‘Do you think we’ll ever see her face again?’ Vivian asked no one in particular.

  The walk back to Felix’s home was a lot quieter than when they were heading to the patisserie. As soon as they returned, Tala had stormed upstairs. They heard a door slam, startling the other occupants of the house. It remained closed and locked despite Sylf and Vann’s persistent efforts both vocal and physical. They finally stopped when they received a string of what Vivian assumed was curses in elvish which even the door couldn’t muffle. Tala didn’t emerge from her room till dinnertime, at which point she grabbed a full plate and retreated to her room before either Sylf or Vann could get in a word edgewise.

  ‘She does remember that we share that room, right?’ Vann asked.

  ‘Do you want to share a room with her right now?’ Sylf asked pointedly.

  ‘…Good point,’ Vann conceded. ‘We should go see where else we can sleep for the night.’

  The two elves left after wishing the others good night. Rikan and Sina didn’t stay much longer either, leaving Vivian, Felix and Aiden as well as Cyrus and Dixie remaining at the dining table. Felix was filling Aiden in about the events of the day while Cyrus and Dixie were having a whispered conversation, probably about the same the thing but in much more detail.

  ‘I’m still in the dark here,’ Aiden set down his spoon. ‘Why is she upset?’

  ‘We don’t know,’ Vivian replied. ‘They were speaking in elvish.’

  ‘Cyrus said that it was because they didn’t want anyone listening in,’ Vivian added.

  ‘They didn’t,’ Cyrus interjected, finally finished with his conversation.

  ‘It almost sounded like singing,’ Felix noted. ‘Did the language evolve from music?’

  Cyrus looked impressed. ‘Astute observation. Yes, it’s said that in the distant past, elvish only consisted of humming. Instead of letters, they used a combination of tones to speak.’

  ‘That’s kind of amazing,’ Felix said. ‘If only we understood it.’

  Dixie tilted her head before looking at Cyrus. ‘Hmm, well…’

  ‘…No,’ Felix looked excited. ‘Cyrus, you understand elvish?!’

  ‘I work as a… well I suppose you could say a foreign liaison for Mirran,’ Cyrus said. ‘So, yes. I do know most of the major languages, including elvish.’

  ‘Alright, so what were they talking about?’ Vivian asked.

  Cyrus smiled sweetly. ‘None of your business.’

  Vivian’s face fell. ‘Oh… what if I said please?’

  ‘No.’

  ‘You had no problem telling Dixie,’ Aiden pointed out. ‘So why not us?’

  ‘Because he trusts me,’ Dixie replied.

  ‘Do you not trust us?’ Felix frowned. ‘I’m hurt.’

  ‘It’s alright if you don’t. We understand that it might be a secret,’ Vivian said.

  Cyrus nodded. ‘Thank you for-’

  ‘Anyway, what’s the worst that could happen if you don’t tell us.’ Vivian gave Cyrus a sweet smile of her own. ‘It’s not like we have a history of looking for answers ourselves, oftentimes putting ourselves in grave peril in the process.’ Vivian’s smile grew sweeter. ‘I am sure with our track record the three of us will just let go of this matter easily.’

  ‘Blackmail? Really?’ Cyrus gave her an unimpressed look. ‘Who have you been listening to?’

  Vivian tilted her head in thought. ‘Mostly Peri, and a bit from you.’

  ‘I agree,’ Dixie said. ‘The sarcasm is Peri’s, but that sweet smile that’s salty underneath, that is definitely from you.’

  ‘Thank you, Dixie,’ Cyrus said through gritted teeth.

  ‘You’re welcome.’ Dixie shrugged. ‘Look, just tell them. We don’t want them wandering off, trying to find out for themselves.’

  Clearly outnumbered, Cyrus sighed heavily. ‘Fine, but I'll only say this once, and not a word to either Sith or Peri.’

  The three of them nodded vigorously and pulled their chairs closer to Cyrus. The shadow mage sighed once more before waving his hand. His aura lit up, a brilliant midnight blue, and pooled into a ball in his hand before expanding to envelop their small group in a translucent bubble before disappearing.

  ‘What was that?’ Aiden asked in wonder.

  ‘A privacy spell,’ Cyrus explained shortly. ‘It’s a shadow element technique. You’ll learn how to do it eventually.’

  ‘Useful,’ Aiden commented.

  ‘Can we get back to the matter at hand?’ Vivian asked. ‘What was Tala and Madame Jeanne talking about?’

  ‘Right.’ Cyrus leaned back in his chair making himself comfortable. ‘In simple words, Tala came here to ask Jeanne for a weave.’

