#realmofmagicgetaway

[mosneakers]

Coraleye: [Reading cheerfully to the spellcaster children] ...And alongside Mooncasters, Mermaids, Fairies, and other enchanted beings who draw their powers from the moon, there were also MOOO-casters! The children laugh and giggle.

Coraleye: Moocasters, a special group of spellcasters, revived and perfected the ancient Myshupotamian tradition of taming and breeding cowplants. In the Great War against vampires, they teamed up with the Mooncasters, cross-breeding cowplants to make them mobile. However, things took an unexpected turn when one of the cowplants—

Coraleye: Oh... maybe we should finish the rest of this story when these little ones are a bit older, yeah...? It gets a little... graphic.

Tycho, having already read ahead over Coraleye's shoulder, envisions this scene unfolding a few years later. The children are a bit older, and Coraleye has aged too. The only notable difference is Tycho's absence.

Tycho: Yeah, that's probably for the best.

[mosneakers]

Coraleye: [voice quivering, barely audible] I... I don't understand? How did this happen? I called out for your mom, Morgyn, not my great-grandmother...

Morgyn: When we open the doors, we don't always have control over who enters them...

Coraleye makes a feeble attempt to clear her throat. Coraleye: Grandma Agnes? Agnes Darling? Is that really you?

Agnes: Why of course, my dear, who else? I apologize for intruding, but I just couldn't help myself. Come darling, I'd like to take you with me for a short while. Share some stories with you, first hand.

Morgyn: I believe she's inviting you to astral-project with her.

Coraleye: [Eyes light up] Really? Oh! But...Rosemary... Morgyn: Darling, that can wait. It's the afterlife, afterall. She isn't going anywhere anytime soon. [Chuckles] Tycho: [Hesitant sigh] Morgyn's right. This isn't an everyday opportunity. You should go. We'll be right here, patiently waiting for your return. Coraleye smiles lovingly at Tycho and turns to Morgyn.

Coraleye: Do... do you really think it's safe, though?

Morgyn: I do. But if anything goes wrong, you know the spell. Just call for me and I'm there.

Tycho gently steals Coraleye away from Morgyn's reassuring gaze and kisses her deeply. Tycho: We're there.

Morgyn: [Chuckles] Yes, I'll be sure to bring him along too. Now hurry, you don't want to keep her waiting.

Coraleye scurries over to the specter, her arms stretched wide, awaiting her hands. Agnes: [Doting lovingly] Oh, let me get a good look at you! My goodness, look at those eyes! Little Coraleye Tempest Rose Darling. My heir... isn't that right? Coraleye: [Beaming proudly] Yes!

Agnes: Wonderful! You've blossomed into a radiant young woman, my darling. Your great-grandfather Eric and I have been watching over you, fondly. [Cheekily] You've had quite the journey, love.

Tycho anxiously watches Coraleye interacting with the spirit of her great-grandmother.

Morgyn: Hey... [Nudges Tycho with elbow, whispering] What are you worrying about? This is all part of the craft for a proficient spellcaster like her. Everything's going to be fine, okay?

Agnes: [Peeks around behind Coraleye] I promise I'll keep her safe! If you both don't mind, I'd like to show my granddaughter a small window into her family history, what life was like in my day. [Sparkling smile]

Coraleye's eyes begin to glow, and she blows a heartfelt kiss to the others as she and Agnes fade away completely.

Tycho: What just happened, Morgyn? Why did she just disappear like that? I thought astral-projection involved traveling outside of the physical body... Morgyn: Just relax, okay? The rules of spellcraft in this realm don't always operate the same way they do on the outside.

Tycho: Well, what are we supposed to do while we wait for her to get back? Morgyn: [Shrugs] I don't know; I guess we could hold our breath? [Grin]

[mosneakers]

After tenderly tucking their two darling daughters safely into their warm and cozy beds, Agnes and Erik retire to the master bedroom, preparing to turn in for the night. A bittersweet image is reflected from the luxurious vanity mirror. With each delicate stroke of Agnes's ornate bronze hair brush, her silky golden locks unveil brief glimpses of a hidden frown.

