Enchantress And The Guardian

Interaction

The hours slowly ticked by as Quinn stood on the pedestal at the modest. She felt as though every inch of her person had been stuck with a needle. The elderly woman who owned the shop was currently training a new woman. Quinn figured that the older woman's eyesight must be failing her. However, after she had begun the fitting, she soon realized the younger girl was still new to this.

"Alright, my dear, we are finished," thank the heavens, Quinn thought. She rushed into the dressing area as one of the maids helped her to dress back in her own garments. Quinn left the dressing room and went in search of her mother. Cecilia stood at the front of the shop talking to the owner. Quinn knew it was about the new ball gowns. Her pace slowed when her ears perked at a certain name being spoken from across the shop.

"Have you seen Dev Walker? I heard he has returned from his travels in India. Although the reason for his travels is still vague," one of the young girls spoke to another as they looked at the different lace patterns on the other side of the shop.

"I have not. Do you think he will go to the first ball of the season?" the second girl asked the first. The first girl giggled in answer. Quinn rolled her eyes at their interaction. She was unsure how the first ball would go if she had to mingle with the other debutants of the season.

Quinn quickened her pace to catch up with her mother. "There you are," Cecilia said as she turned around. She bid the shop owner farewell and pulled her daughter's arm with her as she left the shop. "Shall we find something to eat now?" In answer, Quinn's stomach made a most unladylike noise.

Quinn thought her mother might rebuff her, but instead was pleasantly surprised when her mother chuckled instead. Her mother's behavior was quite off this day. She was curious as to the source.

They walked down a few doors to a lovely tea shop and sat near the window to enjoy some tea and finger sandwiches before heading back to the carriage that would take them home.

Cecilia noticed that her daughter's mind was occupied this trip instead. Cecilia wanted to ask her what she was thinking about, but if she had learned anything from her daughter over time, she knew that it was best to leave her to her thoughts. Quinn would most likely keep them to herself anyways. Cecilia looked back out her window. Mother and daughter finally sat in comfortable silence with one another all the way back to their estate.

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"You are learning quickly," Lochlan said to Dev as they finished up their lesson for the day. It was drawing late, and Lochlan assumed his wife and daughter would be home shortly after their trip into town. Lochlan preferred to stay at the mansion as opposed to walking the crowded streets. However, he knew the time was drawing near that he would have to play the part of protective father.

Cecilia had informed him that she planned to introduce Quinn this season. Lochlan would be expected to join for every ball and outing without complaint. Lochlan missed the days of Scotland when things were not so formal.

"Thank you for assisting me," Dev said. They walked over to the small table on the terrace, where the staff had put some refreshments. "Can I ask you a question?" Lochlan nodded and Dev continued, "My parents have not told me much about the situation with witches before I was born. Is there something I should know? Something they would try to protect me from?" Lochlan's hand stilled with the cup of tea. It was halfway to his mouth before he placed the cup back in the saucer. Lochlan sighed and looked up at Dev.

The boy had changed significantly since the last time he had seen him. After returning from India, Lochlan could tell that something had shifted in him. Dev held himself with more authority and purpose. His grandparents had wanted to better prepare him for the fight that might come his way.

Lochlan was unsure if Teresa and Edmond had told Dev about his choice in helping the WereTigers in India. Lochlan would not be the one to address that topic, however. It was not his place. Lochlan looked at the lad once more. "You are very powerful, Dev. Let us just focus on helping you to harness that power. You are going to need self-control before you change for the first time." Lochlan of course was referring to his shift into his Tiger when the time came.

Dev knew that he only had a short time to get his powers under control. A year was not so long to learn to control something that did not want to be harnessed. Dev could feel the magic growing with Lochlan's lessons. It surged through his veins more pronounced than before.

"Are we to take to the library tomorrow?" Dev asked. It had been the plan for the day, but Lochlan had opted for some more testing instead. Lochlan nodded as he took the chair at the small wrought iron table.

"Yes. Would you care to stay for luncheon?" Lochlan offered. But Dev shook his head in answer.

"Cookie wants me home this time. She said that she had the entire week’s meals planned out as my welcome home present from her," Dev chuckled at the aging cook they kept on staff. She treated Dev as though he was her own grandchild. All the older staff did for that matter.

"Tomorrow then," Lochlan said as he stood up once more and shook Dev's hand. Dev returned the gesture and shrugged on his coat before heading back through the house to the front door. The groom brought around his horse just as a carriage was pulling up the gravel driveway. Dev noticed that it was Blackwood’s carriage and stalled for a moment to greet Lady Blackwood and Quinny.

Ceclia departed the carriage first. "Leaving so soon Mr. Walker?" Cecilia asked as she walked over to Dev. Dev smiled and bowed.

"Unfortunately, Cookie has my meal planned out this week," Cecilia nodded and laughed. She knew their cooks’ antics too well.

"Give my regards to her, will you?" Dev nodded and bowed once more, and Cecilia stepped towards the house. Dev could feel eyes on him from the carriage. His gaze moved back to where Cecilia had just come from, and he was met with curious green eyes.

"Quinny," Dev said. His tone teasing as he bowed lower than he had to her mother. Quinn rolled her eyes at the nickname once more.

"Please do not call me that. I am not a little girl anymore," Quinn said as she walked towards Dev. She made sure to keep a proper distance this time. Least her footing misstep again. Dev noticed the distance. His brows drew together in confusion.

"Is something the matter?" Quinn asked. Dev was silent for a moment but then he slightly shook his head and met her gaze once more.

"Apologies, the day had tired me, I think. I will leave you to the remainder of your day," Dev bowed normally before getting on top of his stallion. Quinn watched Dev ride down the gravel driveway until he was so far from her eyesight that she had to squint just to make out his figure.

Cecilia stood at the top of the stairs halfway hidden by the doorframe as she regarded the children. There was something moving between the two. Cecilia chuckled as she turned around and all but crashed into her large Scottish husband’s chest.

"Care to share what has you chuckled to yourself?" Lochlan asked as his arms instinctively went around his beautiful wife.

"Nope," Cecilia said as she raised on her tip toes and kissed him squarely on the mouth.