Second Week as a Familiar

Finally a routine was in place for the spacefaring familiar. After a few more days to acclimate, he set himself a schedule, keeping himself fit and sharp. Every day without fail, he'd begin with Louise and her classes till lunch. Afterwards he'd split off for his own routine. While learning how magic here worked was good, he figured that the afternoon lessons on nobility could be skipped. Louise shined there, and didn't need the emotional support in those classes.

Every other day, he'd exercise by either running as he could and shadow sparring in Vestri court. Today however was a day of the mind.

"Maybe one of these days I should get Guiche to summon up some golems for me..." he mused as he poured over a book of Tristain's language. He was getting the learning down quickly, much more than some of his other lessons, though it was easy in comparison to his hardest learned language.

*Honestly though, this is unnatural...* he thought. He expected to still be on picture books and the like. But here he was with high elementary level reading. While not much, it had only been a few days that he'd picked this much up. He glanced to his new blade. Perhaps he knew something.

"Hey Derf. What are the supplemental powers that come from being Gandalfr? I get the whole weapon proficiency and increased physical ability, but is there anything else?"

"Hmmm..." the sword thought, popping out of the scabbard. "Not much comes to mind. I believe the power of the runes can help you learn faster in this new world, but that's all I can think of."

Kamvex looked down to his left arm. These runes were incredible, and he needed to find more. He was nearly ready to start looking further into the libraries during the nights for true confirmation and proof. Based on her personality, Louise would take nothing less than 100 percent proof of her Void Magic. He and Derflinger just saying as such would do nothing.

That was for the probable future though. For now, he was starting to get stiff. He rose, stretching and popping joints as he twisted and turned, before he saw one of the rarer familiars looking about curiously. Tabitha's dragon, Sylphid he believed the name was. *I wonder how the dragon's here are? She seems alright.* With that, he began to head over.

Sylphid saw the tall human coming to her almost immediately. He had an air of calmness to his presence that only a few rare humans had. It was the same air that her summoner had as well. As he approached, he outstretched his warm hand as a gesture of good faith. *He doesn't seem bad,* the young dragon thought. She craned her long neck down and nuzzled her snout against the hand.

"Wow, you are a tame one aren't you," he commented. "Most of the dragons back home would incinerate someone doing this by your age." He chuckled when she gave him an inquisitive look. "Looking for Tabitha then?" She nodded with a light growl. "Unfortunately classes aren't over yet, but I was heading over to the kitchen for a snack if you'd like something."

At the thought of a snack, the dragon beamed. {"OH a snack? Illococoo would love a snack before seeing Big Sis!"} She growled and chirped happily.

"Illococoo? Is that your real name?"

The azure dragon froze. Had she messed up? She had spoken in her native tongue, right!? {"How? How did you...? I didn't say anything in human! Did I!?"}

Kamvex stared at the panicking dragon. "No no, nothing like that. You didn't say anything in the common language here."

She looked confused and distressed. If she didn't say anything, then how-

{"My family has been able to speak in Draconic for millennia."} He said in the old dragon tongue she had been used to. "I'm actually quite fluent, but it's murder on the throa- WHOA!"

The friendly dragon snatched him up in what he could assume was too tight of a hug. {"Wow, oh WOW! I can talk to someone! I can actually talk to someone else! This is so great!"} She exclaimed excitedly.

"Not if I die from this... " he said as he was rag dolled around. "Air please!"

Realizing what she was doing, Illococoo set him down. {"Sorry Mister..."}

"Kamvex. Not Mister. I'm not that much older than your Big Sis."

The dragon's eyes closed as she thought. Then popped open excitedly again. {"Then, how about Brother Vexy!"} At this, he face planted. With a confused tilt of the head, his companion addressed him again, {"Brother Vexy?"}

"How is it..." he began, mumbling in the dirt, "that every hyperactive woman I meet calls me that?" The dragon just blinked innocently.

"Kamvex!" Louise shouted. Her final class for the day had ended well enough, but she expected her partner familiar to be waiting for her like he had been for the last several days. She groaned as she began searching, "Geez, where is that guy? He shouldn't be leaving me like this."

An arm wrapped around her shoulders as a flirtatious voice sounded. "Boy trouble, Vallière?"

Said girl sighed, removing the arm from around her. "I don't know if I like you this way more or less Zerbst," she started. "But no, just trouble finding him."

After their shopping trip, Louise and Kamvex decided to wait for the redheaded flirt to return. After Sylphid came flying into the courtyard she tried to escape, but was unable to get away from the adventurer. After a good scolding and more talk, Kirche had tried to tone things down a bit, in exchange for Louise being less hostile. The Germainian didn't feel that the two of them had to fight over their ancestors' spats, and so the two began an uneasy familiar acquaintance.

