Chapter 34

[simtopi]

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Chapter 34: Sorceress

Warnings: Coarse language, lol post-processing, lots of words omg!

With sims by amochan8878 , eshuff , leaths , naughtydolphin , nimi4 , remisims , shelbster93 
(names have been changed to protect the innocent O_o )

Though famous for it's small town facade and being a family friendly destination with it's quaint shops, cafes and restaurants, Bluewater Village did have a night life. At the edge of the boardwalk, the town's only night club stood. Club Dante wasn't necessarily a local hangout. In fact, residents had unsuccessfully tried over and over again to have it shut down, citing various charges from excessive noise to being unco-operative with heritage zoning  by-laws.  Despite the eyesore of a building being hated by the neighbourhood, it still reeled in the money. 

The club had a name for itself and a reputation. The wealthy and privileged ventured out of the busy cities to satisfy their hedonism here. The club that Malcolm Landgraab IV built up, invested in with his family money, was a success. He went on to open more entertainment complexes in every major city on the continent, and each of those were met with bewildering profits.

Even if the town residents showed up with burning torches and pitchforks, they'd still have to get through the Landgraab Industries legal department. There wasn't much they could do.




It was late, and Club Dante was near closing. Being a weeknight, it hadn't been particularly crowded and only those who had nowhere to be in the morning lingered behind. There were often nightly regulars though. They were as consistent as the staff, always had their particular haunts and were easy to point out.


It made Carter's job easier. Some people preferred not to be found.



















It was a Gathering like no other.




Amara: You're late.
Tomaz: I wasn't notified earlier of this meeting.
Amara: What, you didn't get the e-mail?
Tomaz: E-mail...? 


Malcolm: Have a seat, Tomaz. We're about to begin.


Tomaz: Haven't had one of these in a while. It must be important.


Eamon: It better damn well be important, I had to cut out on a fine date for this. And some of us need our beauty sleep.




Eamon: ... some more than others, looks like.
Wilhemina: Our Head Warlock will summon us whenever he sees it fit, Eamon. You haven't been with us long enough to show this kind of brazen disrespect.


Malcolm: Madame Wilhemina is right. You come to my meeting, you conduct yourself as a professional.
Eamon:  Yeah, whatever. This isn't one of your corporate, stick-up-the-ass, board meetings.
Malcolm: It is my meeting and you were one of the privileged few I've summoned here. Feel fortunate I've chosen you.
Eamon: What for? If you expect me to actually do any work...




Malcolm: Eamon, the time for sitting on our asses is over. If you want to sit back and watch as one of the most important eras of witchdom passes you by, you're certainly free to. You can leave now if you care nothing for our Coven, our future and your place in it.

Malcolm's words piqued the young warlock's curiosity, but it was his tone of voice that made him lean back in his seat, folding his arms almost defensively.


Malcolm: We're missing one. Where's Clara?




Amara: None of us has seen little miss St. Julien in forever, Malcolm. I think she's ditched us. You gonna tell us what this is about?


Wilhemina: What this is about? Have you been blind for the past few days, child? Could you not feel it in the air? See it in the stars? Hear it in the wind?
Amara: Uh... no? What the hell are you talking about?
Wilhemina: Our master summons us here because the Heir has received her second gift!
Amara: The Heir... you mean that girl that Kimberly Cordial was protecting?


Malcolm: Listen, I understand that some may not believe in the Sorceress' legend. But as we follow in the Sorceress's teachings it is our policy to follow through on the discovery of any potential Heirs and it's true. We have found one. Kimberly had been training her and for that she has given up her life. We are grateful to our sister for her sacrifice and she has done us a great service. Much more than any of you have ever done in your entire lives.




Amara: For all we know she's died for some little witch noob who can't conjure rabbits out of a hat. So we give her the Sorceress' most treasured spellbook, and her second gift is...?
Malcolm: It isn't important for any of you to know that yet. But she has received it and it will be of use to her.
Amara: But Malcolm... your Lordship... you gotta tell me, when do we get to meet her? This so called saviour of all of witchdom or whatever. Because some days I think Clara's right... we don't need 'saving'.


Wilhemina: Selfish little girl, you should learn to take this much more seriously than you are now. This goes beyond you and your insignificant life. She will be presented to us when she is ready. When our Head Warlock deems it fit.



Amara: Oh fuck off with the asskissing already. Before big Mr. Landgraab was chosen as our leader, you wouldn't even give him the time of day.


Amara: Don't forget that if all this is true and there really is a "Sorceress" and she really does have an "Heir" that this person stands to get shit loads of magic. More than you and I could dream of. But right now, all you got is a couple of relics and a bad bedtime story, and there's a growing number of us that think that our Coven needs to be thought of a little bit more seriously than that.




