video; un: veneficus;

[appetitive]

(Joint post between Magnus & Alec Lightwood-Bane)

[When the feed starts, it's focused on the silhouette of a man looking out of a large window that's obviously looking out on the city from high up. Even though the sky beyond the glass is grey with storm clouds, there's enough light to outline his features, particularly a brow furrowed in thought. Even though he looks like he's brooding, the view seems to inspire a pleased hum from the man filming from behind the device.

Noticing that he seems to have an audience, Alec turns towards the camera around to walk toward Magnus. One eyebrow quirks upward as he realizes that the device is recording him. Sitting down beside his husband, Alec's expression shifts from amusement to something more somber.]

I'm not supposed to be the subject of the video, Magnus.

[He gives Magnus an encouraging smile. They both talked about this before and he knew what they both wanted to say, but the building is Magnus' to manage, not Alec's. With a playful sigh, Magnus turns the camera around to fit them both in the frame, sitting together with enough close proximity to have anyone unfamiliar with them wondering about their relationship.]

It was your idea, darling, and I'm sure your good looks drew quite the audience for our little announcement. [Smiling at Alec, Magnus turns a more somber expression towards the camera.] As I'm sure you've all noticed, there's a bit of a water problem plaguing our fair city. [He wrinkles his nose, opinion of all the rain and rising river water clear in his expression.] It seemed like a perfect time to point out that I find myself in possession of the lease for a mostly-empty apartment building. All of the units are furnished, and while this isn't the grand reopening I was hoping for, we are flinging open our doors to anyone seeking temporary or permanent housing. Under normal circumstances, I'd sell you all on the fabulous club on the ground floor, but as it is, I think this building's waterproof properties are currently more desirable to any interested tennents.

[Glancing over at Alec beside him, Magnus gives him a gentle nudge.] Anything you'd like to add, dear?

[Even though he should be able to easily explain the topics they’d discussed, Alec still looks nervous. A faint motion out of video range shows that he’s fidgeting, picking at his sleeve until he takes a deep breath. Looking over at Magnus for support, he finally finds the words for guidelines they'd previously discussed.] Anyone who has been displaced by the flooding, or just needs a new place to live, is welcome, but we do have some rules that everyone living here will be required to follow. Whoever stays here has to be open-minded toward magic and the supernatural. If you don't want your neighbors casting spells or being able to shift into another form, living here isn't a good idea. There also will be rules against violence in the building.

No fighting. No history of rule-breaking or breaking the laws here. If this happens for any reason other than self-defense, you will be removed from the building. We want this to be a safe place for everyone who decides to live here.

[A hand appears on Alec's shoulder, Magnus smiling to contrast the serious face his partner is wearing.] The silver lining to that cloud is that you'll be removed by a gorgeous member of the Perimeter Guard. On an even brighter note, anyone looking to become a permanent resident has first pick of the apartments while the bottom three floors will be set aside as temporary homes for the time being. The top three floors are currently occupied and thus spoken for, but we have a lot of room here, so anyone who's interested, make your way to the Lux Building, southeast of the river.

Or if you have questions, we can answer them now.

[Magnus smiles and, unable to help himself, leans in to kiss the edge of Alec's jaw.] Yes, of course! Or if you're in need of assistance, please don't hesitate to ask.

(If you have a preference for who replies to your thread, please make a note somewhere in your tag! Otherwise it'll be at random.)

Comments

text; un: pc.grant

[thestarling]

What sort of magic? If you don't mind my asking.

[Peter has his priorities.]

text;

[appetitive]

A worthy question. Just some simple conjuring here or there, minor levitations, the occasional healing. Demonic summonings don't work in this dimension so nothing of that kind.

[Is he being serious or sarcastic? You decide.]

[thestarling]

Healing, really?

[Okay, so very much not Peter's sort of magic, but then again he wasn't really expecting it to be. Now he's just curious. As usual.]

By conjuration you mean something out of nothing, I presume.

[appetitive]

Of course, though mainly through the use of potions rather than incantations. And yes, something out of nothing or summoning items from beyond sight.

