It is about 55/b>/span12C) degrees. The mist is heaviest At Birch and Madison/span>/spanLorelei says “Can’t get wet if you stay wet.“

Kaelyn shakes her head at antics before looking up to offer small smile to the people she recognizes.

Tessa chokes on a laugh at Lorelei, coughing.

Malin points at Lorelei with a forefinger and she admits, “You aren’t wrong.”

Tessa says “I still have sand in my lungs because of SOMEONE.“

Malin wonders of Tessa, “Does that feel better than when it’s in your crack?”

Dovie walks in and takes a seat next to Obadiah and Esme. “Hey everyone!”

The mention of sand and lungs brings a frown to Seraphina’s features.

“Please don’t, we don’t have enough barf bags! Am I right, ladies?!” Kai yells to the crowd with a broad grin and moves on to the next song on his playlist, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMVTKOoy1uk he starts to bounce on his feet in the ring and tilts his head back to let out a roar before pummeling his own chest with his fists like King Kong.

Lorelei says “This is why you always bring a towel“

Dovie waves to Albert.

Esme waves to Dovie as she arrives, “Hey, Dovie! Good to see ya.” She shifts a bit in her spot in preparation for watching the fight.

“You’re never right, Kai!” Malin calls to Kai, settling onto the bench and crossing her legs at the ankles.

“Same!” Dovie enthuses to Esme before telling Obadiah. “There were a ton of vultures out this morning.”

“Alright people!” Seraphina says, raising her voice and trying to become animated again after being lost in a thought or two. “Same rules, or really, lack of them. I suppose. This is a boxing match, but I am not adverse to using what you got!” She upnods some of the newer arrivals. “No bets for the Gym today, but if you want to bet amongst yourselves, feel free!”

Amber slinks into the room, wincing from the bright lights. She finds herself a less-populated spot to sit and settles in.

Lorelei contemplates the two contenders. “My money is on zaddy.” She says, to Malin in particular.

Albert wears a smile he only offers the Fairchildren as he walks in and sees Dovie. That smile is so kind. It’s soft. It’s warm. It envelops his face. The moment the mirror-sunglassed man looks away from Dovie, however, that smile becomes something else entirely. It loses that softness. It becomes cold, and cruel. No mirth in a smile that isn’t for the Fairchildren. He lapses into a relaxed state upon the bench style seating, resting his cane nearby. “Dove, darling. Thank you again for your kindness. I did not very much enjoy the position I found myself in.” He turns to the people talking. “There is going to be a fight? Blood? Injuries?”

Obadiah looks up when Dovie and Albert walk in and give the Fairchildren a wave before nodding to Amber and… everyone else a greeting. Back to Dovie he flashes a grin, “Gotta get in close. I have just been too out of it to help. Maybe this evening?”

Taking his place in the ring, Thomas tells Kai, “The crowd does love to see you have too much confidence heading into the fight — it makes the fall all the sweeter, doesn’t it?” he says. It’s humor, in emerald eyes. “Though, of course: you are younger, faster, perhaps stronger… I am, as Miss Hawke is fond of saying, just an old man.”

Kai moves on to the next song in his playlist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=71S9ou2gcqE and starts to swagger around the ring, pumping his fists into the air, he drops down to do a few pushups before he stands back up and thrusts his fist into the air again.

Malin turns her head to gaze upon Lorelei and she asks, “Which one is that?”

“Mmmm, I’m not sure if it’s to drawing first blood, I suppose we’ll find out soon.” Dovie nods back at Obadiah. “Yes, no rush, it was just nice to get some morning exercise.” Settling into her seat, she gazes out towards the boxing ring, musing. “I wonder if anyone is taking bets…”

Albert says “The brashness of youth does not oft prevail over the wizened strength that age encourages.“

Lorelei reaches over to squeeze Malin’s hands and give Malin a sad commiserating look.

Lorelei perks up and as she bounces and gets some cheering warmup in. “Sock him in the gullet!” She enthuses.

Tessa peeks over at Albert, giving him a roll of her eyes with a smile. “Said like someone of a certain age, dear.”

Malin squeezes Lorelei’s hand right back, just totally unaware, and blissfully so.

Amber passes Obadiah a thumbs-up in return to the nod. Observing the ring, she admits, “I hope it’s to the death.”

“Miss Callum,” Thomas tells Sophie — his eyes on Kai even as he responds to Sophie. “If you call me ‘Daddy’, I am going to fail you.” He nods to Albert. “Good to see you, Fairchild,” he says, but he is focused far more on his opponent than anyone else. He breaks his eyes away from Kai only to look for Seraphina. “Are you our ring girl?” he asks her. “If so, Miss Hawke: tell us when.”

“Yes, yes, we all know that my boyfriend is hot.” Seraphina remarks. “But can he fight?”

Albert turns to look at Lorelei curiously, lifting an eyebrow. “I do not think that I would have guessed that this is how you sound, given our last meeting. I was quite incapable of hearing, you understand.” His smile is sharp. Tight. It’s neither soft, nor nice. He turns to Tessa and Sophie, “You two are setting yourselves up for a great deal of trouble, do you understand me?” His words are delivered with a casual air, softness resting on their syllables. “You as well, Thomas Hale. You as well. I’m looking forward to this endeavour you’ve set before us. What is the cause for the fight?”

Tessa pats her side, then realizes she left her tote at home and sighs.

settles in beside Malin, the man looking like noon was six in the morning. He’s put together at least, looking like he’s showered; physically there but waiting for his head to catch up. The sound of Lorelei’s voice earns a smile, the it’s Obie’s who had him scanning the bleachers until he spies the man. “Mercer, what’s up,” gets called out, and then the fight grabs his attention.

“Kai, don’t let that old guy talk shit! Fight dirty if you have to!!” Matthew cheers fir Kai.

Thomas tells Albert, “Miss Hawke — my assistant — set up a little boxing tournament a few weeks aog.” He pauses. “This is the finals.”

“We we gonna do this or what?!” Kai yells more to the crowd than Seraphina or Thomas as his playlist continues on to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0J2QdDbelmY and he walks around the ring, “Who wants to watch me beat this old man’s ass?!” he calls to the crowd.

Sophie leans back into her seat and gives Albert a little nod, her gaze flitting to Tessa before she merely runs a hand through her hair and ruffles the teal, “Yes Sir.” She crosses her legs and yells, “Bring on the pain!”

Lorelei tosses her curls back so melodramatically that someone nearby probably gets whipped. “Don’t fall for his dirty bird tricks! Rip his heart out!” She yells.

Mirabel looks for a place to sit and finds one next to Sophie. “Goodness gracious,” she mutters, squinting into the boxing ring. “Who came up with this foolishness?”

“Kick him in the balls!” Malin cries out in a shrill manner to Kai.

Tessa taps on her phone before her gaze flicks over to Sophie, a sparkle of amuement given, but no words.

