Blog Home
View All Posts
Rise and shine.
The questioning with 'Magnus' went even beyond expectations, not just Alec managed to act as Magnus good enough to fool Octavian without any problems, he also managed to totally clear Magnus from any possible suspect and accusations, regarding Camille, Raphael, Marcel and even whatever possible involvement with the Mortal Sword. He also managed to soften the Inquisitor up even more with his fake, traumatized attitude. All in all, it wasn't so hard to achieve, he just had to act the same way Magnus had been acting in the previous days, and the trick was done.
Buuut...as they were expecting, the Clave also asked for some little service to be done: problem was, they asked for something much more complicated than what Marco and Jem taught Alec, he could not, in any way, learn such spells in so little time, nor he could say no to the Inquisitor.
Once done with the questioning, Alec phoned Marco Aurelio, explaining him the situation and also wanting to speak with Magnus, to see how he was doing, and to tell him personally that the questioning went well.
Surprisingly, Magnus sounded more lively than he had ever sounded in the previous days. Not as 'hyper' as normal, but still, definitely much better than before. Clearly, he managed to get over the matter, at least partially. Enough to get himself out of bed and feel somewhat cool to be into Alec's body. (XD)
Anyhow, Alec asked Marco Aurelio to come help, he will pretend with the Inquisitor that the spell he required is too powerful for him to perform on his own, due to his trembling hands and after seeing how sorry Octavian himself seems, for what he did to Magnus, he got a feeling he won't complain about it.
Magnus is indeed feeling better, enough to ask Marco to move the current apartment he is in, to New York -yes, they can teleport their houses and apartments anywhere in the world, as long as there is a place to fit them in!- and taking it as a very positive sign of his recovery, Marco didn't have anything against it. Magnus definitely got to like this old apartment of his and the stuff he has in it, that he forgot to have. Plus, he likes the idea to have his privacy rather than return to live in his over-crowded old apartment.
The loft is placed into an old, semi-abandoned building, much closer to the East River than his old one was, but still in Brooklyn. Position is everything, when you are the High Warlock of Brooklyn!
Once there, despite both Jem and Marco tried to discourage him from doing so, Magnus insisted to accompany Marco to the Institute, in the shape of Alec. Unlike his two friends, he thinks it could be a very positive experience that could help him recover from his traumas even more. Well, he is a fool. But he is also cool.
5 pm, as planned with Alec and the Inquisitor, Marco Aurelio, accompanied by Magnus, head to the Institute of New York, together and walk inside, allowed by the guards at the entrance.
As soon as Magnus steps inside the Institute, he feels utterly sick...he should have expected it, but he was so...enthusiast? To show 'Alec''s new look to the others...
He remains totally motionless in front of the entrance door, staring at the floor as if totally lost in thoughts.
Now, the expression is almost one Alec would normally have, but the look is definitely nothing of the usual Alec.
He is not wearing those usual old, ruined and consumed full black random clothes or slightly newer full black shirts and t-shirts, as always, he is wearing something that actually looks pretty good on him.
A red shirt, not too bright but neither dark, unbuttoned till almost the belly button. Dark blue, very tight leather pants with an elegant belt with a silver buckle of the shape of a gothic flower, but not looking feminine, something looking like an ancient emblem, a white, light, cotton scarf softly tied to his neck with the two ends reaching the half of his torso like two parts of a frame around his body.
His hair looks like 2% more black than normal, thanks to the heavy quantity of gel, used to 'throw it up' and make it a little pointy. Nothing excessive, norhing absurd or embarassing, just an handsome boy, wearing a well matched mix of clothes that make the natural colors of his body stand out, adding some class.
Basically, he dressed himself the way he would love Alec would dress himself, he doesn't know what he would give, to see Alec wear something like that spontaneously, one day.. (XD)
Buuut...as they were expecting, the Clave also asked for some little service to be done: problem was, they asked for something much more complicated than what Marco and Jem taught Alec, he could not, in any way, learn such spells in so little time, nor he could say no to the Inquisitor.
Once done with the questioning, Alec phoned Marco Aurelio, explaining him the situation and also wanting to speak with Magnus, to see how he was doing, and to tell him personally that the questioning went well.
Surprisingly, Magnus sounded more lively than he had ever sounded in the previous days. Not as 'hyper' as normal, but still, definitely much better than before. Clearly, he managed to get over the matter, at least partially. Enough to get himself out of bed and feel somewhat cool to be into Alec's body. (XD)
Anyhow, Alec asked Marco Aurelio to come help, he will pretend with the Inquisitor that the spell he required is too powerful for him to perform on his own, due to his trembling hands and after seeing how sorry Octavian himself seems, for what he did to Magnus, he got a feeling he won't complain about it.
Magnus is indeed feeling better, enough to ask Marco to move the current apartment he is in, to New York -yes, they can teleport their houses and apartments anywhere in the world, as long as there is a place to fit them in!- and taking it as a very positive sign of his recovery, Marco didn't have anything against it. Magnus definitely got to like this old apartment of his and the stuff he has in it, that he forgot to have. Plus, he likes the idea to have his privacy rather than return to live in his over-crowded old apartment.
The loft is placed into an old, semi-abandoned building, much closer to the East River than his old one was, but still in Brooklyn. Position is everything, when you are the High Warlock of Brooklyn!
Once there, despite both Jem and Marco tried to discourage him from doing so, Magnus insisted to accompany Marco to the Institute, in the shape of Alec. Unlike his two friends, he thinks it could be a very positive experience that could help him recover from his traumas even more. Well, he is a fool. But he is also cool.
5 pm, as planned with Alec and the Inquisitor, Marco Aurelio, accompanied by Magnus, head to the Institute of New York, together and walk inside, allowed by the guards at the entrance.
As soon as Magnus steps inside the Institute, he feels utterly sick...he should have expected it, but he was so...enthusiast? To show 'Alec''s new look to the others...
He remains totally motionless in front of the entrance door, staring at the floor as if totally lost in thoughts.
Now, the expression is almost one Alec would normally have, but the look is definitely nothing of the usual Alec.
He is not wearing those usual old, ruined and consumed full black random clothes or slightly newer full black shirts and t-shirts, as always, he is wearing something that actually looks pretty good on him.
A red shirt, not too bright but neither dark, unbuttoned till almost the belly button. Dark blue, very tight leather pants with an elegant belt with a silver buckle of the shape of a gothic flower, but not looking feminine, something looking like an ancient emblem, a white, light, cotton scarf softly tied to his neck with the two ends reaching the half of his torso like two parts of a frame around his body.
