Chapter Text
The whole world is changing. Father sent his scholar Nostromo with a small entourage to another duchy in secret. I only know because my own apprentice scholar Estefan mentioned he had not seen his father Nostromo in several days. I was not meant to hear his comment; still, I considered it my duty as his lady to ask my father for an answer.
Father brought me to his office and explained that Nostromo was on a mission of utmost importance for our duchy. A rival duchy known as Ehrenfest had surpassed us in the rankings. This much I had learned while preparing to attend the Royal Academy this winter. Surprisingly, they decided to share some of the information about how their magic power had increased. It was, however, unbelievable according to the quiet gossip in the castle.
So Father asked if Aub Ehrenfest would allow a small group of scholars to visit and see first hand. He had expected to be refused. Instead, there was an invitation and… something else. Something that made Father pace in his office when I visited in Mother’s company. Mother smiled and told father to relax; if the information was true then the bargain would be more than acceptable. If it was false, then we had lost nothing except a short period of time.
Tonight Nostromo returned. Estefan brought several items with him after lunch; a set of five ‘Ehrenfest books’, a box of wooden tiles with bright paintings, and something called ‘pound cake’. The last looked like a slice of yellowish bread with cream and berries for decorations. It did not taste like any bread – or any sweet I had ever eaten. I stared at Estefan and he smiled, informing me that his father had purchased the recipe on behalf of mine. It would take a short time for the cooks to learn how to make it, but it would be available in the castle on a regular basis very soon.
The books were nothing like those found in our book room. Nostromo informed me that each dealt with the gods – together they were called the ‘Children’s Bible’. They were also a part of the great secret in how Ehrenfest had raised their grades in recent years. My tutor’s eyes grew wide as he read them; he seemed almost ready to cry for joy.
The tiles are called ‘karuta’ and are a game for learning letters and the names of the gods. The instructions were written on a single sheet of paper included in the box. My apprentice attendants, apprentice scholars, and I quickly laid out the game and began to play; a full bell passed in what seemed like no time at all. Dinner came far too soon for our taste.
This evening Father was exceptionally tense; he thinks he can hide it from my mother and I, but we can see it at the corner of his eyes. The meal passes quickly and Father orders all of our retainers out of the room except Nostromo and two guard knights that stand at the door. Even mother’s retainers have left the room; I have never seen such a thing happen. My younger brother is also curious though he was just baptized this year so he will not know how unusual this is.
“Your report, Nostromo.” Father’s hand is on a magic tool built into the table. It prevents anyone not seated from hearing the conversation. The only time I have ever seen it used was when Father had shared the news of my brother’s birth and just before Nicholai’s baptism last spring.
“Aub Neuhausen, as instructed I traveled to Ehrenfest and met with their Aub regarding the research provided during the interduchy tournament. While visiting I was given a tour of their city and the Temple environs.” My mother inhaled sharply in surprise, her eyes narrowing. “The Ehrenfest temple bears no resemblance to our own, save that both are made of divine stone.” He pauses, “A large number of noble children visit the Temple to pray, changing into blue robes during their visits. They also use what is called the ‘Study Hall’ to prepare for the Royal Academy. This hall contains study guides for each year’s courses and will purchase notes from students. Moreover, it is available to all Ehrenfest nobles with the only condition being mana donations from prayer. The grey priests and shrine maidens serving as attendants there are educated such that they present appearance and manners similar to that of a mednoble attendant. All are literate and many are involved in the ‘Rosemyne Workshop’ where they produce Ehrenfest paper and conduct what is called ‘printing’ to create books.” He pauses and passes a few sheets of thin paper to my father. “These are schematics for what is called a ‘water pump’. It requires the work of a highly skilled smith, but it allows commoners to easily draw water from wells. I brought one working pump with me to demonstrate.”
“Further, the current High Bishop at the Ehrenfest Temple is the second son of Aub Ehrenfest, Melchior.” Mother almost drops her cup. “He will be attending the Royal Academy starting this winter as an archduke candidate. In confidence, I was told that he is likely to succeed Aub Ehrenfest, with his sister Charlotte serving as a bridge until he comes of age. One of his retainers serves as High Priest, while one of Aub Alexandria’s former retainers is serving as orphanage director until she comes of age. That retainer has been engaged and will marry upon leaving the Temple. When Melchior comes of age another archduke candidate or archnoble student will don the mantle of High Bishop. Ehrenfest intends to utilize the position of High Bishop to raise the number of blessings and mana capacity of their archduke candidates and archnobles, meaning that the position is always to be filled by an underage noble and passed upon that individual reaching adulthood.”
