A knock on the door woke Alder from her seldom-gotten sleep. "Alder?! Wake
up! You've slept in late." Alder's nanny Lindsay opened the door a crack to
see if she was awake, then as she turned and closed the door, Alder
distinctly heard her mutter "Again."
Of course. I meant to sleep in JUST to spite everyone. Not. But that is the way father will take my absence!
Alder was a tall girl for her age. At fourteen, she stood 5'8". Her medium length brown hair almost looked red in the sunlight, which was strange because her father had had brown hair. Before he lost it with his youth, anyway. Her mother had had dark brown hair too, but had died of some disease when Alder was ten. If mother were still around, she'd let me eat with the servants instead of breakfast at daddy dearest's high table.
"ALDER!" Lindsay screamed from down the hall in the servant's quarters.
"OKAY! I'm coming, in a minute… Patience is a virtue, you know!" Alder yelled back. One that I do not possess… Alder hastily dressed herself in a plain fawn-brown frock. She always dressed with simplicity, which often resulted in uttered whispers on her peers' and siblings' parts. But she didn't care what they thought. They were just air-filled puppets. She didn't need them.
She had her books. She had her horse, Magic. She had Jocelyn, her only friend. Alder had always been an outcast, as had Jocelyn. Jocelyn was always timid, and quite shy. She was nice, but Alder wanted more in life than books, a horse, and a friend who was so shy it was hard to even conduct a simple conversation without her being afraid of upsetting Alder. It became quite frustrating sometimes, but it was better than nothing.
She slipped out of her room, and quickly ran down the stairs, and tried to make the most unobtrusive entrance into the Dining Hall. It would be nice not to have been noticed, but considering her saved seat was three down from her father's, it was a fat chance. She skirted the tables gracefully, still trying to become invisible. Apparently, she was good at it, because no one saw her. They seemed to be looking straight through her. Usually her Aunt Elizabeth would have reprimanded her by now, but even her keen eye seemed to slip right over her. Strange, but strange can be a good thing, Alder thought, and smiled to herself. She came to her seat, and pulled it out and sat down.
"Alder!" Her father started in surprise. "I didn't see you coming. How is my loveliest daughter today?"
"Loveliest? Doubtful." Her sisters' glares subsided, partially. "I happen to be quite plain, and though you don't recognize that, they obviously think so!" she muttered under her breath.
All of her sisters were much prettier than her, or so she had always thought. She had three sisters, and two brothers. Olivia, the eldest sister of them all, was taller than even Alder, had rich dark hair, and startling blue eyes. She was beautiful. Too bad her personality is less-than- beautiful. Her twelve-year-old sister Lily was just as pretty, but unlike Olivia she had a mind and even temper. The small age gap between Alder and Lily invoked jealousy on both parts, impairing their otherwise friendly relationship. Lily was jealous of Alder's age and the responsibilities and privileges of a lady that went with it. She was also quite contemptuous that Alder didn't want those responsibilities.
Alder was always jealous of how everyone loved Lily. She always got attention for her looks and extravagance, and just once Alder wanted to experience the attention being only on her, without her having gotten into some kind of trouble. Her youngest sister, Kate, was just as placid as Lily. She was a passive little child, much more passive than Alder ever was. She was only six, and thus quite childish.
Alder's two brothers were eighteen and fifteen. They were both quite handsome, but they were always rude to Alder. They seemed to be copies of each other in every way, and Alder liked neither of them. They ignored her, and barely acknowledged that they were related. Not that I would care for the company of two pigheaded, stubborn males.
"Really, Alder," came the voice of her Aunt Elizabeth waking her from her reverie. "You just… appeared! And you are late, young lady," she snapped. Alder just mumbled an apology. She was used to this, as she was always late. She was always scolded. What I would do to be out of here. I don't want to follow the rules of my aunt.
Her father meant well, but he just didn't understand girls, especially those going through adolescence like Alder. There was nothing binding her to Callista. She was the fourth born, and thus would not inherit her mother's bower, much less the whole holding. Not that I'd want it. Jocelyn would grow up to be some scholar's little wife, and knowing her that's the way she'd like it. She had some other friends; she wouldn't miss Alder, would she? But where would she go? She had very little money, and even fewer valuable possessions. She wasn't good at much.
She might as well stay here and grow up to be a lady. Then she would marry some scholar of her own, and would live enclosed in a bower with twittering maids all around her. Somehow, that didn't sound too appealing to Alder. She wanted to do something with her life.
(
Alder was shut up in her room reading, as usual. There wasn't much to do at Callista besides riding her horse, Magic, and reading. She had always wanted to learn how to defend herself from predators, but her Aunt Elizabeth and her father wouldn't allow it. It wasn't "ladylike". Elizabeth was trying too hard to take on a motherly role for Alder, but in Alder's opinion she was failing miserably. Elizabeth only wanted another lady to marry off and bring in dowry-monies. She didn't care much for Alder's attitude, or her plain dressing styles. Nothing like a mother. Nothing like Alder's own mother. No one would ever replace her.
I wish I could get out of here! I am not a lady, and if I have my way I never will be! As if in response to her wish, there was a knock on the door. Lindsay opened the door and said, "Alder, someone is here to see you. She is looking at all the children of Callista to find any mage-talent. I wouldn't worry about it if I were you…" she sneered. "How could you ever have magic?" she scoffed.
Not bloody likely. It would be funny to see their faces if I DID! Alder politely followed Lindsay to a bench outside the meeting room. Lindsay hastily left muttering about how mages gave her the chills.
Two minutes later, Lily came out, looking quite relieved. "Your turn. Good luck!" she whispered. Alder hoped beyond hope that she was mage-gifted. Out of the past five generations, only her great grandmother had been mage- talented. Most likely because her Outland father had been very strongly gifted. Even then, Alder's great grandmother had only enough of the Gift to become a hedge-witch.
Alder quietly opened the door and slipped into the meeting room. On the couch was a tall woman who looked to be in her early thirties. She had long dirty blonde hair pulled back in a braid. She had very muscled features, and her eyes were a stunning sliver. Though the color in her eyes was stormy, her eyes seemed to radiate warmth and friendliness. Immediately Alder liked her.
"Good morning! My name is Keren. I presume you know why you are here?" Keren asked. Her voice was kind of husky. It was deep and rich. Alder enjoyed the sound.
"My name is Alder. I am supposedly here to be tested to see if I am mage- gifted. I don't quite understand what a mage-gift is, though, besides the colorful blasts of something."
"Well then!" Keren laughed. "First off, the mage-Gift is the manipulation of energies. If you are mage-talented, I'll explain that later. There are also other types of magic that aren't seen, and often aren't felt. This is Mind-Magic. It includes talking mind-to-mind, Fetching, Thought-sensing, Fire-starting, Far-sight, Foresight, Empathy, and Healing/or Bardic Magic. I'll explain all those later if you do have magic. Now close your eyes and hold your hands out to me. Trust me, and open your mind. Don't resist me."
Alder complied, putting her hands in Keren's. Somehow she knew she could trust Keren. She knew that she had to clear her mind of all thoughts. Suddenly she felt some sort of "presence" in the back of her mind. Under her eyelids she "felt" a blue-green glow. She felt the presence searching the dark unused corners of her mind. Gently, the presence withdrew from her mind. A silence filled the room. "Well then," Keren muttered.
"Well what?" Alder asked.
"You surely are mage-talented! Extremely so. I was just surprised because all of your siblings and relatives were completely devoid of mage-Gift. They didn't even show the least inkling of Mind-Magic, which is very common. By the way, do you always have a buzzing in the
back of your mind?'
Startled, Alder replied, "Y-yes, I suppose so. How do you know? Is there a way to get rid of it?"
"Of course. The buzzing is actually just a part of Mind-Speech and Thought- Sensing. Which you have both in abundance. But I'll explain that later. First we have to talk about your future. If you don't get trained, your wild power may be unleashed and hurt something. The possibilities are dangerous. When you are afraid or angry, has anything… unusual happened?"
"Well, sometimes when I'm scared or don't want to be noticed, I seem to become… I know it sounds crazy, but I seem to be invisible! Also when I really need something, or want something really badly, sometimes beyond hope they happen. It feels as though I somehow influenced them to happen…"
"You probably did. You do happen to be the most mage-Gifted child I have seen in a long time. You have the widest variety of Gifts that aren't dormant that I think I have ever seen. You have Though-Sensing, Mind- Speech, Fire-Starting, Far-Sight, and a surprising amount of Empathy. You actually do have a little bit of Healing. It is impossible to detect Foresight. You don't have any Fetching capabilities… and you have a strong mage-Gift. On to business. I understand that your father and aunt dislike magic, and if this cursory little check wasn't mandatory, I have a feeling that I wouldn't have been allowed to see you. Your siblings don't have a trace of magic. You are the only one. How do you feel about that? How do you feel about magic in general?"
"I- I uh… actually wanted to be Gifted. I read a lot of books about mages and sorcerers. Even though father doesn't approve of mage-craft, I've always wanted to see magic for myself. As for being the only one, I'd say it's for the better. I don't much like my family. I only have one friend here…" Alder found herself telling more to Keren than she had meant to, and blushed a furious red.
"It's okay, Alder. You can tell me anything. And if it is all right with you, I'd like you to become my apprentice. You definitely need training, but I think that (from what I have heard), that you might like a change of scenery, am I right?"
Alder was dumbfounded. She had always wanted to be mage-talented. To think about it was one thing, to live it was definitely another! She was in a state of shock, and she was so overwhelmed with happiness that she could hardly think coherently. Of course she wanted to leave; that was her dream come true! Wait... Did I influence my body to carry magic? No… Keren said that the influence was caused by the magic. Alder's thoughts were filled with all of the times that something strange had happened when she was scared or upset. Everything in her life was falling into place. She was going to leave Callista and become a mage. From what Keren was saying, a very powerful one at that!
"I-I… Yes! I want to go with you. Wait, where are we going anyways?" she exploded.
Keren laughed good-naturedly. "If you and your father consent, we will be going to Brighton, the capital of Aletha. To the Palace."
"The Palace?" Alder whispered. She had read so much about the Brighton Palace… How could I ever fit in there?
"Yes, the Palace. I am one of the chief mages on the mage council. I also have two other protégés. You will train together with some other mages and myself. I do not happen to possess Fire-starting—"
A knock on the door interrupted Keren. "Excuse me, I hope I am not interrupting your testing. It is time for our evening meal. Come…?" Alder's father said.
