Post by Admin on Aug 23, 2020 4:41:14 GMT
A Surprise for a Treasured Daughter-in-law!(Marshall and Flo, invite)
(OOC: Combined Threads from the previous site)
Tarik Sadiki
Tarik had finally received a reply back from both his sister Ari and Marshall's protector and guardian Jessica. When he had first seen the boy at the memorial, it had been like looking at one of his school pictures. He had not told Flo as he had wanted to be sure. When the boy had arrived at Hogwarts, Tarik had sent a sample of the boy's blood as well as a note asking Ari to check. After receiving Ari's reply, Tarik had sent a copy of the results as well as a request to Jessica. The woman had taken her time in replying but Tarik had finally gotten everything back an hour ago. He had been at the Grand Ball, when Darik had popped in to hand deliver the package.
Instead of opening the package there, Tarik had instead asked Flo to see him at his office as soon as she could. As the Ball was winding down, Tarik had sent Horus with a note for Marshall to come to his office as soon as the Ball was over.
Now reading the letter that Jessica wrote, Tarik realized why she had been picked to protect his grandson. Tarik just had to wait until they both was here before opening the packages. He wondered who would show first and realized that he hoped that they would come together. Looking at the picture he had hanging of his son and Flo's wedding, Tarik said as if speaking to his son, "Michaki, I wish you could see him. You would be proud of your son, Mika. Marshall is smart as a whip as is so eager to learn."
Tarik saw that Horus was watching the door. Tarik smiled as he saw his falcon claw his perch twice. He said as he took one last look at his son, "Enter Flo and Marshall, it is not locked. I have been expecting you both."
Flo Richards
Instead of opening the package there, Tarik had instead asked Flo to see him at his office as soon as she could. As the Ball was winding down, Tarik had sent Horus with a note for Marshall to come to his office as soon as the Ball was over.
Flo made her goodbyes for the evening to the gathering at the Ball and headed toward Tarik’s office. She had been a little surprised when Tarik had whispered to her to come to his office as soon as she could because she thought he and Sasha would be spending some time together. Her father-in-law had told her Sasha had been extra worried lately waiting for Daniel to make a move of some type, but nothing happened during the Ball concerning him. She had been a bit worried when Darik, Sara’s Head HouseElf had popped in, handed Tarik a package and just a quickly had popped back out.
She was almost at the top of the staircase when a boy ran past her and proceeded in the same direction as she was heading. As the boy stopped at the door, she realized it was Marshall Smith, one of her favorite students. He was trying to straighten his jacket, brush his pants off and unsuccessfully smooth his hair in place. Flo was wondering why he was here.
“Hello, Marshall, you ok? Did you have fun at the Ball? Here let me help,” Flo said as she casually pushed a lock of hair away from his forehead. “Much better.” Flo clasped her hands behind her back. It was hard not to give the young one a hug, and she was not sure how he would react. “If you need to see Professor Tarik, I will wait out here until you men have finished with your business.” Flo tried to not chuckle when she said men, sometimes small boys took it wrong.
Tarik saw that Horus was watching the door. Tarik smiled as he saw his falcon claw his perch twice. He said as he took one last look at his son, "Enter Flo and Marshall, it is not locked. I have been expecting you both."
Flo looked at surprise at the door. She had not realized her father-in-law wanted to see both of them at the same time. “Ah, see, he knows we are out here. Shall we see what he wants?” Flo motioned for Marshall to open the door. Marshall slowly slid the door open and stepped aside for Flo to enter first. She was not sure if he was being a gentleman or thought maybe he needed a shield. She hoped he was not in any trouble. He and Tarik had gotten along very well during the last term.
(OOC: Marshall is one of my characters so I was able to say what he did.)
Marshall Smith
Marshall sat back in his chair very quickly as Professor Tarik’s hawk, swooped down and dropped a note at his place at the table. He had only been at Hogwarts for one term and it was still very surprising some of the things which happened. Carefully opening the note it just was a request that he go to Tarik’s office after the Ball. He re-read the note trying to figure out if he had done anything wrong. Rune’s class was his favorite, and Tarik was his favorite teacher, so he had put a lot of effort into paying attention and learning his lessons. Looking over at Starling he asked with his eyes, if she knew what it was about. She smiled and shrugged her shoulders.
Turning toward the tables where the Professor’s sat, he could not see Tarik. Marshall decided he would go now, before any of the other students could stop him and question what was in the note. Waving to Starling he excused himself. When he was almost at the top of the steps he came really close to running into an adult headed in the same direction.
“Excuse, me please,” was all he had time to say before he was past and at the door of Tarik’s office. Before knocking, he checked his clothes. He did up the buttons on his jacket and tried to smooth the wrinkles out of his pants, double checking for any crumbs he may still have from the delicious meal.
Marshall stopped what he was doing in mid-brush of the pants. Looking up he saw Professor Richards standing with him in front of the door. ‘Yes, Professor, I am fine. Professor Tarik sent me a note he wanted to see me.” Marshall finished his brushing, double checked everything was ok and then stood up tall. “The Ball was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed myself.” Marshall stood very still as the professor straightened his hair. He was used to it because Mother Jessica at the orphanage used to straighten his hair all the time. When he had asked her why she did it, she had smiled and told him it was because she cared.
Marshall stood up a little straighter and squared his shoulders back when the professor had called him a man. “Thank you Professor Richards. I do not think we will be long. I actually have no idea why Professor Tarik sent for me. I will let him know you are out here, the first chance I get.”
Marshall smiled and slowly pushed open the door, and stepped back so the Professor could enter first. No matter how much he was worried about why he had been asked to come, he always remembered his manors.
He had never been to Professor Tarik’s office before. It was large and comfortable in a manly sort of way. There were bookcases everywhere and the furniture seemed to give off a warm glow of its own. Paintings and pictures were hung on the wall. Marshall stopped in mid stride about halfway into the room. One of the pictures had caught his attention. Walking over to it he stared, not even checking to see if something was in his way. Reaching in his pocket he pulled out a well worn picture, which had been in the muggle car seat when he was found as a baby and taken to the orphanage. Mother Jessica had told him it was of his parents. Since the day he was old enough to know the importance of the picture, he had kept it in his pocket.
Looking at the picture in his hand and then at the one hung on the wall, he checked every detail to see if it was the same picture. Turning slowly toward the two grown-ups in the room he pointed at the picture and held the one from his pocket to his chest. He could not say anything, because his throat had tightened up. The picture was a exact match.
(OCC: Starling is one of my characters)
Tarik Sadiki
Tarik smiled as he witnessed Marshall be the little gentleman. He just wished that Michaki would have been there to have seen what kind of wizard, Marshall was becoming. Looking at his son's picture, Tarik thought he saw Mika smile. Looking towards the packages and owls, from both Ari and Mother Jessica as he remembered a couple other letters he had gotten from Ari during Flo's first year.
The first letter had told him about Michaki and had lead to him and Flo becoming a family.
The second letter had confirmed what Tarik had only suspected. That Michaki's son had been stolen. It also said that his father had found the boy had decided to hide him. Tarik reached into his pocket and read that second letter again;
Tarik was still no closer to understanding Khalid's message tonight then he was when Ari included it. He had told Flo about the information concerning Marshall, when he had received the letter. Now with the packages and new letters, Tarik knew he had to figure it out soon as once again his great-grandson was in danger.
Looking at Flo, Tarik tried to ease both her and Marshall by saying, "Daughter, he's not in trouble. Please sit as there is no easy way to explain why..." Tarik stopped as Horus seemed interested in what Marshall was doing.
Tarik watched as Horus, flew over to Marshall and taking the picture. Horus flew to Flo and dropped the picture into Flo's lap. Looking up at the picture of his son, Tarik realized that maybe there was a better way after all. The packages and letters could wait until needed. Right now he would just listen until after that picture was revealed. He knew they both would have questions.
(occ: Pre-planned Thread. Ari's first letter links this thread with Tarik's/Flo's other thread already archived.)
Marshall Smith
Marshall sat back in his chair very quickly as Professor Tarik’s hawk, swooped down and dropped a note at his place at the table. He had only been at Hogwarts for one term and it was still very surprising some of the things which happened. Carefully opening the note it just was a request that he go to Tarik’s office after the Ball. He re-read the note trying to figure out if he had done anything wrong. Rune’s class was his favorite, and Tarik was his favorite teacher, so he had put a lot of effort into paying attention and learning his lessons. Looking over at Starling he asked with his eyes, if she knew what it was about. She smiled and shrugged her shoulders.
Turning toward the tables where the Professor’s sat, he could not see Tarik. Marshall decided he would go now, before any of the other students could stop him and question what was in the note. Waving to Starling he excused himself. When he was almost at the top of the steps he came really close to running into an adult headed in the same direction.
“Excuse, me please,” was all he had time to say before he was past and at the door of Tarik’s office. Before knocking, he checked his clothes. He did up the buttons on his jacket and tried to smooth the wrinkles out of his pants, double checking for any crumbs he may still have from the delicious meal.
Marshall stopped what he was doing in mid-brush of the pants. Looking up he saw Professor Richards standing with him in front of the door. ‘Yes, Professor, I am fine. Professor Tarik sent me a note he wanted to see me.” Marshall finished his brushing, double checked everything was ok and then stood up tall. “The Ball was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed myself.” Marshall stood very still as the professor straightened his hair. He was used to it because Mother Jessica at the orphanage used to straighten his hair all the time. When he had asked her why she did it, she had smiled and told him it was because she cared.
Marshall stood up a little straighter and squared his shoulders back when the professor had called him a man. “Thank you Professor Richards. I do not think we will be long. I actually have no idea why Professor Tarik sent for me. I will let him know you are out here, the first chance I get.”
[/quote] Tarik saw that Horus was watching the door. Tarik smiled as he saw his falcon claw his perch twice. He said as he took one last look at his son, "Enter Flo and Marshall, it is not locked. I have been expecting you both."
Flo looked at surprise at the door. She had not realized her father-in-law wanted to see both of them at the same time. “Ah, see, he knows we are out here. Shall we see what he wants?” Flo motioned for Marshall to open the door. Marshall slowly slid the door open and stepped aside for Flo to enter first. She was not sure if he was being a gentleman or thought maybe he needed a shield. She hoped he was not in any trouble. He and Tarik had gotten along very well during the last term. [/quote]
Marshall smiled and slowly pushed open the door, and stepped back so the Professor could enter first. No matter how much he was worried about why he had been asked to come, he always remembered his manors.
He had never been to Professor Tarik’s office before. It was large and comfortable in a manly sort of way. There were bookcases everywhere and the furniture seemed to give off a warm glow of its own. Paintings and pictures were hung on the wall. Marshall stopped in mid stride about halfway into the room. One of the pictures had caught his attention. Walking over to it he stared, not even checking to see if something was in his way. Reaching in his pocket he pulled out a well worn picture, which had been in the muggle car seat when he was found as a baby and taken to the orphanage. Mother Jessica had told him it was of his parents. Since the day he was old enough to know the importance of the picture, he had kept it in his pocket.
Looking at the picture in his hand and then at the one hung on the wall, he checked every detail to see if it was the same picture. Turning slowly toward the two grown-ups in the room he pointed at the picture and held the one from his pocket to his chest. He could not say anything, because his throat had tightened up. The picture was a exact match.
(OCC: Starling is one of my characters)
Tarik Sadiki
Tarik smiled as he witnessed Marshall be the little gentleman. He just wished that Michaki would have been there to have seen what kind of wizard, Marshall was becoming. Looking at his son's picture, Tarik thought he saw Mika smile. Looking towards the packages and owls, from both Ari and Mother Jessica as he remembered a couple other letters he had gotten from Ari during Flo's first year.
The first letter had told him about Michaki and had lead to him and Flo becoming a family.
The second letter had confirmed what Tarik had only suspected. That Michaki's son had been stolen. It also said that his father had found the boy had decided to hide him. Tarik reached into his pocket and read that second letter again;
Tarik was still no closer to understanding Khalid's message tonight then he was when Ari included it. He had told Flo about the information concerning Marshall, when he had received the letter. Now with the packages and new letters, Tarik knew he had to figure it out soon as once again his great-grandson was in danger.
Looking at Flo, Tarik tried to ease both her and Marshall by saying, "Daughter, he's not in trouble. Please sit as there is no easy way to explain why..." Tarik stopped as Horus seemed interested in what Marshall was doing.
Tarik watched as Horus, flew over to Marshall and taking the picture. Horus flew to Flo and dropped the picture into Flo's lap. Looking up at the picture of his son, Tarik realized that maybe there was a better way after all. The packages and letters could wait until needed. Right now he would just listen until after that picture was revealed. He knew they both would have questions.
(occ: Pre-planned Thread. Ari's first letter links this thread with Tarik's/Flo's other thread already archived.)
Marshall Smith
As Marshall was listening to his mother explain about how he had been taken from her and placed somewhere, he heard his grandfather, read a letter. Although his voice was very low, Marshall was able to pick up a few words. The letter was from someone who could call Tarik a brother, so he had at least one uncle or aunt in the world. He may also have a great-grandfather. There was a council somewhere which was important. Apparently the other person did not think Tarik was doing the right thing. Then there was a name Khalid, which sounded like a man’s name. The closing was interesting “Black Rook protects, King, your move”, because it was not easy for a Rook to protect a King, a lot of pieces had to be out of the way.
Marshall filed the information away for the moment, because he had to try and make his mother feel better. She looked so sad in her memories. In his limited experience though Marshall did not realize he was scaring his mother. He thought he would act like a grown-up would act.
Marshall listened very intently to his grandfather picking up another name to file away of “Dark Medjai”. At that point in time Tarik became all important to him. He was the one who would teach him what he needed to know about the world and about being the man he needed to become to take care of his mother.
Looking first at his mother and then back to his grandfather he thought of many questions he wanted answers to. It was hard to figure out which one to ask first. Trying to give himself a little time to form the questions he walked over to the chair he had been sitting in and took out his wand. Pointing the wand at the chair he said in a bare whisper, “Wingardium Leviosa” which caused the heavy chair to rise, float to within inches of his Mother’s chair, and gently settle into place. Then he sat down on the edge of it, but his hand on his Mothers arm and continued, “Grandfather you and mother have explained I was taken as a baby and placed in hiding. The people who wanted to steel me are probably dead, but what about the people who told them to steal me. Grandfather I will heed your words, and I promise to not actively look for the ones who made my mother suffer. I would like to know though who thinks you are a coward. They killed my father and then would have taken me, if great-grandfather had not sent me away all to get you to come to see this Khalid person, who calls you “brother”. Why doesn’t he just come and meet you face to face?”
Marshall sat and looked at his grandfather. He knew Tarik was not a coward. He had spent time in his class, listened to him talk and watched how he acted under different situations. He had also listened to talk from the Allies, who he was a very junior member of, and they all talked highly of Tarik. The thoughts gave him ideas of asking some of the Allies later, to help him find out information. After all he had not promised he would not find out as much information as possible. Marshall had learned knowledge was power when he lived at the orphanage.
Flo Richards
Tarik’s reasoning to Marshall made Flo feel better and a bit calmer. She was glad those men were gone. Her worries were renewed about Khalid though. He was someone who she never really connected with her, and now she had a son to worry about also. Later she would definitely be having a discussion with her father-in-law. She could not lock Marshall away for safe keeping, and she knew his temperament would never take her constantly hovering over him.