Both Father and Mother are frozen at the report. I do not quite understand the import. Nostromo continues, “I was able to observe Melchior during the baptism of Ehrenfest commoners, as you had planned.” He pauses and seems to struggle with his next words. “The boy was able to provide a blessing for over forty children gathered in the room with ease and using only his ring. He is likely to be among the strongest archduke candidates in his year. He invited me for tea and,” He shakes his head briefly, “I am impressed with the young man. He is well spoken, intelligent, and educated to an impressive standard. He is aware of the discussion between Aub Ehrenfest and yourself and provided a number of items from his personal collection.”
I startle at the last sentence, “Nostromo, do you mean that the books and Karuta belong to Melchior of Ehrenfest?” He nods in affirmation. “We must return them, then. I cannot accept such valuable materials if they would put him at a disadvantage in the Academy.”
Nostromo shakes his head, “You do not understand, my lady. These were the set of books and Karuta he kept at the Temple. He stated he has another in his rooms at the castle that he shares with his younger siblings.” I stare at Nostromo in disbelief. TWO sets of books? How wealthy must Ehrenfest be? “The books are ‘printed’ at the Rosemyne Workshop in the Temple environs, overseen by the High Bishop and the Orphanage Director. I do not understand the process and was not allowed to observe it; I can state that I witnessed at least four sets of those books during my visit.”
Father sighs deeply. “Nostromo, what steps must be taken to restore our Temple?”
Nostromo nods and produces another set of papers. “My lord, Aub Ehernfest consulted Aub Alexandria and together they provided this plan to ‘rehabilitate’ our Temple based upon their experience. During our return trip I visited Frenbaltag, whose Aub is the brother of Ehrenfest’s first wife. He, too, is following their advice with his youngest son serving as High Bishop and his elder son and heir assisting in rituals throughout their duchy. When I asked about the plan he nodded and wished our duchy luck. They too are following Ehrenfest’s example. Such changes are difficult, he stated, but the rewards have been immense.”
Father sat back in his char and looked at Mother, who was struggling to contain her emotion. “Where Alexandria, Dunkelfelger, and Ehrenfest lead may be a difficult path. If we hope to rise again, we must follow despite the trials.” Mother nods in acceptance. Father looks again to Nostromo. “And the other question?”
“Aub Ehrenfest will be happy to accept your company to discuss that matter at the Archduke Conference.” When he finishes his sentence I look up to find my mother staring at me carefully. I do not know why.
It is finally the day for me to travel to the Royal Academy. I have to fight down the trembling of my hands; I remember Mother’s admonition to present a graceful and calm figure. Still, it is so exciting. I am lucky that my first year overlaps with the final year of Aub Alexandria, also known as Rosemyne, the Saint of Ehrenfest. I have studied the books loaned to me by Melchior of Ehrenfest and have grown more accomplished at karuta. Reading, once a chore, has become much easier. This is very important, as the older students have spoken of the large shumils that work in the Academy library and I dearly wish to see them.
The desire is strong but I know my attendants and guard knights will object to visiting the library only to observe a pair of magic tools. I will use books as my tool to overcome their objections. The common room is quiet when I enter; many students are studying at the tables. All of them react to my entrance and kneel. I motion to Estefan and he directs them to rise and continue. Estefan seems to relax a bit when we arrive; I suppose it is my fault as he is the only male who is not an apprentice knight among my retainers at the Academy. He is entering his fourth year and worries that his schtappe will not be of sufficient quality as he grows. His is the last class to receive their schtappe before graduation and is viewed with both pity and envy by those younger.
As the Aub’s eldest child, there have been no archduke candidates in our dormitory for eight years since my aunt graduated. My retainers ensure I am in the best position to speak to the room and I accept the magic tool that will amplify my voice. “Students of Neuhausen, I bring you the words of my father the Aub.” I pause and the room goes silent. “To remove any confusion, my father sent his scholars to investigate further into prayers and rituals as a means of increasing mana as proposed by Dunkelfelger, Alexandria, and Ehrenfest. He is satisfied with the findings of his scholars and asks for you to participate in the rituals and to seek out true prayer in your hearts.”
