Spellcasting at house Yilner was nothing like what Ellessea had been taught by her mother and aunts. Their familia spells had been passed down from mother to daughter for generations of farmers, a cultural and transitional heritage of her family, she was told. To her, spellcasting was a connection to her ancestors, the same spells she had used in the fields were the same her predecessors had used on their own fields, in the years past. For her it was a sort of meditation, a feeling as she pulled the mana and cast it out upon the world to do her bidding. Casting spells made her feel connected with her family and her land.

Apparently, that was all hogwash. Her training in earthen magic was high on the list of what house Yilner wanted her to learn and on the first day in the estate she was already whisked away to the back yard where she would have private instruction until she was up to speed enough to join the regular house mage classes.

Her instructor, an old wrinkly lady with huge saggy breasts, had her start with magic she already knew, which was farm magic. Which led her to where she was now, struggling to maintain her spell which pushed and pulled soil around the field. It wasn’t for lack of mana she was struggling, of course. It was a lack of concentration and finesse.

Concentration she was severely lacking as the old lady liked to smack her with her cane when she faltered. To be fair, the old lady was a partial saint, turning out to be a kind and patient teacher, if strict. Ellessea’s expectations on her tutors had ranged from disgusted but duty bound to cruel and arrogant tyrants. So far, besides the occasional cane wacking, her old instructor was gentle yet forceful, patient yet firm, and altogether a fortune to be taught from.

Learning that her cultural and spell crafting heritage was little better than children’s tricks was a blow she had yet to recover from though. She still wasn’t convinced that the entirety of her family's teachings needed to be forgotten and a completely new path forged, but there was no doubt that the casual spellcrafting the old lady had shown her were leagues away from anything even the most talented of mages in her farming community could produce. If Ellessea did manage to learn new and better ways to spellcraft, she decided she would return home one day and teach ellane the new methods, even if she had to force it down her throat.

Metaphorically, of course.

So now she was working on, “building new mana pathways” as her instructor called it. Her family had called them instincts. As you use spells over and over again and your familiarity with it increases, it becomes easier and easier to cast, like becoming instinct in the end. Her instructor had said it was more like walking down the same path everyday until a well worn trail was in place. And Ellessea’s trails were bad and inefficient. So she had to take time and make new paths, sending mana through her body over and over again until the old instincts were forgotten and new ones were created.

Her instructor said that doing this was only possible as she was a mana spring and had nearly limitless mana to circulate inside of her. For most people, the pathways are too set in place by the time they reach adulthood that it is impractical to try to forge new ones.

A large part of her was saddened to think that the old comfortable instincts she had forged for her entire life needed to be wiped away. She felt uneasy, like losing a good friend.

Or like losing her home.

It didn’t help that Rylie was here too, off to the side with his manservants and white face, having afternoon tea while a house mage conjured a spell to dissipate the smell of the training yard.

Ellessea suspected the man was gloating over getting access to her so early. Whenever they made eye contact, he would give her a vicious, predatory smile. Nothing like the smiles that Raksha had given her just two nights ago.

Despite herself, Ellessea kept having her thoughts drift back to the exotic man who came into and out of her life so quickly, like a passing storm. He was so kind, with those blue eyes and yellow hair. Her thoughts raced back to when she was helping him lace up his armor. Her fingers were trembling slightly and she couldn’t take her eyes off of the nape of his neck. The way his shoulders curved up into the neck, the line of his hair and muscles and veins moving as he turned his head to the side.

It was all too much stimulation for a girl so early in the morning. At that moment, there was nothing she wanted to do more than lean forward and get a taste of that skin on her lips….

But the moment ended too quickly and now he was out of her life entirely. Banished by the Yilner house for presuming to even get close to her. She felt responsible and guilty, like she owed him something. He had come all the way from the capital at her request, to marry her and she… she couldn’t provide. As a woman, she felt obligated to follow through on her promise to a man, but she failed, and along with it, her sense of her own womanhood was broken as she couldn’t provide for the man who appeared at her door. She couldn't help but wonder what would have happened if she hadn’t awakened into a mana spring.

He would have come to the door bearing the request, just like he did before. But now she was free and available, with a farm to take over. He said he wanted a family and the love she had promised. She would have given it to him, she was sure of it. He would have had a permanent place at their table, in their house, eventually her own house with him….