  ‘A… weave?’ Felix looked very confused. ’Do they not have tailors back home?’

  ‘Even if they didn’t, I still don’t think that’s a good reason to step into a land that condemns magic.’ Vivian added. ‘Don’t get me wrong, I think Madame Jeanne is an incredible tailor, but still…’

  Cyrus hung his head. ’I was hoping this would be a short conversation.’

  Aiden rolled his eyes. ‘Honestly, do you two never read?’

  Felix grinned. ‘Only if my life depended on it.'

  A weave,’ Aiden stressed. ‘Is a magical construct made by stitching together threads of mana. Each thread is imbued with an intent and intertwined together to produce complex magic. It’s a very rare skill.’

  Felix tapped his finger on the table in thought. ‘By complex magic you mean…?’

  ‘Enchantments and curses,’ Aiden continued. ‘Any magic that requires more than one intent.’

  Something familiar stirred in Vivian’s memory. ‘Hold on, I’ve heard something like that before.’ She suddenly snapped her fingers. ‘Ah, yes! I remember! Back when I first arrived here and was standing in front of the Council, Peri said that I cast a spell with three intents.’

  Cyrus’ eyes narrowed. ‘That’s not possible. A spell is different from a weave. Spells are bursts of power with a single intent, like elemental magic or mana-shaping. If there are two or more intents involved, then it’s a weave.’

  Vivian shrugged. ‘That’s what Peri said.’

  Dixie tapped her chin. ‘When you cast your magic, how long did it take to form it?’

  Vivian bit her lip. ‘I’m not sure. A few seconds, maybe half a minute.’

  Dixie smiled in understanding. ‘That’s why he called it a spell. A weave is more complex and powerful, but it takes time to create. Spells are quick, immediate responses to a single thought.’ She looked at Vivian curiously. ‘But if you can somehow create weaves as fast as spells…’

  Silence followed the suggestion before Vivian decided to break it. ‘As curious as I am to learn more about my powers, let’s keep it aside for another time.’ She turned back to Cyrus. ‘So, you were saying that Tala needed a weave. What for?’

  If you stumble upon this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen from Royal Road. Please report it.

  ‘I’m not sure,’ Cyrus answered. ‘They were whispering too quietly at that part.’

  ‘So that’s why she came looking for Madame Jeanne.’ Aiden said. ‘She must be a weaver.’

  ‘One of the very few,’ Cyrus confirmed. ‘Apparently, Jeanne was supposed to become the next leader, the next Visir.’

  Felix gave a low whistle of admiration. ‘I guess you never really know anybody… So, what happened?’

  Cyrus shrugged. ‘I don’t know. They didn’t mention why she left, but it sounded like the source of all their mutual disdain.’

  ‘So, what happens now?’ Vivian asked. ‘Will Madame Jeanne close shop and go back with Tala to… I’m sorry, where are they from?’

  ‘Kirawyn,’ Dixie answered. ‘That’s what the elven country is called.’

  ‘Kirawyn,’ Vivian sounded out. ‘Right, so is she going back to Kirawyn with Tala?’

  ‘Probably not.’ Cyrus sighed. ‘Elves live in very tightknit communities. Responsibilities to the clan and to the city are regarded as religion. To leave is to never return. It is considered abandonment of your duties, and the perpetrator is exiled.’

  ‘So, neither Madame Jeanne nor Adair can ever return to Kirawyn.’ Aiden frowned. ‘That seems unfair.’

  Cyrus levelled a questioning look at him. ‘More unfair than being persecuted for being born with magic?’

  Aiden nodded. ‘Fair point,’ he conceded. ‘Well, if she can’t go then I’m guessing Madame Jeanne will have to use a weave receptacle. It’s the only way one can transport weaves.’

  ‘Only one problem,’ Cyrus said grimly. ‘A weave receptacle requires aurium.’ He looked pointedly at Vivian. ‘And the only place we know of where we can get aurium is…’

  Vivian rolled her eyes. ‘Let me guess, the Druscan woods.’

  Cyrus smiled. ‘So, either Tala is going to wait for another three weeks till you’re allowed back in the woods-’

  ‘Unlikely,’ Vivian mumbled.

  ‘Or you’re about to get a very persistent and nagging request from that elf.’

  ‘Oh joy.’ Vivian sighed. ‘I can hear Sith’s voice already.’

