Blackhaven: Fractured Faerie Tales

Declan had slept it off, the futon in the office wasn't so horrible to sleep on, besides that trip to Neverland taught him how to appreciate having a comfortable place to sleep. Sure he'd cleaned up a bit from his battle with Peter the night before, but he was now in the sauna trying to relax a bit, more so for the sore muscles. Winston had indicated where Declan was to Oriana and would have one of the brooms show her if she so wanted.

She needn't worry he was wearing swim trunks, knowing full well he had company he actually had the for thought to put them on in case she happened or needed to come into the sauna area. He was bruised and there were lacerations that weren't there before, the rib he'd cracked several weeks ago had healed mostly due to his uncle's healing spell. There wasn't a TV in this sauna, they'd removed it when it was remodeled, but they left in the stereo system, and Declan trying to see if there was more about the fire in the news turned it on after he dumped some water on the hot stones. What heard was that obnoxious DJ plugging some events going on and being full of herself, not to mention stating everything bad in town was everyone else's fault.

He hated this morning show, more so the people that had this form of arrogance, the ones that clearly thought they were superior to others, Horvath had this same sort of complex. He was more than relieved to hear that the police were simply calling it an electrical fire...but wouldn't release the identity of the body they'd found. There were bigger issues now...in form of those monsters that Horvath had let loose, not to mention Achilles being in town.

Declan had already had breakfast at the insistence of Winston, smoked salmon, eggs, and toast. He needed to make a call, so he decided to cut the sauna time short and head back up to the main floor, but not before putting on a sleeveless shirt after toweling off, he still had the towel about his head as if it were a hood when he came up the stairs and went for the main phone...he'd tell Oriana later what was going on.

"Yes, I need to make a reservation for two at the Capricorn, yes Dionysus knows me, name? It'll be under Mr. and Mrs. Robertson. That's right staying for two nights, yes luxury suite, no, no theme room or romantic room, just the business luxury. Thanks."

Dionysus' casino and resort in town was hard to get into, but when it came to dealing with Achilles and the rest of those rowdy Greeks that was the place to be, Hercules and Phil had just provided general information, it was up to Declan and Oriana to do the leg work on the rest. Besides battling those creatures, especially the gorgon sisters, would require certain items, and they needed to know where to get them. The only place that would know for sure...well he'd just made them a reservation at.

Thinking again...he pulled out his smartphone...and dialed the Hatter's number. Voicemail.

"You and I need to have a talk Hatter, you know where and when. And you know damn well who this is about."

He tossed his smartphone back on the table, before heading into the dining area, Merida wasn't due back till that evening, what Declan didn't know is if she would be alone or not.

"I see you're up, did you sleep okay?"

He wasn't being aggressive, it was concern given the nature of the night Oriana had to have experienced. He turned on the TV and was channel surfing just to see if there was something Oriana wanted to watch.
 
Oriana jumped, her question to Winston was left unanswered as Declan walked in right at that moment. Her eyes widened at the sight of his lacerations and wondered what had happened to him. Had the Ripper paid him a visit first? But he had seemingly been fine last night? Or had she simply not noticed. “I…yeah, I guess.” She answered, sleep had been fitful but there was no need to add to his worry.

A quick glance around and she spotted a large first aid kit on top of the fridge, it only took a moment to stiffly walk over there and pick it up. She found some balm that would help and bandages and made her way back to him, taking the remote out his hand and dropping it on the table. The channel was stuck on some children’s tv show for now and it was just mindless background noise.

She frowned, pushing him down to sit at a chair and unscrewed the top to the balm. “I’ll tell you what happened to me…and you’ll tell me what happened to you.” It wasn’t a request because now she knew that secrets would only get them both in trouble. Her fingers were gentle as she spread the balm over the bruising around his rib area first. Luckily, she knew it wouldn’t sting. Much. “Last night…after you left, I’d just finished my bath when-“Her voice shook in some places as she explained what had occurred up until when she had found herself at his door. It had been a rather terrifying occurrence after all. “But…I need to tell you why the Ripper had me on his list…and I might have people coming at me now because of it.”

She sighed again, sitting next to him and spreading the balm just above his marks, or the mark of the dragon or so he’d told her. He had some other scars, but she didn’t want to pry too much plus she had much to explain to him and perhaps very little time. For all she knew Gawain would be knocking on the door any minute.

“I…never told you who I actually was. My mother is Dame Gothel, yeah….” She nodded almost angrily, “That Gothel. Kidnapper extraordinaire. Got off for it citing mental health. You might know your fathers’ friend? That business tycoon Frederick Corona? Well, his daughter was taken by my Mother as a child. I’m one year older than Zel-I mean Rapunzel. You probably saw on the television…that last year she escaped…with the help of a thief. That’s a long story…but the problem was I had grown up in the tower too. Rapunzel was confined in the high tower and I…in the main rooms with Mother, except I had some freedom…at least more so than Zel. I thought….I was told Rapunzel was mentally unstable and I just grew up thinking she was my real sister…and Mother was this hyper protective woman who had some rather sinister ideas at times…but I was naïve. It never did occur to me that Mother would not age and that she was so overtly obsessed with Zels hair and beauty. Mostly I’d just be envious of the attention she got but still I would try to help Zel…although I was never allowed to tell her who I was. Or be seen by her. I even got her a chameleon on the sly…for company. Anyways…. when the truth finally came out, Mother and I had a massive argument and I ran away…” She swallowed, “I came to Blackhaven…I didn’t want to go back, I didn’t want to be a kidnapper’s daughter and Rapunzel…hated me, I think. I was a bad reminder of what she’d been through. Plus, despite us growing up under the same roof…she didn’t know me. I was a stranger to her. I had nothing to stay in that city for.”

Oriana paused, smoothing fresh bandages around Declan’s chest. “I was sleeping rough…I didn’t have much and neither did I want Mothers help…she was having all these ideas that I should settle down with some rich guy…and not once had she admitted her wrong doings.” She shook her head, “It was a mess. I was in the Enchanted Woods, you know the Park on the outskirt of Blackhaven? One night…a group of other homeless men had me cornered…mostly for the food I had on me, but obviously there intentions weren’t great either…but almost as if by magic Lancelot appeared and fixed everything. And there started this whole damn mess.” She wiped the excess balm off on the sweatpants she was wearing, loose as they were and took a deep breath to then launch into her second explanation of the morning.

Oriana tried to keep her voice stable, but it was difficult not to get angry at the memories and how they’d led to the situation with the Ripper.

When she finished she had her head in her hands, “I’m not a prostitute…yes I danced for the Hatter…but, I never-I shouldn’t have been on the Rippers list had it not been for Lancelot…and I think…maybe the Ripper was after me more because of the fact, I’m a monster…of some kind.” She looked worriedly at Declan, “When I get like that…that fire is uncontrollable…I can’t reign it in and one day, I’ll do worse…and someone will have to put a stop to it. Someone will have to put a stop to me, right?” She wondered if that person was going to be Declan himself.

“Winston I need a drink!” She ended with a desperate look around for the bulldog come butler, her throat parched from all the talking and worse more the memories. It was barely even 9am, but Oriana was more than ready for some damn Whisky.

