[ Hugo was nothing if not vert good at his poker face. After years of having to hide his feeling and intentions both for his home life and work life, the vampire's face remained unmoved when the gull refers to him as 'half-fae'. Especially at the bid from Flins to keep his reaction to himself for now.
No, his reaction was more in how very silent he became after deciding to play along.
'What does he mean, 'half-fae'? Last I checked, I was born to two fully, irritating elves.'
'It's not incorrect. It's a change I and Flins both sensed in you. It could instead be 'an awakening'.'
'Were you not going to inform me? Isn't that a bit important to know?? Everyone else was merely turning into animals. This is NOT the same as waking up as an otter.'
Hugo's eyes finally moved, looking at one of the gulls close to him. Taking a fry from the container he was holding (and letting his shadow hold his coffee for now), he twirls it around his fingers and then holds it out.
What is this? Even the seagulls found life without lighter lacking. How could one man hold so much on his shoulders?? ]
[He can tell Hugo's shocked at this revelation, huddling down into a quiet ball to process that information. That was fine, he would take over while the truth settled for him. It wasn't something he imagined would come out during a discussion with a seagull crime boss, but then again, these birds weren't known for their subtlety.
He would owe Hugo an explanation after this. Or as close to one as he could get.
The seagulls pay it no mind as they inch closer, all seeming to want a contribution.
'That so. Well, what's that gotta do with us? We're just as pissed.']
We would like your aid in our search. You are birds of land, sea and sky. There is no ground you cannot cover with those wings of yours. Naturally, we would not do this without compensation. These fries are our 'deposit', and once Lighter has returned, a portion of the paycheck that this young man here provides Lighter will be to buying your little flock food. Whether that be fries or fish or fried dough.
You can trust me to hold to my word.
[The seagull blinks as he thinks this over, turning to Hugo and hopping closer to take that fry.
'So lemme get this straight. We just gotta find the guy and tell ya where he is. Then, we're set for life on these little suckers and maybe even some fish. Kinda swindlin' of ya to promise somethin' comin' from another guy. I like it.
Don't worry, we knows the places inside and out. We'll find this guy of yours.'
Flins lays out the basket for some of the other seagulls to take as he turns towards the leader, who has now taken to Hugo's offerings more than his.]
[ A glance was given to Flins and then down to the bird that was coming his way for the fry. He didn't have to give it any thought, nodding along with the offer Flins gives. ]
I agree to his terms. Should you not be able to locate him, I will still give you 50% of the reward for your effort. That way, you still get paid for the work you put out.
I can even get you the fancy stuff. Anything you want in return, you get, Boss.
[ Another fry was held out, and then the basket was presented, looking to the leader. When he sets it down, he takes his coffee up once more and reaches his gloved hand out. He did not touch the bird unprompted, but at least did present the hand in a show of good nature. ]
Leader to leader, it is our job to find the wayward lost parts of our flock. He's also kind of an idiot, but still important to many. It would also put quite a number of others in your debt.
[ He wsa aware that he didn't have to keep going, but sweetening the deal felt right in the moment. It kept his mind off of the half-fae situation. ]
[Flins watched as the leader inched his way to Hugo, gingerly taking that fry as he gulps it down whole. His animal conversing skill was rather new, but it didn't take someone with understanding of the language to know the leader was rather picky with whom he spoke with. Hugo wasn't lying about his affinity to animals, it was the real deal.
Remaining crouched, he watches the interaction with great interest.
The seagull tilts his head one way and another, as if thinking over those terms. The other gulls seem to pipe in their thoughts--as if in hushed whispers.
'Boss, ask for -that-' 'Yeah, Boss! Yeah!' 'That! That!' 'The shrimps, boss! Ya gotta ask for the shrimps!' 'The REAAAAAL good ones!'
'Alright, Alright, shut ya traps! I know what I'm doin' here! Look, half-fae, I'm a softie--I'm catchin' what you're fishin'. If one'a my boys went off missin' I'd track him down and smack some good ol' sense into him too. I think we can work this out in a way we both benefit.
