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Chapter Thirteen

I scribble a note into my journal, and slide it over to Lucien. He reads it, then does the same.

I won’t have time to go to the Potions’ Shop today. Will you be alright alone?

I’ll also be working on assignments. Do you require assistance? We can work together, if you’d like. I know a quiet place in the library where even Arthur won’t find us.

I glance over at him, and bite my lip to keep myself from laughing.

Does Arthur even know what a library is? Or where it is?

He chuckles.

“Miss Masters!” Shouts our instructor, Master Riversong.

“Yes, sir?”

“Will you please answer the question?”

“Rubies,” whispers Lucien.

“Rubies, sir.”

“That’s correct. And what are they best for?”

“Storing the energy of any fire-based spirit or energy. However, precaution should be taken, as the object can become incredibly hot against the skin.”

“Good. Pay attention. Sir Moonshadow, the same goes to you.”

“Yes, Master Riversong. My apologies,” says Lucien, with a quick nod.

Why do you think I suggested it in the first place?

I’ll go.

I pack up my bag, moving as quickly as possible so that I can catch up with Lucien in the hallways.

“Miss Masters,” calls Master Riversong.

“I’m sorry, sir. I didn’t mean to-”

“Miss Masters, it’s important to make friends here, but try not to distract them. I’ve assigned Sir Moonshadow as your partner for the upcoming group project. Is that alright? The two of you seem to be getting along, and none of the other students want to be associated with him.”

“Wh-… Yes, it’s fine.”

“Good. Get out of my sight,” he sighs, and continues scribbling in his book.

“Thank you.”

“Don’t thank me yet. You’re both diligent, but Lucien has you beat.”

“I’m sure it’ll be fine.”

“I certainly hope so, for your sake.”

I exit the classroom, and find Lucien just outside, leaning against the wall. The rays of the sunlight pouring in through the tall windows create a soft halo around him. The sight of him takes my breath away.

“Luna,” he smiles, and it instantly warms my heart.

“You’re still here,” I say, taking his arm, and leading us towards our next class.

“I am. I thought we could walk together since you still get lost trying to get there.”

“How thoughtful of you. I don’t get lost, however.”

“Then why are you always late?”

“I… day dream.”

“I see. You get mentally lost,” he smiles. “I heard we’ll be reading tea leaves today.”

“I better prepare for the many gruesome ways you and I will both die,” I laugh.

“Don’t make it too obvious this time.”

“You didn’t enjoy my show last time?”

“You screamed, making my ears ring for weeks.”

“Sorry. I forgot you have sensitive hearing.”

I spot a group of Mystics scowling at Lucien, and quickly pull him down through a different passageway.

“It’s easier to walk down that other passage,” he murmurs.

“I know but maybe we’ll find a shortcut.”

“You’re going to make us late for class, let’s just…”

“No, come on.”

“Luna, I’m an adult. I can handle a few scowling Mystics, and their negative viewpoints on dark elves and how we are somehow single-handedly destroying Amith.”

“I know you can, but… you shouldn’t have to. Let’s just go this way,” I take his hand and pull him through the empty halls.

“One second, follow me. I actually know where I’m going,” he murmurs.

I laugh nervously, and follow him through various corridors, until we’re finally standing in the center of a dark room surrounded by cobwebs. The furniture is coated in a fine layer of dust, and on the tables lie pieces of unpolished silver; candles, trays, goblets, and other items I don’t recognize.

“Well, I think you got us more lost, Lucien.”

“No, our classroom is just beyond that door, across the hall.”

“You’re kidding. What is this place, anyway?”

“It’s… a small temple for the worshippers of Selene.”

“Oh… We should clean this place up. Find you a nice corner to be all strange and dark elf-like.”

“It’s fine.”

“It’s not. Besides, the temple of Gaia is being looked after by the other worshippers, and we’re supposed to be respectful and kind to each other or something.”

“Come on, let’s get to class.”

How are you planning to die today?

Death by handsome dark elves.

That doesn’t sound awful, actually.

