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Post by Seren Weavers on Nov 12, 2014 0:39:28 GMT -8
Seren![/u] Outfit!They're kind to me here, Casey and his cousin. They didn't need to be. I've waited for them to snap, or change, or... Well, I don't know. I mean everyone else has. I don't want them to change, but what if I relax and they choose that moment. Not that there is anything I could do if they did..."Seren chewing on the tip of her borrowed ball point pen, trying to unmuddle her thoughts so she could get them down. That was easier said than done though... The journal Lucy had brought for her had barely been out of Seren's hands since it had been gifted. A good third of the pages had been taken up with Seren's rambling scribbles, trying to work through her thoughts and emotions which had built up over her last month at ISIS, and certainly beyond that to her life in slavery. Everything was written in those pages, which was another reason it was constantly on Seren's person. There were secrets Seren just wasn't willing to share right now. The only way to ensure that that she could keep them to herself. The young girls head fell back, connecting gently against the brick all behind her. She sat on her little bed in her make shift room. By now her wounds were all but healed. Her bones were healed, the swelling around her eyes was gone. Seren's eye, which had previously been swollen shut, not only had the smallest of yellowing under the socket. Really? She was lucky not to have any lasting damage... Physical lasting damage at least. Carefully Seren rubbed her face with the sleeve of her over-sized sweatshirt (which had arrived one day while she was sleeping) and sighed. There was so much to sort through in her mind... Yet she was finding almost impossible to do so...
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Post by Casey Winslow on Nov 12, 2014 0:39:46 GMT -8
The day was drawing nearer. It was down to the wire with final preparations, fire calls with any insiders overseas. The one person, which he had thought they could count on, was no longer a viable option. No, Markus had lost his son. He had enough on his plate now and had for the past couple months, but this? This was the final straw. Asking him to help was no longer an option. He knew what it was like to lose a child, even if his somehow had made it thanks to a traitor in-law. He had found a way to go on, to use that loss as fuel, but Markus? Markus had so much to do, he dare not rely on him. Sighing, Casey brought a hand up and scratched his neck. He almost moaned at the feeling. He was far more tense than he'd thought. He couldn't blame himself for that, really. After all, his ex-wife-who-couldn't-be-his-ex-wife-until-she-was-re-established-as-alive was hell-bent on revenge against Trevor and had given him instruction time and time again that he was to get Julian out and then leave. Casey might not want to be married to a memory-less perfect stranger, but he did still care about Evie. And that care made him scared for her, absolutely terrified. He didn't care how much Evie had prepared for this moment. She was still reacting even if she was making calculated steps toward exacting this revenge. What was to say the man hadn't installed some sort of safety net in case she found out and became deranged? Some word or phrase that snapped her back to "default" quickly enough for the monster to decide to kill her or keep her? Casey sighed again, trying to relieve some of the stress as he rolled his shoulders back a few times. It helped but not enough. Still, it had to be enough. He had to go see Seren. He'd said he'd come visit her today, and he had every intention of keeping that promise. The girl had been let down, beaten down, and treated like shit more than enough times in her life. There was no way he was going to let her think even just once that she didn't matter enough for him to keep his word. One more sigh and a few more shoulder rolls were made as Casey walked into the bathroom. He splashed water on his face and then dried it off with the hand towel. There, good as new. Now, to just try on a smile. Eh, not convincing enough. He tried again. And again. There, now to memorize that feeling. The last thing Casey wanted to do was worry Seren. Kid had enough on her plate. Once he was sure he would remember the feel of a real-looking smile, Casey left the bathroom and walked over to Seren's room. He knocked gently before announcing it was him then opened the door slowly just in case. ___________________________________
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Post by Seren Weavers on Nov 12, 2014 0:40:04 GMT -8
Seren[/u]
Seren knew there was something going on around her which she wasn't party too. There were whispers, raised voices which were only muffled by the walls. Even Lucy and Casey's faces told stories. Their faces got sad when they thought she wasn't looking, or tired, or both. There was something she was missing...
