sanguisxferox

[sanguisxferox]

The fate of the fallen, nobody knows where I came from Even I have forgotten How could I already lose my way like this? Drowning in burning bright abyss Even at stratospheric depths This vertigo of bliss

Look Windward

@sanguisxferox

[sanguisxferox]

Mingi has been going around town, trying to see everything. It's a shame to be only a day, but they understand that something of this grandeur takes a lot of space and causes trouble for civilians trying to go by. They have a large backpack and a couple tote bags. They're not the spending type, but this is for a good cause and they wanna help. And of course, they're carrying water with them to drink since it's a warm day.

As they walk, they spot someone familiar from Mardi Gras and finds it funny to cross path with Chester again. They approach with no expectation as they don't think the other will remember them. The siren doesn't know that their presence is almost like a spirit repellent. They have good juju, but they're unaware that there's literally no spirits around them at the moment.

"I don't know any of them. But I could still buy something." They greet by responding to the comment. Their voice carries the same melodious tone it had the first time; always does. "I'm not working, but I hope you're staying hydrated." They dare to tease.

The rickety table has been stolen, in fact the entire patch of the market Chester inhabits in a maker's corner of sorts has been artfully taken from under the nose of a hippy werewolf who wanted to sell tie-dye shirts. Framed portraits of various people stand in old and mis-matching frames, each one pilfered from the various charity and antique stores around New Orleans at low-low-prices. Some stand on the desk, others hand from the canopy of the stall, a few stood on tiny make-shift plinths on the tables themselves to give the display verticality. They're all people, some smiling, others weeping some...well. One appears to have their entire upper lip ripped off, another is completely bald and so gaunt he might as well be a skeleton. Chester sits smoking a cigarette on a fold up chair, legs crossed, finishing something up in a sketch pad when they feel a presence. Without looking up, they say; "If you recognize any of the people in these paintings, you get 50% off, on the account of I don't know who the fuck they are,"

[sanguisxferox]

"Buying something today will already help others, so you should be a bit more selfish and buy something for yourself." He tries to encourage the younger man to do. Healing. Knox doesn't think that's anywhere in his near or far future. This person will one day be a god, no longer a witch, they're won't be anything left for Knox. It's like dying really slowly—and that's actually what's happening to Mathias. He wants the other to finally be free, but it'll come at a heavy price.

"You know what—we should try to find a giant toothbrush." Utterly selfish, but thinking about being able to be a gator again and the feeling of a massive toothbrush on his head feels like paradise.

Mathias really didn't mind that he had to uphold an image. He wondered if it would make people take him seriously now. He chuckled, "Yeah, that is true". There were many wounds that were still healing among the Deathrunners. It was at the point where Mathias was hands off due to not being able to handle it all. Time would heal it eventually, he hoped. "I usually just buy things I think people would like as gifts. It's easier to think of others than yourself in places like this. But sometimes you do stumble upon something you like. Whatever you buy, it'll go to a good cause".

[sanguisxferox]

Seeing Levi—it doesn't tug at his heartstrings, it yanks them hard. Now 16 years later and he still feels like he had the first night he'd met them. Though now, that perfect picture has been stained with the sins of his father and Leto feels underserving of even being in the vampire's presence now. This man is the love of his life and just when he could finally accept that they hadn't wasted so much time, this had happened. Leto can't decide if he would've preferred to get with Levi back then to at least have all those years as more than parttime lovers or simply never get with him. That voice—and that intoxicating scent. It makes his gums ache with a visceral need to mark Levi. But he can't. He cannot be selfish like that, not after what had been done to that beautiful mind. He'd said no once, he can't do it twice; even if he knows that it'd be the right thing to do. "Alright. Lead the wat." He replies, putting his hands in his pockets before he has the reflex to take hold of Levi's hand. This is a mistake and he knows he'll be sobbing the next couple days—but he can't deny Levi.