Coraleye beams in awe, watching Agnes's reflection in the mirror. Coraleye: Grandma, you're the epitome of grace and beauty. Look at you! Agnes: [Gently nudges Corarleye with her elbow] Oh quit that, will you.

Coraleye's smile starts to fade. Coraleye: But you look so sad. Even after getting to move back to your home in Sunset Valley? You really weren't excited about having a third baby at this point, were you?

Agnes: I didn't want to be expecting, no. I least I thought I didn't, anyway. Until this night, when I found out I wasn't. That's when the truth was realized.

Coraleye: Oh...

Erik: Aggy, baby, what is it? I thought you didn't want any more kids right now. I figured you'd be glad about your monthly visitor.

Agnes: [Sniffles] I thought so too, darling. I suppose I allowed myself to become excited about the idea. Turns out I'm actually quite disappointed, if I'm being perfectly honest.

Erik continues offering solace to his wife, urging her to confide in him. The spirit of Agnes guiding Coraleye approaches Erik, studying the remaining youth in his features. She gently rests her hand on his chest; though Erik cannot feel her touch, the emotional resonance of the exchange hits Coraleye like a wave, as she wraps her arms around herself in an attempt to hold herself together.

Agnes: He's so young here; What has time done to you, my love? Coraleye, darling, life is awfully short. I want you to always remember, to hold onto your memories and all your heart's desires for as long as you can, and never make the mistake of not listening to them. One day you'll blink, and your memory won't be like it is now.

Coraleye's trembling frown gives way, and tears drop down her rosy cheeks, unable to contain them any longer.

Erik puts on a record, and the vintage melody fills the room. By her hands, Erik leads Agnes to her feet, where he gently wipes the tears from her face. Erik: Let's dance, honey.

Agnes: [Giggles] Erik! What are you doing? It's getting late, we should get to bed. Erik: Aggy baby, if you want a baby, then I've got work to do! We'll figure out the details later, okay? Agnes laughs joyfully as Erik pulls her in closer for a slow dance.

The spirit-guide Agnes smiles at her great-granddaughter lovingly. Her brows furrow as her focus then hones in on Coraleye's tears, still flowing. She gently wipes away a tear and whispers words of comfort.

Agnes: What's the matter, my love?

Coraleye: [Sniffles and wipes eyes] It's just... you two are so incredibly sweet. The love you share is so obvious. The way he looks at you, Grandma! I'm so scared my future won't measure up to yours, or my parents', even. I worry that I'm falling short of the legacy and everything else.

Agnes: Oh, honey... listen to me. Agnes affectionately traces Coraleye's hair behind her ear.

Agnes: You don't have to go about this in the same manner that we did! Forge your own path, dear. The essence of this legacy lies in granting second chances to someone we love, provided they're deemed worthy. It's a profound responsibility for one heart. Understand, the journey won't be simple should you decide to embrace it. Coraleye: ...Should I decide to embrace it.

Agnes: I share this with you not to instill fear, but to equip you for the challenges that lie ahead. Soon, my dear, you'll face a profound pain that may feel insurmountable. Yet, I know you are very capable of weathering it.

Coraleye: [Concerned tone] Grandma, how do you know this? Are you able to see the future? Agnes: The privilege of magic and resurrections isn't taken lightly, and it doesn't come without consequences. Our currency for second chances and love is excruciating pain. Some may see it as a curse, but I find it makes these tender moments all the sweeter. The choice of who is worthy of navigating this journey by your side, is ultimately up to you.

Coraleye: But Grandma... How will I know who that person is? That they can be trusted?

Agnes: You see the way your grandfather looks at me in this moment? That's how I knew, honey. Coraleye ponders for a brief moment, watching them dance gleefully around the room. As their kisses grow more passionate, she senses that her time to observe is running out. Just before the spirit Agnes concludes the session, Coraleye speaks up, her voice breaking.

Coraleye: I... I think I've seen that look before.

[mosneakers]

Coraleye calls out to the dead for the loving mother, letting her know her child would like to see her. She speaks softly into the atmosphere, drawing death so near with her delicate incantations, the veil that separates the realm of the living from the realm of the dead is now only made of lace.

