Realistic or Modern Spellbound

[Soliloquy]

As they were left as alone as they could be in the current room, Rosalie rubbed her wrist a couple of times before offering a weak smile as an explanation. "Yeah, turns out it's hard to say you're spoken for when the pursuant can see your scape goat draped with a blonde," she said before realizing that didn't paint him in the best picture. "Yes let's dance." Her decision was much less that she wanted to dance again and more that they looked peculiar standing around on the dance floor.

Once they were on the floor and dancing, she mulled over his offer, once more comforted by his embrace, even if might have been an awkward one. "I appreciate you offering to look out for me, but that's no way to spend your evening. You have a full evening ahead of you and it wouldn't be fair to each of those girls if you spent your entire night looking toward me just because some cr-... because some people can't take no as answer," she insisted. It wouldn't do to ruin both of their nights over this.

It was surprising to find the song was quickly at an end. Then again, they had spent the first portion of it trying to chase off Tristan. Knowing quite well the next spot on his card wasn't for her, she reluctantly released her hold on him. Just as she was opening her mouth to speak, Tristan seemed to appear out of nowhere, a confident smirk playing across his face. "I'll be more than happy to take her off your hands so you can run along, Cornelius."

 

[xrakkax]

There was nothing Cory hated than someone feeling like a burden. But he liked it less to think someone didn't believe they were important enough to be that important to him. Especially since he found in Rosalie a good friend. "It's no problem, Rosalie. I rather help a friend than spare a girl's feelings over one lost dance with me. And especially since I think you're worth the time." He made that very clear.

The song ended too soon for him as well. And although Cory had an excuse to leave coming right for him through the throng, Tristan's imposing presence kept Cory planted right there. He turned partway to the googly-eyed girl smiling wide at him. Her smile vanished to see the hardness in his eyes. So when he said, "Pardon me, Miss Willson. Looks like there had been a mistake. Rosalie had this next dance claimed before you came to me. I appreciate it if you respected that. We've danced previously. I hope that is enough." While disappointment was written all over her face, the finality in his voice, the look of determination, barred that door shut to any protest. Miss Willson sulked off.

Cory set his mouth in a forced smile to Tristan, "Sorry, Mr. de Lancre. This next one is mine." Cory politely asked for Rosalie's card. "But perhaps Rosalie has a vacancy." He gave the lists a cursory glance. "Oh, a shame. Looks like none of these slots are available. And none of them belong to you." Cory tsc'd and shook his head. "Perhaps if you requested the dance from one of her promised partners?" He looked back at the list. "Hm. Well I'm next. So, that's a no." He hummed in thought. "Looks like the one after that one is too. I'm gonna say I probably won't give that one away." Cory shrugged and handed the card back to Rosalie. "She's all booked up. It's amazing she's allowed to share her dances with me this far into the night. But I assure you, if at any point she wanted to dance with me, I would do so in a heart beat."

 

[Soliloquy]

As much as she appreciated his words and the idea that she was of a higher priority for him than the girls who had previously demanded his attention, she wanted to point out that it was tradition.At an event that was seven centuries old, one just didn't break that tradition easily. Did they?

Rosalie all but shuddered as Tristan returned, preparing for Cory to head off with whichever dazed young lady was next. He surprised her though, excusing himself from the now heartbroken Miss Willson and remaining at her side. If Tristan hadn't be hovering so close, she might have told Cory off for scaring away pretty girls who only wanted his attention. As it were, she instead sat back to watch quite the display from Cory, even using her card covered in his name as evidence. Rosalie had to cover her mouth with her face to hide a grin that came listening to the worlds most proper 'f you'.

Tristan was far less amused. His ice eyes had glared at the card and then between the two of them. He didn't see how it was his problem if someone else's name was there. He didn't take any hints, shaking his head and looking defiant like a child not getting their way. "If her name isn't on your card then it doesn't matter Lord Cromwell," he stressed his title. "You should have thought of that before you agreed to dance with everyone at the ball."

 

[xrakkax]

"While I am personally in favor of flexibility, and that it is Rosalie’s prerogative to decide to receive or refuse dance requests---" Cory made sure it was well established that he himself would still dance with Rosalie, if she asked, "---by all means, Sir, in this case, why don't we adhere rigidly to your observation?” The rude man practically handed the following to Cory, “As you stated, what matters to you is that her name isn't in my card for this dance." With an impish gleam in his eye, Cory happily pointed out, "Your name, Sir, is still not in her card. At all." Cory kept an even stare, “So, I suggest, that you run along. Mr. de Lancre. Lest you fail to be consistent with your own opinion.”

 

[Soliloquy]

Cory's response had left little room for argument, but it didn't seem that would be deterring Tristan still, likely fueled by some sense of entitlement. "Consistency? I'm here to dance with this beautiful woman, not develop a business plan with you, Cromwell," he sneered at the other man, apparently brash enough to linger when he'd been directed to leave. "Now as much as I'm sure she enjoys the little logic path of a boy, I'll be showing her precisely how a real man can treat her."

"Not much, apparently," Cory replied coldly. "May I remain a boy, Sir, if you are what manhood has to offer."

The two had locked chilled gazes, and it seemed that the trio could only stand still on a dance floor for so long before beginning to draw attention. As much as Rosalie was enjoying the look of Tristan growing frustrated, she was also quite aware that this wasn't the place for the two to grow heated with each other. "Tristan, you are making a right fool of yourself and people are beginning to stare," she said, although her concern was more with how Cory would seem given his level of importance.

"The lady is right. Why don't we take this somewhere else, Cromwell?" Tristan took a step closer to Cory, a fierce gaze that could either be a challenge or a confident bluff.

Cory took a step closer as well. Both men now a foot apart. "How about the clearing in the botanical gardens, Mr. de Lancre?" He narrowed his eyes. "We'll settle this matter in the traditional art of pistol dueling."

Rosalie's eyes widened at the recommendation from Cory. "Don't you think that's a tad extreme?" she interjected, although Tristan laughed her remark off.

"Don't worry I'll leave his pretty face in one piece," he spoffed. "A duel it is. I presume with modern artillery, no doubt?"

Cory looked to Rosalie. He only hesitated to consider she may not be wrong. But no, already Tristan had crossed the line. And it appeared he would not back down. The result would tie up handsomely by nothing else than fire against fire. Cory offered her an assured smile before turning his cool, narrowed stare back at Tristan. "Modern artillery? How quaint." Cory said evenly. "But I suppose I shouldn't waste vintage 17th-century flintlocks on lesser men." He said with no apology. "The paintball pistol it is then. Follow me, Mr. de Lancre."

