Chapter Nine
Donuts, Daggers, and Diamonds
Lunette had been worried that she might have gotten locked out of the house after coming home so late, but it opened easily and she slipped inside. Seeing the lanterns on the stairs had been kept brightened for her, she made her way upstairs. Deciding the lanterns were an indication of which way to go, she followed them to the end suit with the door left open. The lanterns were bright in the suite as well, and Lunette saw their satchels folded on a side table. When she peeked into the bedroom, no one was there.
Deciding there was only one other place that Bres could be, Lunette went back down and around to the staircase leading to the library, sighing with exasperation when she saw the door open and the lights were on. Much to her surprise, it was Jennifer who was inside, reading the paper with a cup of tea and teapot in a cozy beside it.
"Oh, good evening, welcome back!" Jennifer greeted warmly "How was New York?"
"Hot and muggy," Lunette admitted. "I was looking for Bres."
"He's out with friends, actually. I expect them to be back within the hour," Jennifer said, checking her watch.
"Friends?" Lunette repeated unsurely.
"Zack and Owain took him out to dinner, and then later Zack sent me a note saying they were taking him over to Bocor's Donuts," Jennifer explained. "But don't worry, Sirius is holding Bres' soul as a deposit for two dozen Dogstar Specials."
"I take it that name isn't a coincidence," Lunette decided dryly.
"It isn't. Junior invented them after Sirius quit alcohol. They're the same donuts he used to get from the store's "after-eleven" specials, but without the booze," Jennifer explained. "Care for some tea while you wait for him?"
"No thanks, I'll go wait in our room. Sorry about earlier," Lunette added sincerely.
"Quite alright," Jennifer said unconcernedly. "I promised Bres a trip to Myrkinbrek tomorrow. I can't wait to show you Sprinter's new Alchemy."
"Oh, sure. Goodnight, Jennifer," Lunette said.
"Goodnight!" Jennifer replied, turning her paper to the social column.
As Lunette went down the back stairs, she couldn't help but feel slightly annoyed how Jennifer had assumed that Lunette wanted to go. Admittedly, she was a bit curious to see Sprinter's Shop, but she would have liked to have been asked all the same. It hadn't helped that Jennifer seemed to be holding something back… or was she just imagining that because Jennifer was reading the paper?
In the library, Jennifer was quite interested in the news in the social page about Moira Maxen's engagement to Horace Crumb; a marriage that appeared quite political in nature. The age difference was stark, considering he was a Slytherin Prefect before Xavier; a practical businessman who had never married and served the school board as an astute Traditionalist voice. He was partial owner of a Quidditch team and fairly well liked, and Jennifer knew from random board meetings where she had filled in that he sometimes considered getting married now that he was well established. Moira, just out of school, still had traits that she could see would interest him; she was just as practical in nature and preferred intellectual pursuits like he did, so they might actually pair well together, she mused thoughtfully. Considering the pressure her father was putting on them, she could have done a lot worse. Bonnibel, it seemed, was dating a wizard named Leonard Dufrais; a younger, handsome wizard of notable social standing considering his records at White Hall and Beauxbatons; his family seemed to have something to do with the luxury trade between the two countries. Jennifer didn't doubt that their own engagement announcement would come sooner than later, but Jennifer couldn't help but wonder how Cadha was doing. Every time she was photographed, she was seen as someone different, and Jennifer wished she could see her in person so she could get an idea how she was really doing…
"Jennifer?" Lunette called out from the door.
Jennifer looked up in surprise, giving Lunette a chance to read her without the newspaper in the way.
Sure enough, Jennifer was very much concentrating on the newspaper gossip. Lunette sighed, realizing she might have just been a bit self-conscious about Jennifer's intentions. Of course, Jennifer's interest in other people's business was what had gotten everyone, including Lunette, so paranoid.
"I happen to be seeing how some of my former students are adjusting to life outside of school, and I don't see anything wrong with that," Jennifer said curtly. Lunette grimaced, realizing just how loud her thoughts had been.
"Sorry, Jennifer, I didn't mean to be critical. I just wanted to ask if you would veer Bres back to our rooms when he comes in, just in case he tries to come in here to study without checking in," Lunette suggested.
"I doubt Bres would come in here first, but I will inform him if he does," Jennifer replied.
"Thanks," Lunette said, more than a little embarrassed that she had decided to check Jennifer's intentions in the first place. It seemed quite silly to think that her friend had been doing anything other than making sure her guests were comfortable and entertained.
As Lunette returned to her room, Jennifer shook her head knowingly, turning back to the paper as she waited for Bres so she could lock up the house for the evening.
As it happened, Lunette was not long out of the bath and was pondering going back downstairs long enough to check her Wizmail when the door finally opened and Bres stepped in, his hair unusually out of place and his clothes looking unusually unpressed.
"I see part of you made it home. Did you go to a donut shop or a tavern?" Lunette teased.
"Donut shop," Bres said, sounding tired and dazed. "Fascinating place, apparently they have different clientele depending on whether it's night or day. Zack and Sir Owain decided that it was somewhere they could take me with everyone being unsettled. Everyone was suspicious of me inside the Pumpkin Masala."
"Pumpkin Masala? Did you bring me any leftovers?" Lunette protested.
"Oh," Bres said distractedly, producing a takeaway box and a donut box. "Zack said the donuts are safe… whatever that means."
"Whatever that means?" Lunette repeated.
"Well, when Junior found out that my people have an extreme tolerance for alcohol, he gave me a plate of mini donuts with strange colored sugar he called Elf Sprinkles. I felt a bit funny after that… like there was a pinch of Pixie Dust in it or something…" he said, Lunette rolling her eyes at that. "Junior was a friendly baker. Very dark skin and very dark hair with a lot of coils and things. Sir Owain seemed to know him very well, as did Zack, but he could never seem to get any names right. He called Zack Doctor Z, and Owain Mr. Bones, and he called me Spock. It was all quite bizarre. Everyone kept wanting me to sign a paper contract, and they had to keep telling them I already signed one with Dogstar. None of it made much sense."
"Well, it made sense to me, and it means that you need to sleep it off," Lunette said flatly, getting up. "Come on! Let's get you into bed, or you won't be in any condition to go shopping tomorrow! And for god's sake, don't you dare try to go into that donut shop alone at night!"
"Zack and Sir Owain gave me the same warning," Bres said, but Lunette simply shooed him into the bedroom to help him get his boots off.
Bright and early the next morning, Jennifer made some coffee, setting a Junior half-dozen on the table along with a plate of scones and poached eggs on toast. Then she sent Darcy up to let her guests know that breakfast was ready. Lunette came down first going straight for the coffee. She was still standing next to the coffee pot taking in the steam when Bres came in.
"Oh, no. Not more donuts," Bres said with such an uncharacteristic groan that Lunette blinked. Jennifer laughed outright.