"It's Keren. We have much to discuss, sir."
"Well then, follow me…"
(
All through dinner, Alder anticipated a scene of some kind. She really wished she were already trained in Thought-Sensing. What I would give to know what Father and Aunt Elizabeth are thinking right now!
Alder was trying to study their expressions without seeming to do so. Her father sported a very impassive expression. His jaw was set firmly, which told Alder that he was less-than-happy about Keren's revelations. Elizabeth's expression was much easier to read; she was scowling, her nose wrinkled in distaste. She looked to be in deep though. Probably thinking about how she could prosper from this, since she's losing another marriageable "lady" and her bridal gifts!
Alder wrinkled her nose at the thought. One thing was certain; she never wanted to see Elizabeth again. She didn't want Elizabeth to benefit from this in any way.
(
:Alder. So far, things are going as smoothly as we could wish. That isn't saying much, but it's better than nothing. We need to hold a quick meeting.: Alder nearly hyperventi-lated. There was Keren's voice, inside her head, accompanied by the image of Elizabeth and father getting up and moving in the direction of the meeting room. She also felt that blue-green presence when Keren had spoken to her. Oh-my-LORD! What was that?? Alder thought at Keren.
:Oh my… I'm sorry! I forgot that you had never been Mind-Spoken to before. Well, Alder, this is Mind-Speech! Don't try to respond this way, you need training first. If you'll allow me to read your thoughts, we can't talk without them hearing us. Okay?:
Fine. Whatever. Alder slowly calmed her upset nerves, and followed the leading steps of Keren, her aunt, and her father. Alder quickly caught up with Keren, and whispered, "What is this about?'
:Can't say this aloud. I am guessing that this is your aunt's last attempt at forbidding you to become a mage. Your father is just worried about the whole "magic" business.: Keren Mind-Sent her, and somehow Alder got the impression that Keren was amused by her father's "folly". They arrived at the meeting room, where Elizabeth and Alder's father had already been sat down.
"Go ahead and sit," stated Alder's father.
"Sir? I'm not good at diplomacy, so I'll get to the point—" Keren started, but was interrupted.
"Call me Nolar. So—?" he prompted.
"Since your daughter is mage-talented, she needs training. With your permission Id like to take her to the capital to be my apprentice," Keren said bluntly. :Without diplomacy, being so blunt that Elizabeth turns pale… same difference: she Mind-Sent, with overtones of laughter. Well said!
Alder could barely keep herself from emitting a very unladylike snort at the look on Elizabeth's face. Her usually placid countenance was shattered. Her eyes were wide, and her eyebrows were in danger of disappearing into her hair. She was indeed pale, and her lip was curled in a snarl. Apparently she does not like the idea of my leaving to become a mage!
A long silence followed Keren's bold statement, and was finally broken by Alder. "Please. This is what I want. I wouldn't do well as a lady. I am not patient; I'm clumsy, and quite unladylike. I want to be a mage. I want to go to Brighton with Keren. Please," she pleaded.
"Alder, dearest, you know we support you… but magic? It's a crutch. It's uncivilized. You don't want that, do you?" Nolar asked.
"Actually, Nolar, magic is quite civilized and quite useful. It's not a crutch. I will say that it isn't a necessity, in most cases. It is a convenience. It is also quite dangerous to leave her untrained. She could have an explosion that kills everything at Callista if she isn't trained. Now I wouldn't advise that… but maybe that's just me?" Alder couldn't help it; she started giggling. Though it was barely audible, Elizabeth still noticed.
"Alder, this is serious. And your attitude is less than charming. I wouldn't want to burden you though, Keren. The child is a handful. But you do have my consent in the matter. I won't have Callista in danger just because of her…" Elizabeth said mock-wistfully.
"My consent is given. She needs the training, and she will do something useful with her life," Nolar said.
"In that case, Alder and I should leave tomorrow. Now I excuse myself. Come with me, Alder." She left the room, but Alder waited.
"Thank you, Father. Thank you, Aunt Elizabeth. You won't regret it." Alder said, and turned to leave.
"I love you Alder!" Nolar called.
"I love you too," Alder whispered.
(
Alder woke early the next morning; the bright light of false dawn came through the window and into her eyes. She was restless and excited. Was yesterday just a dream? Did a mage named Keren actually take her as an apprentice? The idea seemed so wild!
:Good morning, Alder. It wasn't a dream. Its Keren. You are my apprentice, if you still want it. I have been sensing for waking thoughts to see if you were awake. I would have awakened you soon enough anyway. We have to go, remember? Brighton is pretty far away. If we go fast, we'll probably have three days of travel. I want to make good time if we want to sleep indoors at an inn tonight.:
Good enough. I couldn't sleep, so I packed last night. I said goodbye to the people that matter. Father will see us off later, but I said goodbye to Elizabeth… and my friend Jocelyn.
:Okay then, let's get dressed and saddle up! You do have a horse, right?:
Yes. Magic, my little gray gelding. He's placid but I'm afraid he doesn't have too much endurance. He is getting old. Alder thought at Keren.
:When we get to Brighton, I'll get you a new riding horse. Now get ready!: replied Keren.
(
It was noon-time, and Keren signaled for a stop. Alder stiffly dismounted Magic and tethered her to a nearby tree. "Well, Alder. I think we should have our first lesson, shall we?" At Alder's nod, she proceeded. "First we need to teach you to shield. Shielding protects you from magical attacks, and keeps unwanted visitors from using Mind-Magic on you. It keeps out all active spells if the shield is strong enough. The only kind of spell it can't block is a passive spell like scrying (a form of foresight in the reverse, except it is predictable, and you control it.) D'you follow so far?" Keren asked
"I... think so. Somehow I am beginning to think that this magic stuff won't be easy!"
"Easy?!" Keren scoffed good-naturedly. "Where'd you get that idea? Well, anyway. Open your mind to me."
Alder obeyed, and felt the now-familiar blue-green presence that was Keren entering her mind. :Follow me.: Alder followed Keren through her own mind. It was a strange experience, to journey into the depths of her mind. She always thought it was just a place for information. She had never really thought about it. Now Keren brought her to a "corner" of her mind and what she saw almost scared her out of the half-trance.
There, in the dark corner of her mind was a bright pool of multicolored fires. :Your magic Channels are tangled. We'll have to fix that. The fire is your magic. The different colors are the different types of magic. We'll have to separate them. Magic is about believing. Do you believe this?:
YES, Alder sent at Keren.
:Then believe that you have mental hands.: Keren help out her mental hand to Alder, and Alder found her own mental hand and clasped hers in Keren's. Keren pulled Alder's icy blue presence up to the pool of fire, and showed her how to untangle the magic. To Alder's relief, the "fire" didn't burn her, but rather had a very cool soothing feeling to it. Once the Channels were separated, Keren withdrew from Alder's mind. "Now comes the hard part; shielding!"
"Woo hoo…" Alder groaned. " I am sickened by such an optimistic manner. I surely thought hat was 'hard' enough. Just kidding… that was actually kind of fun!"
"Good. Now, take your mental hands, and take them out of your mind and to the ground. Where the ground is physically, there will be a bright layer of copper mage-fire. That is nature and animal magic. I want you to attach your presence to the ground. Oddly enough, this is called grounding!" Keren smiled encouragement to Alder's confused look. "Just try it. It will feel right. Something will just click."
Alder followed these directions, and sure enough, something did click. "Good!" applauded Keren. "Now make a link to the little ponds of power in your mind." Alder obeyed, and her power shapelessly swelled around her. "Now shape the power into a dome around you, and that is a shield! Be sure to check for cracks in the shield."
Alder did so, and then felt a little shock of what she recognized as "magic power" hitting her shield. Apparently it was strategically placed, because the whole shield collapsed. "What was that for?" Alder demanded.
"There was a crack! If someone actually put force on that bolt of power, you'd have been blasted. Cracks in your shields can be a mage's undoing. Now try again!"
Keren drilled Alder in shielding so many times that she could have done it in her sleep, which she of course felt like doing. But she still had a long ride to get to the inn. And when they did stop at the inn that night, she fell asleep immediately after she had eaten dinner.
(
The next two days of travel went surprisingly fast. In the morning, Keren taught Alder basic magical theories and history. And to Alder, it was actually pretty interesting. When they stopped at noon time, Keren drilled her in those basic magics.
It was the third day of their journey when Keren stopped Alder. "Look, off in the distance are Brighton's gates. Is the buzzing in the back of your head worse?"
"Definitely. Sometimes I think I even hear words…" Alder said.
"Okay, so now I want you to make a permanent shield. If you don't, once we get into Brighton, you'll get a headache from all the buzzing." Keren watched with Mage-Sight as Alder grounded and centered, creating her shield. She saw a quick repair of cracks. This was all done in a second Alder was so good at it. "Did the buzzing stop?"
"Oh- silence! Yes, it is gone! Thank you!"
"No problem, and now I get to teach you Mind-Speech! It is very important for you to be able to Mind Speak in Brighton. So- do as I told you earlier. Form the words in your mind, and make them with magic. Then push them out, and send them at me."
:?: Alder sent. :!! I did it!:
:Indeed you did, but you are also broadcasting your success to any Mind Speaker in range. So, be sure to think only at me. This is called private mode. What you just did is called public mode.:
:Like this?: Alder didn't even need an answer; somehow the Mind Speech felt confined, and only for Keren's "ears".
:Indeed. And now we are prepared to enter Brighton. Mount that aging horse of yours and let's go! It's probably going to take two candlemarks.:
(
What am I doing here? I'll never fit in the big cities… What if Keren's other apprentices font like me? She hasn't told me anything about them, besides that she has them.
:Alder, it will be fine. You aren't shielding properly, and as a Mind Speaker you are projecting your thoughts to other Mind Speakers within a range. Anyways, if you want to know, I have a protégé named Damon, and another named Avery.:
That helps… she thought, this time shielding her thoughts. They were approaching the gates at a trot.
"Heyla! Is that Keren I see?" called the guard from the gate. "And who is Keren's new apprentice?"
"Aeric, good to see you! This is Alder of Callista. What news?" Keren yelled to the guard.
"Not much. Tonnar and Emelis are still feuding, worse than ever. I expect the Queen will be wantin' to see you soon 'nuf. You have been gone more than a month!" Aeric said.
"Well Lissa can wait! I must show Alder her quarters; introduce her to my other apprentices. and even with a Royal order requesting my presence at Court, I'll be taking a bath! I can't look like the travel-worn grungy thing that I am, it would be a disgrace to Lissa."
