The Gift
Stephanie's Storyline, Chapter 7.1
copyright comidacomida 2018
In his book 'The Man in the Iron Mask', Alexander Dumas wrote "Man upon this earth must expect everything, and ought to face everything." Never was that more clear to me than my first evening back at my parents' home. I'd barely slept at all in the 48 hours before that so I was practically dead on my feet, but there was still so much to do. Thankfully, my Spirits were there to help, and so were Billy's friends.
I'd always been a little squeamish when it came to insects so neither of my parents thought anything of Kyle (the Human) and Ashton helping me with an 'ant problem'. My dad and mom invited them to stay for dinner and they went out to spray around the foundation of the house which, as far as Anapa had said, would handle the physical requirements for the ritual and he would be able to handle all of the magic. By the time dinner was ready they were finished or, at least that was my impression when I woke up the following morning; I'd fallen asleep a short time later and missed the meal completely.
It was almost eight in the morning when I woke up; Medved, as expected, was by my side, offering a warm smile. "Dobroye utro, Lapushka-- good morning."
A few seconds passed before I realized where I was and that the night had passed me by. "Um-- oh... good morning, Medved. How is everyone?"
Tom spoke up from where he was seated in the corner. "Medved and I watched you when you slept in case there was a problem. The Raven kept everyone from your room so you could sleep and the Jackal is recovering from the ritual."
Sitting up slowly, I realized that one of my hands was cradled loosely in Medved's paw; he let go as I stood up. I'd fallen asleep in the prior day's clothes and I hadn't done any of the important self-care needed before bed so I felt absolutely filthy. "Ugh... I really need a shower... and about ten pounds of soap."
The Bear chuckled deeply. "You need no such thing, Lapushka... though, if you wish to wash up there should be plenty of hot water-- your mother finished her shower nearly an hour ago and breakfast is not planned until nine."
Although I didn't need the reminder, Tom offered it nevertheless. "Nekh'dah, do not forget that your parents will expect some of your time today."
I sighed, nodding. "I know... I know..."
Kyle's head appeared through the door. "Billy's friends also invited you to the drive-in, don't forget!"
The second reminder did an even better job of pointing out that a good amount of my time isn't my own. "Right-- if there's time I'll think about it."
Medved's paw reached out and gently brushed against my forearm. "I will help you today if we turn to Anapa for more ritual magic."
The Raven shook his head, feathers puffing up. "Not likely-- I mean... he's pretty tired after doing the whole ritual-thing last night by himself. I offered to help, but he said if you weren't there then any other Spirits would just get in the way."
The Bear took his paw back and sat down on the bed I'd vacated. "Ahm... eh-- perhaps he will be better by this evening. We must be ready in case Stefanika is put in danger; she should be protected."
Tom let out a loud snort. "The Jackal is not the only one who knows of Aptropaic Magic... our People have had such rituals for just as long."
Even as I rooted around in my suitcase I spared the Rhino a glance. "So... you could have helped him?"
My Sentinel shook his head. "Our magic is not the same. I can provide protection but it is of a different sort. If he is too weak to add to your defenses later today then I will step in... but we must maintain our vigil-- it would not do for too many of your protectors to become exhausted, Nekh'dah."
Having gathered up what I'd need to change into once I was clean, I lingered inside my room just long enough to ask the question of everyone. "Okay... so, considering everyone wants some of my time, what do we have time to accomplish before people start feeling insulted by me ignoring them and begin asking too many questions?"
Medved started, having apparently been ready for the issue. "Focus on your needs first, Lapushka... if you do not, no one else will."
Kyle followed up before anyone else could, stepping aside as I opened the door through him. "We still didn't get a chance to finish looking around the house and Anapa suggested starting our inspection in Billy's room... remember?"
Tom added a comment much slower, but still just as worthwhile to consider. "You asked your mother to borrow her automobile, Nekh'dah. I would think your chances of her saying 'yes' are much more likely if you are an attentive and dutiful daughter... perhaps consider starting off on the right foot by satisfying your parents' desires?"
Realizing that things were a lot more difficult than I'd originally thought I closed the door; Kyle stepped back through to join us. "Sorry."
His beak quirked into a smile. "No prob."
Once we were gathered up again in a half-circle I addressed the issue. "I still want to head down to where it happened-- at the river... oh-- and I want to visit the police station... and... ugh... I just--"
Medved put into words what I was too embarrassed to say. "...and you still need some time to rest properly, Lapushka."
It was a hard pill to swallow, but it was true; I'd run myself ragged the past several days and apparently almost fifteen hours of sleep just wasn't enough. Then again, I had to remind myself, I wasn't going to be staying in town forever and whoever and whatever had been involved in Billy's death was still out there and the trail would only get colder. I let out a helpless sigh. "Damn..."
Tom knelt down in front of me, putting our eyes at just about the same height. "Nekh'dah, as I said, I am no stranger to the flow of Spirit Energy. If time is of the essence and you are that tired then I can fortify you so you may do as you need to without fatigue."
Kyle let out a half-squeak accompanied by an eye roll and a wink. "Sure-- right after you say we shouldn't be exhausting her protectors you go and offer to Imbue her? Sounds like you don't follow your own advice there, Sentinel."
I cut off Tom before he could throw back an objection at the Raven. "Imbue?"
Medved brushed my hair off of my shoulder as he spoke. "Spirits take in energy from Humans, but it is also possible for the transfer to go the other way. Humans give Spirit Energy to Spirits freely and without tiring but it is harder for a Spirit to provide it to a Human-- harder, but not impossible."
A lot of options were laid out in front of me and I realized if I didn't decide on something the choices would only get harder. Hefting my change of clothes and thinking longingly for the shower, I--
She needs food, does not need to exhaust her spirits, needs to spend time with her parents, and sitting down to eat will be restful to boot.
-TGU.
b) -- decided that I wasn't in a position to find out anything until I'd set up a plan on how to protect myself and my family. I'd go through with investigation, but I'd be sure to set aside some time to do more defensive rituals with my Spirits.
c) -- had to admit that I owed it to my brother to spend some time with his friends in his honor. If I was going to get any time to do an investigation I'd have to start early so I could join them at the drive-in.
d) -- came to the conclusion that I'd have to learn more about the whole 'Imbue' thing. Although that would cause more exhaustion among my Spirits and waste energy that could have gone into protective magic, If I was well rested I'd be able to come at this with a clear mind, find time for my parents and still meet with Billy's friends.
e) -- promised myself I'd make up my mind AFTER I had a chance to think about it and get clean.
Voting is now open, and will close as of Wednesday, November 21st.
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A. Mother may know more than she has said so far. Things Stephanie needs to know
And yes, she is going to start with a shower regardless, but making up her mind BEFORE the shower means she's showering with purpose, so no QT with Medved in the water. ;)