The Blackbird Tavern & Inn

Marcus hated navigating the streets of the old sector. It was the enchantments, he'd decided. Magical influence to prevent the destruction of buildings may have been a good idea when it was bustling with activity. Now, it just lent an air of a ghost town to the place. He decided to distract himself.

"Katarina, how far until I get to this family's place?"

"You've got about ten minutes, unless you plan on going back by the tavern."

The tone she used was quite telling.

"What happened?"

"More activity and atmospheric disturbances. Less than earlier but pretty close to the tavern."

"I'm not in a mood to test the restraints on my enhancements right now. They don't hold as well since I had to release them all in the fight with the Yamatians. The disturbances earlier happened when her son called some tech-lackeys. Let's just hope that's what's going on now. I need to get the Catalyst. The Board is clueless."
 
Dakkon paused looking towards the door, as his nanites reported an absence of pressure upon where the possible patron had been, and then tracked the movement down the back fire-escape, to the street. It was odd the pressure seemed to be oddly distributed, as if the person was drunk or perhaps insane. Certainly the pressure could be indicative of someone attempting to faint insanity, or inebriation, but for what purpose. His eye remaining still as he watched as the layout of the street view was over-layed upon the contact lens showing the pressure points in an attempt to figure out a pattern before she arrived on the stoop. Hearing the knock, and the soft voice claiming to be Avon Dakkon tilted his head ever so slightly like a dog hearing a strange new sound. He knew of Avon, hell some of the old movies his mother had he and his siblings watch when they were young referenced it as a door to door sales company. Hearing it said allowed in Ayenee was to put it plainly was just outlandish.

As his mother moved towards the door trying to make excuses for why someone would knock upon the door his right eye narrowed as his left flickered back and forth readying his little friends to be very nasty if the need were to arise. Granted the Ice Troll could arrive quickly as well if there was reason, but hopefully if the person was a threat the nanites would deal with them first. As his eye made ready his surprises he heard his mother exclaim recognition of the person. Blinking hard for a second as his mothers words translated into his brain, he arched an eyebrow " I thought I only had one maternal aunt, and I should never be around her......Tatyana" He said aloud before looking Carina over cursorily before giving himself a mental shrug "Hello Aunt Carina " He said looking at her quizzically. He could see some similarity in appearance between the two, although his mothers blueish hued hair as opposed to his Aunts black tresses was certainly different. Granted between himself and his siblings hair color was certainly no means of telling who was family or not.
 
Veta gave Corina a lingering hug then pulled back, " Sit down..something I can get you to drink...or eat ? " Veta stepped back over to the table she and Dakkon was sharing just moments earlier. Then as Veta stared at Corina, " What brings you here, Corina ? Is this a social calling or has father sent you here to find me..then you will return to him and report of my whereabouts..I'm quite sure he would love that..an opportunity to tell me I've failed..or is there something else going on ?"
 
She stood now at the entrance ..her eyes of purple made her fair skinned face seem looming out. She smiled a wry smile as she came face to face with her sister. It was a strange greeting, so inviting yet the stream of questions asked of her being here made Corina quite curious. Before taking her first step inside she lowered her head as if praying. Cloaking herself and whispering to herself to mind herself while here visiting. She reached out her arms to embrace her sister, saying ever so quietly.. "Veta-aa..Sweet sister, Its good to gaze once again upon you " her words flowed like a honey drunk bee. Inhaling Vetas' scent was like revisiting the past, when as children her memories of her sister was pleasant and safe.

Veta was the one always loving all things lovely, simple and wondrous. Now placing her worn fedora upon the bar top she looked over her sisters shoulder and nodded then shot over a smile to the man seated at one of the tables. "Dakkon..my have you grown to be a handsome young man" Her eyes focused on his, noticing he had two shades of eyes. She knew someone was aware of her presence while she was up on the rooftop. It pleased her to know he was now the one taking caution and slight interest. Corina thought to herself..*This is good to know..He is well informed, so it seems* she chuckled quietly as she now followed Veta further into the tavern. The place was subtle, dimly lit yet comforting.

While Veta was offering food and drink Carina scanned the entire tavern. Its windows, doors, walls and hallways... "Uh..hm, Yes a shot of your best whiskey if you don't mind" ..Now seating herself in the open seat across Dakkon and the open seat next to his..Undoing the belt to her long coat then unbuttoning it, she let it casually fall open. Watching every movement of her sister as she tended to her drink, she'd glance over to Veta's son Dakkon who now sat quietly, pondering possibly the same as she. She nodded over to him as her eyes would sparkle as she smiled.

