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Chapter 158: Faelen Thinks Too Much

Faelen slowly poured the water into a small pot, carefully angling it away so the sizzling infused oil wouldn't spatter on him. All around him the clanging of knives on cutting boards, whirr of blenders, and clatter of pots echoed. The big O'Conall dinner was in the midst of being made. Faelen was the saucier; he had to prepare six sauces: two spicy garlic ones for the breaded Szechuan chicken and the mapo tofu, the sauce for the black bean beef with bell peppers and broccoli, an oyster sauce from scratch, and the peanut dipping sauce to go with the salad rolls. He had a honey-garlic one as an alternate flavouring for the breaded chicken, just for Neasa. Faelen also kept an eye on the stock for the Hong Kong wonton soup and would handle the final stages of the hot and sour soup just before the meal started; it took very little time to cook.

Steam from the pan billowed up as the water hit the mix of Thai bird peppers, coarsely ground Szechuan pepper, garlic, and oil. The Mist Spirit sniffed and blinked away tears; Nathanial must be a sadist to send the person with the most sensitive nose to cook up the spicy peppers that served as the base of the Szechuan sauces. Gods, they _burned._Maybe it was a subconscious form of retaliation for the stress Faelen had inflicted on Nathanial...

Faelen helped prep the veggies for supper and listened to the others discuss plans for Saturday's big meal now that the alpha and Neasa were going to attend. The unanimous consensus was to switch the plans entirely, since Neasa didn't like spicy food. Too many of the planned dishes would be very hot, and Nathanial worried that she might take offence if her tastes weren't taken into account. Faelen had been thinking about that premise right from the beginning and was coming to the same conclusion but with a different outcome.

Nathanial picked up a pen. "S-So, if we're changing the menu, what theme should we do? Italian? Greek? Maybe French?" Faelen held his cutting board over a bowl before sliding the back of his knife along it to push the mushrooms in.

Granny Lorena sighed. "Of the three, French. She likes most dishes from the Germanic countries, and from the Baltic states, too -- except the spicier ones, of course." She took the bowl of mushrooms from Faelen and brought them over to the stove. "It's really a pity; I was looking forward to this. I don't get much of a chance to experiment or cook with other people -- outside of those I normally do." On the rare days Granny Lorena didn't cook for the alpha's family, she helped out in one of the communal kitchens in the caves.

Faelen washed the knife before picking up the first tomato. "Then don't change the menu. I don't think we should, anyway." He could hear Da's bone armour clink around the corner in the hall and smelt Conor was there, too.

Aunt Aoife cocked her head to one side and then the other. Her large ears wobbled amusingly. "Haven't you been listening, Faelen? We spent the last fifteen minutes talking about why we need to."

"I heard. I disagree. What's more important: her fondness or her respect? She_likes _Lauren--" That was the Daisy Spirit Geoff and Faelen had grown up with. "--but Neasa doesn't respect her. She's the most vocal opponent to the idea of Geoff marrying her." Neasa had told Lauren exactly that a few years ago. He wasn't there to hear it, but Lauren had cried for days. Faelen knew all of the Spirits here had heard about this and knew he was right. "She's a stickler for protocol, isn't she? What was her stance about the alphas' meeting five years ago?" He added some background for Nathanial's sake. "The alphas of the British Isles had a meeting to discuss Geoff's education, mostly the schools he should attend. This was a fairly short notice gathering, as far as they go, and it was just the alphas invited. However, a week before it was to take place, a few of the alphas' spouses requested permission to come along so they could visit family in our clan. Alpha Luke immediately granted permission, but Neasa said it was a violation of protocol and refused to officially acknowledge their presence. She was technically correct, as was her response."

Conor growled and weaved through the crowd to get a mug. "'Technically' doesn't necessarily matter when dealing with diplomacy. It wouldn't have taken much effort at all for Mom to join the greeting delegation, or to alter the menu to take the one mushroom dish off the menu for the visiting Mushroom Spirit." It was considered very rude to include a Spirit's trigger up as food unless it was requested. It was similar to offering beef to a Bovine, for example. Conor poured himself a large glass of ice water. "Why did you bring that up?"

Faelen quirked the corner of his mouth up in a sardonic smile. "Your mother isn't technically invited, but we're talking about changing the entire menu to accommodate her."

Granny Lorena had guessed where this was going as soon as he'd brought up the alphas' meeting -- she'd been furious with Neasa's decision -- but Aoife hadn't. Her jaw dropped in disbelief. Da shook his head, amused, but Conor frowned. "She'll take it personally, Faelen. I don't think that's a good idea. We need her support."

Nathanial looked between the two of them, panic-stricken. Faelen grinned openly. "We do need her support, Conor. We don't need her to like Nathanial -- not right away -- but we need her to respect him."

Aoife banged her bamboo spatula against the frying pan to knock some of the onions and mushrooms off of it with a bit of excessive force. "How in all the hells do you think insulting her will help?" Conor leant against the counter, holding his mug against his belly with both paws, and watched Faelen closely. The Water Elemental's nose twitched as he took in everyone's scent.

Nathanial nervously twirled the pen in his paws. "B-B-Bravery?"

Faelen let his smile fade into a serious expression. "Knowledge of protocol. Duty. Command. And, yes, an element of bravery. Your guests are the O'Conalls, not the McDougals. The meal was planned well in advance, with the ingredients already ordered, before the alpha invited himself along. He even said to not change things on his behalf, and that includes Neasa. The protocol Neasa followed five years ago applies to this situation, too. Your duty is the preparation of the meal for your invited guests, and as the alpha will be arriving shortly before we eat, your place is in the kitchen, not in the basement welcoming them. As for command, Neasa respects people who can get things done, who can give clear and concise directions, and manage multiple aspects of a complex task...which you'll show her when she passes through the kitchen."

Conor slowly nodded, as did Granny Lorena and Da. "That's a risky plan, Faelen, but I think it will work. She'll be angry, but I can handle that. In time."

Da looked at his boss for a moment. "You plan on pointedly reminding her of the protocols, don't you?"

"Ab-so-lutely." It seemed like Conor really looked forward to that. "'Angry' won't cover it when I do, but there won't be a thing she can do or say about it. It'll also earn Nathanial more points with Da."