To this, Aeric laughed warmly. He opened the gate, and without further ado Keren and Alder trotted into Brighton. Alder's first impression was that it was big. Her own holding at Callista could have fit into the first couple of warehouse buildings on the brightly lit road. Judging the horizon, it seemed to be about two candlemarks until dinner.
As they progressed along the road, it was obvious that there was a certain layout to the city. The storage warehouses were on the outskirts, then peasants' houses, and then small businesses. Then came richer people and nobles' homes.
And then came the Palace. All of Callista could have fit in the building, with a ton of extra room. It was beautifully sculptured with gray marble, and looked to be four stories high, with towers. There were three separated buildings to the left of the Palace. Then to the left of those buildings were the stables. There were riding paths all around the Palace. One branched off and went to a huge grassy field. On the right of the Palace were many gardens.
They passed the Palace's checkpoint quickly and entered the Palace Courtyard. "Pay attention; the way to our rooms can be complicated," Keren said, and went down the twisting corridors.
"Like I'll ever be able to find my way around!" Alder announced.
"Of course you will. It may take awhile though…" Keren said. They turned a corner, and reached a dead end. There was a door with a plaque saying, "Keren of Brighton. Avery of Emelis. Damon of Teirspeak. Alder of Callista."
"What? Who—? How did they know?" demanded Alder.
"I Mind-Spoke Damon to have the Goldsmith engrave your name here. This is your home." She said, and opened the door to a suite of five rooms. The first room had a table and many comfortable chairs by a fireplace. And in those chairs were a boy of about sixteen and a girl who looked to be fifteen.
"Damon; Avery, this is Alder, my new apprentice. Alder, these are my other protégés."
Damon got up to greet her first, while Avery seemed to be studying her. "Welcome to Brighton, Alder. I'm sure you'll be happy here. I hear from Keren that your magical stores are so great that you are some kind of prodigy child. Such praise from Keren is high praise indeed!" Damon was very tall. He had short blonde hair and green eyes, and he had a muscular build. Strangely enough for his apparent age, he had streaks of silver in his blonde hair. He was very tan, and looked as though he had spent a lot of time in the sun. Avery, on the other hand, contrasted Damon. She had long ebony hair, and bright blue eyes with a hint of violet in them. She was shorter than Alder, but then again most girls were. She looked to be 5'6". She, too, had tan skin and a muscular build. She was extremely pretty. Alder blushed at Damon's words. "Thank you, I guess," she said, at loss for words.
Avery came to her rescue, "Enough, Damon. Nice to meet you, Alder! Would you like to see your room?" Avery asked warmly.
"Uh- yes. That would be nice. Thank you," she said, and followed Avery into her new room. The room had a comfortable looking bed, a bed-stand, a bookcase, and a closet. It didn't have many furnishings, but it was cozy. IT was better than Alder's room at Callista, at any rate! There was a door in the back, and Alder timidly went and opened it. It led to one of the pretty Palace gardens. It seemed that Keren, Damon, and Avery's rooms had similar doors to this garden. It was beautiful. There were more types of flowers than Alder could even recognize.
"So what do you think?" called Avery from inside. Alder came back inside the room.
"I- it's beautiful!" Alder stammered, and Avery giggled good-naturedly.
"Knowing Keren's grueling riding pace, you are probably dying for a bath, a change of clothes, and food. In that order. I could take you to the bathhouse if you want?" Avery asked, nailing every one of Alder's desires perfectly. She felt dirty and saddle-sore.
"That would be wonderful. You assumed correctly." Avery led her to the bathhouse, and left her to soak for awhile. That left Alder to her flustered thoughts.
I am so lucky to be here. Keren could have given me rudimentary lessons and left it at that, but she has actually made me her apprentice! And her other apprentices seem quite nice, Alder thought.
Alder, in all her fourteen years of age, had never had a "crush" on a boy. She had been friends with boys… one of the guys. Well, at least until her obnoxious brothers told her friends that she wasn't worth hanging around with because she was just a girl. Not wanting to risk the heir's displeasure, they immediately abandoned her and pretended that she didn't exist. Guys had never really been "attractive" (or what she understood of the term "attractive") to her. She had always thought that it was better that s he wasn't attracted to them, because it could be quite a mess if she fell in love with a friend, or worse, all of her friends who couldn't acknowledge her existence. Damon is handsome. He seems nice, too. I wonder why I am not "attracted" to him… I suppose I probably am, but can't recognize the feeling because I haven't felt it before. I don't know. It doesn't matter. Whatever happens, happens.
At Callista, Alder had always been teased for being a tomboy. They laughed at her just because she hadn't shown an interest in guys yet. She was still young— she was bound to fall in love at some time or another!
:Alder, sorry if I am disturbing you. Just making sure that you haven't fallen asleep in the bath! It has been one-and-a-half candlemarks. Dinner is ready here in the common room. Why don't you come join us?: came Keren's Mind-voice.
:I was spacing out. I didn't even realize that the water is already cold! I'll be there in a minute, I need to dry off and get dressed.: Alder sent, and shivered.
Alder quickly rinsed in hot water, dried off, and then pulled on a light blue satin dress that beautifully accented her eyes. She left the bathhouse and carefully retraced her steps back to the suite. Keren was sitting by the fire, reading. She was dressed quite casually. Suddenly, Alder felt as if she had over-dressed. She slipped quietly into the room, and she looked down at her dress, but she only saw the rug. "Oh-my-GODS!" yelped Alder.
Keren looked up from her book, but was clearly puzzled. "Alder? Where- where are you?"
"I'm right through the door! Why am I invisible?!" Alder cried.
"Wow. I just looked in your direction with Mage-Sight—and all I see is your outline in a mass of pure power. Are you okay? How did you do that anyways?" said a shocked Keren.
"I-I was solid, but then I saw that I was way over-dressed for dinner and I got nervous, and when I looked down I wasn't there! I'm fine… just—when will this go away?"
"Presumably when you calm down. Why don't you go change if you are nervous?"
"I—okay." Alder went and changed, and found that she was visible again. Relieved and with renewed confidence, she went into the common room. At the supper-table was Damon, dressed in fancy breeches, and Avery wearing a green silk dress. Alder had to keep herself from laughing outright.
(
All throughout dinner, Keren acted as if nothing at all had happened, for which Alder was grateful. She might have gone invisible again had Keren embarrassed her like that! She wasn't used to being the center of attention, and certainly didn't want to start by having Keren tell Avery and Damon that she turned invisible when she was nervous or embarrassed. The spotlight would be on an empty seat.
Once dinner was over, Avery retreated to her room while Damon went to read by the fire. She was about to sit beside him when Keren Mind-Sent her. :We need to talk. Would you please come to my room?:
Alder quickly changed her direction before Damon noticed her. She went to Keren's room and quietly pushed open the door. "I suppose this is about the whole 'invisibility' thing. Are you going to teach me how to block it?" asked Alder.
"It is about your ability to disappear. Alder, this is unprecedented. This is some new magic that we haven't discovered. This is serious, if spy mages knew how to become invisible. Aletha would be in trouble. Assassins could easily get in to the palace—and who knows what would happen. Were you trying to become invisible?" asked Keren gravely.
"I was really embarrassed. I didn't try to do it. I think it has happened before, but I never looked at myself then."
" It seems that somehow your emotions are tied into your magic. Or rather, tangled. Or there is the possibility that anyone could do it. Now—think of how you felt then. Try to do it again."
Alder tried to remake the moment, but couldn't. She tried several times with no results. She willed herself into a light trance and searched her magic Channels. She tried to remake the scene again, and she saw a silvery- blue magic welling and making a new puddle. She quickly held onto the magic and set up a new Channel with it. Then she took the magic, and "covered" herself with it. She thought about invisibility, and then heard Keren gasp in surprise.
"Alder, you are invisible. Can you call it off? Then try it again." Keren requested. Alder dissipated the magic back into her Channel, and tried again. This time she felt Keren's "presence" watching what she did. "Did you make that Channel yourself? I don't remember seeing that when we untangled your magic…?"
"When you told me to remake the scene, I was watching my magic, and new magic was forming so I seized it and made it into a real Channel. Now its there to stay, I guess."
"Well, now that this magic is in Channel-form, you can shield it. Then it won't involuntarily make you become invisible. I still don't get it though. All magic has a theory behind it (besides foresight). You have this magic, but no one else in the Mage-Chronicles has shown the ability to disappear. But maybe this is tied into Empathy? You do have an extremely strong Gift of Empathy, one of the strongest that I have ever seen. It did respond to emotions…" she trailed off.
"Keren, I don't know the first thing about magic. If I were you, I wouldn't be asking me!"
"Okay. You've had a long day anyway. And a longer day for tomorrow! We must get you introduced to the court, and to Lissa. That will be at noon time. When that's done, Damon or Avery could tour you around the palace. How does that sound?" asked Keren.
"Sounds busy. It sounds fine. And if I'll be busy tomorrow, I should get sleep now, right? THAT sounds good!"
Keren laughed and then made shooing motions at Alder. "Off with you then! Good night, Alder. Welcome to Brighton."
"Goodnight, Keren. Thank you—for everything." Alder rushed up and gave Keren a hug, and then ran off to bed.
"Alder. Goodnight. Sleep well. You've got a big day ahead of you. Keren told me that you have a reception at Court tomorrow?" came Damon's voice by the fireplace. Alder hadn't noticed that he was still there.
"Yes, I do. Thank you. Are you going to sleep?" Alder asked.
"Yeah, I was just about to sleep. See you tomorrow." This was a clear dismissal, and Alder took her leave and went into her room. Even with all of her racing thoughts about her first (busy) day at Brighton, she quickly dropped off to sleep.
(
Alder woke to the sound of knocking on her door. From the amount of light streaming in through the window, it looked as if she had slept in late. Startled, she awoke immediately. "Come in!" Alder yelled.
Avery quietly opened the door and walked in. "Good morning! Keren is off at the tailor's getting a new dress tailored for Court today. She told me to wak you if you hadn't awakened by two candlemarks till noontime, which it is. Breakfast is out in the common room, and if you need any help in getting ready for court, I'm here." She turned on her heel and receded by to her room.
Court. Today. Well then. I need to eat and wash up. Alder got some clothes on and went into the vacant common room for breakfast. She quickly ate a small breakfast and found her way to the bathhouse. She couldn't eat much because her stomach was upset by nerves. She soaked in the bathtub and rinsed her hair carefully.
