my_belfry_of_fun | PSL--Making everything 'equal' does not mean reset-to-0.

"I actually can't tell if that's a threat or a promise."

Not that she liked fighting Klarion. Or hated it. He was a very situational individual, she was realizing. His powers were immense and could put up a strong challenge for one of her growing abilities. It was mostly the insult and childish taunting that got on her nerves--he could get under her skin the way few of their enemies could, and she didn't like people under her skin. She liked to be as in control of her situation as possible, win or lose.

Think of it as both, Zatanna--that's probably how he means it.

"Still, our first priority should be warding. If only because that'll give us better odds to dealing with things. You've already said I'm not allowed to do it, so I'll simply have to consult."

One book skimmed through, and closed. Still treated with an uncharacteristic respect from him. At least so far as they'd seen.

"Which means, what do you think, where, and how?" Steep-ling his fingers, and letting his hand rest on his chin. Expectant, meeting her eyes.

"That depends on how still we actually plan on staying for long," she began, and that was the part that required the least amount of thought. She knew her boredom often got the best of her, and that was without Klarion's twitchy presence. "I would be tempted to say let's start with the majority of Mount Justice so we can still move freely around, but somehow, that doesn't feel like enough space."

If there were some way of establishing a personal ward exclusive to her person, she would have mentioned it. The problem was...she had never learned about any such thing, and didn't want to risk being scoffed at by Klarion (even though there was no doubt in her mind he would find a reason to scoff at some point) any more than necessary.

"It depends on just how much space we want, and need." A slow grin. "One of the reasons I have survived the attack, is it was a single attacker. And while it caught me off guard, and was more powerful than I expected, it was still only one. It seemed to be more puppet, than puppetmaster, as well."

All of which he'd already shared with the league.

"Perhaps if we lay a trap to draw the spider out, then our own web doesn't need to be large."

That was...not a bad idea, actually. And one she was already starting to consider before glancing behind her, down the hall, where she knew M'gann and Conner were probably eavesdropping in their own way. Her eyes narrowed slightly, but this time, not because of Klarion.

Knowing what she had to say needed to stay between the two of them, she quickly summoned a blank piece of paper and pen before scrawling:

Any trap would need bait. And I'm not putting the others at risk.

There is an eyebrow raise, but the smug smile belies any hint of question. Klarion is not surprised that she has chosen to keep this between them. Pulling the paper over, reading it as easily and quickly as he'd skimmed her family's books.

A glance, and Teek'l moved away from Zatanna's fingers, ears twitching and head cocked.

Borrowing the pen, Klarion spoke while...drawing. "No doubt the dauntless mind of the Bat has figured out a similar plan. If he hasn't, he soon will. Which means that we should consider what resources we can offer, since magic is hardly your league's strong suit. Nabu for all his dominating personality, plays things far more secretively than you'd expect from a heroic-type."

What was rapidly taking shape on the page were two small and quick sketches--of Zatanna, and Klarion. Enough detail to be obvious, without being in depth. There were word-bubbles coming from their mouths, though blank for now. Another quick glance between familiar and master; and Teek'l was deliberately knocking Klarion's former mug off the table.

Klarion whispered, barely audible over the crash. "blunda, stenr rïsa hjall haldthin" then put his finger up to his lips in a classic 'be quiet' gesture. The sketches of them both glowed faintly as red energy outlined them. The speech-bubbles on his drawing were filling in, with their voices coming from them.

"Teek'l, that was extremely rude considering we're already guests here. Not to mention distracting, you stupid cat. Now I've lost my train of thought." Came Klarion's voice from the speech-bubble, with uncanny accuracy to his nature.

Zatanna as well, was rather accurately imitated. "If a broken mug is the worst we have to deal with, no one will complain. We were talking wards, or at least useful suggestions for the league?" From the speech-bubble of her drawn figure.

Klarion, in contrast to the paper's actions, scratched his familiar under her chin affectionately. Offering her the paper, as she took it delicately and jumped from the table. She couldn't go far, being his anchor, but closer to the hallway--and their eavesdroppers--wouldn't be difficult.

The two drawn-imitations continued on with their conversation as Teek'l moved.

"That should allow us to plot without at least one set of ears listening in." Klarion was smirking again, hands clasped in front of him and fingers steepled. "Although it would be more effective with a link, I doubt you trust me enough to provide me with an appropriate binding agent for such."

A pause, and another low chuckle. "I approve of your plan. As much as the idea of a maiden as sacrifice is boring, it is often effective as a lure to those with no imagination."

Even if she didn't recognize the exact spell, she figured out the basics of what he was doing as he was doing it. How many spells had she learned as a child for the sole purpose of deception? Challenging her father to catch her in attempt after attempt to escape. Never for long, and usually just to say she could rather than any true attempt to run away.

I'm used to telepathy...was what she would have commented. Albeit with minor concerns of M'gann's ability interfering with said link.

And then he maid the 'maiden' comment. And for some reason, that offended her far more than the idea of being a sacrifice.

"What did you just call me?"

Klarion was entirely unruffled by her ire; if anything he was amused. "Interesting that you assume I automatically meant you. But if we're going classical, you're hardly in the position to be mother or crone, unless there's information you'd like to share?"

"Not in this lifetime. And definitely not with you." She folded her arms across her chest and looked away. Impatiently awaiting a change in subject.

PSL--Making everything 'equal' does not mean reset-to-0.

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