Slowly the house Miranda and Morgan had called home was being changed. It seemed only fitting that it become the welcome center and play host to all the main events of the coven. Sitting nearly in the heart of it all made it more than an ideal decision. A few members had graciously volunteered to move their belonging and place them either at some small lodging within Mage house or storage till the new house was built. It had been a hard choice, but in the end Miranda couldn't bare the thought of bringing Angel back there to live. Everyone needed to move forward from this tragic event not just for themselves, but as a way to show strength. That no matter what came to Rhy'din, to Bristle Crios they would survive and remain the pillar of hope and strength so many had helped to build.

Shifting in the large wing back chair, Miranda kept working. The brace holding her ribs in place to finish healing was not very accommodating to her need to lean over paperwork, but that was not about to stop this stubborn woman. There were many matters to see to yet. The letters concerning new house leaders for Warrior, Werewolf and Mage house had been the first sent. Marshall would have an interesting time and she had faith that he would handle not only the natural responsibilities of the house, but the fact that it was Morgan's and undoubtedly it's members were mourning. Crowe was more than a natural fit. His wife and children would bring new life into Werewolf house. As for Arthour for Mage house, he was the best choice. His abilities not only made it easier for members to approach him with issues, but it also meant he wouldn't be stumbling around in the dark. With a bittersweet heart she has signed the letters. Miranda couldn't balance becoming the leader of the coven, Mage house, the forge and her daughter. She would be re missed in her duties if she gave anything less than her best.

The bathrobe had been much more comfortable than her current dress, but it did cover most of her bruising. She had a feeling that the new leaders might wish to speak with her at some point so it was better to be ready than caught with bunny slippers on her feet.

Mint green eyes looked up at the knock while her hand finished working the last additions for the winter formal. Thankfully, Fiona had agree to watch Angel for a few hours while duties were filled. Stiffly she rose and opened the door for to find Arthour waiting.

"It is an honor to see you, Art. Would you care to join me for some tea?"

Gesturing to the silver tea set nestled between two chairs on a pedestal table. A few ink stains claimed her fingertips as she slowly moved for the chair.

"I have heard some wonderful news that bares congratulations to yourself and Miss Silverblood. I am sure your wedding will be fashionable if Mai has her way."

Chuckling and drawing up a small smile for him despite her heavy heart. Morgan and herself had been trying to plan their wedding, but once she and Angel had settled at the coven it was clear his love for her had changed and with Bree returning their relationship was gone.

Miranda reached for the tea pot and felt her body protest. The edge of her mouth pulling into a grimace of she should have known better. Returning to rest her body in the support of the heavy armchairs, Miranda sighed.

"You are most welcome and with that wise statement alone surely you can see why I made you my first choice. I am sorry I would pour us tea, but I fear my body still has other protests against the action. I do apologize once again."

Hoping to play off the severity of her injuries with a smile. Arthour's questions about Mage house seemed simple enough, but the complex web of people and magic that kept the place running was a delicate balance. How to put it without overwhelming or under preparing"

"Mage house tends to itself when it comes to rooms. Just simply talk to yourself about any new addition and the house will see to it. This includes new members. The kitchen is good about having something at all hours for different work schedules, although themes of any sort is not it's strong suit."

Remembering the time it had gone overboard with holly for Yule. FYI just say no to holly berry jelly or elf fart surprise.

"There are several members that tend to the outside gardens and greenhouse, but it is worth the time to take a stroll and thank them for the hard work. Mind you they never expect it no matter how many times you do it."

The gardens were the place she would catch Morgan taking out his stress on the weeds. His stress made sure the gardens were free of them. Where they would chase Angel. Miranda's eyes went unfocused for a moment at the memories before returning to the conversation.

"Out of all of the members be sure to check on Lahan. She is doing well, but has been through a lot which has cost her sight. She is determined to do things on her own, but I have been known to move a teacup or two or simply bring her tea altogether. That and something sweet to tempt a little weight back on her bones. Do you have any questions still??

Smiling softly as the delicate tea cup floated naturally into her hand as if she had reached for it, Miranda found comfort in the small gestures of people. To others they might seem trivial or even expected, but to her they showed little glimmers of the soul. Kindness, respect, understanding and more.

