She was going through the motions again, her mind extremely heavy as she finished up dinner and began plating it. Why was it that memory that came through? Was there something there that would even comfort him? She just didn't understand, and she had barely noticed the fact she had stopped humming until she went to sit at the set table and she kind of smiled a little at it. She had been so wrapped up in her own thoughts she hadn't noticed him making her tea.

She had a feeling that the silence was bothering Mitchell. Something about it always seemed to do that to him. She had given him the silent treatment before and he had never taken well to it, but this time she wasn't exactly meaning to be as quiet as she was. She was just still all around confused as to why the memory she wanted to show didn't come and that one did.

She took a seat and when Mitchell spoke to her, she looked up at him a little bit stunned. He would have taken her? No one had ever told her that, then again, no one had ever seen that bit of her memories either. Little did Mitch know she went on to prove the coven wrong and married a warlock... The thought disappeared from her mind quickly before she gave a barely there smile at what he had said about his mother. "Well, Mitch, you could have anyone you wanted, but I appreciate the thought. Your mother sounds like a very smart woman."

She fell quiet again, her mind still a bit heavy when he had asked her about the ball. When he brought it up, she had just taken a bite of her food and she was about to answer when he brought up being a good dancer. Now that she would have to see for herself. "I suppose I'm a little excited. I've never been to a ball before, so it could be fun... I guess." she paused and took a sip of her tea. "Now the dressing up thing I could live without."

She finally went to comment about his dancing skills when he brought up Cassandra and she nodded. "I miss that woman. She makes me wish I could have returned South after everything that happened, but she got my reasoning for not returning back to the Lockhart Archives." she said, and she thought about the South Leader. She was probably the only person who knew nearly everything that had happened in Ophelia's life. She had been there since the day she was born, and Ophelia had always looked up to Cassandra as an odd sort of family member. Even once her father left the coven, it never stopped Cassandra from coming by to see them in the fall before she headed up to Checkov's coven. Then again, Cassandra had also popped in unannounced throughout the years as well. She had come by just a few days after the council left when they had found out about her being a necromancer. She had allowed Ophelia to stay in her coven for a year after her family was killed, and then when Ophelia took off again she made her promise to always keep in touch. The only time that promise was ever nearly broken was the 55 years she had been on the run after New Salem and Sanctuary burned.

Ophelia looked over at Mitch and asked, "So, you're a good dancer?" she decided that keeping the topic on the ball would be rather wise right now because talking about anything else just felt a little bit wrong. She took another bite of her food before speaking again, "I'm not too bad myself. A little rusty, but not bad."

Her mind wandered back to the lessons she had with her father, a smile on her face as she thought about it.

"What are we doing father?" Ophelia asked as her father turned on some music. It was just her and him in the living room and he smiled to her.

"You'll be seventeen next week, Lia, means you're of marrying age, so it's about time I taught you how to dance. We'll be going to all sorts of glorious parties and balls and hopefully we'll find you a suitor that is worthy of you." he chuckled, and Ophelia shook her head.

"That's ridiculous father." she laughed a little too, but she saw his face get a little stern and she sighed. "Fine, what do I do?"

"First, you curtsy." he said, and when they both properly greeted each other, he stepped forward and placed his hand on her waist. "Now, you'll place this hand on my shoulder." he said, taking the proper hand and placing it on his shoulder and then he took her other hand in his. "Now, you'll follow my lead. Ready?"

"Ready." she said, and she heard him counting aloud as they began, and she smiled a bit. She stepped on his foot a couple of times, but for a while he didn't say anything as they continued to dance together.

"You're picking up on this rather quickly, Lia." he complimented and she smiled.

"What can I say, I have a great teacher." she said, and her father smiled back to her. "D'you really think I'll be able to find someone?"

He sighed a bit and spun her slowly before they fell back into step. "Ophelia, you will. Perhaps it won't be right away, but you have to remember, love is it's own brand of magic. It will bring you where you need to be and you may not even realize it."

She nodded and spoke again. "Thank you, father."

The memory seemed so distant now, but Lia needed that bit to keep her going through it all. He hadn't been wrong either. She had met Abel nine years after they had all died, married him five years after that, and then after 20 years she had watched him die right before her eyes. She shook her head a little bit and looked at Mitch. "Are you excited about this whole ball business?"

--

Cassandra's eyes turned slight red color when Issack spoke of Mitchell. Perhaps she was a little biased because he was guarding a woman she had known her entire life, but Mitchell had never done wrong. She let his other comment slide as Kathleen spoke and she smiled. She would have to go and see Lia and Mitch later, and she smiled more as Kathleen spoke. Hearing she was from Starforge was nothing short of extraordinary. One of her own witches had come from there and was a particularly good hearted witch for being a dark soul. "Three years? Hmph... I can't say I blame you though. I'm here once every few months. My coven is at least warm colors and not near as creepy."

She laughed a little and Dana did too. "Perhaps one day we can bring Kathleen and Ophelia for a visit." She said and Cassandra raised a brow.

"My, my, guests in my coven. I'd love it, but I don't think Checky would allow it. Especially with the wolves being a bit more restless lately, but we make due." Cassandra sipped on her wine - blood mix and smiled a bit before Kathleen spoke again. Her eyes softened. "Sugar, you are a witch, you are one one of one of the most interesting people I've ever met for that. On top of it, you lived in Starforge and they have given me some of my best witches. And then to top it off, though you may feel off balance, you are doing wonderful." She gave her a smile.

Issack's comment caused Cassandra's eyes to redden all over again, but before she could say anything, Checkov's eyes flashed red and he spoke. "Issack, I believe you and I have gone over this. You will not disrespect my witches in front of me nor will you insult them. Besides, your knowledge of them is a bit... lacking, and so your opinions hold no weight. Now, we will drop the topic and have a nice dinner."

Cassandra's face immediately went into her wine glass to hide the smile that had spread over her face. Oh, she had been there when that conversation over and over again, and Cassandra had always rather enjoyed Checkov's demeanor towards Issack on the topic. Then again, she also knew why Checkov was so adamant about having and respecting witches. He wanted one to finally find a way to break their bonds to the sun, and she knew how close Lia was, and she knew she'd get there for one reason. Her father, Terrance, had been working on the same thing for her up until he was killed. Even after he left her coven.

She looked at her food a moment before she raised her glass. "A toast. To a great night."

--

Atticus was glad to avoid the confrontation between Cassandra and Issack, and he relaxed slightly as he drank his wine and listened to Issack speak. He saw how much pride he took in the East and Atticus could see things he vaguely remembered in him. Things he didn't like about some of the people from just before he could start really remembering anything. It made him be quiet for a minute but he nodded. "Sounds nice."

Then he started talking down about witches and Atticus looked to Checkov when he noticed how offended Kat got, it wasn't hard for him to notice it, and he was glad Checkov did the tell her to mind her tongue, but rather defended her. That was a good thing because if not, Atticus would have said something and all hell would have have probably broke loose.

He raised his glass to Cassandra's toast, and he nodded, watching very carefully as everything went on around him. And then Checkov spoke and Atticus immediately quieted at the topic. "So, Kathleen, are you excited to finally be attending the ball this year? My seamstresses will be meeting with you and Ophelia tomorrow to get you two prepared."

Once Kathleen answered, Atticus finally spoke up again. "So, sir, what exactly is the ball all about?"

Checkov smiled a bit and nodded. "Well, Atticus, for as long as this coven has stood, we throw a ball to honor our place atop the chain. It also gathers all of the covens to promote peace and unity, it took a while for us to regain a good standing after the west fell, west fell but now we are strong again. It's a celebration above all, and it also acts as a betrothal gala for our younger members."

Atticus nodded, still having questions but he decided to ask Mitch more about it later.

Mitchell looked up at Lia a little as he ate when she said he could have anyone he wanted. Oh if only she just how wrong she was about that. Her answer in its own way said just the opposite actually. He could have anyone but her. He shrugged his shudders slightly looking back down at his plate. "You'd be surprised how little women found being annoying, poor, and having a funny accent attractive. Not to mention my mother refused to admit I was different so she told the girls I hadn't figured out how to use magic yet." He laughed a little bit. It was really the truth though, his mother refused to admit he was, as his sister put it, a defective freak. He stopped though and nodded a little. "Though yes, she was a very smart, sweet, proper woman."

Lia went quiet again though and he couldn't help but frown a little bit about it. He couldn't handle anymore of her being quiet, it was starting to make him feel nervous and like things here weren't safe. Even though it was. So he did the same thing he always did in this situation, rattle off trying to get her to talk, starting out with the ball. Which luckily seemed to work.

Mitch looked at her when she said she hadn't ever even been to a ball. "Well in my experience it is rather fun, I think you would like it." He said with a small smile. Even though he knew what had happened with what she had shown me, still he couldn't help but be a little surprised that she hadn't been to a ball before. Lia didn't seem the type to not do something she really wanted, just because she was told no. Though maybe she hadn't always been like that?

A laugh came from his lips at her comment about dressing up, purely because of all the women he had taken to a ball. Having to dress up, was only once one of the complaints that he had actually heard. "I'm sorry, I don't mean to laugh. Its just that other than Att, I've only ever heard one person complain about dressing up." Mitch added in quickly with a apologetic look. "I'm sure you will be beautiful all dressed up through, and if you get tried of the shoes, I might hold them if you ask nicely." He said with a little bit of a laugh at the last bit about the shoes. Mitchell was at least enough of a gentleman to do something like that, for a little while at least.

When he brought up Cassandra the subject changed and he nodded taking a drink of his water. Ophelia knew Cassandra a lot better then he did. Before he started guarding Lia, he hadn't even talked to the woman other then a few words in passing every now and then. As well as a little bit when he had been watching Isaack's daughter and she was allowed to come along. However, after he started watching Lia, he found a liking for the South Leader. Even when he and Lia weren't on the best of terms. To put it nicely. Cassandra was still rather nice to him, she quickly became his favorite leader, he even liked her more than Checkov at times. Plus something about her reminded him of his mother oddly. Which brought out the southern gentleman manners that she had drilled into him, much more than usual.

"I don't doubt you are good at dancing, with how gracefully you usually move." He said when she said she was pretty good at dancing. Lia had what his father used to call dancers grace. Mitch couldn't help the slightly cocky smirk that spread on his face when Lia asked if he was a good dancer. If anything, dancing was something that he had always been good at. He looked up at Lia from his plate the smirk turning into a smile as he nodded. "Yeah, I think so I mean. I've been told a couple times that I'm a good dancer. I might be a little rusty myself though. Its been about two hundred years still my last ball." Mitch answered before taking a bite of his food as he thought back to the last ball he had been to.

The ball was in full swing, the main hall was lit by white tingle lights as the lights were turned down for one of the slow dances. Soft ballroom music playing over top of the others whom were talking instead of dancing. Mitchell was off to the side talking to Checkov and Isaack. Or more or less being talked about and being talked up to Checkov by Isaack as if he wasn't there. Barely getting a chance to answer Checkov's comments. The two of them seemed to be taking turns. Isaack talking about his engery vampires and Checkov about his witch when he got stuck in the middle.

The sight of the young raven hair vampire in the dark red lose and twirly dress made a smile come to his lips as she came up and joined the three of them. She smiled back at him before curtsying to Checkov. "Your ballroom looks beautiful Checkov, you clearly know had to throw a ball." She said with a smile cutting her father off as he started to rant about something to do with witches. Mitchell had long since lost interest really.

Isaack frowned at his daughter, and after Checkov had answered her, he spoke to his daughter. "Isabella, can't you see that your elders are talking. Go off and play or dance."

Izzy looked at her father and tilted her head slightly her eyes starting to redden, but a polite smile on her face. "Oh, I would father but you seem to have stolen my guard and partner. I would just hate to dance with someone else. I....I might just slip and find someone new and interesting." She said sweetly to her father, before looking at Checkov. "Aside from our handsome host of course." She added not wanting Checkov to be offended as she had only spoken to him once or twice.

Isaack's eyes reddened as he looked at her still frowning. "Just take your guard and go child." He said hand going to Mitchell's arm and pushing him towards his daughter slightly.

She smiled taking Mitchell's hand and pulled him towards the dance floor smiling widely. As they stopped Mitchell found himself smiling a little bit as well, and he lifted his arm up and twirled her. Pulling her in and she kissed his lips. "Sorry you got stuck with that Mitchy. Next time I'll go up with you to get the punch."

"I don't even know what the hell they where talking about, I zoned out after the fourth time I was answered for. I wish they would have just shut up and been quiet, I thought I talked to much." Mitch said as he started dancing with her, Izzy laughing at him.

Mitchell smiled a little bit looking down at his plate, it was a nice but bittersweet memory. Back when he had been happy in the east, but also when he realized the way that Isaack treated the vampires in his coven wasn't the way all leaders treated their coven. He looked up at Lia when she spoke again and nodded a little. "I suppose so, I don't get to dance much. Without getting weird looks anyway. Plus there is always good food at those things. I wouldn't really want to go with anyone other than you." He answered taking a drink of his water, and standing up to take his empty plate to the sink, offering to take her plate as well if it was empty. "Besides its possible that there might be some people who like me there, I can show you that not all of Isaack's coven are horrible people." He said with a laugh.

--

Kathleen smiled a little bit when Cassandra spoke about her coven, warm colors sounded like a big improvement over the dark and creepy castle they were in now. Even she laughed a little at the statement. Before Diana said something about her and Ophelia going to visit her in the South, and Kathleen looked at Cassandra. Though she couldn't help the small look of disappointment when Cassandra shot the idea of it down, it would be so nice to get to go South. Or even leave the North for a little while. Though Cassandra was right Checkov likely wouldn't let them go, plus Atticus really did have a hatred for wolves, he might become overbearing with his over protectiveness, again.

"That's a shame, maybe sometime when the wolves calm down?" Kathleen said her tone a little hopeful. She really wasn't liking the idea of having to be dependent of what Checkov said to be able to do things, she was raised to be a independent woman. Even though it likely wouldn't happen, still there was the thought that it could. Kathleen took a sip of her wine before speaking again.

Kathleen's smile softened slightly and her face reddened ever so slightly when Cassandra said that being a witch made her one of the most interesting people she knew. Was that true? But she had to have met thousands of people older than her, with more interesting lifes and stories. The comment about Starforge made Kathleen smile a little more a feeling of pride in where she came from. When Cassandra stopped with Kathleen doing wonderful, she spoke again. "Thank you, Cassandra. You're very sweet to think so. And really I think the reason I'm doing so well right now is because I'm having a better time then I thought I would.'" She answered with a bright smile, tonight was going much better than she had expected when they left the cottage.

At least it was until the Isaack guy started to talk down about witches, and then of all things said she didn't know what dark witches and warlock were like. As a primarily dark witch , she knew more then people her age about the need for control over of dark magic and how it could miss with your mind if you let it.

Isaack actually looked up when Checkov said his name, before a frown formed on his face as he looked at Checkov. His eyes reddening slightly as Checkov finished talking, they had diffidently had this conversation before, it hadn't really been one which he enjoyed either. Especially since Checkov always seemed to get him to be the one that stopped talking and give up. Isaack didn't argue with Checkov though instead he sighed looking at Kathleen his eyes still red. "My apologizes, as I said I meant no offence." He said before his eyes went to Cassandra seeing her "trying not to laugh" face and gave her a dirty look, but still raised his glass to her toast.

Kathleen was very happy that Checkov took her side, instead of telling her to mind her tongue or worse say something in defence of the other leader. Though she had seen Cassandra's eyes redden at Isaack's words before she had looked at him. Kathleen was glad to know she wasn't the only one that was offended by that. When Isaack apologized she gave a small nod still frowning, it didn't matter whether he didn't mean to offend or if he had actually apologized in a way that seemed that he meant it. At the moment that the words came from his mouth, she knew for sure that she disliked this man rather strongly. And her good mood had been ruined a little but she would try to hold on until she left.

Still she couldn't help but smile slightly as she raised her glass to Cassandra's toast, taking another sip of it, someone coming and refilling her glass as Kathleen looked down at her food. As she was cutting into it Checkov spoke and Kathleen smiled nodding her head before looking up him. "I would stay I'm both nervous and excited honeslty. I've only been to one ball before and it was in a borrowed dress and no one wanted to dance with me." She answered.

"That's sad." One of the elders said and Kathleen nodded a bit.

"But I will have someone to dance with this time and I'll have my own dress. So I'm excited about that." She finished with a rather bright smile towards Checkov. As she listened to Checkov and Atticus talking back and forth she smiled and started to eat her dinner like the others around her. Thinking of the last time she was at a ball.

