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Post by Countess on Aug 14, 2024 19:49:08 GMT
Ricky leans on the bar, surveying her little slice of heaven. The Oblivion is bustling, as it always is, his many patrons drinking, carousing, conducting business, visiting, brooding... Exactly how he likes it. The rules of this place are well known throughout the magical community, as well as generally respected. Ricky, while he cannot harm anyone, has absolute control over his dominion. Who comes, who goes, his Door system, the conjuring of food and rooms, every last detail under his command. More than that, more than simply having the, arguably, best bar and hotel in the universe, he is also the last White Mage... the only one in all the cosmos to wield the ancient power of Good, of Life, of Purity... and not fuck it all up like the others.
He took powerful vows to get to this place, ones he can never take back without horrible repercussions. In those vows, he cannot say no to healing someone, he cannot ask for payment for such services, and must come when called in desperation. He isn't exactly... overt about those stipulations, but it is the magical community. Somewhere, in some dusty old tome, it is written down for posterity. Word like that gets around, though usually in whispers. He may not be harmful, but he is fearsome. One might argue that it isn't harming someone to lock them away in a stasis, or not malicious to send them across the galaxy to a place they don't know but is absolutely beautiful to behold...
Ricky says all that matters is the intention. The same knife that kills can also heal- in the right hands.
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Post by DornKoon on Aug 14, 2024 20:26:35 GMT
There was a small flash of light from outside before the door opened, and a black cat hurried inside the bar, dressed in a small tie, looking very smart for a cat. He quickly scanned the area, sniffing the air for a few moments before making his way in the direction of the bar, darting past other patrons who did not give him as much as a sideways glance. It was nothing new and worked in his favour for the moment.
One of the good things about this cat business was listening to other people's conversations, and he did love some excellent juicy beef whenever he could get his hands on it. Bars were a great place for beef, and magical bars even more so! Witches, Warlocks, Demons, Druids and Spirits were always full of gossip, and many more than willing to share with the right encouragement.
"Ricky. Good to see you." Salem greeted, leaping onto one of the barstools and making himself comfortable. This was not the first time Salem had visited the establishment, even if it was far between the visits. "Been a while, you're looking fresh. Have you done something to your hair?"
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Post by Countess on Aug 14, 2024 20:50:07 GMT
Ricky quirks his head to the side, eyes narrowing a bit in confusion as Salem addresses him. He sucks a lip in, then drops whatever it is he has in his hands, the item floating harmlessly in the air. With his now free hand, he plucks at the air, pulling a book from liminal space.
"You will have to forgive me, sir, I am afraid you've caught me at a disadvantage..." Ricky says, opening the book, pages turning on their own. It seems to react to him, his thoughts, and perhaps also Salem. Then, it stops completely. Two polaroid photographs float up, one depicting Salem the Person, though it is far too old and faded to make a face out, and the other Salem the Cat. On the back of both are little notes, and the Mage reads them rather quickly, then smiles.
"Salem, my dear friend! It has been a while, missed my birthday, you rascal!" he says, beaming. "I'm trying a new slicked back look I have been told makes me look dashing, thoughts?"
Ricky has always been a source of bemusement.
"Your usual? Or something more daring?"
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Post by DornKoon on Aug 14, 2024 21:39:30 GMT
"I'll start with the usual and something to nibble on if you wouldn't mind. We'll think of being daring once I've got something in me, but I'm open to suggestions. Do you have something in mind?" Salem replied. "Got any of those excellent scrimp cocktails?"
With it said, Salem took another moment to examine the mage's look, tilting his head to the side with a small Hmmm... sound. He'd never been good at hairstyles; that was Sabrina's business, but he could safely say that Ricky did not look bad in it; if anything, his look reminded Salem of the 20s or 40s, depending on who you wanted to look at for inspiration.
