#phoebusstone

Glenn and Silver got properly dressed and walked over to where Phoebus lived. Glenn's grandfather Howard had gone over there for supper like he usually did when he was trying to give the couple alone time. Letting themselves in the pair found Howard talking to Gillian while Phoebus and Miranda were talking on the couch.

Miranda: Hey, did I just see Koko fly past your place

Silver: Yeah

Miranda: That doesn't sound like a happy "yeah" there buddy

Silver sat down on a couch while Glenn took the armchair and turned to his grandfather with excitement.

Glenn: You'll never guess what! There's another Sutherland on the way, I'm pregnant!

The lounge was quiet for a minute, the only noise being Pockets scratching at a rug.

Phoebus: Are you certain?

Glenn: Ophelia had Koko deliver a test. I'm pregnant

Miranda: Okay pardon my ignorance but... I thought you were a cis guy Glenn

Silver: He is

Gillian: What does cis mean

Howard: It means he was classified as a male at birth and feels it was the gender that best fits him

Gillian: But if that's right... boys can't get pregnant... can they?

Silver: I... male werewolves... we've always been able to get pregnant

Phoebus: You have? Fascinating

Glenn: You didn't know Phoebus?

Phoebus: For various reasons occults have always felt that their own kind are the best keepers of their knowledge. I know almost everything a spellcaster could about us and our history but werewolves... they don't exactly take kindly to visitors approaching their packs

Silver: Normally visitors mean hunters

Miranda: But if male werewolves can get pregnant then... why aren't you the pregnant one

Silver: *snaps* I don't know! It's not like I don't want to be

Phoebus: Silver did you ever hear of a werewolf getting a male who was not a werewolf pregnant

Silver sat sulkily. No he hadn't. His dad hadn't wanted them to find mates outside of their own species anyway. If it had happened, he wouldn't have told Silver.

Glenn: Silver's dad... he wasn't exactly big on sharing Phoebus

Phoebus: Hmm...

Silver: That's all you have? I thought you were supposed to be an all knowing spellcaster! Keeper of the knowledge or something! Do you know anything?

Phoebus: To my knowledge Glenn would be the first male spellcaster to carry a child. Perhaps if you explained how male werewolves can-

Silver: I don't know the science stuff, not to the level you'd need to make sure he doesn't die

Glenn: *quietly* Silver is concerned that I could die trying to carry our kid to term

Phoebus: Well we would certainly need to look in to how to get them out safely. Some kind of imaging. We can't risk going to a human hospital but there are spells those who specialise in healing magic know. It will be a big stress on your body-

Silver: Can't you just use magic to move it in to me? Werewolves can survive almost anything. It wouldn't be able to hurt me like it could hurt Glenn

Phoebus: I know spellcasters may not be as sturdy as werewolves Silver but I assure you, we can survive a lot. Including pouting werewolves

Silver: *sighs* I just want Glenn safe. What's so wrong with that?

Miranda: No one is saying we want Glenn to get hurt Silver. Trust me, we can look after him

Phoebus: There is a lot of talent in this coven alone. We will find a way to keep Glenn safe. But I suspect like any kind of transplant magic, the risk would be too high for the unborn to try and move them

Gillian: You don't want to get rid of it, right Silver?

Howard: I'm sure Silver doesn't want that at all

Silver sighed and put his head in his hands. He had been alive for a long time. He had lost a lot. Over and over. As scary as this was he didn't want to lose his kid. But could he keep Glenn and their child? Was there even an option that would let that happen? All he could see in his mind was Glenn being torn apart from the inside.

Glenn: We want our kid I just think... we don't want to lose each other

Phoebus: Getting rid of it would likely be even more dangerous. I think we need to let the pregnancy run it's course. I am going to have to some deep research though

Miranda: So... congratulations?

Silver and Phoebus sighed while Gillian scooped Pockets up for a snuggle and Howard kissed his grandson on the head.

