1845, Regents Park. London.

It had begun to rain as soon as the theatre troupe had made their final bows on the twinkling open air stage.  A magical place, glimmering lights secreted beneath a darkening sky. This was the last Stardust performance of Shakespeare in the Park, really more late-summer than midsummer. In spite of the fairly temperate weather, Virgil was freezing in his costume[1] and wanted very much to retire to their afterparty. He had recognised a few familiar faces in the audience during intermission: Sasha, Abby and (of all people) Moira. Prince, Princess, Jester. They simply needed to come to the party of course, no question about it, and he had sent an usher to tell them as much just before the second half of the play went on.

Now, the audience was slowly making their way out of the theatre. Those attending the afterparty would be led there by the ushers but the actors still had to change into some regular clothes and wipe off their stage make-up.

It was therefore in a more refreshed attitude that Virgil made an appearance at the Regent's Bar & Cafe, which Edgar had booked up for the entire night. The blonde wizard led the troupe of actors and they all stood at the threshold as the seated patrons applauded one last time. Bows were followed. And then the usual chatter resumed.

Violin in one hand, Virgil first went up to give his father a happy kiss on the cheek. After, he quickly looked around the busy restaurant, finally spotting his peers sat at one of the long tables by a window.

"Hello!" he smiled at them, face flushed and eyes unusually bright. "I didn't know you were coming!" Virgil leaned down to greet both Sasha and Abby with effete little kisses, and patted Moira on the shoulder.

The cafe was quite warm so he set the violin down on a stool and pulled off his sweater before taking a seat. "So?" he tied the sweater around his waist, flicking his head back to deter a stray lock of blonde. "Have I done Shakespeare proud or did you lot doze off?"

1.	I've based this performance and its costumes on the Globe's version, in which Oberon and Puck were depicted as physically affectionate.

When Abby and Sasha had invited her for a 'fun night out' this was not what Moira had imagined. She didn't tell either of them she had never been to a play before but her lack of knowledge on anything Shakespeare wasn't something she tried to hide. Several questions, and more, had been asked before the start of the show to minimize any confusion on her part. Confusion was still inevitable. While her general understanding of muggle things had improved over the years she was by no means an expert and muggle stories were low on the list.

And now that the show was over they were having dinner with Virgil. When the usher gathered them up she resigned herself to whatever would come. It was kind of him to invite them backstage though Moira had no doubts she was just an extra. When they had last been in the same get together things hadn't turned out so well with him on the receiving end. She blamed the bit of gillyweed for her lack of patience.

They hadn't been sat long before the actors made their appearance and Virgil soon joined and greeted them. If it kept her from receiving a kiss on the cheek then Moira was glad she wasn't on the greatest of terms with him. Physical forms of affection, including hugs, were few and far between for her under normal circumstances. Virgil's pat on her shoulder had been more than enough and more than expected if she were to be completely honest.

Moira couldn't say much to Virgil's inquiry beyond, "I enjoyed it." It was a sincere comment, despite her earlier skepticism and irritation when the surprise of the evening was revealed. Shortly after the play started any lingering annoyance vanished. Now, even if the rest of the evening didn't go by at least semi-smooth it would still have been a successful outing.

Abby sat across the table from Sasha and next to Moira, sipping unapologetically at a warm mug of pumpkin spice latte. A few days ago she'd announced on Facebook that her pumpkin season had finally arrived, and she was still scrolling through the most divisive commentary her profile page had ever seen.

She'd asked Moira where she stood on this important issue, and before the girl could answer, ordered one for her too.

"Surprise!" She grinned at the sight of Virgil, glanced at the violin, and wondered if they should expect a serenade.

"You were the perfect Puck!" Abby tucked a small daffodil behind Virgil's ear as he leaned in to kiss her cheek.

