finalflight | THE JARS THAT BLEED BEFORE THEY BREAK.

[After the charity ball fiasco, Jacqueline Berna Oake's activity has gone very silent. This in of itself is not unusual. The Crystalline Witch is known for weaving in and out of public life and back to the privacy of her workshop, the location which she keeps top-secret. Not even her grandchildren are privy to its location. It would be hard to get in touch with her for a long time.

She did leave one last thing for Thomas Durand. In his pocket (most certainly appearing there magically), there is a card and a note written in thin script.]

"One use only — Berna"

[In the corner of the card, is a clear plastic square, and when one looks through it...]

Welcome to the Midnight Grind! I'm so sorry, I might have to close up soon but I'll get you a drink, sir!

[Superficially, Iona and Berna don't look all that similar. Iona is short and curvy, Berna is tall and graceful, swanlike even. Berna tends to look regal and flowerlike while Iona is more like a splash of color.

And it's a little hard to imagine Berna looking a little sweaty-faced and about to jump over the counter with a heavy backpack, but stopping halfway when greeting another person. Iona Jacqueline Oakes, however, does share her grandmother's radiance and smile.]

Oh man, you got me before I could get away! Haha! [Though she seems hurried, she's immediately shoving off her backpack.]

The first drink is free for newcomers! Got a preference?

[And she is very much a ball of out-of-control energy.]

[He knows about the cafe, of course. Among the group, only he and Rachel have not seen the door appear for them — and Rachel shows middling interest, besides. Thomas, however, is curious. He wants to meet Berna’s granddaughter, and the reasons are not only personal; if their “business” is to intersect anytime at all in the future, then it’s a professional interest, too.

It seems Berna was one step ahead of him in that regard. One day, he finds a card with a note in his coat pocket, signed by a certain witch. And where does it lead him?

To the Midnight Grind, of course. And within, quite a harried(?) sight to see.]

Ah, I caught you at a bad time, yes?

[Is this her? Iona? The resemblance is faint, except for the smile.

…And the whirlwind energy. Quite the opposite of how Thomas feels today, though his level of exhaustion is a stark improvement compared to yesterday.]

Perhaps I will come back later? You look to be in a rush.

[Iona feels her right arm tingle... (It's full of magic; infused to the rest of her body and paradoxically separate. Bright, rainbow, alien, somehow it mixes with what's already there, the golden aura)

... But she ignores it, patting at a spot at the counter insistently and her hair bounces with each motion.]

No, no, I wanna make you something! I'm sure the professor will keep the office open for another two hours no biggie...

I'd hate for this to be your first time and for you not to drink something. It's been kind of a day and none of our other baristas are in today so it's just me!

[Oh, yes. Even worn as he is, his senses are passively keen. He feels that strange magic radiating from her arm, an alien sort, different from the magic she presumably houses innately as a witch. Yes, this must be Iona.

He arches a brow, skeptical, but good-humored as he steps forward.]

Mm, then I will not keep you for long. Black coffee from a French press; quick and simple.

[and he's not requesting that because he's french, tyvm]

Anything longer, and your grandmother would hardly approve of me keeping you from your studies in this way.

Okay! One black coffee coming right up.

[Of course the mention of Grandma gives Iona pause. And of course, Iona is the type of doofus who would make a connection just from the French press mention. Her eyes light up as she opens up a bag of coffee beans and takes out the press.]

Wait a minute... If you know Berna... Thomas right? Thomas Durand?

[She sounds as if she's trying to keep her excitement under wraps... She really tryin'...]

[Oh? His name has traveled far and wide, has it? (Not far or wide at all, actually, but definitely along the grapevine somehow. Lyra or Jake, probably.)

Thomas sidles into a high chair near the front counter.]

So famous already. Or is it infamous? I do hope not.

[But he leans back, his casual air partly derived from a tired body, which at least allows some relaxation in his bones.]

But that's right. She left a note in my pocket. And it led me here! I was wondering when I would get the invite, truly. How embarrassing to be the last, but that is no longer a fear of mine.

[Rachel gets to be the rotten egg. Ha.]

She did? Wow! Grandma doesn't do that for just anyone... Then again, she can be pretty whimsical. But she definitely likes you enough to give you one of our cards cause I don't think she's done that for anyone else.

[Jake did inflict terrible knowledge on her about Thomas's offer to Grandma and even Iona is not a big enough weirdo to bring that up. She takes a deep (internal) breath and tells herself to keep being a professional. A professional friendly cafe owner, that is! So while she preps his coffee, Iona continues to chat.]

It's nice to finally meet you though! Thank you for taking care of Berna. And I guess you might already know who I am through her... But I'm Iona Jacqueline Oakes and I'm the owner of this cafe.

[Beans are ground up, put into the press and hot water is being prepped.]

I'm not sure if you'll have time to be a repeat customer or if the door can show up for you... But if it does then it means you're definitely welcome to come in again.

