juniperscauldron

[juniperscauldron]

Junipers scowl became a smile and she rolled her eyes. “I’m not saying don’t have a fun time Sammy. I’m saying pace yourself. If you want to actually have proper fun tonight you need to learn how to ride a buzz.” It felt odd giving him advice on how to be better at being drunk. This was the opposite of the type of advice she usually gave. 

“Also do not even think of comparing yourself to me. I have the blessing of my German ancestors to thank for the tolerance. It’s not all it’s cracked up to be. It’d be cheaper to get drunk on 2 drinks instead of 5.” She had been thoroughly disappointed in her youth. One of the few times she attempted rebelling and had one of her grandfather's ales. It tasted awful and she didn’t feel so much as a tickle in her throat. An utter failure of rebellion. 

She was happy to see him take the water. And even went through the effort of putting together a more acceptable plate of food. “Finish the water, eat something that won’t  curdle your stomach. It’s early; sober up a bit, then once you get to a comfortable state of tipsy- not too tipsy- you can start drinking again. But don’t pound them back. And if this Nico person tries to give you another drink. Stand up for yourself a little and say no.” 

He was young, and while he was very responsible as she had seen over the weeks, he was still a touch naive. This was not the time or place to be sloppy, and drinking out of obligation was always a bad idea. 

“Ow.” Sammy yanked his hand back as she slapped it away from his awful food creation, but didn’t try to go for it again. He’d managed to justify himself in a corner, telling himself he was obligated to eat whatever nightmare he’d made on his plate. She was basically saving him from that. “I’m not trying to be irresponsible on purpose or anything, I’m just... letting myself have fun.” 

Ugh, he sounded like a dumb kid saying that. He didn’t need her raised eyebrow and look of immediate disapproval to tell him that, but it definitely punctuated it as she swapped out the cocktail in his hand for a glass of water. “Yeah, I heard it, that felt dumb as I was saying it. Just water for the rest of the night.” He took a sip, to prove his point.

“I only ever drink at parties, and I don't really go to enough of those to know... basically anything about my own limits. I don't know how you do it." He'd seen her sneak a flash out at least once already that evening. If he'd thought to bring a flask of his own, it would have ended up full of Red Bull, but he suspected hers was more of the expected of any drink stronger than they're openly serving here.

[juniperscauldron]

Juniper was carrying Sage on her hip like a child. Sage was content with that. She seemed to wear herself out with the hunt- Kanta. It was strange acknowledging him as more than a comatose stranger. Still he and Sage managed to remain in one piece so she shouldn’t complain. 

She was on her way to get water for her companion when she saw a familiar stranger. Her smile cracking open as she recognized the boy as the same one that she had seen Sammy with earlier. She noticed Sage perk up as well with recognition. She figured it made sense. She had probably met quite a few people this evening. 

“Oh my goodness- thank you!. Yes I did. It’s a thrifted project. Hope it isn’t too noticeable.” Her tone was unoffended and conversational. Placing Sage on a stool between them. Her little hands reaching out for the boy and patting at him in greeting. She laughed and adjusted the raccoons dress before offering her hand out to shake. 

“Juniper Kessler of Phial. This is my familiar Sage. But it seems you two have already met. I’ll admit the dress is a little silly. But some days you need to pick your battles.” She was only half joking. Strolling through the aisles of the thrift stores had been all well and good until she passed through the toddler section. Raccoons were remarkably like toddlers sometimes. Just as smart- just as unreasonable. 

“I will admit I played it a little safe. I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. What you are wearing is sensational though. Silk is a pain to work with.” She wasn’t sure if he made his own garment as well. But he at least knew enough about tailoring to notice hers.  

Everett has always loved a floral.

Fashion had found Everett during COVID. He had been 17, alone in his apartment, the days broken up by phone calls from Sammy and Everett had found Project Runway. All 18 seasons not included All stars and specials, which Everett had hunted down and consumed as well. He had made it to Season 3 before he decided he could satisfy the challenges with more flair than most of the contestants.

So Everett had bought a sewing machine.

And Fabric.

So. Much. Fabric.

Everyone needed a Covid hobby. It’s just not every teenage boy could fund 16 collections, one for each season he had watched. 3 of which he had themed around florals.

So as he watched the blonde disappear around the corner he couldn’t help but recognize how stunningly she had crafted her garment. He had to assume she had because it was nothing he recognized from this year’s fashion week features.

Everett drifted back over to the bar to get himself another glass of champagne just as the woman again emerged looking slightly redder and holding……. The fabulously dressed raccoon from earlier!

Of course she was hers, Jeans could never have facilitated such couture!

The woman seemed to be walking over to the bar so Everett smiled, “Excuse me, but I have to say I love your dress! Did you make it?” He nodded to the raccoon, “I have to say I noticed your companions outfit earlier when she was being accompanied by a considerably less well dressed man. You both have excellent taste.”

[juniperscauldron]

Juniper still finds it amusing when he calls her flower, and she is in no state to pretend she doesn’t. Though she did attempt to at least temper her smile with a roll of her eyes. The comparison felt more appropriate tonight. She looked nothing like herself. A brief bloom into something nice to look at. Preening for coven image and personal enjoyment. Juniper isn’t blind, and Garrick isn’t subtle, she can see and feel him looking at her. Tonight, it means nothing, almost everyone here was done up to be looked at. 

