Alice sat in her family's garden to enjoy the relative peace, trying her best to listen for new sounds in her very familiar home. It had been two weeks since the attack on Cylas, and likewise it had been two weeks since she lost her ability to sense the flow.
She had made little progress in regaining her use of divination, as her mind could not focus on the techniques required due to her shame and confusion. It felt as though she was reaching out for something in the recesses of her mind, but just as she started to come close her hand would be slapped away and she would lose what little progress she made. It was a frustrating process that yielded few results.
In the meantime she had gotten more used to living without it. She was well aware of the idea that losing one sense strengthened the others, but It was still a challenge to get anywhere by herself. In an effort to strengthen the senses she still had, she poured herself into refining her hearing.
While she was musing on her situation she heard a door open in the distance, followed by quick steps. From the sound of their fabric shoes on the stone work tiles of the garden path, it was someone of light weight, and likely one of the house staff.
“Lady Alice, it seems you've received a letter.” The person said. It was a woman’s voice, but Alice wasn’t sure if it was a maid or one of her attendants. She hadn’t been home long enough to memorize their voices.
“Have I? I thought it was a secret that I was home?” Alice asked. She knew better than to think she could keep any secrets from mages. They always loved sticking their tendrils into places they didn’t belong.
“I’m sorry my lady, we have failed you.” The woman said. Saying “My Lady” instead of anything else meant this was one of her attendants.
“Don’t worry about that, can you tell me who it’s from?” Alice asked.
“Of course my lady.” The Attendant said. Alice heard as the wax seal was broken and the paper unfurled. She could tell from the sound that it was high quality paper, not any random correspondence. Stationary of this kind is usually only reserved for one thing.
“It’s from one “Rigur Sherchower”, do you know of this person my lady?”
An invitation. Rigur somehow found out that Alice was in town. The way seal was still fresh when her attendant broke it so he was also in the capital, the letter could not be more than a few hours old. She didn’t know he lived in the capital, but she remembered that there was little reason to take note of him before.
“Yes, he was a student alongside me at Cylas. You may proceed.” Alice said.
“Of course my lady.”
To Lady Alice Magrisal
Greetings, Before I begin, I apologize for my curt manner of speech. I am unaware of the proper social considerations in writing to a Lady of Nobility, as I have seldom done so. I wish to invite you to my home to converse over tea. It was not until a few hours before the sending of this message that I knew the fate of any of my classmates, the only one I know of for certain is your own.
If all goes according to plan, this should reach you within a day, my door remains open until sunset this day, so come if you please. I will not take any offense in your lack of attendance. These last few weeks have been stressful for all involved and I would not wish to invite more upon you.
My address as well as further considerations may be found on the reverse side of this page. I look forward to your potential company, I believe we both have a lot to speak about.
“My Lady?”
Alice was conflicted about what to do, if she were to leave then her presence in the capital would be revealed. That could lead to all sorts of frustrations she wasn’t prepared to deal with, but having a friendly conversation with one of her classmates would be a pleasant change of pace. Compared to the barely restrained pity that everyone in her home afforded her.
“I think I will take him up on this offer.” Alice said.
“Are you sure my lady, Lord Magrisal will certainly object.” The Attendant said.
“He’ll have to look me in the eyes to object, and I don’t think he has the heart to do that.” Alice said.
-----
A short while later, along with her two of her attendants she arrived by carriage to Rigur’s home. It was on the opposite side of the city from her family’s home and if the chatter from her attendants were anything to go by, a lot more humble than would be expected from a noble.
She was led to the front gate and they were ushered by an elderly man. She could tell from his voice that he was easily 60 years or older. But his voice carried none of the usual timid weakness you would expect from the elderly. He seemed strong and vigorous from voice alone.
“Lady Magrisal, I presume?” The man said, Alice curtsied in response.
“I am sir, to whom do I speak? I would presume, but I am unable.” Alice said. He was silent for a moment, then made a sound of understanding.
“I see, My name is Narcine Sherchower.” He said.
