Father Daughter Wake Up Party

[TheWarden]

It was morning, and Jamison had stayed up through the night. reading through the various journals he held from his master. Seeking for any commonalities between them and what his daughter described the night previous. and so far there wasn't a thing. so there he was, sitting on his couch, feet up across it. leaning back against the arm of the couch glasses sitting on the bridge of his nose, a weathered old book open in his lap.

Since she relinquished herself to it sleep had its claim on her. As Father predicted, this sleep was not easy nor peaceful. It was a sleep of repair. Seven days of repair for the body and mind happening in one visit by the Sandman. It was a dreamless sleep and she didn't wake from it. That didn't mean there was no reaction to the harsh process of healing. None of it was words but the sounds would make it obvious that there was a sort of pain she was bearing and that it was no light pain. It shouldn't be thought of as normal pain, a stomach ache or bruise or broken bone or anything corporeal like that. This pain was deeper and was felt differently and on more levels. When she woke up now she drew in a breath like her lungs were desperate for the air. She felt sore, a dull throbbing that went beyond bodily aches and pains. It was bad enough that she dreaded opening her eyes. But she did it. She also sat up. It was slow and determined. Spider loathed showing weakness. Especially to her Father. "Well?" The way she said it sounded like she was ready to take the information he had for her and go marching back into battle like she was fit as a fiddle.

"Well, Apparently... Master Chambers rather enjoyed the art of turkish belly dancing.... and was often visited by an escort... which he claimed... was supposed to assist in his alphabetizing of his library..." a small chortle and he looked up at her, removing the reading glasses. and drawing in a slow, deep breath." but, I haven't seen anything pertinent to this situation... how are you fairing this morning?"

His reply gave her excuse to stall and not stand right away. The stare of her honey-bright eyes was piercing. The color was akin to the harvest sun and often made others think of lazy warm days. But there was nothing lazy warm or comforting to the power of her glare and he was one of the few who was treated to it full on. Spider was stone-faced despite her pain and his attempt at humor. "I have rested." She didn't say she was well-rested. She used words well. "As you suggested." She fell silent. Her eyes said what she did not: he had promised his help and he'd found nothing. "I will start on the task of recharging my markings shortly."

"I would advise against it, your body still yet needs to recharge what it has spent to keep you going for so many days. ... it would be like charging a battery with another battery..." he kept her eyes and stood then taking another slower deep breath. closing the book, stretching with a bit of a head bob." I did however discover something... but it was not in these books... the very spell that hides your wife from our scrying eyes... is weaved with magic that reaches deep into the never never."

"I am not going to sit idle." Battery charging another battery or no. He should know better than to think she would when Zalina was at stake. To prove her point she stood. Every part of her - physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, magical - felt overstretched and sore. It was enough to wash a reeling dizziness over her but she refused to let herself collapse under this ridiculous fatigue. She didn't have time for it. She didn't have time for anything. Especially when Jamison gave her his news. "I told you." Emphasis on told. "Mother is the one needed here." Now all she had to do was get to the door. A task easier said than done right now. There her eyes went. As if focusing on that goal would help her. Jamison was the one who taught her that in all things magical or otherwise there must be focus to one's purpose or all is for nothing.

"Carolyn, its stupid to go to her. You where taught better then to go rushing blindly into the nevernever. Because i believe it tied to the nevernever, doesnt mean your mother, could, or even would help you."standing as well and taking a step forward."Who's to say that she is not the one who stole Zalina from you, in hopes you would do exactly as you're planning?Or, who is to say that it is one of the Wyldefae... or even one of the Elder Deamons escapades from beyond the outer gates? You should stay here...I have a laboratory set up and protected not far from here, I've also brought in the library... both of which I am willing to offer you access to.

"STOP SLATHERING MUD ALL OVER MY MOTHER!" Emphasis on all those words. It hurt Spider to yell that. In a literal way. Enough that she almost put a hand to her head. Instead she closed her hands into fists and resisted. The one thing she could not fight against was the need to close her eyes. She felt things swimming. Her connection to everything around her felt frayed and unsteady. Because Father was right, there was more healing necessary. Her emotions always propelled her wildly forward like a stampede of elephants. It had always been her weakness and it ruled her right now. Zalina was gone at at the root of her was rage and fear. Eyes closed she tried to hide the tremble of her tired boy. She said through gritted teeth. "You are no hero either, Warden LeFey." A deep and slow breath through her nostrils. Her voice hissed on the exhale. "I have no desire to stuck my nose in books and ignore my loss like some might." Yes. Like Some.

"Slathering mud would imply that I speak something that wasn't true. She is as you know far more dangerous then I could ever hope to be... nor is she a woman who is shy about taking what she wants.... and she wants you. in her possession." setting his jaw and then, stepping over to his chest again, sliding the book back into its place."I never claimed to be a Hero... and I'm not suggesting that you hide your sorrows... I'm suggesting that you approach the situation like a Wizard, think it through,... have a plan. Or you could do as you're planning and die in the process..."

"Fucking wanking Wizards. Can't scratch our arms without bloody analyzing it first and fat gobs of slag is all we ever have to show for it." Even in her worst moments with Jamison she had never cussed so openly. She was exhausted, in pain and at her wit's end. The worst part was her tongue kept wagging. "You're the one that shagged her." Emphasis on you're. "Did you expect I would be birthed with no loyalty to her? She's in my blood." Which meant that her Mother was in other things too when it came to Spider. There were ways for her Fae Queen Mother to influence her, or at least to try to on a regular basis. Spider didn't speak of that to Jamison. Now or ever. She still wanted to leave. Parts of her screamed for it. But the rest of her was having trouble keeping the strength she needed to remain standing. She needed to keep standing. Asserting herself.

