Realistic or Modern Spellbound

[Soliloquy]

Seeing Granya's body stabilizing couldn't have come at a better time, all but causing Willow to weep with joy. It didn't feel possible at this point that she had any tears left to give though, and that might have been why she only felt her body relax, shoulders drooping. She was okay, that was all that mattered. Well, perhaps not all.. Willow watched as she was carried off, instinctively following Theo with the pillow blanket that had comforted her before. Once they'd settled her in the shared tent, she stepped outside, wrapping her arms about her torso, watching the previously limp Bear now obediently troop into the tent to warm his friend.

There was finally a moment without someone in danger and she didn't know what to say first. Her eyes caught Molly's and it appeared that she wasn't the only one who had questions. She didn't know what Molly had witnessed, but she could only imagine what had led to Bear being hurt. One by one, she shifted her gaze to each of the Russian family around her, getting far too exhausted to be emotional at this point.

"I don't care who does it," she started off, her voice lacking anger but instead had a tone that said she was not going to waver on what she had to say, "but one of you is going to tell us what in the hell is going on. You're going to tell me that I'm not going insane, and you're not going to lie to me or Molly. Understand?" The last person her eyes fell on was Theo, silently adding a dozen questions that were popping up in her mind.

 

[xrakkax]

Theo nodded solemnly, “Da, come sit with us.” He motioned for everyone to follow his lead. They would discuss the issue over the fire. It was late and they were all cold, and some of them were still wet from the rain.

Natalia got up, dusted off her hands, and said, “Times like this call for tea.”

“I help,” Amalia said, charging Avril to watch Liam. The women did just that while the rest of them went to sit around the campfire.

Micha didn’t force Molly to sit by him. She decided on her own. That alone gave him some hope even if he wasn’t allowed to touch her still. Molly was too riled up. It didn’t hurt that Willow took the spot on the other side of her. Naturally, Theo sat beside Willow. He hoped he wasn't going to come off presumptive. Jovan followed next in line. There was room for Natalia and Amalia when they came back with the tea tray and kettle. They put that on the stump between them all.

It was at this time that Molly took her tea when she noted the pale stranger. She blinked to find he only wore a rag around his waist. The immodesty coupled with the unexpectedness almost had her running through puzzling questions again. Almost. Her brain was tired and her tummy was too hungry to jump the gun right now. So, Molly nodded to at least politely acknowledge the half-naked man. Liam offered a courteous return gesture.

Once everyone had their tea and were ready, Natalia decided to speak first, “Let me begin by saying that the very fact either of you is willing to hear us out means a lot to us.” That was followed by a murmur of sincere agreement. “Willow, Molly. There are things in this world that are unknown by most people, and even less understood on Earth.”

“Nat, I’m a blunt person, you know this.” Molly frowned. “I love stories, but I am short on patience. I need blunt answers.”

Natalia respected that, “We’re Mages. Witches, warlocks. Sorcerers, enchantresses-- whatever word you’d like for a person who wields magic. But that word ‘magic’ is not quite right. The root of it means ‘knowledge’ and what we have access to, though indeed relies on knowledge, is called ‘Almaeri’. Everyone born human is capable of their Almaeri being 'awoken' until they reach full maturity. Even the two of you. We are the 'Awoken' people, of humanity.”

“Hold up, hold up.” Molly stopped her. “So, simple terms. You guys are. . .magical?”

The more technical side might be too heavy for one night. Natalia nodded, “Yes, essentially.”

 

[Soliloquy]

As bizarre as a nearly naked man at their evening tea might have been any other time, right then it was the least of Willow's concerns. The fact that he had brought them Granya meant that at least for now, he was in her good grace and avoiding any hard stares. Rather, while tea was being made, she shed the sweater she had been wearing, setting it on the grass beside Liam as a silent thank you. Her second cup of tea after running from a bear was not the way she had expected the night to continue, but here they were.

She listened quietly as Natalia began to explain and for once she was glad Molly was as impatient as she felt. Even huddled around the fire, this wasn't the time for them to give the girls a flowered tale. They needed facts and they needed to understand. Both hands nursed the warm cup of tea, Willow's eyes focused on the fire before her rather than looking at Natalia as she spoke. There was a long moment of silence after she had answered Molly's question before Willow spoke.

"Granya is a wolf." She said it as a statement, not as a question. They were welcome to correct her if she was wrong, but at this point her bones told her she wasn't. "Are the rest of you?"

Natalia breathed, "That is fair, let me think of a clear way to help you understand the situation with her." It took a minute because there was a lot to condense. "Granya is Awoken like us. But she is cursed." The amount of history would take time. So Natalia drummed her fingers in thought. "Therianthropy can encompass many animals. The most common is a wolf due to their manic-infections state being triggered by the moon." Hopefully, that was sufficient for now. "Granya is the only one of us who has that curse."

Theo gently chimed in, smiling a little sadly, "Is why we call her 'Shchenok'. It means puppy."

Well, that did make sense, admittedly. Not to mention some of her peculiar habits. It also explained their disappearances once a month from what Natalia was saying. That much she understood, or at least was telling herself she could understand it. There would no doubt be questions for the foreseeable future as they arose, ones that she expected to be given truthful answers to.

"When you do..." she trailed off for a second, unable to come back to the word Natalia had used, "Your magic. Is it for good? What can you do?" In her mind all she could think of was Harry Potter and knew for a fact that she hadn't seen a single wand while she was around any of them.

 

[xrakkax]

“Almaeri-- I mean, magic--” Natalia decided not to complicate things, “--is like any part of your body. We have hands. We can either help someone up or strangle them.” Natalia felt that explanation made it clear. “We can do a great many things. It would be easier to tell you what we cannot.” Here was another topic that had a lot of heft. To make it short and sweet, Natalia listed the most known limits. “ We cannot resurrect others or ourselves from the dead. We cannot lengthen our lives or the lives of others. We cannot truly subjugate the will or soul of another through magic. Think of hypnotism and brainwashing as an example. They distort the mind, they do not alter the true will. We cannot entirely stop illness, disease, or prevent curses when they strike.” They could only course-correct, slow it, or displace the affliction onto another, essentially cursing them. It did not ‘get rid’ of it.