[thestarling]

[And how does that even work, but Peter is trying very hard not to just start interrogating every magic user he comes across. Even if it feels like he has more questions than his head can handle.]

I'd like to come take a look some time. It might be a good idea to find a space I can practice in without having to worry about neighbors.

[appetitive]

[The mention of practice definitely has him intrigued, especially after the obvious interest in magic.]

Excellent! I'm usually hanging around during the day if you'd like to drop in to have a tour or talk more about magic. The building itself is fairly well protected, but we could work out something focused on a single apartment if you decide to rent.

video; un: frayed

[outofthinair]

[ The redhead appears all smiles despite the circumstances and just a little amused at the joint announcement. While she’s more than happy Alec and Magnus are married, it still takes a little getting used to seeing them so in sync. Though there was never any doubt they belonged together. ]

So the offer also open to friends? I wouldn’t mind getting out of community housing, but the people that are homeless from the flooding should come first.

video;

[appetitive]

[Magnus smiles back, still lounging from the same location as before—a couch in the communal living room of their current floor shared between himself and all the Lightwoods.]

Of course, biscuit, I've been meaning to talk to you about living arrangements. I just thought you might be enjoying communal living as a college dorm substitute. [Trying to live a normal life, and all of that. He waves both hands in front of him, revealing that his phone must be floating in front of him.] There's plenty of space for everyone, don't worry.

un: gypsygirl - text

[likeacoupon]

I wouldn't hate for a new place to live though I'm not really in danger of the flooding. How expensive is it?

text | @arcarius

[angelic_archer]

It would depend on how much space you want but we're not going to charge too much more than the community housing.

[likeacoupon]

I don't need a lot of space. I lived in a trailer before I was here. I just want my own space. Figured it'd be better to ask after the flood and all that but I really don't like community housing.

[angelic_archer]

We have a couple of floors with smaller apartments, if that's what you'd be comfortable with. We could set up a time for you to look them over.

There might be more of them available after the flooding stops and people start heading back to start cleaning up.

[likeacoupon]

Yeah. Sounds good.

I'll wait for after the flood. I'm not heartless enough to take space away from people who need it. [Though Willa considers herself to be fairly heartless.] Well pick up this conversation after the flood is handled. Until then, let me know if I can help at all.

[angelic_archer]

Thank you. We'll let you know if we need help. When you want to look around, contact me or Magnus. Either one of us can show you around.

video; un:sage

[muskeg]

[ someone is looking awfully intrigued by all of this but trying really hard not to look too eager, can't have anyone thinking he might enjoy being around like-minded people or something. not to mention just how fucking... at ease and happy Magnus and Alec look. that is something that Sage doesn't really know how to process; he's only been here two weeks or so and he still isn't quite settled. still though, he kinda likes Alec and his sass so--

with a slight furrow between his brows, Sage seems to struggle at finding words for a moment before:]

When you say removed from the building, that gonna be in a hamster ball by any chance? [ because clearly that is important to ask okay. if you are confused, Magnus, ask your husband.] That aside, there wards on the building? And any limitations of types of magic you are okay with?

[ swamp magic is... well, it toes the line of life and death a lot of the time, and Sage knows enough to realize some people aren't comfortable with that. ]

I'm-- [ just spit it out, child. ] I'm interested in maybe moving in there. Might be nice to be in a place where magic doesn't bother people.

video;

[appetitive]

[Magnus is still in relatively the same spot as he had been while broadcasting the main video, yet the angle has changed enough that it's safe to assume he's lying with his head in Alec's lap. One hand is tucked beneath Alec's thigh while the other drums out a beat on his chest, rings flashing on his fingers, suggesting the impossible notion that his phone is hovering in the air above him while he records.

His first reaction is a snort of laughter, eyes rolling back enough to look up at Alec like he's been caught being bad though Magnus' chastizing expression is tempered with a fond smile.] Alexander, you really must stop exaggerating the frequency with which I turn people into small mammals. It's bad for business. And my social life. [Focusing back on the camera, he smiles at the boy who seems so obvious in his attempt to play things cool.] There are wards, mainly for protection and to promote a good flow of energy.