Feeling that this place for now had no immediate threat, Corina reached for her wooden pipe, but stopped and waited till later to ask if it would be alright to fire it up inside the tavern. "Social calling" she replied chuckling as her sister knew better..continuing to say "Father...Yes well, its known by now your doings here. Failure..." she paused looking to her sister "Is what You think it is..Not what others, Father or otherwise has opinions on ".

As Veta would make her way to the table where she sat and waited on her drink..she closed her eyes..her mind searching..her senses rising a few notches..she remained silent and still.. "As for something else going on..? Well we're not fortune tellers now are we?!" Corina teased her sister in a playful tone. Dakkon would watch her..glancing in her direction as she knew he was assessing who she was and why only Now she has made her presence known. The taverns walls would shimmer with the slightest of movement as the protection spell notified her as things neared.
 
Dakkon looked to his Aunt for a moment paying attention to her odd mannerisms of speech. Let alone the seemingly constant stream of sub-vocalizations. She seemed to have a habit of muttering to herself, but one that she kept in check by not allowing them out to be full vocalizations, So she wouldn't seem like someone completely cracked. As he studied her and saw the pipe his eyes narrowed ever so slightly it reminded him of his father ever so slightly. His Father always seemed to be smoking, either a pipe or cigarettes. However seeing the unspoken question as her eyes tracked his mother he spoke "Smoking is permitted in the blackbird, at least as far as the amount of nicotine that laced the walls as of yesterday would attest". He said favoring his Aunt with a boyish smile. His left eye however flickered ever so slightly locating the nicotine molecules that the nanites had removed from the walls, ceiling and floors. The nanites in charge of storing oddments of material in subsurface areas were primed so that if his new aunt was an issue, he'd provide her with all the nicotine she'd ever need for the rest of her life. Seven thousand milligrams should be more that sufficient to kill a rampaging gorilla let alone this slip of a woman. Other sets were primed to collect the nicotine that would waft from his aunts pipe. Casually his left hand slid into his pocket and retrieved his cell phone. Pressing his Thumb to the scanner he unlocked it and pressed 4 upon the screen which started dialing before he held the phone up to his ear.

Slowly standing with the phone to his ear the connection was made at the other end. "Hey, Yeah it's me, thought you might want to know, Mom's back at the Blackbird" He said into the receiver softly. There was a burst of noise followed by a questioned which he answered with a "Yeah". Then he clicked the terminate button before slowly walking back to his seat.
 
Veta took a few steps back then turned to move around the counter of the bar. As she reached the shelf of the stadium rows of bottles of many shapes, sizes, and variety of hues. She reached towards one bottle of labeled whiskey,but then shifted her hand to a bottle beside it and lifted it from the shelf , turned about and reached for the short wide rimmed glass placing both bottle and glass to the counter..usually she would place cocktail napkin first before setting down a glass, but it had been such a long time since she had served anyone from behind the bar. She then slipped out a small square of a napkin and placed it underneath the glass, with tongs she dropped a couple of cubes of ice then poured a 3 finger amount to the glass.
" There ya go sis.."
Veta then moved out from behind the counter, settled down to one of the bar chairs, leaned slightly to one side placing a raised elbow to the counter, resting her head upon her palm and gazed to both Dakkon and Corina. Her gaze lingered mainly to Corina studiously. " No..we are not fortune tellers...but, sometimes we can predict sometimes of outcomes.." Veta paused for a couple of brief moments then added.. " It's been years Corina..what made you suddenly 'find' me...I mean..I left home, yes...because of him being..the family being...well, you should know of that..right ? "

Veta paused again, thinking she should make herself a drink..Disaronno was slightly calling to her, but she remained seated and continued ." I know that when I left..I left with just a few clothes thrown into a suitcase, a small travel bag and walked out...but, I was still in the same town..why wasn't I visited sooner by any of you ? Father , and my brothers I know have been keeping their eyes on me, but lately for the past years , I stopped seeing the long black sedan parked , or driving slowly by The Blackbird..."
She slides off the bar chair and returns to behind the bar to fix herself a drink, giving in to the Disarrono..as she poured and returned the bottle to the shelf, she still continued speaking.. " My marriage to Mithrandir, ..father made it clear he didn't approve of..so he wasn't present for that...then the births of my children..no one from the family was there for that..but I did receive gifts from father and the others..."She raised the glass and took a small swallow as she returned to her seat at the bar. One could tell she was thinking as she slides her finger around the rim of the whiskey glass slowly. A bit of a habit of hers. " Don't get me wrong Corina, I love it that you are here..., but I do have to question. Even I have questions..how are things with father and the others ? Even though I had walked out..I not once fell out of love and concern for my family..but I have felt shunned."
 