Her family had dragged her to a number of operas and ballets when she'd been younger, many of which she'd fidgeted through, sandwiched between her disapproving parents. Shakespeare in the Park was a new and fun experience. Few dressed up, and the crowd felt free to laugh and whisper comments here and there. Watching Virgil act was a treat, too. He was one of those actors who transformed his personality on stage, leaving behind his quieter, more mysterious self in favor of the mischievous, rambunctious Robin Goodfellow.

"The shadows delighted rather than offended," Abby agreed after Moira's comment, smiling at Sasha.[1]

During the show, she had sneaked several smitten glances at Sasha, glad he was there with her and relating the romantic misadventures in some small way to their own.

"Oh! This is from all of us," Abby reached over Moira to grab the flowers they'd hidden behind her bag, and handed it to Virgil with a theatrical flourish. The bouquet sported white and blue orchids and a few daffodils scattered here and there.

"It's meant to represent the starry sky," Abby explained for everyone's benefit.

 "Wrong show, but somehow I didn't think you'd mind."

Lost Boy flew among the stars, after all, and even brought them to life in dreams.

1.	"If we shadows have offended, Think but this, and all is mended: That you have but slumbered here While these visions did appear. And this weak and idle theme, No more yielding but a dream" A Midsummer Night's Dream

“It’s good to make a stand,” Sasha offered with a mildly amused grin, as Abby sipped her drink.  He was about to further comment on the general absurdity of Facebook politics when Virgil finally made his way over to their table.  While he had generally abstained from picking a side in the Great Pumpkin(spice) Debate (other then repeatedly reasserting Abby' - and everyone's - right to drink whatever the like to drink, ahem Anton's raspberry-flavored Berliner Weisse beer fixation), he had followed the fervent discussion with subtle bemusement at people’s general lack of other things to worry about. 

He pushed himself to his feet to greet Virgil as the other approached there table, but was caught half-way between sitting and standing by an unexpected, fleeting kiss from the actor.  The unfulfilled, polite handshake that Sasha had been planning on extending died awkwardly and he patted his leg before returning to his chair as Virgil took a seat. 

Sasha looked towards Moira when she offered the first response to Virgil's inquiry before his gaze flickered across the table at Abby with an arched eyebrow.  It was the honest, though muted and straight-to-the-point, type of response that was typical for Moira.  For not the first time that evening, Sasha suspected Abby had strategically arranged it so that the empty chair that awaited Virgil was next to her rather then Moira. 

Luckily, and not surprisingly, Abby could be counted on to be bright beacon of their group and she quickly picked up where Moira left off. 

"It was splendid," Sasha added on.  "I remember being bored out of my mind when I saw a version of it as a kid."  Of course, that had been at a very traditional, formal repertory that managed to highlight all the monotony of Shakespeare's rhythm and none of the underlying robust character.  His nine-year-old mind had had more fun peering down from their box seats at the well-dressed crowd in general admissions and imaging what excitement might ensue from a well-placed spider. 

This version had been the exact opposite.  "Not even a quick cat nap," he offered with a grin.  A touch of color rose in his cheeks as he spotted Abby's smile before he chuckled and settled back comfortably in his chair. 

"Symbolically, at least," Sasha had to tag on as Abby extended the flowers and proclaimed them as a group effort.  "I'm afraid most of the logistics of flower selection went straight over my head."  But, in his favor, he had learned an important lesson.  With a slight laugh, Sasha grinned sheepishly at Abby and shrugged his shoulders.  "I did learn that it's not about matching genetic families or, even, by pollinator preference.  Apparently, you can't just add a Ranunculus because they're bee-pollinated ... like daffodils ..."  he trailed off, with another grin towards Abby.  She had already thoroughly heard this defense of Ranunculus flowers. 

Sasha picked up the wine and drinks list from the stack of menus and handed it across the table to Virgil.   He might not know anything about flowers as gifts, but he could manage post-performance drinks as a gift.  "I recommend the Argentinian Malbec, but your choice.  Drinks are on me." 