The ball in Starforge was one of the bigger ones in the far north the closest coven Crowrigde even joined ball as it was the most common marriage rate between the two covens. The elder witches would get there weeks before the ball to decorate using their magics. This year the weather was so beautiful that the master of illusion magic found a way to make it look as if there was no roof. So it looked as if the stars shined down from above on the party goers.

The young newly eighteen year old Kat looked into the mirror at her face which had been prettied up with lipstick and eye-shadow that matched the long shiny gray dress she wore. It was a little lose and she didn't quite have the chest to fill it out completely, but other then that it....didn't look too bad. She had tried to get her mother to have the seamstress to make her a dress to fit her, but her mother had simply waved her off, telling Kat she was to busy to worry about a stupid dress. She didn't even bother going to her step father knowing he would just laugh at her. So instead she had to borrow a dress from her friend.

As she got to the ballroom she smiled up at the blonde woman with dreadlocks who was much taller than her at the time, though you couldn't tell with the highheels Kat had to wear not to step on the dress. She sighed softly rolling her eyes. "Alright, you insisted on me coming. Let's see if we can find someone to dance with before I fall over."

Once she came back to what was going on around her, Isaack was talking to Checkov about the amount of people who would be forced to stay in the east with the hunters acting more restless. And part of her wondered if the subject had been brought up or if he simply wanted to hear himself speak. She smiled letting out a soft hum to herself loud enough to tone Isaack out before she took a sip of her wine and looked at Cassandra. "Cassandra, I haven't traveled much so can I ask a question?" Kat asked softly so only she could hear. "I've never been East before, and I was wondering." Kat looked at Isaack before back at her. "Do all from the east like to hear themselves talk? Because Mitchell talks a lot when its quiet and I'm pretty sure Isaack hasn't taken a breathe in a while." She asked with a serious face as it was something she always wondered.

Once she answered Kathleen smiled and nodded before changing the subject. "I really hope that you're to be at the ball too. I really like you." She said.

Lia’s eyes immediately looked downward when Mitchell told her how the other witches had been. “Call me odd, but obviously, those girls had no clue what they were missing out on. Sad really.” She said, and once the topic changed, she just listened for a moment and smiled. When he laughed at her complaining about dressing up she chuckled. “Really? Aside from Atticus only one other person has complained about it? The heels I can do, but you have seen how quickly I change after meetings with the elders.” She paused a moment to think, “But thank you, I do appreciate the compliment.”

When he brought up the dancing though, she listened to what he had said about her and then chuckled a bit at what he said. She wouldn’t doubt he was a good dancer either, simply because if what he had just told her about his mother was true, it was a huge Southern Tradition that spread world wide in the early ages. Betrothal galas, balls, glamor. It was things she had seen in Cassandra’s coven in the brief time she was there, having attended a few meetings about the witch balls down south.

Cassandra being brought up was a little bitter sweet, and she had known how odd the first meeting in over half a century had to have been to watch. It was right after Lia had moved into the cottage, she recalled, and Cassandra had made it a point to not let Checkov know right away that they knew each other. Simply because Lia knew how broken she probably still was then, and though she still had broken pieces in her, she was slowly warming up. And Kathleen had a lot to do with the recent bit of warmth. She saw the girl as a daughter. Her mind wandered briefly as she began cleaning up from dinner, a small smile kind of on her face.

The adjustment to the cottage hadn’t been hard but the frequent meetings with the council had been putting a bit of strain on Lia. They had inquired her what felt like a thousand times about the incident with the guards, and her story was told each time with the same lack of emotion, but this last meeting had been particularly rough. She had managed to avoid her nightmares this time with her lavender and sage, but she knew next time she wouldn’t be so lucky. They were going to come back and hit her with a vengeance. She sighed a bit, listening to the world at three that morning. She sat, staring blankly out to the stars, drinking a cup of tea on the porch of the cottage. However, something caught her eye and she stood, seeing two figures approaching. Her eyes couldn’t quiet adjust, and she waved her hand and watched the multiple candles she had on the porch illuminate.

What was Mitch doing up so early? And who was that with him? Against her better judgement, she drew her robe closer around her and she set her tea on the table nearby before stepping off the porch. “I told you she’d be awake, sug.” The feminine southern drawl came, “If anyone knows this witch, it’s me.”

“Cassandra?” Lia’s voice came quietly, and the beautiful vampire nodded when they got closer and enveloped Lia in a hug. Lia didn’t move at first, but after a moment, she placed her hands on the small of the woman’s back. “What are you doing here?”

Cassandra chuckled, stepping away before urging they took the exchange inside to which Lia obliged, putting on a pot of tea. “Checkov and I have a bit of business to discuss, with his ball coming up in a month or two, and I had some trading to do in Starforge for my witches. I had no idea you had ended up here.”

Lia nodded. “Checkov found me with hunters on my ass, and I managed to make it a graveyard and I tried to lose them. It didn’t work out well, and he seemed to know a lot about me. Did you tip him off that I may be wandering?”

Cassandra shook her head, “No, darlin’, but I do have to tell you, the last I heard of you wasn’t the best news. Nearly 60 years ago a little sand blonde with beautiful eyes told me that you two had gotten separated.”

Lia’s eyes looked down and she nodded. “I was a bit of everywhere back then. Headed West first then began heading North once I got far enough into wolf country, but then someone sold me out, I think, and I ran around aimlessly in the north mountains for 15 years. Managed to make it down and hit a second group of hunters. Wasn’t my proudest times, let me say.”

Cassandra nodded, “I do have to say, Checkov has you under good watch though.” She smiled, looking over to Mitch. “And I had a talk with the elders, they shouldn’t be botherin’ you anymore about that attack.”

Ophelia raised a questioning brow and Cassandra smiled. “Checkov asked how I knew about the poison you drink, and I told him that Lockhart witches are from the South. So I know.”

“Does he know about our past?” she asked and Cassandra shook her head.

“Not yet. I haven’t said anything because I don’t know what he knows already.” Cassandra said, and Lia nodded.

“Virtually nothing. Just a lot about who I am through rumors.” She gave her a look and Cassandra nodded. “I’d like to keep it that way. The less they know, the better. Especially when the East comes, I’ve not heard anything kind of their leaders attitude towards witches”

Cassandra nodded and gave Lia a small smile. “Alright. I’ll be sure not to delve too deep. You know where I am if you need me. Write me or see if Checkov will let you visit.” Cassandra got up and smiled. “Mitchell, sugar, thanks for bringing me here. I do definitely appreciate it, I’ll see you both in the meetings later. Better get back before sun up.”

She looked to Mitch when she finally comprehended what he had said and she couldn’t help the small smile on her face as she went about cleaning some of the dishes. “I wouldn’t go if it wasn’t with you, to be honest. You’re the only person I’m comfortable enough with to be in a room like that with.” Then he had made his comment about the people in the East. “I don’t doubt there are good ones. But it would be nice to meet them. “

She finished up cleaning her bit before she walked towards the stairs. “Um… thank you, again. For everything. I’ll be down in a few minutes, I just need to grab a few things to rewrite Kat’s lessons.” She headed up the stairs and into her bedroom, grabbing a few books from her bedside table and a journal before she looked at her cd player.

If she was going to this ball, she’d need to remember how to dance, but she shook the thought from her mind for a moment before she turned it on and faced herself in the mirror. She curtseyed, as called for and then she positioned her hands in the air as she would to her partner. “1, 2,3. 1, 2, 3.” She repeated in whisper as she began moving, but it felt off. Perhaps it was the lack of someone being there, and she quickly stopped and turned off her cd player, but she pulled the cd out.

She made her way downstairs, briefly catching the sight of Mitchell sitting down on the couch and she set down her books on the table before placing her cd in the player and looking at him. “Would you mind helping me? It has been a long time and trying to remember how to dance by myself feels odd.”

--

Cassandra was already beginning to like this witch beside her, but perhaps it was because she was reminded so much of a witch that had recently returned South. She smiled a bit and nodded. “Perhaps, with the Northern Winter winds fixing to start blowin’ my way, They’ll be hibernatin’ soon. But we’ll have to see then.” She said, and even the elders nodded a bit, but Checkov’s hesitancy to it was noted.

Still, watching Issack get reemed was a highlight for Cassandra, and when Checkov spoke to Kathleen about the ball, she frowned a bit at her ball story. Her excitement for this one, however, was noted, and if she knew anything about this girl’s teacher, she’d be having the time of her life there. When she asked about people from the East, Cassandra stifled her laugh, but patted Kathleen’s hand. “Sug, I would love to tell you that it’s an East thing, but I think it’s an Eastern male thing.” She chuckled. Her heart warmed when Kathleen said that she hoped she would be at the ball, and she smiled.

“Of course I will, Sug. Checkov is insistent on having his normal dance partner. “ She said, and she shot a look over to their host who was still locked in conversation. She rolled her eyes a bit and nodded. “I’ll even come up a little earlier than normal, so I can be sure you and Ophelia are properly taken care of for such an event. You both deserve a good time, I’m sure.”

It wasn’t just empty words, Cassandra now had full intentions to make sure that these two were given what they needed to relax before the event, and she knew Checkov wouldn’t mind. He never had, but Cassandra also knew that these next few weeks would probably be a bit stressful, the look on Checkov’s face earlier had spoke volumes to her, and she couldn’t shake it. But now, Cassandra did have one more question. “So, Kathleen, darlin’. I do have to ask because I have to know if I’m right. You’re an autumn child aren’t you? Birthday coming up pretty quick?” she asked, trying to keep a light conversation on their end.

--

Atticus was glad that Checkov had stood up for Kathleen, but the reaction from Issack didn’t go unnoticed to him. It made him wonder what his huge issue with witches was because obviously it had a lot more to do with his demeanor than he wanted to let on. And Atticus could almost sense that the ‘no offense’ front was to see how he could test Kat, but Checkov shut it down. He had to have meant it on a certain degree, but as the topics changed to the ball, he listened to Kat and kind of smiled , but then it dawned on him. He had no clue how to dance, and if he did it surely wasn’t in his memory banks at the moment. He’d have to ask Mitchell for help, but as Checkov explained the purpose of the ball, his eyes fell to his plate.

Atticus didn’t like to admit that he remembered the fall of the West Coven, how he had woke up there and then weeks later the wolves came. It was a bloody end, but he always wanted to go back, see if he could find more answers. His silence didn’t go unnoticed though, and his obvious loss in thoughts was halted. “How do you feel about the ball?” Checkov asked, and there was a certain honesty there he wasn’t sure he wanted to tread on. Oh well tho, he was about to.

“To be honest, I don’t know. If I’ve been to one I can’t remember it, and to be frank, I feel oddly uncomfortable with how many possible accidents could happen. My first priority will always be Kathleen, and let’s be honest, how many people in that room will have a warm vein?” His voice was slightly edged, but Checkov gave a nod.

“I assure you, Kathleen won’t be harmed. And if it helps, I could see how far Ophelia has gotten in her research. Perhaps she can put a spell up to ease your mind.” He said, and Atticus nodded, feeling slightly more at ease. “Any other concerns? Or more questions perhaps? It has been a while since we’ve chatted and I’m sure Issack could offer just as much insight as I could.”

Atticus thought for a moment. “I do have one more question. What do you mean by betrothal gala?” he asked.

Checkov gave a haughty laugh, “I do forget that your memory isn’t all there, but it is meant to set up marriages to strengthen alliances. Like, my wife and I were betrothed before her run in with some hunters back east, and we met at one of these events. It’s a way of nature. You have to understand, not all are privileged enough to marry high ranking members of the coven, so betrothal are necessary.”

Atticus nodded and quieted for a few moments, eating a hit of his food. What he had just said managed to trigger something in his mind and he hoped that no one tried to talk to him while it pieced together.

The blanket of ice was thick on coven grounds of the West, he could barely see through the blizzard ahead as a figure approached. It never came in to full clarity, but it was a figure he recalled from elsewhere. “You’ll catch your death out here!” the voice exclaimed, the masculinity being familiar as well. He could feel himself be pulled into a watch tower, at least that’s what he presumed.

“Thanks, the cold was making it hard to keep my eyes open. Where is everyone?” he asked.

“Headed to the North coven. The leaders daughter has gotten to proper marrying age.” The voice said, and Atticus rolled his eyes as he lit the fireplace. “You’ve only just woke up, so ft hey didn’t think you would be up for the trip.”

Atticus chuckled. “At least I’m not alone though.” He said, and he sat down, looking to the figure. “What’s the big deal anyway? Couldn’t she just marry whoever?”

“No. It’s an arranged marriage type thing in these covens, it’s why I tried to keep you out of them. But I’m glad we found you.” The voice said, and Atticus nodded.

“Me too. I might still be lost, or worse.” He said, but after that things started lightening up.

His normal vision returned and he blinked a minute before he felt his head start throbbing. He tried hard not to show it, but he suddenly felt weak and he needed something. He stood, “If you’ll excuse me a moment.” He said, and he looked to Kat before scooting out her chair. “I hope you don’t mind me stealing your lovely conversation for a moment.” He said to Cassandra before he offered Kat his arm and headed outside. He leaned against the outer wall.

“I’m sorry to have pulled you away, but I need a mjnute. I have a sudden pounding headache and need the energy from the storm. And I wasn’t going to leave you in there. Not that I don’t trust the elders and coven leaders, but at the same time I prefer you be with me.” He admitted, bringing a hand to his head. He hated how even small memories messed him up, and he could feel a certain darkness in him stirring the longer he sat with Issack. Something about him felt off, and he didn’t like it. Not at all.

--

Starforge had been a lovely place for the last couple of years, Alessandra recalled, but she was honestly hoping that this ball would be different. She had a friend now, at least she’d like to call Kathleen a friend. Something about her felt almost sisterly in a way, and she reminded her a lot of what she was like when she was younger, before she made it to the South coven and began traveling. Starforge was her last stop before returning South, and she had managed to keep promises to herself and others by being north.

The voice came and Aless smiled. “Well look at you, gorgeous.” She smiled, glad to see Kathleen had made it. “So this is your first ball? I remember mine. I had been away from home for a couple years and in the South. It was actually kind of awkward. I didn’t know anyone so they kind of looked me over.”

Alessandra noticed that the boys weren’t looking their way and it caused a frown to furrow. She snapped her fingers a bit, a kind of habit to keep her anger in check, and she turned to Kathleen. “For what it’s worth I’ll dance with you. I kind of suckered at it, but I will.” She smiled, hoping to try and lift her spirits. She had a feeling it wasn’t working though, and she sighed.

“Kathleen, I want you to remember you’re worth more than this. I’ll be leaving, back for home, after this. So if you’re ever in the South, look me up. But if you can’t get that far and things get bad, there is a vampire coven here in the north… it’s run by a man named Checkov, and he’ll help you.” She gave her a hug. “But I do promise, one day we’ll meet again.”

Mitchell couldn't help the small smile on his face at what Lia said about the other witches. Yet he wasn't upset that things had never worked out with the witches in the West. It wasn't like he hadn't been with women or even came close to marrying one or two. Though things hadn't worked out for one reason or another. He had been alive for six hundred twenty five years after all. Smiling a little he changed the subject to the ball itself and the fact she wasn't fond of dressing up. Mitchell nodding his head at her question. "Well most of the women I've went with or accompanied at least. Were eager to dress up and look pretty with all the men's eyes on them." He answered with a slight roll of his eyes, there had been a few of those comments that had been made before his dates left with another man for that matter. The only other woman he heard complain about been his sister, but it had been for a very different reason then Lia.

Mitchell laughed a little nodding his head again. "Yes, I have seen just now quickly you change." He answered still smiling. "At least you will be able to pick how you want to make your dress look though, so you could make it a little bit more comfortable to wear all night." When Lia thanked him for the comment Mitch nodded his head, though it was the truth so it probably was a nice complement, Lia always looked very beautiful when she dressed up and went to the meetings with the elders before she went and changed. Well she always looked beautiful for that matter, but she showed it off more when dressed up.

Mitchell couldn't help that the small smile came to his face as Lia said she wouldn't feel comfortable going with anyone other than him after they had finished dinner. It was a rather nice complement really, it was rather nice to know that he might her feel that comfortable. That she could think of being in a room full of blood vampires and still be comfortable because of him being there to guard her. "See its a good thing Att couldn't find a dress than." He said starting to actually feel more like himself, the comment about the East had been mainly a joke, but this he nodded his head to her words. If there was anyone that could show her that was in fact true, it would be Izzy.