Should it be more tragic?

Death by a handsome dark elf that is already spoken for?

Are you?

What?

Lucien peers over at me, trying to read the expressions on my face. I giggle and hide my face behind the steam of my cup of tea.

“Luna,” whispers Lucien. “Are you making a pass at me?”

I nod, shyly, feeling the heat rising in my cheeks and ears.

“Lucien!” Calls the professor.

“Yes, Madam Drake!” Lucien says, standing at attention.

“Stop flirting with Luna, and tell me what you see in your tea leaves.”

“Fli… Yes, Madam Drake,” he mumbles. “But Luna’s the one flirting.”

I break out into a nervous fit of giggles with the other girls and women in the classroom

The professor waves her hands lazily. “Get on with it.”

“R-Right. Uh… I uh… what was the question we asked today?”

“Finding love.”

The younger girls in the class giggle.

“Right, with the intent of finding love,” he clears his throat. “Um… The symbol closest to the handle looks like… a mountain? I suppose I won’t be successful any time soon, and will be facing many challenges. Then there’s… a… flower? I’ll heal from these challenges, and then a h-heart… I mean a skull. I’m definitely going to die a very young elf just after healing from my challenges.”

Madam Drake gets to her feet slowly, and puts a hand on Lucien’s shoulder.

“My good elf, I’m sorry,” she says, dramatically. “You will pass, though. Excellent interpretation. LUNA!”

I get to my feet, practically knocking my cup off its saucer from the edge of the desk, and stand at attention.

“Your reading. Go ahead.”

“Uh, right. Let’s see… a dog. A friendship? The letter L? I suppose for me? And… a… wavy line? So a strange journey?”

“Nothing else?”

“Oh! Oh, yes… a mushroom. I’ll have an awful fight with my lover, and we’ll never be reunited.”

“Oh,” she sighs, sadly. “I’m sorry dear. You passed today’s assignment. Next, Lucinda.”

I take a seat, and sigh with relief. Lucien takes my cup from me, and begins to trace it onto a sheet of paper.

What are you doing?

Reading your tea leaves. Take mine. We’ll exchange our guesses.

Would you like to remain alive for this one?

He chuckles, and nods.

You’ll have a friend sent to you by the Goddess Selene, and you will go on a journey through the stars with this person. They will remain loyal until the end of time.

That’s not even romantic.

I didn’t know that was a requirement. What’s mine?

You’ll struggle in the beginning with this awful concept called ‘love’, and it’s only after you heal that you will find it.

And then I’ll die?

And then we’ll see the stars.

Luna, that sounds wonderful, but were you making a pass at me?

Sorry, I swear I was jesting. I know you’re engaged.

Very well, but I’m not.

My hands shake, and I place my pen down. I can feel Lucien’s stare on me as I try to focus on Madam Drake’s explanation of tarot cards.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Soon, we are telling each other’s fortunes.

“Cut the deck, please, my good sir,” I say, dramatically.

“Gods, you enjoy this, don’t you?”

“I also need to pass this course.”

“Let’s see… The Two of Cups.”

“Oh, my!” I laugh. “Let’s see. It’s upright. Attraction? A unity or connection. A strong bond.”

“Sounds positive. A new friend perhaps?”

“Don’t worry, I’ll make sure your death is inevitable.”

“Thank you. Next… Page of Swords. Reversed. Lucien, Lucien, Lucien,” I tsk. “You should work on your communication skills.”

His cheeks darken. “Right, well… I’ll be sure to keep that in mind in the future, and work on that. You’re going to enjoy this. Death. Upright.”

“Death is not a bad card. Let’s see… You’re going to go through a great change. We could even say it’s going to be life-changing.”

He smirks. “Knight of Wands. Upright.”

“You will go on a great adventure, Lucien! Maybe you’ll be seeing the stars.”

“Maybe with a little human named Luna,” His eyes become wide when he picks up the next card. “Hierophant. Reversed.”

“Hmmm. Rebelliousness and non-conformity. Where will this adventure take you?”