He was a little in love with life, tonight. Virgil accepted his praise as he did the little daffodil behind his ear - with a bashful but smug grin. If he gleaned any thoughts from his pears to appease a thespian's ego, it was done with the best of intentions and gave his cheeks a pinker glow than was warranted.

Robin Goodfellow had not disappointed! The spirit of the bard lived on!

"Thank you kindly!" He received the bouquet with both hands, burying his elfin nose amongst velvety petals almost immediately while Sasha somehow managed to explain the illogic of flowers by omission of their scientific method. The orchids smelled subtly of vanilla and, true to Abby's words, they looked like a starry sky. Virgil set them aside with his violin and shot her a knowing smile.

She knew of his affection for a certain constellation.

            "... but your choice.  Drinks are on me."

Virgil clicked his tongue, leaning forward to rest against the table on one elbow and playfully nudging at Sasha's foot under the table. "Your money is no good here, sir!" he used the drinks menu to fan himself in a scandalised fashion. "This is a Stardust afterparty and we will do no less then drink like true Elizabethans!" Somewhere behind them in the restaurant, there was a vague cheer and some laughter.

This was neither a sleepover nor a drunken night out, after all. They were in the company of actors, theatre lovers, composers, artists and writers. It was actually quite fun to have this trio in his faerie-like sphere.

"By which I mean, sack[1] and ale." Virgil clarified - he had no intention of trying the latter, but was more than happy to get tipsy on whatever strange wine his father had selected for the troupe tonight. "More to McBoid's taste I think," he remarked, because the idea of her drinking anything besides ale or whiskey seemed laughable.

Servers, dressed in casual clothes and dark green aprons, descended upon the restaurant as he spoke. They bestowed every table with baskets of hot dinner rolls, jugs of strong ale, carafes brimming with fragrant sherry. The sound of clinking tankards and glasses played over their voices.

"So, you lot have seen the fruits of my recent labours..." Virgil poured himself a small glass and gestured to see if any of them would like the same. "What has been happening in the world of mere mortals? Besides our Unicorn Girl starting work with grumpy cousin Sol?" he winked at Abby, in passing.

1.	Sweet wine fortified with brandy, i.e. sherry.

Moira watched the exchange between Virgil and Sasha before looking around the room again as she had several times already. She was not sure what he meant about drinking like true Elizabethans. Considering where they were and who the surrounding people were it was probably better not to ask that question. No doubt it was a Shakespeare reference and she simply assumed he meant drink and be merry. That didn't explain the turning down of Sasha's payment though she did understand the reasoning.

The Pumpkin Spice Latte Abby had ordered for her had arrived at the same time as the other drinks and Moira gave it a dubious sniff. She cast a doubtful glance at Abby but took a couple taste testing sips. "Hm. I'll let you know if I do when it's empty," she answered Abby's question from before.

Virgil offered them some of what he was pouring and the wix nodded in acceptance. Alcohol would help her relax more than she was. The cafe was full of merriment, cheer, and quite a few people. After surviving seven years of crowded hallways, often she had ducked to the side somewhere or ran ahead to avoid them, and the Great Hall at mealtimes this would be a picnic in comparison. Still, the place and situation were new. Some nerves were expected. All she had to do was focus on the celebration aspect.

When Virgil asked what they had been up to, other than Abby's new job, Moira responded after a moment, "Tomorrow's my first day working as well." She worked every day, but this was an official job. "At one of the ranches for Wentworth and Son's Magical Menageries." Looking after the different animals would be good for expanding her knowledge. Her main focus was magizoology and all that it entailed. The new winged horses she would be working with would be a good test for what she already knew.

Moira took a drink of the pumpkin spice, letting one of the other two take up the task of talking.

