finalflight | THE JARS THAT BLEED BEFORE THEY BREAK.

[After a couple of weeks, it's almost time to close up shop. Most of Berna's ceramics and jewelry have sold well with little inventory left over. Lillian and Emil would round up the numbers and calculate when they could open up again and where since they make it a practice to not sell in the same location in such a short duration of time.

Her work has caused more of a buzz than usual (thank you Internet) that a wealthy patron, pleased with his purchase and wanting one last appearance from her, has given the artist an invitation to a charity ball and auction. Berna is more than happy to attend and donate her final piece to the auction, a large ceramic bowl painted with flowers inside (It looks elegant but normal enough. Blink, and the flowers shift in circles like an optical illusion and the aroma of blossoms waft ever so subtly when in the room).

She gets to choose her plus one for the event and tonight, Berna arrives at the fancy venue dressed to the nines, like a spring breeze. It's head-turning due to her looks and height but few approach her since she is accompanied by a slightly taller young man with a darker complexion who is dressed just as sharply in his suit. His dreadlocks are tied loosely and gathered to the back of his head and his sculpted features also make others look at him specifically. Though Berna is all smiles and friendly gestures, Antoine's obsidian eyes carefully assess those who come up to her.

Antoine is also good at listening.

As the night wears on while the guests chat amongst themselves and network, making plans for their auction bids, Antoine, Berna's other golem whispers into her ear when they're finally alone at their table.]

"The security. They talk of being extra vigilant."

Hm? [Berna looks at Antoine, blinking.]

Is that anything really to take note of?

"I am uncertain. But I thought it would interest you."

[That makes Berna smile and she affectionately pats his back.]

And this is why I brought you along, Antoine. I can't have all the fun for myself.

[The security is extra vigilant for a reason, so vigilant that a man without an invite needs to find a way inside that isn’t the main door. For Thomas Durand, however, this is an old and simple talent of his, and with a bit of distraction and the art of easing himself into a crowd, he doesn’t even have to rely on slipping in through a window or a rooftop skylight. Easy as pie.

That part, at least. The rest will be tricky.

The auction itself hasn’t started yet, but the party is in full swing. Thomas’ power thrums beneath his skin, as it often does, unable as he is to let it go when he needs the clarity, the focus it provides him, critical for a job like this one. It’s a simple smash-and-grab (hopefully less smashing and just more grabbing), but he needs to be on his guard. The Jars, as he’s patronizingly begun to call their little group, have a history with the organization running the auction. Mainly, that they’ve stolen from them before on contract; just doing their usual business, of course, but it’s not like any of them would be ever welcome in their circles again because of it. Maybe one or two people died. It was probably fine.

This time, he’s not here for a contract, per se. But the approach would be the same, regardless.

The main crowd won’t recognize him, though. It’s the security, and those running the show, he needs to stay clear of. He exhales through his nose, straightens the tie of his suit. Right now, he needs to focus on scoping out the situation, though finding a way “backstage” would be ideal for now.

He scans the room. And he finds—

A familiar face. What is she doing here? Contrary to popular belief, Thomas very much remembers their meeting, though he remembers it in the way you recall a distant dream. And here? Here, she might be a distraction, and he needs to remain focused, doesn’t need to draw undue attention.

And yet.

A few moments later, and he approaches her (and her companion, it would seem?) from behind, piping up when he’s close enough.]

...Now here is a familiar sight, no?

[Antoine smoothly turns around to stare Thomas down. He is about to move in front of Berna until she lights up at the sight of him. She's practically giddy and stands up to walk over to him.]

Why, hello! Has lightning struck twice? How else are we crossing paths again?

[Berna's face is aglow, more than happy to see him again.]

How are you? I trust you're fully awake, yes?

Edited 2023-04-17 01:24 (UTC)

[Oh. ...Well. She's happy to see him, and that does spark a small smile out of him; yet there is something very different about Thomas' demeanor today. Subdued, a sharpened gaze in his brown eyes. No bright delight exuding from him in those same bursts of energy the night they met.

This is work mode, after all, and he's nearly sorry for it.]

Hello, dear Jackie. And yes, you will find that I am very unfortunately awake and aware this evening. As needs must.

[He tilts his head, ever so slightly, eyes flicking to Antoine.]

