It Began with a Wedding

There was an island. Tropical and surround by a vast expanse of crystalline water. The sky was clear, and the sun was bright. No birds sang. And although the waves were lapping at the white sand, they made no sound. In the distance, out in the sea, a figure was stood, too far away to make out. A blink, and a huge wave was approaching the tiny island, the figure stood in its path. Another blink and the wave crashed down on the island; the world was spinning. Then, upon resurfacing, the island was different. Broken. No sea left glistening in the sunlight that was no longer there. Just an empty expanse of swirling Darkness surrounding the shattered remains of the land. And that figure. Still stood in the distance.

"The door… Has opened."

XXXXX

Brown eyes opened to the grey overcast sky as a chilled breeze rustled through the grass around her.

"Same dream…" The girl sat up, groggy from her nap, as an eagle screeched above her. Her black hair swayed in the breeze atop the overhang she had been sleeping on and she cast her eyes out to the valley sprawling below her. Lush and green, it expanded down to a cove at one end where a fishing village could be seen stretching out across the water, the tiny people going about their daily business. The opposite end of the valley rose to the clifftops with a single winding path being the only way in and out of the secluded basin. And to the North of where the girl was surveying was a large stone fort with red and gold banners flying alongside white streamers and flower garlands on this day. The sun was trying to break through the cloud cover but to no avail, though rain didn't seem imminent. Bells tolled from the fort, echoing across the valley.

"That time already, huh?" Taking one last breath through the nose, inhaling the mixture of pine and faint sea salt, the girl stood up and headed into a small cave in the cliffside, carefully shimmying down the passage until she was met with a wall of vines and daylight beyond it. Pushing through the curtain, she was met with a handsome black shire horse, strong and well-tempered, tethered to a large oak tree. He was her favourite and the only other soul to know about her secret overhang. "Ready to go home, boy?" She said petting his nose and mane as she untied his reins and proceeded to mount him, cantering of towards the large fortress. Upon spotting a clearing, she slowed her steed and hopped down to inspect the beautiful yellow and white flowers around them, carefully selecting a bunch to pick before continuing her journey.

XXXXX

Having settled her trusty steed into his stall at the stables and rewarded his hard work with some apples, the girl made it through the gatehouse of the fortress and into the courtyard which was so bustling with people she practically had to dance through the people rushing to and from the main hall in order to see what the commotion was for. Inside the hall, the walls were covered with decorative flowers and great sashes of fine white fabric draped between the sconces and chandeliers. The long tables were laden with bouquets and silverware, arranged in a square so that there was a large space in the centre of the hall. She was taking in the elegant yet rustic décor when a shrill voice echoed across the space.

"Raven!" Turning to see an older lady with grey hair pulled back into a tight bun wearing modest robes. Her features were sharp, and her lips were thin, yet the almost black eyes radiated a surprising warmth. "Did you really think today was a day to go of galloping into the woods? Oh, look at the state of you!" She strode over and started dusting off her shoulders. Raven held up the bouquet of wildflowers she'd picked from the clearing.

"I though the Bride might want some fresh flowers for her wedding day." She grinned sheepishly and rubbed her neck with her free hand. The older woman's stern gaze softened into a warm smile as she took the flora.

"That's very sweet, dear. They're lovely. I'll get them ready for the ceremony." Smiling and nodding, Raven turned around to leave but was caught by the collar of her top. "After I get you ready for the ceremony, young lady!" The young girl grumbled as she was dragged through the exit and towards the chapel of the building. Once in the vestry, the elder woman left to attend to the bride to be and Raven was greeted with her two best friends. Kaz, a lanky brunette girl of fifteen with olive-coloured eyes was sat in a yellow dress, weaving elderflowers into the ginger hair of Tara, who was sat between her knees, also in a yellow dress.

"There you are!" Tara exclaimed, blue eyes rolling in exasperation and hands on hips in a huff.

"We were wondering if you were going to show up in time." Kaz chuckled, nodding her head over to a third yellow dress. Raven picked it up and went behind a screen to wash and change. "So, what took you so long?" Kaz asked from the other side.

