Difference between revisions of "Log:Family Business"

7 May, 2018

Jack invites Avalon over to his cabin, to meet Sylvana Lefevre, his daughter, who's just arrived to Tamarack Falls to look for family

The text Jack sends is a bit cryptic - but he's asking Avalon to come out to the cabin as soon as she can, that there's someone she has to meet. He promises there's even going to be something cooked to eat but she'd want to bring her own tea, as usual.

Once Avalon arrives, Jack is sitting on the front porch, he's taken out his kitchen chairs and a little stool, and and old rickety table - setting things up for a simple meal, a drink if anyone wants. Goblin is padding about in the yard and Troll is grazing on the fresh grass in the large enclosure. "Syl?" he calls into the cabin. "I think I got napkins in the lower drawer on the left. Let's go fancy."

Sylvana was busy cooking away. When she hear's Jack's voice she gave a nod and set her spoon down and searched the lower drawer. She placed them on the island so she did not need to leave the stove for too long. "They are on the Island!" She called out to him. She sighed softly as she looked over the things she had set out. A bowl of potato salad, and a plate of fried chicken just out of the pan. Currently she was working on baked beens which smelled amazing. "Just finishing up the beans and it will all be done. Oh and I made some Lemonaid just in case!"

The old Jeep Wrangler, complete with 'My Other Ride Is a Broom' bumpersticker on it, comes rambling its way on over to the cabin. When Avalon slides out, it's wearing a pair of flared, black jeans and a cropped top of the same color. A green kimono, complete with fringe and burnt-out velvet floral patterns rounds out the outfit. And sandals. Because damn it, it's May. Toes need to breathe.

"Hey there, handsome," she greets, first, to Goblin. And, oh so sly, sneaks him a peanutbutter dog biscuit that looks homemade. "Jack. Hope I didn't keep you waiting too long." There's a bag over her shoulder, and the scent of tea leaves is easy to catch. Knowing her, there's probably pastries hidden away in the bag as well. When she hears the second, female voice, there's an arch of eyebrows, and a flare of curiosity in those mis-matched eyes.

Hearing the car, Jack leans against the railing on his porch and watches Avalon drive up. There's a big, goofy grin on his face as if he can barely contain something exciting. He makes no show of seeing her spoiling Goblin, but Goblin is super happy and dances around Avalon as she walks up. "Syl, she's here!" Jack calls, waving Avalon over invitingly. "Weather's too nice to sit inside, we'll sit here. And you're right on time - have a seat, we'll bring out the foods." He pulls out a chair for Avalon then disappears inside to help Sylvana carry the food stuffs out.

Sylvana gave a soft laugh, it was a beautiful sound to hear so sweet in its tone. "Ok ok, you take the napkins and potato salad. I will bring out the fried chicken and the baked beans then come back for the lemonaid. Did you take glasses out all ready?" Seems she was keeping him in line. She grabbed the plate and the big bowl both all ready having serving utensles on them and heads out the front door.

She moved over towards the table and carefully set down the items and then hurried back inside and grabbed the lemonaid before saying anything. She took a deep breath once inside to settle her nerves and then walked out as calmly as she could. Today she was dressed in a simple black skirt and an pink spagetti strapped top but her feet were bare and her hair tied back into a braid. She gave a smile to the other woman and a wave of her free hand. "Hello! It is a pleasure to meet you" There was that beautifuly alluring voice again floating on the air.

"I agree completely, of course. We've spent too much time cooped up inside all winter. It's good to enjoy the spring air." Avalon flashes Jack one of those smiles, even though her eyes are burning with her curiosity as to what's got him grinning like that. And then, then there's a woman breezing out of the cabin, and then back in, then back out. In the middle of all of that, Av looks to Jack with her brows climbing all the way up. Amused. She looks as amused as she does curious, as she extends her hand to the other woman. Rings a plenty, etched with sigils, adorn her. As do bangles that chime with the movement of her arm. "Avalon Lefevre. A pleasure to meet another...friend?... of Jack's."

Grabbing the napkins and salad as he's told, Jack is quickly back outside, right after Sylvana; he sets the items down on the table and shifts the whole furniture a bit, as it wobbles a little. That grin never leaves his face as he walks over and puts a hand on Sylvana's shoulder, squeezing it fondly as Avalon offers a hand to shake to the girl. "This is Sylvana Lefevre," he says, doing the introductions. "Sylvana is my and Constance Lefevre's daughter." Dropping that bomb, he looks expectantly at Avalon.

