“What are you doing?” asked the Acolyte as he spotted the young Rovenna behind some rocks practicing magic, hidden from the rest of the party on their way to the Mirror Forest.

Rovenna jumped in surprise and as a result tripped over the folds of her own dress falling backwards to the ground. The light-haired, blue-robed young man approached her and held out his hand to help her up. She hesitated for a moment until finally accepting the wizard's hand and getting up. She thanked him and began to walk away pretending that nothing had happened.

If she was lucky, he would think she was just playing and probably wouldn't comment to anyone about what he had just seen. And if she was not so lucky, the episode would reach her husband's ears and she would have to face the punishment and also the loss of what little joy she had enjoyed in the last few days while he was busy leading the delegation that had left Nemertya only two days ago.

“Hold on,” said the wizard, and Rovenna's heart stopped. “That's not the right way to do it.”

She had insulted him, Rovenna thought, and now he was going to make her pay.

But that didn't happen.

“First... legs and back straight,” at the girl's confused look, he began to show her with his own body the same steps he was listing. “Hands at chest level. When you draw the seal, your movements must be fluid and elegant, like musicians when they play an instrument,” then he slowly drew the seal in the air until his hands stopped visibly tense from the energy that had condensed between his palms. “Hold, aim and release,” with an abrupt forward movement the wizard released a strong current of air that was expelled from the point where he had invoked the seal in Rovenna's direction.

At no time did the astonished girl miss any detail of the Acolyte's movements and only closed her eyes when she felt how the released energy of the seal vibrated around her, shaking the folds of her dress and messing up her brown hair until it dissipated completely.

When she opened them, the wizard gestured to her as an invitation to repeat what he had done.

Trying to contain the emotion in her racing heart, she nodded and straightened her body, not an easy task because she realized that she was also trembling. She raised her hands following the instructions as he had shown her. A slight tingling ran through her fingers as the energy began to build up between them, but when she eagerly stretched her arms forward to release it, it was barely strong enough to elicit a puff.

Despite her failure, the wizard nodded.

“Better, again.”

Rovenna repeated all the steps, the result was almost the same.

“Again,” said the wizard.

They went on like that for a while until after several attempts, she had achieved a little more power, but her seal was nothing compared to what the Acolyte had shown her at the beginning.

“Do not worry, my lady, in time I am sure you will have no problem mastering it,” he told her as he helped her up. “The sun is about to set, I should...”

“Oh no!” Rovenna suddenly became aware of how long she had been away from the camp, “I have to go back!”

“If it is the Baron you are worried about, I have seen that he is busy with...” he cleared his throat, but did not continue. Yet Rovenna understood that he was referring to the voluptuous mistress her husband had brought with him from Nemertya on the same travel as his wife.

Though Rovenna didn't complain at all. The woman could even go and live under the same roof as the couple, for all she cared.

“Ah...” she took a deep breath to calm herself.

“My name is Eldrin Caedos,” the young man said.

“Rovenna...” she paused before continuing. She didn't want to tell him she was an Astra, not that he should know that, but she didn't feel pleasure in saying her husband's family name either.

“My pleasure,” Eldrin bowed his head. “I was not aware that you were training.”

“I really shouldn't,” she admitted sheepishly.

“It's a pity,” sighed Eldrin, and they both returned to the camp together without saying another word.

The next day the great procession of soldiers and wizards resumed their march, and did not stop again until the afternoon. As was her custom, Rovenna waited until her husband was distracted in his own pleasures to sneak for a while behind a group of trees that would hide what she was doing.

Eldrin Caedos didn't take long to follow her and provide her of more directions.

Rovenna felt uncomfortable as he stared at her without losing detail, but she did her best to comply as he tried to teach her.

“Your movements are becoming more fluid, but you still can't get the energy level under control. Again.”

Just like the day before, the story repeated itself and ended with Rovenna running back to her tent before her husband could notice her absence.

That was the beginning of her friendship with Eldrin Caedos, or at least Rovenna saw it that way. At first they did not talk much, due to the short time she had to escape from her husband's sight, but little by little Eldrin felt more inclined to talk to her while the party marched towards their destination. To do so, he would bring his horse closer to the carriage where the Baroness was traveling and they would try to talk as quietly as possible so that their voices would fade away amidst the sounds of the horses' hooves.

