Meeting those Who Helped Him ((open thread))

[losthunter]

Two weeks after Halloween, Hunter was finally feeling up for company again. And while much of what happened between him and Karlene (Electra) was still a blur in his head, he remembered the many people who helped him out during the whole night.

And he wanted to reconnect with those who were there. Get to know those who he had not met before. And answer any questions they might have had.

He sends out a few invitations over PINpoint to those who helped. And waited for a response.

Comments

[alittlehinky]

Can I bring you apple cider or apple moonshine? I have both.

Leave it to Cricket to cut right to the chase when responding to an invitation. He's not even sure what questions he has offhand, but he's definitely concerned about Hunter and wants to make sure he's recovering well.

[losthunter]

Apple cider would be appreciated

The invitation leads to a Nexus apartment that Hunter is staying in (half-time these days). The place is open concept, so Cricket has a good view of his kitchen, dining room, living room, and huge art room.

Outside of his apartment balcony, there is a rose garden too!

[alittlehinky]

Cricket puts everything he makes into mason jars. Some of the places he's sold to seem to feel that lends the moonshine 'authenticity'. Cricket thinks the fact that it's made in a copper still out of a proper Appalachian mash ought to be enough, but whatever works for people. In any case, he's got a large mason jar of cider for Hunter when he pops in. It's not alcoholic, but it too is pretty darn authentic.

He's wearing jeans for once, but his 1930s shoes are ubiquitous. His hoodie today is aqua and says 'SMASH the PATRIARCHY' in bright yellow. Someone probably had to explain the slogan to him, but he takes no issue with it.

He looks around the apartment with mild awe. It's awfully nice, and yet different from Harley's place.

[losthunter]

There is a nice kitchen counter where Hunter can set down his mason jar. Hunter pulls out some glasses from the cabinet when he does. Might as well break in the cider now, with his new friend.

There is a huge mural against one wall, created by Hunter's friends. On one side of the room, the New York City Skyline. On the other, San Francisco's. The Golden gate bridge and the Brooklyn bridge stretching out to meet and merge in between amid twining tendrils of rose bushes with a starry sky stretched out above in the empty space in the middle.

And it is pretty obvious that Hunter himself is an artist, by all the artwork he is either starting, working on, or finishing, laying around his art studio.

"Thanks for coming. You know, I think I remember you wearing a mask, when you first found me..."

[alittlehinky]

He gives Hunter a shy smile. It's only just now that he's getting a chance to look at his face and register all the marks and tattoos. It's a lot. Someone with that look would only be seen in a traveling sideshow in Franklin County. If Cricket were newer to the Nexus, he might be shocked, but by now he's seen plenty of non-magical body modifications so he only looks curious.

Of course, the paintings on the wall are even more worth looking at. The subject matter is strange to Cricket; he's not a city boy. The artistry is beautiful, though, and his gaze lingers on the roses and the starry sky.

"I...uh?" He turns his attention to his host belatedly. "Yessir, I made it for Halloween. Not sure why, wasn't like I had a party to go to, but it turned out a'ight, I thought."

[losthunter]

Hunter notices Cricket's lingering gaze on the roses and starry sky in the mural. He smiles slightly. "I am thinking of adding the Seven Sisters star system into the mural."

"Yeah... not a lot of people felt up to hosting parties this year."

[alittlehinky]

"I think that'd make it perfect," he tells him with a nod. There's something a little wistful about his smile. Cricket was really affected by the Sisters' story.

"I thought they was gonna tell me you were Orion, though," he adds with a wider grin. "What with the name Hunter and all? You mind if I ask where you're from?"

[to_the_wolves]

Marie has quite a bit of free time on her hands nowadays, with being asking to step away from her own business and willingly choosing to distance herself from friends. Loneliness seems to be the accepted norm as of late, with her left to travel around to different worlds, as if looking for answers. Meeting with Electra stirred up emotions both good and bad, causing her to question her own life over that of the sisters.

So when the text from Hunter comes through to her personal PINpoint, she's uncertain what to do. It's an invitation to visit, which would be rude to refuse, however she's concerned about being a nuisance to Hunter or anyone else she may have offended (like Caspar). The whole ordeal with the sisters is still on the back of her mind, but Hunter's health is priority number one.

And thus, sometime in the evening, Marie arrives at the appointed place. She has a bag full of warm breads, soups made by Ice Bear, along with some extra treats tucked inside. The ursine is always willing to give when someone isn't feeling well, so she's grateful for his kindness. Bundled up her winter attire, she calmly knows on the door.

[losthunter]

Hunter answers the door, dressed in casual attire. He seems very comfortable being back in his own skin, and having his own face again.

"Thank you for coming." He grins. The smell of the breads and soups catch his attention, and he guides Marie into the apartment, and right into the kitchen and dining room. His apartment is open concept, so from the dining room Marie will be able to see the living room, a large art room, and a rose garden out in the balcony.

[to_the_wolves]

It's good to see hunter looking better and not in pain. Marie smiles and nods politely when he opens the door, taking the offer to enter without hesitation. She glances around the room, taking in the environment, which seems warm and full of life. The art room has her attention, but she doesn't plan on wandering off to explore.

Instead, she offers the bag of food to Hunter calmly. "It's no trouble at all. I hope you don't mind me bringing you something to eat. Even a warm meal can help with the healing process."

[losthunter]

"I appreciate you bringing some food." To be honest, Hunter has been uneasy going into the Nexus to get groceries. And he appreciates the gesture.

"Would you like to share the meal with me?"

