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Even for witches, there was little to be done about the suffocating heat of a midsummer's day. Little bits of water vapor floated through the air (courtesy of a cooling spell Qifrey had quickly drawn in an attempt to lower the temperature), but the four apprentices continued to search for relief in their own ways.
Richeh tilted her head back as Tetia continued braiding her long hair, trying to get as much of it off her neck as she could. She groaned quietly and crossed her arms. “It’s still so hot.”
“At least the water vapor is helping a bit? Plus it’s kinda pretty to look at.” Coco smiled from her spot on the couch as she reached out to poke at one of the passing bits of water. Agott only hummed as she continued to work on whatever spell she was prepping in her palm quire.
“It is a bit hotter than usual, even for July.” Tetia absentmindedly continued to braid as she hummed under her breath. She secured the end with a hair tie before pulling back to admire her work. “And…done! Is that any better?”
A hand came up to inspect her work before Richeh nodded her approval. She ran her fingers over the bumps of the braid and made no effort to move from her spot on the floor. “You’re good at that. My brother wears his hair like this too, but brushing out your hair first can be such a hassle.”
“Just be grateful yours doesn’t tangle as easily as mine.” Tetia nudged her shoulder and grinned before pointing to her own braided twin tails. “Honestly, curls are so difficult to look after. You and Coco don’t know how good you have it. Speaking of which.” She turned to face Coco and waved her over. “Do you want me to try braiding yours too? I can’t do the same style I did for Richeh’s, but I think I can at least get it away from your neck if you’d like!”
Coco perked up and pushed herself off the couch, moving to the spot beside Tetia and turning so she could access her hair. “Thank you so much!”
“It’s no problem! It’s honestly fun for me. I’d do it for Agott, too, but her hair is so short. It would have been fun for us all to have matching braids for her birthday tomorrow.” Tetia shrugged and began sectioning her hair into strands.
Agott sighed and shook her head. “It was a hassle when it was long. Not nearly worth the trouble of managing it.”
Tetia blinked in surprise and leaned over to peek around Coco. “You had long hair?”
“You sound surprised.” Agott raised an eyebrow and closed her palm quire.
“I assumed it was always short. It’s hard to imagine you with anything else but its current style.” Richeh curled up and rested her head back against the couch cushions.
Tetia nodded her agreement. “Same here! Your short hair really suits you. I guess it never crossed my mind that you didn't always wear it that way. I’ve worn pigtails since I was old enough to choose.”
Agott reached up and tugged on one of her short curls, keeping her eyes trained on her lap. “Well, I didn’t”
Coco’s expression softened as she picked up the slightest edge of discomfort in her friend's tone and body language. Tetia, however, was unable to see her around Coco and continued on. “So, when did you cut it and why? Too many tangles? Was it getting in your way when you’d draw?”
Agott tugged on her curl again, a bit more firmly this time. “I just didn’t like it anymore.”
“Aww, that’s a shame! I can’t really envision it, but I’m sure long hair must have been pretty on you!” Tetia chirped as she finished Coco’s first braid.
Coco watched as Agott stood abruptly and turned her back to the group. “If you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go practice in my room for a bit.”
The other three girls watched as Agott departed, exchanging confused glances with each other until she was out of earshot.
“Did I say something wrong?” Tetia frowned as she continued on Coco’s second braid. “I hope I didn’t upset her. I just wanted to know more about her long hair.”
“Maybe she just needs some time alone? She looked a bit on edge when we were talking about it…” Coco rubbed her chin. She glanced over her shoulder and smiled. ‘I’m sure she knows you didn't intend to upset her or anything.”
Tetia sighed and made a small noise as she finished braiding and let Coco stand. “Well, I hope she feels better soon. Tomorrow’s supposed to be her special day, and I’d hate for her to spend it upset.”
~~~
Agott was at her desk through the rest of the afternoon and well into the evening, ink staining her fingers as she continuously worked on improvements to her spell. She wasn’t hungry enough to stop for dinner and had only seen Qifrey once when he came to offer her a glass of water a few hours ago. It remained half full on the side of her desk even now.
The sound of footsteps nearing her shared workspace was enough to register in her mind, but not so much as to break her concentration. She only finally glanced up from her paper when she felt she was being watched.