At least she had been productive whilst explaining her history. Declan by now was properly bandaged up and every laceration had been taken care of. In her distraction Oriana hadn’t even noticed that his bruises had healed under her touch and any open wounds had started stitching themselves together, the balm itself wasn’t magical but it seemed the redhead’s intentions for Declan to be well were.
 
"Monster? No you're not a monster, though the world will think you are. My mother is the high priestess of Avalon and my uncle Merlin's younger sister, despite what the rumors are...we do not have demonic blood in our line. Yes it's divine, clearly you can see there's no divinity in my father...though he fears my powers, much like others do..."

He was going to need to go for broke here to ease her, it was never easy to open up for him, after the number Tinkerbell had done it could be understood, but as she'd indicated, there should be no more secrets between them on certain things. She was going to have to trust him and he was going to have to trust her. He couldn't explain everything...it was hard to do she'd have to see the grimoire to understand fully, but he didn't know how she'd be able to do so.

"I've never crossed paths with your mother officially, though when I was in training with uncle Merlin, there was mention of a woman with long hair named Rapunzel, we were in Denmark at the time doing a favor for Odin involving one of the Frost Giants. It was a tough learning curve for me...your mother was trying to arrange a marriage, I am not sure why, my uncle refused on my behalf. That was about the extent I knew of Dame Gothel...except for the times she held parties, that my father insisted we attend. Corona is indeed acquainted with dad...but I am not sure how close if at all they are."

She needed to know his bad blood with Peter...that couldn't sit the way it was.

"I know you saw Peter Pan there with the bride of Pan: Wendy. Peter and I have had quite the history, I knew him when he was simply Peter Piper, son of the famed pepper tycoon that you find those pickled peppers in the store. Well Peter wasn't keen on that life, and made a deal with the god Pan...mostly out of jealousy to my being the next sorcerer...well Peter gained eternal youth however he's bound as the guardian of Neverland in exchange. Still he's got a sense of arrogance that he got the lesser of the deal...he did, I am not bound the way he is. So he thought when the thinkg with Excalibur happened...that he had an upper hand, but Tinkerbell changed sides and I was involved with her...well you Aphrodite, had noticed before all this that I had a stupid teenage crush on Wendy...that was lost when Tinkerbell and I got together, Peter didn't like that I'd taken one of his women more so that I had a crush on his bride. So every chance he gets...he makes an attack on me, seeing you at the ball with me...well set him over the edge again."

Declan had been used to dealing with Peter, he was more a nuisance to him than anything at this point, Horvath was really the more dangerous one. Explaining the monster thing to her was going to take some charisma, and he was far from James Bond, though he had enough charm to make it work.

"No, you're not a monster, nor am I going to have to stop you. If you were a monster or just a normal person, you'd not be able to touch me the way you have, remember how I said people get burned at my touch? You don't, so you're not. Sure maybe those people think that, but they always fear what they don't know. Besides you'd not be accepted as an apprentice if you were a monster."

He'd have to break the latest to her, the phone conversations.

"Given that was your apartment building that burned, I've had the brooms and mops set up a room for you here, once you're settled a bit we'll go shopping to replace your clothes and any other furniture. I've made a couple of calls this morning as well, one regarding the Tea Party...the Hatter's going to give you a nice severance paycheck, otherwise I he's going to wear his balls as earrings. I know you feel the need to work a job...so Merida is going have you as a personal assistant. The other call, is regards to what Horvath let loose, unfortunately we don't have the items to deal with those issues, there's only one place in town that might, The Capricorn, you know the casino/resort that Dionysus owns, next weekend I have us registered to stay under Mr. and Mrs. Robertson, we'll talk more about that later."

Declan was in no place to judge Oriana's dancing with the Hatter, but the Hatter was going to be losing some money to her that was for certain, and he'd deal with Lancelot in time, he just needed something on him first and approval to deviate from his labors. Again that would be something Oriana would need to consult the grimoire on, he couldn't talk about it, it was too painful and only Hades, Persephone, Merida, and of course Merlin knew about it.

Winston in the meantime had summoned the tailoring kit to help get Oriana an outfit to wear out for the day so they could replace her wardrobe, they'd have to change sizes, but could do it with ease, all she needed to do was specify what she wanted to wear.
 
#110
“I’d be in the basement for those parties…until I got to age eighteen, then suddenly she saw me in a different light.” Oriana scoffed, Gothels parties had always been outlandish but a method for her to show off her ‘beauty’. It was a relief to know he didn’t believe her to be a monster, but feelings could change and so did outlooks. For now, she allowed him to reassure her with an agreeable nod.

“I’m not sure…” She murmured, in respect of offering her a room and a job with Merida. She wanted to trust him and did to a degree, otherwise she wouldn’t have run here last night instead of going into hiding. But after the number Lancelot had done, it was difficult to allow a male personality to tell her things were just that easy. “Declan…” It was odd to say his name as when things were less serious, she was always trying to find various ways to make fun of him, “The last time a bloke tried to give me a roof over my head and a job…it ended really badly. I…do trust you but I’d feel safer if I still looked for a job elsewhere.” Not that it would be easy. “But for the interim…thank you.” She didn’t want to sound ungrateful and finding a new job, perhaps one not as seedy as the Tea Party would take a while.

She’d burned a few bridges last night at the ball…

"Is there a reason we have to attend as a married couple?” Oriana found herself asking with a confused look on her face, his words about next weekend finally registering. Before he could answer, clothes started hovering in front of her, shirts and trousers of various colours and styles. She rolled her eyes at Winston, “Don’t waste any time, do you?” She asked, giving the bulldog a wry smile but picking a black shirt and trouser piece for simplicity sake. They were one size too big, Merida wasn’t a large girl by any means it was just Oriana was slimmer than most. Living on noodles did that to you.

“That’ll do me…honestly.” Kindness was something that would always overwhelm her. When it was directed at her that is.

It was interesting his history with Peter Pan, she hadn’t imagined Declan could have a crush on anyone but perhaps that was because usually he came across so proper and cordial, arguing over a girl seemed…so out there but he was talking about the past. He was talking about his teen self and if someone like Peter was so inclined to keep up the animosity then she couldn’t judge him on that.
 
"I understand that things didn't go well the last time, however that's not the case here, you'll see that in time. I understand you want to find a job and make your way. But you are an apprentice, your finances are more secure now than you know, except if you're going to inherit anything from Dame Gothel, and it doesn't sound as if you are."

It was shortly after that as he went to get something to wear, he'd noted the healing on the nice little scratches Peter and Wendy had inflicted. It was rarity to see that sort of power outside certain groups. He didn't say anything about it as he didn't want to confound the situation any further. Trying to tell Oriana that she needn't worry about money any more was more difficult than he imagined.

"It's a cover...call it a way to keep certain types of people away from you. Satyrs and nymphs run the Capricorn and the one thing they respect above all is married couple, plus it's a good way to get the proper information, after all you are still in training and part of what we do is get information on those things we deal with that are out of the norm."