“The Lovers. Upright.”

“What a switch,” I laugh, reading through my notes. “You’ll find love again, at least.”

“Oh, good. I’ll find it in my next life after I’ve died.”

“You’re not dying… well, if Madam Drake asks, you will, but… it doesn’t look like a permanent death.”

“Your turn, now. What are you asking for?”

“Well, I’d rather not say out loud,” I lean forward, and Lucien does the same. “I want to know if I have a chance with you.”

“O-Oh, you’re teasing me again. Cut the deck, and try to imbue it with…. Uh…” he scans his notes. “‘Your intentions and desires.’ Whatever that means.”

I chuckle. “I think I understand.”

“Alright,” he blushes. “Draw your first card.”

“The Lovers. Reversed,” I laugh. “This is going well already.”

“Maybe you’ll die before me,” he chuckles. “There’s trouble with something or someone you love? Perhap Marcellus?”

“Oh, darn,” I scoff. “You’ve caught me. I’m absolutely asking about Marcellus, and definitely not you.”

“I knew it. Draw your next card.”

“The Page of Cups. Reversed.”

“Marcellus is emotionally immature, but will open up, perhaps? You mustn’t lose hope.”

“Wonderful. The Wheel of Fortune. Upright.”

“Some luck for the two of you. It must be fate. The two of you will become close.”

“Excellent,” I say, picking up the next card. “Damn… The Tower. Reversed.”

Lucien sucks in air through his teeth and gives me a pitying look. “That’s not good.”

“No,” I mutter. “Nine of Swords. Reversed.”

“Seems you will also require lessons in communication. How satisfying. You should be more honest with Marcellus when the time comes, and skip past all the more difficult parts of this relationship.”

I laugh. “It’s not Marcellus at all, you know.”

“Then who? It’s not Arthur, is it?”

I snort out another laugh. “Focus. The Ten of Cups. Upright. I guess things will look up for me.”

“They… they will. It’s not Arthur, is it?”

“No, and why would it matter?”

“I don’t want you to get hurt by him,” he says, reaching out across the table, taking my hand, and giving me a concerned look.

“Well, good thing it’s not him, then,” I say, taking my hand back shyly.

“If it’s not him and it’s not Marcellus, then who is it?”

“I already told you.”

“What? You were serious?”

“Class! Pay attention!” Shouts Madam Drake.

“Why don’t we just go to that small temple for Selene? If we clean it up a bit, add some tables and chairs, we could have our own private study room.”

“You’re joking. You don’t really care about that old dusty room, do you?”

“Lucien! My tea leaf reading had a moon. Selene is guiding me. The least I could do is take care of the place her worshippers will be visiting.”

“You’re so full of nonsense, but fine. Let’s go, then.”

Lucien and I raid a supply closet, and begin tidying up the room while everyone is busy having dinner. Over the course of several days, it slowly begins to look more like a temple.

I sit at a small table at the back of the dust-free and cobweb-free area, beyond the many rows of benches, and watch Lucien perform his rituals to Selene.

“Luna, you wouldn’t mind being my Mistress of Shadows, would you?”

“Not if you… think it’s alright,” I say, setting my pen down, and getting to my feet. “I’m not really a… worshiper of Selene.”

“It’s alright. Now… drink the contents of this goblet.”

“What is it?”

“Just water that’s been exposed to the pure light of the full moon.”

“It’s not going to taste funny, is it?”

“Luna,” he huffs.

“Right. I’ll drink it. What is all this anyway?”

“Well, I can’t make a toast to Selene, so you are a temporary replacement.”

“Right, thank you. I’m flattered,” I say, putting the cup to my lips.

“Wait!” He cries. “Let me shroud you.”

“Shroud?”

“We are not permitted to gaze at the goddess, so you must hide your face.”

Lucien pulls out a small folded shroud from a pocket in his bag, and wraps it over my head and around my shoulders.

“Now, you may take a drink.”

I take a sip from the silver goblet. The water is cool and refreshing.

