~^~ He's Gone ... ~^~ (Open to those who know Angel very well!)

[AngelRayne]

After Raph had left that day, before she had even had a chance to come out of her room, Angel searched for him. All over Rhy'din. Stopping here and there, she even checked the old AotTM's places. It was no use, this boy was no where to be found, that she could find at least. So she gave up, not even the ring he had given her could find him. Oh she could still sense he was alive and well, but the ring wasn't much help other then that.There wasn't a point in looking any more. So back to the inn she went. Angel didn't hang around the inn much, with the help of the mirror from Fally, she would hop around the world, taking Silver and Az with her where ever she went.


That was years ago.

Today Angel was sitting in her room, reading over some old papers she had from the times at SBR and AotTM. Just taking a small trip down memory lane. She didn't really have much else to do today. Az with with his uncle at the castle and Silver was just laying there on the floor taking a nap. As she was placing the papers down on her desk, one little slip of paper fell out and fluttered to the floor.  Light blues watched it for a moment, then right hand moved to pick it up off the floor.  As she bent over to pick it up, light blues caught sight of the hand writing on the note and she froze.  She could tell that hand writing anywhere. In her frozen state those eyes glanced over the words. it was the letter from Raph.  The one he had left so many years ago for her when he visited the inn and she wasn't there.  Right hand finally grabbed the note as her left went to the rings around her neck. "Now what in the world is this doing with all my old papers. I locked this in my lock box, with everything....." She cut herself off short and took in a sharp breath, something was wrong.

Silver lifted his head from his resting place on the floor and cocked his wolf head to the side. "Angel ... what's wrong? You don't look so good."

For being a vampire Angel was usually pale, but she had turned whiter then white. Left hand clung to the rings around her neck, head was shaking back and forth slowly and those pesky light purple fairy wings (yep they are back!) where fluttering a mile a min. Right hand dropping the note back to the floor. "No ... this... this can't be! I would have known sooner! He's not ... no this isn't right. " Tears started to form in the corner of those light blues as her right hand reach up to meet her left still wrapped around those rings.  You see one was still humming with life, she could feel Archers heartbeat and knew he was just fine. The other one, the one from Raph was cold, there was no sense of anything at all there.

Silver got up from his spot on the floor and walk over to Angel resting his head on her lap. "Angel ..? "

Right hand fell from it's grasp on her left and started to run her fingers threw the hair on top of Silvers head. " It's Raph ... I think ... I think he's .., g..gone" As she said those final words the tears spilled from her light blues and rolled down her pale cheeks. " His ring ... I.. I .. I can't feel him. It's cold. It's not ... not the enchant ... Archer's is fine. It's sealed ... with blood magic .. he couldn't have .. broken the spell." Now why would Angel care that someone she wasn't with anymore wasn't there? Angel has a big heart. Once she loved someone that was all it took for her to still care about them regardless of what happened or how long it's been since they spoke. That is why, and the only reason why, she was sobbing her heart out. "That's why the .. letter was out ... he was telling me ... he still loves me."

Now Silver wasn't known for holding his tongue under any circumstances, specially when it came to Angel's none existing love life and the people that where in it or not in it for that matter.  But this time, for some reason, he kept his thoughts to himself and just let Angel pet his head for a few moments before saying anything. " Angel. I'm sorry. I know how you are and how deeply you love when you do fall in love. I know that even though you and him weren't together and you searched for him for a long time after his last visit but couldn't find him, that you still loved him. Even after you exploded, almost literally, over the battle-gym, you still loved him. I'm so very sorry Angel."

Light blues looked down at Silver now, tears still rolling down her cheeks, shoulders still shaking with the sobbing she was doing. If any of her bonds where still active with any of the people she had them with they would know her heart was shattered. She didn't have words to say, she just cried. It was like she lost a piece of her that she could never get back.

[Archer Caughey]

Oh boy, was Archer's sure fine.  His past couple years had cracked open a big ole can of life that he'd tried so hard to leave in the past where he felt it belonged.  But nooo, the more he'd tried to hole up in his lab with his bottle and his beakers, the more people banged down his door with lists of reasons for him to take up his mantle from another life.  They wore him down, using his precious love of logic against him, and now he lived a life that was out of this world. Literally. But he still had his lab in the historic district where he held his weekly sweatpants and video game nights with the guys like nothing had changed.  Even though nearly everything had changed.

Nearly. At present he was in a lab that he'd built in his out of this world home, where he'd most likely kick the cask of mead on his table before he worked out the scientific conundrum that was sketched out on several large pieces of drafting paper that pretty much only he could read at this point.  Scratching out numbers and diagrams just as fast as he was drawing them, his brow was creased in thought as his palm rubbed his beard.

The god damn beard.  Feeling like he'd grown a sheep on his face for the winter was sure as hell one way to correct the genius' belief that it was impossible for him to lose a bet. The winner was still fawning over it, beaming as she told him how his winter beard conjured up all these glorious memories she had of him from the "good ole days" when he used to sing ballads in the Great Hall for all the kingdom to hear.  For the loser…well, Archer was still trying to come to terms with the current days, and tried to think of ye olden days as little as possible.  He was glad it made her happy, though.  And that it was finally her season, too.

“No, no, no…” Muttered to himself as the scientist backed his process up three steps, crossing out a series of calculations that led him to a dead end.  “The variable friction would – Bloody Mary!”  The exclamation came out of nowhere, with Archer kicking back his chair as if he’d just been doused in a bucket of ice water.  In reality the sensation wasn’t anything as shocking as all that, unless you were a genius deep in thought having someone poking at a part of your consciousness that’d just recently been woken up in the first place.  And he was that, so it was shocking, to him.  He literally attempted to shake it off, shuddering as he felt the sensation of the prayer rolling down his spine.  “Sorry, closed for…” A distant look came about him as he actually took a second to tune into the call that had come his way, and now the scientist’s brow was furrowed for completely unscientific reasons.  “Angel?”

So that’s how he ended up at the Tel’Ranaemyn, a place he hadn’t been since…who knows, months were months and years were years and who’s counting.  Knocking on Angel’s door.  When it opened, if it opened, she’d find Archer dressed in one of his typical navy three piece suits, white shirt underneath, looking pretty much the same.  Well, besides the damn beard.  And the fact he didn’t have any grey in his hair anymore.  And his eyes were blue, like they were before he died.  And he had this…kind of significant presence around him, a kind of gravitas he didn’t have before that he did his best to downplay because he still thought being a regular normal person was the better way to live.  But besides all that, pretty much the same.  

Mostly.    

[Fallon Zane]

As years drag on, memories pile on top of memories on top of memories on top of memories... like a giant pile of dirty clothes in the corner of some college kid's dorm room. And no matter how fantastical and awesome those memories are? Eventually the sheer weight of all those dirty sock memories bury them, and they sort of... drift from the front of the dome to somewhere in the corners and shadows. A lot of those memories fade away completely, forgotten and lost to time. Some linger just on the edge of your mind, a ghost of something you can only vaguely remember.

Then some of those old, buried memories come to life with a jolt of god damn lightning to your brain so sudden and out of left field that it about bowls your ass right off your feet! Hey man, when that memory is connected to a piece of a person's life force still floating within your own, that gets real rowdy, real quick. Especially when the sudden awakening of that bond is done so with crushing grief. Not the best way for that bond to suddenly come to life. Utter glee, insuppressible happiness, a mind blowing orgasm... those are all good ways for such a bond to come back to life. Heartbreak of this magnitude... no so much.

