Fantasy The Princess and the Mage. (Chroma & Leafy)

[Alichroma]

Olive had read and reread the letter about a dozen times, his eyes scanned the page, looking meticulously at every quill-stroke used to pen the missive. Despite his efforts, attempting to intimidate the contents of the letter into changing with his furrowed brow didn't seem to work. Gently, the young man laid the sheet of paper onto the old wooden desk that his mentor always performed his work on. A soft sigh came from Olive's lips. There was no doubt about it. This was penned by his master, an elderly half-elf by the name of Barnabas. The man who had taken him just over eight years ago.

There was one last thing he could try, he wagered. He took a few moments to blink, granting his poor green orbs a moment of respite. Olive breathed in deep, concentrating as he resumed his interrogation of the poor piece of parchment. Perhaps there was a riddle within the words, one he was trained to solve. He nodded to himself. Of course his master wouldn't have just given him a simple message, surely there was some trick. He let out the breath he was holding, letting his focus switch to his right hand. Sticking out a finger he whispered a few words to himself, and in an instant, the the tip of his finger gleamed with an indigo-hued light. If he wanted to write a secret message only a few people would read, he would conceal some words with simple magics, one that could be dispelled easily if one had the aptitude. Yet, as his finger scanned the page, no illusion revealed itself. Olive slumped back in the oversized leather chair Barnabas had fancied, the two fluffy cat ears atop his head drooping down with the rest of his body in begrudging acceptance.

"To Olive, my devoted student.

I apologize for being unable to tell you this in person. Though it pains me to depart so hastily, I find myself no other choice. I've received troubling news from a colleague of mine, one which bears immediate and thorough investigation. While there are others who could feasibly fulfill this role, I can't in good mind leave the matter in the background, praying it resolves itself. I must attend this matter with the due diligence it demands. This will not be a brief sojourn, and once more I would apologize for leaving you alone without warning. However, I could not in good conscious let Soelste lose its court mage. Not after all the work we have done to dispel the taboo around our studies. As such, I have sent word to the castle that you are to be anointed my replacement with utmost haste. Her Majesty, Queen Cresenta has ever been an ally, and I have no doubts she will attempt to honor my request. I realize this may come as a shock, but I would not have put forth your name if I did not believe you fully capable of fulfilling these duties. If a matter falls outside my teachings, I bid you search both the libraries in our study, as well as within our chambers in the castle. There is a small pouch of coin in the drawer of this desk, and a spare key should you need it within the nooks of the tree you unintentionally uprooted a few moons ago. I bid you good luck, my pupil.

-Barnabas Serune"

The young mage glanced over to the window, a beam of light from the morning's sunrise slowly began spreading over the old wooden floorboards. If he wanted to arrive in good time, he thought, he would need to leave shortly. Pushing himself out of the chair, Olive stretched out, letting his legs regain some circulation, and allowing his bushy tail freedom from the confines of Barnabas's leather chair. He made for his room, trying to pretend his nerves weren't getting to him. The catboy opened his door, and began hastily searching his cabinets and drawers. Having grabbed all the things he would need for the day. He finished by wrapping his favorite cloak around himself. A simple deep forest green, with plenty of pockets to hold miscellany. Peeking down, he gazed at his reflection in the mirror. His ashy brown locks were disheveled from the night's sleep, but he scarce had the time to fix it. He grabbed his hairbrush and made sure to flatten the worst of the cowlicks and curls, before darting exiting his room. He locked the door to the house and began the short walk to Soelste Castle.

Olive and Barnabas lived in a small house at the edge of the city's upper district. It was a privilege for sure, guarded day and night, with a beautiful view of the lower districts. From where he stood, he could see the Agarest River flow from the peaks of the mountain into the city proper. He traced the length of the river with his eyes. There was scarce else to do on the trip, and very few people were up at this hour. His trip to the gates of the castle was peaceful, something he was grateful for as he prepared himself for a summons to the courts. He waved a hello to the guards. He had seen the bulky guardsmen often enough that they could recognize him by his gait alone. He said a thank you as he passed through into Soelste Castle's courtyard. The sun had risen proper by now, its light illuminating the stones of the castle walls. Olive waved once more to the guards at the entrance, intent on passing through without any trouble. On his approach however, The centermost guard let out a simple but firm "Ahem."

Olive craned his neck to look up at her. The guard who had stopped him stared down, but thankfully her gaze lacked hostility. He recognized her of course. Lorithia, second in command of the castle guard. She was huge, at least compared to the mage in front of her, and certainly intimidating, but she made no sudden movements. Her pale red skin covered was mostly in regal looking armor, with a single orange horn peeking out from the woman's helm. Custom-made. "We received a missive from Barnabas, informing us of his departure from our city. Your presence will be required in the audience chambers midday to ascertain if you will be fulfilling your master's position." The guard stepped away from the door, her message delivered, letting the catboy through. She spoke up one last time as Olive finally entered the halls of the castle proper. "You've roamed these halls long enough, I see no reason to worry."

