9108/Might Need Help

Might Need Help
Date of Scene:	15 December 2021
Location:	Brooklyn
Synopsis:	Selene and Elektra visit a contact to see about acquiring his help for some nasty business.
Cast of Characters:	Alexander Aaron, Selene Corvinus, Elektra Natchios

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Alexander Aaron has posed:
    The sun had fallen, drifting beneath the horizon and letting the temperature drop while above the low-hanging clouds threatened a snow that was due to fall sometime that night. Cold enough that the people in the city were rushing around in an effort to get the night's errands done before the storm would let loose. There was some hectic rushing, some furtive jostling in the markets. And, for some, the holiday spirit was likely strained.
    But not for Alexander Aaron, the young Olympian who had set out this night with a task. A task to acquire a myriad of different kinds of cider, different ingredients for several recipes, and to assemble the later into a suitable tasting menu. Because that's what the holidays are all about.
    Yet it was while he was out, backpack over his shoulder clinking and clanking with bottles held within, that he had received a message from a friend of some time ago... and perhaps on some level he's surprised she knew of his return.
    A few taps on the screen back and forth, and he arranged to make himself available in Brooklyn, just off 74th street, near the Christmas display with the tall tree in the park along the river. That'd serve as a neutral place. Depending on what was to be asked.

Selene Corvinus has posed:
It's Christmas? Oh right...

It's not generally a thing for Selene to celebrate any holidays. They just kind of whiz past her like a train in the night.

Tonight, she and Elektra are arriving at the meeting spot via Selene's black motorcycle. It roars up nearby before the engine is killed and Selene looks back over her shoulder at the woman with her. "Is that him?" She asks in a calm and quiet voice.

As they dismount the bike, Selene adjusts her long black leather jacket across her black clad body. She draws in a breath of the cold air, then exhales it... no visible release of steam leaving her lips.

"He's trustworthy?" She asks with another glance toward Ele.

Elektra Natchios has posed:
Jingle bells, jingle bells ....

Honestly, Elektra could stab someone with all the christmas 'spirit' going on in the streets. So much fake happiness, it does make her shudder. Yet they had yet to spot a 'Santa Claus' so there was that too. Perhaps she'd delay stabbing until they found one. She had brought a knife after all. Or three.

She is riding on the back, one arm around the woman in front of her until the motorcycle comes to a stop and she dismounts, a glance over, "As much as a Godling can be." she tells Selene, "He is also part of the Hellfire club. Perks of having the father he has." a faint smirk in the end.

She is dressed in a dark red leather jacket tonight, tight black shirt underneath and pants to match with the jacket. High boots end the ensemble. She is running one hand through her dark hair and she finally nods upon spotting Alexander. "There he is." she announces. "Come, lets go."

As they approach Elektra inclines her head at the young man, "Greetings. Been a while." she tells him. "A few birds told me you had returned."

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    The individual in question at first glance seems to be settled at his ease upon the park bench that faces along the line of the road and the flow of traffic. Behind him is a twenty foot tall tree decorated with beautiful lights and icicles and spheres of so many colors, while he himself seems to be rather monochromatic in his choice of clothes. A black pea coat that fits him well covers whatever he might be wearing for a top, and his grey jeans are fairly loose yet work well. Black leather hiking boots cover his feet, yet the only shock of color to him is the golden blond hair that he wears...
    Which might get a second glance from Elektra as his hair is actually somewhat long. And he has... a beard? Madness.
    But he rises fully upon sighting the assassin and her compatriot, gaining his full height and waiting there with a slight twist to a smile. When they draw near he gives a small nod, "Miss Natchios."
    It's not just the beard. He's... taller as well. A pair of inches? And his shoulders are a little more broad filling out that coat rather well. In any case he advances to offer his hand. If accepted he'll give a single shake, hand lifting to rest a hand on her shoulder in a hint of camaraderie. "It's been a while, I'm glad you're doing well."
    Then he turns to Selene and opens his hand giving that subtle body language that should she wish he will shake her hand as well. Though his greeting for her is a more reserved, "Ma'am."
    Polite. For a Godling. Then he steps back, "Is aught amiss?" For otherwise why would they call upon him?