"Gobs of slag?" he couldn't help but smile at that and opened his mouth to disagree but his enclosed it, only to say."I can't argue with that, the council is slowly eroding, and they're not really doing much to stop it...." but that mirth went away and his shoulders slumped. "Yes, I did... I did do that... And no, I know you have loyalty to her... just as I do, but you don't understand who she is Carolyn... there is a reason that I raised you and she did not... have you ever thought as to why that was the case?"

[TheWarden]

"The counsel deserves to erode." She spat that hotly. Opening her eyes for the first time since she'd closed them minutes ago. "It deserves its pedestal crumbling out from under it." She seethed silently until he said there was a reason he raised her. "She said you'd say that." It was snapped at him. Before she had a chance to stop herself. One thing was certain. In her current state her tongue was too lose and she was not being careful. Spider was not withholding enough. She didn't realize her mistake until she heard her voice speak the words. She turned her head away. So he couldn't see her face. She busied herself with smoothing wrinkles and straightening her garments. Her movements were slow and labored. If she had any hopes of hiding the multiple levels of pain she felt she knew she had to move slowly and carefully. After a silence where she tried to regain some semblance of control over herself she said one more thing. "This is not about Mother. It's about Zalina."

"HA!" Jamison shot that back immediately. and made his way from where he was standing to his coat rack, which held a side pack."I know she said i would say something to that effect... I've been dealing with your mother since the day my gift manifested. I know more about her and her people then every single other practitioner in any world.." a haughty huff then before he shook his head, pulling from his side pack a small square package wrapped in leather. "you're right. and i'm sorry... I didn't meant to make it about her... This, is the only constant decoration on my desk, it helps me retain focus when I lose it, I'd like to offer it to you." The package offered out, was a photograph in an ancient silver frame, the photograph was a rare one, that spider may or may not know existed, but it was her, and her wife. both smiling and having a joyous time, Jamison had had the picture taken not long after the two had met.

"Certainly more than I. You've tried to make sure of that." Could have been straight from her Mother's mouth. It's possible Spider even sounded like her Mother when she said that. And this. "Knowledge with bias and envy is flawed. Just ask the Counsel." Or rather look at the Counsel and how those two weaknesses colored their decisions. After she had finished fixing her garments she crossed her arms over her chest. But there was a droop to them. Showing her wear. "I don't want any - " This is where she turned. It was obvious from the stone shock that what he held out to her was not what she expected to see. For so many reasons. It was because of those many reasons that she did not know how to react. A swell of warring emotions crashed in her eyes and her expression and her strength wavered. Body swaying towards the bed she rallied and at the last moment refused to sit. She wanted to look away from the photograph but she couldn't. She just couldn't. There were so many words that wanted to come but all of them were caught in her throat.

"Next time you speak to her... ask her point blank if I'm wrong in her desires regarding you. If she returns you with a blatant answer to the contrary I will never again utter a syllable against her..." That was said with a firm tone. as if he knew for beyond anything that her mother would never be able to offer such an answer. If he had his way it would have been a photo with only her smiling, at least then. but it was a time without photo cropping and computers. so he couldn't do that at that time, so he had a photo of the two of them, which ended up being better." This photo right here Carolyn... Brings my focus... I hope that it might do the same for you... because finding Zalina will not be a task that could be completed over night."

Spider looked briefly uncomfortable. It was a discomfort even she couldn't hide. Not currently. It was because Mother spoke to her. Rarely was it a circumstance where Spider could speak back. At least she had control over her tongue enough now that that fact wasn't spoken to Jamison. Though if he knew as much as he said about Mother's kind perhaps he already knew the various means through which his long ago consort communicated with their daughter. Spider stared at the picture he held out to her. Behind closed lips she was biting her front teeth into her flesh again. As if that little added pain would keep her more vulnerable emotions away. She was silent for over a minute. She would not speak until she was certain her voice would not waver with the threat of tears. "I don't know why you have that. You don't approve." Mother does, she finished silently. Mother had offered to take them both under her wing more than once. Said how eagerly she would embrace the chance to have not one daughter but two. Spider did not take the photo from him. Because of what she said. She did not understand why he had it.

"I'm an old man Carolyn... With old ideals… that does not mean I will forsake you because of yours. You're still my daughter...." Jamison wasn't going to say anything else about her mother. She wasn't going to hear any of it, not until the day she accepted one of her mother's most generous offers and the girl finally saw the true volume of her most beneficent mother. Jamison breaking her gaze removed the leather binding and set the photo down on the night stand right next to her."think not in haste my child you'll only seek repentance at your leisure" A mantra Jamison had said for years, implying that patience was a virtue in all things.

"A mind is not fixed in stone. It can change sure as the wind. I hold you responsible for your dated ideals." Emphasis on you. "Your age is not what steers me clear of your company, Father." Maybe that was a low blow. But it was the truth nonetheless. There was a reason he had received no invitation or notice about the wedding before or after it happened. Or many visits in the twenty years that followed. "I've yet to see patience do anything useful since I've been here. Besides you telling me the source of the magic. And following it up by telling me not to go there." Spider was on the move now. Her gait was slow. Markedly slow. Her posture wasn't as rigid as it normally was but she stood as tall as she could bear.

Every sentence with her, was a haymaker going for broke. swinging to a killing blow every time wasn't it? But her father, he rolled with each one, taking the hit, but not offering her the joy of seeing just how much each one hurt."I never knew you to be so stupid, even when you are a slave to your emotions... Time is the only thing that is going to save your wife and you along with her. Running about half asleep... unable to ward off an attack from a psychic on a bad day, let alone anything you'll see in nevernever... is your hatred for me so strong that you would rather die then go about this the smart way?"

The way she pursed her lips was so superior. Impertinent for a child when regarding their parent. She always gloried in victory, however. No matter who the so-called opponent was. And to hear her Father run his mouth like that was music. Because her chosen destination was not the door. It was the couch that was in the same direction. "I had a notion to sit, Father. Or are you suggesting that you'd prefer in my present condition that I stand?" A few more labored steps and she stood in front of said sofa. Facing him she clasped her hands in front of her. Eyes watching him. Awaiting his 'permission' to sit. As if she wasn't smart-mouthed enough she added one more sentence to the fire. "Do tell me if I'll appall you further by removing my coat." The positive within her sarcasm was that if Spider really was going to remove her coat it meant she was not leaving his room. She would not leave without the enchanted article. It held all her belongings in a way that she preferred to any suitcase or satchel.

