finalflight | THE JARS THAT BLEED BEFORE THEY BREAK.

[One of the more direct solutions is Berna purchasing the flower herself and granting it to them. Not only is that too easy it'd put too much of a spotlight on her and Lillian would have to make sure there would be no traces left of Berna who had been public-facing the past few weeks with her shop. No, they'll be phantom thieves tonight.

She just holds one of Thomas's hands now and they along with Antoine look like any other guests just showing interest in the auction items. Nodding as Thomas lists the details to her, she gives her input after he's done.]

I agree. Before the bidding will be our best shot. Let Antoine handle security and I can accompany you as a cover until you reach the back room.

It's much less suspicious of you to be hovering around that area when you're with a beautiful woman after all.

Edited 2023-04-17 15:46 (UTC)

[Yes, that would be easy, wouldn't it? But it would draw too much attention to her, in the end, and Thomas has a niggling, probably-accurate feeling that Morgan simply did not send someone else to buy the blasted thing for one reason only: to make a point. That if he's not invited to get what he wants, that will likely never truly stop him. When he wants to collect, he collects. That is simply the way of things.

Too bad Thomas was selected to be the one to do the dirty work tonight. Ah, well.

He actually does laugh, a shade of the sound from the night with the blossoming fireworks, but dimly related.]

You make it sound so easy. Can Antoine "handle" security without kicking up a fuss? Shall we hover near the backroom, pretending that we are like teenagers who cannot keep their eyes nor their hands off each other? What of the magic securing the room itself?

[He was going to have to find a rather creative way around that--likely using the part of his powerset that does not have to do with creating blinding energy--but maybe Berna's aid would make this far easier. It's almost too much to wish for.]

Edited 2023-04-17 15:54 (UTC)

Stealth is a feature I've embedded into him as is observation and improvisation. Strength and force are a given of course.

[Her pride for her work is hardly subtle.]

Despite his stature, Antoine can move about discreetly. Give him the word and he'll get started.

As for us... [Berna giggles at Thomas's remark, squeezing his hand.]

Well, why not? At least until we reach the back. I would have to take a look at what mechanism is in place before deciding how to dismantle it. From there on out, it is your retrieval.

[He's impressed.]

I trust your judgment, of course. Though I will tell you this: you are doing all the work for me, leaving me with the easiest part of any job. Walking out with the prize.

[(Or so he thinks it'll be that simple.)]

Very well. The auction has not started yet, so I think we should at the very least begin our very slow amble that way. I do want a drink while we wait for Antoine to finish. Shall I get you one, too?

Please do.

[She loops her arm around his fully intent on making the most of their time at this party and all their finery.]

It's not every day you get to go on a date and a heist with a witch after all.

[She gestures to Antoine who gives a short head bow before starting to move and weave past the other guests. The golem has already distinguished which security guards he can either get into chokeholds, follow into bathrooms and knock out and memorized their patterns so he can focus on herding the remainders into the farthest end of the venue.

He'll have to move quickly.

As the number of guards dwindles around the auction area, Berna makes conversation with Thomas, fully focused on him instead.]

How are you feeling by the way? The brothers implied that your demeanor changes when your light has burned out.

[There's less exuberance in her voice and more gentleness.]

I see it but it hasn't changed my first impression of you so far.

[Thomas can't even see all this going down, which is a shame!! Gosh, wouldn't it be helpful to have such a golem with the Jars. It would make his own life so much easier.

But, fortunately, his attention is very much fixed on Berna right now, biding their time until that time is right. A waiter glides by with a tray of sparkling, amber drinks. Thomas pauses him to pluck one up and hand it to Berna, then takes one for himself.]

Oh... Yes. I do think it is hard not to notice that much.

[Sardonically, but not necessarily directed at her. He takes a particularly long swig of his drink.]

It feels good to use my powers. It is like a high; there is no better way to explain it, plus I always feel so full. I told you remember? This body is far too small for this soul. Every few days, it is nice to have a release of it. Though it must be timed accordingly, depending on what our work requires of me.

[And he could leave it at that, but he thinks she deserves a little more honesty from him.]

But more importantly, I lose all worry, all concern, all care, when I am in such a state. When it is all burned away, I am so exhausted that all I wish to do is sleep. And sleep is its own escape.

[Her fingers cup the neck of her drink and she sips while watching and listening to him.

His answer does explain a lot. If his soul was truly that of a star's and his body that of a man's, of course, the physical would be enamored with that release of supernatural light.

It seems so unfortunate. But no wonder he is utilized as he is within his group. He is full of pure power to be wielded as they see fit and conveniently it serves the purpose of giving him a high.]

... Thank you, Thomas. For telling me all of this about yourself.

[Berna seems to take it well, humorously even.]

And to think you offered me a whole night even after you burned off so much.

[One day, perhaps in the future, if Berna decides to bring up the topic of Thomas with Morgan, she will receive another opinion entirely about what he is, what he can do. More analytical and certainly more nuanced, for Morgan does not take any of Thomas' claims regarding his soul at face-value.