Tristan's upper lip quivered in the slightest before their stares were broken to begin the short walk to the botanical gardens. A request was placed with one of the attendants for the pistols to be brought and while it was only a matter of a few minutes for the trio to reach the clearing, they seemed to have drawn a small crowd. Nearly two dozen young hunters had slipped away from the ballroom and other festivities,lurking on the edge of the clearing. Some speculated on what had transpired previously to warrant the duel but a good portion were unashamedly placing bets on the outcome. So far it seemed the odds were divided fairly even.

Rosalie stood off to the side, visibly more on Cory's side than Tristan's. Her biggest concern at that point was that all of this attention that was building was going to bode ill for Cory, should word of the antics make it to his parents or even his brother. "It's probably too late to try and talk you out of this," she murmured as she stepped closer to him, "So in that case I'm only going to politely request that you beat his ass so I don't have to."

Across the clearing, Tristan had removed his jacket, some young wide-eyed brunette all to happy to be a living coat rack for him. His confidence had yet to falter, stepping up to make first selection of the pistols that were waiting. "Having second thoughts, Lord Cromwell?" he asked as he sized each up, making his selection and accepting a single paintball.

 

[xrakkax]

“As you wish, my Lady.” Cory couldn’t refuse such an elegant command. It didn’t hurt that it would be his pleasure.

Word spread of the pending duel. While Roderick and Fiona were still absent the rest of the company they sat with at dinner made their way to the gardens. D’Lante and his Aunt Tia stood by one of the koi ponds. Alaric had come by choosing to take a spot hidden in the greenery. Diki and Yonten were loudly cheering for Cory in the boughs of a nearby tree. Wesley came out with Inara on his arm. They were both amused by the varying accounts of bystanders who witnessed the drama thus far. They stood in full view. Cory was a decent shot. Wes hoped the tips Everest gave Cory the day before gave him further advantage.

Throughout the evening, Ellie had tried to keep an eye on wandering Rosalie although it hadn't been an easy task when Everest was often sought out for conversation from fellow hunters. She caught sight of the trio leaving the ballroom, a look of confusion quickly washed away when Inara filled them in on what was transpiring. Pardoning themselves and leaving most of the aged generation to their boisterous conversations, they journeyed into the gardens as well, taking up place to Wesley's side.

Once Tristan chose his pistol Cory took the other. The attendants checked the barrels to make sure it was empty, and that the safety was off to give them a fair chance, before allowing them to load their guns. “Only that even these may well be wasted on you, Mr. de Lancre.” Cory said coolly. “Really, the list of what is worth my time with which to reprimand you increasingly shrinks with every word that comes from your mouth.” He popped the paintball into place. “Speak any further, and I think I may not have even spared a bitchslap with my gloved hand.”

The mute attendees, by duty of protocol, could only silently raise their brows for the burn. They backed away once the participants were prepared. The older attendant, now at the edge of the clearing called out, “Turn about!” Cory and Tristan did so. “Ten paces!” He announced the number of strides. “TEN, NINE, EIGHT, SEVEN--” It went on.

Cory took measured steps. He intended to make sure there would be no less and no more, so that his victory would not be questioned.

 

[Soliloquy]

Weapons selected, Rosalie took a few long steps back, although she didn't move over to where the closest of her party was dwelling. There was no threat of harm, only pride on the line which caused a completely different type of injury. While she didn't feel that gender roles had the same weight for their generation as they might have hundreds of years prior, this was perhaps the only way to settle a dispute in a formal ceremony setting as they were in.

She couldn't deny a sense of excitement listening to the sharp bite of Cory's tongue that had progressed from simply defending her honor to hurling fire himself. The corners of her lips twitched to a smile, fighting the desire to point out a bitchslap would be deserved regardless. Instead, she stood perfectly still as she surveyed, only her eyes bouncing between each of the two men on each step.

Tristan had only a smug look to give Cory before their backs had been to each other, pistol held in a less than perfect position as their paces began. All around the two, the crowd murmuring had fallen silent enough to hear their footfalls.

"THREE, TWO, ONE!"

But the 'w' of 'one' had only begun to leave the attendant's mouth when a sharp POP was heard. As he was taking the last step, Tristan turned his body about. Less than steady hands had brought the pistol up, the trigger pulled and a gold paint ball whizzed through the clearing at Cory. The ball made contact with this shoulder, bursting and splatting paint on his suit jacket.

 

[xrakkax]

The unexpected hit before Cory could face Tristan fully caught him somewhat off guard. He was certain he had been quick. The question of just how fast Tristan was at turning came to mind. But the idea he had done so prematurely angered Cory. Fire flashed in his eyes. In the very second that all this had transpired, he spun around, raised his pistol, and popped off. The ball landed squarely on Tristan's forehead. A bloom of gold splattered across the young man's face, getting into that perfectly coiffed hair. A headshot named Cory as the winner of the match. A cheer for his hit rose and people paid their due bets.

While all of this happened suddenly, it was noted by those watching carefully that Tristan had disgraced himself. And he was marked with a stain only several weeks of washing would remove. And in the presence of all of the major Hunters of the community to witness it.

Cory handed his weapon back to the attendant. He frowned lightly. The sound of Tristan's gun had to have meant he turned before it was time. Even if Cory wasn’t quite sure, or able to prove it, since he had his back to him, he felt Tristan had gotten away with yet another disrespect.

Or so he believed.

Wesley raised a hand, “Halt.” He called the men over. “Mr. de Lancre, unless you have come to possess the abilities of a Mage--” Wes had Cory turn so that the crowd could better see where Tristan's shot landed. It would take telekinesis to curve the paintball to hit the edge of Cory’s shoulder in that spot if they were truly face to face. Even with a Hunter as good as Everest. “--it is clear you had taken it upon yourself to turn prematurely. That is ground for early dismissal from the Ball.” Wesley wasn’t the only one not amused. There was a slight hope to recover if the apology was humble enough. “What have you to say?”

 

[Soliloquy]

Rosalie's eyes had been on Cory while she waited for the final count for them to turn and take fire. The sound of the pistol from across the way caught her attention, jerking her head to Tristan to see his pistol poised. With human reflex being what it was, she couldn't know for certain that he hadn't turned while her head moved, although she wouldn't past his serpent-like behavior to have turned prematurely.

With endless expertise in fire arms, generally much more dangerous than those at hand tonight, Everest was ready to interject if no one else had. The clear gap between shots was not just a matter of personal delay; the first shot was premature and nearly masked the final count. That aside, he did feel an immense amount of pride at the shot that was landed, a significant improvement for Cory.