He walked into that. she baited him, set the trap, and dangled that bit right in his face with an obvious sign that said it was a setup , and he not only bit at it, but asked for seconds. The old wizard have a nod, and motioned for her to sit before doing an extraordinarily English face palm."You,re welcome to sit... might I offer you my gratitude in allowing me to make such a tremendous ass of myself? such is a talent that I am glad to see you've not yet lost."

"Readily accepted." She could be so smug. Now was one of those times. Then again it was hard to be the cat who just ate the canary when shedding a jacket was a struggle that stirred up fresh spasms of discomfort. She did her best. As she always did. Focusing on easing one arm out of the coat then the next. Once it was off she folded it in half and draped it over the arm of the couch. "Maybe I wouldn't be so antagonizing if you'd said anything remotely like...My my Spider, you mean to tell me you have focused your abilities enough to remain awake for seven consecutive days? Well well, daughter, that's certainly no small potatoes and perhaps I have grossly underestimated your ability to focus." Emphasis on focus. Since he'd always had an issue with her brand of focus which was usually fueled by one headstrong emotion or another. Rather than just being neutral, quiet focus like his. "What a good Wizard you are. Perhaps I've misjudged you. From this day forward I'll get off your back about what I've wrongfully been calling your cheating markings and recognize them as the stroke of brilliance they were, and maybe I'll even acknowledge that my condemnation of them is because I'm jealous I didn't think of it first and at my age the women don't care for saggy body art." Now she was just baiting him again. Did he want her to keep going? She would. She could say things like this all day.

"Well, it seems you've said it better then I could ever dream to, took the words right out of my mouth." he could be smug too, where do you think she got it from. (prolly was both of her parents, they where both cocky jackasses.) "And I'll have you know my body is far from sagging, when you compare to other wizards who are about half my age." taking a seat at the foot of his bed, facing her, because thats how the room was arranged. " would you like something to eat?" what he didn't say was ." because that was an awful a lot of sarcasm, and it might have worked you up an appetite'

Even Spider and her unparalleled levels of sarcasm could not comment on her Father's physique. The Brit in her would not allow it. All he received in reply was a purse of her lips. Once she sat she felt how her body sank and reclined. Yes she was far from healed. Even if she would not admit it to him she at least could admit as much to herself. Before giving herself over to the comfort she leaned forward first. To remove her shoes. Another sign that she was not intending to leave any time soon. Perhaps these multiplying signs would give Jamison a sense of relief. He had won until she was truly recharged. Then he would have a harder time containing her here. "Are you telling me that my lingering in your room is preventing you from a nooner, Father? Because I could take my leave..." She was smirking. Each shoe set on the floor. "Far be it from me to prevent you from seeding a do-over." Straightening slowly she leaned back into the couch and to the side. Already she was drawing her feet up. One had to wonder if she'd be asleep again with in minutes. Not if she could help it. She dropped her attitude long enough to give him a true answer. "I'll eat something if you provide me with a useful task." And by useful she meant something to help her find her wife.

"I'll wait until the one I have already is truly a lost cause my dear. And uh, no. no, you're not keeping me from any thing of the sort." her smirk returned and Jamison rose, mostly because she asked for a task." well, in your current state the most useful task I can offer is getting more rest, and eating something... so that when the time comes we need more physically taxing tasks... you will be on the tip top of your game there... Do you still like Gyro and pita?" see he remembered things like her thing she always ate in their time in greece when she was a much much younger lass.

[The Spider]

Even Spider and her unparalleled levels of sarcasm could not comment on her Father's physique.  The Brit in her would not allow it.  All he received in reply was a purse of her lips.  Once she sat she felt how her body sank and reclined.  Yes she was far from healed.  Even if she would not admit it to him she at least could admit as much to herself.  Before giving herself over to the comfort she leaned forward first.  To remove her shoes.  Another sign that she was not intending to leave any time soon.  Perhaps these multiplying signs would give Jamison a sense of relief.  He had won until she was truly recharged.  Then he would have a harder time containing her here.  "Are you telling me that my lingering in your room is preventing you from a nooner, Father?  Because I could take my leave..."  She was smirking.  Each shoe set on the floor.  "Far be it from me to prevent you from seeding a do-over."  Straightening slowly she leaned back into the couch and to the side.  Already she was drawing her feet up.  One had to wonder if she'd be asleep again with in minutes.  Not if she could help it.  She dropped her attitude long enough to give him a true answer.  "I'll eat something if you provide me with a useful task."  And by useful she meant something to help her find her wife.

"I'll wait until the one I have already is truly a lost cause my dear. And uh, no. no, you're not keeping me from any thing of the sort." her smirk returned and Jamison rose, mostly because she asked for a task." well, in your current state the most useful task I can offer is getting more rest, and eating something... so that when the time comes we need more physically taxing tasks... you will be on the tip top of your game there... Do you still like Gyro and pita?" see he remembered things like her thing she always ate in their time in greece when she was a much much younger lass.

She hooted quietly.  She'd been under the impression that she was his little lost cause for decades now.  That Zalina had been the last straw.  If that was true it was ironic that Zalina was now the reason for what had become their longest visit in fifty years.  Could Spider keep up the sarcasm forever or would they get past this surface dance?  "That is not useful enough.  You can't be suggesting that my eyes are too weak to read?  You were reading earlier weren't you?  Or did I catch you thumbing through an adult rag?"  She smirked.  Curled in the couch her head drooped to rest on the arm.  Spider could feel her whole body sighing with relief.  "I will eat that."  She hadn't had that particular dish for a very long time.  But that wasn't out of dislike.

