Turning, looking at me with her milky grey eyes. The spindly old woman said, "Now, who is this young fellow? I've been told I never forget a face and I believe I know all of the young ones of the free city. Who have special circumstances.”

Leaning forward Madison said, “Madame Astred, he's..” But before she could continue.

The old women, that I now know, as Madame Astred. Turned her head sharply, locking onto Madison with her hawk-like eyes. Astred said, "I wasn't asking you! I was asking him, and he's the one that should answer.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Madison’s body tense. Getting ready to respond, she clutched the arms of her chair. Alfred grabbed her arm, causing her to pause. Shaking his head, as Madison looked at him. She released her white-knuckle grip on the arms of the chair while taking a calming breath.

Before the situation could deteriorate, I rushed to introduce myself. Slightly coughing as I bowed my head. I said, "My name is Kyle Greenar, Madame Astred. I've been staying with the Haywards. As they help me get a permanent residency permit.” Looking slightly disappointed, sitting in the chair across from us. She said, "That's not what I asked you. But don't worry, you're not the first to give me the wrong answer, and you definitely won't be the last.

I'm so confused, I thought she asked me who I was, how did I answer that wrong.

Madame Astred began to pull out; three small teacups, a teapot, a little gold whisk and stone jars of various sizes. From the cabinet like doors on the cart. The cups and matching teapot we're made of dark blue pigment. With gold flecks running through it, that matched the gold whisk.

As Madame Astred lined up the items, she pulled from her cart. Mumbling to herself, she said, "Astred old girl, why do you always get your hopes up. When you ask that question. You know, you always get the same response.”

Letting out a sad sigh. She said, “I can tell why your here, just by looking at you."

Pointing at Alfred, She said, "You need something to soothe that throat of yours.”

Moving her finger over, pointing at Madison, she said, “You young lady, need something to cool you down.”

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

I'm not exactly sure what she was talking about. But by the looks on Madison and Alfred's faces. I Could tell her words meant something to them. I was a little scared and interested in what she was going to say about me. For some reason, I don't understand. My heart started to pound as she slid her finger left.

Pointing at me, She said, “Now there's you.” Her face fell, as her eyes began to shine with a bright white light. Just as quickly as the light came, it disappeared from her eyes. Looking sad, She said, "I don't want to get your hopes up, so I'll just tell you upfront. I'm afraid there isn't much I can do for you. Regardless, you are more than welcome to sit at my table and enjoy my tea.”

I should have known, Daphnia wouldn't have counted out Madam Astred. If she could have helped me with my mana scaring. Bowing slightly, awkwardly I said, “Thank you, Madame Astred, I'd still like to enjoy your tea.”

Arranging the teacups in front of us, as she shifted the jars by her side. Then with a flip of her sleeve. She lifted the lid of the teapot, causing steam to billow out of its opening. As the unnatural steam spread from the teapot, in waves. Mingling with the already turbid air in the room. Grab one of the smaller jars, pouring its content into the teapot. The steam coming from its opening took on a rose hue. Replacing the jar in her hand for a slightly larger one. This one she just took a dash from and threw it into the teapot. The steam transformed in color from a slight rose hue to a deep ocean blue.

I couldn't even see past the giant blue cloud of steam. But I could feel the mana in the steam, start to press on my body. Just when I started feeling little pinches all over my body. A deep thrum resonated through the steam, causing it to ripple. The vibrations kept changing pitch, setting my teeth on edge. I didn't feel very good I kinda regretted. Agreeing to try Madame Astred’s tea, if this is what I had to go through. All of a sudden, the steam changed from a deep blue to a bright green color. Bringing with it the smell of fresh apples and honeysuckle in bloom.

The lights of a thousand different colors. Flashed through my vision. My stomach twisting with nausea as my sense of direction and location disappeared. I felt like a boat cast adrift in a storm. Feeling a weightless pressure descend on my body. I heard a voice that sounded like raspy wooden wind chimes. As it is below, so it is above. The body is the foundation for your consciousness and spirit. It is the field that you must plant your crop. As well as what you shall reap come the dusk of autumn.