When Wesley stepped into the center of the clearing to point out the the impossible shot, Tristan was wiping away the paint threatening to get in his eyes. What wasn't shining gold was flushing at the accusation, his glare falling on Wesley. "That is preposterous," he sputtered, one attendant coming to take the empty pistol from him. "He turned into the shot, anyone whose eyes weren't tainted with bias can see that."

"Then it would have hit the other side of his shoulder blade," Rosalie interjected this time, stepping forward beside Cory. "Or would you like me to explain the science of trajectory to you, de Lancre?" While others might have maintained a level of civility, he'd lost that right form her.

"Ridiculous," he argued again, snatching his jacket back from the girl who had held it, the crowd around full of murmurs. "I'm leaving this pathetic ball. It reeks of nepotism and I won't have my good name tarnished with such accusations."

 

[xrakkax]

Wesley dispensed with any reaction to Tristans rambling. There was simply no need. He did, however, flash a faint grin when Cory leaned in and mockingly sniffed Tristan, calling to mind his comment of nepotism, “Oh yes, it does stink.” Cory stepped back and dabbed his nose with a silk kerchief from his inner pocket. “The fast you leave the better I think.”

The wave Tristan had been riding on his last name washed him out. And he knew it when he saw his father had been called over. The involuntary muscle twitch in his Senior de Lancre’s eye rippled the flesh atop. There would be words on the trip home. But before they left Senrio de Lancre turned to Wesley and Inara, and of course to Cory, and said, “On behalf of the de Lancre family name, I humbly apologize for my son's behavior.”

Inara, who had been chatting with the people who had observed the events from the beginning, said to Senior de Lancre, “Expect to be excluded from further presiteous Hunter events we host--” She gave Tristan a look of wry displeasure, “--until your boy learns the manners of a real man.”

Cory didn't know for sure if she knew what Tristan had said, but he couldn’t hold back his brief surprise and gaped mouth, only to close his lips to not be overly jubilant for the burn. Lest he seem uncouth or unnecessarily smug.

Tristan’s father did not know, for certain, but he readily nodded, “Of course, I will.” He gripped Tristan’s arm, his hold like iron. De Lancre Senior kept his eyes ahead as he pulled his son to their room. They passed murmurs of disapproval and judging glances. “How dare you disgrace the family name-- silence! I am speaking--” He began to drill into his son. He did his best to keep his volume low. Their exchange would only be known by anyone who took the time to review the security footage.

Wesley wrapped his arm around Inara’s waist, “Please, give my brother and his friend some space. Come, the Vampire Hunters of Dubai are finally ready for their performance. If you would please move back to the ballroom. There are only a handful more dances until midnight.” He gave his brother a wink before he and the others made their way off.

Cory could no longer control his smile, “Gah, did you see that? I got him right on the head!” He could have been described as giddy. “Everest showed me how to do that yesterday.”

 

[Soliloquy]

Cory's remark earned a chuckle around the crowd, almost all of which at this point seemed to have taken his side once the facts were presented. Tristan de Lancre lost all credibility that evening among the Hunting community, tarnishing his families name over a cheap shot. And not even a good one at that.

The broad being that he was, Everest had stood nearby in the event that de Lancre needed assistance finding the door, although it was clear that was handled between the firm hosts and emphasized by a very disappointed father. "Good riddance to bad company," he murmured as he took Ellie's arm to head toward the ballroom.

"Well done, Cory," Ellie was unashamed to praise over her shoulder. She could faintly be heard as they walked away, "It was quite chivalrous of him, don't you think? Willing to duel in her name. How come you've never dueled anyone in my honor, Ev?"

"Because no one in range of me is foolish enough to challenge, dear." His answer seemed to please her as they rejoined the crowd in the ballroom.

The crowd had disappeared, leaving Rosalie and Cory alone as he quickly lost his composure. She couldn't help but laugh, clapping a few times. "I'm impressed. A little disappointed it wasn't me that shot him, but impressed nonetheless." The clearing was serene, moonlight piercing through spots where the collected snow of the dome had failed to cover. The bright gold splatter caught her eye as she looked down, scowling at the paint. "Ugh I'm sorry, Cornelius. That bastard went and stained a perfectly good suit jacket and it's all my fault."

 

[xrakkax]

“Oh I would have loved to see that!” He remarked enthusiastically over Rosalie’s desire to have done so herself. “Maybe next time when a girl has threatened my honor.” Cory teased. There was not the faintest disappointment in Cory’s eyes. “No, Rosalie, I am perfectly alright.” He smiled. “I will keep the jacket. It will remind me of the night I got to shoot someone in the face with a paintball gun. In defense of a wonderful woman.”

A feminine voice, pleasant to hear, said, “What a lucky girl she is, to be your friend.” They turned to see a dark-haired woman with dark grey eyes. She wore gold and green makeup and red lipstick.

Cory perked, “Oh, Miss Kalwen.”

“Please, as my next dance partner, I insist you call me Haley.” She smiled. “This must be Rosalie Crosse.” She shook her hand. A firm, deceptive hold. “I hear Wes speaks highly of you. Or so says the eavesdroppers. I can’t quite get an audience with him myself.” She evaluated Rosalie with delight. “You work in biochemistry, as I understand it. Am I correct?”

 

[Soliloquy]

A tinge of pink on her cheeks couldn't be stopped at his comment, although she waved her hand as if to brush it aside. She couldn't say she was wonderful, although she did enjoy the way it sounded on his tongue. She was about to say that she would happily defend his honor, should the need every arise, when they were suddenly joined by another. Rosalie felt her stomach churn as the steel eyes she'd seen once before accompanied with a warning.

It had barely been a month since she was sitting alongside Wesley, enjoying a lunch before a flight out of Los Angeles for Thanksgiving dinner. Likely the photos were still on her phone, though she didn't need a comparison as she stood before her. "Especially the woman here, Hillary Cove. I think she led a Mage to Charles and Dr. Higgs. I can’t prove anything though and she only alluded to it. "

Her jaw clenched before she could stop it, having to force herself to smile back at her. Her handshake was as brief as etiquette allowed, hand falling back to her side once more. "Studying," she corrected, trying to make it seem an act of modesty rather than one of secrecy. "Only time will tell how work will fare." Her palms itched with the desire to leave, but she wasn't about to do so when it didn't seem as though Cory knew who she was. "Oh the next dance? We should probably all head back inside then. Provided that your victors high has been handled."