For the official baby shower Glenn and Silver attempted to host the whole coven. Glenn was a bit worried about what so many people in once place might do to Silver but the werewolf assured him it was best they host. That way he could always duck into the bedroom for a minute of peace and any grumpiness would just be seen as him having high standards as a host.

Elise: Glenn! You look great. You're glowing like one of my moonlight charged gems

Glenn: Oh thanks I-

Jackson: Marisol is angry she couldn't bring Sandy

Marisol: Hush Jackson, I didn't say that

Jackson: She said she misses her dog so it's basically the same

Elise: Do you not miss Throttle

Jackson: Not right this second, my dog can take care of himself. Plus he has Thrash for company

Elise: Luckily BooBoo doesn't need company, he's a very self confident cat

Koko: Glenn, I have a baby shower gift for you

Glenn: You do? You really like gift wrapping huh

Koko: It gives me something to do. Will you open it now?

Henri: What are we talking about all the way out here? The dangers of crowds?

Howard: *laughing* Oh I think we all know the dangers of crowds

Silver: I mean... I'm doing better with them than I was a year ago right?

Henri: Oui, indeed

Silver: Thank you for bringing the snacks Henri. They're not uh... you know?

Henri: Laced with pleasure? Everything I bake is, but just low doses for everyday bakes

Silver: But... could that hurt the kid

Henri: Kids are stronger than you think Silver. Surely you saw your fair share of werewolf cub fights, no?

Silver: Oh the battles between the young ones were ferocious but they couldn't get seriously hurt, werewolves can't

Howard: I do find it fascinating how impervious your kind is to damage

Henri: Your kid is bound to be just the same, even if they're a spellcaster

Silver: I hope so. Losing parents was hard enough, I can't imagine losing a kid- sorry Howard

Howard: *soft smile* I'll see my boy again when my time is through

Glenn was doing the rounds when he noticed Ophelia standing in the corner, staring at the treefish in the tank.

Glenn: You alright there Ophelia

Ophelia: Me? Yes. I was just wondering what it must be like for Oakley

Glenn: What do you mean

Ophelia: He's a proud only child. How can he comprehend a new sibling coming in to his world?

Glenn: Uhhhh, you think he has that much awareness?

Ophelia: Oh I've no idea. But I think he looks like he's getting ready

Glenn: Right... why don't we sit down for a bit Ophelia

Ophelia: Of course. I was just waiting for you to suggest that

So the pair sat down at the table beside Gillian and began to snack.

Glenn: I don't suppose you can tell me if I'm growing a baby boy or baby girl

Ophelia: I can't. They haven't decided yet

Glenn: They haven't decided yet?

Ophelia: Gender is a social construct anyway but their body hasn't decided which sex they most want to be like. It's as if their inner boy and girl are playing tic tac toe for it, like their inner spellcaster and werewolf are

Glenn: Wait, are you saying they'll be both genders and both occults

Ophelia: I can't give you hints about the future Glenn, you know this

Phoebus: How are you coping Silver

Silver: Better. I wanted to apologise for my behaviour in your house right after we learned Glenn was pregnant

Phoebus: Silver, I may not know what it's like to have been alone as long as you were but I can understand that unlearning behaviour takes time. Now here, I got Drusilla to help me with this

Silver: What is it? Is it- wait... how?

Phoebus: Drusilla does blood magic. From the blood sample of your child she was able to work backwards along the family lines. Does it look right?

Silver: *happily* The sketch looks exactly like my mom looked. Thank you. Thank you so much

Phoebus: You're very welcome. Oh no need to hide your tears from me Silver, they're a sign of love

Glenn: So... what's next?

Miranda: Imaging equipment is pretty straightforward. I just need to rig something up so we can see what exactly is happening in there

As most of the group turned to technical discussion Gillian pulled on Howard's sleeve.