"Yes, there is a reason why so many of the old boys used the look back when," he commented with a slight nod. "Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly. Very 1940's. Boy, those were the days; what a mess the world was in. Still, Mussilini's wife made a very nice lasagna, and Stalin never skimped on the vodka." He spoke casually like one would about the weather. "It's nice to see that some things don't change, the mortal world... you can't even go outside without them changing something..."
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Post by Countess on Aug 14, 2024 21:52:08 GMT
"Coming right up," Ricky says, grinning all the while. The book is quickly referenced, then tossed back into the ether. From that same demiplane, Ricky pulls out his wand, a simple little thing. Rather dated, all things considered, but Ricky is a dated sort of guy. With a flick, a rather ostentatious saucer materializes, filling quickly with the sweetest of creams.
"As for suggestions... I have learned of the fad of sushi, dear Salem. Extensively studied it, can recreate the most decadent of morsels for you. Shrimp Cocktail, phooey, my friend. You deserve the best. No need to worry, either, I'll put it all on your tab."
Ricky winks at Salem, a devilish glint in his eyes.
All the people he mentions go over his head, so much so that he plucks that book from wherever it went, jotting down the names for research later. "I will have to take your word for it," he says, the book going back to nowhere. "Tell me, friend, how have you been? How much longer is left on your punishment? Not long, I hope, and you'll forgive me if it is a sore subject."
Ricky brushes completely over the mention of things changing... a couple months ago, to him, it was 1805, and he was in love.... so little remains. So... wretchedly... little.
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Post by DornKoon on Aug 15, 2024 10:30:19 GMT
"Much obliged," said Salem, taking a few licks of the cream. "That's just what I needed."
The cat's ears did perk at the mention of sushi.
"Now, that is a suggestion I could get behind!" He exclaimed, choosing to ignore the comment about the shrimp, as he did happen to like those cocktails... they were an excellent comfort. Still, the notion of sushi was way better! "I think I'll take you up on that offer, and knowing you, I'm sure I won't be disappointed."
He returned for a few more licks of the cream before pausing at Ricky's question. Salem contemplated for a few seconds.
"Well, I'm no longer living with the Spellmans, not since Sabrina married her charming Kinkle. Still, she visits occasionally for advice, which I'm always willing to give." He said, "Been living at Doctor Strange's place, also been given the position of a liaison from Darkwatch after my daring distraction of The Enchantress during that last final battle, finally getting to do something useful other than feuding with the neighbour, or listening for the can opener."
He let the words sink in before he continued. He was not ashamed of his feline form; one got used to it after a while.
"No, not too long; I've been a cat for 55 years, so another 45 to go should not be a problem. At the very least, I'm no longer interested in taking over the world; it's too much of a bother, and the world is such a messed up place anyway. Still-- going to be nice to have my magic back; as much as I love making potions, it's not all the same."
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Post by Countess on Aug 15, 2024 17:55:15 GMT
"One platter of the world's finest fish for the world's finest feline... coming up," Ricky says, rolling up his sleeves. Now- it is a well known fact in magic that the creation of Something out of Nothing is difficult, precise, and energy consuming. In a place like this, that sort of conjuration would have Ricky in an early grave. Most conjurers do just that- conjure from another place. That, too, can be tricky, as theft is very poorly received. Ricky's family- when they were alive- were known for their domestic spells, making a name for themselves in the Magical Hospitality industry. This is one of those spells... While it appears to be run of the mill conjuration, it is, in fact, transfiguration. A side step, made perfectly for the palate.
Ricky, with a wave of his wand, creates a beautiful platter of sushi, one he studied extensively a month ago in order to recreate it. "Bon Appétit, Salem," he says with a modicum of pride in himself. "Spellmans? Of course, wonderful family, they are the ones with the twins, correct?" Ricky says, cordially. He's just happy he knows this one. It is hard to keep up with so many new people and names... "Sabrina? You mentioned her before- I take it she is rather new to the family? I suppose congratulations, though belated, are in order. I'll send my regards," Ricky says, writing down the reminder. Knowing him, he has done this a few times already.
