Lliira:
Lliira nodded as the others showed them their objects. She could hear it in their voices as each explained how much each object meant. "Yes, those will suffice quite well," she replied. "Please excuse me, I will be right back," she said, then hurried outside to her velocipede (like
this but with modern brakes and gears, electric assist, a decorative sunshade over the seat, a black leather "trunk" for cargo behind the seat with a scabbard for her staff, and LED lights built into miniature brass lanterns) and removed her staff from the scabbard attached vertically to the side of the "trunk." With it in hand, she drew her phone and called Uncle Nikos.
"Lliira? What is it? Is everything alright? I had a feeling you were about to call..."
"Yes...and no," Lliira replied. "I have met some new friends, and we are going to Nevermoore Court. Could you please bring me some supplies, like a flashlight, a canteen of water, and perhaps something portable to eat? I think it might be helpful to have some ceremonial equipment as well."
"What? Why would you need a flash... No, Lliira, I will not allow it! It is too dangerous! These new 'friends' of yours can run away if there is trouble, but you would be too easy to pick out of a lineup. And that is only the material threat. You mustn't go."
"They are going whether I join them or not, Uncle. One of them has been researching it for some time, and he has learned much about it that is disturbing. He and the others will need magical protection. I did not meet them by accident."
"Then I am coming with you--"
"
Absolutely not! Uncle, you
know father wants you in that place! I am young. They cannot commit me, or claim that I was already an inmate if we are captured. The most they can do legally is prosecute me for trespassing. A 'prank by college kids.'"
"I fear that is not the most they can do to you, dear."
"I know. But I cannot abandon the others to their fate."
"Are you at school?"
"Yes, in the library."
"I will be there soon."
"Thank you, Uncle. I love you."
"I love you too."
Lliira returned to the others, staff in hand. "My uncle will be here soon to bring me more supplies."