Thinking back to those parties that Oriana had mentioned, Declan was also kept at a distance due to his powers, they often gave Fergus the wrong sort of attention and left Eleanor having to do damage control. It was easier when they boys ran amok...that was expected.

"Oh I didn't get to enjoy Dame Gothel's parties...dad was always up tight more so when I was asked to do magic tricks to entertain the stuffed shirts. You cannot imagine how relieved I was to leave, or when uncle Merlin wouldn't allow me to accompany the rest of the family. Dad will never allow my name to be Dunbroch, it's just as well, my mother and uncle's surname is more suitable to me."

Declan checked the weather report, no rain, just chilly. Jeans and a 3/4 sleeved shirt would do, though he'd wear his fleece vest for this late autumn day, he wasn't expecting any trouble given all the attention to Mayor White's re-election campaign that was picking up in the month of November. Sure she would probably send one of her dwarves to them with any issues she wanted cleaned up quietly...but Declan had labors to attend to first.

"Don't worry about your monetary situation, if you don't want to work with Merida, there's a spot at the university's history department, Athena and Freyja are the head's of it and are friends of mine, we can see about getting you on there if you feel the need to work."

Sure there were probably questions on what Declan actually did for a living, but it was obvious, he ran the Arcana Cabana, the income was more than enough, plus the money he got from his father and Eleanor. While he did come from money, he never acted as if he did unlike his triplet brothers...who Merida had texted him about...they'd be in town in about 2 weeks. Great.
 
Whilst Declan was gone for the short time to change, Winston had tailored some clothes for her which she quickly showered for and changed into. Her hair was already washed from last night so she simply finger combed it into a French braid.

When Declan returned to the living room, she was only minutes behind him when he explained the need for them to attend Capricorn as a married couple. It seemed he really did have a reason for everything. “I suppose…I’ll need clothes then.” Oriana lamented, knowing that this would be another awkward past time. “…will you come with me? I-“ Truth be told she was afraid of what people would say to her and also if she would get arrested for another arson case. Gawain could not be trusted. “I…don’t think it’s a good idea for me to be going around alone for at least a few days. We ruffled some feathers at the ball.”

The only thing she didn’t have to step outside with was a jacket and some shoes but she imagined Winston could knock those up for her too if he wanted.

Oriana didn’t want to spend Declans money but it wasn’t as if she could keep wearing Winston’s design of the day. More so she needed undergarments and other items to stock up the bathroom with. “If you have time that is.” She wasn’t aware that his brothers were going to be popping in the next two weeks but if she had, perhaps would have demanded Declan find her alternative accommodation now that very instant.

These events Declan kept dragging her too were costly as well and most times she didn’t know what to purchase or how he wanted her to look…
Thoughts were already crossing her mind about gaining this new job he was mentioning, working for Athena didn’t sound too bad and if she worked hard and long hours then hopefully within a week or two, she could down a deposit on another flat. Heck, even board with a roommate? Oriana wasn’t picky. The only issue with staying at Arcana Cabana for long was that she was sure Declan would never take rent money from her.

Being indebted to someone for too long simply didn’t sit well with her. It was something Dame Gothel would do…and if her Mother approved of an action then Oriana instinctively disapproved it.

There was one thing that Oriana believed she should have done earlier but it had been difficult since she had only just bandaged Declan up but now that he was dressed, she awkwardly went over and hugged him lightly. “And erm…thanks, for last night…and for well everything.” It was difficult for her to accept help and to trust the individual for doing so without wanting to gain anything from her.
 
"Yes, I figured I'd go with you, since I have no clue what types of clothes or furniture you need, take my brown leather jacket, it should fit you, it's a bit chilly outside."

Along with his vest, Declan preferred jackets that had hoods or at least ones he could wear a zip up hooded sweat shirt under, this was no different give the coolness of the autumn day. This particular coat he pulled out to wear was a dark brown one with a hood, it was lined for cold weather but not of the puffy variety, it almost looked as if it were a heavier windbreaker.

"Oh and for the casino, there's no need for formal attire, it's pretty casual, like the majority that go, we're going play as if we're on holiday or if you prefer...teachers on sabbatical."

His brothers weren't due in town for a couple of weeks, he wasn't sure what exactly they were coming in for...other than to be a pain in his ass, he was sure the excuse was Merida though, that's often what it was. Still he needed to make sure that Oriana was comfortable, or as comfortable as she could be here.

"Probably goes without saying, but I am going to anyways. I am sure you're viewing this living arrangement oddly, but just think of it this way, when I was an apprentice, I lived mostly with my uncle and auntie, and was often out training with my uncle. Think of it in a similar light, I know it's not home, but I am hoping you'll get to see it that way. Plus it'll be easier for you to train after all. Again, don't worry about your finances, Winston will be clearing up any debts and you don't need to pay anyone here back okay? Clear that thought."

For the first time Declan didn't nearly jump out of his skin when Oriana hugged him, it almost felt natural to him...kind of like before Tinkerbell...no...compare it to Merida that would be easier than having that dagger go through the heart again...

"You never need to say thank you...okay? I just hope you can some day see not everyone has some ulterior motive. I think we'll skip the training room today, and instead we'll focus on the illusion portion, I'll explain when were out and about."

He was gambling slightly, he had no way of knowing what exactly Oriana's abilities outside the fire and now healing were...not all magic users could do what the and his uncle could do with magic...though Declan couldn't see in to the future like Merlin, he had the ability to read almost any ancient scrolls, texts, and tomes...except for the ones written in druidic, that language was only spoken and written in Avalon now...and though his mother and uncle were able to read that language, he couldn't.

Declan made sure to grab his phone, Winston had other things to tend to...so who to leave in charge? The stone guardians gifted to him were just security, they couldn't deal with the customer base. Merida wasn't due home till much later, the brooms and mops had other duties such as completing the finishing touches on Oriana's room. That left him with one choice, the gargoyle...

"Victor, you're in charge, don't sell any of the candles without ID, remember what happened with Jack B. Nimble...the docks district still isn't happy with me after he jumped over and toppled that last candlestick we sold."

"Look sorcerer, I know how to handle things, besides you were told that selling that thing to him was a bad idea...especially that blue candle."
 
Oriana gratefully pulled the coat on, mostly because after the run in the cold last night she wanted to shield her body from the elements. Surprisingly it fitted well, in a purposefully baggy way and didn’t hinder her movements. The only thing she had to do was pull up the sleeves slightly.

“I understand…and I’ll try to think positively about staying here.” Oriana could only offer an attempt to try and make this her home but it would seemingly take a few attempts to leave to alleviate her concerns that she was actually truly welcome here without any other obligations. She was rather excited about not training within the confines of the training room but at the same time apprehensive to be seen by others out an about. It couldn’t be helped, however. She couldn’t live in Declan’s clothes forever.

Winston at that point, as if he was clued into Declans intentions for the day patted over and dropped a pair of flats that suspiciously fit her feet perfectly. They were still blistered from yesterdays run but Oriana slipped them on anyway with a narrow of her eyes to the butler bulldog. “It’s almost like you knew I’d need these one day…” She whispered to the dog.