Corina sat waiting for her drink and sees that not only a glass was on its way but a bottle..She cocked her head slightly to her right as the amber hued bottle was set before, a drink had been poured. She nodded, smiling up to Veta as she reached with her right hand to slide the glass closer towards her.."Thanks!" , she replied as Veta now lingered around the bar seemingly contemplating a drink for herself. Caressing the glass within her fingers, gently giving the ice cubes a little swirl, she then adjusted herself within her chair aiming to answer her sisters questions of curiosity.

Bringing the glass to her lips, letting the liquid barely touch her lips, then placing the glass smoothly back down onto the napkin, her eyes would stare for a moment longer before saying. "Your leaving was of course,was by your choice. The discord it brought to Father and rest of the family eventually smoothed itself over, however it was with quiet anger that Fathers resentment to your relation with Mithrandir, that the rest of us had to up our game concerning the Family Business" Corina now shifted in her seat, her piercing eyes now glanced over and stayed focused on Veta.

Corina went on to say as the lights within the tavern dimmed even more now as Corina's energies were heightened some, she continued.. "You seem much occupied with Father and our Brothers, and that even now, as you've noticed they no longer keep an eye on this place, you almost seem resentful..." Corina smiled a small smile saying "Could it be a bit of guilt on your part for the dramatic way you left, going against Fathers decision?.." Corina leaned forward, elbows resting now on the table top.."And now, by not seeing the black cars drive by, or parked nearby, you almost miss being watched over?" Corina chuckled teasing Veta as she sat at the bar, "Easy there with that drink..You know one too many and well, who knows at this point what you might do or say*

Corina continued saying as she watched Dakkon rise to answer a call..her ears naturally trained to hear the softest of whispers heard what was said. She glanced over to Veta once again. *As for my visit, can a sister not drop in to see how her wayward sibling is doing? * Corina smiled saying..*Or do I need a personal invite by the taverns owner?" Corina teased Veta..Standing now, her long coat framing her form..walking towards the tavern window, she commented to Veta..*I've been kept busy conducting trades with the other Family's in the area, the usual dealings when the Syndicate is concerned." Corina now turned to face Veta.. "I've sustained my share of wounds, both of the physical as well as the emotional kinds" Corina now looked square at Veta. "It seems you left only with mixed and hurt feelings my dear sister" Corina shot over a quick smile, but her eyes of purple still piercing out at her. "I traveled to many places in your absence , met all forms of people and then some..Quite an experience I will admit" Corina chuckled as she now walked closer towards Veta at the bar.

"Here..Special Delivery for you from Them" Corina had reached into her red vested pocket, sliding out a plain card.. Placing the card face up, she slipped her hand back to her side, watching Veta's every move as she would glance down to see what type of card it was.. "Call it a Calling Card" There drawn on the face of it was a Crescent Moon... "See sister, You've not been forgotten" Corina smiled and chuckled lightly as she turned to Dakkon now seated back down at the table... "Oh my are we to have a family reunion soon? " she smiled over to him as he tucked his communication device away.. "I do hope its your Grandfather my oh my now that would spark some fireworks here wouldn't it?" she chuckled quietly, but now turned to Veta saying.. "I must be traveling away soon once again" Corina now reached over to give Veta a hug..thanking her for the drink and family talk..Now reaching behind her head, she braided her long black tresses and formed it into a bun before reaching for her worn beige fedora, placing it securely on, shifting it slightly to the right..then saying to Veta.. "I wish you well..and hope you are ready for what the winds will be bringing" With that said, she nodded over to her nephew then turned away heading towards the tavern doorway.

"Oh by the way...I wonder if Father would be pleased that, that whiskey bottle you served me was from his secret stash ? " she chuckled teasing Veta as she now gathered her long coat around her, collar pulled up, pausing long enough to inhale the damp wet air and left heading down the opposite way she had come. Corina hummed a quiet tune as she would fade into the city's night fog, leaving but a trace scent of Lilac behind her.
 
Veta was relieved in hearing that the family she had left behind doesn't hate her for it. But she feels her father would like her to be closer, as well as taking a position in the Costra Nostra. As Corina rose and now heading to the door, Veta herself slides quickly from her chair placing the glass she held to the counter..when she did the liquor sloshed over the glass , making a small puddle. She rushed up to Corina, reaching out to her as her eyes began stinging with the signs of tears.
" Leave ?! No, you cant leave...you just got here ! " Veta paused for just a quick moment, blinking to hold back those tears. " Corina..why are you leaving ?..Will you come back ...?"

