As Lysandra, Lady Solara, and I walked into another clearing, a figure sat waiting on a rock. As we approached, she called out in a voice that carried both impatience and authority. "It's about time! I've been waiting for an hour. So that's her?" she asked, her gaze fixed on me.

Lady Solara, maintaining her stoic composure, nodded in confirmation. "Yes, this here is Alex. She will be your pupil starting today. For now, begin with the most basic of magics. Start on the level of a child," she instructed.

The tall woman waved her hand dismissively. "I was told to get her up to nip, and that's exactly what I'm going to do. Hey, you," she said, pointing directly at me.

As I looked at her, I couldn't help but be struck by her height. Even considering my own reduction in stature, this Fey woman was notably tall, likely to tower over Adrian and perhaps rival Tiger. Her appearance was mostly human, except for two distinctive features – a busy, twitching tail like that of a cat, and a pair of pointed ears atop her head.

"Fox?" I guessed aloud, only to see her tail twitch more agitatedly.

"Cheshire!" she corrected sharply, visibly annoyed. She cracked her knuckles menacingly. "I see, a few broken bones may be in order for the day," she muttered, her expression indicating genuine frustration.

"Cheshire? Like the... like Lord Cheshire?" I ventured, trying to understand the connection.

"Yes, just like our father. Goddess, are you slow on the uptake. Maybe I will start at the very basics," she said, her tone softening slightly as she let out a sigh of resignation.

Before Solara could formally introduce her, the woman interjected, emphasizing the importance of Cheshire customs. "With all due respect, Lady Sunbloom, I will introduce myself. We Cheshires have our customs," she stated firmly. Solara sighed but acknowledged her request with a nod.

"Good morning, Alex. I am Purrlyn Cheshire, your older sister".

I stood motionless, processing the revelation. "I have an older sister?"

"Yep," Purrlyn replied, her tone matter-of-fact.

I glanced back at Lysandra and Solara, a mix of surprise and mild frustration in my voice. "Why didn't you two warn me?"

Both Solara and Lysandra shrugged nonchalantly. "We just did," Solara said with a chuckle, her amusement clear.

The Fey's demeanor baffled me. Their approach shifted between directness and elusiveness, making it challenging to grasp their intentions. While I knew they were bound to their word, it was always to the exact letter, never the spirit. This realization only deepened my frown.

Purrlyn's attention then turned to me, her curiosity evident. "So, why are you here for training in a dress?" she inquired.

I responded, my frown intensifying, "I was told this was the expected attire for me."

Purrlyn rolled her eyes, then fixed Solara with a stern gaze. "Really? Keep your claws off my sister, or I'll claw your eyes out." Her warning was sharp, a clear indication of her protective instincts towards me.

Solara's laughter caught me off guard, a stark contrast to the tension-filled moment. "I'd like to see you try. I'll trim your claws for you," she retorted, her fingertips extending and nails elongating. The phrase 'cat fight' suddenly took on a new, literal meaning.

Before things could escalate further, Lysandra intervened, waving her hand to calm Solara down. She then turned a stern gaze toward Purrlyn, who visibly recoiled under her scrutiny.

Purrlyn's demeanor shifted to one of deference. "Yes, my Lady," she acquiesced, her tone respectful. I found it curious. Wasn't Solara the one in charge? The hierarchy among the Fey still eluded me.

Purrlyn then addressed Solara and Lysandra more formally. "My Ladies, I request permission to take my sister under my care. Our father has asked me to guide her in our ways. I promise to ensure her safe return to her lodgings, on my word." As she spoke, a gentle breeze stirred around us, a physical manifestation of her Fey oath.

Solara exchanged a look with Lysandra, who nodded in agreement. Satisfied, Solara turned back to Purrlyn and then to me. "I suppose I can yield for today. Alex, tomorrow we'll resume our lessons in the nuances of being a Fey Lady of the court. We have some court functions to attend as well. I had hoped to start today, but it seems your sister has other plans."

Purrlyn, true to her nature, hissed at Solara's words. Once again, Lysandra's calming gesture defused the situation. She smiled at me, and Solara gave a minor curtsy. Recalling my newly learned etiquette, I curtsied back, slightly lower this time. "Better!" Solara exclaimed with a beam of approval.

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With that, they turned and departed, leaving me alone with Purrlyn Cheshire. I faced her, curious and somewhat apprehensive. Her intense gaze was unsettling yet intriguing.

"You're exactly as Adrian described," she stated, her words carrying a mix of curiosity and evaluation. Her statement piqued my interest. What had Adrian said about me?

"You've spoken with Adrian?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. "What did he say? How is he doing, and have you met Tiger?"

Purrlyn maintained her intense gaze. "Yes, Father is personally overseeing Adrian's training, as well as Tigers. He seems particularly interested in your... son," she said.

I winced at the mention of Tiger as my 'son'. "Well, Tiger is, I guess you could say, adopted."

"That's obvious," Purrlyn responded with a frown. "So, what did Solara tell you about the Cheshire? About your predicament?"

