’t just mean it for that. It was still difficult for her to accept, but at least she didn’t deny it. 

It made her happy to hear it, no matter what. 

[color=d1b300]”Thank you for seeing past everything and getting close enough to be inspired by me,”[/color] she responded softly, lifting her gaze again to smile softly at him. 
[color=d1b300]“You inspire me too. I wouldn’t have even tried to get better if it wasn’t for you.”[/color]

Even if there were still hurdles, and she’d felt like she’d ended up back at the beginning after he tried to end things. It was left unsaid, but she was only able to move forward from that because of how he’d helped her improve- and because it was him. It really was different with the right person. 

[color=d1b300]“Hopefully we’ll keep inspiring each other for a long time… And when we stop, it’ll just be because we know each other so well there’s nothing more to inspire.”[/color]

Casey’s tender hand reached across the table to take Trisha’s. His thumb and index finger rolled across the surface of her engagement ring, and he thought about all the good things that had ever come into his life. Every bit of good, warmth, and tingling peace he could muster, he put into the look of abject adoration that soared across the table back at Trisha. His big blue eyes practically welled with tears of joy and pride.

[color=577d06]”It’ll never stop… Never.”[/color]