It caused him to pause, mid step, as he paced down the same polished wood floors of the sentient manor he still haunted. Who knows where the old man was going in this place... as many mirrors as the walls and doorways held, it could have been anywhere. But any plan, and destination he had in mind was just put on hold, as a distant, familiar mind once again reached out to his. It took only a passing moment for the Madman to identify whose mind that was. Someone he had not seen in a very long time... it seemed like ages ago. How many years had it been? Long enough that those memories were somewhere near the bottom third of that laundry pile. But that link had just burst forth from it, bringing back a whole wave of those memories once again.

"... Angel." Her name a faint whisper from his lips, as the little split-second stroll down memory lane registered in his mind. It might have been an eternity since he had seen her Rainbow Bright ass? But with what he was feeling, he knew that it was just about time for a little reunion. And this time, he was going to make sure that he did not pop in on her when she was taking a bath, a shower, or some other compromising situation. That asshole that just popped himself into wherever the hell he liked had died with the years. A good thing, too. Though, it was kinda unlikely he would find her in such a state, considering what he felt... whatever.

But at the same time? Situations like this did not permit a leisurely searching of the Wheel to find out where she was. So instead? Just a simple touch. A teensy peek. Just enough to locate. And... whoa. That place was still around? Aw hell. Who knows how many memories might really come outta this now? Ugh. Still. Just one more moment of focus...and 'pop'! Into the lobby of a place he had not set foot in, in a very long time. He had little recollection of the place... but the stairway... he could remember that. And the longer he stayed, the more he would remember. And those memories began leading him to the stairs, then through the hallways. To where his warped mind remembered Angel being.

... and it looked like someone beat him to the punch. There was some random cat already at the door he remembered she hid behind. Huh. This was definitely a five alarm, for there to be people here already. Who knows who else might show up? But for the time being, Fallon would continue his slither down the hall. Toward the door. And the person in front of it. No idea who that was, but maybe they knew what the trip was over here?

"Hey yo. What's goin' on 'round here?" Mad respect for Fallon not asking questions the way they formed in his mind. 'Did Angel finally lose her shit' did not seem an appropriate question, at this time.

[AngelRayne]

Angel knew before he even knocked on the door that Archer was outside her door. The rings the she was still clutching to with her left hand, well at least the one connected to Archer, grew just a tad bit warmer signaling that he was near. Now the poor thing was in no shape to answer the door, so that meant that Silver was going to be the one. Silver was reluctant to leave Angel, he had seen her upset before, hell the man that stood behind the closed door broke her heart. But he had never seen her like this. This was a new pain. This would be how she was if she found out Archer, Fally, Arc, Air hell any of them had died.

But anyway, Silver lifted his head from Angel's lap, letting her right hand fall to her lap and padded towards the door.
Before he could reach the door Silver caught the scent of someone else coming up the stairs.  ~Oh joy the other one is here too. Let's see if these two can get along long enough for Angel~ Silver wasn't one to let go of things, he cared for Angel as much as her friends did, so every ounce of his wolf body wanted to give the two behind the door a snide remark when he opened it. But, for probably the only time in his life Silver was going to be nice to these two, because he knew that if Angel needed anything right now it was her friends. So he grabbed the string that was tied around the door handle, how else would he get out of the room when Angel wasn't there, and pulled the door open.

Silver's wolf eyes looked up to Archer, Fally wasn't there just yet, and he gave a shake of his head. " Hello Archer, didn't expect you to be the first one here." That's when Fally made his appearance. Silver took note that he didn't seem to remember Archer, or maybe didn't reconize him because of the beard and lack of gray maybe? Shrug! None of the wolf's concern at this moment, time for remembering later on. Those silver eyes of the wolf looked over to Fally when he asked what was up. Just in time for the answer! " Something has happened to Raphael .. but I'll let Angel explain." Silver turned his head to look back at Angel, wings fluttering a mile a min still and shoulders shaking uncontrollably with her now silent sobs. "When we can get her calmed down enough to speak in full sentences that is."

He took a few steps back from the door so they both could come in, he wasn't going to get yelled at later for not letting two of many important people in Angel's life in her room. He was sure they got the message, so no other words where spoken by the wolf. He just padded on back to Angel, crawled under her desk and sat by her feet. The men could deal with her now!

[Venis Jordianthan]

The dragon flew overhead as he gazed upon his house below.  He had been very busy lately and hadn't been home to see his family in a very long time.  And there she was, his beautiful wife, in her rose garden.  She was a sight for sore eyes.

He swooped down to the ground and landed with a thud.  He liked to make an entrance.  And that was when he noticed that she had doubled over and collapsed to the ground.  He began to run to the fence and, as he did so, he began to shift forms.  Soon the God of Death was jumping over the fence into the garden, very much a man, the dragon form gone."Venis."

Before Venis even saw Kahn flying overhead, her stomach clenched.  She dropped the pruning sheers she had been holding in her left hand, but not the silver rose that was in her right.  Both hands slid across her stomach and her arms crossed.  Her knees buckled and she squeezed her ice blue eyes shut as she dropped to the ground.

From where she sat upon her knees, she could feel the ground shake through her body.  Pink tears streamed down her face to drip on her white t-shirt as she looked up.  Kahn stood before her, looking as handsome as ever in a pair of black slacks and a black shirt that fit tight to his muscled form.

Normally, seeing her husband again after so long would stir things in her that would have them free of their clothes in seconds, but not this time.  She knew this was something too important for her to get distracted by hormones.  As she held her stomach she whispered.  "Who?"

He hated seeing her like this.  But she was The Goddess' of Protection.  That alone made her one of the strongest empaths he had ever met.  He knelt down before her, placing one knee upon the ground for stability.  He knew this was going to upset her, so he placed his left hand on her right shoulder, then he opened his right hand and showed her the dark blue gemstone he held.

Venis laid her head on Kahn's hand for a moment before leaning forward to peer down into the stone he held.  She audibly gasped as she caught her breath.  "Raph!"   She looked up into his beautiful eyes, pink tears getting darker as they streamed from her own orbs.

It took the length of two breaths before she snapped.  "Shit!  Angel!"  She moved to start getting up off the ground, using him for stability and support.  "You go and deliver him, I'll go find Angel.  Do we have a body for her to ..."

Kahn closed his hand and began to help her up.  Hearing her speak in a sudden flurry of instructions caused him to put a finger to her lips to quiet her.  "Shhhh, honey, I know.  This isn't my first gig.  I'll make the delivery and try to find a body.  You go find Angel.  I'll see you later.  I love you."

Venis was standing once again.  Her stomach was still churning and she felt as if she was going to loose her lunch, but she was erect again.  "You're right, I'm sorry my love.  I love you too.  And hurry home, I want you in bed beside me in the morning."  Still holding the silver rose, she slid her arms around his waist for a hug.

He wrapped his arms around her and held her tight.  With her head tilted to his chest, he was able to kiss the top of her head.  "Yes dear."  He hoped that would make her smile, even a little, before he put his finger under her chin and lifted her head to kiss her lips.

She returned his kiss with fervor.  She made no effort to pull away for quite some time.  Nothing like a tragedy like this to remind people to show their friends and family some love before it's too late.  When she finally did pull back, she was very reluctant to release him.  But she knew that they both had things to do now.  And they were of the utmost importance.