Tessa totally meant amusement.

A small look is given to Thomas, more concern than anything, only to ask, “Actually, can you? After last night, all that sand…” But then Seraphina clears her throat, trying hard to wipe the frown from her features again. It is very clear there is a lot of tension and mixed emotions to anyone caring enough to pay attention. “Yes.. lets begin. Kai, Thomas, put up your dukes and lets get down to it!”

Sophie smiles at Mirabel, “It’s not too bad. Just some friendly …physical lessons.”

Albert echoes Sophie, “Physical lessons.”

Tessa glances over to Seraphina, saying, “I asked him the same thing, he insisted he’s fine. He’s fine. It’s all fine,” the final ‘fine’ far more emphasized, then she snorts.

Lorelei makes big hungry for violence eyes.

“Bloodsport?! I’ll have a few choice words with both of them if it comes to that,” Mirabel remarks to Albert, making a face. She pats Sophie on the hand and adds, “Well, it’s still frivolous, Miss Callow. What won’t the local parents think when they see one of my colleagues beating up a student?”

“Depends if they’ve met Kaii,” Tessa offers.

Thomas moves when Seraphina gives the word — he begins to circle, watching Kai. His hands come up, fists grasped loosely: it’s not quite the Marquess of Queensbury, but rather the movements of a man who spends some reasonable time with a heavy bag. Still: it’s his eyes that are on Kai, his lips moving, whispering words that seem like Latin.

Malin gives a broad, bright smile at Mirabel and says, “Good afternoon, Miss Kane. Perhaps you can try and beat me up later, since I’m not a student, and then it will prove that professors are equal opportunists.”

Albert nods his head in agreement with Tessa.

Dovie watches curiously, “Who do we think is going to win?”

Sophie covers Mirabel’s hand with her own, “Waivers were signed. The school isn’t libel and this is just a friendly spar. Even teachers sparred students in Hogwarts.”

Softer, this comes, “Never believe his ‘fine’ when he says it.” Seraphina puts on a ‘fine’ face, a smile, a mask. One Tessa’s likely all too familiar with.

Albert enunciates for Sophie, “Liable. Libel is different, Sophie.”

Matthew leans in towards Malin and Lorelei asking if the pair, “Is he praying right now?”

Obadiah purses his lips, “I want it to be close, but my money is on Thomas.”

“I’m LIABLE to throw hands when corrected,” Sophie says to Albert with a playful squint.

Kai stops his showboating as he heads to the middle of the ring and presses his palms together, his eyes close and he subtly reaches into his swimsuit to switch to the next song on the playlist https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVNMZA6lbT8

Albert spreads his hands before him, smiling, “You’re WELCOME to try.”

“Arguing, Sophie?” Tessa asks her, smiling innocently.

“I, for one, am all for publishing libels,” Malin proceeds to proclaim, and then looks to Matthew. “Should we say a little prayer, as well?”

Amber looks over to Dovie, “Almost definitely Hale.” She pauses, then corrects, “No. It is us, the crowd, who wins in the end, either way.”

Seraphina wonders to Albert, “Are you rooting for the underdog?” She folds her hands between her thighs, phone captured there.

“I don’t much care for fighting, Miss Havstrom,” Mirabel informs Malin, wrinkling her nose. “I hardly even have to use my slapping hand at work anymore.”

Lorelei says “If someone does not hit someone soon I’m going to go over the ropes myself with a chair.“

Tessa says “You won’t, no balls.“

Albert lifts an eyebrow as he turns to Seraphina. “I’m rooting for Thomas Hale, of course. Anyone who knows me and my recent history will certainly understand why.”

Tessa is a bad influence.

Circling — circling, but then it’s Kai who has been pumping his chest, who has been pounding the fight music: and there’s a vulnerability, there. If before Thomas started with magic, now it is fists; after all, one might predict a spell. Instead, it is some quick strike, as the librarian’s loosely held fist turns into something rock hard, as he steps forward to hammer it right into the spot where Kai’s ribs join his stomach. It is a particularly painful place to strike, delivered with cruel intent. “Grandpa says hello,” he says.

Sophie smirks at Tessa, “Never…” Her words taper off as she focuses on the fight.

“Put him off with a good scolding, dear colleague,” Mirabel suggests, peering nosily at Thomas and Kai.

“Use the bedazzled potato sack of incessant itchiness, swing it over your head like a lasso, and then — oh no, swing it tightly like a wet towel and then smack people with it,” Malin suggests a practical solution to Mirabel.

“The only people you should be more worried about saying something is fine is a Mercer,” Obadiah unhelpfully tells Seraphina. “I haven’t met a situation yet I couldn’t Mercerize my way out of.”

Matthew smirks at Malin, “I only know one kind of prayer,” he claims, “And it’s not for ring side sports.”

“I know,” Malin smirks right back at Matthew, nudging into his side ever so gently with a bent elbow.

“Y’know, that tracks,” Tessa says to Obadiah, squinting t him.

Kai opens his eyes and clenches his fist as he enters into a stance he probably got from a kung fu movie or something, he grins at Thomas and lifts his fists up near his face, only to be punched right in the stomach, “Gahhhh!” he yelps in pain.

Lorelei says “I always thought the Mercerizeation process was the process of shrinking down spears small enough to fit in your tiny hands.“

“it totally tracks,” Seraphina remarks, eyes on Obadiah, with some of the amusement flashing back into her gaze.

Malin starts busting up laughing over Lorelei’s quip to Obadiah.

“I don’t know. I am unsure what you would make of being Hawked.” Seraphina muses.

Albert chuckles as that hit lands, heavy and precise, exacting and intent. “Weep, little dog.” He says, more to himself than to anyone around him. To Tessa, as an aside, he offers, “Worry not. I am an excellent manager of people, even when they are being… particularly argumentative.” He reaches out a hand to tap Sophie once on the thigh, as if marking the woman. He doesn’t say more, but he does wear the smallest of cruel grins at Lorelei’s words. “Do they have tiny hands? I hadn’t looked.” He leans forward to look at Obadiah’s hands curiously.

“I need eight tiny spears,” Obadiah says to Lorelei. “Incidentally it is also the process of soaking cotton in acid so… do with that what you will.”

Kai glares at Thomas, “You son of a…” and the playlist goes into the next track https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bWXazVhlyxQ while he lets out a bellow and turns… to run away?! he runs for the edge of the ring and jumps, shifting into a sleek black-feathered raven, soars up and arcs around, then reverts into his normal form to slam into Thomas’s body using the flying bird’s momentum, “Graaagh!” he yells out a battle cry before making impact.

Lorelei makes a face. “I’ve had to replace a few pairs of panties because of that.” She admits.

Sophie giggles and says to Seraphina, “Hawked …sounds hot regardless.” She notes the tap on her thigh and settles back into her seat. Her expression dims when Kai gets hit, only briefly before she’s shouting, “Get em Proff…” Her face suddenly flushes and she clears her throat, sitting up sharply.