"Doctor Strange? What a silly name," Ricky says, chuckling. "He certainly sounds new to the scene. Darkwatch? Enchantress? Salem, fill me in! I would hate to be behind!" he exclaims, a touch for effect, but mostly out of curiosity. What has he forgotten now? More importantly, if there is another magical cabal running around, he could offer them his services... for a price. Mostly.
"How time flies, you'll be back to your two legged self in no time," Ricky says demurely enough. "I look forward to the New and Improved Salem! It will be like nothing for me, so forgive me if I end up asking this every time," he says, winking at his little joke. Indeed- Ricky seems to ask about this every time Salem shows up after a birthday. |
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Post by DornKoon on Aug 15, 2024 20:54:08 GMT
"Ohoho, now that's the stuff!" Salem exclaimed at the sushi, saying that this day had just become much better than before. "I'll be sure to bon this appetite!" He did not hesitate before picking a juicy piece of fish and taking a nice bite. The flavour was as unique as it looked, maybe even better. Fresh fish, there was nothing like it in the world.
"Yes, Sabrina, her father married a human woman, and when he died, she went to live with her aunts. I was staying there as part of my sentence, and Hilda's punishment was taking care of me." He examined Ricky for a moment... "You remember Hilda and Zelda Spellman-- right? I think we stopped by during Queen Victoria's coronation."
"You need to get out more, my boy," The cat said, "Strange is the current sorcerer supreme, decent enough guy. Now, how can I explain it in a good and dramatic way?" Salem contemplated for a few moments before... "A woman named June Moone became the host of The Enchantress. Humans tried to control her, and she unleashed destruction onto the whole world. The dangers with playing with ancient powers-- I keep well away from those; it is too much of a headache. Anyway, the humans asked for help from those of us with magic knowledge, and Strange and a few others founded Darkwatch. You know, the usual suspects are Zatana, Constantine, and Prudence. No idea where June Moone is now; Fate hid her somewhere."
"I might even get my sentence shortened from good behaviour," Salem added. "And yes, I indeed want to make the most of it when I become myself again."
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Post by Countess on Aug 15, 2024 21:22:27 GMT
"Yes, I recall Hilda and Zelda- they were close with my parents, more so than I," Ricky says, taking that moment of talking about his now very dead parents that were not so dead to him two months ago to busy himself with something under the bar. Gives him a second to... breathe through it. Get it in the past. Firmly back then.
"Yes- though I am afraid I was firmly cursed by then. I'm sure I'll break it one of these years! Getting closer and closer," Ricky says, lying through his teeth. He hasn't made any progress in decades, and has given up hope on ever truly being free of it. "You shall have to remember for the both of us, dear Salem. I do recall Hilda and Zelda coming by for my uncle's wedding, however- a feat onto itself, seeing as no one remembers that party. Perhaps a blessing in disguise, considering the insanity that they got up to. Who in their right mind plays chicken with a werewolf?" Ricky laughs, shaking his head.
"Yes... I have not gotten out since my birthday... hard to get out with all this work to do," he says, neglecting to mention he doesn't leave because he can't bear the changes in the world.
Ricky listens intently as Salem spins his yarn, paying close attention to every detail. Occasionally, he writes down some notes, but allows other staff to take care of needy customers. Salem is proving to be incredibly helpful in catching him up to speed... He references his notes, nodding as he sees some of this written in various other books.
"I thankfully know Zatanna and Constantine, they introduced themselves rather early on this time around the sun. Prudence, however... Halliwell?" Ricky asks. "Good behavior indeed! One might call you heroic, Salem!"
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Post by Beriadan on Aug 16, 2024 11:05:16 GMT
"Sneaking out of the Sanctum to go to a bar doesn't quite fall under my interpretation of 'good behaviour', Salem."
The voice came before the visuals, which was a neat trick Strange had been working on. Mere child's play to him, even it took a bit more effort to actually slide into this place without being seen. He was sitting on a stool a few patrons down from the feline and the barkeep, occupying a space that had indeed been empty a few seconds earlier.
