She supposed he was handsome, not that she was much of a judge on these things. He had a certain swagger that likely would turn the heads of any women that were...well, not her. Dressed in black, he was almost like an avenging angel of some sort. Either that or a vampire cosplayer. There were more of those than anyone cared to admit.
It pleased her that he seemed to prefer real magic to the cookie cutter Wiccan pretentious people followed. No, that wasn't right. She wouldn't judge, even if she couldn't shake the memory of the Wiccan group she was a part of in college. Simply finding someone who understood and knew, that always excited her.
"There's tarot, but it's mostly entertainment for the kids." At least on her end. She was still shy about that talent, but children were more receptive and forgiving. "The crystals here tend to have a purpose, but we largely supply herbs and talismans needed for spells. There's books as well, varying in what you need. Some are in Latin, if you can understand that. Those though are in the back."
She grinned, laughing a little. "You wouldn't want a novice turning someone into a toad or burning down the store."
To be fair to him, the Watcher Diaries do have that he has the face of an Angel. Even if you're not into men, it's sure to have a little sway about how you take his charm. Though it is true his wardrobe could do with a bit of an upgrade in color. Though the black helps with the blending into shadows, not that he'd actually come out and say that.
He wasn't above the judging, to be honest. Too many people didn't see the real power and magic in the world. Which lead to them creating sad groups where all they did was talk to each other. No power, no spells, no real magic. But also no understanding of magic either. It was sad in a lot of ways. Because people did have the potential if they tried and practiced and believed. "Nonne omnes medici magi Latine sciunt?" [ Shouldn't all magic practitioners known Latin? ] He can't help himself, and the amusement that lifts his lips is true as his head dips. "I find some of the older spells can be the best, or the best stepping stones so you can tweak them for what you need."
Tilting his head at that though, he chuckles. "Especially because they'd likely not know how to turn that someone back from the toad or know how to put the fire out." Which would be bad, if not at least amusing.
It's surprising he knows Latin. Given her exposure to magic from a young age, she's familiar enough with it to understand what he's saying. Though she doesn't trust her own ability to speak it back to him. Mispronouncing a word, it wouldn't reflect well on one of the store managers. "Impressive," she replied instead. "Then you probably will want advanced books." She wouldn't suggest anything dark. Those were safely locked away where no one could touch them without Giles's knowledge. That was fine by her. Nothing good came of dark magic.
"What sort of spells do you prefer to do? We have nature based magic, more spiritual and telepathic, some shape shifting, if you want?" All things Willow had mastered while Tara was following at a slower pace. She was stronger with Willow next to her, rather than on her own. It was frustrating. She had to admit there was a little jealousy in her at how fast Willow advanced and the level of her talent. It was small, but there in her heart.
"There are older spells here, but some are in Sumerian or Babylonian. They take time to translate, but it's worthwhile if you can do it." She fiddled with her shawl, a bit nervous in his presence. Why though? He seemed ordinary for the most part. She could sense a power in him, but it wasn't the light she was used to. It was almost hidden, concealed from her view. It made him an enigma. That power had a way of intimidating her, no matter her own skill.
"I'm an over achiever when it comes to things like that," he offers as a way to explanation for his knowledge of Latin. And he'll nod a little at her comment about the advanced books, because he was curious on what books they carried as a whole. What knowledge someone might have as part of the gang. He'd watched well enough to know how powerful Willow had become. Though having the dark magic locked away wouldn't surprise him either.
"Spiritual and telepathic tend to be my specialty. Though I have to say I haven't tried shape shifting as yet." His head tilts curiously, and he inches just a little so he can lean forward like it might be a secret that he's asking. Though his lips say he's teasing just a little, or at least the tease is more how secret it has to be in a shop where the two of them are alone. "What are you interested in?" Because he has an idea from watching her, but he'd like to hear it from her.
A soft hum leaves him as he takes that in. "I'm not as fluent in Babylonian or Sumerian, but if you have some to suggest I'd be happy to look into them." Is it an act or real, his interest in her. Well, he's always been interested in magic, so honestly, that part is a legitimate curiosity for him. Though he would be curious to see if there were more ways to draw her gently out of her shell, to aid her in magic and her learning. Teaching her will help to sink his fangs into her a little harder and more securely too.
When he leans closer to her, whatever she was about to say left Tara's mind. It's a bit uncomfortable, though he seems to have a seductive quality. Likely the sort Buffy would be drawn to, not that it was a bad thing. This wasn't something Tara was used to. Not the attention, not the possible flirtation. Save for Willow, not many paid her much attention in the past. Willow was her first and possibly last love.
She didn't really move when he came closer, simply assuming that he was being personable. If the need arose, she would politely correct him. For now, she would treat him as a special customer, given his skill and knowledge. It was a shame Giles wasn't here, he likely would really enjoy talking to someone that was advanced in magic.