Amber/span>/spanLorelei says “Hawk tua… Seraphina on that thing.“

Seraphina snorts softly at Lorelei’s response, and then at Sophie. “Aww!” Then, “Everything okay?”

Kaelyn focuses in as the fight starts in earnest, tuning out the people around her for the most part. She leans in, fingers curling under the seat. That was until something catches her attention, making her lips curl back a little as her eyes glance to the side.

Dovie was distracted by her phone for a moment but turns her attention back to the fights eagerly.

Albert peers at Mirabel.

Sophie squeaks out a soft little sound to Seraphina, “Yep..yep. Fine. Just..just fine.”

“It’s really just easier not to wear any,” Malin says aside to Lorelei, narrow shoulders rising and falling in a small shrug.

Obadiah puts his hand over his mouth, thinking then over to Malin and Matthew, barely keeping his composure, “I thought I was a agent of Chaos and then I met Lorelei.”

Whatever Thomas was expecting, it was not Kai to turn into a bird — and so Thomas staggers back, as the young man bird-Kirks into him. It’s a step back, as the librarian’s hands come up in some complicated gesture — not a boxer’s hands but a sorcerers, as he summons some coruscating shield of sickly light to take the brunt of the blow. “I’m going to pluck you!” he cries.

“She’s pretty great, isn’t she, Nobie?” Malin says whilst winking at Obadiah and speaking of Lorelei.

Lorelei lets her voice take on an airy prophetic lilt as she dreamily repeats. “Sock him in the gullet.”

Esme is entirely focused on the fight, apparently a bit more interested with magic being brought out instead of just fists.

Amber eyes Albert sidelong, though only for a brief moment before returning attention to the fight, “Before too long, I’m sure. Also now, technically.”

Tessa raises a brow to Albert, but gives a tiny nod. “It’d be uncreative,” she murmurs. “I’d be surprised and disappointed.”

Seraphina pulls her phone out from betwixt her thighs. “We have just had a long discussion on the word fine, Soph,” she reminds, with a soft laugh, the energy of the room, perking her up and out of some reverie she’d found herself in. “Come on, at least attempt a real fisticuffs!”

Albert nods his head at Amber’s response, as if it were a known quantity. he says, sideways, to Tessa, “I would not worry if you were surprised. I’m very good at not disappointing.”

As the flare of the shield fades, though, Thomas is moving: and with Kai still lost in the momentum of his shapeshifting-assisted attack, the librarian is using the young man’s momentum against him. Hands seize Kai with speed and force, and he is trying to slam the young man to the ground, coming down on top of him to put pressure on the same point he hit before. He’s sweating, though: the librarian is in it, looking for an opening as this goes to a ground fight in hopes to keep Kai from shapeshifting again.

Matias comes JOGGING into the room with damp hair and a mildly disheveled appearance at night with cash in hand going, “I bet on Hale!”

“It’s fine, Sera, it was only two people who almost died and a dozen who did,” Tessa says with a lazy shrug.

Mirabel looks around furtively and sneaks a sip from her hipflask. “There’ll be no living with young Mister Ashford if he wins,” she mentions after wiping her mouth with her wrist. “How many rounds are they going?”

“Go for the groin, Kai! Go for the groin!” Malin clears appreciates when others play dirty, cheering Kai on.

“Oh, just a little something,” Mirabel tells Albert noncommittally and offers the flask to him.

“I am a lot of fun,” Obadiah jests with Malin before returning back to the fight but agreeing with Dovie about Lorelei’s outfit with a nod.

“Fine..” Sophie says with a little off sounding giggle, her cheeks still flushed as she tries to focus on the fight, “Wooo! Avian chaos! This fight will go down in history.”

“Oh, you definitely are,” Dovie agrees to Obadiah.

Malin nods in agreement with Obadiah, saying, “That you are, good sir.”

Albert taps about his body with a frown. “I think I forgot my knife, else I’d throw it in the ring for Thomas Hale.” He shakes his head, reaching for the flask Mirabel offers him. A smile doesn’t reach his eyes. “We September 11ths must stick together, mustn’t we?”

Seraphina spots Matias enter and tells him, immediately, “You owe me two breakfasts now.” Tessa’s reminder brings back the haunted look, and there is a slow and unhurried nod, her eyes lowering from the fight. “There wasn’t anything that I could do.”

Malin flashes a wink at Dovie before looking back to the fight.

Kai careens off of the shield and lands on his feet, stumbling and off balance, he sshakes his head but doesn’t have time to recover before Thomas grabs him, just in time for his phone to autoplay to then song: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=drxpnHWx2jI and he gets slammed onto the ground with a whoof of air leaving his body, “Gahhh, inappopriate touching!” he yells as he tries to ward off Thomas.

Tessa looks over at Obadiah, without saying anything, she just points at her shirt.

Albert tips the flask up for a tipple, swirling the liquid within his mouth. He lowers his face to look at the flask after, and then he fixes someone with a look as well. “Darling.” He drawls slowly, still holding the flask. “Let me buy you better liquor. This is affrontery. I understand that the salary of a teacher offers you not much leeway. I can provide solvency for this.” A pause. He takes another drink before leaning in closer to share quieter words with Mirabel.

Albert tips the flask up for a tipple, swirling the liquid within his mouth. He lowers his face to look at the flask after, and then he fixes Mirabel with a look as well. “Darling.” He drawls slowly, still holding the flask. “Let me buy you better liquor. This is affrontery. I understand that the salary of a teacher offers you not much leeway. I can provide solvency for this.” A pause. He takes another drink before leaning in closer to share quieter words with Mirabel.

Kai pushes both of his arms up and looks up toward the edge of the ring, he hears Malin’s bright idea and… well, up comes his knee, right for Thomas’s groin, “Nutcracker Assault!” he yells, as if this were an anime or something.

Obadiah glances at his phone and then back up. “I have to run up Boston. One half drunk phone call to your uncle and suddenly you need purpose in your life.” He stands then, “Let me know who wins.”

All of Malin’s fighting dreams are coming true as Kai does indeed try to assault the nuts that belong to Thomas.

Albert offers Sophie a tight smile.

As if this were a pokemon match Lorelei shouts, “Old dog, use new trick!”

“Thanks,” Matthew murmurs to Malin, and he sips from the bottle. “She’s always prepared,” He calls to Dovie, “Like she even prepped my trunk with snacks!”

“I’ve already got solvent, Mister Fairchild” Mirabel tells Albert a little wryly and drops the flask into her handbag again. She puts an arm about Sophie’s shoulders and remarks to her, “I think he’s being a flirt, Miss Callow.”

Albert confirms for Mirabel, “I am.”