So she stepped back and watched him portal away to take are of what needed to be done.  Then she waved the index finger of her left hand over her head.  A blood tear stained white t-shirt and a pair of torn up blue jeans with dirty tennis shoes was not appropriate attire, but she didn't have time to go in the house and change the mortal way.

Clad in a black dress, simple in design with sleeves and a long skirt, she left the garden and began to run.  The heels were of no consequence to her as she made her way to the first of a network of portals that she had in place.  These portals would take her places that were pre-planned.  This way, there was no guessing as to whether she would slip through into a wall or something.  

The first portal, closest to the garden, went straight to the outer wall of the SBR.  Once a home away from home to herself, as well as so many of her loved ones.  But she knew Angel wasn't there.  It would take her seven more portals, which she took at a full run, to get to her destination.

She slipped through the last portal and halted in her steps immediately.  Angel was here, she could feel her.  She looked at the once silver rose that she still held tight in her right hand.  When she had changed her clothes, she had accidentally blackened the rose as well.  But now it had such a lovely gun metal hue.  Even the stem and leaf had a silvery look to them.



She felt heavy as she walked up the steps and into the front door of the Inn.  She didn't even look to see if anyone was at the front desk, there was no need to, she knew where she was going.  She headed upstairs and down the hall.  She was headed for Angel's room.  

She approached the door.  It looked as though it was already open.  She saw Fallon standing there, and someone else as well.  She could hear Silver speaking to the two males.  She walked up in time to see Silver walking over to sit under Angel's desk.  She offered a hug to Fallon, her long time friend and former brother at arms in the SBR.  "Fallon, tis good to see you again, even if it is under these circumstances."  If her hug was accepted she would hold him tightly for a moment and then let him go.  She presumed that Silver had left the door open for them to enter, so she did.

Not waiting to see if the males followed her, she approached Angel sitting at her desk.  She closed the space between them and slid her arms around her friends shoulders from behind.  She whispered softly. "I am so sorry love."  And she just stood there, holding her, and waited to see what would happen next.


((In case anyone was unaware, Kahn is NPCed with full permissions from his mun.  And I will add the picture of the rose as soon as Photobucket stops acting up on me.))

[Archer Caughey]

No lie that Archer was talented when it came to breaking things.  Hearts, test tubes, natural laws, he was kind of a klutz in that arena.  And explosions, can’t forget his skill for explosions, too.  He and Angel had his fair share of those in the years after their relationship had ended, a couple of them here at this inn, he hadn’t forgotten that.  Largely because Archer’s photographic memory wouldn’t let him forget anything, a reality that was a curse just as much as a blessing; no matter how much he drank, he never forgot a single minute or a single mistake.  It meant he always knew what he had to make up for, though, and that was part of why the genius was here.

His photographic memory also meant that he recognized Fallon as soon as the man came around the bend - a guy who was generally alright in his book despite whatever verbal sparring and oneupsmanshit they used to engage in back in the day.  Fallon had always been good to Arcadia, after all, and with Archer that went a long way.  But there was Silver to address first, who had the honor of being the only animal that had Archer on its least favorite person list.  “Surprise?”  Replied with a chagrinned shrug of his shoulders, and a hint of his timeless foolish grin.  “But I imagine when it comes to what you expect of me the bar’s generally low, aye?”  It wasn’t posed as an accusation, more a statement of fact from the scientist who lived by logic to a fault.

Hopefully the inward groan that happened when the wolf answered Fallon’s question stayed inward.  The grimace though, that he couldn’t hide.  While he possessed intellectual genius in spades, Archer was still a glorious train wreck when it came to emotional intelligence so he'd forgotten to hit pause and consider the possible reasons why Angel would be so distressed before he’d decided to show up.  “That sure sounds like a great job for an ex if I’ve ever heard one.”  Same old sheepish humor.  A long exhale, gears were turning hard as he tried to figure out the best move.  Looking over at Fallon, he nodded to the open doorway.  “Do you want to – “

Go first, was what he was about to say.  But another person swooped in and took care of that question before it could even leave his mouth.  Not someone Archer recognized, but the fact that there were two others here within five minutes of his arrival brought out a small smile.  Angel clearly had a strong network of support, and it was good to see.  Especially if it turned out she’d rather crack him across the face than have a conversation with him right now.  Sometimes violence is therapeutic?

At any rate, he followed the woman inside.  Offering the one thing that was in his wheelhouse.  Pragmatic action.  “Angel, hey.  Is there anything you need?  Anything I can get for you, or do?”  He’d start with pulling out his handkerchief.  Yes, it was clean.  Archer wasn’t going to be so presumptuous as to wipe her tears away with it or anything, but he did offer it out.

[Fallon Zane]

Let's be real. Anyone who had seen Fallon and Cyrus in the same place knew it. The way they shot back and forth with insults, insinuations and barbs was clearly not done out of malice. Fallon and Pip, another classic example. Well, at least on Fallon's side... she may really have hated him, who knows? Her door certainly did. Even Angel. Fallon loved razzin' the poor thing. The more highly Fallon thought of a person, the more prone they were to verbal abuse and harassment from him. Funny how that works, ain't it? But yeah, even though Archie and Fallon had some banter back in the day, it was for that reason. He was a decent dude. The Madman had no real urge to throw him into a wood chipper feet first. You know how it is. Boys will be boys. And despite how close to a millennium Fallon's age was reaching, he still acted like a twelve year old. Trying to have fun was far better than the alternative, as he had come face to face with in recent years.

The main reason he didn't register who the guy was right away is, duh? The only look he had of the guy was from behind. And he could see a beard sticking out the side of his face, so he knew it was a dude. But once he came up alongside him, and a bit of the scene played out, he got a look at the face. And even though he looked different, it was the voice that brought back the memories. Faces change, bodies change, attire changes. But unless your throat is mauled by a rabid something or other, your voice tends to remain the same, after your pills drop. So he remembered who this was, though mainly from association from Arcadia. ... aww, 'cadia. But give him some credit, dammit. He knew who the guy was!

Any thoughts of reunion greetings were pretty much dashed though, between Silver's brief explanation of what was going on - it pretty much explained the feels he was getting from the poor chick behind this door - and the sudden appearance of a hug offering Venis coming around from behind. Yeah... it kinda looked like it was gonna shape up like he thought. Two old faces, popping back up before he even saw Angel. Yep, there was gonna be a lot of recollecting around here tonight. Which could be good, or could be bad, in the long run. But for now? The lady beyond this door was what mattered.

And of course Venis got her hug! Fallon never turned down a hug! Well, from the ladies, mostly. Though, sometimes, guys could have one too. Real burly, totally manly chest bump and back pound hugs, ya know. Bro hugs. Yeah. But not Lucas. Lucas kissed him after sneaking into his quarters. That was bad. Anyway. He had a feeling Archie wasn't stepping into line to fish a hug out of Fallon though, so just Venis got her hug. And he'd hold onto that hug for a few seconds, giving the woman's hair a brief stroke before they pulled apart. He loved hair. Sorry.

"Hiya chicklet," his voice soft, subdued. Him being maniacal and - well, him - was not going to work here. He and Archie exchanged glances just as he and Venis pulled apart. Then she was whisking herself inside, cutting off any need for the bearded guy to finish his started question. And, for the record, he never did. He just rolled in after Venis, once someone took the initiative to be the first inside. And that left Fallon chillin' outside in the hallway, looking like the asshole for being the last one to come in.

