I often wonder how I let Simi talk me into things. But I guess it's what most parents feel. She's added so much to my life and has been such a good friend to me over the centuries that it's hard not to indulge her. Not to mention the fact that I owe her a debt I can never repay. Every time I look at her, I remember the darkest held secret inside me and for that I can deny her nothing. Not even a trip to the beach as bad as I hate it.

Savitar has such an uncanny way with demons. It's like he understands them. I think he's the only person alive who dotes on her more than me and Alexion. The two of them are in the water, on boards letting the waves rock them. Savitar has completely removed himself from the universe. I've wondered why many times over. What did it take to push someone like him to this existence? He wants nothing to do with the world. That I can understand, but to honestly pull himself out of commission...

It makes me wonder if I'll wake up one day and do the same. But then I have Simi and the Dark-Hunters who depend on me. It wouldn't be that easy for me to vanish.

Then again if this damn phone rings one more time this morning while I'm trying to unwind, I just might tumble over that edge myself. As Savitar so often reminds me, the wet suits are black after all.

Interesting email I received this morning from a Squire. It appears I'm going to be at the annual K-Con in New Orleans. Finally a chance to meet this Kenyon woman in person and find out what's going on. The Squire also sent me a link to an auction where one of the features is a ticket to said event. I'm very curious about all this.

Jaden said he planned on bidding just so that he could come and harass me. He can be... yeah. And speaking of people who harass me, I saw Jared last night. As usual, he wasn't a happy camper. But now I know why I haven't seen in him awhile. Poor guy. He makes my relationship with Artemis look enjoyable.

Now I'm off for some well deserved sleep... if Simi will stop snoring.

Peace.

So I was having dinner with Julian and Grace earlier. Okay, Simi was having dinner, I was just along for the company. Of course kids being what they are, their brood began acting up and making a bit of a mess and a LOT of noise. Julian took Nik, the eldest, aside and had to show him the error of his ways. I felt bad for the kid, but hey I'm known for spoiling and I respect anyone who can raise a child and not sell it on eBay. So I'll never criticize.

After he brought Nik back to the table, Nik had a few moments of falling in line before Vanessa got him wound up again. Julian took him aside again and lectured him loud enough that Simi and I were able to hear his lecture this time.

"Do you really want Ash to know you've gotten into trouble? You know he thinks you're getting spanked right now. What are you going to tell him, huh?"

Nik promptly promised to behave and was led back to the table.

Simi poured BBQ sauce (mild since he's still a baby and not a baby demon) and loudly whispered. "If you have to explain, the correct thing to say is: I didn't get no spanking. My daddy was strengthening my butt muscles so that the next time I fall on my posterior it won't hurt so much. See how much better that is?"

At which point I then had to take my demon aside and explain to her the benefits of silence.

Yeah, parenting... the hardest job you will sometimes love.

Good thing Grace is a psychologist. Think of the money they'll save by not having to pay for outside therapy.