“But you can do pretty much anything else?” Molly blinked. “Like, fly, teleport, morph your bodies. . .”

Natalia sighed, “That is complicated. We all have bodies, but not everyone is able to shoot a bow like Willow, or throw a log like Theo.” She pointed out. “Magic seems to express through each person differently.”

 

[Soliloquy]

Willow listened carefully as she went over some of their limits. She understood the idea that those wielding magic could be good or bad, just like any others. Her heart told her that the people around her were not bad, even if they were keeping this from them. She was relieved to hear they couldn't force will, that meant that nothing had been done to her or Molly so far. Or had it... Her brows furrowed together at the statement from Natalia, her attention turning to look at Theo directly. "Have you used magic against me?" she demanded of him, thinking back to their spring olympics in particular. "Or on me for that matter?"

Theo’s mouth shrunk to a pucker and his brows raised, “Eh, ‘against’ is so harsh word.” He said fishing around for a way out of a trap. It felt like a trap. The second half was easier to answer, “I have no used ‘on’ you.” He told her truthfully. ‘On’ and ‘Against’ being, in the case of magic, important distinctions.

Her lips pursed together in a tight line, knowing his impish behaviors too well to not know when he was skirting around a topic. "Theodraeus Al-Zakhar, did you use magic to win a bet against me?" She kept a stern look on him, one that said he wasn't allowed to use technicalities around it.

Theo tried to argue, but it came out as a sputter of broken sentences that failed to deflect the issue, “Psh, wha-- I-- we made so many bets--- How can I possibly-- Where is this come from anyway-- Is really important to the--”

“Da.” Micha answered for him, smiling as Justice finally came down upon his cousin. “Theo cheated. You so bad at discipline, you gonna lose mind before fifty.” He threw an accusing finger.

"You and I are going to talk about that later," she informed Theo before her attention shifted to Micha, also having him in her scope. "I'm pretty sure he isn't the only one to cheat, is he? And what do you mean by losing his mind?"

 

[xrakkax]

“Eehh,” Theo couldn’t find a word. He literally had nothing to say in his defense that wouldn’t evoke a fuss of female solidarity his way. “Yeah okay.” He gave in, rubbing the back of his neck in an attempt to self comfort in anticipation for what was to come.

Micha inhaled at the offense, “I am disciplined!” Amalia popped a brow at him as if warning that if he didn’t say, she would. The indignation he had melted away. “Maybe one or two times.” He shrugged, trying not to call attention.

“Hm. My Accord. That was you, wasn’t it?” Molly asked Theo. He nodded sheepishly. Couldn’t complain about that, it saved her big bucks. Molly studied Micha. “Did you ever use magic on me?”

Here, Micha hesitated on what he'd reveal, and then grinned when some of those times came to mind, “Da, but, you like it.”

“I like it?” Molly muttered, confused. When had he-- a few of their more intense nights came to mind. Molly blushed, not wanting to bring anything up that personal in front of so many. Sure, she liked to tease and prod Willow, and she wasn’t shy with certain individuals, but Jovan was here and she hadn’t really done that kind of talk in front of Natalia. Besides, half-naked man was still listening. “Okay, uh-- anything I wouldn’t like?”

Micha thought it over. “Not off the top of head.” He managed to pacify Molly for the moment.

“We’ve all done it once in a while,” Natalia said. “But we shouldn’t at all.” All of them shifted uncomfortably in their seats, “To answer your other question, Willow, we mean the degree to which we use magic directly affects the intensity of insanity in our old age. Usually by sixty the buildup of the use of magic bursts inside us like a ruptured appendix. Whether we use it for good or not. It is still a mystery why, but we become cruel. We do not love anyone anymore. We do not care for anyone other than ourselves.” So it was serious that Theo fudged if and when he did. Though he himself would will it for the good, it did not matter. “We crave more and more magic. Killing anyone we see who has it.” That’s right, they didn’t know they could collect it yet. Nor did they understand the danger of being a young Almaeri.

Jovan noted the same thing, “Go on.”

Natalia nodded, “There are some details important to know. First, magic can only directly affect another person who is magical. Second, the degree depends on when they were Awakened; the earlier, the more potent the person, and the more they can be affected. Third, a magical user can take the magic of another by absorbing it when it is released from the body of the other. . .when they die. The younger the user, the more the killer can absorb, the more potent the magic is that they get.” Natalia frowned, sighing, “Children, as you can imagine, are prime targets. They are usually naive, simple, and do not know how to defend themselves. They must be Awakened to be worth anything. This is often forced on them through brutal methods.” Natalia glanced at Theo. “Illnesses can be a sign that a child is being preyed upon. Theo himself has been trying to find who has been attacking children in Seabrook.”

 

[Soliloquy]

Willow had plenty more she meant to say to Theo, but that was kept for another time with less eyes and ears about them. Less about him cheating his way to winning a meaningless bet and more what all of this would mean for them. For now, she only kept tabs on what was confirmed as magic. The Honda certainly made sense; Theo never demonstrated any mechanical knowledge outside of that instance and his explanation had been there was 'goo'. Molly and Micha's 'magical' nights could be kept to themselves, there were more important topics at hand.

Her brows furrowed together as Natalia went on to explain the insanity. That was something she was highly uncomfortable with, although she kept it masked as she listened. The idea of the people around her, ones she had grown close to over the past several months, losing their minds and becoming self-absorbed killing machines was difficult to comprehend. She couldn't imagine Natalia choosing this part of all to make up, though. Her mind went to Lyov, who seemed peaceful enough in his old age, and who she couldn't imagine killing someone; he could hardly lift his cup enough to drink it!

Learning of the preying on children was utterly disheartening to her. Those poor little ones who couldn't save themselves or even ask for help? They relied on people like Theo, her Theo, to do what they could to be there to protect them. It restored some of her uneasiness, taking another sip of her tea in thought. There was a lot of information to digest, and most of it came with more questions, although she couldn't decide if this would be the time to ask.

"Lyov?" she voiced an earlier thought, eyes scanning to see who'd be the one to answer. "He doesn't seem insane or mean to me." Quite the opposite, he was gentle and kind every time she had interacted with him.

 

[xrakkax]

Theo said, “Grandpa Lyov risked death to have his Almaeri bound when we came here.” Catching himself, he said, “Magic bound.”