Howard: Yes Gillian

Gillian: You're going to be a great-grandfather

Howard: *smiling* I am

Gillian: Does that mean you'll take the immortality potion now

Howard: *gently* No child

Gillian: But... but if you don't then you'll die

Howard: Death is a natural part of life. You see it in plants and forests all the time. Some things must die so new ones can take their place

Gillian: If... if you move on, can you tell my parents I love them

Howard: Of course but I'm not planning on going any time soon

Gillian: I've just been thinking and... I don't think I'll ever see them again. It makes me sad

Howard: Because you're stuck as an immortal

Gillian: Yes. Everyone else in the coven, they chose this. They chose to freeze themselves in time. But I didn't. It was an accident

Howard: Phoebus is working hard to try and reverse-

Gillian: I know. I just... sometimes I really miss my parents

Howard gathered the young girl in for a hug. He couldn't imagine the strife she felt about her situation. Picking to become an immortal was one thing. Having immortality thrust upon you was another. He knew he would be heart broken if he were to face the idea of forever without seeing the family he lost again.

Silver: So your plan amounts to sitting around and waiting

Phoebus: Many things simply require time and patience

Silver: But Glenn could be in danger, the kid could be in danger

Howard: Silver, I know it's scary-

Silver: No you don't! You fell in love with a woman who was the same occult as you. We don't know if whoever is in there will be a werewolf or a spellcaster or some crazy mix

Glenn: We'll figure it out Silver. Whoever is growing in me will still just be a baby when they're born. We have plenty of time to adjust

Silver knew Glenn was right really. The baby would be a mix of them both so how could he not love them? But he couldn't help being scared of the unknown when Glenn's safety could be at risk.

Silver: When can you get the imaging machine done Miranda?

Miranda: Oh if I get the twins to fetch parts for me I could have it done in a week

Glenn: Why would you need them to-

Phoebus: Those boys have no qualms about stealing. While we try to curb it, the talent can be useful from time to time

Glenn: So we should... wait?

Miranda: No choice Glenn. Why don't you two settle on a house? You have a shortlist right

Silver: We do...

Howard: Moving to a new place with the intent of raising kids there could help a lot

House tour coming up in half an hour, it's too many photos to add in to this post

Phoebus: Gillian can you ask Pockets to not eat the pie

Gillian: But why shouldn't he eat pie

Miranda: Because we want to eat it

Glenn: Um, what were you doing earlier with a barrier?

Phoebus: Oh it's a pretty basic spell really, similar to the big one on the property. In essence it's a smaller bubble that will keep sound in and stop and spells or potions traveling outside it

Gillian: He worries I'll run in to more potions and throw off his research

Miranda: Finding a cure for you is serious business Gillian

Gillian: Seriously boring

Phoebus: Would you like me to teach you how to make one Glenn?

Glenn: Yes please. I don't really know what I'd use it for but it could be useful

Miranda: I mostly cast them so my music doesn't travel upstairs in the middle of the night

Gillian: I don't mind hearing it

Phoebus: Maybe but sleep is important at your age

Gillian: *sighs* It's boring being my age

Miranda: That your new favourite word is it

Phoebus got up and motioned for Glenn to do the same.

Phoebus: The important thing is to picture the bubble small first. Specifically focus on what you want to be able to go in and what you want to be able to go out

Glenn listened as Phoebus explained the various things to consider. Sound, light, spells, people. Then he showed how to throw the bubble up and out.

Glenn: Is it okay for me to use a wand

Phoebus: If you find it helps you focus, of course

Glenn gave it a shot. He hadn't done much magic that wasn't nature based, but perhaps it was time to learn. Eventually he was able to cast a bubble that kept sound in or out, but he'd need to practice more before he'd be capable of stopping much else with it.