“Charms to various gods have been created and will be available for you; the Aub asks only that you return the charm or create a replacement for it before your graduation. These charms are an investment in your growth by the Aub and he asks that you justify it by your acts.” I pause and the other students are watching me carefully. “When we return after the Interduchy Tournament there will be changes to the Temple; the Aub has declared that it will be cleaned and made worthy for nobles to visit and offer prayer during our absence.” There are mutters at this announcement, so I continue, “To those who are confused, you need only look to the Saint of Ehrenfest. The Temple will be remade in the image of the Temple where she was raised. The Aub’s scholars and attendants will ensure that our Temple is no longer a place of derision so that we might offer our prayers, increase our mana, and enrich our land.”
Many students are now nodding in agreement. We have all suffered in the wake of the civil war; those who remain recall all those who were lost and the damages inflicted during the fighting. Restoring our duchy to a position of strength is important to all of us.
I decide to act as well, remembering things Estefan shared from his father’s report that were not spoken of at the dinner table. “Students of Neuhausen, I intend to emulate the actions of the Saint of Ehrenfest as well as I am able. To that end, my personal music instructor and tutor will be present here in the common room each evening following dinner. They will assist any and all students in passing their courses. I will also purchase study guides from older students so they can be shared with the younger students. I was told that by working together Ehrenfest was able to climb five places in the rankings.” I pause, “As I am not a saint, I will be satisfied with one or two.” I smile to show it is a jest and I receive laughter in response.
I let out a deep breath and return to my seat. The room is full of chatter and enthusiasm; I have been successful in my first steps as a leader.
One of the sixth year students approaches me; he is a medscholar but I do not know his name. He kneels in front of me and offers the proper greetings and his name – Stanislaus. He holds out a sheaf of paper to my attendants and then asks to speak. I allow it.
“Lady Vittoria, the papers I bring were given to me by the scholar Philine of Ehrenfest during a brief meeting of scholars before you arrived.” He pauses, “They are a study guide for first and second year students, provided at the direction of Aub Alexandria as a gift. Aub Alexandria has requested that your attendants speak with hers when you have completed your studies, as she wishes to invite you for tea.”
I am dumbfounded; I work to keep the shock off my face. Glancing to either side I can easily see that my retainers are likewise frozen in place. It takes a long moment before I can speak. “Stanislaus,” I have to swallow again to fight down the nervousness. “When you meet Philine of Ehrenfest again, please thank her for her kindness and have her convey to… Aub Alexandria that I will inform her as soon as I may.” I pause for a moment, “I am slightly confused, though. You said the invitation is from Aub Alexandria, but it came via a student from Ehrenfest?”
He smiles slightly. “Philine of Ehrenfest was a retainer of Lady Rosemyne while she was still the daughter of Aub Ehrenfest. It is said she will marry and emigrate to Alexandria once she comes of age. The Aub is very fond of Philine and Philine still coordinates all Aub Alexandria’s crest-certified work here at the Academy. In truth she is still Lady Rosemyne’s retainer in all but name and freely admits this.”
Interesting. “So she will marry a noble of Alexandria, then?”
“I do not know, Lady Vittoria.” He pauses, “Do you wish me to find out?” I shake my head in the negative.
“Thank you, Stanislaus. You have provided vital information.” He rises and moves back to a table of scholars. I turn to my retainers. “We must prepare; find out anything that might be suitable as a gift for Aub Alexandria for this tea party.” I push down the fluttering sensation of panic. “Send a message to Mother asking for advice and one to Father to inform him of the situation.” My mind is racing in circles; I have to complete my classes as soon as possible. As my retainers race to complete my instructions I open the sheaf of papers – they are, of course, Ehrenfest paper – and immerse myself in the information for my classes.
I must finish as quickly as possible, preferably on the first day, so I can capture sufficient time to prepare for what is possibly the most important tea party for Neuhausen in recent memory.
My classes pass by in a flash; my tutors were exceptional and the study guides provided by Aub Alexandria provided the few missing pieces I needed to pass on the first day. While not all of our students passed on the first day the number has improved over previous years. I have shared the study guides with the other students and instructed my scholars to make additional copies.
