Sophie’s Let-It-Go Bonfire
Date: 2025-09-12 14:32
(Sophie’s Let-It-Go Bonfire )
[Fri Sep 12 2025]
At the Ancient Central Plaza Fountain/span>/spanThe central plaza fountain rises from a circular basin of weathered granite,
its three-tiered structure reaching nearly fifteen feet into the air. Water
cascades from carved stone faces at each level, their features worn smooth by
decades of constant flow, creating a steady murmur that carries across the
intersection of paths. The fountain’s base spans twenty feet in diameter,
surrounded by a low stone wall perfect for sitting, though the limestone
bears dark stains where the spray reaches during windy days. Bronze plaques
set into the fountain’s pedestal commemorate various graduating classes,
their inscriptions growing increasingly difficult to read on the older
dedications, particularly those from the 1800s where the metal has developed
a peculiar greenish-black patina. The water itself appears crystal clear in
daylight but takes on an oddly opaque quality after sunset, and careful
observers might notice that coins tossed into the basin sometimes seem to
disappear entirely rather than settling to the bottom. Four ornate lamp posts
mark the cardinal points around the fountain, their wrought iron bases
decorated with intertwining vines and barely visible symbols that could be
mistaken for mere ornamentation./span>/spanIt is afternoon, about 73F(22C) degrees, and the sky is partly covered by dark grey clouds. The mist is heaviest At High and Rosewood/span>/spanBuck gives a tip of his hat to Matias, “Afternoon, Matias. Good to see you here. Should be a good event.”
Sophie waves at Matias, “Hey Professor!” She walks in carrying a big bowl of hot apple cider.
Matias is watching the flames as they roar up the fountain into the autumn air and then looks to Buck, “Ransom, it has been to long how are you?” and then to Sophie, “Miss Callum this is rather well done. I hope you did not have to do it all alone.”
Sophie shakes her head, “No, Mister Ransom was an amazing help. I’d have been lost without his help in setting this up.”
“Well, after the investigations on campus with the drugs, the butcher, and The Twilight Bureau having a serial killer on the loose, I’ve been in and out of town for a bit. I’m working on more local cases lately, so you’ll see me around for sure.” Buck says with a smile to Matias.
Matias says “I hope we have a better turnout, I know Miss Lawson planned to come.“
Sophie says “I’m not too worried, the point is that something was started on Campus and there will be more things. “
Sophie watches the bonfire flame rise, “Let’s test it out, and make sure it’s working.”
Sophie uses an offering stack of papers and pens: A sheet is lifted from the Offering Stack, ready to bear what must be surrendered.
Sophie quietly she thinks, writing down something onto the paper before folding it. Walking nearer to the fire she says a quiet something and drops it into the fire.
Sophie uses an A Roaring Bonfire: The fire roars louder, as though one more soul has joined its endless feast.
Matias whistles softly as the paper goes up. “So what should I write then Miss Callum, guidelines?”
Sophie looks over at Matias, “Whatever burden you may have. A fear, a habit, an unrealistic dream. This ceremony is all about removal.”
Buck gives a tip of his hat to Kaelyn as he says, “Good to see you here, Miss Miller. Glad you could join the event.”
Matias looks aside at Kaelyn as she arrives in a sundress and lifts his hand in a little wave, the entire area warmed by the roaring bonfire which really may be slightly out of control luckily the fountains stone edges seem to contain it… for now!
Sophie gives Kaelyn a happy wave, “Welcome!” She laughs, “I may have gone a bit overboard with the fire.
Kaelyn waves to the small group as she pads in a bit late. A small look of surprise as someone she does know recognizes her, but this she was learning was just a fact of life. “Hey.” Her eyes dart to the fire, “I think it may be big enough for Mercy to actually chuck me in there.” She chuckles.
Sophie shakes her head, “No sacrifices of flesh, just paper.” She gives Kaelyn a warm smile, probably warmer by the bright fire, “This is an opportunity to take something weighing on you and releasing it. So get some paper, write it down and offer it to the fire.”
“I don’t think we’ll be seeing that, as we’ve got some faculty here to prevent any safety issues.” Buck/span>/spanMatias uses an offering stack of papers and pens: A single page is claimed from the Offering Stack, crisp and untouched.
Kaelyn chuckles, tucking her hand behind her back, “For which I am grateful for.” There was a bob of her head, “But, I think can think of a few things I need to let go of.” Looking over at Buck she shakes her head, “Oh, its not an issue at all. I just-” a little snort, “let a little too much emotion slip.”
Matias writes something on the page, it is a short thing maybe a name maybe a little more and folds it before sending it into the fire with a seemingly powerful gust of wind from nowhere imparticular. The paper burns up immediately and is whooshed into the air as dust and ember.