"Just lost track of time. Dozed off a little. I had plenty of time though, the bells would've woken me up if nothing else." She grimaced as she fitted the white pumps onto her feet, just slightly too tight for her. "And picked some flowers on the way back for our blushing bride. You know she loves elderflowers and marigolds." Stepping out from the screen with the intention of throwing her hair up into some kind of style but failing as the black locks flopped back into her face.

"You look pretty!" Tara said, clapping a little as she got up but strode towards her friend and started manoeuvring her towards a chair via her hair. "But we can improve a lot!"

"Gee, thanks." Raven replied dryly.

"Hush you, we haven't got much time now." She scolded as she brushed the knots out of the short, dark hair and twisting it into braids which Kaz then came and wove more elderflowers into. With a quick dusting of powder and mascara, the trio were finally ready. "I bet she looks beautiful!"

"Isn't that the idea?" Raven replied. "C'mon we need to be by the alter before it starts.

"Kaz, shoes."

"Oh, right!" And the trio hurried through to the chapel.

Raven wasn't usually fond of makeup or dressing up for that matter, she found it to be impractical. However, it was a most special day for their home. The beloved Master of the Guild they belonged to, had a daughter, and that daughter was getting married on this day. The pews were filled, and the elder woman was behind the alter in ceremonial robes, waiting to officiate her daughter's wedding. Across from the girls, stood the groom to be, a tall, dark, and handsome man accompanied by two boys, one with long spikey red hair and matching scars under his green eyes and the other, older at sixteen was darker skinned and had a shaved head. Both were wearing shades and looked like bodyguards in their suits. Everyone rose as music started to play and at the doors to the chapel stood a broad, muscular man with a walrus moustache, immaculately groomed, and accompanying him on his arm was a young blonde woman dressed all in white and holding the bouquet of wildflowers Raven had picked for her.

"She looks gorgeous!" Tara cooed breathlessly as the procession neared them. The bride smiled at the girls and wiggled the bouquet at Raven, mouthing the words "Thank you" as she arrived at the alter and her father proceeded to give her away, holding tears in his eyes as he stepped down to his seat in the pews, grey eyes shining with pride.

It was short and simple but heartfelt and the guild was eager to celebrate, carrying the happy couple across the courtyard to the main hall where much food and dancing were had. As the night wore on and the older members of the guild gradually became more and more inebriated from the festivities, and a few friendly brawls broke out, the two boys had managed to sneak some mead mugs to their table with the girls and started drinking the sweet, honeyed drink only to be caught by the master's wife and pulled by the ear to help tidy away some dishes.

"Think I'll turn in before those two get us into trouble as well. I don't fancy being on the wrong end of Mika today." Raven said, yawning and stretching, the small amount of mead she herself had managed to sneak having made her sleepy. Her two friends nodded and mumbled in agreement, standing up to take their leave as well. They each paid their respects to the newlyweds before leaving through a side door towards their rooms. Raven dropped her shoes by the bed, having taken them off hours before and pulled the flowers out of her hair, shaking her head and ruffling her hair to release it before sitting on the bed with the intention of changing into nightwear but making the mistake of laying back. Sleep came for her quickly as she laid sprawled on top of the covers, feet hanging off the bed.