The reply from the library also arrived today. I will be going to register with a majority of the other first-years in two days. The exceptions are some of the students who will be following the knight course, though some are murmuring about possibly registering later after they have earned more funds so they can research ditter tactics and feybeasts.
I am excited nearly to the point of distraction, for today will be my final class – the dedication whirl. During this class I will able to observe the senior students practicing. It begins with the sixth-years. Lord Ortwin of Drewanchel and Lady Hannalore of Dunkelfelger are in the leading roles but their whirling is closely matched by the blue-clad Willifried of Ehrenfest. The other students perform admirably, though it is easily seen why these three have been honor students every year and competitors for first-in-class now that Aub Alexandria has removed herself from that competition since she is an Aub. She stated that it would seem foolish to congratulate herself.
As the sixth years finish whirling the instructor moves towards the entrance. I am unable to see what she is doing, but there is a murmur and the crowd parts. “Aub Alexandria has graciously agreed to demonstrate whirling for the younger students.” Her voice has a slight crackle of excitement; the whole room settles into a hush as the slender form moves to the center of the whirling area.
Father and Mother described Aub Alexandria once when speaking of their experiences at the Archduke Conference. I now understand why they had trouble describing the young woman; her long midnight blue hair was woven with some braids holding decorations, while the majority of it fell in a cascade over her shoulders. Her hair matched the cape she wore; the only difference being the glossiness of it. The two decorations were magnificent; one a burst of pure white flowers and the other a metal pin with chains connecting five rainbow feystones.
She moved gracefully to the room’s center and took one knee before reciting the first lines of a prayer; as her words ended she rose and began to whirl. A nimbus of light began to surround her form and the feystones on her finger, wrists, necklace, and hair began to glow as she spun with her eyes closed in concentration. I cannot say how long she whirled; it could have been mere moments or even several bells while we all watched with our breath caught in our throats.
She finished and seemingly noted the dancing motes of light around her. I saw her lips twitch slightly and what was perhaps a sigh. “May the goddesses of spring bless those who offer their dances in prayer.”
The light took on a greenish hue and showered down on the entire class. While we all looked up in amazement, Aub Alexandria joined Lord Ortwin, Lord Willifried, and Lady Hannalore. They began speaking quietly as the fifth-years moved on to the floor to whirl. I was surprised to see Lady Charlotte of Ehrenfest move to the position of the goddess of light; normally such a prestigious role would be given to a higher-ranking duchy.
As the fifth years began to whirl it became obvious why she had been chosen. It is known that she is the sister of Aub Alexandria, though they have different coloration as her hair is pure golden blonde. Their whirling, however, shows the exact same attention to the smallest details. Lady Charlotte begins to shimmer, though less brightly than her sister. When she completes the whirl she invokes the same blessing as Aub Alexandria. The light is smaller but it is still a surprise from the reactions of the other students.
There is a short break and I watch as one of my classmates crosses the floor towards the group. He is halfway there before I realize that his hair is nearly the same shade as Aub Alexandria. That sparks my memory; it is Melchior of Ehrenfest. I have seen him from behind but have not had an opportunity to introduce myself. In each class so far he has passed on the first day, likely from having access to the excellent study materials from his older siblings. He slips easily into the group and I find myself feeling a bit jealous.
I should not be; three of the five senior archduke candidates are his siblings after all. One would think that a duchy with so many strong candidates would be divided into sharp factions but this does not appear to be the case. In fact, their retainers – both from Ehrenfest and Alexandria – are also having an animated discussion. I push down a sigh and join some of my classmates in discussing the most recent volume of Royal Academy Romances. I am lucky that Mother is such a fan; it allows me to have access to all the stories. I am lured into speaking about them as several of the other archnoble and archduke candidates near my level have not been able to procure a copy.
The break ends far too soon and we separate once more according to year. The fourth year students move onto the floor and begin their whirling. There are no spontaneous blessings, which is both a comfort and, to be honest, something of a disappointment. Even though the Saint of Ehrenfest has become Aub Alexandria it appears that the archducal family has an abundance of mana. Father stated that Ehrenfest is unlikely to rise much further; they have a number of high-quality nobles but lack the quantity at this time.