His hair looks like 2% more black than normal, thanks to the heavy quantity of gel, used to 'throw it up' and make it a little pointy. Nothing excessive, norhing absurd or embarassing, just an handsome boy, wearing a well matched mix of clothes that make the natural colors of his body stand out, adding some class.
Basically, he dressed himself the way he would love Alec would dress himself, he doesn't know what he would give, to see Alec wear something like that spontaneously, one day.. (XD)
Dura Lex Sed Lex.
It's been a few days since Alec arrived in Modena and imposed his presence to Magnus.
At first, it was like a torment to him, but it didn't take him long to pick up his pieces and open his heart to Alec again, also noticing the effort the boy put to reach him and that he keeps putting in helping him to feel better.
There is not much to say, they are handling the thing slowly, a tiny bit at a time, and it led to Magnus to feel better and to start to recover. At least a bit.
He is not ready to return to the world, to meet all the people, to work and listen to the problems of the Clave, of the Downworlders of the friends in general...
It was being like the holiday he always wanted to have with Alec, there, in his old apartment in Modena, except the trauma, the trembling hands, the nightmares, the awful memories tormenting him and the difficulties he has to be touched by his boyfriend, or anybody else.
Though, just as he felt to have recovered enough to at least, allow the fire mails that have been piling up for those day, reach him, he received one very good news and one, depressingly awfully unbearable news.
Good news: The Council of Peruvian Warlocks 'suddenly' and 'mysteriously' decided to review his case and come with the conclusion that there weren't the legal reasons to ban him, revoking the ban.
Bad news number 1: Camille Belcourt managed to escape and he is the suspect number 1.
Bad news number 2: The Clave claims to question him about Camille and further not specified matters.
Bad news number 3: They also sent a reminder as to pressure him to go as soon as possible, or become a wanted.
All that, while Alec was coming back to the apartment while speaking to the others through phone.
When Alec joins Magnus, he is still holding the letters, staring at the last one with an expression of utter disbelief and distress, pale like a ghost and looking as if he could faint any time.
And there Alec had been wondering for ages how to tell him the news without causing him more mess...foolish of him to think the Clave would let Magnus be, after what he went through.
Alec tries to speak to Magnus for a while and the young Shadowhunter manages to convince him to let a few people come there, to think together about a solution that won't involve even more damages.
Alec is waiting for the guys to arrive to Modena, right outside the building where Magnus's apartment is. He also asked for the help of Marco Aurelio while he was at it, thinking that someone like him could help them find an alternative solution Shadowhunters wouldn't see.
At first, it was like a torment to him, but it didn't take him long to pick up his pieces and open his heart to Alec again, also noticing the effort the boy put to reach him and that he keeps putting in helping him to feel better.
There is not much to say, they are handling the thing slowly, a tiny bit at a time, and it led to Magnus to feel better and to start to recover. At least a bit.
He is not ready to return to the world, to meet all the people, to work and listen to the problems of the Clave, of the Downworlders of the friends in general...
It was being like the holiday he always wanted to have with Alec, there, in his old apartment in Modena, except the trauma, the trembling hands, the nightmares, the awful memories tormenting him and the difficulties he has to be touched by his boyfriend, or anybody else.
Though, just as he felt to have recovered enough to at least, allow the fire mails that have been piling up for those day, reach him, he received one very good news and one, depressingly awfully unbearable news.
Good news: The Council of Peruvian Warlocks 'suddenly' and 'mysteriously' decided to review his case and come with the conclusion that there weren't the legal reasons to ban him, revoking the ban.
Bad news number 1: Camille Belcourt managed to escape and he is the suspect number 1.
Bad news number 2: The Clave claims to question him about Camille and further not specified matters.
Bad news number 3: They also sent a reminder as to pressure him to go as soon as possible, or become a wanted.
All that, while Alec was coming back to the apartment while speaking to the others through phone.
When Alec joins Magnus, he is still holding the letters, staring at the last one with an expression of utter disbelief and distress, pale like a ghost and looking as if he could faint any time.
And there Alec had been wondering for ages how to tell him the news without causing him more mess...foolish of him to think the Clave would let Magnus be, after what he went through.
Alec tries to speak to Magnus for a while and the young Shadowhunter manages to convince him to let a few people come there, to think together about a solution that won't involve even more damages.
Alec is waiting for the guys to arrive to Modena, right outside the building where Magnus's apartment is. He also asked for the help of Marco Aurelio while he was at it, thinking that someone like him could help them find an alternative solution Shadowhunters wouldn't see.
The voicemail of Magnus Bane
The Voicemail of Magnus Bane, High Warlock of Brooklyn, in the Days Following a Certain Incident in City of Lost Souls
Today 2:00 a.m.
“Hi, Magnus. It’s Alec. Alexander. Well, you know that. I’m just calling because I think we need to talk. I guess you’re busy. Call me back, okay?”
Beep
Today 2:10 a.m.
“Hi, Magnus. This is Isabelle Lightwood. There seems to have been a small misunderstanding. My brother came home under an impression I’m sure is totally mistaken. Call me or else.. and let’s get this cleared up! I don’t know why I said ‘or else.’ We’re all friends here.”
Beep
Today 2:35 a.m.
“Isabelle speaking. Maybe there hasn’t been a misunderstanding. Maybe you just made a terrible error. That’s okay! People make mistakes. All they have to do is grovel and beg for forgiveness, and then all is well. That’s how it can be. I’m prepared to let it go this once, Magnus.”
Beep
Today 3:00 a.m.
“Isabelle. Let me just follow up by describing what a big mistake you would be making if you broke up with Alec. The Lightwoods are a seriously hot people. Some people say the Herondales used to be hot, but think about it—not only do we outnumber them, but we took their last hottie and we made him ours. Obviously, we won the victory.
I have looked back on portraits of our ancestors. Gabriel Lightwood was notably smoking. It is rumored that one Consul agreed with everything my great-great aunt Felicia Lightwood ever said, because when she spoke all he heard was ‘Foxy foxy foxy.’ If you break up with Alec, you will not only be losing one stone cold fox, but a family of foxes. I will pass down the word to my children’s children. No Lightwood is ever going to do much as wink at you in a bar. Think about that. Think about being Lightwoodless and lonely five hundred years from now, in a sad and chilly nightclub on the moon.”
Beep
Today 11 a.m.
“Hi, it’s Alec. I guess you’re still busy. That’s okay. I know you have a lot of things to do. Just—call me back when you’re free? Whenever you’re free, it doesn’t matter what time. I’ll be awake. I really want to talk to you.”