"Thank you, Art."

Taking her first sip and enjoying the warmth that washed over her body soon after. The worst aches and pains could be comforted by a nice cup of tea or at least that was her view of it. Arthour was proving more and more with each passing word why she had hoped he would take over as leader to Mage house. Without even needing to bring it up, he was fully aware of keeping an eye on Renna, had listened to her own suggestions and planning ahead. All hallmarks of a great leader.

Holding the cup and saucer between her two hands for warmth, Miranda took a deep breath, answering what was left hanging between them. Was it too soon yet' Would tears overcome her words" The ticking of the clock on the mantel calmed her heart to its unyielding nature. It was almost as if she were back in Ireland. The mask of silver resting between forefinger and thumb, as the conversation drifted from laughter to planning with ease.

"With any race, species, abilities there will be an enemy. Even if we have never given them cause, anger, hate, blame and pain are not so easy to let go of. The longer they fester like an open wound the more you lose sense of what is around you and that feeling becomes your world. We all have choices and it is no different from individual to house leader."

Mint green eyes studied his face without hesitation or fear. Despite what had happened, the corners of her mouth pulled into a fragile smile filled with years of wisdom and experience.

"Bree was a threat to this coven that was known and I am sure she will not be the last threat this coven ever sees. I do not intend to let this coven fear what could be. Should we move with caution and be aware" Of course. We are each responsible for our own actions and for the actions we take as a whole. The members of Bristle Crios are very much a family, each house an extension of that family."

Hands moving nimbly, they wrapped around the handle of the tea cup bringing it to her lips. With a sigh and a sip, Arthour's glance to her wounds had not gone unnoticed. Chuckling while the cup returned to it's saucer, Miranda wanted to cut him off at the pass before another lecture on going back to a healer was given.

"Before you say it, yes I have already been to a healer and more than once. Even with the most adept healer things take time. I promise to be back to normal movement soon enough, Art. However, if you would be so kind?"

Tilting her now empty to tea cup towards the pot.

A weight seemed to have been lifted from her heart as Arthour spoke of taking care of the family. It was clear that he understood this was more than names, faces, and dates. Mage house, Bristle Crios and all the houses contained within were so much more. Each person a treasure beyond compare to her. Wonderful people, capable of amazing things.

Each of their triumphs, hopes and dreams filling the air with a life so joyous. Most didn't notice, but to Miranda it was palatable. Reminding her that such a glorious thing could not come without a price. Her features shifted slowly as the first tears in a while rolled down her cheeks. There was no attempt to wipe them away. No apology to follow.

"Once again, than you Arthour. Anything else you need to know will come with time. I am sure the members of Mage house will welcome you as the new house leader. Just remember two things to guide you."

"One, questions are the easy part. Answer take time and more heart than people think."

"Two, fear should never guide you, but by the same token never ignored. To be fearless is just as foolish as to be ruled by it. In either case you never move where you intend to. Good luck to you Arthour, although I am sure you don't need it."

Offering him her hand in friendship and guidance. The soft flesh aged with callouses from hard work and dedication to her craft at the forge. Soon enough groves would start to form from holding a pen and tending to paperwork, but for now with this cup a tea she could simply be Miranda.

An Announcement to the House.

~~8 hours later after speaking with Miranda, Arthour had settled into the Mage House Leader's Office.~~

Well, he was now seated in the Mage House, behind his new desk. Miranda's old one. He was the new 'Leader of Mage House'.....That sounded kinda fancy, he just wished the new position had come to him with less loss. Sighing, he looked about himself. The chair, a large green leather one, was very comfy. There was a fireplace to one side of the room and the wood panelled office gave a professional, authoritative, but above all welcoming presence. The entire room seemed designed to put a person's mind at ease. That was certainly a good thing, considering how often this particular house decide to change, adding a new room here an extra bookcase over there and god's alone knows how many 'Rooms of Requirement' there are, floating around this place!

