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last online Apr 28, 2024 14:27:19 GMT -7
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Jun 5, 2019 20:42:44 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jun 5, 2019 20:42:44 GMT -7
Jan. 28, 2025 Rachel was finally starting to feel good about things. Her nightmares were coming less and less frequently and she'd definitely gained back the weight she lost in Azkaban. She looked healthy and good and finally felt like she was pretty again. Even better, she and Travis were slowly starting to get into the gist of things again. They'd spent so much time together, reacquainting themselves with one another and just enjoying it. While they'd always had a good time together, this private time they'd spent at the little house in the country allowed them to get to know one another in a new way, more deeply than before and she loved it. They practiced their wandless magic and their hand-to-hand fighting, going out on carefully planned jobs where there was little to no risk. Rachel was in a good mood today, having slept wonderfully the night before. She woke up and stretched, noticing that Travis wasn't on the bed beside her still. Weeks ago that would have worried her, but she felt more confident and calm in their situation now. Besides that, she could smell something cooking in the other room. She got up, quickly getting dressed in some jeans and a long-sleeved, cute shirt. She could wear these now without feeling self-conscious. She moved into the other room, sliding behind Travis and wrapping her arms around his waist. "Hey you," she muttered with a smile, kissing his cheek. "What are you cooking up this morning?" Rachel asked. She honestly couldn't be happier with their situation. She let go of him and moved to stand beside him, trying to see if she could grab something off of the plate. She smiled up at Travis, freezing when she heard a knock on the door. "Trav?" she asked, unsure of what to do now. If it was someone who knew who they were, they wouldn't be knocking. They'd charge in and take them. Maybe it was some muggle that was lost or something. "I ... I can get it," she muttered, making her way to the door slowly. Her heart was racing, but she was ready. They were ready. They were in shape and ready to deal with anything. Rachel was not going back to Azkaban. @travis (first) @finley (second!)
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last online Apr 28, 2024 14:27:19 GMT -7
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Jun 26, 2019 15:40:01 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jun 26, 2019 15:40:01 GMT -7
January 2025It had been about a month since he and Rachel had been miraculously freed from Azkaban. All by chance, a glorious explosion, but he'd take it. Travis had moments when he was unsure if he were dreaming or not. They were still getting away with staying at the abandoned cottage in the French countryside. It was small, and no electricity, but as wizards they didn't really need that. There was a wood stove and oven which ended up being very convenient. Laying low was easier than they thought here, there were times they were probably getting too comfortable, then bursts of reality would rush over him.
Rachel greeted him with a kiss and he was about to answer her question about what was for breakfast, but the knock on the door sent his neck snapping toward the front door, his body suddenly stiff as a board with a clenched jaw. A simple knock on the door was an instant reality check. "Sh-t!" he stepped away from the stove, bacon grease splattering at him, causing him flinch and jump away. He wasn't going to go back to Azkaban, his freedom wouldn't be taken away from him again.. Not without more blood shed.
When Rachel volunteered to open the door, he gave her a look like she was crazy, but he was also proud of her quick reaction time and thinking. Travis would be able to take someone by surprise attack if they thought she was alone and tried anything funny. If it was cops, he'd be able to be the second line of defense to get them out.
Travis removed the bacon from the wood stovetop so that it could simmer - they needed full concentration for anyone they encountered. If he had to, he'd surely use the pan and bacon grease as a weapon. Bacon grease to the face for be a horrid way to go. Hell, that would only be the beginning...
Travis clung close to the wall as he listened to the door open, trying to remain unseen. He'd observe the encounter and allow Rachel to pretend she was alone first. Hopefully it was just a lost Muggle.
