"Lumie." Russet approaches me with caution. "Good morning Russet. I'm fine. Now come here." I open my arms. E runs to me and we hug. Russet perches emself on my shoulder and we continue our rounds, just like before the incident happened. "Russet, I need to ask you something." "Hmm?" "Does magick work on babies?" Russet suddenly yelps and hops from my shoulder onto the trolley. Es looks furious. "Are you alright?! Are you hurt?! He touched you didn't he?! Tell me everything! I'm going to make him sorry!" Russet begins to growl and gurgle, and es eyes start to bulge again, the hair on es tail is upright and stiff.
He doesn't think I'm..? "Wait! Calm down!" I pet em on the head. It helps, a little, but e is still growling.
"Nothing has happened to me. I wanted to ask you because I found Ginia in our room very ill. She's been in the infirmary for two days now, and her brother came by and told us about how she was born prematurely, and that is why she has health problems. When Ell asked him why they couldn't heal her when she was small, he said it was because babies aren't people yet. And that spells don't work on them." Russet sighs in relief. "Oh, thank the gods. I was about to turn again."
Russet clears es throat. "Ahem! Well. He's right, and then he's wrong. Infants are people too, but not developed enough to handle magick. They are too prone to it. Making them very sensitive. You can't cast magick on babies because it'll most likely kill them. They can't retain mana yet, and when a spell is cast, the mana used to make it is also absorbed by the target. Babies can produce mana, but they can't store it. Small children are a delicate case as well, but with enough caution they can be easier to handle. I'd cast Heal on a toddler, but not on a newborn. Especially a premature newborn." That makes sense.
When I finish the route, Russet excuses emself early, saying there is someone very brown at my door. I run into Ginia outside our room. "Hi! How are you feeling?" She hugs me. "Eh. I'd be fine except… I missed the exam yesterday, so now I have to do detention!" What? She doesn't deserve a detention, it couldn't be helped! "No. That's wrong! You shouldn't be punished just because you wound up sick." Virginia frowns. "I'm not being punished. I just have to do a mini-exam with Grabby today. And it's in the detention room. So it might as well be! I've lost my Saturday!" "That's too bad. I won't keep you then." I go to the mall and spend more time in the music/book store. Before I leave, I help myself to a fruit salad and jasmine tea. I have returned early, having nothing much to do.
I check the faery circles and the faeries have left me some plum skins and pits. They're perfectly fresh. I even used magick to look for signs of decay. So I washed them and ate the chewy plum skins. I go back to the dorm and pull the mysterious silver shards out of my desk. They glow faintly in my palms. I need to ask one of the instructors what this is.
I'm awoken in the morning by someone knocking on our door. Not a hammering, but a rapid beat. "Lumie? Are you there?" That's Minnie's voice. I step into the hall and find her waiting for me. "Hi." She replies blandly. "Good morning." "I'm just here to remind you that we're running the booths for Valentine's Day sales right after class this afternoon. I should've mentioned it yesterday but I was really busy and lost track. I'm sorry." This girl is a sweetheart, but she needs to think about how her actions affect others once in a while. At least how they affect me! What if I had plans after class? "I'll be there. Try not to overwork yourself Minnie. I know how busy you are."
I take a good look at her. Her face looks… Discolored, somehow. The skin under her eyes is a slightly different color than the rest. I think she's hiding her dark circles with makeup. "Minnie. What's been happening to you?" I ask, concerned. She blinks and makes a small gasp. "I'm just a little tired, is all…" Is that all there is? "Virginia was sick last week, there might be something going around." She sniffs loudly. "No. I'm fine. I'll see you this afternoon." She hurries away.
In gym class "You!" an angry voice calls me out. I whip around. "What is it?" "Why do girls always play hard to get?!" Kyo fuses. "They don't. Women don't 'always' do anything." I defend myself. "Yeah. Fickle." Kyo mutters. No Kyo, stop categorizing the entire female portion of the species. "That's not what I meant." But it's clear to me that he's not really listening. He walks away, scuffling his feet. Not a happy guy.