 

[xrakkax]

Cory would have been blushing too, if he was aware to pick up on the color of Rosalie’s cheeks. Still a n00b dork in the field of affection. For now he was occupied with the current conversation. It was a blessing Cory didn’t know much about Rosalie’s work. Had he been privy, he would have been the most supportive, kind boy to hype others over Rosalie’s passion. All in a desire to be a friend to the unwitting benefit of Hillary.

“Well, I’d love to chat with you about your work when you’re done with your studies.” Haley grinned. “Maybe someday I could swing by a lab. Biochemists work in labs don’t they?” That being rhetorical, Miss Kalwen moved on, “Anyway, I’m sure I don’t want to keep you from any dancing, Miss Crosse. And I certainly would like to claim my one and only with Lord Cromwell. Perhaps if we meet later we can chat about it.” Haley took the liberty of weaving her arm in Cory’s, who, being her dancing partner, took it without complaint or indignation. “Have a good evening, Miss Crosse.” Haley swept her lashes once, similed, and walked away with Cory.

The expression of hers could not be read. Was she genuine? Did she know anything about Rosalie besides what Hillary noted? Had she chosen Cory for any purpose? At least one thing could be certain. Wesley couldn’t have allowed Hillary in by accident. He must know she was here. And probably keeping a close eye on her.

Hillary-- Haley, did not seem to do anything nefarious during the dance. Then it was another row of girls before Rosalie again. After a few cycles of this Rosalie’s seventh dance with Cory came and ended he disappeared into a cloud of skirts.

At eleven-shirty Rosalie could not see Cory. He had been taken by the women on his card. Angela Bellwether had claimed the last two dances. Odds were that Angela would be in Cory’s arms for the countdown to midnight. Another year beginning. It looked like just about everyone had someone. Even the attendants along the walls were hip to hip with a friend. There Rosalie stood by a decorative statue. Alone.

“Have you seen Cory?” Angela, to Rosalie’s far-right, pouted in frustration as she weaved through the throngs of dresses and suits. “Hey sorry, have you seen Cory?” She asked another.

The familiar sound of compressed air behind her alerted Rosalie to turn her head. A section of wall sunk into itself. Then she saw the more than familiar face of Cory pop his head out. He motioned for her to follow. They slipped in silence through the passageways, took a nifty electric lift upward, and stepped out onto a kind of catwalk balcony that connected each pillar, and went all around the highest accessible point of the pillars for the ballroom. To their left or right they could lean over and see the dancing bodies of the Hunters to their left, and the open-air to their right where they were preparing the fireworks. Down this catwalk were long cushioned benches wide enough for one person comfortably and two uncomfortably. Right away Rosalie noticed the music from the ballroom below them sounded much more pleasant; seemingly out of thin air and all around them. A better experience than having it blast in your ear.

Cory offered her to sit while they waited for midnight. He had brought up a bottle of champagne to toast the New Year, and a few sparklers too because they're always fun. “I had enough of those girls. I much rather kick off 2018 with you.” His happy, boyish smile seemed to beam sincerity. “We’ll get a great view of the fireworks too. And isn’t the sky just awesome?” The moon, although not full, looked huge on the horizon, against the black canvas of sky scattered with stars. Cory unknowingly created the ambiance of romance.

 

[Soliloquy]

Rosalie had remained rigid under Hillary's eye for a long moment before finally feigning a relaxed pose. She would keep her eye on the woman, offering pleasantries for the sake of presence, but promising nothing of showing her to a laboratory of any sort. "I'll have to keep you in mind for when that day comes," she said with a nod before the two walked off, following soon after herself. While she didn't find it necessary to alert Wesley (security cameras everywhere would no doubt frame her face), she did let her eyes follow them about the dance floor more often than not. Her guard relaxed once Hillary was gone from sight, focusing on trying to enjoy the evening.

She had been prepared to watch the fireworks and sing like everyone else, comfortably alone, when Cory popped out of thin air. Grinning, she left Angela to her searching as she slid into the passageways with him once more. She didn't speak until they were up on the catwalk, immediately drawn to one of the small balconies to take in the sight. There were so many people, all chatting away, dancing, drinking,, and the fresh layer of snow made everything glisten. Drawn back to the bench, she sat alongside him, feeling quite special that of all the girls on his card he'd found her for the big turn of the year.

"It's beautiful," she agreed, her gaze falling on him rather than the moon for a moment longer than she would have liked. Clearing her throat, she shifted so her train spread across the bench behind where she sat. The lace was terribly uncomfortable and had not been thought-through at all. "I never got a chance to thank you properly. For dealing with that ass-hat de Lancre. It means a lot that you sacrificed a good chunk of your night - and a good jacket - for me. So thank you, Cory. Truly."

 

[xrakkax]

Cory had heard her agreement about the pretty night, and looked back to her, sighing, “Yeah.” He lingered too, but as soon as he felt color pooling in his face, he bashfully turned his eyes out again. It only got worse when she offered a sincere thank you. “You’re welcome, Rosy-- oh, sorry, Rosalie.” He coughed. It had been a nickname he toyed with in his head. It came out unexpectedly.

Rosalie felt her smile widen when he called her by a shortened name. She hadn't even realized she'd done the same to him for the first time out loud. "Rosy is fine. If you'd like to, that is."

It was almost a moment where Cory could have said ‘aw shucks’, but he was seventeen, for goodness sake. So he said, “Okay, I think I will.” Cory briefly had to cast his delighted eyes away. But they returned to hers. “And, about Tristan. Don’t worry. Anytime.” Cory tried to play it off like no big deal, but it was just not possible to keep him from grinning. He was just too hyped she had appreciated it. “No one should treat other people like that, it’s not right.” He said. “And I just don’t have the temper when someone does that kind of thing to my friends.” Cory turned a genuine smile back to her.

In Rosalie’s opinion he could say what he wanted to about his temper, but she found it to be an admirable trait.

A strange sound started up from the crowd below. They realized the others had started to count down. Cory popped the champagne. The cork unexpectedly shot out of the balcony. Down below a bald man standing by a pond suddenly yelped when a random cork bopped his head. Cory raised his brows and his mouth formed a silent ‘oops’. Then he lit the sparklers. “I forgot to bring glasses, we’ll have to just deal with the bottle. Sorry about that.” Cory chuckled. They checked the watch. Just in time too. “--THREE, TWO, ONE!”

An explosion of color and sound filled the air. It drowned out the crowd below. Cory felt like they were the only ones there for a moment. He cheered and raised the bottle. After a quick drink he passed it to Rosalie and began to sing the traditional song while waving the sparkler in the air, “Should old acquaintance be forgot, and never brought to mind? Should old acquaintance be forgot and auld lang syne~” While no Mariah Carey Cory had some soul in his voice.