...Apparently his expression had been broadcasting his trepidation. Or perhaps Lorithia was simply astute at reading people.. "A-Ah, I thank you." Olive's expression perked up, and he gently bowed his head, before turning back to the castle halls. His footsteps barely made a sound as he half walked, half jogged to the western wing of the castle. There, a familiar dark oak door stood and Olive quickly strode inside. As the door closed behind him, the smell of old books and herbs filled his senses. Home away from home.

He spent the next few hours scouring the study, to see if Barnabas had left him any additional missives, as well as tidying up. Stray books and parchment lay scattered near the walls of the large chamber, most of which had been converted into bookshelves filled with tomes older than himself. It was shortly after the sun reached its peak that he heard a series of knocks against his door. A voice he didn't recognize spoke up from behind the door. "Court Apprentice, your presence is needed in the audience chamber." It was masculine, and as he opened the door he found another guard behind it. He was escorted through the halls, though he knew where the audience hall was. He had been several times with his mentor, but this would be the first time he was in the grand room by himself. He gripped the edge of his cloak, squeezing it sharply.

As the duo approached, the guards manning the front moved to open the grandiose stone doors. None of them followed behind Olive as he carefully walked into the open room before him. A few politcal advisors stood near the sides of the hall, and guards manned the entrance of the chamber. The soft conversations that filled the chamber prior began to fade. There in front of him lay two beautiful thrones, majestic blue fabrics and silver adornments. and upon them, the King and Queen of the realm. Olive kneeled in front of the pair, trying to steady his breath before he spoke up. "You... summoned me, your majesties?" He lifted his head, his eyes looking for any change in expression between the two of them.

King Cresenta looked down at the young mage. It was not the first time they'd seen one another, but it was the first time they had spoken directly. Still, even he had to admit magic was quite beyond him. The apprentice before him seemed too young in his eyes, but perhaps there was something he was missing. Barnabas had always been loyal to the crown. The man turned his head to the right, gazing at his queen. His spoke up, his voice deep, yet calm. "I believe this is your domain, my love."

 

[leafyx8]

The throne room was impressive in its set up, boasting intricate tapestry work and murals of rulers before the two that sat upon the thrones. King and Queen Crescenta promoted a rather successful legacy in their own right-two boys, both fit and adept in their own skill sets, a daughter, picturesque in grace and decorum-all while maintaining the peak of the kingdom’s flourishing economic and populous boom. King Francon held sole focus on the more tangible aspects of his rule-infrastructure within the cities, land distribution, military prowess. He was a stoic figure with silver hair that laid long and braided down his back, his skin a darkened hue of blues and grays, similar to many moon elves of their region. His wife, Deline Crescenta, was a soft image of beauty that ruled adjacent to him, her influence in the arts and magic trades allowing for a new age of culture to grow as a result of the sponsorship. To the Queen, magic was one of beautiful art-memories of her youth, growing up with magic as common as the sun was in the afternoon. When she was married to King Francon, she was brought from her home to his kingdom, where magic was scarcely looked well upon.

The miracle of the shift within the court’s handling of magic was possible from the softness Francon held for his wife-despite the functions of a rigid and traditionalist kingdom Queen Deline had entered, the affection the King held for his wife allowed her to mold his mind, creating space to accept her own ways as more than a dangerous and trivial notion. It was Queen Deline that had appointed Barnabas to the position of the court mage, a connection she had felt for the man as they were connected to the same original home. While the King was not keen to take interest in the matters of the court mage, he did entertain any subject his wife presented to be an issue. With the sudden departure of the original court mage, the natural promotion would be the very apprentice that worked beneath him. While King Francon trusted his wife’s vision, he found it difficult to consolidate that the youngling before them was qualified to overtake the court mage’s duties.

Queen Deline nodded to her husband, a soft smile spread to her features at her husband’s prompt. Her eyes trailed to the young mage before them, a flicker of recognition in her gaze. She had seen the young one in passing, always following Barnabas like an unrelenting shadow. While Barnabas gave little notice to the Queen herself of the matter that would take him from the the kingdom and out of commission for his duties, the Queen had more faith in Oliver than the husband seemed to. The understanding that the old court mage requested his replacement to be no other than his assistant spoke enough to the Queen to oblige, though she thought best to give a fair calling on the matter, in case the opinion of Oliver himself was more so not wishing to accept the duties. She thought it be better to know now and find a solid replacement rather than force a doomed situation.

“We were quite surprised by the sudden departure of Grand Court Mage Barnabas, Mage Apprentice Meadowtail.” The Queen began, her voice offering a sense of comfort, as if they would be handling the situation as a unit rather than throwing the mage into a high position freely. She gestured towards the boy, offering a sense of her understanding his own predicament with the departure. “With his presence so independently managed by his work, it would be difficult to find a replacement of his caliber in haste. Though-“

The doors to the side of the throne room creaked open, a feeble attempt at secrecy foiled as Princess Linette peaked her head within, wanting to cringe back as she saw the entire room quiet down, heads turned towards the interruption. With no other option to escape before one would notice her late arrival, Linette straightened her back, clasping her hands to her front as she stepped inside, standing to the far side off of the thrones, her presence seemingly standing out in the wake of the matter. If she had arrived on time, as was requested of her by the King and Queen, it would have seemed quite appropriate to be positioned to her mother’s side, attending a matter in which did quite intrigue her. She had heard whispers of the court mage taking a departure, her lady in waiting filling her in with more information as they had hurried their way to the throne room, to be present for this very meeting. Her hair swept in a half up waved manner, a few pieces sticking from the updo that was sure to leave her mother in a fit. Her dress a pale blue, a white ribbon detailing pulling the features together. She was, at the very least, dressed appropriately for entertaining the court.