Eyebrows shoot upward as he tips his head back. Thinking he must have needed a stiff drink more than she first thought. The thought crosses her mind of taking another sip before putting it away once it’s back in her hands, but she resists. It’s better to save it in case she finds herself in a place later in the night where she would rather check out. The buzz she felt right now was warm and pleasant anyways. Alcohol and magic dancing in her blood in a way that prickled at her skin. 

“Hmm, no, loose is not a word I would use for you. Though if you’ll let me be devil's advocate for just a moment- I don’t think a brief shoreside chat is really enough to get a full picture of anyone. Don't know about you, but I certainly wasn't at my best.” It felt like a lifetime ago almost. If someone had told her then that she would be here now. Feeling more herself than ever, a little drunk sure- but happy? She would have called them insane. When was the last time she had as much fun as she was having tonight? 

Even so she could still feel anxiety in the edges of her consciousness. The joke about stepping on his foot had been just that. A joke. She was clumsy before the cane. She expects a joke back; instead, he’s gentle, and she’s confused. While she wasn’t too fond of being seen as fragile, she couldn’t blame him. At least coming from him right now it didn’t feel diminutive. 

I’ll be the cane. It would be funny if she didn’t believe him. She doesn’t hesitate when he pulls her in and settles closer. Focusing on callused hands and her own breathing so she doesn't manifest her own bad luck. She just needs to relax and let him lead. “I’m gonna hold you to that y’know. But I wouldn’t worry, takes a little more than a travel flask to get me that unsteady. I can hold a drink, thank you very much.” 

She looks over her shoulder for a moment, assessing the people around them while also avoiding looking forward for too long. Eye contact was never her strong suit. Especially in places like this. “Feels like an understatement. I knew conclaves were big… I didn’t think they were this big. We all got really lucky that the hurricane didn’t damage the arts center too badly. I don’t know where else this could have been hosted on such short notice.” The nice thing about proximity is she didn’t feel like she needed to shout over the music as much.

I've earned this. Now that's a statement if there ever was one. A creature submerged under the waves, gasping for air. Flailing for just a moment too long before succumbing to the inevitability of how the ocean always wins. Sinking beneath the weight of everything they've done, or yet to do. Juniper, the flower in her speckled yellow glow and decorated in attire that Garrick finds his demon eyes scour over more than once. Shameless, in often the worst kind of way. Who is watching over you, flower? She's watering a garden with liquor, and if nobody keeps an eye, she'll overdo it and the same bed of gold will wilt away. Garrick can't fault her for the rumskin, he might'in like to be in her shoes too.

Maybe the legs a bother and it's pain she's trying to kill. It's always pain, isn't it? Garrick can't begin to know what her last months have entailed. Perhaps she lost something in the storm he'll never know.

"You needn't be here to be either those things, flower." Lookin' pretty seems like it'd come easy to her. But he's seen the ages, he'd never have recognised the slip of a thing on her bodice centuries ago. And he knows what sharks are in the sea of this room, circling their prey, sniffing out the blood in the water. She offers him her flask, and his smile sits higher on one side.

He thinks this is a favour; if he helps empty her flask, she'll have less of it to be loaded on. The Conclave are a bunch'a nosebleeds but they'll make it everybody's problem if a witch, too liquor-slick, is crashing to the ground in a heap. Garrick tips his head as though he's wearing a hat and thanks her for the offering. Swigs it deep, and it goes down like any other liquid. A dramatic smack of his lips comes after. He holds it back out for her, half-emptier than it had been.

"You think I ain't loose, darl? I've been givin' it to you wrong." He's dealt with Frankie and her frog from the moment he walked his arse in here. Juniper ain't nothing new, but she's decent company. She's got less questions this time 'round, that's for sure.

The hand outstretched, absent the flask now, waits.

Juniper accepts, warmth of her fingers wrapping around the cool of his. She answers without words first. Cane gently put aside before she speaks. He notes a little bit of a twang — spoken like a broad waiting on a sailor comin' home. All bright-eyed, anticipation, daring to know, but cautious of what they're to find.

"Then I'll be the cane, how's that?" He'll be the crutch. Garrick knows how to dance, despite his spite at being where he is. It's easy to lead her away to an open space when he softly draws her closer, allows her to move at her own pace first. "Ain't gonna let you drop either. I gots you, even if it is antsville in 'ere."

[juniperscauldron]

Juniper raised her own glass to Colt with a smirk before taking a sip. “This is already my second glass. I have an agenda tonight and I am going to need quite a few more than that before I can actually cut loose.” 

Colt was easy to talk to in a familiar way. He gave the impression of a friendly open-book. He was certainly a softy if their first encounter was anything to go by. Not many would go out of their way to help an animal in a situation like that, especially at their own risk. It spoke well to his character. Made approaching easier. 

She laughed as he mocked her comment. “Oh absolutely.” She played along. “And I am sure every single one has the day of week stitched into the inside as well. I still can’t believe it stayed on your head in those winds.” It was a uniquely fond memory in the deluge of chaos. 

She was glad to have her hand free to lean on her cane again. Her smile softened when they made eye contact, her head nodding. Visual affirmation before verbal. “I understand busy. I can’t remember the last time I took a full evening for myself like this. I’m glad it’s been alright otherwise.” She rolled her eyes then. “Oh you know. Rescuing strays is a special talent of mine-” She joked with a scoff. It wasn’t entirely untrue. “Nothing since the pup though, with my luck this conversation will speak it into existence.” 

