I followed Jax and Apollo through the hallway and into the dining room, admiring the photos on the walls. There were pictures of Aunt Fraya and Uncle Paul, smiling and laughing in various locations, both magical and non-magical. It confused me why they were in magical realms. Aunt Fraya was my dad’s sister, but she had an accident and lost her ability to do magic. And Uncle Paul was non Magical from birth. But somehow, they got permission to travel through the magic realms.
What fascinated me more were the photos from places I recognized from the non-magical realm. I recognized Rome, Paris, and Mt. Fuji. There were far more that I didn’t recognize. I made a mental note to ask them for suggestions for later.
I arrived at the dining room with my chaperones to find the table already set for dinner. Plates and utensils were arranged neatly, with a salad bowl, sides, and condiments in the center. My cousins were already seated, with Julie sitting across from me and Jake sitting to my left. As I approached with my hands behind my hands, to a confused raised eyebrow from my uncle, I cleared my throat and placed the two gifts on the table in front of them.
“Hey guys, I got you something,” I said, trying to sound casual. “It’s not much, but I hope you like it.”
Julie’s eyes widened as she saw the magical robotic owl-cat, and Jake looked confused and then excited at the sight of the war-forged robot. Aunt Freya looked at the table from the kitchen and let out an “Aww!”
“Whoa, this is so cool!” Julie exclaimed, beaming at me. “I mean, I have a real dog, so a stuffed toy isn’t as exciting.”
I looked at her, confused for a second “This isn’t a doll. It’s an automaton.” Pointing to the war-forged, “Both of these are. After dinner, I’ll activate them for you and help you program them. They are powered by magic, but a charge should last you a long time, and I’ll recharge it when I’m around.”
For a second, I noticed Jake’s face go sad. But then he smiled big and said, “You remembered I like robots? Thank you.”
I quickly said, “Yep,” even though I had no idea.
Aunt Fraya brought over a big pan of some rice dish and said, “Put those away somewhere high. Sparky probably won’t appreciate the competition.” She placed it in the empty spot on the table.
Sparky materialized by my feet as if on cue and barked, making everyone laugh. Uncle Paul took the owl-cat and war-forged, walked over to the bookcase of recipe books, and placed them on the top shelf.
I sat at the table, relieved that my cousins liked their gifts. She served each of us a scoop and placed the other dishes she had made, like grilled chicken and vegetables, around the rice. I noticed the salads were already on the table, and my uncle started passing around the bread basket. We ate family style, passing around dishes as requested. Almost exactly like my parents making me homesick for a second. But I didn’t let it bring the mood down at the table.
My Uncles voice brought my mind back to the table. “John, I want to say thank you for bringing this box from your dad. It’s really kind of him to send us something, and you are a great delivery boy,” said Uncle Paul, looking at me with a smile.
Aunt Fraya nodded in agreement and added, “Yes, we really appreciate it. Your dad always thinks of us. And this time, he didn’t miss anything off my list I asked him for.”
I smiled back at them. “Of course, happy to help out, but I think Mom packed it, if I’m not mistaken,” I replied. Both my aunt and uncle rolled their eyes at my realization.
Julie then spoke up, “Did we get anything too?”
I shrugged, “Not sure,” and looked at Aunt Freya.
She smiled slyly. “I’ll let you know after dinner.”
Julie looked about to complain, but Jake whispered loudly, “That means yes,” and glanced at me for support. I just shrugged and threw my hands up, still holding the knife and fork.
Uncle Paul snorted, coughed, and asked, “How was your last semester of school. You graduated not too long ago, right?”
I looked at him, finished chewing, and responded, “Yeah, actually. It was tough, but I passed every class with flying colors. My worst grade was in the physical training class. I still squeaked by with an A-.”
Uncle Paul smirked, “Not big on sports are ya?”
I shook my head. “No sir, I’m very much related to a bookworm.”
Aunt Freya rolled her eyes. “No, you are just related to your parents. They were threatened with repeating high school classes because they failed physical training and combat arts.”