A large smile flowed over Flo’s face as she watched her son, effortlessly move the heavy chair from where it sat to near hers. He had hardly even said the words and sounded like he knew they would work. Sometimes the only reason the students could not get a spell to work was because they did not believe it would work, there was no conviction in their voice. She hoped she was not just reacting like a mother when she felt her son was very talented.
Marshall’s question to Tarik, brought her out of her thoughts. “Marshall that is not a polite thing to ask your grandfather. Tarik is not a coward, and never should be even questioned in those regards. He has his reasons why he does not confront his brother Khalid. When you are older and more experienced you will understand.”
Marshall Smith
Marshall looked at his mother with a surprised look on his face. “Mother I am not calling Grandfather a coward. I know he is not.” Marshall turned toward his Grandfather, “I apologize, sir, if I have been miss-understood. I cannot understand what could be so important people get hurt because of it.” Turning back to his mother he continued, “It will take me some time to learn what I need to know to take care of you Mother, like my father would have wanted me too.” Marshall glanced quickly at the picture on the wall then back to his grandfather. “Grandfather, I will learn quickly, I promise.”
Marshall was thinking about what was written in one of the letters on his grandfather’s desk. He had never told anyone, that because he liked to read so much, Mother Jessica at the orphanage had gotten him speed reading lessons from a very special tutor. Another trick Marshall had learned, because it seemed interesting, was that he could read upside down. Both abilities had come in handy before and also now. Although it seemed to him Khalid was still on the top of his list, he was not sure if it had been him who gave Timothy the message for his Great-grandfather. He may not be able to hurt someone, at least not at this stage in his life, but he could get information which may make it easier for an adult to accomplish something.
One thing struck Marshall as interesting. If Great-Uncle Khalid had something in mind for grandfather, that did not involve fighting him, and probably consequently grandfather’s death, what would that be. He contemplated the possibility of asking his grandfather what would be worse than death to a Medjai, but how to ask without raising suspicions of what Marshall had in mind. He could not think of a valid reason to ask at the moment, but he filed the question away to ask his friends.
Although Marshall automatically considered her Great-grandfather a very intelligent man, he considered he may have been in error about Great-uncle Khalid wanting Grandfather dead. After all Grandfather was walking right out in the open, traveled, and was not trying to hide his identity. Great-uncle Khalid must be planning something else. He had so many questions which he needed to talk with his friends about. If he asked his Mother or Grandfather for some of the answers then they would know he was going to do research. It would be better to tell them if he really found out something.
Looking directly at the papers on his grandfather’s desk, Marshall started to wonder who these other people were in his life. He had heard his grandfather reading a letter from someone called Ari, and had conclude, it may be a great-Aunt. “Grandfather, who is Ari, and would it be ok to read great-grandfathers diary someday? I really want to know about my heritage.”
Marshall sat quietly in his chair, waiting for his grandfather to say something. He had never taken his hand off of his mother’s arm. It gave him a strange comfort to just be in physical contact with her.
Tarik Sadiki
Watching Marshall cast the spell; Tarik had no doubts about Marshall’s skill specialty. Like most Medjai, the boy would be skilled in casting. From having watched Marshall in Runes, Tarik knew that like Michaki, Marshall was taking after him. He wondered what other skills his grandson had as there were only a few differences between a Saygar and a true Hunter.
Tarik thought about what Marshall said. He realized as he reread the letter, that Khalid had indeed implied that Tarik was a coward in his own sneaky way. Tarik only wanted to have the proof of Khalid’s guilt before he confronted his older brother. This was because a very small part still wanted to believe that Khalid had not went totally Dark Medjai.
Mina was special, though Tarik had not realized that his first wife had the special sight that signaled a true Hunter. At least not until later, when he remembered something that Mina had said days before he left to hunt Khalid. His father said that Sasha too had the gift but something in her past had made her not developed it. Looking up at his son’s face, he saw that he too had the special eyes of a potential seer.
He realized that his silence had given the wrong impression to his daughter Flo. He knew that Marshall had talked or at least listened to the core members of the Allies in regards to him. The boy was not implying that it was what he thought. He had only asked whom it was that dared call his grandfather a coward. Tarik knew that his grandson must have heard the letter from Khalid, where Flo had not. Smiling as he realized that too was a trait that signaled for his grandson the path of a Hunter.
(OOC: Combined Threads from the previous site)
Tarik Sadiki
Tarik had finally received a reply back from both his sister Ari and Marshall's protector and guardian Jessica. When he had first seen the boy at the memorial, it had been like looking at one of his school pictures. He had not told Flo as he had wanted to be sure. When the boy had arrived at Hogwarts, Tarik had sent a sample of the boy's blood as well as a note asking Ari to check. After receiving Ari's reply, Tarik had sent a copy of the results as well as a request to Jessica. The woman had taken her time in replying but Tarik had finally gotten everything back an hour ago. He had been at the Grand Ball, when Darik had popped in to hand deliver the package.
Instead of opening the package there, Tarik had instead asked Flo to see him at his office as soon as she could. As the Ball was winding down, Tarik had sent Horus with a note for Marshall to come to his office as soon as the Ball was over.
Now reading the letter that Jessica wrote, Tarik realized why she had been picked to protect his grandson. Tarik just had to wait until they both was here before opening the packages. He wondered who would show first and realized that he hoped that they would come together. Looking at the picture he had hanging of his son and Flo's wedding, Tarik said as if speaking to his son, "Michaki, I wish you could see him. You would be proud of your son, Mika. Marshall is smart as a whip as is so eager to learn."
Tarik saw that Horus was watching the door. Tarik smiled as he saw his falcon claw his perch twice. He said as he took one last look at his son, "Enter Flo and Marshall, it is not locked. I have been expecting you both."
Flo Richards
Instead of opening the package there, Tarik had instead asked Flo to see him at his office as soon as she could. As the Ball was winding down, Tarik had sent Horus with a note for Marshall to come to his office as soon as the Ball was over.
Flo made her goodbyes for the evening to the gathering at the Ball and headed toward Tarik’s office. She had been a little surprised when Tarik had whispered to her to come to his office as soon as she could because she thought he and Sasha would be spending some time together. Her father-in-law had told her Sasha had been extra worried lately waiting for Daniel to make a move of some type, but nothing happened during the Ball concerning him. She had been a bit worried when Darik, Sara’s Head HouseElf had popped in, handed Tarik a package and just a quickly had popped back out.
She was almost at the top of the staircase when a boy ran past her and proceeded in the same direction as she was heading. As the boy stopped at the door, she realized it was Marshall Smith, one of her favorite students. He was trying to straighten his jacket, brush his pants off and unsuccessfully smooth his hair in place. Flo was wondering why he was here.
“Hello, Marshall, you ok? Did you have fun at the Ball? Here let me help,” Flo said as she casually pushed a lock of hair away from his forehead. “Much better.” Flo clasped her hands behind her back. It was hard not to give the young one a hug, and she was not sure how he would react. “If you need to see Professor Tarik, I will wait out here until you men have finished with your business.” Flo tried to not chuckle when she said men, sometimes small boys took it wrong.
Tarik saw that Horus was watching the door. Tarik smiled as he saw his falcon claw his perch twice. He said as he took one last look at his son, "Enter Flo and Marshall, it is not locked. I have been expecting you both."
Flo looked at surprise at the door. She had not realized her father-in-law wanted to see both of them at the same time. “Ah, see, he knows we are out here. Shall we see what he wants?” Flo motioned for Marshall to open the door. Marshall slowly slid the door open and stepped aside for Flo to enter first. She was not sure if he was being a gentleman or thought maybe he needed a shield. She hoped he was not in any trouble. He and Tarik had gotten along very well during the last term.
(OOC: Marshall is one of my characters so I was able to say what he did.)
Marshall Smith
Marshall sat back in his chair very quickly as Professor Tarik’s hawk, swooped down and dropped a note at his place at the table. He had only been at Hogwarts for one term and it was still very surprising some of the things which happened. Carefully opening the note it just was a request that he go to Tarik’s office after the Ball. He re-read the note trying to figure out if he had done anything wrong. Rune’s class was his favorite, and Tarik was his favorite teacher, so he had put a lot of effort into paying attention and learning his lessons. Looking over at Starling he asked with his eyes, if she knew what it was about. She smiled and shrugged her shoulders.
Turning toward the tables where the Professor’s sat, he could not see Tarik. Marshall decided he would go now, before any of the other students could stop him and question what was in the note. Waving to Starling he excused himself. When he was almost at the top of the steps he came really close to running into an adult headed in the same direction.
“Excuse, me please,” was all he had time to say before he was past and at the door of Tarik’s office. Before knocking, he checked his clothes. He did up the buttons on his jacket and tried to smooth the wrinkles out of his pants, double checking for any crumbs he may still have from the delicious meal.
“Hello, Marshall, you ok? … Did you have fun at the Ball? ... Here let me help,” Flo said as she casually pushed a lock of hair away from his forehead. “Much better.” Flo clasped her hands behind her back.
Marshall stopped what he was doing in mid-brush of the pants. Looking up he saw Professor Richards standing with him in front of the door. ‘Yes, Professor, I am fine. Professor Tarik sent me a note he wanted to see me.” Marshall finished his brushing, double checked everything was ok and then stood up tall. “The Ball was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed myself.” Marshall stood very still as the professor straightened his hair. He was used to it because Mother Jessica at the orphanage used to straighten his hair all the time. When he had asked her why she did it, she had smiled and told him it was because she cared.
“If you need to see Professor Tarik, I will wait out here until you men have finished with your business.” Flo tried to not chuckle when she said men, sometimes small boys took it wrong.
Marshall stood up a little straighter and squared his shoulders back when the professor had called him a man. “Thank you Professor Richards. I do not think we will be long. I actually have no idea why Professor Tarik sent for me. I will let him know you are out here, the first chance I get.”
Tarik saw that Horus was watching the door. Tarik smiled as he saw his falcon claw his perch twice. He said as he took one last look at his son, "Enter Flo and Marshall, it is not locked. I have been expecting you both."
Flo looked at surprise at the door. She had not realized her father-in-law wanted to see both of them at the same time. “Ah, see, he knows we are out here. Shall we see what he wants?” Flo motioned for Marshall to open the door. Marshall slowly slid the door open and stepped aside for Flo to enter first. She was not sure if he was being a gentleman or thought maybe he needed a shield. She hoped he was not in any trouble. He and Tarik had gotten along very well during the last term.
Flo looked at surprise at the door. She had not realized her father-in-law wanted to see both of them at the same time. “Ah, see, he knows we are out here. Shall we see what he wants?” Flo motioned for Marshall to open the door. Marshall slowly slid the door open and stepped aside for Flo to enter first. She was not sure if he was being a gentleman or thought maybe he needed a shield. She hoped he was not in any trouble. He and Tarik had gotten along very well during the last term.
Marshall smiled and slowly pushed open the door, and stepped back so the Professor could enter first. No matter how much he was worried about why he had been asked to come, he always remembered his manors.
He had never been to Professor Tarik’s office before. It was large and comfortable in a manly sort of way. There were bookcases everywhere and the furniture seemed to give off a warm glow of its own. Paintings and pictures were hung on the wall. Marshall stopped in mid stride about halfway into the room. One of the pictures had caught his attention. Walking over to it he stared, not even checking to see if something was in his way. Reaching in his pocket he pulled out a well worn picture, which had been in the muggle car seat when he was found as a baby and taken to the orphanage. Mother Jessica had told him it was of his parents. Since the day he was old enough to know the importance of the picture, he had kept it in his pocket.
Looking at the picture in his hand and then at the one hung on the wall, he checked every detail to see if it was the same picture. Turning slowly toward the two grown-ups in the room he pointed at the picture and held the one from his pocket to his chest. He could not say anything, because his throat had tightened up. The picture was a exact match.
(OCC: Starling is one of my characters)
Tarik Sadiki
Marshall smiled and slowly pushed open the door, and stepped back so the Professor could enter first. No matter how much he was worried about why he had been asked to come, he always remembered his manners.
Tarik smiled as he witnessed Marshall be the little gentleman. He just wished that Michaki would have been there to have seen what kind of wizard, Marshall was becoming. Looking at his son's picture, Tarik thought he saw Mika smile. Looking towards the packages and owls, from both Ari and Mother Jessica as he remembered a couple other letters he had gotten from Ari during Flo's first year.
The first letter had told him about Michaki and had lead to him and Flo becoming a family.
“Dear brother,
I am sending you this letter with a birth record, a marriage certificate, school records and the key to the bank there in London. It would seem our father had never stopped hunting for Mina’s baby. His journal had stated that he had found Michaki when the boy was about four.
Tarik don’t be upset with father about not telling you.
Father believed that to protect you both, he had to act quickly. He had asked Abdan to insure the boy’s safety. The birth record shows both the name you gave him and the false name.
The marriage is his marriage to a woman has yet to find. Her name is Flo Richards. Once I have found her, I will ask that you return the key as it is rightfully hers. It goes to number 163. That vault is right in between yours and mine.
Tarik as you will see though the school records, your son had taken after you.
I am hoping that you are sitting down, for I am sorry to inform you that Michaki was killed ten years ago. He was the man that our aunt had found. I will see if I can find the albums of pictures that dad’s journal spoke of. If I do, be ready to receive a very big package. It seemed father had not wanted you to miss nothing. There seems to be pictures of you and Mina as well.
I will keep hunting as I am sure that you want answers as do I.
Love Always,
Your Sister
Ari
I am sending you this letter with a birth record, a marriage certificate, school records and the key to the bank there in London. It would seem our father had never stopped hunting for Mina’s baby. His journal had stated that he had found Michaki when the boy was about four.
Tarik don’t be upset with father about not telling you.
Father believed that to protect you both, he had to act quickly. He had asked Abdan to insure the boy’s safety. The birth record shows both the name you gave him and the false name.
The marriage is his marriage to a woman has yet to find. Her name is Flo Richards. Once I have found her, I will ask that you return the key as it is rightfully hers. It goes to number 163. That vault is right in between yours and mine.
Tarik as you will see though the school records, your son had taken after you.
I am hoping that you are sitting down, for I am sorry to inform you that Michaki was killed ten years ago. He was the man that our aunt had found. I will see if I can find the albums of pictures that dad’s journal spoke of. If I do, be ready to receive a very big package. It seemed father had not wanted you to miss nothing. There seems to be pictures of you and Mina as well.
I will keep hunting as I am sure that you want answers as do I.
Love Always,
Your Sister
Ari
The second letter had confirmed what Tarik had only suspected. That Michaki's son had been stolen. It also said that his father had found the boy had decided to hide him. Tarik reached into his pocket and read that second letter again;
Dear Brother,
I write this letter with the hope that it will bring you some insight. Your hunch was right, the baby was not found in the casket with Michaki. As I searched for anything in Father's papers concerning Marshall James Richards, I found only this:
Diary Entry(no date)
Been tracking the killers of my grandson. Finally found one of them last night. The man was bold in telling me that he had been ordered to retrieve my grandson for an unknown source. The source was furious when Micheal was killed. The man said that he and his partner were barely spared because they had told the source that Micheal's widow was with child. The killer then had stated that they were given new instructions and a warning. He had laughed as he said that my great-grandson was going to be delivered that night. Then he told me that he had a message for me. When I ask what it was, the man named Timothy only said, "You should have come yourself, instead of sending Tarik. I know his weakness and I will use it. Watch as I do what you thought impossible. Black Rook takes pawn, Checkmate!" I realized at that moment that I had been doped as I realized that Khalid had something far worst in mind for Tarik than fighting him.