Tell ya what. You get us those shrimps with the gold crunchy outside? The big basket. Enough for the whole flock. Do that? We'll find your guy. If we don't, then double the order and we'll call it even. Deal?'
As if to lock in the flock's goodwill, the gull reaches forward towards that hand to bump the top of his head to Hugo's hand.
'I like the way you do business, kid.' As he turns to Flins. 'He's like you but not with all the creepy stuff.'
Flins chuckles, picking up one of the last fries to offer to the leader.]
It seems we've all reached an agreement? Shrimp for a lost comrade, that sounds like a rather fair trade.
One large order of crunchy shrimp? Boss, you have a deal.
[ Hugo takes the bump of the birds head as the sealing of the deal, stepping back to give him a sweeping bow. He'll even get a head start on the other. Taking his phone out, there was a bit of swiping around the screen before he was shooting a message off to Lycaon, requesting the planning stage of one large order of panko-fried shrimp, enough for one large flock of seagulls. The phone was slipped back into his pocket afterward. The wolf would get elaboration later. ]
I've put the order in with a wolfman in the city who owns his own restaurant. Your order is in good hands.
[ Hugo turned his head, looking at Flins and then back to the Boss Bird with a little smile. ]
You're too kind, Boss.
[ The coffee was held up to be sipped once again, leaving the fries to the decides of the birds. He will have to make sure to come and check in from time to time in order to keep this rapport up. ]
[The absolute look on Flins' face when he hears that Hugo texted the wolfman to conjure up some fried shrimp. His smile could light up the harbour for weeks. He keeps quiet though, making sure that Hugo seals the deal properly.
The seagull's head tilts curiously. That seems to get his attention.
'Homemade, huh? You don't do things half-way, do ya. And from a wolfman, too. Aight, You come by the pier when you get it ready. Don't worry, we'll see ya.
Once we get our share, then we'll start lookin' for your guy. Oh, and the name's Ricco. Don't forget it.'
The bird seems to be done with talking, moving to join the others to ravage the rest of those fry baskets.
Flins stands up, eyes glittering as he surveys just what happened. There was no need to overstay their welcome, so he starts to make his way back to the main part of the boardwalk once Hugo finishes up.]
That was expertly done, Hugo. Your skills in negotiations have only been polished by age.
[He knows Hugo has far more on his mind than a deal made with some gulls, but he may as well close one door before opening another.]
Don't. [ He points to the look Flins is giving him. ]
Lycaon's restaurant in The Vogue is still in the start-up phase, and I'm sure the publicity will help Zulius' business venture. If they asked for something more bakery-based, I would have sent a message to Mydeimos instead.
[ ... Actually, but being willing to do this arduous task for him, maybe throwing in an extra would sweeten the deal. It would also open them up to options for whatever this may provoke. The thought had Hugo pulling his phone out once more to make a note to shoot Mydei a saner message later. Giving no context was not going to go the same direction as it did with Lycaon. Mydei was far too literal.
Slipping the phone in his pocket once more, he crossed his free hand over his chest. ]
I will never forget it, Boss Ricco. You may call me Mockingbird.
[ He had no idea if birds actually got the news, but if they did know of Mockingbird, his name would follow. Hugo Vlad was the only known member, after all. With their business at it's end, Hugo turned and walked with Flins to the main part of the boardwalk. Business negotiations may have gone well, but now there were bigger issues to address. ]
Thank you. I do try my best, but you certainly were the one who steered that deal in the direction it went. I merely caught your flow and road the wave out to shore.
[ His fingers flicked down to the rolling waves that crashed against the shore. ]
[The one called Ricco tips his head up in acknowledgement, as if something caught his memory. (12)
'Ay, you're Mockingbird? Word's gettin' around about ya. Somethin' about stealin' some eggs from some hot shot in Hollywood. I'll keep ya in mind, kid.'
And a quick turn to Flins. 'And you. Tell that raven this ain't over.'
Flins merely nods gracefully as he makes his way past the flock. Once the birds have devoted themselves to the fries, his eyes glisten as he dusts the salt and grease off his gloves.]