Veta hoped for everything that she will stick around. " You need to stay..you need to see the others as they need to see you. You and I still have so much to talk about. Really, there is room for you here...I have plenty of room..not here, but at my home..I mean you can stay here in one of the rooms, ..you know what I mean.."

Veta glanced back over her shoulder to Dakkon, wondering who he is talking to..but she will ask him later, right now she was focused on trying to convince Corina to stay. She turned her attention back to her sister..waiting on a reply.
 
Corina heard her sisters voice calling out to her. The dense fog making the streets seem endless to nowhere. Pausing a while, she pondered to turn around, head back towards the tavern. Then stepping to her right onto the sidewalk, she stood under a broken sign of a business long forgotten. Its worn out letters and faded painted logo told of things that had happened here so very long ago.

Corina slid her hand into her vest, taking out her favored wooden pipe, stuffed it with her tobacco..and blew upon it. Setting a glow, she leaned against the old buildings wall..*I could stay a while longer, the Company will not fall if I stayed for a bit*..Corina thought to herself. * However, Father would Know and most likely send his people to fetch her, then make themselves known to Veta.* Corina was not too sure if her sister was up to all the attention just yet.

The night grew into the early morning hours as Corina now had to decide. It tugged on her emotions for her wayward sister, to stay a bit longer, But she also knew her duties awaited her attention and Him. He would not appreciate her tardiness to return to his side if she stayed, family or not. Blowing smoke rings that could barely be seen in the fog...she smoked her pipe till it was empty. Enough time to decide what she will do. Tapping out her pipe, tucking it back into her vest, she straightened herself n pulled her coat straight.. took a long deep breath turning towards the tavern.

Corina now sent to her sister..*Take good care Veta. I will make contact again*..she then lowered her head for a brief moment then looked ahead to where the streets met at a crossing..Standing now at its center, the emptiness comforting her..Corina now faded into the darkness, a swirl of the fog was the only remnants that she had been standing there just moments ago.
 
After Corina left The Blackbird, Veta remained standing, staring at the closed door. Just getting to meet her sister after so many years, only to have her leave again quickly. Not even time to have a real sit down chat. There was so much more she wanted to talk with Corina about..and so many more questions. With a sigh, she then began to turn about but paused as the voice of her sister entered into her head. Veta's eyes widened a bit, wondering quickly how was that possible ? Thus adding another question to the others. Shocking as it slightly was, the message was comforting. Not sure if it worked or not for her, but Veta thought a message back to Corina, ( Be safe..hurry back..my doors are always open to you )

Veta eased once again back behind the bar counter, taking up Corina's glass and placing it in the sink. She then reached for her glass, but instead of putting it in the sink, she poured herself a few fingers of Disoronno, then rested the bottle back to its spot on the shelf. Drink in hand she then moved out from behind the counter and settled down to the bar chair at the end. Taking a sip she then glanced back over to Dakkon, " Wow..what a day...been back in Ayenee for a few months, hardly anything happened..and now..BAM ! The event dam busts wide open!"

Veta gave a slight chuckle to herself as she takes another sip of the Italian whiskey..then turns her attention back to Dakkon. "
I'm sorry hon, can I get you something from the bar ?"
 
Dakkon turned and looked to his mother as his nanites on the street relayed information to him about how there was a slight harmonic variance about thirteen feet from the front door. The harmonic variance was wavering slightly but it was building slowly and increasing heat above the pavement. "No Thanks Mom, I never really found myself a taste for drinking" He said softly his eyes remaining upon her. He was a little confused by the news of an aunt let alone a grandfather. He'd alwayts been given the impression his grandfather was dead, and his mother only had Tatyanya as a sister. There was a lot of investigation to be done, as well as identification. "Although it looks like the mage contingent is about to arrive" He said in an off hand manner as he stood and moved to the bar counter pulling up a stool and looking at his mother. The nanites recorded high heat for a second before it dropped to an ambient middle ground between the natural atmospheric levels and where ever the portal was linked too, as well as the harmonic and pressure differentials .
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Azrael Elijah Olorii, first born son of Veta and Mithrandir, Stood in the forest clearing. He had just riffled the odd device his bother had given him into a low pocket upon his woolen duster. Standing there he wondered what he should do with the new information his brother had just spoken to him,their mother had returned home..... Well one of their homes... Looking around the clearing he took in his surroundings seeing there was nothing left to do. Raising his right hand palm out, his thumb held tightly to the palms side. With a lilting utterance of elvish words he forced his focus upon is destination where he parted reality. The words gave focus and form to the doorway which burrowed through reality and allow him to look upon the street outside of the Blackbird Tavern.