I continue to watch the whirlers, carefully noting how they place their hands and hold their heads. I hear some whispering nearby and freeze as I glance over my shoulder. Aub Alexandria is quietly speaking with a second year girl with blonde hair and a matching Alexandria cloak. She also wears two hairpins, one of red and white flowers and the other one a three-stone version of the metal pin that adorns Aub Alexandria’s hair.
My mind makes the leap – this is Lady Letizia, the Aub’s adopted daughter and archduke candidate. I would expect some distance between them; after all, they are linked by the most tenuous of bonds. Still, the occasional giggle escapes among the whispers. They seem more like sisters than mother and daughter, but such things can happen with adoptions when the age is so close.
When the third years finish there is another break and the nearby whispering stops. A green-caped archduke candidate from Drewanchel crosses the floor. For some reason I can feel his trepidation, which makes me watch him more closely. He is a sixth-year, though his chance to become aub in Drewanchel is all but naught. Lord Ortwin is too solidly established, having taken first-in-class during his fourth and fifth years. There are derisive whispers that this is because Aub Alexandria is no longer competing, yet it is still a very prestigious achievement.
The Drewanchel noble makes a small noise when he is barely more than an arms-length from Lady Charlotte of Ehrenfest. I can hear it clearly, making me realize the entire room has become silent. She turns to face him and her eyes widen in what might be surprise.
“Lady Charlotte, would you honor me by being my escort as I graduate?” He is holding a small box out to her. This is quite shocking, as normally such arrangements are made in private. Her smile, however, tells another story completely.
“Lord Leonides, I graciously accept your invitation.” The box is passed from his attendant to hers, checked, and the two speak in quiet tones, their voices lost in the sudden rush of whispers and giggles. More than a few of the young men in the class are looking at Lord Leonides with envy; this number is matched by the young women gazing jealously at Lady Charlotte. The jealousy sparks slightly higher as two things become apparent.
First, Lord Leonides prepared a hair ornament featuring a feystone in an ornate setting. Second, Lady Charlotte was wearing only a single hairpin during class. Usually Ehrenfest archnobles and archduke candidates will wear two such pins; one matching the other nobles in their year and a second, more elaborate one, demonstrating their choice of fashion. This meeting was planned to the final detail ahead of time despite appearing spur-of-the-moment. The rumors surrounding Lady Charlotte concerning her ascent as Aub have gained significant solidity.
Our instructors intervene rather quickly and class resumes once more. Among the second years is Lord Hildebrand, once the third prince. Near him is Lady Letizia of Alexandria, his fiancée. The two do not speak but dedicate themselves to whirling. It is quite daunting watching them; they both show the results of hours upon hours of practice and would be among the best whirlers of the fourth-years. There is barely any time remaining when the floor is opened for those of us in our first year, for which I am gladdened.
Many of the older students have left the room, having earned either a passing grade or choosing to pursue other activities. This does not ease my nervousness as one might think. Among those who remain are Aub Alexandria, her siblings, Lady Hanalore, Lord Ortwin, and the red-cheeked Lord Leonides. At least they are focused on someone else – that being Lord Melchior of Ehrenfest.
His steps on to the floor are graceful, hinting at hours of training. Rumors state that he serves Ehrenfest as High Bishop since his adopted sister ascended to become Aub Alexandria and left that position behind. I join the other first year students but seek to place several between myself and the watchful eyes of the older students. Mother has been teaching me about whirling since my baptism; every day except Earthday I either practice the harspiel or whirling for a full bell. I am not at the level of the older students and I do not worry about an embarrassing showing, yet I do not want to be watched too closely.
Lord Melchior’s voice carries over our group in a pleasant tenor that has not yet dropped. The words of the prayer are recited and we all rise to begin the whirl. I find myself praying to the goddesses of spring with all my heart that I do not slip or stumble. I force my eyes shut and concentrate on whirling to the exclusion of all else. There are quiet murmurs that threaten my focus but I push them away until the instructor calls for us to stop.
When I open my eyes I can see Lord Melchior is faintly shimmering, though not as brightly as his sisters. While watching him I am struck by his features and the thoughtfulness in his eyes. I realize suddenly that he is watching me as intensely as I am watching him and feel a flush come to my cheeks. The instructor calls out, “How wonderful Lady Vittoria, Lord Melchior. You both appear to have found the proper focus for prayer as you whirl.”
What?