“Lord Sherchower? Goddess’ Heart! My apologies for my indiscretion!” Alice said, her two attendants bowed their heads in his presence in reccompence.
“Think nothing of it dear, and I am no longer a Lord. I’ve passed that title onto my son. I am too old to hold the position.” Narcine said.
Rigur was now a lord?
The entire situation had taken a serious turn. She was about to enter the home of an ordained lord of the country, as herself an unmarried woman. To leave such an important detail out of his letter of invitation was tantamount to sabotage. The slightest indiscretion could lead to her family being shamed.
“Regardless my lord, I am sorry for not knowing you were here first.” Alice said. At that very moment she wanted to throw a stone at Rigur’s head and see if his thick skull would rebound it.
“It really is fine, I was simply visiting my son on his day off. He said he had a potential guest coming and I didn’t want to keep him.” Narcine said.
“You are too kind Lord Sherchower, I would hate to keep a father from his child.” Alice said.
“Yes yes, anyway. Hopefully you enjoy your tea.” Narcine said.
“Of course my lord, please have a pleasant day!” Alice said.
They then returned their attention to the subject at hand, they got to the door and after waiting for a few moments to see if someone would answer the door, one of Alice’s attendants stepped forward and knocked. She stepped back as soon as noise was heard on their side.
Her mind raced in trying to understand his game. Not mentioning his lordship was one thing, but inviting a single woman of nobility to his own home was an entire other affair. If the wrong person passed by on the street this could make front page news on every rag in the country. So soon after the attack on Cylas as well, it could be the defining moment of both of their lives. All she could do was wait.
“Father, what is it that- Oh!” Rigur said.
Rigur invited them inside while he ran upstairs. Her attendants asked if she would like to sit down, but Alice reminded her that in a Lord’s house they must wait to be seated. Rigur came back down just in time to not hear her say this.
“Apologies, I was speaking with my father and must have lost track of time. I was fully intending to be presentable.” Rigur said.
“It’s of no concern to me.” Alice said. She turned to her attendants and waved them away. “You may rest in the carriage for now. I will have Lord Sherchower escort me out when we are done.”
“But my lady…” One attendant said.
“That was not a request. Please wait outside for now.” Alice said. Without a word the attendants bowed their heads to Rigur and they left. Once they were gone a small chuckle echoed from Rigur’s mouth.
“Is something humorous, Lord Sherchower?” Alice asked.
“I just thought it was funny how strict you were, putting on a real show for everyone.” Rigur said. Alice remained silent.
“Oh, you’re being serious.” Rigur said.
“Of course I am, I am in the presence of The Ordained Lord of House Sherchower. Whereas I am simply A Minor Lady of the House Magrisal. It is only right.” Alice said.
“Alice, please, I invited you here to a casual conversation and tea, not to execute a political maneuver. You can speak freely with me.” Rigur said. There was a note of exasperation in his voice that told her he was being genuine. She breathed deeply and loosened her childhood-trained noble posture.
“If you really think so, just know I won’t tolerate any rumors and gossip. No more than I already will by coming here at least.” Alice said.
“That’s all I ask, come, let’s get started, how do you like your tea?” He asked.
-----
They passed the time while Rigur prepared the kettle with pleasantries, their general thoughts on the weather, small on their lives between when they last met and now, and anything else two people might fill dead air with. After a few minutes Rigur came back with two cups of tea and carefully maneuvered one into Alice’s waiting hands. She took a sip and was instantly struck by its intense and detailed flavor. She herself was no slouch in her taste for tea but this was simply divine.
“Rigur, you never told me you were so adept with brewing. Had I known I might have invited you to visit with me and Andromeda more at Cylas.” Alice said.
“My specialty is flora, tea leaves are simply one among many. You could say it's a hobby of mine. But I wouldn’t have wanted to interrupt your time together. You two were always very close.” Rigur said.
“Yes, we may have been, but all of us had become a bit friendly before everything went awry, Albert was another. He was a breath of fresh air compared to most of those I spoke with. He was never rude, but never minced words either. Oh the number of times I heard a guard or servant gasp when he addressed me as just “Alice” was hilarious.”
