The Celebration of Magic [Serenity/Roxanne/Open]

[Rivers]

Rivers hums to himself softly as he bustles around the kitchen of Haven. The trio that was living there had spent their time training and as promised he was cooking up something that the two of them probably had not seen before. He had been bouncing around on what to do about the food. Originally he figured he would make some of the cuisine from modern Earth since it had the greatest premium on fine foods, but then he considered Serenity who they were really making this for and came up with a better idea.

Rivers simmered a soup as he worked on preparing the chicken he had obtained. He had needed to go to a few different regions to get the ingredients he was looking for, but in the end he managed to collect everything he needed.

He inhaled deeply as he took the crusty rolls out of the oven and replaced them with the chicken, setting a small wind spell to work the improvised rotisserie he'd set up. Rivers' usual brown coat and dress shirt had been replaced with a more traditional cotton shirt and white apron. Dressed as he was he almost looked like someone who belonged in this world, though he was taller than most.

He set to work using the drippings from the bird to make a gravy and soon he had almost everything set. He wipes a light sheen of sweat from his brow with his apron and grinned; picking up the tray of rolls along with butter and some jam Rivers walks out into the meal room and calls to the pair. “The food is being served!”

After calling this out he walks back in and releases the wind spell he was using on to fan the flames and pours the asparagus and cheese soup into the three bowls.

He walks back out with them on a tray and sets them at each of the place settings. Then when the two appear he announces “tonight we'll be having an English dinner.” He announces, the last two words coming out in English.

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity had gone to her room after returning from training, wanting to change, fix her hair, and relax for a little while before eating. Rivers had promised a meal, and she could already smell it from her room. She’d removed the all black clothing, and taken her hair out of the high ponytail it had been stuck in. Instead, she now wore light green clothing, a dress ending at her calves. Her hair remained down, crimped slightly from the ponytail, and windblown. When she heard Rivers call from the kitchen, a smile appeared on her face— what he was doing was really sweet of him, and she couldn’t help but feel giddy with the situation.

Serenity left her room and walked down into the meal room, the smell far more prominent now, and it was amazing. Something about it seemed familiar but she couldn’t place it just yet. She looked around the room, smiling when Roxy came in as well, before looking to Rivers curiously as he enters with the soup. Just as it clicked in her head, he announces what he had done with an attempt to sound English. Her hands made their way to her face, covering her mouth slightly as it fell open in a smile, her eyes glowing.

Oh my goodness. Rivers! This is amazing… How did you…. I don’t understand how you know about all these things from my world— Robert Frost, this food… I.. She looked up at him, stunned and lost for words, but completely happy. She couldn’t express what this had meant to her.

It looks, and smells amazing. Thank you. She bowed her head in thanks.

[Roxanne]

Roxanne had also taken the time to return to her room and freshen up after the training. She traded her sweaty, dirty clothes for the her black evening gown, the only other clothing she had. Roxanne reverted back to her human form and wiped off any lingering dirt with a cool, damp cloth. She brushed out her long red hair, leaving it down and decided against shoes. She could smell the food almost from the moment Rivers had started cooking and it had been tantalizing her. None of it was really that familiar and so it made her curious.

She arrived in the meal room shortly after Rivers announced the food was ready, feeling only slightly guilty that she hadn't helped. Roxanne smiled at Serenity's reaction, knowing well that she deserved all of this. Accomplishing what she had with the magic was no small feat and she only wished that she'd had someone that cared enough to do this for her all those years ago. "This really is amazing Rivers, I've never smelled anything like it. It's also quite fitting it would seem for Serenity. Congratulations again on your progress this evening, Serenity," Roxanne said, smiling.

[Rivers]

Rivers turns as the girls appear, he actually looked strangely domestic in the apron and puffy shirt. He had some flour smudges on his face and a tight lipped smile, amusement dancing behind his eyes. “You know I feel like I've been staring a lot more than I have been in my life before now.” He comments, giving both girls an obviously appreciative gaze.

Rivers sets out some spoons and then walks over and pulls out a chair for Serenity and then for Roxanne. “You'll recall I spent quite a while in your future Ser, I've read my histories and classics, though I suppose they were neither of those things yet in your time.” He admits, in an almost bashful tone. In truth the fact he knew about her culture was a coincidence of the fact he really liked history and food played a role in culture.

He gives Serenity an encouraging smile, but before Roxanne sits down he raises a hand and says. “Excuse me milady, may I interest you in a magic trick first?” He asks her, a twinkle behind his eyes. He rolls up his sleeves and then says. “See, nothing up my sleeves or in my pockets?”

