14986/Sorcerer's Apprentice

Sorcerer's Apprentice
Date of Scene:	24 April 2023
Location:	Shadowcrest, Caernarvon
Synopsis:	Sabrina has a little trouble with her teleportation and ends up at Shadowcrest. Zatanna tries imparting some advice.
Cast of Characters:	Zatanna Zatara, Sabrina Spellman

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Zatanna Zatara has posed:
There are some things Disney got right. One might presume, even, that he may have known Merlin and his ilk to get the inspiration for the classic Fantasia short. Animated or even unseen servants may be rare, but not unheard of. They take quite a bit of magic to maintain...

But magic is what Shadowcrest has in spades. Centuries of members of the family line feeding magic into the place has led to a house so animated that one cannot be sure if it has a consciousness of its own or simply so much magic as to be a fascimile thereof.

Today, the 'staff' (echoes of humanoid forms; not quite ghostly, but still largely shapeless) is working on the lawn and gardens while Zatanna sits on a patch of grass -- attired in black leggings and a white tanktop -- meditating. Or so it seems and perhaps in part, yes, but largely the Mistress of Magic is upping and checking on all of the various wards on the property... whose location today is not far from Riverdale. Not that Zee has any control over there the mansion decides to be on a given day.

Sabrina Spellman has posed:
What happens when you have a poor witch who just got back from hell .. also found out her daddy is a prince of hell and it's increased your magic power but also lowered you control.



I can tell you when she was supposed to take a quick teleport back to her aunts place and finish some work.. she's currently going to various colleges and universities's looking for a place to study!


But what happens when your demon power kicks in and suddenly you walk out " Uhhh this is not my room " She blinks, lifting an outfit, and looks down, then up " Clearly not my room " .

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
And almost immediately, Sabrina will find herself met by the welcoming committee.

Which could be terrifying if it wasn't a vaguely humanoid form wearing a sun hat and holding a watering can.

Shadowcrest is smart...enough. It knows there's an intruder, but it also knows the intruder means no harm. People with even latent magical ability wander their way in sometimes. When wards are set for the baddies, they just sort of ignore everything else. It prevents mistakes. You don't need to turn the pizza delivery boy into a smoking crater just because his great-great-great grandmother was homo magi.

Still, the wards *do* inform Zatanna there's been a breech and the woman unfolds herself from her spot on the lawn and begins to make her way over; a solid figure in the midst of the ghost-like ones doing yardwork.

"Can I help you?" she lifts her voice with stage-practiced projection once Sabrina is in sight. The sun hat wearing 'gardener' just... stands there.

Sabrina Spellman has posed:
Sabrina Spellman Blinks when she spots the sun hat and watering can and cocks her head " Oh a formless helper how neat.. wow your like really old arn't you such detail .. whoever did this had some skill ". It's not a sin to be a magic geek.. right right ....


Sabrina doesn't seem shocked if anything, she's rather delighted as she looks over this place " Wow this place feels like otherworld but it's still Earth I can tell " She frowns.. and somebody's peaks " Oh hello " She waves "I'm sorry I uhh teleported into your house, My magics has been giving me issues." magical helpers she's gotta be a witch right.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
The sun hat is 100% genuine and Zatanna proves as much by taking it from the gardener as she approaches, plunking it on her own head. If something without a face can look put out: the gardener does. There's even a slight moping quality to its step as it goes back to its work.

Just, really, how rude Zee.

The dark-haired woman stops a few strides from Sabrina, crossing her arms; one elbow propped by the opposite hand... enabling her to cup her cheek in thought, head tilted just slightly. "Concerning," is the first thing she says, but there's finally a bit of a smile. "You shouldn't go teleporting about if you're having difficulties. No telling where you could end up."

Sabrina Spellman has posed:
Rubs her cheek ' I got my certification from otherworld just ' She pushes her fingers together " Things changed recently and my magics gone screwy " She sighs looking down " I'm working on it but I need to find somebody who can help me.. my aunts can't " she pouts


she bow sin half " I'm super sorry I teleported into your house without asking.. I know it's very rude "

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"If Shadowcrest didn't want you here, you wouldn't be here," Zatanna says simply, index finger tapping lightly just by her eye. "By 'working on it' are you teleporting random places and hoping to figure it out?" There's actual concern and perhaps a sort of academic interest in her tone.

"You wouldn't want to transport, say, to a dimension full of weasels."

