Dark Reign - RF - Red's Shred

[Uberwulf X]

The party rocked and rolled, fireworks going off occasionally, followed by shouts and cheers. Most of the revelry was exiting with only small pockets of raucousness, but it was all enjoyable. Not everyone wanted to be in the center of the festivities, so there were plenty of people hanging near the storefronts relaxing with their drinks, talking to friends, saving their ears from the speakers and their sight from the sparklers.

Damien was one of those people. He didn't mind being at this block party, but he just wasn't... excited, not like his sister was. He'd walked around to get something to eat, and was greeted along the way by people thanking him, assuring him that once they saw his acquittal in relation to TRIumph, they knew he would be alright, that the Sect family was strong in values and he was proof of it, and all other sorts of congratulatory platitudes. Much to his surprise, he even had some girls compliment him and shoot him looks, a few being so bold as to ask for his social media info so they could follow him-- this despite his confession that he never really used it much, and especially didn't once everything was locked down.

As he still gave his information, Damien's mind recalled the pictures, audio, and film he'd discreetly taken over the trip. He'd submit it all to whoever Elyas told him to, as surely some details might not be good for the public, but he suspected that he'd finally have a good bit to add to his photo album.

Such was the way of things for him during this party. His phone was on for family and friends to contact him if need be, but Damien remained ever the quiet observer standing under the awning of Red's Shred, a music shop with a trio of its employees showing off their equipment and offering half-price music lessons for a month if you signed up today. His eyes moved from the two kids plucking low-end guitars, to down the street, where a group of masculine voices in the crowd laughed.

[Resonance]

Eden had wandered between groups when they first arrived at the party, not sticking with any one for too long. She seemed to be enjoying the people watching more than the festivities themselves. As such, she tended to roam more around the fringes.

She'd picked up a gyro, stuffed with shredded meat, veg, and sauce, with paprika salted fries on the side. As she walked she was taking bites out of the gyro, saving the fries until after. She spotted Damien by the music shop, and decided to walk over, tail casually swaying side to side.

Once she finished her current bite and came up beside him, she held the bag out towards him that contained the seasoned fries. "Would you like some?"

[Uberwulf X]

Damien didn't react as if he knew Eden was there, not looking up to watch her approach. The indication that he was aware of her came in that he moved aside for her when she settled, to be sure she could comfortably recline on the storefront as well without leaning on the window-- if she was so inclined. Of course, holding out a bag of food to him would make him turn to her, head tilted in curiosity.

"What, are you full?" he asked even as he accepted the bag. "Thanks, then. Are you by yourself?"

[Resonance]

Eden took the offered space and leaned up against the store front beside him, taking another bite and swallowing before answering. "Oh no, I'm just starting in on this, so please don't eat all the fries. But there are more in there than I will finish."

After another bite she added, "I've been roaming around. Hung out with some of the others a bit, but I'm enjoying the more subdued celebrations around the edges." In part, she was still relatively tired from the battle. Casting as much as she did, she used up a great deal of energy, like she'd been running a marathon. That kind of thing takes a few days before you start to feel normal.

[Uberwulf X]

"...Oh." Damien discreetly adjusted the number of fries in his hand from most of them to just enough to fit in three fingers. He then offered the bag back.

"Yeah, I got tired of Metzli jumping around me so much and I guess a lot of the other 'being right in the middle of everything' celebration so I've just been around here most of the day. It's cool seeing everybody have fun and all, and I've been up and down and around to see what other people are up to, but eh. Red," he said while using his head to motion to the skinny, middle aged, burgundy-and-greying old rocker of a Terrier that was showing some kids how to properly hold drumsticks, "didn't mind me hanging around either, said it gave his place an 'air of validity and celebrity.' I've been around enough that he's going to give me one of his surplus guitars, so that's cool."

