Apprentice

A/N to recap Dem and Madame are making dinner, Nell is up stairs and Luka and Luel are coming over for dinner.

Dem and Madame Batolli worked quietly preparing a wonderful meal. Dem had finished cleaning vegetables and was efficiently chopping them to make a green salad. Madame Batolli was creating wonderful smells over in the general vicinity of the stove.

Dem sniffed the air and smiled, “What are you making Aunty?” She asked as sriftrifted over towards the bubbling pots seated on the stovetop.

Madame Batolli grinned as she wafted steam into her face, “Mmm… We are making a penne pasta in a pesto cream sauce. And there is garlic Bread roasting in the oven. Oh speaking of which would you check on that please?”

“Of course I will.” Dem practically skipped over to the oven, she had not been in a good mood for ages and it just felt so great to belong somewhere. “The bread looks done.” As she was pulling the delicious smelling bread from the oven she faintly registered the sound of Madame Batolli humming something faintly familiar. Dem found a bread knife and began cutting the bread. As she was wielding the sharp knife she recognized the song that Madame Batolli was humming and her hand slipped.

Madame Batolli looked up sharply at the loud gasp from the other side of the kitchen, “Desdemona! What happened!?” She rushed to Dem’s side and grabbed a towel to staunch the blood flowing from the dazed girls hand.

Dem looked up at Madame Batolli vaguely, “That song, that’s Cliffs of Doneen. That’s mom’s song.” She mumbled, “How do you know that song. Mom sang me that song when I was little.”

Madame Batolli finished wrapping up Dem’s hand, “Oh sweetie, I am so sorry. Your mother taught me that song a long time ago. I did not even realize that I was singing it.” Madame pulled Dem into a tight hug, “I am so sorry darling,”

Dem seemed to come out of her daze, “It’s okay Aunty, I just was not expecting it.” She looked down at her hand and gasped, “Oh I should take care of this. I’m sorry Aunty I will be just a second.


Luka’s body appeared from behind the large wooden door, “Why don’t we head over there and check this new ‘apprentice’ out.” He grinned at Luel.

Luel just stared at the man before him. Luka was wearing a pair of cut-off jeans and a cropped skin-tight white tee shirt. His longish black hair was looking rather like a rats nest and a faint odor was emanating from him. “Um Luka.. maybe you should clean up a bit first.”

Luka stopped dead in his tracks and stared at Luel, “What?”

Luel was again examining his shoes, “Perhaps a look in the mirror would be beneficial.” He muttered meakly.

Luka stared at Luel for a minute before quickly striding to the bathroom, “Dammit Luel you’re right I will be a few minutes.”


Dem walked back into the kitchen to see Madame Batolli arguing with the young girl who had stormed upstairs before. The girl was obviouslyet oet over something and Madame was less than composed.

“Nell you have never shown any interest in learning The Craft before.” Madame Batolli sounded exasperated.

The girl, Nell, made a face, “So what! I am your daughter! You cannot replace me!” She was yelling loud enough to be heard down the street.

Madame Batolli sighed tiredly, “I am not trying to replace you Nell. If you want to continue… well maybe start is the better word, learning Magic then I will be happy to teach you right alongside Dem.

Nell screamed her frustration, “Mother! You cannot take two apprentices!”

Madame Batolli only just then noticed Dem standing quietly in the doorway, “Dem darling.” She walked over to the door and drew her into the kitchen, “Meet my daughter Nell.”

Nell made a face at Dem’s extended hand and flounced from the room.

Madame Batolli sighed, “I am sorry Dem she has been strangely contrary recently.” She leaned tiredly against the large workta “I “I don’t know what has gotten into her.”

Dem just put an arm around Madame Batolli, “I’m sure she will grow out of it. It’s probably just a stage.”

Madame Batolli looked at Dem hopefully, “Do you really think so?”

Dem sighed, “I honestly don’t know, but I really hope so. Why don’t we finish up dinner and get it on the table. You invited Mr. Luel over maybe he will have some impact on her.”

Madame Batolli looked at Dem curiously, “You think that there is something ben Nen Nell and Mr. Luel?”
Dem Shrugged, “When she came in earlier Mr. Luel was on her heels. I just figured she was the reason he came by.”

Madame Batolli looked thoughtful; “She used to fallow around Luka like a love sick puppy, but recently…” She trailed of.

Dem smiled as she poured the pasta into a large bowl, “I’m sure that they will workout whatever little issue they have and then she will be back to normal.”

Madame Batolli looked hartened as the two of them began setting the table.


There was a knock at the door just as Dem and Madame Batolli finished setting the table, “Dem dear why don’t you go answer the door whilst I get the pasta.” Madame said as she walked into the kitchen.

Dem shrugged and went to the foyJustJust as she was about to open the door a small white hand slammed into the wood just above her head. “Gah! What the?” Dem followed the arm to Nell, “Nell? What are you doing?”

Nell frowned at her, “What are you doing?”

Dem looked at her blankly, “Um… I was answering the door.”

Nell just continued to frown at Dem, “Why? You don’t live here.”

Dem was beginning to wonder if Nell was severely under-informed. “Nell… didn’t your mom tell you that I am moving into the extra bedroom?”

Nell looked completely shocked, “She what!”


Meanwhile just on the other side of the door:

Luka and Luel were listening very closely to the conversation on the other side of the door. Luel had a deeply upset look written across his face while Luka merely looked interested.


Nell was still in a state of shock, “Wait. She asked you to live with us?”

“Well, yah.” Dem responded.

Nell opened her mouth and yelled, “Mother!!” Then stormed off into the kitchen.

“Riiiight.” Dem murmured as she opened the door and came face to face with a gorgeous guy. His dark hair fell about shoulder length and his brown eyes seemed endless. He was wearing a pair of tight black slacks and an open button down black shirt over a white undershirt.

It took Dem a moment to gather her thoughts, “Uh… hi can I help you?”

Luka smiled at her reaction, “We where invited for dinner.” His eyes roamed over the girl in front of him. He liked her cut red hair.

Dem stared at him, “We?”

Luka’s smile grew a little bigger, “Yes me and,” he stepped aside to reveal Luel, “My brother.”

“Oh Mr. Luel!” her face broke into an immediate shining smile, “I didn’t see you.” Dem grabbed both guys by the hand and dragged them into the house.


A/N so yep. That’s chapter 4! Please review, I love to hear what people think.