"Zack sent them. They were on the table when I got up this morning," Jennifer explained. "It came with a note for me telling me that if you didn't automatically reject them, they hadn't shown you a good enough time and that they would try again the next time Owain was off," she relayed with open amusement.
"Zack is his father's son, isn't he?" Lunette said dryly.
"He certainly is," Jennifer agreed. Bres took the seat furthest away from the donuts. "There's really no need for that. These are morning donuts, and the ones marked Juniors are made for children. Aurelius sometimes brings them to the Craw mansion during gatherings, because apparently it's a popular Auror hangout. From what I hear, that place goes a bit too far for me, so I'm content to simply accept morning donuts when they're offered by someone I trust," Jennifer said. "Do you want the first pick, Lunette?"
Lunette picked out a chocolate one.
"So are you going to tell me what you're up to today, Jennifer? I notice that your spectacles are all the way up," Lunette said suspiciously.
"That is because I've been instructed to take the two of you somewhere in Myrkinbrek to pick up a wedding present and I don't want to spoil it," Jennifer said.
"You already gave me a watch," Bres reminded her.
"Yes, but it isn't from me, it's from someone else," Jennifer said.
"You got Bres a watch?" Lunette asked, and Bres brought it out to show her.
"I was having trouble structuring my time here, and since I had an appointment for dinner, Jennifer got me this so I could learn the timing system," Bres explained.
"Well, I already have a watch, so what do I get?" Lunette joked.
"Right now, you get a good cup of coffee and donuts," Jennifer replied. "And a trip to Myrkinbrek to see how much it's changed. But before that, I'd like to go to Ollivander's Wand Shop to see if he has anything set aside for Fae, because if not, we'll likely have to go to Grendlebane's, because I don't think Corey has enough expertise to make a wand for Bres."
"And who would be gifting that, exactly?" Bres asked skeptically.
"I'll get it, Bres, I told you. I left myself quite a bit of funds here and investments from legacy companies that I've invested in so long I had to exchange all my paper copies a few years back," Lunette said. "It is no different than you paying for everything when we're visiting your kingdom."
"How could you possibly compare this in any way to my kingdom? Here tables are full and resources plenty and haven't been ravaged by hordes of demons. I've never seen such a place as this where glass, wood, and even food is so commonplace," Bres pointed out firmly. Lunette stared at him with a frown.
"Would you like a summer job, Bres?" Jennifer suggested.
Lunette's turned and stared at Jennifer in surprise.
"What is a summer job?" Bres asked.
"A summer job is a sort of temporary job. Businesses often offer temporary work in the summer to students or individuals who simply want to make a bit of extra coins. Typically they don't pay well since they're jobs meant for entry level workers… people still learning how to work, that is… but that also means it comes with the added benefit of education. You would not only have the opportunity to earn some of your own coin but learn about our work culture," Jennifer said. "And since you already have specialised skills as a scholar, I can think of a few employers who would find those skills handy."
"We don't have time for him to do something like that, Jennifer! Have you forgotten that we need to go and find my father?" Lunette protested.
"First off, that task was placed specifically on you by your grandfather. I don't see how Bres really has anything to do with it. Second, your whole point in bringing him here was to experience your culture and to understand it. If you want him to truly understand it, you need to put him in an environment that encourages him to make his own choices so that he can experience Free Will in a way he couldn't in his world. Third, I really don't think either of you are going to find common ground in your relationship if you don't let him regain some independence, Lunette. You told me more than once that you've been married multiple times and always to a professional. That being the case, I doubt that you expected any of them to live on your personal finances, and it's unfair of you to think Bres would be willing to do so either. Bres may be out of his element, but that makes him no less of a professional, nor does it mean you need to treat him like a child," Jennifer snapped.
"Precisely," Bres chimed in, before Lunette had a chance to storm off again. "If I am allowed to make my own choices, I would like to look into this suggestion of a "summer job" a bit further."
"We can as long as we make it to Tassels and Panning today. Because, Lunette, if you must know, it was Lady Viviane herself who asked me to escort you there. After that, I'm completely willing to take you wherever you want, Bres, but I don't think it's wise to offend Viviane by turning down her wedding gift. I especially don't think it'd be wise for you to offend her, Lunette, considering there might be a point when you'll need to rely on Fate to help you deliver that message to your father," Jennifer reminded her firmly.
"Jennifer, you are really pissing me off right now," Lunette informed her darkly.
"For what? Being honest? Maybe you should try looking in the mirror if you don't like it, so that you can at least be honest with yourself!" Jennifer shouted, refusing to back down. Lunette strode out of the room and up the stairs.
"That did not go over well," Bres commented.
"I knew that it wouldn't. Lunette is used to always being in control of her situation, and I was her apprentice, after all," Jennifer said. "She's just having a hard time balancing things right now, and although I know it impacts you directly, it's something she's got to work out herself, really."
"But surely there's something I can do to help," Bres pleaded. "She is always so moody these days, and I never know how to settle her, especially when she's angry like this."
"Well, she's reacting to all of the changes in her life, really. She's just trying to adjust to those changes, just like you are," Jennifer explained gently. "And I think the first thing you do when you want to support someone you care about is to make certain you're strong enough to handle both your own burden and theirs. There have been many times in my life when I've had to sacrifice my needs for others, but there's only so long a person can sacrifice themselves before there's nothing left to give, and things just break down that much faster."
"So you're saying that the best way I can help her is if I can become self-reliant. It not only unburdens her from having to make sacrifices on my behalf, but I can also become strong enough to support her when needed. Seeing to my needs does not only help me, it helps her as well," Bres concluded.
"Yes," Jennifer agreed solemnly. "But right now, she might not see it that way. She's so focused on her own internal battle that she may misinterpret your attempts of becoming more self-reliant as a personal affront."
"How do I prevent her from seeing it like that?" he asked. Jennifer sighed.
"Well, when Severus went through a time when he was fighting himself, I found that the harder I tried to be supportive, the worse things became. In the end, all I could do was give him the space he needed. When we were apart, I had to learn how to support him from a distance. It wasn't easy," she admitted quietly. "I ached for us to be together, even after he lashed out and hurt me deeply. But, as the person who helped me through it once told me, it really wasn't about me… it wasn't even about our relationship. It was about his battle with his Fate, and that was something he had to work out on his own, you see. Of course, when we went through it, we had been married so long that we already had adult children who could help support me when I felt low. The two of you are just starting your lives together, so that part is a different situation. You barely know her, and she barely knows you, and it's hard to find compromises, let alone work together, when you have so much to learn about each other."
"It would be difficult to learn more about her and give her space at the same time," Bres complained.
"I'll admit that's a unique problem," Jennifer said. "Then again, you still need to understand this world well if you wanted to truly understand Lunette. And spending time with friends can also give you perspectives that even Lunette couldn't give you."