Molly sipped her cooling tea, “What is that, exactly? What does it entail?”

Natalia took over here, “Not many people on Earth who are Mages know about it.” She decided to be a little more elaborate, starting with the vernacular, “The word ‘Binding’ isn’t quite accurate. Think of it as suppressing magic into an unconscious state; as if never Awoken. We consider it a ‘Slumbering’, but most call it ‘Binding’, or being ‘Bound’. Likely because it has only ever once been known to be undone.” Natalia shuddered thinking of the memory. “It involves more than one Mage, usually, many writings in blood over the body. It takes about three hours. The process is painful and confusing. But that is not the worst of it.” Natalia told them that the longer someone waits to Bind, the more they use magic, and the older they get, they are vulnerable to a whole other kind of trouble, “Binding renders the Mage subject to all the ailments, disease, mental instability, and anything else that a Mundie-- a non-magical person--is susceptible to, and it is rare to find someone willing to live that way.”

Molly furrowed her brows, “I thought you said you already couldn’t avoid those?”

“Avoid, we can. We can’t stop it once it has taken place. But being Mages gives us the tool to deflect these afflictions.” She frowned. “But once we are, it is as if we are children again. Easy to infect. It usually comes like a wave through our bodies, overwhelming and painful. There is no telling if they will survive or not.”

Theo nodded, “Da. But Lyov said he believe when we begin anew, we must be purified by fire like gold, even in the face of death. This, to be good, and to love the people around us-- even our enemies.”

Jovan raised his eyes to the sky, and Molly thought she saw them glossy with threatening tears, “My father, thankfully, did not die.” But he had lost much of his capabilities. The man’s kidneys were failing him, he had trouble speaking and moving at times, his window of consciousness varied, and Lyov sometimes wandered out of bed looking for his wife, only to find she had died, and Theo or Granya would hold him as he wept to sleep. But if you ever got him on a good day he would tell you he regretted nothing. He would do it all over again.

The emotion of Jovan pricked Molly’s eyes with tears thinking of Lyov and how he held her hand gently, and when he forgave her so easily when she snapped at him. She sniffed that back and sipped her tea to distract herself. She needed to continue this without falling a part. So much had been said and yet she felt so much more needed to be told.

"Well, ya'll are still young. Why don't you do it now?" Molly asked.

They shifted uncomfortably, "We meant to." Amalia frowned.

Natalia nodded, "But events took place that has put a hold on fulfilling our goals." She glanced at the tent wherein lay Granya. "Aside from our initial years of learning to live without magic, Granya got cursed while we were in the Scottish highlands."

Knowing everyone had halted their dreams because of her dumb mistake had been a burned of guilt for Granya. Since then they have had to move several times, patch up the incident in New York, and employ the help of Kellsy. All to raise her. They didn't even know if Granya could physically survive being a werewolf without her Almaeri. Likely, she would risk a horrible end if and when she did get Bound. The family worked hard to find a solution to both keep her safe and sufficient, and to one day Bind themselves. Time would tell if they could achieve any of their hopes. Lyov was understanding, and he often kept Granya in his thoughts.

"In addition to that," Natalia pressed her lips in a grim line, "There are 'Hunters'. They do not believe we are human. Well, some do, but consider us irreparably cursed to become evil. They believe they are doing a good thing by slaying any and all Mages."

 

[Soliloquy]

Willow's heart was crushed by the knowledge that Lyov was as he was by his own choice. He took it upon himself to embrace disease and pain to stay as a good person. They were all good people, and if she had an inkling that any of them struggled to grasp that or doubted themselves she'd put a stop to that. They were not evil, at least from where she stood. They were all willing to make that dangerous choice to bind themselves so that they could live normal lives, until Granya.

Her eyes shifted to the tent where she slept and likely would have to for days after that attack. The sweet girl who had risked herself for Willow's sake, fighting off a bear - well a man as a bear, just so she could get away. She was a brave young woman and Willow didn't know how she'd ever repay her for the scars she'd now carry. What she did know was that after that, she would do whatever she could to protect Granya and her family. If something ever did happen between her and Theo, she swore to herself that she'd take their secrets, who they were, to her grave.

The word hunters sent a shiver down Willow's spine. While she didn't openly oppose or try to stop others from hunting animals (so long as it wasn't for sport) she was visibly uncomfortable at the thought of one person hunting another. The realization that she had been hunted by another when Agnar chased her through the woods was settling on her, making her shift in her seat. How they could simply kill someone just for what they were escaped her, although it did summon another question. "Have you had to defend yourselves? Since coming to America."

 

[xrakkax]

The family mood over the question varied. Jovan and Natalia, though grim, nodded in a matter of fact manner. Theo and Micha both slumped their shoulders when they confirmed that yes, they have had to defend themselves, but these two seemed more bothered by it. Liam sat without comment. This wasn’t his place for opinion.

Amalia jut her chin out in unabashed admittance, “Da.” She recalled the most recent trouble with Hunters, “In March two Hunters came to pub.”

Natalia shrugged, “We will see.”


The fact that March was only a matter of days prior hit quite hard. Nothing had been told to them, nor did she see anything to raise suspicions that there could have been danger. There was a long pause before she asked, "Is it safe for you to be there now?"

Jovan raised his hands to the fire for warmth, “Hard to tell if only scout, or professional versus amateur.” That made a difference. “We move many times in Europe. A couple here. Is better, but we not yet safe. Not until Almaeri is bound.” Well, they’d be safe from Hunters at least. Or so they hoped. Who of the Hunter community would believe they were not a threat? Binding was rare even among the homeland of the family. It would be a surprise to know any of the Hunters having heard of it. This was voiced.

“People tend not to trust the word of a liar. It makes sense, Da? But they forget not everyone lies and that people can change for the better.” Natalia pointed out. A flaw of humanity to not easily forgive made it difficult for a criminal to shed the title and become only ‘person’. Usually ‘criminal’, ‘villain’, ‘monster’, and the like followed you until death, like phantoms haunting your life. "But you can't know from first interactions what sort of person you're dealing with, and that makes building our lives on Earth tricky."