"Shape shifting is a bit more difficult." She thought of Amy the rat. "Sometimes it's impossible to turn back, so I wouldn't recommend really trying it unless you have a solid spell to change back."
What was she interested in? Was that a come on? No, she didn't think so. It had to be curiosity simply expressed in a more intimate way. It was a little strange that he acted as though he knew her, but she brushed it off as her shyness around strangers.
"I prefer ritual based magic, but I have been studying nature spells and light magic." It was a slow process on her own. Willow could likely teach her, but this was something she wanted to achieve alone. "There's auras as well. Reading them, getting a feel for a person's energy and light."
She cleared her throat, a bit apprehensive to say more and look slightly foolish. "Nothing adventurous, I suppose."
He doesn't mean for the lean in to be uncomfortable for her, because this is a slow game for him. He has time, if he's careful, which means he doesn't want or need to push too hard with her. So when he sees even a flicker of her being uncomfortable, he'll lean back a little to give her some breathing room. And there's even an apologetic smile to her for overstepping a little, sheepish in an attempt to show he hadn't meant anything by it.
That maybe he was just over enthusiastic to talk to her about this too. Because even with as large of a magic community as there was, it was hard to find people to really discuss it with. So when you found one, well you had to hold onto them right? That's the energy he offers at least, that he was just happy to talk to someone about magic, to find that she wasn't just a shop pretending to know how and what to do to sell things.
"I'll definitely note that for shape shifting." His head tilts curiously after a moment though, "Sounds like that one you may know from experience." Because to be that specific about not trying it until you know how to spell yourself back, well, it means there's potentially a story there right?
Some men might use what she's interested in as a come on, but he really did mean magic wise. Because well, how else do you ask that question without it sounding intimate or like he was meaning something else? Some things just lend themselves to being a double entendre even by accident. Not that he wouldn't have used it if she were interested, but he also knows when to move back a little and give her space. "There's something to nature spells, feeling the earth and talking to it." Yes, it sounds like he's done some before, but well short of spells that need direct sunlight, he's dabbled in most just because he has the time and can. Though aura reading was interesting too, and he was curious to see if he could skirt that.
His head dips a little and he smiles. "Anything in magic is adventurous, because you're opening yourself up to the universe."
The recovery works and she begins to relax again, looking at him a little less warily. He simply comes across as being excited and maybe wishing to reach out to someone else who understands and feels similarly about magic as she does. As far as she can tell. So far, he's agreed with her a number of times. After some of the squabbles with Willow, she wanted to find someone who might understand her desire to abide by the rules of nature and utilize the power that comes from it. Beautiful, pure white magic. Misunderstood and overlooked, much like she had been as a girl.
"Not personal experience but second hand knowledge. My girlfriend, she knew a witch in high school that changed herself into a rat when she was in danger. They haven't found a way yet to change her back." Maybe she should try harder to help Amy. Sometimes she slipped Tara's mind, as often as she slipped Willow's. More research might be the key.
"Nature is pure, as energy can be. Magic that shifts and betrays nature doesn't feel natural to me. It's like a drug in your system, only causing damage and addiction. I like the feeling of sensing the earth grow and move beneath me. I think utilizing it could make you stronger and more powerful." She hoped at least, it's been awhile since she's felt genuinely powerful. It wasn't a contest, but there was always that human part of her that still felt jealousy and inadequacy.
"Magic can be that way, but there are other fun ways to tap into that energy and power. I know people knock tarot and palm readings, but it's a nice glimpse into who someone is."
no subject
Date: 2021-11-03 19:45 (UTC)It pleased her that he seemed to prefer real magic to the cookie cutter Wiccan pretentious people followed. No, that wasn't right. She wouldn't judge, even if she couldn't shake the memory of the Wiccan group she was a part of in college. Simply finding someone who understood and knew, that always excited her.
"There's tarot, but it's mostly entertainment for the kids." At least on her end. She was still shy about that talent, but children were more receptive and forgiving. "The crystals here tend to have a purpose, but we largely supply herbs and talismans needed for spells. There's books as well, varying in what you need. Some are in Latin, if you can understand that. Those though are in the back."
She grinned, laughing a little. "You wouldn't want a novice turning someone into a toad or burning down the store."
no subject
Date: 2021-11-03 20:30 (UTC)He wasn't above the judging, to be honest. Too many people didn't see the real power and magic in the world. Which lead to them creating sad groups where all they did was talk to each other. No power, no spells, no real magic. But also no understanding of magic either. It was sad in a lot of ways. Because people did have the potential if they tried and practiced and believed. "Nonne omnes medici magi Latine sciunt?" [ Shouldn't all magic practitioners known Latin? ] He can't help himself, and the amusement that lifts his lips is true as his head dips. "I find some of the older spells can be the best, or the best stepping stones so you can tweak them for what you need."
