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Post by Maebh Breandan on Aug 5, 2011 17:53:25 GMT -5
Over the hills through the woods, and between the streets to the Ministry they rode. The journey had been surprisingly quick, aided by magic and spiced with attraction. Conversation was kept light, most said through glances and touches. By the time Maebh entered the room of Reckony's arm she longed to be alone with him. Back home. But was it too soon? A war of tension played out inside of her. Half of her longed to learn Reckony, understand his kisses, touches glances, and another part of her longed to dance the night away, ask questions, learn the brain. She knew he was a good man, but really she didn't know very much about him at all. They'd been friends for only a short while. Still, she trusted him and possibly might even love him. Perish the thought. Maebh Breandan had never planned to fall in love, not really. It hadn't been her cup of tea and for a while she thought herself incapable. Not that she didn't enjoy a man's company, just that she never really loved anyone besides' her family. How did one know if it was what everyone considered to be true love and not just infatuation? If she rushed it, how did she know if one day she would wake up and realize that she no longer loved him? What if he felt the same? But these were too dark of thoughts to think on this night. This was a night of enjoyment and exploration not of introspection.
Together they walked into the room, arms wrapped around each other's waists. Greetings were exchanged, champagne accepted. The room was beautiful. Fairy stars twinkled reflecting off the mirrors. The room seemed endless and less cold than she was use to. Maebh did not like the ministry. It was too sterile for her. So void of life. She kept this fact to herself. Recony did not know that Maebh worked for the hitwizards sometimes. This was not the time to tell him... Oh she could see the conversation now. Oh darling, by the way I am a undercover hitwizard, gather information etc. Stings and such, Spy? well sort of...Never on the Black Watch. Good night darling. Oh he'd be thrilled. If his anger towards Theo was any reaction, Reckony would not be happy with that news. He might even think that she was a ministry plant. Typically she was, but not in this case.
"You're the prettiest girl in this room,"
A playful smile tugged at her lips, drawing her away from her musings. Maebh smiled into his eyes, leaning slightly into him. He was so good for her and she felt a bit guilty for not telling him. Soon. She'd tell him soon.
"And I'm going to ask you to dance in a few minutes. It's going to make all the other kids jealous."
"I'm sure they'll be fine. If not they'll just have to pout in silence, because I do not care what they think Reckony Pike. I will dance the night away with you, only you." It was a promise of sorts.
"What would you like to do, my love? A stroll through the trees? Chit-chat with the masses? A waltz?"
"Dance with me, love. Whisk me across the floor and make the world yearn to be us." She said softly, staring into his eyes, her words breathless. "Talking is over rated."
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Post by Reckony Pike on Aug 6, 2011 12:03:57 GMT -5
"I'm sure they'll be fine. If not they'll just have to pout in silence, because I do not care what they think Reckony Pike. I will dance the night away with you, only you."Reck's brow-line knotted as Maebh's words sunk in. He felt so undeserving of her, as though she were sacrificing her light for his redemption. Here they were surrounded by the upper echelons of magical society, by wizards who could offer Maebh the world and all she could ever hope for, and yet she chose him. The sensation of everything being so right in his life was nearly overwhelming. A future was falling in to place. A future with someone he cared for beyond imagine. I love you. Reckony leaned in to kiss Maebh, his lips resting upon hers. "Dance with me, love. Whisk me across the floor and make the world yearn to be us. Talking is over rated.""I couldn't have said it better myself." A soft melody stirred from the orchestra, prompting Reckony to escort Maebh to the centre of the dance floor. Their surroundings slowly slipped away in to the darkness; all that Reckony registered was their singular existence amongst the music and the faerie lights. He held the gypsy in an embrace marked with love, appreciation and awe; this was a goddess and one to whom he was devoted in his entirety. Nothing else and no one else mattered, and nothing would destroy what they had. Pike closed his eyes as their bodies swayed to the bluesy rhythm.
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Post by Theo Bowre on Aug 6, 2011 12:38:03 GMT -5
Theo's conversation with Jack and Ryan had been kept to a comfortable silence, then men enjoying each other's company without the necessity of forced banter. Dignitaries came and went, well-wishers stopped by. For the most part, Theo just stood off to the side, admiring the way Jack went about greeting his constituents and colleagues. One of them, a woman with a rather powerful presence and stature, shook Jack's hand and left after a very brief exchange. His brother identified her as a Ministry official but Theo found her oddly familiar. He soon let the feeling slip away.