"... be the one left closing the door after y'all beat me inside? Sounds like fun." Said mainly to himself, of course, as the other two were already inside and starting their interaction. Fallon remained quiet for the time being, simply closing the door behind him once he had come inside. He would slowly make his way closer to the melting down woman, whom Venis had wrapped up in a rear naked choke of a hug. ... it's kinda what it looked like from this angle, shut up. He was taking his sweet time with this. Watching Angel, her reactions, how she handled a sudden crowd around her. Picking his moment... but not just yet.

[AngelRayne]

Holy family reunion batman! Venis, Fally, Archer ... who else is gonna pop outta the wood work? Anyway! Angel was slowly calming down, wings not flutter nearly as fast, grip on those rings slowly loosening. But then she heard the exchange of words between everyone and the next thing she knew Venis was behind her arms around her shoulders in a hug, Archer was right next to her with a handkerchief and Fally was not crowding her just yet. So those tears started up again, this time a mix of happy tears and sad ones.No heavy sobs, just tears. Happy because she had forgotten how many people actually cared about her, regardless of the last time they saw her. She leaned back onto Venius, excepting the hug and just letting the tears fall for a moment. Tear filled light blues looked to Archer first. She sniffled once or twice and took in two much needed , even though ya know she really didn't need it, deep breaths to calm herself. The initial shock passing slowly. "Oh Archer ... always the gentleman." Right hand lifted from her lap to take the offered handkerchief and soft tearful small crossed her lips. Handkerchief was then used to wipe at her eyes. Another deep breath taken, to attempt to calm herself. And smack him? Never! Well not now, there where times though! But she was over all that, happy for him after there last conversation so long again. Still loved him to pieces but that would always be. "Nothing right now hun, just everyone being here is good enough." Left hand finally dropped the rings, Archer's was practically burning her hand now, and reached out to grab one of his for a quick squeeze.

Silver gave a snort from under Angel's desk after she called Archer a gentleman, but said nothing. He was still attempting to be nice, for Angel's sake at least. Though he did peak out a moment to look up at Venis and give her a little bit of a wolf smile.

Next was Venis, Angel couldn't look at her but she still leaned on her for the time being. "Thanks hun. " Another deep, calming breath was taken. " I don't know what happened. I was going through old papers and ..." Those light blues dropped from looking at Archer to looking down at the floor where the note still lay. " that was in them. It shouldn't have been .... " She stopped there, tears starting to form once again and the next question on her mind would be left unasked for the moment. It was to soon to ask. Angel knew that Kahn was off looking for him, for some trace of remains and maybe some answers.

Finally Fally, light blues lifted from the note on the floor to look up at the one man she could never catch.  It was always to little to late for either one of them, plus she had the hardest time telling him how she really felt about him at the start. Every time she had the nerve up he was with someone else! (;-p) "Fally ..." Little bit of a smile crossed her lips yet again. This would be the first time, if memory serves!, that Angel didn't full on pounce the guy, lucky for him this time? Hand that had squeezed Archer's reached out to take one of Fally's when he got close enough.

"I'm sorry ya'll had to find me like this. We weren't even together technically, I don't even know where he was." She hoped that they all understood that if it was any of them, she'd be the same messed up pile that she is when they got there. " I feel like ... I lost a part of me." Que the tears again! Hand that had reached for Fally's now moving to cover her face as she looked back towards her desk. Angel was about to ugly cry. With all of them standing there, tons of memories came back to her and hit her like an eighteen-wheeler. The good, the bad, the ugly. It's weird how emotions work. One tragedy can cause a million and one feelings, a million and one memories of different times. Some of them related to the situation, her and Raph's first meeting when she though he was an arrogant Elf. Some not related like the first time she met Venis, Kahn and Fally, or that last stupid fight she had with Archer when she was being a selfish cow. So the memories and the empty she felt in her heart, is what brought on this next wave of sobbing.

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

Az had a feeling that not all was well with Angel and she was curious what all was going on.  It had been a long time since she felt that little niggle of something not being wrong.   As it was her hands were tied though, she had so many things going on and so many pies in the air, that she was not able to slip and visit with her and find out what was wrong, at least not until some of the fires she was juggling seemed to cool off.   That made Az feel bad, but then it hit her, she could send Gwen, it was such a Gwen thing to check on people.   Gwen's husband was currently busy here and there with work and if something came up Gwen could always call him to her side and it would work out.  

Az moved about the island that she inhabited now with most of her family, until she spotted Gwen sitting on a small patch of grass and playing with the flowers that were there, she still loved to make her flower chains.   Smiling as she reached Gwen she looked to her daughter.  “Hey Gwennie.”  Gwen having not noticing her mom until she was speaking she looked up to him.  “Hi Mom!   What's up?”  Az smiled towards Gwen.  “Well I was thinking that maybe you could go and visit your aunt Angel.   I had the weirdest feeling that she isn't doing okay right now and I would like you to check for me.”  And Gwen hopped up and she nodded to her mom.  “Let me go talk to Harm mom and then I can go.”  Az smiled.  “That works for me.”   Gwen and Az separated and Gwen went to talk to her husband to let him know she had a job from her mom to check on her auntie and with a kiss she was off.

Once Gwen let Az know that she was good to go Gwen would find herself outside of Angels door.  She bit her lower lip she could tell Aunt Angel had company, and she sort of rocked on her heels but her mom asked her to check on her and mom really didn't ask for much.   Normally when there was a job it  required herself and Harmon but this this was just Gwen and she didn't want to fail.   So she looked down over her outfit, of course, if Angel was in a better mood she would probably laugh because Gwen was in a ice blue and white skirt and top that made her look like a snowflake, along with white tights that were rather clear except that they had sparkles like icicles in them.  Mental talk now.  Okay Gwennie you have this, just knock on the door and see what's going on because of all the sadness you can feel, make your mom proud.  Normally she wouldn't have to talk to herself to do anything but she wasn't normally sent to do something for her mom.   There, mental prep, as she took in a deep breath as she lifted her delicate hand and gave a knock and waited....not the stand still sort but the whole sort of rocking back between her feet, shifting the weight because let's face it, the girl never was good at standing still.

[Fallon Zane]

Reunion, indeed. It can be surprising how many people actually give a damn about you when things are at their worst. They all could have ignored the connedction they had with the woman flare to life, shrug it off, and go back to what they were doing. God knows what Fallon had been on his way to get into. But even he, when faced with his darkness, had comfort from some unusual places. A boon and a blessing, all at once. As much as probably wanted to be alone so she could bawl it out and rage and shit, there was a gang of people showing up. And most people didn't act out like that around people. Well, most people.

Finally Fallon. How come he had to be last? That wasn't fair. Probably because you were hanging back while the other two came up on the girl, numnuts. He was just basing his actions on how he was, when his emotions were combustible. And that usually meant getting the hell away from people. So, even though there was only three of them? He wanted to make sure his approach happened when she was ready for it. He was within line of sight, the whole time he edged closer to the group.When her gaze lifted, it caught the same sharp, icy cold eyes that had always peered back. They had a much more haunted look to them, but they were still the same old eyes. A little quirk at the corner of his lips, a faint hint of that infamous lopsided grin at the woman. And just a look. A knowing look. One that suggested that he knew where she was. All too well.

"Angel," her name echoing after his. Too little, too late? That could be a accurate way to describe their past. Luckily for Angel! The need to bare her true feelings about him wasn't wholly necessary. He already had a pretty good idea. Why did she think he was always such a tease with her! Ha. Fallon always played his games... the dick. He took the few steps needed to close with her, as her hand reached out for his. Of course she got it. Like he would just tsk her and turn his nose up. As always, taking only her fingers between his thumb and palm. Ever cautious of what those wicked talons could do to a person's flesh. Well, a person that mattered, anyway.