I've only just begun to understand them. Before I would simply operate off their body language.
They're a far more perceptive species than humans give them credit for. Their adaptability is seen as a nuisance, calling them 'rats', but in truth they're complex, smart, and unwilling to simply let humans dictate how they live. You did well meeting them at their level.
[He sighs, at that last part.]
I've become acquainted with a raven named Julian, owned by a Meropide resident August Villareal. A smart one, who also seems to enjoy fries. He and the seagulls have a bit of a rivalry, and often have turf wars. The scars that 'Ricco' dons are from a knife Julian has brandished on him.
[ It was interesting to learn they both started to understand around the same time. Maybe it was similarly a christmas thing. A strange thing to get for christmas, honestly. Flins was right, though. Being able to understand them gave a window into their dynamics that you usually couldn't see. A society like what he witnessed was far beyond what he imagined. It almost made him want to observe and speak to some others.
The elaboration on the raven made his brows raise. He had vague knowledge of the man through the network, but he had no idea that this raven was starting bird wars. It made him wonder if other pets and familiars were also doing such things. Most of the network could also change into animals themselves. Does that create confusion in communities until they can't communicate? ]
Somehow the world only becomes more vast as this places doles out powers we've barely imagined before.
Speaking of. I believe I'm due an explanation as to why they were calling me a 'half-fae'. I'm aware that your excitment ended up cursing some of the others into attaining animals forms, but 'half-fae' is not 'you can change into a butterfly'.
[Hugo's skill in understanding animals didn't go unnoticed, either. He had thought that it was Lauma's influence that had caused his change, but for Hugo to be gifted in such a way, on top of this revelation they now were mutually finding out. He had to wonder if his 'family' was becoming more than just shortcuts for affection.
He can't help but find the value in it as well. Sometimes listening to nature is a far more reliable method. Understanding Casimir had certainly opened up many closed doors for him.
..Ah, but here lies the meat of the discussion. He knew this was coming, given that the seagulls had so unceremoniously dropped what Flins himself had noticed since he saw Hugo in the distance. For once, it's not a smile of a playful fae adorning his lips, but one of equal curiosity and confusion. Though still a smile, nonetheless.
After all, he couldn't be more happy about the fact that-]
That is because what is happening with you is not my influence. While I do sense my magic inside you, it is nowhere near enough to cause a change as drastic as altering your very species.
This change in you is from something higher than my magic. If I had to guess, it was the Spirit Vein.
[Even then, it does make it quite difficult to hide his excitement.]
It seems I am in a custody battle with your deceased father over you. How fascinating.
[ Hugo shook his head slowly. Flins in a 'custody battle' with a man that barely wanted to groom them into being the same horrible person he was. He couldn't imagine there was a single sibling of his who would say that man was loving to them. He should be more focused on the spirit vein, pushing him into Flins strange family dynamic. Instead, he was momentarily dwelling over the impossibility that anyone would want to be a Ravenlock.
Actually, there was something else said there that makes him rewind.]
You sense your magic in me. So you did so something.
[ Not the fae thing, obviously, but something else was stirring inside, waiting to sprout. ]
How unkind of you, sprinkling your influence into your beautiful baby boy. And here I thought this was the perfect time to ask you about that strange little keychain. Vision, was it?
Why wouldn't I be? Aside from our unspoken understanding of each other, your father certainly wasn't appreciating you in the way you deserved. Not only that, but to see his legacy slip from his fingers in a way he'll never get back...you couldn't write a more tragic poem.
But most importantly, I have always wanted to see you free of your burdens. Ever since our reunion you've had clarity in your eyes. As a man who watched you as you ran from the Order, hiding in closets and refusing to come out, I could not be happier for you.
[These feelings weren't untrue, but it did hide something far more fragile in Flins at that moment. The fact that calling Hugo a 'son', while humorous at first, was now starting to become a very real thing. And the thought of actually having something like that was...exhilarating? Scary? It was certainly a mix of the two.]
Ah.
[Yes. That part.]
