Artemius had the day off and, after much begging and pleading on the behalf of tiny little bleeding hearts, he'd agreed to spend it in the Lycanthropy Ward as Ernie. Mind, he countered this with the request that afterwards, he could steal Elaine for lunch and introduce her to the lady friend -- the one who'd been stealing him away every evening, and leaving poor Elaine to ponder with delight as to what kind of mischief he was getting himself into with a new friend. As it was, Elaine had hardly married Blake Baxby without her own mischeivous sense of humour.

Arista Seaborne. Worked for the Minster -- at the moment. From the sound of things, Arista had not yet met Ernie, which was a bit of a shame. And so, Elaine had done a little trickery herself, and owled the girl with a change of plans -- instead of meeting her at the Ministry at one (assuming that the Baxbys would arrive at a quarter 'til) she arranged for the girl to arrive at a little after noon down in the lobby of St. Mungo's, where she would sneak the girl into the Ward to see Ernie in action. Not to mention she could get to know the girl one-on-one before she got all useless when she saw Artemius, and vice versa. In truth, she'd told no one -- not even the patients or other Healers, but had told one of the passing training Healers that she was stepping out for a minute, and was waiting curiously in the lobby for the girl to arrive -- whichever one it was. She assumed the girl would wander in with a similar look of someone looking for someone, versus the panick or boredom of a patient.

Arista was slightly confused as to why Artemius' mother wanted to meet her early but she didn't want to make a bad impression and she had enough vacation days for what seemed like it could be a year-long vacation. So she left early, having just had a snack in case they got so busy talking that they forgot to have lunch.

St. Mungo's wasn't far from the Ministry so Arista decided to walk. Artemius loved walking, preferring it to any other mode of transportation except maybe flying. It was because of his preference that Arista had gotten used to walking almost anywhere. It was also because of this that she started wearing trainers more often. Heels didn't work very well in winter weather in England.

Once in St. Mungo's she knew she was suppose to wait for someone. But having been in St. Mungo's before she knew she would end up on the first floor in the Lycanthropy ward. It had never seemed a dangerous ward to Arista because she thought of them as humans and not monsters. Of course, she wouldn't want to be on the ward during a full moon. Then, maybe her opinion would change.

The waiting room for St. Mungo's was nearly empty so the Welcome Witch almost didn't notice her. "Can I help you?"

"Oh, I'm just waiting for someone." She answered truthfully, looking around. She didn't know if she was actually looking for Artemius' mum or one of her co-workers. She stood against a back wall, looking around for anything interesting to read. There was a few old Witch Weekly's but Arista had no interest in reading them so she instead pulled a book - Sense and Sensibility - out of her purse and began to read where she had left off while she was waiting.

The room was crowded, as was usual, but she did spot a girl on the side holding a copy of... was that Sense and Sensibility? Elaine beamed. That was the girl she was looking for alright. Elaine slipped through the crowd and arrived before the girl and waved above the book cover.

"Hello, dearie," she greeted with a big smile. Ooh, this was exciting! She hadn't had the chance to meet one of Artemius' girlfriends in quite some time. Everyone had thought that he would marry Aronel one day, after all. Not that that couldn't still happen, but by this point, it was unlikely. "You must be Arista, yes?"

Artemius Baxby was the spitting image of his father -- dark black hair, tall, broad shouldered, and sharp, inquisitive eyes. But that bold chinline and the icey gray of his eyes were something he inherited from his mother. Elaine Baxby was hardly a tall woman, but she did come up to her son's shoulders, at the very least. And her own sass and spiceyness meant she was never taken advantage of. She smiled at the girl in what she hoped was welcoming. She was very pretty, and she'd heard good things.

You must be Arista.

"Yep that's me." Arista said putting her book back in her bag. "You must be Elaine Baxby. Artemius speaks highly of you- and often I might add." She smiled waiting for them to move out of the waiting area. Arista was eager to see Artemius but she also knew it was important to get to know his mother in case the relationship lasted. Not that she expected her dates to end, no she was enjoying this too much- she might even go as far to say it was love but Arista wasn't ready to scare Artie with the word.

"So has your day been very busy? Do you do education when it isn't full moon time?" She truly was curious to know about her job possibly because it was more important for people than what she did.

"Are we going straight upstairs and then meeting Artemius?"

"Yep that's me. You must be Elaine Baxby. Artemius speaks highly of you- and often I might add."

Elaine beamed. "Well, he ought to. I raised a fine boy and made sure he loved his momma." She gestured for the girl to follow her, leading her up the stairs.

"So has your day been very busy? Do you do education when it isn't full moon time?"

The question surprised her. "Education?" She grinned. "You interested in learning the family business, dearie?" She gave a small laugh. "I can get you a few things, if you like. And I know Timmy can answer any questions you might have..."

"Are we going straight upstairs and then meeting Artemius?"

Elaine gave out a mischeivous grin. "In a manner of speaking." She made her way to the lycanthropy ward, and once on the floor, waved away healers to make her way into the ward. As she turned the knob, she turned to Arista with a devilish grin. "But, first, I'd like you to meet someone." She turned the door and they stepped into a ward where a clown was performing a juggling act. He was wearing white gloves and juggling a number of trinkets -- mostly books and boxes; random things he'd acquired from around the room. As he juggled higher and higher, her crouched to accomodate the momentum -- he was on eight pieces, and there were a couple children with new pieces ready to toss into the mix. Everyone was cheering and laughing and chanting "go go go go!" as he continued on. Elaine waved to the others, and they waved back.

"Healer Baxby! Healer Baxby!" they greeted. Even the older patients, guarding the littlest -- as young as toddlers -- were joining in the fun. Elaine gestured for Arista to come into the room. The clown was wearing a green jacket, ripped at the shoulders, but decorated with badges of various places -- Paris, London, New York -- though they looked a bit worn and aged. A pair of white washed jeans also showed signs of wear and travel, and he had red and white striped socks, a bowler hat on the top of his head. At "Healer Baxby", though, the clown started a very small twirl, putting out one leg to pivot slowly to face the two new spectators. His expression was one of trained goofiness -- the white greasepaint had been applied on the face, and under the jacket, he wore a parchment toned dress shirt, beneath which was a tee depicting a cartoon of Bozo. The cheeks, lips, and nose were highlighted in red, while a black line accentuated his features. His eyes were a bright, steely grey as he kept his eye on his task. His grin was lopsided and cheery, and there was plenty of cheering as he managed his circle, his raven hair peeking out from under his hat messily.

Well, he ought to. I raised a fine boy and made sure he loved his momma.

"I'm sure it's the goal of every parent - for their child to love them and continue loving them even when they are gone from the house. At least, that is what I would want." Arista shrugged, following Mrs. Baxby up the stairs.

Education?" She grinned. "You interested in learning the family business, dearie?" She gave a small laugh. "I can get you a few things, if you like. And I know Timmy can answer any questions you might have..."

Arista blushed. "I didn't mean myself, although that would be nice. I meant for those who have been bitten: like how to deal with the psychological impact of what has happened and how to protect themselves when a full moon comes. I mean, they can't know this instinctively because aren't werewolves ready to bite any human when they are transformed? At least, that's what our textbooks seemed to imply." Ravenclaw she definitely was - she based some of her assumptions on a textbook. But she knew more than to just base her knowledge on the books the school told her she had to read. It was ridiculous.

Arista heard cheering and laughing when she finally entered the room she was suppose to go into. In it was a clown, juggling things and making everyone laugh. Arista was surprised at how many children there were in the ward. She hadn't expected that many - especially the really young ones.

