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Post by kumainpink on Jul 22, 2012 18:12:25 GMT -5
"And this is Rhea. She's a werewolf and new to this forest. Please be kind to her." Lucinda added, figuring it would be easier on the shy woman. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Yew and Calla."
---
"It's right up front. Right this way." He said, smiling lazily. He made sure that he was walking with her, and not in front - Maxwell didn't want Alice to feel as if she were being led, versus invited. It wasn't because she was to be lovely to look at, or that he wanted to converse with her as much as possible. Of course not! Though he couldn't deny that either of those things were true.
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 22, 2012 18:24:17 GMT -5
Harrigan threw his arms up, with a brilliant smile, and a wink in Rhea's direction, "How could we not be nice to a lovely young lady lile herself? My heart throbs at the site of her! How wondeful art thou, and thy humanity. Rhea, lovely name, may a humble soldier as myself grace thou hand and beg to know the true meaning of butterbeer?"
Alice walked beside Maxwell in comfort. He was so calm and mature, and he had such a charming smile. She wondered what he could possible appreciate from her.
"Is this it? It's huge! " she exclaimed, upon sighting a large black limosine, waiting out front for them. Up in the sky, the first few drops of rain began to fall.
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 22, 2012 18:32:46 GMT -5
Rhea looked at Lucinda gratefully- she, while not the shiest girl in the world, was not one for crowds. So, she merely nodded in agreement instead. However, the odd mention of Butterbeer pulled a response from her,
"Butterbeer?" Her tone was incredulous, "It's just a drink."
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 22, 2012 18:40:37 GMT -5
"Yes, I suppose it is." he said, fighting the urge to chuckle. "I've never really considered its size... this limo has been around for quite some time now. He felt the first drop of rain upon his skin, and opened the door. "After you, Miss Alice. Wouldn't want you to get wet."
----
Lucinda trilled a laugh at the response. Harrigan was proving to be an amusing centaur.
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 22, 2012 18:46:11 GMT -5
Alice found herself blushing as she stepped into the limo. Never in her wildest dreams had she expected to be treated so well by a man like Maxwell.
As she ducked in, her eyes darted around to the limo. The sleek black leather interiors, the wide space, the dark tinted windows, it all felt like a dream.
"Thank you again," she called out, "For everything today. It's been so long since I had someone so concerned over me."
Harrigan was not the least bit deterred from Rhea's incredulity. It made him more determined to question her until she satisfied his thirst for answers.
"Do you bother everyone you meet with questions on stupid things? And ro think I got upyou that damn recipe" called Lexie's voice. She sounded exasperated and amused.
"Lexie!" cried out Calla, relieved to see the girl and interrupting Harrigan's excitement.
"Calla, what are you doing here?" she asked, surprised.
"I came looking for you," she began, and then dropping her voice low, "We need to talk."
Yew being the only one to hear this glared at Lexie. She didn't like her. Calla Flower belonged to her! And so she fixed Lexie with her best glare.
Interrupting everything, "You got me the recipe!"
Harrigan's boyish face broke into a huge grin at the idea. Who knew Lexie would do such a thing for him? The vampiress had a softer heart than she showed apparently. He wanted to hug her in joy.
"Er, you can have it once we're done here," said Lexie, looking at the large group curiously, "What's going on here anyways?"
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 22, 2012 18:51:50 GMT -5
Maxwell frowned at that, as he took his seat and closed the door behind him. It shouldn't have mattered, but the more he heard about Alice's plight, the less he liked about it. Not enough money to eat? Having nobody care for her? It just seemed so...lonesome. He shook himself from that particular train of thought, and gave her a bittersweet smile. "Would you allow me to rectify that?"
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 22, 2012 18:52:40 GMT -5
"When is the battle going to begin?" The outburst came from Jei, who, until now had been behind his mother with Xie. Now he stepped around Kei and tilted his head curiously.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 22, 2012 18:56:35 GMT -5
Lucinda sighed. She didn't want the children to be here, but figured that they had the right to know. "I honestly do not know. There are murmurs and whispers, but the humans seem to be keeping this detail secret. For now, all we can do is ready ourselves, train and hide those who are not willing or able to fight."
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 22, 2012 19:06:51 GMT -5
"Wait, what?" asked Lexie, absolutely confused. She knew of the battle already, she'd heard the whispers, but to jump from a hamburger recipe fo war was confusing.
"What about the kids? Where do they go?" asked Lexie.
"Rodimus said it might come to that, the herd is preparing. I volunteer myself to protect the foals," said Harrigan, his smile turning to a frown.
Alice felt her heart almost leap out of it's chest. Maxwell's smile combined with his question caught her completley off guard.