XXXXX

The first rays of sunlight poured into her room, illuminating the contents. A bookshelf, a mirror, and a chest at the foot of a simple bed which Raven was still quietly snoring on, head moved under the pillow and one foot hanging out. At some point in the night, she had managed to get under the blanket partially. Grumbling and groaning, she rolled out of bed and stretched. Raven had always liked getting up early. To her, there were few things better than a morning workout followed by a leisurely ride. She chuckled to herself as she realised she'd slept in the dress, which was now all creased, pulling it over her head and dumping it on top of the discarded shoes. Shuffling over to the chest, she dug around for clothes, settling for a set of blue denim trousers and a black and red layered crop top. She pulled on her leather boots and some gloves with metal on the backs and the index and middle fingers exposed, finally fastening a pauldron onto her right shoulder with a leather strap going across her chest and shoulder and a smaller one around her bicep. Shaking her hair out to fix the bed-headedness, she was ready and strode out of her room, heading for the training grounds. As she navigated the corridors of the barracks, she noticed one or two guild members who had hit the booze a little too hard the night before and hadn't made it to their rooms before passing out in various alcoves. The yard was quiet though. As much as she enjoyed the rowdy comradery of the guild, she enjoyed peace and quiet just as much. Picking up a fallen dummy, she began jabbing and punching the hay-filled burlap torso, kicking every four to five hits and scooting left to right, bouncing on the balls of her feet. As much as sparring with another was important and fun, something about smacking a sack was very therapeutic to her. About an hour later she picked up some wooden handles with four prongs jutting out over her knuckles and continued battering the dummy with these for another two hours or so. Only when the bell for breakfast rang did she drop the handles and stretch out, putting the dummy aside before heading towards the main hall. Barely anyone was in the half decorated, half trashed hall and those that were, were slumped over their food groaning with hangovers and sleep deprivation. Just as she was about to grab a seat, a cry from behind her disturbed the quiet.

"Sneak attack!" It was the red-haired boy. His wooden stick hit the table as Raven moved aside. "Huh? I missed?"

"If you're going to sneak up on someone, maybe don't announce it, Reno." She sighed, lightly punching his arm.

"I'll get you off guard one day, Raven!" He laughed, sitting next to her, and pulling a plate towards him.

"Not if you keep shouting like that, you won't." She smirked as she too, grabbed a plate.

"Agh, but it gets me pumped!" He exclaimed, swinging his baton in the air.

"It'll get you stabbed." It was the older boy with dark skin and sunglasses, taking the baton and poking his friend in the head as he came to take his seat and eat.

"Rude's right, y'know. I'd suggest going to see Shae for some tips if you wanna be stealthy." Raven advised through a mouth of bacon.

"I think she got back a few days ago. Mind you she's so good at being unnoticeable I don't think I saw her at the party yesterday." The sleepy, yawning response had come from Kaz dragging her feet as she approached the table.

"Morning Kaz!" Reno said cheerfully and loudly, knowing his friend was not a morning person. She grumbled as she grabbed a bowl of porridge.

"Where's Tara? She can't still be at morning attendance?" Raven asked, looking around for their latecomer.

"Uh huh. Mika has all of the disciples cleaning up the main areas first. She shouldn't be too much longer." Was the reply as the brunette groggily salted her breakfast.

"Well, I'm just glad she hasn't got us doing it." Said Reno, wolfing his own breakfast down. "Bad enough she made us bus tables last night!" He scoffed indignantly.

"You did try steal some drinks and got caught, idiot." Kaz sighed.

"Yeah and she nearly pulled my ear off for it too!"

"Stop whining, I got the same as you did. It wasn't that bad, she went easy." Rude scolded his best friend who was about to retort when,

"Hi guys!" It was Tara, running over to their table. "Sorry I'm late, the master has a visitor today and Mika wanted the chapel spotless for it. Apparently it's someone really important and powerful!" She gossiped excitedly.

"Did you get a good look at them?" Raven asked, scooching over to make room. Tara shook her head.

"Not really, but I did manage to eavesdrop a little before Mika came back. From what I could hear, it's a lady, like a Lady, capital L, she was talking all refined and regal. C'mon, they're having their meeting now, we can sneak around to the vestry and listen at the door!" Raven stood up eagerly.

"You coming, Kaz?" she asked.

"Nah, I'll get the details from you guys later." She waved them away and remained with Reno and Rude while Tara and Raven hurried towards the vestry. Once inside they each pressed an ear to the chapel's side door.

"You will recall the letter you sent to me, requesting assistance on the matter." A woman's voice, elegant and commanding.

"A letter? Forgive me, my Lady, but I don't recall contacting you regarding this or any matter." Came the gruff tone of their guild master.

