A stitch in time saves nine. Unless you're terrible at sewing, then you're just delaying the inevitable.
His Court
The next morning, I woke up feeling like I'd barely slept. There were beautiful bags under my eyes, and every movement felt sluggish. As I stumbled into the kitchen, grumpy and barely coherent, Alex was already there, preparing breakfast. He moved around the kitchen with an effortless grace that made me decide, once and for all, that Alex was definitely the mom of our makeshift family.
Alex glanced at me and smirked. "Rough night?"
"Understatement of the century," I muttered, rubbing my eyes.
He nodded, placing a plate of eggs and toast in front of me. "You'll need the energy today."
As I sat down and started eating, Mose and Rolo joined us. Rolo was unusually chipper, a stark contrast to my mood, while Mose seemed more relaxed after finally getting some rest.
"Morning," Mose said, stifling a yawn as he grabbed a seat.
"Morning," I grumbled back, focusing on my food.
The peaceful breakfast didn't last long. There was a knock at the door, followed by the entrance of Livius and his mages. They looked every bit as grand and imposing as one might expect, their presence filling the room with an almost tangible energy.
"Good morning," Livius greeted, his voice smooth and commanding. "Are you all ready for the journey?"
I sighed, pushing away my half-eaten plate. "As ready as I'll ever be."
Livius nodded approvingly. "Excellent. We'll use the portal to travel to my court. It's the quickest way."
I turned to Alex. "I guess this is it. Let's keep each other updated."
Alex smiled warmly, giving each of us a pat on the back. "Take care of yourselves. And Shay, try not to cause too much trouble."
I chuckled. "No promises."
Mose looked a bit hesitant, but Alex gave him an encouraging nod. "You'll be fine. Just stick together."
Rolo tried to act nonchalant, but I could see the emotion in his eyes. "See you soon, Alex."
With our goodbyes said, Livius's mages began to chant, weaving their magic together to create a swirling portal in the middle of our living room. The portal shimmered with an otherworldly light, casting strange shadows on the walls.
"Step through when you're ready," Livius instructed, gesturing toward the portal.
I took a deep breath, glancing at Mose and Rolo. "Alright, let's do this."
One by one, we stepped through the portal, leaving the comfort of our home behind. The sensation was disorienting, like being pulled through a whirlwind. When we emerged on the other side, we found ourselves standing in the grand hall of Livius's court, the air buzzing with magical energy.
"Welcome," Livius said, his voice echoing through the hall. "I hope you find your stay both enlightening and...entertaining."
I glanced around, taking in the opulence and grandeur. This was going to be an interesting trip, to say the least.
We were greeted by an impressive sight: walls of mages lining up before us, bowing in unison. Their light blue robes, the color of Livius's court, shimmered with rich material and intricate needlework, creating a stunning display. The grand hall itself was an architectural marvel, with high vaulted ceilings and intricate carvings adorning every surface.
I blinked, taking it all in. "I didn't expect such a grand welcome."
Livius shrugged, a faint smile playing on his lips. "This is rather lacking compared to how I should have greeted you if I followed traditions. But I know you're not one for such formalities."
I chuckled, appreciating his understanding. "You've got that right. This is more than enough."
The mages straightened, their eyes filled with curiosity and respect. Livius led us through the hall, giving us a brief tour of his court. Everywhere we went, mages paused to bow or nod respectfully, clearly aware of the significance of our visit.
We finally arrived at a set of ornate doors, which Livius pushed open to reveal a luxurious suite. "These will be your quarters during your stay. If you need anything, simply ask."
I nodded, stepping into the room. "Thanks, Livius. We appreciate it."
As Livius left, closing the doors behind him, Mose let out a low whistle. "This place is incredible."
"Yeah," I agreed, glancing around. "Let's just hope it stays that way."
Rolo flopped onto one of the plush couches, pulling out his phone. "Well, at least we won't be bored."
Mose smiled, a bit more at ease now. "I guess not."
Despite the grandeur, I couldn't shake the feeling that this trip was going to be anything but simple. But for now, it was time to settle in and make the most of our stay.
Rolo nodded, seemingly reassured but still cautious. As we settled into our quarters, he looked thoughtful. "Livius has a lot of mages here. Do you think he remembers all their names?"
I chuckled, the idea of Livius trying to remember every mage's name in his court amusing. "Good question. I bet he does, though. He's got that kind of mind."
Mose, who had been examining the room with wide eyes, turned to join the conversation. "With this many apprentices, he must be really organized. I wonder what it's like to study under someone like him."