With their head lowered and eyes closed, Morgyn immerses themselves in Coraleye's voice, infusing intention into her words. Tycho tries emulating their concentration, sneakily stealing glances at Coraleye from the corner of his eye. He's captivated by her craft, as if she might as well be beckoning him instead. He becomes hyper-fixated on the movements that her hand makes as he holds it tight, and begins to wonder whether or not those movements are being mirrored on both hands.

The energy in the room insidiously shifts to a hushed stillness. Even the circle of flames, which danced erratically seconds ago, now settles with an uncanny anticipation, casting eerie shadows with unknown intentions into every corner. Coraleye shudders, she can feel the presence of an extra entity lingering behind her, but it isn't Rosemary.

Ripping through the silence, a guttural yelp escapes Coraleye's lips and she scrambles over the sacred circle of flames reaching out and clutching onto any arms within her grasp that she could seek refuge in. She holds onto Tycho and Morgyn for dear life. Coraleye: SOMETHING TOUCHED MY SHOULDER! [Stuttering] I-it... it grabbed me! It was definitely someone's hand... Morgyn: Are you sure it was- Coraleye: YES! There's no mistaking. Someone else is in the room with us.

Their eyes dart around the room in panic, and a short silence falls upon them, before Tycho hesitantly musters something up. Tycho: Well Cor... This is a séance... right? I mean, isn't that the whole point?

[Another pause]

Morgyn: [Bursts into fits of laughter]

Coraleye tries to maintain a frown, but the laughter becomes infectious and soon all three are joining in on it. Coraleye: [Affectionately touches Tycho's face] Well... I was expecting Mama Rosemary and whoever touched me was NOT her. It startled me, okay?

Tycho: Yes, that was made apparent by the little squeaky sound you made when you leapt across the fire.

Coraleye: Squeaky sound? How very dare you! I did not squeak! I gasped.

Morgyn: No, you definitely squeaked...

Coraleye: What?! You're taking his side on this?! Tycho's thoughts wander back to Coraleye's hands. He glances at Morgyn, who promptly gives a swift double tap to Coraleye's hand, still resting on their leg, as if silently asking, "are we good now?"

Coraleye: [Swiftly pulling her hand away] I'm so sorry about that, I didn't realize—

Morgyn: Darling, you were right about that presence not being my mother's... I think someone is here to see you... Tycho: Wait... Is that who I think it is?

Coraleye: ...Grandma Agnes?

[mosneakers]

Tycho: So, this really is the life of a spellcaster, huh? If, by some miracle, she doesn't end up leaving me, is this what things will always be like?

Morgyn: Struggling to cope, are we?

Tycho: Cope with what, exactly, Morgyn?

Morgyn: I don't know, just Coraleye being spirited away by the ghost of her great-grandmother, and you absent and oblivious to the conversations unfolding. The narrative slips entirely beyond your grasp.

Tycho hesitates, and begins to anxiously pace around.

Tycho: I don't know what you're trying to imply. I'm not worried about Agnes... Morgyn: Aren't you? Tycho: No. It's... it's you, okay? Everytime she ventures to the realm, I know there's a good chance she'll cross paths with you and I can't shake the feeling. And I've seen you, Morgyn, lingering in the shadows, keeping a watchful eye on her...

Morgyn steps forward. A sly hint of amusement plays on their lips, as if privy to Tycho's innermost thoughts.

Morgyn: I'd say jealousy isn't very becoming of you, but... [grins]

Tycho rolls his eyes. Morgyn: This is a life you willingly stepped into, Tycho. No one is forcing you to waltz this waltz.

Tycho: WHAT? You think I put myself through this willingly? No. From the second she looked at me and smiled, I knew I'd be ruined forever. I felt it in my chest. Morgyn: [Nods knowingly] And you've spent every moment since sabotaging your future with her because you can't accept it's real. The master of make-believe. Tycho: …And when I lose everything, you'll be patiently waiting at the end for her.