By then they were halfway across the eastern fringe towards the Mirror Forest where they would be received by Lord Narthoss who as every year entertained the king's representatives, as well as the Count of Shadowrock who was making his annual tour visiting the three elven lords after attending the Return of the Sirenians.

For both Rovenna and Eldrin, it was their first time visiting the forest, and they couldn't stop talking about what they might find. Eldrin was more knowledgeable than her, since he had devoted his entire life to the study of elven culture, and could describe in detail the countless wonders described in books, although those descriptions would probably pale in comparison to the actual experience.

For some time Rovenna had heard of the Caedos. It was a family of great importance, though not as influential as the five families descended from the first wizards. Still, through alliances and marriages they had secured important positions within the Council. Eldrin's own father headed the Control Division, while his mother was a renowned Education instructor who had trained the best wizards in the kingdom. Once Eldrin finished touring Terrarkana it was very likely that he would begin working there, although Rovenna was surprised when he said that he actually aspired to much more than a mere employment.

“A post in the Council is a noble task but... the study of the Codes... breaking the limits to which we humans are subjected... that is my dream. That is why I decided to accompany the Baron on this journey.”

“What do you want to find in the forest?” Rovenna asked.

“I want to ask Lord Narthoss to grant me the privilege of becoming his disciple.”

That took her by surprise. It was one thing to ask to study ancient scrolls from the elven libraries and quite another to be accepted as an apprentice.

“What? But the elves...”

“Lord Narthoss is the only one of the three siblings who has taken human apprentices.”

“Really?” until then Rovenna had believed that since the time of the first five wizards no one had been lucky enough to be accepted.

“It doesn't happen as often as one would wish,” Eldrin continued with a shrug. “You know how elves are. Time doesn't affect them like it does us... I think the last one to be accepted was our current Master Arcanist.”

“But that must have been...”

“Forty years ago...” sighed Eldrin. “I have no hope of succeeding, but I have nothing to lose by trying, except my dignity,” a faint laugh escaped his lips.

“You are an excellent wizard, Eldrin,” Rovenna said with conviction. “I am sure he will accept you.”

“You lack a lot of practice to be able to determine the true power of a wizard, but I accept the compliment,” he smiled and, after making sure no one was watching, reached out to caress Rovenna's cheek, who turned away from the window so he couldn't see how flushed her face had turned.

She would be very happy for Eldrin if the elf took him as his disciple, but at the same time it made her sad because she had already looked forward to returning to Nemertya knowing that now she had a friend to share her magic with.

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Though it was to be expected. He was an Acolyte on his annual journey. It would take time for them to meet again, and when they did, she would be happy again.

She just had to be patient as she had been so far.

“Wait and be patient”, her mother had told her the night before her wedding.

During their golden age, the Astra had been chimera hunters, in the service of the five families, and were respected throughout the kingdom for their tactics both methodical and ruthless. However, after the peace treaty, all their privileges were rescinded and they were severely punished by the same Council that had previously employed them. All the important members of the family were annihilated, among them Rovenna's great-grandfather, while the rest, including the children, had a cross seal engraved on their bodies. Only the following generations were spared the punishment, and by the time she was born her parents were earning an honest living as merchants.

However, the yearning for past glories was suddenly awakened one day when it was revealed that, of all their children, Rovenna possessed a natural talent for magic. This was accidentally discovered after a wizard dropped a parchment from his saddlebag while visiting her family's business.

As Rovenna went to pick it up, she was so mesmerized by the symbols written on it that she was unable to hear her father's loud voice commanding her to return it to its owner. However, the wizard seemed amused by the girl's innocent curiosity. He knew she could not understand anything it said so he gave her permission to study it for a while as he continued with his searching of goods.

Great was the surprise once she finished tracing the shape of the seal with her fingers, and caused a shockwave of such magnitude that it shot out in all directions, scaring the customers who ran away terrified and destroying all the merchandise on the spot. However, unlike other times when she had been punished with several blows, the wizard himself stopped her father's hand to ask him about his daughter's magical power.

What had started as a simple accident became the first manifestation of the exceptional talent that would change the girl's destiny and the future of her family.