The Valentine's Day order booths are set up all around the quad, with two tables for each class, manned by the student officers. The tables are covered in a pink tablecloth with white, frilly trimming. The Headmistress came by herself and set up and illusion of floating red hearts and falling rose petals over our heads. With our lovey-dovey, cutesy merchandise on top of the table, the setup looks really over-the-top for such cheap valentines. The actual valentines themselves aren't here for purchase, only the order forms and money boxes. The items we have up are a few of each for display. You pay up, say what you want for whom, and the valentines will be delivered on Friday morning.
Everyone seems happy with the price we've adjusted. It's hard to keep track with everything that's going on, but it feels like everyone has at least one person they want to send a happy thought to. Minnie has apparently drafted Jacob to provide extra help for her side. I'd help her if she asked me, and if we didn't have separate booths on opposite sides of the flowerbeds. He's stacking and counting money while she double-checks the order information. It does look like a two-person job, maybe I should've asked someone to help me?
Kyo barges up to my table and slams on the counter… Two $50 bills?! "Do you need change?" I ask him, shocked. "For Minnie." "All of it?" I know that's a stupid question, but it has already escaped my mouth. He glares at me, cracking his knuckles. I hurriedly write the order down and sort the money. "That's twenty orders from you to Minnie. Just sign your name and the details here." Kyo huffs. "Just give her everything you've got!" He signs and throws the pen back at me. It hits me under my eye. "Ow! Watch it!" I shout at him. He stomps away. I rub my upper cheek and glare at him. I look to the other booth. Those two look like they have their hands full. Maybe this is why we have two booths instead of one, so you can buy a valentine for the officers and still keep it a secret? I wonder if anyone is buying a valentine for me…
It's a ludicrous thought, and highly impossible now that I'm… M-m-m-Married. He'd never send me anything. I've never gotten one, not even from a friend. I don't know why I put myself through the false hope and crushing disappointment every year. But this year could be different? I've made some solid ties. I order Ell friendly and Ginia funny valentines. With a teddy bear for Ell and chocolate hearts for Ginia. I order a friendly valentine with a teddy bear for Minnie, because she's helped me so much with my predicament and all. She could use the cheering up. I order a friendly valentine for Potsdam, with flowers, because she deserves it.
I order a funny valentine for Donald with chocolates. Because I think he'll appreciate that more than a cheesy, or boring valentine with girly flowers and teddies. I order a friendly valentine for Sir William with flowers and a funny valentine with flowers for Sir Big Steve. I was contemplating on sending him the teddy bear, but it's too cutesy for his tastes. I have a feeling he's only into the creepy dolls. Besides, I don't want to give Mr. Hoppity an arch nemesis.
And finally, I have the gall to send Professor Grabiner a valentine. I send him a funny one, because the celestial bodies know he has such a dry sense of humor. And I send him chocolates. That man could use the stress relief. I also squeeze in two orders to myself, which really aren't going to me. They're going to the brownies, complete with chocolates and flowers and friendly cards to tie it all together.
Potsdam prepares us for another lecture. "Hello, my rosy-faced lovebirds. Please, take your seats. Before we go on with our classwork today, there's something important that we need to discuss. For many people, this is a sensitive subject. However you are all young adults now, not children, and it is better for us to have this out in the open." Is this going to be sex ed.?! "This is the traditional season for young romance, and we don't want to clip your wings. There are no school rules against love in any form." I guess this is! Sort of. "As long as you and the other person- or people- that you are with are enthusiastic about whatever you're doing, we will not intervene. But keep any naughty business out of areas where those who have not consented might accidentally see you. And try not to get too distracted from your schoolwork. Know what you want and be sure everyone else does too. If anyone isn't enthusiastic, whether it's a kiss or a dance or something else, stop and wait."
She takes a short breather. "Now, there is one other matter that would require punishment. As students, you are not allowed to carry children. Breaking this rule will result in equal punishment for all parties concerned- and we will know who you are. Trusting your partner is an important part of romance, but in this case, take your own precautions as well. If you don't think you're green magic is up to the task, or you have further questions, please come and talk to me after class. Now let's get back to magic!"