Matias uses an A Roaring Bonfire: A low rumble passes through the bonfire, half growl and half chant.
“There’s also snacks here.” Buck/span>/spanSophie gives Kaelyn a smile, “Do you have any interest in joining a coven?”
Matias chuckles softly at that one but does watch Kaelyn’s reaction.
Kaelyn seems to be amused by something in the background before she focuses on the question with a blank look. “A what?”
Matias gets some tiny smores and lets it crisp up and goo-ify near the bonefire before popping it into his mouth and asking Buck, “I cannot wait for snow.”
Kaelyn is going to dc for a few to move things.
“Ooh, these cupcakes are in the shape of the bonfire, how cool!” Buck says as he nods to Matias, “I’m more of a spring guy with all of the rains, but Winter is so pretty when the snow falls everywhere and you can just cozy up with a fire and a book.”
Sophie notices Kae is a little busy, so she holds off on answering, “The snacks are perfect. And I’m rather proud of all this.” She looks around, “I’m not too fussed. We had so much leftover food at the student party.” As if something struck her, “That reminds me! Can we redo the student council?”
“The student council we be disbanded as of…” Matias looks at his phone. “September 22nd for the Autumn session. Professor Kane and I simply have to announce it but yes. We have been unenthused by the efforts of some.” Matias explains to Sophie before offering a reassuring smile, “But you have been wonderful Miss Callum.”
Mercy wanders into the plaza with her head tilted back for a yawn.
Buck gives a tip of his hat to Mercy, “Afternoon, Miss Matlock. Good to see you at the event.”
Kaelyn came back after a moment of trying to process the word ‘coven’. “Isn’t that something sort of magic based?” She asks Sophie.
Matthew approaches the group, hands in his pockets, looking like he’s there to observe rather than participate.
Mercy hones in on Kaelyn almost immediately and with body language that suggests playful but nonetheless ill-intent, but Buck’s greeting catches her off guard and she glances to him with a dark red brow ticked up over her shades. “We met before?”
Matias looks at Mercy and comments, “Faculty get student profiles. We memorize most of you.”
“Buck Ransom.” Buck says as he gives a nod, “From the local ones. I keep an eye on things and people in town, so you end up as a person of interest.”
Sophie gives Kaelyn a smile, “It is, usually but in our case The Windermere Coven is a circle of daring women bound by secrecy, laughter, and a bit of trouble. It’s a fun little society and I’m hoping to get it started up again.” She gives Mercy a wave as she offers, “Welcome! Please, have something to eat and also make use of the Bonfire. Grab a paper from the stack, write something on it that’s weighing you down and offer it to the flames.”
Mercy clears her throat gently and nods after Matias clears things up. “Righ’, righ’, forgot he were..” She turns to Buck at that point and starts over, laying on a little extra of her poorly practiced southern charm to smooth things. “Sorry ’bout that mister Random, still wakin’ up a little.”
Buck tips his has to Matthew, “Mr. Monstrose. Good to see you here on campus supporting the local events. Hope you enjoy the food and lay your burdens down in the fire, if you have any.”
Mercy totally said RANSOM.
Matias finishes of his gooey smores and watches the fire continue to burn barely contained with the light reflecting off his glasses and slate-grey eyes. “How did you build the fire exactly?” he wonders seeming intrigued by the ferocity of the bonfire.
Sophie greets Matthew with a bright wave, “Welcome!” She skips over to his side, “I’m curious what the ever amazing Matthew can offer to our fire.” She motions to the stack of paper, “Take a paper, write down whatever you wish to have removed. Worries. Habits. Fears. Then offer it to the bonfire.”
Kaelyn gives a grin to Mercy, shifting a little bit as if preparing to jump out of the way if a vicious assault ever happened. Though, Mercy is distracted one bit of attention is kept on the rest of what Sophie was saying. “Oh,” She tilts her head to the side, “You’d have to give me a day or two to think about it.” Rubbing her neck she stole a smore, eating it. “I will probably be a yes, though.”
Matthew gives Buck a smile, drifting towards the refreshments. “Thanks, I saw the event and Sophie’s my assistant so I decided to come by and do just that,” hecwinks at Sophie, and s one of the sheets of paper.
Mercy tells Sophie afterwards, while holding Kaelyn in a dead stare. “Know exactly what’s weighin’ on me most righ’ now..”
Matthew uses an offering stack of papers and pens: A sheet slips free of the Offering Stack, light as breath.
Sophie smiles at Mercy, “No but I hope you’d offer it to the flame.” She gives Kaelyn an excited wink in return to her comment.
