12173/Defenders: What An Antique

Defenders: What An Antique
Date of Scene:	14 August 2022
Location:	Frost Antiques
Synopsis:	A deal goes down with an antiques dealer while some people catch up. No one is singed this time!
Cast of Characters:	Veira Lazarescu, Jan de Wit, Matthew Murdock, Daisy Johnson

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Veira Lazarescu has posed:
Frost Antiques is a rather dour looking place, like most antique stores, it holds the feeling of all things old and might give off just a little bit of creep given there are stuffed dead animals and other things that line some of the walls. The Defenders had gotten word that some of the items from the Tracksuit warehouse fire might have been brought to this place and sold under the guise of family heirlooms or just found in old house clean outs, etc.

Most people won't ask questions in this city and well, the proprietor of Frost Antiques, Gilbert Frost is far too attached to living to do much question asking. The mild mannered man is behind the counter today as Sunday is generally a slow day for the store.

But Sunday is the perfect day to go antiquing or go in search of new things to imbue with magic. Alright, Veira's a weirdo, don't judge. The tall Romanian woman was heading for one of the sections that held old furniture, "Oooo. This one is nice." the one eye goes over the old velvet chaise and then back to Jan, "Does it scream fainting couch?" she quirks an ebon brow at him.

Jan de Wit has posed:
Fainting couch? She really is the Gothiest! Jan had been out and about with Veira, happy to be shopping and looking over things for the home. "It does, yes. Do we need to setup a room as a parlor, then? Themed and all?" He bumps her hip with his. "We have plenty of rooms we could setup that way..."

As to the potential clues here, something just suggested he be here - more so than shopping, that is. He was all but drawn to the antique store. "Are we planning on restoring the furniture?"

Matthew Murdock has posed:
The last few days have been pretty hectic. After a fight with Burning Tiger had led to a lull in the masked man's arson spree, the enigmatic villain had been back at it. Daredevil and Quake had arrived to late to stop him, or even spot the man who had watched his lovely flames from a distance. Though the pair had managed to evacuate the families from the apartment building, preventing loss of life.

A few singes resulted in Matt lying low for a few days to avoid having to explain the visible burns. But finally he's healed up enough to be able to be out and about.

So it is he suggests to Daisy that they do some shopping. After stopping for brunch at a favorite place, the pair step into the antique shop. "Foggy and Karen covered quite a bit for me the last week. So if we can find something to say thank you, that would be a nice gesture," he comments to Daisy. "Karen likes knickknacks so this seems like a good spot for something for her."

Daisy Johnson has posed:
It had been a close call that could had lead to something worse that meeting with the results of Burning Tiger's attacks. Not that having to lie down for a few days wasn't bad but Quake was an optimistic perhaps to compensate on Matt's more gloomy disposition. She had taken a few days out as well from SHIELD but now it was time to face the world again!

"You know, I am good at shopping. You could had rested a while longer.." Knicknacks though? "But maybe it's good you came, you are my go-to where it comes to uh .., knickknacks.." she is clearly amused at the use of that word. An easily amused Daisy.

"Now, what do we think would do well?" She looks around the place and then brings Matt along, a more excited voice now coming out of her, "Oooo, I always wanted one of these when I was a kid! One of those music boxes with a dancing ballerina inside."

And yes, she wouldn't shut up about it when she was a kid back at the orphanage. Matt would know!

Veira Lazarescu has posed:
Mister Frost greets the newcomers with the usual schtick, if they needed anything, he'd be there. He seems to be a timid sort of man though and he keeps giving a look at Veira, did she really have only one eye? Weirdos. He finds something to dust to take his mind off of things.

There are shelves full of antique knick-knacks, theirs occupied Japan ceramics and a ton of painted porcelain figures and animals. A lot of stuff that might take a few minutes or a half hour to get through.

Veira gives a look to Jan, "I guess an old timey parlor wouldn't be bad. Maybe we can set it up like one of those old victorian sceance setups?" she teases him gently. Then she looks to the others in the store and there is a nod of greeting to Daisy with a smile. Veira was retired, but she was still friendly!

The door opens, admitting a man in his early thirties with the build of someone that works out a lot. His hair is a bit mussed and he looks like he's running on little sleep. He gives a look around the store and then towards the counter before he approaches, "Mister Frost? I called earlier." he states as he settles a small box on the counter.

