Behind the Magic

Rune smiled softly as Aislyn started humming. With one strike, Rune lit the match and threw it into the incense. There was a small 'poof' and the smoke started to slowly roll up and linger over the table.

Waving her hand to stir up the smoke, Rune blocked herself from falling into the spell along with Aislyn. It was best that one of them stayed on this earthly plane.

Aislyn felt her spirit leave her body and travel to palces unknown.
She found herself in a dark space hardly able to see her own hand in front of her face. Images flashed around Aislyn as she tried to capture them all. She saw flashes of her grandmother, and her old coven.
Than out of the clouds emerged a door. Solid dark cherry oak and as tall as a basketball player the door screamed imtimidation. Yet Aislyn walked forward and reached for the door knob, sending sparks of electricity through her body both spiritually and physically.

Rune watched Aislyn closely, making sure that everything was okay with her. The small little movements on her face told Rune that everything was indeed okay for the moment. Taking her eyes off Aislyn, Rune put together another potion just in case there were any after affects on the girl.

The door moved with the grace of a boulder. It seemed ages had passed before it was even half way open. Yet as Aislyn tried to further the gap, it just would not bulge. Willing to accpet this small opening, Aislyn peered through the crease.
Her eyes took only a moment to adjust to the bright light emitting from the other side.

" Grandma? " Her whisper hardly disrupted the silence of the scene before her. It was her grandmother's old house out in the large back yard. Grandma stood hanging laundry and little Aislyn played in the grass a few dolls scattered around her. The sight proved familiar to Aislyn only vaguely she remembered. She must have been around 6 than.
A sense of joy had fallen over this picture, and Aislyn continued to watched as if she knew something bad would occur. And moments later she realized, Grandma wasn't using her hands to hang laundry, but in fact a string of glittery jewels lifted each item of clothing as it hung itself. Expecting to see her younger self freak out about it, present Aislyn was amazed at the composed reaction little Aislyn had.

" Aislyn sweetie" Grandma had spoke, " Come here, Grandma needs your help. "
With a joyful smile the young girl stood and ran over to Grandma ready to do anything for the woman.
" Yes, Nana?" She spoke with her toothless smile wide and admiring.
" See these clothes? I need you to finish hanging them. The way Grandma is. Can you do that Aislyn? "
Past Aislyn adverted her eyes quickly in shame before timidly replying, " But Nana! You know daddy doesn't like when i do that. "
Her grandmother placed a boney and frail hand onto the child's shoulder.
" It's okay honey, use your magic it's your gift. "
The small girl paused a moment before concentrating on the clothes hanging themselves. Her brows were tight together and her hands clenched in tiny fists.
" It's broken Nana!" Her cry of frustration was followed with a pout of her lower lip.
" Try again sweetie, this time use your hands, let it flow on it's own. " Her voice incouraging.

And sure enough little Aislyn wore pure concentration on her face once again but relaxd her hands. One rising ghostly to point at the basket and immediantly the pile rose. When she pointed her hand at the clothes line, the pile had followed with a quickened speed.
" Very nice Aislyn, beautiful. " This time admiration was in Grandma's voice.

Than, a man marched out of the house in a walk that was anything but happy. His stomping scared even present Aislyn, while the little one scurried to hide behind Grandma. His hands were gripped in violent fists as he stood barely an inch away from the pair.

" What do you think you are doing! " His angry voice boomed in the tranquin scene. " Barbara! How could you! She is NOT to meddle with magic, how many times do I have to tell you! "

While past Aislyn cowardly hide, grandma stood taller and in a calm elderly voice replied. " The child has a right. This is her magnificant gift Robert, I will not deny her this. "

" That gift got her mother killed Barb! Your daughter was slaughtered! Do you wish the same for Aislyn? What do you expect them to do when the discover her? Cause you know they will find her. They always will. She can't hide and she can't run forever. Or haven't you learned that the first time? "
His voice was very accusitive, and with every angry word his hands flew in different directions.

" Robert! You are scaring the poor child! " grandma held Aislyn closer while the child cried.

" Good! She should be scared. " He went to reach for little Aislyn when the grandmother called out.
" You will not touch her. " Grandma now stood infront on Aislyn protectively.
" She is my child. I will do with her however I want-" He was interrupt when grandma rasied her delicate hand and slapped him.
" No. You will NOT " Grandma's hand raised, the magic swirling around them. Yet before she could do anything Robert gripped her with rough hands and pushed grandma to the side. She stumbled in her old body and fell to the ground. Aislyn had scurried away but she was not fast enough as the man grabbed her by the arm.
In an instant, Aislyn screamed, and he was thrown off of her and into the house wall. " NOO! " The little girl stood, power glowing off her so bright present Aislyn was blinded before the door was lsammed shut with such force she was knocked on her read end.

