Too Many Voices...

On a summer's day in Diagon Alley, Talon began to navigate through the massive crowds in the small alleyway that contained dozens of shops. Talon had been here because he needed to buy a new book that was destroyed back in Hogwarts a while ago, when a friend of his got blood on it. Oh well, at least he had enough money to actually buy his textbook. Regardless, Talon began to worm his way through the crowds, listening intently as to who was talking and making subtle notes to himself. He never liked to be without his knowledge, and having knowledge meant he had his power. Yet because he was listening so intently, he nearly missed Flourish and Blotts, almost running into a small family as well.

Walking inside and dismisses the annoying dinging sound from the bell, Talon began to look around the shop, hoping that maybe they had his book. "Excuse me!" the shopkeeper said, a smile on his face "may I help you with anything?" Talon turned, nearly jumping from the sudden arrival and said "Uhh, yes. I need some help trying to find another copy of this book." Talon pulled out his copy of Achievements in Charming and showed him the cover. The clerk looked at the copy for a second and said "Why is there blood on the spine?" Talon replied "A friend of mine got attacked and she fell on the ground near my book. Some blood got on it and I forgot to remove it." The clerk gave him an almost suspicious look and said "Okay...well, I don't think we have any copies of that certain book in right now, seeing as how many want to get their school shopping down during the beginning of vacation. I see you're trying to do the same?" "You could say that. Well, thank you, I'll be on my way." "Take care!" And with that, Talon was off.

Talon scoffed as he left the store. What, did that guy think he murdered someone with his book or something? What a jerk...but it was a pretty decent sized book, could do well with beating someone to death if need be. Talon wondered as to what he should do now though, there were a lot of stores and he had 2 galleons on him. He began to think as he walked, and knew what he was going to spend some of it on. With a smile, he began to walk to the Sparks bistro. Maybe they'll have cookies there! he thought to himself.

The ache wouldn't go away.. it was like her bones were shouting at her that something was wrong, and she didn't know what it was. So here she was, hoping to pick up a book on something that had to do with it. Maybe she could make a potion without having to tell Khaat or Brian.. she knew she shouldn't have done it, but she didn't want to have to worry her new parents, it wasn't fair of her to do that. So she had grabbed some floo powder while they were out, and had stepped out of the fireplace at the Leaky Cauldron.

The street was crowded, but Faith was tall and was able to see over the heads of quite a few people, as she wandered through the streets, her long legs propelling her forward gracefully. Unfortunately so was her distraction of her aching joints, she hit someone as she was about to enter Flourish and Blotts. She stumbled backwards, barely catching herself as she looked up, shocked.

"Sorry! I didn't see you there! I'm so sorry." Faith looked around apologetically for the person she had run straight into who had just been leaving the shop.

Talon was beginning to wonder what type of food he was going to get at the bistro, still thinking he was gonna get a cookie, until he was knocked back by a stranger. The person was definitely taller, so it took him some effort to keep his balance. He managed to keep his balanced, but his book fell from under his arm and hit the ground with a slight thump. Looking to see who knocked into him, he was prepared to throw an insult. Yet when he noticed that it was a girl, about his same age too, he lost his train of thought. He was still a little irritated though, and hopefully it didn't show. "It's alright," he said, covering his tone "I wasn't watching where I was going anyway."

He crouched down and picked up his book, reminding himself to get one of those bags that Michael had for a situation just like this. He slung his book underneath his arm and said "My apologies." Subconsciously, he began to examine her. She looked to be about two inches taller than him (something that always slightly bothered Talon), brown hair, and other things that men usually think about.

"I'm sorry.. I really am.. hey.. you look familiar.." Faith froze, and looked at the boy carefully, her eyes narrowed. "You're in Ravenclaw aren't you? Fifth year? Well.. going in sixth year.. you're in my year." She said, smiling at him. "I don't know your name.. sorry, I'm Faith.. oh we should probably get out of the doorway.." She said and stepped to the side so someone could pass her into the building. "I am really, really, sorry for nearly knocking you over.. how about I get you something to drink? You know.. gesture of friendship." She smiled at him, knowing she wanted to browse for a book to help her out, but she felt really bad about hitting him the way she did.

Talon rubbed the back of his head, an unknown quirk to him that showed he couldn't remember something. "I've never seen you around," Talon said truthfully, not being able to remember her face at all "you said you are in Ravenclaw? I'm surprised I haven't seen you around." Then again, he tried to isolate himself from everyone else, so it wasn't surprising he couldn't remember her. "My name's Talon Marlowe," he said with a genuine smile "and sure, that sounds good!" In his mind, a free drink was a free drink and that would be something free...so he would go with it. "How about sparks?" he asked in a friendly tone "I hear they have good food and drinks there!" Hopefully he remembered where Sparks was, the last time he was there was in his second year when his parents brought him there as a treat. He would wing it if need be.