Then his hand disappears into the air and suddenly comes back out with an long sleeved emerald dress. It was of pretty fine make, though not extremely lavished, more like something someone of some skill spent a couple of nights on. He gives Roxanne a smile and passes it too her. “A thank you for being my sparing partner.”

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With that he turned back to the table. “Well, it doesn't look like Lia is around so I guess we should get to eating.”

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity blushed lightly at his gaze, and took her seat graciously, nodding her thanks. I recall you taking apart in my world, but I never knew you were so interesting in my culture and actual home there. It’s amazing! She beamed at him, taking note of his tone.

Serenity’s eyes gazed over the food before her, coming down from the shock. He’d done something to amazing and nice. She doubted anyone had ever been so considerate of here before. She looked up as Rivers pulled a dress from a tunnel, and she smiled sweetly at Roxy. The dress looked well made, and the colour quite suited her.

Now we match. She laughed lightly. She’d noticed Roxy only had two sets of clothing, so it seemed fitting.

[Roxanne]

Roxanne laughed lightly at Rivers's comment about staring, giving him a saucy wink. She didn't say anything though as he answered Serenity's question, the look on her face saying she clearly thought it was all very interesting. He'd been to so many different places and times apparently, it made her wonder at his true age, not that it was important. Giving herself a mental shake, she moved to take the offered chair but paused as Rivers asked her if she'd be interested in a magic trick.

She gave him a curious look and nodded as he continued, producing a beautiful emerald green dress from one of his tunnels. Roxanne's face lit up with surprise and appreciation. "Rivers, this is lovely! You didn't have to.. did you make this?," she exclaimed, taking the dress gently and holding it up to look at it properly. It looked like it would fit well. "Thank you," she said simply, her tone genuine and with more emotion than the situation really called for. Only Aria had ever given her anything before. Roxanne stepped forward, being careful with the dress, and gave Rivers a tight hug. "I'll be right back," she added, turning to run back to her room.

Roxanne returned a few minutes later, now wearing the new dress, which suited her coloring quite well. She had braided her hair too, with just her bangs left to frame her face. She found the dress to be a little wide in the shoulders, but she just tugged the sleeves down to create an off-the-shoulder look that bared her collarbone and shoulders which worked well with the style of the dress anyway. It brushed the ground a bit as she walked as well, but she was still barefoot.

[Rivers]

Rivers grins in response to Roxanne's wink, but he quickly refocuses on the task at hand. He was glad she seemed to like the dress, it had been designed more to his preference than hers so he hadn't been sure. When Roxanne hugs him he pats her on the back a couple of times with an indulgent smile. “Well I figured you might need another, we can organize a shopping trip in a few days so that the three of us can replace anything we were forced to leave behind.”

As Roxanne wanders off to get changed, Rivers seemlessly glides into his own chair and rests his chin on his hand looking at Serenity. He was glad she seemed to appreciate it, this wouldn't really have been much of a celebration if it turned out she was a vegetarian or something, though he imagined that was pretty rare back in the 1800s.

“Your world will adapt a very potent record keeping system in the next couple of centuries.” He explains to her, wondering if she still missed the world. “I will admit I was mostly more interested in Earth's history than your culture specifically, I unfortunately did not know that the two of us would end up meeting like this.” He admits. His gaze seems to soften as he watches her and right as he looks like he is about to say something Roxanne returns and he turns towards her.

“Not bad at all,” He says looking her up and down, though this time with a more professional eye. “Looks like I was a little off, I can make some adjustments later to help fit it a bit better.” He offers before gesturing for her to sit.

“Well then, as our guest of honor why don't you say a few words?” he asks, looking at Serenity.

[Serenity Caine]

Well regardless of how you obtained the knowledge, I thank you. Really. She looked up to him, her face sweet and calm. This really had meant a lot to her. There was a small smile on her lips. She looked into his eyes, leaning forward on the table slightly, as it looked like he would speak. But he didn’t. Roxanne returned and Serenity’s gaze shifted to the beautiful woman.

Miss Roxy, you look stunning. She smiled politely, curious as to what Rivers would have said. Yet, when he asked her to speak, she gaped at him.

Speak? Oh… uhm… Well. I guess I just want to thank both of you— Without both of your help and encouragement, today would have been near impossible. You two are helping me live in this world, not as a Fated, but as a person… With magic… but still, a person. She looked down, flustered.

[Roxanne]

Roxanne missed the explanation of how Rivers knew about Serenitys world. She grinned as Rivers mentioned a shopping trip, knowing they could well do with supplies and an outing. "That sounds like a wonderful idea," she said, quite enthusiastically.

As she returned and took her seat, she smiled at the compliments from the other two and nodded as Rivers offered to make adjustments later. "That would be up to you but I won't deny you should you chose to anyway," she said.