Beep
Today 2:30 p.m.
“Hello, Mr. Bane, this is Hadrian Industries. We’re calling to engage your services for a simple ritual, in the same vein as the one you performed for us last February. We would like you to bring a crate of horned toads with you. We shall of course amply compensate you for the toads.”
Beep
Today 5:14 p.m.
“Mrrrrrowl. Mrrrrrowl.”
“Ow! Ow, stupid cat! Ahem. You told me, ‘stop calling, Isabelle,’ but I’m not the one calling you. Church is calling you. Mine are merely the fingers that work the phone.
See, here’s something you may not have known before you committed your recent rash acts. Our cat, Church, and your cat, Chairman Meow? They’re in love. I’ve never seen such love before. I never knew such love could exist in the heart of a . . . cat. Some people say that love between two dude cats is wrong, but I think it’s beautiful. Love makes Church happier than I’ve ever seen him. Nothing makes him happy like Chairman Meow. Not tuna. Not shredding centuries-old tapestries. Nothing. Please don’t keep these cats apart. Please don’t take the joy of love away from Church.
Look, this is really just a warning for your own good. If you keep Church and Chairman Meow apart, Church will start to get angry.
You wouldn’t like Church when he’s angry.”
Beep
Today 6:00 p.m.
“Hi, Magnus. This is Clary. Nobody told me to make this phone call.
Isabelle did ask me to call you, but I said no, and she doesn’t know I’m making this one.
Honestly, when I first met Alec, I thought he was really horrible. Admittedly, I was a little off my game, what with finding out about magic worlds and Mom being kidnapped. That was a bad time, but Alec still was really not my favorite person.
He was a jerk, but he wasn’t a jerk because he’s a bad guy. He was a jerk because he was unhappy, and he felt like he had to pretend to be someone he wasn’t. I guess he learned that he had to hide things all the time, when he was growing up—that he had to keep secrets or lose people. He’s a lot better when he’s with you. He’s better because he’s happier.
I don’t really know how relationships work. Jace is the only boyfriend I’ve ever had, and I’m told our relationship has not gone along traditional lines. But I guess that’s what a relationship seems like to me: that no matter what else is going on, you’re happiest when you’re together.
I’m not just calling because I’m worried about Alec. You seemed really happy with him, too.
I was wondering how you are. I hope you’re doing okay.”
Beep
Today 8:26 p.m.
“Hi, Magnus. This is Alec. Alexander. I guess you don’t want to talk to me. I can understand that. But I really think if we were together . . . if I could just explain . . .I’m so bad with words. I’m sorry. But you always seemed to know what I meant. I don’t want to lose that. I don’t want to lose you. I want to talk to you so badly, but if I can’t, I guess I’m calling to say . . .I’m really sorry. I just called to say that.”
Beep
Today 9:39 p.m.
“Hi, Magnus. It’s Simon. You know me. Well, you called me "Soames" last time we spoke, but we’ve hung out. I’m calling to, uh . . . to—sorry if this is out of line—suggest that you maybe take Alec back.
I think it would be good for morale. Honestly, Alec was really horrible to Clary when they first met, and if he turns all cranky again, I don’t know what Clary’s going to do. In those days, Clary had way fewer weapons and way fewer brothers.
This time it’s different. Her boyfriend is on fire. She’s got enough problems. I guess what I’m saying is that we’d all appreciate it if you took one for the team.
Not that I’m part of a Shadowhunter team.
Shadowhunters don’t let vampires join the team.
This message probably seems selfish, and also crazy. I honestly do feel bad for Alec. He’s a good guy. Much less annoying than Jace. I’ve always felt like, given the opportunity, we could be friends. Maybe bros. Maybe we could be bros who shoot arrows together.
It may at this point be obvious that Isabelle forced me to make this phone call. I’m not really sure what I’m supposed to say.
Here’s the thing. Alec looks really bad.
Ow, Isabelle! I mean, he’s looking fine, he’s a very handsome guy. Much better-looking than Jace, if you ask me. But he’s obviously really down. Anyone can see it.
I don’t really notice how guys look most of the time, but even I can see it. He has black rings under his eyes, and his sweaters seem to be coming apart with despair. His mom is worried because he’s not eating, and I heard Jace hinting about hairbrushes yesterday. Of course, for a badass warrior, Jace is kind of prissy.
I don’t know what happened between you guys, but I know when someone is sorry. I can tell you, whatever he did, Alec is sorry.
If you could give him a break, that would be great. Okay. I guess that’s it.
Please don’t ever tell Jace I said he was a badass.”
Beep
Today 11:48 p.m.
“No, you listen, with your not-calling-back face! You’re making a big mistake! I was the best thing that ever happened to you!
Uh. Okay, statistically, that’s not very likely.
A lot of stuff has happened to you. A lot of people have happened to you.
I think that was what made me do what I did. I just wanted to know that I wasn’t, you know, low down on a long list. I didn’t want to be a pretty mediocre footnote in the story of your life.
Oh, God.
Jace. Jace, wake up. Jace, how do you delete messages on someone else’s phone?”
Beep
Today 8:11 a.m.
“Mr. Bane, I am authorized to contact you on behalf of my client. It is my opinion, and I consider it will be the opinion of the judge, that your actions vis-à-vis terminating your relationship with one Alexander Gideon Lightwood, Esquire, were unlawful. I have in my office witnesses and documentation to prove that you were in fact common law married, and Mr. Lightwood could claim half of your freehold in Brooklyn.
“All right, fine, it’s Isabelle again.
“All right, my lawyer is Church. But I truly believe that we have a case. And Church has never lost a lawsuit.
“Answer the phone, Magnus!”
Beep
Today 10:31 a.m.
“Mr. Bane, I am calling to leave a message on an urgent business matter. One of our representatives called about the matter of the horned toads delivery. He described your manner of answering the telephone as ‘curt’ and ‘extremely harsh,’ and your tone as ‘wild, not to say maddened.’ Is there a problem with the toads? We are very concerned.”
Beep
Today 7:52 p.m.
“Listen up, buddy: nobody breaks up with a Lightwood. Nobody! Meliorn thought that he could tell his faerie buddies over cups of mead that he’d broken up with me, and all I’m saying is that Meliorn hasn’t seen his faerie steed in a while.
“Once a guy visited the Institute and thought he could leave a ‘Dear Jane’ letter for me as he walked out the door. Jace found the letter. Ten minutes later that guy had a broken wrist and a concussion. And then I let Jace at him.
“This is Isabelle, by the way.”
Beep
Today 8:01 p.m.
