PatientBean

The Symphony: Modern Magic

_{April 15
13 Morningdove Lane - 12:27am}

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Bella didn't much enjoy being silenced, especially when the person had the audacity of a mediocre white man who expected those in his presence just to believe what he says without question. But she was thankful she did, if for no other reason than it confirmed her fears.

She was going crazy.

She had to be imagining all of this. The stress and trauma finally got to her. She wasn't really here. She was having some intense hallucinations and would wake up either in her bed or in some padded room. Clearly, magic wasn't real. Who the fuck would believe it was.

So she closed her eyes and willed herself back. She opened them to the same room, with the same strangers arguing back and forth. Some confirming they believed the old man and others continuing to fight back.

So she closed her eyes again and opened them. Same room, same people.

Fuck.

The Archivist, or whatever the fuck he called himself, pinpointed something though. Something she didn't necessarily want to admit, but she had questions. She saw something. A dream, but awake for it. Could it be...?

"You mentioned clairvoyance..."

Was she really about to do this? Go along with whatever the hell was going on?

"I have been having similar visions. Some of things that haven't happened and some of things that did. What does that mean for me? For us?" She was more so concerned for herself if it was, as he so eloquently put it, an unfortunate gift.

So not only was she gifted with this ability that caused her no end of grief and trauma, but she was being hunted. Hell, she was used to that, at least.

"I agree though. I don't know anyone here, really. Let alone trust anyone. For all I know you led us here with the sole intention of having these...witch hunters come find us and wipe us all out. Hell, I'm used to being hunted down. What's a few more people added to that list?"

Château de La Lune

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Millicent

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Location: Château de La Lune: Gardens -> Bedroom -> Dining Room
Skills: N/A

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As Millicent set foot outside she shuddered, noticing the drop in temperature since she arrived. What was she doing out here anyway? The gardens, while beautiful, sure, wasn’t something she typically enjoyed. Especially when it was close to when dinner would be served and she could find a drink.

Then she thought about it more. She wanted to avoid the others, for now. Ever since she found that clipping her mind had been racing. Someone here knew information they shouldn’t.
Which led her to think one of the people who invited her here was involved. Hell, multiple people could.

She thought about some of the rumors she heard when she mentally snapped the names on the notice board. Two stuck out. She made a mental note to keep tabs on them.

So if she had to distract herself with flowers, then so be it.

Millicent made her way over, admiring the arches leading into what looked to be a sort of maze. What was it with sprawling mansions and having floral mazes? Did the uber wealthy enjoy the thought of people getting lost in there? As she set foot, Millicent noticed the pathways had no easily identifiable route to them. They seemed to criss-cross and converge on one another in a haphazard manner.

Millicent, not one to turn down a challenge, proceeded onward.

She remembered a trick she heard in some movie before, though she couldn’t place it specifically. If you put your hand on the wall of a maze, you would eventually find your way out. This was better than just meandering willy-nilly to Millicent put her right hand up along the floral plants and moved forward.

It seemed to take a long time and Millicent was sure she saw the same plant or shrub or stick as she passed by it multiple times. It was as if the maze itself was shifting, changing the path before her. But that couldn’t be. Even if she did perform magic as a career, real-life magic did not exist.

As she walked she noticed how well-maintained the plants were. Someone cared for them a great deal. You could tell when looking at flowers if someone had a green-thumb or just planted them because they were pretty.

Thankfully she came to what she supposed was the center of the maze. There was a sitting area set up with comfortable looking chairs surrounding a place for a bonfire. It all looked very cozy. Millicent’s eyes caught some movement on the side and she looked to see an older man pulling some weeds. This must be the gardener. She stepped closer, hoping not to startle the man like she did with the woman in the ballroom before.

”Excuse me? I am sorry to bother you, but I didn’t want you thinking I was sneaking around here. Are you the one who maintains the garden? It’s quite beautiful.”

The man looked up from his work and smiled. “Yes, mademoiselle. I am the gardner. I'm Faustus. Thank you. I put a lot of work into it. It's a large garden.”

