Autumn Open Post
As we know, I love my AUs and PSLs! I love exploring worlds and discovering how little changes can tumble and create big changes. My characters are top-leveled but feel free to add your own and let me know if there's someone you'd like! ♥
Raised as the sort of equivalent of a British monarchies spare, Peter was used to being in the shadows of things. When his sister had born three children for the line, her own heir and a spare, he had found himself as much feeling extraneous as he did restless for something else, something more.
He hadn't given any warning, just leaving a note that he'd be back eventually. He'd weighted it down with his phone, just to make it clear he wouldn't be followed.
He'd bounced around a bit, both out of curiosity and to make his trail harder to follow but eventually he'd ended up in Rome. Rome was home to so many families of wolves they were legendary as the short of dire wolves that haunted the countryside and therefor maintained their privacy for the packs.
So he wandered the streets surrounding the Vatican, narrow stoneways and open waterways and while his Italian wasn't great, it got him by.
He wasn't even paying attention that evening, happy on wine and good food and just being free for a time when a woman suddenly stopped in his path. Older with a kerchief protecting her hair. She crossed herself, and then made a gesture towards him, spitting in his path.
"Lupo," she growled, eyes narrowed.
He sighs, rolling his eyes as he holds up his wrist where there's an expensive bracelet with an evil eye charm on it.
"Nice try, Strega, but we have our own of your kind."
She sneered, spitting this time on his shoes before walking away. They were italian leather by the look of them.
"Are you kidding?! I just bought these," he called after her, moving to the outside tables of a nearby cafe for some napkins to clean them up.
Felix had lived for centuries and had lived all around the world and still, somehow, always came back to Italia… Rome, usually or Milan. He enjoyed the fashion, the food, the wine and the beautiful men and women.
What he didn’t enjoy were the uppity and older strega nonnas who had no patience for others like the wolves, vampires and so many others. It was one of the many reasons he fell out of contact with anyone else of his line, that lack of understanding and care for anyone else except for what they want.
Life for most was far too short for such pettiness and for those of his family? Don’t you get to an age where such differences don’t matter anymore? Apparently not.
Felix sat at an outdoor cafe that evening, a leg crossed over the other with a book open on his lap with a glass of wine sitting in front of him. He barely looks up when he hears the old woman curse at the werewolf and sighs when she walks off in a snit. He didn’t know her in particular but had known the family.
“You’ll have to forgive my Italian brothers and sisters, they have no manners,” he says with a not as thick Italian accent but the accent sounded older perhaps, something belying his age.
Felix lifts his gaze to the man who walked over for napkins.
Oh but he was beautiful.
“Ah and on such nice shoes as well. I can give you a recommendation of a cleaner should you wish.”
Carefully smoothing over the leather and ensuring that there's no mark left when he hears the smooth accented voice. Slowly he raises those bright blue eyes, and takes him in. The ruggedness of his jawline, the darkness of his eyes, and then the energy that just seems to radiate off of him. It was almost tangible and he can't help himself as he straightens up.
"I'm trying to be kind to them. I figure if most of them can tell what I am, I'm probably not going to mess with them."
And he's talking to him despite the obvious knowledge that the other man must have a clue who and what he is.
"Oh? Well maybe I should join you for a drink and you can share that information with me," he suggestions, arching a brow to see if he'll invite him to stay. He'll accept if he doesn't, but then what's the point of being on this trip without taking chances?
He looks the man over slowly and hums softly to himself, taking in the strong jawline, the beautiful eyes, and the hint of scruff. He could sense the werewolf beyond the facade and oh he was lovely. Felix closes his book and sets it aside. "Smart but so very boring," he says with a little smile.
Felix looks inside the cafe motioning to the waiter to bring another bottle of wine and one more glass before waving a hand to the seat in front of him. "Per favore sit," he invites him because why not spend some time with this very attractive American?
Despite himself, Peter can't help but laugh. "I can't argue that though given some of their years showing, I can't imagine how old they are. The acceptance of my kind is still not huge most places."
He gives him another soft look as he settles in with the wine being brought for them and a glass.
"Grazie. I appreciate it." He's not without money but he only has so much he can access without letting someone back home catch on to where he was. When he was ready to move on he could withdraw more.
"I needed a break from life back home. Family," he admits, seeing no reason to hide it though coming from a wolf that might say a lot. "A little back to my roots kind of adventure."
Felix tilts his head in understanding. It was true that there were a few around who were older than they appeared but she was not one of them. "Unfortunately but I do hope one day there will be more acceptance," he muses. Though, being who and what he was and how much history he has seen, he's not holding his breath.
"For all the sweet and charming words people preach about 'peace, love, and light' they sure don't like to show it when it comes to one another. It's unfortunate." And ultimately, it's a load of bullshit if you ask him. By people, he means those who like to follow the "good" side or the "one" path as they like to call it.