The knock at the door jerked Seren out of her little daze. "I... Come in?" Her fingers tightened nervously on her maroon journal, waiting to see who came through the door into her little world. She wondered how much longer this little room and free food would last. Lucy had told her she was here so she could get better, but physically she was. All her wounds were healed, so was her free ride over? No one helped you for nothing...
As Casey appeared through the door, Seren's body relaxed. For as much as the man confused her, he had been nothing but kind. "Hi, Casey..." Seren smiled a little, a hand moving up to her wild curly hair. Well, at least she wasn't calling him "sir" anymore... " How are you... Today?"
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Post by Casey Winslow on Nov 12, 2014 0:40:30 GMT -8
"Hullo," Casey greeted with a small smile. He still couldn't believe that Seren still was here, that she was safe, and...even better, healed. At least physically. He didn't know that the emotional healing could even remotely begin until Trevor was dead, which was why he had been uncharacteristically supportive of Evie's quest for revenge since Seren had been brought in. However, all his support had gleaned was insight that he needed to ensure Evie didn't get her way. She was too emotional, too close to this situation. One trigger word or phrase.... No, she couldn't be left to her own devices. He couldn't just grab Julian and leave. She would be killed. He wanted it to be Evie who killed him, truly did. She deserved that at the very least, but he didn't know if she could do it. Beneath that carefully placed facade was real emotion and deep hurts.
"Do you mind if I...sit?" Casey asked, motioning at the chair by Seren's bedside. The room was too small for a table and two chairs or they'd surely have given her that by now. He and Lucy visited her often enough. Others probably did, too. He just hoped Evie didn't venture here too often--or Ianto. Surely Seren would mention it, wouldn't she? Or would their words to her to not tell anyone silence her? It was hard to predict with her and everything she had been through. She had lost her parents to a murderous Death Eater then been thrown into the corrupt system of slavery. She'd been taught for the past while that she was worthless, just someone else's pawn to do with as they pleased, and if she thought someone had saved her from an abusive master, who wasn't to say that she wouldn't be more than willing to be helpful just to secure a place here, to ensure her own safety? The thought was sickening but a possible scenario.
"Today been going well?" Casey asked. He'd noticed the journal in Seren's hands earlier, though he wasn't about to pry regarding what she had written about. She needed to feel safe to write what she needed in that book. It was the whole reason Lucy had given it to her. Lucy had said it would be healing to her to get her thoughts and feelings out in words on a page, validating even. So far, it seemed not to have done any harm.
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Post by Seren Weavers on Nov 12, 2014 0:40:47 GMT -8
It was sweet that Casey asked to sit, even though Seren would never say anything if he'd done so without asking. This wasn't even her room, not really. But it showed her respect which she wasn't sure if she deserved. It was a kind touch. "Of course," Seren shuffled forward on her little bed, until her legs dangled over the edge. Out of this whole world, Casey was only one of two people in the world she found herself moving towards and not shying away from. It was an odd feeling, one Seren still wasn't quite sure she understood. It had been a long time since Seren had even considered seeking comfort from another, her heart had almost forgotten what it felt like.
How was her day going? Well her body hurt less. She had even slept well, or at least, better than she often did. Nightmares had only awoken her once, but after firmly wiping her tears and gulping half a glass of water, she managed drift back into a deep sleep. In comparison to some of her other nights in this tiny room, only one nightmare was practically blissful. But Casey didn't need to be burdened with her problems, he likely had far more to worry about.
"Yes, Casey... I'm feeling much better..." Seren's hand drifted to her newly constructed eye sockets. The only signs of her bloody face that remained was slight yellow discoloration at the brow bone. In a few days that would be gone and her face would be as good as new. Lucy truly did know her craft. Seren knew she owed the the woman her life. "How are you? You've been gone..."
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Post by Casey Winslow on Nov 12, 2014 0:41:07 GMT -8
Casey smiled at Seren's words, though a sadness entered his eyes at the motion of her hand toward her eyes. Seren looked so much better than she had when she first got there, but it seemed even physically, there was still slight healing left. But after the beating the monster had given her, what more could he expect?
