When Brendan had left for the hospital to visit his sister, Nicolas remained behind to tidy up the town home he and Bren were renting. It was a simple two story with a loft, with two beds, a large bath, and full kitchen. It wasn’t like the boys needed much else since they were mostly focused on their studies. Though this didn’t stop Bren from bringing home a girl once in a while for a drink or two. To Nicks relief, things didn’t usually go beyond that. He knew Bren was looking for someone, but it was hard to see the guy settle into domestic life.

Nick shook his head as he cleaned. he didn’t mind Brendan’s dates, truly. Bren had been his friend for year now. So he hoped he’d find the girl he’s looking for and not fall for a pretty face like Nicolas had in high school. 

He scowled as he wrung out the rag he was using to wash the counters. That had been a rough year. He’d been enjoying the company of a red-headed girl, finding common interests in their conversations. Though when he’d asked her out at last, she said she had a different interest, and he was taking her out to the movies. She claimed she didn’t want to break the friendship, though Nicolas answered he didn’t want to get in the way, so the friendship faded anyway. 

Bren had helped him get back on his feet; letting him stay at his place on the weekends doing nothing but play video games, trade Pokémon, and forget about the heartbreak. Nick smiled at the memories. It was those days that his persona of the “Ice Prince of Wales” had more or less melted thanks to the court jester of the school. 

he shook his head again and put on a kettle to get tea started for when his mother arrived. Another perk of the small home was less to keep tidy, which Nicolas preferred. Growing up with people that did this for him made a large house seem daunting. So this little one suited the two bachelors well. 

Soon the house was clean, and the smell of Chamomile and Lavender filled the home, giving it a cozy feeling he found was usually only found in books and stories. Like a little magic had found it’s way into the home and settled there. 

Finally, a knock came to the door. Taking a deep breath, and straitening his shirt, Nick answered. On the other side was a lovely woman, her hair done back in a tight bun, her makeup subtle but gave her an air of importance and no nonsense. She wore a white blouse and black skirt, her shoes matching flats. Around her neck she wore a polished amethyst pendant. Nicolas new this pendant well. His mother rarely took it off, and he’d seen her in court fidgeting with it. She was a lawyer, and a damn good one at that. nearly all cases she took on she won, and ones she left to others often ended up costing those lawyers money. 

She smiled at her son, her blue eyes matching his. “Nicolas.” 

“Hello mother.” Nicolas answered, smiling back and stepping aside. “Please, come in. I have tea ready, and while the cookies are store bought, they should do.”

“Cookies?” Mrs. Griffin asked as she came in. “Nicolas, you’re sounding more American every time I see you.” 

Nicolas chuckled. “You can thank Brendan for that. He’s as American as they come.” 

He lead her to the living area, really only a few steps from the front door and went to get the tea tray. “I trust your flight was comfortable?” He called, mostly to keep the conversation going. 

“Oh quite.” Mrs. Griffin answered. “Thankfully the turbulence wasn’t as rough as last time, the city is quite the sight to drive through though.” 

“I suggest you see Colorado Springs.” Nicolas suggested as he came walking back to the living room, tray in hand as he set it on the coffee table and poured his mother a cup. Well, a mug. “the mountains are quite the sight, and easier to see without the buildings in the way.”

“I’ll see if my schedule will allow a visit.” Mrs. Griffin replied, though it sounded a bit dismissive. Nicolas knew his mother wasn’t fond of the outdoors. 

Much like himself, she preferred the indoors, though more like his father, Nicolas did have a respect for the outdoors. Both of his parent had a deep respect for the Old Ways, though they didn’t participate. His father grew up on the boarder of Britain and Scotland, where he heard tales of Fey Folk, and that disrespecting them caused strife to ones household. His mother had grown up in Scotland, and claimed her family was from a long line of mystic things. She even claimed her great grandmother was favored by a Fey Prince, which lead to her family’s comfortable lifestyle. 

Nicolas loved these stories, and when he was a boy he often sought them out himself. however, he never found a trace of magic. Not one curious stone, and note a single toadstool, let alone a ring of them. 

The two sat quietly for a moment, thier relationship through Nicolas’ life having been… thin. Yes she loved him, and he knew she loved him. But there was always a distance that neither could overcome. Finally, Mrs. Griffin set her mug of tea down. “It’s hard to believe you’re twenty-three already.” 

Nick smiled. “I know, I find it hard to believe at times myself.” He said, holding his mug in his lap for the time being. 

“Well, it’s time I had given you something.” His mother continued. “I should have given it to you on your twenty-first birthday, but I don’t trust the mailing system for this.”

She reached behind her neck and unclasped the amethyst pendant. She held it in her hand for a moment, looking into the smooth surface and the facets within before holding it out to Nicolas. 

“Your pendant?” Nick asked as he carefully accepted it and looking at it, turning it slightly to watch the light reflect off of it. 

“As you may know, it’s a family heirloom.” Mrs. Griffin explained. “It’s been passed from first born to first born in my side of the family for generations. My grandfather said that it goes back to as far as the Dark Ages. It’s given our family much, as well as helped me in my own career, so I hope it continues to be prosperous for you as well.”

Nick looked at the pendant, feeling a cold tingle in his fingers. “Mother, I appreciate the gift but-“

Mrs. Griffin raised a hand and shook her head, silencing Nick. “It’s yours now. It should have become yours on your twenty-first birthday, so it’s a bit late in getting to you, and as our only son, it’s yours by right.” 

Nicolas looked at his mother and then back at the pendant. It was so… gaudy. It looked like it should have been made into a broach. or perhaps it was but the broach part broke and thus became a necklace instead. 

“I’m not superstitious Mother.” Nick explained. “How can a pendant give prosperity?”

Mrs. griffin looked at the pendant, then turned her gaze to the window as if seeing something move there. She took a slow breath before smiling at Nicolas. “You’ll soon see.” She answered, her soft features almost glowing. “Just know what you want out of life, and keep it on you at all times.” 

Nick raised an eyebrow at her, then back at the pendant. Well, if nothing else, he could use it as a fidget toy when he’s studying. He sighed and nodded. “Thank you very much for the gift mother.” He said. 

His mother stood, prompting Nick to Stand as well, and she pulled him into an embrace. As he awkwardly returned it, he heard Mrs. Griffin whisper in his ear. 

“May you find what you seek. And may you know the price of what you want.” 

He blinked at her curiously, but she pulled away with a smile. “I’d love to stay longer Nicolas, but I’m needed elsewhere. A client of mine wants to discuss an upcoming court date.” 

“I understand.” Nicolas answered as he walked her to the door. “I hope it goes well for you.” 

“As do I.” Mrs. Griffin answered as she collected her purse and stepped out the door. She looked back at her son and gave another warm smile. “I look forward to seeing your life unfold.” 

With that, she waved and stepped away to call an Uber. 

Nicolas watched her go, and lifted the palm that still held the pendant. What was that she said? Why did it sound ominous? He turned the pendant in his hand a couple more minutes before stepping back inside. An Heirloom huh? Well, if it helped his mother become the excellent lawyer she is today, perhaps there was some merit to it. But at the same time, he wasn’t superstitious. After all the disappointing searches through the Scotland Highlands, he’s come to terms with Magic being something only found in books and wives tales. 

All the same, he sighed as he went up to his room, and tossed the pendant onto his bed. He could think about that later. Right now, he had studies to work on. He sat at his desk and turned on the light, having brought up the tea from downstairs to finish while he worked.