”I struggle keeping anything alive so this is remarkable. How long have you worked here? If you don’t mind me prying. If you’re busy I can leave you alone.”

“I can work and chat,” he said, pulling weeds to demonstrate. “I've been here since ‘92.”

”I’ll admit, I haven’t heard much about the La Lune family. Their estate is beautiful though. You must enjoy working for them if you have been here that long.”

“It's a good job. Little oversight.” He grins. “Mrs. Elenore hasn't changed the layout since her father passed. I think you have to know the French wine industry to know about them, the La Lune’s. They focus heavily on that over much else. Though one of the young mademoiselles has been making a name for herself in the concert crowd.”

Millicent tried to picture who he was talking about. Surely she would have heard of them. ”Admittedly I know very little about wine apart from where to find the most decent one within my price range.” Millicent didn’t bother to say she partook in wine more than the average consumer. ”Still, if it isn’t broke and all that. They must be good to you then. I asked someone before, but is there anything on the grounds to keep an eye out for? Anything of note to look for? Obviously keeping in mind I can’t just walk around wherever I please. I am a guest, after all. But I was pointed to the gardens and here I am, so I am curious what you might enjoy outside of it.”

“Hmm, what sort of things do you enjoy?” he asked. “The garden is obviously my favorite place, but not knowing what interests you I can't say.”

”I wouldn’t mind learning more about the history of the place. More about the family as well. I am a bit of a history buff.”

“Hmm, there is a little museum of sorts you could check out. It is mostly set up for investors. So very edited, and mostly focused on the winery history. Do you have any specific questions? I might be able to answer.”

Millicent pondered. She wanted more information on the family but didn’t want to seem like she as fishing for specifics. ”I guess I am just impressed the family has maintained itself for so long. In my experience families in business usually have a few troubles, maybe a family member doesn’t want to maintain the business and it causes trouble, that sort of thing. It doesn’t seem to have impacted them though.”

“Ah, the family has been here only since the late 1800's. They got lucky and were setting up just after the flight. So they started with good roots. Then Vorace was born 1915. He hit the ground running. Honestly, the current generation running is Beatrice's husband. Elenore isn't as invested in the winery itself. I don't think the current kids will take over it. Lena would be the most likely one to try. She's actually studying food science.”

Millicent took in the information. Elenore was someone to talk to more. Millicent wondered why she wasn’t invested. It seemed like they printed money and wine never went out of style. ”Interesting. Well, I’ll be sure to check out the museum then. Thank you for humoring me.”

“Of course. The awards are always the most interesting time of the year here.” He smiled and focused on his gardening.

---

Millicent wanted to check out more information on the family but dinner was going to be served soon and it would not do her well to be late. If the money was real she didn't want to do anything to jeopardize her chances. She made her way back to her room and noticed her luggage had been dropped off. At least they didn't screw up a second time. Millicent also noticed the dinner card was gone. So someone else had entered her room. Normal for staff, sure, but given that someone here knew information about her, her defenses were up.

She moved her luggage on to her bed and opened it, grabbing her make-up bag and bathroom essentials. She took out the dress she planned to wear to dinner before moving to the bathroom door. She listened closely to see if her neighbor was in there, but heard nothing. She unlocked and opened it slowly, just in case. And she wish she hadn't.

Whoever had used the bathroom left it in disarray. Clothes strewn about the floor, water puddles, some burnt ash by the sink, and a used toothbrush left out. Millicent wanted to scream. She wasn't a neat freak by any stretch, but this was...outlandish. Not only was it disrespectful to her, but to the staff as well who would inevitably be cleaning up this mess, because she sure as hell wasn't about to.

Millicent put her stuff down and took a few moments to collect herself. She was paired with possibly the worst person on Earth, but it wouldn't be for long. She brushed her teeth quickly and applied her make-up. She brushed her hair and finished up before leaving and locking the bathroom door again.

She undressed and put on the dress along with a pair of white heels to match. She pinned her hair up with a silver clasp. She took off her glasses and put them safely away in the bedside table before she carefully applied contacts. She hated wearing them normally, but she wanted to look presentable and she had forgotten her other pair of glasses she wore to formal events.

