Malcolm: *Malcolm was always happy to help his parents and was pleased to be trusted so implicitly, but that did not mean he wasn't still utterly furious that it was necessary to begin with. He had not been so understanding at first, even after talking to Jane about it, but they had little choice on the matter. They would just have to courier messages until this blasphemy ended. Walking into his home with a small smile, he turned to Agatha, asking if his mother was home. He knew that she was actually spending a fair amount of time in the forest now, trusted with the information, so he wouldn't be surprised. But she was, as she always seemed to be when Malcolm came to visit, and he had to wonder again what sort of psychic prowess his mother possessed. Thanking Agatha, he walked towards his mother's "study", what was more aptly described as a potions room. He knocked on it before opening the door and looking in* Mum?
Adelina: *When she had first come home, she had still been aggravated on principle and grateful to the overwhelming amount of work left to her to assist those in the village in recovery after the ball. Now, she had to admit if it wasn't for her children and husband not being there, she'd be almost happy. She was among people who understood her, liked her, people she understood and who didn't speak in triple entendres. She could breathe easier in the forest. Literally, too, as she had forgone corsets. Dressed comfortably in trousers and a linen sleeveless shirt, she had her hair in a loose braid and a stick of cinnamon behind her ear she'd forgotten about as she bent over a cauldron. One hand spinning methodically, she didn't look up at the knock, but a smile spread across her lips before her son even spoke.* Malcolm -- can you hand me that? *She gestured with her braid with a beam beneath a determined gaze, for the hand not spinning was pouring on every other stroke.*
Malcolm: *He walks in, closing the door behind him and then picked up the jar of eyes of newt she had gestured at. Approaching the cauldron and uncapping the lid, he looked inside it curiously and with confusion. He lacked the proficiency at potions that both his parents had. He smiled sheepishly* Don't quiz me, please. *Or it just might be original; his mother often made her own brews or expanded on those already made to improve them* what is it?
Adelina: *taking the jar with an under-the-breath murmur of gratitude, she added it and chuckled at his remark.* Concoction of epimedium and Devil's Claw to ease a few of the lingering aches for those in the village. Without putting them to sleep, since they have to work. *lowering the temperature with her wand and setting the stick to stir itself, she wiped her hands off on a rag before gesturing with both hands rapidly* Come here. *she cupped his cheek and leaned in to kiss his forehead with a smack and smile* How are you?
Malcolm: *He nodded, glad to hear that the villagers were getting all the help they could get, but he never doubted they would when his mother was in charge. Smiling, he stepped forward to hug her as she kissed him noisily* I'm good, well, I suppose as good as I can be right? *With their family divided and this entire struggle plaguing them. His smile faltered and he admitted quietly* Something's happened. Dad and Lysa are okay *he added quickly, not wanting to worry her* but they caught an outlaw, Arthur Bridges.
Adelina: *she nodded, focused on the fact he was there: forcibly restraining questions about what he was eating. And if his father was eating, and getting any rest. As he started explaining, she kept her face impassive. With a bitten lip, she recognized the name and winced, looking down. Her breath steady despite her concern, she asked softly,* How? Is he hurt? *her chin lifts* What's Damocles doing?
Malcolm: He and a few other muggleborns were caught breaking in one of the Stenrosa manors. There was a fight and Benjamin Stenrosa is dead. *he licked his dry lips before he continued* Arthur's the only they caught. They have his father too, the Sheriff snatched him up, and is charging him being an accessory, which is complete rubbish. *he frowned, folding his arms in front of his chest* Questioning him, or trying to. Vlad went down to see him too...said the man's a mess, and doesn't believe all the injuries were from before being captured.
Adelina: *Benjamin had never been someone she cared for--in fact, she often outright hated him and his brother, but she still winced. She knew his mother. As hr continued, Ads was unable to help herself from letting out a little derisive snort of disbelief, she looks flatly appalled and struggles to swallow back a flash of anger. Indignantly, she presses her hand to her mouth and exclaims* His father!? His father's been in London! What could Daniel of done!? *she hissed with her intake of breath as he continued, having no trouble believing the injuries were fresher. Instantly, she pulled her son in for a hug, wrapped her arms around him tightly, not letting go until she could breathe again.* I wouldn't be surprised. Questioning him...to find Mitchell? *she swallows tightly* What has Arthur...said-what did Vlad say? About his involvement with the murders in the village?
