knightsoflegend | new orleans ♔ there's always a siren singing you to shipwreck

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new orleans ♔ there's always a siren singing you to shipwreck

WHO || Buffy, Alainn, Rose, Sam, Dean, Faith, Felicity, Isabella [closed]
WHAT || The Ex-Knights of Failboat head off to interrupt an auction for Rafael Giovanni's life...
WHERE || New Orleans, LA
WHEN || A couple weeks post-LA
HOW || Actionspam

Held in the grasp of the Knighthood's enemies for a stretch of time that has been an aching splinter in the heart of the ones who love him, Rafael Giovanni's life now stands up for auction. Having made a number of powerful enemies in his days as the vigilante assassin The Black Scourge, including the secret Vatican police known as Iscariot, Draken Crombe's organization sought to capitalize on the many who sought revenge by sending out word that Eterna Jade was not, as his trial had seemed to prove, the Black Scourge at all, and offer the chance to kill or torture Giovanni to whoever would pay the largest sum.

The Knights, being made aware of this, did what they could to stymie this auction from coming to pass, and Buffy Summer and Jack Chessing managed to at least thwart it several times, leading to its cancellation and inevitable rescheduling elsewhere. However, none of this led to Giovanni's actual location.

The capture of Draken Crombe finally allowed them to learn of the latest plans for the auction - to be held at a location in New Orleans, a temple of some sort. It seems that Crombe's other followers still intend to follow through with ridding themselves of Rafael, making it clear that even with Crombe in Knights' custody, the villains still have some organization or leadership. Tia Ellison rattled out the plan by invading Crombe's mind, learning of the way that he had been psychically manipulated by the Mind Master for years, and doing what she could to start to heal his shattered psyche.

Jack Chessing, eager to see Rafael rescued after their many efforts, cautioned however against sending too many on what might be a mission from which there is no returning. To that end, they've tried to split the forces of their magic-users, fighters, and researchers.

Now, it's up to a few to save their friend... without losing any more.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

What? Oh yeah! [ Wait. ] I mean, no! Not - [ Dammit. ]

I need you. [ Did you think there was going to be a choice in this? Too bad because she is already grabbing her hand and trying to pull her out the door.

Use your words, Rose. ]

[she goes willingly, giving a bit of a delighted laugh at Rose's enthusiasm. It's not often she sees the other woman so happy.]

Of course! Anything you need, love. [she steps smartly after her friend, chuckling again at the possibility of an adventure.]

[a beat later]

Why exactly do you need me, though?

Ahhh... [ Oh. Okay. This is happening. Now she actually needs to tell somebody this is happening it all becomes very real and Rose stops with the walking and just stands there like a goldfish with her mouth opening and closing as she squeezes Alainn's hand. ]

I'm getting married. [ Almost like it's a revelation, even to her and she's the damn one who did the asking. ]

[She stops with Rose, squeezing her hand in return and giving her the time to say what needs to be said, an encouraging smile on her lips.

What she thought Rose was going to say is so clearly not what was actually said that... it takes a moment for it to actually register.

When the words finally connect in her mind she freezes, awed by the look of sureness on Rose's face, like it was a truth she had known for some time now but was just beginning to recognize.

Her arms are around the other woman faster than lightning, holding her tighter than Rose probably figured was possible coming from the half-elf. She can hear the tears muddling Alainn's words, and the damp warmth on Rose's neck is sudden.

.....Will Save crit fail.... wtg Alainn.]

Oh my gods Rose, I [hiccoup] I'm so bloody happy for ye love!