Wandering over from the snacks table to the stack of papers, Buck/span>/spanBuck uses an offering stack of papers and pens: A page is taken from the Offering Stack, eager for ink and confession.
Kaelyn flashes a wicked smile at the look, “I’m innocent.” She proclaims not so innocently to Mercy.
Matias reiterates to Sophie, “How did you get the fire so big?”
Matthew listens to the student banter and then starts writing on his paper.
Matthew uses an A Roaring Bonfire: Heat shudders outward, as though the fire exhaled with satisfaction.
Matthew steps up to the ROARING bonfire and tosses in his paper. He looks towards the group and wonders, “What next?”
Mercy looks down at her phone screen for a moment then back up to Kaelyn, shaking her head slowly in disapproval then heading over to the paper stack.
“As seasons change, we see the death of leaves and the rise and fall of winds and heat. Here in this fire, it consumes these logs and branches, that which has given life to animal and man, given heat to light and destruction, and grown tall and strong only to be cut down and destroyed. We honor this tree in it’s sacrifice, as above, so below, where all benefits must flow from change.” Buck/span>/span“Well I believe socialize and eat and drink. Matthew, I rarely see you out and about. Thank you for coming to my faux court event the other day.” Matias says to Matthew in a conversational baritone of a voice.
Kaelyn bounds over to Mercy, dropping her voice low as she starts to write something on another piece of paper.
Sophie moves about the group as more flames accept pages, “Letting go is never easy. We hold on to regrets, fears, and mistakes as if carrying them will somehow keep us safe. The truth is, they only weigh us down. When you release what no longer serves you, you make space for something new, for joy, for courage, for growth. Letting go is not forgetting, it is choosing to move forward lighter, freer, and stronger.” She smiles after, “And yes, eating snacks and relaxing as you release those burdens.”
Matthew’s eyes drift toward Kaelyn with mild curiosity. He looks over when someone approaches, offering up a smile. “You know, I think I don’t make it out to the university much,” gets admitted of the professor, “And you don’t make it out to the bars as much.” There’s a crooked grin in the Montrose’s features, nodding at the thanks. “I love supporting the Court and the theater don’t get the attention it deserves.”
Matthew’s eyes drift toward Kaelyn with mild curiosity. He looks over when Matias approaches, offering up a smile. “You know, I think I don’t make it out to the university much,” gets admitted of the professor, “And you don’t make it out to the bars as much.” There’s a crooked grin in the Montrose’s features, nodding at the thanks. “I love supporting the Court and the theater don’t get the attention it deserves.”
Mercy stares down at her piece of paper and admits to Kaelyn bluntly, “Ain’ know what to write.”
“I am primarily Windermere adjacent. I try to support the students and I am often tutoring and the like.” Matias explains to Matthew while listening to Buck and Sophie give some context to the tradition of the bonfire burning. “I saw some thing about AI and you in the headlines. What was that about?”
Kaelyn says a little more loudly, “Could just draw my body on it. You know since you can’t sacrifice me.”
Mercy looks Kaelyn up and down for a second, chewing on the inside of her cheek thoughtfully. “Could maybe lift you if I put my back into it.”
“Or if you have a grievance with someone, write that down and throw it in. Maybe the Winds of Fate will find it resolved in some fashion.” Buck says as he motions to the fire, pulling a book out of his bag and flipping through it. “Says here that usually consuming rituals do have some power in willworking as long as you believe and cast your sacrifice into the fire with intention.”
Matias says “Miss Ivorstead is on her way.“
Sophie mosies over to Mercy, “Or what Mister Ransom said.” A little grin follows as she leans in, “Or, you could break the rules and offer a desire or two to the fire. Like wanting to throw a Kae around.”
Kaelyn laughs, “Okay, you could probably do it if I let you. But, then who would bother you? Don’t answer that.”
Mercy glances over to Buck at that with a little hum. “Interestin’.. let’s see.”
“Well I’ll happily burn my debt up,” Matthew comments after Buck and someone speak, his chin topping in the fire’s direction as indicator of what he likely offered up. He continues speaking with Matias. “Oh, just some philanthropic stuff the family’s been doing. Contributing to early childhood education, and I’m doing my part, mega studios will be producing some cartoons for the youtube kids platform.”
“Well I’ll happily burn my debt up,” Matthew comments after Buck and Sophie speak, his chin topping in the fire’s direction as indicator of what he likely offered up. He continues speaking with Matias. “Oh, just some philanthropic stuff the family’s been doing. Contributing to early childhood education, and I’m doing my part, mega studios will be producing some cartoons for the youtube kids platform.”