"Regarding one of your charges here at this… Quaint refuge. You'll see that is your handwriting, is it not?" The sound of paper being exchanged and shuffled was audible as their master was reading this letter. He replied slowly.

"Yes… Yes I remember this letter now. I had sent it to the Sorcerer, Yen Sid. Why do you have it in your possession?" Tara and Raven looked at each other confused. Why did their Master require a powerful Sorcerer? And how did he know about him? Magic was a rare thing in this world, finding teachers even more so.

"Yes, a dear colleague of mine. As I'm sure you can understand, he is an exceptionally busy man and felt that, while your plight could not be attended to by himself, it was too important to refuse. Thus, here I am, at his request." There was a noticeable green glow from under the door. "Do you not remember receiving a letter notifying you of my arrival?"

"No, I… Wait… Yes. Yes of course, how could I forget?" The master responded slower, as if straining his memory.

"That's not like him. I guess he must've been preoccupied with preparations for yesterday." Raven whispered.

"I think so. Shh!" Tara put her finger to her lips and pressed her ear against the door harder.

"So, we are in agreement then? I shall take the child to my castle as an apprentice."

"Yes, my Lady. When would you wish to collect her?"

"At once. I myself am a busy with plans of my own."

"So soon? But-"

"The girl must begin learning as soon as possible, no? Lest something… Unfortunate were to happen." The green glow intensified unseen by the two eavesdroppers. "It's for the best."

"Yes. I suppose it is. A compromise if you will. Allow me to have the day to speak with her and prepare her. And it will have to be her choice, I'll not force her to go." The glow dimmed and there was silence for a moment. Then the woman sighed with exasperation.

"Very well. Have her ready by nightfall. I shall remain in the meanwhile." Her voice left no room for further negotiation.

"You have my thanks, my Lady."

"Do try to make her see sense. It is, after all, for her own good." The master walked away, and the two girls heard the main doors open and the unintelligible voices of their master and his wife, Mika.

"We should head back before someone catches us." Raven said, straightening up and heading out of the room with Tara in tow. They rushed back to the main hall, eager to tell their friends about what they'd overheard.

"Hey, they're back! Anything juicy?" Reno asked, resting his baton on his shoulder.

"Oh yes!" Tara giggled, sitting down, and huddling with the others. Raven joined them and the two relayed everything they'd overheard.

"We still didn't manage to get a look at her though."

"That's no biggie! If she's sticking around for the day, we'll have loads of chances to sneak a peek."

"What do you think she looks like?" Rude asked.

"Well, she was definitely older. And stern. But she's a sorceress so she could look younger than she is." Raven explained.

"Ooh, I bet she's beautiful! Sparkly eyes and golden hair!" Tara proposed.

"Nah I think she'd be a dark and mysterious type, really mystic!" Kaz fired back.

"She could just be an old lady." Rude suggested.

"That's boring! I think she's gonna look like a woody hermit." Reno laughed.

"Okay well, who do you think they were talking about?" Kaz asked the group.

"I mean it could be anyone. All we know is it's a girl. So that rules you two out." Tara said to the boys.

"Shame, sounds like it'll be a cool adventure!" Reno pouted.

"It's a girl and she said child so it's not one of the older members." Raven sat with her chin resting on her hand.

"That's true. It's probably not one of the young girls, I don't think master would send them away that young." Tara mirrored the pose.

"And it's gotta be someone with enough strength to warrant a sorcerer." Rude stated, lacing his fingers together. The rest of the group shared a glance then looked at Raven.

"What?"

"Hmm, let's see. We're looking for someone who's a girl. Check. Not too young or old. Check. Is strong and has potential. Check." Kaz listed them off on her fingers.

"Oh, c'mon you can't be serious."

"And you're one of master's favourites, he practically raised you. I could see him reaching out to someone to get you better training." Reno smirked.

"He raised half the people in this guild, it doesn't mean I'm his favourite."

"Plus, there's the weird thing." Rude put in. The others nodded and sounded their agreement.

"It has to be you!" Tara said, excitedly.

