A Teagan in the Kitchen — Adelle’s Teapot

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

Welcome back to Atonement, TN!

I was sincerely honored when Suzanne at A Pug in the Kitchen asked me to do a guest post for her wonderful blog’s anniversary.  We had a great time. Here’s a link to Suzanne’s blog and my guest post (along with a lovely tea recipe and Suzanne’s beautiful photos).

Suzanne is an accomplished chef and blogger (not to mention her real estate career and still more activities).  Take a look at her recipes featured at Fiesta Friday and at Food 52.
atonement-video-cover-copy

As most of you know, my current novel in progress is actually book-2 in an urban fantasy series that began with “Atonement, Tennessee.”  The title is the name of my fictional town where supernaturals secretly live among the residents of this seemingly quaint town.  (Book-2 will be called Atonement in Bloom.)

For her blog anniversary post, I told Suzanne about a few different settings in the series that would involve food.  She picked a locale that will be new for book-2, Adelle’s Attic Tearoom.

What I’m sharing with you was originally posted at A Pug in the Kitchen earlier this week.  It’s a scene with two minor characters in my Atonement, TN universe.  This may or may not appear in the novel. For reasons I won’t go into, it would be “mechanically” difficult. However, I might make it part of a short story.  At any rate, I think it’s fun to get to know the characters who only play a small role.  I hope you enjoy this tidbit.

Adelle’s Teapot — Features from Atonement TN

Copyright © 2015 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

1924 Good housekeeping 2 girls tea

The inventory notes Annie recorded were part of an ancient list, passed down through the Metatron clan.  For the most part, the older the item, the more power it held.  The kind of power varied widely.

The Mirror of Truth and Justice Most Poetic could show one’s true self.  The mirror could be playful, cryptic, devilishly mischievous, or brutally honest.  It almost seemed to have a mind of its own.  In age and in power, that mirror ranked about mid-way on the inventory list.  Annie shuddered to think of the havoc she had known the mirror to wreak.

She kept many of the items hidden in plain sight in her antique shop.  It had been easy enough to steer Ralda Lawton away from a special quilt.  Ralda, the new owner of the Sunhold estate, did not need that star design quilt, but someone else would.  However, the brass Bed of Dreams was meant for her.  The bed wasn’t strong in power, but it was effective.

ad 5 Oclock TeaAnnie looked down at the ancient list.  Something glowed through several layers of paper.  She knew the glow came from the script identifying a very old item.  The glowing writing meant an item awakened.  Her hands shook as she leafed through the pages to the very beginning of the catalogued inventory.

The teapot.  Annie took a shuddering breath.  It was simple and unassuming looking, but the teapot was the oldest item listed in Annie’s inventory notes.  It was also arguably the most powerful.  Because of its unique properties the teapot had always been kept separate from the other items.  Adelle, Annie’s sister was the teapot’s custodian.  It was safely tucked away in the attic of the Victorian house that was Adelle’s tearoom and home.

A brew had not been made from that teapot in living memory.  But what else could awaken the pot but the alchemy of water, heat, and the right combination of herbs, flowers, and leaves?

“No Adelle,” Annie muttered as she put away the ancient ledger.1937 Look Shirley Temple Santa tea

Annie ran out of her shop, the door banging shut behind her.  Her platinum hair shone in the moonlight.  She skidded around the corner and ran down the town square.  Annie stumbled to a stop.  She gazed at the night sky in open mouthed astonishment.

Above Adelle’s tearoom the sky shimmered in a golden aura.  When Annie looked farther up into the sky, she saw an even more astonishing sight.  The entire town of Atonement rested unaware beneath five columns of light pillars.  The columns of light pulsed through the clouds.

“Adelle,” Annie gasped.  “What have you done?”

With a hand to her chest, Annie continued toward her sister’s home.  She fell going up the front porch stairs.  As she righted herself, Annie saw that the front door stood open.  Then she realized that every door and window in the Victorian house was wide open.

“My God, Annie!  Are you all right?” Adelle exclaimed as she helped her sister to her feet and guided her inside.

Annie allowed her sister to guide her, gasping for breath and shaking with fright, to the kitchen table.  There Adelle poured a cup of tea.  Annie turned horrified eyes from the teacup to her sister.

1940s Home Notes Girl tea party“Oh don’t be silly,” Adelle chastised.  “It’s not from that teapot.”

Annie took a sip of the tea her sister pressed upon her.  She took a bite of cake or scone or some baked treat that would ordinarily have been delicious.  However it might as well have been cardboard in her mouth.  Without even realizing what she was doing Annie crumbled the rest between her fingers never looking at it.  She stared blindly out the kitchen window into the darkness, too stunned to process the thousand thoughts in her mind.

