The Means to an End [ONDINA]

[Deleted]

Aerick had been assigned a new mission for Elaine with one of her other recruits the day the dragons attacked Hogsmeade Village. He had not been planning on going; he had been lying low since murdering his father but for this particular mission he would be needed for extra support. That meant he could appear in both his normal appearance and his Animagus form. He was still not a suspect by any means, as his father had gone out of his way to erase his former family from America, but he could never be too cautious.

He had no idea who the other person he’d be meeting today was; Elaine never gave the names of her other operatives, just who to look out for. His co-conspirator today was a redhead who would be wearing her hair back in a tight ponytail, and she would be on the lookout for a python - him in the alley behind Club Indigo. There were plenty of redheads in London, including one he’d enjoyed a night out with a few weeks back, so that really could mean anyone. He finished up his shift and walked back outside. Glancing back and forth, he closed his eyes in concentration, and began to feel his body shift, growing longer, slimmer and more powerful. He hissed, coiling up around himself to make his location more comfortable. He rested his head on his coiled body, waiting for this redhead Elaine claimed was showing up, and hoped she wouldn’t be too late.


Ondina Nell Weasley

[Ondina Nell Weasley]

i dare you.

ONDINA NEVER EXPECTED MUCH IN THE WAY OF details from Elaine. In all of her time as a Purifier, she'd accepted missions of all shapes and sizes. And while she hated hard labour, there was something undeniably satisfying at being chosen, regardless. This time, however, she'd been tasked to meet her partner in the form of a snake. She'd laughed a little when she'd been told as much, though her face had sobered as Elaine's had. What use was a snake to her? She thought. Especially in a trade, but then again, she'd look good with a snake her side.

Having dressed as she wished to distract, Ondina had smoothed her hair in to a high, sleek ponytail as she'd been told her reptilian friend was to look out for such an appearance. And though she felt it made her face look drawn, she did have a bit of colour in her cheeks. Elaine had provided on her promise and Ondina finally had an effective elixir to combat her many allergies and ailments, though it almost always made her head spin a bit. She was positively buoyant as she arrived at the meeting point, her eyes scanning the shadows for slitted eyes and scales.

Coat pulled tight across her person, she stopped at a coiled body tucked just out of sight. It was undeniably beautiful, the skin patterned in an almost hypnotic way. Ondina crouched down in her heels, a slight smile curling the corners of her mouth. "Does the snake talk?" She asked, almost feeling ridiculous as she reached out a hand, very nearly petting it - though she had a great hatred for anything furry, snakes were marginally more tolerable. Even the ones who weren't all as they seemed. "I believe you're expecting me." And then she stood, dusting herself off and crossing her hands behind her back. 

@aerick

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

Ondina Weasley. The universe certainly had a funny way of bringing people together, Aerick thought as he slid towards the young woman. They hadn’t had any contact since their escapades, but that was a mutually agreed upon outcome. Both had been looking for a good time, and got what they wanted out of each other. Aerick had noticed she seemed a little too curious as to how he had such nice accommodations for his liking, but he supposed since she was a Purifier, now she’d understand. Not quite ready to leave his python body, he slithered up to Ondina, coiling himself around her feet slowly. Not enough to scare her, but to remind her that snakes were both beautiful and powerful. He finished his circle and coiled himself immediately in front of her. He thought the words, and he began to transform back into his human body, and when he was finished, he was standing nearly nose to nose with Ondina. “Fancy meeting you here,” he told her, a cocky smirk playing upon his lips.

He turned, and nodded down the alleyway. “Our target is down that way. Elaine said the seller was rather eager to dispose of their goods but...one can never be too careful now can they?” he commented, taking his wand out of his pocket and twirling it around his fingers. “That’s what I’m here for, in case they decide to renege on the agreed upon price. A little squeeze usually reminds them that there was that agreement in place for a reason.” Aerick chuckled darkly, then gestured ahead, bowing. “Ladies first of course,” he said quietly.

Ondina Nell Weasley

[Ondina Nell Weasley]

i dare you.

THOUGH SHE'D FELT RIDICULOUS INITIALLY THE snake responded to her appearance as if it had been expecting her. She straightened abruptly, watching as the creature slithered across the space between them and coiled its way around her feet, tightening around her ankles just enough to catch her breath, but not ruin her shoes. She stood very still and stared at it quietly. Snakes were one of the few animals she was not allergic to. And then it seemed to pull away from her with intent, its body sliding against itself until it was a tower of coils and scales and then it began to shiver and move.

