Glaw Jones

“Yeah…  I can see how it might feel that way,” she agreed quietly.  Riley knew she’d had a fairly good and happy life, but not everyone else did.  She couldn’t imagine the weight that some of her friends carried every day.  “Maybe that’s why some people are so caught up in the past.  Trying to change it.”

“Well, we can’t change the past. What we can do instead is choose how to move forward and make things better.” That was what he would do; he couldn’t change the loss of his brother, but he could act now to try and get him back, and he would. “Always best to look forward, don’t you think? Or just look at the now, that’s what a mirror’s good for,” he added playfully.

“Yeah, there is a major problem with guns here in America. Thankfully, our little town doesn’t have the itch too bad - or it didn’t. Now, I’m not so sure. I’m trained, of course, but even I understand the full weight of what I carry on me every day.” Stiles was usually armed at work - because it was part of the job - and he had one at home just in case. But it was always safe. He wasn’t going to take any chances. He didn’t understand how the world could do it, though. How could one easily get a gun? It was absurd. “I get that. The whole culture shock thing. I would be scared if I came from somewhere that it wasn’t common and then suddenly see them everywhere. That has to be intense.”

“Sounds pretty good. I’m more of a simple man myself so that would be an excellent soup. My dad would like it, too. That’s who I usually buy them for. He has to eat healthy.” He wasn’t about to get into the history of his father with a complete stranger. But thinking about his dad and his precarious health situations of the past caused him to have a moment of panic. He got through it - something he was steadily working on - and continued listening to the story. He cocked his head to the side. “Ah, it’s a Norse story. Maybe that’s why I hadn’t heard it. I’m Polish.” He meant it more as a joke but it came out quite lame. Stiles shrugged off his comment. He had zero reasons not to trust Glaw but here was something he didn’t like about him. Stiles liked to trust his gut - but his friends usually thought he was just overreacting. “Ah. Yeah. I picked her up but I guess I just didn’t realize…she wasn’t exactly in front of the shop when I got here.” She had been a little ways down so Stiles had simply not put the two together.

“It’s certainly something alien to me. But all part of the culture, after all no place is perfect.” And while he was fiercely pining for his homeland Glaw knew he couldn’t return until he’d corrected his mistake; luckily he grew closer to that goal every day. “Well, there weren’t any skyscrapers in my home town either but the ones I’ve seen in big cities here weren’t too overwhelming.” he chuckled a little playing it off lightly, “They were a little unnerving though, I’m glad Beacon see’s a little more, homey.” he chose the word with a small smile, “Besides, I’m going to be grown up about the whole thing and manage through.” He’d need to be careful though, best to avoid direct confrontation if possible.

“Well if you’d like the recipe just let me know, I’m not above trying to use good meals as an excuse to get to know the people around here. They do say the best way to man’s heart is through the stomach after all, though personally I think it’s a great way into anyone’s good books.” he added with a small chuckle. “It’s nice that you look out for him though, family is so important.” That was why he was here, doing all of this. It was all to get his family back. He smiled slightly but tilted his head in confusion at the delivery, “Yes. My grandmother was from Norway, she met my grandfather when she and her brother came to Wales for work in the local mines.” he explained lightly, “She always had the best stories.” And like his parents she’d been taken from the world too soon. Awful, of course but the bond he’d had with his brothers was all the stronger for what they’d lost. “No, she did seem to zip down the road a little, probably looking for somewhere with a better awning to hide from the rain.” he suggested lightly. “Do you know if she liked the mirror she bought while she was here?”  

@shxttered-sight

Lydia had been having a bit of a hard time recently, to say the least. There were all these anniversaries, birthdays, and reminders of those that she lost. It was as though they all hit her at one time. A few weeks ago had been Nate’s birthday- the first one since he passed- and then it had been Ariel’s as well. Then it was Lydia’s own birthday, but also the anniversary of her sister dying. And Lydia’s first birthday without her mother. On top of that, Lydia had Riley’s premonition about her haunting her in the back of her mind. It brought out a whole number of feelings that Lydia had tried to bury. It was intense for her, and though she tried to distract herself with all of her volunteer work, school, and her internship, Lydia’s flame was being burnt out quickly.