She feigned annoyance for a moment but it was hard to keep the corners of her mouth downturned. Speaking of strays… She had almost forgotten the question that had prompted her to approach Colt in the first place. “By the way, who did you come with? I’ll admit I am  more than a little surprised to see you here. Probably last on the list of faces I expected to see.” 

It made her nervous to see a human wandering around in a place like this. She was sure under normal circumstances Colt could handle himself, but hardly anything in this building right now was normal by his standards. She was pretty sure he was human. Not a hunter either. No hunter would waste their breath for a starving dog like that.

He’d lost Quin somewhere in the sea of people. His friend was a busy man, looked important at these things, although that sharp eyeroll of his every time he drifted off to socialize still made the rancher laugh. What kind of man hated the very thing he made a living at? Miserable life, wasn't it? Colt chuckled under his breath at the thought, but deep down, he pitied the man.

Alone again, empty glass in hand, he felt like a tiny fish swimming with sharks and whales and pretty dolphins. He’d be careful tonight not to end up caught on the hook of some lone fisherman looking for a catch tonight. But if that fisherman turned out to be Juniper? Well, that might not be so bad. She reeled him in before he could blink.

"Is that why you carryin’ two already?"

It came easy, like they weren’t damn near strangers who’d only met rescuing a wet dog from a hurricane, but old friends. "Ain’t like it’s glued to my head, Juniper. That how you picture ranchers? You think I sleep in it, don’t ya?" He teased, "Bet you do. Bet you think I got a whole row of ’em lined up on the wall, one for every day of the week."

Colt reached out and replaced his drink with the one she offered, no sense leaving her hanging just to crack a few dumb jokes. "Been alright. Busy." Eyes watched her over the rim as he took a slow sip, that steady look of his catching hers. "You been alright since that storm? Gone and rescued any more strays?"

[juniperscauldron]

“Oh that actually sounds nice. It’s been a while since I’ve gone in and sat down. I usually just do takeaway if I’m bothering with lunch for the day.” If she thought about it for a moment. She hadn’t really gone out and explored the city as much as she would have liked. She knew her neighborhood and a few outliers, but that was about it. 

There just weren’t enough hours in the day, even with her lackluster sleep schedule. Between construction, keeping Irene and Thera company, on top of her own side projects; there was never enough time. Even today she had been running around trying to get enough done to just let herself have the evening. And she was still struggling to relax fully. 

She was having fun. But there was still an edge to her spine she had yet to drink away. She needed to work on that. It wasn’t necessarily a good thing that she needed the booze to let herself have fun, but it wasn’t a problem that was going to fix itself overnight. And if she was wearing heels it was going to be a night worth the pain. 

“I’m sure something worth talking about will happen by the end of the night. I genuinely don’t know whose bright idea it was to make Conclaves an open bar event. Free flowing alcohol and over a thousand guests easily. Most of which are of the supernatural variety. I don’t know how these don’t end in disaster every year.” It didn’t make sense to her. But she had never heard of a Conclave going south in her time. Her grandfather never mentioned it either. Only telling stories of the one he attended with grandmother in their younger days, when she had first taken the mantle from her own mother. 

“Six whole hours of sleep sounds like a dream come true.” Jaya conceded, not even needing to exaggerate. He’d been keeping himself up lately, hashing out the details of the rituals he’d been assigned to create for Cait, and a full night of sleep was something he was sorely missing. He wouldn’t begrudge Juniper for seeking the same. 

Still, he smiled at the promise of gossip if she did find someone. He intended to hold her to that. “That’s an acceptable alternative. We should get lunch sometime this week. We can chat about any late-gala developments.” Political and personal. Try as he might to separate himself from caring, Phial was still the coven his family was tied to. This branch was run much more equitably than the one back home, and he was interested in seeing how it fared in the actual workings of the Conclave.

Whether it was simply curiosity, or a need to prove to himself that there were other ways to run this coven than the iron fist his family had in Dubai was yet to be decided. “My treat, of course. You can pick the place.”

[juniperscauldron]

She laughed. Wishing that Jaya could figure out how to bottle that confidence. She would happily be his first customer. The idea was nice. Wanting to feel wanted was normal. But it terrified her. Not just the vulnerability, but the possibility of rejection. 

“I’m not digging my heel in about anything. I simply have a realistic projection of my evening. Drink, dance, drink some more, network- and then crashing on my couch and sleeping for at least 6 hours.” It wasn’t a bad projection, it sounded like a good night to her. She might even exhaust herself enough to actually get 6 hours of sleep. That would be wonderful. 

“I am enjoying myself just fine, Jaya. I promise. Will you leave it be if I promise to let you know if I do meet anyone?” A promise she would never have to keep. She wouldn’t be meeting anyone. And even if she did- hilarious. He might not even remember this conversation come morning. 

She appreciated the levity all the same. If she ever did manage to find her spine in this game, Jaya would make a good hype man. It was hard not to have a good time when he was all smiles and good energy. The dancing was awkward in the beginning, but she found her rhythm eventually and forgot about her insecurities for a brief time.

