Ch

The day in question was the busiest of all. She had to draw three clean and hot baths for them and help mother and Margerie get dressed and make the final fit alterations. She also had to make and pack the hampers of food and other odds and ends needed in the carriage. A party of this size would have plenty of food, but as mother said prudent nobles never never ate the food at such public events. They both knew this family was well below that status, but once again it was all part of the trappings for a mage to think they were. In addition to the picnic were kerchiefs, a good portion of my rainy day fund of lace ones as well as the more acceptable of Mageries' embroidery were scented ironed and packed away to give as gifts to potential suitors. Mother also had her pen several letters in the old tongue, the language used for magic. Part of her was tempted to write something ridiculous on them, mother wouldn't know better. She decided against it. She wanted Margerie to make a good match.

Just as the sun started to set the rented carriage arrived and she packed everything away and saw her family off. She planned to tidy up some of the disaster made in last minute preparations before heading out. She would borrow one of Margerie's dresses. Yvonne was a few inches shorter but other than that they were roughly the same size if she chose one in a slightly dated style that was tea length no one would be the wiser. She was musing on if she could get away with removing some of the ruffles as she tripped on a basket in front of the back door. For a second she panicked thinking it was one meant to be with them but left behind. Fortunately she didn't recognize the green strained wicker. She peeked inside.

She couldn't believe the old woman left me this; a dress for the ball? It was hardly something she asked for, but the letter that went with it explained better than she had. She wanted Yvonne to get her own life and she thought this was the way. Wear this dress and leave everything else behind. She wanted her to be recognized by other mages whether she practiced or not. She laughed reading the letter. She made this little excursion sound like her debutante. It wasn't the first time she had snuck out, though she had to admit this was a little different than sneaking out to see the lanterns of the alon festival float down the river.

She slithered into the dress struggling to put on a back lacing bodice clearly meant to have assistance with. It did not match the opulence of the high ladies she saw during the parade, but it was in the same sphere, and far nicer than anything else she had, even Margerie too. Fortunately, the pearl studded hairnet could hide how terrible she was at styling hair. Lastly, a pair of glimmering shoes. Immediately putting them on she could tell they were enchanted as she felt the manna wash over her. If she had any control over magic she might have known what they did. As ready as she ever would be she slipped out the back of the house and hurried to the ball.

She came on foot and left later than everyone else so she just made it before the doors closed. She nervously handed over the invitation hoping there was no kind of mistake. But the porter let me in with no questions. Just before entering the main hall she stopped. She had never been to a party like this; she only served as a chaperone for smaller gatherings like tea time. Mother was always the one that came for events as big as this. What was it like? She slipped off the ring to reveal her mana and entered the dance hall.

The room glittered in splendor. Silver and blue was the theme. The entrance took her to a balcony that surveyed the party before elegant curved stairs would take her to join them. Gentle music floated up to her ears. The melodious tune calmed her heart with its steady beat. She wondered if She would get to dance. She wondered if She should. She had helped with Hubert's dance lessons when Margerie refused so she knew the basics. She doubted anyone would dance with her, She had no one to introduce her. Settling herself one last time she turned away from the view and down the stairs. She stopped before the last step.

A man stood blocking my path, "May I have this dance my lady."

She stood frozen. She could not see the man's face for the terrifying aura that surrounded him. A familiar tremor she hadn't felt in a long time blurred my vision. She almost missed his words. The angry red aura did not behave like it should. It flickered and split like a fire, not the steady even glow it should be. At this close a distance she felt its overwhelming force and it scared her. She wanted to decline but was stunned into silence for too long. The man reached out and took her hand to lead me to the dance floor. As She touched his hand even through gloves she felt that red aura snap at her own. It burnt like needles or static shock.

She looked anywhere else to avoid his gaze which bore down on me. She turned my eyes to the crowd. They all watched me. She expected pity that she had been trapped, but instead envious eyes met mine. All across the dance floor she heard whispers. Who is she? How did she catch his eye? The great mage never glanced at me. She is so lucky. I wish I could dance with Ardal. She looked back to my dance partner. This was Ardal? There was no way this was the gentleman mage that saved Kasat from the empires' invasions. Sure he was the most powerful mage she had ever met, but though strong she knew there was something unstable in his power.