“Hello, Bane. I mean, ah, Magnus. Greetings, Magnus Bane, High Warlock of Brooklyn, from Maryse Lightwood of the New York Institute. Um . . . head of the New York Institute. I’m totally the head, and I am calling on Shadowhunter business. Because I am in charge of all Shadowhunter business. The matter on which I am calling is a complex one. Too complex to be discussed over the phone. I think, upon consideration, that it would be best if you visited the Institute so we could discuss this in person.
“Please do not misunderstand me. This is a professional phone call about a purely business matter. I am simply intent on important Shadowhunter business.
“You would naturally be welcome to stay for tea and social conversation with whatever members of the Institute might happen to be present at the time of your visit. After we conclude our business, of course.”
Beep
Today 10:29 p.m.
“Greetings to High Warlock Magnus Bane from the New York werewolf clan. This is Maia Roberts. Um, Luke would have called, but he’s, uh, in the bathroom.
“What? Shut up! He’s been in the bathroom for a really long time, okay? We think it might be food poisoning. He’s been in the bathroom for so long that we believe that he is no longer our leader.
“Anyway, the werewolves would like to visit with you. You know, just one of those friendly werewolf on warlock visits. And whoever else happens to show up at the meeting.
“I just want to state for the record that this is stupid and he’s never going to buy it!”
Beep
Today 1:06 a.m.
“I’m outside your door, Magnus! I’m going to break it down!”
(pause)
“I would have already broken it down if you hadn’t put up stupid warlock spells like a stupid warlock cheater! Answer the door right now or I’ll kill you! I know you’re in there. I know you broke my brother’s heart. I’m not going to stand for it.
“Answer the door right now so I can kill you!”
Beep
Today 2:33 a.m.
“Greetings, Magnus Bane, High Warlock of Brooklyn, from Raphael Santiago of the New York vampire clan, loyal servant of our glorious Queen Maureen, forever may she reign in dark glory, and the future Prince Consort Simon, babelicious rock god.
“We have to begin all our telephone calls in this manner now. Including our nightly call to a place called Hot Topic.
“It would be needless to state, after this introduction, that I consider myself a damned soul.
“I am contacting you because our queen wished to send a summons to ‘the shiny man who is Simon’s friend.’ That is a quote. She adds that she supports you and she is a fan of much ‘yaoi manga.’ I have no idea what that means, and I never wish to know.
“While I am on the telephone, Lily happened to overhear some not terribly interesting conversation at Taki’s between several melodramatic teenagers of your acquaintance. Imagine my surprise when I learned that the ill-advised relationship between yourself and an excessively young male Shadowhunter has been abruptly and unpleasantly concluded.
“I wanted to inform you that your esteemed colleague Ragnor Fell now owes me ten dollars due to a small bet that we made amongst ourselves on the subject of how that absurd liaison would end.
“Of course, Ragnor will never pay me my ten dollars, because he was murdered by the Nephilim, due to a conflict between Nephilim that Downworlders were for some reason embroiled in. Just like the conflict we are currently having, so I suppose you could say that Ragnor died for nothing.
“Shadowhunters. Could their new motto be something like ‘Not Worth the Bother’?”
Beep
Today 11:23 a.m.
“Hi, Magnus. This is Isabelle. I’m calling to apologize for attempting to break down your door, for the phone calls and visits that I’ve been told might have counted as harassment, and for describing you to all your neighbors as a filthy Downworlder love weasel. Though I realize some of the things I said might have seemed threatening, of course as a Shadowhunter I would never inflict physical harm on anyone not engaged in evil or at least being totally annoying.
“I feel I was being pretty reasonable the entire time, and playing it pretty cool, but I’m told that from an outside perspective it looks like I might have slightly lost my head.
“I admit I do get a bit protective of my big brother. He always protects me.
“The truth is, I don’t have to threaten you with anything worse than you’ve already done to yourself.
“Alec is brave, and he’s good, and he’s loyal, and like all Lightwoods he has cheekbones you could use to slice salami. You’re never going to find anyone as great as my brother or anyone who loves you as much.
“He’s one of the best things in my life, and I’m prepared to bet he’s one of the best things in yours. You’re going to be so sorry when you wake up and realize what you threw away.
“In exchange for my promise to be cool in future, I’d appreciate it if you deleted this sappy message. I have a reputation in this town to keep up.”
Beep
Today 4:02 p.m.
“Hi, Magnus. This is Alec. I’m just calling to say that I might have asked a couple of people who you were actually talking to if they could possibly put in a good word for me with you. And it, uh, has now been brought to my attention that a couple of people might have taken things slightly too far.
“So I guess this is me calling to tell you that I’m really sorry. Again.
“I won’t call again. I won’t text. I’m sorry about all the texts. Especially about the one I sent at three fifteen in the morning on Wednesday. You know the one. Yeah. I’m very sorry about that.
“You can call me or text me, though, if you ever want to.
“I don’t expect you will. But I really hope you do. I won’t give up hoping.”
Beep
Today 5:06 p.m.
“Mr. Bane, this is Hadrian Industries calling to inform you that you are extremely late for the appointment we made. We have been waiting for over an hour. There is no sign of you. There is no sign of the toads. We want to—”
(message cut off)
These records were obtained, with some difficulty, from a cell phone which appeared to have been broken and burned with intense magical fire.
Today 2:00 a.m.
“Hi, Magnus. It’s Alec. Alexander. Well, you know that. I’m just calling because I think we need to talk. I guess you’re busy. Call me back, okay?”
Beep
Today 2:10 a.m.
“Hi, Magnus. This is Isabelle Lightwood. There seems to have been a small misunderstanding. My brother came home under an impression I’m sure is totally mistaken. Call me or else.. and let’s get this cleared up! I don’t know why I said ‘or else.’ We’re all friends here.”
Beep
Today 2:35 a.m.
“Isabelle speaking. Maybe there hasn’t been a misunderstanding. Maybe you just made a terrible error. That’s okay! People make mistakes. All they have to do is grovel and beg for forgiveness, and then all is well. That’s how it can be. I’m prepared to let it go this once, Magnus.”
Beep
Today 3:00 a.m.
“Isabelle. Let me just follow up by describing what a big mistake you would be making if you broke up with Alec. The Lightwoods are a seriously hot people. Some people say the Herondales used to be hot, but think about it—not only do we outnumber them, but we took their last hottie and we made him ours. Obviously, we won the victory.