In the blink of an eye, Ondina was staring at the bartender she'd never expected to see ever again. His face was just as handsome, though it shone with residual magic as he filled his natural shape and then some. Her face, though initially shocked, curved in to a sharp smile as she tilted her chin to meet his eyes bravely. "Small world." She drawled, a shiver crawling up her spine as she recalled the last time she had seen him. It had been a simple thing, just the way Ondina preferred her personal dalliances, but she'd known there was something else to him.

As it turned out, he was a snake and a Purifier. And though she couldn't have made that connection if she was given a thousand years to think it over, she still wasn't entirely surprised. What shocked her most was that Elaine had paired him with her. He cut and imposing figure, and she felt dwarfed beside him. But, perhaps that was the point. She was the sweet and he was the muscle. Ondina took a very slow, deliberate step back as she let her eyes run the length of him. "Easy..." Ondina said reaching up to lay a delicate hand on his wand as he brandished it like the weapon it was. "And I'm here to try and make sure that doesn't happen." Her head tilted confidently as she turned at his prompt, leading the way to the front of the little hole-in-the-wall shoppe.

Before she stepped through the door, Ondina couldn't resist turning her head to catch Aerick's eyes. Her own narrowed triumphantly as she laid a hand on the doorway. "I knew you weren't just a bartender." Pushing it open afterwards so that he didn't have the chance to protest.

The dingy interior made Ondina's nose wrinkle immediately. The smell of stale air and ashes. Something was burning somewhere inside, but Ondina had no desire to find out where. She cast her eyes around the room dismissively, looking for anything out of the ordinary before she approached the ramshackle table that served as a makeshift stall and register. "Evening, sir." She said with more chipper than she was used to. She clasped her hands in front of her, her chest pushed out and her face alight among the dankness of the shoppe. "I've come to retrieve an order." She blinked her feathered lashes and appeared demure. It was always easy to look unassuming to begin with. "I believe we called ahead." The 'we', however, was like a pinging reminder of looming danger. 

@aerick

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

Aerick glanced briefly over at Ondina and smiled a small smile. “Of course my lady,” he said with an inclination of his head. They entered the house and Aerick had to squint to see properly. The man Ondina was currently engaging in conversation with had ratlike watery eyes that darted quickly between herself and Aerick, as if itching to race away from the two of them. “I’m sure you’ll find everything in order here,” he said smoothly, unfurling a roll of parchment from his sleeve and tossing it in the mans’ direction. He squeaked like the rat he resembled and bustled off to the darkness of the back room. “I don’t like him,” Aerick said gruffly, his hand casually resting against his wand. He rolled his shoulders back, ready to transform into the powerful python form he had donned earlier should the occasion call for it.

Fortunately for the man, he had decided not to tempt fate today. With a grunt, he heaved an ornate looking golden box onto the table. “Open it,” Aerick commanded, and the man looked fearful. “Did I stutter, old man? We want to make sure you’re not trying to cheat us,” he said, a note of danger tanging his voice. With trembling hands, the man opened the box, and Aerick and Ondina looked down at the grey egg nestled in a bloodred velvet cushion. “An Antipodean Opaleye egg,” Aerick said softly, reaching out to lay a hand on the scaled vessel. It was warm to the touch; the box of course was just for transportation, as a dragon egg must be kept hot in order for it to hatch. Antipodean Opaleye dragons were known for their unwavering loyalty; it was no wonder that this was what Elaine had been seeking for months now.

Ondina Nell Weasley

[Ondina Nell Weasley]

i dare you.

THE SIGHT OF PAPER FLYING OVER ONDINA'S shoulder and skidding across the table almost made her flinch. Aerick's gruff voice screamed 'no nonsense' and she tossed him a look over her shoulder that warned him to 'take it easy'. Ondina had seen sellers like this multiple times. Weedy and easily frightened. Having someone as imposing as Aerick take the lead would only make them more likely to run, or worse, sell them out. As they scuttled off to the back, Ondina took a step back towards Aerick and lowered her voice.

"You don't have to like him..." She hummed, her voice like honey. "You just have to let him live long enough to give us what we want." Her voice was sweet, but her eyes were narrow, full of warning. "So take your hand off your wand, sweetie." Her eyes flickered down to where Aerick's large, tense hand hovered above the strap. Ever eager to get in to a fight, she thought, tutting slightly just in time for the seller to came tumbling back in to the room.

Ondina noticed he was sweating, and it wasn't from the solid gold box he was hefting on to the table between them. Ondina took an instinctive step forward, her heart thrumming and hands itching. Aerick was like a bucket of ice water down her back and she pasted on her best, brightest smile to combat his hardened tone of voice. A forceful entity all on its own. "Oh, I know you wouldn't cheat us." She reassured him, her head tilting in a spill of shiny red curls. "I'm a fabulous judge of character." Standing in front of Aerick she winked at the little, sweaty man so he felt special. Like it was them against the world.