The longer he stared at her saying nothing the more she knew it was not just his magic that was frightening. He watched her unflinchingly. Inspecting her like a pig at the market. He must have made his decision by the time the dance ended because he did not let go. He did not release his grasp on her hand and almost dragged her to a balcony. There he released her but he stood blocking the exit. I backed against the railing and scanned for an escape.

"What is your name?"

"My name?"

"Yes, you have one don't you? What family do you belong to," he smiled darkly, coming closer at each word. She was paralyzed unable to do anything but tremble. She didn't know what he wanted with her but she didn't want it, whatever it was. Drops of sweat sent shivers down her spine. Like the breaking of a spell the clock struck the hour. She was able to move again. The balcony wasn't very high. Before he could come one step closer, she lept the railing landing in the bushes below. She sprinted out of the garden not daring to look back and see if he was following. She lost a shoe in the process and tore the dress terribly. She made it home long before my mother and sister. She quickly took off the dress and put back on her old clothes. She didn't feel calm till her mana was hidden once more. Surely he wouldn't find her. A house of stone was the last place he would look for a mage. She was safe and she wouldn't be found. She lamented that my teacher's gift had gone so wrong, but maybe that was just the world telling her where my place was.

Everything felt muted, sedate the next few days. Magerie had failed to make any match or promise of one at the ball. That along with Hubert's belligerent attitude doing more harm than good at the ball all three were in a foul mood. She didn't mind though, none of their petty bullying could compare to the fear she felt seeing Ardal. She said as much to my teacher when she told her of the events of the ball. Abigailr looked disappointed, how could she not be when the ball went so terribly.

"I never imagined you would catch Ardal's eye. Was he really as terrible as you say?" she said in deep thought.

"Yes, I have never been so afraid in all my life." She shook just thinking about his unhinged aura.

"Perhaps you have never seen a mage with that kind of power before. I know you perceive manna differently from the rest of us."

She shook my head, "Even if his magic hadn't been tainted with something foul, his mannerisms and continence were enough for me to want no part of him. I can't believe he is called a gentleman."

"First impressions aren't everything, but I am sorry that night went so poorly. I mean to run out like that, I would never take you as someone so rash."

"I'm not. If you ever meet him you would understand."

She understood why her teacher didn't understand. Ardal the war hero was someone everyone loved. He had been the star of that party. Even she admired the eloquence and wit of his quotes in the papers. In many ways she couldn't reconcile the man she met and the one she was told he was. She did question if she had been wrong, but any time she thought back to his cold smile and aura she knew she wasn't.

That was all the more reaffirmed when she met him again. It started with the normal screech from her mother for her to get in here. If the tone was any different from normal, she didn't notice. She ran to the sitting room, perplexed to see her teacher who had never came here before, but any questions that brought immediately faded as a familiar red aura filled her vision. It was strong and more erratic than she remembered. She stood shaking thinking she would faint, not even when father had come with his riding crop had she felt so terrified. Mother grabbed her arm and dragged her into the sitting room before she could bolt. She felt like she could faint and throw up at the same time as she was sat across from Ardal the hero mage.

"See," said her teacher. "I told you I knew where she was. She is just a little nervous to be acknowledged as a mage, with a name like hers you see."

I struggled not to cry as she spoke, why would she bring him here?

"Yes she is the woman I met, but …"

"Oh, forgive me." Mother said, grabbing her hand and removing the manna suppression ring.

"Yes," he smiled. She could help but flinch at his words. "You are quite jumpy my dear, I thought so when we first met and you leaped over the banister and off into the night like a little deer. You are staring at me just like a deer right now too." he chuckled, "Don't worry I find it rather endearing, though I do expect you to not bolt like you did before if you are to become my wife."

"Isn't it wonderful Yvonne, just the other day I was joking that one of my daughters would catch the great Ardal's eye at the ball, but I've never."

