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AurazinPermalink Reply by ✓ Lucien Davenport ~Admin~ on March 5, 2024 at 4:02

Luke smirked at her suggestion, lowering his own voice and leaning towards her in a conspiratorial manner. "Oh, you speak of such scoundrel behavior, Miss Carmela." He chuckled as they came into the next room that was significantly smaller than the grand entrance and lobby they'd come through, large sections of the walls boxed off for different exhibits with prehistoric animals and peoples in what would've been their natural surroundings thousands of years ago. His head tilted slightly as he took in the hairy bipedals surrounding a faux firepit. "Though, maybe they would be more inclined to let me be a tour guide. At least then they would have to tolerate my presence a little more."

He watched then as one of the tour groups entered and smiled knowingly. Lucky for them that it was easy to tag along towards the back of the guests as the guide explained the different exhibits throughout history, though Lucien couldn't help himself when he would whisper other small facts to follow the ending of a lesson. It took a great deal of effort not to correct the young guide when they'd gotten to the American history section and Luke had insisted they stay in that particular room longer so he could give her a more thorough lecture on the Revolution. It was only when a beeping noise sounded that he stopped midsentence on the importance of spies and how they'd help win the war.

The sound seemed to echo tenfold given the acoustics of the museum as he finally pulled out his cell phone. "Ah, the alarm I set." He smiled somewhat sheepishly. "I told the mobile device to inform me when it was 1pm as not to spend the entirety of the day here in the museum since we have other plans." Lucien pushed the button once and furrowed his brow at the 'snooze' notification. "Clocks never used to be this complicated," he grumbled, sliding the phone back into his jacket and producing a pocket watch, presenting it slightly to her in his palm with the face open. "I miss simplicity sometimes."

He closed the metal clasp and put it away once more before looking back to Carmela. "Now that I've thoroughly bored you to tears that you've been too kind to produce out of manners and likely pity," he chuckled, clasping his hands behind his back, "I thought maybe you should take the reigns now. You'd do better leading the way with this shopping part of the day. I'm not so keen on fashion. Hudson likes to point this out as often as possible with a particular look that judges me from head to toe and scrunches his face up in an effort to not laugh." He shrugged with a soft smirk. "I'm rather hopeless. Perhaps you can save me from further ridicule?"  

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AurazinPermalink Reply by ✓ Carmela Hidalgo on April 28, 2024 at 12:56

✧ The New World Order ✧

Carmela couldn't help but offer a mischievous smirk, accompanied by a wink. "I just enjoy being a bad influence, Sir Lucian," she quipped, her playful tone injecting a lightness into the conversation. "Gotta keep everyone on their toes, right?" It felt refreshing to share a moment devoid of weightiness. Their attention shifted to the prehistoric exhibit, prompting a strange chuckle from Carmela. "Looks like Groo," she remarked, pointing out one of the cavemen exhibits. "Honestly, you should apply. We've all been finding ways to stave off the madness of being stuck here with no real end in sight. Even just volunteering a couple of days would be a nice change, I'm sure. Plus, you might get a behind-the-scenes look at things legitimately, since you're keen on staying out of trouble." She could already imagine him engaging the curators in lively discussions about history, much to their delight.

Carmela relished in the sight of Lucian's relaxed smile, a rare occurrence in her presence. As they listened to the tour guide, she couldn't help but smirk as Lucian offered his own corrections under his breath. Grateful for the chance to wander away and listen to him expound on American history, she made an effort to absorb as much information as possible, eager to have more topics for discussion later. Lucian's passion for history was palpable, and it ignited a newfound interest in her. She was about to ask if he missed his life before when the sudden alarm interrupted her thoughts, causing her to chuckle at the confusion it sparked among the other visitors. "I'm not sure what's more amusing: your historical anecdotes or your disdain for modern technology," she teased, nudging him playfully. "You haven't bored me at all. I've been soaking it all in, hoping to impress with random historical trivia once we're back home. So, no pity here. I've genuinely enjoyed every moment." She offered him a warm smile before falling into step beside him as they made their way back to where the car awaited them.

"Let's be real, Hudson judges everyone," she remarked, shaking her head as she unlocked the car door and climbed in. "You're not hopeless; you just need to find your modern style," she reassured him, waiting until he was settled before heading toward the downtown strip lined with various stores catering to different tastes. After finding a parking spot and paying the meter, she clapped her hands together. "But I do have an idea that might help you ease into modern style with something more comfortable."