"Well, you can read if you want, I was at Master's excursions during the Italian renaissance..." motioning over to the shelf featuring his journals.  picking up his sword cane and taping it on the floor board which bounced it up high  enough for him to catch it on the bounce." i'll pay the kitchen a visit. and have that made up for you. Would you like a beverage as well? milk, tea, water?" asking that on his way out to the door, hand resting on the handle, turning back for her answer.

She gave him a dry look.  He insisted that she rest.  Yet he just gestured at the journals and didn't bring her one.  Spider would have to get up to fetch a journal.  Was that what he was counting on?  That she would not get up to reach the books and in that way she would keep resting by default?  Well he counted wrong.  This provided her with the perfect excuse.  She would not attempt her magic with him standing here however.  If it did not work or if it caused her great pain, she did not with her Father to see how badly her spell work to keep herself awake had run her ragged.  She would wait until he left.  Spider watched him ready to leave.  She replied.  "Juice.  Only fresh squeezed."  After a moment of consideration she added more to her order.  "And a class of milk, as well as a small black coffee."  Coffee was a possible ingredient.  For what was probably a foolish potion considering her circumstances.

A brow rose at her several drink orders. "Of course. I'll be right back... make yourself at home." bringing up his cane to tap at his brow before he departed, walking down the hall towards the kitchen, of course he had his signature limp, weight shifting to his leg heavily with each step. It was an old man's limp, or appeared to be one, in truth The old man was absolutely able to walk without it but chose not to. He was not in the kitchen for long. afte rall the dish itself was rather simple to make, and soon raise a rise to magical pull to open the door, carrying a tray with both hands. which was then placed on the coffee table.

Once the door was shut behind Father she turned her attention to his journals.  Honey-bright eyes fixed on the one he had been reading and reshelved.  Already she felt the energy spark around her eyes.  Holding up one hand towards the book she spoke the firm command like one who deserved to.  "Ik reopen."  The pain was immediate.  Wincing in great agony she hunched down into the sofa.  Her other hand holding her chest.  She felt like her chest was going to burst and her brain split.  It was such a simple spell.  With a small 'price' to cast when it came to focus and energy.  Yet releasing the energy had felt like she was trying to rip her body to pieces.  There was no question now that she was in very poor shape.  But she did not regret it a single minute that she used her power to keep herself awake.  Because the pain interfered with her focus the cast went haywire.  The book shot from one side of the room to the other.  It just smacked against the wall when her father opened the door.  Fell on the bed a mere second before he entered.  When she heard the door Spider forced herself to relax.  To release her muscles of the tension the stabbing feeling had caused.  Still hunched down into the couch she did looked stone faced but did not sit up.  Concentrated focused comment.  "That was fast."

[The Spider]

"Not so much cooking, as preparing, no trouble whatsoever...You're most welcome." Jamison relaxed into the bed, taking a sit from his tea in a coffee mug, It was an american custom he picked up, using a coffee mug for his tea,  held heat better then a usual tea cup and usually carried more of it. " Juice, milk and coffee? having trouble getting started in the morning?"

"The coffee is for another interest."  Father might be able to see right through that vague reply but she still made the attempt.  Now that she could smell the food her stomach gurgled and she realized that her days with no sleep had also been without proper meals.  It wasn't until she had three bites of what he prepared for her that she swallowed completely and spoke again.  "How long is it that you believe I should recharge for?"  Something in her tone was telling him she was not asking to necessary follow his reply.  Quite the opposite.  Already the food was easing the ache she felt in every fiber.  When she swallowed, a grateful sigh was exhaled.

"Another sit, he leaned forward and set his tea cup  on the coffee table. standing from the bed after that and making his way over to his apothecary's chest.  pulling from it an older journal then he had before." According to Master Chambers, a single half day's respite is recommended for any wizard who has sustained himself for a day on his magical energy." the book offered over as well, in case his daughter felt that she needed to give it a read.

Spider shook her head.  She had no need to see it.  While her and Jamison's relationship had their difficulties she would not suspect him of lying when it came to magic.  It was obvious his answer weighed heavily on her.  Honey-bright eyes remained on the plate of food in front of her.  She ate in silence.  Thinking.  Perhaps plotting.  "I couldn't impose on you for so long.  That's four days, Father."  Three and a half of rest and then at least a half a day to charge the markings currently all concealed by her clothes.  "Your residence is built for only one."

While she thought and ate in silence Jamison set the book down on the coffee table next to its partner from another master, later in the series of stories from previous masters of magic that taught down the line to Jamison." Do not worry Carolyn, I can speak to the young lady at the front counter in order to procure you a room of your own during your stay here..." a nod, followed by a smile." seven days Carolyn, That is the longest a wizard had ever sustained themselves in written record..."

"The blonde?" What Spider remembered of her were the zipper troubles.  "She gave me your room number without question.  Tell her only Spider if you absolutely give a name."   Not even Spider LeFey.  If he told the woman that she was his daughter her last night might be assumed but she could not control that.  She finished the food.  From how quickly she ate it could be guessed that she had not eaten recently.  That was why she wanted the milk.  It was a thick and fortifying substance.  She drank half of her glass.  Her pride could not be hidden.  It showed in the regal square of her shoulders and the triumphant bright of her eyes.  "I have exemplary faith.  What a wizard wishes can be accomplished and to me this is absolute.  Faith is a powerful tool, as I was taught.  Are you surprised?"

A nod to her instruction."there is also a dark haired young woman that works the desk sometimes, but I will ensure that neither knows your birthname." another sip of his tea before the old wizard shook his head." Of course not. You've always been strong willed and powerful... i'm certain there are even more records that you've broken without telling anyone."