Sasha's rambling about the flower selection made Abby giggle, and so did Virgil's declaration about paying for drinks. Sasha was relaxed, Virgil was in good spirits, and Moira had just piped up without much prompting. The fae, in the guise of servers, had clearly blessed their table with more than refreshments and honeyed bread. Abby lifted her cup, nearly expecting to find petals of love-in-idleness scattered around the dishes.[1]

"Congrats, Moira! Wentworth. One of the big names."

Pureblood name. She couldn't remember anything else. Abby smiled at Moira though, noticing she'd taken a few more sips of her latte.

Abby gestured for a glass of sherry and set it right next to her pumpkin spice latte. Who cared if she had both? The bread rolls were there to cleanse the palate, obviously.

In other news, Sasha was adorkable, and they were dating. Big news! However, Virgil wasn't getting off the hook that easily.

"Yes, we've seen your fruit and we've tasted your sherry," she paused to snicker at her own phrasing. "Still! We haven't heard a thing yet about the drama that happens before the drama. There has to be something good. Fights over tights. Crooked flower crowns. What sayeth you?" She nudged Virgil's arm lightly. "Anything exciting happen before the show tonight?"

Abby sipped at her sherry, and gaze him a curious look over the rim of her glass.

1.	Yet mark'd I where the bolt of Cupid fell: It fell upon a little western flower, Before, milk-white, now purple with love's wound, And maidens call it love-in-idleness

Curiosity led Sasha in the direction of the carafe of sherry and he settled back in his chair, content to bypass the rolls for the time being.  He cast a curious glance at Moira when Virgil pointed her towards the ale but turned his attention back to the group when conversation turned to current events. 

And, as usual, Sasha had the usual experience of feeling … remarkably unproductive … when he heard his former classmates and Abby talking about their very adult-like activities.  All three of them had - or were starting - proper jobs.  They were taking on proper, adult responsibilities. 

As he cast a quick glance around the table, he had the oddest sensation of recognizing a near complete role reversal.  While he hadn’t been working or being productive, he’d been spending time … mostly hanging out and socializing.

“That is exciting,” Sasha offered Moira, joining in with Abby’s enthusiasm.  “I imagine you’ll keep those other ranchers in line.  I saw Xavier not too long ago.  He seems to be settling into working the ranches pretty well.  Will it be weird working for him?”  Being employed by a former classmate must be a strange feeling, especially since Sascha had the impression that Moira probably knew more going into the business than Xavier. 

“I’ve mostly been making the most of my last month of freedom before it’s back to classes and homework and settling in up in Cambridge.  I’m hoping to connect with some of Professor Trishna’s old colleagues up at the school.  It will be good to be connected with a few witches and wizards up there.”  The university coven. 

“Besides that, I’ve been trying to narrow down research topics -“ and, mostly, failing miserably.  But, he didn’t need to admit that.  “And, getting ready to head off on one last adventure next week to Alaska.  My goal is to hike the Chilkoot Trail - the trail they used to during the Yukon gold rush.  If the atlas I got from my cousin is to be believed, there’s supposed to be the abandoned hut of a hedge witch somewhere along the trail - should be an exciting treasure hunt.” 

Tagging on to the end of Abby’s curiosities, Sasha asked: “and, what’s the troupe onto next?  What is going to be your next role?"

He tore up one of the bread rolls into little pieces as they chatted, leaning forward against the table and savouring the odd buttery bite. Virgil was starving - his glass of sherry went untouched for the meantime, God knew what it would do to one's head on an empty stomach.

             "Will it be weird working for him?" Sasha queried Moira's decision to work at Wentworth's menagerie.

"Careful not to flirt with the boss," he interjected cheekily through a mouthful of bread. "There's no sleeping-your-way-to-the-top in creature handling."

The bustle in the restaurant showed no sign of slowing down. A stack of thin menus[1] was dropped off at their table, the waiter disappearing as quickly as he'd appeared. It was especially printed as part of the afterparty, for which the theatre was clearly picking up the bill.