[ Apparently she’s doing an excellent job today of saying the thing people least expect to hear. ~~At least Alainn didn’t respond with ‘What?’~~

Rose exhales a shuddering breath as she allows the full meaning of those words to roll through her and while, for just a flicker of a second there she thinks she’s going to go into full blown panic mode… when a smile graces her lips and that almost, serene sense of right that she’d felt when she asked Dean, washes over her once more. (Will Save Nat 20 and I’m having emotions about it). ]

Yeah… yeah I’m getting married. [ There’s a note of disbelief in those words, the laugh that follows cut off by the sudden, half-elf shaped best friend trying to squeeze the life out of her and the shine returns to Rose’s eyes. A fresh swath of tears spilling over as she regains the use of her limbs and promptly hugs her back. ]

If you keep crying like this it’s going to make the ceremony kind of awkward. [ A lightly teasing quality to those words as Rose hugs her tighter. ] Because then I’ll start crying and you know Dean will freak out at that.

[ But it’s obvious from the way that her voice shakes that she’s already fighting against her own tears and she confirms it a moment later by pulling back enough to look at Alainn. ]

You will be my maid of honor, right?

[Her laugh is giddy as she pulls back as well, the tears sparkling in her eyes slowing to a stop. Her joy is a palpable thing, radiating off of her vibrantly.] Aye, last thing we need is for Dean to freak out today of all days. The happiest of all days.

I'd have been offended if you hadn't asked, love. Of course I'll be your maid of honor! [Her grin threatens to split her face in half, wrinkling the corners of her eyes as a few more tears threaten, though not actually spill.]

So, like right now? Or do we have time to clean you up a bit? [Cuz uh... Rose, you're looking kinda rough here.]

[ It strikes her in that moment that she truly does mean what she says. That for Alainn, this really is a cause for great celebration and while that should hardly come as a shock to her – the sincere happiness felt by a friend? There was a time when Rose hadn’t thought she could trust another person enough to be this kind of friend to her. Today was about so much more than loving Dean. It was about all of them, being here in this place and embracing a life that she doubted most of them, ever thought they could have.

She stifles that thought with a laugh, once again wiping away the tears she hadn’t meant to fall. ] Honestly I thought you’d kill me if I didn’t.

[ She’s never really been great at this stuff. The girly friendship crap that women she sees tend to thrive on, but that’s why she and Alainn work. ]

Uh… [ She looks down, grimacing a little at her current ensemble and while she has done her best to clean up after returning with Raf… it’s hardly Wedding Day attire?

Okay it’s hardly attire at all. It should be burned. ]

I left my shotgun wedding dress in my other bag? [ Grinning wryly. ] This is all I’ve got.

[w e l p, thankfully you have a mage friend who can at least help clean you up a bit, Rose.

She chuckles, waving a hand over the other woman and casting a clean spell on Rose, and while it doesn't mend the tears in the fabric, it does clean her up, and make her clothes as fresh as the day it was made.] Yeah, I really would've killed you if you'd have done this without me.

I don't know if you really want a dress, but maybe something not flannel would be... more appropriate? Course, you could probably get married naked and I'm sure Dean wouldn't care. [a pause] Honestly, you probably don't care either, do you?

[ She can immediately feel the difference of the fabric against her skin, sighing almost contently at the sensation of being completely clean again. Had she known she was going to fillet a giant anaconda, she’d have brought a change of clothes. Well that and if she’d thought she might get married. ]

I wear dresses… [ She almost sounds indignant but can’t help the smile that touches her lips as her eyes flit up to meet Alainn’s. She wasn’t a girly girl, never had or would be but she did on occasion break out something that didn’t have pockets. It just… wasn’t often. ]

He’d probably prefer it. [ The nudity. As for her? ] Not really. It’s not about the place or how I look. You know it’s… this. You’re here. Things with Dean and Sam are really good. If I had to wear a sack I would.

[ Because she wasn’t sure they’d get another moment as perfect as this one and she didn’t want to wait to try and make it this, picture perfect experience. She just wanted this… but for Dean? ]

Maybe we could do… something? Not like - Fancy but… We’re only going do this once.

[Her hands shoot up in a cheer and a little yip of excitement. She isn't a girly girl either, but she does know that every now and then a woman wants to feel special, especially on her wedding day, as unexpected as it was.

Her arm loops through Rose's and she steers them towards the street, intending to call for an Uber to get them to the nearest mall.]