Diary Entry,
"Ari, if you are reading this then know that I had feared that your brother Khalid would use any means to kill Tarik. But that message showed me exactly what he really planned. Tell Tarik, I am sorry but I can't take the chance. For I too know that Tarik will do anything for family. Tell him that Marshall is safe though I am afraid that I can't tell where as even I asked not to know."
That was all father said in his diary. Sorry brother as I have failed in locating Marshall. I swear to continue looking. I can tell you that one of the killers of your son is dead. It looks like he was one of the Aurors that had visited Flo. If father was right, then Khalid knew exactly who Michaki was. He wanted him alive though and when that failed he sent them after the baby Marshall. The only thing, I can't figure out is why all the cloak and dagger. As you have been hunting him, I am hoping you can understand Khalid's message to father.
Love Your faithful Sister,
Ari
I write this letter with the hope that it will bring you some insight. Your hunch was right, the baby was not found in the casket with Michaki. As I searched for anything in Father's papers concerning Marshall James Richards, I found only this:
Diary Entry(no date)
Been tracking the killers of my grandson. Finally found one of them last night. The man was bold in telling me that he had been ordered to retrieve my grandson for an unknown source. The source was furious when Micheal was killed. The man said that he and his partner were barely spared because they had told the source that Micheal's widow was with child. The killer then had stated that they were given new instructions and a warning. He had laughed as he said that my great-grandson was going to be delivered that night. Then he told me that he had a message for me. When I ask what it was, the man named Timothy only said, "You should have come yourself, instead of sending Tarik. I know his weakness and I will use it. Watch as I do what you thought impossible. Black Rook takes pawn, Checkmate!" I realized at that moment that I had been doped as I realized that Khalid had something far worst in mind for Tarik than fighting him.
Diary Entry,
"Ari, if you are reading this then know that I had feared that your brother Khalid would use any means to kill Tarik. But that message showed me exactly what he really planned. Tell Tarik, I am sorry but I can't take the chance. For I too know that Tarik will do anything for family. Tell him that Marshall is safe though I am afraid that I can't tell where as even I asked not to know."
That was all father said in his diary. Sorry brother as I have failed in locating Marshall. I swear to continue looking. I can tell you that one of the killers of your son is dead. It looks like he was one of the Aurors that had visited Flo. If father was right, then Khalid knew exactly who Michaki was. He wanted him alive though and when that failed he sent them after the baby Marshall. The only thing, I can't figure out is why all the cloak and dagger. As you have been hunting him, I am hoping you can understand Khalid's message to father.
Love Your faithful Sister,
Ari
Tarik was still no closer to understanding Khalid's message tonight then he was when Ari included it. He had told Flo about the information concerning Marshall, when he had received the letter. Now with the packages and new letters, Tarik knew he had to figure it out soon as once again his great-grandson was in danger.
She hoped he was not in any trouble. He and Tarik had gotten along very well during the last term.
Looking at Flo, Tarik tried to ease both her and Marshall by saying, "Daughter, he's not in trouble. Please sit as there is no easy way to explain why..." Tarik stopped as Horus seemed interested in what Marshall was doing.
He had never been to Professor Tarik’s office before. It was large and comfortable in a manly sort of way. There were bookcases everywhere and the furniture seemed to give off a warm glow of its own. Paintings and pictures were hung on the wall. Marshall stopped in mid stride about halfway into the room. One of the pictures had caught his attention. Walking over to it he stared, not even checking to see if something was in his way. Reaching in his pocket he pulled out a well worn picture, which had been in the muggle car seat when he was found as a baby and taken to the orphanage. Mother Jessica had told him it was of his parents. Since the day he was old enough to know the importance of the picture, he had kept it in his pocket.
Looking at the picture in his hand and then at the one hung on the wall, he checked every detail to see if it was the same picture. Turning slowly toward the two grown-ups in the room he pointed at the picture and held the one from his pocket to his chest. He could not say anything, because his throat had tightened up. The picture was an exact match.
Looking at the picture in his hand and then at the one hung on the wall, he checked every detail to see if it was the same picture. Turning slowly toward the two grown-ups in the room he pointed at the picture and held the one from his pocket to his chest. He could not say anything, because his throat had tightened up. The picture was an exact match.
Tarik watched as Horus, flew over to Marshall and taking the picture. Horus flew to Flo and dropped the picture into Flo's lap. Looking up at the picture of his son, Tarik realized that maybe there was a better way after all. The packages and letters could wait until needed. Right now he would just listen until after that picture was revealed. He knew they both would have questions.
(occ: Pre-planned Thread. Ari's first letter links this thread with Tarik's/Flo's other thread already archived.)
Marshall Smith
Marshall sat back in his chair very quickly as Professor Tarik’s hawk, swooped down and dropped a note at his place at the table. He had only been at Hogwarts for one term and it was still very surprising some of the things which happened. Carefully opening the note it just was a request that he go to Tarik’s office after the Ball. He re-read the note trying to figure out if he had done anything wrong. Rune’s class was his favorite, and Tarik was his favorite teacher, so he had put a lot of effort into paying attention and learning his lessons. Looking over at Starling he asked with his eyes, if she knew what it was about. She smiled and shrugged her shoulders.
Turning toward the tables where the Professor’s sat, he could not see Tarik. Marshall decided he would go now, before any of the other students could stop him and question what was in the note. Waving to Starling he excused himself. When he was almost at the top of the steps he came really close to running into an adult headed in the same direction.
“Excuse, me please,” was all he had time to say before he was past and at the door of Tarik’s office. Before knocking, he checked his clothes. He did up the buttons on his jacket and tried to smooth the wrinkles out of his pants, double checking for any crumbs he may still have from the delicious meal.
“Hello, Marshall, you ok? … Did you have fun at the Ball? ... Here let me help,” Flo said as she casually pushed a lock of hair away from his forehead. “Much better.” Flo clasped her hands behind her back.
Marshall stopped what he was doing in mid-brush of the pants. Looking up he saw Professor Richards standing with him in front of the door. ‘Yes, Professor, I am fine. Professor Tarik sent me a note he wanted to see me.” Marshall finished his brushing, double checked everything was ok and then stood up tall. “The Ball was a lot of fun. I really enjoyed myself.” Marshall stood very still as the professor straightened his hair. He was used to it because Mother Jessica at the orphanage used to straighten his hair all the time. When he had asked her why she did it, she had smiled and told him it was because she cared.
“If you need to see Professor Tarik, I will wait out here until you men have finished with your business.” Flo tried to not chuckle when she said men, sometimes small boys took it wrong.
Marshall stood up a little straighter and squared his shoulders back when the professor had called him a man. “Thank you Professor Richards. I do not think we will be long. I actually have no idea why Professor Tarik sent for me. I will let him know you are out here, the first chance I get.”
[/quote] Tarik saw that Horus was watching the door. Tarik smiled as he saw his falcon claw his perch twice. He said as he took one last look at his son, "Enter Flo and Marshall, it is not locked. I have been expecting you both."
Flo looked at surprise at the door. She had not realized her father-in-law wanted to see both of them at the same time. “Ah, see, he knows we are out here. Shall we see what he wants?” Flo motioned for Marshall to open the door. Marshall slowly slid the door open and stepped aside for Flo to enter first. She was not sure if he was being a gentleman or thought maybe he needed a shield. She hoped he was not in any trouble. He and Tarik had gotten along very well during the last term. [/quote]
Marshall smiled and slowly pushed open the door, and stepped back so the Professor could enter first. No matter how much he was worried about why he had been asked to come, he always remembered his manors.
He had never been to Professor Tarik’s office before. It was large and comfortable in a manly sort of way. There were bookcases everywhere and the furniture seemed to give off a warm glow of its own. Paintings and pictures were hung on the wall. Marshall stopped in mid stride about halfway into the room. One of the pictures had caught his attention. Walking over to it he stared, not even checking to see if something was in his way. Reaching in his pocket he pulled out a well worn picture, which had been in the muggle car seat when he was found as a baby and taken to the orphanage. Mother Jessica had told him it was of his parents. Since the day he was old enough to know the importance of the picture, he had kept it in his pocket.
Looking at the picture in his hand and then at the one hung on the wall, he checked every detail to see if it was the same picture. Turning slowly toward the two grown-ups in the room he pointed at the picture and held the one from his pocket to his chest. He could not say anything, because his throat had tightened up. The picture was a exact match.
(OCC: Starling is one of my characters)
Tarik Sadiki
Marshall smiled and slowly pushed open the door, and stepped back so the Professor could enter first. No matter how much he was worried about why he had been asked to come, he always remembered his manners.
Tarik smiled as he witnessed Marshall be the little gentleman. He just wished that Michaki would have been there to have seen what kind of wizard, Marshall was becoming. Looking at his son's picture, Tarik thought he saw Mika smile. Looking towards the packages and owls, from both Ari and Mother Jessica as he remembered a couple other letters he had gotten from Ari during Flo's first year.
The first letter had told him about Michaki and had lead to him and Flo becoming a family.
“Dear brother,
I am sending you this letter with a birth record, a marriage certificate, school records and the key to the bank there in London. It would seem our father had never stopped hunting for Mina’s baby. His journal had stated that he had found Michaki when the boy was about four.
Tarik don’t be upset with father about not telling you.
Father believed that to protect you both, he had to act quickly. He had asked Abdan to insure the boy’s safety. The birth record shows both the name you gave him and the false name.
The marriage is his marriage to a woman has yet to find. Her name is Flo Richards. Once I have found her, I will ask that you return the key as it is rightfully hers. It goes to number 163. That vault is right in between yours and mine.
Tarik as you will see though the school records, your son had taken after you.
I am hoping that you are sitting down, for I am sorry to inform you that Michaki was killed ten years ago. He was the man that our aunt had found. I will see if I can find the albums of pictures that dad’s journal spoke of. If I do, be ready to receive a very big package. It seemed father had not wanted you to miss nothing. There seems to be pictures of you and Mina as well.
I will keep hunting as I am sure that you want answers as do I.
Love Always,
Your Sister
Ari
I am sending you this letter with a birth record, a marriage certificate, school records and the key to the bank there in London. It would seem our father had never stopped hunting for Mina’s baby. His journal had stated that he had found Michaki when the boy was about four.
Tarik don’t be upset with father about not telling you.
Father believed that to protect you both, he had to act quickly. He had asked Abdan to insure the boy’s safety. The birth record shows both the name you gave him and the false name.
The marriage is his marriage to a woman has yet to find. Her name is Flo Richards. Once I have found her, I will ask that you return the key as it is rightfully hers. It goes to number 163. That vault is right in between yours and mine.
Tarik as you will see though the school records, your son had taken after you.
I am hoping that you are sitting down, for I am sorry to inform you that Michaki was killed ten years ago. He was the man that our aunt had found. I will see if I can find the albums of pictures that dad’s journal spoke of. If I do, be ready to receive a very big package. It seemed father had not wanted you to miss nothing. There seems to be pictures of you and Mina as well.
I will keep hunting as I am sure that you want answers as do I.
Love Always,
Your Sister
Ari
The second letter had confirmed what Tarik had only suspected. That Michaki's son had been stolen. It also said that his father had found the boy had decided to hide him. Tarik reached into his pocket and read that second letter again;
Dear Brother,
I write this letter with the hope that it will bring you some insight. Your hunch was right, the baby was not found in the casket with Michaki. As I searched for anything in Father's papers concerning Marshall James Richards, I found only this:
Diary Entry(no date)
Been tracking the killers of my grandson. Finally found one of them last night. The man was bold in telling me that he had been ordered to retrieve my grandson for an unknown source. The source was furious when Micheal was killed. The man said that he and his partner were barely spared because they had told the source that Micheal's widow was with child. The killer then had stated that they were given new instructions and a warning. He had laughed as he said that my great-grandson was going to be delivered that night. Then he told me that he had a message for me. When I ask what it was, the man named Timothy only said, "You should have come yourself, instead of sending Tarik. I know his weakness and I will use it. Watch as I do what you thought impossible. Black Rook takes pawn, Checkmate!" I realized at that moment that I had been doped as I realized that Khalid had something far worst in mind for Tarik than fighting him.
Diary Entry,
"Ari, if you are reading this then know that I had feared that your brother Khalid would use any means to kill Tarik. But that message showed me exactly what he really planned. Tell Tarik, I am sorry but I can't take the chance. For I too know that Tarik will do anything for family. Tell him that Marshall is safe though I am afraid that I can't tell where as even I asked not to know."
That was all father said in his diary. Sorry brother as I have failed in locating Marshall. I swear to continue looking. I can tell you that one of the killers of your son is dead. It looks like he was one of the Aurors that had visited Flo. If father was right, then Khalid knew exactly who Michaki was. He wanted him alive though and when that failed he sent them after the baby Marshall. The only thing, I can't figure out is why all the cloak and dagger. As you have been hunting him, I am hoping you can understand Khalid's message to father.
Love Your faithful Sister,
Ari
I write this letter with the hope that it will bring you some insight. Your hunch was right, the baby was not found in the casket with Michaki. As I searched for anything in Father's papers concerning Marshall James Richards, I found only this:
Diary Entry(no date)
Been tracking the killers of my grandson. Finally found one of them last night. The man was bold in telling me that he had been ordered to retrieve my grandson for an unknown source. The source was furious when Micheal was killed. The man said that he and his partner were barely spared because they had told the source that Micheal's widow was with child. The killer then had stated that they were given new instructions and a warning. He had laughed as he said that my great-grandson was going to be delivered that night. Then he told me that he had a message for me. When I ask what it was, the man named Timothy only said, "You should have come yourself, instead of sending Tarik. I know his weakness and I will use it. Watch as I do what you thought impossible. Black Rook takes pawn, Checkmate!" I realized at that moment that I had been doped as I realized that Khalid had something far worst in mind for Tarik than fighting him.
Diary Entry,
"Ari, if you are reading this then know that I had feared that your brother Khalid would use any means to kill Tarik. But that message showed me exactly what he really planned. Tell Tarik, I am sorry but I can't take the chance. For I too know that Tarik will do anything for family. Tell him that Marshall is safe though I am afraid that I can't tell where as even I asked not to know."
That was all father said in his diary. Sorry brother as I have failed in locating Marshall. I swear to continue looking. I can tell you that one of the killers of your son is dead. It looks like he was one of the Aurors that had visited Flo. If father was right, then Khalid knew exactly who Michaki was. He wanted him alive though and when that failed he sent them after the baby Marshall. The only thing, I can't figure out is why all the cloak and dagger. As you have been hunting him, I am hoping you can understand Khalid's message to father.
Love Your faithful Sister,
Ari
Tarik was still no closer to understanding Khalid's message tonight then he was when Ari included it. He had told Flo about the information concerning Marshall, when he had received the letter. Now with the packages and new letters, Tarik knew he had to figure it out soon as once again his great-grandson was in danger.