Kaelyn says “That’s the spirit!“
Buck uses an A Roaring Bonfire: The bonfire flares high, as if delighted to be fed fuel for its endless hunger.
Kaelyn uses an offering stack of papers and pens: A slip of paper drifts loose from the Offering Stack, caught for its purpose.
Mercy attempts to use Kaelyn’s nearest shoulder as a surface to put her paper against while she scribbles something onto it.
Matthew considers the snack situation and grabs a handful of puffs and cider.
Kaelyn holds mostly still, looking at her paper.
Sophie gives Nemi a bright wave, “Welcome!” She motions to the table, “Have a snack and think about what you’d like to offer to the fire. We have plenty of papers and pens. And the fire is hungry for whatever you wish to get off your shoulders.”
Sophie uses an offering stack of papers and pens: A sheet is torn gently from the Offering Stack, waiting for burdens to be written.
Sophie picks up a paper, “Not even I can get away from it.” She gives Nemi a wink as she scribbles something down.
Sophie uses an A Roaring Bonfire: A crack like splitting wood echoes as the fire hungrily devours the burden.
Buck gives a tip of his hat to Nemi, “Afternoon, Nemi. Good to see you on campus. Have you talked to Miss Helen Wagner? I think she wants to teach some Engineering classes on campus and I told her you’re a prime candidate for a Teacher’s Assistant.”
Matthew upnods Nemi, recognizing her.
Nemi eeps nodding softly to Buck. “Not yet- I’ll try talking to her more in the future but that’s a good idea-” She states with a nod, and then nods towards Matthew.
Mercy uses an offering stack of papers and pens: A page slides free of the Offering Stack, smooth beneath the hand.
Mercy uses an A Roaring Bonfire: The bonfire flares high, as if delighted to be fed fuel for its endless hunger.
Mercy flicks the paper into the flames with a quick wrist motion.
Mercy steps back to rejoin Kaelyn with a satisfied exhale, lifting her shades up onto her head and peering back over at Buck curiously. “So yer a teacher and a private investigator both? What do you teach?”
Matias says “Common sense and deduction./span>/spanCarefully not to disturb her shoulder stand, takes another paper. Humming Kaelyn stares at it as if trying to figure out something else to write. Slowly, she spells out a single word and quickly tosses both into the fire, nose lifting to breath in the scent. It takes a second but she tunes back in to what was happening around her.
Matthew checks his phone and then heads towards Sophie. “I should be going, have to pick up and outfit for a party tonight, it’s good to see you organizing things.”
Kaelyn uses an A Roaring Bonfire: The fire roars louder, as though one more soul has joined its endless feast.
“Safety, mostly.” Buck/span>/spanMatthew nods toward Buck, tells Matias, “Good seeing you,” and then makes his way across the quad.
Matthew pauses, picks something up of the ground, and holds up some keys. “Anyone drop these?”
Matias looks to the keys and pats himself down before turning to Sophie, “I will reach out over the weekend, but I need to go prepare for something this evening. I wish I could stay longer, but the cider is delicious.” and he steals a cup before departing.
Mercy cants her head off to one side, curiosity seemingly piqued as she hears Buck’s response and the exchange between him and Matthew. “Like self-defense fightin’? When’s yer next class? Just signed up so I’m still figurin’ out the schedule and stuff.”
Kaelyn wave to Matias as he leaves.
Sophie waves to Matthew, “Thank you for coming! It means a lot. We need to have a bonfire at the fall festival.”
Nemi texts spme things off as she looks over to the fire, nodding softly as she sighs and hums a bit. Thinking for a few moments clearly.
Sophie moves between people, ensure their hands are full of cider and snacks. She gives Buck a little wink as she checks on the bonfire.
Mercy says “.. Who were that other guy?“
Sophie says “Which one? “
Mercy jerks a thumb over her shoulder, telling Sophie, “Latino guy.”
Sophie says “Professor Matias? “
Nemi says “Professor Matias? Works here.“
Sophie nods at Mercy, “Professor Matias. He’s fantastic.”
Kaelyn nods once peering at the direction the professor left, “He might not be a bad person to reach out to. We’ve had a few conversations about shifting.”
Buck nods to Mercy, “He helped me put away the Bayview Butcher case, and we cleaned up a Fae that was selling drugs around campus, The Smiling Man.”
Matthew says “If anyone lost there keys, ask Matias about it.“
“Shifting?” Buck says as he gives a tip of his hat to Matthew, “Have a pleasant afternoon, Mr. Montrose.” he pats his pockets and says, “Oh, I may have dropped them in setting up the fire. I’ll check with him.” and then he looks to Kaelyn, “My whole family is Werewolves, so if you have any questions, I have answers.”