"But, I haven't had any problems with that since- well I just haven't had any issues!" Raven protested.

"Yet! But we're growing up, maybe he's noticed something, or he's worried about something happening since we're all changing."

"Are you seriously gonna complain though? C'mon it'll be a sick adventure! I'm jealous!" Reno put his arm around her boisterously.

"Alright, say I agree with your prediction. We still don't know if it is me! And even if it is, I'm not sure I'm ready for something like this. I mean sure it'll be an adventure, but I've never even been on a hunt by myself yet, I've always had a higher up. I'm not even in the rankings yet!"

"Rank shmank, you're easily the toughest slugger out of the juniors!" Reno exclaimed, playfully punching her arms. "Just think, if this lady can teach you magic, you can punch things with flaming fists!" He made explosive sounds on each impact.

"And you'll get to see so many new things!" Kaz piped up. "Only higher ups get the chance to go off-world normally, think of all the places you'll get to go!"

"And new people! I'm sure you'll meet lots of interesting new people!" Tara squealed. Despite herself, Raven felt the excitement catch and started smiling.

"That would be pretty cool."

"Exactly! Think of all the stories you'll have to tell us when you come back!"

"And all the tricks and spells you can show us!"

"You guys are really okay with me going?" She asked.

"Of course! We'll miss you but it's not like it's forever. And I'm sure she'll let you visit." Kaz reasoned.

"This is silly, we don't even know if it's me!" Raven laughed, shaking her head in exasperation. At that moment,

"Raven, a word." It was the master, calling over from the main doors.

"Oh! Yes, sir!" She stood up quickly and could hear her friends giggling. "Shuddup!" She whispered through gritted teeth before hurrying to meet her master. "You wanted to speak with me, sir?"

"Walk with me, kid." She did as he bade, following him up to the battlements. He dismissed a couple of guards to give them privacy. "How have you been feeling, kid? Anything different?"

"Um, not really. I feel fine, sir."

"Nothing to do with your sight?" He asked, fixing his stare on the horizon. She looked around the courtyard below her.

"I don't think so. I've not used it."

"Can you try to use it now?" It was obvious he wasn't comfortable with asking and Raven was uncomfortable complying, but she knew that he wouldn't ask her if it wasn't important. She closed her eyes, held a tight grip on the railing and took a breath. She felt the relaxation as she dropped her focus. When she opened her eyes, the courtyard below looked very different as the people going about their daily duties glittered and glowed, their chests sparkling with different coloured lights. She looked up to her master and he too had a glittering ball of light in his chest, an orange one. It had little specs of Darker hues at the bottom that occasionally swirled in the beaming sphere.

"Everything seems fine. No different to how it was last time."

"Very well." She took that as permission to revert to her normal sight and again, took a moment to ground herself. When she opened her eyes again, the glittering balls were gone.

"Sir, what's this about?" She asked and he turned to her, a concerned expression on his features.

"Raven, your ability to see the hearts of those around you is incredibly rare. I'm not even sure if there are any other cases like yours but… Well, there's someone who might know. And she has agreed to help you understand this gift. I know you don't see it that way, but it could be if you choose to use it that way. And it is your choice." He put his hand on her shoulder reassuringly.

"Master…" She held her arm and looked down.

"You're at an age when things… Change. And my concern is that this ability might develop into something more, and that we don't have the capability or knowledge to help you if that is the case. So, I need to know, is there anything, anything, that has been different?" She looked up at him and saw the meaningfulness in his eyes.

"There is… A dream. It's only been a few weeks, but I've had this one dream over and over."

"Tell me, Kid. It's alright."

"I've had other dreams with it too, normal ones. But this one. Well, it starts on an island, on a beach. There's no sound and I can see someone out in the water, but I can never get close enough to see who it is. It's like… Like I'm watching from a fixed point. Then I blink and there's a giant wave heading straight for me and the person in the water. After it hits and I resurface, and that island is destroyed, it's broken up in a void. And the person is still stood the same distance away."

"I see. Anything else?"