Nathanial grasped the edge of the counter with both his paws. "B-B-B--"

Conor set his mug on the counter so he could reach over and rub Nathanial's back. "Don't worry. Her anger will be directed at me, and I can guarantee Da won't be able to resist twisting the knife. She'll be so angry at him after that she'll forget about you. I'm confident that you can get into her good graces before the night is done, while having her respect you some." Conor's scent didn't reflect the confidence of his words.

Aoife rubbed her belly with her free paw. "I think this is too risky. As the alpha's wife and the mother of two elementals, Neasa has enough pull in the clan to make life very difficult. It's not like she knows nothing about Nathanial already. She knows the spats he's had with Rolph -- everyone in the clan does -- and she knows that he was the one that found out about the sabotaged teleporter. She must have some respect for Nathanial. I think we're better off keeping her happy."

Faelen exchanged glances with Conor. Faelen spoke first. "She's willing to meet him; that's about as far as those have gotten him. If Nathanial didn't have the magical clout to do those things, then she wouldn't be coming over but would be doing everything in her power to get Geoff back home in order to split them up."

Granny Lorena pulled a large ball of dough out of the mixer and began forming buns out of it. "He's right, Aoife. I...have my misgivings, but Nathanial stands to gain too much from Faelen's plan to not take the chance." Her approval meant a lot to Faelen, but the terror in Nathanial's eyes cut deeply.

Nick wandered into the kitchen smoothing out his fur. It looked like he was on his way downstairs, presumably to get a brush and work some leave-in conditioner into his fur; Faelen bet he wanted to look his best for the alpha.

Nathanial scooped a small amount of the spicy garlic sauce out of a pot in front of Faelen. "Nick, try this, please, and tell me if it's hot enough." He carried the spoon over to his brother, who had paused at the top of the stairs. Faelen wondered if this was some sort of peace offering, since Nathanial had already asked several of the Spirits their opinions; there was no shortage of cooks here.

Nick took the spoon without a word; he looked as aloof as always, but his posture showed the tenseness in his muscles. Nick shrugged after licking up the sticky sauce. "Tastes as good as always. You're the cook, Nats. You know more about this stuff, and Lorena would have a better idea of how hot her family likes their food."

"I know; I just want your opinion."

The Demon Mage bit back a sharp retort, instead shrugging and turning away. "It's good."

Nathanial frowned and reached for Nick's shoulder. "Come on, Nick."

Nick pulled away before Nathanial could get a firm grip. "What? You made it perfectly clear that you don't care about what I think." He stomped down the stairs, slamming the top door behind him.

Faelen couldn't blame him for still being mad about yesterday evening...

Nick approached the homework table where Liam, Nathanial, and Faelen were working. It was pretty quiet with so many of the guests gone off to the hockey game. Nick smelt conflicted. "I, um, I-I wanted to thank you, Nats."

Nathanial looked up from his math homework. "I expected that a bit earlier, to be honest, but you're welcome. You're my brother; I won't stop at anything to save you."

Nick looked down at the edge of the table. "You didn't save me." Nathanial blinked and recoiled a bit in surprise. Nick raised his head to look Nathanial in the eyes. "You saved_Sam, _Nats. That's why I...took a bit to talk to you. I--"

"What do you mean 'You saved Sam'!?" Nathanial must've spoken too loudly and was reacting just as Nick was afraid he would; the pup jerked back from Nathanial's outburst. "I saw what he was doing! I heard him threaten to_kill you! _I know what he's capable of, Nick!"

Nick's 'cool persona' was nowhere to be found. He actually cringed away from his big brother. "D-Did you see...?" He looked over at the impassive Liam and at Faelen, too. Nick visibly tried to collect himself.

Nathanial, even so emotionally worked up, noticed how distraught Nick was. "I'm sorry." He stood up and hugged Nick. "I didn't mean to shout."

The hug was actually returned with no hesitation; Nick was very agitated about what he wanted to tell Nathanial. "Did you see..." The quiet voice dropped to a near whisper. "...what I was doing? Or rather what my magic was? I couldn't control it, Nats. I-I tried so hard to stop it! It was--" The pup's throat closed around the words. Nick had to try a couple times before he could continue. "It was burning him -- his soul. He... He was almost turned into a puppet, _Nats, and_there wasn't anything I could do!"

Liam was about to ask a question, but Nathanial's response shocked the Ancient One into silence. "Good. He deserves it."

Nick pushed Nathanial away. Tears still spilt out into wet fur, but the source of the horror had changed. "Fuck you! No one deserves that! How the fuck can you even suggest it!?" Faelen had to agree. "A_puppet, _Nats! No soul! A mindless_slave! _That's worse than death!"

"I know. And I know Sam better than_you _do. He. Deserves. It. He's just like Gordon or Beriatana, but with no magic. He's pure evil." Faelen couldn't smell any pity, doubt, or really, anything suggesting Nathanial was speaking only in anger. He really meant it.

''No!" Nick's paws balled up into fists. "No fucking chance, Nats. I don't give a damn about whatever history you two have, I-I_couldn't--" _Again, the very thought of the horror of what almost happened cut Nick off. Very justifiably, in Faelen's opinion. He couldn't imagine how terrible it would have been to be in Nick's position. How would it feel to start burning someone's soul like that? Was it even possible? Could Nick see it happening?

Nathanial softened again. "Sorry, Nick, but I could. To protect you and anyone else who might have the misfortune of running into Sam in the future."

Nick grabbed Nathanial's shirt in both paws and pulled him closer. "What the fuck did you do!?" Faelen could smell the fabric starting to heat up within Nick's fists.

A malevolent smile slowly grew on Nathanial's muzzle. "He still has a soul. His mind is intact, too, mostly. For now."

The fabric began to smoke. "Leave him the fuck alone. I wasn't in any danger, so leave him alone." Faelen could see -- and smell -- that Nick sincerely believed his claim.

"No, I won't, not as long as he is_anywhere _near you. He threatened you, and he'll pay for it."

Faelen decided it was best to intercede before Nathanial's shirt actually caught on fire, or the fight became physical. Liam came to the same conclusion, too. Faelen put his paw on Nick's fists. "Come on, Nick." Should Faelen do more than separate them? He knew Canada followed the British Common Law, like Ireland, so the police didn't need Nick or Garret to press charges; Sam's threat was a crime against the Crown._Anyone _could report him, and as long as there was enough evidence, he could be convicted regardless of what Nick wanted. It might be the best way to keep Sam safe, and maintain the brothers' relationship.