The clown turned, grinning sloppily and Arista noticed something familiar about him. His eyes seemed to be the same color as Artemius' and the bits of hair she could see looked familiar but she wasn't one hundred percent sure. "So, is this the resident entertainer?" She asked, looking at Mrs. Baxby.

"I'm sure it's the goal of every parent - for their child to love them and continue loving them even when they are gone from the house. At least, that is what I would want."

Elaine beamed. "Always the best one can hope for. But, my trick is to beat the trouble out of them," she added with a malicious grin. She laughed. "Spare the rod, after all. But children do need a tender hand from time to time, too. It's all a matter of balance. And every child is different. Fortunately, the most I had to worry about with Timmy was him getting curious with the wrong people. Playing dentist with the cat for instance." She laughed. "Mind, Aronel was a bit more trouble... But then, she isn't actually one of mine."

"I didn't mean myself, although that would be nice. I meant for those who have been bitten: like how to deal with the psychological impact of what has happened and how to protect themselves when a full moon comes. I mean, they can't know this instinctively because aren't werewolves ready to bite any human when they are transformed? At least, that's what our textbooks seemed to imply."

Elaine smiled. "Well, that level of compassion is very refreshing to see," she noted. And that she had the forethought to refresh her memory -- faulted though her information may be. But then, that was propaganda for you. Not much one can do about it. "It's no small wonder Timmy likes you -- but yes, we do help them through their transformations. Keep them well fed, so there's no need for the hunt, potions for the pain, and most importantly, an environment that tells them they're still people. That's the main goal of my Cottage. Which Tim and I are working on, by the way. When it opens up again, I'll have to have you come by."

"So, is this the resident entertainer?" Arista asked. Elaine smiled, sure she spotted it.

"Mr. Klutz, actually. Mr. Earnest Lee Klutz, professionally, but we just call him Ernie."

The clown continued his spin, but decidedly stopped twirling higher. "Ernie out! Ernie out!" he called in a small voice, and so the children with items put them down and instead held out their hands to catch. One by one, he tossed an item with a "Whoop!" and returned them to their owners. Everyone cheered when the kid caught it, while they all made comments along the lines of "oh, almost!" and "maybe next time!" when they didn't, until the clown had only three pieces.

"Now, if I recollected correctically," he said, in that same silly voice, turning on his heels once more, his big, black boots dusty and familiar, "These playthings are yourn, Healer Baxby." Despite his smirk, and orly? expression, his eyes stayed on the three items, as he neared the two ladies. "Would you and your friend like to have them back?"

Elaine grinned. "I suppose so." She turned to Arista. "How about it, dearie?"

Once he'd had her answer, he started to back up, while the kids cheered him on, and then he did the same "Whoop!" trick as he tossed the first item -- a sealed box of notes, prolly -- to Elaine, who snatched it out of the air easily with a big grin. Ernie then was juggling only two items, and changed his weight to the other leg. "Here we go, pretty lady!" and he tossed a box of tissues toward Arista, and the room watched to see if she had told the truth.

"Spare the rod, after all. But children do need a tender hand from time to time, too. It's all a matter of balance. And every child is different. Fortunately, the most I had to worry about with Timmy was him getting curious with the wrong people. Playing dentist with the cat for instance." She laughed. "Mind, Aronel was a bit more trouble... But then, she isn't actually one of mine."

"Mmh, my parents never believed in physical punishment. Them being disappointed in us, my sister Lena and I, was always enough." Arista felt a small twinge of jealousy as she heard about Aronel. "Artemius said she was his best friend as a child." And she was married so the twinge of jealousy soon passed but it left a slight aftertaste. Had Artemius gotten over her? Or was she completely his? It wasn't something to contemplate while standing with his mother in St. Mungo's but no one could stop a mind from wandering.

"It's no small wonder Timmy likes you -- but yes, we do help them through their transformations. Keep them well fed, so there's no need for the hunt, potions for the pain, and most importantly, an environment that tells them they're still people. That's the main goal of my Cottage. Which Tim and I are working on, by the way. When it opens up again, I'll have to have you come by."

"Thank you. I would love to - but what happened to your old cottage? It seems like everything with a past is schroded in secrecy - it's odd actually when mine has always been an open book." It wasn't entirely true, but true enough. With two large extended families everyone knew everything about everyone else - which was a reason why Arista loved Artemius because he didn't know the whole back story and she could tell her version without thinking about how everyone else would perceive it.

"Mr. Klutz, actually. Mr. Earnest Lee Klutz, professionally, but we just call him Ernie."

"Earnest - I love that name. It always seemed like it held more importance than a normal name. Of course, that's just me." She said, smiling to herself as she watched the man continue on with his routine.

"Here we go, pretty lady!"

The man tossed a kleenex box to her and she caught it easily. She could have sworn it was Artemius but she still didn't want to say anything. "This Ernie... he wouldn't happen to be your son would he?" She asked, cryptically.

"Mmh, my parents never believed in physical punishment. Them being disappointed in us, my sister Lena and I, was always enough."

Elaine gave a pleasant laugh. "Ah, your parents were fortunate, then. As it is, Blake tended to have a philosophy of 'let the boy learn the hard way', which worked. Meant we didn't have to follow him around his entire life, but also made Tim a very conscious person on his own. Made him a bit of a straight man for Aronel, which I think is part of why they did so well together." It did her heart good to think of those old times, and she did smile.

Arista felt a small twinge of jealousy as she heard about Aronel. "Artemius said she was his best friend as a child."

"Ah, yes. Nearly inseperable, for many years. She missed him very much when he went to Hogwarts, but then, we all did." She smiled. "I remember one year, she cursed him for his birthday -- he wouldn't remember his birthday was today until he saw a Cheshire Cat -- you know, from Alice in Wonderland? She'd sent him a big, stuffed one as a gift. Unfortunately, a friend of his had bought him a double set of the books, and the Cheshire was on the cover. Boy, was she mad!" Elaine laughed. Ah, the tricks those two got into...

"Thank you. I would love to - but what happened to your old cottage? It seems like everything with a past is schroded in secrecy - it's odd actually when mine has always been an open book."

Elaine grimaced. "That's because, unfortunately, it hasn't been history for long. You see, to keep my patients safe, we had the cottage -- and a little cafe in Diagon Alley, actually -- guarded by countless concealment charms. Timmy always helped with them -- he's very good with charms, you know. But, when the magicless week came, our charms broke, and the Cottage was burned down by the locals. Two patients never made it out, unfortunately. The rest scattered to wherever they knew they could go, although Aronel and Molly keep in touch. My husband, Blake, also worked in town, and their workplace was also raided by the Muggles. He... didn't make it. Most of the wizards in his office didn't. Timmy and I lived with his father's parents for a while until after the funeral, but then we moved to here, to London. His side of the family doesn't exactly respect my occupation," she added quietly. "And since Artemius seems rather set on following my calling, we weren't exactly welcome. Mind, they didn't tell him that, and neither have I, but... It's good to be away from such people. Life is humble at the moment -- most of our funds are going to paying off debts and saving for the cottage." She shook her head. "It's a lot of pressure to put on my poor darling, but Tim is taking it rather well, I think." She beamed proudly. "He's become a proper head of the house. Mind, it's just the two of us, but he does a fine job."

"Earnest - I love that name. It always seemed like it held more importance than a normal name. Of course, that's just me." She said, smiling to herself as she watched the man continue on with his routine.

Elaine giggled. "Algernon or Jack?"

"Oho!"