"Strong willed.  How diplomatic of you Father."  She was smirking when she put the empty glass down on the table and picked up the glass with her juice.  Normally she did not eat and drink so ravenously.  It was what she needed right now.  The natural sugars tasted so good.  When she had a few sips she settled back into the couch.  Her eyes closed briefly and she held the glass in her lap.  She had just woken but her lids felt so heavy.  It was her will that opened her eyes again before she nodded back off.  "I feel I have little need to tell anything.  That's what the eyes over my shoulder are there for.  To tell all my secrets until I'm left with no secrets at all."  She sounded cross.  Who wouldn't be when they knew they were watched.

"Perhaps it is... it does not change the fact that it is true." Jamison's tea was coming to an end,  eyes falling to look at the mug in his hand,  after swirling it a single time the wizard brought it to his lips and finished it out, setting it back down on the tray he brought in. "The rush of new technology, has made hiding from the eyes significantly easier then it had been in the past."

"I wouldn't dream of hiding from them.  I prefer to do things to and with Zalina regularly that I hope make anyone who is watching ashamed."  What she didn't say is she had suspected his Father had kept her under personal watch too so that defiance was intended to be thrown in his face too.  Despite the brazen words the rest of her breath sighed out of her long and heavy.  She felt like she was filled with heavy sand.  Thinking about opening the book she'd knocked off the shelf felt like such a large chore.  But she would do it.  Soon.  After she finished her juice.  She pressed her lips together.  Like she wanted to keep these words in.  But she spoke them.  "Before she vanished.  We had hopes she was with child."  Honey-bright eyes were not looking in his direction.  Face was partly turned away from him.  But she did speak it.

[TheWarden]

Jamison was going to say something cheeky about her activities with Zalina. but before had had the chance, she went on and said that Zalina may have been with child. and he had a touch of genius, eyes widening and he leaned forward." You had hopes she was with child? how long have you been trying? how certain are you she may have been with child?" all asked very quickly and he rose to a stand, going over to his apothecary's chest. sifting through his ingredients.




Spider felt the changes in Jamison's energy before she lifted her head and saw them with her eyes. If her wife was not currently missing Father would have received a glib retort about his sudden interest in grandchildren when he had never supported her and Zalina's relations. Circumstances were different however and she was an astute woman. She knew the connection her Father was attempting to make. Still she would not be herself if she wasn't somewhat precocious in return. "I personally have not done any of the trying, Father. You see, I do not have the key which fits the female lock. Unless I strap one on, of course, but despite advances there are still some things..." She would mercifully not end that sentence. A prideful purse of her lips. "Her visit with the doctor was scheduled for the day after she disappeared. She had not tried for long. She was fortunately fertile for her age."




Jamison had pulled several containers from the chest, placing them down on his chest of drawers. and was on his way to start a spell before her retort." wait, wait..." and he went back to the chest, searching for something, only to pull out an empty bag."I've run out of sarcasm, I guess I'll have to make do." and a over dramatic sigh, in true english fashion. " I believe that may offer us a lead as to what happened to your wife." from cheek to serious, Jamison didn't waste any time.




Spider smirked. His attempts to be playful were sweet in the way vanilla humans found Santa Claus sweet. "It wasn't sarcasm, Father. You profess yourself how old you are and I'm fairly certain they did not have such boudoir equipment in your younger days. I was educating you." Moving with moderation, Spider set the glass of juice on the table unfinished. When she stood it was a pleasant surprise to her that the ache had lessened considerably. Maneuvering towards Jamison her body felt more like its old self. As she was a child of forward action already Spider wondered to herself if four days would be necessary after all. "I wish to help you." It was not a question, it was a statement. "And I wish to know why you feel Zalina's female condition is connected to her disappearance."




He was setting up another spell , attention focused on his workings"You'd be surprised what the Fae have done for thousands of years, that humans are only discovering now." was his reply to her first statement, a smirk offered over at her before standing strait and turning to face her."Good, I was going to ask for your help. here," placing into her hand a lead slug. "hold onto that... do you remember the story of the birth of our line?"




"You are not Fae, Father. Or was that a hint at what you and Mother spent time doing in the few minutes of fondness that you had for each other?" Always a retort. A sign of a defense mechanism just as it was a sign of intelligence. When he held the slug out to her she hesitated. Honey-bright eyes studying it before she slowly took it. Spider wanted to make sure it wasn't what base instinct warned her it might be. The slug sat squarely in her palm. "Haven't I grown out of being your little holder yet? The little you've told me I remember. Great-great grandmother was a dangerous woman who made a dangerous deal for power." The end. She often wished he'd speak more on the subject. About his liaison with Mother especially. About the Fae too.




"Your mother and I where not always at odds..." Moving to his spell again, and organizing things on the table." well yes you have, but that slug there is absorbing some of your magical energy. as your wife and potential child will have..." now maybe she would put together the fact that whoever took Zalina, may not have thought to mask the potential child within her." and I'm going to run a trace for your magical energy any sources of which I can find..." taking the slug back and setting it in the center of his circle." that's right... problem with her deal was, that it didn't just pertain to her, it affects us all... part of the reason that our name incited the council to keep us watched.




Spider looked sour. All children wish to have parents who are not at odds with each other. It was a source of unhappiness for her that for most of her life she was reared only by half of the pair who brought her into the world. She understood what Jamison was doing but she looked uncertain. "You do understand that if there is a child is not of my blood, right? And that I channeled no energy to it?" Not on purpose at least. She watched her Father work. It had been a long time since she done so. "In what way does it affect us? Pardon my ignorance but you did raise me in the dark giving me only a candle flame to see with, Father." That was her take on how little he'd told her over the years when it came to certain choice topics.




Of course I understand, but energy permeates all, that is precisely why electronics fail when we grow close to them... and while the young child may not have gotten some of your power purposely, Zalina has lived with you for decades. she is like a beacon announcing that she is yours... have you never watched her with your Sight?" he shook his head then and turned from his spell to face her. " Through her, her child will also be exposed to your energy... I uh... well it affects us in that we're able to tap into founts of energy not available to most others..."