She couldn't believe what was happening. In a last desperation she looked to Hubert and Margerie. Surely they would object. Magerie had a crush on him, and Hubert hated mages. All that was forgotten as they both busied themselves opening presents Ardal must have brought. No one would help her. She wiped her eyes trying to push down the fear. She needed a clear head if she was going to save herself.

"Is it really true you want to marry me?" She spoke, hoping the trembling fear would come off shy.

"Of course, I haven't stopped looking for you since that night."

"Why me, I'm nothing special."

"Would you believe it was love at first sight?" Not in a million years would she believe that. She cast my eyes down, "I'm sorry for running like that, It's just … This is embarrassing but I wasn't really supposed to be there. I'd heard about the party and wanted to see, but then I met you. And I couldn't get caught in my lie." She pressed her hand over her lips like she was flustered. She wouldn't really care about that, the fact she lied now showed how confident she was in it.

"Is that so," whether he bought it or just was letting her get away with it didn't matter. "That is nothing to be embarrassed about my dear. Trust me you weren't the only one sneaking in that party, and I doubt any others had such innocent intentions as you."

"You're not mad? I thought that was why you took me to the balcony." She wondered what mother thought of this display. She knew Yvonne wasn't a naive fool like her act, but it was in her benefit not to call the bluff. Not when Ardal smiled at it. He reached out and brushed her cheek. It took all the resolve in her body not to draw away from him.

"I'll take that as a yes then?"

"Of course, yes." She said with a tight smile making my voice squeak.

"Then allow me to do the honors." He pulled out a ring and put it on her trembling hand.

"Ouch," She said involuntarily as something pricked her. She held her hand up to see a bead of red blood well up.

"Forgive me, I should have warned you. The ring is enchanted so that I can always come and protect you. It does prick at first." he said and placed the ring on again. A magic item on his person flashed. He looked annoyed as he saw it, but he stood to leave mercifully.

"I hope you don't mind a quick simple ceremony, with the war and all."

"Of course she doesn't," said mother.

"Good. I will have to leave shortly after but you would be making all the arrangements with my butler anyways."

He stood and offered a hand to escort her. She stood but didn't follow. "Um, would you mind if I stayed one last night here to say goodbye."

"There is no need to say goodbye, we all are coming with you." said my teacher.

"I … I know. I just want to say goodbye to the house. I've only ever lived here after all."

Ardal glanced at Abigail and with confirmation said, "Of course, I will be sad to be parted but it might be for the best I can prepare properly for you and your family to come now." He bowed and gave her hand a kiss that made her stomach churn before leaving.

She turned to look at the others. It didn't surprise her that much that her family would sell her out against her will, especially when none of them would have any clue of the depths of Ardal's menace, but my teacher? I looked at her despondent.

With some guilt she said, "You couldn't do any better than the strongest mage in the country. You should be happy."

"Yes, we all finally will get to live the lives we deserve." said mother.

She didn't know how cruel a statement that was. Ardal didn't have to say anything for her to know his intentions were ill, it was in the tone of his voice, his posture, the sticky residue of magic in the ring he placed on her. While mother and her siblings dug through the gifts she spoke more privately to my teacher.

"Why did you call him, you knew …. Why."

"You may hate me now, but even if you don't love him - if you hate him. Just smile and bear with it, trust me."

"Why?"

"This war is far more serious than you think. We are losing."

"I know that, I see the reports of new land lost almost daily."

"Of course you have, and I'm sure you have heard all about their general winning those wars."

"Who hasn't heard of the devil."

"I forget how little you know. The lords are on the move that the general will be dead soon."

"How can you be so sure?"

"I am still connected to the communication mages. I know things. The lords are on the move Ardal and his mages are cover. Children of stone will be sent out to kill him."

She was almost distracted by such news, but continued. "What does this have to do with me and Ardal?"

"That general's death will change a lot of things."

"How?"