Once Declan had finished his errands she stepped out of the building with an apprehensive sigh and didn’t even realised she was walking with a drag of her heels. Beyond the shops such as Cinderella’s Fine Ladies Wear, which was a rather snooty establishment there were three elderly ladies who handled a smaller clothing business.

It was cheaper too and Oriana had no intention of spending more of Declans money than she absolutely had to. She led him to F2 and Merryweather’s Gifts and Designs for All Kind.

Fauna, the main owner of the small boutique had a magical quality about her where she knew what you needed and had come in for before you had opened your mouth to even request your items. As such, when Oriana and Declan entered, she already had set out a pile of undergarments to which Oriana gave a sheepish look to Declan as if mentally requesting he look away. The other piles consisted of every basic top and jeans style one could need and a few more impressive pieces.

“Hi Fauna, how are your sisters.” She asked politely, grabbing a basket and putting in the less lacey sets into it and pretended not to notice when the woman gave her a knowing look. No doubt she made an odd impression wearing Declans jacket. Don’t get the wrong idea and try to bless us or something, you batty woman.

As well meaning as she was, Fauna did like to overtly Mother her sometimes. Perhaps she knew instinctively that she’d not had the correct upbringing at the hands of Dame Gothel.

“All well deary, they’ve headed up to a Christening for our great niece, but I said I’d stay back and hold the fort.” Fauna gave a polite nod to Declan before plonking a large vanity case.

“Oh, I won’t be needing that.” Oriana waved her hand at the box filled with cosmetics and various perfumes.

“Oh, I think you shall.” Fauna insisted, pushing it on the counter closer to Oriana despite her repeated statements of not requiring those items. “On the house now, don’t say no to a gift now will you?” Fauna was a very petite woman, you could barely see her head from behind the counter where you stood but her voice stood firm and face was such that you simply could not argue with it.

“Thank you, since I know better than to argue with you I won’t say no but any sho-“ Oriana was interrupted when at least eight pairs of flats, shoes and boots in various colours flew over the counter and the redhead blinked at them all. “Only one pair of boots is needed!” This time she held up her hand and gave the other woman a pleading look. “Don’t give him ideas.” She whispered, looking uncomfortable but nodding at the then presented long ankle length trench coat. It was good for the weather they were experiencing. Freezing cold and bitterly hitting them in the bones.

Honestly Oriana was worried Declan would just buy anything she put in front of him and she was not interested in using him in that way. He wasn’t a go to fund. It was just this one-off emergency situation.

“Do you need anything whilst we are here Batman?” Oriana asked, knowing that he got in so many fights that tearing his clothes was the norm… “Maybe some more shirts?”
 
Declan was smart enough to know what to do when a lady was shopping, Merida may have been very much a tomboy...but even she had her lady needs. All he did was avert his gaze and waited for when his input was needed if at all. Still he couldn't remember the last time he'd been in this place, Tinkerbell...the mere thought of her was bone crunching in a way...wasn't for the nice sort of stuff...she preferred placed like Hot Topic or those other places that gave off the "bad girl" impression. He never did shop with the other flings he'd had...well it just better not to think about that. He browsed while Oriana was talking to Fauna, no emotion was betrayed at Fauna's implications of Declan and Oriana part of it went over his head anyways as he wasn't paying close attention.

Hades had said there was some massive change with Declan after Tinkerbell, he'd been more cold and aloof than previously. He and Persephone didn't know the full story of what had happened only saw the blood bath that Mordred had wrought. Elsa thought she'd gotten to Declan's heart with ice, true some of the coldest blood ran through his veins at times, Oriana probably saw this at Mushu's and his stand off with Mulan and Ping. But what wasn't known is that he threw himself into these labors and other things to not think about it, Merida tried unsuccessfully to get her brother to get back to his normal self. Still throwing himself into studies of spells and the histories he was writing about. Still his manners were always there the coldness or emotionless and the not revealing everything were defensive as Merida would state, but she really didn't know as Declan wasn't even confiding in her, which was disturbing to her on some level. Merida was hoping that maybe Oriana could help in that regard.

He was lost in thought over his history with Peter and Wendy, only partly paying attention when Oriana made the comment about him needing shirts. She was right, bloodied and ripped up were what several of his shirts had become as of late...his No Fat Chicks shirt was still in tact, that's what was important to him. Fauna had actually picked out a set of boots the sorcerer needed, while he had a pair of black boots that he wore, he needed a tan or brown pair that were not snow/cold weather ones. Declan hated long-sleeved shirts, the one exception he made were the 3/4 sleeved ones. He always said that long-sleeved shirts interfered with his abilities to use magic.

Declan remained quiet allowing Oriana to get situated, adding some of his favorite graphic t shirts to the mix and put his credit card up to take care of the purchase. He didn't have much interaction with Fauna, Flora, and Meriwether sure they'd met at some of the events in town but none of the drama that seemed to plague Blackhaven involved them. Nor did his labors take him down their path. Still they knew him, mostly due to Fergus and Merlin.

Declan checked his phone, no messages thankfully. Still he wanted to make Oriana comfortable, he was checking to see what time one of the famed seven dwarves, Sleepy, furniture store was open. Given this was a Sunday, it only had short hours. For reasons he couldn't explain and the reaction he gave when he did it was odd.

"Thanks Fauna. Ori are you ready to go to Sleepy's?"

He'd grabbed her hand and didn't know why, as quickly as it happened it was done, he made a grab for the bags. His reaction was one of he thought she was going to take injury or get burned due to his touch, the other part was something else, he didn't know why. They were not training today and he was hoping no issues arose, sure he was expecting Mayor White's people to contact him for an endorsement on her re-election campaign. Of course Oriana was drawing interests from certain people, rumors would abound, that was the name of the game. Declan never cared for the rumors, he was sure they'd be the worst kind, in his own way he was trying to protect Oriana but sooner or later she'd be exposed to them.

The awkwardness was broken, when Declan got the text he wanted, it was either the Hatter or Alice, but they'd agreed to terms. They'd both have to meet at Moby Dick's Fish and Chips that evening. Well looks like they were having dinner out, not that Declan was opposed to that...though something came to mind.

"Fauna, I lost an overcoat when we visited the Addams' mansion...it wasn't my good one you and your sister's had done for me at Merida's request. Would it be possible---"

He didn't get to finish, she had it done for him in moments, to add to his black one and his dark brown one, she'd given him a red coat, a blue one, and a green one, all dark colors. While to the normal people they just looked like normal overcoats or trench coats. However Declan's coats always had something unique about them. Knowing full well that there maybe issues with fire later on...the red coat he was given would be fire proof, the blue one was water and ice proof...was well as electric proof, Zeus would have a hard time using his lighting on Declan. The green one was aside from Declan's favorite color, provided protection against poisons, acids, and similar to his brown one, provided some defense against bladed weapons.

He would have to do the same sort of request for Oriana later on, and he'd make that inquiry for her later. He didn't know what her preferred jacket was. He'd learned to like the over/trench coats for various reasons. The zip up hoodies he used in the Spring and Fall. The summer months he didn't use jackets or hoodies.

