[ Being the sheriff of Fabletown came with few perks and many burdens, and one such burden was deputy mayor Ichabod Crane. The man was irritable, incompetent, and impossible to please, which made him the absolute worst boss possible for someone like Bigby who had a hard time keeping his attitude to himself. But when word trickled to Crane's ears about another community where it seemed that the supernatural was occurring, his first fear was that "those idiots could blow our secrecy out of the water". Now Bigby had plenty to say about that (what do they have to do with us? do you think I'm not stretched thin enough as it is? can't you send someone else on this stupid errand?), but Snow (as Snow does) talked him down and made the only point that mattered:
Crane's the mayor. So with a huff and a puff and no lack of swears muttered under his breath, Bigby got on the next flight California-bound.
Blackgale seemed pleasant enough. Decent community, no inhabitants trying to rip each other's throats out, and way less overwhelming than NYC as far as scents are concerned. But it's that lack of stink in the air that lets his nose come to one immediate conclusion.
Fuck. Crane was right. There's some serious magic going on around here. A part of him is annoyed, but there's some of him, deep down, that's a little eager. Detective work wasn't unlike a hunt, and the wolf in him was yearning for it.
But first things first - food. Food, and maybe a little eavesdropping. A little snooping led him to Diamond Plate, which was still better than most of the dive bars around Fabletown but was closer to his usual scene. People tend to get loose lips after a few drinks, so it's as good a place to start as any. He ends up seated at the bar, beer in one hand as he pretends to watch the game on TV - but in truth his ears were focused on his surroundings, waiting to find something interesting to focus on. Just a matter of time.
But frankly, the sooner this was done and over with? The better. ]
[Blackgale is a nice town, to say the least. It does seem to have a penchant to attract the strange and unusual and that gets the attention of its residential oddities. The crows are watching, the cats whisper amongst themselves, and eventually, the news does reach the local witch...
But tonight, she's practicing normalcy.
For Amelia Eva Steinbeck, the Emerald Witch, and high school teacher extraordinary(?), the Diamond Plate is a place to go out with coworkers whenever she deigned it appropriate and needed to bond with them over the school year they've all endured so far. It was a good way to show them that despite being an oddball introvert, she could be around people.
Most magickind, espers, and other supernatural beings with a lick of sixth sense or otherwise would protest though. Amelia can tamp down on her inherent magic all she wants but it's ever present and simmering beneath the surface.
By the time the gruff and hairy looking visitor settles into the bar, Amelia is already there, seated with a fellow teacher, bitching about a parent.]
"... I can't believe there are still parents that make a big deal over an A-. Gooddamn, A-! Most kids don't even bother with getting the bare minimum they oughta be relieved...! Ms. Steinbeck, how do you even deal with that sort of bullshit?"
[The redheaded woman shrugs, finishing her drink (her hair seems to glint under the dim bar lights, she smells like paper, old books, coffee, and flowers).]
You have to stand your ground, Libby. You've only been here for two years compared to me. You'll get a thicker skin eventually.
[Amelia appreciates these moments. For a while it's like she's normal and unconcerned with anything magic and she's so relaxed she really doesn't notice that a man is in the same bar trying to sus out the supernatural.]
Not that he's complaining - leads don't often settle into place a few seats away. In most cases he has to beat them out of someone. This is a pleasant change of pace.
... is the healthy way to look at it. A part of him likes the beating, but he's been keeping that half of himself carefully under lock and key when it isn't needed.
The conversation is mundane, but among the scents of a woman who spends her time around books is the unmistakable odor of witchcraft. It's a smell he's familiar enough with, and it doesn't exactly inspire comfort. Witches are hard to predict, each one pulling tricks from a different sleeve, and if this had the chance of turning confrontational he'd need to know what her specialities were beforehand. Granted, maybe he'll get lucky! Maybe this will resolve itself peacefully.
He's not accustomed to that kind of luck though, so he won't count on it. She may not look the dangerous type, but witches rarely do.
