Second Chances: the Network

So I know there's a lot of people here who can do magic and there's lots of different kinds but is there anyone who's like...actively studying magic? And how to do it correctly? Or like... Okay, if it's weird say so, but is there a Coven around here?

[Filtered to Mom Wanda]

There's someone new here. Her name is Diana and she's pretty new to doing magic. Apparently she's got this whole Light vs Dark thing going on in her and she has a hard time controlling the Dark part and I was kind of wondering if maybe you had any advice for her or if there was anything you could do to help her or anything and you obviously don't have to, especially if it's like triggering or anything but if you could or if you know anything that might help her, that'd be really cool.

Since Valentine's Day sucks. SO much. Eff this is on a Saturday this year, I'll be hosting a Galentine's brunch on Sunday the 15th. It'll be at Edge of Glory and since it's before open hours, all ages are welcome. Brunch service begins at 11 and will last until everyone has trickled out. Five flavors of mimosas and - hey, Mal, any chance I can talk you into brewing up some Valentine's themed mocktails? If so, those. Otherwise, whatever I can think of. We're putting out a fairly decent spread of waffles, eggs three different ways, various breakfast meats, appetizers and snack foods, and whatever else my chef can whip up.

All gals and nonbinary pals are welcome to join us! Sorry, fellas, you'll have to prep your own shindig.

Is it going to bother anyone if I sleep on the roof?

Side note: maybe practice flying close to the ground before you stretch those new wings I'm seeing crop up. I'm guessing they don't come with how-to-fly instincts and you don't want to catch a thermal before you know how to handle it.

Special at the shop is something called S'mores. Strong tea with tastes of chocolate, spices, marshmallows, and campfire. It ain't bad. Perfect for this not so shite weather.

[Malsy]
I'm getting real sick of this cold, but at least the fog, snow, and whatever is finally clearing up.

...

You talk to Hadie much?

As near as I can figure, counting from the solstice here, I turn sixteen today. I didn't expect to even notice it, being honest, with the way things are back home. I wish I miss

Really I guess it's just another day though, isn't it?

Okay. So, still wrapping my head around interdimensional travel being possible. I mean, there've definitely been theories and discussions of some sort of multiverse being possible, but there hasn't been any actual evidence or anything.

It's pretty cool, actually. And that there are people with actual magic and superpowers here? Even cooler. I have so many questions.

Anyway, I should definitely introduce myself. My name is Lahela Kamealoha, I'm sixteen years old, and I'm a doctor. So the whole school thing is definitely throwing me a bit. Though it might be fun to see how fast I can get through high school this time. But I do not want to go through med school all over again. Not that it wasn't fun the first time, just don't really feel like starting from the bottom again.

Also, was definitely not prepared for the weather. I'm from Hawaii, so definitely not accustomed to the cold. Or ice.

[Filtered to Alex Udinov]

Hey there! I was told that you were going to be my guardian while I'm here. I just want to say thanks, I can guess that being saddled with a teenager that you don't know definitely isn't an ideal circumstance.

So I got the spiel. Sounds nice and official and homey.

Question, though. Hypothetically. What if someone said "okay, great, thanks but no thanks" and just peaced out? What's stopping that?

[trigger warning for references to death, war, and child abuse in the comments]

....

I cannot claim to understand any of this but they insist I am not kidnapped, yet I am also not free to go home? What happens to home? My sister ...

This place is something.

Right.

Hey, how's it going? Name's Hadie. I just arrived, as I'm guessing people can tell. I wasn't expecting this little trip, but I'm guessing it will be am adventure. ...where's the nearest place to get something fresh to eat?

Hello? They told me I can use this phone thing to talk to folks. They told me it's not magic, but glory, it's as good as, isn't it?

My name's Daine. I don't really know what else to say, I guess, except that me and Kitten really need to get back home as soon as we can. If we can. They said there's no way to do that.

Oh. I guess I ought to warn you all, especially the ones I'm living with, but Kitten can pick locks. I've told her time and time again it's rude, but she's just a baby and she can only mind her manners so much. So I'm sorry if she ends up where she ought not to be, but if she does just call for me and I'll come get her.