From one day to the next, Rovenna's life changed, as if a warm light had been kindled inside her within the abyss of her soul from whose depths life was beginning to emerge. For some years she walked the busy streets of Nemertya to attend classes along with the rest of the Initiates. Her enthusiasm reached such an extreme that she soon stood out for being the first to complete the exercises with remarkable accuracy, as well as memorizing the lines of the seals in half the time of her classmates. However, she was still too innocent to realize that her progress was scrutinized with suspicion by several high members of the Council who ended up filing an official complaint with the Control Division about the presence of a member of the Astra family who was trying to slip into their ranks.

Several decades had already passed since the downfall of her family. That was why she was not expelled immediately, but neither was she allowed to continue to begin her training as an Acolyte. The wizard who had helped her to enroll suggested that she try to apply to one of the many Orders scattered throughout Terrarkana, but the Council's rejection dashed her parents' expectations and once again Rovenna's life took an unforeseen turn.

All dreams were snatched away from her and even darker shadows emerged when her parents decided that the practical thing to do would be to marry her off or, rather, sell her as a flock to a distinguished military man whose fight with the pirates earned him the title of Baron. The man was three times her age, had already been married and widowed twice, and had many children who would inherit his titles and possessions, so marrying her would not make the slightest difference to him. As requirements, the old man had only requested that his future wife be young, without visible physical defects and of an obedient character that would allow him to spend the rest of their lives in peace.

But that peace did not include Rovenna, who had to suffer constant mistreatment from him and her in-laws. At least, she had been lucky enough that in all that time she had not become pregnant and for that she may have to thank the same beatings that could leave her confined to bed for several days.

However, now she had met Eldrin, who was showing her that with effort and dedication she could improve until she achieved what she set out to do, and her hopes had been reborn.

He had taken the task of being her instructor with all seriousness and Rovenna could be sure that every day she was surpassing herself because the greater her progress the more demanding Eldrin became. However, he was always vigilant that she did not get hurt, not for herself but for his position.

“This is not half of what I would like you to do, but I don't want you to push yourself. You are the Baron's wife, and he will hold me responsible for anything that happens to you.”

Only when he said that did Rovenna allow herself to feel annoyed with him. She hated it when he brought up her situation because for her those were the only times of the day when she could pretend she was someone else. While training with Eldrin, she was no longer the quiet Baroness but a random wizard on her Acolyte journey. She had even told the maid who was assisting her that from now on she would only wear blue. Luckily for her, her husband who hardly paid attention to her did not notice the change of attire. Eldrin had indeed noticed the change, but said nothing, and just gave her a mocking glance at her dresses. Rovenna couldn't be sure if he was just amused or thought she was being too presumptuous.

Just helping her in her training was already a gamble for him, but as the days went by Rovenna had to realized that Eldrin was not as daring as he seemed to her at first. It was painful to admit it but she already knew that in case they were discovered he would not fight for her.

Whenever Eldrin spoke of his aspirations he never mentioned her in that future, except to promise to write to his parents to help her join the Council, though requiring permission from the Baron was a tricky business. It was there that she realized that, while Eldrin was passionate about knowledge, that didn't mean he questioned the harsh order of the world they lived in. He was proud to consider himself her instructor, but would never help her escape her marriage.

To him, she was nothing more than an object to be molded.

By the time they reached the borders of the Mirror Forest, Rovenna had made up her mind that she would have no more illusions and would treasure that journey with Eldrin as a sweet memory for when she returned to her gray life in Nemertya.

The only way to enter the Mirror Forest was through a river that meandered through trees shrouded in a dense fog. Not far away, a small white wooden dock emerged from the mist, with several boats waiting for them, though stripped of oars. On the wood were carved symbols that Rovenna could not identify although she later ascertained that these had been placed there to make the boats move on their own. The first boats began to glide smoothly over the water, taking with them first the Masters and the Baron, plus Eldrin who from now on, to Rovenna's pity, would have to remain close to his superiors.

After patiently waiting her turn, she boarded the remaining boats along with the soldiers and servants, and they soon crossed the threshold of the forest.

Rovenna gasped at the sight of the crystal clear river reflecting the sky and the trees like a mirror. She could drive herself mad deciding where to fix her gaze. Below the surface an underwater world of intertwined roots and moss-covered stones, while on the surface, lichens and vines hung like green curtains from the branches.