Tilting his head at that though, he chuckles. "Especially because they'd likely not know how to turn that someone back from the toad or know how to put the fire out." Which would be bad, if not at least amusing.
no subject
Date: 2021-11-03 20:40 (UTC)"What sort of spells do you prefer to do? We have nature based magic, more spiritual and telepathic, some shape shifting, if you want?" All things Willow had mastered while Tara was following at a slower pace. She was stronger with Willow next to her, rather than on her own. It was frustrating. She had to admit there was a little jealousy in her at how fast Willow advanced and the level of her talent. It was small, but there in her heart.
"There are older spells here, but some are in Sumerian or Babylonian. They take time to translate, but it's worthwhile if you can do it." She fiddled with her shawl, a bit nervous in his presence. Why though? He seemed ordinary for the most part. She could sense a power in him, but it wasn't the light she was used to. It was almost hidden, concealed from her view. It made him an enigma. That power had a way of intimidating her, no matter her own skill.
no subject
Date: 2021-11-03 21:37 (UTC)"Spiritual and telepathic tend to be my specialty. Though I have to say I haven't tried shape shifting as yet." His head tilts curiously, and he inches just a little so he can lean forward like it might be a secret that he's asking. Though his lips say he's teasing just a little, or at least the tease is more how secret it has to be in a shop where the two of them are alone. "What are you interested in?" Because he has an idea from watching her, but he'd like to hear it from her.
A soft hum leaves him as he takes that in. "I'm not as fluent in Babylonian or Sumerian, but if you have some to suggest I'd be happy to look into them." Is it an act or real, his interest in her. Well, he's always been interested in magic, so honestly, that part is a legitimate curiosity for him. Though he would be curious to see if there were more ways to draw her gently out of her shell, to aid her in magic and her learning. Teaching her will help to sink his fangs into her a little harder and more securely too.
no subject
Date: 2021-11-03 22:17 (UTC)She didn't really move when he came closer, simply assuming that he was being personable. If the need arose, she would politely correct him. For now, she would treat him as a special customer, given his skill and knowledge. It was a shame Giles wasn't here, he likely would really enjoy talking to someone that was advanced in magic.
"Shape shifting is a bit more difficult." She thought of Amy the rat. "Sometimes it's impossible to turn back, so I wouldn't recommend really trying it unless you have a solid spell to change back."
What was she interested in? Was that a come on? No, she didn't think so. It had to be curiosity simply expressed in a more intimate way. It was a little strange that he acted as though he knew her, but she brushed it off as her shyness around strangers.
"I prefer ritual based magic, but I have been studying nature spells and light magic." It was a slow process on her own. Willow could likely teach her, but this was something she wanted to achieve alone. "There's auras as well. Reading them, getting a feel for a person's energy and light."
She cleared her throat, a bit apprehensive to say more and look slightly foolish. "Nothing adventurous, I suppose."
no subject
Date: 2021-11-04 18:44 (UTC)That maybe he was just over enthusiastic to talk to her about this too. Because even with as large of a magic community as there was, it was hard to find people to really discuss it with. So when you found one, well you had to hold onto them right? That's the energy he offers at least, that he was just happy to talk to someone about magic, to find that she wasn't just a shop pretending to know how and what to do to sell things.
"I'll definitely note that for shape shifting." His head tilts curiously after a moment though, "Sounds like that one you may know from experience." Because to be that specific about not trying it until you know how to spell yourself back, well, it means there's potentially a story there right?
Some men might use what she's interested in as a come on, but he really did mean magic wise. Because well, how else do you ask that question without it sounding intimate or like he was meaning something else? Some things just lend themselves to being a double entendre even by accident. Not that he wouldn't have used it if she were interested, but he also knows when to move back a little and give her space. "There's something to nature spells, feeling the earth and talking to it." Yes, it sounds like he's done some before, but well short of spells that need direct sunlight, he's dabbled in most just because he has the time and can. Though aura reading was interesting too, and he was curious to see if he could skirt that.
His head dips a little and he smiles. "Anything in magic is adventurous, because you're opening yourself up to the universe."
no subject
Date: 2021-11-08 21:08 (UTC)"Not personal experience but second hand knowledge. My girlfriend, she knew a witch in high school that changed herself into a rat when she was in danger. They haven't found a way yet to change her back." Maybe she should try harder to help Amy. Sometimes she slipped Tara's mind, as often as she slipped Willow's. More research might be the key.
"Nature is pure, as energy can be. Magic that shifts and betrays nature doesn't feel natural to me. It's like a drug in your system, only causing damage and addiction. I like the feeling of sensing the earth grow and move beneath me. I think utilizing it could make you stronger and more powerful." She hoped at least, it's been awhile since she's felt genuinely powerful. It wasn't a contest, but there was always that human part of her that still felt jealousy and inadequacy.
"Magic can be that way, but there are other fun ways to tap into that energy and power. I know people knock tarot and palm readings, but it's a nice glimpse into who someone is."