“Darling, if I were to focus on finding someone for myself, who would be left for the rest of you? I am strictly free of attachments for the night.” He was tipsy, not so drunk that he was considering putting up with the disappointments of one-night stands, weeklong relationships, and the consolation that it wasn’t that he was unattractive, it was his personality that ended things. The one part of him that was so much more difficult to change than his appearance.

Jaya wasn’t looking forward to the prospect of re-teaching themself which aspects of their personality should be sanded down to make themself more palatable to a whole new pool of people, attractive as some of them may be. 

“Well, if you aren’t looking, and I’m not looking, this whole party is worse off for it, but I suppose we could make do with drinks and dancing. If you insist.” Juniper was someone who was kind in ways that could easily be mistaken for spineless by those who only relied on snap judgements, but he’d spend a good hour trying to talk her into cutting off the verbena drip she’d rigged up with the blood transfusion she’d given him. He was more stubborn than patient, and even if he were sober, he doubted he would have the energy to push her to engage with anything she’d set her mind against. “Just try not to dig in your heels and keep yourself from enjoying yourself to the fullest, would you?”

[juniperscauldron]

She shook her head disapprovingly. Stopping the nearest staffer and asking them to bring two glasses of water. No ice. Turning back to smack Sammy’s hand before he could consume another creation. 

“The more you tell me about this Nico guy the less I like you spending time with him. That’s incredibly irresponsible.” One thing she had noticed over the months is that she felt a lot… more, now. With the suppression of her magic came the suppression of everything she seemed to be. Life just felt like more now. And she was finding a protective streak she wasn’t aware she had. 

“Also, I assure you that whoever is funding this open bar is not breaking the bank by doing so. All supernatural organizations have special funds for things like this. You are smarter than peer pressured alcohol poisoning.” Her scolding was light. A suggestion mostly. But she did have a rather unimpressed look to her face. 

When the waiter returned with water she swiftly replaced the glass in his hand with one of water. Taking a glass of water herself and holding it up as if she were drinking it in solidarity with him.

“Okay, so, the thing is, Nico started just putting a drink in my hand every time he walked past, and that’s been a lot of times.” Sammy explained, sipping on the drink he had in his other hand, as if he needed to emphasize the fact that it was there. “And I’m not going to waste a drink, those are expensive! And I've already got a ride lined up, so it's not like I'm letting someone down if I'm not able to be the designated driver...” 

He shrugged, and held up the plate of nightmare food he’s created. “The twins are going through a chef phase right now, so if I can power through what two seven year olds think a balanced meal is, I can survive some weird shrimp. But how are you doing, are you having fun? Or are you here for witch business? Or is witch business also fun? I’m still not really sure how covens work.”

[juniperscauldron]

Juniper couldn’t help the low whistle that left her mouth. “You must be desperate for ink if you are just going up to strangers. I’ll hear you out. But I have questions.”

She had dealt with tattoo artists before. There were countless shops back home and almost all of them had at least one person working magic ink. Supplying ink to the surrounding shops had been something her coven had done for a long time. One of the deals stuck before she was even around. 

It wasn’t a bad idea. But she needed to be careful about who she made deals with. “I don’t do spell work for hunters I don’t get along with. Are you new to the craft or did your previous supplier leave? If they left. Why?” There was no sense in dancing around pleasantries. This woman didn’t seem to mind casting them aside. Business was faster when you could be blunt.

Althea blinks down at her, the scolding barely registering - manners, sure, yeah, whatever. Not her bag, really. Manners never got her anywhere but annoyed. Always took too long. Still, she doesn't seem like she's irreversibly pissed off, so hey - see? Fuck manners.

She does manage a smile, though. "Was kinda askin' if you were a witch, but I see the error of me not usin' my damn words." Kinda. God, she wants a fuckin' drink or three. Cheap vodka, cheaper beer, literally anything other than water.

"Althea. Been in the market for more enchanted ink." At this, she clears her throat, and elaborates. "For tattoos. Figured this is a good a place as any to start makin' the rounds and asking."

[juniperscauldron]

And she must have given him a poor impression of her credentials. She knew what cluster scaring looked like. And while humans liked to make up a lot of lies about supernaturals for their entertainment, they were correct about standard vampire bites. Two punctures. It wasn’t hard to figure out. But she relented. This wasn’t the time or place for that kind of questioning. 

She couldn’t help but scoff at Jaya’s insinuation. He stood out far more than she did. He was more approachable as well. She had come out to have fun, sure, but she wasn’t really here to mingle. It had been too long. She could walk the walk- with a limp and a cane. But when it came to following through… even she couldn’t stand to look at her leg most days. She didn’t expect anyone else to have a more gracious response. 

Taking a deep breath, she made a note to get herself another glass of champagne after this song. She needed her brain to be quiet again. She plastered a smile to her face. Grateful Jaya was as drunk as he was and that the dance floor was as crowded as it was. She raised her arm to coax him into a spin for distraction.

“Jaya If I am your hope for the evening, then you are hopeless. How about you focus on yourself huh? I’m here to support my coven. Nothing else.” She joked back, it was mostly true. Phial needed all the help it could get right now.   

“I believe I gave you a poor impression of my history with vampires. It’s not as much of a thing as you and Thera seem to think it is.” He was glad to see her taking his segue away from the topic of infusions, allowing herself to be pulled to the dance floor. He was mindful of her limp as they walked, bubbly as he was. “I’ll get some water after this song. For now, you still didn’t answer my question.”