Sylvana glanced up to Jack at the squeeze of her shoulder and then looks back to Avalon. She wipes her hand quickly on her skirt to make sure there is nothing on it before taking the other woman's hand and shaking it gently. "It is a pleasure to meet you" She said again even though she had said it just a moment before. Her cheeks flush a bit at Jack's introduction and she gives a shy nervous smile to the other woman, not sure how she would take the information.

Curiosier and curiosier! Avalon keeps flitting little looks to Jack, green-and-amber eyes trying to read him, that grin. Her own handshake is firm - not overly so, but this is a woman accustomed to sealing business deals and possibly pacts with such gestures. And then, then the introduction comes. There's a slow blink from the witch, and then an outright cackle. Laughter peals up from her throat like a spring, and she brings her hand to her mouth, as if to help stop the flow. "February birthday," she says towards Jack. It doesn't sound like a question. Nor does, "Beltane...ninety-seven?" A pause, and then a genuine, "How /is/ Constance? It's been an age." Never mind those little laughs still bubbling up.

Jack's cheeks do turn a bit darker and his grin turns sheepish as he looks at Avalon, her reaction not quite what he expected. But - he sees the humor in it, snorts and nods. "February 1st," he admits. "Constance was very... uh. Persuasive that night." Constance was several years older than him, not that he was innocent... He turns more serious and his hand remains comfortingly on Sylvana's shoulder. "Constance she's... she's dead. Neither Sylvana nor I knew I'm her dad. It's new to us both." But, he leaves more explanations to his daughter, glancing sideways at her before patting her shoulder and moving to get that lemonade from inside.

Sylvana seemed to relax some at the excitment the other woman showed and she let out a breath she did not know she was holding. Her blue grey eyes sparkled brightly as she seemed welcome at least by one of the family. At the mention of her mouther her smile faulters ever so slightly before she puts it in place once more. She glanced to Jack and then back to Avalon. "98 actually, I just turned 20. As Dad said mom passed away. She would have liked to have been here herself I am sure. She said she did write to someone in the family to let them know about me but she did not tell me who. I do hope my coming here does not cause any inconveniance to anyone. Mom left me her cabin and some land and Dad is helping me get it back into order."

There's a sly grin on Avalon's face, as she watches Jack blush so darkly. "I'm sure that she was. We've got a gift for it, after all." Her smile falters a little bit, a touch of sadness coming. "Now that's a shame. She was a good woman, what I remember of her. It was likely Missy that she sent her letters to - she's still around, Missy. Runs the show, as things go. And I'm sure that it won't, darlin'. Plenty of room on the compound for any family willing to help out."

Lemonade on the table, Jack shoots Avalon a bit of a good-natured glare. "Yeah, she sure had a gift." He takes a seat on that stool, leaving the chairs for the ladies. "I'm starving, let's eat." He's a practical sort of guy and has gotten over the most of the whirlwind emotions by now, having sort of settled into the dad role like it's the most natural thing in the world. "We'll go surprise the Frys sometime soon too," he tells Avalon. "Not a bad deal, having Lefevre /and/ Fry family at your back."

Sylvana gave a nod to Avalon and then sits down to make a plate. "Please help yourself! I hope you like it." She shifted a bit nervously in her chair some thinking over the other woman's words. "I would like to meet Missy sometime. As for helping out I do not mind helping out at all. I am good with herbs and healing and some other things too" She said giving a side long glance at Jack before turning back to Avalon. "I would love to see the compound properly. I have only been over to the cabin in the little glade mom had. You are the first of the family here I have had a chance to meet. Its all a bit overwhelming having two families to meet instead of just one." She admited softly.

Avalon returns that glare with a bright, wide grin to Jack. "We're persuasive, what can I say?" She drapes herself into the chair, bangles chiming, as she swings her bag into her lap. Pulling out a container with cupcakes, frosting done in cheerful spring colors. And her to-go mug of tea. "Two solid families," she agrees with a nod. "Ones you can trust. Depending on what Constance told you, there might be a bit for you to learn about the family. You'll meet Cam, my brother, sometime. He's a ginger, usually with a guitar attached to him in some fashion. You'll know him, when you see him. But your," giggle, "Dad, he should bring you on up to the compound, sometime. He knows where it is. I don't live there - my place is the Seventh House Cafe - but I'm at the compound when not there."

Jack's already piling up a large portion on his plate - he's getting so spoiled lately, with cooked food, if he doesn't watch it, he'll put on weight. But, seeing those cupcakes he does leave a piece of chicken he was about to take, settling with the two he's got already. Everytime he's called 'dad' - his eyes widen for a few seconds - like this amazes him. "I almost didn't feel old before. Now I'm the father of a twenty year old - now I feel old. And responsible." He's joking, giving Sylvana a warm smile.