I glance down and see that my ring is glowing brightly and there is the slightest shimmer coming from my skin. I clench my teeth to keep them from chattering and leave the floor – and room – as quickly as I am able. My attendants say nothing, knowing that I am unsteady at best. Worse, I can feel the others watching me as I exit. I do not dare look back over my shoulder, no matter how tempting it might be to do so. For if I do this I shall discover one of two things. If Lord Melchior is not watching me as I leave, my heart might break.
And if he is watching me, it might burst.
My attendants are fluttering around with excitement as we return to the dormitory. I do not stop in the common room, instead proceeding directly to my own room. I do not stop until I have entered my hidden room and closed the door, blocking out all my retainers. I do not want to see or hear anyone until I can bring my mana under control. I take out a feystone for use in one of my later classes and use it to drain off the excess.
Once that is done I spend the time until dinner in my room, quietly reading over the study guide for next year. I quash any attempts at discussion concerning what happened during class, despite the attempts of my attendants and scholars to draw me out. Instead I push for them to complete the research needed so that I can successfully attend a tea party with Alexandria. While I am tired I find it hard to fall asleep due to my anxiety. After tossing and turning for a long while I finally drift off to sleep.
I have resisted asking my retainers about the reactions of others when I fled the classroom. I ask my attendant Margarite to have Stanislaus pass to Philine that my schedule will be clear after Earthday and I will be happy to accept an invitation to tea. Mother has sent a selection of rare fruits that the cooks have prepared as a decorative, edible display for me to take to the party. The note accompanying it refers to intelligence that Aub Alexandria is always seeking out exotic ingredients for her pound cake and other sweets. I hope it is not too rustic; I will trust in Mother’s guidance.
Estefan leads our small group of first years to the library; only those who passed on the first day are included but I am happy that nine of the eleven others achieved this feat. We complete the necessary contracts in very short order, helped by an elderly mednoble named Solange. As we move to the reading room I stop suddenly. Not only are there a pair of black and white shumils moving to greet us, but there are two guard knights and another pair of shumils standing guard at the bottom of the stair to the second floor.
Our tour is guided by Weiss, the white shumil-shaped tool. The explanations are very short and Weiss states that ‘Milady’ is reading upstairs so we may not see the second floor. As we complete the tour the door to the reading room opens. I immediately drop to my knees and begin the greetings to Lord Hildebrand. We complete the exchange of greetings and he reaches over to stroke the feystone on Weiss’ forehead. One of my attendants begins to copy the motion, but is warned against touching. Lord Hildebrand motions to the strange armband he wears and explains that only members of the ‘Library Committee’ may touch Schwartz and Weiss.
He further explains that the committee was founded by Aub Alexandria and currently has five members, including Lady Hannalore of Dunkelfelger, Lady Letizia of Alexandria, Lord Konradin of Gaussbuttel, and himself. The committee will be seeking two or three new members this year as three are preparing for graduation. He further explains that the positions are only open to archduke candidates with aptitudes for darkness and light, as those without these qualities are unable to provide mana to the tools.
We part after the short discussion; just spending time in close proximity to such a high-ranking noble is enough to fray the nerves of all my companions. I realize as we reach the door to our dormitory that I failed to ask about the other two shumil-shaped tools at the base of the stair.
Just before dinner an ordonnaz arrives and lands on Margarite’s arm. I can clearly hear it; “Lady Margarite, this is Lady Lieseleta of Alexandria. My lady wishes to invite Lady Vittoria to tea in three days if she has time in her schedule.” The voice repeats three times, then reverts to a yellow feystone. Margarite looks to me and I nod. She motions for an older student who has a schtappe, who taps the feystone, returning it to bird form. “My lady will be pleased to receive the invitation for that day.” The guard knight makes a quick motion with his schtappe and the ordonnaz flies away.
“My lady,” Margarite says quietly, “Perhaps we should inquire about a magic tool capable of interacting with ordonnaz so we are not required to bother the older students?” Her question reminds me of instructions from Father.
I call Estefan over. “Estefan, Father instructed me to ask you for assistance in brewing the necessary tools for using ordonnaz, writing, and potion making. He said your father would have provided the instructions to you.”
Estefan nods. “As you wish, Lady Vittoria. My father indicated I should wait for you to finish classes and schedule the making of the tools so they do not conflict with your social schedule.” He pauses. “I would be happy to instruct all of your retainers, though making the items will be somewhat limited until each has created brewing tools.”