More or less. It's better to think of it as my magic being dormant in you. It could go off, sparking a change, or it could not. Now that I think of it, perhaps you haven't noticed. Butterflies drink nectar, and you are hypoglycemic. That would go unnoticed, wouldn't it?
[His hand goes to his heart, closing his eyes. How very rude of his son! After he helped convince some seagulls to be henchmen, too!]
Rest assured, Hugo, you're as beautiful as when I held you in my arms on the day of your birth. [He didn't.]
Though I would be happy to run you through your Vision training. It's quite simple, actually.
![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
no subject
Date: 2026-01-19 06:05 pm (UTC)No, his reaction was more in how very silent he became after deciding to play along.
'What does he mean, 'half-fae'? Last I checked, I was born to two fully, irritating elves.'
'It's not incorrect. It's a change I and Flins both sensed in you. It could instead be 'an awakening'.'
'Were you not going to inform me? Isn't that a bit important to know?? Everyone else was merely turning into animals. This is NOT the same as waking up as an otter.'
'Drink. If you keep upsetting yourself, it's going to alert our Fiancée. Your frantic emotions will cause him to seek you out.'
Hugo's eyes finally moved, looking at one of the gulls close to him. Taking a fry from the container he was holding (and letting his shadow hold his coffee for now), he twirls it around his fingers and then holds it out.
What is this? Even the seagulls found life without lighter lacking. How could one man hold so much on his shoulders?? ]
His family is worried about him.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-20 03:14 am (UTC)He would owe Hugo an explanation after this. Or as close to one as he could get.
The seagulls pay it no mind as they inch closer, all seeming to want a contribution.
'That so. Well, what's that gotta do with us? We're just as pissed.']
We would like your aid in our search. You are birds of land, sea and sky. There is no ground you cannot cover with those wings of yours. Naturally, we would not do this without compensation. These fries are our 'deposit', and once Lighter has returned, a portion of the paycheck that this young man here provides Lighter will be to buying your little flock food. Whether that be fries or fish or fried dough.
You can trust me to hold to my word.
[The seagull blinks as he thinks this over, turning to Hugo and hopping closer to take that fry.
'So lemme get this straight. We just gotta find the guy and tell ya where he is. Then, we're set for life on these little suckers and maybe even some fish. Kinda swindlin' of ya to promise somethin' comin' from another guy. I like it.
Don't worry, we knows the places inside and out. We'll find this guy of yours.'
Flins lays out the basket for some of the other seagulls to take as he turns towards the leader, who has now taken to Hugo's offerings more than his.]
It is most appreciated.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-20 03:26 pm (UTC)I agree to his terms. Should you not be able to locate him, I will still give you 50% of the reward for your effort. That way, you still get paid for the work you put out.
I can even get you the fancy stuff. Anything you want in return, you get, Boss.
[ Another fry was held out, and then the basket was presented, looking to the leader. When he sets it down, he takes his coffee up once more and reaches his gloved hand out. He did not touch the bird unprompted, but at least did present the hand in a show of good nature. ]
Leader to leader, it is our job to find the wayward lost parts of our flock. He's also kind of an idiot, but still important to many. It would also put quite a number of others in your debt.
[ He wsa aware that he didn't have to keep going, but sweetening the deal felt right in the moment. It kept his mind off of the half-fae situation. ]
no subject
Date: 2026-01-20 04:10 pm (UTC)Remaining crouched, he watches the interaction with great interest.
The seagull tilts his head one way and another, as if thinking over those terms. The other gulls seem to pipe in their thoughts--as if in hushed whispers.
'Boss, ask for -that-' 'Yeah, Boss! Yeah!' 'That! That!' 'The shrimps, boss! Ya gotta ask for the shrimps!' 'The REAAAAAL good ones!'
'Alright, Alright, shut ya traps! I know what I'm doin' here! Look, half-fae, I'm a softie--I'm catchin' what you're fishin'. If one'a my boys went off missin' I'd track him down and smack some good ol' sense into him too. I think we can work this out in a way we both benefit.