Once satisfied she checked herself out in a mirror. She looked damn good, she had to admit. Satisfied, she left her room and made her way to dinner. She was about to meet up with the other guests. Which meant she had to be on her guard.

One of them, at least, was up to no good.

The Dead Don't Die.

Location: New York City, On The Road
Skills: N/A

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Verity didn't want to think about how the military would handle this. There would surely be people, as Gus said, who would throw a fit over being told what to do. Just look at how people handled Covid. Told to wear a mask indoors and grown adults threw temper tantrums at the Wal-Mart. Verity was sure things would get worse before they ever got better.

Verity smiled at the thought of Flynn riding his bike, remembering that was how they met and now look at them. Simple times before.

The traffic piled on. Verity pulled out her phone when asked and sent a quick text to Trudy.

Text

"Hey, the route you gave is filled with traffic. Are yo uaware of any other routes? Be safe."

"I doubt it will be any better anywhere else, but let's see. People are going to be flocking to leave, just like us."

Welcome to Havenwood

@Mole I don't mind. Though 21 and 24 isn't a significant age difference.

Avengers Academy: Junior Year 💥

Sabine Bassard

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Location: Strange Academy, Medical Examination Room
Skills: N/A
Fit Of The Day: Pink Fall Outfit

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Sabine didn't mind doctors. Some people hated them, she knew. A sterile, white room. Someone poking you, asking invasive questions. For a good cause, most of the time. She never minded it. As a young girl she was praised, by her mother mainly, whenever she went to the doctor and acted like an angel. After her mother died she still went and behaved, if for no other reason than to show that she was fine. Everything was normal. Look at me, at the doctor's like it is no big deal. So what if my mother died?

Panic attacks.

She actually admitted it out loud. Someone asked her if she had any health concerns they should be made aware of and she said: Panic attacks.

She half expected someone to pull her out of the room. Nope, this one is clearly broken. How can she be expected to act like a hero when she could be triggered at any time? Not even talking about the fact there was a homicidal maniac lurking around somewhere who actively threatened her life. Someone Leah, solid-as-a-rock Leah, feared.

Sabine grabbed her wrist but let it go quickly, hoping none of the staff examining her noticed. But of course they did. They had to. Watch the freak perform. Watch her freak out over some of the simplest things. Point and laugh. Hell, she could make everyone forget anyway, right? Twist people into who she wants them to be.

Sabine performed her physical to the best of her abilities. She remained still for the magic one. Then the science one. So far, so good.

I got this. i got this...i got...

Sabine felt her breath hitch in her throat as they prepared for the final test. What was that? A look. Sabine actually turned her head and stared at the team assembled in her room. They had performed the final test and were looking at the results. But their looks. Their faces. It was as if they stared at their worst fears manifested on the clipboard in front of them. Sabine sat up. "What is it? Is something wrong?"

Silence. Eerie silence as they just stared.

---

After a little bit, someone came into the room and sat next to her. In their hand was a tome. It looked..weird. Mystical, but weird. She was asked to place her hand on the book and answer questions honestly. Like she was preparing for court.

Or getting ready for prison.

She did so, cautiously. But her palm was flat on the tome as she was asked.

"What is your name?"

"Sabine Bassard"

"Who are you?"

Sabine pondered a moment. To answer this question she wanted to..not lie, but truthfully, did she know herself?

"I am neither a hero nor a villain. I am uncertain who I am or who I will be. I am both proud and afraid of what I can do, but I also believe I can be the best version of me. I have people who need me." After she said that last part, her mind whipped to Leah. Dorian. Danni. Andy.

April.

"Do you want to compete in the Contest of Champions?"

"More than anything."

---

The examination done but she was left with more questions. What was that look she saw? She moved along and felt her phone and took it out. Leah had admitted to April finally. Sabine prepared to text back and...paused. Just text them you want the best for them idiot. What harm could it do?"

