(Lave/Mor POV)

"The ways of the Old have always been a mystery. This is so that no one is able to pinpoint who is on the council. It also prevents assassination and bribery. However this means that they are not as trusted as they could be." The Cacht said. "However there are those who know at least one member of the council. They are the Cacht. We are contracted as speakers for the council. However to hold such power and knowledge we must sign a slave contract. One where we cannot disobey the will of the council and are bound to an area." Amice shifted forward in interest.

"You signed a slave contract? Why?" She asked her eyes shining.

The Cacht laughed. "Of course. How else would I know about the Old? Not even all of the supernatural know of them." She turned to me. "Mor is a special case. She knows more about the Old than most, but I am not sure how much. As the enforcement of the Old, the Scáthach's are known to be just as secretive as the council. It is unusual that she would be so willing to give her name and position. Even to a Cacht." I frowned. This was going a different direction then I thought it would. The Priestess gave me a thoughtful look.

"But I have been side tracked. You asked about the contract. The contract usually gives the holder a part of the owner's power, shares their life span, and something that the signer desires." Amcice's smile grew as the Catch spoke. "However if you wish to sign a contract of any kind with a supernatural you should be careful. They are usually not friendly to humans. You should be especially careful with gifts." She gave Amice a meaningful look.

"On the other hand the supernatural beings in this world are few and far between now. It is very unlikely to meet any. I'm not sure if that makes you lucky or unlucky, Amice." I snorted.

"Then how did you meet a council member Miss. Priestess?" She asked completely disregarding the fact that it is probably a painful subject. Someone willing to sign a contract with a Mystic is usually desperate. Especially one that makes you a slave.

“... He is a friend of the family. When I was younger he took me in and taught me everything I know.” The Cacht said with a sad smile. “He still visits every once and a while, but time is different for those with a long lifespan so a long time for me is a short time for him.”

“Is that so? How did you know he wasn't human? I mean I can understand how you can tell Lave isn't now that I think back, but I don't think she was trying to hide it.” Amice said while looking at me for confirmation.

“I'm not.” I stated. There was no reason to hide it on Earth, and I still believe there is no reason to hide it here. Even if this annoying church claims me to be a demon.

The Cacht giggled. “Oh, it is quite easy to tell if you know what to look for. For instance there will always be unusual quirks that they will never be able to hide. For instance my friend can not touch iron. It will burn him on contact.” She turned to me and smiled slyly. “Mor should be rather violent and hostile to humans. Not to mention the other things that she must carry around to keep up her human appearance.”

I scoffed. “There has never been a reason to hide what I am. What does it matter what humans think of me. They are just food.”

The Cacht's smile strained slightly. “Yes, that is true. I have never meet a Scáthach before so please excuse me if I come off as rude.”

“What is a Scáthach?” Asked Amice with gleaming eyes.

I sighed. “I am a mermaid. The Scáthach are a race of mermaid that is strong physically. We are often hired as mercenaries or work as guards.” Our magic is also more on the fighting side than illusions as well. I thought to myself. This is probably why we were found in the end.

“That's so cool!” Amice gushed. “So what is a mermaid?” My eye twitched. She doesn't know what a mermaid is? Are you kidding me? I always thought she was stupid, but I thought she was just acting.

Laughing burst out from the Cacht. “So this is what happens when knowledge of the supernatural is wiped from history. Ah, I am sorry. A mermaid is a creature that lives in the ocean. They lure humans in as prey with their beautiful singing and illusion magic. Their looks are also used to draw in their prey.”

“So they are sea monsters?” Amice asked innocently. Did she just call me a sea monster? My scales rippled across the surface of my skin as my eye twitched more. “However she doesn't look like a sea monster. If I was to go by the teaching of the Church then she is more like an water demon.” Demon! Did she just call me a demon! She compared me to those lying slimy bustards? I unleashed blood lust at Amice.

“I am no Demon, Human.” I grounded out. “It is an insult that you would compare me to those lying bags of meat from the new religion.” I could feel my eyes changing as I spoke. “We mermaids have been around much longer then they have and we have no need to fall to petty power struggles. We are a proud and truthful race.”

Amice's smile grew as I spoke becoming slightly dangerous. “Aw, come on Lave. I didn't know. There is no need to get so worked up about it.” I paused and looked over Amice. She sat in her chair with a large grin on her face, posture relaxed, and taking the full brunt of my bloodlust without a flinch. I narrowed my eyes. There is something very off about this girl.

The Cacht coughed catching our attention. “Yes, I would advise we switch to a new topic. One that is less hostile. I mean I do love my house and I would hate to have to build a new one.” She smiled pleasantly. “What we should be discussing is what you will be doing from now on. It is clear that you are on a mission to bring the supernatural back into the open. From what I understand there is going to be a war very soon. I believe that this would be a good chance to showcase the power that has been forgotten.”

I sighed and glanced suspiciously over at Amice. She sat looking at the Cacht with an innocent smile on her face. There is something off about this girl. She has somehow been able to keep up with me throughout the trip and dodged all of my blows. I spotted her broad sword in the corner. She is also much more powerful than her height and figure would let on. Looking back at the Cacht I sighed again. It looks like there is no way out of participating in this war. I mean it would be fine if someone hired me...