This day was particularly exhausting for Lydia and since Stiles was at work, she was home by herself. Lydia knew that his job was important so she didn’t want to bother him but she did give him a quick call and left a voice mail stating that she would be out for awhile. She got in the car and headed towards the cemetery without putting too much thought into it. It was when Lydia got there that she realized it might’ve been a mistake. At first Lydia imagined going to visit her mom would give her some comfort but being there was overwhelming. Lydia hadn’t gone to visit her mom yet since she passed. The cemetery was the place Nate had been taken from her- murdered right in front of her eyes. And so many people she lost were buried there. It was too much, and Lydia couldn’t handle it. She felt like she couldn’t breathe and she needed to get out of there as soon as possible. Lydia took off quickly, making her way to the exit so fast that she ended up bumping into someone. “I’m s-sorry..” Lydia mumbled quickly, shaking her head as she tried to catch her breath. She couldn’t even really process that the person she bumped into was a familiar face.

His luck since moving to Beacon had already begun to turn, not even a month into his little set up and already he had a very solid lead and a way to keep an eye on her. What Lydia had done to his plant was too close to what he needed, what he deserved and the plant was still thriving upon his shop’s windowsill. So, from time to time he used a mirror in the back of his shop (the one he’d poured most of his power into) to see from the mirror she’d bought from him, a glimpse into her life; a sad one based on what he’d seen recently. And when people were overwhelmed with emotion they were more likely to open up. As with molten glass, it was always best to mould the piece at the height of it’s heat, and Lydia may be most receptive to him now.

Overhearing her plans he cleared away the spell and decided to close his shop early. One the way out he picked up the newspaper on his counter and glanced at the headline: ‘local teenager found with slit throat.’ She’d been his first kill here and built upon his power reserves, his magic already felt stronger than it ever had before; the spellbook he’d acquired had yet to steer him wrong. Making his way to the graveyard with the paper under his arm he thought through a few different ways to approach the situation, of course he’d hardly seem suspicious as it had been a week or two since they’d last met face to face and she had no idea of the window into her life she’d given him. He’d just keep up his little persona and all would work well. He’d barely reached the entrance when a familiar figure bumped into him and he blinked a few times, thinking the beginning couldn’t have gone better no matter how he’d planned it. “Lydia?” he asked softly, stepping back and looking down at her with concern, “Are you alright?” he asked, already knowing the answer, “Please, just look at me okay, and breathe, in and out, in and out.” he told her softly, hands resting lightly on her shoulders before be dropped them.  

“I’m pretty sure that there’s a literal condition where someone’s bones is like glass and if they were to fall, they will get hurt rather easily.” She points out, trying to remember where she had heard about it, but with a shake of her head, she pushes the thought to the side. “Be careful about your wonders, you may stumble upon something that you won’t like around here.” Rosie states, clicking her tongue at his next words. “Well, that’s quite the unique situation. If I left people wondering what I did, I would be out of a job seeing as though most of the public goes to this place when staying around or visiting town, I work at Lulu’s Diner, just a few blocks from here, and when I’m not working, I do other things.”

“Really?” he asked, blinking with interest, “That’s one of the downsides of the material, it looks beautiful and in some cases can be very strong but, in the end it’s fragile and needs to be handled with care.” A lot like people really; all it took was one mistake, one accident, one slip and they could be shattered into pieces, lost forever. Though, not forever in his case. “I’m not afraid of all the things I’ve about this place. Besides, there’s a great different between reading up on a few tragedies and going snooping down dark alley-ways in the dead of night.” he said with a small chuckle, “Ah, must be a busy job, fun to talk to lots of people though I’d hope. What are the ‘other things’ you get up to?”

A small snort escaped him at that. “A… Bit optimistic that. No hope sounds pretty depressing.” He should know. Intimately. It’d be nice if there were therapists that could deal with what he was. As far as he know though, there weren’t. Shame. He hummed, low and unexcited. “Wasn’t very artsy. More…” Get drunk and smoke weed in the woods. What was he before that? God, those days seemed so long ago. “More social, I guess. Not nearly as sporty as my little sis.” He nodded. “Well, that’s cool. Do snarky remarks recount?” Depressive episodes? “I’m kind of… aimless.” As if that wasn’t obvious.