The room cheered as she caught the box, and the clown took a bow, to more cheers. He then tucked the last item under his arm to applaud his assistants, smiling at the kids, and then back at Healer Baxby and Arista, and nodded to them as well, giving Arista a conspiratorial wink.

"This Ernie... he wouldn't happen to be your son would he?" She asked, cryptically.

Elaine giggled. "That bozo? Please!"

The clown gave her a finger pistol. "So..." He took off his hat and held it against his breast. "Who's the pretty lady, Missus Baxby?" he asked in that same goofy voice, smiling at Arista. Even the kids laughed and giggled and watched for an answer as to the identity of the new person.

"Ah, your parents were fortunate, then. As it is, Blake tended to have a philosophy of 'let the boy learn the hard way', which worked. Meant we didn't have to follow him around his entire life, but also made Tim a very conscious person on his own. Made him a bit of a straight man for Aronel, which I think is part of why they did so well together."

"Lena... she's such a creature. Since she decided to go to school in Greece my parents just had to instill the idea she was up to her own decisions and she just had to know what was right and wrong. Since she's so sensitive and caring about almost anything I'm not surprised it worked with her." Arista then grinned wickedly. "Me, some of the things stuck, others didn't. But in the end, I think they just want me to be happy. And I am. I love what my job used to be and I love Artemius. I've got a sister, two parents and two extremely extended families. I don't need much more."

"Ah, yes. Nearly inseperable, for many years. She missed him very much when he went to Hogwarts, but then, we all did." She smiled. "I remember one year, she cursed him for his birthday -- he wouldn't remember his birthday was today until he saw a Cheshire Cat -- you know, from Alice in Wonderland? She'd sent him a big, stuffed one as a gift. Unfortunately, a friend of his had bought him a double set of the books, and the Cheshire was on the cover. Boy, was she mad!"

"Do you think Aronel made the right choice - marrying who she did?" Arista asked, her mind very uneasy. She needed to hear that Artemius was right. Normally she didn't need confirmation that she was doing the right thing but it was like Mrs. Baxby was living in the past and it somewhat bothered Arista. "And that would be why the Cheshire Cat is on his blacklist." She chuckled.

"That's because, unfortunately, it hasn't been history for long. You see, to keep my patients safe, we had the cottage -- and a little cafe in Diagon Alley, actually -- guarded by countless concealment charms. Timmy always helped with them -- he's very good with charms, you know. But, when the magicless week came, our charms broke, and the Cottage was burned down by the locals. Two patients never made it out, unfortunately. The rest scattered to wherever they knew they could go, although Aronel and Molly keep in touch. My husband, Blake, also worked in town, and their workplace was also raided by the Muggles. He... didn't make it. Most of the wizards in his office didn't. Timmy and I lived with his father's parents for a while until after the funeral, but then we moved to here, to London. His side of the family doesn't exactly respect my occupation," she added quietly. "And since Artemius seems rather set on following my calling, we weren't exactly welcome. Mind, they didn't tell him that, and neither have I, but... It's good to be away from such people. Life is humble at the moment -- most of our funds are going to paying off debts and saving for the cottage." She shook her head. "It's a lot of pressure to put on my poor darling, but Tim is taking it rather well, I think." She beamed proudly. "He's become a proper head of the house. Mind, it's just the two of us, but he does a fine job."

"Oh." It was all Arista could say for a moment, shocked. "He spoke of his dad in Santorini but I had no idea. Wow... I just can't even imagine losing a parent and many of the people he grew up with." A thought crossed her mind when Mrs. Baxby said that Artemius wanted to follow in her footsteps. "But does he really want to follow you or is he happy where he is and he wants to make and keep you happy? I mean, I don't doubt that he would be an amazing person to help with the lifestyle changes but I also think that he might want something different." She covered her mouth, looking down. Dropping her hand she blushed. "I'm sorry - I didn't think about what that would sound like before I said that. It was rude of me."

"Algernon or Jack?"

"Jack, personally."

"Who's the pretty lady, Missus Baxby?"

"Arista Seaborne, Ernie. It's nice to meet you." She said, grinning back at him, almost one hundred percent it was Artemius.

"Lena... she's such a creature. Since she decided to go to school in Greece my parents just had to instill the idea she was up to her own decisions and she just had to know what was right and wrong. Since she's so sensitive and caring about almost anything I'm not surprised it worked with her." Arista then grinned wickedly. "Me, some of the things stuck, others didn't. But in the end, I think they just want me to be happy. And I am. I love what my job used to be and I love Artemius. I've got a sister, two parents and two extremely extended families. I don't need much more."

Elaine smiled. "That's what we all want for our children, dearie. Nothing but happiness! Although a bit of money for our retirement would be nice," she added with a wink.

"Do you think Aronel made the right choice - marrying who she did?"

"Oh, yes." She smiled fondly. "We knew she was going to marry that fellow right away. Her and Tony got on so well... they even curled up next to each other after transformations. Oh -- Tony was another of the patients. They were dating for almost seven months and then, poof! He popped the question. It was a beautiful ceremony -- simple, yet very pretty. Timmy was the Best Man - at least, I think he was. He was on her side of the ceremony. But, then, the entire thing was rather odd; kind of hard not to be when a woman like that gets married. Trust her to be difficult! Quite frankly I was relieved we didn't go home scarred by some random prank -- they never could resist a crowd. But..." She sighed. "I suppose that was a sign they were all grown up. I have to remind myself of that, sometimes," she said with a soft, sad smile.

"And that would be why the Cheshire Cat is on his blacklist." She chuckled.

Elaine laughed. "Ah, yes. You heard about that?" She nods. "He does very much enjoy Alice In Wonderland. Was absolutely obsessed with it in his fifth and sixth year. It's kind of stuck with him ever since."

"Oh." The girl was quiet, and Elaine decided that Artemius must have tried to avoid the topic. It was very difficult to talk about, at times. Mind, she'd had to run the funeral, so her grief had been pushed through a bit more. Still... little things reminded her of Blake.

"He spoke of his dad in Santorini but I had no idea. Wow... I just can't even imagine losing a parent and many of the people he grew up with."

Elaine nodded. "Yes. It was very hard for him. He was in a stupor -- a blank trance, for about two and a half weeks. Just... stopped. I think moving here helped him snap out of it a bit -- I think part of him was drowning out the rest of the family and the grief around him. Now, he has a job and responsibility." She smiled. "And a girl. You keep him busy. You've been a lot of help for him," she added with pleasure.

"But does he really want to follow you or is he happy where he is and he wants to make and keep you happy? I mean, I don't doubt that he would be an amazing person to help with the lifestyle changes, but I also think that he might want something different." She covered her mouth, looking down. Dropping her hand she blushed. "I'm sorry - I didn't think about what that would sound like before I said that. It was rude of me."

Elaine nodded. "You're quite alright. And it's true -- my work is one of those things that have been such a part of his life that, at this point, I think it's hard for him to think in terms otherwise. But I have never made it necessary for him to continue to help me. In the past it was merely because the boy had come of the age to help around the house -- and learn some tricks from the others. Growing up with lycans has made him irreversibly aware of how they live. I think, at this point, he simply doesn't know anything else." Her musing turned serious. "But, if you have a way to take him from this, I would greatly encourage it." Here she stopped to look Arista in the eye -- it might scare her, but she was deathly serious. "In fact, if you have a way of taking him from this, I would send him away as soon as possible. Wrench him away and don't let him come back, because he will fight it. For as long as is possible. The truth is, this is a dangerous business. Very dangerous. My son has come close to being one of my patients -- or worse -- far too many times." More than she could count on one hand, in fact. It sent chills down her spine to think of it. "If you find anything that he enjoys that takes him away from this, please. Convince him to do it. Because I have tried for many years, and failed. And now... I am hoping perhaps a girl such as yourself will let him shift his priorities to himself and a future family rather than me..." She sighed. "I can only hope. Because he's been raised by wolves for so long... I think he forgets sometimes that his body is still human."