The lid opened to reveal an opulent creation. Even Ondina couldn't deny its beauty. The soft warmth that spilled from inside the box, cooking the little creature beautifully. And with all the confirmation Ondina needed, she reached for the lid and pulled it closed, laying a protective hand on top. "Pay the man, dear." She said from the corner of her mouth, the tips of her fingers latching over the top as she dragged it towards herself and away from the filthy little seller. "We must get our new baby home."

With a big smile, Ondina kept the sellers stare as she dragged the box closer. "I am impressed with you, honey." She drawled, all sweetness. "You have proven to be an invaluable asset to us." It was always important to make inferior men believe they were better than they were. It made them even weaker. With the box firmly in her hands, so deceptively light, Ondina opened her bag - another thing dripping with deception as its minuscule size hid a greater depth and security. Ondina manoeuvred it inside and out of sight. Unwilling to give herself credit for success until they were out of the shop and the egg was safely delivered to Elaine. 

@aerick

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

Aerick watched as Ondina opened the box to reveal the precious cargo within. This was something Elaine had been wanting for a long time, and they had finally gotten it for her. “Finally,” he breathed under his breath. He removed a large sack of galleons from his pocket and thumped it down on the table. “There’s the gold you required for this little transaction. Plus a little more to ensure you recognize the need for your silence.” The silent threat that went along this was perfectly clear; if he spoke to anyone about this transaction, he’d be seeing a side of Aerick that he really didn’t want to see.

“Now if there’s nothing else to be done here, we best be getting this box to its’ rightful place,” Aerick said breezily, nodding to Ondina and held the door open for her to leave first. When they were a good distance away, Aerick looked over at her and smiled. “So, how’s it feel?” he asked, raising a brow at her.


Ondina Nell Weasley

[Ondina Nell Weasley]

i dare you.

ONDINA LET AERICK CLOSE THE DEAL WITH A blank smile on her face. Like the merchant think that Aerick was the true mastermind behind the transaction. His stiff, formal voice paired with his towering demeanour and the casual way he tossed him his galleons. As if money truly was no object. As if this were something he did everyday. It was actually quite attractive, and very fitting. The merchant would sooner remember him as the brains of the operation - and in this instance, it fit Ondina's chosen character as she flashed a sweet smile before turning to go. "You have a good day now," And she was so excited that she almost meant it.

The mission closed far better than her last. The door sliding shut behind them, her purse not so much physically heavier, but weighty nonetheless with promise. Elaine would surely be pleased with this outcome. Her ponytail swung behind her, steps buoyant. "If I wasn't so impressed with my lipstick, Aerick, I might kiss you." She grinned at him in answer, her eyes creasing at the corners. "Plus, you still smell like reptile." And she gave him a slow once over. He did not, but she didn't want him to think they were too friendly. This was still business, and Ondina was very nearly a professional.

"I bet you do this all the time," She said with a sly look from the corner of her eye. Phishing for information. 

@aerick

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

Aerick chuckled wryly at her comment. “I guess you’ll have to make up for it at another time, one where you don’t care about what your lipstick looks like,” he retorted, crossing his arms over his. He remained silent at her reptile insult; he knew full well that he didn’t but people tended to have an arsenal of jokes and comments about his transformed self. Elaine didn’t care, in fact she had been rather excited when she found out. If that was good enough for Elaine, it was good enough for him.

“Aha, I know what you’re trying to do Ondina. You’re trying to figure out what exactly I do for our Lady,” he said. “After all, I can’t possibly afford my apartment or its’ furnishings on a simple bartenders job. Though I may have money saved up, or a rich relative could have left me money.” He gave her a cock of the head and a slow smile. “Tell you what, let’s go get a drink and we can play a little game. See how much you can try and wrangle out of me,” he suggested lightly.


Ondina Nell Weasley

[Ondina Nell Weasley]

i dare you.

AERICK'S SLIPPERY TONE OF VOICE AS FAMILIAR as it was pleasant and Ondina smirked, tongue running behind her top teeth as she paused for a moment, knowing full well that he had interested her once again with his sly retorts. "Maybe," She muttered in reply, but her lips were quirked at the corner in a quiet smirk.

They walked alongside one and other for a short while, Ondina feeling triumphant and Aerick cool and composed beside her, but she couldn't bear to keep it that way. Her curiosity was a ferocious thing, and soon enough she was questioning him lightly - going in for the kill. Of course, he knew exactly what she was doing and she gave a breathy huff, irritated at being caught so readily. But, he took it in stride.