He watched her as she started towards the stairs, though he wasn't sure what he had done to earn her thanks. "You're welcome, thank you for dinner." He said after she told him she would be back. With a quick glace around him Mitch let out a soft sigh and walked over to his bag and dug around in it until he found the book he was reading. After all if she was going to be working on Kat's lessons, he knew she was going to go quiet again, he needed to keep his mind on something other that what had upset him earlier. As he heard the dance music start playing upstairs a small smile came to his face as he looked above him for a moment before sitting his book on the coffee table and doing the small bow as if there was someone else in thee room with him. Closing his eyes he let a soft sigh out of his lips and started moving to the music, his hands positioned as if he was holding a partner to lead her. It was a little awkward but it really had been a long time, and it wasn't everyday that he got a chance to dance with Lia. Though in a way it was funny. It had been hundreds of years and yet the sound of the music always brought a memory of when he was still learning to dance to his mind.

The candle lit lanterns that normally lit up the large living room of Hollyfrost had been blown out and Mitchell's father had to used his magic to give the room a dim glow little the small spread out coven Greenwatch normally had at their balls. Both his mother and father where still busy moving the furniture as Mitchell sat at the kitchen table with his sisters finishing up dinner. Hearing Malaika sigh Mitchell looked over to her for a moment before asking her what was wrong, only for her to pick at her food for a moment.

"I don't want to do this again. I really hate dancing with dad. I would so much rather lead." Malaika said frowning down at her food.

"Well you could always ask mom to saw you how to lead instead. Or after you get down the following." Mitchell suggested giving his twin a small smile.

Malaika signed baking her head though. "A proper lady shouldn't lead in the dance but follow the gentleman." She answered her tone mockingly repeating what their mother had told her more times than she even cared to count. Before smiling a little bit as Mitchell said that was stupid.

Isolde let out a laugh making Mitchell look at her frowning. "You freak shows don't have anything to worry about." She said as she stood from the table and took her plate to the sink. "You can' t be good dancers in the room, because no one wants to dance with you anyway." Her words made Mitchell's eyes blacken before he looked to his twin who was staring a hole into their elder sisters back. Reaching over he tapped the top of her hand getting attention before she could be pushed to the point of causing a fight again. "I'll figure out a way to get mom to teach you to lead. Just watch." He said making Malaika smile as she took their plates to the sink.

As they finished up they dinner the two of them went into the living room and Mitchell's hand was grabbed by his mother, and she gently pulled him to the middle of the room and tested him with a curtsey before Mitchell gave a low bow, and took her hand putting his other hand where she had told him it needed to be. Which wasn't the easiest as she she was most taller then his ten year old self.

After the first ten times of Mitchell stepping on his mothers feet she let out a frustrated sigh. "Mitchell sweety are even trying at this point?" She said putting her hands on her hips and Mitchell looked up at her frowning and nodded his head. "Because this is a very important thing to learn. What are you going to do if some girl you like wants to dance and you can not." His mother scolded making Mitchell look down at his feet for a moment before his father pipped up.

"Arlessa, give the boy a break. He'll get it down, and be a great dancer, he's a Anderson." He said before looking into the kitchen and adding. "Besides, life's about proving people their wrong to doubt you." Both Mitch and Malaika smiled before his mother sighed and told Mitchell to start again.

The sound of Lia's footsteps coming downstairs brought him back to reality and he grabbed his book and quickly sat on thwe couch and glaced up briefly from his book at her as she sat her stuff down on the table, before looking down and starting to read. Though hearing the music start playing again he looked up at her before smiling slightly at her request and putting his book down. "Of course, its been a while a refresher is always nice." He answered her as he stood and looked around.

"Hmm I'll move this back but let's make more room, okay." He said thoughtful before moving the coffee table against the couch. As he turned to look at her he gave a relaxed smile before putting a hand behind his back and giving a small bow holding a hand out for her to take. Once she curtsied and took his hand Mitchell gently pulled her closer to him and put his other hand on the small of her back as he started to dance with her. His body actually rather relaxed as he moved to the music leading her. "This is a lot better than dancing by myself to the muffled music from your room." He said smirking a little bit at her, it was always easier to talk when getting the hang of dancing again, your mind not worrying about where your feet were.

--

Kathleen of course noticed a few of the people at the table smile at how excited she was about the ball. Which after the little bit of harshness she had already had to deal with from Issack is was rather nice to have people staring at her. She was sure that this one was going to end on a less sad note than the last one....yes she was sure of it.

Kathleen couldn't help but smile as she watched Cassandra stifle her laugh before laughing a little at her response to her question about easterners, because honestly that made sense to her. Mitchell had to be the most talkative person she knew and even he stopped to take a breath every now and then she thought looking back over to the other end of the table seeing it was just Atticus and Checkov talking now. Though she wasn't paying the most attention to them as she was talking to Cassandra, looking back to her before checking to make sure she would be at the ball as well.

When she confirmed that she was going to be at the ball, Kathleen smiled happily at her. "Good there will be someone interesting to talk to." She said as she started eating some more of her food. When she said that she would even come earlier than usually she smiled and nodded her head though truly between Ophelia and Atticus she was always well taken care of. Though perhaps she was talking about stuff for the ball itself. "Honestly the only thing I'm worried about, is the dancing part." She admitted quietly with a small laugh.

Kathleen couldn't help but be a little surprised that Cassandra could tell she was a autumn child, seeing how almost everyone thought she was been in the winter. However, she smiled great big and nodded her head to the question. "Yes, actually. My birthday is day after tomorrow. Which means a easy lesson coming up so yay." She answered, truth be told she was actually very happy about that. Though they didn't really celebrate her birthday, at least Ophelia started making sure that the lesson was easier on her birthday since she let it slip out that it was her birthday a years ago. In a way it was like a present, or at least Kathleen tried to see it that way.

When Atticus stood and excused himself, she looked at him in confusion for a moment before he pulled at her chair and excused her too. In that brief moment before he had pulled out her chair though, she knew that something was wrong, she knew Atticus long enough to be able to get tell by the look on his face. Looking at Cassandra she gave a tense smile before nodding to her. "It was nice to meet you." She said quietly before heading outside with Atticus, because she already figured that they wouldn't be coming back. Though at least she had eaten half of her dinner.

When the two of them get outside, she looked up at Atty for a moment as he leaded up against the wall, before giving him a soft look as he talked. "That's okay Atty, I wouldn't have wanted to stay there without you anyway." She answered softly, and now that it was just the two of them away from the others she could almost feel the darkness pouring out of his aura, it made she tilt her head a little and she could see a sight paleness in his face as well. Kat let out a soft sigh. "Oh Atty. If that Issack guy was bugging you bad enough to make your aura go this dark we could have left sooner." She added softly shaking her head.

Without even much thought about she reached her hand up and cupped the side of his face. "Let's see if we can get rid of that headache." Kat said her voice soft and quiet before closing her eyes and starting to chant quietly and pulling engery from the rain, as she put him in a illusion.

"The loud noises and lighting from the rain storm were gone though she could feel the engery still being pulling from it. The two of them stood in front of a pound, the water dimly lit with a soft greenish glow as if their were lights under the water, as small sliver fish swum around the light reflecting off their scales. Softly cello music played in the background as if coming from nowhere, and she can smell honey suckle sightly filling the air around them. With a small smile showed on Kat's lips as she sat in the soft lush grass pulling him down beside her. "You aren't allowed to tell anyone about this okay? This is my calm place that I make for before I go to bed or after nightmares." She said looking at him. "Hopefully it will help your head.'

It was slightly weird, at least Lia thought, when she asked Mitch to help her. She had half expected a no, even if she knew he probably would have done it for her willing or not, but she was glad he said he would. A small smile broke over her face and she watched as he moved the coffee table before she pushed a couple of chairs out of the way. He bowed to her, and once she curtsyed back, he had taken her hand and she placed her other carefully on his shoulder as they began. Now this definitely felt better.

When he spoke, she chuckled a bit and shook her head. “Well, it’s better than trying to convince yourself someone is there with numbers.” She said, things melting away as they went into the first turn. She barely could tell he hadn’t danced in however long, and she had even forgot that the last time she danced was at her wedding. “You weren’t kidding, you are really good at this.” She smiled, looking at his face. “It feels really natural, you know? Like it’s insane, it doesn’t feel like it’s been as long as it has been.” She said.

Her mind wandered a bit as they continued though, to the last time she had seen two others dance. It was one of her favorite memories, and she was sure her smile stayed on her face as it played in her mind.

Lia could hear the soft music in the living room from her place n the front porch, watching the rain as it fell. It was quite a beautiful day with it, and she knew her garden was enjoying the extra water. She sighed, taking in the damp air before the music stopped and restarted for the third time, and finally she couldn’t take it. She stood up, drawing her jacket closer around her as she quietly tiptoes inside to see her husband dancing around the living room with a beautiful girl with Sandy blonde hair and bright amber eyes that matched her own.

“Father, I’m never going to get this down.” She giggled, and Lia leaned against the door frame watching them still. She saw the girl step on Abel’s feet for the third time and they stopped again and Abel restarted the music.

“Don’t watch our feet, Alessandra. You’ll be 17 in a week, which puts you right at proper marrying age, and you’ll be attending all sorts of balls to meet suitors. And one day, when you meet the right one, you’ll get married.” He said, and he smiled to her before Alessandra smiled.

“You and mom weren’t at proper marrying age when you got married.” Aless asaid, and Lia laughed this time and it drew their attention to her as she came in and curled up in her chair.

“It doesn’t mean I wasn’t taught at 17 either. Just feel the music, sweetie. Let it be your guide, and seriously quit looking at your feet, you’ll get it.” She said, and she flicked her wrist and heard the music restart and she watched as they began. Aless was still a little shaky at the beginning, but the longer they went, the longer she seemed to hold some confidence and the better she was getting,

Abel smiled to her, “Light on your feet, just like your mother.”

Aless smiled brightly, “Really?”

When Abel nodded, Lia watched as they hugged and soon Aless dragged her up and began dancing a bit oddly with her.

Ophelia could barely feel reality anymore, and it was a nice feeling. How everything had melted away for a while as they danced to the music. Wait a minute… how long had they been dancing? She had been so caught up, noticing her face still turned up slightly to the movements, but the music had stopped. It couldn’t have really been that long and she decided to do something she’d normally never do. She slid her hand down his arm and grabbed hold of his other hand, her lips pursed together in an innocent sort of smile.

She first looked at their feet before pulling back a little and getting on her tip-toes, letting go of one of his hands before walking in a part of a circle around him to try an d spin him, but real is ed she was too short. “Well, damn.” She mumbled a bit before laughing a bit and trying the other way. Again she failed, but she finally moved again and stopped in front of him. “You know, if I’m ever going to be able to twirl you, you’re gonna have to help me out here. I’m way too short.” She commented.

Now the silence from the music could be felt she was sure that it wasn’t too bad. She had felt how tense he’d been earlier, and obviously a bit of fun was due for the both of them. And she couldn’t think of anyone else she’d rather try to relearn how to dance with.

--

Atticus had felt the eyes on their backs as they left the main hall, and once they were away from the council and the coven leaders, he looked to Kat. She was sweet to worry about him and he looked to her and shook his head. “It’s not that.” He said, quietly, his mind still heavy. “I mean I don’t like the guy, there is something off about him, but that’s not why I needed to get out.”

Before he could protest to Kat helping him with his head, he felt himself be plunged into a very relaxing place, and when he looked to Kat and then looked around he couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Everything about this place was beautiful, and he couldn’t imagine how this place couldn’t help someone relax. Slowly he could feel his head stop throbbing and he looked at Kat again, this time in amazement.

“This place is amazing. I promise I won’t say anything.” He said to her before he took in a deep breath before he looked at her again. Magic was a truly amazing thing. It really was.

“I had to get out of there because something started triggering a memory.” He told her, and he looked down, pointing at his head. “I’m amnesiac, and Lia a few years back told me my memories were bound with some dark magic.” He let out a deep sigh before running a hand through his hair. “In fact I had a memory come back to me with such force I was out cold for a solid week, and the little bits I’ve gotten since have just given me headaches.”

He hated admitting it. Truly, deeply, he hated admitting his own issues, simply because hey weren’t something he could control, he had so much of his life he couldn’t remember and the hits he did were vague and incomplete anyway, like someone had tried to erase people from him. They were trying to hide who he was from him. Whoever had bound his mind was definitely a crafty one.

He ran his hand over his face before looking back at Kat and sighing. “I wish I could remember anything or at least not have this kind of issue when I do remember, but it’s hard to find anyone who can help.”

He closed his eyes again, allowing himself to relax a little more while they were still in the serenity of what he was going to forever call Kat’s happy place. He loved how the place felt and he was glad she was comfortable enough to show him it.

Mitchell couldn't help but smile at the slightly surprised look on Lia's face when he agreed first off about dancing with her. Did she really think that he would say no? Of course not, after all he had agreed to be her dance partner at the ball rather quickly. Not to mention that as he said, he was raised with most Southern mannerisms. He couldn't turn down a lady asking him to dance with her.

Of course those were just excuses, the reasons he would give her if she asked. The real reason might bring up questions he wasn't ready to answer, if he ever would be. He had been wanting to dance with her for sometime actually, but it felt odd to randomly ask. Also she had been rather adamant about not going to the balls since she came here.

Mitch laughed a little when he responded to him as he lead them into the first turn, relaxing now as he listened to the music. His body just moving to the music as if it was a instinct, like riding a bike. Mitch smiled down at her when she commented on his dancing. "Thanks, you're really good at this too. Though I didn't doubt it for a moment." He said still looking at her before he nodded. "It is, which is actually nice. It usually seems like more work to dance." He said before giving a thoughtful look trying to remember the last time it seemed to be this relaxing.

When she said it didn't feel like it had been as long since she danced, he couldn't help but wonder when it was that she last danced. "Like it is just a instinct that you forgot you had but your body didn't." He said after a moment of trying to think of how to phrase his own thoughts.

It helped how graceful Lia was as he danced with her, almost like she didn't even need to lead her. She could just do all the dancing herself. There wasn't a worry of her stepping on his feet, whomever had taught her to dance must have been a very good teacher. He had never been the best at teaching this sort of thing. Though it had been years since he even tried.

Mitchell hadn't even realized that he had his eyes closed, as they danced. His body more relaxed than it had been all day, if not the last few days. It took him a few moments to even realize that the music had stopped playing altogether. His eyes opened a little and looked down at Lia against him dancing, and he couldn't help but smile closing them again. If she didn't care that the music had stopped, than he didn't care either. Though he opened them again he felt her rub down his arm and take hand, giving her a confused look as she just gave a innocent look back at him.

At first Mitchell didn't understand what she was trying to do, he stood still for the most part as she stood on her tippy toes and went around him. He let out a laugh when she was in front of him again. "What are you doing Lia?" He asked only to smirk a little as she went around him again and giving she a innocent look as she stopped in front of him again. "Oh was that what you were going?" He said with a soft laugh. "You know, you could have just asked." His said with a smile as he crouched a little so that he was shorter than her and when she tried to twirl him again, he lifted his right foot off the ground a little so that he would actually twirl for her. He gave a small laugh as he stood up straight once more and shook his head taking her hand again.

"Well that is something I've never done before. Is it normally dizzying or should I have stared at a wall?" Mitch said as his body relaxed again as they started dancing again, and he thought for moment before smiling a little and moving his hand from her back. Rather enjoying himself more than anything at this point he twirled her too, before putting his hand back at the small of her and dipping her as well. Hearing a soft whisper he stood Lia up and let go of her before looking behind them at the front door. To see Kat standing just outside of the living room drenched in water from the rain and Atticus beside her.

--

Kat smiled a little as Atty said that her peaceful place was amazing, it was actually a large complaint for her though he might not have realized that. It was her happy place, something she started years ago when she first started specializing on her Illusion magic. Though some of it had changed over time, most of it was the same. “Thanks, you’re one of the only three people who have seen this.” She said before he started to explain what had upset him so much over dinner.

She gave him a soft look as he spoke about his amnesia and how Lia had said that it said his memories were locked away thanks to dark magic. About how his memories coming back had once knocked him out cold for a week. She shook her head a little bit as he was looking at the ground. “I’m sorry Atty, I didn’t know that. I mean I knew you were amnesiac but not that magic had a part in it." Kat said her tone sad, she felt for him. To be amnesiac was one thing that was for sure, but to have your memory erased or hid from you. That was a totally different.

Kat looked at him for moment before looking at the ground thinking as he said it was hard to find anyone who could help. She saw him relaxing out of the corner of her eyes and bit her lip, before speaking up. "I can help." She said softly, before looking at him. "I mean if you want. It sounds like whoever did this to you tried to change a memory or erase it all together. That requires mind magic." She sighed and shook her head frowning. "Aside from making people see things, a lot of illusion magic has to do with memories short and long term. It might have the type whoever used. But it will be a big invasion of privacy, so I won't do it unless you're sure." She finished looking back at him again. It had been a very long time since she had done anything like this.