Rubbing his eyes for a moment, Arthour considered the (thank the gods!) small pile of paper work before him. Most of it was just official stuff, the turning over of leadership to him, reasonably accurate designs and maps for the house, showing the positions of various secret entrances, exits and storerooms that, for unknown reasons, thankfully didn't move every other day like the rest of the rooms tended to. There were also instructions and lists, naming the wards and other various incantations that guarded the house, and likely the rest of the coven too.

He studied, and then filed them away carefully, taking every bit of information he could get from those last documents in particular. If someone could break onto the coven grounds and enter the mage gardens, all the while evading detection and apprehension, then clearly, those wards needed seeing to. That would be his first port of call, not only was he a member of Bristle Crios now and not just a part-time teacher at the academy, but he now the leader of one of the houses. He'd see to it's well fare and protection.

Once the documents were safely put away, he stood up and moved out from behind the desk. He needed to make an announcement to the rest of the house, to tell them what had happened, and that he was now the house leader. The students from the academy, they would need to be told as well, when they return from the holidays, those who had not stayed on the grounds that is. Moving to a window on the far side of the room, he sighed, looking over the gardens with his hands behind his back. To think...The intruder had entered those very gardens, bypassing the security, guardians and wards. He'd known something had been up, who wouldn't have noticed all the security being out in force, moving through the grounds, the houses, the outbuildings and the academy"



Leaving the office, he made his way to one of the larger common rooms in the House, everyone had gathered there, and he gave a smile to them all. He could see the question on their faces, What had happened" Why had the security forces been all over the house" Where was Miranda" But most of all, What had happened to Morgan, and where was he now" He stop before the group and looked over the faces he knew, and would come to know in the future and cleared his throat. He didn't much like public speeches.

"Good evening everyone. I'm sure your all wondering what?s been going on recently, I hope to answer that question"

Speaking softly, his voice still carried over the room and to everyone gathered there. He recognised some of the face from before he'd actually joined the House, and others he met through the Academy.

"Undoubtedly, many of you have heard recently that....something, has happened. The House Leader, Miss Branson, was brought back to Mage House and I'm sure many of you wondered what the commotion was about, why the security was in uproar that night. I can tell you, now after having spokan with Miss Branson earlier toady, what the reason for that was" Arthour took a small breath, before saything,

"Morgan Doyle, Leader of the Bristle Crios Coven, was murdered by a vampire named Bree McCaid. She did not survive the encounter with Morgan." He made of point of stating that last part, ensuring everyone got his meaning,

"I'm the main question running through your heads now is, why am I telling you this" And where is Miranda? The simple answers are, that Miss Branson has named me as her successor as the Leader of Mage House, and that she is currently resting after her ordeal" As Arthour said that, he thought, At least, she damn well should be.... "I will make myself available to you all, if you should have anything you wish to discuss with me at all.

"I know all of you must be feeling scared right now, after the Coven was entered and the Leader killed, but. We must not let this fear guide our actions. There will always be those who, for reasons of their own, will never be able to accept those of a certain race, or with certain abilities such as magic. And for those of us that have those abilities, we will always find people that scorn us, and hate us, even though we give them no cause for such hate or ill will. But we can't let this direct our actions or colour our judgement of other people. We can't let fear become our world, listen to it yes, but don't allow it to push you down a path that you know to be untrue to yourselves.

"As I said, I will be available to speak with any of you in my office when ever you have need of my help or assistance" He smiled softly to those gathered "Now come, lets not allow these bad tidings to wash over us, we need to stay strong and stand together, united as both members of this House, but as members of Bristle Crios. We should each take responsibility for our own actions and for the actions we take as a whole. We are all family here, and I would hope we shall pull together as family does in times of strife"

With those as his parting words, Arthour left the commons and found his way back to his office. He had no doubt that soon there would be questions and he would answer them....There would also be paperwork...Lovely...

((And now, I'd like to throw open the doors of this thread. Feel free to post reactions and comments, ether thought of or spoken by your character. If your comments take place on the same day as all of the above, please make a note of that in your post so people know :) Thanks and I hope you had fun reading!

And of course, big, Big, thanks to Miranda-mun for helping me with this and working with me on the posts above!))