Moments later, the Atrium lights dimmed to a twilight glow. A stunning witch in a sapphire evening gown took to a floating silver microphone and the orchestra began to play. Theo looked on as a dozen couples took to the dance floor. His eyes instantly fell to the close embrace of Reckony Pike and Maebh Breandan, whom he had failed to see enter. For a moment, all he could think of was how thankful he was that Maebh was okay; she was pale and perhaps more fragile than usual, but she was alive. The couple had grown so close in the past few weeks and it was apparent that Pike had found his one true soulmate. Theo felt confident in thinking that; he knew the barkeep well enough to know Maebh was more than a fling. Everything Pike said and did was a testament to that fact. Theo knew it at Hogsmeade.
A slow burn found its way in to Theo's heart.
"Um, I think I'm going to head off." The beater shook Ryan's hand and then clapped his nephew upon the back. He did the same with Jack. "I'll see you at home. I'm going to go check on the kids. Ryan, make sure you get that boy to dance with you. He looks like he's about to strain something." Theo nodded his goodbyes and then slipped in to the darkness, looking back only once at a life he left behind.
The evening air couldn't come fast enough.
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Post by Maebh Breandan on Aug 6, 2011 17:55:50 GMT -5
The richly dressed society, opulence, pure blooded superiority, meant nothing to Maebh. How much magical blood one held in their veins, or how well they welded a wand, matter little to her. The rudest, self centered person could be the most talented wizard alive and still she would prefer a kind heart soul, even if that man had little magical talent. As a small child, Maebh felt the stigma of being a gypsy. Her great grandmama might have been pure but that didn't matter a wit because her family traveled in a wagon earning a living through performances and sometimes petty theft. Even in this enlightened age, people feared what they did not understand. Many thought her family insane for living a life of a different century. After all a normal person would never give up the amenities of a modern house to live in an expanded wagon.
The kiss was magical in it's simplicity. A light touch of lips that softly heated into something more. A giddy hope flared inside of Maebh. An infinity of possibilities flowed through her. For the first time in her life she had an inkling, a possible feeling and a hope that Reckony Pike was her forever. Death was the next great adventure...
"Dance with me, love. Whisk me across the floor and make the world yearn to be us. Talking is over rated."
"I couldn't have said it better myself."
Maebh smiled as Reckony swept her onto the dance floor in a move fit for a royal couple. Tonight, she was a Princess and he, her fairy prince. Truly. Never in her dreams would she have imagined herself at the ball. Oh, Maebh loved a party and this was surely a grand one, but it really wasn't her normal style. A few of her family members, probably even conan, would question her sanity for attending a ministry sanction event. Why would she wish to attend a party celebrating the institution that insulted her culture? Was she ashamed of being a gypsy? Maebh loved her heritage but she was a product of two worlds. For seven years she was schooled in the modern wizarding world, living in one place, sleeping in a bed, steady healthy meals, studying, socializing with her own age. She learned both cultures, and practiced both. Each world had their own charms and issues. It was a struggle balancing both sometimes but she did it.
Together, her and Reckony gently swayed to the music. Eventually, Maebh rested her head onto Reck's strong shoulder, her brown eyes wandering the room. A familiar stocky, dark haired man caught her eye. Theo. He'd been one of her oldest friends. She knew him the longest, if not the best. Lately though he was even more distant. Owls were left unanswered. Reckony grew tense if the man's name was mentioned. It was silly really. It was not Theo's fault that Maebh had been hurt. Really, he probably prevented more damage being done, if not to her then at least Hogwarts. Maebh was a grown woman and it had been her choice to chase after the mask lady as theo battled that weird tin man creature. If someone was at fault for getting hurt, it was herself. She hadn't expected the spell she dodged to come up behind her. Evil did not fight fair. She should have known that the woman would have tried to hit her in the back. Unhonorable bloody monster that she was. Mocha eyes followed as Theo left the room. Was the man alright? Although she was too far away to see clearly, she sensed that there was something up with her old friend.
"Have you talked to Theo lately? I know you think it's his fault that I got hurt...and you're mad at him but...you shouldn't let that come between your friendship." she said softly, unsure if Reckony would be angry for her mentioning this at the ball.
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Post by Reckony Pike on Aug 7, 2011 16:38:10 GMT -5
"Have you talked to Theo lately? I know you think it's his fault that I got hurt...and you're mad at him but...you shouldn't let that come between your friendship."
Reckony's shoulders tightened at the mention of Bowre's name. Of course. He knew the moment Maebh spotted his former friend in the room; she had grown quiet and still and had not returned his playful gestures in the slight. Her attention was elsewhere - her care - and it meant either family or friend. The careful way she broached the matter sealed it.