Amara: And no you dumb hag, I know perfectly well that this isn't just about me. I take the fucking Coven seriously but all this shit about the Heir just brings our credibility down don't you think? Especially if it turns out to be nothing.
Wilhemina: What is it that you're afraid of, hmm? If this turns out to be nothing?  Or are you afraid of it's truth and you diminish in the Sorceress' glory?  Now, I've had enough of your disrespect, child, sit down!
Amara: Call me a "child" one more time....

The spell fired off before the younger witch could finish the threat.



Wilhemina: Much better.  I can certainly call you something more vulgar...

Wilhemina: But it wouldn't be polite.


Murmers and mild protests rose from the table as the witch in cat form hissed and  poised itself to leap onto the one that had transformed her.


Malcolm: Enough!




Malcolm: I might as well be herding cats and dealing with children.


Malcolm: Now you can sit down and listen to what I have to say, or leave and face the consequences. Because as of this moment, we serve the Sorceress and the well being of the Heir will be our first and foremost priority.  This is my decree.


Malcolm: Even now, our enemies, the Circle is becoming aware of her and her purpose. We've worked far too hard for them to unravel everything and whether you believe me or not, I'm not about to fail. The Heir is one step closer to receiving her inheritance, and this is what we will now work towards. At this moment, only the Circle can and will make things difficult for us, and this is why I've called you here. You are among my most powerful.




Malcolm:  We've had a long standing truce between our organizations dating back centuries. As far as I'm concerned, and for the well being of all witches, that truce is over. I cannot risk interference from them, therefore they need to disappear. I don't care how. Use any means necessary. 


There was a hush among the witches at the table as they digested what Malcolm had just ordered. "By any means necessary". It was the call to arms. It was the signal to attack that they've been waiting for. The Coven had been lying low for much too long. Some witches were satisfied with this, preferring to use magic for their own means. Others had wished  for more control. No one at the table disputed him. They discussed those matters through the next few hours before they shuffled off, some more excited to carry out their missions than others. Malcolm stood alone, his head throbbing. Everything was teetering on the edge. A wrong move and everything could topple over.  And there were too many elements that was out of his control that he wasn't liking.


"They don't quite believe you, do they?"




Malcolm turned around, surprised at the sound of the stranger's voice.




Helene: And what is there to believe in here? We used to have everything, and now our kind have been reduced to sycophants and petty squabbling. And a leader that cannot be trusted.




Malcolm: Who are you? How did you get in here?


Helene: Who am I? My dear, young Malcolm, you were the one who summoned me here. Did you not?


Malcolm: I don't know what you're talking about and I don't know who you are. I strongly suggest you leave now.




Helene: No. Not yet. Look at me, Malcolm. You know who I am.


He took a step or two, fully intending to forcefully lead her out the door himself. But as he neared her, something stopped him. She stared at him intensely with eyes that were like cold poison, and the aura around her seemed to emanate a frost that held him in his tracks.




Helene: Once upon a time, I lead the sorcerors from the underground and for a time we ruled. We were once strong. Respected and feared.  One thousand years ago, I "died" by the hands of my own sister. But knowing mortality isn't something we've quite mastered, I made sure I could return when I was needed again. And only the Masters of our people would know those secrets. You set everything in motion, Malcolm. So yes, you were the one who summoned me.


As she spoke, Malcolm knew what she said was true. Not only could he see this woman in front of him, he could feel her presence. He had waited a long time to meet her but he never expected she would show herself to him. Malcolm: Forgive me, My Lady...
Helene: Get up.


Helene:  You're only kneeling before a shadow.



Malcolm: I... I am most honoured to be in your sublime presence my Lady. My people do await anxiously your return...
Helene: What you haven't told your people is that you are not prepared.
Malcolm: My Lady, I can assure you that everything is carefully planned and is going according to schedule..
Helene: You can fool them, but you cannot fool me. That girl is not ready. She has never been ready.


Malcolm: Please allow me to celebrate this night.. our meeting... in my own way. I wish you can partake with me...
Helene: There is nothing to celebrate.




Malcolm: I know you've outlined your return in much detail my Lady. However, I have had to make some adaptations for changing times. You might not have been ready to come back, but the world definitely is ready for you. We need you.


Malcolm: There are less and less of Witches being brought into the world. We are slowly disappearing, and as we fade into obscurity so too does the desire to keep powers like ours in the world. We need you more than ever. This was why I was chosen to become our Head Warlock. Because I knew I could find a proper Heir for you. I knew she would be able to hold the responsibility entrusted in her.  She has been an enthusiastic pupil of magic and with more training she will learn much more


Helene: And yet she doesn't even know what those responsibilities will be. She has no idea who I am. How could she possibly accept her role when she doesn't even know what it is.
Malcolm: For her sanity and protection, we had to keep our purpose a secret. But she will know in time. And I have a feeling she will accept it. How could she not?



