Alyssa Kostapoulos: The first thing you'll notice about Alyssa is her rich olive skintone that holds a certain softness about the girl. Her eyes are a deep brown, lashes thick and dark giving the air of heavy makeup though you'll never catch the girl wearing any. Her dark hair is cropped to her shoulders and hold a natural wave, outlining her mediteranian cheek structure. She dresses in simple garments, generally natural fibers and earthy tones to accent her features. She is average height, roughly five foot six inches, weighing about 115. Despite her small stature, she give the air of strength and a willingness to fight for what she believes in. Age is hard to tell with this one. Looks alone would imply she's in her teens, though she carries herself with the pride of an older woman.

Paris Bennet: He's a young man, maybe 18 or 19, small and slight. His babyface is hidden under a Robert Smith-like mop of black hair, hanging greasily down over his innocent green eyes. Dressed in a pair of dirty, ragged jeans, old Converse All-Stars, and a T-Shirt of a smiley-face in a Hannibal Lector-ish mask, he's very much a child in a teen's body. His demeanor is meek and hesitant. He projects a childlike innocence about him. (Arcane 1)

Alyssa Kostapoulos: The girl is currently sitting in the mouth of an alley, leaning against the bricks and digging through her overstuffed messenger bag. She's wearing a tiny white robe, traditional, and simple brown leather sandals that appear.. shottily.. handmade.

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): He shuffles his way along the street, head bowed, hands in his pockets. The kid is counting with each step, a mumbled, kid-like voice. "761... 762... 763... 764..." He approaches the alleyway in question.

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa blinks up, hearing the numbers. "764 what.. boy?" She inquires with a bright smile. Genuinely curious.

Alyssa Kostapoulos: ((crap. missed arcane. should i roll to notice him?))

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): ((For purposes of there actually be interacting this scene, don't worry about it for now. *S*))

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): He looks up, blinking...pretty lady. He takes a step back on instinct, a blush coming to his cheeks. "Umm...uh...hi." He pulls a hand out of his pocket, waving shyly. "What, um. Ummm, did you say?"

Vittorio Lombardi: *Long of limb, once perhaps fashionably broad but not overly so. Age settles well into a roughened face, lending a dignity to a distinctly gaunt seeming face. The good father seems to be in his mid 40's, black hair mixed with some gray is kept slighly longish, wavy, and parted exactly, a goatee seems to fit rather well in what were once handsome features, lent gravity and distinguised by weathering the passage of years with no small grace. Grey eyes glint at the world, and his long limbed, ravenlike frame exudes the vitality of clean living. He wears the white floating collar and somber black clothing of a priest.*

Alyssa Kostapoulos: She gives a soft laugh to the boy, legs bouncing in a not so lady like fashion for the length of her robe "What were you counting?" She makes no effort to hide her thick accent.

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): He blinks at her, and then looks around...and down. "Oh." He smiles faintly at the sidewalk, and then looks up, the smile become more bashful. "I, um...I was, uh...my feet."

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa gives a soft giggle, crawling closer to the boy, not seeming to mind touching the filthy concrete "Hmmm.. you don't LOOK like you have 764 feet.."

Vittorio Lombardi: *Steam is stained bright white by the streetlights, trickling across his face as it wafts up from a styrofoam cup, the soles of his shoes silent against asphalt as he walks down the sidewalk. Sometimes.. the walks.. they help with the Dream..*

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): As she crawls toward him, he shies a step away, head ducking, hair falling over his face. "No...when they, um. You know." He points to the concrete hesitantly. "When they hit the ground. That thingy."

Vittorio Lombardi: *One hand emerges from his pocket to sweep longish hair back from his eyes.. hawkish features drift up- eyes darting at the sound... a child? laughter? He checks his watch.*

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa plops back down. Not wanting to scare the boy. She offers another bright smile "That's good. It's always a good idea to keep track of such things. Just in case." Crazy barbarian..

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): He sighs sadly. "Yeah...but I lost track, now." He gives a quick look around, warily.

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): d10: Per+Alert: 9,8,7,8,7,

Vittorio Lombardi: *Instincts older than he knows suddenly rip his eyes toward the sky.. following phantoms that drift across his mind from time to time.. no.. not... now... not anymore. Not bait this tim- wait.. bait? His footsteps stop. A shuddering sigh before he continues toward the alley.*

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa follows the boy's gaze. Maybe he sees things too. This could be interesting..

