Baby, would you flee with me

[Xavier Eckhart]

It wasn't long after the hunters fall in Portvale that Xavier found himself quite bored. Though he had to admit it was a nice quiet change not having to deal with them, you could only handle the silence for so long. Which to be honest, seemed so out of character for him, or at least he thought. He guessed that he always did have some obstacle to over come, or some sense of a challenge before him. A hobby, if you will. It was just time for a change. Xavier already had a start over before, wasn't like he wouldn't enjoy a little new scenery.

Now he wasn't exactly sure what he was scouting for, or if anything would really come of this adventure, but he packed up and left Portvale. The biggest mistake was taking Veronica with him. Xavier eye rolled involuntarily at the thought, glancing over at her and shaking his head. Almost as if she could read his thoughts. Oh, wait. She could. That was something you would think he would remember. Ever since they bonded, their connection of blood, spirit and craft, they can not only sense each other, but call for help and even read each others minds sometimes. Veronica couldn't of course hear shit unless he unraveled the wards. That was until now. Of course she would make that her little project. Please, waste your time and power and finding more ways to annoy me.

And now they were here. In Weeping Meadows.  A pathetic little town, with the same ol southern stories of war and slavery. Not to mention the religion. That should be an interesting plot twist. He wondered if they would kick him out if he ever went to mass. By the look the Reverend gave him, he might just have to press his patience.

[Veronica Lee]

Veronica brushed the dust off another book, placing it on the shelf. She wasn't sure why she had to organize Xavier's study, but for some reason she did it anyways. She hated this new town Xavier decided to come to. It was tiny, and pathetic. It reminded her a lot of her hometown, only this one was worse. If that was even possible. This one had beauty pageants, and girls with big hair and frilly skirts. Not to mention the accents. And this town was religious, annoyingly religious. Everybody went to church every Sunday and pretending to be good human beings for one day a week. She hated religion and everyone who talked about it.

She could already feel herself becoming bored in this new town. There wasn't a big nightlife scene, nowhere for her to go and dance, there wasn't even an ocean. She had lived by the beach her whole life and it wasn't until she had been away from it for a while that she realized how much she enjoyed being near it. Here there was just a marsh, a pathetic excuse for a body of water.

She still wasn't sure why Xavier really decided to come here. Because he was bored of Portvale? It was even more boring here. Yet somehow she came with him. Why she was still not sure but she thought it might be the urge to learn more and become more powerful, which she wouldn't be able to do without Xavier or his books. The very books she continued to organize right now. "Remind me again why I'm doing this, and you're not?" She asked as she glanced back at him, just in time to hear his rude comment. She rolled her eyes and turned back around. "Don't act like you don't want me here. I'm your only friend." If he would even consider them that. They were more like allies. He was the only ally she had, and if he had any other, she sure hadn't seen any of them yet. I will. She turned around for another moment to smirk at him before returning back to what she was doing.

[Xavier Eckhart]

It wasn't exactly like he planned to move from Portvale to here directly. He didn't have an exact plan when he took the idea and ran with it. Another out of character decision. Xavier was the type to plan everything and know precisely how things would develop. This was not one of those moments and though he never assumed it was going to be this easy, he would never let her on to that. For as far as she was concerned, this was his very plan from the start.

Xavier leaned his new study chair back a bit as he grinned at her from across the room. Swirling the scotch in it's glass before taking a sip. "Because, you will." It was true enough. Why would he waste his time putting together a whole study when he didn't have to. Of course, by all technicalities neither did she, but this was far more enjoyable watching her do it for him. Almost like it was some sort of reminder of where she stacked up beside him. She was after all his ally, but not his equal. Xavier wasn't sure if she remembered that. Veronica had been getting a little cocky lately, it was in his best interest to keep her humbled.

He shrugged, "I wasn't one for keeping friends." Though also true, he didn't exactly grow too tired of Veronica either. Which was really saying a lot considering a lot of the things that come out of her mouth. The best way he could describe it was that she was a blond at heart, but it somehow came out charming than mind numbingly painful, like most people were.  "And besides I always have Radley." he replied with a smug grin.