“Why in heaven’s name would you let the teapot awaken?” Annie finally asked.

“It couldn’t be helped.  I needed to talk to our grandfather,” Adelle replied.

“That wouldn’t be difficult for you,” Annie said.  “Why would you use the teapot for that?”

Her sister’s mouth curved to that self-satisfied, cat-with-a-bowl-of-cream smile that Annie knew all too well.

“Which grandfather,” Annie asked, closing her eyes and bracing herself for the answer she already knew was coming.

Adelle pursed her lips then made a reluctant, sardonic grimace.  “The one quite a few times removed.  Maybe a few hundred times.”1905 Sunday Mag Tea Woman steam kiss

Annie groaned and dropped her head to the kitchen table, her pale hair falling to cover her face.  Forehead against the polished wood, she rocked her head side to side.  Finally she looked up at her raven haired sister.

“Tell me this is not happening,” Annie pleaded hoarsely.

“It really couldn’t be helped, Annie.  I had to consult Enoch,” Adelle said apologetically.

“What could possibly be that important?” Annie demanded.

The sardonic twist left Adelle’s mouth.  She looked into her sister’s eyes, coldly serious.

“Cailleach Bheur,” Adelle said.  “Beira the Crone.”

***

As you can see, my odd little imaginary town has its quirks.  I hope you enjoyed this visit to Atonement, Tennessee.  Be sure to visit Suzanne too.  It’s still her anniversary week.

Hugs,

Teagan

Copyright © 2015 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission.  Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.

All images are either the property of the author or from Pinterest unless stated otherwise.

71 thoughts on “A Teagan in the Kitchen — Adelle’s Teapot”

    1. Hi Cecily. What a lovely surprise to see you. I’m happy you enjoyed this little story. It’s from the “universe” of my urban fantasy novel “Atonement, Tennessee” (the name of the supernatural town). This story actually continues in book-2, which I hope to publish soon. Have a beautiful weekend. Hugs!

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  9. Thank you for your follow Teagan.. You are such an accomplished writer.. Loved reading this..
    I have always been a girl who loves Tea and not Coffee.. 🙂 and my own special brew is Nettle 🙂

    Love and Hugs for a wonderful week
    Sue ❤

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    1. Sue you are so kind — I thank *you*. I’m delighted that you enjoyed this scene. You can follow the links to a tea recipe at Suzanne’s blog.
      I haven’t tried nettle tea. Something fun for my to do list. Mega hugs.

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    1. In the “mechanical” part of writing, whether truth or fiction, the eye needs variety… white-space, illustrations, bold or italicized text, etc. I’m glad you enjoyed the vintage images. Thanks so very much for taking a moment to comment. Hugs!

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  13. Good morning dear Teagan…..this story is charming, – takes me back to another time….when as a child, I had magical teapots and the like:) There’s something so soft and gentle about it….Also many thanks for introducing me to Pug in the Kitchen (love that name)
    Your creative thinking never ceases to amaze and surprise me….hope you are enjoying a lovely, creative weekend, filled with colour and magical hummingbirds….Janet:)xx

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    1. Dear Janet — what a lovely comment to read with my morning coffee. 🙂 Thank you so much. Funny that I always have to be reminded of the things I’ve stated and know well about myself, but I do. Colour! Yes — that needs to be my theme today. The forecast today is cold and dreary (maybe snow) so I especially need the color. I have a brightly knitted throw from New Mexico and I’ll spread it across the sofa. I spread my arms wide to welcome the magical hummingbirds!
      You’ve given so much through your beautiful inspiring art that I’m happy to know I could give you a gentle happy thought. Thank you so much for saying that. And I’m delighted that you enjoyed a visit to A Pug in the Kitchen. Suzanne has such marvelous energy.
      Many hummingbird hugs to you, my friend. ❤ ⭐ 🙂

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  15. Tea and Teagan…could things get any better? I’d already visited this with your lovely guest post and a couple of reblogs, but apparently I never ever tire of reading your magical words, dear friend so I’m back for more! 🙂
    I visited Suzanne’s blog which held the delights of scones, Lord David, you and so many treats I had to leave and come back or have an attack of baking.
    Thank you for the Atonement fix, Teagan, it was just what I needed, as always. 🙂
    Megahugs and hope the rest of the weekend is magical. 🙂

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    1. Donna you’re a delight. It’s so kind of you to visit here too. I’m still glowing from your comment at Suzanne’s blog. Mega hugs right back, my friend. Wishing you a wonder-filled weekend.

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  16. Teagan, I wonder if you own some magic teapot or any other powerful antiquity – you seem to know so much about magic, and write about it so effortlessly. Thank you for sharing this page. I look forward to reading another story from Atonement, TN.
    Hugs!!!