His white hair fluttered back with the release of air from the gateway connecting as his green eyes focused upon the ground on the other side. Taking in the details and seeing he had made a little bit of a step down from the clearing to the street. Stepping through the doorway he felt his foot hit the asphalt and his boots clicked with his steps towards the front doors of the tavern. He looked around almost with a hint of curiosity just taking in the effects of his brothers handiwork, but without being terribly interested or impressed. Stepping up towards the door he checked himself briefly finding his sword, belted at his hip. Looking over his shoulder at the way back to where he'd come from he closed his eyes blinking with forced slowness and as his eyes closed so did the portal. Grasping the door handle he gave it a twist and stepped into the tavern.

His eyes first seeing his brother as he pulled out a stool and then his eyes found his mother. She looked as she always had as if time had stopped for her at the moment of their birth. He was reminded for a moment of his childhood, when both of his parents had disappeared, and Lilith, Dakkon and he had trooped out looking for them, searching the country side. As he walked over towards the counter he raised his right hand in a fluid gesture of greeting something of a salute that his Uncle Mercury had taught him when he stayed with the Silverwinds before their eradication. "Hello Mother"
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Veta nearly dropped the glass as she saw Azrael standing now just a few feet from her. Placing the glass to the counter she slowly slides from the bar chair, one foot, then the other to the floor. " Azrael..oh my god.." immediately she felt the sting of tears forming to her eyes. She closed the distance between them quickly reaching out to wrap her arms around him. "This has been a most unusual day...but also a day of happiness. Dakkon and now you are here.."

She pulls back, her eyes studying every inch of him. " My how handsome my son's have become.. please, please..come sit down beside me and Dakkon..so much I want to learn..and as Dakkon, I'm sure you have lots of questions as well for me..It's a shame Corina couldn't have stayed just a bit longer, she had left only a few moments ago..surely both of you have passed one another.." Just as she were about to climb back to the bar chair, she paused, " Oh..is there anything I can get for you ? Something to eat..or to drink..?"
 
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Corina paused briefly, feeling a change in the mist she stepped into. But shrugged it off as she continued on her way. No light to guide but instincts gave her directions as she now passed through the fragmented barrier to where she had first entered the city's outskirts. Corina hummed her quiet tune in her head as she now recalled her recent conversations with her sister Veta. It was obvious she did not give too much information, just yet to Corina. But in time she figured Veta would give in and tell her story, perhaps in bits and pieces, much like a puzzle as to why she would reopen the tavern and her dire interests of the Family she had run from.

Corina came to a small clearing, this place seemed odd but nonetheless the pathway to where she needed to be, soon. Her footsteps were timed to the tune playing in her head. Every once in a while she would pause, take a half step and twirl herself, stop in mid motion as her coat would come to a complete halt before she would continue her walk towards the mansion. The area darkened and lined with trees older than she, Corina edged closer, her trained eyes catching sight of the guards patrolling the grounds. She chuckled to herself thinking they were the proper soldiers of their Fathers empire. They were dressed accordingly for the night watch. As she now reached them, three of them stopped, turned and realized who she was. A light nod of their heads to her, she returned the same to them as she walked through one of the many doorways inside.

*Hm..this should be good* Corina thought to herself as she now removed her long coat and took off her fedora, giving it a light tap as she now let down her long braids. *Home*..she said quietly as she glanced around the entryway, looking in all three directions. Lifting her head to take in those roaming about, not taking notice of her presence just yet. She would now walk into the large greeting room where she met with Lorenzo, their Fathers right hand man. Lorenzo knew all the going on with their Fathers business. Corina now stood before the man dressed in his black business suit. He didn't seem to be aware of her until Corina spoke.

"Lorenzo..its good to see you again" Corina's voice spoke like a whispered song, a tune haunting to ones ear. Lorenzo glanced up immediately as his eyes met Corina's piercing purple eyes. He froze for a moment seeing her slightly changed, but mustered up a smile of greeting to her. She then offered her right hand to him, as he now took it ever so gently in his bringing it halfway up and leans in to kiss the topside of her hand, then gently lowering it as her hand now back at her side. She smiled as she watched him. thinking to herself..*Always the Gentleman this one, I like him* she smiled stepping closer towards him, leaning to the left side of his face, breathing him in, then leaning back she said.."I have missed you..Where and How is my Father, tis been quite some time since I visited."..Corina now looked around the room, seeing the bookshelves, the fireplace and large sitting chairs around the room.