I've got you, love. I think we can find you something just perfect.

[She'll punch the info for an Uber into her phone, still unable to keep the grin from her face. She really didn't know what she did to deserve such a good friend as Rose. To be considered for her maid of honor, hell to be invited to the wedding at all was a blessing she never would have thought to be granted.

As much as they had been through, together and separately, Rose was one of the few people who Alainn could just pick right back up with, like true-born sisters. There was a kinship with the other woman that she'd only had just once before, and that was gone quicker than it should have been. Being able to share this kind of sisterhood with Rose was something she would never take for granted, could never think to lose.

But Rose was so constant, in every way that counted, and to Alainn, that was the most comforting thing about her. She had seen how much she had blossomed in her relationship with Dean, how he was her anchor in whatever storm they faced, and she for him as well. They were so good for each other, in all the best and worst ways that mattered. It really was a beautiful thing, to be witness to their love, and witness to the union of their souls in such a ceremony.]

I am more blessed to be a part of your wedding day than I have the words to express, Rose. I truly can't say how much this means to me. I need you to know that I [she chokes up a bit, her voice hitching before she clears her throat to clear the threatening tears] I am just so honored to be your friend.

Thank you.

[ The excitement barely has a chance to become infectious before Rose has the good sense to pause - turning them back around to face the motel again as Alainn pulls out her phone. ]

We don't have burners yet so... hold that thought. [ As she leaves Alainn's side just long enough to stick her head inside her room while Dean is in the shower and let Sam know what's up. (Wis 17) ]

He only just said yes I don't want him thinking I changed my mind. [ But even now as they stand here waiting, her eyes keep moving back towards the motel room, as if the thought of having to delay even long enough to not look like a trashfire, was longer than she was willing to take.

She's even about to suggest to Alainn that bullet holes and flannel isn't that bad as far as she and Dean are concerned, but the moment she's about to speak, it's Alainn's tone, just as much as her words that keeps Rose from doing so. She'd said it herself. This wasn't just about her and Dean, it was about all of them being here and as impatient as she was to marry him? This mattered too. Dean and Sam spending time together before they took the leap. Alainn taking her to find something to wear. It was all those little things that her and Dean had never had because they were too busy lurching from one disaster to another. For one night, for one seemingly perfect night... they could be those people who did the things that everyone else took for granted.

She wanted to say that she knew, that she got it but honestly? As much as Rose knew how much Alainn cared for her? As deeply as that was reciprocated? It was now, standing with her on the side of the road with their arms linked, that it really sinks in. ]

You don't need to thank me for that. [ Emotion rippling across her features, though she works to keep it together. Still you can hear the restrained tears as she squeezes the words past a too tight throat. ] Being friends with you is one of the easiest I've ever known.

[ She pulls in a shuddering breath, trying to blink away those tears so she can get out what she needs to say. And she needs to say it, because god knows, Alainn deserves to hear it. ]

I don't think you realize how much, meeting you changed my life... in all the best possible ways.

Edited 2019-03-13 10:57 (UTC)

[She just squeezes Rose into another tight hug, her own tears threatening again.]

Oh, Rose. [It's all she can get out. She knows if she tries to say anything else she will just turn into a blubbering pile of tears, which is the exact opposite of what she was trying to do. Like Rose said, the last thing they needed was to scare the crap out of Dean by being all girly.

But the thing is, Alainn hadn't realized how much she had needed this closeness, this sisterhood. She hadn't understood how much she missed this kind of connection. Yes, she had her friends and they had been through a lot together, but this was different. Being friends with Rose was exactly how she imagined having a blood sister would feel. It was so easy with her, being able to pick back up where they had left off no matter the time they had spent apart. It was so easy to be herself with Rose.]

Same, love. You really have no idea how much you've changed my life, how much you've saved me. I think [she pulls back, swiping at the few tears that managed to escape] I think it's safe to say we saved each other.

