Sweet Summer

[Adam Conant]

Adam listened attentively as Diana expressed her concerns and plans regarding the Crystal Skull. The weight of the artifact's potential and the risks involved hung in the air, adding a layer of gravity to their discussion. He appreciated Diana's pragmatic approach, carefully considering their coven's consequences and well-being.

Adam responded firmly and assuredly to Diana's query about the scrying element. 'Let's use mine,' he declared, his voice commanding authority. He wiped away the rune he had etched on the table, gathering the salt residue in his hand for disposal.

'I'll show you where it is,' Adam assured Diana, his eyes meeting hers with a determined glint. 'It's a short distance from Crowhaven, just beyond the Blake's, near the bluff by the driftwood tree.' His familiarity with the area and the methodical way he described it were a testament to his cautious nature, ensuring that every detail was meticulously planned and executed.

As they prepared to embark on their spell work and organizational tasks, Adam couldn't help but snag her hand in his, bringing it to his lips to kiss. "I missed you, Diana." He said softly, his stormy eyes fixing on hers, with a shade of blue-grey like the ocean at its most mysterious. "I am so glad to be home."

[Diana Meade]

Plans set for the afternoon they started moving. They couldn’t sit here in, quite literally in a bubble, no matter how much she wanted to live in that bubble with him sometimes. Using his was significantly more convenient than hers. It wasn’t like she just carried around a mirror to scry at a moments notice. She could scry with others, but information could be false, and not entirely trustworthy as her mirror could be, ” Good idea. It’s not like I just carry around my mirror…” Diana smiled at him, being on an island… there was no shortage of water.

Spell broken, they could now be heard by the café. But they were leaving. Smiling a little as Adam cleaned up his salt spillage, effectively breaking the spell. He revealed where the skull was and she smiled at his hiding place, ” Good hiding place...” She commended. It would be stupid to have kept it at the house, plus buried would just help purify it, slow as it was, it could only help.

They headed out to the open air, Adam just behind her. His hand in hers if lifted it to his lips kissing the back of her hand. She smiled at him one of her own resting on his cheek stroking it a little, ” I missed you too…” Diana admitted, ” Next time I’m coming with you…” Diana smiled at him a no-nonsense tone to her voice. The summer between High School and College… and it had been dull without him in it. As though the world had lost a little colour.

Now it was back, full technicolour to her life. She would follow him anywhere, stand by his side always, and he knew it, ” OK… Get skull. Find beach. Scry. Pray things are better than what I think they are. Go back to your house and help with the pantry…” Diana repeated the plan in steps for their day, ” Lead the way to your hidey hole.” She smiled pulling him along a little as she began to walk in the direction of their homes, Crowhaven Road...

[Adam Conant]

Adam took Diana's hand in his, and together, they walked through the scenic coastal town of New Salem. They passed the booksellers, the small shops, and businesses that all claimed residence along the stony shoreline and up the steep street to the main city square, where a small fountain lay. From there, it was due north, along twisting roads that rose and fell with the natural landscape. The walk was beautiful, with the late summer air begging to cool slightly and casting shade over the cobblestoned street.

The Blake House was at number twelve, and presently, the sole occupant was Mrs. Blake, an older woman with a crooked spine and a mole on her left cheek. The Blakes were just one of the many families that had all but died out or had turned away from the craft. Now, the massive house was empty, save for a few cats. As they approached, one came out of hiding to meet them, a sleek orange tabby with bright, curious eyes.

"Hey there, kitty." Adam greeted the cat, leaning down to give the feline scratches behind their ears. The cat allowed it, closing its eyes in a lazy blink before turning to lead them to their destination: a small bluff that overlooked the ocean. There, an ancient log of driftwood marked the spot where a small circle of white quartz lay in the sand.