I have looked back on portraits of our ancestors. Gabriel Lightwood was notably smoking. It is rumored that one Consul agreed with everything my great-great aunt Felicia Lightwood ever said, because when she spoke all he heard was ‘Foxy foxy foxy.’ If you break up with Alec, you will not only be losing one stone cold fox, but a family of foxes. I will pass down the word to my children’s children. No Lightwood is ever going to do much as wink at you in a bar. Think about that. Think about being Lightwoodless and lonely five hundred years from now, in a sad and chilly nightclub on the moon.”
Beep
Today 11 a.m.
“Hi, it’s Alec. I guess you’re still busy. That’s okay. I know you have a lot of things to do. Just—call me back when you’re free? Whenever you’re free, it doesn’t matter what time. I’ll be awake. I really want to talk to you.”
Beep
Today 2:30 p.m.
“Hello, Mr. Bane, this is Hadrian Industries. We’re calling to engage your services for a simple ritual, in the same vein as the one you performed for us last February. We would like you to bring a crate of horned toads with you. We shall of course amply compensate you for the toads.”
Beep
Today 5:14 p.m.
“Mrrrrrowl. Mrrrrrowl.”
“Ow! Ow, stupid cat! Ahem. You told me, ‘stop calling, Isabelle,’ but I’m not the one calling you. Church is calling you. Mine are merely the fingers that work the phone.
See, here’s something you may not have known before you committed your recent rash acts. Our cat, Church, and your cat, Chairman Meow? They’re in love. I’ve never seen such love before. I never knew such love could exist in the heart of a . . . cat. Some people say that love between two dude cats is wrong, but I think it’s beautiful. Love makes Church happier than I’ve ever seen him. Nothing makes him happy like Chairman Meow. Not tuna. Not shredding centuries-old tapestries. Nothing. Please don’t keep these cats apart. Please don’t take the joy of love away from Church.
Look, this is really just a warning for your own good. If you keep Church and Chairman Meow apart, Church will start to get angry.
You wouldn’t like Church when he’s angry.”
Beep
Today 6:00 p.m.
“Hi, Magnus. This is Clary. Nobody told me to make this phone call.
Isabelle did ask me to call you, but I said no, and she doesn’t know I’m making this one.
Honestly, when I first met Alec, I thought he was really horrible. Admittedly, I was a little off my game, what with finding out about magic worlds and Mom being kidnapped. That was a bad time, but Alec still was really not my favorite person.
He was a jerk, but he wasn’t a jerk because he’s a bad guy. He was a jerk because he was unhappy, and he felt like he had to pretend to be someone he wasn’t. I guess he learned that he had to hide things all the time, when he was growing up—that he had to keep secrets or lose people. He’s a lot better when he’s with you. He’s better because he’s happier.
I don’t really know how relationships work. Jace is the only boyfriend I’ve ever had, and I’m told our relationship has not gone along traditional lines. But I guess that’s what a relationship seems like to me: that no matter what else is going on, you’re happiest when you’re together.
I’m not just calling because I’m worried about Alec. You seemed really happy with him, too.
I was wondering how you are. I hope you’re doing okay.”
Beep
Today 8:26 p.m.
“Hi, Magnus. This is Alec. Alexander. I guess you don’t want to talk to me. I can understand that. But I really think if we were together . . . if I could just explain . . .I’m so bad with words. I’m sorry. But you always seemed to know what I meant. I don’t want to lose that. I don’t want to lose you. I want to talk to you so badly, but if I can’t, I guess I’m calling to say . . .I’m really sorry. I just called to say that.”
Beep
Today 9:39 p.m.
“Hi, Magnus. It’s Simon. You know me. Well, you called me "Soames" last time we spoke, but we’ve hung out. I’m calling to, uh . . . to—sorry if this is out of line—suggest that you maybe take Alec back.
I think it would be good for morale. Honestly, Alec was really horrible to Clary when they first met, and if he turns all cranky again, I don’t know what Clary’s going to do. In those days, Clary had way fewer weapons and way fewer brothers.
This time it’s different. Her boyfriend is on fire. She’s got enough problems. I guess what I’m saying is that we’d all appreciate it if you took one for the team.
Not that I’m part of a Shadowhunter team.
Shadowhunters don’t let vampires join the team.
This message probably seems selfish, and also crazy. I honestly do feel bad for Alec. He’s a good guy. Much less annoying than Jace. I’ve always felt like, given the opportunity, we could be friends. Maybe bros. Maybe we could be bros who shoot arrows together.
It may at this point be obvious that Isabelle forced me to make this phone call. I’m not really sure what I’m supposed to say.
Here’s the thing. Alec looks really bad.
Ow, Isabelle! I mean, he’s looking fine, he’s a very handsome guy. Much better-looking than Jace, if you ask me. But he’s obviously really down. Anyone can see it.
I don’t really notice how guys look most of the time, but even I can see it. He has black rings under his eyes, and his sweaters seem to be coming apart with despair. His mom is worried because he’s not eating, and I heard Jace hinting about hairbrushes yesterday. Of course, for a badass warrior, Jace is kind of prissy.
I don’t know what happened between you guys, but I know when someone is sorry. I can tell you, whatever he did, Alec is sorry.
If you could give him a break, that would be great. Okay. I guess that’s it.
Please don’t ever tell Jace I said he was a badass.”
Beep
Today 11:48 p.m.
“No, you listen, with your not-calling-back face! You’re making a big mistake! I was the best thing that ever happened to you!
Uh. Okay, statistically, that’s not very likely.
A lot of stuff has happened to you. A lot of people have happened to you.
I think that was what made me do what I did. I just wanted to know that I wasn’t, you know, low down on a long list. I didn’t want to be a pretty mediocre footnote in the story of your life.
Oh, God.
Jace. Jace, wake up. Jace, how do you delete messages on someone else’s phone?”
Beep
Today 8:11 a.m.
“Mr. Bane, I am authorized to contact you on behalf of my client. It is my opinion, and I consider it will be the opinion of the judge, that your actions vis-à-vis terminating your relationship with one Alexander Gideon Lightwood, Esquire, were unlawful. I have in my office witnesses and documentation to prove that you were in fact common law married, and Mr. Lightwood could claim half of your freehold in Brooklyn.
“All right, fine, it’s Isabelle again.
“All right, my lawyer is Church. But I truly believe that we have a case. And Church has never lost a lawsuit.
“Answer the phone, Magnus!”
Beep
Today 10:31 a.m.
“Mr. Bane, I am calling to leave a message on an urgent business matter. One of our representatives called about the matter of the horned toads delivery. He described your manner of answering the telephone as ‘curt’ and ‘extremely harsh,’ and your tone as ‘wild, not to say maddened.’ Is there a problem with the toads? We are very concerned.”