Then it struck her. What did you wear to be presented at Court? I don't have any dresses suitable for a Court…and I can't be presented to the Queen if I look like the peasant that I am. The point of this is to make a good impression.
She got out of the bathhouse once she had dried herself off and dressed. Getting dressed just to walk down the hall and dress again! She opened the door to their suite and started off to her room. Damon was absorbed in a book in the corner, and Avery wasn't in sight. Probably in her room, Alder thought.
"Good morning. How's it coming, Alder?" asked Damon, snapping his book shut. His blue eyes sparkled with amusement.
"This may seem…girlish, but I just realized that I don't know what I'm going to wear…and I say this in the least girlishly stupid way." Alder laughed.
"Well, I live with two girls, I'm used to the way that they take a long time to dress. Now I live with three girls! It's not a problem though. I had three sisters, and they cared much more about what others thought of them than Keren and Avery—and you, since you make it a point to tell me that you say that in the least self-conscious way of a female." Damon smiled, and Alder laughed. "You should ask Avery what to wear."
"She has already offered, and I guess that's the best thing to do. Well then." She smiled, and turned to Avery's room. "Avery?" she called, and knocked on the door to her room. Avery opened the door and smiled when she saw who it was.
"Hey, Alder! I suppose you want help deciding what to wear for Court?" asked Avery.
"Want? Need is more likely. I don't know what to wear that is suitable for a reception with the Queen," Alder commented.
"Do you just need advice on what to wear, or do you want to borrow some clothes? We are about the same body build, you could fit my clothes."
"Um—well I don't have any really nice dresses for receptions and stuff since Callista is pretty small and I never had to be introduced to my parents or relatives. So if I were to wear my own clothes, I'd only have one choice. Want to see it?" asked Alder.
"Sure." Avery followed her back in to her new room. Alder still hadn't finished unpacking, and went searching through her bag. After a minute, she pulled out a slightly creased yellow dress. It had a low neckline and a flowing skirt, but the dress didn't flatter Alder's features. Not to mention that the color didn't look good on her. It was rather plain. It was a hand-me-down from Olivia.
"It seems that my memory is distorted. My sister Olivia gave this to me two years ago and I thought it looked good on her—but then again she was beautiful and anything looked good on her!" Alder said mock-spitefully.
"Well, you are beautiful, Alder. You just need clothes that flatter you," Avery said timidly. Alder smiled.
"Thank you. So, what should I wear? I have no fancy outfits that I could wear in front of the Queen and her Court! Any ideas?" Alder asked.
"Yes, actually. I have a couple of dresses that I think would look really good on you. Come," she beckoned, and jogged to her room. Alder walked into Avery's room, and she was already searching through her closet. Soon Avery came out with clothes draped over her arm. "Why don't you try this one on first?" Avery handed a long blue-green dress to Alder. Alder had never been very modest; in her opinion, she didn't really have anything to be modest about.
So she took off her shirt. Avery flushed and carefully averted her eyes. "We're both girls, and anyways I was wearing a breast-band," Alder said as she pulled the first dress over her head. It fell gracefully to her feet, but hung strangely at her hips. It had pretty embroidery all over the top of butterflies.
"We can do better than that…" Avery handed Alder another dress. This one was a dark blue silk. Avery turned her head away, fiddling with something on her bedside table. Alder thought nothing of it, and pulled the dress on. It fit well, but it was rather plain. "It seems my memory is distorted. I had pictured it more elaborate than that. Oh well, I saved the best for last." Avery handed over the last dress.
Immediately Alder knew she liked it. It was a red silk dress, with beautiful black lace patterns over it. It was long and flowing, and the neckline was one that was usually quite flattering on Alder. She pulled the other dress off and folded it carefully, then pulled on the red dress. It was her favorite color to begin with, and it was flattering. Avery turned around and smiled. "That really is pretty on you. I knew it would be. Do you want to wear it?"
"If you'll let me borrow it. It is so pretty! Thank you so much for helping me. I really appreciate it. I have nice enough shoes to wear with it, but what should I do about my hair?" Alder asked. Then she realized how stupid she sounded, and she laughed.
"I'll do your hair for you." At Alder's nod, Avery sat Alder down on her bed and sat down behind her. She reached to her bedside table for her brush, and started brushing Alder's hair. Why do I set myself up like this? Avery wondered. She piled Alder's flowing hair elaborately. She twisted it into a bun and tied it up. "Turn around," Avery said. Alder complied with a smile on her face.
Avery brushed a fly away from her face, with some strong emotion in her eye that Alder couldn't read. She could tell that it was guarded. "You look great. The Queen will be jealous! Just kidding. Have you ever put on make-up? I think a light lip rouge would look good on you. What do you think?"
"Sounds great, but I don't know how to put it on well." Avery jumped up and went rummaging in her closet again. She pulled out a little brown case. She opened it and pulled out what Alder assumed was the eye shadow.
"Close your eyes!" Avery said, and laughed.
(
When Avery was done with her, Alder looked beautiful. She was quite surprised at what she saw. I simply am not plain anymore! she thought, and giggled at the oxymoron. Avery was over by her mirror fiddling with her own hair. "You really do look great, Alder. Let's see what Damon thinks!" She dropped her hair and went to the door. She opened it. "Good. Damon is by the fireplace…" she muttered.
"Announcing Alder of Callista, apprentice to Keren of Brighton, Chief Mage of the Council!" she projected loudly. Alder blushed, and timidly entered the common room. She did so gracefully, and then sat down while fluttering her skirts to lay around her. She waved her arm artistically, and looked up in to Damon's eyes.
"Well, suitable for a reception with the Queen?" Alder demanded.
"…More than suitable…You look—amazing. Keren is back, and she's getting ready in her room."
"Speak of the devil, right?" came Keren's husky voice. She was wearing practical dress breeches, and a low cut blouse. The breeches were gold with silver lining, and the blouse was a rich sapphire that brought out the faded color in her silver eyes.
Alder laughed. "Come to think about it, I couldn't really imagine you in a dress! Practical Keren."
"Indeed. You look great, Alder. We have to go now, though."
"Thank you, Avery! Bye," Alder said, and followed Keren out the door.
(
"Keren of Brighton, and apprentice Alder of Callista." Déjà vu, right? Alder thought, remembering. Avery's announcing comments. Keren motioned to have Alder follow her into the throne room. Alder reinforced her shields on the invisibility magic, fearing that she would disappear in front of the Court, and then entered the throne room.
It was relatively small in comparison to what Alder had imagined, but it was still rather large. At the back of the room, the Queen sat on her throne, and who Alder presumed was the co-consort Prince Andrew. On the sides of the dais were many tables, all filled with nobles and the people of the court.
"Keren! How good to see you back home. How the Mage Council has missed your advice!" came the deeply rich voice of Queen Lissa. On a first name basis with the queen, eh Keren? Didn't lead on that you are that powerful at court. Strangely, the thought calmed her nerves. Keren could handle any problems that Alder unknowingly got herself into. They walked down the aisle to the queen, where Alder dropped in a deep curtsey. The Queen actually stepped off her dais to engage Keren in a hug. Down to earth queen!
"Welcome to Brighton, Alder! Amazingly, I have heard a lot about you, through Mind Speech. I hear that you have great potential," Queen Lissa said. "I also hear that there is something that Keren wished to discuss in private. If now is an acceptable time?"
"Yes. Andrew, if you please?" Keren asked the Prince. He nodded, and exited through a barely visible exit through a curtain. Lissa followed, and Keren again motioned for Alder to follow her. Alder pushed through the curtain, and found herself in a dimly lit hallway. There were three doors along the hallway, and they opened and entered the second room. It looked to be a private meeting room for small groups. The room was furnished with a chair behind a desk, and two couches on the sides of the walls. Instead of taking the seats behind the desk, Andrew and Lissa gracefully sat down on a couch together. Keren and Alder sat on the couch opposite the Queen.
"I take it this meeting has to do with magic, you, Alder, or all three!" Lissa said.
"Two out of three. Alder apparently has discovered what I think is a new type of magic. She has found out how to disappear. This magic is abundant in her. It was linked into her emotions but she found a way to make it into a permanent channel. I was trying it last night after Alder went to sleep. After some trial, I found that I could do it too. That leads me to believe that anyone can do it. You know what that means."
Lissa nodded gravely. "Anyone who figured it out can enter the palace unnoticed. That can either explain a lot of strange occurrences in the past or be linked to the future." To this, Andrew nodded.
"We don't want to check every mage that comes into Brighton. That wouldn't even help! So—what are we to do about this?" Andrew asked.
"Get mages to guard important guests and ambassadors, and yourselves. Also get mages to guard the gates with mage-sight," Keren said. Keren went on to explain the new magic to Lissa and Andrew and write up a set of orders for mage-guards. Then they went into technical and political issues concerning invisibility, in which conversation Alder got lost and tuned out, and started analyzing Lissa's and Andrew's features.
Andrew was tall and had brown hair and green eyes. He was handsome, but he looked to be more scholarly than athletic. Lissa was surprisingly I shape and muscular. She had glossy brown curls past her shoulders, with bright red lips, blue-gray eyes, and a weathered face. Her features shower her serious, although gentle nature. The talking came to an end, and Keren stood up saying, "If that's all for now? There isn't anything that can be done right now, or today for that matter. I wanted to introduce Alder to the mage council. Maybe they'll have ideas."
"Okay then, Keren. I'll tell my advisors and the guard. Remember, we can't announce this at the Council. The Emelis and Tonnar ambassadors would kill for this information," Lissa said, and Andrew nodded.
"Anything new happening?" Keren asked.
"Only that Emelis has taken the defensive, and Tonnar is attacking with aquis. Emelis is appealing to the council for help defending itself with mages. Everyone has been anticipating your return as the head mage on council, because Jonas just isn't ready to lead council sessions, especially with the ambassador from Tonnar in his face." Lissa gave a look of distaste.
"May the gods give us patience," Keren said, exasperated. "By your leave, Alder and I shall make ours. Good afternoon, Andrew, Lissa. It's good to see you again."
"And you, Keren. We've missed you." At this, Keren got up and went to the door and left. Alder followed her back down the dark corridor in a state of shock.
"I didn't know receptions were so…person? By the way, what is aquis?" Alder asked.
"The Queen and I are friends. Aquis is a newly developed weapon that Tonnar discovered. It can basically be described as liquid fire. The results are absolutely devastating," Keren said gravely. She pushed through the curtain into the bustling throne room. Barely five seconds later, Keren was surrounded with people. Alder went and sat on a bench in the corner. She felt very self-conscious being alone.
