Tedrick looked to Wisteria, blushing softly, then glanced at Jack and Candi. “Jack, Candi… what kind of magic can you do?” he asked, matter of factly.

Candi blinked in surprise at the question, though she supposed Tedrick had never seen or asked properly before. “I specialize in trickster magic, or mischief I guess. And, like Caspian, I can make edible items. I prefer to make candy, though most of the time I just infuse it with potions.” She explained.

Jack looked thoughtful. “I don’t know how to explain my magic… it’s just whatever I’m feeling like I guess,” he said with a little smile.

“But you can do a lot with it, can’t you,” Tedrick asked Jack seriously, his gaze rather stern.

“Well, yeah I guess so. I used levitation and a self heating spell to make the cake,” Jack replied as he looked down at his baked good that was no longer good.

Tedrick frowned, but nodded knowingly. “Both of your magic is adept in its own way. Mine isn’t.” He looked to Wisteria. “Your magic is also really good and… of course Alys and Caspian are in a different field entirely. I don’t deserve to be in the coven. I’m hardly a witch.”

“I’m… declining your offer to join the coven. I don’t want your pity invitation,” Tedrick said, feeling a storm begin to rage in his chest.

“Teddy, you don’t need fancy magic to be a proper witch,” Wisteria said gently.   Caspian looked away from Jack. He didn’t say it out loud but he didn’t hide the fact he saw Jack as dead-weight. Though that was probably unfair to both of them seeing as Caspian did give Tedrick special treatment on occasion. “She’s right, Tedrick. It’s not a matter of status or ability, it’s about family, is it not?”

Tedrick frowned as Caspian and Wisteria tried to console him. “Family can only take you so far. I have magic in my blood but… it’s nothing compared to you all. You just want me a part of the coven because you want to include me,” he said, choosing his words carefully but growing more upset. “If you really think I can still be a proper witch, fine. But I’m clearly not the level of witch that’s fit to defend and practice with any of you.”   Alys held her tongue as Tedrick explained how he felt. She was thinking about it as well…

“You’re not at all wrong for how you feel, Tedrick,” she stated. He looked over at his older sister as she kept a steady gaze. “Life is difficult, handouts aren’t something most people get. But… living the way we have, we both have gotten far too many of them.”

Tedrick swallowed, nodding. “Yea… too many.” he mumbled, memories flashing of getting lavish gifts, scholarships and more that he barely worked for.

Caspian felt resigned. He wasn’t sure if he’d call inviting Tedrick to the coven a handout, but he could see why Tedrick felt that way about it. He had been given a pretty easy ride, growing up as rich as he did, despite their family’s misfortunes.

“If you want to make it on your own, you can always try getting a regular job. It would probably help you develop your social skills, too,” Wisteria piped up, trying to be encouraging. “It would still be good for you to try and use your magic where you can. Distancing yourself from magic entirely will hurt your soul after a while. I think it would be best to keep working with plants professionally.”

“I will keep working on what magic I have. I just… I don’t deserve to join the coven,” Tedrick mumbled, looking down away from them all.

Alys’ eyes stared back at Tedrick firmly. “You still wish to join, don’t you?”   Tedrick nodded a little. ‘Eventually. Just… not now…. Not when I still feel like I haven’t done anything significant enough to warrant me joining.”

“You made the whole garden outside though, how does that not warrant it?” Jack asked, confused.   Tedrick sighed through his nose. “That garden outside took me over a decade to make. It took lots of time and hard work. My magic can barely do plant based work.” He explained. “Until I can do more… I’m not joining.’

Alys nodded. “I think Meridien would be good for you to try and hone that ability then, and more.”

“Going back to Meridien?” he asked, surprised.

“What better way to learn about magic than to investigate the strange magic happening there? We need someone to give us recon. I have to stay here to assist our father with business. You want to advance your magic powers. I think this is a good opportunity,” she said matter of factly.

“It would give you a good chance to figure out more of your strengths. I’m sure you’ll do great,” Wisteria commented with a smile.

Caspian didn’t look so sure, but he also didn’t want to discourage Tedrick. He needed to get out and experience the world himself. Maybe being in Barastone was holding him back because he’s experienced too much heartache here…

“If you do go, just advise caution. Keep us updated on the strange things you come across there. I am interested to hear about what that djinn is trying to do…”

”Of course I’ll be careful, Caspian. Have you met me?” he said sheepishly.