She hoped he was not in any trouble. He and Tarik had gotten along very well during the last term.
Looking at Flo, Tarik tried to ease both her and Marshall by saying, "Daughter, he's not in trouble. Please sit as there is no easy way to explain why..." Tarik stopped as Horus seemed interested in what Marshall was doing.
He had never been to Professor Tarik’s office before. It was large and comfortable in a manly sort of way. There were bookcases everywhere and the furniture seemed to give off a warm glow of its own. Paintings and pictures were hung on the wall. Marshall stopped in mid stride about halfway into the room. One of the pictures had caught his attention. Walking over to it he stared, not even checking to see if something was in his way. Reaching in his pocket he pulled out a well worn picture, which had been in the muggle car seat when he was found as a baby and taken to the orphanage. Mother Jessica had told him it was of his parents. Since the day he was old enough to know the importance of the picture, he had kept it in his pocket.
Looking at the picture in his hand and then at the one hung on the wall, he checked every detail to see if it was the same picture. Turning slowly toward the two grown-ups in the room he pointed at the picture and held the one from his pocket to his chest. He could not say anything, because his throat had tightened up. The picture was an exact match.
Looking at the picture in his hand and then at the one hung on the wall, he checked every detail to see if it was the same picture. Turning slowly toward the two grown-ups in the room he pointed at the picture and held the one from his pocket to his chest. He could not say anything, because his throat had tightened up. The picture was an exact match.
Tarik watched as Horus, flew over to Marshall and taking the picture. Horus flew to Flo and dropped the picture into Flo's lap. Looking up at the picture of his son, Tarik realized that maybe there was a better way after all. The packages and letters could wait until needed. Right now he would just listen until after that picture was revealed. He knew they both would have questions.
(occ: Pre-planned Thread. Ari's first letter links this thread with Tarik's/Flo's other thread already archived.)
Marshall Smith
Brother,
I have heard that father had proven to be as much of a coward as most of the council. They sent you to hunt me, knowing that I was trained to be the Hunter not you, my dear little brother. Father hid your son from you, Tarik and yet you are still blinded by your sense of duty. They forced you to take a position that the gods never chose for you. Yet you are still loyal to a council that cares nothing for the gods' will. Brother, I have found my nephew Michaki and have asked some friends to retrieve him. I will only turn him over to you in person. Father has lead you to believe that I mean you harm. This is far from the truth. I only wanted you to live as the gods had intended. I hope that you still have a sense of honor and true justice to hear my side. I am also pleased to hear that my baby brother has finally found love again. She is beautiful and will make an excellent wife as I have talked many times to her. We will see each other soon my brother.
Black Rook protects King, your move.
Khalid
I have heard that father had proven to be as much of a coward as most of the council. They sent you to hunt me, knowing that I was trained to be the Hunter not you, my dear little brother. Father hid your son from you, Tarik and yet you are still blinded by your sense of duty. They forced you to take a position that the gods never chose for you. Yet you are still loyal to a council that cares nothing for the gods' will. Brother, I have found my nephew Michaki and have asked some friends to retrieve him. I will only turn him over to you in person. Father has lead you to believe that I mean you harm. This is far from the truth. I only wanted you to live as the gods had intended. I hope that you still have a sense of honor and true justice to hear my side. I am also pleased to hear that my baby brother has finally found love again. She is beautiful and will make an excellent wife as I have talked many times to her. We will see each other soon my brother.
Black Rook protects King, your move.
Khalid
As Marshall was listening to his mother explain about how he had been taken from her and placed somewhere, he heard his grandfather, read a letter. Although his voice was very low, Marshall was able to pick up a few words. The letter was from someone who could call Tarik a brother, so he had at least one uncle or aunt in the world. He may also have a great-grandfather. There was a council somewhere which was important. Apparently the other person did not think Tarik was doing the right thing. Then there was a name Khalid, which sounded like a man’s name. The closing was interesting “Black Rook protects, King, your move”, because it was not easy for a Rook to protect a King, a lot of pieces had to be out of the way.
Marshall filed the information away for the moment, because he had to try and make his mother feel better. She looked so sad in her memories. In his limited experience though Marshall did not realize he was scaring his mother. He thought he would act like a grown-up would act.
Marshall sat up as straight in the chair as he could and squared his shoulders before continuing, “You say Mother you will help to protect me. I am only 11 years old, but my birthday is soon and I will turn 12. In many of the societies I have read about, at 12 you are considered a man, so from now on I will help to protect you. When I am older and have learned how to defend myself better, I will also find out who killed my father and make the person or people regret their dealings with the Richards’. Rising from the chair, Marshall walked the short distance to his mother and put his arm around her…..
Taking a deep breath as he [Tarik] began to talk, "Marshall, I am very pleased that you wish to call me grandfather as well as your desire to learn the Medjai way of life. As such, heed my council. You are not to go after your father's killers as both are already dead. One died by my father's hands when you were found. Fearing what he had learned from the man, your great-grandfather had decided that you needed to be protected and so he sent you to the one place that he knew you would be safe. The other killer was killed most likely by the Dark Medjai that had sent him. This is due to the fact that they had been ordered to retrieve your father, not kill him. When they did, it sealed their fate. They got a reprieve by informing the man about your mother being with child. When my father got you to safety, it sealed the other man's fate."
Taking a deep breath as he [Tarik] began to talk, "Marshall, I am very pleased that you wish to call me grandfather as well as your desire to learn the Medjai way of life. As such, heed my council. You are not to go after your father's killers as both are already dead. One died by my father's hands when you were found. Fearing what he had learned from the man, your great-grandfather had decided that you needed to be protected and so he sent you to the one place that he knew you would be safe. The other killer was killed most likely by the Dark Medjai that had sent him. This is due to the fact that they had been ordered to retrieve your father, not kill him. When they did, it sealed their fate. They got a reprieve by informing the man about your mother being with child. When my father got you to safety, it sealed the other man's fate."
Marshall listened very intently to his grandfather picking up another name to file away of “Dark Medjai”. At that point in time Tarik became all important to him. He was the one who would teach him what he needed to know about the world and about being the man he needed to become to take care of his mother.
Looking first at his mother and then back to his grandfather he thought of many questions he wanted answers to. It was hard to figure out which one to ask first. Trying to give himself a little time to form the questions he walked over to the chair he had been sitting in and took out his wand. Pointing the wand at the chair he said in a bare whisper, “Wingardium Leviosa” which caused the heavy chair to rise, float to within inches of his Mother’s chair, and gently settle into place. Then he sat down on the edge of it, but his hand on his Mothers arm and continued, “Grandfather you and mother have explained I was taken as a baby and placed in hiding. The people who wanted to steel me are probably dead, but what about the people who told them to steal me. Grandfather I will heed your words, and I promise to not actively look for the ones who made my mother suffer. I would like to know though who thinks you are a coward. They killed my father and then would have taken me, if great-grandfather had not sent me away all to get you to come to see this Khalid person, who calls you “brother”. Why doesn’t he just come and meet you face to face?”
Marshall sat and looked at his grandfather. He knew Tarik was not a coward. He had spent time in his class, listened to him talk and watched how he acted under different situations. He had also listened to talk from the Allies, who he was a very junior member of, and they all talked highly of Tarik. The thoughts gave him ideas of asking some of the Allies later, to help him find out information. After all he had not promised he would not find out as much information as possible. Marshall had learned knowledge was power when he lived at the orphanage.
Flo Richards
…..One died by my father's hands when you were found. Fearing what he had learned from the man, your great-grandfather had decided that you needed to be protected and so he sent you to the one place that he knew you would be safe. The other killer was killed most likely by the Dark Medjai that had sent him…..
Tarik’s reasoning to Marshall made Flo feel better and a bit calmer. She was glad those men were gone. Her worries were renewed about Khalid though. He was someone who she never really connected with her, and now she had a son to worry about also. Later she would definitely be having a discussion with her father-in-law. She could not lock Marshall away for safe keeping, and she knew his temperament would never take her constantly hovering over him.
….questions he walked over to the other chair he had been sitting in and took out his wand. In a bare whisper he said “Wingardium Leviosa” which caused the heavy chair to rise, float to within inches of his Mother’s chair and gently settle into place. Then he sat down on the edge of it, but his hand on his Mothers arm….
A large smile flowed over Flo’s face as she watched her son, effortlessly move the heavy chair from where it sat to near hers. He had hardly even said the words and sounded like he knew they would work. Sometimes the only reason the students could not get a spell to work was because they did not believe it would work, there was no conviction in their voice. She hoped she was not just reacting like a mother when she felt her son was very talented.
I would like to know though who thinks you are a coward. They killed my father and then would have taken me, if great-grandfather had not sent me away all to get you to come to see this Khalid person, who calls you “brother”. Why doesn’t he just come and meet you face to face?”
Marshall’s question to Tarik, brought her out of her thoughts. “Marshall that is not a polite thing to ask your grandfather. Tarik is not a coward, and never should be even questioned in those regards. He has his reasons why he does not confront his brother Khalid. When you are older and more experienced you will understand.”
Marshall Smith
“Marshall that is not a polite thing to ask your grandfather. Tarik is not a coward, and never should be even questioned in those regards. He has his reasons why he does not confront his brother Khalid. When you are older and more experienced you will understand.”
Marshall looked at his mother with a surprised look on his face. “Mother I am not calling Grandfather a coward. I know he is not.” Marshall turned toward his Grandfather, “I apologize, sir, if I have been miss-understood. I cannot understand what could be so important people get hurt because of it.” Turning back to his mother he continued, “It will take me some time to learn what I need to know to take care of you Mother, like my father would have wanted me too.” Marshall glanced quickly at the picture on the wall then back to his grandfather. “Grandfather, I will learn quickly, I promise.”
[From diary entry in previous post] “ ….Then he told me that he had a message for me. When I ask what it was, the man named Timothy only said, "You should have come yourself, instead of sending Tarik. I know his weakness and I will use it. Watch as I do what you thought impossible. Black Rook takes pawn, Checkmate!" I realized at that moment that I had been doped as I realized that Khalid had something far worst in mind for Tarik than fighting him…..”
Marshall was thinking about what was written in one of the letters on his grandfather’s desk. He had never told anyone, that because he liked to read so much, Mother Jessica at the orphanage had gotten him speed reading lessons from a very special tutor. Another trick Marshall had learned, because it seemed interesting, was that he could read upside down. Both abilities had come in handy before and also now. Although it seemed to him Khalid was still on the top of his list, he was not sure if it had been him who gave Timothy the message for his Great-grandfather. He may not be able to hurt someone, at least not at this stage in his life, but he could get information which may make it easier for an adult to accomplish something.
One thing struck Marshall as interesting. If Great-Uncle Khalid had something in mind for grandfather, that did not involve fighting him, and probably consequently grandfather’s death, what would that be. He contemplated the possibility of asking his grandfather what would be worse than death to a Medjai, but how to ask without raising suspicions of what Marshall had in mind. He could not think of a valid reason to ask at the moment, but he filed the question away to ask his friends.
…..[Also from a diary entry in another post]….."Ari, if you are reading this then know that I had feared that your brother Khalid would use any means to kill Tarik. But that message showed me exactly what he really planned. Tell Tarik, I am sorry but I can't take the chance. For I too know that Tarik will do anything for family. Tell him that Marshall is safe though I am afraid that I can't tell where as even I asked not to know….."
Although Marshall automatically considered her Great-grandfather a very intelligent man, he considered he may have been in error about Great-uncle Khalid wanting Grandfather dead. After all Grandfather was walking right out in the open, traveled, and was not trying to hide his identity. Great-uncle Khalid must be planning something else. He had so many questions which he needed to talk with his friends about. If he asked his Mother or Grandfather for some of the answers then they would know he was going to do research. It would be better to tell them if he really found out something.
Looking directly at the papers on his grandfather’s desk, Marshall started to wonder who these other people were in his life. He had heard his grandfather reading a letter from someone called Ari, and had conclude, it may be a great-Aunt. “Grandfather, who is Ari, and would it be ok to read great-grandfathers diary someday? I really want to know about my heritage.”
Marshall sat quietly in his chair, waiting for his grandfather to say something. He had never taken his hand off of his mother’s arm. It gave him a strange comfort to just be in physical contact with her.
Tarik Sadiki
As Marshall talked about his experiences at the orphanage and his special friends, Flo had visions of happy children playing nearby, and it made her smile. Looking over at her father-in-law though added a questioning glance to the smile.
Tarik noticed that Flo was wondering what Marshall had said that put him in this state. Trying to smile as he asked Marshall, “Marshall, was Mika and Azaria the other two children that Mother Jessica brought to the memorial?” Tarik had been curious about those three children then but none would give their names. He had to be sure before he explain their connection.
Looking first at his mother and then back to his grandfather he thought of many questions he wanted answers to. It was hard to figure out which one to ask first. Trying to give himself a little time to form the questions he walked over to the chair he had been sitting in and took out his wand. Pointing the wand at the chair he said in a bare whisper, “Wingardium Leviosa” which caused the heavy chair to rise, float to within inches of his Mother’s chair, and gently settle into place.
Tarik noticed that Flo was wondering what Marshall had said that put him in this state. Trying to smile as he asked Marshall, “Marshall, was Mika and Azaria the other two children that Mother Jessica brought to the memorial?” Tarik had been curious about those three children then but none would give their names. He had to be sure before he explain their connection.
Looking first at his mother and then back to his grandfather he thought of many questions he wanted answers to. It was hard to figure out which one to ask first. Trying to give himself a little time to form the questions he walked over to the chair he had been sitting in and took out his wand. Pointing the wand at the chair he said in a bare whisper, “Wingardium Leviosa” which caused the heavy chair to rise, float to within inches of his Mother’s chair, and gently settle into place.
Watching Marshall cast the spell; Tarik had no doubts about Marshall’s skill specialty. Like most Medjai, the boy would be skilled in casting. From having watched Marshall in Runes, Tarik knew that like Michaki, Marshall was taking after him. He wondered what other skills his grandson had as there were only a few differences between a Saygar and a true Hunter.
Then he sat down on the edge of it, but his hand on his Mothers arm and continued, “Grandfather you and mother have explained I was taken as a baby and placed in hiding. The people who wanted to steal me are probably dead, but what about the people who told them to steal me. Grandfather I will heed your words, and I promise to not actively look for the ones who made my mother suffer. I would like to know though who thinks you are a coward. They killed my father and then would have taken me, if great-grandfather had not sent me away all to get you to come to see this Khalid person, who calls you “brother”. Why doesn’t he just come and meet you face to face?”
Tarik thought about what Marshall said. He realized as he reread the letter, that Khalid had indeed implied that Tarik was a coward in his own sneaky way. Tarik only wanted to have the proof of Khalid’s guilt before he confronted his older brother. This was because a very small part still wanted to believe that Khalid had not went totally Dark Medjai.
Mina was special, though Tarik had not realized that his first wife had the special sight that signaled a true Hunter. At least not until later, when he remembered something that Mina had said days before he left to hunt Khalid. His father said that Sasha too had the gift but something in her past had made her not developed it. Looking up at his son’s face, he saw that he too had the special eyes of a potential seer.
Marshall’s question to Tarik, brought her out of her thoughts. “Marshall that is not a polite thing to ask your grandfather. Tarik is not a coward, and never should be even questioned in those regards. He has his reasons why he does not confront his brother Khalid. When you are older and more experienced you will understand.”