"Probably intense," I said. "But if anyone can handle it, it's Livius. He's got a reputation for being one of the best."
Rolo stretched out on the couch, still pondering. "Maybe I'll ask him later. Could be interesting to see how he manages it all."
A bit later I heard a knock. Livius sent to us one of his apprentices to lead us to where Livius was expecting us. As we walked through the grand halls, the sheer scale of the place and the number of mages bustling around was overwhelming.
The morning sun streamed through the tall windows of Livius's grand hall. The room was filled with the rich scent of ancient parchment and the faint tang of enchanted incense. It was adorned with ornate chairs and glowing magical orbs that floated above the floor, casting a soft, ambient light. This was his main audience chamber.
Rolo, ever the curious one, asked away. "With so many apprentices, do you remember all their names?"
Livius smiled, a glint of amusement in his eyes. "I make it a point to know each one. It's important for a leader to be familiar with those under their guidance."
Mose's eyes widened. "That's impressive."
Livius nodded. "It's essential. Now, let's proceed. We have much to discuss and little time."
"I trust you've settled in comfortably?" he added, his voice carrying an authoritative calm.
I nodded. "Yep. It's quite impressive."
Livius gave a slight, almost imperceptible nod. "I'm glad to hear that. Let's get started with an overview of what you can expect during your stay."
He gestured to a large map of his realm displayed on the wall. "As you might know, my role here is not just to govern but to shape magical practices and politics. This court is a center for advanced magical research and training. Our influence extends across several regions."
"I'm interested in the kind of research you're currently involved in. Anything particularly groundbreaking?" Rolo asked.
Livius's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Indeed. We're delving into some innovative spellcraft and magical theory. One of our major projects involves integrating magic with alchemical forces. It's quite complex, but we're making significant progress."
Rolo leaned forward. "That sounds fascinating. Are there any opportunities for collaboration?"
"Absolutely," Livius replied. "We're always open to fresh perspectives. I'd be happy to discuss specific projects that align with your interests."
The conversation soon turned to the court's training and techniques. "Our apprentices undergo rigorous training in advanced magical techniques. If you're interested, I can arrange for you to observe some of our more sophisticated methods."
Mose looked intrigued. "I've been struggling with controlling my magic. Do you have any advice or resources that could help?"
Livius nodded thoughtfully. "We have several experts who specialize in magical stabilization. I can introduce you to them. They'll be able to provide guidance tailored to your unique needs."
As we shifted to the political landscape, Livius's demeanor became more serious. "The magical community is currently navigating a complex web of alliances and rivalries. It's crucial to stay informed about these dynamics, especially with recent threats emerging."
I raised an eyebrow.
Livius sighed. "The Shadow Veil Syndicate is a formidable threat. They've been gathering allies and seeking to ignite a war with the white mages. Their influence is growing, and they're causing significant unrest."
Rolo's brow furrowed. "So, they're trying to start a conflict?"
"Exactly," Livius said, his tone heavy with concern. "The Syndicate has been actively recruiting dark mages and forming covens. They're aiming to destabilize the magical balance and challenge the white mages' dominance."
Mose looked alarmed. "That sounds serious."
Livius nodded. "We're mobilizing our resources and strengthening our alliances. But it's a delicate situation. We need to remain vigilant and proactive to prevent them from gaining too much ground."
His expression grew more intense. "In light of the current threats, I'd like to discuss the possibility of forming a formal alliance with you, Shay. Your unique position and connections could provide valuable support in our efforts."
I raised an eyebrow. "An alliance, you say? What kind of support are you looking for?"
Livius leaned forward, his gaze steady. "We need allies who can help us navigate the political landscape and strengthen our defensive measures. Your involvement could make a significant difference in our strategy against the Syndicate."
I considered his proposal. "I see. And what would this alliance entail?"
"It would involve sharing intelligence, coordinating our efforts, and supporting each other's objectives," Livius explained. "In return, we offer our resources and influence to support your endeavors."
Rolo gave me a questioning look, clearly intrigued by the prospect. Mose seemed deep in thought, weighing the implications.
"I'll need some time to think it over," I said cautiously. "But I appreciate the offer."
Livius nodded. "Of course. Take your time. I'm confident that we can find a mutually beneficial arrangement."
"Anything else you need to know?" Livius asked, breaking the silence.
I shook my head. "I think we've covered everything for now. Thanks for the briefing."