Lots and lots of sex with him… his broad shoulders and strong arms… his sexy chest she could dive into with impunity… and further down….

Ellessea shook her head, banishing any further thoughts before she made a fool of herself in the training fields.

The ride home yesterday was one she would never be able to forget. It felt like a death sentence hanging over her, knowing that she would never be able to go back, two silent house mages accompanying her. Raul had cried when he heard she wasn’t coming back, practically strangling her as he hugged her fast. Ellessea tried her best to console him, saying the words she wasn’t feeling himself.

Even her sister Ellane looked troubled and concerned, giving her a surprise hug on the way out and whispering that she would take good care of Raul and the farm. She hadn’t expected the sentiment from Ellane after the troubles their relationship had experienced over the last few months, and she found she appreciated the gesture more than she cared to admit.

Her parents were upset as well, but not in the way she had hoped. Her mother was furious that they had jeopardized the arrangement at all and was practically helping her pack her things and shoving her out of the residence, into the arms of the house mages. Upon seeing her daughter’s forlorn expression, she got mad, saying, “it's what’s best for you, and for the family, don’t you get that? This is for you!” Her father was little better, giving her a farewell hug and telling her to work hard and be obedient to her new house.

The words felt hollow to her and she barely had the energy to squeeze him back.

And then, she was suddenly back at the Yilner estate, her worldly possessions taking less time to pack and load than it took to travel there and back. Rylie was there at the gates, waiting for him with a sneer, as if upset at the audacity at the notion that she was anything other than his now.

After seeing Ellessea escorted in, Rylie gave her a predatory grin and sauntered off, swaying his hips, as if an eyeful of his posterior was enough reward for the little peasant girl for obediently coming to the house.

While the view was sexy, Ellessea found herself at a loss to actually enjoying it. She had trouble imagining sex with the man as anything other than vicious and sadistic, him digging his long colored nails into him and doing with her whatever he pleased until she carried his kids.

The thought made her nauseous.

Her mind crashed back to the present with a sharp smack on her calves. “Daydreaming again, girl?” an old weezy voice spoke out, “Is this what you did on the farm all day? Standing around with your head in the clouds?”

“Sorry,” Ellessea replied with gritted teeth, focusing on the spell again. “It's been an eventful few days.”

The old lady’s stern frown held for a moment, but then softened. “I understand this is a hard transition for you. I have found that the best way to keep troubling thoughts away is through hard work though. So, focus on the task, and forget your worries for now. They will come back to you soon enough.”

Ellessea shivered at the words. She felt so lost and confused, her future a dark curling fog.

She squared herself, and tried to follow her instructor's advice.

A new voice called over the training yard, loud and clear over the undertones of the setting. “Brother!” the woman’s words sang out joyfully, “I’ve been looking for you for a while now, didn’t think I would see you out here in the training yard.”

Stolen story; please report.

Ellessea turned to see the new woman. It was the young Lady Adrea, first born of house Yilner. She had with her a small entourage, a couple house mages and even a daintily dressed man scurrying behind her with a large fan, as if any of the mages couldn’t place a cooling spell on Adrea if she wanted it. Ellessea couldn’t help but scowl at the sight.

Adrea strode forward like she owned the place, large flowing robes twirling about her, the expensive fabrics giving off a stylized look. Unlike her brother, she was not decked out in jewelry like a pawn shop, but hse did have a few items about her, adding to her flare. A large, gilded sheath was at her side, the hilt of the blade peaked out, revealing tasteful and expensive gems adorning it.

“Although, I should have thought you would be out here,” she added as she stepped up to the dais that held Rylie and his tea party. “You are not the type to leave your belongings out of sight for long.”

Ellessea saw Rylie scowl at the entrance of his sister, the white makeup twisting in exaggerated theatre. He huffed out as she got close, “What do you want, Adrea? I am not in the mood for banter or games today.”

“Oh, you never are these days,” Adrea added with a laugh. “However, I was hoping to borrow your newest toy for a second, if that’s okay with you.”

Ellessea felt dread creep up in her at the words as Rylie scrunched up his face at the request. “What do you want her for? It's far too early to try to play your games with her, Adrea. She’ll be liable to break and I don’t want my things broken.”