He realized that his silence had given the wrong impression to his daughter Flo. He knew that Marshall had talked or at least listened to the core members of the Allies in regards to him. The boy was not implying that it was what he thought. He had only asked whom it was that dared call his grandfather a coward. Tarik knew that his grandson must have heard the letter from Khalid, where Flo had not. Smiling as he realized that too was a trait that signaled for his grandson the path of a Hunter.
Marshall looked at his mother with a surprised look on his face. “Mother I am not calling Grandfather a coward. I know he is not.”Marshall turned toward his Grandfather, “I apologize, sir, if I have been misunderstood. I cannot understand what could be so important people get hurt because of it.”Turning back to his mother he continued, “It will take me some time to learn what I need to know to take care of you Mother, like my father would have wanted me too.”Marshall glanced quickly at the picture on the wall then back to his grandfather. “Grandfather, I will learn quickly, I promise.”
Tarik smiled as his grandson tried to explain to his mother (Flo) what he had meant. When the boy had tried to tell him, Tarik just smiled. He was about to reassure Marshall that he understood when he saw the boy miss read Michaki reaction. Tarik needed to understand how much Mother Jessica knew of the Medjai way of life. When the testing time came for Marshall, Mika and Azaria; did Mother Jessica inform the council though the lawyer's wife. Tarik had already figured out that his father would have only trusted her with the task of safe guarding the children.
Marshall's next set of questions, let Tarik knew that the boy had also read at least one of the two letters on his desk. Smiling as he realized that Marshall probably had other questions as well. Tarik bowed his head for guidance and then smiling he said, "It is very interesting that you asked about both your great-aunt Arianna as well as my father's diaries, Marshall. The only way you could have found out about that information is reading her letter, Upside down I might add. Well Done!" Tarik stopped only long enough for them both to realize that he was very pleased by what Marshall was able to do. Then honestly Tarik continued, "Marshall, I never want you to hide anything or be afraid to ask me any questions. If I am right about the path that you are meant to follow, then Mother Jessica has already began your training soon after you did your first magic. Am I right? You had another question that you wanted to ask me, did you not Marshall? If so, ask it."
Turning to Flo as he said, "Daughter, Marshall has a very rare calling. It is our way to encourage any skills that will help in the assigned path. So I can't hold him to not seek answers. Though as Acting Head of the Medjai Council of Magi, I can and do ask that he honor his promise to wait until he is fully trained. Then if he believes that justice must be done and has not, he will have the full support of the Council. Flo, he is what Khalid could have been." Tarik hoped that Flo understood and accepted the boy's calling. He had no intention though of Khalid being alive by the time Marshall was ready to begin his hunt. Tarik would allow the boy to learn using this case as a tool. Khalid was a hunter gone dark. What better way to train a true hunter than having him help with a Dark Hunter case. His eyes told Flo that he intended to have dealt with Khalid long before Marshall was finished with his training. It was a Mental Exercise to sharpen the boy's skills.
Turning back to Marshall, Tarik said smiling, "Okay Marshall, let's go over what you have figured out so far. And what questions you might still need answers to. Let's begin."
Flo Richards
Flo put her hand on top of her son’s hand which was lying on her arm. Her parental instincts were growing by the minute. Her father-in-law must have seen in her face what she was feeling. She had always been told it was much harder for a mother to raise a son than a daughter, and this situation was proving it. Her motherly instincts told her to grab her son and run with him. Hide him out until he grew up, and keep all the bad things away. She knew in her heart though, it would not work. Boys must grow into men and have the strength to protect what was within their realm.
Knowing Tarik would be there to guide Marshall was one of the things which made it possible to paste a smile on her face, and nod at both Tarik and Marshall. The look of pure pleasure on Marshall’s face told her, although he loved her, she was not the main person in his life anymore. Tarik would now be the one he ran too, to find out how to handle situations. She may still have some say so in his life, but if he thought something she said went against his training or was not something a “real man” would do, he would be going to Tarik. The wheel of life had turned.
(OOC: Marshall is one of my characters, so I was able to say how he is reacting)
Marshall Smith
Turning fully toward his grandfather he thought back to the day of the memorial. Mother Jessica had only brought himself, Mika and Azaria to the funeral, which had been a little strange. Marshall had liked the idea of having his best friend there because he had never been to a memorial before and it was scary.
“Yes, Grandfather they were the ones. Mika is my best friend. Mother Jessica had said it was important for us to go although she never did explain why. That day was a little scary. It was also the day I found my cat Cally in the rubble of the old building which had blown up. When I asked Mother Jessica if I could keep the cat, she told me good things can come from bad things. Why do you ask about my friends?
Marshall sat up a little straighter when he heard his grandfather’s compliment. He was absolutely determined to make his grandfather proud of him. He smiled and said, “Thank you, I like to read and there never seemed to be enough time to read everything I wanted to, so Mother Jessica obtained speed reading classes for me. Reading upside down is just fun.”
Marshall thought about what Mother Jessica could have done to start his training. “Mother Jessica handed me the picture of Mother and Father on their wedding day, which could have been a challenge to start a search for their existence. She also made sure I was able to obtain any book on any subject I wanted to know about and introduced me to the Sherlock Holmes books.” Marshall loved facts and had discovered you could never tell when something you learned would come in handy in the future.
It was time to ask his first really important question. “Grandfather, why does Great-Uncle Khalid think keeping you alive and suffering is worse than killing you? It seems very strange he would think that could frighten, no that is not the right word, worry is a better word. Why would keeping you worried be worse? Is there something worse than death?
Marshall did not miss the byplay between his grandfather and his mother. He realized his mother cared and worried about her grandfather also. The statement to his mother only opened up more questions to be answered. The questions kept coming into his mind. He had not even gotten to his questions about the large stack of papers on his grandfather’s desk. Marshall wanted to learn everything at once, but he knew it would not happen that way, so he tried to settle comfortably into the chair. Smiling at his mother he gently removed his hand from her arm, folded his legs under him, in the American Indian style, put his elbows on his knees, made a pyramid with his hands and rested his chin on his finger tips. This was a very comfortable position for him. It allowed him to focus and pay attention.
He tried to get the facts he knew straight in his head. Tilting his head to look first to his mother he smiled and gently said, “I know I have a Mother who loves me and my father was killed, you say by mistake. I wish I could have gotten to know him.”
Drawing his eyes back to where his grandfather was seated behind his large desk, he tried to figure out what else he knew. “I know I have a grandfather who cares for me and will teach me what I need to know to grow strong. I know your father, my Great-Grandfather, was a very important man, because he had the power to hide me and my father, with no questions asked. I know you have at least one brother, Great-Uncle Khalid who hates you and wants you to suffer; and one sister, Great-Aunt Arianna who loves you very much and is on your side. I know you are an important figure in the Magi world, because of your position on the Council. Grandfather, you say I have a rare calling? I do not understand your words. Also you say you are acting head of the Medjai Council of Magi, what is the council and why are you only acting head, and not totally in charge?”
“I think you may be some type of royalty, because in Egypt, royalty reigned.” Marshall gave a questioning look to his grandfather on this last thought. It would be great if it were true, because that would make him a prince or something, he thought.
So many more questions were running though his head. Marshall realized he must give his grandfather time to answer at least one of the questions. It looked like he was going to be allowed to stay up later than usual tonight. Sleeping would have been impossible anyway.
Tarik Sadiki
Tarik listened as Marshall confirmed his hunch. He was pretty sure what the answer to his question Mother Jessica would give. Though how to explain to his grandson. Tarik decided to be straight-forwarded with Marshall as much as possible. Trying to smile as he relived what had happened, "About twelve years ago, my half-sister Arianna introduced me to a visiting friend of hers. Ari and my father were playing match maker. Sasha was beautiful even then but I figured that I had lost my true soul mate when Mina was murdered and our baby taken. It took almost two years for Sasha to win my heart but even then I thought I was too old for her. My sister decided that for one night I needed to let my barriers down. You see Ari was able to see why I kept refusing my father's wishes to marry Sasha. So she (Ari) spiked my drink, hoping that I would marry Sasha and tell her how I really felt. We did get married, though I have no memory of that night. The next morning, I was not at all happy with Ari or my father. I went back on the hunt. A couple of weeks later, I had gone back home to find Sasha still there and pregnant with my child." Tarik had to stop as he remembered how angry at himself, he had been. After collecting his thoughts, Tarik continued, "After me and Sasha talked, we decided to try to work it out. A few months later, I got a tip of where Khalid was. I told Sasha I had to bring him in and give him the chance to explain his side. Sasha at that time said that she never wanted our son to forget his older brother. Ari, chose a girl's name to be safe. I got back to hear that my beloved Sasha was missing and my father had gone back on the hunt..." Tarik had to stop as he was reliving that day. He had believed that it was Mina all over again. He wondered if that was the reason that he could not bring himself to ask Sasha to marry him. Was it because he did not want the gods to take her away from him again. Turning to Flo in hopes that she could answer Marshall's question. He had told her the names that had been picked and some of the story at other times.
Tarik smiled.
Tarik realized that his grandson had already been started on his path. Sherlock was in Tarik's opinion one of the best Hunters in the world. He had shelves loaded with books of his adventures.
Tarik thought about Marshall's insight into Khalid's mind. His grandson was able to look at things without being clouded by misgiving as Tarik was. Tarik knew that the path of a Hunter was not for him. His training was that of a Saygar. Tarik had never had the desire to kill. Only a few knew why he waited to deal with Khalid. It was because Khalid had a lot more experience at killing than he did. How to explain to his grandson that for the Medjai, death was just another adventure? If the boy's insight was saying what Tarik thought it was then... Tarik stopped as he remembered his father's entry to Ari. Now his father's words and Khalid's made sense. Remembering that he still had not answered Marshall's questions, Tarik started with a problem of his own, "Marshall to answer your question, think what would happen if the leader of the Medjai was to ever Study the Dark Arts? Mother Jessica must have given you some books to read concerning why it is forbidden for any Magi to follow the ways of the Dark Medjai. Now with that insight, answer me this, What if that some leader was chosen to guide and protect the Menka line?" Tarik finally understood both Khalid's plan as well as why his father could never risk Khalid succeeding. It was for the same reason that Tia must never fall into Khalid's hands. Because the day that happens all of Egypt would follow. Egypt the land where magic began would be followers of the Dark Ones once more. Tarik remembered the stories of how it was Menka's father who had destroyed the Dark Sect's power over Egypt. Remembering the words as he wrote, "The line that destroyed our power will be the line that restores us! Your eldest son shall be the key and the Medjai shall fall!" He had only been fifteen when his father banished the last of the Dark Sect from Egypt. They had laughed and said that curse. Two days later, he was sent to find Khalid.
Tarik smiled as he said, "So do I."
Tarik was surprised at how much Marshall had already figured out. Smiled as he said, "The Allies can tell you how big our family really is, Marshall. Yes, I am an Amir though I have come to hate the title and all that goes with it." The only thing he didn't hate was the fact that it was his honor to protect the true Amira. His heart was in teaching. He was a Saygar and as such had never wanted to give up on his brother. Realizing he needed to answer Marshall's questions, Tarik frowned as he realized that he was the last until Tia and the others came of age. Tarik began, "I am the Acting Head because the council is no more. There are thirteen magi each wears a medallion. The oldest line is the only one that can lead both Egypt and the Medjai. You asked quite a while ago, what could be so important that people get hurt because of it. Well that line is that important."
Tarik hoped that he had not overloaded the boy. He had wondered though if Marshall would figure out who of his friends wore the Menka Medallion. Looking at Flo, he said, "Daughter as a professor of Muggle Studies, you will shape his path as much as any other professor here at Hogwarts. For his path is that of a Hunter."
Turning back to his grandson, Tarik said, "Any more insights or questions?"
Marshall Smith
"Marshall to answer your question, think what would happen if the leader of the Medjai was to ever Study the Dark Arts? Mother Jessica must have given you some books to read concerning why it is forbidden for any Magi to follow the ways of the Dark Medjai. Now with that insight, answer me this, “What if that same leader was chosen to guide and protect the Menka line?"
Thinking back to the library of books he had collected ever since he learned to read, Marshall could count a good collection of books on the middle-east and the culture of the regions there. The area of the world had always fascinated him. He remembered one book about how the people felt about things and how history had changed their feelings. After being at school for the year, he now knew what the words “Dark Arts” meant. It was using magic to make people hurt and control people by making them fear something or someone.
“I can see, Grandfather, why having someone who practiced the Dark Arts in charge would be bad. It would be a very scary time for everyone. You are telling me Great-Uncle Khalid uses the Dark Arts and wants to be in charge.” Marshall said not expecting an answer. “Well then Great-Uncle Khalid needs to be stopped. This is what I will work toward.” Marshall stopped because he realized he was probably saying too much. He had a lot to learn and had promised he would learn before helping to correct the wrong things.
Thirteen medallions was one thing Marshall could hunt for. Who was wearing them and who had the oldest was his quest. To Marshall, it sounded as if Grandfather had just said he was a king. All the tales of knights in armor and rescuing the fair damsel or the land from dragons, floated through his mind. Maybe he could be his grandfather’s squire or something like it.
“Grandfather if you are like a grand knight fighting to save the realm from the dragon. Can I be your squire? I will protect your back and carry some of the weight of your problems.” Marshall smiled the smile of a young man who felt invincible and knew right would always win out.
Flo Richards
Flo listened to her father-in-laws story about his connection with Sasha. It was not the first time she had heard the words which tore at his heart as he relived those days. She hoped with all her heart Tarik and Sasha would soon be able to live the life they had started so long ago. She had a portion of her life back, finding a son she thought had died; now it was the turn of the ones Flo had come to love to find a renewal of happiness.
“Marshall, my son, turn and look at me.” she said softly, hoping to give Tarik some time to settle his thoughts without the inquiring eyes of his grandson, watching his every move. “Your grandfather thought Sasha and the child she was carrying had been killed. He grieved as I did when I lost your father and thought I had lost you also. He did not know Sasha had just disappeared and the babies had been sent into protection. You notice I said babies, because Sasha delivered a set of twins, one boy and one girl.” Flo waited to see if Marshall comprehended what she was telling him. With the smile which came across his face she knew he was catching on to the meaning of her words. Reaching over to his chair she gave him a small hug and pushed the one lock of hair, which was determined to be always out of place, back to join the others. Smiling she continued. “The children were your friends, Mika and Azaria. They are half brother and sister to your father. “
Flo glanced at Tarik to see how he was doing before she continued. “Your Grandfather did not even know they were still alive until you mentioned their names. Remember when you said Mother Jessica took just the three of you to the memorial service. I am not sure, I think it is something your Grandfather needs to check, but she may have known you were all part of the same family. She may have not known how closely related you are, but I think she had an idea.”
Waiting for some of the information to sink in, she thought she must add one request. “Marshall, when you see your friends again, I want you to try and not tell them what you have found out. It should be up to your Grandfather and Sasha to break the news to them that they are not alone in this world. After they arrive at school, then they can be told. Do you think you could do that? It is a very grown up thing to ask of you.”
