Jane and Merlynn entered her apartment finding Hiro planted by a coffee table examining character sheets and miniatures. “Welcome home Master Merlynn!” Hiro exclaimed looking in their direction. “Master huh? I knew you were a pervert!” Jane exclaimed sneering at Merlynn. Merlynn twitched an irritated eyebrow at her before taking a deep breath. “Make yourself at home,” Merlynn gestured to Jane in a wide arc. “Mi casa and all that. The living room is here, obviously, the kitchen is to the left through that archway. Down the hall on your right are the guest bedrooms, along with Gloria’s bedroom, oh and the elevator. The door off to Hiro’s left is my bedroom. You’re welcome to one of the two empty rooms, although I'm assuming Hiro has chosen one already so you can have the latter for now.” Merlynn directed Jane’s attention around the room. “Nope! I choose the living room its where the TV is!” Hiro butted in abruptly.
“Thats not gonna fly guy. Looks like Jane will get her choice of either room first then.” Merlynn corrected herself with a touch of aggravation. “Dibs on the bigger one.” Jane blurted out with a slight squeal. “Done. Bathroom is also down the hall in between Gloria’s room and the storage room. Your bedroom will be on the end to the left.” Merlynn affirmed swinging a fist like a gavel into an open palm. “Hey!” Hiro called out jumping from his seat. “Snooze you lose my man. Where is Gloria by the way?” Jane teased him bumping her fists into her hips. Doing so caused Merlynn’s coat she was still wearing to push open revealing herself as Hiro got a good look.
WHAT are you LOOKING at HIRO!” Gloria emerged from a nearby shadow grabbing hold of Hiro’s head which she wrenched backwards towards her in a way that would break a normal man’s neck. As the sudden motion surged through his gelatinous body it made an audible pop that doubled Jane over with nausea. “Jane! Stay with me!” Merlynn shouted catching Jane the escorted her down the hall into the bathroom. Merlynn rushed back into the living room after settling Jane, stomping with every step. “Seriously you two! Stop with your bullshit and clean this up.” Merlynn scolded them. Gloria and Hiro both ceased with Gloria righting Hiro’s head. “Gloria, please get Jane something decent to wear. She seems roughly around your size, well shorter, and I mean it Glory, decent. Hiro, I need your help me gathering a few things.” Merlynn instructed them quickly scrawling a short list of items on a piece of paper and handing the list to Hiro. “Poo...here I was hoping for something skimpy.” Gloria huffed heading to her room.
Hiro went over the list before blurting out with a chuckle. “Are we gonna play a campaign with your new girlfriend?” Hiro asked still chuckling. “Idiot, she’s not my girlfriend. I rescued her just a few minutes ago from some creeps. Afterwards I did the only thing I could think of and offer my home knowing she would be safe.” Merlynn informed Hiro whom now felt dickish. “Okay remind me to keep my mouth shut more often.” Hiro sighed as he reviewed the list and began gathering things around the apartment.
Merlynn took the time to change into something more comfortable, setting her hat on a bedpost she pulled out an old yellow shirt that was slowly becoming shear from age and a gray pair of cloth capri shorts. After changing, Merlynn sat on her bed rubbing at her sore legs. While mostly smooth she grew irritated with the stubble she kept running into. She quit rubbing, deciding to shave in the near future, then settled on brushing her hair. With amber locks brushed and a few swipes with a wet cloth Merlynn felt a bit fresher. She collapsed backwards onto her bed gazing up at her ceiling wondering what she was really getting into. “First that Flayurian, then Hiro, Morgana showed up per usual, Nick...” Merlynn shook her head briskly as her thoughts began racing faster.
“Shit! I forgot about Claire...smooth move Lynn...solve heartbreak by jumping in the bed with someone else...well she still has to show up for that...now there’s Jane...what the hell am I doing?” Merlynn questioned herself folding her arms over her face shielding her eyes from the burning bulb above her. Before Merlynn could begin to answer any of her own thoughts there came a knock on her door frame. “Mom! Jane’s out of the shower...I gave her the most decent clothes I could find.” Gloria called out leaning her head through the doorway. “How’s she doin?” Merlynn asked without stirring from the bed. “She’s currently sitting next to Hiro on the couch still staring at him in disbelief, so good I’d say. I also told her that we could poke and prod Hiro with sharp objects if we got bored waiting on you.” Gloria teased quickly slipping away. Merlynn heaved a little sigh then begrudgingly rose from her bed.
