The Elder dips his chin to me, and I mirror the movement in greeting. He’s short and balding, and kind of reminds me of the monopoly man, minus the mustache.
“This is Elder Cleary.”
Lachlan indicates the tall man in the middle. He has short white-blonde hair and an all-black suit. He looks like a solid contender for the Malfoy family, and I want to search his arm for the death eater mark. He gives me a smile and a quick once over but doesn’t offer any greeting beyond that.
“And this is Elder Nypan.”
Elder Nypan steps forward and offers me his hand. He looks younger than the other two, with smooth dark skin, a bald head, and a significantly less intense vibe than his companions. I shake his hand hoping that my magic behaves itself, and I mentally pet it when I pull my hand away, and nothing weird happens.
“Elder Albrecht and Elder Kowka couldn’t be here this evening, but I’m sure you’ll meet them at a later time," Elder Nypan tells me, and I nod in acknowledgment.
Lachlan doesn’t introduce the other four men standing behind the couch, and I’m guessing it’s because they’re some kind of security. I fidget a little when each of them watches me with intense interest.
The elders take their seats prompting everyone else--except the bodyguards and Silva-- to do the same.
“The Elders accompanied Reader Tearson here," Aydin offers, finally answering my question.
“He’s here?”
“He’s preparing for the reading as we speak," Lachlan tells me, a stiff smile on his face.
My heart starts an epic assault on my chest. I work hard to keep my poker face intact and to not show any outward indication of how unsettled I suddenly feel. “Holy shit, it’s actually happening?” I say astonished.Nice Vinna, poker face intact, but filter clearly is broken.
Aydin and Silva both laugh and then cough to cover it up. I look over to the Elders to find Elder Balfour scowling at me and my unladylike words. When I don’t apologize--which is what it seems like he’s expecting me to do--his frown deepens.
“We were just discussing the preparations for your reading. It’s been many years since we’ve witnessed Reader Tearson in his element, it will be a delight to see him again,” he tells me.
Lachlan glowers at Elder Balfour. I don’t know what exactly is going on here, but it doesn’t seem friendly, and I feel like I’m missing something.
“We were just discussing with the elders that their presence is unnecessary, and we’ll be sure to update them as soon as the reading is concluded,” Lachlan explains with a saccharine tone.
“Why wouldn’t she want us there? It’s an honor that we’re offering our support and witness, one not bestowed often," Elder Cleary challenges Lachlan.
Lachlan visibly bites his tongue and stays quiet. His eyes quickly flick to me, as the tension swells in the room. It’s evident that he really doesn’t want the elders in my reading. I just wish I knew why.
“Well, I don’t know you, so there’s that," I offer Elder Cleary.
Elder Balfour sputters seemingly surprised that I’ve spoken and inserted myself in whatever the hell is going on here.
A calculating smile appears on Elder Cleary’s face. “We are your Elders, child, your leaders. What more do you need to know?”
His eyes are fixed on mine, and I don’t dare to look away.
“Why do you want to be there? Like you said, it’san honor you don’t bestow on many.What makes me worthy?”
Elder Nypan interjects before Elder Cleary can speak.
“I’m sure you’re aware of how unusual your circumstances are. It’s safe to say; we’re all curious about your reading and what it will show.”
“We will, of course, share any pertinent information with the Elders Council, as is expected with all readings," Keegan tells them, trying and failing to ease the strain in the room.
I quietly debate what I should do. If we’re going to tell the elders what happens in the reading anyway, wouldn’t it be wise to play nice and let them do what they want? I look at each of the elders trying to intuit what the best move is.
Elder Balfour seems haughty, but I suppose that’s to be expected in his position. He’s an Elder, and apparently, they’re super powerful. I’d probably have a big head, too. Elder Cleary, however, is harder to get a read on. There’s hostility in his presence, but I’m not sure if it’s aimed at me. It’s possible it could have something to do with what happened between his son’s friends and me, but I’m not sure.
What’s even more confusing about Elder Cleary is that aside from the veiled undertone of aggression, he seems incredibly eager about something too. He’s trying to mask that eagerness with the apathetic look on his face, but the gleam that occasionally sneaks out of his gaze is giving him away.
Elder Nypan seems nice enough. Of the three Elders here, he’s probably the most likely to respect my decision either way, but something about this whole situation is off. Why is there so much strain and rancor between the coven and the elders?