Shlawkward sounded like he was having a good time. A part of Virgil was keen on telling the other boy about how the Department of Mysteries had Unspeakables who specialised in certain muggle sciences, like astrophysics or biochemistry, but their code of secrecy kept him silent.

"Enjoy your nose rubbing up there," he raised his eyebrows at Sasha's plan to travel in Alaska and exchanged a glance with Abby. "Or over here, whichever."

Picking up on her thoughts had confirmed his suspicion: the prince and princess were dating!

"No backstage drama to share, sorry." Virgil laughed with a glimmer in his eye, finally taking a sip of the sweet sack. "We did have to make a flower crown for each performance - our Oberon isn't the gentlest," he referred to the half-giant wizard who had played the role of the faerie king, and manhandled poor Puck with affectionate greetings.

            "...what’s the troupe onto next?  What is going to be your next role?"

Sighing rather pitifully, Virgil shrugged his shoulders and ran a finger around the rim of his glass. "The troupe's going on to do one of Edgar's plays for the fall. I won't act again until our Christmas show, and next year's Shakespeare. I have to concentrate on level nine."

Their summer had been a wonderful dream but he did have a full time traineeship on his hands. Much as he knew he was going to miss spending most nights at Stardust.

"But I'll be taking over from my father, for the youth troupe." Virgil added, looking over his shoulder at one of the table's across the space - Edgar was having an animated discussion with the other actors. "So if there's anything you'd like to see performed by a small army of teenagers," he turned back to their own table. "I'm open to suggestions."

1.	Elizabethan/Tudor fare so expect roasted veal, chicken, hare and parsnips. Fish, stews, and soups were also popular! Most desserts in the form of fruit baked into tarts or pies.

Moira ignored Virgil's remark about sleeping for promotions, reaching for a roll and buttering it. It wasn't the business aspect or a higher rank that was her focus. Instead she answered Sasha's question, also putting Virgil's comment to rest. "Xavier and I never talked at school. I doubt very much that will change." Her statement would not be a great shock to any of them. "Thank you, though." She nodded to Sasha and Abby.

Sasha had mentioned before about getting one more trip in before school started. Alaska sounded like it would be another fun one. If Abby hadn't been about to start her job also Moira would have asked if she was joining him. If the answer had been no the next question would have been why not.

Bringing one of the menus to peruse she listened still, Virgil telling them what the next plan for Stardust was. It was impressive that he would be in charge of the youth troupe. After seeing his performance tonight Moira had no doubt as to his capabilities. Unfortunately, she had no suggestions to offer. Reading and watching plays hadn't been part of her upbringing, or past interest. She wouldn't decline if she wa invited to another.

Everything on the menu looked good. Choosing would be difficult.

Moira would be working for Xavier Tawse? Oh boy. Abby shook her head at Virgil's cheeky comment. Silly Virgil!

"Xavier and I never talked at school. I doubt very much that will change," Moira wisely ignored Virgil. "Thank you, though."

"I'll be sure to ask you if the situation has changed later," Abby teased Moira. Likely during their get-together this weekend, once they'd settled into their new jobs.

"Enjoy your nose rubbing up there," he raised his eyebrows at Sasha's plan to travel in Alaska and exchanged a glance with Abby. "Or over here, whichever."

Abby grinned at Virgil, who noticed everything, and gave Sasha a flirtatious wink. Nose rubbing! How cute.

"Alaska is so far!" She blurted, then glanced at her sherry. "Cold! It's cold, I meant to say. Tell me all about it when you get back, Sasha."

The trip would be a well deserved change of scenery for him before he dove into schoolwork at university. Abby glanced at the menu and flipped right to the desserts. Apple tart! Perhaps she could convince Sasha to split a dessert.
 
Abby looked at Virgil skeptically when he denied any behind-the-scenes mayhem, but she supposed troupes performed better when they refrained from gossiping with outsiders? Maybe. Anyway, she was excited about his next news.