"Yeah there's… There's a voice that says, 'The door has opened' but I never saw a door in the dream." The old master looked thoughtful, leaning on the railing.

"And you can't see any details of the figure in your dream?" She shook her head. "I see. It looks like these dreams are trying to tell you something. I'm not great at things like this but I know it's important whatever it is. Maybe try to find that person, or that location? Now I know you're a Junior so you can't go off-world, technically. But you're nearly fifteen, you're almost ready to qualify for ranking. I reached out to a powerful sorcerer and told him about your situation, asking for help. He's sent a colleague of his in his stead, but she's promised to teach you all she can and help you learn more about whatever it is your gift means. She can teach you magic and take you to see the worlds. But it is your choice, Raven. It's always your choice. I won't force you to go if you want to stay." The young girl was quiet, thinking it over. She'd be lying if she wasn't curious about her ability and her potential, and her friends had already given their enthusiastic support for the idea. But it was a big step.

"When would I leave?"

"Nightfall."

"Can… Can I meet this woman before I decide?" She asked. The larger man smiled.

"Of course, Kiddo. Come, I'll take you to her now. She can tell you more about what you'd be doing." He led the way down to the courtyard and across to the Chapel. He knocked and awaited an answer.

"Enter." Came the voice of the sorceress. Raven took a deep breath, full of anticipation as she thought back to everyone discussing her appearance. Her master opened the door and strode in, closing the door behind Raven. The chamber was darker than usual and felt colder. Although that could just be in comparison to the warmth and life of the ceremony yesterday. There was an eerie green glow coming from the shadow currently standing by the altar.

"My lady, allow me to introduce you to Raven, the bright young kid we discussed earlier." He bowed respectfully.

"Come here, child." Raven looked to her master, and he nodded his head, prompting her to walk up the aisle where she too bowed.

"It's nice to meet you, ma'am." Looking at the floor, she saw the shadow and the hem of a black cloak stop in front of her. She tentatively straightened and looked up at the woman before her and none of her friends had prepared her for the sight. She was tall and regally poised, clad in high collared black robes with pink and purple accents. The eerie green glow was emanating from an orb atop her golden staff, illuminating her face. Angular in shape with high cheekbones, sallow green skin, and hawk yellow eyes, only overshadowed by the tall, twisted horns atop her head, wrapped in black fabric that also framed her face. She was at once terrifying and splendid. She reached out and held her thin fingers under Raven's chin, her long talon-like nails lightly scratching the soft skin.

"A pleasure, dear child." She surveyed the young girl with her piercing eyes, tilting the girl's face ever so slightly side to side. "I am Maleficent. I take it you have been informed of my purpose here today?"

"Yes, Ma'am."

"And your decision?"

"Yet to be made." The girl met the sorceress's gaze. The woman's thin eyebrows arched. "I want to know more about what going with you entails before I agree. You are a stranger to me after all."

"My, how prudent. She is indeed a bright child, as you said." She straightened up and took her hand away from Raven's chin. "My dear, if you come with me, I will show you powers beyond your imagination, and together we will discover the extent of your own, unique abilities. I will make you stronger than any foe you may face. You will have the opportunity to travel across the cosmos and witness sights you never dreamed of. Your master has told me of your already growing prowess and I see you are strong of both body and heart. I sense a great power within you, child. And power, no matter the nature of it, requires control. I can assist you in gaining that control. You can become great under my care." The horned woman smiled down her nose at Raven. "Should your fear be of loneliness, fear not. I have another apprentice currently living with me at my castle. A boy, not much older than yourself. He would be grateful for the company, I'm sure."

"What do you get out of this?" The woman's smile faltered.

"Raven!" Her master whispered sharply. However, Maleficent regained her composure and a coy smile splayed across her red lips.

"A fair question. I would be gaining the knowledge of new magic and power, expanding the scope of arcana. In doing so, I will be asking you to accompany my dear ward on errands I ask of you and though he too has a potential for battle, he lacks the proper instruction and experience. As I understand it, you have a great gift for battle. I would ask you to spar with him and both teach and learn from him. Though be warned, it will not be easy. I suffer no fools and demand respect and obedience under my house." Raven looked from the woman in front of her, to her master.