But she put her phone away. She looked around, hoping to find Leah and see about telling Vision about what she saw. The Contest needed to go on, but they needed to protect everyone else too.

MARVELS: Streets of New York

@webboysurf ew go away

<3

Welcome to Havenwood

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Bronwyn

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"I’ve been walking through these empty streets,
Where the echoes of my mistakes still speak.
The weight of the world, it’s been on my chest,
But I’m done letting it define who I am.

Bronwyn strummed the guitar in her hands that was older than she was, allowing the melody flow through the somewhat sparse cafe. She recognized a few faces in the crowd; regulars she was on a first-name basis with but who always forgot what her name was. Expected in a town like this. People had it wrong about small towns, she realized. The sepia-toned image of people who called out in passing, who kept their doors unlocked, who allowd their kids to just run around without fear. It wasn't here.

No, there were too many shadows in this town.

"I’ve seen the darkness, it tried to hold me tight,
But the light is breaking through tonight.

Music was a ground for her. It kept her in the moment. Despite the uneasiness of her situation it was music that always reminded her that things could be better. If music still sounded then the future was not set in stone. Not yet.

"I’m stepping out from the shadows I’ve known,
Leaving behind all the weight I’ve outgrown.
I’m finding my way in the light of today,
No more living in yesterday.
I’m free, I’m free,
The past can't hold me.

Bronwyn scanned the crowd and thought she caught something in the corner. A little movement, but no, no one was there. She saw her boss behind the counter, watching her. Bronwyn was thankful for any opportunity to sing. Her boss knew she had nothing to call home and was living paycheck to paycheck, tip to tip, to make ends meet and become something more. So she looked the other way when Bronwyn helped herself to a pastry that was meant to be thrown out the next day or taking home a small coffee or water bottle if she needed it. And then there were moments like this where she was allowed to play and any money spent, a portion was given to her.

It didn't get her any closer to New York, but it was something.

"I’ve been searching for a place to breathe,
Where the chains of the past don’t follow me.
I’m learning to forgive, I’m learning to let go,
I’m not the person I was, and it’s time to show."

Bronwyn enjoyed songwriting too. She found herself with moments of inspiration jotting down lyrics that swept her up. Conversations surrounding her could be moments of beauty with the pen in hand. This was one of her most recent inspirations, though she never stated why.

"The ghosts are fading, they’re lost in the breeze,
Now I’m walking toward the sun through the trees.

I’m stepping out from the shadows I’ve known,
Leaving behind all the weight I’ve outgrown.
I’m finding my way in the light of today,
No more living in yesterday.
I’m free, I’m free,
The past can't hold me.

Bronwyn felt her true self when performing. She enjoyed the stage, the spotlight. She never felt more free than when she was singing. The room melted away and she was bathed in afterglow, the vibrations resonating within her, in her skin. She hoped she showed this in her performances, though she never had a complaint.

"It’s a new dawn, a new day,
I won’t let the past steal my way.
I’m rising up, and I’m gonna fly,
With no chains to keep me tied.

I’m stepping out from the shadows I’ve known,
Leaving behind all the weight I’ve outgrown.
I’m finding my way in the light of today,
No more living in yesterday.
I’m free, I’m free,
The past can't hold me.

I’m free, I’m free,
And the past can’t hold me…
No, the past can’t hold me."

At the last words the crowd applauded lightly. She stood a moment before standing from her stool and bowing slightly.

"Thank you. That was an original song called 'Escaping Shadows'. I hope you enjoyed it." She bowed again before making her way off the stage towards the counter. She hoped she earned enough for a sandwich. She hadn't eaten since this morning.

Château de La Lune

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Millicent

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Location: Château de La Lune: Bedroom -> Hallway -> Ballroom -> Bedroom -> 1st Floor
Skills: N/A

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As she exited her room she overhear a conversation. From the sounds of it, they were workers in the estate as they were discussing bringing their bags to their respective rooms. Millicent was about to not bother when her name was mentioned and how she was being confused with someone named Miguel. Was this how workers acted? Two names starting with M produced this much confusion.