Vittorio Lombardi: d10: per alert: 9,8,3,7,7,

Alyssa Kostapoulos: d10: per+alert: 7,8,9,3,9,

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): He widens his eyes to saucer-size when he sees Vittorio. He turns to face the man, and backs up several steps into the alleyway...quick, panicked steps. He seems to have totally forgotten that Alyssa was even there.

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa tilts her head at the boy, confused at his reaction. She gives the preist a bright smile "Man. You're a preist." She states appraisingly.

Vittorio Lombardi: buona sera? *The voice sounds mild- trained precisely.. it comforts, on its own.. but the flavors that tint its edges are odd. something quiet under the tones. He continues toward the alley with a strange politeness for a dark alley in the middle of the night. A thumb slips under his jacket for a moment.*

Vittorio Lombardi: *He chuckles a bit to the girl, nodding with a slight tilt of the head. A glance around, before his eyes fall on the boy in something like mild alarm, and concern.* I am, my child... is... is something wrong with your friend, miss? Excuse me... my son?

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): He's back totally against the wall, hands splayed against it, staring at Vittorio. Almost as if he's trying to will himself to become part of the wall. Sadly for him, it ain't workin'.

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa gives a tiny shrug, then looks over her shoulder at Paris. "Are you alright, boy?" Looks back up to the older man with a proud incline of the chin. ~italian~ "He must be a hethan. I think he's touched"

Vittorio Lombardi: *He glances behind him. The movement brief, but the gaze takes in everything behind him without turning around. swift, and efficient. He turns back with the same mild concern written plainly across distinguished features just starting to grow a touch jowly with age.* Signore? young man... are you well?

Vittorio Lombardi: *He nods again to the girl.. a slightly knowing eye.* aaaaaah.. is that it then? *He smiles to them both and squats down, right where he is without approaching further. For his age the knees do not crack, and the movement is liquid and smooth.* I will not hurt you, signore...

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): His head bows, eyes shut. "No. Bad bad bad, important people, can't find me." He shakes his head violently, and looks up. "I'm sorry, Mr. Mercy sir, I didn't mean to, the bad people made me..."

Vittorio Lombardi: *Cool grey eyes slip across the boy, taking him in.. perhaps checking for injury, some sign of sickness.*

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa looks back with a bright smile to Paris "Don't worry boy. If he DOES try to hurt you.. I'll stab him." She gives an innocent bat of the lashes. Though her tone carries conviction.

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): Alyssa's words don't seem to console him much. He just presses further back against the wall, completely flattened against it. His eyes dart both directions, looking for a place to escape to.

Vittorio Lombardi: *He tilts his head slightly... best to go with the simple part, perhaps...* Oh.. important people are dangerous? Well then, we are in luck.. I am hardly one of those.. *the rich accent is a nice touch.. Palermo, perhaps, or a rural area near. There yet remains a touch of stillness behind it..* young man... my name is Vittorio. Or Father, if you prefer... *he glances to the soup.* Who is it you fear? *He sounds concerned for as long as the words roll from him.*

Vittorio Lombardi: *A stern, if kindly look to the girl.* signora.. *his eyes slip back to the boy.*

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa shrugs. Obviously she isn't helping. Oh well. She goes back to digging through her messenger bag, producing a sharpening stone and her traditional falcata. She leans back against the bricks and pulls the curved blade from its hard leather sheath and takes to sharpening the thing.. Humming a merry little tune to herself.

Vittorio Lombardi: **He holds up one hand slowly..* Young man... listen.. if you have to go, I am not going to chase you. But see- *He gestures between them.* If you stay there, and I stay here- there does not seem any danger? And I'm unimportant, so that as well is good... perhaps if I stay here.. *He lowers himself to a seated position, legs straight in front of him, and crosses his ankles, resting the soup in his lap.* we might all enjoy soup and talk? *He indicates the cup.*

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): "I...I-I-I..." He seems to be having difficulty corrolating the idea that Vittorio is neither dangerous or important. "The bad people...important people...thoughifyourimportantI'msorryIcalledyoubad..." He flinches, looking away.

Vittorio Lombardi: *He smiles to both of them- then freezes as the knife glints with each pass across the stone. Not, perhaps.. for the right reasons. He seems to watch the glimmer for a moment, trying to think of something..*

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa doesn't seem to notice. She gazes down lovingly to her falcata, sliding the stone across the edge of the blade with a graceful tact. She continues to hum innocently a soft tune.