Here's what I got from that: We don't discriminate against any sort of love here, be as freaky as you want, as long as you don't get caught, make sure everyone consents and use protection- whether it be magickal or standard methods, because we won't tolerate any rapes or pregnancies. Otherwise: your ass is grass.
Friday morning, the valentines are delivered. I'm happy I didn't have to deliver them. No one sent me anything. Ouch. Ell looks at the valentine I sent her and she smiles at me, hugging the tiny white teddy bear. I'm glad she's happy. Ginia reads my valentine and stands atop her bed, waving it around in the air. "I guess this means you like me, you really like me!" I laugh. "Where is that quote from anyway?" Ell ponders. "I don't know, it's just something people say." Ginia shrugs. "If we had computers here, I could look it up." Ell complains. I'll have to wait until later to see how the other valentines turned out. "Happy Valentine's Day girls."
I cross paths with Grabiner in the hallway. "Your efforts and your funds have been wasted. Focus on your studies." He warns me. He turns on his heel and walks away. I don't think he appreciated the valentine I sent him. But at least he wasn't too angry. I didn't get demerits or detention!
Saturday, I get up early and deliver the mail with Russet, not forgetting to bring em my valentine. "Russet, I've gotten the browny clan gifts." Russet giggles. "Make sure you share with the entire clan. Break it up into even portions." I instruct. Russet reads the card. "Thanks Lumie!" Then I pull the bag of chocolate hearts from my pocket. E gasps. "Chocolate!" E cheers.
Russet reaches for the bag. "Hold on, Russet. Give this to the others." I hand em the bag and es places it on the trolley beside em. "And you can eat these right now." I've taken a handful of the chocolates out and put them back into my pocket. So Russet doesn't eat es entire portion at once. "Hooray!" Russet cheers. I deliver the mail while e chomps and scarfs down the chocolates messily. Russet bids me farewell and makes es way to leave. "Wait Russet." I call out. I bend down and open my palm. Revealing more chocolates. "You didn't think I'd give you the smallest share, did you?" I say with a wink. E squeaks with joy, snatches the chocolate, and carries them and the bag over es shoulder while climbing the woodwork. "Don't forget the flowers!" He stuffs some chocolates in his mouth and lugs the flowers, card and remaining chocolates back to the nest. What an addict.
I spend my day in the library, and Minnie is nowhere to be seen. I spend the day reading books about magickal theory, about the mechanics and possibilities to spellcasting. I don't check out the book. I leave the library to make my way for a walk, and possibly some acrobatics outside. It's still cold. But the snow doesn't reach my knees anymore. And many patches of grass and flowers have already started to spring up. I return to the dorm to fetch my coat. Something smells like burning wood.
"Does anyone else smell smoke?" I ask the girls. "Bonfire." Ginia answers. "What bonfire?" Ell turns to her. "For the New Year's ceremony tomorrow night. They use the ashes." Ell and I push up close to the window and try to get a good look outside. Professor Grabiner and Headmistress Potsdam are pouring flames from their wands, scorching a tall pile of logs. Creating a massive cloud of smoke overhead. I notice Grabiner's fire is noticeably larger and brighter than Potsdam's. His affinity is red magick for sure. I wonder if he's venting out his anger on the unfortunate logs. It's hard to tell. But I think I can see Minnie and Jacob near the flames. Is this a Student Council thing? Should I be out there helping them? Minnie would've fetched me if she needed me wouldn't she? She has been forgetful and flighty lately. I should go down there, just to be safe.
I put on my coat and head towards the bonfire. "Oh, Lumie. Over here!" Potsdam waves me over. "What did you just call her?" Grabiner says with suspicion. "Hello. I saw all of you from my window, and I wasn't sure if this was a Student Council event or not. Can you make use of me?" Potsdam ignores Grabiner. "This normally isn't an event for the officers, the professors usually handle this dearie. But this time around we could use some extra hands." She turns around and a puzzled look crosses her face. I turn my head to what is troubling her. She's looking for Minnie and Jacob, but they've slipped away somewhere. Grabiner mumbles something about Minnie being unreliable.