@finley @rachel
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last online Apr 28, 2024 14:27:19 GMT -7
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Jun 28, 2019 8:05:49 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jun 28, 2019 8:05:49 GMT -7
Finley was interested in meeting Travis and Rachel, but wasn't stupid enough to not be prepared. His wand was already in hand as he knocked on the door with his right, and he waited. He held his free hand up in a surrender pose, when the door opened. "Friendly message," he promised, his left palm flat with the wand straight across it. He was giving it up, knowing they'd be more comfortable if he didn't have it. He could do plenty of damage without magic anyway, so he wasn't too concerned about that. Plus, he was sure that they would accept the message he had come to give them. The blonde woman opened the door, Rachel, but he couldn't see Travis behind her. He was sure the guy was close by, reading to strike if anything sprung out at Rachel. Finley understood that, of course. First, they were convicts and second, they were lovers. @rachel @travis
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last online Apr 28, 2024 14:27:19 GMT -7
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Jun 29, 2019 22:41:57 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jun 29, 2019 22:41:57 GMT -7
Rachel caught the look in Travis' eye when she suggested that she could open the door, the look that said he thought her idea was crazy, but then he seemed to agree with it. At least, he didn't try to stop her. If the person attacked her ... well she'd try to defend herself. If she failed, Travis would take care of her. She trusted him enough to do that, but she wasn't planning on going down without a fight. Before she opened the door, she silently cast a protection charm around herself. Her eyes widened when she opened the door. The guy standing there was tall and handsome. He spoke before she could so much as blink, promising that he had a friendly message and offering his wand. Rach took it, stepping back slowly. "This better not be some kind of trick," she said, but she didn't think it was. This guy was offering his want, promising he just wanted to talk. She could give him that chance. She backed herself into the house, not turning her back to the guy. "Come on in," she encouraged, wondering if that's what he wanted. She wanted to glance around for Travis and see where she was, but she just let a stranger inside. She wasn't about to pull her attention from him. "Who are you?" she asked shortly. Maybe she wasn't being the best hostess, but she was too tense about this to be polite. She needed to know what was going on before she'd even think about how abrupt she was being. @travis @finley
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last online Apr 28, 2024 14:27:19 GMT -7
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Jul 8, 2019 15:34:45 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 8, 2019 15:34:45 GMT -7
January 2025Travis remained hidden in the hallway leading into the kitchen. As he heard Rachel let whoever it was inside, his breath got caught in his throat; he couldn't believe that she let them inside the house! Well, now if the stranger gave them any trouble they could really kill him without second thought. From the sounds of the conversation, he handed over his wand to Rachel. This was so weird. The anticipation was killing him, eating him inside out. Travis hated this.
He listened to the conversation happening merely feet away from him, awaiting the right time to enter it. Travis was on edge. Visitors weren't welcomed when you were on the run, freedom was precious. No one would take that away from him and Rachel again.
@finley @rachel
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last online Apr 28, 2024 14:27:19 GMT -7
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Jul 9, 2019 7:33:36 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 9, 2019 7:33:36 GMT -7
The woman opened the door, taking the wand and saying this better not be a trick. He stepped inside as she made room, keeping his hands in the air. He knew she wasn't alone. Or rather, knew that the guy could show up eventually. ”It's not a trick,” he promised. She asked how he was, and he kept his hands up as he answered, only stepping in far enough so that the door couldn't quite close behind him yet. ”I come from those who wish to be your allies. We could use someone with yours and your friends talents,” he explained. ”I represent Miss Dupree,” he didn't mind that the door was open. These guys were well hidden enough that if anyone heard him say the name then between him and the criminal girl... he wasn't too concerned about that.