"It's your choice, Raven."

"I… Will go with you, Maleficent. I want to learn new things and explore, and I will work hard to do so!" Although Maleficent's appearance and demeanour were not very inviting, Raven had no reason to not trust her master's judgement and looks could be deceiving. It would be unfair to mistrust this woman based on her outward appearance. Especially if there was a chance she could help gain even a little bit of understanding.

"Splendid. Now run along. I shall await you at nightfall. Do not tarry." She dismissed her and Raven bowed again before turning and leaving, her master opening the door for her.

"I'll be along to check on you soon, Kiddo. Just need to iron out some details with Maleficent." He patted her back and shut the door, leaving Raven to return to her room. She felt a strange mixture of emotions as she walked the halls, not noticing the people still bustling about their day. She was leaving. And that meant she wouldn't have the comfort of her friends for a while. But she would finally get to explore the outside world and with the help of magic, she could become one of the strongest members of the guild's history! She would make them proud. It was a bittersweet notion, walking into her room, that she wouldn't be sleeping in that bed tonight, or possibly again. She'd lived in this room since being a small child, and while she didn't have many possessions to decorate the place, it had always been enough. She grabbed the chest at the foot of her bed and heaved it up onto the mattress, emptying its contents to sort through. Anything she didn't take wouldn't go to waste, there were plenty of people in the guild who could find a use for most things. The yellow dress was the first thing to go in the staying pile and it was quickly joined by old clothes that no longer fit or were out of season. While she didn't know how long she'd be away for, if she needed winter clothes, she was sure Maleficent would be able to provide, or at least allow her to go shopping or even return home to resupply. She grabbed a knapsack and packed it with spare clothes and necessities. Laundry was done every day at the guild, surely at a castle there would be a way to keep the same standard. As she was filling the trunk with the unneeded clothes, her door swung open and Tara and Kaz burst in, catching her by surprise.

"So?" They asked eagerly, but then saw the packed bag by the bed. "It was you then!"

"Tell us everything!" The two of them closed the door and sat with Raven on the bed. "What was she like?"

"Well, um, she definitely wasn't what any of us expected. She was dressed all in black and has this big sceptre and she has these horns, and her skin's green! She looked really-" Raven began to explain.

"She sounds like a witch!" Tara piped up.

"That's not very nice, Tara." Kaz scolded. "But is she a witch?"

"I think the right word is Sorceress. She was really intimidating but I guess when you have power like her it comes with the territory. She has another apprentice at her castle, so I won't be alone or anything. I think she's just a bit too refined, so it comes off kind of cold."

"That makes sense I guess. What's she gonna be doing with you?"

"I'm not entirely sure. Special training and stuff but she also said she'll send me on errands to other worlds with her ward. At least I get to travel."

"What's her ward like?" Tara asked.

"I don't know."

"Well, how long are you going to be away?" Kaz followed up.

"I don't know." Raven felt herself begin to doubt her decision. Had she really found out so little? Her friends noticed the cloud descending over her and hugged her.

"Hey, don't worry! I'm sure it will be okay and there's nothing to say you can't try it out and then come back if it's not for you, right?"

"That's true. I think I'm just nervous is all." She smiled sheepishly.

"We have a little something for you. Reno and Rude helped too." Kaz reached into her pocket and pulled out a five-pointed star carved from five pieces of wood tied together with twine.

"It's a Wayfinder!" Tara said happily. "And it folds up into a flower bud, so it'll fit in your pocket!" She demonstrated how each petal folded up at the centre of the star the handed it to her friend.

"Guys, it's beautiful, thank you!"

"Can't go on an adventure without a good luck charm!" Kaz chuckled and the three hugged tightly. "I'm gonna miss you though."

"Me too! You better bring back all kinds of souvenirs!"

"I'll miss you guys too."