Bres pondered that.
"A fair point," Bres decided. "Given that, do you suppose that I should.." he paused, hearing Lunette on the stairs. Instead of coming into the dining room, Lunette went straight out the front door. "Where do you suppose she's going?"
"Knowing Lunette, to try to find a pub that serves breakfast," Jennifer guessed. "You know what? That's okay… she made her choice. Let's make our own choices and trust her enough to believe that she will meet up with us later on."
"Very well," Bres said, then paused. "Is it your turn to make a choice, or is it mine?" he asked, not wanting to be impolite.
"I already made my choice, which is to become your guide while you're here so that you could learn our culture and how to navigate it independently," Jennifer explained.
"I see. Then I would like to start by making a list of everything I want to learn, such as your language, your magic, your economy and job classifications… with plenty of room to modify and add to it as I progress," Bres decided.
"Oh! Alright. Are you certain you won't get overwhelmed by making a list?" Jennifer asked.
"I'd be much more overwhelmed if I didn't have a list," Bres assured her.
"A scroll of parchment would probably be best. Try the desk in the library," Jennifer said.
"I will be right back," Bres said, then got up to fetch it. Jennifer sipped her coffee thoughtfully, realizing she had her work cut out for her.
Lunette knew the very Muggle pub to go to; the one near the courtside exit of the Ministry of Magic where most of the counselors ended up after their court date. They had long convinced the locals that a medieval reenactment club was nearby to explain away anyone who came in without changing, shrugging off any inconsistencies as part of a historical event. It was early enough in the morning that it was relatively quiet, and despite the fact that her choice was close to the Ministry, Lunette hadn't expected anyone of consequence.
She was both surprised and dismayed when Albus Dumbledore sat down not long after she had ordered.
"How in the hell did you know I was here?" Lunette asked flatly, daring him to lie and pretend it was a coincidence.
"Oh, a friend might have given me a hint that you were here and might need someone to talk to," Albus admitted.
"Well they were wrong, because I really don't want to talk to anybody," Lunette informed him.
"Good morning, Al! The usual?" asked the waitress.
"The morning usual, yes, thank you, Becky," Albus said, and the waitress walked off again. "There, you see? It could have been a coincidence."
"It was not," Lunette said firmly, glad when her drink arrived. "Did Jennifer send you?"
"No," Albus replied honestly. "Why would you think so?"
"Because she's been a real pain in the ass, to the point that I really wish we hadn't agreed to stay at their house. In fact, I think I'm going to check and see if Thomas has Coven Suites updated to let Bres in so that we can stay there where I don't feel like I'm obligated to follow anyone else's life plans," Lunette said. Albus nodded thoughtfully at that.
"I take it that Bres is unhappy with the current arrangement as well," Albus ventured.
"I wouldn't say that," Lunette replied irritably. "If anything, he seems to be a little too willing to go along with just about anything she says. They were planning to try to find him a wand and then head to Myrkinbrek."
"If they want to find Bres a wand that'll work properly with his magic, they would most undoubtedly end up in Myrkinbrek," Albus decided. "Ollivander has a wide arrange of wands for witch and wizard students of mixed races, but I highly doubt he'd have anything specialized for a full svartalfar would would need a wand capable of reigning in his instinctual magic. They'll end up in Grendlebane's for certain if that is their goal today."
"Well, that's one of their goals, but not the only one. Jennifer's also convinced him that he would benefit from getting a summer job somewhere," Lunette complained.
"Oh, really? Where?" Albus asked curiously.
"I don't know, she didn't say and had her spectacles all the way up this morning," Lunette said.
"I see, and that did nothing but make you all the more suspicious of what she is up to," Albus concluded.
"Jennifer is always up to something," Lunette said with exasperation. "And I'd much prefer it if whatever she's doing had nothing to do with me. I can't believe she'd do something like this after everything I have done for her over the years. From that very first Truth Seeker test where I took her under my wing and gave her every legal advantage when she got into trouble. After I rescued Severus from being falsely accused and sent to Azkaban, and stepped in for Lucky, and Alicia, besides other piddly instances. After I took a leave from the practice the year she went to Whitebridge and then helped her cover up her mistakes… and I left her one of my very best rental properties when I retired in case anything blew up in her face while I was in our world and she needed somewhere to retreat to! After all of that I've done for her, she picks now to meddle in my life!" Lunette ranted, seething.
"Yes," Albus said, thinking over what Lunette said. "I suppose it was long overdue, wasn't it?"
"What?" Lunette said flatly.
"Jennifer owes you a lot, Lunette. After hearing your case, it has definitely convinced me of that. It was high time that she repaid that favor, wasn't it?" Albus mused.
"No! No, no, no… she can repay it by staying out of my business. Permanently," Lunette protested.
"Why? You obviously didn't stay out of hers," Albus replied.
"Of course not, she was my apprentice! She didn't know anything! And even after she took over the Dark Sentinel title, she still needed help… she was very high maintenance," Lunette protested.
"Yes, I agree that she was," Albus nodded. "However, I also must note that both of us seem to be using 'was' in the past tense."
"Don't read too much into that," Lunette glowered at him. "I admit she's come a long way, but that still doesn't give her the right to interfere in my life if I don't want her to!"
"Fair enough," Albus nodded. "And what about Bres? You seemed to imply that he seemed more open to her advice."
"Easy to fix if we get him out of that house," Lunette replied. "In fact, maybe I'd better step in before her nosiness goes too far. I'll head to Myrkinbrek straight after I'm done. Jennifer said Viviane wanted us to pick up something at Tassels and Panning, and I really don't want to get on her bad side."
"Care if I accompany you? I have a bit of pull with Grendelbane, so I will be able to get you a much fairer deal when you order a wand for Bres," Albus suggested.
"Thanks, I appreciate your insight," Lunette said.
"You do?" Albus said with a raised brow.
"Of course I do," Lunette replied.
"Intriguing," Albus mused.
"What's intriguing?" Lunette prompted with a sigh, and Albus pointedly looked at her over the edge of his glasses.
"That you would be so willing to accept my help and advice when you so adamantly reject Jennifer's," Albus said. Lunette glowered at him again, then concentrated on her food and drink until she could think of a way to change the subject.
Just like the day before, walking through the Leaky Cauldron and Diagon Alley was rather awkward. Everyone who happened by turned and frowned suspiciously at Bres, wondering about the dark sensation that surrounded him. It reminded Jennifer of the many times she had fallen out of favor when she had just arrived; for while she had no presence to speak of in her younger days, the weight of her family's dark family history followed her everywhere. It was very much the same, she decided. It was simply that his was more pronounced, brought on by the curse he inherited from his ancestors. That was probably also why the Trade Elves all seemed to like him so well too; they knew the weight of ancestral burden all too well.
The trip to Olivander's proved quite short, for the wandmaker was quick to explain that Bres was going to need a specialized wand.