Liam's paw closed over Nathanial's shoulder. "Nathanial, a word. Follow me."

The two stepped away from each other. Liam took Nathanial to the gym, presumably to start massaging him, and Faelen brought Nick over to the couch. He sat next to the pup and held him close. "Nick, I'm so sorry. I agree with you. I would've found that terrifying in your place. You said his soul was burning? Can you tell me what happened?"

Nick began trembling. Faelen didn't receive an answer, not right away, because the trembling was soon joined by heavy sobs, and Nick collapsed into Faelen's arms.

Faelen watched Conor, Avery, Garret, and Micah cut along the edge of the kitchen to go downstairs. It was time to open the portal to Ireland to bring everyone else over. Since Aunt Keira came over last night to act as one of four bodyguards at the hockey game, there weren't many coming today: Alpha Luke, Neasa, Gwen, Draighean, and R?is?n.

Garret paused by Nathanial to quickly pull him into a one-armed hug. "It smells and looks great, Nathanial. I'm proud of you." Nathanial needed to hear that, judging by the timorous smile. Garret adjusted his lightly tinted glasses; he'd begun wearing them yesterday to hide the damage caused by the haunt, calling them his 'hangover glasses' and a relic of his youth. "Don't worry. You're a great cook, and I know everyone will love it."

"Th-Thanks." Nathanial gently prodded Garret toward the stairs. "I'll send the text now, so go on down."

Faelen lowered the heat under the honey-garlic sauce, but kept stirring with one paw while he checked on the hot and sour soup. Even with the very aromatic dishes surrounding him, he could smell Nathanial's emotions clearly. The pup was frightened. Nathanial's paws shook as he typed out the message and sent it; the answer came back in just a few seconds. He slipped his phone back into his left pocket and idly rubbed his chest with his right paw; Faelen could smell the scent of pain mix in with the fear. Maybe they should call all of this off...but then Nathanial would have gone through everything for nothing. It might even hurt his chances to earn Neasa's respect.

Nathanial pulled out his sunglasses, the ones he received along with his agent suit, and whispered, _"Wunderkind."_Slipping them on, Nathanial took a deep breath and stood at the top of the stairs in the same stance Agent Jay had taken when Nathanial opened the portal to Hong Kong: hindpaws widely spaced, back straight, and paws pressed together with the right one over the left. Faelen could smell the fear and pain fade as the pressure of an intense magical aura grew. Lorena wobbled and braced herself on the counter, and Aoife flipped her ears back but remained relatively steady. Nathanial exhaled and twisted his paws to point his fingers out as he released the magic. "Hah! That was probably my best yet! I didn't think a focus stance would help at all."

Aoife blinked a couple of times. It appeared she was trying to focus or clear her eyes. "That was intense. Not as bad as the Hong Kong portal I watched you open, but still... You do this every time you connect to Ireland? The teleporter that Mage made must've tapped into incredible amounts of magic."

Nathanial turned away from the stairs. "Yes, to all of the above. The teleporter took the magic from the people using it, plus a bit extra, but it's more efficient than my portals. I'm working on learning how to build one, as you've heard, and the spells that'd let me travel on my own that way, too."

The clatter in the kitchen picked up again as the Spirits resumed working. Nathanial gulped some cooled tisane as the appetizers floated onto a couple serving trays. Har gow -- a shrimp dumpling; spring rolls -- a vegetarian version rather than the normal type; siu mai -- these were bite-sized bits of seasoned pork wrapped in a 'cup' of wonton wrappers; and guo tie -- dumplings made with pork, ginger, and cabbage; all settled around a few dishes of dips and sauces. Faelen had expected the salad rolls to join them, but they must be part of the dinner.

Downstairs, Faelen could hear the introductions start, but the noise of the kitchen and the distance to the people, meant he couldn't make out many of the words. Nathanial could, but his Wunderkind mask helped him keep calm. Faelen wasn't surprised; Geoff had long worn the 'Dark Elemental' mask to act like he felt he was expected to, and he'd habitually donned it yesterday...

Faelen maintained his proper place behind Geoff as they headed down to school Friday morning. Neither of them liked making the trip without their boyfriends, but Geoff was falling into a funk over it. Faelen wasn't surprised; Geoff was just a naturally more emotional person, both for highs and lows. Now that they approached school, though, Faelen noted Geoff's posture straightening up. Soon his ears perked forward in an alert position, the tip of his tail curled up and swung jauntily to portray confidence and approachability, but most importantly, to Faelen's mind, was how Geoff carried his school bag by one strap over his right shoulder and loosely held the strap with his left paw. It_appeared _to be an unplanned mannerism, one very relaxed and in keeping with the open friendliness of the rest of his posture, but Faelen knew it was anything but. By crossing his arm across his chest like that, it put his elbow close to the centre of his body and prevented anyone from getting too close, particularly hug close.

Geoff's steps picked up as his mood began to reflect the mood his body projected. By the time they crossed into the school grounds, with no sign of the Hunter Gary Harper in the café, his scent said he was quite happy. The Dark Elemental cheerfully greeted everyone who called out to him, but Faelen noticed most people kept looking behind the Wolves. They were looking for Nathanial. He also saw a lot of magazines or comics and Furs holding pens; they wanted autographs. But what were the papers?

His boss bounded up the stairs to the front entryway and quickly wiped his hindpaws on the prickly, woven-grass mats. Faelen could see these working well on hooves, and they did an admirable job clearing stuck leaves from claws and debris from the fur between his toes, but how would winter affect the mats? They'd probably have to be brought inside. Hmm, from what Nathanial said...

Geoff opened the door, and Faelen's mind stopped wandering instantly. Ahjeet Jhansi was waiting for them. At first glance, Faelen didn't see the Cobra in the crowd just inside, but he soon picked him out...not that Ahjeet tried to hide at all. He waited coiled up in the corner, probably to save his tail from being trod upon, and had reared up to look over everyone's heads. Large copper eyes flicked to the door closing behind Faelen, and Ahjeet's tongue flickered out to taste the air. Faelen couldn't read Reptiles very easily, and Ophidians were exceptionally difficult, but it didn't take any guessing to tell Ahjeet wasn't waiting for them, nor that he was disappointed. The Cobra wasn't the only person showing that emotion.

