[1 year later]
Golden strings floated out from the roses. I had thrown out my hands and they gathered above my palm, hovering and sending yellow glows throughout the entire garden.
I spun the threads of light and mixed in my own mana. It turned into a big ball, shining brightly like a miniature sun. To finish the work, I brought it down into a glass globe.
"That's it for this month's supply of aether." Countess Elizabeth said. "Thank you, Calla."
I heaved in a breath, feeling my concentration ebb away. "No need to thank me, my lady. It is the descendant's duty to provide the life force of the people."
"It's Lady Liz to you, young woman." She winked, making me laugh. "Now, I must go and put this in the plaza for everyone to see."
I remembered. The plaza was near the street where the eastern people had thrown rocks at me. Even after a year had passed, I'd still think twice about going out alone. For fear that it might happen again.