Linette glanced to her mother, who’s elegance did not falter despite the interruption of her tardy daughter. She returned her focus to the mage before her, though she was at least a bit tiffed at the less than graceful entrance of her daughter. There would surely be words spoken after the meeting about her inability to properly time manage. Even with a group of ladies meant to keep her on schedule, the Queen knew her daughter well enough to know just how easily she threw schedules to the wind, the need to sharpen her focus a constant struggle.

Linette wished she’d been blessed with the ability to melt into her surroundings. She could practically hear the lecture she was bound to receive as a result of her tardiness. She had not meant to miss such a meeting-her own curiosity taking over any sense of shame she had felt at the moment as she looked to the mage in question, someone she’d seen in passing a few times, he had been present during her visits to Barnabas study. She could only imagine the pressure weighed on the shoulders of the mage. Despite the implications of magic being a topic that had mixed, but mostly negative, connotations within the castle, Barnabas held an impressive reputation within the castle, having been around long enough to deserve that consolation at the very least.

“As I may continue, the Grand Court Mage was requested his replacement become his own apprentice, citing the need for the role to be filled with someone who knows the daily duties of which he would attend to. This is to determine if you, apprentice mage, are suited to fill a role of your mentor so soon. A looming presence, surely. Your take on the matter, Mage Meadowtail?”

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[Alichroma]

Olive listened diligently as the Queen spoke on the matter. They knew of course, from what Barnabas had told them, that the King had remained largely neutral on magics. He was very glad when the King doffed the matter to Queen Deline, then. Still, he was clearly still nervous. His bushy tail lay perfectly flat against the blue carpet that dissected the throne room, and his ears remained perfectly perked and alert as he hung onto every word the Queen spoke. He silently breathed a sigh of relief as her words went on. She seemed just as nice as Barnabas had mentioned. She was right though. Part of why Barnabas' had been so welcomed was because his presence hardly went noticed in the castle. Most of the castle staff saw him at most once... rarely twice a day, and only in passing.

The doors to the throne room squeaked, and with it came the silence of everyone in the court. Olive's ears flicked from the sudden noise, and he turned to face the disturbance. A young woman was peeking her head through the door. It didn't take Olive much time to notice the similarity between her and the Queen. Was that... the Princess? Whoever she was, she clearly didn't like the attention she'd gathered, he didn't need his feline eyes to see the visible cringe on her face. He might have offered a consoling smile, if his own nerves weren't shot, but he figured the least he could do was blink, and turn his gaze back to the Queen.

If she was disturbed by the intrusion, she didn't show it. The young mage could have sworn he felt the energy shift in the room ever so slightly, as the Princess not so discretely walked over to the side of her mother's throne. The Queen spoke up again, although the seriousness of the matter seemed slightly dulled with the interruption, something with which Olive was glad for. He found it easier to respond, and his tail rose off the ground ever so slightly.

When the Queen finished, Olive spoke up. His voice was slightly soft at first, but within a couple words he had raised it to a more audible level. Unlike the slightly harsh timbre of his mentor, whose voice had a naturally gravely texture on the best of days, Olive's voice was sweet like honey. His words flowed effortlessly from one to the next. "Master Barnabas's departure was a shock to me as well. I awoke this morning to but a single letter detailing me of the reasons why he left. He chose not to enlighten me entirely on the nature of his journey, but I know full well he would not have left in such haste if he did not deem it an absolute necessity." He nodded, as if assuring himself of the veracity of his words.

"T-Though I will admit to the court, I was not expecting to fill his shoes with such haste..." He took one more breath to steady himself. "I believe... I will be able to fulfill the expectations levied upon me. I've shadowed Master Barnabas for nearly half my life now, and in that time I've learned how to handle the power that flows through my body. How to wield it with intentionality, and without the fear I once held of it in my youth." He paused. Though it wouldn't do him any credence, he felt he had to be fully truthful to the matter. He owed it to the Queen for giving him the opportunity at all.

"It... would be dishonest to pretend like I will not make blunders. I know my youth is apparent t-to all before us... but I will strive to remedy any... gaps within my knowledge whenever they present themselves with the utmost urgency." He finished. He gently panted under his breath, trying to steady his nerves. All he could do now was to look up to the Queen, and hope his earnest speech had persuaded her. His eyes flicked from her, to the King, and then to the Princess. Perhaps it was because she seemed the least intimidating of the three figures before him, or perhaps the least judgmental, but his eyes lingered on her for but a moment.