"I have not talked to him, nor do I intend to." Reckony spun Maebh around so that he would have the vantage of her view. He couldn't see Theo, but he did catch the image of Minister Harkness and a young man he knew to be the Minister's son. The niggle of ire that began with Theodore Bowre turned to blatant distrust. His suspicions had been kindled by the note Theo had shared with him; seeing Harkness there, in the flesh, left him feeling raw and almost vengeful, as though Jack himself were responsible for all the misfortune that befell the people of Hogsmeade. His friends.
His real friends.
"That sly bastard. Standing there like a hero. I see right through him. We're going to get to the bottom of this, my love. They've messed with the wrong village. And anyone who stands in our way will wish they hadn't." The barkeep drew Maebh in close, his arm protectively shielding her back. Piercing blue eyes found their way to the Minister and gutted him. Slighted him. Threatened him.
"No exceptions."
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Post by Minister Jack Harkness on Aug 7, 2011 19:39:15 GMT -5
"Does Matt not dance? Must've been the eggnog then at Christmas. You know how Gran makes it. Liquid courage. Totally his loss."
“Not… in crowds. He’s shy.” Ryan had paused, trying to find the right words to describe his boyfriend. Matt wasn’t as open about his life, he was a very private man. Ryan respected that, but there were times in which he just wished Matt would dance.
"So according to the dear young thing at the door, I'm, like, totally lucky to meet you tonight. Right? You're, like, SO amazing. Damn straight you are. Will you sign my wine glass?"
“Stop, you.” Jack nudged his brother, a smile on his face. Theo always brought life and warmth into a room, but he didn’t see himself the way others did. Jack knew his brother was the best friend anyone could have; loyal, caring, he was a strong personality who would do anything in defence of those he cared for. It was too bad Theo’s sense of self was that he was a burden, that he was not worthy of his friends.
“No, I won’t sign your wine glass, you twit.” He laughed, reaching for another cookie. He bowed politely, shaking the lady’s hand politely before she moved on. They stood for a while in comfortable silence before Theo excused himself, Jack clasping his brother’s hand then drawing him close for a brief one-armed hug.
Ryan and Jack stood and watched the dancers before Ryan left, his face set firm with purpose. Jack silently wished his son luck as he watched the two men interact. Suddenly his gaze was caught by Reckony Pike. Jack hardly knew the man, but he knew of him-- he was one of Theo’s friends. His face creased into puzzlement at the outright hostility on the man’s face, directed at him. Then a wave of pain hit, like a blow. He dropped his wineglass, waving away the elder lady who enquired after his health.
Looking dazed, he wandered away.
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Post by Alex Kameren on Aug 14, 2011 20:07:57 GMT -5
Alex waited patiently, watching their surroundings. It had been a hectic few weeks, the Ministry was preparing for one of the biggest galas of the year, and that meant security. Hitwizards in the halls, outside the Ministry, aurors paired with them. Still more in formal dress, either alone or in pairs, or with a date. All were on the clock. The demon threat was ever-present, as were those strange bubbles of magic that had unpredictable consequences. They could make a dead tree bloom or turn a simple binding spell into an inferno.
Alex had seen them.
And then there were more mundane threats. Some of the more radical squib or wizard groups, perhaps. There was always a watch on the Harknesses now, as well as other members of the cabinet and their families.
Alex had still managed to fulfil his promise to Elle, either he, or Theodore were always there. Not always where they could be seen, but there. There had been signs, but no obvious evidence. No one had shown their face. Whoever it was, they were cautious.
"You're sweet. umm, we should side along apparate...I'm not connected to the floo..."
He blinked down at her, confused at her actions. What purpose did that serve? They weren’t in a relationship… He left the matter alone, checking his watch and knowing that he was late. They were late. Alex made sure she was steady on those ridiculous shoes and turned on his heel, appearing in the area cordoned off for arriving guests. From here they could see the ball as it spread through the Atrium.
"Well, um, we're here."
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Post by Eoin Tynan on Aug 15, 2011 0:41:30 GMT -5
"You look a bit lost Minister." The curly blonde man came up to greet Harkness, wearing a dapper suit of dark blue. In one hand he held a champagne glass, which he offered to the Minister. The Head Auror drew him back towards Bowre, sensing something was amiss. Too much to drink maybe? Or was Theodore giving him trouble? He knew they were brothers, but how well they got along wasn't as clear.