[ It wasn't easy to be friends with Rose, she knew that. Her life came with secrets and explanations that might never come. It involved blind trust and more faith than most people had the ability to possess. She could go radio silent for months at a time because it was safer, easier or simply because…life was so completely insane that she never stopped to think about being a good friend... and Alainn didn't just ‘put up with it’. She seemed to understand it in a way that Rose knew deep down, nobody else ever would again. To all the people who say that relationships are never easy, there was one Rose and Alainn there to point out that it could be, sometimes.

It’s the idea that she had saved Alainn that makes Rose stop to really look at her and she can’t help but remember a painfully similar conversation with Dean. He said she was saying how he saved her and yet, she’d saved him too. Looking at Alainn, thinking about Sam? She guessed they’d all been saving each other in one way or another without even realizing it. ]

It’s what family does.

Family. [It sounds so simple, so innocuous, but the whole world was wrapped up in that word. Something she had been desperate for since she had left Ireland and her adopted family behind in her pain, and was finding some footing in with Mark, but this? This kind of family was necessary too, the kind of family that was about kinship, friendship, the kind of bond with others that wasn't about passion and making babies, but about companionship.

Her smile is like the sun, an unknown weight lifting from her shoulders as she whistles for a cab ~~good call on not calling an uber~~, her arm linking with Rose's once more. When the cab pulls up she tugs Rose to it with her, saying in her corniest voice:] C'mon sister, let's get you something to wear to your wedding!

[ Family. The very thing she'd ached for without ever having known what it felt to have one, and in a lot of ways, it was why she and Dean worked so well. There probably weren't many women out there that would even want to marry into a life where it was you, your husband and your brother-in-law, but Rose? It just wasn't something she'd ever had to give a second thought to. She didn't love Dean in spite of the seeming complications, because for her they weren't that. They were just, more reasons why she loved him.

Then with Alainn? It was all the other things she'd never known she needed. She wasn't a replacement for the person Elena had once been in her life. She'd stepped in and shown her what friendship could be in a time when she'd never thought she could trust that way again. What it meant to never doubt, for even a second, if that person would always be there when you needed them. To have your back, to laugh with you... or to make sure that on the day you get married, you don't look like you'd crawled out of a gladiator pit.

A laugh spills over at that, Rose grateful for the break in emotion that churns inside of her.] Now there's a sentence I never thought I'd hear.

[ But the smile that comes as a result? Every meaning that can be taken from those words? The smile that comes says it all. ]

[Alainn directs the cabbie to the nearest mall, asking him to crank up the pop-song playing on the radio as she sings along, loudly and kinda badly ~~sing 12 LOL~~. She'll pay the cabbie when they're dropped off, thanking him with a firm handshake and a smile. Once Rose is out of the car she'll link arms again and head in, looking for any kind of store that would contain dresses or girly things within.]

So love, just how girly are you interested in going for this wedding of yours?

[ And with that know pop culture check of 20 total... I'm guessing Dean is a closet Kesha fan cause Rose sure knows all the lyrics to this one.

As they get to the store however, she looks more huh than pumped, shrugging as they move inside. ]

I was thinking keep it simple? No frills, no pink. If it fits I'll wear it honestly.

[She nods, having expected nothing less from Rose, heading for the summer-wear section of the store and rifling through the selection they have there. With a 25 search check, she would come up with a small, but nice array of dresses for Rose to try on, each one looking like they would compliment her friend nicely.]

So, let's see which one fits the best, shall we?

[ Suffice to say, with Rose's grand old search check of 10, if it weren't for Alainn she'd barely manage to find her way out of a paper bag...