Coco was leaning over her, eyebrows knitted together, and lips pulled down in a soft frown. As soon as their eyes met, she broke the silence. “Are you alright?”
Agott furrowed her brow and set down her pen. “What are you referring to?”
Coco softened her gaze and gestured to Agott’s other hand. She had been so preoccupied with her work she hadn't noticed she’d begun tugging on one of her curls absentmindedly. She quickly lowered her arm and cleared her throat. “An old habit; nothing for you to concern yourself with.”
“Really? I don’t think I’ve seen you doing that before.” Coco walked over to her side of the room and pulled over her cushion until it was next to Agott’s. She plopped herself down and tucked her legs up to her chin. “Are you upset?”
Agott paused before shaking her head. “Not with any of you, no.”
“That’s not really what I asked.” Coco smiled sadly and gently nudged her shoulder. “If you want me to leave you alone, I will. It’s completely alright if you just want space, but I’m also here if you want someone to listen. You weren't acting like this until we started talking about your hair, so I thought maybe it brought up some old memories or something.”
The silence hung heavily between them, and Coco scrambled to backpedal. “I’m sorry! That was rude of me to assume. I mean, maybe you just felt left out because yours is too short to braid! It doesn’t have to be like a tragic backstory or anything, and I didn't mean to imply it was. I’m sorry, really I am-”
Agott bit back a small chuckle at her rambling and shook her head to cut her off. “No, don’t worry. There actually is a reason.”
Coco sighed with relief when she saw her friend didn’t look upset, though she tilted her head curiously. “I see. You don’t have to share if you don’t want to, of course, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t at least a little curious…”
Agott shook her head and rested her chin in her palm. “It’s alright. Actually, telling someone might not be so bad.”
“Well, I’m all ears.” Coco leaned in and smiled.
~~~
“There we are, home sweet home.” Qifrey smiled as he guided a young Agott into the atelier. “It’s not much compared to something as prestigious as the Tower of Tomes, but it should have everything you need. After all, starting today, you’ll be my apprentice.” He squeezed her shoulder kindly and watched as she looked around.
Agott scanned the cozy interior of her new home with apprehension, twirling her hair around her finger and tugging on it as she curled inward on herself. Qifrey softened and leaned down. “I’d hate to overwhelm you…perhaps you’d like to see your new room? I know I like my alone time after a long day of travel.”
The pair walked until they arrived at the door of a small room connected to a study area fashioned with desks on either side. She peeked her head in and glanced from the bed to the window.
Qifrey glanced down at the small bag she was carrying in her free hand. “Is this all you’ve brought with you?”
Agott looked down and nodded. “It’s my components.”
“Only your components? No personal effects?” He frowned and rubbed his chin. “Well, not to worry. Your new cloak and cap have already arrived. I’ll leave them outside your door shortly, should you feel you’d like to change. There’s absolutely no rush.” He knelt down beside her and gently pushed some of her long curls out of her face. “Im happy you’re here, Agott. If you need anything at all, don’t hesitate to ask Olruggio or me. I know he looks a bit intimidating, but I promise he’s very kind.”
With that, he stood and turned to give her some time to settle in.
~~~
It wasn’t until a few hours later that Agott emerged from her room, still in the same clothes she’d arrived in. It still didn't feel quite right to dress herself as someone's apprentice after all that had happened.
She shuffled quietly down the hall towards the sound of voices before finding herself at the doorway of what she assumed was the kitchen. Qifrey and Olruggio were sitting at the table with cups of tea between them.
“Agott settling in alright?” Olruggio asked as he crossed his arms and leaned back in his chair. “Haven’t seen her around yet.”
“I’m sure she’ll show herself when she’s ready. An unfamiliar place is a difficult adjustment.” Qifrey sighed and lifted his tea, blowing on it before taking a sip. “Having heard little parts of her story, I wouldn’t be surprised if she takes a fair bit of time to warm up to us.”
Olruggio grunted and shook his head. “What a load of it…accused of plagiarizing a spell and shunned by your own mother. Can’t imagine anyone taking that well.”
“Best not to speak of it where she might hear. Enduring it once is far more than enough.”
The watchful eye huffed out a sigh and took a sip of his own tea. “Living up to a family name is no joke. Here’s to hoping getting away from it will help.”