With no one to take his bet and only Seraphina to remind him he is in breakfast debt Matias makes his way over to sit with the crowd with a wave to Mirabel while straightening his sweater. “Good morning Professor Kane, I hope you liked the present.” and then with a nod to Sophie, “Miss Callum” and some curosry nods to Kaelyn and Tessa before settling near Seraphina. “So who is winning on points so far or is it knock out”

There’s no version of ‘nutcracker assault’ that feels good. When Kai’s knee impacts Thomas’s balls, he doubles over, giving Kai room to scramble away from the hold the librarian has him in — sending Thomas rolling over, a little, as pain lances through his groin. He grits his teeth, though — straightening to get back up to a crouch, some low fury in his eyes. Upset: “You’ll pay for that.”

Malin rummages around in her handbag. “I should really label some of these things…” she’s murmuring.

Lorelei says “Are blue ones uppers or downers?“

Malin nods to Dovie in full agreement.

“I certainly did,” Mirabel assures Seraphina and smiles amiably at her. “Maybe I’ll refuse to have a birthday party again next year.”

Tessa sighs softly at the pain Thomas has to be in, then calls, “Turnabout, Thomas.”

Malin holds up the little blue pill, telling Lorelei, “We can find out if you want to try it.”

From the ground, Thomas leaps on Kai — even as the young man may struggle to get up, Thomas is launching himself on him again. This is just a ground fight, now, with neither man on their feet — Thomas reaching to try to grab a fistful of Kai’s hair and slam his head as hard as he can against the mat. As he does, he’s whispering to him, something low and cruel.

Seraphina mouths to Tessa, “Thank you.” But it may take a little more to convince her. As drinks begin to come out, in a gym no less, she says, “I could use a sip.” Whether it is then offered by Malin, Mirabel, or Albert is up to them. She tells Matias, “It is to knock out, yes. We’re looking at five solid rounds, and … I haven’t really been paying attention. What round are we even on?” Hostess! Ha!

Kaelyn flashes a quick smile to Matias, her body posture tense.

“A certain kind of uppers, Lor,” Tessa says to Lorelei.

Sophie covers her mouth, “Low ..blow. Testicular abuse can cause a myriad of issues..” She shakes her head, holding back from offering more commentary on medical book knowledge. Whatever issue she was having before seems to have calmed, and she’s a bit more relaxed, “Get him Mister T!” A little wave is gifted to Matias.

Teagan is late and looking a little ruffled as one might after a late night out partying. She’s even wearing glasses! No contacts! She’s finger combing her hair as she drops into the first available seat in the benches, eyes on the ring and the two fighting.

“Don’t tell anyone,” Mirabel warns Seraphina and palms her flask out of her handbag again to sneak it into Seraphina’s lap.

Amber glances sidelong to Malin when a syringe comes out, eyeballing it a few long moments. Then a wince, “Shoot, forgot I need to make more…” But then her attention returns to Kai and Thomas, “I kind of expected something more dignified from Hale. Was magic banned?”

Tessa gives Teagan a smile, then tilts her head to look at Matias, raising a hand and wiggling her fingers in greeting. Social skills.

Albert nods his affirmation to Sophie, “No, Thomas Hale does not waste words.”

Lorelei holds out a hand to Malin expectantly.

Esme sends a couple quick texts before focusing back on the fight with interest.

Kai laughs at Thomas after he makes nut butter and gets to his feet, doing a little jig for the crowd, showboating a bit before Thomas nails him to the ground and wipes the smile off of his face, “Gaaaah!” he yelps as his hair is first pulled, then his head bounces off of the mat. Whatever Thomas whispers causes him to yell, “Please no!”

Malin smiles warmly over at Amber. “A purse well stocked is… well, very important, I think. You never know what you’re going to need, so I just carry a little bit of everything. Like that one time when Mars said, ‘I’d rather die in a fire’ and lo and behold, I had a compact torch to assist with such a desire.”

“Agree to disagree, dear,” Tessa says to Albert on the idea of Thomas not wasting words.

A grateful smile is given Mirabel, and Seraphina opens that flask to take a sip of whatever unholiness is inside.

Dovie giggles at Malin.

Amber glances back to Malin to offer a crooked grin, “See? This is why I like you.”

Matthew downs the last of the whiskey and casually tucks it in the shelf of his seat near his feet.

Albert watches Seraphina as she delivers the unholy spirit within the flask unto her lips. Curiosity.

“I like you, too,” Malin says right back to Amber. “We’re helpful ladies.”

With a scared expression, even as the cheerier https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgzGwKwLmgM song plays from his pocket, Kai reaches up and palms Thomas’s face, trying to both jam his thumb into one of the man’s eyes while turning his head to lean up and BITE down as hard as he can on the other man’s shoulder, thrashing under the older man wildly.

Albert offers Amber a smile born of the thorny trap of tale-telling he’s spun.

Matias watches as Kai’s phone provides questionably timed musical background for the fight as it goes on. There is a brief nod to Teagan, “Miss Lawson.” and then a commentary to Seraphina, “The fact every student is not here is some kind of fluke.”

Seraphina releases a harsh ‘huuuuuuhhhhh’ at the sip, wiping the back of her hand across her mouth, eyes watering. “It burns…” she rasps. Closing the flask, the raven haired woman slips the flask back to Mirabel, unware of eyes, like those of Albert’s on her to witness her throat’s demise.

With a scared expression, even as the cheerier https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgzGwKwLmgM song plays from his pocket, Kai reaches up and palms Thomas’s face, trying to both jam his thumb into one of the man’s eyes while turning his head to lean up and BITE down as hard as he can on the other man’s shoulder, thrashing under the older man wildly.(re)

Albert asks, “Is the child fielding a playlist of theme songs from his pocket like a homeless vagabond stalking the streets of Boston?”

“I really thought the old guy would fold,” Matthew admits to those nearest him, “and that Kai would pop him good in the mouth.”

Sophie yells, “Is biting allowed?” She covers her eyes and shakes her head, “That just looks uncomfortable.” She peeks through her fingers with a soft ‘eep’.

“I’ve teased Thomas about being wordy a time or two, though it does give a certain effect, I suppose,” Tessa says to Albert. “And, yes, he is.”

“That’s how you know it’s working,” Mirabel tells Seraphina placidly and puts the flask away again.

Amber seems to know Albert well enough to recognize that trap. She rolls her eyes and returns her attention to the fight.

“That’s some hooch.” Seraphina tells Mirabel, throat yet on fire.

Lorelei stops staring at Malin when it becomes clear no pills are forthcoming.

There is one of those classic little upnods to Tessa from Teagan. Because even Teagan knows those signals even if her social skills are largely relegated to internet memes and her phone. Which she does not have out yet: shockingly. Her attention is mostly on the fight and while Matias gives her greeting and there is a “Professor,” in return, blue eyes slide back to the ring and she gives a tilt of her head as she focuses on Thomas, a small sigh breathed out as she leans forward, elbow on knee and chin propped in upturned palm.