Rune watched the girl's face - the emotions flickered over them like lightning. It seemed as though the spell was working, she hoped that Aislyn was finding something that would helpful to her.

Catching a shimmer out of the corner of her eye, Rune looked up to see her Great-Grandmother standing there, smiling that warm caring smile that she always seemed to wear. "You look so happy, GG." her voice was just above a whisper when she felt the air churn around her and the lilt of her GG's far away voice sooth her. "My dearest Rune, here is your purpose - teach the young one as if she was one of our own - she is of a great bloodline and she needs to be nurtured and taught the ways of the witch..."

Rune could swear that she felt her GG's fingers cup her face - and then she was gone. Looking around the kitchen, she wanted to make sure that she hadn't been affected by the spell, but she was pretty sure she wasn't since Aislyn was still in her trance like state. Touching the side of face, it was cool to the touch, Rune smiled in remembrance of her relative and took her words to heart.

Aislyn slept. Her memoiries swamping her mind. A gentle hand apon her face, a whisper with love and promises. She couldn't tell left from right or up from down. Whatever Rune had made, it packed a punch.

Αισλυν, υου μυστ στοπ! Βεφορε θευ φινδ υου. Πλεασε προκεεδ ωιθ καυτιον θευ μυστ νευερ φινδ υου!
Aislyn, you must not be found! Beware they seek you. Please use caution, they can never find you!
A whisper barely audible, stood out amoung the rambles. The instant she heard the voice, Aislyn's hairs stood at ends. She would and could not forget this voice, so full of love and wisdom. Her mother.

" Mom? " Her voice was timid and afraid, that this too was an illusion.
Υες δαρλινγ, τις Ι, Γοδδεσς οφ φατε ανδ πρεδετερμινερ οφ δεστινυ. Ι αμ υουρ μοθερ. Αισλυν λιστεν το με, υου αρε ιν γρεατ δανγερ. θευ σεεκ υου νοω, σενσε υουρ τρεμεδους ποωερς ανδ φεεδ φρομ ιτ. Θευ ωιλλ τρικκ υου, υσε υου. Πλεασε δαρλινγ Her voice stumbled with fear.
ΡΥΝ! Θευ αρε νεαρ!
Yes darling tis I, the Goddess of fate, determiner of Destiny, I am your mother and listen to me darling, they seek you now, sense your tremedous power and feed off it. They will trick you and use you. Please darling-
RUN, They are near!

Rune had gone about the kitchen recharging the protective stones she had at each entryway. It was that time of the month to fortify her house, and while the whole house needed charged, she wouldn't stray far from Aislyn's side.

She felt the need to protect of - Rune had never had that feeling before. Just as she laid down the re-energized stones around the door frame, Rune felt it... It was like a punch to the stomach and the wind was knocked out of her.

"What the hell?" She barely got that out as another round blasted into her chest. She was completely taken off guard and the one two punch scrambled her brains for just a second, but she regained her composure and started the protection spell for all entryways in the house.

"With all of my powers, banish anything evil outside, then seal us in tight. I call upon the witches that came before me to help us keep out what doesn't belong." She repeated three times as the punches and blows finally came to a stop. Whatever had attacked her was now on the other side of the magical force field that now surrounded her entire house.

On one hand she knew she needed to wake Aislyn, but on the other hand, Rune knew that she could keep out whatever wanted in for awhile longer - hopefully long enough for Aislyn to find was she needed too.

The gentilness she felt vanished, and a creeping chill reached her core. It was as if something grasped her, as the air was nearly exhausted from her lungs. With a meeble voice, Aislyn croaked,
" What's going on? "

Like a vortex, she was sucked into reality. Magic lit the air as Rune flew through the room. The lights slowly became brighter as Aislyn came to.

"Well I just got my magickal ass kicked by some unknown and unwanted force." She felt one last surge of energy trying to get in - then it was gone.

She went for the one cabinet that she rarely went to, but after the day the two had, she thought she needed it. Bending down long enough to pull out the Jameson and two shot glasses - Rune put them on the table. "I do believe that we are dealing with more than one force here, that push of magic different...If that makes sense."