"Nevermind, Bres," Jennifer told him as they left, unsurprised and undaunted. "I know exactly where to go for your wand, and the shop happens to be just across the street from Tassels and Panning. But since we have to go through the bank to get there, we can start by getting you a bank vault."
"What is that?" Bres asked.
"A bank is a secure place to keep money that you earn on your summer job. In most cases, the coins you earn go straight to your vault, then you take out only what you need," Jennifer explained. "Since the wizard society here uses Goblin coins, they get quite cumbersome to carry around. If it's something you need a great deal of money for… like jewelry where it'd be cumbersome to carry around, merchants generally have a book issued by the bank, where you sign your name next to the amount and at the end of the week, they present the books to the bank and the money gets shifted around."
"I've seen Lunette sign for things," Bres said with interest. "But what happens if someone signs their name and there's not enough money in the vault?"
"Well, if a vendor doesn't know you and hasn't had a working relationship with you before, they either ask for cash or put a hold on whatever you're buying… meaning, you can't pick it up until after the bank has settled," Jennifer explained. "Goblins are a very suspicious lot so building relationships with them takes time, they are guarded and calculating, but I find it's well worth it. I have a lot of goblin friends now, and that is a high honor, because a goblin friend always has your back when you're in trouble. They may seem gruff and wary, but they have good reason to be. Our relationships with the goblins have always been touchy because Wizards have a tendency to take advantage of them, since their gifts with magic tend to be a bit more subtle… mining and making things and such."
"Yes, I know it well. There are many goblins and hobgoblins in our world, and I agree. They do make fierce allies and even fiercer enemies. We sometimes trade for their ores," Bres said.
"Perhaps that's a good sign, then," Jennifer said, thinking it over with a smile. "Let me introduce you and do the talking when we get in there, and I'll make sure you get the warmest reception possible for an outsider."
"Very well! I trust your judgement," Bres said, and Jennifer pulled out a piece of paper with a mottled golden appearance and fancy cursive lettering.
"Here you are! This is your wedding present from the Pyther's, an exchequer that'll serve as your initial deposit in your account. You have to put in a minimum to make it worth their while to set aside a vault for you, so this will be your seed money, so to speak. Once you get a summer job, it will go in there, and you can take out money as you like."
"And then I can sign for things?" Bres asked.
"Well, not right away, no. It may seem daunting at first to go back and forth to the bank, but really, it simply becomes a habit to stop by the bank every time you go shop in the alleys or in Myrkinbrek, so you get to where you don't notice it."
"And at Hogsmeade?" Bres inquired.
"Well, Hogsmeade is far, and it has its own bank which uses a very different system from this one, but all of the businesses there will accept signatures from Gringotts as well. In fact, it'll be easier for you to build up trust there than here, so that shouldn't be too much of a problem," Jennifer said.
"It will?" Bres asked.
"They know you much better there. After all, Minerva's co-owner of the Dress Shop and Rosmerta not only owns the Three Broomsticks but she's the mayor. My oldest son runs the alchemy, my daughter runs the art studio, my son-in-law's mother runs the music store, and my husband's uncle and first cousin own the toy shop. But even if you got a summer job there, I'd recommend you have a goblin vault as well. It's a lot more established, and they're used to dealing with long-lived clients. My son-in-law Pyther has had an account here since they began letting outsiders bank here," she said with amusement. "So come along! Let me do the introductions!"
"Very well," Bres said, following her inside.
As they stepped into the bank, Jennifer's expression was intent. Instead of attempting to ignore everyone's reactions to Bres, she carefully gauged everyone there. Worley Maxen, standing near one of the tellers with Stephen by his side, gave Bres that same, calculated look that Jennifer had first gotten as Worley attempted to bore into the Dark Fae's thoughts. Whether he got anything or not out of it, Jennifer wasn't quite certain; Bres had very little understanding of the world around him and very few secrets that needed to be kept just yet.
But after mentally noting the attempt, Jennifer studied the reactions of the goblins. They had all turned their heads when they came in, but didn't seem disturbed or guarded, giving him the typical wary gazes they gave to any strange Wizard they didn't know. Encouraged by that, Jennifer smiled and escorted Bres across the bank floor towards the officers' desk.
"Good morning!" she said at random as people passed, then focused on Worley. "Good morning, Worley! Congratulations on Moira's engagement!"
"Thank you," Worley said as stiffly as always. Stephen was unusually solemn, nodding to her but preoccupied. "I'm certain you'll be receiving an invitation soon."
"Thank you very much! I'm looking forward to it," Jennifer said warmly.
Jennifer continued on, missing when Worley smirked softly before turning back to his bank business. She walked over to officer Griphook, his black eyes fixed on her.
"Good morning, Professor Craw," Griphook said.
"Good morning, Griphook! I'd like to introduce you to my dear friend, Lord Bres from the Otherworld, a Svartalfar, who have long been enemies of the humans," Jennifer said. Bres blinked. "Until recently, that is, because they have just signed a peace treaty with all sides."
"My condolences," Griphook told Bres with such sincerity that Bres simply decided that a solemn nod was the best response.
"As I'm sure you've seen in the papers, My dear Counselor, Lunette Vallid, married this fine Delf to help seal the peace agreement, and he has come to visit our world to learn about her culture and ours, of course. But he'd very much prefer to start an entry level account separate from her holdings, so he could learn the economics here and have a self-sustaining portfolio. I have a check from Pyther for the amount required to open an account."
"You came to the officer's table for an entry level account?" Griphook asked flatly.
"Well, you see, he has yet to officially gain employment because I wanted this done first, so I'd need a signature," Jennifer explained, Griphook giving her a dirty look. "I also thought you'd like to see him personally because while Lunette may have had many children, Bres has yet to have his firstborn child." Griphook's expression changed slightly, still gazing at Jennifer intently. "Bres, you have had sex with Lunette, right?" she asked bluntly.
"Oh, yes," Bres confirmed, although visibly surprised by the question.
"She's pregnant," Jennifer confirmed with a beatific smile.
"Fine, let's go to the back and see what free upgrades I can offer," Griphook grunted, turning to lead them into his office. Jennifer turned and gave Bres a triumphant 'thumbs up' while he gave her a confused smile as they went to the back.
When they came back out again, Bres had a key and an entire leather wallet filled with pamphlets about bank programs. He even had a loan contract, which he had insisted on reading before agreeing to anything. Despite that, their desire to latch him into a loan got him a bigger vault on a better floor at the same rate as an entry level. Jennifer was quite pleased with her handiwork as they stepped out of the minecart and out into the promenade in Myrkinbrek.
"You know, I have read more than one book passage among your literature that stereotyped my people as being ruthless, cutthroat mercenaries," Bres commented. "If your negotiating skills are any example, you humans display those traits as well."