+

Elaine beamed. Ah, she got it. Educated. That was very good...

"Arista Seaborne, Ernie. It's nice to meet you." She said, grinning back at him, almost one hundred percent it was Artemius.

Ernie beamed stupidly and held out his hat. Gaped at it, and then pulled it back and put out his hand -- his left hand. He sputtered and then, in a jumble, switched the hat to his left hand -- then decided to put it back on his head -- held out his right, remembered his manners, took it off again, held it out, switched it back to his left, and then held out his right hand, bouncing impatiently on his balls, though annoyed with himself. "Sorry 'bout that," he said sheepishly, while the children laughed. He held out his hand with a sheepish, goofy shrug, and even Elaine laughed to herself.

"Oh, yes." She smiled fondly. "We knew she was going to marry that fellow right away. Her and Tony got on so well... they even curled up next to each other after transformations. Oh -- Tony was another of the patients. They were dating for almost seven months and then, poof! He popped the question. It was a beautiful ceremony -- simple, yet very pretty. Timmy was the Best Man - at least, I think he was. He was on her side of the ceremony. But, then, the entire thing was rather odd; kind of hard not to be when a woman like that gets married. Trust her to be difficult! Quite frankly I was relieved we didn't go home scarred by some random prank -- they never could resist a crowd. But..." She sighed. "I suppose that was a sign they were all grown up. I have to remind myself of that, sometimes,"

"I suppose it was a great moment for you though - to see two of your patients and good friends go and get married and find happiness in each other. Because then, Tony if I remember correctly, could understand Aronel's condition. He could protect her and they could protect each other." Arista was surprised by what was coming out of her mouth but she had always been empathetic so hearing the story made her feel for Aronel. And it was a good type of feeling because it quelled some of Arista's jealousy.

"Yes. It was very hard for him. He was in a stupor -- a blank trance, for about two and a half weeks. Just... stopped. I think moving here helped him snap out of it a bit -- I think part of him was drowning out the rest of the family and the grief around him. Now, he has a job and responsibility." She smiled. "And a girl. You keep him busy. You've been a lot of help for him,"

"He's actually been a lot of help for me too. I don't know if he's told you - but my job is in limbo and so I don't feel very useful at work. Just having him around really helps - it reminds me that I can write even if the Minister doesn't want me to write for him."

Elaine nodded. "You're quite alright. And it's true -- my work is one of those things that have been such a part of his life that, at this point, I think it's hard for him to think in terms otherwise. But I have never made it necessary for him to continue to help me. In the past it was merely because the boy had come of the age to help around the house -- and learn some tricks from the others. Growing up with lycans has made him irreversibly aware of how they live. I think, at this point, he simply doesn't know anything else." Her musing turned serious. "But, if you have a way to take him from this, I would greatly encourage it." "In fact, if you have a way of taking him from this, I would send him away as soon as possible. Wrench him away and don't let him come back, because he will fight it. For as long as is possible. The truth is, this is a dangerous business. Very dangerous. My son has come close to being one of my patients -- or worse -- far too many times." "If you find anything that he enjoys that takes him away from this, please. Convince him to do it. Because I have tried for many years, and failed. And now... I am hoping perhaps a girl such as yourself will let him shift his priorities to himself and a future family rather than me..." She sighed. "I can only hope. Because he's been raised by wolves for so long... I think he forgets sometimes that his body is still human."

Arista sighed, leaning against a wall for support as she thought. "I don't know if I could. I mean, he loves you so much. And I know he loves you more than he loves me so if he was given the choice between you and me I am pretty sure he would chose you. And then... well, I would be heartbroken. But yes, it's time we both settled down - figured out what we want from each other and the rest of the world."

"Ernie" almost shook her hand but then decided against it. "So, when is Artie coming?" Arista checked her watch, seeing more time had passed than she thought. "I wasn't thinking straight this morning to remember to check."

"I suppose it was a great moment for you though - to see two of your patients and good friends go and get married and find happiness in each other."

Elaine smiled sadly. "Yes. We were all very happy for them."

She beamed. "Artemius has a gift for helping people. I think it's why he does so well with us..."

Elaine smiled sadly again. "Well. I guess all I can ask for is for you to try and help him, then, yes? Perhaps distract him with what else life has to offer." She smirked. "We women have ways of doing that, don't we?"

His folly amused the children, but Arista had decided to play hard to get. "So, when is Artie coming?" Arista checked her watch, seeing more time had passed than she thought. "I wasn't thinking straight this morning to remember to check."

Elaine giggled. "I think he'll be here very shortly. As it is, Mr. Klutz doesn't visit as often as he used to. Isn't that right, Ernie?"

The clown nodded. "Thassa right, ma'am." He put his hat back on. "As it is, what time do you have on that there clock? I have a meetin' with a lady clown of mine in a bit." He chuckled goofily, while the kids realised this meant their fun time was soon to be over.

"Hey!" He turned about and frowned, putting his fists on his hips. "Whyfore are alla y'all gettin' upset fer? I done been here since eight in the mornin'! I mean, you're a nice crowd and all, but one hasta share the love!"

Elaine smiled. "Yes, Ernie's time is about up."

"One last trick, please?" one of the girls said -- she must've been only seven. The others clamoured together to plead with her.

Ernie grinned. "Most coitenly. Who has a partickaler request? It'll be my last, but I'm open for suggeschen."

"Yes, we do have a way of doing that. But I do think that the men offer an escape as well. I know Artie can make me forget a bad day. It might have something to do with his contagious smile."

Arista smiled at Ernie as he performed tricks for the children. Of course she knew it was Artemius but she loved to watch him as a clown. She could tell that he really did love this clowning but more importantly if they wanted to go a few steps further into their relationship, that he loved children. Arista loved children herself so it was good to know.

She grinned at the mention of having to meet a lady clown. "Tell me Ernie, does this lady clown have as good of tricks as you do?" The question was accompanied by a smirk as she waited for an answer.

After a few moments Arista stepped out of the room with Ernie who followed Mrs. Baxby. Once out of sight and earshot of the children, Arista hugged "Ernie," kissing his cheek. "Your mum is sneaky."

"Yes, we do have a way of doing that. But I do think that the men offer an escape as well. I know Artie can make me forget a bad day. It might have something to do with his contagious smile."

Elaine giggled. "He gets that from his father."

Arista grinned at his joke. "Tell me Ernie, does this lady clown have as good of tricks as you do?" She smirked.

A horn went off somewhere, and Ernie beamed. "I would say so, miss, but that's hardly something I could detest to -- err, demest to -- attest to!" He stuttered and corrected himself with a goofy grin.

Ernie had done his last trick, and then slipped out to where Arista and his mother were waiting.

Arista snagged him in a hug. "Ernie," she said, kissing his cheek. "Your mum is sneaky."

Artemius grinned. "She is, isn't she?" he replied, letting himself be taken. He nodded to her. "I distinctly recall saying meeting at the Ministry at one, Mum."

She beamed mischeivously. "Yes, you did. But I sincerely doubted she'd met Ernie yet, and since he's so hard to get out these days with your crazy work schedule, I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone," she replied, crossing her arms with satisfaction. "Not to mention that you're rather shy about your clowning. I doubt you told her about him, even." She turned to Arista. "Did I guess right?"

