Counting Cards {Open/Sarah}

[Elizabeth Blackwell]

COUNTING CARDS || TAGGING Sarah Ellington & OPEN

Words. They can be irrational, rude, cruel, judgmental, and possibly even barbaric. Sometimes, they can be gentle and sweet. But, far more often, words are bold and honest. Daring to penetrate the very being of anyone that tries to shake them. Risking it all to get a point across, whether that point is welcome or not.  However, with words being as difficult to read as looking into another's eyes. Actions are different. Actually, many people prefer actions over words. Though they really don't realize what they're asking for.

You see, the world isn't made up of just good, and evil. The world is made up of all sorts of different people. The evil never see their doings as wrongful. They believe that they're ultimately doing the world good. Their intentions are good, but in the end there is a greater loss. A loss that can never be brought back.

The good are strong, brave, but reckless. Believing they are invincible, and in a world with evil to balance out such a sorrowful greatness. You realize just how destructible you truly are. You suddenly will see all your flaws, and wish them away. Though they never truly disappear. You can pretend they're gone, but  they're still there. Haunting every move you make, and they're staying for the long run.

A realization, that's what the world needs. Everyone needs to wake up from their safety nets, and realize that the thread holding their existence together is fraying at each end. That before they know it  it will all tumble into the depths of their own being. With that, justice will awaken.

* * *

Within a person lies someone completely different. A gentle exterior of a person who is shaken by the events that unfold around her. A kind soul that is corrupted with hidden beliefs, and covered by lies that sound of truth. Though her icy eyes are hiding far more than you think. With each stride she made toward the gentle currents, it seemed more relevant of her travelling intentions.

The gentle breeze that sent her long hair into a whirlwind. Her hair was always an interesting aspect. With her forever indecisive decisions of color, she usually kept it longer in length. It felt more like herself to have the long hair flowing over her shoulders. Whenever it was short she felt out of place, but occasionally she would shorten it. Simply because of the season, or for an easy change.

Air was whirling around still, and her travels furthered as she made her way toward the lake. Her eyes staring in the direction of her destination. A red satchel, that she typically carried as a purse, over her head. As she neared the location she had been thriving with anxiety to return to for days now. Elizabeth's eyes closed as soon as the gentle scent of lake water hit her. The smell of the Earth, and it's wonderful creations all enveloped the scent of her nostrils.

It wasn't long until she gently sat upon the green grass. The trees around her swaying a bit as she removed a red satin cloth from the satchel. Pulling the satchel's strap from over her head, she lay it upon the grass gingerly. Once the cloth was laid out perfectly, she removed her bound cards with their arcane designs. The light in her eyes seeming to spark as she closed her eyes for a moment. Letting the feeling of comfort overwhelm her. The feeling of who she was gushing from the seams. She was at peace, tranquil... "Who is there?"

Her eyes shot open when she felt the presence, and the sound of twigs snapping. The weight of the broken twig was to great for it to be an animal. No, it had to be another person. In a matter of seconds, Elizabeth had hidden her cards within her satchel yet again, and had even done so properly. The stride of her actions never nervous, simply calm.

MADE BY SARI FROM PERFECT PHANTASM || STEAL IT & DIE

[Ethan "Ian" Matthew]

Promotions meant meetings. Promotions meant training. This meant Ethan wasn't spending a great deal of time in the Emergency Room as of late as he had to go back to take some more classes. But, for some reason they got canceled. He wasn't going to look at a gift horse in the mouth. He was going to take the day himself and walk on off to do something else. He decided he'd rather to walk by the lake. It had been a few weeks since he actually took to the lake as he was so busy with everything and everyone else.

It was windy. Not very windy. But, gentle enough. He liked it. It felt great to feel a breeze hit his face as he walked by, trying to decide what to do. Perhaps he'd go eat something. But, he walked on the grass. There was a tree line close by. It felt great walking under the shadows of the tree line. He wasn't entirely sure why he liked it so much. Ethan hadn't really been paying much attention where he was walking, as he stepped upon a twig. Snap! He heard the loud sound himself.

He heard a voice, a woman's voice speak up. He turned his head toward the person he had distracted. "Sorry," Ethan commented softly. He blinked, realizing who it was. "Mrs. Blackwell, hello." he flashed a smile. He knew her quite well, because of Sebastian. Sebastian was the one he was dating. "Taking a break?" he smiled. He knew how hard she worked. "You deserve it."

[Elizabeth Blackwell]

Counting cards ||| Ethan "Ian" Matthew & Sarah Ellington & OPEN

The most sincerest of smiles appeared upon her ruby red lips.  At least to others it would seem sincere. For Mrs. Blackwell it was from such. You see her manipulative nature, and exquisite a ting made it nearly impossible to see past her faltering behavior. While it seemed her overall well being would never wane. The internal damage she did upon herself was far more at loss. She wasn't just lying to everyone. Elizabeth was a complete fraud to the people of Westborough. Thy believed her to be a strong, hard-working, and loving wife/mother. While that was true. There was something else she devoted most of her time to. Witchcraft...

