Despite the dark atmosphere

[curiousdiscoverer]

They are in a derelict warehouse, the owner was quite happy to rent the place, it was easy to see why, it took all day to clean the floor and create a space to properly write the spell circle.

Despite the dark atmosphere, their purpose was far from evil.

Franklyn observed Ada draw the circle, while Maeghan read a book, using her cloudpine to support herself more comfortably. Maeghan looked bored, but Franklyn knew she really wanted this to work more than she was letting on.

Because if this worked, Franklyn would have magic, actual personal magic, the first male witch in this world.

Actually, the second male witch in this world, since this spell was meant to bring a male witch from another world so they could do another spell to copy them.

When Ada completes the last line of herbs in the cycle, Franklyn helps her memorizing the spell’s verse.

“Nothing will go wrong,” Maeghan assures Franklyn when Ada starts speaking the spell...

Comments

[of_all_trades]

"Sorry!" Franklyn says "Witches are biologically unable to care about nudity. It is actually fascinating, it's related to the fact they aren't harmed by cold and can feel celestial light in their skin... aaaand Maeghan didn't mean to offend."

Ada is giggling a little.

[between_worlds]

"Good to know"

[of_all_trades]

"Daemons!" Franklyn says suddenly "we should talk about them."

"Marco's sister should settle any minute now," Ada says "I could see if they have a book settled forms."

"We can get any information on-line even if I want to save up Alethiometer use..." Franklyn says, then he notices Ada's expression "Go ahead and try not come off too strong while flirting with him," he adds sounding like a sincere advice without any sign of teasing.

Franklyn turn to his guests

"Take a sit," Franklyn says gesturing toward the couch "Since Ada brought it up, let's start with settled forms. Kids' daemons don't have a fixed form and can shapechanging, this happens until puberty sometimes a bit later. Daemons end up settled on a single form, which symbolizes aspects of the person's personalities... Oh, I forgot, do you guys want some water or anything?"

[intricate_engineer]

"Yes please."

[of_all_trades]

Franklyn gets up and provides a jar of water, glasses and bowl of crackers and cookies (which he snacks on even if the others don't partake).

"Daemons don't need to eat or drink," Franklyn says "they can do it, but is not necessary. So, back to settled forms. They are sort of imperfect symbols representing the person's soul. Witches always have flying birds, because a soul can't spell "witch" without saying "flying bird"," He smirks but then continues "I am not sure what Echo's animal is, but it shouldn't be too difficult figuring it out. Dogs' daemons tend to represent loyalty, with specific information depending on the breed."

[intricate_engineer]

"I'm a tarsier. We saw them in a zoo once."

[curiousbox]

Zara speaks.

"Daemons don't really talk with non-daemons," Zara explains "it is a bit impolite. Daemons talk to each other, helping with socialization... You are from another world so I don't know what your situation is going to be, but here is not usual."

[of_all_trades]

"Do you know if tarsiers are monkeys? Monkeys are supposed to be good at intricate works... which fits engineers"

The door opens, Ada comes in and quickly dumps a bunch of books on Franklyn's lap.

"Marcoinvitedmetowatchamoviebye!" She says before walking out of the apartment.

"Have fun!" Franklyn says.

He offers a couple of books for Glen and Alex.

It shouldn't be hard to find the relevant information....

[intricate_engineer]

"Thanks," Glen says, and then a few moments later, "I found her! Apparently it means I'm industrious, like working with my hands, am curious, and not very aggressive. That all seems to fit"

[of_all_trades]

"Cool," Franklyn says looking over her shoulder "it does fit."

After a few minutes Franklyn finds Alex's daemon discussion, the book says Great Pyrenees daemons are attached to loyal people (common to dogs), nonagressive, affectionate, and gentle. On the downside they can be stubborn and not listen to authority.

"Does it sound like you?" Franklyn asks to Alex.

[between_worlds]

"Yes, definitely." Alex smiles and scratches Rove between her ears.

[of_all_trades]

That is adorable.

"So," Franklyn says "this reminds me. Daemons' gender relates to people's sexualities and gender identity. Daemons with the same gender is a sign of queerness, but its far from sure," he points at the puffin on his shoulder "Zara is male, but the most queer thing about me is wishing to be pansexual. Sadly, not the case..."

[intricate_engineer]

"I like both genders, so Echo being a girl makes sense."

[of_all_trades]

"Oh, lucky!" Franklyn says smiling.

Then he smiles falls.

"Oh, damn it," Franklyn says "I completely forgot about it... so... daemons... huh," he breaths deeply "they do parallel socialization, talking with other daemons and so on and one aspect of that is... cuddling... while their humans are being intimate."

[intricate_engineer]

"Why is that a bad thing? Oh, when we go back home... Will they be unhappy?"

[of_all_trades]

"It feels awkward," Franklyn says "literally half of you wouldn't be participating. I am not sure how adaptable people can be on the subject. Most people never separate from their daemons so it isn't a common issue."

He drinks a sip of water.

"I promise try my best to fix that."

[intricate_engineer]

"Really? And how do you plan to do that?"

[between_worlds]

"And I'm going to go get a glass of water," Alex stands up and makes a speedy exit.

[of_all_trades]

"I don't know..." Franklyn says "but consider me at your full service."

He might be blushing, just a tiny bit.

[intricate_engineer]

"Hmm, you are very cute. I think I will." Glen grins.

[of_all_trades]

"Thanks. You are cuter!" Franklyn says "and I can tell you have a passion for your work. I love that!"

[intricate_engineer]

"Thank you," Glen blushes, "Here," she digs into a pocket and pulls out a small clear stone, pressing it into Franklyn's hand.
"It's a teleport stone, just think about where you want to go. Don't tell anyone I gave it to you."

[of_all_trades]

Franklyn stares at the stone for a moment blinking in surprise.

"Okay," Franklyn says finally "please tell me this is a very common and cheap thing for you, because if this is like... your world equivalent of a car, I couldn't take it."

[intricate_engineer]

"It's a fleet of cars to everyone else. But I designed them, so I can make as many as I want."

[of_all_trades]

"I don't know how to thank you enough," Franklyn says still staring at the stone "... and I have to be very clear if this is exactly between you and me? How about Maeghan? Ada? or Alex? I know that Maeghan can be... uncharismatic, but she is actually very responsible and neither would tell anyone. Ada half-pretends she is mortal sometimes..."