"It wasn't just my negotiating skills, and before you start getting too critical, I'll let you in on a little secret about that wife of yours, because she started her first practice on a first born loan," Jennifer informed him. "Back then, it was practically unheard of for any woman, witch or not, to get any sort of loan no matter what kind. The goblins were one of the few lenders that would take a witch's signature without her husband's signature. And since she not only paid off her loan but her finances are well known, they were more than happy to offer you their best services. I simply knew how to push their buttons to get the most out of the situation," she explained mischievously.
"That remains to be seen, considering I have yet to read all of this information they gave me, and I'm certainly not signing anything until I read every line and understand it fully," Bres assured her.
"No doubt about it, you are definitely Lunette's match," Jennifer teased him, then noticed that he had slowed at the edge of the entry plaza, taking it all in. Then he looked straight up, gazing fixedly at the illusion until it melted away and he could get a better look at the enormous cavern they were in.
"Why, this reminds me a great deal of my city!" Bres said in awe. "Although the buildings are a different shape… narrower and much taller, pressed together similar to the ones in the alley."
"I wonder if it's more like Fellbrek then?" Jennifer asked curiously. "You'd probably know it by the name Annwnlyll."
"Annwnlyll is a real place?" Bres asked with interest.
"Well, it's in ruins now, no one has been down there in years, and the last time it was used as a sort of prison, which didn't endear the goblins any, since it was once the center of their kingdom," Jennifer summarized.
"I would very much like to hear more about it," Bres said.
"Well, I only know the basics because I participated in the rescue, but I happen to know someone who lives down here who could recommend a few good books on the subject. Would you like to go there first?" Jennifer suggested.
"I'd be most interested," Bres acknowledged, and Jennifer smiled, leading him down one of the side streets.
"I have a feeling you will be interested in their shop as well," Jennifer said, leading him to the back of the cavern where a two-story workshop was carved into the cavern itself. The sign hanging on the shop displayed the name, "Coldsprinter and Sons" with a pair of Cutter knives crossing each other; but the glass window had gold-painted letters that read, "Gemshard's Books and Preservation.'
Jennifer opened the door and a little bell rang, and Bres stepped after her, taking the room in. The very front had a small collection of books for sale; some on shelves, while others were in cabinets behind glass. Breaking up the front part of the room from the back was a raised wooden platform accessed by a short set of steps on both sides. A long work table ran between the two stairs that functioned as both a desk and a place for Gemshard to appraise any tomes or volumes brought in. Behind it were other work areas as well as fine cabinetry with prominent locks, while between them fine daggers decorated the walls, serving as a reminder that any attempts at robbery would not likely go well.
Bres took it all in with open interest, gazing at the books on the tables but hesitant to touch them. They heard footsteps on the stairs and Gemshard, a female goblin in a tasteful black dress with gold trim and several gemstone earrings came out of the back. It was evident at that point why there was a platform in the back of the room, for it was tall enough that Gemshard appeared to be the same height as the average wizard who came in; Gemshard did not like to be looked down at.
"Oh, good morning, Professor Craw," Gemshard said, glancing over at Bres curiously. "Did you have some work for me, or just browsing today?"
"Technically we are browsing, but I wouldn't be surprised if we end up buying a volume or two for the home library. I was also wanting to introduce you and the Dash brothers to my friend, Lord Bres."
"Oh yes, you are a Delf, is that correct? A Svartalfar," Gemshard recalled.
"I am… and as such, may I say that those blades up there are of stunning quality," Bres said with appreciation.
"Those are the work of my husband and his twin's father," Gemshard explained. "He was murdered before I met them, but he was a master Cutter."
"Murdered?" Bres inquired.
"A blood war. Surely your kind would know of such things," Gemshard probed.
"All too well," Bres agreed. "Personally, I never had much interest in that sort of intrigue. I've been trained in different weapons, of course, but being a second son, I was able to pursue books over such bloodshed."
"Are you a bookmaker as well, Lord Bres?" Gemshard asked with interest.
"No, but I wouldn't mind learning," Bres replied sincerely. "By profession, I am a scholar."
Gemshard made an expression that was hard for Jennifer to read, but Bres picked up an
intense feeling of disappointment.
"Bres is looking for a summer job, actually. I don't suppose you could use some extra help?" Jennifer suggested.
"The last thing I need around here is another scholar," Gemshard said bluntly, then went over to the back door and opened it. "Boulder! Come up here and meet your other twin!" Gemshard said critically. Realizing she had a point, Jennifer had to force herself to keep a straight face.
"What the devil do you mean by my other twin? He's downstairs in the ring," Jennifer heard Boulderdash called out.
"Apparently, you have more than one!" Gemshard said with exasperation.
Boulderdash peered into the shop questioningly, then grabbed a rag to wipe the glue off his hands as he stepped in. He nodded to Jennifer, but didn't dare do any more, turning to his sister-in-law.
"Yes, Gemshard?" Boulderdash asked.
"Stay up here and deal with this… scholar," Gemshard said with such open disdain that Jennifer's eyes went wide. Gemshard then stormed down the stairs, and Boulderdash cleared his throat.
"I apologize for that reception, Jennifer. Gemshard happens to be fighting with my brother at the moment…"
"Did you just dare to apologize for me?" shouted Gemshard's voice from the back, and Boulderdash's ear twitched. "Take responsibility at once, or you'll both be sleeping on the couch!" she said in such a loud and heated tone that a look of pain crossed his face. Jennifer did her best to pretend to be interested in the book she picked up, despite the fact that it had something to do with accounting.
"I must apologize that I caused the shop owner enough distress that it inhibited her ability to serve you, since the book that I was reading was interesting enough that my brother mistakenly paid more attention to the book I was telepathically projecting than to what Gemshard was telling him, as it was a matter of importance… although it was a matter that could have waited," he murmured at the end soft enough that she couldn't hear it.
A moment later, the door slammed.
"I don't suppose you're here to tell me that Severus needs me to come back to the castle early," Boulderdash said hopefully.
"No, I didn't. But don't you always schedule extra training sessions for your Cutter students during the summer? Surely the training school is busy," Jennifer pointed out knowingly.
"As a matter of fact, Balder is down in the ring with Xavier right now. He needed the break more than I did," Boulderdash added in a low voice. "Because the reason Gemshard is so upset is that she was attempting to tell him we were expecting again."
"Boulder!" Jennifer said with a delighted smile.
"Don't tell her I told you, she isn't ready yet," Boulderdash pleaded.
"I understand," Jennifer said with a smile.
"Well, now that your need for gossip is satiated, Jennifer, how can I help you?" Boulderdash inquired.
"First, introductions!" Jennifer insisted with a smile. "Librarian Boulderdash, this is my good friend, Lord Bres from the Otherworld, his father's professional scholar. Basically, his duties are similar to a research librarian."