All of those thoughts' aside. She was still a classy woman who portrayed herself well as if having a heart of good instead of nothing behind that hollow chest. With a gentle clear of her throat, and her smile never disappearing. Elizabeth gave the young boy a nod. Clearly his interruption hadn't bothered her, right? "No reason to be sorry. It's just as much your lake as it is mine. Ethan ,dear, haven't I told you a million times. Call me Elizabeth, anything but Mrs. Blackwell." 

She paused for a moment as she had stood during her speech. The wind sending a gentle breeze against her hair. Sending it in a slight whip. "It makes me feel old when you call me that." Sure, Elizabeth was definitely getting older, but that didn't mean she had to feel older or look it for that matter. Her smile had gracefully decreased into a close lipped smile. "How are you?" She asked with a gentle tone. Trying to keep her facade high still. 

MADE BY SARI FROM PERFECT PHANTASM || STEAL IT & DIE

[Ethan "Ian" Matthew]

"Of course, I have reason to be sorry. I fear I steal your son from you too often." Ethan gave a sly smirk. He wasn't all in serious with what he had just said. But, it was true. The two did disappear for quite a while. He actually kind of felt bad when Sebastian disappeared when he was supposed to help a sibling or a parent out with something.

Ethan rose up his left hand. He curled his four fingers inwards, leaving his thumb out. He rose his hand to his lips. He blew upon the palm left uncovered by his fingers, causing a hissing sound. Ethan lowered his arm and uncurled his fist, as a beautiful flower exposed in his hands. He had been practicing some summoning. He couldn't conjure something, but, he was able to summon something from his desk at home. He summoned that flower. "For you, Elizabeth." He spoke her name that time, instead of using a formal name for her.

"You for sure are not old. The woman that slapped Seb's head when he kissed me was old." he spoke the truth. The two were out eating at a restaurant and Sebastian caught him in a kiss between drinks, waiting for the entree. An elderly woman walked by and slapped Sebastian upside the head and grumbled a comment. Being gay in a small town wasn't the easiest thing, Ethan knew this too well. "Good, I think... I got a promotion. Nurse practitioner. I can write your prescriptions now if you ever need vicodin when Seb's off on one of his rants." He joked. "How are you, Elizabeth?"

Ethan couldn't help but to break out into a sheepish grin. and broke into laughter. "I'm sorry... I just cannot get used to calling you that when I hear like nobody call you that."

[Sarah Ellington]

The lake, although quite the attraction for locals and tourists alike, was peaceful and beckoned often to Sarah Ellington, who frequented it more than anyone realized. Even though it played host to a number of crowds on any given day, Sarah would find days when only a few people showed up or even none. It was safer here, better than being in her home, especially when her children were around.

This was one of those quieter days, but the woman did not realize that others had already shown up. Two others, in fact. Fortunately, she had no qualms with either, and she decided it was safe to approach, although Ethan's company, like most, was never exactly desired.

The added quality of his light magic certainly did nothing to please her.

With a soft, falsely pleasant smile, she drew back the hood of her autumn jacket and approached the two, her boots crunching against the fallen leaves and twigs. It was her announcement. As she neared the water, Sarah stared out across it rather than towards either of the two already stationed there and called out, "Fine day, isn't it?"

One look at Elizabeth, and Mrs. Ellington would have added, "Fine day for cards, isn't it?" but this was hardly the proper place for that. Young Ethan Matthew didn't need to be a part of that business.

[Elizabeth Blackwell]

COUNTING CARDS || TAGGING SARAH &  ETHAN & OPEN

The smile was still small, but sincere as she gave a silent chuckle to him. Elizabeth did nothing except shake her head lightly as Ethan commented about stealing Sebastian away far too much. While in true, and utter honesty it bothered Elizabeth little. As alone time meant more time for herself, and her coven. Elizabeth was giving off a false pretense, and scoffed. "Never get a moment with him these days." She pretended to be slightly saddened, but simply sighed. "But I know he's in good hands." She smirked over at the young boy, signifying that she trusted him to a certain extent. However, she didn't honestly trust him with much at all.

The flower he summoned made her blink, as she pretended to be delighted with it. She smiled widely at him. "Thank you, dear!" She took it from him, and smiled at him with the greatest smile that she could. Trying to be as nice as she possibly could.

It was only seconds later that he had mentioned the event that had unfolded with the elderly woman. Elizabeth let out a sigh before she shook her head again. Slowly, she turned her head toward the sky, and stayed staring for a moment. The slight squint of the sun rays against her face were slightly blinding. "Some people just can't accept the ever changing world around the.m." She knew why people disliked it, and to be quite honest Elizabeth didn't fully approve. The facade she portrayed was kind, and open minded. However, the truth inside was that she strongly disapproved. She strongly wished her child was 'normal'.