Malcolm: *He sighed, nodding, understanding her frustration. These were innocent people's lives being toyed with. Blinking as his mother pulled him into a hug, he hugged her back, though she was cutting off his breathing pretty efficiently for a moment there. He shook his head as she pulled back, not knowing the answers to those questions* Vlad didn't say much, he just said "he's innocent." And something about keeping his word- but Arthur hasn't said anything about Mitchell or his whereabouts.
Adelina: *gladdened simply by those words, she still couldn't help but mutter:* Innocent isn't what it used to be. *rubbing her face, simply to expel some of her frustration she gestured at her son to sit with her.* I'm glad they don't know. *she exhaled* I only wish...-I- knew, I haven't been able to find them, I don't kn--I can't understand how they were even framed. I'm fairly sure I know a few in town who know--or even one not at town-- but. I won't ask them to compromise themselves to tell me.
Malcolm: *he moved to sit with her as she gestures to the seats and then he bit his bottom lip, a bit surprised his mom would know someone that had information on the framing* But, they can trust you, they know they can trust you right? If it would help, surely they could...
Adelina: *she presses her lips together and says quietly* I hope they do, but...*she sat cross-legged now, laying a pillow on her lap and keeping an eye at the color of the smoke over her cauldron* I wouldn't blame them for distrusting me either, sweetheart, with where I live...they're scared. And it's easier to push me off than admit to that. I don't know if I, would trust me either in their place. *she shuts her eyes for a second and asks quieter, gentler, as she did* How's your father?
Malcolm: *he exhales in frustration, being annoyed by the fact that this is how things are turning out. Just because his mother married his father and was given a title, she was all of a sudden distrusted and -he-, ha, never.* He's tired, always doing some work or another. Looks half ready to kill the rest of the council sometimes. *he purses his lips and then adds* But I'm supposed to say he's doing fine, and Aldous is making sure he eats, per your request. He misses you...we all miss you, mum.
Adelina: Only half? *She smiled with a sad, small little tease and a tiny laugh.* He's restraining himself. *Her lips twitch, glad Aldous was doing so: she knew how much her husband could concentrate into forgetting anything beyond his work and family. Smile softening, she nodded next to him, saying quietly* I miss you too. How are you really? How's Jane?
Malcolm: *He laughed at that, nodding to show he agreed. Malcolm himself wanted to throttle the smirk off their faces every time he saw them. He supposed he was grateful that Chief Councillor was a position assigned, not inherited, because Malcolm would make a very poor one. He smiled again* She's doing well, started working on her book. She's still upset of course *he frowned a bit here, shrugging* with Frederick's disownment being so close to Anthony's death, her family's crumbling so she's running up and down, trying to fix it all by herself because she's Jane. *he licks his lips, shaking his head though his words were spoken fondly*
Adelina: *The news of Frederick had shocked her: considering how he had acted around her...well, she thought it was almost ironic his father was ignoring the fact that he was clearly one of the most gifted actors and liars of all of them to have kept this secret. Swallowing tightly, she says softly,* Sounds like her. *her lips flick* I saw Rick, but didn't speak with him. *She hadn't wanted to make him more uncomfortable. Her continuing words were almost in astonishment.* He actually seemed...happy. *She hadn't known what to make of his expression, actually. Honestly wanting to know anything, and everything,* And Lysa? *Her lips flick.* Has Vlad spoken to you?