Sophie nods, “Mister Ransom is right.” She smiles at Kaelyn and Mercy, “Besides, having conversations is never a bad thing.” She wanders over to Nemi, “How you doing?”
Mercy snaps at Kaelyn rather brusquely considering her usual deadpan tone, “Ain’ got anythin’ to do with me, dunno why y-” but she quiets down when Buck addresses Kaelyn, squinting at the former slightly with newfound curiosity.
Looking over his phone, Buck nods as he gets a text back from earlier, looking back up at Mercy, “I think the couple of folks you’re in a Pack with would disagree.”
Buck smirks, “How is the Lodge these days, Mercy?”
Kaelyn fidgets with her phone give Buck a considering look, quickly adding to Mercy, “I mean if you’re going to be frie-” Well, it was more for the benefit of everyone else she was saying that but, her mouth clicks shut. “I don’t think I have questions at the moment.”
Kaelyn purses her lips as something occurs to her a glance sliding over to Sophie and then back to Buck.
Sophie gives Kaelyn a little smile, “Have you had some of the smores?”
Mercy schools her expression back to impassivity, though the stiffness in her shoulders betrays a hint of tension and the way she regards Buck is notably chillier in combination with her silence. “..s’fine.” She says after an uncomfortably long time.
Kaelyn moves just a touch as if putting herself a little more between Mercy and Buck. She shakes her head over to Sophie as if she didn’t even notice the change, “I did. They were pretty good. Still need to come around and try the rest.”
“I’m just a normal human, though.” Buck says as he glances over at Mercy’s body language, taking a few steps away to glance over the snack table purposefully, taking some cheese puffs, “Nothing to worry about from me.”
Sophie looks to the left as the school marching band begins to parade past the bondfire, remnants of ‘Burning Down The House’ playing through the flames, “Uh huh.” She says, her attention returning to the group, “Did I miss something?”
Mercy follows Buck with her eyes without moving otherwise, not even so much as a finger, giving an unconvinced, “Mmhm..” before she blinks once and breaks the intensity of her stare, easing back posture-wise again to take a more relaxed lean by Kaelyn. “Might come seekin’ yer wisdom sometime then, if you know so much.”
Nemi sighs softly, looking at the papers she takes one.
Nemi uses an offering stack of papers and pens: A slip of paper is drawn from the Offering Stack, pale and silent.
Sophie watches Nemi with a smile, walking over to her with a little swish of her skirt, “You can feed the fire with more than one thing. It responds to each person differently.”
Eating his cheese puffs and picking up another cupcake, Buck/span>/spanKaelyn waits for a few moment, sending a few texts, pretending on not being too invested in what happens. Though something in eases and then tenses as she glances back at Mercy. “Me too,” She says to Sophie. If allowed, she’d hook an arm in Mercy’s, “It does seem like you know a lot of things.” But, it seemed that her intent was to drag Mercy away.
Mercy lifts her arms to fold them across her chest, loosely but with fingers curled rather roughly into the skin despite her otherwise calm demeanor. “Bet yer a treasure trove of interestin’ stories if you investigate shit on the side, too. Always liked hearin’ stories.” The comment seems benign enough, but it’s out there for all of a second before Kaelyn’s arm hooks through one of her own and startles her.
Nemi nods softly, letting out a soft sigh after she writes something down, walking over to the fire she steps up, gripping the paper softly before tossing it in.
Nemi uses an A Roaring Bonfire: A crack like splitting wood echoes as the fire hungrily devours the burden.
Sophie gives Nemi a little smile, “I was thinking of having a small meeting for those interested in the coven.”
Buck gives a nod to Mercy, “Lots of stories, good and bad. Lost of wisdom in those stories, too.”
Nemi nods softly to Sophie after she looks over with a soft smile.
Sophie gives Nemi a tender little nudge, “You doing ok?” She picks up another paper, looking at it before she draws a little stick man on it with red eyes, “Have you had some apple cider?”
Sophie uses an A Roaring Bonfire: The bonfire flares high, as if delighted to be fed fuel for its endless hunger.
Nemi shrugs softly. “I’m…. fine- And I don’t want any but thank you honestly- Just a lot of regrets on my shoulders- And things I worry about a lot.’
Mercy snaps a nod to Buck and attempts to maneuver over to the snack table herself, at a comfortable distance and only if Kaelyn isn’t already trying to drag her away. “They got any hot cheetos..?”
Sophie hands another paper to Nemi, “Part of this process is recognizing the things that sit on our shoulders and how we hold onto them for too long. Those regrets of yours don’t do you any good.”