  ………

  The next day around noon, Vivian, Aiden, Felix and Tala plodded their way back to the cottage through ankle-high snow. Just as Cyrus had predicted, after dinner Tala had approached them, or more specifically Vivian to ask about the aurium. Despite explaining their current ban from the woods, Tala had persisted, almost close to pleading but not quite. Vivian accepted defeat, saying that she would ask Sith about it at which point Tala had insisted that she come with them as she would be able to better present her case. Which brings them to the present, standing in a straight line in front of an annoyed beith-chailin who had her arms crossed across her chest, with one of her sharpened claws tapping a rhythm on her bicep.

  ‘Vivian, I hope you’re not asking me what I think you’re asking,’ Sith growled. ‘Because if it is…’ She let the threat hang in the air.

  Vivian gulped. ‘Well, you see… circumstances have changed.’

  ‘Really? Is there no longer any Remnants in the woods?’

  Vivian deflated where she stood, her shoulders slumping down. This was a losing battle. ‘No, they’re probably still there.’

  ‘Have you suddenly achieved a master level proficiency in battle?’

  Vivian winced as she remembered the beating she had taken just that morning, the shame of it made worse by the fact that Reno had been there to witness it. ‘No.’

  ‘Well then, you have my answer.’ Sith returned to studying the documents on the table without another word.

  ‘Just to be clear,’ Felix said. ‘That answer is...?’

  Sith looked up at him, silently daring to say another word. Vivian grabbed the blonde by his collar and dragged him back.

  ‘No,’ she hissed. ‘The answer is no.’

  The four of them edged their way out of the dining room, careful not to turn their backs on Sith. They trudged up the stairs, dragging their feet as they climbed up to the drawing room. Tala collapsed into one of the armchairs, running a hand through her hair in frustration.

  ‘So, that’s it then,’ she said bitterly. 'I came all this way for nothing.’

  She sighed and covered her face with her hands. They sat there in silence unable to think of what to do next. And that’s how Peri found them when he came upstairs about an hour later. He frowned as he took in the sight before him.

  ‘I think I’ve seen funerals with more joy,’ he said. ‘Who died?’

  ‘No one,’ Felix replied glumly. ‘Just our hopes.’

  ‘Ah.’ Peri looked uninterested. 'Well, that’s alright then.’

  ‘We just asked Sith if we could go into the Druscan woods to find some aurium,’ Aiden explained. ‘Three guesses as to what her answer was.’

  ‘Don’t need three.’ Peri nudged Felix with his boot, who begrudgingly moved from the armchair to the sofa to make room for the older man. ‘So, what do you plan on doing now?’

  ‘There is no plan,’ Vivian replied. 'There is nothing we can do. I agree with Sith. It is too dangerous to go into the woods right now.’

  Peri nodded. ‘It is.’ He looked at her pointedly, like he wanted her to figure something out. ‘But...’

  Whatever it was that Peri was trying to say, she wasn’t picking it up. ‘But... what?’

  ‘Oh, for Armoin’s sake,’ he muttered. ‘I know it hurts but do try to use your head.’

  Vivian frowned in thought. ‘Are you saying that there’s a way to get aurium?’

  Peri rolled his eyes. ‘Look, let me make this simple. You cannot go into the woods right now, but...’

  And then it clicked. ‘But there are others who can!’ Vivian said excitedly. ‘The fairies!’

  ‘Right!’ Felix chimed in. ‘We can just ask them to find it!’

  ‘But I doubt they’ll do it for free,’ Aiden said, ever the realist. ‘Fey folks are known for the principle of fair trade. And I doubt this time it will be for something as simple as money like with the fairy silk.’

  ‘No,’ Peri said. ‘Chances are they will ask for something else in return. A favour for a favour. Just be wary when you talk to them. Don’t jump to agree with the first request they put forth. In fact, Felix,’ Peri looked at the blonde. ‘You should take lead. Bargaining and smooth talk is your strength.’

  Felix was shocked. ‘That was a compliment,’ he whispered. He grabbed Aiden’s arm, much to the owner’s annoyance. ‘You heard him, right?’ A wide grin slowly spread across his face. ‘I’m not dreaming?’

  ‘Yes, yes we heard him.’ Aiden shook off Felix’s grip. ‘Gods, you’re needy.’

  'That I am,’ Felix agreed wholeheartedly. ‘And yes. I will take lead as per your recommendation.’

  Peri rubbed his temples. ’I should not have said that.’

  ‘Wait,’ a small voice interrupted. It was Tala. ’So, there is a way to get it? Get the aurium?’

  ‘Not exactly,’ Vivian replied. ’There is a chance for a way. It all depends on what the fairies ask for in exchange.’

  ‘Well...’ Tala nodded in an attempt to encourage herself.’ That's more than what we had before. Let’s give it a shot.’

  ‘First we need to know exactly how much of it we need,’ Aiden pointed out. ‘We should talk to Madame Jeanne before we meet with the fairies.’