Selene Corvinus has posed:
Selene's eyes linger on Elektra for a moment as they start to walk together side by side. "Someday I need to know more about this Hellfire place." She says in a smooth and relaxed tone before she shoots her eyes forward to the man in question as he begins to rise up from his seat. His entire appearance is taken in before Selene looks around their location. She quickly assesses the layout of the architecture around them before she looks back to Alex as he offers his hand to Ele, then to her.

She accepts it, and he'll note two key elements...

Strength in her grip, and jesus christ her hand is cold.

"Selene." She introduces herself. "It would seem you've made quite an impression upon our mutual friend here." She states then with a glance to Ele and a hint of a grin coming and going from her expression.

Her eyes go back to Alexander and she lingers a stare on his face for a moment before speaking again. "We're looking for assistance with an issue... that could involve quite a lot of danger." She explains vaguely in her mixed European accented English.

Elektra Natchios has posed:
"Soon." Elektra says in ways of promise to Selene, "When we finish dealing with Kraven." there's a certain tone of finality to her voice. It's clear what she would do to that particular vampire if she had the say so from the Coven. Yet they are then approaching and she arches a brow towards the Alexander. "Well, well. You certainly have grown. And you even got a beard, never thought you'd be able to pull it off." now she's hassling him. But at least she puts a smile to her face to show she is joking. Even if it's a razor smile.

The handshake is returned and she folds her arms together, letting them go ahead with introductions and nodding once Selene speaks of assistance being required. "Alexander is quite the expert where it comes to blades." she says to Selene. Which may also be telling that the issue Selene is speaking of is one that will be bloody.

But is that a surprise considering Elektra is in the mix? Yet she does not interrupt further while Selene speaks about the 'issue'. It should be her explaining it after all!

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    At Elektra's razzing, a glimpse of amusement is seen. He crinkles his nose and for a moment does look all 20 of his years. But his own smile is pleased, clearly enthused to touch base again with an old friend.
    Then to the vampire he turns. There is no hesitation in him, no anxiety. Selene likely has had so long gauging the manners of others, the language of their bodies. And in this Olympian she can see naught save an ease of manner and a curious forthrightness. The handshake with her is a brief one, formal, as if there was some ritual being performed. And the chill of that touch is simply accepted. Though noted assuredly.
    "Selene," He nods, lowering his eyes accepting the gift of her name. His attention returns to her own gaze and he holds it. Then she makes her wry comment about leaving impressions that he says, "And she has left several on me, luckily they healed." His eyes drift back to Elektra and his smile remains gentle, yet there is a tinge of curiousity in those pale hazel eyes.
    "Of course, ask of me what you wish. My time is yours." He answers their need for assistance.
    But it's when Elektra offers comment, and a kind one... that he actually does get a touch of color to his cheeks that isn't purely from the Winter's chill. "Elektra is kind, I do as I can."

Selene Corvinus has posed:
Selene glances between the two of them as they exchange a bit of information that gives detail to their past together. It makes her nod her head softly before she looks back to Alexander.

How do you sum all of this up in short order? How do you make it not sound... like it sounds when spoken out loud?

Selene takes a breath and looks toward the large shiny tree. "There's a war that has come to this country's shores. It's not a war you'll hear about in the nightly news. It's not a war anyone will speak about at their coffee shops, or on their social media feeds..." She says coldly as she looks back to Alexander.

"My people, and I, are from eastern Europe. We've come here to track down the last fledgeling members of an army that has been plaguing us for the better part of the last thousand years."

Yep. That's a long time.

"In our folly, we've failed to realize that one of our own has decided to change sides in this conflict, for his own benefit. He's tried to kill our local leader... and has now gone in to hiding. We need help finding him, and stopping him. We need to get to the bottom of why he's done the things he's done, and then... finish our task here."

It's vague! But it paints somewhat of a picture for what they're asking.