“Guess that means you’re on the case, Teddy. We believe in you!” Wisteria encouraged, patting him on the shoulder. Tedrick blushed a little at her positive words.

“I think this is a great option for you Tedrick~” Candi said with a happy smile.

“Yea me too!” Jack insisted. “I’m sure you’ll earn your spot in the coven in no time!”

Tedrick shared a gentle smile. “Thank you, everyone… I do need to let Ferris know what I’m doing, though. I need to figure out a normal reason to move out there… Probably to get away from my father…” he murmured. “Ah, I’ll talk to you all later. I’m going to go and give all this some thought.”

Alys nodded at her brother’s words as he started to step away.

“Good luck,” Caspian said, waving as Tedrick left the room. His eyes slid over to Alys’s when he felt her looking. “Worried?” He asked a little smugly.   “Of course she is,” Wisteria answered for her. “Tedrick is going to have his work cut out for him out there. I hope he can handle it.”

Alys glared slightly at Caspian, but her expression softened when Wisteria spoke. “I’m sure he’ll be fine,” she responded curtly and leaned against Wisteria.   “He’s smart. I’m sure if he feels unqualified, he’ll elect to get help from us,” Caspian stated. “I do hope he’ll be safe, though. I don’t like not knowing what’s going on out there.”   “I bet you’re dying to get it sorted,” Wisteria said, nudging him a little.

Caspian just rolled his eyes. “It’s not my place to butt in on what Tedrick is looking into. Though, I would if he asked me to…” Caspian went over to the ruined cake and took a piece of it since they hadn’t cleaned up yet.

“A bit bland,” he noted to Jack after tasting a bite.  Jack pouted at Caspian’s criticism. “Sorry I don’t spend my entire life cooking. I just got into the hobby! Also, this was blown up! “ he exclaimed in defense.

Caspian laughed when he succeeded in frazzling Jack. “I can help you with that, if you like.”

“Don’t tease him, Caspian, come on,” Wisteria scolded lightly.   “I’m being serious. If you don’t want my help, I won’t give it to you. But I’m always happy to lend a hand in the kitchen,” he told Jack. He doubted that Candi had been much help, considering she blew his cake up anyway. Caspian took another bite and his stomach growled, reminding him he had an actual meal still waiting at home. He should get back to that…

“W-What? You mean it, Caspian?!” Jack beamed eagerly, but noticed the other’s tummy gurgling. “Sounds like you can’t right now, but I’d love to get together sometime~” he winked in his usual cheery way.

Candi giggled a little at their antics and looked at Alys and Wisteria. “Sooo, do you guys want to get some dinner too then?” she asked.

Alys nodded. Today was a bit too much for her… she wanted to de-stress with her girls.

“I already have something for myself at home. I should probably get going,” Caspian said, blushing ever so slightly since Jack pointed out his noisy stomach.   “I can make something here, if you don’t want to go out, Alys,” Wisteria suggested. She wanted to make sure she was well fed. “I can make you a snack for the road too, Casp~”   Caspian shook his head. “Thank you for the offer, but I’ll be alright. I’m not starving.”  Wisteria laughed. “You were really upset when you showed up without having eaten, so I don’t think I believe that.”

Caspian pouted, but ignored the comment. “If that’s all, I’ll be on my way. Call me, if you need anything else,” he stated, walking back towards the foyer to leave.

Once Caspian was out of sight, Alys’ eyes locked back onto her girls. “I want to go out~“  ‘Here I am the…” Jack starts counting on his fingers, “…sixth wheel? I dunno, the only person who’s single,” he laughed. “Looks like I’ll see you ladies later. Bye~”

“Bye, Jack~” Wisteria said, waving as he exited as well. She turned back to Alys. “Well, I still haven’t opened the bar tonight. I don’t mind taking the night off to have a nice dinner with my ladies instead~” she chirped, holding the other two girl’s hands.

Candi giggled and held a hand to her chubby cheek, “How fun! I’m so excited!” She gushed and beamed.   Alys blushed softly, keeping a neutral look as she held the other’s hand and the three of them headed out as well, leaving Tedrick and his thoughts behind to think through this evening’s discussion…

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