A beacon announcing she was Spider's. A proud sultry smile crossed her lips. "Mmm." Her tongue touched against her top lip as her mind dreamed on it. "I haven't. But I'll risk the Sight to see that." Spider had marked her territory on Zalina in so many other ways that the marks the Sight would show hadn't occurred to her. Nails curled and raked the front of her black dress over her stomach. A sign of where her mind had gone. The Sight was a talent she didn't use. She hadn't used it even now to try to track her wife. She had her reasons for it. The experience of it was too potent. Her Mother's blood in her felt so much stronger in that state and she had not felt in control. If there was one thing Spider needed to be it was in control. "Zalina is mine." Emphasis on both is and mine. There was a quality in her voice that usually didn't come out when she was with her Father. Husky, potent. The result of her thoughts and one of the abilities she didn't fully realize she had thanks to her Mother. "I don't like when things that are mine are taken. What founts of energy, Father?" Honey-bright eyes stared into his with determination.




That uncomfortable moment aside Jamison shook his head and cleared his throat." Indeed she is...um, yes. Founts of energy, that allow you to stay awake for a week without sleeping, eating or drinking... among other equally impressive feats...And you're right to be upset for someone taking your things... and we're going to get them back..." he didn't tack on 'hopefully to the end of that sentence like he should have.'




"Of course I'm right to be upset." It was hissed. Emphasis on course. Her eyes narrowed. Spider was a dominating and possessive force. This was true even in her marriage. She crossed her arms. Looking at her Father expectantly. He said they were going to get Zalina back and she was waiting for him to do the spell he had just set up. There was a question that she had but she wasn't going to ask it now. She feared it would only distract him from the task.




He held her gaze for a moment, nodding before turning around again and going back to his spell. picking up his cane, and using it to cut a small slice on his thumb, which he used to seal the circle with his blood, an audible pop and a soft buzz in the room. a slow deep breath, jamison's eyes closed." you should really sit down, might take a while."




Honey-bright eyes narrowed to slits. Spider was taking careful measure of Jamison. "Fine. I will find myself reading material." While he was working with his circle it gave her leave to go exploring. His mention of her great-great grandmother and the founts of energy changed her chosen interest. She slowly walked his room, moving over to where the journals were kept. She would open whatever drawer door or trunk needed opening in order to find what she wanted. She was looking for the oldest of the journals. Ones she had not be permitted to read in her younger years.




The ones he had here where more recent, only going about three hundred years back from the current date, which meant that several of the journal's where his own. the rest where in his laboratory, there was no reason to have all of them all in his room, not when most problems he faced where of his own doing. The spell he was working pulled all of the wizards attention. lips moving in silent words while he channeled the energy required for his task.




It was good that he could concentrate. Spider was not making a point to be quiet about her search. There was purpose to her movements. There was a significant difference in how she was able to move. Much better than she had when she first woke up. The food had helped naturally. It was more than that. As a half-blood she was more resilient than she knew. How her body behaved she never stopped to question. This didn't mean she no longer needed rest. The body was only one part of any healing process. A pronounced sigh was the result of her not finding what she was looking for. His own journals. She had seen him write in them in her early days but had never read them. For now that opportunity would have to do. She pulled the earliest of his from the shelf and began to skim through it.




"It was one from when Jamison while he was still an apprentice, maybe even a few positive mentions about a woman Spider might know as her mother. but they where spaced throughout he entire journal. odds are though, she couldn't get through the entire things before Jamison came out of his concentration and gave a soft "hhmmm... fascinating."




Spider was a fast reader but she also never skipped forward in books. Each word and page was read in order. She only was six pages into his words when he spoke. There had been only one mention of Mother so far but that mention was enough to bring her to a decision. She would read all of his journals. If he put up a fuss she would find a way to get what she wanted by hook or crook. That was the fae in her that was so willing to bargain and trick for what she wanted. She did not look away from the sentence she was reading. Spider was blunt as usual. "Have you finished?"[/color]




She would have wonderful luck trying to barter with him using her fae wiles. he was one tough cookie. but he did turn around, a single brow arching when he noticed she was reading one of his own journals."I have, but I can wait until you're finished to share the news with you."that had a bit of a tone with it, apparently he didn't want her reading his journal, and that was a rule when she was younger. and he wast aware it'd been repealed.




Jamison should thank his stars she didn't truly know how to use her fae wiles. Or what all those wiles were. Spider's eyes had not turned from the page yet she could feel the nature of his look. It was transmitted with his energy. She smirked with triumph. "Then you should really sit down, Father. Might take a while." His exact words from only moments ago turned back on him. She lived for moments like this where she could do that. It filled her with such deep satisfaction. There was a greater concern however or else she would have kept up the reading for hours just to get under his skin. She only read to the bottom of the page. But he would watch her fold down the corner of the next page. Dog-earing it. To show him she intended to continue. The book was shut, clasped in her right hand as she lowered her arms. Left hand clasping her right wrist. "Do share."

[The Spider]

"Zephrys…" Brought  the book to his hand on a gust of wind, the page in question was un-dog eared."This book is older then you are, you don't just dog ear it." a hint of exasperation in his tone, Jamison was  a man who treated his books well, always had, but like she said, there where bigger things to handle."Well, I've been swerved again, but in that I've been able to ascertain that there is actually a presence deliberately keeping a ritual around Zalina and its not an earthly source... no earthly source could hide that well from me... but! the good news is that it's been narrowed down a bit... because if they're guarding her, it means she's still alive."

When the book flew from her hands she growled.  Spider's face went from exotic beauty to exotic malice instantly.  "How else will I know where I left off?  Knowing you I won't see that book again for -- a hundred years."  She didn't say exactly what first came to mind.  That she would not see that book again until his death when it would be rightfully hers.  Despite their terrible relationship she did not wish death on him.  So she did not speak of his.  She was superstitious in that way.  Her hands balled into fists.  The energy around her attempted to crackle because of her anger.  In making that attempt the pain swelled.  She gritted her teeth and ignored it.  "I have never doubted that she was alive.  She is mine down to the light of her soul and I would know it if she was dead."  That was a bold statement.  The truth of just how dominating Spider was over her love.