As Serenity makes her short speech, Roxanne smiles. "I was happy to provide what little help I did," she said warmly. "Rivers is right in that we should help each other as much as we can." She finished.

[Rivers]

Rivers smiled at Serenity's gratitude and then at her words, it was good she was settling in as this could very well end up being her home, even if it could never be his. “We have only given the push, the rest of it you have done yourself, you should be proud. I've known few people who pick up spell casting as quickly as you and even fewer with the presence of mind not to let it go to their heads.”

Rivers dipped some bread in his soup and took a bite before replying to Roxanne's comments. He couldn't totally dispel his worried about Aria's situation, but he found himself happy and calm in the presence of these two. Though when Roxanne tells him the adjustments are his decision he shakes his head.

“No, I won't do anything to the dress you do not was me to. It is yours, that's what makes it a gift. Even if I do get to enjoy the benefits of seeing a lovely woman in it.” He admits with a playful grin.

“Well then, this might be somewhat juvenile, but I think any good party needs a party game. I suggest a game from another place and time called “Truth of Dare” the rules are simple,” Rivers goes on to explain the rules of Truth or Dare along with a caveat for calling a request or challenge either too personal or outside the bounds of expectation.

“Would you two be interested?” He asks as he finishes his soup.

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity shook her head, No, I have more to thank you for, but it would take some time for me to form the words. Rather, I think we should enjoy this amazing meal you’ve prepared. She waved away what he said of magic. It was to soon to tell if it would go to her head, though she had picked it up quickly. Accepting what he said would time a bit of time for her.

Once she sees Rivers eat some, she does the same, not sure when it was polite to start before then. However, when he brings up and explains a game he had in mind, she found herself chuckling. And odd request… But I am interested. She nodded, an amused smile on her face, as she glances at Roxy, having a feeling that the woman would have no problem with it.

[Roxanne]

Roxanne nodded in agreement with Rivers's comments about Serenity, working on her own bowl of soup which she occasionally dipped a piece of bread in that she tore from her roll. By the time he had moved on to correcting her about the adjustments, she was about halfway done with her bowl and nodded as she had her mouth full. "We can go over it later then, when you're free," she said simply after she'd taken a sip of wine to clear her throat.

She listened with interest as he explained this game of 'Truth or Dare'. Serenity said she was okay with and Roxanne grinned as he explained the rules. "Sounds like fun, but you should know almost nothing is too personal or out of bounds for me," she said, grinning. "This is delicious, by the way, and the wine is very good. Where do you find such wonderful bottles of wine, Rivers?" Roxanne added, curious.

[Rivers]

“Your praise makes my heart sing with joy.” Rivers replies to Serenity, a grin on his face as he polishes off his soup and rises. “Be right back,” as he returns with the chicken and gravy the pair seem to be considering and deciding in favor of his suggestion regarding 'truth or dare'.

He sets down the platter and cuts some of the meat before replying to either of them. He looks at each and grins. “Alright then, as I suggested the game I will go last.” He says and then nods towards Serenity. “Why don't you start, you can either question or dare either Roxanne or I.” He reiterates as he places some meat on his plate and sits down.

When Roxanne asks him about the wine he refills her glass and winks at her. “Well now, if you're that curious you'll just need to wait your turn.”

[Serenity Caine]

Serenity smiles at Rivers as he leaves and returns with the chicken and gravy. This evening would certainly prove to be interesting. When Rivers suggests she go first, she shook her head, laughing. Of course.

Me..? Okay… Hmmm She moved to take some chicken herself while she thought. Should she ask Rivers, or Roxanne..? She looked down, not sure of what to ask.

Umm.. I guess, Roxanne. What do you like most about being in this world— or well… time? She wasn’t sure, but she believed that Roxanne was fated from a future version of Nova. Something like that. She would rephrase if asked.

[Roxanne]

Roxanne helped herself to the chicken and gravy when Rivers brought it out. She listened as they chatted and rolled here eyes as Rivers avoided her question and told her to wait her turn, but she was smiling. When Serenity asked her question, her look turned thoughtful and she worked to cut the chicken. "What do I like best about this world? and specifically this time of it, you say?" she repeated, still thinking. It was a tough question. She hadn't been there that long. Hell, she hadn't even been in the city beyond the events at the Gallows. "Well, all things considered, I'd have to say probably the time I've spent here in Haven," she answered honestly.

"That makes it my turn, right?" she asked, looking at Rivers, though the rules were clear enough. "Hm," Roxanne muttered, munching on her chicken and debating. She really knew so little about either of them beyond when/where they were from. "Rivers. Where did you get the wine?" she asked, smirking.