Saturday, December 12th, 1890 — The Harper House
There was something tragically ironic in all of this. A better, more contemplative Odina was sure there some humor to be found in this nightmare, but all she felt now was the tension in her limbs. He ruined everything. There was no question that Beau Fucking Miller didn't believe her story of Toby's father or accept her appearance as a positive development. And he married one of the only people she knew in this damn empire, a girl too kind for how the world worked. It should have been a joyful revelation, connections in the Old World, but all Odina felt was threatened.
Over five years apart and Odina would still wager that she knew Bear in a way even his beloved Eva didn't. He lacked the damn sense to leave well enough alone and Odina would not lose her son's future to some man's attempts at sleuthing. She'd avoided him for months, dealing with her son's confusion over no longer visiting the zoo and refusing to speak of the witch and wizard she knew from long ago. For her Toby, she had to have the conversation she'd only had in her nightmares.
Toby was settled with the Harpers for a week, an early Christmas visit with the couple her son considered grandparents. Odina made her excuses for time alone - a chance to brew without a child to protect - and commenced her plan of attack. The owl to Bear was simple - they needed to discuss a pressing matter that concerned Odina's son and Beau's wife. She would activate the portkey, a small bear charm, at the appointed time and he would come alone. It wouldn't do for him to recognize her neighborhood or to be seen arriving at the Harper House.
A host of wards and protections in place, the Floor deactivated, Odina set out two large bottles of firewiskey on her parlor table. She welcomed the burn down her throat as she heard him arrive. Filling both glasses, Odina took a seat near the fireplace, a small table, and floor space, firmly between them. "Drink, Bear. You'll need it."
Over five years apart and Odina would still wager that she knew Bear in a way even his beloved Eva didn't. He lacked the damn sense to leave well enough alone and Odina would not lose her son's future to some man's attempts at sleuthing. She'd avoided him for months, dealing with her son's confusion over no longer visiting the zoo and refusing to speak of the witch and wizard she knew from long ago. For her Toby, she had to have the conversation she'd only had in her nightmares.
Toby was settled with the Harpers for a week, an early Christmas visit with the couple her son considered grandparents. Odina made her excuses for time alone - a chance to brew without a child to protect - and commenced her plan of attack. The owl to Bear was simple - they needed to discuss a pressing matter that concerned Odina's son and Beau's wife. She would activate the portkey, a small bear charm, at the appointed time and he would come alone. It wouldn't do for him to recognize her neighborhood or to be seen arriving at the Harper House.
A host of wards and protections in place, the Floor deactivated, Odina set out two large bottles of firewiskey on her parlor table. She welcomed the burn down her throat as she heard him arrive. Filling both glasses, Odina took a seat near the fireplace, a small table, and floor space, firmly between them. "Drink, Bear. You'll need it."