Artemius rolled his eyes. It was true. "What do you think?" he asked. "My auguste is usually better than my whiteface -- in double acts, I usually go for my auguste. He's a tramp," he added with a grin. "Makes for some fun sketches."

His mother rolled her eyes good naturedly. "Timmy, just because she's okay with clowns doesn't mean she knows any of what you're saying. Why, even I don't understand what you're saying. I think the only one who understands you is Ari -- and carnies."

"She is, isn't she?" he replied, letting himself be taken. He nodded to her. "I distinctly recall saying meeting at the Ministry at one, Mum."

"She managed to snag me early. You know how crazily bored I've been at work lately anyway." Arista shrugged. She didn't mind coming to the hospital. It had been nice to see a different side of Artie anyway. It made her realize that she knew him but she also didn't. It was refreshing because it made her realize she could continue learning about him for as long as they were together - and probably longer.

"Yes, you did. But I sincerely doubted she'd met Ernie yet, and since he's so hard to get out these days with your crazy work schedule, I thought I'd kill two birds with one stone," she replied, crossing her arms with satisfaction. "Not to mention that you're rather shy about your clowning. I doubt you told her about him, even." She turned to Arista. "Did I guess right?"

Arista nodded. "Yeah, you guessed right. I mean, he hinted at it but at the time I was a little too dense to notice. Of course, now all the clues are lying behind me." She smiled happily, slipping her hand into Artie's. "And you make a charming clown - I don't know why you would want to hide it."

What do you think?" he asked. "My auguste is usually better than my whiteface -- in double acts, I usually go for my auguste. He's a tramp," he added with a grin. "Makes for some fun sketches."
His mother rolled her eyes good naturedly. "Timmy, just because she's okay with clowns doesn't mean she knows any of what you're saying. Why, even I don't understand what you're saying. I think the only one who understands you is Ari -- and carnies."

Arista laughed, enjoying Artemius ramble. "Ari - you mean Aronel right? Because I'm Ari actually." And then it made sense - why he wouldn't necessarily call her by her nickname. It fit. A flit of jealousy clouded her eyes and she sighed. This was something she was just going to have to deal with.

"But it's fine, whatever. So... now that it's actually time for us to have tea, shall we? I'm sure you can explain that whiteface and auguste thing to me."

"She managed to snag me early. You know how crazily bored I've been at work lately anyway."

"Ehh... True enough."

Arista nodded. "Yeah, you guessed right. I mean, he hinted at it but at the time I was a little too dense to notice. Of course, now all the clues are lying behind me." She smiled happily, slipping her hand into Artie's. Artemius smiled as well as he curled his fingers amongst hers. He hardly noticed his mother ginning stupidly -- if he had, he'd probably be embarassed, but all he saw was Arista. "And you make a charming clown - I don't know why you would want to hide it."

Artemius laughed out loud. "I can't believe this!" He turned to his mother with a grin. "I swear, I did not know they made girls like this anymore. I was sure that Aronel was the only girl in the world that didn't have caulrophobia, but you know what? I dared to dream. And now I have this beautiful, gorgeous, perfect girl. A charming clown, she says." He beamed as he took her in again. "I love this girl so much." He took her hand and gave it a very happy kiss.

His mother laughed lightly. "Aw... You two are so cute. Even if you are a total goofball," she added with a wink.

"Ari - you mean Aronel right? Because I'm Ari actually."

"Oh my..." Artemius cocked an eyebrow curiously, which was even more comical with his face make-up. "Do I deteckt a smidge of jealousy in you, maddam?" he asked in his Ernie voice, smirking devilishly.

"Oh no..." Elaine giggled. "Well, I was going to surprise you with her later, but Aronel and Molly are going to be back in town for the next cycle. You might want to get that sorted out, sir." She gave him a playful fist to the shoulder. "And get out of that ridiculous costume. I can't stand it when you go out in public with that thing. We get the nastiest looks!"

"Oh, you hate me, you really hate me!" Artemius replied with a grin. The entire interaction was said with smiles and sarcasm; apparently, the entire family was like that.

"I have a report to turn in real quick, so I'll be back in a minute. Have fun, you two..." she teased, turning away.

"Ah, she's full of it," he said with a smile as his mother left. He smirked. "So. Jealous of Aronel, are we?" He grinned. "You shouldn't be. She's just my best friend in the world, that's all." He laughed. "Mind, she's more like a sister than anything -- I could never see myself being anything else, so you don't have to worry about that. No many how many times she gooses me in an act," he added. "She knows I hate that." He glared at no one in rememberance. "So... If you want blackmail, real blackmail, she's the one to talk to. Baby pictures? My mum. And some embarassing stories; Molly'll have some, too, but Aronel is the one with the dirt." He stopped, stunned. "Wait, why am I telling you this? I'm gonna regret that, aren't I?" He chuckled. "Oh well..." He took his hat off and stuffed it into a pocket -- yeah, he made all of his pockets like that. "Well, I'm gonna get this greasepaint off, and then we should be able to go. Ah, there's my mother. Lovely timing."

Indeed, Elaine was coming back, smiling. "I'm off duty now," she said. "Yay!"

Artemius excused himself and disappeared off into another room. "So. What do you think of me, the kind of crazy lady with a clown for offspring?" she asked with a kind smile.

Before long, Artemius returned, his face now devoid of paint. "Sorry that took so long -- it's not designed to come off easily." The gloves were gone, as was the hat, and the green jacket was cradled in one arm. The dress shirt was buttoned up a bit more, so that would could no longer see the clown underneath, and he was wearing his wool coat. With merely jeans and his usual workboots still on, he actually looked normal again. His mussed up hair had been wet and slicked back, though, and he was once more presentable. He gave a lopsided smile and held out his arms. "I'm Baxby again. Yay." He gave his sweetheart a kiss, and smiled at his mother, who held out a hand for the jacket. "I'll just get rid of that for you, shall I?"

"Alright, but not in the dumpster again! I need that!" he called after her, and she laughed.

He smiled at Arista. "You really don't mind clowns, then? I mean, it's not like I'm going to show up at work in my agent suit, but if you find a red rubber nose around the place, don't get concerned." He gave her a wink.

Elaine quickly returned, beaming. She'd even deposited her healer's robes as well, and was also dressed in a more normal fashion.

"So... now that it's actually time for us to have tea, shall we? I'm sure you can explain that whiteface and auguste thing to me."

Artemius chuckled. "Sure thing, dearie."

Elaine smiled at Arista. She really liked this girl. She had taken Ernie in stride -- and had gotten a little snarky, too. Sass was important in this household -- it was a big thing that she had a sense of humour. It was needed a lot to balance out the seriousness and tragedy that surrounded them otherwise.

"We are indeed going. But, I've arranged a special appointment for us at Lady Malice's tea place -- it's actually in Muggle London, not too far from here. Absolutely lovely scones. Although the chocolate covered strawberries are my favourite." They were now walking along outside, Elaine in her own black, leather duster. Her heeled boots clacked with sophistication against the walkway, while Artemius was content to stay at Arista's side.

Artemius grinned. "We always get her birthday cake there. It's one of her favourite places. A little ChickLit for me, but one does humour one's parents." He smirked.

"Yes, you'd better, young man. I brought you into this world, I can just as well get rid of you." She winked. "Not that I'd want to part you from your little lady. She'd probably be most upset." She turned back to them with a devilish grin. "Unless she likes it enough to be my new companion," she added.

Artemius rolled his eyes.