He takes a long swig from his bottle, considering how to proceed. He can easily stay where he is until they finish, tail her when she leaves... but he's not fond of waltzing onto a witch's home turf right away. A hair of caution goes a long way.
So instead he turns a bit towards the two, raising his voice enough to interject. ]
Or dock the kids a full letter grade every time their parents complain. They'll learn eventually.
[Both women turn to look at Bigby when he gives his input. The redhead furrows her brow while her coworker is looking him up and down. And after a few seconds, Libby slams her hand down on the counter.]
"I call dibs."
[Amelia looks at her coworker, confused.]
You're calling dibs, on what?
[Libby makes a face between her and Bigby that basically says, "Are you serious?" Amelia, on the other hand, decides to casually greet this new third person.]
[ "Dibs", she says, and it takes a conscious effort for him to maintain a straight face. If she had any idea who (or what) she was trying to lay claim to, she would surely reconsider.
Instead he tips his head back to finish the contents of his bottle, setting it down on the counter before responding to the redhead's inquiry. ]
Something like that, yeah. Just doing a little sightseeing. Don't plan to be here long.
[Libby happily points to Amelia who's just regarding Bigby neutrally with crossed arms.]
"Amelia's been living here for a long while. She knows all the neat spots and quirks around town!"
[With some hesitance, Amelia politely does start off with a suggestion.]
There's Blue Moon Lake. It's more on the outskirts but it's a lovely and peaceful spot.
[Of course though, the coworker interrupts, happy to gab away at the dark and handsome stranger.]
"There's a really fun local legend about that lake actually! I mean, it's called Blue Moon Lake because the moon's reflection looks very blue at night. OH! And people keep saying that there's a... Lizard? Some sort of cryptid, like Big Foot, but a lizard that lives in the lake and goes around invading people's homes for food. Totally made up though, but the stories are fascinating...!"
[Looks like Ms. Amelia Steinbeck is very interested in finishing her drink all of a sudden hmmmmMMMMmm.]
[ Well. The witch might have more of his attention by default, but the ramblings of her friend are hard to ignore as well. Granted, the words themselves hold little value. Mundys believe all sorts of nonsensical things.
But the witch - Amelia Steinbeck, apparently - gives off a subtle air of discomfort, a whiff of nervousness tickling his nose. Lake lizard. Alright. That's a start. ]
You don't say.
[ His gaze shifts from Libby to Amelia, who is very clearly trying to not be involved in this conversation. ]
"No... As I said, a local legend. I don't know if I'd be happy if it were true. I don't think anyone wants their kitchen raided. Ah, have to go! Nice talking with you stranger. Amelia can tell you more about the place!"
[The coworker has spotted someone else more relevant to talk to and gets off her seat. Before she leaves, she turns to Amelia and gives her a thumbs up for good luck as if she's doing her a favor by letting her have Bigby's attention.
It's not wanted but hey. Comes with the territory when people out of town hear about the witch. The woman doesn't make eye tact with Bigby for a moment. She takes a long sip of her drink before she speaks up.]
You've heard of the phrase, "Once in a blue moon?"
[ He barely offers a nod as Libby takes her leave - she was fine for spouting out clues, but at the end of the day Amelia was the focus of his attention for the time being. He doesn't hurry her to speak, silently signaling the bartender for another beer until the witch pipes up. ]
[At least she's making this particularly easy. The background music and conversation from other customers are loud enough that it obscures their own interaction too.]
I'm guessing that isn't the only thing you're curious about. Am I correct?
[ So she's saying it does show up - not just allegedly. Could just be phrasing, or it could be a hint that she's more aware of his presence than she lets on.
Time to dig.
As the bartender returns with a new beer Bigby slides off his stool, making his way to the seat where Libby had been not long ago, letting him lower his voice further. ]
You don't need me to tell you that. You know who I am?
[ So he still has some element of surprise - no shock that a witch would see him coming, but his identity being a secret gives him some advantage. ]
... Guess it's fair, since I've heard yours already.