"How so?" she asked in a surprised squeak.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 22, 2012 19:15:36 GMT -5
"And you are very noble for doing so, Harrigan." Lucinda said kindly. She then looked to Kei. "I have something special that I'd like to give the three of you - a gift that will help you in this time of crisis. I will also be offering it to as many creatures as I can - though it will be a slow process. I've used a lot of my own magic today, and find myself rather exhausted."
---
"Take us to the Solei Cafe, my good man." he said to the driver behind the tinted glass.
"Right away, Mr. Rosebane."
He then looked to her once more. "Nothing too out of the way, I promise. I'm merely offering my services as a friend. I know this is quite sudden, but I'd like to get to know you better. Is that alright, or do I ask too much of you?"
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 22, 2012 19:26:14 GMT -5
Alice felt herself relax. Friendship she could handle, presents she could not. After all, she wasn't a charity case. She didn't want to burden anyone with her problems either.
"I'd be honored to become a friend of yours," said Alice smiling up at him with her warmest smile, "Though I doubt I'm all that interesting Mr. Rosebane."
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 22, 2012 19:31:26 GMT -5
Maxwell beamed at her. "We'll just have to see about that, won't we? In the meantime, why don't you tell me a bit about yourself? I'll be sure to do the same in turn." With a snap of his fingers, a goblet of sparkling pumpkin juice appeared. "We'll be there in about fifteen minutes. If you find yourself thirsty, snap your fingers and think of what you want."
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 22, 2012 19:36:13 GMT -5
"Ah, I'm not too fussy, you can choose for me," said Alice in amazement.
"Well, I'm nineteen right now, I graduated Hogwarts a year ago, around the same time my parents passed away. I've been working since to clear their debts off. Growing up I never realised how much money the owed people since we were well to do, but since they're passing... I guess I grew up a lot. They were wonderful people, and raised me to be trussting and kind."
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 22, 2012 19:45:47 GMT -5
"Hm... you look like someone who might enjoy a sweeter drink..." Maxwell snapped his fingers, and a delicate, non-alcoholic strawberry daiquiri appeared beside her. "I think you might like this much better than what I'm drinking." He paused for a moment. "It sounds like your parents were good people, and losing them must have been hard." He frowned, before deciding that it would be best to be honest with her, as well. "It is never easy to lose your loved ones, and I feel your pain. Mine were 17 when they died." He eyed her closely before going a little in depth. "Died of a phoenix's curse."
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 22, 2012 19:46:06 GMT -5
"Thank you, but please don't exhaust yourself on the account of us." Kei replied quickly, she quite like the idea of having whatever gift the pheonix could offer- particularly for her children. Finally, Xie decided to speak up like her brother had,
"Can I go up to the school when the fight begins? I want to make sure the students aren't harmed." Kei looked upset at her daughter,
"Xie, I know you have a fondness for the human foals, but your main priority is yourself, all right?"
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 22, 2012 19:49:57 GMT -5
Lucinda nodded in agreement. "She is right, you know. When the time comes, I will see to it that the school is protected, as will others, I am sure. And Kei, it is no trouble at all." She then used her phoenix song to summon down an ancient, powerful magic. It surrounded the three unicorns with a bright, gold light, before fading away. "I have granted you three with the ability to heal each other. Be warned that you cannot heal yourselves, though."
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 22, 2012 19:54:02 GMT -5
Alice gasped as she took a sip of the sweet strawberry drink. Mr. Maxwell's eyes looked so pained. The poor man.
"I'm so sorry," she said, uncertainly placing a hand on his shoulder to offer him comfort, " Phoenix curses can do that thanks to their immortal flame."
She bit her tongue, hoping he hadn't caught the last part. No young girl should know of the flame after all.
Harrigan stepped up to offer his assistance, "Lady, I can take her with me. I'll be able to watch her for you and I'm sure having some company won't be dissatisfying."
He said this kindly to Kei as to not worry her. He could sympathize with the young unicorn, being left out was never fun.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 22, 2012 20:02:41 GMT -5
Maxwell's interest was suddenly peaked, but seeing the wary look on Alice's face, decided it was best that he back off. He hadn't known that a phoenix's immortal flame could do that. "Yes, well, thank you. I'm sorry for your loss as well.he sighed listlessly and took a sip of his drink. "Mind if I ask how you came to be at the Ministry?"
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 22, 2012 20:08:32 GMT -5
Alice sighed in relief as she continued sipping her drink. She hadn't been caught. She removed her hand from Mr. Rosebane's shoulder Before answering his question.
"It's a rather simple story Mr. Rosebane. Since I was jobless and the few funds I had were running out, I gave up on healing, and my Care of Magical Creatures teacher gave me a glowing recommendation to get into the Department of Regulations for Magical Creatures. Unfortunately, no position was available, so I was shunted into a clerical position since the recommendation was rather good," said Alice. "Is it rude of me to ask how old you are, and what it is you do Mr. Rosebane?"