Vittorio Lombardi: *A slight chuckle- a bit forced, trying to divide attention between the scared boy and the young girl sharpening a short sword.* mm. Mind your fingers, signora. *ahem* You see my son, *he gestures around* there are no important people, and no danger. Only soup- and our valiant lady defender with her sword should something happen along. si?

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa gives a soft gigggle "I've skill with a blade. My profession demands it. I learned from my beloved Gregory."

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): Slowly, eeever so slowly, he starts to relax a little bit. Finally, after a very long moment, he nodsm very slowly. "O...o..kay." He makes a slow slide, down the wall and into a sitting position, knees curled tightly to his chest.

Vittorio Lombardi: *Something ripples, deep inside.. another flash of... something. his eyes were wide like that. Terrified. He- a shake of his head, almost imperceptible.. one hand rests flat against the ground as he blinks rapidly for a moment and looks back to them.. a sip of the soup, and the priest looks as completely calm as before- and looks at Alyssa again, unsure.. but recovers well* ......ah.. *his eyes pass back to Paris* there. you see? all is well signore.

Vittorio Lombardi: eh... *eyeing the sword* could you perhaps pause a moment- and pass this to our young friend? *He holds out the soup in a steady hand.*

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa gives an excited nod and slips the blade back in its sheath, laying the stone on the concrete next to the thing. She takes the soup, and still on her knees inches closer to Paris with a soft smile on the boy. "It's hot."

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): He shakes his head atr the offered soup. "No, no. I don't eat that."

Alyssa Kostapoulos: She tilts her head at Paris "What do you eat? I have a bag of kalamata olives in my bag.. and some of my family's wine from back home.."

Vittorio Lombardi: *Something flickers behind smoky grey eyes for a moment- a shadow passing across as they talk of eating. interested in Paris.. he considers where this came from.*

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): "I'm 'llergacic." He nods to Alyssa. "Strict diet."

Vittorio Lombardi: Scherzo! You jest, signora. *A once handsome smile curls across his face.* Kalamata olives- the real ones? Not what they pass off here? *He nods to Paris* You must surely feel ill to pass up one of those. *Lighthearted, and frozen underneath.*

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): "Strict diet," he repeats, a little more stress to it, as if he needs to say it harder for them to understand. He hugs his knees, watching them.

Vittorio Lombardi: *Again the gaze flickers in both directions.. it could almost be timed, the frequency with which he checks both mouths of the alley. The old priest does not seem so nervous about the situation as mildly concerned with the children... but seems alert.*

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa gives a bright smile to the older man and hands him back his soup. She crawls over and digs through her bag, using her freehand to make sure the edge of her robe is covering her bum in front of the barbarians. "When it comes to olives.. I don't joke." She says in a somewhat serious tone, but flashes a playful look over her shoulder when she pulls out the bag of olives. They're the real deal. Imported and fresh.

Vittorio Lombardi: *His eyes widen in mock- amazement. He takes the soup with one hand, looking ~around~ her bum for the duration of her search, as though seeking the first glimpse of gold from her bag. He rests his shoulders against the wall again, one hand pressed over his heart.* Signora... may I? *His gaze flicks to Paris again.. strange.. the boy does not seem at all comforted by the banter...*

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa gives a proud nod and hands the bag over. She turns back around to dig out an unmarked wine jug and an ornate goblet.

Vittorio Lombardi: *He begins to dig one out gently, opening his mouth to speak with Paris further- then notices the jug.* wh- signora- *He holds up a hand, as though asking more than insisting. His tone does hold the slight weight of an italian catholic... but he doesn't ~really~ seem that concerned beneath it.* signora- no. At least for my own conscience, mm?

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): As Alyssa digs through her bad, he blushes and looks down, firmly at his knees. Only when she seems to have sat back down does he look back up, watching them the way a mouse does a couple vipers who are casually discussing the appetizer before their main course.

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa uncorks the wine and pours some into the glass with a confused look to the priest. "No.. what?" she asks obliviously.

Vittorio Lombardi: My son... what bad people seek you? *When Paris looks up again, perhaps the sense the good Father's eyes never really quite left him.*

Vittorio Lombardi: (What's the bare minimum on Alyssa's apparent age? He ~is~ italian. I have to keep that in mind.))

Alyssa Kostapoulos: (16 would be the minimum. she doesn't look all THAT young.)

Vittorio Lombardi: *Without looking away from Paris, he slips the olive into his mouth, savoring it with a distant, calm sort of ease. An almost invisible smile as he chews, and closes the bag.*

Vittorio Lombardi: (oh okay. Nevermind then.)