Arista noticed Mrs. Baxby grinning and ignored it, deciding instead to smile at Artemius. He was now laughing, and that, of course, made her laugh.

I can't believe this! I swear, I did not know they made girls like this anymore. I was sure Aronel was the only girl in the world that didn't have caulrophobia, but you know what? I dared to dream. And now I have this beautiful, gorgeous, perfect girl. A charming clown she says. I love this girl so much!

Arista giggled, grinning herself as she was enveloped in a hug. "I love you too Artie." Her tone was light and playful so he didn't freak out on her in front of his mother.

They turned back to Mrs. Baxy when she commented on the cuteness of them. "We try. There's no shortages of goofballs on our dates."

Do I deteckt a smidge of jealousy in you, maddam?

Arista didn't say anything, merely smiling at him to hide the fact she had gotten caught.

Well, I was going to surprise you with her later, but Aronel and Molly are going to be back in town for the next cycle. You might want to get that sorted out sir. And get out of that ridiculous costume.

Arista loved the witty interaction between mother and son. Sure she and Lena joked but it was nothing like between these two.

"So. Jealous of Aronel, are we?" He grinned. "You shouldn't be. She's just my best friend in the world, that's all." He laughed. "Mind, she's more like a sister than anything -- I could never see myself being anything else, so you don't have to worry about that. No many how many times she gooses me in an act," he added. "She knows I hate that."

She sighed and looked up at him. "I don't care that you're best friends. I care because your mum acts like you should be marrying Aronel even though she's already married and that, knowing how much you love your mum, brings up the question if the feelings have ever died. For her sake." She was being honest and her brown eyes showed it. She wasn't someone to date until your true love got divorced. That wasn't her and it never had been.

So. What do you think of me, the kind of crazy lady with a clown for offspring?"

"I think you made an amazing son. But I also think you are inspirational to a lot of people and that's not sugarcoating it. If I could have your impact on people... I'd be happy."

"You really don't mind clowns, then? I mean, it's not like I'm going to show up at work in my agent suit, but if you find a red rubber nose around the place, don't get concerned."

"Hey who knows? Maybe I have a clown nose collection." She didn't but that really didn't matter at the moment.

"We are indeed going. But, I've arranged a special appointment for us at Lady Malice's tea place -- it's actually in Muggle London, not too far from here. Absolutely lovely scones. Although the chocolate covered strawberries are my favourite."

"So you do know I hate tea right? That's one of the main reasons we decided to have a tea date. That, and I wanted to meet you." Arista said, addressing Mrs. Baxby.

Arista laughed at his comment about it being too ChickLit. "No wonder why you hate Austen. You don't like ChickLit!" She said increduously.

Ahh... the don't kill speech. "So don't kill him. And I don't think you would want me as a companion - unless you need a speechwriter or a regular writer. That's my expertise."

Arista giggled, grinning herself as she was enveloped in a hug. "I love you, too, Artie." Her tone was light and playful so he didn't freak out on her in front of his mother.

He smiled. She was so perfect and wonderful! He was so happy to have such a wonderful girl, and even that he could finally share her with his family -- though Arista might regret agreeing to this later.

They turned back to Mrs. Baxby when she commented on the cuteness of them. "We try. There's no shortages of goofballs on our dates."

Artemius grinned. Arista was a very fun date. "Well, I expect nothing less of this one," Elaine replied with a proud smile. "He's just like his father. I have to say that his dashing features, charm and hillarious personality make him like a magnet, do they not?" she said with a big grin. It was funny -- standing next to her son, she was still only as tall as his shoulder, and so had to crane her neck to look up at him. He blushed modestly.

"Please. Between the two of you, I'm going to get such a big ego, I won't be able to juggle around it anymore," he said quietly, a soft smile on his face.

She sighed and looked up at him. "I don't care that you're best friends. I care because your mum acts like you should be marrying Aronel, even though she's already married and that, knowing how much you love your mum, brings up the question if the feelings have ever died. For her sake." She was being honest and her brown eyes showed it. She wasn't someone to date until your true love got divorced. That wasn't her and it never had been.

Artemius raised his eyebrow. It was a curious proposition. He felt compelled to correct her, but decided that might make it worse. "She only says that because she's used to us being an inseparable pair -- a double act, I suppose, like Rosencrantz & Guildenstern, or Penn & Teller, or something like that. Not anything that will last forever, but... kind of ingrained in, y'know?" He shrugged. "She'll get over it." He chuckled.

"I think you made an amazing son. But I also think you are inspirational to a lot of people and that's not sugarcoating it. If I could have your impact on people... I'd be happy."

Elaine smiled. "Well, thank you. We do try." She laughed lightly.

"Hey who knows? Maybe I have a clown nose collection." She didn't but that really didn't matter at the moment.

He grinned. That would be too amusing. Unlikely, but it would be amusing.

"So you do know I hate tea right? That's one of the main reasons we decided to have a tea date. That, and I wanted to meet you." Arista said, addressing Mrs. Baxby.

"Aha... I see. Well, even if you don't drink tea, it's still a lovely place."

"Their finger sandwiches are rather tasty," Artemius admitted.

Arista laughed at his comment about it being too ChickLit. "No wonder why you hate Austen. You don't like ChickLit!" She said increduously.

Artemius grimaced. "It's for chicks. Personally, I like a bit of absurdity or irony -- thriller, action, dark romance and tragedy when the mood suits me. But... not ChickLit.

Ahh... the don't kill speech. "So don't kill him. And I don't think you would want me as a companion - unless you need a speechwriter or a regular writer. That's my expertise."

Artemius grinned. "And modest, as well. I love it."

"Well, I expect nothing less of this one," Elaine replied with a proud smile. "He's just like his father. I have to say that his dashing features, charm and hillarious personality make him like a magnet, do they not?"

"Well he might be a chick magnet but he's mine at the moment and hopefully for longer than that, so he shouldn't be pulling anyone in anyway. It wasn't the good looks that got me though - it was the Ravenclaw wit. We fit together."

"Please. Between the two of you, I'm going to get such a big ego, I won't be able to juggle around it anymore," he said quietly, a soft smile on his face.

Arista grinned, chuckling a bit. "Who said we were talking about you Mr. Bozo?" Her brown eyes sparkled with the sarcasm as she stood on her tiptoes - merlin his boots made him tall - and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"She only says that because she's used to us being an inseparable pair -- a double act, I suppose, like Rosencrantz & Guildenstern, or Penn & Teller, or something like that. Not anything that will last forever, but... kind of ingrained in, y'know?" He shrugged. "She'll get over it." He chuckled.

"Well that's good that she'll get over it." Arista's mind still wasn't at rest; it probably wouldn't be until she met the girl. "After all, I'm happy right now. I couldn't imagine someone better for me. And you're happy aren't you?" She looked up at him, waiting for an answer to what she hoped was a simple question.

"It's for chicks. Personally, I like a bit of absurdity or irony -- thriller, action, dark romance and tragedy when the mood suits me. But... not ChickLit.

"Well then we're going to have to find a romantic thriller to watch sometime - that way we're both happy."

"And modest, as well. I love it."

Arista smiled as they started towards the exit. "Personally I prefer to let my writing speak for itself. If it wants to say I'm terrible I'll let it. If I want it to shine, it will. It has a will of it's own sometimes though. Pesky little bugger."

Outside it was finally starting to get warmer out so Arista didn't feel the need to bundle every single piece of exposed skin. Her hand was in Artie's as they walked along the streets. "How did you find the tea shop we're going to?"

"It wasn't the good looks that got me though - it was the Ravenclaw wit. We fit together."