Sylvana shifts in her seat some speaking a soft muttered something before looking back up to the two with a bit of a frown on her lips. "I am afraid she did not get time to tell me much. She did tell me that I would be welcomed for who I am not just because of my name. She also said that the family is safe and would keep me safe as would my Dad's so not to worry. I dont know why she kept making sure I knew I would be kept safe but she was rather admite about making sure I knew. " She took a couple of bites and then a drink of Lemonaid before speaking once more. "You mentioned Beltane so that means you follow the ways of wicca?"

That one amber eye eclipses in a wink to Jack, as she reaches for a piece of the chicken. "Well, I mean, you are pretty ancient," Avalon teases warmly. She leans back in her chair, and there's a quick glance to the Fry on the porch before her gaze settles on Sylvana. "The Frys know how to keep a secret," she says, and it has the tone of something that's been said many times along the years. "And the Lefevres are known for being...different. I am a witch. The Good Witch of Tamarack Falls, you'll hear more than a few whisper. Or the Tea Witch, because of my cafe. But yes, I follow the old ways. Many of us do."

"We're not prone to babbling about it, no," Jack agrees seriously, nodding his agreement to Avalon, "and the Lefevre's - trustworthy and reliable. Except on Beltane - never trust a Lefevre on Beltane," he grumps goodnaturedly. He eats with hearty appetite, clearly enjoying the food. "You've been very open about your stuff - some day soon, I'll show you what I can do," he promises Avalon.

Sylvana gave a slow nod as she thought things over. She took a breath and gave a little sigh. "While you are a witch, I am a medicine woman. My ways are also old but I was taught the Cherokee ways not the European ways. I do hope that such will not be a problem" Her brow creased in the middle as she thought about that, she really had not thought about the possible difference of beleifs and how things could play out. She chewed the inside of her cheek for a moment before asking. "What is it you are able to do? I am not familiar with a tea witch or their abilities."

"It's true, we're at the top of our game on Beltane," Avalon chuckles. "Clearly." She takes a few bites from her plate, listening as the two speak. "I look forward to that, Jack. I've been more than a little curious about where your own talents stand." Then, looking back to Sylvana, there's a quick shake of her head. "Oh, not at all. We've have a few shamans in our line. Not where my own talents hold strong, but no one's going to hold a different method against you, as long as you keep yourself in balance." The question about her abilities has her smile softening. "A bit of this and that. Blessings and hexes, divination and protection. I'm not saying that if there's a particularly nice day in the Falls when it's pouring down in the city that I'm the one you should thank, but... Sometimes I just really need to lay out by the lake and hear a certain someone play a song."

"Great, I'm surrounded by people that chant, dance around fires and makes it rain. Or not rain," Jack murmurs around a mouthful of food, looking between the two Lefevres at the table. "Can you cure my hangovers?" he asks of them both. "I have way too many of those, lately." He grins, fills up lemonade for those that want and leans back to sip, slowing down his munching as he's mostly sated.

Sylvana smiles and is truely interested in the list of things Avalon lists of as things she has abilities in. It was nice to get to speak with someone who could do anything like she could, though she tries to contain her excitement. At Jack's question she gave a laugh and nods. "Yes I am sure that I can do that. I have herbal drinks that will help easily enough. I am not saying they will taste good mind you." She gave him a little smirk. Her eyes turn back to Avalon and her head tilts some curiously. "So you have a husband or boyfriend then? That is wonderful!"

A soft chuckle from Avalon, as she sips her tea. "Mmm. Come by the cafe when you've got one, Jack, and I'll give you just the right tea for it. The other cure, of course, is to stop drinking so much." It's said with warmth, and without judgement. "Or put some glasses of water in the mix. Definitely tastes better than anything either of us would make you." Her eyes dance, amused, as she looks back over to the other woman. "I have a ...Vodyanoy." The name, designation, whatever it might be, is a word that she moves her tongue over with care. But she smiles to say it. "He's dear to me."

"Yeah.... afraid I'm having another drinking bout tonight, but that's the last one for a loooong time," Jack says. Didn't he say that at Beltane too? And at the Karaoke bar? "Vod...ya what now?" Jack squints at Avalon, curious. "Is that Russian?" He's just clueless, but least he admits as much. "We want to meet this guy, don't we Syl. Who caught the eye of Avalon, The Good Witch?" He's only half-joking - he is curious to meet him.