Well, uneasy on Louise's part. Kirche acted as if they'd been friends since birth. The redhead in question spotted Tabitha looking around worriedly as well. Her mannerisms may have been masked to most, but the way she was whistling, she may as well be crying out louder than Louise!

"I know Tabitha was going to take Sylphid out on a ride today," she commented. "And Kamvex seems the curious sort. Perhaps we'll find them together?" The pinkette thought a moment before nodding.

Tabitha was in fact worried. Illococoo had not yet ignored her calls, and this was troubling for the young woman. Just as she was about to call again, she heard a call from her friend and turned to them, now noticing the lack of familiars. "Missing familiars..."

Kirche shrugged, "If I know Flame, he's currently napping in my room. It's Darling and your Dragon that are missing."

Louise twitched at the lustful redhead's nickname for her familiar but calmed herself down. Having Kamvex for a familiar and further tolerating Kirche was doing wonders for her hair trigger anger. "The succubus here thinks Kamvex is too curious for his own good. I tend to agree in this case."

Tabitha turned downward to think. From what she knew, it made sense. The human familiar was a curious sort. That also wasn't taking into account the curiosity of her own partner as well. "Sylphid... curious as well. Concur." She turned to Louise. "Where to start?"

Louise brought a hand to her chin, resting it between the thumb and index finger. She had unknowingly started copying her familiar's thinking pose. "Mmmm... it's possible he went to the kitchens. That maid, Siesta, usually works the kitchens around this time."

After having given him permission to get more food if he wanted, Kamvex had taken to it in a heartbeat. He would still eat meals with Louise, but during the early afternoon or after dinner he would head to the kitchen for more food and conversation. Louise continued to decline his offers to go with him. She believed in two truths about the situation.

The first was that she was a noble, she did not simply consort with commoners and serving staff. The second was that because she was a noble, she doubted they would want her there anyway. Either way, usually not going was for the best. This time however, he was late, and possibly holding up another's time as well.

As the girls came around the bend leading to the servants' quarters and kitchen, they heard the boisterous voice of Kamvex, chattering away incessantly. Thinking it was the maid he was talking to, she paid no mind, until she spotted him. Dragon next to him, no maid in sight, and carrying on a conversation with the azure beast.

She turned to question her blue haired companion but before she could, Tabitha rocketed forward, staff in hand and ready to attack. Just what was going on?!

Illococoo, Kamvex realized, was an incredibly curious creature. From what he was eating to his family's wealth of stories, she wanted to talk and listen. Originally he had planned to include Siesta but she had been called out to the headmaster's office for one reason or another. Which was fine, it just meant he didn't have to act as a translator now. It could be done again at another time.

Though he had talked so much, now it was his turn to ask questions. "So, what was your home like Syl?"

The dragon tilted her head at the nickname, but happily answered. {"Oh the forest out here is lovely! There's a good amount of game and a nice spacious cave to call home!"}

"You misunderstood me," he replied. "What was your home like before your summoning? You're young enough to just be coming out of wyrmling status so I'd have to think your parents still cared for you."

Illococoo eyes closed as she thought. Then they began to strain as she wracked her brain to remember. However... {"I don't know..." }

Kamvex looked down, saddened, the effect hed previously thrown off becoming clear. "I see. So that was the other effect." She tilted her head in question. "When I was first summoned here, I felt an odd sensation in the back of my head. I've felt the type before, most mind affecting spells feel that way. I threw off that particular effect, though I was wondering what it was. Seems I have my answer." He looked to the skies and sighed, closing his eyes. {"That's too cruel. "}

The dragon looked down to him, seeing he was deep in thought. {"But if I don't remember, then i can't be sad, right? Isn't that good?"}

Kamvex opened his eye to her. "Pretend it was Tabitha that was taken from you. Think how you would feel if you found her and she knew nothing about your existence." She moved her head away sadly. That thought... it hurt. Then the boy continued. "Perhaps with base creatures and magical beasts with a bit less initial intelligence this is fine, but for someone like you or me? I'd hate it if my memories began to slip away."

Illococoo looked down, the thought of someone she cared about not knowing her? Of Big Sis Tabitha not remembering her? It was painful. If she felt that from a hypothetical question, then what about... her parents... If she ever ran into them, would she even remember? The thought stared to make her worry.

Kamvex could hear the soft growls and rumblings from the beast by him, surmising her feelings. With a grin, he kipped up. "Don't worry about it Illococoo. " The dragon's head swiveled to face him. "When we get some more freedom, I'll look into these this, see if we can't track down where you came from." As he was stretching his hand out to give his new friend a pat, it was only his experience that allowed him to back away in time for a blade of wind to pass.

This was followed up by Tabitha springing in between her familiar and the possible threat. "Won't hunt her. Die." The bluenette then quickly chanted as a drill of air came after her target.