Phoebus: That's good progress Glenn

Glenn: *smiles* Thanks

Phoebus: Keep working on it though, it's pretty useful to be able to cast a barrier

Glenn went to head home but before he could Phoebus reminded him to check in on some of the other coven members, pointing out their houses through the windows. Glenn did pop home to grab his cardigan before he went to the house that was closest to his own. Trying to grow a thicker skin, he knocked.

Jackson: Come on in unless you're a doofus

Coleman: Or a perv

Jackson: But definitely come in if you're a stripper

Sighing to himself, Glenn opened the door. The twins were relaxing on the couch in front of the TV but sat up when he came in.

Jackson: Oh my gosh is it Glenn?

Coleman: The Glenn?

Jackson: The first loser

Coleman: No man, he could be the second loser because that other one lost to

Glenn: *scoffs* I forgot your names but I guess one of you is Charlie and the other is Chaplin. Or was it Larry and Moe?

The twins stared at him, not getting the joke.

There's not a lot I can say about him, as he keeps his personal history close to his chest. I can say he is over a century old by a lot, he took an immortality potion before his looks deteriorated to much. He is dedicated to preserving the history of spellcasters as well as looking after the younger generation. The drive is what led to him forming his coven.

He has a good relationship with the parliament of spellcasters who see him as a responsible mage, often calling on him for advice or help with other spellcasters. He believes that magic users thrive together even though this can make humans uncomfortable, defensive or even violent. So he moves the coven every so often and sets up a series of protections around the site to dissuade humans from prying.

Interested in Phoebus? He is available to download & has a human version. Feel free to rewrite his story!

From the kitchen there was the sound of loud popping followed by a heavy sigh.

Phoebus: Come in Glenn. I've disabled the barrier

Glenn: How did-

Miranda: You're not exactly quiet

Glenn swallowed nervously and walked in to the kitchen where the old spellcaster was sitting down at the table.

Glenn: Miranda said you didn't want to be disturbed

Phoebus: That was then, this is now

A bunch of comments ran through Glenn's mind. He wasn't sure which one to latch on to first.

Phoebus: You're back

Glenn: For now. Your offer to join the coven was nice but, I really don't know if it's for me. I know grandfather is happy enough here, and I really appreciate the offer-

Phoebus: Will you let me make a suggestion?

Glenn: Could I stop you

Phoebus: *chuckles* Probably not. But stay here a while, meet the others properly, grow your skills. You'll be safer out there on you own if you take some time to master your craft

Glenn: Sounds like you care

Phoebus: The reason I was against you going for that bachelor challenge was nothing to do with you. It's dangerous still for us to announce our presence and there you were wanting to broadcast your powers

Glenn: I never showed them on the show

Phoebus: But you talked about your spellcaster ancestry

Glenn: Well yeah, I'm proud of it

Phoebus: As you should be. I'm old and times are changing, a lot of the human youth are not against occults as much as they were in decades past. But the dangerous ones are still out there. I have some of the most unique magic talents under my charge, I want them safe

Glenn: I didn't out the coven Phoebus

Phoebus: I know, and I'm grateful for that. I want everyone safe, you included. So for the time being, stay.

Glenn: I'll give it a try. Oh, ah, me and grandfather made a blueberry pie for you

Phoebus: For me? Oh I'd never dream of eating alone in front of a glutton. Call in Miranda and Gillian and we'll dish up a slice

He did and Phoebus got them all a slice, heating it up slightly before serving. Glenn wanted to appear polite but with food right in front of him he couldn't resist digging in with fervor.

Phoebus: If you could check in with Henri, Drusilla and Harmony? I'm sure they'll have ideas of some specific tasks you could do to sharpen up

Glenn: Are they like, your deputies

Phoebus: No but they are the most experienced coven members with practical, mischief and untamed magic

Gillian: Glenn could you get some flowers to plant around the place? Pockets would love some shrubs to hide in

Miranda: Manners

Gillian: Oh, please?

Glenn: Since I get the feeling I'm going to get a lot of demands, what's one extra request. I'll add it to my list