He did not say any more, though. Just her name, and that look. Her hand released when she brought it back into her bubble. Things were about to get gross up in here. But, for now. Like before. Fallon just sort of hung back.

[Archer Caughey]

Ehhhh…a lot had changed since Angel’s last conversation with Archer.  A ridiculous heap of events that’d be pretty unbelievable for anyone who knew the scientist in this life, but were painfully believable for Archer because that’s usually what happens when you run from a prior past as soon as you can walk.  It catches up.  And when it does, like it did to him a year or two ago, it kicks down the existential dominos and pounds the ‘so which who am I really?’ questions at you when all you want to really do is drink your scotch, make some science, do some good.  Well that’s what you want to do if you’re Archer, at least.

But at least he was still a gentleman?  He’d have marked that in the winner column if his eyes weren’t focused on the two rings around Angel’s neck.  One them was a big shiny reminder of who he was to her and how completely awkward it was that he was one of the people here trying to make her feel better when overall…man did he just screw the pooch when it came to things like this.  He did manage to return the hand squeeze, though.  Sincerely, too.  He wasn’t a total loss.  “Well offer stands, whenever you think of something.”  Because that’s where Archer would be most useful in this situation.  Doing.  Making.  Solving.  Bonus points if she needed him in a way that involved experimentation or science.  Or righteous bardic storytelling, these days.  But...never mind about that.

So after Angel let go of his hand he’d solve the issue of the letter on the floor.  Picking it up, he made sure to fold it only using the creases that already existed and placed it on top of one of the stacks of papers that Angel had out, afterwards slipping his hands into his pockets.  There.  He’d done something effective.  No one would step on the note now, and no one would read it that she didn’t want to, and…

Ohhhhh, boy.  That was a lot of crying.  That was a whole lot of crying.  Hopefully the whole room didn’t hear the depth of his exhale.  Do something, his pragmatic, scientific brain screamed at him, solve it. Mouth opened and a couple ums and uhs started him off before Archer blurted out the first thing that came to mind. “Fallon was about to tell me the funniest joke just before Silver opened the door…what was that joke, Fallon?  I think we could all use one.”  Archer shot Fallon an apologetic look for putting him on the spot like that, complete with a sheepish shrug and a grimace. Wallflowers were always the easiest targets.  And honest, the genius hadn’t planned on bailing right after saying that, but the thing is, he couldn’t control the happenings of the universe and…

“Was that the door?  I’ll get it.”  And boy did he get it.  Who knew Archer could yelp at that octave until he saw who was behind it.  “Gwendolyn!”  Did the dumbfounded way he was staring at her scream that his perfect memory was bludgeoning him with reminders of the last time he saw her, when she was wearing that bunny costume?  Why did he feel a pounding headache coming on?  Did he just check to make sure she didn't have any baskets in her hands?  Damn right he did.  At least he managed to step out of the doorway, so she could come in.  Not so subtly looking over her shoulder out at the hallway behind her.  “Is your mom with you?”

No one ever said Archer was the smoothest man on the block.

[Venis Jordianthan]

Chicklet.  Had it been anyone other than Fallon who had called her that, they would be trying to find a fire extinguisher to put out the flames in their crotch.   And Venis had plenty of hair to love.  She had worn it down, so the long crimson spirals were touching the floor behind her heels.  Fallon had always been welcome to play with her hair all he wanted.  And he still had that freedom.  And she would bet a handful of uncut diamonds that if you took a pole of all the women Fallon knew, but had never dated, that a good fifty percent of them, or more, would say that he was the one they could never catch. And V would be on that list.  But no regrets, they'd been friends a long, long time, and who knows if that would still be the case had they ever dated.

Venis didn't even try to flood Angel with calming energy, even if holding the brokenhearted little vampire was making her stomach feel like she was being contorted into a pretzel.  But she did release her after a few minutes, once she had leaned against her a few times for comfort.  She kissed the top of her head and took a step back.  And that was when she heard the knock on the door.  She was just about to say that she would get it when she was beaten to the punch.  No worries. 

She looked up to see who had arrived.  Gwendolyn.  There was a face that V hadn't seen in years.  And seeing Gwen reminded her, yet again, that she was still holding the flower in her right hand.  She made her way into the kitchenette to find a vase or cup or something to put the flower in.  She found a small vase and filled it with water from the sink.  When she went to put the flower in the vase, she realized that one of the thorns had stuck into her finger.  No wonder it hadn't wilted.  She freed the rose, with it's thorn in tact, from her finger and put it in the vase, letting a drop of her blood get into the water.  It would live pretty much forever now.  Then she rinsed her hand in the sink and took the vase into the other room. 

She set the vase in the window.  Then she walked over and knelt down to pet Silver.  Seeing how the room was filling with guests, she figured some more chairs would be nice.  "I'm going to make a quick run for chairs.  I'll be right back."  Then she stood back up and headed for the door.  She smiled at Gwen along the way.

[Fallon Zane]

... fifty percent. Wow, that was mean as hell. Why was V being such a hater? Harshly giving him only fifty percent of that poll is like getting fifty percent of people to tell you the sky is blue in a poll. It's a slanderous lie, and you know it! Maybe fifty percent of women would have killed any person he was with just to take their place. What woman in their right - or left, for that matter - mind didn't want the Madman! Hope when V went to go get those chairs, she took the eleHATER down! But... he had to let it pass. Mainly because he had no idea that she had imagined up that bullshit number.

Instead? He had to fixate upon the fact that Archie had just thrown his ass into the spotlight, and making him think on his toes. Not that this was really that big an issue? There was precious few moments that Fallon did not like to be the center of attention. This was kinda one of those times, though... Angel was shattered. So this shouldn't be about him entertaining the masses... but who knows? Maybe he could draw another smile out of her within those ugly ass sobs she was engaging in? Or hell, maybe even a laugh!

And it was also bad because... well. Archer just made Fallon the center of attention. And made him think on his toes. And when things like that happen? Rarely does his filter capture the stuff that probably shouldn't make it out of his mouth when he was in mixed company. Like was just about to happen! A couple of rapid blinks as Archie thrust him into the moment, peering at him with those icy eyes quizzically before looking back at Venis and Angel. Err... split second thought, then out it came.

"Uh, what does a cannibal do after he dumps his girlfriend?" ... a three second pause... "... he wipes his ass, of course." ... told you.

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

It indeed was the door! Well okay so it wasn't the door it was Gwen who was behind the door making the sound. This door was thankfully not like Pip's door otherwise Gwen would never get inside to see how Auntie Angel was doing! Oh, just the thought of that door gave her the heebie-jeebies that door tried to kill her and yet gave her the answer that Pip was her sister...confused feelings there on that door! But enough about The Door and when Archer pulled open Angel's door he was met with Gwen, in the flesh, just not as much flesh as she had shown him previously, mind you. Not a thought was given to the way he said her name but she got a big smile. “ARCHER!!!” Oh, that was a happy sight seeing she had no clue what she was in for except to see how Auntie Angel was doing. She noticed he looked about but she didn't get what he was checking for, yet when he asked about her mom she laughed softly because he liked to ask her that question! “Oh no, mom couldn't get away so she sent me to come check on Auntie Angel.” She nodded at that one. And then she had a ut oh face. “I forgot to tell her you said hi last time. You aren't mad at me are you Archer? I'm sorry.” She frowned at that one before smiling to him because that never lasted long with her the sadness.