After a few moments of relaxing Kat could help but rubbing her arms as they started to get cold, as if she was freezing. She frowned sitting up rubbing she arms a bit more, her teeth starting to chatter. It was at that moment that she remembered that they had been standing outside when she had thought them into this illusion and she had not only left her coat but the umbrella inside of the dinning room when they left. She reached up feeling her hair, though it looked dry, it felt soaking wet to the touch. "Crap, I forget we were in the storm." She said before looking at Atty. "You're about to get dizzy." She warned him, waiting a moment before she brought them back to reality.

As Kat took her hand from his face her hands went down and started to rub her arms as she stepped back over the overhang of the castle out of the castle. Somehow she had moved just enough to be out in the rain and off in the grass. Her dress was soaked though and her hair was soaking wet and dipping as the wind continued to blow the rain on her even still. The white heels she wear had mud half way up the side. She looked up at Atticus shivering as she stepped out of her heels. "Atty I'm co...old. Can we go ho...ome?" She said shivering at him, she didn't even care about the fact she left her coat, as they started back to the cottage, she would get it later. She didn't want to go back inside and she didn't want Atty to have to either. By the time they got back to the porch she was freezing from the wind and being wet.

She held a finger to her lips before she hurried into the house quietly hoping that she wouldn't get caught. Afraid that the Lia would be angry that she had been in the rain without any protection. Though she didn't expect to see Lia and Mitch dancing in the front room, walk-in in just in time to see Lia twirling Mitchell before he twirled and dipped her as well. She couldn't help but smile at the show, before looking at Atticus.

"Come on." She whispered softly trying to get Atty to go back outside so they wouldn't realize they had been caught. Mitch seemed to have heard her though as he looked at her and brought Lia back up, stopping his dancing. She smiled great big at the two of them before looking at Lia.

"Kat? Why at you soaked?" Mitch said after a second of extremely awkward silence, trying to take the focus off the two of them.

Kat frowned looking down at herself. "I fo...orgot my co...oat."

Atticus had just told Kat one of the few things he hated admitting out loud. He was oddly sensitive about his amnesia, but he didn’t like for too many people to know that. He knew it wasn’t fully his fault, but often times he felt like people would try and take advantage of it. Then, perhaps one day, when he could remember his life, he’d know how many people had lied to him after the fact. He still wasn’t quite sure who would have done something like that, but his mind was pulled away when Kat spoke and he gave her a soft smile before nodding. “I feel very privileged that you’ve shown me then.” And when she offered her help he gave her a look. He didn’t know what she was strong in, he noticed it just now, in fact when it came to her magic he didn’t know much at all other than how it was beginning to balance.

He turned towards her and gave a nod. “Thank you for the offer, I’ll be sure to keep it in mind.” He said, listening carefully to her explanation. He subconsciously touched his hair when she touched hers and he felt his was wet too. “Shit,” he mumbled when she said they were out in the storm. He felt only slightly dizzy as they came back to reality. He saw her shivering, and though he knew his soaking wet coat might not help much, he took it off and placed it around her and he nodded. “Of course, come on, let’s get you back.”

Despite the mud and rain, they had made it back to the cottage rather quickly, and once they were out of the rain, he took his shoes off before he turned and saw Kat motioning her finger to her lips before he looked over and saw Lia and Mitch dancing. A small smile came to his lips and he nodded, but he knew they were caught when he heard Mitchell. He saw Lia’s face, trying not to convince herself that they hadn’t seen anything as she walked over. Atticus was fully prepared for an ass chewing, but what he was met with with something different.

“Will you put on coffee or tea? You’ll both need something warm.” Lia said, handing him a towel out of a nearby linen closet and pulling one around Kat. “Come on, before you start getting sick, we better get you into something warm and dry.”

He watched as Lia took Kat up the stairs and he put on some water for tea and some milk for hot cocoa. It was a little too late for coffee, even for him, and plus he’d be up a while anyway. He finally spoke, looking at Mitch, “So, I’m guessing you had a good evening?” he asked, rubbing the towel through his hair and then holding it around his shoulders a minute. He’d wait until the girls were back to go up and change into something dry. “I do have to say though, despite the dinner being a bit uncomfortable, the South Leader is quite nice. Checkov even seemed surprised to see her.” He said, making Kat a cup of cocoa and placing it on the table before making himself some tea, pouring a but for Lia as well. He looked to Mitchell and asked, “Want any?”

As he thought about it, Cassandra had reminded him a lot of Alessandra. The girl may have only been in his life a few weeks, but there was a similarity in their mannerisms. It was comforting, but Issack had been enough to make him not realize that at first. He hoped he’d get to see her again, see if he could maybe ask her a few questions about the fall of the west. Checkov had always given him vague answers, but Cassandra, he had a feeling anyway, wouldn’t. He took a sip of his tea, the warmth helping a little and he thought for a moment and smiled into his cup.

”Get in here before you catch your death!” the female voice rang out from the small cabin into the rain. Even though they were still in the South, they were definitely nearing the north. It was much cooler and the rain itself was cold. Atticus quickly ran into the small cabin before he looked down to see the pair of amber eyes that belonged to the voice. “Are you crazy? The storms are coming, and you’re wondering about like a madman!”

Atticus chuckled. “It wouldn’t have hurt me.” He said, “But I do have to say it’s not everyday I get to meet someone willing to help a stranger. You don’t know if I’d kill you in your sleep or not.”

The girl just shook her head and placed a cup of tea in his hands. “Trust me, I’ve been through my fair share of psychos to know you’re just lost. Don’t flatter yourself.” She said, and she motioned over to the small table near the middle of the room. “Take a seat, we can talk. Forgive my cooking. It’s not good, but it’s edible.”

Atticus took a seat and he watched as she did the same, taking a sip of her tea before a bite of her soup went into her mouth. “What’s your name?” he asked.

“Alessandra, but call me Aless. What about you?” she asked.

“Atticus.” He answered.

She gave a nod. “What brings you out this way? You don’t seem like you’re from the South. Can’t navigate the wolf infested areas well at all.” She said, and he gave a look. “You’ve been in front of me for a while. I was headed west, but heard the situation isn’t the best so started heading back.”

“So you can navigate this place? I’ve been trying to head East.” He said and he saw a look cross her face.

“You’d be better off heading north. The East has some not so nice people there.” She said, and he looked at her. “A few friends of mine were heading that way and died. But I hear things in the North or quite nice.” She said. “I could always help you get to the borders, but then I have to go back.”

Atticus nodded. “I’d appreciate it, thanks. Do you know what happened in the west?” he asked. She gave a look and he spoke. “I have a lot of memory problems. I lived there once but I don’t know what happened.”

Aless gave a sad smile. “I don’t. Maybe one day you can find someone who does though.” She then offered him a napkin, “But we’ll travel together until we get to the North. I promise. Who knows, after that we may meet again one day.”

His mind was drawn back once Lia’s voice came. “Bathroom is open, go get changed before it gets any colder.”

Atticus nodded, but soon a knock came to the door. He was the closest to it so he looked and opened the door.

“My, my, I see the storm definit’ly got ya.” The female voice chuckled. “Mind if I come in, sug? It’s pourin’ and I’d rather not get caught in the worst of it.”

“Of course, come in.” Atticus said, allowing Cassandra to come in as he grabbed a change of clothes before heading up to the bathroom.

--

Lia had nearly forgotten that for the first time in nearly 20 years, she and Mitchell were actually alone. It was a nice and kind of calm that she needed, and she laughed a little when he let her twirl him and she shook her head. “Little known secret, looking at the wall makes it worse.” She said as they went back to their normal dancing position. It wasn’t long before Mitch had twirled her and then all of a sudden she was dipped. She was looking up and managed to lock eyes with him. She had almost forgotten that his eyes were this pretty, but before she could even think of it she was being pulled up. A confused look crossed her face only briefly before she caught sight of Kat and Atticus.

She saw they were soaked, and Lia gave a soft look before asking Atticus to put on something warm for them. She grabbed two towels before handing one to Atticus and wrapping one around Kat’s shoulders and torso. “Come on, let’s get you into something warm and get once we get you out of your dress I’ll clean it for you. I should have it finished in a few days.” She said, gently taking Kat’s hand and bringing her up the stairs. She stopped in the bathroom, taking her little duckling, Edgar, out of the tub where he had been happily playing and she set him on the sink.

“Go ahead and wash up, I’ll get you something warm to wear.” She said, walking into her own bedroom. Lia knew she had by far warmer sweats than Kat. She grabbed her a long sleeved shirt and a pair of red sweatpants and one of her black robes. She walked back to the bathroom and handed her the clothes and gave her shoulder a gentle rub. “Here, Edgar and I will wait while you change.” She said, and she picked up the duckling and shut the bathroom door, softly behind her. He quacked at her softly before Lia walked into her bedroom and placed him in his small bed right beside hers. She patted his head and watched as he curled up.

Lia smiled a bit before she headed out of her room as Kat came out of the bathroom and she brought her hand out. “Come on, let’s get you something warm to drink, and I’ll cut you some of the brownies I made the other night.” She said, and as they headed down the stairs, she noticed Mitchell there. She gave a soft smile to him before telling Atticus the bathroom was opened. She went into the fridge and pulled out the brownies before the door opened and she looked at the woman who came in. In her hand was Kat’s coat, and Lia just smiled a bit.

--

Cassandra couldn’t have been any happier as she returned to her room after cutting dinner a little short, being sure to grab Kathleen’s coat before she headed up to change. She sighed a bit, stripping out of her dress and pulling on a pair of black slacks that she tucked into a pair of knee-high boots. She pulled on a nice beige sweater as well before pulling on her own coat. She tied her hair up in a ponytail and grabbed her umbrella. She was going to the cottage and this coat was her excuse.

With a sigh she headed towards the main entrance where Checkov was standing, leaning against another umbrella. “And where are you heading, Cassandra?”

She gave a knowing grin. “To return the young witch’s coat. She will be needing it with the weather getting colder, y’know?” he handed her the other umbrella and sighed.

“Alright, take them back their umbrella too.” He said, and she kissed both of his cheeks before opening her umbrella. “And come to my study when you come back, join me for a drink.”

Cassandra nodded and smiled. “Of course, sug. I’ll be a bit though.” She smiled, heading out towards the cotrage. Atticus had let her in and she placed the umbrella just outside the door as she slipped out of her shoes and came in. She saw Kathleen next and handed her her coat, “Now, sug, leavin’ your coat in this weather isn’t going to do much good.”

Cassandra then saw Mitch and Lia and chuckled at the brownies that were being placed on the plate. “Well, well, now, there you two are. Missed a hell of a dinner if I do say so myself,” she chuckled. She first greeted Mitch with a hug and a kiss to each of his cheeks. After that she greeted Lia in the same way. “Mind gettin’ me a cuppa tea, sug?” she asked Mitch as she took off her coat and seated herself at the table.

“I didn’t think we’d see you this soon.” Lia said, placing a brownie near Kat’s cup on the table and then placing one in front of Cassandra.

“I had some business up in Starforge for my witches, figur’d I could drop by.” She smiled. “I hear you and Miss Kathleen will fin’ly be attendin’ the ball. You two shouldn’t worry ‘bout a thing. I’ll make sure you’re prop’ly taken care of.”

Lia nodded a bit before Cassandra spoke again. “So… who is gonna catch me up?”

It had been relaxing for it to be just him and Lia, and the dancing had been the perfect way for the night to end. It had been almost twenty years since they had been alone together, and it was surprising how with Lia it could feel like that was both forever ago and yesterday at the same time. He smiled down at her as he held her still dipped for a moment before he realized they weren't alone. It was a shame that they were interruped but it was expected in a way. He knew that Atty and Kat would be back soon, still didn't mean that he didn't wish they could have had longer.

He watched Lia take Kat upstairs, a small relaxed smile as Kat glanced at him, and after a moment he headed into the kitchen as well, when Atty spoke Mitch nodded his head. "Pretty good, very calm and relaxing." He answered a smile staying on his face, as much as he enjoyed having his friend around all the time, he sort of wished that it was just him and Lia still sometimes. "I'm sorry for being a dick earlier. How was dinner?" He asked leaning against a corner.

He smiled more at what Atty said about the Southern leader. "Well you know what they say about southern women At. They sure as hell know how to make an entrance." He said with a small chuckle before he shake his head at himself for repeating his fathers words about his mother. "Cassandra is great, if I had known she was here I might have thought about going. Still wouldn't have, but I would thought about it at least." He added before nodding, he normally didn't care for tea, but today been tense enough for him and coffee wouldn't help him relax. He just putthree spoons of sugar in the tea to mask the bitter taste instead.

He smiled a little to himself as he walked out of the kitchen, he truly did like Cassandra, she was a very sweet and beautiful woman, though not even close to his type. She had been kind to him before he really even knew her, hell before he and Lia were even getting along. He still remembered the first time that he saw her and Isaack getting into an argument over the shit he was saying about him. She had handled the argument with a sort of Southern grace that got him not only to stop talking but had gotten a smile from Checkov. He had never figured out what it had been about, however. Seeing that it had been one of the late nights with Lia, he had been both to tired to get into the fight himself or to care about the bullshit that seemed to pour out of Issack's mouth whenever he opened it. From what he had heard, Isaack was yelling that Checkov was getting to personal with him, and he needed to hire another guard. It hadn't ever made sense to him.

His mind snapped back to reality has he heard Lia talking to Atty, and he looked over just in time to see her smile at him and return the smile.

--

Despite the fact Atticus's coat was soaked it did help Kat a little bit, keeping the cold rain from hitting her bare arms more and she smiled a little bit at him. Th..anks Atty." She shivered before they headed up to the house getting there rather quickly even through the mud. When they got inside and saw Lia and Mitchell dancing, she really hadn't wanted to ruin their dancing and clearly having fun. She couldn't even really see Lia's face, but she could almost see the smile Lia had from the one on Mitchell's face looking down at her.

Kat actually felt bad for ruining it when Mitch saw her and asked why she was soaked. She felt like she was going to get in trouble for leaving her coat, like a child waiting for their mother to scold them. But instead Lia handed Atty a towel and asked him to make something to drink before wrapping a towel around her as well. Kat gave a small smile as Lia took her hand leading her upstairs, only glancing at Mitch for a second before following Lia.

"Thank you Lia." She said as Lia said she would clean her dress, and she waited until the two of them where in the bathroom to speak again. "I'm really sorry I forgot my coat and your umbrella." Kat said softly, Lia was being so nice to her, and it made her feel a bit bad that Lia had made sure to remind her to get both things before she left the house, and she left them both at the castle.

Kat smiled seeing Lia take Edgar out of the tub, she had been wondering where she had put him earlier, and nodded as Lia told her to wash up. When Lia left the bathroom Kat took off her jewelry setting it in a little bowl on the back of the toilet, then reached over and scratched the top of the little ducklings head, before stripping down and getting in the shower making the water as hot as she could stand. She had just got out of the shower and wrapped her towel around her body when Lia came back in with her some clothes.

As soon as Lia took Edger and left she dryed her hair before she started to get dressed, the sweat pants were a little bit baggy seeing that Lia was a little bit taller than her. Still they were so warm that it took away from the bagginess. She gave a happy sigh to herself in the mirror rubbing her arms a little before pulling her hair up in a ponytail and putting the black robe, which was baggy too, around her and leaving the bathroom.

Kat took Lia's hand again as she held it out to her giving her a light smile before they started down the stairs. A warm drink and brownie sounded so great, she loved Lia's brownies, they were her favorite of the sweets Lia often made. "That's sounds great, thanks Lia." She said before looking at Atty when Lia said the bathroom was empty, and she smiled a little at him as he passed by them. She had just went to sit down at the table when Cassandra showed up with her coat. She smiled a little as she took it from Cassandra. "I know, thanks for bringing it back." She said with a light laugh before walking over to the closet to hang it up as Cassandra greeted Mitch and Lia before coming back and sitting down, smiling contently as she started eating her brownie.

Mitch smiled as Cassandra came in though he made a bit of a face looking away from her at the mention of missing dinner. He knew that it could have been a step towards his issues to go, but he also knew it wasn't. He had as much, if not more of reason as Isaack not to want to be there. Nothing could be solved in a place they could worry about the other poisoning them, nothing could be solved in the first place anyway. He was in a better mood though, and didn't want to ruin it, so he said nothing in response to her words.