Malcolm:  She has the second gift... the Mirror.  She will soon be able to communicate with you through it... should you wish it. We've gone through many lengths to ensure that it gets to her, and we've followed your guidelines to the best of our ability. The Mirror was a challenge, but we've succeeded.  My Lady, you have no idea how long I've waited to be in your presence. I knew it was only a matter of time. I can now tell you myself that we will not fail.


Helene: You just ordered the potential execution of every White Witch in this land, Malcolm.  How does that aid the cause of Witches? I do not wish for  the deaths of our brethren.
Malcolm: I know of your legend, Lady Delphina Helene deMorgaine. In your time, you let nothing come between you and your goals. I intend to do the same.  There are an insignificant number of White Witches nowadays and most belong to the Circle. They  have been a hindrance to us for far too long. It is because of them that witches have been disappearing. They oppose everything that we stand for. Everything that you've held ideal, Sorceress.


Malcolm: What I've given us now is reassurrance that our goals will be met. That your Heir will no longer be interfered with. It will bring us closer to returning you from out of the shadows.


Helene: I've risked and sacrificed so much, Malcolm. If you fail...




Malcolm: I don't wish for our kind to destroy ourselves. We will be powerful once again, My Lady. I will not fail.
Helene: And if you do, everything I've worked for... will be for nothing.
Malcolm: You have my word as Head of this Coven. You have my word as a Landgraab.






Helene: Your word means nothing.  I mean nothing. If Willow does not accept her role, then I simply fade away. I have nothing more to lose.




Helene: But you, Malcolm. You can lose everything.

---

Willow opened her eyes and sat up gently even before she realized she was awake. She felt like she had been dreaming. She couldn't remember exactly what it was she was dreaming about. She was so used to living with nightmares, but this time, her dream seemed calm. Almost reassuring her that she would be safe. Safe from what? She thought. 



The night before, she had sent Gabriel and Rowan away. She wasn't exactly sure why she did it. She knew she needed to be alone to sort everything out. The idea that she could whisk them off magically like that so carelessly  worried her. She didn't even give a thought whether they made it to their destination or how they must feel about that.  She never thought she could do that even to Gabriel.  What was wrong with her? But she didn't think they would understand... she knew they wouldn't understand. She could barely understand it herself. This house for whatever reason was here to keep her safe. The day before



Willow had sat alone in the bedroom for the longest time, trying to decide what to do. She had explored every corner of the house, even travelled around the wooded lot, trying to orient herself by finding the road back to campus, but she found herself easily lost. She berated herself for never even thinking of buying a cellphone to call someone.  She had enough of this house and the creepy mirror in the cellar. She wanted to go home.


The creepy mirror in the cellar. That mirror had something to do with bringing her here. There had to be more to it.







Lost in her thoughts, she wandered to the cellar again where the mirror hung on the wall innocently.  It was just a mirror.


She didn't expect it to be anything more than that. But this was in the room that Wesley's weird key opened. It had come with her here. And she had a feeling that it was hers now.


Willow: Mirror, mirror on the wall.... She smiled, feeling a little silly. Just a stupid mirror...




She suddenly didn't feel alone.




The glass suddenly darkened, strange clouds forming within. Willow gasped and stepped back, shocked at what she was seeing. I knew it, she thought. I knew there had to be more to this.


She knew she should have been frightened, but she couldn't help be fascinated and compelled by what was happening in the glass. Soon the clouds began to form. Colours shifted into shapes. Light from within created a coherent pattern. There was something in the glass.




It was Gabriel!  He was asleep in a strange bed. She couldn't tell exactly where he was, but he didn't look like he was being harmed. The image was dark and hazy but she could tell it was definitely him.




She ran forward, calling his name, lightly touching the cold glass. It still felt like a mirror with a tarnished metal frame. The image of Gabriel in the glass stirred and his lips moved. She couldn't hear if he had said anything.  But other than that, he didn't respond to her.  She stood there watching Gabriel in the glass for a long time. She didn't realize how comforting it felt to simply watch him sleep. At that moment, all she wanted to do was find him, crawl under the covers beside him and just be in his arms.



Willow knew what this was. She's read about it plenty of times. It was a scrying glass. Some people used crystal balls, some used pools of water. Others used mirrors, just like in the fairy tales. She had never come across one though and it was amazing. Gabriel's image began to fade out and into darkness. It bothered her a bit.. she wanted to see him again, and wait for him to wake up. But she wasn't sure if what she was seeing was taking place in another time. Some scryers after all, could see into the past, and into the future as well. It was about noon right now. Knowing Gabriel, it was perfectly possible that he was still asleep. As much as she wanted to go back to seeing him, she couldn't bring up his image again. Instead something else appeared...