[He tries to remember what Alec had told him of Sage's magic, but he also knows that there are questions a young nephilim wouldn't know to ask; a four-hundred-year-old warlock, however, has been around long enough to know what subjects to pursue. But he'll focus on answering questions for the moment.]

Nothing that requires nonconsensual harm. [If you find willing blood sacrifices, who is Magnus to keep you from your morbid rituals?] No murder of sentient beings.

[Though his expression had turned serious, it softens again when Sage admits that he'd like to be in a place where he feels accepted. It's that kind of reaction that reassures Magnus about explicitly stating that magic was welcome in the apartment building.] If you have any magical requirements, we could work together to sort out an apartment for you. I'm assuming you'd prefer to live alone?

video;

[angelic_archer]

[Alec is faintly amused that Magnus had decided that using him as a pillow was the best way to conduct business meetings. Occasionally Magnus' hair shifts as Alec plays with the brightly colored tips, curling them around his fingers lightly. The floating objects is an everyday occurrence at the Lightwood-Bane residence so he barely notices that Magnus is no longer holding the device.]

If he had gotten lost in the swamp and I had to rescue him, you wouldn't have been angry if I came home smelling like a bog and dragging mud everywhere?

[He hums softly, not really believing that Magnus is annoyed by Alec's warnings about transformation spells.] I only tell people that they'll end up something small and furry if they're coming on to me or if I'm going to end up coming home covered in mud.

No demon summonings. I like that my life is now demon free. [He knows that there may be demons in the city, but if they weren't like the ones he'd dealt with before, he'll ignore them. Looking down at Magnus, he adds -] Maybe no type of summonings in the building? There's enough abandoned sites around the city that someone could use those instead. [He remains quiet during the rest of the magic discussion. That's Magnus' area of expertise, not his.]

video;

[muskeg]

[ turning people into small rodents is actually something Sage really wants to see, and if that means he has to experience it himself, so be it. spells of that calibre are not things he has tried himself, sure a few attributes from a creature he can do (there was this disaster with the cat ears and fucking whiskers, but whatever), but full rodent? he is intrigued.

he is even more intrigued with how at ease the two of them are in each other's space, in this space. maybe this moon wasn't gonna suck as much as he feared at first.]

I mean, it would have been earned, like he said, so... [ Sage shrugs, small smile tugging the corner of his mouth up.] And when you say wards for good energy flow, is that meaning good vibes energy in general or energy pulled with good intent to use it?

[ because there is a difference, some of the energy that Sage drew on wasn't 'good vibes', but he never used it to harm others. well, okay, fine. he rarely used it to harm others. his moral lines can be a little blurry. there is a twitch at the mention of blood sacrifices though, a tiny one.] Fair, no summoning, and no sentient murder. [ p a u s e.] How do you define sentient?

[ w h a t . ]

I don't mind living with someone else just-- communal housing is a bit much? I don't keep normal hours, and, uh, sometimes I leave circles half done on the floor, and potions in the sink, and-- well, you know. [ another shrug as he settles his chin in his hands, brows furrowed. ] Only requirement I have is a swamp, but still working on that one. Really I just-- I would be grateful for a space that's so, uh, open?

[ and maybe with the way his eyes flicker between Magnus's face and the lap he has made a pillow of might indicate that he doesn't just mean open with magic. so subtle, isn't he. ]

[appetitive]

[Oh honey, stick around long enough and Sage is bound to see Magnus turn Jace into something small and fuzzy. Or, even farther in the future, Magnus has been known to put a lot of effort into having highly realistic Halloween costumes. Alec could attest to both facts, if asked, but Magnus wouldn't interrupt the lovely way he's petting his head; it brings an entirely new definition to the term "lap cat."]

That depends. [He tilts his head back to look up at Alec, one eyebrow raised.] Would you be daft enough to track muck all over the Persian rugs, or would you disrobe in all of your beautiful glory at the door? Because they would result in vastly very different outcomes.

[Lips curling with joy from the image now firmly in his mind, Magnus turns his attention back towards Sage. Right. Behaving.] Good energy flow meaning it is easier to pull upon magical energy, whatever kind it may be. I only use one kind myself, but I know enough about the others.

