Crossover Earth '98

CALM BEFORE THE STORM
MICHAEL SURBROOK

Veteran of the Psychic Wars
Blue Oyster Cult

That it was a place was beyond doubt. Where it was located was an entirely different question.

If asked where they were, neither of the two people present would have been able to truly answer that question. They knew where they were, but they certainly couldn't explain it to someone. Especially to someone who had no knowledge of metaphysics and sorcery. The best the two of them could do was 'Outside the boundaries of time and space', an answer that would certainly satisfy no one. Of course, if one took a few moments to look around, then they would understand why defining where here was proved to be so difficult.

'Here' was a large rectangular floor made from dressed stone squares. A thick, brightly colored rug covered one end, on which rested a small table and two chairs. This seemingly mundane setting was over-shadowed by the fact the the sky (and the ground and everywhere else one looked) had the appearance of deep space, with brilliant stars, colorful streamers of gas, blazing nebula and slowly turning galaxies. Of course, the two people seated at the table pretended not to notice their surroundings, adopting a casual and almost jaded expression when looking out at the sky.

The table was a small round affair, covered with a thin white cloth, several candlesticks dripping with wax, and a variety of dishes and bottles. Two people sat across from each at the table, a man and a woman.

The man was of average height, maybe a little taller, with a thin build. His face was unremarkable, with the scattering of faint lines around his cool gray eyes almost hidden behind wire-frame glasses. His age was undeterminable and could have been anywhere from 25 to 45, a situation further confused by his long white hair. His dress could be best described as 'archaic', consisting of a high-collared lace shirt, waist coat, trousers and tall boots. His name was Avalon du Lac, a name that he would freely admit was not his 'real' one, but served his purposes quite well, especially since Avalon's real name was no one else's business.

The woman looked to be the same height as the man, perhaps a little shorter. She had a slim, supple build and an attractive, narrow featured face. Like the man, her hair was a brilliant snowy-white and fell in waves far down her back. Unlike the man, however, she had a broad gray stripe that ran down center of her hair between her decidedly fox-like ears. She also possessed a long tail, which at the moment was curled about the back of her chair, the tip twitching occasionally. Her clothing consisted of a long coat, belted tightly at the waist, trousers and high boots. Her name was Ashley le Fay du Lac, and that was her real name, although, as she often pointed out, it had nothing to do with her 'true' name.

"How is everything?" Ashley asked, sipping slightly from a glass.

"Excellent," Avalon responded with a smile, cutting slices from a block of cheese.

"Sleeping alright?"

"Hmm..." Avalon shook his head, "Depends. The dreams are sporadic and hard to remember. When I am home, they do not trouble me, if I go abroad, they can be very... disturbing."

"I see," Ashley took another drink from her glass, "Do you think they pose a great threat?"

"As long as they remain at the bottom of the ocean? No."

"Have you..." Ashley started, before pausing to look away at the distant vista that passed for a sky. "Have you heard any more from Morgan?"

Avalon froze for a moment, staring sternly down at his plate. Raising his head slowly, he gave Ashley a long, carefully measured look. "N-no, not recently. I think that where ever she is right now must be quite a barren place, for I have not felt a glimmer of her power for some time."

Ashley nodded slowly, her expression guarded and her ears down, "I am sorry Avalon..."

"You have nothing to be sorry for Ashley, Morgan is to blame for what happened."

"Let us drop the matter then, eh? Here Avalon, have another sandwich."

They ate in silence for a few moments, simply enjoying each other's company without resorting to useless verbal platitudes. Finally, Avalon looked up.

"Victoria has been asking about you."

Glancing up with a surprised expression, Ashley flushed slightly, "She was?"

"Yes, she was. She wants to know when you will drop by for a visit."

"Uh..." Ashley stalled for a moment, her ears dropping flat. "I have been busy lately..." she finished rather lamely.

"Do tell."

"Hmph," Ashley snorted in mock disgust, "In that case how are you and your newest 'apprentice' getting along?"

"Katsumi? Well... she's returned to Hawaii if that is what you mean."

Ashley chuckled for a moment before continuing, "She still having those precognitive visions?"

"Yes..." Avalon looked away from the table for a moment, "I will admit that I do not fully understand them."

