Another from Goldenlake's Summer Olympics (I can't say enough good things about their events... if you haven't found them, yet, I would be more than happy to get you the link, just PM or review for it). This one is initially set in Briar's Book and sort of runs to prior Magic Steps.


Most of the bets were set for the same day. He was in a foul mood, as far as Crane's moodiness went and no one expected the young red-head scribe to last longer than it took him to give her one scathing look.

Then she walked in, adjusted her spectacles, and sat down to work. The few willing to give her a chance, either because they had heard of her or through some lucky guess, collected their money outside the greenhouse that day.

When Niklaren tried to take her out, Crane fought for her, those who heard that particular story were left either dumb-founded or utterly disbelieving. Even those who had already won money hadn't given her more than a week before Crane tired of her, but she stayed until the very end of the plague.

Afterward, she was a regular installation in the greenhouse. She stood apart from the others, dedicates and novices both, who worked there – as much through her own temper as through theirs. Crane's students lasted longer than his plague-time assistants, but not by much. One mistake in his domain was enough to get oneself thrown out. Everybody walked on eggshells... everyone but her. It was enough to set her apart. She honestly didn't seem to notice.

Years passed, and the chubby ten year old grew into herself, and she still came to work with Crane. There was no camaraderie between them (that would have been too much for Crane's people to understand), but when interrupted, they gave the offending party the exact same look, which was enough to scare anyone away. Their silences were efficient; his lectures understood immediately; her questions welcome.

The bets had given Trisana Chandler less than a day before Crane threw her out of his life. Four years later, she walked out of Winding Circle with Goldeye to travel the world.

Her desk sat, untouched in Crane's corner of his greenhouse, until she returned.