undergrounds | Darkness and the City

1. At Work
The bookshop that Wednesday works in is not so much as shop as it is a storage place for the owner's rather extensive collection of books. Since said owner is rather loathe to part with any of his precious collection, having Wednesday as a member of staff works quite well, as for some odd reason people are rather reluctant to make a purchase from her. So instead, she works on arranging the shelves, keeping them in good order and adding new items as and when they arrive.

Today, she is concentrating on the occult section, idly leafing through one of the books she is trying to arrange. The information isn't half bad - the author actually seemed to understand what it was they were talking about and she would smile if that was something she did. A ring of a bell drew her attention - the door had been opened.

"Do you require assistance?"

2. Market Time
It's her day off, and this is really one of the first times Wednesday has been able to look at some of the many markets London has to offer. She doubts that the mystic stall she passed has anything of real value, but there are some things that could possibly be used. The antiques interest her a little more, though sadly there's no weaponry. She hadn't been able to bring some of her favourites from the manor because of airport security rules and she found she was missing them. She'd need to see about finding a proper smith.

Still, it is rather fun, to wander about the market with no real purpose in mind. Even if people do keep muttering 'goth' when they see her dark parasol. She's going to curse the next person who says that.

3. Night Walk
London is at it's best at night, Wednesday believes. There's a hum from the city - ambitions, hopes, dreams, fears, and nightmares - that anyone could feel and at night it seems to be amplified. She strolls easily down a darkened street, not particularly bothered that the street lights aren't at their best. There's a pleasant chill in the air and it reaches the bones in such a comforting way. The sound of footsteps behind her isn't anything, either. They were just footsteps, after all.

"Are you following me, or are we merely headed in the same direction?"

Until they were introduced, that was.

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Daryl was more than a little surprised to recognize the scent that permeated the shop as one from a fancy sortie. The voice calling in question only confirmed he wasn't having a flash of deja vu. He supposed he shouldn't have been too surprised. Plenty of witches worked at shops like these, but still... that one in particular had struck him as someone that wouldn't do something so... well, normal.

Sucking it up, he headed further in and nodded, "Yeah. Need a book an breaking curses. You got anything worth looking at?"

"It would depend on what sort of curse we're speaking of," Wednesday answered. "Simple ones can generally get by with any sort of general reversal spell, but the more complex, the more effort is needed."

She actually really likes working in the bookshop. The owner is a good boss who pays her well, and lets her borrow some of the rarer volumes from his collection. The shop itself is always quite dull and cool, which is very preferable when the sun is being it's irritating self. And, generally speaking, since the boss is a little reluctant to sell off the books, she can be rude if she wants to be. It's a good job.

He shifted his weight a bit, clearly uncomfortable in what felt like a confining space even if it wasn't and he could leave at any time. Gave a shrug of one shoulder, "Ain't sure how complicated it is. Was put on someone when she was a kid by some Fae. Trying ta remove it since the fae she's gone to ain't been cooperative."

Wednesday paused.

"Magic created by a Fae can only be removed by another of that kind," she said slowly. "It's one of their quirks. Cruel but fair, in their sense of morality. Interesting, in mine." She turns to look at the books, skeptical in her gaze. "You would need a guide to London based Fae, and those who are sympathetic..." Walking along she pulled out a purple fabric covered volume, rubbing dust off it.

"Not exactly what you're looking for, but Fae tracking is a particular sport."

"Thought witches knew how to fight fae curses," he muttered, though not unkindly. Just disappointed.

Daryl moved closer to have a look at the book, "Ain't really had to track more than a couple of 'em while I been in the city. And I've always known which ones I'm looking for. Not... a type."

"I have a history," Wednesday said. "We got Pubert back eventually."

Another pause, as she held the book back. "Then if you know the who, you need a how?" This made her look back at the books, before turning to face him once again. "When dealing with Fae, I prefer to use live bait."

"Oh, no, uh..." Daryl ducked his head and looked away, crossing his arms tightly, "Don't actually know the who this time. It got done a long time ago. In another country. She's been tryin' ta break it for a few years now. Don't know the names or kind of fae that did it. This time, I mean."

"But you know Fae within the city?" Wednesday prompted. "Ones who would be somewhat sympathetic to one cursed?"

He nodded, "Yeah. Know a couple. So far they ain't had that kind of magic to wield. Says it's beyond them personally."

"It's possible," she comments. "Not all creatures are created equal." She frowns. "To have a curse so long... a pleasant torture but I can understand wanting rid of it. Have you spoken to any who could put you in touch with higher ranking Fae?"

Pleasant torture were not words he would have used together to describe what Mako had to deal with.

But at the question, he shook his head, "Nah. Don't really know that many. Had a few who showed up ta help with... with..." Well, shit, probably shouldn't bring up Richmond right now, especially if she didn't recognize him as the ringleader for that. "A uh... a thing."

There was just a slight raising of her eyebrow at his faltering. "Of course."

Daryl cleared his throat and fidgeted just a little more. "So anyway, you think that book'll help me track down a fae that might have the mojo to do this?"

She tilts her head. "Perhaps, or perhaps not. Fae tracking is a peculiar sport." She knows that. "But it does have information that should be helpful."

"How much then?" Might as well get to the buying if it's the one she's recommending. Then he could go off and read for a bit and maybe find something in there to track down a fae that could help Mako.

"It's £12.99," she said. "We enforce the bag charge."

"Don't need a bag," Daryl tried waving that stupid charge off. "I got hands, don't I?"

"You do," Wednesday said. "Just the price of the book, then."

Daryl pulled out his wallet and handed the money over. He half expected her to just take it and not want to give the change. But that was probably being mean on his part. Why'd she have to make it feel like such a chore just to buy a book?

Good lord he wanted out of that building as fast as he could.

Wednesday took the money, ringing up the purchase on the cash register and giving over the exact change.

"Good fortune in helping your friend."

"Thanks," he said, a little uncertain. Like he couldn't tell if she was being polite or earnest with the words. He took the book and headed for the door, pausing before he walked out, "And uh... nice shop you got here."

"It's always been here," is her simple reply. Even though she worked in the place, she wasn't entirely sure how long the owner had owned it, or how long it had been open. Though it did seem to have a long history.

Darkness and the City

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