Malcolm: Probably for the best. *Rick and him had always been polite to each other but that was mostly because he had never dared to say anything about his mother to Malcolm's face, otherwise they would have had some problems. Still, it was odd to think of Rick, living in the town...working.* Yeah, Jane said the same. *If he was happy then Malcolm couldn't fault him. He wouldn't fault him to begin with. He snorted at the next question* Given that he wants to go through life with all his appendages intact, no, I imagine he won't be talking to me about Lysa for quite some time. *he shrugged nonchalantly before answering* She's doing well, helping at the infirmary. *It had been Alysa who had inherited their mother's healing knowledge. Malcolm was more on the injuring side of things*
Adelina: *she nodded in agreement, mostly because she didn't even know how to begin to help Rick and she was aware if she went near him, he'd reject the notion out of hand. She just couldn't comprehend how someone could do this to their son--she nearly hugged Malcolm again just thinking it. But then this was also a system where innocent people were slaughtered--her heart ached as she thought of Arthur again. Her lips twitched up, glad as Malcolm continued, saying drily,* Malcolm. I'm sure he hasn't been -that- bad. *her head shook. Pride crossed her expression as she thought of her daughter in the infirmary, and she nodded,* Tell her how proud of her I am? *exhaling, she sighed and spoke softer, gently* This won't be forever. We're going to fix this. There are more reasonable members of the court than it seems--there are. *she bites her lip, still rueful* I hate this too, but.
Malcolm: *he shrugged as an answer* It doesn't matter. *Honestly, Vlad could be behaving like a perfect little prince, and Malcolm's threats would remain. But he probably wasn't behaving like a prince, because he was -Vlad-, and in Helena's words, he was a prat. He nodded with a smile* I'll tell her. *He pursed his lips together for a moment and then chuckled under his breath* Are there? They must all be hiding then. *It wouldn't surprise him if that was the case, actually*
Adelina: *her lips pressed together in amusement, though she had to admit to a certain wariness as well. It was her daughter. So she let it drop--for now. At his latter comment her lips twitched with a nod,* Actually, I'm sure they are. *her face wrinkled a bit as she asked softly* You aren't blaming Damocles, are you?
Malcolm: *he licked his lips, admitting softly after a few moments* At first I did. I was just so...-angry-, I think I blamed any person I could, really. This isn't fair *he shook his head, his jaw clenching before he inhaled deeply* I guess I don't blame him anymore. I'm not angry with him, but I still don't understand. I probably never will, I'm not in charge of a whole court and town. *he shrugs* Besides, we have enough enemies to be angry at to start fighting with our friends too. God, why are people such ignorant idiots?
Adelina: *her sad smile doesn't flicker as she listens, in rueful agreement. After a beat rests, she couldn't help but say,* Well, I've never known an intelligent idiot. *She wiggled her eyebrow at him with a tiny smile, wishing she had a true answer to his question.* I think Damocles is frightened too. I think he's blaming himself. I can't say I empathize, and I think he's compromising his principles, but he's trying to save lives, he --is-- saving lives, God, the aftermath of the ball was a mess in that infirmary--I wasn't being allowed to help some of them, even those I'd treated before, and those in town couldn't well get treated elsewhere and--*she sighs, swallowing* I just know he's doing the best he can. And that maybe a little compassion for our adversaries is warranted, for...their stubborn ignorance is, sad really. *her voice tightens* Jane's father for example. But as for other enemies...I'm furious too.
Malcolm: *he snorted, a bit amused while he uttered under his breath* I know a few. *It didn't surprise him to think Damocles as frightened, they were all frightened, even he himself could admit to being a bit scared. It was a total bloody disaster. He supposed he shouldn't have expected anything else...but he honestly had. He believed that things could go a lot more smoothly than this. He snorts again.* Oh there are several things I would like to say to that man, but none that wouldn't earn me a slap from Jane. *he shrugs it off, annoyed still. It always bothered him how Garrett could call himself a friend of his father and yet despise his mother. Maybe despise was a strong word*
Adelina: *Chuckling, she nods in bemused agreement saying drily,* I've had to restrain myself a few times. He can be...particularly aggravating. *Understatement. She licked her bottom lip in a quick flick and added,* Of course without Garrett, it's likely your father wouldn't be here. And he's been kind and wonderfully amusing too. I don't know why he is so comforted by his ignorance in this matter, but it's sad. It's truly sad. And I do know if I ever want it to change I can't...go off on him, unduly. *Her lips twitched, admitting.* Though it is hard not to at times. *It was true of Evelyn, of Diana, of the other council members -- of most of the court, truthfully, she was astounded at times she could maintain her temper. Her eyes seemed to sparkle in amusement as she added,* Of course, it is always nice to see them realize their comments have no effect on us too. *She tilted her head, understanding his need to do more, thinking hard. Pausing, she straightened her back and said teasingly,* I think you're a cute human owl. *Her brows wiggle, altering* -- I mean, a masculine, strong, human owl. But there is something you could do, actually.