Elektra Natchios has posed:
The assassin shares attention with the duo, continuing her inspection of Alexander's new look and demeanor, dark eyes roaming up and down as if a shark upon prey. Yet such is her nature. She smiles faintly, "I was but trying to make you learn to be faster." a lift of her shoulders to Alexander in an helpless shrug. Some things just can't be helped. Like dodging her blades!

As Selene then begins to explain the situation her demeanor turns more serious. It's clear she has been involved as well. And the way she stands comfortably close to Selene is telling that there may be something more going on there. "It *is* dangerous though." she then finally adds when Selene finishes explaining the situation. "And you should be well aware that if you choose to help us you could get hurt, or worse."

"It would also mean we'd owe you a favor too. And you know what I am capable of." A grin as she then looks at Selene, "... And you shall learn what she is capable of too. I am certain you won't be disappointed."

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    "Faster she says," The first break in the youth's manner, though there's a hint of a growl in those words the twinkle in his eyes is vibrant.
    Then he turns back to Selene, Alexander's gaze remaining level with her, following along with her words, though at times his gaze drops to her lips as his brow faintly furrows. It's a bare look of concentration that drifts as he nods again near mid-point. "So another has crossed you and yours..."
    He looks to Elektra, as if seeing if the 'you' should include her as well. Then he continues. "And you would have words with him." There is something formal about his tone still, as if he were putting this moment and this situation into a mental template and treating it as such for honor's sake.
    "You need him alive at the least until you put questions to him. Am I understanding correctly?" Again he looks between the two as if making sure they are all on the same page.
    Lifting his chin slightly, a glance spared for Elektra, "Of course you have my aid, do you more need my sword at hand, or would I be of use in some form of parley?" His hands slide into the pockets of his great coat, eyes narrowing slightly. "My family is not entirely without influence, but I do not know if your opponents would respect such."
    Yet at the prospect of repayment he lifts a hand as if to wave it off. "Elektra, I know you would help me in most matters already if only because it would likely be something you wouldn't find boring." Then he looks to Selene, "Such as how I'll likely find this. You know you had me the moment you asked."

Selene Corvinus has posed:
The casually friendly snipes that the two of them make between each other, gives Selene some additional comfort in trusting Alexander. She keeps her posture straight, with her arms at her sides, though her eyes do flick about at the sounds and sights around them, as evidence of her diligence toward keeping watch and focus always pealed.

When Alex speaks further, then jumps right in to what they're offering without much further arm twisting, Selene just dips her chin in a light nod.

"There's more to this, as well. I'm sure you're not surprised by that, however." She states, as she looks over to Elektra, lingering her gaze for a moment before she sweeps her stare back to Alexander.

Where once were deep brown eyes, now Selene's pupils are a stark pale blue. The color of a cold winter Moon. They seem to almost glow with the ambient light refracting within them, as she stares at him now with a more intense expression. Predatorial.

"My people are Vampires, Mr. Aaron. And we are at war with an advanced form of Werewolves. It's a fued between brothers, that started a very long time ago..." She further explains, with the hints of her fangs visible behind her lips now as she speaks, small, but still pronounced.

"These enemies, the Lycans, are building their forces here in America. They've come to initiate members with mutations, or meta-human abilities, to increase their power... their threat to my people. My Covens."


With a slight shake of her head, Selene continues a moment later. "We are no longer hunting humans. We have evolved past that. All we're seeking now is to end this feud, and to then fade back in to the shadows of our home."

Elektra Natchios has posed:
"I did." Elektra assures Alexander with a nod once he says they had him from the moment they asked, "Yet you will still have the favor. You sometimes think of me as more altruistic than I truly am, Alexander." a faint smirk to her lips, "And perhaps believe me too easily bored to help with any matter."

Though with the favor it seems she is implying she will help in almost any matter. Within reason. For an assassin that's often rather unreasonable!