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): He stares at Vittorio a moment, as if the man might rip his head off at a moment's notice. "I told you. Important people. People like y...Mercy."

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa places the cork back in the jug and wraps both slim hands around the bronzen goblet. Raising the thing to her full lips she takes a long sip, smile widening. Taste's like home. She extend her arms out to Paris, offering the goblet in his direction "Is it a demon?" she asks quite casually. "I met a demon my first week in the city. He tricked me into laying with him." She gives a proud incline of the chin.

Vittorio Lombardi: *He hands the bag of olives back to Alyssa gently.. a greatful nod- and offers the soup again as well.* You have not told your parents about Mercy? They would help, certainly?

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): He nods a little. "Father knows about Mercy. Mother doesn't...but I haven't seen Mother in a long time. Not since the restaraunt."

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): He shakes his head to Alyssa, eyes wide. "You...you saw a demon?" The last word is whispered, in a truly fearful tone.

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa frowns and gives a stern nod "Two of them. One put pictures in my head. And the other had wings of fire."

Vittorio Lombardi: *A glance sweeps to the daring location of Alyssa's robe hem. Tricked... riiiiiight. His eyes sweep to her face.* I should say this man was a demon, to have tricked a young girl into such things.. *he crosses his arms in his lap, body still, even his feet do not twitch.* signora, what of your own parents? Certainly the two of you do not just have this alley to keep you comforted and safe?

Vittorio Lombardi: (DLP)

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): "Wings of fire..." He shivers heavily. He does NOT like the idea of wings of fire. He stares at Alyssa, enraptured by her description.

Vittorio Lombardi: *A blink... and the priest becomes completely still. His mouth remains closed, lips pursed as though considering the gravity of Alyssa's words, no more than a polite listener.. but he watches her mouth as she speaks from under his brows, head tilted down slightly... drinking every word. One would have to look close- but there, somewhere, is a will as cold and relentless as the grave.. terrible in its intensity.. all of it only the occasional whisper across icy grey eyes.*

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa sets the goblet down on the concrete and she squirms to a laying position on her stomach. Dangling her feet girlishly behind her she offers Paris a stern glance, not much paying attention to the older man's reaction "He doesn't always have them. But holds the capacity to make them manifest at his liking." She frowns. "He's.. bad."

Vittorio Lombardi: d10: w+s to cease creepy: 2,3,8,7,5,5,3,

Vittorio Lombardi: *Softer now, his voice only above a conspiratorial whisper, reserved, detached* signora.. where was this thing you saw?

Alyssa Kostapoulos: "I saw him in an alley." She looks around "It wasn't this one though."

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): He nods to Alyssa's statement, eyes wide with wonder and fear, like he's hearing a bed-time story. And one he's obviously buying into, too.

Alyssa Kostapoulos: "The other one.. the woman.. Took me to her home and showed me." Her frown deepens. "She looked like an angel.. But didn't much act like one."

Vittorio Lombardi: You know.. if you know his name.. I could speak a prayer against him, so that he will not trouble other little girls- ones without falcattas. *He takes a sip of the soup.*

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa gives a tiny smile to the older man "That won't be necessary. I've done quite a bit of praying about it myself. The Moerae have made up their minds on the matter."

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): "The Moreae?" He looks to Alyssa. "I know them. Clotho, Lachesis, and Atropos."

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa gives a bright smile to Paris. Hopeful "Do the gods sing to you, boy?" Maybe he wasn't so savage after all..

Vittorio Lombardi: *He gasps, mock suprise.* ~it~ a heathen yourself?! *He's clearly not all that undone, more joking.* You know, more efforts, from more directions- is needed to deal with their kind. In the same sense that the empires that very sword carved- *a gesture to the falcatta* were brought about by the efforts of many. Doubly bound holds back a demon even better than one by itself. Sure you shouldn't tell me, just to be sure? (rolling... manip+sub? to convince? worth a shot.*G*)*

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): "Ummm...kind of." He frowns, thinking about it, and nods. "I know them very well, at least."

Vittorio Lombardi: d10: man+sub: 5,5,9,5,4,4,

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): ((Gaah, sorry, Vitt. Man+Expression to convince of a point. Spaced it))

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa crawls slowly closer to Paris with a bright curious smile "I work for them. I'm in their favor.. as one of their priestesses."