Linking her arm with his, she guided him toward a store with suits displayed in the windows. As they entered, the bell above the door chimed, and Carmela scanned the selection. "I thought maybe a suit could be a different kind of uniform for you, bringing a sense of comfort," she suggested. "Besides, they're dashing and versatile. You can go for a more relaxed look with softer colors and lighter fabrics or opt for something suitable for everyday wear, all the way to the 'I do' section," she added, gesturing toward the back of the store. Her eyes roamed over him, assessing his size, before selecting a few options and nudging him toward the dressing room. "Time to strut your stuff, Sir Lucian."

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AurazinPermalink Reply by ✓ Lucien Davenport ~Admin~ on December 22, 2024 at 3:08

"Modern style," he murmured back to her with the clear edge to his voice despite the small smile that showed on his lips. His brow lifted curiously to her cryptic idea, but he somehow felt rather trusting of what style that might entail. Lucien clicked the safety belt loose and jerked back as he always did when the thing flew over the pulley system it was strung into. He remembered thinking how deadly the things were despite their use for protection should the car come to a halt and strangle the person seated, but he'd learned quickly that they were strung to stop short of that when such a thing should happen, holding someone against possible expulsion. It was rather ingenious.

Arm and arm, Luke's gaze swung up and down the busy city blocks at all the storefronts. Coffee shops, book stores, electronics, endless clothing options, restaurants, and even more coffee shops. It was rather overwhelming to take it all in, but he focused on Carmela instead to bring himself back to calm. Once they stopped in front of one of the many clothiers, his eyes swept over the mannequins on display. He took in the elegant and casual options, feeling more akin to the elegant one simply because of all the layering. He was rather used to that at least, but would still be absurd in this age for everyday.

"Right," he breathed out, preparing himself and reaching for the ornate wooden door. "After you, Miss Carmela."  

Lucien eyed all the different colors and fabrics, textures and styles. He hummed at her suggestion, looking down to himself and the usual dark colors he wore. Of course, that was the era he had come from. Bright colors weren't exactly worn often unless it was for a costume or grand ball. Seeing all the different styles throughout the store was making his head spin. Looking to Carmela, he noticed her bright hues wandering his frame and felt the need to stand up a little straighter as she did so.

Then, she was off. He stood rather awkwardly as she flitted about the store, completely focused on the task she had given herself. 

"Can I help you, sir?"

The aurazin turned to gaze at the young man who wore a crisp white buttoned down shirt, navy blue tailored pants cuffed at the ankles, and shining black shoes. A measuring tape lay over his neck like a dead snake. His hands gripped it and lifted around his head and over his dark hair which was slicked back and didn't look like it would move should it be touched. Luke stuttered for a moment before answering as his eyes went to Carmela who was now on her way back to him. Thankfully. "Um.. No. Thank you, sir."

She urged him towards the fitting room and pulled open the door to find it oddly opulent within. A cushioned ottoman and four mirrors at varying angles because apparently one wasn't enough. Luke took the options she'd selected and hung them on the hooks inside the room wondering what in the world strutting his stuff meant. There would definitely be no strutting on his part. He gave her a tight lipped smile, watching over her shoulder as the gentleman who worked at the shop seemed to still want to impose his expertise on them. Lucien quickly closed the door and reached for whatever was on the nearest hook.

It seemed Miss Carmela was being rather kind for the first option. He slipped out of the heavy centuries old coat and shirt, stripping himself, literally, of life from the past. His fingertips drifted over the simple dark shirt and pants, feeling how different the materials were compared to what he was used to having draped over his body like a second skin. Something Lucien realized he probably used as armor and a way to not forget his time on earth as a human.

Stepping from the room after donning the clothing, he blinked a few times and fidgeted, finally finding enough nerve to look at Carmela who remained in the fitting room area that was just as grand and made up of cushioned loveseats and low tables, a tray of glasses and a pitcher of water with lemons on the side. Luke smoothed his hands down his sides and cleared his throat. "Well.. how do I look?" Thankfully the employee had run off to help another patron or he didn't think he'd be able to handle his busying about trying to assist. He grimaced, assuming he likely looked exactly how he was feeling. "I feel ridiculous."