"What do you need me to do?" Professor Grabiner doesn't answer, but Potsdam does. "We're preparing for the New Year's celebration, which is simple enough to do on our own. But we're also preparing to host an esteemed guest! I would like you and Minnie to be there when we welcome him to the academy. I need you two to be on your best behavior, wear your best clothes, and give him an honest but uplifting perspective of our school. He's curious to hear a student's point of view on our teaching methods. We agreed that a freshman's opinion would be the most sincere. We'll also be preparing a nice meal for him, and he'll be staying in one of the spare teacher's chambers. Now that they're empty. You could assist me with arranging that too." "Who is the guest?" I'm curious.
Grabiner finally speaks up. "A highly revered member of the magickal society. His talents are well-known; being equally admired and feared. He deserves our upmost respect. He is a former member of the Grand Council, having retired several years ago." Potsdam chimes in. "I've never met him. But everybody's heard of him! He is a celebrity in the wizarding world, Lumie. Ohh, I cannot wait to meet 'The Tempest'!" She gushes. I tilt my head. Grabiner speaks up again, reading my confused expression. "You are wildseed. There is no inkling of a possibility that you have heard of this man, or even seen his face. The majority of wizard nobility have not once met 'The Tempest'. He is very particular about who he associates himself with." Potsdam interrupts. "SO! As you can imagine, it is a privilege for him to grace us with his presence. And a great honor that he's taken interest in our small school! Keep on your toes!" She claps and giggles with glee. What would someone who is apparently so valued and idolized want with Iris Academy? I suppose we'll find out more tomorrow.
They have the bonfire and ceremony handled, so I'm just ordered to fetch more firewood. I spend the rest of my day with the browny clan. Arranging the chamber our guest will be staying in. We're all prepared with our buckets and rags and brooms and mops and dusters, but when I touch the doorknob, I feel off. I open the door to find a large, spacious room. Creamy walls, light-brown, wooden flooring, lanterns on every wall, a door the furthermost left side of the room and a tiny kitchen to the right. There is one window in the center of the back wall. Wooden dressers flank the bare bed, but other than that, the room is devoid of any decoration or extra furniture. That's not what bothers me though. As we enter the room I feel like someone is here. With us.
"R-russet. Whose room was this before they left?" Russet turns to Burgundy and they give each other worried glances. "This was, Mr. Craftclaw's chamber. Before he passed on to the afterlife." I shake my head. "Why are we housing our guest in a dead man's room? Isn't that a bad idea?" The others rush Ecru, Tawny and Wenge to begin their chores. Russet responds. "Well, in this case… We don't have any other choice. Mistress Fortuna's room is… Uninhabitable."
I blink rapidly, puzzled. "Eh… She did plenty of... Experimenting in there, if you know what I mean. And the surrounding magick in her room is quite dangerous." "What kind of experimenting?" I ask, raising my eyebrow. Burgundy answers for Russet. E turns es head from side to side to see if the others are listening and beckons me to bend down so e can whisper in my ear. "Necromancy." I let out a small gasp. "Oh. Okay. Yeah, let's stay here." But then a question crosses my mind. If the answer is true, then I'll have to insist on braving Mistress Fortuna's old room, and refuse to help set this one up. I whisper to Russet. "He didn't… Die in this room. Did he?" "No. Do you feel something?" E wonders. I relax. "I don't see anything, or hear anything. I just feel like this room is alive somehow… Actually, no. More like, it's aware." Russet sighs. "Oh. Try not to be too bothered by that. Probably just residual energy. He lived here for many, many years. And a lot of magick was performed in this room. But trust me, Craftclaw lived to a ripe old age and died purely of natural causes. He knew his end was coming, so he retired and peacefully lived out the rest of his days in his childhood home. Now, we have work to do! It'll keep our minds off of the past."