Strange pushed himself off the stool after he allowed a few seconds for his dramatic entrance to sink in, claiming instead the spot next to Salem with a nod towards Ricky, though his expression was perhaps a window to a more suspicious soul within. Strange had recently encountered Desire's home-made universe, in the guise of the Fake New York. It had been a near miss, and Strange wasn't about to let that happen again.
"Nice establishment you have here. Doctor Stephen Strange, and as silly as it sounds, that was the name my parents gave me."
He gave Ricky a smile, not cold but not entirely warm, either, then glanced down at Salem with a darker tone glinting in his eye. The bane of his life, the thorn in his side, dumped on his doorstep by the other members of Darkwatch like some twisted joke. There would be stern words later, but the wizard had as much hold over Salem as he would an eel in a wrestling match during a downpour of olive oil. Strange took a piece of sushi instead, looking back towards Ricky with that same polite smile.
"Sorcerer Supreme, protector of the New York Sanctum Sanctorum, Leader of Darkwatch, yada yada. What can I call you, Mister...?"
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Post by DornKoon on Aug 16, 2024 17:02:01 GMT
"Hilda and Zelda are Sabrina's aunts; she's Edward Spellman's daughter." Salem explained, "She's turned into a mighty witch, partly from my influence. I'm not sure you heard, but my Annabelle is married now. Walking her down the aisle was challenging, but I performed my role as the bride's father as best I could." He let out a small sigh; it was a little sad that he could not have been there in the form of a man, but being there as a cat would have to do... he needed to make it up to her... in about 45 years.
He watched as Ricky came back up.
"I know exactly how it feels," said Salem; he was familiar with Ricky's dark background; he'd been a dark warlock himself during those days and well before it. "In the sense of the word, we both walk similar paths, albeit with different methods. Some walk on four legs, and others two." He took another bite of the sushi to let his words sink in before continuing. " And I did not mean going out into the mortal world; there are other realms to visit."
"Wharton, she goes by Madame Moon." Salem thought, hmm. "Funny, I've not heard the Halliwell name for a while now. I wonder how the Charmed Ones are doing these days."
Salem was in the middle of a sip of cream when Strange spoke up. The cat coughed and hacked before sliding off the barstool with a yelp and a series of expletives that were better not translated into the human tongue. Salem managed to get back up quickly enough, and he gave Strange a piercing glare.
"I certainly did not sneak out; I'm not a prisoner, Stephen." He said, sitting back down. He ignored the glare, instead taking another few sips of cream before sighing. "Nothing wrong with checking in on an old friend; let me introduce you to Richard Quantaince XIII, one of, if not the, best practitioner of White Magic I've had the pleasure of knowing." He gave Ricky a friendly grin. "and one hell of a drink maker."
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Post by Countess on Aug 16, 2024 17:43:25 GMT
"With a teacher like you, it would take a potato to not come out powerful," Ricky says, easily complimenting the cat. In truth, he has no idea... but it is easier to smarm than to research then put one's foot in their mouth. "I had not heard! Congratulations! Ah, I shall have to send a gift... Perhaps I did know, and already sent one. I am sure she, and many others, are benefiting greatly from my amnesia," Ricky says, grinning in true happiness for his friend.
Empathy- a strange thing to receive to Ricky, though he relishes it all the same. "You are a good friend to me, Salem. I'll forget it, surely, but realizing it over and over surely has to count for something, no?" he says, smiling, this time more genuinely. He lets the barkeep mask slip a bit, showing the man beneath. "Since you are so insistent, perhaps you could take me on a walkabout one of these days. I need to learn more cuisine, surely, make my patrons something fabulous and fit for a King," he says, winking, the mask being deftly put back on. He was never one to linger, regardless.
"I am afraid I do not know Madame Moon, an auspicious moniker so say the least. As for the Charmed Ones, they were here a couple weeks back, and seemed to be in good spirits, for what that's worth," Ricky says, comfortable in continuing this conversation- something scratches on the edge of his awareness-
Ah, yes, a newcomer surely. "Doctor Strange! Well, as I live and breathe, we were just speaking about you. Sorcerer Supreme! Congratulations! Though, a shame about The Ancient One..." Ricky murmurs. Yet another thing to change... That one wasn't supposed to, I mean... they were called the Ancient One for a reason...