Theo spoke up here, “That is why we have to make sure.” he told Willow, humbly, “To make lives here, to fight for future, we must face this challenge-- right here, right now, talking to you two, we take another step. Our dream is to see next generation free of Insanity.”

 

[Soliloquy]

In the aspect of defense, Willow decided that ignorance would be her friend, at least for what was in the past. She didn't want to think of the people she cared about doing atrocious acts, even if it was only for survival reasons. Going forward, she was going to expect a sense of transparency, especially if this could present a threat to herself directly. Knowing all of this a few hours prior might have helped her in the run from Agnar, or at least that's what she told herself

She did understand now once it was all laid out like this why they had to be kept in the dark. With as many threats as they had and the threat of hunters, this wasn't exactly something they could bring up on a first date. Still, there was a hint of bitterness in her mouth that it had taken them eight months to tell them, and even then that was only after a day of tragedy that made it all but unavoidable. She met Theo's eyes, holding them as she asked, "When would you have told us? Would you have told us, if it wasn't for today?"

Theo felt so awful they hadn't gotten to it first, that it was this way, but what was done was done, "Actually, this trip meant to tell you two." He explained. They murmured in confirmation.

Micha offered a sheepish smiled, "Sorry, have so much fun, we didn't know when was good time." But they did tell the girls they were going to do it before the trip ended for certain.

Willow frowned, thinking that was awfully convenient timing, right after they found out. Then again, the faces around her didn't seem deceitful, all somber and nodding in agreement. Could she be so certain to trust that she knew what honesty looked like after months of being lied to? She didn't know if it was just exhaustion setting in or if her own judgement was simply giving up, but she decided that she would give them the benefit of her doubt on this one. "Is there anything else we should know? Anything that this means for us?"

 

[xrakkax]

Molly didn’t like the long wait too, giving Micha a squinty eye. But like Willow, she had not changed her opinion on her perceptions of them. They risked much to go this far, trusting them not to want them hurt too. And she didn’t even know if this was the first time. Just how often did they try and fail before? Molly decided to mull that over while the discussion continued.

“First, know that this life, with us, will likely be as secretive as it has been, and just as deadly." They only just kickstarted a dream they had no idea would or would not come to fruition. As trailblazers, this was their burden. "Agnar won’t be the last of the dangers.” Natalia let that sink in a moment before going, “And there is more to know than can probably be said in one night. It is hard to think of everything all at once what to tell you. And far too much to burden someone with who does not wish to invest their life in our own.”

Jovan spoke up here, “You have chance to walk away.”

Micha looked at Molly, “We ready to let go. We can’t force you. We won’t. Is must be full, free will choice, on your own.”

“Da.” Theo nodded solemnly. He turned his sorrowful dark green eyes onto Willow, “I will accept you answer. Whatever that is.” Theo shifted anxiously, “But choice must be made before go home.” The clock began the moment the women found out.

Natalia said here, “When you’ve made your decision, we can further discuss who we are, where we came from, and answer any questions you have.”

 

[Soliloquy]

They were being honest that this was a hard path to take, she heard that in Natalia's voice a she finished the last of her tea, the empty cup set on the stump before her. Somehow it wasn't the danger that she focused on, instead lingering on the idea of it being secretive. She understood their need to protect themselves, against hunters and any others who would wish ill on them, but she didn't want that barrier between her and them.

Jovan's words stopped her mid-thought, her eyes flicking about from him to each of the cousins before falling on Theo. They were being given a choice with one option unfavorably severe. To lose him, to lose all of them, was a painful thought even if the other choice was one laced with danger and uncertainty. For a second she nearly asked what would happen if they decided to walk away once the trip ended, but her heart already knew.

"Okay," her simple reply was nearly as heavy as her eyelids. She couldn't process more at that point if she had wanted to. "If that's all, I think I am going to go to bed." Or she would at least try to sleep. She knew there were still a couple of days until they'd head back to Seabrook on the 14th. This wouldn't be the last discussion during the next two days, undoubtedly, and she did mean to have one strictly with Theo, many questions that would pertain to the two of them on her mind.

 

[xrakkax]

Understandably the women would need time and space to think things over. Micha new Molly wouldn’t want him laying next to her right now. He had prepared for it by packing an extra single-person tent in case Willow still allowed Theo to sleep alongside her. If not, Molly and Willow were offered to take one tent while the men took the other.

The thought Micha put into it didn’t go unnoticed. And this wasn’t the first time Molly had appreciated his attention to detail or the way he tried to anticipate her needs. Or how he had made her feel feminine despite her hands, or her unibrow, and the way he kept up with her snark. Then there was Amalia. She and Molly had gotten closer over the past months. They all had made room in Molly’s heart. Looking around at them, Molly felt her stomach twist. Besides Willow they became her own family. Maybe that was partly her fault. She allowed herself to love them. The trouble with it all had little to do with secrets or facing danger, in Molly’s view, and everything to do with how her life being a lover, or wife, of an ex-Mage would affect the relationships around her. What about her Dad? What if Molly chose Micha and Willow decided not to choose Theo? How could they be in each other's lives without potentially endangering one another, essentially rendering their choice to walk away null and void? Molly knew she needed to work things out in her head to make a final choice. Not just between her and Micha, but with her best friend.

Molly stood up, “Yeah, I’m spent.” She addressed Willow next and gestured to the tent. "Wanna bunk?"

Willow glanced over at the tent, feeling that it might just be for the best if she had a night to herself to think. "Yeah, I think that's a good idea," she agreed.

“Goodnight, Mollyshka.” Micha said, hopeful for a verbal response. He settled for a nod.

The rest of the family would have gotten up, but they had to deal with Liam. He had sat there the whole time, listening to everything. Molly wondered if he had to be a Mage then, and how they knew. But for now, for tonight, that would not be explored.

Though Theo longed to hug Willow, to breathe in her scent, and to kiss her, he wasn’t sure what she would want from him. To be safe, he at least fared her well, “Goodnight, Willow.”

 

[Soliloquy]

Her eyes fell on Theo as she stood, pausing before following Molly toward the tent There were many things she wanted to say, but they all felt hasty. Instead she nodded and gave him a simple, "Goodnight," before backing away from the fire. She decided not to bother taking any of her belongings out of their shared tent; it wasn't as if they'd be trying to leave in the middle of the night. Crawling into the tent, she collapsed on the pillow, barely pausing to kick off her shoes by the entrance and set them outside.