Jan de Wit has posed:
Jan studies the chairs with a careful eye, his finger at his chin as he ponders. "I mean, I am not opposed - and I don't necessarily think you're joking about it either." He winks to Veira, looking over to her with a chuckle. "I am totally fine with having a room like that - so long as the rest of the estate does not turn into the Adams Family home." There's a gentle teasing in his voice.

Standing up straight, he nods. "I think these will do, for starters. We can work on the other items as we figure out what we'd like?"

He does make note of the others, browsing for chachkis. A friendly smile and nod are given by way of greeting - apparently Sundays are the day to visit those more ecclectic places.

As the younger man enters with an appointment, he cants his head to regard him. The glance around the store has him wondering if something more... unusual isn't going on.

Matthew Murdock has posed:
Matt's cane taps occasionally in front of him, though he lets Daisy guide him into the store and along the displays, counters and shelves of antiques and various things for sale. "Well, Karen's tastes are..." Matt says, before trailing off. "Well. Hrm. I'm not even quite sure how to describe them," he admits in his deep, slightly gravelly voice before giving a soft chuckle.

"Actually, something like that would probably appeal to her too," Matt says as Daisy mentions a music box. "Let's take a look," he says.

When they arrive at the display with the music boxes, Matt reaches out, feeling about for one. His fingers move over it, examining it, though the others in the shop are competing for his attention as he catches familiar scents. He doesn't mention it though, opening up the music box instead. It begins playing Fur Elise, the little ballerina figuring turning to the music.

Daisy Johnson has posed:
"I think we have found our gift.." Daisy says in that kind of tone that brooks no doubt or dissent, "She will love it." Daisy certainly doesn't seem the type that takes long to decide what to buy. But the morning is young still, who knows what else she may buy?

The happenings at the counter don't immediately call on her attention, specially as a familiar face calls her attention. She looks at Veira, "Oh, what a small world.." she cants her head to the side.

"Someone here that used to work at SHIELD. We should go say hello.." she waves over in a greeting gesture towards Veira, smiling her way.

Veira Lazarescu has posed:
"Ah, Mister Steiner? Yes, come on over and let me see what we have here." Gilbert states as the man settles things onto the counter. He seems to be curious as to what the young man has brought him. It leaves him dealing with the man that called earlier while the others get to look about.

Veira gives a look to Jan, "I promise not to turn the rest of the house into a haunted house." she muses to her fiance. "Maybe I should teach you how to fence next." she teases him. She sees Daisy's wave and there is a smile, "Would you like to meet someone from SHIELD?" she asks Jan as she starts to head towards the SHIELD agent.

"I'm not sure if I should call you Miss Johnson or Agent Johnson." she tells Daisy. "How are you doing?" she asks Daisy and Matt as well given he's with her.

Jan de Wit has posed:
That was a promise! There are witnesses! Jan grins, nodding to Veira as his attention comes back to her. "Fencing, hrm... it could be useful on stage." He beams, his hand sliding to Veira's as they talk. SHIELD? That has him glancing around. "Of course! Someone you know, correct? Not someone staking us out?" He's half-joking, of course.

As they walk over toward Daisy, and tangently Matt, the former gets a wave of greeting. He's noticed Matt's cane and shades, thankfully.

Matthew Murdock has posed:
As Matt is listening to the music box, he smiles and tells Daisy, "If you don't mind her having it," he says of the small antique. "If you wanted it for yourself, we could find something else for Karen," he offers.

As the other couple approach them, something tickles at Matt's memory. Though the fires that claimed the Tracksuit's warehouse did a lot to interfere with Matt's sense of smell that night, he did get enough of the scents of Veira and Jan that he is able to place them as being the vigilantes who had fought outside the warehouse.

His smile doesn't show anything of his thoughts though as he tells Daisy, "Of course, always nice to meet your coworkers. Or former ones," he says. He lets Daisy lead him to meet the couple halfway. Matt waits to let Daisy do the introductions, and after will offer a smile and a greeting, "Hello. Very nice to meet you."

Daisy Johnson has posed:
"No, we will get it for her." Daisy then lifting her nose a touch and speaking in a faux-british accent, "Seeing someone's smile is it's own reward, Daisy. And a sign of maturity." yes, she's trying to copy Jemma Simmons' accent, which Matt might recognize. She then whispers to him. "I think she's right, but Daisy the orphanage hopper would had laughed in her face and pilfered it.."