“Glass and veins are two words that one wouldn’t usually expect in the same sentence, out of context, that sounds like it would be painful.” She muses and scrunches up her nose for a moment, green hues following towards the ones on display as she slightly smiles. “You’d be surprised as to how much of a lack of mystery there is nowadays, but the less you reveal, the more people wonder.” Rosie states with a glint of mischief in her eyes. “Glaw..that’s quite the name. My name’s Rosie, and I kind of figured the latter.”

“But, glass veins sounds pretty beautiful, imagine a whole layout of the human vein map made out of glass.“ he chuckled softly, “I don’t think even I could manage that, not alone anyway.” Perhaps it could be something he and his brother’s could try once they were back together. “Luckily my curiosity is healthy rather than too intense, but right now I can’t help but wonder about this town; there’s quite a lot being said about it.” He nodded, “It means Rain in Welsh.” he grinned slightly, “And what is it you do, or is that one more thing to leave people wondering.”

“Hm.  Maybe it’s all just a big circle,” Riley shook her head.  This was way too much for her.  It felt a little weird, to be talking about this deep and bizarre topic with a practical stranger, but it was kind of nice.  Most people in this town seemed a lot more closed off.  “I kind of like that though… The idea that we always have it with us.” 

“Maybe. I suppose it isn’t our place to understand it.” Merely react to it and try to keep their happiness in check. “It depends on what our pasts are, in some cases it might be like... Having something unpleasant hanging over you.” And it would never leave, not until he’d corrected his mistake and brought his family back together.

“As do I, it keeps people on their toes.” She muses with a light shrug, head tilting to the side. “I definitely think that they can be, especially if it runs through genetics, certain other family members having the same..talents.” Rosie says with a small wave of her hand as she spoke. Looking around for a moment, the blonde raises her eyebrows and smiles. “I mean, I could tell you, but why go and easily ruin a mystery like that so quickly? Besides, it’s not even an object that I’m proud of, it’s a person. Who are you anyways?”

“And can be very educational at times.” he said with a small nod, “Then it would seem I’ve been born with a talent for glass in my veins, if you think the ornaments are impressive you should see my mirrors.” he added with a small gesture towards the ones he had on display. Glaw sighed slightly as she continued and shook his head with a small smile on his face, “Everyone so loves a mystery these days, personally I just like answering questions when I’m asked. For example, my name is Glaw Jones, and I own this shop we’re currently in.”

“I get it. I think….I think sometimes it’s ingrained in us even if we don’t know it, you know? My dad’s dad was in the military, my dad is a sheriff, and I’m headed in the path to be a detective. It’s that…need to protect, I guess, that’s in us.”  Though, of course, his grandfather was now over that need. Stiles hadn’t seen him in years - he was not in his right mind anymore. His dad hadn’t let him see his grandfather in so long that Stiles couldn’t remember if he had seen him since his mother died. It was weird to share a nickname with a man he barely knew, regardless of them being related. “Yeah, I think America needs a lesson on that. Many tend to think a weapon is a play toy instead of what it really is. Lessons and respect are both needed.” He sighed as he thought about the careless deaths that happened in the name of the fifth amendment. It was honestly so ridiculous.

“You should. It’s good.” He always got his dad food from there when he wasn’t sure if his dad was eating healthy or not. Lydia also loved the food. It was honestly a win no matter who it was for. “Yeah, that would be cool.” He wondered who the girl was that Glaw was talking about. It could be anyone, honestly, but he was still stuck on being curious over her identity. “I am the same. I fight the ADHD thing I’ve got going on. I research and I’m careful. I usually find out the truth before everyone else.” And that was the truth. Stiles was better at figuring out things and putting the pieces to the puzzle together than almost everyone else. His head turned quickly from the ornament he was looking at to face Glaw again. “Yes…yes. Lydia is my girlfriend. How did you know?” Maybe that girl before was Lydia. It would make sense. Lydia was the most intelligent person that he could think of. 

“Almost like a sort of destiny?” he asked lightly, “Or at least something like that. Though the need to protect sounds a great deal more impressive than a need to make pretty things out of glass.” he said with a small shake of his head. But it was all a means to an end, the more mirrors he had out there the easier it would be to manipulate this town and get what he wanted. Once he had that Glaw could be on his way and return home; but that was getting a head of things. For the moment it was one thing at a time and playing the little shopkeep his new companion wished to see. “It’s concerning,” he nodded at Stiles, “Back where I’m from, well you don’t see gun’s at all and here they’re on sale down the local shops; that was something of a culture shop.” And something he needed to bear in mind, a bullet could shatter glass almost without fail.