Agott bit her lip and pulled at her hair once more. She could feel the strands ripping out with every tug, but she didn’t stop even as it began to hurt.
~~~
Qifrey came by the following morning to knock on her door, a cup of tea in hand. “Agott, are you awake? If you’re feeling up to it, perhaps you should try to eat something.”
The silence that followed began to worry him, but relief flooded his body as he heard a quiet hum. He opened the door just enough to check on her and found her curled up clutching her blanket. “May I come in?”
Upon seeing her nod, Qifrey crossed the room as silently as he could before taking a seat at her bedside. The light from the nearby window illuminated the room just enough for him to make out her expression, as well as the small clump of hair on her pillowcase. He fought the urge to frown, but made no comment so as not to make her self-conscious. “Did you sleep alright? I’m sure it’s strange being away from your usual bed. I do hope you weren’t too cold last night.”
Agott shook her head and pulled the blanket tighter around herself. “I was alright.”
Qifrey smiled at the sound of her voice. She hadn’t spoken very much since she’d agreed to become his apprentice, and any sign that she was slowly beginning to warm up was very much welcome. “Happy to hear it. That said, you can always come ask me for more blankets.” He turned his attention to the rest of her room. Not much had changed, seeing as she hadn’t brought much with her aside from her components and the clothes on her back. Speaking of clothes, her teal cloak and cap remained unworn on her dresser. Ah, of course. Still some remaining hesitancy.
She must have sensed that he had noticed as she spoke up. “I’m sorry I haven’t tried them on yet.”
“No apology needed. As I said, there’s no rush.” Qifrey smiled warmly and folded his hands in his lap. “Are they perhaps not to your liking? It’s admittedly my first time designing a cloak for someone besides myself.”
Agott shook her head and began fussing with her hair. “No, they’re lovely. I just…” She trailed off and tugged one of her curls hard, wincing as she did so. Qifrey reached out on instinct and steadied her hand to prevent her from hurting herself. She looked up to meet his gaze and found quiet worry.
“Please,” he said softly. “I can tell it’s your way of soothing, but I hate to see you causing yourself pain.” He looked around the room before grabbing the plush scalewolf from the edge of her bed and handing it to her as an alternative. He’d bought it as a comfort item for her upon finding out she’d be moving in with them. “Perhaps try squeezing this instead?”
Agott looked at the plush before hesitantly wrapping her arms around it and squeezing it tight, pressing her cheek against its fur. She could see Qifrey visibly relaxing with relief.
The white-haired man hummed and released the tension from his shoulders as he watched her. “That’s a bit better, isn’t it? Habits can be hard to break, but I do hope that isn’t one you feel the need to hold on to.” He grabbed a pillow himself and held it in his lap. “I don’t mean to pry; I only want to understand you better so that I can be of as much assistance to you as I can be. Is there anything you want to talk about? Perhaps in regard to your hesitation to change clothes?”
Agott swallowed and moved to touch her hair again, but paused when she met his gaze once more. She squeezed the plush as tightly as she could. “...I’m not supposed to be your apprentice.” She paused and flinched as if expecting a negative reaction to her words, but looked back up to find only patience on his face.
“It’s alright,” he coaxed gently. “I’m listening.”
The young girl turned to look at the neatly folded cloak and matching cap, a hollow feeling settling in her stomach. She struggled not to choke on her words as they spilled from her lips. “I’m sorry; it’s nothing against you. You’ve been nothing but kind to me. You opened your home and invited me into your life, and all I can think about is how I should still be an apprentice of an Arklaum. I’m being ungrateful. I don’t deserve any of this. ”
Qifrey inhaled sharply as he watched her struggle not to cry. She looked so impossibly small, curled up in her bed and clinging to the plush like a lifeline. He shook his head and reached out to wipe away a tear that had rolled down her cheek.
“You’re not ungrateful.” He whispered as he retracted his hand. “I don’t know the full story of what happened, but I know for certain the girl I’m looking at hasn't done anything wrong. Nothing could possibly warrant what you’ve endured. You deserve a master who will try to understand you, not someone who would ever think of casting you aside. It must be disappointing that someone you loved treated you with such abandon, and I cannot replace them. But, if you’ll allow me, I’d be happy to become someone worthy of being your master.”