Kaelyn pauses seeming torn between two options. An apologetic smile flashes to Buck, “Ah, sorry, I am kidnapping my friend for the moment.” Then she looks back to Mercy with a wolfish grin, “Let’s hunt.” She tugs as if trying to see if her nonsense would be allowed. Though all it takes is those two words and all hope is lost. Mercy is released to consume the food of Gods.
“These cheddar fire buffs are pretty spicy, but the popcorn is a nice flavor.” Buck/span>/spanBuck gives a wink back to Kaelyn, “Oh, after she -wolfs- down some food, I’m sure she’ll be ready to hunt. I know how you all crave getting out there and stretching your legs on all fours. Sometimes the bloodlust is intoxicating, from what I hear.”
Mercy earns her freedom in time to start hand-shoveling both the puffs and popcorn into a little pouch made via holding out the hem of her oversized shirt, intending to take some for the road. She’s already turned away with a bunch of it in her mouth, too, until she hears Buck’s comments. Mercy stops, whips back around, and throws a glare at him that might have been cutting if not for her cheeks being puffed out.
Sophie giggles as the marching band behind playing ‘Disco Inferno’ off to the side.
Mercy took the whole bowl of popcorn apparently, deal with it.
Sophie waves to Teagan, “Hey!! You made it!”
Sophie gives Mercy a wink, grateful the food is being enjoyed.
Teagan arrives, at long last, looking… tired. And different, perhaps, for those that have known her. Or at least seen her in the past week. A bit… older, perhaps? Not much, no, but there’s certainly a… filling out to her. She moves into the area at a brisk pace, though it stalls just before she reaches where everyone is gathered and she looks off to the north for a moment. A small shake of her head and back to the crowd, a hand lifted to wave to Sophie. “Yes. Sorry again I’m late.”
Buck gives a tip of his hat to Teagan, “Good to see you, Miss Lawson. Have some snacks, and put down your burdens on a page and toss them into the fire. It’s a ritual of the season to let your worries go.”
Buck uses an offering stack of papers and pens: A page is plucked from the Offering Stack, the paper whispering softly as it leaves the bundle.
Nemi looks at the paper as she shakes her head softly
Teagan sends off a quick text, blinking herself back into the present. She looks to Buck and gives a slightly stressed smile to him. “I am so sorry. I feel… know we’ve met before, but I do not remember your name.” She does reach toward one of the papers, because she won’t arrive and *not* take part, no no.
Sophie waves away any of Teagan’s apologies, “It’s alright! You’re here. Have a cupcake and some cider, then think of what you’d like to give our fire.”
Teagan uses an offering stack of papers and pens: A sheet is drawn from the Offering Stack, a faint rustle marking the choice.
“Buck Ransom.” Buck/span>/spanMercy grumbles a little but takes her bounty and returns to Kaelyn’s side now that the shots have ceased firing.
It was probably a good thing that Kaelyn had a little bit of a sweet tooth, snatching a cupcake and grinning at Mercy. “At least some good came of it.”
“Oh, cider sounds amazing,” Teagan says to Sophie, but she is scribbling something down on her paper. Blue eyes flicker up to Buck and she tilts her head slightly. “Oh, yes. At the concert? That was a… busy night for me. But your name came up in an investigation of my own recently, actually. You might have some information I’ve been digging for.” Finishing whatever she was writing, she folds up the paper tightly and sends it off to the fire. There is a nod, too, for Kaelyn as she does so. Then, of course… cider. Cider is a must.
Teagan uses an A Roaring Bonfire: Heat shudders outward, as though the fire exhaled with satisfaction.
Kaelyn waves a little at Teagan. “Hey.”
“Oh, I’m involved in almost every investigation in the city and some in the cities-between as well. Anything specific? There’s a lot that goes on around town that I have files on.” Buck/span>/spanMercy snorts at Kaelyn then utters something to her more quietly, a thumb jerking out to indicate Sophie for a second. For some reason.
Kaelyn hums looking over at Sophie with a brow raised before whispering back.
Sophie watches Teagan with a happy smile as she feeds the bonfire, “Thank you.” She takes a sip of her cider, “It’s been a nice event, a slow mix of people coming and going. But, worth it.”
“Everything been good?” Teagan asks Kaelyn with a slight nod to Mercy, though she knows the other much less. There is a look between the two, but: she turns back to Buck after snagging a cupcake. “So, I’ve been looking into something for Professor Alejandro. These rich… I mean, assholes, really. They’ve leveraged their money, contacts, all that to buy some artifacts that should be with, y’know, universities, museums, not collecting dust in their fourth vacation home off in.. whatever island. But they all three came through New Haven in the past month or so. I’ve had an AI digging up any mentions, references, and all to them and you came up in connection with some things, actually.” She turns, points at Sophie and even Nemi “So did the two of you! I don’t know what. Could just be like, someone I spoke to had overheard someone gossiping about one of them being obsessed with astrology or something. I know it’s not much, but… every little clue helps, y’know?” She gives a little shrug.