Merlynn entered the living room to find Hiro and Jane just as described however, Gloria’s concept on decent really needs a redefining. Jane sat awkwardly staring at Hiro just out of arms reach. Merlynn was correct about the two girls being roughly the same size although Jane was considerably bustier than Gloria so despite the white Gwar shirt fitting her the bands name was well pronounced in big bold letters. Jane looked up seeming a bit more relaxed now seeing Merlynn and rose scooting further down the sectional to make room for her. Gloria instead jumped over the sectional planting herself between Hiro and Jane giving each of them a bit of side eye. “I haven’t seen this thing in a while! Gods yes.” Gloria smiled wide as she settled deeper into the couch. “I found it in the storage room earlier and replaced it with the bean couch. I figured it would be comfier.” Hiro spoke up proud of his choice. “I like how you arranged the living room. It actually feels like a room again. Thank you, Hiro.” Merlynn added reaching for a steaming kettle on the table. She grabbed the kettle then poured everyone a cup of tea then returned the it to its base lifting her cup to her nose. Jane followed in suit taking a quick sip. “Green tea? Is there sugar?” Jane asked puckering her lips a bit at the bitterness.
Gloria passed her a cute bear shaped bottle filled with honey. As Jane timidly took the honey her eyes fixated on Gloria’s horns. “Are those...real?” Jane asked nervously. Gloria puffed up her chest grinning widely. “Why yes, these girls are all nat-tu-ral. No silly cone in these knockers.” Gloria chuckled pressing her breasts together teasing. Jane let out a bit of laughter. “No, I meant your horns...” Jane corrected her. “Oh shit! I forgot to hide those.” Gloria reached up grabbing both of her horns in embarrassment. “Oh No! Please don’t hide them, they are beautiful.” Jane quickly assured her realizing that they were a sensitive subject. “No one's ever said that before. Thanks Jane! For that I won’t tease you for the rest of the night.” Gloria thanked her pulling her hands away. “Yes, they are real. I’ve had them ever since I was born. I’ve filed them down at first trying to fit in but as I grew older, I figured out a few glamour's to disguise them into different things.” Gloria explained settling back into the couch with her cup of tea. “Ooh like Hellboy! I love those movies even the new one although I feel they tried doing too much in one film. So, are you a demon then?” Jane asked not realizing she was becoming more casual with her questions.
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“Wait...Merlynn how the hell did those horns not wreck your...” Jane turned asking Merlynn with a wide grin only to see Merlynn fracture and freeze slightly.
“I love them too! Mph Mr. Perlman drives me wild in red. Anyways I’m not a demon I’m a succubus! That’s not a demon right Mom?” Gloria blurted quickly turning towards Merlynn breaking the sudden chill tension in the air. “Yes, half-demon at least. It’s complicated.” Merlynn answered quickly not wanting to go further. “Wow...So Gloria really is your daughter then. How in the world dit that happen!? Did you do the nasty with a demon?” Jane asked with invested interest. Merlynn backpeddled in her mind while physically remained stiff as a board . She hadn’t prepared herself to answer these questions. She had it figured Jane would be in shock, either too afraid with what occurred or the fact that Merlynn user magic in front of her. Jane watched as Merlynn shook softly as she slowly set her tea down. Deciding not to push the matter further she instead sighed audibly in realization. “I knew my land lord was a demon. Not sure what kind, but I know it's something nasty. I’ve always felt sick to my stomach whenever I had to deal with her.” Upon hearing this Merlynn erupted in a snorty chuckle. “I highly doubt it, but it’s never good to ignore your fear response.” Merlynn finally managed a serious face again then explained further.
“Most people think they know what's really out there. I'd gather to think that about half of people are in the fields, its humbug or spooky business, either way best leave it alone just in case. A quarter of folk know of and what the difference is between a few things supernatural, mainly those that bump in the night and stalk in the shadow of day. Then there are the select few out there, the smallest slice of pie, who are actually able to do a damn about those things nasty or malevolent. Not saying any ill towards anyone, we all work, bleed, and fight for all our worth. However, most of mankind isn’t tooled right to tangle with the countless beasts and denizens of the light, dark, and those in between. Factor in the recent resurgence of powered individuals and add in more confusion to what’s what.” Merlynn smoothed her voice into a narrative tone.