Still his relaxed smile came back as Cassandra come and gave him a hug, and he hugged her back, kissing both her cheeks greeting her back. Before watching as she had gave the same greeting to Lia, pulling a chair out from the table for Cassandra, a force of habit that she seemed to bring out of him. At her request he simply nodded and went into the kitchen to get her tea.

Kat couldn't help but look a little worried when Cassandra said she had business at Starforge. "Everything is alright up there right?" She said before smiling at her question as she reached over getting another brownie to eat with her cocoa as she listened to her talk some about ball.

Mitchell came back out of the kitchen as Cassandra was saying the girls would be taken care of and he couldn't help the little smile as he fought the urge to say that he wouldn't let anything happen to them. He sat the teacup in front of her. "One scoop of sugar still, right?" He asked before taking his seat. "Nothing really important has happened since your last vist." He said with a small shrug, before giving Lia a weird look at Cassandra's response.

"You know, you have really pretty hair." Kat said her words coming out quickly smiling at Cassandra as she tried to break up what she confused as tension.

Atticus looked at Mitch after he answered his question and he shrugged at his apology. “Don’t worry about it. We’ve all got that thing that makes us act like that.” He said, and soon he was told he could head up to the bathroom. However, he first let Cassandra in, and watched very briefly before he headed up the stairs, grabbing his bag before he did so. When he got in the bathroom, he turned the shower on and stripped out of his wet clothes before he got in.

The hot water felt nice against his skin, and he sort of lingered in it a bit longer than he would have, but his mind was still a bit hazy. What the hell had triggered that little half a memory to come through, and why was it still so distorted? Like the person in it had been the same from that first one. He didn’t understand it. He didn’t understand any of it, why would someone bind his memories period? He thought a moment, back to what Kat had said. She said she could help him, if he wanted her to, and he was considering it. Highly considering it.

He got out of the shower, and dried off before putting on his sweats. He didn’t expect they’d be going elsewhere tonight, especially with the storm and how late it was getting. He gathered up his things and headed down the stairs, being sure to put his wet clothes on the porch before joining everyone. He’d grab his clothes in the morning and wash them then. For now they could just sit outside so they didn’t get anything else dirty, or start to smell.

He sat at the table, looking a bit between everyone before Kat spoke to Cassandra. All he could do was give a small smile, knowing what she was trying to do.

--

It was definitely good to see Cass again, Lia noted as they began conversing. Cass looked over to Kat when she asked about Starforge and smiled. “Oh, everything is just fine there, sug. My witches just needed a few special items from the elders there. There are just some things I gotta get from the North for them.” She said.

Lia looked over to Kat and gave a gentle look to her when she asked about Starforge. The past may not have been brought up often around here, but she had known that it was where Kat had come from. Personal details hadn’t really been discussed, even with how close they seemed to feel, no matter how much Lia… she shook her head a bit at the thought. When Cass asked to be caught up, Lia heard Mitch answer her and she nodded.

“It’s been relatively boring around here. Aside from Kat joining us, nothing else has really happened.” Lia agreed, and she saw Cass cast a look between the two of them.

“So, nothin’ else?” she asked and Lia shook her head. “Mmm-hmmm…”

Lia gave a confused look to Mitch, seeing him mirror her confusion. What did Cass think? She heard Kat compliment Cass hair before she even noticed Atticus was back. “Oh, thanks sug! I use rosemary and mint to keep it extra clean and I used jasmine to make it smell nice.” Cass said and Lia went about cutting more brownies, sliding a plate in front of Atticus and the next one in front of Mitch. “What do you do to yours because it looks softer than silk.” She smiled.

Lia was glad that Cass was there, and once the hair conversation was over, she turned to Lia. “So, sug, are you at least a little excited about the ball?”

Lia shrugged, “I mean I guess I am. Not like I’ve ever been to one.” She half mumbled the last bit to herself and Cass gave her a look.

“I could have swore you went with Bianca.” Cass said before she noticed Lia look down. “Sorry sug, I didn’t realize that...”

Lia shook her head, “It’s fine.” She said, taking up her cup and taking a sip of tea.

“Who is Bianca?” Atticus asked.

Cass looked to Lia who just kind of waved off the question, “It was nice seeing you Cass, but I’m going to head up to bed, I have a few things to take care of.” She said, giving Cass a small hug and a kiss to each cheek before heading up to her room.

Cass sighed and shook her head a bit. “Sorry. I didn’t realize she didn’t talk about it still.” She apologized before her eyes darted to the stairs. “Bianca was her younger sister. That’s all I’ll say, I know she wouldn’t want me to say much else.”

Atticus nodded a bit, deciding that a change in topic was a good idea. “So, what’s the South like? I never made it real far South because of the wolves while I traveling.”

Cass gave a gentle smile and nodded a bit, “Well, sug, it’s beautiful. Full of lush forest and great music. Not to mention it’s got character and style, and you don’t gotta deal with the cold. Oh, it’s wondeful. Sure, we’ve got a bit of a wolf problem, but the witch council has been helping me resolve it here as of lately. Since Danielle took over the council, it’s been a lot more peaceful.” She said with a smile.

--

Lia had decided to call it a night after Cass accidentally brought up her sister. Even she knew it wasn’t all Cass’s fault… the woman had been there for her and her family before the tragedy… she shook her head again and sat on her bed, making sure her light was off so no one would bother her. She laid back on her bed, barely moving or anything, and she stared up at the ceiling. She could feel herself drift off a few times, but she always jolted herself awake. It wasn’t until about midnight that she finally gave up fighting it… and the nightmare set in…

Ophelia sighed as she sat in her chair, watching as the fire in her fire place flitted in an almost trained fashion. Sanctuary, her home for the last 25 years, was in grave danger, and she could hear the last of the evacuation groups running into the forest just behind her house. Very few had decided to stay. She had, old man Gimple had, and a few others that were pretty new to the village had. She stayed to give the others as much of a fighting chance to get to the South borders and to head into the safety of the Southern witch council. As much as she hated the council, especially with Sybil still in charge, she couldn’t deny that they had a better chance in the South than anywhere else.

She sighed, taking a long sip of her tea as her eyes continued to watch the fire. “Ophelia, are you sure you want to stay? You know the pathway South better than any of us, even Alessandra doesn’t know it the way you do.” The elderly man asked as he too took a sip of his tea.

“Aless knows the way better than she leads on, Gimple. Besides, I’m not welcomed into the Southern Council because of who I am.” She replied, quietly, looking into her tea glass. “Plus, Aless’s group should be safe now, so that gives me all the comfort I need. I mean, short of actually knowing what became of Abel.”

The old man gave her a soft half chuckle, “You are a stubborn woman. I could see why Abel was so taken with you. And you care, even if you want to act cold. A true sort of beauty lay there, don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise.”

Ophelia tossed a look to the man and shrugged. “You sound a lot like my father did.” She commented, off handed and Gimple chuckled again before he began coughing.

“157 years I’ve been here, would you believe it? Built this place with my own two hands, and now, I fear I will witness it’s destruction.” He sighed. “But it’s necessary, I suppose. If I learned anything from living with affliction it is that destruction often brings greater things.”

Ophelia gave a small nod before she stood, the old man doing the same as they headed outside to meet the others. Ophelia saw Gimple falling a little behind her, his cane supporting him as he made his way to them. “We follow Ophelia’s plan. They should be coming from either due east or due north. The flames from New Salem have since died out, so they could be here any moment now.”

The agreement that came along the others was just in simple nods as everyone began taking their places. Ophelia took her place atop the roof to her own home, watching the path to the South border carefully. The hunters dare not tread too far into it, they’d come across some very angry wolves if they did. She had lost track of time as she stared out towards the South, but the bang of guns drew her attention away and towards the center of town. Gimple was casting destructive spells in the direction of a rather large group of hunters, and soon Ophelia willed her own magic before everyone stopped dead in their tracks.

“Stop! Or we kill the hostages!” the leader said, showing a group of five in chains with bags over their heads. The bags revealed to be the Deeds, a couple who had went missing three weeks ago. Another revealed Fontaine, their only natural soul, and the Abel’s came into view, and she stopped. She hadn’t been seen yet, she could tell from how the others moved and how far back she was. If they had been ordered to do something, she hadn’t heard it as she looked upon the bruised face of her husband. She got her wish. They hadn’t killed him yet, but she could sense worse was still to come. She quickly scampered off her roof and headed towards the center of town as stealthily as she could. Everyone was being put on stakes, even Gimple, who willingly led the pack. She shook her head a bit and felt the rage bubbling in her veins before a voice came.

“How did this happen?” the female voice whispered, and Ophelia turned her head to see the Sandy blonde dreadlocks and bright amber eyes.

“Aless!” she hissed, “What are you doing here? You could get killed!”

“I wasn’t going to leave you.” She whispered back, and her attention turned to the group in the center of town.

“You’re stupid, you know?” Gimple began with a chuckle that turned into a cough.

“Why do you say that?” the leader asked as he teased the torch along the bottom of Gimple’s stake.

“Because, you are still missing one of us. Probably the only one you should really fear. I may be an old, afflicted man, but this woman can do things I could never dream of.” He replied, and the leader shook his head.

“You know, in New Salem, they said that Sanctuary housed what would be the infamous Death Witch, but if that’s so true, then why is she not here right now, defending you?” he retorted and that’s when Ophelia felt Aless’s eyes on her.

“Death Witch?” she whispered and Ophelia nodded. “You?”

“Yes, shh honey…” Ophelia whispered. Abel’s voice came next.

“Because she is far from stupid.” Ophelia looked over and she met Abel’s eyes as he continued speaking. “Why do you think you only caught me last week when you ambushed us? She went through the cemetery. It’s also why you had to bring in another team, she probably killed the half you sent after her. Haven’t seen or heard from them since have you?”

The leader was getting visibly frustrated. “And how would you know that?”

“She’s my wife.” Abel laughed, “And let me tell you, when she decides to open the gates of hell upon you, she will gladly do so. Humans, always want to destroy what they cannot understand. Make yourselves some bad enemies that way.”

“SILENCE!” the leader bellowed and not long after he began lighting the stakes. Aless went to move, but Ophelia caught her arm, getting a look.

“They want us to come out for this. Stay put.” Ophelia whispered.

“But dad is going to die!” Aless felt the tears in her eyes, but she saw the ones in Ophelia’s and just nodded. Ophelia looked to Abel, his eyes meeting hers before looking away, mouthing that he loved her. She mouthed it back and looked to her daughter.

“It’s inevitable baby, only you and I will make it out of this one.” She said, and she pulled the younger woman into her arms and placed a kiss to the top of her head. “Run, head South and don’t stop until you reach the vampire coven there. Cassandra will help you, just tell her that you’re my daughter, and that I’ll be fine.”

Alessandra looked to her and shook her head. “I’m not leaving you, mother.”

“You have to. I promise we’ll see each other again one day.” She whispered, letting her daughter go. “Now run, I don’t want you to see what I’m about to do. Old man Gimple is dead, so I can tap into his power now.”

Aless nodded and kissed Ophelia’s cheek before she ran, and Ophelia headed towards the center of town. “And who is this lovely creature?” the leader asked.

She looked to Abel again and she could feel him dying, and the tears came down her face. “You know, he was he was right. You made a huge mistake today for humanity, you just became enemies with the Death Witch.” She said, and her hands came up and the fire began engulfing everything in its path. The houses and buildings and he hunters, and as each of the other witches died… she could feel their power melding with her own. She could feel her heart breaking in half. Her husband of 20 years was now dead and only child was making a run for the South borders.

“Why do you still fight us?” the leader asked, watching as a ring of flames burned around him.

“Because, once you’re dead, I can make sure you’ll never know peace. You will rot in the earth until I decide you’re useful to me . And even then, your soul will be bound to the earth.” She spoke, her voice void any emotion, but her concentration shattered when she heard a shriek. Not a second later, she bounded off in the direction it came from, going as fast as she could. She came upon three hunters that had Alessandra cornered. One didn’t look like he wanted to be there, but he was being forced into it by the others.

She could see Aless trying to hold the spell to keep them back, but she was having issues from being so tired. Ophelia waved her hand and watched as fire engulfed one of the hunters, the younger hunter running off as Aless looked to her. “Run!” Ophelia screamed and the other hunter turned their attention to her. “Run!”

“Run!” Lia screamed as she shot up, her eyes opened as she brought her knees to her chest and looked around. She was in her room, in her bed, and it seemed the anti-magic field held up alright. She could feel the tears on her face and she was breathing heavy, her eyes catching a small burn mark on her blanket where her hand had been. It hadn’t gotten too out of control, but it was getting close to it. She didn’t know how much she had screamed during the dream, if she had at all… she was barely aware if anyone was in the room with her or not… all she knew was it had come and she didn’t want it to come again.

Kat smiled as Cassandra said that everything was fine in Starforge, it truly was a relief. Over her time within Checkov’s coven she had thought of home, especially since she had found more of her balance. It hadn't always been good memories, but the elders had been rather kind for dark souls. She had enjoyed her time there that she had not been around her family or people who had looked down at her. Kat had even thought of sending letters, but never really gotten around to it. “That's good to hear, thank you.” She said the last part being softer.

Cassandra started asking about what she missed while she was gone and Kat mistook the awkward looks between Lia and Mitch for tension instead of confusion. So she did the best she could think of to stop the awkwardness, by bringing up Cassandra’s hair. Kat smiled nodding a little as she told her what she used, both because it had worked and because Cassandra did have nice hair, and she made a mental note of rosemary. “I never even thought of rosemary. If I knew you better, I’d offer to braid it for you.” Kat said with a laugh. Mitch couldn't help but smile bit as he listened to the two women chatter about their hair, and he thanked Lia quietly as she slid a brownie towards him.

Kat smiled a little as Cassandra asked what she used in her hair. “Oh I use mint to keep it clean, lavender and sage because they smell good and relieve stress, but tyme is what makes it so soft. It protects it from split ends and everyday damage.” She said answered before making a mention with her hand. “I didn't even mean to add it in the first place, but it works pretty well.” She said with a slight laugh at herself. She was actually enjoying this conversation more than she thought she would.

After the hair conversation was over with Cassandra brought up the ball and Kat gave Lia a soft look when she mumbled she had never been to a ball. Though as Cassandra said something about Bianca, Kat’s look went from soft to sad, and Mitch glanced towards Lia, both of them had seen Bianca in shared memories today. Though Atty clearly hadn't and Kat watched as Lia went to bed, a sight sigh leaving her lips as she sipped her tea. She felt a little bad for Cassandra too, she didn't know it would upset her so much it seemed.

Mitch had watched Lia as she hot up and went upstairs, he really hoped that their great day wouldn't be ruined by her sister being brought up. That with the fact they had relaxed a little bit earlier that Lia would get some actual sleep. He looked back to Cassandra as she told who Bianca was.

Kat’s interest was peeked again as Atty asked about the South and Cassandra answered his question. She really wished that she could go South, or really just visit anywhere for that matter other than here. Though she heard quite a bit of nasty things from the witch council here about the one in the south. “What is the council like there? I hadn't heard very many good things, though elder Ewin has always been a bit petty. Its good to hear its doing better.” Kat said before noticing Mitch giving her a look “What? I’m allowed to say it, she’s my step aunt.” She said giving him a look back before looking at Cassandra again. “I have heard incredible things about food in the south though.” She added with a small smile.

Shortly after the conversation about the south was over Kat couldn't help it anymore and let out a yawn, covering her mouth as she did so. “I'm sorry, it's not you, its just been a long day.” She said looking at Cassandra.

Mitch glanced down at his watch to see it was almost eleven thirty, and he looked to Kat, who at this point was close to not being able to keep her eyes open from the look of her. Before looking to Cassandra with a smile. “I’ll walk you back the castle, Cassandra.” He said getting up, it wasn't very gentlemanly to make her walk by herself, especially in the pouring rain that had started to pick up again.

He grabbed both their umbrella and Cassandra’s as she said her goodbyes,
opening the door for her as they left. Once they were out on the porch he looked to Cassandra. “I’m glad that you were able to come visit, it's been to long.” He said with a bright smile as he opened the umbrella and offered the arm he wasn't using to hold the umbrellas. He couldn't help himself, something about Cassandra reminded him of his mother, though he wouldn't dare say incase she would think he was calling her old or something.

As the two of them got closer to the castle he was quiet for a moment before looking at Cassandra. “Since we are alone, can I ask you something without you telling anyone?” He said and once she answered he smiled a little. “When is Lia’s birthday? I bought her gift a few years ago, but I can't figure out when it would be. And the two times I asked she gave me that shut up look she gets and went back to reading.”

