AN:
PINK, Sting and Marshmello's song called 'Dreaming'
8*8
Sweet sweet trouble pt2:
Lucifer sent an apology present intended for Elanye to his son's palace in the form of a gift box. Far fancy then the one Elanye gave to Octavia when an imp delivered the item to Prince's garden. One she greeted this imp when he stepped into a mixture of plant life and bookshelves. Black, off the shoulder, contrast mesh, trumpet sleeve, halter neckline, A line in a high waist dress. Open toed flats and loosely braided hair tied off with gold leafe ribbons. Pearl choker and her signature earrings with glossed lips. Made up a simple outfit the prince's special guest wore when she greeted the imp.
"Sent from his majesty." Imp informed her.
"Constantine?" She said, accepting the box, "Not like him."
"Lord Lucifer." He answered her.
She took the box from the imp after thanking him while wondering what he sent. Imp walked so quickly she couldn't get an answer from him about it. Left her to not try and bother Constantine and Serenity about it. To only stop in her tracks to her seat when recalling what they were doing. She recently learned that for 7 years Queen Lilith had been gone. Constantine with Serenity's help had searched the farthest corner of hell. Each ring and levels in between has been searched by Serenity's clan. All findings were brought back to Constantine to be looked over. She kept her nose out of it with Constantine promising Charlie and her. He wouldn't push himself too much when looking over these leds. Left her to her own entertainment under the shade of a tree.
She returned to a blanket that sat under a tree with a gift box in her arms and questions. Hoo Hoo moved from side to side from the branch he perched on. Trying to get a better view of what the box looked like without moving about to much. When she sat down and pulled a small card addressed to her. She knew from the cursive script in the old English style and emotional vibe it carried. Strongly apologetically before she read the words came from Constantine's father. Told her where Constantine got his charm which put a smile on her face, after he recently addressed her by her first name. Which made her feel like she was possibly in a dream as she started to sing.
Would you stay with me? Would you be my love as the days get longer?
Would you follow me and never let me go?
Let's keep dreamin'
Dreamin' as the sun goes down
Stars are dancin'
Dancin' as the world turns 'round and 'round and 'round and 'round
She pulled her hands away from the box after laying the card aside an embroidery loop. Her fingertips she looked to when she recalled. When off she pulled her glove for a risky move she pulled with Constantine. They rested on that defined cheek in his moment of anger. Sensation of his skin becoming heated as he blood warmed.
When it's said and done, I'll keep holdin' on even in the silence
I can hear your voice through all of the noise, yeah, hey
We'll keep dreamin'
Dreamin' 'til the sun the goes down, hey
We'll keep dancin'
Dancin' as the world turns 'round and 'round and 'round and 'round (Yeah)
Dreamin' till the sun goes down
I will stay with you, I will be your love as the nights get longer
I will follow you and never let you go
Yeah, I keep dreamin'
Dreamin' 'til the sun comes out, hey
Stars are dancin'
Dancin' as the world turns 'round and 'round and 'round and 'round
Lightly brushing trimmed parts of his silkly facial hair that formed his beard. Beyond his flesh she followed a familiar path into his mental space. One she had always been greeted by book shelves and artwork. Filled with a prickly and blistering heat from his livid state.
Hey
Oh
We'll keep dreamin' (Keep on dreamin')
Keep on dreamin'
Dreamin' till the sun goes down (Keep on dreamin')
Keep on dreamin'
Oh, keep on dreamin' on
Keep on dreamin' on
Stars are dancin'
Dancin' as the world turns 'round and 'round and 'round and 'round
Didn't stop her from stepping toward that blaze with her own chilly touch. Came in the form of cold ocean water that was drifting in. Put out the flame with each step she took while singing to him. Using her emotions over her magic to reach him in that instant.
Hey
Oh
We'll keep dreamin' (Keep on dreamin')
Keep on dreamin' on
Let's keep dreamin' (Keep on dreamin')
Dreamin' as the sun goes down
Keep on dreamin'
Let her song come to an end with her slowly lowering her hand to lay on top of the gift box. Her white orbs filled the air around the tree she sat under as her eyes lit up. Images this box carried were of memories carried by this object. Starting with empathy and compassion each shining orb carried. Lucifer asking Charlie and Asmodeus for what would make a good apology gift. One fit for the women that had been romantically involved with his son. Had her blinking twice when her eyes fell upon sight of Constantine standing before her. Hands crossed behind his back with his tail gently swaying behind him. Standing like he usually did with his eyes on her. Her white orbs created a straight path right to her while whiraling in place.
