| Details for Has the Heart Grown Fonder? |
| Summary: | Having just returned from his travels in Russia, Mikhale returns to his shop late at night and happens upon two individuals he hasn't seem for quite some time: Rhyeline, the little mouse, and Thomas, his younger brother. What are the chances? |
| Date: | Tuesday, September 24, 1938 |
| Location: | North Verdic Alley |
| Related: | — |
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North Verdic Alley
Often considered part of Diagon Alley by the masses, Craeft Alley looks much the same as Diagon proper, with shops of all sizes often leaning against each other or leaning out over the walkway. Here in the Northern end of the alley, the differences are a little more noticeable however. The whole alley here is a little more cramped, the buildings pushed together all the harder and the walkway itself is smaller. It's as if a charm to increase the space here wore out years ago. The atmosphere is still bright and cheery, however.
The streets of Verdic Alley stand silent under the crescent moon. Magical lamplight illumines the cramped and crowded buildings. All the shops stand dark and empty. All except one. Cafe Tasseo stays open rather late.
Upon emerging from Cafe Tasseo, Rhyeline shivers as she gazes up into the night sky. Of course she could just apparate home then and there. However, something about the silent street beckons her. Pulling up the hood of her cloak for added warmth, she sets off to wander down the street.
The young man, as a lost shadow of the night, paces slowly through the pavement, which wallows in the moonlight.
The black trousers and shirts tighten his handsome body. Though, muscular arms and broad shoulders are covered with leathern jacket.
The man walks like a real aristocrat in some kind of the feast: straight shoulder, raised chin, full of self-confidence eyes. He brushes with the fingers through the shoulder-length chestnut curls, tossing it back for the small breeze to play.
Man glances at the hurrying creature under the hood, but he just shrugs slightly, giving all the attention to "Steele Travel". He stops straight in front of that place and stretches as tired tiger. "Home…" his low voice whispers for the night.
Rhyeline freezes in her tracks at the sound of the voice. The little mouse peeks from under her hood over at the man standing before Steele Travel. Her dark gaze shines in the gentle lamplight as she blinks in surprise. "…Mikhale?" Her voice is as soft as one might expect from looking at her.
The silence of the night lets easily echo even the most tranquil sound. So, the man slowly turns his head to the direction from where the sound of his name approached.
"Miss…" he bows his head for the little creature. "It might be dangerous to twiddle in the shadows alone…" a small wink is given, however, his voice does not betray any signs, that the creature was recognized. Though, some mischievous sparkles are dancing in his eyes.
Rhyeline stands cloaked not far from Mikhale outside his shop, just down the street from Cafe Tasseo. Except for them, the street is silent. At the man's soft spoken warning, the little mouse bites her lower lip, taking half a step back. "I'll be alright…" she murmurs. Her dark gaze shines bright with caution as she watches him. Another shiver runs through her delicate form. Despite her cloak, it might seem she is still affected by the brisk autumn breeze.
Mik watches that petite girl with some amusement in his features. "Oooh, really…" he drawls "I will have in mind for whom to ask some tips of self-defence," another wink is given and while the sparkling gaze rests on that girl, Mikhale steps a bit closer, frown slightly, as he would be watching all through that hooded figure.
With slow swift steps, Thomas walks down the Alley's road. A gusset pocket briefcase hanging from his side, his left arm moves up and his eyes fall on the silver watch around his wrist, as he mutters something under his breath. His fedora gracing his head, he looks up heading down the path, as he walks right by Mikhale and Rhyeline in his hurry, only to stop a few feet past them, before turning on his heels, his gaze moving across the two, "Mikhale?" he says slowly, his tone slow and thoughtful.
Rhyeline takes another half step back, but continues to gaze up at Mikhale with a watchful, stead gaze. "Mikhale…" Beneath her cloak, her little hands form fists at her sides. The girl might be a skittish little thing, but for now she seems determined to stand her ground. However, the sound of approaching footsteps ensnares the mouse's attention. Recognition flickers in her dark, cautious gaze, but she remains silent for the moment, glancing towards Mikhale.
Man chuckles silently under his nose and cants his head to another side, still watching that girl, while playfull smile keeps corners of his lips up.
However, the voice, very well know voice, just slaughters that smile, forcing Mik to roll his eyes, as being quite disappointed. All the fun was interrupted. Though, quickly his features are fulfilled with another a bit different kind of smile.