Millienct resumed exiting her room as someone else did. The woman looks innocent, sweet-as-pie, which instanly brought Millicent's heckles up. In her experience, the buttery sweet-looking people were often the most ruthless. She had grabbed her own bag, leaving Millicent alone with the two maids. One of them carried a bag, held out to her. Millicent didn't recognize the bag but she sure knew it wasn't her's. Wasn't this supposed to be a relaxing trip for her?

"Ok, so that is not my bag. I do not have time to play musical bags right now, but can you ensure my correct luggage goes to my room by the end of the day? Preferably before nightfall so I can have a clean change of clothes for later?" The one maid with the bag looked crestfallen but, honestly, Millicent gave no damns. If you couldn't do your job correctly you should expect to hear about it. She ignored the other's made angry look towards her and Millicent proceeded out of the hallway. As she was leaving she overheard the maid speak to the other, "I told you that was for Miguel. Quick go get the boards before we get in serious trouble. This would be the dumbest way to get fired ever."

Millicent exited the hallway into the second floor entrance. She noted the door across from her, one she hadn't paid much attention to on her trek up. There was a code pad, presumambly then locked. Not out of the ordinary. This was a home, after all. She assumed areas were off limits to them. Deciding to see more of the upper floor Millicent proceeded to the other door and into was looked to be a ballroom.

The room was spacious if a bit empty. Though someone else was in the room with her. She was an older woman and was presently putting up decorations. Not wanting to be awkward and just stand there, Millicent called out. "The decorations are beautiful. This whole estate is."

The woman startled a bit, obviously not expecting her, but she recovered quickly and gave her a warm smile. "Ah thank you dear Millicent. We've put a lot of work into it all. I hope you enjoy yourself. We've got some lovely things planned."

"She knows my name. Not unexpected either given the photos and room assignments." Millicent returned the woman's warm affect. "Hope you don't mind I am just stretching my legs. Been sitting down for so long it's nice to walk around. Is there anything you recommend I see before the events are underway?"

"Of course, please feel free to explore any of the public areas of the house. We keep our rooms private, but otherwise the estate is free for you to explore. To your right there is a lovely lounge. Or you can head down to the Rec room for a drink before dinner if that interests you. I cannot recommend the gardens enough though. One of my favorite places to go for an evening walk."

Leave it to the hostess to offer wonderful suggestions. "Thank you, I think I will check out those gardens." As she turned, she heard the woman call out. "Oh Millicent, before I forget, do make sure you get your dinner preference in before 4:30. The card should be in your room if you have not been there yet."

Millicnet waved goodbye and made her way back into the hallway. She entered her room again and made her way to the desk.

Millicent reached for the card and read it to herself, jotting down she preferred the steak for dinner. The other information on the desk was sueful, but not as of yet. She made a mental note to skim the histoy of the place more. She had heard rumors and wondered if they proved true.

Before she left she noticed something else on the desk. Something that looked off compared to the others. It was a newspaper clipping. She picked it up and read it. The title spoke about a robbery at a magic shop. She recognized he name of the shop and felt her fingers clutch the paper in her hand, crinkling it somewhat. Attached was a note. She read it. Then read it again as she dropped it to the ground. Millicent felt her heart race. What the hell was going on here?

She sat on the edge of the bed and took a minute. How did someone know this information? Who here did? Was this whole award a trap to get her here? Or was it one of the other guests who came across her name? There were too many coincidences. She didn't beleive in those anyway. Millicent strode over to the door that led to the bathroom and locked it. She thought she heard something from the other side but didn't bother to check. It was clear now she couldn't trust anyone.

Millicnet collected herself and left her room and made her way downstairs. She would check out the gardens, like she said. Perhaps the change of scenery would clear her mind a bit. And she could do some thinking.

The Neighborhood Watch

Cool, thought we were pausing for others. I should have my sheet done soon.

MARVELS: Streets of New York

I mean I definitely am inspired by the Jessica Jones show on Netflix as well as the Defenders. Pretty much what put me on to her as a character and she's been in the top 5 favorite Marvel characters for me ever since.