The years came and went. No one had claimed a missing child, and so Caramon
and Tika kept the young girl. She was a beautiful child, carefree, but
responsible. Soon her eighth birthday came. Palin clamored to be allowed to
study magic, and Tanin and Sturm were begging to go visit Goldmoon and
Riverwind. Rivin was complacent; happy to merely play by herself or watch
others play. She didn't often ask to join in games, but played when others
bid her to do so. She was a happy child, and everybody in Solace loved
her, caring for as if she were his or her own. She was quiet, and was often
around her siblings. One day, Palin walked into the room she was seated in,
her parents near her. The young boy walked right up to Caramon.
"Father, I want to go to magic school! There's one close by; the master's
name is Theobald. Why can't I go? I'm twelve, far older than any of the
other starting students there! Why can't I-" he was silenced with a look
from his father. Looking humbled, Palin watched the floor. Caramon glanced
at Tika.
"You really want to study magic, son?" Palin nodded vigorously.
"Oh, yes father! I'd die for the chance!"
It was a long time before Caramon spoke. He was remembering his twin, his
lust for magic. No one was watching Rivin. No one saw the fevered gleam
that came to her eye when the word 'magic' was said. After a moment of
thought, Caramon finally broke the silence.
"All right." Palin was overjoyed. "We'll take you to this school tomorrow."
"Father, may I accompany you?" Caramon looked sharply at his adopted
daughter, afraid she would want to study magic as well. Palin watched her
curiously. She had never showed an interest in magic before. At least not
openly.
"Please?"
"Well, I don't see why not," Tika said carefully. "Just to see your brother
off."
There was a pained look on Rivin's face. "That's - that's all? Just to see
Palin off?"
"Why? Do you want to study magic too?" Caramon asked. Rivin hesitated a
moment, then nodded excitedly. "Oh, yes, Father. Very much so."
"Why have you never said anything about it before?"
"You always said no to Palin. When ever I worked up the courage to ask you,
it was right after you had said no to Palin, and you were never in good
moods."
Rivin glanced at her brother. She was surprised by what she saw. There was
a look of envy, near hatred. But it was gone as quick as it had come.
Nonetheless, it bothered Rivin. Caramon sighed. "Very well. I'll have you
both enrolled tomorrow." The two children were giddy.
"Thank you Father!"
"You won't regret it!" Caramon smiled at his children, then shooed them out
of the room. Once they were gone, his grin faded. He looked worried,
troubled.
"What's wrong, Husband?"
"I never knew Rivin was interested in magic. Having them both do
this.hurts. I always expected my children to be warriors. At least, I
expected my sons to be warriors. I wanted my daughters to be maidens,
eligible for marriage. I didn't want them to be like." he let the sentence
hang in the air. There was silence.
"Caramon," Tika said gently. "They can't help being what they are. You
loved Raistlin, throughout it all. I doubt you'll disown your children for
calming the fire in their blood." She smiled. "Maybe it's just a fancy.
Perhaps it'll pass."
"I hope. I have no doubt about Palin, I'm positive he'll chose either the
white robes, or the red. You know he's always been fair."
"Then what worries you, Husband?"
"Rivin. I mean, she's a good girl, but.Have you looked into her eyes
lately? She's different. She's changed, somehow. Ever since Palin started
obsessing with the magic. She's just.changed."
Tika was silent. They didn't talk as they got ready for bed. When they were
just about to go to sleep, Tika heard her husband murmur, "She's so much
like Raistlin.And not even my own daughter. I wonder." Tika made no
response. She stayed up long into the night, thinking.