"Oh? Isn't that interesting," Boulderdash said with a toothy grin as Bres bowed formally to him.
"Gemshard didn't think so," Jennifer said with a slight pout. "He's looking for a summer job, but the moment she heard he was a scholar…"
"You came at the worst possible time and you used the worst possible word," Boulderdash said bluntly. "Well, I can do nothing about that, but I do know that you should easily be able to get a summer job at the Wizard's Museum. Even if he couldn't contribute to the research department, which I'm certain he can, Ambrose would be delighted to have anyone from an outlying culture to educate visitors about their culture and race. Not only that, but working at the Museum would also expose you to different cultures as well as Wizard History, and therefore would probably get you better acclimatized as well… assuming he can get in, of course."
"My Father was already looking into adding Bres into security," Jennifer offered.
"I can't help but wonder what your plans are after summer, Bres. How long are you going to be over here?" Boulderdash asked him.
"At least a year. My wife has further business here," Bres replied.
"In that case, may I suggest that you apply for the Assistant Librarian position at Hogwarts? It would be nice to get someone with some actual expertise for a change. Typically, I end up with a recently graduated student who takes the job so they can study for a particular license or get into a particular program in another country," Boulderdash explained.
"I think that's a positively splendid idea," Jennifer said with a glowing smile.
"I am not certain if I can seek further employment or not, but I shall discuss the possibility with Lunette," Bres replied.
"Not a problem. There's still time left to consider it," Boulderdash said with a shrug.
"Also, we were wondering if you could recommend some books about Fellbrek. Bres saw some similarities to Myrkinbrek and his own kingdom, and it sounded like Felbrek was even closer," Jennifer said.
"Oh, really? Isn't that interesting," Boulderdash admitted thoughtfully, stepping down to look in the front cases for a moment before turning towards the back door. "Wait here one moment. I have at least one book you can start on."
Jennifer smiled and watched him go, then glanced back at Bres.
"Why don't you pick a couple of books for me to add to my home library, Bres, that you might like to read later? After all, we've taken up a great deal of their time today."
"But how will I know the price? They're not clearly marked," Bres said.
"As long as you pick anything outside of the glass cases, it will be fine, since those aren't valuable enough to need the extra protection," Jennifer suggested. Seeing the sense in that, Bres picked out a couple of the titles that had intrigued him and Jennifer set them on the counter just as Boulderdash returned with a leather-wrapped book.
"This particular volume is a loan, so please take care of it," Boulderdash said, handing it to Bres. "You may return it when you arrive at Hogwarts, or you can hand it off to Jennifer when she returns to the castle."
"Thank you, I am most grateful," Bres said.
"I am also buying these two for my home library," Jennifer said, and Bres watched with intense interest as Boulderdash tallied it up and gave her a quill to sign for it.
"That is the one that gets sent to the bank to settle the accounts every week that you told me about, yes?" Bres asked Jennifer.
"Yes, that's right," Jennifer said. Boulderdash furrowed his brows.
"Do yourself a favor, Bres. Don't take any financial advice from Jennifer. She isn't that good at it," Boulderdash said bluntly.
"Well, she did help me get a good vault at Gringotts despite not having a job yet," Bres said in her defense.
"Really?" Boulderdash said, putting the books in a sack. "If so, it was in spite of her, rather than because of her."
"I'm going to remember that the first time I need a volunteer for something when I get back to the school," Jennifer threatened.
"If there's one thing I'm an expert at, it's getting volunteered against my will," Boulderdash said dryly. "Have a nice day, come back soon."
"Thanks, Boulderdash, we shall," Jennifer replied. "Come on, Bres! Let's go see if Grendelbane can put together a wand that'll work for you."
"If anyone can, he can. Don't forget to stop long enough to say hello to Sprinter," Boulderdash requested.
"Don't worry, we will," Jennifer promised, and the two of them left.
The moment the bell over the door stopped ringing, Boulderdash heard his name. Sighing in resignation, he put the book under the counter and went to the back to find out what Gemshard wanted this time.
By the time that Jennifer and Bres got to Grendelbane's, Albus and Lunette were already waiting. Albus was sitting at the counter getting caught up with Grendelbane the Eighteenth, while Lunette listened with her arms folded near the wood samples.
"Ah! There they are," Albus said with a warm smile.
"Oh, were you waiting on us? Sorry, I didn't know," Jennifer admitted. "We spent a pretty long time at the bank, and then stopped by to talk to Boulderdash, and said hello to Sprinter…"
"We didn't need a play by play, Jennifer. It's not like we planned a time, we just knew you'd end up here eventually," Lunette said, then watched as the Beard Wand bobbed across the room. "You're not going to fry my husband, are you?" she squinted at the Beard Wand.
"Now, Lunette, the Beard Wand is discerning enough to tell the difference between a friend and a foe, regardless if he's from a dark race or not," Albus chided her.
In fact, the Beard Wand stopped in front of him and paced around him as if attempting to make up its mind.
"I remember when the Beard Wand did that to Severus the first time," Jennifer said with amusement. Upon hearing her voice, the tip of the wand swung around and pointed in her direction as if it were looking at her. "I like him a lot, Beard Wand. Bres is a friend of mine," she explained.
Apparently, that was enough to satisfy the Beard Wand, which bobbed back over to the counter to watch the goblin work.
"Balance will be key with this wand," Grendelbane mused. "Somehow it needs to inhibit his wild magic so fully that it can't override modern magic, and yet still sensitive enough to give him the focus and control to use ours. Either way, it's going to need to be a weighted wand."
"A weighted wand?" Jennifer asked curiously.
"Weighted wands are typically used to compensate for magical anomalies that cause a Wizard's wand to be erratic. Deacon Aldus uses a weighted wand with a lead core. In this case, we should probably use iron, but I may have a lead core for you to test," Grendelbane offered.
"Wouldn't I need to know some of your magic to test a wand?" Bres pointed out.
"Certain spells are simple enough they're allowed for testing regardless of magic level; typically, it involves using the light spell to light a candle," Grendelbane explained, going to the back for a moment and bringing back an ebony wand. "Here we are. Let's set the candle in the fireplace as a precaution, just in case the core isn't heavy enough."
Everyone patiently waited as Jennifer demonstrated the spell several times until Bres was sure he got it right.
"I know what this reminds me of," Albus said as they were working on it. "It reminds me of the year that I asked Jennifer to help Anna get her magic under control and to train her to use conventional magic. Do you remember, Jennifer?"
"Yes, it rather reminds me of that as well, really, except I have a lot more resources now than I did back then," Jennifer said with a smile.
"I believe I am ready to attempt it now," Bres decided, and Jennifer focused back on her student.
"Alright, Bres. Remember to be precise and concentrate just on the wick… no, hold your arm more parallel…" Jennifer warned, showing him once more, only moving her wrist. Bres mimicked her arm placement one more time before turning to the candle.