[Resonance]

Eden took the bag back and nodded as Damien explained. "Wow, really? That's very cool." In fact, it was so surprisingly generous it made Eden curious what all Red carried and if she could afford to purchase something. She'd never studied music, but the idea of picking up an instrument to just have fun with occasionally was appealing. The most she'd ever really done before was play the recorder and such in school as a small child. She turned towards Damien a little and looked into the shop window between them.

[Uberwulf X]

"Yeah. Back when I first started getting into music, this place had good reviews for ordering things they didn't have, and their refurbished instruments. The electric guitar I used to own was from here, and I came here once in a while for lessons and to just browse. Red and his group have always been pretty cool, so... here I am, just hanging out again."

He turned his head to observe Eden. "What, are you trying to get some of those discounted lessons too? I didn't know you were interested-- if you are, not trying to pressure you or anything."

[Resonance]

Another bite of gyro as she considered, tilting her head from side to side as she thought. "I always enjoyed when you played. And while it has never been my passion, it always seemed fun and relaxing. I'm not sure what instrument would suit me best, though."

[Uberwulf X]

Damien's brows lifted. "You did? I never thought anyone really cared to listen; Ko never really said anything so I just assumed that if my girlfriend never mentioned it, it wasn't worth mentioning," he mused with a chuckle. "I wish you would've poked me, I would have practiced more and actually learned more than maybe three songs really well."

He took a few seconds to observe Eden, his lips pursing. "It's weird, but while I think of Hope as more of a quick violin or trumpet girl, I see you doing something big. Harp, kettle drums... a drum set? You have a quiet and reserved presence, but seem like you'd spread out," he said while opening his arms, "or open up- so to speak- with a bigger instrument. Heck, even piano-- I bet if you wanted to, you could slam your hand on the keys for some loud, rambunctious concertos, then just kind of sit back quietly and eat your curly fries," he said with a smirk.

[Resonance]

Eden laughed a little, "you really see me as playing something like the drums?
Hmm... could be fun! Piano though..." she paused, took another bite, continued, "I think I'd like to try that. It somehow makes me feel... like it's similar to casting spells." She stuck out a hand in front of her and wiggled her fingers - a very poor attempt to look like she was playing the piano, but it likely got the point across.

[Uberwulf X]

"Yeah, why not? In the background holding the steady beat, keeping everyone on task while they sing and play and all else. And when everyone drops out you can hit your totally sick drum solo." When she gave some to piano, Damien smiled again. "Nah, I can see it. That's the power of music, right? It's like its own magical language, you can manipulate emotions without saying a word. Something light and happy, something intense with you slamming octaves, and everything in between. I'll put in a good word for you if you want; if you want to get lessons from here, I can see if Red can throw you a deeper discount."

Damien's smile faded slightly. "It'll be a bit before we can really relax enough to start planning concerts, but it's something to think about, at least."

[Resonance]

Eden nodded appreciatively at how Damien described the drums, "I hadn't really thought of drums like that before. Yes, I think I'd like to try a few lessons, maybe a few different instruments. Who knows, maybe I will end up playing the saxaphone."

"Mm, yes. There is a lot to do. There won't be much time for music for a while, I suppose."

[Uberwulf X]

"No, not while we're still cleaning up Argus stuff. As cool as it might be to think that the fighting part of all of this is done, I still have to worry about Alric just... showing up out of nowhere."

Damien's expression soured considerably. "I can't really relax while he, and especially his boss, are out there. Hell, I feel like I should be working out or practicing or doing something right now, rather than watching the happy faces of people who don't know what kind of insane person is out there."

[Resonance]

Eden nodded slowly, thinking of her own loose ends she'd like to follow up on.
"Rest is important, too. And regrouping." She looked over at him seriously, "but after that, we'll plan, we'll figure out how to move forward, and find him."

[Uberwulf X]

"Mm... I have a feeling he'll be dramatic enough to make sure we find him. A trail of blood spelling one of our names or something extra villainous. I don't think he could exactly take over a news studio and get out without incident, but I wouldn't put it paet him to try."

Damien let out a soft sigh. "How do you think we did against Argus, on the ship?"