"Whoa!" Another quick dodge got him out of the way. "Look, even if I WAS going to hunt a dragon, it would be a big one terrorizing a city, and I assure you that it would be more than just me!"

"Kamvex, what did you do!?" His mistress demanded as she ran to the site.

"Your guess is as good as mine! Hey Sylphid, little help here? Why is Tabitha trying to kill me!?" Another blast of wind came his way, though this time Kamvex was unable to dodge, sending him careening away.

"Know too much. Cannot take chance."

Sylphid flew up in a panic. {"I... I'm a Rhyme Dragon, a rare type that can speak human language and... and other things. But we're nearly extinct. Big Sis is trying to protect me!"}

That clicked with the adventurer. He looked up to the determined eyes of Tabitha. "I'm not a heartless bastard. I won't hand her over to anyone. I was talking with her because I understand the Draconic language."

Tabitha raised her staff to just under his chin. She searched for any lies within his speech before turning slightly to her familiar. "Truly?" The dragon nodded vigorously. Had her master not been meaning to kill someone, it may have been an amusing sight. Said girl turned back to the target of her ire. "Prove."

Kamvex cleared his throat a bit before speaking in a gravelly tone, words that made no true sense to her, but that she was used to hearing from Sylphid. She held her stance for a moment before dropping her staff. "Watching you. Sylphid, come." Without another moments hesitation, the Galian turned and mounted the dragon and directed it to fly off.

{"See you later, Brother Vexy!"}

The captain watched as the two flew away before laying flat with a thud and sigh of relief. The sun was blocked by the appearance of Louise standing over him with Kirche giggling just behind. "Is this a weekly thing you do?" Louise asked. "Just continuously cause or get into trouble?"

"We have not yet gotten to trouble yet," he answered instantly. "But, yes, that is my usual M.O." Of course, with that kind of answer he made sure to prepare for the incoming kicks from Louise and laughter from the by standing redhead.

"So, how is your research going?" Louise asked once in the safe confines of her room. Kamvex had let her in on his plans to further look into the familiar powers he had. Though all she knew so far was that there was a specific name and the base power set of increased physical ability while wielding a weapon, and the gained proficiency of the weapon. He said he couldn't yet figure the name out due to his lack of linguistic knowledge, but she thought he may be hiding something from her. She would trust him for now, but soon she'd be asking for details.

Kamvex set down the latest book he had completed and sat down in the corner. He recounted the things he learned today from his talk with Illococoo. About the memory wipe that the familiar sealing spell caused, and that he had fought out of. Then there was the possible minute learning increase he gained to help acclimate to this world based on how quickly the language was coming to him.

Louise nodded at each new thing spoken about, taking everything in. This was all more than what most mages knew about the Familiar Summoning and might prove useful for further study. She was relieved that Kamvex was strong enough to shake the memory wipe effect from her spell. Knowing him now, she'd have felt terrible for such an effect. "So will you be going for more information tonight?" She asked.

He nodded in confirmation. "I have to. The steady hour or so time limit that I have makes this more difficult. "

"If you can find the name..." Louise started, "I can use our Void Day to look further into this. It's for my sake as well, I want to know what my element is supposed to be."

"Of course. I'll see what I can find tonight." With that he stood and stretched before casting his spell and slipping out the door.

She had finally pulled herself together after a few hours. The meeting with the headmaster had gone horribly for Siesta, her fate being sealed as she was plucked from her lifestyle and was to be delivered to the Comte de Mott the next morning. After gracefully thanking the headmaster for the opportunity, and his asking forgiveness from her, she left to collect herself.

That had been when the sun was only just staring to descend in the afternoon. She had tearfully told the serving staff when she was making what she figured to be her final rounds. After collecting and packing most of her things, the young maid decided to come out for one final walk beneath the stars in this place. The only person she wished to have gotten to see before she left was the one that defended her just a week ago, and had become her friend.

"Well if it isn't Siesta. Fancy a midnight stroll tonight?" a familiar voice rang out. She turned to see the man she'd been thinking of moments prior. Kamvex just gave her a casual wave. "Yo."

"Ah, hello Mr. Kamvex. Yes, I was a bit restless and wanted to take a quick walk to clear my mind." She thought for a moment before speaking again. "I actually wanted to thank you."

"Thank me? What for?"

"Saving me for one," she reminded him. "And for the kind of example you've been. You don't just bow to the whims of the nobility. And you strive to better yourself all the time it seems."

He chuckled, "It's nothing like that. Right now it's a necessity. The bettering myself part at least. And anyone can stand against something, as long as you think it's just. Sometimes you just need the right tools."

She smiled gently. "Still it gives those like me courage at times. So never change Mr. Kamvex." She bowed and bid him a farewell. As she left, she held her head high. At least for now, she could look onward with courage.