As we stepped out of Livius's audience chamber, the atmosphere outside was a sharp contrast to the intense conversation we'd just had. The corridors buzzed with activity, mages and apprentices moving with purpose, the air thick with the hum of magical energy.
The morning sun bathed the dining hall in a warm glow as we stepped inside. The sheer size of the room was overwhelming—an expansive space filled with long, elegant tables that seemed to stretch endlessly. The hall was buzzing with activity, the low hum of conversations blending with the clinking of silverware. Mages of all ranks were scattered throughout the room, their light blue robes adding a touch of uniformity to the otherwise chaotic scene.
The ceiling was high and vaulted, adorned with intricate designs that seemed to pulse faintly with magical energy. Floating orbs of light drifted lazily above the tables, casting a soft, ambient glow that added to the hall's grandeur. The scent of rich, aromatic food filled the air, making my stomach rumble in anticipation.
"Wow," Mose whispered, his eyes wide as he took in the sight. "This place is incredible."
Rolo nudged me, a smile on his face. "This is definitely not what I expected."
We made our way to one of the tables, weaving through the throngs of mages who were deep in conversation. As we sat down, a few nearby apprentices glanced our way, their eyes filled with curiosity. It wasn't every day that outsiders visited Livius's court.
As soon as we settled, plates of food appeared before us, laden with an array of dishes that looked both exotic and delicious. Freshly baked bread, vibrant fruits, and perfectly cooked meats were all laid out in a feast fit for royalty. I reached for a slice of bread, savoring the warmth and softness as I took a bite.
Around us, the conversations ranged from mundane gossip to intense debates about magical theory. A group of younger apprentices near us were animatedly discussing the intricacies of elemental magic, their voices rising as they argued over the best techniques for harnessing fire. Further down the table, a trio of more experienced mages were deep in conversation about recent political developments, their tones hushed and serious.
Rolo leaned in closer to me, keeping his voice low. "We should keep our ears open. There's a lot we could learn here."
I nodded, agreeing with his assessment. This wasn't just a meal; it was an opportunity to gather information, make connections, and possibly even forge alliances.
As we ate, I couldn't help but overhear a conversation between two older mages seated nearby. They were discussing the recent rise of the Shadow Veil Syndicate, their voices tinged with concern.
"They're becoming a real problem," one of them said, shaking his head. "They've been recruiting aggressively, trying to build their power base."
The other mage nodded gravely. "Master is keeping a close eye on them, but they're growing bolder. It's only a matter of time before they make a move."
Rolo caught my eye, his expression serious. I shrugged.
As the meal continued, more mages joined in the conversations around us, eager to share their insights and theories. A moment later, I noticed two familiar faces approaching us through the crowd of mages. Gil, with his tall, scrawny frame and perpetually tangled brown hair, was leading the way. He looked as plain as ever.
Behind him was Iris, a taller girl with an air of quiet confidence, her hand resting lightly on her belt.
As they reached our table, both Gil and Iris gave a small, respectful bow. "Your Majesty," Gil said, his tone formal.
I waved them down quickly, trying to keep things casual. "Cut it out, guys. You don't have to be so formal with me."
Gil straightened up, looking a bit relieved. "Thank God," he said with a sheepish grin as they took their seats.
Iris, meanwhile, turned her attention to Mose. Her gaze was intense as if she were sizing him up. "I'm Iris. It's a pleasure to meet you."
Mose reached out to shake her hand, but as soon as their hands made contact, Iris's expression changed. Her face went pale, and she began to tremble uncontrollably. She yanked her hand back as if she had been burned, eyes wide with shock.
Gil was immediately on edge, his hand going to his side as if he were ready to defend her. "Iris? What's wrong?"
Before the situation could escalate, I explained. "Relax, it's okay. Iris just had a bit of a shock. Mose is a Mystbane."
Iris looked at me, her face still pale, but understanding dawned in her eyes. "A Mystbane... I should have known. I could feel it the moment I touched him." She tried to steady her breathing, still visibly shaken.
Gil's alarm turned into confusion. "A Mystbane? You mean...?"
"Yeah," I confirmed.
They would have figured it out anyway.
Mose, who had been watching the exchange in silence, offered an apologetic smile. "Sorry about that. I didn't mean to startle you."
Iris shook her head, regaining some of her composure. She looked down at her hand, still trembling slightly. "The information I got from just that brief contact was... intense."
Gil looked from Iris to Mose, then back to me. "Now a Mystbane? You don't do things halfway, do you, Shay?"