Jake’s and Julie’s eyes lit up and snapped to me. “Combat arts?” they said in unison.
Aunt Fraya pointed a fork at all three of us one by one. “Never in the house! Got it.” Her voice left nothing to negotiate.
Jake smirked, “Hear that, Julie. I don’t want to break anything else.”
Julie looked upset. “Shut up!”
Uncle Paul ignored them. “That’s good. Does that mean the rest of your grades were even better?”
I glanced at Julie, then answered, “Yes, sir. My dad would not have it any other way. He would drill me for anything less than a perfect score. How much do you know about magic?”
Uncle Paul shrugged. “Well, more than average mun-” he looked at Aunt Fraya, who was glaring, “non-magical normie.” I heard a thud, and Uncle Paul winced. “But it’s really limited to whatever Fraya explains whenever we have to help out locals. She might be unable to do magic, but she knows it inside and out.”
Aunt Freya swallowed. “Flattery won’t help you. But in general, we don’t hind our heritage. Either side of our heritage, for that matter.”
Julie pipes up with pride with a mouth full of salad. “I know you and Mom are magical. But Mom isn’t magical anymore. Dad and Jake are non-magical-”
Aunt Fraya interrupted sharply, “Swallow, then talk.”
Uncle Paul touched her shoulder and said, “For the most part, I’m no longer freaked out by magic. When I first met Freya, she told me who she used to be after I proposed. That scared me so much I had to rethink my whole worldview.” Pointing to me, “Your dad is a good man. He worked through some of the history books with me and explained how magic generally works.” After another spoonful of food, he said with his mouth full, “What are your plans for your... whatever it’s called.”
Aunt Fraya pointed a fork at him. “This is why the kids do that too.”
Uncle Paul shrugged as I responded, “I’m not sure it is okay with you. I would like to spend some time here and get a job. Definitely learn how the world works” Pulling out my phone, I said, “Learn how to use this thing.”
Uncle Paul burst out laughing. “You’re just like your dad, John. A total Luddite when it comes to technology. Only he was surprised by things in the late 90s. I would love to see the old man’s brain melt nowadays.”
I grinned, “Yeah, I know. But I’m willing to learn.”
Aunt Freya nodded, “It’s good to keep up with the times, John, especially in this day and age. Everything changes so fast. I’m happy I came to the non-magical realm when I did and not later. Just in time for the technological revolution.”
Julie interrupted, “What’s a Luddite.”
Uncle Paul chuckled, “It’s someone who’s opposed to new technology or generally not good with it.”
I chuckled. “I’m the latter.”
Julie looked confused, “Why is it bad to call someone a Luddite?”
Jake smirked. “Cause you’re judging others when you are lacking. I have to set up everything for your lazy butt.”
Julie looked down at her plate. “Shut up”
It was my imagination, but I was almost sure I saw a shimmer beside her clenched fist. But when I looked again, it disappeared.
Uncle Paul looked over at Jake with a disapproving expression and said, “Be nice. Don’t insult each other” Jake rolled his eyes and muttered something under his breath but said nothing else. Uncle Paul paused momentarily, letting his words sink in with a smothering look at Jake. “We’re all family here, and we should treat each other respectfully.”
Aunt Fraya chimed in, “That’s right. We may have differences, but we must be kind to one another. We’re all in this together” This withered Jake’s bravado the rest of the way.
After a moment of uncomfortable silence, Aunt Fraya cleared her throat and said, “So, John, have you given any more thought to what you want to do next.”
I paused for a moment, thinking about my options. “Honestly, I’m not sure yet. As I said, I’ve been considering getting a job and adjusting to the non-magical world.”
Uncle Paul nodded, “Well if you want to try your hand at mechanics, my shop always will give you a chance. Pay is decent, but the work is hard.”
I smiled, grateful for his offer. “That would be amazing. I’m unsure how much help I would be, but I’m open to the idea.”
Aunt Fraya smiled warmly, “For the summer at the library I work at, we always have openings for people helping out. There are not many things to do for kids during the summer, so we try to run as many programs as we can afford. The pay is worse, but the learning curve is less steep and less dangerous.”
