Dance of the Embers

Chapter 4

Mulligan awoke the next day feeling rested for what felt like the first time in a lifetime. He found himself feeling happier and more ready for whatever was to come from the new day as he prepared for it with Black Slacks, a grey button-down shirt with rolled sleeves, maroon suspenders, and black loafers. He walked out and made his way to The Icebound Tinder. Inside was Decklan, Merrin, and Marionette.

He viewed the scene through his eyes which remained dim but no longer tired. At night, the Icebound Tinder was dark and sporadically illuminated by non-natural lights, which were still dark, but during the day, it was a beacon. The light shined, reflecting harshly off of Merrin's bright red hair and her grey dress. Decklan was wearing a black vest with a Salmon coloured shirt underneath, and Marionette sported her formal gown from the other night.

Mulligan approached to greet them.

  "We figured a small celebration was in order, your curse being lifted and all." Merrin said. Her Irish accent proved as prominent as ever. Her hand was intertwined with Decklan's. 

Marionette bumped Mulligan's shoulder and whispered into his ear as she ruffled his hair. He smiled and nodded, walking up to the band on stage as they set up. The club was only just now opening. He handed a bill to one of them, and they seemed happy to oblige to whatever his request was. Decklan placed his hand on Merrin's hip, holding her other high. Mulligan approached Marionette and took her into the same position. The band began, and their song was more than prominent with jazz. The drum's heartbeat gave life to an acoustic guitar which was accented with a loud, intricate bass line. The group danced there hearts out, smiling and laughing for the first time since long before the raid. As they distracted themselves, the familiar face of Johnny Carpenito entered through the main entrance his high collared coat hiding his features.

The song ended and they all sat. 

  "Mulligan, what's your poison?" Decklan asked. Mulligan had already taken notice of Cartpenito.

  "None right now. Excuse me." He said as he stood. Marionette looked at him with scrunched brows. She stood too. They approached Carpenito and took a seat while Decklan and Merrin simply spoke among themselves. 

  "We already dealt with you." Marionette said as they took their seat. Carpenito displayed a smug grin as he rested his feet on the table, his chair leaning back a bit.

  "Something's off about last night's little rendezvous, guy." He said.

  "Do tell." Mulligan said with sarcastic enthusiasm.

  "The Witch Doctor. She cured you and took off." Carpenito replied as he threw a hand to the side.

  "A Witch Doctor on the OUTSIDE of Ember City is a good thing, Carpenito. We already have the government looking into us when they should think we are all dead." Marionette said.

  "You listen here. I never said that Ms. Ju Ju Magic left the city. I said that she took off from the scene of the deal. I had someone go to see a guy whop owes me and collected some dollars but he comes back and tells me that the house was broken into and the guy who owes me is gone. Nothing left but some brimstone on the mantle." Carpenito explained.