Malin looks at Lorelei. “Oh, you really wanted to take the little blue one? No! Don’t do that!”

Albert finds joy in Seraphina’s response to the liquor, chuckling a soft chuckle. “If biting’s allowed, Sophie, then surely knifing is too. I do wish I’d brought it.” He turns a mirrored gaze to Tessa. A curious gaze. A gaze with an eyebrow lifted above it. “Brave today, aren’t we.” He says softly. It isn’t a question.

“Fuck!” Thomas howls, pulling back from Kai. As he does, his tank top — caught between Kai’s teeth — rips, as the older man rolls off the younger man. There’s an ugly red mark beneath, the outline of human teeth obvious. “I told you, Ashford,” he says, anger flashing green in his eyes. “It’s coming.”

Lorelei looks like a child denied an ill advised treat, and she begins to pout, crossing her arms beneath her big beautiful boobs and sulking wildly.

Dovie gasps loudly. “Not the tank top!!” An affront to fashion.

Malin snickers, and she drapes an arm around Lorelei’s shoulders, offering up a squeeze to her far shoulder.

Seraphina commiserates with Tessa, “He can be wordy yes.”

Tessa tilts her head at Albert, batting her lashes. “I’m perfectly behaved.”

Albert looks down at the time, frowning a bit as he watches the fight. He is unlikely to be affording the opportunity to see this fight to its conclusion. “Dove, if I must depart before this ends, you must tell me the results. Also, when are we getting dinner? You owe me a birthday dinner.” His drawl is temporarily a sulky one. But to know Albert is to know that is entirely a front.

Teagan murmurs something to Tessa, but then that tank top is ripped and she sits up, just a little straighter. An affront to fashion maybe but…

“Right now, mine,” Tessa murmurs.

Albert echoes Tessa, “Right now.”

Lorelei goes from sulking over being denied male enhancement drugs to jumping to her feet. “Finish him!!!” She shrieks like a banshee.

Still on the ground, Thomas comes up to a couch, and the anger in his eyes wars with the pain. “It’s coming,” he repeats — and then he throws out a hand. This time, it’s not a blow: he closes his fist a few inches from Kai’s chest, closing it tightly as he speaks some word of power to choke out the young man’s heart, to send him tumbling into oblivion as the blood fails to flow.

Seraphina licks the solution she just drank, harsh enough to peel paint, from her lips. She tells Albert, “I’ll post the results for everyone, once it is done, but I my money’s still on Thomas, despite Kai’s desperate attempt at wounding him with his teeth.”

Sophie giggles to herself, “He keeps saying it’s coming…I feel as if this may be anti-climactic.”

“Once this hamfisted display of machismo is settled, perhaps I should sit you down and give you some advice for your project,” Mirabel mentions to Sophie, wincing slightly at the sight of the fighters. “That’s if you have time. It doesn’t have to be today, dear.”

Albert smiles unkindly at Seraphina The mirrored finish on his glasses catches the light, glinting sharply. “I appreciate that, Seraphina. I was asking my cousin intentionally.”

“Uuughhhh… stop saying you’re… coming,” Kai protests to Thomas and crumples, collapsing onto the ring with a loud thud as his body gives out.

Sophie yells at Kai, “Make him come! I wanna see this.” She gives Mirabel a smile, “That could be lovely. I’ve got a few people interested but I need to flesh it out.”

Albert nods, once. This was expected behaviour. He says to Mirabel , “Have you considered the question I posed you on our birthday?”

Tessa stares at Sophie.

Dovie gives Sophie a puzzled look at the phrasing.

Seraphina shrugs at Albert’s response to her. “Very well. It will be your choice to read it or not when I do.” It is Sophie’s response that has her lifting her brows, “What?”

As Kai collapses, Thomas stands over him — holding his fist still tight shut over Kai’s chest. The young man’s heart is not beating — it just sits there, unmoving, as the librarian shakes with a little upset, warring with himself as he keeps his fist trembling tight.

“Hm? Which one?” Mirabel asks Albert, glancing distractedly past Sophie.

Albert asks Seraphina with open curiosity, “Do you think I can read?”

Esme leans forward a little in her seat, eyes widened.

Seraphina laughs at Albert, “It never was a question whether you could or not! I imagine that you are very well versed.”

Sophie stops laughing, her eyes fixed on the match at hand. Her hand reaches for Kaelyn’s as they watch.

Albert says “This is appropriate. I can smell his blood slowing.“

“Well fuck,” Tessa says, blinking a few times before she rises to her feet. Not to get closer, or out of worry, but to slip out.

“If it’s about my number, I’m still considering it,” Mirabel calmly answers Albert and adjusts her glasses. “I’m given to believe that you might have motives!”

Albert smiles at Seraphina. Perhaps that smile is kinder than the ones he graces other non-Fairchildren with. “I knew I appreciated your company.”

Kaelyn shifts in her seat a little, the tenseness in her body not lessening at all. Her knuckles are white from the pressure as she watched what was the end of the fight. Her eyes dart between the two fighters, a low growl coming from her. One that was not at all soothed by Sophie’s hanad.

Albert rises from his seat to watch the spectacle playing out before them. In fact, he gets closer. He saunters towards the ring, drawn as if an apparition summoned from beyond the realm of the damned. A very curious sight.

Amber’s attention is on Thomas and Kai, frowning some, “Don’t hear a heartbeat anymore.”

Teagan is leaning forward a bit in her seat as well. Like many others observing from the benches. Perhaps surprisingly, her focus is not on Kai, known to be her friend: but those pale blue eyes are intent on Thomas.

“Did Kai’s heart stop?” Matthew wonders, looking up from his phone.

Finally: Thomas relaxes. His hand opens, and Kai’s heart begins to beat once once, pumping much-needed blood into the young man’s brain before — hopefully before — it is too late.

Malin has her phone up and recording video footage. Two could-be deaths in less than twenty-four hours is making her own heart flutter.

Sophie wipes a worried tear that has trickled down her cheek, “Knowing Kai, he’ll joke about this if he does die and is brought back. He doesn’t even take death seriously.”

“I did try to match you on myhaven, Mister Fairchild.” Seraphina tells him. “Under no obligation to return the favor, but in case you care to strike up conversation.” She watches the man saunter tot he ring, and finds herself drawn to someone. She falls silent.

And, that was it. That little confirmation, done right before the hand was released. Kaelyn(wolf)’s form contorted, becoming larger and a lot more fuzzy before bounding down to the ring with a snarl.

“I did try to match you on myhaven, Mister Fairchild.” Seraphina tells him. “Under no obligation to return the favor, but in case you care to strike up conversation.” She watches the man saunter tot he ring, and finds herself drawn to Kai. She falls silent.

Dovie blinks, her eyes going wide! “Ahhhh!’

“Good heavens,” Mirabel huffs and sits up a little more to squint at Kaelyn(wolf). “Miss Miller, control yourself! I’ll be *very* cross if you try to interfere.”