I shrugged, trying to keep things light. "What can I say? I like to keep things interesting."
Iris finally managed a small smile, though she still seemed a bit shaken. After the initial tension settled and conversations resumed, I decided to lighten the mood further.
I pulled out my phone and, with a casual grin, held it up for a quick selfie. The extravagant breakfast spread and the grand hall made for an impressive backdrop. I made sure to get everyone in the frame—Rolo looking intrigued by the assortment of pastries, Mose looking a bit uncomfortable, and Iris trying to mask her earlier shock with a forced smile. Gil was caught mid-laugh, which added a nice touch of spontaneity.
[Breakfast is ridiculously over-the-top. I half-expect the pancakes to start juggling themselves. 🙄]
I hit send and slipped my phone back into my pocket.
As we chatted about the various topics of the court, Gil leaned in, addressing Rolo. "We've been working on some fascinating projects here. If you're curious, I'd be happy to discuss them with you."
Rolo's eyes lit up. "What kind of research are you involved in?"
Gil's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "My group is currently focused on magical paradoxes—situations where magic seems to defy itself or create unintended effects. It's fascinating, really."
"Magical paradoxes?" Mose repested. "That sounds complicated."
"Indeed," Gil continued. "It involves understanding how certain magical practices can lead to contradictory outcomes or even destabilize established magical theories. We're trying to identify ways to control or predict these anomalies."
Iris joined the conversation. "I'm involved in research related to the identification of magical artifacts. I specialize in analyzing and deciphering the properties and origins of various artifacts.
Mose, intrigued, leaned forward. "That sounds fascinating!"
Iris glanced at Mose's hand where she had touched him earlier, her expression turning a bit pale again. "It involves a lot of tactile examination and magical testing. We use spells and enchantments to reveal hidden attributes and origins. Some artifacts are more elusive and require intricate methods to fully understand."
Gil nodded, adding, "Iris's work is crucial. Identifying artifacts accurately ensures we can study them properly and understand their magical significance."
Iris's expression grew more serious. "Unfortunately, we've had several artifacts go missing recently. They were vital for our research, and their disappearance is a major concern."
Rolo's interest was piqued. "Missing artifacts, you say?"
Iris nodded. "We're currently trying to trace the missing items and figure out who might be behind the thefts."
Gil's expression grew more serious. "There are even rumors about a hidden vault within the court. It's said to contain some of the most valuable and ancient artifacts, including those that were put away for safekeeping due to the recent thefts. Master had to secure his most prized possessions in this vault to protect them."
A hidden vault, huh? That sounds like it could be quite an adventure. I didn't need to look at Rolo to know what he was thinking.
In my head, I was already envisioning a grand heist. Picture this: me in a sleek black outfit, sneaking through secret passages, dodging magical traps, and liberating artifacts from the Sorcerer Lord's personal stash. The thrill of it all had me grinning like a cat that just ate the canary.
Rolo, who was apparently not impressed by my mental scheming, kicked me sharply in the ankle. I looked up at him with wide, innocent eyes. My eyes widened just a touch, and I gave him a slow, exaggerated blink as if I had no idea what he was talking about.
I tilted my head slightly, trying to look as clueless as possible. "What?" I asked, my voice dripping with feigned innocence. "I'm just... enjoying the company."
Rolo stared at me with a mixture of frustration and resignation, clearly aware of my ploy but too exasperated to argue. "Seriously, Shay?"
I gave a soft, almost comically innocent smile. It was the kind of look that might fool a naive observer, but Rolo was not one of those.
Mose looked between us, clearly baffled. "Did I miss something?"
"Nope," I said, continuing to beam innocently at Rolo. "Nothing at all."
Rolo sighed deeply, shaking his head as if to clear away the absurdity of the moment. "You're impossible," he muttered, though there was a hint of a smile tugging at his lips.
Mose shrugged and turned back to Iris and Gil, still somewhat confused but evidently accepting the situation as just another day with us.
"How about a tour of our research labs?" Gil offered.
I looked at Rolo and Mose, who seemed intrigued by the offer. But I had other plans. "I'll pass."
Gil and Iris exchanged a look, clearly disappointed but understanding. "Well, if you change your mind, just let us know," Iris said, her tone friendly.
"Definitely," Gil added. "The labs are always open for those interested."
Gil and Iris led Rolo and Mose away towards the research labs, their voices fading as they discussed their latest projects. I watched them go, then turned to the grand hall with a sense of anticipation.