[Veronica Lee]

Veronica thought about his answer for a moment and simply shrugged. He was right, she simply would. She continued orginazing the books, occasionally opening and and glancing in the books. She took a step back to see her progress, and sighed when she noticed how little progress she had actually made. Another thing she despised about moving. "Isn't there an easier way to do this?" She figured it would go a lost faster if he actually helped instead of simply telling her where he wanted every book. But of course he wouldn't do that, that would be far too easy."Where do you want this one?" She asked holding up and a nameless book.

She thought about his answer for a moment. "Friends are overrated anyways." She wasn't one to keep friends either, or anyone for that matter. Most people were ignorant and annoying anyways. Maybe they bonded over their hate for everyone else. "Hm well I'd like to see you do with Radley what you do with me." She glanced over her shoulder and shot him a mischievous smile before continuing placing books. "Remind me why you had to pick this town to come to? Why couldn't you have picked a nice little town on the beaches of California? Or somewhere near New York?" She still couldn't figure out what was so special about this town. It was nothing like Portvale, except the fact it was small. As far as she could tell the only thing interesting was the island in the marsh and the abandon house. There was nothing enjoyable here. Although, she wasn't sure he really enjoyed anything anyways.

She tried to think of any perks of being in this town, but it was quite hard to find any. New people, new practice dummies, new scenery. She had gotten a new job, as a maid. It seemed interesting enough, at least she could keep an eye on who was coming and going in town. She would have gotten a better job but she actually had no practical skills so that was hard. She had resigned to the fact that she would never really have any sort if career, but why would she want one anyways? "Hey can any of these books tell me how to get tons of money without having to work?" Not that Xavier would know, he was usually rich for no real reason. That's why he bought this stupid farm house in the middle of nowhere. She thought it was possibly worse then his last house, if that was possible. At least that one was surrounded by something other then grass and horse shit.

[Xavier Eckhart]

"Of course there's an easier way." he stated matter-of-factually. In most cases than not, there was. Again however, he didn't exactly share on what that may be. He extended his index finger out from the glass that he now brought up to his lips for another sip. Hesitating briefly before bringing it completely there. "Over there is fine. Third shelf to the right. " It was obvious that she wasn't having a good time. Not that he truly expected it to be, but more so about the change in general. Oh well, she'd get over it and if not she always had that option to leave.

A small grin quickly came over his features when she mentioned the activities of their relationship. No, that wasn't something that was rather expected of Radley. "I don't like people." Every other town she picked always seemed to be crawling with people, but not only that but people that wanted to acknowledge you. Xavier was quite fine being left alone, unless they truly had something to offer him. Many would only be a waste of time. Here however, even with it being a 'friendly' town, he could be secluded in the farm house outside of town. The better part was that he chose the worst back story to ensure many being too put off to want to share their welcoming spirit. Even the realtor was taken back by the eagerness of his purchase, almost to the point where he almost wanted to refuse the offer himself. Which only proved the perfection of his choice.

Xavier was rather lucky when it came to finances. More so being born into it and having no sense of guilt in taking what he felt entitled to. With cash in pocket it only made it easier to earn more. What really did he ever have to lose? You simply buy more business that makes you money. Done. And if something ever did come up, it's not like he wouldn't be able to sway everything back into his favor. "All of them." he replied to her question. Many people didn't have the ability to step back and see things for what they are. See the bigger picture. There wasn't a spell or a potion that simply made you into someone, it was the power behind it that brought you to a certain place. Xavier never got to where he was by looking for the quickest or easiest way. Granted he favored those plans over the latter, but he knew the reality of it. "I don't know how many times I have to tell you that." He placed the glass onto the corner of the desk, as he pushed off from his chair. "Knowledge is the greatest power. Used wisely and anything is possible." Grabbing the book out of her hand to place it on the closest shelf to him. "There. I helped."

