Chris and I followed the Counselor into a massive garden. I turned in a circle while we moved, taking in all the amazing plants and smells.

“This is beautiful.” I whispered. Chris nodded while we walked. The Counselor stopped in a small clearing with a round table. Sat around the table were six different Wizards. I took a deep breath.

“What is the meaning of this?” One of them yelled as she jumped to her feet. Chris grabbed the hilt of his blade and grabbed my shoulder stopping me in my tracks.

“Pyromancers have no business joining a council meeting!” Another yelled. Magik swirled in the air. I allowed my Magik to swirl up my arm preparing for any spell that may come our way. Several of the members gasped.

“It can’t possibly be.” Someone whispered. I took a deep breath.

“I came to enhance my study of Magik. I am very disappointed in what I have found. The schools are closed off to one another, Guards almost denied us entry, and now you disrespect us when the Counselor is the one who brought us here. How can our people get along if we shut each other out? Both sides have been neglecting their duties.” I said trying to make the Pyromancers just as much at fault for the crumbling peace.

“Please. We close our gates to protect our campus from those heathens. They do nothing but burn fires making the air hard to breathe. We had to put up special wards to keep the smoke away. They are an abomination!” The same woman yelled. My eyebrows shot up.

“That is an interesting opinion. I don’t see any smoke in the skies today. The only fires we create with smoke are when we burn our dead. Traditions are important. You should know this.” I said, concerned. I could feel Chris shaking with anger behind me.

“ We haven’t seen the Mixed in almost 20 years. Yet, here you are a teenage girl claiming to want to further your education. You have probably been brainwashed by them all this time.” She said with a sneer. I stepped forward.

“Actually, my mother was teaching me all about Magik. I have had far less training with my fire than my Magik. I have read many books on the history and traditions of Pyromancer’s but have had very little hand on training.” I said, shrugging my shoulders. I summoned a chair and sat at the table and folded my hands along the top.

“This is ridiculous.” She stated again looking at the Counselor. He stared at me for some time before also sitting at the table.

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“We should test your knowledge of Magik, so we can place you in the correct classes.” He said thinking. I smiled. The lady scoffed and I grinned even bigger.

“I will be accompanied by Chris. You are more than welcome to provide a guard as well. They would be welcome to travel with me during my training on the other campus.” I said. Others at the table looked shocked and appalled.

“Thank you for offering. We will provide one of our guards. Will you need residence?” the Counselor asked.

“No. When I arrived at the campus today the Pyromancers gave us a dorm. Until I find a place more neutral that's where I will stay. The guard is more than welcome to stay with me as well.” I said firmly. The Counselor nodded deep in thought.

“Please, you can not honestly be entertaining this nonsense.” said a gentleman to my right. I didn’t even turn and glance his way. We sat in uncomfortable silence. I leaned back in my chair.

“What do you think?” I thought towards Chris. He wasn’t expecting to hear my voice in his head and started coughing to cover his surprise.

“Thats fucking horrifying! You are being pretty diplomatic though. Can you always hear my thoughts?” He thought back to me. I grinned.

“I had to open the connection first. I can only hear the thoughts you want me to hear now. Distance won’t affect it though.” I thought back to him.

“Okay. So it has gone from horrifying to super cool.” He replied. I snorted out loud making several heads turn my way. I shrugged, not giving an answer to their obvious questions.

“Okay I have an idea.” The Counselor said. All eyes turned towards him expectantly.

“Let's hear it.” I said.

“Since you must split your time evenly I would like you to train with us on Wednesday and Thursdays. We can test your Magik on your first day. On Monday and Tuesday you can do whatever with the Pyromancers. Fridays would be a good day for you to meet with both councils. We can adjust our meeting schedule. I believe the Pyromancer leaders also meet on Fridays. I would like you to join us on some Saturdays when we honor the Mother as well.” the Counselor explained. I pretended to think about his offer. It was good and fair. Before I could speak up the gentleman to my right stood up.

“We should be having a discussion about this. We should not just be letting them into our land. Why should we train the girl? Why should we offer anything to them?” He muttered through gritted teeth. I looked his way.

“You worry that the Pyromancers will or have brainwashed me, but you don't want me to train and learn your ways. It's a little difficult to manage both of your opinions. Thank you Counselor for the fair offer. I gladly accept.” I said emphasizing the word fair. The Counselor smiled.

“Great! Then it is settled. The guard representing us will meet you at the gate. It was great to meet you Aria.” The Counselor said standing. I also stood and gave a slight bow.

“Till we see one another again.” I said and turned on my heel.