Little Samuel Kaelen has never been afraid of the dark. Well, not before that time when his demon undead grandfather had turned up, and tried to kill his father in front of him, with sub-atomically manipulated... cheesewire. Which is pretty much what it was.

( Told from Sam's POV )

It was definitely the start of the winter travel season. Three flights to Boston, one to Providence; screaming kids, annoyed passengers... it had not been a good day. Aryn was exhausted, all she wanted was a long bubble bath and a glass of wine before she collapsed into bed.

Of course that had been before her bad day turned into a bad night and ( Read more... )

“We need your help.” Lord Kaelen seems to blurt. Well, it's about time he started answering all of Lex's awkward questions. “...Or we will, someday. In a manner of speaking.”

“Some day you'll need my help?” Lex is understandably incredulous. Even indicating himself in the most worthless gestures he can muster.  “Me? Someone even the mother nebula ( Read more... )

( To do: )

( Read more... )

Once Phoenix, Julian and Lex have eaten, and Julian has gone into his own room for a bit, to allow the two Kaldoans some time together. Phoenix books a room for Lex, and sneakily takes the liberty of settling up Julian’s tab to date, figuring what money his friend has left could be put to better use as a bond for some decent rented accommodation. ( Read more... )

Vito was at the same cafe where he'd first met Janie -- had it really only been a few weeks ago? It seemed much longer in some ways,shorter in others. She had said something about wanting him to meet Lynn's father, and Vito was curious about him anyway ( Read more... )

It had felt strange about a half-hour before. In that old Catholic church. Both the kids had wandered around exploring the place, while Phoenix had slouched on the front pew, simply staring at the altar. Strange. But peaceful.

Neither child asked him why, as they left. Lynn had simply taken his hand, and Sam, looking up with large eyes, deep and ( Read more... )

Since their arrival in New York, it's all been a whirl in Phoenix's mind. Even little Samuel, the riftling, the one who thrives on all manner of chaos around him has been unusually quiet lately, seeking the tranquillity of his bedroom more often than not. Despite the fact his music box has been playing thrash metal for some days now....

( cut for length. )

It's a halfway decent four bedroom in Queens, near the cemetery - purely because Phoenix happens to like cemeteries, and bought the place for a snip because not everyone else does. So after the fight at the bar, he has brought Janie home, helped heal her injuries, nothing too nasty, thank the gods; but such a beautiful face was never meant to sport ( Read more... )