The frigid water cascaded over Alicia's smooth, ivory skin, prickling her flesh with a thousand tiny needles. Albeit the pressure was shoal, the rushing droplets could still stimulate her meridians for a slight blessing of respite. The respite of the mind after the problems of yore, and the uncertainty of future that loomed ahead.

Today held great promise and peril, for Alicia was to embark on a journey with the Honourable Grand Magus Lachlan Haddock, all to uncover the secrets of the enchanted Orb and unravel the complexities of her own being. After that, according to the Grand Magus' promise, she would be taken to Roma for her Arcane training. Yes, she knew very well the plan could not be just "Revealing destiny - contemplating - accepting fate - the end". There must be an enormous obstacle that should disrupt her day, like normal days lived by those still wandering on earth. What kind of trouble she was in, she could not foretell. Who knew, perhaps a coven of rival mages would seek to claim Orb and capture her, or her ship flounder in the merciless embrace of the sea. But Alicia refused to dwell on these dire portents, drifting them along with the water.

Alicia did not want to be grandiose with her clothes now. She had prepared her outfit last night and put the rest in the suitcase. After drying her hair, she spruced it, styling it in lower twin tails—her favourite form of a ponytail, perhaps—while her white shirt remained half-buttoned, giving a tantalising glimpse of her skin. She looked again at the bed. There lay still a black skirt, maroon tights, a black tie, and a dark coat. All still drooping down, waiting to be worn.

She sat on her bed and took the nylon pants. They might seem small and flimsy, but the tights were ever-reliable as the lass lifted her right leg and pushed it through the fine nylon tunnel, followed by her left. Once encased, she trailed her fingers all over her legs, feeling the silky, seamless sensation that followed their shape perfectly. She fluttered her thighs and made sure there were no wrinkles, which she found unsightly. She closed the remaining buttons on her shirt, then paired it with a black skirt, suspended from her waist by delicate suspenders. She fastened a dark tie at her throat and donned a coat to ward off the chill of the open journey. And with that, Alicia finished her dressing.

She returned to the mirror. Her appearance was proper. Alicia did choose to wear more humble for travelling. After all, she had no plans to go to the gala or anything such. In her waist bag, a hefty notebook was already stowed. During the travels, she wished to document her findings on magic. She felt she had an obligation to issue a new edition of the magic encyclopaedia to put her knowledge to the test; maybe also to tell her grandchildren later, if she had any.

She must have grandchildren, she told herself.

There was one last thing Alicia did not want to forget. She grabbed the frame standing upright by the dresser and pulled out a portrait from it. She looked closely at the picture. A bespectacled woman and a little girl with oversized round glasses, hugging the woman beside her and smiling. Alicia had almost forgotten that her eight-year-old self had smiled as sincerely as the one in the photo. She was not a confident kid at all when the photographer captured her image at the time.

"This is it, Mama," she said. "I am a mage now, and I will follow in your footsteps to save the world. I'll make you proud, just you see."

As Alicia hugged the photo tightly, she felt a rush of emotion flood through her. The photo was tucked into her notebook, and she closed it with care. With all her things securely packed, she left the room in a hurry, eager to join the breakfast.

Leith, Donar, and Alicia's two friends already assumed their seats at the dining table. From the hallway, Alicia could hear Gilmore reciting a rhyme about food. Whether about the breakfast he was about to eat or just a random dish nonetheless. He would surely express his artistic side when it came to food.

"Yer powers, what mak mankind yer care, and dish them out their bill o’fare. Auld Caledonia wants nae sinking ware, that jaups in luggies. But if you wish her grateful prayer," —Gilmore pointed at the newly arrived Alicia—"Gie her a Haggis!"

Alicia feigned a gape while placing her hand on her chest. "'Her' should have referred to Caledonia, Gilmore. But aye, okay, not bad," she judged after taking her seat.

"Okay, can I eat noo?" Leith grumbled. Gilmore procrastinating the breakfast with an old rhyme that he did not care about strained his patience thin. He did not wait for an answer; he immediately split the Haggis and transferred a piece to his plate.

"Haggis?" asked Alicia. "Nadine, dinnae tell me you prepared this all night."

"No, no, hen. Of course, I bought it. After all, today's a big day for you," Nadine replied.

After the opening chat, the four devoured that tempting giant intestine balloon filled with meat and grains straightaway.

"So, for today. Have you prepared everything?" Donar started a new conversation.

A piece of haggis was swallowed down Alicia's throat before she could utter words. "Yes, Papa," she said briefly.

"I see. That is good."

That is good? The conversation was too shallow. Awkwardness tickled her. She asked back. "Perhaps Papa has something to talk about? Behest, advise, or something?"

"Such as?"

"Uh, something like..., 'stay vigilant', or 'dinnae act rashly', or ‘take good care of Orb with all yer life'?"

"Those are common sense. Surely, you already know them all, don’t you?"

"Which she always forgets," chirped Leith, who was sitting across from her. No sneer came out of Alicia, for it was often true.

"Well, maybe something like that deserves another reminder," Alicia said again.

"No need, hen. I'm sure you'll remember." The father smiled briefly and went back to eating.