I sweep up dust and grime from the neglected room, and I wash the windows with Bole. I'm a huge help to the brownies, because I'm so much bigger than they are. I push and pull furniture in their proper place at Bole's command. Ecru, Tawny, and Fallow set up paintings, make the bed and fluff the pillows. Which are a sunny color, as opposed to the hospital-like sheets the students sleep in. Maroon arranges flowers in a vase with finesse, also full of bright, colorful flowers of all sorts. Russet, Burgundy and Cordovan mop the floor, and Sepia, Sienna, and Umber set up a cream, plush carpet. Wenge is assigned the task of getting into the tight and hidden corners of the room. The poor thing ends up covered in filth. Housework is actually fun when you use magick!
The brownies inform me that they have fallen in love with chocolate. Score!
Ginia cancels our Sports Club meeting, wanting to salvage the rest of her weekend at the mall. That saves me the trouble of missing out on a game. I spend the day in the library, skimming through the fantasy section. Maybe an entertaining story will help keep my mind off of things? Sadly, I've read most of the good novels already. And I'm not so desperate as to start reading another fantasy romance. Twilight, House of Night, Blood and Chocolate… Eugh, I've had enough! I decide to go outside for a stroll. As I'm walking across campus, I catch sight of Sir Big Steve with a coffee cup in one hand and a raggedy bunny in another. I smile and wave at him.
He nods in my direction, and he makes the bunny nod too. But carries off without stopping. I flag him down. "Hey, wait up!" He does. "What do you want?" He says with edge. "Would you like to get together sometime?" "Why?" He says while tilting the bunny's head in a quizzical manner. "I'm often seeing you around but I haven't gotten a chance to get to know you better." He frowns. "I'm busy a lot. I have to practice." "But do you have to practice every weekend?" "No. This weekend I have to… Shop." He says with a groan. "What do you mean by you 'have to'?" He sighs. "My little sister's birthday is next week. I need to buy a present." I wonder what his sister is like. "Maybe I can help?" He nods. The bunny nods enthusiastically. "Maybe. I have to go."
That evening, I sort through my tiny wardrobe in frustration. I don't really have clothes for fancy outings, or prestige occasions. I don't attend those sort of events, or am I ever invited to them. I am a commoner after all. I make do with my favorite dress. It's black, and made out of cotton, which isn't an expensive material, but I made it myself, and that's what matters. The sleeves reach my elbows and fit snugly, the bust and torso of the dress hugs my body, and the hemline is above the knee, revealing some thigh. The bust of the dress cups my breasts, with a tiny bow knotting the gap in between them and tied laces run down my stomach and back area. It tightens around my hips, and the rest of the dress billows loosely. My sleeves are also laced at the sides, ending at my elbows with a small bow. The edges of the dress are trimmed with black, shortly-cut frills, and X-shaped stitching.
I wear my amethysts studs and spike-shaped drop earrings, with a matching necklace that has a silver chain, and a tiny silver dragon wrapped around an amethyst heart. I put on a simple, non-restrictive black choker. I've already painted my nails purple, so I set the jewelry to match. I put on black stockings and my "dress shoes". Which aren't really dress shoes, but black, pointed-toe shoes with an inch-high heel that reveals the top of my foot and ankles, but is has a small lace patch in the middle. They are my favorite shoes, and I don't wear them, meaning they look as good as new. I've tied my hair into a high tail with a braided loop. I let my bangs hang freely in front of my face. I wear my sexy sapphire underwear with frills and lace. I want to feel womanly and attractive. I might as well. I'm going through the trouble of wearing a dress and stockings!
I enter the conference room to find the Headmistress and Minnie. Potsdam is dressed in a flattering pink dress that hugs her every curve and ends above her ankles. Her bosom is nearly popping out, and she's wrapped her shoulders with a warm, reddish-brown, knitted shawl, with a large, pink-gemmed brooch in the shape of a flower buttoning the middle. She is wearing a different wizard hat, it's not so high, and it's a matching color of the shawl. The point of the hat doesn't flop backwards due to its length, it is short and rounded and points to the side. She has on pink eye shadow and red lipstick. Rosy-gemmed drop earrings hang from her ears matching the brooch. And she also sports a matching ring. Her shoes are high-heeled reddish boots. My word, she's a stylish woman.