I hesitated, recalling Solara's warning to trust only her and her mother. Purrlyn was supposed to be my sister, and Lord Cheshire was my patron now, so I thought I could share some details. "She gave me a quick overview of the courts, a bit about my societal status, and advised me to keep a low profile," I replied cautiously.

"Keep quiet? You're a Cheshire; you don't have to listen to her. We belong to the Winter Court," Purrlyn retorted dismissively.

"What? Wait... hang on. What did Adrian say about me, and why wouldn't I listen to her? Lord Cheshire told me I could rely on her," I argued, feeling a mix of confusion and frustration.

"Our Father," she corrected sharply. "He said you could rely on her, but that's not the same as trusting her. And judging by your outfit, I can see she's already trying to involve you in her schemes."

I felt a surge of agitation. "This was actually Lady Frostwhisper's doing. Anyway, why should I take your word over hers? I literally just met both of you. I trust Lord Cheshire because of his binding word," I responded, trying to make sense of the conflicting information.

"Hang on there, sister. Step back for a second. I am your sister. You can trust your sister and your brother. We're family, and it's different with us," Purrlyn said, her tone softening but remaining firm.

Purrlyn's insistence on the family bond struck a chord with me, yet I couldn't help but feel a twinge of skepticism. The Fey world was still an enigma, its customs and nuances veiled in layers of complexity and intrigue. Trusting someone solely based on familial ties, especially in a realm where alliances and loyalties seemed to shift like shadows, was a leap I wasn't entirely ready to make.

"I understand the importance of family, but everything is so new to me," I said, trying to convey my uncertainty. "I need time to figure out who to trust. Everything has changed so quickly, and I'm still trying to grasp my place in all of this."

Purrlyn nodded, her expression softening slightly. "That's fair. But remember, in the Fey world, family ties run deep. Our loyalty to each other is paramount. And as for what Adrian said about you," she paused, choosing her words carefully, "he's concerned for you, naturally. He's adapting to his new role and responsibilities, but his thoughts often turn to you."

The mention of Adrian's concern brought a sense of comfort, a reminder of the bond we shared. "And Tiger?" I asked, eager for any news about my feline companion.

"Tiger is undergoing his own transformation. It's remarkable, really. Father sees great potential in him. He's more than just a Taxabi, you know. There's a depth to him that's rare, even among the Fey."

The thought of Tiger, my loyal friend, now evolving in this magical world, was both heartwarming and surreal. "I can't wait to see him," I murmured, feeling a mix of excitement and longing.

Purrlyn's gaze shifted, her eyes reflecting a thoughtful intensity. "There's much to learn, and I'm here to guide you. The Cheshire lineage is unique, powerful. We walk a path less trodden, shrouded in mystery and cunning. You'll find your way, and I'll be there to help."

Her words, imbued with a sense of assurance, offered a glimmer of hope amidst the whirlwind of change. "Thank you, Purrlyn. I guess there's a lot I need to catch up on."

She nodded. "Let's start with the basics of being Cheshire. There's a lot to cover, and we don't have much time. Father expects progress, and I intend to deliver. Now give me your hand."

I clasped Purrlyn's hand, and instantly, a warm sensation surged from our palms, traveling up my arm before spreading throughout my body. It felt like a stream of magic, warm and vibrant.

"This is magic from the world," Purrlyn explained. "Remember this sensation; it's crucial for all your spells. As for Adrian, he insisted you shouldn't be alone. He thinks you get moody and unproductive. He said more, but you can discuss that with him. And your son, Tiger, he's thriving, though he's a bit on the heavier side." She released my hand, and I felt the lingering heat in my arms.

"Now, focus that warmth into your hand," she instructed. "Visualize it forming a small ball of energy. It might take a few tries, but you'll get it."

I concentrated, trying to channel the sensation into my palm. The heat felt like a sunburn without the pain, but moving it seemed impossible. I glanced at Purrlyn for help.

"Your mind directs the magic," she said, forming a glowing ball in her hand. "Picture it pushing out from within you."

Inspired, I imagined a raging inferno, a destructive force blazing through a forest, focusing its energy into one point. Gradually, light began to form in my hand, though the heat persisted in my body.

Purrlyn's eyes widened in surprise. "Remarkable. Both you and Adrian have natural affinities for magic. It must be linked to your summoning. Do you know anything about that?"

I began to respond, intending to deflect her question with a half-truth. "This is a first for me. Nothing for me to kn..." My voice trailed off as I suddenly found myself unable to complete the lie. I wanted to keep the Goddess's blessing secret, but now I was physically incapable of uttering even a harmless falsehood.

"So, you do know something," Purrlyn observed, her tone laced with intrigue. "Fey cannot lie, only misdirect. Just like Lady Sunbloom and Lady Frostwhisper have done with you."

Confused, I asked, "Misdirected? Lied?"

"We'll get to that later," she said dismissively. "Now, look at your light. What do you see?"

I examined the light in her hands – a translucent, pale yellow glow – and then looked at my own. My light was distinctly different; a solid white glow, intense and almost blinding.

Purrlyn's tail flicked with excitement. "You have some unique talents, it seems. This is going to be fun after all."