“Nothing of the sort this time, I swear,” Adrea replied innocently, “I just want her to charge one of my enchanted items. I’d like to go for a delve soon, and it's all out of juice.”

“Why don’t you ask Magister Excelner?” Rylie asked with a little wine in his voice.

“Because she is grumpy and will grumble the whole time.” Adrea replied shamelessly. Rylie looked unimpressed though, so she continued, “Please brother? It's going to be part of her job soon anyway.”

Taking too long of a pause, Rylie finally relented, turning his head demurely and saying, “Of course, Sister. Just be sure not to wear her out, she still has training she needs to finish today.”

“You are the best, brother!” Adrea replied with a full smile, lightly kissing Rylie on the cheek so as not to smudge his makeup. Rylie waved her off with a satisfied smile of his own.

Feeling a sense of dread, Ellessea stood stock still, back straight, preparing for Adrea’s arrival as she jumped down off the dias and headed her way.

That was the wrong response apparently, as she was once again whacked on the back of her knees. The old lady’s frantic hissing came through, “you must bow before the young lady, and not rise until you are given permission, understood?”

Ellessea tried to do as she was told, following the old lady’s pressing hands as they guided her into the correct pose. Adrea just laughed as she approached, saying, “I guess etiquette lessons haven’t occurred yet? Don’t worry, peasant. I am not so strict, there is just one simple way to greet me.” She gave a signal to one of her entourage and one of the women stepped forward, flicking a spell. Then the woman shoved Ellessea hard.

Ellessea felt her feet lock up as she was pushed, causing her to fall directly to the ground, landing on her backside with a painful grunt. Looking up at the Lady, Ellessea saw a cruel glint in her eyes. “You just need to always greet me from the ground,” Adrea said lazily, “understood?”

Nodding profusely, Ellessea tried to ignore the new bruise on her tailbone. It was obviously a move Adrea pulled off often. She saw her instructor frowning from off to the side, but she did not interfere.

“Good!” Adrea replied happily, “Now, you may rise.”

Ellessea did so cautiously, eyeing the woman who had pushed her over out of the corner of her eye. The house mage looked bored and uncaring.

“Alight! Are you able to charge up enchanted items?” Adrea asked.

“Yes.” Ellessea replied slowly.

“Good, here charge this one.” In a swift and practiced motion, Adrea unsheathed the blade at her side and held it aloft. It was long, with a glittery handle and a smooth polished blade. It looked fancy, way more fancy than the items that Raksha had had on him.

Ellessea reached out to take the sword, but Adrea immediately pulled it back with a smirk. “You think you can just take an enchanted blade into your hands, peasant? Do you know how much a thing like this is worth?”

Ellessea had a vague idea, but she wasn’t quite sure what to do. She ended up saying cautiously, “I need to hold it, to charge it, m’Lady”

“Indeed, you do.” The lady replied easily, now swinging the sword back and forth, showing off its glittery edges. “But when you do, you need to understand the weight of just what you are holding. You can’t just take it like you would a plow. It's an enchanted weapon. Its value is greater than all the food you could have grown in your lifetime. Were you anybody else, I would have cut you down for even intending to grasp my blade, and with this sword, cutting you down would be easier than threshing the wheat on your fields. You understand?” Adrea asked, her eyes glittering with malice and danger.

Ellessea gulped, feeling sweat trickle down her back. She knew that her position at the house gave her some protection, but she felt that that protection was slim in front of this woman.

When Adrea held out the weapon again, Ellessea hesitantly received it.

And yet, as she took it and felt the mana flow out of her and into the sword, the flow felt inconsistent and disjointed, like it was fighting with itself, unsure as to whether it really wanted to take mana. It felt uncomfortable in her hands, the impure mana flow making her palms itchy. It was nothing like the smooth flow of Raksha’s items.

“Have you ever held an item like this before?” Adrea asked, sounding smug. Ellessea honestly shook her head. “I would think not. The gems embedded on it alone are worth more than all the money your little farming community makes in a year. It's been enchanted with the spell eviscerate which means that even with just a small cut from it, it rips open the flesh. It makes a simple stab into a fatal wound immediately. I’ve used it on plenty of monsters, so I know.”