[Veronica Lee]

An easier way, that Xavier of course wouldn't tell her. "Of course." She repeated with a mumble. Veronica rolled her eyes at him and continued sorting things away. She stood up to place the book where he told her, opening it up to take a glance inside of it before placing it on the shelf. She might be stuck putting all of the books away, but it did give her a good opportunity to take a peak into the books she came across, see if she saw anything interesting in any of them. She already knew she was going to be bored in this town, so she might as well find something interesting to learn. Maybe being here would be good for her, she would have absolutely nothing better to do then to learn more.

"I don't like people either. But you know what's worse then people? The people in this town. They're religious Xavier." She sighed again at the simple thought. The town would practically be empty on Sunday, with everyone at church. Maybe she could use that to her advantage somehow. She tapped her fingers on the cover of the book, thinking about where it would go compared to the other.

"All of them..." She thought about the statement for a moment then shrugged. She supposed she did know enough to get her money, hell she probably knew enough just as a siren to get her money if she really wanted to. However that was a lot of work and she didn't really care that much, she would rather just have one spell to make her rich. "I'm getting there but I still don't have the knowledge and experience you do." She would probably never have the same knowledge and experience as he did, yet he would never be completely pleased until she did. It was like this unending circle. "Wow you are so helpful, thank you." She simply shook her head and glanced around at the rest of the empty shelves. "You are right, I do need more knowledge. So you should teach me something today!" She said enthusiastically, anxious to get out of the house.

[Xavier Eckhart]

Yes, Veronica did have a slight point. The civilians here were annoyingly religious, but instead of being a pain in his ass, she could look at the opportunity it presented. The could basically do whatever they felt like on Sunday, without having to be careful. Well, in all honesty they could do that whenever on the island, which was another opportunity in itself. "And you're saying that is a bad thing? These people are so insanely superstitious that they are practically giving us land free of interference. " he paused and smiled to himself. "And the greatest gift of all. Fear."

Another good point, she would never reach his abilities. Not only because of the fact that he was older and had far more training, but having the spirit element, it made him far more adaptable and though he wasn't born like this, more natural at his gift. It was a nice change to see someone actually eager to learn more.If only she could have that with the sense of independents. Though, yes most people learned by doing, she did have the ability to read. Or he at least hoped she did, though wouldn't be surprised otherwise.

He ran his hand through his hair at her proposal. He did guess it had been a while since any sort of training happened. The last one being a sparing match that didn't end well for either of them unfortunately. Being the most likely cause of his hesitation for more. "Fine." he mumbled under his breath. His tone in the complete opposite in which she had used. Walking over to one of the stacks of books that sat near his desk, his index finger grazed down their bindings. He grabbed the burgundy one with gold trimmings down it's spine, the books above hovering until the book was completely out of the stack before gently settling. Another thing he learned with teaching Veronica, don't let her pick the book.

[Veronica Lee]

Veronica sighed slightly. "I suppose." It would be nice having no interference, being able to do practically whatever on Sundays. But was that really worth dealing with all the obnoxious people and they're pathetic religion? She supposed she should be happy he didn't pick somewhere to live in the middle of nowhere, with no people. At least annoying people were better then nothing. "I wonder if we can twist the whole town into abandoning their entire religion. Torture them until they realize there is no God." She smiled mischievously. Maybe this town wouldn't be so bad after all.

Her eyes widened and she grinned when he actually agreed. She resisted the urge to say 'really?!' or 'yay!' like a little kid, figuring if she did he would probably change his mind. They hadn't done too much since their last one that didn't end too well, and she was beginning to get bored of simply reading. That and she was much more of a hands on learner. Although she supposed she could practice things she read without Xavier, she was slightly hesitant to do so. Not to mention if something went wrong she would have to go back to Xavier with her tail between her legs and admit she failed and that was really something she didn't want to have to experience.