As they advanced, the trees seemed to lean forward, forming a natural tunnel overhead. The mist gradually dissipated, revealing the intense colors of leaves and foliage. A sweet scent, like a potion, wafted through the air, relaxing her senses and making her forget her worries.

The silence was almost absolute, interrupted only by the gentle skimming of the boats on the water and the sighs of the rest of the dazzled travelers. Occasionally, a silvery glint revealed the presence of fish swimming swiftly beneath the surface. Tree roots formed natural arches through which the boats had to pass, and small wooden bridges began to appear between the branches connecting the first elven houses that emerged among the vegetation.

Suddenly, the forest opened up and there appeared before them a vast lake on which stood a majestic white palace. From a distance, it appeared to float on the water, but as they approached, Rovenna noticed that it was built on a base of stones barely visible beneath the surface.

The boats gently approached the stone pier, and the party began to quietly disembark. Rovenna watched as her husband and the wizards ascended a wide marble staircase, which glistened in the dim light of dusk. She began to climb the stairs, keeping a prudent distance from the group, who were already at the entrance, exchanging respectful greetings with the elves. She intended to go as unnoticed as possible, as she was afraid of making mistakes that her husband would later use as excuses to mistreat her. However she couldn't help the growing curiosity that was hurrying her up to take a closer look at the tall and imposing figure of Lord Narthoss.

She had never seen anyone so beautiful. The elf head stood out above all those present. His long blond hair fell like a waterfall to his waist. He wore a white robe with delicate silver trimmings that reflected the light, and his intense, inquisitive purple eyes lingered on each of the visitors as if he could read their deepest thoughts.

Her husband made no attempt to introduce her to the elf, which did not surprise her.

However, to everybody's surprise, Lord Narthoss did notice her.

“The Baroness, I presume.”

The elf's tone seemed to unsettle the wizards who turned to look at Rovenna and moved away to let her pass.

The Baron cleared his throat before speaking.

“Indeed, my lord.”

The elf then extended his hand towards her.

With a mixture of awe and nervousness at that unexpected gesture of courtesy, Rovenna stepped forward and accepted the elf's hand, who bowed his head slightly before gently bringing her hand to his lips. The softness of his skin and the warmth of his touch unnerved her, and for an instant, everything around her faded away, as if time had stopped. As she looked up, the elf's eyes sparkled like two precious gems.

Aware that everyone was looking at her, Rovenna released his hand and stepped back nervously, feeling an intense heat on her face.

“Welcome to the White Tower,” the elf did not smile with his lips but with his eyes. “It may not be as impressive as my sister's Blue Willow in Serenity Glade, but we will see to it that your stay will be the most pleasant one.”

Rovenna had no idea what the elven capital must look like, and she could not imagine anything more beautiful than that huge, shining castle.

The elf turned around, and from then on no one paid any attention to Rovenna. Before walking away, she thought she caught a glimpse of a shadow in Eldrin's eyes, but he withdrew before she could notice.

Meanwhile, she was left in the care of a group of elves women who led her to her quarters, which were reached through long corridors that twisted and turned like a labyrinth. She had imagined that the place would be full of mirrors but that was not the case. In reality, what proliferated more were small fountains of crystalline water, some even embedded in the walls carved in the shapes of forest animals and plants, whose sounds reverberated like the gentle flow of a river.

Unlike the gray hole she occupied in Nemertya, the light that entered the room chased away all shadows. Compared to the splendor of the rest of the palace, it was modest but of simple elegance. A wooden bed with soft white curtains occupied the center of the chamber, furnished with simple and practical furniture, and at one end a wide balcony opened up, offering a panoramic view of the sun-gilded lake and the complex web of the aquatic forest.

To recover from the journey, the elves prepared a bath for her and, as rarely in her life, gave her the option of staying for dinner in her room, which she gladly accepted.

As night fell, moonlight streamed through the open balcony bathing her room in a silvery glow, and though she tried to stay awake to enjoy the night landscape, exhaustion made her succumb.

When she awoke the next morning, she felt as relaxed as if she had slept for days, although at some point during the night her sleep had been stirred by the sight of the elf's violet eyes.