Sylvana smiled some and gave another one of those beautiful laughs. "Coconut water is also good at helping keep hangovers away." She said simply and then looked over to Avalon." I am afraid I have never heard that term before but it sounds like he holds a place in your heart from the way you speak it." She looked at Jack her brow raising some. "I do not think it is our place to insist on meeting this person but it would be nice to get to know others in town. " She smiled and then looked back to Avalon. "I will have to introduce you to Ink when he arrives from his business. He is a dear friend of mine and helps to keep me out of trouble, mostly."

"Mmhmm," Avalon intones to Jack. Because she has certainly heard that line from him before. Not even a week ago. "Vodyanoy," she says again, for his benefit. "But yes, it's Russian. Not a language that I know overly well, I admit." Lifting her cup, she chuckles, dipping her head. "Perhaps one day you'll get to. He keeps some strange hours, and with the weather warming, he's bound to be at the lake more oft than not. Can hardly blame him. And I look forward to meeting this Ink."

"I just want you to wave your hands, chant something, and voila - headache gone," Jack says, waving a hand at them. "The quick and easy magical remedy," he teases. "And whatcha mean, keeping you out of trouble? You get into trouble?" He looks at Sylvana as if he wants to know just what this is about. Like a proper dad. "There won't be getting into any trouble," he says dourly. "Is Ink your boyfriend?"

Sylvana had been taking a drink of Lemonaid when he was talking about the hang overs and then mentioned something about her not getting into any trouble with earned him a roll of her eyes. But when he asked if Ink was her boyfriend she damn near choaked on her drink and sputtered a bit. "DAD!" She exclaimed her cheeks turning a bright pink of embaresment at the sudden question. She did not answer his question though. She turned to Avalon and asked "So where exactly is this lake? It sounds very nice..."

"Magic comes with a price." It's perhaps the most solemn thing that Avalon's said today, including those involving Constance's death. But her mood immediately lightens at the interplay between daughter and father, a laugh coming past her lips. "I'm not saying that was a yes, Jack, but..." She trails off. "And she's a Lefevre. Of /course/ there will be getting into trouble. And getting out of it." She winks, and then reaches over to pop open that container of cupcakes suggestively. "Oh, you have to see it. Lovely. Stay away from the East Bank for now, though..."

"Hey. I'm just asking - I'm not one of those dad's that will bring the shotgun and have an interrogation. I'll bring my Glock and have an 'interview'," Jack jokes, relaxing a little. Maybe realising he was, for a moment, just that annoying sort of overprotective dad. He glances at Avalon at her seriousness and he nods at her, firmly; he understands. He's been around long enough and heard enough stories, to know the truth of that. Licking his lips, he leans closer and eyes a cupcake for a moment, then caves in and grabs one.

Sylvana just blushed even more as Avalon says what she does to Jack and sighs. Seeing the cupcakes opened up she reaches over and carefully takes one inspecting it as she takes the wrapper off carefully. At the mention of the East Bank her head stops and her eyes move up to Avalon. "Whats on the East Bank?" Now her curiosity was peeked. Being told not to do something or not to go somewhere was a sure way to get Sylvana curious and likely to do just what she was told not to.

Jack groans, and rubs his eyes. Of course. "That part probably comes from both families," he admits grimly. He was known for /always/ getting into trouble when he was younger. And he's still prone to look into things he shouldn't. "There's something with this town, Syl. It has secrets and more weird shit than you can ever imagine. Some places, we just avoid. For the sake of balance."

There's no hesitation to Avalon's claiming of a cupcake, once two have been taken. Peeling off the wrapper, and licking frosting from her fingertips, as she speaks. "Trouble, on the East Bank. Not the fun kind. Just...avoid it for now. Until you come a bit more into the fold. Your dad, he can catch you up on some of the old traditions." A look, to Jack, "Don't forget to tell her about the Stag Bridge." A bite, and then she continues, "But yes. Secrets and weird shit are our burden, here. Just keep your wits about you."

Sylvana frowns some but gives a nod. "No East bank for now." She gave a nod as she did not want to mess up on herfirst few weeks here after all. "Every place has their secrets and mysteries so it makes sense that you have them here too. I have not gone anywhere escept my cabin in my glad, here and then in town but Dad was with me for that. I try not to wonder around too much unless Ink or someone is with me as I never really did learn any way to fight. I have Greyson who can help distract things for me so I can get away if need be though."