Morgyn silently crosses their arms with a subtle shrug. Tycho: Really? Nothing to say to that? [Frustrated chuckle]

Morgyn: What would you like me to say, Tycho? She left me. For you. Remember? Because she certainly has no trouble remembering my indiscretions...

Tycho: Of course she doesn't. You foolishly cheated on her. I'd like for you to say you won't swoop in when I'm gone because you and the vampire you hooked up with are living a happy life together and you wouldn't want to mess that up.

Morgyn: [Breaks eye contact] Things with Caleb are... complicated.

Tycho: Oh, great.

Morgyn: Attending that frivolous party was a colossal mistake, that much I can take accountability for. But a newly turned vampire influenced by spellcaster plasma, has little control over their behavior.

Tycho: Oh... So you have your redemption arc planned already. Cool-cool-cool.

Morgyn: No, that's not the reason I made that point. Think about it. Coraleye, being a spellcaster, understands the impact of spellcaster plasma on a newly turned vampire. She's a forgiving soul and wouldn't let a momentary lapse in judgement break true love if she thought I was the one... It's clear, Curious, she wanted you all along... and those perfect dimples of yours. [Grins]

Tycho: [Scoffs and turns his head while rolling his eyes, attempting to conceal a forming smile] You're out of your mind.

Morgyn: But in all seriousness, I believe she will always love you. It's been an unbearably painful journey, but I've come to terms with it, and I respect your place in her life. With that being said, I hope that you'll accept I'll forever be a presence in her life, as long as she’ll let me.

[mosneakers]

Finally ready for the séance, Coraleye and Tycho meet Morgyn in the mystical Spellweaver's district. They follow them down a cobblestone pathway, and arrive at a quiet and secluded space within a building connecting to other spellcaster businesses now closed for the night.

Morgyn: Well... here we are. I'm hoping this spot will suffice? Coraleye: Are you kidding? This is beautiful, Morgyn! I can feel the electricity in the air! [Excited shivers] Tycho: I'm sorry I have to ask this, but... is this not a fire hazard? You didn't... take the time to light each of theses candles individually... [softens tone]... did you?

Morgyn chuckles, gesturing toward the practical magic emblem on the ground. Morgyn: No. I used magic to arrange and light the candles.

Tycho: Coraleye mentioned, when we were in bed the other night, that it's best to conserve magic whenever possible. Personally, I'd have skipped using it if I were in charge of arranging this. Coraleye: [Giggles and playfully taps Tycho on the nose with the tip of her finger] Well you don't have magic, you dork!

Tycho: Just saying... Even if I did... I'd use my hands.

Coraleye laces her fingers between Tycho's and smiles. Coraleye: I've been teaching him all I can about magic, he's learning fast.

Morgyn: I see that. [Directs attention to Tycho] I'm delighted to see your curiosity about our ways burn so bright; it's very reminiscent of when I guided Coraleye in her earlier days as my pupil. Remember, there's more than one way to light a candle, and a skilled Spellcaster can perform quite efficiently with their wand.

Coraleye: [Short burst of laughter] Okay you two, let's get started, shall we? Coraleye gently nudges their chests, gracefully slipping between them as if swinging open a set of double doors.

She conjures a piece of chalk and draws a circle on the floor. Morgyn and Tycho follow her lead, gathering around it.

Tycho: Serious question; I know everything comes with a risk in one way or another, but is this dangerous at all? Is there any chance I, not being a spellcaster and whatnot could... you know... not make it out? Alive?

Morgyn: [Making direct eye contact with Tycho] Rest assured, you have my personal guarantee that I would never let that happen. Besides, Coraleye is an excellent medium, and we can trust that we're safe with her skills. Alright, let's get started. [Holds out hands] ...Hands?

Tycho: [Smirking] I should've known this was all some scheme to get closer to Coraleye again. You're already trying to hold her hand!

Morgyn: How can you be sure I wasn't scheming to hold your hand?