It's the Solstice and I know it isn't as big of a deal in this world but I know some people celebrate and I'd certainly like to.

Would anyone be up for a beach gathering? We can have a bonfire to symbolize the sun and it's a good season for letting go of darkness and burdens so if you'd like to bring something to burn or just write down something you'd like to move on from and burn we can do that. A lot of your modern christmas carols have pagan roots so it might be fun to play some of those but otherwise, general party atmosphere might be fun! It's also common to have a large feast with lots of spices and herbs and we can make that happen over a good fire, too.

And I bet if I look really, really adorable at him, I can talk Chris into Christmas cake.

Anyone interested? I'm probably going to go out there at some point anyway, the Solstice is a good time to be in nature and it's not too cold here to really enjoy it, but I'd love the company and a proper party would be even better!

[FRIENDS EXCLUDING EDWIN]
I've been searching since last month for the perfect present for Edwin and we're down to the wire now, so I suppose I'll crowdsource for inspiration. Am I being too picky? Probably, but we all know that's not going to change.

Fuck sake you people are so loud
Okay maybe that's just me but still

Hey. So um. Hi. I'm William. You can call me Billy, I guess that's how some of you already know me. I showed up super hungry and they gave me a ton of money so I guess $20 of that is going to dumplings. And then I guess I get to figure the rest of my life out so that's weird.

I'm actually not even sure you're all real

[Maximoffs]
I guess I'm living with you guys. I barely even remem Are you really my How are you even alive

[Tommy]
I know you're here, I can feel you.

Also because the government people said you were but mostly the first thing.

I know this is weird. But it really is me.

So, that art show I mentioned last month. It's happening this weekend! And I swear I'm not freaking out There's an opening reception Friday night from 6pm to 11pm and you should all come! There will be snacks & drinks (non-alcoholic and some alcoholic) and a whole bunch of really amazing art!

And while Karl (aka, the fog) has been extra heavy lately and is a vibe, I really need these painting to dry before Friday.

Speaking of, my fellow artists - I need your stuff by noon friday (or earlier) so we have time to get it all hung.

Another birthday without my husband or my dad or my fire fam... This sucks.

Still not convinced I'm not in a prison world here but everyone at the office assures me this just happens.

So hey I guess, I'm Hope.

Apparently it's National Cookie Day. If you think we're not celebrating in the Barton-Hargreeves-Hayes household, you are very wrong.

...not that my poor roommates aren't inundated with cookies literally all the time but that's not the point.

Anyway, we've got gingerbread, sugar cookies, almond vanilla, and chocolate salted caramel. Make your requests or a random baggie with your name is just going to show up at your door in the middle of the night. (Or at a nice reasonable 6pm, I do have two classes today)

Ray, I did not forget about you! I hope almond vanilla is okay?? Does anyone else need gluten free before I start passing all this out?

I didn't really get a chance to get to know my new roommate since I was stuck out of the city for most of October, but I'd really like it if the people sharing my living space didn't keep disappearing on me. Kind of makes me feel cursed.

[DAVID HALLER]

Hi, you.

I know that Stephen and Simon have talked about the clinic that'll be opening up, and I just wanted to add that I'll be holding some counseling hours there in addition to my other ones. While I'm still in the process of dotting i's and crossing t's to get licensed here, I do have years of experience in listening and counseling those who are in need of guidance or a listening ear. Since this last month was a lot, I just wanted to make sure everyone was aware of the resources here.

Tuesday evenings I'll also be hosting a group session in the community room for folks who want to chat about the challenges and joys of life here.

I've been thinking about things to do for our community after last month. The brunches are nice, but I keep having that line from RENT in my head, "The opposite of war isn't peace, it's creation." So, I'm thinking we should do a community art show in the building. I know a lot of folks here have creative talents (I'm not going to name names, but I may come find you later)

Bonus: I need to do an art show this semester, and I think it'd be great to host it in our building. Two birds, one stone.

So, if you want to submit something(s) for the art show, let me know. I'm thinking early to mid Decemeber? That's enough time to throw something together, right?