Sabrina Spellman has posed:
Sabrina Spellman Shudders " No, not again.. it's " She sighs " I learn magic from my aunts I'm witch born," She says as she looks dejected.. " But I found out my father is from " She points down.. " Now it seems those powers that was sealed by my aunts is out and it's affecting my spells. I think it's messing with me because I chose the light" .

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"I see." Even for someone as outgoing as Zatanna, this is quite the Info Dump. Still, she hasn't run (or tried to run Sabrina) off so that's saying something.

"Well, for one thing, there's nothing wrong with being related to something else. I've met people from all over the universe who have questionable lineages. Your life is what you make of it and magic-"

Zee tilts her head left, right. "Magic may feel like it has a personality, but in truth it's just an echo of ourselves. Usually feelings we're repressing." She finishes by straightening and offering a hand out toward the girl. "Zatanna Zatara," the woman offers by way of (finally) a proper introduction.

Sabrina Spellman has posed:

Turns red " Ack I'm sorry " She takes the hand and shakes it " I'm sorry, Sabrina Spellman," she says brightly " So sorry I'm in my own head. I forgot my manners ". She was also trying not to look too hard at the stunning woman


she sighs " Your right, your right " She uggs and hangs her head again " I need a teacher help me work this out. Uncle Luci mentioned some people but not sure " .

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
Thankfully, Zatanna is used to eyes on her. Part and parcel of being a performer. Plus, you don't wear fishnets on a regular basis (even if she's not today) without expecting some ogling. After a brief -- but firm -- handshake, she leans back on her heels and crosses her arms.

"Why can't your aunts help you? If they blocked your magic before, that's a pretty powerful thing." She clucks her tongue slightly, eyes going a little distant in thought. Holding her hand, palm up, she says, "Gnirb em eht koob" which is probably more than a little unnerving for someone unfamiliar with logomancy.

But, seconds later, a book comes flying from the mansion itself and lands right in her hand. A paperback, indigo blue cover and presented to Sabrina its title reads: 'The Inner Mysteries.' "It sounds like you have a fairly magical background," Zee explains as she offers out the book. "But sometimes when we feel a little out of control, we need to go back to the basics. Uncover things we either forgot or incorrectly assumed we already knew."

Sabrina Spellman has posed:
Sabrina Spellman Blinks as she cocks her head and looks at the book " Thank you very much," she beams brightly " I Hope it helps," she says, holding the book. She frowns " Can i come back and give it back? " She asks. She doesn't ask another witch about her magic. That's just rude.


Though she opens her purse that's way too small, but she stuffs the book inside .. clearly a pocket space in her purse!


She sighs " It's one of those locking the power down when you're a baby easy, but once it's out, it's out kinda deal " . She shrugs "guess it's better I'm older and can handle it but still kinda frustrating. Are you related to that magic girl who works in Vegas? I aunt complains a lot about her but then again, their traditionalist " .

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"Absolutely you may and if you wish, I can show you the library here." Zatanna even steps back and gives a gesture towards the walkway leading to the doors of the mansion. "It's been cultivated by my ancestors for centuries." Both the 'public' and 'private' libraries at that. She doesn't seem phased by the purse; likely she's got a few of her own.

"I do magic shows, yes," Zee says, though whether or not that makes her the same 'magic girl' in Vegas; who knows. Lots of magic shows there. "It was my father's show originally. I took over. And your aunts aren't alone in that. A lot of people think it's wrong that I know and use real magic, but then do the stage craft. But everything I do on stage is perfectly mundane. I find the skills lend well to other parts of my life."

Sabrina Spellman has posed:
Sabrina Spellman Laughs "Oh I don't mind do what makes you happen. I mean I went to mortal school," she beams " It's funny my aunts did that given their view on things " She shrugs. She seems rather chipper again as she follows, " I do love a good book .. Would it be okay if my familiar comes out? " She asks " I always ask because he's kinda snarky and it's rude to bring out a familiar in another witch's home.. "

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"I, too, went to a ... mortal," the term seems to amuse Zatanna just a bit, "school. My father thought it important I have as broad and varied an education as possible and part of that meant the socialization of well, school." She does begin walking toward the house, seeming to expect Sabrina to follow.

"I'm not a witch," Zee notes when the query comes up. "I do appreciate you asking and yes, your familiar may. I am descended from Homo Magi: a branch of humanity with connections to magic." As they approach the front doors, she gestures and they open before them. The front hall is immaculate (speaking more to the capabilities of the 'servants' than anything else) with various artwork and antiquities displayed... all with a magical bent if not direct magical energies. "A witch, in my experience, taps into the magic of the natural world around them. My magic comes from myself."

