chicago ♔ it’s a tragedy to be left only with memories

[savemyself]

WHO || Failboat and friends [Closed]
WHAT || As the trial drags on, the Knights spend their last few months in Chicago and tensions mount
WHERE || Various locations, Chicago
WHEN || November 21st - The end of the trial?? [Back AND Forward dated]
HOW || Actionspam, don't sweat tag order


Everybody loves a media circus and the trial of Rafael Giovanni is no exception. If he was famous before, in the days following the shooting, now he's all people are talking about, and all the tabloids want to focus on. The complications presented at some of the early hearings by Jaka, regarding the identity of the Black Scourge and Rafael's alleged reaction have only made the story more appealing to the millions watching.

They've also caused the trial to drag out for months as facts are checked, evidence is poured over, and the jury becomes only more split on the issue. In the meantime, the holidays fly by, and one of the most terrible winters in years blankets Chicago in blizzards.

This log covers any work and non-work related shenanigans the Knights have while staying in Chicago, immediately following the last log and continuing for the next couple months. This will be the Knight's last time in Chicago before the trial: after which they plan to return to the castle to fully Knight Violet and Elena and decide where to head next.

Make your own threads, don't fuss about tag order, feel free to threadjack multiple people into one thread for hang-outs, ask me if you want a certain scene with an NPC, etc. forever whatever.

Comments

[socialgraces]

[ francesca spends a decent amount of time in the kitchen, working on her cooking skills, and it's on such an occasion that she happens upon myri rummaging through the fridge. she clears her throat politely, making her presence known as she moves into the room and over to the coffee maker to brew up a pot. ] Myri. I haven't really seen you around lately. [ and there's obvious concern in her tone ]

[witchwoman]

[She's more used to hearing that tint of concern in words when they're coming from her own mouth. Myri straightens at the sound of Francesca, paling a little as she remains facing the fridge. She hasn't been avoiding the woman, really, but there was something awkward about running into her. Francesca had come to help Finnick. That was the entire reason she has joined them in Chicago at all.

In her mind, that meant that Francesca wouldn't be very fond of her. She's used to people finding reasons to hate her, to chase her out. Even after nearly two years with the Knights, it's hard sometimes to shake that fear.

Slowly, she turns, a small container of yogurt in hand.]

I... Yes, I suppose you haven't. [With her free hand, she tucks a strand of hair back.] I trust you have been well?

[socialgraces]

Fair. [ she turns to look at myri, a comfortable fondness settling on her features ] How have you been?

[witchwoman]

I'm... [She doesn't know how to answer that, which says a great deal, probably.] Did you need anything from the fridge? I can- [Move. Get out of your way. Leave. She feels out of place, which is part of the problem.]

[socialgraces]

Oh, no. Just making some coffee. [ she smiles at her warmly, easily picking up on her discomfort ] Join me for a cup?

[witchwoman]

[It would be rude to say no. But what would they talk about?? Politeness wins out and Myri just gives a tight lipped smile and nods.]

Of course.

[socialgraces]

[ francesca grabs another cup for myri, filling it and carrying them both to the table, taking a seat. even small-talk can be friendly, ok ] I like you hair, by the way. That's your original color, yes?

[witchwoman]

[Sitting, Myri sets her yogurt cup and spoon down on the table and switches to hold the mug in both hands, letting the warmth be a small comfort.]

It is. I thought a change would be nice after... [She trails off and just looks down. Whoops.]

[socialgraces]

I'm so sorry, Myri. I can't imagine any of this has been easy for you. [ she gives her a small smile of encouragement ] But having a healthy level of self-awareness can be just as important as showing understanding to others.

[witchwoman]

I'm sorry. I didn't mean to- [She cuts herself off and shakes her head.] I know that you're close to him. I'm sure you must think... [Again she stops, because she doesn't know what Francesca is thinking but she can't imagine that it's good. She had come to help Finnick cope because he hadn't been doing well with that on his own, had come to help him untangle the deal with Burt to get away from all this. Everything she had done could have ruined all of that for all she knew.]

[socialgraces]

Think the world of you, as he does? [ her smile's somehow even more gentle now, and her tone softens as well ] I'm not part of your relationship, and I don't believe my loyalty will be questioned for not taking sides.

[witchwoman]

He doesn't- [She stops herself and shakes her head. Finishing complete thoughts is not her strong suit right now, but it's not like she's in the right mindset right now.]

It's not about sides. But I know he needs you. [Maybe now more than ever.]

[socialgraces]

I hope my presence here hasn't caused any strain on your relationship.

[witchwoman]

No! [She says in a hurry.] No, you've been wonderful for him. You're able to help in all the ways I never could. [She's quiet for a moment.]

I can't help but worry about him. He's different now and despite how much people tell me to leave it alone, to just be there, I... I couldn't. How can I just watch him destroy himself without trying to help? But I... I did it all wrong. And now look at us. [She will always try to carry that blame, no matter how much Buffy and Spike tell her she did the best she could for herself. Part of her still wants to fix it but only fears making things worse in the process.]

[socialgraces]

I wish I knew-- I wish I could help more. [ she sighs, looking down into her mug ] I empathize, I've never been particularly skilled at pushing my concern aside. I'm a worrier by nature, I fear.

[ she looks back up ] I don't think you did anything wrong. Perhaps he just needs... time. [ she isn't really sure what would fix this situation, but time heals all, right? ]

[witchwoman]

That's what I'm trying to give him. I just didn't know how badly it would hurt until now. [She twists her hands, uncomfortable with talking about it at all. She had needed things too- needed him to be around instead of half conscious at best, but it was hard for her to even think about it in terms of that. She just missed him. Long before she lost him, she missed him terribly.]

[socialgraces]

I can't imagine it wouldn't hurt. [ she looks dreadfully sympathetic, but she senses myri's discomfort with the topic and doesn't want to push it ] Look, with everything else you're dealing with right now, I just didn't want you to feel isolated. I know you have many friends here already, but... I'm here too, if you need someone to talk to. I didn't want you to think I would ever hold what happened between you and Finnick against you.

[witchwoman]

Thank you. That... it means a lot. I really wouldn't know where to start, though. [She finds talking about herself difficult sometimes. It's easier to deal with other people's issues.]

[socialgraces]

Well, if something comes up and you need someone to listen, you know where to find me. I'll be glad to help, however I can. [ because, come on, who doesn't love myri?? ]

[witchwoman]

[She nods, looking down again.]

I'll keep that in mind. Really. [Glancing back up, she smiles weakly] And thank you. Again.

[socialgraces]

[ she gives her a small smile before scooting her chair back to stand up ] Like I said, anytime.

[witchwoman]

[She hesitates for a moment before standing also.]

Maybe... anytime could be now? We could... go get lunch somewhere? Get out of here for awhile?

[She could use some fresh air and maybe a fresh perspective.]

[socialgraces]

[ she looks a little surprised, in a good way, but hides it quickly regardless ] Oh yes, of course. Now sounds perfect. I'll go get my jacket.

[witchwoman]

[Her smile grows slightly, flickering with a genuine warmth. She nods again and busies herself in the meantime, cleaning up the coffee mugs while she waits.]

[socialgraces]

[ it only takes her a few minutes to return, and she speaks as she enters, announcing her presence ] So, what's good around here?