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“Albert was definitely a close acquaintance of mine, his knowledge of trade and commerce was truly staggering. I am nearly a decade his senior and it never once felt as though I wasn’t speaking with an equal. Even a few times he managed to humble me.”
“Grant though, he was simply a brooding fiend who never spoke a kind word to anyone. It seemed like he could barely tolerate the audacity that we breathed the same as him.”
“He was a difficult one at times, though he was never overtly disrespectful to me. Though his obsession with matters of station might be the major factor in that more than anything. He held everything that wasn’t his desire at arm’s length.”
“And then there was that time Andromeda nearly let him stab her. Just to put a spotlight on his childish behavior. I swear, you would think his mother just scolded him with how red his cheeks were.” Alice said. They both chuckled quietly, but they weren’t fools. Their reminiscing was a prelude to the topic they both felt coming.
Albert, Grant, and especially Andromeda were nowhere to be found.
Albert at the very least announced his leave and explained his reasoning. That being “to settle some debts.”. Which wasn’t great, but was something.
Grant however was completely missing in action. Among the many mages that went missing in the scouring after the heart of Cylas’s Jump Network was shattered. Not many have been recovered since but he was among the highest priority in the situation.
Then there was the worst of both worlds. Andromeda.
She left without a word to anyone. No reason given, no promises, no idea at all. She just left. Had no one informed her classmates they might have suspected she was kidnapped yet again. It was made all the worse that the college was attacked as soon as she left. It shined a dim light on her potential position. No one dared suggest she might be involved due to the rumors of her connection to Arch Mage White, but it wasn’t an impossible theory. In fairness, Albert wasn’t out of the question either, but he gave at least a passing excuse.
“It pains me that she saw it fit to just leave without so much as a word. We were such good friends until the moment she left. But her sudden absence reminded me of how large a part of my life I had given her. I have felt empty every time I would wish to speak with her and remember she was gone.”
“I agree, her sudden departure was hard. But I am surprised she didn’t speak with you, I have an inkling of an idea as to where she went.” Rigur said, then he put his cup down and stood up. He walked over to a bookshelf and browsed through the titles.
He landed on one and brought it over. “The Fundamental Guide to Mending” Written by Entai Algoer. He quite literally wrote the book on mending. A few days before Andromeda left she showed me personal correspondence from this man. He invited her to his estate in Skysea Adalay for the purposes of post education employment. She wasn’t sure about it, so she asked me about it. We both thought it was a bit suspect, so she consulted with Headmaster Plact.”
“Excuse me.” Alice interjected, “I don’t mean to offend, but why would she come to you before me?”
“If I remember correctly, it seemed that all the nobles at the college were being held up for some reason. You were busy with some business and she couldn’t find you. I happened to be nearby and she asked me.”
“I see…”
“I looked into Mr. Algoer after that day. It seems he has a reputation of isolation, not “anti-social” per say, but he rarely calls anyone to his side.”
“And this… Estate? I don’t recall such a place in Betel.” Alice said.
“I thought the same, but I did some research and it seems the clerks at the Royal Library did have documents related to its construction and land ownership. They are dated to only a few years ago so I assume the construction had only just been completed.” Rigur said.
“You’d think it would have been made public information by this point.” Alice said.
“I agree, which is why it doesn’t sit right with me. I believe some sort of foul play was involved here. As much as we may consider Cylas’ safety standards a joke, even in the worst cases personal correspondence has to be approved by the Headmaster” Rigur said.
Alice hadn’t given it much thought because she hadn’t known Andromeda’s reasons for leaving. Her impression was that Andromeda left of her own volition, it hadn’t even occurred to her that she would have left under less than willing circumstances.
Then Alice was distracted by the sound of glass clinking together and she realized her hands were shaking. Without a thought she reached forward and intended to place her tea and plate on the table, and then the glass shattered in her hand.
-----
“I am so terribly sorry!” Alice pleaded.