Marshall Smith
Marshall slowly lowered his hands and without uncrossing his legs, used the arm of the chair to turn toward his mother. His smile grew larger, as it seemed to always do when he looked at her. His mother’s eyes did seem to have extra moisture in them.
It did not take Marshall long to figure out Mika and Azaria, were the babies his mother was talking about. His mind raced as he started to connect the dots of information. All he could do was smile, because there was good news coming.
Excitement was starting to build in Marshall. He was having trouble sitting still. He uncrossed his legs and would have jumped up and down if he wasn’t trying to be grown-up at the moment, and did not consider jumping up and down as a very grown-up thing to do. One other piece of information hit Marshall. His best friends, who were one year younger than him, were his Uncle and Aunt. Mika would be teasing him forever.
“Mother it will be very hard for me not to tell them, so they can now be happy like I am. I want them to come and be family. Why don’t we go and bring them here early, please.” He looked at his mother and grandfather with a pleading in his eyes.
Flo Richards
Flo looked at the pleading eyes of her son, and her heart melted. She was glad someone stronger would be able to guide him, because at the moment she felt like she would give him anything he wanted. It was a feeling she would have to fight in the future.
“Marshall, if we went to the orphanage and picked up Mika and Azaria right now, what would we tell them the reason was for us showing up. Remember we are not going to let them know about Grandfather and Sasha until they are at school. Also their letters have not been delivered yet, so they have no reason to be here.”
“How about you writing them a letter and explain about finding me and grandfather too if you like. Tell them you are going to go visiting with me, but we will come to the orphanage about two weeks before the term restarts and spend some time together. I will also take the three of you shopping at Diagon Alley and you can help them pick out the things they need for school. Would that be alright with you?” Flo watch and smiled as Marshall started to nod yes before she had even finished her explanation. Giving him another small hug, she finished with, “Good, I would like that also.”
Not really loosing contact with Marshall Flo acknowledged her father-in-laws statement. “I will try my best father to make sure he learns what he will need to know to get on in the combination of the Muggle and Wizard world he may encounter. I may need some instruction myself though to be able to join the two together to give him the best chance, on his chosen road.” With this statement Flo waited for her father-in-law to speak.
Darik HouseElf
Darik made sure the seals were all firmly in place in the Head Masters Office. He was going to have to leave his station, but Mistress Sasha needed Master Tarik desperately, and he was worried about her. Locating Master Tarik in his mind he sent out the chime which would announce his arrival. Not sending the chime first could get him a nasty greeting from Horus, Master Tarik’s falcon.
In a split second he was in the office of Master Tarik. Taking a quick look around him, Darik took in the situation. Bowing slightly to Mistress Flo and to the young student, who he did not recognize, sitting in another chair beside her, Darik turned to Master Tarik who was seated at his desk. Walking around the desk, he bowed deeply. “Please pardon the interruption, Amir. I have been sent by Mistress Sasha, to ask you to come to her immediately. The Head Master of Hogwarts has left this realm and has started his new journey in the next realm. I have added what locks I can on the room, before leaving my post, but I ask that we return there soon. It is not generally known his new journey has started, but happenings travel fast in this castle.”
With his statement made, Darik waited for his next orders. He knew he should be at his post, but with the precautions he had taken, Mistress Sasha would be alright, for a few moments.
Tarik Sadiki
Tarik smiled as he heard the exchange between mother and son. He too wished that it could be that easy. It had nearly killed Sasha both when the babies were taken as well as when she had told Tarik. Sasha was a strong woman who only had one weakness that Tarik feared would destroy her. That was her sense of duty. Sasha took her responsibility very seriously. Tarik knew that in her mind the twins were her responsibility. She felt like she had failed in her duties as a wife and mother. Tarik had told her many times that he never saw it that way. Thinking about what had happened to Joseph, he knew that she was slowly losing confidence in herself yet again. He was one of the few that knew that she was also Joseph's protector. Him falling ill on her watch had her second guessing herself. Tarik knew that her cousin Gabriel had sensed it too.
Whispering to Flo, "I don't know if now is the time to tell Sasha. With everything that she is dealing with, I am worried about whether to bring up the past. She is just getting confidence in herself again." He hoped that Flo would help him make the right choice.
Tarik nodded.
After hearing the chime, Tarik turned and said, "Darik is coming. Something is wrong."
Tarik was shocked by the news. He grabbed a very special necklace, that he had made. Turning to Darik, he said, "How is Sasha handling it? Darik, is it like with the twins?" He was worried about Sasha.
Turning to Flo and Marshall, he said, "Those packages have your names on them." Pointing to the two big packages on the floor by his desk.
Turning back to Darik, "Is it the usual locks, Darik? As I need you to stay here and see that they are not disrupted." Opening Ari's package to him, Tarik saw the medallion. He knew Darik would recognize it on sight.
Handing it to Darik, Tarik said, "Darik, this belong to Marshall." Pointing to the boy. Continuing he said, "I am just sorry that his father can't do the honor. Though as his father's godfather, I believe the honor is now yours?"
Then right before he left he said, "Darik, the caretaker is not to know. The twins have been found. Flo will explain, my brother." Then he was gone.
(OCC: Pre-planned Thread. One more post each.)
Flo Richards
Flo thought for a moment. Sasha needed to know she was sure. The Deputy Headmistress had been through many long hours lately, taking the weight of protecting the school and all the students. Flo knew she was a strong person, and she had support from the teachers and Tarik had a strong set of shoulders. “Father, you have to tell her. I think the thought of the young ones coming to the school will give her some good thoughts to dwell on.”
“She may not like the idea at first because being a mother, her protective instincts will most likely kick in and she will think of this place as not really safe. But if you reassure her that having them here, with everyone helping to look out for them, she will eventually become overjoyed, I know she will. Pick a quiet time and take her in your arms and tell her.”
When Flo heard Tarik say something was wrong, she put a protective arm around Marshall just as Darik appeared. Something definitely had to be wrong, because he never would have left his post by the Head Masters side for something simple.
The intake of Flo’s breath, sounded load even in her ears. Her heart ached. The person who had set her life on its present path had passed away. Tears whaled up in her eyes as she bowed her head. She looked at her father-in-in law and saw the pain in his face. A hard road was a head and he would be pulled in many directions, supporting Sasha, protecting the school and watching out for all his young charges. “Father..” was all she could manage to say.
Tarik wasted no time after getting the answers he needed from Darik. She looked at the large packages he pointed out on the floor. From her seat she could see one had the name of her son on it and the other had her name.
Before she could ask any questions though….Tarik had left.
Darik HouseElf
“Amir, she just stands there by the Head Master repeating ‘Darik, find Tarik…Darik, find Tarik’. To tell the truth, I am not even sure she knows I have left. That is why I took the time to add the special locks on the room. With the twins, Master Tarik she wanted to do something and was frustrated there was nothing which could be done at that time. Now there is nothing to do…so she has just stopped.”
“Yes, Amir, all the locks are the same ones I used last time I was required to lock a room down.” Darik watched with interest as Master Tarik opened one of the packages. When he saw the medallion he stood up a little straighter. It was a great thing Master Tarik held in his hand.
Carefully Darik took the medallion from Master Tarik, and listened as he told him of the great honor he was being permitted to perform. Darik smiled remembering the small cherub, who was Marshall’s father, he never got to see grow into a man. Now he would have another to protect with his life. The boy had now been added to a very special list. Looking over to the boy he smiled and bowed slightly to the young one.
Looking back at Master Tarik he listened to his final instructions. As far as Darik was concerned the caretaker should know nothing. A good spell would wipe his mind, but he know he was not allowed to do that to a human being, at least not if anyone else would know he did it. His biggest surprise was the fact the twins had been found. Mistress Sasha would be thrilled. Some happiness would come again to her and Master Tarik’s lives. Darik’s list was getting longer, but he did not care.
When the Amir had left, Darik held the medallion with reverence and walked toward the new young Master. Bowing again he said with all the stateliness he could draw into his voice, “Master Marshall, I am honored to meet you. As your father’s godfather, I now have the very great honor of presenting you with your family medallion. Wear it with honor, young one.” With this said, Darik, fastened the chain around the young boys neck. He imagined it would feel heavy now, but he would grow into it quick enough. Darik stepped back to see how the young one took the receipt of the gift.
Marshall Smith
Marshall was surprised to see an elf pop into the room. It was not an ordinary House Elf, that fact was evident immediately. He was dressed in what resembled gypsy clothing. According to his grandfather his name was Darik.
Marshall listened to the exchange between Darik and his grandfather. Without any notice his mothers arm was around him and she was squeezing tighter than normal. Something was really wrong. He figured out the Head Master had passed away, but there was something else involving the Deputy Head Mistress. Grandfather was very worried also.
Marshall watched as his grandfather gave the Elf a medallion of some kind and told him he was going to give it to him. The thought of the medallions his grandfather had told him about earlier, shot into his mind. Maybe he was going to get one of those. “That would be the best thing ever,” was all he could think.
After watching his grandfather leave, Marshall looked at his mother, wondering what was going to happen next. The Elf, Darik, drew his attention in his direction. Slowly Darik made his way to where Marshall was sitting, with the medallion cradled in his outstretched hand.
Sitting very quietly and very upright, Marshall listened to Darik’s speech and smiled. As the full weight of the medallion fell on his neck, he saw Darik step back. Marshall looked down at the end of the chain. Slowly he picked up the round metal piece which resembled a large coin, and looked at it. It had to be one of the ones his grandfather was talking about. “Thank you Darik,” he said quietly to the watching elf. “I am glad to meet you also. I will take care of this, I promise.”
Turning to his mother, he brightened, excitement taking over his voice. “Mother, look. It is one of the medallions grandfather told us about.” Marshall’s mother was smiling as she looked at him.
He watched as she whispered a “Thank you” in Darik’s direction. Then she looked in the direction of the packages on the floor.
It was then Marshall remembered the too large packages his grandfather had pointed out on the floor near his desk. “Mother can we take the packages to your room or to your office and open them?” Marshall looked over at the waiting elf. “I know Darik would like to follow grandfather and the only way he can is if we leave and go somewhere safe.” Marshall smiled at the elf, who looked a bit relieved.
Before helping his Mother pick up the packages, Marshall walked over to Darik and shook his hand. “It will be really nice to have you as a friend, Darik.” Then he gathered up the large packets and he and his mother, walked out the door to their new life together.
(OOC: Flo Richards and Darik HouseElf are another of my characters. That is why I said what they did.)
CLOSED
Tarik smiled as his grandson tried to explain to his mother (Flo) what he had meant. When the boy had tried to tell him, Tarik just smiled. He was about to reassure Marshall that he understood when he saw the boy miss read Michaki reaction. Tarik needed to understand how much Mother Jessica knew of the Medjai way of life. When the testing time came for Marshall, Mika and Azaria; did Mother Jessica inform the council though the lawyer's wife. Tarik had already figured out that his father would have only trusted her with the task of safe guarding the children.
Looking directly at the papers on his grandfather’s desk, Marshall started to wonder who these other people were in his life. He had heard his grandfather reading a letter from someone called Ari, and had conclude, it may be a great-Aunt. “Grandfather, who is Ari, and would it be ok to read great-grandfathers diary someday? I really want to know about my heritage.”
Marshall's next set of questions, let Tarik knew that the boy had also read at least one of the two letters on his desk. Smiling as he realized that Marshall probably had other questions as well. Tarik bowed his head for guidance and then smiling he said, "It is very interesting that you asked about both your great-aunt Arianna as well as my father's diaries, Marshall. The only way you could have found out about that information is reading her letter, Upside down I might add. Well Done!" Tarik stopped only long enough for them both to realize that he was very pleased by what Marshall was able to do. Then honestly Tarik continued, "Marshall, I never want you to hide anything or be afraid to ask me any questions. If I am right about the path that you are meant to follow, then Mother Jessica has already began your training soon after you did your first magic. Am I right? You had another question that you wanted to ask me, did you not Marshall? If so, ask it."
Turning to Flo as he said, "Daughter, Marshall has a very rare calling. It is our way to encourage any skills that will help in the assigned path. So I can't hold him to not seek answers. Though as Acting Head of the Medjai Council of Magi, I can and do ask that he honor his promise to wait until he is fully trained. Then if he believes that justice must be done and has not, he will have the full support of the Council. Flo, he is what Khalid could have been." Tarik hoped that Flo understood and accepted the boy's calling. He had no intention though of Khalid being alive by the time Marshall was ready to begin his hunt. Tarik would allow the boy to learn using this case as a tool. Khalid was a hunter gone dark. What better way to train a true hunter than having him help with a Dark Hunter case. His eyes told Flo that he intended to have dealt with Khalid long before Marshall was finished with his training. It was a Mental Exercise to sharpen the boy's skills.
Turning back to Marshall, Tarik said smiling, "Okay Marshall, let's go over what you have figured out so far. And what questions you might still need answers to. Let's begin."
Flo Richards
Turning to Flo as he said, "Daughter, Marshall has a very rare calling. It is our way to encourage any skills that will help in the assigned path. So I can't hold him to not seek answers. Though as Acting Head of the Medjai Council of Magi, I can and do ask that he honor his promise to wait until he is fully trained. Then if he believes that justice must be done and has not, he will have the full support of the Council. Flo, he is what Khalid could have been." Tarik hoped that Flo understood and accepted the boy's calling……..His eyes told Flo that he intended to have dealt with Khalid long before Marshall was finished with his training. It was a Mental Exercise to sharpen the boy's skills.
Flo put her hand on top of her son’s hand which was lying on her arm. Her parental instincts were growing by the minute. Her father-in-law must have seen in her face what she was feeling. She had always been told it was much harder for a mother to raise a son than a daughter, and this situation was proving it. Her motherly instincts told her to grab her son and run with him. Hide him out until he grew up, and keep all the bad things away. She knew in her heart though, it would not work. Boys must grow into men and have the strength to protect what was within their realm.
Knowing Tarik would be there to guide Marshall was one of the things which made it possible to paste a smile on her face, and nod at both Tarik and Marshall. The look of pure pleasure on Marshall’s face told her, although he loved her, she was not the main person in his life anymore. Tarik would now be the one he ran too, to find out how to handle situations. She may still have some say so in his life, but if he thought something she said went against his training or was not something a “real man” would do, he would be going to Tarik. The wheel of life had turned.
(OOC: Marshall is one of my characters, so I was able to say how he is reacting)
Marshall Smith
Tarik noticed that Flo was wondering what Marshall had said that put him in this state. Trying to smile as he asked Marshall, “Marshall, was Mika and Azaria the other two children that Mother Jessica brought to the memorial?” Tarik had been curious about those three children then but none would give their names. He had to be sure before he explains their connection.
Turning fully toward his grandfather he thought back to the day of the memorial. Mother Jessica had only brought himself, Mika and Azaria to the funeral, which had been a little strange. Marshall had liked the idea of having his best friend there because he had never been to a memorial before and it was scary.
“Yes, Grandfather they were the ones. Mika is my best friend. Mother Jessica had said it was important for us to go although she never did explain why. That day was a little scary. It was also the day I found my cat Cally in the rubble of the old building which had blown up. When I asked Mother Jessica if I could keep the cat, she told me good things can come from bad things. Why do you ask about my friends?
Tarik knew that his grandson must have heard the letter from Khalid, where Flo had not. Smiling as he realized that too was a trait that signaled for his grandson the path of a Hunter.