Tell ya what. You get us those shrimps with the gold crunchy outside? The big basket. Enough for the whole flock. Do that? We'll find your guy. If we don't, then double the order and we'll call it even. Deal?'
As if to lock in the flock's goodwill, the gull reaches forward towards that hand to bump the top of his head to Hugo's hand.
'I like the way you do business, kid.' As he turns to Flins. 'He's like you but not with all the creepy stuff.'
Flins chuckles, picking up one of the last fries to offer to the leader.]
It seems we've all reached an agreement? Shrimp for a lost comrade, that sounds like a rather fair trade.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-20 05:19 pm (UTC)[ Hugo takes the bump of the birds head as the sealing of the deal, stepping back to give him a sweeping bow. He'll even get a head start on the other. Taking his phone out, there was a bit of swiping around the screen before he was shooting a message off to Lycaon, requesting the planning stage of one large order of panko-fried shrimp, enough for one large flock of seagulls. The phone was slipped back into his pocket afterward. The wolf would get elaboration later. ]
I've put the order in with a wolfman in the city who owns his own restaurant. Your order is in good hands.
[ Hugo turned his head, looking at Flins and then back to the Boss Bird with a little smile. ]
You're too kind, Boss.
[ The coffee was held up to be sipped once again, leaving the fries to the decides of the birds. He will have to make sure to come and check in from time to time in order to keep this rapport up. ]
Elsewhere
Date: 2026-01-21 12:06 am (UTC)Lycaon's phone buzzes, the contact screen showing Hugo's name. Thinking nothing of it, he opens his phone to read the message.
....?]
????
[Well, he was picking up Dungeness Crab anyway. He goes to mark down shrimp on his list. Hugo has to have a good reason for this.]
no subject
Date: 2026-01-21 12:31 am (UTC)The seagull's head tilts curiously. That seems to get his attention.
'Homemade, huh? You don't do things half-way, do ya. And from a wolfman, too. Aight, You come by the pier when you get it ready. Don't worry, we'll see ya.
Once we get our share, then we'll start lookin' for your guy. Oh, and the name's Ricco. Don't forget it.'
The bird seems to be done with talking, moving to join the others to ravage the rest of those fry baskets.
Flins stands up, eyes glittering as he surveys just what happened. There was no need to overstay their welcome, so he starts to make his way back to the main part of the boardwalk once Hugo finishes up.]
That was expertly done, Hugo. Your skills in negotiations have only been polished by age.
[He knows Hugo has far more on his mind than a deal made with some gulls, but he may as well close one door before opening another.]
no subject
Date: 2026-01-21 06:00 am (UTC)Lycaon's restaurant in The Vogue is still in the start-up phase, and I'm sure the publicity will help Zulius' business venture. If they asked for something more bakery-based, I would have sent a message to Mydeimos instead.
[ ... Actually, but being willing to do this arduous task for him, maybe throwing in an extra would sweeten the deal. It would also open them up to options for whatever this may provoke. The thought had Hugo pulling his phone out once more to make a note to shoot Mydei a saner message later. Giving no context was not going to go the same direction as it did with Lycaon. Mydei was far too literal.
Slipping the phone in his pocket once more, he crossed his free hand over his chest. ]
I will never forget it, Boss Ricco. You may call me Mockingbird.
[ He had no idea if birds actually got the news, but if they did know of Mockingbird, his name would follow. Hugo Vlad was the only known member, after all. With their business at it's end, Hugo turned and walked with Flins to the main part of the boardwalk. Business negotiations may have gone well, but now there were bigger issues to address. ]
Thank you. I do try my best, but you certainly were the one who steered that deal in the direction it went. I merely caught your flow and road the wave out to shore.
[ His fingers flicked down to the rolling waves that crashed against the shore. ]
They seemed to know you well.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-21 06:19 am (UTC)'Ay, you're Mockingbird? Word's gettin' around about ya. Somethin' about stealin' some eggs from some hot shot in Hollywood. I'll keep ya in mind, kid.'
And a quick turn to Flins. 'And you. Tell that raven this ain't over.'