Casey nodded twice slowly at her question and observation. "I'm alright. Tired but busy. I think we're getting closer. Maybe another week or two and we could do what we need to, take him out..." Casey forced a smile. He had mixed feelings about it still, mostly due to Evie, but he wasn't going to burden Seren with those thoughts. She needed to see Trevor gone to feel safe. At least, Casey was fairly certain she did. How else could she move on when a threat to her still remained out there?
Casey wondered briefly if his death would be enough even for Seren. Evie would have to find a new purpose, but that would be easy enough. He could point out Morgana had been part of her initial attack, though the woman had disappeared months ago. No one seemed to know where she was, and she was a metamorphmagus just as Trevor was. Would Seren need someone to destroy to keep going or was she young enough she could move on without it? He was sure there had been others, perhaps others worse than how Trevor had been (that was a strange thought). But he hoped revenge didn't take over Seren the way it had Evie. He hoped she could move on and find happiness and even the life that he and his friends had never had.
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Post by Seren Weavers on Nov 12, 2014 0:41:26 GMT -8
There was only one possible "him" Casey could be referring too. Even without the mention of her Master's name Seren felt her face crease with nerves. Her body shrank back, as if she could avoid the memory just by moving away from the speaker. She didn't want to remember Master Williams, or the many ways he'd attempted to destroy her. He'd tried everything to break her, and in their last meeting he had. Seren's gaze dropped from Casey's kind face, her eyes unfocused, trying to blink away the memories. Master's hands around her neck, hands balled into fist, striking her face, crushing her bones into splinters. The memory became fuzzy after the first few blows, though enough remained to give Seren a basic idea. The slippery feel of hard wooden floors as she'd dragged herself through the house, the icy bite of snow on her extremities, the inky blackness as she'd slipped into oblivion... Seren didn't want to loose herself in those memories again. Dark thoughts such as those made the dark close back in. She couldn't bare the thought of becoming so lost again, not when she was only just beginning to find herself with the help of Casey and Lucy.
"What if..." Seren voice felt hollow, her hands knotting themselves against each other and the cuffs of her sweater, "What if it doesn't work? What if he finds us?" Seren couldn't go back, not to him. Lord Williams had broken her to almost disrepair - if he got his claws in her again now? Tears welled up in the young woman's (barely anything more than a girl's) eyes at the very thought. If she went back to her Master now that would be it, there would be no coming back a second time. She would become one of those hollow slaves, broken beyond repair. That was if he didn't just kill her on principle, for having the audacity of "escaping"... Not that, in that moment, Seren had wanted anything more than to die.
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Post by Casey Winslow on Nov 14, 2014 10:45:56 GMT -8
It was Seren's actions that told Casey the words meant to offer her some comfort that things were almost over had been taken the wrong way. It saddened him to see her shrink back, to grow distant and fearful in appearance. Lucy said there'd be times like this. Wven if and when she began being able to discuss things or even Trevor by name, she would still have moments where it wouldn't be something she could take. It was all part of the process. She'd told him not to dodge the topic if it came up but to use her reaction of cues whether or not to change the subject. Right now, he wished he could take it all back and have chosen instead to mention the weather and how, soon, it would be spring and nicer and better. Or something.
At least she was speaking now. At least she was voicing her fears instead of completely shutting him out. That was good. It showed she wanted to be comforted or something like that, he was sure Lucy would say. "It will work," Casey assured her. "Even if it takes an attempt or two, he won't find us. He'll have no reason to suspect we're anywhere off this continent." He wanted to tell her Lucy would be here for her, to protect her in case Trevor somehow figured it out, but he knew he couldn't promise that. Lucy would be part of the attacks in Diagon Alley because she was hoping Sam was under the Ministry in some sort of cell like the "leaked" reports had said. It smelled of trap, even though they hadn't responded for close to a year since the first reports started coming out and the papers had stopped giving any hints even in the classified where the ads had shown up to begin with. He hoped Sam was alive and well and that these ads didn't lead their teams into booby traps and curses and hexes, but chances were, they would.