"Inflamare!" Bres intoned, pointing his wand. There was a quick flash… brighter than anyone expected… but the flame was lit. Suddenly, the candle melted at a rapid pace, leaving the flame in a puddle.
"Yes, well, that's because it's a lead core instead of an iron one. Iron will be more inhibiting for a svart's type of magic," Grendelbane explained solemnly. "Overall, that went very well. Let's work on woods and components… and how this will be paid."
"It's not a problem," Lunette immediately said, but Albus lifted a hand.
"Charge them what you do for a normal custom wand, Grendelbane, I'll pick up the difference as a wedding present," Albus said. Jennifer looked amused.
"You did the same thing for my Merlin Owl Feather wand," Jennifer said brightly.
"Oh yes, and yet you're still using it," Albus ventured.
"Wait, what do you mean by still using it?" Jennifer protested with a laugh. "Of course I'm still using it. Aren't you using yours?" Albus shook his head. "Well of course, you're a wand collector."
"I think I stopped using mine two husbands ago," Lunette said. "You do know it's a good idea to change wands every ten years or so to keep up with changes in your power level right?"
"Five is better if you can afford it," Albus said, and Lunette nodded. Grendelbane squinted at her.
"Wait! Wait! Nevermind me, let's get Bres done for now, he needs a wand more than I do," Jennifer quickly protested.
"Very well, but I should throw you out for wand abuse!" Grendel snapped at her.
"Alright! Fine! As soon as I can find the time, I promise to order a new wand," Jennifer said.
"In the meantime I'll let you borrow something to cease the abuse on the old one," Grendelbane said.
Getting excited, the Beard Wand immediately zoomed into her hand.
"No," Jennifer told it firmly, lifting it out of her hand. But the moment she did so, it came rushing into her hand again. "I said no! Really, you're just as bad as Radiance when she's in a mood," she said and pulled it out again. She looked up in hope for some help, but Grendelbane was intentionally ignoring her, and was instead speaking to Bres about possible wood and component combinations. Lunette was offering Bres her advice on components, which left Albus, who just watched with amusement. "Any suggestions?" she asked Albus.
"Oh, no, this is between you two," Albus said, but Jennifer couldn't help but miss a slight chuckle as he pretended to look the other way.
"Now look, Mr. Wand…" Jennifer began, but the wand shook in her hand and then touched her cheek as if giving her a peck. "Very well, Beard, then! Now, Beard. I know you must be bored of this shop. It's been some time since you've been out and had an adventure, and I know you're waiting for another one. And that day will come; one day, you will go on an adventure with one of my children. There may even be a time where I may ask you to go on an adventure with me. But this is not that time. I'm very sorry, but you'll simply have to wait." The wand's tip was turned to her, as if expecting more than that, still refusing to leave her hand. "All right, I promise I'll take you on an adventure one day," Jennifer said. Excitedly, the Wand came out of her hand, pecking her on the cheek again, and waltzing off.
"I do hope you know he'll hold you to that, Jennifer," Albus said with amusement.
"Well, he can forget it, because I'm not letting the Beard Wand go anywhere. It'd have to be a crisis of the likes of which this shop hasn't seen in my lifetime before I let my familiar adventure out of this shop," Grendelbane declared, writing down some calculations.
"Oh dear," Albus said with a frown. "Considering what Jennifer just prophesied and your declaration, that worries me about what is coming."
"That wasn't a prophecy! That was Jennifer making a promise she can't keep," Lunette retorted.
"I quite agree," Grendelbane said, while Jennifer simply stuck her nose up and didn't say anything. The Beard Wand decided to do the same, bouncing proudly back to its cabinet. "Here we are… a thirteen inch ashwood Ice Crystal wand. Care to pick the handle?"
"Really? Ashwood and Ice Crystal? It's not as exotic as I might have imagined," Jennifer admitted.
"Perhaps here such fantastic things are common," Bres said critically. "But in our ravaged lands, wood is sacred, ash and oak most of all, and Ice Crystal is the gift of kings, with its inner light that wards off winter's darkness. Both have great meaning for my people."
"Which is exactly why I picked them," Grendelbane informed him calmly. "Ice Crystals are always very good at balancing extremes, and ash is well tempered. Along with the core, they will help bring your magic into alignment with this world's magic. It will take me several days to set, and until then, you may use the wand you tested before, just be aware you may have a bigger punch than you expect. Albus, if you want to hide your portion, you'll need to sign first."
"Of course," Albus said, as Grendelbane slid the book over.
"Hey! I want to see!" Lunette protested.
"Ah, ah, ah. It's a wedding gift," Albus teased, signing with a flourish before Lunette signed the line below his. "Speaking of which, perhaps we should pick up Viviane's gift for the two of you since it's right across the road."
"One moment," Grendelbane said sternly, holding out his hand. Sheepishly, Jennifer showed him her wand. He inspected it carefully, sighing with exasperation. "You have most certainly grown out of this wand. You're lucky you've taken well care of it, or I might have renounced our friendship. I simply assumed you were replacing mine with one of your son's wands."
"Oh, maybe I should…" Jennifer pondered.
"No! You have gone too far now. This wand should only be used for special occasions! Come straight back here once you've finished your other tasks," Grendelbane said dangerously.
"Yes, Grendelbane," Jennifer said sheepishly, then noticed that Bres was gazing at her steadily. "What?" Jennifer challenged him.
"I just noticed how much you and my wife have in common," Bres observed. "She encourages change in others, but is resistant to it herself."
"Yes, thank you very much," Jennifer said. "It is simply that I do not see it until it is pointed out to me, really. Luckily, I have a lot of good friends to help me," Jennifer said with amusement.
But when she glanced at Lunette, it was obvious that she hadn't taken his observation well. If anything, she looked quite annoyed. Jennifer glanced over at Albus, but she could tell from his glance at Lunette that he had noticed it too.
"Let's head across, shall we? I don't think I've been in to see Tassels and Panning for some time. It will be good to see them again," Albus commented, and they stepped across to the jewelry shop.
Having both Albus and Jennifer in the shop at once was enough for Tassels and Panning to drop what they were working on and give their full double attention to the front of the store.
"Welcome, Albus! We haven't seen you since Christmas!" Tassels said.
"Welcome, Jennifer! Would you like some ideas for your birthday?" Panning asked.
"It's still over a month away!" Jennifer laughed.
"The Professor has already been browsing in here," Tassels informed Jennifer.
"Yes, he has," Panning confirmed.
"I haven't even decided whether or not I want jewelry this year!" Jennifer protested. They both gasped, looked at one another, and then stared at her. "Okay, okay, I'll take a look… maybe some new earrings or something."
"Perhaps a nice wand stand, Jennifer, since you'll want to display your old wand. They do have cases here, you know," Albus said.
"Wait! Wait! Before the two of you go scrambling, we're here to pick up our wedding present from Lady Viviane," Lunette interjected.