“It’s fine, really.” Rigur said. He had just gotten back from disposing of the broken glass and cleaning the floor. “Alice, don’t take this wrong, but you’ve been acting strange since you’ve arrived.”
“I…” Alice started to say, but her voice caught in her throat.
“If something is wrong, you can tell me. I won’t breathe a word of it.” Rigur said. Alice sighed and gathered the strength to tell Rigur what happened. He led her to another room while the towels soaked the tea up. Alice could feel her hands trembling with every step.
“In truth, something is wrong. But it’s a long story.” Alice said.
“I am in no rush, take your time.” Rigur said.
“Of course, so… Do you know how I was attacked by a Medea?” Alice said.
“Yes, you said you fended off a medean attacker who was threatening you and your father.” Rigur said.
“The reason I was attacked is because she somehow knew I was a member of the college, and that I was close with Andromeda. She said if I just told her about Andromeda then she would leave my family alone. So I buried her under a landslide.” Alice said. Not realizing until after the fact that what she said was incredibly more violent than she intended.
“Dear lord…” Rigur said.
“There is more. When I realized the situation, I attacked her first. I threw her through the windows and into the water below. After that she tried to attack me more directly. I used telekinesis magic to stop her. I thought she died at least twice, I heard her neck crack at least one and I sensed her flow cease, only to start flowing again. She died, but then she revived.” Alice said.
“Alice, why didn’t you report this?” Rigur said.
“Because I used my abilities to destroy the rock shelf we stood on, and I buried her under thousands of tons of water and stone. I thought that if I eliminated the problem then I wouldn’t be asked about what happened to-” Alice said. But she cut herself off.
“Happened to- Wait, did that Medea hurt you Alice?” Rigur said. There was the tiniest shred of anger in Rigur’s voice.
“Not personally, no. I was backed into a corner, she could outlast me and I was desperate. So I concentrated by mana as best I could and destroyed the shelf as I said. I was completely exhausted of mana, and with it I lost my sense of mana. I have essentially been totally blind since then.” Alice said.
“Hold on, just being exhausted of your mana wouldn’t prevent you from regaining it and regaining your sense.” Rigur said.
“Which is the conundrum I have been dealing with. I believe that using my dear teacher’s gift for such grievous violence has harmed my mental state, and thus scarred my soul. So far as I have been told, no one has a better reason for why I have lost the sense.” Alice said. The room was quiet, which Alice took to mean Rigur was deep in thought.
“You have done nothing wrong, the blame lies with the woman that pushed you to such extremes.” Rigur said.
“I understand that, but magic born from the soul doesn’t care much for logic and reason.” Alice said.
“Preemptive defense is not malice.” Rigur said.
“Retroactive reasoning is not justification.” Alice said.
They had reached an impasse on that particular topic, and the mood was calling for a topic change.
“I am curious, what specifically did the Medea ask about? You said it was about Andromeda, but what did they want?” Rigur asked.
“We didn’t make it that far, I threw her through the windows before we could get to specifics, but it seemed she didn’t even know Andromeda’s name. If she knew who I was I find it hard to believe she couldn’t find anything out about Andromeda.” Alice said.
“You’re a noble, and of a fairly important house as well. Andromeda, despite her reputation, is a relative unknown and only a very small few know about her.” Rigur said.
“That’s true…” Alice said.
“Wait, wait… Hold on, I think we’re starting to get distracted. Back to you, as painful as the situation has been, it’s important that you know that everyone deals with trauma differently, but the only wrong way to deal with it is by taking it out on yourself.” Rigur said.
“Rigur, I understand that, but as I said. What I feel in my heart and what I know in my mind are two separate things. If I could speak with my own soul I’m sure it would understand, but nobody has that luxury,” Alice said.
“This is true, but I have an opportunity that might help the situation. You see, in the last few days this situation with Andromeda has been bothering me. It makes no sense that Headmaster Plact would allow a letter through, she meets with him, he resigns the next day, and she leaves soon after that. Whatever happened between them was serious. If something untoward were to happen to her, the blowout would come back and bite me once it is discovered we were classmates..” Rigur said.