Ashley shrugged, "What is there to understand? She believes that at some point in the future the demon threat will become so great that organized units will be created to combat them. I find it rather interesting that she sees one of her descendants leading one of these units."

"You seem forget that I would rather not see this future come about. Katsumi's descriptions paint a most bleak and unpleasant picture," Avalon pointed out.

"Well, yes," Ashley responded refilling the glasses, "potentially toxic acid rain does not sound good for anyone."

"All of which is water under the bridge. Katsumi has stated that the worst of this won't occur until 2024, which means I have thirty years to try and advert such a disaster."

Ashley smiled, "You sound very confident."

"I have spoken with the Tagelohn clan concerning this, they are aware of dangers." Avalon shrugged.

"As are you I hope," Ashley shook her head slowly, her ears falling flat, "I would rather not see you hurt."

"Do not be so gloomy Ashley, it does not become you."

"I will try." She paused to drain her glass and then stood up from her chair. "Enough of this depressing talk Avalon, I have brought you a few things and I do not want you ruining the mood."

"As you wish..."

"Alright then," Ashley knelt down and unbuckled the straps on a large case resting on the floor. Reaching inside, she removed several small packages. "These," she said, laying the gifts on the table, "are for Herrick, Baset and Manannan."

Glancing at the paper wrapped objects, Avalon lifted one up and gave it a cautious sniff. "You did not..." he began.

"Get Herrick cigars?" Ashley finished in an innocent tone. "Would I do that? Besides, do what you always do and have him smoke them outside."

"I have been trying to get him to quit."

Ashley laughed, "Avalon, I am surprised at you. Getting a dragon to stop smoking indeed. Next you'll tell me that you are going to try and teach Baset to come when you call her name."

"I..." Avalon hesitated, realizing he had lost before he could even begin, "Never mind."

Ashley chuckled, "Of course. Now, before you ask, I found that book you wanted." Ashley set a large leather-bound tome down with careful reverence. "It was not easy to come by, let me tell you."

"Thank you, Ashley." Avalon gently took her hand in his and kissed it. "And the Tagelohn thank you as well."

"Ahem," Ashley blushed slightly, "Always the charmer." She produced another gift, a long narrow object wrapped in cloth. "Here, this is for your collection."

Undoing the ties, Avalon slid a heavy, black wooden sword out of the bag. "Ashley, this is beautiful."

"Thank you. That is a noklan carved from dyak wood and is used for ceremonial purposes."

"Well," Avalon said as he slid the sword back into its bag, "It is a good thing that I brought you something then."

Reaching under the table, brought forth a small box and handed it over. "Open it."

Trying to suppress a smile, Ashley quickly removed the paper and took the lid off the box. "Oh... Avalon, they are... they're beautiful."

"You like then then? "Avalon asked leaning forward. "They are not to gaudy are they?"

"Oh no," Ashley held the earrings up to the candles, watching the light play across the gems. "These are perfect."

"Good" He placed a second package on the table, "This is also for you."

Ashley stared for a moment before tapping the paper wrapped cube with one finger. "You didn't..." she breathed.

"Perhaps I did and perhaps I did not."

"You did!" Ashley cried delighted as the paper came away, "You got them! Dark Side of the Moon, The Wall, Wish You Were Here, Momentary Lapse of Reason, Delicate Sound of Thunder... you got all of them!"

"And now you will stop borrowing mine all the time, hmm?"

It was sometime later, after the food had been cleared, packages stowed and the table, chairs and rug returned to wherever it was they stayed until called forth, that Ashley and Avalon stood facing each other in the center of the floor.

"Well, I guess it is time to go," Ashley said, her voice tightening slightly.

"Yes, yes it is." Avalon pulled Ashley into his arms and held her tight. "Take care of yourself."

"You do the same." Stepping back out of his grasp, Ashley kissed Avalon lightly and the cheek and wiped at her eyes. "Goodbye, father."

"Goodbye."

After his daughter had departed, Avalon slowly and with a sense of tiredness settled himself down on the stone flooring. Leaning back, he watched the brilliant stars, colorful streamers of gas, blazing nebula and slowly turning galaxies, his expression one of sadness and regret.

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