Bríd Bríd, come in; thy bed is ready

[acrookedchild]

Thig an nathair as an toll

Seven Sisters, Imbolc

The shop itself has been closed for the day. Still, invitations have gone out to everyone in the supernatural community but especially to the covens of both Circle Midnight and Circle Daybreak. Imbolc is a time for new beginnings, and Abigail Widdowson intends to make it one worth remembering.

(Headers for Imbolc here.)


Là donn Brìde,

Geap Manor, all February

Abigail Widdowson is now the Maiden of Witches.

It is a role, she is well aware, many would not see go to a Circle Midnight witch, especially not a Widdowson. But just as Sylvia is supposed to represent both Circles as the Mother, so is she as the Maiden.

So, letters have been sent.

Letters of welcome to every witch she knows of and every coven she's aware of. They demand nothing; there is no expectation of tribute or the like. Though she's sure that's happened in the past. Instead, it is a letter of invitation to call upon her at Geap Manor.

To meet her.


Ged robh trì troighean dhen t-sneachd

Westminster, mid February

"I placed my order ten minutes ago!"

It's a small inconvenience, really, and Abigail knows it, but it's just one of the many, many things that have been going wrong lately. Especially since she just got blown off for a meeting because 'an urget matter' had 'come up.'

But it's to be expected. Even with her new title, of course the Night Council really doesn't want to see her. They probably know what she's planning. What little idea has seized in the back of her mind. The less attention they pay to her, the harder it'll be, they know. But, well. She knows that the only way to get attention when someone is trying to ignore you is to get louder.

Right now, though, she's trying very, very hard not to take it out on the barista.

"Okay. Again. All I want is a hot chocolate. Shot of espresso. Shot of vanilla. Whipped cream. Please."

She even hands over her card again. Because if she has to pay twice? That's just fine.


Air leac an làir.

Enfield, late February

"Who's there?"

She can't avoid going outside, even after dark. As much as Abigail would like to just shut herself up in Geap Manor forever given everything happening, it's just not plausible. But her recent status of Maiden has made her a little more paranoid when out of the house.

Before, it was just the universe out to get her.

Now? She has actual enemies. Even if she's determined not to let them make her change her life. She hasn't forgotten that vampire Sylvia set on her. Sure, it had been in a controlled environment and just meant to scare her, but... It had done its job. And she didn't know how many more there were.

She needs to get silver, no matter what Unthank thinks about that. A small witch's amulet isn't much to really protect her, and she knows it.

All she has for protection is the phone in her pocket, and there's not much 999 can do about the supernatural.

Comments

Imbolc

[acrookedchild]

With the Seven Sisters closed for business, the lower level of the shop has been converted (for the day) into neutral territory for all to enjoy the celebration of Imbolc. There are several activities offered, and people are welcome to come and go as they please.

Activities

[acrookedchild]

[There are tables set up with rushes, straw, and strips of cloth. There are also helpful picture guides on how to create a Brigid's Cross or Brideog -- a small doll to be adorned with shells, stones, and flowers.

On the front desk of the shop, there is a large Cross with several kinds of cloth and greenery to be woven in. Everyone who attends is encouraged to add at least one piece to it to symbolise a communal effort to a new beginning.]

Divinations

[acrookedchild]

[When she isn't mingling with those invited, Abigail is at a table in the corner, one that has a tarot deck. The day is said to be good for looking to the future, so all are welcome to either have a reading done for them at no cost or do their own.]

Refreshments

[acrookedchild]

[The food isn't as lavish as Abigail's usual parties, but it's set up like a buffet. There's plenty of variety and many non-alcoholic drinks offered.]

[kleptofaeniac]

Kenzi hasn't exactly told anyone what... what she is now. No one but Nancy and Jean-Claude know and she sort of wanted to keep it that way and just disappear but Abigail is her sister just like all the other girls in the Shadow Coven ...she deserves to know the truth.

Kenzi waits until nightfall to come, and sort of hopes that Abigail would be willing to make her a bit of Daylight Jewelry. She does something uncharacteristic and knocks on the front door.

"Can I come in?"

[acrookedchild]

"Hey." Abby smiles a little as she opens the door. It's always good to see Kenzi, even if she's been a bit scarce lately. Then again, with the purge going on, that's to be expected. The question is odd, but she barely even notices it. "Of course. You're always welcome."

Words she isn't in the habit of freely offering, but she doesn't think anything of saying it.

"Want something to drink?"

[kleptofaeniac]

Kenzi doesn't say anything to the effect of 'I'm a vampire now wups' and steps inside at Abigail's invitation. She'll probably rescind it shortly after she finds out, but she wants to tell her in person versus over the phone.

The question elicits a snort from Kenzi. Oh Abigail, she wishes she could take you up on that. For alcohol. Not blood. She's feeling a little hungry but she's been drinking regularly enough for her not to go on a killing spree tonight.

"Can we go somewhere and talk?"