But Thomas believes what he believes, an underlying point of contention that remains between himself and Morgan. Still, her assessment isn't wrong: he is their group's powerhouse. Jake can rend and break things big and small, with furor and with precision both. But Thomas has impossibly potent, ethereal and near-constant energy and light at his disposal. He is a walking nuclear bomb, in many ways.

Which is ironic, how it contrasts with the rest of him. The sneak-thief of the group. Ah, well. His other abilities suit him more accordingly.]

Jackie, my dear. I would have saved some energy for us, of course.

Especially if you were going to stay the night with me.

[SHAMELESS]

[Berna cackles and drains the rest of her drink and the glass is taken away by another passing waiter.]

If I was at least 150 years younger and had fewer responsibilities, I wouldn't even think twice.

[Some security guards behind them are passing through on their walkie-talkies, furiously talking about something or someone at the far side causing trouble and paying them no mind. It really helps that she's sincerely enjoying his company even if it's for a heist, making them look like a couple trying to get some privacy. Berna continues as if it's none of their concern even if it clears the way toward the back room.]

I've my own bad habits though whether it's my nature as a witch or if it's unique to me... I'd have to ask more people. So far, the consensus is that I am a functional workaholic. If I did not have another pair of eyes on my well-being, I get lost in my projects and don't leave my studio for years at a time.

[Ah, yes, he hears that chatter, sees how the guards move so hurriedly. Antoine is doing a good job of providing a distraction and thinning the security, which is quite amusing to Thomas. If it gives them clearance to wander closer to the backroom--which they do once he places his empty glass, nearly empty, on a passing waiter's tray--then all the better for it.

This part of the building isn't meant to house a crowd, much less a party, so it is sparse and far less decorated, with stark fluorescent lighting buzzing above. The corridor is long and wide, though, giving them a little privacy before they reach the back storage.]

I understand the call of responsibility, of course. The need to engage oneself, endlessly. But you can afford to lose a single night to the whims of something other than your studio, can't you? You are doing so tonight. [He teases:] I cannot believe you thought a stuffy auction would be more entertaining to you than a visit to my room, Jackie. My heart breaks.

It's what I do best. [Berna coos back as her heels click on the floor as they get closer to the back.] Playing with hopes and dreams and breaking hearts as I please.

[She begins to feel the hum of magic energies in the air and pauses mid-step.]

... Interesting. The wards, I mean. [Her fingers tap her chin in contemplation.]

I wonder if it's outsourced work from someone like myself. Not that it will be a hindrance to me.

Oh, so you are a self-proclaimed heartbreaker, then? Then I know not to get my hopes up too much.

[And that might be said as an airy joke, fitting for the tone, but he will take it to heart. Expectations low to non-existent.

Still, he hmms, pausing as she pauses.]

Confident that your magic is strong enough to outclass another's? We will see, then. But let us wait for a moment. The auction will begin, so they are soon to bring the items back to secure. After that, you may test your might against these fiddly wards.

Alright then. I have a feeling they'll get tired of having to chase Antoine in circles before they realize they'll need to send a thin force down here.

[In the main hall the emcee has got the crowd's attention letting the host of the event speak first. It's going to be a lengthy speech from the sound of it.]

Would you like to remain hidden? I have my crystals for that. They can light the way but they can also obscure.

[Arches a brow. Her crystals are quite useful, too, aren't they? Is there anything you can't do, Berna.]

When the time comes for me to sneak inside, then that will prove useful. Just in case things... Mm. Merde. I get myself into deep shit.

[PROBABLY WON'T HAPPEN, RIGHT?

He unhooks his arm from Berna as they wait, then, and fishes in a pocket for a cigarette.]

Do you mind if I smoke?

[The golems do a lot of the heavy lifting let's just say...

She shakes her head as he lets go of her.]

Go ahead. I might play with the smoke while you do so.

[Berna gives him some space, humming a song as the din of the speaker and audience echoes from the other end of the corridor. Her crystals appear hovering around her but they blend into the environment around them, invisible to the naked eye except for Thomas's.]

While we're here and have some time for idleness, I'm curious; what did the brothers tell you about their impression of me?

Play away.

[He says, and his eyes flicker with a glow for a half-second, lighting the tip of his cigarette as he places it between his lips. Smoke coils lazily into the air. Is this a no-smoking zone? He sure doesn't care.]

Their impression? Ha. Jake thinks that you have an attitude problem. Morgan thinks you might prove useful as a connection to us. They both, of course, believe you are very powerful, which makes you a headache to one brother, and an opportunity to the other.

[The residual cigarette that floats her way gathers in her open palm as she leans against the opposite wall. Her spring green dress shimmers under the florescent lights as she opens and closes her palm until she has a swirling globe of ash.

She smiles at his answer.]

My attitude problem is a charm point.