He nods and says a thank you to the waiter, watching as he pours Peter a glass then topping off his own before settling into his chair once more. They would put it on his tab. He's owned the restaurant often enough that hardly anyone even asks anymore.
"Prego. Sì - family is a tricky thing," he says with a knowing nod. Although, he was a little surprised to hear a wolf say it considering how tight-knit packs were.
"I'm Felix, by the way," he reaches a hand out to shake and introduce himself.
Peter snorts at that, giving him a look. "An optimist, huh? Are things better here? I know in the States we're having more and more hunters and I worry what that means for many in my country."
It feels weird, talking about it without adding the details and yet he's here in the old world, and having the ability to immerse himself in a more preternatural world.
Peter gives a nod at that, shifting to lean his chin against the heel of his hand, watching the other man. "I think you're right. You may find some," he says, gesturing at the other man and sitting up, leaning back in his chair and crossing one leg over the other. "Present company included, but not everyone."
He takes the offered hand with a smile. "Peter. It's a pleasure, Felix. Do you call Rome home, or somewhere else in the country?" The accent is much too good to not believe he's from there. Peter's isn't bad but Felix's is musical.
"While I may have some hope, I'm likewise not holding my breath for anything to truly change," Felix admits with a chuckle and brings his glass to his mouth.
He considers the question for a moment and shakes his head. "It was better but recently, I have heard talk about a rise in hunters in the countryside. Not only for your kind but others," he admits, having slowly started taking note of anyone who was rumored to be involved so perhaps he could keep an eye on them.
At least to start.
Felix watches him with an appreciation. "No, not everyone," he agrees. "After a while, you would hope someone would become less judgmental based on who a person is or, in too many parts of the world, who they love and want to fuck."
He drags his finger tip along the rim of his glass as he watches the other man. He was very curious about Peter and wanted to know as much as he possibly could learn about him.
"Most of the time, I do. I've traveled much over the years and still, I seem to return to Rome or Milan, depending on the year or the season. Despite its many flaws or faults, I return. Is this your first trip here?"
It's depressing to hear, truthfully and he sighs as he takes a drink of his wine. Letting it roll over his tongue, rich and delightful. "This is one of the best wines I've ever had. Thank you for sharing with me," he says with a nod of his head. "But it's sadly true how much we still face. All of us. We've talked with some of the others, just reaching out. I think, in the end, it's what we're going to need in the long run to survive. Not all agree, but then I suppose that's how it is."
His sister was one of them. She wanted to stay secluded, to avoid everyone. Already her kids were fighting back to go out with others and it was why he was in Rome.
That's get a snort from him. "I would say something about humans, but I can't say others haven't had their issues as well. Like your friend. Not as if we smell like wet dog when it rains," he teases with a carefree smile.
He nods though at that. "I am second to our Alph... I was second," he corrects, still finding that hard. "She has her own family now and so they don't need me and now I'm here."
Maybe that wasn't entirely the truth but it was how it felt. He felt like he had no place anymore, and if he was going to be outside of things, he might as well be away.
"It's one of my favorites and I'm glad I have someone to share it with," he says and takes another sip, savoring the wine before setting it down.
He nods in agreement and studies the other man silently. He didn't get the feeling like he was hiding something and Felix was powerful enough that he can overpower most other beings without breaking a sweat. "I don't plan on letting the hunters hide or live too much of a peaceful life when they're making life hell for so many others," he says as though he's discussing the weather. He couldn't do this in other places but Italy? Was his and had been since the Fall of Rome.
Its residents may not know but They knew. The ones in power did.
His mouth curls up. "No, not at all like wet dog," he agrees because his scent of smell got a whiff of just how good Peter smelled.
Felix cocks his head. "The moment she has her own family, you're no longer the 2nd? Is that normal," he questions. "Even if they're young and can't control their own hormones?"
"I have found travel to be the best way to spend ones time and I am glad that although family is a hard one to deal with, it has brought you here. I hope you will stay awhile and not jet off to somewhere different so soon?"
"It's one of the best things about Italy, I admit. The vintages. I have been fighting not to drink my way through the villages, honestly." Not that he was going to fight it right now with the man there with him.
"Well... if you're looking for company while I'm in town to help with any hunters, I would say I'm more than willing to help. Especially if it means sharing a bottle afterwards," he says with another drink and a coy wink and a smile.
One that fades then as he considers how to put this, talking to a stranger about public business and not caring what he might share. He hadn't given a last name, had he?