She cracked open the bottle and poured a two finger shot - and downed it in one gulp. She couldn't help but shudder as the liquor burned its way down to her stomach.

" Magic and liqueur a dangerous combo." Aislyn smiled before taking a shot herself. " SO um are we secured Boss? "
She asked while peering around as if the shadows would start to move.

"We are secured and recharged for now... and as for the drinking and magic, sometimes it actually goes hand in hand." A little wine for an offering, a little hard liquor to sooth the nerves.

"Did you get anything from your trip?" Rune sat down in the chair next to Aislyn and really tried to put the pieces together.

" Other than a headache, I got a bunch of typical bitch babble. Something about darkness after me, and to becareful. Than very rudely I was forced back here right as I was being warned they they are near. "

She saw the exhaustion on Rune's face.

" Maybe we need a break for now? "

Rune rubbed her hands over her face then pushed her hair back. Maybe she was a little tired - she hadn't used this much magick in...ever really.

She looked over to Aislyn and it looked like that her little 'trips' had taken a toll on her too. "I could definitely used a nap. The house is fortified, and I really could use a break. I think maybe you could too..." Rune reached out and patted Aislyn's arm lightly.

" Yes I am but I doubt that I could sleep after tonight. Go rest Rune if you don't mind, could I look through your books? "

She had hope that something might jump out at her. Or she'd at the least exhaust herself enough to sleep.
" And I can redo the protection spells if you'd show me. " Aislyn smiled, she had herown protection spells but it would be better not to mix her magic with Rune's, that would amke a mighty cocktail.

Rune shook her head; "There shouldn't be a need to recharge what I did tonight, but please feel free to look through the Grimore and Bible... hopefully you'll find something." She was sure that Aislyn wouldn't go far - she figured that the fatigue of the past few hours were wearing on her too.

She smiled and disappeared for just a moment - only to drag a futon behind her. "I will be right here, on this, if you need anything." Rune laid down on the bumpy mattress and blinked tiredly to the one that she felt the need to protect.

Nestling into the makeshift bed, Rune sighed. "Don't even think about going anywhere - cause I'll know." While Rune was out of Aislyn's sight, she called on the Quarters to stand guard over her house. She knew that it would come with a price - but right now, in the moment, it was worth it.

Aislyn could feel the magic surrounding her like a warm blanket. It was a comfort, as she remembered the harsh environment she grew up in, never being allowed to use her gifts or curses as Aislyn's father called them.
She shook off those memories and browsed Rune's collections. From spells to curses and remedies to potions she appeared to have everything. All Aislyn had was a handwritten book which her grandmother gave her. It was than Aislyn remembered she had left it back at the hotel room. Fear gripped her with the flood of panic. She hadn't thought to bring it!
Peering over at Rune, Aislyn remembered her warning but it was worth it she needed that book before someone got a hold of it. Rune lay resting, looking like the savior she is and Aislyn felt a tang of guilt for doing this. Carefully Aislyn focused on her talent, and the gift her grandmother nurtured for years till her death. If there was one thing Aislyn was absolutely perfect at, it was hiding her presence.
Aislyn already could feel the seal of silence surround her, she slowly slipped into the White Zone, as her grandmother called it. Her phsyical form faded and faded, even her shadow ceased to appear. It was as if Aislyn was a ghost, but better than a ghost she practically did not exist at the moment.

Her grandmother stressed the cautions of this Zone, never stay in it too long for you will remain there sweet one. And Never, Ever attempted remain for it will be as if you never existed here darling.

The warnings still frightened Aislyn as she watched her surrounding shift into the negative. Absolute silence filled the White Zone, though it was a mirror opposite of reality. Here Aislyn felt secure enough to venture outside, if someone or something was hunting her, they could never find her here.

Once the merging was complete, Aislyn took one last look down at the resting Rune before heading towards the door. Unlike the abilities of a ghost, Aislyn could not simply move through objects and much like the real world, she has to open the front door. At first the strange bright yet dark light was hard for her eyes to adjust to, even more since it had been quite awhile since Aislyn's last visit to the White Zone. Everything was exactly as it was in realitly so finding her way back to the hotel was easy. The difficult part however was inside the hotel room.
Her clothes, and personal items lay scattered as if someone searched throughly through. Fear brought tears to Aislyn's eyes as her form flickered. She was running out of time. She pushed back the tears and went to the bed. While the mattress was turned over and even ripped she was confident the book remained behind the headboard. Her heart lightened when she found it.