When the lady walked past her, Gwen did her best to try to figure it out, I mean she smiled to her and she was racking her brain. If anyone was looking at Gwen they would see the train of thought going through her eyeballs! But even though the girl had not a single clue whom the lady was she smiled to her as she passed and she moved out of the way, so hopefully Archer had moved or he just had Gwen all bumping into him, which seeing the poor man was so is your mom here he might not have noticed Gwen moving out of the way of the door!

But he would be saved, for now, she would want to catch up with him later, though! Gwen slipped around from where she was chatting with Archer to get to the whole heart of what had brought her here. Auntie Angel and what was going on with her! So she would make her way towards her and she well looked like a snowflake brought to life because when did Gwen do things in what one would consider normal? The white and ice blue skirt floated about as she walked and her top had lil sparkly snowflakes decorating it. She had zeroed in on Angel.  "Auntie Angel!  Hi!  Mom is sorry she can't be here, but she sent me, I...hope it's okay"  And unless someone stopped her she moved over to hug Angel but not touching her with her hands, oh no, the last time she got someone with her hands unexpected he sort of flipped he had a reason but still before she pulled back, and noticed that Fallon was there too and she gave him a lil wave of her fingers but she turned her attention right quick to Angel.

[Archer Caughey]

There Archer was, staring at Gwendolyn’s sweet, innocent face when from behind him, the scientist’s mighty hearing delivered Fallon’s…yeap…like a smack to the back of the head.  The dichotomy of that face and THAT joke was enough to make even a magnificent mind break.  Bowing his head, the genius pinched the bridge of his nose and covered his face.  He couldn’t laugh.  Not at that joke.  Not when he was here for his ex…yet his shoulders were already shaking as he tried so hard, so incredibly hard not to be the only jackass laughing in such a somber room.  

He failed.  Archer might be a genius but he was also a total goof, and that was something that would never change no matter how much else was different about his life.  Shaking his head as his laughter subsided, blue eyes looked up at Gwendolyn just in time to sidestep so she didn’t bump into him and he grinned.  “Nope.  Not mad at all.  You can even tell her I said hi when you see her next, since this time you’re wearing real clothes and I assume you’re not here to ask me about lube again.”  Which is probably something else that shouldn’t have come out of his mouth in this particular room with these particular people, but sometimes Archer was damn awful at reading a room.  Which was endearing...right?

He followed Gwendolyn back inside, leaving the door open since the other woman left to get chairs.  Coming to stand next to Fallon, Archer crossed his arms and kept half his attention on the open door just in case the woman needed some help when she got back.  It’d be something else he could do, and right now he was at a loss for things to do besides watching the interaction between Angel and Gwendolyn as he continued to wonder what the hell else he could do.  Well, besides leaning a little closer to Fallon to murmur, “Excellent joke, man.”  Pause.  “Great delivery, too.”  He tried to cover up a residual snicker with a cough.

[AngelRayne]

Good gods, Angel's at her desk having the second BIGGEST melt down ever and Archer's making Fallon tell jokes?!? And the hell kinda joke was that?!?!?! Though if Angel could laugh right now she would have! Anyway! If Angel could just stop the floods of memories for like five seconds she could get herself under control enough to actually talk. That would be a good thing. Deep breath Angel .... deep breath! Then there was the knock and Archer, for lack of better description, sounding like he just got kicked in the balls when he said Gwen's name. Wait .. now Gwen was here?

Silver was glad for the petting from Venis, wolf eyes glancing up to her for a moment and offering her a little wolf grin. Those wolf eyes would roll at Fallon's joke, though even the wolf chuckled inwardly.

Another deep breath and she started to calm down a bit, her emotions still running very high. Light blues squeezed tight as she continued to attempt to calm herself, pushing back the memories for now. When she was more stable, that would be the time for remembering. Next thing she knew Gwen had her arms around her. Another deep breath and hands dropped from her face, left reaching up to hold on to one of Gwen's arms giving it a little squeeze and her right moving to grab the handkerchief from before.  She dabbed at her light blues and leaned back onto Gwen for a moment while she was still being hugged. Another deep breath and she was calmer for now. "Oh Gwen, it's completely fine. "Little bit of a sniffle, not Gwen's fault! " I know your mom can get really busy. I'm glad you are here." She turned her head to let light blues look at the males now. "Even you two jokers over there." Little bit of that Angel smile crossed her lips. We are getting somewhere!

She gave a soft sigh and a little shake of her head. " You never realize, how much you actually care about someone ... till they aren't there anymore. " Tears threatened those light blues again, but she managed to blink them back this time. " I haven't seen him in years ..." One more shake of her head, left hand letting go of her squeeze on Gwen's arm. She was doing better, still upset but better. Change of subject time at least for the moment. Light blues once again glanced to the boys and then she twisted her head enough to look at Gwen as she spoke. "Let's talk about something else for right now... let me attempt to get myself under control yeah?" Another glace back at Fally. "And no more jokes alright hun?" Another little Angel grin, progress!

[Airtia S. Cauthon]

Walking was overrated and, yet, there were some people who needed to do so on a more frequent basis.  Not this person of course, but that is exactly what she was doing. Walking.

She had been in the midst of delicate tampering when going-on at the Tel’Ranaemyn Inn had caught her attention. While it may have appeared that she left the place long ago, she did keep an eye on it.  The day-to-day things of the establishment didn't require her attention and therefore she had let them be, but this one was different.  What she had felt there caused her to knit her brows and tension to spread across her, otherwise, unreadable face.  Therefore, she took leave of her tampering and made her way back.

Now she was standing in the lobby of the inn, looking up the stairs. There were a lot of familiar people up there - she didn’t have to see them to be able to tell. She sensed them. For a moment she had thought that it was this collection of people that triggered her into coming, but then she felt something else.  Distress?

Steadily she progressed up the staircase. Dark red, leather clad hand brushed along the handrail as she went. Her low-heel boots barely making a sound. With each step, she schooled her face to its usual calm, even though her heart was racing otherwise. There was a reason she had stayed away for so long, yet this current congress was calling her attention.

Dark hair pulled back in a single braid and dressed in her signature dark red vest held together with three spikes, and the boots that wrapped around black pants, Airtia made her way steadily to the opened door.

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

Gwen wasn't sure what she had missed and the laughter did not go with how it felt from when she was on the other side of the door but that wasn't to much of a surprise. But her eyes stayed on Archer at that one and he said he wasn't mad at all and she smiled to him. “Oh, I will! I will make sure to tell her that I saw Archer and he was glad I was wearing clothes and he wanted me to tell her hello.” She nodded with with a smile. But she shook her head about the lube because she wasn't there for that. “Oh...well...no. Mom asked me to come check and see what was going on with Auntie Angel because she wasn't able to get free.” She nodded about that one.

Then she did go inside and she was moving over to Auntie Angel. And she hadn't even noticed that Archers voice sounded like he got kicked in the family jewels but that was part of the beauty of Gwen wasn't it that some things just went right over her sweet innocent head! But Gwen did wrap her arms around Angel in a hug because well Gwen often acted without thought and she felt as if Auntie Angel needed that. Gwen was watching and staying near her Auntie Angel and she gave her a soft smile. “I am glad I am here too Auntie Angel.” She was glad that she understood that mom was busy but that Gwen could make it to visit and see how they could help or just even be there for her.