Lorenzo watched her, heard her words and spoke.."He is away at the moment and doing well"..Her questions answered she moved now to turn away as she had nothing more to discuss, but he took her left forearm in hand, stopping her causing her to turn to look at him. He was a handsome Italian man. Good looks, intelligent and not moody as many men she had known in her Fathers' services. "Wha..Lorenzo How"..but before she could finish her sentence he closed into her whispering .."You are changed girl. Your Father will not be pleased" with that said he released her arm, asked for forgiveness of doing such a thing to a daughter of the Boss. Corina stood there motionless, speechless but knew he spoke the truth. Corina lowered her head, her eyes on the floor seeing his shoes..and replied..."Yes, In time , possibly sooner than I'd like, will have to explain this.." She looked to him, at that moment she actually seemed to show emotions. "Lorenzo, I came Home for a few things, not to stay and face my Father.. I fear both he and I are not ready for the fallout. I came only to report on Veta..Please" her voice quiet.. "I will leave a note that I had met and spoken with Veta..and that I was here and soon he and I will talk" Lorenzo nodded his head to her as she now turned to quickly hurry upstairs to her room to pen the brief note to her Father, and take her leave before his return to the mansion.

Lorenzo watched as Corina disappeared from sight and turned back to the papers he was working on before she came in. But his thoughts were of Corina, the changes he'd seen, she was as he knew her, yet not. For now Lorenzo would keep this quiet and say nothing on it when his Boss returned, it was after-all a Family matter and it was going to be Corina to do the explaining. Though, as Lorenzo gathered the papers, placing them neatly upon the large oak table for signing, he couldn't shake the thoughts of the outcome, knowing how his Boss felt of the..Other kinds. A few minutes later he'd hear the main door close, knowing it must be Corina, he sighed a quiet sigh, he had feelings for her long ago, and still to this moment. But he'd never dare express it outwardly for it would cause him to lose his position or his life. The predawn was fast approaching and the fireplace logs replaced, continuing to burn, keeping the room warm and welcoming for the Boss's return. As Lorenzo gave the room a last look over before heading to his room, he looked out the glass windows..thinking of Corina, where was she going too now..why and is there someone waiting for her..These questions will have to wait to be answered, he thought to himself, all in good, safe time.
 
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Standing there his mothers arm around him he showed nothing upon his face, no smile or outrage. He just looked calm he lacked any specific facial tick or anything that showed his emotional undertow assuming he had one. Az had always found himself as an outsider in his family. Emotions and feelings, as well as, the mannerisms that the others displayed were always seemingly one step away just outside of his reach. He did however know the expected response to her hugging him and after a microsecond he followed through with putting his arms around his mothers frame tentatively, not sure how hard to hug her. As he looked over her shoulder looking towards his brother. He noted that his brother seemed well and was even dressed up. He was even out of his lab-coat, it was truly a strange day. "How has the day been unusual, mother ? " He asked politely. He was unaware of what could make a day unusual in Ayenee. Aliens, Monsters of various description, Elves, Harpys, Dragons, Liches, Angels and everything else that made up the general population of Ayenee made having an average day impossible. That said his younger brother was outside of his almost religiously worn lab-coat, and whats more he looked like he'd remembered to eat and bath. Which was an improvement compared to the majority of the times he'd checked in on him. However he was not one to quibble over such things. She would explain her meaning in time. Her compliment over his and Dakkons appearance to put it plainly went over his head into a mental bag of useless clutter that only confused the conversation. Sure it was a compliment, but how was one supposed to react to such a statement ? It would have to be by-passed. Looking to his mother as she continued to speak he felt pressed to ask "What would you like to learn mother ? Also who is Corina ? I Saw no one on the street, but I came through an unorthodox path to arrive so perhaps that is why....No thank you I am not in need of either at the moment, Mother".

He Crossed from where she had hugged him and took a seat next to his brother sitting down quintessentially correctly. Perfect posture, and without leaning back against the chair back or forward over the table and awaited her explanations to his questions. He wasn't sure how to explain it to himself but seeing his mother it was like something you'd gotten used to then lost had just resurfaced, but he couldn't identify the feeling. He might have to ask Lilith when he felt later, because asking Dakkon would only bring hours of debate, and argument without a satisfactory conclusion.