Sabrina Spellman has posed:
Sabrina Spellman Blinks " Oh I thought I was like you " She beams, " Well I was told I was like you before.. that I was half human .. That's what my aunts told me .. it was a lie, and that kinda sucked but I understand why they said it " . She sighs "Kinda yeah some witches do that.. lots of diffrent kinds from else world.. I guess mine from me and around "


rubbing her cheek a bit, she opens her purse and out pops a Black cat.. which of course, starts to complain
" You said a quick jump.. not put me in that box for hours .. You know the air in there is limited "

She sighs " No, it's not limited .. but yeah sorry "

The cat blinks " Did it happen again? " and sabrina nods " Is that why were next to human hotness? " Sabrina nods.. " Ah " .

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"Ancestry is a complicated thing. My mother was Homo Magi. My father was not, yet... his family line has some rather powerful sorcerers in it. So I suppose, perhaps, in part I am a witch. I can certainly enact magic in similar ways, but I've admittedly never considered if the actual *usage* of magic is the same. If I cast a summoning circle, for example... does the magic draw from within me or from the elements as it would for you?" Zatanna gives a slight shrug before gesturing toward the parlor with one hand while waving down one of the household servants (or perhaps extensions of Shadowcrest itself, really) to get them some refreshments.

There is a pause as the cat begins to speak and she looks over and down at him. An eyebrow arches. "A sentient cat. Not the first I've ever seen, but perhaps the first that was... subservient to another. Hello, I am Zatanna."

Sabrina Spellman has posed:
He bows he bows his little paw on his chest " Salem, M'lady.. I'm an odditiy I am her cousin.. but I've been cursed "
Sabrina coughs "Punished"
You see his furry eyebrow twitch " Anyways.. I was put in this form.. a little accident and I bonded with her familiar now I guess I'm both " .

Sabrina " he says crazy stuff. It's okay to ignore him " . She seems impressed by the house to be surely looking around " Yeah, my aunt said homo Magi are descendants of those with magic , but the last one she was friends with died a hundred years ago "

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"I see. You have my sympathies." Punishment or not, it seems Zatanna has empathy for a being trapped in another form.

"There are still Homo Magi in the universe," Zatanna explains, moving into the parlor proper and taking a seat; there's a gesture for Sabrina and Salem to do the same. "But they live in secret places. Most that you or I might meet would be like me: descendents of. They are not a very prolific people, I guess you could say." Once seated, she takes off the sunhat and tosses it aside onto another chair.

"If you should ever find yourself here again, you are welcome to peruse the books here. There's a variety: magical and mundane, dating back centuries. Some even are first editions." And all perfectly safe for anyone to handle. The dangerous stuff is kept elsewhere.

Sabrina Spellman has posed:
She beams a bright smile " thank you very much " Even as salem seems to sit and lick his paw. She grins " like Witchs were still around like my aunts .. just hiding " she grins " though most are in elseworld since they don't like to hide " .


She looks over the books " I'm sure I'm gonna enjoy it here.. While my magic can send me around normally once I've been to a place I can go back,unless I'm blocked " .

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"I'm not familiar with elseworld, but I can guess. There are many places hidden from the rest of the world... some even without going to other realms and dimensions. Humanity does not have the best track record with accepting things that are different, though they've improved greatly."

One of the humanoid beings appears, tray in hand. It's set on the table with a spread of tea and cookies.

"I am perfectly happy with you coming here," Zatanna says, crossing one leg over the other as she settles back after getting herself a cup of tea. "There are even warded rooms where you could practice your magic if you so wish. If I'm not here, just ask the house. It'll send a guide to show you the way."

Sabrina Spellman has posed:
Sabrina Spellman Seems impressed by the house and nods her head " Sounds good " she beams brightly "I'll take you up on that offer "She puts a bowl of milk for Salem, who scoffs but also licks at it ..


She Enjoys some tea and a cookie or two " do you know anything about demonic powers? I talked to my uncle about it but he's evasive but that's his nature"

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"Demonic powers," Zatanna echoes, looking thoughtful. A sip of tea and she tap-tap-taps her finger on the side of her cup. "Well, I know a man named Jason Blood who is bound to a demon prince, Etrigan. I have engaged with demons a time or two myself, but it is not a realm I dabble in very often if I can help it, to be honest."

"Much as I am loathe to admit it..." One can almost see the shudder. "John Constantine is the man that knows things of hell best, at least in my experience."

Sabrina Spellman has posed:
Sabrina Spellman Sighs " yeah, uncle Luci said to talk to him or a man named dresden " She sighs " I dunno if I wanna, though. " She grumbles, "but I guess I'll look em up and ask , though that dresden fellow was rather nice " .