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AurazinPermalink Reply by ✓ Carmela Hidalgo on February 25, 2025 at 23:54

✧ The New World Order ✧

Carmela was truly in her element as she twirled gracefully around the racks, her eyes sparkling with creativity. She focused on a darker palette, occasionally selecting a few standout pieces that she imagined would look striking on Lucien. With a playful glint in her eye, she positioned herself behind him, casting a devilish grin toward the tailor, who seemed all too eager to assist. "He is in very capable hands," she remarked, glancing over her shoulder to spot the shopkeep hovering nearby, anticipation etched on his face. "Seems like he wishes to get his hands on you," she chuckled softly, the sound light and teasing as Lucien closed the door behind him.

Settling onto one of the plush loveseats, Carmela waited patiently for Lucien to shed what felt like an endless number of layers before donning her selected outfits. She surveyed the shop, taking in the diverse styles, each one sparking her imagination. She couldn’t help but picture him in various ensembles, each one accentuating his unique charm.

As she sat there, her attention was abruptly drawn to the dressing room door as it creaked open. Lucien emerged, visibly uncomfortable, and she couldn’t help but find humor in the irony of their situation. They were both embarking on a journey of transformation, yet he seemed to fear the very concept of change. She noticed the way he fidgeted, his unease palpable in the air. Unapologetically, she let her gaze wander over him, taking in the sight of him as he stood there, unaware of her scrutiny.

When he finally asked how he looked, Carmela slid off the loveseat with a fluid grace, moving around him with playful intent. She stopped directly in front of him, her expression brightening. "I think you look rather dashing," she declared, her voice warm and encouraging. "I’m sure it’s cooler in this outfit than the other one. This is much more casual." A gentle smile graced her lips as she placed her hands on his shoulders, offering a reassuring touch.

“Out of curiosity,” she asked softly, leading him back toward the dressing room, “do you fear that if you change too much here, it means finding a place in this world is admitting that we are never returning to the veil?” Her gaze held his with a heartfelt sincerity, her eyes flicking momentarily to the older styles of clothing that seemed to symbolize the weight of leadership resting on his shoulders. The immense responsibility he bore appeared daunting, almost impossible for one person to shoulder alone, and she wished to ease that burden, even if just a little.

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AurazinPermalink Reply by ✓ Lucien Davenport ~Admin~ yesterday

Lucien's jaw was hurting from how much he was clenching it. He'd only realized it once she complimented him and the tension visibly drifted out of his shoulders. His jaw unlatched and he swallowed, looking down a moment before a soft hint of a smile appeared on his mouth. "Now you're just teasing," he quietly replied and shifted into a wider stance to actually take the time to give the new ensemble a chance. It was much lighter, he had to admit. Confining, but definitely much lighter. Perhaps he'd been too quick to judge after all. He could still wear his coat over this though, right?

He allowed Carmela to turn him around again and lead them back towards the room he'd changed in. Sighing, his eyes went over the different garments, trying to figure out which to choose next if only to appease her, when her question halted him further. Lucien turned to face her then. He could see the pain in her eyes. A mother's pain that longed to see her child. He despised not being able to take that sorrow from her. Aurazin couldn't manipulate the feelings of their own, but he would take that sorrow away from Carmela if he could. 

Her words bled through him. The familiar guilt that had latched onto him and always sat heavy in his chest seemed to pulse with the reminder that he was still failing them all. Lucien sighed softly through his nose before replying, his gaze finding hers while he stepped closer to her. "Yes," he replied with a nod. "I encourage the others to find comfort in some way while we are here on Earth, but it seems I'm not taking my own advice."

His head lowered, strands of his long hair slipping forward. "I fear adapting is somehow admitting defeat. Admitting that I cannot find a way to bring us home. Admitting I'll never see my wife again." Lucien forced his eyes back to hers. "Or that you'll never see your child again." He leaned against the wall of the fitting room and dropped his head back as if he could see the veil through the roof of the store. "I failed her in life. I let her die. Being given a purpose again in death had somehow eased that guilt if only slightly. Leading people after death to ensure they weren't alone or destroyed by the voidlings was purpose that I desperately needed. Then that was taken away. She was taken away."

Lucien turned his head towards her with a sad smile. "It's why I stay locked up in my office all day. Go to the Ailward manor for answers. Why I wander the lodge hallways at night like a spirit because I can't sleep. I don't want to fail our kind. I've already failed plenty on Earth the first time. I don't want it to happen again at the expense of you all."

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