Chapter 13 - The Meeting

In the morning I was woken by the bustle that was slowly becoming familiar. Once again Clothilde stood next to my bed and somehow she knew when I was no longer sleeping. She turned to me with a bow.

-" Good Morning, Milady. I do hope that you are feeling well enough to partake in today's activities? ", she said in her usual composed manner. I was not sure whether she was slipping or I was getting better at reading her, but I felt barest hint of concern from her.

I bent my legs and raised myself to side-sitting position, I caught myself wondering how did I pick that particular siting habit and quickly dispelled that disconcerting thought.

My gaze wandered to the metal tub that the servants filled with buckets of water. I sighed inwardly at that sight, knowing all too well what was going to happen soon.

-” Good Morning, Head Maid. Thank you for your concern, but I find myself in good enough disposition to attend today’s classes “, I said while rubbing my eyes, trying to get morning drowsiness out of my eyes.

I recalled yesterday’s events, but I was no longer feeling down. I remembered some old piece of poetry I picked up somewhere:

-’ Fortune’s bought, stolen or sold,

Hands risen to grab the shining gold,

Forlorn copper is all they can hold,

Handful succeeded, it favours the bold. ‘.

I was still in debt, but wondering about money won’t get me anywhere - to the bold the spoils go. I was going to learn Magic today and I would not let trivialities bring me down. My excitement soared…

...and fell.

Maids closed the door and I swear that I could see vampire like claws sprouting forth and feel sinister gazes, as they reached for me...

Some time later, I tried to salvage what was left of my pride, after being thoroughly washed in my current body. As my hair was being groomed, I found that relaxing motion of the brush was strangely calming.

Finally I was helped into the costume, which still daunted me with its sheer amount of clasps, chains, buckles, cords, skirts and a silken sash to top it off…

Though I had to admit that it looked good, I was especially fond of boots. Long leather straps, embossed with silver runes, were woven into Herringbone pattern and extended from my ankles to above my knees. It gave my legs deliciously supple look…

That brought me back, while admiring the look of thigh-high boots that I always liked was alright, I felt distinct embarrassment when I realized that I was the one wearing them.

I shook my head and adjusted scarf that covered my mouth. Then I stretched letting weight of the costume adjust itself,  it was heavy and tight but not constricting or uncomfortable.

Hat was placed on my head and I closed my eyes for a moment to focus myself. I felt calmness which was followed by excitement. I smiled as fluttering feeling settled in my stomach.

It was finally time to see how magic looks and works like.

Absentmindedly I have thanked the Maids and made my way outside. They barely had enough time to open the door for me.

In the main room I was welcomed by the sight of Oliver, who was dining at the end of the table. He gestured with fork in his hand and gave me casual half-nod.

-” Morning, Princess. I do hope you are in high spirits for today’s lessons. Care to join me for a breakfest? “, he said with his casually mocking attitude.

I tilted my head and looked at him, deciding that I can’t hate him for his attitude. It seemed that it was just another one of his masks. It made me curious to find what was hidden beyond his unremarkable face and casual manner.

-” Good Morning, Oliver. I am glad that you have found accommodations in my service to your satisfaction “, I responded deciding that two could play this game.

I moved to take my place on opposite end of the table.

-” Touché, Milady. Let me extend my sincerest apologies “, he said apologetically as he assumed proper pose, but his playful smile broken any illusions about his remorseful attitude.

I lowered my scarf and taken up the spoon after Livia placed steaming bowl of broth before me.

-” Would your apology extend to an explanation about your unexpected visit? “, I asked as I was not expecting to meet him today.

-” You wound me greatly, Milady. Cannot Lady’s favorite servant bask in glory of her presence? “, he kept mocking me, but instead of being annoyed I felt strangely calmed by this noncommittal banter.

I took a sip of soup and found that it was spicy and delicious.

-” Strangely I feel that all the glory you are referring to is coming from the plate in front of you. Also, I must inform you that all my favourite servants are currently standing “, I responded in deadpan voice to tease him.

He had put one hand over his eyes and other over his heart, feigning theatrical expression.