Malcolm: *'Particularly aggravating' was being kind, Malcolm knew. He nodded, knowing all that Garrett had done for their family and yadda, yadda, yadda, Malcolm was still displeased with the man. Then again, he supposed he was displeased with the majority of court. His mother saw them as 'sad', but Malcolm was having more trouble letting go of the anger to take up pity. Wrinkling his nose up as he hears the word 'cute' describing, he begins to protest immediately.* Muuum- *he sighs, shaking his head, feeling both exasperated and amused. Lips twitching, he sat up straighter at the thought of something new to do* Really? What?
Adelina: *She chuckles at his protest, saying sweetly,* I can't help it, it's a mother's prerogative, love. You're always cute to me. From the first time I held you. *She winks, though she couldn't help but think that was absolutely true. When she was first handed Malcolm, she had never wanted to let him go and keeping her eyes from his had been an impossible task. As he sat up straighter, her smile thinned, knowing it wasn't the easiest thing to discuss simply on principle.* One of the men in the village, he lost his wife during the attack. *She pressed her lips together: the wife had been one of the musicians, but as for aftermath to Adelina, the side the casualty was on didn't matter.* And he has a bad leg from a work accident years ago, he's having trouble making ends meet and he refuses to take charity. *She exhales.* Even if you just went and chopped firewood for him, gather food, help him prepare it...*She paused a moment, amending with a more honest tone,* If I teach you that first...it would go a long way. But more importantly, I think he just wants someone to talk to. He's lonely, sweetheart, and he's been isolated from many of his old friends. *She exhales, explaining reluctantly,* His wife was...one, of the musicians, but when I spoke to him he was astonished at what she did--flabbergasted. And, not that anything else is less important, there's the fact that if we knew more about what she had been like, we could have evidence for the reasons behind the attack.
Malcolm: *He smiled despite himself at his mother's insisting she had reason for embarrassing him- at least she reserved it for private moments, mostly. He listened to his mother explain, pursing his lips and then nodding along slowly. He was about to add that he didn't actually know how to cook, and being lousy at potions probably meant that he was hopeless at any kind of act that involved ingredients and preparation, but he nodded nonetheless. He licked his lips as he considered it. Malcolm was surprised that a husband wouldn't understand his own wive's actions. Pursing his lips, he remained silent for a moment and then nodded* Of course, I'll do everything I can. What's his name?
Adelina: Thank you. *Visibly, her expression cleared. It wasn't that she thought her son wouldn't want to help, she merely was relieved to know they could do something--anything--to help him after all, with her time being so split.* Neville Brewer. *Tucking a strand of hair back, she realized her braid had come undone, and moved to take it out quickly, brushing her fingers through the bottom, speaking as she redid it.* He's a bricklayer, he and his wife actually helped rebuild a large part of the town following the attacks years ago. *She smiled a bit.* I know cooking and the like isn't glamourous, and this doesn't sound like it's really advancing the cause but...any evidence is useful. More to the point, the building of these kind of relationships is the only thing that will eventually change prejudices...*her lips twitch as she says mildly* Would Jane help?