[to_the_wolves]

"Me? Oh no, I'm fine. But let me help you get things set up." She nods politely, then starts walking in the general direction of the kitchen, hoping to find the silverware and plates with little difficulty.

"Have you been feeling better lately? Getting enough rest? Eating well?"

[losthunter]

"A little tired still. But Jim does make sure that I am eating well." Hunter smiles.

[to_the_wolves]

"Good. This is Ice Bear's special chicken noodle soup. He guarantees it'll make anyone feel better." She nods, while pouring him a warm bowl, placing it on the kitchen table, while also laying out the remaining goods. After that, she's already getting him a glass of water, unless something different is requested.

"I know that it's weird to ask this, but the sisters really can't come back, can they?"

[hybriddino]

I got your message from the funny flying thing. Don't worry. I didn't eat it.

The Indoraptor strides into the Plaza, carrying the note from Hunter. He's been thinking about things - guilt, remorse, forgiving himself and others. Visiting Hunter is a good way to make sure his friend's all right after everything that happened.

[losthunter]

Hunter has chosen a safe place in the Plaza, far away from where he was attacked on Halloween. He nods in reply to the note on the whiteboard.

"I appreciate that. Hermione lent me the Messenger Owl."

[hybriddino]

I don't believe I've met Hermione. Who is she?

The dinosaur crouches, patiently waiting for Hunter's answer. I'm relieved to see you look better. Marie and I were worried.

[losthunter]

"She was the woman who stayed with me, while others were looking for information on what had happened to me. Hermione is from a magical world and has special abilities of her own." Hunter explains.

"I am glad you helped."

[chiron_survivor]

Adia has spent the last two weeks reading what she can about the Sisters and lighting a candle in the Temple of Artemis, as requested. She had been doing that anyway, as Artemis is a moon deity. Caspar, by contrast, has not bothered to look into the situation any further. But every so often, he looks at the rose dagger gifted to him by Caleno and thinks about that evening. He could have done with a lot less magical bullshit, but it felt good to help a friend.

When Hunter sends out an invitation, both Adia and Caspar show up to his apartment. Adia holds in her hands a pan full of apple crisp, the one dessert she can make on a wood stove and not worry about ruining. Caspar has a bottle of wine. He knocks on the door.

[losthunter]

Hunter answers the door with a smile. He looks to be very comfortable with having 'his face' back, tattoos and all. He is dressed very casually (but still with a sense of fashion style).

Both Adia and Caspar have been to his apartment before. So they will remember the open concept, with the kitchen and the dining room right by the front door. And clear view of the living room and art room, and the balcony with the rose garden.

(And they will know the meaning behind the small magically enchanted pieces that protect Hunter's apartment from any magical attack. They are safe here)

"That smells delicious." He notes about the apple crisp, welcoming them into the apartment with another smile. "Thank you both for coming."

[chiron_survivor]

"Thank you!" Adia smiles warmly. "I made it myself." She carries it into the kitchen, looking for a place to set it down.

Caspar is glad to see Hunter with his usual face, too. It was disquieting having him look too similar to Zandros. He gives his friend a nod in greeting, then immediately begins walking the perimeter of the apartment, checking on the security system he had installed after Hunter had been attacked by a (different) witch.

"Caspar, this is a social call," Adia protests from the kitchen.

"What? I'm being social. I brought wine." He shows it off, shoulders relaxed. Truthfully, he's feeling a lot more comfortable lately, now that some time has passed and things have remained quiet. "How're you doing, Hunter? No weird after-effects with your magic?"

[losthunter]

Hunter doesn't mind him checking on the security system. He knows that Jim would appreciate the fact Caspar is looking out for him.

He grabs some glasses and some plates from the kitchen, and sets places for three at the table.

"Nothing that I can tell. But I have not actively looking for after-affects."

[chiron_survivor]

Caspar finishes his security check, making sure to end up in the kitchen. He puts the wine bottle on the table. "Everything looks good. I can upgrade some of the sensors later if you want." It's not urgent, but never let it be said that Caspar leaves any job undone.

"I'm glad to hear it, Hunter." Adia is looking through the silverware drawer for a bottle opener. She's already found a large serving spoon for the crisp. "I've been reading a little bit about the Sisters. There's no reason to think they'll come back now that they've cut ties." She sounds a little conflicted about that. "But maybe Merope -- I mean, Kendra -- can watch over you anyway. She's a star, after all."

[losthunter]

"And upgrade would be appreciative. Make sure that it is adjustable enough... that if I decide to sell the place I can." Hunter smiles. "I have been staying with Jim a lot more."

They are not officially living together. But it is a step that is in the future.

"That is good news..." Hunter would be worried about any of them coming back, honestly. But he hears the conflicted tone in Adia's voice.

"I was thinking of creating a jewelry line in her name..."

[chiron_survivor]

Adia hands Caspar a corkscrew and he gets to work uncorking the bottle, the twists of his hand quick and efficient. "If you sell the place, I'll clear pass codes," he replies. "But --" He pulls out the cork and points it at Hunter, a half-smile on his face. "I guarantee you a security system designed by a Cylon will only add to its resale value."

That gets Adia to giggle. She offers Hunter the serving spoon. "Would you like to do the honors?" she asks, while Caspar goes ahead an pours the wine.

The idea of a jewelry line in Kendra's name has Adia smiling softly. "That's a lovely idea, Hunter. I've been lighting a candle at Artemis' temple for them, like Caleno asked. They were her entourage, in some of our myths."

Caspar glances at Adia briefly while she speaks. He'd be worried about any of them coming back, too. They weren't moon goddesses, but they were closely related, and his girl is already wrapped up far too much in the business of gods.