Ellessea shuddered at the thought, trying not to dwell on the sword’s grisly purpose.

Eventually, Ellessea found herself having to make an effort to push the mana in, even though she could tell there was still room left in the well inside of it, something she hadn't experienced with Raksha’s equipment.

“It was made right here on our estate,” Adrea continued idly while Ellessea wondered why she bothered to brag to a peasant woman. “It's the finest weapon our craftswomen have ever created. It is on par with some of the greatest items coming from the capital.”

Somehow, Ellessea didn’t believe that. As the blade was nearing capacity, she was having a harder and harder time filling it up, her hands shaking a little at the effort.

Noticing her, Adrea asked, “Something wrong?”

“No, m’lady” Ellessea replied, her back soaked with sweat now. “This one just needs a little extra…. Convincing to take the mana. It's no problem, in fact, I am done now.”

She handed the blade over, handle first, to the young Lady as fast as she could. She took a few deep breaths to steady herself while Adrea looked over her work.

Adrea’s eyebrow rose as she looked back at Ellessea. “A full charge? Well, well, it looks like you have some talent after all. Not even the magistrate was able to fully charge this sword, its potency difficult to manage. And in such a short time too.”

Ellessea didn’t know what to think of those comments. Raksha’s enchanted items were easy to fill and each of them had substantially larger mana wells than Adrea’s sword. She wasn’t an expert though, so she didn’t know what to make of it. The whole experience was unpleasant and she wasn’t looking forward to charging it again in the future. Her hands hurt.

Before Adrea could say anything else, Rylie’s voice called out to them. “Sister, are you quite finished now? There is no reason to detain my Elle for longer, you know how much work she has to get done today.”

Elllessea felt goosebumps riddle her and she couldn't help but feel slightly disgusted at the pet name.

“Of course, brother,” Adrea replied easily, “I was just wondering at her remarkable talent at charging my sword. When I need to get a full charge, I usually have to pay the delver’s guild to fill it up all the way. And even then, the charge doesn’t last nearly long enough. Say, brother,” Adrea added, suddenly sounding excited, “Do you think I could borrow her for my delve, coming up? The charge never lasts as long as I want it to, always cutting my time short. But if I take her with me, I’ll always be able to keep my sword fully charged.”

“Have you lost your mind, sister?” Rylie responded, his voice rising in pitch with his alarm. For once, Ellessea was glad for Rylie’s possessiveness. “You want to bring an untrained mage into the dungeons? Absolutely not!”

“Oh, she’ll be fine,” Adrea stated earnestly, moving over to the dais again. “I’ll be with my mages, and mother always makes me hire that delving team to escort us around. It's hardly any fun in the first place with all those mages in our group. Your plaything will be perfectly safe with us.”

“I said no!” Rylie spat, his white makeup flaking a little as his face twisted in anger. “Elle means too much for our family to risk in such a foolish venture, just for you to have a little extra fun.”

Adrea shook her head, disdain creeping into her voice, “Don’t bother making excuses, we both know you just don’t like the idea of her being outside of your control. Your possessiveness has always been one of the scary things about you, there is no need to hide it.”

Rylie’s face turned ugly, but he just replied saying, “no, is no, brother. If you press it, I will bring this up to mother.”

It was Adrea’s turn for her face to turn ugly, but it vanished a moment later. “Of course brother, there is no need for that. I was just asking, there is no need to get all angry over this.”

Rylie humphed in his chair and took a sip from his tea, looking away into the distance.

“Well, I’ll be taking my leave then, brother,” Adrea added with a graceful bow in his direction. Then she turned back to Ellessea and her instructor. “Elder Ulessa,” She said, indicating the instructor and giving a small bow. Ulessa bowed deeply back, uncomfortable through the whole exchange.

Then Adrea’s eyes lingered on Ellessea and Ellessea saw the same viciousness and cruel glint that she saw in Rylie’s eyes. This was a woman who hurt her enemies and liked it. And she was not one to take no for an answer.

“Till we meet again, Mana Spring.” Adrea said simply before walking away, her entourage following her.

Ellessea had no doubt that she would be seeing her again, and soon. Rylie would not always be around to protect her.

Ellessea shivered again as a cool breeze drifted through the training yard.