“Have you met anyone promising tonight? I’m not really looking for anyone myself, so know that I’m going to live vicariously through you on that front.” Jaya said, humming along to the music between sentences.“Don’t disappoint me. You look very lovely tonight, so if you don’t have any fun, then where’s the hope for the rest of this town?”

[juniperscauldron]

Juniper wished that when her grandfather had told her to seek out this city if she needed help, he had told her why she would be able to find help here at all. It sent her sideways when strangers knew her family on first introduction. Even more so to be able to pick her out of a crowd. But this place had proved to be surprisingly small time and time again so her surprise was probably misplaced. 

She smiled at the mention of the apothecary and recalled Irene mentioning someone by the name Stephens. This must be the woman in question. “Oh I have been there a time or two. When I first moved to the city and was restocking my home. This is probably niche- but I adore the place. It has a wonderful nostalgia to it. It’s very clearly a well loved endeavor." 

Most of the magical spaces she had come into contact with here had an innate pleasantness to it. Not all the people. But the air was clear and free of general hostility. 

“I’m sure we can work something out. I have every intention of continuing to give the apothecary my business. I think I took my personal garden back home for granted. There are just some things that are more difficult to get even just this far south.” She sipped at her glass more for thirst than indulgence. Sparing a look around the room, looking for nothing in particular except the unexpected. 

Her attention turned back when her thoughts were asked and she was worried she couldn’t keep the look off her face. She was new here all things considered. It wasn’t her place to talk coven politics when the only impression she had was silence and a single night of medical chaos in her dining room. Then again maybe that made her opinion more valid. 

“I’m not sure how much weight my opinion would have. I am newer to the area after all. And I am sure each branch of Phial has its own… particularities, heritages, traditions. It is my understanding though that Jameson is rather new to the position of coven head, yes?” She wondered how someone like him even came into the position. Someone like Kiri already seemed like a more suitable fit.

There is an honest modesty to the way the younger witch holds herself. Like she's aware of her appearance and the assumptions that it brings, but also a quiet confidence that only those who have been in charge of making decisions would know.

"Your family's name precedes you," Kiri acknowledges with a warm smile. "It's a name I have heard since I first moved to the city in order to study." Her own history is lost, just scraps unearthed here and there, buried in primary records that live in an unsuspecting library or garage sale. When she first arrived in Port Leiry, she had marveled at the familial dynasties that made up the Fengs and the Lindons, how the Siltshores held their power in their bloodline. There was a bittersweet envy when she thinks about where she might have been had she been steeped in such knowledge as part of her childhood.

"I own the apothecary, and your predecessor occasionally procured supplies at my shop. Unnecessary if you have your own supplier, but I thought I would offer the same terms in case needed," she says, keeping any sort of pressure out of her voice. Some do not like to take business from her now, despite the fact that her knowledge remains the same.

"And I admit that I wanted to gather your thoughts on our coven. I take great interest in its reputation and maintaining its position within the city's politics."

[juniperscauldron]

Juniper was all too happy to clap as Jaya spun to show off his attire. If he considered that an old thing, she would be gagged to see what he thought something fresh looked like. Juniper could never dream of looking that expensive. She was positive some people just weren’t meant for it. But Jaya clearly was. 

She opened her mouth to protest Jaya's mentions of bloody spell components. But this was hardly the place or time and he was certainly in no headspace to hear it. She made a mental note to touch on that subject another time. Hoping she wouldn’t forget it in the morning. 

She gave him a skeptical look when he started pulling her towards the dance floor. An expression that detailed just how much she knew he was trying to change the subject. But allowing it anyways she didn’t really want to dampen the mood of the evening.

“Well- I- I haven’t really danced recently either.” Months in fact, maybe even a year? She couldn’t remember the last time she had been allowed to go out dancing. She wasn’t even sure she could with her cane getting in the way. But she allowed herself to be dragged anyways. 

Jaya's energy was contagious. That paired with the liquid courage she was drinking and it was all said and done. It helped that the music was actually good.

“Well, I’m glad to hear that. If a dance will keep you away from the vampires tonight, it’s the least I can do. Just make sure you don’t get so drunk you lose yourself alright? Maybe try a glass of water next time.”

“The most responsible, trust me.” Jaya said, his smile doing little to offset the playfully false sincerity in his voice. His words seem to flow out of him, pulled along by the alcohol in his system. “I’m on my best behavior tonight. I have a new coven to represent, I cannot be acting the fool, as you would say.”

“That is a fantastic outcome for only a couple hundred dollars!” He admired the hair ornament, clapping a little bit as she spun, stepping back to offer a little spin of his own to show off his own outfit. “Oh, this old thing? I had to have it shipped over from my home, I bought it for an event that I missed by moving here. Isn't it wonderful?”

He shook his head at the mentions of his follow-up infusions. “I don’t need the other infusions. Quite a lot of my spells require the use of my blood, and tainting it with verbena alters it’s magical properties. Do you want to dance?” He was already holding out his hand, ready to pull her towards the dance floor. “I haven’t danced in ages, and irresponsible as you may suspect me to be, I am making an effort to avoid vampires. It’s limiting my options for dance partners.”