Now came the harder part. She needed to retrieve the book but inorder to do that she must return the the real realm, and risk those after her possibly sensing the spike in magic. Using more magic than normal Aislyn forced herself back a slight anoyance pain erupted right above her eye, she could feel the headache already.
In a rapid rush, her surroundings flooded with sound and color but Aislyn focused only on the book she grasped it with her solid hands and attempted to jump back into the White Zone. When she failed, Aislyn began to worry.
Her hands trembled with fear, when she needed to be calm. Breathing in deep Aislyn stilled her mind. All noise around her became silent. The air she breathed lacked the muskiness of the hotel, even her feel did not feel the hard and well worn down carpet. When her eyes opened, Aislyn stood in the White Zone and she let out the breathe she was holding. Though as she spun around to race back to Rune's, Aislyn stopped dead in her tracks. In the bathroom doorway stood a creature surrounded in shadows staring right through her. Although Aislyn knew it could not seeing she still let out a scream.

Automativally her hands prepared a defensive spell while her feet ran towards the front door. Still the creature starred where Aislyn was once standing. Wasting no time Aislyn sprinted to Rune's house.

Rune sat up in a start - the dream she had was way to real. She leaned forward to catch her breath and that's when she got the very funny feeling that she was alone.

"Aislyn? Aislyn?!" She jumped up from the futon in a panic - she was supposed to protect this girl - how come she just didn't cast a sleep spell on her or something.

Rune got up and checked her charges, they didn't seem as though they had been breached, so where in the hell was Aislyn. She needed to calm herself and catch her breath before she did anything stupid like summoning the spirits to find her, so Rune found a glass and filled it with water, drinking it slowly and trying to clear her mind as drank.

She walked through the door only to see Rune standing with a glass of awter as if waiting for Aislyn to return. She walked forward and like a little kid about to get scolded, Aislyn was nervous and guilty.
Her heart still beat frantically not only from her running but in fear. Whatever that creature was, it definatly was not one of the good guys. Worse he/it was in her room, searching through her things.

Aislyn knew she had to leave the White Zone, she'd been here way too long as it is, but honestly this was the only palce she knew for sure she was safe. Sighing, Aislyn stilled her mind and focused solely on returning. Though she used less power than before, like her magical batteries were draining out fast.

When she materialized, she made sure Rune could see she was safe...for now.

Rune caught the waviness, white lightish stuff in her peripheral vision, she eased just a bit. "Aislyn...pull that on me again..." She placed the glass down and waited for Aislyn to transform completely before enveloping her in a hug.

"Please, don't do that again." Rune wouldn't scald her because Aislyn was an adult after all, but damn that was a scary moment for her.

There was something in the way that the girl stood, flight or fight was barely traceable, but it was there. "What happened?"

It felt strange to be embraced by someone after all those years for Aislyn. Yet she felt warmth and care in Rune's arms. Returning the hug, Aislyn responded, explained briefly the White Zone, and with great detail Aislyn told Rune about the 'thing' she saw.
She retrieved her Grandmother's book and relaxed somewhat.
" You can't blame me. I know you would have done the samething."

Rune stepped back as Aislyn explained her trip. "You're right, but I would have left a note." There was a hint of a smile and teasing in her tone.

Running her finger across her temple, Rune knew she had heard about the creature that Aislyn described. She walked over to the table and thumbed through the Grimore until she came to the page she sought. Turning the book to face Aislyn, Rune tapped the page.

"Is that the thing you saw?"

Aislyn shivered when she looked at the page.
" Uh yes," She said before turning around, her senses went off like a blazing fire burning down her spine.
" do you feel that Rune? "

Rune tried hard to feel what Aislyn was feeling, but couldn't. "No, I'm sorry." It seemed to be the first time that the two had met that Rune didn't experience what the girl was. "What is it?"

The picture of the creature was momentarily put on the back burner.

" I...I don't know I've just got the feeling someone is watching me."

Aislyn sat down on a comfy looking chair and looked around suspisouisly. She calmed once she confirmed that they were lock nicely in the house, protected by both magic and the solid wood the house was built from.

" Hmm must have just been me. "

Rune scanned the windows in the living room - and everything seemed to be in place. Maybe Aislyn had felt something, but Rune herself couldn't pick it up. Her attention turned back to the creature that was in the hotel room.



"You got some heavy hitters looking for you. Can I say just be glad that you weren't really in human form or you would have either been dinner or possessed. Although I'm at a loss that whoever is looking for you would send a wendigo."