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 22, 2012 20:18:24 GMT -5
"I see. Well that is quite the shame. Someone with such high recommendations shouldn't be shunted into such a boring position." he looked out the window, and could see that they'd soon be arriving at their first destination.
"No, it isn't rude to ask. I am 40 years old, and I suppose it would be best to call me a philanthropist, and a freelance political adviser. As the head of the Rosebane family, I became in charge of quite the fortune. I use my money and connections to work toward a better, brighter world." he chuckled a little.""Unfortunately, the fact that I get so involved has given me a grayer reputation than I'd like."
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 22, 2012 20:18:31 GMT -5
Kei nodded her thanks to Lucinda, "Thank you very much, this is an invaluable gift." When Harrigan offered to watch Xie, Kei was a bit wary. She didn't like the idea of handing her daughter to another, and she doubted Xie would very much like.... However, she liked the idea of her daughter being out of the line of fire. In fact, she would much like it if Jei accompanied them.
"If you don't terribly mind." She replied to the centaur, seeing Xie about to protest, she quickly added, "Also, I would like Jei to accompany you and Xie- you may find that they both have gifts that will help if you were to find yourself in a sticky situation."
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 22, 2012 20:22:11 GMT -5
Harrigan raised an eyebrow. He wasn't going to question Kei on her decision. The idea of two, young gifted foals accompanying him frightened him, but he knew he was skilled enough at archery to keep them safe.
"It's my honor to have them on my side," said Harrigan, "Two gifted foals make for gifted allies."
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 22, 2012 20:27:26 GMT -5
Aloce nodded in response. Thay explained why Eleazar was so distrusting of the man. How noble he was, helping ladies, striving for a better world, and being kind to all. She admired him.
"It must be hard to get discriminated against like that. Especially when all your doing is working to acheive such a noble goal. I hope I can assist you," said Alice.
The limo came to a stop outside the cafe.
"It looks like we're here," said Alice, setting down her half-empty drink.
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Post by Nahara46 on Jul 22, 2012 20:27:46 GMT -5
Jei was outraged, he had been quite happy to know he was finally going to get caught up into something interesting, and he wasn't happy to hear his mother trying to get him out of it.
"Mother! I want to fight, so I can help protect the forest!" Kei gave him a severe look,
"Jei, your only concern is yourself," Then her voice softened, "Anyways, I'm trusting you to protect your sister as well." Xie wanted to say something about not being entirely useless, but shut up when she noticed how Jei cooled down a bit. He wasn't pleased, but he was protective of his sister, so he could accept this duty.
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 22, 2012 20:35:06 GMT -5
Maxwell was positively radiant. It seemed that his honesty had gained him far more favor than a lie would have. "That is very kind of you, Miss Alice. For now, there is no need to worry. But if you feel you can assist, and want to, you're more than welcome." He polished off the last of his drink. "And yes, it seems we have." He cast an Impervius on both himself and Alice, to keep them from getting soaked, before opening the door on his side. "Shall we indulge ourselves tonight?"
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 22, 2012 23:55:06 GMT -5
Alice smiled at the offer as she exited the limousine. Maxwell's kindness seemed to exude from him.
"I'm here for you tonight. Let's make the most of it Mr. Rosebane," said Alice nervously, "Shall we get a table?"
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 23, 2012 0:00:49 GMT -5
"But of course." He said pleasantly. He walked to the door and opened it for her. "After you, Miss Alice."
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 23, 2012 0:11:30 GMT -5
Alice entered the cafe. It was just as she remembered it. Private booths lined the corners. All along the floors, partisions were erected and booths placed between them. The cafe had dimmed it's lighting for evening, and just a few candles flickered on each table. The red and orange color scheme played around the room. The room itself was warm and the waitress kind.
She led the two to a two-seater table and made some promises about a menu before stalking off. Alice smiled at Maxwell as she slid into the comfortable couch like booth chairs. The booth rounded rather than faced off, giving the two the opportunity to sit across from each other, or beside.
"It's been so long since I've been here," began Alice, "I can't thank you enough for inviting me Mr. Rosebane."
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Post by kumainpink on Jul 23, 2012 0:20:07 GMT -5
"You are more than welcome, Miss Alice. While this is a lovely place, it is so much better when one has a companion to eat with." Maxwell said, opting to sit in front of her. " Thank you for accompanying me."
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Post by G. Novella on Jul 23, 2012 0:22:49 GMT -5
"You're very welcome, but I have no idea how I'm repaying your favor, when it seems more like I'm being pampered," accused Alice teasingly.
The waitress returned and lay out two menus in front of them.
"You told me at lunch you eat by yourself during lunches, but what about dinners?"
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