[juniperscauldron]

The moment Juniper laid eyes on the man approaching, her shoulder tensed up once more. This had to be impossible. “Oh no, why are you here?” Her hand immediately lifted to her mouth. Oh how she so immediately wished she was more sober than she was. 

After their last encounter she had come to the conclusion the other couldn’t be human. It just didn’t add up. This was all but confirmation. And he was acting so familiar with her as well. If her skin wasn’t already flush with alcohol she would be red with near immediate annoyance. 

She gave him a look of pure scandal when he demanded her flask. All the same she did produce it. Secretly hoping he would swallow wrong and choke in the face of her generosity. “You’ve got a lot of nerve, you know that? You don’t just walk up to a girl and demand her flask. Go get a drink from the bar like a normal person.” 

She had thought about the man once or twice since the storm, but only in passing. This was simply confirmation he hadn’t been blown away by the winds after they had parted. All the same she didn’t like that he kept managing to find her in different compromised states of being. She refused to let him ruin her night however. 

“I’m sure there are more interesting or important people here that you could be harassing Kae.”  

Akemi had arrived later than he had intended. Preparations for potential trouble had caused more minutes to go by than what he'd intended. But, he'd made it and with that, his eyes had begun scanning everyone in the crowd from the moment he arrived. It wasn't hard to find the sassy blonde; her fake smile plastered on her face as she listened to someone. Akemi couldn't imagine that the conversation was all that interesting. Nothing quite was.

He kept to the shadows as he watched her move to a more quiet area. One where prying eyes wouldn't notice her. Akemi couldn't help but smirk as he watched her dip her fingers into her own breasts -- perfectly held by the form fitted dress that she wore -- and pull out her own flask. Even though they'd only met and interacted once, Akemi wasn't surprised by the behavior.

It just made her more intriguing to him.

"Juni." Akemi's voice was low, as if he was talking down to her. He shook his head as he tsked while walking up to her. "Didn't your parents teach you politeness?" Once he was within a foot of her, he held out his hand. "Sharing is caring."

[juniperscauldron]

She could tell by the look on his face that she was acting some sort of way. She chose to assume it was a good thing. This always happened when she bothered to get drunk. Alcohol lifted a weight from her shoulders she couldn’t explain. Fears of perception and doubt in her own actions chipped away to something lighter and brighter. She wasn’t reckless. But there was absolutely a loss of inhibition. A slightly more honest version of herself that didn’t take things so seriously. There was a reason she didn’t make a habit of it. 

“You better not. I’ve earned this.” She pointed at the other as a faux warning. Unable to wipe the smile from her face all the same. “After everything that’s been going on these past few months. I think I have earned a night of looking pretty and being a little drunk.” Maybe a bit too honest but it was true. She had forgotten how nice this all felt. 

She was quick to retrieve the flask and hand it over with a mischievous grin. “I’m not sure if gin is to your tastes, but it’s a better burn than the other stuff they are serving. If someone as tightly wound as I am can relax a little then there is no reason you shouldn’t too.” And maybe if she wasn’t the only one giddy on liquor she wouldn’t need to be embarrassed in the morning. 

Once that was settled she followed his eyes to the dance floor. Hearing the music change and watching with a curiously arched brow as Garrick held out his hand. She weighed the pros and cons in her head. A dance probably wouldn’t hurt. She was still alert enough to hesitate; but she did not hesitate for long. Noting how respectful of her space he was. Just like last time. It made it easier to say yes. 

She set her cane off to the side. In a place it could easily be retrieved. Then placed her hand in Garricks. “No one to steal me from tonight. I came with friends, but they are off doing their own thing. I will warn you though , askin’ the girl with a cane to dance may be asking to get your foot stepped on.”

She lets him lead her, speaking once more before the music gets too loud. “I’ll owe you if that happens.” 

Garrick's smile turns wry, because he doesn't know this Juniper. She wears a confidence not smeared by the moonlight, and her grin is as bright as Arcturus. Skin glowing with liquor influence, he appraises her gait like the woman he'd met at the cove had been something other. He remembers their conversation, even if it had not haunted him the way he had seen a ghost in her gaze. A deep pool of pale eyes, shrouded by the night, and the darkness that burrows into the soul. He's known plenty able to drown their sins, and themselves in rum, and it's often the same shutter as a deadlight on portholes.

There's no effort to correct her assessment. Bored, is a notion for someone who cannot find their own means of entertainment. Garrick ain't bored, because he knows how to make fun.

"I don't always play fair, doll. You's gotta know that." It's playful. Without the threat or the malice that would come if it were some other shmuck. She's loaded on bubbles and whatever is in her tinpot.

He's straightening his accent a little too, because it works better when he might have to deal with some earbashing later in the night (It's already been a weird night). "And I ain't ever gonna snuff you for getting your kicks." He just hadn't expected it from the witch. Something sweeter had been lingering beneath the starlight last time.

Garrick has to laugh with her as she beams in amongst the fray of frocks and apparel. And not for the first time, he wonders what kind of witch she is — asking questions brazenly in the den. She has to know there are rows of teeth waiting for her to stumble under the weight of intoxication.

"Enough of it will get even the dead a little loud." In the blood, in the bottle. "Ain't always a good thing." He wants to be sure she isn't towing the line of foolishness; she's brighter than that, he thinks. This place gives no quarters, and neither does Garrick, if it came down to it.