---

Kat let out another yawn, standing up and stretching as Cassandra and Mitch left the cottage. She took the plates and offered Atticus another brownie before taking putting the plates in the sink and brownies in the fridge. “Hey Atty, did you get to travel a lot before you came here?” She asked before taking her and Cassandra’s cups to the sink as well.

“You know, you should tell me about some of the things you got to see sometime. I’ve never got to travel, I mostly just moved around the upper north. And then when I tried to go south, I was found by hunters, when I went through their head I found out Checkov was looking for me.” She said with a small frown as she sat on top of the table beside him, her legs kicking in the air idly as she thought, since they didn't reach the floor.

“So I ended up here. And I think it's only fair I get stories since I can't leave now.” She added giving him a smile. Before another yawn came out and she hopped down from the table. “But later okay, cause I’m tired. Good night Attycakes.” She said placing a kiss on his cheek and going to bed, hearing the front door open as she changed into her own pjs and crawled into her big comfy bed.

---

Mitchell had went to bed after walking Cassandra to the castle, and just randomly talking to Atty a bit, before taking the couch and giving Atty the blow up mattress that the girls had laid out. Not only because he felt like being nice since it was the first time he had stayed here, but because it was closer to the stairs and made it faster to get up.

It was just half two in the morning when a loud woke him up, and he sat up looking around him for a moment, trying to remember where he was again. Run! Mitch’s eyes glanced up the stairs for a moment before he was off on the couch and running up the stairs. That Lia left her door unlocked made it a lot easier to get to her, and he quickly opened the door not even taking the time to knock this time.

The dim light from the hallway lit the room slightly as he opened the door and stepped in, his eyes looking around the room, before seeing Lia. Her knees were to her chest, tears were noticeable on her cheeks, and he could hear her breathing hard. Mitch's eyes softened a little as he stepped past the magic barrier and towards the bed, his eyes catching the burn marks on the bed. “Lia?” He said to get her attention, his words extremely soft. “It’s alright, you're safe.” He finished as he sat on the edge of the bed, not touching her. He remembered the fact those words had calmed her down the first time when he had to pull her out of the cottage.

He noticed a small shadow and saw Kat peek in the door robe wrapped around her. “Is Lia okay?” She asked softly as she saw Mitch sitting on the bed.

“She's alright, just a bad dream, go back to bed.” He answered with a nod and he could see Kat hesitate before nodding and closing the door, her footsteps heading downstairs instead of to her room. But he didn't seem to much time thinking about it, instead he looked back at Lia, his hand going to her back and rubbing it slowly.

Cassadaga looked over to Kate when she asked about Starforge and gave her a soft smile when she said it was a good thing nothing was wrong. She heard the soft thank you and nodded to the young blonde. Then the topic seemed to quickly change to her hair and she gave a chuckle when Kate said she never thought about Rosemary. "I act'ly owe that tip to one of the witches that used to work for my coven. And, perhaps, one day when I know ya bet'r, I'll let you braid it." She was actually quite surprised to hear that thyme was what had made her hair so soft and made a mental note to try it out.

Cassandra watched a moment as Lia headed up to bed after Bianca was brought up. It had been so long, and she hadn't realized that Lia was still so private. She wondered what exactly she told... well... anyone. Cass had been there the day that Lia was born; she knew everything about the woman, to an extent, even why the South Council barred her from joining. She knew a lot more than most would probably ever hope to know about her. She shook her head, but was glad that the topic was dropped once Lia left.

She was glad when the topic switched to talking about the South. She could go on and on about it, and then Later asked about the South Council and she sighed. "Well, a few years back, it wasn't in the best condition. The leader of the council was, well, she's not a good person. When the council was under Sybil, for ages it felt like, it was always her way or no way. She lost good witch clans and then went on and had them killed for leaving the council. Just do me a favor, sug, don't ever get mixed up with that woman if you ever have the misfortune of meeting her." Cassandra said, "But Danielle is doing much better than Sybil ever did. Finally opened back up a line with other witch councils, hence why I was in Starforge."

She gave a gentle nod when Kate yawned and atood. "It's alright, aug. I should be heading back anyway. 'Fore the weather picks up again." She placed a kiss on both of Kat's cheeks and did thr same to Atticus. When Mitch offered to walk her back, she just smiles and went about putting her boots on and she noticed he'd grabbed both her umbrella and the one she had returned. "Thanks, sug, always such a gentleman."

They had headed out as the sky began unloading some more, and when he said it had been too long she nodded. "That it has. I shouldn't have been such a stranger, but all the witch stuff and wolves have kept me busy."

His next statement causes her to look up at him. "Of course, sug. You know I won't tell if you don't want." She gave a smile when he asked. "She won't even tell her birthday? That girl..." she said before she sighed. "The 12th act'ly. September 12th, but ya didn't hear it from me." She laughed.

Once they were to the castle she kissed both of Mitch's cheeks before going to head in. She stopped a second. "Y'know..." she began, "You got to tell me how she reacts when I see you next. I'm sure it'll mean a lot to her."

Cass then headed in, going towards Checkov's study, and she found him with a second drink already poured for her. "Now how'd you know I'd be back already?"

Checkov just chuckled. "The storm was picking up. I know you wouldn't have wanted to get caught in it."

--

Atticus watched as Cass said her goodbye to Kat and he got the same not long after. Mitch had then headed out with Cass, and he knew that he'd be back relatively soon. When Kat offered him another brownie, he accepted it and when she asked her question he nodded.

"I did. But, I don't remember much before the fall of the West coven. I vaguely remember bits and pieces of while I was there even. My clearest memories starring about 75 years ago. And I had traveled prior to that." He explained.

He listened to her a moment and he gave her a gentle nod and a soft smile. "Of course, I'll tell you stories of what I can." He said and when she kissed his cheek, he felt the smile stay a moment. He watched her head up the stairs before he cleaned the few dishes in the sink when he heard the door open.

Of course it was Mitch, and he nodded to him when he came in. "I can feel it. It's not even gotten to its strongest part yet." He said, motioning to the outside. "Good thing you got back when you did." He chuckled before he finished up cleaning the dishes and he sat down on the air mattress.

He and Mitch had talked for a while before he fell asleep, but it was short lived. It was about half past two when there was a scream, and Atticus stirred awake to find Mitch's form already heading up the stairs. Lia had been the one that screamed, he told himsel, and not long after he noticed Kate coming down the stairs. He stood up and he started making them each some cocoa.

"You alright?" He asked her, pouring her cocoa in a mug before he handed it to her. After she had hers, he poured a mug for himself and sat in a chair, yawning a bit. To top it all off, the thunder was crashing outside. The storm had hit its strongest point and he could feel it, even inside. It was nice, but he was still tired.

"If you want, I could tell you a story from just before I got here." He said to her, quietly.

--

Lia was still having trouble gathering her bearings. Everything still felt like she couldn't be here right then... it felt like it was still back then. She tried to calm her breathing when a voice came. At first she heard her name, but she didn't move. Then next words caused her head to turn in the direction they were coming. "It's alright, you're safe."

Mitch was sitting there, but when she heard Kat's voice, she hugged her knees closer to herself. She had hoped that she wouldn't have an incident like this with her around, that she could have at least resolved one of the issues these nightmares haunted her. But there was no use, she hadn't been able to. Her breathing had finally calmed, and when she felt Mitch's hand on her back, she slightly tensed.

After a moment though, she felt herself relax a bit, and she let go of her knees and looked at Mitch. She wanted to say something. A thank you, an apology, something... but even she hadn't anticipated what had come out of her mouth.

"Please stay." She whispered, "I... I don't want to be alone."

Usually, she knew, it was quite the opposite. Normally, she knew she always came off as wanting to be alone... hell, she couldn't even remember the last time she had even thought about not being alone, much less saying it. She finally brought a hand up and wiped her face. So many thoughts were racing through her head, and she didn't want to think about any of it.

She took a deep breath and she moved a bit, giving Mitch more room to make himself comfortable. Under any other circumstances, she'd likely tell him just to get out, she was fine... but she wasn't and she couldn't even fool herself anymore. If she'd ask to be alone, she wouldn't sleep, she'd be too afraid to go back to sleep. Mitch seemed to make her comfortable enough to where she could sleep though. She knew he did when she was sick and trying very stubbornly to still do things she shouldn't be.

At this point though, she didn't care. She was vulnerable and she needed someone there.

Kat hadn't heard most about Sybil, honestly she had never heard the name before, just that the South Council not being allowed to deal with Starforge. Still when Cassandra asked her favor Kat blinked a little before slowly nodding her head. The lady didn't sound like the type she would want to be around anyway. After it started getting late and she said she was tired. Cassandra left, Kat kissing both of her cheeks back. Once she had left, Mitch walking her back to the castle. She asked Atty about if he had traveled. Kat listened to him as he answered. She can't even begin to imagine what it would be like to forget your life. Every time Atty said something about it, she wanted to help him even more.

Still she told the short version of how she got to the coven and smiled brightly when he said he would tell her about what he could remember. However, she was exhausted and she gave his cheek a kiss before going to bed. She didn't even bother shutting her door tonight, after all the guys were going to be there today. She knew for a fact she would safe. Normally she would need to wear herself out before bed. Listening to music and dancing around her room, the type of dancing that would make you thankful that no one would ever see it. However, tonight she simply flopped down on her bed in the clothes that Lia gave her, and passed out.

She was in the middle of a rather pleasant dream when the scream across the hall startled her awake. Followed by the sound of her door opening and Mitchell talking. Cold and groggy Kathleen grabbed one of her robes wrapping it around herself before checking to see if Lia was okay.

Mitch said that Lia was okay, but she couldn't help but hesitate for a moment, seeing Lia gripping her knees. Still after a look from Mitch she nodded and closed the door. She didn't want to though, she wanted to hug Lia and tell her that everything was going to be okay. He had told her to go back to bed, but after that wake up she knew she needed to calm down a bit. Plus the thunder outside was extremely loud at the moment. She was trying sneak down the stairs encase Atty had fell back asleep. Only to catch a glimpse of him heading into the kitchen.

Kat walked slowly into the kitchen still rubbing her eyes. Soon there was a mug of cocoa in her hands and she gave a half asleep smile. “Thank you.” She sat at the table and when Atty asked if she was alright, she gave a sigh but nodded. “Yeah, just worried about Lia is all.” She answered with a soft yawn. “I was dreaming that I had a bunch of puppies running around but they had your face.” She said after a moment of silence before giggling into her cup and taking a drink of her cocoa. Kat put her chin in her hand before looking at Atty, another half asleep smile spreading on her lips at his question. “Oh. Yes please.”

---

It was always nice when Cassandra came to visit. Even if it hadn't been very long of a visit, and surely he wasn't going to make her walk back to the castle by herself in the pouring rain. “You're welcome.” He said with a slight shrug, a slight smile at her comment about being a gentleman. “Well I would hate you getting stuck in the storm by yourself.” Not to mention the fact that after the day he had, a little bit of time in the storm would help.

Mitch gave a nod when Cassandra said that she had been just too busy with witches and wolves. “Well, I hope that things get better, so you can visit more.” He said before his voice lowered a bit. “Checkov is always in better moods around you.”

Though yes, he knew that Cassandra wouldn't tell anyone. He still felt the need to ask. The answer to his question made him blink a bit. He had actually asked on her birthday the first time. He grinned at her when she said that she didn't tell him. “Of course. My lips are sealed.” He said with a laugh. Soon Cassandra kissed both of his cheeks, Mitchell returning the kisses. He had turned, when her voice caused him to look back. He gave a confused face at first but smiled and nodded. “Alright, I’ll be sure to let you know.” Why would it mean more coming from him than anyone else?

He took the walk back to the cottage a bit more slowly than to the castle. Enjoying the rainy weather. He looked at Atty as he walked into the house, before giving a small smile. “Honestly, if it wasn't so late and we weren't staying here. I would have went for a run in it.” Soon they were making small talk and asleep. At least until Lia screamed.

He was relieved that Lia had at least looked to him once he told her it was alright. Even though she had tensed up when Kat spoke, he at least knew she was aware of her surroundings. Once Kat left, he put his hand on her back. Feeling her tense, but still rubbing it to calm her. He was quite happy with how well it worked, but the last thing he expected when she looked at him, was her asking him to stay. The look of surprise probably showed on his face. Yet it was quickly replaced with a soft look when she said she didn't want to be alone, his voice softer in return.

“Sure Lia, whatever you need.” He answered, his eyes going to the chair before feeling her move on the bed. Giving another soft yet knowing grin, he scooted closer to the head board moving a pillow behind his back and gesturing for her to cuddle up to him like she did when she was sick. Once she was asleep he would move to the chair. He let a sigh out once she had cuddled to him, relaxing once more himself, before the quietness got to him. Once again he said the same thing he told Lia, but this time it was low and more to himself.

“You know, I was thinking about it.” He said quietly to Lia. “I think Kat’s dresses would be too short on At. He might need one of your dresses.” He said before chuckling. “Or Cass’s, though I’m not sure she would come back if we asked.” He continued to quietly ramble on for a few more moments rather Lia was awake or not. Before slowly falling asleep, his head back against the wall.

Atticus could feel the storm whole he slept, it's strength had definitely increased and it oddly made him rest better. However, there was a scream and he scrambled awake, but as soon as he gathered himself, he saw Mitch heading up the stairs and knew it had been Lia who screamed. He got up and stretched a bit before he heard Kat heading to the stairs, which had been hard with the thunder that rolled. He went into the kitchen and made them some cocoa before she got down the stairs. When she sat down, he placed her cocoa in her hands and nodded.

"She'll be okay. Mitch is looking after her, and I'm sure you'll see she's alright in the morning." Atticus reassured her. He checkled a but at the dream she said she was having. "That sounds very fun? Did they have nipping problems?"

He was joking, of course, and he yawned a but before he offered to tell Kat a story. She smiled and said she would and he nodded. He motioned for her to come sit on the couch with him, knowing Mitch would likely be with Lia a while. He had been told that it could take her a while to calm down after nightmares, so he knew it was best to just let Mitch handle it. He had before apparently.

Once they were settled on the couch, Atty looked at her and smiled. "About, I want to say sixty years ago, I was treading between the South, West, and North coven borders quite a bit. Mainly trying to stay out of wolf country and keep away from hunters, but I liked this particular village... Snowcrest. I had been at the inn, helping out here and there so I could stay there and lay low, get the few hunters that had been tailing me off my trail. Anyway, one night, had to be mid-July, I was just getting ready to head off when I met this guy named Warren.

He paused and looked to Kat, seeing she was starting to drift, but he continued on, "Warren was a demon, one of few I've ever come across fron what I can recall, but he was running from the hunters I was so we decided to travel together. As we were getting ready to leave Snowcrest, we realozed the hunters were in the town, so wd went into one of the bars to wait out them pass I g through and then we'd head the other way. About two hours passed and the hunters had come I to the bar."

He looked again and noticed Kat had fallen asleep. Hed just have to finish the story later. He gave a gentle smile and carefully picked her up and brought her up the stairs. He brought her into her room and placed her on her bed, pulling the blankets over her and placing a small kiss to her temple. He quietly headed out of the room and made his way back down the stairs, turning off the lights as he did. He double checked the doora out of habit before he laid back down and fell asleep rather quickly.

--

Lia had finished gathering her bearings as Mitch rubbed her back. She was thankful for the fact Mitch had gone through this before with her, and he knew that she wasnt always aware of where she was after. He'd pulled her back pretty quick though, and when she asked him to stay she saw the surprise on his face. She let out a quiet breath of relief when he said he'd stay, and she moved over on the bed so he could get more comfortable.

When he moved more into her bed and motioned for her to cuddle up to him, ahe moved and rested her head ob his shoulder and moved the blankets to cover them a little better. She could hear him mumbling to himself as She got comfortable, and she felt her eyes look up at him. She could feel her eye lids getting heavy, but a soft chuckle came at his notion about Atticus and the dresses. It wasnt long after that she had fallen into sleep herself.

It was houra later, at about five in the morning, when Lia awoke again. A different kind of warmth was beside her and she moved slightly and saw Mitch asleep. She carefully got out of her bed and she pulled her robe on and her slippers. She moved and sat on the other side of Mitch, "Lay down, Mitch. You can sleep here for a little bit longer." She whispered. "Thank you."

She cast a glance to see Edgar still sleeping before she waved her hand near his bed and allowed the small heat spell to be cast ao he didnt get too cold. She carefully moved out of her room, and she headed down the stairs. She put on a pot of coffee as she yawned and she pulled out a few bowls and ingredients and began mixing stuff for muffins.