Flins merely nods gracefully as he makes his way past the flock. Once the birds have devoted themselves to the fries, his eyes glisten as he dusts the salt and grease off his gloves.]
I've only just begun to understand them. Before I would simply operate off their body language.
They're a far more perceptive species than humans give them credit for. Their adaptability is seen as a nuisance, calling them 'rats', but in truth they're complex, smart, and unwilling to simply let humans dictate how they live. You did well meeting them at their level.
[He sighs, at that last part.]
I've become acquainted with a raven named Julian, owned by a Meropide resident August Villareal. A smart one, who also seems to enjoy fries. He and the seagulls have a bit of a rivalry, and often have turf wars. The scars that 'Ricco' dons are from a knife Julian has brandished on him.
[Guess who has to be the mediator.]
no subject
Date: 2026-01-21 07:14 am (UTC)The elaboration on the raven made his brows raise. He had vague knowledge of the man through the network, but he had no idea that this raven was starting bird wars. It made him wonder if other pets and familiars were also doing such things. Most of the network could also change into animals themselves. Does that create confusion in communities until they can't communicate? ]
Somehow the world only becomes more vast as this places doles out powers we've barely imagined before.
Speaking of. I believe I'm due an explanation as to why they were calling me a 'half-fae'. I'm aware that your excitment ended up cursing some of the others into attaining animals forms, but 'half-fae' is not 'you can change into a butterfly'.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-21 07:50 am (UTC)He can't help but find the value in it as well. Sometimes listening to nature is a far more reliable method. Understanding Casimir had certainly opened up many closed doors for him.
..Ah, but here lies the meat of the discussion. He knew this was coming, given that the seagulls had so unceremoniously dropped what Flins himself had noticed since he saw Hugo in the distance. For once, it's not a smile of a playful fae adorning his lips, but one of equal curiosity and confusion. Though still a smile, nonetheless.
After all, he couldn't be more happy about the fact that-]
That is because what is happening with you is not my influence. While I do sense my magic inside you, it is nowhere near enough to cause a change as drastic as altering your very species.
This change in you is from something higher than my magic. If I had to guess, it was the Spirit Vein.
[Even then, it does make it quite difficult to hide his excitement.]
It seems I am in a custody battle with your deceased father over you. How fascinating.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-28 08:44 am (UTC)[ Hugo shook his head slowly. Flins in a 'custody battle' with a man that barely wanted to groom them into being the same horrible person he was. He couldn't imagine there was a single sibling of his who would say that man was loving to them. He should be more focused on the spirit vein, pushing him into Flins strange family dynamic. Instead, he was momentarily dwelling over the impossibility that anyone would want to be a Ravenlock.
Actually, there was something else said there that makes him rewind.]
You sense your magic in me. So you did so something.
[ Not the fae thing, obviously, but something else was stirring inside, waiting to sprout. ]
How unkind of you, sprinkling your influence into your beautiful baby boy. And here I thought this was the perfect time to ask you about that strange little keychain. Vision, was it?
Now, I don't know.
no subject
Date: 2026-01-28 09:14 am (UTC)But most importantly, I have always wanted to see you free of your burdens. Ever since our reunion you've had clarity in your eyes. As a man who watched you as you ran from the Order, hiding in closets and refusing to come out, I could not be happier for you.
[These feelings weren't untrue, but it did hide something far more fragile in Flins at that moment. The fact that calling Hugo a 'son', while humorous at first, was now starting to become a very real thing. And the thought of actually having something like that was...exhilarating? Scary? It was certainly a mix of the two.]
Ah.
[Yes. That part.]
More or less. It's better to think of it as my magic being dormant in you. It could go off, sparking a change, or it could not. Now that I think of it, perhaps you haven't noticed. Butterflies drink nectar, and you are hypoglycemic. That would go unnoticed, wouldn't it?
[His hand goes to his heart, closing his eyes. How very rude of his son! After he helped convince some seagulls to be henchmen, too!]
Rest assured, Hugo, you're as beautiful as when I held you in my arms on the day of your birth. [He didn't.]
Though I would be happy to run you through your Vision training. It's quite simple, actually.