Gwen was quiet as she stayed near Angel, just in case she needed something almost, and yet not moving away from her. She was good at that at times though she hadn't dealt with to many sad things for she was often protected from them either by those that loved her or circumstances themselves. But she didn't hover she just sorta stayed near and it was probably a good thing because even if Gwen wasn't strong in the way that her mom and her Tia were she had her own set of strengths and when if other people showed up she was good at blending and yet being there at the same time. But when she spoke of speaking on something else Gwen let her gaze drift to the two men, not sure what they should all speak on.

[Fallon Zane]

Hey. Y'all had Archie to blame for this one. Fallon is liable to say all kinds of ridiculousness when he is prepared and ready for things. Catch him off guard, put him on the spot? Then any chance for there to be any redeeming qualities to what spews past his lips is pretty much gone. So no blame for Fallon for being what they all know him to be. Luckily Gwennie, V and 'Tia didn't catch it. Who knows what kind of consequences there might have been! But hey. Archie laughed, Silver hid his laughter, and even Angel smiled because of it. So at least it worked out!

Archer displaying a shameful lack of boy parts when he hit an octave reserved typically for six year old girls drew Fallon's gaze back over his shoulder for a sec. Did he saw... Gwennie? L'il Gwennie!? Aww! He hadn't seen that cute little shit in forever! And soon enough he would see the 'special' little snowflake come floating toward Abgel, and give the woman a hug. Everyone just all up on the poor woman. Gwennie's finger wave was greeted with a wriggly fingered wave back, and a faint smile. And since Gwen was with Angel now, he would again remain back a little bit. Once she came to him, he'd give her some love. But only when she was ready for it.

And, of course. When Archie slid back up beside him, and Angel shot that little smile and comment his way, he could only offer a little shrug, and a bit of a grin. Fallon's gift. Stupidity so intense it can bring laughter to even the worst of circumstances. "I had another one in mind, but it def wasn't meant for public consumption." Nope. But dammit that joke's great!

[Archer Caughey]

“Maybe you should write it down and leave it on the desk, Fallon.  You know, for when she’s ready for it.”  Genius that he was, Archer was always full of helpful ideas.  Suggested when Angel was looking their way, with his familiar fool’s grin.  Because again, somethings never changed.  

Which meant more solving.  Angel asked for a change of topic, Gwendolyn was looking over at them, Fallon passed, and that meant the hot potato was in his hands.  “Oh…sure.  Must be plenty to talk about, since we haven’t seen each other in so long.  At least I haven’t seen all of you in a while is what I mean to say.  Not sure if you’ve all been keeping up with each other, since…I haven’t seen you all in a while.” Hand reached up and Archer rubbed the back of his neck, something he tended to do when he was tangled up.  Circular rambling, a great start.  

So Archer cleared his throat, and tried again.  Taking a page from Fallon’s book, out came the first thing that sprang to mind.  “Little known fact: when you cool helium down near absolute zero it’s one of two times it’s in a liquid state, but in this particular liquid state it can…well it can perform what many would see as a sort of magic, really.  Suddenly it can slip through cracks that are no bigger than a single molecule, but even more incredible this gas – now liquid - which has absolutely no consciousness of its own can climb…against gravity!  Straight up the container it’s in, straight up a wall, and it literally flows without friction.  So, for example, if you spend just ten seconds swirling in a cup, you could come back hundreds of years – thousands! - later and it’ll still be swirling at just the same speed because it's defying the very thing that should slow it down. Isn't that incredible?!”  From his animated delivery clearly it excited the hell out of Archer, who’d just read about this phenomenon a few short days ago.  Especially because it meant that helium, if he could get it to keep at such a freezing temperature, might be the answer to the problem he was currently trying to work out on his drafting table.

But he paused.  Realizing a little too late that science was probably second on the list of things that Angel likely wasn’t interested in hearing about, right under jokes.  “I uh...sounded like a better topic in my head.”  Said with a grimace.  Stuffing his hands in his pockets, Archer offered after a beat, “I could do some sleight-of-hand?”

Which was probably third on the list.

[Venis Jordianthan]

For the purpose of clarification, V did think fifty percent or more.  And the rest simply wouldn't admit it.  But, if she had lost the bet, she would have made good on the diamonds.  And she did hear the joke as she was walking away from the room.  And she stifled a giggle as a result.  Vulgar jokes didn't bother her unless there were small children present.

As was previously mentioned, some people didn't have to walk. And at the moment, Venis was going to take advantage of that.  She went a few feet from the room and then slit the air with her fingernail.  She stepped through the portal into the Meeting Hall.  She quickly went about making a stack of chairs.  She figured that ten would be a good start.  She lifted the stack of chairs in her left hand.  Let's hear it for Super-human strength.





From there, she slit another portal.  There were people arriving, ones who consumed food and drink.  And who knew how long everyone was willing to stick around.  So it was to the kitchen of Armandeus where she went next.  She set the chairs down and pulled some coins from the hidden pocket on the seam of her dress.  She left them on the counter in the kitchen as she went about preparing a tray of food and an ice bucket of drink for Angel's guests.








Venis then grabbed a package of plastic cups.  She slid the top of the package of cups between the middle and ring finger on her right hand.  Then she wrapped her right arm around the bucket of drinks.  She picked up the tray with her left hand and balanced it on the fingers and palm of her right hand.  Then she returned to the chairs.  She used her left index finger to open yet another portal, this one taking her back to the hallway outside of Angel's room.  She picked up the stack of chairs again and stepped through the portal.





She stepped from the portal into the hall just in time to be a few feet behind Airtia.  "Hey Air."  Spoken with a smile for seeing her old friend.  She walked toward the open door in hopes of following Air in.  Provided no one closed the door in her face, she would re-enter the room in hopes of relieving herself of her armloads of items.  

[Fallon Zane]

"... well if that ain't the most fascinating thing I've never wanted to know." At least Fallon's joke had some sort of entertainment value. Everyone who heard the joke had at least cracked a bit of a smile or a laugh. Archer's symposium on the amazing gravity defying properties of ab-zero helium, on the other hand. Was received by a sea of confused and uninterested faces. And that comment from Fallon. Don't get him wrong, Fallon liked to experiment and create crazy shit in his lab too. But if he was gonna experiment with ab-zero conditions, it would be on people, or living stuff. Not on helium. But, at last, Fallon finally gave him a snort. There, there was some amusement.

But seriously? Fallon was helping Archer try to get their attention and minds on something else. He was doing what he did best. Harassment and terrorizing were what Fallon did best. And Archer, he was just the de facto victim, simply because he was the one who tried to put everyone in a coma. So of course he became the target! And there was no need to pick on the ladies, when there was a dude here that served as a better sacrifice. And you know he was gonna spit back, so now the ladies could watch the back and forth between them, and enjoy watching it escalate higher and higher!

Thankfully, Venis was coming back with chairs and goodies! Drinky drinks to distract the grieving, and the supporting. Fallon was always all about some drinks. ... however. He would take Archie's advice on one thing. Fallon finally moved from the spot he had been perched at. And he was going for the desk. Which meant, he was close to Angel. Close enough that he could give her a teensy weensy little hip nudge. Just letting her know he was there. Now why was he invading her space, and her desk? So he could find a pen. And a scrap of paper that he could pilfer. Angel needed to read this joke. So she could be horrified later, too.