The quiet 'aww' of disappointment made Geoff hesitate. Faelen was pretty sure Geoff had never experienced expectant expressions expire when he stepped into a room. Geoff quickly portrayed a cheerful demeanour again. "Hey, everyone. I guess you weren't waiting for me?"

The crowd murmured negatives, but Ahjeet slithered over. "Hardly. I had hoped to ask Nathanial a few questions. Will he be arriving later?"

The crowd paused to hear Geoff's answer. The white Wolf winked at the Cobra. "I thought it was Nathanial you wanted to talk to and that I wasn't worth your time." He waved Ahjeet's objections off before they started. "No, he's being kept for observation, so he won't be in today." The other students resumed walking away.

"That would imply his injury was relatively minor, and this is a mere precaution, yesss?"

Geoff puffed up a little, always ready to brag about his boyfriend. "Definitely. He's receiving the best care in Eastern Canada--" Technically Toronto was also part of Eastern Canada, and the Society implied there was a healer there that might be better than Liam, but Faelen wasn't going to cut in to point that out. "--and even they had trouble believing Nathanial didn't suffer worse injuries. Still, blows to the head aren't to be trifled with."

Ahjeet nodded. "I know. I did a few piecesss on concussions after our football star was sidelined with one last year." That was a deliberate dig at Geoff, for sure. "I am pleased Nathanial ssseems to be no worse for wear." Ahjeet's large eyes flicked about, his slitted pupils narrowed in focus. "Our scholarship ssstudent is also missing?"

Geoff shrugged. "His medical condition flared up yesterday evening. He needs to rest." Ahjeet seemed torn between concern and gloating...if Faelen was reading that right. Was there some sort of rivalry there instead of animosity? He was pretty sure Ahjeet hated Liam. Rivalry could still be a problem, but it was hells of a lot better than hatred.

"I sssee." Ahjeet began slithering away through the other students making their way into the building. "This school would be boring should he ssstop coming. I hope he recoversss soon." A Mouse didn't see Ahjeet's long tail and tripped over it, her books cascading from her arms across the floor. Ahjeet whirled around as he brought his body under him in a tight coil. His eyes were wide open, his pupils barely visibly slices of black, and his hood fully flared. He loomed over the hapless Mouse. "Watch your ssstep, you witless morsssel!" The Mouse couldn't do more than squeak in terror. The sea of students parted to let Ahjeet whisk past with frightening speed.

Geoff hurried over to help the Mouse. Faelen followed, but kept alert for the flash of metal or the faintest whiff of aggression. His boss knelt to help her up. "Here. Are you okay?"

Faelen had seen this many times before. The young lady saw the large paw and hesitantly took it as her eyes travelled up the strong arm -- his school uniform pressed against his muscles when he extended his arm out at that angle -- to light on his handsome face. Her ears flared pink and the wave of instant infatuation hit Faelen's nose.

She managed to squeak out, "Y-Yeah." Behind the office door, Faelen saw Mr. Drake return to his desk.

Now that she was standing, Faelen held out her books that he'd quietly collected. "Here, miss." He switched his attention to Geoff. "We need to stop by the office, Sir." This wasn't strictly true, but Geoff was always grateful for the graceful exit when this sort of thing happened.

"Right." He nodded at the Mouse and started to turn away. "Be careful around Ahjeet. It's very easy to miss his tail, and he gets stepped on so often that it makes him a bit short tempered." He flashed her a smile and left the swooning girl behind.

In the office, Mr. Drake glanced up, his emotions hidden to sight but a terrible tangle of conflicting scents to Faelen's nose. It wasn't Mr. Drake's scent that caught Faelen's attention; it was Ahmed Gomeche's. 'I thought he wasn't coming back to work yet.' It was definitely him, and Faelen heard the faint scrape of hooves and the clatter of a keyboard in the vice-principal's office. He should be back soon, too.

Mr. Drake held out a slip of paper. "Could you give this to Nathanial? I found an engine I could use his help with this weekend." Nathanial would be ecstatic. It was hard to tell who wanted that old jalopy fixed up more, the Mage or the Spirit.

Geoff took the paper and tucked it into his pocket. "Sure. He won't have any time tomorrow -- he's hosting a large dinner -- but I bet he'll do his best to make time Sunday."

"Appreciated." The wariness faded a bit. "I can't wait to hear that baby roar. My own Firebird. I never thought I'd get the chance to drive one that was in good shape." The scent of excitement flooded the room; it was wonderful. Maybe that was why Conor always seemed to look forward to Saturnalia as much as the pups.

Geoff's grin spoke of his affectionate pride. "Neither can Nathanial. I have trouble thinking of someone like him being a gearhead, but you should hear him go on about cars sometime." Geoff rapped his knuckles on the secretary's desk. "But we need to get our books. Say 'hi' to Mrs. Davis and Ahmed for us." Mr. Drake nodded, so the two Wolves left the office.

Making their way down the hall, Geoff waved at, nodded to, or bumped fists with everyone who greeted him, but Faelen noted_he _noticed that almost all of the students were obviously looking for someone else. Those magazines or comics seemed to be everywhere, too, even if Faelen couldn't get a clear look at a single one of them. The cover had a splash of orange and white near the middle in the midst of a lot of black, and the title was red with a jarring font that kept Faelen from making out any letters in the quick glances he managed to get of them.

Approaching their lockers, Faelen smelt some fresh rolls. They weren't ordinary dinner rolls -- they had too much sugar in them for that -- but they smelt...familiar. Good, too. Aaand, the source was soon evident. Two girls, a Manx Cat and a Hedgehog, stood near Geoff's locker, each holding a container of those buns. The girls were also trying to not glare at each other. Faelen stifled a sigh. Vying for Geoff's affection, they'd both had the same idea, arrived at the same place, and were going to try to outdo the other without openly fighting. Hmm, there was also the smell of cloves, nutmeg, and cinnamon on the air, too.

Geoff's steps faltered for a moment. He wanted to just avoid all of this, but there wasn't any way to not get their school books. The Dark Elemental glanced back, and Faelen quickly searched his memory. Liam had mentioned these two, he was pretty sure, when Faelen had asked who was going to be performing at the auction. "The Hedgehog is Heather McMaster, class 11-C, and the Cat is Eleanor Jones, 12-A. Both are musicians selected by Liam." Left unsaid was the implausibility that they'd be a threat; Liam would be the one most likely to know if the girls were somehow associated with the Hunters or Knights, and if they were, he probably wouldn't go on stage with them...though he was playing with Betty. Still, Liam would've mentioned their affiliation.