“I mean, yes, that could happen. What do you suppose?” Alice said.
“I have only recently received my title as Lord of House Sherchower, but that still grants me many rights not afforded to others. I intend on requisitioning transport to Betel and throwing around my noble weight to find out what I can.” Rigur said.
“What do you hope to accomplish?” Alice said.
“If something nefarious is happening, then me raising a stink will make the area too hot for anything to happen quietly. It would put the entire region under a microscope. If that’s the case, then whatever might be happening to Andromeda might be delayed.” Rigur said.
“Rigur, while I agree with your intentions, that could ruin your standing with the other nobles, especially with those in Skysea.” Alice said. What he was suggesting was political suicide. This was not merely stepping on the toes of his fellow nobles, this was throwing the door in their face.
“Alice, I’m sure I don’t have to explain much here, but the majority of my family's holdings are in King’s Grove, and the only members of my family are myself and my father. I have a great many concerns, but the respect afforded to my name is not among them.” Rigur said.
“Hold on now, in one breath you say you are doing this out of concern for yourself, but in the next you say that you aren’t concerned about how your own house is viewed. It sounds as though you are not looking out for your own wellbeing here.” Alice said. Rigur laughed, which caught her off guard.
“Yes, I suppose you could see it that way.” Rigur said.
This brought a chuckle to ALice’s lips, the first genuine, unintentional laugh she had experienced since the attack.
“My my, there aren’t many girl’s who wouldn’t swoon for a man who would travel halfway across the continent just to help them. I’m impressed.” Alice said.
“Such ladies would find themselves disappointed in the end, I’m afraid.” Rigur said.
Alice considered his plan. He feared that something was going to happen to Andromeda, and that it involved the Headmaster in some way. So his goal was to head to Betel preemptively and make noise, in doing so, he plans on raising local pressure. Which in turn would make any attempts on Andromeda’s life a lot harder. There was a flaw in his plan though.
“Rigur, consider for a moment. If you went to Skysea Adalay and associated yourself with Andromeda. Then you would shine a spotlight on her, while that would do wonders to keeping her safe through public attention, it would also make her a target. You are a noble after all, and if you care enough to do as you say then they will take advantage of that. Otherwise, the most you could do is blow smoke.” Alice said.
“Ah, that is a good point…” He said.
So he hadn’t considered it. That was a problem, Alice wanted the plan to go through because it could potentially keep Andromeda safe, but he couldn’t do as much as he wanted without endangering her. However, she had an idea to solve this.
“Rigur, you may personally not have the ability to help Andromeda directly, but if you had someone else along they could act as a liaison between you and her. Which would solve the problem.” Alice suggested.
“That is true, but whoever I brought would be putting themselves in a dangerous situation. Even as a Lord I don’t think I could sway someone to do that for me.” Rigur said.
“What if you didn’t have to convince anyone?” Alice said.
“Who do you suggest?” Rigur said.
“Me.” Alice said.
There was a pregnant pause. Alice wondered if such a suggestion was too presumptuous of her. But then she heard a sigh come from Rigur.
“That would be an option, I’d argue, but I’m afraid of what you might do If I said no.” Rigur said.
“As you should.” Alice said.
“You do realize I am suggesting you travel to a remote island at the edge of civilization on the hunch of a man you have known for only a few months, to assist a woman who you have also only known for a few months, right.” Rigur asked.
“Yes.” Alice said.
“And you’re sure that you understand that from the moment you leave until an unknown time in the future you will not be safe? You may come into harm, or you may even meet your end in the worst case.” Rigur said.
“I do.” Alice replied.
“And that’s fine to you?” Rigur asked.
“Rigur, I have sat in darkness for weeks, fearing that the only friend I’ve ever made through my own intent abandoned me without so much as a word, and then you suddenly tell me you not only know where she is, but that she is in danger. You’re asking me if I want to find her?” Alice said.
“I… I can see your point.” He said.