-” Ahh, the mortal blow had been struck. I plead for forgiveness in this day of my mortal passing “, he said in defeat, then suddenly dropped the act and continued in serious voice:

-” Alas, as much fun as this might be let me finally get to the point. Your yesterday’s early retirement robbed me of the chance to finish my explanation. Actually its only a formality - I have not shown you which runes you should try to...incorporate during your lesson “.

He did let me finish the soup, then came closer and pointed several runes on my garb. Afterwards, with barest farewell, he was gone.

I tried to figure him out, but was stuck on his acts - an assassin, always with his guard up, hiding his feelings behind the masks…

-’ ...But he came to explain that one thing today and maybe tried to check on me after yesterday? Trying to lighten the mood...was it just a ruse? ‘, I was thinking hard, but could not decide if he cared or just played me.

However I looked at it, I had only one conclusion - whatever he said or did had to be taken with great deal of care. Which only made me all the more determined to crack his facade and see what's beneath.

-” Milady, its time for your classes “, I was brought back to the present by Clothilde.

-” Thank you, Head Maid “, I said.

I was led by the Maids and noticed that Clothilde had big basket with her, but I decided not to ask about it for now.

We passed paneled corridors and descended down the wooden staircase.

Eventually we have left the building through the back door and I began to wonder where the class will be held. We were standing on the round plaza covered with marble gravel and I could see few slim paths leading off in the distance.

Maids led me to one of them, that went almost directly away from the academy. I looked quizzically as path went to the big empty square.  As we entered the rectangle of hard-packed earth I noticed strange light that enveloped us.

It was milk white with prismatic hue and it blocked my vision for a moment. As the light subsided I noticed that the square was not empty. There were some scarecrows here and there, as well as some dirt walls that looked like they had been raised straight from the earth itself. Whole square was  under dome of misty white light, which obscured view of the scenery outside.

I found myself among students that I vaguely remembered from Magic Theory class…

There was my Target among them too, but I left him alone for now.

I noticed that some of the students were looking warily at me, while others, mainly female ones, looked expectantly at the path I came from.

I strained my ears and managed to grasp some of the chatter coming from that female students:

If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

-” Kyaa, I can’t wait for Him to show up “.

-” Yes, he is totally adorable, I want to hug him… but at the same time I am not… Cos he is soo Cool! “.

-” Exactly, I want him to teach me more~ “.

-’ . . . ‘, I had a premonition what this is about, but decided to investigate anyway.

My gaze quickly scanned the crowd and found student I was looking for. As he noticed my advance he looked like he was trying to find means of escape, but he had to give up since plain square did not offer any.

I walked to him and said boldly:

-” I believe we haven’t been officially introduced yet, I am known as Audentia. Pleased to make your acquaintance “.

Obviously unused to official greetings he responded awkwardly.

-” Um, thank you? I...am Eric, n..nice to meet you “, the nice part seemed rather labored.

I could not contain my sadististic instincts, that were woken by his helpless interaction. I decided that I will get some divine retribution after all.

-” Good Morning, Mister Eric! I hope that you do not find yourself in poor health? I wanted to have a conversation with you, but you seem flushed “, I said chirpily, while trying to project feeling of concern at the same time.

I was elated as he tried to answer my purposefully convoluted question.

-“ Um...No, I mean yes! I am..thank you for your concern, I am alright and er good morning, ...Lady? “, he said as he got disstressed even more.

-” Audentia will suffice, aren’t we classmates? I was wondering if you could tell me something… “, I said cheerfully as I laid the trap.

-” Of course, em...Audentia “, I was really happy with his embarrassed reaction and that he walked right into the trap.

-’ This is going much better than expected, I wonder how he will react now… ‘.

-” There seem to be a certain amount of interest about a particular subject, I was hoping that you would be able to provide explanation, as I dread to make an acquaintance with such a low caliber characters “, my chirpy voice patiently created scene of his execution.

-” I am not sure what you mean…”.

-” I am referring to the group of students exhibiting unsavory interest in some gentleman, please tell that you do not lower yourself by associating with those creatures? “, I said and he looked uneasily around.

We were surrounded by the group of students that heard all too well what was being said.

-’ What will it be? You either disagree and become hated by half the class, or agree and give me a knife to gut you with ‘.