Tarik bowed his head for guidance and then smiling he said, "It is very interesting that you asked about both your great-aunt Arianna as well as my father's diaries, Marshall. The only way you could have found out about that information is reading her letter, Upside down I might add. Well Done!" Tarik stopped only long enough for them both to realize that he was very pleased by what Marshall was able to do.
Tarik bowed his head for guidance and then smiling he said, "It is very interesting that you asked about both your great-aunt Arianna as well as my father's diaries, Marshall. The only way you could have found out about that information is reading her letter, Upside down I might add. Well Done!" Tarik stopped only long enough for them both to realize that he was very pleased by what Marshall was able to do.
Marshall sat up a little straighter when he heard his grandfather’s compliment. He was absolutely determined to make his grandfather proud of him. He smiled and said, “Thank you, I like to read and there never seemed to be enough time to read everything I wanted to, so Mother Jessica obtained speed reading classes for me. Reading upside down is just fun.”
Then honestly Tarik continued, "Marshall, I never want you to hide anything or be afraid to ask me any questions. If I am right about the path that you are meant to follow, then Mother Jessica has already began your training soon after you did your first magic. Am I right? You had another question that you wanted to ask me, did you not Marshall? If so, ask it."
Marshall thought about what Mother Jessica could have done to start his training. “Mother Jessica handed me the picture of Mother and Father on their wedding day, which could have been a challenge to start a search for their existence. She also made sure I was able to obtain any book on any subject I wanted to know about and introduced me to the Sherlock Holmes books.” Marshall loved facts and had discovered you could never tell when something you learned would come in handy in the future.
It was time to ask his first really important question. “Grandfather, why does Great-Uncle Khalid think keeping you alive and suffering is worse than killing you? It seems very strange he would think that could frighten, no that is not the right word, worry is a better word. Why would keeping you worried be worse? Is there something worse than death?
Turning to Flo as he said, "Daughter, Marshall has a very rare calling. It is our way to encourage any skills that will help in the assigned path. So I can't hold him to not seek answers. Though as Acting Head of the Medjai Council of Magi, I can and do ask that he honor his promise to wait until he is fully trained. Then if he believes that justice must be done and has not, he will have the full support of the Council. Flo, he is what Khalid could have been." Tarik hoped that Flo understood and accepted the boy's calling…..
Turning back to Marshall, Tarik said smiling, "Okay Marshall, let's go over what you have figured out so far. And what questions you might still need answers to. Let's begin."
Turning back to Marshall, Tarik said smiling, "Okay Marshall, let's go over what you have figured out so far. And what questions you might still need answers to. Let's begin."
Marshall did not miss the byplay between his grandfather and his mother. He realized his mother cared and worried about her grandfather also. The statement to his mother only opened up more questions to be answered. The questions kept coming into his mind. He had not even gotten to his questions about the large stack of papers on his grandfather’s desk. Marshall wanted to learn everything at once, but he knew it would not happen that way, so he tried to settle comfortably into the chair. Smiling at his mother he gently removed his hand from her arm, folded his legs under him, in the American Indian style, put his elbows on his knees, made a pyramid with his hands and rested his chin on his finger tips. This was a very comfortable position for him. It allowed him to focus and pay attention.
He tried to get the facts he knew straight in his head. Tilting his head to look first to his mother he smiled and gently said, “I know I have a Mother who loves me and my father was killed, you say by mistake. I wish I could have gotten to know him.”
Drawing his eyes back to where his grandfather was seated behind his large desk, he tried to figure out what else he knew. “I know I have a grandfather who cares for me and will teach me what I need to know to grow strong. I know your father, my Great-Grandfather, was a very important man, because he had the power to hide me and my father, with no questions asked. I know you have at least one brother, Great-Uncle Khalid who hates you and wants you to suffer; and one sister, Great-Aunt Arianna who loves you very much and is on your side. I know you are an important figure in the Magi world, because of your position on the Council. Grandfather, you say I have a rare calling? I do not understand your words. Also you say you are acting head of the Medjai Council of Magi, what is the council and why are you only acting head, and not totally in charge?”
“I think you may be some type of royalty, because in Egypt, royalty reigned.” Marshall gave a questioning look to his grandfather on this last thought. It would be great if it were true, because that would make him a prince or something, he thought.
So many more questions were running though his head. Marshall realized he must give his grandfather time to answer at least one of the questions. It looked like he was going to be allowed to stay up later than usual tonight. Sleeping would have been impossible anyway.
Tarik Sadiki
“Yes, Grandfather they were the ones. Mika is my best friend. Mother Jessica had said it was important for us to go although she never did explain why. That day was a little scary. It was also the day I found my cat Cally in the rubble of the old building which had blown up. When I asked Mother Jessica if I could keep the cat, she told me good things can come from bad things. Why do you ask about my friends?
Tarik listened as Marshall confirmed his hunch. He was pretty sure what the answer to his question Mother Jessica would give. Though how to explain to his grandson. Tarik decided to be straight-forwarded with Marshall as much as possible. Trying to smile as he relived what had happened, "About twelve years ago, my half-sister Arianna introduced me to a visiting friend of hers. Ari and my father were playing match maker. Sasha was beautiful even then but I figured that I had lost my true soul mate when Mina was murdered and our baby taken. It took almost two years for Sasha to win my heart but even then I thought I was too old for her. My sister decided that for one night I needed to let my barriers down. You see Ari was able to see why I kept refusing my father's wishes to marry Sasha. So she (Ari) spiked my drink, hoping that I would marry Sasha and tell her how I really felt. We did get married, though I have no memory of that night. The next morning, I was not at all happy with Ari or my father. I went back on the hunt. A couple of weeks later, I had gone back home to find Sasha still there and pregnant with my child." Tarik had to stop as he remembered how angry at himself, he had been. After collecting his thoughts, Tarik continued, "After me and Sasha talked, we decided to try to work it out. A few months later, I got a tip of where Khalid was. I told Sasha I had to bring him in and give him the chance to explain his side. Sasha at that time said that she never wanted our son to forget his older brother. Ari, chose a girl's name to be safe. I got back to hear that my beloved Sasha was missing and my father had gone back on the hunt..." Tarik had to stop as he was reliving that day. He had believed that it was Mina all over again. He wondered if that was the reason that he could not bring himself to ask Sasha to marry him. Was it because he did not want the gods to take her away from him again. Turning to Flo in hopes that she could answer Marshall's question. He had told her the names that had been picked and some of the story at other times.
Marshall sat up a little straighter when he heard his grandfather’s compliment. He was absolutely determined to make his grandfather proud of him. He smiled and said, “Thank you, I like to read and there never seemed to be enough time to read everything I wanted to, so Mother Jessica obtained speed reading classes for me. Reading upside down is just fun.”
Tarik smiled.
Marshall thought about what Mother Jessica could have done to start his training. “Mother Jessica handed me the picture of Mother and Father on their wedding day, which could have been a challenge to start a search for their existence. She also made sure I was able to obtain any book on any subject I wanted to know about and introduced me to the Sherlock Holmes books.” Marshall loved facts and had discovered you could never tell when something you learned would come in handy in the future.
Tarik realized that his grandson had already been started on his path. Sherlock was in Tarik's opinion one of the best Hunters in the world. He had shelves loaded with books of his adventures.
It was time to ask his first really important question. “Grandfather, why does Great-Uncle Khalid think keeping you alive and suffering is worse than killing you? It seems very strange he would think that could frighten, no that is not the right word, worry is a better word. Why would keeping you worried be worse? Is there something worse than death?
Tarik thought about Marshall's insight into Khalid's mind. His grandson was able to look at things without being clouded by misgiving as Tarik was. Tarik knew that the path of a Hunter was not for him. His training was that of a Saygar. Tarik had never had the desire to kill. Only a few knew why he waited to deal with Khalid. It was because Khalid had a lot more experience at killing than he did. How to explain to his grandson that for the Medjai, death was just another adventure? If the boy's insight was saying what Tarik thought it was then... Tarik stopped as he remembered his father's entry to Ari. Now his father's words and Khalid's made sense. Remembering that he still had not answered Marshall's questions, Tarik started with a problem of his own, "Marshall to answer your question, think what would happen if the leader of the Medjai was to ever Study the Dark Arts? Mother Jessica must have given you some books to read concerning why it is forbidden for any Magi to follow the ways of the Dark Medjai. Now with that insight, answer me this, What if that some leader was chosen to guide and protect the Menka line?" Tarik finally understood both Khalid's plan as well as why his father could never risk Khalid succeeding. It was for the same reason that Tia must never fall into Khalid's hands. Because the day that happens all of Egypt would follow. Egypt the land where magic began would be followers of the Dark Ones once more. Tarik remembered the stories of how it was Menka's father who had destroyed the Dark Sect's power over Egypt. Remembering the words as he wrote, "The line that destroyed our power will be the line that restores us! Your eldest son shall be the key and the Medjai shall fall!" He had only been fifteen when his father banished the last of the Dark Sect from Egypt. They had laughed and said that curse. Two days later, he was sent to find Khalid.
Tilting his head to look first to his mother he smiled and gently said, “I know I have a Mother who loves me and my father was killed, you say by mistake. I wish I could have gotten to know him.”
Tarik smiled as he said, "So do I."
“I know I have a grandfather who cares for me and will teach me what I need to know to grow strong. I know your father, my Great-Grandfather, was a very important man, because he had the power to hide me and my father, with no questions asked. I know you have at least one brother, Great-Uncle Khalid who hates you and wants you to suffer; and one sister, Great-Aunt Arianna who loves you very much and is on your side. I know you are an important figure in the Magi world, because of your position on the Council. Grandfather, you say I have a rare calling? I do not understand your words. Also you say you are acting head of the Medjai Council of Magi, what is the council and why are you only acting head, and not totally in charge?”
Tarik was surprised at how much Marshall had already figured out. Smiled as he said, "The Allies can tell you how big our family really is, Marshall. Yes, I am an Amir though I have come to hate the title and all that goes with it." The only thing he didn't hate was the fact that it was his honor to protect the true Amira. His heart was in teaching. He was a Saygar and as such had never wanted to give up on his brother. Realizing he needed to answer Marshall's questions, Tarik frowned as he realized that he was the last until Tia and the others came of age. Tarik began, "I am the Acting Head because the council is no more. There are thirteen magi each wears a medallion. The oldest line is the only one that can lead both Egypt and the Medjai. You asked quite a while ago, what could be so important that people get hurt because of it. Well that line is that important."
Tarik hoped that he had not overloaded the boy. He had wondered though if Marshall would figure out who of his friends wore the Menka Medallion. Looking at Flo, he said, "Daughter as a professor of Muggle Studies, you will shape his path as much as any other professor here at Hogwarts. For his path is that of a Hunter."
Turning back to his grandson, Tarik said, "Any more insights or questions?"
Marshall Smith
"Marshall to answer your question, think what would happen if the leader of the Medjai was to ever Study the Dark Arts? Mother Jessica must have given you some books to read concerning why it is forbidden for any Magi to follow the ways of the Dark Medjai. Now with that insight, answer me this, “What if that same leader was chosen to guide and protect the Menka line?"
Thinking back to the library of books he had collected ever since he learned to read, Marshall could count a good collection of books on the middle-east and the culture of the regions there. The area of the world had always fascinated him. He remembered one book about how the people felt about things and how history had changed their feelings. After being at school for the year, he now knew what the words “Dark Arts” meant. It was using magic to make people hurt and control people by making them fear something or someone.
“I can see, Grandfather, why having someone who practiced the Dark Arts in charge would be bad. It would be a very scary time for everyone. You are telling me Great-Uncle Khalid uses the Dark Arts and wants to be in charge.” Marshall said not expecting an answer. “Well then Great-Uncle Khalid needs to be stopped. This is what I will work toward.” Marshall stopped because he realized he was probably saying too much. He had a lot to learn and had promised he would learn before helping to correct the wrong things.
"The Allies can tell you how big our family really is, Marshall. Yes, I am an Amir though I have come to hate the title and all that goes with it."…. , "I am the Acting Head because the council is no more. There are thirteen magi each wears a medallion. The oldest line is the only one that can lead both Egypt and the Medjai. You asked quite a while ago, what could be so important that people get hurt because of it. Well that line is that important."
Thirteen medallions was one thing Marshall could hunt for. Who was wearing them and who had the oldest was his quest. To Marshall, it sounded as if Grandfather had just said he was a king. All the tales of knights in armor and rescuing the fair damsel or the land from dragons, floated through his mind. Maybe he could be his grandfather’s squire or something like it.
Turning back to his grandson, Tarik said, "Any more insights or questions?"
“Grandfather if you are like a grand knight fighting to save the realm from the dragon. Can I be your squire? I will protect your back and carry some of the weight of your problems.” Marshall smiled the smile of a young man who felt invincible and knew right would always win out.
Flo Richards
“Yes, Grandfather they were the ones. Mika is my best friend. Mother Jessica had said it was important for us to go although she never did explain why. That day was a little scary. It was also the day I found my cat Cally in the rubble of the old building which had blown up. When I asked Mother Jessica if I could keep the cat, she told me good things can come from bad things. Why do you ask about my friends?
[Tarik] Turning to Flo in hopes that she could answer Marshall's question. He had told her the names that had been picked and some of the story at other times.
[Tarik] Turning to Flo in hopes that she could answer Marshall's question. He had told her the names that had been picked and some of the story at other times.
Flo listened to her father-in-laws story about his connection with Sasha. It was not the first time she had heard the words which tore at his heart as he relived those days. She hoped with all her heart Tarik and Sasha would soon be able to live the life they had started so long ago. She had a portion of her life back, finding a son she thought had died; now it was the turn of the ones Flo had come to love to find a renewal of happiness.
“Marshall, my son, turn and look at me.” she said softly, hoping to give Tarik some time to settle his thoughts without the inquiring eyes of his grandson, watching his every move. “Your grandfather thought Sasha and the child she was carrying had been killed. He grieved as I did when I lost your father and thought I had lost you also. He did not know Sasha had just disappeared and the babies had been sent into protection. You notice I said babies, because Sasha delivered a set of twins, one boy and one girl.” Flo waited to see if Marshall comprehended what she was telling him. With the smile which came across his face she knew he was catching on to the meaning of her words. Reaching over to his chair she gave him a small hug and pushed the one lock of hair, which was determined to be always out of place, back to join the others. Smiling she continued. “The children were your friends, Mika and Azaria. They are half brother and sister to your father. “
Flo glanced at Tarik to see how he was doing before she continued. “Your Grandfather did not even know they were still alive until you mentioned their names. Remember when you said Mother Jessica took just the three of you to the memorial service. I am not sure, I think it is something your Grandfather needs to check, but she may have known you were all part of the same family. She may have not known how closely related you are, but I think she had an idea.”
Waiting for some of the information to sink in, she thought she must add one request. “Marshall, when you see your friends again, I want you to try and not tell them what you have found out. It should be up to your Grandfather and Sasha to break the news to them that they are not alone in this world. After they arrive at school, then they can be told. Do you think you could do that? It is a very grown up thing to ask of you.”
Marshall Smith
“Marshall, my son, turn and look at me.” she said softly, hoping to give Tarik some time to settle his thoughts without the inquiring eyes of his grandson, watching his every move.