Matias reaches out with a hand as Kaelyn(wolf) appears and simply closed it into a fist and says, “Stop.” in a voice that echoes.

Like she was calling a sports play, Lorelei yells, “Wolf in play.”

Matthew recoils at the sight of Kaelyn(wolf), and can be heard saying, “Someone put a muzzle on that dog!”

Sophie watches Kaelyn(wolf) shift, “No no! Kae..he’s okay! He’s okay.”

“Why do people invite dogs?” Malin sighs out, rubbing at her forehead.

Amber jumps up onto her bench, pulling a gun from her hoodie, “Fucking WOLF.” She trains it on Kaelyn(wolf).

Seraphina screams as Kaelyn(wolf) bounds into the ring. “Stop her!”

Dovie hides behind Obie, on instinct.

Lorelei says “Mimi would have watched quietly and only barked at appropriate times“

Sophie glares at Amber, “Put your fucking weapon away! Come on.”

Obie isn’t here any more, but Esme will act as a shield if need be, a small frown on her lips.

Albert wears a tsk between his teeth, a chiding sound without any mirth, and he turns away from the ring, spreading his hands before himself. “Shame,” he says, scuffing his shoe upon the ground as he returns to the stands. “This was fun, but I was hoping for some more serious bloodsport.” Then Kaelyn(wolf) morphs, and he’s spinning back to stare into the ring. “I’ll take you up on that offer, Seraphina.” He says, unable to peel his eyes from the ring. He does glance to Mirabel, “Dogs are abhorrent, but this is becoming so very fun. Look at everyone, weapons drawn. Frustrated. Fearing. Worried and anxious. Nervous but ready to fight. Isn’t this fucking LOVELY?” He asks, spreading his hands.

Malin nods to Lorelei, saying, “Yes, well that kind of dog is acceptable.”

Matthew notes one gun so he reaches for his own, training it on the wolf.

Albert says “A choir for the preaching. A song from on-high, blood will spill and violence will fill a void in the hearts of the audience.“

Thomas turns to face the wolf — and as it bounds down, he takes a step back. “Is this what we’re doing now, Miss Miller?” he asks, his hands coming up.

Kaelyn(wolf) flicked an ear, back, listening. At least she wans’t doing anything yet, more so just watching Thomas.

Malin follows the others, reaching into her purse and retrieving her pistol to aim at Kaelyn(wolf).

Amber squeezes the trigger, though not enough to actually fire at Kaelyn(wolf). To Sophie, she shouts, “Sure will when the monster murder plague machine puts its away first.”

“For the love of–” Mirabel remarks and looks around incredulously. “Once in a while, I wonder if the people of our idyllic city are all quite right in the head.”

Seraphina rises to her feet, yanking her bow out from her duffel. “Get her out of here. It was a fight match in fun. If she can’t control herself, then something has to be done!”

Sophie reaches over to put a hand on Kaelyn(wolf), “Hey hey…why don’t you follow me out for some fresh air? Huh?”

Albert confirms to Mirabel, “I am certainly not.”

Lorelei pulls out a matte titanium diving knife from who knows where, it mostly looks like she’s just drawing a weapon to fit in.

Matthew informs Mirabel, “Oh, the only right reaction to a mad dog is drawing a gun and shooting them. So I agree, since I haven’ fired a shot yet.”

Albert laughs at Matthew’s response.

“Haven’t we all read or seen Old Yeller?” Malin asks as she readies that trigger finger.

“Well, there isn’t a sequel called Young Miss Miller,” Mirabel pointedly informs Malin.

Moving to her feet, Teagan glances over to Albert. It is not quite an ‘if looks could kill,’ but close. Maybe she’s just too tired. She does, however, start to approach Kaelyn(wolf), hands out like meeting a new puppy. Though this isn’t a new meeting. “No one is going to shoot her. She was frightened for a friend.” Teagan is shaking, but also: she rather likes the girl from their few meetings. “I am happy to walk out with her? Right?” A glance to Sophie, a glance to the wolf. “And maybe the gun happy people can all go and shoot each other for more videos-” a look, pointed, to Malin and Matthew, “instead?” She is tired, to be so bold.

Thomas asks Kaelyn(wolf), “I have power over the quick and the dead, Miss Miller: and so you need to ask yourself — on which side of that line do you think you fall?” He does not seem to be making any effort to try to talk her down — no, his is power in his eyes. His voice snaps: “Lie down, girl.”

“Maybe she ought to learn how to control herself or not come to these fucking things,” Seraphina tells Teagan. “But, luckily, it looks like Mister hale has it under control.”

Matthew’s thumb disengages the safety, another hand coming to steady his aim. “Oh, I’mma shoot that bitch if she ain’t muzzled down real quick,” his voice carrying up in response to Teagan’s words. “I wish there was a dog catcher around right now.”

“Really?” Sophie furrows her brow at Matthew, “Is she doing anything to hurt you right now?”

Dovie offers, “I don’t think she’s going to hurt anyone.”

Malin squints at Teagan, and then says, “Clearly, you are not familiar with how this city works.” She still keeps that pistol trained on Kaelyn(wolf), but looks entirely hopeful Thomas will get that dog out of here.

Albert does not seem to care whatsoever how Teagan looks at him. He looks into the ring and nods to Thomas. “This has been appropriate, Thomas Hale. Thank you.” Exit Albert, stage right. “Dogs are wild animals, Seraphina. It takes an effective manager to put them in their place.” Confirmation, perhaps, of her own words. An echo that soudns different than its progenitor. His walk away from gym and tonic is deliberately slow.

Lorelei says “Turning into a wolf is the equivalent of pulling out a rocket launcher…“

“If you had any real experience with these things, you’d know it’s not gun-happy. They are purpose-bred to kill and spread, especially people like me,” Amber counters out to Teagan, keeping the weapon trained for any sudden movements. Lorelei gets a nod of agreement.

Sophie keeps her hand on Kaelyn(wolf), keeping herself in front so any bullets would hit her before the wolf, “Jesus fucking christ..she’s upset at seeing someone she cares about almost killed. ”

“Turning into a wolf and charging after Thomas is unacceptable.” Seraphina tells Sophie.

It never occurs to Matthew that Sophie was speaking to him, his eyes and gun are trained on Kaelyn(wolf). “Hasn’t hurt anyone yet,” he replies back all the same, “but you never know and dogs are unpredictable. Should be in a collar with a leash.”

Dovie offers again, “Well it was an anything goes fight, honestly.”

“Language, young lady,” Mirabel reminds Sophie and gives her hand a squeeze. “I’m certain Professor Hale can think of a suitable way to discipline her.”

Sophie looks at Seraphina, “Emotional responses happen. Not acceptable but understandable.”

Malin stays ready to protect Amber, not lowering the weapon.