"It's not entirely like that, but with three direct heirs rather than a brother, unless something happened to them I'm now just the man holding down the fort until they take the pack and the glory." He pauses, taking another drink before adding. "Despite the fact that she isn't capable of handling a full moon without being chained and I am, but if I fought her for the pack, the others would kill me. So... I left. They're still trying to find me, but they haven't been able to get close to me. I'm being very careful not to let them figure out where I am."
Which is a huge admission but he can't see a reason not to be honest about it all.
"I think I can manage to settle down for a bit just to be curious and see how things go. For the fun of it."
His mouth curls up. "If you would like a guided tour of the villages and sample the vintages, be sure to let me know. I know many of them personally," he offers because he takes pride in his country and enjoys showing it to people.
He would especially enjoy showing it to Peter.
Felix shifts a little and uncrosses his legs before slipping his foot over to brush against Peter's leg. Was he worried about misreading the signals? Probably not. "Sì, I will be happy to take you up on your offer on the hunters and sharing a bottle afterward." And more if you're interested was left unsaid.
He listens as Peter speaks about his family and frowns, taking another sip from his glass and sets it down. "That is unfortunate and doesn't at all sound like a strong alpha if she is unable to manage shifting without being chained." Felix pauses and considers. "I can ensure that no one you don't want knowing will know that you're here."
"For the fun of it," Felix says with a smile, now sending him a coy smile and a wink. "Where are you staying? I have space if you don't want your name booked at a hotel to find."
It was forward but he didn't see any reason to beat around the bush, or so they say.
It's been a year since Caleb found himself back in New England, at Harvard for his first day of law school. Three years older, no time has passed, and the last thing in the world he wanted in that moment had been to become a lawyer and pretend like he wasn't a witch. Nothing in him wanted to pretend that everything in Duplicity hadn't happened, that he hadn't practiced magic daily, hourly, each minute of every day. That he hadn't belonged to a coven of men he ached to see again, who he missed dearly, and who he trusted he might one day see again.
If he could find the way to work magic again without it killing him.
He'd quit school, drawn out money from his account, and after explaining to the other he needed to find time to make sense of some things, he headed out. He wouldn't get their hopes up that maybe, one day, he might find a way for them to all live a long life and practice magic while they did it.
If he found answers.
A grimoire from centuries ago lead him to Germany and then to Romania and then to Italy. Time and again a name kept coming up. Katinen. A witch known as far back as Rome, as far as he can tell. One who not only practiced magic for centuries, but who didn't seem to age. One outside of a curse like his family's own.
He's talked to Stregas and wiccans and dark practitioners. He's been open and obvious, and hoped that maybe, just maybe, if this Katinen was still around that maybe, just maybe, Caleb could draw him out.
The thing about living for centuries was that not only is your name out there but you start to form connections with people who can keep a secret. At some point, he stopped hiding who and what he was and enjoyed when those in power became frightened of when his name was mentioned in their presence. They were only alive for such a short amount of time while he would go and live long beyond even their great great grandchildren.
All that said, it started getting back to him that someone was starting to ask around about him. He got the feeling it wasn't some descendant of his either. It wasn't like the 'other' side of his family would ever get word out that someone older than Amara and Zoe was even hanging around. It was okay. He'd let them keep their charade. There would be another who followed his path, it was only a matter of time.
When he received word from a dark practitioner that he worked with occasionally that the person asking about him had entered Italy, he knew it was time to learn more about this man seeking him out.
Felix reaches out to a few trusted contacts that he's sure this man - Caleb he's been told, will reach out to and tells him to give him a day and time to meet him and the name of his favorite restaurant. He'd be waiting.
That evening, Felix is sitting outside with a bottle of red wine and waits to see if he will show up or if he'd moved on already without speaking to one of the few he'd gotten the message to. The host knew him by heart (they all did, frankly) and if Caleb were to mention Katinen, he'd be lead directly to him.
Before Duplicity, Caleb wouldn't have been surprised to have learned of a witch from another family but he wouldn't have believed in someone that had watched the centuries turn from one year to the next. A witch untouched by a curse, by a family legacy of addiction and death.
So he's hunted and searched and when he receives a not telling him to go to a certain place at a certain time, he does what he's told. Maybe it's a trap, but he can't help it. He has to know. There has to be a way.
He goes to the place and asks for Katinen. He's both still surprised and yet excited when there's no question, just taking him to a table.
He pauses a moment, considering the man sitting there before he walks up but doesn't assume he's welcome to take a seat. Not yet.
Felix lazily looks up from his book when he feels a power witch coming up to the table. This must be Caleb. He’s not sure what he was expecting, someone older perhaps but when he spots the younger man, he can’t help but blink.
The look in his eyes conveys someone older than he appears but in his family, that’s nothing new.
He stands from the table and motions to the chair in front of him. “Felix, per favore. Siediti,” he says, taking his seat again and watches him closely.
