Teek'l wasn't simply a familiar; she was Klarion's anchor to the physical plane. There was a soft "mrrr" of appreciation, as she leaned her head more into the scratch. Bumping her head against Zatanna's arm again for more contact, and actually being deceptively cute. Deceptively only because usually she was facing the other in battle.
Klarion was silent, as her words needed no response. Surprising perhaps to others, but it was because he was thinking. His mind racing and moving from topic to topic quickly wasn't unusual; he was chaos personified which meant keeping to one train of thought was often more difficult than letting several flow. But it was certainly something none of the team was familiar with likely.
Quiet for so long, and trying to think, that he seemed surprised to look down and find his mug of tea empty. Nor with a recollection of his drinking it (although that again, wasn't unusual. (Forgetting things that is.)
"Your books are helpful, but I don't think we'll find answers in them. Or clues. Not to solve this." Because a thought had occurred to him. "Are you familiar with the Sorcerer's world? Would someone in the League be so, if you are not?" There was also no hint of condescension (aside from that which was part of his usual manner) in the question.
Eyes upwards and head tilted, Klarion made a small thinking sound, then murmured "It's official name is something silly, like that machine that copies papers en masses."
Her reaction was subtle--at least, by her (or, really, their) standards--but still noticeable. A split-second freeze as she'd been prepared to lift the mug of tea to her lips. Recognition flashing across her eyes. Recognition, but not familiarity. Curious. Questioning. And also a slight hint of annoyance, because Klarion had actually said something that could prove to be useful.
"I've...heard of it. A little." She frowned, glancing down at her mug. The reasons behind her knowledge of the Sorcerer's World were private. But clearly ones that brought about a wave of melancholy nostalgia. "But I was never told the name. Or how to get there. Dad...might have known."
"Oh please. Your surprise is mildly insulting. Although that will hardly deter you now." Dark eyes met her own, and there was a genuine frown and hint of annoyance in his expression. Teek'l gave a soft mrr, and gently pawed Zatanna's hand for more scratches.
"Even if we don't contact them, it might be worth seeking out contact with one of the realms connected to them. If the League has not done so, then it is likely only because of a lack of knowledge."
She was barely paying attention to Teek'l at that point, and it was only through muscle memory that her fingers chose to move of their own accord, returning to scratching the familiar's ears. Strange, how the gesture--even when she wasn't consciously aware of it--could ease her some.
"I'm not saying you're wrong," she began. "But wouldn't that only be useful if we knew who in the world to contact? I don't know anybody from there. And there aren't many Leaguers with that much magical knowledge."
"Pity that." More about the League lacking more of those who were magically inclined. Less toys for Klarion to play with. "We could simply float the idea their way and then let them take it." A shrug of a shoulder. "If nothing else, perhaps the Bat hasn't thought of it, if he's aware of it."
As she'd said, not many were.
"Still, our first step should be protection. After Lords, whatever is behind the force that is coming for us will have it target magic users." A blink, and then another frown. "Actually..." Then trailing off, as his thoughts were racing. Many tangents as usual, but for once all of them focused on a single puzzle instead of spiraling off in all directions. "Wait, no..." Murmuring to himself, and abruptly out of his chair.
Teek'l shifted slightly, following her master's actions while staying where she could receive scritches and pets from Zatanna. Alert for a moment, then her head tilted and she trilled softly.
"Not now Teek'l, I need to concentrate." Was... Klarion was pacing, occasionally gesturing and murmuring to himself before letting his arms cross. Then a moment later to gesture, almost sketching something in the air and frowning, then wiping that away.
"Mrrrow!" His familiar insisted. Abruptly stopping, and glaring at her. "What, you stupid cat?" A pause, dark eyes meeting red, and silence as the two conversed and stared at each other.
The irony of the situation was that...Zatanna was inclined to agree with him. Something she would never admit aloud, but...it really was a shame there were so relatively few magic users in the League. And while she knew that Batman, if anyone, would have some more in-depth intel on the subject, she also knew his subtle distain for the arts in general might hinder things more than he would ever admit.
He continued on, and though she did pay full attention, she also couldn't help note that this may have been the first time she'd been around him long enough to have a conversation of something that interested them both. His mind was still as chaotic as his title would imply, but he was certain of his information and when Teek'l drew his attention...
She pulled her hand away and watched them, recognizing all the signs of a telepathic connection from her time with M'gann. Once again feeling a bit left out, but waiting until they were done just in case the familiar had something of genuine importance to contribute.
Whatever it was they were speaking about, the frown and annoyance in his expression faded. For just a bare second, there was even a look of surprise--not a pleasant surprise either. Then it was gone and the frown was back. And a sigh, Klarion bringing one hand up and rubbing at his temple.
"Fine." Murmured to his familiar, before he paced back to the table. Settling down, and pulling over one or two of Zatanna's books. "It would be helpful if the people trying to protect all of us would let us in on their plan." Teek'l murmured a 'mrr' of assent, and settled back down to enjoy more scratching from Zatanna.
Well, clearly nothing was wrong if Klarion was pouty. He was also treating her family's books with a respectful care as he started to read. Fast, so maybe he wasn't reading it closely at first, rather than skimming. Still, they were treated with respect and care for the valuable resources they were.
Much to her own surprise, Zatanna's response was to give a low, slightly sarcastic scoff. As if she were speaking to one of her teammates.
"Good luck with that. Do you think the League tells us anything half the time? This is why we run off without waiting for them to sanction missions when we do."
That made him laugh, truly amused chuckles that shook his shoulders and made him grin at her. "Hearing that and the irony of me wanting things to be organized--things must be dire." Dark eyes were sparkling with mirth. "Honestly, that's part of why I--at least--am glad your little team exists. It shakes things up, and keeps it entertaining."