Kaelyn(wolf) growls a little bit as the crowd debates on shooting her or not, though she doesn’t seem keen on moving from her spot. She looks between everyone that approaches and Thomas and where the body of Kai had at least been. Her eyes flick to Teagan with a slight nod and back to Thomas, a growl at the command. It seems for a moment she is going to resist it, ears pinned back. Slowly, but surely she lowers herself to the ground, whining.

Matias rises up from the stands and begins hopping down to approach the ring. After the little ‘stop’ antic on Kaelyn(wolf) there is a puff of his cheeks and standing in the corner of the ring he exhales and a windwall comes up between Thomas Kaelyn(wolf) and the crowd. Impenetrable… Nope. Thick enough to slow and send bullets careening off by a few milimeters, you betcha!

Matias says “There we go everyone situation handled, semi-bullet proof magical wall up, guns down.“

Matias says “Hale wins two fights today, put it on the cards!“

Lorelei lifts her knife up in the air and rotates her wrist to spin it around like a victorious rpg character.

“I do not care how worried she was for a friend. This was a scheduled fight, with many people in attendance, and she was the one who caused the fear and commotion. She will need to learn to control the animal in these situations. She became a bullet, and people responded appropriately.” Seraphina explains to Sophie. There comes a small sigh of relief as the beast(s) in the ring are settled.

Teagan looks to the wolf, looks to the people with guns, safeties off, in a small space. “I see several killers here. She’s not one of them. Especially not having been magically ordered to be still.” And though very obviously trembling, she does step near enough to Kaelyn(wolf) to crouch next to her, legs a little unsteady, a hand out (if the wolf does not seem resistant to it) to place at a shoulder lightly. In that soothing sort of ‘there there’ kind of way. “I didn’t see fear,” she murmurs to herself, staring down at the wolf. “I saw people excited to kill something.”

Well since Matthew’s gun is ineffective, he clicks the safety back on and tucks his pole back in his pocket. “Should really keep her in a collar,” he offers to the Windermere faculty, “dogs running wild is a serious problem in this city.”

Sophie sighs and shakes her head, “I fucking hate this place sometimes. Free milkshakes when it opens on me for ..whatever.”

“In the cards, indeed,” Thomas tells Matias, though he has his eyes on the werewolf: he’s by no means relaxed, but still ready for some fight. His eyes flicker towards someone. “Miss Callum,” he says. “Can you take Miss Miller to the changing room? This is not an appropriate place for her to turn back to her human form.” He has his hands cocked still in the direction of Kaelyn(wolf) — not to hit her but to summon some magic, clearly. “Miss Hawke?” he asks Seraphina. “Is the locker room open?”

Sophie says “Stupid fucking city..“

Mirabel says “Young lady!“

Malin glances over at Amber to check and see how she’s doing, still holding onto her gun with its barrel not pointed at anyone and her finger no longer near the trigger.

“She turned into a wolf with intentions on Mister Hale.” Seraphina remarks to Teagan. “How exactly were people supposed to react?” She gives the woman an incredulous look.

“In the cards, indeed,” Thomas tells Matias, though he has his eyes on the werewolf: he’s by no means relaxed, but still ready for some fight. His eyes flicker towards Sophie, but then she is gone “Miss Callum,” he says. “Can you take Miss Miller to the changing room? This is not an appropriate place for her to turn back to her human form.” He has his hands cocked still in the direction of Kaelyn(wolf) — not to hit her but to summon some magic, clearly. “Miss Hawke?” he asks Seraphina. “Is the locker room open?” He pauses. “Since Miss Callum is having a tantrum, is there someone to help Miss Miller?”

Seraphina flips her hair as she steps away from the benches, and moves toward the ring, then under one of the ropes. “I can try.”

Kaelyn(wolf) turns her gaze to peer at someone sharply, ears flicked up and down, with a wolfish snort. She does not move however as Teagan’s hand rests on her shoulder, instead giving the woman an small sniff.

Kaelyn(wolf) turns her gaze to peer at Seraphina sharply, ears flicked up and down, with a wolfish snort. She does not move however as Teagan’s hand rests on her shoulder, instead giving the woman an small sniff.

Amber lowers her weapon for the moment, but it remains in-hand. A small nod follows in agreement with Seraphina. “Wolves are all killers, Teagan. Every single one. They have no choice. They exist to spread a plague and to kill,” Amber offers her own take, still tense as hell and ready if things change, “I’m injured and they are instinctively wired towards violence towards my kind, so yeah. Scared.”

MatiasKai awakens to quite the show the audience have guns, there is a windwall between the ring and the audience, there is a Kaelyn(wolf) in the ring but subdued. People look upset, people look excited, Kai looks sleepy… What happens next!

When Kai wakes up, a wolf is on the ground near to him — Thomas is standing over both, some magic in his eyes. The situation seems more than a little tense.

“Uuugh I lost?” Kai asks from the ground and blinks a few times as he looks around, “What… is up?” he asks as he sits up groggily.

Teagan straightens, still shaking because yes, there is some fear in her. A lot, actually. She gives a nod to Matias. “I am glad to.” There is a glance to Seraphina. “So Professor Hale cannot take care of himself? Disappointing.” She tries to make it sound casual, flippant, but it comes out strained instead and with a glance to Kaelyn(wolf), she nods in… the direction she hopes the locker rooms are. “Let’s go. Before someone decides animal abuse is the new hot thing.”

Lorelei yawns suddenly and does a big stretch like a cat would probably do if they were tired.

There is a fair bit of concern as Seraphina gets into the ring. Her hands begin to glow, with a soft and warm light, soothing light. There is some ambient heat that comes from them. “I’m going to put my hands on you,” she tells Kaelyn(wolf), weapons away and aside, unless you consider her hands weapons too. “It won’t hurt.” Then she does, slowly. In hopes to SOOTHE her AURA. “That is far from the point. He subdued her.” She gives Teagan a look like those hands may just become a weapon, but she bites that back to stay calm herself.

Lorelei turns to no one in particular. “I’m leaving now!” She then leaves.

Lorelei says “Kids!? “

With the Extra Violence subsiding, Esme seems to decide it’s time for her to slip out as well, though she does it much quieter.

When Seraphina gets to the ring, Thomas takes a look at her, smiling in his shredded tank top. “Thank you, Miss Hawke,” he says. He extends a hand down to Kai, still focused on Kaelyn(wolf). “Yes, Mr. Ashford,” he says. “You lost.” He offers to help the man up. “Can you get your girlfriend somewhere?” he asks.

“Uhhh what happened?” Kai asks Thomas and takes his hand and gets up to his feet, he looks to Kaelyn(wolf) and reaches out to pat her with his hand, “Not my girlfriend, just my best friend,” he says with a laugh, “Sorry about the balls!” he tells Thomas, “What’d you win anyway?”