  ‘Great!’ Vivian jumped to her feet. ‘Let’s go.’

  Peri cleared his throat loudly. ‘Actually, Aiden and Felix, why don’t you two handle that? Vivi, stay. We need to talk.’

  ‘That doesn’t sound good.’ Felix grinned. ‘I think you’re in trouble.’

  ‘Any trouble I’ve gotten into always involves you,’ she pointed out. ‘And weren’t you just leaving?’

  ‘Yes, I was.’ Felix puffed his chest out proudly. ‘I am going to go negotiate with the fairies. As per Peri’s high recommendation.’

  Vivian looked around for something to throw, but by the time she grabbed the candlestick Felix had wisely vacated the premises. Tala followed along with Aiden, who looked back at her pleadingly.

  Vivian shrugged. ’Don't look at me. He’s your headache for the rest of the day.’

  Aiden sighed and descended the stairs; his head hung in resignation. They heard the front door close, and the house was quiet once more.

  ‘So, what did I do now?’ Vivian asked nervously, turning to face Peri.

  ‘You’re not in any trouble.’ He gestured at the empty armchair. ‘Sit.’

  ‘Really? I’m not?’ Vivian lowered herself into the seat slowly. ‘You’re calling me by my name instead of brat or runt. And people don’t usually use the words we need to talk to deliver good news.’

  ‘It isn't either good news or bad news. I just need to discuss some things with you.’

  ‘Alright.’ She sat up straight. This seemed serious. 'I’m listening.’

  ‘First things first. Reno made a few observations about you after our session today. Some very valid points. Long story short, he will be handling your training from now.

  ‘Wha- Why?’

  ‘Ask him. He’s your trainer now.’ Peri couldn’t look less concerned even if he tried. ‘Less work for me so I’m not complaining.’

  ‘Well, I suppose there’s a first time for everything,' Vivian snarked.

  ‘You’ll still run the same exercise drills with the other two, but he’ll take over for combat training.’

  ‘Alright then.’ Vivian made to stand up. ‘Is that it?’

  ‘No. Sit down,’ Peri ordered. 'There's something else we need to discuss.’

  Vivian sat back down, her hands clasped in her lap.

  ‘This... is really none of my business.’ Peri rubbed the back of his neck in discomfort. ‘And I really don’t want to have this conversation… but Sith was insistent saying She’s your ward. Talk to her. Take responsibility. So here we are. Honestly, if I had it my way-’

  ‘Peri, what is it?’ Vivian interrupted, though she had a pretty good idea what it was about.

  Peri sighed before looking her straight in the eye. ‘Are you sure you should be getting involved in this elf business?’

  ‘What do you mean?’

  ‘You are aware that your position in the city is… unstable to say the least, right? There are people just looking for an excuse to expel you from the city.’ Peri looked her straight in the eye. ‘Involving yourself with the affairs of outsiders, especially ones that the Council finds suspicious... It could be bad for you.’

  Vivian wasn’t sure how to respond. ‘Are you telling me to stay away from Tala?’

  Peri snorted. ‘I doubt you’d listen if I did. Besides, if I really wanted you to stay away, I would’ve just kept my mouth shut. No, I'm simply trying to warn you. There could be... no, there will be some who will try to use this against you.’

  ‘Use this against me?’ Vivian asked angrily. ‘What, trying to help people? That’s a bad thing now?’ She was standing now. ‘And what do you mean, they’re suspicious? What’s there to be suspicious about?!’

  Peri raised an eyebrow at this. ‘You’re telling me that you’re not the least bit suspicious that three elves walked into a country that hates their very existence?’

  ‘Cyrus said that they needed a weave.’

  ‘If that were the case, why is Tala keeping her meeting with Jeanne a secret from the other two?’

  Vivian had no answer for that one. Why is it a secret?

  ‘I... I don’t know.'

  ‘Look, if you were to ask me, I think you should just walk away from this.’ Vivian opened her mouth to protest, but Peri held up his hands in a calming gesture. ‘But if you’re not going to listen, if you’re still going to get involved, I suggest you get the full story first.’

  ‘... Alright. I will.’

  Peri got to his feet. He hesitated a bit before placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. ‘I don’t know why you’re so insistent about helping that elf, but keep in mind you are no longer alone. You have two idiots that will follow you into fire, so you need to be smart and take them into consideration when making decisions.’

  Vivian took a deep, steading breath. ‘You’re right,’ she admitted. ‘I’ll talk to Tala today.’

  Peri ruffled her hair, a seemingly foreign act of fondness from him. ’Good girl.'