She watched enthusiastically as he picked out a book out of the unsorted ones. "What are we going to do?" She asked as she glanced at the book as if it would give off some hint as to what he would teach her. She glanced at the stack of books and back to the half empty book cases, hoping this distraction would help her get out of putting all the books away. Although she highly doubted it, she could hope.

[Xavier Eckhart]

There was always times when Veronica surprised him. This was one of those moments. He couldn't help but grin at her twisted sense of entertainment. Xavier never really could be bothered with the whole torturing thing for pleasure. If it didn't help him in the end, than it really wasn't worth doing. With that in mind though, he wouldn't be opposed for her to waste her time doing that. It was a great way to get her out of the house and out of his hair. "I'm sure you would have no troubles corrupting them." he replied pushing a strand of hair out of her face and tucking it behind her ear. His hand now dropping down the side of her neck before following through the tips. "You have a way with torture. You do it to me every day."

Xavier could remember when Sophie would pull out her shadowbook. He would always be expecting something exciting and 'worth' learning, but always be disappointed by the choice. Natasha, on the other hand, would find it even better than she could imagine. That exact look that she would have on her face, was the same he now saw on Veronica. Perhaps that reflection took more of a toll on him then he would have first thought. It was almost a reassurance that he had done the right thing, by moving away. There was nothing left for him there, and though Veronica didn't see it now, this was the right choice for her too.

After turning back to her, with the book in his hand. "Maybe you're more like Radley than you think." he replied with a smirk. It was like watching a dog wag it's tail for a bone in it's owners hand. "Come with me." he replied as he walked towards the door. His right hand came out to the side of his body and with a slight wave of the hand and a thunderous boom, all the books left slid into their proper place. "Let's go outside."

[Veronica Lee]

"Well there we go then! I guess I found a way to entertain myself in this dinky little town!" Between that and studying, Veronica hoped she wouldn't find herself too bored. Maybe this would be good for her, it would force her to be more creative with her powers like Xavier was always telling her to be. In a town like this she would have nothing better to do then think of new ways to use what she knows. She smirked at his comment as he brushed hair away from her face. Then she had to pause for a moment, unsure if that was actually a compliment or if it was torture being around her because she annoyed him. Knowing Xavier it was probably the latter but she shrugged it off and decided to believe it was a compliment.

She shrugged at his comment, it wasn't the first time he had compared to the wolf, but she had been called worse. "Maybe that's why I'm the only one who can put up with you." She shrugged again and smirked at him. She began to follow him outside, stopping in her tracks when he simply lifted his hand and all the books flew into place. She stood there dumbfound for a moment, or maybe just more mad that he hadn't done that yet. "Why couldn't you have just done that from the start?!" She asked gesturing around the room. That was exactly what she was hoping he would do when she asked if there was an easier way to do it. "You're a bitch, you know that?" She said as she shook her head and continued to follow him outside.

[Xavier Eckhart]

Xavier barked a laugh at her response. He knew very well that she wouldn't have been very pleased with that stunt. In all honesty, it was probably what made it all the more enjoyable for him. It was the tit to her tat. Just in most cases than not, his probably annoyed her much more. He was a very patient person and liked to build up in her mind that she was 'winning' before he pulled the rug out from under here. A far more justifiable route.

Once descending onto the back yard, Xavier lead her to the very back corner. Through overgrown trees and unkept pathways, until they reached upon a small clearing. There was piles of cut lumber, and a stump off to the side with an axe stuck in it, rusted from the weather it must had gone through. He walked over to it, placing his foot on the stump, he rested his weight on the axe. "Okay," he started, waving his hand towards the pile of logs, "move them. All at once now." If she wanted to learn how to do things in simpler way, she could start by opening a book. This was one of the basics, moving multiple objects at once. The key to it, was that they were all individual and you had to make sure you still thought of them as such. If you were to scoop them up as a solid chunk, the ones that were not being touched, would simply roll out and crumple to the ground. Just as if you were to scoop a bunch of items in your arms. The ones not surrounded by your arms, would simply tumble out of your grasp. Each one must be supported.