Look, Teagan has sugar in her system now. She’s going to be a wee bit hyper for a moment or two. Or eight. “I’m glad,” she adds to Sophie. “It’s good to see more events happening around the school.”
Mercy catches Teagan’s nod but only stares back at her dimly from where she lurks by Kaelyn.
Sophie giggles as the marching band sets off to leave playing ‘Ring of Fire’ as they go, the tuba heavy as it does.
“Well then! Sounds like we have things to talk about over tea or coffee one of these days!” Sophie says to Teagan, “Which is easily done.”
Kaelyn chuckles softly and give a little nod as if the world made sense again. “Yep,” She answers Teagan, idly listening as mention of artifacts. Well, maybe a little more then idly. Still, she whispers back to Mercy.
Nemi hums softly as she picks something off the ground.
Nemi says “Hey who’s is this?“
Looking through his phone, Buck says, “Yeah, I got an informant that’s a Fence. Heard about a jeweler who attended a silent acution with Maria Delante can’t stop gushing about a bespoke signet ring she got. Weird little thing that’s an antique but has a modern RFID chip embedded inside.”
“I figure that’s a good lead on digging into these collectors and reclaiming some of these artifacts and relics for study by the proper authorities.” Buck says with a nod to Teagan.
Nemi walks over to Buck. “Here- You deal with mysterious objects better.” She states before passing him the odd little antique.
Buck nods to Nemi, “I’ll see that it gets to the proper place, Miss Ivorstead.”
“We really do,” Teagan tells Sophie with a tilt of her head in a nod. “Not just about this,” a tilt of head toward Buck as he shares the information and she’s digging out her phone to add it to her notes. “But I figure other things as well.” There is another look to the whispering pair and a curious one to Nemi, but she does turn to the man fully for a moment. “It is, yeah. She’s the one who is obsessed with astrology, actually, so I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s connected. Thank you, Mr. Ransom. If you hear anything else, ah… Do you have a MyHaven? Or I could give you my number?”
Sophie gives Buck a little smile, “Know-it-all.” A laugh follows as she shakes her head. She gives Teagan a nod, “You have to come by the house. Definitely.”
Kaelyn bobs her head towards Teagan with a curious look to Mercy.
“I already have your number in my files, at 0637.” Buck says with a wry smirk, “But my myhaven is someone if you want to match me to keep in touch. My phone number is 710-0250, posted on my office advertisement for Buck Ransom Investigations at One Eleven Beacon Avenue.”
Teagan sips at her cider with a nod to Sophie, “I have no idea where your house is, but sure.” There’s a look to Buck, but, well. He is an investigator. And the faculty do, presumably, have access to student information. “Ever get the feeling,” she muses aloud as she takes out her phone to add the man to her contacts, “that you’re being talked about?”
“I’m involved in a lot of things. I assume my name comes up in conversation sometimes.” Buck says with a slight shrug, “I don’t mind it, I’m an open book so they can text me or come by my office and ask me anything.”
Kaelyn tilts her head to the side looking at Buck, “Out of curiosity do you keep track of most people’s numbers?”
Buck nods to Kaelyn, “I have a file on every person of interest in town, and it’s a very intersting town.”
Kaelyn nods at Mercy, “I’ll see you later then?”
Kaelyn frowns at Buck and the answer non-answer. “Makes sense.”
“I take cases for anyone. Want to start one up on something or someone? It’s $100 plus expenses, extra billing if I have to hire muscle. If I get shot or stabbed it’s extra billing as I keep a few medical staff on retainer.” Buck says with a grin.
Mercy angles a dim look towards Buck briefly, then nods to Kaelyn. “Ayeah, or at least hear from me. Try an’ keep yer.. uh, business to yerself.”
Kaelyn doesn’t seem to understand what was meant until her cheeks went red, “I already apologized, I think. I couldn’t help it. Just wait until- don’t know something!”
Tapping on his phone, Buck says, “I don’t have all of it on my phone, but I can give you a hard copy from my files pretty easily. Looks like your address is 57 Sycamore, so you have a dorm room on campus. Computer Science Major here on campus, you’re part of the local group Glitterati, and Arthur Mallory is your advisor here on campus. Born and raised locally, dating Sarah Sontess, and your license plate is 7O KZ10? There’s a bit more, but I figure you don’t want -all- of your business aired out.”
Kaelyn lets out a resigned sigh, flicking a look to Buck and then back to Mercy.