He glances past her to their neighbouring guests. He doesn't cross the silent boundary and leaves space between them, but he does lift his hand in offering, when the music changes: "You 'ere with someone, might'in he care if I steal you."

[juniperscauldron]

“I said- If you eat that you are going to make yourself sick.” Juniper repeated herself with an equally horrified and amused tone. Reaching out to take the plate of mistakes away from the other. She had seen Sammy earlier. Accompanied by some guy that looked like he stepped out of a magazine. But now he seemed to be alone, drunk, and intent on discovering new types of food poisoning. 

Her nose scrunched as she got a look at his creations; shrimp covered in whipped cream and strawberries, dried apricots smeared with pate. There was also something green that she did not care to look at long enough to recognize. 

Her first impressions of Sammy had been good enough. He was a bright kid, talkative, a bit of a busybody. It was always interesting when he would visit the hunter at Theras. Always with something new to talk about. In that setting he was almost the exact opposite of Irene, who was always so stoic. 

“Clearly you aren’t here on hunter business. How much have you had to drink Sammy? It’s not even 10 o’clock.” 

Who: Open (No limits) When: 8:30-9:00, Light Dinner

Sammy knew that a party full of supernaturals wasn't the best place to let himself get goaded into a drinking game, but it was supposed to be a party. This was the first time in months that he wasn’t the designated driver, and he didn’t want to waste that. Vampires and werewolves and witches didn’t make it less of a party, it just made it a weirder one than he was used to.

He hadn’t really kept track of how much he’d had. He’d started to drift from his usual state of “giddy drunk” to the slightly more dangerous area of “I swear I’m not that drunk, do you want to see me do this cool trick? I’m gonna do a cool trick, check this out” about half an hour ago, which was the time he decided to drop the game and go find some food to try to balance it all out. With his skateboard at home and nothing looking very climbable, he was putting all of the energy and focus that would have been dedicated to trying some poorly-thought out trick into making increasingly weird flavor combinations at one of the charcuterie boards around the room. A win for self control!

Not a win for anyone who wanted to have actually good food, but he wasn’t going to just abandon his creation. He’d read Frankenstein in enough lit classes to know how badly that would go, and he wasn’t in any kind of state to deal with what might happen if that plate of grapes and olives (which he had called The Orbs, convinced himself would be a great sweet/salty balance, and then promptly realized was nasty) turned against him. 

Sammy turned from the platter mid-bite, plate still in hand, to see that someone had been talking to him. He hadn’t even heard them walk up, with all the music and the chatter around them. He leaned forwards, speaking loudly to try to be heard over the music, “Sorry, what?”

[juniperscauldron]

Juniper hardly had any time to brace herself before she was met with an enthusiastic hug. Laughing and hugging Jaya back, relieved that he seemed to be in such high spirits. “Well you seem like you are enjoying yourself Jaya, hope you are being somewhat responsible.” Said the woman with the flask of hard liquor in her bodice. She smiled wide at his compliment. She was feeling rather nice tonight, giving a spin to show him her hair ornament.

“Believe it or not I thrifted it. It wasn’t cheap. It’s still an antique, but I was able to get this and the dress for a few hundred. The dress only needed a few alterations.” She was rather proud of the frugality of her investment. Though she still thought it was remarkable how much could be spent on clothing. 

“Enjoying myself, not overwhelmed yet but we’ll see where the night takes me. And what about you? You look amazing by the way. This is stunning.” Many people seemed to have worn their best this evening. But Jaya really seemed to go the extra mile. 

“How much have you had to drink tonight Jaya?” She asked with a moderately amused tone. Unable to help herself from trying to assess his state. After their first meeting she was a bit protective of the witch despite all things. And by now the verbena would have worked its way out of his system.

“You never came back for your follow up infusions.” 

Jaya was a bit drunker than he’d wanted to be, but that was no real concern, not when he’d met enough people in this town to be able to turn to them whenever he needed someone to pull him into a conversation interesting enough to hold his focus. Galas like this always put him in his element, the flow of information and intrigue giving him a lot to sift through. While he would take a solitary lab over a large party any day, this was fun. Revitalizing. 

For now, he was going to blatantly ignore that his friend was clearly trying to take a rest from the crowds and socializing, breaking free from his own boring conversation with a hasty excuse of sorry, I don’t care anymore to cross over to her, a bright smile on his face as he pulled her into a one-armed hug, holding his drink aloft in his other hand. “Juniper! How are you, darling? That necklace is gorgeous, you'll have to tell me where you got it.” He pulled away, admiring her outfit. “Enjoying the party? Met anyone promising?”

[juniperscauldron]

Juniper doesn’t know this woman, but she has a warmth to her approach and a friendliness in her smile that felt less strained than some other people she had seen this evening. She’s surprised when she knows her name. Waving her hand slightly with a shake of her head. “Oh please. Juniper is fine. My name has been going around? Should I be taking that as a good thing or a bad thing?” She smiled. If it was bad she doubted this woman- Kiri, would have approached her so kindly.

“I don’t mind at all, though I’m not sure what I could possibly do for you.” 