Vittorio Lombardi: d10: man + will: 7,7,1,

Alyssa Kostapoulos: d10: willpower: 5,4,6,6,4,7,

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): His head tilts as he looks at Alyssa. "Really?" He smiles, shyly. "I don't know any priestesses."

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa squints to Vittorio for a brief moment, then shakes her head. Silly barbarian. She looks back to Paris with a bright smile "You do now." She extends a tiny hand to the boy "Alyssa Kostapoulos."

Vittorio Lombardi: *Yet quiet, and still, the old priest tears through the dream that seems so vivid- until, of course, he wants to actually look at it... there's significance.. something to be seen.. but the whisps of the pictures fade before the groping fingers in his mind... more.. could there... grey eyes shift back and forth.. sifting through things only he can see..*

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): He reaches out, carefully, and shakes her hand. "I'm Paris."

Vittorio Lombardi: *Her words are at first dim- only vague things that prick at the corners of his awareness.. once they penetrate and rouse him, his gaze flicks to both ends of the alley again- then back to her. His face creases into a smile.* o ho.. barbarian is it now.. *tone light, mirth.. though there is a warble to it, a slight break at the end.* No respect for a colleague.. or an old man, I might add.. tsk tsk.

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa maintains a loose hold on the boy's hand, soft. She smiles warmly "Paris. You are.. french.. then?"

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): He shakes his head, frowning with a looks of frustration. "No, no, no...not like the city. Like the Prince. Everyone always thinks I'm a city." He looks to Vittorio. "Do I look like a city?" Yes, that seems to be an honest question.

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa blinks back to the older man with a confused look about her "I've plenty of respect.. for some barbarians. Especially educated ones." ((you do realize that was thought and not said, right? when she called him a barbarian that is))

Vittorio Lombardi: *He frowns slightly, still a bit distracted- but props his chin on knuckles, apparently giving Paris a very thorough looking over, serious.* hhhmmmm.... nnnnnooo... but- you also do not resemble pictures and paintings of the man, either- so perhaps people may as well mistake you for one or the other equally? *He winks, and smiles at the young man.* A good disguise against important people signore, I should think.

Vittorio Lombardi: ((oh! sorry about that, I thought it was spoken. *L* Early here- disregard the post.))

Alyssa Kostapoulos: ((*giggles* is cool.))

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): He doesn't get the disguise bit at all, so he just nods. Agreeing with people makes you less likely to get hurt.

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa reaches back over to where she'd layed the wine and takes another long sip from the bronzen goblet. After a moment, she sets the thing back down and takes her short sword back out of its sheath to start sharpening again, running the stone up the blade with a practiced skill.

Vittorio Lombardi: Now, it has been an enchanting evening, children.. only.. an old man should really be in bed.. as should young people such as yourselves. However- as I am lost, I have an excuse. *A smile again, white teeth flash in the distant streetlight.* So tell me- what brings the two of you to this chill alley in the middle of the night?

Vittorio Lombardi: ((forgot the "chill" part. I remain shocked at the temperature in NY- when I was there I was freezing pieces off by the end of august.))

Alyssa Kostapoulos: "I live four city blocks from here" She states proudly, still with a loving gaze to her curved blade "I went for a walk to get out of the restraunt for a bit. So that i could pray without disturbing my acarya."

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): He shrugs a little, tightening the hug on his knees. "I was just walking around, and, ummm..." He peers over to Alyssa. "She asked why I was counting. And it wasn't my feet, it was them hitting the ground. And I lost where I was. And I got scared. Then I sat down. And here I am."

Vittorio Lombardi: *He glances from her to the bag, holding a more sincere olive than one often finds in town, to his suprise, then back to her.* Might I ask, which restaurant? And, is it... well, affordable enough for less than important people?

Alyssa Kostapoulos: She offers the older man a bright smile "We serve less than important people every day. It's called Fate's Kitchen. We've not been open too long." She squints at the man "And I don't think I've seen you there. You should come by. My acarya is an excellent cook."

Vittorio Lombardi: *He purses his lips slightly and shakes his head.* No, I do not often leave Manhattan- but I will, to sniff out the source of such fine olives again. *He nods his head.* Thank you, signora.. *he looks to Paris again, considering.* Young man... allow me to offer a solution to both our problems, as we are both lost, si? Why do not, you and I find our way to the church together, so that we may call your father, who may then come and pick you up? This way the young priestess may pray, *He nods to Alyssa, clearly not intending to insult, but also not understanding her claim* and we might both find where each of us is going?