Her eyes widen a little at the dresses that Alainn picks out, a memory that feels so very long ago now, tugging at her memory. It was before she ever came to this world, before her life went down this path, but she could only recall very hazy details about the day, the people who were there. She could remember the dress though, and the feeling she had then, is an awful lot like the one she has now as she ignores the other options to pick up a simple, fitted dress of white and lace. ]

This one... [ Without even trying it on (yet), her voice quiet, an almost reverence there as her fingers lightly hover over the neckline. Suddenly she seems to get it, why the clothes did matter, not because she truly cared how she looked... but because she was desperate to see the look on Dean's face when she walked towards him wearing this. ]

[Alainn is just going to apply her earlier search check to find a few accessories for Rose while she is in trying on the dresses. She somehow doesn't see Rose as the 'veil' wearing type of bride, but then again, she wasn't a conventional bride anyway.

She will come back with a a few different kinds of scarves. Something light and flowing to give her a soft, airy look, something that Dean had probably only seen quite rarely. She is more than happy to look for a veil, if Rose wants, but she is taking an educated guess here.

Then there are the shoes. She has no idea what Rose will be comfortable wearing for shoes, so she gets a wide variety to choose from.

Exhibit A
Exhibit B
Exhibit C
Exhibit D
Exhibit E
Exhibit F
Exhibit G
And yes, of course she had to find a stripper selection for Exhibit H

It's as she comes back to the dressing room that she notices that particular look on her friends' face, that far away and hazy unfocus that was both painful and beautiful to see. The dress that Rose settles on is perfect for her and Alainn smiles, dropping her selections into the cart and reaching out for the other woman, touching her arm gently.]

It's perfect for you, love.

[ The softest of smile lingers on her lips, Rose's gaze shifting to Alainn's hand on her arm, skating absently past the cart as she looks to her friend...

Then does a double take at the cart. ]

We need all of that?! [ Rose doesn't even own eight pairs of shoes. She might be lucky to even own four, honestly. ] I'm gonna... nix the gold thing right now because, with the dress I'm going to look angelic.

[ And that's a dirty word with Winchesters.

Shame, though. Because that would have looked killer with the dress and her complexion. ]

I was just... going to wear my leather jacket and then, take it off for the actual thing.

Wait, you what? [she looks at the cart, then back to Rose, then back to the cart again. Look, she's seen Rose's leather jacket. She loves Rose's leather jacket.

Just not today.

She will, however, pull that gold thing out of the cart, holding it up against the dress Rose is in, a calculating look in her green eyes.]

Well, no we don't need all of this. I just wanted you to have options. Personally? I think this would be perfect for you. [Diplomacy... 19?? Give in to the thing, Rose.]

This, and a pair of these strappy heels? [she looks Rose over approvingly, raising her eyebrows a few times with a wolf-whistle] Dean won't know what hit him.

You can wear your leather jacket later.

[ Well bless, it seems Rose can be swayed on a lot of things when it comes to Alainn, but not if it makes her think of heaven and hell. (Will Save 35.) ]

I... don't doubt you. It's just... [ She grimaces a little, but there's some humor in it as well. ] I try to avoid any association with above and below where Dean is concerned.

[ To show that she can compromise, however, Rose digs through the piles of shoes and comes up with a pair that unsurprisingly... have the smallest heel of all of them but they do have straps, okay... and she'll even pick up the navy shawl.]

See? Options. I can wear this or my leather jacket...

That makes sense [she nods understandingly, grabbing up the dress and accessories that Rose picked out and heads for the register, saying over her shoulder:] I didn't figure you'd go for the traditional veil, and the blue is going to be perfect with your coloring.

[you didn't think she was going to actually let you buy your own wedding stuff, did you?]

So, after this, we just need to do your hair and do you want makeup too?

[ Wait. What? Maybe you brought up that last part to distract her from the fact that you were about to spend a bunch of money on buying her wedding clothes and frankly... It works.

Rose stands there, stunned for a few moments then pivots and catches up to Alainn. ]

No, we don't. After this, we need to find clothes for the boys and then get back before Dean has a panic attack.

[ Because for lawls I rolled a 'Know Dean Winchester' check and she fucking Nat 20'd. You're welcome. ]

You cleaned me up. Stick a brush through my hair and call it good.

new orleans ♔ there's always a siren singing you to shipwreck

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