His boss opened his locker. "Ladies."

Heather's quills rattled as a minor shiver ran down her back. She reacted almost as strongly to Geoff's voice as Nathanial had on the first day of school. She even sounded breathless. "H-Hi."

Across the hall and a short way up were two guys watching this with maliciously amused expressions: an Abyssinian Cat and a Ragdoll Cat. Those could very well be Gamaliel Mousawi and David Brown, two other members of Liam's auction troupe. That guaranteed Liam had set this up to tease Geoff; he'd be upset he missed it.

Eleanor seemed to have a perpetually sour expression on her face despite her scent saying she was thrilled to have had Geoff greet her. "Good morning, Jeff; I made you some treats, um, if you'd like to take them." She held out a plastic container and pulled back the lid. Inside were a dozen pineapple buns (why they were called 'pineapple' was beyond Faelen's understanding, since they didn't have any pineapple in them), and he knew why he smelt those spices. The buns had pumpkin in them. That was an extremely...unexpected twist.

Heather quickly shoved the tin she was holding out, too. It was decorated with tiny sketches of forget-me-nots, and it held pumpkin-filled sweet buns. They didn't have the yellowish, hatched topping characteristic of Chinese pineapple buns, but the breading smelt the same. With both containers open, Faelen could tell Eleanor's buns had more spices in them but also more sugar -- Geoff wasn't a huge fan of very sweet desserts -- while Heather's might be too subtly flavoured, leaving the pumpkin to dominate the flavour palette. Still, he had a job to do.

"Thanks." Faelen took a bun from each girl and ignored their shocked and indignant expressions. He sniffed them and took a bite of Eleanor's first; the spices could more easily conceal poison. "Hmm. Nutmeg, cinnamon, and cloves, like I thought, and...ginger?_Dea." _That was what the elders in the clan said when they approved of something. It translated as 'good,' from what Faelen knew. "You got a good ratio between them; they balance nicely, but the buns, particularly the upper crust, have a bit too much sugar. It's almost a biscuit, er, sorry, a cookie-like flavour to it." He nodded to Geoff. "You'll like it, Sir, but it_is _a touch sweet." No poison in it at all, not that he expected to find any.

Eleanor was still taken aback by Faelen taking a bun before Geoff did. "I-It is a type of cookie dough that goes in the pineapple bun. Too sweet? I heard Jeff didn't like sweet desserts, so I put a lot less sugar in them than I normally do, especially in the pumpkin filling. You're right; there is some ginger in it, as well. Do you bake?"

Faelen had taken a bite of Heather's offering, so he quickly swallowed it. "Some. I cook more than bake, but I know my way around the kitchen in every capacity." Both girls looked at him like they were recalculating their impressions of him. It wasn't a very_comfortable _experience.

Heather still held the tin out for Geoff, but her attention was more on Faelen. "And mine?"

The spice blend was very mild, almost non-existent, but the dough was very well-suited for the type of dessert. It was a bit firmer than a puff pastry -- it needed to be -- and it was glutinous enough to hold together without forming lots of crumbs, too, but it offered little resistance to his teeth. It was just enough to be pleasant without being doughy or tough. "The filling needs more spice. I can smell some, but I can't taste any. The bun itself..." He shook his head. "I'd say that it's just about perfect. I can't think of any way to improve on it." He looked over at Geoff. "I bet Walter would love to get the recipe. Nathanial, too." For the girls' sake, he added, "Walter is Liam's father. He's very good at baking." Faelen scooped a tiny bit of filing out on his claw and tasted it on its own. Actually, there was a bit more spice in it than he thought. She'd made the filling and then cut it with whipped cream to lighten the texture. "The whipped cream was a good idea, Heather, but I think that's what made the spices hard to taste."

For some reason Gamaliel and David seemed to be annoyed; maybe because Geoff wasn't being fussed over so much he was getting uncomfortable? Then Geoff took a bun from each tray. He took a bite, starting with Heather's since Faelen started with Eleanor's. The two girls immediately ignored Faelen. Geoff's eyes widened a touch. "You're right, Faelen, the bun is incredible. Pity about the spice. Love the texture the cream adds to it, though. I think it has just the right amount of sweet." Heather grinned triumphantly at her rival. Geoff tasted Eleanor's next. "I'm not used to having a lot of seasoning in with desserts -- most of the people I know are traditional in their cooking--" That was a bit of an understatement in the clan. "--but I really like the blend you've made." Geoff glanced at Faelen. "It reminds me of that cake Walter made for Nathanial's birthday." That'd be the spice chiffon. Faelen could see how Geoff would draw comparisons, but baking-wise, it was a bit of a stretch. "Yeah, really sweet, even if the cookie crust adds a great texture to it."

The two observers appeared close to coming over; Faelen didn't want any sort of fuss, so he interjected. "We need to talk to Ms. Paul, Sir, so we better get our books."

"Right." Geoff grinned at Heather and Eleanor as he took the two tins. "Thanks a lot for these. It was a very nice gesture." He started to turn away before adding, "And it's'Geoff' not 'Jeff.'" Eleanor's stub of a tail fluffed out and her eyes widened in horrified embarrassment. She hastily retreated with Gamaliel and David's laughter chasing her. Geoff scowled at them. "Sod off. It was a simple mistake, one you new-worlders make all the time." Heather seemed torn between feeling triumphant for being the 'last person standing' and sympathy for her shamed rival.

David raised his middle finger at Geoff. "Eh, fuck you. We're laughing at her reaction. She was going on about you Tuesday, and then the first time she talks to you, she didn't even say your name right. I'm going to have a lot of fun with this."

Heather gave the two a withering look and hurried after Eleanor. Gamaliel mocked her as she left. "And it seems their dreams can't stand up in the light of day." He turned away from the Hedgehog's retreating form. "Sorry, Jeff, but your fans have abandoned you."