"Your voice," He noticed the orbs and her eyes, "Drew me here when my meeting with Serenity came to an end."
"Just reminiscing," She glanced at the box, "Made any progress?"
"Same outcome after we sorted through the leads." He saw images the orbs carried.
"If you need any help?" She offered, "I just need where she was last seen and the last thing she touched."
"You don't think I haven't done that." He knew what she would do.
"Ever seen an empath do it?" She asked back, "Any form of memory recall magic seems to be amplified when I cast them."
"Must be the emotional aspect." Constantine guessed.
He became lost in thought over while walking the path formed for him to sit beside her. As she handed the card over to him with Maverick greeting her. She allowed him into her lap when attention was drawn to the box.
"Any clue what's inside?" He asked, noticing her orbs popping.
"Just emotional ties to it and who the sender is," She strokes Maverick, "Just a hint that it may be from the Lust ring."
"Uncle Asmodeus does have particular tastes." He recalled.
"I witnessed it first hand," She recalled their MANY interactions, "His business sense and Mechanical expertise are a few of his pros. Just his talks about Eros can make one a tad uncomfortable."
"No need to remind me," He recalled Asmodeus' version of the sex talk, "After my sister and I became of age, My parents had him lecture us on reproduction/ procreation."
She went quiet for a whole minute over the pure idea of the loud sin of lust giving birds and bees talk. One that left too wide as Hoo Hoo flew down from the tree to Constantine's shoulder. Which reminded him of the first time he saw the owl with Elanye. Followed by rumors he could never clarify about her came to his mind.
"I never been one for gossip," He admitted that was all he had on her, "Two about your dealings with him were hard to look into when I first researched you."
"One about me creating a product line with him was over natural made lube my brother formulated. Gave Fizzarolli and him a few samples to try out when he made time to see me," She recalled, "Other was when I won an Asmodean Crystal and monthly performance spot at his night club from a singing competition."
"Maybe," He wondered what her performance was like, "I should take him up on his invitation to visit."
"Hope you're not the modesty or jealous type." She warned him.
Two ended up opening the box together to find inside carefully arranged gifts. First two were 4in heels modeled after Triple Chocolate cake and Black Forest cake. Took up one side and other were a Lace Decoration, Satin, set for a couple that came in a Spaghetti Strap dress and mini shorts. Where a creative message from Asmodeus about enjoying the clothes sat. Had Elanye slamming the lid back on the box with Constantine processing.
"We really need to set some boundaries with your father." She stated.
"I concur." He blinked.
8*8
Corbin was in the hotel's indoor garden and pool area practicing water and plant magic. By coming up with a spell that watered the flora with water from the pool, while refilling the pool. Filtering of the water from irrigation to refill was also part of his spell. All the while he quietly sat reading a book about flower language. San king on freshly baked pecan clusters he aunt made for him. When Cornellius lifted his head toward the direction of footsteps.
"Welcome your majesty," Corbin felt his presence, "Looking for someone?"
"You actually." Lucifer noticed the boy's spell.
"I am nobody interesting your majesty," Corbin assured him, "I am just look after Mirabelle and so background work."
"May I join you?" Lucifer stated.
"…" Corbin went quiet for a second, "Your majesty …"
Beside Corbin with his little paws holding a half chewed shark fin was Chewy just chopping away. Sight of this red furred feline- like thing with pointy teeth like his own. Casually sitting beside Corbin without a care in the world as he enjoyed his treat.
"What Is The Holy Hell Is That?" Lucifer pointed at Chewy.
"One of my aunt's creations." Corbin answered.
"I thought when my son took his sister's plushies to life it was shocking," Lucifer replied looking. Hey over, "He is not natural."
"Anything my aunt makes isn't natural." Corbin pointed out.
"Good golly," Lucifer just sidestepped Chewy, "I can see that."
He then took a seat on the other side of Corbin when he noticed what he was reading. Which he found quite amusing when memories of his son always reading surfaced.
"Care to share what you're reading." Lucifer wondered.
"Flora arrangements is today's activity." Corbin turned the page.