Beep
Today 7:52 p.m.
“Listen up, buddy: nobody breaks up with a Lightwood. Nobody! Meliorn thought that he could tell his faerie buddies over cups of mead that he’d broken up with me, and all I’m saying is that Meliorn hasn’t seen his faerie steed in a while.
“Once a guy visited the Institute and thought he could leave a ‘Dear Jane’ letter for me as he walked out the door. Jace found the letter. Ten minutes later that guy had a broken wrist and a concussion. And then I let Jace at him.
“This is Isabelle, by the way.”
Beep
Today 8:01 p.m.
“Hello, Bane. I mean, ah, Magnus. Greetings, Magnus Bane, High Warlock of Brooklyn, from Maryse Lightwood of the New York Institute. Um . . . head of the New York Institute. I’m totally the head, and I am calling on Shadowhunter business. Because I am in charge of all Shadowhunter business. The matter on which I am calling is a complex one. Too complex to be discussed over the phone. I think, upon consideration, that it would be best if you visited the Institute so we could discuss this in person.
“Please do not misunderstand me. This is a professional phone call about a purely business matter. I am simply intent on important Shadowhunter business.
“You would naturally be welcome to stay for tea and social conversation with whatever members of the Institute might happen to be present at the time of your visit. After we conclude our business, of course.”
Beep
Today 10:29 p.m.
“Greetings to High Warlock Magnus Bane from the New York werewolf clan. This is Maia Roberts. Um, Luke would have called, but he’s, uh, in the bathroom.
“What? Shut up! He’s been in the bathroom for a really long time, okay? We think it might be food poisoning. He’s been in the bathroom for so long that we believe that he is no longer our leader.
“Anyway, the werewolves would like to visit with you. You know, just one of those friendly werewolf on warlock visits. And whoever else happens to show up at the meeting.
“I just want to state for the record that this is stupid and he’s never going to buy it!”
Beep
Today 1:06 a.m.
“I’m outside your door, Magnus! I’m going to break it down!”
(pause)
“I would have already broken it down if you hadn’t put up stupid warlock spells like a stupid warlock cheater! Answer the door right now or I’ll kill you! I know you’re in there. I know you broke my brother’s heart. I’m not going to stand for it.
“Answer the door right now so I can kill you!”
Beep
Today 2:33 a.m.
“Greetings, Magnus Bane, High Warlock of Brooklyn, from Raphael Santiago of the New York vampire clan, loyal servant of our glorious Queen Maureen, forever may she reign in dark glory, and the future Prince Consort Simon, babelicious rock god.
“We have to begin all our telephone calls in this manner now. Including our nightly call to a place called Hot Topic.
“It would be needless to state, after this introduction, that I consider myself a damned soul.
“I am contacting you because our queen wished to send a summons to ‘the shiny man who is Simon’s friend.’ That is a quote. She adds that she supports you and she is a fan of much ‘yaoi manga.’ I have no idea what that means, and I never wish to know.
“While I am on the telephone, Lily happened to overhear some not terribly interesting conversation at Taki’s between several melodramatic teenagers of your acquaintance. Imagine my surprise when I learned that the ill-advised relationship between yourself and an excessively young male Shadowhunter has been abruptly and unpleasantly concluded.
“I wanted to inform you that your esteemed colleague Ragnor Fell now owes me ten dollars due to a small bet that we made amongst ourselves on the subject of how that absurd liaison would end.
“Of course, Ragnor will never pay me my ten dollars, because he was murdered by the Nephilim, due to a conflict between Nephilim that Downworlders were for some reason embroiled in. Just like the conflict we are currently having, so I suppose you could say that Ragnor died for nothing.
“Shadowhunters. Could their new motto be something like ‘Not Worth the Bother’?”
Beep
Today 11:23 a.m.
“Hi, Magnus. This is Isabelle. I’m calling to apologize for attempting to break down your door, for the phone calls and visits that I’ve been told might have counted as harassment, and for describing you to all your neighbors as a filthy Downworlder love weasel. Though I realize some of the things I said might have seemed threatening, of course as a Shadowhunter I would never inflict physical harm on anyone not engaged in evil or at least being totally annoying.
“I feel I was being pretty reasonable the entire time, and playing it pretty cool, but I’m told that from an outside perspective it looks like I might have slightly lost my head.
“I admit I do get a bit protective of my big brother. He always protects me.
“The truth is, I don’t have to threaten you with anything worse than you’ve already done to yourself.
“Alec is brave, and he’s good, and he’s loyal, and like all Lightwoods he has cheekbones you could use to slice salami. You’re never going to find anyone as great as my brother or anyone who loves you as much.
“He’s one of the best things in my life, and I’m prepared to bet he’s one of the best things in yours. You’re going to be so sorry when you wake up and realize what you threw away.
“In exchange for my promise to be cool in future, I’d appreciate it if you deleted this sappy message. I have a reputation in this town to keep up.”
Beep
Today 4:02 p.m.
“Hi, Magnus. This is Alec. I’m just calling to say that I might have asked a couple of people who you were actually talking to if they could possibly put in a good word for me with you. And it, uh, has now been brought to my attention that a couple of people might have taken things slightly too far.
“So I guess this is me calling to tell you that I’m really sorry. Again.
“I won’t call again. I won’t text. I’m sorry about all the texts. Especially about the one I sent at three fifteen in the morning on Wednesday. You know the one. Yeah. I’m very sorry about that.
“You can call me or text me, though, if you ever want to.
“I don’t expect you will. But I really hope you do. I won’t give up hoping.”
Beep
Today 5:06 p.m.
“Mr. Bane, this is Hadrian Industries calling to inform you that you are extremely late for the appointment we made. We have been waiting for over an hour. There is no sign of you. There is no sign of the toads. We want to—”
(message cut off)
These records were obtained, with some difficulty, from a cell phone which appeared to have been broken and burned with intense magical fire.
Marco Aurelio.
Upon shutting the phone call to Marco, Magnus made haste to reach the location the other gave him. For his luck, he could open a portal to a few places in the city of Ferrara, which allowed him to reach the cafè, with just a few minutes of delay from the time he was given to reach it.
He didn't change his clothes, he didn't even tidy himself up a little, he is the exact same as he was when Sebastian and him got into their rightful bodies again. And he didn't rest one bit since then, also due to the difference of time zone and he is truly tired.
From the outside, the cafè looks just like any other classy cafè one can find anywhere all over Italy. The kind of place modern poets, people with culture and artists would head to, for breakfast. But at the same time, the markings on the place make it clear that it is also a cafè for Downworlders and also a refuge for them.
