finalflight | THE JARS THAT BLEED BEFORE THEY BREAK.

[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.

[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.

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