She tried to appraise the woman in front of her but couldn’t get a grasp of what she was immediately. Not that it really mattered. People here tonight seemed to be on their best behavior. Though she was politely hesitant. Port Leirys citizens seemed to have a way with information. Jameson had been able to find ample information on her and her family after all. And he didn’t have to look very far either. All of it contained so tidy in a manila folder. 

“You know there seems to be a few people who know the Kessler's in Port Leiry. I wasn’t expecting such familiarity when I moved down. Does make some things easier though. It's a pleasure to meet you Kiri.” She smiled and grabbed a passing champagne flute for herself, not taking a sip but more keeping her hands busy with the glass stem.

A part of Kiri hated these events, but over the years, had learned to thrive in them, able to command the attention of a high society event with minimal effort. With Laure by her side, she felt untouchable and it showed. Those habits remain a part of her now, despite the fact that most everything else has changed.

It is the first of these events where she is a vampire, not a witch, though she remains with one foot in each world. Tonight, her mind is firmly on Phial, the coven that had granted her a home when she had gone searching, providing her a path back to the history that had been denied to her. She knows that her place in the coven is a unique one, so she keeps her thoughts to herself, but tonight, she intends to break the ice.

She hasn't seen their newest coven leader, the young Jameson Roy, but all the better for this discussion. Her niece is certainly amongst the guests, though they have been doing quite a remarkable job of avoiding finding each other in compromising situations. But Kiri has her eye on one of the newer members to their city's chapter, though already, she can see the young woman carries herself with an air that belies her years.

Eyes sparkling as the witch fishes a flask out of her dress, Kiri grabs her own flute of champagne from a passing server and walks directly towards her table, and lifting her glass in cheers as they meet along the edge of the room. "Ms. Kessler," she greets her with a nod. "Your family's name is known around here and I've meant to drop by." Her smile is warm as she takes her in. "My name is Kiri Stephens, and I'd love to chat if you had a moment."

[juniperscauldron]

Her flask was about halfway empty at this point in the night. Supplemented by champagne, despite her physical tiredness she was still having a wonderful time. It did however also mean it took a step or two for full recognition to set in. Once she got a proper look at the person approaching.

Familiarity hit and her smile lit up with a more genuine edge, widening to reach her eyes. She should be mortified. There was never supposed to be a second time. But the flow of the evening and the liquid relaxation in her veins had her running on vibes alone. She’s a different person completely to the last time she encountered Garrick. A night that changed everything for her. Or at least began the tumbling of dominos that lead her here. A far more realized witch than just months prior. 

It was an odd feeling, knowing there was someone out there who didn’t really know her, but knew more about her than most. There was a comfort in the idea that she would never see him again, never have to deal with the consequences of opening up to a stranger. And yet she was delighted in the moment. She would blame it on the gin. That was probably going to end up being her go-to excuse for the evening as a whole. 

Her smile took a softer turn when he greeted her, coming to a stop near the end of the bar. “Hey yourself, can’t say I was expecting this. You seem supremely bored.” She noted, he wasn’t dressed too dissimilar to the first time they spoke. Though this was maybe a bit higher brow. She shifted her cane in her hand and resisted the urge to reach out and straighten his lapel. 

Juniper’s expression turned coy as she was clearly caught. Looking away from the other and back towards the crowd for a moment. “Now that’s not fair. Do I seem the type to drink my sorrows? I’m just trying to have a little fun tonight Garrick. Might as well. I just happen to need a little more than champagne to accomplish that. Sue me.” 

Laughing a little she looked around; most people were occupied at this point with their own drink and company. “Do you want a shot? Does alcohol even do anything for vampires?”

There's no list of faces Garrick expects to see. The Conclave are a testament to all the shmucks of the ancient world and their arrogance. But he knows some of 'em by name, less by face. Hard to be a ruffian without drawing a few of the wrong eyes over the centuries. Likelihood is, if he knows their mug, he's battered it blue. Not a lot of reason to want to shake tails together afterwards. And he doesn't make it his problem to mingle with the nossebleeds, but he does spot a flower, threatening to wilt at the corner of the bar, and it's enough to keep him at bay.

Flower's got an interesting choice of nectar too. He barely catches it amongst the extravagance of champagne air and the bubbles, once filtered through fish bladders. All kinds of citrus, and the sage-like magic that even the dead can't ignore. The room is a cesspool of all he despises. Garrick looks casually for her staff, searches for that limp — a warmth in his smile when she approaches because this familiar face is a welcome one.

But he doesn't know much about her.

"Hey, flower," he teases, keeping a comfortable distance whilst he admires the botanical ensemble, flashes of a gilded necklace, and a sparkly thing in her hair. It's grander than his plain black suit, and he's already had meddling hands adjusting his bowtie like he doesn't know how to tie one. (He does, but does so about once a century, at best.) He looks equal parts inadequate beside her, and that's okay. There is nothing wrong with playing the shadow, sometimes. It's just not Garrick's default setting. "Ain't no one carrying a rumskin without a little demon to drown. You not 'avin a good time, Juniper?"

He thinks back to the night they first met, and the distance they'd held. The wariness in the witch had eventually withered beneath the moonlight, where they'd skipped stones at the cove. But a flower without sunlight is still unable to thrive. It's mirrored here, that gravitas, and a lot of unspoken knowledge. There's no sea or stars to keep their secrets now.

Instead, there's a room of ears, and eyes that would make weapons of them.