[ His hand starts to reach for the box of cigarettes in his pocket - but he pauses, knowing that rules are different in different places about that sort of thing. Back in Fabletown he wouldn't care, but he's trying not to start a scene right now if he can avoid it. ]
[The teacher part of her almost says, "Language," but he's a grown-ass man and they're in a sports bar. Still, she frowns at the general attitude that's coming across.]
Well, there's the other bar. Smaller, cozier, ran by a couple I trust.
[She checks her phone for the time.]
It's a bit early for them, but they'll open for me. Sound good?
[ He's not too keen on going somewhere else of her choosing - but frankly, he's on her turf no matter where they go. Nothing has his hairs standing on end just yet, at least. And if he wants answers, best to try and get them straight from the source. ]
Sounds like something, anyway.
[ He leans in a little closer, his voice dropping to a low growl. ]
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sunfloras2023-05-18 06:17 pm
no subject
Crane's the mayor. So with a huff and a puff and no lack of swears muttered under his breath, Bigby got on the next flight California-bound.
Blackgale seemed pleasant enough. Decent community, no inhabitants trying to rip each other's throats out, and way less overwhelming than NYC as far as scents are concerned. But it's that lack of stink in the air that lets his nose come to one immediate conclusion.
Fuck. Crane was right. There's some serious magic going on around here. A part of him is annoyed, but there's some of him, deep down, that's a little eager. Detective work wasn't unlike a hunt, and the wolf in him was yearning for it.
But first things first - food. Food, and maybe a little eavesdropping. A little snooping led him to Diamond Plate, which was still better than most of the dive bars around Fabletown but was closer to his usual scene. People tend to get loose lips after a few drinks, so it's as good a place to start as any. He ends up seated at the bar, beer in one hand as he pretends to watch the game on TV - but in truth his ears were focused on his surroundings, waiting to find something interesting to focus on. Just a matter of time.
But frankly, the sooner this was done and over with? The better. ]
no subject
But tonight, she's practicing normalcy.
For Amelia Eva Steinbeck, the Emerald Witch, and high school teacher extraordinary(?), the Diamond Plate is a place to go out with coworkers whenever she deigned it appropriate and needed to bond with them over the school year they've all endured so far. It was a good way to show them that despite being an oddball introvert, she could be around people.
Most magickind, espers, and other supernatural beings with a lick of sixth sense or otherwise would protest though. Amelia can tamp down on her inherent magic all she wants but it's ever present and simmering beneath the surface.
By the time the gruff and hairy looking visitor settles into the bar, Amelia is already there, seated with a fellow teacher, bitching about a parent.]
"... I can't believe there are still parents that make a big deal over an A-. Gooddamn, A-! Most kids don't even bother with getting the bare minimum they oughta be relieved...! Ms. Steinbeck, how do you even deal with that sort of bullshit?"
[The redheaded woman shrugs, finishing her drink (her hair seems to glint under the dim bar lights, she smells like paper, old books, coffee, and flowers).]
You have to stand your ground, Libby. You've only been here for two years compared to me. You'll get a thicker skin eventually.
[Amelia appreciates these moments. For a while it's like she's normal and unconcerned with anything magic and she's so relaxed she really doesn't notice that a man is in the same bar trying to sus out the supernatural.]
no subject
Not that he's complaining - leads don't often settle into place a few seats away. In most cases he has to beat them out of someone. This is a pleasant change of pace.
... is the healthy way to look at it. A part of him likes the beating, but he's been keeping that half of himself carefully under lock and key when it isn't needed.
The conversation is mundane, but among the scents of a woman who spends her time around books is the unmistakable odor of witchcraft. It's a smell he's familiar enough with, and it doesn't exactly inspire comfort. Witches are hard to predict, each one pulling tricks from a different sleeve, and if this had the chance of turning confrontational he'd need to know what her specialities were beforehand. Granted, maybe he'll get lucky! Maybe this will resolve itself peacefully.
He's not accustomed to that kind of luck though, so he won't count on it. She may not look the dangerous type, but witches rarely do.
He takes a long swig from his bottle, considering how to proceed. He can easily stay where he is until they finish, tail her when she leaves... but he's not fond of waltzing onto a witch's home turf right away. A hair of caution goes a long way.