"You can have it back when you've learned to treat books with their proper respect...  In our hands Carolyn. the words written in these books, are more dangerous then the assembled hordes of gengas kahn." another famous quote, something he said often when she was a younger woman. Until then though, he placed it on his dresser and went on. "While I believe that to be true, I was only stating that to set up my next point... Tell me, when have you known anyone in Faeries Winter Court, to keep a prisoner alive?"

"Chunder bucket."  Muttered under her breath.  Spider was glowering at him.  He'd chided her like a child and she did not like feeling that way.  She was one hundred and twenty-one years old.  She was no little girl.  She ripped her gaze away and huffed as she looked up at the ceiling instead.  "Why don't you make all your points at once Father so I don't mistake you again?  I swear you do that on purpose you always have."  Come out with the story bit by bit so she looked like she was bumbling in her understanding.  She didn't like feeling foolish either. She didn't answer his question about the Winter Court.  It irritated her because she didn't know and he would know that.  He saw to it that she didn't know as much about the fae as she could.

"I'm sorry, its a force of habit, I'll try."Well excuse Jamison for thinking that in the decades she'd spent away from him, she'd pick up a bleedin' book. there where books on the fae, and they where all readily available. especially to enquiring Wizards. but since she didn't answer he went on and finished up. his story."The winter court, does not keep prisoners, they prefer statues over PoWs... they simply flash freeze anyone they capture..."

Books were pointless in comparison to learning firsthand from the man who knew more about the race than any other living.  From learning from one's Father also.  There was big difference in that too.  Spider was silent for a minute.  Very still with her arms still crossed.  She could not think of a suitable answer on her own.  So she asked him.  "Mother told me that she is Queen that Will Be of the Summer Court.  Not the Winter.  So what interest would the Winter Court have in what is mine?"

"They... don't... that's what I was inferring . the winter court doesn't have Zalina..." he let that comment about he mother go, she had established that she was speaking to her mother. and he knew who her mother was. But, the more he thought about it, the more he found it possible that winter could have done it to muck with summer. he didn't know, but that was highly unlikely.

Spider let out a very slow breath through her nostrils.  She continued to stair up at the ceiling.  She felt Jamison should be thankful that she was doing this much to keep her composure.  Because she was getting frustrated and she had a short fuse.  But she had another reason to stay calm and that was the pain of her burn-out.  It would flare if she angered.  "Then who has her, Father."  Her voice was flat.  Better flat than screaming or cussing.  Then she corrected herself.  "Who do you think has her, Father."  Emphasis on think.

"I don't know enough yet Carolyn... All I know now, is who i don't think has her, and that down narrows it down greatly. It is either the Faeries of the summer court. Or one of the Wyldfae, there are a great number of them. But some of them are indebted to me, and I can use that for information... It will be a day or two... but its progress..."

"That's preposterous!  It can't be the Summer Court."  Emphasis on can't.  She lowered her eyes to set their intense bright on Jamison.  Those tunnel-like pupils narrowed into near vertical slits.  One of the few traits she inherited from Mother that could not be hidden and that was the least overlooked.  "If they know who Zalina is wived to.  And who I am birthed from.  They wouldn't dare."  She pressed her lips tightly together.  Such always made the posts of her piercings under her bottom lip stab into her gums.  It was welcome pain however.  Spider was no meek girl when it came to pain.  She stood weighing her options. She inferred his next action was to call upon those Wyldfae who owed him favors. "What else will you do in this day or two?"  It would inform how she would spend her next day or two.

"Carolyn, they absolutely would! They do what they want, when they want, and the only thing we can do is hope that what they want has nothing to do with us... They're far more powerful they we could hope to be. but I've given you my word that I will find her, and I will topple the kingdom fo faerie in order to do that." and Jamison brought a hand up, running fingers back through his hair." I'm going to seek out my contacts. call in my favors and finish a task I promised the inn keeper i would finish..."

She picked up her chin.  The look she gave him was regal.  Maybe challenging too.  Very much she looked like her Mother.  "No, you're wrong.  They are as powerful as I could be."  Emphasis on could.  "If I made a choice to be."  Spider felt she needed to remind him of that.  At any time she could choose one of her halves to be completely.  "You could not topple the Kingdom.  The Counsel will not stand for that.  If you have no one to speak with of the Summer Court than allow me to.  I will not go there but in dream.  Mother spoke of a way to dream a bit of consciousness into the Nevernever.  It will be my demesne and thus my advantage and if I prepare myself I will have even greater advantage.  Because those of the Nevernever less powerful in my domain of dreaming.  Yes?"  That was the important matter.  She wondered what he meant about doing a job for the Inn but she did not ask now because she did not want him to be distracted.

[TheWarden]

color=olive]A cocky scoff from Jamison.'If not for my name, I would be merlin...Just because they don't like it doesn't mean they could stop me. I haven contacts in the summer court I can confer with, that will not be needed... besides, its an extremely risky practice, and wizards need to train years to master dreamscaping.. and even then, any creature you ran into would still be able to manipulate you…It's sort of like renting a room in someone's house, sure you have your own space, and its yours... but you're still in someone else's home... Though you should get ready, if we do have to go into Faerie to save Zalina, you need to learn more about what they can do to you..."[/color]




Spider noted that he said nothing about her ability to make a choice. She considered this typical. Often she felt the conversations she had with her Father were not about what he said but what he did not say. This she abided by as a chid but the older she got the less patience she had for it. Right now she was also tired of him telling her that she should not or could not do each thing it occurred to her to do. She was silent. Her face was stone. Her eyes were the same. She said nothing. Just stared him coldly down. Letting all the words she wanted to say to him right now roll through her mind's tongue and away where the words would be left unspoken. She did not even voice her frustration at his nerve telling her to learn more when he had never himself shared his own knowledge on the matter. There was a lot that could turn Spider to ferocious argument but she did not let any of that happen. She only agreed. "Yes Father." There was ice to the agreement but he was given what he wanted. She moved to take her coat. Also the cup of coffee now cold. She would ready herself out of his company and on her own terms. "I will return."