Gaze shifts back to Selene. Some kind of silent communication appears to occur then. A faint nod to Selene, as if stating it is fine to reveal what she is about to. And yes, it is no surprise to Elektra when Selene shows those pale blue eyes. In fact she is staring at them now. Not entranced, but perhaps something else.

"They got involved with the Hand a while back, and so I had to intervene." She explains, "Which was when we got to meet."

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    The young man watches Selene, gaze steady and intent. Elektra has perhaps seen him this way before, during a briefing for that mission ages ago when the city's spirit was either about to embrace life or death. It's an attentive look that devours the information before it.
    She reveals about her people's origins and he nods, lips parting subtly as he takes in a breath. Though he does not interrupt her, he listens as she speaks more to the enemies, to the werewolves, her goals, and the ending she seeks. It's only then that he lifts his voice in reply.
    "I have met a vampire in the past." A pause as his eyes slightly unfocus only to return to Selene's predaceous gaze. "Perhaps two."
    Then, as if he could not hold back the words further he turns to Elektra and confides simply. "Your friend is striking." A small shake of his head as if he could not believe it so for whatever then he returns his gaze to her.
    "Elektra holds strong enough sway with me to draw blade in her service. She has extended that to you in turn. So tell me what you wish and when, and I shall endeavour to make it so."
    When Elektra perhaps offers some measure of disagreement he crinkles his nose again slightly, "Grant me my delusions then." Yet when she speaks to the time with the Hand he nods once as if she had filled in a piece of the puzzle.

Selene Corvinus has posed:
Selene's stare drops then as she looks downward, her eyelids closing for a moment before she opens them again and once more looks to Elektra. She shows a quick smile at the talk of when they had met, then looks back to Alexander. Her eyes are once more that deep dark brown shade, and her fangs are no longer as pronounced behind her partially open lips.

"I'm glad that you're as eager as you seem to be to lend your help. But, then again, I've heard you're quite capable." She says before her right hand goes inside of her leather jacket.

She pulls out a small black tablet computer that she hands toward Alexander. "I've listed a number of details about the man we're seeking. He goes by the name of Kraven. You'll find pictures, and a run down of his known contacts here. Also... a list of what he's capable of. He's... arrogant. He's cocksure. He's a capable fighter, but he chooses to hide behind others under his influence, if at all possible. He would've likely become a member of my Covens council had he not taken this recent change of allegience."

"The woman that I work for wants him alive. Elektra and I will do the best we can to see this happen. But if things come down to it... his death may be a necessary element."

Selene glances toward Elektra, and then back to Alex again. "Elektra has had people tracking him prior to this assassination attempt he's made. We have a few leads on where he might be, so we will be looking in to them firstly. This is where we'll ask you to join us. My people have an army, an army that I lead. But I am keeping them on the outskirts of this search, as I can't be sure who within the ranks may believe in Kraven's cause."

Elektra Natchios has posed:
"I know." About her friend being striking, that is. There's also a slightly raised brow that seems somewhat protective though. And maybe aggressive! Such a protective assassin she is towards this vampire apparently. As they are getting to the final end of their business talk she smiles faintly. "It's only a matter of time until we dig him out. Though your influence will certainly be welcome, and your skills."

A small shift from her posture is telling that she may not necessarily agree with bringing the man back alive but she keeps her peace about it.

She only speaks up again when Alexander speaks of delusions, "Smoke and mirrors are my trade. You should know about that by now. Illusion and delusion go hand by hand."

Alexander Aaron has posed:
    "Ah," Alexander's smile slips easier, now that the formalities have been handled. He has given voice to his obligation, and the methods of honor have been satisfied. So his tone is a little light when he replies, "Eager, or perhaps I have been bored myself. So I'm looking forward to adventure."
    When she produces the tablet he accepts it, does not look at it, instead pockets it almost instantly into his inner breast pocket of his coat. He nods as she explains the terms of engagement, the objectives. His head tilts to the side for a moment, "If I find him, I'll contact you."
    Then he steps to the side reaching down to his backpack and hoists it up with the clink of glass upon glass. He looks between the two of them, "I don't suppose you two drink cider?"