With Veira and Jan coming closer she grimaces at those first words from Veira. "Please, Daisy will do. I am not on duty. And even if I was.." she lifts her shoulders in a shrug, her eyes watching Veira for a few good moments and then Jan. She smiles at the duo, "It's been a while, so the rumors were true? You retired from active duty?", then she getting to introductions, "This is Matt Murdock, best lawyer on this side of Hell's Kitchen. Matt, this is Veira Lazarescu. We know each other from SHIELD."

And for the first time she saved Matt from a pie joke when introducing him to people.

Veira Lazarescu has posed:
Mister Steiner and Mister Frost do their business, talking over the item in the box in hushed tones given they don't want to interrupt anyones conversations. There is a bit of a moment that Mister Frost gives an estimated price to Mister Steiner and the man holds up a finger, "Let me think on it a minute. I'm going to step outside and do that so I don't bump into anything in here." the blonde haired man states.

Veira doesn't seem too interested in the conversation that's going on with the proprietor and his client. None of her business really. "It's good to see you, Daisy." she tells her with a smile. "And it's nice to meet you, Mister Murdock, I might have to see about checking you out if I ever need a lawyer." she tells Matt. Then she looks back to Daisy and there is a chuckle, "Yeah, put in my twenty years and well...Homeland gave me a new position so I'm trying to make sure I'm present there and I've got some life changes happening." she admits.

Speaking of those life changes, "This is my fiance, Jan de Wit. Jan, this is Daisy Johnson of SHIELD and her friend Matt Murdock." she introduces the others to him.

Jan de Wit has posed:
Introductions and manners - those are Jan's trade bread and butter! He smiles politely to both Matt and Daisy. "Pleased to meet you both!" He beams, his warmth and friendly nature easily read in his tone. As Veira explains her shuffling around with Homeland, he looks to Matt. "May I ask as to what theater of law you work in, Mr. Murdock?"

Knowing lawyers is good for any number of reasons - especially in the entertainment and vigilante arenas!

"We're out and about doing some home decor shopping..." Jan explains. "Spending a lazy Sunday enjoying the finds in these older shops."

Matthew Murdock has posed:
As Daisy makes a claim to Matt's legal prowess, he gives her a gentle and grateful look. "I don't know about that, but at least, a lawyer, this side of Hell's Kitchen," he says in a joking tone back.

"Very nice to meet you, Veira, Jan. And congratulations on your engagement," Matt offers them. "Just doing a little shopping of our own. Thank you gifts for my partner and our legal assistant for covering for me while I was out," he says, gesturing with the music box he's carried along with them.

In answer to Jan, Matt says, "We do both civil and criminal litigation. Housing disputes, contracts, defense. Always been a fan for the little guys I guess." Matt can't help giving a shrug and a soft smile. "So what kind of work are you in, Jan?" he inquires.

Daisy Johnson has posed:
"Oooh, congratulations!" Daisy seems surprised at Veira being engaged, beaming a smile at Jan, "Must be a special gentleman to have caught your attention, mmm? It's good to meet you. Do you work in Homeland too?" she asks with some curiosity. "But I will say, didn't know you had shifted to Homeland..." then she lowering her tone, "I hope it wasn't to one of those desk jobs.." she shudders at it.

Desk jobs and bureaucracy. Daisy's great enemy.

She casts a look over to the counter as the talk between the two continues on some item but it's mostly idle curiosity because soon enough her attention is back on the others near her.

Veira Lazarescu has posed:
Mister Steiner returns while conversations are still going and there is a look given to the antiques dealer for a moment as he wonders if he's made the best decision in his life. Maybe he did. "I'll take the offer." he tells the older man in a quiet tone. Not really one to argue. Money was money in this day and age. "Ah, good. I'll write you up a check then. I don't have this much petty cash in the building given robbery." Mister Frost admits.

Veira gives a smile to Jan as he talks to peopel, he was good at that! "Thank you." Veira tells Matt when he congratulates the engagement. Then there's a smile to Daisy, "Thank you as well. And he is pretty special. I'm glad I got lucky." she grins to that. Given her last fiance was a SHIELD agent and died in the attack on New York it might have been enough time to get over heartbreak.

"And no, not a desk job thankfully. It involves travel though and I guess that's a little better than being chained to a desk for eternity. My degree is in Homeland Security, so had worked there while doing SHIELD stuff." she admits.