"I may need to pick your brain on some law issues. You see, we have a witch in custody that I believe is being unjustly held. She's going on trial before the Wizengamot this friday, and I was wondering if you'd be there." Eoin looked around, catching Kameren's eye. "I also need to appoint my witnesses. She's a good woman, and I believe she can help with our...demon problem."
"Oh yes, let the tainted witch help out with demons. Or maybe she'll turn on us and help them. After all, she's practically one of them."
The poisonous voice of a man who'd been denied his catch came from behind Eoin. He turned and sighed. "Hello Daksmer. I guess I should've known you'd show up here."
"Making sure you don't spin lies for the Minister." Daksmer smiled coldly. "Tell me, did you tell the Minister she's infected with a demon curse? I think that's a tiny detail that shouldn't be overlooked. She's a perversion of everything we believe in."
"She's a human being," Eoin replied firmly. "It's not her fault she's been cursed. We have others in the Ministry that have curses on them."
"But nothing that's like having a demon in your head, eh?" Daksmer sneered.
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Post by Maebh Breandan on Aug 16, 2011 17:48:12 GMT -5
Maebh regretted her words the second she felt the tension stiffen Reck's shoulders. The man was as taunt as a bow and as angry as an arrow. His eyes narrowed in a piercing stare as sharp as any arrow, as he quickly spun her so he could fire his gaze at Theo. What had happened between them? Surely this wasn't just because she was hurt. Something was going on and Maebh didn't like being caught in the middle. She loved Reckony Pike but Theo Bowre was a family friend. And a good man. So was his brother. A bit stressed, and a unique man but he had a good heart. The minister might make strange decisions sometimes but his heart was in the right place. The ID card thing was still a bit strange to Maebh. Not for a second did she think that those silly cards would bring order and equality to anyone. Having one's blood status printed on a card anyone could read just reinforced blood prejudice.
"That sly bastard. Standing there like a hero. I see right through him. We're going to get to the bottom of this, my love. They've messed with the wrong village. And anyone who stands in our way will wish they hadn't."
What? irritation flowed through Maebh. She nearly stopped dancing, wanting to break away as Reckony hugged her, gently covering her injury.
"Theo is a hero, Reckony Pike. What exactly is going on between you two? Theo won't talk to me. The Black Watch is investigating the Minister. A fraction in law enforcement is also looking into the Minister.There is something going on and I want to know what is.
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Post by Elle Callahan on Aug 27, 2011 18:02:45 GMT -5
Oh boy. Who knew dating could be so...weird? In all of Elle's dreams she had never thought of the possibility that things would be strained between her and Alex. In every dream it was either perfect or nearly so. Okay, she had a few nightmares where Elle did something foolish like wear no clothes, or a stupid costume or said something weird or alex left with someone else...but reality was different.
Elle wanted to melt into the floor after Alex stared at her as if she grew a third head. Right. Why would they arrive together, he probably meant this as just friends. Really, Elle should have expected it. Alex didn't like her romantically and this outing wasn't a date, date. Elle was just the only girl Alex Kameren knew enough to ask to a ball. He probably thought he was doing her a favor by asking her out because who else would? Elle had no life she was a healer. What if Alex knew that Elle had a crush on him and asked her out because he felt sorry that she liked him that way and he didn't return the feelings....Right and demons could go into houses. Alex barely knew there was a difference between a man and a woman. Unless someone outright told him that Elle was crushing on him, and what that meant, Alex wouldn't know. Would he?
Oh this was so confusing and making Elle feel a bit apprehensive about the whole thing. Perhaps she shouldn't have dressed up so much. Now everyone would know that she liked Alex. Even he might realize it and what then? Things would be even stranger than they were.
Eye closed, Elle tried to ignore the warm pressure of Alex's arm wrapped around her as they traveled to the ball. It took a matter of seconds but it was enough time for Elle to memorize the feel of being in his arms. Oh merlin. She had to stop thinking this way or even Alex would know she cared to much.
"Well, um, we're here."
Elle peeled open her eyes. Back to the real world. Lights captured her attention and she gasped a bit at the sight of the ministry. It was different. There was so many people. Too many.
"Lots of people." What were they supposed to do? Music reached Elle's ears but she wasn't sure what kind of song it was. Old it was. Classical music. Elle barely remembered her grandmother's lessons on dance. Elle had been a small child and after nanna had passed magical dance hadn't been on the forefront of her family's mind. There were far more important things to teach a curious witch than dance.
"so...what should we do..."
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