Paging Raleigh -- The Fifth Child

[Raleigh]

Hello Ellen. How are you today?

[AmbushCat]

Ellen: *glare softens* ...Godfather? What's going on? ...I was trying to get some peace from Elk for a change.

[Raleigh]

I understand dear. I have offered to let you stay over at my place tonight if you want. That should get you a break I think and allow you to have some peace. We could work on your paper manipulation abilities or something if you wish.

[AmbushCat]

Ellen: *thinks for a bit* ... Okay.

*Ellen wiggles out of Amber's hold and raises both hands towards the portal. Nothing happens at first, except for a few beads of sweat rolling down her face, but then another 51 cards fly out of the portal and into her hands. Amber smiles, impressed.*

Ellen: ...I try to practice on my own when I find the time.

[Raleigh]

Nice. Why the others with that power don't carry around playing cards I don't know as they are useful and plentiful. That and you can even convince an opponent you are using an entirely different power set if you want to.

[AmbushCat]

Ellen: *raises an eyebrow* ...Did we just indirectly reference the X-men?

[Raleigh]

Among others yes. One incarnation I had met a powerful wizard who hid his spells behind being a supposed gambler and the theatrics and trappings thereof. No one would have guessed he had been one of the greatest court magicians of his time until he finally had to act to save his friends and lost love. *Chuckles.* Ace up his sleeve indeed. That whole building was destroyed.

[AmbushCat]

Ellen: ...It wasn't a literal house of cards, was it?

[Raleigh]

Nope, it was a rather good sized inn filled with some of the Dead Knights that were hunting the group he was traveling with. Roughly half a garrison's worth if I recall. There wasn't enough left of them to revive themselves either.

[AmbushCat]

Ellen: *a bit awed, although she doesn't show it* ...I wasn't aware that they could be used that cleverly. *looks down at the deck of cards* ...

[Raleigh]

Aye they can. *Looks at the baby.* Good luck to you my dear. I am sure you will do well. *Turning to Ellen.* I suppose we should mosey along then and see what we can get into, eh? Amber you take care alright?

[AmbushCat]

*Ezekiel, sound asleep, doesn't twitch. Amber shuts the portal she opened.*

You too, Raleigh. See you in the funny pages. *clutches Ezekiel close to her* Deflagrate muri tempi et intervalia. *disappears, child and all, in the resulting fireball*

Ellen: ...I'm told that she's getting her reproductive organs removed soon to keep from having more. *looks up at Raleigh* ...Lead the way, godpapa. *straightens her sleeves and slips the playing cards into a pocket*

[Raleigh]

Perhaps that might be best. Five kids at once is a bit much to handle for most I'm sure. *Begins to lead Ellen to his house in this realm.* What would you like for supper tonight?

[AmbushCat]

Ellen: *follows along* ... ...Macaroni salad and some stovetop-cooked ham. ...In truth, I can handle anything except chocolate or brussel sprouts.

[Raleigh]

Alright. I'll get a cook to prepare it. After all I doubt you want to spend the evening fighting my cooking. *The two arrive outside of a house. It looks pretty much like whatever Ellen would expect Raleigh to live in. Out front is a fountain to the side and various plants grow around the house with hints of a greenhouse in the back.*