Makina's nose scrunched up as she read through the large tome that Servilia had lent her. The pages were not made of paper, but rather some kind of stretched animal skin. According to Servilia, it contained almost every major prophecy that been made since the formation of Voy. The writing was all done by hand; miniscule and often filled with words and phrases she had trouble understanding. Entire sections were not even written in languages that she, nor anyone she pestered, could read. It was extremely annoying, but in spite of this, or perhaps because of this, Makina had been extremely methodical as she went about reading the book.

It was for this reason that a certain passage seemed to jump out from the page at her. With an excited noise, she dropped the heavy book on the table and bounded up the stairs. From across the table, Servilia tilted head, curious.

Makina returned a few moments later with a very thin book clutched in her hand that Servilia recognized quite easily. It was one of the first books Makina had been given to read. An illustration of a sleeping dragon proudly displayed on the cover.

"I knew it," Makina said, putting the books side by side. "These are the same."

"Hmmm?" Servilia put down her journal and slid over to Makina's side.

"This!" Makina pointed to a line on the tome. "See? That prophecy is this story."

“The restorations of magic shall come with great upheaval. As the Fire God rests deep in his nest, darkness will rise. An unrelenting reign will wash across the land and even the sun itself will not pierce the veil.” Servilia read slowly before turning to the picture book. "Ah, yes, you are right. This book was inspired by that prophecy."

"I was sure it sounded familiar," said Makina. The pride was obvious in her voice. "The god of fire. I remember finding it odd that they called this dragon the god of fire, because Rah is the god of fire."

"Can there not be more than one?" Servilia said with a small grin.

Makina thought about it for a moment. "Well, yes, I suppose you are correct. Aria is the Spirit Goddess of the Winds, but I am the Spirit Goddess of the Northern Winter Winds."

"So there are many other gods, then?" Servilia asked.

Makina nodded slowly. "There is a plane of existence that is inhabited solely by Gods and Spirits. I have only been once, when I was elevated from a simple wind spirit to a true Goddess.”

“What was it like?”

“It is hard to describe. I was not able to stay there long though. It takes a considerable amount of energy to enter that realm. If I had to put a word to it, I suppose I would say it is… bright? It is where we are able to express our true forms, you see.”

“So you do not look like this normally?” Servilia gestured to Makina’s small frame, causing the Spirit Goddess to let out a very unrefined snort of amusement.

“Of course not. These human bodies are simply how we manifest physically in your plane of existence, it is much more convenient. If you were to see us as we truly are, it is unlikely your primitive minds would be able to comprehend the sheer awesomeness.”

“I see.”

“Furthermore, you can only enter with the permission of the Realm Master and he doubtlessly would strip away anything as unnecessary and impure as a body of flesh and blood. "

"Realm Master?"

"Yes. He is the strongest of the Gods, I think. I'm not sure. Rah called him the God of Gods though, so he must be really powerful. I have met few who Rah would consider his equal."

You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.

"I see," Servilia filed the information away to be written down later. The insight Makina had was incredible, but the girl was rarely eager to divulge information, either because she didn't feel like it, or simply because she didn't know.

It was usually the latter.

Makina frowned and tapped the prophecy. "It seems part of this prophecy has already come true. Magic has been restored to this land, through the generosity of the Spirit Gods. Does that not mean this prophecy is likely to come to pass and this evil will return?"

"I would not worry about it too much. Here." Servilia turned the page and ran her finger down to the middle of the page. "Here, here, and here. These are all prophecies that have called for the return of magic as well. There are many others like it. There are also those that said that the world would be destroyed when magic waned, yet here we all are."

Makina was not placated. "But still…."

"Didn't your Professor teach you that Prophets are wrong most of the time?" Lexi said as she slid down on the other side of Makina. "I believe he was very clear on that point. Maybe you should have spent more time listening and less time playing with Lara."

Makina bristled. "I was not playing! I was investigating!"

"Getting ice cream is part of an investigation now?" Servilia said with a nudge.

"Well, why did they bother making a story about it then? Seems to be a rather foolish waste of time." Makina glowered.

"Ah…" Lexi picked up the picture book and thumbed through the pages. "That prophecy actually led to the creation of many books and stories."

"Even a play or two, if I am remembering correctly." Servilia nodded.

"Why?" Makina looked at either girl. "What is so special about it?"

"It's less the prophecy and more the prophet. She was very important to Voy. As such, her words weighed very heavily on the people. Even if they didn't believe her, they were not going to openly mock her predictions."

"Who was she?" Makina asked. She looked down at the tome, but no author was credited with giving the prophecy.

"Queen Cassandra, the Third. Queen of Voy and mother of the current Queen, Cassandra the Fourth," Servilia said. "She was known as the Seer Queen, a moniker that was passed down to her daughter, though our current Queen has yet to make such a bold prediction."

"They both were clairvoyant?"

"Many of the ruling family have been gifted with the Sight. Or so they say," Servilia said with a small shrug. "It is entirely possible that they hold absolutely no power and simply use it to benefit their reign. It would not be the first time someone has lied to gain political power. Personally, I have not met a true Seer, save one, and as Alexis said earlier, even he is wary of prophets.”

"I see. How very impudent." Makina put a finger to her chin. "Very well then, I believe I am done reading for today." She closed the book and looked around the guild. "I have grown hungry. I am going to eat, perhaps I will go see if Lara is free."

"Makina," Servilia stopped the girl as she started to leave. "Put these back before you go."

"I should have a servant for this. Better yet, one of you should do it," Makina grumbled as she picked up the books. With a haughty look at the two girls she stormed off. "Where is that simpleton?"

"Someone looking for me?" Romeo called from upstairs.

Makina let out a groan as she trudged towards the library.

Servilia watched her go for a while before learning back in her seat and letting out a soft breath. “That might be the happiest I have seen her in a while.”

Lexi glanced at Servilia. “Really?”

Servilia smiled softly. “I’m surprised you haven’t noticed. Though, if I really think about it, I suppose I am not. You have been busy, haven’t you?”

Lexi squirmed ever so slightly in her seat. “Somewhat, I suppose.”

“I believe she has simply been a touch lonely. Her attitude has been rather negative as of late, though she has been doing her best to hide it. Still, this may actually be a good experience for her, she will learn to rely more on her other guildmates and friends. She has already been speaking to Nathan more, though that is to be expected, he has always done well speaking with children. His patience is a virtue many in this guild could learn from.”

“Makina has been trying to get Banksy into trouble is a more accurate statement.”

“So, you have been paying attention?” Servilia’s smile grew at Lexi’s scowl. “You know, I truly am glad to see you taking more interests than just work. You are only young once, after all.”

“You’re not that much older than me, Servilia.”

“Perhaps, but I wouldn’t say it is an exaggeration to say I am vastly more experienced than you.”

“I-in what way?” Lexi’s voice rose ever so slightly and her cheeks grew pink.

Servilia laughed at the shadow mage’s widening eyes and she stood up. Reaching out she patted Lexi on the head. “Maybe when you can ask me that without your voice shaking, we can discuss this matter in more detail.”

With a knowing smile on her face, Servilia left the sputtering Lexi alone at the table.