Pride colored her next words as if she had made a noteworthy the accomplishment. “He was particularly impressed with and chose my personal favorite ground cover, which was a blend of moss and clover that I had designed with quite a bit of magical intervention and cross breeding.” Then a frown covered her face as she expounded. “Together we cleared a small portion of his current ground cover in order to allow uncontested growth of my blend. I made intentional movements many times to make physical contact with him and give teasing views of. . .” Her eyes gave a somewhat bemused yet shifty look. “Certain things. Yet he appeared to take no notice!”
My lips twitched as I was feeling a bit put upon with details better spoken to her book club friends or a more feminine ear. However, I bore with the agonistic retelling of her date/garden consultation from last night.
My eyes also unwisely darted to glimpse at said ‘certain things’. What?! It’s a reflex!
After making several other complaints of not getting the expected reaction she was looking for from her small and medium hints to Monroe, she paused in her retelling.
From past interactions with family and friends, I had learned that sometimes it is best to simply allow the silence to continue, giving them time and freedom to expound. And expound she did.
Long story short, they had both completed their current days’ work in the garden, and Monroe had offered a tour of his home. Victoria certainly pounced on that offer and accompanied him on the tour.
Somehow, by the end of the tour, they had both ended up in Monroe’s bedroom and Victoria was able to wind up lounging on his bed. I honestly don’t know how Monroe didn’t take the hint by that point, but maybe there were enough contingent circumstances in place.
I did feel that Monroe and Victoria’s case might be specifically unique, in that each had feelings for the other, yet were fearful of making the first bold move only to have it come crashing down in disastrous rejection. And so, I gave my carefully thought-out idea.
“Victoria, I honestly think that he is scared of you and of rejection. I mean, even though I remember you telling him on our first meet that he is the only one for you, how is he to differentiate the way he is treated by you as compared to how he may imagine you treat others?” I paused to consider a good way of saying what was on my mind before continuing. “Those occurrences of other men that have complained about your reaction to their advances, I’m betting that they probably placed all the blame on you for being forward and vindictive with your punishments and didn’t take any accountability for their own actions. I mean, who goes to the law and confesses their own fault in a crime when they are the ones feeling aggrieved?”
Surprise shone on her face as she heard me speak. It was like a realization that had never occurred to her before made a connection in her mind. “Oh! . . . Oh my!” Her pupils constricted into focus.
Sometimes, all it takes is an outside viewpoint to see that which is right in front of you. Haha, I laughed wryly to myself as I knew that sometimes also, all it also takes is an outsider’s viewpoint being taken too seriously, which can result in messing up something good and beautiful already in the making.
“How should I fix this?” The words were mumbled as if she was asking herself rather than me. Except that I took it as a kind of challenge.
I truly did seek that both of my masters be happy and if there was something I could do that would help them both, then it shouldn’t hurt to try. To be honest, the only thing that came to mind was to have them go on an honest to goodness modern day date. I just had to wonder what sort of activity would translate well to this kind of setting.
I shared my thoughts to Victoria, and she appeared very interested in the idea. I promised that I’d keep my mind open for activity suggestions and then set off to Monroe’s after the quick breakfast.
Only after I had already left on the carriage, did I feel the earthen crystal digging into my leg on the journey to my destination. I guess it was better to not bother Victoria about something so inconsequential when she was dealing with her current concerns. Maybe Monroe would know something about it.
As I had done initially, I again brought the apothecary book along to study during both the trip to his place and in case Monroe was not immediately available upon arrival.
The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Upon arrival, I didn’t have to wait as long this time before the councilman returned from council business and he began my training in earnest.
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In the breaks between exercises, sparring, and weapons meditation, we had small talk. It was at that time that I had thought to ask about the earthen stone. Until the training was over, I had no desire to bring up awkward relationship topics which might negatively impact the session.
Pulling the stone out of my pocket, I held it out to him and asked. “Monroe, during my excavation of the cave you asked for, I came across this in my work. I believe it is an earth mage stone, but I wanted to make sure before I considered using it.”
Taking it from my extended hand and examining it from various angles, Monroe gave an acknowledging nod. “Yes, this is a basic earth mage stone. This kind is used to initiate the consumer in the ways of manipulating earth and strengthening their physique.” He handed the stone back before asking. “Do you intend to assimilate it or use it for something else?”
I played with the cold stone in hand for a moment before tossing it lightly in the air, catching it to feel the slight change in ambient energy coming from it, and then pocketed it. “I do intend to assimilate it.” I replied. “Do you have any advice for me regarding that?”
Nodding his head Monroe replied. “I do actually. If you are able to, you’ll want to consume it where you found it in nature.”