“I do miss good soups, I used to make something called lobscows quite often, it’s a big stew with beef, carots, leeks and huge chunks of potato.” he sighed, it truly was a home comfort his missed; warm dinners with this brothers while the rain fell against the windows. “But I think the only way I’ll see that here is if I make it myself.” He chuckled a little at the acceptance and began to easily tell the tale, “Once upon a time there was an Nordic King who loved his daughter more than anything in the world, he wanted her to see the beauty she possessed, inside and out, so he had a mirror commissioned for her birthday but.. the day before her eighteenth birthday she tragically died; so instead of reflecting her beauty the mirror reflected nothing but the ugliness of the King’s pain and sorrow.” he paused mid-story to continue, “Sounds like you’re not someone to cross lightly, I’ll try making friends instead.” he chuckled softly, “I didn’t, but while she was here before she mentioned her boyfriend was picking her up and I took a shot in the dark, as it were. Small city after all hmm?”  

“It’s a curiosity based question.” She points out and raises an eyebrow as she listens. “Not always, but I guess in your own situation, it worked out rather well for you, didn’t it?” Rosie asks and narrows her eyes at his next words. “Yes, I do know that.” Opening her mouth to continue the saying, he says it first and she just stares at him. “Okay, wise guy, it was a fifty-fifty assumption, most people that I know don’t know both sides of the saying.”

“And I do rather enjoy indulging curiosity.” he replied softly, a little chuckle of amusement escaping him. “Very well, you could almost say it was fate at work; I’ve always wondered if a person could be born with a talent in their blood.” He’d had magic in it at his birth after all. He shrugged and chuckled again, “You’re right, but I specialise in rather obscure things,” he gestured at his glassware, “Makes for a very interesting life. What about yourself, and obscure little tidbits you’re quite proud of?”

“So I can tell.” She muses with a raised eyebrow, trying to figure him out even though she didn’t know much, but one thing was for sure, she didn’t trust him, it took a while before she put her trust into anybody. “What got you so interested in..all of this?” Rosie asks and turns back towards him. “Let’s just say that anyone willing to stay here is making a risky move on themselves.” Rosie says and frowns. “Haven’t you ever heard the saying ‘curiosity killed the cat?’”

“Isn’t that the most-asked question.” he answered slightly, “It’s a family trade, I’ve been doing this since my father deemed me old enough to hold a blowing tube. When you’re raised into something that way few other pursuits take interest. So here we are.” he gestured slightly. “Well, you can’t exactly succeed if you don’t take risks.” And he had a great deal to strive for. “Ahh, but do you know that’s only half the saying?” he replied softly, “Curiosity killed the cat, but satisfaction brought it back.”

“True, but that’s because I need to be here.” Lydia would never leave Beacon Hills until she knew that she could move on and not have to worry about the town being destroyed. She felt as though she was obligated to help and that obligation was keeping her from moving and never looking back. “Someone needs to help.” She shrugged her shoulders and then nodded her head at his statement. Lydia was fairly private for the most part- unless she really knew and trusted someone- so this guy didn’t need to know the details about anything. 

“Tea and snacks it is.” Lydia smiled softly. “You don’t have to worry about making friends here. The town is fairly nice.” Lydia turned as she saw a car pull up and knew that was her ride. She grabbed the mirror that she had bought earlier and then turned towards the door. “Nice to meet you, Glaw. I’ll be sure to pop in again soon.”

Glaw blinked slowly, watching her for a moment before asking, “Really, and why do you need to be here? Who needs your help?” It was a logical follow-up question and a welcome in he could take. After all, it was becoming more and more obvious he’d be needing this woman to help make his plans go more swiftly, learning what he could about these ‘someones’ could make that go a great deal more easily. “I-I thought things had calmed down in this city a little bit,” he added, purposefully tripping over the first word to appear a little nervous.