Agott hiccuped and rubbed her eyes, sniffling softly as she glanced at the cloak once more. Still, she shook her head. “I’m not ready. I don’t want to let go. I can’t.”
“Shh,” He soothed and rubbed the top of her head. “That’s alright. You don’t have to be.” He ran his hand down her long curls with a gentle touch. “I do hate to see you pulling your hair…as beautiful as it is, perhaps we should tie it back for now?”
“Sometimes I wish I could get rid of it.” She whispered as it fell back into her eyes.
Qifrey thought about it for a moment and tilted his head. “Rid of it? As in cutting it short?”
Agott nodded and blew a strand out of her face. “I don't like brushing it, and it gets in my way when I’m casting.”
“I see.” Qifrey leaned back. “Why not cut it short then?” He shrugged like it was the most obvious thing in the world.
The young girl narrowed her eyes as if he’d said something egregious, causing him to laugh.
“I’m sorry, please, I mean no offense. I simply meant that if you dislike it so much, perhaps it wouldn't hurt to try something new. It’s only hair. It’ll grow back if you find you dislike it.”
Agott ran her fingers through her curls and looked away. “I’ve been told my hair makes me look like my mother. People always tell me I ought not to cut it when it’s so beautiful.”
“I understand. It’s part of what keeps you connected to her.” He nodded thoughtfully. “But, if I’m not mistaken, you’re far more than your mother.” His gentle smile was a welcome comfort, even if his words were plain and true.
“I’ve never considered it. Cutting it off, that is.” Agott pulled her hair away from her face and looked up at him. “Perhaps just a little bit? To see?”
Qifrey grinned and winked. “I’ll get the scissors.”
~~~
“There you are.” Olruggio raised an eyebrow as Qifrey finally came into the living room. He was sitting on the couch and looking over a prototype of a contraption when the other man took a seat at his side. “You were gone for a while. Is Agott awake? I set the table for three, but if she’d rather eat in her room, I can bring something over.”
“Funny enough, I think she should be joining us shortly.” Qifrey smiled with satisfaction and folded his hands.
Olruggio raised an eyebrow. ‘What did you do?”
“Absolutley nothing. I’m offended by your tone.”
Before he could respond, something teal caught the corner of Olruggio's eye. He raised his brow as he caught sight of Agott standing in the doorway. Her hair was cut short to her ears, and she was dressed in the cloak Qifrey had designed for his apprentices. Despite her shy expression, her eyes were practically sparkling.
“I see.” Olruggio exhaled through his nose. He turned to Qifrey and nodded his approval. “Alright then, breakfast for three it is.”
~~~
Agott looked up after she finished her story, only to find Coco’s eyes glittering with tears. She frowned and furrowed her brow. “What's the matter with you?”
Coco whimpered and threw her arms around her. “Agott! That’s such a sweet story! I can’t believe I never knew that…but it’s also so sad!”
Despite the initial urge to pull away, Agott’s stiffness melted into resignation under her touch. She grumbled quietly and awkwardly patted her back. “Yes, well, it was a long time ago. The point is, I used to pull on it a lot when I was little. It’s far more convenient to keep it cut, and I’m less inclined to rip it out when I'm stressed. Far easier to manage than Tetia’s or Richeh’s, not to mention it’s less hot.”
Coco sniffled and squeezed her one last time before pulling back. “Thank you for telling me. I feel like I understand you a bit better now.”
Agott scoffed fondly and shook her head. “Well, thank you for listening.”
The stars had begun to show themselves outside, a glittering reminder of how late in the evening it was getting. Agott yawned and stood from her cushion. “Forgive me, but I believe we both ought to get some rest. I’m almost certain master Qifrey will have something planned for tomorrow.”
“Right, your birthday.” Coco grinned and stood as well. “I can’t wait! Celebrations with everyone are always the best.”
“Let's just hope it isn’t quite so hot.” Agott nodded as she made her way towards her door. “Goodnight, Coco.”
“Goodnight, Agott!”
As she shuffled into her room and flopped down into bed, Agott grabbed the scalewolf plush from the foot of her bed and hugged it to her chest. Her hand made its way back up to her hair, gently carding her fingers through without pulling.
In the morning, she’d be another year older. She smiled to herself as she fell asleep.
Another year where she belonged.