"It's not that bad, just keep your wits about you, as Av said," Jack says reassuringly, squinting at his daughter thoughtfully. He adds; "You said you hunt, so I hope that means you can shoot. Around here, nobody will bat an eye if you carry a gun around." This is largely true - Vermont's gun laws are almost outrageously generous. "Besides, there's bears around here - I don't go ten feet from the cabin without a weapon. Though... I usually talk bears out of doing stupid things," he admits with a grin.

"What he said," Avalon muses, with a tap of finger to her nose. "I'll drop by later, with a piece extra I have from the nail-up. Can put it up in your cabin on the compound. Never hurts, to have an extra measure." She finishes off her cupcake, then lifts arms above her head for a stretch, before getting to her feet. "Jack, thank you for the invite - and introduction. It's good, to have more family 'round. Syl, you're a good cook, thanks for the meal. Drop by the cafe, if you ever need anything. I've got to head that way now, though. Before they think I've gone and run away, not being there all day." A bright, cheeky grin at that.

Sylvana looked at her dad and shook her head. "No I am a falconer Greyson and I hunt small prey that way. I never learned any other way to hunt or to fight." She blinked and looked to Avalon with a smile. "It was very nice to meet you as well. I will have to come for tea sometime and to see the Cafe. I would like to hear more stories about the family as well!" She gives the other woman a bright smile.

"And as for the Stag Bridge?" Jack didn't forget about that, raising an eyebrow. "If you see someone on the bridge at night, just standing there - don't go over it. Go back. Don't talk to this person. Go another way. Or you might end up being taken and gone forever." He says this with grim seriousness - it's not just a silly folktale, to him. Or rather, it's a folktale that is way too real. He stands up now, to move aside for Avalon - it's a bit of a tight fit there on the porch. "Thanks for coming, Av." He is thankful, and gives her a fond look through a customary squint. "And you and I," he tells Sylvana, picking up the plates, "will go in the back and you're going to practice with my rifle. Forget about fighting - just shoot people." He winks.

Scootscootscoot, Avalon goes around Jack. Her hand lifts, squeezing his shoulder. "You know how to get me, if you need me." It's a warm offer, but a serious one as well. One last smile flashed to Sylvana, and she's off back to that Jeep. Leaving a trio of cupcakes behind. And four more biscuits to Goblin.

Sylvana watched Avalon go and then looked back to Jack "What do you mean taken and gone forever? Who is this person that he could do such a thing and not get any repercussions for Kidnapping?" She stood and started to help clear the table so she could get the dishes done before her fathers friend came over for the visit.

"I'm not the expert on this - I was gone for many years. But it's something else, something dangerous and bad," Jack tells her solemnly. "You know about spirits. Spirits don't live in this world per se, do they? They got like their own realm. Or ghosts, same there. Some people say, that people around here, they get taken and dragged to another Place. And sometimes, they escape - and they come back, all changed." He shrugs. "I can't verify much of this, but there's definitely truth to it. Just watch out for that bridge. I don't go there, and I'm not afraid of anything." He grins, joking a bit. He carries as many things as he can inside; like her, he wants to keep things tidy around himself, even if he's not a crazy fanatic about it. Huh? (Type “help” for help.)

Sylvana frowned some but gave him a slow nod. "Ok Dad I will stay away from there at night. I can not say that I will not go there during the day to see this place but I can stay away at night." She was herself wanting to keep things tidy but thats how she was raised. "Do I really have to learn how to shoot?" She finally asked glancing over to him.

"Good," Jack grunts, piling dishes in the sink and putting food that is left in the fridge, covering it up. Looks like they'll have enough for lunch tomorrow too, he was the who ate most. As usual. He glances her way, considering. He sighs, smiles, shakes his head. "No Syl. You don't have to do anything you don't want to do. What would you /like/ to do? Want to go for a ride? Still got a few hours before C.B. drops in."

Sylvana smiles her eyes sparkling " Yes I would like going for a ride I think! Perhaps tomorrow if you are feeling up to it we can go to the Farm or just work around my cabin. But today I think a ride would be the perfect way to end this day. You can drop me off at my cabin before you come home to meet up with your friend."

"Great," Jack says. Goblin hops about all excited too - he loves going for rides. Well, he loves running along, at any rate. So, Jack will efficiently tidy up with his daughter, then get the horse ready and take Sylvana out for a ride, double riding with her behind. Sometimes he'll walk and lead the horse, or if she's fine riding on her own, she can do that. Troll is a calm but yet spry horse and he enjoys the little trip as much as the humans. Jack will drop her off at her place as she suggested, give her a tight hug and promise he'll see her tomorrow again before he goes back home.