Sad as it was, Evie was likely allowing Lucy to take herself and several others to their deaths in the midst of this attack instead of blowing things and getting the hell out of dodge. Honestly, of all the people involved in this attack, Casey realized he stood the most chances of getting out alive. If he stuck to mission and grabbed Julian while Evie dealt with Trevor, he would be able to return with no issue. Evie's likelihood was up in the air. He wouldn't be surprised if the man took off at first sight of danger to protect his own ass.
"Even if he does, it'll be long after these attacks, and we won't be here. We'll leave this warehouse after that in case anyone was captured. We don't need him finding us--you especially."
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Post by Seren Weavers on Nov 17, 2014 22:41:05 GMT -8
Casey seemed so sure, how could he be so sure? Did he not know how powerful her master was? Or rather, ex master. In Seren's clouded mind, Lord Williams was unstoppable. It felt like he was always half a step behind her, looming, waiting to snatch her back when it suited him. Yet... Casey thought they were safe. His voice was so confident. Surely you couldn't fake something like that. "Okay..." Seren wasn't sure what else she could say. She knew she should trust Casey, she was trying too... But... Well that didn't come easily. Knowing what she should do, and what was possible, was easier said than done.
Seren glanced up from her nervous hands, finding Casey's face. He seemed genuine...
Her brow wrinkled at the idea of leaving the warehouse. She'd hidden in this little room since Casey had brought her here - going back out into the world seemed beyond daunting. "Where will you - we? - go?" It was a lot of information to take in at once... Seren tried her best to wrap her mind around it. "Would we... Would we go back to England?" Seren wasn't sure what she wanted the answer to be....
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Post by Casey Winslow on Nov 26, 2014 22:20:15 GMT -8
"If you want," Casey replied. He honestly would be surprised if that was where she wanted to return, however. Seren had to associate it with so many bad memories now: the murder of her parents, slavery, neglect, abuse, nearly dying.... "But I was thinking somewhere warmer, yeah?" Warmer generally was associated with happier, wasn't it? Something about shorter days being more associated with sadness and gloom or something. Maybe it was just him, but hey, it was worth a try. He would take Seren and Julian and go as far away from any of this as he could, somewhere warm and safe where they could try to find some semblance of a normal life, somewhere he could teach them magic, hopefully bring them up to speed enough that if something were ever to happen to him, they could defend themselves at least long enough to get away.
"Unless, of course, you really want to go back there." The truth of matters was that he associated the UK with so many negative memories. There were, of course, many happy ones, too, but so much had gone wrong that could have been avoided if he and Evie had simply left, had simply fled, when they had had Julian, or at the very least, after they had Lydia and the long period of peace had begun. They could be happy now, relatively unaffected by what had happened. Who was he kidding, though? They still would have wanted to help their friends and family, maybe even returned to England. And besides, what would have become of Seren had they never met? No, he wouldn't change things, though he still sometimes wished he could.
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Post by Seren Weavers on Dec 3, 2014 22:43:01 GMT -8
Did she want? The question made Seren pause. She wasn't sure. The only homes she'd even known were in the UK, though they included both the good and the bad. For every kind memory, Sunday morning cuddles in her parent's bed, the smile of her father's at her first wand, there were harsh ones, shouted words and harsh beatings. Sure she could easily allow Casey to whisk her away to safety, she could run from every one of those painful memories, but would that mean leaving all those kind ones too... Seren chewed her bottom lip, turning the idea over in her mind.
"I've never been out of Britain..." Seren tugged her knees up to her chest, settling her chin on top. All of a sudden she cackled, all be it humourlessly. "I just said that while sitting in America?"
There was a moments pause while Seren tried to formulate and order her thoughts. Easier said than done, but finally. "Do you think... Do you think it's worth giving up the good memories to leave the bad behind?" Seren couldn't decide. Maybe it was worth it. Maybe in order to move forward she would need to leave everything behind...
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Post by Casey Winslow on Dec 3, 2014 22:43:31 GMT -8
Casey could understand feeling unsettled about leaving Britain behind. It was, after all, where she had spent her entire young life until the moment he'd brought her here and where he had spent all but a few days of his own nearly three and a half decades on the planet. The thought of just...not being there except for visits was scary even to him. Other cultures, while similar, were so very different. The sound of Seren's humorless cackle drew Casey from that train of thought very quickly and he looked at her, a little worried until she made her statement. Oh, yes. That. He gave her a small smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. There was a humor to it, but the reason behind why she was here was dark enough for the humor to mean little, especially in her situation.