My eyes narrowed in confusion and curiosity. “What does that do?” I asked.
“It’s not a terribly hidden secret, but it is still not well known due to parents preferring their children to experience the elemental trials in a safer environment. There is actually a small to moderate boost in initial comprehension of the assimilated element if it is consumed in the close presence of its origins. Something to do with the synergy of energies and proximity to that which you will be wielding, given enough time and practice.”
“Huh.” My face twisted a little in thought as I considered that. It made sense to me. When I was in the midst of nature and reaching out to stimulate my ability, then the closer I was to the beautiful scenery the more flavored the feelings I could get. The strength of the feeling was frequently contingent upon my emotional state and thoughts, but the slightly differing sensations, like that of a cold rain in a storm, a woodsy aroma amidst prevalent plant life, the warming chills in front of a night-time campfire, and more was tinged by that in my surroundings.
My personal life was colored more deeply because of my gift, and yet. What if there were deeper layers to what could be felt and potentially even wielded?! The possibilities were thrilling and yet I immediately tempered my thoughts to not get carried away.
With the exception to what I had experienced at the excavation site by the falls, and now while holding the earth mage stone in my hands, I’d never felt flavors to this degree of intensity. It really made me wonder about the parallels between this place and my home. How much could be learned, and was I truly limited to strictly physical and mental learnings? Or might I truly be able to touch upon the ethereal, which had been limiting for me for so long?
These thoughts swam about in my mind and heart as I returned to the next steps of training which Monroe had planned for me.
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Silently entertaining my deep-seated thoughts about my prospective ability growth and concerns on how to broach the topic regarding Victoria’s infatuation for him, the training finally came to an end for the day.
I was well and truly worn out from this workout, but with it came a sense of fulfillment. Like knowing that a difficult goal that you set was accomplished.
Now came the truly difficult part.
As I was being escorted to the front door of his home, I finally spoke up. “Monroe. . .” I swallowed the knot in my throat and almost wet my lips as I prepared to engage in a likely awkward topic. “May I ask you a difficult question?”
Monroe paused, making eye contact with his butler who was accompanying us. With that simple sign, the butler gave a light nod and hasted away.
“Yes Andrew?” He responded gravely as if he too suspected the question I was going to ask.
“Are you aware of how much Victoria likes you?”
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A silence filled the air for a few moments, which was then broken by a drawn-out sigh from the elven councilman.
After another shorter moment of silence, Monroe finally responded. “I had suspected prior to last night that she had feelings for me. However, our time spent working together and talking last night pretty much confirmed it.”
I was shocked! Honestly, I had believed him to be mostly oblivious of the situation, but here he was proving me otherwise! Concern began to fill me as I feared that maybe he was not able or willing to reciprocate Victoria’s interest in him.
My master had been looking frustrated enough this morning and I was unsure of how such a rejection may affect her. Too often we can be amazingly stalwart in the face of adversity and strife. But if we are faced with our Achilles heel, there is little telling the outcome and knowing how we may be affected.
She appeared to hold quite the torch for this meticulously proper elven councilman. But what was she to him?
“Andrew.” My spoken name broke me from my concerning thoughts as Monroe re-centered my attention. “Are you aware of how most courtship and relationships occur here?”
I shook my head no and waited for him to explain.
Monroe led the both of us to sit down on his entryway indoor furniture before continuing.
“Most relationships for those in our societal circle are made for political convenience. Reciprocally beneficial alliances are made, uncertain and faltering ties are renewed through the bonds of matrimony, and powers are retained through inter-family marriages.”
Looking at me to see if I understood where he was coming from, I nodded and replied. “I understand. There are similar such situations in historical documents in my world. What I’d like to know is how does this affect you? Are you not the last survivor of your family and isn’t Victoria an independent in the city?”
“Hahaha!” Suppressed laughter rang out before Monroe nodded appreciatively. “It is as you say. However, that makes it far more dangerous because of where I am meant to stand politically.”
Casting his eyes about, he then leaned in closer to me, being a mere meter away before he continued speaking in a lowered volume. “My position within the council is a meticulously created misrepresentation of myself. I dare not say too much as doing so might place you and myself at risk. I can however tell you that entering into a romantic relationship with Victoria would place me at odds with some very powerful groups within the council. These are groups that have up to this point, seen me as little more than a harmless game piece that they can manipulate as they desire. It has been beneficial to be seen as such in order to learn many things that might otherwise have remained hidden.”
Pausing to look at me with an appraising look he added, still in a lowered voice. “I actually took quite the risk at the council meeting with you in order to get you placed with Victoria.”