I nodded and froze. I nervously put my spoon down. “I’m not sure what you mean by far less dangerous. But I would love to stop by and try my hand at both if you are willing” I glanced at Jake, who looked sour at my statement. But he didn’t say anything.
I finished the last bite of my dinner, feeling full and satisfied. It tasted strange to me. Not really what I was used to, but every bit as good as my mom and dad’s cooking. Aunt Fraya stood up from the table and said, “I’ll go get the gifts from your family, John” As I watched Aunt Fraya leave the room, I noticed that Jake had already gotten up from the table and was about to leave. I wondered why he was upset but decided not to dwell on it.
Less than half a minute later, Aunt Fraya returned with the box my dad asked me to deliver. Jakedidn’tt quite makes it away, as Aunt Fraya grabs his elbow and pulls him back to the
table with herself. He plopped back in the chair next to me, and Aunt Fraya placed the box on the table in front of herself. “I took some things out already. Mostly food, spices, and potions. What still here are the gifts and souvenirs for us.”
As Aunt Fraya opened the box, put her arm in the 2-inch box to the elbow, and pulled out a stack of books, “I’m not sure which of these are for whom” She looked at the titles. “I’m assuming the magic girl is for Julie, and the dragon fighting book is for Jake” She hands the books to Jake, who puts them in front of him and puts his elbow on it. Julie looked annoyed at him but just pouted.
Aunt Freya put her arm back in the box and fished out a bottle of liquor, which she handed Uncle Paul. He grinned from ear to ear, pleased with the gift. I knew he was a fan of good alcohol, and this bottle fit the bill perfectly. As he examined it, he read the label out loud, “Aged Distilled Wine, made with Gorgon Berries and aged 25 years in Evergreen Glade Barrels” For a minute, I could see the mental debate of opening it now or later play out in his eyes. For some reason, he made a choice to leave it for later.
Aunt Freya put her arm in there one last time and pulled out a crystal housed in an Elderwood frame. It looked like a glowing sand hourglass. Putting it on the table, she fished a shutter that fits around the crystal out and said, “And this is for me.”
Julie stopped her pouting for a second and said, “Ooo, what’s that.”
Aunt Freya looked at me. “Pop quiz: what is this, and what is it used for.”
I smiled even though I disliked being put on the spot. Clearing my throat, I said, “Looks like a manna crystal. Commonly used to charge other devices by people who lack a magic supply or an insufficient manna flow. This is most commonly used by the elderly to allow them to use magic tools when their own manna flow became limited from old age” With an evil gleam in my eye, I looked up and said, “Auntie, I didn’t know you were that old.”
Julie giggled as Uncle Paul Roared with laughter to the point that Sparky, Jax, and Apollo joined in with howls and parks. Jake and Aunt Fraya were the only ones who stared slack-jawed at me. After a few seconds, Aunt Frey punched me in the shoulder, screaming, “Cheeky brat! I’m gonna kick your butt.”
Uncle Paul raised a hand. “Hang on, hang on, comedy rules. Even you will admit it was funny in about an hour or so. Give him mercy.”
Julie giggled. “Yes! John for the win.”
Aunt Fraya shot a squinted look with a smirk at Julie, who covered her mouth but giggled uncontrollably.
Aunt Fraya’s squinted look with a smirk made me nervous even when she wasn’t directing her gaze at me. It seemed like she was still upset about my joke. But the standoff didn’t last long, as Aunt Freya’s laughter signaled the end of the stalemate.
After her laughter petered out, she said, “Okay, John. Good one. I’ll admit it. And I honestly asked for it a bit, putting you on the spot like that. But be warned, I will get you back” The last thing was accompanied by a finger wag in my direction.
Uncle Paul started to gather the dishes, stacking them up and preparing to carry them to the kitchen. “Don’t worry about these. We’ll take care of it,” he told us. “You guys sit, relax and catch up. We’ll take care of the cleanup today” I thanked him, and Julie and Jake looked relieved at not having to do the dishes for once.
