The weeks passed very much the same for all of the young apprentices, soon the world beyond the garden circle was blooming, which gave the fire fairies time to let their guard down, and help more with the gardening. Cedar was blooming as well, becoming more confident in herself as the weeks went on. There was an obvious calm among the apprentices, who had all become used to the new dynamic with Absidae; she was becoming closer to everyone, and although she spent most of her time studying and catching up to where the rest of the apprentices were in their studies, she was doing exceptionally well. Sid and Tristan had become very used to sitting quietly with one another, working in tandem without disturbing the other. They could almost tell what the other was planning on doing and, without much effort, could move around each other in what looked like some kind of practiced dance.
There was obviously a connection between the young teacher and his student, and often times they would need to be interrupted late into the night by Paris to remind both of them to sleep. It seemed to them both that Spring was moving so rapidly, and they would need to start preparing a stock of potions, salves, lotions and the likes for the stall at the Autumn Festival soon. Tristan had even started introducing a few of Sid's simpler concoctions to his buyers, and all were impressed by his new student. It was hard for anyone to believe that she had only been studying for four months, and even when Paris needed to leave on business, he was confident in the fact that Tristan was trained enough to keep his other apprentices in check.
When it came to Orion, Absidae spent most of her time with him, when she wasn't studying. They were an odd pair, to be sure, but it seemed they connected on many levels. They could often be found sitting in complete silence, reading alone together. Sinclair found their lack of conversation odd, which he jokingly noted on many different occasions; neither of them had much of an explanation, only that the silence was comforting, and they were comfortable together in silence.
Towards the end of Spring, when the weather was starting to get warm all day, Paris made an announcement at breakfast. "I've been called to the Capital," he announced after saying a blessing over the food. "I don't know what this is all about, nor do I know what they want me for. However, I leave you in good hands with Tristan. I plan to be back in about a month-"
"A month!?" Cedar gasped, shaking her head. "We have so much to get ready for, the Autumn Festival isn't far off! How can we possibly get ready for it with you gone for so long?" The young woman looked between her fellow apprentices, and then back to Paris. "And our training, Tristan can do a lot, but he's always so busy with Absidae, he forgets to give us assignments!" Cedar saw the apologetic look on Absidae's face, and the look of aggravation on Tristan's. "I'm sorry, but it's true!"
Paris held up his hand to stop her. "I've left plenty for all of you to work on, and there's not much more you, or Sinclair, or Orion can learn before you all attempt your final test after the Autumn Festival. Besides, this is a yearly meeting I've been called to before, and you've never protested until now, Cedar. Is something else on your mind?" The Uncle questioned his niece gently. Cedar lowered her eyes, shaking her head silently. "Now, if no one else has anything else to say, I have to leave immediately after breakfast. Tristan," Paris turned to his senior apprentice, "I trust you to begin the preparations for the Autumn Festival."
"I won't let you down, Paris," Tristan smiled confidently, nodding towards the other apprentices. "None of you have anything to worry about, either. I promise I'll get you ready for your final exams before Paris sends you off into the world to find jobs." Paris nodded confidently, rising from the table and saying a quick goodbye, before grabbing his large, hooded cloak and, as he pulled it on, disappearing into a puff of a dark, burnt orange smoke that matched the cloaks color. Tristan and the others stared; it wasn't often that Paris displayed so much of his magic at one time. After a moment, Tristan cleared his throat, "All right, you all have book work to do today in the library. I have some private work to do in the tower, so Absidae will be joining you in the library. If you finish what Paris has assigned you, you may go into the garden or have personal time. Please, do not disturb me unless you are asked," with that, the young, green haired warlock stood from the table and retreated to his tower.