Geoff was torn between stating he didn't want_girls pursuing him, defending the poor girls, and lighting into the two Cats. He avoided all three, to Faelen's surprise. "I'd remind you that that sort of behaviour won't endear you to many people, but I'm sure you're aware of that." Geoff shook his head. "I bet I_ do need to remind you that the bell will ring in a few minutes and the grade 10 wing isn't anywhere near the 11 and 12 homerooms." The two checked the time and hastened off. They weren't the only ones to hurry away; Geoff and Faelen still needed to talk to Ms. Paul, and Faelen knew that if a new comic was making the rounds, Jeff Walker would certainly have one.

The chubby Lab did, and Faelen eventually saw what it was, but--

--his recollections were interrupted by the conversation downstairs.

Neasa's voice carried the full hatred all Spirits held toward 'crats' and 'vermin;' it seemed Faelen was right that Nathanial's efforts were just enough to get her here. "...and he couldn't be bothered to even come down to greet me?"

Conor sounded like he was trying to placate his mother, but his words were designed to do the opposite. "Mom, that's not fair. It's not like you were invited_to this dinner; Da invited _himself._Nathanial's duty is to prepare dinner for the O'Conalls. You know the protocols. He invited the alphas--" The next word was drowned out by Alpha Luke's choked snort of laughter. "--mean, O'Conalls to have their dinner _here--"

The voices stopped approaching and everyone in the kitchen could clearly hear Neasa. "You told him to stay away! You're trying to get me back for that dinner!"

The Alpha's voice rumbled up the stairs. "Now, Dear, you know preparing large dinners is a delicate process, and they need to be properly overseen."

Neasa's voice dropped to a venomous hiss; she was getting _very_riled up. "Don't you start, Luke--"

Faelen couldn't see what was going on, but Conor's warning put a stop to it. "Xenia." That was the old Greek word for the hospitality rules they were supposed to follow, and which formed the basis for the clan's protocols of hosting and visiting other clans. Faelen never considered the clan to be religious by any means, but xenia was something every Spirit seemed to learn. Here, Conor was warning Neasa she was in danger of violating the laws around being a good guest. There were plenty of stories of the gods smiting bad hosts _and_bad guests -- the Trojan War _started_because Paris kidnapped Helen in a grotesque violation of xenia.

"I... I'm sorry, Garret, for letting my emotions get the better of me." She sounded like she choked on that, but Faelen knew she meant it. She would still be angry, but she'd keep a tight rein on her emotions until she got Alpha Luke and Conor alone.

Garret's pawsteps sounded on the first stair coming up. "I don't know what that was all about, but Nathanial is very busy with the final preparations on dinner. I'm sorry if you expected him to greet you. Please, follow me to the ballroom; we have appetizers and drinks there to occupy us until dinner is ready."

Faelen pulled the hot and sour soup to a cool element and added the sesame oil. Sesame oil couldn't take much heat, so it was added as a flavouring right at the end. He carefully stirred the pot to mix it through. It and the two sauces for the breaded chicken were all that he had left under his care. Around him, Aoife was finishing the plating of appetizers, Da transferred the finished dishes into the serving bowls, and Granny Lorena began rinsing out the dirty pots. Nathanial had just put the chicken in the oil to fry for a second time; this was the very last thing to finish. The spring rolls, fresh from the oil themselves, were floating over to Aoife to be added to the serving platters.

Garret preceded the McDougals into the kitchen. Nick and Micah brought up the rear.

Nathanial turned partly away from the bubbling oil. "Good evening, Alpha McDougal." He nodded to Neasa; Faelen noticed she was dressed up as if she were actually going to a meeting of the clans. She must've heard the Markses were rich and didn't want to risk being outshone. The Breeze Spirit was of moderate height, a tiny bit taller than Nick, and very slight; standing next to the alpha, she looked extremely fragile. Neasa had pale grey fur mixed with strands of darker grey along the back of her head and with pure white markings. To accent her colours, but without looking wintery, she wore a sleek, deep blue evening gown with silver accents. For jewellery, a silver and sapphire pendant, and on her left wrist a matching bracelet. "And you must be Neasa, Geoff's grandmother. I'm sorry for not meeting you downstairs, but..."

Faelen let the pup's words slide past him to pay attention to his little 'sister.' Gwen seemed to just wander over, but Faelen saw how happy she was to see him. As happy as he was to see her, in fact. He wanted to scoop her up into a big hug, but she never liked that, so he just crouched down to hug her on her own level. "Hey, Gwen."

The small Earth Elemental wasn't a hugger, but she held on for a long time without saying anything. She eventually let him go. "Hi." She was dressed up today, far more so than he'd seen outside of diplomatic meetings. Black khaki pants and vest, a deep purple dress shirt, and a violet tie with little polar bears on it. The only 'girly' thing she consented to wear was a fairly large purse, and Faelen saw it was only so she could carry the statue of the bear she'd made.

Faelen smoothed out the fluffy fur on her head. "How is Bear doing?"

Gwen pulled the statue out of her purse. "I changed the shape of his eyes. I watched a show with bears in them, and they looked more like this." She pointed at the small chips set into the larger structure. "And he's a grizzly, so I changed his muzzle. See the jowls?" He could see how she altered the muzzle to look less like a polar bear's. "I also com...com_pressed_ the stone so it's denser and tougher. Micah won't be able to break him so easily."

Faelen nodded seriously. "You plan on challenging him again?"

Gwen tipped her head to one side before looking over her shoulder at Micah, who stood beside Garret attempting to look well behaved. "Maybe. Mom said we won't be here long, so I might not have time." She began putting Bear away, but the purse didn't cooperate. Faelen held it open so she could use both paws to shove the heavy stone statue inside. Gwen didn't look up when she finished. "When... When are you coming home, Faelen? Home to stay?"

The Mist Spirit stood up and slowly stirred the hot and sour soup. "I don't know, Gwen." He gently scratched around the base of her left ear with his free paw. "It's very tough to tell; there are so many important things going on here." The ear in his paw wilted and the scent tickling his nose said she was extremely hurt. "You are very important, too, but--"

Gwen pulled away. "I know. Your duty is to Geoff. I understand." She plodded back to her mother. Poor girl. Aunt Roisin looked over at Faelen sympathetically.

How many times had he disappointed her and had to tell her just that? How could she trust him or even like him after hearing that excuse time and time again? Maybe it was Faelen's fault the two youngest McDougals didn't get along better. That wasn't really fair, but emotions didn't care about 'fairness.'