"Well, did they?" Ondina asked with a shake of her head and a grin. She knew this wasn't the first time he had been asked about his lifestyle and just how he maintained it, but Ondina felt like she knew a little more now. His loyalty was not easily tested. Of course, he talked his way around her and she felt brushed off, even as he challenged her. As if there was no doubt in his mind that he wouldn't spill something unless he meant to. "Deal," She shrugged, ever the competitor. "But, don't feel bad if you enjoy it." 

@aerick

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

Aerick grinned widely at her. “Now Ondina, you know I can’t give away all my secrets,” he told her, the grin turning into a smirk as she agreed to his little game. He offered his arm, a place to go already in his mind. He led her to a tucked away little pub, definitely not her typical upscale place. If she was going to play his game, it was going to be on his turf.

Aerick found two seats at the bar, after asking the man who looked too far deep in his cups move over one. “Your throne,” he told her, gesturing to the seat. Once they were situated, he motioned for the bartender to bring them a round of drinks. Aerick took a long, slow sip, his eyes never leaving Ondina’s. He knew he was drawing this out for her, but he couldn’t help but enjoy it. “Now, I believe I mentioned a little game?” he finally said with a smirk.


Ondina Nell Weasley

[Ondina Nell Weasley]

i dare you.

WITH HER ARM TUCKED NEATLY IN HIS ONDINA could almost pretend that Aerick was a perfect gentleman. Except, she didn't want to, and there was never anything gentlemanly about the way that Aerick spoke, or stood, or smiled. And that is exactly why she knew that this, whatever it would be, would be fun.

Hopping up on to the bar stool, Ondina leaned an elbow on the bar top and braced her chin on her hand, red ponytail swinging as she shook her head expectantly. The drinks could wait, Ondina had never been one for drinking to excess. No, she wanted to play their game and Aerick was quick to provide. "Mm-hm," She hummed, lifting her brows as if to tell him to proceed. Sitting back slightly, she dropped her arm and drummed her sharp fingernails between them like a countdown. "Don't tell me there are rules now." Her smirk was a little patronising as she rolled her eyes. 

@aerick

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

Aerick rolled his eyes in a good natured fashion as Ondina complained about the idea of rules. “No rules, but if you ask anything I really can’t answer, I’ll be downing my drink over giving you that information,” he cautioned. There were very specific things Elaine had him working on that he had sworn an oath to not speak to anyone about them.

He noticed that Ondina did not touch her drink at first; she wanted to keep a clear head for her questions, and he respected that. Fortunately, as a bartender, he’d had his fair share of drinking games, and his tolerance had been built up quite a bit because of it. “Alright Miss Weasley, what is your first question?” he asked, raising a brow and taking a sip of his drink. He wondered how bold she’d go with her first question, or if she’d play it safe. She didn’t seem the safe type, so he sat back to wait on what she’d say.

Ondina Nell Weasley

[Ondina Nell Weasley]

i dare you.

ONDINA WONDERED HOW FAR SHE WOULD HAVE to dig before she made him drink. Her interest piqued, almost in challenge as she sat before him. He seemed at ease, no hint of trepidation in his posture of tone as Ondina narrowed her eyes at him. Looking for a chink in his armour. "Okay." She said succinctly, her mouth pursing a half measure in thought. She even stopped to take a drink, as if she hadn't had her first question queued up from the moment he transformed and revealed himself.

"How long?" She said in the wake of a delicate swallow, the glass clinking as she set it back down on the bar top, forgoing the coaster entirely. The question was vague, but Ondina wasn't about to lose her cool in a public place. To clarify she licked her lips and smirked. "How long have you... enjoyed your... extracurricular's." And then her smile began a shark-like grin. She would not say Elaine's name out loud. 

@aerick

NEVERLAND at ADOXOGRAPHY 2.0!

[Deleted]

Aerick chuckled and studied his drink. He could just down it and not answer her question, but knowing Ondina, she would keep hitting him up for more questions he simply couldn’t answer. This one, was pretty tame compared to what she had just asked, so he smiled and set his glass down. “Five years, give or take,” he told her, sitting back on his chair. “I’ll even throw you in a little extra. When I came to London, I was a mess. Drunk and a different girl in my bed every night. Someone who eventually became Elaine’s associates, after the whole...leadership usurp, took me under his wing, cleaned me up, got me a job at Club Indigo, gave me a second chance at life. So when I was asked to complete a few...tasks, I willingly agreed.”

He took a sip of his drink. “My turn,” he said, eyes glinting in the dim light. He knew this wasn’t part of the game he’d agreed to but his curiosity was burning. “When did you turn against your family in favor of her?” he asked. The Weasleys were a well known Pureblooded family, had fought with the Order of the Phoenix against Voldemort. What could have caused a Weasley offspring to go down this particular path?

Ondina Nell Weasley