“What a nice… drink that was. I can almost taste the moon. Or is that the polish?”

He chuckles, and takes the goblet from my hands. He drinks the rest of the water, then raises it to the heavens, and bows down low.

“Should I do the same?”

“If you don’t mind.”

By the time his small ritual is over, I’ve recited unfamiliar words and made promises to Selene that I don’t think I can keep. Lucien promises that I’ll be in her protection from now on, however, and shouldn’t be too concerned if I don’t keep up my end of the bargain. I return to my studies, and Lucien soon joins me after tidying up after his ceremony.

“Thank you, Luna. I really appreciate your participation.”

“It’s no matter, though I should know in more detail the conditions for which I can continue to be safe from Selene… or… for her to keep me safe.”

“I can explain later, but you’ll be fine.”

“Now, this paper for History and Lore… I’m struggling a bit with it. I wanted to write a paper about Gaia’s tears, and connect them to the Trees of Power.”

“These trees are nothing but-”

“I know what you think. I just think Thaldris Nightshade was onto something.”

“Thaldris Nightshade? You’re starting to sound like Master Eaimer.”

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

He moves his chair close, and peers over my shoulder to read over my notes. The heat radiating off his body is warm, and spreads out over my body.

“I suppose you make a somewhat convincing argument.”

“Do I?”

“Yes. Even I can be convinced that you’ve lost your mind,” he whispers into my ear.

“Lucien!” I gasp. “I haven’t lost my mind.”

“Why are they trees, then? Were they tears or were they gems? And why would trees sprout from them?”

“They were seeds! Imbued with the power of-”

“It’s all nonsense.”

“Well, what are you writing about?”

“The Duel of Sol and Selene.”

“Oh, I hate that one. I could never believe that they didn't always get along.”

“Really? You’re not fond of enemies turned lovers? I thought you, of all people, would enjoy the drama of it.”

“No, it’s just… I’d like to think they were friends, first,” I wink at him, and his cheeks go dark.

“Lu-” he clears his throat. “Luna, I’m not looking to be in any sort of relationship.”

“With Arthur?”

“O-Oh! It’s not an option,” he says, nervously.

When the two of us have finally finished writing our papers, after spending several hours agonizing over details and citations, and critiquing each other’s work, it’s near midnight. I stretch out, and begin to gather my things into my pack.

“Thank you for your help, Lucien,” I yawn. “I thought I’d be working on that for the whole weekend.”

“Now we can optimize our time at the shop.”

“I’ll see you then.”

“I’ll bring honey cake with me.”

I drag my feet towards the potions shop, having stayed up half the night chit chatting with my roommates. The only thing keeping me from returning to my room to get some more sleep is the promise of honey cake, and getting to see Lucien. I enter the shop and the sweet smell of coffee hits my nostrils. The second I step through the door, Lucien pushes a hot cup into my hands, and takes my hand, guiding me to the back room as I try to take a sip of it, succeeding only in spilling some of it over the rims of the cup.

“This is wonderful,” I sigh, taking a seat at the table, where a slice of honey cake is already waiting for me.

“You’re spoiling her, Lucien,” comments Arthur.

“Good morning, Arthur,” I force a cheery smile.

“Good morning, Luna,” says Lucien, putting a fork in my hand, and wrapping my fingers around it.

“Lucien, you shouldn’t have.”

“You helped me with my work yesterday. It’s the least I could do.”

“But you helped me, and I didn’t do anything.”

“You did. You cleaned up the temple with me,” he smiles.

“Temple?” Asks Arthur.

“Yes. Selene’s Temple in the Academy.”

“There’s… a temple to Selene at the Academy?”

“It’s next to Madam Drake’s classroom.”

“So the two of you are spending time alone in a small, dark, cozy room?”

“Get your head out of the gutter!” I scowl.

“Arthur, stop being ridiculous. Luna uses the room to study, and I’m able to keep up with my rituals.”

“Rituals?” He asks, with an eyebrow raised.