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As Azrael entered the tavern Dakkons eyes tracked his brother, sure Azrael was the eldest, but he wasn't much older maybe a minute if that, but even so seeing his brothers cold and distant expression and mannerisms made him feel superior, just a little. Certainly he would never admit those feelings to anyone, he did love his brother even if he used magic. Everyone has their flaws or so many people had claimed to him. His Mother bolting over to Azrael and hugging him brought him up short. He hadn't been hugged, but Azrael got a hug it was strange. He felt almost like an outsider with that display. If he couldn't see how lost Az was he might have taken a bit more offense but seeing his brother caught like a fish out of water, who was just clubbed with an Oar made it just barely acceptable. His brothers odd green eyes looking him over gave Dakkon just a brief sensation of being judged but it didn't last and he wasn't about to interrupt. Hearing his moth start the general platitudes of offering foodand Drink he spoke up looking to his mothers eyes "Mom, neither Az or I are Patrons, you can leave off the having to serve us schtick"
 
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As Azrael pulled away from the hug, Veta's arms still stayed in nearly the same position for a few quick moments before lowering them, then followed Azrael over to the table where Dakkon is seated. Pulling out a chair, she sat between them, reaching to Azreal's hand , then with her other she reached to Dakkon's hand, giving both a light squeeze, and stroked her thumb over each hand. She was truly indeed thrilled to having her son's with her now. She looked to both, blinking back the stinging tears to her eyes." I say unsual because it began with some trickery from your brother here, though he ment it as helping me, but at the beginning it frightened me..though The Blackbird had become haunted...Well, I should state that the day began with Marcus, he is with the Equilibrium Corporation..seems they keep a moniter reading over the area's and payed me a visit as I had returned to a seemingly dead part of town. "

She gave another light squeeze to both son's hands," To answer to your next question..I would love to learn all there is of you, and Dakkon as it has been quite a long time since seeing you both. I really have missed you both. As for explaining Corina..she is my sister, from the home I had left years ago..she is your Aunt. I wanted her stay longer..I thought it to be very odd that she wanted to leave as quickly as she arrived. I was relieved in hearing some of the things she had told me..like, my father, your grandfather, doesn't hold any hate towards my move from home. I know it's a bit of a shock to you both in learning of a Grandfather and a sister of mine..as I hadn't spoken of my family ..for that I am sorry..it was just a life I was running from at the time, and my family really was upset with my marriage to your father. But now all that is hopefully water under the bridge and they seem to be coming around."

She gave a quick glance to Dakkon from his comment.." Dakkon, my heart..sorry you are thinking that I'm reacting to you both as 'patrons', I ask that to be welcoming, and caring as any mother should."
 
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Azrael passively sat allowing his mother to take his hand, he was never sure what to do when it came to such general signs of affection such as hand holding or hugging but he would permit it. He listened amiably to his mothers recounting of the events nor sure what she meant when she accounted for Dakkon playing some sort of trickery. The idea that the Tavern being haunted however seemed to stir his mind slightly as he opened himself up to his arcane senses feeling the buildings imprint, finding nothing he felt safe not having to worry about some kind of ghostly intruder upon their reunion. His eyes narrowed at the mention of a corporation keeping tabs on a district of town, older the section was although not as old as some. The old Elven quarter for one, let alone the under town sections where the night dwellers seemed to reside most of the time. When she gave his hand a squeeze he automatically returned the gesture knowing it as a symbol of affection, something she had down often enough when the three eldest were children and would walk with her and their father.

Azraels ears perked up though when she mentioned that he had family he did not know of, it was a wrinkle that didn't sit well with him, he prided himself on knowing, but then again he'd spent the last few years avenging the Silverwind clan upon large numbers of Drow elves. It made him feel odd but he felt that perhaps he'd endangered members of his family he didn't even know on his campaign of eradication and vengeance. Hearing her complete her thoughts and his brothers chastisement he waited a moment before beginning " To tell you the truth I am not sure how long it's been since we last saw you, I have been rather engrossed on avenging Uncle Mercury's family that was killed all those years ago, I have been hunting Drow elves in the forests and caves around the old Silverwind Lands. I also from time to time stop in and see Lilith, and Raine, as well as Dakkon, although Dakkon seems to live in his Laboratory so it is often difficult to pop in on him. " He said briefly before the thought occurred to him " Although I am not working alone to remove the blight from Uncle Mercurys home, Venus has been helping as well" He said calmly and without expression.
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Dakkon looked at his mother as she took his hand and started to claim his repairs to the tavern were trickery, he wasn't sure why she would put it so, but there was little to do about it now that wouldn't seem childish and churlish when he was side by side with his brother the cold and dispassionate mage. It was almost expected from their childhood with how well he kept a reign on his emotions and facial expression that he would need to be the leader of their troop. Feeling his mothers hand squeeze he returned it without thinking, but enjoying the nostalgic feeling it rekindled in his chest. His mothers explanation of having a grandfather was one thing he was uncertain of. Dakkon was almost certain it couldn't be real, he should have heard of other Norrs by this point in his life. Sure he was almost always in his laboratory, and always elbows deep in some new experiment or technology, but he did go out.... well sometimes. Okay sure he was in the lab bodilly almost all the time, but Synthetic consciousness vessels were about as good as going out when you wanted to get ideas.