"Hello Mikhale, how are you?" Thomas says softly, his hands moving to straighten out his suit slightly, before moving and adjust his fedora on his head, as if concerned his appearance. His feet softly press against the Alley's ground, carefully as not to scuff his dress shoes as he moves towards the pair, "It has been awhile, I hope all is well." he says slowly, his turns slowly up into a smile, "However it is a pleasant surprise to see you." he continues before sitting his briefcase down on the ground as he reaches the pair, his gaze moves towards Rhyeline, his facial expression is one of deep contemplation for a moment, "Ms Idelle Rhyeline Diderot, if I am correct?" he says slowly offering her a short nod.
Rhyeline withdraws further as the fraternal reunion unfolds before her. Perhaps she might have slipped away altogether had Thomas not spotted her. She pauses under his careful observation, watching him with a quiet, careful gaze. Noding, she dips into a small, graceful little curtsy. "Yes," she murmurs. "And- you are… Mr. Thomas Carrow…" It isn't a question. She recognizes him.
Mikhale glances from his brother to the petite girl. He patiently waits while these two will change with all these formalities. He slowly brushes his curls and then cleans the dusts from his shoulder, letting the gaze slip around the shadows of the night. He may look a bit haughty and totally not interested into these talks, but…
When he finally finds a proper moment of silence, his charming laugh ripples through the empty streets. "Surprised to see me, brother? This is me, who is surprised to see you two here in the middle of the night… This is mine shop, mine street," he chuckles and stares at his companions with the amusement once more.
Thomas offers Rhyeline a small smile, "A pleasure, I assure you." he says slowly, "Oddly enough bumping into each other here, don't believe we have crossed path at the Ministry. I hope you are doing well." he continues with a small wave of his hand, before turning his attention back towards Mikhale, "Well, I believe you have been gone, I haven't crossed paths with you on the way to Cafe Tasseo, which is where I was heading to review some current legal cases for work. I swear they have me reviewing more cases then doing anything of purpose." he says with a small sigh, "Where have you been off to this time?" he inquires curiously, a small grin creeps upon his face, similar to that of a young boy picking up a adventure book and breaking the crease for the first time.
Rhyeline maintains her quiet reserve as Thomas addresses her directly. She replies with a silent nod and nothing more. However, as Thomas turns his attention towards Mikhale and refers to his work at the Ministry, the little one tilts her head to the side, curious to hear of what is happening now at the IMC. Then, as the small grin creeps into Thomas' face, Rhyeline cannot help but smile. With shelves of books recounting travels and adventures in far off lands, she recognizes well his anticipation.
"I was in Russia," quite coolly answers Mikhale. He is used to travel. He loves that, but also, that does not raise too much excitement after /many/ journeys. "It was the second time I was there… "
The man glances at his shop. "I should check on that…" he gestures. "We shouldn't stand here whole night. What if you two go to the Caf Tasseo and I will come in a bit…" smirks man and paces closer near the doors, glancing at the girl with a strange glare in his eyes, before entering inside.
Thomas grin stays in place as he thinks about Russia for a moment, suddenly torn back from his daydreams as Mikhale mentions heading over to Cafe Tasseo, "Not a issue, see you in a bit Mikhale." he says slowly, as he reaches down and picks up his briefcase looking over at Rhyeline he, considers her thoughtfully for a moment, "After you, Ms. Diderot." he says making a polite gesture with his hand, attempting to be the gentleman.
Rhyeline remains perfectly still under such a glare, like a mouse caught in the sights of a cat. At the sound of Thomas' voice, she blinks and her dark gaze flickers towards him. She glances off down the street at Cafe Tasseo a moment before peeking back up at him. She parts her lips to speak, but hesitates. At last, she simply nods and sets off towards the upscale restaurant.
Cafe Tasseo
Named for the art of Tasseomancy (Tea Leaf Reading), the posh Cafe Tasseo offers complimentary tea leaf reading to its customers. The cafe has a sort of French elegance to it, but it is much less flagrant, which makes it pure British. The chairs are all padded dining chairs of mahogany and golden embossed fabric one would expect to find in a Louis XIV style without all the pomp of leaves and flanges, just smooth curvaceous lines of mahogany. The use of mahogany, gold and pristine white is throughout the spacious room.
The ceiling is a floral mosaic of white and gold with chandeliers and light fixtures dangling from the mosaic in appropriate places. The gold gilding continues into the walls, accenting raised relief panels on the columns between the windows. The panels share the floral motif of the ceiling, intricately crafted down to the last detail. The windows themselves are just as magnificently turned out; the top quarter is draped in gold shades, the bottom half covered by white sheers, allowing the patrons privacy yet letting ample light through the uncovered section of glass.
Thomas enters after Rhyeline and his gaze slowly moves across the cafe, somewhat cold and calculating. He moves to his normal seat by the window and sits down his briefcase and unclasps it out of habit. Suddenly be blinks, "Oh.. is this seating arrangement acceptable Ms. Diderot? I have not been much for socializing so it appears I have let my social graces lapse, by not allowing the Lady to pick the seat." he says slowly, though not waiting for an answer he sits down and pulls out a rather large bundle of legal documents and flips to a page in the middle adjusting his glasses.