"Faelen!"

The Mist Spirit nearly dropped his ladle in surprise.

The bamboo spatula in the honey-garlic sauce began moving on its own, and Nathanial snapped, "Watch the sauce!"

"Sorry!" Faelen took the spatula in his left paw and resumed paying attention to the 'now.' He stirred the soup and sauce at the same time. The honey had started to stick to the bottom, but it hadn't actually begun burning.

Nathanial resumed issuing directions. "Aoife, pat the spring rolls a bit before putting them on the platters; they're still a bit oily. Lorena, leave the pots for a second; take this batch of chicken and plate it. Faelen, turn the heat off the sauces and put covers on them. Nick, Dad, bring the finished appetizers out to the ballroom." Nathanial nodded to Neasa. "Sorry to cut you off, but I need to focus on the kitchen for now. I'll introduce myself properly in short order."

"Of course; I look forward to it." From her scent, Neasa really meant it, though a few of the looks thrown at the obviously spicy dishes were a bit hostile. Faelen was right; showing off Nathanial's command of a kitchen did help, though he still had a long way to go to get her actual _support._Neasa put her paw inside her husband's elbow; Alpha Luke lifted his arm a touch and patted her paw. Hostile looks weren't directed just at the food, and the promise of a future argument still touched her voice. "Come along, Luke."

The alpha didn't miss the tone. "Of course, dear." Fortunately, Neasa missed the hostility in Nick's gaze as he trailed along behind the gigantic Earth Elemental.

After a few minutes, everything was set. Nathanial cast a spell on each of them to tidy up their clothes and then sighed. "All good. I can bring everything out on my own once we let people sample the appetizers and mingle a bit." The Akita grinned at the Wolves. "Great job! It was a lot of fun cooking with everyone."

Granny Lorena smiled back as she smoothed out the skirt of her long, dark pine green dress, now free of her apron. "I really enjoyed that, almost as much as I'd hoped I would. I wonder if more people would like Chinese food if they actually tried it?"

Aoife sadly shook her head. "I've suggested experimenting, but it never goes over well. Some are keen to try, but most don't like the idea of altering the schedule." She turned to Dirk. "So, is Walter here? I keep hearing that he's coming and then he isn't. It isn't like Da to change his mind like that. We didn't get to really talk the last time he was here." No, the meeting was interrupted by news of Aoife's pregnancy and then the other O'Conalls hearing about Liam being Lowell...and everything else related to that.

Dirk huffed a short laugh, likely because his thoughts mirrored Faelen's. "I don't know why Liam had such a hard time making up his mind; I think he was worried there'd be conflict over Aunt Muireann." The family knew Walter, like almost everyone else, thought it was a suicide, but he'd initially believed she'd been 'silenced.' Da was right; that was precisely why Liam was afraid to invite Walter for a more prolonged visit. "But, Walter is here, or should be."

Nathanial gestured to the hall. "Yes, he is. He just tried some of the siu mai, and is waiting for us...like everyone else is." Faelen could feel Liam tense up with some nerves and even more anger; it mirrored the timing of a shift in Nathanial's scent. "Pardon me." The Akita hastened down the hall. Faelen trotted after him.

The ballroom was oddly quiet as they approached; that many Spirits should be audible to him back by the dining rooms -- Faelen was tempted to phrase it as, 'even his family should be audible,' but Poppies Aedan and Faeden put that to a lie, even more so if Aunt Muireann were still alive. The silence did let him clearly hear Neasa ask Walter, "So you're an accountant? It sounds so...bureaucratic. I would've thought Garret would be the accountant. I guess there is little difference between Furs and Mages."

Walter sounded like he completely missed the barb. "The career suits me, and honestly, I'd never have suspected Garret was a Mage or that Faelen was a Spirit if I wasn't told. I just look at people as individuals, I guess. Liam's kept me in the dark about the Hidden World as much as he can, and after meeting some magic folk, I don't really know why. Everyone seems quite pleasant and far more similar than different." Nathanial pushed the door open, and Faelen could see that everyone was watching the two talk, with Liam looking far too calm. Walter turned his head around to look at the ring of Canids standing nearby holding drinks or a plate of hors d'oeuvres. "Is something wrong? I didn't get the 'trick' dumpling, did I?"

Liam met Neasa's eyes for a second before addressing Walter. "No, Dad--"

Neasa interjected, "I was trying to get a rise out of you, Walter." The dainty Wolf shook her head. "But you're too innocent." She smiled and patted his free paw. "I apologise, even if you didn't catch any of the things I said." Neasa speared part of a dumpling with her fork and ate it. "These are quite tasty, if unusual."

Walter frowned in confusion. "They are tasty, though I'm used to Chinese food, so I wouldn't call them 'unusual.' Is there some sort of politics I'm running afoul of without knowing? I heard there was a bit of trouble before...well, the unfortunate passing of Muireann."

Nathanial stopped by the pair. "I'm sorry, Walter, but th--"

Neasa cut her host off. "Yes." She looked up at Nathanial. "You are. Her...passing hasn't put an end to the 'politics,' and you, Walter, aren't the cause of it."

Nathanial, still shielded by his glasses, stared back at her evenly. "And, as I was saying, this isn't the proper place to be having this conversation, or the proper time. Nor is it appropriate to be dragging people into affairs that don't affect them."

The two stared at each other for an uncomfortably long time; only Alpha Luke appeared to find it amusing. Neasa faintly smiled. "True, and for which I apologise again, Walter. Now--" Her posture shifted as she appeared to speak directly to Nathanial. "--I don't believe we were properly introduced."

Nathanial took off his glasses and pocketed them. "No, and it's my turn to apologise." The ring of Spirits and Mages dispersed a bit and began muted conversations amongst themselves.

Faelen stopped by Liam and Walter, tuning out Nathanial and Neasa for the most part. He arched an eyebrow at Liam, who flicked his eyes toward Neasa. It was an obvious 'is she always like this?' gesture. He nodded. She liked testing people and adjusting their status in her mind accordingly. It was a more political version of the physical jockeying most Spirits engaged in. Walter would've ranked quite low in his test, but she probably thought he was rather sweet, if naïve. Nathanial, quite the opposite. That wasn't a bad thing, even if it promised more tests in the future. Fortunately, the rules of protocol and such should be similar to the ones Nathanial learnt -- they would've come from the same source, the Hellenic xenia.