[The Next Day - Kitchens]

After his run and workout, Kamvex had made his way to the kitchens. He was concerned about Siesta. Once again he hadn't seen her about during the day. Normally he could find her at least somewhere while free-running the walls, but today the serving staff seemed short handed slightly.

"Hey Marteau," he called to the head chef, "have you seen Siesta yet today? You all seem short staffed by a person today."

Marteau was a well rounded man that was one of the few taller than the spacefarer. He looked up from the meal he was making for the students later, "I see, she didn't tell you." The boy was confused before the chef continued. "She was called upon by another noble to serve him. It's unfortunate, but those of us in the commoners class can not refute such a thing. She was picked up this morning during classes."

Kamvex was stunned. Was this why she was thanking him last night? "Do you know of the noble that came for her?"

"Yes, it was a local lord known as Count Mott. I've seen this too many times. Mott will come by and if he sees a servant he likes, he requests them on the spot." The violet eyes of the teen narrowed. Something told him this wasn't good.

[Louise's Room - Later That Day]

"Count Mott? Yes I know of him," Louise responded. "He's a messanger from the palace that comes to the institute from time to time. Honestly, I don't like him, he's far too arrogant and cocky for his position."

"So, what, he needs another maid?" Kamvex asked as he finished cleaning the window. "From what the chef said this isn't the first time he's done this."

Derflinger popped out of his sheath at that moment. "If a noble asks for a young girl by name, it's to take her as a mistress. Do they really not have this kind of thing where you're from space boy?"

"Yeah, it's called kidnapping." He turned to Louise, "is this true?"

She nodded, "I've heard a lot of stories like that involving nobility."

Kamvex looked down. He couldn't do things half cocked here, he was mostly alone. He closed the window and strode to the door.

"Where are you going?" Louise asked.

"To get some answers."

[Old Osmand's Office]

Normally by this time, the wizened old man would have closed down his office and been in bed. It was a pain to stay up this late at his age, but as was the case with most of Mott's visits, he needed to go through the prospective servants he could hire in. Preferably before the next Day of Void. He nearly jumped at an unexpected knock at the door. "Yes, come in."

He had been expecting maybe Colbert, of possibly Miss Longueville. But the furthest from his mind was the legendary Gandalfr. He schooled his features and addressed him. "How can I help you young man?"

Kamvex strode to the desk, a neutral look in his eyes. "It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance Sir Osmand. I've come to enquire about the maid taken away today. Siesta de Tarbes."

The wizard stroked his beard at this. "Ah yes. Lovely girl. It's a shame we couldn't keep her on." He then locked eyes with the young man. "What do you wish to know?"

"Several things. Most immediately, how many times does Mott claim a new maid? Did he ask for her by name?"

The old man nodded. "He did indeed. Mott does this every other month or so. Because he's higher in our social circles, I'm in no position to deny him."

Once again violet eyes narrowed, staring out the window before the young man turned. "Thank you for the time sir. I'll be on my way."

"Of course. If there's anything else I can do, please do let me know."

Kamvex stopped at the door for a moment. He turned just enough to address the master wizard. "Tell her. Or I will. And I won't wait long."

"I don't know what you're-"

"As a familiar... and more importantly as Gandalfr, it is my duty to look out for her." The old man's eyes widened at his knowledge. "I don't give a damn about that. She deserves to hear this from those she trusts, not just me."

Old fingers tightened around a quill and paper. This boy had a presence to him the old man had felt only a few times in his centuries of life. It wasn't quite to the level of Karen of the Heavy Winds, but it was a different kind of pressure.

"And if we decide that is the wrong decision? "

"Then it seems you are fine with neglect. And I'll take it into my own hands. Good night, sir." And with that, the teen left.

Osmand sat in his office, unmoving for quite a while before he took another look at the paperwork in his hands. His eyes glanced back to the door, before he slid a desk drawer open and filed the papers into it. He turned to gaze out into the courtyard as he noticed some movement near the gate.

"It seems I will have to speak with Colbert once more on our Void Mage. Now..." He closed the curtain and began to make his way to his chambers. *How will you bring back our unwilling wayward maid, Gandalfr? *

Louise paced back and forth as she waited for Kamvex to return to their room. She had skipped dinner entirely, hoping that he would be coming back to explain himself, but as time passed, it almost seemed less and less likely. Just as she was about to go looking though, her door opened to reveal a determined Kamvex. He gave her a single glance before moving to his things, removing his Tristanian outfit and pulling on his adventuring gear.

"What do you think you're doing?" Louise asked. "You can't seriously be thinking of going up against Count Mott?"

He had a slight glare to his eye as he looked back at her. This wasn't a look she'd seen on him yet. And it came with a terrifying answer for her.

"Of course I am. And so are you."

A/N: Wow, an update with a bit of a schedule? Let's see if I can keep this up? So who's ready for our heroes to go kick Count Mott's ass?