...You have a friend with you, I see.

[The change does not escape her notice but it does not give her pause either. Morgan's words about Thomas haven't escaped her memory, she's just happy to see him again and delighted at the prospect of more time in his vicinity. It's like she has enough excitement for all three of them!

Speaking of, when he refers to Antoine she gestures for him to come over eagerly. The young man concedes and she starts to introduce him proudly as he bows his head in acknowledgement.]

Antoine, this is a friend. And Thomas, Antoine is one of my finer works of art. I did neglect to mention my other talent of life sculpture.

[Thankfully there isn't many people around them to eavesdrop and even if they did it would sound metaphorical. Sort of.]

He's my plus one of the evening and we've been telling everyone... Ah, what role did we decide on?

[The witch airily lists the parts without a care.]

Distant relative? Student? Lover? Love child?

"We decided that I am your nephew, Miss."

Oh, of course that one.

[Antoine's brows lift showing a hint of humor about his creator's callousness. He's used to it.]

[Thomas watches the interaction with both keen interest and... vaguely growing confusion.]

Life sculpture?

[Oh, yes. He can sense it again if he takes the time to focus. Her magic embedded in this "nephew" of hers, pulsating through each limb, informing each action. Her magic is potent, isn't it?

Though he is hardly surprised, given her age. It is plenty of time to accrue power, and to apply that power in specialized ways.]

It is nice to meet you, Antoine. You are... quite a sight to see. [He supposes that doesn't sound too strange to anyone who might hear. Can't exactly say "creation" without sounding even stranger. His eyes flick to Berna again. She seems so glad to see him; it nearly makes his heart twist.

Focus, Thomas.]

You look lovely, Jackie, and while I do consider it a blessing to see you again... I do wonder, why are you here? Business or pleasure?

[The golem is basically inscribed with magic, over and beneath his skin. For someone like Thomas who can focus on it, it flows like blood through veins, constantly moving, never stopping.

Antoine nods his thanks to Thomas and Berna continues to chatter away. The way joy radiates off of her does make her seem younger than her actual years.]

Thank you, Thomas. You continue to flatter and I continue to float. And well, everything's pleasurable, even business.

A happy customer was sad to see me close up shop— I was selling my art you see, so as one last goodbye before I leave for other horizons, they wanted a donation to their auction.

[She points to the silent auction table where the large ceramic bowl stands, the centerpiece of the display. Guests who pass by linger their noses inhaling the air around them and it's enough to make them write down their bid.]

So because of my contribution, I now have the freedom to drink and be merry. I also believe they wanted me to be here so they could look at me for the rest of the night as well.

Ah, yes. I was told of your shop. The brothers dropped by, did they not?

[He can only imagine how that went, outside of what was told to him. The varying degrees of strained pleasantries. Well. He's nearly glad he wasn't there; though a part of him wishes he could have been with them, too, just to say hello.

His eyes flick to her art piece and the attention it brings.]

So pleasure, then.

[Good. Business might have made this more complicated than necessary. Still, he lets a wider smile spread across his face, though it is rueful, and leans in conspiratorally.]

To be honest, who would not want to gawk at you, hm? Other than myself, of course, a positively perfect gentleman.

Indeed. It was certainly... A conversation.

[Her mood barely fluctuates from that happy high to stiff politeness when referencing past events. The happiness returns when he makes his remark and causes a tingle across her shoulders.]

Don't rule yourself out so quickly. If you weren't gawking you wouldn't have come over to say hello.

[Meanwhile, Antoine is scanning the room instead of focusing on the obvious flirtations in front of him. Look, he has a job, he's sticking to it.]

And what of you? [Berna smiles and it's just a touch more somber.]

You're going to say business aren't you? That's how these things always turn out.

Edited 2023-04-17 03:14 (UTC)

[He straightens, and while his smile is still there, it becomes just a tad bit fainter.]

Mm.

[He supposes there's no point in lying, considering she knows who he's affiliated with.]

You are correct. This is how things turn out. I am here... for work. Not play. How sad that is, I admit, but here I am.

[A shrug of his shoulder.]

I should hate to entangle you in the details, Jackie, and make you even mildly complicit. No, you should enjoy the rest of your evening if you can. Do not mind me.