"I've got some good news for you Ori...I am hoping you like seafood, we're supposed to be at Moby Dick's at 1900 tonight."
 
Whilst Fauna had tidied up their bags for collection, Oriana had been reflecting how things could change in such a small time and how she felt better in herself for finally confiding in Declan. Admittedly it had been due to the Ripper attacking her but nonetheless the weight of the world was no longer on her shoulders. Perhaps just the weight of a country still, but everyone had baggage to an extent.

It was strange to see her style of clothes complement Declan’s choices but she didn’t comment on it and neither did Fauna. She preferred the plain slim line tops and jeans, form fitted but with enough stretch to help her…well, run away. You never knew when one had to ‘leg it’. His graphic shirts were a source of amusement but no surprise that there was an element of just a plain bloke underneath all the Sorcerer talk. When Fauna rang the total she visibly winced but Declan was already passing his credit card over with nonchalance and Oriana told herself that it was okay, since it wasn’t as if the whole amount belonged to her and Declan had made his own purchases. Quite a few in fact.

Ori? No one had called her that before…not that she had ever had friends to whom you could share nicknames with.

She liked it. It came past his lips simply and naturally, as if he’d been referring to her as that since forever instead of just randomly and in the middle of this shop.

“I’ve never had a nickname before.” Her voice was low, but not a whisper so could be heard by him and there was an aborted attempt to help him pick up the bags but he already had it well in hand. What she hadn’t expected to feel was rejection. He’d tried to grab her hand and had dropped it within the same instance…and her own feelings on that made no sense.

Oriana quickly dismissed them as dwelling on such things led to difficult situations.

“Bye Fauna! And-what, Moby Dicks…for what?” She shook her head, “I need to go to work for seven though, I have my shift at the Tea Party and I know I can work elsewhere but that hasn’t been finalised yet…I could do with the money I make tonight.” Oriana shrugged, “Is it something you can take Merida for instead?” There was one thing about Oriana she herself knew everyone detested about her. Being stubborn was part of her DNA and it would take someone with an extremely strong will and equally stubborn mindset to match up to her.

She was wondering when he would be showing illusion skills and whether she would be able to manage it. As they left the shop and started to walk to Sleepys she eyed the various items that crossed their path whilst window shopping.

Gosh, she hadn’t appreciated what she had until now. All her belongings had been lost to her own caused fire and even her small meager book collection…gone.

She’d worked hard to obtain the paperbacks on that particular shelf.

Her feet stopped outside the window of The Black Pearl and although her eyes were flicking between the shelf of ornaments, she did like the small ceramic dragons and always had since childhood. Although the Pearl was a pawn shop the windows were aligned with 'trinkets' that were always overpriced. Oriana would never buy from there but would occasionally walk past to have a good ogle at things she could never afford. There was suddenly a smiling face behind the shelves which made her jump lightly. It was Jack Sparrow and he had a strange look in his eyes. Ah, he’d recognised her from the Ball.

From what she had seen he was with Mulan, even though Oriana had thought she already had a husband or maybe that had been a publicity thing or an attempt to spark the rumour mill. In Blackhaven that was a decent thing for business and the townsfolk loved it.

Oriana hoped that they didn’t think that is what she had been doing with Declan, perhaps instead of trying to actively hide it she would simply tell people she was his apprentice.

He was her teacher for all intents and purposes. Maybe they’d get off her back then?

Jack was nodding his head at Declan through the window, a civil hello if you will even though there was a touch of grimace to his smile.

“He doesn’t like you much either does he?” Oriana sighed. It seemed very few were a fan of Declan within the town but that could be contributed to the level of corruption and wrong doings within these parts.
 
"You're going to get quite the severance check from Mr. Hatter, and if he fails to follow through...well, let's just say one he'll be wearing his ass for a hat and balls for earrings. You won't need to go back to the Tea Party unless we have business there. You'll be getting paid for tonight and for the rest of the month as well."

He wasn't trying to sound over protective, he was merely giving her the insight and attempting to get her to understand that she needn't worry about that Hatter nonsense. Declan had offered the Hatter an ultimatum and as Oriana knew the Hatter wasn't a moron, bat shit insane yes, moron no. Alice might have some objection, but that's why Declan chose to bring Oriana with him...that and he felt they needed to bond if they were going to be master-student.

"Well while we're not training today...there is something you can keep in mind. Remember what I said about your surroundings? Emotions? The progress you're making is impressive and you're ready for the next circle. Meeting the Hatter and Alice tonight will be the next step, which you'll see when we get there. The key thing to remember, is channel those emotions tonight, focus them in one place."

Declan paid Sparrow's suggestive gestures and nod no mind, focusing where he should on Oriana's gazing into the Black Pearl sure the odds and ends in there were acquired legally others not so much. Declan had to admit his own hand in getting some of those goods...for both Mulan and Sparrow. What the nature of their relationship was he had no idea nor did he even want to know, Mulan like so many other women of her standing had a harem and the rumor mill was something she loved stirring. Declan however, scared Mulan something about him to her was unnatural and the look in his eyes. The fact that he was Merlin's nephew...well that sealed it. Still Fa Mulan was jealous of Oriana to some degree, why? It wasn't known.

"Ori, he fears me...as does Mulan. I don't know why they fear me...but they do. There are some that don't like me which is true, but that's their issue."

He thought a moment, the fire must have cost Oriana most of her belongings...possibly personal ones at that...he felt bad about that...

"Look, the Black Pearl isn't the best place to replace your belongings...we have plenty of time till we need to meet the Hatter. If you want, we can do that shopping too. As I said, you needn't worry about money anymore."

The only decent place on this side of town was the famed Hansel and Greta bakery and sandwich shop. Declan made a point to stop in for a moment, after the stare down with Jack Sparrow. The famed Gingerbread Man was famous for the baked goods here, and in fact owned several sweet shops to rival that whacky Wily Wonka's. Still he'd never forgotten where he came from, and often helped Hansel and Greta out. Declan ordered a delivery of a Norwegian sour cream cake and cream cheese dainties cookies...afternoon tea was going to be needed. Declan noticed he was standing closer to Oriana than he normally was...she didn't seem to object...but he was hesitant and fought the urge to grab her hand again. This was difficult for him...part of it was, that he was fighting the ring as well.

After leaving Hansel and Greta's they walked a bit further until they'd reached Sleepy's furniture...still struggling with the proximity to Oriana he wasn't sure quite how to react...but kept icy calm...opening the door for her to enter.
 
“But-I-“ Oriana sighed, he had taken over slightly but he wasn’t wrong. Working for the Mad Hatter was simply draining her soul and chipping away at her self-worth. Even if she did stay away from the VIP area upstairs with the rest of Alice’s girls that didn’t mean their clients didn’t try to make continuous passes at her.

Going into the bakery was an exciting feeling, mostly because it was another thing, she’d just walk past drooling but not purchasing. This time, in the name of a sugar fix, accepted the cookies with a small smile and a murmured thanks.