Of course. I meant to sleep in JUST to spite everyone. Not. But that is the way father will take my absence!
Alder was a tall girl for her age. At fourteen, she stood 5'8". Her medium length brown hair almost looked red in the sunlight, which was strange because her father had had brown hair. Before he lost it with his youth, anyway. Her mother had had dark brown hair too, but had died of some disease when Alder was ten. If mother were still around, she'd let me eat with the servants instead of breakfast at daddy dearest's high table.
"ALDER!" Lindsay screamed from down the hall in the servant's quarters.
"OKAY! I'm coming, in a minute… Patience is a virtue, you know!" Alder yelled back. One that I do not possess… Alder hastily dressed herself in a plain fawn-brown frock. She always dressed with simplicity, which often resulted in uttered whispers on her peers' and siblings' parts. But she didn't care what they thought. They were just air-filled puppets. She didn't need them.
She had her books. She had her horse, Magic. She had Jocelyn, her only friend. Alder had always been an outcast, as had Jocelyn. Jocelyn was always timid, and quite shy. She was nice, but Alder wanted more in life than books, a horse, and a friend who was so shy it was hard to even conduct a simple conversation without her being afraid of upsetting Alder. It became quite frustrating sometimes, but it was better than nothing.
She slipped out of her room, and quickly ran down the stairs, and tried to make the most unobtrusive entrance into the Dining Hall. It would be nice not to have been noticed, but considering her saved seat was three down from her father's, it was a fat chance. She skirted the tables gracefully, still trying to become invisible. Apparently, she was good at it, because no one saw her. They seemed to be looking straight through her. Usually her Aunt Elizabeth would have reprimanded her by now, but even her keen eye seemed to slip right over her. Strange, but strange can be a good thing, Alder thought, and smiled to herself. She came to her seat, and pulled it out and sat down.
"Alder!" Her father started in surprise. "I didn't see you coming. How is my loveliest daughter today?"
"Loveliest? Doubtful." Her sisters' glares subsided, partially. "I happen to be quite plain, and though you don't recognize that, they obviously think so!" she muttered under her breath.
All of her sisters were much prettier than her, or so she had always thought. She had three sisters, and two brothers. Olivia, the eldest sister of them all, was taller than even Alder, had rich dark hair, and startling blue eyes. She was beautiful. Too bad her personality is less-than- beautiful. Her twelve-year-old sister Lily was just as pretty, but unlike Olivia she had a mind and even temper. The small age gap between Alder and Lily invoked jealousy on both parts, impairing their otherwise friendly relationship. Lily was jealous of Alder's age and the responsibilities and privileges of a lady that went with it. She was also quite contemptuous that Alder didn't want those responsibilities.
Alder was always jealous of how everyone loved Lily. She always got attention for her looks and extravagance, and just once Alder wanted to experience the attention being only on her, without her having gotten into some kind of trouble. Her youngest sister, Kate, was just as placid as Lily. She was a passive little child, much more passive than Alder ever was. She was only six, and thus quite childish.
Alder's two brothers were eighteen and fifteen. They were both quite handsome, but they were always rude to Alder. They seemed to be copies of each other in every way, and Alder liked neither of them. They ignored her, and barely acknowledged that they were related. Not that I would care for the company of two pigheaded, stubborn males.
"Really, Alder," came the voice of her Aunt Elizabeth waking her from her reverie. "You just… appeared! And you are late, young lady," she snapped. Alder just mumbled an apology. She was used to this, as she was always late. She was always scolded. What I would do to be out of here. I don't want to follow the rules of my aunt.
Her father meant well, but he just didn't understand girls, especially those going through adolescence like Alder. There was nothing binding her to Callista. She was the fourth born, and thus would not inherit her mother's bower, much less the whole holding. Not that I'd want it. Jocelyn would grow up to be some scholar's little wife, and knowing her that's the way she'd like it. She had some other friends; she wouldn't miss Alder, would she? But where would she go? She had very little money, and even fewer valuable possessions. She wasn't good at much.
She might as well stay here and grow up to be a lady. Then she would marry some scholar of her own, and would live enclosed in a bower with twittering maids all around her. Somehow, that didn't sound too appealing to Alder. She wanted to do something with her life.
(
Alder was shut up in her room reading, as usual. There wasn't much to do at Callista besides riding her horse, Magic, and reading. She had always wanted to learn how to defend herself from predators, but her Aunt Elizabeth and her father wouldn't allow it. It wasn't "ladylike". Elizabeth was trying too hard to take on a motherly role for Alder, but in Alder's opinion she was failing miserably. Elizabeth only wanted another lady to marry off and bring in dowry-monies. She didn't care much for Alder's attitude, or her plain dressing styles. Nothing like a mother. Nothing like Alder's own mother. No one would ever replace her.
I wish I could get out of here! I am not a lady, and if I have my way I never will be! As if in response to her wish, there was a knock on the door. Lindsay opened the door and said, "Alder, someone is here to see you. She is looking at all the children of Callista to find any mage-talent. I wouldn't worry about it if I were you…" she sneered. "How could you ever have magic?" she scoffed.
Not bloody likely. It would be funny to see their faces if I DID! Alder politely followed Lindsay to a bench outside the meeting room. Lindsay hastily left muttering about how mages gave her the chills.
Two minutes later, Lily came out, looking quite relieved. "Your turn. Good luck!" she whispered. Alder hoped beyond hope that she was mage-gifted. Out of the past five generations, only her great grandmother had been mage- talented. Most likely because her Outland father had been very strongly gifted. Even then, Alder's great grandmother had only enough of the Gift to become a hedge-witch.
Alder quietly opened the door and slipped into the meeting room. On the couch was a tall woman who looked to be in her early thirties. She had long dirty blonde hair pulled back in a braid. She had very muscled features, and her eyes were a stunning sliver. Though the color in her eyes was stormy, her eyes seemed to radiate warmth and friendliness. Immediately Alder liked her.
"Good morning! My name is Keren. I presume you know why you are here?" Keren asked. Her voice was kind of husky. It was deep and rich. Alder enjoyed the sound.
"My name is Alder. I am supposedly here to be tested to see if I am mage- gifted. I don't quite understand what a mage-gift is, though, besides the colorful blasts of something."
"Well then!" Keren laughed. "First off, the mage-Gift is the manipulation of energies. If you are mage-talented, I'll explain that later. There are also other types of magic that aren't seen, and often aren't felt. This is Mind-Magic. It includes talking mind-to-mind, Fetching, Thought-sensing, Fire-starting, Far-sight, Foresight, Empathy, and Healing/or Bardic Magic. I'll explain all those later if you do have magic. Now close your eyes and hold your hands out to me. Trust me, and open your mind. Don't resist me."
Alder complied, putting her hands in Keren's. Somehow she knew she could trust Keren. She knew that she had to clear her mind of all thoughts. Suddenly she felt some sort of "presence" in the back of her mind. Under her eyelids she "felt" a blue-green glow. She felt the presence searching the dark unused corners of her mind. Gently, the presence withdrew from her mind. A silence filled the room. "Well then," Keren muttered.
"Well what?" Alder asked.
"You surely are mage-talented! Extremely so. I was just surprised because all of your siblings and relatives were completely devoid of mage-Gift. They didn't even show the least inkling of Mind-Magic, which is very common. By the way, do you always have a buzzing in the
back of your mind?'
Startled, Alder replied, "Y-yes, I suppose so. How do you know? Is there a way to get rid of it?"
"Of course. The buzzing is actually just a part of Mind-Speech and Thought- Sensing. Which you have both in abundance. But I'll explain that later. First we have to talk about your future. If you don't get trained, your wild power may be unleashed and hurt something. The possibilities are dangerous. When you are afraid or angry, has anything… unusual happened?"
"Well, sometimes when I'm scared or don't want to be noticed, I seem to become… I know it sounds crazy, but I seem to be invisible! Also when I really need something, or want something really badly, sometimes beyond hope they happen. It feels as though I somehow influenced them to happen…"
"You probably did. You do happen to be the most mage-Gifted child I have seen in a long time. You have the widest variety of Gifts that aren't dormant that I think I have ever seen. You have Though-Sensing, Mind- Speech, Fire-Starting, Far-Sight, and a surprising amount of Empathy. You actually do have a little bit of Healing. It is impossible to detect Foresight. You don't have any Fetching capabilities… and you have a strong mage-Gift. On to business. I understand that your father and aunt dislike magic, and if this cursory little check wasn't mandatory, I have a feeling that I wouldn't have been allowed to see you. Your siblings don't have a trace of magic. You are the only one. How do you feel about that? How do you feel about magic in general?"
"I- I uh… actually wanted to be Gifted. I read a lot of books about mages and sorcerers. Even though father doesn't approve of mage-craft, I've always wanted to see magic for myself. As for being the only one, I'd say it's for the better. I don't much like my family. I only have one friend here…" Alder found herself telling more to Keren than she had meant to, and blushed a furious red.
"It's okay, Alder. You can tell me anything. And if it is all right with you, I'd like you to become my apprentice. You definitely need training, but I think that (from what I have heard), that you might like a change of scenery, am I right?"
Alder was dumbfounded. She had always wanted to be mage-talented. To think about it was one thing, to live it was definitely another! She was in a state of shock, and she was so overwhelmed with happiness that she could hardly think coherently. Of course she wanted to leave; that was her dream come true! Wait... Did I influence my body to carry magic? No… Keren said that the influence was caused by the magic. Alder's thoughts were filled with all of the times that something strange had happened when she was scared or upset. Everything in her life was falling into place. She was going to leave Callista and become a mage. From what Keren was saying, a very powerful one at that!
"I-I… Yes! I want to go with you. Wait, where are we going anyways?" she exploded.
Keren laughed good-naturedly. "If you and your father consent, we will be going to Brighton, the capital of Aletha. To the Palace."
"The Palace?" Alder whispered. She had read so much about the Brighton Palace… How could I ever fit in there?
"Yes, the Palace. I am one of the chief mages on the mage council. I also have two other protégés. You will train together with some other mages and myself. I do not happen to possess Fire-starting—"
A knock on the door interrupted Keren. "Excuse me, I hope I am not interrupting your testing. It is time for our evening meal. Come…?" Alder's father said.
"It's Keren. We have much to discuss, sir."