@rachel @travis
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last online Apr 28, 2024 14:27:19 GMT -7
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Jul 19, 2019 9:32:10 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 19, 2019 9:32:10 GMT -7
Travis didn't come out, which didn't surprise Elise in the slightest. She knew that he wanted to make sure everything was safe first and that it would give them an edge if this person didn't know he was there. Though, by the way the guy was speaking, he definitely seemed to know who they were. Which made her even more suspicious of him. She let him in, noting he didn't come in far enough that she could close the door. Okay, he was smart. She wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not. Rachel nodded curtly when he insisted that it wasn't a trick. She wasn't sure if she believed him, but she'd let him talk. He talked about representing someone who wanted to be an ally, someone who wanted her talents ... and Travis'. He said the name of some woman and Rachel lifted an eyebrow. Was that name supposed to mean something to her? "Why would we need this Dupree woman?" Rachel felt a little bit out of her element, since she didn't really know what was going on, but she didn't want to show that. She had to appear strong, especially since this guy obviously knew who she was, and knew that Travis would be around somewhere. @travis @finley
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last online Apr 28, 2024 14:27:19 GMT -7
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Jul 24, 2019 11:31:33 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 24, 2019 11:31:33 GMT -7
January 2025Travis couldn't remain hidden any longer. This conversation was too important. This stranger, said that he represented a group who wanted to be allies, a woman named Elaine. The concept of allies was foreign to the Azkaban Escapee, the duo was used to doing everything on their own. Something that was becoming more and more difficult the longer they ran. They were surprised that they were able to keep their current hideout for so long. After today, who knew if they would keep it... Travis didn't like the idea of anyone knowing where they lived.
Finally, he popped out from the opposite side of the kitchen, behind Rachel, feigning nonchalance. His hand landed on Rachels shoulder, eyes fell upon the young man, "How did you find us?" Travis asked him with a clenched jaw.
@finley
@rachel
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last online Apr 28, 2024 14:27:19 GMT -7
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Jul 27, 2019 11:55:30 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Jul 27, 2019 11:55:30 GMT -7
Of course they were skeptical, why wouldn't they be? Rachael asked why they'd need Elaine, and before Finley could answer her other half was appearing with a hand on her shoulder. "Mr. Smith," he greeted with a nod. "Elaine Dupree is a leader among those who... may be on the other side of the law," he explained. "She believes in a world were magical beings aren't tainted by," he hated saying that word, 'tainted'. He cleared his throat, "long story short, those in the power and government are in need of a little push in the right direction and we're making that happen. We can offer safety and immunity for anyone who helps us," he explained. "The need to sneak around and hide out would be eradicated. As for how I found you," he slowly lowered his hands, finally, "Elaine has connections everywhere. Connections that would be at your disposal."
@rachel @travis
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last online Apr 28, 2024 14:27:19 GMT -7
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Aug 13, 2019 6:29:30 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2019 6:29:30 GMT -7
Rachel still wasn't sure she felt comfortable with the situation. Here she was, talking to a man who somehow knew about her and Travis after they'd been so careful, and he just walked up to their place! Not to mention the fact that she was leading the conversation, which she wasn't sure she liked. When she felt a familiar hand on her shoulder, Rachel relaxed a little bit. It was Travis. She took a step back towards him, feeling more comfortable the closer she was to him, though she didn't let her guard down. She was ready for anything this guy might try, and she was positive that Travis was too. He started talking about Elaine Dupree and Rachel found herself growing more distrustful. He spoke of how she wanted to change the world, do something to the government. Rachel didn't care about the government. The part of his argument that did stand out to her was safety and immunity for people who worked with her. That sounded nice, not having to be on the run. "Would we still be free to do what we want?" Rachel asked after a second. She didn't want to be some pawn in another person's war. While immunity sounded nice, the price of it did matter to her. The guy seemed to relax a bit as he finished speaking and Rachel glanced up to Travis for a moment. She had no idea what he thought about any of this, but she wanted to know. @travis @finley
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last online Apr 28, 2024 14:27:19 GMT -7
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Aug 13, 2019 17:16:16 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Aug 13, 2019 17:16:16 GMT -7
January 2025This kid made him uncomfortable. Travis hated that someone, no, a group, knew where they were staying all of this time. Travis listened as he explained Elaine and how they were magical haters. He was a halfblood himself but hated everyone equally. Immunity sounded nice. Not hiding sounded pretty good too, but he wasn't sure if he was willing to take that risk. Did he want to risk his freedom?