Alicia did not like her father's behaviour this morning at all. Is it because of my brief reply early on? Did I sound presumptuous?

A desire came to her mind to find out what ailed him before leaving, but she preferred it to be discreet.

But looking on the bright side, breakfast went smoothly! No sudden ambushes, no riots. Just four people with scrumptious Haggis chunks.

After finishing her breakfast, Alicia placed her modest suitcase in the living room, and just as fate would have it, the doorbell rang.

"Let me!" Alicia tugged at the doorknob. A thrill of anticipation ran through her. Could it be the Grand Magus? Or perhaps the mail carrier? Alicia could not help but feel a hint of nervousness as she opened the door.

However, on the other side stood a woman with long, dark hair that cascaded down her back like a waterfall. Her skin was a rich brown hue, and her slanted eyes pronounced her exotic look. Alicia could not help but notice the fire horse emblem on one of the woman's accessories.

"A pleasant morning to you, Alicia," the woman greeted the bespectacled lass in a soft voice,

"A-Aunt Penelope?" Alicia struggled to keep her composure. "G-good morning to you too, Aunt Penelope. May I help you with something?"

Donar, who happened to be passing by, appeared in the doorway. "Penelope? What are you doing here so early in the morning?"

Penelope smiled at Donar with sparkling eyes. "A pleasant morning, Donar. I brought something," she said, gesturing to the large bag of food she was carrying. "Ah, are you planning to leave?"

Stolen content alert: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

Alicia, worried, just glanced at her father, hoping that he would be the one to give an answer.

"The time isn't right, is it? Do you mind if we talk for a bit?" added Penelope again.

Without hesitation, Donar's feet stepped closer and opened the door wide. "Of course, Penelope, come in."

Penelope settled onto the sofa and placed the bag of food on the table. Donar and Alicia joined her, while Nadine, Gilmore, and Leith peeked out from the dining room.

"I just came from the magical authority's office," Penelope began, "They asked me to go there for questioning regarding the incident that happened to you. I am not here on behalf of House Crimsonmane. I'm here on my own, wanting to express regret for the disgraceful deed committed by the extended family. We've been overreacting since that night—"

"You were indeed overreacting," Alicia muttered. The lass avoided Penelope's gaze, focusing instead on the silky nylon covering her thighs.

"I understand. If you want to know, not all relatives really hate you that much. I personally feel sorry for your situation, but Alasdair has strict rules regarding interacting with the ostracized. At least until now, when some of us did things that were unexpected... But you have my support, Alicia! They've gone too far this time. It doesn't matter if they're our family, they must be dealt with in the fairest way possible!"

The aunt's passionate support could not match the awkwardness that swirled in the air. Alicia could not stand her supportive attitude, which was as suffocating as a wet woollen blanket. Truth be told, this particular daughter-in-law of Patriarch Alasdair rarely cornered her like a sewer rat unlike the other relatives, the vultures waiting for their prey. Alicia seldom even saw Penelope because she often travelled back and forth from Camelot—the home of her husband—to her hometown of Kapiqaq on the Mu continent. Work affairs, she used to tell. The work that Alicia did not know about either. That being said, it did not diminish the fact that overall the House’s treatment had made an imprint on her. She viewed all other than her father, mother, and brother as criminals. A conspiracy of hypocrites.

"I'm just expressing my concern. You don't have to push yourself, Alicia. Thanks for taking the time. I'll find my way out myself." Penelope bid her farewell and left. The conversation was brief, but uncomfortable at the same time.

Another knock not long after sounded like the gentle tapping of a fairy's wings. This time it went along with a voice that soothed Alicia's body and soul. The sweetest of melodies. "Hello, the Honourable Grand Magus here."

Alicia immediately ran and opened the door again. It was neither a trap nor a prank. Indeed, before her was the wizard in his trademark fedora hat and dark blue attire, a saviour in the gloomiest of days. "Thank Silent Divine you've come," she cheered.

"I saw a woman just walked out the door, your relative?"

Alicia nodded slowly. "But she means nae to do anything. Just brought a bag of food and... an apology."

"A bag of food?" Haddock saw a white cloth bag standing on the table. "Are you going to eat that?"

Alicia shook her head.

"Maybe we should burn it. What do you think, Lord Donar?"

Donar casually took the bag and handed it to Haddock. "It’s frustrating to receive something from our family only to be obliterated. But at this point, I don't trust anyone at all."

"A wise choice. Then, Alicia, shall we venture forth?"

"Are we really not allowed to come?" Gilmore's voice was as desperate as a drowning man's, worrying for Alicia travelling alone without someone on her par.

Leith concurred with Gilmore's inquiry. "Agreed. What if something happens again?"

"Hey, when I say 'we', I mean Nadine and me. Not including you, kid."

"What the…"

The conversation ended in a feud; Gilmore and Leith almost threw fists if Nadine had not tried to break them up. Alicia smiled slightly at those childish lads. Hopefully, this would not be the last time she had seen that familial scene, for in her stormy mind, there was a feeling that she would leave them, if not forever, for a long time. All because of the prophecy of the chosen child who was heralded to save the world.