Coraleye: Okay, okay... Can we get started now? Quickly, before I get any ideas. [Laughter]

Tycho: Hm? What kind of ideas? Coraleye: [Playfully scolding] Tycho! We have work to do! Tycho: [Unfazed] I'm just curious, Erwin would never let me hear the end of it if I didn't pry after a comment like that... Morgyn: No, he's right, I'd like to hear these ideas. Please, elaborate... Coraleye: Stop it you two! If we're going to do a séance, we have to try to be serious. Morgyn: Very well, Let's be serious...

A few lingering giggles fade away as the group finally compose themselves and join hands. A jade green flame engulfs the chalk circle and the séance commences.

[mosneakers]

L.: When Morgyn informed me that you and your little pet were invited to dinner, I wasn't quite sure how to appease the palates of those with... simpler backgrounds, such as yourselves. Morgyn: L. can conjure up a delightful roasted duck, so I suggested that. L.: [Rolls eyes] Let's hope it meets your standards, your highness...

Simeon: Disregard her snark. L. wouldn't admit it, but she'll never pass up the opportunity to host festivities for guests. The three of us usually gather for these dinners weekly, and it's not often we invite others to join. I think she's secretly over the moon about having you two here tonight.

L: Oh please. Must we, with the theatrics, Simeon? These two wouldn't exactly be my pick of the litter, under normal circumstances, but with all things carefully considered, this is a unique spectacle I couldn't dream of missing. [Mischievous grin]

Coraleye: [Teasingly] Well, I love you too, L. Thanks again for having us. Tonight has been so lovely. This whole trip has so far. I'm having so much fun showing Tycho our little world of magic! Coraleye beams over at Tycho, and he reciprocates her smile as he takes a sip of nectar and nods in agreement, places the glass down in front of him, focusing carefully on not knocking anything over.

Morgyn: The experience of seeing the Realm once again from the eyes of a newcomer, well it's... Coraleye tenderly traces her hand up the length of Tycho's leg and gazes piercingly into Morgyn's eyes. Coraleye: ...Exhilarating, no? Morgyn: It's... unforgettable.

Simeon: [Clears throat] —Speaking of newcomers, Ms. Darling, we haven't had the chance to tell you how delighted we are to have so many new Darlings earning their rite back. L.: Because the Realm wasn't crawling with enough of them as it was...

Simeon: It's encouraging to see the older generation embracing their magic again. About time Kirsten came around.

Coraleye: [Smiles proudly] Yeah, she's... warming up to it. The new ways are a lot different than what she's used to, but she's getting there. Right, Tyke? Tycho: I'd say so. I've definitely caught her practicing a lot more lately. I know she has her reservations, but she's clearly in her element now that she's spellcasting again. And honestly, that's how it should be. The Darlings and magic go hand in hand. Morgyn: Indeed. Not only is your grandmother an incredibly skilled spellcaster, Coraleye, but an adept medium. It's rather impressive. It seems every encounter I have with her, she never misses an opportunity to boast about you following her path. Coraleye: [Coy smile] Yes. but I haven't really practiced in a while, so I may not be very in-touch with that skill at the moment.

Tycho: And for good reason. Your prior attempts to communicate with the dead haven't exactly been a trip to the beach.

Morgyn exhaled sharply and their face became flushed. Morgyn: Well, they certainly weren't all bad, once she got the hang of it. Tycho: That's not how I remember it. Morgyn: Well, I digress. Morgyn shifts forward with a slight intensity, preparing to delve into a matter of great importance. Morgyn: Coraleye, I'm certain your natural abilities are just keen as ever before... but I may just have a proposition for that may help you regain that sense once more, if you're feeling up for the challenge, of course. Coraleye: Hm? What is it? Morgyn: There are a few matters I'd like to discuss with my mother.

Coraleye: Mama Rosemary? Morgyn: Indeed. And I couldn't think of a more divine being to conduct a séance for her. She was always so fond of you. First and foremost, I recognize that these activities may be overwhelming for you. Your comfort is my utmost concern, so you can absolutely decline or back out at any point. And of course your guest is welcome to join us, but aside from that, it would be just us. What are your thoughts?

[mosneakers]

The spirit of Agnes and Coraleye enter the elegant Sunset Valley estate. Vintage melodies from a record player swirl, enveloping Coraleye in a sense of nostalgia that she had only known from classic romance films up until this moment.