That's when Elanye ended up sneezing when she was in the middle of arranging flowers in the parlor. Out of her hands a Murano Bullicante Glass Vase ended up slipping. About to land on the flower and shatter as Hoo hood shifted on the sofa. Wings flapping and head bobbing out of frustration of a mess that would be made. Ended up being caught in time by a blackened tail, Lifted back onto the table as Elanye blew her nose.
"Geraniums, Foxglove, Yellow carnations, Pumpkin flowers, Rue, St. John's Wart, and Frog Ophrys?" Constantine guessed the flowers she was using.
"I hate to be the one getting this bouquet." Serenity knew what Elanye was conveying.
"Just me channeling an unwanted memory from an interaction with one of the Overlords," Elanye openly shook with disgust, "How he considers that a greeting … "
Taking shears in one hand and in the other as her face went dead upon opening her eyes. Slicing the bottom of the stem in one cut with such blank eyes. Then neatly tucked the flower among the others she had placed almost too precisely. Would have scared any avenge demon of lower rank watching her create this colorful bouquet. Drew at Constantine's curiosity when he noticed the cobalt hue in her eyes.
"How did they go about greeting you?" He asked, watching her pick up another flower.
"I was licked by Valentino after he asked about me starring in a fairy trail theme, R18 film," She replied, "It was when Stolas helped me renegotiate Angel Dust's contract."
"That's just not right." Serenity was just grossed out.
"Wasn't the first time he went about doing it," Elanye recalled when Valentino did it to Charlie, "He did the same thing to Charlie when she went to his studio for a different reason."
Serenity acted quickly in saving the vase Constantine's tail was still wrapped around. To only be filled with orange lilies and Frog Ophrys from a minor side glance from Constantine. Fact his tail started to start like a rattle from a stirred up Rattlesnake.
"I insist on being present when these are delivered." Constantine's only answer.
"That isn't going to be until sometime," She had others to do, "Your sister was specific in what flower arrangements to show everyone to make."
"Being?" He asked about the other flowers.
"How to say thank you and I miss you." She showed off the others she made.
Other vintage vases held two other flower bouquets she arranged with other meanings behind them. First was a 1920s Belgian Art Deco Glass vase for yellow tulips, hydrangeas, yellow roses, pansies, all arranged around a rose succulent. Second was 1920s Antique American Imperial Carnival Glass Iridescent Marigold Orange Freefold, Star Base Vase. Held stargazer lilies, white orchids, pink carnations, daisies, and zinnias. Third was hidden away in the reception desk and was in twin vases of simple design. Constantine swore he saw golden spider lilies beside light purple lilacs, purple tulips, dark red carnations, and black rose. Other held a white carnations surrounding a single Magnolia and a Louisiana Phlox.
"Those two hidden away?" Constantine asked about the two at the reception desk.
"Personal examples I made for your sister," Elanye worked on her latest arrangement, "Only two of the flowers came from my brother's garden, Others I had to buy when I made my monthly trip to the living world."
"May I have the one with white carnations?" Serenity insisted, "Reminds me of home."
"Alastor already called dibs on it before he left," Elanye informed her, "I am just storing it here until he gets back while I switch the vases to 1920s one. Oh!"
Elanye ended up remembering a few true crime books she picked up for Serenity. Down went her shears and flowers to pull them from her nearby basket for her.
"I brought these for you," She waved Serenity over, "Got them for free when a University was cleaning out their library."
Over to Serenity a collection of books were handed in place of the flora arrangement she wasn't getting. Some were autobiographical while others spoke of popular cases. Serenity happily accepted not caring if they were used or not.
"If I can make another trip to get more flowers," Elanye offered, "I can create another flower arrangement for you."
"By yourself?" Constantine asked, figuring she always went unescorted, "Among countless humans that haven't become sinners? Out in the open after you walked out of a portal?"
"I have always taken precautions." She pointed out.
She knew of a paramilitary group that monitors paranormal activity on Earth for some time. Their name alone was a tad of a joke when she found out about them from Stolas and his lover. Had her wanting to check them out with proper preparations to not getting caught. See what these rumors about a portal to hell were all about and their clone program.
"I still don't like the idea," Constantine ended up creating a cheaply crafted vase for the arrangement she worked on. Made Elanye pause to watch him magically switch white carnation arrangement into one of the 1920s vases.