Casey said nothing in response and let Seren think until she spoke again, completely uncertain what to say in response to her realization. Her question, however, was much easier. It was something that had been weighing on his mind here or there, and while he'd never acknowledged the thoughts out loud, he had formulated some sort of belief on that. "I think...," he began then cleared his throat. "I think the good memories never truly leave us. After all, it's not the place that gives them to us. Those memories will always be in our hearts to relive. I think it's the bad we do leave behind when we decide to rarely go to those places. And being away can let us heal from the bad until we can face those places again and make new, better ones instead of being haunted by the old."
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Post by Seren Weavers on Dec 3, 2014 22:44:12 GMT -8
Was Casey right? His ideas seemed too good to believe. The idea that leaving the place of memories would allow the bad to fade until a point where the good to be enjoyed seemed... Well if it worked then leaving would be worth it. But would it? The scars from slavery ran deeply throughout the young girl. How could they heal with nothing but time? Wouldn't pain stay longer than the glow of happy memories? How long would it be before Seren forgot what her mother's laugh sounded like? Or how her name had rolled off her father's Irish tongue? That is the memory of her parents' smiles began to blur and fog? She would never be able to get those back if they faded...
"England is the only home I've known... It's..." Seren swallowed, her hands wrapping around her legs as her eyes watched Casey. " England is my parent's grave... It's the only place I have to mourn."
The physical resting place of Seren's parent's were a mystery. All she knew was, England... "You said you knew them. When we first met... You may well have as many memories was me."
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Post by Casey Winslow on Dec 3, 2014 22:44:48 GMT -8
Casey nodded. He could understand that desire. His own six-year-old daughter had been buried beside their home after having been killed in the safe house. He hadn't dared return there since that night over two years ago, though he supposed he could now. Williams was out, and it was doubtful any other Death Eater had a true enough vendetta against him and his family that they would stake it out without Williams around to ensure a reward. Yet could he risk it? No. Not yet, not until Williams' instated regime was out of office, and likely not even then for some time. After all, the Death Eaters would not go down without a fight. They had worked too hard and too long to see their dead master's plans come to fruition. They would at least pursue Isis' attack with small aftershocks until they faded away to lick their wounds and try to recover. He could only hope that action would be taken to ensure they never did.
Truthfully, Casey hoped someone was ready to step up who would take things down entirely and turn them back to how they used to be. It would have to happen gradually, of course.
Seren's next statement brought him from his thought tangent, and he nodded. "I knew them," he replied. "Perhaps not as well as you, of course. You were their daughter, but I knew them as friends and fellow soldiers." It was strange to refer to them as soldiers, but in essence, that was what the Order had been back in the day: an army organized from militiamen to see that Voldemort and the Death Eaters were destroyed and brought to justice.
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Post by Seren Weavers on Mar 18, 2015 16:55:54 GMT -8
Casey may think he hadn't known her parents as well as she did, and that may be true, but in Seren's mind he'd known them in a completely different way. Casey had been their equal, they're... Fellow soldier. Her parents had done their up most to protect Seren from all the hurt in the world, which had often, she supposed, putting on a brave face despite their whole world falling apart. Perhaps it sounded niave (and maybe it was) but 11 year old Seren hadn't known truly how much danger the family had been in until the night her mother and father had been murdered. Casey would have known them leading up to that fateful night. Would her father have confided his fears in his friend? It was possible... Seren had no doubt that her parents had loved her greatly, but she had been robbed of the chance to ever know them as equals, not as Casey had.
"Do you think...One day, not today, but," Seren swallowed, raising her gaze to meet the man who'd proven as her saviour, "I could see the memories you have of them?" Perhaps it was a strange request, especially coming from someone who had spent so much of her recent years avoiding thinking about her life before slavery, but now that she was trying to rebuild herself? Well she would like to see her parents one last time, even if it wasn't real.
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