Near the end the song Cory had a few more draughts of the bubbly and turned to Rosalie to say “Happy New Year!” Cory dropped his hand holding the bottle, mesmerized suddenly by something about her face. He shifted the sparkler a bit and said, in awe, “Whoa, your eyes are so pretty. All these little lights look like stars in your eyes.” Cory’s gaze shifted briefly to her cheek, “Oh hey, a hair.” He said simply, and raised his fingers to tuck the loose tresses behind her ear. Whether it was because he had been feelin’ loose from the champagne, or he really meant to, Cory’s finger traced her jaw before falling to his side, and returning to look into her shimmering eyes.

 

[Soliloquy]

Rosalie couldn't contain a bout of laughter when they sniped some poor man below, leaning back on the bench to hope they were sheltered from sight. She dove into the countdown, hardly phased by a lack of a glass at that point in the night. They'd been through enough to risk swapping a bit of saliva, after all.

The fireworks were dazzling, and although they weren't her first to see, she knew they'd be her favorite. Everything in the moment just felt so right, swigging down a mouthful of some damn fine champagne before joining him in song. She waved her sparkler about, watching as explosion after explosion sounded, each filling the night sky before trickling down toward the earth. Her eyes only left the display as he began speaking, turning to return the favor.

"Happy New y-" she had began to say, stopping suddenly as her chocolate eyes locked on to his. Her cheeks flushed at his words, although she might try to blame it on the rate they were finishing the champagne he'd smuggled up. His touch was gentle, just as he had been during each of their dances, and she found it impossible to look away from him, held in some sort of a trance created from the thundering fireworks behind them. They shattered the moon's glow and were reflecting on his face as his eyes found hers once more.

There was something that normally kept her anchored to the ground. Logic, a sense of purpose, a drive to succeed so she could right all the wrongs she had been born into. That weight vanished as she looked at Cory, abandoning her sparkler until it felt to the floor. Before it landed, she had leaned into the gap between them, her lips sliding naturally into place against his, a breath through her nose bringing the sent of the sweet champagne along with a gentle musk of his. Maybe a cologne? She didn't have time to analyze it completely, pulling away after a few moments, cheeks flushed bright. "Happy New Year Cory," she softly blessed his 2018, sparkling eyes unable to look away once more, hoping she hadn't just ruined a perfectly good night, and fully prepared to apologize for it.

 

[xrakkax]

Cory, though naive in affection, finally clicked together a few things when she kissed him. It took a moment. He stood a little dumbly. So clearly he still had more to learn, but Cory, speechless, had only adoration and surprise to express. He liked her. A lot. And she liked him back. To what degree, they couldn’t know. And it was too early to tell anyway. Cory wordlessly, and every so softly, dipped his head to take Rosalie into another kiss. Absentmindedly his fingers came to caress her cheeks before slipping around to her neck, like he couldn’t taste of her lips enough. Cory kissed her like her lips were a honey-suckle. He kissed her with a most tender, gentle motion. Like if he rushed it the wind might sweep her away. When he finally pulled away he was not out of breath. Cory had kissed too smoothly, they had plenty of air.

“Happy New Year, Rosy.” He said, a little differently, and a little deeper than before. Cory’s newsess finally won out and he bashfully smiled, looking to the side.

 

[Soliloquy]

Rosalie was just about to say that she hadn't meant to over-step any boundaries when suddenly he was the one closing the gap between them. She'd never been made to feel like she might break before, but the way his hands caressed her left with with such an impression. If she wasn't getting lost in the kiss, she might have worried that the sound of her heart was going to drown out the fireworks still sounding off. It was no doubt the purest moment she'd had, enveloped in his lips. When it ended because it couldn't last forever, she couldn't pull herself to separating from him. His words brought a smile of sheer contentment, and as he looked away she let her head come to fall on his shoulder, her gaze back at the fireworks that were illuminating the sky. She had not expected 2018 to begin this way at all; who knew what the rest of it would bring?

 

[xrakkax]

Cory’s arms wrapped around Rosalie. They were in Belarus, where the winter here dusted the land with white. Some of the snow drifted toward the two. To keep warm they kept their arms around each other while they sat on the cushioned bench, content to watch the burst of colored lights. At some point, Cory began to yawn, but he didn’t want to leave just yet. He said he’d just close his eyes a moment. To rest them for five minutes. And then they’d go to their rooms. Cory had Rosalie lay with him for warmth in the meantime. The last thing he knew was her face resting on his chest.

If it hadn’t been for eyes watching they may have frozen where they lay on that bench. But in the morning, woken by the buzz of his phone, Cory didn’t feel cold at all. Someone had draped a blanket over them in the night.

The buzzing continued until Cory fished it out of his pocket held it up. The ringer stopped. Too late. And there were messages.

Inara:
Cory! So cute! Hope the blanket was enough!

Wesley:
You awake yet, Cor?

Wesley:
Hey, BunnyButt, get your cuddly ass down here.
Inara let me know.
Never gonna let this go. I have footage too!

The newest one read:

Wesley:
You two love birds better fly down to the forefront ballroom if she wants to wear this suit. You got thirty minutes.

Cory perked, “Oh shit.” He gently nudged Rosalie awake. “Hey, Rosy. Rosy the suits. The rehearsal.” He said, shifting them to sit up. Much of her was still lacks, resting on his front under the toasty blanket.

 

[Soliloquy]

The night had quickly caught up to them, or at least the champagne seemed to. His recommendation of laying down was not denied, her head feeling heavy, which is not what she would have expected from something referred to as the bubbly. Mostly draped along his body, they'd both managed to fit on the bench, immune to the muted sounds of celebrating beneath them. Cory might one day find that he was grateful for the heavy sleep that hit Rosalie, taming her typically territorial sleep habits. Instead she found that his chest made a wonderful make-shift pillow, although that meant he would earn the honorary splotch of drool normally caught by her pillow case as she slept with her mouth slightly agape. He'd sport a gold stain on a shoulder and a half-dollar spit mark until he changed.