He was beautiful and Felix had a soft spot for beautiful men.
“I understand you’ve been looking for me. What can I do for you?”
"I apologize. Felix it is then. Records mentioned a few names but I kept following the oldest."
And it had brought him here and that meant something. He's not even sure if there is an answer, but he's pretty damn sure this man might be the only one that could know it.
So he takes a seat, considering the older man. He's handsome and that kind of suave he's pretty sure only comes from Rome. Just the way he's sitting even as he settles back in his seat. Caleb comes from old school American money. Nothing like this.
"Thank you for meeting me. I'm Caleb Danvers. From America as if that wasn't obvious," he said with a laugh. He feels nervous but he's glad maybe he doesn't sound it.
"I've been doing some research, as you likely know if you met me with that name. My family... Okay I'm either going to sound like a fool or a threat. My family for centuries has born a curse on the eldest, and only sons, of our family. Mine and five other families. One that effects magic. Witchcraft."
"No, it's not an incorrect name to use. I have been known by many over the years," he says with an easy smile. "Katinen is the family name."
He watches as Caleb gets settled in and motions to the wine bottle. "Wine?" Felix couldn't and didn't resist the urge to give the man an appreciative once over before focusing on the conversation at hand. There was a reason Caleb was looking for him and unless he turned out to be a hunter, which he loathed, he would give him his attention.
Felix's mouth curls up and gives him a little nod. "It's a pleasure Caleb Danvers," he says and hums when he mentions a curse on the eldest sons of five families. He doesn't even so much as blink when he mentions witchcraft or magic, he'd felt just how powerful Caleb was as he walked into the restaurant.
"Considering how you worded that, I doubt you feel magic or witchcraft is the curse itself. Where does this curse come into play?"
Caleb shifts slightly, the only sign of how hard this is to talk about. Before Duplicity, even to save their lives, he wouldn't have thought about talking about this openly with anyone but that's another thing he's having trouble with. He doesn't want to hide, and he wants to have others to share with about magic and all life can be.
"There was a time I thought the curse came with our magic, but now I'm not sure. At thirteen we come into a large portion of our magic but not all of it. That you come into when you're eighteen. Thing is, it's addictive and once you ascend? Every time you use, it's killing you bit by bit until you die of old age around forty. I don't plan on dying at forty for anything and I don't want to give up magic."
Even with all the time in another world, it still feels weird talking about it like this. His voice is low but careful so that he knows the other man can hear him but not that others do.
Felix nods and pours him a glass before topping his off. He'd wait to signal the waiter to bring them another. It would be a few minutes at the very least before they'd need it.
He watches the young man shift in his seat indicating that it was hard for him to speak about. He could understand that to a degree.
As Caleb discusses how his family's magic is used and kills off its users at a young age, Felix frowns. "How disappointing. Especially when things start to get interesting around then," he says, picking up his glass and bringing it to his mouth for a sip.
He was glad Caleb didn't want to give up magic, never mind not wanting to die at forty.
"Then you are looking for a way then to dispel the curse or nullify it?"
He takes his glass, giving the red a moment even as he subtly sniffed it. There's something to the depth of it that makes him sigh. Italian wines were nothing like those he got elsewhere.
He considers the other man for a moment, taking a chance. "And you remember back that far to forty? I would think that would be like me remembering when I was two," he says, his research making it clear the man who sat before him likely had found some kind of fountain of youth and the Philosopher's stone as well.
"I had found one for a few years but it might sound unrealistic but now I want it back, the ability to practice any magic I want and to save myself and the others. Everything I looked into said that maybe you were the one that could help."
The way Caleb subtly sniffs the wine then sigh makes Felix grin. It was his favorite wine and he enjoyed sharing it with those who appreciate it.
He snorts at the snark and sends him a roguish smirk. "Why not? It was an exciting time in Rome until it all fell to beautiful, jagged pieces," he says, setting his glass back down onto the table and folding his hands in front of him. He had been a little older than forty but still, it had been an exciting time to be around. There were centuries that have become a blur but there were moments in history that stood out and that was one of them.
"How did you dispel it then," he asks, curious as to what method he has tried before. "No, it's not unrealistic to want to practice the beautiful magic that you were born with and that flows in your veins. What's unrealistic is not wanting to or feeling that desire to." He pauses and considers the other man for a long moment.
"How much time do you have here then?"
Was he going to help him? There wasn't a single doubt in his mind. He loathed witch hunters but he equally disliked anyone born with the gift, unable to practice as they should due to reasons outside of their control. Like pesky curses.
He sips his wine, trying not to look too wide eyed at the other man. He's known aliens now, and ancient vampires and now, whatever this man was. A witch, he thinks, but how he's that old, he hasn't a clue.