It doesn't occur to her that this request will seem a little suspect once the reveal happens.

[acrookedchild]

"Of course," she answers immediately, face setting into a frown. This is way too serious for Kenzi's usual greetings, which has her more than a little worried.

"C'mon. No one's upstairs."

That space is still just for the Midnight witches. For their coven. She leads the way and turns on the lights when they reach the second floor, taking a seat at the table there.

"What's up?"

Geap Manor

[akillersmile]

Kyle is oblivious to the woman's new promotion, as he is to most of the supernatural community even still. His time in England has taught him a great deal about the Night Council, the rules of the supernatural, and so forth, but he's still trying to learn. Unlike most arrogant Americans, however, he's willing to admit his ignorance and is seeking out avenues to learn. Assuming they won't slam the door in his face.

The soldier double-checks the scrawl on the paper he returns to his pocket, confirming the address, as he walks up to the door. The place is enormous for living in London and he can't help but admire whichever witch it is who lives here. All he knows is that there is one. Which occurs to him as probably insufficient information as he gives a strong series of knocks on the door and then waits patiently for it to open.

[acrookedchild]

Besides the large yard and impressive size of the manor -- something that always has and always will speak to the sheer amount of money at the disposal of the Widdowson line -- one further striking feature (noticeable only when the time comes to knock at the door) might be the knocker. Rather than a more traditional lion or simple adornment, it is made of black metal and appears to be a face contorted in pain.

After a few moments, a young woman answers the door. Rather than being dressed in her usual black, Abigail has taken to wearing white. At least when she's kind of expecting people to call on her as the Maiden. Usually they make appointments, but it never hurts to present herself in the fashion she wants to be seen.

The man at her door is a stranger, but Abigail smiles faintly as she bows her head politely. "Hello there. Can I help you?"

[akillersmile]

Between the money and the seeming innocence of the woman before him, Kyle feels immediately out of place. He's almost never let that bother him though, adopting a charming albeit sheepish grin as he thinks about how to present his case. Or, more accurately, doesn't really think about it at all as he runs a hand through his hair.

"Uh, hi. I want to learn more about witches?" It's definitely a question. If he has the wrong house, he's likely to get laughed out of the sprawling yard. If she is a witch and it's supposed to be some secret he shouldn't know about, maybe he'll get a hex or plain murdered for his trouble. Kyle's mostly just hoping witches are 'just like us!' only with magic, rather than crazy cultists.

[acrookedchild]

Abigail can't help but laugh a little. After all, it's a strange statement to be greeted with, but... Well. He's either from inside the supernatural community or some reporter looking to do a special or something about her home, family, and history. Both are possible.

"Well, I'll help you as much as I can. Please, come in."

[akillersmile]

Kyle flashes a smiles at her invitation, nodding. "Thanks."

Either he's going to get what he came for or he's going to be eaten, one of the two, but it seems premature to turn back now. The soldier instead gives a nod as he crosses the threshold inside, eyes immediately drawn up to admire the grandeur of the room. His attention returns to the woman not a moment later, pausing a few feet inside for her.

"I'm human," he offers, trying to be upfront. "I don't know if that's a problem. I learned a lot about vampires, years ago, in another country, but now I'm here. And some shapeshifter's telling me there are witches and werewolves and all this other stuff I'd never heard about before.. Figured I should learn more from the source if I could."

A beat. "I heard there's a witch here. Is that- I don't know if that's you, or?"

Westminster

[knowstheworld]

Childermass has been watching. It's what Childermass does, after all, but it's hard not to be watching, as the young woman slowly reaches her boiling point. He recognizes who she is, oh yes. He would be a fool not to, what with her recent position within the witches.

Of course the Night Council does not want to recognize her. She represents to Sylvia, and to Norrell, that which they do not understand, nor do they want to for that matter. They look down on her, and she snubs her nose at them, and no one is happy, and everything just keeps getting worse and worse until. Well, the poor, incompetent barista winds up getting the brunt of it.

And so he sweeps his way forward, to loom behind the girl. Understanding the picture he makes, with his long dark hair, his long dark coat, and well, his face. Adding to it the rough way he speaks as he opens his mouth... "What seems to be the trouble here, then?"

[acrookedchild]

"My order got lost," Abigail says. It's as calm as she can sound, but the frustration sharpens the edges. Because, at this point, she can either have a bit of bite to her words or break down into tears. And she is not going to cry in public. Even if she is tired and frustrated.

She's twenty, she's moaned to Unthank some nights. Twenty-year-olds don't try to get positions in government, especially not at so high a level. She should barely be old enough to be considered a coven leader. But, of course, she finds no real sympathy from him. Fifteen, to him, is old enough to be the head of a house. Twenty is a considerable adult. So her complaints there fall on deaf ears, and it isn't right to turn to those who follow her and burden them.

Which leads to a lost drink order being enough to make her want to scream or cry or both. But it isn't the barista's fault that everything else is almost overwhelming. So, she tries, especially with the intercession of a stranger, to be calm and mature.