It was Rowan standing in front of Sibyll's home.  What was he doing there, she wondered. She knew definitely that this only meant trouble. Rowan shouldn't be there. She watched him as he walked towards the cemetary gates, contemplating his route.  She quietly swore when he began to clumsily climb the fence. After that, the image faded to darkness and she wasn't able to see anything else. Willow: Rowan, you idiot!
Her shouts were futile. She didn't know what her brother was doing but she began to panic that he was no longer safe. 


It occurred to her in the rush of panicked thoughts that Rowan must have been there because he was looking for her. She hadn't given a thought that others might have been worried for her, though she wasn't sure why. After all, she didn't return home the night before. If it were any of her friends, Willow knew she'd worry.



She tried to summon other images and some did appear in the dark and cloudy glass. But the images were mostly distorted, most from much too far away to see if there was anything going on.  As the last amorphous cloud rippled within the glass, she turned away in frustration. Maybe this was something she just needed to get the hang of. Or maybe it was something she needed to stay away from. Don't blindly trust enchanted objects, Willow. That's what Miss Cordial used to teach her. Why was she ignoring that advice now?




But Willow had always been a curious person. She couldn't look away for too long.




Though at that point she wished she had.




How much truth did the mirror show her, she wondered as she watched the image of Jasmine and Adrian... her two best friends... kissing one another in the snow.


Willow should have felt happy for them... for Jasmine especially. She should have felt glad that Adrian would have moved on from being turned down by her. She should have been more than happy that she already had Gabriel.  In the instant she saw them in her mirror, sharing something that looked deep and sincere, it made Willow's heart plummet. She hadn't expected it to, and she wished it didn't.


But Willow couldn't help the way she felt.

---

Present



As the sun came up, Willow roamed around the house again wondering how to start her day. She couldn't worry too much about Rowan, or Gabriel or even Wesley. They were all safe, and that was important to her. For the first time in a few hours, she ventured into the kitchen. It was surprisingly the one area of the house that frightened her the most. She was afraid to peek into the old refridgerator knowing that there had been no electricity here in years. There were a few empty cans sitting on the counter and some expired soup on the shelves she wouldn't dare touch.  She thought she had mostly scared off the rats but she could still hear scurrying in the walls.




Willow was hungry. She hadn't eaten the day before.




But she knew a few spells that could remedy that.




She wasn't sure how long it would last though.


Miraculously there was running water. Willow could at least have a drink and wash herself, though she was fairly suspicious of its quality.




In the hallway there was a bookcase. She knew it was there and always thought it was definitely a strange place for one.


She was curious what kinds of books were on this shelf. She wondered if anyone still lived here at all, though it was extremely unlikely judging from the state of the place. She then wondered what the former inhabitants must have been like.


It didn't seem like anything particularly interesting. There were old out of date encyclopedias, cookbooks and mechanical manuals. There was a lot of decades old hardcover fiction, including some leatherbound classics. 


She was hoping there would be something here about magic. Some kind of spellbook at least. But for the most part, except for the odd placement of the bookshelf, everything was mundane.


That book didn't pull out completely. Instead, something clicked. The bookcase began to groan and creak before it began to move.












Willow stood in the hidden room, shocked and amazed. She looked around at all the bookcases. There were papers and various other strange paraphernalia in orderly piles all throughout this room. Everything was covered in cobwebs and dust.  Everything neatly waiting for her.

And many of these books were about magic. Willow knew in that moment that she would be here longer than she had thought she would.

---

Elf: Hello?


Willow: Hi, Mom.




Elf: Oh hi honey, this is a nice surprise. Where are you? We hadn't heard from you in a while. We were starting to worry.


Willow: I'm fine, Mom. I'm calling from the library. I... I just didn't want anyone to worry.


Elf: Well I guess it's understandable. Linden's hinted that you have a new boyfriend, so believe me I get that we're probably not going to be hearing from you for a bit.
Willow: Wait, Linden told you that?
Elf: Sure he did, but I wish I'd heard it from you. Just don't forget to let us know you're alive once in a while.




Elf: Rowan was by yesterday, looking for you too. He seemed upset, but wouldn't tell me what was going on. Left in a hurry too. I never get that guy.




Willow: Oh... well, I spoke to him already.  We kinda had a falling out.



Elf: Willow, I know Rowan could be... well not to be too delicate about it, but your brother could be a bit of a jerk once in a while. But he has your best intentions at heart, so don't forget that.
Willow: I know. I'm sure I'll talk to him again, but I just needed to be left alone.
Elf: Honey? Is there something else going on?
Willow: No, Mom, nothing... well.. okay I moved out of the dorm...