Malcolm: *No, it wasn't really what he had been expecting, but he didn't doubt the importance of it. If there was anything he had learned these 18 years of his life, it was that his parents never asked them to do anything, especially to help, without a purpose.* I'm not glamorous all the time, mother. I don't mind getting dirty *he shrugged and then nodded. That was a very good point, and he wasn't a stranger to the town either. Granted, he didn't know them as personally as his mother, or aunt Maeve, or even Leah knew them, but he wasn't just a posh noble to them. Pausing, his lips flicked up a moment thinking to himself that if he promised to chop the firewood shirtless, Jane would agree in a heartbeat, he replied a bit more cautiously* If her father doesn't catch her, I assume she'd want to.
Adelina: *Her smile flicked.* I know you don't. If I had a glorious act of rebellion to offer you -- *she pauses and then straightens, saying both honestly and to tease,* Well, then I would probably beg you not to do so hypocritically because I'd be terrified, but. *Her lips twitch,* In any case. *She leaned over to kiss his cheek in gratitude before listening slowly. No, Garrett would not accept that: she knew the thought of his daughters in the village was a frequent point of annoyance with him, because of Leah. That was prior to interactions between them and muggleborns became illegal as well. She bit her lip, saying hesitantly in a manner that made it clear she felt the pull of two sides,* Well, I wouldn't advocate she lie to her father, of course...*her nose wrinkles.* But. The more relationships, the more time people see each other helping their fellow human beings out...that's what's going to make a difference. On both sides, I shouldn't think, I do hope they won't always distrust me. *She bites her bottom lip, adding quietly,* I'm proud of you too, Malcolm. So proud.
Malcolm: *He laughed under his breath, shaking his head.* Thank you for your consideration, but I think acts of rebellion are not so named because they were offered by mothers. *He grins, mildly amused for a moment before he nodded in annoyance, and wanting to say something incredibly childish such as 'oh but Jane is an expert on keeping things from her father when they involved him!' but then again, that wasn't particularly childish, given the particular subject of those secrets. Smiling again, he practically beamed* Thanks, mum. I do my best.
Adelina: Can a mother not rebel? *She chuckles in amusement before saying 'ahhh' to show her bemused understanding, taking her hand and lifting it to his shoulder as he thanks her. Her smile was radiant in return.* I know you will. *Her hand moves up his shoulder to cup his cheek again, saying softly,* And I love you so much, my son. *Releasing him, she waits a moment and says lighter,* I don't suppose you would want to come feed the horses with me, like when you were six? In fact, if you wanted to be six again, I wouldn't complain.
Malcolm: Yes, but a son cannot rebel by doing what his mother asks him too. *he smiled, nodding softly under her hold* I love you too. *He grins after a moment and laughs at her suggestion, shaking his head* No, I'm not going back to being a toddler, but I'll come and help. See how old Silver's doing, that faithful beast. *he grins* Is the potion done then?
Adelina: *She laughs, shrugging and saying innocently* Cannot rebel against their mother, perhaps. *She wiggles her eyebrow and then goes to stand up with him. Of course he couldn't go back to being six, but the image she had of him -- of lifting her little boy up while he held his hand out flat, brown eyes wide in wonder as her horse's pink tongue still lolled on his palm to lap up the remaining bits of sugar, giggling about how it tickled and talking to Silver as she did -- was one that made her yearn and beam simultaneously.* Silver's well. *She grins.* Tired, but spirited as ever. *She smiled fondly, as half the time she thought of Silver as one of the first children she and George had had together, and then waved her hand dismissively at the cauldron.* Oh, no, it has to stir itself for an hour and a half, we have a little time.
Malcolm: *He laughed as he stood with her, having to admit that she had a point. Rebelling with one's mother, oh he could just hear Jane's "aaawwww" from over here. He smiled to hear about Silver; sometimes he thought that horse would outlive them all.* Oh, let's go then. *He offered her his arm with a grin* I can't promise I won't eat the sugarcubes though.
Adelina: *She flicks her lips as he offers her his arm, tying them together and placing her hand to pat his wrist in almost amused mockery at the propriety of the court.* Malcolm. *She chides with a chuckle as they walk.* That's an incredible amount of sugar. You'll get sick. *Her laugh was bright, glad to have her son there, for it chased away however momentarily the reminders of the dangerous, dark times within which they lived.* When I said six, I didn't mean it that way, persay...