"Sorry, kids. I'd like to have a family picnic trip to Vanir, but Vanir's entry procedures are strict and unforgiving. Even if a mere respite is all you seek, those unauthorized shall not enter. Leave the arrangements to me and the Magisterium's mages. We shall ensure her safekeeping."

Alicia whispered to her father, "Papa, can we talk alone for a moment?"

Donar agreed to the girl's request, and they ventured into Alicia's quarters. The room was bare, lit dimly by the shadows cast by the drapes, closed off entirely. Now, with the opportunity to converse face-to-face, Alicia let out a groan.

"You didnae talk to me much this morning. Are you angry with me?"

Such words pierced his heart. Of course, Alicia could read her father's gestures.

"Alicia. I have no reason to be angry with you."

"I troubled you when I was little. I trouble you even more when I am finally endowed with magical power. And now, I... I must leave you. Surely, you have a lot of discontent in your mind!"

"Dinnae talk like that, hen!" Donar reproached. "Those times have passed. I couldnae prevent or manage everything." Donar exhaled deeply before continuing, "I'm not ready to wish you farewell, hen. I wish I could spend more time with you. I’m always worried about you. When you were captured, when you were hunted, when you were on the brink of death, and now you're leaving me. But how could I blame it all on you? Because I have to be honest, rarely being with you makes me feel like I barely recognize my own daughter."

Donar's waist was stormed by Alicia's emotional hug. "I hope you dinnae talk like that again. You ken me well. I understand the situation, and I love you."

"And I understand the situation too, my daughter. I just don't want you to go that far so quickly. I cannot fathom the brutality of the world beyond Caledonia, beyond Camelot." He wiped the tears that flowed down the girl's cheeks. “But if the Silent Divine has big plans for my daughter, then it is already the role of a father to do his job.”

"I'll... make time to visit you and Leith!"

"We will wait."

Lovely music drifted through Alicia's personal quarters. They turned towards the table next to the bed, where Orb sat.

"O-Orb! Y-you saw everything?"

Orb squeaked in delight. Shattered was the heartwarming atmosphere. Both Alicia and Donar were absurdly embarrassed, each displaying their distinctive behaviour.

"Okay, it's over. Bring your Orb, go now," said Donar, scratching his rear head.

With a new friend by their side, Orb, Alicia prepared to depart from her companions. "Alright, pals," she said with a sense of finality. "Thanks for accompanying me this far. I think it's also a good time for you to return to Trinketshore."

Nadine hugged Alicia and said, "Don't forget to bring news, okay? And I hope the Celestial Monks will give you permission to play your Realmplay in your spare time!"

Alicia laughed at the last sentence. "I really doubt that."

Unlike Gilmore, who felt utterly saddened, lifted both girls up in a tight embrace. "Alicia! Ye have tae be strong, lassie! Jist like me! But if anything, send a message to me by whatever means, and I'll be right there! Nae matter the depth of the ocean and the vastness of the earth!"

"G-Gilmore, awright, awright! As long as you d-don't squeeze us!"

Gilmore went too far again. He lowered them back to the floor. Alicia could see the look on his face, which contrasted with the strong nature he mentioned earlier. "I thought the strong ones don't cry?"

"I-I'm not crying, really!" a trembling voice and teary eyes indicated otherwise. The tears could not be held back forever, especially when Alicia hugged Gilmore again in private.

"Naw, just cry. I hope you and Nadine can become knights soon. Who knows? We can serve together again."

"I'll do it, Alicia. I'll do it. Take care of yourself, hen. I hope you don't die before that time comes."

"Aye, of course not, ye eejit."

The last person he had to say goodbye to. Her own brother. Leith was probably the toughest of them all. Still, the look in his eyes was utterly ominous, as if he asked for a square go. Alicia knew her brother. She knew that he did not mean it that way.

"The Eternal Empire has beautiful places, unlike Trinketshore," Leith said. "Don’t bother to come back here. Papa and I can go there and take you on vacation at the same time. I hope you don’t act a hick. I hope you're not stupid. I hope you listen to what the monks instruct you."

"I want to be a mage, Leith, not a monk. Following your orders in Roma will bore me to death. Breaking rules once or twice should be fine," Alicia replied.

"Roman tantrums are scarier than mine."

"Is that so? I want to test it."

Smiles crossed the faces of the two siblings. They did not hug—just a flat and less warm conversation. Maybe so as not to hurt Leith's injured chest. But they did express intimacy in different ways. That did not lessen Alicia's affection for Leith and the other way around. In fact, this was how they expressed it.

"Wait, Alicia. You're forgetting something." Nadine went to her room and came back with something. A fold of cloth. A protective magic cloak given by Ailsa, Alicia's mother.

"Just in case," said Nadine.

Alicia's eyes shone as she touched then picked up the crimson robe. Her robes which had been dirty and dingy from the ruins of the mausoleum, were now fiery clean.

"Nadine! I almost forgot this existed. Thank you so much!"

Alicia put on the robe. Her mother's protection was with the girl. She felt safe now. With a smile, she approached Haddock. "I'm ready, Grand Magus."

"Then there's no need to linger. First stop, Vanir!" []