"We'll add the Christmas show to our calendars," Abby promised. "And that's exciting! I can't think of a better person to manage a bunch of teenagers." He handled Nick's crude comments on a daily basis.

"I may just send a young Reid your way."

Abby nearly cackled. Probably not. She imagined Sulwen would say no, but she'd at least bring it up in her next letter.

Waiting a beat, in case someone wanted to jump in with a suggestion, Abby happily took up the challenge.

"Obviously," she smiled. "The youth troupe needs to do something with unicorns. The Lost Unicorn, or some other dramatic title."

Why the hell did that sound so familiar? Her brow furrowed, then she shrugged.

"A lone unicorn travels the world in search of other unicorns," Abby gestured with her bread roll. She glanced at Moira, thinking. "First, she meets an amazing rancher who offers to help her, and together they start the journey with a bunch of animals from the ranch tagging along."

Abby looked at Virgil. "One of the animals is some kind of colorful bird? Something with wings that speaks in riddles. An impish character with a good heart," she nodded, deciding that sounded close enough.

"They reach the castle, but the King is a jerk and acts suspiciously when questioned about the other unicorns. His son, however, is the complete opposite," Abby glanced at Sasha. "Heroic and always thoughtful."

Abby rubbed at her pounding forehead and smiled, feeling strangely awkward. She'd had enough of 'kings' and 'queens' in castles treating unicorns poorly, and yet she'd just described it.

"I don't know what happens next," she admitted. "Anyway! Silly thought. I must have read it somewhere."[1]

1.	Flower Girl/pentral read The Last Unicorn novel as a child. Apparently there was also a stage adaptation made in 1988! /geeks out

Sasha grinned and chuckled as both Abby and Virgil both speculated about mixing personal and professional relations with Moira's once-classmate-turned-employer but he didn't add to the chorus of comments.  Habit made it difficult for Sasha to imagine the two of them hitting it off though, after his driving lesson with the former Slytherin, Sasha had started to doubt his habitual perspective of Tawse. 

"My guess is there will be quite a few burly animal handlers to chose from."  He wasn't going to join the ribbing where Tawse was concerned.  That didn't mean he wasn't going to join in the general spirit of ribbing.  After all, he was quite a firm believer in the benefits of being in a relationship. 

Sasha glanced at Abby and grinned, a touch of color rising in his cheeks both at Abby's wink and Virgil's comment.  "I'll definitely keep the nose rubbing for over here," he admitted, the blush deepening. 

Admittedly, the global adventures in gallivanting had been much more enticing when Sascha had scheduled them - back before there had been much more than the occasional evening at The Closet to look forward to.  Despite there being more reason to stay home, he was still very much looking forward to going.  He'd always wanted to see the North Pole. 

He turned his attention to the menu as he listened to Virgil talk about the upcoming performances and his future work with young actors.  His fingers drummed against the table as he considered some possible recommendations but it was Abby who spoke up first.  A broad grin spread across his face as, almost immediately, he recognized the story she was describing. 

"Oh - The Last Unicorn," he offered.  "That was my favorite movie when I was a kid," he offered, blushing when Abby glanced at her when she described Prince Lir.  "In his defense, he was adopted."  Sasha remembered, as a kid, trying to see himself as Schmendrick - wanting unicorns and magic to be real.  It wasn't until he'd rewatched it a couple years back that he'd seen himself in Prince Lir's shoes - though, that had come secondary to him seeing King Haggard as Malvivicus. 

"That and Jungle Book - which would be another idea," he offered to Virgil.  "I have The Last Unicorn, if you ever wanted to see it.  It could be a great adaptation." 

Dull, thought Virgil as he sipped on sack and McBoid set their minds at ease in the case of Xavier Tawse. Work romances were much better stories than awkward chatter. He'd shared a dorm with Xav for many years though, and if the Queen of Prudes Dimbleby could fall for him then Moira wasn't completely out of the question either.