[When the smoke is released the smell is replaced with something akin to sandalwood.]

But I'm also sensible. We all have private interests to protect and uphold so I prefer to play nice for the time being.

Edited 2023-04-17 20:32 (UTC)

[A charm point? He thinks so, yes. He blows a ring of smoke, amused, while she turns it into incense. How quaint.]

Private interests... Yours is your family? Your granddaughter?

[The brothers had mentioned that, too. It wouldn't be the first that Thomas has heard of Iona--he remembers the very funny tale of a ruined job concerning an urn--but he hadn't given it much thought until very recently.

Honestly, he forgot all about it.]

Loyalties lie where they lie. I can't blame you for that. But, selfishly, I hope we can remain on good working terms. We are not so... bad of a group.

[CITATION NEEDED]

We simply do dirty work sometimes.

Edited 2023-04-17 20:36 (UTC)

Yes. Iona.

[Berna smiles at the mention of her. It's fond and unmistakably maternal.]

I also have a grandson, Solomon. He is capable on his own and does not need me interfering in his affairs but Iona is quite precious. You should meet her one day. It's like seeing how I used to be, unblemished and hopelessly optimistic and loving.

[When he voices his selfish hope, Berna looks up from the floor at him.]

We'll see Thomas. I am also selfish seeing as how I'm involving myself right now. I could never totally harden my heart into stone.

[Berna tilts her head upwards to the ceiling lights, dreamy eyed.]

Sounds like I'm still hopeless even after so long.

[He can hear it in her tone, see it in her eyes. The love for her grandchildren. Thomas smiles, uncertain he can really relate anymore; what family he once had is long gone. And he certainly never had any children, when most of his existence was spent trapped in the strange dimension they now call their home.

But he supposes that's a tale for another time. Instead, he chooses only to appreciate it vicariously through her.]

That isn't so bad, Jackie. It is better than being heartless. Soulless.

[His lips quirk at that, a little private joke. Smoke continues to laze upwards from the tip of his burning cigarette.]

It means you still have an appreciation for life, even after 400 years. That is very impressive.

... Berna.

[She looks at him again, her eyes warm and shining despite the pale fluorescent lights, her lips a small smile.]

Jacqueline Berna Oakes if you will. Since I didn't tell you the first time.

Edited 2023-04-17 23:08 (UTC)

[Oh. What a view, that smile. It should disarm even the most stone-hearted man; though Thomas is certainly far from that, to the point of detriment sometimes.

Now? He can certainly bring himself to appreciate it, feeling warm across his cheekbones.]

Berna. [He tests it on his tongue.] I like that just as much, if not more.

So now we are properly introduced, no? Does that make us even closer friends?

[One of the lesser things one could say about her was that despite her grandness, her dazzling aura, and her free-spirited personality, Berna was a witch who had few true friends. She had a magnetism, yes, but once she goes back to her workshop alone, there are only golems, perfectly sculpted to her taste, varied in personalities and looks as she pleases, and never to betray her.

So when someone asks to be her friend it's one of the few things left in this life that makes her heart seize.

It's so sweet. Thomas gets a laugh followed by a nod of confirmation.]

Friends? Yes. Absolutely. What a wonderful thing we have already Thomas.

[There are footsteps approaching and so she leaves her spot on the wall to stand next to him. Her prisms surround them in a circle and she puts a finger on her lips.]

Hush now. We can watch how they open it up.

[And why would he not want to be her friend? For Thomas, to ask such a thing comes naturally, even in his current state where lucidity hounds him, where his power beneath his skin makes him listless. There is less of that in her presence, he thinks, at least in the small amount of time that they've interacted thus far. But that makes it no less poignant to him, no less real.

So yes. Friends. And even if never much more than that, it is nice to know, all the same.]

I think so, too, Berna.

[Those are sure footsteps, however, and Thomas steps closer to her, eying her prisms and trusting that they'll keep them obscured. He watches, closely, as several individuals appear around the far corner, with the items from the auction in-tow. Some boxed up, some carried, some covered. Thomas can sense oddities inherent in all of them, their magic, or their non-magic essences, but it's all muddled so close to the ward.

Another man steps forward, tall and disgruntled looking. Presumably a guard, thinks. He watches as he reaches out with a hand, fingertips glowing, carving out intricate symbols mid-air. Three of them, it seems, but he cannot see fully their images from this angle.

Something shimmers in the air. The ward "unlocks", the man opens a huge pair of metal double doors, and the people file through to set the items within. Thomas murmurs, quietly:]

Ah, lock and key. Of a sort.

Edited 2023-04-18 01:30 (UTC)

[Berna watches with a sharper look in her eyes. Her view is also obscured so she cannot see what's being drawn in the air which is an added layer of challenge.]

Hard to tell from here isn't it? [If she had Lillian, the intellectual golem would be able to figure it out but it's just them now.]

But only three. That should narrow it down.

[Maybe. Sort of.]

We'll move forward when they leave then?

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