Many times, people, especially Natalya complained she was oblivious except when someone made inappropriate remarks about her but this time, she did notice Declan’s nearness. It was difficult not to with his ring mentally pinging at her. She didn’t comment to him about it and put it to the fact that Declan may be shielding her from someone considering what had happened last night. Her green eyes did peek out from behind his shoulder to check but didn’t see anyone. Strange…

They entered Sleepy’s with Oriana looking at Declan with a questioning look but quickly got distracted by the abundance of very comfortable double beds and she slipped past Declan to jump on to the nearest one. Her eyes fell on the price tag hanging off the mattress and she feigned a look of surprise, “Oh it’s not that comfortable.”

It was, but neither was she wanting him to pay over nine hundred dollars for it.

Sleepy was the owner, a three-foot drowsy looking male who looked like he needed to lie down and rest for a century. He sidled up to them with a half-bitten apple in his hand and noisily chewed away at it watching Oriana finally choose a simple metal frame bed that was more cost appropriate at a hundred dollars. The mattress was simple enough and she’d had worse sleeping in the park, homeless so she wouldn’t be picky. “This one please.” The matching wardrobe and chest of drawers were within the same price range so naturally that was what she went for.

“Why not that one, Mayor White had one like it just the other day?” He offered, pointing back to the original bed and furniture set that Oriana had veered towards initially.

“No, I prefer this please.” She quickly pointed back to the cheaper alternative.

At that point, the door jingled open and to Oriana’s disgust in strode Nottingham with his hand on his holster and a look of glee in his eyes. “We have been looking all over for you!” He claimed with a smug smile, “You’re wanted for questioning and expected to attend the police station. Now.” It appeared that nothing would please him more than to get back at the woman who had given him a burned cheek.

“Whatever for?” Oriana voiced out, as if she was clueless as to what he could be talking about.

“Should have known you’d be a pyromaniac after the stunt you pulled last night. Think you’re clever do you causing a danger to life…what if you’d set off the neighbour pipes? Did you think there would be no witnesses this time?”

This had been exactly what Oriana had been afraid of and since Nottingham was speaking without fear she had a suspicion that Gawain had provided some information outside of their agreement.

“What…do you mean this time?” She hissed back to him with a nervous look to Declan. He knows.
 
Declan laughed at the more modest bed-frame and mattress, he'd seen Oriana's approval for the more expensive one one. He let her and Sleepy go back and forth shortly before saying little and changing the prince with a slight wave of his hand.

"Ori, it's not $900, I see $300 for the set. The lady likes that one Sleepy that's what she'll have...oh and the bedding too."

He didn't use the card this time, instead handing Sleepy cash. The dwarf looked as if he was hardly awake and certainly none the wiser to the sorcerer's tricks, shrugging off Declan's trick as thinking it was one of his weekend sales. Declan also asked to have everything delivered this afternoon with Sleepy saying it would cost $500 for delivery.

"That's funny Sleepy...your sign outside says delivery is $200."

A flash of Declan's eyes had changed the sign to read Delivery $200 this weekend only!

The dwarf agreed, of course if his sign said that that's what it was. He was walking about looking at other pieces of furniture to include chairs and a proper dining room table. Hades and Persephone had offered him one which he declined tactfully due to the darkness of it...it really wouldn't have fit in the dining room of the Arcana Cabana, Merida and Declan were currently using a small table with three chairs, now with Oriana they'd have to get a proper dining room table.

It was then Nottingham had walked in, Declan kept his back to him on purpose trying to see how this would play out, then it hit once he began going on about wanting to question Oriana. Declan had been at a distance sort of to hear Nottingham out, asinine commentary. The tone told him this was bogus and time for a show and some intimidation. It didn't help that Sleepy's music in the store was that radio station with the obnoxious DJ that thought she was the know all end all on everything and was quite mean to most of her callers, save for the ones that were more frequent in calling in. Her voice was irritating to Declan, so that would help with what he was about to do.

He slipped up behind Oriana and put his arms around her waist, the bags of course were by his feet, and gave her one of those embraces, under his breath he told her to play along.

"Oh what is it darling? Does the bad old sheriff think you have something to do with that fire in the apartment building?"

He was playing dumb, but to intimidate Nottingham he caused his own eyes to glow orange...

"Do we really think she had something to do with that Nottingham? And if she did...how do you know it wasn't self defense."

He hugged her tight quickly before coming to his senses and getting face to face with Nottingham, his right hand glowing green.

"A bheil thu airson seo a dhèanamh an seo ann an Nottingham? A chionn 's urrainn dhomh a dhèanamh gu math duilich seo."

Nottingham, had no idea what the sorcerer was saying, but he thought he was doing something along the lines of witchcraft such as hexes. Declan had no idea how to do hexes as it wasn't something taught to him, but preying on the fact Nottingham didn't know any foreign languages, least of all Declan's native Scots-Gaelic, gave the advantage to Declan. More so that Declan was up in Nottingham's face with his eyes and hand glowing.
 
Oriana had watched aghast that he had manipulated the prices to his advantage but Nottingham had stopped her from lecturing Declan but nothing beat the shock of him suddenly winding his arms around her. How is this supposed to help?! What is he doing? It was so out of character for Declan that she could do no more than nod in surprise at his request for her to play along and blink at the now fuming Nottingham. He hadn’t expected a backlash.

The DJ sounded surprisingly like the human embodiment of her Mothers favorite bird…she shuddered from the combination of the grating voice milling around the shop and from having Declan’s ring close to her person. It was a different vibe to when they were dancing at the ball the night before. Get a grip…

Before she knew it, Declan was apparently saying some incantation that she had never heard before, perhaps he wasn’t ready to train her on it, who knew but the sudden angry energy was a cause for concern. There was no need to make matters worse with someone who would be trying to find any excuse to throw them in jail.

Nottingham’s response was to stutter and nearly fall backwards in his haste to back away, he mumbled what strangely sounded like ‘Zoinks’ a strange terrified squeak from the smaller man and he was, like, skedaddling out before she could finish saying “Jeeper-“Sounded like that madman with the annoying dog…Scrappy? Maybe he’s related to that damn dog, he sure acts like one.

“Come on Dec, stop fooling around.” Oriana grumbled, pulling him out of the shop and smiling apologetically to Sleepy as she went. He was waving the order form at her and she quickly signed her name at the bottom, but it did go without saying where they wanted their furniture delivered. “You know conning him out of his money wasn’t a nice thing to do you know?” She did feel bad about Sleepy not receiving his full payment and he didn’t even know it.

A sharp yeep hit her ears as soon as they stepped out the shop and she spotted the familiar red breasted bird chirping away just above her head. “Oh no!” She grumbled, Declans strange behavior of a few moments before slipping out of memory instantly at the new annoying sight. “Damn bird, what the hell are you doing here Robeen?!” It was a self answered question though, of course her Mother would send her best spy. News of Oriana’s new associations would have reached her now.

The overweight robin simply sung a peeky sound to her that sounded like it was sarcastically laughing away which annoyed her to no end. Her one hand was still dragging Declan away from the shop lest he did more financial damage to Sleepy and in the opposite direction of Nottingham who could still be heard running away – probably back to Gawain to complain.