Aunt Fraya closed the box and took it away, agreeing with her husband. “Yes, we’ll take care of everything today. You guys just enjoy yourselves,” she said with a smile.
Jax, Apollo, and Sparky barked in unison, and Uncle Paul said, “Yeah, I know it’s potty time. Wait a minute, let me get this done quickly” The dogs obediently walked over to the front door and sat in a row from tallest to shortest, sitting at attention.
As the grown-ups carried the plates away, I asked Jake and Julie, “So what do you two want to do now.”
Julie and Jake both shrugged simultaneously and said, “I dunno,” in unison.
Uncle Paul returned and said, looking at Jake and Julie, “I think there is desert coming. But don’t tell her,” pointing to the kitchen, “I told you,”
Julie squealed in delight. “Yeah”
Uncle Paul picked up the last plates and carried them away. I poked the stack of books under Jake’s elbow and asked, “What are these? I don’t often read illuminated novels.”
Julie reached over to Jake and said, “Give me my books, please.”
Jake ignored her and said, “It is a good story, kinda a dramatized story of the dragon wars. It follows some historical events and a bunch of fictional events. It is a near-perfect balance of fluff, drama, romance, and action. I always want more action, but oh well.”
Julie repeated her request, “Give me my books, please” She sounded more urgently.
Jake sorted the books, putting his in one stack and Julies in the other. “These, on the other hand, are pure tween girl fluff. I tried reading them to her when she was younger but couldn’t. I just devolved into making fun of it, so Julie tattled on me and got me in trouble” Looking at Julie, he added with his tongue out, “Tattle tail.”
Julie was defiantly getting frustrated. “Just give me my books.”
Jake ignored her and said, “This book style is really cool. It is like reading a manga with gifs.”
I was about to say something but noticed a shimmer in Julie’s hands. I definitely saw it this time and recognized it for what it was. “Julie, calm down. He will give you the books.”
Julie was near tears. “He’s just a jerk! Jake, just give me my books, and I’ll leave you alone.”
I looked at Julie, channeling some manna into a prepared spell to summon my wand “Julie, you need to calm down, I don’t know what’s going on, but you are getting a little too worked up.”
Jake didn’t take my hint and taunted Julie, “Come on, you little baby, you don’t need to cry. I’m just sorting my books from yours, you don’t like my books, and you definitely should read them for at least a few more years.”
That was defiantly the wrong thing to say. Tears streamed down Julies face as he jerked her arms up and down with a scream, releasing a bolt of manna, sending it at Jake. Jake had no idea what was coming at him since he couldn’t see magic, but Julie’s face went from angry to horrified in a fraction of a second. I summoned my wand and activated an absorption spell.
From the kitchen, we heard Uncle Paul’s voice, “Jake, stop teasing your sister.”
Jake looked horrified at my hand in front of his face with a wand that appeared out of nowhere. “What are you doing.”
I quickly said, “She’s shoving raw manna around” Julie’s hands shimmered again, and another bolt of manna was sent at us. I caught it again. “You can’t see it” Focusing on Julie, I spoke softly, “Julie, please calm down.”
As I said that, tears burst from her eyes again as she whispered urgently, “I can’t! Last time this kept happening until I blacked out. Please help”
I caught two more bolts and looked to the kitchen. “Don’t tell them! I don’t know what’s going on. Please don’t tell them,” Julie pleaded with me.
Catching another bolt of manna, I decided to stop her. I charged a stun bolt and sent it right to Julie. She looked shocked and scared as the bolt flew at her, but she didn’t even try to dodge it. The bolt connected, her eyes rolled back, and the manna drained like water from her hands.
Activating a rush spell, I sped around the table before Julie’s body became limp and caught her. The last thing we needed was a black eye from hitting the table.
Jake looked scared and shocked. In a harsh whisper, he said, “John, did you just kill her? And how did you move that fast.”
I looked, and John incredulously, “Dude! Course not. She’s asleep. And I buffed my speed.”
He looked to the kitchen and whispered, “What now.”