"It's quite alright," murmurs Rhyeline as a waiter pulls out a chair and then pushes it in as she sits with slow, careful grace. When asked what she would care for, she requests a cup of tea and nothing more. Her eyes flicker to the legal documents upon the table with a touch of curiosity. "Events remain as complex as ever, I take it?"
"Well the issues with China and Japan are not helping that is certain." Thomas says slowly, as he flips the page, placing his order for tea with milk and sugar. "Though they have me reviewing older legal documents, I am not sure why, it is growing tedious and tiresome to be honest." he says slowly and thoughtfully. His finger moves across the paper as if he is concentrating on a certain line on the document, "Haven't seen you since Hogwarts, seems we still are keep different circles." he notes slowly, before glancing up at her his expression somewhat blank, "I hear you are continuing to excel, however. Congratulations." he says softly with a small nod, his head turning to check on the status of his tea.
A subtle blush warms the little one's soft, snow-white cheeks. Bowing her head a bit, she peeks up at him and murmurs, "Thank you. I- After diplomatic efforts broke down in Berlin, I- I decided to persue a new avenue in the hopes that it would- would avert the growing storm over Europe…"
"That's a shame, from what I've heard you where a valuable asset to the I.M.C. you will surely be missed." he says with a soft smile and a nod as the tea is delivered, he sits down the document and picks his tea up in the proper manner and takes sip. His gaze still on Rhyeline, "So how are you liking your new avenue?" he asks curiously, his head tilting to the side slightly, a faint smile appearing on his face, making it hard read his expressions.
Warming her hands against the sides of the cup of tea, Rhyeline watches Thomas with deepening shyness. "It… well, I- I haven't been able to do very much lately." Her gaze flickers down to the warm, milky tea in her cup before she peeks back up at him. "Except- I have been doing some research for Cassius Malfoy until I can return to serve as his assistant."
"Well I am glad you are keeping busy, these are not times to sit idle, if you are an intelligent and capable person." Thomas says with a nod and sips his tea once more, replacing on its saucer when finished. He stares at Rhyeline for a moment, adjust his glasses on his face. He reaches into his briefcase and removes a books, "Do you read muggle Literature?" he asks, holding up a tattered book with a faded yellow cover, titled "The Yearling" by "Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings". He is clearly trying to change the subject, a smile on his face. "I just finished it earlier today Just fell from the number one best seller spot a few weeks agao." he says offering the books to Rhyeline with a smile.
Rhyeline's expressive gaze registers a fair amount of surprise when Thomas shows the well-worn copy of 'The Yearling'. She accepts the book and studies its cover curiously for a moment before looking inside for a moment and turning it over, as if examining the book's condition. "…I read a fair few muggle publications… though, not many are stories. I haven't read this one." Peeking back up at the man, there is a new look of curiosity in her quiet stare.
Thomas nods slowly as he takes a sip of his tea, "Read it, I think you will find the analytic points, very useful Ms. Diderot." he says with a small nod, "I personally feel that the books can be a good escape and often times teach us more about ourselves and mankind then we know, be them muggle or wizard." he says with a small nod, "That is my personal copy, you can keep it as long as you want or need to." he says as he picks up the legal documents and goes back to reading it, his lips tensing in a bit of frustration as he flips back between a couple of pages.
Rhyeline hesitates, holding the book with care as she studies Thomas' face. At last she nods and hugs it against her chest. "Few would agree that muggles have much to offer in the way of insights… I think too often, perhaps, wizards and witches forget that though we live apart, in the end, we share the same world…" She takes a small sip of tea before setting it aside as her gaze flickers towards the entrance. With care, she begins to rise. "I should be going… but- it was good to speak with you, Mr. Carrow."
"When you finish the book, we will talk about paralleling worlds." Thomas says slowly, flipping between another two pages, his brow furrowing in concentration, "But I do not believe for a moment that muggles have no effect on the Wizarding World, as Wizards we keep them in the dark, however they are unaware of us and thus do not need to worried about damaging our way of life, we have created a one way street without a sign. So often time traffic accidentally comes towards us." he says slowly, before glancing up at Rhyeline, "Well if you need to be leaving Ms. Diderot, it was a pleasure catching up with you, well I suppose meeting you really. I know you name, I clearly remember you beating me in marks at Hogwarts." he says as he stands up from his seat, obviously moving to get the door when she leaves, "It was a pleasure, Ms. Diderot." he says softly.