-” I do not know… “, he said trying to find some kind of excuse, but I interrupted him sealing his fate.

-” I see, please excuse me for my indiscreet question. I knew that you would not partake in relations with such people. I wish that your health gets better as you seem awfully flushed, maybe you should go see a doctor? “, My new objective done, I started untangling myself from conversation and gleefully watched angry expressions on some of the *lowly characters*.

I was of course also the target of hate, but I did not worry, they were not going to do anything against me...especially since they were a bit too direct in their admiration.

-” Ah, no, I am alright. Please excuse me “, Eric quickly jumped at chance to escape and moved to his friend from before.

Sudden commotion brought my attention to what was happening behind me. I noticed two people that had just entered onto the square.

One was clad in elaborate purple tunic and breeches, while other had extensive white robe with wide hood.

Man in the tunic appeared to be in his thirties. He was tall and had sharp features with dark deep set eyes and dark hair that barely reached his shoulders. He was radiating confidence and moved in brisk sharp motions making him seem arrogant.

Robed one turned out to be just a boy, he looked like he just had his fifteenth  birthday. He was small and skinny, which made him almost disappear in the folds of his big robe. His face was framed by rather long platinum hair and was really thin. His pale complexion and large lavender eyes were really striking. What struck me the most was almost serene calmness of his demeanor, his wide eyed look would take in all that surrounded him and just...accepted it.

I could not explain, but I was just drawn in by him. I shook my head and took a deep breath to clear my thoughts.

-’ I can’t believe that somebody could have such a strong presence ‘, in vain effort I compared it to the feelings of the fan before his favorite Star...

That reminded me that I was not here to gawk like some third rate character.

-’ I might seem pathetic, but I will try my best ‘, I renewed my resolve in face of overwhelming display of power. My heart fluttered and my blood was boiling, the feeling of challenge was welling within me. The ultimate challenge of role playing was standing before me, wearing a white robe.

-’ I might be outclassed, but I cannot pass on such a fight. Dark Schneid*r guide me! ‘.

I took few meticulous steps forward getting past the semicircle of students. My passing glance took in the image of the man in a tunic and I thought:

-’ Simple swagger will not work against such a powerful opponent. I must portray confidence, not mere arrogance ‘.

My steps brought me in front of white robed figure, his wide eyed gaze was unnerving, but I was not willing to surrender just yet. What I needed was initiative, so I spoke first:

-” I extend my greetings, Teacher. Unfortunately we were not yet introduced, therefore let me introduce myself officially - I am called Audentia and I am here to learn from you  “, I said and gave him best curtsey bow I could.

He smiled and suddenly his features become softer, giving his serene manner a roguish twist.

-” I am glad to finally meet you, Miss Audentia. I have heard great deal about you and I am looking forward to teaching you. Please call me Sylthfran and excuse me for a moment, I will settle other students so we can focus on your progress “, he said in dreamy voice and gave me a nod.

Then he moved past me and started setting tasks for each of the students. His placid voice with hints of cheerfulness, his calm manner and pale coloring  made him seem outlandish. I could not help, but admire his character.

-” Come on, Eric stop sulking. Show me your progress, if you can’t get triple variation straight I will not be lenient! “, assistant in purple tunic gotten hold of Eric and practically dragged him away.

-’ He seems like a nice guy, even with that arrogant manner of his ‘, I mused.

Then it was my turn and Sylthfran made his way back to me…

-’ Why am I all giddy? Must be the magic, its finally my time to learn it! ‘, I tried to convince myself…

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Hey~, Author’s here~

I wanted to bring you magic but then the teacher came and I forgot

Oh well, there’s always another chapter and I might be able to get it done tomorrow… :)

Tell me how you liked today’s shenanigans and what are your thoughts on characters.

Cheers,

Mea, The Conquering Overlord

[ *Among piles of corpses a hand raises into the air* No more *huff* conquering *huff*, damn you author and *huff* your Cool Factor…*huff* thats not the bloody *huff* reason to conquer everything…*huff* cos its cool... ]

Ps The Poetry''s mine :)

NEXT CHAPTER: Chapter 14 - The Learning

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