Liam held his plate up so Faelen could take a piece of siu mai, the pork dumpling. Faelen daintily picked it up with the claws of his thumb and index finger as Liam asked, "Will you sit with us, Dad? This is a family dinner, so there are no assigned seats. You may sit where you wish." The younger Rottie's shoulders twitched upward in a miniscule shrug. "Mostly unassigned. I am required to sit in the middle with Lorie." He nodded to his table. Faelen noted the smaller four-person ones had been replaced with larger round tables that could hold six to eight people. "It is also not uncommon for people to switch seats during the meal to talk, so do not be surprised."

Walter nodded. "I've been wanting to talk to Lorena some more, so I'll sit with you."

Nathanial finished his introductions -- Neasa found them to her liking based on her expression -- and raised his voice. "Attention, please." The room quieted quickly. "Let me identify the dishes for those who may not be familiar with this cuisine, and then I'll get out of your way." The serving door opened and the food floated out. "First are the two soups: Hong Kong wonton soup -- it has quite a bit of fish in it -- and hot and sour soup -- a vegetarian dish." Nathanial had found it a bit strange that the clan didn't eat much meat; farm animals required a lot of resources, in both food and space, for people that historically had little of either. "Next are the salad rolls with a peanut dipping sauce, steamed pork buns, sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves, and Shanghai noodles. The noodles are a bit spicy, so if you aren't used to that, be careful." Faelen noted he didn't mention the small amounts of barbequed pork in the noodles, but it didn't really matter. No one here was actually vegetarian; most just found large quantities of meat unappealing and wasteful. "The vegetable dishes are gai lan_with oyster sauce -- _gai lan is similar to broccoli, and occasionally called 'Chinese broccoli' -- Szechuan eggplant stir fry, and spicy green fried beans. I probably don't need to say that the last two are very spicy. The last three are the meat dishes: black bean beef with bell peppers and broccoli, _mapo_tofu, and breaded Szechuan chicken. The black bean isn't spicy, and--" He nodded to Neasa. "--we have a honey-garlic sauce on some of the chicken for a non-spicy variant." The alpha's wife blinked in surprise at the gesture, before returning the nod in gratitude. Mentioning all the spicy dishes before noting the accommodation made for her was a very effective way of currying favour. Faelen thought that was very well done. The food settled on the serving tables and Nathanial raised his paw to gesture at them. "Please enjoy."

The McDougals and Markses moved off to the corner of the ball room to two tables set aside for them. Nathanial sat at a table with Alpha Luke, Neasa, and Geoff. The other table held Conor, Avery, Garret, Nick, Micah, and Gwen. Even though there was space by the alpha, Nick made no effort to sit there; it was also beside Nathanial, and it appeared he was angrier at his brother than enraptured by his idol. Perhaps he could tell Garret about the squabble, and how Sam fit into it, and let him_decide whether the police should be involved. Or at least give his opinion. Faelen turned away to wait for his food. There wasn't anything he could do to help at the moment. The steam rising from the soup led his thoughts down a different path: training. Hmm... How would Nathanial _do that? The Akita certainly seemed gung ho about it, so he must have some ideas.

Liam and Lorena sat down with their food. As the eldest O'Conalls here, they took their food first. Aedan and Sorcha were just finishing dishing up their food, but as the youngest, Faelen still had a bit of a wait. No matter. He was proud he was old enough now that he wasn't served first, like a pup, and the few minutes it'd take for the others to file through was no trial. He sat beside Liam, noting they wouldn't eat until the rest of their table arrived.

Liam held up the teapot. "Lorie, my dear?"

"If you please." Granny Lorena held up the small Chinese tea cup; it was almost shot glass size.

Liam filled it and held the pot toward Faelen. "My love?" Faelen smiled in response and held up his own cup. Liam poured for him and then one for himself. "You are quite quiet today, yet I feel no distress. You are content to observe?"

Lorena sipped her tea and answered before Faelen thought of how to answer that. "Faelen thinks too much, and Geoff too little. They work well together." That wasn't entirely fair. Geoff often thought too much, too, and it sent him into spirals of depression. Geoff just preferred to act, when possible.

Faelen said nothing of that. "There's a lot to think about. Did you hear if Mr. Weed called back about renovating the second floor?"

"I did not." Aedan and Sorcha moved by and sat at the next table over. Walter followed Faelen's example and sat down to wait his turn, too. "Dad?"

Walter held out his cup. "Thanks. I'm not used to being considered so young, not anymore." Only Dirk, Keira, Roisin, and Faelen would get their food after him.

Glancing back at the other side of the room, Faelen saw the pups had their food, as did the alpha and Neasa. Gwen _looked_perplexed by the stuff on her plate, but Faelen could see the faint signs showing she was almost as giddy as Micah was; she just had trouble showing it. Micah didn't. The Changeling bounced about in his chair, chirpily (but quietly) singing about the types of food he had and how much he wanted to eat them. Sometimes, Faelen felt the pup would be more at home in a Disney faerie tale musical. Nick stared off into space, and not in a deliberate aloofness. He'd cheer up once he started eating.

Aoife sat at the table next to Walter. "You're next, Walter. Draighean is starting to get her food." Ciaran's daughter looked young enough to be Liam's older sister, but was actually a few years older than Walter. The Rottie had been surprised to learn that, but recovered quickly, remarking that Dirk looked that young, too.

Before long, it'd be Faelen's turn. Then, after supper, there'd be socialising for a bit, the other Spirits would go home, and then Liam would tell them a bit more of his story. Steam rolled up from Aoife's bowl of soup, tantalizing him with the way it pulled at his power. Training. How did Nathanial think he would be able to teach a Fog Spirit? Even other Spirits didn't try. Well, it wouldn't be long before Faelen had his answer. Tomorrow was well on its way.

Dishes (Nathanial, of course, uses his own recipes): Breaded Szechuan chicken

Black bean beef with bell peppers and broccoli

Steamed pork buns

Salad rolls

Gai lan with oyster sauce

Shanghai noodles

Hong Kong Wonton soup (w/ fish)

Hot and Sour soup

Mapo tofu

Szechuan eggplant stir fry (no shrimp)

Spicy fried green beans

Sticky rice (Better image)

Spring rolls, siu mai, har gow,potstickers