One of the meeting rooms on the ground floor of the dormitory has been renovated for use as a brewing area. Estefan opens a box and brings out a number of ingredients, setting them before me. “Lady Vittoria, we will need to start with making a brewing paddle for you.” He holds up a long flat piece of wood with magical circles engraved on it. “This one is a basic model, suitable for use by anyone of laynoble status or higher. We have two but crafting one for your own use allows for more efficient use of your mana. That will be very important when you begin brewing classes.”
He then leads me through the steps of preparing the ingredients, drawing the proper magic circle, and using the basic stirring stick to mix the ingredients properly. While I stir I am able to tell that it is limiting the amount of mana I can transfer. We work until dinner and resume after we have finished eating. Just before I retire to my room to sleep we complete the stick, knife, pen, and ordonnaz wand I will need for my time at the Academy. The steps and ingredients are listed for all the other first-years and they will begin the process in pairs starting tomorrow.
The process was more tiring than I had expected and I fall into a deep sleep almost as soon as my head hits the pillow.
The next day is full of practice – greetings, etiquette, summaries of stories, and which questions to ask if possible – the last provided through Esteban by his father and mine. I try to pack everything together in my mind but it is difficult. This is, of course, why I am practicing. The formal invitation arrived and was accepted while I worked on my magic tools for brewing. My musician will accompany me so she can learn some of the new songs Aub Alexandria is known for creating.
The time flies past so quickly I fear that the goddess is snatching it away from me unseen. Another night and day pass and it is finally time for the tea party. We exit the room just after third bell, timing our arrival to match the requested mid-point between third and fourth bells. As I prepare to knock on the door to the Alexandria tea room the thought that one or more of the Aub’s siblings might be present flashes across my mind.
I push the thought down before it shakes my resolve and composure. The door opens and an attendant with green hair and eyes ushers us into the room. Her hair is bound up, so she must be Aub Alexandria’s adult retainer. A pair of guard knights stand at the door, each one flanked by a brightly colored shumil-shaped magic tool. The room has little decoration; this is likely due to the recent upheaval. The table is constructed of dark wood and there are only two places set – one for Lady Rosemyne and one for me. The table set is matched by a bookshelf and a long, narrow side table where several covered dishes have been placed.
I keep my steps steady and move forward to kneel and give the proper greetings. Lady Rosemyne accepts the blessing and motions to the other seat with the slightest hint of a giggle. As I settle into the chair I nearly startle – the seat is covered by a quilted cushion but it is far more comfortable than can be explained by the thin pillow. It seems to flex under my weight, entirely unlike the hard wood with which I am accustomed.
While I adjust to the seat an attendant pours tea for us and Lady Rosemyne takes a sip. “Welcome, Lady Vittoria. I have been looking forward to meeting you ever since Aub Ehrenfest spoke of the visit by your family’s scholars. If your whirling is anything of an indicator, your family has taken the advice to pray well and truly to heart.” Her attendant places a plate and fork on the table; it looks like some sort of the pound cake with whipped cream and rutrebs. The cream, however, is in the shape of flowers.
My own attendant watches as Lady Rosemyne’s demonstrates before accepting a plate for me. Lady Rosemyne takes a small bite including the rutrebs, cream, and pound cake in the traditional poison test. I am surprised by the light texture of the cake; it is fluffy and soft. “This is quite delightful.” I pause, worried now more than ever about the fruit display I brought.
Still, it is necessary. I motion to Margarite and she prepares a small plate for each of us from the larger display. I take a demonstrative bite of the stonefruit and am surprised by the interest showing on Lady Rosemyne’s face. “This is stonefruit, which can be dried or eaten fresh; the other is starfruit – a fairly rare plant that is found along the southern border of our duchy.” The fruit is displayed with a slice of the starfruit in the center and five slices of stonefruit set in a spiral, resembling a blooming flower.
I barely have finished my bite before Lady Rosemyne cuts a slice of the stonefruit and bites down. She smiles widely, “I have been looking for a fruit like this.” She seems very, very excited. “Does your duchy export stonefruit? I am interested in purchasing a great deal of it.” She giggles brightly to my surprise.