"Oh no no no, I know you have more of a rebellious streak than that." The grin turned into a smirk. "All of you do, and it's rather refreshing. Frustrating and annoying as well, but refreshing that for all you do-gooders want to make things safer and more ordered, you still appreciate that it's not all there is." That was said with approval.
"And don't worry, I'm fairly sure we'll soon be back to fighting. I'll step wrong, or have the urge to turn someone into a frog, or decide I need a little trophy of some kind that none of you want me to have, and then you'll be in the way again." There was surprisingly no malice in his words. The soft chuckle at the end added to it that he was just amused by all of this.
"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.
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?"
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carisma_sensei
no subject
Date: 2017-12-02 03:43 am (UTC)Klarion was silent, as her words needed no response. Surprising perhaps to others, but it was because he was thinking. His mind racing and moving from topic to topic quickly wasn't unusual; he was chaos personified which meant keeping to one train of thought was often more difficult than letting several flow. But it was certainly something none of the team was familiar with likely.
Quiet for so long, and trying to think, that he seemed surprised to look down and find his mug of tea empty. Nor with a recollection of his drinking it (although that again, wasn't unusual. (Forgetting things that is.)
"Your books are helpful, but I don't think we'll find answers in them. Or clues. Not to solve this." Because a thought had occurred to him. "Are you familiar with the Sorcerer's world? Would someone in the League be so, if you are not?" There was also no hint of condescension (aside from that which was part of his usual manner) in the question.
Eyes upwards and head tilted, Klarion made a small thinking sound, then murmured "It's official name is something silly, like that machine that copies papers en masses."
no subject
Date: 2017-12-03 11:42 pm (UTC)"I've...heard of it. A little." She frowned, glancing down at her mug. The reasons behind her knowledge of the Sorcerer's World were private. But clearly ones that brought about a wave of melancholy nostalgia. "But I was never told the name. Or how to get there. Dad...might have known."
no subject
Date: 2017-12-03 11:47 pm (UTC)"Even if we don't contact them, it might be worth seeking out contact with one of the realms connected to them. If the League has not done so, then it is likely only because of a lack of knowledge."
no subject
Date: 2017-12-03 11:53 pm (UTC)"I'm not saying you're wrong," she began. "But wouldn't that only be useful if we knew who in the world to contact? I don't know anybody from there. And there aren't many Leaguers with that much magical knowledge."
no subject
Date: 2018-01-16 05:11 am (UTC)As she'd said, not many were.
"Still, our first step should be protection. After Lords, whatever is behind the force that is coming for us will have it target magic users." A blink, and then another frown. "Actually..." Then trailing off, as his thoughts were racing. Many tangents as usual, but for once all of them focused on a single puzzle instead of spiraling off in all directions. "Wait, no..." Murmuring to himself, and abruptly out of his chair.
Teek'l shifted slightly, following her master's actions while staying where she could receive scritches and pets from Zatanna. Alert for a moment, then her head tilted and she trilled softly.
"Not now Teek'l, I need to concentrate." Was... Klarion was pacing, occasionally gesturing and murmuring to himself before letting his arms cross. Then a moment later to gesture, almost sketching something in the air and frowning, then wiping that away.
"Mrrrow!" His familiar insisted. Abruptly stopping, and glaring at her. "What, you stupid cat?" A pause, dark eyes meeting red, and silence as the two conversed and stared at each other.
no subject
Date: 2018-01-17 02:50 am (UTC)He continued on, and though she did pay full attention, she also couldn't help note that this may have been the first time she'd been around him long enough to have a conversation of something that interested them both. His mind was still as chaotic as his title would imply, but he was certain of his information and when Teek'l drew his attention...
She pulled her hand away and watched them, recognizing all the signs of a telepathic connection from her time with M'gann. Once again feeling a bit left out, but waiting until they were done just in case the familiar had something of genuine importance to contribute.
no subject
Date: 2018-01-17 03:03 am (UTC)"Fine." Murmured to his familiar, before he paced back to the table. Settling down, and pulling over one or two of Zatanna's books. "It would be helpful if the people trying to protect all of us would let us in on their plan." Teek'l murmured a 'mrr' of assent, and settled back down to enjoy more scratching from Zatanna.
Well, clearly nothing was wrong if Klarion was pouty. He was also treating her family's books with a respectful care as he started to read. Fast, so maybe he wasn't reading it closely at first, rather than skimming. Still, they were treated with respect and care for the valuable resources they were.
no subject
Date: 2018-01-17 03:07 am (UTC)"Good luck with that. Do you think the League tells us anything half the time? This is why we run off without waiting for them to sanction missions when we do."
no subject
Date: 2018-01-17 03:19 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2018-01-17 03:20 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2018-01-17 03:27 am (UTC)"And don't worry, I'm fairly sure we'll soon be back to fighting. I'll step wrong, or have the urge to turn someone into a frog, or decide I need a little trophy of some kind that none of you want me to have, and then you'll be in the way again." There was surprisingly no malice in his words. The soft chuckle at the end added to it that he was just amused by all of this.
no subject
Date: 2018-01-19 03:23 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2018-01-19 03:39 am (UTC)"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.
no subject
Date: 2018-01-20 05:47 am (UTC)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.
no subject
Date: 2018-01-20 05:59 am (UTC)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."
no subject
Date: 2018-01-22 01:09 am (UTC)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:
no subject
Date: 2018-02-01 08:03 am (UTC)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."
no subject
Date: 2018-02-09 02:41 am (UTC)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?"
no subject
Date: 2018-02-11 05:45 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2018-02-17 03:50 am (UTC)