The barista looks ready to argue with Abigail's assessment of the situation but thinks better of it, swiping the card again, handing it back, and starting to make the drink there and then.

[knowstheworld]

Childermass assess the situation and the fact that he's pretty sure he had seen her pay for a drink a while earlier, though he will admit he had not been paying the interaction much attention at that point. He steps forward towards the counter, looming forward as the barista returns with her drink.

"You owe the lady an apology," he says. "And a free drink, I think." He inclines his head, and he really does look imposing. Especially when he's in the right. It had been the barista's error, and he had now charged her double for a drink she had only received once. It was only good customer service.

[acrookedchild]

"She didn't order a drink the first time. Unless she's got the receipt--"

Abby rolls her eyes. It's so, so tempting to make a glass behind the counter break or something equally small. But she won't. She has to be above that kind of thing now. No matter how much she really would like it.

Still, she smiles at the man who interceded.

"It's fine, really. Long as I got my caffeine in the end. Thanks, though."

Geap

[stauncherhearted]

There was something to be said about your friend having office hours: you could take advantage of them to guarantee that she was there. It was late enough that Nancy doubted anyone would take Abigail up on her offer to come in, and so she headed over to the iconic location, dark green coat pulled tight around her and a bottle of whiskey under one arm.

Whiskey, because wine was too light for this.

The other arm, well, the other arm is holding a large box of pizza.

Abigail had been through hell and back lately, and she needed to be there for her. They were supposed to be in this together, but Nancy had always taken a back seat. Now that Kenzi was... now that Kenzi was a vampire she needed to push forward, become closer with Abigail, for the sake of the coven, Midnight, and for both of their sanity.

Nancy knocks at the door- rather, uses her foot to knock, as a cold wind blows at the edges of her coat.

[acrookedchild]

"Holy-- Get inside."

But it's said with all due warmth and a smile as Abby motions Nancy in and pushes the heavy door closed behind her. She has on more make-up than usual, even though she's trying to look like she doesn't. But it sort of hides the dark circles under her eyes from way too many nights spent awake.

But the sight of the pizza--

"Glad I didn't order out. C'mon in. I'll get a better fire going. The heater's being temperamental."

[stauncherhearted]

"What?" Nancy asks as she slides into the house. When the door is shut behind her, she starts to remove her shoes, setting the drink and pizza down for a moment to properly get rid of her many outer-layers. Hats, gloves, scarves, just your usual day around here in the freezing rain.

"A fire- wonderful!" Growing up, she'd been used to a fire constantly going in the Den. They hadn't had heating, so it was always layers and fires going, a few spells on various candles to give off more heat, except in the summer.

"You look-" okay, no, don't even start that, she shakes her head and picks up the offerings again. "Can you get two shot glasses? I think we need them."

[acrookedchild]

Abigail laughs a little and motions Nancy toward the large fireplace in the sitting room. While she lets Nancy get settled, Abby goes and gets the shot glasses. Well. Not shot glasses. Proper tumblers. But, hey. They can work for shots.

"God yes. I need a shot or two."

Geap Manor - Late February

[tearmeanewone]

Waiting this long probably could be judged as poor sportsmanship, but Elizabeth has a feeling she'd made her true feelings on the subject known below deck during the cruise. Really, she's been struggling less with the outcome of events and more with being put through them in the first place.

Elizabeth checks the address on the invitation surreptitiously (as though Norrell were waiting right over her shoulder to come up and snatch it from her), and confirmed she was in the right place. After drawing herself up and breathing, she knocks.

[acrookedchild]

A few moment later, the door finally opens, and Abigail offers a smile as she extends her hand.

"Good morning. Please. Come on in. Would you like some tea?"

Why exactly this young woman is here, she can't be sure. Plenty of people have come for plenty of reasons. Threats, curiosity, thrill, politeness... All sorts of things have brought them to her door and been brought in return.

[tearmeanewone]

Well, at least Abigail looks the same as she did below deck. It's a little more reassuring to be visiting someone accessible in some way, when really Elizabeth spent most of her time around adult men.

...funny how that's working out here.

Elizabeth smiles and takes Abigail's hand. "If it's not any trouble, that would be really nice."

She comes inside and looks around at the foyer. She's never been inside of Geap Manor, despite the plethora of events she's heard of being held here. It's quite the place, now that she's inside. "I hope I haven't overextended the life of the invitation. I realize it's been a while since the letters were sent out..."

[acrookedchild]

"The invitation doesn't have a time limit," Abigail says with a small wave of her hand, "nor is it a one-time use. Please. Feel free to come by any time."

It's all she can do. It isn't really against Sylvia, but it offers an alternative. The Daybreak Mother and the Midnight Maiden. Because she has to change the perception before she can really make a difference. So, as much as they can be, the doors to Geap Manor have to be open, and she has to be available.

"Let me take you to the sitting room. Then I'll fix some tea. Do you prefer black, red, or green?"