Rubbing the temple that wasn't pressed into a pillowcase, she let out a long sigh. "Oh Molly Malone, what did we get ourselves into?" she breathed.

Wordlessly Molly took her spot beside Willow. She lay on her back, looking up through the clear plastic flap for stargazing. Her mind buzzed. The thought that she could use Natalia’s wonder slaves came to mind. But somehow it felt like using them would imply she’s already decided. The pressure to go with the salve or not was, thankfully, alleviated by Willow's question.

Molly spoffed sadly, "Got that right. We're really in hot water, aren't we?" She shifted to her side to face Willow. Her hand propped up her head. "I'm trying to figure that out. I mean, stars, I know what I'd have said if all of this happened that first day at the pub." She'd have crossed her fingers and shouted 'Hell to the no!'.

She nodded in agreement, wishing it was only that easy. It felt right to confess to Molly in that moment, knowing the two had the same situation. "I know that I adore them, all of them. Granya saved my life today," she winced at thinking what might have happened had the young girl not been as vigilant as she had. "I think I understand why they did what they did, I just... I don't know. I worry that he might hide more from me, no doubt trying to protect me."

“Oh I’ve given up on thinkin’ people will be transparent with me.” Molly smiled at Willow, “Except for you.” She appreciated that Willow truly honored being upfront. At least about stuff as serious as this and in regards to the kind of person she presents to the world. Molly couldn’t say the same. Like most of humanity, she had given in to lies; growing up strutting around like a boy, shunning the ‘girly’ stuff. But there was something about the way Willow phrased her words that got Molly thinking, “Are you all in?” If the secrets were all she worried over, did that mean Willow only needed their word that they would be open with her to invest in them?

Willow didn't answer immediately, fighting the revert to the long-dead habit of chewing on her nails in thought. She knew that what was happening sounded and seemed outright insane, but there could have been a part of her that was suspicious all along. Probably not suspecting that her crafting buddy grew fur and howled at a moon, but knowing that there was a reason things felt too perfect. That reason of course was the veil that the family had placed over what was wrong. She met Molly's gaze and finally gave her an answer. "There are things I would talk over with Theo before I told him, but I think I have to be. I would feel so...empty if I didn't have him Molls," she admitted, adding with a weak smile, "But I also feel that way about you. I don't want to do anything that's going to lose you as my best friend. I can't say I'm all in unless I know that's what you want too."

 

[xrakkax]

Molly teared up, “Aww gee, Willow.” she used her sleeve to wipe at her face, “Stars, I feel the same about you.” This felt like it had back on the last day of summer camp. The two of them unsure of what the year would bring, if they’d ever see each other again. “You’re right too. This family is a gem. But honestly, losing Micha’d be like losin’ a part of me. I haven’t told the man yet. . .” Molly wept, “. . .but I love that snooty, food snob bastard.”

It appeared Willow had enough in her for one more cry that night, probably replenished from the tea. "Oh, Molly," she sniffed, scooting enough that she could place her forehead against hers, "I feel the same way. Without Theo..." She didn't even know. The past months were the most she had enjoyed life and even with the biggest curve ball possible thrown at her, she still saw herself with him throughout life.

"So that settles it then, doesn't it? We love a couple of mages even if that means we're the crazy ones for it." She laughed, wiping her own face clean and shaking her head. "Oh I really hope this is as exciting as camping trips get around them."

Molly nodded and pulled Willow into a hug, “Oh lord, Willow, we are though, aren’t we? Couple ‘a nutty chicks.” she laughing through her tears. “But this world ain’t worth a lick without love. I reckon we gotta believe there’s good in it, and it’s worth sufferin’ for too.” The comment about the camping trips had Molly chuckle, “Stars, I hope so! But who knows? It’s an adventure at this point.” She cuddled with her best friend. “We’ll let them know in the morning. Still kinda mad with Micha.” She pursed her lips. “I bet he has used ‘magic’ on me without me knowin’. And I bet I didn’t like it!”

Grateful for her embrace, Willow let out a few even breaths, listening to her friend. It was true, there wasn't much point of existing if it was just to be miserable and not dead. You needed passion and there was no doubt that she had that with Theo. Her last remark earned a spoff and perked brow from Willow. "Oh, do you? He seemed pretty confident that you enjoyed his 'magic' when you asked him," she smirked, even managing to give her brows a couple of wiggles.

“Well, yeah,” Molly said thoughtfully. Unashamed and unembarrassed in front of Willow. “But I smell a rat.” Molly turned her head in the direction of the tent and squinted as if she knew Micha could feel her eyes. "There's been an occasion or two when I couldn't find my keys. And he blamed it on me. And the time I smelled burnt grilled cheese, and he swore he didn't overcook it, and it came back just fine!"

Next to Theo, Micha felt a strange chill up his spine. He popped his eyes open and sat up to briefly scan the tent before laying back down in unease.

Molly sighed, “We’ll just have to see.” She turned back to Willow. “I wonder if Theo ever did anything with you, in regards to 'dancing' under the covers."

She chuckled at the accusations, feeling that if that were the case, lost keys or burnt grilled cheese sandwiches were the least of their worries. Her thought did get Willow curious down that path, thinking back to a few of their heated moments and trying to figure out just how she'd know. That was definitely added to tomorrow's talk they'd be having. "Well, one things for certain, if that's the case he's going to need to learn to step up his game and do it without," she decided, burrowing further in the sleeping bag. "I won't have him going crazy just for a few extra minutes in heaven. No matter how good they can be. Besides," under the weight of the day, a mischievous grin spread for only Molly to see, "That just means we'll have to get to practicing to keep it as good. I don't see a downside."

That about was the tie-up mic drop. Molly couldn’t top it. With a nod of approval, and a compliment of, “Damn straight.” she settled down, yawned, and allowed sleep to take her.

Thursday April 12, 2018​

If Dream Warrior had surfaced, Molly wouldn’t know. Her mind went on lockdown from the exhaustion. Though, when the smell of food woke her she thought her ear felt tender. Molly decided not to investigate. The morning after last night felt strange. Molly felt out if she had the resolve of last night.