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    1. Ahh Inese, if I had a magic teapot, the brews I’d make! 😀
      One of the greatest compliments I ever had was from a friend (actually a friend’s husband) who said I “worked on more than one level at a time.” (Thank you Mr. Murray if you ever see this.)
      My only way of describing it is that when I’m going with a story, I tune in and let go, and see what happens. Honestly, sometimes that doesn’t go well. 🙂 I’m glad folks are pleased with how it went this time. Thanks very much for visiting my friend. Mega hugs.

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  17. Sorry, I’m so late. I got involved in a couple of must do’s and have now just had a chance to go into the mail. I loved this story and am puzzled why it won’t fit in. It wasn’t obvious to me why not. Did I miss something?

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    1. Dear John, there is no such thing as late here. 🙂
      I really appreciate your encouraging comment.
      I don’t think it would be obvious to anyone. Part of the answer to the “fit in” question is that it’s a “mechanical” issue. This story takes place at the same moment as the most important early scenes in “Atonement in Bloom.”
      And, since in “Bloom” I’m *only* writing from the points of view of Ralda or Lilith, any way of adding it would be either cumbersome or not feasible.

      However, I’m delighted with the good feedback today. And I’m pretty sure the sisters will play a big part in book 3 (good grief, I can’t believe I’m talking about book 3 when I can’t even finish 2…) So maybe I can do a short story that’s a prequil, much as the Atonement Valentine is to “In Bloom.” Just thinking…
      Looking forward to the next View of the Gulf. 😀 Mega hugs my friend.

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        1. LOL. Agreed. But I think i’ll have to add to their description that they have glamorous gams! Donna and I talked about clementines and Honeybells at her blog and darn if I just couldn’t resist naming a “character” Honeybell when she suggested it jokingly. More hugs.

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  20. Ugh, WP can be such a pain sometimes, can’t it? I’m so glad I figured out how to us the old editor as that new one gave me fits. This snippet was so wonderful I read it all again even after I had read it on Suzanne’s blog. Happy Saturday Teagan! ❤

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    1. I was using a different computer, and couldn’t access the old editor. When I got back to my own, I could… I think WP resides in its own dark fantasy dimension! 😈
      Kathryn, it is truly music to my ears when someone re-reads my work purely because they want to. Than you from my heart for that. Happy Saturday to you too and mega hugs!

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  21. I love these sisters and if I haven’t said it before, I’ll say it again. I never took to reading about fantasy or magic before reading your book and am loving the characters and this excerpt. Absolutely delightful! ❤ ❤

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    1. Hi Tess. I’m so happy to see you. To me, it’s the greatest compliment when a non-fantasy reader likes my stories; and triple that when the reader is a talented writer like you. So thank you very much! Mega hugs.

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    1. Hi Andrea. Thank you — that really means a lot to me — you’ve gone to the heart of my intention. That is what I enjoy about urban fantasy; as you said, bringing magic into the mundane. Looking forward to your next post. Mega hugs!

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  25. Teagan I loved our colaboration and this teapot snippet is magical!!! You are so special and I was thrilled beyond words that you agreed to guest post on my blog Thank you so very much. I can’t wait for Bloom to come out and now in the recesses of my mind I am anticipating book 3 and the saga of the teapot will continue.

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    1. Why thank you, Dan. That’s what appeals to me about “urban fantasy.” Building an entire fantasy world is fun for the writer in me. And it’s great to escape into the worlds of “high fantasy” books as a reader. But I find that I like to write/read with the general sense of hope it gives me to imagine magic in my real, current-day world. Happy Saturday! Huge hugs.

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    1. Thank you Christoph. That means a lot to me, and I know it will to Suzanne too. She was very excited about her anniversary. The scones in the lovely photo she made, the recipe is in her next post. I’d love to gather the ingredients and make the tea recipe provided by Hocuspocus13. Thanks so much for taking time to read and comment. Mega hugs!

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    1. LOL. The two of us had a lot of fun with this post. I had no idea the “teapot” existed until I started writing that tidbit… It might turn into book 3. Thanks for visiting, Tim. Mega hugs to you, yours and the kitties. 🐱

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    1. Oh Cheryl — you didn’t have to go to that trouble. I was just trying to figure out what was going on — whether it was a problem at my end. I’ve had so many WordPress problems this year. Thank you very much for your kindness. Mega hugs! ❤

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  32. How wonderful Teag that you were featured as a guest blogger, sharing your magical excerpt of your newest upcoming book. You certainly had me intrigued with the teapot story. I look forward to reading both books! xo ❤

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