Elf: Wait... what? You moved out? Willow, this is your last year, why would you do that?




Willow: I... well I was getting really distracted. There's a lot I have to study for so I just needed my own space. I... I already found a place, I just need to get my stuff and fix it up a bit. But rent is... it's really cheap. Cheaper than staying at the dorm actually. I may spend the semester break just moving in and taking care of everything, if that's okay with you.




Elf: Well sure, Willow if that's what you want. You're a big girl, I'm going to trust you on this. It's just that Linden is up visiting and it would be nice to have you over for at least a few times while he's here. And I want  you to patch things up with Rowan. He needs more taking care of than you do.

Linden was straining to pick up bits of what Willow was saying over the phone. She was lying, especially in light of everything he learned about her in the past few days. Willow wouldn't just move out of her dorm without a reason. She's been there for so long, and he couldn't imagine any reason for her to just move out on a whim. Especially with Gabriel living with her.


Willow: I'll come by, I promise.
Elf: Okay, I'll hold you to that. And I want to know all about this new guy of yours.   I love you, Willow.
Willow: I love you too Mom. Give Dad a hug for me.








Normally Willow would want to stay longer at the library but right now she just wanted to pick up some food, possibly some of her things at the dorm and run back to her new home.  She had not heard yet about the fire that had supposedly killed three people in her dorm.  Because of the semester break, the library was virtually empty.  She avoided contact with just about everyone who was there.  She was nervous she'd run into Gabriel... or Jasmine or Adrian. She wasn't sure she could face anyone yet.  She definitely didn't want them to know that she had been spying on them.










"Yes. She's here. But she's leaving..."



"... Understood. I won't let her out of my sight."




Over the past little while, Willow had begun to start trusting those odd feelings she's had. She figured maybe her magic tuned her into some kind of weak sixth sense that told her whenever danger was close.




Whatever it was made her stop and turn around briefly. 


He looked like any other student actually. But something in her told her to start running.




Willow stopped in her tracks. He was behind her and had stopped where she turned the corner. He was most definitely following her and it looked like it was with purpose. What did he want?


She decided she didn't want to know. She had to trust her instincts.







She was gone before he could call her name.



next » [ Chapter 35: Strangers ]

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Notes:

* I haven't actually done any word counts of my chapters, but I have a feeling this one may be one of the wordier ones. But it's all important to move the story along. Trust me when I say there is more going on than revealed here. Ugh, it's hurting my brain just trying to weave it all together.
* Thank you again to all that have contributed a sim -

amochan8878 (Sorbet Wobnair) ,

eshuff ,

leaths (Djor Carter),

naughtydolphin (Yolanda Qwerty),

nimi4 (self sim!),

remisims (Wes Eastman),

shelbster93 (Phineas). I truly hope that I did your sims justice, but I personally don't think I could have come up with a better Coven of Dark Witches on my own. (can you recognize 'em? :D )
* Madame Wilhemina is mine. I couldn't find it in me to "hag" up anyone else's sims and Mina Molina just fit the role so well.
* and oh yes, there will be more guest stars in future chapters.
* I totally loved having Elf back for a bit 
* Thank you for reading!!!

Comments

[inferiarecoming.livejournal.com]

Ooh, I'm loving all the Circle/Coven drama, I can't wait to read more about it.

I also love that Elf is back too, she's such a lovely looking Sim, and a great character. Club Dante looked really great in this chapter, I love those flaming things out the front - what on earth are they?!

Even though I understand Willow's reluctance to see her friends/family, and just wanting to find out what she can on her own, part of me just wants to kick her for being so silly...

I honestly didn't notice if this chapter was wordier or not, I was so caught up in reading the story - I guess that's what you want though! I'm really looking forward to seeing where this is all going; it feels like this is all coming to a head.

[simtopi]

Thank you! The Coven gathering was probably the most fun I had with this chapter. They'll definitely be in play in other chapters. The entire Club Dante scene was pretty fun. The flaming things in the foreground you can get in the Decor/Misc section. It's just those gas spouts that spew fire (if you've never used it before just be careful, they can toast your sims if they get too close).

And I'm happy that you like Elf, she did use to be my favourite Sim. In a way, she still is. The Marlens are very close, even Rowan has an untouchable affinity with his family. Even though Willow feels herself pulling away from those around her, family is still very important. I couldn't *not* have Willow at least call her mother.

As I was writing it, especially with Willow's scene with the mirror, I was just too conscious of the lack of dialogue. And when there was dialogue, mostly in the Coven and Helene scenes, there was a lot of it. I personally don't like getting too carried away with words but it was kind of necessary to set things up. And you're right, things are starting to come to head. It may be a while yet.