Edited 2023-04-17 04:19 (UTC)

[Her sigh in response is soft but understanding. However, her eyes indicate that she is thinking deeply about something. The witch glances between Thomas and then Antoine, and back and forth again. When her look lands on her golem, he raises one brow. Some nonverbal communication is occurring between them and it seems like Antoine is encouraging her to settle on whatever decision she is about to make.]

Thomas? What about this?

[And make it she does. Because she takes Thomas's hands, beams, and makes an outrageous proposal.]

What if we make this a date and I become fully complicit?

[Lillian is going to have to work overtime for the next few weeks.]

Edited 2023-04-17 04:26 (UTC)

[He can’t hope to guess at the communication going down between witch and golem, but Thomas never would have guessed this outcome, anyway. When she takes his hands, they’re warm with his power nearly vibrating beneath, and he blinks in utter surprise — and curls his fingers against hers instinctively.

It’s hard to feel… overwrought, and raw, and melancholy, when she’s so bright.

Even so, as much as he would love to take her up on this sudden offer, for it would be helpful to him on a logistical scale, too, he would truly be a cad if he did not clarify:]

Are you so willing to throw your lot in with me that you would… aid me on a whim? For a date?

[Oh, if only it were so simple.]

I would so love to say yes, but I must be honest with you, to give you the chance to change your mind. I am not here on contract. I’m here on personal request. Morgan’s personal request.

[Chuckling, Berna nods keenly though she tempers it by listening to Thomas as he curls his fingers around hers. Of course, it would be for Morgan. It has to do with why the security was tightening, why Thomas was being discreet and much more serious and focused.

And additionally, Berna did not like Morgan that much after their first meeting ended as well as it could have. She even told Jacob she wouldn't stick her nose into their work. This was unrelated and it would be perfectly fine, to let this be if it meant not helping those scoundrels indirectly if at all.

Witches, however, are extremely greedy creatures. Esoteric and obscure desires can make them stretch their morality in order to sate themselves.]

You make a good point. It would be unbecoming of me to be helpful to him even in a secondary manner...

[The witch gives him a radiant smile, the kind she knows that dazzles anyone when she wants to convince them and weaken their convictions.]

But I would do this for me, Thomas. Perhaps we can just see where this goes halfway and then I can remove myself, and disappear into thin air.

Besides, we would also have Antoine. You'll find that he is most suitable for operations that require, ah, forceful finesse.

[Far be it from him to judge her on malleable morality. Thomas knows that he is unbecoming, and perhaps he is all the more terrible for it for embracing it as part of his work. After all, he is doing this job willingly for his boss — even if his personal thoughts on Morgan are complicated and not always flattering.

Still, work is work. There is a thrill in stealing things, it’s true. It’s small compared to the release of his powers, but it’s better than nothing. And the item he’s here for? It’s important, or so he’s told.]

Where it goes halfway… Well, where is the harm in that? Yes. If it’s for you, then I will not stop you from indulging. And if Antoine wishes to aid us, too, I can hardly say no.

[He squeezes her hands again, then flicks his gaze over to the items on display.]

Do you see that one there? The tiny, flowering plant with the violet buds? It appears so boring compared to the rest, but there’s a reason why it’s being put on auction. A very rare and very mystical species. Perhaps it is the last of its kind.

My wishes are Antoine's. Though he can object since I do not like creating yes-men in my art.

[Antoine straightens himself out and readjusts his black gloves. He gives a friendly smile to the two of them.]

"We all know you rarely make good decisions Miss. It is my job to make them work."

[Now about that flower... She and Antoine look at the display and the tiny delicate buds Thomas points out to her. When he tells her it's the last of its kind, she hums, thinking.]

I believe the bidding for it hasn't started. Will we wait before or after the purchase?

[“Rarely make good decisions.” That makes Thomas quirk a grin again. Well, she’s in good company.]

All items will be brought into a secure back room once the bidding starts. Then they will be brought out one by one to be bid upon, then returned again until the auction is ended to be picked up by their newfound owners. I would much rather whisk the plant away before it is claimed by someone here first — we needn’t yet one more… disgruntled connection on our long list of them.

So, before the auction. Or during. Of course, it is not as though it will be easy. Security is on guard. And even here, I can sense a ward that bulwarks the storage area, trying to keep prying eyes out.

[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.

celebrate the night

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