“Right that’s it, I don’t need you gossiping.” Her free hand flicked out a tiny enough flame ball, a little bell of blue but it was enough to hit the little creature and instantly curb her incessant chirruping. “Damn noisy thing! Keep your mouth shut – she needs to stay out of my life!”

Soon enough it was flying away with fast beats of its tiny wings to try and put out the flames encircling its body, yet Oriana felt no guilt. She wasn’t mean to animals or other creatures in general, but that Robeen was an utter nuisance. “Sorry – she does more harm than good, trust me…I guess my Mother will be paying Blackhaven a visit soon by the looks of it.”
 
Conning Sleepy? What was that supposed to mean? He hadn't conned Sleepy, the dwarf could barely keep his eyes open and Declan knew his mind was one step above well being scrambled. Besides Sleepy made enough money through Dopey's dealings out in the back, plus Mayor White's stipend she gave him.

"Oh I didn't con him, c'mon Ori, you don't think he makes enough money from Mayor White? Hell Dopey deals out the back with things I overlook. Besides he was over charging, Winston saw that same set for the prices I changed, last in week in fact...and you liked the first one better anyways."

That display he put on with Nottingham was nothing new, he'd done that countless times before, but this was first time in two years that he had to put that show on. Hook was his last victim of that, however he did find Nottingham's scurrying way amusing and Oriana dragging him out and back in the direction of the Arcana Cabana.

The fat obnoxious bird had warranted attention from him but he'd not paid it any mind, until Oriana reacted, then he was all eyes on it...he studied it for moment, it looked almost smug, full of itself, that was off he thought. Then Oriana had flamed it...her mother was a sore spot, there wasn't much comfort he could give, outside sympathizing with his own bad blood with his dad.

"Well I am not sure what that bird did to you...but I'm not going to ask either, though maybe next time you could make it into fried chicken? But you know that parents never full stay out of their children's lives. My dad can't stand something about me, but he sends my younger brothers to annoy me often. No secrets as you said...they'll be visiting in two weeks. I guess I should have arranged our casino trip for that week they were coming."

He was trying to lighten the mood as much as he could, it clearly had annoyed her more than his tricks earlier. Was he going to offer her an explanation? No, he was going to leave it be to a point. There were far too many other concerns, but he was trying to show more than the stone wall.

"You know maybe next time, you could light Nottingham's butt on fire and see how fast he scoots off...after all he clearly doesn't speak Scots-Gaelic and he thought I could do hexes...that's really not in my area of expertise."

Declan couldn't help but giggle about that, he was trying hard not to burst out laughing at that sight, but he was also concerned that Oriana wasn't sure what to do with her items that were to be delivered.

"Did you want to get some lunch? Or did you want to head back and arrange your room?"
 
“Must you have an answer for everything?” Oriana replied, fondly exasperated at this explanation as to why he had reduced the cash amount for the furniture. She gasped suddenly, “Forgot the clothes!” Dropping his hand reminded her she was still holding on to it, so she smiled sheepishly and then rushed back down the road, nipping back into Sleepy’s to pick the bags up and lug them back up to Declan where she had left him to wait. She handed one of the bags back to him and sighed. “As for that rotten bird, you wouldn’t want to eat that meat. No matter how you season it it’d still upset your stomach.” Oriana found her Mothers favorite messenger spy revolting.

She didn’t comment on his request to flame Nottingham’s backside, she’d rather not have to look at that podge in the first place. That and she felt she could have dealt with Nottingham eventually, but Declan seemed to be in the mood to ‘fix everything’ for her today. Perhaps he felt sorry for her…she didn’t want to allow herself to think it was anything more than that. “Let’s go back to yours. I think I saw Winston preparing some vegetables to make some soup…we can lunch with him and then set that room up.” It would be very odd to call Arcana Cabana home.

Later that night, as he’d requested Oriana got ready for their evening meal meeting with Hatter and Alice. She’d borrowed some of Merida’s hair product and brushes to comb her hair into a high-top ponytail, leaving the rest of her curly hair to fall down her back and slipped into a fresh basic crew white top and dark blue jeans. The boots she’d brought from F2 and Meriwether’s completed the outfit since she didn’t want to draw attention to herself. It was a laid back look that meant or at least she believed would not garner her much attention.

She still wore Declan’s brown leather jacket that he had lent her earlier that day since it was comfortable. Hopefully no one would get the wrong idea seeing her wearing it out and about.

Oriana made her way downstairs, rubbing the frustration off her face with both hands and nodded at Winston who was wheeling away a trolley piled with the dishes from earlier that afternoon. His vegetable soup and garlic bread had gone down very well before they had spent the next few hours setting her room up and making a list of things she may still need.

Winston would take the delivery of the furniture whilst they were out.

Moby Dicks wasn’t just your average fish and chip shop, it was the equivalent of a three-star restaurant and served all manner of seafood and Oriana had always walked past it with her mouth salivating. One meal was the equivalent of one night’s wages so she’d only ever go home to instant noodles or microwavable noodles.

“If Hatter gives me a severance cheque like you said…then, I can pay for our meal tonight?” Oriana stepped up to Declan and zipped up the jacket she wore. “I mean…you’ve paid for a lot today already.” No matter how many assurances he gave it was hard for her to feel equal in their friendship when he was spending so much on her.
 
Declan had noticed she had his hand and he didn't react in such a way as to draw attention, he just let it play out. No quips, jerk reactions, or even surprise over it. He was going to have to get accustomed to it and this was a step in the right direction for him. He laughed at her commentary about his explanations for everything, while he did have explanations for things, it was true, he was doing what his uncle had done for him whilst training. It was a way to see what Oriana could pick up on and also to showcase what situations to use certain abilities in.

Winston in the meantime had the mops and brooms working on various things around the place, the gargoyle Victor was more than happy return to his spot up on the balcony, it'd been your typical day with visitors looking to get ready for the Thanksgiving holiday and others doing early Christmas shopping, of course there were always the punk kids that would try and buy something they shouldn't or were in checking out the goods or in some teenagers cases the naked Greek statues or even some to check out Merida and now with Oriana there, she probably would be added to that. To Winston that was the norm and he didn't care as long as they weren't doing anything illegal or harmful to the items in the shop, when this dog got pissed...watch out.

Merlin had told Declan of a lore keeper druid, that when Camelot fell he no longer wanted to remain human. In this case took various forms of common house pets, until Merlin found him when Declan was 19, he then asked him to keep tabs on Declan, by this time Winston had taken his current form of an English Bulldog. All attempts by the druidic order had failed to change Winston back to human form, mostly because he resisted it, he was content and possibly this was his favorite animal form. Sure he looked like your normal bulldog, but the bowler hat, monocle, and the occasion pipe, said differently. Winston's collar was even different, preferring to wear a bow tie, and when it was cold he would wear a sweater. When Declan and Oriana had returned, Winston was watching TV and reading the paper, not bothered by anything else at the moment.

Of course he'd have lunch served and cleared away, before returning to the room that was to be Oriana's, in fact the bulldog had come forth with colors to paint the walls with, implying he wanted her to pick a color.