[honorkid54.livejournal.com]

The Coven scene was hilarious and creepy at the same time. The witches and warlocks were so diverse and it made for some pretty funny banter between Amara and Wilhelmina. At the same time, Helene's conversation with Malcolm was very sinister and this is probably just me, but Malcolm looked a little bit scared for once. I'm not sure whether I'm supposed to like or dislike Helene, but she looks like she's going to play an important role.

Elf! It took me a minute to remember who she was, but I'm glad that Willow's got her family checking in on her. I'm kinda glad that she's doing well on her own but I do also wish that she could try and stay in touch, even just a little bit. To me I think it's okay if she distances herself from Jasmine and Gabriel just a little bit, but she definitely shouldn't keep her distance from her mother and brothers.

And whoever could it be that's chasing her?!

Great chapter. :) I can feel everything leading up to something, I can feel it coming, and whatever it is that is coming, I am anxiously waiting for it. I can't wait to see who's chasing Willow and why, what Malcolm's gonna do about his current issue and of course more guest witches/warlocks! :D

[simtopi]

The Coven scene was just way too fun. I loved how the witches came together when I started dressing them up and posing them. I originally had planned for the Coven to be obediently sitting and listening as Malcolm spoke, but their personalities just came out for me, I wanted to capture it while I was inspired. That's why it got a little longer (and hence Amara vs Wilhemina) ;)

Yes, you can say Malcolm does fear Helene. He will hide it well though.

Willow is going through some things but there is still a part of her that couldn't completely distance herself from her family. She probably won't be able to distance herself from her friends for too much longer, but for the Marlens, family is important.

I'm glad you liked this chapter. There is some stuff happening here and it will be important for later arcs definitely. (And PS I have a sim of yours slated for an upcoming chapter, so yes definitely more guest stars soon!)

[bunheadsbuns.livejournal.com]

And the plot thickens! I loved the little gathering, every story needs a bunch of evil characters sitting around a table and conspiring ;)

Very curious about Willow's little stalker there. At this point, he could be sent by anyone!

[simtopi]

Ha, exactly! I knew when I started plotting this story that I'd have to have the Evil Villains Conference at some point. :D Cheesy but it was fun!

Willow's stalker could be sent by anyone, you're right! We'll deal with him next chapter. ;)

[budgie-budgie.livejournal.com]

Awesome chapter! The meeting was fantastic and it's fun to see a lot of new faces and also, now I'm super curious about who the guy following Willow is!?

[simtopi]

Thank you! And yeah, there were quite a bit of new faces here, but it was great playing with them. ;)

[naughtydolphin.livejournal.com]

Oooo I got excited when I saw this chapter :D It certainly does set the stage for all out battle, either obvious or behind the scenes. It'll keep us on the edge of our seats for sure. I'm really hoping I'm right with that being Landy you've used as Amara! It's amazing how different a sim can look when you put a different hairstyle on them. I love love love this. The meeting was great, as was the scene with Helene. I love how you faded her out!

[simtopi]

Yup, that was Landy as Amara! (I editted the notes to name the guest sims. It was late last night, I didn't think of it >.< ). I actually originally had her as a good witch and part of the Circle, but when I dressed her up, she really did need to be part of the Coven. And like I said above, I just wanted the Coven to originally just sit there and listen to what Malcolm had to say but their personalities were just too fun to keep in the background.

In saying that, yes, there will most likely be stuff going on in the good vs. evil sense, lol. I'm going to have fun with that.

[naughtydolphin.livejournal.com]

I'm not surprised she wanted to be evil! Alfred's kids have that in them for sure :) I am so looking forward to seeing this showdown!

[simtarts.livejournal.com]

Lots of tension in this one. Why can't I shake this feeling of dread? Something about Willow's new pad, and how it separates her from her friends and family, just seems like utter bad news. And why do I suspect that there's more to that scrying glass? Careful, Willow! I hope Linden is hatching a plan.

I do like to see Malcolm on his knees before a woman. XD I have a feeling she will be evil as all get-out, but I'm having a hard time not liking Helene. She is one classy-looking dame! Except she let Sybill die, grrr. Only she might have been incorporeal at the time and incapable of helping her out, so....I will withhold judgment for the time being. ;)

Great chapter!

[simtopi]

Yep, there is a bit of tension going on here. It was a tricky chapter to get right, and I hope I hit it. There will be more about Willow's house in the next few chapters, but you're right, it does isolate her from everyone else, which is probably what Malcolm wants at this point. As for the mirror, you're right there is more to it than just a scrying glass. After all, crystal balls can be purchased readily at places like Wanda Tinker's shop. This one is definitely special.

I admit I love Helene, Sibyll too. She won't be like the other "villains" in this story, that's for sure but there will be more on her.

Thank you very much!

[remisims.livejournal.com]

Just, wow, I love him.