I scan Minnie. She's dressed in a lavender blouse with puffy sleeves and frills around the neckline and tight buttoning. She's wearing a long, white skirt that is tiered and ends in floral prints. Her shoes are glossy, white, round-toe dress shoes with a buttoned buckle strap. Her stockings are the same shade of purple. Minnie's hair flows in beautiful, shiny waves. She's wearing the pink lip gloss again. And I can smell her sweet, floral perfume. She also wears white pearl earrings and a matching bracelet. This girl likes her pearls. And I think they're real!
"Lumie! Why, look at you!" Potsdam welcomes me. I smile. "You two look great." Minnie giggles. "Thank you!" "He'll be here any minute. Where is Professor Grabiner?" Potsdam worries. As if right on cue, Grabiner poofs into the room.
I can't help but stare at him. He's wearing his wizard's hat, but has tidied it up so that it looks more even, and it now bears a golden buckle on the brown strap. He's dressed in a dark-brown suit with tiny, thin, horizontal and vertical stripes crossing through each other. On his feet are pointed-toe dress boots also lined with small, golden buckles. His wrists wears a golden rimmed, leather-strapped watch. He doesn't have his cape, or a book with him. But he does have his usual frown. The suit fits a bit slimly. And I eye his slender, but toned frame. Grabiner enters the room with his arms crossed. "Hmph."
Potsdam addresses Grabiner. "Perfect! Everyone is here! Let's head to the gates and welcome our guest of honor shall we?" She quickly takes Minnie by the hand and- teleports out of the room! I'm left standing alone with Grabiner. He looks just as surprised as I am. He whips his head to me with a furrow of his brows, but his expression softens. His eyes open wider and his mouth returns to a comfortable state, from his hard frown. I stare back at him, blinking multiple times. He looks so calm. His eyes are exploring every inch of my body and I squirm in place. Feeling judged and insecure. He shuts his eyes and tightens his mouth. Then he groans and teleports out of the room. I quickly follow.
We arrive at the front gate. Minnie is chatting with Potsdam, and Grabiner is leaning by the gate, looking out into the distance. I examine my surroundings. During the day the academy looks safe and inviting. But at night it looks oddly spooky. The many trees and bushes create large, scraggly shadows, the white walls look ghostly in the moonlight, and with the dim lanterns lighting the windows, the school looks haunted. Then again it probably is. I wouldn't be surprised. It doesn't help that there is a howling wind and the leaves have not returned to the foliage yet.
But then I look up at the night sky. It's breath-taking. I've never seen so many stars!
I don't even mind the cold. An hour passes. I walk around, admiring this and that, and eventually space out gazing at the sky again, wondering if there's a higher power out there, watching me. Do they approve? "He's coming!" Potsdam shouts. We hurry to the gate together. Potsdam begins to hop and fidget. Grabiner wastes no time and begins to lecture us. Minnie stiffens and listens with obedience. I stand there nonchalantly.
"Now. Listen to my every word. When our guest arrives you are to remain silent and only speak when being addressed to first." As if. "You will not gawk at him, or ask him frivolous questions, and neither of you dare ask for his autograph." Not happening. "When 'The Tempest' makes his way over to greet you. You are to stand up straight, take his hand, and-"Blah blah blahhh.
Out of nowhere, the wind picks up. A tension surround us, my heart begins to race. I can feel my hair frizzing from the static in the air, and my skin prickles in sensitivity. Bits of snow, leaves and twigs swirl and gather at the front gate. They pick up speed and form a spinning cloud, until it settles to reveal a tall, older man, dressed in khaki slacks, brown boots, and an amber yellow pea coat. His hair is as white as fresh snow and his eyes are as cold as icicles. When he emerges from the front gates he breaks out of stoic character, a humongous smile upon his hard face.
My heart almost bursts with joy.
"Papa!" I shout. Grabiner, Potsdam and Minnie cock their heads towards me. I run to him and leap into his arms where he catches me and twirls me around, laughing heartily.