Rosalie would have to thank Inara, if the fact that she had brought the blanket was brought to light. Her dress was not made to fend off Winter in Belarus or even a light breeze in the Bahamas. For now, she was rudely drug out of her slumber, albeit in a gentle manner. He'd also be grateful for the way she slept against him, as it blocked her access to two of the three knives sheathed beneath her dress. She was also too drowsy to withdraw the third, meaning she could actually digest his words before brandishing a weapon as a perfectly logical response to being awoken. "Suits?" He'd already said the stain didn't bother him, so why would he -

"SUITS!" She nearly toppled out of his arms and to the ground as she tried to stand up quickly, her heels losing a battle against the snow-coated ground after being tangled in the blanket. Catching herself against Cory before her feet found their places. She was a hot mess and knew it; there was no way she was going to show up looking like this. "I have to get to my room and change," she pointlessly explained, knowing that meticulous care for hair and make-up had lost their shine between an evening of dancing and a night of sleep-drooling on a bench outside.

He seemed to agree with her urgency, and the two soon found their way out through the same passageway that had lead them up. Needing to keep up with him and on a crunch for time, Rosalie paused to tug off her heels, taking the rest of the route barefoot. They stuck to the hidden corridor as close to her room as it allowed, coming out behind a large Flemish tapestry once the wall sucked itself in and gave way out. Just as she was about to enter her room, she turned on the ball of her foot, one arm hooked behind his neck as she greedily took a few seconds for a kiss. She had just wanted to see if it'd still feel the same without the fireworks and champagne, or if it'd just been something she'd imagined. She was not disappointed. Pulling away with a pleased grin, she turned to head into her room. "I'll see you after the demonstration," she hoped, at least.

Knowing she only had a few minutes before she'd need to high tail it to the forefront ballroom (as Cory had informed her on their venture to her room) she threw away hopes for a shower. The dress that might have looked beautiful took too long to get out of, leaving her only with time to find comfortable clothing and clean up her face and was tugging her hair into a tie. This wouldn't be a hair down day unless she found time after the presentation - at least they were wearing helmets! She'd just stepped out of her room, wincing at a pounding headache that was much more noticeable after her hair was up when she ran into Everest.

While he had plenty of years handling alcohol and wasn't as phased by it's effects anymore, he was easily hit with a similar reaction when he wasn't getting sleep. Thirty was not being kind to him when combined with a fiance who had a very particular dance session earlier that day. He was wearing his suit pants and long-sleeved shirt from the day prior, the collar raised and buttons closed all the way up. That still didn't mask a few 'love marks' as Ellie so affectionately referred to him. He was also grateful they'd be in a full-body suit.

Everest gripped a cup of coffee in each hand, handing one off to her with a smirk. "Heard you had a good start to the New Years, kid," he said with a knowing look. Rosalie took the coffee gratefully, her cheeks heating up. Did the four of them just tell each other everything? Or was there some group chat she hadn't been made aware of? Were they too old to figure out group chats?

"Looks like you did too," she muttered, nodding at his neck as they started off toward the ballroom at a brisk pace. Everest offered a sheepish shrug, unable to say he wasn't proud of evidence that he and Ellie were in a passionate young engagement. The two arrived for rehearsal just as it was about to start, although neither seemed to have bells on.

 

[xrakkax]

Cory spared no time to help Rosalie get to where she needed to be. They took as many shortcuts as they could. Sometimes scampering across the common halls to a different access that would shorten their time traveling through the walls. There was no telling if last night had been more than the fancy drink and fireworks. Cory was ready to accept that she only liked him as a friend and just got swept into the mood in that moment. But when Rosalie took another kiss, Cory sensed there was something there between them. Maybe even not something they could fight.

This had been quite a different experience than earlier this year at some event in India. That vervacious friend of one of Inara’s cousins had only been hungry for his lips. Not who he was as a person. Cory was so glad his awkwardness was noticed and Inara stole him back from Farah. The young man’s face stayed red that whole night. Either from his blushing or the lipstick, he couldn’t remember. It didn’t matter now. Not when Rosalie’s kisses filled his thoughts.

When they parted and she got into her room, Cory lingered in a happy daze. Then he saw someone heading down the hall. That snapped his brain into action. He didn’t have obligations for the rehearsal and his head pounded. So, Cory padded off dreamily to his room where he could snag some sleep and an aspirin.

At the doors of the forefront ballroom Everest and Rosalie were checked for invites. Only hosts had the perk of going to and fro without authentication. Wesley would have made an exception for Everest and Ellie, but they both agreed not to let sentiment be their downfall. Two was enough; Wes and Inara.

Rosalie and Everest walked through the grand doors and saw that a curtain looped in a half-moon, edge-to-edge of the threshold. Wesley stood to meet them, “Just in time.” They could hear his music even now. Not as loud as they guessed he’d like it, but he had work to do, and other people around him needed to focus. Just before they went further, Wesley chuckled, winking at Rosalie knowingly, “Had fun last night? Hope the blanket Inara sent was warm enough.” Wes motioned for the doormen to close the entrance before turning into the fold of fabric, which he held open, for his guests. The two passed the curtains to see Wesley had decked out the ballroom as a mini lab of his own design. “My portable workspace.” he told them.

The high ceilings were made use of, being mainly storage for whatever designs Wesley had floating around in his head. Everest knew a lot of them. But not all. They could just make out the shapes and figures through the colored panels of glass. Or what looked like glass. All along the walls, of the smaller ballroom than the one they danced in last night, were equipment for repair, design, and other such functions of tech science.

There were robotic arms on a portable platform where a young woman knelt down to do some detailing on a leg of a suit Everest knew did not belong to Brawn. It was much, much bigger. Easily enough to encase a Nexus. It was just an idea right now. Everest and Wesley didn't know if it would work yet.

The young woman stood up when she heard Wesley coming over. Rosalie immediately recognized Angela Bellwether. She had her hair up in a sensible bun at the back of her head. While her jumpsuit made it easy to work in the environment of a tech lab, the tightness of her choice in size was questionable. There was no way to tell if she was simply comfortable this way, or it was vanity.

“Angela, have you sorted out the issue?” Wesley asked as he raised his fingers in the air over the desk beside the platform. Shapes of light formed for him to tap. It responded to his gestures as if it was a tangible object.

“Yes Sir!” Angela smiled. She turned to Everest, “Big fan!” She managed to quip excitedly to him while she gathered up her tool kit. As for Rosalie, Angela forced a smile, “Nice dress last night.” It was the only thing she could think of to say. Word had hummed that just about the time Cory vanished, so did Rosalie. And no one knew where. There were many things more Angela could have said, but they came off like the fox and sour grapes.

“Excellent.” Wesley turned partway to her, pleasantly content.

Angela lifted a black suitcase, "Should I give this to your wife?"