I've been meaning to comment since I first started reading Simtopi, but I'm terrible at commenting. :(

I absolutely adore this! I feel honored that one of my simmies has had the chance to be a part of it, especially such an up himself, self interested lad as he. :P Awesome chapter!

[simtopi]

Wes was awesome, it was great to see his personality come through here. Thank you for making him available, I think he fits his role perfectly.

And you know you never have to worry about commenting, it's alright. I am happy you're reading it, that's always cool! :D Thank you for this note.

[wisteria-sims.livejournal.com]

Loved the Helena/Malcolm scene! Things got a little more confusing in my head, but I can only think well late at night or early morning, I'm not an afternoon person. Glad to see Elf back, even though it was only a phone call. Gah, I wish I had more to say, but I don't. My brain only thinks when I'm tired.

[simtopi]

I'm glad you liked Helene and Malcolm's little discussion. I do hope it wasn't too confusing, this chapter is kind of a set up for things to come. I'll try to summarize.

I guess in short the big point of the meeting is that Malcolm has ordered the most powerful members of his Coven to eliminate their rivals anyway they saw fit. Helene isn't happy with this, but Malcolm assures her that his plan will succeed, that she can now communicate with Willow through the Mirror, if she wished, and that his Coven will work at returning Helene "to life". Meanwhile, Willow had just discovered the power of the mirror as a scrying tool and inadvertently spies on her friends, though she gets upset when she sees Jasmine and Adrian together.

Anyway, thank you for the comment though. I do appreciate it! :D

[just-jasper.livejournal.com]

The coven meeting was awesome. Your posing is always astonishingly good :D

[simtopi]

Thank you! LOL, I felt like such a hack with the posing in this chapter. (Lots of camera angle cheating!). I appreciate it though, I'm glad it worked out.

[orikes13.livejournal.com]

Oooh. There was a lot of information in this one. I read it last night probably right after you posted, but I was too exhausted to leave a comment.

I loved the insight into the dark witches coven. The only cameo I recognized was Carter (eeeee), but the rest all seemed to fit their roles really well. It was very interesting seeing how they work together and how Malcolm handles them. The visit from the Helene also answered questions, but gave me as many questions as it answered. I'm glad we're finding out some little hints of what's going on and why they're all interested in Willow.

As always, the pictures were yummy and I absolutely love this story. :)

By the way, if you need some additional guest cameos at some future point, let me know. I'll happily donate someone. :)

[simtopi]

I think it was a good idea to put out a casting call for sims for this, it was so much fun to put the Coven together and play them for a while. Carter is essentially going to be Malcolm's seemingly innocuous assistant so he'll be around for a while.

Helene was kind of an interesting and challenging character to introduce for me. She's kind of been there throughout the whole story but to introduce her in person as a major roleplayer about now was tricky. I could have drawn it out, but I think this worked better. She'll definitely be more involved now.

Thank you again for leaving a comment! I can't say the casting call is closed right now because though I think I have all the roles covered, stuff changes all the time. :D If you want to contribute any sims just point them up, and I'm sure they'll be of use. I know we probably haven't seen the last of the undead. /ominous music starts now **OOoooOOoOooo***

[dinuriel.livejournal.com]

Late to the party! Sorry about that :(

Helene is the Sorceress? That's certainly an interesting detail. Loved the interaction between her and Malcolm. He's been losing his grip on the reigns lately, hasn't he?

Wow, Willow and Rowan both look so much like their mom! Linden must take after their dad.

Very curious about the stalker in the pink shirt. Also, I definitely wish I had your set-building abilities.

Sorry that this comment wasn't more in-depth. I've been studying for midterms and I'm currently taking a much-needed breather :S

[simtopi]

Late to the party? Nonsense, it's always a party around here! :D

In all seriousness, don't even worry about it, you've nothing to apologize for. I'm a very strong believer that when it comes to stories, people should read/comment or not read/comment at their own pace and leisure. ;) I completely understand being busy and real life always takes precedence for the most part. ;)

Helene is indeed the Sorceress, at this point I didn't want any more ambiguity about it. I will get more into her, her relationship with her sister, Sibyll and their past in a future chapter most likely.

I agree, Willow and Rowan do take after their mom, physically and LInden is almost a clone of his Dad. Actually I was a little worried that Willow might have been a clone of Rowan because of first born syndrome, but she does look slightly different when gender-switched and their personalities are different too.

Anyway, thank you so much for the comment, I do appreciate you taking the time to do so. :D

P.S. Good luck on your midterms!