"That's great! Always good to hear." She nodded as she turned her head from its previous position toward the sky. Had she heard the sound of another person's approaching. It sounded as such, but she wasn't completely sure. "A promotion really is fantastic. You must be doing well." Prescriptions' might be helpful. Especially if she needed something that could be used for potions. Perhaps this connection might be more helpful than she had at first thought. In all honesty, she really didn't believe Ethan to be anything, but a pawn. He was something to keep her son busy, and that had been enough for the time being. Now, perhaps he had a greater usage.

The laugh had startled her a bit, and her smile disappeared. Though she quickly understood why he had been laughing. "If it's too much of a bother, you could always call me mom?" Was that a step in the right direction? Elizabeth thought so. Perhaps he would think it meant she was accepting him more. That would do, yes.

The snapping of twigs, and crunching leaves signified her previous curiosity was in fact true. Her eyes darted over to a familiar figure, and she kept a small smile on her lips. Thinking to herself 'finally someone more comforting.' She didn't have to hide behind a false attitude, and life with Sarah. She glanced at Ethan, and then to Sarah as she heard her speak. "Most certainly, a fine day for a bit of counting." Ethan probably wouldn't know what that meant, but surely Sarah would. Elizabeth was always counting her cards, and doing readings. She was actually quite good with it now.

"How are you, dear?" She tried to keep her fake smile on, as to not startle Ethan. She wasn't free to be herself just yet, but who knows. Maybe one day she could pull Ethan to the dark side. Could help them immensely.

MADE BY SARI FROM PERFECT PHANTASM || STEAL IT & DIE

[Ethan "Ian" Matthew]

Ethan shook his head. He understood that. Sebastian was an adult. He had his own life and his own things to lead his life on. Ethan barely got time with Sebastian, and when he did the boy was with him a lot. He wondered how much Sebastian actually saw his siblings, father, or step-mother. There was something about Elizabeth, but, he didn't feel right saying anything. He could sense the magic in her veins. He knew something was with her. Something different. But, what could he say? She was nice enough to him. She never criticized him for being with Sebastian.

He did offer her a flower. It was a cheesy move. He knew it was. There wasn't much else he could say or do. She was somebody he had to respect. She was somebody he did respect. Sebastian spoke good things about her, for the most part... When he ignored the negatives. But, it was all pretty good, he supposed. "Mom? Neither of us proposed to the other yet. Perhaps one day, Elizabeth." Ethan couldn't help but to give it a grin. It seemed strange to him. His own mother was alive and well. "For sure. As of late... There has been an increase—" Ethan turned his head because Sarah showed up. He blinked. Cards? He didn't see a deck around at all.

But, Sarah. He knew about her. He could sense it as well. He finished his sentence after she spoke and Elizabeth spoke. "There's been an increase in our kind showing up at the hospital. Had a few witches, some wolves, even a vampire asked where the blood lab was." The only species he hadn't run in against yet was a demon. "They're all new..." It was strange to see new faces, especially those like them.

[Sarah Ellington]

Was Alastor still so weak that the barrier was unable to keep out these newcomers? One of them was the new sheriff, Gabriel, who had already started sticking his nose where it didn't belong. Sarah would have to keep a careful eye on that one.

To Elizabeth, she said, "I'm doing well. Just enjoying some fresh air before the children get home. How are you, Elizabeth?"

Then, when the pleasantries were out of the way, Mrs. Ellington gave Ian a warm a smile and warned, "Be careful who you tell these things to you, Mr. Matthew. Some people...still cling to the idea that the world is only full of human beings." It was almost shocking, how comfortable he felt discussing these things with Sarah Ellington and Elizabeth Blackwell, and the stench of good that emanated from his person disgusted the woman -- but was there something more there? Possibilities, something that could benefit the coven?

For a moment too long, Sarah watched Ethan Matthew and wondered what the future could hold in store for him. After her long moment, the witch returned her gaze to the river and caught her reflection instead. Best not to look at either of her company for more than a moment, even when speaking. That would have been far too uncomfortable for her liking.

[Elizabeth Blackwell]

COUNTING CARDS || TAGGING Sarah, Ethan, and Open

Behind her eyes, hidden within. A smirk had appeared. The boy in front of her was a dumb as a stump when it came to life it seemed. So foolishly messing around with magic. Not caring who might see. She glanced away from him, and toward Sarah. Her eyes stayed there for just a few seconds before she drifted away from Ethan. She needed to step away from him. His dimwitted mind might wear-off on her. Of course, she could never be as stupid as him.

"You can never be to careful, that is for sure." Her eyes rested on the waters as she listened to them shifting and moving along. Creating little droplets from the splashes as they then calmed. She was itching to read her cards, and to see what the future may hold. She dare not do such a thing in front of Ethan. Another itch was one she wished to scratch with Sarah. The two of them had a bit of discussion to do. With things growing more obvious, and people like Ethan letting the world know to much... They needed to do something.

MADE BY SARI FROM PERFECT PHANTASM || STEAL IT & DIE