"No need, she'll pick it up from here once she's ready." Wesley had convinced Inara to do another dance. But for his intro for the suits. He took the case and set it beside him. then he waved his hand, “Go on then, have at your project.” Angela took her gear and went to one of the other machines down the way to give them their space. Wesley continued to fiddle with the projected work zone. “Diki and Yonten took a smoke break, they’ll be back soon-- found out I did need ole Yonny Boy. Gonna showcase both masculine and feminine Nexus suits.” He told them as he clicked and shifted around shapes. Wesley heard the stepping of feet and glanced over. “Ah, speak of the dirty devil and he appears. With his sister.”

“Psh, this muddafaka.” Yonten spoffed. Diki chuckled, elbowing her brother.

Wesley clapped his hands once. “My friends! Thank you for volunteering.” He turned his hand to the desk and in the span of a few clicks at the numberless console of light, four vessels up on the walls, also opaque, came gliding down to meet them. Another, smaller console projected just inches from Wesley’s hand. Maybe from his own watch. A few clicks later and the vessels opened and out walked Brawn, Nexus, and Lithe. Brawn and Nexus opened up like empty exoskeletons. Lithe had been the only one you didn’t need to literally step into to wear. “You’ll have to put aside apparel like jackets and pass up baggy pants, but other than that the suits should fit just fine over a simple outfit of shirts and trousers.”

 

[Soliloquy]

She was beginning to wonder if the entire ball knew of their private evening on the balcony the night prior. Her cheeks flushed and she hid behind the coffee, opting not to answer. Of course, it only made sense that if Inara had found them that Wesley knew as well; they weren't a couple to keep things from each other. That thought brought back the talk she heard the night prior in the botanical gardens, something she still hadn't told Cory of and frankly didn't know if she'd be able to. There was already so much tension in their family, she hated to add to it. But that'd be dealt with at another time, for now she was more focused on this rehearsal, wanting to get everything just perfect. She and Everest followed him behind the large curtain into his work space.

While Everest had witnessed the elegance of Wesley's work on a few occasions and was accustomed to displays like they walked into, it was a whole new experience for Rosalie. Eyes that moments prior were still suffering from not enough sleep and an aversion to the bright lights were suddenly wide with amazement of everything about them. She felt as though they'd just stepped into a Sci-Fi movie, except this was a million times better. This was real and this was beautiful.

Her sense of wonder was jerked back to Earth as an all-too-familiar name was sounded, eyes dropping to an all-too-familiar face. Everest grinned, shrugging off the admiration he was grown quite accustomed to, where as Rosalie could physically feel Angela's restraint as she looked at her. While she didn't feel herself the boasting type, there was a sense of joy in the fact that she'd been the one to have Cory at midnight and not Angela Bellwether. "Thank you," she responded with a genuine smile that might have turned slightly smug when she turned to walk away.

Her attention was soon back on the screens before them, eyes bouncing about and scanning everything with visible eagerness. He'd invited her into a playground that she could easily get lost in. Science was an endless chasm of information and they were plunging in without regard. Her sponge of a young mind was stopped short when they were all gathered, the suits soon making their appearances. Even for just a few people, Wesley sure loved to make an appearance.

Rosalie walked up to the smallest suit taking a few moments to lean in, admiring the fine details of the suit and the craftsman ship before loosening the suit to pull it on with minimal direction. Once it was loosely over her body and hood pulled atop, Lithe sensed her presence and the nanomemory technology reformed the suit to fit her snugly. A soft humming noise sounded and with a blink of her eye the retinal display kicked in. Excitement surged as she found that she could direct her way through a series of menus by moving her hand in the air. "This is amazing," she muttered taking the time to look about the room and testing a few steps out.

Everest stepped up to the bulk of Brawn, turning to step backward into it, his arms and legs aligning with the suit. The front of the casing closed itself once more, surrounding him and quickly adjusting to fit his size. He could hear the systems fully booting up and rather than seeing just the room through the visor, he too could view the integrated system that was the suit. After a little toying around, he was pleased that there was a music player: precisely what one needs when using a battle suit! His fingers twitched back and forth as he scrolled through options, music playing within his helmet, until he landed on something he and Wesley could agree on. There was a slight bounce in his step as Everest guided the suit about a few steps, getting used to the slight adjustment in weight it brought. His head bobbed up and down while 50 Cent's 'In Da Club' played presumably for just his enjoyment while young 20's Everest was alive once more, a few small arm motions as was necessary with such asong.

 

[xrakkax]

“Alright, Jagger, this isn’t a dance contest.” Wesley chuckled, but secretly took delight in knowing his playlist was getting some use.

Once Diki and Yonten got suited up they all went over the presentation. There were props involved, like the demolition ball Wes wanted to hit Brawn. Wesley eased their mind over any thoughts of malfunction, telling them that he had been in each suit to test first. Just to make sure. So they would be safe. After all, that was the point of the suits in the first place.

They took a good hour or two, working out where to stand, changing the line-up, and discussed if they should demonstrate the firepower or leave that for questions at the end. Inara came near the close wearing a large fur coat. She took the black suitcase in one hand and waited for the others to get going. Wesley didn’t want to spend all day explaining everything. So, he had appointed Angela to be his living database for the crowd to converge upon.

After they were satisfied with their plan, it was time to head off to the courtyard. Angela pushed a cart to their spot. Wesley had prepared gadgets for Hunters unable to get the suits. The items were arranged on a table to the side for display and demo. Wesley had his volunteers stand in the containers made for them while they still were in the ballroom. Their opaque panels kept the reveal of the suits for the right time. They were so smooth, the volunteers felt like they were in hovering vessels. While no one could see them they could see the crowd. The suits came out to the courtyard, lined up, and stood in wait for their appearance. Inara handed her coat to Wes and sneaked into place, out of sight.

The stalls and tents in the courtyard had been thoughtfully spaced. It allowed the crowd to flow through and see all the pop-ups without making it difficult to double-back. Food had its own section in the very back. This way the guests might get distracted with the merch, making the food lines a little shorter and faster. And if by the time the guest made it to the back, they could mark their table with their things without worrying about dropping any food while searching for a place to sit.

But for now, the food, tents, and stalls were not yet open for pursuing. The showcase of the event took center stage. This year the host had this honor. Wesley branded his merchandise as ‘H-Guard’ (Hunter Guard). The smart banner overhead displayed icons of the coming suits. In addition, the banner announced the performance to intro his suit expo.

Inara appeared in a plume of smoke like before. Her outfit, while the same as yesterday, had a blue tinge to it from the lights shining down. The song that played pleased her Indian relatives. They probably have wanted her to do this one for the event itself and not just for the suits. In any case, Wesley enjoyed it immensely and Everest would notice a few of the moves Ellie had been shown appeared here, but of course, far less sensual for this public crowd.