Alec, demons can't be summoned here! [He says it with fondness in his voice, and like summoning demons wouldn't be out of the question if it were actually possible. He's a little more on the fence about that sort of magic if only because he can control it.] But, because a happy marriage is built on compromise and because you make excellent points, I'll agree that any large-scale summoning should be done elsewhere.

[But then he stiffens, eyes flashing to gold and then back to brown fast enough that maybe it could be passed off as a trick of the light.] I define sentience as anything that, in a healthy state of mind, would be offended if you expressed interest in killing it. [It's said dryly, but Magnus is definitely intrigued and possibly alarmed enough that he's partially faking his calm.]

Sounds like you might benefit from a studio apartment unless you're able to find another witch to live with. As for a swamp, perhaps we should discuss your uses for it before promising that you can have one in your living room.

[But even though he wants to be discerning about unfamiliar magic, he can't help sympathizing with Sage's interest in living somewhere accepting on multiple levels. He wouldn't presume to know anything about someone he's literally just met, but there's something in his eyes that remind Magnus of his younger self.]

[angelic_archer]

[Smiling down at his husband, he tries to look innocent when he knows exactly how the evening would end he stripped down as soon as he got home. The swamp smell might have slowed things down slightly but he does have a magical husband who could deal with that with a quick spell.]

Does that mean you want me to start taking my clothes off in the hallway? [He knows that isn't what Magnus meant but he can't help teasing even when they have an audience.] Eventually we might get neighbors that might not want to see me naked.

[He leans back against the couch, listening to the conversation about magic and making mental notes of questions to ask Magnus later. When Magnus says his names, he flushes slightly, embarrassed that he hadn't known that he'd been worrying about the family having to hunt demons again when there may not have been a reason to.] This reality doesn't have demons? Or anything else that can be summoned? [Since magic works here, he'd assumed that it was still possible to summon some kind of being, either demonic or angelic or whatever else existed in this world.] Thank you for that compromise. I'd have to have to spend an weekend cleaning up demon slime and whatever else was left after a summoning.

[Even if his husband hadn't been using him for a pillow, Alec would have noticed the change. He glances down, seeing the flash of gold, and silently gives Magnus his support, whatever that might mean in the future. He places his hand on Magnus' chest, tipping it so that only his husband will see the scar from certain rune.]

Is there a reason why we should be discussing the possible murder of sentient beings? [He keeps his tone calm, while thinking of the weapons he has hidden throughout the apartment. He's hoping that the new tenants won't mean he'll have to use them in the place that they all thought of as safe.] No lawbreaking, remember?

If you need a swamp, or something similar, Jace might be able to help. With Magnus' help and approval, of course. He's been talking about greenhouses and gardens. A swamp would be a good project for him. He needs a challenge.

video | @Angelus.ignis

[wayfaring_stranger]

Does this mean I still have to pay rent?

[ Jace is in his room, eating a bowl of fruit with whipped cream and drinking a banana and strawberry smoothie, also with with whipped cream. There are a stack of books on the nightstand and several more spread out across his bed. ]

video

[angelic_archer]

[Seriously, Jace? You couldn't just walk into the room and talk to them?

Rolling his eyes, he waits for Magnus to levitate the phone so that he's the one answering. He's still playing with Magnus' hair, which might be why he looks less grumpy than he should.]

Yes, you still have to pay rent. We can't play favorites.

Re: video

[wayfaring_stranger]

Play favorites? I thought I was your favorite!

[ The indignation is exaggerated, as if the frown he gives Alec while stuffing a bite of whipped cream covered fruit into his mouth. ]

video

[angelic_archer]

I can't play favorites between you and Izzy. She'll destroy us both.

[He loves his sister, but he doesn't love that whip of hers. Alec knows it's his imagination but he can feel a faint ache in his ankles where it'd coiled around his legs the last time he'd truly angered her.]

I know you have better manners than that.

Re: video

[wayfaring_stranger]

[ What? He's chewing with his mouth closed! And when he's finished he licks his lips clean before smirking happily at Alec. ]

Remember the last time you upset Izzy?