Marshall slowly lowered his hands and without uncrossing his legs, used the arm of the chair to turn toward his mother. His smile grew larger, as it seemed to always do when he looked at her. His mother’s eyes did seem to have extra moisture in them.
“Your grandfather thought Sasha and the child she was carrying had been killed. He grieved as I did when I lost your father and thought I had lost you also. He did not know Sasha had just disappeared and the babies had been sent into protection. You notice I said babies, because Sasha delivered a set of twins, one boy and one girl.” Flo waited to see if Marshall comprehended what she was telling him….
It did not take Marshall long to figure out Mika and Azaria, were the babies his mother was talking about. His mind raced as he started to connect the dots of information. All he could do was smile, because there was good news coming.
With the smile which came across his face she knew he was catching on to the meaning of her words. Reaching over to his chair she gave him a small hug and pushed the one lock of hair, which was determined to be always be out of place, back to join the others. Smiling she continued. “The children were your friends, Mika and Azaria. They are half brother and sister to your father.
Excitement was starting to build in Marshall. He was having trouble sitting still. He uncrossed his legs and would have jumped up and down if he wasn’t trying to be grown-up at the moment, and did not consider jumping up and down as a very grown-up thing to do. One other piece of information hit Marshall. His best friends, who were one year younger than him, were his Uncle and Aunt. Mika would be teasing him forever.
Waiting for some of the information to sink in, she thought she must add one request. “Marshall, when you see your friends again, I want you to try and not tell them what you have found out. It should be up to your Grandfather and Sasha to break the news to them that they are not alone in this world. After they arrive at school, then they can be told. Do you think you could do that? It is a very grown up thing to ask of you.”
“Mother it will be very hard for me not to tell them, so they can now be happy like I am. I want them to come and be family. Why don’t we go and bring them here early, please.” He looked at his mother and grandfather with a pleading in his eyes.
Flo Richards
“Mother it will be very hard for me not to tell them, so they can now be happy like I am. I want them to come and be family. Why don’t we go and bring them here early, please.” He looked at his mother and grandfather with a pleading in his eyes.
Flo looked at the pleading eyes of her son, and her heart melted. She was glad someone stronger would be able to guide him, because at the moment she felt like she would give him anything he wanted. It was a feeling she would have to fight in the future.
“Marshall, if we went to the orphanage and picked up Mika and Azaria right now, what would we tell them the reason was for us showing up. Remember we are not going to let them know about Grandfather and Sasha until they are at school. Also their letters have not been delivered yet, so they have no reason to be here.”
“How about you writing them a letter and explain about finding me and grandfather too if you like. Tell them you are going to go visiting with me, but we will come to the orphanage about two weeks before the term restarts and spend some time together. I will also take the three of you shopping at Diagon Alley and you can help them pick out the things they need for school. Would that be alright with you?” Flo watch and smiled as Marshall started to nod yes before she had even finished her explanation. Giving him another small hug, she finished with, “Good, I would like that also.”
"Daughter as a professor of Muggle Studies, you will shape his path as much as any other professor here at Hogwarts. For his path is that of a Hunter."
Not really loosing contact with Marshall Flo acknowledged her father-in-laws statement. “I will try my best father to make sure he learns what he will need to know to get on in the combination of the Muggle and Wizard world he may encounter. I may need some instruction myself though to be able to join the two together to give him the best chance, on his chosen road.” With this statement Flo waited for her father-in-law to speak.
Darik HouseElf
Darik made sure the seals were all firmly in place in the Head Masters Office. He was going to have to leave his station, but Mistress Sasha needed Master Tarik desperately, and he was worried about her. Locating Master Tarik in his mind he sent out the chime which would announce his arrival. Not sending the chime first could get him a nasty greeting from Horus, Master Tarik’s falcon.
In a split second he was in the office of Master Tarik. Taking a quick look around him, Darik took in the situation. Bowing slightly to Mistress Flo and to the young student, who he did not recognize, sitting in another chair beside her, Darik turned to Master Tarik who was seated at his desk. Walking around the desk, he bowed deeply. “Please pardon the interruption, Amir. I have been sent by Mistress Sasha, to ask you to come to her immediately. The Head Master of Hogwarts has left this realm and has started his new journey in the next realm. I have added what locks I can on the room, before leaving my post, but I ask that we return there soon. It is not generally known his new journey has started, but happenings travel fast in this castle.”
With his statement made, Darik waited for his next orders. He knew he should be at his post, but with the precautions he had taken, Mistress Sasha would be alright, for a few moments.
Tarik Sadiki
Waiting for some of the information to sink in, she thought she must add one request. “Marshall, when you see your friends again, I want you to try and not tell them what you have found out. It should be up to your Grandfather and Sasha to break the news to them that they are not alone in this world. After they arrive at school, then they can be told. Do you think you could do that? It is a very grown up thing to ask of you.”
“Mother it will be very hard for me not to tell them, so they can now be happy like I am. I want them to come and be family. Why don’t we go and bring them here early, please.” He looked at his mother and grandfather with a pleading in his eyes.
“Mother it will be very hard for me not to tell them, so they can now be happy like I am. I want them to come and be family. Why don’t we go and bring them here early, please.” He looked at his mother and grandfather with a pleading in his eyes.
Tarik smiled as he heard the exchange between mother and son. He too wished that it could be that easy. It had nearly killed Sasha both when the babies were taken as well as when she had told Tarik. Sasha was a strong woman who only had one weakness that Tarik feared would destroy her. That was her sense of duty. Sasha took her responsibility very seriously. Tarik knew that in her mind the twins were her responsibility. She felt like she had failed in her duties as a wife and mother. Tarik had told her many times that he never saw it that way. Thinking about what had happened to Joseph, he knew that she was slowly losing confidence in herself yet again. He was one of the few that knew that she was also Joseph's protector. Him falling ill on her watch had her second guessing herself. Tarik knew that her cousin Gabriel had sensed it too.
Whispering to Flo, "I don't know if now is the time to tell Sasha. With everything that she is dealing with, I am worried about whether to bring up the past. She is just getting confidence in herself again." He hoped that Flo would help him make the right choice.
“I will try my best father to make sure he learns what he will need to know to get on in the combination of the Muggle and Wizard world he may encounter. I may need some instruction myself though to be able to join the two together to give him the best chance, on his chosen road.” With this statement Flo waited for her father-in-law to speak.
Tarik nodded.
Not sending the chime first could get him a nasty greeting from Horus, Master Tarik’s falcon.
After hearing the chime, Tarik turned and said, "Darik is coming. Something is wrong."
Walking around the desk, he bowed deeply. “Please pardon the interruption, Amir. I have been sent by Mistress Sasha, to ask you to come to her immediately. The Head Master of Hogwarts has left this realm and has started his new journey in the next realm. I have added what locks I can on the room, before leaving my post, but I ask that we return there soon. It is not generally known his new journey has started, but happenings travel fast in this castle.”
Tarik was shocked by the news. He grabbed a very special necklace, that he had made. Turning to Darik, he said, "How is Sasha handling it? Darik, is it like with the twins?" He was worried about Sasha.
Turning to Flo and Marshall, he said, "Those packages have your names on them." Pointing to the two big packages on the floor by his desk.
Turning back to Darik, "Is it the usual locks, Darik? As I need you to stay here and see that they are not disrupted." Opening Ari's package to him, Tarik saw the medallion. He knew Darik would recognize it on sight.
Handing it to Darik, Tarik said, "Darik, this belong to Marshall." Pointing to the boy. Continuing he said, "I am just sorry that his father can't do the honor. Though as his father's godfather, I believe the honor is now yours?"
Then right before he left he said, "Darik, the caretaker is not to know. The twins have been found. Flo will explain, my brother." Then he was gone.
(OCC: Pre-planned Thread. One more post each.)
Flo Richards
Whispering to Flo, "I don't know if now is the time to tell Sasha. With everything that she is dealing with, I am worried about whether to bring up the past. She is just getting confidence in herself again." He hoped that Flo would help him make the right choice.
Flo thought for a moment. Sasha needed to know she was sure. The Deputy Headmistress had been through many long hours lately, taking the weight of protecting the school and all the students. Flo knew she was a strong person, and she had support from the teachers and Tarik had a strong set of shoulders. “Father, you have to tell her. I think the thought of the young ones coming to the school will give her some good thoughts to dwell on.”
“She may not like the idea at first because being a mother, her protective instincts will most likely kick in and she will think of this place as not really safe. But if you reassure her that having them here, with everyone helping to look out for them, she will eventually become overjoyed, I know she will. Pick a quiet time and take her in your arms and tell her.”
After hearing the chime, Tarik turned and said, "Darik is coming. Something is wrong."
When Flo heard Tarik say something was wrong, she put a protective arm around Marshall just as Darik appeared. Something definitely had to be wrong, because he never would have left his post by the Head Masters side for something simple.
Walking around the desk, he [Darik] bowed deeply. “Please pardon the interruption, Amir. I have been sent by Mistress Sasha, to ask you to come to her immediately. The Head Master of Hogwarts has left this realm and has started his new journey in the next realm. I have added what locks I can on the room, before leaving my post, but I ask that we return there soon. It is not generally known his new journey has started, but happenings travel fast in this castle.”
The intake of Flo’s breath, sounded load even in her ears. Her heart ached. The person who had set her life on its present path had passed away. Tears whaled up in her eyes as she bowed her head. She looked at her father-in-in law and saw the pain in his face. A hard road was a head and he would be pulled in many directions, supporting Sasha, protecting the school and watching out for all his young charges. “Father..” was all she could manage to say.
Turning to Flo and Marshall, he said, "Those packages have your names on them." Pointing to the two big packages on the floor by his desk.
Tarik wasted no time after getting the answers he needed from Darik. She looked at the large packages he pointed out on the floor. From her seat she could see one had the name of her son on it and the other had her name.
Before she could ask any questions though….Tarik had left.
Darik HouseElf
Tarik was shocked by the news. He grabbed a very special necklace, that he had made. Turning to Darik, he said, "How is Sasha handling it? Darik, is it like with the twins?" He was worried about Sasha.
“Amir, she just stands there by the Head Master repeating ‘Darik, find Tarik…Darik, find Tarik’. To tell the truth, I am not even sure she knows I have left. That is why I took the time to add the special locks on the room. With the twins, Master Tarik she wanted to do something and was frustrated there was nothing which could be done at that time. Now there is nothing to do…so she has just stopped.”
Turning back to Darik, "Is it the usual locks, Darik? As I need you to stay here and see that they are not disrupted." Opening Ari's package to him, Tarik saw the medallion. He knew Darik would recognize it on sight.
“Yes, Amir, all the locks are the same ones I used last time I was required to lock a room down.” Darik watched with interest as Master Tarik opened one of the packages. When he saw the medallion he stood up a little straighter. It was a great thing Master Tarik held in his hand.
Handing it to Darik, Tarik said, "Darik, this belong to Marshall." Pointing to the boy. Continuing he said, "I am just sorry that his father can't do the honor. Though as his father's godfather, I believe the honor is now yours?"
Carefully Darik took the medallion from Master Tarik, and listened as he told him of the great honor he was being permitted to perform. Darik smiled remembering the small cherub, who was Marshall’s father, he never got to see grow into a man. Now he would have another to protect with his life. The boy had now been added to a very special list. Looking over to the boy he smiled and bowed slightly to the young one.
Then right before he left he said, "Darik, the caretaker is not to know. The twins have been found. Flo will explain, my brother." Then he was gone.
Looking back at Master Tarik he listened to his final instructions. As far as Darik was concerned the caretaker should know nothing. A good spell would wipe his mind, but he know he was not allowed to do that to a human being, at least not if anyone else would know he did it. His biggest surprise was the fact the twins had been found. Mistress Sasha would be thrilled. Some happiness would come again to her and Master Tarik’s lives. Darik’s list was getting longer, but he did not care.
When the Amir had left, Darik held the medallion with reverence and walked toward the new young Master. Bowing again he said with all the stateliness he could draw into his voice, “Master Marshall, I am honored to meet you. As your father’s godfather, I now have the very great honor of presenting you with your family medallion. Wear it with honor, young one.” With this said, Darik, fastened the chain around the young boys neck. He imagined it would feel heavy now, but he would grow into it quick enough. Darik stepped back to see how the young one took the receipt of the gift.
Marshall Smith
After hearing the chime, Tarik turned and said, "Darik is coming. Something is wrong."
Marshall was surprised to see an elf pop into the room. It was not an ordinary House Elf, that fact was evident immediately. He was dressed in what resembled gypsy clothing. According to his grandfather his name was Darik.
Marshall listened to the exchange between Darik and his grandfather. Without any notice his mothers arm was around him and she was squeezing tighter than normal. Something was really wrong. He figured out the Head Master had passed away, but there was something else involving the Deputy Head Mistress. Grandfather was very worried also.
Carefully Darik took the medallion from Master Tarik, and listened as he told him of the great honor he was being permitted to perform.
Marshall watched as his grandfather gave the Elf a medallion of some kind and told him he was going to give it to him. The thought of the medallions his grandfather had told him about earlier, shot into his mind. Maybe he was going to get one of those. “That would be the best thing ever,” was all he could think.
After watching his grandfather leave, Marshall looked at his mother, wondering what was going to happen next. The Elf, Darik, drew his attention in his direction. Slowly Darik made his way to where Marshall was sitting, with the medallion cradled in his outstretched hand.
When the Amir had left, Darik held the medallion with reverence and walked toward the new young Master. Bowing again he said with all the stateliness he could draw into his voice, “Master Marshall, I am honored to meet you. As your father’s godfather, I now have the very great honor of presenting you with your family medallion. Wear it with honor, young one.” With this said, Darik, fastened the chain around the young boys neck. He imagined it would feel heavy now, but he would grow into it quick enough. Darik stepped back to see how the young one took the receipt of the gift.
Sitting very quietly and very upright, Marshall listened to Darik’s speech and smiled. As the full weight of the medallion fell on his neck, he saw Darik step back. Marshall looked down at the end of the chain. Slowly he picked up the round metal piece which resembled a large coin, and looked at it. It had to be one of the ones his grandfather was talking about. “Thank you Darik,” he said quietly to the watching elf. “I am glad to meet you also. I will take care of this, I promise.”
Turning to his mother, he brightened, excitement taking over his voice. “Mother, look. It is one of the medallions grandfather told us about.” Marshall’s mother was smiling as she looked at him.
He watched as she whispered a “Thank you” in Darik’s direction. Then she looked in the direction of the packages on the floor.
Turning to Flo and Marshall, he said, "Those packages have your names on them." Pointing to the two big packages on the floor by his desk.
It was then Marshall remembered the too large packages his grandfather had pointed out on the floor near his desk. “Mother can we take the packages to your room or to your office and open them?” Marshall looked over at the waiting elf. “I know Darik would like to follow grandfather and the only way he can is if we leave and go somewhere safe.” Marshall smiled at the elf, who looked a bit relieved.
Before helping his Mother pick up the packages, Marshall walked over to Darik and shook his hand. “It will be really nice to have you as a friend, Darik.” Then he gathered up the large packets and he and his mother, walked out the door to their new life together.
(OOC: Flo Richards and Darik HouseElf are another of my characters. That is why I said what they did.)
CLOSED