So instead he turns a bit towards the two, raising his voice enough to interject. ]
Or dock the kids a full letter grade every time their parents complain. They'll learn eventually.
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"I call dibs."
[Amelia looks at her coworker, confused.]
You're calling dibs, on what?
[Libby makes a face between her and Bigby that basically says, "Are you serious?" Amelia, on the other hand, decides to casually greet this new third person.]
New in town, sir?
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Instead he tips his head back to finish the contents of his bottle, setting it down on the counter before responding to the redhead's inquiry. ]
Something like that, yeah. Just doing a little sightseeing. Don't plan to be here long.
[ A beat, resting an elbow atop the bar. ]
So, what sights should I see?
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[Libby happily points to Amelia who's just regarding Bigby neutrally with crossed arms.]
"Amelia's been living here for a long while. She knows all the neat spots and quirks around town!"
[With some hesitance, Amelia politely does start off with a suggestion.]
There's Blue Moon Lake. It's more on the outskirts but it's a lovely and peaceful spot.
[Of course though, the coworker interrupts, happy to gab away at the dark and handsome stranger.]
"There's a really fun local legend about that lake actually! I mean, it's called Blue Moon Lake because the moon's reflection looks very blue at night. OH! And people keep saying that there's a... Lizard? Some sort of cryptid, like Big Foot, but a lizard that lives in the lake and goes around invading people's homes for food. Totally made up though, but the stories are fascinating...!"
[Looks like Ms. Amelia Steinbeck is very interested in finishing her drink all of a sudden hmmmmMMMMmm.]
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But the witch - Amelia Steinbeck, apparently - gives off a subtle air of discomfort, a whiff of nervousness tickling his nose. Lake lizard. Alright. That's a start. ]
You don't say.
[ His gaze shifts from Libby to Amelia, who is very clearly trying to not be involved in this conversation. ]
So? Ever seen the thing?
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[The coworker has spotted someone else more relevant to talk to and gets off her seat. Before she leaves, she turns to Amelia and gives her a thumbs up for good luck as if she's doing her a favor by letting her have Bigby's attention.
It's not wanted but hey. Comes with the territory when people out of town hear about the witch. The woman doesn't make eye tact with Bigby for a moment. She takes a long sip of her drink before she speaks up.]
You've heard of the phrase, "Once in a blue moon?"
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I wasn't born under a rock, so yeah. Why?
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[At least she's making this particularly easy. The background music and conversation from other customers are loud enough that it obscures their own interaction too.]
I'm guessing that isn't the only thing you're curious about. Am I correct?
no subject
Time to dig.
As the bartender returns with a new beer Bigby slides off his stool, making his way to the seat where Libby had been not long ago, letting him lower his voice further. ]
You don't need me to tell you that. You know who I am?
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[She finishes her drink and sighs.]
Is it too much to ask you for your name first before I formally introduce myself?
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... Guess it's fair, since I've heard yours already.
[ His hand starts to reach for the box of cigarettes in his pocket - but he pauses, knowing that rules are different in different places about that sort of thing. Back in Fabletown he wouldn't care, but he's trying not to start a scene right now if he can avoid it. ]
Call me Bigby.
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Well, as you heard, I'm Amelia.
[A pause.]
I'm a high school teacher.
[yes.]
As for everything else, we're in public, and as loud as it is here, I try not to be overly blatant.
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[ The charming tourist act is done with, it seems. ]
But I hear you. What's a better place?
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Well, there's the other bar. Smaller, cozier, ran by a couple I trust.
[She checks her phone for the time.]
It's a bit early for them, but they'll open for me. Sound good?
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Sounds like something, anyway.
[ He leans in a little closer, his voice dropping to a low growl. ]
No funny business.
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But she isn't perturbed on the surface. If anything, this isn't the first time Amelia's dealt with difficult visitors and it won't be the last.]
Right back at you Bigby.
[Amelia slides out of her seat.]
The Red Divine. See you in fifteen minutes.
[No, she won't give him directions. He kind of deserves it.]