"Well then, follow me…"
(
All through dinner, Alder anticipated a scene of some kind. She really wished she were already trained in Thought-Sensing. What I would give to know what Father and Aunt Elizabeth are thinking right now!
Alder was trying to study their expressions without seeming to do so. Her father sported a very impassive expression. His jaw was set firmly, which told Alder that he was less-than-happy about Keren's revelations. Elizabeth's expression was much easier to read; she was scowling, her nose wrinkled in distaste. She looked to be in deep though. Probably thinking about how she could prosper from this, since she's losing another marriageable "lady" and her bridal gifts!
Alder wrinkled her nose at the thought. One thing was certain; she never wanted to see Elizabeth again. She didn't want Elizabeth to benefit from this in any way.
(
:Alder. So far, things are going as smoothly as we could wish. That isn't saying much, but it's better than nothing. We need to hold a quick meeting.: Alder nearly hyperventi-lated. There was Keren's voice, inside her head, accompanied by the image of Elizabeth and father getting up and moving in the direction of the meeting room. She also felt that blue-green presence when Keren had spoken to her. Oh-my-LORD! What was that?? Alder thought at Keren.
:Oh my… I'm sorry! I forgot that you had never been Mind-Spoken to before. Well, Alder, this is Mind-Speech! Don't try to respond this way, you need training first. If you'll allow me to read your thoughts, we can't talk without them hearing us. Okay?:
Fine. Whatever. Alder slowly calmed her upset nerves, and followed the leading steps of Keren, her aunt, and her father. Alder quickly caught up with Keren, and whispered, "What is this about?'
:Can't say this aloud. I am guessing that this is your aunt's last attempt at forbidding you to become a mage. Your father is just worried about the whole "magic" business.: Keren Mind-Sent her, and somehow Alder got the impression that Keren was amused by her father's "folly". They arrived at the meeting room, where Elizabeth and Alder's father had already been sat down.
"Go ahead and sit," stated Alder's father.
"Sir? I'm not good at diplomacy, so I'll get to the point—" Keren started, but was interrupted.
"Call me Nolar. So—?" he prompted.
"Since your daughter is mage-talented, she needs training. With your permission Id like to take her to the capital to be my apprentice," Keren said bluntly. :Without diplomacy, being so blunt that Elizabeth turns pale… same difference: she Mind-Sent, with overtones of laughter. Well said!
Alder could barely keep herself from emitting a very unladylike snort at the look on Elizabeth's face. Her usually placid countenance was shattered. Her eyes were wide, and her eyebrows were in danger of disappearing into her hair. She was indeed pale, and her lip was curled in a snarl. Apparently she does not like the idea of my leaving to become a mage!
A long silence followed Keren's bold statement, and was finally broken by Alder. "Please. This is what I want. I wouldn't do well as a lady. I am not patient; I'm clumsy, and quite unladylike. I want to be a mage. I want to go to Brighton with Keren. Please," she pleaded.
"Alder, dearest, you know we support you… but magic? It's a crutch. It's uncivilized. You don't want that, do you?" Nolar asked.
"Actually, Nolar, magic is quite civilized and quite useful. It's not a crutch. I will say that it isn't a necessity, in most cases. It is a convenience. It is also quite dangerous to leave her untrained. She could have an explosion that kills everything at Callista if she isn't trained. Now I wouldn't advise that… but maybe that's just me?" Alder couldn't help it; she started giggling. Though it was barely audible, Elizabeth still noticed.
"Alder, this is serious. And your attitude is less than charming. I wouldn't want to burden you though, Keren. The child is a handful. But you do have my consent in the matter. I won't have Callista in danger just because of her…" Elizabeth said mock-wistfully.
"My consent is given. She needs the training, and she will do something useful with her life," Nolar said.
"In that case, Alder and I should leave tomorrow. Now I excuse myself. Come with me, Alder." She left the room, but Alder waited.
"Thank you, Father. Thank you, Aunt Elizabeth. You won't regret it." Alder said, and turned to leave.
"I love you Alder!" Nolar called.
"I love you too," Alder whispered.
(
Alder woke early the next morning; the bright light of false dawn came through the window and into her eyes. She was restless and excited. Was yesterday just a dream? Did a mage named Keren actually take her as an apprentice? The idea seemed so wild!
:Good morning, Alder. It wasn't a dream. Its Keren. You are my apprentice, if you still want it. I have been sensing for waking thoughts to see if you were awake. I would have awakened you soon enough anyway. We have to go, remember? Brighton is pretty far away. If we go fast, we'll probably have three days of travel. I want to make good time if we want to sleep indoors at an inn tonight.:
Good enough. I couldn't sleep, so I packed last night. I said goodbye to the people that matter. Father will see us off later, but I said goodbye to Elizabeth… and my friend Jocelyn.
:Okay then, let's get dressed and saddle up! You do have a horse, right?:
Yes. Magic, my little gray gelding. He's placid but I'm afraid he doesn't have too much endurance. He is getting old. Alder thought at Keren.
:When we get to Brighton, I'll get you a new riding horse. Now get ready!: replied Keren.
(
It was noon-time, and Keren signaled for a stop. Alder stiffly dismounted Magic and tethered her to a nearby tree. "Well, Alder. I think we should have our first lesson, shall we?" At Alder's nod, she proceeded. "First we need to teach you to shield. Shielding protects you from magical attacks, and keeps unwanted visitors from using Mind-Magic on you. It keeps out all active spells if the shield is strong enough. The only kind of spell it can't block is a passive spell like scrying (a form of foresight in the reverse, except it is predictable, and you control it.) D'you follow so far?" Keren asked
"I... think so. Somehow I am beginning to think that this magic stuff won't be easy!"
"Easy?!" Keren scoffed good-naturedly. "Where'd you get that idea? Well, anyway. Open your mind to me."
Alder obeyed, and felt the now-familiar blue-green presence that was Keren entering her mind. :Follow me.: Alder followed Keren through her own mind. It was a strange experience, to journey into the depths of her mind. She always thought it was just a place for information. She had never really thought about it. Now Keren brought her to a "corner" of her mind and what she saw almost scared her out of the half-trance.
There, in the dark corner of her mind was a bright pool of multicolored fires. :Your magic Channels are tangled. We'll have to fix that. The fire is your magic. The different colors are the different types of magic. We'll have to separate them. Magic is about believing. Do you believe this?:
YES, Alder sent at Keren.
:Then believe that you have mental hands.: Keren help out her mental hand to Alder, and Alder found her own mental hand and clasped hers in Keren's. Keren pulled Alder's icy blue presence up to the pool of fire, and showed her how to untangle the magic. To Alder's relief, the "fire" didn't burn her, but rather had a very cool soothing feeling to it. Once the Channels were separated, Keren withdrew from Alder's mind. "Now comes the hard part; shielding!"
"Woo hoo…" Alder groaned. " I am sickened by such an optimistic manner. I surely thought hat was 'hard' enough. Just kidding… that was actually kind of fun!"
"Good. Now, take your mental hands, and take them out of your mind and to the ground. Where the ground is physically, there will be a bright layer of copper mage-fire. That is nature and animal magic. I want you to attach your presence to the ground. Oddly enough, this is called grounding!" Keren smiled encouragement to Alder's confused look. "Just try it. It will feel right. Something will just click."
Alder followed these directions, and sure enough, something did click. "Good!" applauded Keren. "Now make a link to the little ponds of power in your mind." Alder obeyed, and her power shapelessly swelled around her. "Now shape the power into a dome around you, and that is a shield! Be sure to check for cracks in the shield."
Alder did so, and then felt a little shock of what she recognized as "magic power" hitting her shield. Apparently it was strategically placed, because the whole shield collapsed. "What was that for?" Alder demanded.
"There was a crack! If someone actually put force on that bolt of power, you'd have been blasted. Cracks in your shields can be a mage's undoing. Now try again!"
Keren drilled Alder in shielding so many times that she could have done it in her sleep, which she of course felt like doing. But she still had a long ride to get to the inn. And when they did stop at the inn that night, she fell asleep immediately after she had eaten dinner.
(
The next two days of travel went surprisingly fast. In the morning, Keren taught Alder basic magical theories and history. And to Alder, it was actually pretty interesting. When they stopped at noon time, Keren drilled her in those basic magics.
It was the third day of their journey when Keren stopped Alder. "Look, off in the distance are Brighton's gates. Is the buzzing in the back of your head worse?"
"Definitely. Sometimes I think I even hear words…" Alder said.
"Okay, so now I want you to make a permanent shield. If you don't, once we get into Brighton, you'll get a headache from all the buzzing." Keren watched with Mage-Sight as Alder grounded and centered, creating her shield. She saw a quick repair of cracks. This was all done in a second Alder was so good at it. "Did the buzzing stop?"
"Oh- silence! Yes, it is gone! Thank you!"
"No problem, and now I get to teach you Mind-Speech! It is very important for you to be able to Mind Speak in Brighton. So- do as I told you earlier. Form the words in your mind, and make them with magic. Then push them out, and send them at me."
:?: Alder sent. :!! I did it!:
:Indeed you did, but you are also broadcasting your success to any Mind Speaker in range. So, be sure to think only at me. This is called private mode. What you just did is called public mode.:
:Like this?: Alder didn't even need an answer; somehow the Mind Speech felt confined, and only for Keren's "ears".
:Indeed. And now we are prepared to enter Brighton. Mount that aging horse of yours and let's go! It's probably going to take two candlemarks.:
(
What am I doing here? I'll never fit in the big cities… What if Keren's other apprentices font like me? She hasn't told me anything about them, besides that she has them.
:Alder, it will be fine. You aren't shielding properly, and as a Mind Speaker you are projecting your thoughts to other Mind Speakers within a range. Anyways, if you want to know, I have a protégé named Damon, and another named Avery.:
That helps… she thought, this time shielding her thoughts. They were approaching the gates at a trot.
"Heyla! Is that Keren I see?" called the guard from the gate. "And who is Keren's new apprentice?"
"Aeric, good to see you! This is Alder of Callista. What news?" Keren yelled to the guard.
"Not much. Tonnar and Emelis are still feuding, worse than ever. I expect the Queen will be wantin' to see you soon 'nuf. You have been gone more than a month!" Aeric said.
"Well Lissa can wait! I must show Alder her quarters; introduce her to my other apprentices. and even with a Royal order requesting my presence at Court, I'll be taking a bath! I can't look like the travel-worn grungy thing that I am, it would be a disgrace to Lissa."