“I will report your interest to my father, Lady Rosemyne.” Her attendant adjusts the plate, seemingly helping to bring her back on subject. “How does your attendant create such lovely flowers with the whipped cream?”
“It is a simple thing, really.” She motions another attendant over who is carrying a soft triangle shaped container with the slightest glint of metal at the tip. “I have a craftsman who shapes a metal tip for the [piping] bag. When the bag is squeezed the whipped cream emerges in the shape of the flower.” The attendant demonstrates on an empty plate; it is amazing.
“I wished to meet you and speak, Lady Vittoria, because of the interest and effort your father, Aub Neuhausen, has made to emulate my adoptive father in Ehrenfest. Even though I am Aub Alexandria, I still have a great interest in increasing the reputation of my adoptive father and his family. As such, we are interested in supporting your success here in the Academy.” She pauses and smiles gently. “Please understand that with the graduation of my brother Willifried and myself, a great deal of the support we offer will be delivered through my brother Melchior.” There is a distinct twinkle in her eye that makes my stomach flutter – or perhaps it is the mention of her brother’s name.
“I am grateful for the assistance I have received from both Ehrenfest and you, Lady Rosemyne.” I try to stick to the subjects I have prepared ahead of time. “I have heard that you will be starbound this coming summer. Do you worry about marrying so soon after graduating?”
She gives a soft giggle. “No, I do not worry at all. I have known my fiancée for most of my life.” Her lips twitch into a smile. “Lord Ferdinand is a perfect match.” She sips at the tea and takes another bite of the stonefruit. “Has your eye settled on a suitor yet?”
I barely keep from spitting my tea all over; she suppresses her giggle but I can tell she timed her question to my sip. I swallow the tea carefully before replying. “I await my father’s decision, Lady Rosemyne. Archduke candidates seldom have a voice in their partner, especially when dealing with issues of status and mana.” I keep my fingers from trembling as I bring a fork with a bite of the cake to my lips. Once I have swallowed I continue, “Though there are many examples in the Royal Academy Love Stories books, I feel it would be too much for a candidate from a low ranking duchy like my own to experience a true love match.”
She nods briefly, eyes glittering with some sort of mischief over the rim of her teacup.
“Mother is waiting anxiously for the Archduke Conference so she can purchase the latest volume of the series as well as the next volume of Fernestine.” She reacts to the latter with a slight narrowing of her eyes. “My younger brother is pleading with Father to purchase the second volume of A Ditter Story; he has made great strides in reading since Father brought the first volume home.”
She smiles softly, “This is wonderful to hear. It has always been my intention to spread reading far and wide.” She leans closer, “I will inform you this – the next volume of Fernestine will be the final one.” I let out a short gasp. “The author is seeking another inspiration; for this I am glad to be away from Ehrenfest, lest she choose to model a character on me.” Her eyes are serious. “More than one of my retainers has fallen victim to her inspiration.”
“Really?” I find myself leaning forward, “Which tales?” I feel my fingers twitching as if they were holding a copy of the book.
“The knight whose romance was doomed by giving his name was the first;” she glances sideways, “I can say no more as those depicted might be present.” There is a snort of laughter from her attendant, drawing her attention.
"That knight will have two stories, my lady.” Her green eyes sparkle, “My sister reports the whole knights’ order has been celebrating both stories, while thanking the gods that they have not been selected for even one.”
Lady Rosemyne lets out a peal of clear, pure laughter. It evokes a smile from me, causing my attendants to relax even further. It is not common to have an attendant interject into a conversation, though this appears to have been planned to some extent. We continue to talk about books and I promise to send over some stonefruit after I return to the dormitory. The tea party ends as fourth bell interrupts our talking.
I rise and give my farewells, almost making it to the door when Lady Rosemyne calls out. “Oh, yes. Lest I forget, my sister Lady Charlotte will be sending an invitation to you for a tea party within the week. She intends to invite one of our cousins from Freinbaltag and desires your presence so that the party might include someone your age.” She pauses and I feel my heart begin to race, “After all, Melchior will be the only other first-year present.”
The gleam in her eye almost makes me turn and run. As it is, a few moments pass while I find my voice. “I… shall look forward to receiving the invitation.”
It is only by sheer will that I am able to walk from the room without collapsing; I am happy for the wide skirt of my dress, as it hides the manner in which my legs are shaking.