"Wow, well then. I mean, I guess if you saw Rome fall..." He takes a bigger drink. He's told others about what had happened to him and most hadn't believed him. He's not even sure the others did, but they didn't mock him for it.
"I found myself in... an alternative world maybe? A place where those from many worlds came together," he says softly, watching Felix's face closely to see his reaction. "A place where I could use magic all I wanted, and so long as I didn't use to much at any one time, I never aged, it didn't kill me. It just tired me and I could recharge. It's when I realized the curse could be broken. If it couldn't reach me there, it meant there were ways to get around it. For me and the others in the families that remain. So... I dropped out of Harvard law, and thankfully had no family to be utterly disappointed in me for it and started researching."
He lifts his glass in toast to Felix. "You came up time and again. A witch with the power to see Rome fall and sit here with me sharing an amazing wine. Figured you were my best shot. I just never knew if I would find you."
Felix reaches under the table and presses a little bit of his magic into a ruin he'd carved there nearly a half century ago, providing them with a little privacy. Anyone around them will simply hear two men having a pleasant if a bit flirty conversation (they were Italian after all) but not know what they were really talking about. "You don't have to be worried about anyone over hearing now," he says. And maybe he should have done it from the beginning, but he wanted to wait until he knew what this was about before doing so.
He watches as Caleb takes a bigger drink and reaches for the wine bottle to pour him a little more. "In your research, did you find any other information about the Katinen family line," he asks out of curiosity. If they're to go into this, he'll need (or maybe it was that he wanted) to share more information about him and be proof that you didn't have to be afraid of your power and abilities.
Not that Caleb was.
He settles in and listens as Caleb speaks about an alternative world and hums in fascination. He's heard rumors of it through the years, of course but he's never truly met someone who says they're from another place or have been to said place. "Si, I can see why being back would inspire you to look for a way," he says after Caleb tells him what led him here. To him, specifically.
"I can be impossibly hard to find if I choose to," he says with a slow smile. "It has saved me on more than one occasion, I admit." He considers what Caleb has said about this curse. "We will need to test a few things before we find a suitable solution. I will need to know how strong your abilities are to find the proper choice or method of deterring this curse. Until we can break it without it breaking you."
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royal_musings2023-09-23 02:37 pm
felix [katinen]
Before the fire? A long time ago? Maybe. Who knows. Sort of in that timeframe
He hadn't given any warning, just leaving a note that he'd be back eventually. He'd weighted it down with his phone, just to make it clear he wouldn't be followed.
He'd bounced around a bit, both out of curiosity and to make his trail harder to follow but eventually he'd ended up in Rome. Rome was home to so many families of wolves they were legendary as the short of dire wolves that haunted the countryside and therefor maintained their privacy for the packs.
So he wandered the streets surrounding the Vatican, narrow stoneways and open waterways and while his Italian wasn't great, it got him by.
He wasn't even paying attention that evening, happy on wine and good food and just being free for a time when a woman suddenly stopped in his path. Older with a kerchief protecting her hair. She crossed herself, and then made a gesture towards him, spitting in his path.
"Lupo," she growled, eyes narrowed.
He sighs, rolling his eyes as he holds up his wrist where there's an expensive bracelet with an evil eye charm on it.
"Nice try, Strega, but we have our own of your kind."
She sneered, spitting this time on his shoes before walking away. They were italian leather by the look of them.
"Are you kidding?! I just bought these," he called after her, moving to the outside tables of a nearby cafe for some napkins to clean them up.
perfect!!
What he didn’t enjoy were the uppity and older strega nonnas who had no patience for others like the wolves, vampires and so many others. It was one of the many reasons he fell out of contact with anyone else of his line, that lack of understanding and care for anyone else except for what they want.
Life for most was far too short for such pettiness and for those of his family? Don’t you get to an age where such differences don’t matter anymore? Apparently not.
Felix sat at an outdoor cafe that evening, a leg crossed over the other with a book open on his lap with a glass of wine sitting in front of him. He barely looks up when he hears the old woman curse at the werewolf and sighs when she walks off in a snit. He didn’t know her in particular but had known the family.
“You’ll have to forgive my Italian brothers and sisters, they have no manners,” he says with a not as thick Italian accent but the accent sounded older perhaps, something belying his age.
Felix lifts his gaze to the man who walked over for napkins.
Oh but he was beautiful.
“Ah and on such nice shoes as well. I can give you a recommendation of a cleaner should you wish.”
no subject
"I'm trying to be kind to them. I figure if most of them can tell what I am, I'm probably not going to mess with them."
And he's talking to him despite the obvious knowledge that the other man must have a clue who and what he is.
"Oh? Well maybe I should join you for a drink and you can share that information with me," he suggestions, arching a brow to see if he'll invite him to stay. He'll accept if he doesn't, but then what's the point of being on this trip without taking chances?
no subject
Bellissimo.