[AngelRayne]

Archer, the silly, lovable, genius. Leave it to him to go on about something science related when faced with a change of subject. It was his passion after all. Light blues watched him as he spoke, slow little smile crossing her lips. Just seeing how excited he got made her smile. Same old Archer. " Fally may not have liked that, but I love to learn new things" And she does! So ha! And maybe she was the only one that found it interesting but she needed a distraction. Speaking of ... Archer's slight of hand! She loved his slight of hand! If she remembered right he was doing that the first time they met, or at least showed her a trick the first time they met. " I would like to see some slight of hand Archer. I don't know about everyone else."

Light blues moved to look at Fally, he was finally coming closer?!? Those light blues did glance to the door when she heard V say hello to Air?! Little tilt of her head, touching those connections she has as she did. With everything going on her father could have popped in the room and she wouldn't have felt it. Air was here! But the person that walked through the door first was V, looking like she needed some help. "Venis do you need some help love?" Then she got the little hip bump from Fally and those light blues looked up at him with a quizzical look. Pens where in a dark purple cup and some post it notes where sitting right next to the cup. Fally would be in for a treat though! Since he was close enough, and she really didn't feel like standing yet, arms would wrap around his waist and he'd get a big old squeeze! Oh he was still going to get a pounce hug, but he was to close and again she didn't feel like standing up just yet. "Thanks for being here Fally."

(Short and sweet, but wanted to get something up. It's been a rough couple of days. Love you guys! <3 <3)

[Archer Caughey]

When Angel stood up for his symposium, Archer flashed Fallon a triumphant grin.  “See!  Some of us like learning new things, dope. Science is the new sexy.  My kind is trending these days.”  As the modern whippersnappers say.  Ladies and gents, Archer Caughey, the someday centerfold of Nerd magazine.  #GotChemistry?

If he looked surprised that Angel actually wanted to see some sleight-of-hand, it’s because he was.  He’d be the first one to admit that he was kind of throwing out any option he could think of in terms of distraction, and he wasn’t about to be a song and dance man – even if song was a larger part of his current days than he’d care to admit in this room.  Far be it from him to deny a grieving woman’s request, though, when it came to illusions.  Since Archer hadn’t packed his illusionist’s kit before coming here, blue eyes went on the hunt for some items that he could use to improvise.

And his gaze landed on redhead as she came back in – or more precisely, his eyes landed on that deli tray she’d brought along with the rest of what came down the Tel’ranaemyn chimney with Santa.  It looked like Venis was about to get some other help, but Archer would liberate her of the deli tray in particular.  “I’ll help with this one, thank you,” was said to her as he walked over to a table, shifted a couple items out of the way, and then set the tray down.  “Paying attention, Angel?”  Stepping to one side of the tray so that he didn’t block the view for any onlookers – Angel in particular – he made a clear show of plucking up five of the cherry tomatoes on the tray one by one, each of them ending up in his left hand.  As he came away from the tray, he employed a second talent that he’d wrapped into his sleight-of-hand antics early on:  juggling.  He was the kind of good at it that made it look easy, even with something as small as these tomatoes.

After a few rounds of classic juggling with no tricks, without breaking a beat in the rhythm he pitched one of the tomatoes at Fallon and unless the man moved it would whack him square in the center of the forehead.  An actual archer as he was, the genius had some rockstar aim.  Yet despite the fact he’d thrown a tomato, he was still mysteriously juggling five, without a break in the rhythm or a single suspicious movement.  “Your turn, Gwendolyn.  Say ‘ahhhh’.”  Said as he juggled his way over next to Angel to get good distance between him and Gwen, it was his only warning as he pitched one of the juggled tomatoes in her direction, this one aimed for her hopefully open mouth.  Again, despite the fact he’d thrown one, as Archer walked away from Angel he was still juggling five.  With the third trick in the series he upped the stakes – switching to juggling the five tomatoes one-handed in his right hand, almost right away his left hand snatched one of the tomatoes out of the rotation… except that when he opened his palm that tomato was already gone.  Same thing was done with the fourth tomato, and the third, and the second, each one of them disappearing without a trance when he opened his palm just after snatching them up.  The last one though, he popped that into his mouth and made a clear show of chewing and swallowing it.

Patting his stomach, he looked at Angel with a wink.  “Down the hatch and straight to my handkerchief, Angel.” Which she still had over by her, since he’d given it to her when he first came in.  Sure enough, when she unfurled it, she’d find a cherry tomato in there just like he promised.  Ta da!  SCIENCE.

The reason Archer gravitated toward sleight-of-hand ages ago was because logic, showmanship, timing, and neuroscience worked together in an entirely plausible way to make it seem like incredible, implausible things were happening.  Playing with that had always engaged him more than actual magic ever did, and in order to pull his tomato trick off there were key moments and movements where he’d planted what he needed to plant and where he’d misdirected when he’d needed to misdirect.  Which you can ask about, if you really want to, but isn’t it more fun to just say “oooooh” and enjoy it?

[Gwendolyn Zoi]

No, you can't blame poor Archer for something Fal did, that's just silly!   And it had been forever for Gwen to have seen Fal, just like Archer and Angel, and she was so excited to see them all!   Even if she felt bad at the same time, that the only reason they were all together was because Auntie Angel was mourning.   Conflicting emotions.   But of course, Gwen would be one that had to hug Angel, she was radiating sadness and Gwen well she was more about the happy emotions.  Hugs were good they did some stuff in your brain that was probably scientific and well Archer probably knew right?!?  

And they did sort of leave it up to Archer to figure out what to talk about, but the only thing in Gwennies mind was, wow Auntie Angel even being upset that is some grip you got there!  And that just wouldn't do!   So she stayed quiet and well just floated near her for a bit...but once Archer was talking about the topic of conversation she looked as if she was probably over thinking what he said, and was distracted by Fallon only for a moment before she glanced to Aunt Angel.  And Gwennie was nodding when Angel said it was rather fascinating what Archer had found, she had a file box in her head that stored random things because you never knew when it would be helpful.    

The door had stayed open, Gwen thought about closing it behind her, but she had witnessed Venus slipping out and with Archer leaving the door open she figured it was meant to be.   And when Venus did come back with an armload of chairs, a platter of food items and a bucket of drinks Gwen was just blink blinking at all the things in her arms at one time, that she was about to go over towards her to see if she could help but then had second thoughts, what if she tried to grab something and everything came falling down then she would feel guilty...so she had waited just floating off to the side of Angel.  Not like float floating just floating around feet firmly on the ground, well as firmly as her feet ever were on the ground!

When Angel said she wanted to see some slight of hand and she did not know about everyone else Gwen nodded, not sure what it was, but if Angel wanted to see it it couldn't be bad right?  So then Archer began and when he aimed that tomato towards Fallon, Gwennies eyes followed along because she wanted to see what happened of course!   And then he gave Gwen her own warning and she without thought opened her mouth, because why would Archer do something evil like throw a hot pepper in her mouth right, and she blinked as he got a hole in one...and she had a well...mmm tomato.  

Thankfully, unlike some others, Gwen had no need to know what caused the slight of hand, the science behind it, she could just think it was rather nifty to see.    But after Archer's slight of hand, Gwen gave a little clapping of her hands, even peeking towards Angel to see how she was doing before inching her way to see if the other lady needed any help now that it wasn't so scary to offer … except Gwen's eyes spotted Airtia outside of the open door and her voice called out “Auntie Tia?”  Because well she was outside and she said it softly, just in case she wasn't supposed to notice that she was there!

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