Jamison set his jaw and shook his head slowly." yes father... I might be able to use those words to chill my beverage... I'm sorry, that its not happening how you want it... but you have to trust me when i say that doing this my way will mean the difference between Finding your wife in good health, and finding a corpse. "He wasn't blocking the door, so she could go. he knew she was still going to leave, she was too much of a child to really listen to reason. and yet she didn't want to be treated like one.




She would not let that corpse like raise her ire. Spider was not about to be fooled to stay and argue through the use of such a scare tactic. She didn't flinch or change her tone as she replied. "Then do. I'd hate for your beverage to be lukewarm and I haven't a clue what you expect me to say." While she put her coat on she changed her tone to falsely conversational. "Here I thought my agreement would make you turn cartwheels. But I'm wrong, as usual. Wrong wrong Carolyn LeFey who makes all the wrong choices. Spending time in your company does wonders for my self esteem Father. So unless you're going to teach me candidly for a change instead of omitting whatever you can to keep my training wheels on, I will spend a day elsewhere mending my spirit." He might assume she meant spirit in a wizardly sense. No. She meant her feelings, ego. The things he'd done well bruising.




"You're not wrong Carolyn... I've never hindered your training...You did, with your "book are useless next to experience" mantra that you've had for years... is what hinders you... I'm more then willing to teach you whatever you'd like to know." She had pained him, but thats what she wanted, really all she ever wanted was to pain him. which is why she was never really diplomatic with him. as for bruising her ego? maybe it had to be done, Spider needed to know that despite her age, she couldn't do everything immediately, and that she was still a child."You're going to go rest... you can sit down, listen to what I have planned, and maybe learn something... or you can go. The Gardens are lovely for a bit of alone time."




The snarl on her lips would tell him what she was about to say wouldn't be polite. "Did it ever occur to you, you pompous relic stone of a man, that maybe my infatuation with learning from your lips and not some damned dusty pages was my desire to learn from YOU? My Father. The Great Warden LeFey who would be Merlin if not for his name. Who knows more than anyone about the race I am half descendent from." Emphasis on anyone. It was his words after all. "Who used to be my hero until I heard 'read a book Carolyn' one too many times. Then I realized read a book meant run along and I stopped bothering to ask. Wizards. They don't deserve to procreate. None of you have a clue when it comes to someone besides yourself. I don't want to sit down like a good girl and listen to what you have planned. Because what that actually means is listen to what details you feel like telling me. As it's always meant. Unless you're prepared to finally cough up the knowledge that you've never wanted to tell me and until you're ready to acknowledge that half of me is not like you then you're damned right I'm going to do what I've always done. Run along." The possibility of a garden appealed to said other half of her but you better believe she wasn't going there since he'd suggested it.




And another fantastic facepalm from the father who's daughter didn't at all get it."Spider... I know that you wanted to learn from my lips. I understand that, and I did my best to teach you. But it is hard to teach when your student doesn't want half of the lesson..." he sounded beaten then, she apparently stuck the killing blow for the day, though he put up a valiant fight. and he took a deep breath, leaning back against the wall, wilting a bit." 'read a book carolyn...' was never meant to mean that i wish you leave me alone. I'm sorry that is how you took it... I'm sorry that you mistook my actions..."Standing strait again, and offering his daughter a nod. "I've leant several of my texts on the Fae to another resident of the inn.. I'll have to get them back from her if you want an unabridged history of your blood history..." his tone firmed up again. seeming to have recovered from the dreadful blow she landed earlier.




Her attitude. He would have to accept it. They had not been on good terms for at least eighty years. Her wife and potentially her unborn child were missing. She had remained awake and mobile for seven days in a row and was currently in the middle of paying the high price for that. How straight did he expect her to think right now? Small things like finally calling her by her chosen name were of no good at this point. She couldn't help snorting. He chastised her refusal to read and then told her that the books he wished her to read he didn't have. "I will get them back from her. Give me her room number." At least she would be doing something. Spider didn't say anything else. There was a reason for that. She was so angry it took all of her power to stay standing and not keel over from the resulting pain on all those levels. Damnable burnout.




"Two-oh-six... But I do not think she is up currently..." it was still rather early in the morning."In the mean time, maybe you should get some more rest... It might help a bit. its dangerous to keep active in your current condition. Please..." hell it wasn't often that Jamison pleaded and if he hadn't been verbally bitchslapped he might not even offer that to her.




Spider's eyes glanced towards the window. There outside was the best clock she had. The sun. She was well-practiced with telling time by the arrangement of the sun and stars as many wizards were. After she made her estimation she pressed her lips into a thin line. Another slow measured breath through her nostrils. She said nothing. She walked with deliberate steps over to his bed. She slowly shed her coat and this she lay on the foot of the bed. This time she would leave her shoes at the side of the bed. She also shed her long sleeved black dress. This was laid on top of her coat at the foot of the bed. Underneath that dress she wore a thin long sleeved red shirt which matched her full floor-length red petticoat. So she was still entirely clothed. Spider then laid down on the bed. On top of all the blankets and covers as she did before. On her back she lay straight as an arrow with her arms at her sides. She promptly shut her eyes. It was likely she would not sleep right away but would put her focus instead on meditation renewal.




Jamison had won, at least a small victory. and when she lay down, he walked around to the other side of the bed, pulling the covers from the other side of the bed and folding them over his daughter. draping them over her body, Jamison placed his hands over her, and whispered an extremely familiar incantation over her body. It was the protection spell he weaved every night when she went to bed as a child. When she was tucked in and asleep Jamison returned to his couch, though this time the older man collapsed onto it, and lay down its length. maybe he'd catch some sleep this time. who knew?

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