Kaelyn(wolf) head turns to Kai at the sound of his voice, something like relief on that wolfish face, not moving from laying down she shifts over to smell at the name, cold nose bumping at the exposed skin curious. She doesn’t even seem to care that someone else’s hands are on her until it’s too late. Despite everything, though she seemed more relaxed.

Kaelyn(wolf) lies down.

Teagan remains near Kaelyn(wolf) also. She hasn’t moved. At this point, she isn’t even looking at anyone else. The wolf may be able to tell how much she’s shaking because she does still have a hand lightly on her shoulder, by one foreleg. She tries to stay a bit out of the way when Kai wakes, but until dismissed or otherwise… nope. Just the worst bodyguard in history right now.

The glow from Seraphina’s hands sinks into Kaelyn(wolf)’s fur, spreads along each bristle. There is even a slow stroke along the fur. “Take her to the the locker room where she can finish calming down and change back.” she tells Teagan, as others have, before her.

“Uhh you can relax, it’s just a boxing match, not like anyone was going to die,” Kai tells Kaelyn(wolf), grinning to her and Teagan in confusion, “Right?” he asks Thomas and looks at some of the others still in the audience.

There’s a moment of hesitation, but Amber forces herself to flip the safety on and pocket her firearm again. She gives a grateful nod to Malin and a quiet, “Thanks.” One eye lingers on Kaelyn(wolf), though.

Avalon comes into the room after some speaking on the corridors, smiling and giving a little wave with his hand, closing in towards the bench and asking “That’s all it took to get the wolf down? Have I missed all of the fun?” He asks around

Matias comes quick walking back in to intercept Teagan with some newly purchased, branded Gym and Tonic clothes!

“Right,” Thomas tells Kai, with some confidence that perhaps does not match the reality the audience saw. “No one is going to die.”

Seraphina mentions to Kai, “If she can not control herself in groups like these, she is not welcome. Best friend or not.”

Once Amber relaxes, so does Malin, and she nods, saying, “Of course,” as she flips the safety back on and puts her gun into that bag of tricks.

Matthew leans in toward Malin, murmuring.

Kai waves off Seraphina, “Yeah, yeah, let’s not go banning people from your place of business while tensions are still high. No one’s hurt, just chill,” he grins over at her and tells Kaelyn(wolf), “Go with Teagan or whoever and change back?” he asks and leans out of the ring to grab his katana and straps it around his waist.

“Right,” Teagan says to Kai in a distant voice. She almost drops the clothes as they’re put into her arms, not expecting them. She blinks at Matias, but nods her appreciation. “Okay, Kaelyn. Let’s… c’mon. I don’t know where the changing rooms are, but… Let’s go.” Probably before her own legs give out because she looks damn close to it. “Congratulations, Hale.”

Kaelyn(wolf) tests her legs, raising slowly. Her head turns to Teagan haveing zero idea which way to go, but at least willing to follow.

Malin smiles at Matthew, turning to whisper back before kissing him on the cheek. She rises to stand and says, “Well done, Mister Hale,” of his victory, and then waves to the rest as she slips a hand into Matthew’s.

Teagan gives a little wave to Annabelle, but thankfully: changing rooms at gyms do usually have big signs and she’s able to lead the way there.

Matias turns back to the crowd and goes, “Librarian Hale, heartstopping teacher at Windermere and wolf taming gentleman of the ring. Some appluase for our winner?” he calls out in a resonating baritone to the hopefully mostly disarmed crowd.

Kaelyn(wolf) lets out a small breath.

Matthew is murmuring something but since Malin’s standing so is he and gives the group a smile, walking alongside her.

“No one is hurt because we stopped her from going for Thomas’ throat.” Seraphina tells Kai, crossing her arms. Her hands stop glowing. The woman rubs at her face. “Thank you for coming. I am sorry in how it devolved.”

“Maybe I should learn dark magic next too,” Kai hmms, “Oh wait, pretty sure I can’t. Well, maybe I’ll learn how to freeze, then I could do like blizzard attacks,” he nods to Matias, “Woo! It was a good fight but let’s applaud!” he tells the crowd and peers over to Seraphina, “Uhhh well, that’s not great. But it’s all fine, so like… yeah.”

Teagan has the top and leggings that Matias purchased already on hand to give to Kaelyn once she’s shifted back. But she herself drops onto whatever bench is available as soon as she can. If no bench? It’s the floor. And she goes into the classic head between the legs, deep breaths, recover from panic attack pose.

Amber awkwardly claps a few times at the call for applause, though half her attention still lingers on the changing rooms.

Annabelle takes off her hoodie and throws it over her shoulder, lifting her arms to tie her hair into an up-do. She’s fairly tone-deaf of the nudity and asks, “You don’t look too bad, pain level? Is it just stress?”

Annabelle asks this of Kaelyn, ahem.

Matias shifts his attention back to the ring, “Well that was exciting… Ashford where did you find that playlist. Did you find Hale’s spotify or something?” he wonders to Kai in a suspicious brazilian accented voice.

“Well,” Thomas says with his shredded tank top. “It’s perhaps time for me to go change.” He nods to Kai. “You fought well,” he says. “But I meant what I said.” Then he tooks to Seraphina. “Miss Hawke: thank you for inviting us.”

Kaelyn glanced out the door, taking the clothes with a small grateful smile, though her eyes were still a little dangerous. “His heart stopped. You heard them. He wasn’t moving.” A shudder runs through her body, “He was dead and they want to-” She growls under Teagan slips to the floor. Guilt flicks on the woman’s face and she pads over barefoot. “I’m sorry.” It was then her attention turns to someone, “Me? I’m fine. Yeah.”

Kaelyn glanced out the door, taking the clothes with a small grateful smile, though her eyes were still a little dangerous. “His heart stopped. You heard them. He wasn’t moving.” A shudder runs through her body, “He was dead and they want to-” She growls under Teagan slips to the floor. Guilt flicks on the woman’s face and she pads over barefoot. “I’m sorry.” It was then her attention turns to Annabelle, “Me? I’m fine. Yeah.”

Avalon claps his hands, maybe a bit loud, glancing between Kai and Thomas for a moment before asking the last of the two “Well done… How are you up and fighting? I hear you almost died again yesterday”

Kai points at Thomas, “Don’t. If you do, I’m doing you back. Let me get punished some other way but not that,” he looks to Matias and nods a couple of times.

Kaelyn growls at the door until Teagan slips to the floor. *(fixing that line)

Kai blows out a breath and says, “Come on, fair’s fair,” and puts his feet shoulder width apart to give Thomas plenty of room, clenching his eyes shut.

“Mmmmn.” Annabelle hums as she pulls on a gothic gauntlet and moves to sit next to Teagan in a squat, hands on her own knees. With a pause in thought, she distracts, “it’s nice to see you out of the hospital. Did Jak ever get back to you?”

With the treat now gone, supposedly to the changing rooms for a calming session, it appears that Seraphina’s event has simmered down to a close, and the raven-haired woman begins to clean up.