On one hand she was head over heels for these people. On the other, odds were both she and Willow were over their heads and heels, heading straight down a dark, unknown, road of epic proportions. Just tumblin’ and tumblin’ into who knows what and who knows where.

But ain’t that life? Molly questioned herself. People who fight for a better future can never be satisfied with reverting back. She can’t say she’d ever go back before she met Willow. She would never. And it was true about Micha. Molly’d do it again. Now she couldn’t place a finger on what stirred inside her, but Molly decided that this world wasn’t enough without them, and that if she had to pick between shouldering this burden or blindly being handed one by Fate, she’d choose Micha and his family every time.

Breathing in deeply, both as a fresh start to her day and to inhale Micha’s food, Molly sat up and gave Willow a poke between the ribs. Then wiggled her fingers. “Wake up, honeybun. It’s time to go all in.”

 

[Soliloquy]

Molly would be spared the worst of everything that night, even Dream Willow just as worn out as Awake Willow. Granted, that didn't mean she didn't have one good swing still in her. By morning, if it even was still morning, her body ached in protest to moving, despite it being inevitable. She let out a groan of her own as Molly prodded her awake, though as her conscious mind surfaced, she was soon flooded with the events of the night prior. That explained a lot of the pain, at least. But Molly was right, as always, and she forced herself up out of the sleeping bag.

"Ugh. Do you know how badly I miss running water?" she confided, feeling as if a hot shower was needed before the announcement they were going to make.

"As much as I miss not smelling your stinky self. That run through the forest did your armpits no favors." Molly chuckled, crawling out of the tent as she asked, "Food then wash, or wash then food?" As hungry as Molly was, she had enough sleep to tide her over.

"You're not the only one," she mumbled, following her out of the tent, stretching out once she was on her feet and feeling each bone and muscle creak in protest. "Wash and then food. I don't want to put anyone else through this who doesn't have to." After she'd been properly stretched, she padded over to the other tent, prepared to grab her toiletry bag and add it to her knapsack. The latter had surprised her with the weight before remembering the rocks she'd been gathering before all hell broke lose. No wonder her back felt like it'd taken a beating, no doubt the back smacking into her overlooked in the moment of her running away. There would no doubt be bruises.

 

[xrakkax]

Molly grabbed her bathroom tote. It had a pair of clean clothes and all her washing, drying needs. She waited for Willow by the tree that marked the direction toward the swimming springs. While she leaned against the old trunk, she stared out across at the family busily preparing food. Looked like lunch. They must have slept hard. Molly observed a few different things happening.

For one, sadly Granya was still not out. Finn wasn’t visible. Liam was by the campfire though. Now with clothes, thank goodness. Looked like Natalia was nose-deep in a herbology book. That reminded Molly to check her bad for the muscle salve. Last night was rough for her, she could guess Willow probably had it worse. Amalia was gone. Probably off with Avril. Bear was asleep in the sunshine next to Jovan who started another book. Molly smiled to see her favorite doggo and grumpy uncle. Micha. He had one of his goofy, sensual aprons on. This one had a face biting a lip and holding a wooden spoon with food on the scoop, with the words “Wanna taste?” written below. Molly thought that one was funny, but not her favorite.

Right now Micha and Theo were talking while they chopped veggies up for the noon-day meal. They looked worn down. Their eyes puffy, either from bad sleep or stress. Or both, really. Curiously, the men suddenly brightened as if they got a great idea. They spoke lower and closer, going back and forth. Molly wondered what it was or why Theo went striding towards the woods, and why Micha went to check the fridge.

The mystery would have to be solved later. Willow just came up to her. “Alright, let’s get.” Molly said, turning on her heel.

It didn’t take long to find the swimming spring. The water, though cool, didn’t feel bad in the increasingly hotter Spring days. There were two parts to the wellspring. A large, deep body of water that spilled over into a smaller, shallower pool five feet down. Perfect for a natural shower-pour made by the waterfall. That was where people used soaps and lotions. Then they were allowed in the deeper, upper area where they dived and swam around for fun.

 

[Soliloquy]

Once she'd left rid her bag of the weight from the rocks and snatched a clean set of clothes, Willow went to Molly's side, glancing at the family that was still in sight as she crossed the campsite. She knew that things wouldn't ever be the same as before, having lost that sense of naivety from the day prior, but it also didn't feel like a lot had changed. They no doubt were all trying to let the girls interact at their own discretion.

At the clear spring, she was slower than normal undressing, feeling the aftermath of the woods with movements that she normally did with ease. She had taken the least of the brunt from the unwanted adventure, unable to imagine what Granya had to feel like. She'd visit her once they'd eaten something; a full day since nothing but tea in her stomach was starting to have it's effects. The hunger seemed to speed up their showers and dressing into clean clothes, although it was possible that an eagerness to relay their decision.

Refreshed, their noses led them back to the campsite, ready for a long overdue meal. After stowing their bags in their appropriate tents, both moved to join the long table, not surprised that others were already digging into their meal, although none were sitting at the table. Amalia and Jovan were both seated by the fire alongside Liam, and Micha seemed to be waiting to dish up lunch for Molly. Theo was standing near the van, his back to her, although she had little doubt that the moment she sat down he'd be looking over at her. He was never good at feigning his attention elsewhere.

Willow found a tray balanced on a chair at the end where she normally sat at, which felt a bit odd,but she wouldn't question it. Slipping the tray on to the table, she sat down quietly, her eyes looking over the different foods that were already plated. While it had many of the typical Russian cuisine they'd eaten during their trip and for the months prior, she did see that it was already loaded with her preferred dishes, not unlike when they'd had their first date. One bowl in particular caught her eye, though. A good handful of raspberries were sitting in a reasonable amount of cream, making her eyes light up at the sight. She knew damn well there hadn't been a single raspberry so far in their meals, and popping one in her mouth told her they were perfectly fresh. There was no way they'd been sitting in a cooler for four days. Happily she savored each of them before moving on to the remainder of her plate.