To this, Aeric laughed warmly. He opened the gate, and without further ado Keren and Alder trotted into Brighton. Alder's first impression was that it was big. Her own holding at Callista could have fit into the first couple of warehouse buildings on the brightly lit road. Judging the horizon, it seemed to be about two candlemarks until dinner.
As they progressed along the road, it was obvious that there was a certain layout to the city. The storage warehouses were on the outskirts, then peasants' houses, and then small businesses. Then came richer people and nobles' homes.
And then came the Palace. All of Callista could have fit in the building, with a ton of extra room. It was beautifully sculptured with gray marble, and looked to be four stories high, with towers. There were three separated buildings to the left of the Palace. Then to the left of those buildings were the stables. There were riding paths all around the Palace. One branched off and went to a huge grassy field. On the right of the Palace were many gardens.
They passed the Palace's checkpoint quickly and entered the Palace Courtyard. "Pay attention; the way to our rooms can be complicated," Keren said, and went down the twisting corridors.
"Like I'll ever be able to find my way around!" Alder announced.
"Of course you will. It may take awhile though…" Keren said. They turned a corner, and reached a dead end. There was a door with a plaque saying, "Keren of Brighton. Avery of Emelis. Damon of Teirspeak. Alder of Callista."
"What? Who—? How did they know?" demanded Alder.
"I Mind-Spoke Damon to have the Goldsmith engrave your name here. This is your home." She said, and opened the door to a suite of five rooms. The first room had a table and many comfortable chairs by a fireplace. And in those chairs were a boy of about sixteen and a girl who looked to be fifteen.
"Damon; Avery, this is Alder, my new apprentice. Alder, these are my other protégés."
Damon got up to greet her first, while Avery seemed to be studying her. "Welcome to Brighton, Alder. I'm sure you'll be happy here. I hear from Keren that your magical stores are so great that you are some kind of prodigy child. Such praise from Keren is high praise indeed!" Damon was very tall. He had short blonde hair and green eyes, and he had a muscular build. Strangely enough for his apparent age, he had streaks of silver in his blonde hair. He was very tan, and looked as though he had spent a lot of time in the sun. Avery, on the other hand, contrasted Damon. She had long ebony hair, and bright blue eyes with a hint of violet in them. She was shorter than Alder, but then again most girls were. She looked to be 5'6". She, too, had tan skin and a muscular build. She was extremely pretty. Alder blushed at Damon's words. "Thank you, I guess," she said, at loss for words.
Avery came to her rescue, "Enough, Damon. Nice to meet you, Alder! Would you like to see your room?" Avery asked warmly.
"Uh- yes. That would be nice. Thank you," she said, and followed Avery into her new room. The room had a comfortable looking bed, a bed-stand, a bookcase, and a closet. It didn't have many furnishings, but it was cozy. IT was better than Alder's room at Callista, at any rate! There was a door in the back, and Alder timidly went and opened it. It led to one of the pretty Palace gardens. It seemed that Keren, Damon, and Avery's rooms had similar doors to this garden. It was beautiful. There were more types of flowers than Alder could even recognize.
"So what do you think?" called Avery from inside. Alder came back inside the room.
"I- it's beautiful!" Alder stammered, and Avery giggled good-naturedly.
"Knowing Keren's grueling riding pace, you are probably dying for a bath, a change of clothes, and food. In that order. I could take you to the bathhouse if you want?" Avery asked, nailing every one of Alder's desires perfectly. She felt dirty and saddle-sore.
"That would be wonderful. You assumed correctly." Avery led her to the bathhouse, and left her to soak for awhile. That left Alder to her flustered thoughts.
I am so lucky to be here. Keren could have given me rudimentary lessons and left it at that, but she has actually made me her apprentice! And her other apprentices seem quite nice, Alder thought.
Alder, in all her fourteen years of age, had never had a "crush" on a boy. She had been friends with boys… one of the guys. Well, at least until her obnoxious brothers told her friends that she wasn't worth hanging around with because she was just a girl. Not wanting to risk the heir's displeasure, they immediately abandoned her and pretended that she didn't exist. Guys had never really been "attractive" (or what she understood of the term "attractive") to her. She had always thought that it was better that s he wasn't attracted to them, because it could be quite a mess if she fell in love with a friend, or worse, all of her friends who couldn't acknowledge her existence. Damon is handsome. He seems nice, too. I wonder why I am not "attracted" to him… I suppose I probably am, but can't recognize the feeling because I haven't felt it before. I don't know. It doesn't matter. Whatever happens, happens.
At Callista, Alder had always been teased for being a tomboy. They laughed at her just because she hadn't shown an interest in guys yet. She was still young— she was bound to fall in love at some time or another!
:Alder, sorry if I am disturbing you. Just making sure that you haven't fallen asleep in the bath! It has been one-and-a-half candlemarks. Dinner is ready here in the common room. Why don't you come join us?: came Keren's Mind-voice.
:I was spacing out. I didn't even realize that the water is already cold! I'll be there in a minute, I need to dry off and get dressed.: Alder sent, and shivered.
Alder quickly rinsed in hot water, dried off, and then pulled on a light blue satin dress that beautifully accented her eyes. She left the bathhouse and carefully retraced her steps back to the suite. Keren was sitting by the fire, reading. She was dressed quite casually. Suddenly, Alder felt as if she had over-dressed. She slipped quietly into the room, and she looked down at her dress, but she only saw the rug. "Oh-my-GODS!" yelped Alder.
Keren looked up from her book, but was clearly puzzled. "Alder? Where- where are you?"
"I'm right through the door! Why am I invisible?!" Alder cried.
"Wow. I just looked in your direction with Mage-Sight—and all I see is your outline in a mass of pure power. Are you okay? How did you do that anyways?" said a shocked Keren.
"I-I was solid, but then I saw that I was way over-dressed for dinner and I got nervous, and when I looked down I wasn't there! I'm fine… just—when will this go away?"
"Presumably when you calm down. Why don't you go change if you are nervous?"
"I—okay." Alder went and changed, and found that she was visible again. Relieved and with renewed confidence, she went into the common room. At the supper-table was Damon, dressed in fancy breeches, and Avery wearing a green silk dress. Alder had to keep herself from laughing outright.
(
All throughout dinner, Keren acted as if nothing at all had happened, for which Alder was grateful. She might have gone invisible again had Keren embarrassed her like that! She wasn't used to being the center of attention, and certainly didn't want to start by having Keren tell Avery and Damon that she turned invisible when she was nervous or embarrassed. The spotlight would be on an empty seat.
Once dinner was over, Avery retreated to her room while Damon went to read by the fire. She was about to sit beside him when Keren Mind-Sent her. :We need to talk. Would you please come to my room?:
Alder quickly changed her direction before Damon noticed her. She went to Keren's room and quietly pushed open the door. "I suppose this is about the whole 'invisibility' thing. Are you going to teach me how to block it?" asked Alder.
"It is about your ability to disappear. Alder, this is unprecedented. This is some new magic that we haven't discovered. This is serious, if spy mages knew how to become invisible. Aletha would be in trouble. Assassins could easily get in to the palace—and who knows what would happen. Were you trying to become invisible?" asked Keren gravely.
"I was really embarrassed. I didn't try to do it. I think it has happened before, but I never looked at myself then."
" It seems that somehow your emotions are tied into your magic. Or rather, tangled. Or there is the possibility that anyone could do it. Now—think of how you felt then. Try to do it again."
Alder tried to remake the moment, but couldn't. She tried several times with no results. She willed herself into a light trance and searched her magic Channels. She tried to remake the scene again, and she saw a silvery- blue magic welling and making a new puddle. She quickly held onto the magic and set up a new Channel with it. Then she took the magic, and "covered" herself with it. She thought about invisibility, and then heard Keren gasp in surprise.
"Alder, you are invisible. Can you call it off? Then try it again." Keren requested. Alder dissipated the magic back into her Channel, and tried again. This time she felt Keren's "presence" watching what she did. "Did you make that Channel yourself? I don't remember seeing that when we untangled your magic…?"
"When you told me to remake the scene, I was watching my magic, and new magic was forming so I seized it and made it into a real Channel. Now its there to stay, I guess."
"Well, now that this magic is in Channel-form, you can shield it. Then it won't involuntarily make you become invisible. I still don't get it though. All magic has a theory behind it (besides foresight). You have this magic, but no one else in the Mage-Chronicles has shown the ability to disappear. But maybe this is tied into Empathy? You do have an extremely strong Gift of Empathy, one of the strongest that I have ever seen. It did respond to emotions…" she trailed off.
"Keren, I don't know the first thing about magic. If I were you, I wouldn't be asking me!"
"Okay. You've had a long day anyway. And a longer day for tomorrow! We must get you introduced to the court, and to Lissa. That will be at noon time. When that's done, Damon or Avery could tour you around the palace. How does that sound?" asked Keren.
"Sounds busy. It sounds fine. And if I'll be busy tomorrow, I should get sleep now, right? THAT sounds good!"
Keren laughed and then made shooing motions at Alder. "Off with you then! Good night, Alder. Welcome to Brighton."
"Goodnight, Keren. Thank you—for everything." Alder rushed up and gave Keren a hug, and then ran off to bed.
"Alder. Goodnight. Sleep well. You've got a big day ahead of you. Keren told me that you have a reception at Court tomorrow?" came Damon's voice by the fireplace. Alder hadn't noticed that he was still there.
"Yes, I do. Thank you. Are you going to sleep?" Alder asked.
"Yeah, I was just about to sleep. See you tomorrow." This was a clear dismissal, and Alder took her leave and went into her room. Even with all of her racing thoughts about her first (busy) day at Brighton, she quickly dropped off to sleep.
(
Alder woke to the sound of knocking on her door. From the amount of light streaming in through the window, it looked as if she had slept in late. Startled, she awoke immediately. "Come in!" Alder yelled.
Avery quietly opened the door and walked in. "Good morning! Keren is off at the tailor's getting a new dress tailored for Court today. She told me to wak you if you hadn't awakened by two candlemarks till noontime, which it is. Breakfast is out in the common room, and if you need any help in getting ready for court, I'm here." She turned on her heel and receded by to her room.
Court. Today. Well then. I need to eat and wash up. Alder got some clothes on and went into the vacant common room for breakfast. She quickly ate a small breakfast and found her way to the bathhouse. She couldn't eat much because her stomach was upset by nerves. She soaked in the bathtub and rinsed her hair carefully.
Then it struck her. What did you wear to be presented at Court? I don't have any dresses suitable for a Court…and I can't be presented to the Queen if I look like the peasant that I am. The point of this is to make a good impression.