"Oh, yes! For the happy couple!" Tassels said.
"And royalty in the Otherworld," Panning added. "What an honor to serve both you and the great Lady of the Lake herself."
"It is an honor that I hope we'll be allowed to mention to other customers," Tassels added. Jennifer smirked softly.
"Who am I to stifle free advertising?" Lunette asked dryly. Tassels went to the back.
"Thank you. My brother will go fetch them," Panning said. "Do you like your locket, Jennifer?"
"Yes, I like it very much, actually. It's come in very handy over the years," Jennifer admitted.
"Perhaps you might consider getting one for your daughter as well," Panning said. Jennifer pondered that.
"You know, that's not a bad idea, now that you mention it," Jennifer admitted, and Panning brightened, getting Jennifer out a tray of lockets to look at.
So it was that Jennifer was mildly distracted when Tassels came out with a beautiful cherrywood box.
"I hope you like them," Tassels said, unlatching the box.
"It is some of our best work," Panning agreed.
Everyone gathered around to see a beautiful set of two Dragonheart Diamonds, each one nestled in the middle of intricate silver leaves that wound around each wedding band.
"Islene, look! Shards of the Diamond itself! Such a marvel! How I've envied how many I've seen since we arrived, and I yearned to ask how to obtain them, but I was afraid of the answer, since I've only seen them on human hands," Bres admitted excitedly. "After all, it was their wedding gift."
"They aren't all owned by humans, Bres, my daughter-in-law is Fomorian, and my son-in-law is a Pooka," Jennifer informed him. "And while it's true that the gift was to the Fae's groom and he was a Human, truly it was meant as a symbol of love and of peace. Just like your marriage symbolizes both. Lady Viviane knows what sorrows Tir Na Nog has to bear to find their way to peace. It's not just a gift to the two of you, but a celebration that things are finally mending in your world."
"I understand," Bres said with a gentle smile, turning to Lunette. But Lunette was frowning at the rings, and Bres could feel her sudden fear and doubt. "It is indeed an intimidating privilege and honor, is it not?" he said softly. "It is almost like getting married a second time. We have traveled far, but my affection for you is the same. Will you not wear them with me?"
"No, actually no, I really don't want one. You know what? This whole thing was a total mistake," Lunette blurted out. "I never should have gone to the Otherworld the first time, let alone the second time, and I shouldn't have let my grandfather even know we were related, let alone his direct descendant. I'm a lawyer, okay? I prefer skyscrapers to castles and burgers and beer in a dive to feasting with lords. It was a total misunderstanding, and I got way over my head in things… I got swept away in the moment. I love you, Bres, but I'm just not ready for all of this. So thanks, but no thanks, I really don't want to wear the ring. I can't wear it and be honest with myself."
"I know you don't feel like you're ready, Lunette, but it's not a good idea to turn down one of Viviane's gifts," Jennifer warned. "Even if you have reservations, it'd be wise to -"
"Reservations?" Lunette repeated. "This goes way beyond reservations! You know it's true too, admit it! I can see it in your face! You know I'm not ready for this!" she accused Jennifer.
A blast of sudden wind pushed the door open wide, and Viviane stepped in, gazing at Lunette fixedly.
"I'm not wearing it," Lunette told Viviane firmly.
"Jennifer, get out," Viviane said, not looking away. Knowing better than to argue, Jennifer went outside.
"Lunette Islene Vallid, I will not allow you to disavow this marriage. You will put on your rings, and I will not let you leave until you do," Viviane told her firmly. "Too many have died or suffered a fate worse than death for you to destroy Tir Na Nog's peace because you want to have a human temper tantrum!"
"We're not in Tir Na Nog, and humans have Free Will, Viviane!"
"But Princesses of the Shadowed Lands do not… or are you truly so selfish and afraid of your Fate that you are willing to let your husband and your grandfather's kingdoms face war again? After everything the Dark Fae and the Delves have been through just to survive, holed up in their castle and fort for years on end with death outside the door, would you dishonor them like this?" Viviane challenged her. Lunette clamped her jaw, but she also clenched her fists. "If you want more freedom over your situation, Lunette then your path is clear. You must begin following your Fate instead of constantly attempting to work against it. If you carry out your Grandfather's wish and seek out your Father, there is a possibility there may be a reconciliation between them. If so, it would result in your Father taking up the title of heir, which would buy you a considerable amount of time."
"I admit you're making a solid argument," Lunette replied, and Viviane raised an eyebrow at Lunette. "But I still don't like how you're forcing me to do this!"
"Want I want is for peace to be maintained in Tir Na Nog, and that cannot be achieved attempting to break free of a union that was Fated to occur. I really don't care if you like the truth or not, it is still the truth. Whether you feel that you are ready or not is inconsequential," Viviane said. "Fate doesn't wait until things are convenient, that's not how Fate works. Now, accept your ring and do not take it off for any reason. At the very least, do not take it off until your quest is done and you are ready to return home next year. Not only will the ring remind you of the stakes of your quest, but it will be of some comfort to Bres during the times you are gone."
"Wait. What? Bres isn't going anywhere…"
"Correct, Bres isn't going anywhere. He will stay in this country to learn about his own path while you are on your journey. The quest to find your father is your quest, not his, and one you must travel alone," Viviane said.
"What must I do if I stay?" Bres asked solemnly.
"You already know your path, so I see no reason to explain it," Viviane said bluntly.
"Yes, I suppose I do," Bres admitted, then gazed over at Lunette searchingly. Viviane took a step over to stand by Albus, who had been watching the situation quietly.
Lunette looked down at the rings, more than a little uncomfortable.
"I'm sorry if I said anything to imply… I mean, I wasn't rejecting… it isn't about you," Lunette tried to explain softly.
"Islene… Lunette... I want what's best for you. Yes, of course I want what's best for my kingdom as well," Bres said, shaking his head slightly. "But do not take that to mean that your needs aren't important, even when those needs might separate us for a time."
Emotion overtook her and she hugged him tightly for a moment, then realized how many eyes were on them and awkwardly went for his ring, working it out of the velvet. Bres watched intently as she blew on it and it seemed to react, gaining more color after she put it on his finger. Encouraged by her smile, Bres pulled out the other ring and breathed on it as well, slipping her own ring on her shaking hand. He clasped it until the shaking stopped, and looked over to see Albus standing there by himself.
"Viviane left," Bres realized. Albus glanced back.
"It would seem so," Albus said. "Shall we see if Jennifer is done so we can all walk back together? I don't know about you, but I wouldn't mind a pot of tea right about now."
"You're right, it's almost lunchtime. Maybe we should see if Jennifer has any suggestions for lunch," Lunette said with a smile.
"Splendid idea," Albus agreed, and they all took turns thanking Tassels and Panning before making their way out to join Jennifer.