Travis clenched his jaw, breathing in through his nose, "And what is it that you need from us? How would we be helping Miss Dupree?" he asked after Rachel, crossing his arms across his chest. Travis wasn't sure if he believed him but he'd hear him out, but this offer sounded too good to be true.
@finley @rachel
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last online Apr 28, 2024 14:27:19 GMT -7
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Aug 14, 2019 9:06:09 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Aug 14, 2019 9:06:09 GMT -7
Well, these two didn't really seem that open to the idea, which made Finley feel like he was wasting his time. But, he'd answer their questions. "To an extent. But the only things Elaine wouldn't want you to do are things you wouldn't do anyway, like exposing yourselves. She only asks that you offer your skills in her cause," he explained. Travis asked what he needed from them, how they would help. Finley felt a chuckle escape, then cleared his throat. "Your abilities aren't a secret, sir. It's not like your names haven't been in the papers and spread across the black market parts of the wizarding world. Sure, some of the Azkaban inmates are useless, you two are far from it. Clearly you understand the value of teamwork," he looked between the two of them pointedly, "and we're just offering a bigger team. You'd be able to stay together, have a nicer place to sleep, all we ask is that you occasionally run an errand or two for us. Stealing, maybe. Gathering Intel. Could be a number of things."
@travis @rachel
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last online Apr 28, 2024 14:27:19 GMT -7
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Aug 27, 2019 6:27:19 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Aug 27, 2019 6:27:19 GMT -7
Rachel listened carefully as the handsome stranger explained more about his offer. The way he explained it ... okay it actually made sense and Rachel found herself kind of liking the idea. She wanted to talk to Travis about it first though. It's just, not exposing themselves wasn't a high price, and they'd get to do what they preferred with protection from landing in Azkaban again. Rachel nodded when he explained that their talents weren't a secret and that they'd be a valuable help to this Dupree woman. She glanced over at Travis, honestly not quite sure what to say now. She wanted to talk to Travis. "How long is this offer available? And who are you?" she asked, trying to keep her tone business-like. @travis @finley
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last online Apr 28, 2024 14:27:19 GMT -7
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Sept 17, 2019 20:50:20 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Sept 17, 2019 20:50:20 GMT -7
January 2025This was all so surreal. Travis wasn't sure what to think or believe. What if this guy was an Auror, or it was all a big set up? There was an overwhelming feeling of discomfort knowing that this guy knew where they were staying. He wondered how long it had been. They would no doubt have to look for a new place to stay now, he wouldn't sleep comfortably knowing anyone knew they were there.
As the young man explained he and Rachel's 'value' to Elaine, his jaw clenched. A part of him wasn't sure how to take it. He was complimenting them? This was weird. Travis was actually considering it, not that he wanted to show t. The idea of not having to hide was very desirable, but it also sounded too good to be true.
Travis remained silent. He wanted this kid to answer Rachels questions before they moved on because he was truly interested in both points she mentioned. He was sizing him up from across the room.
@finley @rachel
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last online Apr 28, 2024 14:27:19 GMT -7
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Nov 26, 2019 11:23:54 GMT -7
Post by Deleted on Nov 26, 2019 11:23:54 GMT -7
The woman posed a valid question, and Fin nodded. "The offer stands for a week. Once it expires, it won't be made again. We won't expose you or anything, that's not our game, but we do like decisions to be made with precision and swiftness as to better plan for the future," he explained. Then she asked who he was, which made him freeze for a moment. This question of 'who am I' had been running through his head for so long, it was hard to hear someone else ask it. What kind of answer could he give? Well, a simple one was definitely the best bet. He gave a short bow, "Finley, Elaine's right hand and closest confidant," he could have said 'friend' but he didn't know if she'd want that word being tossed around when she was meeting new people. "I work at the Ministry -" he held up his hands a little higher, "but not for them, per say. Full disclosure here. I gather Intel from the inside. You can trust me."@rachel @travis
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