For now he would settle for watching the Prince and Princess blush at one another. Virgil smiled at Abby, bowing his head in mock gratitude as she offered a young Reid for the troupe.

             "... needs to do something with unicorns," she suggested. "The Lost Unicorn, or some other dramatic title."

That sounded like an appropriate mix of either of their given monikers. It also came across as something she was remembering, rather than making up, and he frowned a little even when she gave Sasha the title of the King's son. Why was it that Abby seemed to draw on things she didn't quite know herself? Was it her or Flower Girl?

Schlawkward came to her rescue by naming the actual narrative..

"We can't do The Jungle Book, Edgar still hasn't forgiven Kipling for The White Man's Burden." Virgil shrugged and refilled his glass of sack, thinking about when he'd first learned that the name Mowgli wasn't even an authentic Indian one. "I do love that book though."

He had a soft spot for clever Bagheera and fearsome Shere Khan. A server stopped by their table just then, to take orders, and then moved on to another table with great alacrity. Virgil set aside his menu, looking at Sasha quizzically.

"It would be a challenge, to portray a unicorn onstage I suppose. But see it, you said?" he had vaguely heard of the story but not as a muggle film. "Is The Last Unicorn a book or a movie?"

"Both. I have a copy of Beagle's novel."

Edgar Carstairs approached the table from behind his son, clapping a hand on the young wizard's shoulder and smiling broadly at the others. These were not Virgil's usual friends - not the Slytherins that had often made an appearance at their house in Maida Vale every summer.

"You'd make a very different Haggard." Edgar remarked softly, wondering if, like he had done as Willy Wonka or Captain Hook, Virgil would take on an adult role in the play. "Now, would you care to introduce me to these lovely new friends of yours?"

He recognised the girl with red hair but chose to feign ignorance. The other boy looked familiar. Virgil glanced up over his shoulder, giving his father an unimpressed (distinctly adolescent) look.

            "Of course. This is Abby - she likes unicorns and princes..."
Edgar reached down to shake hands with each as they were introduced.
            "Sasha. He's going to a muggle university. And McB-- and Moira, works for Xav."

Not quite the sharp-tongued lot he usually expected around Virgil. Edgar nodded to himself, confused but approving of the change. It explained a few things about his son's behaviour in recent weeks. "Pleasure, pleasure to meet you. Very kind of you to come watch us."

Sometimes it felt like not many of their age group attended shows anymore; mostly just families with young children or adults who enjoyed the arts.

"Is this your first Stardust experience?" he smiled at them genially, ignoring the way Virgil sighed at these niceties and reached for more drink.

Moira gave a subtle roll of her eyes as she continued to look over the menu at Sasha's comment on burly ranchers. She would be far too busy looking at more important and relevant things to pay the other employees, burly or not, much attention. Romance was fine for other people who wanted to be distracted, sappy, and potentially nauseating to those around them. The brown haired, blue eyed witch was not among those on that list.

As Abby went on about a story, soon revealed as The Last Unicorn, Moira's thoughts wandered away to a group of very real unicorns who had been held captive for nefarious means. They were in the care of compassionate hands now, at least, but any time spent in that place likely wasn't something easy to forget. Moira glanced at Abby over her menu.

A few seconds later the witch realized, just in time, their orders were being taken. Glancing down she picked the first item her eyes spotted and then set the menu aside and finished what was left of her Pumpkin Spice Latte and gave a small nod of approval to the questioning gaze.

                    "Both. I have a copy of Beagle's novel."

Turning her head Moira recognized their newest arrival from before. Glancing between him and Virgil she could see a resemblance. Shaking the older man's hand as introductions were made she also gave a small nod in greeting. Edgar seemed, to her, more personable than his son but they were guests. It was difficult to tell in such circumstances.

"It's my first theater experience in general." Moira had a feeling at least two members of this group would want to educate her on the many different plays, same as Sasha had explained commonplace muggle devices to her during a summer visit some time ago.