“What was that creature you summoned earlier to save me? The one that froze that thug solid.” Jane asked. “Ugh you summoned that tramp!?” Gloria scoffed. “Her name is Ondine, she is the prime spirit of water, and yes she does have her tendencies.” Merlynn admitted aloud. “I made an unusual contract with her while exploring Flameria several years back. After taking the time to clean up a small pond we found I was greeted by her and rewarded with her hand in marriage. I told her I had no intention of such a thing but she insisted she was teasing me. She knew exactly what I wanted the moment she offered me a reward. When we hashed out the finer details of our contract she sealed the deal with a sneaky kiss that became our cost and sealed away a small piece of her in this aquamarine ring.” Merlynn answered showing off a small silver band faceted with a humble aquamarine gem on her ring finger. “Wow that’s gorgeous! It looks a little tarnished.” Jane exclaimed examining the ring closer. “It symbolizes that I’ve used the rings charge for the day and can’t summon Ondine again without putting a serious tax on my own mana supply.” Merlynn added then showed off a different ring on her other hand. The band was an intricate weave of golden leaves locking a large fire opal within its center. The fire opal within sparkled as if the swirling fiery colors within were kindling. “This one still has its charge but unlike the other this one’s a bit of a heart breaker.” Merlynn’s eyes seemingly lost themselves staring into the ring with determination.
“Hey speaking of mana supply, your math isn’t mathin’.” Hiro butted in raising a finger while holding a pen in his offhand. “You mentioned earlier that the Earth had a daily mana limit as well as other living things but with the numbers you gave me it doesn’t make sense why Morgana needed the meteor if the cost to make the stone was relatively cheap.” Hiro continued, tapping the pen unknowingly on the table.
“It was a diluted example but the gist is that without the meteor, the Earth wouldn’t produce enough mana alone to make the stone and while her intent is still unknown, Morgana isn’t going to go around sacrificing people to end up arousing suspicions. Even if she tried making the stone with a combinations of the Earth’s mana and people the cost would still cripple the Earth and leave a large enough body trail she couldn’t hide. So with the meteor not only being soaked in inert mana and the lingering souls of the victims she was easily able to support the cost of the transmutation without being both noticed nor disturbing the natural flow of mana.” Merlynn answered as best she could manage.
“Whose Morgana?” Jane asked picturing a wicked old woman. “My potentially evil twin sister.” Merlynn answered succinctly. “Think of it this way. Through my contracts with my spirits including the catalyst and alternate cost, such as cookies for the Sylphid Sisters, I am able to call upon powerful creatures to enact a powerful ability or have them perform a task I see fit. Without those items if I tried to call them I would drain all my natural mana and cripple my ability to produce said mana or even lose my life in the process. The same would happen to Earth if Morgana tried making that stone without the meteor.” Merlynn finished downing her tea.
“Wow.” Jane spoke in awe. “I can tell you’re a GM in your spare time. Had me ready to draw up a sheet and everything.” Jane admitted. “I can make that happen!” Hiro exclaimed swiftly dragging out character sheets, dice and more figures. “Not now Hiro but maybe after dinner. We may even have a party of four if Claire shows up.” Merlynn motioned towards him then turned back to Jane. “...that settles it next time you run a campaign I want in!” Jane smiled widely at Merlynn whom thanked her and made her way into the kitchen. A familiar flick was heard then moments later the scent of Turkish tobacco floated on the air. “Here’s you a character sheet and pencil. All I found was a mechanical one I hope that’s okay.” Hiro motioned towards Jane with the items which she accepted with a smile. She then rubbed her thumb against the broken clip chuckling to herself. “Okay where are the handbooks?” Jane asked sitting down again and began filling out the stuff she could. “They are over here one second.” Hiro squeed. He then jumped over the table fishing out a stack of hardback books that hit the table with a loud satisfying thump.
“Why so excited Hiro.” Gloria asked improvising her best Heath Ledger impression. “Well, I've never played before. Morgana never had the time to do so with me.” Hiro answered with a bit of sadness. “Ouch Gloria, stab him next time it might be less painful.” Jane sneered at Gloria. “Stabbing him wouldn’t hurt him at all, he’s a slime.” Gloria responded in confusion clearly missing Jane’s intent. Before Jane could retort she couldn’t help but have her attention swayed by an illustrious aroma pouring in from the kitchen. “What smells so good?” Jane asked aloud closing her eyes to focus her other senses. “Garlic, onion, beef and I dare say soy sauce.” Jane muttered aloud her voice wavering between her stomach growls and salivation. “Geez girl you act like you’re starving.” Gloria chided her but began to buckle from the aroma too. “Ladies and Hiro! I SUMMON THEE HENCE!” Merlynn boomed from the kitchen with joyful satisfaction. “Later bitches!” Hiro’s voice trailed behind him as he darted like a mad bull in mating season headfirst into the kitchen. The girls laughed heartily as they chased in hot pursuit.