She got out of the bathhouse once she had dried herself off and dressed. Getting dressed just to walk down the hall and dress again! She opened the door to their suite and started off to her room. Damon was absorbed in a book in the corner, and Avery wasn't in sight. Probably in her room, Alder thought.
"Good morning. How's it coming, Alder?" asked Damon, snapping his book shut. His blue eyes sparkled with amusement.
"This may seem…girlish, but I just realized that I don't know what I'm going to wear…and I say this in the least girlishly stupid way." Alder laughed.
"Well, I live with two girls, I'm used to the way that they take a long time to dress. Now I live with three girls! It's not a problem though. I had three sisters, and they cared much more about what others thought of them than Keren and Avery—and you, since you make it a point to tell me that you say that in the least self-conscious way of a female." Damon smiled, and Alder laughed. "You should ask Avery what to wear."
"She has already offered, and I guess that's the best thing to do. Well then." She smiled, and turned to Avery's room. "Avery?" she called, and knocked on the door to her room. Avery opened the door and smiled when she saw who it was.
"Hey, Alder! I suppose you want help deciding what to wear for Court?" asked Avery.
"Want? Need is more likely. I don't know what to wear that is suitable for a reception with the Queen," Alder commented.
"Do you just need advice on what to wear, or do you want to borrow some clothes? We are about the same body build, you could fit my clothes."
"Um—well I don't have any really nice dresses for receptions and stuff since Callista is pretty small and I never had to be introduced to my parents or relatives. So if I were to wear my own clothes, I'd only have one choice. Want to see it?" asked Alder.
"Sure." Avery followed her back in to her new room. Alder still hadn't finished unpacking, and went searching through her bag. After a minute, she pulled out a slightly creased yellow dress. It had a low neckline and a flowing skirt, but the dress didn't flatter Alder's features. Not to mention that the color didn't look good on her. It was rather plain. It was a hand-me-down from Olivia.
"It seems that my memory is distorted. My sister Olivia gave this to me two years ago and I thought it looked good on her—but then again she was beautiful and anything looked good on her!" Alder said mock-spitefully.
"Well, you are beautiful, Alder. You just need clothes that flatter you," Avery said timidly. Alder smiled.
"Thank you. So, what should I wear? I have no fancy outfits that I could wear in front of the Queen and her Court! Any ideas?" Alder asked.
"Yes, actually. I have a couple of dresses that I think would look really good on you. Come," she beckoned, and jogged to her room. Alder walked into Avery's room, and she was already searching through her closet. Soon Avery came out with clothes draped over her arm. "Why don't you try this one on first?" Avery handed a long blue-green dress to Alder. Alder had never been very modest; in her opinion, she didn't really have anything to be modest about.
So she took off her shirt. Avery flushed and carefully averted her eyes. "We're both girls, and anyways I was wearing a breast-band," Alder said as she pulled the first dress over her head. It fell gracefully to her feet, but hung strangely at her hips. It had pretty embroidery all over the top of butterflies.
"We can do better than that…" Avery handed Alder another dress. This one was a dark blue silk. Avery turned her head away, fiddling with something on her bedside table. Alder thought nothing of it, and pulled the dress on. It fit well, but it was rather plain. "It seems my memory is distorted. I had pictured it more elaborate than that. Oh well, I saved the best for last." Avery handed over the last dress.
Immediately Alder knew she liked it. It was a red silk dress, with beautiful black lace patterns over it. It was long and flowing, and the neckline was one that was usually quite flattering on Alder. She pulled the other dress off and folded it carefully, then pulled on the red dress. It was her favorite color to begin with, and it was flattering. Avery turned around and smiled. "That really is pretty on you. I knew it would be. Do you want to wear it?"
"If you'll let me borrow it. It is so pretty! Thank you so much for helping me. I really appreciate it. I have nice enough shoes to wear with it, but what should I do about my hair?" Alder asked. Then she realized how stupid she sounded, and she laughed.
"I'll do your hair for you." At Alder's nod, Avery sat Alder down on her bed and sat down behind her. She reached to her bedside table for her brush, and started brushing Alder's hair. Why do I set myself up like this? Avery wondered. She piled Alder's flowing hair elaborately. She twisted it into a bun and tied it up. "Turn around," Avery said. Alder complied with a smile on her face.
Avery brushed a fly away from her face, with some strong emotion in her eye that Alder couldn't read. She could tell that it was guarded. "You look great. The Queen will be jealous! Just kidding. Have you ever put on make-up? I think a light lip rouge would look good on you. What do you think?"
"Sounds great, but I don't know how to put it on well." Avery jumped up and went rummaging in her closet again. She pulled out a little brown case. She opened it and pulled out what Alder assumed was the eye shadow.
"Close your eyes!" Avery said, and laughed.
(
When Avery was done with her, Alder looked beautiful. She was quite surprised at what she saw. I simply am not plain anymore! she thought, and giggled at the oxymoron. Avery was over by her mirror fiddling with her own hair. "You really do look great, Alder. Let's see what Damon thinks!" She dropped her hair and went to the door. She opened it. "Good. Damon is by the fireplace…" she muttered.
"Announcing Alder of Callista, apprentice to Keren of Brighton, Chief Mage of the Council!" she projected loudly. Alder blushed, and timidly entered the common room. She did so gracefully, and then sat down while fluttering her skirts to lay around her. She waved her arm artistically, and looked up in to Damon's eyes.
"Well, suitable for a reception with the Queen?" Alder demanded.
"…More than suitable…You look—amazing. Keren is back, and she's getting ready in her room."
"Speak of the devil, right?" came Keren's husky voice. She was wearing practical dress breeches, and a low cut blouse. The breeches were gold with silver lining, and the blouse was a rich sapphire that brought out the faded color in her silver eyes.
Alder laughed. "Come to think about it, I couldn't really imagine you in a dress! Practical Keren."
"Indeed. You look great, Alder. We have to go now, though."
"Thank you, Avery! Bye," Alder said, and followed Keren out the door.
(
"Keren of Brighton, and apprentice Alder of Callista." Déjà vu, right? Alder thought, remembering. Avery's announcing comments. Keren motioned to have Alder follow her into the throne room. Alder reinforced her shields on the invisibility magic, fearing that she would disappear in front of the Court, and then entered the throne room.
It was relatively small in comparison to what Alder had imagined, but it was still rather large. At the back of the room, the Queen sat on her throne, and who Alder presumed was the co-consort Prince Andrew. On the sides of the dais were many tables, all filled with nobles and the people of the court.
"Keren! How good to see you back home. How the Mage Council has missed your advice!" came the deeply rich voice of Queen Lissa. On a first name basis with the queen, eh Keren? Didn't lead on that you are that powerful at court. Strangely, the thought calmed her nerves. Keren could handle any problems that Alder unknowingly got herself into. They walked down the aisle to the queen, where Alder dropped in a deep curtsey. The Queen actually stepped off her dais to engage Keren in a hug. Down to earth queen!
"Welcome to Brighton, Alder! Amazingly, I have heard a lot about you, through Mind Speech. I hear that you have great potential," Queen Lissa said. "I also hear that there is something that Keren wished to discuss in private. If now is an acceptable time?"
"Yes. Andrew, if you please?" Keren asked the Prince. He nodded, and exited through a barely visible exit through a curtain. Lissa followed, and Keren again motioned for Alder to follow her. Alder pushed through the curtain, and found herself in a dimly lit hallway. There were three doors along the hallway, and they opened and entered the second room. It looked to be a private meeting room for small groups. The room was furnished with a chair behind a desk, and two couches on the sides of the walls. Instead of taking the seats behind the desk, Andrew and Lissa gracefully sat down on a couch together. Keren and Alder sat on the couch opposite the Queen.
"I take it this meeting has to do with magic, you, Alder, or all three!" Lissa said.
"Two out of three. Alder apparently has discovered what I think is a new type of magic. She has found out how to disappear. This magic is abundant in her. It was linked into her emotions but she found a way to make it into a permanent channel. I was trying it last night after Alder went to sleep. After some trial, I found that I could do it too. That leads me to believe that anyone can do it. You know what that means."
Lissa nodded gravely. "Anyone who figured it out can enter the palace unnoticed. That can either explain a lot of strange occurrences in the past or be linked to the future." To this, Andrew nodded.
"We don't want to check every mage that comes into Brighton. That wouldn't even help! So—what are we to do about this?" Andrew asked.
"Get mages to guard important guests and ambassadors, and yourselves. Also get mages to guard the gates with mage-sight," Keren said. Keren went on to explain the new magic to Lissa and Andrew and write up a set of orders for mage-guards. Then they went into technical and political issues concerning invisibility, in which conversation Alder got lost and tuned out, and started analyzing Lissa's and Andrew's features.
Andrew was tall and had brown hair and green eyes. He was handsome, but he looked to be more scholarly than athletic. Lissa was surprisingly I shape and muscular. She had glossy brown curls past her shoulders, with bright red lips, blue-gray eyes, and a weathered face. Her features shower her serious, although gentle nature. The talking came to an end, and Keren stood up saying, "If that's all for now? There isn't anything that can be done right now, or today for that matter. I wanted to introduce Alder to the mage council. Maybe they'll have ideas."
"Okay then, Keren. I'll tell my advisors and the guard. Remember, we can't announce this at the Council. The Emelis and Tonnar ambassadors would kill for this information," Lissa said, and Andrew nodded.
"Anything new happening?" Keren asked.
"Only that Emelis has taken the defensive, and Tonnar is attacking with aquis. Emelis is appealing to the council for help defending itself with mages. Everyone has been anticipating your return as the head mage on council, because Jonas just isn't ready to lead council sessions, especially with the ambassador from Tonnar in his face." Lissa gave a look of distaste.
"May the gods give us patience," Keren said, exasperated. "By your leave, Alder and I shall make ours. Good afternoon, Andrew, Lissa. It's good to see you again."
"And you, Keren. We've missed you." At this, Keren got up and went to the door and left. Alder followed her back down the dark corridor in a state of shock.
"I didn't know receptions were so…person? By the way, what is aquis?" Alder asked.
"The Queen and I are friends. Aquis is a newly developed weapon that Tonnar discovered. It can basically be described as liquid fire. The results are absolutely devastating," Keren said gravely. She pushed through the curtain into the bustling throne room. Barely five seconds later, Keren was surrounded with people. Alder went and sat on a bench in the corner. She felt very self-conscious being alone.