Catch the lightning

The rain had started to thicken up. "My windshield wipers should have been replaced before today. If I leave now, I can pick up some new blades before dark. Time to go." Even a wizard had to be practical about maintenance. Magic had its place and Jacob was always careful to use the power respectfully. Others, especially the young ones, noticed.

"They're predicting big winds later," Kaitlin was particularly observant of winds, and lightning. She stood to give Jacob a strong hug at the door, waited while Larkin did her thank you and kissed the special man on both cheeks. "Practicing to be French!" She giggled. Jacob nodded at the pleasure of the sound. Kaitlin pulled a raincoat off the hook, and walked with Jacob to his van. "She'll be alright won't she?" Asking the question wasn't so much a doubtful inquiry as much as connecting with an uncle you trust. Remember, this was a girl raised without a father. There is Daniel and he is a good man. But Jacob? Jacob counted among the Uncles with a capital for many young people in Salish Country.

"She has a good mind, and a keen ear. It matters that she practice using it. That one ear. Teaching and learning language will give her confidence." From his truck's seat Jacob was looking eye-to-eye with the young blonde witch. She was a thoughtful alchemist with buoyancy for life and questions fed her curiosity."Does it matter that she will be so close to so much ... war?" The wizard thought about this and considered how much war was woven into history of humankind. "It matters greatly that Larkin finds the meanings, the many meanings, of her name. It comes from that land. Her Gran knows that. Worry will water down her resolve." He paused at this point. The rain was heavier. "Direct it somewhere else. If you must, catch the lightning. Ground it where it will do some good."

"Thank you Jacob." She squeezed Jacob's hand before he shut the van door, and stood in the rain till his van was out of sight then she opened Olympia's passenger side door, opened the glove box, checked to see if her flashlight worked. Yes, the batteries were fresh. Behind the seat the small woman looked for the other supplies: jumper cable, rain gear, rubber boots and rubber lined gloves; a spare wool blanket. If she was going to catch lightning it would be good to be wearing rubber boots.