Later Declan took the hint to get ready to go to Moby Dick's he didn't remember if this was a dress up type place or just casual, either way he wasn't going to be wearing a tie. His choice of his own dark blue jeans and his low cut boots, the brown leather ones were enough. He did wear a collared shirt, a polo to be specific, a dark gray one. He didn't mind Oriana wearing his leather jacket, he probably would have insisted upon it had she not, he didn't take one of his enchanted coats there wasn't a need, instead opting for his hooded fleece lined leather jacket, this one was black with the hood being gray, not a heavy coat as it wasn't winter...yet.

"There's no if...he knows the consequences if he fails to present that tonight, but if you insist, I'm not going to refuse. Though on the way, we need to talk about my brothers..."

He wasn't sure how to explain those three exactly, other than they were trouble. There was a reason they were called "The Wee Devils" and it showed. The look those three gave at the ball was that of how can we stir up trouble? That was until Merlin and Nimue showed up. Still it would have to be out in the open, as they were coming after Declan and Oriana's visit to the Capricorn Casino and Spa...
 
The night was windy and cold so Oriana huddled into the jacket she wore as she walked next to Declan heading in the direction of Moby Dicks, her thoughts spanning to the last few weeks. “I have been meaning to ask you.” She started, avoiding stepping into a puddle and jumping over it. “Do you remember the night we met?”

For Oriana it wasn't the Tea Party where they had 'met' in the sense she hadn't gotten to know him there as more than just the usual client walking in to hassle her. It had along been the following night after that where they had actually spoken at length and gotten to know each other to more than a name.

It had been an interesting turn of events, her believing she even had a chance at Mushu’s working alongside Mulan. Since then all she’d done was burn bridges, thoughts about working at the Spa’s or Boutiques were out the window considering the reaction of most women at the Ball.

She was glad to have met Nimue and Eleanor though. It was nice to see that unlike her, Declan did have decent female role models in his life and wasn’t surrounded by utter idiocy. Not that Merida didn’t know that but a Mother and Aunt were different.

How she wished her own mother was more like how Eleanor had been. All she got was a bird crazy child kidnapper. “I found a drawing of Rapunzel…in Mulans office.” She looked up at him. “I was hoping…you could find out why they knew of her and what exactly they want from her.”
God forbid it was for Zel’s hair again because she had already ranted out to her fiancé that she would go bald if someone tried to kidnap her for the enchanted strands.

Oriana would hate to think how Gothel looked now, a few years later without access to that vital ingredient which kept her young looking. The effects of using that substance would take a while to wear off still but imagine suddenly being accosted by a crone that claimed to be your Mother? She shuddered at the thought. “And, sorry you were mentioning your brothers too?”

When she was younger she’d fantasied about having an older brother who would take her away from Gothel. Whereas most girls would dream of prince charming she’d just wanted siblings who could unite with her against her tyrant of a Mother. Then again, knowing who her father really was had shaken her up too…

That was something…perhaps even Declan could never ever know.
 
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He hadn't given their first meeting too much thought, it was trying circumstances given what he'd been called to the Tea Party for...more so that he'd now had the book of shadows under lock and key, actually what was on his mind a bit was about her seeing the mark and not recoiling. That Pictish-Norse rune on his arm symbolized the dragon, and it'd been carved in his arm when he was 6...more so when the Lady of Avalon had noted who he was.

"I remember it, I didn't make the best of impressions I am sure, but you'd have to understand the circumstances."

A drawing in Mulan's office, now that was interesting, he'd not seen Oriana pick that up...but then again it might have happened when he'd crashed through the window and landed on the roulette wheel...or when she changed clothes while he was behind the massive statue. Still Oriana wanted him to do some recon, hopefully she'd allow some time, as it would take some resources or even reasoning for him to have to visit Mushu's again.

"I can, but you know they are scared shitless of me, so they may not talk. I might have to call in some favors before going, but I can have it looked into."

He'd have to either ask Baldur or maybe even reach out Tyr for help there...worst he'd have to engage the druid circle. Still how to explain the three boys to her? That would be tough but she needed to be aware and more so the damage they could do if she wasn't careful.

"So, Hamish, Hubert, and Harris...they're a bit wild if you will, they take dad's dislike of me to another level, and do what he won't, cause issues. Now of course they love Merida, not sure what their issue with me is, I mean they're going to get the titles and lands I won't get. But you saw them at the ball, they trouble, they'll pull pranks, try and cop feels, and just down right do mean spirited things, there's a reason they're called 'Wee Devils'."

There was no way he'd know what they'd do to her or even in her direction, heck they might just target him and see what Oriana would do. Still he told her to be on her guard with those three and Declan pulled his hood up, the wind was picking up a bit more than it had, still it was nice to have a night without a heavy rainfall. His mind went back to training it was tough and of course his father didn't help matters when Merlin would allow him time to come home, when the three boys were old enough they'd caused no end of issues for him making Declan enjoy the time with Merlin more...despite the hardships they endured training.
 
“Cop a feel?” Oriana scoffed, she wondered if the Wee Devils already had made their presence known at the Tea Party. There were no end to the clients who would always try their luck in the that place. “Don’t worry I can handle myself in that regard and plus, if I’m working at this new job you’ll get me and training with you when will they have a chance. I’m sure Merida will force them to be nice to some extent.” Speaking of which, “Where is your sister? It feels like I haven’t seen her in ages.”

They were now before the entrance to Moby Dicks, so she looked in a hesitating manner through the windows where she could see a wide variety of personalities already seated and dining. They were a little under-dressed it turned out but at least if Declan was wearing a somewhat similar style of dress then she wouldn’t feel totally left out.

The smell of the food made her stomach rumble and she gave him an apologetic smile. “Smells great huh?”

Feeling a bit better about their outing despite the awkward meeting that they’ d have with the Hatter she opened the door and requested the first waitress to seat them who immediately recognised Declan enough to point them to a more private alcove at the back of the room. It was near the back exit thankfully should any incident occur.

“Thank you.” Oriana murmured to her, and watched her scuttle off. Was everyone afraid of Declan? She studied him as they waited for Alice and Hatter to arrive. He didn’t seem scary to her but she supposed that was because he was amicable to her and not gunning to get rid of her from Blackhaven.

“Didn’t you say she has a boyfriend? Who is he?” Oriana asked curiously, thinking Merida hadn’t touched completely on the subject in their brief subjects and had always seemed more interested in who Oriana was dating if at all. To the point that on one occasion Oriana had challenged her and asked why she was asking such persistent questions. “She doesn’t seem to be like the rest of the women in this town but that didn’t hinder her from asking plenty of questions a few days ago…I did put it down to sisterly over-protectiveness.” She grinned teasingly and picked at the bowl of olives that had been placed in the middle of the table as an appetiser. They’d order their drinks when the other two arrived.

“I had to make sure even she didn’t get the wrong idea about us but I’m wary that we can’t stop the town from talking but unfortunately, like your brothers, my Mother will surely drop by soon to cause some chaos. So heads up on that.”
 
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