"Oh, yes..." Elaine smiled. "That's my fault."

Artemius smirked. "Yeah, I get the Ravenclaw bit from my mother. My father was a Gryffindor, see. I get my Quidditch skills from him, too."

Arista grinned, chuckling a bit. "Who said we were talking about you Mr. Bozo?" Her brown eyes sparkled with the sarcasm as she stood on her tiptoes - merlin his boots made him tall - and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

He just grinned as he took the kiss very happily. It was also insanely cute how she stood on her tiptoes to reach him, and even Elaine had to fight giggles at the sight.

"Well that's good that she'll get over it." Arista's mind still wasn't at rest; it probably wouldn't be until she met the girl. "After all, I'm happy right now. I couldn't imagine someone better for me. And you're happy aren't you?" She looked up at him, waiting for an answer to what she hoped was a simple question.

He beamed. "Happier than I've ever been," he replied. "If there's a more perfect girl for me, I don't want to meet her. I hardly deserve you. In all honesty, I'm afraid you're going to get some sense and drop me like a bad habit, and then I would have to paint tears on my face instead of a smile." He smirked.

"Well then we're going to have to find a romantic thriller to watch sometime - that way we're both happy."

Artemius chuckled. "You do that, I'd be indebted to you forever. Although I might suggest the Princess Bride? Although that's a bit more comedic... A Knight's Tale is a favourite, as well." He frowned. "Strange how they're both from the same timeframe."

Arista smiled as they started towards the exit. "Personally, I prefer to let my writing speak for itself. If it wants to say I'm terrible I'll let it. If I want it to shine, it will. It has a will of it's own sometimes though. Pesky little bugger."

Artemius grinned. "That sounds like a trial."

The couple held hands and enjoyed the sunshine -- Artemius enjoying this beautiful girl beside him. So wonderful... and his mother didn't seem to dislike her. She was a bit snarky, but then, she was always a bit snarky when she'd pulled off a trick of some kind.

"How did you find the tea shop we're going to?"

Elaine smiled. "A dear friend of mine took me there for tea once. I loved the place and kept coming back."

"Oh, yes..." Elaine smiled. "That's my fault."

Artemius smirked. "Yeah, I get the Ravenclaw bit from my mother. My father was a Gryffindor, see. I get my Quidditch skills from him, too."

"Well now I know who to place blame on when we can't stop arguing over something ridiculous because we both want to be right." She shot a look at Mrs. Baxby, "It's all your fault." It was said with a straight face although her eyes were sparking, showing a hidden enjoyment of the teasing.

"Happier than I've ever been," he replied. "If there's a more perfect girl for me, I don't want to meet her. I hardly deserve you. In all honesty, I'm afraid you're going to get some sense and drop me like a bad habit, and then I would have to paint tears on my face instead of a smile." He smirked.

"Well I couldn't drop you like a bad habit. I mean, you provide a needed distraction and you are absolutely perfect for me. I love it. So I just couldn't - especially since now you've broken my ice cream rules."

Artemius chuckled. "You do that, I'd be indebted to you forever. Although I might suggest the Princess Bride? Although that's a bit more comedic... A Knight's Tale is a favourite, as well." He frowned. "Strange how they're both from the same timeframe."

"Both sound good - I like both although be warned - I point out all the historical inaccuracies in A Knight's Tale. But that's good that we both like at least two of the same movies." She smiled at him before looking back at Mrs. Baxby who looked amused at their conversation.

The walk went quicker than Arista would have thought and soon she had entered a tea shop that smelled like tea. "Ugh - I guess it's suppose to smell like tea but it's kind of powerful."

"Well now I know who to place blame on when we can't stop arguing over something ridiculous because we both want to be right." She shot a look at Mrs. Baxby, "It's all your fault." It was said with a straight face although her eyes were sparking, showing a hidden enjoyment of the teasing.

Elaine scoffed in mock offense, while Artemius groaned. "Please, we've avoided that so far. I don't even want to think about it."

"Well I couldn't drop you like a bad habit. I mean, you provide a needed distraction and you are absolutely perfect for me. I love it. So I just couldn't - especially since now you've broken my ice cream rules."

Artemius nodded. "If nothing else, at least your ice cream shall never be the same."

"Historical inaccuracies... God, you sound like Blake," Elaine answered with a grin. "What was his favourite one, Tim?"

"Ah... that peasants didn't do the Wave, or that David Bowie is not an appropriate dance tune for Medieval nobility?"

Elaine laughed.

The walk went quicker than Arista would have thought and soon she had entered a tea shop that smelled like tea. "Ugh - I guess it's suppose to smell like tea but it's kind of powerful."

Artemius chuckled. "Yeah, that has a tendency to happen. Klutzy children spilling tea on tablecloths makes for a strong scent."

"Aw, it's not all bad," Elaine replied. "There's also the rum cake and strawberries and finger sandwiches and other sweet little numnums that are oh so yummy!" She giggled like a little girl, and Artemius just smirked knowingly. A waitress greeted them.

"Good afternoon. Are you here alone, or with a party?" she asked with a polite smile.

"Alone," Elaine answered. "Just the three of us."

"Right this way."

Artemius took hold of Arista's hand and kept it close behind him as he followed his mother who followed the waitress, winding around little round tables covered in various laces and silks with people chattering lightly, some with small tea pots and fancy china and trays of snacks, while others were drinking wine and beer and carving up handsome lunches.

"Here we are." The table they were brought to was not very big, but sat four comfortably. Each setting had a tea cup on a saucer, although they hardly matched with each other, let alone the other settings. Artemius grabbed the nearest chair and pulled it out -- his mother slipped in and her gave her a look -- she just grinned cheekily. He pulled out another and gestured for Arista to seat herself there, and then pushed her in. The waitress smiled, and waited for him to take his own seat before starting up.

"Would you like the lunch menu, or are you here for afternoon tea?" she asked.

"Tea, please," Elaine replied. Artemius slid his hand over Arista's, smiling at her.

The waitress passed around the appropriate menus and smiled at them all. "You folks enjoy."

Artemius took the menu -- a list of a dozen or so various teas and descriptions of each brew at the top. "Hmm... what do we want today?"

"Oh, please. You always go for the Earl Grey," she replied with a smirk.

"I mgiht want to experiment today," he argued. "What about... Oolong Black Dragon?"

Elaine giggled. "In honour of your father?"

"Perhaps. But highly unlikely. I'm probably going to go with the Earl Grey again."

"What sorts of teas do you like, dearie?" Elaine asked Arista.

"Historical inaccuracies... God, you sound like Blake," Elaine answered with a grin. "What was his favourite one, Tim?"

"Ah... that peasants didn't do the Wave, or that David Bowie is not an appropriate dance tune for Medieval nobility?"

"Oh, well, I didn't mean Queen or David Bowie - I meant that Chaucer is so out of his element in the time period. He was... later I think. It's infuriating because it could have been a perfect movie, especially since Heath Ledger's in it, if Chaucer hadn't been himself."

"Yeah, that has a tendency to happen. Klutzy children spilling tea on tablecloths makes for a strong scent."
"Aw, it's not all bad," Elaine replied. "There's also the rum cake and strawberries and finger sandwiches and other sweet little numnums that are oh so yummy!"

"Rum cake..." Arista chuckled. "Jack Sparrow would love those. But then again, maybe he wouldn't. He would complain that all the rum is gone. And then what would he do? After all, he's crazy and that's why all the plans worked out. Although I would definitely prefer kissing Orlando Bloom to Johnny Depp, but that's just me."