[Grandma doesn't do that for just anyone. His jaw ticks at that comment, but he plays it off easily enough. It certainly isn't unpleasant knowledge to have garnered, but Berna seems a whimsical sort. He told himself he'd not get his hopes up, and he's going to do his best to stick to that.]

I would like to say we've gotten along well enough in the short time we have made acquaintances. But the note did say "one time only", so that does not guarantee a repeat visit from me, as you say. She does not spoil.

[Still, he offers a grin and leans forward a little.]

So let not this opportunity go to waste. It is a pleasure to meet you, Iona. I am indeed who you say: Thomas Durand. You've met a few of my, ah, colleagues already, as I understand it.

Our door exists anywhere, anytime though. So next time, you won't even need a card! Jacob certainly hasn't. We don't give away those types of cards for various reasons.

[Hot water is poured over the coffee grounds and a pleasant aroma fills the cafe.]

I've met Jacob and Lyra... Morgan, I haven't seen in a while. [She hopes to keep it that way...]

Anyway, I do get the gist of what your guys' business is... But it seems like we're on friendly terms. [Her own smile to Thomas is full of mirth, almost innocent in how sincere it is.]

We're happy to serve as long as you're here to rest and relax.

I see why. A card like that is a little key to get in whenever a person wants. One should not simply give away precious keys to precious locks.

[But he huffs a little at that pause before Morgan's name. She's a good judge of character, but he doesn't question it further.]

Well. If this is a place to relax, then there is no need to drag talk of "business" here. You know, I can see how you are related to your grandmother. You have the same sort of... [Hand waggle. He'd have a cigarette held between two fingers if this was a smoking zone...] ...forgive the literal French. But je ne sais quoi.

Edited 2023-04-20 04:35 (UTC)

[Iona's cheeks flush, pleased with Thomas's comparison of her to Berna. The French-pressed coffee will take about a minute or two to steep properly so she presses her own index fingers together bashfully.]

Ehehe! Do you really think so? She's definitely a lot more... Well... No one else could be her.

[Confident, self-aware, so long-lived, but so still so full of fresh life... Just strong in so many senses of the word and in other ways where Iona still feels lacking as both a woman and a witch.]

People do say that we're both kinda hyperactive. I'm not sure that part's a compliment since I feel like that comes with implications.

Um... What did you think of my grandma when you first met her?

[To Thomas, it's clear at a glance that she admires her grandmother. Rightfully so, he thinks, for there is plenty to admire.]

An excess of energy is both a blessing and a curse. What is important is what you choose to do with it. [Believe him, he knows.] Still, remember that your grandmother has an advantage over you: years and years worth of experience. You will come into your own, Iona, with time. Time is what truly sculpts a person into what they will be.

[But as for first impressions.]

Mm, to be honest, my memory of our first meeting is... blurry around the edges. Only the prominent pieces stick in my mind. I remember I thought she was beautiful, and well-spoken. And so easy for me to speak to, in turn.

[Iona quietly takes out a ceramic mug and pours the black coffee into it while listening to Thomas. It's kind of funny; she remembers meeting her grandmother for the first time as a child and thinking the same thing he did. But in addition to that Berna was a fascinating lifeform, far removed from anything she had been able to comprehend back then and she felt too overwhelmed to call her, "Grandma."

And over the years, the more she learned about how Berna went through life, the more a lot of things made sense about her. Somewhat anyway.]

She is easy to talk to, isn't she? [Iona sets the mug of coffee in front of Thomas; it has a full-bodied scent of dark chocolate, notes of citrus fruit, and other complex flavors.]

I think she loves people in her own way and tries to capture the features she likes in the golems she creates. They keep her company in her workshop when she's lost in her art and spell craft you know.

[She takes a step back, crossing her arms with a complex smile across her face.]

But they can only give so much which is why she'll suddenly be a social butterfly for a while and then disappear again.

[It is a dark, strong scent, with a hint of citrus. Thomas brings the mug to his lips, savoring the taste as she speaks. Yes, that's very good coffee. It relaxes him, not that he needed much relaxing, still a little overwrought from the previous couple of days.]

I met Antoine the other day. A useful sort of fellow, no?

[But at the news of Berna disappearing for a while, he can't help but feel a little disappointed.]

And I take it she is in her "disappearing" stage?

Antoine? Oh yeah, him! He's been around for a long while. Really dependable.

[Iona smiles at the memory of the combat and stealth expert of a golem. She hopes the others can come to visit in the future ~~barring Lillian who will most certainly come around tax season, ohnoooooo~~

And when Thomas asks about Berna's disappearing stage... Dammit, Iona can't help herself. She tries to sound casual.]

Well, it could be... Buuuuut!! [KEEP IT CASUAL IONA...]

Berna checks up on me and Solomon every now and then. If someone really wants to see her... Yeah! She won't stay hidden for long. [Phew, nailed it.]

She's gotten better at being present for loved ones.