The younger crowd approved the performance, clapping as Inara bowed and then took a spot to the side. Wesley draped his fur coat around her before stepping up. The suits his volunteers wore came forward. They lined up his suits thus: Brawn, Nexus, Lithe. The names hinted to their function. While all of them were plain greyscale, the information provided on the pamphlets and boards indicated the suits could be customized. Both for aesthetic and abilities upon request and a handsome fee.

“Good morning fellow Hunters. I hope you all enjoyed your breakfast.” Wesley received an appropriate murmur in kind. Wes and the others helping would be eating afterward. “To start the day I would like to formally introduce the H-Guard suits. They are all waterproof, adjustable, durable, and easy to clean.” He stepped aside. The mannequins sporting the attire suddenly moved. It was unknown how long these people had to have been standing so still. “Rosalie, would you be so kind as to step forward.” The stealth suit did so.

Out in the crowd, Rosalie could see Cory. He stood with the proudest grin for her. By some miracle, his parents had finally come out of their room. Not enthusiastic, but no longer edgy.

“Lithe. Featherweight, conforming, and still capable of taking a hit from bullets or the strike of a knife. The cells in the fabric absorb and displace light, making it possible to blend into the scenery just enough to fool an eye not looking for a Hunter sneaking about.” As Wesley talked, his wife Inara helped demonstrate these claims. She got the suitcase and pulled out a standard gun. She shot Rosalie twice. Then she took a blade and threw it. Her stake skills were evident. Yet the blade only stuck a fraction into the material and fell to the side. Rosalie stood unscathed. “While the Lithe has no capacity to fly, it can make a speedy escape due to H-Guard specialized footwear and compressed air to keep steady.” Rosalie darted away. Her body leaped a good twenty feet across. she easily flipped, correcting any flaw in her trajectory to land like a cat on the pads of her feet. The crowd heard puffs of air as her palms and the soles of her feet adjusted to keep her from spiraling out of control. Rosalie went to one side of the court and back. “Thank you, Rosalie.” The girl stepped back into her spot.

“Brawn.” Wesley gestured to the largest suit. Everest stepped forward. A tremble in the ground indicated the weight fo the metal, yet the man moved easily. “While not as nimble or agile, Brawn deals and takes the most punishment. As Everest will demonstrate.” The suit faced the side. A crane with a demolition ball reached over to whack him. Not only did Brawn take the impact, but he grabbed the ball and threw it into the woods where they heard a crash and tumble of trees. “Brawn is also unable to fly, but like Lithe, this suit can cover long distances. Unfortunately without going as high and it can’t make use of the compressed air positioners; or ‘airpalm’ technology, to adjust. That will rely on the sensibilities of the wearer.” Wesley thanked his friend and went on to the middle suits. There would be no darting for Brawn. The suit may damage the courtyard stone.

“Nexus.” Wesley watched the awe in their faces as both suits, masculine and feminine, rose into the air. “Flight is our greatest advantage. Not all Mages can do it. But now, hopefully, all Hunters will. This suit is the true game-changer. While Mages boast the control of elements, to varying degrees, we have harnessed technology to use against these unnatural evils.” As a demonstration, the people in the suits shot out balls of energy formed their palms. They shot right over the heads of the crowd to hit their targets that flared and burst into ash, and floated away on the wind. “There are many more weapons with varying functions of this suit that will take too much time to go over today.” They could learn more on the website. “Maneuverability is key.” Wesley said, and at that, the people flying above them showcased the ease in which they could dart around in the sky. “While not as durable as Brawn or as light and flexible as Lithe, Nexus ‘hovers’ in a happy medium for a satisfying blend.” The suits landed and Wesley thanked the assistance. "There are several ways this suit can be put on. All custom to the needs of the wearer."

Wesley walked to the middle again. “You might guess these are all quite expensive. They are.” He chuckled. “For the hunter with a budget, we have available for purchase useful shielding made of a combination of aerogel and nanomemory projected by a wrist device, simple half-armor, arm bracers, and other smaller, low-priced gadgets to help stay alive.” Wesley pointed out the glass case wherein these items were propped up. Most of them looked like normal attire. A handy detail to keep Mage’s guessing and deflect suspicion. “All of our merch and additional information can be found on our website. If you have any questions, please check the FAQ before sending in your own. I am available by appointment. Angela Bellwether is here for any immediate questions, as I am occupied with other tasks.” Wesley then bowed. “Thank you for your respectful attention, and enjoy the rest of your day.”

As soon as the session ended the tents and stalls of the courtyard opened and the guests dispersed to their interests. Most stayed to take a closer look at the suits and to speak with Angela before meandering around.

Wesley and Inara had known there would be some people who would walk up to talk to them about the suits despite their insistence to ask Angela, so they handled that in stride and pointed them to the girl when necessary. For anyone else, especially close friends, they had all the time in the world to give them their attention.

Cory walked up to Rosalie, "Wow, that was amazing!" He said, his hands up in emphasis, "You were amazing!"

 

[Soliloquy]

Obliged by etiquette, Anita and Robert had been in the audience during the presentation, Ellie standing near her future in-laws. They didn't seem nearly as enthused as a good portion of the crowd was. Sure, it was impressive, but it was taking so much work out of being a hunter. The biggest pro was undoubtedly the protection offered, though. Having lost nearly her entire family in a botched attempt to wipe a mage coven in 1996, she did understand that no one wanted to be in that position. If it was an advantage, then the new aged hunters could take it upon themselves to embrace it. Their generation was certainly coming to retirement where their opinions had less weight.

Once their presentation was over, both Everest and Rosalie exited their suits, Everest already missing the might Brawn had leaned him. He wasn't anyone to wag your finger at normally, but inside he had felt utterly unstoppable. No mage or their mangy mutt was getting through that and he was admittedly already discussing the addition to their arsenal with Ellie once he'd stepped off the stage. She could be heard making a remark along the lines of "Well, maybe for your birthday," as the two approached Wesley and Inara, giving room for potential customers.

"Fucking boss, Wes," Everest praised once they had a bit of space to themselves. "I tell you what, find a way to get Brawn in the air and it'd be game over, man."

Rosalie was hardly off the stage when Cory was by her, making her grin widely. "It felt absolutely phenomenal," she admitted, on a runners high at the moment and his compliment only acting as a catalyst for that feeling. "I mean I didn't do much of anything - it was all that suit. It is insane, Cory."