Magnus really doesn't know what to think about Marco, right now. He hasn't seen him in many centuries and the way he left, after what he caused to the other, makes him believe he won't receive a warm welcome back by the old friend. Nothing new, there are so many people all over the world, who hate him. Many of them, he is not even sure why.
By the door, a young Werewolf is actually waiting for him, fully dressed in white clothes. Inside, the place is totally white, literally in every single slight detail, the only things of a different color are the food and drinks that are served.
The cafè is almost empty and extremely silent, it feels rather creepy, it doesn't have the usual warm atmosphere of the places Magnus is used to.
The place has a very old fashioned style, with white columns and marble floor, plus, it echoes...every single step he makes, which, for some reason, as nervous and upset as he is, is driving him insane.
The young Werewolf boy accompanies him to a second big room, with only one table inside and no people at all, and after leading him there, unties the huge white curtains, closing them to separate that room from the other, where the normal customers are.
The second room is decorated in the same identical way as the previous, just a little less bright, everything as white, there are even two white roses on the tables as decoration, white menus, white chandeliers...
Magnus shivers a little, the place is also rather cold, but it's nothing too bothering, he is not even sure if he feels cold because of the temperature or just due to being so tired and stressed. All he wants right now, more than anything, is to just throw himself into a super hot bath and fall asleep there.
Marco joins him after a few minutes and Magnus is thankful that the other was even later than him, so that he wouldn't notice he was late himself.
Magnus's expression is rather concerned, he basically can't change it to any other right now.
Again, the whole conversation happens in Italian, even though will be typed in English to save time.
Marco approaches Magnus, stopping a few steps away from the other and looking at him in a rather serious expression. "Magnus Bane. You didn't change one bit." He says in a neutral tone, to the point that Magnus truly can't tell whether he is angry, annoyed, happy, careless...but why would he literally order him to meet, if he didn't care?
•Neither did you...• It's all he manages to think and say in reply. Quite a pointless thing to say, they are both immortal, they couldn't change much anyway.
"i have to admit, though, that I wouldn't have expected to see you in an almost as desperate state than the one you were in, when I found you and Catarina, hiding in the sewers of Verona. Is it the reason why you finally decided to contact me again, after 5 centuries?"
Magnus keeps his head bowed and his gaze down, most of the time, just sending him some slight glances from time to time. He is keeping his hands in the pockets of his trousers all the time, not wanting to expose how bad they tremble, all the time.
When Marco says that, he shakes his head and sighs in an almost desperate way. •I contacted you out of resp-• He lets out a slight moan, quickly moving backwards to avoid Marco's hand, extended to touch his cheek. He can't help it, he fears any contact.
"There we go, the definitive proof that it's pointless that you try to hide it. You are so desperate you can't control your own body, I am surprised you can control your magic enough to portal safely." Marco turns around and approaches the table, specifically prepared for them, patting the metallic border of the chair, to which, his rings make that metallic sound at the contact. Then he goes to sit on the opposite chair of that small, round table.
After some time, he finally gets back to himself and sits to the chair, in front of Marco, feeling extremely uneasy and being unable to hide it, as he normally would do.
"First of all, tell me why are you scared of me. And I am not talking about this..." He says while 'drawing' a circle in the air in Magnus's direction, as to mean his current condition, that he knows can't depend on him. "But of what led you to run away like that and avoiding any contact with me for so long."
Magnus keeps his gaze down and hands in his pockets. •I set your beautiful palace on fire...I almost killed all of your guests, your friends...•
"You were hardly even 30! You didn't do it on purpose, what do you think? That I was born a millenary Warlock fully knoweldgeable and controlled? We all go through that..."
•There have been people in my life who have wanted me dead for much less...• He says in a very low tone, there still are.
"But the fact you left like that, it really offended me. I forgave you, hundreds of years ago, anyway." Marco points to the menu. "Let us have something."
Magnus would do anything but eat right now, but he doesn't want to appear rude, so he takes the menu. A waitress, always rigorously dressed in white, comes for their orders. •I'll...have a capuchino and...a...tiramisú.•
"Fitting choice." As it is clear how down Magnus feels.
"I guess that you didn't come do far from home to tell your story. But I must ask you and you must tell me, only this. Who tortured you and why."
Magnus's eyes widen and he shakes his head. •I was no-• To that, Marco hits his hand against the table, nothing too hard, but it is enough for Magnus to jump so bad he almost falls off the chair.
"I spent whole centuries rescuing Downworlders and mundanes from the Catholic Church and Inquisition. You don't seriously believe I can't recognize the signs."
Magnus looks down. •It was...the Clave...but it was a mistake. Azazel used a Unom ad Unom spell on me...they didn't want to see past my appearance..• He suddenly feels like to vomit, it makes him feel so sick.
The two talk for several hours in truth, but not about what happened to Magnus, as it is clear he is not ready to deal with, after all, here it is just one day from what happened. Not that he will be anymore ready in the next days or weeks anyway.
When Marco finally let him go, after offering his full help and support should he get to need it, Magnus heads back to Modena and his apartment, to grant himself the long bath he had been craving for, the whole day.
He still has many things left there from the times he inhabited the place, including ancient soaps, bath oils and salt and even his very old perfumes. All he needs to grant himself the bath he needs, very hot and very perfumed.
He picks a book from his collection, the "Il Giorno" of Parini and just abandon himself to his bath, trying to keep his mind away from everything, by reading a somewhat funny book.
He falls asleep much sooner than he would have expected, letting the book fall off his hand.
As he would have expected, his sleep is tormented by violent nightmares, mix of his childhood and recent traumas.
He wakes up a few hours later, screaming a loud "ALEXANDER",just to find himself in the ancient and very classy bathtub, water turned icy cold after such long time.
He feels like frozen, he covers himself with many towels and roams the apartment, like an agonizing ghost.
The clothes he has in there are not exactly the latest fashion, well, latest 1530s fashion, but it is all stuff he liked and still likes. Who will be seeing him jb there, anyway? He wears one of the old silk pajamas and wears the "coat night gown"(?) on it, to just let himself fall on the big bed, full of pillows, just the way he likes it.
He didn't change his clothes, he didn't even tidy himself up a little, he is the exact same as he was when Sebastian and him got into their rightful bodies again. And he didn't rest one bit since then, also due to the difference of time zone and he is truly tired.
From the outside, the cafè looks just like any other classy cafè one can find anywhere all over Italy. The kind of place modern poets, people with culture and artists would head to, for breakfast. But at the same time, the markings on the place make it clear that it is also a cafè for Downworlders and also a refuge for them.