He looks the man over slowly and hums softly to himself, taking in the strong jawline, the beautiful eyes, and the hint of scruff. He could sense the werewolf beyond the facade and oh he was lovely. Felix closes his book and sets it aside. "Smart but so very boring," he says with a little smile.
Felix looks inside the cafe motioning to the waiter to bring another bottle of wine and one more glass before waving a hand to the seat in front of him. "Per favore sit," he invites him because why not spend some time with this very attractive American?
"Tell me, what brings you to Italia?"
no subject
He gives him another soft look as he settles in with the wine being brought for them and a glass.
"Grazie. I appreciate it." He's not without money but he only has so much he can access without letting someone back home catch on to where he was. When he was ready to move on he could withdraw more.
"I needed a break from life back home. Family," he admits, seeing no reason to hide it though coming from a wolf that might say a lot. "A little back to my roots kind of adventure."
no subject
"For all the sweet and charming words people preach about 'peace, love, and light' they sure don't like to show it when it comes to one another. It's unfortunate." And ultimately, it's a load of bullshit if you ask him. By people, he means those who like to follow the "good" side or the "one" path as they like to call it.
He nods and says a thank you to the waiter, watching as he pours Peter a glass then topping off his own before settling into his chair once more. They would put it on his tab. He's owned the restaurant often enough that hardly anyone even asks anymore.
"Prego. Sì - family is a tricky thing," he says with a knowing nod. Although, he was a little surprised to hear a wolf say it considering how tight-knit packs were.
"I'm Felix, by the way," he reaches a hand out to shake and introduce himself.
no subject
It feels weird, talking about it without adding the details and yet he's here in the old world, and having the ability to immerse himself in a more preternatural world.
Peter gives a nod at that, shifting to lean his chin against the heel of his hand, watching the other man. "I think you're right. You may find some," he says, gesturing at the other man and sitting up, leaning back in his chair and crossing one leg over the other. "Present company included, but not everyone."
He takes the offered hand with a smile. "Peter. It's a pleasure, Felix. Do you call Rome home, or somewhere else in the country?" The accent is much too good to not believe he's from there. Peter's isn't bad but Felix's is musical.
no subject
He considers the question for a moment and shakes his head. "It was better but recently, I have heard talk about a rise in hunters in the countryside. Not only for your kind but others," he admits, having slowly started taking note of anyone who was rumored to be involved so perhaps he could keep an eye on them.
At least to start.
Felix watches him with an appreciation. "No, not everyone," he agrees. "After a while, you would hope someone would become less judgmental based on who a person is or, in too many parts of the world, who they love and want to fuck."
He drags his finger tip along the rim of his glass as he watches the other man. He was very curious about Peter and wanted to know as much as he possibly could learn about him.
"Most of the time, I do. I've traveled much over the years and still, I seem to return to Rome or Milan, depending on the year or the season. Despite its many flaws or faults, I return. Is this your first trip here?"
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His sister was one of them. She wanted to stay secluded, to avoid everyone. Already her kids were fighting back to go out with others and it was why he was in Rome.
That's get a snort from him. "I would say something about humans, but I can't say others haven't had their issues as well. Like your friend. Not as if we smell like wet dog when it rains," he teases with a carefree smile.
He nods though at that. "I am second to our Alph... I was second," he corrects, still finding that hard. "She has her own family now and so they don't need me and now I'm here."
Maybe that wasn't entirely the truth but it was how it felt. He felt like he had no place anymore, and if he was going to be outside of things, he might as well be away.
I'm learning so much about him.
He nods in agreement and studies the other man silently. He didn't get the feeling like he was hiding something and Felix was powerful enough that he can overpower most other beings without breaking a sweat. "I don't plan on letting the hunters hide or live too much of a peaceful life when they're making life hell for so many others," he says as though he's discussing the weather. He couldn't do this in other places but Italy? Was his and had been since the Fall of Rome.
Its residents may not know but They knew. The ones in power did.
His mouth curls up. "No, not at all like wet dog," he agrees because his scent of smell got a whiff of just how good Peter smelled.
Felix cocks his head. "The moment she has her own family, you're no longer the 2nd? Is that normal," he questions. "Even if they're young and can't control their own hormones?"
"I have found travel to be the best way to spend ones time and I am glad that although family is a hard one to deal with, it has brought you here. I hope you will stay awhile and not jet off to somewhere different so soon?"
It's such a great way to learn
"Well... if you're looking for company while I'm in town to help with any hunters, I would say I'm more than willing to help. Especially if it means sharing a bottle afterwards," he says with another drink and a coy wink and a smile.
