Ok peeps

Ok peeps. Here is the next installment. I know I know its short but it does involve a major change in Lireal's thinking, and the connection to characters we know very well. Ciao!

After finishing her last painting, Lireal glanced outside. It was pitch black, the only thing that was visible was the fairly distant gate lit by magical globes of light. Her energy spent, she fell asleep instantly when she settled into bed. Because the school was so exclusive, there were only a few rooms in which two people stayed, and Lireal was all alone.

She awoke around 5 o'clock in the morning by a soft knock on the door. Lireal groaned while pushing the covers off, knowing exactly who had woken her. The opening door revealed a grumpy Jaquel, who slipped inside without an invitation. Lireal just rolled her eyes when he wasn't looking. She had gotten used to his inconsiderate behavior and his morning calls. He nodded his head to her and began hauling the paintings to his room. Lireal sat down and began to work on her research paper, while Jaquel continued to come for more loads.

Just as she was almost done the rough draft, he interrupted her train of thought. "OK they're all out, good thing you got them done because the boss told me they needed them earlier than they thought because a traitor warned the guards of a thief. He won't be doing it again." He dropped a brown linen moneybag in front of her. "Here's the money. See you in class, I have to go pick up my research paper."

Lireal stared as he left her room, and then glanced at the large bag he had left on her desk. She had never made the connection that her fake copies were replacing real ones. This made her mad. Every one should be able to see the real thing, and to enjoy the beauty of art.

Lireal scribbled furiously on her paper, and the rest of the day she spent snapping at her classmates. She made her face as unfeeling as stone when she saw Jaquel. Finally at the end of a long day, she plopped on her bed. Her anger spent, she started to cry in confusion and frustration. "What am I going to do. I will be killed if I refuse to paint for Jaquel, but how can I live with myself?" Her sobs slowly became silent as she peacefully drifted off to sleep.

~~ The Next Day at the Museum ~~

Lady Sandry and the Duke were spending the day with Yazmin, who had insisted that as a celebration they should spend the day in the city. It had been exactly one year since the Duke had had a heart attack, and he was completely recovered. Even though bodyguards accompanied them, they felt completely free, and happy.

Sandry was laughing at one of her uncle's jokes when a flicker in the corner of her eye got her attention. "How odd," she thought while making her way to a section of paintings. She concentrated on her ability to see magic, and saw a veil of slivery light covered each of the masterpieces.

"Excuse me," she stopped a man who seemed to work there. "Are these paintings protected by any spells? Because I can see that they have been magiked." He frowned and asked her to come with him to see the owner of the museum. "I guess that's a no," she thought silently.

*OK I know it was long, and a little confusing. Lireal kind of has her head in the clouds, but she is still very passionate about her views. Haven't you ever started crying when you are really frustrated? I do all the time!!! I won't write again today cause I just got Squire (I know isn't the thought just invigorating?!) See you.*