Agnes: Welcome home, darling. 230 Redwood Parkway, fondly known as "August Moon" by some.

Coraleye: Wow, that's such a magical name. This home is breathtaking, Grandma!

Agnes: It's always been my envisioned haven for raising children. Coraleye: And you owned it? Even while you lived in Moonlight Falls? Who took care of it when you weren't here?

Agnes: My sister, Cornelia, tended to her in my absence. This home held a special place in my heart, and she, understanding its significance, made occasional upgrades, just in case we ever decided to sell. Or, perhaps... return.

Coraleye: Return? As in move back? Agnes: Come, dear. Looks like dinner is finished, and now we're clearing up. I want you to hear this conversation.

As they step into the kitchen, tension hangs thick in the air. Erik diligently washes the dishes while Agnes busies herself preparing ingredients for tomorrow's meals. Neither utter a word, until Agnes finally breaks the silence.

Agnes: Erik, I... I must apologize for snapping at you during dinner. That was quite unwarranted. You were right—I ought to have shared the news with you about the fire. I know the Seymour house was so dear to your heart. It was for me, too. I hope you're not angry with me.

Erik: Ain't mad at ya, Aggy. Gee, I suppose I overreacted too. It's not just about the house; I can live without that. My decent paying job in Moonlight Falls, no chance nobody here'll pay the same. Cost of living's a lot higher, and...well, I've been hoping you'd eventually come 'round to having another baby with me, honey...

Coraleye: [eyes misting] Grandpa really wanted another baby, didn't he? Agnes: [Smiles fondly] Oh yes. But I was quite stubborn. Coraleye: I think Janie mentioned a bit about the fire being the reason for you moving back here. Did you figure out how it happened? Agnes: No, we never did. But the Crumplebottom Sisters informed me that it destroyed everything. Even their great powers couldn't reverse the damage. I had planned to tell Erik, but Belinda beat me to it with a telephone call.

Agnes: [Continuing with Erik] You know I've always said that I'm content with our two. Erik: I know baby, I've just had my fingers crossed one day you'd change your mind. Just a pipe dream, that's all. Agnes: [Sighs] Well, darling... We'll need to sort through our finances. It seems you might just be getting your way, after all...

Erik: What are you telling me, woman? Agnes: It's still early yet to, but... I find myself a tad late.

Erik: Late for tea and crumpets with the ladies at the country club, or are we talking more along the lines of a bun in the oven? Agnes: It could be. Again, it's still very early. Just three days.

Erik joyfully sweeps Agnes into his arms, twirling her as they share a tender kiss. A soft giggle escapes Agnes's lips.

Erik: Aggy baby, you make me the luckiest man to ever live or die!

Coraleye's heart swells with emotion as she witnesses her great-grandfather express his unconditional love for Agnes with such passion and honesty. They follow the Darling pair into the living area to join the girls, particularly Gwendolyn, who are engrossed in the television.

Coraleye: Gosh, look at how you two lovebirds are gazing at each other. TV not holding your attention much, is it? [Grins]

Agnes: Well, I've always preferred books. [Smiles] The television often broadcasted troubling news, especially that year when the government confirmed the existence of aliens. I made the children turn it off promptly if I heard any talk of extraterrestrials.

Coraleye quickly averts eye contact, wondering how much Agnes knows about the current state of the world, particularly Sunglo, his abduction, and how those events resulted in the birth of his beloved daughter.

Knowing her great-grandmother's well-documented phobia centered around extraterrestrials, Coraleye opts to change the subject for the time being.

Coraleye: Hey, Grandma? How did you and Grandpa know to bring the family photos along on your trip to Sunset Valley? Most people don't bring all their family photos on vacations.

Agnes: [Grins] My, I did say you were observant, didn't I? Coraleye: Well, astute. But yes. I hope to land a career in journalism, just like Grandpa! Agnes: [Nods approvingly] A journalist in the making, just like your Grandpa. No, the decision to take the photos along was merely a coincidence. Like you heard your Grandfather say, I make him "the luckiest man to ever live or die!"