She sips her tea " I wanted to avoid the demonic stuff myself if I could but I can't "

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"Dresden," Zatanna says quickly, "Definitely Dresden. Speak to him. I've met him and he seems both very nice and knowledgeable. He's also visited Shadowcrest and is welcome here any time." Constantine, on the other hand. Who knows if the mansion will let him around or not: probably depends on just how annoyed Zee is with him on a given day.

"Unfortunately, due to the nature of demonic realms there is no truly avoiding them for those with magical natures. It's like two magnetic forces. We are drawn to it and they to us. What matters," Zee takes another sip before leaning forward to set her tea cup down. "is how we handle it when it happens. Do not let their nature infect you and be always vigilant for their misdirection and lies."

Sabrina Spellman has posed:
Sabrina Spellman Nods " I know but what happens when your half " She asks, looking at her " That's what's messing me up.. how can I avoid it when I'm half.. and I now have demons who are family " . She rubs her head " arrrg.. sorry I shouldn't dump this on you .. we just met, it's not okay " Salem just puts a paw on her so she pets him.

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"Trust me, it is okay and I am... used to it." Maybe it's another power of Zatanna's: good listener. Enough so that some people are just... drawn to it. But it could also just be the Power of Extroversion!

Picking up a cookie, the woman takes a bite; 'hmmm'ing in thought. "I suppose that brings us to nature versus nurture. Are we simply our biology or are we a product of our environment? I believe it's both but more the latter than the former. One of the benefits of being human is our free will. Just because you may have demonic blood does not mean you *are* demonic yourself. Will you have urges and be tempted? Yes, absolutely, but that too is human."

Another bite and she leans back, crossing her legs once more. Zee gestures with the half-cookie she still holds. "Psychiatrists call it 'intrusive thoughts.' Everyone has them: whether it's that sudden thought of 'what if I drove my car off this bridge' or thinking something nasty about someone you respect... It is perfectly *normal*, Sabrina. What's important is what you do with it. And while I am sure, especially at your age, that you get thoughts like 'what if I set this entire building on fire,' I imagine you don't actually give in to them."

Sabrina Spellman has posed:
Sabrina Spellman Shakes her head vigorously side to side." I don't .. I have them alot more now, and since my dad enchanted me to go black, I guess I could call it " She shudders, " I don't wanna be her again " .


She sighs, holding salem in her lap and petting him .. he seems to be happy to let her as if he knows it helps her. "But now, if i get even a little bit mad .. I'll spell people "

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"Impulse control, then. That, too, is human... Though-" Zatanna looks off in the middle distance. "I suppose if the Christian faith -- Roman Catholic end of it that is -- is to be believed, those things are demonic in nature." There's a small shrug before her eyes focus on the teenage girl once again. "While it's no comfort now, I suspect those moments will decrease as you get older. Hormones, as they say, are a bitch."

There's a small smile.

"Sabrina, I am part of the Justice League. It is comprised of people from aliens to demi-gods, to perfectly normal if very talented humans. And the one thing I can say they all have is self-control. But I can also say that it doesn't come naturally to most. Everyone, including myself, works at self-control. That, I think, may be the trick you need. A demon gives in to those base urges: it's in their nature *and* culture. But you need to actively practice self-control. It'll help in all aspects of your life, trust me."

Sabrina Spellman has posed:
Nods her head " yeah gotta work on that the question is how? " She looks up " how do you fight the urges cause just saying do it dosn't work " her eye's go flat at that part " Because it is my nature now and I'm trying to fight it but I need tips tricks something "

Zatanna Zatara has posed:
"Unfortunately," Zatanna says with a small, but sympathetic smile, "there is no one-size-fits-all answer. I can tell you what works for me as I'm sure others can, but at the end of the day it's what works for *you*. You have to put in the work and that's the dirty truth of having powers. It takes effort. And sometimes a lot of it."

A couple bites finishes off the cookie and she brushes the crumbs off her fingers. "A common and easy thing to try is meditation. It works for a lot of people, myself included. Another is finding a healthy outlet. Like people with anger issues using a punching bag to get the feelings out."

Sabrina Spellman has posed:
Sabrina Spellman sighs and nods her head " Okay yeah that make ssene " she sighs " I'm gonna try and go home again hopefully this time it works " She snaps her finger pulling sparkles to her finger and launches it at a door making ti glow " Okay thanks again " she beams as she walsk towrds the door " I'll be back " she grins walking through the door!