Levi wasn't here on purpose and certainly not out of enjoyment. He had showed up simply because he was walking by and got curious but the last thing he expected was to run into Leto here. From the moment he caught that familiar scent in the air he followed it, because he couldn't help himself, even if it was going to be painful, he wanted to see him. Maybe it wasn't right to purposely get in the way of Leto's path so they would bump into each other, but it worked. For a split second when Leto put his hands on him to stabilize him Levi felt warm again and he realized what a terrible idea this truly had been. "Bonjour, Leto." His voice was unusually soft, laced with sadness. "It's my fault, really. It's okay." Levi let out a soft sigh, looking away for a second, trying to gather his thoughts. All he wanted was to beg for Leto back and to tell him how much he loved him. But he reminded himself that this was the right choice, and he was sure Leto was here with Suresh anyway. Or so he assumed. His attention returns to Leto, trying to see beyond the tint of his sunglasses. "Would you like to walk together for a moment?" Say not, he begged. He knows he shouldn't be asking, knows he should stay away, but he can't help himself. He'd do anything to make this moment last for as long as possible.

[sanguisxferox]

Not a good look—for those mofos yeah! It annoys him, but Knox let that annoyance wash over him and just decides then to find a booth that sales some and to get one for Mathias. Once alone ain't no one gonna tell him what he can and can't buy. It'll also be a nice surprise for the necromancer tonight. He feels the stress and tries to send warmth through their bond, happiness, anything comforting really. "Some wounds never heal even if they can't be seen. But yeah, it's nice."

"I never know what to buy in places like these."

"Just looking for stuff" Mathias replied, "But no, no plushies. It's not a good look". If it were any other situation, he'd say yes, but Mathias had to be on his best behavior today. He was the leader, and people knew that now. It wouldn't look good if he was buying childish things or acting up. The stress of it all was weighing heavily on him and yet he still smiled. He adjusted the sleeves on his shirt, thankful for the glamor magic that was covering up the state of his body. "It's good to see everyone coming together to support the city. I'm sure things will look as good as new soon, and it'll seem like there wasn't even an attack".

[sanguisxferox]

He just needs to show face and well, Lightless territory seems like a good spot to not meet anyone that will remind him how fucking miserable he feels. But he wants to be there, wants people to know that there's also people helping not only the civilians, but the animals too. He stops at a bird house booth, it's nice. Birds are often forgotten during tragic disasters, so he appreciates the touch as someone who can turn into a Peregrine falcon. "Do you happen to have bigger ones? If you don't it's alright, I'm happy to pain anything and donate. Are you a doctor?" Regular conversation to distract himself sounds also heavenly.

OPEN STARTER.

The Bird House Painting Booth Near The Arthur Roger Art Gallery.

Ember finished helping a set of children with their bird houses that they were painting. It was as she looked up as their parents walked in thanking her for watching them as they went to explore the rest of the market she noticed someone looking over the different houses that were prepped to be painted. She called over to the person, "I actually have quite a few of that house painted differently all over my property and at the hospital where I work. Any and everything you do will look amazing, I promise."

[sanguisxferox]

"It's just me Meg, no need to worry." The reassuring words are laced with their own magic. A voice that shouldn't be this powerful for a siren their age, but that can still help a lot when used at the right time and deliberately. They hadn't been trying to scare their friend, just say hi, but clearly something has the baker on edge to be so ready to defend herself. It worries them, but for now they'll just wait and see. They'll ask questions after. Maybe this is some remnants of Mardi Gras. They've been having nightmares themselves since then.

Where: the fundraiser.

starter: open to everyone

Meg was casually walking by the different booths, seeing what everyone was selling. She had decided close hers a bit early so she could stroll along the street and check everything out, the day was actually inviting, the sun was out and the city seemed to have forgotten the events of last month, but not her. She was still looking over her shoulder and checking the dark corners of the streets, places where something or someone could be lurking. Megara was so focused on checking her surroundings that she never heard the person next to her, it didn't even need for the person to put hands on her, her magic crackling in her hands.

[sanguisxferox]

Henry just wanna send some over the top picture to his family and friends, just for shits and giggles. He'd spotted a cowboy hat that looked great on him, but not he's trying to find the right pair of shades to go with it. The people before him had been messy as fuck so he's honestly triggered to put everything back in order as he's searching. He hears someone and looks up realizing it'd been for him. "Yeah, just fun sunglasses to go with the hat. Got any suggestion?"

