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The Gift

Richard's (FA) Storyline, Chapter 2.3

copyright comidacomida 2018

Pliny looked to me again, a twinkle of humor in his eye. "So many things to so many spirits, aren't you, Mr. Pratt?"

I paused at that. "Pratt? No, my name is--"

Jack squawked an interruption. "No names! He doesn't need to know your name, Seer."

The fact that the Gryphon referred to me by the title I'd heard other spirits used rather than my name gave me pause. Once I'd recovered, I remembered something about him being displeased that I'd introduced myself to Phillip and Sabrina and I changed the direction of the conversation. Looking to Pliny, I realized that he was a Northern Eagle Owl. Although I was by no means a zoologist, I realized that his breed was one variety of owl that was active during the day. In addition, many of the animals represented were actually Crepuscular or Cathemeral. "Didn't you say everyone in your parade was nocturnal?"

Pliny finally turned the rest of his body to address me. "Why yes, Seer... I did indeed. We have gathered to draw spirit energy from the eclipse. Special events such as this one coming are important to spirits who do not have access to humans."

I figured it'd be best to make my point. "Some of the spirits here are animals that are active at dusk and dawn and there are others who are active during the day and night... not all of you are technically nocturnal."

The Owl's feathers puffed up and I saw the hint of a smile on his beak. He seemed almost bemused at my observation-- enough so that he questioned me further. "Is that so? There are some of us who are not exclusively night-dwellers? Other than the bat, myself, and the moths, which others belong here, do you think?"

Not entirely sure I should push the issue, Pliny HAD asked, and so I didn't feel so bad about correcting him. "Well, technically, sir, you aren't part of the nocturnal group either. Unless I'm mistaken, you're a Northern Eagle Owl, and that specific species is actually diurnal. Many people think that all owls are nocturnal, but that isn't really the case."

It was impossible to tell what was going on in his mind; between his (surprisingly expressive) beak and pupil-less Green eyes the Owl was a mystery of deep though before, in a neutral tone he inquired "Most informative... so what alternative would you suggest if I were to say that I was a nocturnal owl, Seer?"

A hypothetical question wasn't exactly what I was expecting when it came to an in depth discussion on factual information so it took me a moment to formulate a response. Ever since I'd seen them in movies at a young age I'd always been fond of Great Horned Owls myself, and, as it was the first thing that came to mind, that's what I suggested. "Well, Great Horned Owls are native to most of the Americas, so I'd probably start there if I were to suggest, but that really doesn't address the--"

I didn't get a chance to finish what I was going to say as Pliny raised his feathery wings and, with a single, powerful downbeat his feathers cascaded off of him like a wave of water dropped on his head. With one batch of feathers disappearing before hitting the street I was amazed to see that his plumage had changed completely and, true to my suggestion, the spirit standing beore me was a Great Horned Owl. Regardless of the new form there was something distinct and specific that still led me to believe that it was Pliny. His beak quirked. "Thank you, Seer... I am in your debt."

Caught by surprise, I honestly didn't know what to do or say. "What-- I mean... what just happened... exactly?

Jack answered my question. "He used thee."

The Gryphon sounded just a little agitated, staring down Pliny and moving between myself and the owl. The parade ringleader came to his own defense. "I did no such thing Jack. Do you see any trail of spirit energy? Do you see any indication of drawn vigor? No... because I acknowledge your Right and make no claim."

Phillip was also quick to chastise him. "Yeah, Jack... that was just Elan."

Jack glanced at the Cat, 'ear' feathers up. "What?"

Sabrina clarified. "Elan... the art of having a Human help shape us... haven't you ever had a Human--"

"I GET IT!"

The Gryphon snapped so harshly that I wondered for a moment if the Cats had struck a nerve. I reached forward to rest a hand on his shoulder to help calm him but, before I could, he quickly spun around and gave me a shove; only when a small sedan barreled through him did I just realize that there were things going on in the street other than my discussion and the ephemeral parade which only I could see. Pliny sighed. "Perhaps this is not the best time to have such a lengthy dialogue."

Sabrina danced as she switched her weight from leg to leg. "Oh! Pliny and his followers could come back with us to Richard's!"

Jack and I spoke in unison. "No."

Only I clarified. "There isn't room in my apartment for the better part of thirty spirits... and, to be honest, I'm really over my head just trying to keep track of four."

Phillip was ready to object. "But--"

Pliny raised his wings in a calming gesture and interrupted him. "Be at peace... even if I were to be invited I could not leave my congregation and what the Seer says is correct; there simply is no good way for a singular Human to host so many of us.

Anapa spoke something to the Owl, who inclined his head and responded. Anapa reached out and made to take my wrist in his paw, but his fingers passed right through my arm. Undeterred, he used the gesture to make his point known and he pointed down the street. "Hem'netjer... we go. Go."

Phillip and Sabrina weren't done with debating the point. She started. "Where are you staying in town, Pliny? We would be happy to bring the Warlock to you so you can aid us with his training."

The male Cat continued. "You're a spirit guide, so it would be very easy for you to help the Warlock in ways we cannot!"

Jack didn't like the idea at all. "The Seer is not being taught how to use Magick by a vagabond. It is bad enough that thou art already pressing the issue, but to have a--"

Phillip objected. "Pliny is NOT a vagabond! He is a worldly traveler who--"

The Owl brought the discussion to a close. "Gentlemen. Most esteemed Lady. Please. There is no cause to fight and definitely not on my account. Abby. Phil. Your Warlock already has far more aid than most Humans in history; I would dare say he is in fine hands. Besides, if you were to just look at him you could already see that he is far out of his depth, and you are making him sink deeper by the minute."

When everyone turned and looked at me I immediately regretted liking the fact that the Owl was helping me get everyone under control. As the entire group fell silent I came to the conclusion that it was my turn to talk. "I--"