One that fades then as he considers how to put this, talking to a stranger about public business and not caring what he might share. He hadn't given a last name, had he?
"It's not entirely like that, but with three direct heirs rather than a brother, unless something happened to them I'm now just the man holding down the fort until they take the pack and the glory." He pauses, taking another drink before adding. "Despite the fact that she isn't capable of handling a full moon without being chained and I am, but if I fought her for the pack, the others would kill me. So... I left. They're still trying to find me, but they haven't been able to get close to me. I'm being very careful not to let them figure out where I am."
Which is a huge admission but he can't see a reason not to be honest about it all.
"I think I can manage to settle down for a bit just to be curious and see how things go. For the fun of it."
it really is!
He would especially enjoy showing it to Peter.
Felix shifts a little and uncrosses his legs before slipping his foot over to brush against Peter's leg. Was he worried about misreading the signals? Probably not. "Sì, I will be happy to take you up on your offer on the hunters and sharing a bottle afterward." And more if you're interested was left unsaid.
He listens as Peter speaks about his family and frowns, taking another sip from his glass and sets it down. "That is unfortunate and doesn't at all sound like a strong alpha if she is unable to manage shifting without being chained." Felix pauses and considers. "I can ensure that no one you don't want knowing will know that you're here."
"For the fun of it," Felix says with a smile, now sending him a coy smile and a wink. "Where are you staying? I have space if you don't want your name booked at a hotel to find."
It was forward but he didn't see any reason to beat around the bush, or so they say.
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i am totally going to look for Felix's place sometime.
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If he could find the way to work magic again without it killing him.
He'd quit school, drawn out money from his account, and after explaining to the other he needed to find time to make sense of some things, he headed out. He wouldn't get their hopes up that maybe, one day, he might find a way for them to all live a long life and practice magic while they did it.
If he found answers.
A grimoire from centuries ago lead him to Germany and then to Romania and then to Italy. Time and again a name kept coming up. Katinen. A witch known as far back as Rome, as far as he can tell. One who not only practiced magic for centuries, but who didn't seem to age. One outside of a curse like his family's own.
He's talked to Stregas and wiccans and dark practitioners. He's been open and obvious, and hoped that maybe, just maybe, if this Katinen was still around that maybe, just maybe, Caleb could draw him out.
Maybe.
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All that said, it started getting back to him that someone was starting to ask around about him. He got the feeling it wasn't some descendant of his either. It wasn't like the 'other' side of his family would ever get word out that someone older than Amara and Zoe was even hanging around. It was okay. He'd let them keep their charade. There would be another who followed his path, it was only a matter of time.
When he received word from a dark practitioner that he worked with occasionally that the person asking about him had entered Italy, he knew it was time to learn more about this man seeking him out.
Felix reaches out to a few trusted contacts that he's sure this man - Caleb he's been told, will reach out to and tells him to give him a day and time to meet him and the name of his favorite restaurant. He'd be waiting.
That evening, Felix is sitting outside with a bottle of red wine and waits to see if he will show up or if he'd moved on already without speaking to one of the few he'd gotten the message to. The host knew him by heart (they all did, frankly) and if Caleb were to mention Katinen, he'd be lead directly to him.
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So he's hunted and searched and when he receives a not telling him to go to a certain place at a certain time, he does what he's told. Maybe it's a trap, but he can't help it. He has to know. There has to be a way.
He goes to the place and asks for Katinen. He's both still surprised and yet excited when there's no question, just taking him to a table.
He pauses a moment, considering the man sitting there before he walks up but doesn't assume he's welcome to take a seat. Not yet.
"Katinen?"
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The look in his eyes conveys someone older than he appears but in his family, that’s nothing new.
He stands from the table and motions to the chair in front of him. “Felix, per favore. Siediti,” he says, taking his seat again and watches him closely.
He was beautiful and Felix had a soft spot for beautiful men.
“I understand you’ve been looking for me. What can I do for you?”
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And it had brought him here and that meant something. He's not even sure if there is an answer, but he's pretty damn sure this man might be the only one that could know it.
So he takes a seat, considering the older man. He's handsome and that kind of suave he's pretty sure only comes from Rome. Just the way he's sitting even as he settles back in his seat. Caleb comes from old school American money. Nothing like this.
"Thank you for meeting me. I'm Caleb Danvers. From America as if that wasn't obvious," he said with a laugh. He feels nervous but he's glad maybe he doesn't sound it.
"I've been doing some research, as you likely know if you met me with that name. My family... Okay I'm either going to sound like a fool or a threat. My family for centuries has born a curse on the eldest, and only sons, of our family. Mine and five other families. One that effects magic. Witchcraft."