"Sneaking and skulking around can lead to good things, like making new acquaintances. I am sure you agree, Dr. Strange," Ricky says, a mischievous look in his eyes. He has every reason to back up Salem... and none for this new Sorcerer Supreme. Ricky beams proudly as Salem introduces him, standing just a bit taller. "Yes, yes, but just call me Ricky. I am not just any White Mage, but the White Mage. I have taken all the vows needed, and have upheld them with aplomb. Quite nice to meet, truly meet, someone new! This, my dear, is the Oblivion. It is a space between space of my family's making, been in existence for.... ever, surely? Think of us as your home away from home.
"There are some rules, of course, first off being while here, everyone is under my protection. Seeing as I am a White Mage, and much like Doctors, I have an oath to do no harm. While here, I expect the same of my patrons. This is the only place in all of the cosmos and dimensions where you can rub elbows with any practitioner from any walk of life and be rest assured you will not be targeted by them. We have all accommodations for all species, lovely conference rooms, mediation specialists, and a fantastic menu. We do not operate on cash, but on the favor system. Everyone here has a running tab, and I typically am the one to collect."
Ricky smiles. "Any questions so far?"
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Post by Beriadan on Aug 16, 2024 19:05:38 GMT
Strange didn't take his eyes of Ricky as he ate Salem's sushi, listening to the cat's introduction of this... of The White Mage. Not someone he had heard of, but that didn't account for everything. Some of the most powerful magical practitioners out there were totally unknown to him, probably. He couldn't exactly be sure.
"Well you sure aren't paying rent, so I don't know what that makes you," he retorted, but his glare was replaced with a smirk towards Salem. Perhaps a bit uncharacteristic, but Strange felt himself warming up to Ricky and his bar quite quickly. His paranoia was melting away, like an ice cube in a glass.
"Ricky. A pleasure."
Strange took in the information given to him. Ricky was... old. Must be, if he had known the old Ancient One, who was just as the name described.
"A drink maker... I wouldn't mind partaking, if you don't mind making. Surprise me."
He stood, in the space between spaces, listening and nodding slightly as he did so. An interesting place. Had he heard of the Quaintaince family? Strange wasn't sure. If he had, the name had been forgotten by him.
"Well that is lucky. This tunic never has space for my wallet, and being Sorcerer Supreme doesn't pay... anything. I always repay a favour as well, good or ill. Isn't that right, Salem?"
Strange smiled, and this time it was warm, friendly. Was he sure he had never met Ricky? It felt like he had known him for a long time, even in these few seconds. He picked up another piece of sushi.
"Oh, only about 14,000,605, but I won't bore you with all of them. I'd be quite content with just one. What could the owner of Oblivion, the space between spaces, an impossible bar full of improbable things, possibly ask for as a return favour? Oh, actually, make that two: where do you source your fish from?"
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Post by DornKoon on Aug 17, 2024 15:11:07 GMT
"Well, as you said, I'll just have to remember for both of us," Salem said with a sage nod. " And yes, remembering it over and over does count for something; don't worry too much about it; I find there are many things I wish I could forget. I'll ensure you remember that" He made a mental note to get Ricky out of the bar in the future; it would do him good to get some inspiration.
"I'm sure she'll visit one of the days," Salem continued, not going into Prudence too much. "It feels like her kind of place, and believe me, you'll know when she's here, she is not the kind of lady to pass unnoticed." He nodded at the mention of the Halliwell sisters. "Good to know; I remember that their grandmother was one spitfire of a witch. I did well to avoid that particular woman, even at the height of my... less charitable period."
The cat gave Strange another piercing glare.