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): "Nooooo...." He shakes his head, scooting away at man's mere words. "Noooo church. I can get home, I promise I can...no church. Nope."

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa scoots closer to Paris protectively. "I have a phone.. if you need one." A tiny smile creeps across the young girl's face, looking at the boy with an appraising stare.

Vittorio Lombardi: *his eyes widen a bit, not teasing, but rather a touch of empathy- but obviously trained- for Paris' apparent fear..* mmmmm... so long as you promise. But, something to bear in mind, should you ever wish to visit me. *ahems, and leans a bit closer, mildly conspiratorial* God is rather smaller in person, and less menacing.. than he seems from a distance. *spiders of hate crawl behind his eyes.. visible in what could easily be only a gleam from a streetlight. He winks, again the kindly smile.* So, he will not frighten you away all the time, I hope? *He leans back again, preparing to rise.*

Vittorio Lombardi: *oddly, one doesn't hear capitals on the "he's" and "hims"*

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): He blinks at Vittorio and the look in his eyes, staring at him for a long moment, and frowning. "Go away," he says, almost a little standoffish. He scoots closer to Alyssa, and somehow, away from the priest. He looks over at the woman...phone. Oh! "I, umm...have a phone. But I can get home."

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa gives a halfsmile to the older man, running the stone more briskly across the curved blade "Goodbye Vittorio. I'll see you soon." Such innocence.. for someone wielding a sword.

Vittorio Lombardi: *He continues to rise, apparently mildly hurt at Paris' sudden change.. as though he had little idea of what may have concerned him.* If I have offended, I am sorry, my son. *He speaks directly to Paris, gentlemanly, apparently sincere, but not overbearing. He nods to them both and speaks again in the same trained, mild voice.* Good evening to you both. Be safe. *Another nod as he retrieves the soup and makes to leave the alley.*

Vittorio Lombardi: *He continues to sip the soup, walking at the same contemplative pace with which he'd arrived.*

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa watches Vittorio leave the alley, before leaning over to slip the blade back in it's sheath. She leans back over to Paris with a playful smile to the boy "You were on 764." She states proudly, and leans over to kiss the boy's cheek briefly before standing.

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): He stares after Vittorio, lips curled into a deep frown, eyes hard...such a change in the boy's face. He's even unhugged his knees, having gained a touch of confidence in his anger.

Vittorio Lombardi: *and poof* ((thanks for the scene folks!))

Alyssa Kostapoulos: ((thanks! *G*))

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): Once Vittorio is gone, and Alyssa kisses him on the cheek...whoa, talk about the bashful child being back in a heartbeat. He blushes deeply and looks down, smiling bashfully. "Ummm...er. Th...th-thank you, Miss Priestess-Lady. Say hello to the Moerae for me."

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): ((Thanks, Deep!))

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa goes about rounding up her belongings, stuffing them into her already overstuffed bag "You should come by as well. We could sing to the gods. And worship together."

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): He nods, scrambling to his feet, still looking to the ground. "Okay...umm. M-maybe I will. Ummm...uh...yeah. Bye." He gives her a shy smile, then goes to leave, abruptly.

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa slings the heavy bag over her shoulder with an Oof of an exhale. She looks back over to where he was sitting, then up to him leaving with a soft giggle "Why are you so shy Paris of Troy? Do you not like my company?"

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): He stops and looks back to her, sputtering a little, clearly caught off-guard by the question. "Uh...umm...I mean, ah...you, ummm...y'know." He rubs at his cheek a little bit, his head down, the mop of hair obscuring his face again.

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa gives a soft smile to the boy. Confident as ever. "I don't mean to make you nervous. If you like.. I'll leave you be." She turns with a teasing look over her shoulder, then skips out of the alley to the sidewalk.

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): He looks after her, blushing some more, and smiles to himself. "Ummm...maybe I'll see you, um, later. Yeah. Maybe. I should get home now." He says it, even as she's walking away, as if it's as much for himself as for her. With a happy little sigh, the evil Mercy-Vittorio forgotten, he walks out of the alleyway, turning to head home, starthing his count again. "765... 766... 767..." He turns and looks to Alyssa, smiling again, and then looks down. "Ummmm..." A sigh. "1... 2... 3... 4..."

Alyssa Kostapoulos: Alyssa bounces back to the restraunt.

Alyssa Kostapoulos: (and now.. is time for a nap. *G* thanks rav.)

Paris Bennet (Arcane 1 Active): ((Any time. Talk to you later, hon. *Hugs*))