“Well, that’s a welcome relief. And from the looks of thing’s it seems I’ve already made one.” he chuckled slightly, turning his head a little to follow Lydia’s gaze. “Lovely to meet you too Lydia, I hope we run into each other again soon.” he raised a hand in a small wave, “Oh! And make to put that mirror up now, alright? They exist to gaze into a room.”

Raising an eyebrow at the other, Rosie perfects her fake smile and takes in a deep breath. “Appreciate it.” She mumbles and looks around, taking in everything around her, it was a..quaint little shop, that was for sure. “Just having a little peak, new things are always quite interesting when it comes to..any place really.” Pressing her lips together, she laughs a little. “That’s one word for Beacon Hills.”

“I am something of a novelty right now,” he agreed with a small nod and a quiet chuckle, “Plenty of people have come inside and quite a few of them bought some of my little trinkets.” he gestured slightly to his wears. “Oh? And what word would you use? I’ve read a little bit about the sorts of things that have happened here and, well... I suppose despite myself I’m curious.”  

“Hope for the best,” he repeated with a nod. He wasn’t sure how things could get better for him at least but he did hope tragedy stopped striking this town. Elliot blinked at the blond, shrugging his shoulders. “No. Might have to.” He hadn’t given a hand-made gift since he was a kid and that sort of thing was still cute but, well… Maybe it’d mean something? Hell if he knew though. “Sounds like a healthy hobby. Cool you made a living of it.”

“Yeah, s’pose so.” It seemed optimistic and Elliot was very good at that. He’d never been a true pessimist before the incident, just a snarky teenage boy, but things changed. A lot changed and who he was before and after might as well have been two different people. “Well, I think I’m doing that. Looking for something that says it just… Not finding anything yet.” He shrugged. “Well, sounds good and noble. Hope it turns out well for you.”

“If that’s the case then I think their best bet is to get the hell out of this town.” Lydia replied back. Glaw hadn’t been here for a long time, so he obviously did not understand half of what had happened over the last few years. But it wasn’t hard to at least get the gist of the situation. It was a town that had been through too many hardships, and Lydia really didn’t see anyone finding happiness there. “They can find happiness somewhere else. Though I do believe that happiness can also be found in people. You meet someone who just makes you truly happy.” Lydia had that in Stiles, along with everyone else she cared so deeply about. They made this hellhole town seem a lot less worse.  

Lydia smiled at the compliment. “I’ll be sure to stop in every once in awhile for some good conversation then.” She grabbed the mirror and carefully placed it on the counter, where it would stay until her ride came. “Maybe I won’t buy anything every time but I can bring coffee or snacks.” She joked. 

“And, despite that logical argument, you’re still here.” And Glaw was certain it had to do with this woman having something to do with all the supernatural elements of the town, he’d already seen proof of it first-hand and with the mirror she’d just bought he could easily see more whenever he wished. “Yes, happiness is in the people we have around us, and from the sounds of it, you’ve already found someone who makes you happy.” he smiled slightly. Whoever they were, they were a weakness. Love was both the strongest and the weakest of a person, he’d discovered that the hard way and wasn’t afraid of using it to his advantage, he’d need as many as possible to succeed here.

“I’m very pleased to hear that.” Glaw told her with a small nod, “To be honest I was a little worried about trying to make friends here,” Being social always helped someone stay inconspicuous, “So I’m very pleased you walked into my shop.” he chuckled softly, “Make it tea and snacks and you’ve got a deal.”

“I lost someone,” she shrugged, speaking softly.  “I didn’t do so well for a little while after that.”  It was the simple answer, if not the completely true one.  Riley had been plagued with nightmares, waking up in the middle of the forest, and then most recently being kidnapped by Death.  She was certain that none of it would have happened had her father stayed alive. “Not the future?”  Riley asked curiously.  “But I guess it’s kind of hard to separate the two…”

“Ahh.” Glaw said, nodding slightly, “I understand, really I do.” Not that he’d dare elaborate on why. “It’s a cutting thing, an absurd situation many people struggle with.” he, however, had managed quite strongly and now he’d do whatever it took to undo that awful mistake, there’d be no need to grieve then. “Well, your future wants are decided by what’s already happened to you, aren’t they?” he asked her lightly, “So I’d say they’re very connected, out pasts are always with us, even as we move forward.”