"I don't know-- a cat?" Salem could give back, too; he was not a stranger to it, as talking was one of the few things he knew how to do. " Besides, I do my work as a liaison, so at least I'm not just lying around doing nothing anymore." He took a piece of sushi, ignoring that Strange had stolen two.
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Post by Countess on Aug 18, 2024 2:58:06 GMT
"You truly are the best of us, Salem, and don't let any two bit wizard in a fancy cape try to say otherwise," Ricky says, discretely winking over to Strange, a shared jest for them all. "Sushi on the house, just for tonight. Have your fill, for company is what I have in short supply, not delectable fish," he says, unbothered. His magic has zero overhead, after all. Best to be generous than stingy, because the latter is what makes for hermits. No man is an island, and Ricky has learned that hard and well.
"I look forward to meeting this Prudence, though, I am sure I have a note written down about her somewhere," Ricky says, patting his pockets as if looking for said notes. "Always glad to see the magical community Alive and Robust! It takes all of us to make the Wheel of Fortune, our paths different, but our hearts... usually the same."
Ricky beams at the ribbing the two engage in, delighted just to bear witness to the relationship. They know each other well, enough to poke and prod without truly hurting the other. However, there is a pang of jealousy within Ricky, not at Strange being close with Salem, but at the nature of the relationship itself. The familiarity. It is a common emotion for the magi, one he just brushes away. It doesn't do anyone any good.
"You, Salem, do nothing? Perish the thought," Ricky says to his friend, teasing as best he can. He shifts his attention to Strange. "I assure you, the pleasure is mine," Ricky says, giving the man a wide smile to move past the ugly emotions underneath. "I shall have to make sure to write extensively on you, I would hate to be caught here next year not knowing my new and glorious Sorcerer Supreme," he says, wagging his eyebrows at him. A harmless flirt, something thrown out as easily as the man breathes.
"One Pleasant Surprise, coming right up," Ricky murmurs, pulling out his wand to cast this spell. Another marker of his antiquity- wands are so out of style these days. Harry Potter really ruined it for a lot of mages, made it rather... childish and mainstream. Truly, however, it was the final nail in the coffin, as it had been fading into obscurity for many years before that.
All it takes is a flick, a glass materializes, an amber liquid filling it. It appears to the sorcerer to be a normal old fashioned, with a touch of magic to it. A sip reveals the secret- it blossoms two fold. One is the burning and decadent flavor of a damn well made old fashioned, the other is the feeling of... Pleasant Surprise. It is a nice feeling, of pure unexpected joy. It isn't overwhelming, much like the drink itself, but settles deep in the chest with a gratifying warmth.
"Then you are so very welcome here, Sorcerer Supreme, just as... most of your predecessors before you," he says, smiling, a devilish look twinkling in his eyes. "But... that means learning more about this place, and its mysterious proprietor. I am well and truly cursed, you see, a well and just punishment for the most heinous of crimes... I am a tad forgetful, you see, and every year on my birthday -in ten months time- I will forget everything the last year has brought me. While an unexpected side effect is immortality... even when killed, I come back from the land of the dead, well and truly "reset", as it were," Ricky says, shaking his head.
"Fear not, for I have learned from my horrible mistakes, and thus have become the Last White Mage," Ricky murmurs, thinking on that night. His countenance grows stormy, but like a summer rain, it passes.
"I assure you, your questions shall not bore me, and give it a year, they won't even be repetitive. As for favors, I enjoy making sure things happen. Think of me as a broker of favors, leveraging others to make sure the world of magic is one that is advantageous for all of us, not just the select few that are powerful and... handsome?" he says, pivoting back to Salem in his silliness, beaming at the cat. "You have the most magnificent of whiskers, my friend. If I were a cat, you would have to bap me away with your paws, for surely I would never leave you alone."
Ricky goes back to Strange. "That is a secret I will never tell... but it is far simpler than you think. I swear on my life, I am not stealing, but rather... quite good at replication, refinement, and... transfiguration," Ricky says, not entirely giving away the secret of it all, but allowing the Sorcerer a peek behind the curtain.
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