"Well, not in the way you think. That little devil isn't what we should worry about. He may be strong individually but that isn't the empire's strength that would be its numbers of mages. Killing him would only be kicking the hornet's nest sending us a real general with a proper army of mages. Chances of Kasat winning were always slim, but it will only get smaller if they do kill the devil."

"Then won't marrying Ardal be a bad move in the long run?"

"No, because there is only one group the empire is lenient to during conquering, mages and only strong ones at that. Ardal is the only true mage of skill in Kasat, win or lose when all this is over Ardal will be the one most likely ruling the land weather that is because his influence has oustriped the lords of stone who are happy to live in ignorance in their mansions or as the regional governor after the empire incorporates us."

"Even if that is true, I didn't have to marry him. You know my family is of such little consequence they wouldn't bother to take care of us even if there was a purge of the blood. My manna would be enough to save me from that. I have only been put closer in the crossfire now."

"Do you really have no aspirations? How can you be content with such a terrible life? If you cared even a little bit more you might have made a mage."

"It was not for lack of trying that I couldn't do magic. I'm just being practical when I stopped that futility."

"You care more about making lace than magic."

"Yes, you said you wanted me to be happy to have a better life. You know what. Lace makes me happy, magic doesn't."

"But if you were a mage, think of all the money, the power you could have. You wouldn't be slaving for your family. If you were as good as your potential you could get them all put in jail. You'd be living in luxury."

"I know you love magic, but I don't. You know you are probably right about me not being able to do magic because I didn't want it. I'm not like you, I'm not cut out for it. Maybe it was because magic being evil was literally beaten into me, but it scares me. Even before I could make a spell, feeling my manna move and trying to force it. I'm just not cut out to be a mage. I couldn't handle the pain and fear."

"That's why you should be happy with Ardal. A man like him will never need his wife to do magic, he or his subordinates will do it for you."

"Then why does he want me?"

"I told you before, they don't care about women's actual abilities. All that matters is your mana pool, and you have an exceptional one. The answer of why he wants you is very simple, so his children have good magical talent." She laughed, "I was one of the most accomplished women mages in Kasat, why do you think I am single? It's not by choice. You and your eyes can see I didn't have a large manna pool to begin with and after it was damaged well odds were none of my children would be mages."

"I didn't think magic was inherited."

"Yes and no, it is true magic can spring up anywhere, accepting the blood of course, but mages of any repute have one thing most in common, the size and purity of their mother's manna. It is theorized it is not so much a hereditary thing but more that growing in such an environment is conducive to developing their manna, but nevertheless there is a definite correlation. It is also the reason why so few women practice magic beyond the basics. I foolishly thought I could have it all, but most don't risk running both their manna pools and chances at a good match."

"Is it supposed to comfort me knowing this?"

"Of course it is. I won't pretend Ardal was a man in love, but he will still treat you well to secure his future if nothing else. Don't worry you won't be closeted away forever, most women mages have circles of their own. I can guide you through it after your wedding. Ardal believes I'm your godmother, which I basically am. I have taught you everything. Your mother will be even more useless than she was before. Send your family away to an annex or even better the country. I will look after you and get you settled in society while Ardal is away at war."

My heart fell as she rambled away. I wondered if this was her motivation all along. If when I first climbed through that hole in the garden wall as a little girl all she saw was my pure mana. "It's been some time since I have moved in society's circles, but the more things change the more they stay the same, plus you will have the boost of your husband's name."

"Is my manna really that good that a mage of his repute would want me?"

"Can't you feel it? The difference in your manna compared to others."

"I can't see my own aura only others."

"Right , oh don't mention your little quirk about seeing manna to Ardal ok. I don't think It is a big deal you can still sense mana in spells too so no need to concern him."

"Ok, I definitely don't want to upset him."

"Then it is settled?"

"Yes, I have made up my mind."

"Good, I knew you would see the light. This is for the best, for everyone."

"I'm going to go pack up my things now."

"Don't bother, you will get everything new when you move."

"I still want to take some things of sentimental value."

"Alright, you will be happy with this choice dear. You will see."

"Yes and thank you for everything. You have let me see clearly for once."