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He watches as Caleb gets settled in and motions to the wine bottle. "Wine?" Felix couldn't and didn't resist the urge to give the man an appreciative once over before focusing on the conversation at hand. There was a reason Caleb was looking for him and unless he turned out to be a hunter, which he loathed, he would give him his attention.
Felix's mouth curls up and gives him a little nod. "It's a pleasure Caleb Danvers," he says and hums when he mentions a curse on the eldest sons of five families. He doesn't even so much as blink when he mentions witchcraft or magic, he'd felt just how powerful Caleb was as he walked into the restaurant.
"Considering how you worded that, I doubt you feel magic or witchcraft is the curse itself. Where does this curse come into play?"
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Caleb shifts slightly, the only sign of how hard this is to talk about. Before Duplicity, even to save their lives, he wouldn't have thought about talking about this openly with anyone but that's another thing he's having trouble with. He doesn't want to hide, and he wants to have others to share with about magic and all life can be.
"There was a time I thought the curse came with our magic, but now I'm not sure. At thirteen we come into a large portion of our magic but not all of it. That you come into when you're eighteen. Thing is, it's addictive and once you ascend? Every time you use, it's killing you bit by bit until you die of old age around forty. I don't plan on dying at forty for anything and I don't want to give up magic."
Even with all the time in another world, it still feels weird talking about it like this. His voice is low but careful so that he knows the other man can hear him but not that others do.
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He watches the young man shift in his seat indicating that it was hard for him to speak about. He could understand that to a degree.
As Caleb discusses how his family's magic is used and kills off its users at a young age, Felix frowns. "How disappointing. Especially when things start to get interesting around then," he says, picking up his glass and bringing it to his mouth for a sip.
He was glad Caleb didn't want to give up magic, never mind not wanting to die at forty.
"Then you are looking for a way then to dispel the curse or nullify it?"
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He considers the other man for a moment, taking a chance. "And you remember back that far to forty? I would think that would be like me remembering when I was two," he says, his research making it clear the man who sat before him likely had found some kind of fountain of youth and the Philosopher's stone as well.
"I had found one for a few years but it might sound unrealistic but now I want it back, the ability to practice any magic I want and to save myself and the others. Everything I looked into said that maybe you were the one that could help."
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He snorts at the snark and sends him a roguish smirk. "Why not? It was an exciting time in Rome until it all fell to beautiful, jagged pieces," he says, setting his glass back down onto the table and folding his hands in front of him. He had been a little older than forty but still, it had been an exciting time to be around. There were centuries that have become a blur but there were moments in history that stood out and that was one of them.
"How did you dispel it then," he asks, curious as to what method he has tried before. "No, it's not unrealistic to want to practice the beautiful magic that you were born with and that flows in your veins. What's unrealistic is not wanting to or feeling that desire to." He pauses and considers the other man for a long moment.
"How much time do you have here then?"
Was he going to help him? There wasn't a single doubt in his mind. He loathed witch hunters but he equally disliked anyone born with the gift, unable to practice as they should due to reasons outside of their control. Like pesky curses.
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"Wow, well then. I mean, I guess if you saw Rome fall..." He takes a bigger drink. He's told others about what had happened to him and most hadn't believed him. He's not even sure the others did, but they didn't mock him for it.
"I found myself in... an alternative world maybe? A place where those from many worlds came together," he says softly, watching Felix's face closely to see his reaction. "A place where I could use magic all I wanted, and so long as I didn't use to much at any one time, I never aged, it didn't kill me. It just tired me and I could recharge. It's when I realized the curse could be broken. If it couldn't reach me there, it meant there were ways to get around it. For me and the others in the families that remain. So... I dropped out of Harvard law, and thankfully had no family to be utterly disappointed in me for it and started researching."
He lifts his glass in toast to Felix. "You came up time and again. A witch with the power to see Rome fall and sit here with me sharing an amazing wine. Figured you were my best shot. I just never knew if I would find you."
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He watches as Caleb takes a bigger drink and reaches for the wine bottle to pour him a little more. "In your research, did you find any other information about the Katinen family line," he asks out of curiosity. If they're to go into this, he'll need (or maybe it was that he wanted) to share more information about him and be proof that you didn't have to be afraid of your power and abilities.
Not that Caleb was.
He settles in and listens as Caleb speaks about an alternative world and hums in fascination. He's heard rumors of it through the years, of course but he's never truly met someone who says they're from another place or have been to said place. "Si, I can see why being back would inspire you to look for a way," he says after Caleb tells him what led him here. To him, specifically.
"I can be impossibly hard to find if I choose to," he says with a slow smile. "It has saved me on more than one occasion, I admit." He considers what Caleb has said about this curse. "We will need to test a few things before we find a suitable solution. I will need to know how strong your abilities are to find the proper choice or method of deterring this curse. Until we can break it without it breaking you."
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