Hearing his mothers comment about how she was just trying to be welcoming and caring he arched a brow but then thought better of commenting on the welcoming aspect of customer service and left it alone "Sorry" He said before his brother started to explain his general rampage to the far west across the southern reaches of the New Fangorn forest. Dakkon was well aware of what his brother was doing and he had offered some assistance from time to time. His brother was only vaguely aware of his help but that was all for the good.
 
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" Avenging?..I'm not sure that I understand about all that, but it definitely sounds like something I should worry about." She noticed quite briefly an expression to Dakkon's face when she had revealed about a member to her family..she gave a gentle pat of her hand to his sleeve, " I will explain fully of everything, and answer all questions you may have.." She then looked back to Azael, " That goes for you too.." She paused for a few moments..then added.." What about your father, have you heard much of him ? How is he fairing ? "
 
Azrael looked at his mother seeing her seemingly confusion. He wasn't sure how she was confused, what he had said seemed rather straightforward to him, but he would endeavor to clarify. " Well mother, if you recall Uncle Mercury took me in when you and father were .... having difficulties, he helped mentor me in magic while father was away. While I was there Drow raids were becoming rather frequent on the boarders of uncle Mercury's lands. Uncle Mercury was returning me home to Olorii Castle, when the Drow struck from the interior of their lands killing most all of Uncle Mercury's family, and claiming his family's lands as their own. For a Time Uncle Mercury attempted to reclaim and cleanse his lands. When I was old enough and Father and Uncle Mercury agreed I was capable enough, I joined Uncle Mercury in his work, at one point things were seeming to go rather well, most of the Drow fortifications at least those above ground had been destroyed, but those below remained. Uncle Mercury left in the night and I haven't seen him or sign of him or his passing since, but I have been keeping the Drow on the defensive, and culling their numbers . Venus if you recall my friend who moved in with us when Dakkon, Lilith and I were five, found me and has been offering support in my campaign." Azrael took a long breath and licked his drying lips before adding " So there is no reason to worry, the elimination of the scourge of Drow moves apace. " His general grasp of the situation his mother seemed to be engaged in was too nebulous and unspecific for him to grasp the general outline, other than she had seen parts of her family, and that was strange. He could to a degree understand how that deviated from the normal even for him, he hardly saw his brother or sisters all that frequently, or his father for that matter, but he wasn't sure how often they were supposed to see each other, it seemed like something he would need to ask Venus about, she at least seemed to understand people and their emotions better than he did.

Hearing his mothers question concerning his father he tilted his head towards her much like a dog who heard a strange noise for the first time before responding a moment after his brothers reaction. " I have not seen father in a few weeks I think, though it may be longer than that, but he seemed hearty and hale when I saw him last. "

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Dakkon looked towards his mother as she said she would fully explain and answer all his questions in his mind he had a sarcastic remark concerning the conversion rate of liquid helium being converted into a plasma without using any external heating elements but decided to bite his tongue. He was so used to being surrounded by people he didn't care about that he almost forgot how to deal with people he did like, or love for that matter. This was his mother, and his brother, although to be fair Azrael was always a bit strange, but you could depend on him. As she paused and asked about his father he tisked and grumbled to himself.
 
From the reaction she got from Dakkon, and the response from Azrael, she decided to drop the matter after a brief slow shake of her head. Raising a hand she flit back the length of her blue hair from her shoulders then headed over towards the bar. Once behind the counter she grasped one of the clean stubby short glass, turned it right side up, added a few cubes of ice..turned slightly to reach the handle of the refrigerator sliding door to remove a chilled bottle of Ruby Red. Once to the desired amount she replaced the bottle , sliding the glass door closed. As she adds just a tiny bit of sugar to the juice and gave a quick stir with a cocktail straw she lifts up the glass taking a nice swallow. She glanced back to her boys over the counter,
" Can I get either of you something ? "
 
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