Jan de Wit has posed:
Jan gives an ah to indicate he'd heard Matt, and was listening. "Defending the rights of the little guys is how America is intended to be, yes?" His accent is likely from one of the Scandanavian countries, just by hearing it. "Law is fascinating - though I admit most of my almost assuredly incorrect understanding of it is from television serials." A chuckle.

"I am a performer. I dance, to be specific. I've worked touring, as well as on Broadway." He grins. "It is my passion - nothing captures me like an intricate dance and the art within." Jan explains to both Matt, and Daisy. "Not a member of any government agency, alas."

Looking to Veira, he smiles. "It was a wonderful proposal - I happily accepted." He's clearly unfazed by Veira doing the proposing! "Thank you both." A look then to Veira, then back to Daisy and Matt. "If you like, we can extend an invitation to the wedding, once we decide upon a date?"

Matthew Murdock has posed:
"Yes, it's supposed to," Matt agrees with Jan. "Unfortunately not quite everyone actually lives by that. But we do our best. And, well, television definitely makes things far more dramatic. Though there's some veins of truth in it too. We don't get to have such dramatic moments in the court though. Well, not usually," he says.

A slow nod is given as Jan reveals he's a dancer. "Unfortunately not something I've been able to appreciate like others," he says, lifting his hand that still holds his cane just slightly to help with realizing Matt's talking about his visual disability. "But I can imagine it's the kind of job one can really have a passion for," he says approvingly.

Matt turns his head towards Daisy a little so his words are addressed to her. "If you'd like, Daisy, would be happy to," he says of Jan's offer, though leaving it up to his own better half.

Daisy Johnson has posed:
"He may not be able to appreciate dancing like others but ..." And Daisy leans in again as if sharing some secret but it's all said in a good natured manner, "... his dance moves can be impressive. With the right stimulation, of course." she nudging Matt gently with her elbow.

"Oh, I am sure we could." She looks up at Matt, then back to the other two, "SHIELD can get a bit unpredictable with their missions but .., think we should be able to it.." and then a chuckle. "Would be a good place for you to show your dance moves, Matt."

"Are you both living here in Hell's Kitchen now?" She then wonders. "We live a few blocks off."

Veira Lazarescu has posed:
Mister Steiner waits patiently for the check to be made out. Quietly sliding his ID and things across the counter to the man so that he can log it all in the book. There is a look to the others in the store, a nod of greeting, but then he goes back to his waiting. It doesn't take a whole lot of time for paper to be filled out and the cashiers check to be handed over. "If the bank has any issues with it they'll call me. We've had a few other high price items come in this year, they just check. No harm on your end." the older man states with a smile. "Have a good day, Mister Steiner and hopefully all goes well." he adds. The blonde man gives a dip of his head to Mister Frost and then tucks the check away before heading towards the exit.

Veira's listening to the others quietly and there's a smile given to Jan, then the others, "We'd love to send an invitation, yes." she tells them. "Given I only have one eye I've never been good at dancing." she muses. "But, I'm learning slowly now." she smiles to Jan. "SHIELD's good at unpredictable schedules, I'd be surprised if I got everyone that I'd like to invite from there." she chuckles.

"And no, we live in Manhattan right now. I still have my place over in Queens, but that's mainly just the occult shop." she muses to that. She was an Occultist in the end of things. "Though I have a feeling we might be visiting a bit more often." she adds.

Matthew Murdock has posed:
Matt gestures with the music box to indicate he's going to go take care of it. He taps his way with the cane over to where he heard Gilbert Frost speaking. As he hears Mr. Steiner stepping away, Matt gives a nod of his head in the direction of Gilbert Frost's voice. "Hello Mr. Frost. Wondered as to the price of this," he asks, offering over the music box.

"Oh yes, lovely piece. Bought it on consignment, so I don't know the history, though it was made in Germany," the proprietor says to Matt. He names a price, and Matt pulls out a credit card to pay for it. "Excellent, let me box it up for you," the man says. Gilbert Frost takes great care in wrapping the music box carefully so it won't get damaged on the way home. "There you go," he says.

"Thank you sir," Matt says, taking the box when Gilbert brings it to Matt's hands, and then returning to Daisy. "Karen's all set. Now something for Foggy. I was thinking maybe a gym membership. He'll get a laugh out of it, but maybe it'll get some use?" he suggests.

Towards Veria and Jan, Matt says, "Very nice meeting you both. Looking forward to the festivities," Matt offers.