Magnus really doesn't know what to think about Marco, right now. He hasn't seen him in many centuries and the way he left, after what he caused to the other, makes him believe he won't receive a warm welcome back by the old friend. Nothing new, there are so many people all over the world, who hate him. Many of them, he is not even sure why.
By the door, a young Werewolf is actually waiting for him, fully dressed in white clothes. Inside, the place is totally white, literally in every single slight detail, the only things of a different color are the food and drinks that are served.
The cafè is almost empty and extremely silent, it feels rather creepy, it doesn't have the usual warm atmosphere of the places Magnus is used to.
The place has a very old fashioned style, with white columns and marble floor, plus, it echoes...every single step he makes, which, for some reason, as nervous and upset as he is, is driving him insane.
The young Werewolf boy accompanies him to a second big room, with only one table inside and no people at all, and after leading him there, unties the huge white curtains, closing them to separate that room from the other, where the normal customers are.
The second room is decorated in the same identical way as the previous, just a little less bright, everything as white, there are even two white roses on the tables as decoration, white menus, white chandeliers...
Magnus shivers a little, the place is also rather cold, but it's nothing too bothering, he is not even sure if he feels cold because of the temperature or just due to being so tired and stressed. All he wants right now, more than anything, is to just throw himself into a super hot bath and fall asleep there.
Marco joins him after a few minutes and Magnus is thankful that the other was even later than him, so that he wouldn't notice he was late himself.
Magnus's expression is rather concerned, he basically can't change it to any other right now.
Again, the whole conversation happens in Italian, even though will be typed in English to save time.
Marco approaches Magnus, stopping a few steps away from the other and looking at him in a rather serious expression. "Magnus Bane. You didn't change one bit." He says in a neutral tone, to the point that Magnus truly can't tell whether he is angry, annoyed, happy, careless...but why would he literally order him to meet, if he didn't care?
•Neither did you...• It's all he manages to think and say in reply. Quite a pointless thing to say, they are both immortal, they couldn't change much anyway.
"i have to admit, though, that I wouldn't have expected to see you in an almost as desperate state than the one you were in, when I found you and Catarina, hiding in the sewers of Verona. Is it the reason why you finally decided to contact me again, after 5 centuries?"
Magnus keeps his head bowed and his gaze down, most of the time, just sending him some slight glances from time to time. He is keeping his hands in the pockets of his trousers all the time, not wanting to expose how bad they tremble, all the time.
When Marco says that, he shakes his head and sighs in an almost desperate way. •I contacted you out of resp-• He lets out a slight moan, quickly moving backwards to avoid Marco's hand, extended to touch his cheek. He can't help it, he fears any contact.
"There we go, the definitive proof that it's pointless that you try to hide it. You are so desperate you can't control your own body, I am surprised you can control your magic enough to portal safely." Marco turns around and approaches the table, specifically prepared for them, patting the metallic border of the chair, to which, his rings make that metallic sound at the contact. Then he goes to sit on the opposite chair of that small, round table.
After some time, he finally gets back to himself and sits to the chair, in front of Marco, feeling extremely uneasy and being unable to hide it, as he normally would do.
"First of all, tell me why are you scared of me. And I am not talking about this..." He says while 'drawing' a circle in the air in Magnus's direction, as to mean his current condition, that he knows can't depend on him. "But of what led you to run away like that and avoiding any contact with me for so long."
Magnus keeps his gaze down and hands in his pockets. •I set your beautiful palace on fire...I almost killed all of your guests, your friends...•
"You were hardly even 30! You didn't do it on purpose, what do you think? That I was born a millenary Warlock fully knoweldgeable and controlled? We all go through that..."
•There have been people in my life who have wanted me dead for much less...• He says in a very low tone, there still are.
"But the fact you left like that, it really offended me. I forgave you, hundreds of years ago, anyway." Marco points to the menu. "Let us have something."
Magnus would do anything but eat right now, but he doesn't want to appear rude, so he takes the menu. A waitress, always rigorously dressed in white, comes for their orders. •I'll...have a capuchino and...a...tiramisú.•
"Fitting choice." As it is clear how down Magnus feels.
"I guess that you didn't come do far from home to tell your story. But I must ask you and you must tell me, only this. Who tortured you and why."
Magnus's eyes widen and he shakes his head. •I was no-• To that, Marco hits his hand against the table, nothing too hard, but it is enough for Magnus to jump so bad he almost falls off the chair.
"I spent whole centuries rescuing Downworlders and mundanes from the Catholic Church and Inquisition. You don't seriously believe I can't recognize the signs."
Magnus looks down. •It was...the Clave...but it was a mistake. Azazel used a Unom ad Unom spell on me...they didn't want to see past my appearance..• He suddenly feels like to vomit, it makes him feel so sick.
The two talk for several hours in truth, but not about what happened to Magnus, as it is clear he is not ready to deal with, after all, here it is just one day from what happened. Not that he will be anymore ready in the next days or weeks anyway.
When Marco finally let him go, after offering his full help and support should he get to need it, Magnus heads back to Modena and his apartment, to grant himself the long bath he had been craving for, the whole day.
He still has many things left there from the times he inhabited the place, including ancient soaps, bath oils and salt and even his very old perfumes. All he needs to grant himself the bath he needs, very hot and very perfumed.
He picks a book from his collection, the "Il Giorno" of Parini and just abandon himself to his bath, trying to keep his mind away from everything, by reading a somewhat funny book.
He falls asleep much sooner than he would have expected, letting the book fall off his hand.
As he would have expected, his sleep is tormented by violent nightmares, mix of his childhood and recent traumas.
He wakes up a few hours later, screaming a loud "ALEXANDER",just to find himself in the ancient and very classy bathtub, water turned icy cold after such long time.
He feels like frozen, he covers himself with many towels and roams the apartment, like an agonizing ghost.
The clothes he has in there are not exactly the latest fashion, well, latest 1530s fashion, but it is all stuff he liked and still likes. Who will be seeing him jb there, anyway? He wears one of the old silk pajamas and wears the "coat night gown"(?) on it, to just let himself fall on the big bed, full of pillows, just the way he likes it.
Marco Aurelio.
Upon shutting the phone call to Marco, Magnus made haste to reach the location the other gave him. For his luck, he could open a portal to a few places in the city of Ferrara, which allowed him to reach the cafè, with just a few minutes of delay from the time he was given to reach it.
He didn't change his clothes, he didn't even tidy himself up a little
He didn't change his clothes, he didn't even tidy himself up a little