Afraid of the Grey:
Konstantin didn't know how dull his everyday life was when not working on cases with Serenity. Rather mundan for him when not attending social events of high class society. Wealthy knew about his cases and starved to be in his presence. Stacks of invites to all kinds of social events could be found in his inbox. Ones that were noteworthy in attending got the highest priority from him. Going through them was never a problem for him, a lifetime ago where he was taught how to navigate the political ladder.
Unlike not when he was attending a party that had to do with mummy being unwrapped. This wasn't for a fundraiser of a museum or a presentation of a fine. Nothing more than a private gathering held within someone's mansion. Where a black market purchase was being displayed in the center of the room. For people who were invited to look at it before the history presentation started. Between the drinks and appetizers being served by masked servers. Konstantin wasn't in the mood to touch due to his mood.
"What is it this time?" Serenity asked Konstantin with half drank glass.
"Blunt disrespect toward the deceased." He clearly stated.
"I should have figured." Serenity lightly smiled.
Their conversation ended with Konstantin spotted cascade chestnut curls and a black ribbon. Gold embroidery and Bloodsaw crest had him moving after the source. He got glimpses of tailored trousers and au - neck waistcoat in flora print. Lace skirt attached to the end of the waistcoat with a high collar blouse. Bloodstone brooch pinned to the fixed collar with sideways worn butterfly tie. Pair of familiar ribbon laced boots and gloves with bow on the back. One of few details of a face he hadn't seen of late
One he found surrounded by most of the men that had been invited to this function. Sitting on the armrest of a cushioned chair refusing drinks and company. Quietly nodded her head sideways toward questions about being alone.
"She's with us," Konstantin addressed the crowd, "She tends to wander off."
"Hello Miss. Bloodsaw." Serenity at waved at her.
Elaine played along to get away from the countless faces that only saw her beauty. Reminded her why she hated attending these social events for her father. Leaving her seat as fast as she could to get away from unwanted eyes.
"Thank you," She mouthed to them, "I'll explain later."
Konstantin accepted her taking hold of his arm with Serenity being left to handle the man. Which allowed Konstantin to direct Elaine away from the area of the room. Finding a more secluded area to get his answer.
"Speak." He didn't give her space back out.
"My father was following a led to illegally sold mummies," She looked toward the center of the room, "They despair from the delivery bay after arriving from Docks."
"Missing mummy case?" He followed her line of sight.
"Why am I here," She sighed, "This is not how one should be handled after death."
Serenity adored the out of the blue plan Konstantin came up with to get police down here. Elaine got to enthrall the masses with her siren's song as the phone was located. Rest was history with arrests and mummy being returned. Back within the walls of a familiar establishment with dinner and bottle of Last Dreams.
"Just admit," Serenity advised, "You missed her and free food? Mrs. Richards can't always feed you and I am not always around to amuse you."
"You're the only one that can keep up with conversation about magic among other subjects," Wyatt added, "She brings up."
"Why do I feel like I am in a match making meeting?" Konstantin asked them.
The carousel that was placed behind the bar came to life with lights and sound. What Konstantin saw in the mirror behind the bottle shelf made his turn. Blurry image of his mother standing near him reaching out toward him. Like she was happy to see the son that had been away from home. Her eyes held a sorrow after centuries of missing him and joy of being reunited. Disappeared when he flinched as the carousel stopped turning.
"She says hi," Goleon placed a scorched envelope on the bartop, "She truly does miss you and seems to like your choice in romantic partners."
8*8
Elaine placed the broken horse carousel miniature behind the bar despite Konstantin's insistence. They get rid of the object rather than keep it as a trinket. Serenity shared she liked the decorative piece of porcelain for nostalgic sake. Corbeau and Hepzibah just thought the thing was creepie. She thought the simple decoration to their decor was a nice addition. Hounds surrounded Wyatt's feet and looked up with tilted heads. Her owl and black cat didn't really care about the newest piece.
"I don't see anything wrong with it," Elaine could see Konstantin staring, "So stop worrying."
He didn't like the origin story. The vet told them about how she came across the carousel. She visited some weird pawn shop located near a series of alleyways. Hand painted sign posed above a rickety old door was unreadable. When she stepped through the doorway with creaking hinges. She stepped into an organized junk shop with strange objects. Exploring til she found the owner behind the front counter watching her. After a short conversation and her being convinced to buy the carousel miniature. Get left the shop with this purchase in hand and plans to return. Just the memory of finding the place was a hazy one upon wanting to return. Only able to give a description of tall women in a wide brimmed hat. To a stretch actress when asked about it by him.