[amochan8878.livejournal.com]

Ok, that is a bad-ass looking coven XD. I had no idea which was mine, but I thought maybe Tomaz was Sorbet...and I was right XD LOL.
Loved loved loved the Heleane/Malcom scene. It's one of those scenes where you think questions have been answered and then you go away to think about it and realize you still don't know diddly squat. It's my favorite kind of moment!
Willow has a new stalker! And that stalker has a friggin' cool ass coat!

[simtopi]

I couldn't have created a better Coven by myself, in all honesty. I really appreciate everyone contributing their sims. Sorbet was actually one of the first sims I made up as a warlock way back when you first submitted, so it was great to finally use him. ;)

All that matters about this chapter is what I summarized for wisteria_sims above. There is definitely more to this but Dastardly Evil Plans™ are never that simple, are they ;).

LOL, Willow's stalker is certainly getting lots of unexpected attention by everyone hehe. I don't know if I should be talking about whether or not we should get too attached to him. (the answer is "not" LOL). But yes, he does have a stylish jacket at least. :D

[selenaq13.livejournal.com]

Alright! I love the coven meeting and the appearance of Helene. I have a feeling that having new magics and using the mirror is corrupting Willow in some way; I keep thinking that's what Malcolm wants!

[simtopi]

"I have a feeling that having new magics and using the mirror is corrupting Willow in some way; I keep thinking that's what Malcolm wants!"

That bears repeating. I'm not going to say much more than that. ;)

[prettypalisades.livejournal.com]

The coven is so fun! I thought Amara looked familiar, but I had no idea it was Landy until I read naughtydolphin's comment! It's like a blend of two of my favorite sims stories, how can I not love this chapter? :)

I'm interested to see what will happen to the Circle ... Can't wait for more!

[simtopi]

Yeah I was all over Landy when Naughtydolphin volunteered her sims. :D How could I *not* have her in this. I'm thinking she's great for this role too. ;)

Thanks. I do believe the witches will be more active soon.

[sullivansims.blogspot.com (from livejournal.com)]

Oooh, so good! I loved this chapter and I didn't notice the wordiness, if it even was longer than normal.

I was so pleasantly surprised to see a cameo by Elf. I always liked her.

Is the guy following Willow someone we've seen before, or is he new? He looks like he's up to no good but I guess appearances can be deceiving.

[simtopi]

Thank you, I'm glad you enjoyed it. It felt long to me, maybe because there was a huge part of this chapter where I had to write about just Willow and the mirror. Dialogue is a little easier for me, and even so there also seemed like a lot of talking in the beginning.

I love Elf too, and I really did have to settle Willow up with her parents before I moved on.

As for the guy following her, no we haven't seen him before. He should be back next chapter. I still think it's unexpected yet awesome how much attention he's been getting in the comments. :D

[starling-1.livejournal.com]

First, thank you! I'm honored to have a sim included!

This chapter is so full of complicated events and characters, I could write a book about it. I started to worry a little that Helene was going to be a kind of one dimensional evil character, but of course she's not!

The coven was a lot of fun! Love the interaction between Wilhelmina and Amarna!

The whole sequence with the mirror was incredibly effective. The placement on the empty wall; Willow's increasing anxiety about the thing and how it might be using her; and her heartbreaking and bittersweet reaction when she saw Adrian and Jasmine kissing - just perfect writing and perfect shots.

As for the buy with the interesting clothes...hehe....cannot wait to see more about him!

Wonderful wonderful creation!

[simtopi]

I'm so happy you liked this. Just give the word and your sim will get *full* credit. :D (or not, it's totally fine, I'm completely honoured for your sim, seriously!).

But yes, I also felt this chapter kind of got out of hand. Some of that was things completely started changing while I was working on it and I just had to go with it. I think you talked about that in some of your discussions. But yeah, it was interesting but when I was done, I sat back and was all: Ok, now what? :p

But still, I wouldn't have done it if it weren't fun. The Coven was fun. I'm so happy that readers allow me to indulge in the complete cheesiness that is the Sims once in a while. I can't say no to them. ;)

I'm also glad the part with the mirror worked. It was tough, because it was just one character interacting with an object, it was a little strange for me to write. I absolutely felt like a student in a drama improv class where the teacher gives you a broom and you're told to act around and *at* it. :p

Thank you always for your comments!

[simtopi]

You don't ever have to worry about beeing "wordy" in your comments. I do appreciate you reading it and letting me know that you enjoyed it, so thank you so much!

[simtopi]

Yes of course! I wouldn't have gone through this story without using that bookcase at least once. And it could have come up in previous chapters too! (Tri-Var mansion, secret society, Malcolm's mansion...). Thank you!

[simtopi]

Hi there! So happy to see new readers, thank you! And I'm glad you like the story so far.

Personally I feel a bit entangled in the plot lines right now, but I'm sorting it all out. There's a lot more to tell. Honestly, thank you for your note, it's really sweet of you to say. :)