Atticus woke not long after that and he saw Lia pouting herself a cup of coffee before she preheated the oven and began putting her muffin mix into the pan. He got up and poured himself some coffee as well before he looked at her. "You okay?"

Lia have a gentle nod before She put the sugar next to him. "I'm fine. Id juat rather not talk about it." She said and he gave a nod.

He spoke again though. "Lia, I was wondering if you wouldnt mind canceling lessons tomorrow for Kat. " he said and she tossed him a look as she out the muffins in the oven. "Its her birthday and I think it would be nice to celebrate it."

Lia nodded. "Well, she'll have extra to catch up on later. I'm not exactly feeling up for lessons today either." She said. Atticus gave a small smile and a nod.

"One other favor and Ill leave you alone." He said and she looked at him. "Can you bake her a cake? I want it to be sort of a surprise, since things like this don't normally happen."

Lia sighed and nodded. "You'll have to go to the castle kitchen and get a few things for me though. I'm running low." Lia scribbled down a list for him and placed it in the basket she left by the door for when she had to docthings like this. "Not now though, it can be later. Is there any kind of muffin uou like in particular? I have blueberry in now." She said as she rinsed out her bowl and began mixing more for anothet type. "Next batch is strawberry."

"I like blueberry actually. Thanks." He said.

The temperature of the air around her was chilly, the feeling of fall ending and the start of winter. It had yet to actually snow, but it wouldn't be too much longer. She was looking forward to it though. Her mother had promised they would get to go south once it started snowing. It would be warmer and her mother had a friend in the south to visit. Kathleen sighed as she looked out of the car window as they drove through the woods towards the coven known as Starforge.

Her mother turned back to look at her with a smile. “Isn't this exciting Kitkat? It's been awhile since we actually were able to take our time in moving.”

Kat kept her eyes on the window as she sighed. “I guess.” She looked towards her mother. “I liked where we were though. I had friends there, the hunters didn’t even know we were there. Why couldn't we have waited until after my birthday? Gwen’s mother had a whole party planned for me.” She said pouting a little. An angry look being flashed at her by her new stepfather in the mirror.

Her mother sighed and shook her head. “We had to beat the snow Kitkat. We will be at Starforge in time to have you another party.”

“It's only two days away mom. We could have waited, it isn't even cold enough to snow yet. And Gwen’s my best….”

“She’s a damn hunter! Her mother and father are hunters. And your fucking selfishness is going to lead to getting your mother hurt.” Her stepfather yelled cutting Kat off and she flinched at the fact he was yelling at her again.

“Edward!” Her mother yelled at him and he simply glanced at her.

“What? If she is going to be a crying little baby about it, she needs a reality check.” He said his voice calm enough that you wouldn't have been able to tell he had just been yelling. “You wouldn't find my children crying about leaving that shit hole of a town.”

“Yes but she is mine, so stop yelling at her.” Her mother said her tone going a bit darker. Soon she turned back to Kat and smiled. “I’ll tell you what Gwen gave me her present for you. And you can have it when we get to Starforge.”

Kat didn't answer her mother, simply giving a sad frown and looking back out the window. There was no way that Gwen’s parents were hunters. She would have felt it, she didn't understand why her mother couldn't feel the things like that as she could. But she knew it was a lie.

The warm sunlight hitting Kat’s face was woke her, she let a soft groan as she stretched out. Glancing at her ceiling she was a little to surprised to find herself in her bedroom. She most have fallen asleep and Atty carried her up to her room. She frowned to herself for falling asleep on his story. It hadn't been boring, she was just really tired. In fact she almost didn't want to get out from under the covers. She pulled the blanket over her head and groaned a little. She felt off today, and not off balance really, just not herself.

Kat shook her head a bit. It was probably just the stress from last night and that dream. Getting out of bed Kat felt a lot colder as soon as her body was out of the blanket. She grabbed her robe and tied it around her before she left the room and made way to the kitchen downstairs. The whole house smelt like muffins and as she walked into the kitchen she could see why. There was at least three different kinds of muffins, and she saw Lia putting something else in the oven.

Kat glanced at the clock, it was only eight in the morning. How long had Lia been up baking? Shaking the thought from her head when Lia turned around, she simply walked over and hugged Lia tightly. She had been so worried about her last night, and she wasn't going to ask what was wrong again. Stepping back she smiled at Lia. “Good morning.” She said before taking a strawberry muffin and got herself some juice, before sitting by Atticus. “I’m so sorry I fell asleep in the middle of your story last night.”

Atticus couldn't remember the last time he had seen someone start baking so much. For a moment, he was sure he never had, but he couldn't even be sure anymore. It was like as soon as one batch of muffins was done, another was going in the oven and these weren't small batches either. She would likely be able to gift muffins to everyone in the castle at the rate she was going. Still, once the blueberry muffins had come out of the oven, he saw her slide on in front of him after buttering the top and he smiled. "Thank you." he said, and he ate his breakfast before he got up and went into the bathroom. It was still pretty early, but he wanted to have gone to the castle and gotten back before Kat woke up so she wouldn't be onto him.

He got dressed and came out in a pair of jeans and t-shirt, pulling on his hoody as he re-entered the kitchen. "Do you need me to get anything else while I'm over there?" he asked Lia who was putting mixing another batch of batter before she nodded. She set down the bowl and the spoon she was using to mix before she took up the list and scribbled down a few things.

"If you just hand it to them, they'll fill the basket for you. At least that's what Mitch usually does." she said, and he noted a soft look to her face before he took the list and her basket before heading out on the porch. He put on his shoes, noticing the light was starting to come through, but the clouds were remaining. It was chilly, and he was glad he had pulled on his hoody before he had gone outside. The walk to the castle was nice, the air feeling good on his face, and he headed into the kitchens once he got there, but he stopped upon seeing Cass and Elder Dana and he leaned back against the wall.

"Thanks, Dana. I'm hopin' that Helena and Luke will be here a few days 'fore the ball. I know Check would be delighted." Cass said, and Dana's voice came.

"Plus, it would be nice if Helena and Luke could meet the witches too. I don't even think they've met Mitch or Atticus. I know Luke will likely take to Mitchell, solely for the fact that Issack speaks so..." Dana was trying to place a word.

"Issack can remove his head from his ass and still sound like an asshole, Dana." Cass said. "'Sides, he's biased. An' he says one more bad thing 'bout witches, I know Check is gonna snap."

Dana sighed, "Yes, but they've been discussing some kind of business. You know how Checkov is with his business. He might not appreciate Issack's opinions on Ophelia and Kathleen, but he's handling them."

Cass's voice came a bit harsh. "Yeah, well, given Issack's history with witches... I'm shocked he ain't been burned yet. Leavin' Sanctuary and New Salem in that mess. If they'd have been a little closer to my borders..."

Atticus finally bounded the corner, and he smiled to them. "Morning, ladies."

"My, my, mornin' yourself." Cass gave a smile, though Atticus could still see a bit of red in her eyes. "And where are your lovely ladies? And Mitchell? I'm to be heading off at sundown."

"Mostly still sleeping, just came here on an errand for Lia." Atticus said, and Dana chuckled.

"Kitchen duty? Come on, let's get you set up." Dana chuckled and soon he was being brought into the kitchens with Dana and Cass and he watched them take the list and fill the basket, even putting in a few extra things. "You be sure to let Lia know I put this in here." Dana said, slipping in a bottle of red wine.

"You're hor'ble!" Cass laughed as she rummaged through a few cabinets. "Aha!" she proclaimed and she placed a bag of graham crackers in the basket as well. "Ask her to make her s'mores pie. It is absolutely amazin!"

Atticus just nodded and was soon shooed out of the kitchen as the cooks came in and he just shook his head and laughed a bit. He looked to his watch. Damn! It was already almost 7:30! He headed back to the cottage and noted the sun finally coming through. He took in a deep breath and when he got back he noticed Lia was making yet another round of batter and there was a bunch of muffins already on counter and table. He began putting up the things in the basket before he held up the bottle of wine. "Elder Dana said to let you know she put that in there for you." Atticus said to Lia who looked up and just shook her head a little.

"Leave it to her... Put it in the fridge please?" she said, and Atticus did so as he continued to put up the things and he saw Lia go over to what was left in the basket. "Graham crackers?"

"Cassandra said you needed to make s'mores pie." he said, and Lia just shook her head some more.

"Okay, I will later. I think Mitch ate half of the last one I made though, so if you actually want any, you have to get to it before he does." she said, and he Atticus nodded.

"Like with peanut butter cookies." He half laughed before he sat back down and soon Kat joined them as Lia put another batch of muffins into the oven. Atticus was a little surprised to see Kat just walk over and hug Lia like it was nothing, and then even more surprised to see that Lia hugged her back.

"Good morning." she said, and she gave Kat a gentle squeeze in return before watching as she took a muffin and sat with Atticus. "I've got chocolate chip in there now. If you want I'll make something else for breakfast. And I'm sorry, but we won't be having lessons today. I'm not exactly feeling up for it." Lia told her as she pulled out another mug and began making another pot of coffee. "But, it shouldn't be rainy today, so if you wanted to practice a bit more, the garden is there for you to practice what we covered yesterday."

She let out a quiet yawn and pulled her robe closer around her, a shiver running up her spine as she set the timer and began washing the dishes she had made. She would need more mixing bowls clean if she was going to be baking more things. She would probably make some more brownies, and she said that later she would make that pie... Not to mention she still had to find something to make them for dinner. But at least she was keeping her mind busy, and she was sure that the amount of food in the house wouldn't be minded, especially with Mitch and Atticus staying over for a bit.

Atticus turned his head to Kat and gave her a soft smile. "You were really tired, Kat. I can always tell it to you later if you want me to." He got up and he started a pot for tea before looking over at Kat. "And, if you want to go outside today, it's a little bit cooler than yesterday." he said, and once the tea was done he made himself a cup and sat back in his spot, taking another muffin when he did. He looked to his watch again and then at Lia. "Where's Mitch? I thought he'd be up by now."

Lia looked up from her dishes and then at the stairs. "Probably still sleeping. He should be getting up soon. He hasn't slept past nine but a few times in the last 45 years. Checkov said before he was assigned to my guard detail he could sleep well into the afternoon."

Atticus gave a chuckle. "I don't blame him though."

Lia gave a shrug. "I've always been one to get up early. After I got moved here, after about the third or fourth month, I got used to his routine and I started having him at least coffee ready. Always insisted I didn't need to make him anything else, I did anyway, I don't like cooking for just myself." Atticus watched her pour the coffee into the mug and set it where Mitch usually sat along with a muffin.

He leaned over to Kat and whispered. "I swear this is going to be the weirdest thing I've ever seen if she's right about this."

Kat smiled a bit as she felt Lia hug her back, before she moved away and grabbed a muffin and some juice. Sitting beside Atty, she looked at Lia when she said was making chocolate chip muffins, they sounded so delicious. “Oh I will definitely want some of those.” She smiled a bit as she shook her head a bit at the offer to make something else. “No, this is fine for now. Thanks though.” She said picking at her muffin and eating it. As good as those muffins were, she wasn't finding herself as hungry this morning as usual.

Lia said that they wouldn't be having a lesson today and honestly she was a bit glad. She didn't really feel like trying to do a lesson today. “That's okay, I might practice yesterday's lesson. Honestly, I feel a little weird today, I’m sure if that will miss with things.” Kat could see Lia try to hide a yawn, and she couldn't help but wonder if she had even gotten any sleep last night. If she wasn't worried about bringing up whatever happened with her last night, she would ask.

Kat gave a smile towards Atty when he said he would finish telling her the story from last night of she wanted him to. “I would love that.” She said with a nod, happy he knew she only fell asleep because of how tried she was. She reached across the table and took up another muffin to pick at and started to eat it when Atty said something about outside being cold. Kat nodded a bit looking up at Atty. “Okay, I'll bundle up if we do then.”

She was so used to both of the guys being up before her, the fact that Mitch could have been still asleep hadn't even crossed her mind. Honestly she had thought that maybe he was outside on one of the porches. Or maybe he had to run back to the castle.

Kat gave a small chuckle. “The smell of food is the only reason I get up as early as I do.” Though the sound of wasting a whole day sleeping did seem a bit much for her. She watched Lia set coffee and a muffin down where Mitch usually sat, before chuckling at what Atty said. “Seriously, I’m going to be watching the clock now.” She said before giggling and getting up to get herself some more juice.

It didn't seem like that much longer, before Kat could hear a door upstairs opening, followed by Edgar quacking. She looked at the clock before nudging Atty softly 8:45. “I'm gonna be weirded out if she knows our schedules too.” She whispered to him, before Edgar waddled into the kitchen quacking happily at her. Smiling a bit Kat pulled a piece of muffin off to give to Edgar. Before he waddled to Lia as Mitch walked into the kitchen.

--

Quack….quack….quack...quack….qua Mitch groaned loudly as he peeked up from the pillow he was laying face down on. It smelt like Lia’s shampoo and was surprising relaxing. Looking on the floor by the bed, he could see the little duck staring impatiently at him. Quack….quack. Mitch groaned. “Come on Edgar go back to bed. Please.” Quack!

“Morning is bad Edgar.” The duck gave him that serious look at almost matched Lia’s before ruffling its feathers at him. Mitch let his head lay back on the pillow. Quack...quack….quack….quack. Mitch looked up to him standing by the door staring full force at it, it's quacking only seeming to get louder. Mitch groaned a bit louder before getting out from under the nice warm covers and opening the door.

The little duckling waddled its butt to the top of the stairs before stopping, looking at Mitch, and quacking a bit. Mitchell mumbled to himself still half asleep, and really annoyed it was only half. Slowly he walked over and picked Edgar up, before walking down the steps with him. He could smell fresh baked muffins and coffee as he got to the end of the steps. It was enough to wake him up enough to know which way the kitchen was after he put Edgar down.

The thought to change out of his sleep pants and sleeveless shirt. Or even brush his messing hair, which was sticking up in some places, never even entered his mind, there was only space for one thought this early. Coffee. He didn't even notice the others looking at him, the slow half dragging his feet steps towards his seat. “Good morning Mitch.” The almost cheerful voice made him flinch a bit as if he had just now realized there was something else in the room with his coffee.

Mitch looked at Kat and grunted to her greeting before mumbling “Morning.” He looked around the room and taking in Atticus and Lia there too. His eyes widened a bit looking around again at the kitchen filled with muffins, before looking at Lia for a minute and mumbling. “Did you make cookies?” Hearing giggle from Kat at his question.

Atticus was sort of glad for the quiet morning, though, seeing how Lia and Kat just acted towards each other made him wonder just how much he and Mitch didn't actually see. They seemed a lot closer in moments like this, and it was sweet but puzzling all the same. Lia hadn't always been the easiest person to be around, and neither had Kat. Though, he knew he hadn't had half the trouble with Kat that Mitch did with Lia. Still, once Kat sat beside him, he smiled.

She had expressed that she would love to hear the rest of his story and he nodded. "Alright, we could always go for a walk and I could tell you the story. I'll even start from the beginning. To be honest, I might have went on a little bit after you fell asleep and don't know what all you remember of it."

He was inwardly relieved that she said she would bundle up if they went outside. Granted, yes, he was aware that she had lived in the North for... Well, he whole life, but he also knew that getting sick was a very real thing for her. He got up after a moment and he started making some tea.

The thought hadn't even fully crossed his mind that Mitch would still be asleep. In the entire time he had known Mitch, though he knew he was probably the furthest thing from a morning person, he knew he was always up early because of the schedule that had to keep. This was why he highly doubted that Mitch was still asleep, especially with as hypervigilant as he had been the night before. Then again, that very easily could have been what had worn him out.

"Oh, Kat." Lia's voice came. "The seamstresses will probably be by this evening with the sun coming out today. So, kind of be thinking about what you'll want, okay?"

Atticus had already almost entirely forgotten about the ball, but he sat there and he thought for a moment. Well, he already knew that he had two days where Kat wouldn't be getting lessons, maybe... Maybe he could do something for her with her birthday being tomorrow. He had an idea come through his mind, and he felt himself smile a little. He'd tell her in a bit, when they could get away from Lia. However, his thoughts were interrupted as he made his tea and he heard Edgar coming over, seeing Kat feed him.

"Seriously, so weirded out if she does." he whispered back to Kat as he heard shuffling across the floor as Mitch made his way to his seat. It was weird to see him still not awake because, even when they met up in the morning to come to the cottage, he was at least functioning. This was basic low-level functioning. He couldn't help the small chuckle that he let out at Mitch's reaction to Kat's greeting. "Morning man." he said, taking a sip of his tea. Mitch's next statement almost made his tea come out of his nose when he laughed. That was very typical Mitch, and he even heard a soft chuckle come from Lia who was taking the last batch of muffins from the oven.