“You know the name of the group chat? That was made, like… six hours ago?” Teagan looks fairly impressed at that part, at least. The rest is fairly easy information to gather! “And yeah, no, I don’t need it all out there. But the group chat, that’s… pretty good, yeah.” Her shoulders rise and fall in a small shrug, though there’s a glance toward Mercy and Kaelyn again, brow furrowing slightly. “And all done traditionally? Or through the… whatever means the arcanists use?”
Kaelyn gives an smile as Teagan looks over at them, waving off the look easily.
“Informants, folks in The Twilight Bureau, and some old fashioned gumshoe work here locally.” Buck notes as he slides out a small notebook from a pocket. “There’s a psychological profile and some various specific things like you being vetted for The Illusium Court, but that isn’t fully substantiated.”
“Wait.” Teagan does step up closer to Buck, nearly splashing some of her precious cider. She sips more off of it, just in case. “Being vetted for the what?” Clearly, this is new information for her!
“Arachne has interest in you. That’s what I’ve heard.” Buck says with a slight shrug. “As I said it hasn’t been substantiated, but you could look into it.”
Nemi chuckles softly as she nods to Teagan. “Well it seems like some people surely want you to work for them.” She states with a soft nod being given after.
Sophie watches the conversation with a happy contented ease, feeding the fire with another piece of paper as she listens. Whether whispers or conversation, it doesn’t matter. She’s completely at ease.
Sophie uses an A Roaring Bonfire: The flames lick greedily at the offering until nothing remains but smoke.
“H-uh.” Teagan/span>/spanMercy can’t help but follow Kaelyn’s eyes back to Buck and someone given all the interesting information being brought into light, but she jerks her head to indicate her intent to leave whether Kaelyn plans to follow suit or not.
Mercy can’t help but follow Kaelyn’s eyes back to Buck and Teagan given all the interesting information being brought into light, but she jerks her head to indicate her intent to leave whether Kaelyn plans to follow suit or not.
“Given the Court’s penchant for the Arts, your abilities and your wonderful showing at your recital, you’re a current hot topic in town politics for an unaffiliated person. Though I guess Sarah may have some influence on that, though her little escapade in the mists a few days ago may have been keeping you busy in her recovery.” Buck says with a grin, “I’ll keep that in mind, Miss Lawson. Always good to get information from folks.”
Kaelyn waves at the people still there, smiling at Sophie, “This was nice.” And, with that she does in fact follow Mercy out into the world/
Sophie wanders over to Buck and slips her hand into his, giving it a little squeeze as he speaks. Her attention moves to Mercy and Kaelyn, “Thanks for coming out!”
Teagan frowns, briefly, at something in that and sidles over to the smores because she hasn’t tried those yet and they’re a good distraction.
Buck gives a wave to Kaelyn, “Good seeing you, Miss Miller. Give my regards to your Pack and The Lodge.”
Kaelyn stops turning on her heel, “Alright, I’ll bite. Who is in my pack?” She tilts her head watching Buck a bit curious to see who he said.
Mercy watches Sophie carefully then offers her a very slight smile that looks all wrong on her face. “Thanks for havin’ us, miss. We-” a resigned huff follows suit as Kaelyn bites the hook.
“Damian Fairfang and Mercy Matlock” Buck replies back, “Interesting watching your interactions here between the two of you, seems like a little family spat going on.” he observes, “I did work with Damian on the peace accords when The Howlers were up against the wall a month back or so, so he’s a friend.”
Nemi chuckles softly, looking about she sighs softly.
Kaelyn remains quiet, hands tucking behind her back. A small breath in and she nods with a smile, “Huh.” She eventually says before glancing back at Mercy with a small laugh, “Maybe we did.” With that she waves and turns to leave. “Interesting to meet you.” And, she was off once more.
Buck gives a small shrug as he meanders back to the snack table, musing, “It’s good to see The Lodge rebuild again after Luka’s been away. I’m a fan of Damian, honestly. Real straight shooter.”
Teagan looks briefly disappointed. In that ‘why didn’t I eat these instead of the cupcakes?!’ kind of way and has another smores, washing it down with cider between.
Sophie giggles as she watches Teagan, “Note to self, bring you smores.”
Buck seems to be very happy to gobble down the cupcakes in bulk, putting a number of the cupcake wrappers off to the side. “Oh, I see we both have a bit of a sweet tooth. I’ve been eating both the S’Mores and Cupcakes like a fiend over here.”
Teagan talks around a mouthful of chocolate and marshmallow and graham cracker-y goodness as she types on her phone one-handed: “S’mores are like, the perfect food.”
Sophie nods, “I totally agree.”