[Look at this brow raise… and raise…

The faux casualness comes across as nothing but pure enthusiasm to Thomas’ ears. What did Lyra or Jake say to her about him, exactly?]

So you are to mean that I should visit more often and hope to see her again here. That is not a bad idea. Family did seem important to her.

[Hm.]

Might I ask, and not to change the subject… But what did the others say about me? Out of curiosity.

Edited (Auto correct please ) 2023-04-20 06:09 (UTC)

Yes! Family. Family is very important and we're her only grandchildren after all!

[Iona isn't sure if Thomas is totally buying her attitude. And oh god, he's asking what she's been told... And she does have Jake to thank for giving her other information about the man in front of her aside from how he hit on Berna.]

Oh! Well, actually Jacob told me about the crazy powerful energy you have in you. It's definitely making my right arm ticklish but, don't worry about that. And he also told me about your background as a thief and... And...

[The young woman suddenly looks worried and fairly distracted. She grabs her phone from her back pocket to check the time.]

Ahhh, oh nonono...!

[Of course Jake divulged information about him, he thinks. The man does whatever he wants, as long as it doesn’t go against his brother’s whims. At least it sounds generalized.

But now he’s concerned about Iona’s sudden shift in priorities.]

Let me guess. You are late to… something? You should not have humored me for so long, Miss Iona.

No, no, no! Talking to you was good, I'd rather do that than worry about this... Ugh, I could wait until tomorrow but...

[It's not supposed to be a big deal, Iona thinks. There was just a matter of that painted lady with her haunting smile and seductive eyes that's been jumping from painting to painting, enthralling her classmates with her perfect rendering, throwing them for a loop, and messing with their minds. She wanted it taken care of by herself.

Currently, she knows it's in the university art gallery in one of the smaller paintings. It hasn't moved yet and they were going to close up for the night. Locked up, campus security and police on their rounds as usual...

Goddammit. Iona sucks at logistics. "Everything will work out," is not a mantra that's been helping her, especially since the last time she had that mindset Oren and Michael were there specifically to help pick up the mess she made.

If she wanted it completed without having to bother anyone else, she would have to go in and steal it... Steal... Like a thief...

Iona glances at Thomas reluctantly.]

Mr. Durand...?

[He can practically see her taking the time to think. Though Thomas is no mind-reader; he cannot hope to know what it is.

He sips his coffee, arching a brow from over the rim.]

Yes, Miss Iona?

Um...

Do you wanna help me steal something?

✨✨✨

[Mission Status: ACTIVE

This is an unconventional way to go about business especially of a shadier type. Iona almost had second thoughts as she filled Thomas Durand on the details of what they're going to steal. Almost backed out as they went through the door, through her apartment and out on the streets of Los Angeles.

But they're in the main quad of the university now and the young witch glances over at Thomas.]

You know, I'm grateful, but surprised you're ok with a last minute hiring.

But I'm kind of excited now too!

[She is totally related to Berna...]

[THIS SURE SEEMS A LITTLE... DEJA VU... AS ONE WOULD SAY...

But of course he offers to help. Art theft? (Supernatural art theft, at that.) That is the bread and butter of any proper cat burglar, and it certainly brings him back to the simpler days.

He's glancing about, hands in his pockets, trying to get a feel for the campus as a whole. Plenty of security, or is it sparse in the late afternoon to evening?]

I can see that. Making risky decisions on the fly, mm?

[Yes, related to Berna for sure.]

A "last minute thing" works in my favor. I need to stay awake somehow, and this should be the boost I need. But I must know, what it is you intend to do with the painting after it is stolen away?

[There's a decent amount of security since the student art show is an upcoming event. Lot of moving parts and items and things are bound to be swept up and lost.

Iona adjusts her backpack shoulder straps before leading Thomas towards one of the galleries that are still open.]

What am I going to do with it? I... Haven't thought that far but I usually let Grandma or Oren take care of the things I retrieve.

Cause I don't know about you but I'm not looking to keep a creepy painted lady in my room or cafe anytime soon.

[He follows, assessing. A "decent amount of security" at a university is not very worrisome or troublesome as far as Thomas is concerned. It is, in fact, a bit mundane for him now; but who is he to complain? He is not in an ideal state for anything overly complicated, but just perfectly attuned for a "heist" that is more low-key.

(Assuming the painting itself gives them little issue.)

Speaking of-]

I can take it back with me. The painting. Add it to the ever-growing collection of strange things.

Mm. Ok! That can be in addition to the payment too.

[Iona has saved up a decent amount of personal allowance and insisted she compensate Thomas fairly. ]

Now the little itty bitty challenge is locking her down to one illustration. Swear to god, she's been hovering in the animation department and the medical illustrations display too. I think she's been mocking me specifically since I'm the only one who's noticed her.

Edited 2023-04-20 19:38 (UTC)

la vien en or

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you didn't connect shit

I CONNECTED THEM

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