[Veronica Lee]

Veronica followed him out into the backyard, glancing around as she did. Everything looked so...stereotypical. All the way down to the rusty axe in the tree stump. It's as if everything was pulled right out of a book or a movie. It reminded her a bit of her own home actually, and she hated it. The only thing different here was the weather, it was much hotter here and humid. It wasn't really what she was used to that was for sure. Apparently there was hot rain, which she was actually interested in experiencing. She took a quick glance up at the sky, mostly clear. Guess she wouldn't be experiencing that today.

She stopped in front of the stack of logs, nodding slightly. Move them all at once, like Xavier had with the books, seemed simple enough. She took a deep breath and focused on the logs, holding her hand out. She focused on each log until they all began to hover. Her eyes followed them as they began to float higher. She smiled, pleased with herself until one of them began to tip. Just as it was about to fall off the stack, she focused back on it again, catching it next to the stack. "I've totally got this." She wiggled her fingers and made the stack separate so they were all floating individually. "Guess I'm not as bad at this as you thought." She stated as she shot him a little smirk. 

[Xavier Eckhart]

Although he would have to admit he was very surprised by her ability to step back and see the stack for what it was, he still couldn't ever give her that satisfaction. She wasn't exactly the type of person that needed many strokes to fill her ego, so to gain a compliment from him, she'd have to do better than that. He watched her face transform from concentration to arrogance rather quickly. His face staying emotionless as she taunted him, separating the stack with just a wiggle of her fingers. Eventually, like all things, it would weigh on her. Your mind was a muscle and needed to exercise to become stronger. Xavier was rather positive that his patience was much more apparent, than her strength. "Uh huh." he replied to her gloats

Reaching his hand into his inside jacket pocket, he pulled out a flask, taking a small swig as he watched her smirk at him. "Well, then it looks like you could do this all day." Was all he mentioned before opening up the book that he had in his hand. Skimming through the pages as if he was looking for something in particular. In truth, he was simply making her wait. When ever it seemed like she was ready to put the wood back down, he would gently nudge them back up. Only softly saying "not yet" or "no no". "Perhaps you'd like to rotate them a little bit, to keep yourself entertained." he replied, wiggling his fingers at her mockingly.

[Veronica Lee]

It didn't take long for Veronica to figure out that he was doing this on purpose, simply making her hold them up just because, like holding something heavy. Was this some sort of punishment? What had she done wrong? She had actually done something right the first time and now he was punishing her? Go figure. Man would never be satisfied. She sighed, slowly swaying the wood back and forth as he flipped through the book. It took her about 3 seconds to realize he wasn't even looming for anything, he was just finding an excuse to make her hold these up for even longer.

She glared at him when he made his snide comment, mocking her. She slowly swirled the wood around until most of it was hovering over his head. "I'm bored of this." She stated before letting it all drop. At the same time, using the liquid in his flask to force it out of his hand. "Come find me when you've got something interesting." She turned around and walked back into the house.

[Xavier Eckhart]

Well, good to know she was learning.

It took Veronica about 5 seconds to catch on to his tedious assignment. Which was a lot quicker than usual. Which was fine by him, he wasn't exactly in any mood to teach, and he didn't exactly need to hold any ones hand, either. He smirked at her as she let the wood topple to the ground, landing and rolling off one another until it was a piled mess. The smirk, however, quickly vanished when his flask was ripped out of his hand. Damn water witch. Very well, she could hold on to it for now, but that was just another thing added to the list of tats. "I thought you wanted to learn how to be a good housewife." he replied boldly, before casting his hand out and stacking the pile of logs nicely.

Snapping the book shut, he placed it onto the stump. The gilded text 'Maledictus: Tenebrae Canibus'*, shimmering in the direct sun. Xavier hated not obtaining something that was there, in his grasp. It was almost worse than having no success at all. A tease at what could have been. Now, he would have to bring it to this world on his own. The only problem, was that he knew the consequences that came with it and was very aware of how displeased they would be with the maker.

* Cursed: Dark Hounds (in latin)