OPEN STARTER.

The Flea Market Photo Booth Near Cafe DuMonde.

Cassidy was watching someone looking over all of the photo booth props and chuckled before going back to playing her latest round of Tetris on her phone. After a few more levels and finishing the game she called over to the person still looking and called out, "Are you looking for anything special? I might have what you are looking for in the back."

[sanguisxferox]

—Farmers market. Early evening. (French Quarter)

Knox has been minding their own business for the last couple hours. They'd dropped by the new casino, cause they were curious as fuck, but hadn't really taken the catch the name nor see the face of the owner. Then they'd just gone around, giving money left and right—they didn't do much with their money anyway. At this point, they probably had over half a million in their possession. They see a familiar back and walk up to the tattoo artist. "Hello angel. What are you up to?"

@michaelwadex

[sanguisxferox]

—By the Mississipi. Afternoon. (French Quarter)

Luckily for him, everyone seems to be taken by the clubs, casinos and farmers market today; so it's quiet by the water. Though, the Lightless have made sure to keep people in strategic position in case one of the faction tries something. He's quietly drinking his iced matcha latte when he spots someone coming closer. It's hard to tell if they're planning on stopping or just pass him by, but when he looks, Fior recognizes the Deathrunners' advisor. Interesting. Since they're seemingly alone, he turns slightly and gives a polite bow of his head. "Advisor Freling. Good afternoon." He's as monotone and polite as ever.

@undead-jude

[sanguisxferox]

—Farmers Market. Daytime. (Arts/Warehouse District)

This is divine punishment for doing everything to avoid his father; he stumble on Levi of all people. Leto cannot even bring himself to think of the vampire as his ex. Just that is enough to make him want to vomit. But here he is bumping into the other and stabilizing the vampire before he'd realized it was Levi. It makes for an awkward moment. "H-hey." Yep that's about right up his alley of random shit he'll be able to say. "Sorry about that." He just wants to run away and cry hidden from the world. Fuck he's happy for his sunglasses cause his eyes would show way more emotion than he cares to reveal. It's better this way, Levi deserves to be with someone who won't cause him so much pain.

@frgdsecrts

[sanguisxferox]

—Club Oshun. Nighttime. (Mississipi/French Quarter)

He's almost on his way out when he comes across the naga. Casino had been the lesser evil for Fior. Myung has put a lot of effort in his and he'd wanted to pay him a visit, knowing Agnès would've loved to see it. It's quite ballsy to open that kind of business in New Orleans, but he suppose healthy competition can't be bad. At least, he'd enjoyed his time in both establishment, but now, after a long day, he's ready to be away from crowded spaces. "Suresh, good evening." He greets, knowing that using formal name ain't the proper etiquette at the moment. "Club Oshun was a pleasant discovery; thank you." These's a smile there, it's light, but it's there. His emotions are quite neutral though, always so collected. "Care for a cup of tea?" He offers, but the other must be extremely busy, especially today.

@naga-raja-suresh

[sanguisxferox]

—Club Oshun. Nighttime. (Mississipi/French Quarter)

They'd done something out of their comfort zone today, personally ask Emiliano to come see them sing. The siren keeps telling themselves to stop hopelessly wanting something that they think will never happen, but they can't help it. So they'll take what they can—time. Time in the werelion's company. That's all they want, that and most of all to protect him. They weren't sure the older man would show up, so they performed like any other day. Though, tonight, they changed their playlist, going for strictly upbeat songs or any related to hope. They had more power than usually to their voice, making them all spend money. They're about to sing Hymne à l'amour when they spot Em in the crowd. They smile catching their gaze for a sec, before returning to the song. It's hard to look away, but they have to from time to time.

@frgdsecrts

[sanguisxferox]

—French Quarter. Afternoon.