"Where else can I go to find the flowers I want or need in the seven rings?" Shegot back work on the arrangement, "My brother's garden has limited space and your sister's hotel isn't a greenhouse."
"What of the greed or sloth ring?" Constantine recalled markets for flowers in those rings, "Not even a few spare or left overs they could give away."
"Greed ring's prices aren't reasonable. There are no farms in the wrath ring that don't grow flowers, Unless for pharmaceutical needs of sloth ring, unless for pharmaceutical needs of sloth ring," Elanye stopped a second to admire her work, "Hand outs in hell mean something more."
They would have gone on about where else besides Constantine's own garden for flowers. Into the parlor Charlie stepped while she looked over the arrangements Elanye made. She didn't have a chance to ask about the ones at the reception area. Since her brother magically whisk with a flick of his wrist and other was picked up by Alastor's shadow.
8*8
Octavia paid a visit to the hotel after the 7pm family dinner everyone visiting and lived there had. Everyone sat around a made up table and passed dishes to each other. Glasses were filled with juice or water since no alcohol was allowed. Weather to small talk filled the dining room during that time of the evening. Some stuck around for dessert made by either Charlie or Elanye. Coffee(decaf or caf) or tea was also served to these people. How Octavia was welcomed to join when she was offered a Turkish shortbread soldier cookie.
"Cactus pear jam," Elanye spoke of the jam she used, "Oolong Tea?"
"I should have come sooner." Octavia accepted.
She happily stroked Hoo Hoo when he walked from the back of the chair Constantine sat on. To her a few chairs away where she was placed right next to Corbin and Cornelius.
"Want me to make up a room for you?" Elanye offered, "Now if you don't want to be alone, you can stay with Corbin and I in my room."
"Beats going home and walking in on the latest drama." Octavia's smile disappeared.
Corbin ended up taking hold of her hand in a comforting sense he knew of the situation. The two had been sharing during their lessons of late and discoveries were made. One of them for Octavia was her father's affair and parents divorce. Which the gossip magazines and media outlets have been mocking.
"Call your dad and inform him you're spending the night." Charlie addressed Octavia.
"Sleep over." Mirabelle cheered from Hephzibah's lap.
This made it to the ears of Lucifer when Corbin showed Octavia where to find a public land line. Gave Elanye a chance to clear off lingering dishes and put leftovers up. Leaving a half plate of Turkish shortbread soldier cookies. Alone on the table with Constantine and a certain someone thought he could sneakily take.
"Father?" Constantine spotted Lucifer approaching the table.
"Hey," Lucifer froze under his son's watchful eyes, "Thought you left."
"About too when I saw your smoke." Constantine pointed out the mess on the floor.
Gold glitter and smoke in a swirling pattern was on the floor where Lucifer had stood and hid from everyone. Which had his tail half coiled around his waist when he ended up being caught.
"Well?" Lucifer looked toward the plate, "Seems I can't resist home made baked goods."
"Charlie was right about them." Constantine recalled they weren't to dry with just amount sweetness.
"Bite size." Lucifer liked how they just fit in his mouth.
"Want me pack some away for the two of you?" Elanye asked the two, "Since I kinda over baked."
Wag in Lucifer's tail when she such a thing told her all she needed to know unlike Constantine. Who quietly stood in place waiting for Elanye to finish up so he may spend some time with her. Forward Elanye walked with an empty cookie tin already in hand to the table. Popping the lid to place the left over cookies inside to be put away with watchful eyes.
"Extras are in the duck shaped cookie jar in the kitchen," She adviced him, "Enjoy."
"Thank you." Lucifer disappeared.
"Here," She walked over to Constantine with the tin, "These are for you."
"You're spoiling him." Constantine spoke of her telling his father about the cookies.
Tin in her hand vanished when Constantine ended up sending the tin directly to kitchen of his castle. While her glove free hand just raised into the air was taken by his own for a simple kiss to be given. One on the back of her hand that he gently gripped within his fingers.
"Want me to stop?" She asked recalling the gloves he rarely wears in public, "Like I have been with you?"
"Moderation." He pointed out.
She ended allowing him to escort her back to the parlor where she picked up her embroidered projects. Pieces of cloth were unsewn panels of future clothing she folded up and put away.