"Mitch and his cookies." he whispered to Kat as he reached over to the muffins Lia had just pulled out and buttered.

"I wouldn't, At, they're still very hot." she said, not even turning to look at him when she said it. He had to admit, as he picked one up and quickly placed it in front of Kat, that she was NOT wrong. They were very hot, but that was when they were best. Then he quickly grabbed one for himself and sat down, breaking it apart and waiting a minute before he tried to start eating it.

"So is there anything on the agenda for today with no lessons?" Atticus asked, and Lia shook her head.

"Other than later on today when the seamstresses come, no, but that's after sundown, so it's a free day." she said, getting her mixing bowls ready and another few ingredients.

--

Lia sighed a bit, her mind being a bit hazy. The lack of sleep, the cold having settled in finally, everything was just making her a bit hazy. Lessons would be useless today if she had attempted them, but she was kind of glad that she was giving them a couple day break, even if Kat didn't know about lessons being canceled the next day. Speaking of, she really hoped that Kat would go off with Atticus later on because she would need to let Mitch know Atticus's little plan. She shook her head a bit, sipping her coffee, kind of spacing out as she did. She barely told Kat about the seamstresses before she spaced out entirely.

The snow was thick on the ground, and all Lia could do was look out of the dark windows as the snow started up again. Mitch would be here soon, and she sighed, looking back towards the clock. Four in the morning. Her eyes looked down towards her hands, and she shook her head and went back to what she as doing, yawning a bit. She had a batch of muffins in the oven, and she had just finished making the dough for some cookies and had it in the fridge as she began on her next bit of dough for cookies. Christmas time used to be so special for her,
but now it was just sad. Still, she couldn't help but to bake.

She sighed, softly, and she looked towards the clock and sighed. She knew the timer for the muffins would go off in a few minutes, so, she waited and when it finally did and she got them out, she set them aside before she lit a couple of candles on the table. She looked to the door, Mitch wouldn't be here for a little bit still, so that was a plus, but she just... She couldn't do it anymore, she needed to talk to someone. She closed her eyes and chanted, quietly before she stopped. When she did, she looked beside her and saw the figure of her father sitting there beside her and he reached out to touch her. It didn't work though, and he looked at her.

"It's been a very long time, dear. What troubles you?" he asked her, and he watched as she looked at the ground. "It's Christmas time, isn't it? Why didn't you call for Bianca like you usually do?"

"Because, I wanted to see you, father." she said, and she reached over and placed her hand on his, and he was surprised to see that she didn't phase through him. "I promise, father, I'm not practicing anymore. It's just a trick I picked up a long time ago."

He gave her a gentle nod and he spoke. "So, I see you made it to the North. Bianca said that you've met Checkov. How is he? Cassandra used to speak so highly of him." he said, trying to make small talk with her and she gave a gentle smile.

"He is... He kind of reminds me of you. Just, you know, a vampire and more sadistic. Maybe even a little bit more possessive. He likes to call me 'his witch.' It blows over so well if you can't tell." she said, and her father chuckled.

"That sounds about right. Cassandra may have spoke highly of him, but that doesn't mean she wasn't honest." She saw his head turn.
"You better let me go dear. Someone is coming."

Lia gave a gentle nod and she felt her father kiss her cheek. "I love you, Papa." she whispered and he smiled.

"I love you too." he said before he disappeared. Lia blew out the candles and got up, heading over to the fridge and taking out the cookie dough she had made and pulled out the grape jam as well. The door opened not long after and she poured Mitch's coffee, setting the cup where he usually sat after she did. She went back to her cookie dough and held the the grape jam up to him. "You said you liked grape,
right?"

Lia's thoughts were drawn back when she heard the soft quacks from Edgar. She patted the little duckling's head and watched as he waddled to sit on her foot and she lifted him up and placed him in the large pocket of her robe and watched him poke his head out. It wasn't long after she saw Mitch come into the kitchen. She couldn't help but to watch him a moment, seeing how he reacted to Kat before he looked around the kitchen. Lia couldn't help the soft chuckle. "I haven't yet, I have to get out the step stool to get more flour down." she told him. "Be glad I sent At to the kitchen earlier, otherwise I might not have had enough peanut butter to make any." she said. She felt a small pause for a few minutes before she heard Atticus ask.

"So, what exactly is s'mores pie?" he asked.

Lia turned and looked at him a minute before she sighed. "Well, it's got a graham cracker crust with chocolate pie filling, a layer of marshmallow fluff, another layer of pie filling and then whipped cream with graham crackers on top. Something someone taught me a long time ago." she said.

Atticus nodded. "Oh, okay." he said, "So, what's with all the baking?" he asked, and Lia shrugged.

"I felt like it. I find it very relaxing." She said before hearing Edgar quack. "I'll be back." she said. She headed on the front porch for a few minutes, drawing her robe closer around her as she set Edgar on the ground. She watched him waddle around for a few minutes before she cast a small heating spell on the patch of grass he was walking around on. She just watched him for a few minutes, bringing her robe closer around her as she did. "Come on, Edgar. It's cold out here."

Kat smiled a bit to herself as she sat beside Atty. As weird as it might sound to people, she knew that Lia wasn’t near as hard as she acted. It was one of those things that you actually had to live with her to pick up on. Also she gave really good hugs actually. Then Atty said that he would tell her the story again from the beginning, and smiled a little bit more. “That would be really great. Just from what I heard it was going to be a good story.” She said before she started picking at her muffin. Kat was trying really hard not to let on that she was feeling off, but it was making her less hungry than usual. She was really glad that it most not have been noticeable.

Kat was in her own little world has she ate it, barely noticing that Atty had gotten up to make himself some tea. Though her thoughts were pulled back to the room when Lia said the seamstresswas coming later, and she smiled a bit. “Oh okay….oh this is going to take some thought!” She said feeling herself get a bit excited, her first time going to a ball with a dress made just for her. It would definitely have to be pretty, and lots of color. Well maybe not lots of color, then it would look tacky. Oh maybe blues and greens….wait did she have any green or blue heels?

Once again she found herself staring off in thought. She frowned to herself a bit before shaking her head as if it would help. Then Edger wobbled his cute little butt over to her, and she started feeding him bits of muffin before Mitch finally came in. The half asleep train wreck he was. She nodded a bit to what Atticus said before whispering back. “If she does, I'm gonna stay in the castle for a few days.”

When Mitch reacted to her good morning she couldn't help but giggle, and it didn't help that Atty almost shot tea out if his nose beside her, before burning himself. It was turning into a fun morning all around. “Thanks Atty.” She said before pulling it apart and letting it cool as she picked at the bit from her last one.

Kat was really looking forward to not having a lesson today. It would be fun to have the whole day to herself. To relax and hang out with Atty. “That sounds really good. I wanna try a piece of the pie.” She said when Lia talked about making s'mores pie. Because who wouldn't want a pie with chocolate and marshmallows.

---

He really didn't want to be awake right now. If Edger hadn't woke him up, he would have probably slept until Lia woke him up. Because he was extremely tired. At the moment he was barely functioning, and didn't care how he looked. He heard the three of him laugh at his reaction to Kat. Mitch couldn't help it though, she was extremely loud first thing in the morning. And then seeing the kitchen filled with muffins. Last time it had been cupcakes.

Mitch smiled a bit and nodded when Lia said she was going to make cookies soon, and he looked at Atty and nodded To him. “Thanks man.” He said before looking back to Lia. “I can get it down for you in a minute.” He added before he started drinking his coffee. It still surprised him that Lia could make some of the best coffee, and he sighed a bit happily as he drank his.

Mitch's eyes followed Lia as she headed out of the door with Edgar, before looking at the others. “So, if you don't have lessons today. What you guys going to get into?”

“Well I might try to practice some from yesterday but not sure yet. And Atty was going to tell the story he started last night. Other than that, I don't really know.” Kat answered.

Mitch chuckled a bit. “The one about the hunters?” When Atty shot him a look and told him which one she was talking about he nodded a bit before drinking on his coffee.

“What hunter one? I want to hear about the hunter one too.” She said and when Atty replied she nodded a bit and started picking at her muffin again.

Mitch watched her pick at her muffin for a moment. “You alright?”

Kat sighed a bit looking at what was left. “Yeah, I'm just not that hungry this morning.” Mitch raised a brow and gave Atticus a look as she wrapped up her over half a muffin and said she would just take it with her, because Kat was probably the biggest breakfast person that he knew. “I'm gonna go get dressed so we can go.” She said before heading back upstairs.

Atticus had to admit he was glad for a quieter day, lately, everything seemed tense. Not to mention even he wanted to know what was going on with the East coven because they had been there way more than usual, even in the last two decades. He was glad that it wouldn't be a main thought. That wouldn't even have to go to the castle if they didn't want to today. His eyes shifted over to look at Kat who was picking at her breakfast. It was odd, he was used to her eating in the morning. She loved breakfast, as he had learned about her very quickly. He wouldn't bring it up now, but he'd ask her later.

Mitch was a trip in the morning, he thought, but he saw how carefully Mitch watched Lia when she headed out onto the porch with Edgar. He knew it was because of last night though. He vaguely remembered him talking about how Lia got with her nightmares years ago, and now seeing how it was he could understand. That was scary, and he could almost feel how it unsettled things. Maybe it was because she was a witch. Magic could do that, couldn't it?

He shook his head a bit when Mitch asked them about what they were doing and when Kat brought up the story, Atticus shot a look to Mitch when he brought up the hunter story. "Nah, I was telling her about Snowcrest. Technically a hunter story, but not the one you're talking about." When Kat showed interest in it, he nodded a bit. "Sure, Kitty. If you really want to hear that one too, I'll tell you it."

He watched Kat a moment as she talked to Mitch and watched her form retreat upstairs for a moment. "Been a weird morning, man. I don't think I've ever seen the girls hug before, but they sure did this morning. Not to mention they're both acting a little weird."

His ears perked a bit at the door when the knob was grabbed. He wasn't sure if he was imagining it or not, but he was almost certain he heard a cough from the other side. He saw it open and he watched as Edgar waddled in and got over to his basket in the living room. He heard Lia's voice after a moment too. "Here." she said, pulling a brown paper bag from underneath the sink and she wrapped up some muffins. "In case you guys get hungry a little later."

He nodded. "Thanks." he said and he blinked a bit as she headed up the stairs. "Least it's not storming." he mumbled.

--

Lia nodded when Kat said something about wanting to try the pie. "Alright, once I'm done with cookies I'll work on it. It only needs about an hour to set after I actually get it put together." she said. She then took Edgar outside and let him take care of his business. The cold air was a little bothersome and she shivered, drawing her robe closer to herself. She knew she'd need to pack up some muffins for Kat and Atticus, especially since she could already tell they'd head out for the day. She shivered again and sighed, seeing Edgar waddle over to the porch. She scooped him up and placed him on the porch. She went to head to the door, but she saw him wandering about. She went to take in a deep breath and she coughed lightly.

Her eyes rolled a bit. That was the last thing she needed. To be sick at a time like this, especially when she was dealing with her nightmares too. When Edgar finally got to the door, she grabbed hold of the door knob and coughed lightly again. She shook her head and opened the door, watching as Edgar walked in. She spoke to Atticus after she made him and Kat a bag of muffins to go and she headed up to her room to get dressed. She definitely needed something a bit warmer, and she would need to get into her herbs too anyway.

When she got into her room, she looked to the unmade bed and she started making it up before she sat down a moment. She took the pillow that Mitch had used and hugged it to her and leaned her head against it a moment. She could smell him and it silenced her worries for a brief moment. She shook her head and fluffed it up a bit before she placed it back on the bed and got up. She stripped out of her pajamas and pulled her hair up into a ponytail. She pulled on a long sleeved shirt and a pair of dark pants. She put on some warmer socks and she headed into the bathroom when it was opened and washed her face a bit and opened a cabinet. She had become quite good with making her own remedies, and she took a rub she had made and rubbed a little on her chest. She washed her hands after, and she went back into her room a moment. She got into her personal stash of herbs and pulled out some eucalyptus, mint, and a small bit of thyme.

She headed back down the stairs and she couldn't help the smirk that came over her face at the flour sitting on the counter. She quickly wiped it off her face and started making herself some more tea before she got out some bowls and a few other things. She finally took the half apron that she had folded next to her drying towels and tied it around her waist as she started getting into her rhythm. She finally spoke, not knowing if anyone was even around her at that point, she tended to completely zone out when she got into baking. "What kind of jelly am I using this time?"

Kathleen was extremely happy when Atty said that he would tell her both stories. Even if he didn't seem very happy about the other story being brought up. She didn't care honestly if it was a bad or maybe dark story though. She just wanted to hear some of his stories. Hell, she could even tell her the hunter story she had at that rate. It was a little short, but the hunters turning on each other had been fun to watch.

After she lied and told Mitch she was fine, she went upstairs to get dressed. She wasn't really sure what was up with her. She didn't have a cough or anything. Just cold and kind of nauseous. Shaking her head to herself she started getting dressed. The really cute blue sweater that Lia had got her for her birthday last year and a pair of simple black jeans. Getting the rest of the way ready in the bathroom, before heading downstairs.

When she came back into the kitchen the guys were talking about how it might snow today, and she frowned a little. "I hope it doesn't snow, it's already cold enough as it is."

"If it does it's only supposed to be a little bit. More like hail." Mitch answered and Kathleen nodded a little before turning to Atty.

"If it starts hailing I say we just get under a tree or something. Cause it looks super nice outside and it would be kind of nice to spend the day outside.” She said with a slight laugh before grabbing her coat out of the closet. When he said that Lia bagged them up some muffins for later she smiled around the corner at him. “Oh awesome, did she put blueberry ones in it too?” She asked before they made their way outside. It looked a lot warmer outside than it actually was and Kathleen pulled her coat a little tighter around her. “We should go to Checkov’s arboretum.”

---

Mitch was still exhausted, and exactly happy that Lia knew how he liked his coffee and thought to make it for him. Though even now as she was making muffins he couldn't help but watch her a little more. He was glad her field worked last night, but he never could get used to her baking thing after the dreams. He watched her carefully as she went outside also. Mitch couldn't help himself, he didn't know what her dreams were about completely. From the things he had heard her scream during them, they were something traumatic, and he understood that.

After Lia went outside he turned his attention more to Atty and Kat. He shrugged slightly at the look he got when he brought up the hunter story. Honestly, he was confused because he had heard a lot of Atty's stories. Kat was acting weird for herself and he couldn't help but go into guard mode and ask if she was alright. Even though she said that she was, something about her was off. Yet he nodded when she said she was fine and went upstairs.

He kind of chuckled when Atty seemed weirded about the girls hugging. "They just wait until we leave for all the cute bounding stuff, I mean they are around twenty four seven. Of course they are going to actually get along." To him the idea of them hugging wasn't to off the wall, though to be fair he had grown up in a house full of women. Though when Atty said they were both acting weird, he didn't have a chance to reply before the cough at the door caught his attention. Mitch frowned a bit to himself. "I have a theory why but I'm not sure yet. If I'm right things are about to get weirder." He said before Lia came in with Edgar.

Mitch watched the interaction between Atty and Lia with a bit of a smile sipping his coffee. It was amusing still how much Atty didn't know how to take Lia being nice to him. His eyes watched Lia's form head up the stairs, though he couldn't lie, only half of it was him being watchful. He blinked a bit when Atty mumbled something about it storming. "Yeah the snow storm today isn't supposed to be that bad though. And a few hours away." He said before Kat came back downstairs and he chuckled at the two of them. "Just remember to come back if it gets too cold."

Soon he was left alone in the kitchen and yawned a bit, rubbing his eyes. He hoped he was wrong that both of the girls were about to or were getting sick. He didn't know how Kat acted when she was sick, but he knew how clingy Lia could get. While he didn't mind, he knew it would freak Atty out. Finishing his coffee he stretched, and washed his coffee cup, he was about to go and actually get dressed when he heard the bathroom door shut. Shrugging a bit he got the floor down for Lia before gathering his clothes and heading into the small mudroom room to change since he knew no one was in the garden. Holding the door open so Edgar, who was waddling towards him, could follow him.

After getting dressed and finally brushing his hair to look neat, he patted his leg to get Edgar to come to him and picked the little duck up. Lia was back in the kitchen working on cookies, humming as she worked and Mitch just left her be and he put Edgar back on his bed. Grabbing a book he came back into the kitchen and started reading before she spoke. He was quiet for a moment. "Well Kat like the strawberry ones, I like both."