He's got hair—still buzzcut length—and a somewhat beard, which is already a lot for Knox. Today is nice, it's his first time out with Mathias since the Solstice, so he plans on eating and drinking nothing he's made himself—he ain't trusting any of them bitches for the next century. But he's happy to be here with the necromancer, especially with some serenity flowing back between them. It scares Knox how their emotions got so entangled and while he won't say shit about it, he gets overdramatic about feelings more often than no, which ain't helping. But Mathias had asked him to be a friend, so he'll focus on that until the time comes. "So what are we looking for to buy? New plush?"

@ascnsionismx

[sanguisxferox]

—At the Farmers Market. Afternoon.

It's stupid, but Henry is a happy man 'cause he's done the one thing he was hoping to do today—walk around town while holding Rus' hand. It's simple, but that for him just shows the Light witch is willing to be seen with him. His lil obsessive self is quite giddy at the moment. "I've gotta be honest, this was just a pretext to hold your hand." He admits shamelessly. Henry knows Rus is aware he's been helping since Mardi Gras, but he likes being honest like that just to see the young witch's reactions.

@rus-st-cyr

[sanguisxferox]

Leto doesn’t talk, ‘cause he wants to give his boyfriend a chance to talk. A fucking chance to explain himself before he sadly loses his temper. But clearly this is important enough that the vampire doesn’t want to talk about. But what could take him weeks to get over that he cannot share with him? “It’s been weeks.” He retorts, trying to sound as gently as possible, but his eyes are shifting to his jaguar self ‘cause he’s getting very emotional about this.

Now, the thing about not knowing the Underboss side of Leto, is that he thought about everything, even as far as Leto trying to slam himself through a wall to get out. So by the time they’ll both reach which ever window Levi picks, it’ll be locked and tempered with vervain. Cheap shot, but there’s only one key to get out and it’ll be honesty.

So he comes behind Levi and puts a strong grip on his shoulder. “I’ve been patient for weeks. If you’re going to leave me suffering, the least I fucking deserve is the fucking truth, Leviathan.” He cannot keep the deep growling from his voice; he’s hurt and angry. A part of him wants to let Levi run away, but he needs to understand why Levi is hurting them both so willingly.

"No?" Levi is actually taken aback at the response, staring at Leto for a moment in silence. He can't remember the last time he had heard that word come the other's lips and it be directed at him. The more Leto speaks it just makes Levi grow frustrated and for some reason this ache that had been festering in him just explodes. He's hurt and he's gone and hurt Leto now too. It was then that Levi makes up his mind, Leto was better off without him. If Levi was out the picture, then perhaps Suresh would be able to help him forget about him and Leto can move on to someone that was worthy of all his pureness. Deserving of the love Leto gave.

"You haven't done anything, Leto. I just need to sort through some shit, okay? It has nothing..." except it sort of did have to do with him, actually, so Levi's voice trails off. It was clear that Leto would not be letting him take the easy way out and so the vampire thought about his options again. Did he seriously want to escape this so badly that he'd take the window route? As he looked at Leto, taking in his words, the last question is what helps him decide. How could he tell him what Suresh had done? He couldn't and so he decided he needed to leave. One way or another.

"I'm not talking about this. I told you; I am going out for a walk." He then makes a dash for the nearest window; all he had to do was get there before Leto could catch him. He was going to fight this for as long as he could...which he wasn't sure how much more he could if Leto did manage to catch him. Everything was about to shatter, and he wanted out before it could

[sanguisxferox]

"I'm not complaining; just stating facts." He teases back. It comes easy with Mathias, this among many other things. He caresses the other's hair lovingly; smiling warmly, but bis eyes shine with glee. Both unknowingly enjoying the moment for the same reason—no faction business.

"Exactly." He laughs, then grins—"I don't think it's meant to be fair." For the short moment they have left on the ride, Fior decides to just embrace Mathias and enjoys the view with him.

Mathias didn't stop until Fior moved his hand away. He felt a little prideful over the nickname he was given. "I've never heard you complain about my fiendish nature before". He chased after Fior to kiss him more. It was so nice and so easy, just sitting on top a ferris wheel while they made out. This was what living was supposed to be, not whatever the higher ups said it was.

"Oh so you can enjoy me but I can't enjoy you?" He teased. "How is that supposed to be fair, hmm?"