Artemius pulled her chair out and let her sit before pushing her in. She felt slightly princess like as that action was completed. She hadn't had a boyfriend to name that had done that. "Thanks." She said, smiling up at him. She took his hand and held it underneath the table, resting it on her lap as she listened to the banter between the two of them.

"What sorts of teas do you like, dearie?" Elaine asked Arista.

Arista had to laugh at that one. "I don't - I meant it when I said I hated tea. I had a horrible experience with an herbal tea and I just couldn't drink it since. I'm only here on goodwill and to meet you so I might as well close my eyes and point to a tea to drink. Although... that cake looks so good." She said, looking at a piece of chocolate strawberry cake passing by.

"Oh, well, I didn't mean Queen or David Bowie - I meant that Chaucer is so out of his element in the time period. He was... later I think. It's infuriating because it could have been a perfect movie, especially since Heath Ledger's in it, if Chaucer hadn't been himself."

"Ah... Yes. I don't know. I never read Chaucer, and I was never fickle with details, but I personally adored the character." She smiled. "I suppose he reminds me of the drama kings in my own household." She winked at Artemius, who looked away out of embarassment. "Either way, even if you change his name, if that so suits you, he was still brilliantly played." She leaned nearer to Arista. "Between you and me, I rather like Paul Bettany, if you know what I mean," she added with a wink.

"Rum cake..." Arista chuckled. "Jack Sparrow would love those. But then again, maybe he wouldn't. He would complain that all the rum is gone. And then what would he do? After all, he's crazy and that's why all the plans worked out. Although I would definitely prefer kissing Orlando Bloom to Johnny Depp, but that's just me."

Elaine beamed mischeivously at Artemius, who glared at her back.

"Thanks." She said, smiling up at him. She took his hand and held it underneath the table, resting it on her lap as she listened to the banter between the two of them.

"Between you and me, I'd have done it anyway, but my mother would kill me if I didn't," he whispered. "My gentlemanly manners are as much under scrutiny as you are -- no pressure." He gave her a kiss on the cheek and retreated back to his seat.

Arista had to laugh at that one. "I don't - I meant it when I said I hated tea. I had a horrible experience with an herbal tea and I just couldn't drink it since. I'm only here on goodwill and to meet you so I might as well close my eyes and point to a tea to drink. Although... that cake looks so good." She said, looking at a piece of chocolate strawberry cake passing by.

"Oh, you poor dear!" Elaine smiled pityingly. "It's for the better, I assure you. Herbals do take quite a bit getting used to, which baffles me. For rookies... they have a lovely sugar cookie tea, and mint -- just sweeten it up with some sugar, maybe lighten it up with some milk or cream. It's just like coffee, love. One only hates coffee when they've never had a cup they like. Things not being everyone's cup of tea is a true statement for a reason, but it's hardly the grandiose tea's fault." She hardly noticed Artemius trying to hide in his arms, his long back shaking with what was doubtless laughter. She smiled at the girl. "The mint, especially with sugar and cream, tastes just like peppermint candy canes, a favourite of mine," she said with a wink. "But the sugar cookie is also good. Or, Jasmine is wonderful... Timmy does love his Earl Grey -- he makes himself what they call in cafe's a London Fog -- the tea with vanilla syrup and steamed milk. Mind, milk and cream work well enough." She smiled at her son. "Isn't that right, darling?"

He emerged from his limbs with a big grin. "That's right, Mum. Milk and cream."

"Earl Grey is made with a kind of orange, you see -- makes for a bit of a citrusy tart mixed in -- but seeing as this is your first cup of tea, i suggest you get something that doesn't taste like greenery -- much like your first cup of coffee is white and tastes purely like sugar. Then, gradually minimise."

"Mind, I still don't drink my tea black," Artemius added. "And you can always order iced tea or some wine, if you don't feel up to experimenting."

His mother gave him a dirty eye -- he was enabling the girl! -- but he didn't acknowledge it. She nevertheless smiled to their guest. "Entirely up to you, love. But those are some suggestions."

"Ah... Yes. I don't know. I never read Chaucer, and I was never fickle with details, but I personally adored the character." She smiled. "I suppose he reminds me of the drama kings in my own household." She winked at Artemius, who looked away out of embarassment. "Either way, even if you change his name, if that so suits you, he was still brilliantly played." She leaned nearer to Arista. "Between you and me, I rather like Paul Bettany, if you know what I mean," she added with a wink.

"Ah, my dad was crazy in that he wanted me to read at least something from all of the classic authors. I honestly could have done without the Hemingway but I suppose if I have to learn about chauvnistic pigs I might as well learn from the best." She smiled at Mrs. Baxby, listening as she talked about her favorite character. "It was a great movie. My family will break into 'It's a lance, hello!' at random moments. Great movie."

Artemius glared at his mother when Arista mentioned Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom. "What? Did I say something taboo?" She smiled at Artemius, "But I'm happy where I am. That's not to say if Orlando Bloom came up to me and wanted to kiss me I would refuse. However, I'm pretty sure that's next to impossible."

Arista listened in amazement at the teas and the suggestions she was given. It was a little bit of information overload and all she could do was watch from the corner of her eyes, Artemius laughing like crazy. "Oh... um... the peppermint one - I guess I'll try that. It's a bit overwhelming actually. I can navigate my coffee but apparently not tea. How long did it take you to get it down? Or did you grow up with tea?" Arista asked, looking at Mrs. Baxby now.

"Ah, my dad was crazy in that he wanted me to read at least something from all of the classic authors. I honestly could have done without the Hemingway but I suppose if I have to learn about chauvnistic pigs I might as well learn from the best."

"Ahh... Well, we never had that trouble with Artemius. Half the time we couldn't keep his face out of books, but he developed a strange affinity for American authors and absurdity... Makes him an odd bloke to hang around." She laughed

"It was a great movie. My family will break into 'It's a lance, hello!' at random moments. Great movie."

Both of the Baxbys laughed. "Alan Tudyk," Elaine answered with a fond smile. "I do love him as well."

"It was full of fantastic bits," Artemius agreed. He grinned. "I've used the threat for fonging in an act before, actually. Makes for fun slapstick."

"What? Did I say something taboo?" She smiled at Artemius.[/b]

"Nah, it's just she's bein' mischeivous."

"But I'm happy where I am. That's not to say if Orlando Bloom came up to me and wanted to kiss me I would refuse. However, I'm pretty sure that's next to impossible."

"Oh, you never know, dear," Elaine answered with another mischeivous grin. "You'd be surprised the fellows who show up around Britain. Why, I've seen Alan Rickman three times." She beamed.

"Which I still don't believe," Artemius replied. He turned to Arista. "Every time it happened, she was alone. No one to back her up, and therefore no one to believe her."

"Oh, poppycock. It's cos he's shy is all," she answered with a grin.

"Oh... um... the peppermint one - I guess I'll try that. It's a bit overwhelming actually. I can navigate my coffee but apparently not tea. How long did it take you to get it down? Or did you grow up with tea?" Arista asked, looking at Mrs. Baxby now.

Elaine smiled. "We did grow up with it, yes. I'm from London, and I remember my mother would throw the most splendid tea parties every Saturday." She made her order -- Jasmine -- while Artemius ordered the Earl Grey, naturally, and then the tray was promised to be by shortly. "Oh, the most delightful people would come by, and I must say, it's one of my more fond memories." She smiled. "I've tried to do the same at the Cottage, but trying to run a tea party with eight children running around is a bit of a trouble. Especially when two of them have nothing but mischeif on their mind..." she added, looking pointedly at Artemius, who grinned.