"Have you ever thought this was a gift from your parents?" Elaine asked him, "I mean they must miss you while you're here in the living world."
She made her point further pointing out Goleon being here and the strange gift he brought with him. Which made Konstantin laugh at the thought of his sister being welcoming toward a new face.
"Care to explain?" Elaine addressed his minor laugh.
"My dear Aurelis always thought she felt trapped and should those who needed guidance." He recalled distant memories of their arguments.
"Then I hope I get that chance," Elaine's answer almost made him choose on his lunch, "She must be a spirited woman."
Elaine had to fetch him something to drink just as Wyatt joined him. Handing him a napkin as if he quietly understood him.
"She was never a fan of heavenly stories upon growing up," Wyatt informed Konstantin, "Don't try."
" … I feel you've been there." Konstantin Was able to breathe.
"Fact she may know your true name is worrisome," Wyatt informed him, "Since there is only so much I can do."
Konstantin was left feeling out of sorts long after he was done eating his meal. Pulled his cape trench coat and gloves needing to head to meet with a client. Which wouldn't be going to head alone since Elaine wanted to go with him. He didn't object since she was already getting herself together. Going to offer his arm when they approached the front door. She accepted without much of a verbal disagreement or talk back. Keeping her posture straight when she adjusted her Cropped Trench Cape with a hood. Her owl came to perch on her shoulder without being called.
"Something wrong?" She noticed him staring, "Would you feel safer with an hound over my owl?"
"No hat or hairpin?" Konstantin asked about the change in her attire.
"Isn't mimicry the best form of flattery?" Her answer followed.
The door was opened by a quiet Serenity telling the two they could be mushy later. They had a client to meet despite visiting the Bloodsaw bar like usual. Elaine happily couldn't wait to meet since things have been for them.
"Doesn't your father worry about your choice in how you spend your free time?" Serenity asked Elaine.
"He stopped interfering when I put spirits of a haunted house to rest and faced a misery demon," She recalled, "Why?"
"You're alive?" Konstantin couldn't believe what she said.
"I still don't see the problem." She didn't get what they were asking about.
She ended up leaving Konstantin and Serenity knew her brother was going to be fine without her. Dera happily sighed at the sight of Konstantin beside Elaine. The gentleman- like manner he took on toward her was so adorable. Had Goleon unable to understand why she was gushing. Since he had a basic understanding of humans before coming here.
"What is love?
The way the sun sets so that the moon can shine." Dera mumbled some poetry.
"I hope," Goleon let his fear show, "Love between a soul and a demon is a rare thing. Only happens a handful of times where I come from."
"I understand," Dera sadly recalled her late mother and father, "I am proof of human and vampire union."
Goleon, frozen as Dera went on to in from him, was a rare mythical creature called a dhampir. He heard about among the knightly ranks and officials when younger. Recalling they can walk in the sunlight and have a Superman strength. Just never did he know how beautiful Dera would be and natural leader.
"I am honored to have been assigned here." Goloen bowed his head to her.
"I am liking how I get to work with Dullahan." She cooed.
Two ended up being put back to work to get the place ready to open their doors. Corbeau and Hepzibah herds their pack of hounds to the back rooms.
8*8
Konstantin found Elaine visiting him after giving Mrs. Richards another priceless gift. Skirt suit a matching hat and pin with her owl resting on her shoulder. Covered basket on her arm when he allowed her into his apartment was seen.
"This is for you," She added to him an envelope, "Finder's fee for helping with the mummy. I also brought lunch since Serenity and my brother are attending a medical lecture."
"Is this how we will always be?" Konstantin asked about future interactions.
"Not like visiting my family's bar unless you're with Serenity or you're on a case," She pointed out, "I kinda like the role."
Inside she was allowed with him slightly requesting they work out a system that works for them. They need to set some boundaries for personal and private lives. Elaine was willing to do so since she was becoming a part of his life. This had had her bringing up the deal she made to Serenity about Fenrir. He found it amusing since Serenity adored her wolf dog with a passion. To the point the term she used was her furbaby. Which Elaine adored and thought she could use the term for their hounds.