“Yes, rituals. You know what those are,” he rolls his eyes. “You spend much of your time trying to talk me out of performing them. Now, if you’ve got nothing else to say in order to get a rise out of Luna, I suggest you leave, or I’ll be making you write five hundred labels.”

“I’m not writing labels.”

“Then go, or be civil. You’re capable, right? Of being civil?”

“Goodness, when did you become so serious?” He laughs nervously, and takes a seat in front of me at the table.

“I like Luna. She’s a good friend. And I’d like you to try and get along with her, because I’d like to spend time with both of you together.”

“Then she can take the same teasing,” he grins.

“She doesn’t know you that way, Arthur.”

“He’s right,” I mumble. “I’d prefer not to know you at all, but since you’re friends with Lucien, I assume I have no choice.”

“You don’t, unfortunately,” adds Lucien.

“See? And when I’m trying to actively get rid of you both, you’re suddenly a constant presence.”

“Admit you like us, though, Lou,” says Arthur, with a smirk, reaching for my honey cake with a fork.

“I’m trying to,” I say, chasing Arthur’s hand away with my own fork. “Seeing as I can’t be rid of you, no matter how hard I try. Didn’t you already get your own piece of cake? Stay away from mine.”

“In that case, would you like to go out for dinner tonight?”

“Dinner?”

Lucien presses his lips together, and his eyes go wide.

“A nice friendly dinner?” I ask.

“Yes.”

“So, Lucien is invited?”

“Naturally.”

“I’ll consider it. Where will we go?”

“The pub on the other side of the city. They have live music, and many pretty girls.”

“Oh, yes, pretty girls. I best warn them you’re coming.”

“Is that a yes?”

“It’s still undecided, and if you inch your fork any closer, you’re going to lose a finger,” I take up my plate, and take another bite.

“Lucien gave you a bigger slice.”

“I guess I’m his favorite now,” I grin.

“I’m almost jealous,” Arthur glances over at Lucien, whose face is covered by a curtain of hair.

“Stop fighting,” he mumbles, getting up to busy himself with the day's tasks. “Arthur is lying. I gave him the bigger piece.”

“I’m not even jealous,” I say, getting up to help Lucien. “Because at least he brought me some, and I’m not a child.”

“You know,” says Lucien, after Arthur has left. “If you keep teasing him, he’ll never give you a moment of peace.”

“That’s alright. He’s not any worse than my sisters. They’re much more annoying.”

“I thought you liked your sisters,” he says, using his apron to wipe up the edges of the potion bottles he’s filled.

I get up from my seat at the table, and grab a clean rag from a basket in the storage closet.

“I do,” I say, pulling his apron out of his hands, and pushing the rag into his hands. “But we also bicker like children. It’s alright, it keeps me…”

“Stressed?”

“Uh… It’s challenging. It tests my patience.”

“You’re going to learn patience from Arthur?” He asks, continuing to wipe down the bottles with the rag I’ve handed him.

“No. I’ll learn self-control.”

He chuckles. “Really?”

“Yes.”

“What about me?”

“What about you?”

“What can I teach you?”

“Hmm,” I think carefully about my answer, not wanting to embarrass myself. “Loyalty? Devotion, perhaps?”

“That sounds dull. Am I dull?”

“You are, but it suits you.”

“So honest, Luna. It hurts.”

“Well, you can take a shot at me, if you’d like.”

“Hmm,” he says, placing the rag down, and wiping his hands.

“Hmm?” I ask, continuing to work on my labels, and he walks over to the storage closet and pulls out a wrapped package.

“Curiosity? Adventurousness? Maybe open-mindedness?”

“You’re too kind,” I mumble, my head lowered to the table.

He places the wrapped package in front of me. I put my pen down slowly, and look at it.

“Open it,” he commands.

“What is it?”

“Open it,” he says again.

I open the package, and there’s another piece of honey cake inside. “For me?”

“Arthur was right. I did get you a bigger piece. You can save it for later, if you’d like.”

“Thank you.”