 

[xrakkax]

Molly felt and looked refreshed. It was as if she came out of the water a new woman. It didn’t hurt that she knew a cool secret. As much as she liked to think the novelty would stay with her, she figured it may fade one day. After all, this didn’t mean Micha wasn’t human. He’d have his bad days and his good days. The struggle for a new life ‘on Earth’ as they liked to say it, didn’t end with just being the average Mundie, it meant living the classic life dream of most people. Get a job you don’t hate, find someone to share your life with, and maybe raise the next suckers to endure the world.

It suddenly hit Molly that this may be some kind of precursor to marriage with Micha. While her vibes told her Theo and Willow were bound by Fate, she wondered if she could sense the same with her and Micha. It hadn’t occurred to her until this moment that the man may well be on his knee one day to ask her to take the Baranov name and the honor of being his wife. Molly’s head floated up in thought as she walked with Willow back to camp.

As soon as Molly saw Micha she snorted, amused that, of course, he decided today he’d lovingly dole out food for people instead of the usual self-serve they’ve been doing. Anything to take a peek before the reveal.

While Molly’s plate of food seemed to have difficulty being piled on, due to, somehow, this or that not being just right, or oh, the bliny dropped out of Micha’s hand on its way, Theo relied on Bandit to let him know when Willow got her tray. As soon as the good old ferret chittered he turned enough to peer over at her. The look on her face relieved in him the knot tied in his throat. Whatever happened today, he was glad of at least that reprieve. Anxiety had plagued him all night. He barely slept. Micha kept waking up swearing someone was talking smack about him, or at least thinking about stabbing him in the ribs with a dagger.

Theo edged closer to Willow with his own plate, feigning a wandering, thoughtful walk. Not a good act. Amalia glanced up at him to let him know he looked ridiculous. Sighing, Theo decided to take a spot as close to Willow as he could by the campfire without looking as desperate as he felt.

Micha abandoned his task to give out food once Molly was served. He had been eating all the while so he just started clearing up the lunch mess. She had spoken to him. Even if it was only about what to eat. That, for Micha, gave him hope. Molly wasn’t the type to mince words or spare his feelings. He’d know if they were truly out for murder by now.

The family had been eating since before the girls left. They finished up their meals, cleaned up, and took comfortable positions by the fire by the time Molly and Willow were done. Theo humbly came to Willows side, “Tray?” He offered his hand out to take care of it for her. His hand, outstretched, had knicks and cuts. They smelled lightly of a certain kind of berry she had just eaten.

Willow had just finished her last bite and was about to rise when Theo was at her side. Her eyes caught the sight of scratches, ones she had a feeling were from picking the fresh raspberries that she had just enjoyed. The corners of her lips curled to a smile and she nodded, handing it to him as she stood. "Thank you," she said, her eyes lingering on him for a moment longer before she went to join the family at the fire.

Happy to see her smile, Theo allowed himself a grin, “You welcome, Красивый.” On his way to handle the dishes she noticed his shoulders weren’t slumped anymore and he had the slightest ease back in his gait. Nothing was promised by the smile of hers. But it gave him hope.

Willow's eyes shifted to the large tent as she sat down. "Is Granya still resting?" she asked, although she assumed as much.

"Da." Natalia answered. She had been the main caretaker for medical reasons.

Molly chewed her lip, "Is she. . .awake?"

Natalia smiled, "Da, she is. She's had food and water. You two are welcome to give her some company. Not too long, she still needs sleep.”

Relieved, Molly thought she just might do that later.

"I'll go see her after this," Willow decided after hearing Granya was awake. "I think we should talk first."

Now that everyone had finished and were gathered together once more it only made sense. But where to begin? Do they just blurt it out? This seemed like an important moment in their history. Molly wished she had Natalia’s story skills. For now she figured she’d say the first thing that popped into her head, “I know ya’ll planned on this going different. But I think just explaining with words wouldn’t have really hit home. I reckon last night might have been the most honest taste of just what to expect of a life lived with ya’ll.”

 

[Soliloquy]

Willow nodded as Molly started them off, agreeing with her thoughts. If any of them had just randomly blurted out that they did magic, she'd either have laughed at their faces thinking it was some bar tricks or thought they were insane. It wasn't was it was planned, but that was in the past now. They had the future to look forward to.

"I think I can speak for both of us when I say that while we know the risk you took to know if we were trustworthy enough to know your truths was a large one and that you need to protect yourselves, we would appreciate transparency going forward," she added. "As much as absolutely possible, but transparency is necessary. If we are now also going to be at risk to know of your world, then we deserve to be informed of what is happening."

Molly could tell the good news begin to dawn on them as Willow spoke. The kind of expressions that just needed that one more word to let them know they weren't overthinking or misunderstanding. Molly shared a meaningful look with Willow and nodded.

"We want to be your lives and have you in ours, although we won't change who we are and won't expect you to change for us." She didn't want that at all. She wanted the same organic relationship they had before, just stronger without the restraints of the secrets.

 

[xrakkax]

Theo exhaled a breath he for sure was holding since Willow began speaking of transparency. He got up, and in his usual way, he pulled Willow into his arms and turned around, peppering her with kisses. “Aha! My Красивый!” He couldn’t contain his excitement.

Micha made a fist and pressed it to his mouth, bent forward, straightened up; then he turned away and pressed the palm of that hand to his forehead. Molly stood just as Micha turned back to her. Both hands took her face and they met their lips in grateful passion.

“Marry me, Molly.” Micha murmured against her mouth, wrapping his arms around her.

Molly snorted, pulling her face away while still in his embrace, “Micha Baranov, we only met eight months ago!”

Micha grinned, picking her up and walking away, “Marry me!”

“Micha, no! You don’t even have a ring, you didn’t ask right!” Molly argued, but didn’t protest being taken away.

While the couples expressed themselves, the others of the family indulge in relief. Amalia’s brows raised in both surprise everything was really going well this time around and also that the darker assumptions about how this would end were yesterday's worries. Jovan raised his hands and bowed his head a moment, then got up to welcome Willow into the family. Natalia did about the same. Liam smiled broadly where he sat. They probably wouldn’t feel comfortable with him gettin’ chummy in their exchange of hugs. They’d do the same for Molly later, when Micha returned with her.

The family eventually began to disperse to their tasks and entertainments. Theo cupped a hand to Willows cheek. It felt like his fingers brushed against hope, “Thank you, Красивый.” He murmured. “For taking a chance on me; on us all.”

