very pointed, and some truly obscure. And all of them exceedingly calm for a woman who had last been seen rocking in a corner.
Liriel slid quietly into the room, set down a tray, and joined Beth on the couch. Wariness still lived in her eyes, but they'd warmed up several degrees from the encounter at the front door. She held out a plate. "Slightly stale chocolate chip cookies or a protein bar - Beth's recipe. Take your pick."
The astute and tricky diplomat was back. Lauren looked at the plate for a moment and then took one of each.
This time, the amusement reached Liriel's eyes. She turned to her partner. "What have you learned?"
Beth reached for a protein bar. "That you were right. Witch Central is arrogant when it comes to witches outside their borders."
Lauren winced - there were reasons for the arrogance, but it wasn't an entirely inaccurate summary. She juggled the slightly stale cookie, looking again for words that might begin to right the missteps.
Beth held up a hand, not finished yet. "And that they live with deeper magic than we've ever dreamed of, and perhaps that means the rules are more complicated."
Something dark and tangled hit Liriel's eyes. And her mind barriers slammed shut with an efficient competence that had Lauren blinking.
Lauren tried to move forward. Carefully. "The wisest witch I know says that 'with great power comes great responsibility.' Witch Central has a lot of magic within their reach. Sometimes it can be very difficult to know where responsibility ends and arrogance begins."
The two women on the couch considered her words carefully, their fingers linked together in a way that made Lauren miss her California beach knight very much. It was Beth who finally nodded. "We also believe in responsibility."
Liriel's smile was strangely sad. "And we know something of spells gone awry."
It was forgiveness they offered - and it made Lauren feel about two inches tall.
We are witches, came Liriel's drifting reply. An accidental send, but an important one.
Yes, you are. Lauren sent back a simple acknowledgement - and hoped it carried her respect.
You heard that? Liriel's eyebrows disappeared into her hairline.
Yes. Lauren reached out, not at all sure of the gray-eyed mind witch's talents. There hadn't been a whole lot of time to figure it out earlier. You're an empath, correct? Can you not mindspeak?
No. The reply was fast and certain - and a little bit awed. I assume you're assisting me again.
Only lightly. Lauren stretched a little further, but Liriel's power flows didn't have the staccato undertones she associated with a mindspeaker. I am. But you're making it easy. You have nice training.
We are not quite as incompetent as you imagined us. And we have a very curious audience.
Lauren stopped her wincing long enough to pay attention to the third woman in the room, who was watching their silent interplay with great interest.
Liriel reached for her partner's hand again. "She can speak to my mind and assist me to speak to hers."
"Fascinating." Beth studied the two of them for a long moment. "I expect that's very convenient when you have things to say that you don't want someone to hear."
Lauren half rose in embarrassed protest - and then realized the words were meant at face value. Nothing more, nothing less. A statement, not an accusation.
And a true one.
Good. Liriel seemed impressed. You read her quite well. She usually means exactly what she says, unlike the rest of us.
"So much power," said Beth quietly. "If I came to California, would they train me?"
"Yes." And if Lauren was here as Witch Central's representative, the new level of respect could begin right now. "You know how to work hard and you're open to new ideas. We'd be honored to have you."
Liriel's tea cup seemed to approve.
"I don't know. It's our busiest time of year at the shop." Beth's finger traced the top edge of her far-more-sturdy mug. Weighing. Thinking.
"The shop will be fine."
There was a note of something odd in Liriel's voice. Lauren frowned, trying to tease it out. You won't be coming?
No. Sent with finality. If I do, you will use me as an intermediary, much as you are doing now.