At that moment, there was a knock on the door. "Come in." It was their master. The two friends gave their friend a final squeeze then stood and left the room respectfully. Her master entered and closed the door with one hand, holding a box in the other. His large frame seemed entirely too big for the small space.

"All packed, I see?"

"Yeah. I think it's enough." He shuffled over and sat on the bed with her, putting the box on his lap.

"Look, Kiddo, I know this is a big step and you must have some reservations, but I think I have some things that might help with those pesky butterflies." He handed the box to her, and she opened it on her lap. Pulling away the red velvet that wrapped the contents revealed two claw gauntlets made from a shiny black material. "They're Obsidian. I figure if you're going out on your own, shooting magic out of your fingers, you're going to need something with a bit more grit than the ones you've been using from the armoury." She examined the beautiful craftsmanship.

"Master, they're amazing! Are you sure?"

"I insist. They'll get more use in your hands than in a dusty display case. Treat them well and they'll take care of you. And there's more." He pointed to a pouch in the corner of the box. Putting the claws down, she opened the small pouch and a thin chain with a silver pendant fell into her palm. The pendant was of a seven-pointed star enclosed in a circle. "That was left with you on our steps all those years ago. There was no note, but if you're going to be figuring out who you are, well, it might just come in handy." Raven ran her thumb over the engraving, and it somehow felt familiar, though she must have only been a baby when she last held it.

"Thank you, master." He patted her shoulder affectionately. "For everything." His hand squeezed her gently before he stood up.

"Right, well you've only got a few more hours before supper and then Maleficent will take you back with her. If you've got anything left to do, I'd suggest now is the best time." And he left.

XXXXX

Over the few hours before dinner, Raven had finished packing her gifts and managed a quick run around to say goodbye to other members. She even went to the stables and said a fond farewell to her favourite horse, making sure the stableman would take good care of him in her absence. What she wouldn't give for a little more time to go on a farewell gallop. But the sun was already beginning its descent and she needed to eat before leaving, so she gave her trusted steed a last scratch on the nose and a sneaky apple before hurrying off to the main hall. It was bustling, the decorations had been taken down and the debris from the previous night had been tidied up. She sat with her friends, sharing fond memories and wild theories of what adventures she would have. Other members she hadn't managed to find earlier came up and gave their best wishes to her. Mika insisted on returning every so often and restocking Raven's plate with food as though she feared she would never eat again.

"Mika, seriously, I'm full!" Raven eventually exclaimed on the fourth return. The older woman cupped her hands on Raven's cheeks.

"You need your strength, girl!" But seeing how much food she had actually given to the poor child, a pink tint bloomed across her nose. "Very well, I'll pack these leftovers into a caddy for you. I'll not have that woman starving you!" She tapped her face affectionately and kissed her forehead before taking the overfull plate away to the kitchens. Maleficent had not joined the hall, seemingly preferring solitude. Raven just assumed being a recluse was part of being a powerful mage. Or maybe she was so powerful she didn't need to eat? It mattered not. Once she saw the sky outside turning purple, her master came over to her.

"It's time. Are you ready?" She nodded and got up from her seat and headed to her room to grab her things. Her master waited outside for her, and they headed in the direction of the chapel, but Maleficent wasn't there. She hadn't been late had she? No there was still the last rays of sunlight shining through the panes. She opened the main chapel doors out into the courtyard and was greeted with a surprise. She hadn't been away from the hall long, but every member of her guild was gathered in the courtyard to see her off. She looked up at her master, who was grinning ear to ear, making his moustache curve. She dropped her bag and threw her arms around him, and he reciprocated in kind, holding her tightly. "Don't get into trouble, alright, Kiddo?"

"Heh, not even a little?" He chuckled.

"Well, maybe just a little." He let go of her and as she picked up her bag, Maleficent approached.

"You're prepared, good. I despise tardiness. Come along." She held out her arm and Raven walked over to her, the woman's hand resting on her shoulder.

"I'll make you proud!" She said as green flames engulfed her vision and she vanished.

"You already have."