 

[Soliloquy]

Willow could feel the relief rippling through the campsite as she spoke. It was understandable that a lot was resting on their responses for Micha and Theo, but she still hadn't expected such a welcoming from the rest of the family. Nor did it seem either of them were prepared for the outburst from Micha. But she would leave them to finding out just what would happen between the two of them, especially since she had her own things to still sort out.

Reaching up, she placed one hand atop of his, soaking up the love in his eyes. "Anything for my krasavchik," she smiled, but she knew the day was still young. "Come walk with me. I want to talk about a few things." Gently she slid his hand from her cheek, but interlocked her fingers with his before starting toward the treeline. Once the sounds of the campsite were completely drowned by the natural ambiance of the wood, she stopped, turning to face him. "I have a few questions I want to ask you and then I have something I want to say. After that if you want to say something it's fine, but you have to let me speak what's on my mind first. Okay?"

Theo listened carefully, nodding, “Of course.” He was happy to go over anything she had concerns about.

"First of all, has anything been magicked that I need to know about? In my apartment or somewhere that people who are hunting you could track you?" It was something she'd thought of after learning about the Accord's fix-up.

“Magic’d?” Theo asked for clarification. Once he had clarification he offered a sheepish smile, “Eh, beside dreamcatcher?” They had brought that up the night before, “Eh, Da. I fix bathroom. Little things that broken.”

"Okay, well what magic is there that I know of? I don't imagine you have a rabbit in a h-" she stopped, her eyes shifting down to his pocket that was more often than not where Bandit slept. Suddenly all the family pets seemed much more than companions. "Bandit. Is she magic?"

At the mention of her name, Bandit poked her head out of his pocket and seemed to smile up at Willow. Yawning, she crawled out and beckoned to be held. “Bandit is a ‘Familiar’. Is not the same as Almaeri. They have bond, a connection--” He didn’t know how to say it, “Natalia is explain that tonight.” They were in for another long night of discussion.

Willow nodded, having a vague idea of what he was describing. She offered out a hand as a bridge for the ferret, accepting her role as a perch. "The magic - the Almaeri -" she pronounced it slowly, still unsure of how it felt on her tongue, "It will be passed on to our children, won't it?" She had listened as well as she could when they had a crash course the night prior, but every family member around them indicated it was inherited.

“All humanity has it.” Theo tried his best to explain, “You have it. But is no Awoken in you. You too old now, no worry.” Just in case she feared a Mage might try to force it. “If we vigilant none of the kids will be Awoken.” He didn’t know if it was his place to say, but since they were alone, Theo murmured, “Molly is Awoken. We think. She has. . .premonitions, visions. We believe she is Awoken late, though. Is not strong enough for her to know.”

Now that he mentioned it, a lot of her traits were out there. Then again, she always just viewed her friend as a little bit quirky and thought nothing else of it. Maybe they'd discuss that at another time, if she was comfortable with it. For now, she had at least one more question. "Theo, you swear you'll never use this against me? Or against anyone that you absolutely don't have to?" She wanted to hear him put her fears to rest. "That you'll only do what you must to protect us?"

At first Theo was about to make her promises up and down to keep everything to heart and never ever falter, all with a big ole smile, as if it was so simple. But then Theo thought something over, and these thoughts drew a frown, “Willow. . .I make promise I intend to keep, but though my spirit and my mind is willing, I realize, I am still flawed human.” Perhaps this wasn’t so simple after all. “I can promise willingness and effort. I can’t promise I won’t make mistake.”

She nodded, one finger moving to stroke Bandit's head before she swallowed to speak. "I meant what I said at camp, Theo. We need to have complete transparency and you have to be honest with me," she stressed. "If we can't be honest this will not work. I need to be told if things are happening because everything affects me now. From this moment on you're not doing anything on your own; we're doing everything as a team. I'm not saying I'll do everything perfect because this will be a lot to adjust to, but I'm going to do my best."

She paused, thinking back to a comment from the night prior. "Everyone seems to think you use magic more than they do. You say you're trying to stop but please try harder." Her eyes found his and she reached out to squeeze his hand. "Because I love you Theo, and call me greedy but twenty years with you before you lose your mind isn't enough. I want sixty, seventy, one hundred - whatever I can get away with. I want that time with you and our family and I know you deserve it too."

 

[xrakkax]

Theo offered an encouraging smile, knowing she wouldn’t ask of him what she wouldn’t do herself, and knowing all of her points made perfect sense, “Of course, Красивый, I will do my best.” Pulling the hand she took to him, he gave her a gentle kiss to communicate all he meant and all she meant to him. Parting to speak, Theo said, “I love you too.”

She could feel her face glowing at those simple words, her smile widening. Although it was the first time either of them had said so aloud, it felt like they had communicated it back and forth a million times. "And that's all I need from you," she assured him.

They kissed a few more times, showering affection between ‘I love you’s. Finally, they walked hand in hand back to sit around the campfire. Molly and Micha returned a little later. The evidence of what they had been doing revealed in their knowing grins and clothes worn askew. Though Molly had been occupied with a particular activity, she did get answers to her questions. Micha did hide her keys, but not with Almaeri. It was a few times and he apologized. Yes, he burnt the cheese sandwich and begged Molly not to tell anyone. The only person allowed to know other than her was Willow, as long as she didn’t blab about it. The last topic had been about her answer to his proposal. Molly promptly scolded him that he can’t just ask in the middle of a forest while they were half-buried in foliage. Then they made off to the camp.

Now that things were settled the family gladly sat down to answer any and all questions. Natalia would be the main speaker, but the rest of them were open to any directed at them. There was so much that Natalia decided to use their questions as a springboard.

 

[Soliloquy]

Willow was pleased with their time together, although she knew it would only be the beginning for their time rebuilding with each other. When they returned to the fire she didn't stray far from him, sitting appropriately at his side. She'd have to find out just what Molly and Micha had been up to at another time, everyone's attention now on answering any question. Truthfully, she was having difficulty thinking of anything that hadn't already been asked.

"So, I've been wondering," Willow started them off, getting comfortable on their log. "Is Moon Fishing doing something for all of you? Or is it just..." her eyes shift toward the tent, unsure if Granya was still awake or if it would bother her to be talked of.